bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absorption of Atmospheric NO2 by Spruce (Picea abies) Trees. III. Interaction with Nitrate Reductase Activity in the Needles and Phloem Transport
Authors: Weber P. , Thoene Barbara , Rennenberg H.
Published: February 2014

In order to compare the effects of excess pedospheric and atmospheric nitrogen supply on nitrate reductase activity (NR. EC 1.6.6.1) excised spruce branches were exposed to nitrate solutions or were fumigated with NO2. Immersion of spruce branches in 6 mM nitrate caused an increase in NR activity by a factor of 14 or 19 in current‐year and in one‐year‐old needles, respectively, as compared to controls incubated in tap water. Exposure to 65 nl I−1 NO2 increased NR activity by a factor of 1.5 in current‐year needles and by a factor of 2.5 in one‐year‐old needles as compared to non‐fumigated controls. Addition of cycloheximide (0.17 μM) or puromycin (200 μM) to the incubation solution prevented the induction of NR activity from both nitrate and NO2 exposure. This finding indicates that induction of NR activity by both atmospheric NO2 or increased nitrate supply of the needles is both caused by de‐novo synthesis of NR protein. The increase in NR activity in needles of branches still attached to the tree as a consequence of exposure to 65 nl I−1 NO2 was found to be a transient phenomenon. The increase persisted for several days only and was no longer observed after one week of sustained NO2 exposure. An interruption of phloem transport by girdling, applied subsequent to the induction of NR activity by atmospheric NO2, prevented the decrease in NR activity. Apparently, export out of the exposed needles and phloem transport within the stem are involved in the regulation of NR activity upon NO2 exposure.
Time‐Resolved Analysis of Signals Involved in Systemic Induction of Pin2 Gene Expression
Authors: Herde O. , Peña‐Cortés H. , Willmitzer L. , Fisahn J.
Published: February 2014

The systemic induction of proteinase inhibitor genes in tomato plants is mediated either by electrical signals, hydraulic signals or chemical messengers. In the present study we analyzed the effects of mechanical wounding, heat treatment and electrical current application on wild‐type tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill, cv Moneymaker) and ABA‐deficient mutants of tomato (sitiens). Kinetic studies revealed that systemic Pin2 gene expression could be slightly induced by the fast transient membrane potential change which left the damaged leaf within 30–60s after wounding. Moreover, a signal leaving the damaged tissue between 2 and 4 minutes after wounding was responsible for a significant amplification of Pin2 gene expression. This signal could either be a decrease in turgor pressure, which occurred 3–4min after treatment, or a slow electrical transient. In addition, mechanical wounding and electrical current seem to involve ABA to induce changes in membrane potential and to promote Pin2 gene expression. In contrast, heat triggers fast and slow electrical transients leading to an induction of Pin2 gene expression within the plant independently of ABA. Turgor pressure, in turn, is presumably adjusted in relation to ionic movements across the membrane, elucidated by membrane potential recordings. In conclusion, wound‐induced changes in membrane potential seem to be dependent on the endogenous level of ABA. These shifts in membrane potentials, in turn, are involved in regulation of turgor pressure within the plant.
Chlorophyll Fluorescence Quenching During Photosynthetic Induction in Leaves of Abutilon striatum Dicks. Infected with Abutilon Mosaic Virus, Observed with a Field‐Portable Imaging System
Authors: Osmond C. B. , Daley P. F. , Badger M. R. , Lüttge U.
Published: February 2014

A portable Chi fluorescence imaging system was used to characterise nonuniform Chi fluorescence quenching in Abutilon striatum leaves infected with phloem‐localised abutilon mosaic virus. The instrument was used to observe fluorescence emission at intervals during induction transients, and to map nonphotochemical quenching during saturating pulses applied in the course of these transients. Two symptom types were distinguished: yellow vein‐associated motifs that showed lower maximum Chi fluorescence than nearby green tissues, but virtually zero nonphotochemical quenching, and vein‐defined mosaics (pale green) that initially showed normal maximum Chi fluorescence but strongly impaired nonphotochemical quenching. Mature vein‐defined mosaics (yellow to white areas) resembled vein‐associated symptoms with zero nonphotochemical quenching. Islands of apparently healthy green tissue enclosed by mosaic symptoms showed slower nonphotochemical quenching than controls. Possible effects of localised carbohydrate accumulation, thought to follow from infection by the phloem‐limited virus, on photosynthetic processes as well as the synthesis and stability of chloroplast protein complexes, are discussed in the context of symptom development.
Influence of Mercury on the Green Alga Haematococcus lacustris. Inhibition Effects and Recovery of Impact
Authors: Xylander M. , Fischer W. , Braune W.
Published: February 2014

The influence of mercury ions on germination of the resting cells (aplanospores) and on cell division, cell structure, phototaxis, and photosynthesis during the flagellate stage of Hoemotococcus lacustris was investigated. Aplanospores possess a higher tolerance against mercury ions than flagellates. The reason could be seen in the thicker wall of the resting cells which possibly provide a detoxifying effect by immobilisation of Hg2+. This is confirmed by a normal phototactic orientation of flagellates formed from Hg 2+‐influenced aplanospores. In contrast, a direct addition of Hg2+ (0.1 to 1 /*M) to the flagellate stage induced an immediate loss of the flagellates to react phototactically, but it was interesting that the inhibition was overcome with time. Obviously, these Hg2+ concentrations influence only the sensory transduction chain, whereas the energetic background is not injured because the velocity of movement and the percentage of motile cells were scarcely affected. This is supported by the high level of the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, which remains unchanged at 1 uM Hg2+. Recovery of photosynthesis from inhibition by 10/iM Hg2+ suggests a connection between Hg2+ influence and metabolism of the D, protein in the reaction centre of photosystem II. The Hg2+ effect was reversed with time in light, but not in darkness, and streptomycin, an inhibitor of chloroplast protein synthesis, prevented recovery. In flagellates, showing no reactivation, exposure to 10uA/l Hg2+ caused cell swelling, a loss of the flagella, and a disorganisation in structure of the chloroplast and of nucleus.
Allopolyploidy in the Thalloid Liverwort Corsinia (Marchantiales)
Authors: Marie‐Catherine Boisselier‐Dubayle , Bischler Helene
Published: February 2014

The thalloid liverwort Corsinia coriandrina includes morphologically similar haploid and polyploid populations with an allopatric geographical distribution. Haploid and polyploid colonies of the Old World, and one polyploid colony from Texas have been analysed. The polyploid, monoecious cytotype has a wider geographical range and ecological tolerance than the haploid, dioecious cytotype which appears to be restricted to southern Europe and Macaronesia. Similarity coefficients between the two Old World cytotypes based on isozyme data show them to be more genetically divergent than suggested by their morphology, and to fit the definition of sibling species. Fixed heterozygosity in six of eight enzyme loci suggests an alloploid origin of the Old World polyploids. The haploid cytotype could be one of the putative parents. Alleles in the polyploid that were not detected in the haploid are presumably derived from an unknown progenitor. The polyploid New World colony shows significant genetic divergence; it represents a different allopolyploid sibling species. Accordingly, at least two independent origins of the polyploid must be supposed; one in the Old World; the other in the New World. The presumed autopolyploid origin of polyploid liverworts is once more challenged by our analysis of polyploid Corsinia. Indeed, autopolyploidy has still not been documented conclusively in any polyploid liverwort.
BETTING AGAINST THE CROWD
Authors: Coomber Steve
Published: February 2014

The wisdom of crowds doesn't always apply, suggests new research from Kevin Boudreau and Lars Bo Jeppesen
AFRICA'S ENTREPRENEURIAL ROUTE TO GROWTH
Authors: Peters Georgina
Published: February 2014

Entrepreneurs may offer the solution to one of Africa's most intractable problems: how to achieve sustainable economic growth. Georgina Peters reports
CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
Authors: Scott Andrew
Published: February 2014

Will Hong Kong and Shanghai emerge as the pre‐eminent world financial centres? Andrew Scott enters the futures market
PROPHETS AND LOSS
Authors: Papadia Francesco
Published: February 2014

Did central banks help the 2007 recession avoid becoming a Great Depression? Is Jean Monnet's prophecy that European unity would be built by solving recurrent crises proving right? Francesco Papadia gives his own answers
Defining morbid obesity in children based on BMI 40 at age 18 using the extended international (IOTF) cut‐offs
Authors: Bervoets L. , Massa G.
Published: February 2014

Background

Studies have reported that children who are obese are becoming more severely obese.

Objective

We aimed to classify obese children based on age‐ and gender‐specific centile curves passing through body mass index (BMI) 30, 35 and 40 at age 18 as ‘class I’, ‘class II’ or severe, and ‘class III’ or morbid obesity.

Methods

In addition to the International Obesity Task Force BMI cut‐offs corresponding to BMI 30 and 35, we calculated the BMI cut‐offs corresponding to BMI 40 using the LMS method proposed by Cole and Lobstein. We classified 217 obese children according to these criteria.

Results

Fifty‐six (25.8%) children had class III obesity, 73 (33.6%) class II obesity and 88 (40.6%) class I obesity. Class III obese children had a higher waist circumference, systolic blood pressure and fasting insulinaemia compared with less obese children.

Conclusion

It is clinically important to classify obese children in different classes of obesity severity.
Systematic Review of Restraint Interventions for Challenging Behaviour Among Persons with Intellectual Disabilities: Focus on Effectiveness in Single‐Case Experiments
Authors: Heyvaert Mieke , Saenen Lore , Maes Bea , Onghena Patrick
Published: February 2014

Background

This article is the first in a two‐part series: we focus on the effectiveness of restraint interventions (RIs) for reducing challenging behaviour (CB) among persons with intellectual disabilities in this first article. In the second article, we focus on experiences with RIs for CB among people with intellectual disabilities.

Methods

A mixed‐methods research synthesis involving statistical meta‐analysis and qualitative meta‐synthesis techniques was applied to synthesize 76 retrieved articles. This first article reports on the meta‐analysis of 59 single‐case experiments (SCEs) on effectiveness of RIs for CB among people with intellectual disabilities.

Results and Conclusions

The RIs reported on in the SCEs were on average highly effective in reducing CB for people with intellectual disabilities, and this reduction in CB was statistically significant. However, the effects vary significantly over the included participants, and the published data and reported outcomes are rather unrepresentative of the everyday use of RIs among persons with intellectual disabilities.
Not all contrast effects are created equal: extent of processing affects contrast strength
Authors: Shoots‐Reinhard Brittany L. , Rucker Derek D. , Petty Richard E. , Shakarchi Richard
Published: February 2014

Prevailing theories of judgmental contrasts propose mechanisms ranging from relatively low versus high degrees of thought. The present research tests the hypothesis that the degree of thought involved in producing judgmental contrast has important implications. In three experiments, participants' ability or motivation to engage in effortful thinking was manipulated. In Experiment 1, varying personal relevance produced equivalent contrast effects, but these judgments differed in certainty. In two additional studies, despite equivalent amounts of contrast, a manipulation of the order of the standards and target of comparison led to differences in certainty (Experiment 2) and attitude–behavioral intention correspondence (Experiment 3). This is the first research to show that amount of thinking has implications for the strength and consequences of the judgment.
Age discrimination in the workplace: identifying as a late‐career worker and its relationship with engagement and intended retirement age
Authors: Bayl‐Smith Piers H. , Griffin Barbara
Published: February 2014

Through a model of moderated indirect effects, this study examined the relationship between perceived age discrimination, cognitive and affective identification as a late‐career worker, intended retirement age, and work engagement. Bootstrap analysis confirmed that a negative relationship between perceived age discrimination and work engagement was strongest when cognitive identification was high and affective identification was low, and nonsignificant when affective identification was high. In contrast to previous research, no overall association between age discrimination and intended retirement age was found. Rather, post hoc analyses showed that work engagement suppressed a positive direct relationship between age discrimination and intended retirement age.
Prevalence of Esophageal Ulceration After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation with the Hot Balloon Ablation Catheter: What is the Value of Esophageal Cooling?
Authors: SOHARA HIROSHI , SATAKE SHUTARO , TAKEDA HIROSHI , YAMAGUCHI YOSHIO , NAGASU NAOKO
Published: February 2014

Esophageal Cooling During Hot Balloon Ablation

Background

Little is known about luminal esophageal temperature (LET) monitoring during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) using the radiofrequency hot balloon (RHB) technology.

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the use of a unique esophageal cooling method during RHB ablation.

Methods and Results

In this observational study, 318 consecutive patients (231 men; mean age, 63 ± 9 years) with symptomatic, drug‐refractory, paroxysmal (n = 183) or persistent (n = 135) AF underwent RHB ablation with LET monitoring followed by a postprocedural, nonsymptom‐driven esophageal endoscopy within 3 days of the ablation procedure. The patients have been divided into 3 groups. The first 22 patients treated are in Group A (n = 22) and had only LET monitoring without cooling of the esophagus. In Groups B (n = 128) and C (n = 168), patients had LET monitoring with cooling of the esophagus when the LET exceeded 43 °C and 39 °C, by infusion of cooled saline mixed with Gastrographin or Iopamidol, respectively. Group A had a higher risk of esophageal ulceration among the 3 groups (P < 0.0001). Saline infusion cooling initiated when the LET exceeded 43 °C (Group B) was not as safe as saline infusion cooling initiated when the LET exceeded 39 °C (Group C), demonstrated by the Group C minimum ulceration score and LET measurements while ablating the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) and left inferior pulmonary vein (LIPV) (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Cooling the esophagus by a mix of Iopamidol and saline infusion when the LET exceeds 39 °C during RHB ablation may decrease the incidence and severity of esophageal thermal injury.
Mechanisms of Pulmonary Vein Reconnection After Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: The Deterministic Role of Contact Force and Interlesion Distance
Authors: PARK CHAN‐IL , LEHRMANN HEIKO , KEYL CORNELIUS , WEBER REINHOLD , SCHIEBELING JOCHEN , ALLGEIER JUERGEN , SCHURR PATRICK , SHAH ASHOK , NEUMANN FRANZ‐JOSEF , ARENTZ THOMAS , JADIDI AMIR S.
Published: February 2014

Mechanisms of Pulmonary Vein Reconnection After Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction

Pulmonary vein reconnection (PVR) is an important cause of AF recurrence after ablation. With the advent of force sensing catheters, catheter–tissue contact can be determined quantitatively. Since contact force (CF) plays a major role in determining the characteristics of RF lesion, we prospectively assessed the mechanisms of PVR with regard to catheter‐contact and lesion distances in patients undergoing AF ablation.

Methods and Results

Forty symptomatic AF patients underwent wide circumferential PV isolation (PVI) with SmartTouch™ CF catheter. The exact locations of acute PVI and spontaneous or adenosine‐provoked PVR were annotated on CARTO. One thousand nine hundred and twenty‐six RF lesions isolated 153 PVs. PVR occurred in 35 (23%) PVs: 22 (63%) adenosine‐provoked and 13 (37%) spontaneous. CF was significantly lower at PVR versus PVI sites for RF lesions within 6 mm from these sites: mean CF 5 versus 11 g (P < 0.0001) and force–time integral (FTI) 225 versus 415 gs (P < 0.0001); 86% of PVR occurred with a mean CF < 10 g (FTI < 400 gs); and the remaining 14% occurred at ablation sites with a long interlesion distance (≥5 mm) despite mean CF ≥ 10 g. Eighty percent of PVR sites were located anteriorly. There were no significant differences in regard to arrhythmia freedom between the patients without (69%) versus with PVR (67%; P = 1.0).

Conclusions

Acutely durable PVI can be achieved when RF lesions are delivered with a mean CF ≥ 10 g and an interlesion distance <5 mm. The majority of PVR occur anteriorly due to inadequate CF or long interlesion distances.
Analysis of clinical, dermoscopic and histopathological features of primary melanomas of patients with metastatic disease – a retrospective study at the Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, 2000–2010
Authors: Richtig G. , Richtig E. , Massone C. , Hofmann‐Wellenhof R.
Published: February 2014

Background

Incidence rates of malignant melanoma have been increasing worldwide and metastatic melanoma is still a significant problem despite widespread prevention programmes.

Objectives

We made a systemic review of all metastasized melanoma patients treated at the Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz in the years 2000–2010 and looked at the kind of melanoma type, e.g. if it has been slowly growing superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) or fast growing nodular melanoma (NM).

Methods

Histological slides and clinical images of patients treated at our department between 2000 and 2010, who received chemotherapy because of proven metastatic disease were analysed with regard to growth type of their primary tumours.

Results

A total of 88 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean age of all patients was 57 years (median 59 years, SD ± 15 years). Of these 88 patients 51 patients (58%) (28 male patients and 23 female patients) had SSM; mean age 58 years (median 58 years, SD ± 14 years) and 37 patients (42%) (18 male patients and 19 female patients) had NM; mean age 56 years (median 61 years, SD ± 17 years). Mean Breslow thickness in the SSM group was 2.26 mm (median: 1.6 mm, SD ± 2.11 mm). In the NM group, mean Breslow thickness was 4.59 mm (median: 3.50 mm, SD ± 4.07 mm). When separated by gender, 46 melanomas were seen in the male group (28 SSM and 18 NM) and 42 melanomas in the female group (23 SSM and 19 NM).

Conclusions

Our results showed that more than half of the patients with metastatic disease had SSMs and not, as suspected, NMs. As SSMs are growing over a longer period to become invasive and potentially metastatic, there might be a chance to focus primary and secondary prevention programmes not only on fast growing tumours but also on slowly changes of tumours.
Risk Factors for Early Hospital Readmission in Low‐Income Elderly Adults
Authors: Iloabuchi Tochukwu C. , Mi Deming , Tu Wanzhu , Counsell Steven R.
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To identify risk factors for early hospital readmission in low‐income community‐dwelling older adults.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

University‐affiliated urban safety‐net healthcare system in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Participants

Community‐dwelling adults aged 65 and older with annual income less than 200% of the federal poverty level and enrolled in the Geriatric Resources for Assessment and Care of Elders (GRACE) randomized controlled trial (N = 951).

Measurements

Participant health and functional status at baseline and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Early readmission was defined as a repeat hospitalization occurring within 30 days of a prior hospital discharge. Candidate risk factors included sociodemographic characteristics, health and functional status, prior care, lifestyle, and satisfaction with care.

Results

Of 457 index admissions in 328 participants, 85 (19%) were followed by an early readmission. The independent risk factors for early readmission identified according to regression analysis were living alone (odds ratio (OR) = 1.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–2.87), fair or poor satisfaction with primary care physician (OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.01–4.46), not having Medicaid (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.05–3.11), receiving a new assistive device in the past 6 months (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.26–4.05), and staying in a nursing home in the past 6 months (OR = 5.08, 95% CI = 1.56–16.53). Age, race, sex, education, and chronic diseases were not associated with early readmission.

Conclusion

A broad range of nonmedical risk factors played a greater role than previously recognized in early hospital readmission of low‐income seniors.
Sex Differences in the Construct Overlap of Frailty and Depression: Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Lohman Matthew , Dumenci Levent , Mezuk Briana
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To determine the degree of diagnostic overlap between frailty and depression and to investigate whether sex differences in symptom endorsement influence this overlap.

Design

Cross‐sectional latent class analysis.

Setting

Data were from the 2008 wave of the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative longitudinal survey of health characteristics of older adults.

Participants

Community‐dwelling adults aged 65 and older completing a general health questionnaire and consenting to physical measurements (N = 3,665).

Measurements

Frailty was measured using criteria developed in the Cardiovascular Health Study, and depressive symptoms were measured using the eight‐item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale.

Results

Frailty and depression were best modeled as two distinct but highly correlated constructs with three and four classes of symptom response, respectively. Measurement overlap was high in men and women. Approximately 73% of individuals with severe depressive symptoms and 86% with primarily somatic depressive symptoms were categorized as concurrently frail. The degree of construct overlap between depression and frailty did not significantly vary according to sex, but women were significantly more likely to endorse all frailty and depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Measures of depression and frailty identify substantially overlapping populations of older men and women. More‐frequent endorsement of depressive symptoms, but not differential endorsement of somatic symptoms, may contribute to the higher prevalence of frailty in women. The symptom of exhaustion is particularly important to the correlation between these two conditions. Findings will inform clinician and researcher efforts to refine the definition of geriatric syndromes such as frailty and to develop effective interventions.
Animal Protein Intake Is Associated with Higher‐Level Functional Capacity in Elderly Adults: The Ohasama Study
Authors: Imai Eri , Tsubota‐Utsugi Megumi , Kikuya Masahiro , Satoh Michihiro , Inoue Ryuske , Hosaka Miki , Metoki Hirohito , Fukushima Naomi , Kurimoto Ayumi , Hirose Takuo , Asayama Kei , Imai Yutaka , Ohkubo Takayoshi
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To determine the association between protein intake and risk of higher‐level functional decline in older community‐dwelling adults.

Design

Prospective.

Setting

Ohasama Town, Japan.

Participants

Residents (N = 1,007; mean age 67.4 ± 5.5) free of functional decline at baseline; follow‐up was conducted for 7 years.

Measurements

Nutrient and food intakes were determined using a validated 141‐item food frequency questionnaire. Participants were divided into quartiles according to intake levels of total, animal, and plant protein. Subscales of the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence subscales were used to assess higher‐level functional decline. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the future risk of higher‐level functional decline in relation to protein intake, with lowest protein intake as reference.

Results

During the study period, 24.4% of eligible participants reported declines in higher‐level functional capacity. After adjustment for putative confounding factors, men in the highest quartile of animal protein intake had significantly lower risk of higher‐level functional decline than those in the lowest quartile (odds ratio (OR) = 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.20–0.83; P for trend .01). These associations were not seen in women (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.41–1.34; P for trend .37). No consistent association was observed between plant protein intake and future higher‐level functional decline in either sex.

Conclusion

Higher protein, particularly animal protein, was associated with lower risk of decline in higher‐level functional capacity in older men. Animal protein intake may be a modifiable indicator for early detection and prevention of higher‐level functional decline in elderly adults.
Race and Documentation of Cognitive Impairment in Hospitalized Older Adults
Authors: Campbell Noll L. , Cantor Braca B. , Hui Siu L. , Perkins Anthony , Khan Babar A. , Farber Mark O. , Nazir Arif , Garrett Stephanie L. , Ely E. Wesley , Boustani Malaz A.
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To evaluate whether race influences agreement between screening results and documentation of cognitive impairment and delirium.

Design

Secondary data analysis.

Setting

An urban, public hospital and healthcare system.

Participants

Hospitalized older adults aged 65 and older admitted to general inpatient medical services evaluated for cognitive impairment (n = 851) and evaluated for delirium (n = 424).

Measurements

Cognitive impairment and delirium were measured in each participant using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) and the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), respectively, as the reference identification method. Clinical documentation of cognitive impairment and delirium was defined according to the presence of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9), codes from within 1 year before hospitalization through discharge for cognitive impairment or from hospital admission through discharge for delirium.

Results

Two hundred ninety‐four participants (34%) had cognitive impairment based on SPMSQ performance, and 163 (38%) had delirium based on CAM results. One hundred seventy‐one (20%) of those with cognitive impairment had an ICD‐9 code for cognitive impairment, whereas 92 (22%) of those with delirium had an ICD‐9 code for delirium. After considering age, sex, education, socioeconomic status, chronic comorbidity, and severity of acute illness, of those who screened positive on the SPMSQ, African Americans had a higher adjusted odds ratio (AOR) than non‐African Americans for clinical documentation of cognitive impairment (AOR = 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.95–2.89), and of those who screened negative on the SPMSQ, African Americans had higher odds of clinical documentation of cognitive impairment (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.17–3.78) than non‐African Americans. There were no differences in clinical documentation rates of delirium between African Americans and non‐African Americans.

Conclusion

Racial differences in coding for cognitive impairment may exist, resulting in higher documentation of cognitive impairment in African Americans screening positive or negative for cognitive impairment.
Associations Between Serum 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations and Multiple Health Conditions, Physical Performance Measures, Disability, and All‐Cause Mortality: The Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project
Authors: Hirani Vasant , Cumming Robert G. , Naganathan Vasi , Blyth Fiona , Le Couteur David G. , Handelsman David J. , Waite Louise M. , Seibel Markus J.
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To explore associations between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and a wide range of health conditions, physical performance measures, disability, and mortality in a large epidemiological study to identify an optimum range for 25(OH)D concentrations.

Design

Cross‐sectional study, with additional prospective data on falls and mortality.

Setting

Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project, Sydney, Australia.

Participants

Community‐dwelling men aged 70 and older (N = 1,659).

Measurements

Serum 25(OH)D levels, general health status, self‐reported diseases, physical performance measures, disability (activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living) and falls.

Results

Fair, poor, and very poor health; self‐reported diabetes mellitus; hyperglycemia; depression; muscle weakness; poor balance; and all‐cause mortality were all associated with serum 25(OH)D levels less than 50 nmol/L, even after adjustment for confounding. The findings also suggest that, in older men, for a wide range of health conditions, physical performance measures, disability, falls, and mortality, the optimum range of 25(OH)D is between 50.0 and 74.9 nmol/L, with no additional benefit for 25(OH)D levels of 75.0 nmol/L or greater.

Conclusion

Programs aimed at achieving an optimum range of serum 25(OH)D at levels between 50.0 and 74.9 nmol/L may have overall health benefits and such levels are adequate for older men.
Clinical and microbiological effects of levofloxacin in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: a randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Pradeep Avani R. , Singh Sonender P. , Martande Santosh S. , Naik Savitha B. , N Priyanka , Kalra Nitish , Suke Deepak K.
Published: February 2014

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effect of systemic levofloxacin (LFX) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP).

Methods

Sixty‐five patients with CP were randomly divided into a test (n = 33, SRP and LFX 500 mg, once daily [o.d.]) and a control group (n = 32, SRP and placebo, o.d.). Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), percentage of sites with bleeding on probing (%BoP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline, 10 days, and 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month intervals. The percentage of sites positive for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans), Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Tannerella forsythia were recorded at baseline and at 3 and 6 months.

Results

Patients receiving LFX showed statistically‐significant improvements in mean PD and CAL. The intergroup difference in PI, GI, and%BoP was not significant at any interval. There was a reduction in the percentage of sites positive for periodontopathic bacteria over the duration of the study in both groups, and a statistically‐significant reduction in the number of sites positive for A. actinomycetemcomitans in the LFX group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Levofloxacin was found to significantly improve the clinical and microbiological parameters in CP individuals.
Thermal and mechanical behaviour of the orogenic middle crust during the syn‐ to late‐orogenic evolution of the Variscan root zone, Bohemian Massif
Authors: Petri B. , Štípská P. , Skrzypek E. , Schulmann K. , Corsini M. , Franěk J.
Published: February 2014

We combine structural observations, petrological data and 40Ar–39Ar ages for a stack of amphibolite facies metasedimentary units that rims high‐P (HP) granulite facies felsic bodies exposed in the southern Bohemian Massif. The partly migmatitic Varied and Monotonous units, and the underlying Kaplice unit, show a continuity of structures that are also observed in the adjacent Blanský les HP granulite body. They all exhibit an earlier NE−SW striking and steeply NW‐dipping foliation (S3), which is transposed into a moderately NW‐dipping foliation (S4). In both the Varied and Monotonous units, the S3 and S4 foliations are characterized by a Sil–Bt–Pl–Kfs–Qtz–Ilm±Grt assemblage, with occurrences of post‐D4 andalusite, cordierite and muscovite. In the Monotonous unit, minute inclusions of garnet, kyanite, sillimanite and biotite are additionally found in plagioclase from a probable leucosome parallel to S3. The Kaplice unit shows rare staurolite and kyanite relicts, a Sil–Ms–Bt–Pl–Qtz±Grt assemblage associated with S3, retrogressed garnet−staurolite aggregates during the development of S4, and post‐D4 andalusite, cordierite and secondary muscovite. Mineral equilibria modelling for representative samples indicates that the Varied unit records conditions higher than ~7 kbar at 725 °C during the transition from S3 to S4, followed by a P−T decrease from ~5.5 kbar/750 °C to ~4.5 kbar/700 °C. The Monotonous unit shows evidence of partial melting in the S3 fabric at P−T above ~8 kbar at 740–830 °C and a subsequent P−T decrease to 4.5–5 kbar/700 °C. The Kaplice unit preserves an initial medium‐P prograde path associated with the development of S3 reaching peak P−T of ~6.5 kbar/640 °C. The subsequent retrograde path records 4.5 kbar/660 °C during the development of S4. 40Ar–39Ar geochronology shows that amphibole and biotite ages cluster at c. 340 Ma close to the HP granulite, whereas adjacent metasedimentary rocks preserve c. 340 Ma amphibole ages, but biotite and muscovite ages range between c. 318 and c. 300 Ma. The P−T conditions associated with S3 imply an overturned section of the orogenic middle crust. The shared structural evolution indicates that all mid‐crustal units are involved in the large‐scale folding cored by HP granulites. The retrograde P–T paths associated with S4 are interpreted as a result of a ductile thinning of the orogenic crust at a mid‐crustal level. The 40Ar–39Ar ages overlap with U–Pb zircon ages in and around the HP granulite bodies, suggesting a short duration for the ductile thinning event. The post‐ductile thinning late‐orogenic emplacement of the South Bohemian plutonic complex is responsible for a re‐heating of the stacked units, reopening of argon system in mica and a tilting of the S4 foliation to its present‐day orientation.
Cytokines in healthy temporomandibular joint synovial fluid
Authors: Kristensen K. D. , Alstergren P. , Stoustrup P. , Küseler A. , Herlin T. , Pedersen T. K.
Published: February 2014

Analysis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) synovial fluid may elucidate the aetiology of temporomandibular disorders and arthritic conditions, as well as the inflammatory mechanisms involved. Knowledge about healthy synovial fluid is necessary to understand TMJ pathologies. We aimed to quantify the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF), and the anti‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐10 and interferon (IFN)‐γ in healthy TMJ synovial fluid to serve as reference values for future studies on TMJ pathologies. Twenty healthy, young adult volunteers without temporomandibular dysfunction were included. Bilateral synovial fluid samples were obtained using the push‐pull technique with hydroxocobalamin described by Alstergren in 1999. Cytokines were quantified with Luminex multiplex assays and compared using nonparametric statistical analysis. No serious adverse effects were reported. Of 40 possible samples, 14 fulfilled the strict sampling criteria and were included in the analysis. Cytokine values (reported as medians with interquartile ranges) were as follows: TNF, 23 (13–37) pg mL−1; IL‐2, 1·8 (0–22) pg mL−1; and INF‐γ, 10 (0–47) pg mL−1. IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐10 were almost undetectable. In addition, TNF and INF‐γ cytokine levels correlated. We demonstrated that TNF was consistently detected and IFN‐γ and IL‐2 sporadically detected in the TMJ synovial fluid of healthy individuals using the hydroxocobalamin method and a multiplex assay. The cytokines IL‐10, IL‐1β and IL‐6 were barely detectable in this sample of healthy TMJs.
Molecular Detection and Complete Genome Sequences of Tomato chlorosis virus Isolates from Infectious Outbreaks in China
Authors: Zhao Li‐Ming , Li Gang , Gao Ying , Liu Yong‐Jie , Sun Guo‐Zhen , Zhu Xiao‐Ping
Published: February 2014

Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) is a whitefly‐transmitted, phloem‐limited, bipartite Crinivirus. In 2012, severe interveinal symptoms characteristic of ToCV infections were observed in greenhouse tomato plants in the Shandong province of China. High levels of infestation by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci), which transmit ToCV, were also observed on tomato plants in all the greenhouses investigated. The presence of ToCV was confirmed by specific RT‐PCR either in the sampled plants or in the whiteflies collected from the ventral surface of the leaves of diseased plants. The complete genomic nucleotide sequences (RNA1 and RNA2) of the Shandong isolate of ToCV (ToCV‐SDSG) were determined and analysed. ToCV‐SDSG RNA1 consisted of 8594 nucleotides encompassing four open reading frames (ORFs). ToCV‐SDSG RNA2 consisted of 8242 nucleotides encompassing nine ORFs. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the Chinese ToCV‐SDSG isolate is most similar to the ToCV‐Florida isolate.
Work engagement among Dutch dental hygienists
Authors: Buunk‐Werkhoven Yvonne A.B. , Hollaar Vanessa R.Y. , Jongbloed‐Zoet Corrie
Published: February 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the level of work engagement among Dutch dental hygienists.

Methods

A total of 1,520 questionnaires were randomly distributed to the members of the Dutch Dental Hygienists' Association (Nederlandse Vereniging van Mondhygiënisten). The questionnaire consisted of the short form Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, a hypothesized three‐factor structure of work engagement (Vigor, Dedication, and Absorption). Participants ranked statements about how they felt at work on 7‐point rating scales (0 = never to 6 = always).

Results

From a sample of 490 dental hygienists (32 percent) with a mean age of 38.2 years [standard deviation (SD) = 10.1], the mean level of work engagement was 4.77 (SD = 0.90). The mean score on the dimension of Vigor was 4.74 (SD = 0.74), Dedication was 5.08 (SD = 0.89), and Absorption was 4.48 (SD = 1.12). A significant correlation was found between the dimension Absorption and age (r = −0.11, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Dutch dental hygienists reported a very high level of work engagement. Many dental hygienists experienced high levels of well‐being at work at least once a week, with some reporting high levels of well‐being on a daily basis. Only a small percentage of dental hygienists reported experiencing very low levels of well‐being at work. Dental hygienists also reported significantly higher scores for work engagement and the three dimensions as compared with the manual norms based on a variety of professions. Finally, dental hygienists had higher scores on these questionnaires compared with Dutch dentists.
Resource Gaps and Resource Orchestration Shortfalls in Supply Chain Management: The Case of Product Recalls
Authors: Ketchen David J. , Wowak Kaitlin D. , Craighead Christopher W.
Published: February 2014

Product recalls are often painful to endure, but they also create important opportunities for learning. Although past research implicitly treats recalls as monolithic, our grounded theory investigation uncovered four types of recalls. Each type of recall provides insight about the adequacy of a firm's resource endowments and how a firm orchestrates the activities around its resources. For researchers, our study highlights the value of examining the confluence of recalls, resource gaps, and resource orchestration shortfalls to better understand the role of resources within supply chain management. For managers, our study highlights the value of knowing what type of recall a firm is facing and how to remedy the problems that led to the recall.
Effects of Chemical Castration on Sex Offenders in Relation to the Kinetics of Serum Testosterone Recovery: Implications for Dosing Schedule
Authors: Koo Kyo Chul , Ahn Jin Hyoung , Hong Sung Joon , Lee Jae Woo , Chung Byung Ha
Published: February 2014

Introduction

A growing number of countries are adopting chemical castration as treatment and penalty for sex offenders.

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of chemical castration of sexual offenders with a focus on the kinetics of serum testosterone (T) recovery.

Methods

This prospective analysis included 56 sex offenders imprisoned for sexual offenses at the National Forensic Hospital. Thirty-eight and 18 patients who received 3 and 6 months of leuprolide acetate injections were assigned to group A and group B, respectively.

Main Outcome Measures

To evaluate treatment efficacy according treatment duration, psychobehavioral assessments and serum T levels were serially measured during the on-cycle and the following observational 12-month off-cycle.

Results

Chemical castration and the associated decrease in serum T levels reduced the frequency and intensity of sexual thoughts in 76% and 71% of group A patients and in 78% and 72% of group B patients, respectively. Reductions in masturbation frequency were observed in 74% of group A and 83% of group B patients. The median Wilson's Sex Fantasy Questionnaire (SFQ) scores were also significantly reduced in both groups. In group A, an upsurge of serum T to the flare level was observed during the first 2 months of the off-cycle, accompanied by an intense sexual drive and fantasy. In group B, serum T gradually recovered to the baseline level and continued to upsurge beyond baseline levels during the observational period. SFQ scores of group A returned to pretreatment levels following the observational period; however, SFQ scores of group B remained suppressed. Lack of objective assessments for psychobehavioral outcomes was a limitation.

Conclusions

The efficacy of chemical castration varied according to the treatment duration. Regarding the kinetics of serum T recovery, maintaining at least 6 months of treatment warranted stable control of an excessive sexual drive following treatment cessation.
Police officer perceptions of harassment in England and Scotland
Authors: Sheridan Lorraine , Scott Adrian J. , Nixon Keri
Published: February 2014

Purpose

Research has demonstrated that certain relational biases exist within perceptions of stalking. One such bias concerns the perception that ex‐partner stalkers are less dangerous than those who target strangers or acquaintances despite applied research suggesting the opposite.

Method

In all, 135 police officers in England (where stalking has been outlawed since 1997) and 127 police officers in Scotland (where stalking has been outlawed since 2010) responded to vignettes describing a stalking scenario in which the perpetrator and victim were portrayed as strangers, acquaintances, or ex‐partners.

Results

Although typical relational biases existed in both samples, Scottish police officers were less susceptible to these biases than English police officers. Victim responsibility mediated the relation between prior relationship and perceptions of stalking for the English, but not the Scottish, police officers.

Conclusions

Future work should examine whether these biases may be found in other areas of the criminal justice system, and how far they are influenced by policy, practice, and training.
Conserved histidine of metal transporter AtNRAMP1 is crucial for optimal plant growth under manganese deficiency at chilling temperatures
Authors: Ihnatowicz Anna , Siwinska Joanna , Meharg Andrew A. , Carey Manus , Koornneef Maarten , Reymond Matthieu
Published: February 2014

Manganese (Mn) is an essential nutrient required for plant growth, in particular in the process of photosynthesis. Plant performance is influenced by various environmental stresses including contrasting temperatures, light or nutrient deficiencies. The molecular responses of plants exposed to such stress factors in combination are largely unknown.

Screening of 108 Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) accessions for reduced photosynthetic performance at chilling temperatures was performed and one accession (Hog) was isolated. Using genetic and molecular approaches, the molecular basis of this particular response to temperature (G × E interaction) was identified.

Hog showed an induction of a severe leaf chlorosis and impaired growth after transfer to lower temperatures. We demonstrated that this response was dependent on the nutrient content of the soil. Genetic mapping and complementation identified NRAMP1 as the causal gene. Chlorotic phenotype was associated with a histidine to tyrosine (H239Y) substitution in the allele of Hog NRAMP1. This led to lethality when Hog seedlings were directly grown at 4°C.

Chemical complementation and hydroponic culture experiments showed that Mn deficiency was the major cause of this G × E interaction. For the first time, the NRAMP‐specific highly conserved histidine was shown to be crucial for plant performance.
Will different OTU delineation methods change interpretation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community patterns?
Authors: Lekberg Ylva , Gibbons Sean M. , Rosendahl Søren
Published: February 2014

See also the Commentary by Powell and Sikes
Lowered Parasympathetic Activity in Apparently Healthy Subjects with Self‐Reported Symptoms of Pain: Preliminary Results from a Pilot Study
Authors: Koenig Julian , Jarczok Marc N. , Ellis Robert J. , Warth Marco , Hillecke Thomas K. , Thayer Julian F.
Published: February 2014

Objectives

The aim was to evaluate differences in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, indexed by heart rate variability (HRV) in apparently healthy subjects with self‐reported symptoms of pain (SRSP) within an exploratory analysis.

Methods

HRV data from 14 apparently healthy male individuals were analyzed to address potential differences in subjects with and without SRSP. SRSP was assessed using the four pain‐related items from the symptom checklist (SCL‐90R). Subjects were stratified based on the presence of SRSP.

Results

Parasympathetic activity, indexed by pNN50, RMSSD, and high frequency (HF) spectrum of HRV, was lower in subjects with SRSP. Low frequency (LF) HRV and the LF/HF ratio were greater in subjects with SRSP. However, analysis of variance revealed no significant differences between the groups. Pearson correlations showed a correlation of pNN50, HF, LF, and LF/HF ratio and the presence and frequency of SRSP. Measures of parasympathetic activity (pNN50 and HF) were inversely associated with more SRSP, indicating that subjects with more frequent SRSP show decreased parasympathetic activity.

Conclusions

Consistent with evidence on changes in HRV in patients with clinical conditions of chronic or recurrent pain, this is the first study to show that healthy individuals who report symptoms of pain may have lower parasympathetic activity revealed by measures of HRV.