bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The timing of introduction of pharmaceutical innovations in seven European countries
Authors: Westerling Ragnar , Westin Marcus , McKee Martin , Hoffmann Rasmus , Plug Iris , Rey Grégoire , Jougla Eric , Lang Katrin , Pärna Kersti , Alfonso José L. , Mackenbach Johan P.
Published: April 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

Differences in the performance of medical care may be due to variation in the introduction and diffusion of medical innovations. The objective of this paper is to compare seven European countries (United Kingdom, the Netherlands, West Germany, France, Spain, Estonia and Sweden) with regard to the year of introduction of six specific pharmaceutical innovations (antiretroviral drugs, cimetidine, tamoxifen, cisplatin, oxalaplatin and cyclosporin) that may have had important population health impacts.

Methods

We collected information on introduction and further diffusion of drugs using searches in the national and international literature, and questionnaires to national informants. We combined various sources of information, both official years of registration and other indicators of introduction (clinical trials, guidelines, evaluation reports, sales statistics).

Results and conclusions

The total length of the period between first and last introduction varied between 8 years for antiretroviral drugs and 22 years for cisplatin. Introduction in Estonia was generally delayed until the 1990s. The average time lags were smallest in France (2.2 years), United Kingdom (2.8 years) and the Netherlands (3.5 years). Similar rank orders were seen for year of registration suggesting that introduction lags are not only explained by differences in the process of registration. We discuss possible reasons for these between‐country differences and implications for the evaluation of medical care.
Teachers' perceptions of the role of nurses: Caring for children who are technology‐dependent in mainstream schools
Authors: Shimizu Fumie , Katsuda Hitomi
Published: April 2014

Aim

This study explored special education teachers' perceptions of the role of nurses who specialize in providing nursing care to children who are technology‐dependent in mainstream schools.

Methods

Semistructured interviews with 11 teachers were conducted, and data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.

Results

The teachers surveyed thought that the most important role of nurses was to maintain good health and safety, as well as to support children's education as members of the educational team. Teachers desired that nurses give advice based on their professional knowledge to maintain the children's good health and safety. In supporting education, nurses were required to support the children's autonomy and education, and to act as members of the educational team.

Conclusion

Study findings suggest that, for an optimal relationship with teachers, nurses who provide nursing care for children who are technology‐dependent in mainstream schools need not only fulfill medical functions, but also support the education of children as members of the educational team.
Skin cancer knowledge and sun protection behavior among nursing students
Authors: Yilmaz Medine , Yavuz Betul , Subasi Media , Kartal Asiye , Celebioglu Aysun , Kacar Halime , Adana Filiz , Ozyurek Pakize , Altiparmak Saliha
Published: April 2014

Aim

The objective of this study was to determine skin cancer knowledge and sun protection behavior among nursing students.

Methods

A total of 1178 nursing students in the Aegean Region of Turkey took part in this descriptive study. A score for knowledge on protection against skin cancer and a score for protective behavior against skin cancer were calculated.

Results

In this study, first year students sunbathed more in the middle of the day than fourth year students, and their knowledge of skin cancer was lower. No statistical difference was determined for protective behavior between the two groups. The knowledge levels and protective behavior of first year students were alarmingly low, but the average scores for knowledge and behavior of the fourth year university students were higher. The knowledge levels of the fourth year students were average but their protective behavior was insufficient. It was found that the knowledge levels and the levels of protective behavior of light‐skinned students were higher.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the knowledge levels and protective behavior of first year nursing students against the harmful effects of the sun and for protection against skin cancer were alarmingly low. It also showed that the knowledge levels of the fourth year nursing students were average, but that their protective behavior was very insufficient. These findings suggest that it is of extreme importance to acquire knowledge and behavior for protection against skin cancers in the education of nursing students.
Thermal evolution of the Tseel terrane, SW Mongolia and its relation to granitoid intrusions in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: Burenjargal U. , Okamoto A. , Kuwatani T. , Sakata S. , Hirata T. , Tsuchiya N.
Published: April 2014

The timing and thermal effects of granitoid intrusions into accreted sedimentary rocks are important for understanding the growth process of continental crust. In this study, the petrology and geochronology of pelitic gneisses in the Tseel area of the Tseel terrane, SW Mongolia, are examined to understand the relationship between igneous activity and metamorphism during crustal evolution in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Four mineral zones are recognized on the basis of progressive changes in the mineral assemblages in the pelitic gneisses, namely: the garnet, staurolite, sillimanite and cordierite zones. The gneisses with high metamorphic grades (i.e. sillimanite and cordierite zones) occur in the central part of the Tseel area, where granitoids are abundant. To the north and south of these granitoids, the metamorphic grade shows a gradual decrease. The composition of garnet in the pelitic gneisses varies systematically across the mineral zones, from grossular‐rich garnet in the garnet zone to zoned garnet with grossular‐rich cores and pyrope‐rich rims in the staurolite zone, and pyrope‐rich garnet in the sillimanite and cordierite zones. Thermobarometric analyses of individual garnet crystals reveal two main stages of metamorphism: (i) a high‐P and low‐T stage (as recorded by garnet in the garnet zone and garnet cores in the staurolite zone) at 520–580 °C and 4.5–7 kbar in the kyanite stability field and (ii) a low‐P and high‐T stage (garnet rims in the staurolite zone and garnet in the sillimanite and cordierite zones) at 570–680 °C and 3.0–6.0 kbar in the sillimanite stability field. The earlier high‐P metamorphism resulted in the growth of kyanite in quartz veins within the staurolite and sillimanite zones. The U–Pb zircon ages of pelitic gneisses and granitoids reveal that (i) the protolith (igneous) age of the pelitic gneisses is c. 510 Ma; (ii) the low‐P and high‐T metamorphism occurred at 377 ± 30 Ma; and (iii) this metamorphic stage was coeval with granitoid intrusion at 385 ± 7 Ma. The age of the earlier low‐T and high‐P metamorphism is not clearly recorded in the zircon, but probably corresponds to small age peaks at 450–400 Ma. The low‐P and high‐T metamorphism continued for c. 100 Ma, which is longer than the active period of a single granitoid body. These findings indicate that an elevation of geotherm and a transition from high‐P and low‐T to low‐P and high‐T metamorphism occurred, associated with continuous emplacement of several granitoids, during the crustal evolution in the Devonian CAOB.
Using Nursing Intervention Classification in an Advance Practice Registered Nurse–Led Preventive Model for Adults Aging With Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Hahn Joan Earle
Published: April 2014

Purpose

To describe the most frequently reported and the most central nursing interventions in an advance practice registered nurse (APRN)–led in‐home preventive intervention model for adults aging with developmental disabilities using the Nursing Intervention Classification (NIC) system.

Methods

A descriptive data analysis and a market basket analysis were conducted on de‐identified nominal nursing intervention data from two home visits conducted by nurse practitioners (NPs) from October 2010 to June 2012 for 80 community‐dwelling adults with developmental disabilities, ages 29 to 68 years.

Results

The mean number of NIC interventions was 4.7 in the first visit and 6.0 in the second visit and last visit. NPs reported 45 different intervention types as classified using a standardized language, with 376 in Visit One and 470 in Visit Two. Approximately 85% of the sample received the Health education intervention. The market basket analysis revealed common pairs, triples, and quadruple sets of interventions in this preventive model. The NIC nursing interventions that occurred together repeatedly were: Health education, Weight management, Nutrition management, Health screening, and Behavior management.

Conclusions

Five NIC interventions form the basis of an APRN‐led preventive intervention model for individuals aging with lifelong disability, with health education as the most common intervention, combined with interventions to manage weight and nutrition, promote healthy behaviors, and encourage routine health screening. Less frequently reported NIC interventions suggest the need to tailor prevention to individual needs, whether acute or chronic.

Clinical Relevance

APRNs employing prevention among adults aging with developmental disabilities must anticipate the need to focus on health education strategies for health promotion and prevention as well as tailor and target a patient‐centered approach to support self‐management of health to promote healthy aging in place. These NIC interventions serve not only as a guide for planning preventive interventions, but for designing nursing curricula to reduce health disparities among people with varying learning needs.
Perception of Spanish Nursing Staff on the Use of Physical Restraints
Authors: Fariña‐López Emilio , Estévez‐Guerra Gabriel J. , Gandoy‐Crego Manuel , Polo‐Luque Luz M. , Gómez‐Cantorna Cristina , Capezuti Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2014

Purpose

To examine the perception of registered nurses and nursing assistants regarding the use of physical restraints with residents of nursing homes located in four of the regions of Spain; and to evaluate the relationship of these perceptions to the staff respondents’ level of training.

Design

Cross‐sectional multicenter and correlational study. The research was conducted in 2013 in 19 Spanish nursing homes with 2,940 residential beds. A total of 785 nurses (170 registered nurses and 615 nursing assistants) participated in the study.

Methods

The Perception of Restraint Use Questionnaire (PRUQ), consisting of 17 of the most cited reasons for using these devices, was used, as was a questionnaire capturing the sociodemographic characteristics and educational or experience level of staff respondents.

Findings

Nurses reported the most important uses for restraints as prevention of falls and avoidance of medical device interference. As indicated by an average PRUQ score of 3.47, staff respondents supported restraint use, especially nursing assistants (3.59) as compared to registered nurses (3.00). With regard to training: 83.7% had participated in little, if any, training and only 29.2% had read three or more documents related to restraint use; 66.6% believed that their training was inadequate. No correlation was found between the results of the PRUQ and the respondents´ sociodemographic characteristics or participation in training activities. No differences were found among nurses by region.

Conclusions

In contrast to papers published in other countries, nurses in this study still consider it necessary to apply restraints in everyday practice. The education of nursing staff regarding restraint and knowledge of alternatives is needed; they should at least be aware of international standards of care regarding physical restraint use.

Clinical Relevance

Most of the staff perceived their training related to the use of these devices as insufficient. Nursing assistants considered the use of restraints more important than did the registered nurses.
Contingency, novelty and choice. Cultural evolution as internal selection
Authors: Baldus Bernd
Published: April 2014

Sociological, economic and evolutionary paradigms of human agency have often seen social agents either as the rational controllers of their fate or as marionettes on the strings of historical, functional or adaptive necessity. They found it therefore difficult to account for the variability, intentionality and creativity of human behaviour and for its frequently redundant or harmful results. This paper argues that human agency is a product of evolution, but that genetic variation and inheritance can only provide a limited explanation of its complex nature. The primary evolutionary problem which human agents face while they are alive is not to adapt to stable environments, but to respond flexibly and creatively to a contingent, uncertain world. Variation and selection therefore take two connected but distinct forms, one external, genetic, and inherited across generations, the other internal and cognitive, and operating during the lifetime of individuals. An examination of this lived part of evolution provides a better understanding of key properties of agency.
Virological efficacy of combination therapy with corticosteroid and nucleoside analogue for severe acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Yasui S. , Fujiwara K. , Nakamura M. , Miyamura T. , Yonemitsu Y. , Mikata R. , Arai M. , Kanda T. , Imazeki F. , Oda S. , Yokosuka O.
Published: April 2014

The short‐term prognosis of patients with severe acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) leading to acute liver failure is extremely poor. We have reported the efficacy of corticosteroid in combination with nucleoside analogue in the early stages, but virological efficacy has not been documented. Our aim was to elucidate the virological efficacy of this approach. Thirteen patients defined as severe acute exacerbation of CHB by our uniform criteria were prospectively examined for virological responses to treatment. Nucleoside analogue and sufficient dose of corticosteroids were introduced as soon as possible after the diagnosis of severe disease. Of the 13 patients, 7 (54%) survived, 5 (38%) died and 1 (8%) received liver transplantation. The decline of HBV DNA was significant between the first 2 weeks (P = 0.02) and 4 weeks (P < 0.01). Mean reduction in HBV DNA during the first 2 weeks was 1.7 ± 0.9 log copies per mL in overall patients, 2.1 ± 0.8 in survived patients and 1.2 ± 0.9 in dead/transplanted patients. The decline of HBV DNA was significant between the first 2 weeks (P = 0.03) and 4 weeks (P = 0.02) in survived patients, but not in dead/transplanted patients. Our study shows that corticosteroid treatment in combination with nucleotide analogue has sufficient virological effect against severe acute exacerbation of CHB, and a rapid decline of HBV DNA is conspicuous in survived patients.
(Cleaved) CK18 serum and tissue expression levels differentiate acute HCV reinfection from acute rejection in liver allografts
Authors: Reis Henning , Wohlschläger Jeremias , Hagemann Sascha , Wenzel Patricia , Bechmann Lars P. , Suttorp Anna‐Carinna , Schlattjan Martin J. , Herzer Kerstin , Canbay Ali , Baba Hideo A.
Published: April 2014

Background & Aims

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the sole therapeutic option to cure end‐stage liver diseases including HCV‐related cirrhosis. Timely and precise differentiation of relevant acute HCV reinfection from acute rejection after OLT is vital for appropriate therapy. Aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of (non‐) invasive apoptosis (M30) and necrosis (M65) determination in the differential diagnosis of acute (and chronic) HCV reinfection vs. acute rejection in liver allografts.

Methods

Serum samples and liver biopsy tissues were available from 76 patients including a control group (19× NAFL, 19× NASH, 16× acute rejection, 11× acute and 11× chronic HCV reinfection) and were analysed using M30‐ and M65 ELISAs (M30S, M65S) and M30‐immunohistochemistry (M30H). Clinical and serological data were collected.

Results

M30S, M65S and M30H were highly correlated with diagnostic groups in the total cohort (all P < 0.0001). M30S, M65S and M30H were independently able to differentiate acute HCV reinfection from acute rejection (P = 0.048, P = 0.001, P = 0.010) with moderate to excellent diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, cut‐off‐value in M30S: 70%, 75%, 1025 U/L; M65S: 100%, 92%, 1308 U/L; M30H: 73%, 88%, 0.3%).

Conclusions

M30‐, M65‐ELISAs and M30‐immunohistochemistry are potential useful tools in differentiating acute HCV reinfection from acute rejection facilitating both speed and accuracy of the diagnostic process for the clinician and hepatopathologist. In this context, M65S provided superior diagnostic characteristics compared to M30‐based methods. However, being the first analysis of (cleaved) CK18 serum and tissue expression levels in this context, the results need to be verified in further studies.
Hepatic progenitor cells in liver regeneration: current advances and clinical perspectives
Authors: Katoonizadeh Aezam , Poustchi Hossein , Malekzadeh Reza
Published: April 2014

When there is a massive loss of hepatocytes and/or an inhibition in the proliferative capacity of the mature hepatocytes, activation of a dormant cell population of resident hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) occurs. Depending on the type of liver damage HPCs generate new hepatocytes and biliary cells to repopulate the liver placing them as potential candidates for cell therapy in human liver failure. Liver injury specific mechanisms through which HPCs differentiate towards mature epithelial cell types are recently become understood. Such new insights will enable us not only to direct HPCs behaviour for therapeutic purposes, but also to develop clinically feasible methods for in vivo differentiation of other stem cell types towards functional hepatocytes. This review aimed to provide the current improved knowledge of the role of HPCs niche and its signals in directing the behaviour and fate of HPCs and to translate this basic knowledge of HPCs activation/differentiation into its clinical applications.
How Women in Bangladesh Confront the Stigma of Childlessness: Agency, Resilience, and Resistance
Authors: Nahar Papreen , van der Geest Sjaak
Published: April 2014

In a context where motherhood is an integral part of a woman's stereotype, being childless is a devastating experience. We explore how these so‐called deviant women manage this situation. The objective of this article is to contribute to the debate regarding infertile women's agency, resilience, and resistance. This article is based on anthropological fieldwork among urban middle‐class and rural poor women. Their life histories reveal that childless women in Bangladesh, a pro‐natalist, patriarchal society, are not passive victims, but rather actively fight their stigmatization and manage to survive. The childless women follow overt and covert strategies to overcome their stigmatized identity and create space for themselves in various innovative ways. The women do not resist in a coordinated way as a group, but do so individually. Given the collective nature of a society like rural Bangladesh, we believe that the women's individual acts will eventually have collective effects.
Parameters for quantifying bolus retention with high‐resolution impedance manometry
Authors: Lin Z. , Nicodème F. , Lin C.‐Y. , Mogni B. , Friesen L. , Kahrilas P. J. , Pandolfino J. E.
Published: April 2014

Background

This study aimed to develop a methodology for quantifying esophageal bolus retention using a high‐resolution esophageal impedance topography (EIT) technique.

Methods

The ability of impedance to quantify bolus retention was validated by comparison with concurrent fluoroscopic imaging (barium bolus) in 10 healthy subjects. High‐resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) studies without fluoroscopy were performed in another 15 healthy subjects to define normal values using saline. HRIM data from each subject were analyzed using a MATLAB program customized for calculating the esophageal impedance integral (EII) prior to the contraction wave front as EII1 and after the contraction as EII2, and presented as a ratio of EII2/EII1, which was compared to the percent of barium areas retained in the esophagus on fluoroscopy determined by a blinded reviewer.

Key Results

In 93% (37/40) of barium swallows, the results from the EIT method were in agreement with fluoroscopy results with one of three patterns: (1) 25 normal bolus transit, (2) eight bolus stasis, and (3) four retrograde escape or reflux. Three swallows (8%) had slight retention identified by EIT, but no retention detected by fluoroscopy. The correlation between percent of bolus retained in the esophagus detected by fluoroscopy and percent of bolus retention (EII2/EII1) after swallows with EIT method was r = 0.96 (p < 0.001) in supine and r = 0.69 (p < 0.001) in upright position.

Conclusions & Inferences

The EII ratio (EII2/EII1) is a surrogate for the fraction of retained bolus after a swallow and this metric may be useful in better defining esophageal function.
Fungal associations in Horneophyton ligneri from the Rhynie Chert (c. 407 million year old) closely resemble those in extant lower land plants: novel insights into ancestral plant–fungus symbioses
Authors: Strullu‐Derrien Christine , Kenrick Paul , Pressel Silvia , Duckett Jeffrey G. , Rioult Jean‐Philippe , Strullu Désiré‐Georges
Published: April 2014

Fungi (Eumycota) form close associations with plants, with which they have co‐existed since the dawn of life on land, but their diversity in early terrestrial ecosystems is still poorly understood.

We studied petrographic sections of exceptionally well‐preserved petrified plants from the 407 million yr‐old Rhynie Chert (Scotland, UK). For comparative purposes, we illustrate fungal associations in four extant lower land plants.

We document two new endophytes in the plant Horneophyton lignieri: Palaeoglomus boullardii (sp. nov. Glomeromycota) colonizes parenchyma in a discontinuous zone of the outer cortex of the aerial axes, forming arbuscule‐like structures, vesicles and spores; Palaeoendogone gwynne‐vaughaniae (gen. nov., sp. nov. Mucoromycotina) colonizes parenchyma in the basal part of the plant, where it is present in intercellular spaces and as intracellular coils but absent from rhizoids.

Critical comparisons between the newly discovered Horneophyton endophytes, fungi previously described from the Rhynie Chert and fungal colonization in extant lower land plants reveal several features characteristic of both Mucoromycotina and Glomeromycota. A reappraisal of fungal associations in early land plants indicates that they are more diverse than assumed hitherto, overturning the long‐held paradigm that the early endophytes were exclusively Glomeromycota.
Live‐cell imaging of phosphatidic acid dynamics in pollen tubes visualized by Spo20p‐derived biosensor
Authors: Potocký Martin , Pleskot Roman , Pejchar Přemysl , Vitale Nicolas , Kost Benedikt , Žárský Viktor
Published: April 2014

Although phosphatidic acid (PA) is structurally the simplest membrane phospholipid, it has been implicated in the regulation of many cellular events, including cytoskeletal dynamics, membrane trafficking and stress responses. Plant PA shows rapid turnover but the information about its spatio‐temporal distribution in plant cells is missing. Here we demonstrate the use of a lipid biosensor that enables us to monitor PA dynamics in plant cells.

The biosensor consists of a PA‐binding domain of yeast SNARE Spo20p fused to fluorescent proteins. Live‐cell imaging of PA dynamics in transiently transformed tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) pollen tubes was performed using confocal laser scanning microscopy.

In growing pollen tubes, PA shows distinct annulus‐like fluorescence pattern in the plasma membrane behind the extreme tip. Coexpression studies with markers for other plasmalemma signaling lipids phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate and diacylglycerol revealed limited colocalization at the shoulders of the apex. PA distribution and concentrations show distinct responses to various lipid signaling inhibitors. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) analysis suggests high PA turnover in the plasma membrane.

Our data show that a biosensor based on the Spo20p‐PA binding domain is suitable for live‐cell imaging of PA also in plant cells. In tobacco pollen tubes, distinct subapical PA maximum corroborates its involvement in the regulation of endocytosis and actin dynamics.
Histidine‐mediated xylem loading of zinc is a species‐wide character in Noccaea caerulescens
Authors: Kozhevnikova Anna D. , Seregin Ilya V. , Erlikh Nadezhda T. , Shevyreva Taisiya A. , Andreev Igor M. , Verweij Rudo , Schat Henk
Published: April 2014

Histidine plays a crucial role in nickel (Ni) translocation in Ni‐hyperaccumulating plants. Here, we investigated its role in zinc (Zn) translocation in four accessions of the Zn hyperaccumulator, Noccaea caerulescens, using the related non‐hyperaccumulator, Thlaspi arvense, as a reference.

We compared the effects of exogenous histidine supply on Zn xylem loading, and of Zn–histidine complex formation on Zn uptake in energized tonoplast vesicles. The Zn distribution patterns over root tissues were also compared.

Exogenous histidine supply enhanced Zn xylem loading in all the N. caerulescens accessions, but decreased it in T. arvense. Zn distribution patterns over root tissues were similar, apart from the accumulation in cortical and endodermal cells, which was much lower in N. caerulescens than in T. arvense. Zn uptake in energized tonoplast vesicles was inhibited significantly in N. caerulescens, but not affected significantly in T. arvense, when Zn was supplied in combination with histidine in a 1 : 2 molar ratio.

Histidine‐mediated Zn xylem loading seems to be a species‐wide character in N. caerulescens. It may well have evolved as a component trait of the hyperaccumulation machinery for Zn, rather than for Ni.
The Arabidopsis thaliana mitogen‐activated protein kinases MPK3 and MPK6 target a subclass of ‘VQ‐motif’‐containing proteins to regulate immune responses
Authors: Pecher Pascal , Eschen‐Lippold Lennart , Herklotz Siska , Kuhle Katja , Naumann Kai , Bethke Gerit , Uhrig Joachim , Weyhe Martin , Scheel Dierk , Lee Justin
Published: April 2014

Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play key roles in plant immune signalling, and elucidating their regulatory functions requires the identification of the pathway‐specific substrates.

We used yeast two‐hybrid interaction screens, in vitro kinase assays and mass spectrometry‐based phosphosite mapping to study a family of MAPK substrates. Site‐directed mutagenesis and promoter‐reporter fusion studies were performed to evaluate the impact of substrate phosphorylation on downstream signalling.

A subset of the Arabidopsis thaliana VQ‐motif‐containing proteins (VQPs) were phosphorylated by the MAPKs MPK3 and MPK6, and renamed MPK3/6‐targeted VQPs (MVQs). When plant protoplasts (expressing these MVQs) were treated with the flagellin‐derived peptide flg22, several MVQs were destabilized in vivo. The MVQs interact with specific WRKY transcription factors. Detailed analysis of a representative member of the MVQ subset, MVQ1, indicated a negative role in WRKY‐mediated defence gene expression – with mutation of the VQ‐motif abrogating WRKY binding and causing mis‐regulation of defence gene expression.

We postulate the existence of a variety of WRKY‐VQP‐containing transcriptional regulatory protein complexes that depend on spatio‐temporal VQP and WRKY expression patterns. Defence gene transcription can be modulated by changing the composition of these complexes – in part – through MAPK‐mediated VQP degradation.
Conservation and divergence of gene expression plasticity following c. 140 million years of evolution in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and interior spruce (Picea glauca × Picea engelmannii)
Authors: Yeaman Sam , Hodgins Kathryn A. , Suren Haktan , Nurkowski Kristin A. , Rieseberg Loren H. , Holliday Jason A. , Aitken Sally N.
Published: April 2014

Species respond to environmental stress through a combination of genetic adaptation and phenotypic plasticity, both of which may be important for survival in the face of climatic change.

By characterizing the molecular basis of plastic responses and comparing patterns among species, it is possible to identify how such traits evolve. Here, we used de novo transcriptome assembly and RNAseq to explore how patterns of gene expression differ in response to temperature, moisture, and light regime treatments in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and interior spruce (a natural hybrid population of Picea glauca and Picea engelmannii).

We found wide evidence for an effect of treatment on expression within each species, with 6413 and 11 658 differentially expressed genes identified in spruce and pine, respectively. Comparing patterns of expression among these species, we found that 74% of all orthologs with differential expression had a pattern that was conserved in both species, despite 140 million yr of evolution. We also found that the specific treatments driving expression patterns differed between genes with conserved versus diverged patterns of expression.

We conclude that natural selection has probably played a role in shaping plastic responses to environment in these species.
Alzheimer's disease research and development: a call for a new research roadmap
Authors: Feldman Howard H. , Haas Magali , Gandy Sam , Schoepp Darryle D. , Cross Alan J. , Mayeux Richard , Sperling Reisa A. , Fillit Howard , van de Hoef Diana L. , Dougal Sonya , Nye Jeffrey S. ,   on behalf of One Mind for Research and the New York Academy of Sciences
Published: April 2014

Epidemiological projections of the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias, the rapidly expanding population over the age of 65, and the enormous societal consequence on health, economics, and community foretell of a looming global public health crisis. Currently available treatments for AD are symptomatic, with modest effect sizes and limited impact on longer term disease outcomes. There have been no newly approved pharmaceutical treatments in the last decade, despite enormous efforts to develop disease‐modifying treatments directed at Alzheimer's‐associated pathology. An unprecedented collaborative effort of government, regulators, industry, academia, and the community at‐large is needed to address this crisis and to develop an actionable plan for rapid progress toward successfully developing effective treatments. Here, we map out a course of action in four key priority areas, including (1) addressing the fundamental mechanisms of disease, with the goal of developing a core set of research tools, a framework for data sharing, and creation of accessible validated and replicated disease models; (2) developing translational research that emphasizes rapid progress in disease model development and better translation from preclinical to clinical stages, deploying leading technologies to more accurately develop predictive models; (3) preventing AD through the development of robust methods and resources to advance trials and creating fundamental resources such as continuous adaptive trials, registries, data repositories, and instrument development; and (4) innovating public/private partnerships and global collaborations, with mechanisms to incentivize collaborations and investments, develop larger precompetitive spaces, and more rapid data sharing.
Incomplete systemic movement of Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum and the occurrence of latent infections in xanthomonas wilt‐infected banana mats
Authors: Ocimati W. , Nakato G. V. , Fiaboe K. M. , Beed F. , Blomme G.
Published: April 2014

Management of banana xanthomonas wilt (XW) (caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum, Xcm) has been impeded by poor adoption of control options that are complex, cumbersome and costly. To improve XW management, this study investigated Xcm survival and latent infections in subsequent generations, survival of latently infected planting materials (suckers), incidence of latent infections in symptomless plants in mats having diseased plants, and XW status across farms and markets in districts previously devastated but currently endemic. On‐station experiments were protected from new infections. Latent bacteria at low levels were detected in up to 20% of the third generation suckers, with a significant (P < 0·05) reduction (43–20%) in subsequent generations. Only 3–6% of latently infected suckers succumbed to XW. Incidence of Xcm in symptomless suckers from farmers' fields (with up to 70% incidence) was low (3%) while it increased (8–25%) with disease severity in mats in controlled experiments. In the surveyed districts, incidence had significantly declined with yields observed to have recovered relative to earlier reports, although latent infections remained high. This study provides evidence that if new infections are prevented, fields with high XW incidence can be rejuvenated. It showed incomplete systemic movement of Xcm in mats coupled to a gradual decline of bacterial load in subsequent generations to levels that cannot initiate disease. These studies explain the current successes in farms practising single diseased plant removal instead of whole mat rouging, and gives hope to farmers lacking access to clean planting material.
Assessing host specialization ofBotrytis cinereaon lettuce and tomato by genotypic and phenotypic characterization
Authors: Leyronas C. , Bryone F. , Duffaud M. , Troulet C. , Nicot P. C.
Published: April 2014

This study tested the hypothesis thatBotyrtis cinereashows host specialization on tomato and lettuce, using phenotypic and genotypic tools. Strains were isolated from tomato and lettuce grown together in the same greenhouse. Forty‐four lettuce strains and 42 tomato strains were investigated for their genetic diversity and their aggressiveness. Both gene diversity and allelic richness were significantly higher in lettuce strains than in tomato strains (P = 0·01). Cluster analysis revealed a clear division of the strains under study into two clusters. However, this structure did not separate the strains according to their host of origin. Tomato strains were significantly more aggressive than lettuce strains when inoculated on tomatoes (P = 0·001), but no significant differences in aggressiveness were observed when the strains were inoculated on lettuce (P = 0·17) or on apple (P = 0·87). The results suggest an absence of clear host specialization ofB. cinereaon tomato and lettuce.
Presidentialism, Political Fiction, and the Complex Presidencies ofFox's24
Authors: Parry‐Giles Trevor
Published: April 2014

This article explores how theFox television network program24offers a compelling yet oddly ambivalent vision of theU.S. presidency. Specifically, I examine24's articulation of presidentialism in depictions of the nation's chief executive and reveal how those depictions are actually quite complex and layered. Ultimately, I suggest that as24continues to circulate as a meaningful popular culture text, it may also continue to influence howAmericans see the presidency, offering its audiences a sense of the presidency that is conflicted and complicated, yet strangely reassuring in its vision of presidentialism and presidential authority.
Texts (and Tweets) fromHillary: Meta‐Meming and Postfeminist Political Culture
Authors: Anderson Karrin Vasby , Sheeler Kristina Horn
Published: April 2014

Candidate image is a hyperreal amalgamation of image fragments generated by the politician, her/his campaign communication, news framing, and political pop culture. In the Internet age, a politician's image can be shaped by non‐elite discourses on sites such as Twitter and Tumblr. We develop a theory of the political “meta‐meme,” examining the “Texts fromHillary” Tumblr meme as framed in popular media and redeployed byHillary Clinton in her Twitter debut. The interplay between elite and quotidian discourses that comprise the “Texts fromHillary” meme and the #tweetsfromhillary meta‐meme illustrates howU.S. presidentiality is shaped by rhetorics of postfeminism.
Polls and Elections Preelection Poll Accuracy and Bias in the 2012 General Elections
Authors: Panagopoulos Costas , Farrer Benjamin
Published: April 2014

This report examines accuracy and bias in national and state‐level preelection polls conducted during the 2012 general election cycle. Overall, polls in 2012 were somewhat less accurate than in previous cycles, and especially as compared to 2008, and tended to overestimate Republican support at the polls. Nevertheless, these biases were generally statistically insignificant, suggesting significant bias in preelection polls was scarce in 2012. This was generally true of polls for all national and statewide contests, survey modes, sample types, time period, and survey organizations.
Loneliness and Suicidal Ideation in Drug‐Using College Students
Authors: Lamis Dorian A. , Ballard Elizabeth D. , Patel Amee B.
Published: April 2014

The college years are marked by social changes and behavioral experimentation which may increase risk of suicidal ideation. We propose a novel pathway for the development of suicidal thoughts between two established suicide risk factors, loneliness and drug use, which have not been examined in a nonclinical sample. Data were collected from 207 undergraduate drug‐using students at a large southeastern university. As hypothesized, suicidal ideation was positively correlated with both loneliness (r = .40) and drug use (r = .29). After controlling for several demographic variables, social desirability, and anxiety sensitivity, drug use was tested as a potential mediator in the loneliness–suicidal ideation link using a single‐mediator model. Results indicated a significant indirect (mediated) effect of loneliness on suicidal ideation via drug use (ab = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.02–0.18), suggesting that loneliness may contribute to suicidal ideation through increased drug use among college students. Identification of and intervention with students reporting loneliness and drug use may be a promising suicide prevention strategy on college campuses.
Application of a visual soil examination and evaluation technique at site and farm level
Authors: Sonneveld M. P. W. , Heuvelink G. B. M. , Moolenaar S.W.
Published: April 2014

Visual soil examination and evaluation (VSEE) techniques are semi‐quantitative methods that provide rapid and cost‐effective information on soil quality. These are mostly applied at site or field level, but there is an increased need for soil quality indicators at farm level to allow integration with other sustainability indicators. The objectives of this study were to develop and apply a protocol for application of a VSEE technique at site level, to assess the VSEE observations against standardized laboratory analyses and to aggregate VSEE observations to farm level using an appropriate sampling design. The study was conducted at ten dairy farms in a reclaimed polder in the Netherlands with clay and organic soils. A stratified random sampling design was used to account for spatial variability in land use and soil series. VSEE was carried out using the Visual Soil Assessment approach. Results show that 81% of sites were assessed as good and the remainder as moderate to poor. For the clay soils, field observations of soil structure were significantly correlated with pH, bulk density, soil organic matter (SOM) and mean weight diameter of aggregates, whereas for organic soils, soil structure significantly correlated with pH, bulk density, organic C and SOM. The range in overall scores calculated at farm level was smaller than at site level, and most farms were assessed as good.
Distance to emergency obstetric services and early neonatal mortality in Ethiopia
Authors: McKinnon Britt , Harper Sam , Kaufman Jay S. , Abdullah Muna
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To assess the effect of distance to emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) services on early neonatal mortality in rural Ethiopia and examine whether proximity to services contributes to socio‐economic inequalities in early neonatal mortality.

Methods

We linked data from the 2011 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey with facility data from the 2008 Ethiopian National EmONC Needs Assessment based on geographical coordinates collected in both surveys. Health facilities were classified based on the performance of nine EmONC signal functions (e.g. neonatal resuscitation, Caesarean section). We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the relationship between distance to services and early neonatal mortality. A decomposition approach was used to quantify the relative contributions of distance to EmONC services and other determinants to overall and socio‐economic inequality in early neonatal mortality.

Results

In general, closer proximity to EmONC services and higher level of care were associated with lower early neonatal mortality. Living more than 80 km from the nearest comprehensive EmONC facility able to perform all nine signal functions compared to living within 10 km was associated with an increase of 14.4 early neonatal deaths per 1000 live births (95% CI: 0.1, 28.7). Closer proximity to a substandard EmONC facility compared with no facility was not associated with lower early neonatal mortality. Distance to EmONC services was an important determinant of early neonatal mortality, although it did not make a significant contribution to explaining socio‐economic inequality.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that recent initiatives by the Ethiopian government to improve geographical access to EmONC services have the potential to reduce early neonatal mortality but may not affect inequalities.
Antibiotic prescribing practice for acute, uncomplicated respiratory tract infections in primary care settings in New Delhi, India
Authors: Kotwani Anita , Holloway Kathleen
Published: April 2014

Objective

To obtain information on prescribing rates and choice of antibiotics for acute, uncomplicated respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in the community.

Methods

Antibiotic use in acute, uncomplicated RTIs consisting of common cold/sore throat/cough for not more than five days was surveyed in the community (December 2007–November 2008) using patient exit interviews at public and private facilities from four localities in New Delhi. Data were collected from 10 public sector facilities and 20 private clinics over one year. The percentage of acute, uncomplicated RTIs patients receiving antibiotics in general and using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification and the Defined Daily Dose (ATS/DDD) were analysed.

Results

At public and private facilities, 45% (746/1646) and 57% (259/457) of acute, uncomplicated RTI patients were prescribed at least one antibiotic, respectively. The main antibiotic class calculated as percentage of total antibiotics DDDs/1000 prescribed to acute, uncomplicated RTI patients at private clinics was cephalosporins, J01DA (39%), followed by fluoroquinolones, J01MA (24%), penicillins, J01C (19%) and macrolides, J01FA (15%). Newer members from each class were prescribed; older antibiotics such as co‐trimoxazole or tetracyclines were rarely prescribed. At public facilities, the main class of antibiotic prescribed was penicillins (31%), followed by macrolides (25%), fluoroquinolones (20%) and cephalosporins (10%).

Conclusions

Study clearly shows overuse and inappropriate choice of antibiotics for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated RTIs which are mainly due to virus and do not require antibiotic treatment. Results of the study warrant interventional strategies to promote rational use of antibiotics to decrease the overgrowing threat of antibiotic resistance.
Biometric System for Measuring Gait and Fall Characteristics Captured on Video
Authors: Firmani Flavio , Robinovitch Stephen N. , Park Edward J.
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a methodology that quantifies gait and fall characteristics from video of real-life fall events. The method consists in selecting on-screen the points on the ground where the feet are in contact with the ground. The essence of the method lies in establishing a transformation from the video frames to the “real world.” In projected images, geometric properties such as lengths, angles, and parallelism are not preserved; thus, concepts of projective geometry are applied, namely homography. Because the ground is an invariant plane, using this plane for homography results in a constant transformation. The homographic transformation relies on the accuracy in the selection of on-screen points. An optimization algorithm that minimizes the errors caused by inaccurate on-screen point selection improves the results of the homographic transformation. Experimental trials are conducted at three walking velocities (slow, preferred, and fast) using two video cameras and a GAITRite walkway system. Spatial parameters of two independent video analyses are compared with the GAITRite system, yielding a limit of agreement of step length from −2.12 cm to 2.03 cm. Temporal parameters are less confident due to the existence of dropped frames in the video footage. This method is then used to analyze two real fall events as demonstrative cases. First, the gait characteristics are analyzed before imbalance, and subsequently, the characteristics of stepping are analyzed during the fall. In particular, we propose the stepping/impact angle as the metric that quantifies how much stepping affected the direction of the fall.
Influence of Roughness Parameters Skewness and Kurtosis on Fatigue Life Under Mixed Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Point Contacts
Authors: Yan Xiao-Liang , Wang Xiao-Li , Zhang Yu-Yan
Published: April 2014

The numerical studies on the influences of surface parameters skewness and kurtosis on tribological characteristics under mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication (mixed EHL) conditions are extended to fatigue life. Non-Gaussian rough surfaces are generated numerically with given autocorrelation function, skewness, and kurtosis. The results show that the maximum pressure increases as the skewness increases, however its variation with kurtosis is closely related to skewness. Similar trends to that of the maximum pressure are observed for the maximum von Mises stress. The fatigue life decreases as the skewness increases, however it undergoes apparent fluctuations with the increase of kurtosis. As the kurtosis increases, the influence of skewness on fatigue life becomes more significant, and vice versa.
Study of Moving Sinusoidal Wave Load Across Simple Supported Beam for Sensor Structural Configuration
Authors: Zhang Biaobiao , Steve Shepard W.
Published: April 2014

A continuous structure has several response characteristics that make it a good candidate for a sensor to be used in locating an acoustic source. In this paper, based on a beam structure with simple supports on both ends, the response of the structure to transient sinusoidal wave excitations is examined analytically and also verified by a finite element method (FEM). For sensor configuration on this structure, various interesting parameters such as the aperture of the structure, material properties, and thickness are examined by evaluating their effects on structure displacement responses. Results will be used for acoustic wave identification in the future.