bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predator decline leads to decreased stability in a coastal fish community
Authors: Britten Gregory L. , Dowd Michael , Minto Cóilín , Ferretti Francesco , Boero Ferdinando , Lotze Heike K.
Published: September 2014

Fisheries exploitation has caused widespread declines in marine predators. Theory predicts that predator depletion will destabilise lower trophic levels, making natural communities more vulnerable to environmental perturbations. However, empirical evidence has been limited. Using a community matrix model, we empirically assessed trends in the stability of a multispecies coastal fish community over the course of predator depletion. Three indices of community stability (resistance, resilience and reactivity) revealed significantly decreasing stability concurrent with declining predator abundance. The trophically downgraded community exhibited weaker top‐down control, leading to predator‐release processes in lower trophic levels and increased susceptibility to perturbation. At the community level, our results suggest that high predator abundance acts as a stabilising force to the naturally stochastic and highly autocorrelated dynamics in low trophic species. These findings have important implications for the conservation and management of predators in marine ecosystems and provide empirical support for the theory of predatory control.
Characterization of horizontally transferred β‐fructofuranosidase (ScrB) genes in Agrilus planipennis
Authors: Zhao C. , Doucet D. , Mittapalli O.
Published: September 2014

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an important invasive insect pest of Fraxinus spp. that feeds on host tissues containing high levels of sucrose. However, little is known about how it digests sucrose. Here, using larval midgut transcriptome data and preliminary genome sequence efforts, two β‐fructofuranosidase‐encoding ScrB genes, AplaScrB‐1 and AplaScrB‐2, were identified, and proved to reside within the A. planipennis genome. Homology and phylogenetic analysis revealed that they were acquired by A. planipennis via horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from bacteria, possibly an event independent from that reported in bark beetles (eg ScrB genes). Microsynteny between A. planipennis DNA scaffold #2042940, which hosts AplaScrB‐1, and a region in the Tribolium castaneum chromosome LG4 suggested that A. planipennis gained this gene after the separation of Buprestidae and Tenebrionidae. Although both of the putative AplaScrB proteins have conserved β‐fructofuranosidase motifs, only AplaScrB‐2 was predicted to be a secretory protein. Expression of AplaScrB‐1 seemed constitutive during development and in all tissues examined, whereas AplaScrB‐2 showed a peak expression in adults and in the midgut. We propose that acquisition of these genes by A. planipennis from bacteria is adaptive, and specifically AplaScrB‐2 is involved in breaking down dietary sucrose to obtain energy for development.
Vγ2Vδ2 T‐cell co‐stimulation increases natural killer cell killing of monocyte‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Cairo Cristiana , Surendran Naveen , Harris Kristina M. , Mazan‐Mamczarz Krystyna , Sakoda Yukimi , Diaz‐Mendez Felisa , Tamada Koji , Gartenhaus Ronald B. , Mann Dean L. , Pauza C. David
Published: September 2014

Interactions between natural killer (NK) cells and dendritic cells (DC) affect maturation and function of both cell populations, including NK cell killing of DC (editing), which is important for controlling the quality of immune responses. We also know that antigen‐stimulated Vγ2Vδ2 T cells co‐stimulate NK cells via 4‐1BB to enhance the killing of tumour cell lines but we do not know what regulates 4‐1BB expression or whether other NK effector functions including DC killing, might also be influenced by NK–γδ T‐cell cross‐talk. Here we show that antigen‐stimulated γδ T cells co‐stimulate NK cells through inducible T‐cell co‐stimulator (ICOS)– ICOS ligand (ICOSL) and this signal increases NK cell killing of autologous DC. Effects of NK–γδ T‐cell co‐culture, which could be reproduced with soluble ICOS‐Fc fusion protein, included increased CD69 and 4‐1BB expression, interferon‐γ, tumour necrosis factor‐α, macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β, I‐309, RANTES and sFas ligand production, as well as elevated mRNA levels for co‐stimulatory receptors OX40 (TNFRSF4) and GITR (TNFRSF18). Hence, ICOS–ICOSL co‐stimulation of NK by Vγ2Vδ2 T cells had broad effects on NK phenotype and effector functions. The NK–γδ T‐cell cross‐talk links innate and antigen‐specific lymphocyte responses in the control of cytotoxic effector function and DC killing.
Economic Policy Uncertainty and Exchange Rate Volatility
Authors: Krol Robert
Published: September 2014

This paper investigates the impact of general economic and economic policy uncertainty on exchange rate volatility for ten industrial and emerging economies since 1990. The results in this paper suggest that home and US economic policy uncertainty directly increase exchange rate volatility for some of the currencies examined. For the more integrated industrial economies, there is strong evidence that both home‐country and US economic policy uncertainty increase currency volatility during bad economic times. For the less integrated emerging economies, only home‐country economic policy uncertainty increases exchange rate volatility during bad economic times. General economic uncertainty also increases exchange rate volatility, but its impact is generally smaller than that of economic policy uncertainty. Given that previous research has found a negative relationship between exchange rate volatility and economic activity, these results suggest that economic policy uncertainty can negatively affect economic performance.
Bank Bonds: Size, Systemic Relevance and the Sovereign
Authors: Zaghini Andrea
Published: September 2014

I analyse the risk premium on bank bonds at origination with special focus on the role of implicit and explicit public guarantees and the systemic relevance of issuing institutions. Looking at the asset swap spread on 5,500 bonds, I find that explicit guarantees and sovereign creditworthiness have a substantial effect on the risk premium. In addition, while large institutions still enjoy lower issuance costs linked to the too‐big‐to‐fail (TBTF) framework, I find evidence of enhanced market discipline for systemically important banks, which have faced an increased premium on bond placements since the onset of the financial crisis.
Prevalence of traumatic dental injuries and its association with binge drinking among 12‐year‐olds: a population‐based study
Authors: Paiva Paula C. P. , Paiva Haroldo N. , Oliveira Filho Paulo M. , Lamounier Joel A. , Ferreira Raquel C. , Ferreira Efigênia F. , Zarzar Patrícia M.
Published: September 2014

Objective

To determine the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries and its association with binge drinking among 12‐year‐old schoolchildren.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out involving 588 students from a medium‐sized city in Brazil. Data were collected through a clinical examination and self‐administered questionnaires. Andreasen's classification was used for the determination of traumatic dental injuries. The consumption of alcoholic beverages and binge drinking were evaluated using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test – Consumption. Socio‐economic status, overjet, and inadequate lip seal were also analysed. Associations were tested using the multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence rates of traumatic dental injuries, alcohol consumption in one's lifetime, and binge drinking were 29.9%, 45.6%, and 23.1%, respectively. The prevalence of traumatic dental injuries was significantly higher among those who engaged in binge drinking (PR = 1.410; 95% CI: 1.133–1.754) and even higher among those with inadequate lip protection and accentuated overjet (PR = 3.288; 95% CI: 2.391–4.522 and PR = 1.838; 95% CI: 1.470–2.298, respectively).

Conclusions

A higher prevalence rate of traumatic dental injuries was found among 12‐year‐olds who engaged in binge drinking. The high rate of alcohol intake among adolescents is worrisome considering the vulnerability of this population due to the intense transformations that occur in the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Correlation Between Histopathologic, Arthroscopic, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Dogs With Medial Coronoid Disease
Authors: Wavreille Vincent , Fitzpatrick Noel , Drost Wm Tod , Russell Duncan , Allen Matthew J.
Published: September 2014

Objective

To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), arthroscopic, and histopathologic changes in dogs with medial coronoid disease and to identify potential relationships between these findings.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Sample Population

Twenty‐five diseased medial coronoid processes (MCP) were collected from 19 dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of medial coronoid disease that were surgically treated by subtotal coronoid ostectomy. A reference group of normal MCP was collected from 9 dogs euthanatized for reasons unrelated to elbow disease.

Methods

MCP specimens were evaluated by MRI using a novel grading scheme (all dogs), arthroscopy using a modified Outerbridge scheme (affected dogs only) and histopathology (all dogs).

Results

The common histopathologic findings were subchondral microfractures, subchondral microfractures continuous with cartilaginous fissures, moderate to severe hypercellularity of the marrow space, trabecular bone necrosis, and articular cartilage degeneration. The severity of cartilage disease in the MCP was moderate to severe in most specimens, even in cases with minimal arthroscopic pathology. Three distinct patterns of bone marrow lesion (BML) were identified adjacent to the MCP, but there was no correlation between BML pattern and either histopathologic or arthroscopic findings. There was moderate correlation between modified Outerbridge scores and MRI scores. No correlation was identified between the histopathologic changes and either MRI or arthroscopic scores.

Conclusion

There was no significant correlation between the clinical scores and histopathologic changes. Ongoing improvements in the resolution of noninvasive imaging techniques will likely improve description and understanding of the MCP disease in dogs.
Large Intra‐Abdominal Abscess Treatment by Marsupialization in 2 Alpacas
Authors: Rodvold Rebecca , Mendez‐Angulo Jose L. , Firshman Anna M. , Malone Erin , Nicholson Anne
Published: September 2014

Objectives

To report the clinical signs, diagnostic findings, surgical treatment, postoperative complications, and long‐term outcome in 2 adult alpacas with large intra‐abdominal abscesses treated by marsupialization of the abscess to the ventral body wall.

Study Design

Clinical report.

Animals

Alpacas (n = 2).

Methods

Two alpacas each presented with decreased appetite, lethargy, poor body condition, and marked abdominal distension. A complete physical examination, abdominal radiography, and ultrasonography confirmed the presence of large intra‐abdominal abscesses. Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus was cultured from the abscess fluid of alpaca 1, and a Gram‐negative bacillus from alpaca 2.

Results

Both alpacas had exploratory celiotomy with marsupialization of the abdominal abscess to the ventral body wall. Postoperatively, alpacas were administered systemic antibiotics and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, and the abscesses were lavaged for several days. Alpaca 2 required a second surgical procedure. The abscesses ultimately resolved in both alpacas, with body wall hernia formation as the only major complication. Both alpacas had good long‐term outcomes.

Conclusion

Marsupialization to the ventral abdominal wall with concurrent antibiotic treatment should be considered as a treatment option for alpacas with large intra‐abdominal abscesses in which complete surgical resection of the abscess is not possible. An abdominal wall hernia can result from this procedure, and clients should be informed of this potential complication before surgery.
Effect of One‐Lung Ventilation With or Without Low‐Pressure Carbon Dioxide Insufflation on Cardiorespiratory Variables in Cats Undergoing Thoracoscopy
Authors: Mayhew Philipp D. , Pascoe Peter J. , Shilo‐Benjamini Yael , Kass Philip H. , Johnson Lynelle R.
Published: September 2014

Objectives

To document a technique for one‐lung ventilation (OLV) in cats and evaluate the effect of low‐pressure carbon dioxide insufflation and OLV (OLV–CDI) on cardiorespiratory variables in cats.

Study design

Prospective randomized study.

Animals

Cats (n = 6).

Methods

General anesthesia was induced using a standardized anesthetic protocol. A thermodilution catheter was placed into the pulmonary artery using fluoroscopic guidance. Two 6 mm thoracoscopic cannulae were placed at a subxiphoid and intercostal location, respectively, to allow direct observation of all lung lobes. OLV was induced using an endobronchial blocker, which was placed into the right and left main stem bronchi in randomized order using bronchoscopic guidance. Cardiorespiratory variables were measured at 5 and 30 minutes after induction of OLV and subsequently at 5 and 30 minutes after initiation of OLV–CDI at intra‐thoracic pressures of 3 mmHg.

Results

Left‐sided OLV was successful in 5 cats, right‐sided OLV was successful in 2 cats, and neither was successful in 1 cat. No significant effects on hemodynamic variables or oxygen delivery were observed after right or left‐sided OLV alone. Hemodynamic variables were also well‐preserved after OLV–CDI; however, oxygen delivery was significantly lower after left OLV–CDI compared with right OLV–CDI, and in 2 cats, severe desaturation occurred after L‐OLV–CDI before the 30 minute time point.

Conclusions

OLV can be used in cats for thoracoscopic interventions. Although right OLV–CDI was tolerated better than left OLV–CDI, the technique requires further investigation before it can be recommended for widespread clinical use.
The role of the antisperm antibodies in male infertility assessment after microsurgical varicocelectomy
Authors: Bozhedomov V. A. , Lipatova N. A. , Alexeev R. A. , Alexandrova L. M. , Nikolaeva M. A. , Sukhikh G. T.
Published: September 2014

Antisperm antibodies (ASA) are a cause of male infertility. ASA are often found in varicocele patients. The study objective was to assess the ASA role in fertility recovery after varicocelectomy. The longitudinal study involved 99 patients with varicocele. Patients were examined according to the WHO recommendations; ASA level was measured using the direct method of Sperm MAR test: 66 patients were ASA‐negative, 33 had MAR‐IgG ≥ 10%. All patients underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy. Student's t‐test, Wilcoxon test, Chi‐squared test and signed rank test were used for data analysis. The retrospective analysis of all operated patients data showed that the patients without spermiogram improvement after varicocelectomy had higher ASA levels. 3 months after the surgery, the initially ASA‐negative varicocele patients demonstrated 2.5 times increase in number of progressive motile spermatozoa in the ejaculate (p < 0.001), accompanied by 6% decrease in abnormal sperm count (p < 0.05); the spermiogram parameters improved in 77% of cases (p < 0.01). After the surgery, ASA developed in 16% of cases (Max ‐ MAR‐IgG = 12%). The patients who were initially ASA‐positive demonstrated ASA decrease only in half of the cases (16 of 33; p > 0.05). The main outcome in this group was a favourable response to the surgery (ASA level decrease) vs. no reduction in autoimmune process. The improvement in the ASA‐positive group was demonstrated in the patients with higher varicocele grade (median – 2 vs. 1; p < 0.05) and lower ASA level (MAR‐IgG = 48% vs. 92%; p < 0.01). The pregnancy rate within a year after surgery was 2.8 times more frequent in couples with ASA‐negative men: 39% (25 of 65) in the ASA‐negative group compared to 14% (4 of 28) in the ASA‐positive group (p < 0.05). Thus, antisperm immune response decreases the varicocelectomy efficacy for reproductive function recovery: the higher percentage of ASA and lower grade of varicocele are associated with an unfavourable prognosis.
A systematic review of systematic reviews on interventions for caregivers of people with chronic conditions
Authors: Corry Margarita , While Alison , Neenan Kathleen , Smith Valerie
Published: September 2014

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to support caregivers of people with selected chronic conditions.

Background

Informal caregivers provide millions of care hours each week contributing to significant healthcare savings. Despite much research evaluating a range of interventions for caregivers, their impact remains unclear.

Design

A systematic review of systematic reviews of interventions to support caregivers of people with selected chronic conditions.

Data sources

The electronic databases of PubMed, CINAHL, British Nursing Index, PsycINFO, Social Science Index (January 1990–May 2014) and The Cochrane Library (Issue 6, June 2014), were searched using Medical Subject Heading and index term combinations of the keywords caregiver, systematic review, intervention and named chronic conditions.

Review methods

Papers were included if they reported a systematic review of interventions for caregivers of people with chronic conditions. The methodological quality of the included reviews was independently assessed by two reviewers using R‐AMSTAR. Data were independently extracted by two reviewers using a pre‐designed data extraction form. Narrative synthesis of review findings was used to present the results.

Results

Eight systematic reviews were included. There was evidence that education and support programme interventions improved caregiver quality of life. Information‐giving interventions improved caregiver knowledge for stroke caregivers.

Conclusion

Education, support and information‐giving interventions warrant further investigation across caregiver groups. A large‐scale funded programme for caregiver research is required to ensure that studies are of high quality to inform service development across settings.
Trade‐off of ovarian lipids and total body lipids for fecundity and starvation resistance in tropical populations of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kalra B. , Parkash R.
Published: September 2014

In Drosophila melanogaster, clines of starvation resistance along a latitudinal gradient (south to north) have been reported in India, which matched with their cline for total body lipids (TL). Nevertheless, producing too many reserves is likely to be costly and a trade‐off might exist with life‐history traits. Previous studies on starvation resistance and life‐history traits of D. melanogaster have mainly focused on quantification of total body lipids, instead of separating ovarian lipids from total body lipids. In the present study, we have quantified absolute ovarian lipids (OL) versus absolute body lipids excluding ovarian lipids (BL) and examined associations with fecundity as well as starvation resistance in two latitudinal populations (8.34 vs. 32.43°N) of D. melanogaster. Firstly, we observed a trade‐off between BL and OL that matched the trade‐off of starvation resistance, longevity versus fecundity and development time in latitudinal populations of D. melanogaster. Southern populations had higher starvation resistance, more BL and lesser OL, whereas northern populations had enhanced fecundity, OL and lesser BL. Secondly, within population, starvation resistance also correlated with BL, and fecundity with OL. However, there was no correlation between starvation resistance and OL. Moreover, there was utilization of BL and nonutilization of OL under starvation stress. Therefore, resources invested for fecundity in the form of OL were independent of evolved starvation resistance in D. melanogaster. Our results suggest that a common pool of energy storage compounds (lipids) are allocated differentially between fecundity and starvation resistance and are consistent with Y‐model of resource allocation.
Cross‐Border Merger & Acquisition Activity and Revealed Comparative Advantage in Manufacturing Industries
Authors: Brakman Steven , Garretsen Harry , Van Marrewijk Charles , Van Witteloostuijn Arjen
Published: September 2014

We estimate an important implication of oligopolistic international trade modeling for the predicted pattern of cross‐border mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Our core argument is that cross‐border M&As are, among other factors, driven by cross‐country differences in comparative advantage. We find strong evidence that acquiring firms operate in industries with a comparative advantage. We also report (less pronounced) evidence that this holds for target firms as well. We therefore add another explanation, rooted in international economics, to the industrial organization literature on M&As that emphasizes efficiency and strategic motives.
Pipeline for illumination correction of images for high‐throughput microscopy
Authors: SINGH S. , BRAY M.‐A. , JONES T.R. , CARPENTER A.E.
Published: September 2014

The presence of systematic noise in images in high‐throughput microscopy experiments can significantly impact the accuracy of downstream results. Among the most common sources of systematic noise is non‐homogeneous illumination across the image field. This often adds an unacceptable level of noise, obscures true quantitative differences and precludes biological experiments that rely on accurate fluorescence intensity measurements.

In this paper, we seek to quantify the improvement in the quality of high‐content screen readouts due to software‐based illumination correction. We present a straightforward illumination correction pipeline that has been used by our group across many experiments. We test the pipeline on real‐world high‐throughput image sets and evaluate the performance of the pipeline at two levels: (a) Z′‐factor to evaluate the effect of the image correction on a univariate readout, representative of a typical high‐content screen, and (b) classification accuracy on phenotypic signatures derived from the images, representative of an experiment involving more complex data mining. We find that applying the proposed post‐hoc correction method improves performance in both experiments, even when illumination correction has already been applied using software associated with the instrument.

To facilitate the ready application and future development of illumination correction methods, we have made our complete test data sets as well as open‐source image analysis pipelines publicly available. This software‐based solution has the potential to improve outcomes for a wide‐variety of image‐based HTS experiments.
In vivo measurement of fascicle length and pennation of the human anconeus muscle at several elbow joint angles
Authors: Stevens Daniel E. , Smith Cameron B. , Harwood Brad , Rice Charles L.
Published: September 2014

Ultrasound imaging has facilitated the reliable measure of the architectural variables fascicle length (LF) and pennation angle (PA), at rest and during static and dynamic contractions in many human skeletal muscles in vivo. Despite its small size and very modest contribution to elbow extension torque, the anconeus muscle has proven a useful model for the study of neuromuscular function in health and disease. Recent single motor unit (MU) studies in the anconeus have reported discrete and identifiable individual trains of MU potentials from intramuscular electromyography (EMG) recordings during dynamic elbow extensions. It is unknown whether the anconeus has unique architectural features related to alterations in LF and PA throughout the elbow joint range of motion that may help explain these high‐quality recordings. Previous anatomical studies have investigated this muscle in cadavers and at mainly one elbow joint angle. The purpose of this study was to measure in vivo PA and LF of the anconeus muscle in a relaxed state at different degrees of elbow flexion using ultrasonography. Ultrasound images were collected from 10 healthy males (25 ± 3 years) at 135°, 120°, 90°, 45°, and 0° of elbow flexion. Average values of LF decreased by 6 mm (10%), 6 mm (12%), and 4 mm (9%) from 135–120°, 120–90°, and 90–45° of elbow flexion, respectively, whereas average PA values increased by 1° (9%), 1° (8%), and 2° (14%) from 135–120°, 120–90°, and 45–0°, respectively. The results indicate that anconeus muscle architecture is dynamic, undergoing moderate changes with elbow joint excursion that are similar to other limb muscles reported elsewhere. The data obtained here are more comprehensive and representative of architectural changes at various elbow joint positions than those data reported in cadaveric studies. Furthermore, the results of this study indicate that despite experiencing similar relative changes in muscle architecture to other skeletal muscles about the elbow joint, the minimal absolute changes in LF of the anconeus likely contribute to the clarity of intramuscular EMG previously reported in this muscle.
Double Bifurcation Optimization Stent System Technique for Left Main Stenosis
Authors: VASSILEV D. , MATEEV H. , ALEXANDROV A. , KARAMFILOFF K. , GIL R.J.
Published: September 2014

We present a first‐in‐man case with implantation in culottes' fashion of two dedicated coronary bifurcation stents (BiOSS Lim) in distal left main stenosis. The immediate procedural and very short‐term result was excellent.
Chest wall reconstruction with latissimus dorsi and an autologous thoracolumbar fascia graft in a dog
Authors: de Battisti A. , Polton G. , de Vries M. , Friend E.
Published: September 2014

A new technique for autogenous chest wall reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi muscle flap and a free graft of thoracolumbar fascia was utilised in a two‐year‐old Dobermann after resection of a high‐grade osteosarcoma from the left thoracic wall. En bloc excision of the chest wall mass, including six ribs, was performed. The resulting chest wall defect was too large to be reconstructed with only a pedicled muscle flap and was reconstructed with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap cranially and a free graft of thoracolumbar fascia caudally. The graft was harvested easily, and there was no donor site morbidity or postoperative complications. A free graft of thoracolumbar fascia can be considered as an option to supplement autogenous reconstruction of the chest wall.
CLIF‐SOFA scoring system accurately predicts short‐term mortality in acutely decompensated patients with alcoholic cirrhosis: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Lee Minjong , Lee Jeong‐Hoon , Oh Sohee , Jang Yoonhyuk , Lee Wonik , Lee Hyung Joo , Yoo Jeong‐ju , Choi Won‐Mook , Cho Young Youn , Cho Yuri , Lee Dong Hyeon , Lee Yun Bin , Yu Su Jong , Yi Nam‐Joon , Lee Kwang‐Woong , Kim Yoon Jun , Yoon Jung‐Hwan , Suh Kyung‐Suk , Lee Hyo‐Suk
Published: September 2014

Background & Aims

Accurate prognostication of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) is essential for therapeutic decisions. Our aim was to validate a novel scoring system for predicting mortality, the chronic liver failure‐sequential organ failure assessment (CLIF‐SOFA), in a population of Asian patients with ACLF.

Methods

A total of 345 patients with acutely decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis were selected for study, comparing areas under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves of CLIF‐SOFA and five existing scoring systems for end‐stage liver disease [model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD), MELD‐Na, Refit‐MELD, Refit‐MELD‐Na, and Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh].

Results

CLIF‐SOFA displayed the highest AUROC of 0.943 significantly outperforming all five reference methods in predicting short‐term mortality at Week 4 (all P < 0.001) by competing risk analysis. In 262 patients given supportive care only, the power of CLIF‐SOFA to predict short‐term mortality was high (AUROC: 0.952 at Week 1; 0.959 at Week 4), again surpassing the other methods (all P < 0.001). For the remaining 83 liver transplant recipients, CLIF‐SOFA also excelled in predicting 12‐week mortality (AUROC: 0.978); and high‐grade ACLF by CLIF‐SOFA was associated with prolonged postoperative mechanical support (i.e. mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy) and ICU stays (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

CLIF‐SOFA enables more accurate prediction of short‐term mortality in patients with acutely decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis than other available scoring systems and is useful in predicting both 12‐week mortality and the need for mechanical support after liver transplantation.
A Multiwavelet Neural Network‐Based Response Surface Method for Structural Reliability Analysis
Authors: Dai Hongzhe , Zhang Hao , Wang Wei
Published: September 2014

A new multiwavelet neural network‐based response surface method is proposed for efficient structural reliability assessment. Although multiwavelet network can be used for approximating nonlinear functions, its application has been limited to small dimension problems due to computational cost. The new method expands the application of multiwavelet network to moderate dimension by introducing a series of intermediate nodes, and the number of these intermediate nodes is determined by the multiwavelet theory. Thus, a multidimensional function learning problem is transformed into a one‐dimensional function learning problem. Four examples involving one stochastic finite element‐based reliability problem illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, which indicate that the new method is more efficient up to 10 random variables than the classical multilayer perceptron‐based response surface method.
Long‐Distance‐Commuter (LDC) Lane: A New Concept for Freeway Traffic Management
Authors: Qu Xiaobo , Wang Shuaian
Published: September 2014

Many freeways connect two major cities (e.g., Gold Coast to Brisbane) in Australia. A great portion of commuters travel between these two cities whereas the number of commuters taking the on‐ramps and off‐ramps in between is comparatively small. Enlightened by this observation, we propose a novel and practical concept for freeway traffic management: long‐distance‐commuter (LDC) lane. The LDC lane is a dedicated lane that only commuters traveling between the two major cities can use. Since there is no or only minor disturbance from forced lane‐changing of vehicles from other lanes, the LDC lane admits a much higher capacity. Our preliminary case study based on the freeway between Gold Coast and Brisbane demonstrates that using the LDC lane significantly increases the average speed as well as overall capacity.
Ophthalmic digital image transfer: benefits to triage, patient care and resource
Authors: Goudie Colin , Lunt David , Reid Suzanna , Sanders Roshini
Published: September 2014

Purpose

Hospital capacity in the UK is currently significantly challenged due to new treatments, targets and resource limitations. There have been significant improvements in training, equipment and shared care services in community primary care optometry services. Despite this the challenges to ophthalmic service delivery are considerable. One area of potential benefit is the effect on outcome when a clinical image is attached to a referral. We aimed to quantify the effect of attaching digital images to ophthalmic referrals.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 358 consecutive optometry referrals to the Hospital Eye Service in Dunfermline, Scotland using electronic referral with digital images. All images were screened by consultant ophthalmologists.

Results

The patients were aged between 9 and 100 years (mean age 63.6 years). Sixty four (18%) referrals were deemed urgent (requiring appointment within 24–60 h), with the majority, 28 (8%) being wet macular degeneration. One hundred and seventy (48%) were deemed routine (appointment within 2–6 weeks), with categories including macular disease, glaucoma, cataract, optic disc and retinal abnormalities. Twenty seven (8%) patients were already attending the hospital eye service, or had been referred previously for the same condition. Categories were mainly glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataract. Ninety‐five (25%) were ‘e‐diagnosed’ based on image and referral information (i.e. with no secondary eye care appointment). Diagnosis included glaucoma suspect (22, 6%), macular pathology (12, 3%), abnormal looking discs (9, 2.5%) and cataract (9, 2.5%). The overall ‘did not attend’ rate for those patients seen in the hospital eye service (254) was <1% (two patients).

Conclusions

The attachment of digital images improved the quality of referral triaging from optometry to secondary eye care in the hospital eye service. It allowed detection of sight threatening disease early and more appropriate allocation of patients to specific specialist clinics at first visit. They allowed safe and speedy ‘e‐diagnosis’ of a subgroup, saving hospital capacity and minimising patient inconvenience. Indirectly the service also reduced the ‘did not attend’ rate. With recent improvements in camera and internet technology digital images will have an ever increasing role in secondary eye care as it continues to adapt to meet modern demands.
Successful Percutaneous Epicardial Access in Challenging Scenarios
Authors: EBRILLE ELISA , KILLU AMMAR M. , ANAVEKAR NANDAN S. , PACKER DOUGLAS L. , MUNGER THOMAS M. , MCLEOD CHRISTOPHER J. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J. , FRIEDMAN PAUL A.
Published: September 2014

Background

This case‐series highlights strategies used for successful epicardial access in challenging cases.

Percutaneous epicardial access has become a valuable tool for mapping and ablating arrhythmias. However, this technique can be especially difficult in certain circumstances and is frequently avoided.

Methods

All cases of epicardial access for ablation from our institution were reviewed searching for exceptionally difficult cases in patients with complex pericardial and thoracic anatomy. The successful strategies are characterized in this report.

Results

Among 144 patients who underwent an epicardial ablation procedure between January 2004 and June 2013, four required unconventional approaches for epicardial access for ventricular tachycardia ablation. Two patients (one with previous cardiac surgery and one with prior pericardial effusion) had substantial fibrous pericardial adhesions with no virtual pericardial space and required adhesiolysis. One patient, status postpartial colectomy, underwent computed tomography‐guided intercostal epicardial access due to the presence of bowel throughout the subdiaphragmatic space in the upper abdomen. The fourth patient had partial congenital absence of the pericardium and underwent epicardial access through the creation of a subxiphoid window. All epicardial accesses were successful and performed without major complication.

Conclusions

With precise procedural planning and cardiac imaging, percutaneous epicardial access is feasible even in patients with significant anatomical challenges.
Population‐Based Single‐Center Outcome for Pediatric Catheter Ablation of Common Supraventricular Tachycardias
Authors: HIIPPALA ANITA , HAPPONEN JUHA‐MATTI
Published: September 2014

Background

Catheter ablation has become the preferred treatment for common supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in children and adolescents, but long‐term follow‐up data on pediatric patients remain limited.

Methods

To provide follow‐up data, we created a population‐based prospective pediatric catheter ablation registry in 1997. All patients underwent clinical follow‐up at 1 month and 1 year after the procedure. The follow‐up data were completed with a single questionnaire in 2010.

Results

Of 318 patients, 289 (91%) required one to three procedures for successful ablation. A total of 211 (66%) patients had an accessory pathway, 97 (31%) atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia, and 10 (3%) atrial tachycardia. Two (0.6%) of the 318 patients had serious complications: the first had a complete atrioventricular block and required a pacemaker, while the second had a hemopericardium, which was treated with drainage. A successful ablation procedure was followed by a recurrence in 18 (6%) patients during childhood. In addition, two patients had atrial fibrillation and one had a focal atrial tachycardia as adults after a successful ablation procedure during childhood. Moreover, 12 (4%) patients, who had undergone a successful ablation, complained of increased heart rate after exercise compared to their status before the procedure.

Conclusion

In our cohort study of 318 pediatric patients, with a mean follow‐up of 5 years, SVT ablation was successful for 91% of the patients. Arrhythmia recurred in 6% of the patients. The increased sinus rate following radiofrequency ablation, observed in 4% of pediatric patients, constitutes a new finding, which warrants attention in other patient series.
Arrhythmogenic Evidence for Epicardial Adipose Tissue: Heart Rate Variability and Turbulence are Influenced by Epicardial Fat Thickness
Authors: BALCIOĞLU AKİF SERHAT , ÇİÇEK DAVRAN , AKINCI SİNAN , ELDEM HALİL OLCAY , BAL UĞUR ABBAS , OKYAY KAAN , MÜDERRİSOĞLU HALDUN
Published: September 2014

Background

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a local source of various hormones, cytokines, and vasoactive substances affecting the myocardium. EAT contains abundant ganglionic plexi that interact with the autonomic nervous system. Evidence of the association between EAT and arrhythmia is limited, with the exception of atrial fibrillation. This study aimed to investigate the relation between EAT and cardiac autonomic function using heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT) parameters.

Methods

All subjects underwent a 24‐hour Holter recording to assess HRV and HRT parameters and a transthoracic echocardiography to measure EAT thickness. Patients were divided into two groups according to the median EAT thickness (3.9 mm). The higher EAT group consisted of 111 patients with a >3.9‐mm thickness and the lower EAT group 113 patients with a ≤3.9‐mm EAT thickness.

Results

HRV and HRT parameters were significantly influenced in the higher EAT group. Moreover, we observed significant correlations between EAT thickness and Holter findings (standard deviation of all NN intervals [SDNN]: r = –0.462, P < 0.001; SDNN index: r = –0.349, P < 0.001; standard deviation of the average NN intervals: r = –0.465, P < 0.001; root mean square of successive differences: r = –0.251, P < 0.001; pNN50: r = –0.354, P < 0.001; turbulence onset: r = 0.172, P = 0.010; turbulence slope: r = –0.279, P < 0.001, HRT category: r = 0.169, P = 0.011). In multivariate regression analysis, EAT thickness was independently associated with all measures of HRV and HRT, with the exception of turbulence onset.

Conclusions

Sympathovagal imbalance, detected by HRV and HRT parameters, is related to EAT thickness. As sympathovagal imbalance is a predictor of arrhythmic events, EAT may play an important arrhythmogenic role not limited to atrial fibrillation.
Prereactivation propranolol fails to reduce skin conductance reactivity to prepared fear‐conditioned stimuli
Authors: Spring Justin D. , Wood Nellie E. , Mueller‐Pfeiffer Christoph , Milad Mohammed R. , Pitman Roger K. , Orr Scott P.
Published: September 2014

Pharmacologic blockade of memory reconsolidation has been demonstrated in fear‐conditioned rodents and humans and may provide a means to reduce fearfulness in anxiety disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder. Studying the efficacy of potential interventions in clinical populations is challenging, creating a need for paradigms within which candidate reconsolidation‐blocking interventions can be readily tested. We used videos of biologically prepared conditioned stimuli (tarantulas) to test the efficacy of propranolol in blocking reconsolidation of conditioned fear in healthy young adults. Strong differential conditioning, measured by skin conductance, was observed among a screened subset of participants during acquisition. However, subsequent propranolol failed to reduce reactivity to the reactivated conditioned stimulus. These results are consistent with other recent findings and point to a need for testing other candidate drugs.
Intersectional Approaches in Health‐Risk Research: A Critical Review
Authors: Giritli Nygren Katarina , Olofsson Anna
Published: September 2014

The overall aim of this article is to explore how the intersectional approach is used in health‐risk research. The concept has been recognized in health‐risk research since the early 2000s, but not as much as in the broader field of health‐inequality studies. However, in the past 5 years, Social Science and Medicine has published a series of review articles that argue for the necessity of bringing intersectional perspectives to the field of health‐risk studies more generally and quantitative health‐risk research in particular. Asking what it means for health‐risk researchers to practise intersectionality shows the implications of translating a theoretical approach across fields and disciplines. When applying intersectional theory in relation to health‐risks, the theoretical conceptualization of health and risk are often very limited and treated as fixed categories – something that becomes problematic when taken within an intersectional framework. This does not mean that this work is unimportant, but rather that the link between theoretically driven intersectionality and empirical‐focused health research is weak. In order to overcome the dividing lines of health‐risk research and intersectionality, we argue for a new approach that echoes the ‘doing gender’ of gender studies: doing risk.
Maternal Frontal EEG Asymmetry and Chronic Stressors Moderate the Link between Child Conduct Problems and Maternal Negativity
Authors: Chen Nan , Bell Martha Ann , Deater‐Deckard Kirby
Published: September 2014

Frontal electroencephalographic (EEG) asymmetry is associated with individual differences in positive/negative emotionality and approach/avoidance tendencies. The current study examined the moderating role of maternal resting frontal EEG asymmetry on the link between child behavior problems and maternal harsh parenting within the context of differing degrees of chronic family stressors (father unemployment, single parenthood, caring for multiple children, and household chaos). The sample included 121 mother–child pairs. Results showed that stressors and frontal EEG asymmetry together moderated the link. Child problem behaviors were moderately associated with greater maternal negativity for mothers with right frontal asymmetry, or mothers who experienced more stressors. However, no association existed between child behavior problems and maternal negativity for mothers with few stressors and left frontal asymmetry. The findings implicate transactions between household stress and a psychophysiological indicator of maternal emotional reactivity and mothers' approach/avoidance tendencies in the etiology of parental negativity toward challenging child behaviors.
An O‐methyltransferase modifies accumulation of methylated anthocyanins in seedlings of tomato
Authors: Gomez Roldan Maria Victoria , Outchkourov Nikolay , van Houwelingen Adèle , Lammers Michiel , Romero de la Fuente Irene , Ziklo Noa , Aharoni Asaph , Hall Robert D. , Beekwilder Jules
Published: September 2014

Anthocyanins contribute to the appearance of fruit by conferring to them a red, blue or purple colour. In a food context, they have also been suggested to promote consumer health. In purple tomato tissues, such as hypocotyls, stems and purple fruits, various anthocyanins accumulate. These molecules have characteristic patterns of modification, including hydroxylations, methylations, glycosylations and acylations. The genetic basis for many of these modifications has not been fully elucidated, and nor has their role in the functioning of anthocyanins. In this paper, AnthOMT, an O‐methyltransferase (OMT) mediating the methylation of anthocyanins, has been identified and functionally characterized using a combined metabolomics and transcriptomics approach. Gene candidates were selected from the draft tomato genome, and their expression was subsequently monitored in a tomato seedling system comprising three tissues and involving several time points. In addition, we also followed gene expression in wild‐type red and purple transgenic tomato fruits expressing Rosea1 and Delila transcription factors. Of the 57 candidates identified, only a single OMT gene showed patterns strongly correlating with both accumulation of anthocyanins and expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes. This candidate (AnthOMT) was compared to a closely related caffeoyl CoA OMT by recombinant expression in Escherichia coli, and then tested for substrate specificity. AnthOMT showed a strong affinity for glycosylated anthocyanins, while other flavonoid glycosides and aglycones were much less preferred. Gene silencing experiments with AnthOMT resulted in reduced levels of the predominant methylated anthocyanins. This confirms the role of this enzyme in the diversification of tomato anthocyanins.
The mitochondrial outer membrane AAA ATPase AtOM66 affects cell death and pathogen resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhang Botao , Van Aken Olivier , Thatcher Louise , De Clercq Inge , Duncan Owen , Law Simon R. , Murcha Monika W. , van der Merwe Margaretha , Seifi Hamed Soren , Carrie Chris , Cazzonelli Christopher , Radomiljac Jordan , Höfte Monica , Singh Karam B. , Van Breusegem Frank , Whelan James
Published: September 2014

One of the most stress‐responsive genes encoding a mitochondrial protein in Arabidopsis (At3g50930) has been annotated as AtBCS1 (cytochrome bc1 synthase 1), but was previously functionally uncharacterised. Here, we show that the protein encoded by At3g50930 is present as a homo‐multimeric protein complex on the outer mitochondrial membrane and lacks the BCS1 domain present in yeast and mammalian BCS1 proteins, with the sequence similarity restricted to the AAA ATPase domain. Thus we propose to re‐annotate this protein as AtOM66 (Outer Mitochondrial membrane protein of 66 kDa). While transgenic plants with reduced AtOM66 expression appear to be phenotypically normal, AtOM66 over‐expression lines have a distinct phenotype, showing strong leaf curling and reduced starch content. Analysis of mitochondrial protein content demonstrated no detectable changes in mitochondrial respiratory complex protein abundance. Consistent with the stress inducible expression pattern, over‐expression lines of AtOM66 are more tolerant to drought stress but undergo stress‐induced senescence earlier than wild type. Genome‐wide expression analysis revealed a constitutive induction of salicylic acid‐related (SA) pathogen defence and cell death genes in over‐expression lines. Conversely, expression of SA marker gene PR‐1 was reduced in atom66 plants, while jasmonic acid response genes PDF1.2 and VSP2 have increased transcript abundance. In agreement with the expression profile, AtOM66 over‐expression plants show increased SA content, accelerated cell death rates and are more tolerant to the biotrophic pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, but more susceptible to the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea. In conclusion, our results demonstrate a role for AtOM66 in cell death and amplifying SA signalling.
Can Persuasive Messages Encourage Individuals to Create Action Plans for Physical Activity?
Authors: Sweet Shane N. , Brawley Lawrence R. , Hatchell Alexandra , Gainforth Heather L. , Latimer-Cheung Amy E.
Published: September 2014

Given the positive influence of action planning on physical activity, persuasive messages could be designed to promote action planning. The purpose of this paper was to test action planning messages in two studies. Participants were allocated to one of two message groups, reading either a physical activity only or physical activity plus action planning message (Study 1) and either a gain-framed or loss-framed action planning message (Study 2). The percent of individuals who created an action plan and the quality of the plans were evaluated. In Study 1, individuals in the physical activity plus action planning group created as many action plans as the physical activity only group, but their plans were higher quality. In Study 2, Week 2 differences between the gain- and loss-framed message groups were found for action planning. To our knowledge, these studies were the first to investigate message-induced action planning as a behavior. More research is needed to optimize these messages.