bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ivabradine Improves Quality of Life in Subjects with Chronic Heart Failure Compared to Treatment with β-Blockers: Results of a Multicentric Observational APULIA Study
Authors: Riccioni G. , Masciocco L. , Benvenuto A. , Saracino P. , De Viti D. , Massari F. , Meliota G. , Buta F. , Speziale G.
Published: November 2013

Objectives: Ivabradine (IVA), a selective If current inhibitor decreasing the heart rate (HR) in patients with sinus rhythm, has been added to the most recent European Guidelines on heart failure. This selective treatment reduces HR exclusively while fully preserving myocardial contractility and relaxation, atrioventricular conduction, and ventricular repolarization, as well as blood pressure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the improvement of quality of life (QOL) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) treated with IVA versus two β-blockers (bisoprolol and carvedilol). Methods: We evaluated if a 1-month treatment with IVA (5 mg b.i.d.) or β-blockers (carvedilol 6.25 mg b.i.d. or bisoprolol 1.25 mg b.i.d.) improves the QOL (assessed by SF-36 questionnaire) in patients with CHF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (<50%). SF-36 was tested in 221 CHF patients (mean age 64 ± 6 years) randomized into two groups (IVA group - 110 patients; β-blockers group - 111 patients). Data of QOL questionnaire and HR were collected by an interview during a clinical visit both at prescription time (basal) and after 1 month of therapy with IVA or β-blockers. QOL life and HR results after 1-month of therapy (T1) with IVA were compared with basal values (T0). Results: The IVA versus β-blockers treatment was associated with a significant improvement of physical functioning (p < 0.001 vs. p < 0.01), physical role functioning (p < 0.001 vs. p < 0.01), emotional role functioning (p < 0.01 vs. p < 0.85), and mental health scales (p < 0.001 vs. p < 0.01). HR in the IVA group was significantly lower compared to the group of patients treated with β-blockers (63 vs. 67 bpm; p < 0.001). Conclusions: IVA treatment significantly improves the QOL in patients with CHF without any deleterious impact on hemodynamics, and may be beneficial in these patients without other adverse effects associated with β-blockers.
Prospective Flutemetamol Positron Emission Tomography and Histopathology in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Authors: Rinne Juha O. , Frantzen Janek , Leinonen Ville , Lonnrot Kimmo , Laakso Aki , Virtanen Kirsi A. , Solin Olof , Kotkansalo Anna , Koivisto Anne , Sajanti Juha , Karppinen Atte , Lehto Hanna , Rummukainen Jaana , Buckley Chris , Smith Adrian , Jones Paul A. , Sherwin Paul , Farrar Gill , McLain Richard , Kailajarvi Marita , Grachev Igor D.
Published: November 2013

Backgound/Objective: To determine the level of association between uptake of the amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent [18F]flutemetamol and the level of amyloid-ß measured by immunohistochemical and histochemical staining in a frontal cortical region biopsy site. Methods: Seventeen patients with probable normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) underwent prospective [18F]flutemetamol PET and subsequent frontal cortical brain biopsy during ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Tissue amyloid-ß was evaluated using the monoclonal antibody 4G8, thioflavin S and Bielschowsky silver stain. Results: Four of the 17 patients (23.5%) had amyloid-ß pathology based on the overall pathology read and also showed increased [18F]flutemetamol uptake. [18F]Flutemetamol standardized uptake values from the biopsy site were significantly associated with biopsy specimen amyloid-ß levels (Pearson's r = 0.67; p = 0.006). There was also good correlation between the biopsy specimen amyloid-ß level and uptake of [18F]flutemetamol in the region contralateral to the biopsy site (r = 0.67; p = 0.006), as well as with composite cortical [18F]flutemetamol uptake (r = 0.65; p = 0.008). The blinded visual read showed a high level of agreement between all readers (κ = 0.88). Two of 3 readers were in full agreement on all images; 1 reader disagreed on 1 of the 17 NPH cases. Blinded visual assessments of PET images by 1 reader were associated with 100% sensitivity to the overall pathology read, and assessments by the 2 others were associated with 75% sensitivity (overall sensitivity by majority read was 75%); specificity of all readers was 100%. Conclusions: [18F]Flutemetamol detects brain amyloid-ß in vivo and shows promise as a valuable tool to study and possibly facilitate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease both in patients with suspected NPH and among the wider population.
Short-Term Outcomes of Coaxial Microincision Cataract Surgery for Uveitis-Associated Cataract without Postoperative Systemic Steroid Therapy
Authors: Takayama Kei , Fujii Sayuri , Ishikawa Sho , Takeuchi Masaru
Published: November 2013

Purpose: To study the necessity of prophylactic systemic steroid therapy after coaxial microincision cataract surgery (MICS) conducted in aged patients during remission of uveitis. Procedures: A total of 17 consecutive patients who underwent MICS were enrolled in this retrospective study. The median age was 73 years. MICS via a 2.2-mm incision was performed. None of the patients received systemic steroid administration after surgery. The visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP) and inflammation scores were recorded. Results: The mean logMAR visual acuity was significantly improved from 0.56 ± 0.58 to 0.10 ± 0.30, and the mean inflammation score was reduced from 0.20 to 0.14. Postoperative complications were recurrence of ocular inflammation in 1 eye and elevation of IOP more than 21 mm Hg in 1 eye, which were resolved by topical steroids and topical antiglaucoma medication. Conclusions: Prophylactic systemic steroid therapy after MICS may not be necessary in aged uveitis patients without posterior complications before cataract surgery.
Pharmacogenomics Related to Growth Disorders
Authors: Stevens A. , De Leonibus C. , Whatmore A. , Hanson D. , Murray P. , Chatelain P. , Westwood M. , Clayton P.
Published: November 2013

Growth disorders resulting in short stature are caused by a wide range of underlying pathophysiological processes. To improve height many of these conditions are treated with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). However, substantial inter-individual variability in growth response both in the short and long-term is recognised. Over the last decade, disease-specific growth prediction models have been developed that the clinician can use to define a child's potential response to rhGH and to optimise starting and maintenance doses of rhGH. These models, however, are not able to predict all the variations in treatment response. There has, therefore, been recent interest in using genetic information to contribute to the evaluation of responses to rhGH, including high-throughput technologies for assessing DNA markers (genome) and mRNA transcripts (transcriptome) as pharmacogenomic tools. This review will focus on how these pharmacogenomic approaches are being applied to growth disorders.
Vocal Characteristics during Child Development: Perceptual-Auditory and Acoustic Data
Authors: Lopes Leonardo Wanderley , Lima Ivonaldo Leidson Barbosa , Azevedo Elma Heitmann Mares , Lima-Silva Maria Fabiana Bonfim de , Cavalcante Débora Pontes , Almeida Larissa Nadjara Alves de , Almeida Anna Alice Figueirêdo de
Published: November 2013

Objective: To analyze perceptual-auditory and acoustic characteristics of children's voices of different age ranges. Patients and Methods: Ninety-three 3- to 10-year-old children grouped from 3 to 5, 6 to 7, and 8 to 10 years served as participants. The severity of vocal deviation and the parameters of roughness, breathiness, strain, and instability were assessed using a visual analog scale. We calculated the mean and standard deviation of fundamental frequency (F₀), jitter, shimmer, and glottal-to-noise excitation ratio for the sustained vowel, and the mean of F₀ variability for connected speech. Results: The most affected voices were in the age range 8-10 years, and only the phonation tension level was reduced as a result of aging. There were significant differences between children aged 3-5 years and the other age ranges for F₀ mean for sustained vowels and F₀ variability. Conclusion: Children aged 8-10 years had the highest severity of vocal deviation. There was a significant reduction of phonation tension and measure of F₀, jitter, and shimmer after the age of 5 years.
Novel Acid-Labile Subunit (IGFALS) Mutation p.T145K (c.434C>A) in a Patient with ALS Deficiency, Normal Stature and Immunological Dysfunction
Authors: Schreiner Felix , Schoenberger Stefan , Koester Bernhard , Domené Horacio M. , Woelfle Joachim
Published: November 2013

We report a novel missense mutation p.T145K in the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) acid-labile subunit (IGFALS) gene identified in a Turkish patient with normal growth, transient pancytopenic episodes and signs of immunological dysfunction. Because of recurrent cutaneous mycoses and absence of pubertal development until the age of 14.75 years we determined several endocrine parameters in order to rule out autoimmune-polyendocrine syndromes. Despite a normal height between the 25th and 50th percentile we found severely decreased IGF-1 and undetectably low IGFBP-3 levels. Laboratory signs of immunological dysfunction included reduced total lymphocyte count with diminished B and T helper cell fractions, decreased serum concentrations of IgM and IgG subclass 4, and elevated antinuclear antibody and anti-dsDNA titers as well as persistently high interleukin-2-receptor levels. Further endocrine work-up revealed elevated fasting insulin and undetectably low ALS serum levels, leading to the diagnosis of ALS deficiency. Sequencing of the coding region of the IGFALS gene showed a novel homozygous missense mutation (c.434C>A; p.T145K). Since immunological abnormalities have not been reported in more than 20 ALS-deficient patients so far and our patient was born to consanguineous parents, a second autosomal recessive defect is likely to underlie the immunological phenotype, although a causative role of IGFALS p.T145K cannot be entirely ruled out.
DSM-IV und DSM-5: Was hat sich tatsächlich verändert?
Authors: Ehret Anna M. , Berking Matthias
Published: November 2013

Im Mai 2013 ist die fünfte Auflage des Diagnostischen und Statistischen Manuals Psychischer Störungen (DSM-5) der American Psychiatric Association erschienen. Um die Vor- und Nachteile des DSM-5 beurteilen und gegebenenfalls in Forschung und Praxis angemessen berücksichtigen zu können, sollten Wissenschaftler und Praktiker gleichermaßen über die Änderungen gegenüber dem DSM-IV informiert sein. In diesem Beitrag werden die wesentlichen Unterschiede zwischen dem DSM-IV und DSM-5 beschrieben. Zentrale Unterschiede in dem Gesamtsystem ergeben sich durch die Aufgabe des multiaxialen Systems und die Neuanordnung der Störungen. Wesentliche Veränderungen auf Störungsebene enthalten die Einführung Schwerer und Leichter Neurokognitiver Störungen, die Aufhebung von Trauerreaktionen als Ausschlusskriterium für Major Depression und die Aufnahme von Agoraphobie als eigenständige Diagnose. Als neue Störungskategorien wurden beispielsweise die «Binge-Eating»-Störung, die Prämenstruelle Dysphorische Störung, die Disruptive Stimmungsdysregulationsstörung, Zwanghaftes Horten, Dermatillomanie und Koffeinentzug eingeführt. Ausgeschlossen wurden unter anderem die Störung mit Sexueller Aversion und die Undifferenzierte Somatoforme Störung. Letztlich wurden bei fast allen Störungen die Informationen zur Störungsbeschreibung aktualisiert und/oder die diagnostischen Kriterien geringfügig modifiziert. Bei der Bewertung der vorgenommenen Veränderungen muss berücksichtigt werden, dass das DSM verschiedenen, teilweise konträren Zielstellungen dient. Eine kontroverse Bewertung der Neuauflage ist daher zu erwarten.
Successful Treatment of a Young Patient with Locally Advanced Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Uterine Cervix Undergoing Chemoradiation Followed by Radical Surgery
Authors: Ferrandina G. , Lucidi A. , De Ninno M. , Carbone A. , Chiantera V. , Morganti A.G. , Macchia G.
Published: November 2013

Clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCAC) of the uterine cervix is a rare variant of cervical adenocarcinoma accounting for approximately 4-9% of this disease. Given the rarity of this pathological entity, the optimal treatment management is far from being defined. Earlier evidence suggested that the prognosis of patients bearing cervical CCAC is worse than with other histotypes, thus making the investigation of multimodal treatment strategies clinically worthwhile. Herein, we report the first case of locally advanced, large size cervical CCAC in a young woman who was triaged to concomitant chemoradiotherapy followed by radical surgery and experienced a pathologically assessed optimal response to this multimodal approach.
Regression of Experimentally Induced Endometriosis with a New Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Enzyme Inhibitor
Authors: Kilico Ismail , Kokcu Arif , Kefeli Mehmet , Kandemir Bedri
Published: November 2013

Background: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) levels increase in women with endometriosis. COX-2, via increasing prostaglandin E2, contributes to an increase in vascular endothelial growth factor. In this way, COX-2 may contribute to the progression and continuity of endometriosis. We investigated the effect of dexketoprofen trometamol, a new selective COX-2 enzyme inhibitor, on experimentally induced endometriotic cysts. Methods: Experimental endometriotic cysts were created in 60 adult female Wistar albino rats. The rats were randomized to 2 equal groups, a control (group Con) and a dexketoprofen (group Dex) group. Six weeks later, cyst volumes were measured as in vivo (volume 1). Following volume 1 measurement, for 4 weeks group Con received 0.1 ml distilled water; group Dex received 0.375 mg dexketoprofen trometamol/0.1 ml distilled water, intramuscularly, twice a day. At the end of administration, the cyst volumes were remeasured (volume 2), and the cysts totally excised and weighed. Glandular (GT) and stromal tissues (ST) and natural killer (NK) cell contents in the cyst wall were scored. Results: NK cell content and volume 1 were not different between the 2 groups. Volume 2, cyst weight, and GT and ST contents in group Dex were significantly lower than those in group Con. Conclusion: Dexketoprofen trometamol significantly reduced the development of experimentally induced endometriotic cysts both macroscopically and microscopically.
Prevalence, Factors Associated With, and Prognostic Effects of Preoperative Anemia on Short- and Long-Term Mortality in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Nuis Rutger-Jan , Sinning Jan-Malte , Rodés-Cabau Josep , Gotzmann Michael , van Garsse Leen , Kefer Joelle , Bosmans Johan , Yong Gerald , Dager Antonio E. , Revilla-Orodea Ana , Urena Marina , Nickenig Georg , Werner Nikos , Maessen Jos , Astarci Parla , Perez Sergio , Benitez Luis M. , Amat-Santos Ignacio J. , López Javier , Dumont Eric , van Mieghem Nicolas , van Gelder Teun , van Domburg Ron T. , de Jaegere Peter P.
Published: November 2013

Background—

There is scant information on the prevalence and factors associated with preoperative anemia in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and whether it is associated with mortality. We sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with preoperative anemia in addition to the prognostic effects of the various levels of preoperative hemoglobin level on mortality in patients undergoing TAVI.

Methods and Results—

Ten-center observational study encompassing 1696 patients with aortic stenosis who underwent TAVI was conducted. Anemia was defined by the World Health Organization criteria (hemoglobin <12.0 g/dL in women and <13.0 g/dL in men). The prevalence of preoperative anemia was 57%. Patient-related factors associated with preoperative anemia were (descending order of odds ratio [95% confidence interval]) as follows: anemia-related medication (4.90 [3.08–7.80]), history of heart failure (1.77 [1.43–2.20]), male sex (1.69 [1.32–2.16]), mitral regurgitation grade ≥III (1.61 [1.15–2.25]), history of malignancy (1.44 [1.03–2.09]), and peripheral vascular disease (1.33 [1.04–1.70]). The creatinine clearance was inversely associated with preoperative anemia (odds ratio, 0.92 [0.87–0.97]). In multivariable analyses, preoperative anemia was not associated with 30-day mortality (1.72 [0.96–3.12];
P
=0.073) but showed the strongest association with 1-year mortality with a hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of 2.78 (1.60–4.82) in patients with hemoglobin <10 g/dL. Patients with anemia received ≥1 blood transfusion 2× more often, but the indication of transfusion was unrelated to overt bleeding in 60%. Blood transfusion was associated with mortality at 30 days (odds ratio, 1.25 [95% confidence interval, 1.08–3.67]) and during follow-up (hazard ratio, 1.09 [95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.14]).

Conclusions—

Preoperative anemia is prevalent in >50% of patients undergoing TAVI. Various baseline factors were related to anemia, which in turn was associated with 1-year mortality. Patients with anemia received more transfusions but mostly for indications unrelated to overt bleeding, whereas transfusion was independently associated with both early and 1-year mortality. These findings indicate that optimization of baseline factors related to preoperative anemia, in addition to more strict criteria of the use of blood products, may improve outcome after TAVI.
Impact of Worsening Renal Dysfunction on the Comparative Efficacy of Bivalirudin and Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Authors: Perdoncin Emily , Zhang Min , Riba Arthur , LaLonde Thomas A. , Grines Cindy L. , Gurm Hitinder S.
Published: November 2013

Background—

Use of bivalirudin has been associated with a reduction in the incidence of bleeding in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients with chronic kidney disease, a known predictor of post–percutaneous coronary intervention bleeding, are under-represented in clinical trials.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated the outcome of 64 052 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention from 2007 to 2009 at 33 hospitals in Michigan and were treated with bivalirudin (28 378) or with heparin and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (35 674). Propensity-matched analysis was adjusted for the nonrandomized use of the 2 strategies. Patients treated with bivalirudin were older, had a lower glomerular filtration rate, and had more comorbidities. Use of bivalirudin was associated with fewer transfusions (2.8% versus 4.2%;
P
<0.0001), gastrointestinal bleeds (0.5% versus 1.3%;
P
<0.0001), and vascular complications (1.0% versus 2.5%;
P
<0.0001), with no difference in survival. Bleeding complications were more common with worsening renal function, but use of bivalirudin was associated with less bleeding across the continuum of renal dysfunction.

Conclusions—

The risk of bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention increases with worsening chronic kidney disease. Bivalirudin was associated with a dramatically reduced risk of bleeding across all categories of renal dysfunction. Our study findings suggest that bivalirudin monotherapy is an acceptable, if not the more appropriate alternative, to heparin and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Multicenter Accuracy and Interobserver Agreement of Spot Sign Identification in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Huynh Thien J. , Flaherty Matthew L. , Gladstone David J. , Broderick Joseph P. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Dowlatshahi Dar , Meretoja Atte , Davis Stephen M. , Mitchell Peter J. , Tomlinson George A. , Chenkin Jordan , Chia Tze L. , Symons Sean P. , Aviv Richard I.
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose—

Rapid, accurate, and reliable identification of the computed tomography angiography spot sign is required to identify patients with intracerebral hemorrhage for trials of acute hemostatic therapy. We sought to assess the accuracy and interobserver agreement for spot sign identification.

Methods—

A total of 131 neurology, emergency medicine, and neuroradiology staff and fellows underwent imaging certification for spot sign identification before enrolling patients in 3 trials targeting spot-positive intracerebral hemorrhage for hemostatic intervention (STOP-IT, SPOTLIGHT, STOP-AUST). Ten intracerebral hemorrhage cases (spot-positive/negative ratio, 1:1) were presented for evaluation of spot sign presence, number, and mimics. True spot positivity was determined by consensus of 2 experienced neuroradiologists. Diagnostic performance, agreement, and differences by training level were analyzed.

Results—

Mean accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for spot sign identification were 87%, 78%, and 96%, respectively. Overall sensitivity was lower than specificity (
P
<0.001) because of true spot signs incorrectly perceived as spot mimics. Interobserver agreement for spot sign presence was moderate (
k
=0.60). When true spots were correctly identified, 81% correctly identified the presence of single or multiple spots. Median time needed to evaluate the presence of a spot sign was 1.9 minutes (interquartile range, 1.2–3.1 minutes). Diagnostic performance, interobserver agreement, and time needed for spot sign evaluation were similar among staff physicians and fellows.

Conclusions—

Accuracy for spot identification is high with opportunity for improvement in spot interpretation sensitivity and interobserver agreement particularly through greater reliance on computed tomography angiography source data and awareness of limitations of multiplanar images. Further prospective study is needed.
Understanding Stroke Survivorship
Authors: Skolarus Lesli E. , Burke James F. , Brown Devin L. , Freedman Vicki A.
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose—

Limitations in essential daily activities are common among older adults after stroke, but little is known about restrictions in their ability to participate in valued social activities. We sought to broaden our understanding of disability after stroke by characterizing poststroke participation restrictions and investigating the extent to which they are accounted for by differences in physical and cognitive capacity, aphasia/dysarthria, depressive, and anxiety symptoms.

Methods—

Data from the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) were used to identify 892 self-reported stroke survivors aged ≥65 years. One-to-one propensity matching was performed on demographics and comorbidities to create a matched sample. Participation restrictions were defined as reductions/absence in social activities valued by respondents because of their health or functioning. Physical and cognitive capacity, depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured by validated scales and aphasia/dysarthria by a single question. Comparisons using survey-weighted χ
2
tests and logistic regression were made.

Results—

Stroke survivors had more participation restrictions (32.8% versus 23.5%; odds ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.28–1.95;
P
<0.01) than controls. Differences between stroke survivors and controls in any participation restriction and several components (attending religious service, clubs/classes, and going out for enjoyment) were eliminated after adjusting for physical capacity. Depressive and anxiety symptoms and aphasia/dysarthria were independent predictors of participation restrictions.

Conclusions—

Stroke survivors have more participation restrictions than can be accounted for by sociodemographic profiles and comorbidity burden. Future work aimed at improving physical capacity, reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms, and improving aphasia/dysarthria has potential to enhance participation.
Pediatric Intracerebral Hemorrhage Score
Authors: Beslow Lauren A. , Ichord Rebecca N. , Gindville Melissa C. , Kleinman Jonathan T. , Engelmann Kyle , Bastian Rachel A. , Licht Daniel J. , Smith Sabrina E. , Hillis Argye E. , Jordan Lori C.
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose—

The intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) score is the most commonly used clinical grading scale for outcome prediction after adult ICH. We created a similar scale in children to inform clinical care and assist in clinical research.

Methods—

Children, full-term newborns to 18 years, with spontaneous ICH were prospectively enrolled from 2007 to 2012 at 3 centers. The pediatric ICH score was created by identifying factors associated with poor outcome. The score’s ability to detect moderate disability or worse and severe disability or death was examined with sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results—

The pediatric ICH score components include ICH volume >2% to 3.99% of total brain volume (TBV): 1 point; ICH volume ≥4% TBV: 2 points; acute hydrocephalus: 1 point; herniation: 1 point; and infratentorial location: 1 point. The score ranges from 0 to 5. At 3-month follow-up of 60 children, 10 were severely disabled or dead, 30 had moderate disability, and 20 had good recovery. A pediatric ICH score ≥1 predicted moderate disability or worse with a sensitivity of 75% (95% confidence interval [CI], 59% to 87%) and a specificity of 70% (95% CI, 46% to 88%). A pediatric ICH score ≥2 predicted severe disability or death with a sensitivity and specificity of 90% (95% CI, 55% to 99%) and 68% (95% CI, 53% to 80%), respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for classifying outcome as severe disability or death was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.78–0.97).

Conclusions—

The pediatric ICH score is a simple clinical grading scale that may ultimately be used for risk stratification, clinical care, and research.
Seeing without Knowing: Neural Signatures of Perceptual Inference in the Absence of Report
Authors: Vandenbroucke Annelinde R. E. , Fahrenfort Johannes J. , Sligte Ilja G. , Lamme Victor A. F.
Published: November 2013

Every day, we experience a rich and complex visual world. Our brain constantly translates meaningless fragmented input into coherent objects and scenes. However, our attentional capabilities are limited, and we can only report the few items that we happen to attend to. So what happens to items that are not cognitively accessed? Do these remain fragmentary and meaningless? Or are they processed up to a level where perceptual inferences take place about image composition? To investigate this, we recorded brain activity using fMRI while participants viewed images containing a Kanizsa figure, an illusion in which an object is perceived by means of perceptual inference. Participants were presented with the Kanizsa figure and three matched nonillusory control figures while they were engaged in an attentionally demanding distractor task. After the task, one group of participants was unable to identify the Kanizsa figure in a forced-choice decision task; hence, they were “inattentionally blind.” A second group had no trouble identifying the Kanizsa figure. Interestingly, the neural signature that was unique to the processing of the Kanizsa figure was present in both groups. Moreover, within-subject multivoxel pattern analysis showed that the neural signature of unreported Kanizsa figures could be used to classify reported Kanizsa figures and that this cross-report classification worked better for the Kanizsa condition than for the control conditions. Together, these results suggest that stimuli that are not cognitively accessed are processed up to levels of perceptual interpretation.
Neural Correlates of State- and Strength-based Perception
Authors: Aly Mariam , Ranganath Charan , Yonelinas Andrew P.
Published: November 2013

Perceptual judgments can be based on two kinds of information: state-based perception of specific, detailed visual information, or strength-based perception of global or relational information. State-based perception is discrete in the sense that it either occurs or fails, whereas strength-based perception is continuously graded from weak to strong. The functional characteristics of these types of perception have been examined in some detail, but whether state- and strength-based perception are supported by different brain regions has been largely unexplored. A consideration of empirical work and recent theoretical proposals suggests that parietal and occipito-temporal regions may be differentially associated with state- and strength-based signals, respectively. We tested this parietal/occipito-temporal state/strength hypothesis using fMRI and a visual perception task that allows separation of state- and strength-based perception. Participants made same/different judgments on pairs of faces and scenes using a 6-point confidence scale where “6” responses indicated a state of perceiving specific details that had changed, and “1” to “5” responses indicated judgments based on varying strength of relational match/mismatch. Regions in the lateral and medial posterior parietal cortex (supramarginal gyrus, posterior cingulate cortex, and precuneus) were sensitive to state-based perception and were not modulated by varying levels of strength-based perception. In contrast, bilateral fusiform gyrus activation was increased for strength-based “different” responses compared with misses and did not show state-based effects. Finally, the lateral occipital complex showed increased activation for state-based responses and additionally showed graded activation across levels of strength-based perception. These results offer support for a state/strength distinction between parietal and temporal regions, with the lateral occipital complex at the intersection of state- and strength-based processing.
Makoiamya cotterallae, a new genus and species of bivalve (Ceratomyidae) from the latest Triassic of New Zealand and New Caledonia
Authors: GRANT-MACKIE JOHN A.
Published: November 2013

The new genus and species Makoiamya cotterallae is erected for fossil bivalves previously informally identified as Anodontophora Alberti (= Unionites Wissmann) or a relative or Ochotomya Polubotko in the Late Triassic Murihiku Terrane of New Zealand and Téremba Terrane of New Caledonia (Norian and Rhaetian; Warepan and Otapirian local stages). Neither of these genera happily accommodates these shells and a new genus is considered necessary for them. Makoiamya fits most readily into the Ceratomyidae and members were burrowers in fine sand and silt, where they are generally preserved in life orientation.
New species and new records of the hygropetric water beetle genus Oocyclus Sharp from South America (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae)
Authors: SHORT ANDREW EDWARD Z. , GREENE LUKE , GARCIA MAURICIO
Published: November 2013

Three new species of Oocyclus Sharp, 1882 are described from tropical South America: O. maluz sp. n. (Venezuela), O. miza sp. n. (Venezuela), and O. brunneus sp. n. (Bolivia). New distributional records are provided for O. andinus Short & García, O. coromoto Short & García (newly recorded from Suriname), O. floccus Short & García (newly recorded from Guyana and Suriname), O. iguazu (Oliva), O. meridensis Short & García, O. petra Short & García (newly recorded from Guyana and Suriname), O. trio Short & Kadosoe (newly recorded from Guyana), O. trujillo Short & García, and O. yubai Clarkson & Short (newly recorded from Paraguay). Updates to the keys of the Brazilian and Venezuelan Oocyclus species are provided.
Automatic and Probabilistic Foehn Diagnosis with a Statistical Mixture Model
Authors: Plavcan David , Mayr Georg J. , Zeileis Achim
Published: November 2013

Diagnosing foehn winds from weather station data downwind of topographic obstacles requires distinguishing them from other downslope winds, particularly nocturnal ones driven by radiative cooling. An automatic classification scheme to obtain reproducible results that include information about the (un)certainty of the diagnosis is presented. A statistical mixture model separates foehn and no-foehn winds in a measured time series of wind. In addition to wind speed and direction, it accommodates other physically meaningful classifiers such as the (potential) temperature difference to an upwind station (e.g., near the crest) or relative humidity. The algorithm was tested for Wipp Valley in the central Alps against human expert classification and a previous objective method (Drechsel and Mayr 2008), which the new method outperforms. Climatologically, using only wind information gives nearly identical foehn frequencies as when using additional covariables. A data record length of at least one year is required for satisfactory results. The suitability of mixture models for objective classification of foehn at other locations will have to be tested in further studies.
A Lagrangian Analysis of Deep Convective Systems and Their Local Environmental Effects
Authors: Duncan David I. , Kummerow Christian D. , Elsaesser Gregory S.
Published: November 2013

Life cycles of deep convective raining systems are documented through use of a Lagrangian tracking algorithm applied to high-resolution Climate Prediction Center morphing technique (CMORPH) rainfall data, permitting collocation with related environmental ancillary fields and the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) cloud states (Rossow et al. 2005). System life cycles are described in terms of propagation speed, duration, and dominant cloud structures. Tracked systems are usually associated with the ISCCP weather state 1 (WS1) deep convection cloud state and an independent, microwave-based deep convective precipitation regime developed here. The distribution and characteristics of tracked systems are found to be similar between ocean basins in terms of system speed and duration, with westward-propagating systems predominant in every basin.

The effects that these systems have on environmental parameters are assessed, stratified according to their average propagation speed and by ocean basin. Regardless of system speed the net effect on the environment is similar, with the largest difference being how quickly changes occur, with net surface radiation decreasing about 150 W m−2 and total precipitable water perturbed by 5–7 kg m−2; sea surface temperature (SST) drops 0.2°–0.3°C over 24 h, with system speed affecting how long SSTs remain depressed. The observed drop in SST is partly caused by the presence of widespread, optically thick clouds that greatly decrease the net surface radiative flux. Quick changes in SSTs caused by tracked systems are captured by buoys but not represented well in gridded SST products, as these regions remain largely under the precipitating cloud cover associated with these systems.
Improvements in LICOM2. Part I: Vertical Mixing
Authors: Huang Wen-Yu , Wang Bin , Yu Yong-Qiang , Li Li-Juan
Published: November 2013

Better computational stability is achieved in an improved version of the National Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Atmospheric Sciences and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (LASG)/Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) Climate Ocean Model, version 2 (LICOM2, the standard version), after improvements to the implementations of the vertical mixing, mesoscale eddy parameterization, and bottom drag schemes. The large warm biases of LICOM2 in the western Pacific Ocean and eastern Indian Ocean warm pool and on the east coast of the Pacific Ocean are significantly improved. The salinity bias in the tropical Pacific Ocean related to the warm bias of the warm pool is also alleviated. The simulation of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation is improved because of enhanced vertical mixing in the high latitudes of the North Atlantic Ocean. The new version also presents a stronger Deacon cell, and thus a more powerful Antarctic Circumpolar Current that is closer to the observation, due to weaker southward mesoscale eddy transport in the Southern Ocean.
Observations of the Boundary Layer near Tornadoes and in Supercells Using a Mobile, Collocated, Pulsed Doppler Lidar and Radar
Authors: Bluestein Howard B. , Houser Jana B. , French Michael M. , Snyder Jeffrey C. , Emmitt George D. , PopStefanija Ivan , Baldi Chad , Bluth Robert T.
Published: November 2013

During the Second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2), in the spring of 2010, a mobile and pulsed Doppler lidar system [the Truck-Mounted Wind Observing Lidar Facility (TWOLF)] mounted on a truck along with a mobile, phased-array, X-band Doppler radar system [Mobile Weather Radar–2005 X-band, phased array (MWR-05XP)] was used to complement Doppler velocity coverage in clear air near the radar–lidar facility and to provide high-spatial-resolution vertical cross sections of the Doppler wind field in the clear-air boundary layer near and in supercells. It is thought that the magnitude and direction of vertical shear and possibly the orientation and spacing of rolls in the boundary layer have significant effects on both supercell and tornado behavior; MWR-05XP and TWOLF can provide data that can be used to measure vertical shear and detect rolls. However, there are very few detailed, time-dependent and spatially varying observations throughout the depth of the boundary layer of supercells and tornadoes.

This paper discusses lidar and radar data collected in or near six supercells. Features seen by the lidar included gust fronts, horizontal convective rolls, and small-scale vortices. The lidar proved useful at detecting high-spatial-resolution, clear-air returns at close range, where the radar was incapable of doing so, thus providing a more complete picture of the boundary layer environment ahead of supercells. The lidar was especially useful in areas where there was ground-clutter contamination. When there was precipitation and probably insects, and beyond the range of the lidar, where there was no ground-clutter contamination, the radar was the more useful instrument. Suggestions are made for improving the system and its use in studying the tornado boundary layer.
Low High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Is Characterized by Elevated Oxidative Stress
Authors: Karabacak Mustafa , Varol Ercan , Kahraman Fatih , Ozaydin Mehmet , Türkdogan Ahmet Kenan , Ersoy Ismail Hakkı
Published: November 2013

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is an independent risk factor for premature atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Plasma HDL exerts potent antioxidant activity. We evaluated parameters associated with oxidative stress in participants with low HDL-C. This study included 32 patients with low HDL-C (≤35 mg/dL) and 33 age- and sex-matched control patients with normal HDL-C (>35 mg/dL). We evaluated clinical and laboratory parameters that are associated with oxidative stress. The oxidative stress index (OSI) levels were significantly higher in the low HDL-C group (3.32 [0.01-13.3] vs 0.74 [0.17-3.55] AU; P < .01) and negatively correlated with HDL-C levels. We suggest that change in OSI and uric acid levels in the study group might indicate increased oxidative status in patients with low HDL-C. This may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
From a Measurement Model to a Dynamic Causal Model Commentary on Schwartz
Authors: Yamagishi Toshio
Published: November 2013

Schwartz (2013) uses the measurement model of latent aptitudes to explain why the large variance in individuals’ values does not pose a problem for the use of the country mean as a proxy of the societal culture as a macro property. I propose that the multi-level causal model provides a more appropriate view of societal culture as a macro property, according to which individuals in each country are like students in a class who are taught by an instructor. The instructor’s teaching effectiveness is a macro property, affecting all students’ learning levels and the average test score. Within-class variance in students’ test scores generated by factors independent of the instructor’s teaching qualities is irrelevant to the assessment of the instructor’s teaching effectiveness. Social institutions such as democratic legal systems affect all individuals under the institutions and would generate between-institution differences in people’s behavior indendeptly of factors ideosyncratic to individuals.
Implications for Cultural Sharedness When Sharedness Is Not Assumed
Authors: Wan Ching , Lu Chieh
Published: November 2013

Schwartz (2013) proposed a model of societal culture in which societal culture is conceptualized as a latent construct that exists outside of individuals. With such conceptualization, Schwartz argued that the assumption of cultural sharedness would not be necessary for research on cross-national differences of personal values. Interestingly, the removal of the assumption of cultural sharedness can generate new research questions that can further the field’s understanding of the nature and function of cultural sharedness. This commentary explores several of these possibilities.
Facilitation and Teacher Behaviors
Authors: Arya Poonam , Christ Tanya , Chiu Ming Ming
Published: November 2013

This study explored how peer and professor facilitations are related to teachers’ behaviors during video-case discussions. Fourteen inservice teachers produced 1,787 turns of conversation during 12 video-case discussions that were video-recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed with statistical discourse analysis. Professor facilitations (sharing experiences; affirming ideas; and asking for critical thinking, information, observations, and connections) and peer facilitations (recall, critical thinking, connections, and affirmations) in recent conversation turns were linked to teachers’ current turn behaviors, including recalling information, critical thinking, and making connections to content in video cases. These results suggest that modeling, scaffolding, and co-construction among professors and peers support specific teacher behaviors during video-case discussions.
The spatio-temporal pattern of housing redevelopment in suburban Chicago, 2000–2010
Authors: Charles Suzanne Lanyi
Published: November 2013

This study examines the process of housing redevelopment, using data of single-family residential redevelopment that occurred in all 128 inner-ring suburbs of Chicago, USA, located in Cook County, between 2000 and 2010. Using exploratory spatial data analysis techniques, I identify the magnitude and the spatial locations of redevelopment, revealing the different types of suburban neighbourhoods in which redevelopment occurs. I then examine how the location and extent of redevelopment changed between 2000 and 2010 and how the physical manifestation of redevelopment varied across different types of suburban neighbourhoods. Findings reveal that redevelopment is spatially clustered, occurring in a variety of places ranging from modest middle-income neighbourhoods to very highly affluent neighbourhoods. Redevelopment often began in areas with high property values, and as house prices rose rapidly through the first half of the decade, it expanded into adjacent, less affluent neighbourhoods, retracting again at the end of the decade.
Circumplex Scales of Intergroup Goals
Authors: Locke Kenneth D.
Published: November 2013

Six studies ( N = 1,682) used the Circumplex Scales of Intergroup Goals (CSIG)—an inventory based on the interpersonal circle—to assess individuals’ agentic and communal goals for interactions between groups (nations in Studies 1-4, organizations in Study 5, political parties in Study 6). Noteworthy findings included the following: People with stronger unagentic-and-uncommunal goals perceived other groups as dangers, were wary of intergroup negotiations, and sanctioned authoritarianism and inequality. People with stronger agentic-and-uncommunal goals proudly identified with their country and compatriots, disapproved of nations unlike their own, and preferred the conservative candidate in a national election. People with stronger communal-and-unagentic goals identified with people beyond their ingroup, and wanted their group to resolve intergroup conflicts by behaving cooperatively rather than competitively or aggressively. By providing an encompassing framework capable of organizing and integrating these types of diverse findings, the circumplex model can facilitate cumulative scientific progress.
Anterior Talofibular Ligament Ruptures, Part 2
Authors: Clanton Thomas O. , Viens Nicholas A. , Campbell Kevin J. , LaPrade Robert F. , Wijdicks Coen A.
Published: November 2013

Background:

Anatomic reconstructions of the lateral ankle ligaments with grafts have been proposed for patients with generalized ligamentous laxity, long-standing instability with attenuated native tissues, varus hindfoot misalignment, or failed prior lateral ligament surgery and for very large patients or elite athletes because of increased demands.

Hypothesis:

Anatomic reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) using a semitendinosus allograft fixed with biocomposite interference fit screws would have similar biomechanical properties to the intact ATFL at time zero in a cadaveric model.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Allograft reconstruction of the ATFL was performed in 6 fresh-frozen cadaveric ankles. The specimens were loaded to failure to determine the strength and stiffness of the reconstruction and compared with data from 6 cadaveric specimens with intact ATFLs.

Results:

The mean ultimate load to failure of the allograft reconstruction (170.7 ± 54.8 N) was not significantly different from that of the intact ATFL (154.0 ± 63.7 N). The mean stiffness of the allograft reconstruction (23.1 ± 9.3 N/mm) was also not significantly different from that of the intact ATFL (14.5 ± 4.4 N/mm).

Conclusion:

Anatomic reconstruction of the ATFL with allografts demonstrated similar strength and stiffness to the native ligament at time zero in a fresh-frozen cadaveric model.

Clinical Relevance:

This technique of anatomic reconstruction of the ATFL with allografts has biomechanical validation for use in clinical situations where a Broström repair of the lateral ankle ligaments is unlikely to be successful or has previously failed.
Study on the pre-ignition temperature variations of wire insulation under overload conditions in microgravity by the functional simulation method
Authors: Wang Kai , Wang Baorui , Kong Wenjun , Liu Fengshan
Published: November 2013

A functional simulation method was applied to study the pre-ignition temperature variations of wire insulation under overload conditions in normal gravity. A simplified heating mode was proposed to theoretically investigate the wire heating process. Results of the temperature variations of wire insulation prior to ignition in normal gravity, but under reduced pressures, were obtained and compared with microgravity experimental results in order to investigate the effects of pressure and current on the pre-ignition thermal features of the wire insulation. Results show that the functional simulation method was effective to simulate the natural convection heat transfer effect on the wire insulation, which is a useful alternative approach to predict the pre-ignition thermal features of wire insulation by overload over a long duration in a microgravity environment.
Nystagmus following acute avermectins poisoning
Authors: Wenjie Wang , Houqing Lu , Ping Zhong , Gengyun Sun
Published: November 2013

Background:

Acute pesticide poisoning is a major public health problem in the world. Most pesticides are toxic to human beings, because of diverse components resulting in different reaction.

Objective:

As clinicians identify various symptoms due to pesticide poisoning, it is necessary for the diagnosis and treatment for treating such toxins. Accidents associated with acute avermectins poisoning are rarely reported, especially self-induced nystagmus. In the present study, a case of human abamectin poisoning with relevant toxic effects has been reported.

Conclusions:

Acute avermectins poisoning-induced nystagmus may be affected due to the vestibular cerebellar system, but the exact mechanism and pharmacological basis is still worthy of further study.