bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoantibody against WD repeat domain 1 is a novel serological biomarker for screening of thyroid neoplasia
Authors: Izawa Shoichiro , Okamura Tomohisa , Matsuzawa Kazuhiko , Ohkura Tsuyoshi , Ohkura Hiroko , Ishiguro Kiyosuke , Noh Jaeduk Yoshimura , Kamijo Keiichi , Yoshida Akio , Shigemasa Chiaki , Kato Masahiko , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Taniguchi Shin‐ichi
Published: December 2012

Background

Thyroid nodules are common among adults, and accurate diagnosis is critical in for management decisions. Ultrasound and fine needle aspiration cytology are the most common methods to evaluate nodules, but they are not practical for screening large numbers of patients because of cost and time considerations.

Objective

The aim of this study was to isolate an autoantibody to tumour antigen, WD repeat domain 1 (WDR1), and evaluate its diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for thyroid neoplasms.

Patients and Methods

We investigated serological biomarkers in patients with thyroid carcinoma who had a poor prognosis. Using a serological analysis of recombinant cDNA expression cloning (SEREX) strategy, we isolated WDR1 and its specific autoantibody in the sera of patients with undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma (UTC). We examined using indirect ELISA, the titre of the anti‐WDR1 antibody (AWA) in 54 study patients: 10 with UTC, 20 with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), 17 with benign thyroid nodule (BTN), 7 with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), as well as 38 controls (N).

Results

WDR1 was ubiquitously expressed in various types of thyroid tissues. However, the titre of AWA in UTC and PTC was significantly higher than that in BTN, AITD and N (P < 0·001). No significant correlation was observed between thyroid function, serum thyroglobulin and tumour diameter. The cut‐off value estimated using ROC to differentiate malignancies from others was 0·95 (sensitivity 96·7%, specificity 91·9%, AUC 0·969, P < 0·001).

Conclusions

Anti‐WDR1 antibody could be a novel approach for serological screening of PTC and UTC, and could be an efficient and inexpensive biomarker.
Nocturnal hypoglycaemia in ACTH and GH deficient children: role of continuous glucose monitoring
Authors: Cambiaso Paola , Schiaffini Riccardo , Pontrelli Giuseppe , Carducci Chiara , Ubertini Graziamaria , Crea Francesca , Cappa Marco
Published: December 2012

Objectives

To evaluate the usefulness of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to identify nocturnal hypoglycaemia in children affected by combined ACTH and GH deficiency and to optimize the hydrocortisone replacement therapy in these patients.

Study design

Eleven patients with ACTH and GH deficiency (five boys and six girls, age 1·6–16·8 years) underwent CGM for 36 h, including two nights. At least two consecutive glucose levels <2·78 mm were considered hypoglycaemic episodes. The differences in age and doses of hydrocortisone and recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) between children with and without hypoglycaemia were analysed. The percentage of the glucose values <3·33 mm and the mean glucose levels were also evaluated.

Results

Continuous glucose monitoring demonstrated nocturnal hypoglycaemia lasting from 30 to 155 min (1·5% of the total monitoring time) in three cases (27%). No statistically significant differences in age and rhGH dose were observed between children with or without hypoglycaemia. Conversely, the difference in the hydrocortisone doses between the patients with and without hypoglycaemia resulted statistically significant (5·9 vs 8·5 mg/m²/day; P = 0·04). Eight patients presented glucose values less than 3·33 mm during 5% of the total monitoring time. Hydrocortisone dose showed significant positive linear relation with mean glucose level (r = 0·79, P = 0·0035) and inverse relation with time lags of glucose levels under 3·33 mm (r = −0·65, P = 0·03).

Conclusions

Our study shows that CGM may represent a valuable tool to detect nocturnal asymptomatic hypoglycaemic episodes and optimize the hydrocortisone therapeutic regimen in children with ACTH and GH deficiency.
Just‐in‐Time Texture Synthesis
Authors: Wang Lili , Shi Yulong , Chen Yi , Popescu Voicu
Published: December 2012

Texture bombing is a texture synthesis approach that saves memory by stopping short of assembling the output texture from the arrangement of input texture patches; instead, the arrangement is used directly at run time to texture surfaces. However, several problems remain in need of better solutions. One problem is improving texture diversification. A second problem is that mipmapping cannot be used because texel data is not stored explicitly. The lack of an appropriate level‐of‐detail (LoD) scheme results in severe minification artefacts. We present a just‐in‐time texturing method that addresses these two problems. Texture diversification is achieved by modelling a texture patch as an umbrella, a versatile hybrid 3‐D geometry and texture structure with parameterized appearance. The LoD is adapted continuously with a hierarchical algorithm that acts directly on the arrangement map. Results show that our method can model and render the diversity present in nature with only small texture memory requirements.
Adjuvant treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma after orthotopic liver transplantation: do we really need this?
Authors: Fujiki M. , Aucejo F. , Kim R.
Published: December 2012

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to rise and is still a major cause of mortality. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) continues to give patients the best chance for cure, but recurrence of the disease remains a problem. Even with the implementation of the Milan criteria, recurrence rates have been shown to be 8–15% in most studies and even higher in patients who are beyond the Milan criteria. Therefore, several investigators have looked into the value of adjuvant therapy using systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy in HCC after OLT. Unfortunately, most of the trials are very small, and the results have been disappointing. But trials using Licartin seem to be promising, and other drugs such as FOLFOX and sorafenib warrant further investigation based on their efficacy in the advanced disease. In this review, we will review the current data on efficacy and rationale of adjuvant treatment for HCC after OLT including novel biomarkers.
Report on CTSA Consortium Use of the Community Engagement Consulting Service
Authors: Carter‐Edwards Lori , Cook Jennifer L. , McDonald Mary Anne , Weaver Sarah M. , Chukwuka Kemi , Eder Milton “Mickey”
Published: December 2012

Introduction

The CTSA Community Engagement Consultative Service (CECS) is a national partnership designed to improve community engaged research (CEnR) through expert consultation. This report assesses the feasibility of CECS and presents findings from 2008 to 2009.

Methodology

A coordinating center and five regional coordinating sites managed the service. CTSAs identified a primary previsit CE best practice for consultants to address and completed self‐assessments, postvisit evaluations, and action plans. Feasibility was assessed as the percent of CTSAs participating and completing evaluations. Frequencies were calculated for evaluation responses.

Results

Of the 38 CTSAs, 36 (95%) completed a self‐assessment. Of these 36 sites, 83%, 53%, and 44% completed a consultant visit, evaluation, and action plan, respectively, and 56% of the consultants completed an evaluation. The most common best practice identified previsit was improvement in CEnR (addressing outcomes that matter); however, relationship building with communities was most commonly addressed during consulting visits. Although 90% of the consultants were very confident sites could develop an action plan, only 35% were very confident in the CTSAs’ abilities to implement one.

Conclusions

Academic medical centers interested in collaborating with communities and translating research to improve health need to further develop their capacity for CE and CEnR within their institutions. Clin Trans Sci 2013; Volume 6: 34–39
Moderate Oxidative Stress and High Antioxidative Activity Are Associated with Steatosis in Japanese Males
Authors: Imatoh Takuya , Kamimura Seiichirou , Tanihara Shinichi
Published: December 2012

Background and aim

Steatosis is an increasingly common problem worldwide, accompanying increasing obesity. Recently, it has been suggested that oxidative stress plays an important role in development of fatty liver disease. We carried out an epidemiological study to clarify the role of oxidative stress and antioxidative activity in steatosis.

Methods

This study was conducted with 184 male workers who had received their annual health checkup. Steatosis was confirmed using ultrasonography. Oxidative stress and antioxidative activity were assessed using the dROM test and the BAP test, respectively.

Results

Steatosis was confirmed in 59 subjects (29.7%) by ultrasonography. There was no significant difference between cases and controls in BAP levels (2229.0 μmol/L vs. 2194.3μmol/L, p = 0.83). The steatosis group showed significantly lower dROM levels than the control group (332.7 U. CARR vs. 316.8 U. CARR, p < 0.05). In addition, we carried out logistic regression analysis to assess the combination between dROM levels and BAP levels. Subjects with high dROM levels and high BAP levels had 74% lower risk for steatosis than subjects with low dROM levels and high BAP levels.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that moderate oxidative stress and high antioxidative activity was associated with decreased steatosis risk in Japanese males. Clin Trans Sci 2013; Volume 6: 45–49
The Establishment of Research Ethics Consultation Services (RECS): An Emerging Research Resource
Authors: McCormick Jennifer B. , Sharp Richard R. , Ottenberg Abigale L. , Reider Carson R. , Taylor Holly A. , Wilfond Benjamin S.
Published: December 2012

Emphasis on translational research to facilitate progression from the laboratory into the community also creates a dynamic in which ethics and social policy questions and solutions are ever pressing. In response, academic institutions are creating Research Ethics Consultation Services (RECS). All Clinical Translational Science Award institutions were surveyed in early 2010 to determine which institutions have a RECS in operation and what is their composition and function. Of the 46 institutions surveyed, 33 (70%) have a RECS. Only 15 RECS have received any consult requests in the last year. Issues that are common among these relatively nascent services include relationships with institutional oversight committees, balancing requestor concerns about confidentiality with research integrity and human subjects protection priorities, tracking consult data and outcomes, and developing systems for internal evaluation. There is variability in how these issues are approached. It will be important to be attentive to the institutional context to develop an appropriate approach. Further data about the issues raised by requestors and the recommendations provided are necessary to build a community of scholars who can navigate and resolve ethical issues encountered along the translational research pathway. Clin Trans Sci 2013; Volume 6: 40–44
Molecular and evolutionary basis of limb field specification and limb initiation
Authors: Tanaka Mikiko
Published: December 2012

Specification of limb field and initiation of limb development involve multiple steps, each of which is tightly regulated both spatially and temporally. Recent developmental analyses on various vertebrates have provided insights into the molecular mechanisms that specify limb field and have revealed several genetic interactions of signals involved in limb initiation processes. Furthermore, new approaches to the study of the developmental mechanisms of the lateral plate mesoderm of amphioxus and lamprey embryos have given us clues to understand the evolutionary scenarios that led to the acquisition of paired appendages during evolution. This review highlights such recent findings and discusses the mechanisms of limb field specification and limb bud initiation during development and evolution.
Self‐perceived work preparedness of the graduating dental students
Authors: Manakil J. , George R.
Published: December 2012

Objectives

The primary goal of dental education is to prepare students to work independently in a dental practice setting following graduation. Whilst academicians assess students' work preparedness through examinations and evaluations, it is equally important to understand the work preparedness as perceived by students.

Methods

All students in their final year of the graduate programme in dentistry were selected for this study. The questionnaire assessed the self‐perceived confidence in skills and awareness needed to integrate into a general dental practice. Personal data such as gender, age and income status were optionally recorded. The questionnaire included open‐ended questions relevant to the educational experiences and suggestions for improvement from student perspective.

Results

Sixty‐three students (81.9%) responded to the questionnaire. The majority of the respondents (85.7%) perceived that their education had prepared them well for a career in dentistry, and 52.4% of the students considered that the combination of community placement and in‐house training helped them to enhance clinical skills. Students' suggestion for improvements indicated that a large number would wish for more clinical sessions (71.4%), whilst only 28.6% preferred an equal distribution between general clinical placements, speciality clinical placement and didactic teaching as the essential factors in attaining competency.

Conclusions

Analysing and understanding the student's self‐perspective on their dental education and work preparedness contribute towards the quality management of the dental curriculum philosophies: in holistic patient health care, lifelong learning, integration knowledge and skills, leading to the ultimate goal of clinical proficiency.
Axonal growth towards Xenopus skin in vitro is mediated by matrix metalloproteinase activity
Authors: Tonge David , Zhu Ning , Lynham Steven , Leclere Pascal , Snape Alison , Brewer Alison , Schlomann Uwe , Ferdous Taheera , Tennyson Charlene , Bartsch Jörg W. , Ward Malcolm , Pizzey John
Published: December 2012

We have previously demonstrated that the growth of peripheral nervous system axons is strongly attracted towards limb buds and skin explants in vitro. Here, we show that directed axonal growth towards skin explants of Xenopus laevis in matrigel is associated with expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐18 and also other MMPs, and that this long‐range neurotropic activity is inhibited by the broad‐spectrum MMP inhibitors BB‐94 and GM6001. We also show that forced expression of MMP‐18 in COS‐7 cell aggregates enhances axonal growth from Xenopus dorsal root ganglia explants. Nidogen is the target of MMPs released by cultured skin in matrigel, whereas other components remain intact. Our results suggest a novel link between MMP activity and extracellular matrix breakdown in the control of axonal growth.
Purinergic transmission and transglial signaling between neuron somata in the dorsal root ganglion
Authors: Rozanski Gabriela M. , Li Qi , Kim Hyunhee , Stanley Elise F.
Published: December 2012

Most dorsal root ganglion neuronal somata (NS) are isolated from their neighbours by a satellite glial cell (SGC) sheath. However, some NS are associated in pairs, separated solely by the membrane septum of a common SGC to form a neuron–glial cell–neuron (NGlN) trimer. We reported that stimulation of one NS evokes a delayed, noisy and long‐duration inward current in both itself and its passive partner that was blocked by suramin, a general purinergic antagonist. Here we test the hypothesis that NGlN transmission involves purinergic activation of the SGC. Stimulation of the NS triggered a sustained current noise in the SGC. Block of transmission through the NGlN by reactive blue 2 or thapsigargin, a Ca2+ store‐depletion agent, implicated a Ca2+ store discharge‐linked P2Y receptor. P2Y2 was identified by simulation of the NGlN‐like transmission by puffing UTP onto the SGC and by immunocytochemical localization to the SGC membrane septum. Block of the UTP effect by BAPTA, an intracellular Ca2+ scavenger, supported the involvement of SGC Ca2+ stores in the signaling pathway. We infer that transmission through the NGlN trimer involves secretion of ATP from the NS and triggering of SGC Ca2+ store discharge via P2Y2 receptors. Presumably, cytoplasmic Ca2+ elevation leads to the release of an as‐yet unidentified second transmitter from the glial cell to complete transmission. Thus, the two NS of the NGlN trimer communicate via a ‘sandwich synapse’ transglial pathway, a novel signaling mechanism that may contribute to information transfer in other regions of the nervous system.
The dark side of the alpha rhythm: fMRI evidence for induced alpha modulation during complete darkness
Authors: Ben‐Simon Eti , Podlipsky Ilana , Okon‐Singer Hadas , Gruberger Michal , Cvetkovic Dean , Intrator Nathan , Hendler Talma
Published: December 2012

The unique role of the EEG alpha rhythm in different states of cortical activity is still debated. The main theories regarding alpha function posit either sensory processing or attention allocation as the main processes governing its modulation. Closing and opening eyes, a well‐known manipulation of the alpha rhythm, could be regarded as attention allocation from inward to outward focus though during light is also accompanied by visual change. To disentangle the effects of attention allocation and sensory visual input on alpha modulation, 14 healthy subjects were asked to open and close their eyes during conditions of light and of complete darkness while simultaneous recordings of EEG and fMRI were acquired. Thus, during complete darkness the eyes‐open condition is not related to visual input but only to attention allocation, allowing direct examination of its role in alpha modulation. A data‐driven ridge regression classifier was applied to the EEG data in order to ascertain the contribution of the alpha rhythm to eyes‐open/eyes‐closed inference in both lighting conditions. Classifier results revealed significant alpha contribution during both light and dark conditions, suggesting that alpha rhythm modulation is closely linked to the change in the direction of attention regardless of the presence of visual sensory input. Furthermore, fMRI activation maps derived from an alpha modulation time‐course during the complete darkness condition exhibited a right frontal cortical network associated with attention allocation. These findings support the importance of top‐down processes such as attention allocation to alpha rhythm modulation, possibly as a prerequisite to its known bottom‐up processing of sensory input.
Truncating mutations in FUS/TLS give rise to a more aggressive ALS‐phenotype than missense mutations: a clinico‐genetic study in Germany
Authors: Waibel S. , Neumann M. , Rosenbohm A. , Birve A. , Volk A. E. , Weishaupt J. H. , Meyer T. , Müller U. , Andersen P. M. , Ludolph A. C.
Published: December 2012

Background and purpose

Mutations in the FUS/TLS have been associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a few percent of patients.

Methods

We screened 184 familial (FALS) and 200 sporadic German patients with ALS for FUS/TLS mutations by sequence analysis of exons 5, 6 and 13–15. We compared the phenotypes of patients with different FUS/TLS mutations.

Results

We identified three missense mutations p.K510R, p.R514G, p.R521H, and the two truncating mutations p.R495X and p.G478LfsX23 in samples from eight pedigrees. Both truncating mutations were associated with young onset and very aggressive disease courses, whereas the p.R521H, p.R514G and in particular the p.K510R mutation showed a milder phenotype with disease durations ranging from 3 years to more than 26 years, the longest reported for a patient with a FUS/TLS mutation. Also, in a pair of monozygous twins with the p.K510R mutation, a remarkable similar disease course was observed.

Conclusions

Mutations in FUS/TLS account for 8.7% (16 of 184) of FALS in Germany. This is a higher prevalence than reported from other countries. Truncating FUS/TLS mutations result in a more severe phenotype than most missense mutations. The wide phenotypic differences have implications for genetic counselling.
Function of the Hemolymph Nuptial Gift in the Ground Cricket, Allonemobius socius
Authors: DiRienzo Nicholas , Marshall Jeremy L.
Published: December 2012

Nuptial feeding, although common in the insect world, varies greatly in its form and function. Here, we test the function of the hemolymph nuptial gift in the southern ground cricket, Allonemobius socius, and attempt to determine if it functions as parental investment or mating effort. We manipulated the number of gifts a female received during courtship (one vs. none). We also recorded other aspect of courtship, such as feeding duration and spermatophore attachment duration. Female fecundity was measured for 7 d post‐mating. Our results indicate that female egg laying is significantly higher when a gift is provided, but the increase in egg laying is not related to gift size. In addition, the lack of a gift does not affect the male's ability to transfer a spermatophore. Together, these data suggest that the nuptial gift acts as parental investment and not as mating effort.
Cues from Introduced Fish Alter Shelter Use and Feeding Behaviour in Adult Alpine Newts
Authors: Winandy Laurane , Denoël Mathieu
Published: December 2012

Amphibians are particularly affected by alien fish introductions and are declining worldwide. However, the behavioural mechanisms behind the observed cases of coexistence and exclusion patterns between adult amphibians and fish are poorly understood. In the present study, we aimed at testing the hypothesis that adult newts display different feeding and space use behaviour in the presence of fish cues (i.e. access less food resources and use more shelters than when fish cues are absent). To achieve this we measured behavioural patterns in 100 adult Alpine newts (Mesotriton alpestris) in a replicated laboratory design (20 tanks × 7 replicates across time). Half of trials involved individuals in indirect (visual and olfactory) contact with goldfish (Carassius auratus), a non‐predatory species for adult newts. In the presence of fish, significantly more newts hid under shelters than in their absence, but this difference decreased over time. A lower number of newts fed in comparison with controls. These results show that newts responded to fish presence even in the absence of direct contact, but the differences were small. Newts decreased vital activities such as exploration of open areas and feeding. They also adjusted shelter use over time, suggesting a process of habituation or a risk assessment in the absence of direct risk. These results reveal that exploring behavioural patterns can aid in understanding the causes of exclusion and coexistence patterns between fish and amphibians.
Understanding ALS: new therapeutic approaches
Authors: Musarò Antonio
Published: December 2012

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease associated with motor neuron degeneration, muscle atrophy and paralysis. Although numerous pathological mechanisms have been elucidated, ALS remains an invariably fatal disease in the absence of any effective therapy. The heterogeneity of the disease and the failure to develop satisfactory therapeutic protocols reinforce the view that ALS is a multi‐factorial and multi‐systemic disease. Thus, a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms and study of the potential pathological relationship between the various cellular processes is required to ensure efficacious therapy. The pathogenic mechanisms associated with ALS are reviewed, and the strengths and limitations of some new therapeutic approaches are discussed.
Predictive models for stable tearing crack growth due to overloading in fatigue
Authors: Ab RAHMAN M. F. , CLARK G. , WANG C. H.
Published: December 2012

Stable tearing is a recurring process in which fatigue crack growth is interspersed by substantial jumps of crack growth, commonly at the central cross‐section of the component while the crack front nearer the surface lags behind. These tearing bands have been observed to start very early during fatigue life and can make up the majority of the fatigue fracture surface. This paper presents the development of predictive models, in which the tongue‐shaped stable tearing band is first idealised as trapezoidal shape, and then two alternative fracture criteria are formulated with the aid of the finite element (FE) method and the Forsyth stable tearing concept. Parametric solutions of the stress intensity factor at the front of the trapezoidal crack front are obtained using the FE method. Comparisons between the model predictions and experimental results indicate that both models produce satisfactory prediction of the stable tearing crack jump length in aluminium alloy coupons of varying cross‐sectional thickness.
Candida albicans adhesion on reinforced polymethylmethacrylate denture resin: effect of fibre architecture and exposure to saliva
Authors: Akalın‐Evren Buket , Kulak‐Özkan Yasemin , Özcan Mutlu , Kadir Tanju
Published: December 2012

Background and objectives

Fiber‐reinforced composites (FRC) are used to reinforce the prosthetic and restorative appliances. This may result in the exposure of the FRCs which may affect the adherence of microorganisms. This study evaluated the adhesion of Candida albicans to a denture base resin (N = 48), reinforced with E‐glass FRCs with different architectures [unidirectional (n = 16) and woven (n = 16)], when exposed to either saliva or distilled water.

Materials and methods

Specimens without FRC reinforcement served as control (n = 16). After fiber surfaces were exposed, half of the specimens (n = 8/per group) were treated with saliva, the other half was stored in distilled water prior to C. albicans adhesion. The adhered microorganisms were counted under an optical microscope and the data were analyzed.

Results

When exposed to distilled water or saliva, specimens with unidirectional (5403.4 cells/cm2 and 5013.4 cells/cm2, respectively) (p = 0.202), woven fibers (4053.5 cells/cm2 and 3726.6 cells/cm2, respectively) (p = 0.283) and specimens without fibers (2250 cells/cm2 and 2006.8 cells/cm2, respectively) (p = 0.423) showed C. albicans adhesion, being not significant. In general, all the specimens exposed to saliva showed 3582.2 cells/cm2 C. albicans adhesion, while specimens exposed to distilled water showed 3902 cells/cm2 C. albicans adhesion, yet being not significant (p = 0.436). Regarding fiber type, C. albicans adhesion was significantly affected by the exposed FRC architecture with more favorable results for woven fibers (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Polymethylmethacrylate without FRCs collected less C. albicans. The presence of saliva seems to reduce the adhesion.
Evaluation of theGrazeIn model of grass dry‐matter intake and milk production prediction for dairy cows in temperate grass‐based production systems. 1–Sward characteristics and grazing management factors
Authors: O'Neill B. F. , Lewis E. , O'Donovan M. , Shalloo L. , Mulligan F. J. , Boland T. M. , Delagarde R.
Published: December 2012

This study evaluated the prediction accuracy of grass dry‐matter intake (GDMI) and milk yield predicted by the modelGrazeIn using a database representing 522 grazing herds. TheGrazeIn input variables under consideration were fill value (FV), grass energy content [UnitéFourragèreLait (UFL)], grass protein value [true protein absorbable in the small intestine when rumen fermen energy is limiting microbial protein synthesis in the rumen (PDIE)], pre‐grazing herbage mass (PGHM), daily herbage allowance (DHA) and concentrate supplementation. GrazeIn was evaluated using the relative prediction error (RPE). The mean actualGDMIand milk yields of grazing herds in the database ranged from 9·9–22·0 kgDMper cow d−1and 8·9–41·8 kg per cow d−1, respectively. The accuracy of predictions for the total database estimated byRPEwas 12·2 and 12·8% forGDMIand milk yield, respectively. The mean bias (predicted minus actual) forGDMIwas −0·3 kgDMper cow d−1and for milk yield was +0·9 kg per cow d−1. GrazeIn predictedGDMIwith a level of error <13·4%RPEfor spring, summer and autumn. GrazeIn predicted milk yield in autumn (RPE = 17·6%) with a larger error in comparison with spring (RPE = 10·4%) and summer (RPE = 11·0%). Future studies should focus on the adaptation ofGrazeIn to correct and improve the prediction of milk yield in autumn.
Trends of gender gaps in life expectancy in Japan, 1947–2010: Associations with gender mortality ratio and a social development index
Authors: Liu Yan , Arai Asuna , Obayashi Yoshihide , Kanda Koji , Boostrom Eugene , Lee Romeo B. , Tamashiro Hiko
Published: December 2012

Aim

This study analyzed the trend of gender gaps in life expectancy (GGLE) in Japan between 1947 and 2010, and explored the correlations of GGLE with gender mortality ratio and social development indices.

Methods

Using GGLE and social indices data collected from the official websites, we carried out trends analysis of GGLE by calculating segmented average growth rates for different periods. We explored the association between GGLE and all‐cause mortality; and between GGLE and Human Development Index (HDI) while controlling for time trend, by computing the generalized additive models based on the software R (version 2.15).

Results

Japan's GGLE increased in a fluctuating fashion. Across 53 years, the average growth rates varied widely: 0.14% (1947–1956), 1.43% (1956–1974), 1.06% (1974–2004) and −0.60% (2004–2010) (overall average 0.87%). The value of GGLE peaked to 7.00 years in 2004, and then has slowly declined (6.75 years in 2010). Age‐adjusted all‐cause gender mortality ratio had a statistically positive association with GGLE (P < 0.01), whereas HDI was found to have no such association.

Conclusion

The increased trend of GGLE in Japan could be partly explained by increased disease‐specific mortality ratios (male/female), especially those involving chronic bronchitis and emphysema, diseases of the liver, suicide and cancer. The recent decline of GGLE might imply that Japanese women have been catching up with the lifestyle of men, resulting in similar mortality patterns. This calls for gender‐sensitive approaches to developing policies and programs that will help sustain healthy lifestyles to combat smoking and alcohol intake, and social support to prevent suicide. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 792–797.
Dynamics of natural vegetation on the Tibetan Plateau from past to future using a comprehensive and sequential classification system and remote sensing data
Authors: Liang Tiangang , Feng Qisheng , Yu Hui , Huang Xiaodong , Lin Huilong , An Shazhou , Ren Jizhou
Published: December 2012

Long‐term series of vegetation change is one of the key study contents for evaluating terrestrial ecosystems and plays an important role in global change study. The CSCS (Comprehensive and Sequential Classification System) model was used in the paper to analyze the change of Potential Natural Vegetation (PNV) types during the period 1951–2000 and for the three future years 2020, 2050 and 2080. The growth conditions for each PNV type were analyzed based on MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) datasets on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) from 2001 to 2010. The results showed that: (i) The mean annual precipitation (MAP) and mean annual temperature (MAT) had increasing trends (1.72 mm year−1 and 0.025°C year−1, respectively) over the past 50 years from 1951 to 2000. (ii) Based on the three general circulation models (CCCMA, CSRIO and HadCM3), the MAT and MAP on TP would increase in the future, with magnitudes 3.54 to 6.08°C and 28.71 mm to 126.84 mm from 2000 to 2080, respectively; it is also predicted that two new vegetation categories: warm desert and savanna would appear in the future and that the area of forest would increase significantly, while the area of grassland would have an obvious decreasing trend. And (iii) Overall, the ecological environment of vegetation in the recent 10 years has been improved in most of the areas in central and southern regions of Qinghai Province, but degraded in some areas of Sichuan Province, and the southwest and south of Tibet.
Su(fu) switches Rdx functions to fine‐tune hedgehog signaling in the Drosophila wing disk
Authors: Seong Ki‐Hyeon , Ishii Shunsuke
Published: December 2012

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a central role in pattern formation by regulating transcription factor Cubitus interruptus (Ci). Previously, Roadkill (Rdx, also called HIB) was shown to inhibit Ci activity by two distinct mechanisms, depending on the Hh signal strength (Seong et al. 2010, PLoS One 5, e15365). In the anterior region abutting the anterior/posterior (A/P) boundary of the wing disk, where cells receive a strong Hh signal, Rdx blocks the nuclear entry of Ci‐155. In contrast, in the region farther from the A/P boundary, where cells receive moderate levels of Hh, Rdx induces Ci‐155 degradation in the nucleus. Here, we report that Suppressor of fused, Su(fu), causes the Rdx switch between mechanisms. A strong Hh signal induces rdx expression and suppresses su(fu) expression, whereas moderate levels of Hh induce moderate levels of rdx expression and high levels of su(fu) expression. Rdx blocks entry of Ci‐155 into the nucleus in the absence of Su(fu) and Rdx induces the degradation of Ci‐155 in the nucleus in the presence of a threshold level of Su(fu). Thus, the Su(fu)‐induced switch between the dual actions of Rdx in response to the Hh signal strength plays a role in fine‐tuning Hh signaling.
Adapting Higher Education through Changes in Academic Work
Authors: Courtney Kathy
Published: December 2012

Internationally, changes to academic work are a response to the massification of higher education and a changed and changing higher education context. The majority of these adjustments involve a casualisation of academic work, widely characterised as being of a de‐skilling nature, alongside the emergence of new, as well as changing, roles that typically function across traditional boundaries and frequently involve elements of up‐skilling. The paper points to the value of the latter group of adaptations, characterising them as ‘direct‐response’ changes to new environmental conditions. In contrast, de‐skilling adaptations, classed as ‘indirect‐response’ changes, are viewed as impacting negatively on key aspects of higher education. Inter‐professional teaching practices are advocated as an alternative to the casualisation strategy, based on the belief that it would empower large numbers of existing groups of higher education workers to make a fuller and richer contribution to student learning and help prepare them for an uncertain future.
Experimental evidence that distinct song phrases in the Grey‐cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe morrisonia permit species and local dialect recognition
Authors: Shieh Bao‐Sen , Liang Shih‐Hsiung , Yuan Hsiao‐Wei , Chen Chao‐Chieh
Published: December 2012

Birds with small song repertoires have a limited number of song types which may serve multiple functions. The Grey‐cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe morrisonia is a non‐migratory species of lowland forests in Taiwan. Its song consists of two distinct phrases: a whistled phrase and a harmonic one. Each individual usually sings only one type of whistled phrase, and the geographical patterns of songs can be distinguished by the motif of this phrase. We proposed a dual adaptation hypothesis for the functions of these two phrases. Playback experiments including six sound stimuli (familiar whistled phrases, familiar harmonic phrases familiar complete songs, foreign whistled phrases, foreign harmonic phrases and foreign complete songs) were conducted at 12 sites in the Shoushan Nature Park of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Grey‐cheeked Fulvettas came closer to the playback speaker and increased counter‐singing more in response to the familiar whistled phrase (local dialect) than to a foreign whistled phrase (distant dialect). However, birds responded equally to the playback of harmonic stimuli from familiar and foreign sources. We suggest that in this species, whistled phrases are used for local recognition and harmonic phrases are used for species recognition in short‐range communication.
Population‐wide body mass increment at stopover sites is an unreliable indicator of refuelling rates in migrating waders
Authors: Minias Piotr , Kaczmarek Krzysztof
Published: December 2012

Estimates of refuelling rates in migrating waders are best based on intra‐seasonal recaptures of individually marked birds. This method, however, has methodological problems associated with capture effects and difficulties in attaining sufficient sample sizes. An alternative method had been proposed whereby refuelling rates are approximated by the body mass increment from the slope of the regression between body masses of all birds caught at a site and date. We investigated the appropriateness of this indicator with a simulation study in non‐synchronized migratory species (i.e. arrivals and departures of individuals at the stopover site are not synchronized). Simulation results indicated that the mass increment across the population may be used as an approximation of refuelling rate only in populations with low turnover rates (percentage of birds arriving at/departing from stopover site per day <2%) and ideally with constant numbers of staging birds. The mass increment of non‐synchronized populations with moderate or high turnover rates (higher than 5%) depends mainly on body masses of arriving birds and is not indicative of the individual rate of refuelling. The results of the simulation study were confirmed with empirical data gathered from Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola and Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago during their autumn migration at a stopover site in Poland. The population mass increment methods considerably underestimated refuelling rate obtained from the recapture‐based approach of individual birds in both species. As a consequence, we suggest that population mass increment should not be used as an indicator of refuelling rates in non‐synchronized stopover populations of migrating waders.
Self management of type 2 diabetes by Maltese immigrants in Australia: can community pharmacies play a supporting role?
Authors: Barbara Sarah , Krass Ines
Published: December 2012

Objectives

This study aimed to identify issues in diabetes self-management in an Australian Maltese community with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and to identify opportunities for community pharmacies to offer self-management support to these populations.

Methods

Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted. A maximum variation sample was recruited from La Vallette Social Centre, Sydney, and interviewed by the investigator. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and iteratively coded into themes by constant comparison using computer software. Cultural predictors of adherence were analysed.

Key findings

Twenty-four participants were interviewed. Themes included diabetes knowledge, self-management behaviours, cultural predictors of adherence and interest in community pharmacy disease management services. Diabetes knowledge was generally limited. Although most participants practised some self-monitoring of blood glucose they lacked knowledge of practice recommendations. Participants generally undertook regular physical activity, though adherence to diet varied according to social influences. Cultural influences on perceptions included attitudes to practitioners, treatment and peer experiences. Enablers included attitudes towards financial independence and social integration while nurturers included family and community support. Participants expressed interest in accessing more support from their community pharmacy due to ease of access and interest in learning more about diabetes.

Conclusions

Patients from different backgrounds experience unique barriers to care, including poor written literacy and limited access to diabetes education, many of which are unrecognised by patients or practitioners. Pharmacists should become more proactive in offering culturally appropriate diabetes self-management support to these populations. Research into pharmacist perspectives of patient issues could identify training needs and guide strategies to improve their cultural competence.
Male infant with a single‐system ectopic ureter that required the removal of the ureteral stump after nephrectomy
Authors: Nishimura Ken‐ichi , Hisamatsu Eiji , Kuwabara Hajime , Nakagawa Yoshikiyo , Sugita Yoshifumi
Published: December 2012

The necessity of removing ureteral stumps after upper tract surgery for ectopic ureters has been debated, because the procedure can be difficult to carry out and might cause injury to bladder continence mechanisms. Fortunately, ureteral stumps rarely cause problems. We herein report the case of a single‐system ectopic ureter that required the removal of the ureteral stump after nephrectomy. In our case, reflux into the ectopic ureter adversely affected the dilation of the ureteral stump. Although urine might flow through an ectopic opening during the voiding phase as a result of high pressure, residual urine might be unable to flow during the storage phase because of low pressure in the ureteral stump. The removal of ureteral stumps might be required in patients with reflux into ectopic ureters. When surgical intervention is necessary for patients with megaureters, cystourethroscopy should be carried out to more accurately clarify the anatomy of the lower urinary tract.
Efficacy of harvest and minimum size limit regulations for controlling short‐term harvest in recreational fisheries
Authors: van Poorten B. T. , Cox S.P. , Cooper A. B.
Published: December 2012

It is important to consider the potential effectiveness of regulations for reducing total harvest levels when developing fishery management plans. A random forest (RF) modelling approach was used to examine how changing per‐angler harvest or minimum size limit regulations affected sport fishery harvest in US Atlantic coast recreational fisheries. Harvest limits per angler (i.e. bag limits) were typically high initially and subsequently reduced, whereas almost half of minimum length limits were initially below the length‐at‐maturity and subsequently increased. Across most fisheries examined, extreme reductions in harvest limits (e.g. from unlimited to catch‐and‐release) were largely ineffective at limiting total fishery harvest. Increasingly restrictive minimum length limits caused a greater average harvest reduction than per‐angler harvest limits. Some regulation changes were associated with higher angling effort and thus increased harvest, which suggests that when effort cannot be constrained, more direct harvest limitations should be considered.
Who and What Is a “Population”? Historical Debates, Current Controversies, and Implications for Understanding “Population Health” and Rectifying Health Inequities
Authors: KRIEGER NANCY
Published: December 2012

Context: The idea of “population” is core to the population sciences but is rarely defined except in statistical terms. Yet who and what defines and makes a population has everything to do with whether population means are meaningful or meaningless, with profound implications for work on population health and health inequities.

Methods: In this article, I review the current conventional definitions of, and historical debates over, the meaning(s) of “population,” trace back the contemporary emphasis on populations as statistical rather than substantive entities to Adolphe Quetelet's powerful astronomical metaphor, conceived in the 1830s, ofl’homme moyen(the average man), and argue for an alternative definition of populations as relational beings. As informed by the ecosocial theory of disease distribution, I then analyze several case examples to explore the utility of critical population‐informed thinking for research, knowledge, and policy involving population health and health inequities.

Findings: Four propositions emerge: (1) the meaningfulness of means depends on how meaningfully the populations are defined in relation to the inherent intrinsic and extrinsic dynamic generative relationships by which they are constituted; (2) structured chance drives population distributions of health and entails conceptualizing health and disease, including biomarkers, as embodied phenotype and health inequities as historically contingent; (3) persons included in population health research are study participants, and the casual equation of this term with “study population” should be avoided; and (4) the conventional cleavage of “internal validity” and “generalizability” is misleading, since a meaningful choice of study participants must be in relation to the range of exposures experienced (or not) in the real‐world societies, that is, meaningful populations, of which they are a part.

Conclusions: To improve conceptual clarity, causal inference, and action to promote health equity, population sciences need to expand and deepen their theorizing about who and what makes populations and their means.
Disclosure, Apology, and Offer Programs: Stakeholders’ Views of Barriers to and Strategies for Broad Implementation
Authors: BELL SIGALL K. , SMULOWITZ PETER B. , WOODWARD ALAN C. , MELLO MICHELLE M. , DUVA ANJALI MITTER , BOOTHMAN RICHARD C. , SANDS KENNETH
Published: December 2012

Context: The Disclosure, Apology, and Offer (DA&O) model, a response to patient injuries caused by medical care, is an innovative approach receiving national attention for its early success as an alternative to the existing inherently adversarial, inefficient, and inequitable medical liability system. Examples of DA&O programs, however, are few.

Methods: Through key informant interviews, we investigated the potential for more widespread implementation of this model by provider organizations and liability insurers, defining barriers to implementation and strategies for overcoming them. Our study focused on Massachusetts, but we also explored themes that are broadly generalizable to other states.

Findings: We found strong support for the DA&O model among key stakeholders, who cited its benefits for both the liability system and patient safety. The respondents did not perceive any insurmountable barriers to broad implementation, and they identified strategies that could be pursued relatively quickly. Such solutions would permit a range of organizations to implement the model without legislative hurdles.

Conclusions: Although more data are needed about the outcomes of DA&O programs, the model holds considerable promise for transforming the current approach to medical liability and patient safety.