bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decision fusion for signalized intersection control
Authors: Elkosantini Sabeur , Frikha Ahmed
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Traffic congestion is becoming a serious problem that has adverse consequences on the socio-economy, environment, and public health of various cities worldwide. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the continuous search for new alternative solutions to prevent or alleviate these concerns. It particularly deals with the development of decision support system based on a data fusion for the management and control of traffic at signalized intersections. The role of such systems is to manage the existing infrastructure to ease congestion and respond to crises. The proposed system is based on multi-detector data fusion, a data processing function that combines imperfect information collected from systems involving several detectors. The developed system is then tested on a virtual junction, and the results obtained are reported and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents a new traffic light control based on multi-detectors data fusion theory. The system uses a new multi-detectors data fusion method for traffic data analysis. Moreover, the system integrates a method for the estimation of the reliability degree of different detectors taking into account their imperfection and the conflict between them. These estimated reliability degrees are combined using Dempster’s rule of combination.

Findings

– The paper provides a decision support system for traffic regulation at intersection based on multi-sensors. It suggests the fusion of captured data by many sensors for measuring information. The system use the Belief Functions Theory for information fusion and decision making using combination and decision rules.

Originality/value

– The paper proposes a new Adaptive Traffic Control System based on a new data fusion approach that include a method for the estimation of the reliability degree of different detectors taking into account their imperfection and the conflict between them. These estimated reliability degrees are combined using Dempster’s rule of combination.
Life‐stage‐specific physiology defines invasion extent of a riverine fish
Authors: Lawrence David J. , Beauchamp David A. , Olden Julian D.
Published: January 2015

Many ecologists have called for mechanism‐based investigations to identify the underlying controls on species distributions. Understanding these controls can be especially useful to construct robust predictions of how a species range may change in response to climate change or the extent to which a non‐native species may spread in novel environments.

Here, we link spatially intensive observations with mechanistic models to illustrate how physiology determines the upstream extent of the aquatic ectotherm smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) in two headwater rivers.

Our results demonstrate that as temperatures become increasingly cold across a downstream to upstream gradient, food consumption in age 0 bass becomes increasingly constrained, and as a result, these fish become growth limited. Sufficient first summer growth of age 0 bass is essential for overwinter survival because young bass must persist from energy reserves accumulated during the summer, and those reserves are determined by body size.

Our field data reveal the upstream extent of adult bass reproduction corresponds to a point in the downstream/upstream gradient where cold temperatures impair growth opportunities in young bass. This pattern was repeated in both study streams and explained why bass positioned nests twice as far upstream in the warm compared to the cold stream in the same basin. Placement of spawning nests by adult bass is likely subject to strong evolutionary selection in temperate systems: if bass spawn too far upstream, their young are unlikely to grow large enough to survive the winter. Consumption and growth in older bass (age 3–4) was far less sensitive to temperature. Based on these data, we suggest that temperature‐sensitive age 0 bass constrain the upstream distribution limits of bass within temperate streams.

In this study, we investigated how temperature‐dependent physiology changed through the life history of a species and, in doing so, identified a climate‐sensitive life‐history stage that likely sets the distributional limits of all other life‐history stages. We anticipate the framework developed here could be employed to identify how similar stage‐specific environmental sensitivity determines distribution in many other ectothermic species.
Environmental heterogeneity leads to higher plasticity in dry‐edge populations of a semi‐arid Chilean shrub: insights into climate change responses
Authors: Lázaro‐Nogal Ana , Matesanz Silvia , Godoy Alice , Pérez‐Trautman Fernanda , Gianoli Ernesto , Valladares Fernando
Published: January 2015

Interannual variability in climatic conditions should be taken into account in climate change studies in semi‐arid ecosystems. It may determine differentiation in phenotypic plasticity among populations, with populations experiencing higher environmental heterogeneity showing higher levels of plasticity.

The ability of populations to evolve key functional traits and plasticity may determine the survival of plant populations under the drier and more variable climate expected for semi‐arid ecosystems.

Working with populations of the semi‐arid Chilean shrub Senna candolleana along its entire distribution range, we assessed inter‐ and intra‐population variation in functional traits as well as in their plasticity in response to water availability. We measured morphological and physiological traits related to drought resistance in both field conditions and in a greenhouse experiment, where drought response was evaluated under two water availability treatments.

All populations responded plastically, but higher precipitation heterogeneity in dry‐edge populations seemed to have selected for more plastic genotypes compared to populations growing at mesic sites and with more homogeneous environmental conditions.

Synthesis. Our results suggest adaptive plasticity since higher levels of phenotypic plasticity were positively associated with plant performance. However, we did not find evidence for genetic variation for plasticity within populations. To the extent that phenotypic plasticity may play a key role in future persistence, populations at mesic sites may be more vulnerable to climate change due to their lower plasticity and their current limitations to evolve novel norms of reaction. Conversely, although Senna candolleana populations at the dry edge are exposed to higher levels of stress, they may be less susceptible to climate change in view of their greater plasticity. We highlight the need to consider population differentiation in both mean traits and their plasticity to model realistic scenarios of species distribution under climate change.
‘Masters of the Universe’: Demystifying Leadership in the Context of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Knights David , McCabe Darren
Published: January 2015

There have been numerous explanations of the 2008 global financial crisis, ranging from the greed of the bankers to excessive deregulation due to neoliberalism and the financialization of everything. This paper argues that a discussion of parallels between the crisis and leadership discourses can generate new insights into both. Through an empirical study of the subjectivity of leaders in a UK building society, discourses around both leadership and the crisis are argued to reflect and reproduce similar taken‐for‐granted assumptions about subjectivity and representations of organizational and economic life. These are grounded in the belief that leaders are ‘Masters of the Universe’, who are able to predict and secure the future. The authors believe that these assumptions and representations contributed to the crisis and are now in danger of producing yet another bubble.
Impact of formal teaching on medical documentation by interns in an emergency department in a Queensland teaching hospital
Authors: Isoardi Jonathon , Spencer Lyndall , Sinnott Michael , Eley Robert
Published: January 2015

Objectives

This study's objective was to determine whether tuition in medical documentation enhanced the ability of emergency medicine interns to produce effective medical records.

Methods

The study adopted a case control design, using a retrospective document audit methodology, following an education intervention during the ‘More Learning for Interns in Emergency’ (MoLIE) programme. It was conducted in a tertiary hospital that supports five 10 week rotations of 12 interns each year (n = 60). Controls were drawn from records written in March 2012 and cases from March 2013. A total of 250 medical records written by interns were audited, 125 from each year.

Results

Three categories of documentation were investigated: patient characteristics, clinical impressions and management plan using a purpose‐designed score sheet. Three individual items (differential diagnosis [DDX], Support and Impressions [Impress]) showed significant improvement. The proportion of excellent scores for DDX increased by 50% from 40.8% to 61.6%. A χ2 test for independence (with Yates continuity correction) indicated a significant association between the intervention and subsequent score (X2[1, n = 250] = 10.006, P < 0.001, phi −0.208). For Impress, a 48% increase in excellent scores was seen (39.2% to 58.4%). A χ2 test for independence indicated a significant association between the intervention and subsequent score (X2[2, n = 250] = 11.249, P = 0.004, Cramer's V 0.212). The variable Support also improved (X2[2, n = 250] = 8.297, P = 0.012, Cramer's V 0.189) with the number of excellent scores increasing from 37.6% to 48.0%.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that documentation of clinical notes by interns can be enhanced by formal tuition.
Predicting the number of emergency department presentations in Western Australia: A population‐based time series analysis
Authors: Mai Qun , Aboagye‐Sarfo Patrick , Sanfilippo Frank M , Preen David B , Fatovich Daniel M
Published: January 2015

Objective

To predict the number of ED presentations in Western Australia (WA) in the next 5 years, stratified by place of treatment, age, triage and disposition.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based time series analysis of 7 year monthly WA statewide ED presentation data from the financial years 2006/07 to 2012/13 using univariate autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and multivariate vector‐ARIMA techniques.

Results

ED presentations in WA were predicted to increase from 990 342 in 2012/13 to 1 250 991 (95% CI: 982 265–1 519 718) in 2017/18, an increase of 260 649 (or 26.3%). The majority of this increase would occur in metropolitan WA (84.2%). The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in metropolitan WA in the next 5 years was predicted to be 6.5% compared with 2.0% in the non‐metropolitan area. The greatest growth in metropolitan WA would be in ages 65 and over (CAGR, 6.9%), triage categories 2 and 3 (8.3% and 7.7%, respectively) and admitted (9.8%) cohorts. The only predicted decrease was triage category 5 (−5.3%).

Conclusions

ED demand in WA will exceed population growth. The highest growth will be in patients with complex care needs. An integrated system‐wide strategy is urgently required to ensure access, quality and sustainability of the health system.
Effects of Ultraviolet Light (UV‐C) and Heat Treatment on the Quality of Fresh‐Cut Chokanan Mango and Josephine Pineapple
Authors: George Dominic Soloman , Razali Zuliana , Santhirasegaram Vicknesha , Somasundram Chandran
Published: January 2015

The effects of ultraviolet (UV‐C) and medium heat (70 °C) treatments on the quality of fresh‐cut Chokanan mango and Josephine pineapple were investigated. Quality attributes included physicochemical properties (pH, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids), ascorbic acid content (vitamin C), antioxidant activity, as well as microbial inactivation. Consumers’ acceptance was also investigated through sensory evaluation of the attributes (appearance, texture, aroma and taste). Furthermore, shelf‐life study of samples stored at 4 ± 1 °C was conducted for 15 d. The fresh‐cut fruits were exposed to UV‐C for 0, 15, 30, and 60 min while heat treatments were carried out at 70 °C for 0, 5, 10 and 20 min. Both UV‐C and medium heat treatments resulted in no significant changes to the physicochemical attributes of both fruits. The ascorbic acid content of UV‐C treated fruits was unaffected; however, medium heat treatment resulted in deterioration of ascorbic acids in both fruits. The antioxidants were enhanced with UV‐C treatment which could prove invaluable to consumers. Heat treatments on the other hand resulted in decreased antioxidant activities. Microbial count in both fruits was significantly reduced by both treatments. The shelf life of the fresh‐cut fruits were also successfully extended to a maximum of 15 d following treatments. As for consumers’ acceptance, UV‐C treated fruits were the most accepted as compared to their heat‐treated counterparts. The results obtained through this study support the use of UV‐C treatment for better retention of quality, effective microbial inactivation and enhancement of health promoting compounds for the benefit of consumers.
Magnesium‐induced recurarisation after reversal of rocuronium‐induced neuromuscular block with sugammadex
Authors: UNTERBUCHNER C. , ZIEGLEDER R. , GRAF B. , METTERLEIN T.
Published: January 2015

A 61‐year‐old woman (57 kg, 171 cm) underwent surgery under general anaesthesia with desflurane 5.8–6.1 vol. % end‐tidal, remifentanil 0.2–0.4 μg/kg/min and rocuronium 35 mg (0.61 mg/kg). On return of the second twitch in the train‐of‐four (TOF) stimulation measured by acceleromyography, sugammadex 120 mg (2.1 mg/kg) was given. After complete neuromuscular recovery, magnesium sulphate 3600 mg (60 mg/kg) was injected intravenously over 5 min to treat atrial fibrillation. This was associated with recurarisation with a nadir [first twitch = 25%, TOF ratio (TOFR) = 67%] 7 min after the start of the magnesium sulphate infusion (magnesium plasma level: 2.67 mM). A spontaneous twitch value and a TOFR of > 90% were observed 45 min after the beginning of the magnesium sulphate infusion under general anaesthesia.

Rapid infusion of magnesium sulphate may re‐establish a sugammadex‐reversed, rocuronium‐induced neuromuscular block during general anaesthesia, probably because of the high plasma level of magnesium (2.67 mM). Desflurane and a small fraction of unbound rocuronium may amplify the known muscle relaxing effects of magnesium. Intravenous injection of magnesium sulphate is not recommended in patients after general anaesthesia with neuromuscular relaxants, particularly after sugammadex reversal. Quantitative neuromuscular monitoring should be used for reversing aminosteroid muscle relaxants with sugammadex − particularly in combination with magnesium injection − to prevent post‐operative residual curarisation.
Persistent palatable food preference in rats with a history of limited and extended access to methamphetamine self‐administration
Authors: Caprioli Daniele , Zeric Tamara , Thorndike Eric B. , Venniro Marco
Published: January 2015

Recent studies have shown that when given a mutually exclusive choice between cocaine and palatable foods, most rats prefer the non‐drug rewards over cocaine. Here, we used a discrete choice procedure to assess whether palatable food preference generalizes to rats with a history of limited (3 hours/day) or extended (6 or 9 hours/day) access to methamphetamine self‐administration. On different daily sessions, we trained rats to lever‐press for either methamphetamine (0.1–0.2 mg/kg/infusion) or palatable food (five pellets per reward delivery) for several weeks; regular food was freely available. We then assessed food‐methamphetamine preference either during training, after priming methamphetamine injections (0.5–1.0 mg/kg), following a satiety manipulation (palatable food exposure in the home cage) or after 21 days of withdrawal from methamphetamine. We also assessed progressive ratio responding for palatable food and methamphetamine. We found that independent of the daily drug access conditions and the withdrawal period, the rats strongly preferred the palatable food over methamphetamine, even when they were given free access to the palatable food in the home cage. Intake of methamphetamine and progressive ratio responding for the drug, both of which increased or escalated over time, did not predict preference in the discrete choice test. Results demonstrate that most rats strongly prefer palatable food pellets over intravenous methamphetamine, confirming previous studies using discrete choice procedures with intravenous cocaine. Results also demonstrate that escalation of drug self‐administration, a popular model of compulsive drug use, is not associated with a cardinal feature of human addiction of reduced behavioral responding for non‐drug rewards.
Effects of cognitive bias modification training on neural signatures of alcohol approach tendencies in male alcohol‐dependent patients
Authors: Wiers Corinde E. , Ludwig Vera U. , Gladwin Thomas E. , Park Soyoung Q. , Heinz Andreas , Wiers Reinout W. , Rinck Mike , Lindenmeyer Johannes , Walter Henrik , Bermpohl Felix
Published: January 2015

Alcohol‐dependent patients have been shown to faster approach than avoid alcohol stimuli on the Approach Avoidance Task (AAT). This so‐called alcohol approach bias has been associated with increased brain activation in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. Cognitive bias modification (CBM) has been used to retrain the approach bias with the clinically relevant effect of decreasing relapse rates one year later. The effects of CBM on neural signatures of approach/avoidance tendencies remain hitherto unknown. In a double‐blind placebo‐controlled design, 26 alcohol‐dependent in‐patients were assigned to a CBM or a placebo training group. Both groups performed the AAT for three weeks: in CBM training, patients pushed away 90 percent of alcohol cues; this rate was 50 percent in placebo training. Before and after training, patients performed the AAT offline, and in a 3 T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The relevant neuroimaging contrast for the alcohol approach bias was the difference between approaching versus avoiding alcohol cues relative to soft drink cues: [(alcohol pull > alcohol push)  > (soft drink pull > soft drink push)]. Before training, both groups showed significant alcohol approach bias‐related activation in the medial prefrontal cortex. After training, patients in the CBM group showed stronger reductions in medial prefrontal cortex activation compared with the placebo group. Moreover, these reductions correlated with reductions in approach bias scores in the CBM group only. This suggests that CBM affects neural mechanisms involved in the automatic alcohol approach bias, which may be important for the clinical effectiveness of CBM.
Hepatitis C virus treatment as prevention among injecting drug users: who should we cure first?
Authors: de Vos Anneke S. , Prins Maria , Kretzschmar Mirjam E. E.
Published: January 2015

Background and Aims

Treatment of injecting drug users (IDU) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may prevent onward transmission. Treating individuals who often share injecting equipment is most likely to prevent new infections. However, these high‐risk IDU are also more likely to become re‐infected than low‐risk IDU. We investigated to which group treatment is best targeted.

Design

We modelled the expected benefits per treatment of one chronically HCV‐infected IDU in a population of low‐ and high‐risk IDU. The benefits of treating one low‐ or one high‐risk IDU were compared.

Measurements

Benefits included the probability for the treated IDU to become and remain uninfected, as well as the expected number of prevented infections to others (i.e. we quantified the total expected decrease in chronic infections).

Findings

We found a threshold in HCV‐RNA prevalence above which treating low‐risk IDU, and below which treating high‐risk IDU, resulted in the greatest benefits. This threshold was at 50% of exchanged syringes being HCV contaminated. When 42% of IDU engaged in high‐risk behaviour (borrowing and lending out syringes 7.3 times more frequently than low‐risk IDU), the corresponding threshold of HCV‐RNA prevalence among IDU was at 32%. Larger‐risk heterogeneity led to a lower corresponding threshold among IDU. A combination of HCV treatment and 50% risk reduction was best directed at high‐risk IDU for prevalence among syringes up to 59%. The threshold was marginally sensitive to changes in disease and treatment variables.

Conclusions

When more than half of all exchanged syringes in a population of injecting drug users (IDU) are contaminated by hepatitis C virus, it is most efficient to treat low‐risk IDU first. Below this threshold, it is most efficient to treat high‐risk IDU first.
Influence of different drugs on HIV risk in people who inject: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tavitian‐Exley Isabel , Vickerman Peter , Bastos Francisco I. , Boily Marie‐Claude
Published: January 2015

Aims

To assess systematically the risk of HIV acquisition by type of drug injected across different settings.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted. Databases were searched for studies of HIV incidence in people who inject different drugs (PWID). Pooled HIV incidence rate ratio (IRR) was used to compare HIV risk between injecting and not‐injecting a given drug, when possible, or otherwise with those reported not to have injected the substance. Pooled estimates of crude IRR were derived using random‐effects models. Variations in IRR were assessed in subgroup analyses, by drug and geographical region.

Results

Of 5779 studies screened, 15 were included. HIV incidence was reported for people injecting cocaine (eight: North America, Europe), amphetamine‐type stimulants (ATS) (four: Western and Eastern Europe, Asia), heroin (11: all settings), opiate‐stimulants (four: North America, Western and Eastern Europe) and opiates–sedatives (five: Europe, Asia). HIV risk in cocaine injectors was 3.6 times 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.8–4.7, I2 = 0%; n = 4) that of non‐injectors and 3.0 for ATS injectors (95% CI = 2.2–4.1, I2 = 0%; n = 2). Higher sexual risk was reported in cohorts injecting stimulants. Compared to not‐injecting, HIV IRR was 2.8 (95% CI = 1.7–4.7, I2 = 77%; n=6) for all heroin injectors and 3.5 (95% CI = 2.3–5.2, I2 = 40%; n=5) for heroin injectors in Asia and Europe.

Conclusion

The risk of HIV acquisition in people who inject drugs appears to vary by drug type but differences are not statistically significant, precluding conclusive grading of risk.
In Vitro Hemodynamic Evaluation of a Novel Pulsatile Extracorporeal Life Support System: Impact of Perfusion Modes and Circuit Components on Energy Loss
Authors: Wang Shigang , Kunselman Allen R. , Clark Joseph B. , Ündar Akif
Published: January 2015

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of every component of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) circuit on hemodynamic energy transmission in terms of energy equivalent pressure (EEP), total hemodynamic energy (THE), and surplus hemodynamic energy (SHE) under nonpulsatile and pulsatile modes in a novel ECLS system. The ECLS circuit consisted of i‐cor diagonal pump and console (Xenios AG, Heilbronn, Germany), an iLA membrane ventilator (Xenios AG), an 18 Fr femoral arterial cannula, a 23/25 Fr femoral venous cannula, and 3/8‐in ID arterial and venous tubing. The circuit was primed with lactated Ringer's solution and human whole blood (hematocrit 33%). All trials were conducted under room temperature at the flow rates of 1–4 L/min (1 L/min increments). The pulsatile flow settings were set at pulsatile frequency of 75 beats per minute and differential speed values of 1000–4000 rpm (1000 rpm increments). Flow and pressure data were collected using a custom‐based data acquisition system. EEP was significantly higher than mean arterial pressure in all experimental conditions under pulsatile flow (P < 0.01). THE was also increased under pulsatile flow compared with the nonpulsatile flow (P < 0.01). Under pulsatile flow conditions, SHE was significantly higher and increased differential rpm resulted in significantly higher SHE (P < 0.01). There was no SHE generated under nonpulsatile flow. Energy loss depending on the circuit components was almost similar in both perfusion modes at all different flow rates. The pressure drops across the oxygenator were 3.8–24.9 mm Hg, and the pressure drops across the arterial cannula were 19.3–172.6 mm Hg at the flow rates of 1–4 L/min. Depending on the pulsatility setting, i‐cor ECLS system generates physiological quality pulsatile flow without increasing the mean circuit pressure. The iLA membrane ventilator is a low‐resistance oxygenator, and allows more hemodynamic energy to be delivered to the patient under pulsatile mode. The 18 Fr femoral arterial cannula has acceptable pressure drops under nonpulsatile and pulsatile modes. Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm these results.
Behavioral profiles in frontal lobe epilepsy: Autobiographic memory versus mood impairment
Authors: Rayner Genevieve , Jackson Graeme D. , Wilson Sarah J.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Autobiographic memory encompasses the encoding and retrieval of episodes, people, and places encountered in everyday life. It can be impaired in both epilepsy and frontal lobe damage. Here, we performed an initial investigation of how autobiographic memory is impacted by chronic frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) together with its underlying pathology.

Method

We prospectively studied a series of nine consecutive patients with medically refractory FLE, relative to 24 matched healthy controls. Seven of the nine patients had frontal lobe structural abnormalities. Episodic and semantic autobiographic memory functioning was profiled, and factors associated with impaired autobiographic memory were identified among epileptologic, neuroimaging, neuropsychiatric, and cognitive variables including auditory‐verbal and visual memory, and the executive function of cognitive control.

Results

Results showed that the FLE group experienced significantly higher rates of autobiographic memory and mood disturbance (p < 0.001), with detailed assessment of individual patients revealing two profiles of impairment, primarily characterized by cognitive or mood disturbance. Five of the patients (56%) exhibited significant episodic autobiographic memory deficits, whereas in three of these, knowledge of semantic autobiographic facts was preserved. Four of them also had reduced cognitive control. Mood disorder was largely unrelated to poor autobiographic memory. In contrast, the four cases with preserved autobiographic memory were notable for their past or current depressive symptoms.

Significance

These findings provide preliminary data that frontal lobe seizure activity with its underlying pathology may selectively disrupt large‐scale cognitive or affective networks, giving rise to different neurobehavioral profiles that may be used to inform clinical management.
“I Do”: Does Marital Status Affect How Much CEOs “Do”?
Authors: Nicolosi Gina , Yore Adam S.
Published: January 2015

This paper explores whether a CEO's marital status reveals unobservable risk preferences which influence their firm's investment and compensation policies. Using biographical data for CEOs of large domestic companies, we find that corporate deal‐making activity (e.g., mergers, joint ventures, major capital expenditures, etc.) and overall firm riskiness both increase significantly with personal life restructuring (e.g., marriages and divorces). This relation is supported by an instrumental variables analysis and also an investigation surrounding CEO turnover. Finally, the link between a CEO's marital status and preference for option‐based compensation further suggests that personal restructuring may be an indicator of executive risk appetites.
Political Connection and Stock Returns: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Civilize Sireethorn , Wongchoti Udomsak , Young Martin
Published: January 2015

A stock market should display informational efficiency and, therefore, should appropriately reflect the value of political connections, if any value exists. Using a comprehensive data set that incorporates both obvious and less obvious political connections to firms in Thailand, we provide a longitudinal study which shows that higher realized stock returns are systematically associated with political connectedness. Consistent with the view that such a relationship provides economic rents, this finding is particularly prominent in more regulated industries. The politically connected premium is higher for higher level political connections and when the political bodies hold an equity stake in the firm.
Congenital combined deficiency of coagulation factors VII and X – different genetic mechanisms
Authors: Pavlova A. , Preisler B. , Driesen J. , de Moerloose P. , Zieger B. , Hütker S. , Dengler K. , Harbrecht U. , Oldenburg J.
Published: January 2015

Combined coagulation factor VII (FVII) and factor X (FX) deficiency (combined FVII/FX deficiency) belongs to the group of bleeding disorders in which both factors show reduced plasma activity. It may arise from coincidental inheritance of separate coagulation factor deficiencies or a common cause as large deletions comprising both gene loci. The F7 and F10 genes are located on the long arm of chromosome 13. Here, we describe 10 cases with combined FVII/FX deficiency representing both genetic mechanisms of occurrence. Genetic analyses included direct sequencing of the F7 and F10 genes and MLPA (multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification) for detection of heterozygous large deletions. In four patients, the combined deficiency was due to a large deletion within the terminal end of chromosome 13. In the remaining six cases the deficiency resulted from coincidental inheritance of different genetic alterations affecting both genes independently. In most cases, the genetic defects were heterozygous, presenting with prolonged PT, normal aPTT and mild or no bleeding symptoms. Only in one case compound heterozygous mutations were detected in the F10, resulting in prolonged aPTT and a more severe bleeding phenotype. To avoid a misdiagnosis of combined FVII/FX deficiency, analyses of single factor activities have to be performed in all cases with prolonged PT even if aPTT is normal. Genetic analyses are substantial for correct prediction of an inheritance pattern and a proper genetic counselling.
Infection with Helicobacter bilis but not Helicobacter hepaticus was Associated with Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Segura‐López Fany K. , Avilés‐Jiménez Francisco , Güitrón‐Cantú Alfredo , Valdéz‐Salazar Hilda A. , León‐Carballo Samuel , Guerrero‐Pérez Leoncio , Fox James G. , Torres Javier
Published: January 2015

Background and Aims

The biliary tract cancer or cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) represents the sixth leading cause of gastrointestinal tumors in the Western world, and mortality varies across the world, with regions such as Chile, Thailand, Japan, and northeastern India presenting the highest rates. CCA may develop in the bile duct, gallbladder, or ampulla of Vater; and risk factors include obesity, parity, genetic background, geographical and environmental factors. Inflammation induced by bacterial infections might play a role in the pathogenesis of CCA. In this work, we investigated whether there is an association between extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECCA) and infection with S. typhi, H. hepaticus, or H. bilis in a Mexican population.

Methods

A total of 194 patients were included and divided into 91 patients with benign biliary pathology (controls) and 103 with ECCA (cases). Tumor samples were taken during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography by biliary brushing, followed by DNA extraction and PCR testing for infections.

Results

We found that 44/103 cases were positive for H. bilis, compared with 19/91 controls (p = 0.002; OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.49–5.32), and when analyzed by sub‐site, H. bilis infection was significantly more associated with cancer in the common bile duct (p = 0.0005; OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.77–7.17). In contrast, H. hepaticus infection was not different between cases (17/103) and controls (13/91) (p = 0.82; OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.54–2.60). None of the samples were positive for S. typhi infection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, infection with H. bilis but neither H. Hepaticus nor S. typhi was significantly associated with ECCA, particularly with tumors located in the common bile duct.
Association between vitamin B12 deficiency and long‐term use of acid‐lowering agents: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jung S. B. , Nagaraja V. , Kapur A. , Eslick G. D.
Published: January 2015

Background

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency can result in irreversible structural brain changes if not treated appropriately. Long‐term use of acid‐lowering agents (ALA) has been linked to vitamin B12 deficiency, but results are inconsistent.

Aim

To evaluate the association between prolonged ALA use and vitamin B12 deficiency by performing a meta‐analysis.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Web of Science. Original data were abstracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results

Of the articles reviewed, four case–control studies (4254 cases and 19 228 controls) and one observational study met full criteria for analysis. The long‐term ALA use was significantly associated with development of vitamin B12 deficiency (hazard ratio 1.83, 95% CI: 1.36–2.46, P‐value 0.00).

Conclusion

Chronic use of ALA is a risk factor for developing vitamin B12 deficiency. Judicious prescribing of ALA and regular monitoring of vitamin B12 in patients who are inevitably on long‐term ALA therapy are recommended.
Phylogeography of vertebrates on the Sunda Shelf: a multi‐species comparison
Authors: Leonard Jennifer A. , den Tex Robert‐Jan , Hawkins Melissa T. R. , Muñoz‐Fuentes Violeta , Thorington Richard , Maldonado Jesus E.
Published: January 2015

Aim

Pleistocene environmental fluctuations had well‐characterized impacts on the patterns of within‐species divergences and diversity in temperate habitats. Here we examine the impact the Pleistocene had on widely distributed forest vertebrates in a tropical system where the distribution of the habitat was affected by those fluctuations.

Location

Sundaland, tropical Southeast Asia.

Methods

We conducted a comparative phylogeographical analysis of 28 non‐migratory, forest‐dependent vertebrates, for which we constructed rooted, intraspecifc phylogenies based on mitochondrialDNAsequences of individuals from at least the three major landmasses in the area (Borneo, Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula) and compared them to hypothetical phylogenies based on independent geological data and climate models regarding connections and relationships between the major landmasses of Sundaland. Java was included where possible. We dated the phylogenies to determine whether patterns of differentiation were concordant across species.

Results

In most species, populations on the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra were most closely related, and sister to those from Borneo. The dates of these divergences, however, varied extensively between species. Borneo harbours multiple deeply divergent lineages of many species compared to the diversity within those species. Javan populations of several birds were most divergent relative to those from the rest of the Sunda Shelf.

Main conclusions

These results suggest a dynamic history, including recurrent population extinctions and replacements and a strong priority effect for local populations. The close relationship between populations in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula supports the existence of forest on the exposed shelf during the Pleistocene at many different times, and suggests that proximity was more important than the presence of palaeorivers for dispersal of forest taxa between landmasses.
The Role of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Blood Pressure Control for Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Hypertension: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Hu Xinyu , Fan Jinqi , Chen Shaojie , Yin Yuehui , Zrenner Bernhard
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to review the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on blood pressure (BP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and hypertension. Biomedical databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CPAP with control among these patients. Seven RCTs reporting 24‐hour ambulatory BP were identified for meta‐analysis. CPAP was associated with significant reductions in 24‐hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure (SBP) (−2.32 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval [CI], −3.65 to −1.00) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (−1.98 mm Hg; 95% CI, −2.82 to −1.14). CPAP led to more significant improvement in nocturnal SBP than that in diurnal SBP. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with resistant hypertension or receiving antihypertensive drugs benefited most from CPAP. Meta‐regression indicated that CPAP compliance, age, and baseline SBP were positively correlated with decrease in 24‐hour DBP, but not reduction in 24‐hour SBP.
EDIFICE Melanoma survey: knowledge and attitudes on melanoma prevention and diagnosis
Authors: Saiag P. , Sassolas B. , Mortier L. , Grange F. , Robert C. , Lhomel C. , Lebbé C.
Published: January 2015

Background

Melanoma incidence is increasing worldwide thus justifying information campaigns aimed at reducing ultraviolet exposure levels and promoting early diagnosis.

Objectives

We set out to assess awareness, knowledge and attitudes of the French population with regard to melanoma prevention and early diagnosis, following more than 15 years of nationwide information campaigns.

Methods

The French nationwide observational survey, EDIFICE Melanoma, was conducted after the summer (September to October 2011) through structured telephone interviews of a representative sample of 1502 individuals aged ≥18 years, using the quota method. All French regions were represented.

Results

Respondents had heard of sun‐induced skin damage: 92% knew that sun increases melanoma risk. Knowledge of sun‐protection measures was also good: 97% correctly cited at least one method of photoprotection (clothing 80%, sunscreens 69%) and 97% declared that sun exposure should be reduced between 12 pm and 4 pm in France. Knowledge of melanoma was encouraging: 70% of respondents could define the disease accurately and 60% knew the ABCDE rule for early diagnosis. However, self‐tanning and sunbed use were considered by 25% and 13% of respondents, respectively, to provide protection from skin cancer. Although 43% of respondents (58% of high‐risk respondents) declared they had consulted a doctor at least once for a suspect skin lesion, their actual behaviour was less encouraging: 30% declared never or almost never protecting their skin; 25% declared regularly checking their skin for atypical nevi; 12% declared checking the entire skin surface. Declared behaviour was better in fair‐skin responders and those with a history of sunburn or skin cancer.

Conclusions

Awareness of melanoma, early‐diagnosis procedures and preventive behaviour has improved in the general French population since 1990. However, despite the good level of information, numerous misconceptions persist. Improved information campaigns in the future may help reduce the ever‐increasing incidence of melanoma in France.
Personal vs. intrinsic melanoma risk awareness: results of the EDIFICE Melanoma survey
Authors: Robert C. , Lebbe C. , Ricard S. , Saiag P. , Grange F. , Mortier L. , Lhomel C. , Sassolas B.
Published: January 2015

Background

The efficiency of skin cancer prevention programmes is strongly correlated with the information dispensed, and with the level of risk awareness, of the overall population on one hand, and on the other, of specific sub‐populations, according to their risk profiles.

Objectives

The primary objective of this analysis was to establish a correlation between individual perceptions of the risk of developing a melanoma, and the recognized intrinsic risk factors for a given individual. Secondary objectives were to assess factors that are potentially associated with acceptable, high or low perception of melanoma risk.

Methods

The EDIFICE Melanoma survey was conducted in 2011 via telephone interviews of a representative sample of 1502 individuals aged 18 and older in the French population.

Results

Although most respondents (73%) had a true estimation of their intrinsic risk for melanoma, those who did not (underestimation, 17%; overestimation, 10%) had an attitude towards environmental risk factors (sun exposure, sun protection, sunbed use) that did not compensate for this misplaced perception.

Conclusions

Skin cancer prevention messages need to be reinforced, new methods of evaluating understanding of the messages need to be implemented, and both need to be included into personal risk assessment.
Corneal confocal microscopy detects small fiber damage in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Authors: Schneider Christian , Bucher Franziska , Cursiefen Claus , Fink Gereon R. , Heindl Ludwig M. , Lehmann Helmar C.
Published: January 2015

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an autoimmune‐mediated peripheral neuropathy with multifocal involvement. Reliable biomarkers for diagnosis, disease progression, and treatment response remain to be developed. We assessed the utility of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) as a diagnostic marker for CIDP in 16 patients. CCM parameters including corneal nerve fiber density (NFD), nerve fiber length, number of main nerve trunks, number of nerve branches, nerve tortuosity, and dendritic cell density (DCD) were compared to those from 15 healthy controls and correlated with clinical and electrophysiological findings. CIDP patients had a significantly lower corneal NFD compared to healthy controls. The total nerve fiber length and the number of nerve branches were significantly decreased, whereas nerve tortuosity was increased in patients with CIDP. There was no positive correlation between corneal NFD and clinical or electrophysiological assessments. The average DCD was not significantly different in CIDP patients and controls. CCM measures suggest damage to small sensory afferents in the cornea in CIDP patients. Further studies are needed to compare different neuropathic conditions and to explore longitudinal changes of CCM parameters.
Neurofilament light mutation causes hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy with pyramidal signs
Authors: Hashiguchi Akihiro , Higuchi Yujiro , Nomura Miwa , Nakamura Tomonori , Arata Hitoshi , Yuan Junhui , Yoshimura Akiko , Okamoto Yuji , Matsuura Eiji , Takashima Hiroshi
Published: January 2015

To identify novel mutations causing hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN) with pyramidal signs, a variant of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT), we screened 28 CMT and related genes in four members of an affected Japanese family. Clinical features included weakness of distal lower limb muscles, foot deformity, and mild sensory loss, then late onset of progressive spasticity. Electrophysiological studies revealed widespread neuropathy. Electron microscopic analysis showed abnormal mitochondria and mitochondrial accumulation in the neurons and Schwann cells. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an abnormally thin corpus callosum. In all four, microarrays detected a novel heterozygous missense mutation c.1166A>G (p.Y389C) in the gene encoding the light‐chain neurofilament protein (NEFL), indicating that NEFL mutations can result in a HMSN with pyramidal signs phenotype.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE OF BANKS: A SURVEY
Authors: de Haan Jakob , Vlahu Razvan
Published: January 2015

This paper reviews the empirical literature on the corporate governance of banks. We start by highlighting the main differences between banks and nonfinancial firms and focus on three characteristics that make banks special: (i) regulation, (ii) the capital structure of banks, and (iii) the complexity and opacity of their business and structure. Next, we discuss the characteristics of corporate governance in banks and how they differ from the governance of nonfinancial firms. We then review the evidence on three governance mechanisms: (i) boards, (ii) ownership structures, and (iii) executive compensation. Our review suggests that some of the empirical regularities found in the literature on corporate governance of nonfinancial institutions, such as the positive (negative) association between board independence (size) and performance, do not hold for banks. Also, existing work provides no conclusive results regarding the relationship between different governance mechanisms and various measures for banks’ performance. We discuss potential explanations for these mixed results.
Astrocyte and Microvascular Imaging in Awake Animals Using Two‐Photon Microscopy
Authors: Tran Cam Ha T. , Gordon Grant R.
Published: January 2015

Neurovascular coupling is an important control mechanism in CBF regulation. New insights into the integrated relationship between synaptic activity, astrocytes Ca2+, and cerebral blood vessels using two‐photon fluorescence imaging are slowly emerging. Here, we provide a brief overview of the current understandings and controversies regarding astrocytes in activity‐dependent vasodilation. We highlight the key advantages and disadvantages of the in vitro and in vivo methodologies used to study this topic. In particular, we emphasize some of the drawbacks of acute brain slices as well as the confounding effects of anesthesia in in vivo preparations. To overcome these limitations, we discuss an emerging and important trend in imaging cell Ca2+ and blood flow control in awake and behaving animals. This new approach may help resolve existing controversies on astrocyte control of arteriole diameter by providing a more physiologically relevant preparation to study CBF regulation.
Evolution of small guide RNA genes in hyperthermophilic archaea
Authors: Randau Lennart
Published: January 2015

Profiling the RNA production in hyperthermophilic archaea revealed an abundance of small RNA–guided processes near the upper temperature limit of life. Archaea utilize the base‐pairing ability of RNA guide sequences to target ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, messenger RNAs, and viral genomes. Cellular processes that are guided by small RNAs include the modification of RNA molecules, trans‐splicing, gene regulation, and RNA and DNA degradation. Here, a brief overview of our knowledge on small guide RNA genes in archaeal genomes is provided and examples of their putative roles in genome evolution are described.