bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body mass index in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis in Spain and its impact as an independent risk factor for therapy withdrawal: results of the Biobadaderm Registry
Authors: Carrascosa J.M. , Vilavella M. , Garcia‐Doval I. , Carretero G. , Vanaclocha F. , Daudén E. , Gómez‐García F.J. , Herrera‐Ceballos E. , De la Cueva Dobao P. , Belinchón I. , Sánchez‐Carazo J.L. , Alsina M. , López‐Estebaranz J.L. , Ferrán M. , Peral F. , Torrado R. , Rivera R. , Jiménez‐Puya R. , Mendiola M.V. , Ferrándiz C.
Published: July 2013

Background

There are few data on the prevalence of obesity in the general psoriasis population and on the real impact of obesity on the management of psoriasis patients in the clinical setting.

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis compared to the general population and to assess the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the risk of discontinuing treatment.

Methods

Patients registered on Biobadaderm, a prospective registry, were grouped according the different categories of BMI and compared to the general Spanish population. Drug survival was analysed considering only drug withdrawal due to lack of effectiveness, remission and adverse events.

Results

A total of 1162 moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis patients on systemic conventional or biological treatment were recruited. The prevalence of obesity was found to be significantly higher in psoriasis patients than in the general Spanish population (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis a 5‐unit increase in BMI, similar to a change in BMI category from normal weight to overweight and from overweight to obesity, was associated with a 12% increased risk of discontinuing therapy due to lack of effectiveness (HR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01–1.24) and with a 17% increased risk of having an adverse event (HR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02–1.36), both independently of the drug used.

Conclusions

Patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis had a higher prevalence of obesity than the general population. Increased BMI was associated with an increased risk of treatment discontinuation due to lack of effectiveness and a higher risk of adverse events.
Inappropriate Medication Prescriptions in Elderly Adults Surviving an Intensive Care Unit Hospitalization
Authors: Morandi Alessandro , Vasilevskis Eduard , Pandharipande Pratik P. , Girard Timothy D. , Solberg Laurence M. , Neal Erin B. , Koestner Tyler , Torres Renee E. , Thompson Jennifer L. , Shintani Ayumi K. , Han Jin H. , Schnelle John F. , Fick Donna M. , Ely E. Wesley , Kripalani Sunil
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To determine types of potentially (PIMs) and actually inappropriate medications (AIMs), which PIMs are most likely to be considered AIMs, and risk factors for PIMs and AIMs at hospital discharge in elderly intensive care unit (ICU) survivors.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care, academic medical center.

Participants

One hundred twenty individuals aged 60 and older who survived an ICU hospitalization.

Measurements

Potentially inappropriate medications were defined according to published criteria; a multidisciplinary panel adjudicated AIMs. Medications from before admission, ward admission, ICU admission, ICU discharge, and hospital discharge were abstracted. Poisson regression was used to examine independent risk factors for hospital discharge PIMs and AIMs.

Results

Of 250 PIMs prescribed at discharge, the most common were opioids (28%), anticholinergics (24%), antidepressants (12%), and drugs causing orthostasis (8%). The three most common AIMs were anticholinergics (37%), nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics (14%), and opioids (12%). Overall, 36% of discharge PIMs were classified as AIMs, but the percentage varied according to drug type. Whereas only 16% of opioids, 23% of antidepressants, and 10% of drugs causing orthostasis were classified as AIMs, 55% of anticholinergics, 71% of atypical antipyschotics, 67% of nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics and benzodiazepines, and 100% of muscle relaxants were deemed AIMs. The majority of PIMs and AIMs were first prescribed in the ICU. Preadmission PIMs, discharge to somewhere other than home, and discharge from a surgical service predicted number of discharge PIMs, but none of the factors predicted AIMs at discharge.

Conclusion

Certain types of PIMs, which are commonly initiated in the ICU, are more frequently considered inappropriate upon clinical review. Efforts to reduce AIMs in elderly ICU survivors should target these specific classes of medications.
Thoracic radiographic anatomy in vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus)
Authors: Young Aisha N. , du Plessis Wencke M. , Rodriguez Daniel , Beierschmitt Amy
Published: July 2013

Background

The vervet monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus) is used commonly in cardiorespiratory biomedical research. This study was performed to establish reference values for thoracic structures and to describe the normal radiographic appearance of the vervet monkey thorax.

Methods

Right lateral and dorsoventral thoracic radiographs of ten mature vervet monkeys were evaluated. Anatomic structures were characterized using descriptive statistics.

Results

Normal measurements of skeletal, pulmonary, mediastinal, and cardiovascular structures are reported herein. Several ratios were calculated to assess the cardiac silhouette, caudal vena cava, and pulmonary arteries and veins.

Conclusions

Consistent measurements could be made on the majority of the thoracic structures evaluated. The aorta on lateral radiographs and the pulmonary veins on dorsoventral radiographs were obscured by a mild bronchointerstitial pattern and body conformation. Caudal vena cava‐tapering was occasionally noted and attributed to general anesthesia. Species‐specific thoracic radiographic reference values should prove useful in vervet monkey disease diagnosis and management.
The Social Evolution of the Term “Half‐Caste” in Britain: The Paradox of its Use as Both Derogatory Racial Category and Self‐Descriptor
Authors: Aspinall Peter J
Published: July 2013

The term “half‐caste” had its origins in nineteenth century British colonial administrations, emerging in the twentieth century as the quotidian label for those whose ancestry comprised multiple ethnic/racial groups, usually encompassing “White”. From the 1920s–1960s the term was used in Britain as a derogatory racial category associated with the moral condemnation of “miscegenation”. Yet today the label continues to be used as a self‐descriptor and even survives in some official contexts. This paradox – of both derogatory racial category and self descriptor – is explored in the context of the term's social evolution, drawing upon the theoretical constructs of the internal‐external dialectic of identification and labelling theory.
Life after death: the critical role of extracellular DNA in microbial biofilms
Authors: Jakubovics N.S. , Shields R.C. , Rajarajan N. , Burgess J.G.
Published: July 2013

The death and lysis of microbial cells leads to the release of cytoplasmic contents, many of which are rapidly degraded by enzymes. However, some macromolecules survive intact and find new functions in the extracellular environment. There is now strong evidence that DNA released from cells during lysis, or sometimes by active secretion, becomes a key component of the macromolecular scaffold in many different biofilms. Enzymatic degradation of extracellular DNA can weaken the biofilm structure and release microbial cells from the surface. Many bacteria produce extracellular deoxyribonuclease (DNase) enzymes that are apparently tightly regulated to avoid excessive degradation of the biofilm matrix. Interfering with these control mechanisms, or adding exogenous DNases, could prove a potent strategy for controlling biofilm growth.
Zooplankton distribution patterns at two seamounts in the subtropical and tropical NE Atlantic
Authors: Denda Anneke , Christiansen Bernd
Published: July 2013

Spatial distribution patterns of zooplankton biomass in relation to local and large‐scale hydrographical and biological driving forces were studied at Ampère and Senghor, two shallow seamounts in the subtropical and tropical NE Atlantic, respectively. The study includes a first assessment of the taxonomic composition and an estimation of the respiratory carbon demand of the zooplankton community. Zooplankton was sampled during three cruises at the seamount and open ocean reference sites in May and October 2009 and in December 2010. Zooplankton standing stocks and the corresponding respiratory carbon demand were about six times higher at Senghor than at Ampère, with mean stocks of 24.7 and 4.6 g·m−2, respectively, in the upper 1000 m. Mean respiratory carbon demand in the epipelagic zone was calculated as 61.4 mg·C·m−2·day−1 for Senghor and 9.6 mg·C·m−2·day−1 for Ampère. At neither site were differences between seamount and open ocean sites significant. However, horizontal surveys across Ampère Seamount show clear differences between day and night distributions and a reduced biomass above the summit. Across Senghor, zooplankton biomass increased from the SW to the NE flank, with the highest concentrations in the subsurface layer of the chlorophyll maximum and just above a strong oxycline. The zooplankton community at Ampère Seamount reflects the oligotrophic character of the NE Atlantic subtropical gyre, whereas the nutrient‐rich waters of the cyclonic tropical gyre at Senghor support a higher biomass. This difference in the zooplankton biomass between the two seamounts can be attributed to the large‐scale hydrographical features governing the productivity regimes rather than to regional seamount effects.
Impacts and management of wild pigs Sus scrofa in Australia
Authors: Bengsen Andrew J. , Gentle Matthew N. , Mitchell James L. , Pearson Hayley E. , Saunders Glen R.
Published: July 2013

Globally, wild or feral pigs Sus scrofa are a widespread and important pest. Mitigation of their impacts requires a sound understanding of those impacts and the benefits and limitations of different management approaches.

Here, we review published and unpublished studies to provide a synopsis of contemporary understanding of wild pig impacts and management in Australia, and to identify important shortcomings.

Wild pigs can have important impacts on biodiversity values, ecosystem functioning and agricultural production. However, many of these impacts remain poorly described, and therefore, difficult to manage effectively. Many impacts are highly variable, and innovative experimental and analytical approaches may be necessary to elucidate them.

Most contemporary management programmes use lethal techniques to attempt to reduce pig densities, but it is often unclear how effective they are at reducing damage.

We conclude that greater integration of experimental approaches into wild pig management programmes is necessary to improve our understanding of wild pig impacts, and our ability to manage those impacts effectively and efficiently.
Mitochondrial DNA analyses reveal low genetic diversity in Culex quinquefasciatus from residential areas in Malaysia
Authors: LOW V. L. , LIM P. E. , CHEN C. D. , LIM Y. A. L. , TAN T. K. , NORMA‐RASHID Y. , LEE H. L. , SOFIAN‐AZIRUN M.
Published: July 2013

The present study explored the intraspecific genetic diversity, dispersal patterns and phylogeographic relationships of Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) in Malaysia using reference data available in GenBank in order to reveal this species' phylogenetic relationships. A statistical parsimony network of 70 taxa aligned as 624 characters of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and 685 characters of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COII) gene revealed three haplotypes (A1–A3) and four haplotypes (B1–B4), respectively. The concatenated sequences of both COI and COII genes with a total of 1309 characters revealed seven haplotypes (AB1–AB7). Analysis using tcs indicated that haplotype AB1 was the common ancestor and the most widespread haplotype in Malaysia. The genetic distance based on concatenated sequences of both COI and COII genes ranged from 0.00076 to 0.00229. Sequence alignment of Cx. quinquefasciatus from Malaysia and other countries revealed four haplotypes (AA1–AA4) by the COI gene and nine haplotypes (BB1–BB9) by the COII gene. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that Malaysian Cx. quinquefasciatus share the same genetic lineage as East African and Asian Cx. quinquefasciatus. This study has inferred the genetic lineages, dispersal patterns and hypothetical ancestral genotypes of Cx. quinquefasciatus.
Genotypic diversity of environmental Cryptococcus neoformans isolates from Northern Portugal
Authors: Ferreira Ana Sofia , Sampaio Ana , Maduro Ana Paula , Silva Inês , Teles Fernando , Martins Maria da Luz , Inácio João
Published: July 2013

The Cryptococcus neoformans/C. gattii species complex members are the main agents of systemic cryptococcosis. This disease is believed to be acquired from the environment via fungal cell inhalation. Often, isolates recovered from environmental and clinical sources have proven to be genotypically similar. We assessed the occurrence of C. neoformans and C. gattii in environmental substrates collected in a Portuguese region. Twenty‐eight isolates were identified as C. neoformans – five from decaying Eucalyptus leaves and 23 from domestic pigeon droppings. The isolates were genotyped using a URA5‐RFLP approach. The C. neoformans VNIV (53.6%, n = 15) and VNI (32.1%, n = 9) genotypes were abundantly present among environmental isolates. The hybrid VNIII (14.3%, n = 4) genotype was underrepresented and the VNII was not found. Cryptococcus gattii was also not found although some isolates yielded a positive canavanine–glycine–bromothymol blue test.
Knowledge from data in the built environment
Authors: Starkey Christopher , Garvin Chris
Published: July 2013

Data feedback is changing our relationship to the built environment. Both traditional and new sources of data are developing rapidly, compelled by efforts to optimize the performance of human habitats. However, there are many obstacles to the successful implementation of information‐centered environments that continue to hinder widespread adoption. This paper identifies these obstacles and challenges and describes emerging data‐rich analytic techniques in infrastructure, buildings, and building portfolios. Further, it speculates on the impact that a robust data sphere may have on the built environment and posits that linkages to other data sets may enable paradigm shifts in sustainability and resiliency.
Resveratrol in mammals: effects on aging biomarkers, age‐related diseases, and life span
Authors: Marchal Julia , Pifferi Fabien , Aujard Fabienne
Published: July 2013

Through its antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and anti‐inflammatory properties, resveratrol has become a candidate for drug development in the context of aging studies. Scientific evidence has highlighted its potential as a therapeutic agent for cardiovascular diseases and some cancers but also as an antiaging molecule. Resveratrol is thought to mimic the beneficial effects of chronic and moderate calorie restriction. Nevertheless, no study has demonstrated the prolongation of life span in healthy nonobese mammal models. This review summarizes recent findings on the effects of resveratrol on aging and life span in mammals. In our opinion, more studies should be performed to assess the effects of a chronic dietary intake of resveratrol in long‐lived species close to humans, such as nonhuman primates. This will certainly generate more evidence about the ability of resveratrol to achieve the physiological benefits that have been observed in small mammal laboratory models and feature the eventual unwanted secondary effects that may occur under high levels of resveratrol.
The pig as a valuable model for testing the effect of resveratrol to prevent cardiovascular disease
Authors: Elmadhun Nassrene Y. , Sabe Ashraf A. , Robich Michael P. , Chu Louis M. , Lassaletta Antonio D. , Sellke Frank W.
Published: July 2013

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol found in the skin of red grapes, peanuts, and red wine that has been shown to modify many cardiovascular risk factors. Small animal models have been extensively used to investigate cardiovascular disease, but the results often fail to translate in clinical trials. Disease‐specific pig models are emerging as clinically useful tools that may offer insight into cardiovascular disease and the effect of drugs such as resveratrol on cardiovascular health. In this paper, we discuss the advantage of using clinically relevant pig models of diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and myocardial ischemia to investigate the role of resveratrol in cardiovascular disease prevention.
3D asymmetry of operated children with oral clefts
Authors: Bugaighis I. , Mattick C. R. , Tiddeman B. , Hobson R.
Published: July 2013

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To explore three‐dimensional (3D) facial asymmetry differences in operated children with oral clefts and to compare the results with a control group.

Setting and Sample Population

The sample comprised one hundred and three 8‐ to 12‐year‐old children: 40 with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP); 23 with unilateral cleft lip and alveolus (UCLA); 19 with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP); 21 with cleft palate (CP) and 80 sex‐ and age‐matched controls living in the North East of England.

Materials and Methods

3D stereophotogrammetric facial scans were recorded for each participant at rest. Thirty‐nine landmarks were recorded for each scan. Thex,yandzcoordinates for each landmark were extracted. Kruskal–Wallis andMann–Whitney tests were conducted to identify 3Dlandmark asymmetry differences between the groups.

Results

Statistically significant differences were observed between all the groups. TheUCLPandUCLApatients displayed the greatest asymmetry, followed by theBCLPgroup. TheCPgroup was the least asymmetric among the cleft groups. Asymmetry was present to a lesser extent in the control group.

Conclusions

Shape analysis indicates the possible differences in the aetiology and growth pattern of theCPgroup compared toUCLAorUCLPandBCLPgroups.
Adult eclosion rhythm of the Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella: response to various thermocycles with different means and amplitudes
Authors: KIKUKAWA SHIGERU , HASHIZUME RYOU , HONDA MIHO , INOUE YUKA , MAEKAWA TATSUYA , SAKATA RISA , TAKAHASHI NANAKO , TANAKA KUNIAKI , UCHIDA YU
Published: July 2013

In addition to photoperiod, thermoperiod (or thermocycle) might be an important Zeitgeber for entraining the circadian oscillator controlling adult eclosion rhythm in the Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). This is confirmed by exposing larvae receiving diapause‐preventing treatments to various thermocycles with different means and amplitudes of temperature. The thermocycles investigated in the present study are TC 8 : 16 h, TC 12 : 12 h, TC 16 : 8 h and TC 20 : 4 h, where T and C represent thermophase (30 °C) and cryophase (20 °C), respectively. For all thermocycles, the peak of adult eclosion rhythm occurs at around the mid‐thermophase. This indicates that the larvae use both ‘temperature‐rise’ and ‘temperature‐fall’ signals to adjust the eclosion phase in each thermocycle. The absence (DD) or presence (LL) of light affects this time‐keeping system slightly under the given thermocycle. The rhythmic adult eclosion noted after exposure of larvae to 30 °C DD for 14 days is recorded in the thermocycles (TC 12 : 12 h, DD; mean temperature = 25 °C) with different amplitudes of 27.5/22.5 °C, 26.5/23.5 °C and 25.5/24.5 °C. The peak in adult eclosion advances in time as the amplitude of the temperature cycle decreases. In the temperature cycle of 25.5/24.5 °C, a peak occurs at the end of the cryophase, 2 h before the temperature‐rise. The adult eclosion rhythm is also observed under various thermocycles (TC 12 : 12 h, DD) consisting of different temperature levels (30 to 20 °C) with different amplitudes. It is found that the temporal position of the peak advances significantly when the amplitude of the thermocycle becomes lower.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Reactive Dyes over MnTiO3/TiO2 Heterojunction Composites Under UV‐Visible Irradiation
Authors: Sivakumar Santhanam , Selvaraj Ayyasamy , Ramasamy Anaipalayam Kandasamy
Published: July 2013

In this study, the photocatalytic degradation of organic reactive dyes have been investigated using MnTiO3/TiO2 heterojunction composites in the presence of electron acceptors under UV‐Visible light irradiation. This MnTiO3/TiO2 heterojunction composites were prepared by annealing different mass ratios of pyrophanite MnTiO3 (3–11 wt%) and TiO2 at 300°C. All the MnTiO3/TiO2 heterojunction composites were characterized by spectral techniques like X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and diffused reflectance UV‐visible spectroscopic analysis (DRS). Among them, 9 wt% MnTiO3/TiO2 heterojunction composites exhibited higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Reactive Blue 4 (RB 4). The photocatalytic efficiency of 9 wt% MnTiO3/TiO2 heterojunction composites was further enhanced by the addition of substantial amount of electron acceptors like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ammonium peroxydisulfate ([NH4]2S2O8). The presence of oxidants (electron acceptors) facilitates the fast degradation of dye solution even in higher concentration upto 200 mg/L. The photocatalytic activity of MnTiO3/TiO2 heterojunction composites was also studied for the degradation of other four different structured reactive dyes. The extent of mineralization of these organic reactive dyes during photocatalytic degradation was estimated from COD analysis. MnTiO3/TiO2 heterojunction composites was also found to have good photostability in the presence of oxidants.
UV Radiation Increases Carcinogenic Risks for Oral Tissues Compared to Skin
Authors: Agrawal Anant , Shindell Eli , Jordan Fredrick , Baeva Larissa , Pfefer Joshua , Godar Dianne E.
Published: July 2013

People can expose their oral cavities to UV (290–400 nm) by simply opening their mouths while outdoors. They can also have their oral cavities exposed to UV indoors to different UV‐emitting devices used for diagnoses, treatments and procedures like teeth whitening. Because the World Health Organization declared UV radiation as a complete human carcinogen in 2009, we asked if oral tissues are at a similar or higher carcinogenic risk compared to skin tissue. To understand the UVB (290–320 nm)‐related carcinogenic risks to these tissues, we measured initial DNA damage in the form of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD), the repair rate of CPD (24 h) and the number of apoptotic dead cells over time resulting from increasing doses of erythemally weighted UV radiation. We used commercially available 3D‐engineered models of human skin (EpiDerm™), gingival (EpiGingival™) and oral (EpiOral™) tissues and developed an analytical approach for our tri‐labeling fluorescent procedure to identify total DNA, CPD and apoptotic cells so we can simultaneously quantify DNA repair rates and dead cells. Both DNA repair and apoptotic cell numbers are significantly lower in oral cells compared with skin cells. The combined results suggest UVB‐exposed oral tissues are at a significantly higher carcinogenic risk than skin tissues.
Structural and Photosensitizing Features of Phthalocyanine—Zeolite Hybrid Nanomaterials
Authors: Grüner Malte , Siozios Vassilios , Hagenhoff Birgit , Breitenstein Daniel , Strassert Cristian A.
Published: July 2013

In this work, we have quantified for the first time the fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yields of a silicon(IV) phthalocyanine bound to the surface of zeolite L nanocrystals. The photophysical properties were correlated with the absorption spectra and the morphology of the nanoparticles, and most importantly, with the fraction of photoactive chromophores. By comparison with the fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yields of the free phthalocyaninate in dilute solution (ΦF = 0.50 and Φ∆ = 0.50, respectively), we conclude that for the most efficient nanoparticles nearly 80% of chromophores are active as monomeric units on the surface, as indicated by the corresponding quantum yields (ΦF = 0.40 and Φ∆ = 0.40). We further functionalized and raised the ζ‐potential of the best performing nanomaterial to improve its water dispersibility. The functionalization was monitored by thermogravimetric analysis and time‐of‐flight secondary‐ion mass spectrometry, and its influence on the photophysical properties was assessed. The resulting nanomaterials are capable of establishing stable suspensions in water while retaining the ability to form reactive oxygen species upon irradiation with red light. This provides a basis for the rational design of photoactive nanomaterials for photodynamic therapy or water decontamination.
Identification of grapevine marker genes for early, non‐destructive Eutypa lata infection diagnosis
Authors: Camps C. , Kappel C. , Lecomte P. , Léon C. , Coutos‐Thévenot P. , Delrot S. , Gomès E.
Published: July 2013

Eutypa lata is the causal agent of eutypa dieback, a highly damaging trunk disease affecting all grape‐growing areas, with currently neither an efficient curative treatment nor an early non‐destructive diagnostic method. The present work was carried out to discover grapevine genes expressed in response to the presence of E. lata that could be useful to develop an early (before visible foliar symptoms) and non‐destructive (using grapevine leaves) diagnostic tool. Microarray analyses were carried out from (i) infected plants showing characteristic E. lata foliar and vascular symptoms and positive pathogen recovery from vascular lesions (S+R+), (ii) infected plants showing no symptoms (S−R+), and (iii) symptomless plants with negative pathogen recovery (S−R−). Vineyard and greenhouse‐grown plants, naturally or artificially infected respectively, and uninoculated controls were characterized and leaf RNA was hybridized with 15k operon grapevine oligonucleotide microarrays. Among the grapevine genes differentially expressed between S−R+ and S−R− plants in greenhouse and vineyard conditions, 10 were highlighted as robust candidate genes for diagnosis: seven were specifically involved in response to infection and three were associated with symptom absence. Five were confirmed to be effective diagnostic marker genes usable in a qRT‐PCR‐based test performed on RNA extracted from grapevine leaves cultivated in either greenhouse or vineyard conditions. Furthermore, their expression profiles in response to infection with E. lata or other major grapevine fungi (Erysiphe necator, Plasmopara viticola, Botrytis cinerea) could be distinguished. The usefulness of these genes to develop an early and non‐destructive method for diagnosis of E. lata infection is discussed with regard to the advantages and drawbacks of previous E. lata diagnostic studies.
Audiovisual attention boosts letter‐speech sound integration
Authors: Mittag Maria , Alho Kimmo , Takegata Rika , Makkonen Tommi , Kujala Teija
Published: July 2013

We studied attention effects on the integration of written and spoken syllables in fluent adult readers by using event‐related brain potentials. Auditory consonant‐vowel syllables, including consonant and frequency changes, were presented in synchrony with written syllables or their scrambled images. Participants responded to longer‐duration auditory targets (auditory attention), longer‐duration visual targets (visual attention), longer‐duration auditory and visual targets (audiovisual attention), or counted backwards mentally. We found larger negative responses for spoken consonant changes when they were accompanied by written syllables than when they were accompanied by scrambled text. This effect occurred at an early latency (∼ 140 ms) during audiovisual attention and later (∼ 200 ms) during visual attention. Thus, audiovisual attention boosts the integration of speech sounds and letters.
Privatization and Strategic Mergers across Borders
Authors: Beladi Hamid , Chakrabarti Avik , Marjit Sugata
Published: July 2013

We present a theoretical model to capture the role of privatization in the incentives for and implications of cross‐border horizontal mergers. Absent any merger incentives in an autarkic equilibrium, we show that a decrease in the degree of privatization will lower the incentives for diversification of international production. The incentives for diversification for any given degree of privatization will fall when the private and public firms are allowed to move sequentially rather than simultaneously. The presence of the public firm also introduces a new source of asymmetry in the incentives for cross‐border mergers: a reduction in the degree of privatization at home will dampen the potential gains from a take‐over of a home firm by a foreign firm but magnify the potential gains from a take‐over of a foreign firm by a home firm.
The Effects of Future Capital Investment and R&D Expenditures on Firms' Liquidity
Authors: Baum Christopher F. , Caglayan Mustafa , Talavera Oleksandr
Published: July 2013

The paper explores factors that lead to accumulation or decumulation of firms' cash reserves. In particular, the paper empirically examines whether additional future fixed capital and R&D investment expenditures induce firms to change their liquidity ratio while considering the role of market imperfections. Implementing a dynamic framework on a panel of US, UK, and German firms, it is found that firms in all three countries make larger adjustments to cash holdings when they plan additional future R&D rather than fixed capital investment expenditures. This behavior is particularly prevalent among financially constrained firms.
The Interactions between the Credit Default Swap and the Bond Markets in Financial Turmoil
Authors: Coudert Virginie , Gex Mathieu
Published: July 2013

We analyse the links between credit default swap (CDS) and bond spreads in order to determine which one is the leading market in the price discovery process. To do that, we construct a sample of CDS premia and bond spreads on a generic 5‐year bond for 17 financials and 18 sovereigns. First, we run panel vector error correction model estimations, showing that the CDS market has a lead over the bond market for financial institutions. This also holds for high‐yield sovereigns, whereas the reverse is found for low‐yield sovereigns in the core of the euro area. We interpret these results according to the relative liquidity of both markets for different types of entities. Second, we check for nonlinearities in the adjustment process. Results show that the CDS market's lead is amplified when default risk increases, during crisis periods, as well as continuously when CDS premia increase.
On the Joint Test of the Uncovered Interest Parity and the Ex‐ante Purchasing Power Parity
Authors: Macchiarelli Corrado
Published: July 2013

This study revisits the relation between the uncovered interest parity (UIP), the ex‐ante purchasing power parity (EXPPP) and the real interest parity (RIP) for the UK and Japanese vs US data. The original contribution is on developing some joint coefficient‐based tests, obtained by rewriting the UIP, the EXPPP and the RIP as a set of cross‐equation restrictions in a vector autoregression (VAR) framework. Test results point to a “forward premium” bias in both the UIP and the EXPPP. The latter result is novel in the literature and stems from testing the PPP in expectational terms. Moreover, the results suggest a currency‐dependent pattern for the UIP, contrarily to the EXPPP equation. Finally, it is shown that conditioning the VAR on M3 growth differential has important explanatory power in resolving the aforementioned biases in both the UIP and EXPPP equations for the UK vs US data. At the same time, variables having a strong forward‐looking component (i.e. share prices) help recover a unitary coefficient in the UIP equation.
Barriers to Global Free Trade through Bilateral Agreements
Authors: Kiyotaki Fumi , Miyakawa Toshiji
Published: July 2013

This paper examines the formation of bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) in the context of a dynamic noncooperative bargaining game with a random proposer. We show that global free trade (a grand coalition) does not necessarily occur unless transfer payments among countries are allowed. When transfer payments are possible, bilateral FTAs always achieve global free trade, but the ex‐ante and ex‐post inequalities of social welfare among countries are larger than those when all countries are independent because of the strategic bargaining behavior.
Modes of Foreign Direct Investment and Intellectual Property Rights Protection: Wholly‐owned or Joint Venture? Firm‐level Evidence from Taiwanese Multinational Manufacturing Enterprises
Authors: Chen Po‐Lu
Published: July 2013

This paper finds evidence from Taiwanese manufacturing multinational enterprises (MNEs) for the period 2003–2005 to show that Taiwanese manufacturing MNEs are more likely to choose joint ventures (JVs) if intellectual property rights (IPRs) protection in the foreign direct investment (FDI) host country is strong. The estimation results suggest that if a country with an IPR strength similar to the level of Chile increases its IPR protection to the strength of Taiwan, the probability of forming JVs in that country will increase by 13.8%. One policy implication of this study is that developing countries can stimulate local participation by IPR reform.
International Organization of Production with Heterogeneous Firms
Authors: Kersting Erasmus K.
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a North–South model with differentiated goods being produced in the North. Each differentiated final good requires both management and manufacturing services as inputs, and firms are heterogeneous with regard to their productivity levels in providing these inputs. Two scenarios of relocating manufacturing to the South, which are interpreted to correspond to vertical foreign direct investment (FDI) and offshoring, are investigated. In both cases there is a minimum level of management productivity required for firms to benefit from relocation of manufacturing to the South. In the case of offshoring, productivity and profit gains are relatively larger for firms with low initial manufacturing productivity. Firms with high initial productivity in both aspects choose not to offshore owing to the presence of fixed costs. The model is subsequently used to examine the implications of global economic integration on the type of firm that exits an industry, changes production location or keeps manufacturing domestically.
Thermal Radiofrequency Denervation of the Suprascapular Nerve for Chronic Shoulder Pain
Authors: Bone Margaret E. , Armstrong Alison , Bashir Intazar , Haynes John
Published: July 2013

Background

Chronic shoulder pain is an increasing problem in the ageing population. For patients with inoperable problems, management of persistent pain is often inadequate with current non-operative measures. Suprascapular nerve (SSN) block and pulsed radiofrequency (RF) treatment of the SSN gives relief for up to 12 weeks. It is considered that continuous thermal radiofrequency treatment (CTRF) of the SSN may give longer pain relief.

Methods

Sixty-two patients with chronic shoulder pain were assessed for CTRF treatment of the SSN using a standard technique with a Neurotherm RF lesion generator under image intensification as a day case.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 74 years. The majority of patients had a significant rotator cuff lesion. Mean visual analogue scores scores fell significantly from 9.1 to 4.5 at 6 months following treatment ( p = 0.0001) and 85% patients reported > 50% pain relief at 6 months. Half the patients reported an improvement in sleep and mobility. No serious adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions

CTRF to the SSN significantly reduced shoulder pain for up to 6 months without adverse effects and gave longer relief than pulsed RF or SSN block. It may be repeated with a similar effect being achieved. The limitations of the present study is the use of a medium-sized series with 6-month follow-up.
Presentation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis following subacromial corticosteroid injection
Authors: Harrison William , Johnson-Lynn Sarah , Cloke David , Candal-Couto Jaime
Published: July 2013

Subacromial corticosteroid injection is a common procedure performed in the shoulder clinic and septic arthritis is a recognized but rare complication. The present case highlights the poor outcome of a patient with a family history of tuberculosis (TB) who underwent three corticosteroid injections to her right shoulder. After months of worsening symptoms, her first presentation of TB manifested as a deep cavity in the shoulder. This report identifies the challenges in the diagnosis and management of shoulder TB and provides an insight into the potential scope of the problem in Britain.
Blood Loss in Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: Is it Clinically Important?
Authors: Griffiths Dylan , Jagiello Jakub , Dheerendra Sujay , McNamara Christopher , Ahrens Philip
Published: July 2013

Background

The blood loss associated with arthroscopic surgery has generally been considered to be minimal and not clinically relevant. However, there are currently no data available in the published literature to support this assumption.

Methods

The present prospective study used spectrophotometry of collected irrigation fluid to measure the blood loss associated with a variety of arthroscopic shoulder procedures conducted in 20 patients.

Results

Measured blood loss ranged from 1.22 mL to 36.45 mL. This confirmed that, even in lengthy arthroscopic procedures without a tourniquet, blood loss is minimal.

Conclusions

The results obtained in the present study confirm the presumed advantage of arthroscopic surgery in terms of blood loss, and also confirm that the full range of arthroscopic shoulder surgery can be safely performed, from a haemodynamic perspective, as day case procedures.
Comparative evaluation of oral health status of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in various stages and healthy controls
Authors: Tadakamadla Jyothi , Kumar Santhosh , Mamatha G. P.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To compare caries, oral hygiene and periodontal status of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in different stages and healthy controls.

Design

Seventy‐four patients diagnosed with CKD and 150 healthy age and sex matched controls were recruited from General Hospital of Udaipur, India. Each subject was examined for caries by decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index, oral hygiene by simplified oral hygiene index (OHI‐S) while gingival and periodontal status were assessed by Loe and Silness gingival and Community Periodontal Index, respectively. All the examinations were conducted by a single investigator.

Results

Study subjects presented significantly lower caries experience than the control group but no significant difference was observed among the subjects in various stages of CKD. The mean gingival index score for study group (1.88) was more than twice to that of control subjects (0.92). Stage of kidney disease influenced the gingival and oral hygiene status which decreased as the stage progressed. The overall prevalence of periodontal pockets (70.3%) in diseased subjects was significantly higher than controls (18.9%). More than three quarters (78.9%) of the patients with stage 5 CKD exhibited deep periodontal pockets.

Conclusions

Oral hygiene, gingival, and periodontal status decreased as the stage of CKD increased and was worse among study subjects that the controls. Dental caries did not differ significantly with the stage of the renal disease but was significantly lower among study subjects than the controls.
The Role of Hope and Optimism in Suicide Risk for American Indians/Alaska Natives
Authors: O'Keefe Victoria M. , Wingate LaRicka R.
Published: July 2013

There are some American Indian/Alaska Native communities that exhibit high rates of suicide. The interpersonal theory of suicide (Joiner, 2005) posits that lethal suicidal behavior is likely preceded by the simultaneous presence of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired capability. Past research has shown that hope and optimism are negatively related to suicidal ideation, some of the constructs in the interpersonal theory of suicide, and suicide risk for the general population. This is the first study to investigate hope and optimism in relation to suicidal ideation, thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired capability for American Indians/Alaska Natives. Results showed that hope and optimism negatively predicted thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and suicidal ideation. However, these results were not found for acquired capability. Overall, this study suggests that higher levels of hope and optimism are associated with lower levels of suicidal ideation, thwarted belongingness, and perceived burdensomeness in this American Indian/Alaska Native sample.
The Importance of High Distress Tolerance in the Relationship between Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury and Suicide Potential
Authors: Anestis Michael D. , Knorr Anne C. , Tull Matthew T. , Lavender Jason M. , Gratz Kim L.
Published: July 2013

Research has indicated that nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) and suicidal behavior are strongly related to one another, with a sizable portion of individuals with a history of NSSI also reporting a history of nonlethal suicide attempts. Nonetheless, little research has examined possible moderators of this relationship. One potentially important construct is distress tolerance (DT), which has been shown to be negatively associated with NSSI and positively associated with the acquired capability for suicide. In this study, 93 adult inpatients (54.8% male) receiving treatment for substance use disorders completed a structured interview assessing prior suicidal behavior and questionnaires assessing DT, NSSI, and psychopathology. Results indicated that DT moderates the relationship between NSSI frequency (but not number of NSSI methods) and suicide potential (a continuum ranging from no prior suicidal behavior to suicidal behavior with minimal bodily harm to highly lethal suicidal behavior), ΔR2 = .04; p < .023; f2 = .06, with this relation increasing in strength at higher levels of DT. These results are consistent with an emerging line of research indicating that high levels of DT facilitate suicidal behavior in at‐risk populations and suggest that the capacity to tolerate aversive physiological and affective arousal might be vital to engagement in serious or lethal suicidal behavior.
Formulation of Lucas–Kanade Digital Image Correlation Algorithms for Non‐contact Deformation Measurements: A Review
Authors: Tong W.
Published: July 2013

Digital image correlation (DIC) metrology has been increasingly used in a wide range of experimental mechanics research and applications. The DIC algorithm used so far is however limited mostly to the classic forward additive Lucas–Kanade type. In this paper, a survey is given about the formulation of other types of Lucas–Kanade DIC algorithms that have been appeared in computer vision, robotics, medical image analysis literature and so on. Concise notations consistent with the finite deformation kinematics analysis in continuum mechanics are used to describe all Lucas–Kanade DIC algorithms. An intermediate image is introduced as a frame of reference to clarify the so‐called compositional algorithms in a two‐frame DIC analysis. Explicit examples about the additive and compositional updating of deformation parameters are given for affine deformation mapping. Extensions of these algorithms to the so‐called consistent or symmetric types are also presented. The equivalency of final numerical solutions using additive, compositional and inverse compositional algorithms is shown analytically for the case of affine deformation mapping. In particular, the inverse compositional algorithm for affine image subset deformation is highlighted for its superior computational efficiency. While computationally less efficient, consistent and symmetric algorithms may be more robust and less biased and their potentials in experimental mechanics applications remain to be explored. The unified formulation of these Lucas–Kanade DIC algorithms collected all together in this paper can serve as a useful guide for researchers in experimental mechanics to further evaluate the merits as well as limitations of these non‐classic algorithms for image‐based precision displacement measurement applications.
Alesiellagen.n. and a newly discovered relict lineage of Staphylinini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)
Authors: BRUNKE ADAM J. , SOLODOVNIKOV ALEXEY
Published: July 2013

This study aimed to identify the sister group of the poorly known and morphologically isolated Burmese species Quedius lineipennis within the tribe Staphylinini (Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) using morphological characters. Phylogenetic analysis of a broad taxon sample demonstrated that this Asian species is not a member of the genus Quedius but forms the sister taxon to the Neotropical genus Quediomacrus. Both taxa were shown to be members of a hitherto unrecognized lineage with a highly disjunct distribution. The lineage is hypothesized to be Asian in origin, with dispersals to the Americas during the early Eocene climatic maximum via Beringia and to Australia via land connections in the late Miocene. The current distribution of the lineage is considered to be relictual. New phylogenetic hypotheses within ‘Quediina’ and Staphylinini as a whole are proposed and the general tree topology of Staphylinini recovered by recent morphological studies is refined. Phylogenetic relationships within the Quedius complex remain unclear. Alesiella Brunke and Solodovnikov gen.n., is erected for Quedius lineipennis and the Quedius subgenus Quedionuchus is reinstated to genus level with new combinations as follows: Quedionuchus atl (Smetana, 1975), comb.n.; Quedionuchus calli (Smetana, 1976), comb.n.; Quedionuchus cipactli (Smetana, 1976), comb.n.; Quedionuchus coatl (Smetana, 1976), comb.n.; Quedionuchus ehacatl (Smetana, 1976), comb.n.; Quedionuchus ollin (Smetana, 1976), comb.n.; Quedionuchus ozomatli (Smetana, 1975), comb.n.; Quedionuchus reitterianus (Bernhauer, 1944), comb.n.; Quedionuchus samuraicus (Bernhauer and Schubert, 1916), comb.n.; Quedionuchus schultzei (Smetana, 1975), comb.n.; Quedionuchus tecpatl (Smetana, 1976), comb.n.; Quedionuchus xochitl (Smetana, 1976). Quedius lugubris Lokay, 1913 is transferred from the subgenus Quedionuchus to the subgenus Distichalius and placed in synonymy: Quedius punctatellus (Heer, 1839) = Quedius lugubris Lokay, 1913, syn.n.

This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9C7D3C90‐FCB9‐414F‐911B‐194A1A6602DE.