bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Simple Approach for Measuring Emission Patterns of Vapor Phase Mercury under Temperature-Controlled Conditions from Soil
Authors: Kim Ki-Hyun , Yoon Hye-On , Jung Myung-Chae , Oh Jong-Min , Brown Richard J. C.
Published: August 2012

In an effort to study the possible effects of climate change on the behavior of atmospheric mercury (Hg), we built a temperature–controlled microchamber system to measure its emission from top soils. To this end, mercury vapour emission rates were investigated in the laboratory using top soil samples collected from an urban area. The emissions of Hg, when measured as a function of soil temperature (from ambient levels up to 70°C at increments of 10°C), showed a positive correlation with rising temperature. According to the continuous analyses of the Hg vapor given off by the identical soil samples, evasion rate diminished noticeably with increasing number of repetitions. The experimental results, if examined in terms of activation energy (Ea), showed highly contrasting patterns between the single and repetitive runs. Although the results of the former exhibited Ea values smaller than the vaporization energy of Hg (i.e., <14 Kcal mol−1), those of the latter increased systematically with increasing number of repetitions. As such, it is proposed that changes in the magnitude of Ea values can be used as a highly sensitive criterion to discriminate the important role of vaporization from other diverse (biotic/abiotic) processes occurring in the soil layer.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Panidis Dimitrios , Macut Djuro , Tziomalos Konstantinos , Papadakis Efstathios , Mikhailidis Konstantinos , Kandaraki Eleni A. , Tsourdi Elena A. , Tantanasis Theoharis , Mavromatidis George , Katsikis Ilias
Published: August 2012

Objective

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) are common disorders that share many characteristics, particularly abdominal obesity and insulin resistance. Our objective was to compare the prevalence of MetS between a large cohort of patients with PCOS and body mass index ‐matched controls.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Patients

We studied 1223 patients with PCOS and 277 healthy women. Diagnosis of PCOS was based on the revised Rotterdam criteria. Women with PCOS were divided into those who fulfilled both the Rotterdam criteria and the diagnostic criteria of the 1990 National Institutes of Health definition of PCOS (group 1, n = 905) and into those with the additional phenotypes introduced by the Rotterdam criteria (group 2, n = 318). Diagnosis of MetS was based on four different definitions.

Measurements

Anthropometric, metabolic, hormonal and ultrasonographic features of PCOS.

Results

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) was higher in women with PCOS than in controls when the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III definition of MetS was applied (15·8% and 10·1%, respectively; P = 0·021) but not with the three more recent MetS definitions. The prevalence of MetS was higher in group 1 than in controls regardless of the applied MetS definition. In contrast, the prevalence of MetS was similar in group 2 and in controls regardless of the applied MetS definition. In logistic regression analysis, PCOS did not predict the presence of MetS.

Conclusions

Polycystic ovary syndrome per se does not appear to increase the risk of MetS independent of abdominal obesity.
The effect of a cervical collar on the seal pressure of the LMA Supreme™: a prospective, crossover trial
Authors: Mann V. , Spitzner T. , Schwandner T. , Mann S. T. W. , Müller M. , Ahlbrandt J. , Weigand M. A. , Röhrig R.
Published: August 2012

For personnel inexperienced in airway management, supraglottic airway devices may be the first choice in an emergency. Changing head position is known to reduce the seal pressure of a laryngeal mask airway. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of a cervical collar improves the stability of airways secured with the LMA Supreme™ (The Laryngeal Mask Company Limited, Mahé, Seychelles). In this crossover trial, the primary endpoint was the difference in the seal pressure of the LMA Supreme in anaesthetised patients in maximum passive extension of the neck, with and without a cervical collar. The median (IQR [range]) seal pressure was 18 (13.8–22.1 [0–30]) cmH2O in maximum passive extension without a cervical collar. With a cervical collar in place, the seal pressure increased to 28 (22.8–30 [17–30]) cmH2O (p < 0.001). In the neutral head position, the seal pressure was 22 (17.6–24.5 [12–30]) cmH2O without and 27 (22–30 [12–30]) cmH2O with a cervical collar in place (p < 0.001). We found that a cervical collar stabilises the airway with an LMA Supreme in place and we recommend this combination for (pre‐hospital) emergency cases.
Vascular effects of dietary nitrate (as found in green leafy vegetables and beetroot) via the nitrate‐nitrite‐nitric oxide pathway
Authors: Lidder Satnam , Webb Andrew J.
Published: August 2012

The discovery that dietary (inorganic) nitrate has important vascular effects came from the relatively recent realization of the ‘nitrate‐nitrite‐nitric oxide (NO) pathway’. Dietary nitrate has been demonstrated to have a range of beneficial vascular effects, including reducing blood pressure, inhibiting platelet aggregation, preserving or improving endothelial dysfunction, enhancing exercise performance in healthy individuals and patients with peripheral arterial disease. Pre‐clinical studies with nitrate or nitrite also show the potential to protect against ischaemia‐reperfusion injury and reduce arterial stiffness, inflammation and intimal thickness. However, there is a need for good evidence for hard endpoints beyond epidemiological studies. Whilst these suggest reduction in cardiovascular risk with diets high in nitrate‐rich vegetables (such as a Mediterranean diet), others have suggested possible small positive and negative associations with dietary nitrate and cancer, but these remain unproven. Interactions with other nutrients, such as vitaminC, polyphenols and fatty acids may enhance or inhibit these effects. In order to provide simple guidance on nitrate intake from different vegetables, we have developed theNitrate ‘Veg‐Table’ with ‘NitrateUnits’ [each unit being 1 mmol of nitrate (62 mg)] to achieve a nitrate intake that is likely to be sufficient to derive benefit, but also to minimize the risk of potential side effects from excessive ingestion, given the current available evidence. The lack of data concerning the long term effects of dietary nitrate is a limitation, and this will need to be addressed in future trials.
Significant enrichment of Y‐bearing chromosome human spermatozoa using a modified centrifugation technique
Authors: Koundouros S. , Verma P.
Published: August 2012

The effective separation of X‐ and Y‐bearing chromosome spermatozoa has been a topic of major attraction to a number of scientific disciplines. Approaches have typically been based upon either the kinetic or the physical characteristics of spermatozoa. Much of the information available to date has either suggested conflicting evidence between different approaches or a lack of repeatability, while other robust and reproducible techniques require expensive equipment and are being questioned with relation to their safety in clinical applications. This study describes a safe and efficient method for the successful enrichment of the Y‐bearing chromosome spermatozoa cells from their X counterparts in the human male using a simple approach based on centrifugation. Five donor candidates with normal semen profiles and proven fertility were recruited. In total, 20 semen specimens were processed using conventional swim‐up. During each attempt, half of the swim‐up product was subjected to the enrichment technique and the other half served as control. Parameters important for successfully skewing sex ratios included the relative centrifugal force, the duration of centrifugal separation and the number of centrifugation rounds. Assessment of samples following the separation technique was effected by a three‐colour‐labelled fluorescent in situ hybridization. More than 1000 spermatozoa for each donor specimen were assessed for the presence of an X or Y chromosome. The enrichment technique produced a significantly higher (p < 0.001) overall frequency of 85.5% for the Y‐bearing chromosome spermatozoa in the experimental group (3606 X‐bearing/21 209 Y‐bearing) compared with a frequency of 50.1% in the control group (11 801 X‐bearing/11 269 Y‐bearing), where there was no statistically significant difference in the number of either X‐ or Y‐chromosome‐bearing spermatozoa. In conclusion, successful skewing of human Y‐bearing chromosome spermatozoa can be reproducibly achieved by the use of simple swim‐up followed by a meticulous centrifugation protocol.
Isolation, purification and characterisation of angiotensin I‐converting enzyme–inhibitory peptides derived from catfish (Clarias batrachus) muscle protein thermolysin hydrolysates
Authors: Ghassem Masomeh , Arihara Keizo , Babji Abdul S.
Published: August 2012

The angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE)‐inhibitory activities of catfish (Clarias batrachus) muscle protein hydrolysates were investigated. Thermolytic digests of C. batrachus sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins exhibited inhibitory activity towards ACE and were purified with the aim of ultrafiltration, gel filtration and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). The amino acid sequences of hydrolysates with the highest ACE‐inhibitory activities were determined using electrospray quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐TOFQ MS/MS). The sequences of GPPP (IC50 = 0.86 μm) and IEKPP (IC50 = 1.2 μm) corresponding to the fragments 986–989 and 441–445 of myosin‐I heavy chain were identified for the sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein hydrolysates, respectively. Peptide GPPP exhibited a mixed‐type inhibition whereas peptide IEKPP could only bind to the active sites of ACE. The results demonstrate that hydrolysates of C. batrachus muscle proteins obtained by thermolysin may contain bioactive peptides.
Effects of tangential microfiltration and pasteurisation on the rheological, microbiological, physico‐chemical and sensory characteristics of sugar cane juice
Authors: Rezzadori Katia , Petrus Rodrigo R. , Benedetti Silvia , Carminatti Claudimir A. , Petrus José C. C.
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study was to determine the physico‐chemical, microbiological, rheological and sensory characteristics of sugar cane juice with passion fruit pulp (5% w/w) added and which had been submitted to microfiltration and pasteurisation (90 °C/30 s; 95 °C/30 s) processes. The results showed that the juices obtained after the microfiltration and pasteurisation processes had low microbial counts. The microfiltered juice showed a reduction in the soluble solids, acidity and vitamin C content (P = 0.05), while the pasteurised juice showed no change in these parameters (P > 0.05) in relation to the natural sugar cane juice, with the exception of vitamin C, which was not detected after the thermal treatment. In relation to the rheological properties, Newtonian behaviour was observed for both microfiltered and pasteurised juices. The sensory tests on a hedonic scale showed good acceptance of both juices (microfiltered and pasteurised).
Optimisation of process parameters for the degradation of caffeic acid in sugar solutions
Authors: Nguyen Danny M. T. , Doherty William O. S.
Published: August 2012

Fenton oxidation has been used to study the degradation of caffeic acid (CA), a colour precursor in sugar cane juice, in water and sucrose solutions. Central composite design and response surface methodology were used to evaluate the relationships between % CA degradation and the process parameters (i.e. CA and sucrose concentrations, pH, reagent dosages, reaction temperature and time). A quadratic polynomial model was developed for CA degradation and indicated that the initial sucrose and CA concentrations significantly affected the amount of CA degraded. Numerical optimisation was used to determine the optimum process parameters. It showed that in water at 35 °C, 80% CA was degraded at pH 5.49, 0.72 mm Fe2+ and 9.44 mm H2O2. However, in a synthetic sugar solution under similar conditions to that of factory mixed cane juice containing 13 mass% sucrose, only 61% of CA was degraded.
Mechanical and rheological properties of fresh egg pasta as affected by shell egg production factors
Authors: Alamprese Cristina , Casiraghi Ernestina , Rossi Margherita
Published: August 2012

The aim of this work was to study the influence of hen age and housing system on egg performances in fresh pasta production, focusing on mechanical and rheological properties of pasta. Samples of pasta were prepared with eggs laid by Hy‐Line Brown hens (from 27 to 68 weeks old) housed in conventional cage, barn and organic systems. Only hen age significantly affected pasta properties. In particular, as regards raw pasta, the loosest structure was obtained using eggs laid by the youngest hens (27–30 weeks old). On the contrary, in cooked pasta, the weakest structure was observed when eggs were laid by hens aged 53–68 weeks. However, differences, although significant, were small and thus most likely not sensorially perceivable. Significant correlations were found between mechanical and rheological properties of raw fresh egg pasta, meaning that small deformation measurements are as valuable as large deformation tests for the characterisation of this product.
Rice DECUSSATE controls phyllotaxy by affecting the cytokinin signaling pathway
Authors: Itoh Jun‐ichi , Hibara Ken‐ichiro , Kojima Mikiko , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Nagato Yasuo
Published: August 2012

Phyllotaxy is defined as the spatial arrangement of leaves on the stem. The mechanism responsible for this extremely regular pattern is one of the most fascinating enigmas in plant biology. In this study, we identified a gene regulating the phyllotactic pattern in rice. Loss‐of‐function mutants of the DECUSSATE (DEC) gene displayed a phyllotactic conversion from normal distichous pattern to decussate. The dec mutants had an enlarged shoot apical meristem with enhanced cell division activity. In contrast to the shoot apical meristem, the size of the root apical meristem in the dec mutants was reduced, and cell division activity was suppressed. These phenotypes indicate that DEC has opposite functions in the shoot apical meristem and root apical meristem. Map‐based cloning revealed that DEC encodes a plant‐specific protein containing a glutamine‐rich region and a conserved motif. Although its molecular function is unclear, the conserved domain is shared with fungi and animals. Expression analysis showed that several type A response regulator genes that act in the cytokinin signaling pathway were down‐regulated in the dec mutant. In addition, dec seedlings showed a reduced responsiveness to exogenous cytokinin. Our results suggest that DEC controls the phyllotactic pattern by affecting cytokinin signaling in rice.
Proteins from the FLOWERING LOCUS T‐like subclade of the PEBP family act antagonistically to regulate floral initiation in tobacco
Authors: Harig Lena , Beinecke Farina A. , Oltmanns Jan , Muth Jost , Müller Oliver , Rüping Boris , Twyman Richard M. , Fischer Rainer , Prüfer Dirk , Noll Gundula A.
Published: August 2012

Flowering is an important agronomic trait that often depends on the integration of photoperiod, vernalization, gibberellin and/or autonomous signaling pathways by regulatory proteins such as FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), a member of the phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding protein (PEBP) family. Six PEBP family proteins control flowering in the model plantArabidopsis thaliana, and their regulatory functions are well established, but variation in the number and structural diversity of PEBPs in different species means their precise functions must be determined on a case‐by‐case basis. We isolated four novelFT‐like genes fromNicotiana tabacum(tobacco), and determined their expression profiles in wild‐type plants and their overexpression phenotypes in transgenic plants. We found that all four genes were expressed in leaves under short‐day conditions, and at least NtFT3expression was restricted to phloem companion cells. We also found that the NtFT1, NtFT2 and NtFT3 proteins are floral inhibitors (atypical for FT‐like proteins), whereas only NtFT4 is a floral inducer. We were unable to detect the expression of these genes under long‐day conditions, suggesting that all four tobacco FT‐like proteins may control flowering in response to short days. Phylogenetic analysis of PEBP family proteins and their functions in different solanaceous species confirmed that gene duplication and divergence within the FT‐like clade has led to the evolution of antagonistic regulators that may help to fine‐tune floral initiation in response to environmental cues.
Environmental factors associated with American cutaneous leishmaniasis in a new Andean focus in Colombia
Authors: Ocampo C. B. , Ferro M. C. , Cadena H. , Gongora R. , Pérez M. , Valderrama‐Ardila C. H. , Quinnell R. J. , Alexander N.
Published: August 2012

Objective  To evaluate the environmental and ecological factors associated with Leishmania transmission and vector abundance in Chaparral, Tolima‐Colombia.

Methods  First, we compared the ecological characteristics, abundance of phlebotomies and potential reservoir hosts in the peridomestic environment (100 m radius) of randomly selected houses, between two townships with high and low cutaneous leishmaniasis incidence. Second, we examined peridomestic correlates of phlebotomine abundance in all 43 houses in the higher risk township.

Results  The high transmission township had higher coverage of forest (23%vs. 8.4%) and shade coffee (30.7%vs. 11%), and less coffee monoculture (16.8%vs. 26.2%) and pasture (6.3%vs. 12.3%), compared to the low transmission township. Lutzomyia were more abundant in the high transmission township 2.5 vs. 0.2/trap/night. Lutzomyia longiflocosa was the most common species in both townships: 1021/1450 (70%) and 39/80 (49%). Numbers of potential wild mammal reservoirs were small, although four species were found to be infected with Leishmania (Viannia) spp. In the high transmission township, the overall peridomiciliary capture rate of L. longiflocosa was 1.5/trap/night, and the abundance was higher in houses located nearer to forest (ρ = −0.30, P = 0.05).

Conclusion  The findings are consistent with a domestic transmission cycle with the phlebotomies dependent on dense vegetation near the house.
Reduction in weed seedling emergence by pathogens following the incorporation of green crop residue
Authors: MOHLER C L , DYKEMAN C , NELSON E B , DITOMMASO A
Published: August 2012

Mohler CL, Dykeman C, Nelson EB & Ditommaso A (2012). Reduction in weed seedling emergence by pathogens following the incorporation of green crop residue. Weed Research.52, 467–477.

Because tillage promotes the germination of many weed species and freshly killed plant material favours the growth of microbial pathogens, we hypothesised that the incorporation of green crop residue should temporarily reduce weed seedling emergence relative to unamended soil. Soil with field‐incorporated green crop residue was compared with non‐amended soil in glasshouse experiments by sowing several weed species at different times after incorporation. Species included Abutilon theophrasti, Chenopodium album, Amaranthus powellii, Setaria faberi, Echinochloa crus‐galli and, in one year, lettuce and red clover. Soils with green crop residue reduced seedling emergence for 0–4 days after incorporation by an average of 30%. Comparison of emergence in non‐sterilised soil with that in sterilised soil, with and without fresh crop residue, indicated that a biological agent caused the depressed emergence. In the third year of the study, the fungi Fusarium oxysporum and F. chlamydosporum were isolated from seeds exposed to soil amended with green crop residues, and their pathogenicity to seeds and seedlings was confirmed in bioassays. This study indicated that incorporation of fresh crop residue reduces the first flush of weed seedlings following tillage and that this depression in emergence is probably caused by pathogen attack on seeds and seedlings before emergence.
Behavioral feeding problems and parenting stress in eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders in children
Authors: Wu Yelena P. , Franciosi James P. , Rothenberg Marc E. , Hommel Kevin A.
Published: August 2012

To cite this article: Wu YP, Franciosi JP, Rothenberg ME, Hommel KA. Behavioral feeding problems and parenting stress in eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders in children. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 730–735.

Background:  Children with eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGID) and their families are asked to adhere to dietary restrictions which can present significant daily challenges. However, little is known about child and family functioning and adaptation and the impact of psychosocial functioning (e.g., behavioral feeding problems) on adherence to dietary restrictions in this pediatric population.

Methods:  We conducted a gender‐ and age‐matched case–control study wherein parents of children with EGID and healthy control children completed measures of behavioral feeding problems, parenting stress, and adherence to prescribed dietary restrictions.

Results:  Children with EGID (n = 92) have significantly higher levels of behavioral feeding problems than healthy controls (n = 89; t = 5.7, p < 0.001; t = 7.9, p < 0.001). In particular, younger children demonstrated higher levels of behavioral feeding problems than older children. While behavioral feeding problems were not predictive of adherence to dietary restriction recommendations, they were positively associated with parenting stress.

Conclusions:  The study results indicate that, for families caring for a child with EGID, higher levels of behavioral feeding problems are associated with parent maladjustment or dysfunction. A multidisciplinary treatment team is needed to provide comprehensive psychosocial and feeding evaluations and treatment in EGID families.
Microstructural abnormalities of white matter differentiate pediatric and adult‐onset bipolar disorder
Authors: Lu Lisa H , Zhou Xiaohong Joe , Fitzgerald Jacklynn , Keedy Sarah K , Reilly James L , Passarotti Alessandra M , Sweeney John A , Pavuluri Mani
Published: August 2012

Lu LH, Zhou XJ, Fitzgerald J, Keedy SK, Reilly JL, Passarotti AM, Sweeney JA, Pavuluri M. Microstructural abnormalities of white matter differentiate pediatric and adult onset bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 597–606. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  White‐matter microstructure, known to undergo significant developmental transformation, is abnormal in bipolar disorder (BD). Available evidence suggests that white‐matter deviation may be more pronounced in pediatric than adult‐onset BD. The present study aimed to examine how white‐matter microstructure deviates from a typical maturational trajectory in BD.

Methods:  Fractional anisotropy (FA) was measured in 35 individuals presenting with first episode BD (type I) and 46 healthy controls (HC) (aged 9–42) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Patients were medication free and close to illness onset at the time of the DTI scans. Tract‐based spatial statistics were used to examine the center of white‐matter tracts, and FA was extracted from nine tracts of interest. Axial, radial, and mean diffusivity were examined in post‐hoc analyses.

Results:  The left anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC) showed significantly lower FA in pediatric than adult‐onset BD. The lower FA in BD was due primarily to greater radial, rather than decreased axial, diffusivity.

Conclusions:  The ALIC connects the frontal lobes with archistriatum, thalamus, and medial temporal regions, and alteration in these pathways may contribute to mood dysregulation in BD. Abnormalities in this pathway appear to be associated with an earlier onset of illness and thus may reflect a greater susceptibility to illness.
Clinical and neuropathological findings in a patient with familial Alzheimer disease showing a mutation in the PSEN1 gene
Authors: Niwa Atsushi , Matsuo Ko , Shindo Akihiro , Yata Kenichiro , Shiraishi Taizo , Tomimoto Hidekazu
Published: August 2012

Over 100 mutations have been described in the presenilin‐1 gene (PSEN1), resulting in familial Alzheimer disease (AD). However, of the limited number of autopsy cases, only one has been reported from an AD family with an L420R PSEN1 mutation. We describe here clinical and neuropathological features of a patient with dementia‐parkinsonism from a family with a PSEN1 mutation (L420R). A 43‐year‐old Japanese woman was autopsied 12 years after the onset of her progressive dementia and 4 years after the onset of parkinsonism. Throughout the neocortex and hippocampus, cotton wool plaques were identified, densely packed, in almost all the cortical layers along with neuronal loss, gliosis, NFT and neuropil threads. In addition, CAA affecting meningeal, subpial and cortical arterioles was found, as well as amyloid β‐protein (Aβ)‐deposition in the capillaries (capillary CAA) in the neocortex and subcortical nuclei. There was loss of pigmented neurons in the substantia nigra. The putamen was densely packed with diffuse plaques and rarely showed capillary CAA, whereas the globus pallidus showed extensive capillary CAA but no plaques. This differential distribution is similar to that reported for a previous patient with a mutation in PSEN1. It is concluded that neuropathological changes in the substantia nigra and lenticular nuclei were responsible for the patient's parkinsonism. Capillary transport of Aβ unique to the respective tissue of the patient may result in the differential distribution of Aβ between the putamen and globus pallidus seen in individuals with a PSEN1 mutation.
Photochemical responses of phytoplankton to rapid increasing‐temperature process
Authors: Zhang Min , Yu Yang , Yang Zhen , Kong Fanxiang
Published: August 2012

Phytoplankton is sensitive to rapidly increasing temperature in spring. However, studies on the effect of temperature on phytoplankton have mainly focused on constant temperatures. It is necessary to clarify the determining parameters of phytoplankton shifts during temperature increases, as temperatures are predicted to fluctuate more intensively and frequently in the future. In the study, we analyzed the responses of photosynthetic properties and growth in a cyanobacterium (Microcystis aeruginosa) and a green alga (Chlorella pyrenoidosa), the dominant species in Taihu, to rapid increasing‐temperature process in the laboratory and in the field. The results show that gradually increasing temperature inhibited photosynthesis and the growth of C. pyrenoidosa and had almost no effect on M. aeruginosa. Elevated increasing temperature range also had more significant effects on the photosynthetic properties and growth rates of C. pyrenoidosa than those of M. aeruginosa in the laboratory and in the field. All of these results suggest that the photosynthetic performance of M. aeruginosa is more suitable to gradually increasing temperature and relatively strong temperature variations than that of C. pyrenoidosa, which might partially contribute to Microcystis excluding Chlorella competitively in aquatic ecosystem. Our findings point out the possible importance of the rapid and dramatic increasing‐temperature process to the formation of cyanobacterial blooms.
Evaluation of a multicomponent intervention to improve weight status and fitness in children: Upstarts
Authors: Sandercock Gavin RH , Cohen Daniel D , Griffin Murray
Published: August 2012

Background

Many physical activity intervention programs are unable to sustain long‐term improvements in activity levels and are often not cost‐effective. The aim of this study was to determine if a low‐cost school‐ and community‐centered sports coaching program was able to improve health‐related fitness in children.

Methods

Children from three schools in socially deprived areas took part in weekly coaching sessions over two 10 week periods during the school year. Coaching was provided by local community‐based sports clubs. Body mass index (BMI), jump height, handgrip strength, and 20 m shuttle run test (20mSRT) performance were assessed before and after each of the two intervention periods, to determine short‐ and long‐term changes in health‐related fitness. Age‐ and sex‐normalized z‐scores were calculated using normative UK reference data for each measure.

Results

BMI z‐score did not change in the short term, as expected, but importantly was significantly lower at the end of the study. Both handgrip and 20mSRT performance scores increased after the first 10 week period. Only improvements in handgrip were maintained for the whole study period. Jump height actually decreased over the entire study period.

Conclusion

There were some notable benefits of this novel, cost‐effective, naturalistic intervention but future studies should examine seasonal variation and motivational factors as potential confounding variables.
Prevalence of ADHD symptoms in patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Hansen Erlend , Poole Tiffany A. , Nguyen Van , Lerner Marc , Wigal Tim , Shannon Kevin , Wigal Sharon B. , Batra Anjan S.
Published: August 2012

Objective

The presence of attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) was investigated.

Methods

Swanson, Nolan and Pelham teacher and parent rating scales, version 4 (SNAP‐IV), commonly used for assessing symptoms of ADHD, were completed by parents and counselors of children who attended a CHD summer camp. Mean scores (n = 51) were compared with two comparison groups without CHD: patients with ADHD (n = 75) and patients without ADHD (n = 41). Parent scores were also compared to previously published parent normative data.

Results

Patients with CHD were reported to have elevated SNAP‐IV scores by parents and counselors (11.8%). Parent ratings of inattention were significantly greater in CHD subjects when compared to the comparison group without ADHD (P < 0.001), and similar to the ADHD‐positive comparison group. Regarding parent ratings of hyperactivity and impulsivity, the CHD group was significantly lower than the ADHD‐positive controls (P = 0.024) but greater than the ADHD‐negative controls (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

ADHD symptoms are more prevalent in children with CHD. Parent ratings of inattention and hyperactivity symptoms in CHD patients are similar to ratings in children diagnosed with ADHD. There is a trend towards a greater prevalence of inattention symptoms in patients with cyanosis or single ventricle physiology.
INTRODUCTION: RECENT TRENDS IN SOCIAL ECONOMY RESEARCH
Authors: FECHER F. , CHAVES R. , MONZON J.L.
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT:  International research on the social economy has undergone three important changes over the last five years. Firstly, the socioeconomic reality subject of this research has suffered a profound transformation as a result of the impact and the prolongation of the crisis and the expectations created in relation to the role of the social economy. Secondly, the topics under scrutiny by the scientific community have changed gradually over these years adapting to the macro and micromutations being studied. Thirdly, we have witnessed what may be considered the definitive consolidation and institutionalization of research into the social economy and its scientific community. This latter is confirmed by the prolific and diversified scientific output, the recognition of the specialized scientific journals, the solidity of the international networks of researchers and research centres and specialist training, as well as by the existence of periodic international scientific conferences.
Emotion at the Center of Radical Politics: On the Affective Structures of Rebellion and Control
Authors: Clough Nathan L.
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Through an examination of anarchist organizing and policing and security tactics at the 2008 Republican National Convention, this paper argues that the emotional connections between radical activists have become the targets of both social movement strategies for growth and police strategies for social control. As such, the emotions of activists are a site of intense political contestation. I introduce the concept of affective structures to develop an account of the relations between affect, emotion, and radical politics, and present these structures as both the means and the ends of contemporary anarchist organizing and state strategies for social control.
Visualization for the Physical Sciences
Authors: Lipşa Dan R. , Laramee Robert S. , Cox Simon J. , Roberts Jonathan C. , Walker Rick , Borkin Michelle A. , Pfister Hanspeter
Published: August 2012

Close collaboration with other scientific fields is an important goal for the visualization community. Yet engaging in a scientific collaboration can be challenging. The physical sciences, namely astronomy, chemistry, earth sciences and physics, exhibit an extensive range of research directions, providing exciting challenges for visualization scientists and creating ample possibilities for collaboration. We present the first survey of its kind that provides a comprehensive view of existing work on visualization for the physical sciences. We introduce novel classification schemes based on application area, data dimensionality and main challenge addressed, and apply these classifications to each contribution from the literature. Our survey helps in understanding the status of current research and serves as a useful starting point for those interested in visualization for the physical sciences.
Cluster‐based ensemble of classifiers
Authors: Rahman Ashfaqur , Verma Brijesh
Published: August 2012

This paper presents cluster‐based ensemble classifier – an approach toward generating ensemble of classifiers using multiple clusters within classified data. Clustering is incorporated to partition data set into multiple clusters of highly correlated data that are difficult to separate otherwise and different base classifiers are used to learn class boundaries within the clusters. As the different base classifiers engage on different difficult‐to‐classify subsets of the data, the learning of the base classifiers is more focussed and accurate. A selection rather than fusion approach achieves the final verdict on patterns of unknown classes. The impact of clustering on the learning parameters and accuracy of a number of learning algorithms including neural network, support vector machine, decision tree and k‐NN classifier is investigated. A number of benchmark data sets from the UCI machine learning repository were used to evaluate the cluster‐based ensemble classifier and the experimental results demonstrate its superiority over bagging and boosting.
Intervertebral disc degeneration: evidence for two distinct phenotypes
Authors: Adams Michael A. , Dolan Patricia
Published: August 2012

We review the evidence that there are two types of disc degeneration. ‘Endplate‐driven’ disc degeneration involves endplate defects and inwards collapse of the annulus, has a high heritability, mostly affects discs in the upper lumbar and thoracic spine, often starts to develop before age 30 years, usually leads to moderate back pain, and is associated with compressive injuries such as a fall on the buttocks. ‘Annulus‐driven’ disc degeneration involves a radial fissure and/or a disc prolapse, has a low heritability, mostly affects discs in the lower lumbar spine, develops progressively after age 30 years, usually leads to severe back pain and sciatica, and is associated with repetitive bending and lifting. The structural defects which initiate the two processes both act to decompress the disc nucleus, making it less likely that the other defect could occur subsequently, and in this sense the two disc degeneration phenotypes can be viewed as distinct.
Patterns and processes in crop domestication: an historical review and quantitative analysis of 203 global food crops
Authors: Meyer Rachel S. , DuVal Ashley E. , Jensen Helen R.
Published: August 2012

Domesticated food crops are derived from a phylogenetically diverse assemblage of wild ancestors through artificial selection for different traits. Our understanding of domestication, however, is based upon a subset of well‐studied ‘model’ crops, many of them from the Poaceae family. Here, we investigate domestication traits and theories using a broader range of crops. We reviewed domestication information (e.g. center of domestication, plant traits, wild ancestors, domestication dates, domestication traits, early and current uses) for 203 major and minor food crops. Compiled data were used to test classic and contemporary theories in crop domestication. Many typical features of domestication associated with model crops, including changes in ploidy level, loss of shattering, multiple origins, and domestication outside the native range, are less common within this broader dataset. In addition, there are strong spatial and temporal trends in our dataset. The overall time required to domesticate a species has decreased since the earliest domestication events. The frequencies of some domestication syndrome traits (e.g. nonshattering) have decreased over time, while others (e.g. changes to secondary metabolites) have increased. We discuss the influences of the ecological, evolutionary, cultural and technological factors that make domestication a dynamic and ongoing process.

Contents

Summary
29

I.
Introduction
30

II.
Key concepts and definitions
30

III.
Methods of review and analysis
35

IV.
Trends identified from the review of 203 crops
37

V.
Life cycle
38

VI.
Ploidy level
40

VII.
Reproductive strategies
42

VIII.
The domestication syndrome
42

IX.
Spatial and temporal trends
42

X.
Utilization of plant parts
44

XI.
Conclusions
44

Acknowledgements
45

References
45
Do family members agree on family purchase decision? – an empirical study among families in Hong Kong
Authors: Wut Tai Ming , Chou Ting‐Jui
Published: August 2012

Family decision making is one of the most important consumer decisions. It is complicated because all family members can be involved in the decision‐making process. The current study examined the impact of perceived buying preferences of individual family member on perceived family buying preferences. A new family decision‐making model with family members’ buying preference is proposed based on resources theory, social learning theory and family system theory. It is found that there is a synergy effect in a family decision‐making process. The synergy effect is expressed as positive correlations between individual family members buying preferences. Quota sampling was adopted to collect primary data in Hong Kong using triadic approach. Managerial implications and future research directions are suggested.
Effect of obstetric team training on team performance and medical technical skills: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fransen AF , van de Ven J , Merién AER , de Wit‐Zuurendonk LD , Houterman S , Mol BW , Oei SG
Published: August 2012

Please cite this paper as: Fransen A, van de Ven J, Merién A, de Wit‐Zuurendonk L, Houterman S, Mol B, Oei S. Effect of obstetric team training on team performance and medical technical skills: a randomised controlled trial. BJOG 2012;119:1387–1393.

Objective  To determine whether obstetric team training in a medical simulation centre improves the team performance and utilisation of appropriate medical technical skills of healthcare professionals.

Design  Cluster randomised controlled trial.

Setting  The Netherlands.

Sample  The obstetric departments of 24 Dutch hospitals.

Methods  The obstetric departments were randomly assigned to a 1‐day session of multiprofessional team training in a medical simulation centre or to no such training. Team training was given with high‐fidelity mannequins by an obstetrician and a communication expert. More than 6 months following training, two unannounced simulated scenarios were carried out in the delivery rooms of all 24 obstetric departments. The scenarios, comprising a case of shoulder dystocia and a case of amniotic fluid embolism, were videotaped. The team performance and utilisation of appropriate medical skills were evaluated by two independent experts.

Main outcome measures  Team performance evaluated with the validated Clinical Teamwork Scale (CTS) and the employment of two specific obstetric procedures for the two clinical scenarios in the simulation (delivery of the baby with shoulder dystocia in the maternal all‐fours position and conducting a perimortem caesarean section within 5 minutes for the scenario of amniotic fluid embolism).

Results  Seventy‐four obstetric teams from 12 hospitals in the intervention group underwent teamwork training between November 2009 and July 2010. The teamwork performance in the training group was significantly better in comparison to the nontraining group (median CTS score: 7.5 versus 6.0, respectively; P = 0.014). The use of the predefined obstetric procedures for the two clinical scenarios was also significantly more frequent in the training group compared with the nontraining group (83 versus 46%, respectively; P = 0.009).

Conclusions  Team performance and medical technical skills may be significantly improved after multiprofessional obstetric team training in a medical simulation centre.
Uterine balloon tamponade for the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage in resource‐poor settings: a systematic review
Authors: Tindell K , Garfinkel R , Abu‐Haydar E , Ahn R , Burke TF , Conn K , Eckardt M
Published: August 2012

Background  Effective interventions addressing postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) are critically needed to reduce maternal mortality worldwide. Uterine balloon tamponade (UBT) has been shown to be an effective technique to treat PPH in developed countries, but has not been examined in resource‐poor settings.

Objectives  This literature review examines the effectiveness of UBT for the treatment and management of PPH in resource‐poor settings.

Search strategy  Publications were sought through searches of five electronic databases: Medline, Cochrane Reference Libraries, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Embase and Popline.

Selection criteria  Titles and abstracts were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers. Each reviewer evaluated the full text of potentially eligible articles by defined inclusion criteria, including the presentation of empirical data and use of UBT in resource‐poor settings to treat PPH.

Data collection and analysis  Full text of all eligible publications was collected and systematically coded.

Main results  The search identified 13 studies that met the inclusion criteria: six case reports or case series, five prospective studies and two retrospective studies for a total of 241 women. No randomised controlled trials were identified. The studies used various types of UBT, including condom catheter (n = 193), Foley catheter (n = 5) and Sengstaken–Blakemore oesophageal tube (n = 1). In these studies, primarily conducted in tertiary‐care settings rather than lower‐level health facilities, UBT successfully treated PPH in 234 out of 241 women.

Conclusions  UBT is an effective treatment for PPH in resource‐poor settings. Further study of UBT interventions is necessary to better understand the barriers to successful implementation and use in these settings.
On computing the 2‐diameter ‐constrained K ‐reliability of networks
Authors: Canale Eduardo , Cancela Héctor , Robledo Franco , Rubino Gerardo , Sartor Pablo
Published: August 2012

This article considers a communication network modeled by a graph and a distinguished set of terminal nodes . We assume that the nodes never fail, but the edges fail randomly and independently with known probabilities. The classical K ‐reliability problem computes the probability that the subnetwork is composed only by the surviving edges in such a way that all terminals communicate with each other. The d ‐diameter ‐constrained K ‐reliability generalization also imposes the constraint that each pair of terminals must be the extremes of a surviving path of approximately d length. It allows modeling communication network situations in which limits exist on the acceptable delay times or on the amount of hops that packets can undergo. Both problems have been shown to be NP ‐hard, yet the complexity of certain subproblems remains undetermined. In particular, when , it was an open question whether the instances with were solvable in polynomial time. In this paper, we prove that when and is a fixed parameter (i.e. not an input) the problem turns out to be polynomial in the number of nodes of the network (in fact linear). We also introduce an algorithm to compute these cases in such time and also provide two numerical examples.
Differential activation of the μ‐opioid receptor by oxycodone and morphine in pain‐related brain regions in a bone cancer pain model
Authors: Nakamura Atsushi , Hasegawa Minoru , Minami Kazuhisa , Kanbara Tomoe , Tomii Takako , Nishiyori Atsushi , Narita Minoru , Suzuki Tsutomu , Kato Akira
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose

Bone cancer pain is chronic and often difficult to control with opioids. However, recent studies have shown that several opioids have distinct analgesic profiles in chronic pain.

Experimental Approach

To clarify the mechanisms underlying these distinct analgesic profiles, functional changes in the μ‐opioid receptor were examined using a mouse femur bone cancer (FBC) model.

Key Results

In the FBC model, the Bmax of [3H]‐DAMGO binding was reduced by 15–45% in the periaqueductal grey matter (PAG), region ventral to the PAG (vPAG), mediodorsal thalamus (mTH), ventral thalamus and spinal cord. Oxycodone (10−8–10−5 M) and morphine (10−8–10−5 M) activated [35S]‐GTPγS binding, but the activation was significantly attenuated in the PAG, vPAG, mTH and spinal cord in the FBC model. Interestingly, the attenuation of oxycodone‐induced [35S]‐GTPγS binding was quite limited (9–26%) in comparison with that of morphine (46–65%) in the PAG, vPAG and mTH, but not in the spinal cord. Furthermore, i.c.v. oxycodone at doses of 0.02–1.0 μg per mouse clearly inhibited pain‐related behaviours, such as guarding, limb‐use abnormalities and allodynia‐like behaviour in the FBC model mice, while i.c.v. morphine (0.05–2.0 μg per mouse) had only partial or little analgesic effect on limb‐use abnormalities and allodynia‐like behaviour.

Conclusion and Implications

These results show that μ‐opioid receptor functions are attenuated in several pain‐related regions in bone cancer in an agonist‐dependent manner, and suggest that modification of the μ‐opioid receptor is responsible for the distinct analgesic effect of oxycodone and morphine.