bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fire‐regime complacency and sensitivity to centennial‐through millennial‐scale climate change in Rocky Mountain subalpine forests, Colorado, USA
Authors: Higuera Philip E. , Briles Christy E. , Whitlock Cathy
Published: July 2014

Key uncertainties in anticipating future fire regimes are their sensitivity to climate change, and the degree to which climate will impact fire regimes directly, through increasing the probability of fire, versus indirectly, through changes in vegetation and landscape flammability.

We studied the sensitivity of subalpine forest fire regimes (i.e. fire frequency, fire severity) to previously documented climate variability over the past 6000 years, utilizing pollen and macroscopic charcoal from high‐resolution lake‐sediment records in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. We combined data from the four lakes to provide composite records of vegetation and fire history within a 200 km2 study area.

Rates of forest burning were relatively complacent to millennial‐scale summer cooling and decreased effective moisture. Mean return intervals between fire episodes, defined over 500‐year periods, generally varied between 150 and 250 years, consistent with tree‐ring‐based estimates spanning recent centuries. Variability around these long‐term means, however, was significantly correlated with variability in summer moisture (i.e. more burning with drier summers), inferred from existing lake‐level and supporting palaeoenvironmental records.

The most pronounced change in fire regimes was in response to decreased subalpine forest density ca. 2400 cal. year BP, itself a response to regional cooling. This indirect impact of climate was followed by a decrease in charcoal production per fire, a proxy for crown‐fire severity, while the long‐term rate of burning remained unchanged. Over the last 1500 years, increased summer evaporation and drought frequency were associated with increased fire severity, highlighting a direct link between fire and climate.

Synthesis. Subalpine forest fire history reveals complacency and sensitivity of fire regimes to changing vegetation and hydroclimate over the past 6000 years. Complacency is highlighted by non‐varying fire frequency over millennia. Sensitivity is evident through changes in biomass burned per fire (and inferred fire severity), in response to climate‐induced changes in forest density and, more recently, increased summer drought. Overall, the palaeo record suggests that (i) fire severity may be more responsive to climate change than fire frequency in Rocky Mountain subalpine forests and (ii) the indirect impacts of climate on vegetation and fuels are important mechanisms determining fire‐regime response to climate change.
Korean speech–language pathologists’ attitudes toward stuttering according to clinical experiences
Authors: Lee Kyungjae
Published: July 2014

Background

Negative attitudes toward stuttering and people who stutter (PWS) are found in various groups of people in many regions. However the results of previous studies examining the influence of fluency coursework and clinical certification on the attitudes of speech–language pathologists (SLPs) toward PWS are equivocal. Furthermore, there have been few empirical studies on the attitudes of Korean SLPs toward stuttering.

Aims

To determine whether the attitudes of Korean SLPs and speech–language pathology students toward stuttering would be different according to the status of clinical certification, stuttering coursework completion and clinical practicum in stuttering.

Methods & Procedures

Survey data from 37 certified Korean SLPs and 70 undergraduate students majoring in speech–language pathology were analysed. All the participants completed the modified Clinician Attitudes Toward Stuttering (CATS) Inventory.

Outcomes & Results

Results showed that the diagnosogenic view was still accepted by many participants. Significant differences were found in seven out of 46 CATS Inventory items according to the certification status. In addition significant differences were also found in three items and one item according to stuttering coursework completion and clinical practicum experience in stuttering, respectively.

Conclusions & Implications

Clinical and educational experience appears to have mixed influences on SLPs’ and students’ attitudes toward stuttering. While SLPs and students may demonstrate more appropriate understanding and knowledge in certain areas of stuttering, they may feel difficulty in their clinical experience, possibly resulting in low self‐efficacy.
Emotional and behavioural problems in children with language impairments and children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Charman Tony , Ricketts Jessie , Dockrell Julie E. , Lindsay Geoff , Palikara Olympia
Published: July 2014

Background

Although it is well‐established that children with language impairment (LI) and children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) both show elevated levels of emotional and behavioural problems, the level and types of difficulties across the two groups have not previously been directly compared.

Aims

To compare levels of emotional and behavioural problems in children with LI and children with ASD recruited from the same mainstream schools.

Methods & Procedures

We measured teacher‐reported emotional and behavioural problems using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in a sample of 5–13‐year‐old children with LI (N = 62) and children with ASD (N = 42) attending mainstream school but with identified special educational needs.

Outcomes & Results

Both groups showed similarly elevated levels of emotional, conduct and hyperactivity problems. The only differences between the LI and ASD groups were on subscales assessing peer problems (which were higher in the ASD group) and prosocial behaviours (which were higher in the LI group). Overall, there were few associations between emotional and behavioural problems and child characteristics, reflecting the pervasive nature of these difficulties in children with LI and children with ASD, although levels of problems were higher in children with ASD with lower language ability. However, in the ASD group only, a measure of family social economic status was associated with language ability and attenuated the association between language ability and emotional and behavioural problems.

Conclusions & Implications

Children with LI and children with ASD in mainstream school show similarly elevated levels of emotional and behavioural problems, which require monitoring and may benefit from intervention. Further work is required to identify the child, family and situational factors that place children with LI and children with ASD at risk of emotional and behavioural problems, and whether these differ between the two groups. This work can then guide the application of evidence‐based interventions to these children.
An explained variance‐based genetic risk score associated with gestational diabetes antecedent and with progression to pre‐diabetes and type 2 diabetes: a cohort study
Authors: Cormier H , Vigneault J , Garneau V , Tchernof A , Vohl M‐C , Weisnagel SJ , Robitaille J
Published: July 2014

Objective

To determine whether an explained‐variance genetic risk score (GRS), with 36 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D), is also associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and with the progression to pre‐diabetes and T2D among women with prior GDM.

Design

A cohort study.

Setting

Clinical investigation unit of Laval University, Quebec, Canada.

Population

A cohort of 214 women with prior GDM and 82 controls recruited between 2009 and 2012.

Methods

Associations between the GRS and GDM.

Main outcomes measures

GDM and prevalence of pre‐diabetes and T2D.

Results

Women with prior GDM had a higher GRS compared with controls (38.6 ± 3.9, 95% CI 38.1–39.1, versus 37.4 ± 3.2, 95% CI 36.7–38.1; P < 0.0001). In women with prior GDM, the explained‐variance GRS was higher for pre‐diabetic women compared with women who remained normoglucotolerant at testing (1.21 ± 0.18, 95% CI 1.18–1.23, versus 1.17 ± 0.15, 95% CI 1.13–1.20; P < 0.0001). Similarly, women with T2D had a higher explained‐variance GRS compared with women with prior GDM who remained normoglucotolerant (1.20 ± 0.18, 95% CI 1.14–1.25, versus 1.17 ± 0.17, 95% CI 1.13–1.20; P < 0.0001). The predictive effects of the explained‐variance GRS, age, and body mass index (BMI), or the additive effects of the three variables, were tested for pre‐diabetes and T2D. We observed an area under the curve of 0.6269 (95% CI 0.5638–0.6901) for age and BMI, and adding the explained‐variance GRS into the model increased the area to 0.6672 (95% CI 0.6064–0.7281) for the prediction of pre‐diabetes.

Conclusions

An explained‐variance GRS is associated with both GDM and progression to pre‐diabetes and T2D in women with prior GDM.
A Calibration Test for Latent Fingerprint Development on Thermal Paper
Authors: Spencer Caroline A. , Bond John W.
Published: July 2014

A calibration test is described for monitoring the operation of equipment used to develop latent fingerprints on thermal paper by the application of either controlled or uncontrolled heat. A working solution of a water/glycerol emulsion and butylene glycol is applied to thermal paper by means of either a vinyl stamp and pad, or a marker pen. Varying the amount of butylene glycol enables the thermal paper to change color at different temperatures between approximately 40 and 60°C, which is below the normal color change temperature of the paper. The described test may be used to verify the correct operation, at different temperatures, of a controlled heat source during and after fingerprint development (such as the Hot Print System) or to monitor the paper temperature with an uncontrolled heat source (such as a warm air blower), thereby avoiding unintentional coloring of the entire paper surface.
“Fundamentally Flawed?”
Authors: Kaiser Kimberly A. , Spohn Cassia
Published: July 2014

Research Summary

Using U.S. Sentencing Commission data, this study assesses whether judicial downward departures are more prevalent among child pornography offenders compared with a matched sample of defendants convicted of other offenses. Additionally, we examine reasons given by judges when departing from the guidelines for these offenders. We found that child pornography defendants received significant reductions in sentences by way of judicial downward departures.

Policy Implications

In 2007, the Supreme Court considerably altered the federal sentencing process. In Kimbrough v. United States (2007), the Court held that judicial departures were permissible on grounds of a policy disagreement. Many circuit courts have authorized sentencing judges to depart from the guidelines in child pornography cases based on such a policy disagreement. The findings of this study suggest that judicial downward departures for these offenders cannot be explained by individual characteristics, such as race, gender, or age, and may be indicative of a specific disagreement with this particular sentencing policy. An examination of the reasons provided by judges supports the hypothesis that judges may be attempting to remedy what they perceive as unjustly harsh sentencing guidelines.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Commercial Propolis Extract in Beef Patties
Authors: Vargas‐Sánchez Rey D. , Torrescano‐Urrutia Gastón R. , Acedo‐Félix Evelia , Carvajal‐Millán Elizabeth , González‐Córdova Aarón F. , Vallejo‐Galland Belinda , Torres‐Llanez María J. , Sánchez‐Escalante Armida
Published: July 2014

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of propolis extract (PE) to reduce lipid oxidation and microbial growth on beef patties during refrigerated storage. Beef patties were manufactured by incorporating PE in 4 different treatments: (1) Control (no PE addition); (2) commercial propolis 1 (2% w/w; CP1); (3) commercial propolis 2 (2% w/w; CP2); and (4) noncommercial propolis (2% w/w; NCP). Raw patties were wrapped with polyvinyl chloride and stored at 2 °C for 8 d. Total phenolic content (TPC), free‐radical scavenging activity (FRS), and polyphenolic content of the PE were evaluated using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated dienes (CnDs), metmyoglobin (MetMb%), pH variation, and color (L*, a*, b*, C*, and h*), and microbial growth (mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria) of patty samples were measured. NCP treatment demonstrated the highest FRS (64.8% at 100 μg/mL), which correlated with TPC and the presence of polyphenolic compounds. Lipid oxidation (78.54%, TBARS; 45.53%, CnD; 58.57%, MetMb) and microbial mesophilic and psychrotrophic growth (19.75 and 27.03%, respectively) values were reduced by NCP treatment in refrigerated samples after 8 d. These results indicate that PE has great potential as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial additive to extend the shelf life of beef patties.
Dexmedetomidine provides neuroprotection: impact on ketamine‐induced neuroapoptosis in the developing rat brain
Authors: DUAN X. , LI Y. , ZHOU C. , HUANG L. , DONG Z.
Published: July 2014

Background

Ketamine and dexmedetomidine are increasingly used in combination in pediatric patients. This study examined the hypothesis that dexmedetomidine attenuated ketamine‐induced neurotoxicity.

Methods

Neonatal rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10, male 5, female 5). Group S + S received an equal volume of normal saline intraperitoneally and subcutaneously at an interval of 5 min. Group K + S received an intraperitoneal injection of 75 mg/kg ketamine followed by subcutaneous injection of normal saline 5 min later. Group S + D were given subcutaneously 25 μg/kg dexmedetomidine 5 min after injection of normal saline. Group K + D received a subcutaneous injection of 25 μg/kg dexmedetomidine 5 min after ketamine injection. The above drugs were given once daily for 3 days. Neuronal apoptosis in the CA1 region and the dentate gyrus of rats was examined by transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays. Learning and memory abilities of 2‐month old rats were examined by Morris water maze test. The results were analyzed by analysis of variance.

Results

The percentage of TUNEL‐positive cells in group K + S (CA1, 49.0 ± 9.46 and dentate gyrus, 49.4 ± 5.41) was markedly higher than that in group K + D (CA1, 37.2 ± 5.54 and dentate gyrus, 35.2 ± 5.06) (F = 5.49, P < 0.05 and F = 13.51, P < 0.001, respectively). Group K + S took significantly longer time and swimming distance to find the hidden platform on the fourth and fifth training days than group K + D (P < 0.05). Moreover, group K + D spent considerably more time in the target quadrant than group K + S (P < 0.05). Dexmedetomidine alone caused a small but statistically insignificant increase in neuronal apoptosis of the CA1 region and the dentate gyrus of neonatal rats compared with normal saline.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ketamine caused neuroapoptosis and impaired brain functions in the developing rat brain which can be effectively attenuated by dexmedetomidine. Dexmedetomidine alone was not neurotoxic to the developing brain.
Short general anaesthesia induces prolonged changes in gene expression in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: PEKNY T. , ANDERSSON D. , WILHELMSSON U. , PEKNA M. , PEKNY M.
Published: July 2014

Background

The long‐term molecular changes in the central nervous system constitute an important aspect of general anaesthesia, but little is known about to what extent these molecular changes are affected by anaesthesia duration. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of short duration (20 min) general anaesthesia with isoflurane or avertin on the expression of 20 selected genes in the mouse hippocampus at 1 and 4 days after anaesthesia.

Methods

Nine to eleven‐weeks‐old male mice received one of the following treatments: 20 min of avertin‐induced anaesthesia (n = 11), 20 min of isoflurane‐induced anaesthesia (n = 10) and no anaesthesia (n = 5). One and four days after anaesthesia, gene expression in the hippocampus was determined with reverse transcription quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

We found that anaesthesia led to the upregulation of six genes: Hspd1 (heat shock protein 1), Plat (tissue plasminogen activator) and Npr3 (natriuretic peptide receptor 3) were upregulated only 1 day after anaesthesia, whereas Thbs4 (thrombospondin 4) was upregulated only 4 days after anaesthesia. Syp (synaptophysin) and Mgst1 (microsomal glutathione S‐transferase 1) were upregulated at both time points. Hspd1, Mgst1 and Syp expression was increased regardless of the anaesthetic used, Npr3 and Plat were increased only in mice exposed to avertin, and Thbs4 was upregulated only after isoflurane‐induced anaesthesia.

Conclusions

This study shows that some of the effects of short general anaesthesia on gene expression in the mouse hippocampus persist for at least 4 days.
Hormone replacement therapy enhances IGF‐1 signaling in skeletal muscle by diminishing miR‐182 and miR‐223 expressions: a study on postmenopausal monozygotic twin pairs
Authors: Olivieri Fabiola , Ahtiainen Maarit , Lazzarini Raffaella , Pöllänen Eija , Capri Miriam , Lorenzi Maria , Fulgenzi Gianluca , Albertini Maria C. , Salvioli Stefano , Alen Markku J. , Kujala Urho M. , Borghetti Giulia , Babini Lucia , Kaprio Jaakko , Sipilä Sarianna , Franceschi Claudio , Kovanen Vuokko , Procopio Antonio D.
Published: July 2014

MiRNAs are fine‐tuning modifiers of skeletal muscle regulation, but knowledge of their hormonal control is lacking. We used a co‐twin case–control study design, that is, monozygotic postmenopausal twin pairs discordant for estrogen‐based hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to explore estrogen‐dependent skeletal muscle regulation via miRNAs. MiRNA profiles were determined from vastus lateralis muscle of nine healthy 54–62‐years‐old monozygotic female twin pairs discordant for HRT (median 7 years). MCF‐7 cells, human myoblast cultures and mouse muscle experiments were used to confirm estrogen's causal role on the expression of specific miRNAs, their target mRNAs and proteins and finally the activation of related signaling pathway. Of the 230 miRNAs expressed at detectable levels in muscle samples, qPCR confirmed significantly lower miR‐182, miR‐223 and miR‐142‐3p expressions in HRT using than in their nonusing co‐twins. Insulin/IGF‐1 signaling emerged one common pathway targeted by these miRNAs. IGF‐1R and FOXO3A mRNA and protein were more abundantly expressed in muscle samples of HRT users than nonusers. In vitro assays confirmed effective targeting of miR‐182 and miR‐223 on IGF‐1R and FOXO3A mRNA as well as a dose‐dependent miR‐182 and miR‐223 down‐regulations concomitantly with up‐regulation of FOXO3A and IGF‐1R expression. Novel finding is the postmenopausal HRT‐reduced miRs‐182, miR‐223 and miR‐142‐3p expression in female skeletal muscle. The observed miRNA‐mediated enhancement of the target genes' IGF‐1R and FOXO3A expression as well as the activation of insulin/IGF‐1 pathway signaling via phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR is an important mechanism for positive estrogen impact on skeletal muscle of postmenopausal women.
The replicometer is broken: telomeres activate cellular senescence in response to genotoxic stresses
Authors: Suram Anitha , Herbig Utz
Published: July 2014

Telomeres, the ends of our linear chromosomes, can function as ‘replicometers’, capable of counting cell division cycles as they progressively erode with every round of DNA replication. Once they are critically short, telomeres become dysfunctional and consequently activate a proliferative arrest called replicative senescence. For many years, telomeres were thought to be autonomous structures, largely isolated from cell intrinsic and extrinsic signals, whose function is to prevent limitless cellular proliferation, a characteristic of most cancer cells. It is becoming increasingly evident, however, that telomeres not only count cell divisions, but also function as sensors of genotoxic stresses to stop cell cycle progression prematurely and long before cells would have entered replicative senescence. This stable growth arrest, triggered by dysfunctional telomeres that are not necessarily critically short, likely evolved as a tumor‐suppressing mechanism as it prevents proliferation of cells that are at risk for acquiring potentially hazardous and transforming mutations both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we review studies supporting the concept that telomeres are important cellular structures whose function not only is to count cell divisions, but also to act as molecular switches that can rapidly stop cell cycle progression permanently in response to a variety of stresses, including oncogenic signals.
SIRT1‐mediated epigenetic downregulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 prevents vascular endothelial replicative senescence
Authors: Wan Yan‐Zhen , Gao Peng , Zhou Shuang , Zhang Zhu‐Qin , Hao De‐Long , Lian Li‐Shan , Li Yong‐Jun , Chen Hou‐Zao , Liu De‐Pei
Published: July 2014

The inactivation of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) has been shown to exert beneficial effects in age‐related vascular diseases. Limited information is available on the molecular mechanisms regarding the negatively regulated expression of PAI‐1 in the vascular system. In this study, we observed an inverse correlation between SIRT1, a class III histone deacetylase, and PAI‐1 expression in human atherosclerotic plaques and the aortas of old mice, suggesting that internal negative regulation exists between SIRT1 and PAI‐1. SIRT1 overexpression reversed the increased PAI‐1 expression in senescent human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and aortas of old mice, accompanied by decreased SA‐β‐gal activity in vitro and improved endothelial function and reduced arterial stiffness in vivo. Moreover, the SIRT1‐mediated inhibition of PAI‐1 expression exerted an antisenescence effect in HUVECs. Furthermore, we demonstrated that SIRT1 is able to bind to the PAI‐1 promoter, resulting in a decrease in the acetylation of histone H4 lysine 16 (H4K16) on the PAI‐1 promoter region. Thus, our findings suggest that the SIRT1‐mediated epigenetic inhibition of PAI‐1 expression exerts a protective effect in vascular endothelial senescence.
College Law Enforcement and Security Department Responses to Alcohol‐Related Incidents: A National Study
Authors: Bernat Debra H. , Lenk Kathleen M. , Nelson Toben F. , Winters Ken C. , Toomey Traci L.
Published: July 2014

Background

Campus police and security personnel are often the first to respond to alcohol‐related incidents on campus. The purpose of this study is to examine how campus law enforcement and security respond to alcohol‐related incidents, and how consequences and communication differ based on characteristics of the incident.

Methods

Directors of campus police/security from 343 colleges across the United States completed a survey regarding usual practice following serious, underage, and less serious alcohol incidents on and off campus.

Results

Campus law enforcement and security most commonly reported contacting campus officials. A minority reported issuing citations and referring students to the health center. Enforcement actions were more commonly reported for serious and underage incidents than for less serious incidents. Large (vs. small) colleges, public (vs. private) colleges, and those located in small (vs. large) towns more consistently reported taking actions against drinkers.

Conclusions

Understanding how campus police and security respond to alcohol‐related incidents is essential for reducing alcohol‐related problems on college campuses.
The Effect of Energy Drinks on the Urge to Drink Alcohol in Young Adults
Authors: McKetin Rebecca , Coen Alice
Published: July 2014

Background

Recently, Marczinski and colleagues (2013) showed that energy drinks combined with alcohol augment a person's desire to drink more alcohol relative to drinking alcohol alone. The current study replicates the findings of Marczinski and colleagues (2013) using a robust measure of alcohol craving.

Methods

Seventy‐five participants aged 18 to 30 years were assigned to an alcohol only or alcohol+energy drink condition in a double‐blind randomized pre‐ versus posttest experiment. Participants received a cocktail containing either 60 ml of vodka and a Red Bull® Silver Edition energy drink (alcohol+energy drink condition) or 60 ml of vodka with a soda water vehicle (alcohol‐only condition); both cocktails contained 200 ml of fruit drink. The primary outcome measure was the Alcohol Urge Questionnaire taken at pretest and at 20 minutes (posttest). Other measures taken at posttest were the Biphasic Alcohol Effects Questionnaire, the Drug Effects Questionnaire, and breath alcohol concentration (BAC).

Results

The alcohol+energy drink condition showed a greater pre‐ versus posttest increase in urge to drink alcohol compared with the alcohol‐only condition (B = 3.24, p = 0.021, d = 0.44). Participants in the alcohol+energy drink condition had significantly higher ratings on liking the cocktail and wanting to drink more of the cocktail, and lower BACs, than the alcohol‐only condition. When examined at specific BACs, the effect of the energy drink on the pre‐ to posttest increase in urge to drink was largest and only significant at BACs of 0.04–0.05 (cf. < 0.04 g/dl).There were no significant differences in stimulation, sedation, feeling the effects of the cocktail, or feeling high.

Conclusions

Combining energy drinks with alcohol increased the urge to drink alcohol relative to drinking alcohol alone. More research is needed to understand what factors mediate this effect and whether it increases subsequent alcohol consumption.
The Assessment of Relationship between Fragmented QRS Complex and Left Ventricular Wall Motion Score Index in Patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Who Underwent Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Uslu Nevzat , Gul Mehmet , Cakmak Huseyin Altug , Atam Ali , Pusuroglu Hamdi , Satilmisoglu Hulusi , Akkaya Emre , Aksu Hale Unal , Kalkan Ali Kemal , Surgit Ozgur , Erturk Mehmet , Aksu Huseyin , Eksik Abdurrahman
Published: July 2014

Objectives

Fragmented QRS (fQRS) has been found to be associated with high mortality and arrhythmic events in acute coronary syndromes. Regional systolic function using wall motion score index (WMSI) is an alternative to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) for the assessment of left ventricular systolic function. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between the presence of fQRS on admission electrocardiogram (ECG) and WMSI in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) underwent primary coronary intervention (PCI). The in‐hospital and long‐term prognostic significance of persistent fQRS was also evaluated.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 542 patients with a diagnose of STEMI underwent primary PCI were included. Study patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (n = 153) or absence (n = 389) of a fQRS on admission ECG.

Results

WMSI was found to be significantly higher in fQRS(+) group compared to the fQRS(–) group (P < 0.001). In multivariete analysis, WMSI was found to be an independent predictor of fQRS, and fQRS was inversely associated with LVEF. The in‐hospital reinfarction (P = 0.003), MACE (P = 0.024), intraaortic balloon pump use (P = 0.014), and advanced heart failure (P < 0.001) were found to be significantly more frequent in the fQRS(+) group. The presence of fQRS on admission was found to be associated with an increase in long‐term cardiovascular mortality (P = 0.028), and long‐term all‐cause mortality (P = 0.022).

Conclusion

WMSI was significantly related with the presence of the fQRS, which reflects the linking between impairment of regional left ventricular systolic function and the presence of severe myocardial injury in STEMI.
Computing Volume Potentials for Noninvasive Imaging of Cardiac Excitation
Authors: van der Graaf A.W. Maurits , Bhagirath Pranav , van Driel Vincent J.H.M. , Ramanna Hemanth , de Hooge Jacques , de Groot Natasja M.S. , Götte Marco J.W.
Published: July 2014

Background

In noninvasive imaging of cardiac excitation, the use of body surface potentials (BSP) rather than body volume potentials (BVP) has been favored due to enhanced computational efficiency and reduced modeling effort. Nowadays, increased computational power and the availability of open source software enable the calculation of BVP for clinical purposes. In order to illustrate the possible advantages of this approach, the explanatory power of BVP is investigated using a rectangular tank filled with an electrolytic conductor and a patient specific three dimensional model.

Methods

MRI images of the tank and of a patient were obtained in three orthogonal directions using a turbo spin echo MRI sequence. MRI images were segmented in three dimensional using custom written software. Gmsh software was used for mesh generation. BVP were computed using a transfer matrix and FEniCS software.

Results

The solution for 240,000 nodes, corresponding to a resolution of 5 mm throughout the thorax volume, was computed in 3 minutes. The tank experiment revealed that an increased electrode surface renders the position of the 4 V equipotential plane insensitive to mesh cell size and reduces simulated deviations. In the patient‐specific model, the impact of assigning a different conductivity to lung tissue on the distribution of volume potentials could be visualized.

Conclusion

Generation of high quality volume meshes and computation of BVP with a resolution of 5 mm is feasible using generally available software and hardware. Estimation of BVP may lead to an improved understanding of the genesis of BSP and sources of local inaccuracies.
Subprime Housing Goes South: Constructing Securitized Mortgages for the Poor in Mexico
Authors: Soederberg Susanne
Published: July 2014

Mexico represents the largest market for residential mortgage‐backed securitization (RMBS) in Latin America. Despite its significance to questions of development, there has been no critical analysis on the social implications and power dimensions of RMBS with regard to low‐income housing in Mexico. This essay fills this gap by demystifying the technical and thus apolitical nature of RMBS as well as by explaining how and why state‐sponsored securitization schemes subsidize financial and construction interests in the name of expanding home ownership for the poor. In so doing, the analysis employs a historical materialist approach that, first, places RMBS within the contradictory nature of capital accumulation processes in Mexico and relations of class‐based power therein, and second, views RMBS as an integral feature of housing policy that is inextricably linked to the nerve centre of capital accumulation, namely: the credit system.
Three novel IGF1R mutations in microcephalic patients with prenatal and postnatal growth impairment
Authors: Juanes Matias , Guercio Gabriela , Marino Roxana , Berensztein Esperanza , Warman Diana Mónica , Ciaccio Marta , Gil Silvia , Bailez Marcela , Rivarola Marco A. , Belgorosky Alicia
Published: July 2014

Background

IGF1R gene mutations have been associated with varying degrees of intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation, and microcephaly.

Objective

To identify and characterize IGF1R gene variations in a cohort of 28 Argentinean children suspected of having IGF‐1 insensitivity, who were selected on the basis of the association of pre/postnatal growth failure and microcephaly.

Methods

The coding sequence and flanking intronic regions of IGF1R gene were amplified and directly sequenced. Functional characterization was performed by two in vitro assays: 1) [Methyl‐3H] thymidine incorporation into DNA in fibroblast cell primary cultures from patients and controls treated with IGF‐1 for 16‐24 h. 2) PI3K/Akt pathway was evaluated with phospho‐Akt (Ser473) STAR ELISA Kit (Millipore) in fibroblast cultures from patients and controls stimulated with IGF‐1 for 10 min. Prepubertal clinical and GH‐IGF‐1 axis evaluation was followed up.

Results

We identified three novel heterozygous missense mutations in three unrelated patients, de novo p.Arg1256Ser, de novo p.Asn359Tyr and p.Tyr865Cys. In control cells, proliferation assay showed that IGF‐1 significantly induced DNA synthesis at 20 h and Akt phosphorylation assay that it significantly stimulated phosphorylation after 10 min (P < 0·05 by anova and Bonferroni Tests). However, no significant increase was observed in any of the three patient fibroblasts in both functional studies. GH therapy growth response in two patients was inconsistent.

Conclusion

These variations led to failure of the IGF1R function causing pre‐ and postnatal growth retardation and microcephaly. Microcephaly should be considered in the evaluation of SGA patients, because it seems to favour the frequency of detection of IGF1R mutations.
Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Marginal Bone Changes around Platform‐Switching Implants Placed in Crestal or Subcrestal Positions: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Kütan Esma , Bolukbasi Nilufer , Yildirim‐Ondur Esra , Ozdemir Tayfun
Published: July 2014

Background

It has been reported in many articles that marginal bone resorptions are prevented by platform‐switching design. However, what occurs when these implants are placed in the apical position is not completely known.

Purpose

This report describes a randomized controlled clinical trial study that aims to test the hypothesis that less resorption will occur when platform‐switching implants are placed 1 mm below bone level.

Materials and Methods

A total of 56 randomly selected implants were inserted bilaterally, either 1 mm below bone level (test group, 28 implants) or at bone level (control group, 28 implants) of the patients' posterior regions. Marginal bone resorptions were examined through periapical radiographies taken with the parallel technique at the time of crown cementation and the third, sixth, 12th, and 36th months after prosthetic loading. The modified plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, and probing depths were used for follow‐up periodontal care of the implants.

Results

After 3 years, the mean radiographic vertical bone loss in the control group was significantly lower than in the test group (0.56 ± 0.35 mm and 1.21 ± 1.05 mm, respectively) (p < .01). In terms of periodontal indexes, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p > .05). No peri‐implantitis or peri‐implant mucositis was observed around the test or control implants.

Conclusions

More marginal bone resorptions occurred after the third year of loading in implants placed 1 mm below bone level. However, the resorptions did not reach the implants thread. In the control group, the first bone implant contact was placed under the level of the first threads. Therefore, the present randomized clinical trial confirmed the hypothesis that placing platform‐switching implants 1 mm below bone level reduced marginal bone loss. It can be noted that to reduce resorption, platform‐switching implants should be placed below bone level.
Failure of total hip implants: metals and metal release in 52 cases
Authors: Jakobsen Stig S. , Lidén Carola , Søballe Kjeld , Johansen Jeanne D. , Menné Torkil , Lundgren Lennart , Bregnbak David , Møller Per , Jellesen Morten S. , Thyssen Jacob P.
Published: July 2014

Background

The pathogenesis of total joint replacement failure is multifactorial. One hypothesis suggests that corrosion and wear of alloys result in metal ion release, which may then cause sensitization and even implant failure, owing to the acquired immune reactivity.

Objectives

To assess cobalt, nickel and chromium(VI) release from, and the metal composition of, failed metal‐on‐ethylene total hip replacements.

Materials/methods

Implant components from 52 revision cases were evaluated with spot tests for free nickel, cobalt, and chromium (VI) ions. Implant composition was determined with X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and information on the reason for revision and complications in relation to surgery was collected from the medical charts when possible (72%). For 10 implants, corrosion was further characterized with scanning electron microscopy.

Results

We detected cobalt release from three of 38 removed femoral heads and from one of 24 femoral stems. Nickel release was detected from one of 24 femoral stems. No chromium(VI) release was detected.

Conclusions

We found that cobalt and nickel were released from some failed total hip arthroplasties, and corrosion was frequently observed. Metal ions and particles corroded from metal‐on‐polyethylene may play a role in the complex aetiopathology of implant failure.
Refeeding enteroclysis as an alternative to parenteral nutrition for enteric fistula
Authors: Coetzee E. , Rahim Z. , Boutall A. , Goldberg P.
Published: July 2014

Aim

Refeeding enteroclysis is one method of giving artificial nutritional support to patients with enterocutaneous fistula. This study compares the results of this technique with parenteral nutrition or nutrition given via a proximal stoma.

Method

All patients admitted to our intestinal failure unit with a proximal enteric fistula and managed with refeeding enteroclysis over a 4‐year period were included and compared with a matched group of patients managed without using this technique.

Results

Twenty patients (15 men) with a proximal enteric fistula received chyme refeeding down the distal limb of the fistula. This was established at a mean of 14 days after admission to the unit and total parenteral nutrition could be weaned off by 20 days. The mean output from the proximal limb was 1800 ml and the mean volume refed down the distal limb was 1220 ml per day. Additional enteric feed was given to 12 patients. No patient was given pharmacological agents to delay gastrointestinal transit or additional intravenous water and electrolyte for most of the time after refeeding was established. There were no complications or deaths related to chyme refeeding.

Conclusion

Refeeding enteroclysis is feasible in selected patients with a proximal enteric fistula or stoma. Adequate nutrition, water and electrolyte balance can be achieved without resorting to parenteral infusions.
Effects of early institutionalization on the development of emotion processing: a case for relative sparing?
Authors: Moulson Margaret C. , Shutts Kristin , Fox Nathan A. , Zeanah Charles H. , Spelke Elizabeth S. , Nelson Charles A.
Published: July 2014

We tested the capacity to perceive visual expressions of emotion, and to use those expressions as guides to social decisions, in three groups of 8‐ to 10‐year‐old Romanian children: children abandoned to institutions then randomly assigned to remain in ‘care as usual’ (institutional care); children abandoned to institutions then randomly assigned to a foster care intervention; and community children who had never been institutionalized. Experiment 1 examined children's recognition of happy, sad, fearful, and angry facial expressions that varied in intensity. Children assigned to institutional care had higher thresholds for identifying happy expressions than foster care or community children, but did not differ in their thresholds for identifying the other facial expressions. Moreover, the error rates of the three groups of children were the same for all of the facial expressions. Experiment 2 examined children's ability to use facial expressions of emotion to guide social decisions about whom to befriend and whom to help. Children assigned to institutional care were less accurate than foster care or community children at deciding whom to befriend; however, the groups did not differ in their ability to decide whom to help. Overall, although there were group differences in some abilities, all three groups of children performed well across tasks. The results are discussed in the context of theoretical accounts of the development of emotion processing.
Workplace abuse narratives from dentistry, nursing, pharmacy and physiotherapy students: a multi‐school qualitative study
Authors: Rees C. E. , Monrouxe L. V. , Ternan E. , Endacott R.
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Previous healthcare student abuse research typically employs quantitative surveys that fail to explore contributory factors for abuse and students’ action in the face of abuse. Following a recent qualitative study of medical students’ abuse narratives, the current study explores dental, nursing, pharmacy and physiotherapy students’ abuse narratives to better understand healthcare workplace abuse.

Methods

We conducted three individual and 11 group interviews with 69 healthcare students in three Universities to elicit professionalism dilemma narratives. Of 226 professionalism dilemmas elicited, 79 were coded as student abuse. Secondary‐level thematic analysis of the abuse narratives addressed the following questions: What types of abuse experiences do healthcare students narrate? What factors do they cite as contributing to abuse and their responses to abuse?

Results

Healthcare students reported mostly covert abuse in their narratives. Although narrators described individual, relational, work and organisational factors contributing to abuse, they mostly cited factors relating to perpetrators. Most participants stated that they acted in the face of their abuse, and they mostly cited factors relating to themselves for acting. Students who did nothing in the face of abuse typically cited the perpetrator‐recipient relationship as the main contributory factor.

Discussion

There are many similarities across the narratives of the five healthcare student groups, suggesting that complex interactional/organisational factors are all‐important when considering how abuse is perpetuated within the healthcare workplace. Although some organisational factors may be difficult to change, we recommend that educational initiatives are a key starting point to tackle healthcare workplace abuse.
Hybrid songbirds employ intermediate routes in a migratory divide
Authors: Delmore Kira E. , Irwin Darren E.
Published: July 2014

Migratory divides are contact zones between populations that use different routes to navigate around unsuitable areas on seasonal migration. Hybrids in divides have been predicted to employ intermediate and potentially inferior routes. We provide the first direct test of this hypothesis, using light‐level geolocators to track birds breeding in a hybrid zone between Swainson's thrushes in western Canada. Compared to parental forms, hybrids exhibited increased variability in their migratory routes, with some using intermediate routes that crossed arid and mountainous regions, and some using the same routes as one parental group on fall migration and the other on spring migration. Hybrids also tended to use geographically intermediate wintering sites. Analysis of genetic variation across the hybrid zone suggests moderately strong selection against hybrids. These results indicate that seasonal migratory behaviour might be a source of selection against hybrids, supporting a possible role for migration in speciation.
Infection, inflammation and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Schott J. M.
Published: July 2014

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Generation of eGFP and Cre knockin rats by CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Ma Yuanwu , Ma Jing , Zhang Xu , Chen Wei , Yu Lei , Lu Yingdong , Bai Lin , Shen Bin , Huang Xingxu , Zhang Lianfeng
Published: July 2014

The type II bacterial CRISPR/Cas [clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated (Cas)] system is a very valuable genome engineering tool, which has been widely used in genome editing of a variety of organisms. Previously, we generated floxed alleles in rats by CRISPR/Cas9. Here, we successfully use a two‐cut strategy with one circular vector, which contains the exogenous cDNAs with homology arm regions, in generating knockin rats at the Trdmt1, Nestin and Cck loci. The efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated knockin was up to 54%. Furthermore, by crossing the Nestin‐Cre rat with the Dnmt3b floxed rat and Cck‐Cre with the Dnmt1 floxed rat, we detected Cre/loxP‐mediated recombination in the F1 generation of rats. We also show that the knockin alleles were germline transmitted. These results provided a simple and flexible engineering strategy for the establishment of knockin rats.
Information Asymmetry, Trade Size, and the Dynamic Volume‐Return Relation: Evidence from the Australian Securities Exchange
Authors: Sun Yang , Duong Huu Nhan , Singh Harminder
Published: July 2014

This paper investigates the influence of information asymmetry on the cross‐sectional variation of volume‐return relation. We find that the dynamic volume‐return relation within medium‐size trades has the most significant response to the degree of information asymmetry. We also show that the effect of information asymmetry on the volume‐return dynamics migrates to small‐size trades in recent years, especially in larger stocks. These results are consistent with the notion that informed traders prefer medium‐size trades and this preference has shifted to small‐size trades. Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating informed traders’ trade‐size decision in the examination of the dynamic volume‐return relation.
Considerable methane uptake by alpine grasslands despite the cold climate: in situ measurements on the central Tibetan Plateau, 2008–2013
Authors: Wei Da , Xu‐Ri   , Tenzin‐Tarchen   , Wang Yuesi , Wang Yinghong
Published: July 2014

The uptake of CH4 by aerate soil plays a secondary role in the removal of tropospheric CH4, but it is still highly uncertain in terms of its magnitude, spatial, and temporal variation. In an attempt to quantify the sink of the vast alpine grasslands (1 400 000 km2) of the Tibetan Plateau, we conducted in situ measurements in an alpine steppe (4730 m) and alpine meadow (4900 m) using the static chamber and gas chromatograph method. For the alpine steppe, measurements (2008–2013) suggested that there is large interannual variability in CH4 uptake, ranging from −48.8 to −95.8 μg CH4 m−2 h−1 (averaged of −71.5 ± 2.5 μg CH4 m−2 h−1), due to the variability in precipitation seasonality. The seasonal pattern of CH4 uptakes in the form of stronger uptake in the early growing season and weaker uptake in the rainy season closely matched the precipitation seasonality and subsequent soil moisture variation. The relationships between alpine steppe CH4 uptake and soil moisture/temperature are best depicted by a quadratic function and an exponential function (Q10 = 1.67) respectively. Our measurements also showed that the alpine meadow soil (average of −59.2 ± 3.7 μg CH4 m−2 h−1) uptake less CH4 than the alpine steppe and produces a similar seasonal pattern, which is negatively regulated by soil moisture. Our measurements quantified – at values far higher than those estimated by process‐based models – that both the alpine steppe and alpine meadow are considerable CH4 sinks, despite the cold weather of this high‐altitude area. The consecutive measurements gathered in this study also highlight that precipitation seasonality tends to drive the interannual variation in CH4 uptake, indicating that future study should be done to better characterize how CH4 cycling might feedback to the more extreme climate.