bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Summative clinical competency assessment: A survey of ultrasound practitioners’ views
Authors: Harrison Gill
Published: September 2014

Clinical competency and the assessment of core skills is a crucial element of any programme leading to an award with a clinical skills component. This has become a more prominent feature of current reports on quality health care provision. This project aimed to determine ultrasound practitioners’ opinions about how best to assess clinical competency. An on-line questionnaire was sent to contacts from the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education and details distributed at the British Medical Ultrasound Society conference in 2011. One hundred and sixteen responses were received from a range of clinical staff with an interest in ultrasound assessment. The majority of respondents suggested that competency assessments should take place in the clinical departments with or without an element of assessment at the education centre. Moderation was an important area highlighted by respondents, with 84% of respondents suggesting that two assessors were required and 66% of those stating some element of external moderation should be included. The findings suggest that respondents’ preference is for some clinical competency assessments to take place on routine lists within the clinical department, assessed by two people one of which would be an external assessor. In view of recent reports relating to training and assessment of health care professionals, the ultrasound profession needs to begin the debate about how best to assess clinical competence and ensure appropriate first post-competency of anyone undertaking ultrasound examinations.
Achieved availability importance measure for enhancing reliability-centered maintenance decisions
Authors: Gravette Mary A , Barker Kash
Published: September 2014

An effective defense strategy requires aircraft, among other weapons systems, to be available and ready for use when circumstances deem necessary. This article offers a set of importance measures to identify the critical components in a system from their influence on system-achieved availability, a common Department of Defense availability calculation that is a ratio of mean time between maintenance and total system time, including mean maintenance time. With these measures, more effective maintenance plans, including inspection and supply inventory, can focus on those components that more significantly impact achieved availability. A decision-making formulation results from these component importance measures, and an example based on a US Air Force system illustrates the modeling contributions.
Identifying Students at Risk for Mental Health Problems
Authors: Platt Lois M.
Published: September 2014

Almost one-quarter of school-age children in the United States meet criteria for serious mental illness. School nurses can identify children at risk or suffering from undetected mental illness through observation, consultation with teachers and parents, interview techniques, and simple written tools. Valid and reliable tools that are in the public domain and can be accessed via the Internet are included. Referral to mental health providers within the school system or community is necessary for students at risk.
Dapagliflozin efficacy and safety: a perspective review
Authors: Anderson Sarah L.
Published: September 2014

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a prevalent, progressive disease with a need for innovative therapeutic agents to continue to advance disease management. Dapagliflozin is the second agent in a new class of oral antihyperglycemic drugs: sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. SGLT2 is responsible for the majority of renal glucose reuptake; inhibition of the cotransporter allows for increased renal glucose excretion that consequently leads to reduced plasma glucose levels. Because this mechanism does not require the action of insulin, dapagliflozin rarely causes hypoglycemia and is effective in patients both early and late in the course of their disease. Studies of dapagliflozin have demonstrated efficacy both as monotherapy and in combination with oral antihyperglycemic agents and insulin. Dapagliflozin has been shown to decrease hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values 6 mmol/mol (0.5%) to 8 mmol/mol (0.7%). The most common adverse reactions observed with dapagliflozin in clinical trials were female genital mycotic infections, urinary tract infections, and nasopharyngitis. Dapagliflozin is a new oral agent for type 2 diabetes with short-term efficacy similar to dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors; its long-term safety and efficacy are unknown.
Health-related quality of life and long-term morbidity and mortality in patients hospitalised with systolic heart failure
Authors: Berg Jenny , Lindgren Peter , Kahan Thomas , Schill Owe , Persson Hans , Edner Magnus , Mejhert Märit
Published: September 2014

Background

Health-related quality of life has been shown to impact prognosis in chronic heart failure, however with limited long-term follow-up. We analysed data spanning 8–12 years to assess the impact of health-related quality of life using the Nottingham Health Profile on first hospitalisation and mortality, for cardiovascular and all causes.

Methods

We included 208 patients aged ≥60 years with New York Heart Association class II–IV and left ventricular systolic dysfunction hospitalised in Stockholm during 1996–99. Data on hospital admissions, discharge diagnoses and date and cause of death were collected from administrative databases and medical records until 2007. Cox proportional hazard models were employed to analyse the time to event for mortality and hospitalisations.

Results

Mean age was 76 years, 58% were male and mean ejection fraction was 34%. Median survival was 4.6 years (range 6 days–11.9 years); 148 patients died. All-cause and cardiovascular mortality were determined by physical mobility (by Nottingham Health Profile), age, gender, diuretic dose and haemoglobin level. Glomerular filtration rate was significant for all-cause mortality, while atrioventricular plane displacement was predictive of cardiovascular mortality. Median time to first all-cause and cardiovascular hospitalisation was 5.7 and 11.2 months, respectively. Time to first all-cause hospitalisation was determined by physical mobility, emotional reactions, age, gender and haemoglobin level, while only physical mobility and diuretic dose predicted time to first cardiovascular hospitalisation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, in patients with systolic chronic heart failure, physical mobility as part of health-related quality of life is an independent prognostic marker for cardiovascular and all-cause readmissions and mortality over 12 years.
Stress and DNA repair biology of the Fanconi anemia pathway
Authors: Longerich Simonne , Li Jian , Xiong Yong , Sung Patrick , Kupfer Gary M.
Published: September 2014

Fanconi anemia (FA) represents a paradigm of rare genetic diseases, where the quest for cause and cure has led to seminal discoveries in cancer biology. Although a total of 16 FA genes have been identified thus far, the biochemical function of many of the FA proteins remains to be elucidated. FA is rare, yet the fact that 5 FA genes are in fact familial breast cancer genes and FA gene mutations are found frequently in sporadic cancers suggest wider applicability in hematopoiesis and oncology. Establishing the interaction network involving the FA proteins and their associated partners has revealed an intersection of FA with several DNA repair pathways, including homologous recombination, DNA mismatch repair, nucleotide excision repair, and translesion DNA synthesis. Importantly, recent studies have shown a major involvement of the FA pathway in the tolerance of reactive aldehydes. Moreover, despite improved outcomes in stem cell transplantation in the treatment of FA, many challenges remain in patient care.
Autosomal-dominant B-cell deficiency with alopecia due to a mutation in NFKB2 that results in nonprocessable p100
Authors: Lee Cindy Eunhee , Fulcher David A. , Whittle Belinda , Chand Rochna , Fewings Nicole , Field Matthew , Andrews Daniel , Goodnow Christopher C. , Cook Matthew C.
Published: September 2014

Key Points

A novel NFKB2 mutation confers a severe B-cell deficiency, but antibody production is partially preserved. Unprocessed p100 results in an IκB-like action on the canonical nuclear factor-κB pathway.
Efficacy, safety and tolerability of linezolid for the treatment of XDR-TB: a study in China
Authors: Tang Shenjie , Yao Lan , Hao Xiaohui , Zhang Xia , Liu Gang , Liu Xin , Wu Meiying , Zen Linhai , Sun Hua , Liu Yidian , Gu Jin , Lin Feishen , Wang Xiafang , Zhang Zhanjun
Published: September 2014

Linezolid may be effective in treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis. We conducted a prospective, multicentre, randomised study to further evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of linezolid in patients with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in China.

65 patients who had culture-positive sputum for extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis were randomly assigned to a linezolid therapy group or a control group. Patients in the two groups adopted a 2-year individually based chemotherapy regimen. The linezolid therapy group was given linezolid at a start dose of 1200 mg per day for a period of 4–6 weeks and this was then followed by a dose of 300–600 mg per day.

The proportion of sputum culture conversions in the linezolid therapy group was 78.8% by 24 months, significantly higher than that in the control group (37.6%, p<0.001). The treatment success rate in linezolid therapy group was 69.7%, significantly higher than that in the control group (34.4%, p=0.004). 27 (81.8%) patients had clinically significant adverse events in the linezolid group, of whom 25 (93%) patients had events that were possibly or probably related to linezolid. Most adverse events resolved after reducing the dosage of linezolid or temporarily discontinuing linezolid.

Linezolid containing chemotherapy for treatment of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis may significantly promote cavity closure, increase sputum culture-conversion rate and improve treatment success rate.
Characterisation and impact of reported and unreported exacerbations: results from ATTAIN
Authors: Jones Paul W. , Lamarca Rosa , Chuecos Ferran , Singh Dave , Agustí Alvar , Bateman Eric D. , de Miquel Gonzalo , Caracta Cynthia , Garcia Gil Esther
Published: September 2014

The frequency and impact of exacerbations identified using healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) or the EXAcerbations of Chronic pulmonary disease Tool (EXACT) were compared prospectively in a 24-week, phase III trial (ATTAIN). Patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease received twice-daily aclidinium 200 μg, aclidinium 400 μg or placebo. All HCRU events were reported to physicians. “EXACT-identified” events were categorised as “EXACT-reported” (detected by EXACT and reported to the physician) and “EXACT-unreported” (detected but not reported). Health status was measured using the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ).

Annualised EXACT-identified event rates were higher in all study arms (placebo 1.39, aclidinium 200 μg 1.00 and aclidinium 400 μg 0.98 per patient per year) versus HCRU (placebo 0.60, aclidinium 200 μg 0.43 and aclidinium 400 μg 0.40 per patient per year). Concordance between methods was low (kappa 0.16). Aclidinium reduced EXACT-identified events (rate ratioversusplacebo: aclidinium 200 μg 0.72 and aclidinium 400 μg 0.71; both p<0.05); HCRU events were similarly reduced.

At week 24, SGRQ scores improved (-6.6versusbaseline) in patients with no event during weeks 1–12; improvements were significantly smaller in patients with HCRU events (-3.4; p=0.036) or EXACT-unreported events (-3.0; p=0.002).

Unreported events were more frequent than reported events. Both had similar negative impact on health status. Aclidinium reduced the frequency of both types of event.
Viral infections and asthma: an inflammatory interface?
Authors: Oliver Brian G.G. , Robinson Paul , Peters Mathew , Black Judy
Published: September 2014

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways in which the majority of patients respond to treatment with corticosteroids and β2-adrenoceptor agonists. Acute exacerbations of asthma substantially contribute to disease morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs, and are not restricted to patients who are not compliant with their treatment regimens. Given that respiratory viral infections are the principal cause of asthma exacerbations, this review article will explore the relationship between viral infections and asthma, and will put forward hypotheses as to why virus-induced exacerbations occur. Potential mechanisms that may explain why current therapeutics do not fully inhibit virus-induced exacerbations, for example, β2-adrenergic desensitisation and corticosteroid insensitivity, are explored, as well as which aspects of virus-induced inflammation are likely to be attenuated by current therapy.
Outcome of pulmonary endarterectomy in symptomatic chronic thromboembolic disease
Authors: Taboada Dolores , Pepke-Zaba Joanna , Jenkins David P. , Berman Marius , Treacy Carmen M. , Cannon John E. , Toshner Mark , Dunning John J. , Ng Choo , Tsui Steven S. , Sheares Karen K.
Published: September 2014

Chronic thromboembolic disease is characterised by persistent pulmonary thromboembolic occlusions without pulmonary hypertension. Early surgical treatment with pulmonary endarterectomy may improve symptoms and prevent disease progression. We sought to assess the outcome of pulmonary endarterectomy in symptomatic patients with chronic thromboembolic disease.

Patients with symptomatic chronic thromboembolic disease and a mean pulmonary artery pressure <25 mmHg at baseline with right heart catheterisation and treated with pulmonary endarterectomy between January 2000 and July 2013 were identified. Patients were reassessed at 6 months and at 1 year following surgery.

A total of 42 patients underwent surgery and the median length of stay in hospital was 11 days. There was no in-hospital mortality but complications occurred in 40% of patients. At 1 year, following surgery, 95% of the patients remained alive. There was a significant symptomatic improvement with 95% of patients in the New York Heart Association functional classes I or II at 6 months. There was a significant improvement in quality of life assessed by the Cambridge pulmonary hypertension outcome review questionnaire.

In this carefully selected cohort of chronic thromboembolic disease patients, pulmonary endarterectomy resulted in significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life. Appropriate patient selection is paramount given the known surgical morbidity and mortality, and surgery should only be performed in expert centres.
Reproductive biology and genetic diversity of the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in Vamizi island, Mozambique
Authors: Anastácio Rita , Santos Camila , Lopes Cardoso , Moreira Helena , Souto Luis , Ferrão Jorge , Garnier Julie , Pereira Mário J.
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Vamizi, an Island located in the Western Indian Ocean, is visited by a small and not fully characterized green turtle (Chelonia mydas (L.)) population. This population is threatened by natural hazards and several human activities, which are used to identify conservation priorities for marine turtles.

It was our aim to contribute to the knowledge of marine turtles that nest in Vamizi, with respect to its regional management, and to an area that may possibly be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its potential Outstanding Universal Value.

Case description

Here, we evaluate the nesting parameters (incubation period, clutch size, hatching and emergence successes rates) and patterns over an 8-year (2003 – 2010) conservation program. We also present the results of genetic diversity based on the analysis of approximately an 850 pb fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region.

Discussion and evaluation

We found that Vamizi beaches host a small number of nesting females, approximately 52 per year, but these have shown a reduction in their length. High hatching success (88.5 ± SD 17.2%, N = 649), emergence success rates (84.5 ± SD 20.4%, N = 649) were observed, and genetic diversity (N = 135), with 11 haplotypes found (7 new). It was also observed, in the later years of this study, a reduction in the incubation period, a dislocation of the nesting peak activity and an increase in the number of flooded nests and an increase of the number of nests in areas with lower human activity.

Conclusions

Some resilience and behavioral plasticity seems to occur regarding human territory occupancy and climate changes. However, regardless of the results, aspects like what seems to be the reduction of some cohorts, the number of flooded nests and the diminishing of the incubation period (East and South facing beaches), show that conservation efforts have to be improved.
Association between Hoehn and Yahr, Mini-Mental State Examination, age, and clinical syndrome predominance and diagnostic effectiveness of ioflupane I 123 injection (DaTSCANTM) in subjects with clinically uncertain parkinsonian syndromes
Authors: Bajaj Nin , Hauser Robert A , Seibyl John , Kupsch Andreas , Plotkin Michail , Chen Chris , Grachev Igor D
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Diagnostic effectiveness of Ioflupane I 123 injection (DaTSCANTM, DaTscanTM, or [123I]FP-CIT or ioflupane [123I]) SPECT imaging, was assessed in patients with clinically uncertain parkinsonian syndrome (CUPS).

Methods

We investigated the association between subject’s Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) stage, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), age, and motor symptom subgroups and diagnostic performance of ioflupane [123I] imaging. Phase 4 study data were used to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and accuracy in 92 CUPS subjects, using 1-year clinical diagnosis after ioflupane [123I] imaging as reference standard.

Results

Diagnostic effectiveness of ioflupane [123I] imaging was high in all subgroups: 91% to 100% for H&Y low (<2) and high (≥2) stage subjects; 93% to 96% for MMSE low (<29) or high (≥29) scores; 91% to100% in both age subgroups (younger [<68] and older [≥68]); and 92% to 100% in subjects with both tremor dominant and balanced motor signs. Specificity of ioflupane [123I] imaging for bradykinetic rigid or posturally (BRP) unstable motor subtype was lower, but better than for baseline clinical diagnosis.

Conclusions

Strongest diagnostic performance of ioflupane [123I] imaging for clinical diagnosis of Parkinson’s syndrome (PS) or non-PS was associated with tremor and balanced motor dominance rather than with BRP dominance. High diagnostic effectiveness of ioflupane [123I] imaging and favourable performance relative to final clinical diagnosis at 1 year post-scan in subjects with CUPS was demonstrated. This study suggests that the diagnostic performance of ioflupane [123I] imaging in CUPS remains high at all stages of disease, including early stage, and across both age groups and cognitive state (MMSE).
Stimulation of plant growth and biocontrol by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum FZB42 engineered for improved action
Authors: Qiao Jun-Qing , Wu Hui-Jun , Huo Rong , Gao Xue-Wen , Borriss Rainer
Published: September 2014

During the last decade, the use of plant-root colonizing bacteria with plant growth-promoting activity has been proven as an efficient and environmental-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Biofertilizer and biocontrol formulations prepared from endospore-forming Bacillus strains are increasingly applied due to their long shelf life, which is comparable with that of agrochemicals. Today, spore suspensions from natural representatives of mainly Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus pumilus are available. However, these biofertilizers, directly prepared from environmental strains, are sometimes hampered in their action and do not fulfill in each case the expectations of the appliers (Borriss R, Bacteria in agrobiology: plant growth responses, Springer, 2011, pp. 41-76). This review will focus on several ways to improve the action of B. amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum FZB42T, the type strain for the group of plant-associated B. amyloliquefaciens strains. We are focusing here on genomics and genetic engineering techniques as helpful tools for developing more powerful biofertilizer and biocontrol agents.
Myosin VIIA regulates microvillus morphogenesis and interacts with cadherin Cad99C in Drosophila oogenesis
Authors: Glowinski Cory , Liu Ri-Hua Sandy , Chen Xi , Darabie Audrey , Godt Dorothea
Published: September 2014

Microvilli and related actin-based protrusions permit multiple interactions between cells and their environment. How shape, length, and arrangement of microvilli are determined remains largely unclear. To address this issue and explore the cooperation of the two main components of a microvillus, the central F-actin bundle and the enveloping plasma membrane, we investigated expression and function of Myosin VIIA (Myo7A), which is encoded by crinkled (ck), and its interaction with cadherin Cad99C in the microvilli of the Drosophila follicular epithelium. Myo7A is present in the microvilli and terminal web of follicle cells, and associates with several other F-actin-rich structures in the ovary. Loss of Myo7A caused brush border defects and a reduction in the amount of the microvillus regulator Cad99C. We show that Myo7A and Cad99C form a molecular complex and that the cytoplasmic tail of Cad99C recruits Myo7A to microvilli. Our data indicate that Myo7A regulates the structure and spacing of microvilli, and interacts with Cad99C in vivo. A comparison of the mutant phenotypes suggests that Myo7A and Cad99C have co-dependent and independent functions in microvilli.
The S-G2 phase enriched β-catenin/TCF complex ensures cell survival and cell cycle progression
Authors: Ding Yajie , Su Shang , Tang Weixin , Zhang Xiaolei , Chen Shengyao , Zhu Guixin , Liang Juan , Wei Wensheng , Guo Ye , Liu Lei , Chen Ye-Guang , Wu Wei
Published: September 2014

Wnt/β-catenin signaling via the β-catenin/TCF complex plays crucial roles in tissue homeostasis. Wnt stimulated β-catenin/TCF complex accumulation in the nucleus regulates cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation through the transcription of target genes. Compared with those in G1, LRP6 receptor activation and cytosolic β-catenin are both up-regulated in G2 cells. However, accumulation of the Wnt pathway negative regulator, AXIN2, also occurs in this phase. Therefore, it is unclear whether Wnt signaling is active in G2 phase cells. Here, we established a bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) biosensor system for the direct visualization of β-catenin/TCF interaction in living cells. Using the BiFC biosensor and co-immunoprecipitation experiments, we demonstrated the nucleus-localized β-catenin/TCF complex increases during the S and G2 phases, and declines in the next G1 phase. Accordingly, a subset of Wnt target genes was transcribed by the β-catenin/TCF complex during both S and G2 phases. In contrast, transient inhibition of this complex disturbed both cell survival and G2/M progression. Our results suggest that in S-G2 phase cells, Wnt/β-catenin signaling is highly active and functions to ensure cell survival and cell-cycle progression.
The fauna of Ichneumonidae (Hymenoptera) of eastern Turkey with zoogeographical remarks and host data
Authors: Çoruh Saliha , Kolarov Janko , Özbek Hikmet
Published: September 2014

Faunistic and sistematics studies on the family Ichneumonidae (Hymenoptera) were reviwed occuring in eastern Turkey for over 20 years. In this study, 8 Acaenitinae, 16 Anomaloninae, 33 Banchinae, 26 Campopleginae, 1 Collyriinae, 23 Cremastinae, 29 Cryptinae, 9 Ctenopelmatinae, 1 Cylloceriinae, 6 Diplazontinae, 142 Ichneumoninae, 23 Mesochorinae, 30 Metopiinae, 15 Ophioninae, 2 Orthocentrinae, 2 Orthopelmatinae, 66 Pimplinae, 1 Stilbobinae, 13 Tersilochinae and 41 Tryphoninae species were recorded. So far, totally, 487 species with 186 genera and 20 subfamilies are recognized. With present knowledge, among them, Colpotrochia triclistor (Aubert, 1979), Exochus protuberans Kolarov & Çoruh, 2009 and Coelichneumon nigritor Riedel, Çoruh & Özbek, 2010 are endemic to Anatolia. The species composition, collected biogeographical regions, altitudinal distribution, seasonal dynamics, individual diversity and available host data of species in the region were reviewed.
Potential Use of Deformed Shank Nails as a Solution to Annoying Vibrations in Wood Floor Systems
Authors: Olson Brent , Dolan J. Daniel , Duncan Bob , Schiedermeier Henry
Published: September 2014

In the United States, modern designs of wood floor systems rarely directly account for annoying floor vibration criteria, because it is not a required design criterion in the International Building Code or the International Residential Code. However, adhesives are sometimes used to supplement traditional subfloor fasteners in an effort to improve the floor vibration performance, but they are mainly used to reduce or eliminate homebuilder “callbacks” due to floor squeaks. This article addresses using high performance deformed shank fasteners rather than adhesives to minimize common annoying floor vibration problems.
Nevus-Associated Melanomas
Authors: Shitara Danielle , Nascimento Mauricio M. , Puig Susana , Yamada Sérgio , Enokihara Milvia M. S. S. , Michalany Nilceo , Bagatin Ediléia
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

The clinical significance of nevus-associated melanoma compared with de novo melanomas remains controversial. It has been suggested that nevus-associated melanomas have a higher Breslow thickness and therefore worse prognosis. Over a 10-year period, this study evaluated the incidence of nevus-associated melanoma and its prognostic significance related to clinicopathologic features.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study from 1995 through 2004 in a dermatopathology referral center. With available data, we evaluated sex, primary location, histologic subtype, Breslow thickness, Clark level, presence of ulceration, associated lesion, and histologic subtype of the associated lesion.

Results:

Of 135,653 pathologic records from skin biopsy specimens over a 10-year period, 1,190 melanoma records were selected. Nevus-associated melanomas corresponded to 390 (32.8%) melanomas, with thin melanomas having a nevus 1.52 times the association observed with thick melanomas (>1.01 mm; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–1.99; P < .001). Superficial spreading melanoma was the most frequent, while no lentigo maligna melanoma was associated with nevi. The median Breslow thickness of nevus-associated melanomas was lower than that of de novo melanomas.

Conclusions:

Nevus-associated melanomas, which represent one-third of the melanomas in southeast Brazil, are associated with intermittent sun exposure, superficial spreading melanomas, and lower Breslow thickness. This is one of the largest series describing nevus-associated melanomas in Latin America.
Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Stress and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in the Community
Authors: Gopal Deepa M , Larson Martin G , Januzzi James L , Cheng Susan , Ghorbani Anahita , Wollert Kai C , Kempf Tibor , D'Agostino Ralph B , Polak Joseph F , Ramachandran Vasan S , Wang Thomas J , Ho Jennifer E
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

Biomarkers of cardiovascular stress have been associated with incident cardiovascular outcomes. Their relations with measures of subclinical atherosclerosis, as assessed by carotid intima-media thickness, have not been well described.

METHODS

We measured plasma growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), soluble ST2 (sST2), and high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI) in 3111 Framingham Offspring participants who also underwent carotid ultrasonography during the sixth examination (1995–1998, mean age 58 years, 54% women). Carotid measurements included maximal internal carotid artery (ICA) intima-media thickness (IMT), plaque presence (defined as ICA IMT >1.5 mm), and mean common carotid artery IMT. We carried out multivariable regressions for carotid measurements vs biomarkers using linear and logistic models; P < 0.0056 was deemed statistically significant.

RESULTS

Maximal ICA IMT was significantly associated with plasma GDF-15 [β-estimate 0.04 per 1-U increase in log(GDF-15), SE 0.01, P < 0.0001]. Similarly, the odds of having carotid plaque increased 33% [odds ratio 1.33 per 1-U increase in log(GDF-15), 95% CI 1.20–1.48, P < 0.0001]. In contrast, there was no significant association of maximal ICA IMT or plaque presence with sST2 or hsTnI, and none of the 3 biomarkers was significantly associated with mean CCA IMT. GDF-15 was a stronger predictor of maximal ICA thickness and plaque presence compared with BNP and CRP when these conventional biomarkers were tested together.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased GDF-15 concentrations are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis, including maximal ICA IMT and carotid plaque presence. Future studies investigating the role of GDF-15 for screening and management of patients with subclinical atherosclerosis are warranted.
Microsatellite polymorphism in the edaphic spruce, Picea asperata, originating from the mountains of China
Authors: Wang Yuhua , Korpelainen Helena , Li Chunyang
Published: September 2014

Microsatellite variation of Picea asperata Mast. originating from the mountains of China was investigated by analyzing variation at seven SSR loci in 250 individuals representing ten populations. A fair degree of genetic diversity and considerable population subdivision occurred with the mean gene diversity (H) of 0.707, and genetic distances among populations varying between 0.121 and 0.224 (F) and between 0.100 and 0.537 (R). However, inter-population genetic distances showed no correlation with geographic distances between the population sites. This ruled out a simple isolation by distance model and suggested that migration does not have a great impact. In fact, the amount of gene flow, detected using private alleles, was very low, equaling only 0.753. Allele permutation tests revealed that stepwise-like mutations, coupled with genetic drift, could contribute to population differentiation. Moreover, significant genetic differences between populations were detected at most loci. The results indicate that natural selection, presumably through environmental stress, may be one of the main factors causing micro-geographical differentiation in the genetic structure of P. asperata. Based on SSR genotypes, 70% of the 250 individuals were correctly classified into their sites of origin. This suggests that microsatellites (SSRs) are effective in distinguishing genotypes of P. asperata originating from diverse eco-geographical sites in China.STST
Estimation of forest canopy cover: a comparison of field measurement techniques
Authors: Korhonen Lauri , Korhonen Kari , Rautiainen Miina , Stenberg Pauline
Published: September 2014

Estimation of forest canopy cover has recently been included in many forest inventory programmes. In this study, after discussing how canopy cover is defined, different ground-based canopy cover estimation techniques are compared to determine which would be the most feasible for a large scale forest inventory. Canopy cover was estimated in 19 Scots pine or Norway spruce dominated plots using the Cajanus tube, line intersect sampling, modified spherical densiometer, digital photographs, and ocular estimation. The comparisons were based on the differences in values acquired with selected techniques and control values acquired with the Cajanus tube. The statistical significance of the differences between the techniques was tested with the nonparametric Kruskall-Wallis analysis of variance and multiple comparisons. The results indicate that different techniques yield considerably different canopy cover estimates. In general, labour intensive techniques (the Cajanus tube, line intersect sampling) provide unbiased and more precise estimates, whereas the estimates provided by fast techniques (digital photographs, ocular estimation) have larger variances and may also be seriously biased.
Probability of bark stripping damage by red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Austria
Authors: Vospernik Sonja
Published: September 2014

Bark stripping by red deer (Cervus elaphus) causes considerable damage to Austrian forests, however, the incidence of bark stripping was never examined from large scale survey data. In this manuscript we present a logistic regression model for bark stripping damage (static model) and a model for recent (5-year period) bark stripping damage to previously undamaged trees (dynamic model) developed from Austrian National Forest Inventory data. Both models showed bark stripping damage to be most frequent in core red deer habitat areas and less frequent in less suitable habitat. Damage was concentrated at elevations of 400â1200Â m and in alluvial forests (only static model). Norway spruce (Picea abies), European ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) and Sorbus spp. had 11â12 times more injuries than all the other species. Red deer preferred the smallest trees with a breast height diameter of 5Â cm for bark stripping and damage probability decreased rapidly for trees with a breast height diameter greater than 25Â cm. Our static model showed a maximum of bark stripping damage in stands with a mean height of 20Â m. In the dynamic model the probability for bark stripping damage decreased with decreasing mean height. Also, in the static model the probability for bark stripping damage increased with increasing spruce proportion and with increasing stand density whereas in the dynamic model the proportion of previous bark stripping damage was a good predictor. Goodness of fit and discrimination of both models were good. In combination with forest growth models, the bark stripping models can be used to predict the risk of damage associated with different forest and habitat management options.
Modeling carbon sequestration and timber production in a regional case study
Authors: Backéus Sofia , Wikström Peder , Lämås Tomas
Published: September 2014

Forests make up large ecosystems and by the uptake of carbon dioxide can play an important role in mitigating the greenhouse effect. In this study, mitigation of carbon emissions through carbon uptake and storage in forest biomass and the use of forest biofuel for fossil fuel substitution were considered. The analysis was performed for a 3.2 million hectare region in northern Sweden. The objective was to maximize net present value for harvested timber, biofuel production and carbon sequestration. A carbon price for build-up of carbon storage and for emissions from harvested forest products was introduced to achieve an economic value for carbon sequestration. Forest development was simulated using an optimizing stand-level planning model, and the solution for the whole region was found using linear programming. A range of carbon prices was used to study the effect on harvest levels and carbon sequestration. At a zero carbon price, the mean annual harvest level was 5.4 million m, the mean annual carbon sequestration in forest biomass was 1.48 million tonnes and the mean annual replacement of carbon from fossil fuel with forest biofuel was 61â000 tonnes. Increasing the carbon price led to decreasing harvest levels of timber and decreasing harvest levels of forest biofuel. Also, thinning activities decreased more than clear-cut activities when the carbon prices increased. The level of carbon sequestration was governed by the harvest level and the site productivity. This led to varying results for different parts of the region.3
Timing and intensity of precommercial thinning and their effects on the first commercial thinning in Scots pine stands
Authors: Huuskonen Saija , Hynynen Jari
Published: September 2014

The effects of the timing and intensity of precommercial thinning on the stand diameter development and wood production in Scots pine stands was addressed. A model was developed in order to assess the thinning response of the stand diameter development. The effect of precommercial and first commercial thinning on the stand volume and the thinning removal at first commercial thinning were also modelled. The models were developed to be applicable for forest management planning purposes. The results are based on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trials (13 experiments and 169 plots) located in Southern and Central Finland. Precommercial thinning considerably enhanced the diameter development. Precommercial thinning (at Hdom 3âm to 2000 trees per hectare) increased the mean diameter by 15% at the first commercial thinning stage (Hdom 14âm) compared to the unthinned stand (3000 trees haâ1). Early and intensive precommercial thinning resulted in the strongest response in diameter development. Wide spacing also enhanced the diameter increment. In naturally regenerated stands the diameter development was ca 13% slower than that in seeded stands. The total volume at the time of first commercial thinning was affected by the timing of thinning and the stand structure. The volume of merchantable thinning removal depended on the timing and intensity of precommercial and first commercial thinnings. Delaying the first commercial thinning from 12 meters (Hdom) to 16 meters increased the volume of thinning removal by ca.70%. The early and light precommercial thinning (Hdom 3âm, to density of 3000 trees per hectare) increased the thinning removal by 40% compared to the late and intensive precommercial thinning (at 7 meters to the density of 2000 trees per hectare).
Influence of silvicultural regime on wood structure characteristics and mechanical properties of clear wood in Pinus sylvestris
Authors: Eriksson Daniel , Lindberg Henrik , Bergsten Urban
Published: September 2014

The objective of the study presented here was to evaluate the influence of two contrasting silvicultural regimes on the structural characteristics and mechanical properties of different wood tissue types at different heights in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees, and reasons for these differences. Wood samples were taken from two stands (a dense 85-year-old stand established by direct seeding and a 56-year-old widely spaced stand established by planting, designated SDR and PWR, respectively in the boreal zone of Sweden). The wood properties associated with the examined silvicultural regimes differed, in terms of both structural characteristics (with up to fivefold differences between SDR and PWR) and mechanical properties (with up to almost threefold differences between SDR and PWR). Differences between the regimes were highest for stiffness, followed by strength and hardness properties and lowest for relative stiffness after 1000 h of loading (creep) (with higher parameter values for SDR than for PWR in each case). The rankings could be explained by differences among the mechanical properties in their sensitivity to maturation of wood characteristics. In conclusion, silvicultural regimes have great potential to regulate wood structural characteristics and mechanical properties, apparently due to the influences of the green crown and growth rate on the vascular cambium, the strength of which vary throughout the rotation period. A silvicultural regime could therefore be seen as a tool that can be used to select material qualities and to make wood a more homogenous material for engineers.
Biomass equations for European trees: addendum
Authors: Muukkonen Petteri , Mäkipää Raisa
Published: September 2014

A review of stem volume and biomass equations for tree species growing in Europe (Zianis et al. 2005) resulted in suggestions for additional equations. The numbers of original equations, compiled from scientific articles were 607 for biomass and 230 for stem volume. On the basis of the suggestions and an updated literature search, some new equations were published after our review, but more equations were also available from earlier literature. In this addendum, an additional 188 biomass equations and 8 volume equations are presented. One new tree species (Pinus cembra) is included in the list of volume equations. Biomass equations for twelve new tree species are presented: Abies alba, Carbinus betulus, Larix decidua, P. cembra, P. nigra, Quercus robur, Salix caprea, S. âAquaticaâ, S. dasyclados, S. phylicifolias, S. triandra and S. accuparia. The tree-level equations predict stem volume, whole tree biomass or biomass of certain components (e.g., foliage, roots, total above-ground) as a function of diameter or diameter and height of a tree. Biomass and volume equations with other independent variables have also been widely developed but they are excluded from this addendum because the variables selected may reflect locally valid dependencies that cannot be generalized to other geographical regions. Most of the equations presented here are developed for Sweden, Finland and Norway in northern Europe, for Austria in central Europe and for Italy in southern Europe. There are also few equations from Poland and Belgium. Most of the equations deal with above-ground components such as stem, branches and foliage, but some new equations are also available for root biomass. Zianis et al. (2005) and this addendum can be used together as guides to the original publications of these equations. Our updated database of the biomass and volume equations is available also from the website www.metla.fi/hanke/3306/tietokanta.htm.
How Consistent are Course Grades? An Examination of Differential Grading
Authors: Rauschenberg Samuel
Published: September 2014

Differential grading occurs when students in courses with the same content and curriculum receive inconsistent grades across teachers, schools, or districts. It may be due to many factors, including differences in teacher grading standards, district grading policies, student behavior, teacher stereotypes, teacher quality, and curriculum adherence. If it occurs systematically, certain types of students may receive higher or lower grades relative to other students, despite having similar content mastery or ability. Using three years of statewide data on Algebra I and English I courses in North Carolina public high schools, I find that student characteristics are stronger predictors of differential grading than teacher, school, or district characteristics. Female, Limited English Proficient, and 12th grade students earn statistically significant higher grades than other students, holding test scores and student, teacher, school, and district characteristics constant. Low-income students, conversely, earn lower grades than other students, all else constant. With the exception of Algebra I low-income students, these differences are large enough to move a student one grade category on a plus/minus 7-point A-F grading scale. Black students earn higher Algebra I grades but lower English I grades than white or Asian students with the same test score, but these effect sizes are smaller than other student characteristics. Interactions between student and teacher race and gender yielded small estimates that were not consistent between subjects.
Long-Range Geo-Monitoring Using Image Assisted Total Stations
Authors: Wagner Andreas , Huber Ben , Wiedemann Wolfgang , Paar Gerhard
Published: September 2014

Image Assisted Total Stations (IATS) unify geodetic precision of total stations with areal coverage of images. The concept of using two IATS devices for high-resolution, long-range stereo survey of georisk areas has been investigated in the EU-FP7 project DE-MONTES (www.de-montes.eu). The paper presents the used methodology and compares the main features with other terrestrial geodetic geo-monitoring methods. The theoretically achievable accuracy of the measurement systemis derived and verified by ground truth data of a distant clay pit slope and simulated deformations. It is shown that the stereo IATS concept is able to obtain higher precision in the determination of 3D deformations than other systems of comparable sensor establishment effort.
Influence of provisioning on primate behavior and primate studies
Authors: Sugiyama Yukimaru
Published: September 2014

After World War II, primate studies began on Japanese macaques and artificial provisioning facilitated short-distance observation. During these early stages of primate field research, this method allowed for individual recognition and long-term studies whereby individual and social behaviors could be described in detail and, ultimately, social structure. Owing primarily to provisioning, monkeys and apes were able to innovate some cultural behaviors. However, provisioning influences the behavior of animals. Artificially fed primate populations in Japan grew rapidly and social relationships among individuals changed. After the 1980s, scientific reports tended to not mention the incidence of provisioning in descriptions of the environment. Such omissions could inadvertently lead to misleading interpretations of the data. Therefore, authors must describe the provisioning situation as an important element of the environment. Even in the early stages of the primate studies, it should have been noted that provisioning was an experimental method and was partly an artificial living condition applied to wild populations of animals, which could have both positive and negative outcomes. In this paper I defined the terms wild, provisioning, free-ranging and habituation in appropriate words.
Optical coherence tomography in diagnosing inflammatory diseases of ENT
Authors: Meller Alina , Shakhova Maria , Rilkin Yuriy , Novozhilov Alexey , Kirillin Mikhail , Shakhov Andrey
Published: September 2014

The object of the study was to demonstrate the abilities of optical coherence tomography (OCT) technique in diagnostics of inflammatory processes in ear, nose, and throat (ENT). When used in diagnostics of the nose and pharynx, OCT facilitates differential diagnostics of rhinitis enabling differentiation between the normal state, two stages of allergic rhinitis, vasomotor and atrophic rhinitis and diagnostics of pharyngitis. This paper also demonstrates the ability of OCT to monitor changes in pharynx induced by cryotherapy. In diagnostics of the tympanic cavity the ability of OCT to differentiate between different stages of chronic otitis and retraction of the tympanic membrane is demonstrated. Finally a correlation is discussed between morphologic alterations induced by inflammatory processes and changes in diagnostic OCT images.
Cationic vinyl monomer-grafted polypropylene preparation and its use as a compatibilizer for polypropylene/poly(vinyl chloride) blends
Authors: Liu Guangtian
Published: September 2014

Grafting polymerization is a valuable method for the modification of the chemical and physical properties of polymer surfaces. In this paper, the grafting of cationic vinyl monomer with quaternary ammonium groups, i.e., methacryloxyethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (DMC), onto the isotactic polypropylene (iPP) granule was performed by the suspension solid-state grafting process. The technique offers new opportunities in modification of polyolefins, which has advantages of being solventless and having a lower process temperature. The grafted PP [PP-g-(St-co-DMC)] was systematically characterized by using various analytic tools including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The FTIR spectra of the grafted iPP confirmed that DMC was successfully grafted onto the iPP backbone. The results of TGA and the hydrophilicity measurement indicated that the thermal stability of the grafted iPP was enhanced remarkably, and the hydrophilicity was also enhanced due to the addition of hydrophilic quaternary ammonium groups. Furthermore, the mechanical properties effect of PP-g-(St-co-DMC) on PP/poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) blends was investigated. The measurements of tensile strength and impact strength indicated that the PP-g-(St-co-DMC) could remarkably enhance compatibility of PP/PVC blends. The tensile strength and the impact strength of PP/PVC blends with a concentration of PP-g-(St-co-DMC) at 4% (wt) increased up to 19.15% and 74.48%, respectively.