bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between body mass and field metabolic rate among individual birds and mammals
Authors: Hudson Lawrence N. , Isaac Nick J. B. , Reuman Daniel C.
Published: May 2013

The power‐law dependence of metabolic rate on body mass has major implications at every level of ecological organization. However, the overwhelming majority of studies examining this relationship have used basal or resting metabolic rates, and/or have used data consisting of species‐averaged masses and metabolic rates. Field metabolic rates are more ecologically relevant and are probably more directly subject to natural selection than basal rates. Individual rates might be more important than species‐average rates in determining the outcome of ecological interactions, and hence selection.

We here provide the first comprehensive database of published field metabolic rates and body masses of individual birds and mammals, containing measurements of 1498 animals of 133 species in 28 orders. We used linear mixed‐effects models to answer questions about the body mass scaling of metabolic rate and its taxonomic universality/heterogeneity that have become classic areas of controversy. Our statistical approach allows mean scaling exponents and taxonomic heterogeneity in scaling to be analysed in a unified way while simultaneously accounting for nonindependence in the data due to shared evolutionary history of related species.

The mean power‐law scaling exponents of metabolic rate vs. body mass relationships were 0·71 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 0·625–0·795] for birds and 0·64 (95% CI 0·564–0·716) for mammals. However, these central tendencies obscured meaningful taxonomic heterogeneity in scaling exponents. The primary taxonomic level at which heterogeneity occurred was the order level. Substantial heterogeneity also occurred at the species level, a fact that cannot be revealed by species‐averaged data sets used in prior work. Variability in scaling exponents at both order and species levels was comparable to or exceeded the differences 3/4−2/3 = 1/12 and 0·71−0·64.

Results are interpreted in the light of a variety of existing theories. In particular, results are consistent with the heat dissipation theory of Speakman & Król (2010) and provided some support for the metabolic levels boundary hypothesis of Glazier (2010).

Our analysis provides the first comprehensive empirical analysis of the scaling relationship between field metabolic rate and body mass in individual birds and mammals. Our data set is a valuable contribution to those interested in theories of the allometry of metabolic rates.
Modelling the effect of landscape heterogeneity on the efficacy of vaccination for wildlife infectious disease control
Authors: Rees Erin E. , Pond Bruce A. , Tinline Rowland R. , Bélanger Denise
Published: May 2013

Zoonotic disease control presents significant costs and challenges in human and wildlife populations. Although spatial variability and temporal variability in host populations play a significant role influencing the spread and persistence of pathogens, their impact on the effectiveness of disease control are not well understood.

Field studies are impractical for many zoonotic diseases; thus, simulation modelling is an alternative. Some research has experimented with metapopulation models of host–pathogen systems, with discrete host populations distributed on a network of connections or on a one‐dimensional transect of contiguous cells. Little attention has been paid to treating geographic space as a fine‐grained two‐dimensional continuum, a more appropriate spatial model for many generalist host and vector species.

Using raccoon rabies as an example, we apply an individual‐based spatially explicit stochastic simulation model to evaluate effectiveness of vaccination barrier strategies to control rabies. Barrier width and immunization levels are varied over landscapes with habitats of varying quality and spatial heterogeneity, resulting in varying degrees of host connectivity.

Our results demonstrate that spatial heterogeneity in the landscape does affect vaccination efficacy. The probability that rabies will breach a vaccination barrier is greater and rabies incidence is higher in landscapes with (i) overall good‐quality homogeneous habitat and (ii) overall poor‐quality habitat with high spatial heterogeneity, than in landscapes with overall good‐quality habitat and high spatial heterogeneity. The influence of landscape conditions on disease dynamics decreases with increasing population immunity.

Synthesis and applications. Using a spatially explicit stochastic simulation model, we demonstrated that landscape spatial heterogeneity and vaccination control will interact to influence the success of controlling infectious disease outbreaks. Further, under some landscape conditions, insufficient vaccination is counter‐productive because immunized individuals (i) reduce the number of disease transmitting contacts, preventing the disease from growing rapidly thus depleting the susceptible population; and (ii) survive to replenish the stock of susceptible animals through reproduction, facilitating disease persistence.
Prices and production: agricultural supply response in fourteenth‐century England
Authors: Schneider Eric B.
Published: May 2013

This article challenges the growing consensus in the literature that medieval manorial managers were price responsive in their production decisions. Using prices of and acreages planted with wheat, barley, and oats on manors held by the bishop of Winchester from 1325 to 1370, price elasticities of supply are estimated for each grain in aggregate and on each particular manor. Aggregate price elasticities of supply for wheat, barley, and oats were rarely statistically significant and when significant were very low compared with elasticities estimated for developing and developed countries in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The low levels of agricultural supply response in fourteenth‐century England suggest that commercialization was not as dominant in the medieval economy as has been argued. Thus, structural changes in the economy, such as the leasing of demesnes, the growth of wage labour, and the end of villeinage, may have been more important than price fluctuations in driving long‐run economic change after the Black Death. Likewise, a shift from low price responsiveness to higher price responsiveness could have been an important part of the capitalist transformation of agriculture in the early modern period.
Private hospital emergency departments in Australia: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: FitzGerald Gerry , Toloo Ghasem , He Jun , Doig Gavin , Rosengren David , Rothwell Sean , Sultana Ron , Costello Steve , Hou Xiang‐Yu
Published: May 2013

Background

Public hospital EDs in Australia have become increasingly congested because of increasing demand and access block. Six per cent of ED patients attend private hospital EDs whereas 45% of the population hold private health insurance.

Objectives

This study describes the patients attending a small selection of four private hospital EDs in Queensland and Victoria, and tests the feasibility of a private ED database.

Methods

De‐identified routinely collected patient data were provided by the four participating private hospital and amalgamated into a single data set.

Result

The mean age of private ED patients was 52 years. Males outnumbered females in all age groups except > 80 years. Attendance was higher on weekends and Mondays, and between 08.00 and 20.00 h. There were 6.6% of the patients triaged as categories 1 and 2, and 60% were categories 4 or 5. There were 36.4% that required hospital admission. Also, 96% of the patients had some kind of insurance. Furthermore, 72% were self‐referred and 12% were referred by private medical practitioners. Approximately 25% arrived by ambulance. There were 69% that completed their ED treatment within 4 h.

Conclusion

This study is the first public description of patients attending private EDs in Australia. Private EDs have a significant role to play in acute medical care and in providing access to private hospitals which could alleviate pressure on public EDs. This study demonstrates the need for consolidated data based on a consistent data set and data dictionary to enable system‐wide analysis, benchmarking and evaluation.
Genomic Resources Notes accepted 1 February 2013–31 March 2013
Authors:   Genomic Resources Development Consortium, King Matthew G. , Renaut Sébastien , Rieseberg Loren H. , Rowe Heather C.
Published: May 2013

This article documents the public availability of three transcriptome sequences. These genomic resources were developed for the following species: Helianthus anomalus, Helianthus deserticola and Helianthus paradoxus.
Comparison between poor and long‐term survivors with glioblastoma: Review of an Australian dataset
Authors: Field Kathryn Maree , Rosenthal Mark Andrew , Yilmaz Merve , Tacey Mark , Drummond Kate
Published: May 2013

Aims

Despite the largely poor prognosis for patients with glioblastoma, 5‐year survival approaches 10%. In many circumstances the reasons for discrepant outcomes remain unknown. This retrospective cohort study compared clinical and socio‐demographic variables between long‐term and poor survivors with glioblastoma.

Methods

Data from patients with glioblastoma diagnosed from 1998–2010 were accessed from two institutions. The cohort was divided into poor (<6 months), average (6–24 months) and long‐term (>24 months) survivors. Clinical and socio‐demographic variables were compared.

Results

In total 529 patients were included; 221 (42%) were poor, 260 (49%) average and 48 (9%) long‐term survivors. Those surviving >24 months were younger and significantly more likely to be in a higher socioeconomic status group; be of a better performance status; have a frontal lobe tumor; have a craniotomy (rather than a biopsy); have a macroscopic resection; have two or more operations; and participate in a clinical trial. Country of birth, regional versus city residence and public versus private hospital treatment were not associated with differential survival outcomes. An ordered logistic regression analysis showed that age, performance status, extent of resection and clinical trial participation were independently associated with survival.

Conclusion

Reassuringly, no statistically significant socio‐demographic differences exist when comparing long‐term and poor survivors with glioblastoma. Patients surviving more than 2 years were significantly more likely to have participated in a clinical trial. This research could contribute towards informing further research on prognostic variables for patients with glioblastoma.
The Structure of Utility in Spatial Models of Voting
Authors: Carroll Royce , Lewis Jeffrey B. , Lo James , Poole Keith T. , Rosenthal Howard
Published: May 2013

Empirical models of spatial voting allow legislators' locations in a policy or ideological space to be inferred from their roll‐call votes. These are typically random utility models where the features of the utility functions other than the ideal points are assumed rather than estimated. In this article, we first consider a model in which legislators' utility functions are allowed to be a mixture of the two most commonly assumed utility functions: the quadratic function and the Gaussian function assumed by NOMINATE. Across many roll‐call data sets, we find that legislators' utility functions are estimated to be very nearly Gaussian. We then relax the usual assumption that each legislator is equally sensitive to policy change and find that extreme legislators are generally more sensitive to policy change than their more centrally located counterparts. This result suggests that extremists are more ideologically rigid while moderates are more likely to consider influences that arise outside liberal‐conservative conflict.
A UK retrospective observational study of clinical outcomes and healthcare resource utilisation of infliximab treatment in Crohn's disease
Authors: Lindsay J. O. , Chipperfield R. , Giles A. , Wheeler C. , Orchard T. ,   The INDIGO study investigators
Published: May 2013

Background

Crohn's disease (CD) places a substantial burden on healthcare systems, with the majority of costs arising from hospitalisation and surgery.

Aim

To evaluate the ‘real‐world’ clinical effectiveness, impact on healthcare utilisation and cost of infliximab for the treatment of CD in UK practice.

Methods

A non‐interventional, retrospective analysis of medical records from patients with CD treated with infliximab at 18 hospital centres across the UK. The primary objective was to compare cumulative clinical outcomes and healthcare resource utilisation for the 0‐ to 24‐month post‐infliximab period with the 12 months preceding infliximab treatment. Predefined outcomes included the number of elective surgical procedures, hospitalisations and healthcare provider consultations. Costs associated with healthcare utilisation were collected from the perspective of the UK National Health Service (NHS).

Results

The study involved 380 patients. Infliximab significantly reduced the mean number of elective (from 0.18 to 0.11; P = 0.0035) and non‐elective (from 0.46 to 0.29; P < 0.0001) hospitalisations, and the number of consultations with gastroenterologists, gastrointestinal surgeons and radiologists (from 4.0 to 3.5, from 0.7 to 0.5 and from 0.5 to 0.2, respectively; all P < 0.001); all decreases were associated with significant cost reductions. The mean number of elective surgical procedures (including correction of severe anal fistulae and abscess drainage) was significantly reduced.

Conclusions

The observed reductions in numbers of hospitalisations, surgical procedures and consultations with healthcare professionals are key indicators of the clinical effectiveness of infliximab for the treatment of CD. These benefits result in overall decreases in healthcare resource utilisation, which translate into cost savings for the NHS.
Outcome in patients with exclusive carcinoma in situ (CIS) after radical cystectomy
Authors: Zehnder Pascal , Moltzahn Felix , Daneshmand Siamak , Leahy Marya , Cai Jie , Miranda Gus , Bartsch Georg , Mitra Anirban P. , Skinner Donald G. , Skinner Eila C. , Gill Inderbir S.
Published: May 2013

Objective

To evaluate oncological outcomes of patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) exclusively at radical cystectomy (RC) and no previous history of ≥T1 disease.

Patients and Methods

Patients undergoing RC with curative intent for CIS between 1971 and 2008 at the University of Southern California were included if they met all the following criteria: (i) pathological CIS‐only disease at RC, (ii) preoperative clinical stage cCIS and/or cCIS + cTa, and (iii) no previous history of lamina propria invasion (≥pT1).

Kaplan–Meier plots were used to estimate the probabilities of recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Of the 1964 consented patients 52 met the inclusion criteria with a median (range) follow‐up of 8.5 (0.008–34) years.

A median (range) of 36 (10–95) lymph nodes were identified per patient but no metastases found.

Estimated 5‐ and 10‐year RFS rates were 94% and 90%, respectively and estimated 5‐ and 10‐year OS rates were 85% and 66%, respectively.

Different mechanisms of recurrence were found in four (8%) patients after a median (range) interval of 2.4 (0.6–7.1) years. While two patients had metachronous recurrence within the urinary tract, the first of the other two had early systemic recurrence and the second late local recurrence.

Conclusions

We noticed excellent outcomes after RC for CIS‐only disease.

However, patients may have synchronous and/or develop metachronous tumours, as well as local and/or distant/systemic recurrence that can be cured but may also lead to fatal outcomes.
Histology core‐specific evaluation of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) standardised scoring system of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) of the prostate
Authors: Kuru Timur H. , Roethke Matthias C. , Rieker Philip , Roth Wilfried , Fenchel Michael , Hohenfellner Markus , Schlemmer Heinz‐Peter , Hadaschik Boris A.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) in multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) based on single cores and single‐core histology.

To calculate positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) of different modalities of mpMRI.

Patients and Methods

We performed MRI‐targeted transrectal ultrasound‐guided perineal prostate biopsies on 50 patients (mean age 66 years, mean PSA level of 9.9 ng/mL) with suspicion of prostate cancer. The biopsy trajectories of every core taken were documented in three dimensions (3D) in a 3D‐prostate model.

Every core was evaluated separately for prostate cancer and the performed biopsy trajectories were projected on mpMRI images.

PIRADS scores of 1177 cores were then assessed by a histology ‘blinded’ uro‐radiologist in T2‐weighted (T2W), dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE), diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).

Results

The PIRADS score was significantly higher in cores positive for cancer than in negative cores.

There was a significant correlation between the PIRADS score and histopathology for every modality.

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed excellent specificity for T2W (90% peripheral zone/97% transition zone) and DWI (98%/97%) images regardless of the prostate region observed. These numbers decreased for DCE (80%/93%) and MRS (76%/83%).

All modalities had NPVs of 99%, if a PIRADS score threshold of 2 (for T2W, DCE, and MRS) or 3 (for DWI) was used. However, PPVs were low.

Conclusions

Our results show that PIRADS scoring is feasible for clinical routine and allows standardised reporting.

PIRADS can be used as a decision‐support system for targeting of suspicious lesions.

mpMRI has a high NPV for prostate cancer and, thus, might be a valuable tool in the initial diagnostic evaluation.
Discovery of Staphylococcus aureus Sortase A Inhibitors Using Virtual Screening and the Relaxed Complex Scheme
Authors: Chan Albert H. , Wereszczynski Jeff , Amer Brendan R. , Yi Sung Wook , Jung Michael E. , McCammon J. Andrew , Clubb Robert T.
Published: May 2013

Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of hospital‐acquired infections in the United States. The emergence of multidrug‐resistant strains of S. aureus has created an urgent need for new antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus uses the sortase A enzyme to display surface virulence factors suggesting that compounds that inhibit its activity will function as potent anti‐infective agents. Here, we report the identification of several inhibitors of sortase A using virtual screening methods that employ the relaxed complex scheme, an advanced computer‐docking methodology that accounts for protein receptor flexibility. Experimental testing validates that several compounds identified in the screen inhibit the activity of sortase A. A lead compound based on the 2‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐perimidine scaffold is particularly promising, and its binding mechanism was further investigated using molecular dynamics simulations and conducting preliminary structure–activity relationship studies.
Effects of directly autotransplanted tibial bone marrow aspirates on bone regeneration and osseointegration of dental implants
Authors: Payer Michael , Lohberger Birgit , Strunk Dirk , Reich Karoline M. , Acham Stephan , Jakse Norbert
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Aim of the pilot trial was to evaluate applicability and effects of directly autotransplanted tibial bone marrow (BM) aspirates on the incorporation of porous bovine bone mineral in a sinus lift model and on the osseointegration of dental implants.

Material and methods

Six edentulous patients with bilaterally severely resorbed maxillae requiring sinus augmentation and implant treatment were included. During surgery, tibial BM was harvested and added to bone substitute material (Bio‐Oss®) at the randomly selected test site. At control sites, augmentation was performed with Bio‐Oss® alone. The cellular content of each BM aspirate was checked for multipotency and surface antigen expression as quality control. Histomorphometric analysis of biopsies from the augmented sites after 3 and 6 months (during implantation) was used to evaluate effects on bone regeneration. Osseointegration of implants was evaluated with Periotest® and radiographic means.

Results

Multipotent cellular content in tibial BM aspirates was comparable to that in punctures from the iliac crest. No significant difference in amount of new bone formation and the integration of bone substitute particles was detected histomorphometrically. Periotest® values and radiographs showed successful osseointegration of inserted implants at all sites.

Conclusion

Directly autotransplanted tibial BM aspirates did not show beneficial regenerative effects in the small study population (N = 6) of the present pilot trial. However, the proximal tibia proved to be a potential donor site for small quantities of BM. Future trials should clarify whether concentration of tibial BM aspirates could effect higher regenerative potency.
Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs second study (DAWN2™): Cross‐national benchmarking indicators for family members living with people with diabetes
Authors: Kovacs Burns K. , Nicolucci A. , Holt R. I. G. , Willaing I. , Hermanns N. , Kalra S. , Wens J. , Pouwer F. , Skovlund S. E. , Peyrot M. ,   the DAWN2 Study Group
Published: May 2013

Aims

The second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2) study examined the experiences of family members of people with diabetes for benchmarking and identifying unmet needs or areas for improvement to assist family members and those with diabetes to effectively self‐manage.

Methods

In total, 2057 family members of people with diabetes participated in an online, telephone or in‐person survey designed to assess the impact of diabetes on family life, family support for people with diabetes and educational and community support.

Results

Supporting a relative with diabetes was perceived as a burden by 35.3% (range across countries 10.6–61.7%) of respondents. Over half of respondents [51.4% (22.5–76.0%)] rated their quality of life as ‘good’ or ‘very good’. However, distress about the person with diabetes was high, with 61.3% (31.5–86.4%) worried about hypoglycaemia. The impact of diabetes on aspects of life was felt by 51.8% (46.9–58.6%). The greatest negative effect was on emotional well‐being [44.6% (31.8–63.0%)], although depression was less common [11.6% (4.2–20.0%)]. Many respondents did not know how to help the person with diabetes [37.1% (17.5–53.0%)] and wanted to be more involved in their care [39.4% (15.5–61.7%)]. Participation in diabetes educational programmes was low [23.1% (9.4–43.3%)], although most of those who participated found them helpful [72.1% (42.1–90.3%)].

Conclusions

Diabetes has a negative impact on family members of people with diabetes. DAWN2 provides benchmarking indicators of family members' psychosocial needs that will help identify the support required for, and from, them to improve the lives of people with diabetes and their families.
The inhibitory effects of rose powdery mildew infection on the oviposition behaviour and performance of beet armyworms
Authors: Yang Fa‐zhong , Li Yan , Yang Bin
Published: May 2013

In this study, we investigated whether the oviposition behaviour and performance of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on the rose cultivar Rosa chinensis Jacq. (Rosaceae) were affected when the plants were infected by rose powdery mildew, Podosphaera pannosa (Wallr.: Fr.) de Bary (Erysiphales). The bioassays revealed that the moths significantly avoided ovipositing on mildew‐infected rose leaves when compared to healthy leaves. Pupal weights, emergence rates, and fecundity decreased when the caterpillars were fed mildewed rose leaves. Further laboratory bioassays aimed to elucidate the effects of two volatile headspace extracts (separately collected from healthy and mildewed rose plants) on the oviposition behaviour and performance of the moths. The moths clearly preferred to oviposit on healthy rose leaves that were not sprayed with additional volatiles rather than on healthy leaves sprayed with the volatile extracts from mildewed plants. The mean number of eggs laid on the former leaves was more than six times higher than that laid on the latter leaves. Olfactory bioassays demonstrated that ovipositing moths were significantly more attracted to volatiles emitted by healthy rose leaves than to those emitted by mildew‐infected leaves. Similar results were obtained when comparisons were made between the volatile extracts collected from healthy and mildewed rose plants. Thus, volatiles from mildew‐infected roses have a strong inhibitory effect against the moths. These results indicated that rose volatiles play a role in the oviposition behaviour of the moths, and that the volatiles induced by powdery mildew might be used for insect control.
Resveratrol induces autophagy through death‐associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) in human dermal fibroblasts under normal culture conditions
Authors: Choi Min Sik , Kim Yoonkyung , Jung Ji‐Yong , Yang Seung Ha , Lee Tae Ryong , Shin Dong Wook
Published: May 2013

Autophagy is an essential process degrading damaged components. Although resveratrol has various beneficial activities for health, little is known about the effects of resveratrol on autophagy in skin. We investigated whether resveratrol affects autophagy in human dermal fibroblasts grown in complete medium. We found that after the resveratrol treatment, LC3‐II reached a maximum level at 8 h and then gradually decreased. By PCR array analysis, we identified death‐associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) as a new target of resveratrol, and we confirmed that the expression level of DAPK1 was enhanced by resveratrol. We also demonstrated that DAPK1 knock‐down by siRNA was sufficient to reduce resveratrol‐induced autophagy but did not affect the phosphorylation level of AMP‐activated kinase (AMPK), a well‐known target of resveratrol. These data indicate that resveratrol‐induced autophagy can be mediated by DAPK1, raising the possibility that some of the beneficial effects of resveratrol may be due to its regulation of DAPK1.
Using the genetic algorithm to enhance nonnegative matrix factorization initialization
Authors: Rezaei Masoumeh , Boostani Reza
Published: May 2013

Nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) algorithms have been utilized in a wide range of real applications; however, the performance of NMF is highly dependent on three factors including: (1) choosing a problem dependent cost function; (2) using an effective initialization method to start the updating procedure from a near‐optimal point; and (3) determining the rank of factorized matrices prior to decomposition. Due to the nonconvex nature of the NMF cost function, finding an analytical‐based optimal solution is impossible. This paper is aimed at proposing an efficient initialization method to modify the NMF performance. To widely explore the search space for initializing the factorized matrices in NMF, the island genetic algorithm (IGA) is employed as a diverse multiagent search scheme. To adapt IGA for NMF initialization, we present a specific mutation operator. To assess how the proposed IGA initialization method efficiently enhances NMF performance, we have implemented state‐of‐the‐art initialization methods and applied to the Japanese Female Facial Expression dataset to recognize the facial expression states. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach to the compared methods in terms of relative error and fast convergence.
Survival, reproduction and population growth of the bee pollinator, Osmia rufa (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), along gradients of heavy metal pollution
Authors: Moroń Dawid , Szentgyörgyi Hajnalka , Skórka Piotr , Potts Simon G. , Woyciechowski Michał
Published: May 2013

Bees are one of the most important groups of pollinators in the temperate zone. Although heavy metal pollution is recognised to be a problem affecting large parts of the European Union, we currently lack insights into the effects of heavy metals on wild bee survival and reproduction.

We investigated the impact of heavy metal pollution on the wild bee Osmia rufa (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) by comparing their survival, reproduction and population dynamics along two independent gradients of heavy metal pollution, one in Poland and the other in the United Kingdom. We used trap nests to evaluate the response of fitness and survival parameters of O. rufa. To quantify the levels of pollution, we directly measured the heavy metal concentration in provisions collected by O. rufa.

We found that with increasing heavy metal concentration, there was a steady decrease in number of brood cells constructed by females and an increase in the proportion of dead offspring. In the most polluted site, there were typically 3–4 cells per female with 50–60% dead offspring, whereas in unpolluted sites there were 8 to 10 cells per female and only 10–30% dead offspring. Moreover, the bee population growth rate (R0) decreased along the heavy metal pollution gradients. In unpolluted sites, R0 was above 1, whereas in contaminated sites, the values tended to be below 1.

Our findings reveal a negative relationship between heavy metal pollution and several fitness parameters of the wild bee O. rufa, and highlight a mechanism whereby the detrimental effects of heavy metal pollution may severely impact wild bee communities.
Confocal microscopy assessment of filling material remaining on root canal walls after retreatment
Authors: Rached‐Júnior F. A. , Sousa‐Neto M. D. , Bruniera J. F. B. , Duarte M. A. H. , Silva‐Sousa Y. T. C.
Published: May 2013

Aim

The percentage of Endofill remaining on canal walls after retreatment with different techniques was evaluated using confocal microscopy and qualitative analysis of the interface between the filling material/dentine.

Methodology

Sixty‐four root canals of incisors were prepared with ProTaper, filled with gutta‐percha and Endofill mixed with 0.1% rhodamine B. The roots were thermocycled and distributed into groups according to the method of evaluation: GI – direct viewing (DV) and GII – operating microscope (OM) and according to the removal technique: A) ProTaper retreatment (PR), B) PR/xylol, C) ultrasound and D) ultrasound/xylol. The root canals were then refilled with gutta‐percha and AH Plus with 0.1% fluorescein and sectioned at 2, 4 and 6 mm from the apex. The percentage of remaining Endofill was analysed by confocal microscopy. Additionally, 16 roots were prepared with a ProTaper F5 instrument and were filled with Endofill + 0.1% rhodamine B/gutta‐percha (negative control group) (n = 8), and the positive control group (n = 8) were filled with AH Plus with 0.1% fluorescein/gutta‐percha.

Results

Three‐way anova demonstrated differences in the method of evaluation, removal techniques and their interaction (P < 0.05). OM (26.15 ± 12.16%) had a smaller percentage of remaining sealer than DV (32.77 ± 14.47%). The Tukey's test revealed that ultrasound/xylol (15.77 ± 7.15%) led to lower percentages of remaining sealer, significantly different from the PR group (35.25 ± 13.63%), PR/xylol (33.03 ± 11.64%) and ultrasound (33.79 ± 11.71%), which were similar (P > 0.05). Qualitative analysis detected that ultrasound had lower remaining Endofill than PR, particularly when combined with xylol. Operating microscope resulted in lower residual sealer, regardless of the removal technique.

Conclusions

None of the protocols was associated with complete removal of the filling material; however, the use of ultrasound/xylol under an OM provided better results.
Identification of a specific haptoglobin C‐terminal fragment in arthritic synovial fluid and its effect on interleukin‐6 expression
Authors: Park Hyo Jung , Oh Mi‐Kyung , Kim Nam‐Hoon , Cho Mi‐La , Kim In‐Sook
Published: May 2013

Haptoglobin (Hp), a major acute‐phase plasma protein, has been found in arthritic synovial fluid (SF). However, the function and structural modifications of Hp in arthritic SF are unknown. To investigate in vivo generation of modified Hp associated with inflammatory disease, we examined a new Hp isoform in SF from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Specific Hp fragments of 28 000 and 15 000 molecular weight were identified in SF of patients with RA, and the two polypeptides were presumed to be fragments of the Hp β‐chain (43 000 MW) produced by cleavage with plasmin. The 15 000 MW fragment, which is a C‐terminal region of Hp, was observed at higher frequency and levels in RA than in osteoarthritis. Plasmin activity was also higher in SF of RA patients. A recombinant 15 000 MW Hp fragment up‐regulated interlukin‐6 expression in monocytic cells. These findings indicate that the C‐terminal Hp fragment is generated by plasmin in local inflammatory environments and acts as an inflammatory mediator. They further suggest that a specific Hp fragment might be applied as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of inflammatory diseases such as RA.
Distribution and severity of molar hypomineralisation: trial of a new severity index
Authors: Oliver Kelly , Messer Louise B. , Manton David J. , Kan Karen , Ng Fiona , Olsen Christopher , Sheahan John , Silva Margarita , Chawla Narisha
Published: May 2013

Background

Current molar hypomineralisation (MH) indices do not guide clinicians in management of affected dentitions, and treatment is based on individual judgment.

Aim

The aims of this study were to describe characteristics of MH and molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) and trial the new Molar Hypomineralisation Severity Index (MHSI).

Design

First permanent molars (FPMs) and permanent incisors (PIs) in 283 affected children were examined for hypomineralisation characteristics [defect colour, location, post‐eruptive breakdown (PEB); restorations placed/replaced/atypical; sensitivity]. The MHSI scores were compared with treatment received (152 children).

Results

Mean (SD) affected teeth/dentition were as follows: FPMs: 3.2 (1.0) and PIs: 1.6 (1.6). Affected FPMs showed no arch or quadrant predilection; maxillary central PIs were affected particularly. As affected FPMs/dentition increased, MIH diagnoses also increased (P = 0.009). Among FPMs, defects most prevalent were brown (47%) and cuspal (74%); 67% showed PEB. Before study entry, 43% of FPMs had restorations placed/replaced. Among PIs, white defects were common (65%) on smooth surfaces; sensitivity was rare. Affected FPMs received more restorations and extractions than unaffected FPMs (P = 0.0001). As MHSI scores increased, FPM treatments/dentition increased (number, invasiveness). All characteristics were significant in predicting treatment (logistic regression model).

Conclusions

A spectrum from MH to MIH occurred. The MHSI characteristics were predictive of the treatment of affected FPMs and can guide management.
Morphology of the fifth sternal glands of Neotropical social wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Polistinae)
Authors: Samacá Ernesto , Billen Johan , Sarmiento Carlos E.
Published: May 2013

Glands play a central role in the social behavior of insects, and comparative analysis of their structure may provide insights about their evolution and their role in insect social biology. Here, we describe the glands of the fifth metasomal sternite of ten polistine wasps with different social behaviors. The glands of foragers of these species were studied using semithin sections of Araldite‐embedded tissue, and scanning electron microscopy. The structure of the glands observed was mostly similar to what has previously been reported for independent‐founder and swarm‐founder species, respectively. Scale‐shaped modifications in the fifth sternite are reported for the first time for members of the genera Synoeca and Epipona. Two previously unreported glands in the fifth sternite are also described. A more restrictive definition of the name Richards' gland is proposed, applying to the class 3 cells associated with scale modifications of the fifth sternite, based on structural differences between the glands observed, homology requirements, and functional evidence. Previous phylogenetic reconstructions of this character suggest that it appeared early in the Vespidae and disappeared four times, with a single reappearance in the genus Vespula. The restricted definition of Richards' gland suggests that this structure is an exclusive trait of the Epiponini, with two reversals.
US Presidential Elections: Two Centuries of Constitutional Continuity and Political Change—With an Analysis of the Political Geography of Barack Obama's Re‐election Campaign
Authors: Dunne Michael
Published: May 2013

The system for electing the President of the United States remains essentially as it was prescribed in the Federal Constitution drafted in 1787. The individual 50 states (plus the District of Columbia) are accorded a number of votes in the (so‐called) Electoral College; each state's Electoral College vote is then attributed to the candidate gaining a plurality (most) of the popular vote in that state; and the candidate with a majority (50% + 1) of these aggregated Electoral College votes is declared the incoming president. What has changed have been the methods of nominating the candidates, chief of which are the political parties from the nineteenth century with their stage‐managed quadrennial conventions and the primary/caucus campaigns from the twentieth century which precede and now determine the formal nomination. President Obama's 2012 re‐election campaign showed both the crucial importance of the much‐maligned Electoral College in winning the presidency and the demographic divisions hidden in the larger American political landscape.
Atypical mismatch negativity to distressful voices associated with conduct disorder symptoms
Authors: Hung An‐Yi , Ahveninen Jyrki , Cheng Yawei
Published: May 2013

Background

Although a general consensus holds that emotional reactivity in youth with conduct disorder (CD) symptoms arises as one of the main causes of successive aggression, it remains to be determined whether automatic emotional processing is altered in this population.

Methods

We measured auditory event‐related potentials (ERP) in 20 young offenders and 20 controls, screened for DSM‐IV criteria of CD and evaluated using the youth version of Hare Psychopathy Checklist (PCL:YV), State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Barrett Impulsiveness Scale (BIS‐11). In an oddball design, sadly or fearfully spoken ‘deviant’ syllables were randomly presented within a train of emotionally neutral ‘standard’ syllables.

Results

In young offenders meeting with CD criteria, the ERP component mismatch negativity (MMN), presumed to reflect preattentive auditory change detection, was significantly stronger for fearful than sad syllables. No MMN differences for fearful versus sad syllables were observed in controls. Analyses of nonvocal deviants, matched spectrally with the fearful and sad sounds, supported our interpretation that the MMN abnormalities in juvenile offenders were related to the emotional content of sounds, instead of purely acoustic factors. Further, in the young offenders with CD symptoms, strong MMN amplitudes to fearful syllables were associated with high impulsive tendencies (PCL:YV, Factor 2). Higher trait and state anxiety, assessed by STAI, were positively correlated with P3a amplitudes to fearful and sad syllables, respectively. The differences in group‐interaction MMN/P3a patterns to emotional syllables and nonvocal sounds could be speculated to suggest that there is a distinct processing route for preattentive processing of species‐specific emotional information in human auditory cortices.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that youths with CD symptoms may process distressful voices in an atypical fashion already at the preattentive level. This auditory processing abnormality correlated with increased impulsivity and anxiety. Our results may help to shed light on the neural mechanisms of aggression.
The Beneficial Effects of Early Short‐Term Exercise in the Offspring of Obese Mothers are Accompanied by Alterations in the Hypothalamic Gene Expression of Appetite Regulators and FTO (Fat Mass and Obesity Associated) Gene
Authors: Caruso V. , Bahari H. , Morris M. J.
Published: May 2013

Maternal overnutrition is implicated in the development of adult metabolic disease, and has been shown to alter the expression of genes involved in energy homeostasis. In the present study, we aimed to test whether a short period of voluntary exercise, followed by a sedentary period, would regulate hypothalamic markers involved in appetite. Adult female Sprague–Dawley rats were fed either normal chow or high‐fat diet (HFD) ad lib. for 5 weeks, mated and continued on their assigned diet during gestation/lactation. At weaning males, were separated into chow or HFD groups; half were exercised (running wheels), whereas the remainder were sedentary. At week 10, wheels were removed and rats remained sedentary for 5 weeks, prior to tissue collection. Maternal obesity increased offspring adiposity at 15 weeks and this was exacerbated by postnatal HFD (P < 0.05). Body weight and fat mass were reduced in offspring of obese mothers if they exercised, and this was maintained even after 5 weeks without exercise. At 15 weeks, fasting plasma insulin, leptin and triglyceride concentrations were significantly reduced by exercise in offspring of lean and obese mothers consuming chow, with little benefit in those consuming HFD. Hypothalamic mRNA expression of pro‐opiomelanocortin was increased by exercise but only in offspring of lean mothers. Exercise reduced hypothalamic FTO (fat mass and obesity associated) mRNA in offspring of lean dams regardless of diet. A short period of exercise early in life had lasting beneficial effects on body weight, adiposity and hormone profile of male offspring from obese and lean dams, despite being followed by a period of inactivity. The effects of exercise on hypothalamic appetite regulators were more marked in offspring of lean dams.
Similar Circuits but Different Connectivity Patterns Between The Cerebellum, Basal Ganglia, and Supplementary Motor Area In Early Parkinson's Disease Patients and Controls During Predictive Motor Timing
Authors: Husárová Ivica , Mikl Michal , Lungu Ovidiu V. , Mareček Radek , Vaníček Jiří , Bareš Martin
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The cerebellum, basal ganglia (BG), and other cortical regions, such as supplementary motor area (SMA) have emerged as important structures dealing with various aspects of timing, yet the modulation of functional connectivity between them during motor timing tasks remains unexplored.

METHODS

We used dynamic causal modeling to investigate the differences in effective connectivity (EC) between these regions and its modulation by behavioral outcome during a motor timing prediction task in a group of 16 patients with early Parkinson's disease (PD) and 17 healthy controls. Behavioral events (hits and errors) constituted the driving input connected to the cerebellum, and the modulation in connectivity was assessed relative to the hit condition (successful interception of target).

RESULTS

The driving input elicited response in the target area, while modulatory input changed the specific connection strength. The neuroimaging data revealed similar structure of intrinsic connectivity in both groups with unidirectional connections from cerebellum to both sides of the BG, from BG to the SMA, and then from SMA to the cerebellum. However, the type of intrinsic connection was different between two groups. In the PD group, the connection between the SMA and cerebellum was inhibitory in comparison to the HC group, where the connection was activated. Furthermore, the modulation of connectivity by the performance in the task was different between the two groups, with decreased connectivity between the cerebellum and left BG and SMA and a more pronounced symmetry of these connections in controls. In the same time, there was an increased EC between the cerebellum and both sides of BG with more pronounced asymmetry (stronger connection with left BG) in patients. In addition, in the PD group the modulatory input strengthened inhibitory connectivity between the SMA and the cerebellum, while in the HC group the excitatory connection was slightly strengthened.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that although early PD subjects and controls use similar functional circuits to maintain a successful outcome in predictive motor timing behavior, the type and strength of EC and its modulation by behavioral performance differ between these two groups. These functional differences might represent the first step of cortical reorganization aimed at maintaining a normal performance in the brain affected by early Parkinson's disease and may have implications for the neuro‐rehabilitation field.
Nonanaplastic Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma with Meningeal Dissemination Presenting with Bilateral Visual Loss
Authors: Delgado‐Alvarado Manuel , Gómez‐Román Javier , Sánchez‐Salmón Elena , Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Eloy , Polo José M. , García‐Castaño Almudena , Berciano José
Published: May 2013

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a brain neoplasm included in the astrocytic group, exceptionally manifesting with meningeal dissemination. We described a 27‐year‐old patient presented with acute bilateral visual loss and papilledema with normal brain computed tomography scan, initially mimicking idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Brain and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study revealed a subtle area of hyperintensity of the gyri surrounding the left central sulcus, and contrast enhancement of the thoracic leptomeninges. Brain biopsy of the parietal lesion revealed nonanaplastic PXA. Treatment with temozolomide was given. Yearly control MRI demonstrated new brain lesions and marked progression of leptomeningeal spinal enhancement. In spite of this, the patient has remained stable with no new symptoms. Nonanaplastic PXA may present with widespread meningeal dissemination with acute visual loss and papilledema mimicking IIH, and no clinical progression at 3 years.
Mental health nurses in primary care: quantitative outcomes of the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program
Authors: Lakeman R. , Bradbury J.
Published: May 2013

Accessible summary

The Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) is a funding scheme in Australia that enables mental health nurses to work in primary care settings with people with complex mental health problems for as long as necessary. This study examined the outcomes of the programme as reported by nurses.

Nurses provided profiles of 64 people with whom they worked, including measures of symptoms and problems on admission to the programme and at a second point in time.

The findings showed that people had high levels of symptom severity and distress on admission, and they experienced significant improvements in all problem areas except physical health over their time working with the nurse.

The MHNIP appears to be addressing the needs of people with highly complex needs, but more sensitive measures of outcome ought to be routinely collected.

The Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) provides a funding mechanism for credentialed mental health nurses to work in primary care settings in Australia with people with complex and serious psychosocial and mental health problems. This project explored the extent to which the programme contributed to positive outcomes. Sixty‐four service user profiles were provided by nurses working within the programme, including the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS), on admission and at the last review point. Mean total HoNOS scores on admission were higher than those typically seen on admission to inpatient care in Australia. Significant reductions in all problem areas except physical health problems were found at the last review point for this sample. These findings support the viewpoint that MHNIP is addressing the needs of people with the most complex needs in primary care and is achieving clinically significant outcomes.