bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An electronic oral health record to document, plan and educate
Authors: Wagner I‐V. , Lex MacNeil M. A. J. , Esteves A. , MacEntee M. I.
Published: November 2014

The University of British Columbia (UBC) in collaboration with a software developer (Planmeca Oy, Finland) created an electronic oral health record based on the principles of cognitive ergonomics rooted in the European research and development project ‘ORQUEST’ to guide students through medical, dental, social histories, examinations, treatment planning and progress notes. Clinicians in each dental specialty of the Faculty of Dentistry and software engineers cooperated to define the clinical content and workflow of clinical procedures in three phases: (i) development of a radiographic module, (ii) development of medical, dental, social and family histories, intra‐ and extra‐oral examinations, progress notes and treatment planning and (iii) development of the orthodontic section accompanied by an optimisation phase to correct technical problems and clinical content issues. From a practical perspective, this EOHR enhances the clinical performance of students and the quality assurance capacity of the institution. It facilitates audits of clinical productivity and research, and it can be modified with relative ease to suit similar educational and clinical environments in either public or private healthcare settings.
RAGE mediates the inactivation of nAChRs in sympathetic neurons under high glucose conditions
Authors: Chandna Andrew R. , Nair Manoj , Chang Christine , Pennington Paul R. , Yamamoto Yasuhiko , Mousseau Darrell D. , Campanucci Verónica A.
Published: November 2014

Autonomic dysfunction is a serious complication of diabetes and can lead to cardiovascular abnormalities and premature death. It was recently proposed that autonomic dysfunction is triggered by oxidation‐mediated inactivation of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), impairing synaptic transmission in sympathetic ganglia and resulting in autonomic failure. We investigated whether the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and its role in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) could be contributing to the events that initiate sympathetic malfunction under high glucose conditions. Using biochemical, live imaging and electrophysiological tools we demonstrated that exposure of sympathetic neurons to high glucose increases RAGE expression and oxidative markers, and that incubation with RAGE ligands (e.g. AGEs, S100 and HMGB1) mimics both ROS elevation and nAChR inactivation. In contrast, co‐treatment with either antioxidants or an anti‐RAGE IgG prevented the inactivation of nAChRs. Lastly, a role for RAGE in this context was corroborated by the lack of sensitivity of sympathetic neurons from RAGE knock‐out mice to high glucose. These data define a pivotal role for RAGE in initiating the events associated with exposure of sympathetic neurons to high glucose, and strongly support RAGE signaling as a potential therapeutic target in the autonomic complications associated with diabetes.
The course of childhood‐onset epilepsy over the first two decades: A prospective, longitudinal study
Authors: Berg Anne T. , Rychlik Karen
Published: November 2014

Objectives

Determine frequency of remissions, relapses, and pharmacoresistance over two decades. Develop a composite measure of seizure control over that time.

Methods

Community‐based cohort of children with newly diagnosed epilepsy prospectively followed for up to 21 years with frequent calls and periodic medical record review. Multiple periods of 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, and 5‐year remission with subsequent relapses were recorded. Other outcomes included pharmacoresistance (failure of two adequately used drugs), early remission and early pharmacoresistance by 2 years, and complete remission at last contact (CR‐LC, 5 years both seizure‐ and drug‐free at last contact). A composite summary of seizure course was created with eight categories ranging from early sustained remission and CR‐LC (best) to never achieving a 1‐year remission (worst).

Results

Five hundred sixteen of 613 participants were followed ≥10 years. An initial 1‐ 2‐, 3‐, and 5‐year remission occurred, respectively, in 95%, 92%, 89%, and 81%. Relapses followed in 52%, 41%, 29%, and 15%, respectively. Repeated remission after relapse was common. Up to seven 1‐year, five 2‐year and 3‐year, and two 5‐year remissions were recorded per participant. Pharmacoresistance at any time, early pharmacoresistance (<2 years), early remission, and CR‐LC occurred in 118 (22.9%), 70 (13.6%), 283 (54.8%), and 311 (60.3%). Composite outcomes were early sustained remission with CR‐LC (N = 172, 33%); later but then sustained remission with CR‐LC (N = 51, 10%); one (N = 61, 12%) or more (N = 27, 5%) remission‐relapse episodes but then CR‐LC; various non‐CR‐LC outcomes (N = 179, 35%); and never achieved 1‐year remission (N = 26, 5%). These patterns varied across groups defined by epilepsy type and presence of brain insults or neurodisability (p < 0.0001).

Significance

The seizure prognosis of pediatric epilepsies is highly variable. Most patients follow complex courses not easily summarized by remission status at the end of a period of follow‐up. These complexities may facilitate efforts to understand the impact epilepsy has on young people entering adulthood.
Evaluation of carotenoids and reactive oxygen species in human skin after UV irradiation: a critical comparison between in vivo and ex vivo investigations
Authors: Meinke Martina C. , Müller Robert , Bechtel Anne , Haag Stefan F. , Darvin Maxim E. , Lohan Silke B. , Ismaeel Fakher , Lademann Jürgen
Published: November 2014

UV irradiation is one of the most harmful exogenous factors for the human skin. In addition to the development of erythema, free radicals, that is reactive oxygen species (ROS), are induced under its influence and promote the development of oxidative stress in the skin. Several techniques are available for determining the effect of UV irradiation. Resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) measures the reduction of the carotenoid concentration, while electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy enables the analysis of the production of free radicals. Depending on the method, the skin parameters are analysed in vivo or ex vivo. This study provides a critical comparison between in vivo and ex vivo investigations on the ROS formation and carotenoid depletion caused by UV irradiation in human skin. The oxygen content of tissue was also determined. It was shown that the antioxidant status measured in the skin samples in vivo and ex vivo was different. The depletion in the carotenoid concentration in vivo exceeded the value determined ex vivo by a factor of about 1.5, and the radical formation after UV irradiation was significantly greater in vivo by a factor of 3.5 than that measured in excised human skin, which can be explained by the lack of oxygen ex vivo.
A putative antipruritic mechanism of the phosphodiesterase‐4 inhibitor E6005 by attenuating capsaicin‐induced depolarization of C‐fibre nerves
Authors: Wakita Hisashi , Ohkuro Masayoshi , Ishii Naoto , Hishinuma Ieharu , Shirato Manabu
Published: November 2014

E6005, a potent, selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 inhibitor, has been developed as a novel topical agent of atopic dermatitis (AD). It has been shown to inhibit itching in patients with AD as well in mouse models. To study the mechanism underlying the anti‐pruritic effect of E6005, we examined its effect on the activation of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons associated with the itch sensation. Depolarization of DRG neurons by a transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV 1) activator, capsaicin was attenuated by E6005 as well as by a 3′,5′‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) elevator, forskolin. E6005 elevated intracellular levels of cAMP in DRG cells. Taken together, these results suggest that E6005 suppresses TRPV1‐mediated C‐fibre depolarization through elevation of cAMP levels, thereby exerting an anti‐pruritic effect. Thus, E6005 shows the potential to be a new agent for managing pruritus in various skin disorders, including AD.
Earlier‐ born secondary hair follicles exhibit phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Chi Woo , Wu Eleanor , Morgan Bruce A.
Published: November 2014

The mouse pelage is composed of four distinct hair types. The fact that the follicles that generate these hair types form in successive waves during late embryonic development suggested the model that distinct epigenetic states of the inductive mesenchyme fixed when the follicles are formed specify the distinctive hair morphologies. This model is inconsistent with the observation that many follicles produce different hair types in successive hair cycles. In this study, the characteristics of the hair follicles that switch between the production of different hair types were examined. These follicles were born earlier than those that do not switch between hair types and made longer hairs. They also expressed a higher level of Sox2 in the dermal papilla and had more DP cells per follicle. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that different birthdates specify the potential of different follicles. However, rather than directly specifying hair type, birthdate correlates with three types: guard hairs, a plastic population that can make awl, auchene or zigzag hairs, and a population that normally makes only zigzag hairs. Although Sox2 expression levels in the DP identify this subset during the morphogenetic cycle, Sox2 expression is not a fixed epigenetic state specified when the follicle is first formed.
Improved cutaneous wound healing after intraperitoneal injection of alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone
Authors: de Souza Kênia Soares , Cantaruti Thiago Anselmo , Azevedo Geraldo Magela , Galdino Daniel Antero de Almeida , Rodrigues Claudiney Melquíades , Costa Raquel Alves , Vaz Nelson Monteiro , Carvalho Cláudia Rocha
Published: November 2014

Skin wound healing is a complex process involving many types of cells and molecules and often results in scar tissue formation in adult mammals. However, scarless healing occurs in foetal skin and minimal scars may occur after cutaneous healing in the adult with reduced inflammation. Alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) is widely distributed within the central nervous system and in other body regions, such as the skin, and has strong anti‐inflammatory activity. The aim in the present experiments was to learn whether intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of α‐MSH just before skin wounds antagonize inflammation and improves skin wound healing in adult mice. C57BL/6 young adult mice received an i.p. injection of 1 mg/kg of α‐MSH and, 30 min later, two circular through‐and‐through holes (6.5 mm diameter) were made in their dorsal skin under anaesthesia. Control mice were wounded after vehicle injection. The wound healing process was analysed macroscopically and microscopically at 3, 7, 40 and 60 days. Skin samples were fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 5 μm, stained with H&E or toluidine blue for cell analysis or Gomori's trichrome for extracellular matrix (ECM) analysis. Other samples were fixed in DMSO+methanol, embedded in paraplast and incubated with anti‐CD45, antismooth muscle actin, anticollagen‐I and anticollagen‐III for immunofluorescence analysis. Alpha‐MSH significantly reduced the number of leucocytes, mast cells and fibroblasts at 3 and 7 days after injury. On days 40 and 60, α‐MSH reduced scar area and improved the organization of the collagen fibres indicating that it may direct the healing into a more‐regenerative/less‐scarring pathway.
Metabolic rates of a hypogean and an epigean species of copepod in an alluvial aquifer
Authors: Di Lorenzo T. , Di Marzio Walter D. , Spigoli D. , Baratti M. , Messana G. , Cannicci S. , Galassi Diana M. P.
Published: November 2014

Reduced metabolic rates of groundwater taxa, compared to those of surface water species, have long been inferred to be an adaptive trait where there is a low and discontinuous food supply and unpredictable shifts between hypoxic and normoxic conditions. However, there have been neither measurements of the respiratory rate of groundwater copepods nor a comparison of rates between closely related groundwater and surface water species.

We measured the metabolic rates of two species of Cyclopoida: Cyclopidae, the stygobiotic (hypogean) copepod Diacyclops belgicus and the epigean Eucyclops serrulatus, which co‐occur in the same alluvial aquifer. We expected the metabolic rate of the hypogean to be lower than that of the epigean species, irrespective of the ontogenetic stage, which would be consistent with the hypothesis that there is a generally lower metabolic rate in groundwater species.

The metabolic rate of D. belgicus was significantly lower than that of the epigean E. serrulatus irrespective of the ontogenetic stage. We found an allometric relationship between oxygen consumption and body mass for E. serrulatus, an isometric one for D. belgicus juveniles and a rate of oxygen consumption that apparently does not change systematically with body mass for D. belgicus adults.

The low metabolic rate of D. belgicus may be advantageous in oligotrophic groundwater habitats, where large fluctuations in oxygen availability occur. However, these physiological adaptations can put hypogean species at risk of replacement by more metabolically active epigean taxa, whenever the availability of organic matter increases, as happens with organic pollution. Moreover, the low metabolic rate of the hypogean species may entail an inability to cope with toxicants, rendering them more sensitive to pollutants. A higher metabolic rate in juvenile D. belgicus compared to that of adults allows copepodids to mature quickly when food is briefly abundant.
Computerized image analysis of the Ki‐67 proliferation index in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Blaker Yngvild N , Brodtkorb Marianne , Maddison John , Hveem Tarjei S , Nesheim John Arne , Mohn Hans Martin , Kolstad Arne , Geisler Christian H , Liestøl Knut , Smeland Erlend B , Holte Harald , Delabie Jan , Danielsen Håvard
Published: November 2014

Aims

Manual counting of the fraction of Ki‐67‐positive cells (the Ki‐67 index) in 1000 tumour cells is considered the ‘gold standard’ to predict prognosis in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). This time‐consuming method is replaced by the faster, but less accurate, semiquantitative estimation in routine practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of computerized image analysis software for scoring of Ki‐67 in MCL.

Methods and results

We developed an automated method for determining the Ki‐67 index by computerized image analysis and tested it using a cohort of 62 MCL patients. The data were compared to Ki‐67 scores obtained by semiquantitative estimation and image‐based manual counting. When using the Ki‐67 index as a continuous parameter, both image‐based manual counting and computerized image analysis were related inversely to survival (P = 0.020 and P = 0.025, respectively). Ki‐67 index obtained by semiquantitative estimation was not associated significantly with survival (P = 0.093). The results were validated in a second patient cohort with similar results.

Conclusion

Computerized image analysis of the Ki‐67 index in MCL is an attractive alternative to semiquantitative estimation and can be introduced easily in a routine diagnostic setting for risk stratification in MCL.
Endoscopic biopsies from gastrointestinal carcinomas and their suitability for molecular analysis: a review of the literature and recommendations for clinical practice and research
Authors: Hale Matthew David , Gotoda Takuji , Hayden Jeremy David , Grabsch Heike Irmgard
Published: November 2014

Endoscopic biopsies (EBs) are the gold standard for diagnosing gastrointestinal carcinoma yet no guidelines address EB use for prognostic and predictive molecular testing. This review summarizes the reported quantity and quality of EBs, their relationship with molecular test failure rates and the resultant concordance between EB and resection specimen. Studies reporting molecular testing on gastrointestinal carcinoma EBs published between 2002 and 2014 were identified. Details regarding EB quantity, quality, tumour content, molecular test failure rates as well as causes and concordance with resection specimens were reviewed. Seventy‐five studies were identified. Eighteen (24%) reported the mean EB number per patient (median: 2.1, range: 1–6.6 EBs). Sixty‐one (81%) reported the frequency of test failure (median: 0%, range: 0–100%). Twenty‐two (29%) investigated EB and resection specimen concordance (range: 0–100%). EB quantity and quality affected neither concordance nor failure rate. In summary, few studies currently report EB quantity, EB quality or EB and resection specimen concordance. Reliable molecular testing in EBs appears achievable, and can be representative of resection specimens. Concordance depends upon the testing methodology and biomarker heterogeneity within the tumour. To improve patient care, EB sampling, processing and reporting requires standardization and needs optimization for each biomarker individually.
A transferrin gene associated with development and 2‐tridecanone tolerance in Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Zhang L. , Shang Q. , Lu Y. , Zhao Q , Gao X.
Published: November 2014

The full‐length cDNA (2320 bp) encoding a putative iron‐binding transferrin protein from Helicoverpa armigera was cloned and named HaTrf. The putative HaTrf sequence included 670 amino acids with a molecular mass of approximately 76 kDa. Quantitative PCR results demonstrated that the transcriptional level of HaTrf was significantly higher in the sixth instar and pupa stages as compared with other developmental stages. HaTrf transcripts were more abundant in fat bodies and in the epidermis than in malpighian tubules. Compared with the control, the expression of HaTrf increased dramatically 24 h after treatment with 2‐tridecanone. Apparent growth inhibition with a dramatic body weight decrease was observed in larvae fed with HaTrf double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA), as compared with those fed with green fluorescent protein dsRNA. RNA interference of HaTrf also significantly increased the susceptibility of larvae to 2‐tridecanone. These results indicate the possible involvement of HaTrf in tolerance to plant secondary chemicals.
Time–course study of different innate immune mediators produced by UV‐irradiated skin: comparative effects of short and daily versus a single harmful UV exposure
Authors: Cela Eliana M. , Friedrich Adrian , Paz Mariela L. , Vanzulli Silvia I. , Leoni Juliana , González Maglio Daniel H.
Published: November 2014

The modulatory effects of solar UV radiation on the immune system have been widely studied. As the skin is the main target of UV radiation, our purpose was to compare the impact on skin innate immunity of two contrasting ways to be exposed to sunlight. Hairless mice were UV irradiated with a single high UV dose simulating a harmful exposure, or with repetitive low UV doses simulating short occasional daily exposures. Skin samples were taken at different times after UV irradiation to evaluate skin histology, inflammatory cell recruitment, epidermal T‐cell population and the mitochondrial function of epidermal cells. The transcriptional profiles of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, antimicrobial peptides and Toll‐like receptors were evaluated by RT‐PCR and ELISA in tissue homogenates. Finally, a lymphangiography was performed to assess modification in the lymphatic vessel system. A single high UV dose produces a deep inflammatory state characterized by the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that, in turn, induces the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages into the irradiated area. On the other hand, repetitive low UV doses drive the skin to a photo‐induced alert state in which there is no sign of inflammation, but the epithelium undergoes changes in thickness, the lymphatic circulation increases, and the transcription of antimicrobial peptides is induced.
Trajectories of Regulatory Behaviors in Early Infancy: Determinants of Infant Self‐Distraction and Self‐Comforting
Authors: Planalp Elizabeth M. , Braungart‐Rieker Julia M.
Published: November 2014

The ability to effectively regulate emotions is an important marker for early socio‐emotional development. The uses of self‐comforting behaviors and self‐distraction have been empirically supported as effective regulatory strategies for infants, although research on determinants of such behaviors is scarce. Thus, a more thorough examination of the development of regulatory behaviors is needed. For the current study, 135 mothers, fathers, and their infants participated in laboratory visits at 3, 5, and 7 months of age where parent sensitivity and infant regulatory strategies were coded from the Still‐Face Paradigm. Parents also filled out questionnaires about infant temperament and parental involvement. Using multilevel modeling to examine levels and trajectories of self‐comforting and self‐distraction, the current study found: (1) infants higher in temperamental surgency used more self‐distraction and self‐comforting, (2) infants lower in surgency with highly involved parents increased in self‐distraction at a faster rate, particularly with highly involved fathers, and (3) infants used self‐comforting more than average with fathers when the infant was also lower in temperamental regulation. In addition, we examined trajectories of parent involvement and temperament in relation to infant regulatory strategy.
The Added Benefit of Local Patanol Therapy When Combined with Systemic Claritin for the Inhibition of Ocular Itching in the Conjunctival Antigen Challenge Model*
Authors: Abelson Mark B. , Lanier Robert Q.
Published: November 2014

Background: Allergic conjunctivitis very often occurs simultaneously with rhinitis in seasonal allergy sufferers. While systemic anti‐allergic and antihistaminic agents are effective against many signs and symptoms of allergy, they may not adequately control ocular signs and symptoms in patients with multiple target organ hypersensitivity. Patanol® (olopatadine hydrochloride 0.1% ophthalmic solution, Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX), a new effective anti‐allergic mast cell stabilizer with antihistaminic properties, is approved for the prevention of ocular itching due to allergic conjunctivitis. Objective: To determine whether Patanol in combination with the systemic antihistamine Claritin® (loratadine, Schering, Kenilworth, NJ) reduces the ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis more effectively than Claritin alone. A topical ocular antigen challenge induced the allergic conjunctivitis in 15 subjects. Methods: This was a randomized, double‐masked study in which the contralateral eye served as the control. On Visit 1, an allergen dose which elicited response scores >2 for ocular itching was identified. Itching was graded by the subject using a 0 to 4 point scale. At Visit 2, the threshold allergen concentration was confirmed. At Visit 3, the onset of action challenge, in addition to Claritin (10 mg tablet), each subject received Patanol in one eye and placebo in the fellow eye in a randomized, double‐masked fashion. Allergen was instilled one hour after dosing, and ocular itching was graded at 3, 7, 10 and 20 minutes after challenge. At Visit 4, the duration of action challenge, the same drug regimen was followed as in Visit 3. However, allergen challenge was performed eight hours after dosing, and itching graded after 3, 7, 10 and 20 minutes. Results: Patient eyes treated with Patanol were significantly less itchy than those treated with systemic Claritin alone at critical time points 3, 7, and 10 minutes after the onset of action challenge (p<0.05), and at 3 and 7 minutes after the duration of action challenge (p<0.05). Conclusion: The addition of topical Patanol to systemic Claritin therapy significantly reduced ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis compared to treatment with Claritin alone. These findings prove the added benefit of local Patanol therapy in the treatment of ocular allergic symptoms in patients receiving systemic antihistamines for concomitant systemic allergies.
Determination of Ga, Ge, Mo, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, W, Tl and Bi in USGS Whole‐Rock Reference Materials by Standard Addition ICP‐MS
Authors: Gaschnig Richard M. , Rudnick Roberta L. , McDonough William F.
Published: November 2014

A procedure for determining a wide range of chalcophile and siderophile elements in typical crustal rocks using standard addition and ICP‐SFMS (inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry) is presented. New results for Ga, Ge, Mo, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, W, Tl and Bi abundances in USGS whole‐rock reference materials AGV‐2, BHVO‐1, BIR‐1, G‐2, GSP‐1 and W‐2 are reported using this analytical procedure. Intermediate precision of means based on multiple dissolved aliquots of each USGS reference material was 10% RSD or better for Ga, Ge, In and Sn in all, and similarly good for Ag, Cd, Sb, Tl and Bi in most reference materials. Poorer intermediate precision of Mo and W measurements in several reference materials is probably due to higher analytical blanks on these elements and powder heterogeneity due to a sulfide‐related nugget effect in the specific case of Mo in GSP‐1. Results for all elements fell within the range of available published data with the exception of Ag, which yielded systematically higher concentrations than found in the literature for five of the six reference materials, likely reflecting interference from unresolved polyatomic species.
OPTIC DISC HAEMORRHAGES PRECEDE RETINAL NERVE FIBRE LAYER DEFECTS IN OCULAR HYPERTENSION
Authors: AIRAKSINEN P. JUHANI , MUSTONEN EILA , ALANKO HANNU I.
Published: November 2014

Both small splinter haemorrhages of the optic disc and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) defects have been reported to be the first signs of glaucomatous development before visual field defects. In this study their time‐ and location‐based relationship to each other was investigated by means of repeated optic disc stereophotography of 25 patients who showed a disc haemorrhage but no disc and field involvement in their ocular hypertensive eyes. During a mean follow‐up time of 6 years, 8 patients developed glaucomatous damage. Their sequential stereo‐photographs showed that disc haemorrhages preceded both development and progression of RNFL defects. Location of a defect was accurately predicted by the haemorrhage. In 4 patients the first visual field defects were detected with routine perimetry only 1 to 2 years after the RNFL defects had been observed. Three patients still show normal fields.
THE BLOOD‐RETINAL BARRIER PERMEABILITY IN DIABETIC PATIENTS
Authors: KROGSAA BENT , LUND‐ANDERSEN HENRIK , MEHLSEN JESPER , SESTOFT LEIF , LARSEN JESPER
Published: November 2014

By the of aid an extended corpus vitreum fluorophotometric technique, the blood‐retinal barrier permeability for fluorescein was studied in diabetologically well characterizied patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. The method, which involves simultaneous determination of the fluorescein concentration in corpus vitreum and plasma, is described and discussed. A clear correlation was found between the degree of retinopathy and permeability (P). Patients with normal visus, ophthalmoscophy, fundus photo and fluorescence angiography exhibited P‐values of 1·10−7 cm·sec−1. This was similar to P‐values found in normal volunteers. Simplex retinopathy without macular oedema showed values of 2.5·10−7 cm·sec−1 while simplex retinopathy with macular oedema showed P‐values of 10·10−7 cm·sec−1.
The Structure of Informal Social Networks of Persons with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Kamstra A. , van der Putten A. A. J. , Vlaskamp C.
Published: November 2014

Background

Persons with less severe disabilities are able to express their needs and show initiatives in social contacts, persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD), however, depend on others for this. This study analysed the structure of informal networks of persons with PIMD.

Materials and Methods

Data concerning the number, type and frequency of contacts were collected in 205 persons with PIMD.

Results

The mean number of contact persons was 5.1 (range: 0–26, SD: 4.2) per year. 79.4% of the contact persons are family, with an average of 72.3 contacts per year. Parents had significantly more contact compared to the other informal contact persons. In 2.2% of the sample contacts with peers were seen.

Conclusions

The informal networks of persons with PIMD consist mainly of family. The question arises how informal networks can be expanded and which role professionals have in this process.
Logistics Information System Evaluation: Assessing External Technology Integration and Supporting Organizational Learning
Authors: Bell John E. , Bradley Randy V. , Fugate Brian S. , Hazen Benjamin T.
Published: November 2014

Firms often outsource the development and acquisition of logistics information systems (LIS) needed to improve logistics processes. Managers tasked with such outsourcing decisions often struggle to understand and balance the external technology's impact on existing logistics processes, individual stakeholders, firm strategies, and the financial and operational performance of the firm. Unfortunately, research is limited on (1) methods for evaluating the performance capabilities of systems from external sources prior to full implementation, and (2) the impact of external technology integration (ETI) on organizational behavior and learning related to a firm's logistics processes. Through the lens of organizational learning (OL) theory, this research uses a case study approach to examine the transportation division of a major U.S.‐based fuel retailer to gain insights on the management control of ETI efforts. The study builds theory to fill important literature gaps then develops a conceptual framework and supporting propositions to inform future research on logistics ETI. The findings highlight important OL implications for firms involved in ETI efforts and also provide a practically relevant management control tool that can be used by logistics practitioners.
Circadian Distribution of Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias and Association with Mortality in the MADIT‐CRT Trial
Authors: RUWALD MARTIN H. , MOSS ARTHUR J. , ZAREBA WOJCIECH , JONS CHRISTIAN , RUWALD ANNE‐CHRISTINE , MCNITT SCOTT , POLONSKY BRONISLAVA , KUTYIFA VALENTINA
Published: November 2014

Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias and Death

Background

It is unknown whether circadian variation of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTA) affects clinical outcome in heart failure patients. 

Methods

A total of 1,790 patients (males 75%) with heart failure, NYHA class I and II and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization (CRT‐D) enrolled in the MADIT‐CRT study were included. Time of first and all VTAs as detected and treated by the device with appropriate ICD therapy (antitachycardia pacing or shock) was evaluated by hours of the day and weekdays and related to all‐cause mortality using Cox regression analyses.

Results

During a mean follow‐up period of 40 months, a total of 3,300 VTA episodes were registered. Of all VTAs recorded, most of them (n = 2977, 90%) occurred in males. Recurrent as well as first VTA episodes were more common in the morning and evening with bimodal peaks from 7:00 to 10:59 (21%) and 18:00–21:59 (23%). VTAs that occurred during morning hours were associated with higher mortality when compared to VTA episodes occurring at other hours (hazard ratios [HR] = 2.07; confidence interval [CI]: 1.135–3.77; P = 0.018) with a significant gender interaction placing females at significantly higher risk of death (HR 6.78; CI 1.55–29.860; P = 0.011) than males (HR 1.79; CI 0.92–3.46; P = 0.086) (interaction P = 0.041) despite an overall lower probability for morning VTA among females (HR 0.32; CI 0.16–0.68; P = 0.003).

Conclusions

The occurrence of VTAs in heart failure patients shows a circadian variation with highest incidence during morning hours that translates into a significant higher risk of all‐cause mortality, with significantly higher risk among females than males.
Fusarium Species from the Fusarium fujikuroi Species Complex Involved in Mixed Infections of Maize in Northern Sinaloa, Mexico
Authors: Leyva‐Madrigal Karla Y. , Larralde‐Corona Claudia P. , Apodaca‐Sánchez Miguel A. , Quiroz‐Figueroa Francisco R. , Mexia‐Bolaños Priscila A. , Portillo‐Valenzuela Salma , Ordaz‐Ochoa Jesús , Maldonado‐Mendoza Ignacio E.
Published: November 2014

Fusarium species belonging to the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) are associated with maize in northern Mexico and cause Fusarium ear and root rot. In order to assess the diversity of FFSC fungal species involved in this destructive disease in Sinaloa, Mexico, a collection of 108 fungal isolates was obtained from maize plants in 2007–2011. DNA sequence analysis of the calmodulin and elongation factor 1α genes identified four species: Fusarium verticillioides, F. nygamai, F. andiyazi and F. thapsinum (comprising 79, 23, 4 and 2 isolates, respectively). Differential distribution of Fusarium species in maize organs was observed, that is F. verticillioides was the most frequently isolated species from maize seeds, while F. nygamai predominated on maize roots. Mixed infections with F. verticillioides/F. thapsinum and F. verticillioides/F. nygamai were detected in maize seeds and roots, respectively. Pathogenicity assay demonstrated the ability of the four species to infect maize seedlings and induce different levels of disease severity, reflecting variation in aggressiveness, plant height and root biomass. Isolates of F. verticillioides and F. nygamai were the most aggressive. These species were able to colonize all root tissues, from the epidermis to the vascular vessels, while infection by F. andiyazi and F. thapsinum was restricted to the epidermis and adjacent cortical cells. This is the first report of F. nygamai, F. andiyazi and F. thapsinum infecting maize in Mexico and co‐infecting with F. verticillioides. Mixed infections should be taken into consideration due to the production and/or accumulation of diverse mycotoxins in maize grain.
Effects of the Biocontrol Agent Aspergillus flavipes on the Soil Microflora and Soil Enzymes in the Rooting Zone of Pepper Plants Infected with Phytophthora capsici
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhao Xinhua , Liu Changyuan , Liu Li , Yu Shuyi , Liang Chunhao , Guan Tianshu , Irfan Muhammad , Zhao Kuihua
Published: November 2014

This study examined the effect of ASD strain (Aspergillus flavipes), isolated from continuous cropping soil for pepper and named by the sampling position, on soil microflora and soil enzymes in rooting zone soil of healthy and diseased (Phytophthora capsici) pepper plants. Results showed that the ASD strain could significantly reduce the number of bacteria and actinomycetes, with a significant increase in fungi in the rhizosphere soil of both healthy and diseased plants. With increasing colonization time of the ASD strain, the number of bacteria and actinomycetes decreased initially and then increased gradually, while the number of fungi was first increased significantly and later decreased slowly. The soil enzyme activities of urease, acid phosphatase, invertase and dehydrogenase were significantly increased by the ASD strain, while the activity of catalase was not significantly increased. As time from inoculation with the ASD strain increased, the activities of various enzymes were higher than controls. Maximum enzyme activities were found on the tenth day after ADS inoculation. The response of soil enzyme activities affected by the ASD strain was as follows: urease > dehydrogenase > invertase > acid phosphatase > catalase. These results suggest that the biocontrol of ASD strain could improve the micro ecology of rhizosphere soil.
Using patient flow simulation to improve access at a multidisciplinary sleep centre
Authors: Pendharkar Sachin R. , Bischak Diane P. , Rogers Paul , Flemons Ward , Noseworthy Tom W.
Published: November 2014

The lack of timely access to diagnosis and treatment for sleep disorders is well described, but little attention has been paid to understanding how multiple system constraints contribute to long waiting times. The objectives of this study were to identify system constraints leading to long waiting times at a multidisciplinary sleep centre, and to use patient flow simulation modelling to test solutions that could improve access. Discrete‐event simulation models of patient flow were constructed using historical data from 150 patients referred to the sleep centre, and used to both examine reasons for access delays and to test alternative system configurations that were predicted by administrators to reduce waiting times. Four possible solutions were modelled and compared with baseline, including addition of capacity to different areas at the sleep centre and elimination of prioritization by urgency. Within the model, adding physician capacity improved time from patient referral to initial physician appointment, but worsened time from polysomnography requisition to test completion, and had no effect on time from patient referral to treatment initiation. Adding respiratory therapist did not improve model performance compared with baseline. Eliminating triage prioritization worsened time to physician assessment and treatment initiation for urgent patients without improving waiting times overall. This study demonstrates that discrete‐event simulation can identify multiple constraints in access‐limited healthcare systems and allow suggested solutions to be tested before implementation. The model of this sleep centre predicted that investments in capacity expansion proposed by administrators would not reduce the time to a clinically meaningful patient outcome.
What are postpartum women doing while the rest of the world is asleep?
Authors: McBean Amanda L. , Montgomery‐Downs Hawley E.
Published: November 2014

Large individual differences characterize maternal postpartum sleep and adjustment. Our goal was to explore aspects of mothers’ nocturnal environments and behaviours that may explain differences in postpartum adjustment. A total of 201 mothers of infants aged 0–6 months completed an online survey with demographics, number and duration of nocturnal awakenings, caretaking behaviours, environment and nocturnal activities during ‘one typical night during the past week’. Mothers reported 2.9 [standard deviation (SD) ± 1.7] nocturnal awakenings, each lasting 33.9 (SD ± 22.5) min. Infant age was related inversely to duration but unrelated to number of awakenings. Falling asleep while feeding was less frequent among exclusively formula‐feeders. Among the entire sample, mothers used a cellphone (59%), backlit tablet (25%), TV (20%) and computer (16%) during nocturnal awakenings. Watching TV and using a computer were each associated with longer nocturnal awakenings. Eighty‐nine per cent of women used ≥1 extra light source during nocturnal awakenings: night light (35%), light from a cracked door (28%), desk lamp (25%), electronic device (19%) or room light (14%). Light source(s) was unrelated to number or duration of nocturnal awakenings. These data suggest that, although supplemental light sources were not associated with awakenings, TV and computer use accounted for longer awakenings. Feeding method and technology use may help to explain individual differences in postpartum adjustments and may be targets for more effective interventions.
Bootstrap Sequential Tests to Determine the Order of Integration of Individual Units in A Time Series Panel
Authors: Smeekes Stephan
Published: November 2014

We propose an approach to investigate the unit root properties of individual units in a time series panel or large multivariate time series, based on testing user‐defined increasing proportions of hypothesized I(0) units sequentially. Asymptotically valid critical values are obtained using the block bootstrap. This sequential approach has an advantage over multiple testing approaches as it can exploit the (cross‐sectional) dimension of the system, which the multiple testing approaches cannot do effectively. A simulation study and an empirical application are conducted to analyse the relative performance of the approach in comparison with multiple testing approaches. These demonstrate the usefulness of our method, in particular in systems with a relatively small time dimension.
Ecological controls on post‐fire vegetation assembly at multiple spatial scales in easternNorthAmerican boreal forests
Authors: Boiffin Juliette , Aubin Isabelle , Munson Alison D.
Published: November 2014

Question

In fire‐prone boreal forests, to what extent does fire severity influence understorey plant community assembly? What are the abiotic and biotic factors controlling understorey community regeneration at regional, landscape and local scales?

Location

Black spruce‐dominated boreal forest in eastern Canada.

Methods

A taxonomic and a trait‐based approach were combined to evaluate the relative influence of habitat characteristics, burn severity and biotic processes on understorey regeneration at multiple spatial scales. Sampling of understorey vegetation cover was carried out in 133 recently burned plots located in 14 different fires across a 600‐km transect. The spatial hierarchy for sampling consisted of five fire regime zones (regional scale), two to four fires within each zone (landscape) and two to four toposequences within each fire (local). The environmental control of fire severity and habitat characteristics on understorey regeneration was assessed using a canonical redundancy analysis (RDA) and variation partitioning. We investigated environmental and biotic filters of species traits at different scales by modelling trait–spatial assemblages with Moran eigen vector maps (MEMs).

Results

In spite of the large variability of environmental conditions covered by our sampling design, low depths of burn were measured in the large majority of the studied sites. Incomplete consumption of the forest floor is frequently observed in eastern boreal forests characterized by long fire cycles.In situbiological legacies persisted through the low‐severity fires, which conserved the pre‐fire relationships between plant communities and their environment. As a result, fire severity was neither the unique nor the dominant control on post‐fire regeneration. Habitat characteristics explained a three times higher proportion of variation in species composition. Biotic controls on trait assemblage increased at the two finer scales.

Conclusions

Severity alone cannot predict understorey vegetation assembly at different scales in the low‐severity fire regime characteristic of the eastern North American boreal forest.
Situation: Stylistic Variation in Sociolinguistic Corpora and Theory
Authors: Rickford John R.
Published: November 2014

Deciding what to code for in archived online corpora from sociolinguistic recordings is important, but enriching such recordings to include more variable situations is an important prerequisite if these corpora are to serve as a resource for the analysis of situational or stylistic variation, still a neglected variable in sociolinguistic theory and analysis. Accordingly, much of this paper is devoted to illustrating the value of recording speakers in different situations, using examples of Situational (primarily triggered by changes in interlocutors) and Metaphorical (primarily triggered by changes in topic) Style Shifting from the literature. Some of these are Serendipitous, while others are Orchestrated, the result of deliberate efforts by researchers to record speakers with different addressees or in different situations. The richest examples, involving Orchestrated Serendipitous Situational and Metaphorical shifting, come from recent work by Devyani Sharma and Ben Rampton, which is briefly summarized. In my conclusion, I turn to the issue of what to code for in archived sociolinguistic corpora, suggesting that we start with some of the key Hymesian components, like setting, scene, participants and perhaps purposes, key and local norms of interaction. We should of course feel free to draw on Preston's and other frameworks and more recently emphasized elements, like agency, while balancing a concern for completeness and ethnographic richness with a concern for feasibility and practicality.
Demographic Categories in Sociolinguistic Studies of US Latino Communities
Authors: Bayley Robert
Published: November 2014

This article provides an overview of the diversity of Latino communities in the USA and examines how issues of ethnicity and identity have been treated in representative recent studies. The article offers suggestions for coding information about identity and ethnic orientation that will enable researchers to go beyond overly general and often contested superordinate terms. Finally, the article shows how newer methods of statistical analysis provide the means for a more fine‐grained coding.
High connectivity and directional gene flow in European Atlantic and Mediterranean populations ofCiona intestinalissp. A
Authors: Affinito Ornella , Andreakis Nikos , Caputi Luigi , Marino Rita , Pannone Raimondo , Sordino Paolo , Procaccini Gabriele
Published: November 2014

Understanding the factors that cause population divergence has long been of interest to marine biologists in their attempts to interpret the effect of human‐mediated vectors. Broadcast‐spawning species with limited dispersal capability are excellent candidates to measure the present‐day patterns of genetic diversity. The tunicateCiona intestinalis(Ascidiacea) is comprised of a complex of morphologically cryptic species that form vigorous aggregates in eutrophic habitats (harbors, gulfs and lagoons) where they can compete with the epibenthic community and cause biofouling problems. This study investigated biogeographic variability and migration patterns ofC. intestinalissp. A along Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts using microsatellite markers. Data presented here on 371 specimens collected from 17 populations reveal high genetic polymorphism, but with a deficit of heterozygote deficiency. Absence of evidence for isolation by distance suggests that the genetic patterns do not reflect the geographic distribution of sampled populations. Substantial gene flow and artificial potential for dispersal boost high levels of within‐population genetic variability and prevent genetic differentiation within and between seas. A predominant eastward migration pattern was revealed by the data set, with very limited opportunity forC. intestinalissp. A to travel westward. This directional movement indicates that other properties (e.g. habitat quality, genetic traits, mating system, life cycle) may cause adaptive divergence at a large biogeographic scale.