bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral health and dental care in aged care facilities in New South Wales, Australia. Part 3 concordance between residents’ perceptions and a professional dental examination
Authors: Webb Bettine C , Whittle Terry , Schwarz Eli
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To determine the perceptions of dental care held by the residents in aged care facilities (ACFs) in New South Wales (NSW) and to compare these perceptions with clinical observations.

Background

No specific data exist relating to NSW residents’ perceptions of dental care compared with a clinical examination. Planning for appropriate oral health programs in ACFs necessitate such data.

Materials and methods

Four Area Health Services of Sydney and 25 low care ACFs were selected from which representative residents were sampled who completed a survey and underwent a basic dental examination.

Results

Of the subjects (25 males, 96 females), 76.9% had never received a dental visit as entering the ACF; 14.1% suffered from dental pain; 69.4% wore dentures and of these 18.3% required assistance in cleaning. Dentures were cleaned twice/day in 54.9% of cases. Natural teeth were reported present in 71.9% of residents, and 85.1% did not require assistance in cleaning. Appropriate dental care facilities and dry mouth were most frequent problems highlighted. Clinical examinations showed that 69% were denture wearers; oral hygiene and denture hygiene were considered good in 15.7% of cases. A high level of concordance existed between self‐reports and examination.

Conclusions

Increased awareness about oral health across leadership, caregivers and residents with appropriate dental health education and dedicated space within facilities would provide a much needed improvement for addressing oral health issues of the ACF residents. This might be the right time to plan for the future challenges that will need to be met by the NSW care system.
Density and isothermal compressibility of supercritical H2O–NaCl fluid: molecular dynamics study from 673 to 2000 K, 0.2 to 2 GPa, and 0 to 22 wt% NaCl concentrations
Authors: Sakuma H. , Ichiki M.
Published: March 2015

We report on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for predicting the density and isothermal compressibility of an H2O–NaCl fluid as a function of temperature (673–2000 K), pressure (0.2–2.0 GPa), and salt concentration (0.0–21.9 wt%). The atomistic behavior was analyzed via the hydration number of ions and number of ion pairs. Hydration numbers of Na+ and Cl− increased with increasing pressure and decreasing temperature. Conversely, the fraction of Na–Cl ion pairs increased with decreasing pressure and increasing temperature. This hydration and association behavior is consistent with the low dielectric constant of H2O under these conditions. The presence of polynuclear clusters of Na–Cl was confirmed at high temperatures, low pressures, and high salt concentrations. We propose a purely empirical equation of state (EoS) for H2O–NaCl fluids under high temperatures and pressures that should be useful for estimating the fluid distribution in Earth's crust and upper mantle in relation to effects on earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
How Affect Relates to Entrepreneurship: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Research Agenda
Authors: Delgado García Juan Bautista , De Quevedo Puente Esther , Blanco Mazagatos Virginia
Published: March 2015

The study of how affect relates to entrepreneurship has become a relevant topic of research in recent years. Unfortunately, such rapid developments have led to theoretical inconsistencies and empirical gaps that could result in an incomplete understanding of entrepreneurship's affective dimensions. To address these issues and motivate future work, the authors conducted a systematic review of 65 articles on the role of affect in entrepreneurship. The results show that research has focused on the valence facet of affect, has paid little attention to affect's role beyond the individual level of analysis, and has devoted more attention to the consequences of affect than to its antecedents. The results also show that unbalanced attention has been paid to affect's role in different stages of the entrepreneurial process. Building on these analyses, the authors propose a research agenda that not only encourages investigations of previously overlooked topics and facets of affect, but also stresses the potential of examining competing cognitive and non‐cognitive arguments relating to affect's role. The authors also encourage future investigations of affect's role across levels of analysis and stages of the entrepreneurial process.
Feasibility and accuracy of computational robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy planning by virtual partial nephrectomy analysis
Authors: Isotani Shuji , Shimoyama Hirofumi , Yokota Isao , China Toshiyuki , Hisasue Shin‐ichi , Ide Hisamitsu , Muto Satoru , Yamaguchi Raizo , Ukimura Osamu , Horie Shigeo
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of virtual partial nephrectomy analysis, including a color‐coded three‐dimensional virtual surgical planning and a quantitative functional analysis, in predicting the surgical outcomes of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy.

Methods

Between 2012 and 2014, 20 patients underwent virtual partial nephrectomy analysis before undergoing robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy. Virtual partial nephrectomy analysis was carried out with the following steps: (i) evaluation of the arterial branch for selective clamping by showing the vascular‐supplied area; (ii) simulation of the optimal surgical margin in precise segmented three‐dimensional model for prediction of collecting system opening; and (iii) detailed volumetric analyses and estimates of postoperative renal function based on volumetric change. At operation, the surgeon identified the targeted artery and determined the surgical margin according to the virtual partial nephrectomy analysis. The surgical outcomes between the virtual partial nephrectomy analysis and the actual robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy were compared.

Results

All 20 patients had negative cancer surgical margins and no urological complications. The tumor‐specific renal arterial supply areas were shown in color‐coded three‐dimensional model visualization in all cases. The prediction value of collecting system opening was 85.7% for sensitivity and 100% for specificity. The predicted renal resection volume was significantly correlated with actual resected specimen volume (r2 = 0.745, P < 0.001). The predicted estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly correlated with actual postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (r2 = 0.736, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Virtual partial nephrectomy analysis is able to provide the identification of tumor‐specific renal arterial supply, prediction of collecting system opening and prediction of postoperative renal function. This technique might allow urologists to compare various arterial clamping methods and resection margins with surgical outcomes in a non‐invasive manner.
Blissfully ignorant: the effects of general privacy concerns, general institutional trust, and affect in the privacy calculus
Authors: Kehr Flavius , Kowatsch Tobias , Wentzel Daniel , Fleisch Elgar
Published: March 2015

Existing research on information privacy has mostly relied on the privacy calculus model, which views privacy‐related decision‐making as a rational process where individuals weigh the anticipated risks of disclosing personal data against the potential benefits. In this research, we develop an extension to the privacy calculus model, arguing that the situation‐specific assessment of risks and benefits is bounded by (1) pre‐existing attitudes or dispositions, such as general privacy concerns or general institutional trust, and (2) limited cognitive resources and heuristic thinking. An experimental study, employing two samples from the USA and Switzerland, examined consumer responses to a new smartphone application that collects driving behavior data and provided converging support for these predictions. Specifically, the results revealed that a situation‐specific assessment of risks and benefits fully mediates the effect of dispositional factors on information disclosure. In addition, the results showed that privacy assessment is influenced by momentary affective states, indicating that consumers underestimate the risks of information disclosure when confronted with a user interface that elicits positive affect.
Illuminating the underground: the reality of unauthorised file sharing
Authors: Beekhuyzen Jenine , von Hellens Liisa , Nielsen Sue
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a new conceptualisation of online communities by exploring how an online community forms and is maintained. Many stakeholders in the music industry rightly point out that unauthorised file sharing is illegal, so why do so many people feel it is acceptable to download music without paying? Our study found highly cohesive, well‐organised groups that were motivated by scarcity and the lack of high quality music files. Our ethnographic research provides insight into the values and beliefs of music file sharers: their demands are not currently being met. Using Actor‐network theory, we are able to propose that the file sharers represent a growing potential market in the music industry and that music distribution systems should be developed accordingly to meet the demands of this user group. Therefore, this study can serve as a springboard for understanding unauthorised file sharing and perhaps other deviant behaviours using technology.
Morphological and Physiological Responses of Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and Chicory (Cichorium intybus) to Water Stress and Defoliation Frequency
Authors: Cranston L. M. , Kenyon P. R. , Morris S. T. , Lopez‐Villalobos N. , Kemp P. D.
Published: March 2015

Plants are often subjected to periods of water stress. There are little data examining the effect of water stress on the forage species Plantago lanceolata and Cichorium intybus. In two pot experiments with P. lanceolata and C. intybus, morphological responses under optimum, dry, and very‐dry water treatments with weekly, fortnightly and 3‐weekly defoliation intervals and physiological responses under optimum and very‐dry water treatments were measured. A third experiment compared the rooting depths of P. lanceolata and C. intybus under field conditions. These findings suggest that both P. lanceolata and C. intybus can survive and continue to grow under water stress conditions with the main differences between the two species being attributable to morphological characteristics (root mass, taproot diameter and shoot mass fraction) rather than differences at a physiological level. Overall, the results suggest plantain may be more productive under moderate drought due to its greater shoot mass fraction, whereas chicory may be more productive and persistent under severe drought due to its greater root mass, taproot diameter and root depth under field conditions.
Diamond in metasedimentary crustal rocks from Pohorje, Eastern Alps: a window to deep continental subduction
Authors: Janák M. , Froitzheim N. , Yoshida K. , Sasinková V. , Nosko M. , Kobayashi T. , Hirajima T. , Vrabec M.
Published: March 2015

We report the first finding of diamond and moissanite in metasedimentary crustal rocks of Pohorje Mountains (Slovenia) in the Austroalpine ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) metamorphic terrane of the Eastern Alps. Microscopic observations and Raman spectroscopy show that diamond occurs in situ as inclusions in garnet, being heterogeneously distributed. Under the optical microscope, diamond‐bearing inclusions are of cuboidal to rounded shape and of pinkish, yellow to brownish colour. The Raman spectra of the investigated diamond show a sharp, first order peak of sp3‐bonded carbon, in most cases centred between 1332 and 1330 cm−1, with a full width at half maximum between 3 and 5 cm−1. Several spectra show Raman bands typical for disordered graphitic (sp2‐bonded) carbon. Detailed observations show that diamond occurs either as a monomineralic, single‐crystal inclusion or it is associated with SiC (moissanite), CO2 and CH4 in polyphase inclusions. This rare record of diamond occurring with moissanite as fluid‐inclusion daughter minerals implies the crystallization of diamond and moissanite from a supercritical fluid at reducing conditions. Thermodynamic modelling suggests that diamond‐bearing gneisses attained P–T conditions of ≥3.5 GPa and 800–850 °C, similar to eclogites and garnet peridotites. We argue that diamond formed when carbonaceous sediment underwent UHP metamorphism at mantle depth exceeding 100 km during continental subduction in the Late Cretaceous (c. 95–92 Ma). The finding of diamond confirms UHP metamorphism in the Pohorje Mountains, the most deeply subducted part of Austroalpine units.
Correlation of two‐photon in vivo imaging and FIB/SEM microscopy
Authors: BLAZQUEZ‐LLORCA L. , HUMMEL E. , ZIMMERMAN H. , ZOU C. , BURGOLD S. , RIETDORF J. , HERMS J.
Published: March 2015

Advances in the understanding of brain functions are closely linked to the technical developments in microscopy. In this study, we describe a correlative microscopy technique that offers a possibility of combining two‐photon in vivo imaging with focus ion beam/scanning electron microscope (FIB/SEM) techniques. Long‐term two‐photon in vivo imaging allows the visualization of functional interactions within the brain of a living organism over the time, and therefore, is emerging as a new tool for studying the dynamics of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. However, light microscopy has important limitations in revealing alterations occurring at the synaptic level and when this is required, electron microscopy is mandatory. FIB/SEM microscopy is a novel tool for three‐dimensional high‐resolution reconstructions, since it acquires automated serial images at ultrastructural level. Using FIB/SEM imaging, we observed, at 10 nm isotropic resolution, the same dendrites that were imaged in vivo over 9 days. Thus, we analyzed their ultrastructure and monitored the dynamics of the neuropil around them. We found that stable spines (present during the 9 days of imaging) formed typical asymmetric contacts with axons, whereas transient spines (present only during one day of imaging) did not form a synaptic contact. Our data suggest that the morphological classification that was assigned to a dendritic spine according to the in vivo images did not fit with its ultrastructural morphology. The correlative technique described herein is likely to open opportunities for unravelling the earlier unrecognized complexity of the nervous system.
New data‐driven method from 3D confocal microscopy for calculating phytoplankton cell biovolume
Authors: ROSELLI L. , PAPARELLA F. , STANCA E. , BASSET A.
Published: March 2015

Confocal laser scanner microscopy coupled with an image analysis system was used to directly determine the shape and calculate the biovolume of phytoplankton organisms by constructing 3D models of cells. The study was performed on Biceratium furca (Ehrenberg) Vanhoeffen, which is one of the most complex‐shaped phytoplankton. Traditionally, biovolume is obtained from a standardized set of geometric models based on linear dimensions measured by light microscopy. However, especially in the case of complex‐shaped cells, biovolume is affected by very large errors associated with the numerous manual measurements that this entails. We evaluate the accuracy of these traditional methods by comparing the results obtained using geometric models with direct biovolume measurement by image analysis. Our results show cell biovolume measurement based on decomposition into simple geometrical shapes can be highly inaccurate. Although we assume that the most accurate cell shape is obtained by 3D direct biovolume measurement, which is based on voxel counting, the intrinsic uncertainty of this method is explored and assessed. Finally, we implement a data‐driven formula‐based approach to the calculation of biovolume of this complex‐shaped organism. On one hand, the model is obtained from 3D direct calculation. On the other hand, it is based on just two linear dimensions which can easily be measured by hand. This approach has already been used for investigating the complexities of morphology and for determining the 3D structure of cells. It could also represent a novel way to generalize scaling laws for biovolume calculation.
Study of inelastic mean free path of metal nanostructures using energy filtered transmission electron microscopy imaging
Authors: GHOSH T. , BARDHAN M. , BHATTACHARYA M. , SATPATI B.
Published: March 2015

We report a simple method for measuring the inelastic mean free path of nanostructures of known geometry using energy filtered transmission electron microscopy imaging. The mean free path of inelastic electrons was measured by using systems having known symmetry, such as cylindrical or cubic, combined with Poisson statistics without employing the knowledge of microscope parameters, namely the convergence angle and the collection angle. Having inherent symmetry of such systems, their absolute thickness can be measured from their two‐dimensional projection images. We have calculated mean free path of inelastic scattering of electrons in gold, silver and nickel doing case study research by employing gold nanorod, silver nanocube and nickel nanorod lying on a carbon‐coated TEM grid at two different electron energies (viz. 200 and 300 keV) following this alternative approach. Results obtained using such alternative approach were verified using microscope parameters.
Fastigial nucleus stimulation regulates neuroprotection via induction of a novel microRNA, rno‐miR‐676‐1, in middle cerebral artery occlusion rats
Authors: Pang Xiao‐Min , Liu Jing‐Li , Li Jin‐Pin , Huang Li‐Gang , Zhang Lei , Xiang Hui‐Yao , Feng Ling‐Bo , Chen Chun‐Yong , Li Sheng‐Hua , Su Sheng‐You
Published: March 2015

Previous studies have shown that fastigial nucleus stimulation (FNS) reduces tissue damage resulting from focal cerebral ischemia. Although the mechanisms of neuroprotection induced by FNS are not entirely understood, important data have been presented in the past two decades. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a newly discovered group of non‐coding small RNA molecules that negatively regulate target gene expression and are involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and cell apoptosis. To date, no studies have demonstrated whether miRNAs can serve as mediators of the brain's response to FNS, which leads to endogenous neuroprotection. Therefore, this study investigated the profiles of FNS‐mediated miRNAs. Using a combination of deep sequencing and microarray with computational analysis, we identified a novel miRNA in the rat ischemic cortex after 1 h of FNS. This novel miRNA (PC‐3p‐3469_406), herein referred to as rno‐miR‐676‐1, was upregulated in rats with cerebral ischemia after FNS. In vivo observations indicate that this novel miRNA may have antiapoptotic effects and contribute to neuroprotection induced by FNS. Our study provides a better understanding of neuroprotection induced by FNS.

image

MicroRNA (miRNA) is defined as a small non‐coding RNA that fulfills both the expression and biogenesis criteria. Here, we describe a novel miRNA in the rat ischemic cortex expressed after 1 h of fastigial nucleus stimulation (FNS). The miRNA was functionally characterized by secondary structure, quantitative expression, the conservation analysis, target gene analysis, and biological functions. We consider rno‐miR‐676‐1 to be a true microRNA and present evidence for its neuroprotective effects exerted after induction by FNS.
Gender Differences in the Predictors of Physical Activity Among Assisted Living Residents
Authors: Chen Yuh‐Min , Li Yueh‐Ping , Yen Min‐Ling
Published: March 2015

Purpose

To explore gender differences in the predictors of physical activity (PA) among assisted living residents.

Design and Methods

A cross‐sectional design was adopted. A convenience sample of 304 older adults was recruited from four assisted living facilities in Taiwan. Two separate simultaneous multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify the predictors of PA for older men and women. Independent variables entered into the regression models were age, marital status, educational level, past regular exercise participation, number of chronic diseases, functional status, self‐rated health, depression, and self‐efficacy expectations.

Findings

In older men, a junior high school or higher educational level, past regular exercise participation, better functional status, better self‐rated health, and higher self‐efficacy expectations predicted more PA, accounting for 61.3% of the total variance in PA. In older women, better self‐rated health, lower depression, and higher self‐efficacy expectations predicted more PA, accounting for 50% of the total variance in PA.

Conclusions

Predictors of PA differed between the two genders. The results have crucial implications for developing gender‐specific PA interventions.

Clinical Relevance

Through a clearer understanding of gender‐specific predictors, healthcare providers can implement gender‐sensitive PA‐enhancing interventions to assist older residents in performing sufficient PA.
The Cost of Capital for Alternative Investments
Authors: JUREK JAKUB W. , STAFFORD ERIK
Published: March 2015

Traditional risk factor models indicate that hedge funds capture pre‐fee alphas of 6% to 10% per annum over the period from 1996 to 2012. At the same time, the hedge fund return series is not reliably distinguishable from the returns of mechanical S&P 500 put‐writing strategies. We show that the high excess returns to hedge funds and put‐writing are consistent with an equilibrium in which a small subset of investors specialize in bearing downside market risks. Required rates of return in such an equilibrium can dramatically exceed those suggested by traditional models, affecting inference about the attractiveness of these investments.
Health and Mortality Delta: Assessing the Welfare Cost of Household Insurance Choice
Authors: KOIJEN RALPH S.J. , VAN NIEUWERBURGH STIJN , YOGO MOTOHIRO
Published: March 2015

We develop a pair of risk measures, health and mortality delta, for the universe of life and health insurance products. A life‐cycle model of insurance choice simplifies to replicating the optimal health and mortality delta through a portfolio of insurance products. We estimate the model to explain the observed variation in health and mortality delta implied by the ownership of life insurance, annuities including private pensions, and long‐term care insurance in the Health and Retirement Study. For the median household aged 51 to 57, the lifetime welfare cost of market incompleteness and suboptimal choice is 3.2% of total wealth.
Evaluation of the cytotoxic and antitumour effects of the essential oil from Mentha x villosa and its main compound, rotundifolone
Authors: Amaral Ricardo G , Fonseca Cecília S , Silva Tayane Kayne M , Andrade Luciana N , França Maria E , Barbosa-Filho José M , de Sousa Damião P , Moraes Manoel O , Pessoa Cláudia Ó , Carvalho Adriana A , Thomazzi Sara Maria
Published: March 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic and antitumour effects of the essential oil from the leaves of Mentha x villosa (EOMV) and its main component (rotundifolone).

Methods

In-vitro cytotoxic activity of the EOMV and rotundifolone was determined on cultured tumour cells. In-vivo antitumour activity of the EOMV was assessed in sarcoma 180-bearing mice.

Key findings

The EOMV displayed cytotoxicity against human tumour cell lines, showing IC50 values in the range of 0.57–1.02 μg/ml in the HCT-116 and SF-295 cell lines, respectively. Rotundifolone showed weak cytotoxicity against HCT-116, SF-295 and OVCAR-8 cell lines (IC50 > 25.00 μg/ml). Tumour growth inhibition rates were 29.4–40.5% and 25.0–45.2% for the EOMV treatment by intraperitoneal (50–100 mg/kg/day) and oral (100–200 mg/kg/day) administration, respectively. The EOMV did not significantly affect body mass and macroscopy of the organs.

Conclusions

The EOMV possesses significant antitumour activity with low systemic toxicity, possibly due to the synergistic action of its minor constituents.
Effects of supplementing rare earth element cerium on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and plasma biochemical parameters in beef cattle
Authors: Lin S. X. , Wei C. , Zhao G. Y. , Zhang T. T. , Yang K.
Published: March 2015

The objectives of the trial were to investigate the effects of supplementing rare earth element (REE) cerium (Ce) on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, methane (CH4) production, nitrogen (N) balance and plasma biochemical parameters in beef cattle. Four Simmental male cattle, aged at 14 months, with initial liveweight of 355 ± 8 kg and fitted with permanent rumen cannulas, were used as experimental animals. The cattle were fed with a total mixed ration (TMR) composed of concentrate mixture and corn silage. Four levels of cerium chloride (CeCl3·7H2O, purity 99.9%), that is 0, 80, 160 and 240 mg CeCl3/kg DM, were added to basal ration in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Each experimental period lasted 15 days, of which the first 12 days were for pre‐treatment and the last 3 days were for sampling. The results showed that supplementing CeCl3 at 160 or 240 mg/kg DM increased neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility (p < 0.05) and tended to increased acid detergent fibre (ADF) digestibility (p = 0.083). Supplementing CeCl3 at 80, 160 or 240 mg/kg DM decreased the molar ratio of rumen acetate to propionate linearly (p < 0.05). Supplementing CeCl3 at 160 or 240 mg/kg DM decreased total N excretion, urinary N excretion and increased N retention (p < 0.05), increased excretion of total urinary purine derivatives (PD) (p < 0.05) and decreased CH4/kg DMI (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing CeCl3 at 160 or 240 mg/kg DM in the ration of beef cattle increased the digestibility of NDF, decreased the molar ratio of rumen acetate to propionate, increased N retention and microbial N flow and decreased CH4/kg DMI.
Private law theory and taxonomy: reframing the debate
Authors: Sheehan Duncan , Arvind TT
Published: March 2015

The aim of this paper is to reframe the taxonomy debate which has, in recent years, come to dominate private law theory. We argue that the debate to date has been flawed by two fundamental mistakes. First, little attention has been paid to how legal taxonomies are actually used. This, we argue, is regrettable: how we build a taxonomy depends on why we build a taxonomy, and a clearer focus on this question produces an approach that is very different from the approaches that currently dominate private law theory. Secondly, both sides in the debate have misunderstood what legal concepts are, and hence tend to misuse them. We argue that legal concepts are Weberian ideal types, and use philosophical theories of concepts to put forward a very different understanding of how concepts acquire content and are used in the legal system. Putting these together, we argue for a far more developmental, and historically informed, approach to taxonomy and to legal concepts generally.
Cosmogenic nuclides in the Košice meteorite: Experimental investigations and Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Povinec Pavel P. , Masarik Jozef , Sýkora Ivan , Kováčik Andrej , Beňo Juraj , Meier Matthias M. M. , Wieler Rainer , Laubenstein Matthias , Porubčan Vladimir
Published: March 2015

Results of nondestructive gamma‐ray analyses of cosmogenic radionuclides (7Be, 22Na, 26Al, 46Sc, 48V, 54Mn, 56Co, 57Co, 58Co, and 60Co) in 19 fragments of the Košice meteorite are presented and discussed. The activities varied mainly with position of fragments in the meteoroid body, and with fluxes of cosmic‐ray particles in the space affecting radionuclides with different half‐lives. Monte Carlo simulations of the production rates of 60Co and 26Al compared with experimental data indicate that the pre‐atmospheric radius of the meteoroid was 50 ± 5 cm. In two Košice fragments, He, Ne, and Ar concentrations and isotopic compositions were also analyzed. The noble‐gas cosmic‐ray exposure age of the Košice meteorite is 5–7 Myr, consistent with the conspicuous peak (or doublet peak) in the exposure age histogram of H chondrites. One sample likely contains traces of implanted solar wind Ne, suggesting that Košice is a regolith breccia. The agreement between the simulated and observed 26Al activities indicate that the meteoroid was mostly irradiated by a long‐term average flux of galactic cosmic rays of 4.8 particles cm−2 s−1, whereas the short‐lived radionuclide activities are more consistent with a flux of 7.0 protons cm−2 s−1 as a result of the low solar modulation of the galactic cosmic rays during the last few years before the meteorite fall.
Various aspects of the petrogenesis of the Martian shergottite meteorites
Authors: Jones J. H.
Published: March 2015

Several controversies are associated with the age and origin of the shergottite meteorites, a suite of basaltic samples from Mars. Here, it will be argued that (1) the shergottites have a young igneous age, ≤600 Myr, (2) their parent magmas were relatively dry, (3) the range of initial isotopic compositions in shergottites is most likely due to assimilation of crustal materials by mantle‐derived basaltic magmas, and (4) the intercumulus liquid compositions of shergottites such as Shergotty and Zagami are relatively well constrained.
Observations of Martian layered ejecta craters and constraints on their formation mechanisms
Authors: Li Li , Yue Zongyu , Di Kaichang , Peng Man
Published: March 2015

The formation mechanism of layered ejecta craters on Mars has remained a topic of intense debate since their discovery. In this study, we perform a global morphological analysis of Martian layered ejecta craters using Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) images and Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) data. The study focuses on the ejecta morphologies and well‐defined distal rampart characteristics associated with 9945 layered ejecta craters with a diameter greater than 1.5 km distributed across the entire Martian surface. Data analysis based on the new database provides new information on the distribution and morphological details of the three major layered ejecta morphologies (single layer ejecta [SLE], double layer ejecta [DLE], and multiple layer ejecta [MLE]). Global analysis is applied to the latitudinal distribution of characteristic parameters, including the ejecta mobility, lobateness values, and onset diameter. Our survey of the distribution and characteristics of layered ejecta craters reveals that strong correlations exist between ejecta mobility and latitude, and there is a latitudinal dependence of onset diameter. Our study of Martian layered ejecta craters provides more detailed information and insights of a connection between the layered ejecta morphologies and the subsurface volatiles.
Association of late‐night carbohydrate intake with glucose tolerance among pregnant African American women
Authors: Chandler‐Laney Paula C. , Schneider Camille R. , Gower Barbara A. , Granger Wesley M. , Mancuso Melissa S. , Biggio Joseph R.
Published: March 2015

Obesity and late‐night food consumption are associated with impaired glucose tolerance. Late‐night carbohydrate consumption may be particularly detrimental during late pregnancy because insulin sensitivity declines as pregnancy progresses. Further, women who were obese (Ob) prior to pregnancy have lower insulin sensitivity than do women of normal weight (NW). The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that night‐time carbohydrate consumption is associated with poorer glucose tolerance in late pregnancy and that this association would be exacerbated among Ob women. Forty non‐diabetic African American women were recruited based upon early pregnancy body mass index (NW, <25 kg m−2; Ob, ≥30 kg m−2). Third trimester free‐living dietary intake was assessed by food diary, and indices of glucose tolerance and insulin action were assessed during a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test. Women in the Ob group reported greater average 24‐h energy intake (3055 kcal vs. 2415 kcal, P < 0.05). Across the whole cohort, night‐time, but not day‐time, carbohydrate intake was positively associated with glucose concentrations after the glucose load and inversely associated with early phase insulin secretion (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression modelling within each weight group showed that the associations among late‐night carbohydrate intake, glucose concentrations and insulin secretion were present only in the Ob group. This is the first study to report an association of night‐time carbohydrate intake specifically on glucose tolerance and insulin action during pregnancy. If replicated, these results suggest that late‐night carbohydrate intake may be a potential target for intervention to improve metabolic health of Ob women in late pregnancy.
Case of dermatophyte abscess caused by Trichophyton rubrum: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Inaoki Makoto , Nishijima Chihiro , Miyake Miho , Asaka Toshiyuki , Hasegawa Youichi , Anzawa Kazushi , Mochizuki Takashi
Published: March 2015

A 54‐year‐old Japanese man without apparent immunosuppression presented with nodules with purulent drainage on the right lower leg. He had ringworm of the right leg and tinea unguium. A biopsy specimen of the nodule showed intradermal abscesses with fungal elements, and Trichophyton rubrum was cultured from both the pus and the biopsy specimen. Treatment with oral terbinafine resolved the nodules. Dermatophyte abscess is a rare, deep and invasive dermatophytosis, which is often associated with immunocompromised conditions. We provide a review of the literature including Japanese cases.
Hippocampal sclerosis in the parkinsonism‐dementia complex ofGuam: quantitative examination of neurons, neurofibrillary tangles, andTDP‐43 immunoreactivity inCA1
Authors: Oyanagi Kiyomitsu , Yamazaki Mineo , Hashimoto Tomoyo , Asakawa Mika , Wakabayashi Koichi , Takahashi Hitoshi
Published: March 2015

The cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) area in the hippocampus of the parkinsonism‐dementia complex (PDC) ofGuam was examined quantitatively with special references to the number of neurons, intraneuronal (i) and extracellular (e) neurofibirillary tangles (NFTs), andTDP‐43 (43‐kDa trans‐activation‐responsive regionDNA‐binding protein)‐immunopositive structures, in 24Chamorro patients withPDCofGuam and seven controlChamorroGuamanians (both groups having no ischemic or anoxic complications). The results were that: (i) in the patients with mildly involvedPDC, total numbers of neurons,iNFTs andeNFTs were almost the same as those of neurons of controls; (ii) in patients severely involved, total numbers of neurons,iNFTs andeNFTs decreased markedly; (iii) the decrease of the number of pyramidal neurons inCA1with positive nuclearTDP‐43 was intimately correlated with the decrease in total neuron numbers; (iv) whereas the numbers of neurons andTDP‐43‐immunopositive intracytoplasmic aggregation in theCA1area were inversely correlated; and (v) depression of nuclearTDP‐43 immuonostainability was not affected by the presence or absence ofNFTs. In conclusion, hippocampal sclerosis exists inPDC; there is a possibility of elimination ofeNFTs which appeared in theCA1in patients withPDCand loss of the neurons correlates with disappearance of nuclearTDP‐43, but not with appearance of intraneurocytoplasmicTDP‐43 aggregation oriNFTs.
Atypical sporadic CJD‐MM phenotype with white matter kuru plaques associated with intranuclear inclusion body and argyrophilic grain disease
Authors: Berghoff Anna S. , Trummert Anita , Unterberger Ursula , Ströbel Thomas , Hortobágyi Tibor , Kovacs Gabor G.
Published: March 2015

We describe an atypical neuropathological phenotype of sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease in a 76‐year‐old man. The clinical symptoms were characterized by progressive dementia, gait ataxia, rigidity and urinary incontinence. The disease duration was 6 weeks. MRI did not show prominent atrophy or hyperintensities in cortical areas, striatum or thalamus. Biomarker examination of the cerebrospinal fluid deviated from that seen in pure Alzheimer's disease. Triphasic waves in the EEG were detected only later in the disease course, while 14‐3‐3 assay was positive. PRNP genotyping revealed methionine homozygosity (MM) at codon 129. Neuropathology showed classical CJD changes corresponding to the MM type 1 cases. However, a striking feature was the presence of abundant kuru‐type plaques in the white matter. This rare morphology was associated with neuropathological signs of intranuclear inclusion body disease and advanced stage of argyrophilic grain disease. These alterations did not show correlation with each other, thus seemed to develop independently. This case further highlights the complexity of neuropathological alterations in the ageing brain.
Lack of IDH1 mutation in astroblastomas suggests putative origin from ependymoglial cells?
Authors: Asha Unchagi , Mahadevan Anita , Sathiyabama Dhinakaran , Ravindra Thakkar , Sagar B.K. Chandrashekar , Bhat Dhananjaya Ishwar , Aravinda Hanumantapura Ramalingaiah , Pandey Paritosh , Vilanilam George C.
Published: March 2015

Astroblastomas are extremely rare neuroepithelial tumors of uncertain histogenesis, affecting children and young adults, and constitute a new addition to the WHO 2000 classification of CNS tumors. We report the largest series of nine cases diagnosed in a single institute over the last 13 years and review published literature. Mean age at presentation was 12.8 years (range: 22 months to 27years). Seven out of nine cases were supratentorial (frontal/frontoparietal – three, parieto‐occipital – three, parafalcine – one), one was intraventricular and another was optochaismatic/suprasellar. Five cases were high grade (anaplastic) astroblastomas with Ki‐67 labeling index of 8–10%. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural evidence suggesting origin from cells intermediate between ependymocytes and astrocytes is presented. The histogenetic origin of these tumors remains speculative. But the lack of Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutation as detected by immunohistochemistry in this study, which is similar to ependymomas supports putative origin from ependymoglial cells. Out of the nine cases, recurrence was noted in one case, 12 months after gross total resection with progression to high grade in the recurrent tumor. There is no recommended treatment protocol due to the rarity of this entity and prognostic factors are yet to be established.
Ethnicity and patient satisfaction with tuberculosis care: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mukasa Jean P. , Glass Nel , Mnatzaganian George
Published: March 2015

Patients presenting in major tuberculosis (TB) centres in two Australian metropolitan hospitals and three central hospitals in Malawi were interviewed for health and other information, including their satisfaction with nursing care. The main objective of the study was to investigate differences in satisfaction rates among ethnically similar and different patients coming from two dissimilar health systems. A multivariable Generalized Estimating Equations model was constructed to identify sociodemographic and health‐related factors associated with dissatisfaction, while focusing on ethnic differences between and within each country. The Australian and Malawian patients were similar in age, gender, marital status, and employment. However, the Malawians were mostly inpatients, with recurrent TB episodes, and were more seriously ill with impaired physical and mental wellbeing. Nonetheless, being Australian was more associated with dissatisfaction observed in all components of care. However, Australian ethnic minorities were less dissatisfied than their Anglo‐Saxon or European counterparts, being more similar to Malawian patients irrespective of the health care provided. Our study suggests that patients coming from similar ethnic backgrounds may express similar satisfaction irrespective of the health system they belong to.
Estimating the predictive validity of diabetic animal models in rosiglitazone studies
Authors: Varga O. E. , Zsíros N. , Olsson I. A. S.
Published: March 2015

For therapeutic studies, predictive validity of animal models – arguably the most important feature of animal models in terms of human relevance – can be calculated retrospectively by obtaining data on treatment efficacy from human and animal trials. Using rosiglitazone as a case study, we aim to determine the predictive validity of animal models of diabetes, by analysing which models perform most similarly to humans during rosiglitazone treatment in terms of changes in standard diabetes diagnosis parameters (glycosylated haemoglobin [HbA1c] and fasting glucose levels). A further objective of this paper was to explore the impact of four covariates on the predictive capacity: (i) diabetes induction method; (ii) drug administration route; (iii) sex of animals and (iv) diet during the experiments. Despite the variable consistency of animal species‐based models with the human reference for glucose and HbA1c treatment effects, our results show that glucose and HbA1c treatment effects in rats agreed better with the expected values based on human data than in other species. Induction method was also found to be a substantial factor affecting animal model performance. The study concluded that regular reassessment of animal models can help to identify human relevance of each model and adapt research design for actual research goals.
Prevalence of visual impairment and refractive errors among different ethnic groups in schoolchildren in Turpan, China
Authors: Chin Man Pan , Siong Kar Ho , Chan Ka Ho , Do Chi Wai , Chan Henry Ho Lung , Cheong Allen Ming Yan
Published: March 2015

Background

There is currently limited information about ethnic differences in myopia prevalence within mainland China, especially in rural or semi‐rural areas. We examined the prevalence of refractive errors, visual impairment and spectacle coverage in school children of varying ethnicity in Turpan, Xinjiang province.

Methods

A community eye care service was provided for five schools. Presenting monocular distance and near visual acuity (VA), and ocular alignment were assessed. Retinoscopy and cycloplegic subjective refraction were performed for participants with presenting visual impairment (distance VA worse than 0.3 logMAR; Snellen 6/12 or 20/40) or abnormal binocular vision. Questionnaires administered prior to the eye examinations were used to collect information regarding personal lifestyle and parental myopia.

Results

A total of 646 out of 690 (94%) subjects aged four to 19 years (11.9 ± 2.6; mean ± S.D.) completed the eye examination. Three hundred and eighty‐two (59%) of participants were of Uyghur ethnicity, followed by Han, 176 (27%) and Hui, 74 (12%). The mean age of Uyghur, Han and Hui students was 12.3 ± 2.7, 11.4 ± 2.6 and 11.4 ± 2.3 years respectively, in which the Uyghur students were significantly older than the Han and Hui students (F(3,631) = 5.58 p < 0.001). In total, 170 (27%) and 85 (13%) subjects failed the screening examination for one eye or both eyes, respectively. The prevalence of presenting visual impairment was not significantly different among the ethnic groups (p = 0.26). After cycloplegic refraction, most subjects' VA (98%) improved to better than 0.3 logMAR (Snellen 6/12 or 20/40). The prevalence of “clinically‐significant myopia” (≤−0.50 dioptres) was 27%, 18% and 13% in Han, Hui and Uyghur children, respectively (p < 0.001). In contrast, Uyghur students had the highest prevalence of astigmatism (Uyghur 12%, Han 5%, Hui 4%). The overall spectacle coverage was 36%, while spectacle coverage among ethnic groups were similar (Han, 41%; Uyghur, 32%; Hui, 41%; χ2 = 2.23, df = 2, p = 0.33).

Conclusion

The prevalence of clinically significant myopia varied markedly with ethnicity in school children sampled from a semi‐rural region of mainland China (Han > Hui > Uyghur). As reported previously, uncorrected/under‐corrected refractive error was the main cause of presenting visual impairment.
Decline in admissions for childhood asthma, a 26‐year period population‐based study
Authors: Mikalsen Ingvild Bruun , Skeiseid Liliane , Tveit Line Merete , Engelsvold David Hugo , Øymar Knut
Published: March 2015

Background

The prevalence of childhood asthma has increased, although the rate of hospitalization for asthma seems to decrease. In Norway, the rate of hospital admission for childhood asthma from 1984 to 2000 increased. The aim of this study was to assess further trends in hospital admissions for childhood asthma up to 2010.

Methods

A population‐based study including children 1–13 yrs of age hospitalized for asthma during six periods from 1984/1985 to 2009/2010 in Rogaland, Norway, was performed. Medical records from 1536 admissions (1050 children) were studied; and gender, age, number of admissions, length of hospital stay, medications and symptoms were recorded.

Results

For all age groups, the rate of admissions per 10.000 increased from 20.1 in 1984/85 to 33.7 in 1989/90, but declined to 14.4 in 2009/2010. Rates were highest in boys (OR 1.87; 95% CI: 1.69, 2.09), younger age groups (OR 2.51; 2.38, 2.64) and decreased from 1984 to 2010 (OR 0.92; 0.88, 0.94). The rates of readmissions were higher than for primary admissions (OR 1.33; 1.19, 1.47). From 1984 to 2010, there was an increased use of inhaled corticosteroids prior to admission (6 to 51%) and started at discharge (7 to 37%), and systemic steroids given during admission (19 to 83%).

Conclusion

There has been a substantial decline in the rate of hospital admissions for childhood asthma after 1989/1990, with major differences between age groups and genders. The decline could be due to improved care of children with asthma or a real reduction in asthma exacerbations.
Jasmonoyl isoleucine accumulation is needed for abscisic acid build‐up in roots of Arabidopsis under water stress conditions
Authors: de Ollas Carlos , Arbona Vicent , GóMez‐Cadenas Aurelio
Published: March 2015

Phytohormones are central players in sensing and signalling numerous environmental conditions like drought. In this work, hormone profiling together with gene expression of key enzymes involved in abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonate biosynthesis were studied in desiccating Arabidopsis roots. Jasmonic acid (JA) content transiently increased after stress imposition whereas progressive and concomitant ABA and Jasmonoyl Isoleucine (JA‐Ile) accumulations were detected. Molecular data suggest that, at least, part of the hormonal regulation takes place at the biosynthetic level. These observations also point to a possible involvement of jasmonates on ABA biosynthesis under stress. To test this hypothesis, mutants impaired in jasmonate biosynthesis (opr3, lox6 and jar1‐1) and in JA‐dependent signalling (coi1) were employed. Results showed that the early JA accumulation leading to JA‐Ile build up was necessary for an ABA increase in roots under two different water stress conditions. Signal transduction between water stress‐induced JA‐Ile accumulation and COI1 is necessary for a full induction of the ABA biosynthesis pathway and subsequent hormone accumulation in roots of Arabidopsis plants. The present work adds a level of interaction between jasmonates and ABA at the biosynthetic level.