bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic impact of preoperative hematological disorders and a risk stratification model in bladder cancer patients treated with radical cystectomy
Authors: Sejima Takehiro , Morizane Shuichi , Yao Akihisa , Isoyama Tadahiro , Saito Motoaki , Amisaki Takashi , Koumi Tsutomu , Takenaka Atsushi
Published: May 2013

Objectives

The present study investigated prognostic indicators, including clinicopathological and preoperative hematological factors, and developed a prognostic factor‐based risk stratification model in bladder cancer patients treated with radical cystectomy.

Methods

Data were collected from 249 consecutive bladder cancer patients treated with radical cystectomy without neoadjuvant therapy. Prognostic values of the preoperative hematological parameters, along with the patients' clinicopathological parameters were evaluated. A risk stratification model was developed to predict disease‐specific survival after radical cystectomy using the regression coefficients of multivariate analysis.

Results

In the multivariate analysis, preoperative hemoglobin and C‐reactive protein levels, as well as the pathological factors of T stage, positive surgical margin and lymph node metastasis, were independently predictive of disease‐specific survival. Low hemoglobin (<10.5 g/dL), a high C‐reactive protein (>0.5 mg/dL), extravesical T stage (≥pT3a) and positive surgical margin were independent predictors of poor disease‐specific survival. The risk stratification model showed significant differences in disease‐specific survival between the three subgroups.

Conclusions

This is the first report to show the significance of combining preoperative hemoglobin with the pathology of radical cystectomy specimens as an independent predictor for disease‐specific survival, and it also represents the largest contemporary series to date demonstrating that two types of preoperative hematological disorders, assessed by hemoglobin and C‐reactive protein, are independent predictors in bladder cancer patients treated with radical cystectomy. Our risk stratification model could provide physicians with useful prognostic information for identifying patients who might be candidates for multimodal treatments.
Wound assessment tools and nurses' needs: an evaluation study
Authors: Greatrex‐White Sheila , Moxey Helen
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this study was to ascertain how well different wound assessment tools meet the needs of nurses in carrying out general wound assessment and whether current tools are fit for purpose. The methodology employed was evaluation research. In order to conduct the evaluation, a literature review was undertaken to identify the criteria of an optimal wound assessment tool which would meet nurses' needs. Several freely available wound assessment tools were selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria and an audit tool was developed to evaluate the selected tools based on how well they met the criteria of the optimal wound assessment tool. The results provide a measure of how well the selected wound assessment tools meet the criteria of the optimal wound assessment tool. No tool was identified which fulfilled all the criteria, but two (the Applied Wound Management tool and the National Wound Assessment Form) met the most criteria of the optimal tool and were therefore considered to best meet nurses' needs in wound assessment. The study provides a mechanism for the appraisal of wound assessment tools using a set of optimal criteria which could aid practitioners in their search for the best wound assessment tool.
Specific impacts of two root herbivores and soil nutrients on plant performance and insect–insect interactions
Authors: Erwin Alexis C. , Geber Monica A. , Agrawal Anurag A.
Published: May 2013

Soil‐dwelling insects commonly co‐occur and feed simultaneously on belowground plant parts, yet patterns of damage and consequences for plant and insect performance remain poorly characterized. We tested how two species of root‐feeding insects affect the performance of a perennial plant and the mass and survival of both conspecific and heterospecific insects. Because root damage is expected to impair roots’ ability to take up nutrients, we also evaluated how soil fertility alters belowground plant–insect and insect–insect interactions. Specifically, we grew common milkweed Asclepias syriaca in low or high nutrient soil and added seven densities of milkweed beetles Tetraopes tetraophthalmus, wireworms (mainly Hypnoides abbreviatus), or both species. The location and severity of root damage was species‐specific: Tetraopes caused 59% more damage to main roots than wireworms, and wireworms caused almost seven times more damage to fine roots than Tetraopes. Tetraopes damage decreased shoot, main root and fine root biomass, however substantial damage by wireworms did not decrease any component of plant biomass. With the addition of soil nutrients, main root biomass increased three times more, and fine root biomass increased five times more when wireworms were present than when Tetraopes were present. We detected an interactive effect of insect identity and nutrient availability on insect mass. Under high nutrients, wireworm mass decreased 19% overall and was unaffected by the presence of Tetraopes. In contrast, Tetraopes mass increased 114% overall and was significantly higher when wireworms were also present. Survival of wireworms decreased in the presence of Tetraopes, and both species’ survival was negatively correlated with conspecific density. We conclude that insect identity, density and soil nutrients are important in mediating the patterns and consequences of root damage, and suggest that these factors may account for some of the contradictory plant responses to belowground herbivory reported in the literature.
Spatial structure of ant–plant mutualistic networks
Authors: Dáttilo Wesley , Guimarães Paulo R. , Izzo Thiago J.
Published: May 2013

The structure of mutualistic networks provides insights into ecological and coevolutionary dynamics of interacting species. However, the spatial effect has only recently been incorporated as a factor structuring mutualistic networks. In this study, we evaluated how the topological structure and species turnover of ant–plant mutualistic networks vary over a spatial gradient. We showed that although the ant and plant composition of networks changed over space, the central core of generalist species and the structure of networks remained unaltered on a geographic distance of up to 5099 m in the southern Brazilian Amazon. This finding indicates that independently of variation in local and landscape environmental factors, the nonrandom pattern organization of these interacting assemblages do not change. Finally, we suggest that a stable core can increase the potential for coevolutionary convergence of traits among species from both sides of the interaction within the community. These findings contribute to our understanding of the maintenance of biodiversity and coevolutionary processes.
Fish larval nutrition and feed formulation: knowledge gaps and bottlenecks for advances in larval rearing
Authors: Hamre Kristin , Yúfera Manuel , Rønnestad Ivar , Boglione Clara , Conceição Luis E. C. , Izquierdo Marisol
Published: May 2013

Despite considerable progress in recent years, many questions regarding fish larval nutrition remain largely unanswered, and several research avenues remain open. A holistic understanding of the supply line of nutrients is important for developing diets for use in larval culture and for the adaptation of rearing conditions that meet the larval requirements for the optimal presentation of food organisms and/or microdiets. The aim of the present review is to revise the state of the art and to pinpoint the gaps in knowledge regarding larval nutritional requirements, the nutritional value of live feeds and challenges and opportunities in the development of formulated larval diets.
Material and Elastic Properties ofAl‐Tobermorite in Ancient Roman Seawater Concrete
Authors: Jackson Marie D. , Moon Juhyuk , Gotti Emanuele , Taylor Rae , Chae Sejung R. , Kunz Martin , Emwas Abdul‐Hamid , Meral Cagla , Guttmann Peter , Levitz Pierre , Wenk Hans‐Rudolf , Monteiro Paulo J. M.
Published: May 2013

The material characteristics and elastic properties of aluminum‐substituted 11 Å tobermorite in the relict lime clasts of 2000‐year‐old Roman seawater harbor concrete are described withTG‐DSCand29SiMAS NMRstudies, along with nanoscale tomography,X‐ray microdiffraction, and high‐pressureX‐ray diffraction synchrotron radiation applications. The crystals have aluminum substitution for silicon in tetrahedral bridging and branching sites and 11.49(3) Å interlayer (002) spacing. With prolonged heating to 350°C, the crystals exhibit normal behavior. The experimentally measured isothermal bulk modulus at zero pressure,K0, 55 ±5 GPa, is less thanab initioand molecular dynamics models for ideal tobermorite with a double‐silicate chain structure. Even so,K0, is substantially higher than calcium‐aluminum‐silicate‐hydrate binder (C–A–S–H) in slag concrete. Based on nanoscale tomographic study, the crystal clusters form a well connected solid, despite having about 52% porosity. In the pumiceous cementitious matrix, Al‐tobermorite with 11.27 Å interlayer spacing is locally associated with phillipsite, similar to geologic occurrences in basaltic tephra. The ancient concretes provide a sustainable prototype for producing Al‐tobermorite in high‐performance concretes with natural volcanic pozzolans.
SULT1A1 gene deletion in BRCA2‐associated male breast cancer: a link between genes and environmental exposures?
Authors: Palli Domenico , Rizzolo Piera , Zanna Ines , Silvestri Valentina , Saieva Calogero , Falchetti Mario , Navazio Anna Sara , Graziano Veronica , Masala Giovanna , Bianchi Simonetta , Russo Antonio , Tommasi Stefania , Ottini Laura
Published: May 2013

SULT1A1, a member of sulfotransferase superfamily, is a drug and hormone metabolizing enzyme involved in the metabolism of a variety of potential mammary carcinogens of endogenous and exogenous origin. Interestingly, the metabolic activity of SULT1A1 can be affected by variations in gene copy number. Male Breast Cancer (MBC) is a rare disease and less investigated disease compared to female BC (FBC). As in FBC, the concurrent effects of genetic risk factors, particularly BRCA2 mutations, increased exposure to estrogens and environmental carcinogens play a relevant role in MBC. By quantitative real‐time PCR with TaqMan probes, we investigated the presence of SULT1A1 gene copy number variations (CNVs) in a series of 72 MBCs. SULT1A1 gene deletion was observed in 10 of the 72 MBCs (13.9%). In a multivariate analysis association between BRCA2 mutation and SULT1A1 gene deletion emerged (p = 0.0005). Based on the evidence that the level of SULT1A1 enzyme activity is correlated with CNV, our data suggest that in male breast tumors SULT1A1 activity may be decreased. Thus, it can be hypothesized that in a proportion of MBCs, particularly in BRCA2‐associated MBCs, the level of estrogens and environmental carcinogens exposure might be increased suggesting a link between gene and environmental exposure in the pathogenesis of MBC.
The relationship of individual characteristics, perceived worksite support and perceived creativity to clinical nurses' innovative outcome
Authors: Tsai Hsiu‐Min , Liou Shwu‐Ru , Hsiao Ya‐Chu , Cheng Ching‐Yu
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectives

To understand the relationship of individual characteristics, perceived worksite support and perceived personal creativity to clinical nurses' innovative outcome (receiving the Nursing Innovation Award).

Background

Since the idea of applying creativity and innovation to clinical nursing practice and management was first advocated in the Nursing Administration Quarterly in 1982, the topic of nursing innovation has gained worldwide attention. To increase the prevalence of nursing innovation, it is important to identify and understand the related factors that influence nurses' innovative outcome.

Design

This study used a cross‐sectional descriptive survey design.

Methods

A self‐administered questionnaire was completed by 32 award winners and 506 nonawarded clinical nurses in Taiwan.

Results

The level of creativity perceived by all participants was moderate‐to‐high. Individual characteristics (r = 0·61) and worksite support (r = 0·27) were both correlated with perceived creativity. Individual characteristics and worksite support showed some correlation as well (r = 0·21). Individual characteristics and worksite support could predict perceived creativity after controlling for demographic variables, but only individual characteristics had an effect on innovative outcome. Perceived creativity did not have mediation effects either between individual characteristics and innovative outcome or between worksite support and innovative outcome.

Conclusions

Clinical nurses' individual characteristics had a direct relationship to innovative outcome, whereas neither worksite support nor creativity was correlated with innovative outcome. Although worksite support did not show effects on innovative outcome, it was related to both perceived creativity and individual characteristics. As suggested by other scholars, there might be other related factors between creativity and innovative outcome.

Relevance to clinical practice

Although worksite support did not have effect on clinical nurses' innovative outcome, it was related to individual characteristics. Hospital administrators or nursing directors can foster a supportive environment where creative nurses would be more likely to work and engage in innovative activities.
Empire and After: Toward a Framework for Comparing Empires and Their Consequences in the Post‐Imperial Middle East and Central Asia
Authors: Cummings Sally , Hinnebusch Raymond
Published: May 2013

This article compares and contrasts the variations in paths from empire to sovereignty in the Middle East and Central Asia. We identify differences in empires and their impact; examine the drivers of transition from empire to sovereignty, the international system and nationalist mobilization; assess the consequences of imperial transmissions for state formation and nation‐building; and link these factors to the degree of rupture with empire in the post‐imperial period.
How does job insecurity relate to self‐reported job performance? Analysing curvilinear associations in a longitudinal sample
Authors: Selenko Eva , Mäkikangas Anne , Mauno Saija , Kinnunen Ulla
Published: May 2013

The study focuses on the relationship between job insecurity and self‐reported job performance. Based on theoretical, empirical, and statistical arguments, we propose that this relationship is U‐shaped and mediated by vigour at work. This assumption was tested cross‐sectionally and across two measurement points, and against two alternative explanations, namely that the U‐shaped relationship might be due to the influence of the moderators optimism and supervisory support. The findings of a study among a large group of job‐insecure employees of two Finish universities (n = 2,095) confirm the U‐shaped effect of job insecurity on self‐reported job performance. This effect was shown to be robust against the moderating influence of optimism and supervisory support and was partially explained by decreased vigour. The inclusion of a second data wave indicated that job insecurity predicted job performance 1 year later also in a U‐shaped form (n = 1,289). Overall, the results suggest that taking quadratic effects into account adds to the understanding of the relationship between job insecurity and self‐reported job performance.

Practitioner points

The study reveals that the relationship between job insecurity, vigour, and self‐reported performance is slightly U‐shaped.

At lower to moderate degrees of intensity, job insecurity is negatively related to self‐reported job performance, whereas at higher degrees, the effect is less negative.

The U‐shaped effect can partly be explained by vigour: at low and high degrees of job insecurity, vigour is slightly less impaired than at moderate degrees. The study does not indicate that job insecurity is a motivator in the workplace.
Yersinia intussusception: Case report and review
Authors: May Austin N , Piper Susan M , Boutlis Craig S
Published: May 2013

Intussusception is a recognised paediatric presentation in emergency department and primary care settings. The aetiology of intussusception is multifactorial and largely unknown but includes infection in some cases. Yersinia has been the most frequently cited bacterial association in children. Identifying Yersinia affects the role and choice of antibiotics in a child's treatment regimen. This article reports on Australia's first proven case of Yersinia enterocolitica intussusception, and reviews the clinical epidemiology of all known reported cases world‐wide.
Reducing newborn mortality in the Asia–Pacific region: Quality hospital services and community‐based care
Authors: Milner Kate M , Duke Trevor , Bucens Ingrid
Published: May 2013

Improving newborn health and survival is an essential part of progression toward Millennium Development Goal 4 in the World Health Organization Western Pacific and South East Asian regions. Both community and facility‐based services are required. Strategies to improve the quality of care provided for newborns in health clinics and district‐ and referral‐level hospitals have been relatively neglected in most countries in the region and in the published literature. Indirect historical evidence suggests that improving facility‐based care will be an increasing priority for improving newborn survival in Asia and the Pacific as newborn mortality rates decrease and health systems contexts change. There are deficiencies in many aspects of newborn care, including immediate care and care for seriously ill newborns, which contribute substantially to regional newborn morbidity and mortality. We propose a practical quality improvement approach, based on models and standards of newborn care for primary‐, district‐ and referral‐level heath facilities and incorporated within existing maternal, newborn and child health programmes. There are examples where such approaches are being used effectively. There is a need to produce more nurses, community health workers and doctors with skills in care of the well and the sick newborn, and there are World Health Organization models of training to support this, including guidelines on emergency obstetric and newborn care and the Pocket Book of Hospital Care for Children. There are also simple data collection and analysis programmes that can assist in auditing outcomes, problem identification and health services planning. Finally, with increased survival rates there are gaps in follow‐up care for newborns at high risk of long‐term health and developmental impairments, and addressing this will be necessary to ensure optimal developmental and health outcomes for these children.
The diatom genus Pseudo‐nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae) in New South Wales, Australia: morphotaxonomy, molecular phylogeny, toxicity, and distribution
Authors: Ajani Penelope , Murray Shauna , Hallegraeff Gustaaf , Lundholm Nina , Gillings Michael , Brett Steve , Armand Leanne
Published: May 2013

Species belonging to the potentially harmful diatom genus Pseudo‐nitzschia, isolated from 16 localities (31 sampling events) in the coastal waters of south‐eastern Australia, were examined. Clonal isolates were characterized by (i) light and transmission electron microscopy; (ii) phylogenies, based on sequencing of nuclear‐encoded ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) regions and, (iii) domoic acid (DA) production as measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Ten taxa were unequivocally confirmed as Pseudo‐nitzschia americana, P. arenysensis, P. calliantha, P. cuspidata, P. fraudulenta, P. hasleana, P. micropora, P. multiseries, P. multistriata, and P. pungens. An updated taxonomic key for south‐eastern Australian Pseudo‐nitzschia is presented. The occurrence of two toxigenic species, P. multistriata (maximum concentration 11 pg DA per cell) and P. cuspidata (25.4 pg DA per cell), was documented for the first time in Australia. The Australian strains of P. multiseries, a consistent producer of DA in strains throughout the world, were nontoxic. Data from 5,888 water samples, collected from 31 oyster‐growing estuaries (2,000 km coastline) from 2005 to 2009, revealed 310 regulatory exceedances for “Total Pseudo‐nitzschia,” resulting in six toxic episodes. Further examination of high‐risk estuaries revealed that the “P. seriata group” had highest cell densities in the austral summer, autumn, or spring (species dependent), and lowest cell densities in the austral winter, while the “P. delicatissima group” had highest in winter and spring.
Efficacy and safety of cimicoxib in the control of perioperative pain in dogs
Authors: Grandemange E. , Fournel S. , Woehrlé F.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To determine the efficacy and safety of cimicoxib (Cimalgex®; VétoquinolSA) for the control of perioperative pain in dogs.

Methods

A double‐blind, randomized, controlled multi‐centre field study was conducted in 237 dogs undergoing orthopaedic or soft tissue surgery. Pain was monitored by the attending veterinarian over the 7 days following the surgical procedure using two pain‐scoring systems and a visual analogue scale. An enhanced monitoring protocol for postoperative pain was utilized during the first 24 hours after surgery. The dog owner's assessment of perceived analgesia during this time period was also recorded.

Results

Cimicoxib demonstrated statistically significant non‐inferiority compared to carprofen. These findings were confirmed by owners’ assessments and by the evolution of the pain scores. Both drugs were well tolerated throughout the study.

Clinical Significance

Cimicoxib had non‐inferior efficacy and tolerability when compared to carprofen for the control of perioperative pain in dogs undergoing orthopaedic or soft tissue surgery.
A bootstrap test for additive outliers in non‐stationary time series
Authors: Astill Sam , Harvey David I. , Robert Taylor A. M.
Published: May 2013

In this paper we propose a new procedure for detecting additive outliers in a univariate time series based on a bootstrap implementation of the test of Perron and Rodríguez (2003,Journal of Time Series Analysis24, 193‐220). This procedure is used to test the null hypothesis that a time series is uncontaminated by additive outliers against the alternative that one or more additive outliers are present. We demonstrate that the existing tests of,inter alia, Vogelsang (1999,Journal of Time Series Analysis20, 237–52) Perron and Rodríguez (2003) and Burridge and Taylor (2006,Journal of Time Series Analysis27, 685–701) are unable to strike a balance between size and power when the order of integration of a time series is unknown and the time series is driven by innovations drawn from an unknown distribution. We show that the proposed bootstrap testing procedure is able to control size to such an extent that its size properties are comparable with the robust test of Burridge and Taylor (2006) when the distribution of the innovations is not assumed known, whilst maintaining power in the Gaussian environment close to that of the test of Perron and Rodríguez (2003).
Inter‐Observer, Intra‐Observer and Intra‐Individual Reliability of Uroflowmetry Tests in Aged Men: A Generalizability Theory Approach
Authors: LIU Ying‐Buh , YANG Stephen S. , HSIEH Cheng‐Hsing , LIN Chia‐Da , CHANG Shang‐Jen
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the inter‐observer, intra‐observer and intra‐individual reliability of uroflowmetry and post‐void residual urine (PVR) tests in adult men.

Methods

Healthy volunteers aged over 40 years were enrolled. Every participant underwent two sets of uroflowmetry and PVR tests with a 2‐week interval between the tests. The uroflowmetry tests were interpreted by four urologists independently. Uroflowmetry curves were classified as bell‐shaped, bell‐shaped with tail, obstructive, restrictive, staccato, interrupted and tower‐shaped and scored from 1 (highly abnormal) to 5 (absolutely normal). The agreements between the observers, interpretations and tests within individuals were analyzed using kappa statistics and intraclass correlation coefficients. Generalizability theory with decision analysis was used to determine how many observers, tests, and interpretations were needed to obtain an acceptable reliability (> 0.80).

Results

Of 108 volunteers, we randomly selected the uroflowmetry results from 25 participants for the evaluation of reliability. The mean age of the studied adults was 55.3 years. The intra‐individual and intra‐observer reliability on uroflowmetry tests ranged from good to very good. However, the inter‐observer reliability on normalcy and specific type of flow pattern were relatively lower. In generalizability theory, three observers were needed to obtain an acceptable reliability on normalcy of uroflow pattern if the patient underwent uroflowmetry tests twice with one observation.

Conclusions

The intra‐individual and intra‐observer reliability on uroflowmetry tests were good while the inter‐observer reliability was relatively lower. To improve inter‐observer reliability, the definition of uroflowmetry should be clarified by the International Continence Society.
The volatile content of Vesta: Clues from apatite in eucrites
Authors: Sarafian Adam Robert , Roden Michael F. , Patiño‐Douce Alberto E.
Published: May 2013

Apatite was analyzed by electron microprobe in 3 cumulate and 10 basaltic eucrites. Eucritic apatite is fluorine‐rich with minor chlorine and hydroxyl (calculated by difference). We confirmed the hydroxyl content by measuring hydroxyl directly in apatites from three representative eucrites using secondary ionization mass spectroscopy. Overall, most eucritic apatites resemble fluorine‐rich lunar mare apatites, but intriguing OH‐ and Cl‐rich apatites suggest a role for water and/or hydrothermal fluids in the Vestan interior or on other related differentiated asteroids. Most late‐stage apatite found in mesostasis has little hydroxyl or chlorine and is thought to have crystallized from a degassed magma; however, several apatites exhibit atypical compositions and/or textural characteristics. For example, the isotopically anomalous basaltic eucrite Pasamonte has apatite in the mesostasis with significant OH. Apatites in Juvinas also have significant OH and occur as veinlets crosscutting silicates. Euhedral apatites in the Moore County cumulate eucrite occur as inclusions in pyroxene and are also hydroxyl‐rich (0.62 wt% OH). The OH was confirmed by SIMS analysis and this apatite clearly points to the presence of water, at least locally, in the Vestan interior. Portions of Elephant Moraine (EET) 90020 have large and abundant apatites, which may be the product of apatite accumulation in a zone of melt‐rock reaction. Relatively chlorine‐rich apatites occur in basaltic eucrite Graves Nunataks (GRA) 98098 (approximately 1 wt% Cl). Particularly striking is the compositional similarity between apatite in GRA 98098 and apatites in lunar KREEP, which may indicate the presence of residual magmas from an asteroid‐wide magma ocean on Vesta.
Methods for obtaining reliable and reproducible results in studies ofCandidabiofilms formedin vitro
Authors: Costa Anna C. B. P. , Pereira Cristiane A. , Freire Fernanda , Junqueira Juliana C. , Jorge Antonio O. C.
Published: May 2013

Biofilm formation is one of the most important attributes for virulence inCandidaspecies and contributes to increased resistance to antifungal drugs and host immune mechanisms. These features have led to the development of several methodologies to reproduce a sessile communityin vitrothat can be used to study the development of a biofilm, its interaction with other microorganisms and the environment, and its susceptibility to available antifungal agents and also to search for new therapy strategies. The purpose of this review is to describe the most commonly used methods to studyCandidabiofilmsin vitro, to discuss the benefits and limitations of the different methods to induce biofilm formation, and to analyse the architecture, viability and growth kinetics ofCandidabiofilms.
The craniosacral progression of muscle development influences the emergence of neuromuscular junction alterations in a severe murine model for spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Voigt Tilman , Neve Anuja , Schümperli Daniel
Published: May 2013

Aims

As 4‐day‐old mice of the severe spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) model (dying at 5–8 days) display pronounced neuromuscular changes in the diaphragm but not the soleus muscle, we wanted to gain more insight into the relationship between muscle development and the emergence of pathological changes and additionally to analyse intercostal muscles which are affected in human SMA.

Methods

Structures of muscle fibres and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of the diaphragm, intercostal and calf muscles of prenatal (E21) and postnatal (P0 and P4) healthy and SMA mice were analysed by light and transmission electron microscopy. NMJ innervation was studied by whole mount immunofluorescence in diaphragms of P4 mice.

Results

During this period, the investigated muscles still show a significant neck‐to‐tail developmental gradient. The diaphragm and calf muscles are most and least advanced, respectively, with respect to muscle fibre fusion and differentiation. The number and depth of subsynaptic folds increases, and perisynaptic Schwann cells (PSCs) acquire a basal lamina on their outer surface. Subsynaptic folds are connected to an extensive network of tubules and beaded caveolae, reminiscent of the T system in adult muscle. Interestingly, intercostal muscles from P4 SMA mice show weaker pathological involvement (that is, vacuolization of PSCs and perineurial cells) than those previously described by us for the diaphragm, whereas calf muscles show no pathological changes.

Conclusion

SMA‐related alterations appear to occur only when the muscles have reached a certain developmental maturity. Moreover, glial cells, in particular PSCs, play an important role in SMA pathogenesis.
A Rahnerian Theological Response to Charles Taylor's A Secular Age
Authors: Horan Daniel P.
Published: May 2013

In this article I argue that Rahner's notion of the Supernatural Existential serves to complement and more concretely illustrate Taylor's at-times tacit, if conflicted, advocacy for some sort of human characteristic that seeks, desires, or is otherwise oriented toward something ‘beyond human flourishing.' By engaging Rahner's theological anthropology with Taylor's thought in ‘A Secular Age,' I show how Taylor's immanent and transcendent divide presupposes an overly cognitive framework that relies extensively on human agency, thematic reflection, and the necessary intellectualization of human experience. As such, Taylor only ever engages in a secondary-level or a posteriori reflection on belief and unbelief, thereby (perhaps unwittingly) precluding the possibility of considering the a priori ‘condition' for his proposed ‘conditions for belief or unbelief,' otherwise known as ‘secularity 3.' In uncovering the secondary-level cognitive conditions for categorical belief and unbelief today, helps shed new light on the relevance and value of Rahner's project. Furthermore, I suggest that both Rahner and Taylor, although maybe not immediately recognizable, actually share similar concerns that initially launched their respective projects. Read together, Rahner and Taylor offer a fuller treatment of both the human condition and the social circumstances of this age.
The positive correlation between DJ‐1 and β‐catenin expression shows prognostic value for patients with glioma
Authors: Wang Chao , Fang Mao , Zhang Meng , Li Weiping , Guan Hong , Sun Yanhua , Xie Siming , Zhong Xueyun
Published: May 2013

The relationship between DJ‐1 and β‐catenin, and its impact on the prognosis for glioma patients has not been fully understood. This study determined the effect of DJ‐1 on β‐catenin and the prognostic significance of this interaction in glioma patients. We collected tumor specimens from 88 glioma patients and determined the expression of DJ‐1, β‐catenin and PTEN by using immunohistochemical staining. The involvement of DJ‐1 and β‐catenin in glioma cell lines was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. High DJ‐1 expression (37.5%) and high β‐catenin expression (34.1%) in glioma specimens were significantly associated with high grade and poor prognosis in glioma patients. However, only high levels of DJ‐1 (P = 0.014) was a strong independent prognostic factor, correlated with a reduced overall survival time. In vitro DJ‐1 expression was positively correlated with the expression levels of β‐catenin and p‐Akt, and negatively correlated with PTEN expression in U87, U251 MG, SWO‐38 and SHG44 human glioma cell lines. After the knockdown of DJ‐1, Akt, p‐Akt or β‐catenin expression levels were not affected in the PTEN‐null cell lines (U87 and U251 MG). However, in the SWO‐38 cell line, which has wild‐type PTEN protein, the level of PTEN increased while Akt/p‐Akt and β‐catenin levels were reduced. Furthermore, β‐catenin staining weakened in SWO‐38 cells after DJ‐1 levels decreased according to immunocytochemical analysis. In conclusion, DJ‐1 and β‐catenin may contribute to the development and recurrence of glioma and are valuable prognostic factors for glioma patients. DJ‐1 may regulate β‐catenin expression via PTEN and p‐Akt.
Novel neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions in a patient carrying SCA8 expansion mutation
Authors: Yokoyama Teruo , Ishiyama Miyako , Hasegawa Kazuko , Uchihara Toshiki , Yagishita Saburo
Published: May 2013

It has been reported that abnormal processing of pre‐mRNA is caused by abnormal triplet expansion. Non‐coding triplet expansions produce toxic RNA to alter RNA splicing activities. However, there has been no report on the globular RNA aggregation in neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCIs) up to now. We herein report on an autopsy case (genetically determined as spinocerebellar atrophy 8 (SCA8)) with hitherto undescribed NCIs throughout the brain. NCIs were chiefly composed of small granular particles, virtually identical to ribosomes. Neurological features are comparable to the widespread lesions of the brain, including the spinal cord. Although 1C2‐positivity of NCIs might be induced by reverse transcription of the CTG expansion, it remains to be clarified how abnormal aggregations of ribosome and extensive brain degeneration are related to the reverse or forward transcripts of the expanded repeat.
Co‐localization of Bunina bodies and TDP‐43 inclusions in lower motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Mori Fumiaki , Kakita Akiyoshi , Takahashi Hitoshi , Wakabayashi Koichi
Published: May 2013

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by motor neuron involvement with Bunina bodies (BBs) and transactivation response DNA protein 43 (TDP‐43) inclusions. We examined the spinal cord (n = 20), hypoglossal nucleus (n = 6) and facial nucleus (n = 5) from ALS patients to elucidate the relationship between BBs and TDP‐43 inclusions. BBs were found in the anterior horn in 16 of 20 cases, in the hypoglossal nucleus in all six cases and in the facial nucleus in four out of five cases. TDP‐43 inclusions were found in each region of all the cases. Co‐localization of BBs and TDP‐43 inclusions was found in 15.2% of total neurons in the anterior horn, 29.2% in the hypoglossal nucleus and 17.3% in the facial nucleus. The frequency of TDP‐43 inclusions was significantly higher in neurons with BBs than in those without in each region. Ultrastructurally, TDP‐43‐positive filamentous structures were intermingled with BBs. These findings suggest that there is a close relationship in the occurrence between BBs and TDP‐43 inclusions.
A METHOD FOR PREDICTING HARBOR SEAL (PHOCA VITULINA) HAULOUT AND MONITORING LONG‐TERM POPULATION TRENDS WITHOUT TELEMETRY
Authors: COWLES JONATHAN D. , HENSON SHANDELLE M. , HAYWARD JAMES L. , CHACKO MATTHEW W.
Published: May 2013

Monitoring population trends in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) generally involves two steps: (i) a census obtained from aerial surveys of haul‐out sites, and (ii) an upward correction based on the proportion of seals hauled out as estimated from a sample of telemetry‐tagged seals. Here we present a mathematical method for obtaining site‐specific correction factors without telemetry. The method also determines site‐specific environmental factors associated with haulout and provides algebraic equations that predict diurnal haul‐out numbers and correction factors as functions of these variables. We applied the method at a haul‐out site on Protection Island, Washington, USA. The haul‐out model and correction factor model were functions of tide height, current velocity, and time of day, and the haul‐out model explained 46% of the observed variability in diurnal haul‐out dynamics. Although the particular models are site‐specific, the general model and methods are portable. A suite of such models for haul‐out sites of a regional stock would allow managers to monitor long‐term population trends without telemetry.
IMPACTS OF WATER SUPPLY UNCERTAINTY AND STORAGE ON EFFICIENT IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION
Authors: BHADURI ANIK , MANNA UTPAL
Published: May 2013

In the framework of a stochastic dynamic programming model, the paper investigates the impact of water supply uncertainty and storage at farm level on adoption of efficient irrigation technologies under a flexible water price regime. We find that even a flexible water pricing cannot guarantee higher adoption of efficient irrigation technology in all cases. Results of the paper indicate that if a farmer invests in water storage capacity, then the value of efficient usage of water increases, and the rate of adoption of efficient irrigation technology will be higher. It establishes a complementarity relationship between investments in storage capacity and adoption of efficient irrigation technology. The relationship becomes stronger with increasing variance in water supply. In a situation without any option to store water at the farm level, we find a negative relationship between investment in efficient irrigation technology and water variability. However, numerical analysis results suggest that a risk averse farmer may invest more in efficient irrigation only if the variance in water supply is very high.
Generator Pocket Adhesions of Cardiac Leads: Classification and Correlation with Transvenous Lead Extraction Results
Authors: BIEFER HECTOR RODRIGUEZ CETINA , HÜRLIMANN DAVID , GRÜNENFELDER JÜRG , SALZBERG SACHA P. , STEFFEL JAN , FALK VOLKMAR , STARCK CHRISTOPH T.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Pacemaker (PM) and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads become encapsulated intravascularly and in the generator pocket by fibrotic adhesions that accumulate over time. These adhesions are responsible for the difficulty and risk of lead extraction procedures. We developed a classification scheme for pocket adhesions, classified all of the patients in the cohort, and examined the relationship between pocket adhesions and the outcome of the procedure.

Methods

The classification of adhesions with respect to the intraoperative adhesion coverage was as followed: class 0 = adhesion free; class 1 ≤ 30% of adhesion coverage; class 2 = 30–60% of adhesion coverage; and class 3 ≥ 60% coverage. Patient data between December 2010 and March 2012 were collected. A total of 100 leads were extracted from 58 patients (1.7 ± 0.8 leads/patient); the mean lead implant duration was 78.5 ± 66.7 months, and the percentage of PM/ICD leads was 68% (n = 68)/32% (n = 32).

Results

Distribution of the leads among classes: 0 = 10; 1 = 17; 2 = 25; and 3 = 48. Average implant times (months) according to the adhesion classes: 0 = 1.2 ± 0.4; 1 = 19.8 ± 19.2; 2 = 79.3 ± 46.6; and 3 = 115.1 ± 106.0 (correlation‐coefficient 0.71; P ≤ 0.05). Average numbers of extraction tools used according to the adhesions: 0 = none; 1 = 0.4 ± 0.7; 2 = 1.6 ± 1.0; and 3 = 2.3 ± 1.2 (correlation coefficient = 0.67; P ≤ 0.05). Complete removal was achieved in 100% of the patients in classes 0 and 1; 96% in class 2 (n = 24); and 75% in class 3 (n = 36) (P ≤ 0.05). Mortality = 0.

Conclusions

Extensive adhesions in the generator pocket predict the need for a higher number of extraction tools. High‐grade pocket adhesions predict lower success rates with regard to complete lead extraction. Both findings suggest that the degree of pocket adhesions predicts the degree of intravascular adhesions.
ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP THEORY: A REASSESSMENT AFTER 10 YEARS
Authors: VAN WART MONTGOMERY
Published: May 2013

A variety of assessments through 2001 discussed the striking neglect of theory related to leadership in public sector organizational settings. For example, Jerry Gabris, Bob Golembiewski, and Doug Ihrke called on the field to ‘improve on the emaciated condition of public leadership theory’. My assessment of administrative leadership soon thereafter, while trying to emphasize a recent uptick in volume, was nonetheless that ‘the needs are great and the research opportunities are manifold’. My relatively negative assessment has been widely cited and needs to be re‐evaluated a decade later since much progress has been made and the research needs have evolved substantially.
Feeding behaviour and digestive physiology in larval fish: current knowledge, and gaps and bottlenecks in research
Authors: Rønnestad Ivar , Yúfera Manuel , Ueberschär Bernd , Ribeiro Laura , Sæle Øystein , Boglione Clara
Published: May 2013

Food uptake follows rules defined by feeding behaviour that determines the kind and quantity of food ingested by fish larvae as well as how live prey and food particles are detected, captured and ingested. Feeding success depends on the progressive development of anatomical characteristics and physiological functions and on the availability of suitable food items throughout larval development. The fish larval stages present eco‐morpho‐physiological features very different from adults and differ from one species to another. The organoleptic properties, dimensions, detectability, movements characteristics and buoyancy of food items are all crucial features that should be considered, but is often ignored, in feeding regimes. Ontogenetic changes in digestive function lead to limitations in the ability to process certain feedstuffs. There is still a lack of knowledge about the digestion and absorption of various nutrients and about the ontogeny of basic physiological mechanisms in fish larvae, including how they are affected by genetic, dietary and environmental factors. The neural and hormonal regulation of the digestive process and of appetite is critical for optimizing digestion. These processes are still poorly described in fish larvae and attempts to develop optimal feeding regimes are often still on a ‘trial and error’ basis. A holistic understanding of feeding ecology and digestive functions is important for designing diets for fish larvae and the adaptation of rearing conditions to meet requirements for the best presentation of prey and microdiets, and their optimal ingestion, digestion and absorption. More research that targets gaps in our knowledge should advance larval rearing.
Skeletal anomalies in rearedEuropean fish larvae and juveniles. Part 1: normal and anomalous skeletogenic processes
Authors: Boglione Clara , Gavaia Paulo , Koumoundouros Giorgos , Gisbert Enric , Moren Mari , Fontagné Stéphanie , Witten Paul Eckhard
Published: May 2013

This critical review summarizes the knowledge about fish skeletal tissues and inherent normal and anomalous development. Particular emphasis is given to existing literature on reared European fishes. The aim was to identify the main gaps of knowledge that require to be filled, in order to precociously identify anomalous developmental patterns that lead to skeletal anomalies in reared finfish larvae and juveniles. The review also aims to extend our knowledge about the factors that are possibly involved in the onset of skeletal anomalies. The final goal is the optimization of the morphological quality of farmed juvenile fish.
Assessing the Veracity of Methods for Extracting Place Semantics from Flickr Tags
Authors: Mackaness William A , Chaudhry Omair
Published: May 2013

The volume and potential value of user generated content (UGC) is ever growing. Multiply sourced, its value is greatly increased by the inclusion of metadata that adequately and accurately describes that content – particularly if such data are to be integrated with more formal data sets. Typically, digital photography is tagged with location and attribute information that variously describe the location, events or objects in the image. Often inconsistent and incomplete, these attributes reflect concepts at a range of geographic scales. From a spatial data integration perspective, the information relating to “place” is of primary interest. The challenge therefore is in selecting the most appropriate tags that best describe the geography of the image. This article presents a methodology based on an information retrieval technique that separates out “place related tags” from the remainder of the tags. Different scales of geography are identified by varying the size of the sampling area within which the imagery falls. This is applied in the context of urban environments, using Flickr imagery. Empirical analysis is then used to assess the correctness of the chosen tags (i.e. whether the tag correctly describes the geographic region in which the image was taken). Logistic regression and Bayesian inference are used to attach a probability value to each place tag. The high correlation values achieved indicate that this methodology can be used to automatically select place tags for any urban region and thus hierarchically structure UGC in order that it can be semantically integrated with other data sources.
Open aortic valve replacement in a patient with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia: a multidisciplinary strategy to minimize perioperative bleeding
Authors: Sheikh Ahmad Y. , Hill Charles C. , Goodnough Lawrence T. , Leung Lawrence L. , Fischbein Michael P.
Published: May 2013

Background

Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is an autosomal recessive disorder in which the platelet (PLT) glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex is either deficient or dysfunctional. In its most severe form, GT may result in spontaneous bleeding, although most cases are first detected in the setting of an invasive procedure.

Case Report

A 59‐year‐old male with Type I GT and a history of transfusion reactions to PLT infusions developed severe aortic stenosis secondary to bicuspid valve disease. He successfully underwent open aortic valve replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass without perioperative bleeding complications.

Results

A multidisciplinary team (anesthesia, hematology, cardiac surgery, and transfusion medicine) was established to optimize perioperative hematologic management. Bleeding risk was assessed given the patient's prior history and a dosing timeline for administration of blood products and recombinant clotting factors was established. Successful management was achieved during the operation by prophylactic administration of HLA‐matched PLTs and Factor VIIa. Prophylactic PLT administration was continued through the immediate postoperative period and no bleeding complications occurred. Thromboelastograms (TEGs) were used in conjunction with traditional hematologic laboratory analysis to optimize clinical management.

Conclusion

Patients with GT requiring cardiac surgical procedures are at high risk for perioperative bleeding complications. This case report illustrates the importance of multidisciplinary planning, TEG analysis, and the judicious use of recombinant factors to minimize operative bleeding risk.
Mycotic keratitis due toScedosporium apiospermumin layer pullets
Authors: McCowan Christina , Bibby Susan , Scott Peter C.
Published: May 2013

Investigation of ocular disease in a flock of layer pullets identified corneal infection withScedosporium apiospermum, a fungus of emerging significance in medicine and veterinary medicine.