bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of MHC class I and II haplotypes on the experimental infection of Mauritian cynomolgus macaques with SHIVSF162P4cy
Authors: Borsetti A. , Maggiorella M. T. , Sernicola L. , Bellino S. , Ferrantelli F. , Belli R. , Fulgenzi D. , Mee E. T. , Rose N. J. , Cafaro A. , Ensoli B. , Titti F.
Published: April 2012

Mauritian cynomolgus macaques (MCM) are widely used in human immunodeficiency virus research because of their restricted major histocompatibility complex (MHC) diversity which provides the opportunity to address the influence of host factors on vaccine studies. We herein report the impact of MHC haplotype on the outcome of 21 MCM infections with the CCR5‐tropic simian/human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)SF162P4cy. MCM were susceptible to SHIVSF162P4cy infection as shown by viremia and loss of CD4+ T cells. A significant association between haplotype M7 (class IA, IB, II) and persistent viremia was observed in chronic phase, whereas recombinant class IA haplotype was associated with a reduction of viral RNA during acute infection. Class IB M4 haplotype displayed significantly lower acute phase provirus copy numbers. In addition, statistical analysis indicated a detrimental effect of haplotype M4 (class IA, IB) on the course of infection as indicated by lower CD4+ T‐cell levels during chronic infection. A decrease in post‐acute phase CD4+ T‐cell numbers was also observed in haplotype M2 animals. This is the first report that documents the effects of host MHC class I and II molecules on the SHIVSF162P4cyinfection in MCM, particularly with regard to the association between recombinant class IA, M4, and M7 haplotypes and the dynamic of viral replication and level of CD4+ T cells.
A proteomics study of the induction of somatic embryogenesis in Medicago truncatula using 2DE and MALDI‐TOF/TOF
Authors: Almeida André M. , Parreira José R. , Santos Romana , Duque Ana Sofia , Francisco Rita , Tomé Daniel F.A. , Ricardo Cândido Pinto , Coelho Ana Varela , Fevereiro Pedro
Published: April 2012

Medicago truncatula is a model legume, whose genome is currently being sequenced. Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a genotype‐dependent character and not yet fully understood. In this study, a proteomic approach was used to compare the induction and expression phases of SE of both the highly embryogenic line M9‐10a of M. truncatula cv. Jemalong and its non‐embryogenic predecessor line, M9. The statistical analysis between the lines revealed 136 proteins with significant differential expression (P < 0.05). Of these, 5 had a presence/absence pattern in M9 vs M9‐10a and 22 showed an at least twofold difference in terms of spot volume, were considered of particular relevance to the SE process and therefore chosen for identification. Spots were excised in gel digested with trypsin and proteins were identified using matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight/time of flight. Identified proteins indicated a higher adaptability of the embryogenic line toward the stress imposed by the inducing culture conditions. Also, some proteins were shown to have a dual pattern of expression: peroxidase, pyrophosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase. These proteins showed higher expression during the induction phases of the M9 line, whereas in the embryogenic line had higher expression at stages coinciding with embryo formation.
Dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy and histopathology of an amelanotic melanoma from an individual heterozygous for MC1R and tyrosinase variant alleles
Authors: Curchin Claudia , Wurm Elisabeth , Jagirdar Kasturee , Sturm Richard , Soyer Peter
Published: April 2012

We present a case of an amelanotic nodular melanoma occurring in a 26‐year‐old woman who carried a heterozygous (melancortin‐1‐receptor) MC1R 160R/W and tyrosinase (TYR) 402R/Q genotype and had a dark hair phenotype. We present dermoscopic, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and histopathological images of the melanoma. We discuss the relationship between MC1R red hair colour (RHC) variants, TYR variants, phenotype and melanoma development. We also discuss the merits of RCM as an additional diagnostic aid for equivocal melanocytic lesions.
Does long‐term fire exclusion in an Australian tropical savanna result in a biome shift? A test using the reintroduction of fire
Authors: SCOTT KENNETH , SETTERFIELD SAMANTHA A. , DOUGLAS MICHAEL M. , PARR CATHERINE L. , SCHATZ JON , ANDERSEN ALAN N.
Published: April 2012

The structure of tropical savanna ecosystems is influenced by fire frequency and intensity. There is particular interest in the extent to which long‐term fire exclusion can result in a shift from savanna to forest vegetation that is not easily reversed by the reintroduction of fire. This study examined changes in the structure and composition of a long‐unburnt site within the northern Australian savannas following an extended period of active fire exclusion (>20 years), and the effect of the reintroducing fire through experimental fire regimes, including fires in the early and late dry season at a range of frequencies. After the long period of fire exclusion, the vegetation community was characterized by a well‐developed midstorey and canopy layer, low grass cover, substantially higher densities of woody sprouts and saplings than frequently burnt savanna. The community composition included a high proportion of rainforest‐affiliated species. Three years of experimental fires had no detectable effect on the overall composition of grass layer and woody plants but had an effect on woody vegetation structure. Continued fire exclusion further increased the density of woody stems, particularly in the midstorey (2.0–4.99 m), whereas moderate‐intensity fires (>800 kW m−1) significantly reduced the density of midstorey stems. The reintroduction of higher moderate intensity fire events resulted in the vegetation in some compartments reverting to the open savanna structure typical of frequently burnt sites. Such rapid reversibility suggests that in general, the woody thickening resulting from long‐term fire exclusion did not represent a biome shift to a non‐savanna state. However, there was a small proportion of the site that could not sustain the fires applied to them because grass cover was very low and patchy and therefore appeared to have crossed an ecological threshold towards closed forest.
Ecological impacts of invasive African olive (Olea europaea ssp. cuspidata) in Cumberland Plain Woodland, Sydney, Australia
Authors: CUNEO PETER , LEISHMAN MICHELLE R.
Published: April 2012

African olive (Olea europaea ssp. cuspidata) is a small evergreen tree which has become highly invasive at a landscape scale in the western Sydney and Hunter Valley regions of New South Wales, Australia. African olive invasion results in the formation of a dense and permanent mid‐canopy in grassy woodland vegetation. We investigated the relationship between African olive and native species establishment, abundance and diversity, using field surveys and a manipulative shading experiment. There were 78% fewer native species beneath African olive canopy in the field compared to uninvaded woodland sites. The shading experiment showed that simulated dense African olive shade levels produced the lowest dry weight for the three native species studied, with simulated canopy edge light providing optimal conditions for the native shrub Bursaria spinosa and African olive. Dense African olive shade levels produced the highest mortality rate for native species; however, African olive was able to maintain an 88% survival rate under dense canopy shade. This study confirms the adaptability of African olive and its capacity to decrease native plant diversity and substantially modify native vegetation at the community level.
Nature of white opaque substance in gastric epithelial neoplasia as visualized by magnifying endoscopy with narrow‐band imaging
Authors: Yao Kenshi , Iwashita Akinori , Nambu Masami , Tanabe Hiroshi , Nagahama Takashi , Maki Shinichiro , Ishikawa Hideki , Matsui Toshiyuki , Enjoji Munechika
Published: April 2012

Background and Aims:  Magnifying endoscopy (ME) with narrow‐band imaging (NBI) revealed a white opaque substance (WOS) within the superficial part of the gastric neoplasia; however, its nature has remained obscure. A WOS noted within the duodenum was reported to comprise lipid droplets (LD) absorbed by the duodenal epithelium. We attempted to ascertain whether the WOS within gastric neoplasia could also comprise LD and whether the presence of this WOS could be correlated with a specific phenotype.

Methods:  Forty‐three patients with early gastric epithelial neoplasia underwent ME with NBI. The presence or absence of WOS in the neoplasias was recorded based on the findings of ME with NBI. One biopsy specimen was taken from each of the neoplasias. Cryostat sections underwent oil red O staining for LD. Serial sections were immunostained using the first antibody of CD10, MUC2, CDX2, human gastric mucin, MUC5AC and MUC6. The tissue phenotype was classified as intestinal (I), gastric (G) and gastrointestinal (GI) type based on the results of immunostaining. In total, 49 gastric neoplasias from 43 patients were investigated.

Results:  Prevalence of LD in WOS‐positive versus WOS‐negative lesions was 96.2% (25/26) and 4.3% (1/23), respectively (P < 0.001, Fisher's exact test). WOS was present in GI‐ and I‐type lesions, but not in G‐type lesions.

Conclusions:  WOS may be LD that have been accumulated in the superficial part of the gastric neoplasia of a certain intestinal phenotype.
Electroretinogram responses of the normal thoroughbred horse sedated with detomidine hydrochloride
Authors: Church Melanie L. , Norman Joanna C.
Published: April 2012

Purpose The main objective was to record electroretinogram (ERG) parameters of normal thoroughbred mares using the HMsERG, a mini‐Ganzfeld electroretinographic unit, and a contact lens electrode. The second objective was to determine whether IV detomidine hydrochloride at 0.015 mg/kg is consistently an effective choice for sedation of horses undergoing this ERG protocol.

Methods The study population consisted of 30 normal thoroughbred mares. ERG data were harvested using a protocol that included three different light intensities (10, 3000, and 10 000 mcd s/m2) and a 30‐Hz flicker at 3000 mcd s/m2.

Results Mean, median, standard deviation, and estimated normal ranges using the 5–95% of the data for a‐ and b‐wave implicit times (IT), amplitudes (AMP), and b/a ratios were reported. Scotopic results at low intensity (10 mcd s/m2) had estimated ranges for b‐wave IT of 41.8–72.9 ms and AMP of 19.8–173.3 μV. Middle intensity (3000 mcd s/m2) a‐wave IT was 13.2–14.7 ms with a‐wave AMP of 68.4–144 μV; the b‐wave IT was 28.7–41.5 ms with b‐wave AMP of 105.7–271.5 μV; and the b/a ratio was 0.95–2.71. The high‐intensity (10 000 mcd s/m2) average recordings showed an a‐wave IT of 13–14.9 ms, a‐wave AMP of 85.7–186.8 μV; b‐wave IT of 26.6–45.4 ms, b‐wave AMP of 104.7–250.6 μV; and a b/a wave ratio of 0.7–2.0. The 30‐Hz cone flicker showed an IT of 22.8–28.9 ms and AMP of 44.1–117.1 μV.

Conclusions Results of normal thoroughbred ERG responses are reported. The protocol proved to be simple and safe and provided consistent results.
Five‐Factor Model Personality Measures and Sex‐Based Differential Prediction of Performance
Authors: Berry Christopher M. , Kim Anita , Wang Ying , Thompson Rebecca , Mobley William H.
Published: April 2012

Despite mean differences between sexes, virtually no research has investigated sex‐based differential prediction of personality tests in civilian employment samples. The present study investigated the degree to which personality test scores differentially predicted job performance ratings in two managerial samples. In both samples, participants completed a Five‐Factor Model personality test and the participants' supervisors, peers, and subordinates provided ratings of participants' task and contextual performance. The current study found sex‐based differential prediction in 6.7 per cent of differential prediction analyses in Sample 1, but found no sex‐based differential prediction in Sample 2. Across the two samples sex‐based differential prediction of performance only occurred 3.3 per cent of the time, which is less than would be expected by chance alone, given alpha = .05. Thus, based on the present study and the extant literature to date, no sex‐based differential prediction studies have identified evidence of personality test bias.
Challenge/Skill Balance, Flow, and Performance Anxiety
Authors: Fullagar Clive J. , Knight Patrick A. , Sovern Heather S.
Published: April 2012

The study longitudinally tracked the relationship among challenge/skill balance, flow, and performance anxiety in 27 student musicians over the course of a semester as they worked toward a recital of a piece of music. Using hierarchical linear modeling, the balance between the challenge of a passage of music and the perceived skills necessary to play that music was found to be significantly and consistently correlated with optimal experience. Results of moderated multiple regression indicated that skill level moderated the relationship between challenge, flow, and performance anxiety. Results also indicated that flow and performance anxiety were antithetical experiences, such that when flow was highest, performance anxiety was lowest and vice versa. These findings are discussed in terms of the application of flow theory to understanding performance, and the practical implications for reducing task‐specific anxiety.
Family Process and Peer Deviance Influences on Adolescent Aggression: Longitudinal Effects Across Early and Middle Adolescence
Authors: Benson Mark J. , Buehler Cheryl
Published: April 2012

Beginning in sixth grade at an average age of 11.9 years, 416 adolescents and their parents participated in 4 waves of data collection involving family observations and multiple‐reporter assessments. Ecological theory and the process‐person‐context‐time (PPCT) model guided the hypotheses and analyses. Lagged, growth curve models revealed that family hostility and peer deviance affiliation predicted adolescent aggression in the subsequent year. Family warmth played only a minor role in protecting against adolescent aggression. In hostile or low‐warmth families, peer deviance affiliation linked to a declining aggression trajectory consistent with the arena of comfort hypothesis. The longitudinal findings suggest a nonadditive, synergistic interplay between family and peer contexts across time in adding nuance to understanding the adolescent aggression.
Women on men’s sexual health and sexually transmitted infection testing: a gender relations analysis
Authors: Oliffe John L. , Chabot Cathy , Knight Rod , Davis Wendy , Bungay Vicky , Shoveller Jean A.
Published: April 2012

Sexual health and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing is typically portrayed as a women’s issue amid men’s estrangement from healthcare services. While the underreporting of men’s STIs has been linked to masculinities, little is known about how women interpret and respond to heterosexual men’s sexual health practices. The findings drawn from this qualitative study of 34 young women reveal how femininities can be complicit in sustaining, as well as being critical of and disrupting masculine discourses that affirm sexual pleasure and resistance to health help‐seeking as men’s patriarchal privileges. Our analysis revealed three patterns: looking after the man’s libido refers to women’s emphasised femininity whereby the man’s preference for unprotected sex and reticence to be tested for STIs was accommodated. Negotiating the stronger sex refers to ambivalent femininities, in which participants strategically resist, cooperate and comply with men’s sexual health practices. Rejecting the patriarchal double standard that celebrates men as ‘studs’ and subordinates women as ‘sluts’ for embodying similar sexual practices reflects protest femininities. Overall, the findings reveal that conventional heterosexual gender relations, in which hegemonic masculinity is accommodated by women who align to emphasised femininity, continues to direct many participants’ expectations around men’s sexual health and STI testing.
Catching up Faster by Switching Sooner: A Predictive Approach to Adaptive Estimation with an Application to the AIC–BIC Dilemma
Authors: Van Erven Tim , Grünwald Peter , de Rooij Steven
Published: April 2012

Prediction and estimation based on Bayesian model selection and model averaging, and derived methods such as the Bayesian information criterion BIC, do not always converge at the fastest possible rate. We identify the catch-up phenomenon as a novel explanation for the slow convergence of Bayesian methods, which inspires a modification of the Bayesian predictive distribution, called the switch distribution. When used as an adaptive estimator, the switch distribution does achieve optimal cumulative risk convergence rates in non-parametric density estimation and Gaussian regression problems. We show that the minimax cumulative risk is obtained under very weak conditions and without knowledge of the underlying degree of smoothness. Unlike other adaptive model selection procedures such as the Akaike information criterion AIC and leave-one-out cross-validation, BIC and Bayes factor model selection are typically statistically consistent. We show that this property is retained by the switch distribution, which thus solves the AIC–BIC dilemma for cumulative risk. The switch distribution has an efficient implementation. We compare its performance with AIC, BIC and Bayesian model selection and averaging on a regression problem with simulated data.
Horizontal Liability for Damages in EU Law—the Changing Relationship of EU and National Law
Authors: Havu Katri
Published: April 2012

The article focuses on damages liability between private parties—referred to as horizontal liability—that is based on EU law. Generally, this kind of liability may be based on EU secondary legislation or be derived from substantive EU law and legal principles. The article seeks to analyse the latter: liability in an area of EU law where so‐called procedural autonomy still, at least apparently, prevails. Special attention is paid to the lively interface between EU law and national remedies and to the increasing EU law requirements for the enforcement of EU law in national courts. Recent case‐law on private liability for damages caused by competition infringements is discussed as part of a more general question concerning the ways in which the relationship of EU law and national enforcement frameworks is developing.
Incidence and survival of symptomatic lacunar infarction in a Beijing population: a 6‐year prospective study
Authors: Fang X.‐H. , Wang W.‐H. , Zhang X.‐Q. , Liu H.‐J. , Zhang H.‐M. , Qin X.‐M. , Wang Z.‐C. , Ji X.‐M. , Li L.‐M.
Published: April 2012

Background and purpose:  The incidence of ischaemic stroke has increased or remained high in China; however, little population‐based evidence is available on the incidence and survival of lacunar infarction (LAC). We examined the incidence of LAC in a northern Chinese (Beijing) population and monitored survival.

Methods:  A prospective registry population‐based study was conducted over a 6‐year period in a general, unselected, and representative community in Beijing with approximately 100 000 long‐term permanent residents. All first‐ever stroke cases were registered.

Results:  A total of 1184 patients with ischaemic stroke were identified; 36.9% (437 cases) were classified as LAC. Age‐standardized incidence rates of LAC ranged from 24.0 to 51.3/100 000 with an average rate of 35.3/100 000 during study period. The incidence of LAC increased with age before 70 years. The incidence of non‐LAC increased with age. There were no significant differences in crude incidence of LAC between men and women (78.4/100 000 vs. 75.4/100 000). The incidence of non‐LAC was significantly higher in men than in women (155/100 000 vs. 107/100 000, P < 0.001). The 28‐day case fatality proportions were significantly lower in patients with LAC (0.5%) versus non‐LAC (14.9%). One year after acute stroke onset, the survival rates between LAC and non‐LAC were similar.

Conclusion:  LAC is a common stroke subtype in Northern China. Men or the elderly are more likely to have non‐LAC. Long‐term survival following LAC is similar to non‐LAC patients.
A Review of Antecedents of International Strategic Alliance Performance: Synthesized Evidence and New Directions for Core Constructs
Authors: Christoffersen Jeppe
Published: April 2012

This paper provides a systematic review of 165 empirical studies on the antecedents of performance in international strategic alliances. It provides the most detailed display of definitions, rationales, measures and findings currently available. Hence, this state‐of‐the art literature review creates an accessible pool of knowledge that is highly relevant for future research on international strategic alliances. Further, it draws on this knowledge pool to build a model which highlights the quite different rationales advanced by researchers to explain associations between the antecedents and performance. The model makes the different rationales explicit and will aid researchers in identifying tests that can be performed to examine the links between antecedents and performance as well as the mechanisms through which such associations operate. Finally, the synthesized evidence is used to suggest that researchers should give increased attention to achieving congruence between measures of antecedents and performance.
Differential vasodilatory responses to local heating in facial, glabrous and hairy skin
Authors: Metzler‐Wilson Kristen , Kellie Lesley A. , Tomc Christa , Simpson Chris , Sammons Dawn , Wilson Thad E.
Published: April 2012

Background and aims

Local heating induces biphasic cutaneous vasodilation in non‐glabrous skin of the forearm. However, little data exist in other skin regions, despite the prevalence of facial flushing disorders. We hypothesized that facial skin will have greater initial peak responses to local heating than forearm skin because of neural differences between sites and, furthermore, axon reflex vasodilation will be eliminated in facial sites with sensory blockade.

Methods

Skin blood flow (laser‐Doppler flowmetry) responses of healthy, non‐obese subjects to local heating (32–42°C in ~5 min, held 40 min) in the forehead (n = 22), cheek (n = 22), forearm (n = 22) and palm (n = 13) were expressed as percentage of maximum cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC; flux/mean arterial pressure). In an additional group (n = 7), sensation was blocked (topical prilocaine‐lidocaine) prior to the local heating protocol.

Results

Prior to heating, CVC differences were noted (forearm = 10 ± 3, cheek = 19 ± 3, forehead = 16 ± 1 and palm = 65 ± 11%CVC; P<0·05). Initial peak CVC was similar between forehead, cheek and forearm (85 ± 3, 92 ± 2, and 91 ± 6%CVC, respectively), but elevated in the palm (120 ± 8%CVC; P<0·05). Compared to facial control sites, sensory blockade delayed increases in both cheek and forehead (P<0·05) CVC but did not change magnitude of the biphasic response (P>0·05).

Conclusions

These data indicate that facial skin initial CVC peaks to local heating are similar to non‐glabrous skin. In contrast to forearm responses, facial topical sensory blockade does not abate axon reflex responses to local heating. Palm skin data indicate that maximal skin blood flow is not obtained during local heating as it is in non‐glabrous skin.
Implementing routine outcome measures in child and adolescent mental health services: from present to future practice
Authors: Batty Martin J , Moldavsky Maria , Foroushani Pooria Sarrami , Pass Sarah , Marriott Michael , Sayal Kapil , Hollis Chris
Published: April 2012

Background

Routine outcome measurement (ROM) in CAMHS is supported by U.K. Government policy. However, little is known about how measures are used in practice.

Method

Data describing use of ROM, knowledge and attitudes regarding implementation were collected using a regional case‐note audit, online survey and stakeholder workshop.

Results

While the principle of ROM was supported by stakeholders, baseline and follow‐up outcome measurement occurred in less than a fifth of cases. Barriers to implementation included lack of training and resources, clinicians' perceptions of the limitations of existing measures and lack of regular feedback of outcome data.

Conclusions

Implementation of ROM may be facilitated by session‐by‐session measures with immediate feedback to clinicians and patients.
Climate Change and the Cost of Conserving Species in Madagascar
Authors: BUSCH JONAH , DAVE RADHIKA , HANNAH LEE , CAMERON ALISON , RASOLOHERY ANDRIAMBOLANTSOA , ROEHRDANZ PATRICK , SCHATZ GEORGE
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  We examined the cost of conserving species as climate changes. We used a Maxent species distribution model to predict the ranges from 2000 to 2080 of 74 plant species endemic to the forests of Madagascar under 3 climate scenarios. We set a conservation target of achieving 10,000 ha of forest cover for each species and calculated the cost of achieving this target under each scenario. We interviewed managers of projects to restore native forests and conducted a literature review to obtain the net present cost per hectare of management actions to maintain or establish forest cover. For each species, we added hectares of land from lowest to highest cost per additional year of forest cover until the conservation target was achieved throughout the time period. Climate change was predicted to reduce the size of species’ ranges, the overlap between species’ ranges and existing or planned protected areas, and the overlap between species’ ranges and existing forest. As a result, climate change increased the cost of achieving the conservation target by necessitating successively more costly management actions: additional management within existing protected areas (US$0–60/ha); avoidance of forest degradation (i.e., loss of biomass) in community‐managed areas ($160–576/ha); avoidance of deforestation in unprotected areas ($252–1069/ha); and establishment of forest on nonforested land within protected areas ($802–2710/ha), in community‐managed areas ($962–3226/ha), and in unprotected areas ($1054–3719/ha). Our results suggest that although forest restoration may be required for the conservation of some species as climate changes, it is more cost‐effective to maintain existing forest wherever possible.
Indicators as a Technology of Global Governance
Authors: Davis Kevin E. , Kingsbury Benedict , Merry Sally Engle
Published: April 2012

The use of indicators is a prominent feature of contemporary global governance. Indicators are used to compare and rank states for purposes as varied as deciding how to allocate foreign aid or investment and determining whether states have complied with their treaty obligations. This article defines the concept of an indicator, analyzes distinctive features of indicators as technologies of governance, and identifies various ways in which the use of indicators has the potential to alter the topology and dynamics of global governance. Particular attention is paid to how indicators can affect processes of standard setting, decisionmaking, and contestation in global governance. The World Bank Doing Business indicators and the United Nations Human Development Index are analyzed as case studies.
Improved Electrogram Attenuation during Ablation of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation with the Hansen Robotic System
Authors: DUNCAN EDWARD R. , FINLAY MALCOLM , PAGE STEPHEN P. , HUNTER ROSS , GOROMONZI FARAI , RICHMOND LAURA , BAKER VICTORIA , GINKS MATTHEW , EZZAT VIVIENNE , DHINOJA MEHUL , EARLEY MARK J. , SPORTON SIMON , SCHILLING RICHARD J.
Published: April 2012

Background:

Robotic catheter ablation aims to improve outcomes after ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) through improved lesion quality. This study examined electrogram attenuation as a measure of efficacy in response to robotic (ROB) and manual (MAN) ablation.

Methods:

Patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing ablation as part of an ongoing randomized controlled trial were studied (Clinical Trials Registration NCT01037296). Patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation using NavX (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA). Patients were randomized to MAN or ROB catheter ablation using a 3.5‐mm irrigated‐tip catheter with standardized ablation settings. Bipolar electrogram voltage was measured at 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 seconds after ablation onset. Distance from ablation lesion to the left atrial surface on NavX were calculated.

Results:

Similar ablation energy was delivered in ROB and MAN groups, achieving comparable rates of PV isolation (100% vs 98%). The bipolar voltages of 4,434 electrograms from 303 ablation lesions (146 ROB, 157 MAN) were measured. At 30 seconds, signal attenuation was greater in the ROB group than MAN (mean 65 ± 4% vs 55 ± 4% of baseline voltage, P < 0.01). A total of 2,064 NavX ablation lesions were assessed (906 ROB and 1,158 MAN). ROB lesions were on average 0.52 mm further inside the geometry than MAN (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Robotic ablation results in greater signal attenuation in man. This is achieved despite manual lesions being closer to the left atrial surface. Catheter stability and constant energy delivery may be key to achieving signal attenuation, rather than increased contact force. (PACE 2012; 35:730–738)
Electrical Storm in Short‐QT Syndrome Successfully Treated with Isoproterenol
Authors: BUN SOK‐SITHIKUN , MAURY PHILIPPE , GIUSTETTO CARLA , DEHARO JEAN‐CLAUDE
Published: April 2012

Short‐QT Syndrome. A 28‐year‐old man was admitted after aborted sudden cardiac death while sleeping. QTc was 320 ms, suggesting short‐QT syndrome (SQTS). The patient then presented with electrical storm with 8 successive episodes of ventricular fibrillation while on deep sedation and hypothermia. Isoproterenol infusion was introduced, leading to rapid cessation of any arrhythmic event. Isoproterenol can be effective in managing electrical storm in patients with SQTS. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 1028‐1030, September 2012)
Value of Conventional and Tissue Doppler Echocardiography in the Noninvasive Measurement of Right Atrial Pressure
Authors: Said Karim , Shehata Ahmed , Ashour Zainab , El‐Tobgi Sherif
Published: April 2012

Background: Evaluation of right atrial pressure (RAP) provides useful diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic information. Aim: To assess the utility of several conventional and tissue Doppler parameters in the estimation of RAP. Methods: Among 50 consecutive patients (median age: 50 years; all in sinus rhythm), invasively measured RAP was simultaneously correlated with pulsed Doppler of tricuspid inflow (peak E and A velocities, E‐wave deceleration time) and pulsed tissue Doppler of lateral tricuspid annulus (peak E’ and A’ velocities, isovolumic relaxation time [IVRT], acceleration time and rate of E’‐wave, deceleration time and rate of E’‐wave). These ratios were calculated: E/A, E’/A’, E/E’, and E/IVRT. Results: The median RAP was 14 mmHg (range 1–27 mmHg) with 29 patients (58%) having an elevated RAP (>10 mmHg). Among all studied Doppler variables, E/E’ ratio showed the strongest correlation with RAP (r = 0.84, P < 0.001) with the following regression equations: RAP = 1.24 + (1.69 × E/E’). The mean difference between Doppler and invasively measured RAP was 0.21 ± 2.6 mmHg. E/ E’ ratio ≥ 4.5 provides 89% sensitivity and 100% specificity for detection of elevated RAP (receiver operating characteristic area 0.95; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Of all echocardiographic variables investigated, tricuspid annular E/E’ ratio is identified as the best index for noninvasive determination of RAP.
Engaged acclimatization: Towards responsible community‐based participatory research in Nunavut
Authors: Grimwood Bryan S. R. , Doubleday Nancy C. , Ljubicic Gita J. , Donaldson Shawn G. , Blangy Sylvie
Published: April 2012

In this article, we consider the formation of responsible research relationships with Inuit communities from an “outsider” researcher perspective. Cautious not to prescribe what counts as responsible, we draw on research experiences in several Nunavut communities to introduce and explain “engaged acclimatization.” This neologism refers to embodied and relational methodological processes for fostering responsible research partnerships, and is inspired by the significance of preliminary fieldwork in orienting the lead author's doctoral thesis. As a complement to community‐based participatory methodologies, engaged acclimatization facilitates endogenous research by enacting ethics as a lived experience, initiating and nurturing relationships as a central component of research, and centring methods on circumstances within participating communities. After we locate engaged acclimatization within resonant literature and details of interrelated research projects, our article sketches out four aspects of engaged acclimatization: crafting relations, learning, immersion, and activism. In our discussion of each, we integrate specific insights derived from field notes, observations, photographs, critical reflections, and literature that have brought us to this understanding. The four aspects provide conceptual and methodological tools for readers to apply in the contexts of their own research programs or in guidelines for establishing partnerships with Inuit or Aboriginal communities. The value of this article lies in the extent to which it encourages readers to situate engaged acclimatization in their own research and further develop it as a process.
Punishment Policy in the American States from 1890 to 2008: Convergence, Divergence, Synchronous Change, and Feed‐Forward Effects
Authors: Schneider Anne L.
Published: April 2012

This analysis of the patterns of change in the use of incarceration by the American states from 1890 through 2008 focuses on multiple themes particularly relevant to an understanding of policy arenas in which the social constructions of target populations play an important role. Specifically, the study examines whether the states have adopted more similar incarceration levels over time (converged), whether they tend to change in the same direction at the same time (synchronous change), and whether they tend to stay in the same relative positions vis‐à‐vis one another, such that the historical policy position has long‐term implications for later policy positions (“feed‐forward” effects).

The results indicate that, in spite of a century of social, political, and economic integration, the policy positions of the states have not exhibited a sustained convergence toward a common level of incarceration, but have undergone cycles, with some periods of convergence followed by periods of divergence. Change has generally been synchronous—as states tend to move in the same direction at the same time as if propelled by national forces even though incarceration levels are determined by state and local policy and the use of discretion by criminal justice officials. The results also indicate a profound “feed‐forward” effect in that the position of the states vis‐à‐vis one another historically has substantial predictive power for their position in subsequent years.
Longitudinal study of the uterine body and cavity with three‐dimensional ultrasonography in the puerperium
Authors: BELACHEW JOHANNA , AXELSSON OVE , MULIC‐LUTVICA AJLANA , EURENIUS KARIN
Published: April 2012

Objective. To describe uterine involution in the puerperium with three‐dimensional ultrasound. Design. Prospective, longitudinal study. Setting. Fetal medicine unit, department of obstetrics and gynecology, university referral hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. Population. Fifty women with uncomplicated deliveries and puerperium between February 2009 and February 2010. Methods. Three‐dimensional ultrasound was used to measure the uterine body and cavity volumes. The volume data set was analysed using virtual organ computer‐aided analysis (VOCAL) with a 30 degree rotation step. Measurements were performed transabdominally on days 1, 7 and 14 and transvaginally on days 28 and 56 postpartum. Parity, gestational age, birthweight, smoking, breastfeeding and blood loss were recorded. Main outcome measures. Uterine body and cavity volumes. Results. Median uterine body volume was 756 cm3 on day 1, 440 cm3 on day 7, 253 cm3 on day 14, 125 cm3 on day 28 and 68 cm3 on day 56. Median cavity volume was 22 cm3 on day 1, 18 cm3 on day 7, 6 cm3 on day 14, 1 cm3 on day 28 and not measurable on day 56. The interindividual variation of uterine body and cavity volumes was most pronounced on day 1 and decreased throughout the observation period. Intrauterine content was found in 36% of the women on day 1, 95% on day 7, 87% on day 14 and 28% on day 28. Conclusions. Three‐dimensional ultrasound is a non‐invasive tool suitable for measurement of the uterine body and cavity volumes during the puerperium. The volumes decreased in a similar pattern in the study population.
A clinical‐pathological review of hidradenitis suppurativa: using immunohistochemistry one disease becomes two
Authors: FISMEN SILJE , INGVARSSON GISLI , MOSENG DAGFINN , NATHALIE DUFOUR DEIRDRE , JØRGENSEN LEIF
Published: April 2012

Fismen S, Ingvarsson G, Moseng D, Dufour ND, Jørgensen L. A clinical‐pathological review of hidradenitis suppurativa: Using immunohistochemistry one disease becomes two. APMIS 2012; 120: 433–40.

We report the results of a re‐examination of a series of 57 biopsies from 50 patients with the clinical diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa, submitted to the Department of Pathology at the University Hospital of Northern Norway, Tromsø, Norway. The biopsy material came from hospitals and physicians all over northern Norway in the years 2000–2007. All tissue material was resectioned and stained with the immunohistochemical reagent, cytokeratin (AE1/AE3/PKC26), and that made it possible to divide the material into two different disease categories: (1) 36 biopsies from 30 cases had tissue inflammation after rupture of keratin‐rich epidermal cysts, which we call ‘horny cell inflammation’, followed by extensive cutaneous thrombi and infarcts, and (2) 21 biopsies from 20 cases had ‘apocrinitis’ defined here as an inflammatory destruction of apocrine skin glands, and partly of close eccrine glands. The two disease populations differed: the patients with a diagnosis of horny cell inflammation were younger and mainly women; those with a diagnosis of apocrinitis, as defined here, were older, men and women equally represented.
Chronic wounds – is cellular ‘reception’ at fault? Examining integrins and intracellular signalling
Authors: Widgerow Alan D
Published: April 2012

As with all physiologic processes, chronic wounds are associated with unique intracellular and cellular/extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor types and signalling messages. These cellular receptors mediate responses of the epidermis to provisional wound matrix and change in form and number in cases of impaired wound healing. Integrins are the major cell‐surface receptors for cell adhesion and migration and epidermal keratinocytes express several integrins that bind ECM ligands in provisional wound ECM. Integrin receptors and more particularly integrin clusters and focal adhesion points appear to influence epidermal and dermal cell matrix interactions, cell motility, cell phenotype and ultimate healing trajectory. In chronic wounds, a variety of changes in receptors have been identified: decreased integrinα5β1 receptors affect the integration of fibronectin and subsequent keratinocyte migration; integrinαvβ6 stimulate transforming growth factor (TGF)‐βand may increase the susceptibility to ulceration and fibrosis; however, TGF‐βsignal receptors have been found to be dysfunctional in many chronic wounds; additionally receptor interactions result in increased senescent cells including fibroblasts, myofibroblasts and even keratinocytes – this produces a degradative ECM and wound bed and corrosive chronic wound fluid. The activation or inhibition of integrin receptors by various agents may provide an excellent means of influencing wound healing. This process offers an earlier intervention into the wound healing cascade promoting intrinsic healing and elaboration of growth factors and ECM proteins, which may be more cost effective than the traditional attempts at extrinsic addition of these agents.
Improved collision strengths and line ratios for forbidden [O iii] far-infrared and optical lines
Authors: Palay Ethan , Nahar Sultana N. , Pradhan Anil K. , Eissner Werner
Published: April 2012

Far-infrared and optical [O iii] lines are useful temperature–density diagnostics of nebular as well as dust obscured astrophysical sources. Fine-structure transitions among the ground state levels 1 s22 s22 p33 P 0,1,2 give rise to the 52- and 88-m lines, whereas transitions among the 3 P 0,1,2, 1 D 2, 1 S 0 levels yield the well-known optical lines λλ4363, 4959 and 5007 Å. These lines are excited primarily by electron impact excitation. However, despite their importance in nebular diagnostics collision strengths for the associated fine-structure transitions have not been computed taking full account of relativistic effects. We present Breit–Pauli R-matrix calculations for the collision strengths with highly resolved resonance structures. We find significant differences of up to 20 per cent in the Maxwellian averaged rate coefficients from previous works. We also tabulate these to lower temperatures down to 100 K to enable determination of physical conditions in cold dusty environments such photodissociation regions and ultraluminous infrared galaxies observed with the Herschel Space Observatory. We also examine the effect of improved collision strengths on temperature- and density-sensitive line ratios.
Physical Activity Energy Expenditure in Dutch Adolescents: Contribution of Active Transport to School, Physical Education, and Leisure Time Activities
Authors: Slingerland Menno , Borghouts Lars B. , Hesselink Matthijs K. C.
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Detailed knowledge about physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) can guide the development of school interventions aimed at reducing overweight in adolescents. However, relevant components of PAEE have never been objectively quantified in this population. This study investigated the contribution of active transport to and from school, physical education (PE), and leisure time activities to total PAEE during a regular school week in adolescents.

METHODS: Seventy‐three adolescents (mean age: 15.7 years) wore an individually calibrated combined heart rate‐acceleration monitor and kept an activity diary during a regular school week. Branched equation modeling was used to calculate PAEE of the specific activity categories, and their relative contribution to total PAEE was determined.

RESULTS: Active transport and PE contributed 30.0% and 17.4%, respectively, to school‐related PAEE. Active transport to and from school contributed 15% to total PAEE. Youth with a high physical activity level (PAL) spent 4 hours less in sedentary behavior than subjects with a medium or low PAL (F = 77.415 (2.70), p < .001) and had higher PAEE during leisure time sports (F = 9.135 (2.70), p < .001) and work‐related activities (F = 10.583 (2.70), p < .001) than youth with medium or low PAL values.

CONCLUSIONS: Active transport and PE contribute significantly to PAEE during school hours in adolescents. To achieve an increase in total PAEE in the least active group of adolescents, promising strategies might be to reduce inactive behavior, increase participation in leisure time sports, and possibly to replace inactive for active jobs.
Falls after Stroke
Authors: Batchelor Frances A. , Mackintosh Shylie F. , Said Catherine M. , Hill Keith D.
Published: April 2012

Falls are common at all stages after stroke, occurring in the acute, rehabilitative, and chronic phases. Consequences of falls include death or serious injury, minor injuries, functional limitations, reduced mobility and activity, and fear of falling. These consequences can have implications for independence and quality of life after stroke. The high frequency of falls may be due to a combination of existing falls risk factors prior to the stroke as well as impairments from the stroke, such as decreased strength and balance, hemineglect, perceptual problems, and visual problems. This paper reviews the magnitude of the problem of falls in people with stroke, highlights risk factors, and summarizes the limited randomized controlled trial evidence on falls prevention in this population. There is a need for further high quality research investigating the effectiveness of interventions to reduce falls and injury in people with stroke from onset through to the chronic stage.
Geriatric nursing assessment and intervention in an emergency department: a pilot study
Authors: Rosted Elizabeth , Wagner Lis , Hendriksen Carsten , Poulsen Ingrid
Published: April 2012

rosted e., wagner l., hendriksen c. & poulsen i. (2012) Geriatric nursing assessment and intervention in an emergency department: a pilot study. International Journal of Older People Nursing7, 141–151  doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2012.00323.x

Aim.  To describe and test a model for structured nursing assessment and intervention to older people discharged from emergency department (ED).

Background.  Older people recently discharged from hospital are at high risk of readmission. This risk may increase when they are discharged straight home from an ED as time pressure requires staff to focus on the presenting problem although many have complex, unresolved, care needs.

Method.  A prospective descriptive pilot study was conducted. Older people aged 70 and over and at risk of adverse health and functional outcome were included. Intervention: At discharge, and at 1 and 6 months follow‐up, a brief standardised nursing assessment (ISAR 2) developed by McCusker et al. was carried out. The focus was on unresolved problems that required medical or nursing intervention, new or different home care services or comprehensive geriatric assessment. After assessment, the nurse made relevant referrals to the geriatric outpatient clinic, community health centre, general practitioner or made arrangements with next of kin.

Results.  One hundred and fifty people participated, mean age was 81.7. At discharge, they had a mean of 1.9 unresolved problems, after 1 month 0.8, and after 6 months 0.4. Older people receiving home care services increased from 79% at discharge to 89% at 1 month and 90% at 6 months follow‐up.

Conclusion.  ISAR 2 works well in a Danish ED setting and intercepts older peoples’ problems. It seems that unresolved problems decrease when a nurse assesses and intervenes at discharge from ED, and at follow‐up. However, a randomised controlled test should be carried out to confirm this.

Implications for practice.  Nursing assessment and intervention should be implemented in the ED to reduce older peoples’ unrevealed problems.