bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Data‐Driven Approach to Realistic Shape Morphing
Authors: Gao Lin , Lai Yu‐Kun , Huang Qi‐Xing , Hu Shi‐Min
Published: May 2013

Morphing between 3D objects is a fundamental technique in computer graphics. Traditional methods of shape morphing focus on establishing meaningful correspondences and finding smooth interpolation between shapes. Such methods however only take geometric information as input and thus cannot in general avoid producing unnatural interpolation, in particular for large‐scale deformations. This paper proposes a novel data‐driven approach for shape morphing. Given a database with various models belonging to the same category, we treat them as data samples in the plausible deformation space. These models are then clustered to form local shape spaces of plausible deformations. We use a simple metric to reasonably represent the closeness between pairs of models. Given source and target models, the morphing problem is casted as a global optimization problem of finding a minimal distance path within the local shape spaces connecting these models. Under the guidance of intermediate models in the path, an extended as‐rigid‐as‐possible interpolation is used to produce the final morphing. By exploiting the knowledge of plausible models, our approach produces realistic morphing for challenging cases as demonstrated by various examples in the paper.
Sparse Modeling of Intrinsic Correspondences
Authors: Pokrass J. , Bronstein A. M. , Bronstein M. M. , Sprechmann P. , Sapiro G.
Published: May 2013

We present a novel sparse modeling approach to non‐rigid shape matching using only the ability to detect repeatable regions. As the input to our algorithm, we are given only two sets of regions in two shapes; no descriptors are provided so the correspondence between the regions is not know, nor we know how many regions correspond in the two shapes. We show that even with such scarce information, it is possible to establish very accurate correspondence between the shapes by using methods from the field of sparse modeling, being this, the first non‐trivial use of sparse models in shape correspondence. We formulate the problem ofpermuted sparse coding, in which we solve simultaneously for an unknown permutation ordering the regions on two shapes and for an unknown correspondence in functional representation. We also propose a robust variant capable of handling incomplete matches. Numerically, the problem is solved efficiently by alternating the solution of a linear assignment and a sparse coding problem. The proposed methods are evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively on standard benchmarks containing both synthetic and scanned objects.
View‐Dependent Realtime Rendering of Procedural Facades with High Geometric Detail
Authors: Krecklau Lars , Born Janis , Kobbelt Leif
Published: May 2013

We present an algorithm for realtime rendering of large‐scale city models with procedurally generated facades. By using highly detailed assets like windows, doors, and decoration such city models can provide an extremely high geometric level of detail but on the downside they also consist of billions of polygons which makes it infeasible to even store them as explicit polygonal meshes. Moreover, when rendering urban scenes usually only a very small fraction of the city is actually visible which calls for effective culling mechanisms. For procedural textures there are efficient screen space techniques that evaluate, e.g., a split grammar on a per‐pixel basis in the fragment shader and thus render a textured facade in a view dependent manner. We take this idea further by introducing 3D geometric detail in addition to flat textures. Our approach is a two‐pass procedure that first renders a flat procedural facade. During rasterization the fragment shader triggers the instantiation of a detailed asset whenever a geometric facade element is potentially visible. The set of instantiated detail models are then rendered in a second pass. The major challenges arise from the fact that geometric details belonging to a facade can be visible even if the base polygon of the facade itself is not visible. Hence we propose measures to conservatively estimate visibility without introducing excessive redundancy. We further extend our technique by a simple level of detail mechanism that switches to baked textures (of the assets) depending on the distance to the camera. We demonstrate that our technique achieves realtime frame rates for large‐scale city models with massive detail on current commodity graphics hardware.
Analytic Rasterization of Curves with Polynomial Filters
Authors: Manson Josiah , Schaefer Scott
Published: May 2013

We present a method of analytically rasterizing shapes that have curved boundaries and linear color gradients using piecewise polynomial prefilters. By transforming the convolution of filters with the image from an integral over area into a boundary integral, we find closed‐form expressions for rasterizing shapes. We show that a polynomial expression can be used to rasterize any combination of polynomial curves and filters. Our rasterizer also handles rational quadratic boundaries, which allows us to evaluate circles and ellipses. We apply our technique to rasterizing vector graphics and show that our derivation gives an efficient implementation as a scanline rasterizer.
Monitoring the Internet for emerging psychoactive substances available to Australia
Authors: Bruno Raimondo , Poesiat Rosalie , Matthews Allison Jane
Published: May 2013

Introduction and Aims

Novel psychoactive substances are increasingly available, both in traditional storefronts and via the Internet. While some use of such substances has been captured in Australian consumer surveys and wastewater analyses, there is little information about the products that are available to Australia via the Internet.

Design and Methods

Systematic monthly Internet monitoring for emerging psychoactive substances was conducted between July 2011 and July 2012. Webstores identified through searches were examined to determine if they sold stimulant or psychedelic emerging psychoactive substances to Australia. Internet search numbers for these products were examined over time using commercial tools.

Results

In 12 months, 43 unique webstores were identified selling to Australia, averaging two new webstores per month; however, two‐fifths had closed within six months. Over 200 unique chemically unspecified products sold by purported effect (e.g. ‘charge’) were identified over 12 months, averaging 10 new products per month. Almost half of these products had disappeared from the market within six months. Eighty‐six unique chemically specified products (e.g. methylenedioxypyrovalerone) were identified over 12 months, averaging four new novel substances per month. Once released, these products typically remained available, with almost 90% still available for purchase over a 6‐month period. Almost 40 000 searches for these products emanated from Australia per month.

Discussion and Conclusion

This market is fast paced as retailers strive to beat both regulatory processes and competitors. Ongoing attention to these markets, incorporating surveillance of both Internet and traditional storefronts, is crucial as several of the substances identified have demonstrated potential for health and neurological harm. [Bruno R, Poesiat R, Matthews AJ. Monitoring the Internet for emerging psychoactive substances available to Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:541–544]
Predicting locations of rare aquatic species' habitat with a combination of species‐specific and assemblage‐based models
Authors: McKenna James E. , Carlson Douglas M. , Payne‐Wynne Molly L.
Published: May 2013

Aim

Rare aquatic species are a substantial component of biodiversity, and their conservation is a major objective of many management plans. However, they are difficult to assess, and their optimal habitats are often poorly known. Methods to effectively predict the likely locations of suitable rare aquatic species habitats are needed. We combine two modelling approaches to predict occurrence and general abundance of several rare fish species.

Location

Allegheny watershed of western New York State (USA)

Methods

Our method used two empirical neural network modelling approaches (species specific and assemblage based) to predict stream‐by‐stream occurrence and general abundance of rare darters, based on broad‐scale habitat conditions. Species‐specific models were developed for longhead darter (Percina macrocephala), spotted darter (Etheostoma maculatum) and variegate darter (Etheostoma variatum) in the Allegheny drainage. An additional model predicted the type of rare darter‐containing assemblage expected in each stream reach. Predictions from both models were then combined inclusively and exclusively and compared with additional independent data.

Results

Example rare darter predictions demonstrate the method's effectiveness. Models performed well (R2 ≥ 0.79), identified where suitable darter habitat was most likely to occur, and predictions matched well to those of collection sites. Additional independent data showed that the most conservative (exclusive) model slightly underestimated the distributions of these rare darters or predictions were displaced by one stream reach, suggesting that new darter habitat types were detected in the later collections.

Main conclusions

Broad‐scale habitat variables can be used to effectively identify rare species' habitats. Combining species‐specific and assemblage‐based models enhances our ability to make use of the sparse data on rare species and to identify habitat units most likely and least likely to support those species. This hybrid approach may assist managers with the prioritization of habitats to be examined or conserved for rare species.
The value of a datum – how little data do we need for a quantitative risk analysis?
Authors: Leung Brian , Steele Russell J.
Published: May 2013

Aim

Conservation managers are typically faced with limited resources, time and information. The philosophy underlying risk assessment should be robust to these limitations. While there is a broad support for the concept of risk assessments, there is a tendency to rely on expert opinion and exclude formal data analysis, possibly because available information is often scarce. When data analyses are conducted, often much simplified models are advocated, even though this means excluding processes believed by experts to be important. In this manuscript, we ask: should statistical analyses be conducted and decisions modified based on a single datum? How many data points are needed before predictions are meaningful? Given limited data, how complex should models be?

Location

World‐wide.

Methods

We use simulation approaches with known ‘true’ values to assess which inferences are possible, given different amounts of information. We use two metrics of performance: the magnitude of uncertainty (using posterior mean squared error) and bias (using P–P plots). We assess six models of relevance to conservation ecologists.

Results

We show that the greatest reduction in uncertainty occurred at the smallest sample sizes for models examined, and much of parameter space could be excluded. Thus, analyses based on even a single datum potentially can be useful. Further, with only a few observations, the predicted distribution of outcomes matched the probabilities of actual occurrences, even for relatively complex state‐space models with multiple sources of stochasticity.

Main conclusions

We highlight the utility of quantitative analyses even with severely limited data, given existing practices and arguments in the conservation literature. The purpose of our manuscript is in part a philosophical discourse, as modifications are needed to how conservation ecologists are often trained to think about problems and data, and in part a demonstration via simulation analysis.
Ophiostomatoid fungi associated with root‐feeding bark beetles onScots pine inPoland
Authors: Jankowiak R. , Bilański P.
Published: May 2013

Ophiostomatoid fungi are known to be associated with various species of bark beetles. However, information about fungal associates of root‐feeding bark beetles in Europe is still fragmentary. For this reason, the fungal associates ofHylastes ater,H. opacusandHylurgus ligniperdaonPinus sylvestriswere isolated and identified. A total of 743 fungal isolates were collected and separated into 10 morphological groups. Analyses of ITSrDNAand partial β‐tubulin gene sequences confirmed that these groups represented distinct species. The 10 species included a total of 13 associations between fungi and bark beetles that had not been recorded previously. All of the bark beetles examined were frequently associated with ophiostomatoid fungi. The fungal diversity and relative abundance of species were very similar in the three species of root‐feeding bark beetles. The most commonly encountered associates of these beetles wereGrosmannia radiaticola,Leptographium lundbergii,L. procerumandL. truncatum. Insect infestation data furthermore suggest thatHylastesspp. andHg. ligniperdaare also important vectors of the fungal pathogenSphaeropsis sapinea.
Core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia: the impact of age, leukocyte count, molecular findings, and minimal residual disease
Authors: Hoyos Montserrat , Nomdedeu Josep F. , Esteve Jordi , Duarte Rafael , Ribera Josep M. , Llorente Andreu , Escoda Lourdes , Bueno Javier , Tormo Mar , Gallardo David , de Llano Maria Paz Queipo , Martí Josep M. , Aventín Anna , Mangues Ramón , Brunet Salut , Sierra Jorge
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Most patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and genetic rearrangements involving the core binding factor (CBF) have favorable prognosis. In contrast, a minority of them still have a high risk of leukemia recurrence. This study investigated the adverse features of CBF AML that could justify investigational therapeutic approaches.

Patients and methods

One hundred and fifty patients (median age 42 yr, range 16–69) with CBF AML (RUNX1‐RUNX1T1 n = 74; CBFB‐MYH11 n = 76) were prospectively enrolled into two consecutive CETLAM protocols at 19 Spanish institutions. Main clinic and biologic parameters were analyzed in the whole series. In non‐selected cases with available DNA samples, the impact of molecular characterization and minimal residual disease (MRD) was also studied.

Results

Overall, complete remission (CR) rate was 89% (94% in ≤50 yr old and 72% in >50 yr, P = 0.002). At 5 yr, cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) was 26 ± 1%, disease‐free survival (DFS) 62 ± 6%, and overall survival (OS) 66 ± 4%. In multivariate analyses, leukocyte count above 20 × 109/L, BAALC over‐expression, and high copy numbers of RUNX1‐RUNXT1 or CBFB‐MYH11 after induction chemotherapy (CT) led to increased relapse rate. Regarding OS, age >50 yr, leukocyte count above 20 × 109/L, and increased MN1 expression were adverse features.

Conclusion

Age, leukocyte counts, BAALC, and MN1 gene expressions as well as high copy numbers of RUNX1‐RUNXT1 or CBFB‐MYH11 after induction chemotherapy are useful tools to predict the outcome and should be considered for risk‐adapted therapy.
Differences in the distribution of cytogenetic subtypes between multiple myeloma patients with and without a family history of monoclonal gammopathy and multiple myeloma
Authors: Greenberg Alexandra J. , Cousin Margot , Kumar Shaji , Ketterling Rhett P. , Knudson Ryan A. , Larson Dirk , Colby Colin , Scott Christopher , Vachon Celine M. , Vincent Rajkumar S.
Published: May 2013

We previously reported an increased risk of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in first‐degree relatives of MGUS and multiple myeloma patients. Here, we examine whether primary cytogenetic categories of myeloma differ between patients with and without a family history of MGUS or myeloma. We studied 201 myeloma patients with available data on family history and molecular cytogenetic classification. Myeloma with trisomies was more common in probands who had an affected first‐degree relative with MGUS or myeloma compared with those without a family history (46.9% vs. 33.5%, P = 0.125); however, the difference was not statistically significant. Additional studies on the cytogenetic types of myeloma associated with familial tendency are needed.
Spatial variation in landscape‐level CO2 and CH4 fluxes from arctic coastal tundra: influence from vegetation, wetness, and the thaw lake cycle
Authors: Sturtevant Cove S. , Oechel Walter C.
Published: May 2013

Regional quantification of arctic CO2 and CH4 fluxes remains difficult due to high landscape heterogeneity coupled with a sparse measurement network. Most of the arctic coastal tundra near Barrow, Alaska is part of the thaw lake cycle, which includes current thaw lakes and a 5500‐year chronosequence of vegetated thaw lake basins. However, spatial variability in carbon fluxes from these features remains grossly understudied. Here, we present an analysis of whole‐ecosystem CO2 and CH4 fluxes from 20 thaw lake cycle features during the 2011 growing season. We found that the thaw lake cycle was largely responsible for spatial variation in CO2 flux, mostly due to its control on gross primary productivity (GPP). Current lakes were significant CO2 sources that varied little. Vegetated basins showed declining GPP and CO2 sink with age (R2 = 67% and 57%, respectively). CH4 fluxes measured from a subset of 12 vegetated basins showed no relationship with age or CO2 flux components. Instead, higher CH4 fluxes were related to greater landscape wetness (R2 = 57%) and thaw depth (additional R2 = 28%). Spatial variation in CO2 and CH4 fluxes had good satellite remote sensing indicators, and we estimated the region to be a small CO2 sink of −4.9 ± 2.4 (SE) g C m−2 between 11 June and 25 August, which was countered by a CH4 source of 2.1 ± 0.2 (SE) g C m−2. Results from our scaling exercise showed that developing or validating regional estimates based on single tower sites can result in significant bias, on average by a factor 4 for CO2 flux and 30% for CH4 flux. Although our results are specific to the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, the degree of landscape‐scale variability, large‐scale controls on carbon exchange, and implications for regional estimation seen here likely have wide relevance to other arctic landscapes.
Net primary productivity and rain‐use efficiency as affected by warming, altered precipitation, and clipping in a mixed‐grass prairie
Authors: Xu Xia , Sherry Rebecca A. , Niu Shuli , Li Dejun , Luo Yiqi
Published: May 2013

Grassland productivity in response to climate change and land use is a global concern. In order to explore the effects of climate change and land use on net primary productivity (NPP), NPP partitioning [fBNPP, defined as the fraction of belowground NPP (BNPP) to NPP], and rain‐use efficiency (RUE) of NPP, we conducted a field experiment with warming (+3 °C), altered precipitation (double and half), and annual clipping in a mixed‐grass prairie in Oklahoma, USA since July, 2009. Across the years, warming significantly increased BNPP, fBNPP, and RUEBNPP by an average of 11.6%, 2.8%, and 6.6%, respectively. This indicates that BNPP was more sensitive to warming than aboveground NPP (ANPP) since warming did not change ANPP and RUEANPP much. Double precipitation stimulated ANPP, BNPP, and NPP but suppressed RUEANPP, RUEBNPP, and RUENPP while half precipitation decreased ANPP, BNPP, and NPP but increased RUEANPP, RUEBNPP, and RUENPP. Clipping interacted with altered precipitation in impacting RUEANPP, RUEBNPP, and RUENPP, suggesting land use could confound the effects of precipitation changes on ecosystem processes. Soil moisture was found to be a main factor in regulating variation in ANPP, BNPP, and NPP while soil temperature was the dominant factor influencing fBNPP. These findings suggest that BNPP is critical point to future research. Additionally, results from single‐factor manipulative experiments should be treated with caution due to the non‐additive interactive effects of warming with altered precipitation and land use (clipping).
Measurement structure of the caregiver burden scale: Findings from a national community survey in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Linen Nymphas , Wu Shwu‐Chong
Published: May 2013

Aim

There is no appropriate understanding of community family caregiver burden. The object of the present study was to evaluate the measurement structure of a caregiver burden scale from a nationally representative Taiwanese community sample.

Methods

Data from nationally representative subjects completing face‐to‐face interviews on caregiver burden were analyzed. A total of 9020 primary adult family caregivers were enrolled. All of the valid respondents were equally divided into three subsamples. The first sample was used to explore the factor structure of burden scale. The second sample was used to validate the factor structure. The third sample was used to verify the adequacy and stability of the factor structures developed in the former steps.

Results

A total of 8826 valid data were included for analysis. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis identified the four‐factor, 15‐item Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS‐15) in the present study. The extracted four factors were predominantly accounted for by the items measuring “burden of time,” “relational burden,” “financial burden” and “emotional burden”. All the goodness‐of‐fit indices reported for this model were acceptable.

Conclusion

The present study supports the usefulness of the CBS‐15 as a tool to understand the measurement structure of burden in a nationally representative Taiwanese community family caregivers sample. The CBS‐15 can be used to identify community caregiver needs. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 176–184.
Predicting clinical instability of older patients in post‐acute care units: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Lee Wei‐Ju , Chou Ming‐Yueh , Peng Li‐Ning , Liang Chih‐Kuang , Liu Li‐Kuo , Liu Chien‐Liang , Chen Liang‐Kung , Wu Yung‐Hung ,   VAIC Study Group
Published: May 2013

Aim

Although patients admitted to post‐acute care (PAC) units are usually clinically stable, unexpected medical conditions requiring acute ward readmissions still occur and can jeopardize the clinical effectiveness of PAC services. The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate predictive factors for clinical instability of patients in PAC units to improve the quality of PAC services.

Methods

This was a nationwide multicenter cohort study that recruited patients from five PAC units in Taiwan between July 2007 and June 2009. All patients received the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) within 72 h of PAC unit admissions. Conditions requiring acute ward re‐admissions from PAC units were defined as clinical instability. Causes of clinical instability for all patients and data of CGA were collected for analysis.

Results

Of 918 enrolled participants, 119 (12.9%) experienced acute ward readmissions, including 106 (89.1%) admissions related to medical conditions and 13 (10.9%) for surgical causes. Common conditions included diseases of the respiratory system (n = 32, 26.9%), genitourinary system (n = 24, 20.2%) and digestive system (n = 14, 11.8%). Surgical conditions, mainly fractures and dislocation of upper limbs, were significantly more likely to occur later (P = 0.05) in the PAC unit admissions than medical conditions. Compared with the non‐readmission group, the readmission group was leaner (mean body mass index 21.1 ± 2.8 vs 22.0 ± 3.8 kg/m2, P = 0.007), having poorer functional status (mean Barthel Index 41.0 ± 19.4 vs 45.4 ± 20.3, P = 0.02; mean IADL: 1.3 ± 1.6 vs 1.7 ± 1.8, P = 0.016), poorer cognitive function (mean Mini‐Mental State Examination: 16.8 ± 6.4 vs 18.3 ± 6.4, P = 0.022), poorer ambulation (mean Timed Up & Go test 32.7 ± 18.7 vs 26.6 ± 11.7 s, P = 0.039) and poorer nutritional status (mean Mini‐Nutrition Assessment 13.3 ± 5.7 vs 15.4 ± 5.8, P < 0.001), but similar in depression status (mean Geriatric Depression Score 3.7 ± 3.3 vs 3.4 ± 2.8, P = 0.247). In multivariate logistical regression model, lower Mini‐Mental State Examination score was the only independent predictor for clinical instability (odds ratio 3.8, 95% confidence interval 1.348–10.870, P = 0.012).

Conclusion

Approximately 13% of PAC patients might experience acute ward readmissions, and nearly 90% of them are caused by medical conditions. Poor cognitive function is a significant predictive factor for clinical instability in PAC, which deserves more clinical attention for all PAC patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 267–272..
Women's experiences with information provision and deciding about fertility preservation in the Netherlands: ‘satisfaction in general, but unmet needs’
Authors: Garvelink Mirjam M. , ter Kuile Moniek M. , Bakker Rinske M. , Geense Willemijn J. , Jenninga Esther , Louwé Leoni A. , Hilders Carina G. J. M. , Stiggelbout Anne M.
Published: May 2013

Objective

It is not well‐known how women receiving counselling consultation about fertility preservation (FP) in the Netherlands perceive the information provision about and referral for FP in the oncology setting. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore women's experiences with the (process of) information provision about the gonadotoxic effects of cancer treatment and about FP and the decision‐making process and to obtain their recommendation for improvements.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with female patients with cancer who had received a counselling consultation on FP (at 18–40 years of age).

Results

Thirty‐four interviews were held (response rate 64%). Information provision was considered to be important. Overall, women were satisfied with the timing and the content of the information, but women were less positive about the need to be assertive to get information, and the multiplicity of decisions and actions to be carried out in a very short time frame.

Conclusions

Information provision on gonadotoxic effects of cancer treatment and about FP was overall deemed sufficient, timely and important. Women recommended standardization of the information provision, improvement of communication among clinicians and medical centres, and availability of FP‐specific patient information materials to improve future information provision processes.
Cell counting of body fluids: comparison between three automated haematology analysers and the manual microscope method
Authors: Danise P. , Maconi M. , Rovetti A. , Avino D. , Di Palma A. , Gerardo Pirofalo M. , Esposito C.
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Haematological analysis of body fluids (BF) specimens can provide clinicians with valuable diagnostic information because it can indicate one of several serious medical conditions. Although up to now the microscopic counting and the differentiation of WBC in a BF smear have been used as a reference. The introduction of semiautomated and automated methods of analysis has reduced interoperator variability and improved turnaround time and precision. The aim of our study was to evaluate the accuracy and the correlation between the three methods and with the reference method.

Methods

We examined 110 body fluid samples. Total counting of each sample has been conducted with all systems: Pentra DX120, ADVIA 2120 and XE‐2100 and the manual method.

Results

We found statistically significant correlation between the data obtained in the ascitic and pleuric liquid but not in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Conclusion

The introduction of automated method for BF analysis is more and more useful in the routine job of a laboratory analysis. It is therefore very important to evaluate the performance of the different automated haematology technologies, because there is a lack of literature in this field. The comparison between the Pentra DX 120, the other technologies and the manual counting showed instrumental overlapping capabilities.
The Piacevoli Notti of Giambattista Casali: diplomats and fairy tales in early modern Italy
Authors: Williams Megan K.
Published: May 2013

Published at Venice between 1551 and 1553, Giovanfrancesco Straparola's collection of fairy tales, novelle, riddles and madrigals, Le piacevoli notti, proved a European best‐seller. In the collection's loose framing narrative, set during carnival in 1530s Venice, the first tale of the final night is recounted by English ambassador to Venice, Giambattista Casali (c.1494/95–1536). Straparola's frametale has been read chiefly to illuminate the fairy tales; this article employs it to trace a set of elite Venetian social institutions and networks into which Casali successfully interpolated himself over the course of his 1526–35 embassy. Casali's initially unlikely inclusion in the Piacevoli notti demonstrates the immense practical significance of those networks to his diplomatic credibility and efficacy. Crucial to Casali's diplomatic career was his building up of political credit through informal sociability and through brokering cultural patronage between Venice, his native cities of Bologna and Rome, and the courts of Mantua, England, or Hungary. In highlighting the value of informal sociability for Renaissance diplomats such as Casali, the article contributes to calls for a broader conception of politics in the historiography of early modern diplomacy.
Incorporation of Potential Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum Isolated from Fermented Cocoa Beans into Dark Chocolate: Bacterial Viability and Physicochemical Properties Analysis
Authors: Foong Yei Jin , Lee Shoo Thien , Ramli Nazaruddin , Tan Yen Nee , Ayob Mohd Khan
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this study was to develop a chocolate product incorporating a potential probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from fermented cocoa beans. L. plantarum was successfully isolated and its identity was 99.9% confirmed via the phenotypic API 50 CHL system, microscopic and biochemical analyses. The organism was then incorporated into dark chocolate confectionery. A reduction in L. plantarum colony count was observed after 3 months storage at 4C from the initial 8 log cfu/g to 6.5 log cfu/g (81.25% survival). Probiotic dark chocolate was found to be more viscous than control dark chocolate (without live cells), but of similar hardness (with the exception of samples on day 56, 70 and 84 of storage), pH, color (L*, a* and b* values) and water activity (Aw). Overall, dark chocolate is suitable for use as a carrier for the potential probiotic L. plantarum isolated from fermented cocoa beans.

Practical Applications

The lipid fraction of cocoa butter is believed to contain high levels of protective ingredients. Thus, it is possible to use chocolate as a carrier for probiotics as chocolate was proven an excellent carrier for oral delivery of a probiotic mixture of L. helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum. In this study, dark chocolate was tested as a carrier for the oral delivery of a potential probiotic L. plantarum isolated from fermented cocoa beans. The findings not only demonstrate the feasibility of dark chocolate as a carrier for Lactobacillus species, but also contribute to the search for new strains of Lactobacillus probiotics. This information will be useful in developing and fulfilling the growing demand for functional foods with specific health functions in the future.
A qualitative study of hospital patients' understanding of health promotion
Authors: Shoqirat Noordeen , Cameron Shona
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectives

To examine hospital patients' understanding of health promotion in Jordan.

Background

Increasingly, hospital nurses are urged to promote patients' health and meet their needs. Yet, internationally, little is known about how patients themselves understand health promotion, and no Jordanian study has been undertaken in this area.

Design

A qualitative design was used.

Methods

Focus group discussions (n = 4) were undertaken with hospital patients. All discussions were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative thematic analysis.

Results

Three images of health promotion emerged. These include health promotion as having adequate health knowledge, economic independency and good environment. It was also found that gender and spirituality affected patients' conceptualisations.

Conclusions

Hospital patients' understanding and expectations of health promotion are complex and go beyond the disease management approach. Therefore, if health promotion is to meet patients' needs and operate at empowerment and socio‐economic levels, the images identified in this article should be considered. The study limitations and recommendations for practice and future research are also outlined.

Relevance to clinical practice

There is a need for a framework of health promotion that integrates patients' beliefs in general and particularly those related to religion and gender roles within the daily philosophy of care. Having achieved this, hospital nurses will be able to deliver culturally competent and wide‐reaching health promotion.
The validation and application of the Chinese version of perceived nursing work environment scale
Authors: Zhao Peng , Chen Fen Ju , Hui Jia Xiao , Lv Hui , Cheng Piao Piao , Zhang Li Ping
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectives

To improve the development of the Chinese version of Perceived Nursing Work Environment (C‐PNWE) scale by examination and application and to explore the nurses' perception of their working environment in a hospital.

Background

The C‐PNWE scale was translated and revised from the PNWE scale. The least of perfection is that the development of C‐PNWE ignored that the psychometric properties of the PNWE instrument were established of critical care nurses and further application and testing of the PNWE in various patient care settings were recommended.

Design

This is a cross‐sectional design. Nurses from different departments of a hospital were sampled by convenience sampling and investigated by self‐administrated questionnaire.

Methods

Data obtained through questionnaires were analysed by descriptive statistical analyses and profile analyses using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Chinese version 17.0 software.

Results

The coincident and level profile analyses indicated that these groups can merge into one group, and the profile of measurement result of this merged group would not exhibit flatness. Among six dimensions of C‐PNWE scale, the Staffing and Resource Adequacy got the lowest average score. Among 41 items, ‘Opportunity for staff nurse to participate in policy decisions’ got the lowest mean.

Conclusions

The C‐PNWE scale shows good psychometric properties and can be used to explore nurses' perspectives of the nursing practice environment in China. And the situation of nurses' perceived working environment in China needs further study.

Relevance to clinical practice

Shaping nursing practice environments to promote desired outcomes requires valid and reliable measures to assess practice environments prior to, during and following efforts to implement change. The C‐PNWE scale can be a useful measurement tool for administrators to improve the nursing work environment in China.
The effects of schema on recognition memories and subjective experiences for actions and objects
Authors: Yamada Ryoma , Itsukushima Yukio
Published: May 2013

We examined how the schema affects recognition memories and subjective experiences for actions and objects. First, participants watched consecutive slides that described a man in the kitchen. In the slides, the man performed schema‐consistent actions and schema‐inconsistent actions, and schema‐consistent objects and schema‐inconsistent objects were left in the kitchen space. After watching the slides, participants completed a recognition test, a remember/know test, and a Perception/Thought/Emotion/Context questionnaire. For objects, the discrimination between targets and distracters was more accurate for schema‐inconsistent items than for schema‐consistent items, owing to perceptual, thought, and emotional recollections for schema‐inconsistent object targets. For actions, schema‐consistent targets were more frequently recognized than schema‐inconsistent targets, with more remember judgments based on perceptual and contextual recollections. While item‐specific information of schema‐inconsistent targets could be elaborated for objects, the perceptual details and the contextual relationship of schema‐consistent targets could be elaborated for actions. We also found less false recognitions for schema‐consistent action distracters than for schema‐consistent object distracters. The retrieval of the perceptual details of schema‐consistent action targets could prevent false recognitions for schema‐consistent action distracters.
Clinical Evaluation and Endoscopic Classification of Bronchomalacia in Dogs
Authors: Bottero E. , Bellino C. , De Lorenzi D. , Ruggiero P. , Tarducci A. , D'Angelo A. , Gianella P.
Published: May 2013

Background

Little information is available about the association between bronchomalacia and historical or clinicopathologic data. Also, studies applying an endoscopic classification scheme that differentiates between static and dynamic bronchial collapse and based on a scoring system are lacking.

Objectives

To describe the clinical presentation of bronchomalacia in dogs, to classify endoscopic findings, and to evaluate associations among historical, clinicopathologic data, and endoscopic findings.

Animals

Fifty‐nine client‐owned dogs with an endoscopic diagnosis of bronchomalacia.

Methods

In this retrospective study, medical records were analyzed and video documentation was reviewed to assign a score to endoscopic findings. Univariate analysis was performed on categorical variables organized in contingency tables, and a stepwise logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis.

Results

Of the 59 dogs included in the study, 2 were affected by static bronchial collapse (SBC), 35 by dynamic bronchial collapse (DBC), and 22 by bothSBCandDBC. The association betweenSBCandDBCwas more frequently seen in the dogs with higher body weight, pulmonary hypertension, a bronchial type of radiographic pattern, and nodularity at endoscopic examination. Thirty‐one dogs were presented with tracheomalacia and bronchomalacia; an association emerged between these concurrent disorders in dogs living indoors. Multivariate analysis of the endoscopic scores showed a correlation betweenDBCseverity and cough duration.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Results of this study provide evidence for 2 different types of bronchial collapse. Endoscopic scoring scheme has proved to be promising in the bronchomalacia classification, although further evaluation of its applicability in larger canine populations is needed.
Chromium isotope anomaly in an impactite sample from the El'gygytgyn structure, Russia: Evidence for a ureilite projectile?
Authors: Foriel Julien , Moynier Frederic , Schulz Toni , Koeberl Christian
Published: May 2013

The 3.6 Ma, 18‐km‐diameter El'gygytgyn impact structure (Arctic Russia) is unique among the currently known terrestrial impact craters in that it is the only one that was formed in acid volcanic rocks. Previous analyses of impactites from El'gygytgyn showed minor enrichments of the siderophile elements, including Ir, which, together with distinct Cr enrichments, gave rise to speculation that an achondritic projectile was involved. We studied the major and trace element composition in samples from the new ICDP drill core obtained near the center of the structure, as well as the chromium isotopic composition of an impact glass sample collected on the surface. Several suevitic breccias from the upper part of the suevite sequence in the drill core show higher Cr and Ni contents compared with felsic volcanic rocks in the lower part of the core and from surface samples. However, it is difficult to unambiguously establish a meteoritic component from trace element data, as input from (rare) mafic target rocks is a possibility. In contrast, the Cr isotopic composition of the impact glass sample yielded a nonterrestrial ε54Cr value of −0.72 ± 0.31 (2 std. err.). This negative ε54Cr is different from known carbonaceous chondrite values (ε54Cr of +0.95 to +1.65), but is nearly identical to reported values for ureilites (approximately −0.77). The value is, however, also within analytical error of eucrites (approximately −0.38) and ordinary chondrites (approximately −0.42). Given the chemical signatures found in previous analyses of El'gytgytgyn impactites and the similarity of our Cr isotopic data to ureilites, we suggest that the impacting asteroid could have been an F‐type asteroid of mixed composition, similar to the recent Almahata Sitta fall in Sudan.
Peanut‐based ready‐to‐use therapeutic food: how acceptable and tolerated is it among malnourished pregnant and lactating women in Bangladesh?
Authors: Ali Engy , Zachariah Rony , Shams Zubair , Manzi Marcel , Akter Tajmary , Alders Petra , Allaouna Malik , Delchevalerie Pascale , Harries Anthony.D.
Published: May 2013

Within a Medecins Sans Frontieres's nutrition programme in Kamrangirchar slum, Dhaka, Bangladesh this study was conducted to assess the acceptability of a peanut‐based ready‐to‐use therapeutic food (RUTF) – Plumpy'nut® (PPN) among malnourished pregnant and lactating women (PLW). This was a cross‐sectional survey using semi‐structure questionnaire that included all PLW admitted in the nutrition programme, who were either malnourished or at risk of malnutrition and who had received PPN for at least 4 weeks. A total of 248 women were interviewed of whom 99.6% were at risk of malnutrition. Overall, 212 (85%) perceived a therapeutic benefit. Despite this finding, 193 (78%) women found PPN unacceptable, of whom 12 (5%) completely rejected it after 4 weeks of intake. Reasons for unacceptability included undesirable taste (60%) and unwelcome smell (43%) – more than half of the latter was due to the peanut‐based smell. Overall, 39% attributed side effects to PPN intake including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal distension and pain. Nearly 80% of women felt a need to improve PPN – 82% desiring a change in taste and 48% desiring a change in smell. Overall, only 146 (59%) understood the illustrated instructions on the package. Despite a perceived beneficial therapeutic effect, only two in 10 women found PPN acceptable for nutritional rehabilitation. We urge nutritional agencies and manufacturers to intensify their efforts towards developing more RUTF alternatives that have improved palatability and smell for adults and that have adequate therapeutic contents for treating malnourished PLW in Bangladesh.
Dynamic responses of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron during growth on glycan mixtures
Authors: Rogers Theresa E. , Pudlo Nicholas A. , Koropatkin Nicole M. , Bell Joshua S. K. , Moya Balasch Monica , Jasker Kevin , Martens Eric C.
Published: May 2013

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (Bt) is a human colonic symbiont that degrades many different complex carbohydrates (glycans), the identities and amounts of which are likely to change frequently and abruptly from meal‐to‐meal. To understand how this organism reacts to dynamic growth conditions, we challenged it with a series of different glycan mixtures and measured responses involved in glycan catabolism. Our results demonstrate that individual Bt cells can simultaneously respond to multiple glycans and that responses to new glycans are extremely rapid. The presence of alternative carbohydrates does not alter response kinetics, but reduces expression of some glycan utilization genes as well as the cell's sensitivity to glycans that are present in lower concentration. Growth in a mixture containing 12 different glycans revealed that Bt preferentially uses some before others. This metabolic hierarchy is not changed by prior exposure to lower priority glycans because re‐introducing high priority substrates late in culture re‐initiates repression of genes involved in degrading those with lower priority. At least some carbohydrate prioritization effects occur at the level of monosaccharide recognition. Our results provide insight into how a bacterial glycan generalist modifies its responses in dynamic glycan environments and provide essential knowledge to interpret related metabolic behaviour in vivo.
The ferrous iron transporter FtrABCD is required for the virulence of Brucella abortus 2308 in mice
Authors: Elhassanny Ahmed E. M. , Anderson Eric S. , Menscher Evan A. , Roop R. Martin
Published: May 2013

Iron transport has been linked to the virulence of Brucella strains in both natural and experimental hosts. The genes designated BAB2_0837–0840 in the Brucella abortus 2308 genome sequence are predicted to encode a CupII‐type ferrous iron transporter homologous to the FtrABCD transporter recently described in Bordetella. To study the role of the Brucella FtrABCD in iron transport, an isogenic ftrA mutant was constructed from B. abortus 2308. Compared with the parental strain, the B. abortus ftrA mutant displays a decreased capacity to use non‐haem iron sources in vitro, a growth defect in a low iron medium that is enhanced at pH 6, and studies employing radiolabelled FeCl3 confirmed that FtrABCD transports ferrous iron. Transcription of the ftrA gene is induced in B. abortus 2308 in response to iron deprivation and exposure to acid pH, and similar to other Brucella iron acquisition genes that have been examined the iron‐responsiveness of ftrA is dependent upon the iron response regulator Irr. The B. abortus ftrA mutant exhibits significant attenuation in both cultured murine macrophages and experimentally infected mice, supporting the proposition that ferrous iron is a critical iron source for these bacteria in the mammalian host.
Performance of the Framingham Risk Score in patients receiving hemodialysis
Authors: Huang Jiun‐Chi , Chen Szu‐Chia , Su Ho‐Ming , Chang Jer‐Ming , Hwang Shang‐Jyh , Chen Hung‐Chun
Published: May 2013

Aim

The Framingham Risk Score (FRS), calculated by considering conventional risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, was developed to predict coronary heart disease in various populations. However, reverse epidemiology has been raised concerning these risk factors in predicting high cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients. Our objectives are to determine whether FRS is associated with overall and cardiovascular mortality and the role of new risk markers when they were added to a FRS model in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

This study enrolled 201 hemodialysis patients aged 20–80 years old. The FRS is used to identify individuals categorized as low (<6% 10‐year risk), intermediate (6–20% risk) or high risk (>20% risk). Medical records were reviewed to collect clinical information. Data of ankle‐brachial index (ABI) and brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were obtained by an ABI‐form device.

Results

The mean follow‐up period was 4.4 ± 1.5 years. Intermediate risk predicted overall hazard ratio (HR) (2.157, P = 0.039) and cardiovascular mortality (HR= 5.023; P = 0.004) versus low risk, but ‘high’ risk did not. High risk (vs low risk) predicted cardiovascular events (HR = 2.458, P = 0.05). Besides, the addition of ABI < 0.9 (P = 0.021) and baPWV (P = 0.014) to a FRS model significantly improved the predictive value for overall mortality.

Conclusion

In hemodialysis patients, intermediate risk but not high risk categorization by FRS predicted overall and cardiovascular mortality, and high risk predicted cardiovascular events. ABI < 0.9 and baPWV provided additional predictive values for overall mortality. Future study is needed to develop hemodialysis‐specific equations and assess whether risk refinement using ABI < 0.9 and baPWV leads to a meaningful change in clinical outcomes.