bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moral Distinctions and Structural Inequality: Homeless Youth Salvaging the Self
Authors: Farrugia David , Smyth John , Harrison Tim
Published: February 2015

This paper explores the construction and contestation of moral distinctions as a dimension of contemporary structural inequality through a focus on the subjectivities constructed by young people who have experienced homelessness. Empirical material from two research projects shows that in young people's narratives of homelessness, material insecurity intertwines with the moral economies at work in neoliberal capitalist societies to construct homelessness as a state of moral disgrace, in which an ungovernable experience is experienced as a moral failure. When young people gain access to secure housing, the increasing stability and security of their lives is narrated in terms of a moral adherence to personal responsibility and disciplined conduct. Overall the paper describes an economy of worth organized around distinctions between order and chaos, self-governance and unruliness, morality and disgrace, which structures the experience of homelessness. As young people's position in relation to these moral ideals reflects the material conditions of their lives, their experiences demonstrate the way that moral hierarchies contribute to the existence and experience of structural inequalities in neoliberal capitalist societies.
Animals and Anomalies: An Analysis of the UK Veterinary Profession and the Relative Lack of State Reform
Authors: Hobson-West Pru , Timmons Stephen
Published: February 2015

The sociology of professions literature would predict that the contemporary state would not allow groups to continue unregulated or unreformed. However, this is indeed the case with the UK veterinary profession, with legislation dating back to 1966. Using an interdisciplinary analysis of published literature and reports, this paper assesses whether wider social, political and ethical dynamics can better explain this intriguing anomaly. We conclude with critical implications for the sociology of the professions. Furthermore, we argue that continuing to ignore the veterinary profession, and animals more generally, in sociological research will result in an impoverished and partial understanding of contemporary healthcare and occupations.
Laboratory and field studies on the reproductive ecology of Parocneria orienta (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) in China
Authors: Yang Hua , Zhang Kun‐Sheng , Yang Wei , Yang Chun‐Ping
Published: February 2015

To lay a foundation for the monitoring, prevention and control of Parocneria orienta, a pest moth in China, we investigated the reproductive ecology of P. orienta, including the environmental factors affecting reproduction and the effects of pheromones in field traps. The results showed that the mating duration is shorter when the temperature is higher, with the optimal temperature range for P. orienta reproduction being 22–27°C. The sex ratio had an effect on the male mating capacity, which significantly increased when the sex ratio was ♀:♂ ≥ 3:1. The average number of matings was 2.44 for males, while female P. orienta mated only once in a lifetime. Males were more attracted to virgin females than to mated females, and the temperature and light period had an effect on the release of sex pheromones by females. Field trap tests using virgin females supported the results obtained in the laboratory, showing that the release of sex pheromones by P. orienta follows a distinct circadian rhythm.
Emerging concepts in the pathogenesis of diabetes in fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes
Authors: Dasgupta Riddhi , Naik Dukhabandhu , Thomas Nihal
Published: February 2015

Fibrocalcific pancreatic diabetes (FCPD) is a rare form of diabetes affecting people in the tropics and presenting with unique clinical and radiological features. The onset of diabetes usually follows the first few episodes of abdominal pain and develops by the second or third decade of life. Endocrine and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, brittle glycemic control, and insulin‐requiring, ketosis‐resistant diabetes are the novel characteristics of FCPD. The etiopathogenetic mechanisms leading to FCPD remain unknown. Although defects in insulin secretion are the major contributors, growing evidence towards a possible role for insulin resistance and body composition abnormalities have added a new dimension to the disease pathogenesis. Deciphering the key pathogenetic mechanisms may have a profound effect on therapeutic strategies in future studies on FCPD.
An examination of index‐calibration experiments: counting tigers at macroecological scales
Authors: Gopalaswamy Arjun M. , Delampady Mohan , Karanth K. Ullas , Kumar N. Samba , Macdonald David W.
Published: February 2015

An index‐calibration experiment involves rigorous estimation of animal abundance at a small scale to calibrate a less rigorously derived index of abundance. The efficacy of such index‐calibration experiments has been a matter of much controversy. In this study, we develop theoretical models and test them with empirical data on large‐scale index‐calibration experiments on tigersPanthera tigristo advance our understanding of this controversy.

We propose two models that describe the sampling processes involved in typical index‐calibration experiments. Using analytical derivations and some simulations, we evaluate the relative roles of these sampling parameters on the(coefficient of determination) statistic – a common inferential tool used in such calibration experiments.

We make predictions about thestatistic using our theoretical derivations and estimates from large‐scale occupancy surveys of tigers in India. We then compare our predictions with empirical estimates of two tiger sign index‐calibration experiments (IC‐Karanth and IC‐Jhala).

Our theoretical models show that thestatistic increases when individual‐specific detection probability is high and is constant, increases when the variance‐to‐mean ratio of abundance increases, increases when precision of abundance estimates improves and declines when mean abundance increases. All predictions about the two index‐calibration experiments showed a poor performance of thestatistic (< 0·40). Inference from IC‐Karanth was extremely poor () and comparable to model predictions (Pvalue = 0·0754). Anomalously (Pvalue < 0·0001), inference from IC‐Jhala was exceedingly high ().

Our study shows that such direct index‐calibration experiments using thestatistic yield poor inferences unless all the sampling process parameters lie within a limited range. Ignoring the consequence of the effect of these parameters during survey design could result in expenditure of huge resources with little gain in ecological inference. Analysis using joint likelihood models, with appropriate survey designs, may be more fruitful than clinging on to such composite, direct‐based models.
World, City, Queer
Authors: Oswin Natalie
Published: February 2015

Scholars are now well attuned to the geographies of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) tolerance and intolerance across the world's countries. Yet, the ways in which the global and national dimensions of LGBT politics are tied to the world's cities have received limited attention; a particularly important omission since we have witnessed the stunning development whereby sexual difference is increasingly marshaled as a symbol of progress and modernity for the purposes of fostering national and urban competitiveness in various contexts. To frame the remaining papers in this symposium, this introductory article puts work on sexuality and the city into conversation with debates on global urbanism. It thus provides a framework for understanding the worlding of queerness that focuses on the relationships between globalization, urbanization and sexual politics.
Providing parents with individualised support in a neonatal intensive care unit reduced stress, anxiety and depression
Authors: Cano Giménez Evelyn , Sánchez‐Luna Manuel
Published: February 2015

Aim

This study assessed the effectiveness of an individualised intervention to reduce parental stress, anxiety and depression in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods

Parents of infants admitted to the NICU for a minimum of 4 weeks underwent a five‐step individualised intervention programme delivered by a psychologist.

Results

The study population comprised 40 mothers and 25 fathers in the intervention group and 40 mothers and 29 fathers in the control group who received the standard support. Similar stress levels were observed in both groups before the intervention. However, after 15 days, the group that received the individualised intervention showed a statistically significant lower level of anxiety, with none of the mothers and fathers in the intervention group reporting anxiety, compared with 2.5% of mothers and 10.3% of fathers in the control group. At discharge, 50% of mothers and 80% of fathers in the intervention group reported no level of depression, compared to all the mothers and fathers in the control group.

Conclusion

An intervention programme individualised to the needs of mothers and fathers with infants admitted to a NICU for at least 4 weeks was effective in reducing anxiety and depression compared to the standard care.
Hyperplastic polyps of the colon and rectum – reclassification, BRAF and KRAS status in index polyps and subsequent colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Janjua Huma Gul Rehana , Høgdall Estrid , Linnemann Dorte
Published: February 2015

Hyperplastic polyps (HP) of the colon and rectum were previously considered benign. Newer studies have suggested that colorectal HP are different entities. The aim of this study was to reclassify lesions from a 5‐year period previously classified as colorectal HP into traditional hyperplastic polyp (THP), sessile serrated lesions (SSL), and other lesions. All patients were confirmed in the Danish National Pathology Database for the occurrence of metachronous polyps/adenomas, colorectal cancer (CRC), and other gastrointestinal malignancies. Molecular pathology of the CRC were characterized and correlated with the index lesion. In total, 591 HP biopsy specimens were obtained from 480 patients. The lesions were reclassified as: 358 THP, 109 SSL, 35 TA, 81 unspecified non‐neoplastic lesions, four traditional serrated adenoma, and 4 SSL with cytological dysplasia. Seven patients developed CRC in the follow‐up period (1 patient had SSL, 4 had THP, and 2 had unspecified non‐neoplastic lesions). Ten patients developed other gastrointestinal malignancies. The patient with SSL as index lesions who developed CRC harbored V600E BRAF mutation in both index lesion and the carcinoma. Sixteen percent of patients with SSL subsequently developed a neoplastic lesion. Further studies are needed to clarify the cancer risk of SSL.
Randomised clinical trial: safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of repeated doses of TAK‐438 (vonoprazan), a novel potassium‐competitive acid blocker, in healthy male subjects
Authors: Jenkins H. , Sakurai Y. , Nishimura A. , Okamoto H. , Hibberd M. , Jenkins R. , Yoneyama T. , Ashida K. , Ogama Y. , Warrington S.
Published: February 2015

Background

TAK‐438 (vonoprazan) is a potassium‐competitive acid blocker that reversibly inhibits gastric H+, K+‐ATPase.

Aim

To evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of TAK‐438 in healthy Japanese and non‐Japanese men.

Methods

In two Phase I, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies, healthy men (Japan N = 60; UK N = 48) received TAK‐438 10–40 mg once daily at a fixed dose level for 7 consecutive days. Assessments included safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (intragastric pH).

Results

Plasma concentration–time profiles of TAK‐438 at all dose levels showed rapid absorption (median Tmax ≤2 h). Mean elimination half‐life was up to 9 h. Exposure was slightly greater than dose proportional, with no apparent time‐dependent inhibition of metabolism. There was no important difference between the two studies in AUC0‐tau on Day 7. TAK‐438 caused dose‐dependent acid suppression. On Day 7, mean 24‐h intragastric pH>4 holding time ratio (HTR) with 40 mg TAK‐438 was 100% (Japan) and 93.2% (UK), and mean night‐time pH>4 HTR was 100% (Japan) and 90.4% (UK). TAK‐438 was well tolerated. The frequency of adverse events was similar at all dose levels and there were no serious adverse events. There were no important increases in serum alanine transaminase activity. Serum gastrin and pepsinogen I and II concentrations increased with TAK‐438 dose.

Conclusions

TAK‐438 in multiple rising oral dose levels of 10–40 mg once daily for 7 days was safe and well tolerated in healthy men and caused rapid, profound and sustained suppression of gastric acid secretion throughout each 24‐h dosing interval. Clinicaltrials.gov identifiers: NCT02123953 and NCT02141711.
Women's Experiences of Fetal Movements before the Confirmation of Fetal Death—Contractions Misinterpreted as Fetal Movement
Authors: Linde Anders , Pettersson Karin , Rådestad Ingela
Published: February 2015

Background

Decreased fetal movement often precedes a stillbirth. The objective of this study was to describe women's experiences of fetal movement before the confirmation of fetal death.

Methods

Data were collected through a Web‐based questionnaire. Women with stillbirths after 28 gestational weeks were self‐recruited. Content analysis was used to analyze the answers to one open question. The statements from mothers of a stillborn, born during gestational weeks 28 to 36 were compared with those of a stillborn at term.

Results

The women's 215 answers were divided into three categories: decreased, weak, and no fetal movement at all; 154 (72%) of the descriptions were divided into three subcategories: decreased and weak movement (106; 49%), no movement at all (35; 16%), and contraction interpreted as movement (13; 6%). The category fetal movement as normal includes 39 (18%) of the descriptions. The third category, extremely vigorous fetal activity followed by no movement at all, includes 22 (10%) of the descriptions. Eight (15%) of the women with stillbirths in gestational weeks 28 to 36 interpreted contractions as fetal movement as compared to 5 (5%) of the women with stillbirths at term.

Discussion

Uterine contractions can be interpreted as fetal movement. A single episode of extremely vigorous fetal activity can precede fetal death. The majority of the women experienced decreased, weaker, or no fetal movement at all 2 days before fetal death was diagnosed. Mothers should be educated to promptly report changes in fetal movement to their health care providers. Using fetal movement information to evaluate possible fetal distress may lead to reductions in stillbirths.
Disclosing genetic risk for coronary heart disease: effects on perceived personal control and genetic counseling satisfaction
Authors: Robinson C.L. , Jouni H. , Kruisselbrink T.M. , Austin E.E. , Christensen K.D. , Green R.C. , Kullo I.J.
Published: February 2015

We investigated whether disclosure of coronary heart disease (CHD) genetic risk influences perceived personal control (PPC) and genetic counseling satisfaction (GCS). Participants (n = 207, age: 45–65 years) were randomized to receive estimated 10‐year risk of CHD based on a conventional risk score (CRS) with or without a genetic risk score (GRS). Risk estimates were disclosed by a genetic counselor who also reviewed how GRS altered risk in those randomized to CRS+GRS. Each participant subsequently met with a physician and then completed surveys to assess PPC and GCS. Participants who received CRS+GRS had higher PPC than those who received CRS alone although the absolute difference was small (25.2 ± 2.7 vs 24.1 ± 3.8, p = 0.04). A greater proportion of CRS+GRS participants had higher GCS scores (17.3 ± 5.3 vs 15.9 ± 6.3, p = 0.06). In the CRS+GRS group, PPC and GCS scores were not correlated with GRS. Within both groups, PPC and GCS scores were similar in patients with or without family history (p = NS). In conclusion, patients who received their genetic risk of CHD had higher PPC and tended to have higher GCS. Our findings suggest that disclosure of genetic risk of CHD together with conventional risk estimates is appreciated by patients. Whether this results in improved outcomes needs additional investigation.
Estimation and Determinants of the Philippines' Household Carbon Footprint
Authors: Seriño Moises Neil V. , Klasen Stephan
Published: February 2015

Estimation of a household carbon footprint in developed countries is abundant in the literature but there are few studies from developing countries. This paper presents an estimation of household carbon emission from the consumption of various goods and services in the Philippines. We estimate household emissions by combining input–output analysis with household expenditure for 2000 and 2006. After controlling for household characteristics, the analyses reveal that income has a significant nonlinear relationship with emissions, depicting an inverted U‐shaped with a turning point beyond the current income distribution. Unless consumption patterns change, it is likely that there will be further increases in emissions as households become more affluent.
BMP/Smad signaling and embryonic cerebellum development: Stem cell specification and heterogeneity of anterior rhombic lip
Authors: Tong Ka Kui , Ma Tsz Ching , Kwan Kin Ming
Published: February 2015

The canonical bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) signaling have been shown to mediate many embryonic developmental processes. Due to its complexity, there are still many unknowns about this signal pathway including the Smad usage and requirement. Cerebellum, one of the most studied neural organs in development biology, requires canonical BMP signaling for stem cell specification. Here we review the role of canonical BMP signaling during the embryonic cerebellum development. Also, we raise several unsolved issues concerning the BMP signaling including the co‐Smad independency of this signaling pathway. Besides, we also propose two models for explaining the cerebellar anterior rhombic lip (ARL) specification mechanisms. In addition, we review the heterogeneity of the ARL stem cells, which may provide new insight into understanding the neural stem cell specification process of the embryonic cerebellum.
Relationships between activities of daily living, upper limb function, and visual perception in children and adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy
Authors: James Sarah , Ziviani Jenny , Ware Robert S , Boyd Roslyn N
Published: February 2015

Aim

This study examined relationships between activities of daily living (ADL) motor and process skills, unimanual capacity, bimanual performance, and visual perception in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Participants were 101 children with unilateral CP (51 males, 50 females; mean age 11y 9mo [SD 2y 5mo; range 8–17y]; Manual Ability Classification System [MACS] level I=24; level II=76; level III=1). Measures were (1) Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS), (2) Jebsen–Taylor Test of Hand Function (JTTHF), (3) Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA), and (4) Test of Visual Perceptual Skills, 3rd edition (TVPS‐3). Regression models were constructed with the AMPS motor scale and AMPS process as the dependent variables.

Results

The AHA and JTTHF dominant upper limb score together explained 57% of the variance in AMPS motor scale scores. TVPS‐3 Visual Sequential Memory, TVPS‐3 Visual Closure, and JTTHF dominant upper limb score together explained 35% of the variance in AMPS process scale scores.

Interpretation

Bimanual performance and unimanual capacity of the dominant upper limb are significantly associated with ADL motor skills in children with unilateral CP. Process skills of ADL are related to visual perceptual ability and dominant upper limb unimanual capacity, which may reflect motor planning required to perform daily tasks.
Ability to gall: the ultimate basis of host specificity in fig wasps?
Authors: GHANA SALAH , SULEMAN NAZIA , COMPTON STEPHEN G.
Published: February 2015

1. Fig trees (Ficus spp.) and their host‐specific pollinator fig wasps (Agaonidae) are partners in an obligate mutualism. Receptive phase figs release specific volatiles to attract their pollinators, and this is generally effective in preventing pollinator species from entering figs of the wrong hosts.

2. If entry is attempted into atypical host figs, then ostiole size and shape and style length may also prevent reproduction. In spite of these barriers, there is increasing evidence that fig wasps enter atypical hosts, and that this can result in hybrid seed and fig wasp offspring.

3. This study examines the basis of pollinator specificity in two dioecious fig species from different geographical areas. Kradibia tentacularis pollinates Ficus montana in Asia. Ficus asperifolia from East Africa is closely related but is pollinated by a different species of Kradibia.

4. In glasshouses, K. tentacularis was attracted to its normal host, F1s and backcrosses, but only rarely entered figs of F. asperifolia. Foundresses were able to lay eggs in hybrids, backcrosses, and F. asperifolia, although flower occupancy was lowest in F. asperifolia figs and intermediate in hybrids.

5. The fig wasp failed to reproduce in female F. montana, male F. asperifolia, and male F1s, and most but not all backcrosses to F. montana. This was a result of the failure to initiate gall production.

6. Host specificity in this fig wasp is strongly influenced by host volatiles, but the ability to gall may be the ultimate determinant of whether it can reproduce.
Genetic variation in dieback resistance in Fraxinus excelsior confirmed by progeny inoculation assay
Authors: Lobo A. , McKinney L. V. , Hansen J. K. , Kjær E. D. , Nielsen L. R.
Published: February 2015

Ash dieback caused by the pathogenic fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus [previously known as H. pseudoalbidus (sexual stage) and Chalara fraxinea (asexual stage)] is a widespread problem in Europe. Here, we assess crown damage from natural infection and necrosis development following artificial controlled inoculations on full‐sib and half‐sib progeny from Danish Fraxinus excelsior clones with contrasting and well‐characterized levels of susceptibility to the disease. The inoculation assay was performed on a total of 123 offspring, and necrosis development monitored over two years. The offspring from low susceptible mother clones developed smaller necroses when compared to offspring from susceptible clones. Their crown damage due to natural infections was also significantly less. The correlation coefficient between average crown damages of mother clones and the average of their progeny was 0.85 (natural infections), while the correlation between crown damage of mother clones and the average necrosis development in their progeny after controlled inoculation was 0.73. The correlation between resistance of parent trees and crown damage/necrosis development on their offspring confirms the presence of heritable resistance and indicates that a bioassay based on controlled inoculations has the potential of becoming a fast and cost‐effective tool for estimation of dieback susceptibility in breeding programmes for resistance in ash trees.
OCTET‐CY: a phase II study to investigate the efficacy of post‐transplant cyclophosphamide as sole graft‐versus‐host prophylaxis after allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Holtick Udo , Chemnitz Jens‐Markus , Shimabukuro‐Vornhagen Alexander , Theurich Sebastian , Chakupurakal Geothy , Krause Anke , Fiedler Anne , Luznik Leo , Hellmich Martin , Wolf Dominik , Hallek Michael , von Bergwelt‐Baildon Michael , Scheid Christof
Published: February 2015

Objective

Post‐transplant cyclophosphamide is increasingly used as graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis in the setting of bone marrow transplantation. No data have been published on the use of single‐agent GvHD prophylaxis with post‐transplant cyclophosphamide in the setting of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT).

Methods

In a phase II trial, 11 patients with myeloma or lymphoma underwent conditioning with fludarabine and busulfan followed by T‐replete PBSCT and application of 50 mg/kg/d of cyclophosphamide on day+3 and +4 without other concurrent immunosuppression (IS).

Results

Median time to leukocyte, neutrophil, and platelet engraftment was 18, 21, and 18 d. The incidence of grade II–IV and grade III–IV GvHD was 45% and 27%, with a non‐relapse mortality (NRM) of 36% at one and 2 yr. After median follow‐up of 927 d, overall and relapse‐free survival was 64% and 34%. Three patients did not require any further systemic IS until day+100 and thereafter. Analysis of immune reconstitution demonstrated rapid T‐ and NK‐cell recovery. B‐ and CD3+/CD161+NK/T‐cell recovery was superior in patients not receiving additional IS.

Conclusion

Post‐transplant cyclophosphamide as sole IS in PBSCT is feasible and allows rapid immune recovery. Increased rates of severe acute GvHD explain the observed NRM and may advise a temporary combination partner such as mTor‐inhibitors in the PBSCT setting.
18FDG‐PET in different subtypes of temporal lobe epilepsy: SEEG validation and predictive value
Authors: Guedj Eric , Bonini Francesca , Gavaret Martine , Trébuchon Agnès , Aubert Sandrine , Boucekine Mohamed , Boyer Laurent , Carron Romain , McGonigal Aileen , Bartolomei Fabrice
Published: February 2015

Objective

The objective of the study was to characterize interictal 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography (18FDG‐PET) whole‐brain voxel‐based metabolic patterns among distinct subtypes of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), as defined by stereo–electroencephalography (SEEG) and to determine predictive value of PET result on postoperative outcome.

Methods

Fifty‐four consecutive patients with pharmacoresistant TLE were enrolled retrospectively after a comprehensive presurgical evaluation. This evaluation defined: 7 lateral TLE, 17 mesial TLE, 14 “plus” TLE, and 16 bilateral TLE. Whole‐brain voxel‐based brain metabolism was studied in each group of patients, in comparison to 23 healthy subjects, and individual classification was evaluated by cross‐validation using the found clusters. An 18FDG‐PET index was moreover calculated for each patient, based on the individual Z‐score of the most significant cluster extracted on the comparison between patients' subgroup and healthy subjects. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate factors associated with postoperative outcome (Engel's classes III–IV vs. I–II), including age, gender, disease duration, seizure frequency, as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and PET findings.

Results

Different patterns of hypometabolism were found inside and outside the epileptogenic zone, among patients with distinct subgroups of TLE, in comparison to healthy subjects (p < 0.001, corrected for the cluster). At individual level, cross‐validation showed satisfactory discrimination between the four groups with 71.4–88.2% overall accuracy. Multivariate analysis shows that 18FDG‐PET index was the only significant predictor of postoperative outcome to distinguish between Engel's classes I–II and III–IV (p = 0.037).

Significance

Overall, this whole‐brain voxel‐based analysis validates specific patterns of hypometabolism, inside and outside the EZ, in distinct subgroups of patients with TLE, as defined by SEEG gold standard, and in relation with postoperative outcome.
Presurgery resting‐state local graph‐theory measures predict neurocognitive outcomes after brain surgery in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Doucet Gaelle E. , Rider Robert , Taylor Nathan , Skidmore Christopher , Sharan Ashwini , Sperling Michael , Tracy Joseph I.
Published: February 2015

Objective

This study determined the ability of resting‐state functional connectivity (rsFC) graph‐theory measures to predict neurocognitive status postsurgery in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) who underwent anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL).

Methods

A presurgical resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) condition was collected in 16 left and 16 right TLE patients who underwent ATL. In addition, patients received neuropsychological testing pre‐ and postsurgery in verbal and nonverbal episodic memory, language, working memory, and attention domains. Regarding the functional data, we investigated three graph‐theory properties (local efficiency, distance, and participation), measuring segregation, integration and centrality, respectively. These measures were only computed in regions of functional relevance to the ictal pathology, or the cognitive domain. Linear regression analyses were computed to predict the change in each neurocognitive domain.

Results

Our analyses revealed that cognitive outcome was successfully predicted with at least 68% of the variance explained in each model, for both TLE groups. The only model not significantly predictive involved nonverbal episodic memory outcome in right TLE. Measures involving the healthy hippocampus were the most common among the predictors, suggesting that enhanced integration of this structure with the rest of the brain may improve cognitive outcomes. Regardless of TLE group, left inferior frontal regions were the best predictors of language outcome. Working memory outcome was predicted mostly by right‐sided regions, in both groups. Overall, the results indicated our integration measure was the most predictive of neurocognitive outcome. In contrast, our segregation measure was the least predictive.

Significance

This study provides evidence that presurgery rsFC measures may help determine neurocognitive outcomes following ATL. The results have implications for refining our understanding of compensatory reorganization and predicting cognitive outcome after ATL. The results are encouraging with regard to the clinical relevance of using graph‐theory measures in presurgical algorithms in the setting of TLE.
Parental education predicts change in intelligence quotient after childhood epilepsy surgery
Authors: Meekes Joost , van Schooneveld Monique M. J. , Braams Olga B. , Jennekens‐Schinkel Aag , van Rijen Peter C. , Hendriks Marc P. H. , Braun Kees P. J. , van Nieuwenhuizen Onno
Published: February 2015

Objective

To know whether change in the intelligence quotient (IQ) of children who undergo epilepsy surgery is associated with the educational level of their parents.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of data obtained from a cohort of children who underwent epilepsy surgery between January 1996 and September 2010. We performed simple and multiple regression analyses to identify predictors associated with IQ change after surgery. In addition to parental education, six variables previously demonstrated to be associated with IQ change after surgery were included as predictors: age at surgery, duration of epilepsy, etiology, presurgical IQ, reduction of antiepileptic drugs, and seizure freedom. We used delta IQ (IQ 2 years after surgery minus IQ shortly before surgery) as the primary outcome variable, but also performed analyses with pre‐ and postsurgical IQ as outcome variables to support our findings. To validate the results we performed simple regression analysis with parental education as the predictor in specific subgroups.

Results

The sample for regression analysis included 118 children (60 male; median age at surgery 9.73 years). Parental education was significantly associated with delta IQ in simple regression analysis (p = 0.004), and also contributed significantly to postsurgical IQ in multiple regression analysis (p = 0.008). Additional analyses demonstrated that parental education made a unique contribution to prediction of delta IQ, that is, it could not be replaced by the illness‐related variables. Subgroup analyses confirmed the association of parental education with IQ change after surgery for most groups.

Significance

Children whose parents had higher education demonstrate on average a greater increase in IQ after surgery and a higher postsurgical—but not presurgical—IQ than children whose parents completed at most lower secondary education. Parental education—and perhaps other environmental variables—should be considered in the prognosis of cognitive function after childhood epilepsy surgery.
Equine laryngeal dysplasia
Authors: Barakzai S. Z.
Published: February 2015

Equine 4th and 6th branchial arch defects are not uncommon in the equine population at large but can be challenging to diagnose and treat. An understanding of the anatomical structures that can be involved and how structural abnormalities may affect laryngeal function is important for clinicians faced with such cases. Diagnosis is often made using resting endoscopic examination alone but, in many cases, laryngeal ultrasound, radiography and 3‐dimensional (3D) imaging techniques can be useful in confirming a diagnosis and for detecting which structures are abnormal. Exercising endoscopy is an important tool when ascertaining whether treatment is an option, for guiding treatment choice and making a prognosis for athletic function.
Modeling environmental, temporal and spatial effects on twaite shad (Alosa fallax) by‐catches in the centralMediterraneanSea
Authors: La Mesa Gabriele , Annunziatellis Aldo , Filidei Elio , Fortuna Caterina Maria
Published: February 2015

Modeling the relationships between environmental factors and the distribution at sea of species of conservation interest can be useful in predicting their occurrence from a local to a regional scale. This information is essential for planning management and conservation initiatives. In this study, generalized additive models (GAMs) were applied to investigate the influence of environmental, temporal and spatial variables on the catch rates of the twaite shadAlosa fallax(Lacepède) by the pelagic trawl fishery in the north‐central Adriatic Sea. Presence/absence and abundance [catch per unit effort (CPUE)] data between 2006 and 2012 were separately modeled, and the two models were then validated using a test data set. The most important factor influencing the presence and abundance of adult twaite shads was the spatial predictor (latitude × longitude). Two areas of major shads aggregations were observed, the most important of which being located near the estuaries of three main river systems of northern Italy. The twaite shad presence was also significantly affected by season, the largest and lowest occurrences being observed in autumn and spring, respectively. Among the environmental variables tested, only sea surface temperature was included in both models.Alosa fallaxshowed a wide thermal tolerance (6–27°C) with preference for temperature around 23°C. The model developed from the abundance data showed a moderate predictive power, whereas the accuracy of the presence/absence model was rather low. Some conclusions on the ecological requirements ofA. fallaxat sea arising from this study are useful to orient future monitoring and research programs and to develop effective conservation actions.
Helicobacter pylori Induces Serine Phosphorylation of EGFR via Novel TAK1–p38 Activation Pathway in an HB‐EGF‐Independent Manner
Authors: Zaidi Syed Faisal , Refaat Alaa , Zhou Yue , Sualeh Muhammad Jibran , Shin Myoung‐Sook , Saiki Ikuo , Sakurai Hiroaki , Sugiyama Toshiro
Published: February 2015

Background

The interaction of Helicobacter pylori with gastric epithelial cells can result in the activation of transcription factor NF‐κB via TGF‐β‐activated kinase 1 (TAK1). In this study, we have demonstrated the role of H. pylori in the activation of EGFR via TAK1‐mediated phosphorylation of p38.

Materials and Methods

Gastric epithelial AGS or MKN‐45 cells were co‐cultured with wild‐type or cagA− H. pylori strains. H. pylori was added to the cells, and the activation of EGFR, p65 (NF‐κB) subunit, p38, ERK, and TAK1 was examined by Western blotting. Infected cells were pretreated with or without ligands, chemical inhibitors, anti‐HB‐EGF antibody, and siRNAs to evaluate the effects on phosphorylation of various EGFR residues. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were performed to detect the internalization of EGFR.

Results

Incubating cells with wild‐type and CagA− H. pylori strains resulted in the rapid and transient phosphorylation of serine residues of EGFR. RNAi experiments using siRNA against TAK1 and p38 pathways blocked the phosphorylation of serine residue. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry revealed that EGFR was internalized in H. pylori‐infected cells after EGFR phosphorylation in a p38‐dependent manner. In contrast, pretreatment with gefitinib and anti‐HB‐EGF antibody did not block both the phosphorylation and internalization of EGFR.

Conclusion

Helicobacter pylori induces internalization of EGFR via novel TAK1–p38–serine activation pathway which is independent of HB‐EGF. The interaction between TAK1 and EGFR in H. pylori‐infected cells might open new dimensions in understanding H. pylori‐associated gastric carcinogenesis.
Morphologic and Histologic Changes in Gastric Adenomas After Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Long‐Term Prospective Analysis
Authors: Suzuki Sho , Gotoda Takuji , Suzuki Haruhisa , Kono Shin , Iwatsuka Kunio , Kusano Chika , Oda Ichiro , Sekine Shigeki , Moriyasu Fuminori
Published: February 2015

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection causes gastric neoplasia via development of chronic atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. The effect of H. pylori eradication on pre‐existing gastric neoplasias is still controversial. The aim of this study was to use long‐term observation to clarify morphologic and histologic changes in gastric adenomas following H. pylori eradication.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐seven patients with gastric adenomas (revised Vienna classification category 3 or 4.1) who underwent successful H. pylori eradication between April 1996 and December 1997 were followed up at regular intervals with endoscopic and histologic examination. The association between macroscopic and histologic regressions of the lesions and the following patient and lesion characteristics was assessed with univariate analysis: follow‐up period, age, sex, serum pepsinogen level, lesion size, lesion location, and histologic gastritis.

Results

The mean follow‐up period was 91.9 months (range 44–181 months). Twelve lesions (44.4%) showed macroscopic regression, of which 7 (25.9% of the total) also showed histologic regression, with the mean duration from H. pylori eradication to complete macroscopic and histologic regression being 19.9 months. The other 15 lesions (55.6%) remained stable macroscopically and histologically, of which 6 (22.2% of the total) progressed to malignancy during the follow‐up period. Univariate analysis revealed that female sex (p = .005), smaller lesion size (p = .025), higher baseline serum pepsinogen II level (p = .041), and absence of intestinal metaplasia in the greater curvature of the corpus (p = .026) were significantly associated with complete regression.

Conclusions

Helicobacter pylori eradication may induce regression in some gastric adenomas.
High‐level expression of Hsp90β is associated with poor survival in resectable non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Kim Seok‐Hyun , Ji Jun Ho , Park Kyung Tae , Lee Ji Hyun , Kang Kyung Woo , Park Jae Hong , Hwang Sang Won , Lee Eun Hee , Cho Yu Ji , Jeong Yi Yeong , Kim Ho‐Cheol , Lee Jong Deog , Jang Inseok , Lee Jong Sil , Lee Hyoun Wook , Lee Gyeong‐Won
Published: February 2015

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of Hsp90β and GRP94, and elucidate the clinical significance of their expression, in patients with resectable non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods and results

Surgical tissue specimens were obtained from 208 patients with NSCLC who underwent surgical resection. The expression levels of Hsp90β and GRP94 were assessed with tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry. No correlations were observed between Hsp90β or GRP94 expression and several clinicopathological factors. The high‐Hsp90β group [median overall survival (OS) 20.4 months; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.000–40.864] showed a significant decrease in OS as compared with the low‐Hsp90β group (median OS not reached; P = 0.003). In contrast to the Hsp90β analysis, the GRP94 analysis did not show a difference in OS. Moreover, in subgroup analyses of patients with squamous cell carcinoma histology, OS (P = 0.012) and relapse‐free survival (P = 0.044) were significantly worse in the high‐Hsp90β group than in the low‐Hsp90β group. Multivariate analysis suggested that old age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.568; 95% CI 1.019–2.412; P = 0.041], advanced disease (HR 2.066; 95% CI 1.218–3.502; P = 0.007) and high Hsp90β expression (HR 1.802; 95% CI 1.061–3.060; P = 0.029) were independent poor prognostic factors for OS.

Conclusions

Hsp90β expression might be a useful marker of poor OS, although further large prospective studies are warranted to validate our findings.
On the Consequences of Pro‐Cyclical Fiscal Policy
Authors: McManus Richard , Ozkan F. Gulcin
Published: February 2015

There is widespread evidence that pro‐cyclical fiscal policies have been prevalent in developing countries and often in some industrial nations. It is therefore surprising that, in contrast to the wealth of studies on the sources of pro‐cyclical policy, potential consequences of such seemingly suboptimal policies have been largely ignored in the existing literature. By utilising a comprehensive set of indicators from 114 countries for 1950–2010, we aim to address the following important question: does it matter whether a country adopts a pro‐cyclical fiscal policy stance rather than a counter‐cyclical one? Our results produce a resounding ‘yes’ to this question. We find that fiscally pro‐cyclical countries have lower rates of economic growth, higher rates of output volatility and higher rates of inflation.
Is UK Vice Chancellor Pay Justified by University Performance?
Authors: Bachan Ray , Reilly Barry
Published: February 2015

The pay of university managers (vice chancellors, VCs) in the UK has risen sharply in recent years. This paper considers the extent to which VC pay awards are related to university performance measures based around institution mission and financial probity using an individual fixed effects strategy based on data covering academic years 1998–99 to 2008–09. In contrast to earlier studies on this theme, we find evidence that VCs are rewarded for observable mission‐based performance measures. Specifically, our results suggest that success in widening participation for students from comprehensive schools and those from areas with low university participation exerts a positive effect on VCs' pay. Securing income flows from university funding council grants also impacts positively on their remuneration. However, even after controlling for a rich array of observable and unobservable factors, there have been sizeable increases in real pay in recent years that cannot be readily explained.
Quasi‐experimental evaluation of a telephone‐based peer support intervention for maternal depression
Authors: Letourneau Nicole , Secco Loretta , Colpitts Jennifer , Aldous Sarah , Stewart Miriam , Dennis Cindy‐Lee
Published: February 2015

Aims

To evaluate the effect of telephone‐based peer support on maternal depression and social support

Background

Postpartum depression is a global health concern and lack of treatment options mean many mothers are depressed beyond the first year after birth. Strong evidence has shown telephone‐based peer support, provided by a mother recovered from depression, effectively improves depression outcomes. This model has not been tested with mothers with depression any time up to two years postpartum.

Design

Quasi‐experimental, one group pre‐test, posttest.

Method

The study population was mothers in New Brunswick, Canada with depression up to 24 months after delivery. The sample (N = 64) was recruited between May 2011–October 2013. Peer volunteers recovered from postpartum depression were trained and delivered an average of 8·84 (Range 1–13) support telephone calls. Depression and social support outcomes were assessed at intervention mid‐point (average 7·43 weeks, n = 37) and end (average 13·9 weeks, n = 34).

Results

Mean depression significantly declined from baseline, 15·4 (N = 49), to mid‐point, 8·30 and end of the study, 6·26. At mid‐point 8·1% (n = 3/37) of mothers were depressed and at endpoint 11·8% (4/34) were depressed suggesting some relapse. Perceptions of social support significantly improved and higher support was significantly related with lower depression symptoms.

Conclusion

Findings offer promise that telephone‐based peer support is effective for both early postpartum depression and maternal depression up to two years after delivery.
Experimental evolution in fluctuating environments: tolerance measurements at constant temperatures incorrectly predict the ability to tolerate fluctuating temperatures
Authors: Ketola T. , Saarinen K.
Published: February 2015

The ability to predict the consequences of fluctuating environments on species distribution and extinction often relies on determining the tolerances of species or genotypes in different constant environments (i.e. determining tolerance curves). However, very little is known about the suitability of measurements made in constant environments to predict the level of adaptation to rapidly fluctuating environments. To explore this question, we used bacterial clones adapted to constant or fluctuating temperatures and found that measurements across a range of constant temperatures did not indicate any adaptation to fluctuating temperatures. However, adaptation to fluctuating temperatures was only apparent if growth was measured during thermal fluctuation. Thus, tolerance curves based on measurements in constant environments can be misleading in predicting the ability to tolerate fast environmental fluctuations. Such complications could lead to false estimates of the genetic merits of genotypes and extinction risks of species due to climate change‐induced thermal fluctuations.
Positive genetic correlation between brain size and sexual traits in male guppies artificially selected for brain size
Authors: Kotrschal A. , Corral‐Lopez A. , Zajitschek S. , Immler S. , Maklakov A. A. , Kolm N.
Published: February 2015

Brain size is an energetically costly trait to develop and maintain. Investments into other costly aspects of an organism's biology may therefore place important constraints on brain size evolution. Sexual traits are often costly and could therefore be traded off against neural investment. However, brain size may itself be under sexual selection through mate choice on cognitive ability. Here, we use guppy (Poecilia reticulata) lines selected for large and small brain size relative to body size to investigate the relationship between brain size, a large suite of male primary and secondary sexual traits, and body condition index. We found no evidence for trade‐offs between brain size and sexual traits. Instead, larger‐brained males had higher expression of several primary and precopulatory sexual traits – they had longer genitalia, were more colourful and developed longer tails than smaller‐brained males. Larger‐brained males were also in better body condition when housed in single‐sex groups. There was no difference in post‐copulatory sexual traits between males from the large‐ and small‐brained lines. Our data do not support the hypothesis that investment into sexual traits is an important limiting factor to brain size evolution, but instead suggest that brain size and several sexual traits are positively genetically correlated.