bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of tone training on Cantonese tone-word learning
Authors: Cooper Angela , Wang Yue
Published: July 2013

The present study examined the effect of improving lexical tone identification abilities on Cantonese tone-word learning. Native English non-musicians received training on Cantonese tones before learning the meanings of words distinguished by these tones. Their results were compared to English non-musicians and musicians who received no tone training. The tone-trainees obtained a similar level of word identification proficiency as musicians by the end of training and were significantly better than non-tone trained non-musicians. These results lend support for phonetic-phonological-lexical continuity in learning because enhancing listeners' perception of lower-level tonal information significantly contributed to success in a higher-level linguistic task.
Diel variation in high-frequency acoustic backscatter from Cochlodinium polykrikoides
Authors: Bok Tae-Hoon , Na Jungyul , Paeng Dong-Guk
Published: July 2013

The integrated backscatter power (IBP) from Cochlodinium polykrikoides was measured every 15 min by a 5-MHz acoustic system during a 5-day cultivation with an irradiation cycle. IBP increased by 0.6 dB in 5 days, but varied by 0.83 dB during the irradiation cycle. The daily increase and diel variation in IBP were postulated to be affected by an increase in cell numbers and a diel variation in cell biovolume or density via photosynthesis, respectively. Cell division/separation might also affect a total variation in IBP. This study suggests that high-frequency acoustics may be a potential tool for investigating phytoplankton cell functions.
The importance of interaural time differences and level differences in spatial release from masking
Authors: Glyde Helen , Buchholz Jörg M. , Dillon Harvey , Cameron Sharon , Hickson Louise
Published: July 2013

Numerous studies have described improvements in speech understanding when interaural time differences (ITDs) and interaural level differences (ILDs) are present. The present study aimed to investigate whether either cue in isolation can elicit spatial release from masking (SRM) in a speech-on-speech masking paradigm with maskers positioned symmetrically around the listener. Twelve adults were tested using three presentations of the Listening in Spatialized Noise–Sentences Test, with each presentation modified to contain different interaural cues in the stimuli. Results suggest that ILDs provide a similar amount of SRM as ITDs and ILDs combined. ITDs alone provide significantly less benefit.
Effect of spectral overlap on the echo suppression threshold for single reflection conditions
Authors: Walther Andreas , Robinson Philip , Santala Olli
Published: July 2013

In performing arts venues, the spectra of direct and reflected sound at a receiving location differ, due to seat dip effect, diffusive and absorptive surfaces, and source directivity. This paper examines the influence of differing lead and lag spectral contents on echo suppression threshold. The results indicate, that for a highpass filtered direct sound and a broadband reflection, attenuation of low frequencies initially results in an increase in echo suppression threshold, while for higher cutoff frequencies echo suppression threshold drastically decreases. For broadband direct sound and filtered reflections, the echo suppression threshold is inversely related to high frequency content.
Sparse array design using statistical restricted isometry property
Authors: Gaumond Charles F. , Edelmann Geoffrey F.
Published: July 2013

The numerical application of the statistical reduced isometry property (StRIP) and statistical null space property (SNSP) is presented and demonstrated for the design of underwater acoustic line arrays. This recent approach predicts the theoretical utility of specific subsampled arrays for compressive sensing. Three subsamplings are presented: Random, Golomb, and Wichmann. The Golomb array has no repeated spacings. The Wichmann array includes every possible interval of spacings. The SNSP is shown insensitive to the cases presented. The StRIP of the Golomb array predicts superior invertibility and is shown to perform well using at-sea data.
Assessing the perceptual contributions of vowels and consonants to Mandarin sentence intelligibility
Authors: Chen Fei , Wong Lena L. N. , Wong Eva Y. W.
Published: July 2013

This study investigated the perceptual contributions of vowels and consonants to Mandarin sentence intelligibility. Mandarin sentences were edited using a noise-replacement paradigm to preserve various amounts of segmental information and presented to normal-hearing listeners to recognize. The vowel-only Mandarin sentences yielded a remarkable 3:1 intelligibility advantage over the consonant-only sentences. This advantage is larger than that obtained with English sentences, suggesting that vowels may have a greater contribution to sentence intelligibility in Mandarin than in English. Although providing information redundant to contributions from vowel centers, a little vowel-consonant boundary transition would significantly improve the intelligibility of the consonant-only Mandarin sentences.
Revising China's Environmental Law
Authors: He Guizhen , Zhang Lei , Mol Arthur P. J. , Lu Yonglong , Liu Jianguo
Published: July 2013

The law must affirm basic principles, strengthen assessment, improve enforcement, and enhance governance.
Autonomic Nerve Development Contributes to Prostate Cancer Progression
Authors: Magnon Claire , Hall Simon J. , Lin Juan , Xue Xiaonan , Gerber Leah , Freedland Stephen J. , Frenette Paul S.
Published: July 2013

Cancer Hits a Nerve

Solid tumors sculpt their microenvironment to maximize their growth and metastatic potential. This concept is illustrated most famously by tumor angiogenesis, a process whereby tumors induce the growth of new blood vessels to boost their supply of oxygen and blood-borne nutrients.

Magnon
et al.

(p.
10.1126/science.1236361
; see the Perspective by

Isaacs

) now highlight the important contribution made by another microenvironmental component—developing autonomic nerve fibers—to tumor growth and metastasis. In mouse models of prostate cancer, surgical or chemical destruction of sympathetic nerves prevented early-stage growth of tumors, whereas pharmacological inhibition of parasympathetic nerves inhibited tumor dissemination. In a small study of human prostate cancer specimens, the presence of a high density of nerve fibers in and around the tumor tissue was found to correlate with poor clinical outcome. These results raise the possibility that drugs targeting the autonomic nervous system may have therapeutic potential for prostate cancer.
Adaptation, Fast and Endless

Relentless Evolution
by John N. Thompson

University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2013. 509 pp. $100, £70. ISBN 9780226018614. Paper, $35, £24.50. ISBN 9780226018751.
Authors: Bascompte Jordi
Published: July 2013

Drawing on evidence from various approaches and many case studies, Thompson argues that adaptive evolution is pervasive, unflagging, and often surprisingly rapid.
A Muscular Perspective on Vertebrate Evolution
Authors: Kuratani Shigeru
Published: July 2013

The shoulder muscles of an early jawed vertebrate represent an intermediate evolutionary state.

[Also see Report by

Trinajstic
et al.

]
Risk
Authors: McNutt Marcia
Published: July 2013

How much risk can and should a journal tolerate in publishing papers that describe novel findings—that is, papers that could have a profoundly positive impact within and outside the scientific community if right, but could be broadly harmful by leading investigators in wrong directions if incorrect? I recently engaged a group of the
Science
editors in a lively discussion on this topic.
Field Test Shows Selection Works in Mysterious Ways
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: July 2013

By studying the survival of dune mice in large outside enclosures, Rowan Barrett has been able to track in real time genetic variants being selected by evolution.
Veterinarian-in-Chief
Authors: Hvistendahl Mara
Published: July 2013

As China's point person for avian influenza, Chen Hualan is spearheading studies on deadly strains—while fending off critics who say she's playing with fire.
Harnessing Stem Cells for Predictive Toxicology: Meeting the Challenges of Drug Discovery Today
Authors: Uppal Hirdesh , Roquemore Liz
Published: July 2013

The core techniques used in toxicology studies have remained largely unchanged for over 40 years. It is acknowledged in the pharmaceutical industry that more predictive, earlier tests need to be established in order to prevent unsafe drugs progressing into the clinic and to stop potentially effective therapeutics being excluded from development. This recognition is driving the development of more relevant, specific, and reliable toxicology models and tests to improve drug safety and reduce the cost of development. In particular, the use of stem-cell–derived models can provide an opportunity to develop a transformative, integrated drug toxicity surveillance system.
Evaluation of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Detection of Mycoplasma bovis-Specific Antibody in Bison Sera
Authors: Register Karen B. , Sacco Randy E. , Olsen Steven C.
Published: July 2013

Mycoplasma bovis
has recently emerged as a significant and costly infectious disease problem in bison. A method for the detection of
M. bovis
-specific serum antibodies is needed in order to establish prevalence and transmission patterns. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) validated for the detection of
M. bovis
-specific serum IgG in cattle are commercially available, but their suitability for bison sera has not been determined. A collection of bison sera, most from animals with a known history of infection or vaccination with
M. bovis
, was tested for
M. bovis
-specific IgG using commercially available kits as well as an in-house ELISA in which either cattle or bison
M. bovis
isolates were used as a source of antigen. Comparison of the results demonstrates that ELISAs optimized for cattle sera may not be optimal for the identification of bison seropositive for
M. bovis
, particularly those with low to moderate antibody levels. The reagent used for the detection of bison IgG and the source of the antigen affect the sensitivity of the assay. Optimal performance was obtained when the capture antigen was derived from bison isolates rather than cattle isolates and when a protein G conjugate rather than an anti-bovine IgG conjugate was used for the detection of bison IgG.
Infection Due to Mycobacterium thermoresistibile: a Case Associated with an Orthopedic Device
Authors: Suy Florence , Carricajo Anne , Grattard Florence , Cazorla Céline , Denis Corinne , Girardin Philippe , Lucht Frédéric , Botelho-Nevers Elisabeth
Published: July 2013

Mycobacterium thermoresistibile
is a rapidly growing environmental nontuberculous mycobacterium, seldom reported in human infections. Here, we describe a rare case of tibial-nail-related osteomyelitis due to
Mycobacterium thermoresistibile
. We also review the literature about the infections caused by this pathogen.
Predictive Diagnostics for Escherichia coli Infections Based on the Clonal Association of Antimicrobial Resistance and Clinical Outcome
Authors: Tchesnokova Veronika , Billig Mariya , Chattopadhyay Sujay , Linardopoulou Elena , Aprikian Pavel , Roberts Pacita L. , Skrivankova Veronika , Johnston Brian , Gileva Alena , Igusheva Irina , Toland Angus , Riddell Kim , Rogers Peggy , Qin Xuan , Butler-Wu Susan , Cookson Brad T. , Fang Ferric C. , Kahl Barbara , Price Lance B. , Weissman Scott J. , Limaye Ajit , Scholes Delia , Johnson James R. , Sokurenko Evgeni V.
Published: July 2013

The ability to identify bacterial pathogens at the subspecies level in clinical diagnostics is currently limited. We investigated whether splitting
Escherichia coli
species into clonal groups (clonotypes) predicts antimicrobial susceptibility or clinical outcome. A total of 1,679 extraintestinal
E. coli
isolates (collected from 2010 to 2012) were collected from one German and 5 U.S. clinical microbiology laboratories. Clonotype identity was determined by
fumC
and
fimH
(CH) sequencing. The associations of clonotype with antimicrobial susceptibility and clinical variables were evaluated. CH typing divided the isolates into >200 CH clonotypes, with 93% of the isolates belonging to clonotypes with ≥2 isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility varied substantially among clonotypes but was consistent across different locations. Clonotype-guided antimicrobial selection significantly reduced “drug-bug” mismatch compared to that which occurs with the use of conventional empirical therapy. With trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and fluoroquinolones, the drug-bug mismatch was predicted to decrease 62% and 78%, respectively. Recurrent or persistent urinary tract infection and clinical sepsis were significantly correlated with specific clonotypes, especially with CH40-30 (also known as H30), a recently described clonotype within sequence type 131 (ST131). We were able to clonotype directly from patient urine samples within 1 to 3 h of obtaining the specimen. In
E. coli
, subspecies-level identification by clonotyping can be used to significantly improve empirical predictions of antimicrobial susceptibility and clinical outcomes in a timely manner.
Residue-Level Prediction of HIV-1 Antibody Epitopes Based on Neutralization of Diverse Viral Strains
Authors: Chuang Gwo-Yu , Acharya Priyamvada , Schmidt Stephen D. , Yang Yongping , Louder Mark K. , Zhou Tongqing , Kwon Young Do , Pancera Marie , Bailer Robert T. , Doria-Rose Nicole A. , Nussenzweig Michel C. , Mascola John R. , Kwong Peter D. , Georgiev Ivelin S.
Published: July 2013

Delineation of antibody epitopes at the residue level is key to understanding antigen resistance mutations, designing epitope-specific probes for antibody isolation, and developing epitope-based vaccines. Ideally, epitope residues are determined in the context of the atomic-level structure of the antibody-antigen complex, though structure determination may in many cases be impractical. Here we describe an efficient computational method to predict antibody-specific HIV-1 envelope (Env) epitopes at the residue level, based on neutralization panels of diverse viral strains. The method primarily utilizes neutralization potency data over a set of diverse viral strains representing the antigen, and enhanced accuracy could be achieved by incorporating information from the unbound structure of the antigen. The method was evaluated on 19 HIV-1 Env antibodies with neutralization panels comprising 181 diverse viral strains and with available antibody-antigen complex structures. Prediction accuracy was shown to improve significantly over random selection, with an average of greater-than-8-fold enrichment of true positives at the 0.05 false-positive rate level. The method was used to prospectively predict epitope residues for two HIV-1 antibodies, 8ANC131 and 8ANC195, for which we experimentally validated the predictions. The method is inherently applicable to antigens that exhibit sequence diversity, and its accuracy was found to correlate inversely with sequence conservation of the epitope. Together the results show how knowledge inherent to a neutralization panel and unbound antigen structure can be utilized for residue-level prediction of antibody epitopes.
Immune Focusing and Enhanced Neutralization Induced by HIV-1 gp140 Chemical Cross-Linking
Authors: Schiffner T. , Kong L. , Duncan C. J. A. , Back J. W. , Benschop J. J. , Shen X. , Huang P. S. , Stewart-Jones G. B. , DeStefano J. , Seaman M. S. , Tomaras G. D. , Montefiori D. C. , Schief W. R. , Sattentau Q. J.
Published: July 2013

Experimental vaccine antigens based upon the HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins (Env) have failed to induce neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against the majority of circulating viral strains as a result of antibody evasion mechanisms, including amino acid variability and conformational instability. A potential vaccine design strategy is to stabilize Env, thereby focusing antibody responses on constitutively exposed, conserved surfaces, such as the CD4 binding site (CD4bs). Here, we show that a largely trimeric form of soluble Env can be stably cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (GLA) without global modification of antigenicity. Cross-linking largely conserved binding of all potent broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) tested, including CD4bs-specific VRC01 and HJ16, but reduced binding of several non- or weakly neutralizing antibodies and soluble CD4 (sCD4). Adjuvanted administration of cross-linked or unmodified gp140 to rabbits generated indistinguishable total gp140-specific serum IgG binding titers. However, sera from animals receiving cross-linked gp140 showed significantly increased CD4bs-specific antibody binding compared to animals receiving unmodified gp140. Moreover, peptide mapping of sera from animals receiving cross-linked gp140 revealed increased binding to gp120 C1 and V1V2 regions. Finally, neutralization titers were significantly elevated in sera from animals receiving cross-linked gp140 rather than unmodified gp140. We conclude that cross-linking favors antigen stability, imparts antigenic modifications that selectively refocus antibody specificity and improves induction of NAbs, and might be a useful strategy for future vaccine design.
Heavy Chain-Only IgG2b Llama Antibody Effects Near-Pan HIV-1 Neutralization by Recognizing a CD4-Induced Epitope That Includes Elements of Coreceptor- and CD4-Binding Sites
Authors: Acharya Priyamvada , Luongo Timothy S. , Georgiev Ivelin S. , Matz Julie , Schmidt Stephen D. , Louder Mark K. , Kessler Pascal , Yang Yongping , McKee Krisha , O'Dell Sijy , Chen Lei , Baty Daniel , Chames Patrick , Martin Loïc , Mascola John R. , Kwong Peter D.
Published: July 2013

The conserved HIV-1 site of coreceptor binding is protected from antibody-directed neutralization by conformational and steric restrictions. While inaccessible to most human antibodies, the coreceptor site has been shown to be accessed by antibody fragments. In this study, we used X-ray crystallography, surface plasmon resonance, and pseudovirus neutralization to characterize the gp120-envelope glycoprotein recognition and HIV-1 neutralization of a heavy chain-only llama antibody, named JM4. We describe full-length IgG2b and IgG3 versions of JM4 that target the coreceptor-binding site and potently neutralize over 95% of circulating HIV-1 isolates. Contrary to established trends that show improved access to the coreceptor-binding region by smaller antibody fragments, the single-domain (VHH) version of JM4 neutralized less well than the full-length IgG2b version of JM4. The crystal structure at 2.1-Å resolution of VHH JM4 bound to HIV-1 YU2 gp120 stabilized in the CD4-bound state by the CD4-mimetic miniprotein, M48U1, revealed a JM4 epitope that combined regions of coreceptor recognition (including the gp120 bridging sheet, V3 loop, and β19 strand) with gp120 structural elements involved in recognition of CD4 such as the CD4-binding loop. The structure of JM4 with gp120 thus defines a novel CD4-induced site of vulnerability involving elements of both coreceptor- and CD4-binding sites. The potently neutralizing JM4 IgG2b antibody that targets this newly defined site of vulnerability adds to the expanding repertoire of broadly neutralizing antibodies that effectively neutralize HIV-1 and thereby potentially provides a new template for vaccine development and target for HIV-1 therapy.
Internal resorption
Authors: Mohan Ravi Prakash Sasankoti , Verma Sankalp , Singh Udita , Agarwal Neha
Published: July 2013

Internal resorption is a relatively rare resorption of dentine, which starts in the pulpal cavity either in the pulpal chamber or in the root canal and destroys surrounding dental hard tissues. The initiating factor in internal root resorption is thought to be trauma or chronic pulpal inflammation, but other aetiological factors have also been suggested. The prognosis for treatment of small lesions of internal resorption is good. However, if the tooth structure is greatly weakened and perforation has occurred, the prognosis is poor and tooth extraction must be considered. In this article we report a rare case of internal resorption in a 26-year-old male patient.
Primary perivascular epithelioid cell tumour (PEComa) of the liver
Authors: Cheung Tan To , Trendell-Smith Nigel , Poon Ronnie T P
Published: July 2013

We present a case of a 53-year-old woman with abdominal discomfort for 6 months. The liver was enlarged. Contrast CT scan of the abdomen revealed a 10 cm hypervascular tumour at the right lobe of the liver. Right hepatectomy with complete excision of the tumour was achieved. Histological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with perivascular epithelioid cell tumour. She is regularly followed up with contrast CT assessment. There is no tumour recurrence 12 months after the operation.
Rarity revisited: cryptococcal peritonitis
Authors: El-Kersh Karim , Rawasia Wasiq Faraz , Chaddha Udit , Guardiola Juan
Published: July 2013

Cryptococcal peritonitis is a rare disease. Although the respiratory tract is considered to be the usual port of entry for the organism, the gastrointestinal tract can also serve as the potential site of entry. Here, we present a case of cryptococcal peritonitis that developed in an HIV-negative patient with underlying liver cirrhosis. We reviewed the literature and a total of 61 cases of cryptococcal peritonitis were identified. Liver cirrhosis, HIV/AIDS and end-stage renal disease on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis were the major risk factors for developing crytococcal peritonitis.
Synchronous breast and colon cancer: factors determining treatment strategy
Authors: Higgins L , Robertson I , Khan W , Barry K
Published: July 2013

A 67-year-old woman presented with synchronous breast and colonic tumours, in the absence of family history. Following multidisciplinary discussion, the patient was started on endocrine therapy for breast cancer. Initial surgical management consisted of right hemicolectomy together with segmental resection of a serosal deposit adherent to the distal ileum, for a moderately differentiated pT4NO caecal carcinoma. Three months later, right mastectomy and axillary clearance confirmed node positive invasive ductal carcinoma. The original treatment plan was to prioritise adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer postmastectomy. However, the subsequent CT finding of an enlarged, suspicious mesenteric lymph node mass on repeat staging raised concern regarding its origin. Image-guided biopsy revealed metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma and the patient was switched to a colon cancer chemotherapy regime. Following adjuvant chemotherapy for colonic carcinoma, an en-bloc surgical resection of the enlarging metastatic nodal mass was performed with clear resection margins. The patient is currently asymptomatic.
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis following infectious mononucleosis in a toddler
Authors: Mohsen Hassan , Abu Zeinah Ghaith Farid , Elsotouhy Ahmed Hassan , Mohamed Khalid
Published: July 2013

Symptomatic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection complicated by acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in a toddler is rare. Our patient is a 14 month-old boy who presented with listlessness and reduced eye movements nearly 10 days after a prodromal upper respiratory illness that was accompanied by an amoxicillin rash. On examination, the boy appeared drowsy, had a congested throat and a resolving lower extremity rash, but otherwise had a normal neurological examination. Investigation revealed lymphocytosis, mildly elevated liver enzyme and a positive EBV IgM serology. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed pleocytosis. Subsequent brain and spine MRI showed demyelinating disease extending from the cerebral peduncles, across the brain stem and down to the mid-thoracic spinal cord. The patient was treated as a case of ADEM and given intravenous methylprednisolone. On outpatient follow-up his symptoms resolved completely in 6 weeks.
Spinal osteomyelitis due toMycobacterium fortuitumin a former intravenous drug user
Authors: Longardner Katie , Allen Ahkeel , Ramgopal Moti
Published: July 2013

A 47-year-old woman with a history of intravenous drug use presented to the emergency department with a 6-month history of pain in her lumbar back and right buttock. She had stopped injecting drugs 1 year ago. Physical examination was unremarkable except for paraspinal and right sacroiliac joint tenderness. MRI confirmed discitis, osteomyelitis and abscess formation in the L5–S1 disc space. She underwent extensive vertebral surgery and debridement of the spinal abscess. Her surgical cultures grewMycobacterium fortuitum, and she was treated with an appropriate combination of intravenous antimicrobial therapy.
Protocol for a prospective multicentre cohort study to develop and validate two new outcome measures for patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Alrubaiy L , Hutchings H A , Williams J G
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Most of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were designed to be used in outpatient settings and are therefore not suitable for use in acute inpatient settings. None of the currently used clinical severity indices for patients with IBD have been properly validated. The aim of this study was to describe the development of a new HRQoL questionnaire and a clinical severity index for patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease that were short, valid and suitable at any stage of their disease. The new HRQoL and disease severity index will be easily used at the point of care, and invaluable monitoring tools for clinical care, audit and research.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective multisite validation study of two new outcome measures, the Crohn's and Colitis quality of life (CCQ) questionnaire and the Clinical IBD severity score (CISS). We plan to recruit patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. The questionnaire items will be selected through extensive literature review and a focus group involving patients, methodologists, statisticians and IBD specialists. The CCQ questionnaire will be completed by patients attending IBD clinics, having endoscopy procedures or when admitted to hospital. CISS will be completed by clinicians while assessing patients with IBD. Psychometric analysis will be carried out to test the validity and reliability of the questionnaires and to determine the potential to produce shorter versions of CISS and CCQ. The construct validity of CCQ will be tested against short form-12 and the European Quality of Life Five Dimensions. The construct validity of CISS will be tested against biochemical markers, clinical and endoscopic indices to assess severity.

Ethics

This study was approved by the South East Wales Research Ethics Committee (Ref 11/WA/0239).
Non-saccular vertebrobasilar aneurysms and dolichoectasia: a systematic literature review
Authors: Shapiro Maksim , Becske Tibor , Riina Howard A , Raz Eytan , Zumofen Daniel , Nelson Peter K
Published: July 2013

Background and objective

Treatment of non-saccular vertebrobasilar aneurysms remains highly challenging despite significant recent advances in endovascular techniques. Establishing the natural history of this heterogeneous disease, as best as currently available data allows, is crucial to help guide counseling and management.

Methods

A review of the literature was conducted to identify publications describing the presentation and natural history of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia and non-saccular aneurysms.

Results

Nine studies of 440 patients met the analysis inclusion criteria. The majority of patients presented with ischemia, mass effect, or incidentally; hemorrhage was uncommon and overlapped with the population of vertebrobasilar dissection. Overall mortality was ∼40% after 7 years of follow-up, with 43% of these deaths resulting from non-neurologic causes. Neurologic course was dominated by ischemic stroke rather than hemorrhage. Mass effect prognosis was especially poor, with 40% mortality after ∼4 years. Incidentally discovered lesions which remain morphologically stable have a favorable long term course.

Conclusions

Initial clinical presentation is a strong predictor of subsequent disease course. Although overall prognosis is poor, nearly half of all deaths resulted from non-neurologic causes, underscoring the importance of comprehensive medical management. Aneurysms characterized by expansion, established mass effect, or hemorrhage have a poor natural history, and may be considered for invasive treatment, which is increasingly endovascular in nature. Lesions presenting with ischemia or incidentally are likely best addressed with aggressive neurologic and overall medical management.
Is it ok 2 txt? Reaching out to adolescents about sexual and reproductive health
Authors: Malbon Katherine , Romo Dina
Published: July 2013

As the number of adolescents in the population is growing, it is even more important that healthcare practitioners are provided with the tools and resources that can best educate and connect with those patients at risk in this population, particularly with regard to sexual health behaviours. Notoriously, adolescents are difficult to engage in their own healthcare. However, with the advancement of technology and the ubiquitous use of cell phones, emerging studies suggest that there may be benefits to using text messaging within the adolescent health arena to encourage engagement, compliance and improve health knowledge. The use of text messaging has been implemented within adolescent healthcare in multiple ways but studies are needed to evaluate the content of messages, dosage and efficacy of text messaging in improving health outcomes in this population.
First detection of ‘CandidatusMycoplasma haemolamae’ infection in alpacas in England
Authors: Crosse P. , Ayling R. , Whitehead C. , Szladovits B. , English K. , Bradley D. , Solano‐Gallego L.
Published: July 2013

This is the first report of detection ofCandidatusMycoplasma haemolamae in alpacas in England. The primary case occurred in a three year‐old male alpaca in the south‐east of England which presented with a history of progressive weight loss, lethargy, swelling of the scrotum and pale mucous membranes. Blood smear examination revealed a moderate, regenerative anaemia, with numerous small basophilic coccoid structures consistent withCandidatusM haemolamae. To confirm the presence ofCandidatusM haemolamae, a portion of the 16S rDNA gene was amplified and analysed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). 16S rDNA gene sequencing showed a 99.8 per cent homology withCandidatusM haemolamae sequences deposited in GenBank. Subsequently, a cross‐sectional study was carried out to investigate the presence of Candidatus M haemolamae infection in the alpaca herd from which the primary case was detected (n=131). Blood smear examinations and PCR with DGGE were used and compared with a species‐specific PCR. The prevalence of infection when PCR positive results were combined was 29 per cent. A substantial agreement between the PCR/DGGE and the species‐specific PCR was found (κ=0.86). A significant association was also found between age and infection (P=0.04) while no significant association was found with sex or origin.
Lipid infusion in the management of poisoning: a report of 6 canine cases
Authors: Bates N. , Chatterton J. , Robbins C. , Wells K. , Hughes J. , Stone M. , Campbell A.
Published: July 2013

Intravenous administration of lipid is a relatively new treatment in the management of toxicity from lipophilic compounds. It is used in human medicine in the treatment of toxicity from lipophilic local anaesthetics and cardiotoxic drugs and can result in dramatic improvement in clinical status. We present six cases of poisoning in dogs successfully treated with lipid infusion after ingestion of ivermectin (3), moxidectin (2) and baclofen (1). The dogs ranged in age from eight weeks to 14 years, and weighed 4–30 kg. Intravenous lipid therapy was started between six and eight hours and 22 hours after ingestion, and all the dogs responded well. In four dogs, there was clinical improvement within one hour; one had improved within two hours and the other within 4.5 hours of lipid administration. The only adverse effect of lipid infusion reported was mild swelling and pain after extravasation in one case which resolved with conservative management. All the dogs were discharged within 24–52 hours after exposure (7–46 hours after the start of lipid administration), and none developed any apparent sequelae.
An outbreak of tuberculosis in Lleyn sheep in the UK associated with clinical signs
Authors: van der Burgt G. M. , Drummond F. , Crawshaw T. , Morris S.
Published: July 2013

This case report describes an outbreak of Mycobacterium bovis infection a Lleyn sheep flock associated with clinical signs of illthrift. There was no known direct contact with tuberculous cattle although bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is endemic in the area. The spoligotype isolated from the diseased sheep was the local spoligotype. The repeated use of the comparative intradermal tuberculin test, and the subsequent removal of reactor animals, resulted in apparent elimination of bTB from the flock. Lesions caused by M bovis in sheep may contain very few acid‐fast bacilli, and gross lesions may resemble those found in cases of Caseous Lymphadenitis. Routine meat inspection may, therefore, not always easily detect this notifiable disease.
Four BSE cases with an L‐BSE molecular profile in cattle from Great Britain
Authors: Stack M. J. , Chaplin M. J. , Davis L. A. , Everitt S. , Simmons M. M. , Windl O. , Hope J. , Burke P.
Published: July 2013

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a prion disease of cattle which was first observed in Great Britain (GB) in 1986. Throughout the subsequent BSE epidemic, cases identified by passive surveillance have shown consistent histopathological, immunohistochemical, biochemical and biological properties. However, since the start of active surveillance in 2001, across Europe and elsewhere, approximately 67 cases with different biochemical characteristics have been identified by Western blotting (WB). These cases fall into two categories; ‘H‐type’ (H‐BSE) or ‘L‐type’ (L‐BSE), based on the relatively heavy (H‐BSE) or light (L‐BSE) mass of the unglycosylated band of the prion protein, as compared with WB against that obtained from classical BSE (C‐BSE) cases. Here we report the detection and confirmation of the first four L‐BSE cases by active surveillance in GB, two of which were born after the reinforced feed ban of 1996 (BARB cases). These four L‐BSE cases were found in relatively old cattle (age range; 11–21 years old) and the carcases did not enter the human food chain or animal feed chains.
First cases of squirrelpox in red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in Scotland
Authors: McInnes C. J. , Coulter L. , Dagleish M. P. , Fiegna C. , Gilray J. , Willoughby K. , Cole M. , Milne E. , Meredith A. , Everest D. J. , MacMaster A‐M.
Published: July 2013

Squirrelpox, caused by a poxvirus, is a major threat to the remaining UK red squirrel population. The spread of antibody‐positive grey squirrels has been monitored in the UK for the past decade. In 2005 grey squirrels that had been exposed to the virus appeared in the south of Scotland for the first time, followed approximately two years later by the appearance of squirrelpox disease in the local red squirrels. Four squirrels were examined. They all had gross external lesions and histological lesions typical of squirrelpox disease, but no significant internal lesions. The diagnosis was confirmed by PCR, electron microscopy and serology.
Traumatic perforation of the trachea in two horses caused by orotracheal intubation
Authors: Saulez M. N. , Dzikiti B. , Voigt A.
Published: July 2013

Two of 348 horses that underwent gastrointestinal surgery under general anaesthesia developed perforations in their tracheas caused by the endotracheal tube. In one case the damage was probably caused when the horse was being moved from the induction room for surgery and excessive traction was exerted on the tube when the anaesthetic machine was moved too far ahead of the horse. The trachea of the other horse may have been damaged when it was intubated.
Mechanical ventilation of six dogs anaesthetised with isoflurane or sevoflurane delivered by a Komesaroff anaesthetic machine
Authors: Laredo F. G. , Belda E. , Escobar M.
Published: July 2013

After intravenous induction, six beagles were connected to a Komesaroff machine provided with a single in‐circuit vaporiser and ventilated mechanically at either nine or 14 breaths/minute while anaesthetised with either isoflurane or sevoflurane. The vaporiser was initially set at position 4/4 (fully open) and the anaesthetic concentrations were measured after one and five minutes; the vaporiser was then set at the lowest setting able to maintain anaesthesia. Cardiorespiratory variables were measured throughout the study. In most cases anaesthesia was maintained at setting 1/4 with isoflurane and at setting 1.5/4 or 2/4 with sevoflurane.
Osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral head in two small‐breed dogs
Authors: Bruggeman M. , Van Vynckt D. , Van Ryssen B. , Bolln G. , Chiers K. , Gielen I. , de Rooster H.
Published: July 2013

Shoulder pathology consistent with osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral head was diagnosed in two small‐breed dogs. In both cases, the diagnosis was made tentatively on the basis of radiography and confirmed by arthroscopy of the affected shoulder joint. Both dogs were successfully treated by surgical removal of a flap of cartilage from the affected area. Clinical and radiographic follow‐up was available in both cases. The excised cartilage flaps were examined histopathologically and showed the same characteristics as cartilage flaps from dogs of large breeds prone to developing osteochondritis dissecans of the shoulder.
Infectious canine hepatitis in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in the United Kingdom
Authors: Thompson H. , O'Keeffe A. M. , Lewis J. C. M. , Stocker L. R. , Laurenson M. K. , Philbey A. W.
Published: July 2013

The pathological findings are described in three cases of infectious canine hepatitis in free‐ranging red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in England. The foxes died after short periods of clinical illness. Mild jaundice and hepatic congestion were evident grossly. On histopathological examination, intranuclear inclusion bodies were visible in hepatocytes, in association with hepatocyte dissociation and necrosis, as well as in renal glomeruli, renal tubular epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells. Canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV‐1) was isolated from all three foxes. In a serological study, antibodies to CAV‐1 were detected in tissue fluid extracts taken from 11 of 58 (19 per cent) frozen red fox carcases from England and Scotland.
Fracture of the extensor process of the distal phalanx in a bull and a cow
Authors: Taguchi K. , Nakamura S. , Hyakutake K.
Published: July 2013

Two cases of extensor process fracture of the distal phalanx in the forelimb in a Holstein bull and a lactating Holstein cow are described. Each animal showed acute onset of severe lameness with a gait characterised by lengthening of the cranial phase of the step in order to place more weight on the heel. Mild swelling and a localised pain response upon application of deep pressure above the coronet were also observed. A definitive diagnosis was made by radiography with complementary ultrasonography, which provided the best definition of the fracture fragment over the dorsal aspect of the distal interphalangeal joint. Applying a wooden block to a sound claw for three weeks was curative and provided a good prognosis in both cases.
Retained surgical swabs in 13 dogs
Authors: Forster K. , Anderson D. , Yool D. A. , Wright C. , Burrow R.
Published: July 2013

To report the signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical findings and outcome in dogs and cats with retained swabs, medical records of dogs and cats that were referred to four referral centres were reviewed. Cases in which a retained surgical swab was identified during surgery at the referral hospital were selected for further study. The signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical findings and outcome in these cases were reviewed. Thirteen dogs with retained surgical swabs were included in the study. Bodyweight ranged from 9 to 45 kg. The initial surgery was a ‘non‐routine’ abdominal procedure in seven dogs, ovariohysterectomy in five dogs and perineal hernia repair in one dog. Time from initial surgery to presentation at the referral centre ranged from four days to seven years. Treatment involved major surgery in eight of the 13 dogs. Outcome was excellent in 12 of 13 cases, one dog was euthanased.
Review of seven cases of granulosa cell tumour of the equine ovary
Authors: Crabtree J.
Published: July 2013

This paper reviews the equine granulosa cell tumour (GCT) and describes the clinicopathological features, treatment and outcome in seven cases of GCT in mares. Mares were presented with unilateral ovarian enlargement during the 2007 to 2010 breeding seasons. The mean (sd) age of the mares was 11.7 (5.96) years. Three mares were multiparous barren, three were nulliparous and one was primigravida. Behaviour at presentation was 57 per cent anoestrus, 28 per cent with stallion‐like behaviour and 14 per cent with persistent oestrus. All mares had unilateral ovarian enlargement. Six non‐pregnant mares had a small and inactive contralateral ovary; the pregnant mare had a single small corpus luteum on the contralateral ovary and was at three‐and‐a‐half months' gestation. Enlarged ovaries measured 7 cm to an estimated 30 cm in diameter. 28 per cent had a multicystic ultrasound appearance, 57 per cent were dense structures and 14 per cent were of mixed appearance. Mean concentrations of progesterone were <1 ng/ml, oestrone sulphate 3.06 (2.32) ng/ml and testosterone 0.58 (0.64) nmol/l in non‐pregnant mares. Inhibin was elevated in all non‐pregnant cases at 7.6 (12.45) ng/ml. The pregnant mare had concentrations of progesterone 2.5 ng/ml, oestrone sulphate 81.0 ng/ml, testosterone 1.9 nmol/l and inhibin 1.31 ng/ml. Mares demonstrating stallion‐like behaviour had a significantly higher (P<0.001) testosterone concentration (1.85 [0.07] nmol/l) than those that did not (0.34 [0.26] nmol/l). Three mares underwent unilateral ovariectomy and resumed cyclic ovarian activity within nine months of surgery.
Thinning increases climatic resilience of red pine
Authors: Magruder Matthew , Chhin Sophan , Palik Brian , Bradford John B.
Published: July 2013

Forest management techniques such as intermediate stand-tending practices (e.g., thinning) can promote climatic resiliency in forest stands by moderating tree competition. Residual trees gain increased access to environmental resources (i.e., soil moisture, light), which in turn has the potential to buffer trees from stressful climatic conditions. The influences of climate (temperature and precipitation) and forest management (thinning method and intensity) on the productivity of red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) in Michigan were examined to assess whether repeated thinning treatments were able to increase climatic resiliency (i.e., maintaining productivity and reduced sensitivity to climatic stress). The cumulative productivity of each thinning treatment was determined, and it was found that thinning from below to a residual basal area of 14 m2·ha−1 produced the largest average tree size but also the second lowest overall biomass per acre. On the other hand, the uncut control and the thinning from above to a residual basal area of 28 m2·ha−1 produced the smallest average tree size but also the greatest overall biomass per acre. Dendrochronological methods were used to quantify sensitivity of annual radial growth to monthly and seasonal climatic factors for each thinning treatment type. Climatic sensitivity was influenced by thinning method (i.e., thinning from below decreased sensitivity to climatic stress more than thinning from above) and by thinning intensity (i.e., more intense thinning led to a lower climatic sensitivity). Overall, thinning from below to a residual basal area of 21 m2·ha−1 represented a potentially beneficial compromise to maximize tree size, biomass per acre, and reduced sensitivity to climatic stress, and, thus, the highest level of climatic resilience.
Analysing species-specific light transmission and related crown characteristics ofPinus sylvestrisandBetula pendulausing a shoot-level 3D model
Authors: Lintunen Anna , Kaitaniemi Pekka , Perttunen Jari , Sievänen Risto
Published: July 2013

This is a first attempt to analyse species-specific light attenuation in mixed boreal forests created by shoot-level 3D tree models. The models are configurations of real individual Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) trees grown in mixed-forest stands. We study species-specific differences in radiation transmission by using the ray-casting method. Light transmission was found to be higher in dense birch-dominated stands compared with dense pine-dominated stands because of the higher total foliage area and the higher location of foliage in the pine canopy. Transmission of light per leaf area index (LAI) was nevertheless higher in the pine canopy compared with the birch canopy because of foliage clumping. Especially in clumped canopy, species-specific shoot-level light simulations enable a more realistic estimation of light transmission compared with simpler calculations based on LAI and Beer–Lambert’s law. The observed differences in light-transmission characteristics of the studied species may influence the development of target crowns in the neighbourhood. Light attenuation caused by the dense foliage zone in the upper pine canopy could be avoided in dense stands by mixing species with different vertical foliage distributions.
Electronic and phononic properties of V2AlC via first principles
Authors: Yang Z.J. , Li J. , Linghu R.F. , Song X.S. , Cheng X.L. , Yang X.D.
Published: July 2013

The electronic and phononic properties of V2AlC have been extensively studied using ab initio pseudopotential density functional theory. Our investigations revealed that the longest V–V bond and its least variations have led to the stiffer c axis. The nearly unchanged net charge of the C atom under pressure has led to nearly unchanged overlapped populations along the C–V bond. The obvious charge transfer of V → Al has induced significant variations of the overlapped populations along Al–V and V–V bonds. An anomalous variation of charge transfer between V and Al atoms and V–V bond populations at about 700 GPa has been revealed, which may relate to its structural instability at about 731 GPa. Previously calculated structural instability at about 731 GPa has been successfully confirmed by the present phonon dispersion curve. The bonding natures are also studied by the electron density difference, electron density of states, and the energy band structure.
TauDecay: a library to simulate polarized tau decays via FeynRules and MadGraph5
Authors: Hagiwara Kaoru , Li Tong , Mawatari Kentarou , Nakamura Junya
Published: July 2013

TauDecay is a library of helicity amplitudes to simulate polarized tau decays, constructed in the FeynRules and MadGraph5 framework. Together with the leptonic mode, the decay library includes the main hadronic modes, τ→ντ+π, 2π, and 3π, which are introduced as effective vertices by using FeynRules. The model file allows us to simulate tau decays when the on-shell tau production is kinematically forbidden. We also demonstrate that all possible correlations among the decay products of pair-produced taus through a Z boson and a scalar/pseudoscalar Higgs boson are produced automatically. The program has been tested carefully by making use of the standard tau decay library Tauola.