bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connecting model species to nature: predator-induced long-term sensitization in Aplysia californica
Authors: Mason Maria J. , Watkins Amanda J. , Wakabayashi Jordann , Buechler Jennifer , Pepino Christine , Brown Michelle , Wright William G.
Published: July 2014

Previous research on sensitization in Aplysia was based entirely on unnatural noxious stimuli, usually electric shock, until our laboratory found that a natural noxious stimulus, a single sublethal lobster attack, causes short-term sensitization. We here extend that finding by demonstrating that multiple lobster attacks induce long-term sensitization (≥24 h) as well as similar, although not identical, neuronal correlates as observed after electric shock. Together these findings establish long- and short-term sensitization caused by sublethal predator attack as a natural equivalent to sensitization caused by artificial stimuli.
Phylogeny, speciation, and distribution of the Japanese dwarf bamboos of genus Sasa and allies
Authors: Kobayashi Mikio
Published: July 2014

Development of the concept of the subfamily Bambusoideae during the past three decades is briefly reviewed. Phylogeny, putative hybrid taxa, a new, simplified key to explicit identification, and the revision of the distribution range among the Japanese dwarf bamboos of genus Sasa and its close allies are discussed. Based on analyses of the random amplified polymorphic DNA and morphological data and of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) homologs, parsimonious trees resolved that genus Sasa sec. Macrochlamys were the most basal and sect. Monilicladae were the next most basal, followed by the terminal sister clades of sects. Sasa and Crassinodi.
Neuropsychological follow‐up at school age of children with asymmetric ventricles or unilateral ventriculomegaly identified in utero
Authors: Atad‐Rapoport M , Schweiger A , Lev D , Sadan‐Strul S , Malinger G , Lerman‐Sagie T
Published: July 2014

Objective

To examine the long‐term neuropsychological outcome of children with a prenatal diagnosis of asymmetric ventricles or unilateral ventriculomegaly.

Design

A clinic‐based neuropsychological study.

Setting

Paediatric neurology clinic.

Population

Thirty‐three of 41 children, previously assessed at kindergarten age, with asymmetric ventricles or unilateral ventriculomegaly identified in utero, were recruited at school age for a neuropsychological follow‐up.

Methods

All children, 9–11 years of age, underwent a battery of neuropsychological tests and the parents completed behavioural rating questionnaires.

Main outcome measures

Results of the neuropsychological assessment and parents' questionnaires.

Results

There were no significant differences between children diagnosed with either asymmetric ventricles or unilateral ventriculomegaly in most parameters relative to the general population; the full‐scale IQ scores were 103.13 ± 12.43 and 103.56 ± 10.5, respectively. A significantly lower performance was found only on one measure of attention among the unilateral ventriculomegaly group and on writing speed tasks among the asymmetric ventricles group. Both study groups showed significantly higher scores than expected in the normal population on a verbal fluency test. Comparison of both groups combined with the normative population yielded significantly lower scores only in attention tests. Yet, the clinical population showed significantly higher scores on writing accuracy, processing speed and verbal fluency and lower rates of executive dysfunction.

Conclusions

Asymmetric ventricles or unilateral ventriculomegaly identified in utero does not appear to affect long‐term mental development and school achievements. Further prospective research on a larger sample is needed in order to confirm our findings.
The effects of the Yuan‐dollar exchange rate on agricultural commodity trade between the United States, China, and their competitors
Authors: Devadoss Stephen , Hilland Amy , Mittelhammer Ron , Foltz John
Published: July 2014

The United States claims that the undervaluation of Chinese currency, the Yuan, causes U.S. exports to China to decrease and imports from China to increase. Furthermore, because the Yuan is undervalued only against the dollar, U.S. competitors have an advantage in exporting to China and China has an advantage over its competitors in exporting to the United States. This study develops a theoretical model to analyze the effect of the Yuan undervaluation on prices, supply, demand, and trade in the United States, China, and their competitors. This study applies a cointegration/error‐correction model to empirically quantify the short‐run and long‐run effects of the devaluation of the Yuan on important agricultural commodities traded between the United States, China, and their competitors. These commodities include Chinese imports of milk, soybeans, and cotton from the United States and U.S. imports of beans, fruit juice, and fruit from China. The results show that Yuan devaluation causes Chinese imports of U.S. milk, soybeans, and cotton to decline and U.S. imports of beans, fruit juice, and fruit from China to increase in the short run and in the long run.
AutoStyle: Automatic Style Transfer from Image Collections to Users' Images
Authors: Liu Yiming , Cohen Michael , Uyttendaele Matt , Rusinkiewicz Szymon
Published: July 2014

Stylizing photos, to give them an antique or artistic look, has become popular in recent years. The available stylization filters, however, are usually created manually by artists, resulting in a narrow set of choices. Moreover, it can be difficult for the user to select a desired filter, since the filters’ names often do not convey their functions. We investigate an approach to photo filtering in which the user provides one or more keywords, and the desired style is defined by the set of images returned by searching the web for those keywords. Our method clusters the returned images, allows the user to select a cluster, then stylizes the user's photos by transferring vignetting, color, and local contrast from that cluster. This approach vastly expands the range of available styles, and gives each filter a meaningful name by default. We demonstrate that our method is able to robustly transfer a wide range of styles from image collections to users’ photos.
User‐Assisted Video Stabilization
Authors: Bai Jiamin , Agarwala Aseem , Agrawala Maneesh , Ramamoorthi Ravi
Published: July 2014

We present a user‐assisted video stabilization algorithm that is able to stabilize challenging videos when state‐of‐the‐art automatic algorithms fail to generate a satisfactory result. Current methods do not give the user any control over the look of the final result. Users either have to accept the stabilized result as is, or discard it should the stabilization fail to generate a smooth output. Our system introduces two new modes of interaction that allow the user to improve the unsatisfactory stabilized video. First, we cluster tracks and visualize them on the warped video. The user ensures that appropriate tracks are selected by clicking on track clusters to include or exclude them. Second, the user can directly specify how regions in the output video should look by drawing quadrilaterals to select and deform parts of the frame. These user‐provided deformations reduce undesirable distortions in the video. Our algorithm then computes a stabilized video using the user‐selected tracks, while respecting the user‐modified regions. The process of interactively removing user‐identified artifacts can sometimes introduce new ones, though in most cases there is a net improvement. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our system with a variety of challenging hand held videos.
Probabilistic visibility evaluation using geometry proxies
Authors: Billen Niels , Lagae Ares , Dutré Philip
Published: July 2014

Evaluating the visibility between two points is a fundamental problem for ray‐tracing and path‐tracing algorithms. Ideally, visibility computations are organized such that a minimum number of geometric primitives need to be checked for each ray. Replacing complex geometric shapes by a simpler set of primitives is one strategy to control the amount of intersection calculations. However, approximating the original geometry introduces inaccuracies in e.g. shadow regions when shadow rays are intersected with the approximate geometry. This paper presents a theoretical framework for probabilistic visibility evaluation. When intersecting a shadow ray with the scene, we randomly select the original geometry, the approximated geometry, or one of several correction terms, to be tested. Not all shadow rays will therefore intersect the original geometry, but our method is able to produce unbiased images that converge to the correct solution. Although probabilistic visibility evaluation is an experimental idea, we show several example scenes that highlight the potential for future improvements.
Per‐oral endoscopic myotomy: Emerging indications and evolving techniques
Authors: Minami Hitomi , Inoue Haruhiro , Haji Amyn , Isomoto Hajime , Urabe Shigetoshi , Hashiguchi Keiichi , Matsushima Kayoko , Akazawa Yuko , Yamaguchi Naoyuki , Ohnita Ken , Takeshima Fuminao , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: July 2014

Esophageal achalasia is a benign esophageal motility disorder resulting from an impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. The principles of treatment involve disruption of the sphincter at the esophagogastric junction. Treatment techniques include balloon dilatation, botulinum toxin injection, and surgical myotomy. In 2008, per‐oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was introduced by Inoue et al. as an endoscopic myotomy with no skin incision. The procedure has been well accepted and widely applied owing to its minimal invasiveness and high cure rates. Moreover, there have been discussions on wider indications for POEM and new technical developments have been reported. The present article reviews the historical background and present status of POEM, as well as future prospects for its application in the treatment of esophageal achalasia.
Light dependency of life trails, reproduction, locomotion, and predation in the polyphagous ladybird Hippodamia variegata
Authors: Tan Xiaoling , Zhao Jing , Zhang Fan , Wang Su
Published: July 2014

Light is regarded a key environmental cue influencing biological, physiological, and behavioral characteristics in insects. We compared the development, reproduction, locomotion, and predation ability of the predatory ladybird Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) under various photoperiods, light intensities, and light wavelengths. The results indicated long daylight, high light intensity, and particular colors light (blue, green, and yellow) could benefit H. variegata especially in shortening the period of immature development, increasing mating frequency (shorter mating and pre‐oviposition periods), higher fecundity, and a higher proportion of eggs hatched. Average locomotion speed and prey consumption rate of H. variegata increased with prolonged day length and increased light intensity. However, very high intensity of light could inhibit predation rates. Furthermore, green and yellow wavelength conditions increased locomotion speed of H. variegata, and the number of prey consumed increased with increased wavelength. The present study not only revealed significant influences of light conditions on the development and fertility of H. variegata, it also provided sufficient empirical data to improve the efficiency of mass rearing and field releases of this predatory ladybird by regulation of light conditions during biological control applications.
Natal insect experience withArabidopsis thalianaplant genotypes influences plasticity in oviposition behavior
Authors: Ryan Sean F. , Bidart‐Bouzat M. Gabriela
Published: July 2014

Previous studies have shown that insect experience with secondary chemicals present in different plant species can induce behavioral changes in female oviposition preferences. However, there is a lack of information on whether insect experience with intraspecific plant variation may influence oviposition behavior. The prediction that experience with plant genotypes would affect the oviposition behavior of two crucifer insect pests was tested using a wild ecotype ofArabidopsis thaliana(L.)Heynh. (Brassicaceae) (Col‐0) and two of its genetically modified lines (35S:ESPandtgg1 tgg2), which differ in their glucosinolate hydrolysis profiles. Choice oviposition assays were performed using both naïve and experienced females of the specialistPlutella xylostella(L.) (Lepidoptera:Plutellidae) and the generalistTrichoplusia ni(Hübner) (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae). In addition to oviposition preferences, the effect of plant genetic lines was assessed on insect traits related to development, growth, survival, and fecundity. Experience with different natal treatments (i.e., artificial diet and plant genotypes) led to changes in oviposition behavior of the diamondback mothP. xylostella; however, this effect was dependent on the specific genetic lines included in dual‐choice oviposition assays. In addition, for both moth species, experience led to female oviposition choices that would have maximized fitness of their offspring. In summary, this article suggests that insect experience with plant genotypes varying in their secondary metabolites can influence subsequent oviposition behavior. This outcome may have implications for plant‐insect coevolution and integrated pest management.
Zooming in on size distribution patterns underlying species coexistence in Baltic Sea phytoplankton
Authors: Downing A. S. , Hajdu S. , Hjerne O. , Otto S. A. , Blenckner T. , Larsson U. , Winder M.
Published: July 2014

Scale is a key to determining which processes drive community structure. We analyse size distributions of phytoplankton to determine time scales at which we can observe either fixed environmental characteristics underlying communities structure or competition‐driven size distributions. Using multiple statistical tests, we characterise size distributions of phytoplankton from 20‐year time series in two sites of the Baltic Sea. At large temporal scales (5–20 years), size distributions are unimodal, indicating that fundamental barriers to existence are here subtler than in other systems. Frequency distributions of the average size of the species weighted by biovolume are multimodal over large time scales, although this is the product of often unimodal short‐term (<1 year) patterns. Our study represents a much‐needed structured, high‐resolution analysis of phytoplankton size distributions, revealing that short‐term analyses are necessary to determine if, and how, competition shapes them. Our results provide a stepping‐stone on which to further investigate the intricacies of competition and coexistence.
Skin disruption is associated with indomethacin‐induced small intestinal injury in mice
Authors: Yokoyama Satoshi , Hiramoto Keiichi , Koyama Mayu , Ooi Kazuya
Published: July 2014

One mechanism by which non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause intestinal injury is by inducing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade and remodel the extracellular matrix. In addition to the intestinal mucosa, MMPs are expressed in the skin and can be activated by mast cell‐secreted tryptase. We therefore investigated whether intestinal injury resulting from treatment with the NSAID indomethacin induced MMPs in the skin of mice and caused an associated disruption of skin function. Hairless mice and mast cell‐deficient mice were administered indomethacin, after which damage to the jejuna and skin was assessed with immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The plasma concentration of inflammatory mediators was assessed to evaluate potential pathways for signalling skin disruption in response to intestinal injury. In hairless mice with intestinal injury, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was higher and skin hydration was lower than in control mice. The expression levels of mast cells, tryptase, MMP‐1 and MMP‐9 were also increased, with concurrent degradation of types I and IV collagen. In contrast, no changes in skin TEWL or skin hydration were observed in mast cell‐deficient mice with indomethacin‐induced intestinal injury. In all mice evaluated, the plasma concentrations of IgE, IgA, histamine and TNF‐α were increased in response to indomethacin treatment. Skin disruption was strongly associated with indomethacin‐induced small intestinal injury, and the activation of mast cells and induction of tryptase, MMP‐1 and MMP‐9 are critical to this association.
Mastoparan peptide causes mitochondrial permeability transition not by interacting with specific membrane proteins but by interacting with the phospholipid phase
Authors: Yamamoto Takenori , Ito Mika , Kageyama Keita , Kuwahara Kana , Yamashita Kikuji , Takiguchi Yoshiharu , Kitamura Seiichiro , Terada Hiroshi , Shinohara Yasuo
Published: July 2014

The mastoparan peptide is known as an inducer of the mitochondrial permeability transition. Although mastoparan was suggested to interact with a proteinaceous target in mitochondria to induce this transition, the action sites of mastoparan have not yet been investigated. To clarify whether specific interactions of mastoparan with receptors or enzymes are associated with the induction of this permeability transition, we examined the effects of d‐isomeric peptides, which were synthesized using d‐amino acids assembled in endogenous (inverso mastoparan) and reverse (retro‐inverso mastoparan) orientations. When we added inverso mastoparan to isolated mitochondria, the peptide caused the permeability transition in a partially cyclosporin A‐sensitive manner at lower doses and in a cyclosporin A‐insensitive manner at higher ones. The manners of action and the potencies of inverso mastoparan were close to those of parent mastoparan, indicating that the targets of mastoparan for induction of the permeability transition were neither receptors, nor enzymes in the mitochondria. Retro‐inverso mastoparan also had the same effect on the mitochondria as mastoparan, although the potencies of the effect were weaker. Not only on mitochondria, but also on phospholipid vesicles, mastoparan and inverso mastoparan showed massive permeabilization effects at the same potencies, although retro‐inverso mastoparan showed weaker ones. These results indicate that mastoparan interacted with the phospholipid phase of the mitochondrial membrane (and not with specific proteins) to induce the permeabilization in cyclosporin A‐sensitive and ‐insensitive manners.
Organic geochemical studies of modern microbial mats from Shark Bay: Part I: Influence of depth and salinity on lipid biomarkers and their isotopic signatures
Authors: Pagès A. , Grice K. , Ertefai T. , Skrzypek G. , Jahnert R. , Greenwood P.
Published: July 2014

The present study investigated the influence of abiotic conditions on microbial mat communities from Shark Bay, a World Heritage area well known for a diverse range of extant mats presenting structural similarities with ancient stromatolites. The distributions and stable carbon isotopic values of lipid biomarkers [aliphatic hydrocarbons and polar lipid fatty acids (PLFAs)] and bulk carbon and nitrogen isotope values of biomass were analysed in four different types of mats along a tidal flat gradient to characterize the microbial communities and systematically investigate the relationship of the above parameters with water depth. Cyanobacteria were dominant in all mats, as demonstrated by the presence of diagnostic hydrocarbons (e.g. n‐C17 and n‐C17:1). Several subtle but important differences in lipid composition across the littoral gradient were, however, evident. For instance, the shallower mats contained a higher diatom contribution, concordant with previous mat studies from other locations (e.g. Antarctica). Conversely, the organic matter (OM) of the deeper mats showed evidence for a higher seagrass contribution [high C/N, 13C‐depleted long‐chain n‐alkanes]. The morphological structure of the mats may have influenced CO2 diffusion leading to more 13C‐enriched lipids in the shallow mats. Alternatively, changes in CO2 fixation pathways, such as increase in the acetyl COA‐pathway by sulphate‐reducing bacteria, could have also caused the observed shifts in δ13C values of the mats. In addition, three smooth mats from different Shark Bay sites were analysed to investigate potential functional relationship of the microbial communities with differing salinity levels. The C25:1 HBI was identified in the high salinity mat only and a lower abundance of PLFAs associated with diatoms was observed in the less saline mats, suggesting a higher abundance of diatoms at the most saline site. Furthermore, it appeared that the most and least saline mats were dominated by autotrophic biomass using different CO2 fixation pathways.
Reflexivity and the Construction of Competing Discourses of Masculinity in a Female‐Dominated Profession
Authors: Adamson Maria
Published: July 2014

This paper contributes to the debates on reflexivity and change by extending our understanding of (non‐)reflexivity mechanisms in the discursive constructions of gender. Specifically, I explore how and why women persistently construct contradictory discursive accounts of men and masculinity in a female‐dominated profession of counselling psychology in Russia. Drawing on the concept of ‘interpretative repertoires’ I argue that female counsellors construct different kinds of masculinities based on three ‘repertoires’: psycho‐biological, structural and relational. I demonstrate how these constructions of masculinity are imbued with different meanings and are used to explain only certain contexts, which precludes women's ability to reflect on their contradictory nature. I conclude by discussing how an exploration of discursive (non‐)reflexivity extends our understanding of the conditions for gender transformations.
A simple tool for calculating egg shape, volume and surface area from digital images
Authors: Troscianko Jolyon
Published: July 2014

The geometrical properties of eggs – such as volume and surface area – have uses ranging from ecological, physiological and morphological studies in birds, to predictions of chick condition in the poultry industry. Although measurements of an egg's length and breadth can be used to approximate its geometry, the coefficients used in these models are specific to the original test population, and intraspecific variation in egg shape means these methods cannot be used reliably beyond that population. Here I present a novel mathematical formula to describe the curvature of a bird's egg that can be used to calculate the shape, volume and surface area of an egg precisely from digital images. Using data from several species I demonstrate that the model has a greater level of accuracy than length‐ and breadth‐based methods, and release the user‐friendly tool for others to use for measuring eggs from digital images.
Effect of adding fresh and freeze‐dried buckwheat sourdough on gluten‐free bread quality
Authors: Różyło Renata , Rudy Stanisław , Krzykowski Andrzej , Dziki Dariusz , Gawlik‐Dziki Urszula , Różyło Krzysztof , Skonecki Stanisław
Published: July 2014

This study demonstrates new possibilities in using freeze‐dried buckwheat sourdoughs in the processing of gluten‐free bread (GFB). Fresh and freeze‐dried (at temperatures of 20, 40 and 60 °C) sourdoughs were added in the amounts of 10, 20, 30 and 40% of the total flour content. Significant and beneficial changes in the quality of bread under the influence of different quantities of fresh and freeze‐dried sourdoughs additive were observed. Freeze‐dried buckwheat sourdoughs at the level of 20 and 30% gave the best baking results for GFB. pH of bread significantly changed, which had a positive effect on increasing its suitability for the storage. Buckwheat sourdough dried at 40 °C is the most highly recommended for GFB processing. Higher temperatures (60 °C) caused the least change in bread volume; however, a bitter aftertaste from burning was slightly detectable. Freeze‐dried buckwheat sourdoughs can be used directly in processing, thus eliminating the long fermentation of sourdough.
Hyponatraemia in older medical patients: implications for falls and adverse outcomes of hospitalisation
Authors: Ahamed S. , Anpalahan M. , Savvas S. , Gibson S. , Torres J. , Janus E.
Published: July 2014

Background

Recent evidence suggests an association between hyponatraemia and falls.

Aims

To determine the association of hyponatraemia with admission‐associated falls (i.e. falls as part of the presenting complaint or during admission) and predefined adverse outcomes of hospitalisation.

Methods

A case–control study of patients aged ≥65 years admitted with hyponatraemia during a 6‐month period was conducted. The relevant data were collected by review of medical records and analysed in univariate and multivariate models.

Results

The prevalence of hyponatraemia was 22% and more likely to be associated with the admission diagnoses of cardiovascular (P = 0.04) and metabolic disorders (P < 0.001), use of diuretics (P = 0.037) and a higher Charlson comorbidity score (P = 0.035). Hyponatraemia was independently associated with admission‐associated falls (odds ratio (OR) 3.12, confidence interval (CI) 1.84–4.38, P < 0.001). The increased odds of falling were similar for mild (OR 3.15, CI 1.75–5.66) vs moderate to severe hyponatraemia (OR 3.07, CI 1.57–6.03). Although hyponatraemia had a significant independent association with increased length of stay (LOS) (OR 1.48, CI 1.22–1.79, P < 0.001) and change in residential care status to a more dependent category at discharge (OR 4.28, CI 1.68–10.859, P = 0.002), it was not associated with mortality or time to first unplanned readmission. Hyponatraemia was significantly associated with the need for inpatient rehabilitation; however, this was no longer significant when adjusted for falls.

Conclusion

Hyponatraemia is independently associated with increased risk of admission‐associated falls. The degree of falls risk is similar regardless of the severity of hyponatraemia. Hyponatraemia is also an important determinant of many adverse outcomes of hospitalisation.
“We Need the Public to Become Better BS Detectors”: Sir Iain Chalmers
Authors: Champkin Julian
Published: July 2014

Sir Iain Chalmers, founder of the Cochrane Collaboration, has done more than anyone else to make sure medical treatments are based on evidence – not prejudice – and that medical research is aimed at producing treatments that patients actually want. Julian Champkin spoke to him.
The World will End in 3150: John Craig and The Second Coming
Authors: Champkin Julian
Published: July 2014

A friend of Isaac Newton asked how strongly we should believe ancient history. His calculations gave a date for the end of the world. Julian Champkin looks at a little-known foreshadower of statistical thinking.
Could a ‘Safest’ Option on Sat Navs Save Lives?
Authors: Jolly Tobias
Published: July 2014

The quickest route on a sat nav isn't always the best, especially when it comes to safety. Tobias Jolly wonders how many road deaths could be averted if route planners took account of micromorts.
Evening Dosing of Antihypertensive Therapy to Reduce Cardiovascular Events: A Third Type of Evidence Based on a Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Roush George C. , Fapohunda Jadesola , Kostis John B.
Published: July 2014

Nighttime blood pressure strongly predicts cardiovascular events (CVEs). Further, a preliminary trial has shown decreased CVEs from evening vs morning dosing of antihypertensive therapy. Is there additional evidence for evening dosing? The authors systematically classified all hypertension trials as evening dosing trials (EDTs) or usual dosing trials (UDTs). Meta‐analyses provided standardized hazard ratios for CVEs for EDTs (HREDTs) and UDTs (HRUDTs). HREDTs/HRUDTs gave the relative risk (RR) from evening vs usual dosing. Among 175 trials, 5 EDTs were discovered. The RR for CVEs (95% confidence limits) from evening vs usual dosing was 0.63 (0.43–0.92; P=.016). After adjustment for drug class, the RR was 0.54 (0.34–0.85; P=.008). Unlike other EDTs, the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE) study administered its entire antihypertensive dose prior to sleep and gave the greatest risk reduction. This study provides a third type of evidence suggesting a beneficial effect from evening dosing of antihypertensive therapy. Head‐to‐head, multicenter trials are needed to test this strategy.
Smoking rate and periodontal disease prevalence: 40‐year trends in Sweden 1970–2010
Authors: Bergstrom Jan
Published: July 2014

Aim

To investigate the relationship between smoking rate and periodontal disease prevalence in Sweden.

Material and Methods

National smoking rates were found from Swedish National Statistics on smoking habits. Based on smoking rates for the years 1970–2010, periodontal disease prevalence estimates were calculated for the age bracket 40–70 years and smoking‐associated relative risks between 2.0 and 20.0. The impact of smoking on the population was estimated according to the concept of population attributable fraction.

Results

The age‐standardized smoking rate in Sweden declined from 44% in 1970 to 15% in 2010. In parallel with the smoking decline the calculated prevalence estimate of periodontal disease dropped from 26% to 12% assuming a 10‐fold smoking‐associated relative risk. Even at more moderate magnitudes of the relative risk, e.g. 2‐fold or 5‐fold, the prevalence decrease was quite tangible, suggesting that the current prevalence in Sweden is about 20–50% of the level 40 years ago. The population attributable fraction, estimating the portion of the disease that would have been avoided in the absence of smoking, was 80% in 1970 and 58% in 2010 at a ten‐fold relative risk.

Conclusion

Calculated estimates of periodontal disease prevalence are closely related to real changes in smoking rate. As smoking rate drops periodontal disease prevalence will drop.
The Role of PTSD in Adjudicating Violent Crimes
Authors: Hamner Mark B.
Published: July 2014

There are a number of considerations, including ethical and clinical or diagnostic factors, in utilizing the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in criminal proceedings. The reliability and validity of the diagnosis may be questioned. Legal precedent may consider extant diagnostic criteria for PTSD and comorbid diagnoses. However, these diagnostic criteria are often in flux considering new research findings. For example, the introduction of the fifth edition of theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, includes some changes in the PTSD diagnostic criteria. How will this affect interpretation of past legal judgments? Moreover, PTSD has significant psychiatric comorbidity, e.g., substance abuse, which in itself may influence violent behavior and its consequences. Some of these comorbid diagnoses also have changes in their diagnostic criteria. The introduction of biological tests in the assessment of PTSD will likely facilitate more objective diagnosis.
Glioblastoma: Background, Standard Treatment Paradigms, and Supportive Care Considerations
Authors: Ellor Susan V. , Pagano-Young Teri Ann , Avgeropoulos Nicholas G.
Published: July 2014

While primary malignant brain tumors account for only two percent of all adult cancers, these neoplasms cause a disproportionate amount of cancer-related disabilities and death. The five-year survival rates for brain tumors are the third lowest among all types of cancer. Malignant gliomas (glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma) comprise the most common types of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors and have a combined incidence of five to eight cases per 100,000 people. The median survival rate of conservatively treated patients with malignant gliomas is 14 weeks; with surgical resection alone, 20 weeks; with surgery and radiation, 36 weeks; and with the addition of newer biochemotherapies such as temozolomide and bevacizumab, upward of 14-18 months.

The profound cost of caring for terminally ill patients with primary malignant brain tumors raises ethical considerations for the American public; the stewardship of health care dollars for the population at large maintains a juxtaposed tension against a dynamic, necessary balance of hope, care, rehabilitation and research efforts for affected patients and their advocates.
Extending the Minimum Necessary Standard to Uses and Disclosures for Treatment
Authors: Agris Julie L.
Published: July 2014

Encouraged by the financial incentives in the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009 (HITECH Act), electronic health record (EHR) adoption is on the rise. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published in 2014, 78% of office-based physicians had adopted some type of EHR system, up from 18% in 2001. Implementation of EHRs able to support the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) “meaningful use” requirements has also significantly increased since 2010. Such a growth in EHR adoption with the capacity to achieve “meaningful use” standards suggests that the goal of nationwide, interoperable health records is moving closer to a reality.

While movement toward a system-wide, interoperable EHR promises benefits of such an electronic information management tool, the risks related to patients’ privacy of their health information remains a concern.
MODELLING THE TREND: THE HISTORICAL ORIGINS OF SOME MODERN METHODS AND IDEAS
Authors: Mills T. C. , Patterson K. D.
Published: July 2014

The development of the methods of correlation and regression analysis at the turn of the 20th century led to their use in attempting to identify relationships between economic variables. However, caution was soon expressed that correlating series with ‘secular’ trends was likely to be misleading. After some discussion of methods, linear detrending by least‐squares estimation became the default method. By the 1920s, however, some voices of dissent expressed the view that linear detrending was likely to be inappropriate in some, even many, cases. This led to a number of innovative methodological developments, including rolling window estimation, moving integration, non‐linear trends, structural breaks, sigmoid‐type smooth adjustment functions, the beginnings of stochastic trend modelling and the construction of ‘smoothers’ and filters. Although generally failing to have an impact at the time, all substantially predate their current use in econometrics. This paper establishes precedence for these ideas and recreates some of the empirical examples and early simulations.
Acquired lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase deficiency as a major factor in lowering plasma HDL levels in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Calabresi L. , Simonelli S. , Conca P. , Busnach G. , Cabibbe M. , Gesualdo L. , Gigante M. , Penco S. , Veglia F. , Franceschini G.
Published: July 2014

Objectives

It has been suggested that a low plasma high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) level contributes to the high cardiovascular disease risk of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those undergoing haemodialysis (HD). The present study was conducted to gain further understanding of the mechanism(s) responsible for the low HDL‐C levels in patients with CKD and to separate the impact of HD from that of the underlying CKD.

Methods

Plasma lipids and lipoproteins, HDL subclasses and various cholesterol esterification parameters were measured in a total of 248 patients with CKD, 198 of whom were undergoing HD treatment and 40 healthy subjects.

Results

Chronic kidney disease was found to be associated with highly significant reductions in plasma HDL‐C, unesterified cholesterol, apolipoprotein (apo)A‐I, apoA‐II and LpA‐I:A‐II levels in both CKD cohorts (with and without HD treatment). The cholesterol esterification process was markedly impaired, as indicated by reductions in plasma lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) concentration and activity and cholesterol esterification rate, and by an increase in the plasma preβ‐HDL content. HD treatment was associated with a further lowering of HDL levels and impaired plasma cholesterol esterification. The plasma HDL‐C level was highly significantly correlated with LCAT concentration (R = 0.438, P < 0.001), LCAT activity (R = 0.243, P < 0.001) and cholesterol esterification rate (R = 0.149, P = 0.031). Highly significant correlations were also found between plasma LCAT concentration and levels of apoA‐I (R = 0.432, P < 0.001), apoA‐II (R = 0.275, P < 0.001), LpA‐I (R = 0.326, P < 0.001) and LpA‐I:A‐II (R = 0.346, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Acquired LCAT deficiency is a major cause of low plasma HDL levels in patients with CKD, thus LCAT is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention to reverse dyslipidaemia, and possibly lower the cardiovascular disease risk in these patients.
Possible Morphological Pathomechanisms of Ischemic Stroke in the Posterior Circulation of Patients with Vertebral Artery Hypoplasia
Authors: Szárazová Andrea Skultéty , Bartels Eva , Bartels Susanne , Turčáni Peter
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

The clinical significance of vertebral artery hypoplasia (VAH) and the possible pathomechanism of ischemic stroke in patients with VAH are still not completely clear.

METHODS

In a group of 80 posterior circulation strokes (PCS) patients, we compared the location of the ischemic areas in VAH (n = 26) and non‐VAH (n = 54) group. We assessed the side of VAH (diameter equal to or less than 2.5mm) with the stroke localization.

RESULTS

The possible morphological stroke pathomechanisms in the VAH group ‐ “blood flow reorganization” (n = 11) and “pathway liberation for embolization” (n = 10) ‐ were represented equally and may also act together (n = 3). In two cases, the stroke pathomechanism was unknown. The frequency of the presence of conventional risk factors ‐ hypertension (p = 1.0), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.62), hyperlipidemia (p= 1.0) and smoking (p = 1.0) ‐ and the stroke etiology ‐ cardioembolism (p = 0.80), atherosclerotic changes of large (p = 0.76) and small vessels (p = 0.79) ‐ did not differ between the two subgroups.

CONCLUSION

In patients with VAH, the combination of several pathomechanisms of ischemic stroke and the contribution of several risk factors can cause the clinical manifestation of PCS.
Diffusion‐Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Mapping for Diagnosing Infectious Spondylodiscitis: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Chen Tai‐Yuan , Wu Te‐Chang , Tsui Yu‐Kun , Chen Hou‐Hsun , Lin Chien‐Jen , Lee Huey‐Jen , Wu Tai‐Ching
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Though diffusion‐weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for diagnosing many pathologies, its use in infectious spondylodiscitis is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the use of DW MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping for the diagnosis of infectious spondylodiscitis.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 17 patients with confirmed infectious spondylodiscitis were matched by age and level of infected disc with 17 patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) and 17 healthy controls. All patients received conventional MRI and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) in the same imaging session. ADC values of the 3 groups of patients were compared.

RESULTS

The mean age of each group was 67.4 ± 11.6 years. The mean ADCs of the normal control, DDD, and infectious spondylodiscitis groups were 1.76 ± 0.19 × 10−3, 1.12 ± 0.22 × 10−3, and 1.27 ± 0.38 × 10−3 mm2/second, respectively. The ADCs of the DDD and infectious spondylodiscitis groups were both significantly lower than that of the normal control group (both, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that DWI/ADC MRI may be useful in the early diagnosis of infectious spondylodiscitis.
AGGRESSION ON HAEMODIALYSIS UNITS: A MIXED METHOD STUDY
Authors: Jones Julia , Nijman Henk , Ross Jamie , Ashman Neil , Callaghan Patrick
Published: July 2014

Background

Aggression on haemodialysis units is a growing problem internationally that has received little research attention to date. Aggressive behaviour by patients or their relatives can compromise the safety and well‐being of staff and other patients sharing a haemodialysis session.

Objectives

The objectives of the study were twofold: First, to identify the prevalance and nature of aggression on haemodialysis units; and second, to investigate factors that contribute to aggressive behaviour on haemodialysis units.

Design and Methods

A cross‐sectional, sequential mixed method research design was adopted, with two research methods utilised. Incidents of aggressive behaviour were recorded over a 12‐month period, using a renal version of the Staff Observation Aggression Scale. Six months after the incident data collection had commenced, semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 29 multidisciplinary members of staff.

Results

Over 12 months, 74 aggressive incidents were recorded. The majority of incidents involved verbal aggression, and the perpetrators were a minority of patients, relatives and staff. Two patients were responsible for 38% of all incidents; both patients had mental health problems. Distinct temporal patterns to the aggressive behaviour were observed according to the day of the week and time of day.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that aggression is a significant problem on haemodialysis units, with verbal aggression most prevalent. The temporal patterns to aggression observed are related to the uniqueness of the haemodialysis setting, with a distinctly different treatment environment compared with other healthcare settings.
Peripheral and Central Venous Blood Glucose Concentrations in Dogs and Cats with Acute Arterial Thromboembolism
Authors: Klainbart S. , Kelmer E. , Vidmayer B. , Bdolah‐Abram T. , Segev G. , Aroch I.
Published: July 2014

Background

Acute limb paralysis because of arterial thromboembolism (ATE) occurs in cats and less commonly in dogs. ATE is diagnosed based on physical examination findings and, occasionally, advanced imaging.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Peripheral, affected limb venous glucose concentration is decreased in ATE, whereas its systemic concentration is within or above reference interval.

Animals

Client‐owned cats and dogs were divided into 3 respective groups: acute limb paralysis because of ATE (22 cats and 9 dogs); acute limb paralysis secondary to orthopedic or neurologic conditions (nonambulatory controls; 10 cats and 11 dogs); ambulatory animals presented because of various diseases (ambulatory controls; 10 cats and 9 dogs).

Methods

Prospective observational, clinical study. Systemic and local (affected limb) blood glucose concentrations were measured. Their absolute and relative differences (ΔGlu and %ΔGlu, respectively) were compared among groups.

Results

ΔGlu and %ΔGlu were significantly higher in the ATE cats and dogs groups, compared to both of their respective controls (P < .0001 and P < .001, respectively). No significant differences were observed between the control groups. Receiver operator characteristics analysis of ΔGlu and %ΔGlu as predictors of ATE had area under the curve of 0.96 and 0.99 in cats, respectively, and 1.00 and 1.00, in dogs, respectively. ΔGlu cutoffs of 30 mg/dL and 16 mg/dL, in cats and dogs, respectively, corresponded to sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 90% in cats, respectively, and 100% in dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

ΔGlu and %ΔGlu are accurate, readily available, diagnostic markers of acute ATE in paralyzed cats and dogs.
Transesophageal Echocardiography as the Sole Guidance for Occlusion of Patent Ductus Arteriosus using a Canine Ductal Occluder in Dogs
Authors: Porciello F. , Caivano D. , Giorgi M.E. , Knafelz P. , Rishniw M. , Moise N.S. , Bufalari A. , Fruganti A. , Birettoni F.
Published: July 2014

Background

Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is usually performed by fluoroscopy alone or together with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) guidance has been used for deployment of Amplatz Canine Ductal Occluder (ACDO), but sometimes is limited by suboptimal acoustic windows. Transesophageal echocardiography can overcome such issues and provides higher image resolution at the level of the great vessels.

Objectives

To determine if TEE without fluoroscopy could be used to successfully perform ductal occlusion for the treatment of PDA in dogs.

Animals

Twenty client‐owned dogs with PDA.

Methods

A prospective consecutive case series of PDA occlusion was performed using only TEE guidance. Dogs were positioned in right lateral recumbency and the TEE probe was positioned to visualize the descending aorta, PDA, and pulmonary artery. The guide wire, long introducer sheath, and ACDO were imaged by TEE to direct deployment.

Results

Ductal occlusion was performed successfully without need for fluoroscopy and without complications in 19 dogs. One dog required a second larger ACDO because of embolization of the first device 18 hours after positioning.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

We have demonstrated that TEE monitoring without concurrent fluoroscopy can guide each step of transcatheter ACDO embolization thereby providing an alternate method of visualization for this procedure. Use of TEE alone can reduce radiation exposure or is an option when fluoroscopy is not available, and, therefore, should be evaluated in a larger case series to better assess procedural failure rates.
The carrier AUXIN RESISTANT (AUX1) dominates auxin flux into Arabidopsis protoplasts
Authors: Rutschow Heidi L. , Baskin Tobias I. , Kramer Eric M.
Published: July 2014

The ability of the plant hormone auxin to enter a cell is critical to auxin transport and signaling. Auxin can cross the cell membrane by diffusion or via auxin‐specific influx carriers. There is little knowledge of the magnitudes of these fluxes in plants.

Radiolabeled auxin uptake was measured in protoplasts isolated from roots of Arabidopsis thaliana. This was done for the wild‐type, under treatments with additional unlabeled auxin to saturate the influx carriers, and for the influx carrier mutant auxin resistant 1 (aux1). We also used flow cytometry to quantify the relative abundance of cells expressing AUX1‐YFP in the assayed population.

At pH 5.7, the majority of auxin influx into protoplasts – 75% – was mediated by the influx carrier AUX1. An additional 20% was mediated by other saturable carriers. The diffusive influx of auxin was essentially negligible at pH 5.7.

The influx of auxin mediated by AUX1, expressed as a membrane permeability, was 1.5 ± 0.3 μm s−1. This value is comparable in magnitude to estimates of efflux permeability. Thus, auxin‐transporting tissues can sustain relatively high auxin efflux and yet not become depleted of auxin.
A conceptual approach to managing severe traumatic brain injury in a time of uncertainty
Authors: Chesnut Randall M.
Published: July 2014

Current controversies in the literature suggest that a reassessment of the current management of severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is necessary. This article presents a conceptual framework toward individualizing sTBI treatment with respect to targeting thresholds and strategies on the basis of known physiologic processes and available monitors. Intracranial pressure (ICP) is modeled as an epiphenomenon of cerebral compliance and herniation tendency, as well as cerebral ischemia. By combining serial neurological examinations, imaging studies, and ICP measurements (values, trends, and area‐under‐the‐curve calculations) over time, evidence can be accrued on the necessity of maintaining ICP at a given threshold in the realm of physical changes in the brain. Similarly, by collecting and trending clinical, imaging, and monitoring data on the status of cerebral blood flow, the balance of oxygen consumption and delivery, and the status of cerebral static pressure autoregulation, and analyzing them with respect to measured parameters, such as blood pressure, ICP, and cerebral perfusion pressure, one can attempt to fine‐tune these variables as well. Such individualization of management optimizes the possibility of successfully treating demonstrated pathophysiological processes while avoiding unnecessary interventions and treatment toxicity. Monitor values must not be seen as targets but rather as indicators of targetable pathology.