bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial and Sex Differences in Associations Between Activities of Daily Living and Cognition in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Garrett Stephanie L. , Sawyer Patricia , Kennedy Richard E. , McGuire Dawn , Simon Roger P. , Strothers Harry S. , Allman Richard M.
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To examine the association between function measured according to activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activ1ities of daily living (IADLs), and cognition assessed according to Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores of older African‐American and non‐Hispanic white community‐dwelling men and women.

Design

Cross‐sectional study assessing associations between self‐reported ADL and IADL difficulty and MMSE scores for race‐ and sex‐specific groups.

Setting

Homes of community‐dwelling older adults.

Participants

A random sample of 974 African‐American and non‐Hispanic white Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older living in west‐central Alabama and participating in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging, excluding those with reported diagnoses of dementia or with missing data.

Measurements

Function, based on self‐reported difficulty in performing ADLs and IADLs, and cognition, using the MMSE. Multivariable linear regression models were used to test the association between function and cognition in race‐ and sex‐specific groups after adjusting for covariates.

Results

Mini‐Mental State Examination scores were modestly correlated with ADL and IADL difficulty in all four race‐ and sex‐specific groups, with Pearson correlation coefficients ranging from −0.189 for non‐Hispanic white women to −0.429 for African‐American men. Correlations between MMSE and ADL or IADL difficulty in any of the race‐ and sex‐specific groups were no longer significant after controlling for sociodemographic factors and comorbidities.

Conclusion

Mini‐Mental State Examination was not significantly associated with functional difficulty in older African‐American and non‐Hispanic white men and women after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and comorbidities, suggesting a mediating role in the relationship between cognition and function.
Executive Function and Mortality in Homebound Elderly Adults
Authors: Vu Linh N. , Dean Michael J. , Mwamburi Mkaya , Au Rhoda , Qiu Wei Qiao
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To determine the association between executive function and mortality in homebound elderly adults.

Design

Longitudinal study.

Setting

Four home care agencies in the Boston area.

Participants

Homebound adults aged 60 and older with 8‐year follow‐up for mortality (N = 1,172).

Measurements

Cognitive domains including executive, memory, and language functions were evaluated at baseline. Executive function was measured using the Trail‐Making Test Part B (TMT B), and subjects were divided into four subgroups from lowest to highest TMT B score. The second cross‐group analyses were used to compare those who were alive and those who had died. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether there was an association between TMT B scores and mortality.

Results

At baseline, 436 (37.2%) homebound elderly adults had the highest TMT B scores (≥300), which indicated the slowest performance. At 8‐year follow‐up, 381 (32.5%) participants had died. Participants with the highest TMT B scores were more than twice as likely to have died as those with the lowest scores (0–99) (odds ratio = 2.39, 95% confidence interval = 1.27–4.52, P = .003) after adjusting for confounders including medical comorbidities related to death. The other cognitive domains, including memory and language, were not associated with mortality in the same model.

Conclusion

Many homebound elderly adults have multiple medical conditions, and executive function may be critical in their ability to manage their medical conditions and may affect the outcome of death.
Review: Two Online Curricula on Transitions of Care
Authors: Raetz Jaqueline
Published: November 2013

Transitional care is an important part of geriatric medicine that has not traditionally been taught to residents through formal curricula. This article reviews two online curricula available through the Portal of Geriatric Online Education. The two products reviewed here, appropriate for resident training, focus on care transitions from hospital to other care settings.
The nature of affect attunement used by disability support workers interacting with adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities
Authors: Forster S. , Iacono T.
Published: November 2013

Background

The interactions experienced by adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) with their disability support workers (DSWs) may have a large impact on life quality. However, defining good‐quality interaction has presented challenges for this group. It has been suggested that in typically developing infant–mother dyads, the presence of affect attunement may be an indicator of quality. Affect attunement refers to the recasting of one person's affect by another with emphasis.

Method

The presence and nature of affect attunement in interactions between 21 pairs of adults with PIMD and their DSWs were explored in this study. Natural interactions were videorecorded for 21 pairs of adults with PIMD and their DSWs. The recordings were analysed for the presence and nature of affect attunement incidents, and analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Affect attunement incidents were observed in 16 of the pairs. The DSW's attunement behaviour was in response to subtle, short duration behaviours of participants with PIMD.

Conclusion

These brief moments of connection may be a basis of good‐quality interaction.
The Impact of the Federal Reserve's Large‐Scale Asset Purchase Programs on Corporate Credit Risk
Authors: GILCHRIST SIMON , ZAKRAJŠEK EGON
Published: November 2013

Estimating the effect of Federal Reserve's announcements of Large‐Scale Asset Purchase (LSAP) programs on corporate credit risk is complicated by the simultaneity of policy decisions and movements in prices of risky financial assets, as well as by the fact that both interest rates of assets targeted by the programs and indicators of credit risk reacted to other common shocks during the recent financial crisis. This paper employs a heteroskedasticity‐based approach to estimate the structural coefficient measuring the sensitivity of market‐based indicators of corporate credit risk to declines in the benchmark market interest rates prompted by the LSAP announcements. The results indicate that the LSAP announcements led to a significant reduction in the cost of insuring against default risk—as measured by the CDX indexes—for both investment‐ and speculative‐grade corporate credits. While the unconventional policy measures employed by the Federal Reserve to stimulate the economy have substantially lowered the overall level of credit risk in the economy, the LSAP announcements appear to have had no measurable effect on credit risk in the financial intermediary sector.
Global Banks, Financial Shocks, and International Business Cycles: Evidence from an Estimated Model
Authors: KOLLMANN ROBERT
Published: November 2013

This paper estimates a two‐country model with a global bank, using U.S. and euro area (EA) data. Empirically, a model version with a bank capital requirement outperforms a structure without such a constraint. A loan loss originating in one country triggers a global output reduction. Banking shocks matter more for EA macro variables than for U.S. real activity. Banking shocks account for about 2–5% of the unconditional variance of U.S. GDP and for 3–14% of the variance of EA GDP. During the 2007–09 recession, banking shocks accounted for about 15% of the fall in U.S. and EA GDP, and for more than a third of the fall in EA investment and employment.
Optimization of PCR for quantification of simian immunodeficiency virus genomic RNA in plasma of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) using armored RNA
Authors: Monjure C.J. , Tatum C.D. , Panganiban A.T. , Arainga M. , Traina‐Dorge V. , Marx P.A. , Didier E.S.
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Quantification of plasma viral load (PVL) is used to monitor disease progression in SIV‐infected macaques. This study was aimed at optimizing of performance characteristics of the quantitative PCR (qPCR) PVL assay.

Methods

The PVL quantification procedure was optimized by inclusion of an exogenous control hepatitis C virus armored RNA (aRNA), a plasma concentration step, extended digestion with proteinase K, and a second RNA elution step. Efficiency of viral RNA (vRNA) extraction was compared using several commercial vRNA extraction kits. Various parameters of qPCR targeting the gag region of SIVmac239, SIVsmE660, and the LTR region of SIVagmSAB were also optimized.

Results

Modifications of the SIV PVL qPCR procedure increased vRNA recovery, reduced inhibition and improved analytical sensitivity. The PVL values determined by this SIV PVL qPCR correlated with quantification results of SIV RNA in the same samples using the ‘industry standard’ method of branched‐DNA (bDNA) signal amplification.

Conclusions

Quantification of SIV genomic RNA in plasma of rhesus macaques using this optimized SIV PVL qPCR is equivalent to the bDNA signal amplification method, less costly and more versatile. Use of heterologous aRNA as an internal control is useful for optimizing performance characteristics of PVL qPCRs.
The role of NMDA and mGluR5 receptors in calcium mobilization and neurotoxicity of homocysteine in trigeminal and cortical neurons and glial cells
Authors: Abushik Polina A. , Niittykoski Minna , Giniatullina Raisa , Shakirzyanova Anastasia , Bart Genevieve , Fayuk Dmitriy , Sibarov Dmitry A. , Antonov Sergei M. , Giniatullin Rashid
Published: November 2013

Recent studies suggested contribution of homocysteine (HCY) to neurodegenerative disorders and migraine. However, HCY effect in the nociceptive system is essentially unknown. To explore the mechanism of HCY action, we studied short‐ and long‐term effects of this amino acid on rat peripheral and central neurons. HCY induced intracellular Ca2+ transients in cultured trigeminal neurons and satellite glial cells (SGC), which were blocked by the NMDA antagonist AP‐5 in neurons, but not in SGCs. In contrast, 3‐((2‐Methyl‐4‐thiazolyl)ethynyl)pyridine (MTEP), the metabotropic mGluR5 (metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 subtype) antagonist, preferentially inhibited Ca2+ transients in SGCs. Prolonged application of HCY induced apoptotic cell death of both kinds of trigeminal cells. The apoptosis was blocked by AP‐5 or by the mGluR5 antagonist MTEP. Likewise, in cortical neurons, HCY‐induced cell death was inhibited by AP‐5 or MTEP. Imaging with 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate or mitochondrial dye Rhodamine‐123 as well as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay did not reveal involvement of oxidative stress in the action of HCY. Thus, elevation of intracellular Ca2+ by HCY in neurons is mediated by NMDA and mGluR5 receptors while SGC are activated through the mGluR5 subtype. Long‐term neurotoxic effects in peripheral and central neurons involved both receptor types. Our data suggest glutamatergic mechanisms of HCY‐induced sensitization and apoptosis of trigeminal nociceptors.

image

We show that NMDA and mGluR5 receptors in trigeminal and cortical neurons and mGluR5 receptors in glial cells mediate homocysteine (HCY)‐induced [Ca2+]i elevation whereas HCY‐evoked apoptosis involves both NMDA and mGluR5 receptors. This study revealed migraine‐related short‐ and long‐term effects of this redox active aminoacid within the nociceptive system and highlights potential targets for anti‐nociception and neuroprotection.
In vitro Characterization of a small molecule inhibitor of the alanine serine cysteine transporter ‐1 (SLC7A10)
Authors: Brown Jeffrey M. , Hunihan Lisa , Prack Margaret M. , Harden David G. , Bronson Joanne , Dzierba Carolyn D. , Gentles Robert G. , Hendricson Adam , Krause Rudy , Macor John E. , Westphal Ryan S.
Published: November 2013

NMDA receptor hypofunction is hypothesized to contribute to cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia. Since direct activation of NMDA receptors is associated with serious adverse effects, modulation of the NMDA co‐agonists, glycine or D‐serine, represents a viable alternative therapeutic approach. Indeed, clinical trials with glycine and D‐serine have shown positive results, although concerns over toxicity related to the high‐doses required for efficacy remain. Synaptic concentrations of D‐serine and glycine are regulated by the amino acid transporter alanine serine cysteine transporter‐1 (asc‐1). Inhibition of asc‐1 would increase synaptic D‐serine and possibly glycine, eliminating the need for high‐dose systemic D‐serine or glycine treatment. In this manuscript, we characterize Compound 1 (BMS‐466442), the first known small molecule inhibitor of asc‐1. Compound 1 selectively inhibited asc‐1 mediated D‐serine uptake with nanomolar potency in multiple cellular systems. Moreover, Compound 1 inhibited asc‐1 but was not a competitive substrate for this transporter. Compound 1 is the first reported selective inhibitor of the asc‐1 transporter and may provide a new path for the development of asc‐1 inhibitors for the treatment of schizophrenia.

image

Enhancing NMDA function by increasing synaptic D‐serine is a proposed therapeutic approach for the treatment of schizophrenia. Synaptic D‐serine levels are regulated by the alanine, serine, cysteine transporter 1 (asc‐1). The following study describes the first novel asc‐1 inhibitor, Compound 1 (BMS‐466442), and provides a path forward for the development of additional asc‐1 inhibitors.
The remarkable migration of the medial collateral ligament
Authors: Wang Meina , Nasiri Ali , VanHouten Joshua N. , Tommasini Steven M. , Broadus Arthur E.
Published: November 2013

The developing cortical surfaces of long bones are sculpted and modeled by periosteal osteoclasts and osteoblasts. These surfaces also receive the insertions of tendons and ligaments, and these insertion sites too are modeled to form the root systems that anchor them into the cortical bone. The regulatory molecules that control modeling are poorly understood, but recent evidence suggests that parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP) participates in this process. PTHrP functions principally as a paracrine regulatory molecule, and is known to be induced by mechanical loading in a number of sites. The most curious example of developmental modeling of the cortex is the migration of insertion sites such as that of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) along the bone surface during long‐bone growth. We report here the mechanisms that mediate MCL migration using a combination of genetic, imaging and histological techniques. We describe a MCL migratory complex that comprises two components. The first is the MCL insertion site itself, which is a prototypical fibrous insertion site with coupled osteoclast and osteoblast activities, and its key feature is that it is anchored early in development, well before initiation of the long‐bone growth spurt. Above the insertion site the periosteum is excavated by osteoclasts to form a migratory tract; this is mediated by wholly uncoupled osteoclastic bone resorption and remains as an unmineralized canal on the cortical surface in the adult. Load‐induction of PTHrP appears to regulate the osteoclastic activity in both the insertion site and migratory tract.
Increased Common Carotid Artery Wall Thickness Is Associated with Rapid Progression of Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Diomedi Marina , Scacciatelli Daria , Misaggi Giulia , Balestrini Simona , Balucani Clotilde , Sallustio Fabrizio , Di Legge Silvia , Stanzione Paolo , Silvestrini Mauro
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSES

This study aimed to identify clinical and ultrasound imaging predictors of progression of carotid luminal narrowing in subjects with asymptomatic moderate internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis.

METHODS

A total of 571 subjects with asymptomatic moderate (50‐69%) ICA stenoses were enrolled. They underwent ultrasound examination at baseline and after 12 months. Demographics, vascular risk factors, medications, plaque characteristics (surface and echogenicity) and common carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) were collected. At the follow‐up examination, any change of ICA stenosis was graded in three categories (i) ≥70% to near occlusion, (ii) near occlusion, and (iii) occlusion. Progression of stenosis was defined as an increase in the stenosis degree by at least one category from baseline to follow‐up.

RESULTS

At 12 months, progression occurred in 142 subjects (prevalence rate 25%). At the multivariable logistic model, pathological IMT values (considered as binary variable: normal: ≤1 mm vs. pathologic: >1 mm) significantly predicted the risk for plaque progression after adjusting the model for possible confounders (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.18‐4.43, P = .014, multivariable logistic model).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm the role of carotid wall thickening as a marker of atherosclerosis. Carotid IMT measurement should be considered to implement risk stratification in patients with asymptomatic carotid disease.
Effects of photoperiod on food intake, activity and metabolic rate in adult neutered male cats
Authors: Kappen K. L. , Garner L. M. , Kerr K. R. , Swanson K. S.
Published: November 2013

With the continued rise in feline obesity, novel weight management strategies are needed. To date, strategies aimed at altering physical activity, an important factor in weight maintenance, have been lacking. Photoperiod is known to cause physiological changes in seasonal mammals, including changes in body weight (BW) and reproductive status. Thus, our objective was to determine the effect of increased photoperiod (longer days) on voluntary physical activity levels, resting metabolic rate (RMR), food intake required to maintain BW, and fasting serum leptin and ghrelin concentrations in adult cats. Eleven healthy, adult, neutered, male domestic shorthair cats were used in a randomized crossover design study. During two 12‐week periods, cats were exposed to either a short‐day (SD) photoperiod of 8 h light: 16 h dark or a long‐day (LD) photoperiod of 16 h light: 8 h dark. Cats were fed a commercial diet to maintain baseline BW. In addition to daily food intake and twice‐weekly BW, RMR (via indirect calorimetry), body composition [via dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA)] and physical activity (via Actical activity monitors) were measured at week 0 and 12 of each period. Fasting serum leptin and ghrelin concentrations were measured at week 0, 6 and 12 of each period. Average hourly physical activity was greater (p = 0.008) in LD vs. SD cats (3770 vs. 3129 activity counts/h), which was primarily due to increased (p < 0.001) dark period activity (1188 vs. 710 activity counts/h). This corresponded to higher (p < 0.0001) daily metabolizable energy intake (mean over 12‐week period: 196 vs. 187 kcal/day), and increased (p = 0.048) RMR in LD cats (9.02 vs. 8.37 kcal/h). Body composition, serum leptin and serum ghrelin were not altered by photoperiod. More research is needed to determine potential mechanisms by which these physiological changes occurred and how they may apply to weight management strategies.
Neglected Side Effects After Radical Prostatectomy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Frey Anders Ullmann , Sønksen Jens , Fode Mikkel
Published: November 2013

Introduction

A series of previously neglected sexually related side effects to radical prostatectomy (RP) has been identified over the recent years. These include orgasm-associated incontinence (OAI), urinary incontinence in relation to sexual stimulation (UISS), altered perception of orgasm, orgasm-associated pain (OAP), penile shortening (PS), and penile deformity.

Aim

The aim of this article is to conduct a systematic review of the literature regarding the above-mentioned side effects.

Methods

A predefined search strategy was applied in a thorough search of Medline, Web of science, and the online Cochrane library. The PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed, and protocol as well as search strategies was registered at http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/Prospero/ (RN: CRD42012003165).

Main Outcome Measure

The main outcome measure was incidence rates for the relevant side effects.

Results

A total of 43 articles were included. OAI and UISS are experienced by 20–93% of RP patients at least a few times after surgery. Although these issues are associated to postoperative daytime incontinence, previous transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the only known predicting factor. Alterations of orgasmic function are experienced by approximately 80% after RP. Erectile dysfunction seems to play an important role in waning orgasmic function. OAP is only experienced by a subset of the patients with reported rates varying between 3% and 19%. Sparing of the tips of the seminal vesicles has been shown to double the risk of OAP. PS occurs in 15–68% of RP patients. Nerve sparing and preservation of erectile function may help preserve penile length. With regard to all side effects, studies indicate that they are reduced over time.

Conclusions

The sexually related side effects summarized in this review are common after RP. Meanwhile, it is difficult to predict which patients are at risk. Daytime incontinence, previous TURP, a lack of nerve sparing, and erectile dysfunction are all associated with the above-mentioned sexually related side effects.
Rules of Possession Revisited: Property and the Problem of Social Order
Authors: Fitzpatrick Daniel , Barnes Susana
Published: November 2013

This article explores two propositions in the literature on rules of possession. The first is that rules of first possession may form the basis for “spontaneous order.” The article argues that this Hayekian proposition must take into account the relationship between property and authority, including the potential for social disorder when competition for possession combines with competition for public authority. The second is that simple rules of possession provide a baseline response to the problem of social order because of the information costs of property in a large audience context. The article argues that this proposition must take into account correlations between interpretive complexity in rules of possession and the reproduction of authority and social order in circumstances of threatened social disorder. The analysis highlights the significance of authority and enforcement for the design of rules of possession and their relationship with social order.
Judicial Specialization and Ideological Decision Making in the US Courts of Appeals
Authors: Curry Brett , Miller Banks
Published: November 2013

We investigate the influence of subject matter expertise, opinion specialization, and judicial experience on the role of ideology in decision making in the courts of appeals in a generalized, as opposed to specialized, setting. We find that subject matter experts and opinion specialists are significantly more likely to engage in ideological decision making than their nonspecialist counterparts and that opinion specialization is a particularly potent factor in ideological decision making. Further, increased judicial experience has no effect on the conditional use of ideology. We discuss the potentially wide‐ranging implications of our findings for both theory and policy.
An empirical comparison of character‐based and coalescent‐based approaches to species delimitation in a young avian complex
Authors: McKay Bailey D. , Mays Herman L. , Wu Yuchun , Li Hui , Yao Cheng‐te , Nishiumi Isao , Zou Fasheng
Published: November 2013

The process of discovering species is a fundamental responsibility of systematics. Recently, there has been a growing interest in coalescent‐based methods of species delimitation aimed at objectively identifying species early in the divergence process. However, few empirical studies have compared these new methods with character‐based approaches for discovering species. In this study, we applied both a character‐based and a coalescent‐based approaches to delimit species in a closely related avian complex, the light‐vented/Taiwan bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis/Pycnonotus taivanus). Population aggregation analyses of plumage, mitochondrial and 13 nuclear intron character data sets produced conflicting species hypotheses with plumage data suggesting three species, mitochondrial data suggesting two species, and nuclear intron data suggesting one species. Such conflict is expected among recently diverged species, and by integrating all sources of data, we delimited three species verified with independently congruent character evidence as well as a more weakly supported fourth species identified by a single character. Attempts to validate species hypothesis using Bayesian Phylogenetics and Phylogeography (BPP), a coalescent‐based method of species delimitation, revealed several issues that can seemingly affect statistical support for species recognition. We found that θ priors had a dramatic impact on speciation probabilities, with lower values consistently favouring splitting and higher values consistently favouring lumping. More resolved guide trees also resulted in overall higher speciation probabilities. Finally, we found suggestive evidence that BPP is sensitive to the divergent effects of nonrandom mating caused by intraspecific processes such as isolation‐with‐distance, and therefore, BPP may not be a conservative method for delimiting independently evolving population lineages. Based on these concerns, we questioned the reliability of BPP results and based our conclusions about species limits exclusively on character data.
Effective Demand, Exogenous Normal Utilization and Endogenous Capacity in the Long Run: Evidence from a Cointegrated Vector Autoregression Analysis for theUSA
Authors: Schoder Christian
Published: November 2013

UsingCointegratedVectorAuto‐Regression analysis, we provide evidence for theUSmanufacturing sector that production capacities adjust endogenously to current output in the long run. The rate of capacity utilization, i.e. the output–capacity ratio, is found to be stationary since production capacities respond endogenously to changes in current output and not vice versa. Hence, the principle of effective demand in a growth context, by which a permanent demand shock has a permanent growth effect, is consistent with the stylized fact of a stationary rate of capacity utilization since production capacities are endogenous in the long run.
Novel Contributions of the Smoothelin‐like 1 Protein in Vascular Smooth Muscle Contraction and its Potential Involvement in Myogenic Tone
Authors: Turner Sara R. , MacDonald Justin A.
Published: November 2013

Vascular smooth muscle contraction and the myogenic response regulate blood flow in the resistance vascular and contribute to systemic blood pressure. Three pathways are currently known to contribute to the development of the myogenic response: (i) Ca2+‐dependent phosphorylation of LC20; (ii) Ca2+ sensitization through inhibition of myosin phosphatase; and (iii) cortical actin polymerization. A number of regulatory smooth muscle proteins are integrated with these pathways to fine tune the response and facilitate adaptations to vascular (patho)physiologies. Of particular interest is the SMTN family of proteins, consisting of SMTN‐A, SMTN‐B, and the SMTN‐like protein, SMTNL1. The SMTN‐B and SMTNL1 proteins are both implicated in regulating smooth muscle contractility and contributing to vascular adaptations associated with hypertension, pregnancy, and exercise training. In the case of SMTNL1, the protein plays multiple roles in regulating contraction through functional interactions with contractile regulators as well as transcriptional control of the contractile phenotype and Ca2+‐sensitizing capacity. For the first time, preliminary results suggest SMTNL1 is involved in the myogenic response of the cerebral resistance vasculature. In this regard, global SMTNL1 deletion is associated with greater myogenic reactivity of cerebral arterioles, although the precise mechanism accounting for this finding remains to be defined.
Chemical composition and mosquito repellency of essential oil of Conyza newii propagated in different geographical locations of Kenya
Authors: MAYEKU W. P. , OMOLLO N. I. , ODALO O. J. , HASSANALI A.
Published: November 2013

Previously, essential oil of Conyza newii (Asterale: Asteracea, Oliv. & Hiern) growing in the northern part of West Pokot (35°E, 1°N) of Kenya was shown to be highly repellent [RD50 = 8.9 × 10−5 mg/cm2, 95% confidence interval (CL)] to Anopheles gambiae s.s. Fumigant toxicity of the oil to the mosquito was also demonstrated. The major constituents of the oil were found to be monoterpenoids, including (S)‐(‐)‐perillyl alcohol, (S)‐(‐)‐perillaldehyde, geraniol, (R)‐(+)‐limonene, trans‐β‐ocimene and 1,8‐cineol. In this study, the chemical composition and repellency of essential oils of the plant seedlings collected from West Pokot (35°E, 1°N) and propagated in seven different geographical regions of Kenya [West Pokot (35°E, 1°N), Kilome (37°E, 1°S), Naivasha (36°E, 0°), Webuye (34°E, 1°N), Nyakach (34°E, 0°), Kericho (35°E, 0°) and Nairobi (36°E, 1°S)] were compared. There were significant variations (P < 0.01, 95% CL) in the relative proportions of the six constituents and this was reflected in the repellency of the essential oils (P < 0.01, 95% CL). Higher repellency of the oil was associated with greater proportions of (S)‐(‐) perillyl alcohol, (S)‐(‐)‐perillaldehyde and geraniol, and lower repellency was associated with an increased proportion of (R)‐(+)‐limonene. The results suggest significant epigenetic (chemotypic) variations in the repellency and composition of C. newii essential oils growing in different regions of Kenya.
ON AVOIDANCE ACTIVITIES IN FISHERY ENFORCEMENT MODELS
Authors: JENSEN FRANK , KRONBAK LONE GRØNBÆK , ABILDTRUP JENS
Published: November 2013

Compliance and enforcement in fisheries are important issues from an economic point of view since management measures are useless without a certain level of enforcement. These conclusions come from the well‐established theoretical literature on compliance and enforcement problems within fisheries and a common result is that, it is efficient to set fines as high as possible and monitoring as low as possible, when fines are costless and offenders are risk neutral. However, this result is sensitive to the assumption that fishermen cannot engage in avoidance activities, e.g., activities to reduce the likelihood of being detected when noncomplying. The paper presents a model of fisheries that allows the fishermen to engage in avoidance activities. The conclusions from the model are that, under certain circumstances, fines are costly transfers to society since they not only have a direct positive effect on the level of deterrence, but also an indirect negative effect in the form of increased avoidance activities to reduce the probability of detection. The paper contributes to the literature on avoidance activities by introducing the externality from the illegal behavior as an endogenous effect on other offenders. For an externality, that has an exogenous effect on other actors, Malik shows that fines are only costly transfers for conditional deterrence (when one actor is deterred while another actor is not). For fisheries, we show that fines are also costly transfers under no deterrence (when no agents are deterred).
Pre‐dawn stomatal opening does not substantially enhance early‐morning photosynthesis in Helianthus annuus
Authors: AUCHINCLOSS LISA , EASLON HSIEN M. , LEVINE DIEDRE , DONOVAN LISA , RICHARDS JAMES H.
Published: November 2013

Most C3 plant species have partially open stomata during the night especially in the 3–5 h before dawn. This pre‐dawn stomatal opening has been hypothesized to enhance early‐morning photosynthesis (A) by reducing diffusion limitations to CO2 at dawn. We tested this hypothesis in cultivated Helianthus annuus using whole‐shoot gas exchange, leaf level gas exchange and modelling approaches. One hour pre‐dawn low‐humidity treatments were used to reduce pre‐dawn stomatal conductance (g). At the whole‐shoot level, a difference of pre‐dawn g (0.40 versus 0.17 mol m−2 s−1) did not significantly affect A during the first hour after dawn. Shorter term effects were investigated with leaf level gas exchange measurements and a difference of pre‐dawn g (0.10 versus 0.04 mol m−2 s−1) affected g and A for only 5 min after dawn. The potential effects of a wider range of stomatal apertures were explored with an empirical model of the relationship between A and intercellular CO2 concentration during the half‐hour after dawn. Modelling results demonstrated that even extremely low pre‐dawn stomatal conductance values have only a minimal effect on early‐morning A for a few minutes after dawn. Thus, we found no evidence that pre‐dawn stomatal opening enhances A.
Tumoral Melanosis in an Adolescent After Trauma: A Clinicopathological Dilemma
Authors: Dogruk Kacar Seval , Ozuguz Pinar , Karaca Semsettin , Aktepe Fatma
Published: November 2013

Tumoral melanosis (TM) is a histologic term used to indicate a nodular accumulation of melanophages in the dermis clinically presenting as a pigmented lesion. It is usually associated with regression of melanoma and nonmelanoma melanocytic pigmented lesions. We present the case of a 16‐year‐old girl with a suspicious pigmented macule on her right knee that appeared after trauma. The lesion was completely excised and diagnosed as TM.
Parents' perception of pediatric cancer centers in Japan
Authors: Sakaguchi Sachi , Oda Megumi , Shinkoda Yuichi , Manabe Atsushi
Published: November 2013

Background

In Japan, more than 160 hospitals provide care for approximately 2500 pediatric patients diagnosed with cancer each year. Not all hospitals, however, are fully capable of providing state‐of‐the‐art care due to a lack of experienced personnel or up‐to‐date facilities. The aim of this study was to solicit parents' experiences during their children's cancer treatment and opinions about the centralization of medical resources to core pediatric cancer centers.

Methods

A structured questionnaire was sent to parents of children who had received cancer treatment.

Results

Eighty‐two questionnaires were completed and analyzed. Parents reported a need for improved psychological support for their children and family members as well as accommodation for families during cancer therapy. Most parents had positive opinions about the centralization of medical resources to core centers but were concerned about the accessibility of the centers and increasing burdens placed on families living in remote areas.

Conclusion

The demand for psychological care for families during children's cancer treatment is highlighted. Improved accommodation and greater financial and social support for families living in remote areas should be preconditions for the future centralization of core pediatric cancer centers.
Epilepsy and West syndrome in neonates with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Inoue Takeshi , Shimizu Masaki , Hamano Shin‐ichiro , Murakami Nobuyuki , Nagai Toshiro , Sakuta Ryoichi
Published: November 2013

Background

Perinatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) has been linked to the development of late‐onset seizures. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of epilepsy and West syndrome in children with perinatal HIE and identify factors associated with the development of postnatal seizure disorders.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 208 term and late‐preterm infants diagnosed with perinatal HIE from April 2000 to March 2009 at Saitama Children's Medical Center. Children with obvious multiple anomalies and known chromosomal abnormalities were excluded. A questionnaire was distributed to parents to determine seizure‐related outcomes. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed and relevant clinical parameters were analyzed.

Results

In total, 162 questionnaires were answered (77.9%). Of the 162 subjects, 26 (16.0%) developed epilepsy, and eight subjects (4.9%) were diagnosed with West syndrome. Neonatal seizures occurred in 72 subjects (44.4%). The incidence of epilepsy and West syndrome was significantly higher in infants who experienced neonatal seizures than in those without seizure history. A total of 82 subjects were diagnosed with moderate (n = 52) or severe HIE (n = 30), of whom 57 subjects (69.5%) received therapeutic hypothermia. The incidence of epilepsy was significantly lower in these treated subjects. In addition, subjects with moderate or severe HIE were significantly more likely to develop late‐onset epilepsy and West syndrome than those with mild HIE.

Conclusions

The severity of perinatal HIE and neonatal seizures is a potential risk factor for the development of late‐onset seizures. Therapeutic hypothermia may reduce the risk of the development of epilepsy in such cases.
Success with plasmapheresis treatment for recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in pediatric renal transplant recipients
Authors: Straatmann Caroline , Kallash Mahmoud , Killackey Mary , Iorember Franca , Aviles Diego , Bamgbola Oluwatoyin , Carson Thomas , Florman Sander , Vehaskari Matti V.
Published: November 2013

FSGS recurs in approximately 30% of transplanted kidneys and may lead to graft loss. We retrospectively examined the efficacy of early and intensive PP without additional IS in pediatric kidney transplant patients with recurrent FSGS at our center. Seven of 24 patients (29%) had nephrotic proteinuria and histologic evidence of FSGS recurrence within 1–5 days post‐transplantation. PP was initiated early after transplantation and initially performed daily until sustained decline in proteinuria. PP frequency was then individually tapered according to proteinuria. Recurrent FSGS in all seven patients responded to a four‐ to 32‐wk course of PP. Two of seven patients had a second recurrence of FSGS, and both recurrences remitted after an additional 3–6 wk of PP. Median observation period was 4.5 yr (0.8–16.3 yr). Complete remission of recurrent FSGS has been sustained in all seven patients, and all patients have stable graft function with recent plasma creatinine <1.5 mg/dL in six of seven patients. Most recent urine protein/creatinine is 0.13–0.61 mg/mg in six of seven patients. One patient has heavy proteinuria secondary to chronic allograft nephropathy 16 yr post‐transplant. Intensive and prolonged PP, when initiated early in the post‐operative period, is effective in treating recurrent FSGS and preventing graft loss without the use of additional immunosuppressants.
Plasmapheresis‐resistant acute humoral rejection successfully treated with anti‐C5 antibody
Authors: Ghirardo Giulia , Benetti Elisa , Poli Francesca , Vidal Enrico , Della Vella Manuela , Cozzi Emanuele , Murer Luisa
Published: November 2013

Even if kidney graft survival has improved during the last decades, sensitized pediatric patients are an emerging problem. We describe a 17‐yr‐old male who lost his first graft due to chronic rejection becoming hyperimmunized (CDC PRA 99.61%). A desensitization protocol based on high‐dose IVIG, PP, and two Mabthera® infusions was performed with minor response (CDC PRA post‐desensitization 80%). One month after his second non‐living transplant, he developed a biopsy‐proven AMR; post‐transplant immunological monitoring showed the presence of donor‐specific anti‐DQ5 antibodies (DSA, MFI 20.000). He received methylprednisolone pulses and 45 PP sessions without clinical response; eculizumab was then used to salvage a kidney undergoing severe PP‐resistant rejection. A biopsy performed after the fourth eculizumab infusion showed complete resolution of AMR. Eculizumab infusions were then continued for the first year post‐transplantation. Two yr after transplantation, graft function is stable. Anti‐C5 therapy may represent an effective therapeutic option in pediatric patients with PP‐resistant AMR.
Factors Associated with Smokeless Tobacco Use and Dual Use among Blue Collar Workers
Authors: Noonan Devon , Duffy Sonia A.
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To examine demographic and substance use factors associated with exclusive smokeless tobacco use (SLT) and dual use of both cigarettes and SLT among blue‐collar workers.

Design and Sample

This cross‐sectional study used data from the United States 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The sample (n = 5,392) was restricted to respondents who were classified as blue collar workers by self‐report primary job title.

Measures

Various demographic variables, tobacco use and other substance use variables were examined.

Results

Respondents in this blue collar sample were 87% male and 64% Non‐Hispanic White. An estimated 9.5% (SE = 0.6) of respondents were current SLT users; 5.3% (SE = 0.4) were current exclusive SLT users, and 4.2% (SE = 0.4) were current dual users of both SLT and cigarettes. Factors related to exclusive SLT use were gender, marital status, age, race/ethnicity, type of blue‐collar occupation, current binge drinking, and current marijuana use. Significant factors related to dual use were gender, marital status, age, race/ethnicity, type of blue‐collar occupation, current cigar smoking, current binge drinking, and current illicit drug use.

Conclusions

Rates of SLT use and dual use are high among U.S. blue‐collar workers, indicating a need for targeted, workplace cessation interventions. These interventions may also serve as a gateway for addressing other substance use behaviors in this population.
Wild Analysis in Politics
Authors: Thomas Kenneth R.
Published: November 2013

This commentary provides a critical discussion of Crouse and Stalker's (2007) attempt to psychoanalyze right‐wing authoritarian beliefs. The psychological inventory used by Crouse and Stalker for this purpose, The Right‐Wing Authoritarian Scale (Altemeyer, 1998), has dubious validity characteristics, and the conclusions reached by Crouse and Stalker regarding the origins and characteristics of right‐wing political beliefs and attitudes may be more reflective of the authors' political prejudices than of a serious psychoanalytic study of different personality structures. In the present article, the author demonstrates not only the flaws associated with the measuring instrument used, but also the left‐wing biases in the Crouse and Stalker analysis. Unfortunately, these prejudices against individuals with conservative political beliefs may be extensively present in the psychology and psychoanalytic communities and serve neither an appropriate clinical nor scientific purpose.
Coffee rust genome measured using flow cytometry: does size matter?
Authors: Carvalho G. M. A. , Carvalho C. R. , Barreto R. W. , Evans H. C.
Published: November 2013

The genome size of most rust species is unknown due, in part, to technical constraints, especially the difficulty in accessing spores to extract the nuclei for cytometry. Using the urediniospores of coffee rust, Hemileia vastatrix, an improved methodology involving flow cytometry was developed for accurate measurement of the nuclear genome size. The results revealed that the genome of this primitive rust fungus is unusually large – measuring 1C‐value = 0·75 pg (733·5 Mb) – significantly bigger than other species quantified thus far in the more advanced rust lineages. The evolutionary consequences and the potential ecological constraints of this large genome size are discussed in relation to the epidemiology of coffee rust.
The Influence of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms During Pregnancy on Birth Size
Authors: Broekman Birit F. P. , Chan Yiong‐Huak , Chong Yap‐Seng , Kwek Kenneth , Sung Sharon Cohan , Haley Charlotte Louise , Chen Helen , Chee Cornelia , Rifkin‐Graboi Anne , Gluckman Peter D. , Meaney Michael J. , Saw Seang‐Mei ,   GUSTO Research Group
Published: November 2013

Background

Mental health problems during pregnancy can influence fetal growth. However, studies examining the influence of maternal mental health across the normal range of birth outcomes are uncommon. This study examined the associations between symptoms of maternal depression and anxiety during pregnancy on birth size among term Asian infants.

Methods

One thousand forty‐eight Asian pregnant women from a cohort Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes were recruited between 2009 to 2010 at two Singaporean maternity hospitals. At 26 weeks gestation, depressive symptoms were measured with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI‐II), and anxiety was measured with the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Health personnel recorded birthweight, birthlength, gestational age, and head circumference at birth.

Results

Nine hundred forty‐six women who delivered term infants had complete data. For this sample, the mean birthweight was 3146.6 g [standard deviation (SD) 399.0], the mean birthlength was 48.9 cm (SD 2.0). After controlling for several potential confounders, there was a significant negative association between STAI and birthlength [β = −0.248, confidence interval (CI) [−0.382, −0.115], P < 0.001] and a small negative association between EPDS and birthlength (β = −0.169, CI [−0.305, −0.033], P = 0.02). No associations were found between scores on the EPDS, BDI‐II, and STAI with birthweight or head circumference.

Conclusions

Our preliminary data suggest that among term infants, anxiety and depressive symptoms are not associated with birthweight, while anxiety and depressive symptoms are associated with a shorter birthlength.
Comparison of clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema versus idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis alone
Authors: Sugino Keishi , Ishida Fumiaki , Kikuchi Naoshi , Hirota Nao , Sano Go , Sato Keita , Isobe Kazutoshi , Sakamoto Susumu , Takai Yujiro , Homma Sakae
Published: November 2013

Background and objective

The results of studies examining the outcome and the factors predicting prognosis in combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) have so far been contradictory. Our objective was to determine prognosis and the prognostic factors for CPFE.

Methods

Of 108 consecutive idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients admitted to our hospital, 46 were diagnosed as having CPFE and 62 patients diagnosed as having IPF alone. We retrospectively compared the clinical features between these two groups.

Results

Annual increase in estimated systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (esPAP) was significantly greater in CPFE patients, and survival time was significantly lower. Moreover, the prognosis was unfavourable regardless of the presence of lung cancer. The multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model showed that predictive factors were an increase in the modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score and esPAP ≥ 30.4 mm Hg. We classified patients into the following four groups: CPFE with high esPAP (esPAP ≥ 30.4 mm Hg), CPFE with normal esPAP (esPAP < 30.4 mm Hg), IPF alone with high esPAP and IPF alone with normal esPAP. Survival in the CPFE with high esPAP group was significantly worse than that in the other three subgroups. Furthermore, CPFE with the paraseptal type of emphysema and high esPAP had the worst prognosis.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the prognosis of CPFE is significantly worse than that of IPF alone. In particular, CPFE with paraseptal emphysema associated with high esPAP has an extremely poor prognosis.
Models for the analysis of repeated continuous outcome measures in clinical trials
Authors: De Livera Alysha M. , Zaloumis Sophie , Simpson Julie A.
Published: November 2013

Repeated continuous outcome measures are common in clinical trials. In this tutorial style paper, using data collected from a trial evaluating an intervention for managing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, we demonstrate ways of statistically analysing such data to answer frequently encountered clinical research questions. We illustrate the use of linear mixed effects modelling in doing so and discuss its advantages over several other commonly used approaches. The methods described in this paper can easily be carried out using standard statistical software.