bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspective: The Evolution of R&D Conduct in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Schramm Mary E. , Hu Michael Y.
Published: September 2013

During the past three decades, a series of changes in the market environment have altered the structure of the pharmaceutical industry. While these changes have benefitted the generic drug sector, the effect on the branded drug sector has been detrimental. In sum, these changes have shortened the product life cycles for branded drugs by shifting market share to generic drugs sooner. As a result, it is more challenging for branded drugs to meet return on investment expectations because sales revenue has decreased. This study examines change in the pharmaceutical industry through the lens of the Structure‐Conduct‐Performance paradigm. While research and development intensity has remained stable during the past three decades, new product introductions have shifted to favor brand extension drugs over new, innovative drugs. This change in conduct, reflecting the structural changes that have impacted the industry, indicates a transformation in managers' expectations for returns from investment in new drug development. From a performance standpoint, in the latter part of the period studied, we find a positive relationship between stock return and the introduction of brand extensions reflecting the stock market's approval of the change in product strategy. Our discussion concludes that emerging structural changes may help offset the challenges faced by the branded drug sector and ultimately drive additional changes in the branded sector's conduct.
Age differences in the association of obstructive sleep apnea risk with cognition and quality of life
Authors: Addison‐Brown Kristin J. , Letter Abraham J. , Yaggi Klar , Mcclure Leslie A. , Unverzagt Frederick W. , Howard Virginia J. , Lichtman Judith H. , Wadley Virginia G.
Published: September 2013

Using a sample of 2925 stroke‐free participants drawn from a national population‐based study, we examined cross‐sectional associations of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk with cognition and quality of life and whether these vary with age, while controlling for demographics and comorbidities. Included participants from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study were aged 47–93 years. OSA risk was categorized as high or low based on responses to the Berlin Sleep Questionnaire. Cognitive function was assessed with standardized fluency and recall measures. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the four‐item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form‐12 (SF‐12). Multivariate analyses of covariance (mancova) statistics were applied separately to the cognitive and quality of life dependent variables while accounting for potential confounders (demographics, comorbidities). In fully adjusted models, those at high risk for OSA had significantly lower cognitive scores (Wilks’ lambda = 0.996, F3,2786 = 3.31, P < 0.05) and lower quality of life [depressive symptoms and HRQoL] (Wilks’ lambda = 0.989, F3,2786 = 10.02, P < 0.0001). However, some of the associations were age‐dependent. Differences in cognition and quality of life between those at high and low obstructive sleep apnea risk were most pronounced during middle age, with attenuated effects after age 70 years.
NON‐PARAMETRIC ESTIMATION UNDER STRONG DEPENDENCE
Authors: Zhao Zhibiao , Zhang Yiyun , Li Runze
Published: September 2013

We study non‐parametric regression function estimation for models with strong dependence. Compared with short‐range dependent models, long‐range dependent models often result in slower convergence rates. We propose a simple differencing‐sequence based non‐parametric estimator that achieves the same convergence rate as if the data were independent. Simulation studies show that the proposed method has good finite sample performance.
Three Grades of Grammatical Involvement: Syntax from a Minimalist Perspective
Authors: HORNSTEIN NORBERT
Published: September 2013

This article presents a Whig history of Minimalism, suggesting that it is the natural next step in the generative program initiated in the mid 1950s. The program so conceived has two prongs: (i) unifying the disparate modules by demonstrating that they are generated by the same basic operations and respect the same general conditions and (ii) assessing which of these basic operations and conditions are parochial to the faculty of language (FL) and which are reflect more general features of cognitive computation. What makes Minimalism ‘minimal’ is the conviction that the bulk of the operations and principles inFLare proprietary to that cognitive module. The article illustrates the aims of the project by discussing some ways of reducing Binding Theory to the theory of Movement.
Argument Structure Constructions versus Lexical Rules or Derivational Verb Templates
Authors: GOLDBERG ADELE E.
Published: September 2013

The idea that correspondences relating grammatical relations and semantics (argument structure constructions) are needed to account for simple sentence types is reviewed, clarified, updated and compared with two lexicalist alternatives. Traditional lexical rules take one verb as ‘input’ and create (or relate) a different verb as ‘output’. More recently, invisible derivational verb templates have been proposed, which treat argument structure patterns as zero derivational affixes that combine with a root verb to yield a new verb. While the derivational template perspective can address several problems that arise for traditional lexical rules, it still faces problems in accounting for idioms, which often contain specifications that are not appropriately assigned to individual verbs or derivational affixes (regarding adjuncts, modification, and inflection). At the same time, it is clear that verbs play a central role in determining their distribution. The balance between verbs and phrasal argument structure constructions is addressed via the Principles of Semantic Coherence and Correspondence together with a usage‐based hierarchy of constructions that contains entries which can include particular verbs and other lexical material.
The Central Question in Comparative Syntactic Metatheory
Authors: PULLUM GEOFFREY K.
Published: September 2013

Two kinds of theoretical framework for syntax are encountered in current linguistics. One emerged from the mathematization of proof theory, and is referred to here as generative‐enumerative syntax (GES). A less explored alternative stems from the semantic side of logic, and is here called model‐theoretic syntax (MTS). I sketch the outlines of each, and give a capsule summary of some mathematical results pertaining to the latter. I then briefly survey some diverse types of evidence suggesting that in some waysMTSseems better suited to theorizing about the relevant linguistic phenomena.
The Structure of Syntactic Typologies
Authors: GRIMSHAW JANE
Published: September 2013

This article illustrates how language variation and the limits of variation are given a shared and principled explanation in Optimality Theory. It shows that languages can be ‘uniform’, choosing the same grammatical structures in three different sentence types. They can also be ‘non‐uniform’, but the combinations of grammatical structures that they can exhibit are extremely restricted. The theory characterizes possible and impossible grammatical systems without special stipulations or additional theoretical machinery.
Cephalopod remains from stomachs of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) that mass‐stranded along the Oregon coast
Authors: Harvey James T. , Friend Theresa , McHuron Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2013

On 16 June 1979, a herd of 41 sperm whales stranded near the mouth of the Siuslaw River in Florence, Oregon. The stomach contents from 32 whales were collected, identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible, enumerated, and measured. A total of 20,247 cephalopod lower beaks that represented 24 species from 14 different families were recovered. The most numerous species wereHistioteuthis hoylei(25.9%),Taonius borealis(12.9%),Galiteuthis phyllura(11.2%),Gonatopsis/Berryteuthistype (10.9%), andMoroteuthis robusta(10.7%). Reconstructed estimates of mass indicated thatM. robustacontributed almost 50% of the total mass of cephalopods consumed, followed byH. hoylei(19.3%), andT. borealis(7.0%). The most important species in the diet of stranded whales wereM. robusta,H. hoylei,T. borealis,G. phyllura,Octopoteuthis deletron, andGonatopsis/Berryteuthistype. There were significant differences in the diet of males and females, but no differences between sperm whales of different age groups. Overall, sperm whales primarily consumed small cephalopods that were likely eaten south of 45ºN in or near the California Current System. This study provides new estimates of the food habits of sperm whales in the northeast Pacific from one of the largest strandings of this species.
Sugar homeostasis mediated by cell wall invertase GRAIN INCOMPLETE FILLING 1 (GIF1) plays a role in pre‐existing and induced defence in rice
Authors: Sun Li , Yang Dong‐lei , Kong Yu , Chen Ying , Li Xiao‐Zun , Zeng Long‐Jun , Li Qun , Wang Er‐Tao , He Zu‐Hua
Published: September 2013

Sugar metabolism and sugar signalling are not only critical for plant growth and development, but are also important for stress responses. However, how sugar homeostasis is involved in plant defence against pathogen attack in the model crop rice remains largely unknown. In this study, we observed that the grains of gif1, a loss‐of‐function mutant of the cell wall invertase gene GRAIN INCOMPLETE FILLING 1 (GIF1), were hypersusceptible to postharvest fungal pathogens, with decreased levels of sugars and a thinner glume cell wall in comparison with the wild‐type. Interestingly, constitutive expression of GIF1 enhanced resistance to both the rice bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae. The GIF1‐overexpressing (GIF1‐OE) plants accumulated higher levels of glucose, fructose and sucrose compared with the wild‐type plants. More importantly, higher levels of callose were deposited in GIF1‐OE plants during pathogen infection. Moreover, the cell wall was much thicker in the infection sites of the GIF1‐OE plants when compared with the wild‐type plants. We also found that defence‐related genes were constitutively activated in the GIF1‐OE plants. Taken together, our study reveals that sugar homeostasis mediated by GIF1 plays an important role in constitutive and induced physical and chemical defence.
Postprandial symptoms originating from the stomach in functional dyspepsia
Authors: Vanheel H. , Vanuytsel T. , Van Oudenhove L. , Farré R. , Verbeke K. , Tack J.
Published: September 2013

Background

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is characterized by chronic epigastric symptoms. The stomach has been held responsible for the generation of symptoms, but the latest reports have pointed out that also the duodenum can be implicated in the pathophysiology. The aim of this study was to elucidate which dyspeptic symptoms originate from the stomach and/or from the small intestine after a meal.

Methods

Two hundred eighty‐four FD patients underwent a gastric emptying breath test. Breath samples were taken and the intensity of six dyspeptic symptoms (fullness, bloating, belching, nausea, epigastric burning, and epigastric pain) was scored before a meal and at 15 min intervals for a period of 240 min postprandially. Time curves of each symptom were analyzed and severity scores during the gastric and the intestinal phase were compared.

Key Results

Time curves of fullness, bloating, belching, and nausea displayed a significant negative slope, while symptom severity of epigastric burning and epigastric pain did not decrease over time. Numerical analysis revealed that scores for fullness, bloating, and belching were higher during the gastric phase compared with the intestinal phase. On the other hand, intensities of nausea, epigastric burning, and epigastric pain were similar during both phases.

Conclusions & Inferences

Intensities of fullness, bloating, and belching decrease with food moving from the stomach to the small intestine indicating that the stomach plays a crucial role in the generation of these symptoms. In contrast, the symptom severity of epigastric burning and epigastric pain persists with progression of food to the small intestine.
Moving Beyond Causes: Optimality Models and Scientific Explanation
Authors: Rice Collin
Published: September 2013

A prominent approach to scientific explanation and modeling claims that for a model to provide an explanation it must accurately represent at least some of the actual causes in the event's causal history. In this paper, I argue that many optimality explanations present a serious challenge to this causal approach. I contend that many optimality models provide highly idealized equilibrium explanations that do not accurately represent the causes of their target system(s). Furthermore, in many contexts, it is in virtue of their independence of causes that optimality models are able to provide a better explanation than competing causal models. Consequently, our account of explanation and modeling must expand beyond the causal approach.
Cost‐Effectiveness of Primary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Treatment: Data from a Large Clinical Registry
Authors: THIJSSEN JOEP , VAN DEN AKKER VAN MARLE M. ELSKE , BORLEFFS C. JAN WILLEM , VAN REES JOHANNES B. , DE BIE MIHÁLY K. , VAN DER VELDE ENNO T. , VAN ERVEN LIESELOT , SCHALIJ MARTIN J.
Published: September 2013

Background

Although randomized trials have shown the beneficial effect on survival of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) as primary prevention therapy in selected patients, data concerning the cost‐effectiveness in routine clinical practice remain scarce. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to assess the cost‐effectiveness of primary prevention ICD implantation in the real world.

Methods

Patients receiving primary prevention single‐chamber or dual‐chamber ICD implantation at the Leiden University Medical Center were included in the study. Using a Markov model, lifetime cost, life years (LYs), and gained quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) were estimated for device recipients and control patients. Data on mortality, complication rates, and device longevity were retrieved from our center and entered into the Markov model. To account for model assumptions, one‐way deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Importantly, calculations for the estimated incremental cost‐effectiveness rate (ICER) per QALY gained are based on several numbers of assumptions, and accordingly findings may have over‐ or underestimated the cost‐effectiveness of ICD therapy.

Results

Primary prevention ICD implantation adds an estimated mean of 2.07 LYs and 1.73 QALYs. Increased lifetime cost for single‐chamber and dual‐chamber ICD recipients were estimated at €60,788 and €64,216, respectively. This resulted for single‐chamber ICD recipients, in an estimated ICER of €35,154 per QALY gained. In dual‐chamber ICD recipients, an estimated ICER of €37,111 per QALY gained was calculated. According to the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, estimated cost per QALY gained are €35,837 (95% confidence interval [CI]: €28,368–€44,460) for single‐chamber and €37,756 (95% CI: €29,055–€46,050) for dual‐chamber ICDs.

Conclusions

On the basis of data and detailed costs, derived from routine clinical practice, ICD therapy in selected patients with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction appears to be cost‐effective.
Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Infections in Left Ventricular Assist Device Recipients
Authors: RIAZ TALHA , NIENABER JUHSIEN J.C. , BADDOUR LARRY M. , WALKER RANDALL C. , PARK SOON J. , SOHAIL MUHAMMAD RIZWAN
Published: September 2013

Background

Most patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have concomitant cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). However, clinical presentation and outcome of CIED infection in the setting of LVAD has not been previously described.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 247 patients who underwent LVAD implantation at Mayo Clinic campuses in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida, from January 2005 to December 2011. Demographic and clinical data of patients who met criteria for CIED infection were extracted.

Results

Of 247 patients with LVADs, 215 (87%) had CIED at the time of LVAD implantation and six (2.8%) subsequently developed CIED infections. Three patients developed CIED lead‐related endocarditis and the other three had pocket infection. All three instances of CIED pocket infection were preceded by device generator exchange, whereas all three patients with CIED lead‐related endocarditis had prior LVAD‐related infections. Causative pathogens included Pseudomonas aeruginos (1), coagulase‐negative staphylococci (2), methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (1), a gram‐positive bacillus (1), and culture negative (2). All patients underwent complete CIED removal along with antimicrobial therapy. The three patients with CIED lead‐related endocarditis and prior LVAD infections received chronic suppressive antibiotic therapy, and one patient had LVAD exchange. All but one remained alive at the last follow‐up with a median duration of 15 months (7–46 months) from the time of CIED infection.

Conclusion

Patients who are receiving LVAD therapy and develop CIED infection should be managed with complete CIED removal. Chronic suppressive antibiotic therapy is warranted in cases that have concomitant LVAD infection.
Ventricular Cycle Length Characteristics Estimative of Prolonged RR Interval during Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: CIACCIO EDWARD J. , BIVIANO ANGELO B. , GAMBHIR ALOK , EINSTEIN ANDREW J. , GARAN HASAN
Published: September 2013

Background

When atrial fibrillation (AF) is incessant, imaging during a prolonged ventricular RR interval may improve image quality. It was hypothesized that long RR intervals could be predicted from preceding RR values.

Methods

From the PhysioNet database, electrocardiogram RR intervals were obtained from 74 persistent AF patients. An RR interval lengthened by at least 250 ms beyond the immediately preceding RR interval (termed T0 and T1, respectively) was considered prolonged. A two‐parameter scatterplot was used to predict the occurrence of a prolonged interval T0. The scatterplot parameters were: (1) RR variability (RRv) estimated as the average second derivative from 10 previous pairs of RR differences, T13–T2, and (2) Tm–T1, the difference between Tm, the mean from T13 to T2, and T1. For each patient, scatterplots were constructed using preliminary data from the first hour. The ranges of parameters 1 and 2 were adjusted to maximize the proportion of prolonged RR intervals within range. These constraints were used for prediction of prolonged RR in test data collected during the second hour.

Results

The mean prolonged event was 1.0 seconds in duration. Actual prolonged events were identified with a mean positive predictive value (PPV) of 80% in the test set. PPV was >80% in 36 of 74 patients. An average of 10.8 prolonged RR intervals per 60 minutes was correctly identified.

Conclusions

A method was developed to predict prolonged RR intervals using two parameters and prior statistical sampling for each patient. This or similar methodology may help improve cardiac imaging in many longstanding persistent AF patients.
Prediction of Midterm Performance of Active‐Fixation Leads Using Current of Injury
Authors: HAGHJOO MAJID , MOLLAZADEH REZA , ASLANI AMIR , DASTMALCHI JALAL , MASHREGHI‐MOGHADAM HAMIDREZA , HEIDARI‐MOKARAR HADI , VAKILI‐ZARCH ANOUSHIRAVAN , ALIZADEH ABOLFATH
Published: September 2013

Background

There are only limited prospective data on the clinical relevance of current of injury (COI) as a predictor of the midterm performance of active‐fixation leads. This study sought to investigate whether it is possible to predict the midterm performance of active‐fixation leads using COI recorded at the time of implantation.

Methods and results

One hundred fifty patients (78 men; mean age, 63 ± 19 years) who received active‐fixation pacing (n = 201) and defibrillator (n = 51) leads were studied. COI was measured from the intracardiac bipolar electrogram recorded at the time of lead implantation. The study outcome was good lead performance at 6 months, defined as P wave ≥ 1.5 mV, threshold <1.5 V for atrial lead, R‐wave ≥ 5 mV, and threshold <1 V for ventricular lead. A total of 102 active‐fixation atrial and 150 ventricular leads were implanted. During a 6‐month follow‐up, invasive intervention was required for seven atrial and seven ventricular leads. In multivariate analysis, COI was the only independent predictor of good outcome for the active‐fixation atrial (odds ratio [OR]: 5.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.18–14.76, P = 0.001) and ventricular leads (OR: 3.99, 95% CI: 1.08–21.26, P = 0.002). Receiver‐operating characteristic analysis identified ST‐segment elevation ≥2.0 mV for the atrial leads (sensitivity, 75%; specificity, 89%) and ≥10.0 mV for the ventricular leads (sensitivity, 70%; specificity, 87%) as optimal cutoffs for good midterm performance.

Conclusions

Midterm performance of active‐fixation leads is predictable using COI recorded at the time of lead implantation. A ST‐segment elevation ≥2.0 mV in the atrial leads and ≥10.0 mV in the ventricular leads are recommended to improve the lead performance at 6 months.
Myocardial Injury Secondary to ICD Shocks: Insights from Patients with Lead Fracture
Authors: SHAM'A RAED ABU , NERY PABLO , SADEK MOUHANNAD , YUNG DEREK , REDPATH CALUM , PERRIN MARK , SARAK BRADLEY , BIRNIE DAVID
Published: September 2013

Background

Patients who receive appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shocks have a subsequent adverse prognosis. Most data suggest that patients with inappropriate ICD shocks also have a subsequent adverse prognosis, although this is more controversial. The shocks may be an epiphenomenon, that is, a marker of underlying disease progression; however, it cannot be excluded that shocks cause direct myocardial damage. This latter question is difficult to clarify as the arrhythmia provoking the shock can also cause troponin release. Inappropriate shocks secondary to lead fracture are an ideal situation to examine this question; any troponin release in an otherwise well and hemodynamically stable patient, is likely due directly to the shocks.

Methods

All patients with Fidelis lead fracture admitted to our institution with inappropriate shocks were included in this study. Troponin (I or T) was considered positive if the level was above the 99th percentile reference cutoff.

Results

Elevated troponin levels were recorded in 16 of 22 patients (73%). Patients with elevated troponin received a higher number of shocks (20.3 ± 30.1 vs 5.3 ± 4.8, P = 0.07) compared with patients with normal troponin. Very elevated troponin levels (>0.8 mcg/L) were seen in five of 22 (22%) patients. The mean peak troponin level for these five patients was 7.06 ± 8.56 mcg/L; two patients had troponin levels that would be expected from a medium‐sized myocardial infarction or severe myocarditis.

Conclusion

Troponin elevation occurred in the majority of our patients after inappropriate ICD discharges secondary to lead fracture. This indicates that ICD shocks can cause myocardial injury.
Development of molecular markers from Indian genotypes of two Gossypium L. species
Authors: Srivastava Anukool , Jena Satya Narayan , Ranjan Alok , Kavita Palacharla , Asif Mehar H. , Bag Sumit K. , Shukla Ravi Prakash , Yadav Hemant K. , Sawant Samir V.
Published: September 2013

Two genotypes of Gossypium hirsutum and four genotypes of G. herbaceum have been used to develop large‐scale molecular markers, especially SSRs and SNPs for their use in various molecular breeding programmes of cotton. A total of 1440 expressed SSRs and 2608 SNPs were identified from transcriptome of two genotypes of G. hirsutum. In addition, 10 971 SNPs were also developed from transcriptome of G. herbaceum, of which 4059 SNPs were transition and 6912 were transversion and there were 238 indels. This study added a total of 334 novel SSRs and 1847 novel SNPs in G. hirsutum and 10 947 novel SNPs in G. herbaceum to the public domain. We also validated a subset of 25 novel SSRs and 12 SNPs with five genotypes of G. hirsutum.
High prevalence of underweight and undernutrition in Japanese inpatients with schizophrenia
Authors: Suzuki Yutaro , Sugai Takuro , Fukui Naoki , Watanabe Junzo , Ono Shin , Tsuneyama Nobuto , Saito Mami , Someya Toshiyuki
Published: September 2013

Aims

In Europe and North America, schizophrenia patients treated with antipsychotic agents have a higher prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome compared with healthy individuals. In Japan, the prevalence of overweight/obesity in the general population is considerably lower than that in Europe and North America. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of underweight and overweight/obesity as well as laboratory data in Japanese inpatients with schizophrenia.

Methods

The subjects were 333 inpatients with schizophrenia and 191 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers. Overweight/obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2, standard weight was defined as BMI ≥ 18.5 to <25 kg/m2 and underweight was defined as BMI < 18.5 kg/m2.

Results

A significant difference in the prevalence of the three BMI levels was observed between schizophrenia patients and controls (P < 0.001). The prevalence of underweight was significantly higher in schizophrenia patients than that in controls (P < 0.001). The prevalence of hypoproteinemia (P < 0.001) and of hypocholesterolemia (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in schizophrenia patients than in controls. In schizophrenia patients, the prevalence of hypotriglyceridemia was significantly higher in the underweight group than in the standard weight group (P = 0.003) and in the overweight/obesity group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The prevalence of underweight in Japanese inpatients with schizophrenia may be higher compared with that in the general population. Therefore, the physical health of inpatients should be more carefully taken into account in clinical practice.
Positive and negative effects of prostaglandins in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Fattahi Mohammad Javad , Mirshafiey Abbas
Published: September 2013

The aim of this review was to clarify the role of prostaglandins and prostaglandin receptors in the immunopathology of Alzheimer's disease. A PubMed search was done using the key word, ‘Alzheimer's disease’ in combination with the term ‘prostaglandins’. Articles from the past 10 years were preferentially selected but important ones from the past 20 years were also included according to the authors' judgment. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by pathological hallmarks such as extracellular deposition of the amyloid β‐peptide, the appearance of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, extensive neuronal loss and synaptic changes in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. These processes induce inflammatory pathways by activating microglia, astrocytes and infiltrating leukocytes that produce inflammatory mediators including cytokines and prostaglandins.Prostaglandins are small lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid by multi‐enzymatic pathways in which cyclooxygenases and phospholipases are the rate‐limiting enzymes. In the central nervous system, prostaglandins exhibit either neurotoxic or neuroprotective effects by acting on specific G‐protein‐coupled receptors that have different subfamilies and differences in their selective agonists, tissue distribution and signal transduction cascades. Further studies on the role of prostaglandins in Alzheimer's disease may contribute to clarification of their neuroprotective actions, which may lead to the development of successful therapeutic strategies.
Use of tissue expansion to facilitate liver and small bowel transplant in young children with contracted abdominal cavities
Authors: Vidyadharan R. , van Bommel A. C. M. , Kuti K. , Gupte G. L. , Sharif K. , Richard B. M.
Published: September 2013

Liver and small bowel transplant is an established treatment for infants with IFALD. Despite organ reduction techniques, mortality on the waiting list remains high due to shortage of size‐matched pediatric donors. Small abdominal cavity volume due to previous intestinal resection poses a significant challenge to achieve abdominal closure post‐transplant. Seven children underwent tissue expansion of abdominal skin prior to multiorgan transplant. In total, 17 tissue expanders were placed subcutaneously in seven children. All seven subjects underwent re‐exploration to deal with complications: hematoma, extrusion, infection, or port related. Three expanders had to be removed. Four children went on to have successful combined liver and small bowel transplant. Two children died on the waiting list of causes not related to the expander and one child died from sepsis attributed to an infected expander. Tissue expansion can generate skin to facilitate closure of abdomen post‐transplant, thus allowing infants with small abdominal volumes to be considered for transplant surgery. Tissue expansion in children with end‐stage liver disease and portal hypertension is associated with a very high complication rate and needs to be closely monitored during the expansion process.
Expanding Shifting Baseline Syndrome to Accommodate Increasing Abundances
Authors: Steen David A. , Jachowski David S.
Published: September 2013

The shifting baseline syndrome suggests that our perceptions of previous conditions may change over time as ecosystems degrade. Although most discussion of the topic relates to decreasing species abundances, there are several reasons to think that abundances of many species will increase in response to anthropogenic disturbance. For example, increases in abundances of certain species are predicted after the removal of predators, as exotic and invasive species become established, and as habitat generalists proliferate. Because generational amnesia about historic conditions could influence the setting of restoration targets, restoration ecologists should explicitly consider the shifting baseline syndrome in reference to increases in abundances from historic levels.
Bone Osteolysis Following Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction Using Synthetic Ligament (Surgilig™)
Authors: Sarda Praveen , Richards Andrew M. , Corbett Steven A.
Published: September 2013

Good short term results have led to increased use of synthetic ligaments for acute and chronic acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) disruption. They have proved quite safe in the short term but we present two cases of osteolysis following ACJ reconstruction using a synthetic ligament, reminding surgeons of potential complications with artificial ligaments. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose such complications early before irretrievable bone loss to osteolysis.
Thick Ethical Concepts in the Philosophy and Literature of Iris Murdoch
Authors: Jordan Jessy E. G.
Published: September 2013

Although thick ethical concepts have been neglected in Murdochian scholarship, this article argues that they were central to the thought of Iris Murdoch. In the first section, the article provides a sustained account of thick ethical concepts in Murdoch's philosophy, demonstrating how these concepts align with and illuminate familiar aspects of her philosophical essays. The first section also explores the ways in which Murdoch's alternative account of moral concepts was at the heart of her overall attack on the noncognitivism of her day. In the second section, the article provides a reading of The Black Prince and considers the ways that thick ethical concepts offer new insight into Murdoch's literary activity. It concludes by suggesting that studying Murdoch's philosophy and literature in light of thick ethical concepts reveals a deep unity between her two intellectual projects.
Interpersonal difficulties as a risk factor for athletes' eating psychopathology
Authors: Shanmugam V. , Jowett S. , Meyer C.
Published: September 2013

The present study sought to determine the predictive role of interpersonal difficulties on eating psychopathology among competitive British athletes (ranging from university to international competition level). A total of 122 athletes (36 males and 86 females) with a mean age of 21.22 years (SD = 4.02), completed a multisection questionnaire that measured eating psychopathology, attachment styles, and quality of relationships with parents, coaches and teammate over a 6‐month period. Partial correlations revealed that when controlling for baseline eating psychopathology, only the quality of the relationship with coach and closest teammate were related to athletes' eating psychopathology 6 months later. Subsequent hierarchical multiple regression analyses demonstrated that athletes' eating psychopathology was only predicted by perceived levels of interpersonal conflict with the coach. The current findings provide evidence to suggest that conflict within the coach–athlete relationship is a potential risk factor for eating disorders among athletes and thus it would seem appropriate to raise awareness for its potentially toxic role in athletes' eating psychopathology.
Implicit Attitudes Reflect Associative, Non‐associative, and Non‐attitudinal Processes
Authors: Calanchini Jimmy , Sherman Jeffrey W.
Published: September 2013

It is a common assumption that responses on implicit measures are proxies for automatically activated associations stored in memory. Consequently, explanations for implicit attitude malleability, variability, and prediction have assumed differences in underlying associations. However, a growing body of evidence challenges the assumption that implicit attitude change is driven only by associative processes. This paper reviews evidence from research with the Quadruple Process model on the influence of associative and non‐associative processes on implicit task performance. We also describe recent research on non‐attitudinal processes that do not pertain directly to the attitude object of interest but that, nevertheless, influence implicit task performance. Implications for the interpretation of implicit measures and implicit attitude change are discussed.
Salivary Cortisol as a Biomarker in Social Science Research
Authors: Smyth Nina , Hucklebridge Frank , Thorn Lisa , Evans Phil , Clow Angela
Published: September 2013

Cortisol, a neuroendocrine hormone measurable in saliva, responds to internal and external triggers. In providing a peripheral ‘window on the brain’, it has been increasingly incorporated into social psychological studies. Cortisol secretion can be studied in two main ways, examination of acute stress reactivity and examination of the basal circadian patterns. These can inform aspects of acute and chronic stress exposure and relationships with health. Within non‐clinical populations, cortisol effects are largely driven by differences in the perception of threat. For social psychologists, this provides an interesting avenue for the investigation of social factors that mediate perceptions of threat, such as social support, relationship processes, and group dynamics in acute and chronic stress. This paper provides a background to understanding the regulation and function of cortisol, and issues arising in relation to its measurement in saliva. It discusses and makes recommendations on the use of appropriate cortisol measures in the study of both acute and chronic stress. Used and interpreted appropriately, stress reactivity and basal ambulatory measures of salivary cortisol can provide a valuable adjunct to self‐report and observation in social psychological research. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Automatic Behavior – Its Social Embedding and Individual Consequences
Authors: Jonas Kai J.
Published: September 2013

Automatic behavior, that is, the non‐conscious activation of perceiver behavior by social category priming, has undergone considerable development in the recent years. While initial effects pointed to often rather surprising effects that could be characterized as imitation of the behavior of the social category itself, current research unfolds a much more complex picture. Not only imitative behavior but, contrasting, also response behavior is getting activated. Response behavior is fundamentally different from imitation and contrast and denotes behavior that is directed toward the social category out of the action ecology of the perceiver. Furthermore, boundary conditions have been established and could reveal that motivation (goals) and social context modulate the selection of specific automatic responses. Most recent findings reveal that social category priming embedded in context also modulates visual attention patterns pertaining to means functional for the response behavior. Similar to the increased complexity of findings, the proposed underlying explanatory models have developed in comprehensiveness. Taken together, automatic behavior now has to be seen as a valid form of social influence, and its benefits and pitfalls are further to be investigated.
Identification of the novel HLA‐A*26:79 allele by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Zhang W. , He Y.‐M. , He J. , Zhu F.‐M. , Lv H.‐J.
Published: September 2013

HLA‐A*26:79 was different from HLA‐A*26:01:01 at nucleotide position 406 from G to A.
Evaluation of the affinity of various species and strains of Staphylococcus to adhere to equine corneocytes
Authors: Akridge Heather D. , Rankin Shelley C. , Griffeth Gregory C. , Boston Raymond C. , Callori Nancy E. , Morris Daniel O.
Published: September 2013

Background

Meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain USA 500 predominately colonizes horses and people working with them. Previous studies demonstrate that some Staphylococcus species exhibit higher affinity for corneocytes of specific mammalian species.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The objective was to determine the relative affinities of various MRSA strains, meticillin‐susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) strains and a meticillin‐susceptible Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MSSP) for equine corneocytes. We hypothesized that MRSA strain USA 500 would exhibit greater adhesion than other staphylococcal strains tested.

Methods

Epidemic MRSA strains (USA 100, USA 300, USA 500 and USA 800), two MSSA control strains and an MSSP field strain were tested on corneocytes from 15 client‐owned horses. Isolates were incubated with corneocytes in conditions (bacterial concentration of 108 colony‐forming units/mL for 45 min) recently shown to maximize adherence of S. aureus without competitive interference. A validated image‐analysis system was used to quantify the cell surface density of bacterial adhesion.

Results

The MSSP strain adhered with significantly higher affinity (P < 0.0015) to corneocytes than did MSSA strains. All MRSA strains other than USA 500 had significantly higher affinity than MSSA strains (P range <0.03 to <0.0015). There were no statistical differences in adhesion between strain USA 500 and the other MRSA strains tested.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Meticillin‐resistant S. aureus strain USA 500 did not adhere more robustly than other strains of Staphylococcus; therefore, its affinity to colonize horses may not be solely attributed to corneocyte adhesion. Additional studies are required to explain the epidemiological role of this strain as the predominant cause of colonization and infections of horses in North America.
Treatment of alopecia X with medroxyprogesterone acetate
Authors: Frank Linda A. , Watson Jacqueline B.
Published: September 2013

Background

Alopecia X is a common cause of noninflammatory alopecia in Pomeranian dogs. In the past, treatment with growth hormone injections resulted in hair regrowth in many individuals. Progesterone can induce mammary‐derived growth hormone and is used to treat dogs with congenital growth hormone deficiency.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine whether progesterone induces endogenous insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and causes hair regrowth in dogs with alopecia X.

Animals

Eight neutered Pomeranian dogs with alopecia X for 1–2 years.

Methods

In part 1, two male and three female dogs received 5 mg/kg medroxyprogesterone acetate injected subcutaneously (s.c.) every 4 weeks for a total of four injections. In part 2, one male and two female dogs received 10 mg/kg medroxyprogesterone acetate injected s.c. every 4 weeks for four injections. Dogs were monitored monthly with physical examinations and complete blood counts, chemistry panels and urinalyses. In part 3, two coated Pomeranian dogs and two normal‐coated small breed dogs received two s.c. injections of 10 mg/kg medroxyprogesterone acetate. Serum was saved from each visit for IGF‐1 analysis.

Results

In part 1, two dogs had partial hair regrowth of ~40–60%. In part 2, one dog had partial hair regrowth and one dog had complete hair regrowth 2 months after completion of the study. Unlike the normal‐coated dogs, whose IGF‐1 concentrations increased, the IGF‐1 concentrations in alopecic and coated Pomeranian dogs were low and remained unchanged. No adverse effects were noted.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Results of this study showed that medroxyprogesterone injections resulted in partial hair regrowth in three and complete hair regrowth in one of eight Pomeranian dogs with alopecia X.
Revision ofMecinus heydeniispecies complex (Curculionidae): integrative taxonomy reveals multiple species exhibiting host specialization
Authors: Toševski Ivo , Caldara Roberto , Jović Jelena , Baviera Cosimo , Hernández‐Vera Gerardo , Gassmann Andre , Emerson Brent C.
Published: September 2013

A combined taxonomic, morphological, molecular and biological study revealed that the species presently namedMecinus heydeniiis actually composed of five different species:M. heydeniiWencker, 1866;M. raphaelisBaviera &Caldara sp. n.,M. laevicepsTournier, 1873;M. peterharrisiToševski & Caldara sp. n. andM. bulgaricusAngelov, 1971. These species can be distinguished from each other by a few subtle characteristics, mainly in the shape of the rostrum and body of the penis, and the colour of the integument. The first four species live on different species ofLinariaplants, respectively,L. vulgaris(L.)P. Mill.,L. purpurea(L.)P. Mill.L. genistifolia(L.)P. Mill. andL. dalmatica(L.)P. Mill., whereas the host plant ofM. bulgaricusis still unknown. An analysis of mtCOIIgene sequence data revealed high genetic divergence among these species, with uncorrected pairwise distances of 9% betweenM. heydeniiandM. raphaelis, 11.5% betweenM. laeviceps,M. heydeniiandM. raphaelis, whileM. laevicepsandM. peterharrisiare approximately 6.3% divergent from each other.Mecinus bulgaricusexhibits even greater divergence from all these species and is more closely related toM. dorsalisAubé, 1850. Sampled populations ofM. laevicepsform three geographical subspecies:M. laeviceps laeviceps,M. laeviceps meridionalisToševski & Jović andM. laeviceps corifoliaeToševski & Jović. These subspecies show clear genetic clustering with uncorrected mtDNA COIIdivergences of approximately 1.4% from each other.
Computing Borcherds products
Authors: Gehre Dominic , Kreuzer Judith , Raum Martin
Published: September 2013

We present an algorithm for computing Borcherds products, which has polynomial runtime. It deals efficiently with the bounds on Fourier expansion indices originating in Weyl chambers. Naive multiplication has exponential runtime due to inefficient handling of these bounds. An implementation of the new algorithm shows that it is also much faster in practice.
Acute chorea-dystonia heralding diabetes mellitus
Authors: D'Angelo Roberto , Rinaldi Rita , Pinardi Federica , Guarino Maria
Published: September 2013

Hemichorea-hemiballism associated with non-ketotic hyperglycaemia is a rare dyskinetic syndrome during uncontrolled or undiagnosed diabetes. We reported a 41-year-old man suffering from sudden choreodystonic movements and undiagnosed hyperglycaemia. We described a combination of several rare aspects, emphasising the importance of screening for diabetes as a cause of acute onset of hyperkinetic movement disorders.
Apathetic syndrome from carotid dissection: a dangerous condition
Authors: Gerace Carmela , Corsi Fabio Massimo , Comanducci Giovanna
Published: September 2013

Isolated behavioural disturbances can mimic psychiatric diseases and delay diagnosis of acute brain disease. We reported the case of a patient with carotid dissection manifesting only with apathetic syndrome that was initially considered as a possible postpartum depression, causing a threatening diagnostic delay.
Intact neurological outcome after neurointerventional treatment for intracranial venous thrombosis with straight sinus involvement
Authors: Sidhu M , Footitt D , Donaldson I , Hughes S , Wuppalapati S , Emsley H C A
Published: September 2013

The role of neurointerventional treatment, including local thrombolysis, for intracranial venous thrombosis (ICVT) currently remains uncertain. We describe a case of postpartum ICVT involving the straight sinus, with rapid neurological deterioration and progressive thrombosis, despite anticoagulation. She underwent multimodality neurointerventional treatment involving attempted mechanical clot disruption, microcatheter suction, intrathrombus thrombolysis and microballoon disruption and clot retrieval. The patient achieved a full clinical recovery, with radiological evidence of recanalisation at follow-up.
Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothoraces in a patient with occupational asthma
Authors: Chau Vincent Wing Sang , Patel Peysh , Meghjee Salim P L
Published: September 2013

Spontaneous pneumothoraces are relatively common; however, simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothoraces (SBSP) have rarely been reported. This case report describes the presentation of SBSP in a 60-year-old man with occupational asthma. He was initially started on treatment for life-threatening asthma, but an early deterioration in symptoms prompted an urgent chest radiography that established the diagnosis of bilateral pneumothoraces. This was managed with bilateral needle thoracocentesis followed by stabilisation with intercostal chest drains. He was subsequently referred to the thoracic unit for minithoracotomy, bullectomy and talc pleurodesis. This case highlights the potential difficulties in diagnosing SBSP and advocates the necessity for prompt chest radiography when managing such presentations in the acute setting.
Cholecystoduodenal fistula in a patient post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Authors: Hill Brian C , Burke Leandra H , Ertl Christian W
Published: September 2013

We presented a case of a cholecystoduodenal fistula in a patient 4 years post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The patient presented with biliary colic symptoms after a stone became impacted in the fistula and outflow through the cystic duct was intermittently obstructed by a second stone. The fistulous tract was taken down with a cholecystectomy and duodenum repaired with a modified Graham patch.
DRESSED BOSONS AND EFFECTIVE TEMPERATURE II
Authors: MAĆKOWIAK JAN
Published: September 2013

A recently developed formalism for Helium II is generalized by introducing a 2-body interaction of spheres with diameter depending on the momentum exchanged between two atoms in an interaction process. A larger class of atomic collisions is also admitted. These modifications allow to account for some details of the interatomic potential V He (r) between two 4 He atoms, which were previously disregarded, and to improve the theoretical graphs of Helium II momentum distribution and normal fluid fraction.