bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid acute treatment of agitation in patients with bipolar I disorder: a multicenter, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial with inhaled loxapine
Authors: Kwentus Joseph , Riesenberg Robert A , Marandi Morteza , Manning Raymond A , Allen Michael H , Fishman Robert S , Spyker Daniel A , Kehne John H , Cassella James V
Published: February 2012

Kwentus J, Riesenberg RA, Marandi M, Manning RA, Allen MH, Fishman RS, Spyker DA, Kehne JH, Cassella JV. Rapid acute treatment of agitation in patients with bipolar I disorder: a multicenter, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial with inhaled loxapine. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 31–40. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objective:  The present study evaluated inhaled loxapine for the acute treatment of agitation in patients with bipolar I disorder.

Methods:  A Phase 3, randomized, double blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel group inpatient study was performed at 17 psychiatric research facilities. Agitated patients (N = 314) with bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episodes) were randomized (1:1:1) to inhaled loxapine 5 mg or 10 mg, or inhaled placebo using the Staccato® system. Following baseline assessments, patients received Dose 1 and were evaluated for 24 hours. If required, up to two additional doses of study drug and/or lorazepam rescue medication were given. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale‐Excited Component (PANSS‐EC) score two hours after Dose 1. The key secondary endpoint was the Clinical Global Impression‐Improvement score at two hours after Dose 1. Additional endpoints included the changes from baseline in the PANSS‐EC from 10 min through 24 hours after Dose 1. Safety was assessed by adverse events, vital signs, physical examinations, and laboratory tests.

Results:  For the primary and key secondary endpoints, both doses of inhaled loxapine significantly reduced agitation compared with placebo. Reduced agitation, as reflected in PANSS‐EC score, was evident 10 min after Dose 1 with both doses. Inhaled loxapine was well tolerated, and the most common adverse events were known effects of loxapine or minor oral effects common with inhaled medications (dysgeusia was reported in 17% of patients receiving active drug versus 6% receiving placebo).

Conclusions:  Inhaled loxapine provided a rapid, non‐injection, well‐tolerated acute treatment for agitation in patients with bipolar I disorder.
Early determinants of four‐year clinical outcomes in bipolar disorder with psychosis
Authors: Carlson Gabrielle A , Kotov Roman , Chang Su‐Wei , Ruggero Camilo , Bromet Evelyn J
Published: February 2012

Carlson GA, Kotov R, Chang S‐W, Ruggero C, Bromet EJ. Early determinants of four‐year clinical outcomes in bipolar disorder with psychosis. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 19–30. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objective:  Bipolar disorder with psychosis is common in inpatient settings and is associated with diverse outcomes after hospital discharge, which can range from a return to premorbid functioning with no recurrence, to a chronic or recurring illness. Less is known, however, about factors that can predict a better or worse clinical outcome. The present study sought to assess four‐year clinical outcomes and their predictors in patients hospitalized for bipolar I disorder with psychosis.

Methods:  Participants from the Suffolk County Mental Health Project (SCMHP) with a baseline diagnosis of bipolar I disorder with psychotic features (N = 126) were reassessed using face‐to‐face interviews at six months, two years, and four years following their first hospitalization. At each time point, clinical status, role functioning, and treatment were assessed by highly trained interviewers using standardized instruments.

Results:  The majority of participants (73.2%) returned to their premorbid level of role functioning by the four‐year follow‐up and the median percentage of time ill during the interval was less than 20%. Nevertheless, almost half of the sample (46.9%) was rehospitalized at least once. Psychotic symptoms at baseline (particularly Schneiderian symptoms), depressive phenomenology, childhood psychopathology, and younger age at first hospitalization predicted worse outcome, whereas mood‐incongruent psychotic features and age of mood disorder onset did not.

Conclusions:  The four‐year outcomes of a first‐admission cohort with bipolar I disorder with psychosis were generally favorable. Poorer premorbid functioning, Schneiderian delusions, greater depressive symptoms, and a younger age of first hospitalization portend a worse course.
Deficits in tasks of executive functioning that mimic real‐life scenarios in bipolar disorder
Authors: Torralva Teresa , Strejilevich Sergio , Gleichgerrcht Ezequiel , Roca María , Martino Diego , Cetkovich Marcelo , Manes Facundo
Published: February 2012

Torralva T, Strejilevich S, Gleichgerrcht E, Roca M, Martino D, Cetkovich M, Manes F. Deficits in tasks of executive functioning that mimic real‐life scenarios in bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 118–125. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Background:  A growing body of evidence suggests that patients with bipolar disorder (BD) have cognitive impairments even during euthymic periods. The main cognitive domains affected are verbal memory, attention, and executive function. Nevertheless, some studies suggest that at least a subgroup of euthymic patients demonstrates intact executive functioning in classic neuropsychological tests, which could be due to the lack of real‐life, or ecological validity.

Objective:  In this study, we highlight the usefulness of incorporating more ecological tests of executive function in assessment batteries in order to detect specific cognitive deficits in BD patients with otherwise normal performance in standard executive tests.

Methods:  Nineteen euthymic BD patients and 15 healthy controls completed a standard neuropsychological battery assessment and two experimental tasks (the Multiple Errands Test–Hospital Version and the Hotel Task) to measure executive functioning in highly demanding cognitive settings that mimic real‐life scenarios.

Results:  No significant differences were found between the groups’ demographic variables. We found, as predicted, that the group of euthymic BD patients who had control‐comparable performance in classic executive tasks showed important deficits in more ecological tasks of executive functioning of the type that mimic real‐life scenarios.

Conclusions:  Together, these data suggest that the inclusion of ecological tests in the assessment of BD patients can contribute to providing a more realistic cognitive profile of this patient population, which will undoubtedly allow for a better design of therapeutic and rehabilitation strategies that can help patients to minimize impact in real‐life settings.
Behavioural Biology: The Past and a Future
Authors: Bateson Patrick
Published: February 2012

Behavioural biologists have typically combined interests in the control, function, development and evolution of behaviour. They have used observational and experimental methods, and their findings have been both attractive and scientifically invigorating. A future to be hoped for is that they will continue to combine an understanding of behaviour with studies carried out at other levels but that they will not become too locked into a purely analytical framework. Methodologies are needed that enable scientists to deal with all the principal factors that influence behaviour. In so doing, behavioural biologists should be able to retain a grasp of what is to be an intact, freely moving animal. I believe that the late Günther Tembrock, to whom this paper is dedicated, would have approved of such a systems approach to behaviour.
Estimation of appendicular muscle mass and fat mass by near infrared spectroscopy in older persons
Authors: Yoshida Daisuke , Shimada Hiroyuki , Harada Atsushi , Matsui Yasumoto , Sakai Yoshihito , Suzuki Takao
Published: February 2012

Aim:  Near infrared spectroscopy has been reported to have a high reliability and accuracy in assessing the percentage of body fat. However, whether muscle mass can be accurately estimated using this method has not been established. This study examined whether a near infrared spectroscopy method could estimate appendicular muscle mass and fat mass, with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry as the standard method for comparison.

Methods:  A total of 20 orthopedic inpatients (mean age 73.2 ± 6.8 years) were recruited for this study. Their body composition was assessed using near infrared spectroscopy and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Appendicular muscle mass and fat mass were estimated from height, weight and optical densities.

Results:  The optical densities for the upper arm (biceps, triceps) and forearm (flexor carpi radialis) were significantly correlated with appendicular muscle mass (r = 0.534 to 0.623) or fat mass (r = −0.483 to −0.827). Estimated appendicular muscle mass and fat mass explained 89% and 80% of the variance in the dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry‐derived muscle mass and fat mass estimates using height, weight and optical density values of the proximal flexor carpi radialis.

Conclusions:  Near infrared spectroscopy is a useful method to assess not only fat mass, but also muscle mass in older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; ••: ••–••.
Learning the hard way: the importance of accurate data
Authors: Lewis R. S. , Graham D. G. , Watson J. D. , Lunniss P. J.
Published: February 2012

Aim  The outcome of surgery for colorectal cancer in each unit in the UK is collated by the National Bowel Cancer Audit Project (NBOCAP). In 2008–2009 our unit had a raw 30‐day postoperative mortality close to the national average, but when it was nationally adjusted it appeared to be an outlier. The purpose of this study was to identify reasons for this disparity.

Method  All records were obtained for patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer over the 2 years. Data submitted to NBOCAP to determine adjusted rates were compared with actual data.

Results  There were major discordances between submitted and actual data for American Society of Anesthesiology grades and timing of surgery. This explained why the unit appeared to be an outlier.

Conclusion  There is increasing emphasis on outcome of health service delivery, which has important implications. Submission of correct data is essential if objective comparison is to be made on which to base decisions on service delivery among units and within health regions.
The functional morphology of the abyssal Limopsis cristata (Arcoida: Limopsidae) with a discussion on the evolution of the more advanced bivalve foot
Authors: Morton Brian
Published: February 2012

The bivalve Limopsis cristata pursues a semi‐endobenthic life in abyssal soft sediments. It attaches to particles by up to three byssal threads and filter feeds by inhaling water from posterior and anterior directions. Because of partial burial, however, only the latter is functionally significant. Complex ciliary currents in the mantle cavity concerned with the rejection of unwanted particles keep most material out of the simplified intestine. It is generally considered that the ligament is the constraining force in arcoid evolution. This may be true in part, but the lack of pallial fusions and the retention of anterior and posterior inhalant flows are more powerful limits to radiation in the Arcoida. In the deep sea, the Limopsidae has radiated into many micro‐niches through micro‐morphological adaptations. Loss of the arcoid ‘heel’ has resulted in the union of the separate rejectory currents of the visceral mass and foot, creating a single discharge point in more advanced bivalves. This greatly simplifies the rejectory roles of the visceral mass and foot and is thus of functional and selective advantage.
Dispositional Optimism Fosters Opportunity‐Congruent Coping With Occupational Uncertainty
Authors: Pavlova Maria K. , Silbereisen Rainer K.
Published: February 2012

Objective

We investigated the relationship between dispositional optimism and coping with growing occupational uncertainty, drawing on the life span theory of control to assess coping.

Method

Participants were 606 German adults with various sociodemographic backgrounds, aged 16–43. They were interviewed at the end of 2005 (Time 1) and at the beginning of 2007 (Time 2). We regressed each control strategy at Time 2 on its scores at Time 1, optimism at Time 1, three moderating variables, and their interactions with optimism.

Results

Dispositional optimism predicted an increase in both goal engagement strategies (selective primary and compensatory primary control) only under favorable conditions (low regional unemployment rate, low perceived growth in occupational uncertainty, and high perceived controllability of this stressor). Specific conditions moderating the effects of optimism differed between the two engagement strategies. In addition, an unfavorable labor market situation as such prompted an increase in goal engagement. No effects of optimism on goal disengagement (compensatory secondary control) at Time 2 were found.

Conclusions

The effects of dispositional optimism on the change in control strategies were contingent on the labor market situation, which supports the view that optimists are better able to tailor their coping responses to available opportunities.
Curiosity Protects Against Interpersonal Aggression: Cross‐Sectional, Daily Process, and Behavioral Evidence
Authors: Kashdan Todd B. , DeWall C. Nathan , Pond Richard S. , Silvia Paul J. , Lambert Nathaniel M. , Fincham Frank D. , Savostyanova Antonina A. , Keller Peggy S.
Published: February 2012

Objective

Curiosity is the propensity to recognize and seek out new information and experience, including an intrinsic interest in learning and developing one's knowledge. With few exceptions, researchers have often ignored the social consequences of being curious.

Method

In four studies using cross‐sectional (N = 64), daily diary (Ns = 150 and 110, respectively), and behavioral experimental (N = 132) designs, we tested the hypothesis that individual differences in curiosity are linked to less aggression, even when people are provoked.

Results

We showed that both trait and daily curiosity were linked to less aggressive responses toward romantic relationship partners and people who caused psychological hurt. In time‐lagged analyses, daily curiosity predicted less aggression from one day to the next, with no evidence for the reverse direction. Studies 3 and 4 showed that the inverse association between curiosity and aggression was strongest in close relationships and in fledgling (as opposed to long‐lasting) romantic relationships. That is, highly curious people showed evidence of greater context sensitivity. Intensity of hurt feelings and other personality and relationship variables failed to account for these effects.

Conclusions

Curiosity is a neglected mechanism of resilience in understanding aggression.
Analysis of hazardous material releases due to natural hazards in the United States
Authors: Sengul Hatice , Santella Nicholas , Steinberg Laura J. , Cruz Ana Maria
Published: February 2012

Natural hazards were the cause of approximately 16,600 hazardous material (hazmat) releases reported to the National Response Center (NRC) between 1990 and 2008—three per cent of all reported hazmat releases. Rain‐induced releases were most numerous (26 per cent of the total), followed by those associated with hurricanes (20 per cent), many of which resulted from major episodes in 2005 and 2008. Winds, storms or other weather‐related phenomena were responsible for another 25 per cent of hazmat releases. Large releases were most frequently due to major natural disasters. For instance, hurricane‐induced releases of petroleum from storage tanks account for a large fraction of the total volume of petroleum released during ‘natechs’ (understood here as a natural hazard and the hazardous materials release that results). Among the most commonly released chemicals were nitrogen oxides, benzene, and polychlorinated biphenyls. Three deaths, 52 injuries, and the evacuation of at least 5,000 persons were recorded as a consequence of natech events. Overall, results suggest that the number of natechs increased over the study period (1990–2008) with potential for serious human and environmental impacts.
User Equilibrium with Recourse: Continuous Network Design Problem
Authors: Unnikrishnan Avinash , Lin Dung‐Ying
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  The focus of this article is to study the continuous network design problem (CNDP) that arises when users receive information about uncertain network states as they traverse the network and make en‐route routing decisions. The primary motivation is to show that long‐term planning decisions can change significantly when provision of information is considered. This article provides a bi‐level mathematical programming network design formulation of CNDP. To efficiently solve this problem and gain the insights, we use two existing metaheuristics (a quantum‐inspired genetic algorithm and a generic genetic algorithm) and replace the evaluation function to account for user behavior with information provision. Numerical tests conducted on two different networks reveal that quantum‐inspired genetic algorithms marginally outperform generic genetic algorithms. The tests also reveal that network design decisions made when users have access to en‐route information are considerably different from those made when users do not have access to such information. This result has significant implications because it shows that long‐term planning decisions for networks in which users have access to en‐route information are drastically different from those for networks without en‐route information provision.
A STRUCTURAL RISK‐NEUTRAL MODEL FOR PRICING AND HEDGING POWER DERIVATIVES
Authors: Aïd René , Campi Luciano , Langrené Nicolas
Published: February 2012

We develop a structural risk‐neutral model for energy market modifying along several directions the approach introduced in Aïd et al. In particular, a scarcity function is introduced to allow important deviations of the spot price from the marginal fuel price, producing price spikes. We focus on pricing and hedging electricity derivatives. The hedging instruments are forward contracts on fuels and electricity. The presence of production capacities and electricity demand makes such a market incomplete. We follow a local risk minimization approach to price and hedge energy derivatives. Despite the richness of information included in the spot model, we obtain closed‐form formulae for futures prices and semiexplicit formulae for spread options and European options on electricity forward contracts. An analysis of the electricity price risk premium is provided showing the contribution of demand and capacity to the futures prices. We show that when far from delivery, electricity futures behave like a basket of futures on fuels.
RUNNING FOR THE EXIT: DISTRESSED SELLING AND ENDOGENOUS CORRELATION IN FINANCIAL MARKETS
Authors: Cont Rama , Wagalath Lakshithe
Published: February 2012

We propose a simple multiperiod model of price impact from trading in a market with multiple assets, which illustrates how feedback effects due to distressed selling and short selling lead to endogenous correlations between asset classes. We show that distressed selling by investors exiting a fund and short selling of the fund’s positions by traders may have nonnegligible impact on the realized correlations between returns of assets held by the fund. These feedback effects may lead to positive realized correlations between fundamentally uncorrelated assets, as well as an increase in correlations across all asset classes and in the fund’s volatility which is exacerbated in scenarios in which the fund undergoes large losses. By studying the diffusion limit of our discrete time model, we obtain analytical expressions for the realized covariance and show that the realized covariance may be decomposed as the sum of a fundamental covariance and a liquidity‐dependent “excess” covariance. Finally, we examine the impact of these feedback effects on the volatility of other funds. Our results provide insight into the nature of spikes in correlation associated with the failure or liquidation of large funds.
Carceral Tours and the Need for Reflexivity: A Response to Wilson, Spina and Canaan
Authors: Piché Justin , Walby Kevin
Published: February 2012

In previous work (see Piché and Walby ) we argued that carceral tours as commonly practised have limited pedagogical and research value, and contribute to the degradation that prisoners experience. Wilson, Spina and Canaan () have recently criticised our position on carceral tours. In this rejoinder, we critique the methodological approach and the logic of Wilson and colleagues. We argue that Wilson and colleagues fail to consider how organisational policies and power relations shape carceral encounters. In this way, we reiterate our call for greater reflexivity and critical scrutiny regarding carceral tours.
Investing in ‘Toughness’: Probation, Enforcement and Legitimacy
Authors: Robinson Gwen , Ugwudike Pamela
Published: February 2012

This article examines the rise in prominence of ‘enforcement’ as a key aspect of the work of the probation service in England and Wales, and assesses the extent to which probation's ‘enforcement turn’ can be said to have enhanced the legitimacy of the Service. With reference to research on the effects of the toughening up of enforcement policies on both offenders and staff, this article argues that the equation of ‘toughness’ and ‘legitimacy’ in the probation context is deeply problematic. The article concludes that we may have reached a ‘tipping point’ with regard to enforcement and its reputational significance for the probation service, and that a more responsive and flexible approach towards the enforcement of community sanctions may be emerging.
Increased arterial stiffness assessed by pulse wave velocity in Behçet’s disease and its association with the lipid profile
Authors: Caldas C.A.M. , Borba E.F. , Bortolotto L.A. , Medeiros D.M. , Bonfa E. , Gonçalves C.R.
Published: February 2012

Objective  To evaluate the structural and functional properties of vessels in Behçet’s Disease (BD) using carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and an echo‐tracking system.

Methods  BD patients without traditional cardiovascular risk factors were selected. All BD patients performed PWV and carotid ultrasound. BD patients were divided into groups based on the presence of systemic (vascular and/or ocular and/or central nervous system involvement) and vascular involvement. Healthy controls age‐ and sex‐matched with the same exclusion criteria were selected.

Results  A total of 23 BD patients (mean age 35.0 ± 7.6 years) had significantly higher PWV levels compared with controls (8.48 ± 1.14 vs. 7.53 ± 1.40 m/s, P = 0.017). Intima‐media thickness (594.87 ± 138.61 vs. 561.08 ± 134.26 μm, P = 0.371), diastolic diameter (6383.78 ± 960.49 vs. 6447.65 ± 1159.73 μm, P = 0.840), distension (401.95 ± 117.72 vs. 337.91 ± 175.36 μm, P = 0.225) and relative distension (6.26 ± 2.83 vs. 5.42 ± 2.46 μm, P = 0.293) were similar in both groups. The systemic disease group had significantly higher levels of PWV (8.79 ± 1.21 vs. 7.88 ± 0.72 m/s, P = 0.036) compared to those with exclusive mucocutaneous manifestations. BD patients with vascular involvement had similar PWV and echo‐tracking parameters compared to those without vascular involvement (P > 0.05), but had higher total and LDL cholesterol levels (P = 0.019 and P = 0.012, respectively). The multivariate linear regression analysis identified triglycerides as the most important factor in increasing PWV levels (P = 0.001) in BD.

Conclusions  PWV is more useful than carotid ultrasound in detecting structural and functional vascular damage in BD and emphasizes the role of the disease itself in promoting these alterations. Our findings also reinforce the need for rigorous control of all risk factors in BD, particularly lipoproteins.
The impact of dermatological toxicities of anti‐cancer therapy on the dermatological quality of life of cancer patients
Authors: Ra H.S. , Shin S.J. , Kim J.H. , Lim H. , Cho B.C. , Roh M.R.
Published: February 2012

Background  One of the most common side effects of anti‐cancer therapies is treatment‐induced skin changes, referred to as dermatological toxicities. These dermatological toxicities are noteworthy since they have a negative association with quality of life (QoL).

Objectives  To evaluate the impact of dermatological toxicities on QoL of cancer patients and to identify the relationship between disease‐related characteristics and QoL and changes in skin protective behaviours following anti‐cancer therapy.

Methods  Cancer patients (n = 80: stage II–IV) in a longitudinal prospective study completed a battery of questionnaires at the time of enrolment and after 3 months of anti‐cancer therapy. QoL, skin toxicities, smoking and drinking behaviour, sun‐protective and skin care behaviour assessments were performed before and at 3 months after anti‐cancer therapy. QoL was measured with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Results  A total of 73 patients completed the study. Among them, 48 patients (65.8%) experienced at least grade 1 skin toxicity at 3 months after anti‐cancer therapy. Hair loss, hyperpigmentation and dry skin were the most common dermatological toxicities. The mean baseline DLQI score changed from 1.38 to 3.49 at 3 months after anti‐cancer therapy. Domain 1 (symptoms and feelings, 1.38 points) was the most greatly impacted among patients by anti‐cancer treatment. Patients who experienced at least grade 1 skin toxicity (P = 0.001, 95% CI: 1.939–4.899), employed (P = 0.042, 95% CI: 0.030–1.476), more highly educated (P = 0.030, 95% CI: 0.161–3.132), and diagnosed with gastric cancer (P = 0.001, 95% CI: 2.141–8.250) or renal cell cancer (P = 0.002, 95% CI: 2.731–11.364) showed significantly higher DLQI scores. Patients showed significant change in skin protective behaviour such as use of body moisturizer (P = 0.021) and change in drinking behaviour (P = 0.006) at 3 months following anti‐cancer therapy.

Conclusion  Dermatological toxicities due to anti‐cancer therapy affect the QoL of cancer patients. Therefore, health care professionals should pay attention to the psychological effects of skin problems and educate cancer patients to adapt proactive skin protective behaviours to minimize dermatological toxicities of anti‐cancer therapy and maximize QoL.
Short‐ and long‐term outcome of patients with symptoms of spinal cord compression by neuroblastoma
Authors: SIMON THORSTEN , NIEMANN CATHERINA ANNIKA , HERO BARBARA , HENZE GÜNTHER , SUTTORP MEINOLF , SCHILLING FREIMUT H , BERTHOLD FRANK
Published: February 2012

Aim  Prospective trials on neuroblastoma‐induced myelopathy are lacking. Therefore, we retrospectively analysed patients in four national neuroblastoma trials.

Method  Neuroblastoma patients diagnosed between August 1989 and December 2008 were included. Clinical and molecular data were available in the national trials database. Additional details on neurological findings, treatment, and outcome were collected using a questionnaire.

Results  Among 2603 patients, 122 (61 males and 61 females) had symptoms of spinal cord compression (SCC), and 99 of these were included in the final long‐term analysis. The survival of patients with symptoms of SCC was better than that of patients without symptoms. Patients first presented with lower extremity motor impairment (95%), impaired cutaneous sensibility (58%), neuropathic pain (56%), bladder dysfunction (44%), and/or constipation (34%). Symptoms improved after first‐line neurosurgery in 36 out of 52 patients and after first line chemotherapy in 30 out of 47 patients (p=0.77). After a median observation time of 8 years 1 month (range 1mo–19y 6mo), 71 out of 99 patients still had residual impairments: motor impairment (43%), scoliosis (31%), impaired bladder function (26%), constipation (19%), impaired cutaneous sensibility (17%), growth delay (14%), and neuropathic pain (5%). The initial treatment had no clear impact on the frequency of late effects.

Interpretation  This retrospective analysis showed no clear advantage of either first‐line neurosurgery or chemotherapy and that most patients still exhibit residual symptoms and require specialized care.
An agri‐environment option boosts productivity of Corn Buntings Emberiza calandra in the UK
Authors: SETCHFIELD ROSEMARY P. , MUCKLOW CLAIRE , DAVEY ALICE , BRADTER UTE , ANDERSON GUY Q. A.
Published: February 2012

The potential for agri‐environment schemes to reverse farmland bird declines is limited for some species by a lack of suitable prescriptions, in particular effective in‐field options for species that breed in crops. We assess the provision of alternative nesting habitat for increasing productivity of the Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra. Breeding success was monitored over three years in response to a tailored option that provided extensively managed crops of spring‐sown barley, most of which were funded by existing agri‐environment schemes and were left unharvested. Corn Buntings nested in both extensively managed crop provisions and conventional intensively managed barley crops. Females that used extensively managed crops for first nesting attempts were almost four times more likely to re‐nest, despite their later onset of breeding, than females nesting in conventional crops. The latter rarely produced a second nest and, when they did, usually switched nesting habitat. Extensively managed cereal crops were strongly selected by breeding females and supported a high proportion of the breeding population. A re‐nesting model demonstrated that differential re‐nesting rates led to 26% higher annual productivity per female in extensively managed cereal crops. Scenario testing illustrated the importance of timely establishment and deferred harvest of these extensively managed cereals. We recommend the provision of unharvested, extensively managed cereal crops as an agri‐environment option for Corn Buntings where intensively managed cereal crops are the main nesting habitat.
Decolonising the diaspora: neo‐colonial performances of Indian history in East Africa
Authors: Dickinson Jen
Published: February 2012

Governments are increasingly engaging with their diasporas as a means of managing their national economies. Nevertheless, analyses of government diaspora strategies have not adequately accounted for the complexities of diasporic affiliations and identities, especially those not easily brought into the purview of economic governance. Drawing on performative understandings of how national polities are realised, this paper argues that incorporating diasporic populations entails more than managing material flows: it also involves an engagement with the histories that tie diasporas to particular nations. Using a discourse analysis of the textual narratives of the Indian Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), I examine their representations of East African Asians’ history of migration and settlement. Though the MOIA ‘decolonises’ their historical associations with the ambiguous space of the Indo‐Pakistan subcontinent, it also ironically deploys colonial modes of thought in rewriting their history as Indian. This analysis suggests there is a need to re‐examine how diasporas are valued by governments to take account of their multiple historical and contemporary significances.
Trace element systematics in granulite facies rutile: implications for Zr geothermometry and provenance studies
Authors: KOOIJMAN E. , SMIT M. A. , MEZGER K. , BERNDT J.
Published: February 2012

Metamorphic rutile from granulite facies metapelitic rocks of the Archean Pikwitonei Granulite Domain (PGD; Manitoba, Canada) provides constraints on the systematics of trace elements in rutile during high‐temperature conditions and subsequent slow cooling. Compositional profiles and maps of the Zr concentrations in rutile grains (120–600 μm) from three metapelitic gneisses were acquired by electron probe micro‐analysis, using a spatial resolution of down to 2 μm. Simultaneously, profiles were analysed for Nb, Cr and V, which have significantly different diffusion characteristics in rutile. The profiles of all elements show relatively homogeneous concentrations within most grains, but significant inter‐grain differences even within a single thin section. Some rutile grains display a slight concentration decrease from a neighbouring garnet towards the matrix for all measured elements. The lack of diffusion profiles for all analysed elements shows that these are highly immobile in rutile and that distributions of these elements are primary and preserve prograde information. The Nb and Cr concentrations overlap with ranges that are ascribed to different provenances indicating that source discrimination based on these elements is not possible in all cases. High retentiveness for Zr implies that the Zr‐in‐rutile geothermometer is highly robust to diffusive re‐equilibration, even during very slow cooling (<2 °C Ma−1) from granulite facies conditions. Most grains have high Zr contents (3000–4600 ppm). Differences between high Zr contents suggest that during growth under vapour‐absent conditions there may not be saturation of Zr in rutile, even if zircon is present. Therefore, several rutile grains need to be analysed in a sample to obtain a useful minimum peak temperature. The highest Zr concentrations correspond to ∼900 °C. This is significantly higher than previous peak temperature estimates of 820 °C based on two‐feldspar thermometry. On a regional scale this implies that part of the PGD was affected by ultra‐high temperature (UHT) metamorphism. It also implies that rutile is able to preserve primary compositions even to UHT conditions. This study shows that, if combined with textural information, Zr‐in‐rutile has the potential to be a very useful tool for estimating rutile crystallization temperatures and peak metamorphic conditions. For granulite facies rocks, Zr‐in‐rutile yields more reliable peak metamorphic temperatures than most other exchange geothermometers, which tend to partially re‐equilibrate by diffusion during cooling.
Cooks Syndrome: A Case Report and Brief Review
Authors: Brennan Christina B. , Buehler Tara , Lesher Jack L.
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Congenital anonychia is rare, particularly when all 10 toenails are absent. When anonychia is associated with absence of distal phalanges, a diagnosis of Cooks syndrome must be considered. We present a case and discussion of a patient with congenital anonychia, absent distal phalanges, and rudimentary hypoplastic middle phalanges and brachydactyly, consistent with Cooks syndrome.
Macrocephaly‐Capillary Malformation Presenting with Fetal Arrhythmia
Authors: KUINT JACOB , GLOBUS OMER , BEN SIMON GUY J. , GREENBERGER SHOSHANA
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Macrocephaly‐capillary malformation (OMIM 602501) is a rare overgrowth and asymmetry syndrome. Cardiac arrhythmias were reported to occur in few patients. We present a case in which fetal arrhythmia was the presenting symptom of the syndrome.
Simultaneous Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Muscular Ventricular Septal Defect in an Adult Patient
Authors: Reddy Sahadev T. , Filho Antonio Tito Paladino , Williams Ronald B. , Biederman Robert W.W.
Published: February 2012

Background: The incidence of muscular ventricular septal defect (VSD) in children is rare, but its prevalence among hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients is surprisingly high. Methods: We present a 24‐year‐old female with HCM associated with muscular VSD without significant symptoms or hemodynamic implications. Conclusion: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging plays an important role in anatomic and functional noninvasive evaluation of these patients.

(Echocardiography 2012;29:E110‐E111)
Carotid–Jugular Fistula Diagnosed by Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Somerville Chris , Lucas Lindsay A. , Biederman Robert W. W.
Published: February 2012

Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in the neck are rare, and are most frequently caused by internal jugular catheter placement or penetrating trauma. Diagnosis can be missed when pathognomonic physical exam findings are absent, and heart failure can develop late when AVFs go unrepaired. We present what we believe to be the first reported case of common carotid–internal jugular fistula diagnosed during transesophageal echocardiography. Causes, physical exam findings, complications, diagnostic imaging, and treatment are discussed.

(Echocardiography 2012;29:E115‐E118)
Complex Ventricular Septal Rupture with Dissection of the Right Ventricular Wall in Ischemic Context
Authors: Pires de Morais Gustavo , Paulo Nelson , Vieira Miguel Silva , Sampaio Francisco , Bettencourt Nuno , Cabral Sofia , Ribeiro José , Fonseca Conceição , Torres Severo , Vouga Luís , Gama Vasco
Published: February 2012

A 72‐year‐old man was admitted to the local hospital with non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction. In the first 24 hours, a new onset apical murmur was heard. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography showed interventricular septal (IVS) rupture and dissection of the right ventricle (RV) wall forming an echolucent pseudocavity that partially occupied the RV and communicated with the true RV cavity. Multislice computed tomography characterized in detail the IVS and RV wall dissection, and further showed the right coronary artery in the outer border of the RV and pseudocavity, excluding pericardial fluid. Despite surgical correction, progression to cardiogenic shock and death occurred 33 days after admission.

(Echocardiography 2012;29:E112‐E114)
Continuous Apex to Left Ventricle Blood Flow Pattern in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Apical Aneurysm and Midventricular Obstruction
Authors: Hsieh Bill P.C. , Tauras James , Taub Cynthia
Published: February 2012

A 42‐year‐old female presented with chest pain, noted to have systolic and diastolic murmurs on physical examination and left ventricular hypertrophy on the electrocardiogram. Echocardiography with contrast enhancement revealed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with apical aneurysm and mid left ventricular cavity obstruction. Doppler interrogation showed continuous systolic and diastolic flow from the apex to left ventricle (LV) with a transient deceleration giving rise to a notched pattern. Myocardial ischemia of the apex was demonstrated on adenosine nuclear scintigraphy without epicardial coronary obstruction on angiography. This case demonstrates a novel Doppler pattern with continuous apex to LV flow in HCM in the setting of apical ischemia that may account for the formation of the aneurysm. (Echocardiography 2012;29:E131‐E133)
Usefulness of Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography in Particular Clinical Settings: A Case of Aorto‐Cavitary Fistula in Periprosthetic Aortic Valve Abscess
Authors: Maffè Stefano , Zenone Franco , Dellavesa Pierfranco , Paffoni Paola , Paino Anna Maria , Signorotti Fabiana , Cucchi Lorenzo , Pardo Nicolò Franchetti , Parravicini Umberto
Published: February 2012

Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) due to staphylococcus aureus is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Paravalvular abscess formation is a common complication of PVE at the aortic position, but fistula formation is rarely seen. The transesophageal echocardiography is the “gold‐standard” exam to detect PVE. We present a case of a 69‐year‐old patient with prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis, paravalvular abscess, and fistula in right atrium, where the diagnosis was made with three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography, without transesophageal evaluation. (Echocardiography 2012;29:E141‐E144)
Inflammatory Pseudotumor of the Right Ventricle in a 35‐Year‐Old Woman with Behçet's Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Yao Feng Juan , Liu Donghong , Zhang Yan , Yin Shengli
Published: February 2012

Inflammatory pseudotumor is a rare benign neoplasm. It is common in children and has been reported in various locations throughout the body but rarely in the heart. Behçet's disease is a multisystemic, recurrent, inflammatory disorder. We report a 35‐year‐old Behçet's disease patient with pseudotumor of the right ventricle and multiple pulmonary emboli. Transthoracic echocardiography showed dilation of right atrium, right ventricle, and a mass in the right ventricle. Multislice computed tomography revealed a large, poorly defined mass infiltrating the groove and multiple pulmonary emboli. Surgery was performed with diagnostic and therapeutic intent. Following sternotomy, we identified a mass in the anterior wall of right ventricle, the outflow tract, and the inflow tract of right ventricle. The histopathologic analysis identified an inflammatory infiltrate composed of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and other inflammatory cells, without mitosis. And there were also some thrombus on top of the mass. (Echocardiography 2012;29:E134‐E136)
Left Atrial Size and Function Are Related to Pulmonary Hypertension in Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Miyata‐Fukuoka Yoko , Izumo Masaki , Shimada Yuichi , Kuwahara Eiji , Gurudevan Swaminatha V. , Tolstrup Kirsten , Siegel Robert J. , Shiota Takahiro
Published: February 2012

Background: Left atrial (LA) size reflects diastolic burden and is a prognostic parameter of common cardiovascular death. However, the association between LA size and function and pulmonary hypertension (PH) in coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been well investigated. We hypothesized that LA size and function are associated with PH in CAD. Methods: One hundred seven patients with CAD were studied. LA size was determined in three different methods; namely, LA volume index (LAV), LA area index, and LA dimension. LAV total emptying fraction was also determined. Pulsed Doppler E, A, E/A, DT, tissue Doppler E′, A′, and E/E′ were measured. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was estimated. Results: All LA size parameters are significantly associated with PH. LAV emptying fraction, age, E, E/A, E/E′, and A′ were also associated with PH significantly. CAD patients with PH showed larger LA size, higher E, E/A, and E/E′ and lower LAV emptying fraction, A and A′ than CAD patients without PH. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that maximum LAV, E, E/A ratio, and age were independent predictors of PH. Maximum LAV > 35.6 mL/m2 predicted PASP > 40 mmHg with a sensitivity of 83.9% and specificity of 62.2%. Conclusion: LAV is associated with PH in CAD patients. (Echocardiography 2012;29:535‐540)
The Left Ventricular Intracavitary Vortex during the Isovolumic Contraction Period as Detected by Vector Flow Mapping
Authors: Zhang Haibin , Zhang Jun , Zhu Xiaoxing , Chen Lulu , Liu Liwen , Duan Yunyan , Yu Ming , Zhou Xiaodong , Zhu Ting , Zhu Miaozhang , Li Hongling
Published: February 2012

Aims: The purpose of this study was to characterize left ventricular (LV) intracavitary flow during the isovolumic contraction (IVC) period in humans using vector flow mapping. Methods: Color flow Doppler imaging was performed from the apical long‐axis view in 61 patients with heart failure and 58 healthy volunteers. Doppler flow data obtained during IVC were analyzed offline with vector flow mapping. Results: A large vortex was formed from the LV inflow toward the outflow during IVC. In normal subjects, the area of the vortex was sustained, but the flow volume decreased significantly during IVC (P < 0.001). A significant apex‐to‐base flow velocity gradient was shown along the outflow axis on aortic valve opening. However, both the area and flow volume of the vortex decreased more severely during IVC in the patients (P < 0.001). The apex‐to‐base flow velocity gradient along the outflow axis disappeared and a reversed velocity gradient was observed at the basal‐mid level on aortic valve opening. In multivariate models, a decreased LV ejection fraction was the only independent predictor of the percentage decrease in area of the vortex during the IVC (P < 0.001), and a larger QRS width (P = 0.028) and LV end‐systolic long diameter (P = 0.002) were independent predictors of the percentage decrease in flow volume of the vortex. Conclusions: The vortex across the LV inflow–outflow region during IVC facilitates the ejection of blood during early systole, and an unsustained vortex may be associated with impaired cardiac function. (Echocardiography 2012;29:579‐587)
Feasibility of Right Ventricular Longitudinal Systolic Function Evaluation with Transthoracic Echocardiographic Indices Derived from Tricuspid Annular Motion: A Preliminary Study in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Fichet Jérôme , Moreau Laure , Genée Olivier , Legras Annick , Mercier Emmanuelle , Garot Denis , Dequin Pierre‐François , Perrotin Dominique
Published: February 2012

Introduction: Assessment of right ventricular (RV) function in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains challenging. Transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) indices based on longitudinal systolic RV function are now considered as a reliable evaluation of RV function. We investigated feasibility of two methods in ARDS patients. Methods: Prospective observational study. TTE was performed after 12–36 hours of mechanical ventilation. Feasibility of tricuspid annular motion (St), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was compared to usual two‐dimensional (2D) study: fractional area change (RVFAC) and ratio of right to left ventricular end‐diastolic area (RVEDA/LVEDA). Results: Fifty patients were investigated, with TTE possible in all but two patients. Feasibility was 62% for RVFAC, 72% for RVEDA/LVEDA, and 96% for TAPSE and St. RV dilatation (RVEDA/LVEDA ≥0.60) was found in 16 patients, including 4 patients with acute cor pulmonale. A longitudinal RV dysfunction (TAPSE < 12 mm or St < 11.5 cm/sec) was suspected in 30% of patients. Relation between both longitudinal indices was modest (r2= 0.36, P < 0.001). TAPSE (but not St) was found poorly related to RVFAC (r2= 0.27, P = 0.03). Both indices were related to LV function (St: r2= 0.27, TAPSE: r2= 0.17, both P < 0.05). Conclusion: Despite a superior feasibility than 2D study, our results suggest that both indices may not bring identical information to echo study. TAPSE may be more adapted to ICU use than St. Both should be further investigated in terms of analysis of RV function and ventricular interdependence. Their relations with LV function may limit their use as sole markers of RV function in this population. (Echocardiography 2012;29:513‐521)
Using Anisotropic Diffusion for Efficient Extraction of Sensor Noise in Camera Identification
Authors: van Houten Wiger , Geradts Zeno
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Each digital camera has an intrinsic fingerprint that is unique to each camera. This device fingerprint can be extracted from an image and can be compared with a reference device fingerprint to determine the device origin. The complexity of the filters proposed to accomplish this is increasing. In this note, we use a relatively simple algorithm to extract the sensor noise from images. It has the advantages of being easy to implement and parallelize, and working faster than the wavelet filter that is common for this application. In addition, we compare the performance with a simple median filter and assess whether a previously proposed fingerprint enhancement technique improves results. Experiments are performed on approximately 7500 images originating from 69 cameras, and the results are compared with this often used wavelet filter. Despite the simplicity of the proposed method, the performance exceeds the common wavelet filter and reduces the time needed for the extraction.