bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
123s and ABCs: developmental shifts in logarithmic‐to‐linear responding reflect fluency with sequence values
Authors: Hurst Michelle , Leigh Monahan K. , Heller Elizabeth , Cordes Sara
Published: March 2014

When placing numbers along a number line with endpoints 0 and 1000, children generally space numbers logarithmically until around the age of 7, when they shift to a predominantly linear pattern of responding. This developmental shift of responding on the number placement task has been argued to be indicative of a shift in the format of the underlying representation of number (Siegler & Opfer, ). In the current study, we provide evidence from both child and adult participants to suggest that performance on the number placement task may not reflect the structure of the mental number line, but instead is a function of the fluency (i.e. ease) with which the individual can work with the values in the sequence. In Experiment 1, adult participants respond logarithmically when placing numbers on a line with less familiar anchors (1639 to 2897), despite linear responding on control tasks with standard anchors involving a similar range (0 to 1287) and a similar numerical magnitude (2000 to 3000). In Experiment 2, we show a similar developmental shift in childhood from logarithmic to linear responding for a non‐numerical sequence with no inherent magnitude (the alphabet). In conclusion, we argue that the developmental trend towards linear behavior on the number line task is a product of successful strategy use and mental fluency with the values of the sequence, resulting from familiarity with endpoints and increased knowledge about general ordering principles of the sequence.A video abstract of this article can be viewed at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg5Q2LIFk3M
Neural bases of Theory of Mind in children with autism spectrum disorders and children with conduct problems and callous‐unemotional traits
Authors: O'Nions Elizabeth , Sebastian Catherine L. , McCrory Eamon , Chantiluke Kaylita , Happé Francesca , Viding Essi
Published: March 2014

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have difficulty understanding other minds (Theory of Mind; ToM), with atypical processing evident at both behavioural and neural levels. Individuals with conduct problems and high levels of callous‐unemotional (CU) traits (CP/HCU) exhibit reduced responsiveness to others' emotions and difficulties interacting with others, but nonetheless perform normally in experimental tests of ToM. The present study aimed to examine the neural underpinnings of ToM in children (aged 10–16) with ASD (N = 16), CP/HCU (N = 16) and typically developing (TD) controls (N = 16) using a non‐verbal cartoon vignette task. Whilst individuals with ASD were predicted to show reduced fMRI responses across regions involved in ToM processing, CP/HCU individuals were predicted to show no differences compared with TD controls. The analyses indicated that neural responses did not differ between TD and CP/HCU groups during ToM. TD and CP/HCU children exhibited significantly greater medial prefrontal cortex responses during ToM than did the ASD group. Within the ASD group, responses in medial prefrontal cortex and right temporoparietal junction (TPJ) correlated with symptom severity as measured by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Findings suggest that although both ASD and CP/HCU are characterized by social difficulties, only children with ASD display atypical neural processing associated with ToM.
Previous reward decreases errors of commission on later ‘No‐Go’ trials in children 4 to 12 years of age: evidence for a context monitoring account
Authors: Winter Warren , Sheridan Margaret
Published: March 2014

Inhibitory control is widely hypothesized to be the cornerstone of executive function in childhood and the central deficit in a number of developmental disorders, including attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, recent evidence from adults indicates that performance on response inhibition tasks may primarily reflect non‐inhibitory attentional control (context monitoring) processes. Yet it may be that inhibition plays a more central role in childhood – a time when the architecture of cognitive processes might be more transparent due to wide variability in skill level. Here we directly test inhibitory and context monitoring explanations of task performance on a Go/No‐Go task in a large group of children 4–12 years of age. We conclude that traditional inhibitory conceptualizations of task performance on the Go/No‐Go task cannot account for our findings, calling into question evidence supporting a central role for inhibitory control in cognitive development or developmental psychopathology.
Manually controlled instrumented spasticity assessments: a systematic review of psychometric properties
Authors: Bar‐On Lynn , Aertbeliën Erwin , Molenaers Guy , Dan Bernard , Desloovere Kaat
Published: March 2014

Aim

The first aim of this study was to systematically review and critically assess manually controlled instrumented spasticity assessment methods that combine multidimensional signals. The second aim was to extract a set of quantified parameters that are psychometrically sound to assess spasticity in a clinical setting.

Method

Electronic databases were searched to identify studies that assessed spasticity by simultaneously collecting electrophysiological and biomechanical signals during manually controlled passive muscle stretches. Two independent reviewers critically assessed the methodological quality of the psychometric properties of the included studies using the COSMIN guidelines.

Results

Fifteen studies with instrumented spasticity assessments met all inclusion criteria. Parameters that integrated electrophysiological signals with joint movement characteristics were best able to quantify spasticity. There were conflicting results regarding biomechanical‐based parameters that quantify the resistance to passive stretch. Few methods have been assessed for all psychometric properties. In particular, further information on absolute reliability and responsiveness for more muscles is needed.

Interpretation

Further research is required to determine the correct parameters for quantifying spasticity based on integration of signals, which especially focuses on distinguishing the neural from non‐neural contributions to increased joint torque. These parameters should undergo more rigorous exploration to establish their psychometric properties for use in a clinical environment.
Complex MLL rearrangement in non‐infiltrated bone marrow in an infant with stage II precursor B‐lymphoblastic lymphoma
Authors: Ahlmann Martina , Meyer Claus , Marschalek Rolf , Burkhardt Birgit , Koehler Gabriele , Klapper Wolfram , Juergens Heribert , Rossig Claudia
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Precursor B‐lymphoblastic lymphoma cells are indistinguishable by morphology, and immune phenotype from lymphoblasts in acute leukemia which in infancy is associated with MLL rearrangements and a poor prognosis. The role of MLL gene deregulation in rare cases of isolated lymphoblastic lymphoma in infants is obscure. We report the case of a 10‐month‐old child who presented with a cutaneous nodule on the left foot. Histological diagnosis was precursor B‐lymphoblastic lymphoma. The young age of the patient motivated us to investigate the presence of an MLL rearrangement.

Methods

Cytogenetic analysis was performed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and the genomic fusion partner of MLL was identified by long‐distance inverse (LDI‐)PCR and confirmed by direct PCR.

Results

Fluorescence in situ hybridization screening of paraffin‐embedded formalin‐fixed tissue indeed revealed the presence of an MLL rearrangement. The genomic fusion partner was identified as AF10 by DNA sequencing of the MLL breakpoint region. The MLL‐AF10 fusion gene was further detected in cytologically normal pretreated bone marrow. Treatment was started with standard four‐drug induction chemotherapy. Because of the unfavorable outcome associated with MLL rearrangements in infant leukemia, we intensified postremission treatment according to the Interfant‐06 study protocol. The child is in continuous first remission 36 months after diagnosis.

Conclusion

This is the first report of submicroscopic bone marrow involvement in MLL‐rearranged isolated cutaneous B‐cell precursor lymphoma in an infant. To prospectively address the role of MLL rearrangements in extramedullary B‐lymphoblastic malignancies in infants, we suggest to assess both tumors and non‐infiltrated bone marrow for the presence of this genetic abnormality.
Managing spastic foot drop after stroke
Authors: Ward Anthony B.
Published: March 2014

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Prokaryote populations of extant microbialites along a depth gradient in Pavilion Lake, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Russell J. A. , Brady A. L. , Cardman Z. , Slater G. F. , Lim D. S. S. , Biddle J. F.
Published: March 2014

Pavilion Lake in British Columbia, Canada, is home to modern‐day microbialites that are actively growing at multiple depths within the lake. While microbialite morphology changes with depth and previous isotopic investigations suggested a biological role in the formation of these carbonate structures, little is known about their microbial communities. Microbialite samples acquired through the Pavilion Lake Research Project (PLRP) were first investigated for phototrophic populations using Cyanobacteria‐specific primers and 16S rRNA gene cloning. These data were expounded on by high‐throughput tagged sequencing analyses of the general bacteria population. These molecular analyses show that the microbial communities of Pavilion Lake microbialites are diverse compared to non‐lithifying microbial mats also found in the lake. Phototrophs and heterotrophs were detected, including species from the recently described Chloroacidobacteria genus, a photoheterotroph that has not been previously observed in microbialite systems. Phototrophs were shown as the most influential contributors to community differences above and below 25 meters, and corresponding shifts in heterotrophic populations were observed at this interface as well. The isotopic composition of carbonate also mirrored this shift in community states. Comparisons to previous studies indicated this population shift may be a consequence of changes in lake chemistry at this depth. Microbial community composition did not correlate with changing microbialite morphology with depth, suggesting something other than community changes may be a key to observed variations in microbialite structure.
Herbal drug ninjin'yoeito accelerates myelopoiesis but not erythropoiesis in vitro
Authors: Inoue Tomoko , Kulkeaw Kasem , Muennu Kanitta , Tanaka Yuka , Nakanishi Yoichi , Sugiyama Daisuke
Published: March 2014

Some Kampo medicines that are herbal and traditional in Japan have had beneficial effects when given to patients with anemia. However, molecular mechanisms underlying their effects are unclear. To address this question, four Kampo medicines used to treat anemia—ninjin'yoeito (NYT), shimotsuto (SMT), juzentaihoto (JTT), and daibofuto (DBT)—were tested separately using in vitro cultures of mouse bone marrow mononuclear cells. Among them, NYT was most effective in stimulating cell proliferation and up‐regulating Myc expression. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that, among hematopoietic components of those cultures, myeloid cells expressing CD45/Mac‐1/Gr‐1/F4/80 increased in number, but Ter119/CD71 erythroid cells did not. Accordingly, real‐time PCR analysis showed up‐regulation of the myeloid gene Pu.1, whereas the erythroid genes Gata1 and Klf1 were down‐regulated. Overall, these findings provide molecular evidence that NYT accelerates myelopoiesis but not erythropoiesis in vitro.
Numerical Modeling of Slug Tests with MODFLOW Using Equivalent Well Blocks
Authors: Yang Lichao , Wang Xu‐Sheng , Jiao Jimmy J.
Published: March 2014

Slug tests are a widely used technique to estimate aquifer hydraulic parameters and the test data are generally interpreted with analytical solutions under various assumptions. However, these solutions are not convenient when slug tests are required to be analyzed in a three‐dimensional model for complex aquifer‐aquitard systems. In this study, equivalent well blocks (EWB) are proposed in numerical modeling of slug test data with MODFLOW. Multi‐well slug tests in partially penetrating wells with skin zones can be simulated. Accuracy of the numerical method is demonstrated by benchmarking with analytical solutions. The EWB method is applied in a case study on slug tests in aquitards in the Pearl River Delta, China.
Identifying Recharge from Tropical Cyclonic Storms, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Authors: Eastoe Christopher J. , Hess Greg , Mahieux Susana
Published: March 2014

Groundwater in the Todos Santos watershed in southern Baja California, and throughout the peninsula south of latitude 28°N, has values of (δ18O‰, δD‰) ranging between (−8.3, −57) and (−10.9, −78). Such negative values are uncharacteristic of the site latitude near the sea level. Altitude effects do not explain the isotope data. Tropical depressions originating along the Pacific coast of North America yield rain with isotopic depletion; rain from these weather systems in southern Arizona commonly has δ18O values < −10‰ in comparison with amount‐weighted mean summer and fall rain at −6‰. Isotope data indicate hurricane rain as the predominant source of recharge in southern Baja California, where named tropical depressions bring large rains (>50 mm) at least once every 2 to 3 years, and along the Pacific coast between Jalisco and Oaxaca.
Functional outcomes following ankle arthrodesis in males with haemophilia: analyses using the CDC's Universal Data Collection surveillance project
Authors: Lane H. , Siddiqi A.‐E.‐A. , Ingram‐Rich R. , Tobase P. , Scott Ward R. ,   Universal Data Collection Joint Outcome Working Group,   Hemophilia Treatment Center Network Study Investigators
Published: March 2014

In persons with haemophilia (PWH), repeated ankle haemarthroses lead to pain, loss of joint range of motion (ROM), and limitations in activity and participation in society. PWH are offered ankle arthrodesis (AA) to eliminate pain. In our experience, PWH are hesitant to proceed to AA due to concerns regarding gait anomalies, functional decline and complete loss of ROM. The aim of this study was to report outcomes in ROM, assistive device (AD)/wheelchair use, activity scale and work/school absenteeism for participants in the CDC's Universal Data Collection surveillance project (UDC) pre‐ and post‐ AA. Males with haemophilia enrolled in the UDC with first report of AA (1998–2010) were selected. Descriptive statistics were calculated using data from the annual study visit pre‐AA and the follow‐up visit (~12–24 months) post‐AA. The 68 subjects who fulfilled the criteria were: mean age 36.9 years (SD = 12.9); 85.3% white; 85.3% haemophilia A; 72% severe, 20.6% moderate; and 10.3% with inhibitor once during the study period. Mean loss in total arc of ankle motion was 17.02° (SD = 21.8, P ≤ 0.01) pre‐ compared to post‐AA. For 61.8%, there was no change in use of AD for ambulation/mobility. For 85.3%, there was no change in use of a wheelchair. On a self‐reported activity scale, 11.8% improved, 8.8% worsened and 79.4% did not change. Work/school absenteeism averaged 2.7 (SD = 6.4) pre‐ and 1.5 (SD = 6.4, P = 0.26) days per year post‐AA. While ankle ROM was significantly reduced post‐AA, for most subjects, there was no change in use of AD/wheelchair for ambulation/mobility. Physical activity was maintained and work/school absenteeism remained stable.
Predictive value of serum myeloperoxidase activity for thrombosis of arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Stolic Radojica V. , Trajkovic Goran Z. , Kostic Mirjana , Stolic Dragica Z. , Miric Dijana J. , Kisic Bojana M. , Pajovic Slavica D. , Peric Vladan M.
Published: March 2014

Myeloperoxidase is a proinflammatory protein that appears as a result of increased oxidative stress. It plays an important role in the promotion and progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of MPO as a predictive parameter for thrombosis of arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The study involved monitoring patients with AVFs for hemodialysis over a period of 2 years. There were 41 patients, 19 (46%) men and 22 (54%) women, with mean age of 65 ± 12.7 years. Routine laboratory analyses were carried out in all respondents, including determination of MPO concentration. Gender, demographic and anthropometrical characteristics, smoking, alcohol consumption, as well as the presence of diabetic nephropathy, as an etiological factor of kidney disease, were recorded. The group of patients who developed initial thrombosis of the AVFs had significantly different values for leukocytes (8.5 ± 3.8 vs. 7.3 ± 2.1, P = 0.024), erythrocytes (2.8 ± 0.27 vs. 3.2 ± 0.65; P = 0.019), hemoglobin (88.5 ± 81 vs. 99.1 ± 6.02; P = 0.041), and myeloperoxidase (19.3 ± 4.67 vs. 11.1 ± 4.43; P = 0.007) when compared with the group without fistula thrombosis. Diabetic nephropathy (P = 0.02) characterized the group of patients with thrombosis of the fistula. Diabetic nephropathy (B = 2.53, P = 0.049) and MPO (B = 0.03, P = 0.029) were statistically significant predictors of fistula thrombosis. In our study, MPO and diabetic nephropathy were predictors of thrombosis of the AVF.
Marine moult migration of the freshwater Scaly‐sided Merganser Mergus squamatus revealed by stable isotopes and geolocators
Authors: Solovyeva Diana , Newton Jason , Hobson Keith , Fox James W. , Afanasyev Vsevolod , Fox Anthony D.
Published: March 2014

Scaly‐sided Mergansers Mergus squamatus breed on freshwater rivers in far eastern Russia, Korea and China, wintering in similar habitats in China and Korea, but nothing was known of their moulting habitat. To investigate the moult strategies of this species, we combined wing feather stable isotope ratios (males and females) with geolocator data (nesting females) to establish major habitat types (freshwater, brackish or saltwater) used by both sexes during wing moult. Although most Scaly‐sided Mergansers of both sexes probably moult on freshwater, some males and non‐breeding and failed breeding females appeared to undertake moult migration to brackish and marine waters. Given the previous lack of any surveys of coastal or estuarine waters for this species during the moult period, these findings suggest important survey needs for the effective conservation of the species during the flightless moult period.
Triploid ZZZ Zebra Finches Taeniopygia guttata exhibit abnormal sperm heads and poor reproductive performance
Authors: Girndt Antje , Knief Ulrich , Forstmeier Wolfgang , Kempenaers Bart
Published: March 2014

Here we report the first discovery of two viable triploid male Zebra Finches Taeniopygia guttata. We compared the morphology of their sperm with that of normal diploid Zebra Finches and examined eggs resulting from a triploid male and diploid female pairing to investigate whether triploid Zebra Finches can reproduce. The majority (78%) of the triploids' spermatozoa had malformed sperm heads, which were 60% larger, and all examined eggs (n = 42) were infertile. Our results tentatively suggest that triploid ZZZ Zebra Finches cannot reproduce, and thus represent a rare evolutionary dead‐end.
Foraging guild perturbations and ecological homogenization driven by a despotic native bird species
Authors: Howes Alison , Mac Nally Ralph , Loyn Richard , Kath Jarrod , Bowen Michiala , McAlpine Clive , Maron Martine
Published: March 2014

Anthropogenic activities often cause specialized and fragmentation‐sensitive species to be replaced by competitive commensal or invasive species, resulting in reduced diversity and biotic homogenization. However, biotic homogenization driven by increased dominance of a native species has rarely been investigated. Increased abundance of competitive species can have important consequences for assemblage dynamics including homogenization of foraging strategies and, potentially, ecological services. This study assesses how changes to bird assemblages due to the occurrence of an aggressive honeyeater alter the foraging profiles of avifauna in 400 woodland sites in nine study regions across eastern Australia, and explores the potential implications for ecological services. We compared beta diversity among sites with a high and low abundance of the aggressive Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala. Shifts in ecological characteristics of bird assemblages of sites with high and low abundance of Noisy Miners, including mean and variation in niche position, bill length and body size, were explored. Sites with a high abundance of Noisy Miners were more taxonomically and ecologically homogeneous and had fewer species than sites with a low abundance of Noisy Miners. The mean niche positions of bird assemblages changed and were increasingly dominated by larger vertebrate feeders, granivores and frugivores as Noisy Miner abundance increased. The mean body size and bill length of the insectivore species present at a site increased with Noisy Miner abundance. This change in the bird community along with reduced diversity in foraging strategies implies a loss of the ecological functions provided by smaller‐bodied species, potentially affecting plant dispersal and regeneration, insect herbivory and ultimately woodland resilience. Our study demonstrates a substantial shift in ecological profile over a broad geographical area as a result of a single native species.
Moult topography and its application to the study of partial wing‐moult in two neotropical wrens
Authors: Guallar Santiago , Ruiz‐Sánchez Angelina , Rueda‐Hernández Rafael , Pyle Peter
Published: March 2014

During partial moults birds replace a variable number or percentage of old feathers. This quantity, known as moult extent, has been a primary variable used in comparative studies. However, different spatial configurations of feather replacement may result from an equal number of renewed feathers. Few studies have addressed spatial aspects of moult, which may vary among species, among individuals of the same species and between episodes at the individual level. We present a novel approach to quantify the spatial configuration of a wing‐moult episode, hereafter referred to as moult topography, which comprises two elements, namely extent and vector, the latter condensing the spatial configuration of the replaced feathers on the wing plane. We apply this method to investigate preformative (post‐juvenile) wing‐feather moult pattern in the Spot‐breasted Wren Pheugopedius maculipectus and the White‐breasted Wood‐Wren Henicorhina leucosticta. We specified a null model of wing‐moult topography by which feather replacement follows a discrete anterior–posterior (vertical) axis between tracts and a discrete proximal–distal (horizontal) axis within tracts, and whereby wing feathers from a new tract are replaced only if all the feathers from the previous (anterior) tract have been replaced. Our sample of Spot‐breasted Wrens showed a strict single pattern of replacement that did not differ significantly from the null model. Our sample of White‐breasted Wood‐Wrens, however, differed significantly from the null model, showing prioritization of proximal wing feathers closer to the body. These differences might have biological relevance, for example in mate selection or in response to different environmental stressors, and might reveal the influence of these factors on the evolution of moult strategies. Overall, moult topography provides a new approach to future ecological and evolutionary studies of moult.
Experimental evidence for parental, but not parentally biased, favouritism in relation to offspring size inBlueTitsCyanistes caeruleus
Authors: García‐Navas Vicente , Ferrer Esperanza S. , Serrano‐Davies Eva
Published: March 2014

In species with biparental care, males and females share the benefits of investing in offspring but pay the costs individually. As a result of these evolutionary conflicts of interest between the sexes, it is expected that the two parents should follow different behavioural rules when providing food to the young. Such a discrepancy may be accentuated when parents have to choose between different subsets of offspring (e.g. large and small nestlings). We manipulated the degree of hatching asynchrony inBlueTitsCyanistes caeruleusand quantified male and female feeding behaviour when nestlings were 7 and 10 days old. First, we tested for a difference in the role of the sexes during the nestling rearing period between experimentally asynchronous and synchronous control broods. We then used experimentally asynchronous broods to assess differences between the sexes in the pattern of food distribution in terms of number of feedings and prey types, between junior and senior siblings. When nestlings in experimental nests were 7 days old, females fed young more often than did males despite facing a trade‐off between brooding the smallest nestlings and bringing food to the nest. At this age, there was also a skew in food delivery in favour of senior siblings, whereas food was more evenly distributed across the brood when nestlings were 10 days old. We found no difference in how male and female Blue Tits distributed feeding visits among junior and senior nestlings. However, females fed the smallest nestlings with more spiders in comparison with their senior siblings. This could be related to their more suitable size relative to other prey types, their high content of essential nutrients, or both, and may represent a more cryptic form of parentally biased favouritism. We compare these findings with previous work on other species and discuss why parents did not feed junior siblings more frequently.
Evidence of facultative daytime hypothermia in a small passerine wintering at northern latitudes
Authors: Lewden Agnès , Petit Magali , Milbergue Myriam , Orio Stéphane , Vézina François
Published: March 2014

The use of hypothermia as a means to save energy is well documented in birds. This energy‐saving strategy is widely considered to occur exclusively at night in diurnally active species. However, recent studies suggest that facultative hypothermia may also occur during the day. Here, we document the use of daytime hypothermia in foraging Black‐capped Chickadees Poecile atricapillus wintering in eastern Canada. We measured the body temperature (Tb) of 126 individuals (plus 48 repeated measures) during a single winter and related values to ambient temperature (Ta) at the time of capture. We also tested whether daytime hypothermia was correlated with the size of body reserves (residuals of mass on structural size and fat score) and levels of metabolic performance (basal metabolic rate and maximum thermogenic capacity). We found that Tb of individual birds was lower when captured at low Ta, reaching values as low as 35.5 °C in actively foraging individuals. Tb was unrelated to metabolic performance or measures of body reserves. Therefore, daytime hypothermia does not result from individuals being unable to maintain Tb during cold spells or to a lack of body reserves. Our data also demonstrated a high level of individual variation in the depth of hypothermia, the causes of which remain to be explored.
Comparison of optimal foraging versus life‐history decisions during nestling care in Lincoln's Sparrows Melospiza lincolnii through stable isotope analysis
Authors: Beaulieu Michael , Sockman Keith W.
Published: March 2014

In short‐lived species, parents are expected to favour their offspring and may therefore have to sacrifice the best part of their diet to feed their young (‘conflict hypothesis’). In addition, they need to maximize energy delivered per unit of time to the young (‘delivery hypothesis’). We examined the influence of these two factors on food allocation in Lincoln's Sparrows Melospiza lincolnii by measuring plasma δ15N and δ13C values in both parents and offspring. Adults’ isotopic values were unchanged when feeding chicks, but their δ15N values were higher than those of their chicks. Using the isotopic signature of Lincoln's Sparrows and that of prey available in their habitat, we reconstructed the diet of parents and chicks using mixing models for stable isotope analyses. The main difference between the diet of chicks and that of adults was that the proportion of spiders was lower in chicks than in adults, while the proportion of grasshoppers was higher. Spiders appear more valuable than grasshoppers, as they are more easily digested and richer in lipids, proteins and essential amino acids. However, grasshoppers are larger than spiders and are therefore likely to be better suited to maximize energy delivery to chicks. As parents keep their diet constant when breeding and as the contribution of large prey is higher in the diet of chicks than in that of their parents, our results suggest that the influence of optimal foraging strategy is predominant over the influence of parent–offspring conflict on food allocation in Lincoln's Sparrows, thereby supporting our delivery hypothesis. However, this relative influence may differ when resource availability constrainsing parent–offspring conflict varies.
Evaluation of risk impact of consumers' behaviour in terms of exposure to Listeria monocytogenes in lettuce
Authors: Doménech Eva , Conchado Andrea , Escriche Isabel
Published: March 2014

The influence that consumers have on the exposure assessment due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in lettuce was studied. Four stages of the food chain were considered: transport home, storage, handling and washing. A survey provided information about family behaviour classified as: one adult living alone (n = 77), one adult with children (n = 21), two adults (n = 75), two adults with children (n = 139) and seniors (n = 157). Multiple correspondence analyses revealed only slight differences between one adult living alone (with or without children) and the other groups. The simulation results highlighted that in all groups, ‘transportation’ and ‘storage at home’ did not increase contamination. In the ‘handling’ stage, Listeria was able to increase an average of 1 log CFU g−1, and in ‘washing’, consumers were able to reduce it to the values at retail. Finally, sensitivity analysis demonstrated that washing and surface contamination were the practices that had most influence on the risk.
Evaluation of minimal processing of orange juice by automated data analysis of volatiles and nonvolatile polar compounds determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry
Authors: Cerdán‐Calero Manuela , Izquierdo Luís , Halket John M. , Sentandreu Enrique
Published: March 2014

The effects of minimal processing on the metabolite composition of orange juice were studied. Volatiles and nonvolatile polar compounds in Lane Late orange juices, with different pulp contents, treated by high‐pressure homogenisation (HPH) at 150 MPa (at 58, 63 and 68 °C) and stored for 3 months at 3 °C were analysed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) with automated data processing. A total of 92 volatiles and 22 polar components (trimethylsilyl, TMS, derivatives of sugars, organic acids and amino acids) were determined in fresh, processed and stored juices. Initially, concentration of fresh flavours (hydrocarbon terpenes and aldehydes) determined in the homogenised samples with the original pulp content was higher than that determined in fresh juice. During storage, desirable descriptors were better preserved in the juice processed at 68 °C with the lowest increase in off‐flavours (alcohols and ketones). Generally, operations assayed did not exert a significant influence on polar metabolites, showing no effect on their decrease with time.
Variations of hairy cell nuclei shapes with regard to ring‐shaped nuclei simulating dysplastic neutrophilic granulocytes and review of the literature
Authors: Lemež P. , Kačírková P.
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Nuclei of hairy cells (HC) are typically oval, round or indented, but atypical shapes are occasionally described in HCL and may lead to a provisional wrong diagnosis.

Methods

The aim of this study was to quantify HC nuclei shapes classified into 11 categories on diagnostic bone marrow smears of 38 consecutive patients with HCL.

Results

HC in all 33 patients with evaluable smears at diagnosis exhibited a round/oval nucleus in 60.8–95.8%, an indented nucleus in 3.4–24.5% and a kidney‐shaped nucleus in 0.4–7.0%. Other shapes of HC nuclei were found only in a proportion of patients: nuclei with two indentations in 0.4–6.5% HC (28 patients), overlapped nuclei in 0.5–3.5% HC (17) and lobulated nuclei in 0.4–4.5% HC (15). Two per cent or less of HC had the following nuclear shapes: that of an opposite indentation and impression (14 patients), dumb‐bell (13), ring (10), horseshoe (5), two nuclei (8 patients).

Conclusion

Different shapes of HC nuclei similar to cells typical for other diagnoses are found usually in low frequencies. However, if their numbers are increased, they may cause diagnostic problems because cytology of blood and bone marrow smears is usually the first available diagnostic method.
Knowing, Power and Materiality: A Critical Review and Reconceptualization of Absorptive Capacity
Authors: Marabelli Marco , Newell Sue
Published: March 2014

Most studies on absorptive capacity (AC) are based on assumptions that are characteristic of viewing knowledge from an epistemology of possession (knowledge is possessed by individuals and is transferrable). However, the literature on managing knowledge (or better knowledge work) acknowledges also an epistemology of practice (knowledge is unpredictable and dynamic and constituted in and through practice). Moreover, the literature onACis relatively silent on the relationship between knowledge and power. In this paper, the authors argue that theACconstruct should be interpreted in light of the possession and the practice perspectives of knowledge and power. The analysis includes a systematic literature review ofACthat supports the authors' claims and, based on this, they suggest an interpretation of the construct that takes into account knowledge–power relationships. This review and theorizing contribute to a richer and processual view ofAC.
The Spirit, Creaturehood and Sanctification: On Avoiding Theological Overcompensation
Authors: Castelo Daniel
Published: March 2014

Talk of the Spirit's work of sanctification often leads to a number of different conclusions, ones that often appear mutually exclusive. Under such conditions, their espousers often make cases for their views in overcompensatory ways by highlighting their approaches over and against other views that may be complementary in their own way. This article contends that behind this diversity are often competing claims within different domains of inquiry surrounding the Creator–creation interface. These commitments lurk in the background of these debates, and their exposure may help in the ongoing task of speaking of the Spirit's endeavoring in and among creatures.
Holiness and Mediation: Pneumatology in Pietist Perspective
Authors: Vickers Jason E.
Published: March 2014

In contemporary Christian theology, Pietism denotes a form of Christianity that rejects mediation in favor of the Holy Spirit's direct, unmediated infusion of grace into the human heart. In this article, I contend that this reading of Pietism is deeply flawed. Drawing on recent scholarship, I show that Pietism, especially in its Methodist, Wesleyan‐holiness and Pentecostal forms, embraces and promotes mediation through a wide range of places, materials, persons and practices. From a Pietist perspective, God's holiness precludes presumption, not mediation per se. It also leads Pietists to underscore the significance of waiting for the Christian life.
The Holy Spirit and Unity: Getting out of the Way of Christ
Authors: Radner Ephraim
Published: March 2014

This article argues for a limited pneumatological definition of Christian unity, in favor of a more exclusive christological explanation. It traces some of the theological problems associated with tying Christian unity too closely with the Holy Spirit, by examining the works of three near‐contemporary seventeenth‐century theologians, Bossuet, Baxter and Owen. The pneumatological ‘expansionism’ in each of these writers, still common in contemporary discussions of ecclesial unity, are not only counterproductive but obscure the specific kinds of charismatic gifting demanded by Christian reconciliation.
c‐myc Expression in Renal Carcinoma: Correlation with Clinical Parameters
Authors: LANIGAN D. , McLEAN P. A. , MURPHY D. M. , DONOVAN MARY G. , CURRAN BERNIE , LEADER MARY
Published: March 2014

Summary—There is evidence that c‐myc is expressed in renal carcinomas and that it is associated with histological grade. This study reports on the clinical correlations of oncogene expression and clinical features of the disease. Tissue sections from 97 patients (95 primary and 12 secondary cancers) were immunostained with a c‐myc oncoprotein antibody. The tumours were scored for extent and intensity of nuclear and cytoplasmic staining. Ninety patients were suitable for follow‐up study. High levels of expression correlated significantly with increasing T category and nuclear grade, as well as with venous invasion. No correlation with nodal involvement, the presence of metastases, tumour architecture or cell type was found. The extent of nuclear staining was related to survival (although not to recurrence), but in a multivariate analysis did not provide independent prognostic information. It was concluded that semiquantitative assessment of levels of c‐myc oncoprotein does not provide clinically useful prognostic information.
The Frusemide Test: Simple Screening Test for Renal Acidification Defect in Urolithiasis
Authors: REYNOLDS T. M. , BURGESS N. , MATANHELIA S. , BRAIN A. , PENNEY M. D.
Published: March 2014

Summary— Urinary pH was first labelled as a risk factor for patients with recurrent calcium stone disease of the renal tract in 1978. The standard diagnostic test for patients with a history of stones, who appear to have urinary acidification defects is the ammonium chloride test. However, the performance of this test results in significant morbidity, particularly nausea and vomiting, and as a result there is little enthusiasm for screening for such defects.

We describe a screening test that may be used to determine which patients require more definitive testing. It involves an oral dose of frusemide (40 mg) followed by half‐hourly urine sampling for pH. For the detection of a renal tubular acidification defect, the frusemide test had sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 82%, predictive value of a positive result = 40%, predictive value of a negative result = 100%, screening efficiency = 84%, and there was no morbidity. During the ammonium chloride test 80% of the patients vomited or felt very nauseated.
The Prostatron Transurethral Microwave Device in the Treatment of Bladder Outflow Obstruction due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: KIRBY R. S. , WILLIAMS GRANT , WITHEROW R. , MILROY E. J. G. , PHILP T.
Published: March 2014

Summary— There is currently considerable interest in the development of non‐surgical means of managing bladder outflow obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We report the results of a 1‐year follow‐up of 140 men (mean age 67.2 years) presenting with symptoms of bladder outflow obstruction treated for 1 h in a single session by the Prostatron transurethral thermotherapy system. Symptom scores, using a system modified from Boyarsky, fell from baseline values of 23.7 to 11.6. Maximum urinary flow values increased from a mean of 10.1 to 12.4 ml/s. Although residual urine volumes decreased slightly, this was not statistically significant. A self‐administered postal questionnaire returned by 114 patients 1 year after Prostatron treatment, and by 87 patients of similar age who had undergone transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in the same institution, revealed that patient satisfaction regarding the outcome of each procedure was higher for TURP than thermotherapy. However, more patients suffered sexual dysfunction after TURP than after microwave treatment. It was concluded that although treatment with the Prostatron device produces subjective and objective improvement in a proportion of patients with BPH, more work needs to be done to improve the overall results and to pre‐identify patients who experience little or no benefit from this therapy.
Transrectal Hyperthermia in the Management of Men with Prostatism: An Algorithm for Therapy
Authors: KAPLAN S. A. , SHABSIGH R. , SOLDO KATHERINE A. , BLAIVAS J. G. , OLSSON C. A.
Published: March 2014

Summary— Transrectal hyperthermia has been proposed as a potential treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This report presents our initial experience in an ongoing clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transrectal thermal therapy (TRTT) for symptomatic BPH. To date, 24 patients (mean age 60.6 years) have undergone TRTT. In all cases the initial investigations included pre‐operative symptom score analysis, synchronous video/pressure/flow urodynamic studies and transrectal measurement of both the size of the prostate and the distance between the applicator and the prostatic urethra (AU). Twenty‐one patients completed the study (mean followup 6.7 months). There was a significant reduction in symptom score (>50%) in 14 patients and the peak urinary flow rate (Qmax) increased from 5.9 to 12.4 ml/s at 1 month, 12.7 ml/s at 3 months and 13.2 ml/s at 6 months. In 12 patients the decrease in symptom score and the increase in flow rate exceeded 50%. Five of the 6 patients who failed to respond to treatment had prostate volumes > 85 g; 4 had voiding detrusor pressures < 40 cm H2O and 5 had an AU distance >2.5 cm. These preliminary results suggest that TRTT may be a potential therapeutic alternative in patients with mild to moderate symptoms of prostatism. However, patients with either lower detrusor pressures (< 40 cm H2O) or very large prostates are unlikely to show a beneficial response. We suggest that large prostates may preclude effective temperature distribution and therefore mitigate the potential therapeutic benefit.
Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Invasive Carcinoma in Total Prostatectomy Specimens: Distribution, Volumes and DNA Ploidy
Authors: DE LA TORRE M. , HÄGGMAN M. , BRÄNDSTEDT S. , BUSCH C.
Published: March 2014

Summary—Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) has been postulated to be the main precursor of invasive carcinoma of the prostate (IC). The occurrence, distribution and volumes of PIN and IC in addition to grade were studied in 54 patients who underwent total prostatectomy because of localised IC (T0d–T2 NO MO).

PIN always occurred multifocally, localised generally in the peripheral zone (PZ) and was found in all cases. PIN 1 was the most common grade, PIN 3 the least. PIN 3 occurred exclusively in the PZ, in the vicinity of or intermingled with high grade IC. PIN and IC grades were usually concordant. The relative volumes of IC and PIN showed an inverse relationship,i.e.at small IC + PIN volumes PIN dominated, whereas at large IC + PIN volumes both relative and absolute PIN volumes were lower. Furthermore, with increasing PIN grade a tendency towards an increase in tumour volume, Gleason score and frequency of disruption of the basal cell layer was observed. These findings indicate progression from PIN to IC.

DNA ploidy of PIN areas was determined by means of flow cytometry. Areas containing PIN 1, 2 or 3 were sampled (1 plug/ml of PIN). All foci displayed only diploid DNA profiles regardless of PIN volume and grade, even with coexistent IC displaying heterogeneous DNA patterns. Our results support the claim that low and medium grade prostatic carcinoma arises from near‐diploid PIN stemlines and may progress into heterogeneous tumours containing non‐diploid stemlines.
Prognosis of Localised Prostatic Cancer Managed by “Watch and Wait” Policy
Authors: WAALER G. , STENWIG ANNA E.
Published: March 2014

Summary— Progression (within 2–7 years) and cancer‐specific mortality (within 4–9 years) were examined in 94 patients with localised (T0–T2 NXM0) prostatic cancer. The patients received no initial anti‐cancer treatment. A significant difference was found according to the initial T category both in progression (T0 focal 1/13, T0 diffuse 9/53, T1–2 13/28) and in cancer‐related death (T0 focal 0/13, T0 diffuse 3/53, T1–2 6/28). Progression (G1 4/48, G2 17/42, G3 2/4) and cancer‐related deaths (G1 1/48, G2 7/42, G3 1/4) also showed significant differences according to histological differentiation. No difference could be demonstrated according to age.
Laparoscopic Varicocele Ligation
Authors: RALPH D. J. , TIMONEY A. G. , PARKER C. , PRYOR J. P.
Published: March 2014

Summary— A laparoscopic varicocele ligation was performed in 49 men with a clinically proven varicocele. Patients were treated predominantly on a day case or overnight basis with minimal postoperative morbidity. Identification of the testicular artery was aided by a laparoscopic Doppler probe in the majority of patients and preserved in 39 cases. The varicocele persisted in 7 patients, 4 of whom have subsequently had an inguinal exploration confirming a missed testicular vein as the source. In all 7 patients the artery was identified without the use of the Doppler probe, this being suggestive of misidentification of the vessels at laparoscopy. The complications included 4 wound infections, 1 scrotal haematoma and 1 vasal injury which necessitated an open vasovasostomy. Laparoscopic varicocele ligation is a simple and safe technique, causing minimal morbidity and enabling a rapid return to normal activity. The success rate can be improved by accurate identification of the testicular vessels with the use of a laparoscopic Doppler probe.
Immunohistological findings in patients with superficial bladder carcinoma after intravesical instillation of keyhole limpet haemocyanin
Authors: JURINCIC‐WINKLER C. , METZ K.A. , BEUTH J. , ENGELMANN U. , KLIPPEL K.F.
Published: March 2014

Objective To determine whether keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) instilled intravesically improves the local cellular response within the bladder wall of patients suffering from superficial bladder carcinoma

Patients and methods Twelve patients (10 men and two women, mean age 67 years, range 42–85) with superficial carcinomas of the bladder were treated for 6 consecutive weeks and then monthly for 1 year with 20 mg KLH in 20 mL saline instilled intravesically after complete resection of the tumours. Biopsies were taken for immunohistochemical examination before treatment and again 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 9 months after treatment. Six patients with no evidence of cystitis or malignant bladder disease acted as a control group. Immunofluorescent staining of the biopsies was performed using monoclonal antibodies to the T‐cell markers CD4 and CD8, and to CD14 (monocytes), CDw15 (granulocytes), CD19 B‐cells (Pan‐B), CD68 (macrophages) and HLA‐DR. Anti‐KLH antibody‐producing plasma cells were detected using a standard technique. A semiquantitative analysis of locally infiltrating cell types was performed.

Results After treatment with KLH the increase of CD8 + suppressor cells was less pronounced than that of CD4+ helper cells. The T‐helper/inducer to T‐suppressor/cytotoxic cell ratio thus altered from 0.8:2.0 before treatment to 1.6:2.3 afterwards. Hence, the number of T‐helper cells had increased considerably, whereas there was only a moderate increase in the number of T‐suppressor cells. This cellular ratio could be detected for 9 months after KLH therapy. The numbers of activated HLA‐DR + immune cells in the submucosa and among urothelial cells also increased after KLH instillation. The degree of mononuclear cell infiltration of the submucosa increased considerably, but granulocyte infiltration was only moderate. Lymph follicles with enhanced B‐lymphocyte counts were also detected.

Conclusion Immune‐cell infiltration into the urothelium and enhanced activation (expression of class II antigens) suggests distinct processes of cellular antigen recognition, which could be detected for up to 9 months after the beginning of KLH therapy. This may represent a basic functional mechanism of KLH therapy.