bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial variation buffers temporal fluctuations in early juvenile survival for an endangered Pacific salmon
Authors: Thorson James T. , Scheuerell Mark D. , Buhle Eric R. , Copeland Timothy
Published: July 2013

Spatial, phenotypic and genetic diversity at relatively small scales can buffer species against large‐scale processes such as climate change that tend to synchronize populations and increase temporal variability in overall abundance or production. This portfolio effect generally results in improved biological and economic outcomes for managed species. Previous evidence for the portfolio effect in salmonids has arisen from examinations of time series of adult abundance, but we lack evidence of spatial buffering of temporal variability in demographic rates such as survival of juveniles during their first year of life.

We therefore use density‐dependent population models with multiple random effects to represent synchronous (similar among populations) and asynchronous (different among populations) temporal variability as well as spatial variability in survival. These are fitted to 25 years of survey data for breeding adults and surviving juveniles from 15 demographically distinct populations of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) within a single metapopulation in the Snake River in Idaho, USA.

Model selection identifies the most support for the model that included both synchronous and asynchronous temporal variability, in addition to spatial variability. Asynchronous variability (log‐SD = 0·55) is approximately equal in magnitude to synchronous temporal variability (log‐SD = 0·67), but much lower than spatial variability (log‐SD = 1·11). We also show that the pairwise correlation coefficient, a common measure of population synchrony, is approximated by the estimated ratio of shared and total variance, where both approaches yield a synchrony estimate of 0·59. We therefore find evidence for spatial buffering of temporal variability in early juvenile survival, although between‐population variability that persists over time is also large.

We conclude that spatial variation decreases interannual changes in overall juvenile production, which suggests that conservation and restoration of spatial diversity will improve population persistence for this metapopulation. However, the exact magnitude of spatial buffering depends upon demographic parameters such as adult survival that may vary among populations and is proposed as an area of future research using hierarchical life cycle models. We recommend that future sampling of this metapopulation employ a repeated‐measure sampling design to improve estimation of early juvenile carrying capacity.
Inclusion and the special educational needs (SEN) resource base in mainstream schools: physical factors to maximise effectiveness
Authors: McAllister Keith , Hadjri Karim
Published: July 2013

As a society, we have a responsibility to provide an inclusive built environment. As part of the need to promote inclusion, there is now a growing trend to place pupils with special educational needs (SEN) into a mainstream school setting. This is often facilitated by providing a specialist SEN resource base located within the mainstream school. This article outlines why the whole school should be considered when locating and implementing a SEN resource base. It also highlights the wider opportunities for enhancing inclusion for pupils with SEN when giving holistic thought to the wider context of the resource base. It then indicates a four‐stage approach, using the illustrative example of a pupil with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), to help evaluate the optimum SEN resource base location within a mainstream school setting. Finally it highlights some benefits and challenges of an enriched school environment for all pupils when considering genuine inclusion.
Evaluating the impact of Forest Schools: a collaboration between a university and a primary school
Authors: Slade Melanie , Lowery Claire , Bland Ken
Published: July 2013

The Forest School movement, an important part of education in Scandinavia, has gained momentum in the UK in recent years. Within the context of declining access to, and engagement with, the natural environment Forest Schools can provide invaluable life experiences for our children. In 2012 the University of Northampton investigated opportunities to develop part of its campus as a forest site for use by schools and to enhance its students' learning. A researcher from the university evaluated the impact of visits made by children from the pilot primary school through a series of pupil, staff and parent interviews. Analysis of the interview data showed that evidence of impact was anecdotal and it was clear that a systematic approach was needed. The university and school have collaborated in developing a toolkit for evaluating this impact, which will act as a starting point to support other schools visiting the site.
People and Teams Matter in Organizational Change: Professionals' and Managers' Experiences of Changing Governance and Incentives in Primary Care
Authors: Allan Helen T. , Brearley Sally , Byng Richard , Christian Sara , Clayton Julie , Mackintosh Maureen , Price Linnie , Smith Pam , Ross Fiona
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To explore the experiences of governance and incentives during organizational change for managers and clinical staff.

Study Setting

Three primary care settings in England in 2006–2008.

Study Design

Data collection involved three group interviews with 32 service users, individual interviews with 32 managers, and 56 frontline professionals in three sites. The Realistic Evaluation framework was used in analysis to examine the effects of new policies and their implementation.

Principal Findings

Integrating new interprofessional teams to work effectively is a slow process, especially if structures in place do not acknowledge the painful feelings involved in change and do not support staff during periods of uncertainty.

Conclusions

Eliciting multiple perspectives, often dependent on individual occupational positioning or place in new team configurations, illuminates the need to incorporate the emotional as well as technocratic and system factors when implementing change. Some suggestions are made for facilitating change in health care systems. These are discussed in the context of similar health care reform initiatives in the United States.
Geographic Variations in the Cost of Treating Condition‐Specific Episodes of Care among Medicare Patients
Authors: Reschovsky James D. , Hadley Jack , O'Malley A. James , Landon Bruce E.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To measure geographic variations in treatment costs for specific conditions, explore the consistency of these patterns across conditions, and examine how service mix and population health factors are associated with condition‐specific and total area costs.

Data Sources

Medicare claims for 1.5 million elderly beneficiaries from 60 community tracking study (CTS) sites who received services from 5,500 CTS Physician Survey respondents during 2004–2006.

Study Design

Episodes of care for 10 costly and common conditions were formed using Episode Treatment Group grouper software. Episode and total annual costs were calculated, adjusted for price, patient demographics, and comorbidities. We correlated episode costs across sites and examined whether episode service mix and patient health were associated with condition‐specific and total per‐beneficiary costs.

Principal Findings

Adjusted episode costs varied from 34 to 68 percent between the most and least expensive site quintiles. Area mean costs were only weakly correlated across conditions. Hospitalization rates, surgery rates, and specialist involvement were associated with site episode costs, but local population health indicators were most related to site total per‐beneficiary costs.

Conclusions

Population health appears to drive local per‐beneficiary Medicare costs, whereas local practice patterns likely influence condition‐specific episode costs. Reforms should be flexible to address local conditions and practice patterns.
Transcriptional analysis of intramuscular fatty acid composition in the longissimus thoracis muscle of Iberian × Landrace back‐crossed pigs
Authors: Pena R. N. , Noguera J. L. , Casellas J. , Díaz I. , Fernández A. I. , Folch J. M. , Ibáñez‐Escriche N.
Published: July 2013

This study aimed at identifying differential gene expression conditional on the fatty acid profile of the longissimus thoracis (Lt) muscle, a prime cut of economic relevance for fresh and cured pork production. A population of 110 Iberian (25%) × Landrace (75%) back‐crossed pigs was used, because these two breeds exhibit extreme profiles of intramuscular saturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents. Total RNA from Lt muscle was individually hybridized to GeneChip Porcine Genome arrays (Affymetrix). A principal component analysis was performed with data from the 110 animals to select 40 extreme animals based on the total fatty acid profile and the MUFA composition (MAP). Comparison of global transcription levels between extreme fatty acid profile pigs (n = 40) resulted in 219 differentially expressed probes (false discovery rate <0.10). Gene ontology, pathway and network analysis indicated that animals with higher percentages of PUFA exhibit a shift toward a more oxidative muscular metabolism state, with a raise in mitochondria function (PPARGC1A, ATF2), fatty acid uptake and oxidation (FABP5, MGLL). On the other hand, 87 probes were differentially expressed between MUFA composition groups (n = 40; false discovery rate <0.10). In particular, muscles rich in n‐7 MUFA expressed higher levels of genes involved in lipid metabolism (GLUL, CRAT, PLA2G15) and lower levels of fatty acid elongation genes (ELOVL5). Moreover, the chromosomal position of FABP5, PAQR3, MGLL, PPARGC1A, GLUL and ELOVL5 co‐localized with very relevant QTL for fat deposition and composition described in the same resource population. This study represents a complementary approach to identifying genes underlying these QTL effects.
Plasma cortisol and prolactin secretion rhythms in cattle under varying external environments and management techniques
Authors: Ogino Mizuna , Matsuura Akihiro , Yamazaki Atusi , Irimajiri Mami , Suzuki Yoshihiro , Kushibiki Shiro , Singu Hroyuki , Kasuya Etsuko , Hasegawa Yoshihisa , Hodate Koichi
Published: July 2013

The secretion rhythms of plasma cortisol (CORT) and prolactin (PRL), hormones related to stress responsiveness and biological rhythm and controlled by light and temperature, were investigated under varying external environments and different management techniques. Serial blood samples were collected from female cattle reared in free‐stall and freely fed (FF) conditions (n = 4) or in tie‐stall and restricted feeding (RF) conditions (hay and concentrate twice daily, n = 4). Plasma CORT and PRL concentrations, eating behavior, and environmental parameters were analyzed. Cyclic patterns for each parameter were examined using spectral analysis, and correlations between CORT, PRL and other parameters were investigated using cross‐spectral analysis. Under FF conditions, CORT secretion was not related to the lighting intensity and eating behavior. However, under RF conditions, the CORT secretion rhythm showed a distinct correlation with lighting intensity and eating behavior. Under FF conditions, the PRL secretion rhythm was similar in all seasons. However, under RF conditions, the PRL rhythm oscillated with high frequency in summer and low frequency in winter, indicating a seasonal change in rhythm. The present study demonstrates that hormone secretion rhythms change under different environments and management techniques.
Measuring Privacy and Utility in Privacy‐Preserving Visualization
Authors: Dasgupta Aritra , Chen Min , Kosara Robert
Published: July 2013

In previous work, we proposed a technique for preserving the privacy of quasi‐identifiers in sensitive data when visualized using parallel coordinates. This paper builds on that work by introducing a number of metrics that can be used to assess both the level of privacy and the amount of utility that can be gained from the resulting visualizations. We also generalize our approach beyond parallel coordinates to scatter plots and other visualization techniques. Privacy preservation generally entails a trade‐off between privacy and utility: the more the data are protected, the less useful the visualization. Using a visually‐oriented approach, we can provide a higher amount of utility than directly applying data anonymization techniques used in data mining. To demonstrate this, we use the visual uncertainty framework for systematically defining metrics based on cluster artifacts and information theoretic principles. In a case study, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our technique as compared to standard data‐based clustering in the context of privacy‐preserving visualization.
An Efficient Algorithm for Determining an Aesthetic Shape Connecting Unorganized 2D Points
Authors: Ohrhallinger S. , Mudur S.
Published: July 2013

We present anefficient algorithm for determining an aesthetically pleasing shape boundary connecting all the points in a given unorganized set of 2D points, with no other information than point coordinates. By posing shape construction as a minimisation problem which follows the Gestalt laws, our desired shape is non‐intersecting, interpolates all points and minimizes a criterion related to these laws. The basis for our algorithm is an initial graph, an extension of the Euclidean minimum spanning tree but with no leaf nodes, called as the minimum boundary complex . and can be expressed similarly by parametrizing a topological constraint. A close approximation of , termed can be computed fast using a greedy algorithm. is then transformed into a closed interpolating boundary in two steps to satisfy ’s topological and minimization requirements. Computing exactly is an NP (Non‐Polynomial)‐hard problem, whereas is computed in linearithmic time. We present many examples showing considerable improvement over previous techniques, especially for shapes with sharp corners. Source code is available online.
Maximum a posteriori probability assignment (MAP‐A): an optimality criterion for phylogenetic trees via weighting and dynamic programming
Authors: Wheeler Ward C.
Published: July 2013

One of the most time‐consuming aspects of Bayesian posterior probability analysis in the analysis of phylogenetic trees is the use of Metropolis‐coupled Markov chain Monte Carlo (MC3) methods to determine relative posteriors and identify maximum a posteriori (MAP) trees. Here, analytical and numerical methods are presented to determine tree likelihoods that are integrated over edge‐length (and other parameter) distributions. Given topological (tree) priors (flat or otherwise), this allows for identification of the maximum posterior probability assignment (MAP‐A) of character states to non‐leaf tree vertices via dynamic programming. Using this form of posterior probability as an optimality criterion, tree space can be searched using standard trajectory techniques and heuristically optimalMAP‐A trees can be identified with considerable time savings overMC3. Example cases are presented using aligned and unaligned molecular sequences as well as combined molecular and anatomical data.
Factors affecting the accuracy of endoscopic transpapillary sampling methods for bile duct cancer
Authors: Nishikawa Takao , Tsuyuguchi Toshio , Sakai Yuji , Sugiyama Harutoshi , Tawada Katsunobu , Mikata Rintaro , Tada Motohisa , Ishihara Takeshi , Miyazaki Masaru , Yokosuka Osamu
Published: July 2013

Background and Aim

Various methods for endoscopic transpapillary sampling have been developed. However, the factors affecting the accuracy of these methods for bile duct cancer are unknown. The aim of the present study was to determine the factors affecting the accuracy of endoscopic transpapillary sampling methods.

Methods

We reviewed the results from 101 patients with bile duct cancer who underwent transpapillary sampling by aspiration bile cytology, brushing cytology, and fluoroscopic forceps biopsy. The final diagnosis of bile duct cancer was made on the basis of pathological evaluation of specimens obtained at surgery and the clinical course over at least 1 year in patients not operated on. We carried out subgroup analyses for the factors affecting the accuracy of each transpapillary sampling method.

Results

Aspiration bile cytology was carried out 238 times in 77 patients, brushing cytology was carried out 67 times in 60patients, and fluoroscopic forceps biopsy was carried out 64 times in 53 patients. Accuracies of aspiration bile cytology were significantly higher for longer (≥15 mm) biliary cancerous lesions than for shorter (<15 mm) lesions (30% vs 18%, respectively, P = 0.049). Accuracies of brushing cytology and fluoroscopic forceps biopsy were significantly higher for non‐flat than for flat‐type biliary cancerous lesions (brushing: 58% vs 38%, respectively, P = 0.032; forceps biopsy: 60% vs 33%, respectively, P = 0.043).

Conclusion

Endoscopic transpapillary sampling methods are more accurate for longer or elevated (non‐flat) biliary cancerous lesions than for shorter or flat lesions.
Preliminary results of multicenter questionnaire study on long‐term outcomes of curative endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer
Authors: Oda Ichiro , Oyama Tsuneo , Abe Seiichiro , Ohnita Ken , Kosaka Takashi , Hirasawa Kingo , Ishido Kenji , Nakagawa Masahiro , Takahashi Shin'ichi
Published: July 2013

Background and Aim

There are a number of published reports on long‐term outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC), but most reports are from single centers with median follow‐up periods shorter than 5 years. This questionnaire study investigated long‐term outcomes of curative ESD for EGC at six Japanese institutions with follow‐up rates of at least 90% over a minimum 5‐year period.

Methods

All consecutive patients with initial‐onset EGC who underwent ESD through December 2006 at the six institutions were included in our study. The questionnaire covered pathological curability and long‐term outcomes of patients with curative resections or curative resections for expanded indications over follow‐up periods of at least 5 years.

Results

There were 3788 patients with initial‐onset EGC including 1710 (45.1%) patients with curative resections and 1289 (34.0%) patients with curative resections for expanded indications. The remaining 789 (20.8%) patients had non‐curativeresections. Altogether, 1601 (93.6%) patients with curative resections and 1205 (93.5%) patients with curative resections for expanded indications were successfully followed up for at least 5 years. No recurrences were reported in any of the 1601 patients with curative resections whereas three recurrences (0.2%) were reported in the 1205 patients with curative resections for expanded indications. Gastric cancer‐related deaths occurred in seven (0.2%) of the 2806 patients with curative resections or curative resections for expanded indications including six patients with metachronous gastric cancer‐related deaths.

Conclusion

This questionnaire study's results indicated favorable long‐term outcomes for patients with curative resections or curative resections for expanded indications.
SURVIVING CREDIT MARKET COMPETITION*
Authors: CETORELLI NICOLA
Published: July 2013

Empirical studies have documented that improvements in credit supply have important effects on entry in nonfinancial industries. This article shows that changes in credit supply conditions have much deeper effects on firms' population dynamics, well above and beyond the experience of entry. I explore the hypothesis that changes in credit supply have important effects on the demand side as well. I conjecture that when financial capital is difficult to obtain, while fewer firms may enter, those entering are drawn from a population with a better distribution of entrepreneurial quality. In an environment where financial capital is easily obtainable instead, the population of loan applicants changes as well, including those in a tougher environment who would not have tried entrepreneurship in the first place. These changes in the population of applicants imply significant effects on firms' life expectancy profile, and these effects are heterogeneous across firms of different vintage. Modifications in life expectancy are likely to affect firms' incentives in undertaking future capital investment and likewise investments in technological innovation. Hence, these changes in overall firms' population dynamics characterize an explicit mechanism through which finance can affect real economic activity. (JEL G21, L11, L16)
Comparison between cone beam computed tomography and multislice computed tomography in diagnostic accuracy of maxillofacial fractures in dried human skull: an in vitro study
Authors: Eskandarlou Amir , Poorolajal Jalal , Talaeipour Ahmad Reza , Talebi Sahar , Talaeipour Maziar
Published: July 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in diagnosing factitious fractures in maxillofacial region as well as to investigate the influence of field of view (FOV) size on the interpretation of maxillofacial fractures in CBCT.

Methods

Simulated fractures were created in the right and left sides of five dried human skulls using a micro‐saw 20 mm blade without displacement. The skulls were scanned with a spiral 16‐slice MSCT scanner and a CBCT device with two FOVs (6 × 6, 15 × 15). Three observers assessed and interpreted the images judging whether fracture was present or absent. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated.

Results

The sensitivity of CBCT 6 × 6, CBCT 15 × 15, and MSCT was 87.5%, 70.7%, and 49.7% and the specificity of three modalities was 91.7%, 88.0%, and 98.3%, respectively. The area under ROC curve was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85, 0.94) for CBCT with FOV 6 × 6, 0.79 (95% CI: 0.75, 0.85) for CBCT with FOV 15 × 15, and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.69, 0.79) for MSCT. The Kappa value for interobserver agreement was highest for CBCT 6 × 6 among imaging modalities.

Conclusions

CBCT with small FOV had higher diagnostic accuracy in detecting simulated maxillofacial fractures than MSCT. However, additional evidence based on in vivo studies is needed to confirm the superiority of CBCT on MSCT in diagnosis of maxillofacial traumatic fractures.
Asiaontsira gen. nov., a new tropical genus of the subfamily Doryctinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Vietnam and South‐East China
Authors: Belokobylskij Sergey A. , Pu Tang , Chen Xuexin
Published: July 2013

A new genus, Asiaontsira gen. nov., and two new species, A. cucphuongi sp. nov. (type species) and A. cantonica sp. nov., are described from tropical and subtropical areas of South‐East China and North Vietnam. This genus is compared to the closely related Australian Ontsirospathius Belokobylskij, Iqbal and Austin, 2004 as well as the similar and almost cosmopolitan genus Ontsira Cameron, 1900. A key to both species of Asiaontsira gen. nov. is provided.
Systematic studies on the Pompilidae occurring in Japan: Genus Platydialepis Haupt (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae: Pepsinae)
Authors: Shimizu Akira , Wahis Raymond
Published: July 2013

Generic characters of Platydialepis Haupt, 1941 are presented. A new species of the genus, P. amamiensis sp. nov. from the Amami Islands, the Ryukyus, Japan, is described, and another species of the genus, P. ryoheii Ishikawa, 1957, distributed in Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, Japan, is redescribed. Their biological notes are also given. A new combination is proposed: Platydialepis taiwaniana (Tsuneki, 1989) (=Malloscelis taiwaniana Tsuneki).
Contribution to the revision of Oriental Aulacus Jurine, 1807 (Hymenoptera: Aulacidae): description of A. ceciliae sp. nov. from Laos and redescription of A. bituberculatus Cameron, 1899 from India
Authors: Turrisi Giuseppe Fabrizio
Published: July 2013

A remarkable Aulacus Jurine, 1807, A. ceciliae Turrisi, sp. nov., is described from Laos and A. bituberculatus Cameron, 1899 from India is redescribed from the type material, which has been recently rediscovered. For the latter species, a lectotype is formally designated. Both species are very characteristic due to the presence of two tooth‐like processes on the vertex, an autapomorphic feature probably related with the endoxylic bionomy. References to the other two Oriental species of Aulacus, A. philippinensis (Kieffer, 1916) and A. sinensis He & Chen, 2007 and a key to all four species of the genus presently known for the Oriental Region are provided.
Thirteen microsatellite loci for Laodelphax striatellus and cross amplification in related taxa
Authors: Liu Yudi , Zhang Baoqin , Hou Maolin
Published: July 2013

With the advent of next‐generation Roche 454 pyrosequencing technologies, transcriptome level sequence collections are arising as prominent resources for the discovery of gene‐based molecular markers. In a previous study more than 1450 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences resulting from 454 pyrosequencing of Laodelphax striatellus cDNA were identified. From these we developed PCR primers for 40 di‐ or tri‐candidate SSRs (minimum repeats > 8) from the combined EST library. After extensive optimization, 13 pairs were end labeled with a fluorescent dye. Here, we also tested these 13 SSRs for cross‐species amplification in two other planthoppers, Nilaparvata lugens and Sogatella furcifera. The marker transferability was considerably high in N. lugens (92.31%) and in S. furcifera (61.54%). All of the 13 fluorescent SSRs were polymorphic, with allele numbers ranging from two to seven for 24 male and 24 female L. striatellus individuals. Observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.016 to 0.621. Development of SSR markers from ESTs will be a valuable tool to improve our understanding of population structure in this important rice pest.
Morphometric analysis of nymphalid butterfly wings: number, size and arrangement of scales, and their implications for tissue‐size determination
Authors: Dhungel Bidur , Otaki Joji M.
Published: July 2013

Animal body size and tissue size depend on genetic and environmental factors, but the precise mechanisms of how tissue size is determined in proportion to body size remain unknown. Here we focused on wings from three nymphalid butterflies, Junonia orithya (Linnaeus), Vanessa cardui (Linnaeus) and Danaus chrysippus (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), to examine the contributions of the number and size of scales to macroscopic structures, represented by wing compartments, and to investigate the positional dependence of scale size, density and arrangement. The whole wing area and wing compartment area exhibited a high correlation in all three species. Similarly, the wing compartment area and the blue or orange area showed a high correlation in three species, indicating isometric relationships among wings of different sizes. However, only in J. orithya, the blue area was highly correlated with the number of constituent scales and, to a lesser extent, with scale size. In contrast, reasonable correlations were obtained between the blue or orange area and the number of rows in all three species. These results suggest that variations of the background area accompany changes in the number of scales through changes in the number of rows. In a background region of the compartment, scale size gradually decreased and scale density increased from the proximal to the distal side in all three species. Our findings suggest that butterfly wing tissue size is determined primarily by the number of scale cells and secondarily by the size change of scale cells before or during the period of row arrangement.
Vascular perfusion of the dorsal and palmar condyles of the equine third metacarpal bone
Authors: Alber M. T. , Brown M. P. , Merritt K. A. , Trumble T. N.
Published: July 2013

Reasons for performing study

Palmar osteochondral disease (POD) is an overload arthrosis that commonly affects fetlock joints of racingThoroughbreds (TB) but the aetiopathogenesis of the disease has not been well defined.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compareIndia ink perfusion in the dorsal and palmar condyles of the third metacarpal bone (McIII) in both passively flexed and maximally extended fetlock joints from paired equine cadaver limbs.

Study design

Descriptive cadaver study comparing perfusion of condyles ofMcIIIin paired cadaver limbs in flexion (control group) and maximal extension (intervention group).

Methods

Pairs of forelimbs were acquired from 5TBhorses subjected to euthanasia for reasons unrelated to lameness. Limb pairs were perfused intra‐arterially withIndia ink and then randomly assigned to passive flexion or maximal extension of the fetlock joint. Limbs were sectioned sagittally in 3 mm sections through the fetlock and 12 sections per limb processed using a modified tissue‐clearing technique. Sections were subsequently digitally imaged and bone perfusion evaluated with image analysis software.

Results

Greater perfusion of the dorsal condyle than of palmar condyle was observed in 78% of sections from limbs in passive flexion and 92% of maximally extended sections. Perfusion to the palmar aspect of the condyle was significantly decreased (P<0.0001) when the limbs were placed in maximal extension compared to passive flexion.

Conclusions

The palmar condyle ofMcIIIhad less perfusion than the dorsal condyle when the fetlock joint was in passive flexion and this difference was exacerbated by maximal extension. Based on the anatomical location ofPODlesions, perfusion differences between the dorsal and palmar condyles ofMcIIImay be associated with development of these lesions.
Selective grazing modifies previously anticipated responses of plant community composition to elevatedCO2in a temperate grassland
Authors: Newton Paul C. D. , Lieffering Mark , Parsons Anthony J. , Brock Shona C. , Theobald Phillip W. , Hunt Chris L. , Luo Dongwen , Hovenden Mark J.
Published: July 2013

Our limited understanding of terrestrial ecosystem responses to elevatedCO2is a major constraint on predicting the impacts of climate change. A change in botanical composition has been identified as a key factor in theCO2response with profound implications for ecosystem services such as plant production and soil carbon storage. In temperate grasslands, there is a strong consensus that elevatedCO2will result in a greater physiological stimulus to growth in legumes and to a lesser extent forbs, compared with C3 grasses, and the presumption this will lead in turn to a greater proportion of these functional groups in the plant community. However, this view is based on data mainly collected in experiments of three or less years in duration and not in experiments where defoliation has been by grazing animals. Grazing is, however, the most common management of grasslands and known in itself to influence botanical composition. In a long‐term Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment (FACE) experiment in a temperate grassland managed with grazing animals (sheep), we found the response to elevated CO2in plant community composition in the first 5 years was consistent with the expectation of increased proportions of legumes and forbs. However, in the longer term, these differences diminished so that the proportions of grasses, legumes and forbs were the same under both ambient and elevatedCO2. Analysis of vegetation before and after each grazing event showed there was a sustained disproportionately greater removal (‘apparent selection’) of legumes and forbs by the grazing animals. This bias in removal was greater under elevatedCO2than ambientCO2. This is consistent with sustained faster growth rates of legumes and forbs under elevatedCO2being countered by selective defoliation, and so leading to little difference in community composition.
Direct and indirect effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on net ecosystem production in a Chesapeake Bay tidal wetland
Authors: Erickson John E. , Peresta Gary , Montovan Kathryn J. , Drake Bert G.
Published: July 2013

The rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations (Ca) has resulted in extensive research efforts to understand its impact on terrestrial ecosystems, especially carbon balance. Despite these efforts, there are relatively few data comparing net ecosystem exchange of CO2 between the atmosphere and the biosphere (NEE), under both ambient and elevated Ca. Here we report data on annual sums of CO2 (NEEnet) for 19 years on a Chesapeake Bay tidal wetland for Scirpus olneyi (C3 photosynthetic pathway)‐ and Spartina patens (C4 photosynthetic pathway)‐dominated high marsh communities exposed to ambient and elevated Ca (ambient + 340 ppm). Our objectives were to (i) quantify effects of elevated Ca on seasonally integrated CO2 assimilation (NEEnet = NEEday + NEEnight, kg C m−2 y−1) for the two communities; and (ii) quantify effects of altered canopy N content on ecosystem photosynthesis and respiration. Across all years, NEEnet averaged 1.9 kg m−2 y−1 in ambient Ca and 2.5 kg m−2 y−1 in elevated Ca, for the C3‐dominated community. Similarly, elevated Ca significantly (P < 0.01) increased carbon uptake in the C4‐dominated community, as NEEnet averaged 1.5 kg m−2 y−1 in ambient Ca and 1.7 kg m−2 y−1 in elevated Ca. This resulted in an average CO2 stimulation of 32% and 13% of seasonally integrated NEEnet for the C3‐ and C4‐dominated communities, respectively. Increased NEEday was correlated with increased efficiencies of light and nitrogen use for net carbon assimilation under elevated Ca, while decreased NEEnight was associated with lower canopy nitrogen content. These results suggest that rising Ca may increase carbon assimilation in both C3‐ and C4‐dominated wetland communities. The challenge remains to identify the fate of the assimilated carbon.
Factors influencing infection by pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 over three epidemic waves in Singapore
Authors: Chen Mark I. C. , Cook Alex R. , Lim Wei Yen , Lin Raymond , Cui Lin , Barr Ian G. , Kelso Anne , Chow Vincent T. , Leo Yee Sin , Hsu Jung Pu , Shaw Rob , Chew Serene , Yap Joe Kwan , Phoon Meng Chee , Koh Hiromi W. L. , Zheng Huili , Tan Linda , Lee Vernon J.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Previous influenza pandemics had second and on occasion third waves in many countries that were at times more severe than the initial pandemic waves.

Objective

This study aims to determine the seroepidemiology of successive waves of H1N1pdm09 infections in Singapore and the overall risks of infection.

Methods

We performed a cohort study amongst 838 adults, with blood samples provided upon recruitment and at 5 points from 2009 to 2011 and tested by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) with A/California/7/2009 (H1N1pdm09). Surveys on key demographic and clinical information were conducted at regular intervals, and associations between seroconversion and these variables were investigated.

Results

After the initial wave from June to September 2009, second and third waves occurred from November 2009 to February 2010 and April to June 2010, respectively. Seroconversion was 13·5% during the first wave and decreased to 6·2% and 6·8% in subsequent waves. Across the three waves, the elderly and those with higher starting HI titres were at lower risk of seroconversion, while those with larger households were at greater risk. Those with higher starting HI titres were also less likely to have an acute respiratory infection.

Conclusions

The second and third waves in Singapore had lower serological attack rates than the first wave. The elderly and those with higher HI titres had lower risk, while those in larger households had higher risk of seroconversion.
An economic analysis of repositioning for the prevention of pressure ulcers
Authors: Moore Zena , Cowman Seamus , Posnett John
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectives

To compare pressure ulcer incidence and costs associated with repositioning older individuals in long‐term care using two different repositioning regimes.

Background

Repositioning has not always been integrated into pressure ulcer preventative methods, with arguments that it is an expensive procedure in terms of personnel and time.

Design

Participants were randomly allocated to the experimental group (n = 99; repositioned every 3 hours, using the 30° tilt) and the control group (n = 114 standard care, repositioned every 6 hours, using the 90° lateral rotation). The analysis explored the incidence of pressure ulcer development and the cost difference between the two repositioning schedules, over a 4‐week period.

Results

The mean daily nurse time for repositioning was 18·5 minutes (experimental) and 24·5 minutes (control). Nurse time cost per patient over the study period was €206·6 (experimental) and €253·1 (control), 96·6% of participants (experimental) remained free of pressure ulcers, compared with 88·1% (control). The cost per patient free of ulcer was €213·9 (experimental) and €287·3 (control). Projected annual costs were estimated for the 588 (53·5%) residents in the 12 study sites requiring repositioning. The cost would be €1·59 m (experimental) and €2·10 m (control), a cost difference of €510,000. This represents a difference of 58·8 hours of nurse time, equivalent to approximately 12 full time nurses across the 12 sites.

Conclusion

Repositioning every 3 hours, using 30° tilt, has been shown to be more effective in less costly in terms of nurse time compared with standard care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Repositioning individuals at risk of pressure ulcer development makes both economic and clinical sense, thereby supporting the EPUAP/NPUAP 2009 guidelines.
Screening physical health? Yes! But…: nurses’ views on physical health screening in mental health care
Authors: Happell Brenda , Scott David , Nankivell Janette , Platania‐Phung Chris
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectives

To explore nurses’ views on the role of nurses in screening and monitoring for physical care of consumers with serious mental illness, at a regional mental health care service.

Background

People with serious mental illness experience heightened incidence of preventable and treatable physical illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Screening and monitoring are considered universal clinical safeguards. Nurses can potentially facilitate systematic screening, but their views on physical health care practices are rarely investigated.

Design

Qualitative exploratory study.

Method

Focus group interviews with 38 nurses of a regional mental health care service district of Australia. To facilitate discussion, participants were presented with a screening system, called the Health Improvement Profile (HIP), as an exemplar of screening of physical health risks by nurses. Inductive data analysis and theme development were guided by a thematic analysis framework.

Results

Nurses argued that treatable and preventable physical health problems were common. Four main themes were identified: screening – essential for good practice; the policy‐practice gap; ‘screening then what?’ and, is HIP the answer? Screening and monitoring were considered crucial to proper diagnosis and treatment, however, were not performed systematically or consistently. Nurse readiness for an enhanced role in screening was shaped by: role and responsibility issues, legal liability concerns, funding and staff shortages. Participants were concerned that lack of follow up would limit effectiveness of these interventions.

Conclusions

Screening was considered an important clinical step in effective diagnosis and treatment; however, identified barriers need to be addressed to ensure screening is part of a systemic approach to improve physical health of consumers with serious mental illness.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses have potential to influence improvement in physical health outcomes for consumers of mental health services. Such potential can only be realised if a systematic approach to physical health care is taken.
A Presence in the West: Religious Contributions to the Secular Ideology of an Australian University
Authors: Hutchinson Mark Peter
Published: July 2013

Between 1972 and 1984, the rise of social justice and religious vocational movements in an increasingly self‐conscious Western Sydney intersected with the rise of an increasingly influential cadre of politicians, public servants, and educationalists. Mobilising a broader sense of grievance, and organising in community, political, and social groups, these people contributed to a widespread campaign for a university in Western Sydney which extended from the streets of Mount Druitt to the Prime Minister's Office. This article traces the contribution of these religious motivations to the secular legitimisation, mission, and implementation of the University of Western Sydney.
The meta‐regulation of European industrial relations: Power shifts, institutional dynamics and the emergence of regulatory competition
Authors: PAPADOPOULOS Theodoros , ROUMPAKIS Antonios
Published: July 2013

“Meta‐regulation” describes the transnational governance of industrial relations emerging from attempts to resolve conflicts between national collective agreements and EU Member States' freedom to provide services and post workers abroad. The norm underpinning such meta‐regulation is competition, not only between workers from different EU Member States but also between States' labour regulations. Using the concepts of “structural power” and “social field”, the authors discuss judicial decisions that illustrate the gradual meta‐regulation of industrial relations in the EU and show how the power asymmetry between labour and capital is growing in favour of the latter.
Liver fibrosis progression is uncommon in patients with inactive chronic hepatitis B: A prospective cohort study with paired transient elastography examination
Authors: Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Yu Zhuo , Chan Hoi‐Yun , Tse Chi‐Hang , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun
Published: July 2013

Background and Aims

The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) defines the inactive hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier state based on HBV DNA and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of disease progression in such patients.

Methods

Three hundred sixty‐one patients negative for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) with HBV DNA levels < 20 000 IU/mL and normal ALT and without advanced fibrosis at baseline underwent liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography between 2006 and 2008 and again between 2010 and 2012. Liver fibrosis progression was defined as an increase in LSM by 30% or more at the second assessment to levels suggestive of advanced fibrosis.

Results

At baseline, the mean age was 48 ± 11 years and 51% were males; ALT level was 28 ± 11 IU/L, HBV DNA level was 2.7 ± 1.0 log10 IU/mL, and LSM was 5.4 ± 1.5 kPa. After an interval of 44 ± 7 months, liver fibrosis progression was observed in 10 (2.8%) patients, and 49 (13.6%) started antiviral therapy. Gender, age, and levels of ALT, HBV DNA, and HBsAg were shown not to be associated with liver fibrosis progression. Among 244 patients with baseline HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL, 2.9% had liver fibrosis progression, 8.2% started antiviral therapy, and 4.1% had HBV DNA ≥ 20 000 IU/mL during follow‐up. Corresponding figures in 117 patients with baseline HBV DNA levels of 2000–20 000 IU/mL were 2.6%, 24.8%, and 7.7%, respectively (P = 1.0, < 0.001 and = 0.21 respectively).

Conclusions

Liver fibrosis progression within 3–4 years is rare in HBeAg‐negative patients with HBV DNA <20 000 IU/mL and normal ALT, but a significant proportion of patients develop treatment indications during follow‐up. The study supports the EASL's definition of inactive carriers and its recommendation of regular monitoring.
Factors impacting treatment outcomes in the endoscopic management of walled‐off pancreatic necrosis
Authors: Bang Ji Young , Wilcox C Mel , Trevino Jessica , Ramesh Jayapal , Peter Shajan , Hasan Muhammad , Hawes Robert H. , Varadarajulu Shyam
Published: July 2013

Background

Treatment outcomes are suboptimal for patients undergoing endoscopic treatment of walled‐off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN). The objective of this study is to identify factors that impact treatment outcomes in this patient subset.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients with WOPN treated endoscopically over 10 years. Patients underwent placement of stents and nasocystic catheters within the necrotic cavity. In select patients, the multiple transluminal gateway technique (MTGT) was adopted to create several openings in the stomach or duodenum to facilitate drainage of necrosis. In patients with disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS), the transmural stents were left in place indefinitely to decrease pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) recurrence.

Results

Endoscopic treatment was successful in 53 of 76 (69.7%) patients. Treatment success was higher in patients undergoing MTGT than in those in whom conventional drainage was used (94.4% vs 62.1%, P = 0.009). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, only MTGT (OR 15.8, 95% CI 1.77–140.8; P = 0.01) and fewer endoscopic sessions being needed (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.16–14.0; P = 0.03) predicted treatment success. PFC recurrence was significantly lower in patients with indwelling transmural stents than in patients in whom the stents were removed (0 vs 20.8%; P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Creating multiple gateways for drainage of necrotic debris improves treatment success, and not removing the transmural stents decreases PFC recurrence in patients undergoing endoscopic drainage of WOPN.
Prevalence and determinants of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in adolescents
Authors: Chen Jiann‐Hwa , Wang Hsin‐Yi , Lin Hans Hsienhong , Wang Chia‐Chi , Wang Li‐Yu
Published: July 2013

Background and Aims

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in adults, and there are increasing secular trends in adult GERD morbidity in many countries. However, population‐based study on adolescent GERD was very limited. The specific aims of the study were to explore the prevalence and determinant of GERD symptoms in adolescents.

Methods

A population‐based association study was performed on 1828 students aged 13–16 years from four public junior high schools in Taiwan. The presences of symptoms of GERD, asthma and food allergy, demographic characteristics, and health behaviors were obtained by structured questionnaires.

Results

Complete information of symptoms of GERD and asthma were available for 1745 (95.5%) students. The cumulative and 3‐month prevalence rates of GERD symptoms were 20.5% and 8.9%, respectively. Multivariate‐adjusted odds ratio of having experienced GERD symptoms were 1.53 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18–1.98) for ever smoking, 1.52 (95% CI: 1.12–2.26) for bi‐ethnicity, 1.70 (95% CI: 1.26–2.29) for food allergy, and 3.59 (95% CI: 2.69–4.82) and 2.43 (95% CI: 1.67–3.53) for having asthma attacks within or more than 1 year before, respectively. Similar results were found for 3‐month prevalence.

Conclusions

The study showed that GERD symptoms were frequent in junior high school students in Taiwan. Food allergy, asthma, and cigarette smoking were independently correlated with the prevalence of GERD symptoms. Psychosocial factors associated with bi‐ethnic family may contribute to its development.