bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multicenter, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study of rifaximin for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis
Authors: Donders Gilbert G.G. , Guaschino Secondo , Peters Klaus , Tacchi Raffaella , Lauro Vittoria ,   VARIANT 1 Study Group
Published: December 2012

Objective

To compare efficacy and tolerability between different regimens of rifaximin vaginal tablets and a placebo for treatment of bacterial vaginosis.

Methods

In a prospective study carried out at 13 sites in 3 European countries between August 2009 and October 2010, White, non‐pregnant, premenopausal women with bacterial vaginosis were randomly assigned to receive rifaximin at 100 mg for 5 days (100 mg/5 days), 25 mg/5 days, or 100 mg/2 days, or placebo. Women were assessed at 7–10 and 28–35 days. Diagnosis and cure were based on Amsel criteria and Nugent score. Fisher exact test was used to compare cure rates.

Results

Among 114 women recruited, 103 were evaluable for drug efficacy. Therapeutic cure rate at first follow‐up was higher in the rifaximin 25 mg/5 days (48%, P = 0.04), 100 mg/2 days (36.0%), and 100 mg/5 days (25.9%) groups than in the placebo group (19.0%). At second follow‐up, therapeutic cure rate was 28.0%, 14.8%, and 4.0% in the respective groups versus 7.7% in the placebo group. No difference in adverse events was observed.

Conclusion

Rifaximin at 25 mg/5 days showed better therapeutic cure rates and maintenance of therapeutic cure after 1 month versus placebo. All treatment regimens were well tolerated.

EudraCT number: 2009‐011826‐32.
Indizierte Prävention im Glücksspielbereich
Authors: Kalke Jens , Buth Sven , Hayer Tobias
Published: December 2012

Zielsetzung: Maßnahmen der indizierten Prävention spielen in der Glücksspielpolitik eine wichtige Rolle. Sie richten sich gezielt an gefährdete Spieler, um das Abgleiten in pathologische Verhaltensmuster zu verhindern. Mit der vorliegenden Arbeit ist das Ziel verbunden, eine Übersicht zu Maßnahmen der indizierten Glücksspielsucht-Prävention und deren Effekte zu geben. Methodik: In diesem Review werden Ergebnisse von Evaluationsstudien zusammengetragen, deren Befunde zwischen 1999 und 2012 in wissenschaftlichen Fachzeitschriften veröffentlicht wurden. Es ließen sich im Zuge der Literaturrecherche zu den folgenden Maßnahmen Studien ausfindig machen: Telefonische und internetgestützte Beratungsangebote, Früherkennung und Frühintervention durch das Aufsichts- bzw. Verkaufspersonal, Selbstsperren, Trainingsprogramme für Spieler, Selbsthilfe-Materialien, Limits bei Glücksspielangeboten im Internet und Rauchverbote. Ergebnisse: Evaluationsstudien zu niedrigschwelligen Beratungsangeboten (telefonisch oder internetgestützt) zeigen, dass dadurch die Betroffenen das eigene Spielverhalten reflektieren und es zu einer positiven Veränderung ihrer persönlichen Situation kommen kann. Auch bei den Selbstsperren im Kasinobereich ergeben sich positive Effekte: Ein Teil der betroffenen (Problem‐)Spieler stellt die Spielaktivität ein und kann seine allgemeine Lebensqualität verbessern. Zudem ist es offensichtlich möglich, mit Einzahlungs- und Verlustlimits (selbst gesetzt oder vom Anbieter vorgegeben) schädliche Auswirkungen des Online-Glücksspiels zu minimieren. Auch bei den anderen Maßnahmen zeigen sich erste empirische Hinweise auf deren positive Wirkung. Fazit: Die empirischen Erkenntnisse sollten bei der fachöffentlichen Diskussion und der Formulierung einer evidenzbasierten Präventionspolitik im Glücksspielbereich beachtet werden. Gleichzeitig ist jedoch darauf zu verweisen, dass Langzeitstudien erforderlich wären, um gesicherte Aussagen zu den Auswirkungen auf das langfristige Spielverhalten der Zielpersonen treffen zu können.
Die Analyse tatsächlichen Spielverhaltens bei Onlineglücksspielen
Authors: Fiedler Ingo , Wilcke Ann-Christin
Published: December 2012

Fragestellung: Dieses Positionspapier widmet sich der Frage nach den Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Analyse tatsächlichen Glücksspielverhaltens und insbesondere, ob es eine geeignete Alternative zu üblichen Befragungsansätzen ist, problematische und pathologische Spieler zu identifizieren. Methodik: Die Methodik, Ergebnisse und Limitationen bisheriger Studien zur Analyse des Spiel-, Biet- und Setzverhaltens von Onlineglücksspielern werden vorgestellt und diskutiert. Ergebnisse: Die Analyse tatsächlichen Spielverhaltens eröffnet interessante Analysemöglichkeiten. Jede einzelne Studie liefert wichtige Erkenntnisse, die weiter entwickelt werden können. Jedoch ohne eine Definition wie ein auffälliges, risiko- oder problembehaftetes Spielverhalten aussieht, ist eine Identifizierung gefährdeter Spieler nicht möglich. Diesbezüglich erlaubt von den vorgestellten Untersuchungen, die ein ungefiltertes Spielersample analysiert haben lediglich eine Studie eine Aussage. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Analyse tatsächlichen Spielverhaltens bei typischen Onlineglücksspielen ermöglicht aufgrund der Unverfälschtheit der Informationen sowie deren hohen Detailgrad verschiedene neue Forschungsoptionen. Insbesondere ist sie eine alternative Möglichkeit, um Personen mit Spielproblemen zu identifizieren. Bei Spielern mit signifikantem Geschicklichkeitsanteil wie dem Pokerspiel führt diese Methode jedoch zu dem fehlerhaften Einschluss von professionellen Spielern. So muss beispielsweise bei Poker das detailliertere Biet- und Setzverhalten der Spieler untersucht werden, um zwischen pathologischen und professionellen Spielern zu unterscheiden.
Risikofaktoren für Computerspielabhängigkeit: Wer ist gefährdet?
Authors: Rehbein Florian , Mößle Thomas
Published: December 2012

Ausgangspunkt: Bei der Computerspielabhängigkeit handelt es sich um ein noch vergleichsweise neu postuliertes Störungsbild, welches seit einigen Jahren besonders intensiv erforscht und auf seine klinische Relevanz hin untersucht wird. Methodik: Im Rahmen eines Überblicksartikels wird beschrieben, welche diagnostischen Kriterien in gängigen Screeningverfahren zur Erfassung von Computerspielabhängigkeit bislang genutzt werden und wie sich das Störungsbild äußert. Zur Beschreibung der Phänomenologie wird unter Rückgriff auf den internationalen Forschungsstand dargestellt, welchen Belastungen computerspielabhängige Personen in besonderem Maße ausgesetzt sind. Einen abschließenden Schwerpunkt bildet im Sinne einer ätiologischen Perspektive die Frage, ob sich anhand der vorhandenen Datenbasis bereits das Bild einer Person beschreiben lässt, die in besonderer Weise gefährdet ist, eine Computerspielabhängigkeit zu entwickeln. Schlussfolgerungen: In den eingesetzten Screeninginstrumenten zeichnet sich ein zunehmender Konsens hinsichtlich der diagnostischen Kriterien ab. Eine Systematisierung des bisherigen Forschungsstandes zu Risikofaktoren für die Entstehung von Computerspielabhängigkeit weist erwartungskonform auf eine multifaktorielle Genese hin, bei der im Sinne des Suchtdreiecks personen-, umwelt- und spielproduktbezogene Risikofaktoren zusammenwirken. Es besteht jedoch ein hoher Bedarf an längsschnittlichen Studien, um das komplexe Zusammenspiel von Risiko- und Schutzfaktoren sowie die Folgen von Computerspielabhängigkeit besser beschreiben zu können.
Messverfahren zur Erfassung der Internetsucht
Authors: Steffen Svenja , Peukert Peter , Petersen Kay Uwe , Batra Anil
Published: December 2012

Ziel: Ziel der vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit ist die Untersuchung der derzeit für verschiedene Sprachräume vorliegenden dimensionalen und kategorialen Diagnoseinstrumente bzgl. der Internetabhängigkeit hinsichtlich ihrer psychometrischen Kennwerte und ihres klinischen Nutzens. Vorstellung der Instrumente: Bzgl. der nosologischen Klassifikation der Internetabhängigkeit liegen inzwischen nutzbare Diagnosekriterien vor. Es konnte eine Vielzahl von dimensionalen Fragebogeninstrumenten identifiziert werden, die sich durch eine hohe interne Konsistenz auszeichnen. Allerdings fehlen vielfach Untersuchungen zur Validität. Schlussfolgerungen: Für den deutschen Sprachraum erwiesen sich die Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) in ihrer deutschen Fassung (vgl. Kammerl et al., 2012 ; Peukert et al., 2012 ; Rumpf, Meyer, Kreuzer & John, 2011 ) und die Skala zum Online-Suchtverhalten (OSV) ( Wölfling, Müller & Beutel, 2010 ) bzgl. ihrer psychometrischen Kennwerte sowie deren klinischen Nutzen (Vorliegen von Cut-off Werten) als empfehlenswerte Skalen. Diese sollten im Rahmen weiterer klinischer und epidemiologischer Studien bzgl. ihrer externen und diskriminativen Validität weiter untersucht werden.
Gemeinsames Rahmenkonzept der Deutschen Rentenversicherung und der Gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung zur ganztägig ambulanten medizinischen Rehabilitation Abhängigkeitskranker vom 18.08.2011
Authors: Köhler Joachim , Müller-Simon Barbara , Gerkens Klaus , Treeck Bernhard van
Published: December 2012

Die Deutsche Rentenversicherung und die Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung haben ein gemeinsames Rahmenkonzept für die ganztägig ambulante Rehabilitation Abhängigkeitskranker erstellt und nach Rücksprache mit den Suchtfachverbänden verabschiedet. Darin wird diese Leistungsform von der niedrigfrequenten ambulanten Rehabilitation abgegrenzt. Zielgruppen, Indikationsstellung, strukturelle und konzeptionelle Anforderungen, Inhalte der Rehabilitation, Aussagen zu Frequenz und Dauer und personelle und räumliche Anforderungen werden beschrieben.
Bericht aus der Vorstandssitzung und Mitgliederversammlung 2012
Authors: Batra Anil
Published: December 2012

E-Mental Health Interventions for Harmful Alcohol Use: Research Methods and Questions

2.5 million yearly deaths and 4.6% of the global burden of disease are attributable to the harmful use of alcohol, according to the World Health Organization in 2011. Brief interventions have become increasingly valuable in the management of individuals with alcohol-related problems. The availability and uptake of these brief interventions is however limited. This so-called treatment gap may be narrowed through accessible, effective, and inexpensive treatment programmes. E-mental health interventions would be one promising approach for developing such treatment options, if they are shown to be effective.

In this dissertation, the (cost-)effectiveness of two interventions based on cognitive behavioural therapy is subjected to research in three consecutive studies. The two interventions are a non-therapist involved Internet-based self-help programme, and a therapist led Internet therapy, based on textual-chat interaction.

The aim of this dissertation is twofold. First, there is a clinical aim: to identify effective and cost-effective e-mental health interventions for harmful alcohol use. Second, there is a methodological aim: to address methodological challenges in the design, execution, and analysis of e-mental health randomized controlled trials.

In the coming years, it is expected that the development and dissemination of e-mental health interventions will advance. This dissertation hopes to contribute valuably to the current knowledge base, upon which future research and interventions will build.
ArabidopsisPumilio protein APUM5 suppressesCucumber mosaic virusinfection via direct binding of viral RNAs
Authors: Huh Sung Un , Kim Min Jung , Paek Kyung-Hee
Published: December 2012

Posttranscriptional/translational regulation of gene expression is mediated by diverse RNA binding proteins and plays an important role in development and defense processes. Among the RNA-binding proteins, the mammalian Pumilio RNA-binding family (Puf) acts as posttranscriptional and translational repressors. AnArabidopsisPuf mutant,apum5-D, was isolated during a T-DNA insertional mutant screen for mutants with reduced susceptibility toCucumber mosaic virus(CMV) infection. Interestingly, CMV RNA contained putative Pumilio-homology domain binding motifs in its 3′ untranslated region (UTR) and internal places in its genome. APUM5 directly bound to the 3′ UTR motifs and some internal binding motifs in CMV RNAs in vitro and in vivo. We showed that APUM5 acts as a translational repressor that regulates the 3′ UTR of CMV and affects CMV replication. This study uncovered a unique defense system thatArabidopsisAPUM5 specifically regulates CMV infection by the direct binding of CMV RNAs.
Exploring the nature of the translocon-assisted protein insertion
Authors: Rychkova Anna , Warshel Arieh
Published: December 2012

The elucidation of the molecular nature of the translocon-assisted protein insertion is a challenging problem due to the complexity of this process. Furthermore, the limited availability of crucial structural information makes it hard to interpret the hints about the insertion mechanism provided by biochemical studies. At present, it is not practical to explore the insertion process by brute force simulation approaches due to the extremely lengthy process and very complex landscape. Thus, this work uses our previously developed coarse-grained model and explores the energetics of the membrane insertion and translocation paths. The trend in the calculated free-energy profiles is verified by evaluating the correlation between the calculated and observed effect of mutations as well as the effect of inverting the signal peptide that reflects the “positive-inside” rule. Furthermore, the effect of the tentative opening induced by the ribosome is found to reduce the kinetic barrier. Significantly, the trend of the forward and backward energy barriers provides a powerful way to analyze key energetics information. Thus, it is concluded that the insertion process is most likely a nonequilibrium process. Moreover, we provided a general formulation for the analysis of the elusive apparent membrane insertion energy, ΔG
app
, and conclude that this important parameter is unlikely to correspond to the free-energy difference between the translocon and membrane. Our formulation seems to resolve the controversy about ΔG
app
for Arg.
Quantifying the Effects of Aging Bias in Atlantic Striped Bass Stock Assessment
Authors: Liao Hongsheng , Sharov Alexei F. , Jones Cynthia M. , Nelson Gary A.
Published: December 2012

The effects of aging bias on stock assessment have been evaluated in many simulation studies. However, simulated data cannot be used to quantify the magnitude of aging biases in a real data set and thus their effects on an ongoing stock assessment. In this study, we validated scale and otolith aging using Striped Bass Morone saxatilis of known age collected from the Chesapeake Bay between 1997 and 2006. Otoliths provided more accurate (74% agreement) and precise (average CV = 1.9%) age estimates than scales, which overestimated the ages of young fish and underestimated the ages of old fish (22% agreement; average CV = 9.8%). Based on their accuracy, otolith ages were subsequently used to quantify aging biases in the scale ages and effects of bias in the stock assessment of Atlantic Striped Bass. We converted scale‐age to otolith‐age input using paired scale and otolith ages of Striped Bass collected by commercial fisheries in Virginia waters of the Chesapeake Bay and the mid‐Atlantic from 1999 to 2010. A statistical catch‐at‐age model was run with the scale‐ and otolith‐age input data and the results were compared. We found that aging biases from scale ages resulted in underestimates of population abundance (15%) and female spawning stock biomass (19%) and overestimates of fishing mortality in the terminal year (19%) and made strong age‐1 recruitment years appear weaker and weak ones stronger. Our study demonstrates how aging bias in a large scale‐age sample can be corrected with a relatively small sample of paired scale–otolith ages and provides fisheries management with a quantitative evaluation of aging bias and its effects on the assessment of the Atlantic Striped Bass stock.
Evaluation of Electrofishing Catch per Unit Effort for Indexing Fish Abundance in Florida Lakes
Authors: Hangsleben Matt A. , Allen Micheal S. , Gwinn Daniel C.
Published: December 2012

Electrofishing CPUE data are commonly used to index temporal trends in abundance in fish monitoring programs, but the reliability of this index requires the assumption that the fraction of fish stock caught per unit effort (catchability, q) is relatively precise and constant through time. We evaluated how fish species, season, and lake affected electrofishing catchability in Florida lakes using a field study. We used the field study results to simulate how variable electrofishing q affects statistical power and type I error rate (i.e., the probability of detecting a difference when in fact no difference occurred). Model selection showed that electrofishing catchability varied by species, season, and lake, and submodels showed that catchability varied by lake for Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides and by season for Lake Chubsucker Erimyzon sucetta, and was constant across season and lake for Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus. Our results revealed that statistical power decreased and the type I error rate increased substantially if q varied through time as we observed for Largemouth Bass and Lake Chubsucker. Type I error rates were well above the expected value of 0.05, reaching as high as 0.7 for Largemouth Bass and 0.55 for Lake Chubsucker at high sample sizes. This resulted because increasing sample size improves the ability to detect real changes, but also increases the probability of detecting spurious changes due to variable q (i.e., type I error). Thus, variable catchability hinders our ability to use CPUE data to index trends in fish abundance, and monitoring programs should consider how q varies before relying on CPUE data to index fish abundance.
Temporal Variation in the Physiological Responses in Largemouth Bass following Small Club Angling Tournaments
Authors: VanLandeghem Matthew M. , Wahl David H. , Suski Cory D.
Published: December 2012

Sublethal physiological disturbances and mortality were quantified in Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides subjected to small, club‐style angling tournaments (<30 teams) held at two central Illinois lakes. Between April and October, physiological disturbances were assessed in four tournaments at Lake Bloomington, and mortality was assessed in four tournaments at Evergreen Lake. Indicators of physiological disturbances were evident in Largemouth Bass following club angling tournaments, with some temporal variation in responses. Plasma glucose concentrations increased in tournament‐caught fish relative to reference fish in all months, except during October, when glucose concentrations did not change; plasma cortisol values among tournament fish also were lowest during October. Plasma potassium levels decreased only in April, whereas chloride levels were unaffected by tournaments. Sodium concentrations varied across months, but the magnitude of tournament‐induced decreases were similar across all months. Whole‐blood hemoglobin was lowest in May, and although hematocrit significantly decreased in tournament‐caught fish in May, it remained unchanged in other months. Lactate increases occurred during all tournaments and were of similar magnitudes even though water temperatures ranged from 15.7°C to 27.6°C. Small, yet significant, temporal differences were observed in plasma sodium and in whole‐blood hemoglobin concentrations from reference fish collected in each month via electrofishing, which indicated temporal changes in baseline values for some parameters. Mortality at tournaments was low (<5%) and did not appear to vary across months. Our results suggest that physiological responses of Largemouth Bass to small, club‐style tournaments can vary temporally and are similar to those sustained during professional tournaments, even if mortality rates are generally low.
Modeling Prey Consumption by Native and Nonnative Piscivorous Fishes: Implications for Competition and Impacts on Shared Prey in an Ultraoligotrophic Lake in Patagonia
Authors: Juncos Romina , Beauchamp David A. , Vigliano Pablo H.
Published: December 2012

We examined trophic interactions of the nonnative salmonids Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, Brown Trout Salmo trutta, and Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalisand the main native predator Creole Perch Percichthys trucha in Lake Nahuel Huapi (Patagonia, Argentina) to determine the relative impact of each predator on their forage base and to evaluate the potential vulnerability of each predator to competitive impacts by the others. Using bioenergetics simulations, we demonstrated the overall importance of galaxiids and decapods to the energy budgets of nonnative salmonids and Creole Perch. Introduced salmonids, especially Rainbow Trout, exerted considerably heavier predatory demands on shared resources than did the native Creole Perch on both a per capita basis and in terms of relative population impacts. Rainbow Trout consumed higher quantities and a wider size range of Small Puyen (also known as Inanga) Galaxias maculatus than the other predators, including early pelagic life stages of that prey; as such, this represents an additional source of mortality for the vulnerable early life stages of Small Puyen before and during their transition from pelagic to benthic habitats. All predators were generally feeding at high feeding rates (above 40% of their maximum physiological rates), suggesting that competition for prey does not currently limit either Creole Perch or the salmonids in this lake. This study highlights the importance of keystone prey for the coexistence of native species with nonnative top predators. It provides new quantitative and qualitative evidence of the high predation pressure exerted on Small Puyen, the keystone prey species, during the larval to juvenile transition from pelagic to littoral‐benthic habitat in Patagonian lakes. This study also emphasizes the importance of monitoring salmonid and Creole Perch population dynamics in order to detect signs of potential impacts through competition and shows the need to carefully consider the rationale behind any additional trout stocking.
Reproductive Biology of the Tiger Grouper in the Southern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Caballero‐Arango Doralice , Brulé Thierry , Nóh‐Quiñones Virginia , Colás‐Marrufo Teresa , Pérez‐Díaz Esperanza
Published: December 2012

Despite its commercial importance and high vulnerability to fishing impact, little is known about the reproductive biology of the Tiger GrouperMycteroperca tigris, an aggregative spawner. We studied the key reproductive parameters of this species in the southern Gulf of Mexico, where the grouper fishery is generally in decline. The smallest mature female measured 31.4 cm FL, and length at which maturity was attained in 50% of females (L50) was 34.2 cm FL. Tiger Grouper are protogynous hermaphrodites, and the estimated length at which 50% of females had changed sex was 51.9 cm FL. Spawning season lasted from February to June, with a spawning peak observed in April. Most of the actively spawning females were collected 7–14 d after the full moon in April and May. Females exhibited continuous, asynchronous oocyte development and batch release of mature oocytes. During April–June, estimated spawning interval varied monthly from 1.8 to 4.3 d (mean = 2 d). Due to the species’ indeterminate fecundity, we estimated batch fecundity, which ranged from 84,119 to 1,032,578 oocytes (mean ± SE = 417,102 ± 34,826 oocytes). Conservation status of the Tiger Grouper in its distribution area is currently unclear. Based on the observed maximum sizes for both sexes and the size of sexual transition, the southern Gulf of Mexico Tiger Grouper population may be healthier than some Caribbean Sea populations. Current and potential measures for regulating this fishery resource in the southern Gulf of Mexico are discussed.
Environmental Constraints on Piscivory: Insights from Linking Ultrasonic Telemetry to a Visual Foraging Model for Cutthroat Trout
Authors: Hansen Adam G. , Beauchamp David A. , Baldwin Casey M.
Published: December 2012

Management of pelagic food webs under a shifting climate requires an understanding of how behavior, physiological tolerance, and the environment interact to mediate the foraging rates of consumers. However, analyses that treat each of these factors explicitly in a framework that captures interdependencies are lacking. We linked a visual foraging model and bioenergetics simulations with ultrasonic telemetry to mechanistically evaluate how stressful abiotic conditions (high temperature and low dissolved oxygen) influenced the foraging success of piscivorous Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii feeding on juvenile salmonids in Strawberry Reservoir, Utah. Our primary objectives were to (1) determine whether the foraging success of apex predators changes during periods of environmental stress and (2) identify the behavioral mechanisms that either lead to or buffer against shifts in foraging success. During early and mid‐August, high epilimnetic temperatures and low hypolimnetic oxygen levels generated divergent diel vertical distributions between predators and prey. Consequently, encounters with prey were restricted to crepuscular or early morning periods, and the potential foraging success of the piscivores was reduced by 53–98%. Conversely, predator–prey overlap increased considerably when the reservoir was destratified during October, allowing the piscivores to achieve up to 98% of their maximum predation rate. Comparison of encounter and predation rate estimates from the visual foraging model with estimates of fish consumption from a bioenergetics model indicated that prey capture success was higher for piscivores during low‐light periods. Therefore, as periods of stress impose constraints on the distribution of pelagic fishes, the magnitude of piscivory will depend on the resulting temporal–spatial overlap of predators and prey in complex ways. This study demonstrates how dynamic environmental conditions can mediate foraging success of piscivores and predation risk for prey.
Comparison of Detection Efficiency among Three Sizes of Half-Duplex Passive Integrated Transponders Using Manual Tracking and Fixed Antenna Arrays
Authors: Burnett Nicholas J. , Stamplecoskie Keith M. , Thiem Jason D. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: December 2012

We compared detection efficiency for three lengths (12, 23 and 32 mm) of half-duplex (HDX) passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags for both manual tracking and fixed array applications. In a stream we used a wand-type manual tracking antenna and determined that detection efficiency was considerably influenced by tag size (i.e., 20% for 12 mm, 43% for 23 mm, and 81% for 32 mm) and water depth. Vertical and horizontal read range also varied among tag sizes (lower for smaller tags) and orientation (12-mm and 23-mm tags oriented perpendicularly failed to read in the horizontal test). Using a fixed PIT array, we also compared the detection efficiency of the same three sizes of PIT tags in Shorthead Redhorse Moxostoma macrolepidotum released into a fishway. Again, detection efficiency increased with tag size: 12 mm = 55.8 ± 9.2% (mean ± SE), 23 mm = 91.0 ± 1.8%, and 32 mm = 97.0 ± 1.5%. When using PIT telemetry on smaller fish species and/or life stages, we suggest that researchers consider the tag size, as the diminished detection efficiency of 12-mm tags could introduce a bias and impede the ability to address some research questions.

Received July 11, 2012; accepted September 20, 2012
Industry Efficiency and Total Factor Productivity Growth under Resources and Environmental Constraint in China
Authors: Tao Feng , Li Ling , Xia X. H.
Published: December 2012

The growth of China's industry has been seriously depending on energy and environment. This paper attempts to apply the directional distance function and the Luenberger productivity index to measure the environmental efficiency, environmental total factor productivity, and its components at the level of subindustry in China over the period from 1999 to 2009 while considering energy consumption and emission of pollutants. This paper also empirically examines the determinants of efficiency and productivity change. The major findings are as follows. Firstly, the main sources of environmental inefficiency of China's industry are the inefficiency of gross industrial output value, the excessive energy consumption, and pollutant emissions. Secondly, the highest growth rate of environmental total factor productivity among the three industrial categories is manufacturing, followed by mining, and production and supply of electricity, gas, and water. Thirdly, foreign direct investment, capital-labor ratio, ownership structure, energy consumption structure, and environmental regulation have varying degrees of effects on the environmental efficiency and environmental total factor productivity.
Artificial Reef Effect in relation to Offshore Renewable Energy Conversion: State of the Art
Authors: Langhamer Olivia
Published: December 2012

The rapid worldwide growth of offshore renewable energy production will provide marine organisms with new hard substrate for colonization, thus acting as artificial reefs. The artificial reef effect is important when constructing, for example, scour protections since it can generate an enhanced habitat. Specifically, artificial structures can create increased heterogeneity in the area important for species diversity and density. Offshore energy installations also have the positive side effect as they are a sanctuary area for trawled organisms. Higher survival of fish and bigger fish is an expected outcome that can contribute to a spillover to outer areas. One negative side effect is that invasive species can find new habitats in artificial reefs and thus influence the native habitats and their associated environment negatively. Different scour protections in offshore wind farms can create new habitats compensating for habitat loss by offshore energy installations. These created habitats differ from the lost habitat in species composition substantially. A positive reef effect is dependent on the nature and the location of the reef and the characteristics of the native populations. An increase in surface area of scour protections by using specially designed material can also support the reef effect and its productivity.
An Adaptive Framework for Selecting Environmental Monitoring Protocols to Support Ocean Renewable Energy Development
Authors: Shumchenia Emily J. , Smith Sarah L. , McCann Jennifer , Carnevale Michelle , Fugate Grover , Kenney Robert D. , King John W. , Paton Peter , Schwartz Malia , Spaulding Malcolm , Winiarski Kristopher J.
Published: December 2012

Offshore renewable energy developments (OREDs) are projected to become common in the United States over the next two decades. There are both a need and an opportunity to guide efforts to identify and track impacts to the marine ecosystem resulting from these installations. A monitoring framework and standardized protocols that can be applied to multiple types of ORED would streamline scientific study, management, and permitting at these sites. We propose an adaptive and reactive framework based on indicators of the likely changes to the marine ecosystem due to ORED. We developed decision trees to identify suites of impacts at two scales (demonstration and commercial) depending on energy (wind, tidal, and wave), structure (e.g., turbine), and foundation type (e.g., monopile). Impacts were categorized by ecosystem component (benthic habitat and resources, fish and fisheries, avian species, marine mammals, and sea turtles) and monitoring objectives were developed for each. We present a case study at a commercial-scale wind farm and develop a monitoring plan for this development that addresses both local and national environmental concerns. In addition, framework has provided a starting point for identifying global research needs and objectives for understanding of the potential effects of ORED on the marine environment.
Rediscovering Recovery: Reconceptualizing Underlying Assumptions of Citizenship and Interrelated Notions of Care and Support
Authors: Vandekinderen Caroline , Roets Griet , Roose Rudi , Van Hove Geert
Published: December 2012

Over the last few decades, research, policy, and practice in the field of mental health care and a complementary variety of social work and social service delivery have internationally concentrated onrecoveryas a promising concept. In this paper, a conceptual distinction is made between anindividualapproach and asocialapproach to recovery, and underlying assumptions of citizenship and interrelated notions and features of care and support are identified. It is argued that the conditionality of the individual approach to recovery refers to a conceptualization of citizenship asnormative, based on the existence of a norm that operates in every domain of our society. We argue that these assumptions place a burden ofself-governanceon citizens with mental health problems and risk producing people with mental health problems as nonrecyclable citizens. The social approach to recovery embraces a different conceptualization of citizenship asrelational and inclusiveand embodies the myriad ways in which the belonging of people with mental health problems can be constructed in practice. As such, we hope to enable social services and professionals in the field to balance their role in the provision of care and support to service users with mental health problems.
Molecular Mechanisms and Function Prediction of Long Noncoding RNA
Authors: Ma Handong , Hao Yun , Dong Xinran , Gong Qingtian , Chen Jingqi , Zhang Jifeng , Tian Weidong
Published: December 2012

The central dogma of gene expression considers RNA as the carrier of genetic information from DNA to protein. However, it has become more and more clear that RNA plays more important roles than simply being the information carrier. Recently, whole genome transcriptomic analyses have identified large numbers of dynamically expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), many of which are involved in a variety of biological functions. Even so, the functions and molecular mechanisms of most lncRNAs still remain elusive. Therefore, it is necessary to develop computational methods to predict the function of lncRNAs in order to accelerate the study of lncRNAs. Here, we review the recent progress in the identification of lncRNAs, the molecular functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs, and the computational methods for predicting the function of lncRNAs.
Clinical Impact of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Gastric Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Retrospective Study from Mainland of China
Authors: Chen Wei-Feng , Zhou Ping-Hong , Li Quan-Lin , Xu Mei-Dong , Yao Li-Qing
Published: December 2012

As a minimally invasive technique, endoscopic resection may benefit patients diagnosed with early stage gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). However, no studies have yet been published in which endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been applied for gastric NETs. For the first time a research group in China applied ESD to remove gastric NETs, and indicated that ESD should be considered for treatment of eligible gastric NETs because the technique shows a high histologically complete resection rate, provides accurate histopathological evaluation, has a low complication rate, and can be performed within a reasonable timeframe.
Passivity-Based Adaptive Hybrid Synchronization of a New Hyperchaotic System with Uncertain Parameters
Authors: Zhou Xiaobing , Fan Zhangbiao , Zhou Dongming , Cai Xiaomei
Published: December 2012

We investigate the adaptive hybrid synchronization problem for a new hyperchaotic system with uncertain parameters. Based on the passivity theory and the adaptive control theory, corresponding controllers and parameter estimation update laws are proposed to achieve hybrid synchronization between two identical uncertain hyperchaotic systems with different initial values, respectively. Numerical simulation indicates that the presented methods work effectively.
Large Scale Association Analysis for Drug Addiction: Results from SNP to Gene
Authors: Guo Xiaobo , Liu Zhifa , Wang Xueqin , Zhang Heping
Published: December 2012

Many genetic association studies used single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) data to identify genetic variants for complex diseases. Although SNP-based associations are most common in genome-wide association studies (GWAS), gene-based association analysis has received increasing attention in understanding genetic etiologies for complex diseases. While both methods have been used to analyze the same data, few genome-wide association studies compare the results or observe the connection between them. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the data from the Study of Addiction: Genetics and Environment (SAGE) and compared the results from the SNP-based and gene-based analyses. Our results suggest that the gene-based method complements the individual SNP-based analysis, and conceptually they are closely related. In terms of gene findings, our results validate many genes that were either reported from the analysis of the same dataset or based on animal studies for substance dependence.
Decomposition and Arthropod Succession in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada
Authors: Bygarski Katherine , LeBlanc Helene N.
Published: December 2012

Forensic arthropod succession patterns are known to vary between regions. However, the northern habitats of the globe have been largely left unstudied. Three pig carcasses were studied outdoors in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. Adult and immature insects were collected for identification and comparison. The dominant Diptera and Coleoptera species at all carcasses were Protophormia terraneovae (R‐D) (Fam: Calliphoridae) and Thanatophilus lapponicus (Herbst) (Fam: Silphidae), respectively. Rate of decomposition, patterns of Diptera and Coleoptera succession, and species dominance were shown to differ from previous studies in temperate regions, particularly as P. terraenovae showed complete dominance among blowfly species. Rate of decomposition through the first four stages was generally slow, and the last stage of decomposition was not observed at any carcass due to time constraints. It is concluded that biogeoclimatic range has a significant effect on insect presence and rate of decomposition, making it an important factor to consider when calculating a postmortem interval.
A Comparison of Solvent Extract Cleanup Procedures in the Analysis of Organic Explosives
Authors: DeTata David A. , Collins Peter A. , McKinley Allan J.
Published: December 2012

The use of an organic solvent to extract explosive residues from hand swabs and postblast debris inevitably leads to the coextraction of unwanted materials, usually in far greater quantities than any explosive residue. In this study, the extraction efficiency of a number of solvent cleanup procedures including solid‐phase extraction (SPE), adsorbent resins such as Chromosorb‐104, and traditional materials such as silica and Florisil was calculated using a quantitative liquid chromatography–ultraviolet (LC‐UV) detection procedure. The Oasis®HLB cartridge outperformed other cleanup procedures, with analyte recoveries approaching 95%, while the AmberliteXAD‐7 procedure returned the lowest overall recoveries. The matrix rejection ability of each method was then determined using a simulated highly contaminated matrix, with the adsorbent resins showing a higher degree of matrix rejection, which is seen as a reduction in background noise in theUVchromatogram using 210 nm detection.
The Influence of Swabbing Solutions on DNA Recovery from Touch Samples,
Authors: Thomasma Sarah M. , Foran David R.
Published: December 2012

There has been minimal research into how to best obtain DNA from touch samples. Many forensic laboratories simply moisten a swab with water and use it for collecting cells/DNA from evidentiary samples. However, this and other methods have not been objectively studied in order to maximize DNA yields. In this study, fingerprints were collected using swabs moistened with water or laboratory or commercially available detergents, including sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Triton X‐100, Tween 20, Formula 409®, and Simple Green®. Prints were swabbed, DNA isolated using an organic extraction, yields quantified, and relative yields compared. In all cases, the detergent‐based swabbing solutions outperformed water, with SDS and Triton X‐100 producing significant increases in yield. Short tandem repeat profiles were consistent with the individuals that placed them. Subsequent analysis of SDS concentrations for collecting touch DNA demonstrated an increase in DNA yield with increasing SDS concentration, with an optimal concentration of approximately 2%.
Enhancing the Visibility of Injuries with Narrow‐Banded Beams of Light within the Visible Light Spectrum
Authors: Limmen Roxane M. , Ceelen Manon , Reijnders Udo J.L. , Joris Stomp S. , de Keijzer Koos C. , Das Kees
Published: December 2012

The use of narrow‐banded visible light sources in improving the visibility of injuries has been hardly investigated, and studies examining the extent of this improvement are lacking. In this study, narrow‐banded beams of light within the visible light spectrum were used to explore their ability in improving the visibility of external injuries. The beams of light were induced by four crime‐lites®providing narrow‐banded beams of light between 400 and 550 nm. The visibility of the injuries was assessed through specific long‐pass filters supplied with the set of crime‐lites®. Forty‐three percent of the examined injuries improved in visibility by using the narrow‐banded visible light. In addition, injuries were visualized that were not visible or just barely visible to the naked eye. The improvements in visibility were particularly marked with the use of crime‐lites®“violet” and “blue” covering the spectrum between 400–430 and 430–470 nm. The simple noninvasive method showed a great potential contribution in injury examination.
The seven deadly sins of DNA barcoding
Authors: Collins R. A. , Cruickshank R. H.
Published: December 2012

Despite the broad benefits that DNA barcoding can bring to a diverse range of biological disciplines, a number of shortcomings still exist in terms of the experimental design of studies incorporating this approach. One underlying reason for this lies in the confusion that often exists between species discovery and specimen identification, and this is reflected in the way that hypotheses are generated and tested. Although these aims can be associated, they are quite distinct and require different methodological approaches, but their conflation has led to the frequently inappropriate use of commonly used analytical methods such as neighbour‐joining trees, bootstrap resampling and fixed distance thresholds. Furthermore, the misidentification of voucher specimens can also have serious implications for end users of reference libraries such as the Barcode of Life Data Systems, and in this regard we advocate increased diligence in the a priori identification of specimens to be used for this purpose. This commentary provides an assessment of seven deficiencies that we identify as common in the DNA barcoding literature, and outline some potential improvements for its adaptation and adoption towards more reliable and accurate outcomes.
Primary anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the lung presenting with acute atelectasis
Authors: Han Sang Hoon , Maeng Young Hee , Kim Young Sill , Jo Jae Min , Kwon Jung Mi , Kim Woo Kun , Kim Mi Ok
Published: December 2012

Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma only rarely occurs as a primary lung mass. We report a very rare case of primary pulmonary anaplastic large cell lymphoma presenting with acute atelectasis in a 55‐year‐old man. Chest computed tomography revealed a consolidated central mass in the left lung with obstructive pneumonia that had developed into total atelectasis. After a bronchoscopic examination failed to yield a definite diagnosis, supraclavicular lymph node biopsy was performed, revealing an anaplastic large cell lymphoma. This case illustrates the need for rapidly locating a possible biopsy site, other than the primary lung mass itself, and the value of empirical steroid treatment for avoiding devastating exacerbation when aggressive pulmonary lymphoma is suspected.
Dynamics of the Cognitive Procedural Learning in Alcoholics with Korsakoff's Syndrome
Authors: Beaunieux Hélène , Pitel Anne L. , Witkowski Thomas , Vabret François , Viader Fausto , Eustache Francis
Published: December 2012

Background

While procedures acquired before the development of amnesia are likely to be preserved in alcoholic patients with Korsakoff's syndrome, the ability of Korsakoff patients (KS) to learn new cognitive procedures is called in question. According to the Adaptive Control of Thoughts model, learning a new cognitive procedure requires highly controlled processes in the initial cognitive phase, which may be difficult for KS with episodic and working memory deficits. The goals of the present study were to examine the learning dynamics of KS compared with uncomplicated alcoholic patients (AL) and control subjects (CS) and to determine the contribution of episodic and working memory abilities in cognitive procedural learning performance.

Methods

Fourteen KS, 15 AL, and 15 CS were submitted to 40 trials (4 daily learning sessions) of the Tower of Toronto task (disk‐transfer task similar to the tower of Hanoi task) as well as episodic and working memory tasks.

Results

The 10 KS who were able to perform the cognitive procedural learning task obtained lower results than both CS and AL. The cognitive phase was longer in the Korsakoff's syndrome group than in the other 2 groups but did not differ between the 3 groups any more when episodic memory abilities were controlled.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that KS have impaired cognitive procedural learning abilities compared with both AL and CS. Episodic memory deficits observed in KS result in a delayed transition from the cognitive learning phase to more advanced learning phases and, as a consequence, in an absence of automation of the procedure within 40 trials.
Alcohol Abuse and Dependence Among U.S.–Mexico Border and Non‐Border Mexican Americans
Authors: Caetano Raul , Vaeth Patrice A. C. , A. Mills Britain , Rodriguez Lori A.
Published: December 2012

Background

This paper examines the prevalence, the symptom profile, and the drinking and sociodemographic predictors of current (past 12 months) DSM‐IV alcohol abuse and dependence among Mexican Americans living along the U.S.–Mexico border and those living in metropolitan areas away from the border.

Methods

Respondents in the non‐border areas (primarily Houston and Los Angeles) constitute a multistage probability sample (N = 1,288) of these areas, interviewed as part of the 2006 Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey (HABLAS). Respondents in the border area (N = 1,307) constitute a household probability sample of Mexican Americans living on the border. In both surveys, data were collected during computer‐assisted interviews conducted in respondents' homes. The HABLAS and the border sample response rates were 76 and 67%, respectively.

Results

Although bivariate analyses revealed no overall differences between border and non‐border locations, (negative) age trends were more pronounced on the border for male abuse and for dependence among both genders. Among females aged 18 to 29, border residence was linked to significantly higher rates of dependence. In multivariable analyses, the prevalence of male abuse declined more rapidly with age on the border than off the border. Other unique predictors of male abuse were Jewish/other religion and weekly volume of alcohol consumption. Being married or out of the workforce, attaining a higher education, having no religious preference, and weekly volume uniquely predicted female dependence. Age and weekly volume uniquely predicted male dependence.

Conclusions

The prevalence of alcohol use disorders among Mexican Americans on and off the U.S.–Mexico border largely mirrors previously documented patterns of alcohol consumption in these areas. For young Mexican American women in particular, border residence is linked to heightened vulnerability to alcohol dependence.