bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional Convergence in Mexico, 1970–2005: A Panel Data Approach
Authors: SAKIKAWA KAOKO
Published: May 2012

This paper empirically analyzes regional disparity in terms of convergence of per capita income across Mexican states for the period 1970–2005. In particular, this study extends the conventional cross‐sectional conditionalβ‐convergence analysis of the existing literatures on Mexico to panel data analysis, and focuses on whether the convergence performance varies between the pre‐ and post‐economic liberalization periods. When unobservable state‐specific effects are controlled by the panel data technique, the estimated coefficients show significant conditionalβ‐convergence, even after economic liberalization, but with a lower speed than before economic liberalization.
Offsetting Performance Losses Due to Cheating in Unproctored Internet‐based Testing by Increasing the Applicant Pool
Authors: Landers Richard N. , Sackett Paul R.
Published: May 2012

A concern about unproctored Internet‐based testing (UIT) without follow‐up verification is that because applicants are able to cheat when completing tests, test validity decreases to an unknown extent. However, this view ignores a potential advantage to UIT: Should UIT increase applicant pool size, an organization with a fixed goal in terms of the number of candidates to advance to the next stage of the hiring process can increase the cutoff score and thus be more selective. In this study, a simulation was conducted to determine if this advantage outweighs the cheating disadvantage in the prediction of job performance. When the applicant pool is increased substantially through UIT, job performance outcomes are often higher even when many applicants increase their test scores through cheating.
Sustainability and dietary change: the implications of Swedish food consumption patterns 1960–2006
Authors: Geeraert Friedel
Published: May 2012

This article focuses on the changing food consumption pattern in Sweden between 1960 and 2006, and the implications of those changes for sustainability. National statistical data on the consumption of different food groups such as meat, milk, dairy products, eggs, fruit, vegetables, cereal, potatoes and sugar were compared. Overall, an increase in the consumption of meat, cheese, cream, fruit and vegetables was observed, while the consumption of milk, butter and potatoes decreased. For the sustainability assessment, three parameters were chosen: land requirement, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use. It was shown that the Swedish diet in 2006 required more resources and produced more GHG emissions than in 1960, mainly due to the increase in the consumption of animal products.
A Two‐Compartment Mixed‐Effects Gamma Regression Model for Quantifying Between‐Unit Variability in Length of Stay among Children Admitted to Intensive Care
Authors: Straney Lahn , Clements Archie , Alexander Jan , Slater Anthony ,   for the ANZICS Paediatric Study Group
Published: May 2012

Objective

To quantify between‐unit variability in mean length of stay (LoS) between intensive care units (ICUs) after adjusting for differences in case mix using a method that does not require arbitrary trimming of data.

Setting

An analysis of registry data from pediatric ICUs (PICUs) in Australia and New Zealand.

Study Design

The relationships between patient LoS and associated patient factors were modeled as a log‐linear function of the covariates using two gamma distributions. The predicted distribution is estimated as a weighted average of the two distributions where the relative weighting is conditional on the patient's elective status.

Data Collection

Data for 12,763 admissions submitted to the Australian and New Zealand Paediatric Intensive Care Registry from the eight dedicated PICUs in Australia and New Zealand in 2007 and 2008.

Principal Findings

The two distributions of the mixture model accurately described the distribution of short‐ and long‐stay patients in ICUs. After adjusting for patient case mix, several sites had a statistically significant effect on patient LoS.

Conclusion

The two‐compartment model characterizes ICU LoS for short‐ and long‐stay patients more effectively than a single‐compartment model. There is significant site‐level variation in the LoS among children admitted to ICUs in Australia and New Zealand. Differences in the site‐level variation between short‐ and long‐stay patients indicate differences in discharge practice.
Study of adsorption and desorption performance of acid dyes on anion exchange membrane
Authors: Xing Tieling , Kai Hu , Chen Guoqiang
Published: May 2012

The adsorption and desorption performances of CI Acid Red 18 and CI Acid Red 88 on an anion exchange membrane were studied. The effects of temperature, time, pH value and inorganic salt on the adsorption were investigated. The results showed that temperature and pH value had nearly no influence on the dye adsorption. The addition of inorganic salt (sodium sulphate) in the dye solution had a definite influence on the adsorption. The adsorption of the two acid dyes was in accordance with the pseudo‐second order dynamics model. The Langmuir adsorption model could describe the adsorption processes well. The membrane was more effective on CI Acid Red 18, which has three sulphonic groups. In the desorption process, different solutions were applied to investigate the desorption performance of the two acid dyes. The desorption percentage could reach ca. 90% using a mixture of ethanol, sodium chloride and water as the desorption solution. The anion exchange membrane could be reused.
Erratum: Progress towards a greener textile industry†
Authors: Dawson Tim
Published: May 2012

Many of the principles of the relatively new science of Green Chemistry, which aims to use resources efficiently and minimise waste, are applicable in the field of textiles. Improving product quantity and reducing environmental impact in the production and subsequent coloration of textile fibres is a realistic goal. Public interest in organically produced natural fibres has followed on from that in organically grown food, although the market for organic fibres is still relatively small. In recent years, fibre manufacturers have played their part in introducing a number of more ecologically regenerated cellulosic fibres, as well as new totally synthetic polymer fibres based on renewable raw materials. The methods that can be adopted aimed at reducing the environmental impact of fibre, dye manufacture and subsequent coloration processes, are described with particular reference to these newer fibres.
Use of the Patient Health Questionnaire‐2 to Predict Suicidal Ideations in Patients Taking Varenicline
Authors: Cowan Christopher M. , Wink Jennifer S. , DeZee Kent J.
Published: May 2012

Varenicline, when taken for smoking cessation, has been associated with suicidal ideations (SI), but the incidence and risk factors for SI are largely unknown. The aim of this paper was to describe the incidence and pretreatment patient factors that are associated with SI when taking varenicline. We conducted a smoking cessation trial of 217 patients at a single center, all of whom took varenicline. Between 6 and 18 months after study completion (when the risk for SI became known), we successfully contacted 72 (response rate 33%) and queried them for SI during varenicline treatment. Of these, 4 (6%) had SI. Self‐reported history of depression was not associated with SI (p = 0.11), but depressive symptoms at the time of varenicline initiation as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire‐8 (p = 0.004) and Patient Health Questionnaire‐2 (p = 0.007) were associated with SI. The Patient Health Questionnaire‐2 (which is only two questions) had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 90% to predict SI. We conclude that current depressive symptoms, not necessarily a history of depression, are associated with SI when taking varenicline for smoking cessation. Providers should consider screening for depressive symptoms before treatment with varenicline. (Am J Addict 2012;00:1–7)
Descriptive Characteristics and Cluster Analysis of Male Veteran Hazardous Drinkers in an Alcohol Moderation Intervention
Authors: Walker Robrina , Hunt Yvonne M. , Olivier Jake , Grothe Karen B. , Dubbert Patricia M. , Burke Randy S. , Cushman William C.
Published: May 2012

Current efforts underway to develop the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM‐5) have reignited discussions for classifying the substance use disorders. This study's aim was to contribute to the understanding of abusive alcohol use and its validity as a diagnosis. Cluster analysis was used to identify relatively homogeneous groups of hazardous, nondependent drinkers by using data collected from the Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension Study (PATHS), a multisite trial that examined the ability of a cognitive–behavioral‐based alcohol reduction intervention, compared to a control condition, to reduce alcohol use. Participants for this study (N = 511) were male military veterans. Variables theoretically associated with alcohol use (eg, demographic, tobacco use, and mental health) were used to create the clusters and a priori, empirically based external criteria were used to assess discriminant validity. Bivariate correlations among cluster variables were generally consistent with previous findings in the literature. Analyses of internal and discriminant validity of the identified clusters were largely nonsignificant, suggesting meaningful differences between clusters could not be identified. Although the typology literature has contributed supportive validity for the alcohol dependence diagnosis, this study's results do not lend supportive validity for the construct of alcohol abuse. (Am J Addict 2012;00:1–9)
Effects of Flow Regimes Altered by Dams on Survival, Population Declines, and Range‐Wide Losses of California River‐Breeding Frogs
Authors: KUPFERBERG SARAH J. , PALEN WENDY J. , LIND AMY J. , BOBZIEN STEVE , CATENAZZI ALESSANDRO , DRENNAN JOE , POWER MARY E.
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Widespread alteration of natural hydrologic patterns by large dams combined with peak demands for power and water delivery during summer months have resulted in frequent aseasonal flow pulses in rivers of western North America. Native species in these ecosystems have evolved with predictable annual flood‐drought cycles; thus, their likelihood of persistence may decrease in response to disruption of the seasonal synchrony between stable low‐flow conditions and reproduction. We evaluated whether altered flow regimes affected 2 native frogs in California and Oregon (U.S.A.) at 4 spatial and temporal extents. We examined changes in species distribution over approximately 50 years, current population density in 11 regulated and 16 unregulated rivers, temporal trends in abundance among populations occupying rivers with different hydrologic histories, and within‐year patterns of survival relative to seasonal hydrology. The foothill yellow‐legged frog (Rana boylii), which breeds only in flowing water, is more likely to be absent downstream of large dams than in free‐flowing rivers, and breeding populations are on average 5 times smaller in regulated rivers than in unregulated rivers. Time series data (range = 8 − 19 years) from 5 populations of yellow‐legged frogs and 2 populations of California red‐legged frogs (R. draytonii) across a gradient of natural to highly artificial timing and magnitude of flooding indicate that variability of flows in spring and summer is strongly correlated with high mortality of early life stages and subsequent decreases in densities of adult females. Flow management that better mimics natural flow timing is likely to promote persistence of these species and others with similar phenology.
Protected Areas as Frontiers for Human Migration
Authors: ZOMMERS ZINTA , MacDONALD DAVID W.
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Causes of human population growth near protected areas have been much debated. We conducted 821 interviews in 16 villages around Budongo Forest Reserve, Masindi district, Uganda, to explore the causes of human migration to protected areas and to identify differences in forest use between migrant and nonmigrant communities. We asked subjects for information about birthplace, migration, household assets, household activities, and forest use. Interview subjects were categorized as nonmigrants (born in one of the interview villages), socioeconomic migrants (chose to emigrate for economic or social reasons) from within Masindi district (i.e., local migrants) and from outside the Masindi district (i.e., regional migrants), or forced migrants (i.e., refugees or internally displaced individuals who emigrated as a result of conflict, human rights abuses, or natural disaster). Only 198 respondents were born in interview villages, indicating high rates of migration between 1998 and 2008. Migrants were drawn to Budongo Forest because they thought land was available (268 individuals) or had family in the area (161 individuals). A greater number of regional migrants settled in villages near Lake Albert than did forced and local migrants. Migration category was also associated with differences in sources of livelihood. Of forced migrants 40.5% earned wages through labor, whereas 25.5% of local and 14.5% of regional migrants engaged in wage labor. Migrant groups appeared to have different effects on the environment. Of respondents that hunted, 72.7% were regional migrants. Principal component analyses indicated households of regional migrants were more likely to be associated with deforestation. Our results revealed gaps in current models of human population growth around protected areas. By highlighting the importance of social networks and livelihood choices, our results contribute to a more nuanced understanding of causes of migration and of the environmental effects of different migrant groups.
Are First‐Time Mothers Who Plan Home Birth More Likely to Receive Evidence‐Based Care? A Comparative Study of Home and Hospital Care Provided by the Same Midwives
Authors: Miller Suzanne , Skinner Joan
Published: May 2012

Background

“Place of birth” studies have consistently shown reduced rates of obstetric intervention in low‐technology birth settings, but the extent to which the place of birth per se has influenced the outcomes remains unclear. The objective of this study was to compare birth outcomes for nulliparous women giving birth at home or in hospital, within the practice of the same midwives.

Methods

An innovative survey was generated following a focus group discussion that compared midwifery practice in different settings. Two groups of matched, low‐risk first‐time mothers, one group who planned to give birth at home and the other in hospital, were compared with respect to birth outcomes and midwifery care, and in relation to evidenced‐based care guidelines for low‐risk women.

Results

Survey data (response rate: 72%) revealed that women in the planned hospital birth group (n = 116) used more pharmacological pain management techniques, experienced more obstetric interventions, had a greater rate of postpartum hemorrhage, and achieved spontaneous vaginal birth less often than those in the planned home birth group (n = 109). All results were significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Despite care by the same midwives, first‐time mothers who chose to give birth at home were not only more likely to give birth with no intervention but were also more likely to receive evidence‐based care. (BIRTH 39:2 June 2012)
Magnitude of the Problem of Drinking Alcohol on College Campuses, Commentary on “Structuring a College Alcohol Prevention Program on the Low Level of Response to Alcohol Model: A Pilot Model”
Authors: Scott Denise M.
Published: May 2012

Background

The objective of this commentary is to discuss the significance of the study entitled, “Structuring a College Alcohol Prevention Program on the Low Level of Response to Alcohol Model: A Pilot Model” by Schuckit and colleagues (2012) published in this issue of the Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. The work by Schuckit and colleagues emphasizes the importance of personalizing an alcohol prevention program for college students.

Methods

This pilot model is the result of over 30 years of clinical translational research on an individual's level of response to alcohol. The prevention program is efficient, simple, safe, cost‐effective and self‐directed.

Results

The results indicate the computerized intervention was associated with decreases in drinking overall and students with a low level of response to alcohol showed greater decreases when the prevention program is personalized to focus on how level of response is affected by peer influence, alcohol expectancies, and stress management. It concludes that college students with a low level of response to alcohol will benefit from a prevention program that is personalized to this well documented endophenotype.

Conclusions

The findings provide the foundation for developing future longitudinal studies of the proposed prevention program with a larger sample size on diverse campuses. In addition, as mentioned in the Discussion section, future studies could also evaluate the effectiveness of other easily measured clinical endophenotypes known to be associated with alcohol use such as impulsivity, negative effect, and maximum number of drinks per occasion.
Differential Effects of Moderate Alcohol Consumption on Performance Among Older and Younger Adults
Authors: Sklar Alfredo L. , Gilbertson Rebecca , Boissoneault Jeff , Prather Robert , Nixon Sara Jo
Published: May 2012

Background

Studies exploring differential effects of acute alcohol consumption on younger and older adults are lacking within the field of alcohol research, especially those using moderate doses. Previous studies addressing this question have tended to use complex behavioral tasks too broad to isolate specific neurocognitive processes affected by both alcohol and aging. Compromises in cognitive efficiency (i.e., the ability to respond both quickly and accurately) have previously been identified in both elderly and acutely intoxicated individuals.

Methods

The present study employed a visual–spatial, 2‐choice reaction time (RT) task to evaluate the interactive effects of aging and alcohol on cognitive efficiency. Our primary outcome measure was an efficiency ratio derived from each participant's response accuracy (ACC) and mean RT (%correct/RT). Younger (25 to 35; n = 22) and older (55 to 74; n = 37) participants were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or moderate alcohol dose intended to produce a peak breath alcohol concentration of 0.04%. Participants performed the task at peak alcohol levels.

Results

A significant interaction between age group and dose assignment was observed, F(3, 55) = 4.86, p = 0.03, for the efficiency ratio. Younger participants who received alcohol performed significantly better than did their older counterparts regardless of alcohol condition and despite no differences in performance between the 2 age groups in the placebo condition. Additional correlation analyses between ACC and RT suggested that moderately intoxicated older adults become more accurate as response times increase. This relationship was not observed in older adults in the placebo condition.

Conclusions

These data suggest that healthy individuals exhibit a differential susceptibility to the effects of alcohol depending on their age. Unfortunately, because of the presumed safety of moderate alcohol doses and a lack of studies investigating the interactive effects of acute alcohol consumption and aging, most individuals are unlikely to be aware of this relationship between alcohol consumption and age.
Effects of Cross‐Fostering on Alcohol Preference and Correlated Responses to Selection in High‐ and Low‐Alcohol‐Preferring Mice
Authors: Barrenha Gustavo D. , Chester Julia A.
Published: May 2012

Background

Selectively bred rodent lines are valuable tools for investigating gene × environment interactions related to risk for alcoholism in humans. Early maternal environment is one particular factor known for critically influencing neural, hormonal, and behavioral outcomes in adulthood. Cross‐fostering is a procedure that may be used to explore the role of genotype‐dependent maternal influences on phenotypic variability in adulthood. The purpose of these experiments was to examine the effects of cross‐fostering on free‐choice alcohol drinking and correlated responses to selection for alcohol preference in mice selectively bred for high (HAP2) and low (LAP2) alcohol preference.

Methods

Mice were assigned to one of the following treatments: SHAM (pups that were fostered to their original biological mother), IN (pups that were fostered to a different mother of the same line), and CROSS (pups that were fostered to a mother of a different line). Mice were tested in adulthood for (i) free 24‐hour access to alcohol for a period of 28 days; (ii) the expression of the acoustic startle response and fear‐potentiated startle (FPS); and (iii) handling‐induced convulsions (HICs) during acute alcohol withdrawal.

Results

Overall, the expression of the alcohol preference selection phenotype was robust in all groups (HAP2 > LAP2). Cross‐fostering produced a moderate but significant reduction in g/kg alcohol drinking and preference scores in HAP2 mice (CROSS < SHAM) but had no effect in LAP2 mice. Cross‐fostering did not affect the expression of correlated responses to selection: acoustic startle response (HAP2 > LAP2), FPS (HAP2 > LAP2), HICs (LAP2 > HAP2).

Conclusions

It appears that maternal environment can modify the expression of the high‐alcohol‐preference phenotype in HAP2 selectively bred mice. These results suggest a gene × environment interaction with respect to the expression of the high‐alcohol‐preference selection phenotype but not correlated responses to selection.
The Continuing Evolution of Languages for Specific Purposes
Authors: UBER GROSSE CHRISTINE , VOGHT GEOFFREY M.
Published: May 2012

This overview to The Modern Language Journal's Focus Issue on Languages for Specific Purposes (LSP) takes a fresh look at issues examined in a 1991 article by Grosse and Voght. Reflecting on change drivers and growth in LSP, the authors comment on current challenges to the field and future research needs. Their remarks are based on new insights from the Focus Issue authors, a review of literature, and their own observations. From 1991 to 2011, the field of LSP in the United States evolved from a minor role in the foreign language (FL) curriculum, primarily in business languages, to one with a wider base in FLs and interdisciplinary studies. Amid calls for structural changes in language departments from the Modern Language Association (MLA) and the push to internationalize professional school curricula for accreditation, LSP practitioners face exciting new opportunities for service and research. The continuing evolution of LSP doubtless will bring further integration of language, culture, and content to the academic and professional worlds.
Autonomous Teams and New Product Development
Authors: Patanakul Peerasit , Chen Jiyao , Lynn Gary S.
Published: May 2012

An autonomous team is an emerging tool for new product development (NPD). With its high degree of autonomy, independence, leadership, dedication, and collocation, the team has more freedom and stronger capabilities to be innovative and entrepreneurial. Several anecdotal cases suggest that autonomous teams are best when applied to highly uncertain, complex, and innovative projects. However, there is no empirical study to test such a notion. Moreover, autonomous teams are not a panacea, and implementing them can be costly and disruptive to their parent organization. When should this powerful, yet costly tool, be pulled out of the new product professional's toolbox? This paper attempts to answer this question.

The objective of this study is to explore under which circumstances an autonomous team is the best choice for NPD. Based on contingency and information‐processing theories, autonomous teams are hypothesized to be more effective to address projects with: (1) high technology novelty and (2) radical innovation. To test these hypotheses, the relative effectiveness of four types of team structures: autonomous, functional, lightweight, and heavyweight are compared. The effectiveness measures include development cost, development speed, and overall product success. Vision clarity, resource availability, and team experience are the controlled variables.

The empirical results based on the data from 555 NPD projects generally support the research hypotheses. Relative to other team structures, autonomous teams are more effective in addressing projects with high technology novelty or radical innovation. The results also suggest that heavyweight teams perform better than other teams in developing incremental innovation. These results provide some evidence to support contingency and information‐processing theories at the project level. Given the importance of the development of novel technology and radical innovation in establishing new businesses and other strategic initiatives, the findings of this study may not only have some important implications for NPD practices but may also shed some light on other important topics such as disruptive innovation, strategic innovation, new venture, corporate entrepreneurship, and ambidextrous organization.
Evaluation of Non‐ST Segment Elevation Acute Chest Pain Syndromes with a Novel Low‐Profile Continuous Imaging Ultrasound Transducer
Authors: Chandraratna P. Anthony N. , Mohar Dilbahar S. , Sidarous Peter F. , Brar Prabhjyot , Miller Jeffrey , Shah Nissar , Kadis John , Ali Ashgar , Mohar Prabhsimran
Published: May 2012

Background: This investigation was designed to test the hypothesis that continuous cardiac imaging using an ultrasound transducer developed in our laboratory (ContiScan) is superior to electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with acute non‐ST segment elevation chest pain syndromes. Methods: Seventy patients with intermediate to high probability of CAD who presented with typical anginal chest pain and no evidence of ST segment elevation on the ECG were studied. The 2.5‐MHz transducer is spherical in its distal part mounted in an external housing to permit steering in 360 degrees. The transducer was placed at the left sternal border to image the left ventricular short‐axis view and recorded on video tape at baseline, during and after episodes of chest pain. Two ECG leads were continuously monitored. The presence of CAD was confirmed by coronary arteriography or nuclear or echocardiographic stress testing. Results: Twenty‐four patients had regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) on their initial echo which were unchanged during the period of monitoring. All had evidence of CAD. Twenty‐eight patients had transient RWMA. All had evidence of CAD. Eighteen patients had normal wall motion throughout the monitoring period, 14 of these had no evidence of CAD, and four had evidence of CAD. These four patients did not have chest pain during monitoring. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of echocardiographic monitoring for diagnosing non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction was 88%, 100%, and 91% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the ECG for diagnosis of CAD were 31%, 100%, and 52%, respectively. Echocardiography was superior to ECG (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The data indicate that continuous cardiac imaging is superior to ECG monitoring for the diagnosis of CAD in patients presenting with acute non‐ST segment elevation chest pain syndromes. This technique could be a useful adjunct to ECG monitoring for myocardial ischemia in the acute care setting.
Classification of Emergency Departments According to Their Services for Community‐dwelling Seniors
Authors: Borges Da Silva Roxane , McCusker Jane , Roberge Danièle , Ciampi Antonio , Vadeboncoeur Alain , Lévesque Jean‐Frédéric , Belzile Eric
Published: May 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19: 552–561 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  The goal was to develop a classification of emergency departments (EDs) based on their organization of services for seniors discharged to the community.

Methods:  This was a secondary analysis of data collected in a survey of key informants (chief physicians and head nurses) in EDs in Quebec on the organization of services for community‐dwelling seniors discharged to the community. Organizational characteristics were classified a priori in the following three categories: 1) availability of human resources, 2) care processes, and 3) links to community services. A multifactorial analysis (MFA) was used to analyze the variables by category and globally, thus investigating not only the relationships between variables within each category, but also the relationships between different categories. The authors then proceeded to classify EDs using Ward’s method (hierarchical ascendant classification) applied to reduced data dimensions.

Results:  The sample consisted of 103 EDs. Analyses were carried out on data from the 68 (66%) of these EDs that supplied complete data. These 68 EDs did not differ in terms of their size or geographical location from the 35 other departments that supplied incomplete or no data. We identified three groups of EDs: most specialized (with regard to internal staff and care processes) and less community‐oriented (n = 12), moderately specialized and less community‐oriented (n = 28), and least specialized and more community‐oriented (n = 28).

Conclusions:  This classification of EDs with respect to their organization of services for community‐dwelling seniors may be helpful to those planning services, to decision‐makers, and to researchers. The three groups of EDs identified in this study represent three types of organizations with differing assets and limitations. The generalizability of these groups to other settings and the implications for patient outcomes should be investigated.
Combination of Copeptin and Troponin Assays to Rapidly Rule Out Non‐ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction in the Emergency Department
Authors: Charpentier Sandrine , Maupas‐Schwalm Françoise , Cournot Maxime , Elbaz Meyer , Botella Jean Marie , Lauque Dominique
Published: May 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19: 517–524 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to analyze the diagnostic accuracy and the clinical usefulness of the combination of troponin I (cTnI) and copeptin measured at presentation with an automated assay to rapidly rule out non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in patients with suspected cardiac chest pain presenting to an emergency department (ED).

Methods:  This study was an ancillary analysis of a prospective observational study. Copeptin and cTnI levels were sampled at presentation in 641 consecutive patients admitted to the ED for chest pain with onset within the last 12 hours and without ST elevation on a 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Copeptin was measured with an automated assay and troponin with conventional assay. The performance of a combination of cTnI and copeptin for NSTEMI diagnosis was studied, the clinical utility was assessed by multivariate analysis, and an area under the curve (AUC) calculation was used to determine accuracy.

Results:  NSTEMI was diagnosed in 95 patients (15%). The sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of the combination of copeptin and cTnI measures were 90.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 88.2% to 92.7%) and 97.6% (95% CI = 96.4% to 98.7%) versus 55.3% (95% CI = 51.5% to 59.2%) and 92.8% (95% CI = 90.8% to 94.8%) with cTnI alone. The AUC of the combination of copeptin and cTnI was 0.89 (95% CI = 0.85% to 0.92%) and was significantly higher than the AUC of cTnI alone (0.77, 95% CI = 0.72% to 0.82%, p < 0.05). The patient classification was slightly improved when copeptin was added to the usual diagnostic tools used for NSTEMI management.

Conclusions:  In this study, determination of copeptin, in addition to cTnI, improves early diagnostic accuracy of NSTEMI. However, the sensitivity of this combination even using a conventional troponin assay remains insufficient to safely rule out NSTEMI at the time of presentation.
Electrocardiographic Diagnosis of Acute ST‐elevation Myocardial Infarction in the Presence of Left Bundle Branch Block
Authors: Smith Stephen W.
Published: May 2012

This lecture can be viewed in its entirety online by visiting http://vimeo.com/34634434.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:593 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
The Validity of Ear Prediction Guidelines Used in Facial Approximation*,†,‡
Authors: Guyomarc’h Pierre , Stephan Carl N.
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  This study examined eight previously published ear prediction methods by Welcker, Gerasimov, Fedosyutkin and Nainys, and Broadbent and Mathews. Computed tomography scans of 78 living adults (n1) did not support any of these previously published recommendations. Free earlobes were found to accompany protruding supramastoid crests (Pearson’s χ² < 0.05); and ear length [l] and width [w] differed by sex (p < 0.05), correlated with age (r = 0.38[l]; 0.32[w]), and correlated with facial height (r = 0.37[l]; 0.30[w]). New regression equations (for ear length and width) were generated using these variables in several samples and, where possible, cross‐validated using independent data (n1 = 78, n2 = 2190, n3 = 1328, n4 = 1010, and n5 = 47). As a result of these analyses, four valid and tested methods for ear prediction were identified, but large degrees of error continue to make accurate prediction of the ear, from the skull, problematic.
The Romance of Leadership Scale and Causal Attributions1
Authors: SCHYNS BIRGIT , HANSBROUGH TIFFANY
Published: May 2012

Two empirical studies examined the relationship between individual‐level Romance of Leadership and causal attributions to test and extend the construct validity of the Romance of Leadership Scale. As anticipated, Romance of Leadership significantly predicted attributions to the leader, but not to the situation or the followers. The effect of leader experience on the relationship between Romance of Leadership and attributions was also examined. It was determined that individuals high in Romance of Leadership weigh information about leader experience more heavily than do others. Implications for organizations are discussed.
Impact of implant surface topography: a clinical study with a mean functional loading time of 85 months
Authors: Arnhart Christoph , Dvorak Gabriella , Trefil Caroline , Huber Christian , Watzek Georg , Zechner Werner
Published: May 2012

Objective

Moderately rough, surfaced implants are widely used. Nevertheless data on long‐term soft and hard tissue parameters are still conflicting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate peri‐implant bone level and soft tissue integration of anodized vs. turned surfaced implants in the anterior mandible after a mean functional loading time of 85 months.

Methods

Of 114 edentulous patients invited for follow‐up, 41,2% were available for recall. Forty‐seven patients with a mean age of 71 ± 9 years (14 men and 33 women) received 188 dental implants; All patients were edentulous and prosthetic rehabilitation was carried out by a bar‐retained overdenture. Radiographic peri‐implant bone level was assessed twice at baseline and recall. Clinical examination contained peri‐implant sounding (PPD, BoP) and indexing oral hygiene (mPI).

Results

From baseline up to 85 months two patients experienced implant loss (four implants), which corresponds to an overall‐survival rate of 97.9%. No significant differences were found between implant surfaces concerning the clinical parameters, such as plaque, calculus, bleeding on probing and pocket probing depth. The moderately rough surfaced implants showed significantly less decrease in peri‐implant bone level (1.53 ± 0.25 mm) than turned surfaced implants (2.42 ± 0.34 mm) (P = 0.036). The interaction between the position of the implant and surface topography (P = 0.037) as well as the site at the implant (P = 0.004) had a significant influence on bone level changes.

Conclusion

Both surface topographies with bar‐supported overdentures have excellent long‐term clinical outcomes. Moreover, a moderately roughened, anodized surface has beneficial effects in the anterior lower jaw.
Allergic contact dermatitis induces upregulation of identical microRNAs in humans and mice
Authors: Vennegaard Marie T. , Bonefeld Charlotte M. , Hagedorn Peter H. , Bangsgaard Nannie , Løvendorf Marianne B. , Ødum Niels , Woetmann Anders , Geisler Carsten , Skov Lone
Published: May 2012

Background. MicroRNAs are short, endogenous RNA molecules that can bind to parts of target mRNAs, thus inhibiting their translation and causing accelerated turnover or degradation of transcripts, thereby regulating gene expression. Several microRNAs have been found to be upregulated in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, indicating a role in inflammatory skin diseases. However, there have been no studies on the expression of microRNAs in allergic contact dermatitis.

Objectives. To investigate expression of microRNAs in allergic contact dermatitis.

Methods. Lesional and non‐lesional skin biopsies were collected from subjects with allergic responses to diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP). Additional samples for profiling were collected from an experimental mouse model by use of the strong allergen dinitrofluorobenzene. RNA was purified from all samples, and locked nucleic acid microarray analysis was performed, followed by validation with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results. In humans sensitized with DPCP, we found significant upregulation of miR‐21, miR‐142‐3p, miR‐142‐5p and miR‐223 in challenged skin. The same microRNAs were significantly upregulated in the skin of mice in a mouse model of contact allergy. The upregulation of microRNA was confirmed by quantitative PCR.

Conclusion. These are the first results indicating that microRNAs may be involved in the pathogenesis of allergic contact dermatitis, and they show that mouse models are valuable tools for further study of the involvement of microRNAs in allergic contact dermatitis.
Metabolic activity in early tendon repair can be enhanced by intermittent pneumatic compression
Authors: Greve K. , Domeij‐Arverud E. , Labruto F. , Edman G. , Bring D. , Nilsson G. , Ackermann P. W.
Published: May 2012

Since Achilles tendon healing is protracted, more knowledge of metabolites known to meet the demands for biosynthesis and proliferation is needed. We hypothesized that essential metabolites, glutamate, glucose, lactate, pyruvate and glycerol, are present and upregulated in healing Achilles tendons. We moreover hypothesized that adjuvant intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), which increases blood flow, upregulates metabolite concentrations. Twenty patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were recruited, operated, and included. The control group, 15 patients, received plaster cast immobilization, while five patients received adjuvant foot IPC beneath the plaster cast. At 2 weeks postoperatively, microdialysis of the healing and contralateral intact Achilles tendons was followed by quantification of metabolites. Healing compared to intact tendons of the controls exhibited significantly increased concentrations (mM) of glutamate (60 ± 14 vs 20 ± 11), lactate (1.15 ± 0.60 vs 0.64 ± 0.35), and pyruvate (81 ± 29 vs 35 ± 25, μM). Healing tendons of the IPC vs control group displayed higher levels of glutamate (84 ± 15 vs 62 ± 16) and glucose (3.44 ± 0.62 vs 2.62 ± 0.72); (P < 0.05) and trends toward higher concentrations of pyruvate, lactate, and glycerol (P < 0.10). The present study demonstrates that early Achilles tendon repair entails and upregulates local essential metabolites. This metabolic response can, during tendon healing with plaster cast immobilization, be promoted by adjuvant IPC.
Meta‐analysis of ANPP and rain‐use efficiency confirms indicative value for degradation and supports non‐linear response along precipitation gradients in drylands
Authors: Ruppert Jan C. , Holm Alexander , Miehe Sabine , Muldavin Esteban , Snyman Hennie A. , Wesche Karsten , Linstädter Anja
Published: May 2012

Questions

In drylands above‐ground net primary production (ANPP) and rain‐use efficiency (RUE) are common ecological indicators for assessing ecosystem state, including degradation and supply of key ecosystem services. However, both indicators have been criticized as ‘lumped’ parameters, since they aggregate complex information. Their value as ecological parameters in decision‐making and their use in ecological modelling therefore have been challenged and their explanatory power remains unclear. Furthermore, there is no consensus about the response of ANPP and RUE along precipitation gradients.

Methods

Taking advantage of several long‐term studies in (semi‐)arid environments where ANPP and RUE were recorded, we compiled a data set of 923 yr. We used meta‐analysis to disentangle the effects of different ecological layers (climate, soil and land use) on ANPP and RUE. Linear piece‐wise quantile regression (LPQR) was used to analyse the response of maximum and median ANPP and RUE as functions of precipitation. We assumed that looking at maximum response (instead of ‘average’ response) stratified for land‐use intensity was an ecologically more plausible way to understand ANPP constrained by precipitation and land use.

Results

We separated the impact of different environmental factors into distinct, quantitative effect sizes with the aid of meta‐analyses. ANPP was affected by recent and previous precipitation, land use, soil and biome. LPQR revealed that both parameters displayed several sequential linear intersects, which together formed a unimodal trend, peaking around precipitation of 200 mm yr−1. Unimodal response was more pronounced for maximum values (ANPPmax, RUEmax) than for median values. Peak ANPPmax and RUEmax, as well as post‐peak decline (>200 mm yr−1) were affected by land use: higher land‐use intensity decreased intercepts and increases post‐peak decline.

Conclusions

Our results have important consequences for the use of RUE as an ecosystem indicator and a tool in ecosystem monitoring and decision‐making. Most importantly, grasslands, shrublands and savannas significantly differ in their primary production, with a biome‐specific importance of precipitation, land use and previous year's precipitation. We thus propose to establish biome‐specific reference values of maximum and average RUE. Our study also contributes to reconcile contradictory findings for ANPP and RUE response along precipitation gradients of varying length.
Assessing non‐parametric and area‐based methods for estimating regional species richness
Authors: Xu Han , Liu Shirong , Li Yide , Zang Runguo , He Fangliang
Published: May 2012

Questions

Many methods have been developed to estimate species richness but few are useful for estimating regional richness. We compared the performance of commonly used non‐parametric and area‐based estimators with a particular focus on testing a newly developed but little tested maximum entropy method (MaxEnt).

Location

Tropical forest of Jianfengling Reserve, Hainan Island, China.

Methods

We extrapolated species richness on 12 estimators up to a larger regional scale – the reserve (472 km2) – where 164 25 m × 25 m quadrats were distributed on a grid of 160 km2 within the tropical forest. We also analysed the effects of base (or ‘anchor‘) scale A0 on the species richness estimated (Sest) with MaxEnt.

Results

Six non‐parametric methods underestimated the species richness, while six area‐based methods overestimated the species richness. The accuracy of the MaxEnt estimate (Sest) was improved with the increase of base scale A0.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest non‐parametric methods should not be used to estimate richness across heterogeneous landscapes but can be used in well‐defined sampling areas. Jack2 is the best of the six non‐parametric methods, while the logistic model and the MaxEnt method seem to be the best of the six area‐based methods. Improvements to the MaxEnt method are possible but that will require reformulation of the method by considering species–abundance distributions other than log‐series and more general spatial allocation rules.
Significant stabilization of ribonuclease A by additive effects
Authors: Arnold Ulrich , Schöpfel Michael
Published: May 2012

Among the strategies that employ genetic engineering to stabilize proteins, the introduction of disulfide bonds has proven to be a very potential approach. As, however, the replacement of amino acid residues by cysteines and the subsequent formation of the covalent bond can result in a severe deformation of the parental protein structure, the stabilization effect is strongly context dependent. Alternatively, the introduction of charged amino acid residues at the surface, which may result in the formation of extra ionic interactions or hydrogen bonds, provide propitious means for protein stabilization. The generation of an extra disulfide bond between residues 4 and 118 in ribonuclease A had resulted in a stabilization by 6 °C or 7 kJ mol−1, which was mainly caused by a deceleration of the unfolding reaction [Pecher, P. & Arnold, U. (2009) Biophys Chem, 141, 21–28]. Here, Asp83 was replaced by Glu resulting in a comparable stabilization. Moreover, combination of both mutations led to an additive effect and the resulting ribonuclease A variant (Tm ∼ 76 °C, ΔG°∼ 53 kJ mol−1) is the most stable ribonuclease A variant described so far. The analysis of the crystal structure of A4C/D83E/V118C‐ribonuclease A reveals the formation of a salt bridge between the γ‐carboxyl group of Glu83 and the ε‐amino group of Lys104.

Database

Ribonuclease (EC3.1.27.5)

Structured digital abstract

 RNase A and RNase A bind by x‐ray crystallography (View interaction)
Subcellular localization and role of Ran1 in Tetrahymena thermophila amitotic macronucleus
Authors: Liang Haixia , Xu Jing , Zhao Dan , Tian Huaru , Yang Xuxia , Liang Aihua , Wang Wei
Published: May 2012

Amitosis, a direct method of cell division is common in ciliated protozoan, fungi and some animal and plant cells. During amitosis, intranuclear microtubules are reorganized into specified arrays which assist in separation of nucleus, despite lack of a bipolar spindle. However, the regulation of amitosis is not understood. Here, we focused on the localization and role of mitotic spindle assembly regulator: Ran GTPase (Ran1) in macronuclear amitosis in binucleated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila. HA‐tagged Ran1 was localized in the macronucleus throughout the cell cycle of Tetrahymena during vegetative growth, and the accessory factor binding domains of Ran1 contributed to its macronuclear localization. Incomplete somatic knockout of RAN1 resulted in aberrant intramacronuclear microtubule array formation, missegregation of macronuclear chromosomes and ultimately blocked macronuclei proliferation. When the Ran1 cycle was perturbed by overexpression of Ran1T25N (GDP‐bound Ran1‐mimetic) or Ran1Q70L (GTP‐bound Ran1‐mimetic), intramacronuclear microtubule assembly was inhibited or multi‐micronucleate cells formed. These results suggest that Ran GTPase pathway is involved in assembly of a specialized intramacronuclear microtubule network and coordinates amitotic progression in Tetrahymena.