bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stereoacuity in mild, moderate and severe glaucoma
Authors: Lakshmanan Yamunadevi , George Ronnie J
Published: January 2013

Purpose

To determine the association between stereoacuity and severity of glaucoma.

Methods

Stereoacuity was measured using the Titmus stereo test for 97 glaucoma subjects with visual acuity better than 0.3 logMAR (6/12, 20/40 Snellen) and reliable Humphrey visual fields (24‐2 SITA standard). The severity of visual fields was graded with the Hodapp‐Anderson‐Parrish (HAP) classification and visual fields index (VFI) score and the stereoacuities for different grades were compared. Presence of a significant field defect (p < 1%) in any one of the paracentral points in 10–2 SITA standard/Macular threshold was considered as a threat to fixation.

Results

Mean ± SD age of the subjects was 57.28 ± 14.0 years. The median [inter‐quartile range, (IQR)] stereoacuity of the 97 subjects was 50 (40–100) arc sec with 13 subjects having stereoacuity of >3000 arc sec. Median (IQR) stereoacuity of 97 subjects classified with HAP as mild, moderate and severe were 40 (40–40), 50 (40–60) and 60 (40–400) arc sec; similarly median (IQR) stereoacuity of the subjects classified using VFI as mild, moderate and severe were 40 (40–55), 60 (40–100) and 120 (50–3000) s of arc and the difference between groups were significant (p < 0.001). Median (IQR) stereoacuity in subjects with no threat to fixation (45) and threat to fixation in at least one eye (52) were 40 (40–60) and 70 (40–800) arc sec (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Decreased stereoacuity was associated with greater glaucomatous visual field loss, although it was normal with early visual field defects. Relatively moderate defects can be associated with decreased stereoacuity and it is more pronounced in the severe stages of the disease when there is a threat to fixation.
An internet‐based health survey on the co‐morbidities of choroideremia patients
Authors: Zhou Qi , Weis Ekekiel , Ye Ming , Benjaminy Shelly , MacDonald Ian M
Published: January 2013

Purpose

To examine the prevalence of systemic and ocular disease among choroideremia patients and carriers.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis was performed on responses from affected males with choroideremia, female carriers, and unaffected brothers to an Internet‐based survey made available from September 2009 to November 2010. Affected males were classified into two groups, those with or without functional vision. Carrier females were classified into those with and without symptoms. Comparisons were made between these groups.

Results

There was a higher prevalence of dry eye in our respondents than the North American population. The prevalence of dry eye, cataract, hypertension, diabetes, psychological problems and hypercholesterolemia were higher in choroideremia males without functional vision compared to those with functional vision. Likewise, statin intake was more prevalent among the affected males without functional vision than those with functional vision. After age adjustment, any differences between the two subgroups of male patients (with and without functional vision) were not significant.

Conclusion

Age plays an important role in determining the onset of severe visual impairment with loss of functional vision in male subjects affected by choroideremia. Although Internet surveys have limitations such as the use of self‐reported diagnoses and the possibility that the responses may not be representative of the population as a whole, this study shows that such surveys can provide data quickly and easily, and for rare diseases such as choroideremia, with relatively large numbers of responses.
Mature‐stem expression of a silencing‐resistant sucrose isomerase gene drives isomaltulose accumulation to high levels in sugarcane
Authors: Mudge Stephen R. , Basnayake Shiromi W. V. , Moyle Richard L. , Osabe Kenji , Graham Michael W. , Morgan Terence E. , Birch Robert G.
Published: January 2013

Isomaltulose (IM) is a natural isomer of sucrose. It is widely approved as a food with properties including slower digestion, lower glycaemic index and low cariogenicity, which can benefit consumers. Availability is currently limited by the cost of fermentative conversion from sucrose. Transgenic sugarcane plants with developmentally‐controlled expression of a silencing‐resistant gene encoding a vacuole‐targeted IM synthase were tested under field conditions typical of commercial sugarcane cultivation. High yields of IM were obtained, up to 483 mm or 81% of total sugars in whole‐cane juice from plants aged 13 months. Using promoters from sugarcane to drive expression preferentially in the sugarcane stem, IM levels were consistent between stalks and stools within a transgenic line and across consecutive vegetative field generations of tested high‐isomer lines. Germination and early growth of plants from setts were unaffected by IM accumulation, up to the tested level around 500 mm in flanking stem internodes. These are the highest yields ever achieved of value‐added materials through plant metabolic engineering. The sugarcane stem promoters are promising for strategies to achieve even higher IM levels and for other applications in sugarcane molecular improvement. Silencing‐resistant transgenes are critical to deliver the potential of these promoters in practical sugarcane improvement. At the IM levels now achieved in field‐grown sugarcane, direct production of IM in plants is feasible at a cost approaching that of sucrose, which should make the benefits of IM affordable on a much wider scale.
High‐level production of human interleukin‐10 fusions in tobacco cell suspension cultures
Authors: Kaldis Angelo , Ahmad Adil , Reid Alexandra , McGarvey Brian , Brandle Jim , Ma Shengwu , Jevnikar Anthony , Kohalmi Susanne E. , Menassa Rima
Published: January 2013

The production of pharmaceutical proteins in plants has made much progress in recent years with the development of transient expression systems, transplastomic technology and humanizing glycosylation patterns in plants. However, the first therapeutic proteins approved for administration to humans and animals were made in plant cell suspensions for reasons of containment, rapid scale‐up and lack of toxic contaminants. In this study, we have investigated the production of human interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) in tobacco BY‐2 cell suspension and evaluated the effect of an elastin‐like polypeptide tag (ELP) and a green fluorescent protein (GFP) tag on IL‐10 accumulation. We report the highest accumulation levels of hIL‐10 obtained with any stable plant expression system using the ELP fusion strategy. Although IL‐10‐ELP has cytokine activity, its activity is reduced compared to unfused IL‐10, likely caused by interference of ELP with folding of IL‐10. Green fluorescent protein has no effect on IL‐10 accumulation, but examining the trafficking of IL‐10‐GFP over the cell culture cycle revealed fluorescence in the vacuole during the stationary phase of the culture growth cycle. Analysis of isolated vacuoles indicated that GFP alone is found in vacuoles, while the full‐size fusion remains in the whole‐cell extract. This indicates that GFP is cleaved off prior to its trafficking to the vacuole. On the other hand, IL‐10‐GFP‐ELP remains mostly in the ER and accumulates to high levels. Protein bodies were observed at the end of the culture cycle and are thought to arise as a consequence of high levels of accumulation in the ER.
Dispersed Capacity and Weak Coordination: The Challenge of Climate Change Adaptation inCanada's Forest Policy Sector
Authors: Rayner Jeremy , McNutt Kathleen , Wellstead Adam
Published: January 2013

Constitutional and institutional legacies were combined to create a very decentralized forest policy sector inCanada. Where coherent policy requires a national response—as is the case with adaptation to climate change—the critical challenge is to locate the relevant decentralized policy capacity and steer it toward meeting national objectives. While there is some evidence that significant policy capacity exists in provincial forest and resource management departments, climate change adaptation has led to an expansion of departmental mandates that is not being addressed by better coordination of the available policy capacity. The relevant federal agencies are not well represented in information networks and forest policy workers report lower levels of internal and external networking than workers in related policy subsectors.
Tumour Immunomodulation: Mucins in Resistance to Initiation and Maturation of Immune Response Against Tumours
Authors: AnandKumar A. , Devaraj H.
Published: January 2013

Mucins are high molecular weight glycoproteins designed for cellular protection and sensing the external environment. Aberrant glycosylation and altered mucin expression seen in cancers are implicated in mucin‐dependent refraction to immunosurveilance and immunosuppressive induction around the tumour. Although mucins provide molecular targets for immune system's tumour recognition, their characteristics dictate that the nature of immune response required for recognition and lyses of mucin‐expressing tumours needs to follow predominantly a MHC‐unrestricted αβ TCR‐mediated effector cell response. Frequent loss of dendritic cells maturation and elimination of reactive lymphocytes altered adhesive and anti‐adhesive properties of the mucins, promote tumour survival and escape from the immune response.
The Prevalence of and Psychosocial Risks for Suicide Attempts in Male and Female College Students in Taiwan
Authors: Chou Cheng Hsiang , Ko Huei Chen , Wu Jo Yung‐Wei , Cheng Chung‐Ping
Published: January 2013

The prevalence of and psychosocial risks for suicide attempts was investigated in college students in Taiwan by gender, after controlling for depressive symptoms. Self‐reported data were collected from a nationally representative sample of 2,835 college students; 11.90% of females and 8.87% of males reported they had attempted suicide in the preceding 12 months. After controlling for depression, suicidal ideations were associated with suicide attempts in females, whereas there were fewer positive expectations toward the future associated with suicide attempts in males. Several explanations for the high prevalence of suicide attempts among college students in Taiwan were discussed. In the future, further verification of the findings is necessary.
The use of high frequency ultrasound imaging in skin moisturization measurement
Authors: Mlosek Robert K. , Malinowska Sylwia , Sikora Magdalena , Dębowska Renata , Stępień Anna , Czekaj Karolina , Dąbrowska Anna
Published: January 2013

Introduction

The appropriate skin hydration level enables its normal function and healthy appearance.

Purpose

The purpose of present research was to assess the applicability of high frequency ultrasound (HFU) to the monitoring of skin moisturization treatments.

Material and Methods

The study sample encompassed 27 women, aged 20–67 y.o. (mean age of 45.48 y.o.) with dry skin. All women applied a strong moisturizing cream on their facial skin for 14 days. The course of treatment was monitored using the HFU. The following parameters were subjected to the ultrasound evaluation: epidermal echo thickness, dermis thickness, and separately the thickness of the superior and inferior layer of dermis. The measurements were taken on the participants' chins and cheeks. In addition, skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were determined.

Results

Statistically significant differences were obtained between the echogenicity of the superior layer of the dermis on the chin and cheek. After treatment, the statistically significant values of TEWL decrease and hydration increase were obtained on the cheek skin. No statistically significant differences between the TEWL or hydration levels were found on the chin. No statistically significant differences between the epidermal echo and dermis thickness values for the two measurement points were observed.

Conclusion

The HFU is a useful method for the monitoring of skin moisturization treatments.
That's Outrageous
Authors: Turri John
Published: January 2013

I show how non‐presentists ought to respond to a popular objection originally due to Arthur Prior and lately updated by Dean Zimmerman. Prior and Zimmerman say that non‐presentism cannot account for the fittingness of certain emotional responses to things past. But presentism gains no advantage here, because it is equally incapable of accounting for the fittingness of certain other emotional responses to things past, in particular moral outrage.
Dual-Joint Modeling for Estimation of Total Knee Replacement Contact Forces During Locomotion
Authors: Hast Michael W. , Piazza Stephen J.
Published: January 2013

Model-based estimation of in vivo contact forces arising between components of a total knee replacement is challenging because such forces depend upon accurate modeling of muscles, tendons, ligaments, contact, and multibody dynamics. Here we describe an approach to solving this problem with results that are tested by comparison to knee loads measured in vivo for a single subject and made available through the Grand Challenge Competition to Predict in vivo Tibiofemoral Loads. The approach makes use of a “dual-joint” paradigm in which the knee joint is alternately represented by (1) a ball-joint knee for inverse dynamic computation of required muscle controls and (2) a 12 degree-of-freedom (DOF) knee with elastic foundation contact at the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral articulations for forward dynamic integration. Measured external forces and kinematics were applied as a feedback controller and static optimization attempted to track measured knee flexion angles and electromyographic (EMG) activity. The resulting simulations showed excellent tracking of knee flexion (average RMS error of 2.53 deg) and EMG (muscle activations within ±10% envelopes of normalized measured EMG signals). Simulated tibiofemoral contact forces agreed qualitatively with measured contact forces, but their RMS errors were approximately 25% of the peak measured values. These results demonstrate the potential of a dual-joint modeling approach to predict joint contact forces from kinesiological data measured in the motion laboratory. It is anticipated that errors in the estimation of contact force will be reduced as more accurate subject-specific models of muscles and other soft tissues are developed.
Different Scale Experiments of High Velocity Penetration With Concrete Targets
Authors: Zhang Xu , Cao Renyi , Tan Duowang , Wang Bin
Published: January 2013

In this study, two different scale projectile high velocity penetration experiments with concrete targets that had an average compressive strength of 35 MPa were conducted in order to find the velocity limits and nose erosion properties. We conducted the penetration experiments for the small-scale (48 mm diameter, 195 mm long, 2 kg) and the large-scale (144 mm diameter, 680 mm long, 50 kg) ogive-nose projectiles with the hard steel 4340 whose dynamic compression strength is 2.2 GPa. A 100-mm-diameter powder gun was used to launch the five tests of the 2 kg projectiles with striking velocities between 1100 m/s and 1600 m/s and a 320-mm-diameter Davis gun was used to launch the two tests of the 50 kg projectiles with striking velocities 1100 m/s and 1300 m/s. The experimental results showed that the nose material was missing, indicating an apparent eroding process when the striking velocity exceeded 1400 m/s, where the rigid body penetration made a transition into the elastic-plastic hydrodynamics regime and penetration depth begin to decrease when the striking velocity exceeds 1400 m/s. Furthermore, nose changes and mass loss due to nose erosion did not significantly affect the penetrating ability before rigid body penetration made a transition into the hydrodynamic regimes. In addition, nose erosion was analyzed with SEM surface microstructures, and the SEM image showed that the mass loss of projectiles was due to the shear cracks preceded by adiabatic shear bands.
Molecular beam epitaxy of highly mismatched N-rich GaN1−xSbx and InN1−xAsx alloys
Authors: Novikov Sergei V. , Yu Kin M. , Levander Alejandro , Detert Douglas , Sarney Wendy L. , Liliental-Weber Zuzanna , Shaw Martin , Martin Robert W. , Svensson Stefan P. , Walukiewicz Wladek , Foxon C. Thomas
Published: January 2013

GaN materials alloyed with group V anions form the so-called highly mismatched alloys (HMAs). Recently, the authors succeeded in growing N-rich GaN1−xAsx and GaN1−xBix alloys over a large composition range by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PA-MBE). Here, they present first results on PA-MBE growth and properties of N-rich GaN1−xSbx and InN1−xAsx alloys and compare these with GaN1−xAsx and GaN1−xBix alloys. The enhanced incorporation of As and Sb was achieved by growing the layers at extremely low growth temperatures. Although layers become amorphous for high As, Sb, and Bi content, optical absorption measurements show a progressive shift of the optical absorption edge to lower energy. The large band gap range and controllable conduction and valence band positions of these HMAs make them promising materials for efficient solar energy conversion devices.
Perimeter and area current components in HfO2 and HfO2−x metal-insulator-metal capacitors
Authors: Maria Puglisi Francesco , Pavan Paolo , Padovani Andrea , Larcher Luca
Published: January 2013

In this paper, the authors present an experimental analysis on current conduction mechanisms in high-k oxides, where two metal–insulator–metal structures with different insulators (HfO2 and HfO2−x) are considered. Current density measurements indicate the existence of a perimeter-related component in the current, sizeable in HfO2, and negligible in HfO2−x samples, which have to be taken into account for a correct analysis of the device behavior and cannot be based only on the area scaling rules. For oxide breakdown, for example, a significant contribution of the perimeter-related current component results in conservative extrapolations of breakdown voltages for scaled devices.
Released by Calcium
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: January 2013

Ca
2+
promotes the tyrosine phosphorylation of CD3 in stimulated T cells by displacing it from the plasma membrane.
Protease-Independent Invasion
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: January 2013

Independently of its protease activity, a metalloproteinase cooperates with an integrin to promote mammary epithelial tube branching.
Evaluation of DNA from the Papanicolaou Test to Detect Ovarian and Endometrial Cancers
Authors: Kinde Isaac , Bettegowda Chetan , Wang Yuxuan , Wu Jian , Agrawal Nishant , Shih Ie-Ming , Kurman Robert , Dao Fanny , Levine Douglas A. , Giuntoli Robert , Roden Richard , Eshleman James R. , Carvalho Jesus Paula , Marie Suely Kazue Nagahashi , Papadopoulos Nickolas , Kinzler Kenneth W. , Vogelstein Bert , Diaz Luis A.
Published: January 2013

Mutant DNA from ovarian and endometrial tumors can be detected in Pap smear specimens through massively parallel sequencing.
Targeting the JMJD2 Histone Demethylases to Epigenetically Control Herpesvirus Infection and Reactivation from Latency
Authors: Liang Yu , Vogel Jodi L. , Arbuckle Jesse H. , Rai Ganesha , Jadhav Ajit , Simeonov Anton , Maloney David J. , Kristie Thomas M.
Published: January 2013

Inhibitors of cellular histone demethylases, enzymes required for herpesvirus infection, block early-stage infection and prevent reactivation from latency, demonstrating the potential benefit of epigenetic antiviral therapeutics.
Repurposing the Pap Smear: One Step Closer to Gynecologic Cancer Screening
Authors: Westin Shannon N. , Mills Gordon B. , Myers Andrea P.
Published: January 2013

DNA testing has the potential to revolutionize screening and early detection of gynecologic malignancies.
A Beacon of Danger
Authors: Oviedo-Orta Ernesto
Published: January 2013

Seeking a better biomarker signature for predicting heart disease severity.
The New Age of Virus Discovery: Genomic Analysis of a Novel Human Betacoronavirus Isolated from a Fatal Case of Pneumonia
Authors: Holmes Kathryn V. , Dominguez Samuel R.
Published: January 2013

A new human betacoronavirus in lineage c, tentatively called HCoV-EMC, was isolated from a patient from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who died from acute severe pneumonia and renal failure. The viral RNA has been detected in eight additional cases. Sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of the viral genomic RNA showed that it is a novel virus not previously detected in any other species and that its closest relatives are two Asian bat coronaviruses. HCoV-EMC may represent a sporadic spillover to humans from an unknown animal reservoir. In a recent article, van Boheemen et al. demonstrated how state-of-the-art sequencing technology and bioinformatic analysis can quickly provide critical insight into the viral genome sequence, phylogeny, replication strategy, and potential drug and vaccine targets and generate tools to evaluate the possible epidemic risk associated with this novel human virus.
Atypical diabetes in children: ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes
Authors: Vaibhav Atul , Mathai Mathew , Gorman Shaun
Published: January 2013

Ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes mellitus also known as atypical or flatbush diabetes is being increasingly recognised worldwide. These patients are typically obese, middle-aged men with a strong family history of type 2 diabetes. The aetiology and pathophysiological mechanism is still unclear but some initial research suggests that patients with ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes have a unique predisposition to glucose desensitisation. These patients have negative autoantibodies typically associated with type 1 diabetes but have shown to have human leucocyte antigen (HLA) positivity. At initial presentation, there is an impairment of both insulin secretion and action. β Cell function and insulin sensitivity can be markedly improved by initiating aggressive diabetes management to allow for discontinuation of insulin therapy within a few months of treatment. These patients can be maintained on oral hypoglycaemic agents and insulin therapy can be safely discontinued after few months depending on their β cell function.
Unusual site and uncommon presentation of epidermoid cyst: a rare case report and review of literature
Authors: Sahoo Manash Ranjan , Gowda Manoj S , Behera Syam Sundar
Published: January 2013

Epidermoid cyst of gastrointestinal tract is very rare, and only a few cases of epidermoid cyst of the caecum have been reported in the literature. We report the first case of epidermoid cyst of the caecum in an elderly man, mimicking mesenteric cyst clinically. It was treated by laparoscopic excision of the cyst. The cyst was spherical, extending from and expanding the serosal surface of the caecum with no communication through the muscularis wall. Histologically, the inner lining of the cyst was composed of benign, mature, keratinised and stratified squamous epithelium with a well-formed granular layer. On opening, the cyst contained pultaceous cheesy material. No calcification, hair, teeth or bone elements were detected.
Exercise for anxiety disorders: systematic review
Authors: Jayakody Kaushadh , Gunadasa Shalmini , Hosker Christian
Published: January 2013

Background

Anxiety disorders are commonly treated with antidepressants and psychological treatments. Some patients may prefer alternative approaches such as exercise.

Objective

To investigate the treatment effects of exercise compared with other treatments for anxiety disorders.

Data sources

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of exercise interventions for anxiety disorders were identified by searching six online databases (July 2011). A number of journals were also hand searched.

Main results

Eight RCTs were included. For panic disorder: exercise appears to reduce anxiety symptoms but it is less effective than antidepressant medication (1 RCT); exercise combined with antidepressant medication improves the Clinical Global Impression outcomes (1 RCT, p<0.05); exercise combined with occupational therapy and lifestyle changes reduces Beck Anxiety Inventory outcomes (1 RCT, p=0.0002). For social phobias, added benefits of exercise when combined with group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) were shown (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise groups (1 RCT, p>0.1) with both seeming to reduce anxiety symptoms (1 RCT, p<0.001). It remains unclear as to which type of exercise; moderate to hard or very light to light, is more effective in anxiety reduction (2 RCTs).

Conclusions

Exercise seems to be effective as an adjunctive treatment for anxiety disorders but it is less effective compared with antidepressant treatment. Both aerobic and non-aerobic exercise seems to reduce anxiety symptoms. Social phobics may benefit from exercise when combined with group CBT. Further well-conducted RCTs are needed.
Electrocardiographic interpretation in athletes: the ‘Seattle Criteria’
Authors: Drezner Jonathan A , Ackerman Michael John , Anderson Jeffrey , Ashley Euan , Asplund Chad A , Baggish Aaron L , Börjesson Mats , Cannon Bryan C , Corrado Domenico , DiFiori John P , Fischbach Peter , Froelicher Victor , Harmon Kimberly G , Heidbuchel Hein , Marek Joseph , Owens David S , Paul Stephen , Pelliccia Antonio , Prutkin Jordan M , Salerno Jack C , Schmied Christian M , Sharma Sanjay , Stein Ricardo , Vetter Victoria L , Wilson Mathew G
Published: January 2013

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of death in athletes during sport. Whether obtained for screening or diagnostic purposes, an ECG increases the ability to detect underlying cardiovascular conditions that may increase the risk for SCD. In most countries, there is a shortage of physician expertise in the interpretation of an athlete's ECG. A critical need exists for physician education in modern ECG interpretation that distinguishes normal physiological adaptations in athletes from abnormal findings suggestive of pathology. On 13–14 February 2012, an international group of experts in sports cardiology and sports medicine convened in Seattle, Washington, to define contemporary standards for ECG interpretation in athletes. The objective of the meeting was to develop a comprehensive training resource to help physicians distinguish normal ECG alterations in athletes from abnormal ECG findings that require additional evaluation for conditions associated with SCD.
Abnormal electrocardiographic findings in athletes: recognising changes suggestive of primary electrical disease
Authors: Drezner Jonathan A , Ackerman Michael J , Cannon Bryan C , Corrado Domenico , Heidbuchel Hein , Prutkin Jordan M , Salerno Jack C , Anderson Jeffrey , Ashley Euan , Asplund Chad A , Baggish Aaron L , Börjesson Mats , DiFiori John P , Fischbach Peter , Froelicher Victor , Harmon Kimberly G , Marek Joseph , Owens David S , Paul Stephen , Pelliccia Antonio , Schmied Christian M , Sharma Sanjay , Stein Ricardo , Vetter Victoria L , Wilson Mathew G
Published: January 2013

Cardiac channelopathies are potentially lethal inherited arrhythmia syndromes and an important cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young athletes. Other cardiac rhythm and conduction disturbances also may indicate the presence of an underlying cardiac disorder. The 12-lead ECG is utilised as both a screening and a diagnostic tool for detecting conditions associated with SCD. Fundamental to the appropriate evaluation of athletes undergoing ECG is an understanding of the ECG findings that may indicate the presence of a pathological cardiac disease. This article describes ECG findings present in primary electrical diseases afflicting young athletes and outlines appropriate steps for further evaluation of these ECG abnormalities. The ECG findings defined as abnormal in athletes were established by an international consensus panel of experts in sports cardiology and sports medicine.
Are children carrying the burden of broad-spectrum antibiotics in general practice? Prescription pattern for paediatric outpatients with respiratory tract infections in Norway
Authors: Fossum Guro Haugen , Lindbæk Morten , Gjelstad Svein , Dalen Ingvild , Kværner Kari J
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To investigate the antibiotic prescription pattern and factors that influence the physicians’ choice of antibiotic.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Primary healthcare in Norway, December 2004 through November 2005.

Participants

426 general practitioners, GPs, in Norway, giving 24 888 respiratory tract infection episodes with 19 938 children aged 0–6 years.

Outcome measures

Assess antibiotic prescription details and patient and GP characteristics associated with broad-spectrum and narrow-spectrum antibiotic use.

Results

Of the 24 888 episodes in the study, 26.2% (95% CI 25.7% to 26.8%) included an antibiotic prescription. Penicillin V accounted for 42% and macrolide antibiotics for 30%. The prescription rate varied among the physicians, with a mean of 25.5% (95% CI 24.2% to 26.7%). Acute tonsillitis gave the highest odds for a prescription, OR 33.6 (95% CI 25.7% to 43.9%), compared to ‘acute respiratory tract infections and symptoms’ as a reference group. GPs with a prescription rate of 33.3% or higher had the larger probability for broad-spectrum antibiotic prescriptions, OR 3.33 (95% CI 2.01% to 5.54%). Antibiotic prescriptions increased with increasing patient age.

Conclusions

We found a low antibiotic prescription rate for childhood respiratory tract infections. However, our figures indicate an overuse of macrolide antibiotics and penicillins with extended spectrum, more so than in the corresponding study including the adult population. Palatability of antibiotic suspensions and other administrative challenges affect medication compliance in children. To help combat antibiotic resistance, guidelines need to be followed, in particular for our youngest patients.

Trial registration number (clinicaltrials.org)

NCT00272155.
Factors affecting recruitment to an observational multicentre palliative care study
Authors: Stone Patrick C , Gwilliam Bridget , Keeley Vaughan , Todd Chris , Kelly Laura C , Barclay Stephen
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To identify those factors which adversely affected recruitment to a large multicentre palliative care study.

Methods

Patient accrual to a multicentre, observational, palliative care study was monitored at three critical junctures in the research process. (1) Eligibility—did the patient fulfil the study entry criteria? (2) Accessibility—was it possible to access the patient to be able to inform them about the study? (3) Consent—did the patient agree to participate in the study? The reasons why patients were ineligible, inaccessible or refused consent were recorded.

Results

12 412 consecutive referrals to participating clinical services were screened for study inclusion of whom 5394 (43%) were deemed to be ineligible. Of the remaining patients 4617/7018 (66%) were inaccessible to the research team. The most common reasons being precipitous death, ‘gatekeeping’ by clinical staff or rapid discharge. Of the 2410 patients who were visited by the research team and asked to participate in the study 1378 (57%) declined. Overall 8.2% (1018/12 412) of patients screened participated in the study. There were significant differences in recruitment patterns between hospice inpatient units, hospital support and community palliative care teams.

Conclusions

Systematic monitoring and analysis of patient flows through the clinical trial accrual process provided valuable insights about the reasons for failure to recruit patients to a clinical trial and may help to improve recruitment in future studies.
Treatment of acute cervical internal carotid artery dissection using the Solitaire FR revascularization device
Authors: To Chiu Yuen , Badr Yaser , Richards Boyd
Published: January 2013

During treatment of a right internal carotid artery terminus aneurysm, an acute iatrogenic flow limiting dissection was caused in the cervical internal carotid. The true lumen was catheterized using a Mirage 0.008 microwire over an Excelsior SL-10 microcatheter, which was exchanged for a Marksman microcatheter. A 6 mm×30 mm Solitaire FR revascularization device was then deployed across the dissection as a salvage technique.
Solitaire FR device for treatment of dural sinus thrombosis
Authors: Pukenas Bryan Anthony , Kumar Monisha , Stiefel Michael , Smith Michelle , Hurst Robert
Published: January 2013

Dural venous sinus thrombosis is a rare and potentially devastating disease. Several predisposing factors exist, including oral contraceptive therapy and colitis. First-line therapy consists of systemic anticoagulation. If first-line therapies fail, more aggressive endovascular therapies may be performed. We report our initial experience with the Solitaire FR device for treatment of refractory symptomatic dural venous sinus thrombosis.
Rupture of aneurysms in the immediate post-coiling period
Authors: Dmytriw Adam Andrew , Pickett Gwynedd Elaine , Shankar Jai J S
Published: January 2013

Purpose

We present a series of cases featuring re-rupture of posterior communicating artery aneurysms in the immediate post-coiling period, where clots obscured the neck of the aneurysm during the procedure. We report on the incidence of re-rupture and discuss possible mechanisms behind this phenomenon.

Methods

This study included 462 aneurysms over a 10-year period which were treated with endovascular coiling. 137 of these were ruptured aneurysms. Radiographic and clinical information pertaining to the patients was collected. The immediate post-coiling period was defined as ≤3 days following the procedure.

Results

The incidence of re-rupture in the immediate post-coiling period was 1.4% (2/137). Of these two, one received recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and both received acetylsalicylic acid. One patient presented with adjacent hematoma on re-rupture. In both cases, clot obscured the aneurysm neck during the procedure.

Conclusions

Re-rupture of intracranial aneurysms in the immediate post-coiling period is an exceedingly rare complication, and the events leading to it have not been discussed at length. Repeat treatment, follow-up imaging and close observation are merited in the setting of re-rupture of a posterior communicating artery aneurysm.
Prevalence and risk factors for canine epilepsy of unknown origin in the UK
Authors: Kearsley‐Fleet L. , O'Neill D. G. , Volk H. A. , Church D. B. , Brodbelt D. C.
Published: January 2013

Epidemiological evaluation of canine epilepsy is an under‐researched area. The objectives of this study were to estimate prevalence and investigate risk factors for epilepsy of unknown origin (EUO) among dogs attending primary veterinary practices in the UK. The clinical data analysed spanned a two‐year period and included all dogs attending 92 primary veterinary clinics participating in the VetCompass project. Five hundred and thirty‐nine EUO cases were identified giving a prevalence of 0.62% (95% CI 0.57% to 0.67%). Males were over 1.5 times as likely to have EUO compared with females (95% CI 1.44 to 2.06; P < 0.001). Of purebred dogs, the border terrier had 2.70 (95% CI 1.57 to 4.62; P < 0.001) and the German shepherd dog had 1.90 (95% CI 1.28 to 2.80; P=0.001) times increased odds of EUO compared with crossbred dogs. In addition, the West Highland white terrier had reduced odds (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.62; P=0.004) of EUO compared with crossbred dogs (likelihood ratio test P < 0.0001). No association was found with neuter status, colour or weight. The current study highlights the clinical importance of epilepsy as a canine disorder in the UK. Increased awareness of sex and breed predispositions may assist clinicians with diagnosis. Further research is merited to evaluate the specific breed associations identified.
Genetics of reintroduced populations of the narrowly endemic thistle,Cirsium pitcheri(Asteraceae)
Authors: Fant Jeremie B. , Kramer Andrea , Sirkin Eileen , Havens Kayri
Published: January 2013

The aim of any reintroduction is to provide sufficient genetic variability to buffer against changing selection pressures and ensure long-term survival. To date, few empirical studies have compared levels of genetic diversity in reintroduced and native plant populations. Using microsatellite markers, we measured the genetic diversity within reintroduced and native populations of the threatened Cirsium pitcher (Eaton) Torrey and Gray. We found that the use of local mixed source was successful in establishing populations with significantly higher genetic diversity (P < 0.005) than the native populations (allelic richness is 3.39 in reintroduced and 1.84 in native populations). However, the reintroduced populations had significantly higher inbreeding coefficients (P < 0.002) (FISis 0.405 and 0.213 in reintroduced and in native populations, respectively), despite having multiple genetic founders, population sizes equivalent to native populations and a positive growth rate. These results may be due to inbreeding or the Wahlund effect, driven by genetic substructuring. This suggests that the small population size of these reintroduced populations may lead to genetic issues in the future, given the low number of flowering individuals each year. This highlights the importance of considering not only the number of source individuals but the effective population size of the reintroduction.
Hierarchical clustering of pit crater chains on Venus
Authors: Davey S.C. , Ernst R.E. , Samson C. , Grosfils E.B.
Published: January 2013

Composed of a series of circular to elliptical bowl-shaped depressions, pit crater chains are common on the surface of many of our solar system’s terrestrial planets and moons. Using Magellan synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, four areas of Venus are examined in which a total of 354 pit crater chains are found: Ganiki Planitia (180°E–210°E, 25°N–50°N), Ulfrun Regio (200°E–240°E, 0°N–25°N), Themis Regio (270°E–300°E, 25°S–40°S), and Idunn Mons (205°E–225°E, 35°S–55°S). A study of the distribution of these pit crater chains at regional and local scales reveals hierarchical clustering. On a regional scale, pit crater chain clusters are associated with graben–fissure systems that are radiating (associated with volcano-tectonic features), circumferential (associated with coronae), and linear (with uncertain volcano-tectonic genesis). At a local scale, pit crater chains are found with marked restriction to particular portions of graben–fissure systems. We conclude that this hierarchical clustering is an indication that both an extensional process and a lithological control contribute to the formation of pit crater chains. Specifically, we propose that pit crater chain formation on Venus occurs in poorly welded volcaniclastic material (e.g., shield plains material unit) that has been crosscut by graben–fissure system(s). Only portions of the shield plains material unit may have sufficient thickness of volcaniclastic material, thus explaining the lack of a co-extensive relationship. Additionally, pit crater chains in other map units may be explained by shallow burial of the volcaniclastic material.
Impact of arachidonic acid enrichment of live rotifer prey on bacterial communities in rotifer and larval fish cultures
Authors: Seychelles Laurent H. , Doiron Kim , Audet Céline , Tremblay Réjean , Pernet Fabrice , Lemarchand Karine
Published: January 2013

Rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis), commonly used at first feeding in commercial fish hatcheries, carry a large bacteria load. Because they are relatively poor in essential fatty acids, it is common practice to enrich them with fatty acids, including arachidonic acid (AA). This study aims to determine whether prey enrichment with AA may act as a prebiotic and modify the microbial community composition either in AA-enriched rotifer cultures or in larval-rearing water using winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) as a larval fish model. AA enrichment modified the bacterial community composition in both the rotifer culture tanks and the larval-rearing tanks. We observed an increase in the number of cultivable bacteria on TCBS (thiosulfate–citrate–bile salts–sucrose) agar, used as a proxy for the abundance of Vibrio sp. The results suggest that AA may also play an indirect role in larval health.
ACCURATELY CLOSED NEWTON–COTES TRIGONOMETRICALLY-FITTED FORMULAE FOR THE NUMERICAL SOLUTION OF THE SCHRÖDINGER EQUATION
Authors: SIMOS T. E.
Published: January 2013

The investigation on the connection between: (1) closed Newton–Cotes formulae of high-order, (2) trigonometrically-fitted differential schemes and (3) symplectic integrators is presented in this paper. In the last decades, several one step symplectic methods were obtained based on symplectic geometry (see the appropriate literature). The investigation on multistep symplectic integrators is poor. In the present paper: (1) we study a trigonometrically-fitted high-order closed Newton–Cotes formula, (2) we investigate the necessary conditions in a general eight-step differential method to be presented as symplectic multilayer integrator, (3) we present a comparative error analysis in order to show the theoretical superiority of the present method, (4) we apply it to solve the resonance problem of the radial Schrödinger equation. Finally, remarks and conclusions on the efficiency of the new developed method are given which are based on the theoretical and numerical results.
GENERALIZATION OF RINDLER POTENTIAL AT CLUSTER SCALES IN RANDERS–FINSLERIAN SPACETIME: A POSSIBLE EXPLANATION OF THE BULLET CLUSTER 1E0657-558?
Authors: CHANG ZHE , LI MING-HUA , LIN HAI-NAN , LI XIN
Published: January 2013

The data of the Bullet Cluster 1E0657-558 released on November 15, 2006 reveal that the strong and weak gravitational lensing convergence κ-map has an 8σ offset from the Σ-map. The observed Σ-map is a direct measurement of the surface mass density of the Intracluster medium (ICM) gas. It accounts for 83% of the averaged mass-fraction of the system. This suggests a modified gravity theory at large distances different from Newton's inverse-square gravitational law. In this paper, as a cluster scale generalization of Grumiller's modified gravity model (Phys. Rev. Lett.105 (2010) 211303), we present a gravity model with a generalized linear Rindler potential in Randers–Finslerian spacetime without invoking any dark matter. The galactic limit of the model is qualitatively consistent with the MOND and Grumiller's. It yields approximately the flatness of the rotational velocity profile at the radial distance of several kpcs and gives the velocity scales for spiral galaxies at which the curves become flattened. Plots of convergence κ for a galaxy cluster show that the peak of the gravitational potential has chances to lie on the outskirts of the baryonic mass center. Assuming an isotropic and isothermal ICM gas profile with temperature T = 14.8 keV (which is the center value given by observations), we obtain a good match between the dynamical mass M T of the main cluster given by collisionless Boltzmann equation and that given by the King β-model. We also consider a Randers+dark matter scenario and a Λ-CDM model with the NFW dark matter distribution profile. We find that a mass ratio η between dark matter and baryonic matter about 6 fails to reproduce the observed convergence κ-map for the isothermal temperature T taking the observational center value.
THE SMALL AND LARGE TIME IMPLIED VOLATILITIES IN THE MINIMAL MARKET MODEL
Authors: GUO ZHI JUN , PLATEN ECKHARD
Published: January 2013

This paper derives explicit formulas for both the small and the large time limits of the implied volatility in the minimal market model. It is shown that interest rates do impact on the implied volatility in the long run, even though they are negligible in the short time limit.
RISK PREMIA AND OPTIMAL LIQUIDATION OF CREDIT DERIVATIVES
Authors: LEUNG TIM , LIU PENG
Published: January 2013

This paper studies the optimal timing to liquidate credit derivatives in a general intensity-based credit risk model under stochastic interest rate. We incorporate the potential price discrepancy between the market and investors, which is characterized by risk-neutral valuation under different default risk premia specifications. We quantify the value of optimally timing to sell through the concept of delayed liquidation premium, and analyze the associated probabilistic representation and variational inequality. We illustrate the optimal liquidation policy for both single-name and multi-name credit derivatives. Our model is extended to study the sequential buying and selling problem with and without short-sale constraint.
METASTABILITY, LYAPUNOV EXPONENTS, ESCAPE RATES, AND TOPOLOGICAL ENTROPY IN RANDOM DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS
Authors: FROYLAND GARY , STANCEVIC OGNJEN
Published: January 2013

We explore the concept of metastability in random dynamical systems, focusing on connections between random Perron–Frobenius operator cocycles and escape rates of random maps, and on topological entropy of random shifts of finite type. The Lyapunov spectrum of the random Perron–Frobenius cocycle and the random adjacency matrix cocycle is used to decompose the random system into two disjoint random systems with rigorous upper and lower bounds on (i) the escape rate in the setting of random maps, and (ii) topological entropy in the setting of random shifts of finite type, respectively.
TI/PIMC METHOD WITH THE TAKAHASHI–IMADA APPROXIMATION FOR THE EQUILIBRIUM CONSTANT OF THE O + HCl ⇌ OH + Cl REACTION
Authors: BUCHOWIECKI MARCIN
Published: January 2013

The thermodynamic integration/path integral Monte Carlo (TI/PIMC) method of calculating the temperature dependence of the equilibrium constant quantum mechanically is applied to O + HCl ⇌ OH + Cl reaction. The method is based upon PIMC simulations for energies of the reactants and the products and subsequently on thermodynamic integration for the ratios of partition functions. PIMC calculations are performed with the primitive approximation (PA) and the Takahashi–Imada approximation (TIA).
ARBITRARILY SLOW RELAXATIONS IN A SPIN-BOSON MODEL UNDER THE NONINTERACTING-BLIP APPROXIMATION
Authors: GIRALDI FILIPPO , PETRUCCIONE FRANCESCO
Published: January 2013

A two-level system coupled to a thermal bath of bosons in the noninteracting-blip approximation, is studied in dependence on the low frequency behavior of the spectral density of the reservoir. The long time evolution of the polarization and the populations exhibits a discontinuity in correspondence of the power four of the super-ohmic regime. By approaching this boundary, the long time inverse power law relaxations become arbitrarily slow. The role of the temperature changes in the transition to powers larger than four, enhancing the amplitude of the long time polarization.
PENETRATION OF CONCRETE TARGETS USING A MODIFIED HOLMQUIST–JOHNSON–COOK MATERIAL MODEL
Authors: ISLAM M. J. , SWADDIWUDHIPONG S. , LIU Z. S.
Published: January 2013

For concrete target penetration and/or perforation simulation, the Holmquist–Johnson–Cook (HJC) material model is widely used as concrete material model. However, the strain rate expression of the model has failed to explain the sudden increase in concrete strength at high strain rates. The pressure-volume relationship of the HJC model is complex and requires a large number of material constants. In this study, a modified Holmquist–Johnson–Cook (HJC) model is proposed for concrete material under high velocity impact. The modification involves simplification and improvement of the strain rate expression and pressure-volume relationship. Material parameters identification procedure for the MHJC model is also elaborated. The numerical simulations using the proposed model show a good agreement with experimental observations, especially, on the residual velocities, penetration depths and failure patterns of the target plates. These validate the applicability of the MHJC model for high velocity projectile impact studies for concrete.