bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Spatial Analysis for the Evaluation of Breast Cancer Detection Methods
Authors: Hsieh Jeff Ching‐Fu , Cramb Susanna M. , McGree James M. , Baade Peter D. , Dunn Nathan A.M. , Mengersen Kerrie L.
Published: January 2014

This study investigated the impact of spatial location on the effectiveness of population‐based breast screening in reducing breast cancer mortality compared to other detection methods among Queensland women. The analysis was based on linked population‐based datasets from BreastScreen Queensland and the Queensland Cancer Registry for the period of 1997–2008 for women aged less than 90 years at diagnosis. A Bayesian hierarchical regression modelling approach was adopted and posterior estimation was performed using Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques. This approach accommodated sparse data resulting from rare outcomes in small geographic areas, while allowing for spatial correlation and demographic influences to be included. A relative survival model was chosen to evaluate the relative excess risk for each breast cancer related factor. Several models were fitted to examine the influence of demographic information, cancer stage, geographic information and detection method on women's relative survival. Overall, the study demonstrated that including the detection method and geographic information when assessing the relative survival of breast cancer patients helped capture unexplained and spatial variability. The study also found evidence of better survival among women with breast cancer diagnosed in a screening program than those detected otherwise, as well as lower risk for those residing in a more urban or socio‐economically advantaged region, even after adjusting for tumour stage, environmental factors and demographics. However, no evidence of dependency between method of detection and geographic location was found. This project provides a sophisticated approach to examining the benefit of a screening program while considering the influence of geographic factors.
Ocular dimensions in relation to auxological data in a sample of Swedish children aged 4–15 years
Authors: Raffa Lina H. , Hellström Ann , Aring Eva , Andersson Susann , Andersson Grönlund Marita
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose was to characterize normal growth patterns of ocular and optical components and to relate them to auxological data in a sample of Swedish children aged 4–15 years.

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional study was carried out in 143 Swedish children with a mean age of 9.8 years. Variables including gestational age (GA), weight, length and head circumference (HCF) at birth and at the time of assessment were registered. Visual acuity (VA), cycloplegic refraction and biometric measures were obtained. Palpebral fissure length and inner canthal distance were measured. Optic disc morphology as seen on fundus photographs was analysed.

Results

Children born more mature, with male predilection, were found to have deeper anterior and vitreous chamber depths, longer axial lengths and thinner crystalline lens thickness. No correlations were found between ocular biometric measurements and VA or refraction after adjustment for confounding variables. Inner canthal distance was significantly correlated with birth length (p = 0.03), height, weight, BMI and HCF (p = 0.0008, p = 0.0007, p = 0.037, and p = 0.04, respectively) at time of assessment. Total axial length was found to be significantly correlated with GA (p = 0.0226) and length at assessment in girls (p = 0.0084). Right optic disc and rim areas decreased with increasing age (p = 0.0078 and p = 0.0107, respectively); however, optic disc parameters were not dependent on any other variable.

Conclusion

These normative values may serve as a basis for the ocular findings and their relationship to auxological data in Caucasian children aged 4–15 years, as well as for future comparison in patients with paediatric ocular pathologies.
Turning Virtual Public Spaces into Laboratories: Thoughts on Conducting Online Field Studies Using Social Network Sites
Authors: Gleibs Ilka H.
Published: January 2014

This article deals with the topic of ethics in large‐scale online studies on social network sides. “Big data” and large‐scale online field studies are a relatively new phenomenon and clear ethical guidelines for social science research are still lacking. In this article, I focus on the ethical question of getting informed consent when we collect data from social network sites (SNS). I argue that data from SNS are not per se public and research based on these data should not be exempt from the ethical standard that informed consent must be obtained from participants. Based on the concept of privacy in context (Nissenbaum, ), I further propose that this is because the norms of distribution and appropriateness are violated when researchers manipulate online contexts and collect data without consent. Finally, I make suggestions for existing and possible future practices for large‐scale online studies.
Trusting Communities and Bigger In‐Groups: Social Capital, Interracial Contact Climate, and Common In‐Group Categorization
Authors: Fisher Emily L.
Published: January 2014

Contact with members of different groups can reduce prejudice and encourage people to recategorize members of other social categories. This research examines individual‐level social capital—one's experience with trust, reciprocity norms, and engagement within a given community—as a construct that predicts contact climate and recategorization. People who have high levels of social capital within a community are more likely to perceive a positive interracial contact climate. High social capital and a favorable contact climate can encourage people to focus on their shared identity as members of that community. Two studies support the claim that social capital predicts intergroup processes. Study 1 tests a cross‐sectional mediation model linking individual‐level social capital to perceptions of the contact climate, common in‐group categorization, and racial out‐group attitudes. Study 2 presents longitudinal data demonstrating that social capital's cross‐lagged effects on contact climate, categorization, and racial out‐group attitudes are stronger than their reverse effects. Implications for diversity research and community applications are discussed.
The National Debt in the 2012 U.S. Presidential Election
Authors: Chin Alycia , Cohen Taya R.
Published: January 2014

We investigate how attitudes and beliefs about the national debt were related to morality, warmth, and competence judgments of the Obama administration and voting intentions the week before the 2012 presidential election. Even after controlling for political ideology, we found that attitudes toward the debt predicted judgments and voting intentions. Additionally, ideology and beliefs about the extent to which increases in the national debt were under the Obama administration's control moderated the relationship between debt attitudes and judgments, and between debt attitudes and voting intentions. Liberals and conservatives who thought the Obama administration had control over the debt judged the administration as less moral and less competent, and reported weaker intentions to vote for Obama, when they had more negative debt attitudes. Liberals who thought the administration had little control over the debt, however, judged the administration positively and intended to vote for Obama regardless of debt attitudes.
Younie, Sarah & Leask, Marilyn (2013) Teaching with technologies. Open University Press (McGraw‐Hill Maidenhead UK & New York) isbn 978‐033352‐4618‐2 248 pp £22.99 http://mcgraw‐hill.co.uk/html/0335246184.html
Authors: Cowan John
Published: January 2014

The writers set out to provide “an informed overview of the key issues pertaining to technology and education”. The text is more an overview than the “essential reading for busy teachers and students” which the jacket description claims. I recommend this for people who seek such an overview of the development of “technologies” in schools over more than half a century. However, as it's an overview only for England, even then you may find relatively little here of interest or use.

John Cowan
Whole‐genome amplification for the detection of molecular targets and minimal residual disease monitoring in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Della Starza Irene , De Novi Lucia Anna , Nunes Vittorio , Del Giudice Ilaria , Ilari Caterina , Marinelli Marilisa , Negulici Alina Delia , Vitale Antonella , Chiaretti Sabina , Foà Robin , Guarini Anna
Published: January 2014

Accurate genomic characterization requires sufficient amounts of optimal quality DNA. An approach for increasing the DNA amount is the whole‐genome amplification (WGA) method. We applied WGA to the molecular quantification and minimal residual disease (MRD) evaluation of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), aiming to compare the results obtained from genomic DNA and amplified DNA with WGA, and to evaluate the applicability and the reliability of WGA‐DNA. Twenty paired samples from adult ALL patients were sequenced to identify the functional germline V‐D‐J segment at diagnosis; real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ‐PCR) quantitative analysis was performed both at diagnosis and follow‐up. Genomic DNA and WGA‐DNA screening identified equivalent 87 rearrangements. At diagnosis, the quantitative evaluation of genomic DNA samples showed 1 logarithm difference to WGA‐DNA samples; these levels are comparable, being within the degree of acceptability and confidence. In the follow‐up samples, RQ‐PCR analysis on genomic DNA and WGA showed concordant MRD results in 16/18 samples, while 2/18 were MRD‐positive outside the quantitative range by RQ‐PCR (i.e. <5 × 10−5) on genomic DNA and MRD‐negative on WGA‐DNA. WGA‐DNA enables: (i) the design of accurate targets for MRD evaluation in ALL patients, (ii) accurate disease quantification at diagnosis, (iii) MRD quantification comparable to genomic DNA.
Early Palaeozoic evolution of Libya: perspectives from Jabal Eghei with implications for hydrocarbon exploration in Al Kufrah Basin
Authors: Heron D. P. Le , Meinhold G. , Elgadry M. , Abutarruma Y. , Boote D.
Published: January 2014

This paper presents new stratigraphic and sedimentological data of the Ordovician, Silurian, and Mesozoic succession exposed on the western flank of Al Kufrah Basin. Field data (logged sections, photographs, palaeocurrent analyses) are presented from the Jabal Eghei region. This region lies ca. 200 km E of the closest stratigraphic tie point at Mourizidie on the eastern flank of the Murzuq Basin. The succession starts with the Hawaz Formation (Middle Ordovician) comprising >100 m of cross‐bedded and bioturbated sandstones that are interpreted as deposits of tidal currents in an open shelf setting. The contact between the Hawaz and Mamuniyat formations is an erosional unconformity, incised during advance of Late Ordovician ice sheets towards the NE. The Mamuniyat Formation comprises >150 m of massive and graded sandstones tentatively assigned to the Hirnantian, and contains an intraformational, soft‐sediment striated surface that is interpreted to record re‐advance of ice sheets over Jabal Eghei. The outcrop section suggests the sandstone would form an excellent reservoir in the subsurface. The Mamuniyat Formation is overlain by the Tanezzuft Formation (uppermost Ordovician–lowermost Silurian). This includes sandy limestone/calcareous sandstone, a Planolites horizon, and then 50 m of interbedded shale, silt and fine‐grained, graded and hummocky cross‐stratified sandstone recording deposition from both shallow marine turbidity currents and storm flows. A striated pavement in the lower part of this sequence is overlain by calcareous lonestone‐bearing intervals (interpreted as ice‐rafted debris). These features testify to late phases of glacial advance probably post‐dating the regional Hirnantian glacial maximum. The basal Silurian ‘hot shale’ facies is not developed in this area, probably because late glacial advance suppressed the preservation of organic matter. The upper part of the Tanezzuft Formation is truncated by an unconformity above which palaeosol‐bearing fluvial deposits (undifferentiated Mesozoic) occur.
Novel Fragment‐Based QSAR Modeling and Combinatorial Design of Pyrazole‐Derived CRK3 Inhibitors as Potent Antileishmanials
Authors: Goyal Sukriti , Dhanjal Jaspreet K. , Tyagi Chetna , Goyal Manisha , Grover Abhinav
Published: January 2014

The CRK3 cyclin‐dependent kinase of Leishmania plays an important role in regulating the cell‐cycle progression at the G2/M phase checkpoint transition, proliferation, and viability inside the host macrophage. In this study, a novel fragment‐based QSAR model has been developed using 22 pyrazole‐derived compounds exhibiting inhibitory activity against Leishmanial CRK3. Unlike other QSAR methods, this fragment‐based method gives flexibility to study the relationship between molecular fragments of interest and their contribution for the variation in the biological response by evaluating cross‐term fragment descriptors. Based on the fragment‐based QSAR model, a combinatorial library was generated, and top two compounds were reported after predicting their activity. The QSAR model showed satisfactory statistical parameters for the data set (r2 = 0.8752, q2 = 0.6690, F‐ratio = 30.37, and pred_r2 = 0.8632) with four descriptors describing the nature of substituent groups and the environment of the substitution site. Evaluation of the model implied that electron‐rich substitution at R1 position improves the inhibitory activity, while decline in inhibitory activity was observed in presence of nitrogen at R2 position. The analysis carried out in this study provides a substantial basis for consideration of the designed pyrazole‐based leads as potent antileishmanial drugs.
Impact of Three‐Dimensional Imaging and Pressure Recovery on Echocardiographic Evaluation of Severe Aortic Stenosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Stähli Barbara E. , Abouelnour Amr , Nguyen Thi Dan Linh , Vecchiati Alessandra , Maier Willibald , Lüscher Thomas F. , Frauenfelder Thomas , Tanner Felix C.
Published: January 2014

Aims

In patients with aortic stenosis (AS), echocardiographic grading of stenosis severity is important, in particular for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiography and correction for pressure recovery (PR) by energy loss index (ELI) may improve aortic valve area (AVA) calculation.

Methods and Results

Thirty‐nine patients with severe AS evaluated for TAVI were included. Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and ascending aorta (AA) cross‐sectional area were determined in transthoracic two‐dimensional echocardiography (2DTTE), 2D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), 3DTEE, and multislice computed tomography (MSCT). AVA was calculated by the continuity equation and corrected for PR. ELI was determined as [(AVA × AA)/(AA − AVA)]/body surface area. LVOT area was 2.41 ± 0.17 cm2 calculated using 2DTTE, 2.82 ± 0.16 cm2 calculated using 2DTEE, 3.96 ± 0.14 cm2 planimetered in 3DTEE, and 4.47 ± 0.18 cm2 planimetered in MSCT (P < 0.001). AA area was 4.62 ± 0.23 cm2 calculated using 2DTTE, 4.64 ± 0.23 cm2 calculated using 2DTEE, 5.35 ± 0.25 cm2 planimetered in 3DTEE, and 6.56 ± 0.31 cm2 planimetered in MSCT (P < 0.001). Indexed aortic valve area (AVAI) calculated by 2DTTE and 2DTEE was smaller (0.27 ± 0.02 cm2/m2 and 0.32 ± 0.02 cm2/m2) compared to 3DTEE (0.45 ± 0.02 cm2/m2; P < 0.001). When AVAI determined by 3DTEE was corrected for PR by calculation of ELI, there was a further increase (0.52 ± 0.03 cm2/m2; P < 0.001), and 10/36 (27.8%) patients were reclassified to moderate AS.

Conclusion

Three‐dimensional TEE is more accurate than 2DTTE and 2DTEE for determining LVOT and AA dimensions. When AS severity is determined by 3DTEE and corrected for PR using the 3D values, it needs to be reclassified from severe to moderate in almost a third of patients.
Neutrophil‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio May Predict Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Psoriasis
Authors: Yurtdaş Mustafa , Yaylali Yalin T. , Kaya Yüksel , Özdemir Mahmut , Özkan İlker , Aladağ Nesim
Published: January 2014

Background

Systemic inflammation beyond the skin may provide an explanation of the increased cardiovascular risk observed in psoriasis. It was hypothesized that neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are potential predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis measured by aortic velocity propagation (AVP) and carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) in psoriasis.

Methods

Fifty‐one patients with psoriasis taking no antipsoriatic therapy and 37 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was calculated. Complete blood counts were obtained. Measurements of AVP and CIMT were performed.

Results

The baseline clinical and demographic features, and white blood cell, platelet, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and PLR were similar in both groups. NLR and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) were higher in the psoriasis group than the control group (P = 0.001, P < 0.001; respectively). The psoriasis group had lower AVP and higher CIMT values than those of controls (AVP: 48.9 ± 18.1 vs. 64.3 ± 14.5 cm/sec; P < 0.001, CIMT: 0.84 ± 0.29 vs. 0.63 ± 0.27 mm; P = 0.001, respectively). PASI was positively correlated with NLR and hs‐CRP (r = 0.423, P = 0.002; r = 0.315, P = 0.024, respectively). There was an inverse association between AVP and CIMT (r = −0.749, P < 0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that NLR was the only variable able to predict lower AVP (≤41 cm/sec) and higher CIMT (>0.9 mm) values (P = 0.024 and 0.023; respectively).

Conclusion

NLR is potentially an unrecognized predictor of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis. Future studies assessing the prognostic significance of NLR on cardiovascular event rates in psoriasis patients would be of great interest.
The Vietnam reforms, change in wage inequality and the role of the minimum wage
Authors: Sakellariou Chris , Fang Zheng
Published: January 2014

The Vietnam ‘renovation’ reforms were implemented during the 1990s, but their full effect was only felt several years later. We present evidence on the developments in real wage growth and inequality in Vietnam from 1998 to 2008. Using a variety of approaches (traditional measures of inequality, comparison of density functions, decomposition of the change in real wage by sector as well as a detailed decomposition of the change in the Gini), we present a consistent picture: contrary to what one might have expected given the nature of the reforms, inequality declined sharply in the private sector (but not in the state sector). This study links these developments to the policy of aggressively increasing the minimum wage over the past several years, differences in implementation by sector as well as variation in the over‐time changes in minimum wage.
What potential is there for regeneration of native species from the soil seed bank in Coast Tea Tree‐dominated scrub?
Authors: O'Loughlin Luke S. , Green Peter T. , Morgan John W.
Published: January 2014

Shrub encroachment generally causes the loss of native species in herbaceous‐dominated communities. The ability of the original ecosystem to return to its pre‐encroachment state (i.e. its ecological resilience) will be partially contingent on the capacity of these species to regenerate from soil‐stored seed. Coast Tea Tree (Leptospermum laevigatum) has formed a dense scrub in many areas previously dominated by grassy woodland, and hence, managers need guidance about the effectiveness of strategies designed to recover the pre‐encroachment vegetation. In this context, we ask: what is the potential of species stored in the soil seed bank to return following Tea Tree removal? A germination experiment was undertaken using soil collected from dense stands of Tea Tree that had been long established. Heat/smoke was applied to soils to simulate the effects of a fire on the soil seed bank, while leaf litter treatments were used to mimic both undisturbed stands and stands where shrubs have been slashed where litter creates a physical barrier to emergence. We found the soil seed bank was dominated by exotic forbs (83% of all germinants) and contained few grasses. Heat and smoke decreased total species density but increased species diversity through the suppression of common exotics. Our data suggest that slashing would result in germination being dominated by exotic flora, but using fire would likely reduce that dominance. However, we conclude that recovery by much of the original flora after site occupation by Coast Tea Tree may be contingent on mechanisms other than soil‐stored seeds.
Do arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi recolonize revegetated grasslands?
Authors: Gibson‐Roy Paul , McLean Cass , Delpratt John C. , Moore Greg
Published: January 2014

Fifteen native and common exotic herbaceous species from four functional groups (C4 grass, C3 grass, chamaephyte and hemicryptophyte) occurring within remnant and revegetated grassland and grassy woodlands were sampled for evidence of structures associated with functioning arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from across a broad geographical range of central and south‐western Victoria, Australia. Revegetated communities had been established on ex‐agricultural land by direct seeding. They included sites that had been kept fallow with herbicide for up to 3 years prior to seeding and those from which topsoil had been removed (scalped) to a depth of 100 mm prior to seeding. Structures associated with AMF (external and internal aseptate hyphae, arbuscules and vesicles) were observed in root samples from all native and exotic species, regardless of site history (remnant or revegetated; fallowed or scalped). These findings indicate that AMF are ubiquitous in the herbaceous flora of this region (native and exotic), even in situations where sites had been intensively disturbed prior to revegetation treatment. However, while there was evidence of AMF in all revegetated communities, only sites which had been scalped prior to direct seeding supported species‐rich native herbaceous communities.
Interactions between almond plantations and native ecosystems: Lessons learned from north‐western Victoria
Authors: Luck Gary W. , Spooner Peter G. , Watson David M. , Watson Simon J. , Saunders Manu E.
Published: January 2014

Five years of research on interrelationships between fauna use of almond plantations and native vegetation in north‐western Victoria shows that almond plantations have a strong influence on fauna dynamics and in some cases may provide important habitat for threatened species.
Co‐benefits of planting species mixes in carbon projects
Authors: Standish Rachel J. , Hulvey Kristin B.
Published: January 2014

The carbon market offers a unique opportunity to achieve large‐scale ecological restoration of degraded agricultural landscapes. Here, we outline some of the benefits of planting mixes of native species rather than monocultures in carbon plantings as a step towards creating biodiverse carbon‐rich forests and woodlands in Australia. We highlight the gaps in our knowledge and emphasise the importance of setting benchmarks for carbon projects to maximise their potential to deliver co‐benefits such as habitat provision for wildlife. On the whole, we are optimistic that ongoing refinement of joined biodiversity conservation and carbon credit initiatives will help to develop a carbon market that can drive ecological restoration of Australian agricultural landscapes.
Mortality of native grasses after a summer fire in natural temperate grassland suggests ecosystem instability
Authors: Sinclair Steve J. , Duncan David H. , Bruce Matthew J.
Published: January 2014

The exclusion of regular fire and the introduction of livestock grazing have altered native grassland composition on Victoria's volcanic plains, commonly resulting in spear‐grass and wallaby‐grass pastures replacing Kangaroo Grass grasslands. The effect of reintroducing fire to these pastures is currently unknown, although it may be an important part of restoring this ecosystem. We measured the changes in basal area of the dominant grasses in a mixed Spear‐grass/Wallaby‐grass pastures after a summer wildfire, which we assume burnt a relatively homogenous grass sward. We found a 90–95% reduction in the basal area of live spear‐grass tussocks in burnt plots compared with unburned controls, due to the mortality of tussocks. This suggests that caution and structured experimentation should be applied when using fire to manage spear‐grass‐dominated grasslands.
Novel ‘stratified‐meander’ technique improves survey effort of the rare Pagoda Rock Daisy growing remotely on rocky cliff edges
Authors: McCaffrey Nic B. , Blick Raymond A. J. , Glenn Vanessa C. , Fletcher Andrew T. , Erskine Peter D. , van Osta John
Published: January 2014

This pilot study of the rare Pagoda Rock Daisy (Leucochrysum graminifolium) in the western Blue Mountains of New South Wales (Australia) proposes a simple survey method combining timed meander and grid‐cell survey design to improve the survey effort required for monitoring of species growing in remote and/or inaccessible field locations. Where Pagoda Rock Daisies were known to be present, detection time was both rapid and effective (mean of 4.9 min for each 1 ha grid). Notably, the total survey effort remained constant for all grids, even though Pagoda Rock Daisies were unevenly distributed in the landscape (approximately 17 min/ha). Ultimately, the time required to traverse the landscape was deemed to be the primary limiting factor affecting survey effort. The application of this method is not restricted to challenging locations such as cliff edges; this method could be scaled according to the landscape or organism under investigation, providing a rapid method for surveying and monitoring rare, introduced or other plants from a site‐based scale to a broader geographic area.
Associations of high sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels with the prevalence of asymptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis
Authors: Wang J. , Liu Y. , Zhang L. , Li N. , Wang C. , Gao X. , Zhou Y. , Wang A. , Wu S. , Zhao X.
Published: January 2014

Background and purpose

High sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), an inflammatory biomarker, has been demonstrated to contribute to the process of atherosclerosis and artery stenosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether hs‐CRP level is associated with asymptomatic intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS).

Methods

A random sample of 5440 participants aged 40 years or older (40.1% women) were enrolled in the Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities Community study in 2010–2011. Information on the potential risk factors for ICAS was collected and the presence of ICAS was assessed by transcranial Doppler in 5309 participants. Participants were stratified into three groups according to hs‐CRP levels. A multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between hs‐CRP levels and asymptomatic ICAS.

Results

The prevalence of asymptomatic ICAS was 13.2% in this cohort. The median of hs‐CRP levels was positively associated with the increasing numbers of ICASs. After adjusting for possible risk factors, hs‐CRP ≥ 3 mg/l remained significantly associated with asymptomatic ICAS (odds ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.61).

Conclusions

In this large community‐based study, subjects with higher hs‐CRP levels showed a mild increase in the prevalence of asymptomatic ICAS, independent of traditional vascular risk factors. hs‐CRP is an independent predictor of asymptomatic ICAS and intracranial atherosclerotic burden.
Higher baseline international normalized ratio value correlates with higher mortality in intracerebral hemorrhage during warfarin use
Authors: Curtze S. , Strbian D. , Meretoja A. , Putaala J. , Eriksson H. , Haapaniemi E. , Mustanoja S. , Sairanen T. , Satopää J. , Silvennoinen H. , Niemelä M. , Kaste M. , Tatlisumak T.
Published: January 2014

Background and purpose

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most feared complication of oral anticoagulation (OAC). Our aim was to investigate the impact of the international normalized ratio (INR) level on mortality in OAC‐associated ICH compared with non‐OAC‐associated ICH.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of consecutive ICH patients treated at the Helsinki University Central Hospital from January 2005 to March 2010 (n = 1013) was performed. An ICH was considered to be OAC‐associated if the patient was on warfarin at ICH onset. The association of INR with 3‐month mortality was adjusted in a multivariable logistic regression model for factors influencing the crude odds ratios (ORs) in bivariable logistic regression by more than 5%.

Results

One in eight ICHs was OAC‐associated (n = 132). Of these, 50% had therapeutic INR (2.0–3.0), 7% had INR <2.0 and 43% had high INR (>3.0) on admission. Patients on OAC were older (median 76 vs. 66 years; P < 0.001) with more severe symptoms (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 14 vs. 10; P < 0.001) and larger hematomas (median 11.4 vs. 9.7 ml; P < 0.001) on admission than patients not on OAC. After adjustment for confounders, 3‐month mortality in the whole cohort was associated with higher baseline INR (OR 1.06; CI 1.03–1.09 per 0.1 increment). Mortality was higher with both therapeutic (51% at 3 months; OR 3.59; CI 1.50–8.60) and high (61%; OR 5.26; CI 1.94–14.27) INR values compared with non‐OAC‐associated ICH (29%).

Conclusions

Patients with OAC‐associated ICH had more severe strokes and higher mortality compared with patients with ICH not related to OAC. Higher baseline INR was associated with increased 3‐month mortality.
On specimen design for size effect evaluation in ultrasonic gigacycle fatigue testing
Authors: Paolino D. S. , Tridello A. , Chiandussi G. , Rossetto M.
Published: January 2014

Literature datasets showed that gigacycle fatigue properties of materials may be affected by the specimen risk‐volume, i.e., the part of the specimen subjected to applied stress amplitudes above a prescribed percentage of the maximum applied stress amplitude. The paper proposes a Gaussian specimen shape able to attain large risk‐volumes for gigacycle fatigue tests, together with a general procedure for its design: wave propagation equations are analytically solved in order to obtain a specimen shape characterised by a uniform stress distribution on an extended length and, as a consequence, by a larger risk‐volume. The uniformity of the stress distribution in the Gaussian specimen is numerically verified through a finite element analysis and experimentally validated by means of strain gauge measurements.
XFEM analysis of the effects of voids, inclusions and other cracks on the dynamic stress intensity factor of a major crack
Authors: Jiang S. , Du C. , Gu C. , Chen X.
Published: January 2014

This paper is devoted to the extraction of the dynamic stress intensity factor (DSIF) for structures containing multiple discontinuities (cracks, voids and inclusions) by developing the extended finite element method (XFEM). In this method, four types of enrichment functions are used in the framework of the partition of unity to model interface discontinuity within the classical finite element method. In this procedure, elements that include a crack segment, the boundary of a void or the boundary of an inclusion are not required to conform to discontinuous edges. The DSIF is evaluated by the interaction integral. After the effectiveness of the implemented XFEM program is verified, the effects of voids, inclusions and other cracks on the DSIF of a stationary major crack are investigated by using XFEM. The results show that the dynamic effects have an influence on the path independence of the interaction integral, and these voids, inclusions and other cracks have a significant effect on the DSIF of the major crack.
Hydrothermal monitoring in a quiescent volcanic arc: Cascade Range, northwestern United States
Authors: Ingebritsen S. E. , Randolph‐Flagg N. G. , Gelwick K. D. , Lundstrom E. A. , Crankshaw I. M. , Murveit A. M. , Schmidt M. E. , Bergfeld D. , Spicer K. R. , Tucker D. S. , Mariner R. H. , Evans W. C.
Published: January 2014

Ongoing (1996–present) volcanic unrest near South Sister, Oregon, is accompanied by a striking set of hydrothermal anomalies, including elevated temperatures, elevated major ion concentrations, and 3He/4He ratios as large as 8.6 RA in slightly thermal springs. These observations prompted the US Geological Survey to begin a systematic hydrothermal‐monitoring effort encompassing 25 sites and 10 of the highest‐risk volcanoes in the Cascade volcanic arc, from Mount Baker near the Canadian border to Lassen Peak in northern California. A concerted effort was made to develop hourly, multiyear records of temperature and/or hydrothermal solute flux, suitable for retrospective comparison with other continuous geophysical monitoring data. Targets included summit fumarole groups and springs/streams that show clear evidence of magmatic influence in the form of high 3He/4He ratios and/or anomalous fluxes of magmatic CO2 or heat. As of 2009–2012, summit fumarole temperatures in the Cascade Range were generally near or below the local pure water boiling point; the maximum observed superheat was <2.5°C at Mount Baker. Variability in ground temperature records from the summit fumarole sites is temperature‐dependent, with the hottest sites tending to show less variability. Seasonal variability in the hydrothermal solute flux from magmatically influenced springs varied from essentially undetectable to a factor of 5–10. This range of observed behavior owes mainly to the local climate regime, with strongly snowmelt‐influenced springs and streams exhibiting more variability. As of the end of the 2012 field season, there had been 87 occurrences of local seismic energy densities approximately ≥ 0.001 J/m3 during periods of hourly record. Hydrothermal responses to these small seismic stimuli were generally undetectable or ambiguous. Evaluation of multiyear to multidecadal trends indicates that whereas the hydrothermal system at Mount St. Helens is still fast‐evolving in response to the 1980–present eruptive cycle, there is no clear evidence of ongoing long‐term trends in hydrothermal activity at other Cascade Range volcanoes that have been active or restless during the past century (Baker, South Sister, and Lassen). Experience gained during the Cascade Range hydrothermal‐monitoring experiment informs ongoing efforts to capture entire unrest cycles at more active but generally less accessible volcanoes such as those in the Aleutian arc.
ZrB2‐SiC and ZrB2‐ZrC Ceramics with High Secondary Phase Content
Authors: Rosenberger Andrew , Stanciu Lia , Callegari Bruna
Published: January 2014

Zirconium diboride–based ceramics were studied to explore the effects of high secondary phase content and the relative merits of silicon carbide and zirconium carbide. Densification and grain growth were not influenced by heating rate or composition. Hardness increased with silicon carbide or zirconium carbide content from 18 to 26GPa and 18 to 21.5GPa respectively. Flexural strength was controlled by grain size and mode of crack propagation, and maximized at 380MPa at 20wt% silicon carbide and 590 MPa at 50wt% zirconium carbide. Zirconium carbide enhanced flexural strength better, due to its smaller coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch with zirconium diboride.
Plasma Free Fatty Acids and Risk of Stroke in the Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Khawaja Owais , Maziarz Marlena , Biggs Mary L. , Longstreth William T. , Ix Joachim H. , Kizer Jorge R. , Zieman Susan , Tracy Russell P. , Mozaffarian Dariush , Mukamal Kenneth J. , Siscovick David S. , Djoussé Luc
Published: January 2014

Background

Although free fatty acids have been positively associated with risk factors for stroke, the role of plasma free fatty acids in the development of stroke has not been elucidated in older adults.

Aims

We sought to examine the association between plasma free fatty acids and incident stroke.

Methods

Prospective cohort of 4369 men and women ⩾65 years of age in the Cardiovascular Health Study. Plasma levels of free fatty acids were measured at the 1992–1993 examination and stroke events were adjudicated by a committee of experts including neurologists and neuroradiologists. Cox regression was used to estimate the relative risk of stroke associated with free fatty acids concentrations.

Results

The average age among participants was 75 ± 5·2 years. During a median follow-up of 11·4 years, 732 incident strokes occurred. The crude incidence rates of stroke were 14·5, 14·9, and 17·6 per 1000 person-years across increasing tertiles of plasma free fatty acids. The adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for incident stroke was 1·05 (0·97–1·14) per standard deviation increase in plasma free fatty acids. Restriction to ischemic stroke did not alter the results [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 1·04 (0·96–1·14) per standard deviation higher free fatty acids], and there was no effect modification by adiposity (P interaction = 0–18) or by diabetes (P interaction = 0·15).

Conclusion

Our data did not show an association of plasma free fatty acids with incident stroke among community dwelling older adults.
Transmylohyoid Orotracheal Intubation in Surgical Management of Canine Maxillofacial Fractures: An Alternative to Pharyngotomy Endotracheal Intubation
Authors: Soukup Jason W. , Snyder Christopher J.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To describe the surgical technique of transmylohyoid orotracheal intubation in surgical management of maxillofacial fractures in dogs.

Study Design

Case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 4) with maxillofacial fractures.

Methods

Transmylohyoid orotracheal intubation was used for airway management of dogs undergoing surgical repair of maxillofacial trauma. A stoma was surgically created by an incision through the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and mylohyoideus muscle immediately medial to the lingual cortex of the mandible at the level of the mandibular 1st molar tooth, so that an endotracheal tube could exit the oral cavity between the mandibular bodies bypassing the dentition.

Results

Transmylohyoid orotracheal intubation allowed excellent surgical visibility of the oral cavity and intraoperative control of occlusion during surgery. No complications were encountered during the procedure and the stoma healed without complication.

Conclusions

Transmylohyoid orotracheal intubation is a safe, simple, and effective technique for bypassing the rostral oral cavity and dentition during surgical management of maxillofacial fractures.
Colonization pathways of the northeast Atlantic by northern fulmars: a test of James Fisher’s ‘out of Iceland’ hypothesis using museum collections
Authors: Burg T. M. , Bird H. , Lait L. , de L. Brooke M.
Published: January 2014

When the northern fulmar expanded its northeast Atlantic breeding range from the two known colonies, Grimsey in northern Iceland and St Kilda in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, about 350 yr ago, the geographical pattern of colonisation – initially the Faroes, then Scotland, followed by Ireland and southern Britain – led James Fisher to propose a sole Icelandic source for the colonists. However, previously‐analysed mitochondrial DNA from contemporary samples indicated a St Kildan origin for at least some colonists. If Fisher's hypothesis is correct and Iceland and not St Kilda was the source population for all of the new colonies, the Icelandic signal should be stronger in museum samples collected 100 yr ago when St Kilda was populated by people who harvested large numbers of fulmars. Patterns of genetic, specifically, nucleotide, diversity suggest an Icelandic origin for the pre‐1940 samples. St Kilda birds contained a number of closely related haplotypes whereas Grimsey, Iceland, the other putative source population, contained diverse haplotypes. These two patterns are indicative of a younger and older population, respectively. When both nuclear aldolase and mitochondrial control region sequence data from historical samples collected on the newly colonized islands were examined, they contained highly divergent haplotypes characteristic of Grimsey, not St Kilda. Comparison of mitochondrial data from samples collected in the early and late 20th century showed an interesting pattern of haplotype turnover on St Kilda. Prior to 1940 the haplotypes present on St Kilda were genetically similar to one another, yet haplotype sampling in the 1990s showed highly divergent haplotypes on the island. We propose that these new haplotypes are not the result of mutation, but immigration from other colonies in the North Atlantic.
Nomenclatural remarks and typification of Dasya species (Dasyaceae, Rhodophyta) from the western Mediterranean
Authors: Pena‐Martín Carolina , Crespo Manuel B. , Gómez‐Garreta Amelia
Published: January 2014

New data on synonymy and typification of Dasya species of the western Mediterranean are provided, including: D. baillouviana (S. G. Gmel.) Mont., D. corymbifera J. Agardh, D. hutchinsiae Harv., D. ocellata (Gratel.) Harv., D. rigescens Zanardini, D. rigidula (Kütz.) Ardiss., D. sessilis Yamada and D. punicea (Zanardini) Menegh. in Zanardini. Data on synonymy and a brief nomenclatural story are shown for each species, a lectotype and a neotype are selected respectively for D. rigidula and D. punicea and clarification of neotype designation is discussed for D. corymbifera.
Nursing practice in nutritional care: a comparison between a residential aged care setting and a hospital setting
Authors: Ullrich Sandra , McCutcheon Helen , Parker Barbara
Published: January 2014

Aim

To explore the similarities and differences in the nursing practice in nutritional care between a residential aged care setting and a hospital setting.

Background

Despite being preventable and treatable, undernutrition remains a problem for many older people in residential aged care and hospital settings. Nurses have a crucial role in assisting people who are unable to eat independently and are uniquely positioned to implement solutions that will lead to better nutritional care.

Design

During 2007–2010, an action research study was conducted, underpinned by the principles of the participatory world view to address undernutrition in a residential aged care setting and a hospital setting.

Methods

The multimethod approach of data and between‐method triangulation were used to collect and analyse qualitative non‐participant observations and action research group data. Non‐participant observations and action research group data were qualitatively analysed using the Analytic Hierarchy.

Findings

How nurses chose to participate in the provision of nutritional care and assert their autonomy when changing practice to nutritional care affected the quality of the resident/patient mealtime experience. Operational efficiency influenced the choices that nurses made about the type of intervention to implement to improve nursing practice in nutritional care. Nurses required management approval to change practice in nutritional care.

Conclusion

The reasons for undernutrition are multifactorial and more research is needed to investigate the organizational structures and processes that affect the delivery of nutritional care across role functions, how these affect the continuity of care and the nurses' role in defining the culture around resident/patient mealtimes.
Morphology, Morphogenesis, and Molecular Phylogeny of Paraparentocirrus sibillinensis n. gen., n. sp., a “Stylonychine Oxytrichidae” (Ciliophora, Hypotrichida) Without Transverse Cirri
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Bharti Daizy , Marinsalti Silvia , Insom Emilio , Terza Antonietta La
Published: January 2014

A terrestrial oxytrichid ciliate Paraparentocirrus sibillinensis n. gen., n. sp., which was found in soil samples of a beech forest stand within the National Park of Sibillini Mountains, Italy, was investigated using live observation and protargol impregnation. The morphology of interphase, morphogenesis, and molecular phylogeny inferred from SSU rDNA sequences of this ciliate were studied. Paraparentocirrus n. gen., is mainly characterized by a semirigid body, an undulating membrane in the Oxytricha pattern, six fronto‐ventral (FV) rows, the absence of transverse cirri, one right and one left row of marginal cirri, four dorsal kineties, two dorsomarginal rows, and caudal cirri at the end of dorsal kinety 4. During morphogenesis, oral primordia develop through the proliferation of basal bodies from some cirri of FV rows 4 and 5, and FV row 6 takes part in the anlagen formation of the proter. The dorsal morphogenesis was typical of oxytrichids, with simple fragmentation of dorsal kinety 3, and the dorsomarginal rows developed from the right marginal row. Phylogenetic analyses based on the SSU rDNA sequences support the classification of this new genus in the stylonychines.
Ontogenetic and spatiotemporal variability in anchoveta Engraulis ringens diet off Peru
Authors: Espinoza P. , Bertrand A.
Published: January 2014

In this study, historical data available since 1954 were used to get new insight to ontogenetic and spatiotemporal variability in Peruvian anchovy or anchoveta Engraulis ringens diet. Whatever the period, E. ringens foraged mainly on macrozooplankton and the importance of euphausiids in E. ringens diet appears directly related to euphausiids abundance. This bottom‐up effect is also observed at smaller scale because the euphausiids fraction increased with E. ringens total length and euphausiids accessibility. Selecting the largest prey, the euphausiids, provides an energetic advantage for E. ringens in its ecosystem where oxygen depletion imposes strong metabolic constraints on pelagic fishes. This study illustrates the plasticity of E. ringens that allows it to cope with its highly variable environment.
Plasma antibody profiles in non‐human primate tuberculosis
Authors: Ravindran Resmi , Krishnan Viswanathan V. , Dhawan Rajeev , Wunderlich Michelle L. , Lerche Nicholas W. , Flynn JoAnne L. , Luciw Paul A. , Khan Imran H.
Published: January 2014

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) in non‐human primates (NHPs) is highly contagious, requiring efficient identification of animals infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculin skin test is usually used but lacks desirable sensitivity/specificity and efficiency.

Methods

We aimed to develop an immunoassay for plasma antibodies against M. tuberculosis. A key challenge is that not all infected animals contain antibodies against the same M. tuberculosis antigen. Therefore, a multiplex panel of 28 antigens (Luminex®‐Platform) was developed.

Results

Data revealed antibodies against eight antigens (Rv3875, Rv3875–Rv3874 fusion, Rv3874, Rv0934, Rv3881, Rv1886c, Rv2031, Rv3841) in experimentally infected (M. tuberculosis strains: Erdman and H37Rv) NHPs (rhesus and cynomolgus macaques). In a naturally acquired M. tuberculosis infection, rhesus macaques (n = 15) with lung TB pathology (n = 10) contained antibodies to five additional antigens (Rv0831, Rv2220, Rv0054, Rv1099, and Rv0129c).

Conclusions

Results suggest that this user‐friendly and easily implementable multiplex panel, containing 13 M. tuberculosis antigens, may provide a high‐throughput alternative for NHP TB screening.