bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthropogenic changes to the landscape resulted in colonization of koalas in north‐east New South Wales, Australia
Authors: LEE KRISTEN E. , ELLIS WILLIAM A. H. , CARRICK FRANK N. , CORLEY SEAN W. , JOHNSTON STEPHEN D. , BAVERSTOCK PETER R. , NOCK CATHERINE J. , ROWE KEVIN C. , SEDDON JENNIFER M.
Published: June 2012

Significant changes in the distribution and persistence of species have been driven by Pleistocene cyclical climate changes and, more recently, by human modification of the environment. In eastern Australia, Pleistocene cyclical patterns in temperature and aridity led to the expansion and retraction of rainforest and likely affected the distribution of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus, family Phascolarctidae), a species preferring dry or open woodland. More recently, anthropogenic landscape modification has led to a large‐scale change in distribution of the koala following the destruction of approx. 75 000 ha of subtropical rainforest in north‐east New South Wales termed the ‘Big Scrub’. Sharing of the control region haplotypes to the north and south of this region indicate historical connectivity of coastal koala populations. However, the majority (110/115) of sampled koalas from this region shared a single mitochondrial control region haplotype, suggesting that koalas did not persist in multiple refugial pockets within a heterogenous rainforest but expanded into the region following deforestation. Bayesian cluster analysis of microsatellite data consistently identified two clusters of koalas. One cluster, in the north of the area, had high microsatellite diversity (10 alleles per locus, He = 0.79) and clustered with koalas further to the north, thus suggesting a southerly expansion into the cleared area. To the south was a cluster with significantly lower diversity (six alleles per locus, He = 0.59,P < 0.001). It is possible there has been restricted or filtered movement of koalas between these clusters, which coincides with a cleared river valley and associated roads or immigration from populations both to the north and to the south. This study gives an insight into the timescale of changes in species distribution following rapid alterations to suitable habitat.
New antireflux self‐expandable metal stent for malignant lower biliary obstruction: In vitro and in vivo preliminary study
Authors: Kim Dong Uk , Kwon Chang‐Il , Kang Dae Hwan , Ko Kwang Hyun , Hong Sung Pyo
Published: June 2012

Aim

Antireflux plastic biliary stents prevent duodenal biliary reflux and improve the stent patency rate. However, the efficacy of the antireflux valve in a self‐expandable metal stent (SEMS) for a malignant biliary obstruction has not been well established. We evaluated the efficacy of a SEMS with an antireflux valve using in vitro flow studies and determined the impact of reducing duodenobiliary reflux on the stent patency rate.

Methods

In vitro testing was conducted using a bile perfusion system to evaluate the antegrade and retrograde flow resistance, and to determine the ideal shape for the valve. Then, a prospective case series in humans was conducted with an adequately designed SEMS with an antireflux valve.

Results

During the study period, five patients with an unresectable non‐hilar malignant biliary obstruction underwent insertion of a SEMS with an antireflux valve. Placement of the SEMS with anantireflux valve was successful on the first attempt in all patients, and no procedure‐related complications occurred. Follow up was obtained in all cases. Serum bilirubin level did not decrease to the normal range within 1 month in four patients. Stent occlusions occurred in all four patients as a result of valve malfunctions due to sludge impaction or a clog. Therefore, the study was terminated early due to unexpected results.

Conclusion

SEMS with an antireflux valve was ineffective in patients with non‐hilar malignant biliary obstruction due to limitations on current stent technology.
Gastric glomus tumor: Analysis of endosonographic characteristics and computed tomographic findings
Authors: Baek Yang Hyun , Choi Seok Reyol , Lee Bong Eun , Kim Gwang Ha
Published: June 2012

Among submucosal tumors (SMT), gastric glomus tumors are rare vascular tumors, and only a few cases where glomus tumors have been differentiated from other mesenchymal tumors by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) or computed tomography (CT) have been reported. In this case series, we aimed to analyze the EUS and CT characteristics of gastric glomus tumors. Seven patients with gastric glomus tumors were retrospectively enrolled in this study. EUS showed that all the tumors were located in the fourth EUS layer (muscularis propria) and had distinct borders. The tumors had a heterogeneous appearance with either hypo‐ or hyperechogenicity, and all the tumors except one had the characteristic peripheral halo around them. On CT scans,all the tumors appeared as well‐defined SMT with a clear margin and showed the same characteristics in the different phases of CT. During dynamic contrast‐enhanced CT, the tumors showed strong enhancement in the arterial phase and prolonged enhancement in the delayed phase. This case series shows the characteristic EUS findings and the distinguishing features of CT scans for gastric glomus tumors; these findings will help in differentiating gastric glomus tumors from other SMT.
Exposed blood vessels of more than 2 mm in diameter are a risk factor for rebleeding after endoscopic clipping hemostasis for hemorrhagic gastroduodenal ulcer
Authors: Ishikawa Shigenao , Inaba Tomoki , Wato Masaki , Takashima Shiho , Mizushige Tomoko , Izumikawa Kouichi , Miyoshi Masatsugu , Kawai Kozo
Published: June 2012

Background and aim

There are few clinical studies on the risk factors for rebleeding based on the endoscopic hemostatic procedure carried out, including ulcer characteristics such as exposed blood vessels. The present study aims to clarify the risk factors for rebleeding after endoscopic clipping hemostasis for hemorrhagic gastroduodenal ulcers.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out with data collected during the 10‐year period from January 2000 to December 2009 for 312 consecutive patients with hemorrhagic gastroduodenal ulcer. Two hundred and ninety‐three patients (216 men and 77 women; mean age, 67.0 ± 15.0 years) who underwent endoscopic clipping as the initial hemostatic treatment were analyzed. The risk factors for rebleeding were determined by comparing 271 patients who did not rebleed after initial treatment with 22 patients who developed rebleeding.

Results

The success rate of initial clipping hemostasis was 100%; however, rebleeding occurred in 7.5% (22/293) and a multivariate analysis identified exposed blood vessels of more than 2 mm in diameter as independent risk factors for rebleeding (P = 0.0124, odds ratio 6.25 [95% CI: 1.53–13.62]).

Conclusions

Endoscopic clipping monotherapy is effective for hemorrhagic gastroduodenal ulcers; however, exposed blood vessels of more than 2 mm in diameter in the initial endoscopic procedure are a risk factor for rebleeding.
Cognitive impairments and functional declines in older adults at high risk for care needs
Authors: Umegaki Hiroyuki , Suzuki Yusuke , Yanagawa Madoka , Nonogaki Zen , Nakashima Hirotaka , Kuzuya Masufumi , Endo Hidetoshi
Published: June 2012

Aim:  Functional status of those who have very mild cognitive impairment have not been sufficiently investigated. In the current study, we analyzed the characteristics of functional awareness in older adults who had cognitive impairment and were at high risk of requiring support/care (termed as specified elderly at high risk for care needs in the long‐term care insurance scheme).

Methods:  The answers of a health check, which is provided by the local municipal government for those aged 75 years or older who have not been certified as eligible for care services, were analyzed. The differences of the variables between the two groups regarding yes/no answers to each of three cognition‐related questions were analyzed. Then, a multiple logistic analysis was carried out to investigate the association of yes/no answers of the three cognition‐related questions and the awareness of functional decline.

Results:  The participants who had cognitive impairment had greater awareness of functional declines. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that subjective memory impairment and disorientation were significantly associated with a wider range of awareness of functional decline.

Conclusions:  Subjective cognitive impairment was associated with a wide range of awareness of functional decline in older adults at high risk for care need. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 77–82.
Characteristics of cognitive function in early and late stages of amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Doi Takehiko , Shimada Hiroyuki , Makizako Hyuma , Yoshida Daisuke , Shimokata Hiroshi , Ito Kengo , Washimi Yukihiko , Endo Hidetoshi , Suzuki Takao
Published: June 2012

Aim:  The detection of the early stages in amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is considered important in diagnosing progression to Alzheimer's disease. The current study sought to investigate differences in cognitive function between control subjects with no memory loss (control), and subjects in the early stage of aMCI (EMCI) and late stage of aMCI (LMCI).

Methods:  A total of 100 community‐dwelling older adults aged 65 years and over were recruited from 1543 potential subjects. Subjects were classified into three groups based on the degree of objective memory impairment; control (n = 29), EMCI (n = 34) and LMCI (n = 37). Multiple neuropsychological tests were carried out to examine cognitive function.

Results:  The EMCI individuals showed lower cognitive function relative to controls; not only in logical memory, but also in letter fluency (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in neuropsychological scores between the EMCI and LMCI groups, except for category fluency and logical memory. In addition, the EMCI subjects' logical memory score showed a significant relationship with letter fluency, category fluency and digit span backward test performance (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  These results suggest that the application of multiple neuropsychological tests might be useful in diagnosing older adults with EMCI and LMCI. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 83–89.
Hepcidin and erythropoietin measurements in the cord blood of neonates with meconium‐stained amniotic fluid
Authors: Gun Eryilmaz Ozlem , Tavil Betul , Turan Serpil , Yumusak Omer , Doganay Melike , Uzunlar Ozlem , Akar Serra , Eyi Elif Gul
Published: June 2012

Aim:  To compare hepcidin and erythropoietin levels in the cord blood of neonates with meconium‐stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) to levels obtained from age‐, body mass index‐ and gravidity‐matched neonates with clear amniotic fluid.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional controlled study was conducted in secondary and tertiary care centers. Cord blood samples of 40 neonates following term gestations (≥37 weeks' gestation) with MSAF and 40 maternal age‐, body mass index‐ and gravidity‐matched controls with clear amniotic fluid were analyzed in this study. Demographic data, delivery outcomes and laboratory evaluations were recorded.

Results:  Cord blood pH levels were lower in fetuses with MSAF when compared to those with clear amniotic fluid (P = 0.0001). Fetuses with MSAF had higher cord blood erythropoietin levels in comparison to those with clear amniotic fluid (P = 0.0001). Delivery outcomes and hepcidin measurements were similar in both groups.

Conclusions:  We demonstrated a significant relationship between erythropoietin levels and meconium passage, but failed to show the existence of a relationship between hepcidin levels and meconium passage.
Roles of microRNA‐34a in the pathogenesis of placenta accreta
Authors: Umemura Kota , Ishioka Shin‐ichi , Endo Toshiaki , Ezaka Yoshiaki , Takahashi Madoka , Saito Tsuyoshi
Published: June 2012

Aim:  MicroRNA‐34a (miR‐34a) is associated with invasion and metastasis of various cancers. The trophoblastic cells of placenta accreta invade into the myometrium in a similar way to the invasion of cancers. We studied the roles of miR‐34a in the pathogenesis of placenta accreta.

Methods:  The human choriocarcinoma cell line JAR was used for in vitro experiments as a model of trophoblasts, and placental tissues from the operative specimen of patients with or without placenta accreta were used for experiments in vivo. Morpholino antisense oligomer against miR‐34a (miR‐34a Morpho/AS) was added to JAR, and the expression of miR‐34a and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) was determined by real time PCR. The effects of antisense, interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 in the process of invasion were studied with an invasion assay. Expression of miR‐34a in vivo was studied with the use of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).

Results:  Expression of miR‐34a was inhibited by 65% with the administration of antisense, and a slight increase in miR‐34a expression was observed with the addition of IL‐6 and IL‐8. PAI‐1 expression decreased with the addition of IL‐6 and IL‐8, and increased with the administration of antisense. There was an increase in invasive capacity through the inhibition of miR‐34a expression. Strong FISH expression of miR‐34a was observed in trophoblast cells of non‐placenta accreta, and a clear decrease in miR‐34a expression was observed in those of placenta accreta.

Conclusions:  Expression of miR‐34a was downregulated in placenta accreta. In vitro experiments also showed that the invasive potential of JAR increased by suppressing miR‐34a, probably through the expression of PAI‐1.
Borderline mucinous ovarian tumor presenting as pseudo‐Meigs' syndrome
Authors: Chen Yueh‐Yi , Hsiao Sheng‐Mou , Hsu Yao‐Peng , Lin Ho‐Hsiung , Wei Ming‐Chow
Published: June 2012

Borderline ovarian tumor with the initial presentation of pseudo‐Meigs' syndrome is rare. A 52‐year‐old postmenopausal woman presented with a large ovarian tumor, ascites, and right hydrothorax. We found elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigens (44.4 ng/mL), carbohydrate antigen (CA)‐125 (269.8 U/mL), and CA‐199 (7942 U/mL). The frozen section pathology revealed a mucinous borderline ovarian tumor, and a staging operation was performed. Final pathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of intestinal type ovarian mucinous borderline tumor with non‐invasive cul‐de‐sac implants. Her pleural effusion and ascites resolved after surgery, and she remained tumor‐free after 3 years' follow up. Physicians should be cautious for the rare possibility of pseudo‐Meigs' syndrome in patients with pelvic tumors having the features of advanced ovarian cancer.
Successful pregnancy after the treatment of primary amenorrhea in a patient with non‐classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Purwana Indri N. , Kanasaki Haruhiko , Oride Aki , Miyazaki Kohji
Published: June 2012

We describe a case of non‐classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH) due to 21‐hydroxylase deficiency in a 30‐year‐old Japanese woman who achieved pregnancy after treatment of primary amenorrhea. Hirsutism and clitoromegaly were present. Ultrasound examination showed polycystic appearance of the ovary. Luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LH‐RH) test resulted in exaggerated LH response, showing a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) pattern. The diagnosis was based on the elevated intial levels of 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (55 ng/mL) and dihydroepiandosterone (7780 ng/mL). The first withdrawal bleeding occurred within 6 weeks after treatment with hydrocortisone (20 mg/day) combined with conjugated estrogens (1.25 mg/day) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (10 mg/day), which were continued for five courses. The bleeding remained cyclic every 28 days with maintenance doses of hydrocortisone. Subsequently, ovulation was induced using clomiphene citrate (100 mg/day). Pregnancy was achieved at the second attempt of ovulation induction and was within 10 months after initial presentation. Continuing hydrocortisone, the patient delivered a healthy baby at term.
Reproductive outcome of couples with recurrent miscarriage and balanced chromosomal abnormalities
Authors: Kochhar Puneet Kaur , Ghosh Pranay
Published: June 2012

Aim:  Despite known association of parental carriers of structural chromosomal rearrangements with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), the possibility of having a miscarriage due to an unbalanced chromosomal aberration remains unknown. There has been limited research on the reproductive outcome of such couples. The present study was done to report the distribution of structural chromosome rearrangements in patients experiencing RPL and to describe subsequent pregnancy outcomes in the carriers.

Material and Methods:  Chromosomal analysis was performed on blood samples from 788 individuals with RPL and distribution of chromosomal anomalies was studied. In couples found to have chromosomal rearrangements, pregnancy outcomes were recorded over 2 years. In the subsequent pregnancy, cytogenetic analysis was done on amniotic fluid (obtained at 16–20 weeks), or on miscarriage specimens (in pregnancies that failed to continue).

Results:  Chromosomal rearrangements were identified in 6.8% (54/788) cases (including 5.9% reciprocal translocations, 0.7% Robertsonian translocations, and 0.1% inversions). The risk of having a chromosomal aberration was not related to the number of previous miscarriages. Over the next 2 years, two‐thirds of the 49 documented pregnancies resulted in a normal live birth, and one‐third miscarried. Most miscarriages (56.2%) were euploid, two were trisomic and 12.5% had an unbalanced translocation.

Conclusion:  In couples with no other cause of RPL other than a structural chromosomal rearrangement, nearly two‐thirds are likely to have a normal outcome in subsequent pregnancy. Couples with pure abortion histories carry higher risk for cytogenetic abnormality than couples with normal children in addition to abortions.
Apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio is a good predictive marker of metabolic syndrome and pre‐metabolic syndrome in Chinese adolescent women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Yin Qianqian , Chen Xiaoli , Li Lin , Zhou Ran , Huang Jia , Yang Dongzi
Published: June 2012

Aim:  The apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 (ApoB/ApoA1) ratio is well known to be related to metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components in adults of different races. There is low prevalence of MS but high occurrence of various metabolic disorders in Chinese adolescent women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We sought to assess if the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio can be used as a predictive marker of MS and pre‐MS in Chinese adolescent women with PCOS.

Material and Methods:  This cross‐sectional study included 160 Chinese adolescent women. Based on International Diabetes Federation criteria for MS, patients who had no less than two components of MS but did not meet the criteria for the diagnosis of MS were considered as having pre‐MS.

Results:  The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio was higher in obese subjects with high free androgen index (FAI). The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio increased significantly as the number of MS components increased and provided 87.5% of sensitivity and 78.9% of specificity with a threshold value of 0.63 for MS, 86.2% of sensitivity and 79.4% of specificity with a threshold value of 0.58 for pre‐MS in Chinese adolescent women with PCOS.

Conclusion:  The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio was a good predictive marker of MS and pre‐MS in Chinese adolescent women with PCOS. FAI could be involved in obesity‐related metabolic abnormalities.
Pregnancy and delivery in patients with Fontan circulation: A report of two cases
Authors: Inoue Seiji , Masuyama Hisashi , Akagi Teiji , Hiramatsu Yuji
Published: June 2012

Fontan operation is performed to provide palliation for patients with many forms of highly complex congenital heart disease that cannot support a biventricular circulation. Increasing numbers of women who have undergone these connections in childhood are now reaching their childbearing years, and some are becoming pregnant. The low flow and fixed cardiac output of a Fontan circulation poses a number of problems during pregnancy. Here, we report two cases of pregnancy and delivery with Fontan circulation. Case 1, who underwent Fontan procedure for congenital pulmonary atresia with intact vertical septum at age 7, delivered a male infant weighing 1073 g by cesarean section at 286/7 weeks due to massive genital bleeding. Case 2 underwent Fontan procedure for double inlet left ventricle and delivered by vacuum extraction a male infant weighing 2142 g, while monitoring central venous pressure at 375/7 weeks. The former had ascites and dose of diuretic had to be added at early pregnancy, and the latter had no adverse cardiac and obstetric events. These cases suggest that patients after adequate Fontan palliation could complete pregnancy without long‐term cardiac sequelae, but might be complicated with cardiac or obstetrical events. Intensive care should be required with specialists, including a neonatologist, anesthesiologist and cardiologist. We have added a literature review of pregnancy with Fontan circulation, referring to previous reports.
Cell division and density of symbiotic Chlorella variabilis of the ciliate Paramecium bursaria is controlled by the host's nutritional conditions during early infection process
Authors: Kodama Yuuki , Fujishima Masahiro
Published: June 2012

The association of ciliate Paramecium bursaria with symbiotic Chlorella sp. is a mutualistic symbiosis. However, both the alga‐free paramecia and symbiotic algae can still grow independently and can be reinfected experimentally by mixing them. Effects of the host's nutritional conditions against the symbiotic algal cell division and density were examined during early reinfection. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that algal cell division starts 24 h after mixing with alga‐free P. bursaria, and that the algal mother cell wall is discarded from the perialgal vacuole membrane, which encloses symbiotic alga. Labelling of the mother cell wall with Calcofluor White Stain, a cell‐wall‐specific fluorochrome, was used to show whether alga had divided or not. Pulse labelling of alga‐free P. bursaria cells with Calcofluor White Stain‐stained algae with or without food bacteria for P. bursaria revealed that the fluorescence of Calcofluor White Stain in P. bursaria with bacteria disappeared within 3 days after mixing, significantly faster than without bacteria. Similar results were obtained both under constant light and dark conditions. This report is the first describing that the cell division and density of symbiotic algae of P. bursaria are controlled by the host's nutritional conditions during early infection.
Diagnostic accuracy of heart‐rate recovery after exercise in the assessment of diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy
Authors: Sacre J. W. , Jellis C. L. , Coombes J. S. , Marwick T. H.
Published: June 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, e312–e320 (2012)

Aims  Poor prognosis associated with blunted post‐exercise heart‐rate recovery may reflect autonomic dysfunction. This study sought the accuracy of post‐exercise heart‐rate recovery in the diagnosis of cardiac autonomic neuropathy, which represents a serious, but often unrecognized complication of Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  Clinical assessment of cardiac autonomic neuropathy and maximal treadmill exercise testing for heart‐rate recovery were performed in 135 patients with Type 2 diabetes and negative exercise echocardiograms. Cardiac autonomic neuropathy was defined by abnormalities in ≥ 2 of 7 autonomic function markers, including four cardiac reflex tests and three indices of short‐term (5‐min) heart‐rate variability. Heart‐rate recovery was defined at 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐min post‐exercise.

Results  Patients with cardiac autonomic neuropathy (n = 27; 20%) had lower heart‐rate recovery at 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐min post‐exercise (P < 0.01). Heart‐rate recovery demonstrated univariate associations with autonomic function markers (r‐values 0.20–0.46, P < 0.05). Area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve revealed good diagnostic performance of all heart‐rate recovery parameters (range 0.80–0.83, P < 0.001). Optimal cut‐offs for heart‐rate recovery at 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐min post‐exercise were ≤ 28 beats/min (sensitivity 93%, specificity 69%), ≤ 50 beats/min (sensitivity 96%, specificity 63%) and ≤ 52 beats/min (sensitivity 70%, specificity 84%), respectively. These criteria predicted cardiac autonomic neuropathy independently of relevant clinical and exercise test information (adjusted odds ratios 7–28, P < 0.05).

Conclusions  Post‐exercise heart‐rate recovery provides an accurate diagnostic test for cardiac autonomic neuropathy in Type 2 diabetes. The high sensitivity and modest specificity suggests heart‐rate recovery may be useful to screen for patients requiring clinical autonomic evaluation.
Diabetes incidence does not differ between subjects with and without high depressive symptoms — 5‐year follow‐up results of the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study
Authors: Icks A. , Albers B. , Haastert B. , Pechlivanis S. , Bokhof B. , Slomiany U. , Erbel R. , Jöckel K.‐H. , Kruse J. , Nowotny B. , Herder C. , Giani G. , Moebus S. ,   for the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study Investigative Group and the German BMBF Competence Network for Diabetes Mellitus
Published: June 2012

Diabet. Med. 30, 65–69 (2013)

Aims  Cross‐sectional studies have consistently reported evidence for an association between diabetes and depressive disorders. However, only limited prospective studies have examined this association, reporting conflicting results. In a population‐based cohort study, we compared cumulative incidences of diabetes between participants with and without high depressive symptoms.

Method  We analysed the 5‐year follow‐up data from the German Heinz Nixdorf Recall study of 3547 participants without diabetes at baseline [mean age 58.8 (sd 7.6) years, 47.5% male]. Depressive symptoms were defined using the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (cut point ≥ 17). Diabetes (diagnosed or previously undetected) was identified by self‐reported physician‐diagnosed diabetes, medication and high blood glucose levels. We estimated 5‐year cumulative incidences with 95% confidence intervals and fitted multiple logistic regression models to calculate the odds ratios, adjusted for age, sex, physical activity, smoking, living with or without partner, and educational level.

Results  The cumulative incidence of diabetes was 9.2% (95% CI 6.3–12.8) in participants with high depressive symptoms at baseline and 9.0% (95% CI 8.0–10.0) in participants without these symptoms. The age‐ and sex‐adjusted odds ratio of diabetes in participants with depressive symptoms compared with those without was 1.13 [95% CI 0.77–1.68; fully adjusted 1.11 (95% CI 0.74–1.65)]. These results did not substantially change in several additional sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion  Our study did not show a significantly increased risk of developing diabetes in individuals with high depressive symptoms compared with those without high depressive symptoms during a 5‐year follow‐up period.
Mass Killing and the Politics of Legitimacy: Empire and the Ideology of Selective Extermination
Authors: Bellamy Alex J.
Published: June 2012

How do the perpetrators of mass killing legitimise their behaviour? This article examines the legitimation of some of the worst cases of mass killing in the past two centuries. It finds that the colonial experience helped establish a moral framework that facilitated arguments designed to place whole groups beyond normal legal and moral protection on account of some assigned traits. This moral framework was evident in different colonial settings and rested on claims negating the right of the victim group to protection and claims valourising their violent extermination. It also underpinned the moral justifications offered by perpetrators of some of the twentieth century's worst episodes of mass killing. This article examines the “family resemblances” between the arguments used by perpetrators in different settings, indentifies their common structure, and examines the factors that influenced their capacity to secure legitimacy for mass killing.
The Head of State Debate: A Response to Sir David Smith and Professor David Flint
Authors: Patmore Glenn
Published: June 2012

In the 1990s political leaders debated a constitutional amendment that would make Australia a republic. That debate continues to the present day. Republicans believe that becoming a republic means having an Australian as head of state instead of the Queen. Constitutional Monarchists see no need for Australia to become a republic since Australia, they argue, is already an independent nation‐state. They contend that the head of state, the Governor‐General, is an Australian citizen and has been since 1965, and that the Queen of Australia is the Sovereign. The purpose of this article is to provide a republican response to recent arguments of two leading Constitutional Monarchist, Sir David Smith and Professor David Flint.
Coherent Spatiotemporal Filtering, Upsampling and Rendering of RGBZ Videos
Authors: Richardt Christian , Stoll Carsten , Dodgson Neil A. , Seidel Hans‐Peter , Theobalt Christian
Published: June 2012

Sophisticated video processing effects require both image and geometry information. We explore the possibility to augment a video camera with a recent infrared time‐of‐flight depth camera, to capture high‐resolution RGB and low‐resolution, noisy depth at video frame rates. To turn such a setup into a practical RGBZ video camera, we develop efficient data filtering techniques that are tailored to the noise characteristics of IR depth cameras. We first remove typical artefacts in the RGBZ data and then apply an efficient spatiotemporal denoising and upsampling scheme. This allows us to record temporally coherent RGBZ videos at interactive frame rates and to use them to render a variety of effects in unprecedented quality. We show effects such as video relighting, geometry‐based abstraction and stylisation, background segmentation and rendering in stereoscopic 3D.
A GPU‐based Approach for Massive Model Rendering with Frame‐to‐Frame Coherence
Authors: Peng Chao , Cao Yong
Published: June 2012

Rendering massive 3D models in real‐time has long been recognized as a very challenging problem because of the limited computational power and memory space available in a workstation. Most existing rendering techniques, especially level of detail (LOD) processing, have suffered from their sequential execution natures. We present a GPU‐based approach which enables interactive rendering of large 3D models with hundreds of millions of triangles. Our work contributes to the massive rendering research in two ways. First, we present a simple and efficient mesh simplification algorithm towards GPU architecture. Second, we propose a novel GPU out‐of‐core approach that adopts a frame‐to‐frame coherence scheme in order to minimize the high communication cost between CPU and GPU. Our results show that the parallel algorithm of mesh simplification and the GPU out‐of‐core approach significantly improve the overall rendering performance.
crdbrd: Shape Fabrication by Sliding Planar Slices
Authors: Hildebrand Kristian , Bickel Bernd , Alexa Marc
Published: June 2012

We introduce an algorithm and representation for fabricating 3D shape abstractions using mutually intersecting planar cut‐outs. The planes have prefabricated slits at their intersections and are assembled by sliding them together. Often such abstractions are used as a sculptural art form or in architecture and are colloquially called ‘cardboard sculptures’. Based on an analysis of construction rules, we propose an extended binary space partitioning tree as an efficient representation of such cardboard models which allows us to quickly evaluate the feasibility of newly added planar elements. The complexity of insertion order quickly increases with the number of planar elements and manual analysis becomes intractable. We provide tools for generating cardboard sculptures with guaranteed constructibility. In combination with a simple optimization and sampling strategy for new elements, planar shape abstraction models can be designed by iteratively adding elements. As an output, we obtain a fabrication plan that can be printed or sent to a laser cutter. We demonstrate the complete process by designing and fabricating cardboard models of various well‐known 3D shapes.
Intervention for aggressive victims of school bullying in Hong Kong: A longitudinal mixed‐methods study
Authors: FUNG ANNIS LAI‐CHU
Published: June 2012

Fung, A. L‐C. (2012). Intervention for aggressive victims of school bullying in Hong Kong: A longitudinal mixed‐methods study. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 53, 360–367.

The distinction between aggressive and passive victims of school bullying is well documented. Aggressive victims exhibit restlessness and hot‐temperedness, are easily provoked, and take revenge when irritated, whereas passive victims are quiet and timid when attacked or insulted and withdraw rather than retaliate. To date, there has been no evidence‐based evaluative study examining interventions designed specifically to reduce aggressive victimization, and neither has there been an inclusive assessment screening of high‐risk aggressive victims prior to intervention. This study addressed these research gaps by employing multi‐stage assessment procedures and a mixed‐mode methodology in a one‐year longitudinal design. Data were collected from student self‐reports, parent and teacher rating scales, and individual structured interviews with students, parents and teachers. A total of 269 potential high‐risk aggressive victims were identified from among 5,089 schoolchildren, 68 of whom were screened out and randomly assigned to 10 treatment groups, with 39 completing a one‐year follow‐up study. Multivariate analysis of variance identified significant improvements in physical and verbal victimization (F(2,47, 93.99) = 10.73, p < 0.01), verbal victimization (F(2.74, 104.14) = 12.80, p < 0.01) and social exclusion scores at the three follow‐up assessments compared to the pre‐treatment scores, and the qualitative results were consistent, showing participants’ cognition, emotion, and behavior to have been positively reconstructed by the group intervention. The consistent quantitative and qualitative results confirm that the cognitive‐behavioral group therapy program reported herein is effective in reducing aggressive victims’ anxious and depressed emotions and reactive cognition.
The Case of the Divisible Phase: Licensing Partitive Case in Finnish
Authors: Csirmaz Aniko
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Case marking can interact with semantic interpretation in various ways, including differential case marking phenomena. This paper explores the interaction of partitive case in Finnish with the property of divisibility. It is argued that the appearance of partitive case can be related to divisibility. Most occurrences of partitive case are explained by a uniform treatment, which assumes that the divisibility of a phase affects the morphological realization of the [Case] feature minimally contained in the phase. This account extends to partitive case licensing by events; the case marked nominal itself; clausal negation; and prepositions as well. The discussion highlights the fact that morphological case is not necessarily determined by the licensing head. Instead, it can be determined within a local domain (a phase), the output of a cyclic Spell‐out system. The proposal also bears on issues such as the phasehood of DPs and the structure of restructuring constructions.
Prevention of post‐stroke cognitive decline: a review focusing on lifestyle interventions
Authors: Teuschl Y. , Matz K. , Brainin M.
Published: June 2012

Background and purpose

Despite a high prevalence of post‐stroke cognitive impairment, therapeutic possibilities are still limited. Stroke and dementia share the same cluster of modifiable risk factors. Thus, lifestyle interventions and strict adherence to medication may not only decrease the risk of recurrent stroke but also the risk of post‐stroke cognitive decline.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) targeting modifiable risk factors for the prevention of cognitive decline following stroke.

Results

We identified 25 non‐pharmacological interventions and eight multiple risk factor interventions in stroke patients using cognition as outcome measure. None of the published trials investigated interventions aimed at the prevention of post‐stroke cognitive decline. However, a number of ongoing trials aim at risk factor reduction and include measures on cognition.

Conclusion

Evidence for risk factor modification for the prevention of cognitive decline after stroke is scarce and comes mainly from observational studies. There is a need for more RCTs targeting the prevention of post‐stroke dementia using lifestyle interventions and a multiple risk factor approach.
Physical therapy in Huntington's disease – toward objective assessments?
Authors: Bohlen S. , Ekwall C. , Hellström K. , Vesterlin H. , Björnefur M. , Wiklund L. , Reilmann R.
Published: June 2012

Background and purpose

Physical therapy is recommended for the treatment of Huntington's disease, but reliable studies investigating its efficacy are almost non‐existent. This may in part be due to the lack of suitable outcome measures. Therefore, we investigated the applicability of novel quantitative and objective assessments of motor dysfunction in the evaluation of physical therapy interventions aimed at improving gait and posture.

Methods

Twelve patients with Huntington disease received a predefined twice‐weekly intervention focusing on posture and gait over 6 weeks. The GAITRite mat and a force plate were used for objective and quantitative assessments. The Unified Huntingtons Disease Rating Scale Total Motor Score, the timed Up &Go test, and the Berg Balance Scale were used as clinical outcome measures.

Results

Significant improvements were seen in GAITRite measures after therapy. Improvements were also seen in the Up & Go test and Berg Balance Scale, whereas force plate measures and Total Motor Scores did not change.

Conclusions

The results suggest that physical therapy has a positive effect on gait in Huntington's disease. The study shows that objective and quantitative measures of gait and posture may serve as endpoints in trials assessing the efficacy of physical therapy. They should be explored further in larger trials applying a randomized controlled setting.
Prevalence of Fabry disease in TIA/stroke cohorts. What defines Fabry disease?
Authors: Linthorst G. E. , Ginsberg L.
Published: June 2012

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Age‐ and weight‐adjusted warfarin initiation nomogram for ischaemic stroke patients
Authors: Yoo S.‐H. , Kwon S. U. , Jo M.‐W. , Kang D.‐W. , Kim J. S.
Published: June 2012

Objectives

Specific guidelines for initial dosing of warfarin in ischaemic stroke patients have not been developed. Therefore, we have developed an age‐ and weight‐adjusted warfarin initiation nomogram (AW‐WIN) for ischaemic stroke patients and then evaluated the efficacy and safety of AW‐WIN compared with physician‐determined warfarin dosing (PDWD).

Methods

The age‐ and weight‐adjusted warfarin initiation nomogram was administered to 104 acute ischaemic stroke patients between January 2008 and February 2009. A historical control group (PDWD) of 96 patients was selected from comparable patients who were discharged with warfarin during the previous year. Time‐to‐therapeutic international normalized ratios (INRs) and the incidence of excessive anticoagulation were compared in the AW‐WIN and PDWD groups.

Results

The general characteristics, risk factors, and stroke mechanism of the AW‐WIN and PDWD groups did not differ significantly. The mean time to INR ≥ 2.0 was significantly shorter in the AW‐WIN than in the PDWD group (4.9 ± 0.7 vs. 6.2 ± 0.8 days, P = 0.0008). After adjustment for potential confounding variables, the AW‐WIN group reached target INR faster than the PDWD group (hazard ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.26–2.45; P = 0.001). The time‐to‐therapeutic INR ≥1.7 was shorter (P = 0.0002), the proportion of patients with therapeutic INR (2–3) at 5 days was higher (P = 0.002), and the rate of excessive anticoagulation of ≥3.5 INR during hospitalization was lower (P = 0.024) in the AW‐WIN than in the PDWD group.

Conclusions

AW‐WIN reduces the time to target INR and the risk of excessive anticoagulation. AW‐WIN may be an efficient and safe method of anticoagulation during the acute phase of ischaemic stroke.
The ‘German Fathers’ of the Theological Turn in Phenomenology: Scheler, Reinach, Heidegger
Authors: Camilleri Sylvain
Published: June 2012

This essay returns to the origins of the phenomenology of religion, offering an introduction to and a discussion of seminal contributions to the field. Three figures are examined:MaxScheler,AdolfReinach and the earlyMartinHeidegger, who are presented as the ‘GermanFathers’ of the phenomenology of religion. Each conducted a radical foray into the religious life‐world, sometimes in accord with the project of theirMasterEdmundHusserl, sometimes opposing or radically revising his project, but typically developing new methods and proposing radical insights. They attempted to define the proper attitude a phenomenologist – who might possibly also be a religious person – should adopt in the face of phenomena and lived experiences clearly beyond the ordinary. This enterprise led to heated debates and a rich analysis described here.
The influence of probiotic bacteria on the properties of Iranian white cheese
Authors: MAHMOUDI MANDANA , KHOSROWSHAHI ASL ASGHAR , ZOMORODI SHAHIN
Published: June 2012

The viability of Bifidobacterium animalis (ATCC 25527) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (ATCC 7469), study of interaction between probiotic and starter and their effect on the properties of Iranian white cheese were investigated during 60 days of ripening. The results indicated that probiotics did not exert any effect on the growth of commercial starters, but starters showed a synergistic effect on the growth of probiotics, and probiotics survived above the recommended level for the therapeutic minimum (106–107 cfu/g) after 60 days. Addition of probiotic adjunct did not alter the chemical composition except for moisture and protein. Also, the highest pH value was in probiotic cheeses without starter.
Therapeutic implications of small interfering RNA in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Raghunathan Suchi , Patel Bhoomika M.
Published: June 2012

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) place a heavy burden on the economies of low‐ and middle‐income countries. Comprehensive action requires combining approaches that seek to reduce the risks throughout the entire population with strategies that target individuals at high risk or with established disease. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) as a functional mediator for regulation of gene expression has been evaluated for potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure etc. The present review attempts have been made to provide a brief outline of the current understanding of the mechanism of RNAi and the delivery system and describe the therapeutic application of siRNAs and their potential for treating CVDs which are taking a heavy toll on human life.
The Mechanisms of Social Exclusion in Modern Society: The Dilemma of Active Labor Market Policy*
Authors: Higuchi Akihiko
Published: June 2012

In this article, I examine the social exclusion approach that has influenced social policy in Europe, and demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in explaining the emergence of new forms of inequality in modern society. First, I consider recent studies of social exclusion to show two important points: the paradigm shift from poverty to social exclusion and the introduction of a new policy framework of social inclusion. At the same time, I examine the inherent dilemma of social exclusion in response to radical critics of the social exclusion approach. Next, I point out an internal dilemma in the active labor market policies prioritized today by European Union member states. This dilemma is that these policies make the unemployed more vulnerable by forcing them into paid work. I then show how the enhancement of social networks in local communities and the provision of assistance to support cultural identity can serve as a buffer to compensate for the destructive influence of the economic dimension of social inclusion. In addition, I point out that citizenship as rights claiming is indispensable to social inclusion for all. Finally, drawing on the analysis outlined above, I conclude that a multi‐tiered mechanism of social inclusion can reasonably be considered the most effective framework in a precarious society where people bear various risks in the era of globalization.
Family Background and the Process of Ability Formation*
Authors: Okabe Satoshi
Published: June 2012

This paper takes a sociometric approach to the process of skills formation in children as they mature into adults. Honda suggests that meaningful communication with family as a child is the determining factor that raises those abilities (ability β1) that fall outside of scholastic aptitude – motivation, personal relations skills, personality, and emotions. Along with considering the results of Honda's thesis, I have constructed an operating hypothetic model that includes two additional factors: the financial state of the family during childhood, and the transition of the communication target from within the family to a target outside the family. The data for this investigation were then verified. From the results, the direct effect of the observed family communication, when isolated from other influencing variables in the formation of abilities β, is not as decisive a factor as Honda emphasized. It was clear that the financial status of the family played a role, as did the indirect results of the intermediary shift from communication within the family to outside the family (the process of children becoming socially independent). The results of this analysis show that we should not necessarily be looking for the decisive factors of abilities β within the family; if anything, it reflects the existence of a formative route for abilities β that capitalizes on the resources outside the family. Based on the above, the results also show the potential for the introduction of social intervention to address the disparity and inequality in skills formation, and the possible anticipation of more rationality in the overblown discourse surrounding the role of the family in facilitating educational ability.