bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SwiftLink: parallel MCMC linkage analysis using multicore CPU and GPU
Authors: Medlar Alan , Głowacka Dorota , Stanescu Horia , Bryson Kevin , Kleta Robert
Published: December 2012

Motivation: Linkage analysis remains an important tool in elucidating the genetic component of disease and has become even more important with the advent of whole exome sequencing, enabling the user to focus on only those genomic regions co-segregating with Mendelian traits. Unfortunately, methods to perform multipoint linkage analysis scale poorly with either the number of markers or with the size of the pedigree. Large pedigrees with many markers can only be evaluated with Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods that are slow to converge and, as no attempts have been made to exploit parallelism, massively underuse available processing power. Here, we describe SWIFTLINK, a novel application that performs MCMC linkage analysis by spreading the computational burden between multiple processor cores and a graphics processing unit (GPU) simultaneously. SWIFTLINK was designed around the concept of explicitly matching the characteristics of an algorithm with the underlying computer architecture to maximize performance.

Results: We implement our approach using existing Gibbs samplers redesigned for parallel hardware. We applied SWIFTLINK to a real-world dataset, performing parametric multipoint linkage analysis on a highly consanguineous pedigree with EAST syndrome, containing 28 members, where a subset of individuals were genotyped with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In our experiments with a four core CPU and GPU, SWIFTLINK achieves a 8.5× speed-up over the single-threaded version and a 109× speed-up over the popular linkage analysis program SIMWALK.

Availability:  SWIFTLINK is available at https://github.com/ajm/swiftlink. All source code is licensed under GPLv3.

Contact:  alan.j.medlar@helsinki.fi
Low blood pressure predicts increased mortality in very old age even without heart failure: the Leiden 85‐plus Study
Authors: Poortvliet Rosalinde K.E. , Blom Jeanet W. , de Craen Anton J.M. , Mooijaart Simon P. , Westendorp Rudi G.J. , Assendelft Willem J.J. , Gussekloo Jacobijn , de Ruijter Wouter
Published: December 2012

Aims

To investigate whether low systolic blood pressure is predictive for increased mortality risk in 90‐year‐old subjects without heart failure, defined by low levels of NT‐proBNP, as well as in 90‐year‐old subjects with high levels of NT‐proBNP.

Methods and results

This study was embedded in the Leiden 85‐plus Study, an observational population‐based prospective study. All 90‐year‐old participants (n = 267) were included between 2002 and 2004 and followed up for mortality for at least 5 years. Differences in mortality risks were compared between participants with low systolic blood pressure (≤150 mmHg) and high systolic blood pressure (>150 mmHg) within strata of low NT‐proBNP (<284 pg/mL for women and <306 pg/mL for men = lowest tertile) vs. high NT‐proBNP (middle and highest tertile) at age 90 years. During maximal follow‐up of 7.2 years, 212 participants (79%) died. Among participants with low NT‐proBNP, low systolic blood pressure gave a two‐fold increased risk (hazard ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.1–3.4) compared with participants with high systolic blood pressure. For participants with high NT‐proBNP, low systolic blood pressure provided a 1.7 increased mortality risk (95% confidence interval 1.2–2.3) compared with high systolic blood pressure.

Conclusion

Low systolic blood pressure is predictive for increased mortality risk in 90‐year‐old subjects, irrespective of the NT‐proBNP level. Therefore, the absence or presence of heart failure as determined by NT‐proBNP does not influence the prognostic value of low systolic blood pressure with regard to mortality in the oldest old.
Histamine‐2 Receptor Blockers Alter the Fecal Microbiota in Premature Infants
Authors: Gupta Raegan W. , Tran Lynn , Norori Johana , Ferris Michael J. , Eren A. Murat , Taylor Christopher M. , Dowd Scot E. , Penn Duna
Published: December 2012

Objectives:

Bacterial colonization is considered a major risk factor for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that histamine‐2 receptor (H2‐) blockers alter colonic bacterial colonization by analyzing and comparing the fecal microbiota in premature infants with and without H2‐blocker therapy using sensitive molecular biological techniques.

Methods:

Seventy‐six premature infants ≤1500 g or <34 weeks gestation were enrolled in this case‐controlled, cross‐sectional study. Stool samples were collected from 25 infants receiving H2‐blockers and 51 babies who had never received them. Following DNA extraction and PCR amplification of 16S rRNA, 454 pyrosequencing was undertaken and the resulting sequences were subjected to comparison with published sequence libraries.

Results:

Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the major phyla contributing to fecal microbial communities. Microbial diversity was lower, relative abundance of Proteobacteria (primarily of the family Enterobacteriaceae) was increased, whereas that of Firmicutes was decreased in the stools of infants receiving H2‐blockers compared with those who had never received them.

Conclusions:

Although not designed to look specifically at the effect of H2‐blockers on the incidence of NEC, our study suggests that their use lowers fecal microbial diversity and shifts the microfloral pattern toward Proteobacteria. These alterations in fecal microbiota may predispose the vulnerable immature gut to necrotizing enterocolitis and suggest prudence in the use of H2‐blockers in the premature infant.
Resonance Raman Spectroscopy and the Preterm Infant Carotenoid Status
Authors: Chan Gary M. , Chan Melissa M. , Gellermann Werner , Ermakov Igor , Ermakova Maia , Bhosale Prakash , Bernstein Paul , Rau Carrie
Published: December 2012

Objective:

The aim of the study was to validate the noninvasive resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) method in infants in comparison with the high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method, and to evaluate the carotenoid status in preterm infants fed with mother's milk or formula.

Methods:

In the first phase of the study, resonance Raman measurements were made on male term infants' skin and correlated with tissue harvested at the time of circumcision. Each baby's foreskin was weighed, enzymatically digested, and the total carotenoids were extracted and quantitated by the HPLC. Next, to evaluate the carotenoid status of preterm infants (BW <1500 g), the skin and serum carotenoids in infants fed with either human milk or preterm formula were studied from the start of feedings and every 2 weeks until hospital discharge. Skin carotenoids were measured by RRS and the serum total carotenoids by HPLC.

Results:

Foreskin carotenoid levels measured by RRS correlated with HPLC measurements of total serum carotenoids (R = 0.52, P < 0.01, n = 16). Forty preterm infants were studied for their carotenoid status. Thirty‐two infants were fed mother's milk, whereas 8 were fed a preterm infant formula that was not enriched with carotenoids. The gestation and birth weight of the 2 feeding groups were similar. The infants fed human milk had a higher serum total carotenoid concentration and skin Raman counts than formula‐fed infants. The skin Raman counts and total serum carotenoid correlated (R = 0.44, P = 0.01). The human milk–fed infants' serum total carotenoid concentrations and Raman values did not change during the study period; however, the formula‐fed group's total serum and skin carotenoid decreased significantly during the study.

Conclusions:

RRS of infant's skin reliably assesses total carotenoid status noninvasively. Human milk–fed preterm infants have higher serum and skin carotenoids than formula‐fed infants suggesting that formula‐fed infants may benefit from carotenoid supplementation.
Robust Microarray Meta-Analysis Identifies Differentially Expressed Genes for Clinical Prediction
Authors: Phan John H. , Young Andrew N. , Wang May D.
Published: December 2012

Combining multiple microarray datasets increases sample size and leads to improved reproducibility in identification of informative genes and subsequent clinical prediction. Although microarrays have increased the rate of genomic data collection, sample size is still a major issue when identifying informative genetic biomarkers. Because of this, feature selection methods often suffer from false discoveries, resulting in poorly performing predictive models. We develop a simple meta-analysis-based feature selection method that captures the knowledge in each individual dataset and combines the results using a simple rank average. In a comprehensive study that measures robustness in terms of clinical application (i.e., breast, renal, and pancreatic cancer), microarray platform heterogeneity, and classifier (i.e., logistic regression, diagonal LDA, and linear SVM), we compare the rank average meta-analysis method to five other meta-analysis methods. Results indicate that rank average meta-analysis consistently performs well compared to five other meta-analysis methods.
Significance of the centrally expressed TRP channel painless in Drosophila courtship memory
Authors: Sakai Takaomi , Sato Shoma , Ishimoto Hiroshi , Kitamoto Toshihiro
Published: December 2012

Considerable evidence has demonstrated that transient receptor potential (TRP) channels play vital roles in sensory neurons, mediating responses to various environmental stimuli. In contrast, relatively little is known about how TRP channels exert their effects in the central nervous system to control complex behaviors. This is also true for the Drosophila TRP channel encoded by painless (pain). The Pain TRP channel is expressed in a subset of sensory neurons and involved in behavioral responses to thermal, chemical, and mechanical stimuli. Its physiological roles in brain neurons, however, remain largely elusive. Using multiple mutant alleles and tranformants for pain, here we demonstrate that the brain-expressed Pain TRP channel is required for long-term memory (LTM), but not for short-lasting memory, induced by courtship conditioning in adult males. The courtship LTM phenotype in pain mutants was rescued by expressing wild-type pain temporarily, prior to conditioning, in adult flies. In addition, targeted expression of painRNAi in either the mushroom bodies (MBs) or insulin-producing cells (IPCs) resulted in defective courtship LTM. These results indicate that the Pain TRP channels in the MBs and IPCs control neuronal plasticity that is required for the formation of a certain type of long-lasting associative memory in Drosophila.
Research assessment and the activity hypothesis
Authors: Lansley Peter
Published: December 2012

Purpose

Analyses of the results of research assessment exercises (RAEs) carried out in the UK in 1996 and 2001 supported a simple hypothesis, that the grade awarded to a university department can be related to its level of activity in terms of, for example, number of research students, research studentships secured, research degrees awarded, research funded from external sources, and the profile of publications. The purpose of this paper is to consider the extent to which these relationships prevailed for the most recent RAE in 2008.

Design/methodology/approach

Information from 157 departments from five subject areas was subjected to extensive correlation analysis and regression modelling, informed by the findings from analyses of previous RAEs.

Findings

Although the information submitted by universities to RAE 2008 was the same as for previous RAEs, a different methodology was employed for assessing their performance. Establishing a relationship between the assessments of research quality of departments and measures of activity was more challenging than previously. Differences between subject areas were large and it was not possible to develop a single model applicable to the five subject areas.

Practical implications

Despite the relationship with performance being much less obvious than for previous RAEs, activity levels are important to success, but in different ways in different subject areas.

Originality/value

The paper indicates the extent to which expectations about the importance of key research‐related activities, expressed as simple quantitative measures, are reflected in qualitative assessments of performance, given the increasing complexity and subtlety of the assessment process.
Ultraviolet radiation as a controlling and mutating agent of environmental fungi
Authors: Abdel Hameed A.A. , Ayesh A.M. , Abdel Razik M. , Abdel Mawla H.F.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of ultraviolet radiation (UVC) on the survivability and susceptibility of some fungal species isolated from the indoor air of agricultural, industry‐related workplaces.

Design/methodology/approach

Environmental fungi were collected from the air of cotton and soybean mills using liquid impinger sampler (AGI‐30). The UVC exposure experiment was performed on Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus ochraceous, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium rubrum using UV lamp (λ=254 nm; 0.1 mW/cm2). The susceptibility constant (Z) was used to determine the susceptibility of any given organism to UVC.

Findings

The conidia survival was inversely proportional to the time of UVC exposure and ∼77‐88.5% of conidia were killed within six hours of exposure. Mutant conidia showed a wide range of morphological alterations including damage of their cell walls and features. Mycotoxin production patterns of the mutants Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus changed on comparison with the parental control patterns.

Originality/value

The paper provides information on the effect of UVC radiation on environmental fungi. The results reported in this research discussed the disadvantages of using UVC as a decontaminant of fungi.
A study of resource dependency: the coal supply strategy of the Japanese steel mills – 1960‐2010
Authors: Bowden Bradley , Insch Andrea
Published: December 2012

Purpose

The development of the Pacific seaborne coal trade since 1960 has been central to East Asia's economic expansion. In exploring the growth of this trade this paper seeks to understand why Japanese steel mills (JSMs), the world's largest coal importers, used few of the strategies that one would expect in the light of resource dependency theory, relying instead on market exchanges.

Design/methodology/approach

This study relies primarily on archival sources, held by the Departments of Mines and Natural Resources in Victoria (British Columbia) and Brisbane (Australia) to reconstruct changing patterns of supply and price in the Pacific coal trade.

Findings

It is found that by relying on a strategy that amounted to “vertical quasi‐integration” JSMs were able to use their combined power to dictate the terms of market exchanges with buyers during the 1980 and 1990s. By 2000, however, this strategy had become counter‐productive, as low prices fostered the emergence of a powerful Australian‐based selling oligopoly.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes towards the growing study of transnational events, experiences and institutions in management history, filling a noticeable gap in resource dependency theory, which has not previously explored the long‐term consequences of strategies aimed at reducing dependency.

Practical implications

East Asia has become the major engine for world economic growth and manufacturing output since the 1970s, and this study explores for the first time the genesis and development of the Pacific coal trade that has underpinned this growth.

Social implications

The study demonstrates the long‐term adverse consequences of attempts to manipulate buyer‐supplier relationships to minimise cost inputs. By creating a low‐cost environment, coal buyers ensured the emergence of a sellers' cartel that eventually forced up world coal prices to the detriment of consumers.

Originality/value

No previous study has attempted a study of a major international commodity trade over such an extensive timeframe. It is likely that similar attempts to manipulate supply and price in other commodity trades will, over time, result in similar outcomes.
Fractionated microneedle radiofrequency for the treatment of periorbital wrinkles
Authors: KIM Jae Kyung , ROH Mi Ryung , PARK Gyeong‐hun , KIM Youn Jin , JEON In Kyung , CHANG Sung Eun
Published: December 2012

Non‐ablative bipolar and monopolar radiofrequency devices have been shown to be effective for the treatment of facial wrinkles. Recently, novel fractionated microneedle radiofrequency (FMRF) devices have been introduced. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of FMRF for the treatment of periorbital wrinkles. Eleven women, aged 34–59 years, with periorbital wrinkles underwent three sessions of FMRF at 3‐week intervals with a follow‐up period of 3 months after treatment. Clinical improvement was evaluated using the Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Classification System (FWCS) and subjective satisfaction on a visual analog scale (VAS). The FWCS scores demonstrated significant improvement in periorbital wrinkles after treatment (P < 0.001). A satisfaction VAS score of more than 5, indicating high satisfaction, was obtained from 10 of 11 patients (91%) 3 months after treatment, and the mean satisfaction VAS score (n = 11) was 6.7. Patients undergoing treatment reported minimal pain, and neither long‐lasting side‐effects nor significant downtime was noted. This clinical study suggests that FMRF is a safe and tolerable method for successful treatment of periorbital wrinkles.
Laboratory procedures for the detection and identification of cutaneous non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections
Authors: NAKANAGA Kazue , HOSHINO Yoshihiko , YOTSU Rie R. , MAKINO Masahiko , ISHII Norihisa
Published: December 2012

There is evidence that the incidence of cutaneous non‐tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection is increasing worldwide. Novel culture methods and new analytical procedures have led to significant advancements in understanding the origin and progression of NTM infections. Differential identification of NTM isolates is important because culture characteristics and/or sensitivity to anti‐mycobacterium drugs vary between different mycobacterial species. In this manuscript, we describe the latest diagnostic techniques for cutaneous NTM infection and show how these methodologies can be used for the diagnosis of Buruli ulcer in Japan.
A novel comprehensive analysis method for Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity islands
Authors: Sato'o Yusuke , Omoe Katsuhiko , Ono Hisaya K. , Nakane Akio , Hu Dong‐Liang
Published: December 2012

Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity islands (SaPIs) form a growing family of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in Staphylococci. Horizontal genetic transfer by MGEs plays an important role in the evolution of S. aureus. Several SaPIs carry staphylococcal enterotoxin and SE‐like toxin genes. To comprehensively investigate the diversity of SaPIs, a series of primers corresponding to sequences flanking six SaPI insertion sites in S. aureus genome were designed and a long and accurate (LA)‐PCR analysis method established. LA‐PCR products of 13–17 kbp were observed in strains with seb, selk or selq genes. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis showed that the products have different RFLP characteristics than do previously described SaPIs; they were therefore predicted to include new SaPIs. Nucleotide sequencing analysis revealed seven novel SaPIs: seb‐harboring SaPIivm10, SaPishikawa11, SaPIivm60, SaPIno10 and SaPIhirosaki4, selk and selq‐harboring SaPIj11 and non‐superantigen‐harboring SaPIhhms2. These SaPIs have mosaic structures containing components of known SaPIs and other unknown genes. Strains carrying different SaPIs were found to have significantly different production of superantigen toxins. The present results show that the LA‐PCR approach can comprehensively identify SaPI diversity and is useful for investigating the evolution of S. aureus pathogenicity.
Temperature effects on pitfall catches of epigeal arthropods: a model and method for bias correction
Authors: Saska Pavel , van der Werf Wopke , Hemerik Lia , Luff Martin L. , Hatten Timothy D. , Honek Alois
Published: December 2012

Carabids and other epigeal arthropods make important contributions to biodiversity, food webs and biocontrol of invertebrate pests and weeds. Pitfall trapping is widely used for sampling carabid populations, but this technique yields biased estimates of abundance (‘activity‐density’) because individual activity – which is affected by climatic factors – affects the rate of catch. To date, the impact of temperature on pitfall catches, while suspected to be large, has not been quantified, and no method is available to account for it. This lack of knowledge and the unavailability of a method for bias correction affect the confidence that can be placed on results of ecological field studies based on pitfall data.

Here, we develop a simple model for the effect of temperature, assuming a constant proportional change in the rate of catch per °C change in temperature,r, consistent with an exponential Q10response to temperature. We fit this model to 38 time series of pitfall catches and accompanying temperature records from the literature, using first differences and other detrending methods to account for seasonality. We use meta‐analysis to assess consistency of the estimated parameterramong studies.

The mean rate of increase in total catch across data sets was 0·0863 ± 0·0058 per °C of maximum temperature and 0·0497 ± 0·0107 per °C of minimum temperature. Multiple regression analyses of 19 data sets showed that temperature is the key climatic variable affecting total catch. Relationships between temperature and catch were also identified at species level. Correction for temperature bias had substantial effects on seasonal trends of carabid catches.

Synthesis and Applications. The effect of temperature on pitfall catches is shown here to be substantial and worthy of consideration when interpreting results of pitfall trapping. The exponential model can be used both for effect estimation and for bias correction of observed data. Correcting for temperature‐related trapping bias is straightforward and enables population estimates to be more comparable. It may thus improve data interpretation in ecological, conservation and monitoring studies, and assist in better management and conservation of habitats and ecosystem services. Nevertheless, field ecologists should remain vigilant for other sources of bias.
Potential effects of artificial light associated with anthropogenic infrastructure on the abundance and foraging behaviour of estuary‐associated fishes
Authors: Becker Alistair , Whitfield Alan K. , Cowley Paul D. , Järnegren Johanna , Næsje Tor F.
Published: December 2012

As a consequence of a positive phototaxic response, the findings of this study suggest that artificial light often associated with man‐made structures has the potential to alter fish communities within urban estuarine ecosystems by creating optimal conditions for predators. Future coastal developments should consider the ecological implications of lighting on aquatic communities. We recommend that lighting be minimized around coastal infrastructure and the use of red lights, which have limited penetration though water, be considered.
‘Tissue on the Bones’: Towards the Development of a Post-structuralist Institutionalism
Authors: Moon David S.
Published: December 2012

The ‘new institutionalist’ approaches have recently been beneficially expanded by the introduction of a body of work which falls under the collective label of discursive-constructivist institutionalism. This article argues that the discursive analytical focus of these approaches would be complemented and extended by the application of the post-structuralist conceptual tool bag offered by Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe. In so doing it advocates developing a post-structuralist institutionalism (PSI), detailing the approach's key theoretical underpinnings and differences from constructivist-discursive approaches. These are subsequently illustrated via an analysis of the arguments within Rhodri Morgan's Welsh Labour party over the use of private finance in health provision.
Researching the pupil voice: what makes a good teaching assistant?
Authors: Bland Ken , Sleightholme Sandra
Published: December 2012

This article reports on a small‐scale research project concerning the views of pupils on what comprises a good teaching assistant (TA). The study indicates that pupils clearly valued the support given to them by TAs. The pupils outlined the main personal and professional characteristics they wanted to see in, as well as the kinds of support they wanted from, a TA. The implications of these data for schools and for TAs themselves are briefly indicated.
Visual‐perceptual difficulties and the impact on children's learning: are teachers missing the page?
Authors: Boyle Christopher , Jindal‐Snape Divya
Published: December 2012

This article attempts to bring to the fore of educational practice the importance of considering the visual‐perceptual condition of Meares–Irlen syndrome (MIS) when identifying students who have prolonged reading difficulties. Dyslexia is a frequently used term which can be used to label children who have specific difficulties with reading and/or spelling but this article discusses the problems that this may cause students who have a reading difficulty caused by a visual processing difficulty, as the working definitions of dyslexia do not, generally, consider this aspect as a factor, especially when remediation interventions are put forward. This article discusses the possibility that teachers and school psychologists may not be fully aware of MIS and therefore not able to recognise it. Moreover, if this condition is not adequately picked up at the important transition times in school then this could harm the student's self‐esteem and affect his or her motivation to succeed in school. The authors argue that the irony of MIS being potentially undetected by teachers and other school professionals is that it is relatively straightforward to identify, and in many cases, to correct.
Graft‐related complications and biaxial tensiometry following experimental vaginal implantation of flat mesh of variable dimensions
Authors: Manodoro S , Endo M , Uvin P , Albersen M , Vláčil J , Engels A , Schmidt B , De Ridder D , Feola A , Deprest J
Published: December 2012

Objective

To compare the occurrence of graft‐related complications (GRCs) and biomechanical properties of meshes implanted vaginally and abdominally.

Design

In vivo animal experiment.

Setting

Centre for Surgical Technologies, Medical Faculty, KU Leuven, Belgium.

Population

Twenty adult parous Texel ewes.

Methods

Sheep were implanted with Gynemesh M, a 28‐g/m² polypropylene mesh reinforced with polyglecaprone fibres, under general anaesthesia. Dissection into the rectovaginal septum was performed to accommodate a flat 50 × 50 mm (n = 10) or 35 × 35 mm (n = 10) mesh, which was sutured to the underlying tissues. A 50 × 50 mm mesh was laid over a primarily sutured, full‐thickness, 40‐mm longitudinal abdominal wall incision. Sacrifice was at 60 days (n = 10) or 90 days (n = 5).

Main outcome measures

The occurrence of exposure, the degree of contraction and examination of the biomechanical properties of explants with a minimum radius of 32 mm via biaxial tensiometry.

Results

Insertion of a 50 × 50 mm mesh led to exposures in 30% (3/10) of cases, and the average contraction rate was 52 ± 14%. In the 35 × 35 mm implants, there were no exposures, and the contraction rate was 25 ± 26.3%. Vaginal explants with no GRCs and of sufficient size had biomechanical properties that were comparable with those of abdominal explants.

Conclusion

Vaginal mesh insertion is associated with GRCs, such as exposure and contraction. Although other factors probably play a role, this study illustrates that mesh size may also induce these complications. In a vaginal surgery model, clinically occurring GRCs can be reproduced. In addition, biomechanics of uncomplicated vaginal explants are comparable with those measured on abdominal explants.
Vaginal degeneration following implantation of synthetic mesh with increased stiffness
Authors: Liang R , Abramowitch S , Knight K , Palcsey S , Nolfi A , Feola A , Stein S , Moalli PA
Published: December 2012

Objective

To compare the impact of the prototype prolapse mesh Gynemesh PS with that of two new‐generation lower stiffness meshes, UltraPro and SmartMesh, on vaginal morphology and structural composition.

Design

A mechanistic study employing a nonhuman primate model.

Setting

Magee‐Womens Research Institute at the University of Pittsburgh.

Population

Parous rhesus macaques, with similar age, weight, parity and Pelvic Organ Prolapse‐Questionnaire scores.

Methods

Following Institutional Animal Care Use Committee approval, 50 rhesus macaques were implanted with Gynemesh PS (n = 12), UltraPro with its blue line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of vagina (n = 10), UltraPro with its blue line parallel to the longitudinal axis of vagina (n = 8) or SmartMesh (n = 8) via sacrocolpopexy following hysterectomy. Sham‐operated animals (n = 12) served as controls.

Main outcome measures

The mesh–vagina complex was removed after 12 weeks and analysed for histomorphology, in situ cell apoptosis, total collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycan content and total collagenase activity. Appropriate statistics and correlation analyses were performed accordingly.

Results

Relative to sham and the two lower stiffness meshes, Gynemesh PS had the greatest negative impact on vaginal histomorphology and composition. Compared with sham, implantation with Gynemesh PS caused substantial thinning of the smooth muscle layer (1557 ± 499 μm versus 866 ± 210 μm, P = 0.02), increased apoptosis particularly in the area of the mesh fibres (P = 0.01), decreased collagen and elastin content (20%, P = 0.03 and 43%, P = 0.02, respectively) and increased total collagenase activity (135%, P = 0.01). Glycosaminoglycan, a marker of tissue injury, was highest with Gynemesh PS compared with sham and other meshes (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Mesh implantation with the stiffer mesh Gynemesh PS induced a maladaptive remodelling response consistent with vaginal degeneration.
Principles‐Based Reasoning about Accounting Estimates
Authors: Smieliauskas Wally
Published: December 2012

This article proposes a key principle and related concepts for reasoning about accounting estimates. The reasoning is consistent with a principles‐based professional judgment framework proposed by Ross Skinner and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. The principle deals with reasonable ranges and related risk assessments in the audit of accounting estimates. It does so by using concepts first introduced by Boritz and Skinner and updates them for the requirements of CAS/ISA No. 540 and International Financial Reporting Standards. The article identifies the conditions for the existence of the benchmark ranges proposed by Smieliauskas in identifying fairly presented estimates. The need for a professional judgment framework and related guidance has been recognized recently by the International Federation of Accountants, a 2010 EU Green Paper, and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board as a result of challenges auditors have been facing in the current reporting environment. This recognition echoes calls first made by Ross Skinner in his pioneering 1995 article, and reinforced by the FASB/IASB 2006 proposal for principles‐based accounting standards.
Condominium Townhouse Investment
Authors: Wakil Gulraze , Petruska Karin
Published: December 2012

This accounting case involves the evaluation of various alternatives based on a real‐life personal property investment. The Condominium Townhouse Investment (CTI) case uses introductory management accounting concepts and analyses to introduce students to the case method of learning. The main concepts reinforced are relevant costs and revenues, including differentiating between opportunity and sunk costs. Students are not only asked to define and identify these items, but to consider choices centered on the decision alternatives in their role as accountants in public practice. This case is especially valuable because it offers students the chance to become engaged in an analysis and decision‐making situation that they can relate to both personally and professionally because, one day, they themselves are likely to become involved in a home ownership decision. The case focuses on real estate as a personal business investment, and requires both qualitative and quantitative analysis, with more emphasis on the qualitative aspect. In addition, the teaching notes include methods and strategies for students to use in an introductory managerial accounting class or level‐1 MBA class.
Phenological growth stages of Camellia japonica
Authors: Vela P. , Salinero C. , Sainz M.J.
Published: December 2012

Camellia japonica is the most important ornamental species within the genus Camellia, with over 32 000 cultivars. On the basis of data from 72 cultivars maintained in a live camellia germplasm bank in Pontevedra (NW Spain), the phenological growth stages of C. japonica are described using the Biologische Bundesantalt and Chemische scale. The main stages of development for buds, leaves, shoots, harvestable vegetative plant parts, flowers and fruits are given. Eight main stages were defined, with a total of 42 secondary stages. This scale provides growers and researchers with uniform criteria on the selection and description of phenological stages for best management and study of C. japonica.
Ultrasound‐guided infragluteal sciatic nerve block: a comparison between four different techniques
Authors: TAMMAM T. F.
Published: December 2012

Objective

Ultrasound guided sciatic block can be performed by different techniques. We compared namely short or long axis views of the sciatic nerve with in‐plane or out‐of‐plane needle insertion techniques for the infragluteal sciatic nerve block (ISNB).

Methods

One hundred twenty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I–III, scheduled for foot surgery were assigned into four groups. Group SI: patients received ultrasound‐guided SNB using short axis (S) view of the SN and in‐plane (I) insertion of needle. Group LI: patients received SNB using long axis (L) view of SN and (I) insertion of the needle. Group SO: patients received SNB using (S) view of SN and out‐of‐plane (O) insertion of the needle. Group LO: patients received SNB using (L) view of SN and (O) insertion of the needle. Primary outcomes included the time to perform the block (recognition and performance time) and the level of patient discomfort during block placement.

Results

The recognition time and performance time were shortest in LI group (51 ± 16.4 and 87.7 ± 14.8 s), while they were longest in LO group (138.7 ± 21.4 and 160.3 ± 17.5 s). There were no significant differences between the groups as regards the number of attempts and needle redirections to elicit sciatic motor response. The level of patient discomfort was significantly less in the LI group in comparison with the SI and LO groups.

Conclusion

The LI approach required less time to complete the infragluteal sciatic nerve block procedure and it was more comfortable for the patients in comparison to the SO, SI and LO approaches.
Parker Flex‐Tip or standard tracheal tube for percutaneous emergency airway access?
Authors: BAKER P. A. , FERNANDEZ T. M. A. , HAMAEKERS A. E. , THOMPSON J. M. D.
Published: December 2012

Background

Percutaneous emergency airway access (PEAA) can be established utilising a scalpel, bougie and cuffed tracheal tube. The study compared the Parker Flex‐Tip tracheal tube with a standard tracheal tube for PEAA in cadavers. We hypothesised that a standard tracheal tube would be more likely to advance over a bougie into the trachea during a PEAA procedure than a Parker Flex‐Tip tracheal tube.

Methods

Three anaesthetists performed a PEAA with a scalpel, bougie and cuffed tracheal tube, 12 times each. Recorded times included: loading the tracheal tube onto the bougie and advancing the tube over the bougie to the skin, advancing the tube through the skin into the trachea and completion of the whole procedure. Subjective opinion regarding the ease of tube insertion was recorded by visual analogue scoring.

Results

Subjective opinion, overall time and time to complete each component of the procedure were not significantly affected by the type of tube used. The mean time for three novice anaesthetists to complete PEAA on a cadaver was 37.5 (8.8) s, after 1 h of training. In two of the 12 cadavers, the cricothyroid membrane could not be palpated or located with the scalpel.

Conclusion

The Parker Flex‐Tip tube and a standard tracheal tube perform equally well during PEAA procedures on adult cadavers.
Approaching the Prevalence of the Full Spectrum of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in a South African Population‐Based Study
Authors: May Philip A. , Blankenship Jason , Marais Anna‐Susan , Gossage J. Phillip , Kalberg Wendy O. , Barnard Ronel , De Vries Marlene , Robinson Luther K. , Adnams Colleen M. , Buckley David , Manning Melanie , Jones Kenneth L. , Parry Charles , Hoyme H. Eugene , Seedat Soraya
Published: December 2012

Background

The prevalence and characteristics of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) were determined in this fourth study of first‐grade children in a South African community.

Methods

Active case ascertainment methods were employed among 747 first‐grade pupils. The detailed characteristics of children within the continuum of FASD are contrasted with randomly selected, normal controls on (i) physical growth and dysmorphology; (ii) cognitive/behavioral characteristics; and (iii) maternal risk factors.

Results

The rates of specific diagnoses within the FASD spectrum continue to be among the highest reported in any community in the world. The prevalence (per 1,000) is as follows: fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)—59.3 to 91.0; partial fetal alcohol syndrome (PFAS)—45.3 to 69.6; and alcohol‐related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND)—30.5 to 46.8. The overall rate of FASD is therefore 135.1 to 207.5 per 1,000 (or 13.6 to 20.9%). Clinical profiles of the physical and cognitive/behavioral traits of children with a specific FASD diagnosis and controls are provided for understanding the full spectrum of FASD in a community. The spectral effect is evident in the characteristics of the diagnostic groups and summarized by the total (mean) dysmorphology scores of the children: FAS = 18.9; PFAS = 14.3; ARND = 12.2; and normal controls, alcohol exposed = 8.2 and unexposed = 7.1. Documented drinking during pregnancy is significantly correlated with verbal (r = −0.253) and nonverbal ability (r = −0.265), negative behaviors (r = 0.203), and total dysmorphology score (r = 0.431). Other measures of drinking during pregnancy are significantly associated with FASD, including binge drinking as low as 3 drinks per episode on 2 days of the week.

Conclusions

High rates of specific diagnoses within FASD were well documented in this new cohort of children. FASD persists in this community. The data reflect an increased ability to provide accurate and discriminating diagnoses throughout the continuum of FASD.
Expression of HIV gp120 protein increases sensitivity to the rewarding properties of methamphetamine in mice
Authors: Kesby James P. , Hubbard David T. , Markou Athina , Semenova Svetlana
Published: December 2012

Methamphetamine abuse and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection induce neuropathological changes in corticolimbic brain areas involved in reward and cognitive function. Little is known about the combined effects of methamphetamine and HIV infection on cognitive and reward processes. The HIV/gp120 protein induces neurodegeneration in mice, similar to HIV‐induced pathology in humans. We investigated the effects of gp120 expression on associative learning, preference for methamphetamine and non‐drug reinforcers, and sensitivity to the conditioned rewarding properties of methamphetamine in transgenic (tg) mice expressing HIV/gp120 protein (gp120‐tg). gp120‐tg mice learned the operant response for food at the same rate as non‐tg mice. In the two‐bottle choice procedure with restricted access to drugs, gp120‐tg mice exhibited greater preference for methamphetamine and saccharin than non‐tg mice, whereas preference for quinine was similar between genotypes. Under conditions of unrestricted access to methamphetamine, the mice exhibited a decreased preference for increasing methamphetamine concentrations. However, male gp120‐tg mice showed a decreased preference for methamphetamine at lower concentrations than non‐tg male mice. gp120‐tg mice developed methamphetamine‐induced conditioned place preference at lower methamphetamine doses compared with non‐tg mice. No differences in methamphetamine pharmacokinetics were found between genotypes. These results indicate that gp120‐tg mice exhibit no deficits in associative learning or reward/motivational function for a natural reinforcer. Interestingly, gp120 expression resulted in increased preference for methamphetamine and a highly palatable non‐drug reinforcer (saccharin) and increased sensitivity to methamphetamine‐induced conditioned reward. These data suggest that HIV‐positive individuals may have increased sensitivity to methamphetamine, leading to high methamphetamine abuse potential in this population.
Courtship and mating in the crusader bug, Mictis profana (Fabricius)
Authors: Tatarnic Nikolai J , Spence John R
Published: December 2012

Mating behaviour in the crusader bug, Mictis profana (Heteroptera: Miridae) is described. Using scan samples of marked individuals in outdoor enclosures, it is shown that larger males secure more matings than do small males. From videotaped recordings of captive individuals, a series of stereotyped male courtship behaviours are documented, which appear to include the use of a putative weapon – the median abdominal tubercle – in tactile stimulation of the female. The fighting behaviour of this species based on videotaped observations of male–male combat over access to females was also described.
Australian survey of current practice and guideline use in adult cancer pain assessment and management: Perspectives of oncologists
Authors: Luckett Tim , Davidson Patricia Mary , Boyle Frances , Liauw Winston , Agar Meera , Green Anna , Lovell Melanie ,   ImPaCCT (Improving Palliative Care through Clinical Trials) and PoCoG (Psycho‐oncology Co‐operative Research Group) Symptom Cluster Collaborative
Published: December 2012

Aims

Cancer pain continues to be undertreated in up to half of cases, despite the availability of evidence‐based guidelines. This study aimed to: (i) identify barriers and facilitators to adult cancer pain assessment and management, as perceived by Australian health professionals; (ii) establish the perceived need for new Australian guidelines and implementation strategy; (iii) identify which guidelines are used; (iv) identify barriers and facilitators to guideline use. This article focuses on the perceptions of responding oncologists.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was administered online. Invitations were circulated via peak bodies and clinical leaders. Comments were coded independently by two researchers.

Results

In all 76 oncologists self‐reported high concordance with evidence‐based recommendations, except validated pain scales. Perceived barriers to pain management included insufficient non‐pharmacological interventions, access to /coordination between services, and time. Only 22 percent of respondents reported using pain guidelines. Perceived barriers to guideline use included lack of access, awareness and any single standard. Respondents were generally supportive of new Australian guidelines and especially an implementation strategy.

Conclusion

Barriers to evidence‐based practice and guideline use identified by our survey might be addressed via a clinical pathway that gives step‐by‐step guidance on evidence‐based practice along with a framework for evaluation. Particular attention should be paid to promoting use of validated scales, patient education and non‐pharmacological interventions, training of an appropriately skilled workforce and improving care coordination. Challenges are discussed.
Risk Premium and Convexity Premium in the Stock Return
Authors: Park Keehwan , Choi Pilsun , Kim Saekwon
Published: December 2012

We model and estimate equity premium in a general equilibrium setting. It is done by reframing the Merton's model (1974) in the context of general equilibrium models such as Ahn and Thompson (1988) and Bates (1991). Our approach is novel in its attempt to derive equity premium by evaluating the equity returns dynamics in equilibrium and to thereby estimate non‐risk convexity premium for equity as well as its risk premium. While risk premium is generally due to systematic risk, convexity premium is due to the option‐like feature of equity, and exists under returns discontinuity and risk neutrality. We model equity premium such that the convexity premium pays for the liquidity and information costs of equity. We calibrate our equity premium model and report that the convexity premium counts for about one third of our predicted equity premium. We find relevance for our non‐risk convexity premium in relation to the premium puzzle and anomalies in the stock market.
Hemiarthroplasty performed under transversus abdominis plane block in a patient with severe cardiorespiratory disease
Authors: Stuart‐Smith K.
Published: December 2012

This report describes the use of a transversus abdominis plane block as the main anaesthetic technique for the performance of a hemiarthroplasty in a patient with severe cardiac and respiratory dysfunction, for whom both general and spinal anaesthesia carried considerable risks. The block was performed in the triangle of Petit posterior to the mid‐axillary line, using a landmark technique. A combination of lidocaine 1% (20 ml) and bupivacaine 0.5% (20 ml) was administered. A low‐dose propofol infusion was used intra‐operatively to relieve anxiety, although the patient breathed spontaneously throughout the procedure and responded to voice commands. The surgery was completed successfully without the need for further analgesia. The patient was alert and comfortable in recovery. First opioid administration was 12 h after surgery. The patient was subsequently discharged to a nursing home, where he succumbed to his primary respiratory disease six months later.
Neoliberalizing Border Management in Finland and Schengen
Authors: Prokkola Eeva‐Kaisa
Published: December 2012

Abstract: This paper provides a critical examination of the development of border management in Finland and the Schengen Area, the point of departure being that contemporary performances of border enforcement and security cannot be understood as distinct from the process of neoliberalization. The particular case which is examined is that of the Finnish Border Guard (FBG) service. Border management in Finland provides an interesting case not only because Finland is responsible for controlling the Schengen, European Union–Russian border but also because since Finnish state reforms in the early 1990s, neoliberal rationales have increasingly provided the guidelines for how to calculate and optimize border security. This paper emphasizes that the rationales of border management should be made transparent and opened for public debate. The analysis is structured around the themes of internationalization, competitiveness, risk prevention and the functioning of society, all of which are regarded as the key rationales of neoliberalized border governance.