bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant Recruitment in Early Development Stages on Rehabilitated Quarries in Hong Kong
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhuang Xueying , Chu L. M.
Published: July 2012

To understand vegetation development during the ecological succession of rehabilitated quarries, floristic composition and structure were evaluated at different restoration phases on three quarries in Hong Kong that were planted with exotic woody species over the course of 2–14 years. A total of 113 species, of which 82 were woody species, were recorded. Exotic species dominated the overstory, and species number, richness, and diversity increased with age. Some light‐demanding early successional species were becoming dominant in the overstory vegetation at the older phases of revegetation. These species could be potential candidates for early enrichment planting withAcaciaspp. Common secondary forest species occurred naturally in the understory vegetation, and were more abundant and dominant after 10 years of ecological development. The most successful restorations were on scree slopes using leguminousAcaciaspp. as nurse species.
A genetics‐based description of Symbiodinium minutum sp. nov. and S. psygmophilum sp. nov. (Dinophyceae), two dinoflagellates symbiotic with cnidaria
Authors: Lajeunesse Todd C. , Parkinson John E. , Reimer James D.
Published: July 2012

Traditional approaches for describing species of morphologically cryptic and often unculturable forms of endosymbiotic dinoflagellates are problematic. Two new species in the genus Symbiodinium Freudenthal 1962 are described using an integrative evolutionary genetics approach: Symbiodinium minutum sp. nov. are harbored by widespread tropical anemones in the genus Aiptasia; and Symbiodinium psygmophilum sp. nov. are harbored by subtropical and temperate stony corals (e.g., Astrangia, Cladocora, and Oculina) from the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Both new species are readily distinguished from each other by phylogenetic disparity and reciprocal monophyly of several nucleic acid sequences including nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2, single copy microsatellite flanker Sym15, mitochondrial cytochrome b, and the chloroplast 23S rRNA gene. Such molecular evidence, combined with well‐defined differences in cell size, physiology (thermal tolerance), and ecology (host compatibility) establishes these organisms as distinct species. Future descriptions of Symbiodinium spp. will need to emphasize genetics‐based descriptions because significant morphological overlap in this group obscures large differences in ecology and evolutionary divergence. By using molecular evidence based on conserved and rapidly evolving genes analyzed from a variety of samples, species boundaries are defined under the precepts of Evolutionary and Biological Species Concepts without reliance on an arbitrary genetic distance metric. Because ecological specialization arises through genetic adaptations, the Ecological Species Concept can also serve to delimit many host‐specific Symbiodinium spp.
Chronic and Intermittent Exposure to Alcohol Vapors: A New Model of Alcohol‐Induced Osteopenia in the Rat
Authors: Maurel Delphine B. , Jaffré Christelle , Simon O'Brien Emmanuelle , Tournier Carine C. , Houchi Hakim , Benhamou Claude‐Laurent , Naassila Mickael
Published: July 2012

Background

Different models are used to study the effects of chronic alcohol consumption on bone tissue in the rat. However, the current models take several months to show indices of osteopenia as observed in chronic drinkers. Numerous studies have supported that chronic and intermittent exposure to ethanol vapors has predictive validity as a model of alcohol dependence in humans. However, this model has never been applied to bone research to study its effects on the parameters that define osteopenia. This was the goal of this study in the rat.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were exposed to ethanol vapor inhalation (n = 6) or air (controls, n = 6). Animals were exposed to chronic (11 weeks) and intermittent (14 hours a day) ethanol vapor reaching stable blood alcohol levels (BALs; 150 to 250 mg/dl) at the end of the third week of inhalation. After the sacrifice, right and left femur and tibia were dissected free of fat and connective tissue and bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by dual X‐ray absorptiometry. The microarchitecture of the femur was studied using microcomputed tomography.

Results

The BMD of the left and right femurs and the left tibia was lower in the ethanol group compared with the control group. The bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and the bone surface density (BS/TV) were lower in the ethanol group compared with control animals. The trabecular number (Tb.N) was lower in the ethanol group while the trabecular spacing was higher.

Conclusions

The decrease in the BMD, BV/TV, and Tb.N is in the same range as what is observed in human drinkers and what is reported with other animal alcohol models (Lieber–DeCarli liquid diet, ethanol in the tap water). Therefore, this model could be useful to study the effects of chronic alcohol consumption in the bone research field and has the advantage of controlling easily targeted BALs.
Ethanol‐Induced Memory Impairment in a Discriminative Avoidance Task is State‐Dependent
Authors: Sanday Leandro , Patti Camilla L. , Zanin Karina A. , Fernandes‐Santos Luciano , Oliveira Larissa C. , Kameda Sonia R. , Tufik Sergio , Frussa‐Filho Roberto
Published: July 2012

Background

A considerable amount of experimental evidence has demonstrated ethanol (EtOH) induced amnestic effects following EtOH administration during pretraining in a variety of tasks both in humans and in laboratory animals. Although the phenomenon of state‐dependency is known to play a critical role in memory deficits induced by both pharmacological and nonpharmacological pretraining perturbations, the involvement of this phenomenon in EtOH‐induced anterograde amnesia has been overlooked. This study aimed to investigate the role of state‐dependency in EtOH‐induced amnestic effects and its interactions with the well‐known anxiolysis and locomotor alterations.

Methods

Mice were treated with 1.2 or 2.4 g/kg EtOH before training and/or before testing in the plus‐maze discriminative avoidance task, an animal model that concomitantly evaluates learning, memory, anxiety‐like behavior, and general activity.

Results

Whereas both doses of EtOH induced anxiolysis, the 1.2 g/kg dose enhanced locomotion while the 2.4 g/kg dose decreased it. In addition, the administration of 1.2 g/kg of this drug during pretraining caused memory impairment, which was counteracted by the pretest administration of the same dose, revealing the participation of the state‐dependency. Conversely, the administration of 2.4 g/kg EtOH led to amnestic effects irrespective of the time of the administration (pretraining and/or pretest), eliminating the influence of state‐dependency.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that EtOH‐induced memory deficits are critically related to state‐dependency, which can also be affected by the dose range. These results indicate the possible participation of EtOH‐induced modifications in anxiety and motor activity levels in relation to state‐dependent memory deficits.
Posttreatment Low‐Risk Drinking as a Predictor of Future Drinking and Problem Outcomes Among Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorders
Authors: Kline‐Simon Andrea H. , Falk Daniel E. , Litten Raye Z. , Mertens Jennifer R. , Fertig Joanne , Ryan Megan , Weisner Constance M.
Published: July 2012

Background

Treatment for alcohol disorders has traditionally been abstinence‐oriented, but evaluating the merits of a low‐risk drinking outcome as part of a primary treatment endpoint is a timely issue given new pertinent regulatory guidelines. This study explores a posttreatment low‐risk drinking outcome as a predictor of future drinking and problem severity outcomes among individuals with alcohol use disorders in a large private, not for profit, integrated care health plan.

Methods

Study participants include adults with alcohol use disorders at 6 months (N = 995) from 2 large randomized studies. Logistic regression models were used to explore the relationship between past 30‐day drinker status at 6 months posttreatment (abstinent [66%], low‐risk drinking [14%] defined as nonabstinence and no days of 5+ drinking, and heavy drinking [20%] defined as 1 or more days of 5+ drinking) and 12‐month outcomes, including drinking status and Addiction Severity Index measures of medical, psychiatric, family/social, and employment severity, controlling for baseline covariates.

Results

Compared to heavy drinkers, abstinent individuals and low‐risk drinkers at 6 months were more likely to be abstinent or low‐risk drinkers at 12 months (adj. ORs = 16.7 and 3.4, respectively; p < 0.0001); though, the benefit of abstinence was much greater than that of low‐risk drinking. Compared to heavy drinkers, abstinent and low‐risk drinkers were similarly associated with lower 12‐month psychiatric severity (adj. ORs = 1.8 and 2.2, respectively, p < 0.01) and family/social problem severity (adj. OR = 2.2; p < 0.01). While abstinent individuals had lower 12‐month employment severity than heavy drinkers (adj. OR = 1.9; p < 0.01), low‐risk drinkers did not differ from heavy drinkers. The drinking groups did not differ on 12‐month medical problem severity.

Conclusions

Compared to heavy drinkers, low‐risk drinkers did as well as abstinent individuals for many of the outcomes important to health and addiction policy. Thus, an endpoint that allows low‐risk drinking may be tenable for individuals undergoing alcohol specialty treatment.
Coordinated Dynamic Gene Expression Changes in the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala During Alcohol Withdrawal
Authors: Freeman Kate , Staehle Mary M. , Vadigepalli Rajanikanth , Gonye Gregory E. , Ogunnaike Babatunde A. , Hoek Jan B. , Schwaber James S.
Published: July 2012

Background

Chronic alcohol use causes widespread changes in the cellular biology of the amygdala's central nucleus (CeA), a GABAergic center that integrates autonomic physiology with the emotional aspects of motivation and learning. While alcohol‐induced neurochemical changes play a role in dependence and drinking behavior, little is known about the CeA's dynamic changes during withdrawal, a period of emotional and physiologic disturbance.

Methods

We used a qRT‐PCR platform to measure 139 transcripts in 92 rat CeA samples from control (N = 33), chronically alcohol exposed (N = 26), and withdrawn rats (t = 4, 8, 18, 32, and 48 hours; N = 5, 10, 7, 6, 5). This focused transcript set allowed us to identify significant dynamic expression patterns during the first 48 hours of withdrawal and propose potential regulatory mechanisms.

Results

Chronic alcohol exposure causes a limited number of small magnitude expression changes. In contrast, withdrawal results in a greater number of large changes within 4 hours of removal of the alcohol diet. Sixty‐five of the 139 measured transcripts (47%) showed differential regulation during withdrawal. Over the 48‐hour period, dynamic changes in the expression of γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA), ionotropic glutamate and neuropeptide system–related G‐protein‐coupled receptor subunits, and the Ras/Raf signaling pathway were seen as well as downstream transcription factors (TFs) and epigenetic regulators. Four temporally correlated gene clusters were identified with shared functional roles including NMDA receptors, MAPKKK and chemokine signaling cascades, and mediators of long‐term potentiation, among others. Cluster promoter regions shared overrepresented binding sites for multiple TFs including Cebp, Usf‐1, Smad3, Ap‐2, and c‐Ets, suggesting a potential regulatory role.

Conclusions

During alcohol withdrawal, the CeA experiences rapid changes in mRNA expression of these functionally related transcripts that were not predicted by measurement during chronic exposure. This study provides new insight into dynamic expression changes during alcohol withdrawal and suggests novel regulatory relationships that potentially impact the aspects of emotional modulation.
Laboratory evaluation of rapid test kits to detect hepatitis C antibody for use in predonation screening in emergency settings
Authors: O'Connell Robert J. , Gates Robert G. , Bautista Christian T. , Imbach Michelle , Eggleston John C. , Beardsley Stephen G. , Manak Mark M. , Gonzales Richard , Rentas Francisco J. , Macdonald Victor W. , Cardo Lisa J. , Reiber David T. , Stramer Susan L. , Michael Nelson L. , Peel Sheila A.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Emergency whole blood transfusion is a lifesaving procedure employed on modern battlefields. Rapid device tests (RDTs) are frequently used to mitigate transfusion‐transmitted infection risks.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A limited evaluation of the RDT formerly used on battlefields was performed using 50 donor plasma samples and commercially available panels. Five hepatitis C virus (HCV) RDTs with sufficient stated sensitivity and thermostability were assessed using 335 HCV‐positive and 339 HCV‐negative donor plasma samples, 54 seroconversion panel plasma samples, and 84 HCV‐positive and 84 HCV‐negative spiked whole blood under normal, hot, and cold storage conditions and normal and hot test conditions, plus an ease‐of‐use survey.

RESULTS: BioRapid HCV test sensitivity on donor plasma was 84% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70.9%‐92.8%). Using all positive plasma samples, OraQuick HCV sensitivity exceeded all comparators (99.4%, 95% CI,  98.0%‐99.9%, p < 0.05). Specificity was consistently high, led by OraQuick HCV at 99.7% (95% CI,  98.6%‐100%), statistically superior only to Axiom HCV (p < 0.05). Using seroconversion panels, only OraQuick HCV showed equivalent or earlier HCV detection compared to the gold standard. Using spiked whole blood, specificity was consistently high, and sensitivity ranged significantly from 34.5% (95% CI,  25.0%‐45.1%) for CORE HCV to 98.8% (95% CI,  94.3%‐99.9%) for OraQuick HCV. All comparator RDTs were significantly less sensitive than OraQuick HCV at one or more stress condition.

CONCLUSION: This HCV RDT comparison identified significant sensitivity differences, particularly using whole blood under extreme storage and testing conditions. These data support OraQuick HCV superiority and illustrate the value of RDT evaluation under simulated field conditions.
Simulation of Longitudinal Exposure Data with Variance‐Covariance Structures Based on Mixed Models
Authors: Song Peng , Xue Jianping , Li Zhilin
Published: July 2012

Longitudinal data are important in exposure and risk assessments, especially for pollutants with long half‐lives in the human body and where chronic exposures to current levels in the environment raise concerns for human health effects. It is usually difficult and expensive to obtain large longitudinal data sets for human exposure studies. This article reports a new simulation method to generate longitudinal data with flexible numbers of subjects and days. Mixed models are used to describe the variance‐covariance structures of input longitudinal data. Based on estimated model parameters, simulation data are generated with similar statistical characteristics compared to the input data. Three criteria are used to determine similarity: the overall mean and standard deviation, the variance components percentages, and the average autocorrelation coefficients. Upon the discussion of mixed models, a simulation procedure is produced and numerical results are shown through one human exposure study. Simulations of three sets of exposure data successfully meet above criteria. In particular, simulations can always retain correct weights of inter‐ and intrasubject variances as in the input data. Autocorrelations are also well followed. Compared with other simulation algorithms, this new method stores more information about the input overall distribution so as to satisfy the above multiple criteria for statistical targets. In addition, it generates values from numerous data sources and simulates continuous observed variables better than current data methods. This new method also provides flexible options in both modeling and simulation procedures according to various user requirements.
Flood Protection Diversification to Reduce Probabilities of Extreme Losses
Authors: Zhou Qian , Lambert James H. , Karvetski Christopher W. , Keisler Jeffrey M. , Linkov Igor
Published: July 2012

Recent catastrophic losses because of floods require developing resilient approaches to flood risk protection. This article assesses how diversification of a system of coastal protections might decrease the probabilities of extreme flood losses. The study compares the performance of portfolios each consisting of four types of flood protection assets in a large region of dike rings. A parametric analysis suggests conditions in which diversifications of the types of included flood protection assets decrease extreme flood losses. Increased return periods of extreme losses are associated with portfolios where the asset types have low correlations of economic risk. The effort highlights the importance of understanding correlations across asset types in planning for large‐scale flood protection. It allows explicit integration of climate change scenarios in developing flood mitigation strategy.
Permanent Pacemaker‐Related Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Series of 20 Cases
Authors: MANDAL SAROJ , PANDE ARINDAM , MANDAL DEBOSMITA , KUMAR ASUTOSH , SARKAR ACHYUT , KAHALI DHIMAN , MAZUMDAR BISWAKESH , PANJA MANOTOSH
Published: July 2012

Background:
 Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has become a common occurrence nowadays due to emergence of multiple newer risk factors, such as implantation of permanent pacemaker (PPM) and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators. We are reporting 20 cases of upper extremity DVT related to PPM implantation.

Methods and Result:
 All the patients presented within 6 months, with unilateral upper extremity swelling (90%), pain (45%), erythema (15%), and other less frequent features. Venography established the diagnosis in all the cases. Considering the distribution of possible risk factors of venous thrombosis among our patients, diabetes was the most frequent (present in 45%) followed by smoking (35%), hypertension (30%), obesity with body mass index ≥30 (30%), history of acute myocardial infarction (25%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (20%), and history of congestive cardiac failure (15%). Antiplatelets were not found protective against the development of this situation. There was no statistically significant difference in respect to venous access, number of leads, use of previous temporary pacing lead, or poor left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction ≤40%) among the six patients who presented with complete occlusion of subclavian vein compared to the rest of the 14 patients who had partial occlusion. There were complete resolutions of symptom in 85% of patients after 6 months of anticoagulation therapy in the form of initial intravenous unfractinated heparin followed by oral warfarin.

Conclusion:
 Anticoagulation with warfarin for 6 months with initial intravenous unfractionated heparin was a safe and effective mode of therapy in most of the patients with PPM related upper extremity DVT. (PACE 2012; 35:1194–1198)
Acute Hyperkalemia Detected by Alert from Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator
Authors: KURIACHAN VIKAS , TEDROW USHA , ANTMAN ELLIOTT , EPSTEIN LAURENCE M.
Published: July 2012

Two cases of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator lead impedance changes that corresponded with changes in serum potassium are described. In the first case, an audible lead alert was triggered due to a significant change in lead impedance caused by hyperkalemia. In the second case, a patient was admitted with hyperkalemia and renal failure. Device interrogation revealed a change in lead impedance corresponding to changes in serum potassium. As devices and leads become more sophisticated, their role for monitoring parameters and triggering alerts may expand to include electrolyte and other metabolic changes. (PACE 2012; 35:e276–e279)
Basal Exit Site of Clinical Ventricular Tachycardia is an Independent Predictor of Antitachycardia Pacing Failure in Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators Recipients
Authors: BOULÉ STÉPHANE , BRIGADEAU FRANÇOIS , MARQUIÉ CHRISTELLE , SALLERON JULIA , KLUG DIDIER , KOUAKAM CLAUDE , GUÉDON‐MOREAU LAURENCE , DUHAMEL ALAIN , ACHERÉ CHARLES , WISSOCQUE LUDIVINE , LACROIX DOMINIQUE , KACET SALEM
Published: July 2012

Background:
 Little is known about predictors of antitachycardia pacing (ATP) failure in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients. Distance between the stimulation site and the ventricular tachycardia (VT) site of origin may critically affect ATP effectiveness. We hypothesized that ATP may be less effective in ICD patients who had basal VT than in those who had apical VT.

Methods:
 We reviewed data from 52 patients with sustained monomorphic VT and left ventricular disease referred for ICD implantation. ATP was delivered exclusively at the right ventricular apex. The clinical VTs site of origin (basal, midventricular, or apical) was determined in each patient, using 12‐lead electrocardiogram. VTs episodes treated with ATP during the 1‐year follow‐up were studied. ATP success rate (%), defined as the ratio between the number of successful ATP sequences and the number of delivered ATP sequences, was determined in each patient.

Results:
 VT exit site was apical in 19 patients (36%), basal in 18 patients (35%), and midventricular in 15 patients (29%). In those 52 patients, 1,393 ATP sequences, delivered to treat 761 VT episodes, were analyzed. ATP success rate was found to be associated with the VT site of origin (median [interquartile range]): basal (33%[11–67]), midventricular (50%[37–100]), apical (100%[41–100]) (P = 0.027). Multivariate analysis identified basal VT site of origin as an independent predictor of ATP failure (P = 0.023).

Conclusion:
 ATP is less effective in ICD patients who had basal VT than in those who had apical VT before ICD implantation. (PACE 2012; 35:1209–1216)
Safety of the Open‐Irrigated Ablation Catheter for Radiofrequency Ablation: Safety Analysis from Six Clinical Studies
Authors: WALDO ALBERT L. , WILBER DAVID J. , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E. , STEVENSON WILLIAM G. , AKER BRENDA , BOO LEE MING , JACKMAN WARREN M.
Published: July 2012

Background: The open‐irrigated catheter is used most frequently for atrial and ventricular radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and is often considered as the standard by which new ablation systems are compared. But few data have been published concerning its safety. This report provides a comprehensive safety analysis of the use of an open‐irrigated catheter for RFA of atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation in 1,275 patients in six rigorously monitored, prospective, multicenter studies.

Methods: This analysis is of data from six studies conducted as part of both Food and Drug Administration‐mandated investigational device exemption studies and postapproval studies. The six studies span a period of more than 10 years. All serious RFA complications and vascular access complications that occurred within seven days postprocedure were included.

Results: The number of patients who experienced any acute serious RFA complication in these studies combined was 4.9% (63/1,275). The two earliest studies were conducted when the open‐irrigated catheter was first introduced, and accounted for 55.6% of the complications. In the first atrial flutter ablation study, RFA complications decreased by 60% (15.4%–6.2%) after a proctoring program was initiated during the study. For all studies, vascular access complications ranged between from 0.5%–4.7%, and no stroke or transient ischemic attack was reported within 7 days postprocedure. No significant pulmonary vein stenosis was reported from the atrial fibrillation studies.

Conclusion: A proctoring program, careful fluid management, and absence of char and coagulum contributed to the safe use of the open‐irrigated RFA catheter. (PACE 2012; 35:1081–1089)
Educational Attainment Is Associated with Atrial Fibrillation Symptom Severity
Authors: GOLI NEETA M. , THOMPSON TIFFANY , SEARS SAMUEL F. , MOUNSEY J. PAUL , CHUNG EUGENE , SCHWARTZ JENNIFER , WOOD KATHRYN , WALKER JENNIFER , GUISE KIMBERLY , GEHI ANIL K.
Published: July 2012

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice, is often managed with a rhythm control strategy. Despite the emphasis on symptom relief as the motivation for a rhythm controlling strategy in AF, it remains unclear what factors affect the patient's experienced severity of AF symptoms. We hypothesize that demographic variables may affect AF symptom severity as many AF symptoms (palpitations, dyspnea, fatigue) are nonspecific and may require particular patient insight.

Methods: We assessed demographic variables, cardiac and noncardiac comorbidities, AF burden, and AF‐specific self‐reported symptom severity in a cohort of 300 outpatients with AF presenting to outpatient electrophysiology clinics.

Results: In unadjusted analyses, decreased educational attainment, unemployed working status, and non‐Caucasian race were associated with worsened AF symptom severity. After adjusting for potential confounders, the association of decreased educational attainment with worsened AF symptom severity persisted.

Conclusions: Possible links between these demographic features and AF symptom severity are socioeconomic status and health literacy. Further study into the relationship between educational attainment and AF symptom severity is warranted. (PACE 2012; 35:1090–1096)
Usefulness of a Collateral Channel Dilator for Antegrade Treatment of Chronic Total Occlusion of a Coronary Artery
Authors: OBATA JYUN‐EI , NAKAMURA TAKAMITSU , KITTA YOSHINOBU , SAITO YUKIO , SANO KEITA , FUJIOKA DAISUKE , KAWABATA KEN‐ICHI , KUGIYAMA KIYOTAKA
Published: July 2012

Objectives:
 The aim of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of a collateral channel dilator microcatheter in antegrade percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) of a coronary artery.

Background:
 The Corsair microcatheter, which was originally developed as a collateral channel dilator, has been reported to be useful for retrograde CTO‐PCI.

Methods:
 We compared the success rate of the Corsair microcatheter collateral channel dilator for antegrade CTO‐PCI with a previously available microcatheter. We analyzed the data from 27 patients (32 CTOs) using the FinecrossMG (Finecross group) and the data from 31 patients (34 CTOs) using the Corsair (Corsair group).

Results:
 There were no significant differences in the clinical or lesion characteristics between the 2 groups. The success rate for crossing the CTO by the microcatheter was 62.5% in the Finecross group and 85.3% in the Corsair group (P < 0.05). After the Corsair crossed the CTO, a 2‐mm diameter balloon catheter crossed the lesion in all the cases, but it crossed the lesion in only 17 of 20 cases in the Finecross group (85.0%, P < 0.05). The number of balloon catheters used for predilation was significantly less in the Corsair group compared with the Finecross group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:
 The success rate for crossing of the microcatheters and the balloon catheters through the occlusion in antegrade CTO‐PCI was better with the Corsair than with the FinecrossMG. In addition, the use of the Corsair reduced the number of balloon catheters used for predilation in antegrade CTO‐PCI. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:533–539)
Comparison of the Class and Individual Characteristics of Turkish 7.65 mm Browning/.32 Automatic Caliber Self‐Loading Pistols with Consecutive Serial Numbers
Authors: Yalçın Sarıbey Aylin , Grace Hannam Abigail
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  Firearms identification is based on the fundamental principle that it is impossible to manufacture two identical items at the microscopic level. As firearm manufacturing technologies and quality assurance are improving, it is necessary to continually challenge this principle. In this study, two different makes of 7.65 mm Browning/.32 Automatic caliber self‐loading pistols of Turkish manufacture were selected and examined. Ten pistols with consecutive serial numbers were examined and each fired 10 times. The fired cartridge cases were recovered for comparison purposes. It was found that for each make of pistol, the individual characteristics within the firing pin impression, ejector, and breech face marks of all 10 pistols were found to be significantly different.
New antimicrobial cystatin C‐based peptide active against gram‐positive bacterial pathogens, including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and multiresistant coagulase‐negative staphylococci
Authors: JASIR AFTAB , KASPRZYKOWSKI FRANCISZEK , KASPRZYKOWSKA REGINA , LINDSTRÖM VERONICA , SCHALÉN CLAES , GRUBB ANDERS
Published: July 2012

We describe the synthesis and antibacterial properties of a novel antimicrobial peptidyl derivative, (2S)‐2‐(Nα‐benzyloxycarbonyl‐arginyl‐leucylamido‐1‐[(E)‐cinnamoylamido]‐3‐methylbutane, structurally based upon the inhibitory centre of the human cysteine protease inhibitor, cystatin C. The derivative, here called Cystapep 1, displayed antibacterial activity against several clinically important gram‐positive bacteria. It displayed minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of about 16 μg/ml for both Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. In radial agar diffusion assays, groups A, B, C and G streptococci as well as staphylococci were generally susceptible to the action of Cystapep 1, whereas pneumococci and enterococci were less susceptible. No activity against gram‐negative bacteria was observed. Cystapep 1 also showed high activity against methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and multiantibiotic‐resistant coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CNS), suggesting that its mechanism of action differs from those of most currently used antibiotics.
Bioinformatic analysis of responsive genes in two‐dimension and three‐dimension cultured human periodontal ligament cells subjected to compressive stress
Authors: Kang K‐L. , Lee S‐W. , Ahn Y‐S. , Kim S‐H. , Kang Y‐G.
Published: July 2012

Background and Objective:  Analyzing responses of human periodontal ligament cells to mechanical stress and mechanotransduction is important for understanding periodontal tissue physiology and remodeling. It has been shown that the cellular response to mechanical stress can vary according to the type and duration of force and to extracellular attachment conditions. This study investigated the gene‐expression profile of human periodontal ligament cells cultured in two‐dimension (2D) and three‐dimension (3D) conditions after application of compressive stress for 2 and 48 h.

Material and Methods:  Human primary periodontal ligament cells were obtained from premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes. Cells were cultured in a conventional 2D culture dish or in 3D collagen gel and compressive stress was applied for 2 and 48 h. Control cells were cultured under identical conditions but without the application of compressive stress. After the application of compressive stress, total RNA was extracted and a cDNA microarray was performed. Microarray data were analyzed using statistical methods, including david and gene set enrichment analysis to identify significant signaling pathways. Real‐time PCR was performed for five mRNAs in order to confirm the cDNA microarray results.

Results:  The cDNA microarray analysis revealed that after application of compressive stress for 2 h, 191 and 553 genes showed changes in their expression levels in 2D and 3D cultured cells, respectively. After application of compressive stress for 48 h, 280 and 519 genes showed changes in their expression levels in 2D and 3D cultured cells, respectively. Euclidean clustering method was used to demonstrate the gene‐expression kinetics.

Conclusion:  Analysis of the results showed that several signaling pathways, including the MAPK pathway and the focal adhesion kinase pathway are relevant to the compressive force‐induced cellular response. 2D and 3D cultured cells showed significantly different gene‐expression profiles, suggesting that cellular attachment to extracellular matrix influences cellular responses to mechanical stresses.
Pricing Misperceptions: Explaining Pricing Structure in the Cell Phone Service Market
Authors: Bar‐Gill Oren , Stone Rebecca
Published: July 2012

The cell phone service market is an economically significant market that has substantially increased consumer welfare. In this article, we focus on the pricing of cell phone service. The common pricing structure is a three‐part tariff comprising: (1) a monthly charge; (2) a fixed number of minutes that the monthly charge pays for; and (3) a per‐minute price for minutes beyond the plan limit. Using a unique data set of consumer‐level monthly billing and usage information for 3,730 consumers at a single wireless provider, we evaluate the explanatory power of three accounts of the three‐part tariff: a rational choice account; a behavioral account proposed by Grubb (2009) that supposes that consumers are overconfident in their estimates of their future usage; and a second behavioral account that posits that some consumers overestimate their average future usage while others underestimate it. We quantify the mistakes that consumers make in plan choice and, extrapolating from our data, estimate that these mistakes cost U.S. consumers over $13 billion annually. Our analysis suggests that regulation mandating the disclosure of product use information can be socially desirable in the cell phone service market.
Defensive Medicine and Obstetric Practices
Authors: Frakes Michael
Published: July 2012

Using data on physician behavior from the 1979–2005 National Hospital Discharge Surveys (NHDS), I estimate the relationship between malpractice pressure, as identified by the adoption of noneconomic damage caps and related tort reforms, and certain decisions faced by obstetricians during the delivery of a child. The NHDS data, supplemented with restricted geographic identifiers, provides inpatient discharge records from a broad enough span of states and covering a long enough period of time to allow for a defensive medicine analysis that draws on an extensive set of variations in relevant tort laws. Contrary to the conventional wisdom, I find no evidence to support the claim that malpractice pressure induces physicians to perform a substantially greater number of cesarean sections. Extending this analysis to certain additional measures, however, I do find some evidence consistent with positive defensive behavior among obstetricians. For instance, I estimate that the adoption of a noneconomic damage cap is associated with a reduction in the utilization of episiotomies during vaginal deliveries, without a corresponding change in observed neonatal outcomes.
Arbitration Clauses in Credit Card Agreements: An Empirical Study
Authors: Drahozal Christopher R. , Rutledge Peter B.
Published: July 2012

This article uses a newly available database of consumer credit card agreements to take the first, in‐depth empirical look at why credit card issuers use arbitration clauses. Based on a sample of credit card agreements made available by 298 issuers under the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, it finds that while most credit card agreements include arbitration clauses, the substantial majority of credit card issuers (247 of 298, or 82.9 percent) do not use arbitration clauses in their credit card agreements. The article also finds that credit card issuers are more likely to use arbitration clauses when they (1) specialize in making credit card loans; (2) make riskier credit card loans; and (3) have a larger credit card portfolio. Conversely, issuers are less likely to use arbitration clauses when they are (1) mutually owned (i.e., credit unions) rather than shareholder owned (i.e., banks); and (2) are located in states in which class arbitration waivers are unenforceable. These empirical findings have potentially important implications for a number of timely policy questions, such as: What sorts of options are available to consumers who wish to obtain a credit card that is not subject to an arbitration clause? How might increased regulation of arbitration (whether by Congress or by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) affect the market for credit card loans? and How are businesses likely to respond to the Supreme Court's recent decision in AT&T Mobility LLC v. Concepcion?
Does Tort Law Deter Individuals? A Behavioral Science Study
Authors: Cardi W. Jonathan , Penfield Randall D. , Yoon Albert H.
Published: July 2012

For nearly four decades, economic analysis has dominated academic discussion of tort law. Courts also have paid increasing attention to the potential deterrent effects of their tort decisions. But at the center of each economic model and projection of cost and benefit lies a widely accepted but grossly undertested assumption that tort liability in fact deters tortious conduct. This article reports the results of a behavioral science study that tests this assumption as it applies to individual conduct. Surveying over 700 first‐year law students, the study presented a series of vignettes, asking subjects to rate the likelihood that they would engage in a variety of potentially tortious behaviors under different legal conditions. Students were randomly assigned one of four surveys, which differed only in the legal rules applicable to the vignettes. In summary, the study found that although the threat of potential criminal sanctions had a large and statistically significant effect on subjects' stated willingness to engage in risky behavior, the threat of potential tort liability did not. These findings call into question widely accepted notions about the very foundations of tort law.
Analysis of prognostic factors in 333 Chinese patients with high‐grade osteosarcoma treated by multidisciplinary combined therapy
Authors: Min Daliu , Lin Feng , Shen Zan , Zheng Shuier , Tan Lina , Yu Wenxi , Yao Yang
Published: July 2012

Aim

To investigate prognostic factors for long‐term outcomes in Chinese patients with high‐grade osteosarcoma of the extremities or trunk treated by multidisciplinary combined therapy.

Methods

In total, 333 consecutive patients with non‐metastatic or primary metastatic high‐grade osteosarcoma of the extremities or trunk were retrospectively reviewed to analyze the correlation between survival and sex, age, site, histological type, clinical stage, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level, preoperative chemotherapy or not, response to preoperative chemotherapy, postoperative chemotherapy cycles and manner of surgery. The combined therapy included preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy as well as limb salvage surgery or amputation.

Results

The median survival time was 52 months for all 333 patients. Univariate analysis revealed that sex, ALP level, preoperative chemotherapy and cycle numbers of postoperative chemotherapy may influence the prognosis of high‐grade osteosarcoma of the extremities or trunk. Multivariate analysis revealed that the female, a normal ALP level, preoperative chemotherapy with good response and ≥4 cycles of postoperative chemotherapy correlated with a better outcome.

Conclusion

Preoperative chemotherapy is important in high‐grade osteosarcoma treatment and a good response to it is an important marker of prognosis. It should be given with ≥ cycles of postoperative chemotherapy after surgery.
Effect of age at diagnosis of breast cancer on the patterns and risk of mortality from all causes: A population‐based study in Australia
Authors: Beadle Geoffrey Francis , McCarthy Nicole Jean , Baade Peter David
Published: July 2012

Aims

This retrospective, population‐based study investigated the patterns and risks of mortality from breast cancer, other cancers and non‐cancer causes according to the age at diagnosis of breast cancer.

Methods

Mortality was assessed in all Australian women (n = 179 653) aged 30–79 years who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 1982 and 2004 and who survived a minimum of 1 year. The mean follow up was 6.3 years (range 0–23 years).

Results

Before December 2005, 52 934 women had died (34 459 of breast cancer, 5019 of other cancers and 13 456 of non‐cancer causes). There was an inverse age‐related relative risk of mortality (calculated as the standardized mortality ratio [SMR]) from breast cancer (linear trend across age P < 0.01). For breast cancer survivors the age‐adjusted SMR was 0.99 for other cancers and 0.81(P < 0.01) for non‐cancer causes in comparison with the general population. The SMR for other cancers and non‐cancer causes was highest in the 30–39‐year‐old age group (2.13, P < 0.01 and 2.15, P < 0.01, respectively), and progressively decreased with increasing age, with the 70–79‐year‐old age group having significantly reduced SMR (0.95, P < 0.05, and 0.78, P < 0.01, respectively, compared with the age‐matched general population).

Conclusion

There was an inverse age‐related relative risk of death from breast cancer, other cancers and non‐cancer causes. These findings suggest that younger Australian women require long‐term health surveillance and that older women with limited comorbidities require optimal treatment of their breast cancer.
Simulating small‐scale climate change effects–lessons from a short‐term field manipulation experiment on grassland arthropods
Authors: Buchholz Sascha , Rolfsmeyer Dorothee , Schirmel Jens
Published: July 2012

Climate change is expected to cause major consequences on biodiversity. Understanding species‐specific reactions, such as species shifts, species declines, and changes in population dynamics is a key issue to quantify large‐scale impacts of climate change on biotic communities. As it is often impossible or at least impracticable to conduct large‐scale experiments on biotic responses to climate change, studies at a smaller scale may be a useful alternative. In our study, we therefore tested responses of grassland arthropods (carabid beetles, spiders, grasshoppers) to simulated climate change in terms of species activity densities and diversity. We conducted a controlled field experiment by changing water and microclimatic conditions at a small scale (16 m2). Roof constructions were used to increase drought‐like conditions, whereas water supply was enhanced by irrigation. In all, 2 038 carabid beetles (36 species), 4 893 spiders (65 species), and 303 Orthoptera (4 species) were caught using pitfall traps from May to August, 2010. During our experiment, we created an artificial small‐scale climate change; and statistics revealed that these changes had short‐term effects on the total number of individuals and Simpson diversity of the studied arthropod groups. Moreover, our results showed that certain species might react very quickly to climate change in terms of activity densities, which in turn might influence diversity due to shifts in abundance patterns. Finally, we devised methodological improvements that may further enhance the validity of future studies.
The caregiving process of the family unit caring for a frail older family member at home: a grounded theory study
Authors: Kita Motoko , Ito Keiichi
Published: July 2012

kita m. & ito k. (2013) The caregiving process of the family unit caring for a frail older family member at home: a grounded theory study. International Journal of Older People Nursing 8, 149–158  doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2012.00337.x

Aims and objectives.  To explore the caregiving process of family units caring for a frail older family member at home.

Background.  Previous research on family caregiving has demonstrated the interdependence between individual members’ health and family status and suggested the importance of support provided to the family as a unit. However, little research that could be used as the basis for nursing interventions has focused on the caregiving process of the family unit caring for a frail older family member in the community.

Design.  The grounded theory approach was applied in this study.

Methods.  Eighteen families were recruited using the method of theoretical sampling. Data were collected through face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews. Constant comparative analysis proceeded with data collection.

Findings.  Two core categories were identified: ‘degree of routinisation of daily life’ and ‘degree of minimisation of competing needs within the family’. The caregiving process was classified according to the core categories into the following four phases: confusion, fluctuating disharmony, stable disharmony and stable harmony. The conditions for the routinisation and the competing needs and coping strategies of the family were also clarified.

Conclusions.  To lead a stable family life, families caring for a frail older member try to control the competing needs among members and routinise by adopting various strategies. Nurses should support or enhance such family action and interactions.

Implications for practice.  The degrees of daily life routinisation and of minimising competing needs within a family can be used to assess families caring for a frail older member. Nurses can determine the current state of the caregiving family from these two aspects and support family strategies that build daily routines and regulate their competing needs.