bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scalar evolution equations for shear waves in incompressible solids: a simple derivation of the Z, ZK, KZK and KP equations
Authors: Destrade Michel , Goriely Alain , Saccomandi Giuseppe
Published: December 2010

We study the propagation of two-dimensional finite-amplitude shear waves in a nonlinear pre-strained incompressible solid, and derive several asymptotic amplitude equations in a simple, consistent and rigorous manner. The scalar Zabolotskaya (Z) equation is shown to be the asymptotic limit of the equations of motion for all elastic generalized neo-Hookean solids (with strain energy depending only on the first principal invariant of Cauchy–Green strain). However, we show that the Z equation cannot be a scalar equation for the propagation of two-dimensional shear waves in general elastic materials (with strain energy depending on the first and second principal invariants of strain). Then, we introduce dispersive and dissipative terms to deduce the scalar Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (KP), Zabolotskaya–Khokhlov (ZK) and Khokhlov–Zabolotskaya–Kuznetsov (KZK) equations of incompressible solid mechanics.
Evidence for competition and cooperation among climbing plants
Authors: Biernaskie Jay M.
Published: December 2010

A plant's best strategy for acquiring resources may often depend on the identity of neighbours. Here, I ask whether plants adjust their strategy to local relatedness: individuals may cooperate (reduce competitiveness) with kin but compete relatively intensely with non-kin. In a greenhouse experiment with
Ipomoea hederacea
, neighbouring siblings from the same inbred line were relatively uniform in height; groups of mixed lines, however, were increasingly variable as their mean height increased. The reproductive yield of mixed and sibling groups was similar overall, but when adjusted to a common mean height and height inequality, the yield of mixed groups was significantly less. Where this difference in yield was most pronounced (among groups that varied most in height), mixed groups tended to allocate more mass to roots than comparable sibling groups, and overall, mixed groups produced significantly fewer seeds per unit mass of roots. These results suggest that, from the group perspective, non-kin may have wasted resources in below-ground competition at the expense of reproduction; kin groups, on the other hand, displayed the relative efficiency that is expected of reduced competitiveness.
Interpreting local visual features as a global shape requires awareness
Authors: Schwarzkopf D. Samuel , Rees Geraint
Published: December 2010

How the brain constructs a coherent representation of the environment from noisy visual input remains poorly understood. Here, we explored whether awareness of the stimulus plays a role in the integration of local features into a representation of global shape. Participants were primed with a shape defined either by position or orientation cues, and performed a shape-discrimination task on a subsequently presented probe shape. Crucially, the probe could either be defined by the same or different cues as the prime, which allowed us to distinguish the effect of priming by local features and global shape. We found a robust priming benefit for visible primes, with response times being faster when the probe and prime were the same shape, regardless of the defining cue. However, rendering the prime invisible uncovered a dissociation: position-defined primes produced behavioural benefit only for probes of the same cue type. Surprisingly, orientation-defined primes afforded an enhancement only for probes of the opposite cue. In further experiments, we showed that the effect of priming was confined to retinotopic coordinates and that there was no priming effect by invisible orientation cues in an orientation-discrimination task. This explains the absence of priming by the same cue in our shape-discrimination task. In summary, our findings show that while in the absence of awareness orientation signals can recruit retinotopic circuits (e.g. intrinsic lateral connections), conscious processing is necessary to interpret local features as global shape.
Host resistance and coevolution in spatially structured populations
Authors: Best Alex , Webb Steve , White Andy , Boots Mike
Published: December 2010

Natural, agricultural and human populations are structured, with a proportion of interactions occurring locally or within social groups rather than at random. This within-population spatial and social structure is important to the evolution of parasites but little attention has been paid to how spatial structure affects the evolution of host resistance, and as a consequence the coevolutionary outcome. We examine the evolution of resistance across a range of mixing patterns using an approximate mathematical model and stochastic simulations. As reproduction becomes increasingly local, hosts are always selected to increase resistance. More localized transmission also selects for higher resistance, but only if reproduction is also predominantly local. If the hosts disperse, lower resistance evolves as transmission becomes more local. These effects can be understood as a combination of genetic (kin) and ecological structuring on individual fitness. When hosts and parasites coevolve, local interactions select for hosts with high defence and parasites with low transmissibility and virulence. Crucially, this means that more population mixing may lead to the evolution of both fast-transmitting highly virulent parasites and reduced resistance in the host.
The evolution of payoff matrices: providing incentives to cooperate
Authors: Akçay Erol , Roughgarden Joan
Published: December 2010

Most of the work in evolutionary game theory starts with a model of a social situation that gives rise to a particular payoff matrix and analyses how behaviour evolves through natural selection. Here, we invert this approach and ask, given a model of how individuals behave, how the payoff matrix will evolve through natural selection. In particular, we ask whether a prisoner's dilemma game is stable against invasions by mutant genotypes that alter the payoffs. To answer this question, we develop a two-tiered framework with goal-oriented dynamics at the behavioural time scale and a diploid population genetic model at the evolutionary time scale. Our results are two-fold: first, we show that the prisoner's dilemma is subject to invasions by mutants that provide incentives for cooperation to their partners, and that the resulting game is a coordination game similar to the hawk–dove game. Second, we find that for a large class of mutants and symmetric games, a stable genetic polymorphism will exist in the locus determining the payoff matrix, resulting in a complex pattern of behavioural diversity in the population. Our results highlight the importance of considering the evolution of payoff matrices to understand the evolution of animal social systems.
Oncogenic mutations of ALK in neuroblastoma
Authors: Ogawa Seishi , Takita Junko , Sanada Masashi , Hayashi Yasuhide
Published: December 2010

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common solid cancers among children. Prognosis of advanced neuroblastoma is still poor despite the recent advances in chemo/radiotherapies. In view of improving the clinical outcome of advanced neuroblastoma, it is important to identify the key molecules responsible for the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma and to develop effective drugs that target these molecules. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase, initially identified through the analysis of a specific translocation associated with a rare subtype of non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Recently it was demonstrated that ALK is frequently mutated in sporadic cases with advanced neuroblastoma. Moreover, germline mutations of ALK were shown to be responsible for the majority of hereditary neuroblastoma. ALK mutants found in neuroblastoma show constitutive active kinase activity and oncogenic potentials. Inhibition of ALK in neuroblastoma cell lines carrying amplified or mutated ALK alleles results in compromised downstream signaling and cell growth, indicating potential roles of small molecule ALK inhibitors in the therapeutics of neuroblastoma carrying mutated ALK kinases. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 302–308)
A comparison of children with ADHD in a natural and built setting
Authors: van den Berg A. E. , van den Berg C. G.
Published: December 2010

Background  A link has been suggested between children's disconnection from nature and the recent surge in childhood disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Research on benefits of nature for healthy children provides some support for such a link. However, only a few studies have directly examined the influence of contact with nature on children with ADHD.

Aim  The aim of the present research was to gain more insight into the behaviour and emotional and cognitive functioning of children with ADHD in a natural and built setting.

Methods  Two groups of six children (age 9–17) who stayed at care farms for children with ADHD in the Netherlands were systematically observed, questioned, and tested during visits to a wooded area and a small town.

Results  Both groups performed better on a concentration task in the woods than in the town, despite the fact that all children visited the town after the woods and thus their scores in the town were possibly inflated by learning effects. However, the behaviour and emotional functioning in the two settings differed between the groups. One group of children liked the woods better than the town and displayed more positive behaviours and feelings in the natural environment. The other group of children liked the town equally well as the woods and displayed positive behaviours and feelings in both settings, although they showed somewhat more non‐social, aggressive, inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive behaviour in the town than in the woods.

Conclusions  These results suggest that natural areas provide a consistent positive environment for children with ADHD. However, more research is needed to obtain a fuller understanding of the influences of the physical environment on children with ADHD.
Coping and resilience in adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Jaser S. S. , White L. E.
Published: December 2010

Background  Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) must cope with the ongoing stress of treatment management, so it is important to identify the most adaptive coping strategies. Previous studies, however, have typically measured broad categories of coping (e.g. approach/avoidance) and few used instruments specifically designed for this population.

Objective  This article aimed to use a developmentally sensitive coping measure to explore how the use of specific coping strategies impacts resilience (i.e. quality of life, competence and metabolic control) in adolescents with T1D.

Methods  Thirty adolescents with T1D between the ages of 10 and 16 and their mothers completed questionnaires on adolescents' coping strategy use, competence and quality of life. Clinical data (i.e. HbA1c) were obtained from adolescents' medical records.

Results  Greater use of primary control coping strategies (e.g. problem solving, emotional expression) was associated with higher competence scores, better quality of life and better metabolic control. Secondary control coping strategies (e.g. acceptance, distraction) were related to higher social competence, better quality of life and better metabolic control. Finally, the use of disengagement coping strategies (e.g. withdrawal or denial) was linked with lower competence and poorer metabolic control.

Conclusions  The results of this study support the use of developmentally sensitive coping measures by researchers and clinicians to determine the most effective coping strategies for adolescents with T1D.
Assessing the evidence for latitudinal gradients in plant defence and herbivory
Authors: Moles Angela T. , Bonser Stephen P. , Poore Alistair G.B. , Wallis Ian R. , Foley William J.
Published: December 2010

1. The idea that biotic interactions, including herbivory, predation and competition are more intense at lower latitudes is widely accepted and underpins several dominant theories on the latitudinal gradient in biodiversity. Current theory also predicts that the intense biotic interactions at low latitudes will select plants for greater defence against herbivores. We reviewed the literature to provide an assessment of the evidence for and against the hypothesis that herbivory is more intense at lower latitudes, and that plants from low latitudes are better defended than are plants from high latitudes.

2. Only 37% of the 38 latitudinal comparisons of herbivory showed higher herbivory at lower latitudes, and the average effect size in a meta‐analysis was not significantly different from zero. Thus, the available data do not support the idea that herbivory is generally more intense in the tropics.

3. Only nine of 56 comparisons found higher chemical defences at lower latitudes, and a meta‐analysis showed that overall, chemical defences were significantly higher in plants from higher latitudes. This result is counter to the predictions of much of the literature.

4. A meta‐analysis showed no significant effect of latitude on physical defence.

5. A review of the literature on feeding trials and common garden experiments showed that herbivores tend to prefer tissue from high latitudes. This trend could stem from differences in overall defence that were not captured by the metrics used in the literature, but could also result from differences in nutritional quality.

6. The empirical data do not support the widespread view that herbivory is generally more intense at lower latitudes, or that plants from low latitudes are generally better defended than are plants from higher latitudes. These results are counter to the prevailing thought on this topic, and suggest that this field may be ripe for the development of new theory.
Multiphoton fluorescent images with a spatially varying background signal: a ML deconvolution method
Authors: CRIVARO M. , ENJIEU‐KADJI H , HATANAKA R. , NAKAUCHI S. , BOSCH J. , JUDIN J. , RIERA J. , KAWASHIMA R
Published: December 2010

By means of multiphoton laser scanning microscopy, neuroscientists can look inside the brain deeper than has ever been possible before. Multiphoton fluorescent images, as all optical images, suffer from degradation caused by a variety of sources (e.g. light dispersion and absorption in the tissue, laser fluctuations, spurious photodetection and staining deficiency). From a modelling perspective, such degradations can be considered the sum of stochastic noise and a background signal. Among the methods proposed in the literature to perform image deconvolution in either confocal or multiphoton fluorescent microscopy, Vicidomini et al. (2009) were the first to incorporate models for noise (a Poisson process) and background signal (spatially constant) in the context of regularized inverse problems. Unfortunately, the so‐called split‐gradient deconvolution method (SGM) they used did not consider possible spatial variations in the background signal. In this paper, we extend the SGM by adding a maximum‐likelihood estimation step for the determination of a spatially varying background signal. We demonstrate that the assumption of a constant background is not always valid in multiphoton laser microscopy and by using synthetic and actual multiphoton fluorescent images, we evaluate the face of validity of the proposed method, and compare its accuracy with the previously introduced SGM algorithm.
Living near agricultural pesticide applications and the risk of adverse reproductive outcomes: a review of the literature
Authors: Shirangi Adeleh , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark , Vienneau Danielle , Holman C.D'Arcy J.
Published: December 2010

Shirangi A, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Vienneau D, Holman CDJ. Living near agricultural pesticide applications and the risk of adverse reproductive outcomes: a review of the literature.Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology2010.

Over the last decade, there has been growing concern about the possible health effects, including a number of adverse reproductive outcomes, from pesticide exposure of people living near agricultural fields. This systematic review evaluates the current epidemiological evidence on the association between living near agricultural pesticide applications and adverse reproductive outcomes, including congenital malformations, stillbirth, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), low birthweight, preterm birth and miscarriage.

We identified and reviewed 25 studies from a systematic search of the main scientific databases and other sources published in 1950–2007. Study methods and main results were summarised and tabulated according to the year of study, design and type of adverse reproductive outcome. The levels of evidence for reproductive toxicity in humans contributed by each study were assessed and the main limitations associated with these studies discussed.

Residential proximity to agricultural pesticide applications may be an important source of ambient environmental exposure, but because of the underlying methodological difficulties, the strength of evidence for its relationship with adverse reproductive outcomes is generally weak and varied between outcomes. The evidence suggested an association for congenital malformations, but because of methodological limitations, such as poor exposure measurement and potentially inadequate control of confounding, a firm conclusion remains beyond reach. For the other outcomes (stillbirth, IUGR, low birthweight, preterm birth and miscarriage) the evidence for any associations was equivocal at best, but some leads warrant further investigation. Improved exposure assessment methods are needed to obtain a more reliable assessment of any risks.
Developing a community‐based neonatal care intervention: a health facility assessment to inform intervention design
Authors: Howe Laura D. , Manu Alexander , Tawiah‐Agyemang Charlotte , Kirkwood Betty R. , Hill Zelee
Published: December 2010

Howe LD, Manu A, Tawiah‐Agyemang C, Kirkwood BR, Hill Z. Developing a community‐based neonatal care intervention: a health facility assessment to inform intervention design. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010.

Community‐based interventions are an important way of improving health in low‐income countries. A necessary prerequisite for the design of such interventions is an understanding of the local health system. This will inform intervention design, help ensure the community‐intervention forms part of a continuum of care, and provide information about health system strengthening activities that may be necessary for success. Such formative research processes, however, are seldom reported in the literature. We present the results of a health facility assessment used in the design stage of Newhints, a community‐based intervention to improve neonatal survival in rural Ghana. We illustrate the methodology, findings and how these were used to inform the design and implementation of Newhints. The assessment involved key informant interviews with staff members at seven health facilities within the study area, including a brief inventory of available drugs and equipment. The key informant interviews identified that practices and health promotion messages at the health facilities were not consistent with one of the key target behaviours of the Newhints intervention – thermal care through delayed infant bathing. Health workers were bathing neonates soon after delivery and also advising women to do the same, which is a potential cause of hypothermia for the newborn. We found that health centres other than large district hospitals were ill‐equipped to treat serious complications of labour or illness in the newborn, which had implications for advice on health seeking behaviour within the intervention. As a result of the health facility assessment, it was deemed necessary to undertake both health worker training and sensitisation activities. We demonstrate that important information can be yielded from a relatively simple health facility assessment involving key informant interviews.
Differential effects of advanced glycation end‐products on renal tubular cell inflammation
Authors: TANG SYDNEY CW , CHAN LORETTA YY , LEUNG JOSEPH CK , CHENG AMY S , LIN MIAO , LAN HUI Y , LAI KAR N
Published: December 2010

Aim:  The authors recently showed that advanced glycation end‐products (AGE) in the form of glycated albumin (GA) upregulated renal tubular expression of interleukin (IL)‐8 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1), but not other important cytokines known to mediate diabetic nephropathy. This implies that other molecules such as the carbonyl intermediates of AGE or other modified protein lysine‐albumin may participate in diabetic tubular injury.

Methods:  Human proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC) were growth‐arrested and exposed to methylglyoxal (MG), MG‐bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐AGE, carboxymethyllysine (CML)‐BSA, AGE‐BSA or BSA with or without prior addition of rosiglitazone that was previously shown to attenuate the pro‐inflammatory effect of GA alone.

Results:  MG‐BSA‐AGE and AGE‐BSA upregulated tubular expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), whereas CML‐BSA stimulated expression of IL‐6, CCL‐2, CTGF, TGF‐β and VEGF. These AGE compounds also activated nuclear factor (NF)‐κB and their effects were attenuated by pre‐incubation with anti‐RAGE antibody. MG and BSA did not affect the expression of any of these molecules. Rosiglitazone did not affect the in vitro biological effects of MG, MG‐BSA‐AGE, AGE‐BSA or CML‐BSA on PTEC.

Conclusion:  AGE exhibit differential inflammatory and fibrotic effects on PTEC via RAGE activation and NF‐κB signal transduction. Rosiglitazone had no effect on these responses. Further investigations on compounds that nullify the downstream effects of these AGE are warranted.
Changing incidence of non‐melanoma skin cancer in New Zealand
Authors: Brougham Nicholas D. L. , Dennett Elizabeth R. , Tan Swee T.
Published: December 2010

Background:  Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the commonest types of non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The incidence of NMSC has been increasing globally with Australia recording a 1.5‐fold increase over the last 17 years. The incidence of NMSC in New Zealand is currently unknown. Given that Australia and New Zealand share similar latitude, sun exposure levels, and other risk factors, it is conceivable this increase has also occurred in New Zealand. This study aimed to provide an analysis of the incidence of NMSC within the Central Region of New Zealand based on longitudinal data derived from pathology reports.

Methods:  This retrospective study examined the pathology records of 26 411 patients who underwent surgical excision for 54 004 NMSC lesions which were histologically confirmed, over a 10‐year period from 1 January, 1997 to 1 January, 2007, within the Central Region of New Zealand.

Results:  Over the study period, 50 411 primary NMSC lesions were excised. The age‐standardized incidence for NMSC, BCC and SCC was 406, 299 and 118 per 100 000, respectively. Since 1999, the annual incidence of BCC and SCC has increased by 4.0% and 1.1%, respectively, with the greatest increases seen in the population over the age of 50 years.

Conclusion:  New Zealand has one of the highest incidence of NMSC in the world. The high and increasing incidence of NMSC underscores the importance for the development and implementation of a national health‐care delivery model, and a commitment to continued monitoring of the NMSC problem.
Risk factors for non‐union in the non‐operative management of type II dens fractures
Authors: Lewis Emma , Liew Susan , Dowrick Adam
Published: December 2010

Background:  Despite the publication of numerous studies, there remains controversy regarding the non‐operative treatment of type II dens fractures. The halo‐thoracic vest (HTV) and rigid cervical collar are the most commonly used. We sought to compare the outcomes of patients managed with these devices in terms of risk factors for non‐union and complication rates.

Methods:  This study was a retrospective review of adult patients with type II dens fractures treated non‐operatively at a Level 1 Trauma Centre between 2001 and 2007. Patient medical records and imaging studies were reviewed. Union was defined as stable fibrous union or bony union at 3 months.

Results:  Sixty‐seven patients were included – 35 treated using a HTV and 32 with a collar. Non‐union was associated with increased time in HTV or collar (P= 0.011), a mechanism of injury involving a low fall (P= 0.008), or low velocity injuries (P= 0.04). The proportion of patients with stable union at 3 months was 60% for the HTV group versus 35% for the cervical collar group (P= 0.10). There were trends to support increased risk of non‐union with age ≥65 years (P= 0.13) or with fracture displacement ≥2 mm (P= 0.17) at the time of presentation. Clinically significant complications of the HTV were more common than those experienced with collar. Of HTV patients, 60% suffered one or more complications compared with 6% for collar.

Conclusions:  We were unable to demonstrate any statistically significant advantage or disadvantage of either device. Further investigation of mortality and morbidity would be beneficial.
Low‐cost production of proinsulin in tobacco and lettuce chloroplasts for injectable or oral delivery of functional insulin and C‐peptide
Authors: Boyhan Diane , Daniell Henry
Published: December 2010

Current treatment for type I diabetes includes delivery of insulin via injection or pump, which is highly invasive and expensive. The production of chloroplast‐derived proinsulin should reduce cost and facilitate oral delivery. Therefore, tobacco and lettuce chloroplasts were transformed with the cholera toxin B subunit fused with human proinsulin (A, B, C peptides) containing three furin cleavage sites (CTB‐PFx3). Transplastomic lines were confirmed for site‐specific integration of transgene and homoplasmy. Old tobacco leaves accumulated proinsulin up to 47% of total leaf protein (TLP). Old lettuce leaves accumulated proinsulin up to 53% TLP. Accumulation was so stable that up to ∼40% proinsulin in TLP was observed even in senescent and dried lettuce leaves, facilitating their processing and storage in the field. Based on the yield of only monomers and dimers of proinsulin (3 mg/g leaf, a significant underestimation), with a 50% loss of protein during the purification process, one acre of tobacco could yield up to 20 million daily doses of insulin per year. Proinsulin from tobacco leaves was purified up to 98% using metal affinity chromatography without any His‐tag. Furin protease cleaved insulin peptides in vitro. Oral delivery of unprocessed proinsulin bioencapsulated in plant cells or injectable delivery into mice showed reduction in blood glucose levels similar to processed commercial insulin. C‐peptide should aid in long‐term treatment of diabetic complications including stimulation of nerve and renal functions. Hyper‐expression of functional proinsulin and exceptional stability in dehydrated leaves offer a low‐cost platform for oral and injectable delivery of cleavable proinsulin.
Female‐demand/male‐withdraw communication in Argentinian couples: A mediating factor between economic strain and relationship distress
Authors: FALCONIER MARIANA K. , EPSTEIN NORMAN B.
Published: December 2010

Based on a dyadic version of R. D. Conger and colleagues' stress model, this study examined whether the demand/withdraw pattern in couples' communication mediates the association between partners' economic strain and their level of relationship distress. Data were from self‐report questionnaires completed by 144 heterosexual couples seeking psychotherapy at a community clinic in Argentina 3 years after a major national economic crisis. As hypothesized, results from a path model analysis suggested that (a) regardless of provider role, females tended to experience more economic strain than males did; (b) the female‐demand/male‐withdraw pattern, but not the male‐demand/female‐withdraw pattern, mediated the positive association between economic strain and relationship distress; and (c) both partners' levels of relationship distress were affected by both patterns of demand/withdraw communication. Gender differences are discussed based on the gender role expectations in Argentina and the stress coping and demand/withdraw communication literatures. Study limitations and implications of the findings for research, programmatic approaches, and therapeutic interventions for couples under economic stress are considered. This study makes important contributions to our understanding of gender differences and the role of demand/withdraw communication in couples' responses to economic strain.
Use of Fruit Essential Oils to Assist Forest Regeneration by Bats
Authors: Bianconi Gledson V. , Suckow Urubatan M. S. , Cruz‐Neto Ariovaldo P. , Mikich Sandra B.
Published: December 2010

Frugivorous bats can be attracted with essential oils from ripe chiropterochoric fruit. We evaluated the efficiency of these oils to attract bats in degraded areas within the Atlantic Rain Forest, particularly pasture and agricultural land. We hypothesized that induction units (IUs), each containing a rubber septum impregnated with oil, would have more bat activity than their respective control units (CUs; without the oil). To test this hypothesis we monitored bat flight activity with night‐vision infrared visors in eight IU and CU from August 2006 to July 2007. We also verified the probability of arrival of chiropterochoric seeds by analyzing the diet of bats captured in a neighboring forest area. Our initial hypothesis that units with odor would lead to greater bat activity was confirmed. Results indicated a rich community of fruit‐eating bats, and dietary analysis revealed a huge potential for dispersion of a vast amount of seeds from different plant species at the IU. Although our study does not reveal with certainty which bat species are attracted to the oil, the flying patterns coincide with those described for the foraging behavior of fruit‐eating phyllostomids. Furthermore, the fact that the bats spend more time flying around the odor source compared to flying time around CU suggest an increase in seed rain. Taken together, these results suggest that the use of essential oils from chiropterochoric fruits induces a qualitative and quantitative increase in seed dispersal in areas that otherwise would not be frequently visited by frugivorous bats.
Assessing the Evidence Base for Restoration in South Africa
Authors: Ntshotsho Phumza , Reyers Belinda , Esler Karen J.
Published: December 2010

If restoration is to become effective, able to compete for limited funds and truly adaptive, it must become evidence‐based. Three of the conditions essential for the establishment and advancement of evidence‐based restoration are (1) collection of baseline information; (2) setting clearly defined goals; and (3) relevant and adequate monitoring. Using a literature review, complemented with an online survey, we reviewed 10 restoration programs in South Africa to assess whether current restoration practice meets these conditions. The review showed good collection of baseline information and the setting of restoration goals that span ecological and socioeconomic considerations. However, to a large extent goals were poorly defined, there was more monitoring of inputs than outcomes, and monitoring of ecological indicators was inconsistent. These shortcomings can undermine restoration impacts, as well as the future sustainability of these expensive programs. We conclude with recommendations on how to mainstream the requirements of evidence‐based restoration into current and proposed restoration programs.
Predictors of Activity Limitation and Dependence on Walking Aids After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Singh Jasvinder A. , Lewallen David G.
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVES: To study function outcomes and their predictors after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Mayo Clinic.

PARTICIPANTS: All patients who underwent primary THA at the Mayo Clinic between 1993 and 2005 and were alive at the time of follow‐up.

MEASUREMENTS: Whether sex, age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidity, anxiety, and depression predict moderate to severe activity limitation (limitation in ≥3 activities) and complete dependence on waling aids 2 and 5 years after primary THA was examined. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for operative diagnosis, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, implant type, and distance from medical center.

RESULTS: At 2 years, 30.3% of participants reported moderate to severe activity limitation; at 5 years, 35% of participants reported moderate to severe activity limitation. Significant predictors of moderate to severe activity limitations at 2‐year follow‐up were female sex (odds ratio (OR)=1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.1–1.4), aged 71 to 80 (OR=2.0, 95% CI=1.6–2.5), aged 80 and older (OR=4.5, 95% CI=3.4–6.0), depression (OR=2.1, 95% CI=1.6–2.7), and BMI greater than 30.0. At 5‐year follow‐up, significant predictors were aged 71 to 80 (OR=1.7, 95% CI=1.3–2.2), older than 80 (OR=4.3, 95% CI=2.8–6.6), depression (OR=2.3, 95% CI=1.6–3.4), and BMI greater than 30.0.Significant predictors of complete dependence on walking aids at 2 years were female sex (OR=2.0, 95% CI=1.4–2.7), aged 71 to 80 (OR=2.4, 95% CI=1.4–4.2), older than 80 (OR=11.4, 95% CI=6.0–21.9), higher Deyo‐Charlson score (OR=1.5, 95% CI=(1.1–1.2) for 5‐point increase, depression (OR=2.0, 95% CI=1.2–3.4), and BMI greater than 35.0. Each of these factors also significantly predicted complete dependence on walking at 5‐year follow‐up, with similar odds ratios, except that BMI of 30.0 to 34.9 was not significantly associated.

CONCLUSION: Higher BMI, depression, older age, and female sex predict activity limitation and complete dependence on walking aids 2 and 5 years after primary THA.
Stages of Change for the Component Behaviors of Advance Care Planning
Authors: Fried Terri R. , Redding Colleen A. , Robbins Mark L. , Paiva Andrea , O'Leary John R. , Iannone Lynne
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVES: To develop stages‐of‐change measures for advance care planning (ACP), conceptualized as a group of interrelated but separate behaviors, and to use these measures to characterize older persons' engagement in and factors associated with readiness to participate in ACP.

DESIGN: Observational cohort study.

SETTING: Community.

PARTICIPANTS: Persons aged 65 and older recruited from physician offices and a senior center.

MEASUREMENTS: Stages of change for six ACP behaviors: completion of a living will and healthcare proxy, communication with loved ones regarding use of life‐sustaining treatments and quantity versus quality of life, and communication with physicians about these same issues.

RESULTS: Readiness to participate in ACP varied widely across behaviors. Whereas between approximately 50% and 60% of participants were in the action or maintenance stage for communicating with loved ones about life‐sustaining treatment and completing a living will, 40% were in the precontemplation stage for communicating with loved ones about quantity versus quality of life, and 70% and 75% were in the precontemplation stage for communicating with physicians. Participants were frequently in different stages for different behaviors. Few sociodemographic, health, or psychosocial factors were associated with stages of change for completing a living will, but a broader range of factors was associated with stages of change for communication with loved ones about quantity versus quality of life.

CONCLUSION: Older persons show a range of readiness to engage in different aspects of ACP. Individualized assessment and interventions targeted to stage of behavior change for each component of ACP may be an effective strategy to increase participation in ACP.
Patterns of Tooth Loss in Older Adults with and without Dementia: A Retrospective Study Based on a Minnesota Cohort
Authors: Chen Xi , Shuman Stephen K. , Hodges James S. , Gatewood Laël C. , Xu Jia
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVES: To study tooth loss patterns in older adults with dementia.

DESIGN: Retrospective longitudinal study.

SETTING: A community‐based geriatric dental clinic in Minnesota.

PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred ninety‐one older adults who presented to the study clinic as new patients during the study period, remained dentate after finishing the initial treatment plan, and returned for care at least once thereafter were retrospectively selected. One hundred nineteen elderly people with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes 290.x, 294.1, or 331.2 or a plain‐text diagnosis of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or chronic brain syndrome in the medical history were considered having dementia.

INTERVENTION: All existing dental conditions were treated before enrollment. Dental treatment was continually provided for all participants during follow‐up.

MEASUREMENTS: Tooth loss patterns, including time to first tooth loss, number of tooth loss events, and number of teeth lost per patient‐year were estimated and compared for participants with and without dementia using Cox, Poisson, and negative‐binomial regressions.

RESULTS: Participants with dementia arrived with an average of 18 and those without dementia with an average of 20 teeth; 27% of remaining teeth in the group with dementia were decayed or retained roots, higher than in the group without dementia (P<.001). Patterns of tooth loss did not significantly differ between the two groups; 11% of participants in both groups had lost teeth by 12 months of follow‐up. By 48 months, 31% of participants without dementia and 37% of participants with dementia had lost at least one tooth (P=.50). On average, 15% of participants in both groups lost at least one tooth each year. Mean numbers of teeth lost in 5 years were 1.21 for participants with dementia and 1.01 for participants without dementia (P=.89).

CONCLUSION: Based on data available in a community‐based geriatric dental clinic, dementia was not associated with tooth loss. Although their oral health was poor at arrival, participants with dementia maintained their dentition as well as participants without dementia when dental treatment was provided.
Factor Structure of Pain Medication Questionnaire in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults with Chronic Pain
Authors: Park Juyoung , Clement Russell , Lavin Robert
Published: December 2010

Objectives:  This study was to develop a version of the Pain Medication Questionnaire (PMQ) specific to the elderly chronic pain population and to identify relevant subscales and items for that population. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to assess the factor structure of the PMQ, to eliminate items that are not appropriate for this population, and to improve ease of administration in the elderly population.

Methods:  Data were obtained through a survey administered to older adults with chronic pain who consumed opioid medications in a cross‐sectional study at outpatient clinics affiliated with the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the University of Maryland Medical System. EFA was conducted on the PMQ in the geriatric chronic pain population, which was compared with the PMQ studies from the general chronic pain population.

Results:  A two‐factor solution yielded Factor 1 with four items and Factor 2 with three items; 18 items did not load significantly on either factor, and only seven items loaded significantly on either factor. All of the chosen factor loadings ranged from 0.41 to 0.88.

Conclusion:  The findings suggest that, although a small number of the items were identified from the overall scale, they adequately explain two relatively unique factors pertaining to pain management among older adults. This preliminary study suggests that the seven‐item PMQ may be useful in assessing opioid medication misuse in community‐dwelling older adults with chronic pain. Future studies are needed to confirm the reliability, validity, and factor structure of this modified PMQ in the geriatric population.
Sequencing and Optimization Within an Embodied Task Dynamic Model
Authors: Simko Juraj , Cummins Fred
Published: December 2010

A model of gestural sequencing in speech is proposed that aspires to producing biologically plausible fluent and efficient movement in generating an utterance. We have previously proposed a modification of the well‐known task dynamic implementation of articulatory phonology such that any given articulatory movement can be associated with a quantification of effort (Simko & Cummins, 2010). To this we add a quantitative cost that decreases as speech gestures become more precise, and hence intelligible, and a third cost component that places a premium on the duration of an utterance. Together, these three cost elements allow us to derive algorithmically optimal sequences of gestures and dynamical parameters for generating articulator movement. We show that the optimized movement displays many timing characteristics that are representative of real speech movement, capturing subtle details of relative timing between gestures. Optimal movement sequences also display invariances in timing that suggest syllable‐level coordination for CV sequences. We explore the behavior of the model as prosodic context is manipulated in two dimensions: clarity of articulation and speech rate. Smooth, fluid, and efficient movements result.
Risk Assessment of Hemorrhagic Transformation of Acute Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke Using Multimodal CT
Authors: Lin Ke , Zink Walter E. , Tsiouris A. John , John Majnu , Tekchandani Leena , Sanelli Pina C.
Published: December 2010

PURPOSE

Multimodal CT with CT angiography (CTA) and CT perfusion (CTP) are increasingly used in stroke triage. Our aim was to identify parameters most predictive of hemorrhagic transformation (HT), especially symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH).

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients evaluated by baseline multimodal CT ≤ 9 hours from ictus with acute nonlacunar middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory infarction. Two readers independently evaluated CTP maps for ischemic severity and CTA source images (CTA‐SI) for infarct extent (as measured by ASPECTS). Presence of proximal occlusion (ICA or M1) and degree of collateralization (collateral score) were also assessed on CTA. HT was defined as SICH if associated with deterioration ≥ 4‐points on NIHSS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified independent predictors of SICH. ROC curves selected optimal thresholds.

RESULTS

Of 84 patients reviewed, HT occurred in 22 (26.2%) and SICH in 8 (9.5%). Univariate predictors for SICH were proximal occlusion (OR = 8.65, P= .049), collateral score (OR = .34, P= .017), ASPECTS (OR = .46, P= .001), and CBV (OR = .001, P= .005). Multivariate analysis revealed ASPECTS as the only independent predictor with optimal threshold ≤ 5 and sensitivity and specificity of 75.0% and 85.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

For acute MCA infarcts ≤ 9 hours, the strongest predictor of SICH on multimodal CT was ASPECTS on CTA‐SI. J Neuroimaging 2012;22:160‐166
The Effects of Commensal Bacteria on Innate Immune Responses in the Female Genital Tract
Authors: Mirmonsef Paria , Gilbert Douglas , Zariffard Mohammad R. , Hamaker Bruce R. , Kaur Amandeep , Landay Alan L. , Spear Greg T.
Published: December 2010

Citation  Mirmonsef P, Gilbert D, Zariffard MR, Hamaker BR, Kaur A, Landay AL, Spear GT. The effects of commensal bacteria on innate immune responses in the female genital tract. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 65: 190–195

The innate and adaptive immune systems are important mechanisms for resistance to pathogens in the female lower genital tract. Lactobacilli at this site help maintain a healthy vagina by producing several factors including lactic acid. Indeed, bacterial vaginosis, a condition in which the genital microbiota is altered, is strongly associated with increased rates of a number of infections including HIV. However, the precise factors that contribute to increased rates of microbial and viral infections in bacterial vaginosis remain to be elucidated. We have studied the effects of bacterial microbiota in the lower genital tract on innate immunity and have found that Toll‐like receptor ligands and short chain fatty acids, produced by bacterial microbiota, have dramatic effects on immune function. In this review, we will discuss these results, in addition to some recent articles that we believe will enhance our understanding of how microbes might interact with the immune system.
In defence of multimodal re‐signification: a response to Håvard Skaar's ‘In defence of writing’
Authors: Adami Elisabetta
Published: December 2010

Responding to ‘In defence of writing’ by Håvard Skaar, published in issue 43.1 of this journal (April 2009), the present article argues that (1) compared with text production ‘from scratch’, producing texts through copy‐and‐paste requires a different type of – rather than less – semiotic work, and that (2) digitally produced writing may involve the same amount of semiotic work as texts produced through digitally retrieved images. Supporting the argument with data drawn from the writer's teaching experience in three first‐year graduate courses of Scientific English for the Health Professions, the article discusses the changes in the abilities that are foregrounded/backgrounded (more/less required and developed) in the use of copy‐and‐paste for text production. The results indicate that rather than privileging one mode over another, the learners' semiotic work can be better assessed through a multilayered process of re‐signification and re‐elaboration of texts and contents into multiple modes. The conclusions suggest new priorities for teaching, learning and assessment in the light of the changes in our contemporary semiotic landscape.
Management guideline in haemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures: Outcomes and challenges
Authors: Asadollahi Saeed , De Steiger Richard , Gruen Russell , Richardson Martin
Published: December 2010

Clinical practice guidelines for haemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures were initiated in February 2005 at our level 1 trauma centre. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate guideline adherence and outcome of guideline performance. In a retrospective clinical study all patients admitted with a pelvic fracture from August 2003 to March 2007 were identified from a prospective trauma registry database. Medical records of all patients were reviewed. Patients with pelvic fractures associated with haemodynamic instability were included. Patients were divided into two groups: preguideline and postguideline. The two groups were compared. Main outcome measurements were 24 h fluid requirement, total blood transfusion, length of stay in ICU and hospital, and mortality rate. Of the 210 patients with pelvic fractures, 32 patients met the inclusion criteria. Preguideline group consisted of 13 and postguideline group 19 patients. Non‐invasive pelvic stabilization was applied significantly more postguideline (92.3% vs 33.3%, P= 0.004). Focused abdominal sonography for trauma and pelvic angiography/embolization have been used significantly more in the postguideline group (5 vs 14, P= 0.046 and 0 vs 6, P= 0.025, respectively). There was no significant difference in 24 h fluid requirement, total blood transfusion, length of stay in ICU and hospital, and mortality rate between the two groups. The introduction of guidelines has influenced the approach to haemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures. Multiple factors can potentially influence the strict adherence to the guideline. Care provided can still be improved by addressing the challenges in guideline performance.