bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Estimation of Drinking Influences Alcohol‐Related Consequences Across the First Year of College
Authors: Hultgren Brittney A. , Cleveland Michael J. , Turrisi Rob , Mallett Kimberly A.
Published: January 2014

Background

This study examined how well students estimate their overall drinker type and the relation between the accuracy of this estimation with alcohol‐related consequences. The study also explored the association between psychosocial alcohol variables and underestimation or overestimation of drinker type.

Methods

College students (n = 1,895) completed questionnaires at baseline (precollege matriculation) assessing self‐reported drinker types (SI), protective and risky drinking behaviors, drinking expectancies, attitudes, and norms. Postbaseline assessment occurred during the fall semester sophomore year and included the number and type of alcohol consequences experienced during the previous year. Students' SIs were coded as accurate, overestimated, or underestimated relative to their empirically derived latent class analytic drinker class. The association between drinker type accuracy and consequences and membership in the high‐risk Multiple and Repeated Consequence group was assessed, as was the relationship between the psychosocial alcohol variables and accuracy.

Results

Eighteen percent of students underestimated and 10% overestimated their drinker type. Students who under‐ or overestimated their drinker type reported experiencing more consequences, even after controlling for drinking. Increases in positive alcohol expectancies, protective and risky drinking behaviors, and descriptive peer norms were positively associated with underestimation of drinker type. Only protective and risky drinking behaviors were associated with overestimation.

Conclusions

This study underscores the importance of accurate estimation of drinker type and the risk of experiencing alcohol consequences. Future research and intervention strategies are discussed.
Gamma‐Aminobutyric Acid System Genes—No Evidence for a Role in Alcohol Use and Abuse in a Community‐Based Sample
Authors: Irons Daniel E. , Iacono William G. , Oetting William S. , Kirkpatrick Robert M. , Vrieze Scott I. , Miller Michael B. , McGue Matt
Published: January 2014

Background

While twin and adoption studies point to substantial genetic influence upon alcohol use, dependence, and other alcohol‐related phenotypes, few of the genes underlying variation in these phenotypes have been identified. Markers in genes related to GABAergic activity—a system integral to many of alcohol's biological effects—have been implicated in alcohol use and alcohol‐related psychopathology in linkage and association studies.

Methods

Using multiple methods, we conducted a comprehensive examination of the effects of markers in γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) system genes in a community‐based sample of 7,224 individuals assessed in early and middle adulthood. In addition to testing the effect of individual single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers on alcohol‐related phenotypes, we computed a polygenic score reflecting the aggregated effects of multiple GABA system SNPs. We also estimated the variance in alcohol‐related phenotypes attributable to all GABA system markers considered simultaneously and conducted gene‐based association tests.

Results

No method produced results indicative of an effect of GABA system variants on measures of alcohol use or misuse.

Conclusions

These results reflect alcohol‐related behaviors in a population‐representative sample, many of whom are still in adolescence, and in which the incidence of heavy drinking and alcohol‐related symptomatology are relatively low. Contrasted with existing studies of the association between alcohol use and GABA system genes, our results suggest that the relationship may be limited to particular contexts, such as when accompanied by polysubstance abuse or a familial history of alcoholism.
An international consensus for assessing internet gaming disorder using the new DSM‐5 approach
Authors: Petry Nancy M. , Rehbein Florian , Gentile Douglas A. , Lemmens Jeroen S. , Rumpf Hans‐Jürgen , Mößle Thomas , Bischof Gallus , Tao Ran , Fung Daniel S. S. , Borges Guilherme , Auriacombe Marc , González Ibáñez Angels , Tam Philip , O'Brien Charles P.
Published: January 2014

Aims

For the first time, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM‐5) introduces non‐substance addictions as psychiatric diagnoses. The aims of this paper are to (i) present the main controversies surrounding the decision to include internet gaming disorder, but not internet addiction more globally, as a non‐substance addiction in the research appendix of the DSM‐5, and (ii) discuss the meaning behind the DSM‐5 criteria for internet gaming disorder. The paper also proposes a common method for assessing internet gaming disorder. Although the need for common diagnostic criteria is not debated, the existence of multiple instruments reflect the divergence of opinions in the field regarding how best to diagnose this condition.

Methods

We convened international experts from European, North and South American, Asian and Australasian countries to discuss and achieve consensus about assessing internet gaming disorder as defined within DSM‐5.

Results

We describe the intended meaning behind each of the nine DSM‐5 criteria for internet gaming disorder and present a single item that best reflects each criterion, translated into the 10 main languages of countries in which research on this condition has been conducted.

Conclusions

Using results from this cross‐cultural collaboration, we outline important research directions for understanding and assessing internet gaming disorder. As this field moves forward, it is critical that researchers and clinicians around the world begin to apply a common methodology; this report is the first to achieve an international consensus related to the assessment of internet gaming disorder.
Practicing and Preaching Quakerism: Creating a Religion of Peace on a Slavery‐Era Plantation
Authors: Chenoweth John M.
Published: January 2014

A meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (“Quakers”) formed in the British Virgin Islands in the 1740s offers a window onto broader practices of religion making. Equality, simplicity, and peace form a basis for Quaker thought, but in the BVI these ideals intersected with the realities of Caribbean life and the central fact that members also held enslaved Africans. What members did to create Quakerism varied for this group, yet it was nonetheless understood to be a part of the broader community of “Friends.” Practice perspectives are employed here to gain access to seemingly ephemeral religion through the concrete objects of archaeology but also as a means of reconciling variation in practice with the idea of a coherent religion. Here religious identity was negotiated through practices on multiple scales, creating unity via larger‐scope practices of writing and reading while the most frequent identifications were local and variable. Written works are often seen to encode a static, “real” version of religion against which actions can be measured, but I will argue that religion is better seen in practice, and here Quakerism was created at least as much in the variable minutia of individual performance as in widely shared documents.
Anastomotic leaks in colorectal surgery
Authors: Damen Nikki , Spilsbury Katrina , Levitt Michael , Makin Gregory , Salama Paul , Tan Patrick , Penter Cheryl , Platell Cameron
Published: January 2014

Background

Anastomotic leaks are a serious complication of bowel surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the rate and severity, and identify risk factors for leaks in patients undergoing bowel anastomoses.

Methods

Prospective evaluation was performed on patients undergoing bowel surgery within a colorectal surgical unit. Anastomotic leak was defined and graded according to severity. A nurse independently collected the information. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

Two thousand three hundred and sixty‐three patients underwent 2994 anastomoses. Their median age was 64 years. Seven per cent were emergency operations. Anastomotic leak occurred in 82 patients (2.7%). Sixty‐three per cent of leaks were managed with drainage or re‐operation. Ultra‐low anterior resection (ULAR) was associated with the highest subgroup leak rate (7.3%). In multivariable analysis, independent predictors for a leak included ‘other’ pathologies (iatrogenic injury, ischaemia, radiation enteritis) (P = 0.016, odds ratio (OR): 6.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4–28.0), ULAR (P = 0.001, OR: 8.5, 95% CI: 2.3–31.2) and the surgeon (A: P < 0.001, OR: 3.4, 95% CI: 2.1–5.6).

Conclusion

Majority of predictors for anastomotic leak were fairly intuitive. Nonetheless, it was relevant to note the importance of the individual surgeon as an independent predictor for leaks.
Ocular pulse amplitude and Doppler waveform analysis in glaucoma patients
Authors: Abegão Pinto Luís , Vandewalle Evelien , Willekens Koen , Marques‐Neves Carlos , Stalmans Ingeborg
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To determine the correlation between ocular blood flow velocities and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) in glaucoma patients using colour Doppler imaging (CDI) waveform analysis.

Method

A prospective, observer‐masked, case‐control study was performed.OPAand blood flow variables from central retinal artery and vein (CRA,CRV), nasal and temporal short posterior ciliary arteries (NPCA,TPCA) and ophthalmic artery (OA) were obtained through dynamic contour tonometry andCDI, respectively. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were performed to explore the correlations betweenOPAand retrobulbarCDIwaveform and systemic cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure, blood pressure amplitude, mean ocular perfusion pressure and peripheral pulse).

Results

One hundred and ninety‐two patients were included [healthy controls: 55; primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG): 74; normal‐tension glaucoma (NTG): 63].OPAwas statistically different between groups (Healthy: 3.17 ± 1.2 mmHg;NTG: 2.58 ± 1.2 mmHg;POAG: 2.60 ± 1.1 mmHg; p < 0.01), but not between the glaucoma groups (p = 0.60). Multiple regression models to explainOPAvariance were made for each cohort (healthy: p < 0.001,r = 0.605;NTG: p = 0.003,r = 0.372;POAG: p < 0.001,r = 0.412).OPAwas independently associated with retrobulbarCDIparameters in the healthy subjects andPOAGpatients (healthyCRVresistance index:β = 3.37,CI: 0.16–6.59; healthyNPCAmean systolic/diastolic velocity ratio:β = 1.34,CI: 0.52–2.15;POAG TPCAmean systolic velocity:β = 0.14,CI0.05–0.23).OPAin theNTGgroup was associated with diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate (β = −0.04,CI: −0.06 to −0.01;β = −0.04,CI: −0.06 to −0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Vascular‐related models provide a better explanation toOPAvariance in healthy individuals than in glaucoma patients. The variables that influenceOPAseem to be different in healthy,POAGandNTGpatients.
The expression and function of midkine in the vertebrate retina
Authors: Gramage E , Li J , Hitchcock P
Published: January 2014

The functional role of midkine during development, following injury and in disease has been studied in a variety of tissues. In this review, we summarize what is known about midkine in the vertebrate retina, focusing largely on recent studies utilizing the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an animal model. Zebrafish are a valuable animal model for studying the retina, due to its very rapid development and amazing ability for functional neuronal regeneration following neuronal cell death. The zebrafish genome harbours two midkine paralogues, midkine‐a (mdka) and midkine‐b (mdkb), which, during development, are expressed in nested patterns among different cell types. mdka is expressed in the retinal progenitors and mdkb is expressed in newly post‐mitotic cells. Interestingly, studies of loss‐ and gain‐of‐function in zebrafish larvae indicate that midkine‐a regulates cell cycle kinetics. Moreover, both mdka and mdkb are expressed in different cell types in the normal adult zebrafish retina, but after light‐induced death of photoreceptors, both are up‐regulated and expressed in proliferating Müller glia and photoreceptor progenitors, suggesting an important and (perhaps) coincident role for these cytokines during stem cell‐based neuronal regeneration. Based on its known role in other tissues and the expression and function of the midkine paralogues in the zebrafish retina, we propose that midkine has an important functional role both during development and regeneration in the retina. Further studies are needed to understand this role and the mechanisms that underlie it.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Midkine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐4
Midkine in repair of the injured nervous system
Authors: Yoshida Yoshihiro , Sakakima Harutoshi , Matsuda Fumiyo , Ikutomo Masako
Published: January 2014

Midkine (MK) is a growth factor with neurotrophic and neurite outgrowth activities. It was expressed in the peri‐ischaemic area in the acute phase of cerebral infarction in rat brains. Astrocytes were the origin of MK in this occasion. MK has been assessed in terms of its effects on neural injury. The administration of MK into the lateral ventricle immediately prior to ischaemia prevented cell death in the hippocampal CA1 neurons degenerated by transient forebrain ischaemia in gerbils. MK administration was also beneficial in rats with neural injury, especially after kainic acid‐induced seizures. Gene therapy with mouse MK cDNA using an adenovirus was effective in reducing the cerebral infarction volume and in increasing the number of neuronal precursor cells in the subventricular zone of the rat brain. MK mRNA and MK protein were found in spinal cord motor neurons of the anterior horn in both the acute phase of sciatic nerve injury and 3 weeks later. MK immunoreactivity was also found in the proximal side of a sciatic nerve‐injured site in sciatic nerve axons. MK receptors were expressed in Schwann cells after injury, suggesting crosstalk between axons and Schwann cells. MK was also present in nerve terminals and influenced ACh receptor clustering during neuromuscular development in Xenopus. Thus, MK may also be involved in reinforcing and maintaining the synapse. All these findings indicate the therapeutic potential of MK for promoting repair of the nervous system after injury.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Midkine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐4
Association between BACH2 expression and clinical prognosis in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Ichikawa Satoshi , Fukuhara Noriko , Katsushima Hiroki , Takahashi Taro , Yamamoto Joji , Yokoyama Hisayuki , Sasaki Osamu , Fukuhara Osamu , Nomura Jun , Ishizawa Kenichi , Ichinohasama Ryo , Muto Akihiko , Igarashi Kazuhiko , Harigae Hideo
Published: January 2014

BACH2, a B cell‐specific transcriptional repressor, plays a significant role in B cell maturation. Despite a number of previous studies, the clinicopathological significance of BACH2 expression in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains to be established. The present study was performed to validate the significance of BACH2 expression as a predictor of prognosis in DLBCL. A total of 94 DLBCL cases were included in the present study. All were diagnosed between 2008 and 2011, and thorough clinical and pathological investigations were possible, including immunohistochemical analysis of BACH2. Eighteen cases were selected by positive MYC gene alteration (MYC+ group) according to cytogenetic study. The remaining 76 cases were subclassified into germinal center B cell phenotype (GCB group, 38 cases) or non‐GCB phenotype (non‐GCB group, 38 cases). There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to clinical characteristics and outcomes. In the GCB group, 21 cases were judged to have high BACH2 expression, with 19 cases in the non‐GCB group. In cases with high BACH2 expression in GCB and non‐GCB groups, the 3‐year overall survival (OS) rate was significantly shorter than that with low expression (71.7% vs 91.3%, P = 0.0256). In the MYC+ group, 15 cases had high BACH2 expression levels. Although overall the MYC+ group showed short survival time (3‐year OS 35.0%), 3 out of 4 cases with low BACH2 expression are alive without disease relapse at the time of publication of this paper. In conclusion, BACH2 expression level is a promising predictor of prognosis for DLBCL.
Language Evolution Can Be Shaped by the Structure of the World
Authors: Perfors Andrew , Navarro Daniel J.
Published: January 2014

Human languages vary in many ways but also show striking cross‐linguistic universals. Why do these universals exist? Recent theoretical results demonstrate that Bayesian learners transmitting language to each other through iterated learning will converge on a distribution of languages that depends only on their prior biases about language and the quantity of data transmitted at each point; the structure of the world being communicated about plays no role (Griffiths & Kalish, , ). We revisit these findings and show that when certain assumptions about the relationship between language and the world are abandoned, learners will converge to languages that depend on the structure of the world as well as their prior biases. These theoretical results are supported with a series of experiments showing that when human learners acquire language through iterated learning, the ultimate structure of those languages is shaped by the structure of the meanings to be communicated.
Undirected Dependency Parsing
Authors: Gómez‐Rodríguez Carlos , Fernández‐González Daniel , Bilbao Víctor Manuel Darriba
Published: January 2014

Dependency parsers, which are widely used in natural language processing tasks, employ a representation of syntax in which the structure of sentences is expressed in the form of directed links (dependencies) between their words. In this article, we introduce a new approach to transition‐based dependency parsing in which the parsing algorithm does not directly construct dependencies, but rather undirected links, which are then assigned a direction in a postprocessing step. We show that this alleviates error propagation, because undirected parsers do not need to observe the single‐head constraint, resulting in better accuracy.

Undirected parsers can be obtained by transforming existing directed transition‐based parsers as long as they satisfy certain conditions. We apply this approach to obtain undirected variants of three different parsers (the Planar, 2‐Planar, and Covington algorithms) and perform experiments on several data sets from the CoNLL‐X shared tasks and on the Wall Street Journal portion of the Penn Treebank, showing that our approach is successful in reducing error propagation and produces improvements in parsing accuracy in most of the cases and achieving results competitive with state‐of‐the‐art transition‐based parsers.
An Infrastructure for Argumentative Agents
Authors: Jordán Jaume , Heras Stella , Valero Soledad , Julián Vicente
Published: January 2014

Multiagent systems are suitable for providing a framework that allows agents to perform collaborative processes in a social context. Furthermore, argumentation is a natural way of reaching agreements between several parties. However, it is difficult to find infrastructures of argumentation offering support for agent societies and their social context. Offering support for agent societies allows representation of more realistic environments to have argumentation dialogues. We propose an infrastructure to develop and execute argumentative agents in an open multiagent system. It offers tools to develop agents with argumentation capabilities. It also offers support for agent societies and their social context. The infrastructure is publicly available. Also, it has been implemented in an application scenario where argumentative agents try to reach an agreement about the best solution to solve a problem reported to the system.
Strengthening Community Involvement in Grant Review: Insights from the Community–University Research Partnership (CURES) Pilot Review Process
Authors: Paberzs Adam , Piechowski Patricia , Warrick Debra , Grawi Carolyn , Choate Celeste , Sneed Glenda , Carr Diane , Lota Kanchan , Key Kent , Alexander Valerie , Ghosh Pratik , Sampselle Carolyn
Published: January 2014

In 2007, the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research (MICHR) at the University of Michigan received a Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA). Within MICHR, the Community Engagement (CE) program supports partnership efforts between researchers, practitioners, and community‐based organizations in specific focal communities throughout Michigan. A key component of the CE program is the Community Engagement Coordinating Council, a group that provides input and guidance on program priorities, strategic planning, and reviews pilot funding proposals for community–academic partnerships. This paper will describe a unique MICHR pilot funding mechanism for Community–University Research Partnerships (CURES) with an emphasis on the ways that community partners are involved in the review process, as well as the benefits, challenges, and insights gained over 5 years of pilot review. There is a growing need for community involvement and expertise in review of funding proposals for community‐engaged research at both institutional and federal levels. The CURES pilot review process is one example of an institutional effort to engage community partners in university funding decisions and has demonstrated clear benefit toward accomplishing the aims of the CTSA.
Privatisation of the Royal Mail: Third Time Lucky?
Authors: Parker David
Published: January 2014

The Conservatives privatised most of the UK's state‐owned industries during the 1980s and 1990s, but the Royal Mail remained under public ownership. It was privatised through a public flotation in early October 2013 when around 70 per cent of the company's shares were sold by the government. This paper looks at the reasons why the enterprise was not sold earlier. It especially focuses on the failed attempt to privatise it in 1993/4, although other occasions when privatisation was contemplated are mentioned. The discussion draws on government papers that are closed to the public under the 30‐year rule but to which the author had access as the UK government's Official Historian of Privatisation. The study demonstrates that in the past a combination of lukewarm support for privatisation at the prime ministerial level, concerns about the political consequences (including a possible revolt in Parliament), and trade union opposition proved decisive in preventing privatisation of the Royal Mail.
The Media's Role in Influencing Perceptions of Housing Values and the Resulting Impact on the Macroeconomy
Authors: McCollough John , Karani Komal
Published: January 2014

The housing market is a major component of the economy and persistent negative media reports can adversely affect perceptions and expectations of homeowners as to the value of their home. As a result, households reduce their expenditures and increase their savings in an effort to rebuild lost wealth. In the short run the economy suffers and the recession is magnified. This paper demonstrates, through an empirical study, how negative media reports regarding the deteriorating conditions of the national housing market affects what households feel their housing is worth.
Merging National Insurance Contributions and Income Tax: Lessons of History
Authors: Peacock Alan , Peden George
Published: January 2014

This paper is a response to the British Chancellor of the Exchequer's consultation on closer integration of the operation of National Insurance contributions and income tax. Our historical research on proposals for a complete merger of the two systems enables people interested in tax reform to draw on experience and ideas of officials who grappled with issues similar to those facing us today. We show that officials identified the problem of maintaining increasing numbers of elderly people as long ago as 1950, and identify when and why the British government adopted a pay‐as‐you‐go basis for the National Insurance Fund. We conclude that the advantages of National Insurance contributions separate from income tax are not negligible, but that a merger would be fairer than the present system. Our principal concern is that the contributory principle may raise unrealistic expectations regarding state pensions as it encourages a mistaken belief that these are paid from contributions made by pensioners in the past. We therefore recommend that the government should produce an annual statement showing how state pension liabilities are to be met.
Two‐Dimensional Tissue Tracking: A Novel Echocardiographic Technique to Measure Left Atrial Volume: Comparison with Biplane Area Length Method and Real Time Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography
Authors: Li Shi‐Yan , Zhang Li , Zhao Bo‐Wen , Yu Chan , Xu Li‐Long , Li Peng , Xu Ke , Pan Mei , Wang Bei
Published: January 2014

Enlargement of the left atrium is an independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, and an accurate, convenient imaging modality is necessary for clinical practice. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of a novel imaging technique, two‐dimensional tissue tracking (2DTT), for assessment of left atrial (LA) volume and function and to compare its correlation and agreement with biplane area length (AL) method and real time three‐dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE). A total of 105 patients prospectively underwent 2DTT, AL and RT3DE. The LA volume index (LAVI) and emptying fraction were measured. In addition, intra‐ and inter‐observer agreement were calculated by using the intraclass correlation coefficient. There were no significant differences in LAVI and emptying fraction measured by 2DTT in comparison with those made by AL or RT3DE, furthermore Bland–Altman analysis showed that 2DTT had significantly better agreement for LAVI and emptying fraction with AL and RT3DE. 2DTT also exhibited smaller intra‐ and inter‐observer variability as compared with AL or RT3DE. Furthermore, the time to measure LA volume and acquire time–volume curve was significantly less by 2DTT than that by RT3DE (U = 49.00, P < 0.001). These observations suggest that the 2DTT could provide valuable information which is consistent with the standard AL and RT3DE measurements for LAVI and function with potentially lower intra‐ and inter‐observer variability.
Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava with Absent Right Superior Vena Cava: Review of the Literature and Clinical Implications
Authors: Sheikh Azeem S. , Mazhar Sajjad
Published: January 2014

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is the most common venous anomaly of the thorax affecting 0.5–2% of the general population. PLSVC with absent right SVC, which is also referred to as isolated PLSVC, occurs in 0.09–0.13% of patients. PLSVC should be suspected whenever a dilated coronary sinus is discovered on transthoracic echocardiography. Transthoracic echocardiography serves as an excellent modality to diagnose PLSVC. The presence of PLSVC can be confirmed by performing a bilateral “bubble study” with injection of agitated saline from both the left and the right peripheral arm veins. Although PLSVC is a benign condition, it may have important clinical implications in certain situations. We describe a case of PLSVC with an absent right SVC followed by a review of the literature and the clinical implications associated with this condition.
Assessment of Aortic Arch Stiffness Using Pulse‐Wave Tissue Doppler Imaging: A Transesophageal Echocardiographic Comparison Study of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients and Stroke‐Free Patients
Authors: Kaneko Kazuyoshi , Takahashi Tetsuya , Saito Hiroki , Kiribayashi Nobuyuki , Omi Koki , Sasaki Toshiki , Niizeki Takeshi , Sugawara Shigeo
Published: January 2014

Background

Elevated aortic stiffness determined by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and presence of complicated aortic plaque provide prognostic information about cerebrovascular disease risk. Recently, pulse‐wave tissue Doppler imaging (PW‐TDI) has offered a new technique for assessing aortic wall stiffness.

Methods

The following aortic long‐axis view TEE measurements were carried out in 103 consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients and 72 controls (stroke‐free patients requiring TEE for conditions such as atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease): (a) PW‐TDI motion velocities measured as expansion peak velocity during systole (Vs) and contraction peak velocity during diastole (Vd); (b) aortic arch stiffness parameter β (Aoβ), defined as β = ln (systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure)/([Dmax − Dmin]/Dmin), where ln is the natural logarithm, Dmax is maximum aortic lumen diameter, and Dmin is minimum aortic lumen diameter. The PW‐TDI of Vs and Vd was compared with conventional vessel parameters brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI, calculated from blood pressure and PWV).

Results

Comparing acute ischemic stroke patients versus controls, Vs and Vd were significantly decreased (3.3 ± 1.6 vs. 3.9 ± 2.0 cm/sec, P < 0.05; 1.7 ± 0.6 vs. 2.1 ± 0.8 cm/sec, P < 0.01, respectively), and Aoβ and aortic arch intima‐media thickness (AoIMT) were significantly increased (15.3 ± 12.5 vs. 11.6 ± 6.5, P < 0.05; 3.2 ± 2.5 vs. 2.4 ± 2.1 mm, P < 0.05; respectively). Furthermore, Vs and Vd were significantly negatively correlated with age, Aoβ, AoIMT, CAVI, and baPWV in all cases.

Conclusions

The use of aortic arch wall PW‐TDI for Vs and Vd evaluation constitutes an easily and readily assessed parameter for evaluating aortic arch stiffness.
Australian/New Zealand Bachelor of Oral Health students: sociodemographics and career decisions
Authors: Mariño R. J. , Barrow S. L. , Morgan M. V.
Published: January 2014

This article describes the sociodemographic profile and factors affecting career decisions of Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) students in Australia and New Zealand. Data were collected during the 2009 and 2011 academic years via online. A total of 271 students participated. The majority were female (87.8%), single (74.5%) and of Anglo‐Saxon background (59.4%), and the average age was 23.7 years. The majority indicated that their fathers had at least secondary school education. The majority (52.8%) decided to study BOH after high school, and of those who commence after high school, 53.7% worked as a dental assistant/auxiliary. Career selection was self‐motivated (70.2%) and a career to ‘care for and help other people’ (59.6%). Most respondents wished to work in a city (59.8%), in both the public and the private sectors (47.2%). This study represents a comprehensive assessment of BOH student profile in Australia and New Zealand. Findings indicate an overall different BOH student profile compared with other oral health profession students in Australia. A significant proportion had previous employment as a dental auxiliary staff and an increasing number of male students. Findings are relevant to educators, recruitment administrators and policy makers in the way the BOH profession is presented as a career option.
Thermocline deepening and mixing alter zooplankton phenology, biomass and body size in a whole‐lake experiment
Authors: Gauthier Joanna , Prairie Yves T. , Beisner Beatrix E.
Published: January 2014

Summer thermal stratification is thought to be one of the key structuring physical factors for north temperate lake zooplankton. Shifts associated with climate change may lead to altered thermocline depths in stratified lakes through changes to (i) wind stress and associated water column mixing or (ii) air temperature and precipitation. The effects of thermocline deepening through these two scenarios were simulated in a whole‐lake experiment to assess the effects on the phenology, biomass and mean body size of the zooplankton.

The thermocline of a three‐basin dimictic lake was deepened to 7–8 m in one basin using a lake mixer. Through heat transfer, the thermocline of the adjacent basin was deepened to 6–7 m, while the third basin served as an unmanipulated control (4–5 m deep thermocline). Zooplankton community dynamics were followed weekly in a control year and in two experimental years. A before‐after‐control‐impact (BACI) statistical protocol was used to assess the effects of two treatments: Deepening and Deepening+Mixing.

Thermocline depth was the main factor influencing zooplankton changes. The biomass and late‐season dominance by smaller‐bodied and more fish‐evasive species were favoured by deepening, leading to a decline in mean community body size, but an increase in total biomass.

While many effects could be attributed to thermocline deepening, additional or exacerbated responses were observed when mixing was also present. This resulted mostly from a loss of the hypolimnetic refuge for zooplankton, which accentuated predation effects by warm‐water fish on larger cladocerans. Overall, our treatments promoted top‐down (predation) effects that increased over the 2 years of the experiment.
Use of alfacalcidol in osteoporotic patients with low muscle mass might increase muscle mass: An investigation using a patient database
Authors: Ito Sadayuki , Harada Atsushi , Kasai Takehiro , Sakai Yoshihito , Takemura Marie , Matsui Yasumoto , Hida Tetsuro , Ishiguro Naoki
Published: January 2014

Aim

Sarcopenia causes a decline in physical performance and decreased quality of life. However, there is little evidence for effective treatments. Because of the similarities between osteoporosis and sarcopenia, alfacalcidol used for osteoporosis might be beneficial for low muscle mass. Therefore, we investigated the effect of alfacalcidol on muscle mass in patients with low muscle mass.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort analysis, patients from an osteoporosis database were divided into two groups: alfacalcidol‐treated patients (vitamin D group; n = 156) and a control group without drug treatment (n = 233). Muscle mass was evaluated in terms of the skeletal muscle index (SMI; kg/m2) obtained from dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry measurements that were taken at the start and end of a 1‐year period. Low muscle mass was determined using specific SMI cut‐offs for Japanese individuals.

Results

Both the vitamin D group (mean age 73.7 ± 9.8 years) and the control group (mean age 72.3 ± 11.9 years) were primarily women (n = 141, 90.4%; n = 189, 81.1%, respectively). Low muscle mass was identified in 32.7% (n = 51) of the vitamin D group and 32.2% (n = 75) of the control group. The mean appendicular SMI in the vitamin D group did not change significantly over the 1‐year period. The change was significant among the patients with low muscle mass (5.30 kg/m2 vs 5.49 kg/m2). The mean appendicular SMI in the control group decreased significantly over the 1‐year period (6.09 kg/m2 vs 5.99 kg/m2). The change in the patients with low muscle mass was not significant.

Conclusions

The vitamin D group maintained muscle mass, and the SMI increased in patients with low muscle mass. Thus, the use of alfacalcidol might be effective in osteoporotic patients with low muscle mass. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14 (Suppl. 1): 122–128.
Quality of life in older people with dementia: A multilevel study of individual attributes and residential care center characteristics
Authors: Marventano Stefano , Prieto‐Flores Maria‐Eugenia , Sanz‐Barbero Belén , Martín‐García Salomé , Fernandez‐Mayoralas Gloria , Rojo‐Perez Fermina , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Forjaz Maria João ,   Spanish Research Group on Quality of Life and Ageing
Published: January 2014

Aim

To analyze how the characteristics of institutionalized older people with dementia and residential care centers are associated with the individual's quality of life (QoL).

Methods

Data were collected from a survey carried out on 525 elderly people aged 60 years or older in 14 nursing care homes across Spain. Multilevel linear analysis to assess the differences in QoL level between centers and individuals was carried out.

Results

The characteristics of the individuals that were associated with a higher QoL were functional independence, health status and gathering with family, friends or neighbors. In contrast, higher levels of dementia, depression and the length of institutionalization had a negative effect on QoL. In relation to the residential care center characteristics, the availability of geriatricians was associated with higher QoL, compared with those centers with no geriatricians on staff. In addition, public centers (public ownership and publicly‐funded residents) were also associated with higher QoL than private/mixed centers. The multilevel analysis showed that the 16.4% of the differences in QoL was related to residence factors.

Conclusion

These results reflect the importance of the functional, social, mental and residential dimensions in the QoL of older adults with dementia. Actions devoted to improving these key dimensions would contribute to promote the well‐being of this vulnerable population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 104–110.
Dysregulation of the proteasome increases the toxicity of ALS‐linked mutant SOD1
Authors: Kitamura Akira , Inada Noriko , Kubota Hiroshi , Matsumoto Gen , Kinjo Masataka , Morimoto Richard I. , Nagata Kazuhiro
Published: January 2014

A hallmark of protein conformational disease, exemplified by neurodegenerative disorders, is the expression of misfolded and aggregated proteins. The relationship between protein aggregation and cellular toxicity is complex, and various models of experimental pathophysiology have often yielded conflicting or controversial results. In this study, we examined the biophysical properties of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)‐linked mutations of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) expressed in human tissue culture cells. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) analyses revealed that changes in proteasome activity affected both the expression of FCS‐ and FRET‐detected oligomers and cellular toxicity. Under normal conditions, highly aggregation‐prone mutant SOD1 exhibited very little toxicity. However, when the activity of the proteasome was transiently inhibited, only upon recovery did we observe the appearance of ordered soluble oligomers, which were closely correlated with cellular toxicity. These results shed light on the importance of balance in proteostasis and suggest that transient shifts of activity in the cellular machinery can alter the course of protein conformational transitions and dysregulate modulation of proteasome activity. In neurodegenerative disorders including ALS, such changes may be a risk factor for pathogenesis.
The demographics of the United States haemophilia treatment centre social workers: the results of a national survey
Authors: Geary M. K. , McGeady L. , Dunn L. , Pennick L. , Johnson M. , Stolfi A.
Published: January 2014

Social Workers (SWs) are vital members of the multidisciplinary health care teams at Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTCs) across the US. However, little research has been done to identify the demographics and qualifications of HTC SWs. In response to this lack of data, a subcommittee from the Social Work Working Group sponsored by the National Hemophilia Foundation conducted a national online survey in 2010. The authors attempted to ascertain the demographics and characteristics of SWs who work at HTCs across the country. The purpose of this article is to report the results of this online survey and evaluate the parameters of SW demographics in HTCs. Electronic surveys were sent to 143 HTC SWs. Ten were excluded and 100 were completed and returned, yielding a 75% response rate. The great majority of HTC SWs are women and almost half are middle‐aged (aged 40–59). They represent a highly educated, very experienced group of professionals. When asked why respondents stayed in their positions at the HTCs, answers appeared to highly correlate to factors related to the HTC multidisciplinary team model. The high survey response rate of 75% reflects the interest of HTC SWs in obtaining data that describe and quantify their qualifications. This information may serve as validation of the haemophilia SW role in times of funding cuts. It may also give a basis for the recruitment and retention of SWs in the haemophilia field.
Current scenario for the hepatoprotective effects of Inchinkoto, a traditional herbal medicine, and its clinical application in liver surgery: A review
Authors: Yokoyama Yukihiro , Nagino Masato
Published: January 2014

Inchinkoto (ICKT) is one of the most commonly used herbal medicines as a hepatoprotective agent. Among the numerous chemical compounds included in ICKT, geniposide is the most abundant component. Geniposide, after p.o. intake, is converted to the active metabolite genipin by intestinal bacteria and is absorbed in the portal circulation. The biological properties of ICKT and genipin have been studied in numerous experiments. Administration of ICKT or genipin exerts choleretic effects through upregulation of multidrug resistance‐associated protein 2 in hepatocytes. ICKT also exerts an anti‐apoptotic action through inhibition of transforming growth factor‐β1‐ or tumor necrosis factor‐α‐dependent signaling pathways. The excessive inflammatory response induced by various hepatic stresses is also attenuated by ICKT pre‐administration. Moreover, ICKT upregulates antioxidant enzymes in the liver under conditions of oxidative stress. These experimental results suggest potential benefit of ICKT in liver disease and particularly in hepatic surgery, which justify further well‐designed controlled clinical study. To date, however, clinical data regarding the benefit of ICKT for liver surgery are rare. This review article summarized and discussed recent evidence relating to the hepatoprotective effects of ICKT in the field of basic and clinical science.
Pathogenesis and management of Wilson disease
Authors: Harada Masaru
Published: January 2014

Hepatolenticular degeneration, commonly known as Wilson disease, is an autosomal recessive inherited disease of abnormal copper metabolism, characterized by the accumulation of copper in the body due to decreased biliary excretion of copper from hepatocytes. Wilson disease protein, ATP7B, functions in copper excretion into bile and in copper secretion to the bloodstream coupled with ceruloplasmin synthesis. Various kinds of mutations of ATP7B cause Wilson disease. Wilson disease is a rare genetic disease that can be treated pharmacologically. Recognition and prompt diagnosis are very important, because Wilson disease is fatal if left untreated. In this review, I summarize the pathogenesis and management of Wilson disease.
Effects of vitamin D3 stimulation of thioredoxin‐interacting protein in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hamilton James P. , Potter James J. , Koganti Lahari , Meltzer Stephen J. , Mezey Esteban
Published: January 2014

Aim

Thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP) promotes oxidative stress by inactivating thioredoxin (TXN). This protein is involved in diverse disease processes, including insulin resistance, atherosclerosis and carcinogenesis. The aim of the present study was to measure the expression and function of TXNIP in in vitro models of liver disease, as well as in primary human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue specimens. In addition, we wanted to determine the effects of vitamin D3‐induced TXNIP stimulation in HCC‐derived cell lines.

Methods

TXNIP expression was measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blots. TXNIP expression was stimulated by vitamin D exposure and by transfection. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species were determined by standard assays.

Results

TXNIP expression levels were low in HCC cell lines, and vitamin D3 stimulated TXNIP expression in vitro. In HCC cells transfected with a TXNIP expression vector or treated with exogenous vitamin D3, there was a reduction in cell proliferation and an increase in apoptosis. Cells expressing TXNIP were markedly susceptible to oxidative injury induced by cobalt chloride or bacterial lipopolysaccharide. TXNIP expression was reduced or absent in a majority of primary human HCC specimens relative to matching, non‐cancerous liver tissue.

Conclusion

TXNIP expression is low or absent in human HCC specimens and HCC‐derived cell lines. Vitamin D3 stimulates TXNIP expression, resulting in diminished proliferation and enhanced apoptosis. Liver cells expressing TXNIP are primed for oxidative injury. These findings suggest that stimulation of TXNIP expression, by factors such as vitamin D3, may attenuate carcinogenesis in patients with chronic liver disease.
The increased gastroprotective effect of pioglitazone in cholestatic rats: role of nitric oxide and tumour necrosis factor alpha
Authors: Moezi Leila , Janahmadi Zeinab , Amirghofran Zahra , Nekooeian Ali Akbar , Dehpour Ahmad R.
Published: January 2014

The prevalence of gastric ulcers is high in cholestatic patients, but the exact mechanism of this increased frequency remains uncertain. It has been shown that pioglitazone accelerates the healing of pre‐existing gastric ulcers. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of pioglitazone, on the gastric mucosal lesions in cholestatic rats. Cholestasis was induced by surgical ligation of common bile duct and sham‐operated rats served as control. Different groups of sham and cholestatic animals received solvent or pioglitazone (5, 15, 30 mg/kg) for 7 days. On the day eight rats were killed after oral ethanol administration and the area of gastric lesions was measured. The serums of rats were also collected to determine serum levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), IL‐1β and bilirubin. The ethanol‐induced gastric mucosal damage was significantly more severe in cholestatic rats than sham‐operated ones. Pretreatment with pioglitazone dose‐dependently attenuated gastric lesions induced by ethanol in both sham and cholestatic rats, but this effect was more prominent in cholestatic ones. The effect of pioglitazone was associated with a significant fall in serum levels of TNF‐α in cholestatic rats. L‐NAME, a non‐selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, and decreased pioglitazone‐induced gastroprotective effect in cholestatic rats, while aminoguanidine, a selective inducible NOS inhibitor, potentiated pioglitazone‐induced gastroprotective effect in the cholestatic rats. Chronic treatment with pioglitazone exerts an enhanced gastroprotective effect on the stomach ulcers of cholestatic rats compared to sham rats probably due to constitutive NOS induction and/or inducible NOS inhibition and attenuating release of TNF‐α.
ON FISCAL MULTIPLIERS: ESTIMATES FROM A MEDIUM SCALE DSGE MODEL
Authors: ZUBAIRY SARAH
Published: January 2014

This article contributes to the debate on fiscal multipliers, in the context of an estimated dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model, featuring a rich fiscal policy block and a transmission mechanism for government spending shocks. I find the multiplier for government spending to be 1.07, which is largest on impact. The multipliers for labor and capital tax on impact are 0.13 and 0.34, respectively. The effects of tax cuts take time to build and exceed stimulative effects of spending by 12–20 quarters. I carry out counterfactual exercises to show how alternative financing methods and expected monetary policy have consequences for the size of fiscal multipliers.
ECONOMIC GROWTH WITH TRADE IN FACTORS OF PRODUCTION
Authors: YENOKYAN KARINE , SEATER JOHN J. , ARABSHAHI MARYAM
Published: January 2014

We study the world trading equilibrium in a Ricardian model, where factors of production are produced and traded. Even in the absence of technology transfer, international investment, research and development, and aggregate scale effects, trade affects economic growth through comparative advantage. Trade may raise the growth rate or leave it unchanged, depending on the patterns of comparative and absolute advantage. Trade in factors of production can effectively equalize technology even when technology transfer does not occur. Factor price equalization may hold, but the Stolper–Samuelson and Rybczynski theorems do not. The transition dynamics can be monotonic or oscillatory.