bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
East African Indian twice migrants in Britain
Authors: Rathore Claudia
Published: August 2014

Recent years have seen a rapid increase of sociolinguistic interest in the use of English in the British Asian diaspora. The focus of this work has usually been on locally-born speakers (e.g. Heselwood & McChrystal 2000; Hirson & Sohail 2007; Cheshire et al. 2011; Sharma 2011; Stuart-Smith et al. 2011) with some studies also looking into cross-generational variation (Evans et al. 2007; McCarthy et al. 2011; Sharma & Sankaran 2011). The present paper contributes to this growing body of research by providing insight into patterns of dialect variation and change among East African Indians in Leicester, a community of South Asian twice migrants who settled in Britain via East Africa in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Like Fiji Indians in New Zealand (Hundt, this volume), East African Indians in Britain present an interesting case study for the linguistic outcomes of dialect contact in secondary diaspora situations, an under-researched type of contact setting. The aim of this paper is to determine how the complex migration pattern of East African Indians in Leicester has influenced their variety of English and, furthermore, whether and how linguistic patterns change across generations. To this end, I examine variation in the use of postvocalic /r/ in a group of first- and second-generation migrants. The results indicate that, despite a strong sense of affiliation with East Africa, first-generation speakers have predominantly maintained Indian English patterns in their use of this variable whereas second-generation subjects show accommodation to the local variety of British English. Evidence from the community’s social history accounts for the findings.
Imperfectives in Singapore’s Indian community
Authors: Leimgruber Jakob R.E. , Sankaran Lavanya
Published: August 2014

This chapter examines the sociolinguistics of the Indian community in Singapore, with a particular emphasis on the use of the -ing marker among Tamils. The Indian diaspora in Singapore is of interest because the community differs from others in many respects: although a minority of less than 10 percent, Indians enjoy constitutional recognition, primarily through the use of Tamil as one of the four official languages. Furthermore, they are a firmly established ethnic group within the country, both socially and economically, having been instrumental in early colonial times and during the foundation phase of present-day Singapore English. Our study, drawing on data collected from 96 informants coming in equal parts from the Tamil, Chinese, and Malay communities, investigates the use of ­over-extension of -ing as a marker of all imperfectives, including statives and non-delimited habituals. We found the Tamils rating -ing as acceptable significantly more frequently than the other two groups in the case of statives and non-delimited habituals. As this parallels the Tamil aspectual system, our findings strongly support a substratist explanation for the Indian Singapore English aspect system.
Playing for and against the nation: football in interwar Romania
Authors: Faje Florin
Published: August 2014

The article explores the development of football in interwar Romania, stressing its role in the dissemination and grounding of Romanian nationalism. I show how, due to its modular form, the game of football was deeply involved in the efforts of centralizing, territorializing and naturalizing the Romanian nation-state of the interwar period. The founding of the leading Romanian sports club at the University of Cluj and the selection of the national representative for the Paris Olympics of 1924, in conjunction with the institutional infrastructure developed to nationally regulate and control the game, are used to present the acute tensions between local/regional and national aspirations and projects, with a strong ethnic component, that have shaped the history of the game in Romania. I argue that the increasing calls for the full Romanianization of football in the 1930s have their immediate roots in these tensions and frictions.
The motivational paradox of feedback: teacher and student perceptions
Authors: Murtagh Lisa
Published: August 2014

The notion that future performance can be affected by information about previous performance is often expressed in terms of ‘closing the gap’. Feedback has long been recognised as a mechanism through which teaching and learning may be influenced. The current wave of support in the United Kingdom for assessment for learning echoes these sentiments. This paper examines the feedback strategies employed by two experienced literacy practitioners in England. Using data gathered from field observations, interviews and documentary sources, the paper presents evidence of espoused practice associated with feedback, demonstrating that whilst teachers may claim that they make effective use of some feedback strategies to support pupils’ learning and motivation, that this is not supported by empirical data. The paper also identifies that whilst some teachers aim to mark every piece of pupils’ written work for perceived motivational benefits; such a strategy can undermine pupils’ intrinsic motivation and lead to a culture of over‐dependency, whereby the locus of control with regard to feedback lies solely with the teacher. The paper concludes by exploring some possible implications for practice with regard to the provision of written feedback in particular.
The Golgi ribbon structure facilitates anterograde transport of large cargoes
Authors: Lavieu Gregory , Dunlop Myun Hwa , Lerich Alexander , Zheng Hong , Bottanelli Francesca , Rothman James E.
Published: August 2014

In mammalian cells, individual Golgi stacks fuse laterally to form the characteristic perinuclear ribbon structure. Yet the purpose of this remarkable structure has been an enigma. We report that breaking down the ribbon of mammalian cells strongly inhibits intra-Golgi transport of large cargoes without altering the rate of transport of smaller cargoes. In addition, insect cells that naturally harbor dispersed Golgi stacks have limited capacity to transport artificial oversized cargoes. These results imply that the ribbon structure is an essential requirement for transport of large cargoes in mammalian cells, and we suggest that this is because it enables the dilated rims of cisternae (containing the aggregates) to move across the stack as they transfer among adjacent stacks within the ribbon structure.
Adapting Contract Theory to Fit Contract Farming
Authors: Wu Steven Y.
Published: August 2014

This article discusses the current state of contract theory and its usefulness for conceptualizing issues related to agricultural contracting. The paper will explore the limitations of existing theory for applied work, and what methodological improvements are needed to enhance the usefulness of the theory to agricultural economists. One pervasive problem is that the economic literature on contracts is rather fragmented and the various methodological strands are narrow in their focus. As such, agricultural economists should engage in methodological research to develop applied contracting models that can capture higher‐order features of real‐world agricultural contracts while delivering generalizable comparative statics predictions because contracting continues to expand along the entire modern food marketing channel. In the latter part of this article, a simple model is developed to illustrate how classic methodological approaches can be combined with recent developments in contract and game theory to construct applied theory models that are useful for capturing some important features of agricultural contracts.
A method for
de novo
nucleic acid diagnostic target discovery
Authors: Zhang Yeting , Sun Yazhou
Published: August 2014

Motivation: A proper target or marker is essential in any diagnosis (e.g. an infection or cancer). An ideal diagnostic target should be both conserved in and unique to the pathogen. Currently, these targets can only be identified manually, which is time-consuming and usually error-prone. Because of the increasingly frequent occurrences of emerging epidemics and multidrug-resistant ‘superbugs’, a rapid diagnostic target identification process is needed.

Results: A new method that can identify uniquely conserved regions (UCRs) as candidate diagnostic targets for a selected group of organisms solely from their genomic sequences has been developed and successfully tested. Using a sequence-indexing algorithm to identify UCRs and a k -mer integer-mapping model for computational efficiency, this method has successfully identified UCRs within the bacteria domain for 15 test groups, including pathogenic, probiotic, commensal and extremophilic bacterial species or strains. Based on the identified UCRs, new diagnostic primer sets were designed, and their specificity and efficiency were tested by polymerase chain reaction amplifications from both pure isolates and samples containing mixed cultures.

Availability and implementation: The UCRs identified for the 15 bacterial species are now freely available at http://ucr.synblex.com . The source code of the programs used in this study is accessible at http://ucr.synblex.com/bacterialIdSourceCode.d.zip

Contact:  yazhousun@synblex.com

Supplementary Information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Quartet Inference from SNP Data Under the Coalescent Model
Authors: Chifman Julia , Kubatko Laura
Published: August 2014

Motivation: Increasing attention has been devoted to estimation of species-level phylogenetic relationships under the coalescent model. However, existing methods either use summary statistics (gene trees) to carry out estimation, ignoring an important source of variability in the estimates, or involve computationally intensive Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms that do not scale well to whole-genome datasets.

Results: We develop a method to infer relationships among quartets of taxa under the coalescent model using techniques from algebraic statistics. Uncertainty in the estimated relationships is quantified using the nonparametric bootstrap. The performance of our method is assessed with simulated data. We then describe how our method could be used for species tree inference in larger taxon samples, and demonstrate its utility using datasets for Sistrurus rattlesnakes and for soybeans.

Availability and implementation: The method to infer the phylogenetic relationship among quartets is implemented in the software SVDquartets, available at www.stat.osu.edu/∼lkubatko/software/SVDquartets.

Contact:  lkubatko@stat.osu.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Structural and kinetic insights into binding and incorporation of L-nucleotide analogs by a Y-family DNA polymerase
Authors: Gaur Vineet , Vyas Rajan , Fowler Jason D. , Efthimiopoulos Georgia , Feng Joy Y. , Suo Zucai
Published: August 2014

Considering that all natural nucleotides (D-dNTPs) and the building blocks (D-dNMPs) of DNA chains possess D-stereochemistry, DNA polymerases and reverse transcriptases (RTs) likely possess strongD-stereoselectivity by preferably binding and incorporating D-dNTPs over unnatural L-dNTPs during DNA synthesis. Surprisingly, a structural basis for the discrimination against L-dNTPs by DNA polymerases or RTs has not been established although L-deoxycytidine analogs (lamivudine and emtricitabine) and L-thymidine (telbivudine) have been widely used as antiviral drugs for years. Here we report seven high-resolution ternary crystal structures of a prototype Y-family DNA polymerase, DNA, and D-dCTP, D-dCDP, L-dCDP, or the diphosphates and triphosphates of lamivudine and emtricitabine. These structures reveal that relative to D-dCTP, each of these L-nucleotides has its sugar ring rotated by 180° with an unusual O4′-endo sugar puckering and exhibits multiple triphosphate-binding conformations within the active site of the polymerase. Such rare binding modes significantly decrease the incorporation rates and efficiencies of these L-nucleotides catalyzed by the polymerase.
An Enantiomerically Pure Formulation of Esmolol Attenuates Hypotension and Preserves Heart Rate Control in Dogs
Authors: McKee Jeffrey S. , Rabinow Barrett E. , Daller Justin R. , Brooks Benjamin D. , Baumgartner Bernhard , Rohatgi Priyanka
Published: August 2014

Background:

Esmolol is marketed as a racemate (RS-esmolol) with hypotension being the most frequently reported adverse event. Previously, it has been shown that the S-enantiomer (S-esmolol) possesses all of the heart rate (HR) control. The authors studied whether S-esmolol alone mitigates hypotension at similar degrees of HR control compared with RS-esmolol.

Methods:

The effects of RS- and S-esmolol on blood pressure (BP) were compared at multiple infusion rates producing similar HR control in dogs (N = 21). Differences in BP were further interrogated by monitoring global cardiovascular function and included the R-enantiomer (R-esmolol) (N = 3).

Results:

S-esmolol at half the rate (μg kg−1 min−1) of RS-esmolol provided the same degree of HR control over all infusion rates. RS-esmolol lowered BP by 3, 6, 11, 20, and 38 mmHg at 90, 300, 600, 1,000, and 2,000 μg kg−1 min−1, compared with 2, 4, 5, 10, and 16 mmHg at 45, 150, 300, 500, and 1,000 μg kg−1 min−1 for S-esmolol. Decreased BP with RS-esmolol was attributed to decreases in left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) (−34 mmHg), LVdP/dt+max (−702 mmHg/s), and cardiac output (−1 l/min). R-esmolol also decreased BP (−10 mmHg), LVDP (−10 mmHg), LVdP/dt+max (−241 mmHg/s), and cardiac output (to −0.2 l/min). S-esmolol reversed these trends toward pre-esmolol values by increasing BP (+13 mmHg), LVDP (+12 mmHg), LVdP/dt+max (+76 mmHg/s), and cardiac output (+0.4 l/min).

Conclusions:

R-enantiomer provided no HR control, but contributed to the hypotension with RS-esmolol, which appears to be due to negative inotropy. Thus, an S-enantiomer formulation of esmolol may provide similar HR control with less hypotension.
Unilateral Poliosis of Eyelashes
Authors: Vainstein Gabriel , Nemet Arie Y.
Published: August 2014

A 68-year-old man presented with significant, asymptomatic, unilateral eyelash poliosis, not associated with any ophthalmic or systemic conditions. He reported that this started about 40 years ago with a few lashes in the central portion of his eyelid and that adjacent eyelashes subsequently became involved over the next 4 to 5 days. He had normal ophthalmologic and neurologic examinations with no other relevant medical history reported. The case might be an unusual presentation of a halo nevus. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first such case reported regarding the eyelashes. The case and relevant literature are presented.
Granulicatella elegans Causing Periorbital Infection During Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Kim Yong Joon , Choi Bo Mi , Choi Kyung Seek
Published: August 2014

Granulicatella elegans is a normal component of the oral flora and is an unusual causative agent of infective endocarditis. A case of G. elegans periorbital infection of the eyelid after dental treatment is reported. A healthy 35-year-old man presented with painful swelling of the left upper eyelid. He was empirically treated with oral amoxicillin for 1 week. He presented 3 months later with the same clinical features. G. elegans and Staphylococcus epidermidis were identified in bacterial cultures from wound aspirates. Probable relapse of periorbital infection was successfully treated with a 6-week course of oral amoxicillin. This is the first reported case of a non-bloodstream infection caused by G. elegans. Clinicians should be aware of G. elegans as an unusual causative agent of periorbital infection. Within the limitations of this case report, prolonged antibiotic therapy is recommended for a G. elegans periorbital infection to minimize the risk of relapse.
Microvillous Atrophy
Authors: Perry Ariane , Bensallah Hayet , Martinez‐Vinson Christine , Berrebi Dominique , Arbeille Brigitte , Salomon Julie , Goulet Olivier , Marinier Evelyne , Drunat Séverine , Samson‐Bouma Marie‐Elisabeth , Gérard Bénédicte , Hugot Jean‐Pierre
Published: August 2014

Objectives:

Microvillous inclusion disease (MVID) is a cause of intractable diarrhea in infancy. In its classic form, the disease is characterized by a severe persistent watery diarrhea starting within the first days of life. Parenteral nutrition and small bowel transplantation are the only known treatments for the affected children. Histologically, periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) staining shows accumulation of periodic acid‐Schiff–positive staining material along the apical pole of enterocytes, whereas transmission electron microscopy exhibits microvillus inclusion bodies within the cytoplasm of enterocytes with rarefied and shortened microvilli and secretory granules. The objective of this work was to explore clinical, morphological, and genetic findings in cases of MVID with unusual presentations.

Methods:

Clinical, histological, and genetic findings are reported for 8 cases of MVID with atypical presentation.

Results:

The diarrhea started after several months in 3 cases. It was usually less abundant and 3 patients were weaned off parenteral nutrition. None required intestinal transplantation. Three patients experienced malformations, dysmorphy, sensory disabilities, and severe mental retardation. One had a hydrocephaly. Three patients had a cholestasis with low γ‐glutamyl transferase levels. Light microscopy showed histological abnormalities consistent with MVID in all of the cases, but the lesions were sometimes focal or delayed. Transmission electron microscopy retrieved some criteria of MVID in 4 patients. Finally, 6 patients were homozygotes or compound heterozygotes for MYO5B mutations.

Conclusions:

This study extends the spectrum of MVID to less severe clinical presentations.
High-level tetracycline resistance mediated by efflux pumps Tet(A) and Tet(A)-1 with two start codons
Authors: Wang Weixia , Guo Qinglan , Xu Xiaogang , Sheng Zi-ke , Ye Xinyu , Wang Minggui
Published: August 2014

Efflux is the most common mechanism of tetracycline resistance. Class A tetracycline efflux pumps, which often have high prevalence in Enterobacteriaceae, are encoded by tet(A) and tet(A)-1 genes. These genes have two potential start codons, GTG and ATG, located upstream of the genes. The purpose of this study was to determine the start codon(s) of the class A tetracycline resistance (tet) determinants tet(A) and tet(A)-1, and the tetracycline resistance level they mediated. Conjugation, transformation and cloning experiments were performed and the genetic environment of tet(A)-1 was analysed. The start codons in class A tet determinants were investigated by site-directed mutagenesis of ATG and GTG, the putative translation initiation codons. High-level tetracycline resistance was transferred from the clinical strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae 10-148 containing tet(A)-1 plasmid pHS27 to Escherichia coli J53 by conjugation. The transformants harbouring recombinant plasmids that carried tet(A) or tet(A)-1 exhibited tetracycline MICs of 256–512 µg ml−1, with or without tetR(A). Once the ATG was mutated to a non-start codon, the tetracycline MICs were not changed, while the tetracycline MICs decreased from 512 to 64 µg ml−1 following GTG mutation, and to ≤4 µg ml−1 following mutation of both GTG and ATG. It was presumed that class A tet determinants had two start codons, which are the primary start codon GTG and secondary start codon ATG. Accordingly, two putative promoters were predicted. In conclusion, class A tet determinants can confer high-level tetracycline resistance and have two start codons.
Inhibitory effect of dietary turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) ethanol extract on DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis in rats
Authors: Kim Min Sook , Jeong Kyu Shik , You Mi-Kyoung , Kim Hyeon-A
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) to inhibit 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary carcinogenesis in rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats were fed a control diet (NC and DC) or an ethanol extract of turmeric (DT) diet until the end of the experiment. The rats in the DC and DT groups were administered a single dose of DMBA (50 mg/Kg) by oral gavages at 50 days of age. The turmeric ethanol extracts decreased the incidence and multiplicity of DMBA-induced mammary tumor. The turmeric ethanol extract significantly decreased the tumor cell proliferation. The turmeric also significantly decreased the tumor grade based on the degree of the tubule formation. The results suggest that the ethanol extract of turmeric has an inhibitory effect against mammary carcinogenesis, and that such chemopreventive effect may be related to the inhibition of the initiation and the proliferation of tumor cells.
Loss of Cytosolic Phosphoglucose Isomerase Affects Carbohydrate Metabolism in Leaves and Is Essential for Fertility of Arabidopsis
Authors: Kunz Hans-Henning , Zamani-Nour Shirin , Häusler Rainer E. , Ludewig Katja , Schroeder Julian I. , Malinova Irina , Fettke Joerg , Flügge Ulf-Ingo , Gierth Markus
Published: August 2014

Carbohydrate metabolism in plants is tightly linked to photosynthesis and is essential for energy and carbon skeleton supply of the entire organism. Thus, the hexose phosphate pools of the cytosol and the chloroplast represent important metabolic resources that are maintained through action of phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) and phosphoglucose mutase interconverting glucose 6-phosphate, fructose 6-phosphate, and glucose 1-phosphate. Here, we investigated the impact of disrupted cytosolic PGI (cPGI) function on plant viability and metabolism. Overexpressing an artificial microRNA targeted against cPGI (amiR-cpgi) resulted in adult plants with vegetative tissue essentially free of cPGI activity. These plants displayed diminished growth compared with the wild type and accumulated excess starch in chloroplasts but maintained low sucrose content in leaves at the end of the night. Moreover, amiR-cpgi plants exhibited increased nonphotochemical chlorophyll a quenching during photosynthesis. In contrast to amiR-cpgi plants, viable transfer DNA insertion mutants disrupted in cPGI function could only be identified as heterozygous individuals. However, homozygous transfer DNA insertion mutants could be isolated among plants ectopically expressing cPGI. Intriguingly, these plants were only fertile when expression was driven by the ubiquitin10 promoter but sterile when the seed-specific unknown seed protein promoter or the Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter were employed. These data show that metabolism is apparently able to compensate for missing cPGI activity in adult amiR-cpgi plants and indicate an essential function for cPGI in plant reproduction. Moreover, our data suggest a feedback regulation in amiR-cpgi plants that fine-tunes cytosolic sucrose metabolism with plastidic starch turnover.
Crystal structure of 4,4′-bipyridine-1,1'-diium naphthalene-2,6-disulfonate dihydrate
Authors: Çevik Sabri , Sarı Musa , Sarı Murat , Tunç Tuncay
Published: August 2014

The title hydrated molecular organic salt, C10H10N22+·C10H6O6S22−·2H2O, crystallized with half a bipyridinium cation, half a naphthalene-2,6-disulfonate anion and a water molecule in the asymmetric unit. The whole cation and anion are generated by inversion symmetry, the inversion centers being at the center of the bridging C—C bond of the cation, and at the center of the fused C—C bond of the naphthalene group of the anion. In the crystal, the anions and cations stack alternately along theaaxis with π–π interactions [inter-centroid distance = 3.491 (1) Å]. The anions are linkedviaO—H...O(sulfonate) hydrogen bonds involving two inversion-related water molecules, forming chains along [10-1]. These chains are bridged by bifurcated N—H...(O,O) hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional framework structure. There are also C—H...O hydrogen bonds present, reinforcing the framework structure.
Crystal structure of 4,6-diamino-2-sulfanylidene-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitrile
Authors: Mohamed Shaaban K. , Akkurt Mehmet , Singh Kuldip , Hussein Bahgat R. M. , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: August 2014

The title compound, C6H6N4S, crystallizes with two independent molecules,AandB, in the asymmetric unit. Both independent molecules are almost planar [maximum deviations of 0.068 (6) Å in moleculeAand 0.079 (6) Å in moleculeB]. In the crystal, moleculesAandBare linked by N—H...S, N—H...N and C—H...S hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.
Editorial
Authors: Ogliastri Enrique
Published: August 2014

In this issue we present seven articles originally from Canada, Chile, Colombia and Spain. The articles are of diverse subjects: first, some herd behaviour of the institutional investors in Chile; second, the impact of growth strategies and the company's resources on the business growth method; third, the effectiveness of the norms on the directives of the remuneration committee of the board of directors on the appropriate remuneration of the directors; fourth, the incidence of the behaviour of the stakeholders in the failure of the companies; fifth, barriers and options to increase the female workforce in mining companies; sixth, the factors that impulse the exporting behaviour of companies; and seventh, the impact of the design of a product in the buying intention of the consumers. All the articles, including those written in Spanish or Portuguese, are available in English.

En este número presentamos siete artículos provenientes de Canadá, Chile, Colombia y España. Los artículos tienen temáticas muy diversas: 1) algunos comportamientos en manada de los inversores institucionales en Chile; 2) El impacto de la estrategia de crecimiento y de los recursos de la empresa en el método de crecimiento empresarial; 3) La efectividad de las normas sobre la Comisión de Remuneraciones de los Consejos directivos sobre la remuneración apropiada de los consejeros; 4) La incidencia del comportamiento de los grupos involucrados (stakeholders) en el fracaso de las empresas; 5) Barreras y opciones para incrementar la fuerza laboral femenina en las empresas mineras; 6) Los factores que impulsan el comportamiento exportador de las empresas; y 7) El impacto del diseño de un producto en la intención de compra de los consumidores. Todos los artículos, aún los escritos en español o portugués, están disponibles en inglés.
Sexual Dimorphism of Endocranial, Facial and Limb Measurements in the Yellow Baboon (Papio cynocephalus)
Authors: Kikuchi Y. , Kuraoka A.
Published: August 2014

The present study focused on the sexual dimorphism of yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus) to clarify its relationship with social behaviour. The degree of sexual dimorphism in the endocranial volume is the lowest among the investigated measurements. Among the facial measurements, the degree value of sexual dimorphism was the maximum (38.4%) for palate length and the minimum for palate breadth at the upper second molar (M2) (16.8%). Reduced major axis (RMA) regression analysis indicated that most positive allometry in relation to body mass was barely shown in the endocranial volume, palate length, palate breadth at M2 and mandibular ramal width. On the other hand, most negative allometry in relation to body mass was barely indicated in the bizygomatic breadth, skull length, humeral length and femoral length. The plate breadth at M2 in males was smaller than that in females in equivalent to body mass. The results of the present study suggest that more males have longer pointed muzzles than females, which is considered to create an impressive view of large canine teeth. This contributes to display among males and agonistic encounters rather than to necessity of increased facial size due to larger body size or dietary influences.
Thoracic Limb Morphology of the Ring‐tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) Evidenced by Gross Osteology and Radiography
Authors: Makungu M. , Groenewald H. B. , du Plessis W. M. , Barrows M. , Koeppel K. N.
Published: August 2014

There is limited information available on the morphology of the thoracic limb of the ring‐tailed lemur (Lemur catta). This study describes the morphology of the thoracic limb of captive ring‐tailed lemurs evidenced by gross osteology and radiography as a guide for clinical use. Radiographic findings of 12 captive ring‐tailed lemurs are correlated with bone specimens of three adult animals. The clavicle is well developed. The scapula has a large area for the origin of the m. teres major. The coracoid and hamate processes are well developed. The lateral supracondylar crest and medial epicondyle are prominent. The metacarpal bones are widely spread, and the radial tuberosity is prominent. These features indicate the presence of strong flexor muscles and flexibility of thoracic limb joints, which are important in arboreal quadrupedal locomotion. Furthermore, an ovoid ossicle is always seen at the inter‐phalangeal joint of the first digit. Areas of increased soft tissue opacity are superimposed over the proximal half of the humerus and distal half of the antebrachium in male animals as a result of the scent gland. Knowledge of the morphology of the thoracic limb of individual species is important for accurate interpretation and diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases.
Interinformant agreement of the dementia questionnaire for people with learning disabilities
Authors: Walker Brigid , MacBryer Shona , Jones Alan , Law Jim
Published: August 2014

Accessible summary

Many services use carer questionnaires to decide whether people with Down's syndrome are developing dementia.

Using one of these questionnaires (the DLD), we looked at how well carers agreed with each other.

Only 15% of carers achieved ‘good’ agreement.

Carers agreed more with each other when rating people who are less able.

This backs up recommendations not to rely only on carer interviews when assessing for dementia.

Because of difficulties with neuropsychological assessments for dementia in people with learning disabilities, professionals in clinical practice have relied heavily on carer interviews, one of the most widely used being the Dementia Questionnaire for People with Learning Disabilities (DLD – Evenhuis et al. 2006 Dementia questionnaire for people with intellectual disabilities manual (second edition). Amsterdam, Netherlands, Harcourt Test Publishers). Because dementia is indicated by the magnitude of changes in scores between longitudinal assessments, interinformant agreement is paramount. We carried out the DLD interview independently with two carers for each of 26 people with Down's syndrome. Only 15% of pairs of carers achieved ‘good’ agreement. Levels of agreement varied widely across the DLD subscales and individual questions. Interinformant agreement was better for less able people with Down's syndrome than for more able individuals.
Partners of patients having a permanent colostomy should also receive attention from the healthcare team
Authors: Silva A. L. , Monteiro P. S. , Sousa J. B. , Vianna A. L. , Oliveira P. G.
Published: August 2014

Aim

This study was carried out to determine how the partners of patients with a permanent colostomy perceive everyday life, particularly its sexual aspects.

Method

Data were collected prospectively from October 2011 to May 2012 using a three‐part questionnaire to obtain demographic, social and sexual information. Both multiple‐choice and yes/no questions were used.

Results

One hundred and eight questionnaires were given to 36 partners of patients with a permanent colostomy (the ostomy group) and to 72 partners of normal individuals matched for age, sex and social class. The sexual performance of the spouse was significantly better in the control group (P = 0.004), sexual performance of the partner was also better in the control group (P = 0.023) and reduced frequency of sexual activity was higher in the ostomy group (P = 0.042). There was, however, no significant difference in sexual interest between the two groups (P = 0.507).

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that about half of the partners of patients with a permanent colostomy experienced dissatisfaction with their spouse's performance, with a reduction in sexual interest and frequency of intercourse compared with the control group. Healthcare professionals should pay more attention to the partner of patients having a permanent colostomy.
Assessment of pubovisceral muscle defects and levator hiatal dimensions in women with faecal incontinence after vaginal delivery: is there a correlation with severity of symptoms?
Authors: Murad‐Regadas S. M. , Fernandes G. O. da S. , Regadas F. S. P. , Rodrigues L. V. , Pereira J. de J. R. , Dealcanfreitas I. D. , Regadas Filho F. S. P.
Published: August 2014

Aim

We assessed pubovisceral muscle (PVM) defects, levator hiatal dimensions and anal sphincter defects using three‐dimensional (3D) endovaginal and anorectal ultrasonography in women with previous vaginal delivery and faecal incontinence to determine the relationship between anatomic/functional findings and severity of faecal incontinence symptoms.

Method

This was a prospective, observational study including 52 women with faecal incontinence symptoms who had undergone vaginal delivery. Asymptomatic nulliparous women (n = 17) served as controls to provide reference values for pelvic floor measurements. All participants underwent 3D endovaginal and anorectal ultrasonography. We used an ultrasound score to identify and quantify the extent of PVM defects and sphincter damage and to measure levator hiatal dimensions. Incontinence was assessed using the Cleveland Clinic Florida Incontinence Scoring System.

Results

Defects of the PVM were identified with 3D endovaginal ultrasonography in 27% of women with faecal incontinence who had undergone vaginal delivery. The incontinence score and the ultrasound score were significantly higher in women with a PVM defect. A significant, positive correlation was found between the incontinence score and the ultrasound score. The levator hiatal dimensions were significantly greater, and the positions of the anorectal junction and bladder neck were lower, in women who had undergone vaginal delivery than in nulliparous women.

Conclusion

As determined by the 3D ultrasound score, severity of incontinence is related to the extent of damage of the PVM, as well as of the anal sphincters. Additionally, vaginal delivery results in enlargement of the levator hiatus and a lower position of the anorectal junction and bladder neck compared with nulliparous women.
Quasiregularity and Its Discontents: The Legacy of the Past Tense Debate
Authors: Seidenberg Mark S. , Plaut David C.
Published: August 2014

Rumelhart and McClelland's chapter about learning the past tense created a degree of controversy extraordinary even in the adversarial culture of modern science. It also stimulated a vast amount of research that advanced the understanding of the past tense, inflectional morphology in English and other languages, the nature of linguistic representations, relations between language and other phenomena such as reading and object recognition, the properties of artificial neural networks, and other topics. We examine the impact of the Rumelhart and McClelland model with the benefit of 25 years of hindsight. It is not clear who “won” the debate. It is clear, however, that the core ideas that the model instantiated have been assimilated into many areas in the study of language, changing the focus of research from abstract characterizations of linguistic competence to an emphasis on the role of the statistical structure of language in acquisition and processing.
Inflammatory nodule mimicking a phrenic neoplasm
Authors: Vannucci Jacopo , Scarnecchia Elisa , Del Sordo Rachele , Cagini Lucio , Puma Francesco
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Background and Aims

Isolated phrenic nerve nodule is usually a primitive tumour. Surgery is diagnostic and therapeutic at the same time. We report the case of a completely serum‐negative Caucasian male with a right diaphragmatic relaxation associated to an isolated small nodule of the phrenic nerve.

Methods

The patient was referred to our unit complaining shortness of breath and progressive fatigue. A standard chest X‐ray showed right diaphragmatic palsy; chest scanning revealed a nodular lesion belonging to the right phrenic nerve. Positron emission tomography was negative for glucose uptake. The preoperative diagnosis of primitive neurogenic tumour was thus supposed, and the patient treated by the lesion's surgical resection along with diaphragmatic plication.

Result

Histopathological examination revealed an idiopathic inflammatory nodule of the phrenic nerve.

Conclusion

Such condition has not previously been reported in the literature among the possible aetiology of a diaphragmatic relaxation.
Endogenous lipoid pneumonia preceding diagnosis of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
Authors: Antoon James W. , Hernandez Michelle L. , Roehrs Phillip A. , Noah Terry L. , Leigh Margaret W. , Byerley Julie S.
Published: August 2014

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is an under‐reported and under‐diagnosed condition, with a high percentage of cases found on autopsy or late stage disease. The etiology of PAP includes genetic, primary (anti‐granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor antibodies) and secondary (oncologic, rheumatologic, infectious, chemical and immunologic) causes. Here, we present the first reported pediatric case of endogenous lipoid pneumonia and non‐specific interstitial pneumonitis preceding the development of PAP.
Validation of a visual analogue score (LRTI‐VAS) in non‐CF bronchiectasis
Authors: Altenburg Josje , Wortel Kim , de Graaff Casper S. , van der Werf Tjip S. , Boersma Wim G.
Published: August 2014

Background and Aim

Quality of life in patients with non‐cystic fibrosis (non‐CF) bronchiectasis is largely defined by respiratory symptoms. To date, no disease‐specific tool for symptom measurement in this patient group was available. We developed the lower respiratory tract infections – visual analogue scale (LRTI‐VAS) in order to quickly and conveniently quantify symptoms in non‐CF bronchiectasis. This study aimed to validate LRTI‐VAS for use in non‐CF bronchiectasis.

Methods

This study included outpatients with radiologically proven bronchiectasis and no evidence of CF. Results of LRTI‐VAS were compared with other markers of disease activity {lung function parameters, oxygen saturation and three health‐related quality of life questionnaires [Medical Outcomes Study Short‐Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36), St Georges Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ)]} and validity, reliability and responsiveness were assessed.

Results

Thirty stable and 30 exacerbating participants completed the LRTI‐VAS questionnaire. When testing for repeatability on two separate occasions, no statistically significant difference between total scores was found {1.4 [standard deviation (SD)] 5.3}, P = 0.16). Internal consistency was high across items (Cronbach's alpha 0.86). Correlation with SGRQ, SF‐36 and LCQ total scores was high. Following antibiotic treatment, mean (SD) LRTI‐VAS total score improved from 18.1 (SD 9.9) to 26.1 (SD 6.6) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

LRTI‐VAS showed excellent validity, reliability and responsiveness to change and therefore appears a reliable tool for symptom measurement in non‐CF bronchiectasis.
Reconciling Observed Tariffs and the Median Voter Model
Authors: Dhingra Swati
Published: August 2014

Median voter theory applied to trade policy predicts positive tariffs in capital‐abundant countries and negative tariffs in labor‐abundant countries. Negative tariffs are rare, and this paper reconciles the median voter theory with observed protectionism across countries. By considering large countries, I show the optimal tariff is a sum of the median voter component and a positive term of trade component. Positive terms of trade effects raise tariffs in all countries, and can overcome the negative median voter component in labor‐abundant countries. Testing the tariff prediction with cross‐section and panel data from the 1990s, I show the median voter component is negative in labor‐abundant countries and positive in capital‐abundant countries. As expected, terms of trade effects raise tariffs across all countries and are stronger among nonmembers of the WTO.
Predictability in species distributions: a global analysis across organisms and ecosystems
Authors: Soininen Janne , Luoto Miska
Published: August 2014

Aim

We explored the effects of multiple species traits, spatial extent and ecosystem type on predictability in species distributions.

Location

Global.

Methods

We assembled over 4900 published AUC (area under the curve of a receiver operating characteristic plot) values from the species distribution modelling literature. Our data covered broad variation in species characteristics such as body size or trophic position for taxa ranging from bacteria to mammals. Data covered ecosystems from freshwater to forests and encompassed geographical areas from the tropics to polar regions. We used generalized linear mixed models and boosted regression trees to analyse the AUC data.

Results

We found that most AUC values originated from large‐sized terrestrial taxa while studies considering smaller taxa, especially from aquatic ecosystems, were rare. Predictability was highest in autotrophs and in active non‐flying taxa and increased with body size and study extent. There were marginal differences in predictability between ectotherms and endotherms and between taxa originating from different ecosystems.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that predictability in species distributions is related to organismal variables such as body size, dispersal mode and trophic position as well as to study extent. We also identified a gap in species distribution modelling studies for aquatic species and for small taxa.
Constraints on post‐glacial boreal tree expansion out of far‐northern refugia
Authors: Edwards Mary E. , Armbruster W. Scott , Elias Scott E.
Published: August 2014

Aim

To use a variety of data sources to infer how northern boreal trees recovered their range upon deglaciation and/or Holocene warming.

Location

Scandinavia, Alaska/north‐west Canada (eastern Beringia).

Methods

Mapped fossil occurrences for Picea (spruce) were assessed against available palaeoenvironmental and phylogeographic information.

Results

For Scandinavia, Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) evidence of Picea is confined to one DNA record, but late‐glacial and early‐Holocene records include scattered macrofossils. Holocene pollen data show a clear east–west increase to high values. A haplotype unique to the Scandinavian Peninsula is recognized. For eastern Beringia pre‐ and post‐LGM macrofossils occur, but the LGM fossil record comprises only scattered low pollen values. Early Holocene pollen values increase markedly c. 11 cal yr bp (north‐west Canada) and c. 10 kcal yr bp (central Alaska). Also at this time three sites on the Bering Land Bridge indicate the presence of Picea where it is now absent. Several unique regional haplotypes were recorded; while most are rare one is common in some modern populations.

Main conclusions

Small Picea populations probably occurred in pre‐Holocene Scandinavia, but pollen patterns argue against immediate expansion with the onset of warmer conditions. Despite relatively weak fossil evidence, refugial populations are also probable in eastern Beringia, particularly given the extent of unglaciated terrain. Post‐glacial pollen patterns are more nuanced, suggesting two spatially and temporally distinct expansions, one possibly consistent with a unique central Alaskan haplotype, and subsequent westerly ‘filling‐in’. The presence of macrofossils and/or neutral markers does not require that current northern populations are derived primarily from refugial ones, particularly where pollen patterns show delayed directional expansion of large populations though time. Refugial populations initially responded weakly to major post‐glacial environmental change; if subject to genetic isolation and strong selection pressure they may have had little potential to do otherwise, instead being largely replaced by in‐migrating populations with greater genetic diversity.
Endoscopic‐Assisted Resection of a Pedunculated Uterine Leiomyoma With Maximal Tissue Preservation in a Cow and a Mare
Authors: Schneeweiss Wilfried , Krump Lea , Metcalfe Lucy , Ryan Eoin , Beltman Marijke , Jahns Hanne , David Florent
Published: August 2014

Objective

To report successful minimally invasive treatment of a uterine leiomyoma in a cow and a mare.

Study Design

Clinical report.

Animal Population

Limousine cow (n = 1), Thoroughbred mare (n = 1).

Methods

A 10‐year‐old cow and an 18‐year‐old mare were presented for difficulties in breeding and infertility, respectively. Examination of the reproductive tract revealed the presence of a large mass attached to the uterine wall via a wide and short peduncle in both cases. The mass expanded into the uterine lumen in the mare and into the abdomen in the cow. Both masses were removed using a minimally invasive endoscopic approach and a vessel‐sealing and dividing device.

Results

Minimally invasive surgical resection of a subserosal and a submucosal leiomyoma with maximal sparing of uterine tissue resulted in a short convalescence period and apparent return to breeding function in a cow and a mare. Use of a vessel‐sealing and dividing device provided excellent hemostasis and decreased tissue handling.

Conclusion

Leiomyoma with short, wide, and thick peduncles were treated successfully in a cow and a mare with minimally invasive endoscopic approaches aiming at maximal uterine tissue preservation.
Closed Suction Drainage for Treatment of Septic Peritonitis of Confirmed Gastrointestinal Origin in 20 Dogs
Authors: Adams Robert J. , Doyle Ronan S. , Bray Jonathan P. , Burton Carolyn A.
Published: August 2014

Objective

To determine survival rate in dogs with septic peritonitis of confirmed gastrointestinal origin treated with closed suction drainage.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 20) with septic peritonitis.

Methods

Medical records (2007–2010) of dogs with septic peritonitis of confirmed gastrointestinal origin treated by closed suction drainage were reviewed. Information on signalment, clinicopathologic abnormalities, underlying cause, surgical procedure performed, postoperative management, complications, and outcome was obtained.

Results

Dehiscence of a previous anastomosis was the most common source of contamination (80%). Drains remained in place, collecting fluid produced within the abdomen, for a median of 6 days (range, 2–11 days). Eighteen dogs received nutritional support, and 14 received plasma transfusions. Seventeen dogs (85%) survived to discharge.

Conclusions

Closed suction drainage together with resolution of the underlying cause of peritonitis and appropriate postoperative management is an effective technique for treatment of septic peritonitis of confirmed gastrointestinal origin in dogs.