bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of Removal Electrofishing Estimates of Trout Abundance in Rocky Mountain Streams
Authors: Meyer Kevin A. , High Brett
Published: December 2011

Removal electrofishing is frequently used to estimate fish distribution and abundance in streams because it is simple and requires only one visit to a site. However, because the removal method usually overestimates capture efficiency and therefore underestimates fish abundance, some biologists have questioned its use in favor of less biased methods. In southern Idaho streams in the summers of 2006 and 2007, rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, cutthroat trout O. clarkii, and brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis were captured with backpack electrofishers using pulsed DC and marked and released in blocknetted sites; on the following day, four-pass electrofishing removals were conducted. Removal electrofishing underestimated the abundance of trout 10 cm and larger by 17% (four passes), 22% (three), and 25% (two); for trout less than 10 cm, the respective underestimates were 27, 27, and 37%. Removal estimates were biased in part because capture efficiency progressively decreased for fish 10 cm and larger from 58% in pass one to 37% (two passes), 30% (three), and 18% (four); a similar decline was not as evident for fish less than 10 cm. Increased channel complexity, in the form of boulder substrate, water depth, and stream shading, increased bias in removal estimates. Linear regression models incorporating these and other variables explained 44–67% of the variation in this bias. Visiting new sites in the summer of 2009 with a new field crew produced similar amounts of removal estimate bias, but predictions based on multiple-regression results did not correct the bias any more accurately than did using a mean correction rate from the original sites. Our results suggest that multiple-pass removal sampling in typical Rocky Mountain streams can produce population estimates that are consistently but not drastically biased and are, therefore, probably adequate for most basic fish population monitoring even without correction, especially if electrofisher settings and crew training balance the need to minimize injury with effective fish sampling.

Received January 4, 2011; accepted June 20, 2011
SomaticSniper: identification of somatic point mutations in whole genome sequencing data
Authors: Larson David E. , Harris Christopher C. , Chen Ken , Koboldt Daniel C. , Abbott Travis E. , Dooling David J. , Ley Timothy J. , Mardis Elaine R. , Wilson Richard K. , Ding Li
Published: December 2011

Motivation: The sequencing of tumors and their matched normals is frequently used to study the genetic composition of cancer. Despite this fact, there remains a dearth of available software tools designed to compare sequences in pairs of samples and identify sites that are likely to be unique to one sample.

Results: In this article, we describe the mathematical basis of our SomaticSniper software for comparing tumor and normal pairs. We estimate its sensitivity and precision, and present several common sources of error resulting in miscalls.

Availability and implementation: Binaries are freely available for download at http://gmt.genome.wustl.edu/somatic-sniper/current/, implemented in C and supported on Linux and Mac OS X.

Contact:  delarson@wustl.edu; lding@wustl.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Resolution of Parenteral Nutrition–associated Jaundice on Changing From a Soybean Oil Emulsion to a Complex Mixed‐Lipid Emulsion
Authors: Muhammed Rafeeq , Bremner Ronald , Protheroe Sue , Johnson Tracey , Holden Chris , Murphy M. Stephen
Published: December 2011

Background and Objective:

Resolution of parenteral nutrition (PN)–associated jaundice has been reported in children given a reduced dose of intravenous fat using a fish oil–derived lipid emulsion. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect on PN‐associated jaundice of changing from a soybean oil–derived lipid to a mixed lipid emulsion derived from soybean, coconut, olive, and fish oils without reducing the total amount of lipid given.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort comparison examining serum bilirubin during 6 months in children with PN‐associated jaundice who changed to SMOFlipid (n = 8) or remained on Intralipid (n = 9).

Results:

At entry, both groups received most of their energy as PN (SMOFlipid 81.5%, range 65.5–100 vs Intralipid 92.2%, range 60.3–100; P = 0.37). After 6 months, both tolerated increased enteral feeding but still received large proportions of their energy as PN (SMOFlipid 68.4%, range 36.6–100 vs Intralipid 50%, range 37.6–76; P = 0.15). The median bilirubin at the outset was 143 μmol/L (range 71–275) in the SMOFlipid group and 91 μmol/L (range 78–176) in the Intralipid group. After 6 months, 5 of 8 children in the SMOFlipid and 2 of 9 children in the Intralipid group had total resolution of jaundice. The median bilirubin fell by 99 μmol/L in the SMOFlipid group but increased by 79 μmol/L in the Intralipid group (P = 0.02).

Conclusions:

SMOFlipid may have important protective properties for the liver and may constitute a significant advance in PN formulation. Randomised trials are needed to study the efficacy of SMOFlipid in preventing PN liver disease.
Pattern-oriented modelling: a ‘multi-scope’ for predictive systems ecology
Authors: Grimm Volker , Railsback Steven F.
Published: December 2011

Modern ecology recognizes that modelling systems across scales and at multiple levels—especially to link population and ecosystem dynamics to individual adaptive behaviour—is essential for making the science predictive. ‘Pattern-oriented modelling’ (POM) is a strategy for doing just this. POM is the multi-criteria design, selection and calibration of models of complex systems. POM starts with identifying a set of patterns observed at multiple scales and levels that characterize a system with respect to the particular problem being modelled; a model from which the patterns emerge should contain the right mechanisms to address the problem. These patterns are then used to (i) determine what scales, entities, variables and processes the model needs, (ii) test and select submodels to represent key low-level processes such as adaptive behaviour, and (iii) find useful parameter values during calibration. Patterns are already often used in these ways, but a mini-review of applications of POM confirms that making the selection and use of patterns more explicit and rigorous can facilitate the development of models with the right level of complexity to understand ecological systems and predict their response to novel conditions.
Individual-scale inference to anticipate climate-change vulnerability of biodiversity
Authors: Clark James S. , Bell David M. , Kwit Matthew , Stine Anne , Vierra Ben , Zhu Kai
Published: December 2011

Anticipating how biodiversity will respond to climate change is challenged by the fact that climate variables affect individuals in competition with others, but interest lies at the scale of species and landscapes. By omitting the individual scale, models cannot accommodate the processes that determine future biodiversity. We demonstrate how individual-scale inference can be applied to the problem of anticipating vulnerability of species to climate. The approach places climate vulnerability in the context of competition for light and soil moisture. Sensitivities to climate and competition interactions aggregated from the individual tree scale provide estimates of which species are vulnerable to which variables in different habitats. Vulnerability is explored in terms of specific demographic responses (growth, fecundity and survival) and in terms of the synthetic response (the combination of demographic rates), termed climate tracking. These indices quantify risks for individuals in the context of their competitive environments. However, by aggregating in specific ways (over individuals, years, and other input variables), we provide ways to summarize and rank species in terms of their risks from climate change.
From actors to agents in socio-ecological systems models
Authors: Rounsevell M. D. A. , Robinson D. T. , Murray-Rust D.
Published: December 2011

The ecosystem service concept has emphasized the role of people within socio-ecological systems (SESs). In this paper, we review and discuss alternative ways of representing people, their behaviour and decision-making processes in SES models using an agent-based modelling (ABM) approach. We also explore how ABM can be empirically grounded using information from social survey. The capacity for ABM to be generalized beyond case studies represents a crucial next step in modelling SESs, although this comes with considerable intellectual challenges. We propose the notion of human functional types, as an analogy of plant functional types, to support the expansion (scaling) of ABM to larger areas. The expansion of scope also implies the need to represent institutional agents in SES models in order to account for alternative governance structures and policy feedbacks. Further development in the coupling of human-environment systems would contribute considerably to better application and use of the ecosystem service concept.
Individuals infected with JC polyomavirus do not present detectable JC virus DNA in oropharyngeal fluids
Authors: Matos Ana , Duque Vitor , Luxo Cristina , Meliço-Silvestre António , Major Eugene O.
Published: December 2011

JC virus (JCV) is ubiquitous in the human population. Primary infection normally occurs during childhood and is followed by a lifelong persistent infection. The main mode of transmission remains unknown. Several authors have hypothesized that JCV transmission occurs through the respiratory route, and that respiratory secretions could represent a possible source of viral particles. The present study intended to evaluate oropharyngeal fluids from patients infected with JCV, in order to ascertain if respiratory secretions could indeed constitute a source of exposure to this polyomavirus. Oropharyngeal washing samples from 25 patients co-infected with JCV and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 were evaluated for the presence of JCV DNA. Regardless of the titre of antibodies or the presence of viral urinary excretion, JCV genome was not detected in oropharyngeal samples collected from any of the patients infected with JCV included in this study, which may suggest that oropharyngeal fluids are an unlikely source for JCV infection.
Disorder and conformational analysis of methyl β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-xylopyranoside
Authors: Zhang Wenhui , Oliver Allen G. , Serianni Anthony S.
Published: December 2011

Methyl β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-xylopyranoside, C12H22O10, (II), crystallizes as colorless needles from water with positional disorder in the xylopyranosyl (Xyl) ring and no water molecules in the unit cell. The internal glycosidic linkage conformation in (II) is characterized by a ϕ′ torsion angle (C2′Gal—C1′Gal—O1′Gal—C4Xyl) of 156.4 (5)° and a ψ′ torsion angle (C1′Gal—O1′Gal—C4Xyl—C3Xyl) of 94.0 (11)°, where the ring atom numbering conforms to the convention in which C1 denotes the anomeric C atom, and C5 and C6 denote the hydroxymethyl (–CH2OH) C atoms in the β-Xyl and β-Gal residues, respectively. By comparison, the internal linkage conformation in the crystal structure of the structurally related disaccharide, methyl β-lactoside [methyl β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranoside], (III) [Stenutz, Shang & Serianni (1999).Acta Cryst.C55, 1719–1721], is characterized by ϕ′ = 153.8 (2)° and ψ′ = 78.4 (2)°. A comparison of β-(1→4)-linked disaccharides shows considerable variability in both ϕ′ and ψ′, with the range in the latter (∼38°) greater than that in the former (∼28°). Inter-residue hydrogen bonding is observed between atoms O3Xyland O5′Galin the crystal structure of (II), analogous to the inter-residue hydrogen bond detected between atoms O3Glcand O5′Galin (III). The exocyclic hydroxymethyl conformations in the Gal residues of (II) and (III) are identical (gauche–transconformer).
The European internet-based patient and research database for primary immunodeficiencies: update 2011
Authors:   ESID Registry Working Party, Gathmann B , Binder N , Ehl S , Kindle G
Published: December 2011

In order to build a common data pool and estimate the disease burden of primary immunodeficiencies (PID) in Europe, the European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID) has developed an internet-based database for clinical and research data on patients with PID. This database is a platform for epidemiological analyses as well as the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and the identification of novel disease-associated genes. Since its start in 2004, 13 708 patients from 41 countries have been documented in the ESID database. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) represents the most common entity with 2880 patients or 21% of all entries, followed by selective immunoglobulin A (sIgA) deficiency (1424 patients, 10·4%). The total documented prevalence of PID is highest in France, with five patients per 100 000 inhabitants. The highest documented prevalence for a single disease is 1·3 per 100 000 inhabitants for sIgA deficiency in Hungary. The highest reported incidence of PID per 100 000 live births was 16·2 for the period 1999–2002 in France. The highest reported incidence rate for a single disease was 6·7 for sIgA deficiency in Spain for the period 1999–2002. The genetic cause was known in 36·2% of all registered patients. Consanguinity was reported in 8·8%, and 18·5% of patients were reported to be familial cases; 27·9% of patients were diagnosed after the age of 16. We did not observe a significant decrease in the diagnostic delay for most diseases between 1987 and 2010. The most frequently reported long-term medication is immunoglobulin replacement.
Ocean warming alters species abundance patterns and increases species diversity in an African sub‐tropical reef‐fish community
Authors: LLOYD PENN , PLAGÁNYI ÉVA E. , WEEKS SCARLA J. , MAGNO‐CANTO MARITES , PLAGÁNYI GYULA
Published: December 2011

The impacts of ocean warming resulting from recent climate change on the abundance patterns of marine species have been well documented in temperate seas of the northern hemisphere, but the impacts of a widening tropical belt are largely unexplored. Using measurements of sea surface temperature and spear‐fishing records for 84 species spanning a 19‐yr period, we examined the effects of ocean warming on a sub‐tropical reef‐fish community on the southeastern coast of Africa. Corresponding with a 0.46°C increase in average sea surface temperature between the time periods 1989–97 and 2002–2007, the ratio of species showing an overall decrease/ no change/increase in abundance was 1 : 3 : 2 among six species at the northern limits of their distribution in the region (temperate species), 1 : 15 : 6 among 22 broadly distributed species, and 1 : 5 : 9 among 15 species at the southern limits of their distribution (tropical species). Also, the relative abundance of temperate species as a whole decreased by 10–13% whereas that of tropical species increased by 9%, and broadly distributed species showed little change. Average species richness and diversity increased 33 and 15% respectively between the two time periods. These results are broadly consistent with a predicted poleward shift in species ranges and a predicted increase in species richness and diversity with increasing sea temperature. Our findings confirm that large‐scale climate change causing a widening of the tropical belt and subsequent ocean warming is having a profound impact on marine species abundance patterns and community composition at a local scale in the sub‐tropics.
Testing an integral conceptual model of frailty
Authors: Gobbens Robbert J , van Assen Marcel A , Luijkx Katrien G , Schols Jos M
Published: December 2011

Gobbens R.J., van Assen M.A., Luijkx K.G. & Schols J.M. (2012) Testing an integral conceptual model of frailty. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(9), 2047–2060.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to test three hypotheses derived from an integral conceptual model of frailty.

Background.  The integral model of frailty describes the pathway from life‐course determinants to frailty to adverse outcomes. The model assumes that life‐course determinants and the three domains of frailty (physical, psychological, social) affect adverse outcomes, the effect of disease(s) on adverse outcomes is mediated by frailty, and the effect of frailty on adverse outcomes depends on the life‐course determinants.

Methods.  In June 2008 a questionnaire was sent to a sample of community‐dwelling people, aged 75 years and older (n = 213). Life‐course determinants and frailty were assessed using the Tilburg Frailty Indicator. Adverse outcomes were measured using the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale, the WHOQOL‐BREF and questions regarding healthcare utilization. The effect of seven self‐reported chronic diseases was examined.

Results.  Life‐course determinants, chronic disease(s), and frailty together explain a moderate to large part of the variance of the seven continuous adverse outcomes (26–57%). All these predictors together explained a significant part of each of the five dichotomous adverse outcomes. The effect of chronic disease(s) on all 12 adverse outcomes was mediated at least partly by frailty. The effect of frailty domains on adverse outcomes did not depend on life‐course determinants.

Conclusion.  Our finding that the adverse outcomes are differently and uniquely affected by the three domains of frailty (physical, psychological, social), and life‐course determinants and disease(s), emphasizes the importance of an integral conceptual model of frailty.
Ecological responses to UV radiation: interactions between the biological effects of UV on plants and on associated organisms
Authors: Paul Nigel D. , Moore Jason P. , McPherson Martin , Lambourne Cathryn , Croft Patricia , Heaton Joanna C. , Wargent Jason J.
Published: December 2011

Solar ultraviolet (UV)‐B radiation (280–315 nm) has a wide range of effects on terrestrial ecosystems, yet our understanding of how UV‐B influences the complex interactions of plants with pest, pathogen and related microorganisms remains limited. Here, we report the results of a series of experiments in Lactuca sativa which aimed to characterize not only key plant responses to UV radiation in a field environment but also consequential effects for plant interactions with a sap‐feeding insect, two model plant pathogens and phylloplane microorganism populations. Three spectrally modifying filters with contrasting UV transmissions were used to filter ambient sunlight, and when compared with our UV‐inclusive filter, L. sativa plants grown in a zero UV‐B environment showed significantly increased shoot fresh weight, reduced foliar pigment concentrations and suppressed population growth of green peach aphid (Myzus persicae). Plants grown under a filter which allowed partial transmission of UV‐A radiation and negligible UV‐B transmission showed increased density of leaf surface phylloplane microbes compared with the UV‐inclusive treatment. Effects of UV treatment on the severity of two plant pathogens, Bremia lactucae and Botrytis cinerea, were complex as both the UV‐inclusive and zero UV‐B filters reduced the severity of pathogen persistence. These results are discussed with reference to known spectral responses of plants, insects and microorganisms, and contrasted with established fundamental responses of plants and other organisms to solar UV radiation, with particular emphasis on the need for future integration between different experimental approaches when investigating the effects of solar UV radiation.
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) respond to yellow‐bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) alarm calls
Authors: Carrasco Malle F. , Blumstein Daniel T.
Published: December 2011

Individuals may obtain valuable information about the presence of predators by listening to heterospecific alarm signals. Most playback studies have demonstrated that similarly sized and taxonomically related species may respond to the calls of each other, but less work has been carried out to define these factors influence responsiveness to alarm signals. In theory, individuals should respond to calls from any species that provide information about the presence of important predators, regardless of body size or taxonomic relationship. However, size is often associated with vulnerability. Coyotes (Canis latrans) in the Rocky Mountains prey upon both mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and yellow‐bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris), which differ considerably in size, alarm vocalizations, and antipredator behavior. We conducted a playback experiment to see whether deer discriminated between marmot alarm calls and the non‐alarm song of a common sympatric bird. We found that deer increased vigilance significantly more after hearing broadcast marmot alarm calls compared with the bird song. Interestingly, deer that were studied within 0.5 km of homes showed significantly greater discrimination than those studied farther from humans. Our results suggest relative size differences do not prevent interspecific communication and that common predators should generally drive the evolution of the ability to learn to respond to meaningful risk cues. As long as two species share a predator, it should benefit the other to respond to its alarm calls.
Air pollution and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: KO FANNY W.S. , HUI DAVID S.C.
Published: December 2011

Limited data suggest that outdoor air pollution (such as ambient air pollution or traffic‐related air pollution) and indoor air pollution (such as second‐hand smoking and biomass fuel combustion exposure) are associated with the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but there is insufficient evidence to prove a causal relationship at this stage. It also appears that outdoor air pollution is a significant environmental trigger for acute exacerbation of COPD, leading to increasing symptoms, emergency department visits, hospital admissions and even mortality. Improving ambient air pollution and decreasing indoor biomass combustion exposure by improving home ventilation are effective measures that may substantially improve the health of the general public.
Barriers faced by migrants in accessing healthcare for viral hepatitis infection
Authors: Guirgis M. , Nusair F. , Bu Y. M. , Yan K. , Zekry A. T.
Published: December 2011

Background:  The morbidity and mortality of hepatitis B virus‐ and hepatitis C virus‐related complications are disproportionately higher in the culturally and linguistically diverse population (CALD) when compared with Australian‐born individuals.

Aim:  This project aims to elucidate the barriers faced by the CALD population in accessing viral hepatitis management.

Method:  CALD outpatients attending a viral hepatitis clinic in a tertiary teaching hospital were invited to participate in interviews. Questions pertained to: reason for screening for viral hepatitis, barriers to healthcare, perceived community view of viral hepatitis, main source of information of viral hepatitis and suggestions to engage members of CALD to seek healthcare.

Results:  The total number of participants was 60. The two major countries of birth included China (40%) and Egypt (17%). In 40% of the cohort, viral hepatitis was identified through screening programmes. Importantly, 37% were diagnosed as a result of complications of hepatitis infection, presenting late in the stage of disease. Forty‐five per cent of participants perceived language to be a chief barrier. twenty‐two per cent reported cultural barriers to accessing healthcare. Of these, 53% reported fear of discrimination/stigma. The lack of knowledge of available treatments/options was stated as a major obstacle in 40%. The two prevailing recommendations were greater education and awareness (85%) and changes in the health system itself (11%).

Conclusion:  Substantial hurdles identified by participants include cultural differences, language difficulties, cultural beliefs, stigma and misinformation. These data demonstrate the need for the greater dissemination of information in culturally and linguistically appropriate mediums to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, pathogenesis and available treatments.
Barriers and facilitators to the use of high‐technology augmentative and alternative communication devices: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis
Authors: Baxter Susan , Enderby Pam , Evans Philippa , Judge Simon
Published: December 2011

Abstract  Background: There has been a rapid growth in recent years of available technologies for individuals with communication difficulties. Research in the area is currently underdeveloped with practitioners having a limited body of work on which to draw to guide the process of intervention. Concerns have been raised that this newly developed technology may have limited functional usage.

Aims: This review aims to investigate the potential barriers and facilitators to high‐technology AAC provision and its ongoing use. The aim of the analysis is to explore factors underpinning use rather than effectiveness, thus it synthesized data from predominantly qualitative and survey studies reporting the views and perceptions of AAC users or staff providing the devices.

Main Contribution: The review highlights the range of factors that can impact on provision and use of high‐technology AAC, which practitioners should consider and address as appropriate in the intervention process. These include: ease of use of the device; reliability; availability of technical support; voice/language of the device; decision‐making process; time taken to generate a message; family perceptions and support; communication partner responses; service provision; and knowledge and skills of staff. The work outlines how qualitative synthesis review methods may be applied to the consideration of published material that is not reporting outcomes data, and how this may provide valuable information to inform future studies.

Conclusions: Practitioners should be aware of barriers and facilitators to successful use when making recommendations, and consider how barriers where present might be overcome. Aspects of service delivery such as ongoing technical support and staff training may require further consideration. The synthesis of evidence describing views of users and providers, and the implementation of high‐technology AAC systems, can provide valuable data to inform intervention studies and functional outcome measures.
amoA‐based consensus phylogeny of ammonia‐oxidizing archaea and deep sequencing of amoA genes from soils of four different geographic regions
Authors: Pester Michael , Rattei Thomas , Flechl Stefan , Gröngröft Alexander , Richter Andreas , Overmann Jörg , Reinhold‐Hurek Barbara , Loy Alexander , Wagner Michael
Published: December 2011

Ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) play an important role in nitrification and many studies exploit their amoA genes as marker for their diversity and abundance. We present an archaeal amoA consensus phylogeny based on all publicly available sequences (status June 2010) and provide evidence for the diversification of AOA into four previously recognized clusters and one newly identified major cluster. These clusters, for which we suggest a new nomenclature, harboured 83 AOA species‐level OTU (using an inferred species threshold of 85% amoA identity). 454 pyrosequencing of amoA amplicons from 16 soils sampled in Austria, Costa Rica, Greenland and Namibia revealed that only 2% of retrieved sequences had no database representative on the species‐level and represented 30–37 additional species‐level OTUs. With the exception of an acidic soil from which mostly amoA amplicons of the Nitrosotalea cluster were retrieved, all soils were dominated by amoA amplicons from the Nitrososphaera cluster (also called group I.1b), indicating that the previously reported AOA from the Nitrosopumilus cluster (also called group I.1a) are absent or represent minor populations in soils. AOA richness estimates on the species level ranged from 8–83 co‐existing AOAs per soil. Presence/absence of amoA OTUs (97% identity level) correlated with geographic location, indicating that besides contemporary environmental conditions also dispersal limitation across different continents and/or historical environmental conditions might influence AOA biogeography in soils.
Blogging for weight loss: personal accountability, writing selves, and the weight‐loss blogosphere
Authors: Leggatt‐Cook Chez , Chamberlain Kerry
Published: December 2011

Body weight is a key concern in contemporary society, with large proportions of the population attempting to control their weight. However, losing weight and maintaining weight loss is notoriously difficult, and new strategies for weight loss attract significant interest. Writing about experiences of weight loss in online journals, or blogging, has recently expanded rapidly. Weight‐loss bloggers typically write about daily successes and failures, report calorie consumption and exercise output, and post photographs of their changing bodies. Many bloggers openly court the surveillance of blog readers as a motivation for accountability to their weight‐loss goals. Drawing from a sample of weight‐loss blogs authored by women, we explore three issues arising from this practice of disclosing a conventionally private activity within an online public domain. First, we examine motivations for blogging, focusing on accountability. Secondly, we consider the online construction of self, exploring how weight‐loss bloggers negotiate discourses around fatness, and rework selves as their bodies transform. Finally, we consider the communities of interest that form around weight‐loss blogs. This ‘blogosphere’ provides mutual support for weight loss. However, participating in online social spaces is complicated and bloggers must carefully manage issues of privacy and disclosure.
The cost of headache disorders in Europe: the Eurolight project
Authors: Linde M. , Gustavsson A. , Stovner L. J. , Steiner T. J. , Barré J. , Katsarava Z. , Lainez J. M. , Lampl C. , Lantéri‐Minet M. , Rastenyte D. , Ruiz de la Torre E. , Tassorelli C. , Andrée C.
Published: December 2011

Background and purpose:  Headache disorders are very common, but their monetary costs in Europe are unknown. We performed the first comprehensive estimation of how economic resources are lost to headache in Europe.

Methods:  From November 2008 to August 2009, a cross‐sectional survey was conducted in eight countries representing 55% of the adult EU population. Participation rates varied between 11% and 59%. In total, 8412 questionnaires contributed to this analysis. Using bottom‐up methodology, we estimated direct (medications, outpatient health care, hospitalization and investigations) and indirect (work absenteeism and reduced productivity at work) annual per‐person costs. Prevalence data, simultaneously collected and, for migraine, also derived from a systematic review, were used to impute national costs.

Results:  Mean per‐person annual costs were €1222 for migraine (95% CI 1055–1389; indirect costs 93%), €303 for tension‐type headache (TTH, 95% CI 230–376; indirect costs 92%), €3561 for medication‐overuse headache (MOH, 95% CI 2487–4635; indirect costs 92%), and €253 for other headaches (95% CI 99–407; indirect costs 82%). In the EU, the total annual cost of headache amongst adults aged 18–65 years was calculated, according to our prevalence estimates, at €173 billion, apportioned to migraine (€111 billion; 64%), TTH (€21 billion; 12%), MOH (€37 billion; 21%) and other headaches (€3 billion; 2%). Using the 15% systematic review prevalence of migraine, calculated costs were somewhat lower (migraine €50 billion, all headache €112 billion annually).

Conclusions:  Headache disorders are prominent health‐related drivers of immense economic losses for the EU. This has immediate implications for healthcare policy. Health care for headache can be both improved and cost saving.
Evidence for atypical auditory brainstem responses in young children with suspected autism spectrum disorders
Authors: ROTH DAPHNE ARI‐EVEN , MUCHNIK CHAVA , SHABTAI ESTHER , HILDESHEIMER MINKA , HENKIN YAEL
Published: December 2011

Aim  The aim of this study was to characterize the auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) of young children with suspected autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and compare them with the ABRs of children with language delay and with clinical norms.

Method  The ABRs of 26 children with suspected ASDs (21 males, five females; mean age 32.5mo) and an age‐ and sex‐matched group of 26 children with language delay (22 males, four females) were analysed. All children had normal hearing. The absolute latencies of waves I, III, and V, and interpeak latencies (IPLs) I to III, I to V, and III to V of the group with ASDs and the group with language delay were compared. Data from both groups were further compared with clinical norms.

Results  All absolute latencies and IPLs were significantly prolonged in the group with suspected ASDs compared with the group with language delay, excluding IPL III–V (all p‐values <0.05) and with clinical norms (all p‐values <0.001; IPL III–V, p<0.05). Significant prolongation of absolute and IPLs was also evident in the group with language delay compared with clinical norms, excluding IPL III to V (all p‐values <0.001). The prevalence of abnormal findings in two or more absolute latencies was found to be significantly higher in the group with ASDs (50%) than in the group with language delay (8%; p=0.002).

Interpretation  The results provide first‐time evidence for a neurodevelopmental brainstem abnormality that is already apparent in young children with suspected ASD and language delay. The overlap in ABR findings supports the assertion that an auditory processing deficit may be at the core of these two disorders.
Intracranial calcification in early infantile Krabbe disease: nothing new under the sun
Authors: LIVINGSTON JOHN H , GRAZIANO CLAUDIO , PYSDEN KAREN , CROW YANICK J , MORDEKAR SANTOSH R , MORONI ISABELLA , UZIEL GRAZIELLA
Published: December 2011

We report the cases of three children, one male and two females, with a diagnosis of early infantile Krabbe disease demonstrating intracranial calcification on computed tomography (CT). The pattern of calcification was similar in all individuals and involved the internal capsule and cerebral white matter. The presence of calcification caused some diagnostic confusion in what was otherwise a typical clinical and radiological presentation. This finding is not new and has previously been described in publications from the 1980s and 1990s reporting the CT and magnetic resonance imaging appearances of Krabbe disease. With increasing use of magnetic resonance as the first imaging modality for investigation of neurological disorders, characteristic CT appearances may be forgotten. This report serves as a reminder that Krabbe disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of disorders causing intracranial calcification.
Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) is a therapeutic target for impaired cutaneous wound healing
Authors: Ashcroft Gillian S. , Jeong Moon‐Jin , Ashworth Jason J. , Hardman Matthew , Jin Wenwen , Moutsopoulos Niki , Wild Teresa , McCartney‐Francis Nancy , Sim Davis , McGrady George , Song Xiao‐yu , Wahl Sharon M.
Published: December 2011

Impaired wound healing states lead to substantial morbidity and cost with treatment resulting in an expenditure of billions of dollars per annum in the US alone. Both chronic wounds and impaired acute wounds are characterized by excessive inflammation, enhanced proteolysis, and reduced matrix deposition. These confounding factors are exacerbated in the elderly, in part, as we report here, related to increased local and systemic tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) levels. Moreover, we have used a secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) null mouse model of severely impaired wound healing and excessive inflammation, comparable to age‐related delayed human healing, to demonstrate that topical application of anti‐TNF‐α neutralizing antibodies blunts leukocyte recruitment and NFκB activation, alters the balance between M1 and M2 macrophages, and accelerates wound healing. Following antagonism of TNF‐α, matrix synthesis is enhanced, associated with suppression of both inflammatory parameters and NFκB binding activity. Our data suggest that inhibiting TNF‐α is a critical event in reversing the severely impaired healing response associated with the absence of SLPI, and may be applicable to prophylaxis and/or treatment of impaired wound healing states in humans.
Mechanical Circulatory Support for Right Heart Failure: Current Technology and Future Outlook
Authors: Hsu Po‐Lin , Parker Jack , Egger Christina , Autschbach Rüdiger , Schmitz‐Rode Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich
Published: December 2011

The increasing global prevalence of congestive heart failure is a major healthcare concern, accounting for a high morbidity rate worldwide. In particular, isolated right heart dysfunction after cardiotomy has a poor prognosis and is associated with a high mortality rate. The occurrence of postoperative right heart failure may develop in more than 40% of patients undergoing implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and cardiac transplantation. To date, mechanical cardiac assistance in the form of VADs has become accepted as a therapeutic solution for end‐stage patients when a donor heart is not available. However, right ventricular (RV) assistance is still in the early phase of development when compared with LVAD technology. State‐of‐the‐art RVADs, both in clinical use and under development, are reviewed in this manuscript. Clinical RVADs include the extracorporeal pulsatile Abiomed BVS 5000 and AB5000, Thoratec PVAD, MEDOS VAD, BerlinHeart Excor, the percutaneous continuous flow CentriMag and TandemHeart systems, and the implantable Thoratec IVAD. Devices on the horizon, including the wear‐free implantable DexAide and the minimally invasive Impella RD, are additionally reviewed. In addition to the current status of RV assistance, as well as the device categorization, the outlook and considerations for successful development of future RVADs were discussed.
18‐Month‐Olds Predict Specific Action Mistakes Through Attribution of False Belief, Not Ignorance, and Intervene Accordingly
Authors: Knudsen Birgit , Liszkowski Ulf
Published: December 2011

This study employed a new “anticipatory intervening” paradigm to tease apart false belief and ignorance‐based interpretations of 18‐month‐olds’ helpful informing. We investigated in three experiments whether 18‐month‐old infants inform an adult selectively about one of the two locations depending on the adult’s belief about which of the two locations held her toy. In experiments 1 and 2, the adult falsely believed that one of the locations held her toy. In experiment 3, the adult was ignorant about which of the two locations held her toy. In all cases, however, the toy had been removed from the locations and the locations contained instead materials which the adult wanted to avoid. In experiments 1 and 2, infants spontaneously and selectively informed the adult about the aversive material in the location the adult falsely believed to hold her toy. In contrast, in experiment 3, infants informed the ignorant adult about both locations equally. Results reveal that infants expected the adult to commit a specific action mistake when she held a false belief, but not when she was ignorant. Further, infants were motivated to intervene proactively. Findings reveal a predictive action‐based usage of “theory‐of‐mind” skills at 18 months of age.
Use of Locking Plate and Screws for Triple Pelvic Osteotomy
Authors: Rose Scott A. , Bruecker Ken A. , Petersen Steve W. , Uddin Nizam
Published: December 2011

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and complication rate associated with use of a purpose‐specific locking triple pelvic osteotomy (LTPO) plate.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Animals

Dogs (n = 9; 15 hips).

Methods

Physical examination, plain film radiography, computed tomography (CT) of the pelvis, and coxofemoral arthroscopy were performed before unilateral triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) or staged bilateral TPO. Radiographs were taken after each procedure and 3–5, 6–8, and ≥12 weeks postoperatively. Pelvic width was measured at 3 locations to evaluate pelvic canal narrowing.

Results

No screw loosening occurred. Complications occurred in only 1 hip (7%) where pullout of the locking plate–screw construct from the caudal iliac segment occurred because of a fracture of the cis‐cortex; the dog made a full recovery after a salvage procedure. There was no significant reduction in the cranial pelvic width but a small reduction at the level of the acetabuli and ischiatic tuberosities was noted 3–5 weeks after the 2nd TPO.

Conclusions

The LTPO plate was associated with a lower complication rate than previously reported for TPOs using Slocum canine pelvic osteotomy plates (CPOP) and warrants further investigation. Pullout of the caudal plate–screw construct is a complication specific to LTPO implants. Bicortical screw purchase is recommended to prevent fracture of the cis‐cortex and implant pullout.
Canine Hip Dysplasia: Reviewing the Evidence for Nonsurgical Management
Authors: Kirkby Kristin A. , Lewis Daniel D.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To systematically review the evidence available for nonsurgical management of hip dysplasia (HD).

Study design

Literature review.

Methods

Databases (Pubmed,VeterinaryInformationNetwork) were searched for clinical studies on nonsurgical management ofHDin dogs. The evidence in each study was reviewed and assigned a score (I–IV) based on previously reported levels of evidence.

Results

Fourteen articles were identified that met the inclusion criteria, including 3 Level IV, 4 Level III, and 7 Level II studies. Methods of nonsurgical management reviewed included: activity restrictions, weight management, acupuncture, modulation of joint disease by polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, mesenchymal stem cell therapy, and extra corporeal shock wave therapy.

Conclusion

Weight management is an effective and important component of managing dogs withHDand associated osteoarthritis. Techniques that modulate the progression of joint disease may also be beneficial for treating dogs withHD. Further studies are needed to investigate other methods of managingHDsuch as hydrotherapy and physical rehabilitation.
Adversarial Risk Analysis for Counterterrorism Modeling
Authors: Rios Jesus , Insua David Rios
Published: December 2011

Recent large‐scale terrorist attacks have raised interest in models for resource allocation against terrorist threats. The unifying theme in this area is the need to develop methods for the analysis of allocation decisions when risks stem from the intentional actions of intelligent adversaries. Most approaches to these problems have a game‐theoretic flavor although there are also several interesting decision‐analytic‐based proposals. One of them is the recently introduced framework for adversarial risk analysis, which deals with decision‐making problems that involve intelligent opponents and uncertain outcomes. We explore how adversarial risk analysis addresses some standard counterterrorism models: simultaneous defend‐attack models, sequential defend‐attack‐defend models, and sequential defend‐attack models with private information. For each model, we first assess critically what would be a typical game‐theoretic approach and then provide the corresponding solution proposed by the adversarial risk analysis framework, emphasizing how to coherently assess a predictive probability model of the adversary’s actions, in a context in which we aim at supporting decisions of a defender versus an attacker. This illustrates the application of adversarial risk analysis to basic counterterrorism models that may be used as basic building blocks for more complex risk analysis of counterterrorism problems.
Trust, Confidence, Procedural Fairness, Outcome Fairness, Moral Conviction, and the Acceptance of GM Field Experiments
Authors: Siegrist Michael , Connor Melanie , Keller Carmen
Published: December 2011

In 2005, Swiss citizens endorsed a moratorium on gene technology, resulting in the prohibition of the commercial cultivation of genetically modified crops and the growth of genetically modified animals until 2013. However, scientific research was not affected by this moratorium, and in 2008, GMO field experiments were conducted that allowed us to examine the factors that influence their acceptance by the public. In this study, trust and confidence items were analyzed using principal component analysis. The analysis revealed the following three factors: “economy/health and environment” (value similarity based trust), “trust and honesty of industry and scientists” (value similarity based trust), and “competence” (confidence). The results of a regression analysis showed that all the three factors significantly influenced the acceptance of GM field experiments. Furthermore, risk communication scholars have suggested that fairness also plays an important role in the acceptance of environmental hazards. We, therefore, included measures for outcome fairness and procedural fairness in our model. However, the impact of fairness may be moderated by moral conviction. That is, fairness may be significant for people for whom GMO is not an important issue, but not for people for whom GMO is an important issue. The regression analysis showed that, in addition to the trust and confidence factors, moral conviction, outcome fairness, and procedural fairness were significant predictors. The results suggest that the influence of procedural fairness is even stronger for persons having high moral convictions compared with persons having low moral convictions.
Multiple Disadvantages: An Empirical Test of Intersectionality Theory in EEO Litigation
Authors: Best Rachel Kahn , Edelman Lauren B. , Krieger Linda Hamilton , Eliason Scott R.
Published: December 2011

A rich theoretical literature describes the disadvantages facing plaintiffs who suffer multiple, or intersecting, axes of discrimination. This article extends extant literature by distinguishing two forms of intersectionality: demographic intersectionality, in which overlapping demographic characteristics produce disadvantages that are more than the sum of their parts, and claim intersectionality, in which plaintiffs who allege discrimination on the basis of intersecting ascriptive characteristics (e.g., race and sex) are unlikely to win their cases. To date, there has been virtually no empirical research on the effects of either type of intersectionality on litigation outcomes. This article addresses that lacuna with an empirical analysis of a representative sample of judicial opinions in equal employment opportunity (EEO) cases in the U.S. federal courts from 1965 through 1999. Using generalized ordered logistic regression and controlling for numerous variables, we find that both intersectional demographic characteristics and legal claims are associated with dramatically reduced odds of plaintiff victory. Strikingly, plaintiffs who make intersectional claims are only half as likely to win their cases as plaintiffs who allege a single basis of discrimination. Our findings support and elaborate predictions about the sociolegal effects of intersectionality.