bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional Groundwater Flow in the Louisville Aquifer
Authors: Tiaif Syafrin , Serrano Sergio E.
Published: July 2014

The unconfined alluvial aquifer at Louisville, Kentucky, is an important source of water for domestic and industrial uses. It has been the object of several modeling studies in the past, particularly via the application of classical analytical solutions, and numerical solutions (finite differences and finite elements). A new modeling procedure of the Louisville aquifer is presented based on a modification of Adomian's Decomposition Method (ADM) to handle irregularly shaped boundaries. The new approach offers the simplicity, stability, and spatial continuity of analytical solutions, in addition to the ability to handle irregular boundaries typical of numerical solutions. It reduces to the application of a simple set of algebraic equations to various segments of the aquifer. The calculated head contours appear in reasonably agreement with those of previous studies, as well as with those from measured head values from the U.S. Geological Survey field measurement program. A statistical comparison of the error standard deviation is within the same range as that reported in previous studies that used complex numerical solutions. The present methodology could be easily implemented in other aquifers when preliminary results are needed, or when scarce hydrogeologic information is available. Advantages include a simple approach for preliminary groundwater modeling; an analytic description of hydraulic heads, gradients, fluxes, and flow rates; state variables are described continuously over the spatial domain; complications from stability and numerical roundoff are minimized; there is no need for a numerical grid or the handling of large sparse matrices; there is no need to use specialized groundwater software, because all calculations may be done with standard mathematics or spreadsheet programs. Nonlinearity, the effect of higher order terms, and transient simulations could be included if desired.
Evaluation of soy‐based surface active copolymers as surfactant ingredients in model shampoo formulations
Authors: Popadyuk A. , Kalita H. , Chisholm B. J. , Voronov A.
Published: July 2014

Synopsis

Objective

A new non‐toxic soybean oil‐based polymeric surfactant (SBPS) for personal‐care products was developed and extensively characterized, including an evaluation of the polymeric surfactant performance in model shampoo formulations.

Methods

To experimentally assure applicability of the soy‐based macromolecules in shampoos, either in combination with common anionic surfactants (in this study, sodium lauryl sulfate, SLS) or as a single surface‐active ingredient, the testing of SBPS physicochemical properties, performance and visual assessment of SBPS‐based model shampoos was carried out.

Results

The results obtained, including foaming and cleaning ability of model formulations, were compared to those with only SLS as a surfactant as well as to SLS‐free shampoos. Overall, the results show that the presence of SBPS improves cleaning, foaming, and conditioning of model formulations.

Conclusions

SBPS‐based formulations meet major requirements of multifunctional shampoos – mild detergency, foaming, good conditioning, and aesthetic appeal, which are comparable to commercially available shampoos. In addition, examination of SBPS/SLS mixtures in model shampoos showed that the presence of the SBPS enables the concentration of SLS to be significantly reduced without sacrificing shampoo performance.
Mechanical, Tribological, and Thermal Properties of Hot‐Pressed ZrB2‐B4C Composite
Authors: Chakraborty Shirshendu , Debnath Debashish , Mallick Azizur Rahaman , Das Probal Kumar
Published: July 2014

The effect of addition of submicrometer‐sized B4C (5,10 and 15 wt%) on microstructure, phase composition, hardness, fracture toughness, scratch resistance, wear resistance, and thermal behavior of hot‐pressed ZrB2‐B4C composites is reported. ZrB2‐B4C (10 wt%) composite has VH1 of 20.81 GPa and fracture toughness of 3.93 at 1 kgf, scratch resistance coefficient of 0.40, wear resistance coefficient of 0.01, and ware rate of 0.49 × 10−3 mm3/Nm at 10N. Crack deflection by homogeneously dispersed submicrometer‐sized B4C in ZrB2 matrix can improve the mechanical and tribological properties. Thermal conductivity of ZrB2‐B4C composites varied from 70.13 to 45.30 W/m K between 100°C and 1000°C which is encouraging for making ultra‐high temperature ceramics (UHTC) component.
Interrater reliability of the Observer Rating of Medication Taking scale in an inpatient mental health facility
Authors: Byrne Mitchell K. , Deane Frank P. , Murugesan Ganapathi , Connaughton Elizabeth
Published: July 2014

Non‐adherence to medication remains a major barrier to recovery from mental illnesses. Identification of those patients likely to experience adherence difficulties is best undertaken during inpatient treatment, prior to discharge into the community. More objective assessments of adherence behaviours might assist staff to more effectively target support to those patients most in need. This study investigated the interrater reliability of an inpatient behavioural observation scale of patient engagement with medication: the Observer Rating of Medication Taking (ORMT) scale. Eight mental health nurses working in a psychiatric hospital inpatient setting were trained in the use of the ORMT using video‐based vignettes. Working in pairs, staff then independently rated adherence behaviours of 13 inpatients in a rehabilitation unit (total of 160 ratings) over a 1‐week period. Concurrently, two expert raters also undertook independent ratings of patient medication‐taking behaviour using the ORMT. Interrater reliability was assessed across both staff and expert raters. The results indicated that the ORMT has satisfactory interrater reliability, and can be appropriately used in an inpatient setting. The observational location of raters on the ward influenced the range of medication‐taking behaviours observed, and thus the extent of concordance between raters. Further research to determine if the ORMT predicts adherence in the community is warranted.
Things you can learn from books: Exploring the therapeutic potential of eating disorder memoirs
Authors: McAllister Margaret , Brien Donna Lee , Flynn Trudi , Alexander June
Published: July 2014

This paper explores the potential benefits that books, and specifically memoirs, might offer mental health students, positing that first‐person testimonials might make the complex experiences of a mental health challenge, in this case, eating disorders, accessible to learners. The paper presents a pedagogical approach, based on transformative learning, to assist in encouraging the development of a recovery approach in students. Transformative learning is a pedagogy that is interested in problematic practices that keep afflicting an area, such as the imbalanced focus on learning illness, rather than well‐being, and in pondering and revising the educational solutions. The paper proposes that forward movement in this area will be based on considering and developing such innovative curricula, and researching its impact. By virtue of their accessibility, memoirs could offer to a large audience the benefits of universality, empathy, hope, and guidance. Teachers and learners could be making use of these books in face‐to‐face or online activities. This paper explores the groundwork that is needed before eating disorder memoirs can be confidently recommended as a therapeutic tool.
Functional morphology of the reproductive system and sperm transfer inStenopus hispidus(Crustacea: Decapoda: Stenopodidea), and their relation to the mating system
Authors: Gregati Rafael Augusto , Fransozo Vivian , López‐Greco Laura S. , Negreiros‐Fransozo Maria Lucia , Bauer Raymond
Published: July 2014

The morphology of the reproductive system of a stenopodidean decapod is described here for the first time, with an interpretation of the sperm transfer process. Pairs of adults ofStenopus hispiduswere maintained under laboratory conditions to observe reproductive cycles. Mating behavior and sperm transfer were video‐recorded for analysis. After copulation, the shrimps were anesthetized and dissected to record the shape and location of the gonads, and pleopod morphology was described and illustrated. The reproductive systems (RS), thoracic sterna, and male and female genitalia were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The male reproductive system was restricted to the cephalothorax and was highly reduced compared with that of other decapods. Only the first pair of pleopods may be involved in the sperm transfer process; there was no appendix masculina on the second pair of pleopods as in many other decapods. The ovaries of prespawning females occupied much of the cephalothorax and reached to the 3rdabdominal segment. The oviducts were short and simple, without structures for sperm storage. We conclude that the male deposits a simple spermatophoric mass onto the posteroventral surface of the female and fertilization occurs externally as mature oocytes are subsequently spawned. This mode of sperm transfer and egg fertilization is ancestral within the decapod suborder Pleocyemata. As in some other animals, the relatively small size of the testes inS. hispidusmay be related to the monogamous mating system, which may minimize selection for a large volume of sperm production.
Ultrasonographic and Anatomic Study of the Canine Elbow Joint
Authors: Villamonte‐Chevalier Aquilino A. , Soler Marta , Sarria Ricardo , Agut Amalia , Gielen Ingrid , Latorre Rafael
Published: July 2014

Objective

To (1) assess the canine elbow joint using a high frequency transducer (18 MHz); (2) describe the echogenicity and echo texture of the joint; and (3) correlate the ultrasonographic images with transparent plastinated anatomic sections.

Design

Descriptive study.

Sample Population

German Shepherd cross‐breed dogs (cadavers, n = 10; live dogs, n = 5).

Methods

Elbow joints of 10 adult German Shepherd cross‐breed dog cadavers were examined by ultrasonography and then 5 cadavers were selected for use in an anatomic study, in which 2 mm thick sections were obtained in the same planes as in the ultrasonographic protocol. Sections were plastinated using the E‐12 plastination method and correlated to the corresponding ultrasonographic images. The elbow joints of 5 German Shepherd adult dogs were assessed by ultrasonography for comparison with cadaver images.

Results

Good correspondence of soft tissue and bone structures was obtained between ultrasound images and anatomic sections. There was no difference in the ultrasonographic appearance of elbows of cadavers and live dogs in which the muscular, ligamentous, and bone components of the joints were evaluated.

Conclusion

This study presents a descriptive comparison of anatomic and ultrasonographic images, which will offer clinicians a more comprehensive understanding of the anatomic structures of the canine elbow joint and serve as reference for further imaging diagnostic studies because of the precise correspondence between anatomic plastinated sections and ultrasonographic images.
Benefiting from Climate Geoengineering and Corresponding Remedial Duties: The Case of Unforeseeable Harms
Authors: Heyward Clare
Published: July 2014

Many have argued that that it is morally wrong to benefit from an agent's culpable wronging of a third party. This thought has formed the basis of some arguments that agents can have duties to make up for wrongful acts by others that they could not have stopped, or that occurred before they were born. For example, it has been argued that those who benefited from slavery, colonialism and other shameful events in their nation's history should surrender those benefits, their equivalent value, or provide other forms of redress. Some have also argued that it is morally wrong to benefit from unjust situations caused by third parties even where there is no culpable element. These ideas have potential to be a principle of redress for harms that are caused by the working of very complex systems, such as the global climate system. Geoengineering, the intentional manipulation of the global climate, is a new development in climate science and policy — and one which raises many normative challenges. This article focuses on one specific challenge. The global climate is very complex and there is a real possibility that the best available science will not be able to account for all the consequences of deploying a geoengineering technique. Therefore, any governance regime that allows deployment will have to consider how to organise compensation or redress for any adverse impacts that could not have been predicted at the time of deployment. This article proposes that, with some modification, the principle that agents should surrender benefits that have accrued to them from using geoengineering techniques, can be a good basis for such a scheme.
A Common SCN5A Variant Is Associated with PR Interval and Atrial Fibrillation Among African Americans
Authors: ILKHANOFF LEONARD , ARKING DAN E. , LEMAITRE ROZENN N. , ALONSO ALVARO , CHEN LIN Y. , DURDA PETER , HESSELSON STEPHANIE E. , KERR KATHLEEN F. , MAGNANI JARED W. , MARCUS GREGORY M. , SCHNABEL RENATE B. , SMITH J. GUSTAV , SOLIMAN ELSAYED Z. , REINER ALEXANDER P. , SOTOODEHNIA NONA ,   on behalf of the Candidate‐Gene Association Resource (CARE) Consortium and the Cardiac Arrest Blood Study (CABS) Investigators
Published: July 2014

rs7629265 and AF Risk

Objective

We examined the association of rs7626962 (S1103Y) or rs7629265, a variant in high linkage disequilibrium with S1103Y (r2 = 0.87 – 1), with sudden cardiac death (SCD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) among African Americans.

Background

The SCN5A missense variant S1103Y has been associated with SCD among African Americans in small case‐control studies, but larger population‐based studies are needed to validate these findings. The association of this variant with AF has not been fully explored.

Methods

Using genotyping data on over 7,000 African Americans from 5 cohorts (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities [ARIC], Cleveland Family Study [CFS], Jackson Heart Study [JHS], Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis [MESA], Cardiovascular Health Study [CHS]), we examined the association of rs7629265 with electrocardiographic PR, QRS, and QT intervals, and with incident AF and SCD. We examined association of S1103Y (rs7626962) with SCD using a population‐based case‐control study of SCD Cardiac Arrest Blood Study (CABS).

Results

Meta‐analyses across 5 cohorts demonstrated that rs7629265 was significantly associated with PR duration (β = −4.1 milliseconds; P = 2.2×10−6), but not significantly associated with QRS or QT intervals. In meta‐analyses of prospectively followed ARIC and CHS participants (n = 3,656), rs7629265 was associated with increased AF risk (n = 299 AF cases; HR = 1.74, P = 1.9 × 10−4). By contrast, rs7629265 was not significantly associated with SCD risk in ARIC (n = 83 SCD cases; P = 0.30) or CHS (n = 54 SCD cases; P = 0.47). Similarly, S1103Y was not significantly associated with SCD risk in CABS (n = 225 SCD cases; P = 0.29).

Conclusion

The common SCN5A variant, rs7629265, is associated with increased AF risk and shorter PR interval among African Americans. In contrast to prior reports, we found no evidence of association of rs7629265 or rs7626962 (S1103Y) with SCD risk in the general population.
Unipolar Peak‐Negative Voltage as an Endocardial Electrographic Characteristic to Predict Overlying Abnormal Epicardial Substrates in Patients with Right Epicardial Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: CHI PO‐CHING , LIN YENN‐JIANG , CHANG SHIH‐LIN , LO LI‐WEI , HU YU‐FENG , CHAO TZE‐FAN , CHUNG FA‐PO , LIAO JONAN , TUAN TA‐CHUAN , KUO JEN‐YUAN , HUANG JIN‐LONG , CHEN SHIH‐ANN
Published: July 2014

Endocardial Unipolar Peak‐Negative Voltage Predicts Abnormal Epicardial Substrates

Introduction

The characteristics of endocardial electrograms needed to detect the overlying abnormal epicardial substrates in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy with epicardial ventricular tachycardia (VT) remain unclear. This study investigated which of the endocardial electrogram characteristics could predict the overlying abnormal epicardial substrates.

Methods and Results

In 20 consecutive patients (median age: 46 years, 11 men) undergoing epicardial VT ablation, detailed endocardial and epicardial mappings were obtained by using the CARTO 3 system. The endocardial electrographic characteristics (unipolar peak‐to‐peak voltage, unipolar peak‐negative‐voltage, bipolar voltage, and bipolar electrogram duration) of the opposite endocardium and epicardium in RV were retrospectively investigated (N = 1,697 paired points, 84 ± 60 pairs/patient). Endocardial predictors of the presence of epicardial dense scar (<0.5 mV), low voltage zones (LVZ; ≤1.5 mV), and ablation targets (by using activation mapping, entrainment mapping, and pace mapping) were analyzed.

Results

In the multivariable analysis, (1) unipolar peak‐negative voltage independently predicted the presence of epicardial LVZ, epicardial dense scar, and ablation targets; (2) bipolar voltage could not predict epicardial lesions; and (3) bipolar electrogram duration predicted epicardial LVZ, but not dense scar or ablation targets. The endocardial unipolar peak‐negative voltage of <1.66 mV (89% sensitivity and 53% specificity) was the optimal cutoff point for predicting epicardial dense scar.

Conclusions

In patients with RV epicardial VT, the presence of unipolar peak‐negative voltage of <1.66 mV in the endocardium predicted the presence of epicardial dense scar (<0.5 mV) and potential ablation targets in the overlying epicardium.
Peak Waste: When Is It Likely to Occur?
Authors: Hoornweg Daniel , Bhada‐Tata Perinaz , Kennedy Christopher
Published: July 2014

Population and per capita gross domestic product (GDP) projections are used to estimate total global municipal solid waste (MSW) generation over the twenty‐first century. Some projections for global population suggest that it will peak this century. Waste generation rates per capita generally increase with affluence, although in the most affluent countries there is also a trend toward dematerialization. The confluence of these factors means that at some point in the future total global waste generation could possibly peak. To determine when peak waste might occur, we used the shared‐socioeconomic pathway scenarios (used in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC] studies) combined with estimates of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation rates, extrapolated from our work for the World Bank. Despite the expectation that total MSW generation in Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) and high‐income countries will peak mid‐century, with current trajectories global peak waste is not expected before 2100. The peak could be moved forward to around 2075 and reduced in intensity by some 30% if a more aggressive sustainability growth scenario were followed, rather than the current business‐as‐usual scenario. Further, the magnitude of peak waste is sensitive to the intensity of waste generation; it could vary from 7.3 to 10.9 megatonnes per day under the sustainability scenario. The timing of peak waste will substantially depend on the development of cities in Sub‐Saharan Africa, where population growth rates are more than double the rest of the world.
Gender differences between hypocretin/orexin knockout and wild type mice: age, body weight, body composition, metabolic markers, leptin and insulin resistance
Authors: Ramanathan Lalini , Siegel Jerome M.
Published: July 2014

Female hypocretin knockout (Hcrt KO) mice have increased body weight despite decreased food intake compared to wild type (WT) mice. In order to understand the nature of the increased body weight, we carried out a detailed study of Hcrt KO and WT, male, and female mice. Female KO mice showed consistently higher body weight than WT mice, from 4 to 20 months (20–60%). Fat, muscle, and free fluid levels were all significantly higher in adult (7–9 months) as well as old (18–20 months) female KO mice compared to age‐matched WT mice. Old male KO mice showed significantly higher fat content (150%) compared to age‐matched WT mice, but no significant change in body weight. Respiratory quotient (−19%) and metabolic rates (−14%) were significantly lower in KO mice compared to WT mice, regardless of gender or age. Female KO mice had significantly higher serum leptin levels (191%) than WT mice at 18–20 months, but no difference between male mice were observed. Conversely, insulin resistance was significantly higher in both male (73%) and female (93%) KO mice compared to age‐ and sex‐matched WT mice. We conclude that absence of the Hcrt peptide has gender‐specific effects. In contrast, Hcrt‐ataxin mice and human narcoleptics, with loss of the whole Hcrt cell, show weight gain in both sexes.

image

Female hypocretin knockout (Hcrt KO) mice show consistently higher body weight than female wild type (WT) mice, from 4 to 20 months. We report that this increase arises from the higher fat, muscle, and free fluid content of KO mice compared to WT mice. Male Hcrt KO mice did not show any significant changes in body weight throughout this time period. We conclude that absence of the Hcrt peptide has gender‐specific effects. In contrast, Hcrt‐ataxin mice and human narcoleptics, with loss of the whole Hcrt cell, show weight gain in both sexes.
Nucleosome loss facilitates the chemotactic response of macrophages
Authors: De Toma I. , Rossetti G. , Zambrano S. , Bianchi M. E. , Agresti A.
Published: July 2014

Background

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a small nuclear protein with two functions. In the nucleus, it helps to wrap DNA around nucleosomes. When secreted, it recruits inflammatory cells and induces cytokine production. Before HMGB1 is secreted from inflammatory cells, it relocates to the cytoplasm, which partially or totally depletes cell nuclei of HMGB1. We previously showed that cells lacking HMGB1 contain 20% fewer nucleosomes and 30% more RNA transcripts levels genome‐wide.

Objective

We hypothesized that the depletion of nuclear HMGB1 plays a role in inflammation that can enhance or complement the role of extracellular HMGB1.

Methods

We analysed the transcriptional profile of wild‐type and Hmgb1−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) as a proxy for cells that have lost HMGB1 from their nuclei. We explored the transcriptome of wild‐type and Hmgb1−/− macrophages differentiated in the presence of granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, before and after exposure to LPS/IFN‐γ. In the same cells, histones and nuclear HMGB1 were quantified.

Results

We found that Hmgb1−/− MEFs show a transcriptional profile associated with stress and inflammation responses. Moreover, wild‐type macrophages that have secreted HMGB1 because of LPS/IFN‐γ exposure rapidly reduce their histone content as much as cells that genetically lack HMGB1. Importantly, unstimulated Hmgb1−/− macrophages activate transcriptional pathways associated with cell migration and chemotaxis.

Conclusions

We suggest that nucleosome loss is an early event that facilitates transcriptional responses of macrophages to inflammation, particularly chemotaxis. HMGB1's dual roles in the nucleus and in the extracellular space appear to be complementary.
Immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloprotease‐2 and matrix metalloprotease‐9 in the disks of patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Authors: Almeida Luis Eduardo , Caporal Karina , Ambros Viviane , Azevedo Marina , Noronha Lucia , Leonardi Rosy , Trevilatto Paula C
Published: July 2014

Purpose

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are tissue‐remodeling enzymes that function during the remodeling process, such as in immune‐inflammatory diseases. Metalloprotease‐2 (MMP‐2) and metalloprotease‐9 (MMP‐9) are gelatinases that degrade several types of extracellular matrix collagen. It is hypothesized that in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 expression levels may be elevated. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the association of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 expression with temporomandibular joint dysfunction using an immunohistochemical approach to evaluate the joint disk.

Material and Methods

A total of 45 human temporomandibular joint samples were collected, with 36 samples in the test group (patients with anterior disk displacement with reduction (n = 29) and without reduction (n = 7)) and nine samples in the control group. The immunostaining of the TMJ disks was statistically compared between the groups (P < 0.05).

Results

There was a statistically significant difference for the area of MMP‐2 immunostaining between the control group and the displacement disks with reduction group (ADDwR) (P = 0.048) and between the groups with disk displacement and without reduction (ADDwoR) (P = 0.029). The expression of MMP‐2 was significantly elevated in the ADDwoR group.

Conclusion

No statistically significant difference was found between the variable area of MMP‐9 expression in the disk with and without disk displacement, as determined by immunohistochemical analysis. However, there was an elevation of MMP‐2 expression in the disks of patients with displacement and without reduction (more severe alteration).
In situ immunohistochemical detection of intracellular Mycoplasma salivarium in the epithelial cells of oral leukoplakia
Authors: Mizuki Harumi , Kawamura Takafumi , Nagasawa Dai
Published: July 2014

Background

Mycoplasmas are the smallest free‐living organisms; Mycoplasma salivarium and Mycoplasma orale are the most common species isolated from the oropharynx. Oral leukoplakia is the most prevalent potentially malignant disorder of the oral mucosa; its etiology has not been defined. Our previous study with DNA‐binding fluorescent dye suggested the presence of mycoplasmas in the epithelial cells of leukoplakia tissue.

Objective

Our aim was to detect M. salivarium in the epithelial cells of leukoplakia by immunohistochemistry.

Design

We produced a polyclonal antibody (PAb) reactive to Mycoplasma by injecting a rabbit with M. salivarium cells (ATCC 23064) mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant and a monoclonal antibody specific to M. salivarium by injecting M. salivarium cells (ATCC 23557) mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant into the footpads of a rat. Then, we attempted to detect M. salivarium in the epithelium of leukoplakia tissues by immunohistochemistry.

Results

We obtained an antimycoplasma rabbit PAb reactive to all seven Mycoplasma species used in this study. Three hybridoma clones producing monoclonal antibodies specific to M. salivarium were obtained, and an M. salivarium‐specific monoclonal antibody, designated 7‐6H, was established. Immunohistochemistry with these antibodies revealed M. salivarium in the epithelial cells of leukoplakia with hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis on histology. PCR and sequencing verified the presence of M. salivarium DNA in the epithelial cells of leukoplakia.

Conclusion

Intracellular M. salivarium was identified in the epithelial cells of leukoplakia.
Overwintering of Monilinia spp. on Mummified Stone Fruit
Authors: Casals Carla , Segarra Joan , De Cal Antonieta , Lamarca Neus , Usall Josep
Published: July 2014

Mummies were evaluated over the course of four growing seasons to ensure they are source of primary inoculum. The percentage of mummies with presence of conidia and its viability were determined in tree and ground mummies. The number of conidia and its germination were also quantified. Fruit mummies with Monilinia spp. were consistently detected on tree mummies in all studied orchards and growing seasons. However, the percentage of viable mummies over the same sampling periods decreased, and in most cases, it was 0% by October. The percentage of ground mummies with Monilinia spp. was lower and less viable in comparison with tree mummies, tending to decrease faster. The number of overwintering conidia in tree mummies decreased smoothly from 1 × 106 to 1 × 104 conidia/mummy between April and September. On the other hand, the number of conidia in ground mummies rapidly decreased to 0 conidia/mummy at around May–July. The profiles for the percentage of conidia germinated were similar in all cases. The information obtained from this study is a step forward to understanding the epidemiology of Monilinia spp., a useful tool to manage disease development.
Cognitive Safety and Overall Tolerability of Imidafenacin in Clinical Use: A Long‐Term, Open‐Label, Post‐Marketing Surveillance Study
Authors: SAKAKIBARA Ryuji , HAMANO Hitoshi , YAGI Hiromitsu
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To assess the effect of imidafenacin on cognitive function, including the conversion rate of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia, in a period of one year.

Methods

Patients newly administered imidafenacin to treat overactive bladder (OAB), including those who had MCI or dementia, were surveyed across Japan (cognitive safety analysis set [CSAS]), on all of whom we performed the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) at baseline, 24‐ and 48‐weeks after treatment. From CSAS, we extracted well described cases of OAB change as well as drug‐related adverse events of dry mouth etc. (efficacy analysis set [EAS]). From CSAS, we extracted MCI cases (MCI set [MCIS]) to analyze the conversion rate of MCI to dementia. MCI is defined by exclusion of normal individual and apparent dementia.

Results

The cognitive safety analysis set comprised 187 patients who were collected from 51 medical institutions, and no significant decrease was noted in the MMSE scores in the patients during follow‐up. EAS comprised 176 patients. In this group, drug‐related adverse events such as dry mouth were reported in 15 (8.5%). MCIS comprised 145 patients. In this group, the annual conversion rate of MCI to dementia was 3.6%, and this rate did not exceed those reported in past epidemiological studies (6.8–16.1% per year).

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that imidafenacin can be used safely for cognitively vulnerable patients with OAB.
Are Niemann‐Pick type C proteins key players in cnidarian–dinoflagellate endosymbioses?
Authors: Dani Vincent , Ganot Philippe , Priouzeau Fabrice , Furla Paola , Sabourault Cecile
Published: July 2014

The symbiotic interaction between cnidarians, such as corals and sea anemones, and the unicellular algae Symbiodinium is regulated by yet poorly understood cellular mechanisms, despite the ecological importance of coral reefs. These mechanisms, including host–symbiont recognition and metabolic exchange, control symbiosis stability under normal conditions, but also lead to symbiosis breakdown (bleaching) during stress. This study describes the repertoire of the sterol‐trafficking proteins Niemann‐Pick type C (NPC1 and NPC2) in the symbiotic sea anemone Anemonia viridis. We found one NPC1 gene in contrast to the two genes (NPC1 and NPC1L1) present in vertebrate genomes. While only one NPC2 gene is present in many metazoans, this gene has been duplicated in cnidarians, and we detected four NPC2 genes in A. viridis. However, only one gene (AvNPC2‐d) was upregulated in symbiotic relative to aposymbiotic sea anemones and displayed higher expression in the gastrodermis (symbiont‐containing tissue) than in the epidermis. We performed immunolabelling experiments on tentacle cross sections and demonstrated that the AvNPC2‐d protein was closely associated with symbiosomes. In addition, AvNPC1 and AvNPC2‐d gene expression was strongly downregulated during stress. These data suggest that AvNPC2‐d is involved in both the stability and dysfunction of cnidarian–dinoflagellate symbioses.
Dialysis outcomes of elderly Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians
Authors: McKercher Charlotte , Chan Hoi Wong , Clayton Philip A , McDonald Stephen , Jose Matthew D
Published: July 2014

Aim

Whilst increasing numbers of elderly people in Australia are commencing dialysis, few Indigenous patients are aged ≥65 years and their outcomes are unknown. We compared the long‐term survival, mortality hazards and causes of death between elderly Indigenous and elderly non‐Indigenous dialysis patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of adults aged ≥65 years who commenced dialysis in Australia from 2001–2011, identified from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant (ANZDATA) Registry. Indigenous (n = 263) and non‐Indigenous (n = 10713) patients were followed until death, loss to follow‐up, recovery of renal function or 31 December 2011. Mortality was compared using a multivariate Cox proportional‐hazards model with age, gender, body mass index, smoking, primary renal disease, comorbidities, late referral and initial treatment modality as predictive variables.

Results

Median follow‐up was 26.9 months (interquartile range 11.3–48.8 months). Overall 166 Indigenous and 6265 non‐Indigenous patients died during the 11‐year follow‐up period. Mortality rates per 100 patient‐years were 23.9 for Indigenous patients and 21.2 for non‐Indigenous patients. The overall 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates were 81%, 49% and 27% for Indigenous patients and 82%, 55% and 35% for non‐Indigenous patients respectively. Indigenous patients had a 20% increased risk of mortality compared with non‐Indigenous patients (adjusted hazard ratio 1.20, 95% confidence interval, 1.02, 1.41; P = 0.02). ‘Social deaths’ (predominantly dialysis withdrawal) and cardiac deaths were the main causes of death for both groups.

Conclusion

Among elderly dialysis patients in Australia, Indigenous status remains an important factor in predicting survival.
Neuromodulation of perineally transposed antropylorus with pudendal nerve anastomosis following total anorectal reconstruction in humans
Authors: Chandra Abhijit , Malhotra Hardeep S. , M Noushif , Gupta Vishal , Singh Sunil K. , Kumar Neeraj , Lalla Rakesh S. , Chandra Ayush , Garg Ravindra K.
Published: July 2014

Background

We have reported perineal antropyloric segment transposition with its pudendal innervation as a replacement for anal sphincter. Our aim herein was to neuromodulate this segment by electrical stimulation.

Methods

Eight patients with a permanent colostomy underwent perineal antropyloric segment transposition followed by neural anastomosis of its anterior vagus branch to pudendal nerve branch in the perineum. Perineal antropyloric graft was assessed for its functional integrity and electrophysiological effects. Nerve stimulation was done by surface stimulation technique, using a customized stimulation protocol for smooth muscle. Antral pressures were recorded on voluntary attempts and on nerve stimulation with simultaneous concentric needle electromyography of the perineal antropylorus.

Key Results

The antral segment showed slow spontaneous contractions (2–3/min) on digital examination, endoscopy, and electrophysiology. Stimulated antropyloric electromyography showed a latency of 2–5 s with a differential rise in amplitude (mean range 58.57–998.75 μV) according to the frequency of stimulation (range 10–150 Hz). An average latency of 10 s in relation to rise in the antral pressure was observed on pudendal nerve stimulation. Triggering of the intrinsic rhythm was observed in patients where it was initially absent. Voluntary attempts at contraction also showed a rise in perineally transposed antral pressure.

Conclusions & Inferences

Spontaneous rhythm, its generation after electrical stimulation, and response to voluntary contraction demonstrates the viability and functional reinnervation of the perineally transposed antropyloric segment. Rise in pressure on electrical stimulation shows evidence for its neuromodulation.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of substance addiction
Authors: Gorelick David A. , Zangen Abraham , George Mark S.
Published: July 2014

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive method of brain stimulation used to treat a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, but is still in the early stages of study as addiction treatment. We identified 19 human studies using repetitive TMS (rTMS) to manipulate drug craving or use, which exposed a total of 316 adults to active rTMS. Nine studies involved tobacco, six alcohol, three cocaine, and one methamphetamine. The majority of studies targeted high‐frequency (5–20 Hz; expected to stimulate neuronal activity) rTMS pulses to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Only five studies were controlled clinical trials: two of four nicotine trials found decreased cigarette smoking; the cocaine trial found decreased cocaine use. Many aspects of optimal treatment remain unknown, including rTMS parameters, duration of treatment, relationship to cue‐induced craving, and concomitant treatment. The mechanisms of rTMS potential therapeutic action in treating addictions are poorly understood, but may involve increased dopamine and glutamate function in corticomesolimbic brain circuits and modulation of neural activity in brain circuits that mediate cognitive processes relevant to addiction, such as response inhibition, selective attention, and reactivity to drug‐associated cues. rTMS treatment of addiction must be considered experimental at this time, but appears to have a promising future.
Using Compulsory Mobility to Identify School Quality and Peer Effects
Authors: Kramarz Francis , Machin Stephen , Ouazad Amine
Published: July 2014

Education production functions that feature school and student fixed effects are identified using students' school mobility. However, student mobility is driven by factors like parents' labour market shocks and divorce. Movers experience large achievement drops, are more often minority and free meal students, and sort endogenously into peer groups and school types. We exploit an English institutional feature whereby some students must change schools between grades 2 and 3. We find no evidence of endogenous sorting of such compulsory movers across peer groups or school types. Non‐compulsory movers bias school quality estimates downward by as much as 20% of a SD.
CHOICE AND EQUALITY: ARE VULNERABLE CITIZENS WORSE OFF AFTER LIBERALIZATION REFORMS?
Authors: JILKE SEBASTIAN
Published: July 2014

In recent decades, we have witnessed a massive restructuring of public service delivery mechanisms, including service liberalization reforms, the pursuit of the choice agenda, and the creation of quasi‐markets. A central aim of these reforms was that citizens should receive better value for money through greater competition among service providers. However, it is debated whether all layers of society are equally able to benefit from these developments. We assess the equality in citizens' choice behaviour with regard to liberalized services of general interest across 25 countries of the European Union. Our findings show that the gap between less and better educated service users, in terms of actual switching behaviour, widens once a considerable degree of service liberalization, as evidenced by the number of service providers, has been achieved. However, this has been found only in the mobile telephony sector and not in the less competitive market of fixed telephony services.
One‐year follow up of PTSD and depression in elderly aboriginal people in Taiwan after Typhoon Morakot
Authors: Chen Yi‐Lung , Hsu Wen‐Yau , Lai Chung‐Sheng , Tang Tze‐Chun , Wang Peng‐Wei , Yeh Yi‐Chung , Huang Mei‐Feng , Yen Cheng‐Fang , Chen Cheng‐Sheng
Published: July 2014

Aim

This paper describes a 1‐year follow‐up of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology and depression in an elderly minority population who experienced Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan.

Methods

The PTSD Symptom Scale – Interview and the 10‐item short form Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale were used to examine PTSD symptomatology and depression in 120 victims at 3–6 months and in 88 victims (73.3% reinterview rate) at 11–12 months after the disaster. Further, we looked for associations between stress, prognosis, and development of PTSD symptomatology and depression.

Results

The prevalence of PTSD symptomatology decreased from 29.2% (35/120) at 3–6 months to 15.9% (14/88) at 11–12 months. The prevalence of depression, however, increased from 43.3% (52/120) to 46.6% (41/88). No factor was associated with follow‐up PTSD symptomatology, and only the level of education was related to follow‐up depression. Generally, the risk factors of age, sex, symptomatology of PTSD and depression at baseline, and stressor of unemployment predicted new‐onset or chronic PTSD symptomatology and depression. Delayed‐onset depression 48.0% (24/50) was more common than delayed‐onset PTSD symptomatology 11.3% (7/62). Chronic and delayed‐onset PTSD symptomatology were more easily developed with depression.

Conclusion

Although PTSD and depression were separate consequences of trauma, they emerged and affected mental health together. We documented the courses of PTSD and depression among elderly aboriginal people, and the possible effects of demographic, symptomatology, and adverse life stressors were discussed.
Rapid Sonosynthesis of N‐Doped Nano TiO2 on Wool Fabric at Low Temperature: Introducing Self‐cleaning, Hydrophilicity, Antibacterial/Antifungal Properties with low Alkali Solubility, Yellowness and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Behzadnia Amir , Montazer Majid , Rashidi Abousaeid , Mahmoudi Rad Mahnaz
Published: July 2014

Nano nitrogen‐doped titanium dioxide was rapidly prepared by hydrolysis of titanium isopropoxide at 75–80°C using in situ sonochemical synthesis by introducing ammonia. Various concentrations of titanium isopropoxide were examined to deposit nano nitrogen‐doped titanium dioxide through impregnation of the wool fabric in ultrasound bath followed by curing. The antibacterial/antifungal activities of wool samples were assessed against two common pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and the diploid fungus Candida albicans. The sonotreated wool fabrics indicated no adverse effects on human dermal fibroblasts. The presence of nanoparticles on the sonotreated wool fabrics were confirmed by FE‐SEM images and EDS patterns and X‐ray mapping and the crystalline size of nanoparticles were estimated through XRD results. The role of both pH and precursor concentration on the various properties of the fabric was investigated and the optimized conditions introduced using response surface methodology.
Childbirth Within the Risk Society
Authors: Scamell Mandie
Published: July 2014

Despite the fact that the speciality of obstetrics is considered to be a high risk area, indeed it is estimated that in the UK, maternity services account for massive 60% of all the NHS litigation claims burden; scholarly activity in childbirth performance as part of the risk society is relatively underdeveloped when compared to other areas of health. It is the extent of the influence of risk upon the maternity services that makes this underdevelopment especially striking. In an effort to present childbirth as a worthwhile site for empirical investigation and theoretical discussion, this paper attempts to review the sociology of childbirth and to consolidate some of the multidisciplinary contributions made to date on childbirth within the risk society.
Mediatized Ritual – Expanding the Field in the Study of Media and Ritual
Authors: Sumiala Johanna
Published: July 2014

The purpose of the article Mediatized ritual – Expanding the field in the study of media and ritual is to identify the key debates in present‐day scholarship on media and ritual and bring them into dialogue with current theorizing on the mediatization of society and culture. The article consists of three parts. The first presents a short outline of the study of media and ritual in modern life. The second discusses the idea of mediatized ritual as an evolving concept in the field. The third provides an empirical illustration of the mediatization of ritual by applying the concept to the analysis of the death of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (1925–2013). In conclusion, it is argued that to study mediatized rituals in today's society is to face the theoretical and empirical challenge of engaging the two social realms of ritual and media in a close interplay. This intellectual venture changes our understanding not only of rituals and media (what they are and what they do) but also of society. This said, to study mediatized rituals is, in fact, to study society in action.
Consent for blood transfusion: Do patients understand the risks and benefits?
Authors: Cheung D. , Lieberman L. , Lin Y. , Callum J.
Published: July 2014

Background and Objectives

Blood transfusion is a frequent medical intervention in hospitals. The benefits of, risks of and alternatives to blood transfusions are not consistently understood by patients. The objective of this study was to assess gaps in knowledge and comfort with the current process of consenting patients for blood transfusions. A standardised video regarding the risk and benefits of blood transfusions was developed and feedback regarding this tool was assessed.

Methods

After informed consent had been obtained, 25 patients receiving their first transfusion at a single academic centre were asked to complete a survey, watch a standardised educational video and complete a follow‐up survey.

Results

The patient survey revealed that the information recollected from informed consent discussions was variable and incomplete. After the informed consent discussion, the majority of patients were comfortable with having a blood transfusion, although one‐third did express concerns or worry about having a blood transfusion. After viewing the video, patients felt that the video improved their understanding of the risks (7·3 of 10), benefits (6·9 of 10) and alternatives (7·1 of 10) to transfusion, but it did not change their comfort with blood transfusion consent.

Conclusion

Patients experienced a variable informed consent process prior to blood transfusion. Although the video improved their understanding of risks, it did not improve patient comfort towards giving consent for transfusion as the level of comfort was already high. The video is available online (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxaPnLkgh‐0) as an optional resource for patients (and physicians) who wish to receive standardised and accurate information about blood transfusions.
Transfusion‐related adverse events in the Platelet Dose study
Authors: Kaufman Richard M. , Assmann Susan F. , Triulzi Darrell J. , Strauss Ronald G. , Ness Paul , Granger Suzanne , Slichter Sherrill J.
Published: July 2014

Background

How platelet (PLT) product characteristics such as dose, source (whole blood derived [WBD] vs. apheresis), storage duration, and ABO matching status affect the risks of transfusion‐related adverse events (TRAEs) is unclear. Similarly, more information is needed to define how recipient characteristics affect the frequency of TRAEs after PLT transfusion.

Study Design and Methods

In the multicenter Platelet Dose (“PLADO”) study, pediatric and adult hematology‐oncology patients with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia were randomized to receive low‐dose (LD), medium‐dose (MD), or high‐dose (HD) PLT prophylaxis for a pretransfusion PLT count of not more than 10 × 109/L. All PLT units (apheresis or WBD) were leukoreduced. Post hoc analyses of PLADO data were performed using multipredictor models.

Results

A total of 5034 PLT transfusions to 1102 patients were analyzed. A TRAE occurred with 501 PLT transfusions (10.0%). The most common TRAEs were fever (6.6% of transfusions), allergic or hypersensitivity reactions (1.9%), and sinus tachycardia (1.8%). Patients assigned HD PLTs were more likely than LD or MD patients to experience any TRAE (odds ratio for HD vs. MD, 1.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.10‐2.05; three‐group comparison p = 0.02). PLT source and ABO matching status were not significantly related to overall TRAE risk. Compared to a patient's first PLT transfusion, subsequent PLT transfusions were less likely to have a TRAE reported, primarily due to a lower risk of allergic or hypersensitivity reactions.

Conclusion

The most important PLT unit characteristic associated with TRAEs was PLT dose per transfusion. HD PLTs may increase the risk of TRAEs, and LD PLTs may reduce the risk.