bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family Enterprise and Context
Authors: Wright Mike , Chrisman James J. , Chua Jess H. , Steier Lloyd P.
Published: August 2014

There has been increasing attention to the heterogeneity of family businesses but recognition of the heterogeneity of the contexts in which family firms operate is only now emerging. The articles and commentaries in this special issue contribute to the understanding of some of the institutional and organizational contexts in which family businesses operate and the impact of this variety on their behavior, strategies, and performance. We discuss the importance of context and questions for future research that deal with the interrelationships between different contexts and the behaviors of different types of family firms.
A Socio‐Spatial Combined Approach Confirms a Highly Compartmentalised Structure in Honeybees
Authors: Baracchi David , Cini Alessandro
Published: August 2014

Complex insect societies are formed by thousands to millions of individuals which incessantly interact in the sheltered nest space under the constant pressure of different challenges, such as infectious disease and group coordination. Understanding how colony members interact in space and time may therefore help unravelling how different evolutionary pressures have moulded insect societies. We investigated the spatial positions and the association network of workers and the queen in the honeybee (Apis mellifera) society using high‐resolution recordings of spatial behaviour and ‘network connections’ at the individual level. Our socio‐spatial combined approach highlighted a highly compartmentalised structure inside honeybee colony. Connectivity and spatial overlap are high among same‐age workers but low among different‐age workers. Foragers are at the periphery of the social network, while the colony core is formed by young bees and the queen. Our study presents the first empirical quantitative description of socio‐spatial organisation of a honeybee hive, confirming a highly compartmentalised structure and highlighting how the pressures exerted by ergonomics requirements could have shaped insect societies.
Were there evolutionary advantages to premenstrual syndrome?
Authors: Gillings Michael R.
Published: August 2014

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects up to 80% of women, often leading to significant personal, social and economic costs. When apparently maladaptive states are widespread, they sometimes confer a hidden advantage, or did so in our evolutionary past. We suggest that PMS had a selective advantage because it increased the chance that infertile pair bonds would dissolve, thus improving the reproductive outcomes of women in such partnerships. We confirm predictions arising from the hypothesis: PMS has high heritability; gene variants associated with PMS can be identified; animosity exhibited during PMS is preferentially directed at current partners; and behaviours exhibited during PMS may increase the chance of finding a new partner. Under this view, the prevalence of PMS might result from genes and behaviours that are adaptive in some societies, but are potentially less appropriate in modern cultures. Understanding this evolutionary mismatch might help depathologize PMS, and suggests solutions, including the choice to use cycle‐stopping contraception.
Fatigue life prediction of damaged copper film by laser irradiation repairing
Authors: Ren C.‐G. , Shang D.‐G. , Sun Y.‐J. , Guo Y.‐B. , Chen T.
Published: August 2014

The mechanism of fatigue life improvement for damaged and undamaged copper film specimens with thickness of 25 um was investigated by laser surface irradiation under optimal parameters of laser irradiation at different loading levels. The results showed that the degree of improvement in fatigue life for the damaged specimens is more evident when the applied nominal stress was larger. The hardening induced by laser irradiation and a smooth surface feature can be obtained after the laser irradiation treatment, which results in fatigue life to be extended. A fatigue life prediction method was proposed by the view of equivalent stress. The predicted lives by the proposed prediction method were in good agreement with the experimental results.
Teaching and Testing L2 Spanish Listening Using Scripted vs. Unscripted Texts
Authors: Wagner Elvis , Toth Paul D.
Published: August 2014

Even after years of study, many second language (L2) learners have difficulty comprehending proficient speakers in real‐world settings. This difficulty stems partly from the inauthentic nature of the spoken texts learners are exposed to in foreign language (FL) classrooms—scripted, simplified, and overenunciated “textbook texts.” This study compared the performance of intermediate university FL Spanish learners on a listening comprehension test using scripted vs. unscripted spoken texts. An experimental design was used where learners were assigned to an unscripted group (n = 85) or a scripted group (n = 86). The groups listened to the same texts, except that the scripted texts were modified to resemble traditional textbook texts. Results indicated that the scripted group scored significantly higher than the unscripted group. Implications for the teaching and testing of L2 listening are discussed.
Conversational Patterns of Homestay Hosts and Study Abroad Students
Authors: Pryde Michael
Published: August 2014

Although the initiation, response, and follow‐up (IRF) conversational structure and the initiation, response, evaluation (IRE) structure, commonly termed “triadic dialogue,” (Lemke, 1990) have been extensively documented in relation to classroom conversational style, there is little research on their distribution during, and impact on, learner speech outside the classroom. Data from 37 conversations, collected over a one‐year study abroad homestay program, were categorized to determine how the conversations functioned as well as to reveal general patterns of language use. Triadic dialogue was discovered to be a common conversational style used between New Zealand homestay parents and their 17‐ and 18‐year‐old Japanese study abroad students. More specifically, the evaluative move was isolated and found to occur often with display questions made by the host, which also functioned to restrict conversation. Hosts initiated 83 times from approximately five hours of recorded conversations: 28 of these initiations were display questions, and 33 were referential questions. Students did not initiate any display questions and initiated 12 referential questions. Both the hosts' conversational dominance and the asymmetrical relationship perpetuated particular conversational patterns commonly framed within the triadic structure (Sinclair & Coulthard, 1975), which data suggested were difficult to break during the study abroad period.
Effect of complete denture wearing on tongue motor biomechanics during swallowing in edentulous older adults
Authors: Kondoh Jugo , Ono Takahiro , Tamine Kenichi , Fujiwara Shigehiro , Minagi Yoshitomo , Hori Kazuhiro , Maeda Yoshinobu , Kreissl Marion , Nitschke Ina
Published: August 2014

Aim

Contact of the tongue against the hard palate plays an important role in swallowing. Therefore, age‐related decline in tongue function has received much attention. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of complete denture wearing on tongue motor biomechanics during swallowing in healthy edentulous older adults.

Methods

A total of 19 edentulous patients (6 males and 13 females, mean age 76.2 ± 7.2 years) without any history of neuromuscular disease or dysphagia were selected. All patients were wearing complete dentures in both the upper and lower jaws. Tongue pressure against the hard palate during swallowing saliva was recorded using an original T‐shaped sensor sheet with five measuring points. Measurements were carried out both with and without the prostheses. For evaluating swallowing ability, the frequency of swallowing saliva in 30 s was recorded (Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test).

Results

With the prostheses, the maximal magnitude and duration of tongue pressure was larger at Ch. 1 (anterior‐median part of the hard palate) and Ch. 2 (mid‐median part) right and left circumferential parts than without the prostheses. As for the integral of tongue pressure, that with prostheses was larger at all 5 channels than that without prostheses. There was significant improvement in the Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test value while wearing prostheses.

Conclusions

These results suggested that swallowing function deteriorated as a result of the decline in tongue–palate contact on removing complete dentures in edentulous older adults.

Clinical relevance

The present study showed the effect of wearing prostheses on swallowing in edentulous older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 565–571.
Is short‐term percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement beneficial in acutely ill cognitively intact elderly patients? A proposed decision‐making algorithm
Authors: Abraham Rtika R , Girotra Mohit , Wei Jeanne Y , Azhar Gohar
Published: August 2014

Aim

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is an important method of enteral feeding for patients who require temporary or long‐term artificial nutritional support to prevent or correct disease‐related malnutrition. However, there is paucity of data on the utility of short‐term PEG tube placements in acute illnesses in cognitively intact older adults.

Methods

We present a series of seven, cognitively intact patients (age range 72–93 years), who had PEG tubes placed for short periods. These patients were diagnosed with “failure to thrive” and were managed by placing a PEG tube temporarily for nutritional management. None of these patients had terminal illness or hospice eligibility, and all of the patients were community dwellers.

Results

All of the elderly patients experienced good outcomes in terms of their functional status and nutritional support.

Conclusions

Our series clearly supports the notion that short‐term PEG tube placement in cognitively intact elderly patients could be a successful strategy to support them during an episode of acute illness, and to improve their nutritional deficits and survival. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 572–578.
Problems and fall risk determinants of quality of life in older adults with increased risk of falling
Authors: Lin Sang‐I , Chang Ku‐Chou , Lee Hsuei‐Chen , Yang Yi‐Ching , Tsauo Jau‐Yih
Published: August 2014

Aims

Determine quality of life and its association with fall risk factors in older adults with increased risk of falling.

Methods

A total of 597 community‐dwelling Taiwanese older adults who were screened to have increased risk of falling participated in the present study. The fall risk factors included sociodemographics, physical and psychological function, Timed Up and Go, past fall/medical histories, fear of falling and medications. The Euro Qol EQ‐5D was used to measure health‐related quality of life.

Results

Pain/discomfort was the EQ‐5D dimension most frequently reported to be impaired (35%), regardless of the level of fall risk or age groups, followed by mobility (25%). Hierarchical regression analysis showed that Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini‐Mental State Examination, physiological function, up‐and‐go, fear of falling and psychotropic medication were independent predictors for total EQ‐5D, explaining 68.37% of the variance. Logistic regression analysis showed that for the five EQ‐5D dimensions, Geriatric Depression Scale and Up and Go time were the most common determinants.

Conclusions

Pain/discomfort was the leading impairment, and greater Geriatric Depression Scale and longer up‐and‐go time were the main contributing factors in declines in quality of life in older adults with increased risk of falling. These factors are often modifiable, and their management might be considered a priority in falls prevention. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 579–587.
Neuroimaging indicators of the performance of instrumental activities of daily living in Alzheimer's disease combined with cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Chen Yang‐Kun , Xiao Wei‐Min , Li Wan‐Yi , Liu Yong‐Lin , Li Wei , Qu Jian‐Feng , Fang Xue‐Wen , Weng Han‐Yu , Ungvari Gabor S , Xiang Yu‐Tao
Published: August 2014

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to explore the magnetic resonance imaging correlates of the performance of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in patients with Alzheimer's disease combined with cerebrovascular disease.

Methods

A total of 66 patients with Alzheimer's disease combined with cerebrovascular disease formed the study sample. Two regression models were constructed to find correlates of IADL. Model 1 only included clinical variables and model 2 included both clinical and magnetic resonance imaging variables.

Results

In model 1, with IADL as the dependent variable, the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, Physical Self‐Maintenance Scale score at baseline and age were significant correlates accounting for 40.1% of the variance of IADL at baseline. MMSE score and age were also significant correlates of IADL at 6 months, accounting for 38.1% of the variance of it. In model 2, severity of white matter lesions, MMSE and Physical Self‐Maintenance Scale scores at baseline significantly correlated with IADL at baseline, accounting for 52.1% of the variance of the dependent variables; severity of white matter lesions and MMSE significantly correlated with IADL at 6 months, accounting for 41.5% of the variance of the dependent variables.

Conclusion

In patients with Alzheimer's disease combined with cerebrovascular disease, subcortical ischemic lesions might be significant contributor to the functional status. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 588–593.
CsrA Regulates Helicobacter pylori J99 Motility and Adhesion by Controlling Flagella Formation
Authors: Kao Cheng‐Yen , Sheu Bor‐Shyang , Wu Jiunn‐Jong
Published: August 2014

Background

Motility mediated by the flagella of Helicobacter pylori has been shown to be required for normal colonization and is thought to be important for the bacteria to move toward the gastric mucus in niches adjacent to the epithelium. Barnard et al. showed that CsrA appears to be necessary for full motility and the ability to infect mice, but its mechanism of regulation is still unclear.

Methods

Motility and cell adhesion ability were determined in wild‐type, csrA mutant, and revertant J99 strains. The bacterial shape and flagellar structure were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. The expression of two major flagellins, flaA/flaB, and the alternative sigma factor rpoN (σ54) were determined by real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR and Western blot.

Results

The csrA mutant showed loss of motility and lower adhesion ability compared with the wild‐type and revertant J99 strains. The csrA mutant was not flagellated. Transcription of flaA and flaB mRNA decreased to only 40% and 16%, respectively, in the csrA mutant compared with the wild‐type J99 (p = .006 and <.0001, respectively), and Western blot analysis showed dramatically reduced FlaA/FlaB proteins in a csrA mutant. The disruption of csrA also decreased expression of rpoN to 48% in the csrA mutant, but the degradation rate of rpoN mRNA was not changed.

Conclusion

These results suggest that CsrA regulates H. pylori J99 flagella formation and thereby affects bacterial motility.
Molecular pathology in lung cancer: a guide to the techniques used in clinical practice
Authors: Walsh Kathy , Wallace William A
Published: August 2014

Five year survival rates for lung cancer patients are poor; however the development of new therapeutic options, which benefit subsets of the population, offer hope of improvement. These novel therapies frequently rely upon the analysis of biomarkers in pathology samples; in lung cancer patients, testing is now routinely carried out to identify small mutations and chromosomal rearrangements in order to predict response to treatment. The recent increase in biomarker analyses in pathology samples has lead to the development of a new specialty, molecular pathology. The use of molecular pathology assays in clinical samples is largely under the control of the histopathologist; who is likely to be asked, as a minimum, to select tissue sections for molecular analysis and mark areas of H&E stained slides for macro or microdissection. Many histopathologists will also be involved in the sourcing and implementation of new assays. This review aims to provide a guide to some of the most commonly used molecular pathology methods – their advantages and their limitations.
Factors influencing double brooding in Eurasian Hoopoes Upupa epops
Authors: Hoffmann Jael , Postma Erik , Schaub Michael
Published: August 2014

Double brooding may be a good strategy for short‐lived species to maximize annual and lifetime reproductive success (ARS and LRS, respectively). Nevertheless, there is typically individual variation in the probability of producing a second clutch. Here we evaluate factors that influence the decision to double brood in the Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops. Analyses of an 11‐year dataset showed that 36% of the females and 21% of the males produced a second clutch after successfully raising a first clutch. Double‐brooded females had higher ARS (9.1 ± 1.9 fledglings; mean ± se) and LRS (0.93 ± 0.08 recruits) than single‐brooded females (ARS: 4.5 ± 2.1 fledglings; LRS: 0.36 ± 0.03 recruits). This suggests that double brooding is adaptive in Hoopoes, and raises the question of why most individuals only produce one clutch per season. The probability of double brooding varied only slightly between years, suggesting that it is influenced by individual characteristics rather than by external, population‐level environmental factors. In both sexes, the probability of double brooding increased with earlier timing of the first clutch, and the timing of reproduction was the most important factor influencing reproductive success. The latter is likely to be mediated by changes in resources during the season. The probability of double brooding also increased slightly with female age, due to differences in intrinsic quality among females rather than to a gain in experience. In contrast to many other studies, the probability of double brooding increased with an increasing number of fledglings from the first clutch, suggesting that it is a strategy of individuals of high quality. Taken together, we show that the individual quality of the breeder and the timing of their first clutches are key factors influencing the decision to double brood, and thereby that they are important determinants of reproductive performance in Eurasian Hoopoes.
Lek fidelity and movement among leks by male Greater Sage‐grouseCentrocercus urophasianus: a capture‐mark‐recapture approach
Authors: Gibson Daniel , Blomberg Erik J. , Atamian Michael T. , Sedinger James S.
Published: August 2014

Males in lek mating systems tend to exhibit high fidelity to breeding leks despite substantial evidence of skewed mating success among males. Although movements between leks are often reported to be rare, such movements provide a mechanism for an individual to improve lifetime fitness in response to heterogeneity in reproductive conditions. Additionally, estimates of apparent movements among leks are potentially biased due to unaccounted variation in detection probability across time and space. We monitored breeding male Greater Sage‐grouseCentrocercus urophasianuson 13 leks in eastern Nevada over a 10‐year period, and estimated movement rates among leks using capture‐mark‐recapture methods. We expected that male movement rates among leks would be low, despite predictions of low breeding success for most males, and that detection rates would be highly variable among leks and years. We used a robust design multistate analysis in Programmarkto estimate probability of movements among leks, while accounting for imperfect detection of males. Male Sage‐grouse were extremely faithful to their leks; the annual probability of a male moving away from its original lek of capture was approximately 3% (se = 0.01). Detection probabilities varied substantially among leks (range = 0.21–0.95), and among years (range = 0.30–0.76), but remained relatively constant within years at each lek. These results suggest that male Sage‐grouse dispersal is either rare, or consists primarily of dispersal of sub‐adults from their natal areas prior to the breeding season. The study highlights the benefits of robust design multistate models over standard ‘live‐encounter’ analyses, as they not only permit estimation of additional parameters, such as movement rates, but also allow for more precise parameter estimates that are less sensitive to heterogeneity in detection rates. Additionally, as these data were collected using capture‐mark‐recapture methods, our approach to estimating movement rates would be beneficial in systems where radiotagging is detrimental to the study organism.
Prevalence and predictors of advance directives in Australia
Authors: White B. , Tilse C. , Wilson J. , Rosenman L. , Strub T. , Feeney R. , Silvester W.
Published: August 2014

Background

Advance care planning is regarded as integral to better patient outcomes, yet little is known about the prevalence of advance directives (AD) in Australia.

Aim

To determine the prevalence of AD in the Australian population.

Methods

A national telephone survey about estate and advance planning. Sample was stratified by age (18–45 and >45 years) and quota sampling occurred based on population size in each state and territory.

Results

Fourteen per cent of the Australian population has an AD. There is state variation with people from South Australia and Queensland more likely to have an AD than people from other states. Will making and particularly completion of a financial enduring power of attorney are associated with higher rates of AD completion. Standard demographic variables were of limited use in predicting whether a person would have an AD.

Conclusions

Despite efforts to improve uptake of advance care planning (including AD), barriers remain. One likely trigger for completing an AD and advance care planning is undertaking a wider future planning process (e.g. making a will or financial enduring power of attorney). This presents opportunities to increase advance care planning, but steps are needed to ensure that planning, which occurs outside the health system, is sufficiently informed and supported by health information so that it is useful in the clinical setting. Variations by state could also suggest that redesign of regulatory frameworks (such as a user‐friendly and well‐publicised form backed by statute) may help improve uptake of AD.
Intermediate rehabilitation with (non)‐prep all‐ceramic onlays in an adolescent patient with oligodontia – 4‐year follow‐up
Authors: Yvonne Schüssl , Guess Petra C. , Jung Britta A.
Published: August 2014

Background

Initial rehabilitation in juvenile patients with oligodontia is a major challenge for the dentist. Conventional permanent prosthetic and/or implantological treatment options alongside permanent natural teeth are contraindicated in growing patients, because their skeletal development is still in progress.

Case Report

A non‐invasive temporary‐fixed treatment option for an adolescent patient is presented by the use of adhesively cemented (non‐prep) all‐ceramic onlays of primary teeth. The outcome of treatment was monitored over a period of 4 years.

Conclusion

Long‐term preservation of persistent primary teeth may be a meaningful alternative to removable dentures in growing patients with oligodontia. Intermediate rehabilitation should cause no more than mild psychological stress for the patient and improve quality of life, especially when extensive orthodontic and/or implantological treatment is planned at the end of the patient's skeletal growth.
Bachmann's Bundle and Coronary Sinus Ostial Pacing Accentuate Left Atrial Electrical Dyssynchrony in an Acute Canine Model
Authors: CHOUDHURI INDRAJIT , KRUM DAVID , AGARWAL ANUJ , HARE JOHN , BELOHLAVEK MAREK , AHMAD ABDUR , PINNINTI MAMATHA , KHANDHERIA BIJOY K.
Published: August 2014

Activation Sequence During Atrial Pacing

Introduction

In patients with intraatrial conduction delay and sinus node (SN) dysfunction, pacing Bachmann's bundle (BBR) and coronary sinus ostium (CSO) has been suggested to achieve atrial resynchronization with potential beneficial impact on atrial fibrillation and diastolic heart failure. Clinical studies have not shown superiority of one approach.

Methods and Results

We studied electrical activation sequence in an open‐chest acute canine model of normal atrial function in 8 mongrel dogs under general anesthesia. Bipolar plunge electrodes were distributed over the surface of the atria during unifocal pacing, and intracardiac activation sequence was observed. SN pacing resulted in near‐simultaneous activation at midline sites (BBR and CSO); the left atrium (LA) was activated by anterior and posterior wavefronts simultaneously propagating septally to laterally and meeting at the low‐lateral perimitral LA. Right atrial appendage (RAA) pacing created intra‐RA conduction delay and delayed onset of LA activation. Pacing from RAA, CSO, and BBR resulted in nonsimultaneous activation at midline sites and produced an anteroposterior gradient of LA activation. This phenomenon was seen to the greatest degree with midline pacing and shifted the site of latest activation away from the low‐lateral perimitral LA in all pacing configurations except SN pacing.

Conclusion

Pacing‐induced intra‐LA activation dispersion is enhanced with midline atrial pacing, and secondarily shifts the site of latest activation away from the lateral mitral annulus. Measuring atrial activation times to the low‐lateral perimitral LA can underestimate the degree of atrial dyssynchrony and be misinterpreted as atrial synchrony. Establishing clinical impact requires evaluation of human data.
Multipoint Left Ventricular Pacing in a Single Coronary Sinus Branch Improves Mid‐Term Echocardiographic and Clinical Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: PAPPONE CARLO , ĆALOVIĆ ŽARKO , VICEDOMINI GABRIELE , CUKO AMARILD , MCSPADDEN LUKE C. , RYU KYUNGMOO , ROMANO ENRICO , BALDI MARIO , SAVIANO MASSIMO , PAPPONE ALESSIA , CIACCIO CRISTIANO , GIANNELLI LUIGI , IONESCU BOGDAN , PETRETTA ANDREA , VITALE RAFFAELE , FUNDALIOTIS ANGELICA , TAVAZZI LUIGI , SANTINELLI VINCENZO
Published: August 2014

Multipoint LV Pacing Improves Mid‐Term CRT Response

Introduction

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with multipoint left ventricular (LV) pacing in a single coronary sinus branch improves acute LV function. We hypothesized that multipoint pacing (MPP) can improve midterm echocardiographic and clinical response compared with conventional CRT.

Methods and Results

Consecutive patients receiving a CRT implant (Unify Quadra MP™ or Quadra Assura MP™ CRT‐D and Quartet™ LV lead, St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA, USA) were randomized to receive biventricular (BiV) pacing with either conventional LV pacing (CONV group) or MPP (MPP group). For each patient, an optimal pacing configuration for the assigned pacing mode was programmed based on intraoperative pressure‐volume (PV) loop measurements. A clinical evaluation and transthoracic echocardiogram were performed before implant (BASELINE) and at 3 months postimplant and analyzed by a blinded observer. A reduction in end‐systolic volume (ESV) of ≥15% relative to BASELINE was prospectively defined as response to CRT. Forty‐four patients (NYHA Class III, EF 29 ± 6%, QRS duration 152 ± 17 milliseconds) were enrolled and randomized. One patient in the MPP group was lost to follow‐up and excluded from further analysis. After 3 months, 11 of 22 (50%) CONV patients and 16 of 21 (76%) MPP patients were classified as responders. ESV reduction, EF increase, and NYHA class reduction relative to BASELINE were significantly greater in the MPP group than in the CONV group (ESV: −21.0 ± 13.9 vs. −12.6 ± 11.1%, P = 0.03; EF: +9.8 ± 5.1 vs. +2.0 ± 7.8 percentage points, P < 0.001; ΔNYHA: −1.05 ± 0.22 vs. −0.72 ± 0.46 functional classes, P = 0.006).

Conclusion

PV loop optimized BiV pacing with MPP resulted in an improved rate of response to CRT.
Feasibility of Near Real‐Time Lesion Assessment During Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation in Humans Using Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging
Authors: BAHNSON TRISTRAM D. , EYERLY STEPHANIE A. , HOLLENDER PETER J. , DOHERTY JOSHUA R. , KIM YOUNG‐JOONG , TRAHEY GREGG E. , WOLF PATRICK D.
Published: August 2014

First‐in‐Human ARFI Images of RF Ablation Lesions

Background

Visual confirmation of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) lesions during clinical cardiac ablation procedures could improve procedure efficacy, safety, and efficiency. It was previously shown that acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging can identify RFA lesions in vitro and in vivo in an animal model. This is the “first‐in‐human” feasibility demonstration of intracardiac ARFI imaging of RFA lesions in patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial flutter (AFL) or atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and Results

Patients scheduled for right atrial (RA) ablation for AFL or left atrial (LA) ablation for drug refractory AF were eligible for imaging. Diastole‐gated intracardiac ARFI images were acquired using one of two equipment configurations: (1) a Siemens ACUSON S2000™ ultrasound scanner and 8/10Fr AcuNav™ ultrasound catheter, or (2) a CARTO 3™ integrated Siemens SC2000™ and 10Fr SoundStar™ ultrasound catheter. A total of 11 patients (AFL = 3; AF = 8) were imaged. ARFI images were acquired of ablation target regions, including the RA cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI), and the LA roof, pulmonary vein ostia, posterior wall, posterior mitral valve annulus, and the ridge between the pulmonary vein and LA appendage. ARFI images revealed increased relative myocardial stiffness at ablation catheter contact sites after RFA and at anatomical mapping‐tagged RFA treatment sites.

Conclusions

ARFI images from a pilot group of patients undergoing catheter ablation for AFL and AF demonstrate the ability of this technique to identify intra‐procedure RFA lesion formation. The results encourage further refinement of ARFI imaging clinical tools and continued investigation in larger clinical trials.
Metabolomics‐assisted refinement of the pathways of steroidal glycoalkaloid biosynthesis in the tomato clade
Authors: Schwahn Kevin , de Souza Leonardo Perez , Fernie Alisdair R. , Tohge Takayuki
Published: August 2014

Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) are nitrogen‐containing secondary metabolites of the Solanum species, which are known to have large chemical and bioactive diversity in nature. While recent effort and development on LC/MS techniques for SGA profiling have elucidated the main pathways of SGA metabolism in tomato, the problem of peak annotation still remains due to the vast diversity of chemical structure and similar on overlapping of chemical formula. Here we provide a case study of peak classification and annotation approach by integration of species and tissue specificities of SGA accumulation for provision of comprehensive pathways of SGA biosynthesis. In order to elucidate natural diversity of SGA biosynthesis, a total of 169 putative SGAs found in eight tomato accessions (Solanum lycopersicum, S. pimpinellifolium, S. cheesmaniae, S. chmielewskii, S. neorickii, S. peruvianum, S. habrochaites, S. pennellii) and four tissue types were used for correlation analysis. The results obtained in this study contribute annotation and classification of SGAs as well as detecting putative novel biosynthetic branch points. As such this represents a novel strategy for peak annotation for plant secondary metabolites.
Two‐dimensional structured illumination microscopy
Authors: SCHROPP M. , UHL R.
Published: August 2014

In widefield fluorescence microscopy, images from all but very flat samples suffer from fluorescence emission from layers above or below the focal plane of the objective lens. Structured illumination microscopy provides an elegant approach to eliminate this unwanted image contribution. To this end a line grid is projected onto the sample and phase images are taken at different positions of the line grid. Using suitable algorithms ‘quasi‐confocal images’ can be derived from a given number of such phase‐images. Here, we present an alternative structured illumination microscopy approach, which employs two‐dimensional patterns instead of a one‐dimensional one. While in one‐dimensional structured illumination microscopy the patterns are shifted orthogonally to the pattern orientation, in our two‐dimensional approach it is shifted at a single, pattern‐dependent angle, yet it already achieves an isotropic power spectral density with this unidirectional shift, which otherwise would require a combination of pattern‐shift and ‐rotation. Moreover, our two‐dimensional approach also yields a better signal‐to‐noise ratio in the evaluated image.
Genome‐wide association study of sleep duration in the Finnish population
Authors: Ollila Hanna M. , Kettunen Johannes , Pietiläinen Olli , Aho Vilma , Silander Kaisa , Kronholm Erkki , Perola Markus , Lahti Jari , Räikkönen Katri , Widen Elisabeth , Palotie Aarno , Eriksson Johan G. , Partonen Timo , Kaprio Jaakko , Salomaa Veikko , Raitakari Olli , Lehtimäki Terho , Sallinen Mikael , Härmä Mikko , Porkka‐Heiskanen Tarja , Paunio Tiina
Published: August 2014

Sleep duration is genetically regulated, but the genetic variants are largely unknown. We aimed to identify such genes using a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) combined with RNA expression at the population level, and with experimental verification. A GWAS was performed in a Finnish sample (n = 1941), and variants with suggestive association (P < 5 × 10−5) were tested in a follow‐up sample from the same population with sleep duration (n = 6834) and time in bed (n = 1720). Variants with pointwise association of P < 0.05 in the follow‐up sample were analysed further. First, we correlated genotypes with transcript expression levels with sleep duration (n = 207). The expression levels of significant transcripts were further studied in experimental sleep restriction. Of the 31 variants with P < 5 × 10−5 in the discovery sample, three variants showed nominal allelic association (P < 0.05) in the follow‐up sample: rs10914351, near PTPRU (P = 0.049), rs1037079 in PCDH7‐CENTD1 (P = 0.011) and rs2031573 near KLF6 (P = 0.044). The risk alleles for shorter sleep (rs2031573 and rs1037079) were also associated with higher KLF6 and PCDH7 expression levels (P < 0.05). Experimental sleep restriction increased the expression of KLF6 (P < 0.01). These data suggest that rs2031573 near KLF6 or related loci and rs1037079 between PCDH7‐CENTD1 or related loci may contribute to the regulation of sleep duration via gene expression. These results illustrate the utility of combining different analytical approaches to identify genetic determinants for traits related to sleep physiology. However, additional studies are needed in order to understand the roles of KLF6 and PCDH7 in sleep regulation.
Sleep electroencephalographic characteristics of the Cynomolgus monkey measured by telemetry
Authors: Rachalski Adeline , Authier Simon , Bassett Leanne , Pouliot Mylène , Tremblay Gaétan , Mongrain Valérie
Published: August 2014

Cynomolgus monkeys are widely used as models of diseases and in pre‐clinical studies to assess the impact of new pharmacotherapies on brain function and behaviour. However, the time course of electroencephalographic delta activity during sleep, which represents the main marker of sleep intensity associated with recovery during sleep, has never been described in this non‐human primate. In this study, telemetry implants were used to record one spontaneous 24‐h sleep–wake cycle in four freely‐moving Cynomolgus monkeys, and to quantify the time course of electroencephalographic activity during sleep using spectral analysis. Animals presented a diurnal activity pattern interrupted by short naps. During the dark period, most of the time was spent in sleep with non‐rapid eye movement sleep/rapid eye movement sleep alternations and sleep consolidation profiles intermediate between rodents and humans. Deep non‐rapid eye movement sleep showed a typical predominance at the beginning of the night with decreased propensity in the course of the night, which was accompanied by a progressive increase in rapid eye movement sleep duration. Spectral profiles showed characteristic changes between vigilance states as reported in other mammalian species. Importantly, delta activity also followed the expected time course of variation, showing a build‐up with wakefulness duration and dissipation across the night. Thus, Cynomolgus monkeys present typical characteristics of sleep architecture and spectral structure as those observed in other mammalian species including humans, validating the use of telemetry in this non‐human primate model for translational sleep studies.
Safety and efficacy of triple therapy with peginterferon, ribavirin and boceprevir within an early access programme in Spanish patients with hepatitis C genotype 1 with severe fibrosis: SVRw12 analysis
Authors: Calleja Jose L. , Pascasio Juan M. , Ruiz‐Antorán Belén , Gea Francisco , Bárcena Rafael , Larrubia Juan R. , Pérez‐Álvarez Ramón , Sousa Jose M. , Romero‐Gómez Manuel , Solá Ricard , de la Revilla Juan , Crespo Javier , Navarro Jose M. , Arenas Juan I. , Delgado Manuel , Fernández‐Rodríguez Conrado M. , Planas Ramon , Buti Maria , Forns Xavier ,   the Spanish Group for the Study of the Use of Direct‐Acting Drugs Hepatitis C with Severe Fibrosis
Published: August 2014

Background & Aims

The addition of protease inhibitors (PIs) changed the hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment standards and improved sustained viral response (SVR) rates in patients with genotype 1 HCV infection.

Methods

Prospective, multicentre, national registry that includes naïve and treatment‐experienced patients with HCV genotype 1 infection, who had bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis and were treated with triple therapy (peginterferon alfa‐2a or alfa‐2b, ribavirin and boceprevir) as compassionate use, and in accordance with the Summary of Product Characteristics.

Results

Most of the patients (68.2%) were male, with a mean age of 53 years, 75% (n = 128) had HCV 1b genotype and baseline viral load of 6.2 log. According to prior treatment, 20% of patients were treatment‐naïve and 80% had received prior treatment. Approximately 36.5% of patients (n = 62) reported at least one serious adverse events (SAEs) (total SAEs = 103). The most common SAEs were neutropenia (57.6%), anaemia (47.6%) and grade 3 thrombopenia (25.9%). Patients with albumin <3.5 g/dl and bilirubin >2 mg/dl had an increased relative risk (greater than one‐fold) for SAEs, including infections and hepatic decompensation. In the intent‐to‐treat analysis (n = 170), the overall percentage of patients with SVRw12 was 46.5%. In patients with 1 log decrease at week 4 (lead‐in phase), the overall SVRw12 rate was 67.0%. In the patients initiating triple therapy with boceprevir (n = 139), the global response rate was 56.4%. In a multivariate analysis, an increased probability of achieving SVR was associated with response to prior treatment (relapsers), >1 log decrease in viral load in the lead‐in phase and baseline albumin >3.5 g/dl.

Conclusions

Triple therapy in patients with severe fibrosis/cirrhosis is associated with a higher rate of SAE and a lower rate in comparison with patients with mild disease. However, for patients with intact liver function, it could be considered as a treatment option, when other alternatives would not be available.
Anti‐SLA/LP alone or in combination with anti‐Ro52 and fine specificity of anti‐Ro52 antibodies in patients with autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Zachou Kalliopi , Gampeta Stella , Gatselis Nikolaos K. , Oikonomou Katerina , Goulis John , Manoussakis Menelaos N. , Renaudineau Yves , Bogdanos Dimitrios P. , Dalekos George N.
Published: August 2014

Background & Aims

Antibodies (Abs) to soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas (anti‐SLA/LP) are considered markers of worse prognosis and outcome in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) although this assumption has recently been attributed to their frequent co‐expression with Abs against Ro52 (anti‐Ro52). To assess the clinical significance of anti‐SLA/LP Abs alone or in combination with anti‐Ro52 in AIH patients and determine the immunodominant Ro52 epitopes according to the anti‐SLA/LP status.

Methods

Twenty‐three anti‐SLA/LP‐positive and 106 anti‐SLA/LP‐negative AIH patients were included. Anti‐SLA/LP were determined by ELISA using recombinant antigen, and confirmed by immunoblot using cytosolic rat liver fraction or HuH‐7 extract. Anti‐Ro52 Abs were determined by ELISA using recombinant antigen. Epitope mapping was assessed by ELISA using overlapping peptides covering the whole Ro52 protein in 26 AIH patients and 12 patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

Results

Anti‐SLA/LP positivity was not associated with the clinical, laboratory or histological characteristics of AIH patients. Treatment response, corticosteroid withdrawal, relapse after stopping treatment and outcome, were not associated with the presence of anti‐SLA/LP, anti‐Ro52 or double reactivity. Moreover, Ro52 epitope mapping revealed new epitopes unique for AIH and independent from anti‐SLA/LP positivity.

Conclusions

Neither anti‐SLA/LP nor anti‐Ro52 Abs or their combination could specify a distinct group of AIH patients in terms of clinical characteristics, treatment response and outcome. Further studies are needed to clarify whether the newly discovered immunodominant epitopes of Ro52 antigen which were associated specifically with AIH have any clinical or pathogenetic significance in AIH.
Quantification of in vivo colonic motor patterns in healthy humans before and after a meal revealed by high‐resolution fiber‐optic manometry
Authors: Dinning P. G. , Wiklendt L. , Maslen L. , Gibbins I. , Patton V. , Arkwright J. W. , Lubowski D. Z. , O'Grady G. , Bampton P. A. , Brookes S. J. , Costa M.
Published: August 2014

Background

Until recently, investigations of the normal patterns of motility of the healthy human colon have been limited by the resolution of in vivo recording techniques.

Methods

We have used a new, high‐resolution fiber‐optic manometry system (72 sensors at 1‐cm intervals) to record motor activity from colon in 10 healthy human subjects.

Key Results

In the fasted colon, on the basis of rate and extent of propagation, four types of propagating motor pattern could be identified: (i) cyclic motor patterns (at 2–6/min); (ii) short single motor patterns; (iii) long single motor patterns; and (iv) occasional retrograde, slow motor patterns. For the most part, the cyclic and short single motor patterns propagated in a retrograde direction. Following a 700 kCal meal, a fifth motor pattern appeared; high‐amplitude propagating sequences (HAPS) and there was large increase in retrograde cyclic motor patterns (5.6 ± 5.4/2 h vs 34.7 + 19.8/2 h; p < 0.001). The duration and amplitude of individual pressure events were significantly correlated. Discriminant and multivariate analysis of duration, gradient, and amplitude of the pressure events that made up propagating motor patterns distinguished clearly two types of pressure events: those belonging to HAPS and those belonging to all other propagating motor patterns.

Conclusions & Inferences

This work provides the first comprehensive description of colonic motor patterns recorded by high‐resolution manometry and demonstrates an abundance of retrograde propagating motor patterns. The propagating motor patterns appear to be generated by two independent sources, potentially indicating their neurogenic or myogenic origin.
The impact of olfactory dysfunction on interoceptive awareness
Authors: Krajnik Jacqueline , Kollndorfer Kathrin , Notter Lisbeth A. , Mueller Christian A. , Schöpf Veronika
Published: August 2014

This study aimed to investigate how the impairment of the olfactory system influences interoception. Interoception is known as the awareness of one's body or the sense of the condition of the body; more precisely, this construct is defined as the processing, representation, and perception of the internal physical state. Interoceptive sensitivity and chemosensory performance were assessed in 77 subjects, including 43 functional anosmics, 18 hyposmics, and 16 healthy controls. Interoceptive awareness was predicted by odor detection threshold, as well as the duration of olfactory loss in patients who suffered from reduced olfactory function—the longer the olfactory impairment, the worse the perception of bodily signals. The results of this study will significantly contribute to the basic understanding of the multifaceted effects of olfactory alterations.
Use of Porcine Luteinizing Hormone at Oestrous Onset in a Protocol for Fixed‐Time Artificial Insemination in Gilts
Authors: Ulguim RR , Fontana DL , Rampi JZ , Bernardi ML , Wentz I , Bortolozzo FP
Published: August 2014

Contents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH) given at oestrous onset in gilts, by different routes and doses, on the interval between onset of oestrus and ovulation (IOEO) and reproductive performance using a single fixed‐time artificial insemination (FTAI). A total of 153 gilts were submitted to oestrous detection at 8‐h intervals and assigned to three groups: control – without hormone application and inseminated at 0, 24 and 48 h after oestrous onset; VS2.5FTAI – 2.5 mg pLH by the vulvar submucosal route at oestrous onset and a single FTAI 16 h later; IM5FTAI – 5 mg pLH by the intramuscular route at oestrous onset and a single FTAI 16 h later. More VS2.5FTAI gilts (47.1%; p < 0.05) ovulated within 24 h after oestrous onset than control gilts (25.5%) whereas IM5FTAI gilts had an intermediate percentage (31.4%; p > 0.05). The IOEO tended to be shorter (p = 0.06) in VS2.5FTAI (30.2 ± 1.4 h) than in control (34.7 ± 1.4 h) gilts, but there was no difference (p > 0.05) between control and IM5FTAI (32.8 ± 1.4 h) gilts. Farrowing rate was not different (p > 0.05) among treatments. Total born piglets (TB) was lower (p < 0.05) in VS2.5FTAI (12.3 ± 0.4) than in control gilts (14.1 ± 0.4), whereas intermediate TB was observed in IM5FTAI gilts (13.3 ± 0.4). Due to the advancement of ovulation, reduction of the hormonal dose and the ease of application, the vulvar submucosal route would be the best option for FTAI protocols, but their negative impact on litter size remains to be elucidated. Taking into account the good fertility results obtained in IM5FTAI gilts whose ovulation was not advanced, the possibility of a single FTAI without any hormonal treatment should be further investigated, to establish reliable FTAI protocols for gilts.
Peer Effects in Risk Aversion
Authors: Balsa Ana I. , Gandelman Néstor , González Nicolás
Published: August 2014

We estimate peer effects in risk attitudes in a sample of high school students. Relative risk aversion is elicited from surveys administered at school. Identification of peer effects is based on parents not being able to choose the class within the school of their choice, and on the use of instrumental variables conditional on school‐grade fixed effects. We find a significant and quantitatively large impact of peers’ risk attitudes on a male individual's coefficient of risk aversion. Specifically, a one standard deviation increase in the group's coefficient of risk aversion increases an individual's risk aversion by 43%. Our findings shed light on the origin and stability of risk attitudes and, more generally, on the determinants of economic preferences.