bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Inert Atmosphere on the Postharvest Browning of Manzanilla Olives and Optimization by Response Surface Methodology of the Aqueous Treatments
Authors: Segovia‐Bravo Kharla A. , García‐García Pedro , López‐López Antonio , Garrido‐Fernández Antonio
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  Subjecting bruised olives to a nitrogen atmosphere during the postharvest period prevented the oxidation of phenols and subsequent browning. However, a rapid phenol oxidation and browning occurred when fruits were re‐exposed to air. Based on models deduced from the effects of aqueous antioxidant solutions on changes in different color parameters in the fermented product, the treatments to prevent browning were optimized. The recommended procedure consists of placing the harvested olives in a cold (4 to 8 °C) solution of 3% sodium metabisulfite with the pH adjusted to 3.0 (by adding food grade HCl) and applying the lye treatment before 8 h from picking. The use of these conditions led to mechanically harvested Spanish style olives with hardly any visible browning.

Practical Application:  The procedure developed may be applicable to prevent browning on the bruised areas of manually or mechanically harvested olives. The system is simple, requires low investment, and may lead, in fermented olives, to undetectable differences between undamaged and bruised areas and better ratings in the visual observation of healthy fruits.
Modelling and Forecasting Gas Flow on Exits of Gas Transmission Networks
Authors: Friedl Herwig , Mirkov Radoslava , Steinkamp Ansgar
Published: April 2012

Les flux de gaz naturel dans un réseau de transport sont étudiés dans une perspective d'optimisation. L'analyse des données réelles fournit une compréhension meilleure du comportement du gaz dans ces réseaux. Plusieurs modèles de la dépendance entre flux quotidien maximal et température aux points de sortie sont proposés. Dans la classe des modèles paramétriques, une régression sigmoïde modifiée est sélectionnée. Dans un cadre semi‐paramétrique, c'est un modèle de régression fondé sur les splines pénalisés qui est choisi. La comparaison des modèles et des prévisions qu'ils fournissent en basses températures est également considérée. L'application des résultats est discutée.
Bayesian Priors from Loss Matching
Authors: Brown Philip J. , Walker Stephen G.
Published: April 2012

Cet article discute le problème de la construction de lois de probabilité a priori dans un contexte où les opinions ou les informations reflétées par ces lois portent uniquement sur les quantités observables du problème. Nous apportons une attention particulière au cas où le paramètre est caractérisé par la minimisation d'une mesure de divergence, et examinons l'application de la règle de Bayes dans cette perspective. Notre point de vue est fondamentalement non paramétrique, et repose sur le “matching” de deux fonctions de perte, l'une liée au modèle, l'autre à l'a priori.
Subsampling Inference withKPopulations and a Non‐standard Behrens–Fisher Problem
Authors: McMurry Timothy L. , Politis Dimitris N. , Romano Joseph P.
Published: April 2012

Nous passons en revue la méthodologie et le développement historique des méthodes de sous‐échantillonnage, et explorons en détail leur utilisation dans le cadre des problèmes de tests d'hypothèses, où ces méthodes ont étéétonnamment peu prises en considération. Nous explorons, en particulier, le cas très général d'un modèle àKéchantillons faisant intervenir un paramètre de grande dimension. Nous mettons en évidence le rôle important que joue le centrage de la loi de sous‐échantillonnage, et montrons que ce centrage augmente la puissance des tests considérés. Nous montrons également comment les méthodes de sous‐échantillonnage permettent de traiter une forme non standard du problème de Behrens‐Fisher dans laquelle les populations dont on désire comparer les moyennes ne diffèrent pas seulement par leurs variances (qui peuvent éventuellement être infinies), mais peuvent présenter des lois complètement hétérogènes. Notre formulation est très générale, et s'applique même à des observations de nature fonctionnelle. Enfin, nous développons une théorie pour les statistiques‐Upermettant d'établir, dans le cadre très général deKéchantillons, la validité asymptotique des intervalles de confiance et des tests fondés sur le sous‐échantillonnage.
An Occasion for Collective Engagement: Shifting Political Hegemonies in Early Malay Epic Dramas
Authors: Chung Simone Shu‐Yeng
Published: April 2012

The article discusses how the intertextual relationship between film, performing arts, literature, and the liberal capitalist structure of the Malay film studio system was exploited by British colonialists and Malay intellectuals alike to encourage the formation of nationalistic aspirations in the 1950s and 1960s. Although Malay epics were seen to portray a particularly Malay‐centric view of feudal societies, they imply a wider political objective when the production histories of three epic films – the legend of Hang Tuah (1956), his nemesis Hang Jebat (1961), and the folktale Raja Bersiong (1968) – are reviewed. Malaysia's first Prime Minister's incorporation of plays in his political campaigns and forays into film suggests his belief that the media could be instrumental in projecting an indigenised national identity. Created for a wide cinematic audience, such films encouraged cinemas’ function as the space of convergence where members of Malaysia's plural society could participate in the undifferentiated cinematic experience.
Zionist Awareness of the Jewish Past: Inventing Tradition or Renewing the Ethnic Past?
Authors: Conforti Yitzhak
Published: April 2012

Since the 1980s, the question of how nations are formed has been the topic of historiographic debate: is it correct to define nation‐building in terms of inventing traditions, or is the ethnic‐symbolic viewpoint more useful in understanding the process of development of the nation‐state? This debate is also reflected in research onJewish nationalism. In this article, I will examine this issue in relation to theZionist movement, focusing on several clear examples of forging the nation and nation‐building: 1) the change in configuration of traditionalJewish holidays; 2) ceremonies andZionist holidays onkibbutzim; 3) the status of theBible in the Zionist movement; and 4)Jewish history andZionist historiography. These examples indicate that the process of nation‐building reveals a strong ethnic‐cultural link to theJewish past. I will argue that modern political explanations such as inventing tradition do not offer a full explanation of the phenomenon ofJewish nationalism. In order to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of the success ofZionism in consolidating around it a group willing to commit such a high level of personal sacrifice over time, we must give consideration to cultural‐ethnic continuity as well as the feeling of commitment and sanctity thatJewish nationalism offered to its believers, both religious and secular.
Anticipatory Representation: Building the Palestinian Nation(‐State) through Artistic Performance
Authors: De Cesari Chiara
Published: April 2012

This article aims to illuminate the ways in which artists and cultural producers can participate in forging the nation(‐state) by performing its institutions, and by mocking its operations. It explores two experiments in setting up a Palestinian national museum, which are also art projects in themselves. It also discusses the recent Palestinian art biennials, organised by a Palestinian non‐governmental organisation in 2007 and 2009 in various locations across the Mediterranean. It is my argument that the experiments with the Palestinian national museum and the biennials constitute a kind of artistic practice that does not just represent or imitate the social world: they are artistic practices that purport toproducenew social arrangements – in particular, a set of new ‘state’ (art and cultural) institutions under conditions of statelessness. I also discuss how such a tactic of anticipatory representation, which calls into being, by representing them beforehand, institutions that do not yet (fully) exist, bears resemblance with recent policies adopted by the Palestinian political establishment.
‘Whose Game They're Playing’: Nation and Emotion in Canadian TV Advertising during the 2010 Winter Olympics
Authors: Mock Steven J.
Published: April 2012

Through the examination of four commercials advertising products by transnational corporations broadcast to Canadian audiences during coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, this article explores how certain images, particularly those related to hockey, appeal to emotion through the conduit of national identity. Drawing out recurring symbols and themes, I demonstrate that it is not one's love of hockey in itself, or the excitement one feels watching hockey to which these commercials appeal. Rather, hockey serves in these commercials as a national ‘totem’, an empty signifier like a flag whose primary meaning lies in its status as emblem of the group, recognised in common by members of the group as encapsulating and organising the otherwise heterogeneous assortment of myths, symbols, and values that constitute group identity. What these commercials do, intentionally or not, is re‐enact a ritual of almost religious function in which the national group reaffirms its agreement to be a group by unanimously experiencing the same emotion over the same object. The success of the advertisement rests in the ability of the advertiser to incorporate the product as a participant in the ritual; as a vital ingredient to the successful completion of the ritual, if not as an honorary non‐human member of the group itself.
Complete remission of localised gastric plasmacytomas following definitive radiotherapy
Authors: Tan Jennifer , Lade Stephen , Harrison Simon , Opat Stephen , Mac Manus Michael P
Published: April 2012

Aims: Primary gastric extramedullary plasmacytoma is an extremely rare condition and there is scant information in the literature concerning its natural history or therapy. There have been anecdotal reports of surgical resection, with or without Helicobacter pylori eradication, but there are no useful reports of the role of radiotherapy. We report the clinicopathologic outcome of radical radiotherapy as a primary treatment modality.

Methods: We identified two patients with biopsy‐proven primary gastric extramedullary plasmacytoma. Routine staging investigations were performed and H. pylori status was determined. Radical radiotherapy to 41.4 Gy in 23 fractions was delivered using conformal techniques. The target volume was the stomach with a 1‐cm margin. Prophylactic anti‐emetic was administered prior to each fraction. Post‐treatment endoscopies and biopsies were performed at 3‐monthly intervals to assess clinicopathological response. Treatment‐related toxicities were documented.

Results: Both patients achieved durable (>12 months) pathologically confirmed complete remissions without significant toxicities.

Conclusion: Radical radiotherapy offers the potential for cure and organ preservation with low toxicity. It should be considered a favourable alternative to surgery in the management of this rare disease entity.
Benzalkonium chloride induces anterior chamber inflammation in previously untreated patients with ocular hypertension as measured by flare meter: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Stevens Anna M. , Kestelyn Philippe A. , De Bacquer Dirk , Kestelyn Philippe G.
Published: April 2012

Purpose:  The deleterious effects of benzalkonium chloride (BAK) on the ocular surface are well known. However, few clinical data are available to prove a toxic effect at the level of the anterior chamber. The laser flare meter is a reliable tool to detect low levels of inflammation in the anterior chamber. We wanted to know whether instillation of BAK‐preserved timolol in one eye would result in higher laser flare values than the instillation of preservative‐free timolol in the fellow eye.

Methods:  Randomized prospective, single‐masked clinical trial. Twenty‐eight untreated patients with ocular hypertension were recruited. After obtaining baseline flare values, we randomly assigned one eye to BAK‐preserved timolol and the fellow eye to preservative‐free timolol. After 1 month, flare measurements were repeated.

Results:  There was a significant increase in the flare values in the two treatment regimens, but the increase in the BAK‐treated eyes was higher than in the preservative‐free treated eyes, and this difference in increase was statistically significant.

Conclusion:  This is the first study to show that short‐term BAK administration produces inflammation in the anterior segment of previously untreated patients whose blood–aqueous barrier was not affected by recent intraocular surgery.
Anterior visual pathway assessment by magnetic resonance imaging in normal‐pressure glaucoma
Authors: Zhang Ya Q. , Li Jing , Xu Liang , Zhang Li , Wang Zhen C. , Yang Hua , Chen Chang X. , Wu Xi S. , Jonas Jost B.
Published: April 2012

Purpose:  To analyze the axonal architecture of the optic nerve in patients with normal‐pressure glaucoma and determine whether these parameters correlate with the disease severity.

Methods:  Using magnetic resonance (MRI) imaging (1.5‐Tesla unit) and diffusion tensor (DT) MRI, we measured the optic nerve diameter, optic chiasm height and lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) volume in patients with normal‐pressure glaucoma and an age‐matched control group. The retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFL) was determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results:  The study included 30 patients with normal‐pressure glaucoma and 30 age‐matched control subjects. Optic nerve diameter (p < 0.001), optic chiasm height (p < 0.001) and LGN volume (p = 0.02) were significantly smaller in the glaucoma group than in the control group and were significantly correlated with RNFL thickness and perimetric loss. In the control group, the parameters significantly (p < 0.05) decreased with age. The DT‐MRI‐derived fractional anisotropy for the optic nerve was significantly lower (p < 0.001), and the DT‐MRI‐derived mean diffusivity (p < 0.001), radial diffusivity (λ⊥; p < 0.001) and axial diffusivity (λ||; p = 0.009) for the optic nerve were significantly higher in the glaucoma group and significantly correlated with RNFL thickness and mean perimetric defect.

Conclusions:  Patients with normal‐pressure glaucoma show an age‐adjusted reduced optic nerve diameter, optic chiasm height and LGN volume as measured by MRI, correlating with a reduced RNFL thickness and increased perimetric loss. MRI may be applied to examine the optic nerve in patients with glaucoma with opaque optic media.
Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy in the retromode in diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Vujosevic Stela , Trento Barbara , Bottega Elisa , Urban Francesca , Pilotto Elisabetta , Midena Edoardo
Published: April 2012

Purpose:  To determine the validity of scanning laser ophthalmoscopy in the retromode (RM‐SLO) versus other imaging modalities in the diagnosis of diabetic macular oedema (DME).

Methods:  Two hundred and sixty‐three eyes were examined. Inclusion criteria were any stage of untreated or treated diabetic retinopathy and four imaging modalities of the macula carried out on the same day: time domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), RM‐SLO and fluorescein angiography (FA). Two masked retinal specialists independently graded all images. Agreement between RM‐SLO and OCT, FA and FAF in evaluating the presence and patterns of DME was evaluated by kappa statistics, sensitivity, specificity, observed proportional agreement, and proportional agreement in positive and negative cases.

Results:  The agreement in evaluating the presence/absence of DME between RM‐SLO and OCT, FA and FAF was good: κ = 0.73 (confidence interval; CI, 0.64–0.83), κ = 0.71 (CI, 0.61–0.81) and κ = 0.73 (CI, 0.63–0.83), respectively. The agreement in evaluating cystoid pattern of DME was almost perfect between RM‐SLO and OCT, RM‐SLO and FA, κ > 0.8; and good between RM‐SLO and FAF, κ > 0.7. The agreement in evaluating the presence/absence of subfoveal neuroretinal was almost perfect between RM‐SLO and OCT (κ = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70–0.96). Subfoveal neuroretinal detachment did not show any specific pattern on FA or FAF. Sensitivity and specificity of RM‐SLO in evaluating DME was 97.7% and 71.9% versus OCT, 97.4% and 68.1% versus FA and 96.1% and 73.3% versus FAF. Retinal thickness of 233 μm represented the cut‐off value to define DME by RM‐SLO.

Conclusions:  The combined use of non‐invasive imaging techniques can improve the diagnostic interpretation of different aspects of DME.
Central corneal thickness in full‐term Saudi newborns
Authors: Rushood Adel A. , Zahrani Mohammed H. , Khamis Ammar , Rushood Abdul‐Aziz A.
Published: April 2012

Purpose:  To establish a standard of normal central corneal thickness (CCT) in normal full‐term Saudi newborn. These values could be used as a reference in the early diagnosis and control of the fairly common primary congenital glaucoma in Saudi newborns.

Methods:  The CCT was measured in 100 normal full‐term Saudi newborns (200 eyes) during the first 6 days of the postnatal period. All measurements were carried out by one investigator using ultrasonic pachymeter DGH‐1000.

Results:  The mean CCT of 200 eyes (right and left) was 616 ± 61 μm. The mean CCT of the right and left eyes was similar (CCTRE was 617 ± 62 μm, and mean CCTLE was 616 ± 60 μm), with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.417). The mean CCT for males was 631 ± 66 μm and for females 600 ± 50 μm. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.01). The mean CCT decreases significantly by age [day‐1: 626 ± 65 μm, day‐2: 601 ± 48 μm and day‐3: 574 ± 45 μm (p = 0.049)]. No correlations were found between CCT and gestational age, birth weight, birth length and head circumference.

Conclusion:  The average CCT in full‐term Saudi newborns was found to be 616 ± 61 μm. The mean CCT in males was significantly higher than in females. There was no correlation between CCT and gestational age, birth weight, birth length and head circumference. There were borderline significant differences between CCT in 1‐day‐, 2‐day‐, and 3‐day‐old babies.
Effect of Chronic Pretreatment of Angiotensin‐Converting Receptor Blocker on No‐Reflow Phenomenon in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Hu Tao , Wang Hai‐Chang , Wang Ru‐Tao , Lv An‐Lin , Luan Rong‐Hua , Li Cheng‐Xiang , Cheng He‐Xiang , Xia Cheng‐Hai , Tao Ling
Published: April 2012

Aims: Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) exert favorable effects on the vascular system, which are not directly related to hypertension lowering function. The no‐reflow phenomenon determines the prognosis in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Early ARB treatment has many beneficial effects on the prognosis after AMI. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that ARB treatment before admission would have beneficial effects on the development of the no‐reflow phenomenon after infarction. Methods: We investigated 276 consecutive patients with AMI undergoing successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). No‐reflow was defined as thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade <3, which was determined by the TIMI frame count method using angiographic images obtained just after PCI and stenting. Results: Compared with patients without ARB treatment, patients with ARB had more frequently hypertension and ST resolution (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found in the other clinical characteristics (age, sex, Hyperlipidaemia, Diabetes mellitus, etc) between the two groups. A total of 51 patients receiving chronic ARB treatment before admission have lower incidence of the no‐reflow phenomenon than those without chronic ARB treatment (8.7% and 26.7%, P= 0.003). However, the incidence of the no‐reflow phenomenon between the patients with and without hypertension had no significant difference. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that ARB pretreatment was a significant predictor of the no‐reflow phenomenon, whereas blood pressure was found to be insignificant. Conclusion: Chronic pretreatment of ARB is associated with the reduction of the no‐reflow phenomenon in patients with reperfused AMI and could preserve microvascular integrity after AMI independent of blood pressure lowering, which may contribute to better functional recovery.
Relationship between hospital volume and operative mortality for liver resection: Data from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database
Authors: Yasunaga Hideo , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Matsuda Shinya , Fushimi Kiyohide , Hashimoto Hideki , Ohe Kazuhiko , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: April 2012

Aim:  The present study aimed to conduct a nationwide investigation on the relationship between hospital volume and outcomes following liver resection in Japan. We also discuss health policy implications of the results.

Methods:  Using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, we identified 18 046 patients who underwent hepatic resection between July and December 2007–2009. Patients were subdivided into hospital‐volume quartiles: very low‐ (<18/year), low‐ (18–35), high‐ (36–70) and very high‐volume groups (>70). Multivariate logistic regression analysis for in‐hospital mortality within 30 days of surgery was performed to analyze adjusted effects of various factors.

Results:  Patients in the very high‐volume group had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (P < 0.001) than those in the very low‐volume group. Very low‐volume hospitals were significantly less likely to perform extended lobectomy than very high‐volume hospitals (5.4% vs 17.6%, P < 0.001). Crude in‐hospital mortality within 30 days of surgery was 1.1% (0.6%, 0.8%, 1.9% and 3.0% for limited resection, segmentectomy, lobectomy and extended lobectomy, respectively). With reference to the very low‐volume group, risk‐adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of low‐, high‐ and very high‐volume groups for overall mortality were 0.70 (0.48–1.02; P = 0.060), 0.52 (0.34–0.81; P = 0.004) and 0.16 (0.09–0.30; P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion:  There is a linear trend between higher hospital volume and lower in‐hospital mortality of liver resection in Japan, particularly for lobectomy and extended lobectomy. Based on these results, regionalization of lobectomy and extended lobectomy in high‐volume centers could be effective for reducing postoperative mortality.
Complications of radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma in a multicenter study: An analysis of 16 346 treated nodules in 13 283 patients
Authors: Koda Masahiko , Murawaki Yoshikazu , Hirooka Yasuaki , Kitamoto Mikiya , Ono Masafumi , Sakaeda Hiroshi , Joko Kouji , Sato Shuichi , Tamaki Katsuyoshi , Yamasaki Takahiro , Shibata Hiroshi , Shimoe Toshinari , Matsuda Tadakazu , Toshikuni Nobuyuki , Fujioka Shin‐ichi , Ohmoto Kenji , Nakamura Shinichiro , Kariyama Kazuya , Aikata Hiroshi , Kobayashi Yoshiyuki , Tsutsui Akemi
Published: April 2012

Aim:  We surveyed multiple centers to identify types and frequency of complications and mortality rate associated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:  We distributed a questionnaire developed by members of the Chugoku‐Shikoku Society for the Local Ablation Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to 20 centers and analyzed types and frequency of complications and mortality rate.

Results:  In total, 16 346 nodules were treated in 13 283 patients between January 1999 and November 2010. Five patients (0.038%) died: two from intraperitoneal hemorrhage, and one each from hemothorax, severe acute pancreatitis and perforation of the colon. In 16 346 treated nodules, 579 complications (3.54%) were observed, including 78 hemorrhages (0.477%), 276 hepatic injuries (1.69%), 113 extrahepatic organ injuries (0.691%) and 27 tumor progressions (0.17%). The centers that treated a large number of nodules and performed RFA modifications, such as use of artificial ascites, artificial pleural effusion and bile duct cooling, had low complication rates.

Conclusion:  This study confirmed that RFA is a low‐risk treatment for HCC and that sufficient experience and technical skill can reduce complications.
Atrial‐Based Pacing for Sinus Node Dysfunction in Dogs: Initial Results
Authors: Estrada A.H. , Pariaut R. , Hemsley S. , Gatson B.H. , Moïse N.S.
Published: April 2012

Background

An important consideration for the treatment of sick sinus syndrome (SSS) lies in the function of the atrioventricular (AV) node because most patients with SSS retain the ability to conduct atrial impulses.

Hypothesis/Objectives

This retrospective study examined the feasibility of atrial pacing (AAI) in dogs with sinus node dysfunction (SND).

Animals

Sixteen dogs with SND and AAI pacing were identified.

Methods

Retrospective review of medical records.

Results

Follow‐up time ranged from 45 to 1,227 days (mean: 292 days). Only 1 dog developed AV block 3 days postoperatively. Complete lead dislodgment occurred in 3/16 dogs 1, 19, and 27 days postoperatively. Lead perforation into the pericardial space occurred in 2/16 dogs. Rising thresholds for pacing with possible lead microdislodgment or fibrosis were suspected in another 3/16 dogs 57, 192, and 1,016 days after implantation. None of these dogs had complete loss of capture but all required higher thresholds for pacing.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Based on this small group of dogs, clinically important AV block does not appear to occur in the long‐term for dogs with SND. Risks of lead perforation, complete dislodgment, and rising thresholds for pacing, possibly because of microdislodgment, may be related to the initial skill level of the operator or the leads that were used. Use of leads with reduced torque at the lead tip, higher flexibility, increased lead‐tip surface of contact with the endocardium or, more likely, use of alternate locations for pacing in the small right atrium of dogs with SND may decrease the frequency of these complications.
How to measure and test phylogenetic signal
Authors: Münkemüller Tamara , Lavergne Sébastien , Bzeznik Bruno , Dray Stéphane , Jombart Thibaut , Schiffers Katja , Thuiller Wilfried
Published: April 2012

1. Phylogenetic signal is the tendency of related species to resemble each other more than species drawn at random from the same tree. This pattern is of considerable interest in a range of ecological and evolutionary research areas, and various indices have been proposed for quantifying it. Unfortunately, these indices often lead to contrasting results, and guidelines for choosing the most appropriate index are lacking.

2. Here, we compare the performance of four commonly used indices using simulated data. Data were generated with numerical simulations of trait evolution along phylogenetic trees under a variety of evolutionary models. We investigated the sensitivity of the approaches to the size of phylogenies, the resolution of tree structure and the availability of branch length information, examining both the response of the selected indices and the power of the associated statistical tests.

3. We found that under a Brownian motion (BM) model of trait evolution, Abouheif’sCmeanand Pagel’s λ performed well and substantially better than Moran’sIand Blomberg’sK. Pagel’sλprovided a reliable effect size measure and performed better for discriminating between more complex models of trait evolution, but was computationally more demanding than Abouheif’sCmean. Blomberg’sKwas most suitable to capture the effects of changing evolutionary rates in simulation experiments.

4. Interestingly, sample size influenced not only the uncertainty but also the expected values of most indices, while polytomies and missing branch length information had only negligible impacts.

5. We propose guidelines for choosing among indices, depending on (a) their sensitivity to true underlying patterns of phylogenetic signal, (b) whether a test or a quantitative measure is required and (c) their sensitivities to different topologies of phylogenies.

6. These guidelines aim to better assess phylogenetic signal and distinguish it from random trait distributions. They were developed under the assumption of BM, and additional simulations with more complex trait evolution models show that they are to a certain degree generalizable. They are particularly useful in comparative analyses, when requiring a proxy for niche similarity, and in conservation studies that explore phylogenetic loss associated with extinction risks of specific clades.
A two‐phase sampling design for increasing detections of rare species in occupancy surveys
Authors: Pacifici Krishna , Dorazio Robert M. , Conroy Michael J.
Published: April 2012

1. Occupancy estimation is a commonly used tool in ecological studies owing to the ease at which data can be collected and the large spatial extent that can be covered. One major obstacle to using an occupancy‐based approach is the complications associated with designing and implementing an efficient survey. These logistical challenges become magnified when working with rare species when effort can be wasted in areas with none or very few individuals.

2. Here, we develop a two‐phase sampling approach that mitigates these problems by using a design that places more effort in areas with higher predicted probability of occurrence. We compare our new sampling design to traditional single‐season occupancy estimation under a range of conditions and population characteristics. We develop an intuitive measure of predictive error to compare the two approaches and use simulations to assess the relative accuracy of each approach.

3. Our two‐phase approach exhibited lower predictive error rates compared to the traditional single‐season approach in highly spatially correlated environments. The difference was greatest when detection probability was high (0·75) regardless of the habitat or sample size. When the true occupancy rate was below 0·4 (0·05–0·4), we found that allocating 25% of the sample to the first phase resulted in the lowest error rates.

4. In the majority of scenarios, the two‐phase approach showed lower error rates compared to the traditional single‐season approach suggesting our new approach is fairly robust to a broad range of conditions and design factors and merits use under a wide variety of settings.

5. Synthesis and applications. Conservation and management of rare species are a challenging task facing natural resource managers. It is critical for studies involving rare species to efficiently allocate effort and resources as they are usually of a finite nature. We believe our approach provides a framework for optimal allocation of effort while maximizing the information content of the data in an attempt to provide the highest conservation value per unit of effort.
Treatment of an 18‐year‐old mare for bilateral, branchial remnant cysts
Authors: de Estrada J. , Schumacher J.
Published: April 2012

This report describes the treatment of an aged mare for bilateral, branchial remnant cysts by marsupialisation and sclerotherapy the cysts. Treatment to resolve the cysts was prolonged, but the mare had no long‐term complications.
Improving insight and non‐insight problem solving with brief interventions
Authors: Wen Ming‐Ching , Butler Laurie T. , Koutstaal Wilma
Published: April 2012

Developing brief training interventions that benefit different forms of problem solving is challenging. In earlier research, Chrysikou (2006) showed that engaging in a task requiring generation of alternative uses of common objects improved subsequent insight problem solving. These benefits were attributed to a form of implicit transfer of processing involving enhanced construction of impromptu, on‐the‐spot or ‘ad hoc’ goal‐directed categorizations of the problem elements. Following this, it is predicted that the alternative uses exercise should benefit abilities that govern goal‐directed behaviour, such as fluid intelligence and executive functions. Similarly, an indirect intervention – self‐affirmation (SA) – that has been shown to enhance cognitive and executive performance after self‐regulation challenge and when under stereotype threat, may also increase adaptive goal‐directed thinking and likewise should bolster problem‐solving performance. In Experiment 1, brief single‐session interventions, involving either alternative uses generation or SA, significantly enhanced both subsequent insight and visual–spatial fluid reasoning problem solving. In Experiment 2, we replicated the finding of benefits of both alternative uses generation and SA on subsequent insight problem‐solving performance, and demonstrated that the underlying mechanism likely involves improved executive functioning. Even brief cognitive– and social–psychological interventions may substantially bolster different types of problem solving and may exert largely similar facilitatory effects on goal‐directed behaviours.
Family emotion expressivity, emotion regulation, and the link to psychopathology: Examination across race
Authors: Morelen Diana , Jacob Marni L. , Suveg Cynthia , Jones Anna , Thomassin Kristel
Published: April 2012

Research has established links between parental emotion socialization behaviours and youth emotional and psychological outcomes; however, no study has simultaneously compared these relations for White, Black, and Asian individuals. In this study, emerging adults identifying as White (n= 61), Black (n= 51), or Asian (n= 56) retrospectively reported on parents’ emotion socialization behaviours during childhood, existing emotion regulation (ER) skills, and current psychopathology symptoms. Asian participants reported fewer positive displays of emotions in their families during childhood than White and Black participants. Despite this difference, low expression of positive emotions in families during childhood did not relate to negative outcomes for Asian participants but was linked for White and Black participants. Overall, Asian participants reported more difficulties with ER than Black or White participants, and relations between ER difficulties and psychopathology varied by racial group. The findings emphasize the need to consider race when conducting research on emotion functioning with families and highlight emotion dysregulation as a potential treatment target for White, Black, and Asian individuals.
Family–health professional relations in pediatric weight management: an integrative review
Authors: Farnesi B.‐C. , Ball G. D. C. , Newton A. S.
Published: April 2012

In this integrative review, we examined contemporary literature in pediatric weight management to identify characteristics that contribute to the relationship between families and health professionals and describe how these qualities can inform healthcare practices for obese children and families receiving weight management care. We searched literature published from 1980 to 2010 in three electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO and CINAHL). Twenty‐four articles identified family–health professional relationships were influenced by the following: health professionals' weight‐related discussions and approaches to care; and parents' preferences regarding weight‐related terminology and expectations of healthcare delivery. There was considerable methodological heterogeneity in the types of reports (i.e. qualitative studies, review articles, commentaries) included in this review. Overall, the findings have implications for establishing a positive clinical relationship between families and health professionals, which include being sensitive when discussing weight‐related issues, using euphemisms when talking about obesity, demonstrating a non‐judgmental and supportive attitude and including the family (children and parents) in healthcare interactions. Experimental research, clinical interventions and longitudinal studies are needed to build on the current evidence to determine how best to establish a collaborative partnership between families and health professionals and whether such a partnership improves treatment adherence, reduces intervention attrition and enhances pediatric weight management success.
The effect of a short message service maintenance treatment on body mass index and psychological well‐being in overweight and obese children: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: de Niet J. , Timman R. , Bauer S. , van den Akker E. , Buijks H. , de Klerk C. , Kordy H. , Passchier J.
Published: April 2012

Objective

Maintaining weight loss results in childhood obesity treatment is difficult to achieve. Self‐management techniques such as self‐monitoring are associated with increased weight loss and maintenance. This study analyzes whether self‐monitoring of lifestyle behaviours through a short message service maintenance treatment (SMSMT) via mobile phones with personalized feedback positively effects weight, lifestyle behaviours and psychological well‐being in obese children.

Methods

After 3 months of behavioural lifestyle treatment, 141 overweight and obese children (7–12 years) were randomly assigned to an intervention group receiving SMSMT for 9 months (n = 73) or to the control group (n = 68). The intervention group sent weekly self‐monitoring data on exercise and eating behaviour and their mood via mobile phones. In return, they received tailored feedback messages. Primary treatment outcomes were weight, eating behaviour and psychological well‐being, i.e. competence, self‐esteem and quality of life. Secondary outcome was adherence to the SMSMT. Data were analyzed with mixed modelling.

Results

SMSMT did not improve treatment outcomes. Controls gained temporarily in physical health scores (P = 0.01). SMSMT completers sent on average every 2 weeks an SMS. Children who had greater weight loss during the first 3 months of lifestyle treatment sent more SMSs (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

We did not find a positive effect of SMSMT on weight, eating behaviour or psychological well‐being in obese children. SMSMT seems to be a feasible method of treatment delivery. Future research should study variations of SMSMT to investigate how SMSMT can be more effective.
Ras Stabilization Through Aberrant Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Promotes Intestinal Tumorigenesis
Authors: Jeong Woo-Jeong , Yoon Juyong , Park Jong-Chan , Lee Soung-Hoon , Lee Seung-Hoon , Kaduwal Saluja , Kim Hoguen , Yoon Jong-Bok , Choi Kang-Yell
Published: April 2012

Crosstalk between the Wnt/β-catenin and the MAPK pathways contributes to colon cancer.
Alanyl-Phosphatidylglycerol and Lysyl-Phosphatidylglycerol Are Translocated by the Same MprF Flippases and Have Similar Capacities To Protect against the Antibiotic Daptomycin in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Slavetinsky Christoph J. , Peschel Andreas , Ernst Christoph M.
Published: April 2012

The lysinylation of negatively charged phosphatidylglycerol by MprF proteins reduces the affinity of cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) for bacterial cytoplasmic membranes and reduces the susceptibility of several Gram-positive bacterial pathogens to CAMPs. MprF of
Staphylococcus aureus
encompasses a lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol (Lys-PG) synthase and a Lys-PG flippase domain. In contrast,
Clostridium perfringens
encodes two MprF homologs which specifically synthesize alanyl-phosphatidylglycerol (Ala-PG) or Lys-PG, while only the Lys-PG synthase is fused to a putative flippase domain. It remains unknown whether cationic Lys-PG and zwitterionic Ala-PG differ in their capacities to be translocated by MprF flippases and if both can reduce CAMP susceptibility in Gram-positive bacteria. By expressing the MprF proteins of
C. perfringens
in an
S. aureus mprF
deletion mutant, we found that both lipids can be efficiently produced in
S. aureus
. Simultaneous expression of the Lys-PG and Ala-PG synthases led to the production of both lipids and slightly increased the overall amounts of aminoacyl phospholipids. Ala-PG production by the corresponding
C. perfringens
enzyme did not affect susceptibility to CAMPs such as nisin and gallidermin or to the CAMP-like antibiotic daptomycin. However, coexpression of the Ala-PG synthase with flippase domains of Lys-PG synthesizing MprF proteins led to a wild-type level of daptomycin susceptibility, indicating that Ala-PG can also protect bacterial membranes against daptomycin and suggesting that Lys-PG flippases can also translocate the related lipid Ala-PG. Thus, bacterial aminoacyl phospholipid flippases exhibit more relaxed substrate specificity and Ala-PG and Lys-PG are more similar in their capacities to modulate membrane functions than anticipated.
Transferable Plasmid-Mediated Resistance to Linezolid Due to
cfr
in a Human Clinical Isolate of Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Diaz Lorena , Kiratisin Pattarachai , Mendes Rodrigo E. , Panesso Diana , Singh Kavindra V. , Arias Cesar A.
Published: April 2012

Nonmutational resistance to linezolid is due to the presence of
cfr
, which encodes a methyltransferase responsible for methylation of A2503 in the 23S rRNA. The
cfr
gene was first described in animal isolates of staphylococci, and more recently, it has been identified in
Staphylococcus aureus
from human clinical infections, including in an outbreak of methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
. In enterococci,
cfr
has been described in an animal isolate of
Enterococcus faecalis
from China. Here, we report an isolate of linezolid-resistant
E. faecalis
(603-50427X) recovered from a patient in Thailand who received prolonged therapy with the antibiotic for the treatment of atypical mycobacterial disease. The isolate lacked mutations in the genes coding for 23S rRNA and L3 and L4 ribosomal proteins and belonged to the multilocus sequence type (MLST) 16 (ST16), which is commonly found in enterococcal isolates from animal sources. Resistance to linezolid was associated with the presence of
cfr
on an ∼97-kb transferable plasmid. The
cfr
gene environment exhibited DNA sequences similar to those of other
cfr
-carrying plasmids previously identified in staphylococci (nucleotide identity, 99 to 100%). The
cfr
-carrying plasmid was transferable by conjugation to a laboratory strain of
E. faecalis
(OG1RF) but not to
Enterococcus faecium
or
S. aureus
. The
cfr
gene was flanked by IS
256
-like sequences both upstream and downstream. This is the first characterization of the potential horizontal transferability of the
cfr
gene from a human linezolid-resistant isolate of
E. faecalis
.
Characterization of Globally Spread Escherichia coli ST131 Isolates (1991 to 2010)
Authors: Novais Ângela , Pires João , Ferreira Helena , Costa Luísa , Montenegro Carolina , Vuotto Claudia , Donelli Gianfranco , Coque Teresa M. , Peixe Luísa
Published: April 2012

The characterization of a broad representative sample of ST131
Escherichia coli
isolates from different origins and settings (1991 to 2010) revealed that this clonal group has likely diversified recently and that the expansion of particular variants has probably been favored by the capture of diverse, multidrug-resistant IncFII plasmids (pC15-1a, pEK499, pKF3-140-like). The low ability to adhere and to grow as biofilm that was detected in this study suggests unknown mechanisms for the persistence of this clonal group which need to be further explored.
Efficacy of Bacteriophage Therapy in Experimental Sepsis and Meningitis Caused by a Clone O25b:H4-ST131 Escherichia coli Strain Producing CTX-M-15
Authors: Pouillot Flavie , Chomton Maryline , Blois Hélène , Courroux Celine , Noelig Julien , Bidet Philippe , Bingen Edouard , Bonacorsi Stéphane
Published: April 2012

We evaluated phage therapy in experimental infections due to S242, a fatal neonatal meningitis
Escherichia coli
strain belonging to the worldwide-distributed O25b:H4-ST131 clone that produces extended-spectrum beta-lactamase CTX-M-15. A lytic phage, EC200
PP
, active against S242, was isolated from environmental water. After determining
in vitro
and
ex vivo
stabilities and pharmacokinetic properties of EC200
PP
in rat pups, we assessed the therapeutic efficacy of a single dose of 10
8
PFU using models of sepsis and meningitis in which fatality was 100%. EC200
PP
was partially neutralized by human serum. In contrast to the high concentration of phage in the spleen and the kidney, low titers in urine and the central nervous system were observed. Nevertheless, in the sepsis model, EC200
PP
administered 7 h or 24 h postinfection resulted in 100% and 50% pup survival, respectively. In the meningitis model, EC200
PP
administered 1 h or 7 h postinfection rescued 100% of the animals. The most delayed treatments were associated with the selection of phage-resistant S242 mutants. However, a representative mutant was highly sensitive to killing serum activity and avirulent in an animal model. EC200
PP
is a potential therapeutic agent for sepsis and meningitis caused by the widespread
E. coli
O25:H4-ST131 multidrug-resistant clone.
Spanish Multicenter Study of the Epidemiology and Mechanisms of Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Resistance in Escherichia coli
Authors: Ortega Adriana , Oteo Jesús , Aranzamendi-Zaldumbide Maitane , Bartolomé Rosa M. , Bou Germán , Cercenado Emilia , Conejo M. Carmen , González-López Juan José , Marín Mercedes , Martínez-Martínez Luis , Merino María , Navarro Ferran , Oliver Antonio , Pascual Álvaro , Rivera Alba , Rodríguez-Baño Jesús , Weber Irene , Aracil Belén , Campos José
Published: April 2012

We conducted a prospective multicenter study in Spain to characterize the mechanisms of resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate (AMC) in
Escherichia coli
. Up to 44 AMC-resistant
E. coli
isolates (MIC ≥ 32/16 μg/ml) were collected at each of the seven participant hospitals. Resistance mechanisms were characterized by PCR and sequencing. Molecular epidemiology was studied by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and by multilocus sequence typing. Overall AMC resistance was 9.3%. The resistance mechanisms detected in the 257 AMC-resistant isolates were OXA-1 production (26.1%), hyperproduction of penicillinase (22.6%), production of plasmidic AmpC (19.5%), hyperproduction of chromosomic AmpC (18.3%), and production of inhibitor-resistant TEM (IRT) (17.5%). The IRTs identified were TEM-40 (33.3%), TEM-30 (28.9%), TEM-33 (11.1%), TEM-32 (4.4%), TEM-34 (4.4%), TEM-35 (2.2%), TEM-54 (2.2%), TEM-76 (2.2%), TEM-79 (2.2%), and the new TEM-185 (8.8%). By PFGE, a high degree of genetic diversity was observed although two well-defined clusters were detected in the OXA-1-producing isolates: the C1 cluster consisting of 19 phylogroup A/sequence type 88 [ST88] isolates and the C2 cluster consisting of 19 phylogroup B2/ST131 isolates (16 of them producing CTX-M-15). Each of the clusters was detected in six different hospitals. In total, 21.8% of the isolates were serotype O25b/phylogroup B2 (O25b/B2). AMC resistance in
E. coli
is widespread in Spain at the hospital and community levels. A high prevalence of OXA-1 was found. Although resistant isolates were genetically diverse, clonality was linked to OXA-1-producing isolates of the STs 88 and 131. Dissemination of IRTs was frequent, and the epidemic O25b/B2/ST131 clone carried many different mechanisms of AMC resistance.