bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative rates of growth of the Port Jackson shark throughout its southern Australian range
Authors: Izzo Christopher , Rodda Kate R.
Published: August 2012

Port Jackson sharks are distributed throughout southern Australia, with evidence suggesting that potential subpopulations exist. If subpopulations are evident, then phenotypic variation among groups should result in differences in life-history parameters. The present study tested for patterns of spatial variability of life-history parameters among regional Port Jackson shark populations. Rates of growth from Port Jackson sharks caught in the gulf waters of South Australia were calculated on the basis of counts of vertebral increments. Growth parameters were obtained by fitting the length-at-age data to von Bertalanffy and Gompertz growth functions. While the derived growth curves fit the length-at-age data well (r2 ranged from 0.87 to 0.91), parameters showed considerable differences between the two functions, with the von Bertalanffy function providing the more realistic estimates of growth (combined sexes: k = 0.081 year–1, L∞ = 1232 mm total length and t0 = –1.937 years). Life-history parameters for South Australian Port Jackson sharks were collated with the available data for the species, facilitating comparisons among regional populations. Growth curves among populations varied significantly; however, considerable overlap in the length ranges of size at birth and sizes at maturity among populations were evident. Overall, the data presented here do not provide definitive support for the presence of subpopulations across the distribution of the Port Jackson shark, suggesting that molecular analysis maybe required to directly test for structuring.
Effects of lipid polarisation on survival of in vivo-derived porcine zygotes vitrified by the superfine open pulled-straw method
Authors: Gomis J. , Cuello C. , Sanchez-Osorio J. , Gil M. A. , Parrilla I. , Angel M. A. , Vazquez J. M. , Roca J. , Martinez E. A.
Published: August 2012

This study aimed to evaluate the post-warming in vitro viability of intact porcine zygotes vitrified using the superfine open pulled-straw (SOPS) method and to investigate whether cryotolerance is increased by lipid polarisation before vitrification. In vivo-derived zygotes (n = 317) were either untreated before SOPS vitrification or subjected to one of the following pre-treatments: (1) centrifugation (20 min, 15 000g) or (2) equilibration in high-osmolality medium (6 min, 400 mOsm kg–1) followed by centrifugation. Vitrified–warmed and non-vitrified fresh zygotes were cultured in vitro for 120 h. There were no differences in the blastocyst formation rates between the vitrification groups (from 35.4 ± 5.3% to 48.2 ± 5.6%), but fresh zygotes exhibited higher (P < 0.001) blastocyst formation rates (87.5 ± 5.3%) than did vitrified–warmed zygotes. The total blastocyst cell number was similar among all groups (from 34.9 ± 2.8 to 44.1 ± 2.8). In conclusion, SOPS vitrification is a promising method for the cryopreservation of untreated in vivo-derived porcine zygotes. Neither lipid polarisation by centrifugation nor exposure to a high-osmolality medium followed by centrifugation affected the post-warming in vitro viability of zygotes. Our study also demonstrated that the donor is an important factor in determining the success of vitrification for in vivo-derived porcine zygotes.
A speaker-oriented multidimensional approach to risks and causes of miscommunication
Authors: Mustajoki Arto
Published: August 2012

Combining ideas from different research directions and fields, the paper presents a multidimensional model of communication which enables to explain the risks of communication more comprehensively than before. The process of producing and interpreting speech is described through a message transfer circle. The model also includes the mental worlds of the speaker and the recipient, which substantially influence interaction. In addition, special attention is paid to recipient design, which plays a crucial role in interaction. One may even argue that such frequently mentioned factors as misreference or ambiguity are not causes of miscommunication but only risks for it; the real cause of miscommunication is incomplete recipient design. The common denominator is the egocentrism of the speaker: avoidance of cognitive effort, common ground fallacy, emotional overdrive, obstacles caused by physiological state or physical defects, and attaching greater importance to other things at the expense of recipient design.
Is there anyone out there who really is interested in the speaker?
Authors: Kecskes Istvan
Published: August 2012

This paper discusses two important issues of current pragmatics research as related to dialogue and discourse: interest in the hearer rather than the speaker, and focus on utterance rather than dialogue and discourse segment. These two issues are intertwined, and they are each other’s consequences. It will be argued that current pragmatic theories appear to be hearer-centered and utterance-centered and they consider communication recipient design and intention recognition. This explains why the main interest in these theories is in interpretation: recovery of speaker’s meaning by the hearer. The paper claims that hearer-centeredness is a direct consequence of the fact that pragmatics is an utterance-based inquiry. In order for us to get closer to what exactly the speaker has wanted to say we need to go beyond utterance to dialogue and discourse segment. This would require rethinking and reevaluating, to some extent, what current pragmatics is all about. In fact this process has already started. Several studies have been talking about “narrow pragmatics” and “wide pragmatics” discussing the relationship of pragmatics, dialogue (e.g. Weigand 2001, 2004, 2006, 2010, Cooren 2010) and discourse analysis (e.g. Puig 2003, Taboada and Mann 2006, De Saussure 2007).
Revoicings and devoicings
Authors: Li Fang , Kellogg David
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we take up three novels: Mary Barton, by Elizabeth Gaskell (1848/2008), Shirley, published just afterwards by Charlotte Brontë, and North and South, published six years later by Gaskell. Each novel is a revoicing of previous works, and we shall present evidence that the last two directly and consciously revoice the first two. We argue that a form of revoicing we call “exaptation”, or the borrowing of formal devices for very different functions than those for which they initially evolved, can be observed on at least four different timescales: the genre, the author’s career, the novel’s characters and plot, and the exchanges of dialogue. With each book, we examine each timescale and then we look both quantitatively and qualitatively at the wordings of a request, a confession, and an act of violence. In this way, we hope to demonstrate how the early social realist novel developed devices for showing thought processes alongside the verbal processes and the physical activities of characters by devoicing speech, first as indirect discourse, then as quasi-direct discourse, and finally as unspoken understandings. It is, we argue, a way that is not very different from the way that the Russian psychologist Vygotsky hypothesized that children develop verbal thinking and inner speech from dialogue.
Ubiquitylation by Trim32 causes coupled loss of desmin, Z-bands, and thin filaments in muscle atrophy
Authors: Cohen Shenhav , Zhai Bo , Gygi Steven P. , Goldberg Alfred L.
Published: August 2012

During muscle atrophy, myofibrillar proteins are degraded in an ordered process in which MuRF1 catalyzes ubiquitylation of thick filament components (Cohen et al. 2009. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.200901052). Here, we show that another ubiquitin ligase, Trim32, ubiquitylates thin filament (actin, tropomyosin, troponins) and Z-band (α-actinin) components and promotes their degradation. Down-regulation of Trim32 during fasting reduced fiber atrophy and the rapid loss of thin filaments. Desmin filaments were proposed to maintain the integrity of thin filaments. Accordingly, we find that the rapid destruction of thin filament proteins upon fasting was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of desmin filaments, which promoted desmin ubiquitylation by Trim32 and degradation. Reducing Trim32 levels prevented the loss of both desmin and thin filament proteins. Furthermore, overexpression of an inhibitor of desmin polymerization induced disassembly of desmin filaments and destruction of thin filament components. Thus, during fasting, desmin phosphorylation increases and enhances Trim32-mediated degradation of the desmin cytoskeleton, which appears to facilitate the breakdown of Z-bands and thin filaments.
Polo-like kinase-1 regulates kinetochore–microtubule dynamics and spindle checkpoint silencing
Authors: Liu Dan , Davydenko Olga , Lampson Michael A.
Published: August 2012

Polo-like kinase-1 (Plk1) is a highly conserved kinase with multiple mitotic functions. Plk1 localizes to prometaphase kinetochores and is reduced at metaphase kinetochores, similar to many checkpoint signaling proteins, but Plk1 is not required for spindle checkpoint function. Plk1 is also implicated in stabilizing kinetochore–microtubule attachments, but these attachments are most stable when kinetochore Plk1 levels are low at metaphase. Therefore, it is unclear how Plk1 function at kinetochores can be understood in the context of its dynamic localization. In this paper, we show that Plk1 activity suppresses kinetochore–microtubule dynamics to stabilize initial attachments in prometaphase, and Plk1 removal from kinetochores is necessary to maintain dynamic microtubules in metaphase. Constitutively targeting Plk1 to kinetochores maintained high activity at metaphase, leading to reduced interkinetochore tension and intrakinetochore stretch, a checkpoint-dependent mitotic arrest, and accumulation of microtubule attachment errors. Together, our data show that Plk1 dynamics at kinetochores control two critical mitotic processes: initially establishing correct kinetochore–microtubule attachments and subsequently silencing the spindle checkpoint.
Rigidity of bi-Lipschitz equivalence of weighted homogeneous function-germs in the plane
Authors: Fernandes Alexandre , Ruas Maria
Published: August 2012

The main goal of this work is to show that if two weighted homogeneous (but not homogeneous) function-germs

(

C

2

,
0
)
→
(

C

,
0
)

(\mathbb {C}^2,0)\rightarrow (\mathbb {C},0)

are bi-Lipschitz equivalent, in the sense that these function-germs can be included in a strongly bi-Lipschitz trivial family of weighted homogeneous function-germs, then they are analytically equivalent.
Key ideas in quantum error correction
Authors: Raussendorf Robert
Published: August 2012

In this introductory article on the subject of quantum error correction and fault-tolerant quantum computation, we review three important ingredients that enter known constructions for fault-tolerant quantum computation, namely quantum codes, error discretization and transversal quantum gates. Taken together, they provide a ground on which the theory of quantum error correction can be developed and fault-tolerant quantum information protocols can be built.
Decoherence: the view from the history and philosophy of science
Authors: Hagar Amit
Published: August 2012

We present a brief history of decoherence, from its roots in the foundations of classical statistical mechanics, to the current spin bath models in condensed matter physics. We then analyse the philosophical importance of decoherence in three different foundational problems, and find that its role in their solutions is less than that commonly believed. What makes decoherence more philosophically interesting, we argue, are the methodological issues it draws attention to, and the question of the universality of quantum mechanics.
The 2011 revision of the global strategy for the diagnosis, management and prevention of COPD (GOLD) – why and what?
Authors: Vestbo Jørgen , Hurd Suzanne S. , Rodriguez‐Roisin Roberto
Published: August 2012

Introduction

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) has published a strategy for diagnosis and for management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) since 2001 and this has formed the basis for numerous national and regional guidelines.

Objectives

We describe the background for the 2011 revision of the GOLD document.

Methods

The GOLD document is updated annually and revised every 5 years based on published research as well as an evaluation by an expert panel of how to best formulate and disseminate knowledge on COPD.

Results

The GOLD 2011 revision states that spirometry is required for making a clinical diagnosis of COPD. At the same time, the document has less emphasis on spirometric evaluation of disease severity and launches a combined assessment taking symptoms, spirometry and history of exacerbations into account. This is matched with initial treatment for COPD where smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation and physical activity in general are given high priority followed by pharmacologic treatment guided by the novel assessment scheme. Comorbidities are often present in COPD and the GOLD 2011 revision gives some guidance in how to manage these as well as how to manage COPD in the presence of comorbidities.

Conclusion

A more clinically oriented GOLD document will hopefully improve assessment and management of COPD.
Cyclic mechanical stress downregulates endothelin‐1 and its responsive genes independently of TGFβ1 in dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Peters Andreas S. , Brunner Georg , Blumbach Katrin , Abraham David J. , Krieg Thomas , Eckes Beate
Published: August 2012

Mechanical forces are highly variable ranging from the ubiquitous gravity force to compression, fluid shear, torsion, tension and other forms. Mechanical forces act on cells and modulate their biological responses by regulating gene transcription, enzyme and growth factor activity. In soft connective tissues, formation of myofibroblasts strictly requires a mechanically loaded environment in addition to local transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β activity, which itself can be modulated by the mechanical status of the environment. The aim of this study was to monitor the adaptive responses of primary dermal fibroblasts towards cyclic mechanical stress under conditions of high force to better understand the regulation of gene expression in normal skin and mechanisms of gene regulation in mechanically altered fibrotic skin. Primary murine dermal fibroblasts were exposed to equi‐biaxial tensile strain. Cyclic mechanical tension was applied at a frequency of 0.1 Hz (6× /min) for 24 h with a maximal increase in surface area of 15%. This treatment resulted in downregulation of alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) but not of TGFβ1 expression. Cyclic strain also strongly reduced endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) expression and supplementing strained cultures with exogenous ET‐1 rescued αSMA and CTGF levels. Of note, no biologically significant levels of TGFβ1 activity were detected in strained cultures. We provide evidence for a novel, TGFβ1‐independent mechanism regulating ET‐1 expression in dermal fibroblasts by biomechanical forces. Modulation of ET‐1‐dependent activities regulates downstream fibrotic marker genes; this pathway might therefore provide an approach to attenuate myofibroblast differentiation.
Protecting Children and Young People from Tobacco‐Related Harm: A Review
Authors: Lewis Sue , Russell Andrew
Published: August 2012

Tobacco use continues to be a serious public health issue. Although declining in middle‐ to high‐income countries, smoking rates are often higher in disadvantaged communities and vulnerable groups. Knowledge about tobacco‐related harm also tends to be incomplete. To date, legislation has focused on public domains, but the pressure to protect children in the home and other private spaces is fast becoming a focal point for potential legislation and intervention. Negotiating the boundary between privacy and protection is likely to become a matter of professional concern.
Epidemiological aspects of Trichophyton rubrum var. raubitschekii in Japan
Authors: Hiruma Midori , Kano Rui , Sugita Takashi , Mochizuki Takashi , Hasegawa Atsuhiko , Hiruma Masataro
Published: August 2012

Trichophyton rubrum var. raubitschekii is a rare anthropophilic dermatophyte isolated around the world from tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea pedis and tinea unguium. In this study, the isolation rate of T. rubrum var. raubitschekii was studied in 200 cases of tinea pedis and tinea unguium in Japan. The 200 clinical isolates were shown to be of downy type as their colonies on Sabouraud's dextrose agar were white to cream, suede‐like to downy, with a yellow‐brown to wine‐red reverse, and they produced few macroconidia. The type strain of T. rubrum var. raubitschekii (CBS 100084) and one clinical isolate (KMU 8337; isolated at Kanazawa) of downy type tested positive for urease, but the reference strain of T. rubrum (CBS 392.58) and the remaining 199 clinical isolates tested negative. Further epidemiological investigations are required to study human cases of infection with the granular type of T. rubrum and T. rubrum var. raubitschekii in Japan.
Guidelines for the management of cutaneous lymphomas (2011): A consensus statement by the Japanese Skin Cancer Society – Lymphoma Study Group
Authors: Sugaya Makoto , Hamada Toshihisa , Kawai Kazuhiro , Yonekura Kentaro , Ohtsuka Mikio , Shimauchi Takatoshi , Tokura Yoshiki , Nozaki Koji , Izutsu Koji , Suzuki Ritsuro , Setoyama Mitsuru , Nagatani Tetsuo , Koga Hiroshi , Tani Mamori , Iwatsuki Keiji
Published: August 2012

In 2010, the first Japanese edition of guidelines for the management of cutaneous lymphoma was published jointly by the Japanese Dermatological Association (JDA) and the Japanese Skin Cancer Society (JSCS) – Lymphoma Study Group. Because the guidelines were revised in 2011 based on the most recent data, we summarized the revised guidelines in English for two reasons: (i) to inform overseas clinicians about our way of managing common types of cutaneous lymphomas such as mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome; and (ii) to introduce Japanese guidelines for lymphomas peculiar to Asia, such as adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma and extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type. References that provide scientific evidence for these guidelines have been selected by the JSCS – Lymphoma Study Group. These guidelines, together with the degrees of recommendation, have been made in the context of limited medical treatment resources, and standard medical practice within the framework of the Japanese National Health Insurance system.
Prurigo pigmentosa: Clinicopathological study and analysis of 50 cases in Korea
Authors: Kim Jae Kyung , Chung Woon Kyong , Chang Sung Eun , Ko Joo Yeon , Lee Jong Hee , Won Chong Hyun , Lee Mi Woo , Choi Jee Ho , Moon Kee Chan
Published: August 2012

Prurigo pigmentosa is a recurrent dermatosis with severe pruritus and several peculiar clinical features. Its exact etiology and pathogenesis are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features and chronological changes in the histopathology of prurigo pigmentosa in Korean patients and to assess the etiology of this condition. We reviewed the medical records, clinical photographs and biopsy specimens from 50 patients diagnosed with prurigo pigmentosa. Mean age at diagnosis was 23.7 years (range, 15–61 years). Prurigo pigmentosa started as urticarial papules or plaques, changing first to papulovesicles and then to reticulated brownish macules. The most frequent sites were the back and chest, especially depressed areas such as the central back and inter‐mammary area. Dietary change was suspected as a cause of prurigo pigmentosa in 17 patients. Histopathologically, early‐stage lesions had dermatitis herpetiformis‐like features; fully‐developed lesions displayed impetigo‐like or acute, generalized, exanthematous, pustulosis‐like features; and late lesions presented with post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation‐like features. Oral minocycline, with or without dapsone, was effective in inhibiting the appearance of new lesions, but did not prevent recurrence. Prurigo pigmentosa is not rare in Korea, is apparently associated with dietary modification and preferentially involves the depressed regions of the trunk.
Habitat‐independent spatial structure in populations of some forest birds in easternNorthAmerica
Authors: Ricklefs Robert E.
Published: August 2012

The extent to which populations fill available ecological space is critical to evaluating niche‐based theories of community assembly, but habitat suitability for populations is difficult to assess. The absence of a species from areas of otherwise suitable habitat might indicate localized species‐specific influences, including biological interactions with competitors, consumers or pathogens, on local population persistence.

I usedBray–Curtis ordination axis scores, based on the distributions of forest birds across census plots in easternNorthAmerica, as proxies of general features of habitat suitability to predict local abundances of each species of small land bird. I then applied spatial analysis to identify significant spatial structure (Moran'sI) in residuals (positive or negative) from predicted local densities, which would indicate localized species‐specific influences on population size.

Fifty‐eight of 79 species exhibited no significant spatial structure in residual abundances, indicating that the ordination axes reflect most of the spatial variation in environmental conditions and habitat characteristics that influence population distribution and density or that samples were too small to detect significant spatial variation. Twenty‐one species exhibited significant habitat‐independent spatial structure of residuals within distances of 100 km. Aggregations of residuals for these species were independently located, for the most part, and thus probably unrelated to general features of the environment that affect many species.

Among factors considered as potential causes of spatial anomalies, positive density dependence (Allee effects), intraspecific social aggregation and area sensitivity in response to forest fragmentation find little support in this analysis. Because of the species‐specific nature of these clustered residuals, specialized pathogens are potential candidates to drive spatial anomalies in host abundance.
Analysis of spatial structure of epidermal nerve entry point patterns based on replicated data
Authors: MYLLYMÄKI M. , PANOUTSOPOULOU I.G , SÄRKKÄ A.
Published: August 2012

Epidermal nerve fiber (ENF) density and morphology are used to diagnose small fiber involvement in diabetic, HIV, chemotherapy induced, and other neuropathies. ENF density and summed length of ENFs per epidermal surface area are reduced, and ENFs may appear clustered within the epidermis in subjects with small fiber neuropathy compared to healthy subjects. Therefore, it is important to understand the spatial behaviour of ENFs in healthy and diseased subjects. This work investigates the spatial structure of ENF entry points, which are locations where the nerves enter the epidermis (the outmost living layer of the skin). The study is based on suction skin blister specimens from two body locations of 25 healthy subjects. The ENF entry points are regarded as a realization of a spatial point process and a second‐order characteristic, namely Ripley’sKfunction, is used to investigate the effect of covariates (e.g. gender) on the degree of clustering of ENF entry points. First, the effects of covariates are evaluated by means of pooledKfunctions for groups and, secondly, the statistical significance of the effects and individual variation are characterized by a mixed model approach. Based on our results the spatial pattern of ENFs in samples taken from calf is affected by the covariates but not in samples taken from foot.
Four‐dimensional visualization and quantitative analysis of meiotic spindle movements in live mouse oocytes
Authors: TIAN N. , ZHANG L. , LIU B. , WANG P. , LI Y , MA W
Published: August 2012

This paper made a different attempt of real‐time observation of the meiotic spindle movements in living mouse oocyte using a convenient method. This method was based on an experimental phenomenon discovered in our work. In living mouse oocytes, a high concentration of calcium ions (Ca2+) was observed throughout the region occupied by the initial meiotic spindle. After Ca2+ labelling with Fura‐2, a weakly fluorescent area (WFA) appeared on each side of the chromosomes. The activities of the WFAs changed during spindle development. By real‐time tracking of WFAs, we were able to indirectly observe the meiotic spindle movements. Occasionally, it was observed that the first meiotic spindle rotated from an orientation parallel to the cortex to become perpendicular, instead of migrating from the oocyte centre to the cortex along its axis. Moreover, we analysed this uncommon rotation of the first meiotic spindle and found that the whole rotation process can be divided into two phases: the early slow‐speed rotation and the subsequent rapid‐speed rotation. We further characterized this rotation with respect to rotational speed and acceleration at all the stages of development. By using a two‐photon laser‐scanning microscope in combination with Fura‐2 dye that is nondamaging to oocytes, we provide a convenient method for indirect visualization and quantitative analysis of spindle movements by real‐time tracking of WFAs. This method is easy to operate and master, and economical with time and effort.
Axial Phase‐Darkfield‐Contrast (APDC), a new technique for variable optical contrasting in light microscopy
Authors: PIPER T. , PIPER J.
Published: August 2012

Axial phase‐darkfield‐contrast (APDC) has been developed as an illumination technique in light microscopy which promises significant improvements and a higher variability in imaging of several transparent ‘problem specimens’. With this method, a phase contrast image is optically superimposed on an axial darkfield image so that a partial image based on the principal zeroth order maximum (phase contrast) interferes with an image, which is based on the secondary maxima (axial darkfield). The background brightness and character of the resulting image can be continuously modulated from a phase contrast‐dominated to a darkfield‐dominated character.

 In order to achieve this illumination mode, normal objectives for phase contrast have to be fitted with an additional central light stopper needed for axial (central) darkfield illumination. In corresponding condenser light masks, a small perforation has to be added in the centre of the phase contrast providing light annulus. These light modulating elements are properly aligned when the central perforation is congruent with the objective's light stop and the light annulus is conjugate with the phase ring. The breadth of the condenser light annulus and thus the intensity of the phase contrast partial image can be regulated with the aperture diaphragm. Additional contrast effects can be achieved when both illuminating light components are filtered at different colours.

 In this technique, the axial resolution (depth of field) is significantly enhanced and the specimen's three‐dimensional appearance is accentuated with improved clarity as well as fine details at the given resolution limit. Typical artefacts associated with phase contrast and darkfield illumination are reduced in our methods.
Imaging nanometre‐scale structure in cells using in situ aberration correction
Authors: FULLER C.J. , STRAIGHT A.F.
Published: August 2012

Accurate distance measurements of cellular structures on a length scale relevant to single macromolecules or macromolecular complexes present a major challenge for biological microscopy. In addition to the inherent challenges of overcoming the limits imposed by the diffraction of light, cells themselves are a complex and poorly understood optical environment. We present an extension of the high‐resolution colocalization method to measure three dimensional distances between diffraction‐limited objects using standard widefield fluorescence microscopy. We use this method to demonstrate that in three dimensions, cells intrinsically introduce a large and variable amount of chromatic aberration into optical measurements. We present a means of correcting this aberration in situ [termed ‘Colocalization and In‐situ Correction of Aberration for Distance Analysis’ (CICADA)] by exploiting the fact that there is a linear relationship between the degree of aberration between different wavelengths. By labelling a cellular structure with redundantly multi‐colour labelled antibodies, we can create an intracellular fiducial marker for correcting the individual aberrations between two different wavelengths in the same cells. Our observations demonstrate that with suitable corrections, nanometre scale three‐dimensional distance measurements can be used to probe the substructure of macromolecular complexes within cells.
Ablation of Barrett's oesophagus: towards improved outcomes for oesophageal cancer?
Authors: Mayne George C. , Bright Tim , Hussey Damian J. , Watson David I.
Published: August 2012

Barrett's oesophagus is the major risk factor for the development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma. The management of Barrett's oesophagus entails treating reflux symptoms with acid‐suppressing medication or surgery (fundoplication). However, neither form of anti‐reflux therapy produces predictable regression, or prevents cancer development. Patients with Barrett's oesophagus usually undergo endoscopic surveillance, which aims to identify dysplastic changes or cancer at its earliest stage, when treatment outcomes should be better. Alternative endoscopic interventions are now available and are suggested for the treatment of early cancer and prevention of progression of Barrett's oesophagus to cancer. Such treatments could minimize the risks associated with oesophagectomy. The current status of these interventions is reviewed. Various endoscopic interventions have been described, but with long‐term outcomes uncertain, they remain somewhat controversial. Radiofrequency ablation of dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus might reduce the risk of cancer progression, although cancer development has been reported after this treatment. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) allows a 1.5–2 cm diameter piece of oesophageal mucosa to be removed. This provides better pathology for diagnosis and staging, and if the lesion is confined to the mucosa and fully excised, EMR can be curative. The combination of EMR and radiofrequency ablation has been used for multifocal lesions, but long‐term outcomes are unknown. The new endoscopic interventions for Barrett's oesophagus and early oesophageal cancer have the potential to improve clinical outcomes, although evidence that confirms superiority over oesphagectomy is limited. Longer‐term outcome data and data from larger cohorts are required to confirm the appropriateness of these procedures.
Emotion Regulation Strategies That Promote Learning: Reappraisal Enhances Children’s Memory for Educational Information
Authors: Davis Elizabeth L. , Levine Linda J.
Published: August 2012

The link between emotion regulation and academic achievement is well documented. Less is known about specific emotion regulation strategies that promote learning. Six‐ to 13‐year‐olds (N = 126) viewed a sad film and were instructed to reappraise the importance, reappraise the outcome, or ruminate about the sad events; another group received no regulation instructions. Children viewed an educational film, and memory for this was later assessed. As predicted, reappraisal strategies more effectively attenuated children’s self‐reported emotional processing. Reappraisal enhanced memory for educational details relative to no instructions. Rumination did not lead to differences in memory from the other instructions. Memory benefits of effective instructions were pronounced for children with poorer emotion regulation skill, suggesting the utility of reappraisal in learning contexts.
Exposure to Violence Across the Social Ecosystem and the Development of Aggression: A Test of Ecological Theory in the Israeli–Palestinian Conflict
Authors: Boxer Paul , Rowell Huesmann L. , Dubow Eric F. , Landau Simha F. , Gvirsman Shira Dvir , Shikaki Khalil , Ginges Jeremy
Published: August 2012

Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) ecological model proposes that events in higher order social ecosystems should influence human development through their impact on events in lower order social ecosystems. This proposition was tested with respect to ecological violence and the development of children’s aggression via analyses of 3 waves of data (1 wave yearly for 3 years) from 3 age cohorts (starting ages: 8, 11, and 14) representing three populations in the Middle East: Palestinians (N = 600), Israeli Jews (N = 451), and Israeli Arabs (N = 450). Results supported a hypothesized model in which ethnopolitical violence increases community, family, and school violence and children’s aggression. Findings are discussed with respect to ecological and observational learning perspectives on the development of aggressive behavior.
What Factors Influence the Diffusion of the Mobile Communications Industry: A Case Study from China
Authors: Luo Yuze , Luo Laijun , Liu Chang , Chen Yantai
Published: August 2012

Mobile communications have experienced rapid growth in China and play an increasingly important role in the country’s economic development. However, there is still vast regional imbalance in China’s communications industry which we will be exploring here, including examining what factors influence diffusion paths and cause these differences. Through a two‐step estimate method, this paper successfully describes the differences in the diffusion paths of mobile communications in different regions of China. It evaluates the impacts of industry variables, intra‐regional income gaps, macroeconomic factors (such as degree of urbanisation) and geographic effects of neighbouring provinces. Our work may be helpful to inform policymaking for effective and equitable development.
The impact of gestational diabetes mellitus on postpartum urinary incontinence: a longitudinal cohort study on singleton pregnancies
Authors: Chuang C‐M , Lin I‐F , Horng H‐C , Hsiao Y‐H , Shyu I‐L , Chou P
Published: August 2012

Please cite this paper as: Chuang C, Lin I, Horng H, Hsiao Y, Shyu I, Chou P. The impact of gestational diabetes mellitus on postpartum urinary incontinence: a longitudinal cohort study on singleton pregnancies. BJOG 2012;119:1334–1343.

Objective  To determine whether gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an independent risk factor for postpartum urinary incontinence in singleton pregnancies.

Design  A longitudinal cohort study.

Setting  A single tertiary‐care hospital in Taiwan.

Population  Pregnant women with term deliveries between 2002 and 2007 (n = 6653) were consecutively recruited.

Methods  Logistic regression models were fitted based on generalised estimating equation methods to derive odds ratios for occurrences of type‐specific urinary incontinence in the third trimester and at four time‐points over 2 years during the postpartum period.

Main outcome measures  Evaluation of whether GDM is an independent risk factor for postpartum urinary incontinence.

Results  The full model analysis revealed that GDM was an independent risk factor for all type‐specific urinary incontinence (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.97 [1.56–2.51], 3.11 [2.18–4.43] and 2.73 [1.70–4.40] for stress, urge and mixed incontinence, respectively]. Compared with women without GDM, women with GDM tended to exhibit more severe symptoms of stress incontinence for up to 2 years postpartum, whereas for urge or mixed incontinence, more severe symptoms were found only for 6 months postpartum. Evaluation of quality of life using the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire 7 suggested that women with GDM requiring insulin treatment had a higher likelihood of functional impairment than women with GDM requiring conservative treatment only or women without GDM (P < 0.05, by the chi‐square test for trend).

Conclusions  GDM was found to be an independent risk factor for postpartum urinary incontinence and had a significant impact on quality of life. Women with GDM should be provided with timely consultation and support once urinary incontinence occurs.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Hospice Enrollees with Dementia Discharged Alive
Authors: Johnson Kimberly S. , Elbert‐Avila Katja , Kuchibhatla Maragatha , Tulsky James A.
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To examine the characteristics of hospice enrollees with dementia who were discharged alive because their condition stabilized or improved and predictors of death in the year after discharge.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of clinical and administrative data.

Setting

For‐profit hospice provider.

Participants

Hospice enrollees aged 65 and older with an admission diagnosis of dementia who died or were discharged alive because their condition stabilized or improved between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2003.

Measurements

Demographic variables and hospice length of stay; data did not include functional status or comorbidities.

Results

Of 24,111 enrollees with dementia, 1,204 (5.0%) were discharged alive because their condition stabilized or improved; the remainder died while receiving hospice. The median length of stay for those who died was 12 versus 236 days for those discharged alive. Those discharged alive were more likely to be female or have a length of stay exceeding 180 days and less likely to be in the oldest age group (≥85), be African American, or reside in a nursing home. In a subgroup of 303 patients discharged alive, 75.5% were still alive at 1 year; none of the demographic variables were associated with death after hospice discharge.

Conclusion

A small proportion of hospice enrollees with dementia was discharged alive. Most died shortly after enrollment. Future research should examine other factors that may predict which hospice enrollees with dementia are likely to be discharged alive and their subsequent trajectory, such as functional status, comorbidities, and preferences for care.
Impact of Image Integration on Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation Using Three‐Dimensional Electroanatomic Mapping: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: LIU SHAN‐XIN , ZHANG YU , ZHANG XING‐WEI
Published: August 2012

Background:
 Studies comparing the procedural and clinical outcomes of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) guided by CartoMerge and that by Carto have achieved mixed results (Carto, Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA). We collected these studies and conducted a meta‐analysis to determine whether CartoMerge results in better procedural and clinical outcomes.

Methods and Results:
 Three randomized controlled trials and two controlled observational studies were collected for analysis. The clinical and procedural outcomes of interest were AF recurrence after catheter ablation, major complications, procedure durations, and fluoroscopy time. Meta‐analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0.18 software (The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark) and pooled estimates of effect were reported as risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The overall results of this meta‐analysis indicate that catheter ablation for AF guided by CartoMerge is insignificantly associated with a decreased risk of recurrences (RR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.55–1.04; P = 0.09) and major complications (RR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.37–1.45; P = 0.37) compared with that by Carto.

Conclusion:
 The image integration using CartoMerge guiding catheter ablation for AF does not improve the main clinical outcomes significantly compared with that by Carto in centers with experienced operators. (PACE 2012; 35:1242–1247)
Efficacy of Tuned Waveforms Based on Different Membrane Time Constants on Defibrillation Thresholds: Primary Results from the POWER Trial
Authors: DOSHI SHEPHAL K. , PITTARO MICHAEL D. , REEVES RUSSELL , BOYCE KER , PAYNE JOHN P. , KROLL MARK W. , GRAUMANN ROBERT J. , OZA ASHISH L. , VAL‐MEJIAS JESUS E.
Published: August 2012

Background:
 The efficacy of tuned defibrillation waveforms versus the nominal fixed‐tilt waveform has been previously studied. However, the optimal membrane time constant for tuning was not known. The POWER (Pulsewidth Optimized Waveform Evaluation tRial) trial was designed to determine the optimal membrane time constant for programming “tuned” biphasic waveforms.

Methods:
 This acute, multicenter study included 121 implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator/cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator patients who were randomized at implant to any two of the three membrane time constant waveforms (2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 ms). Fixed pulse widths were programmed using the measured high voltage shock impedance. The defibrillation threshold (DFT) estimates were obtained using a hybrid protocol starting with an upper limit of vulnerability estimate followed by a step‐up/step‐down ventricular fibrillation induction process.

Results:
 DFT voltage was significantly lower using 3.5‐ and 4.5‐ms waveforms as compared to the 2.5‐ms waveform (P = 0.004 and 0.035, respectively). DFT voltage with both 3.5‐ and 4.5‐ms waveforms was ≤ that obtained with the 2.5‐ms waveform
in 78.5% of the cases. The mean difference in DFT voltage using the 3.5‐ms waveform and the 4.5‐ms waveform was not significant (P = 0.4). However, the 3.5‐ms waveform gave a lower DFT than the 4.5‐ms waveform in 19 patients although the reverse was true in only
nine (P = 0.02 not significant for multiple comparisons).

Conclusions:
 The use of a 3.5‐ or 4.5‐ms time constant‐based waveforms had lower DFTs when compared to the 2.5‐ms waveform. This study suggests that the first defibrillation attempt at implantation should be with 3.5‐ or 4.5‐ms time constant‐based waveforms. The 3.5‐ms‐based waveform trended toward the best choice. (PACE 2012; 35:1253–1261)
The Evolution and Role of NH4Cl Flux Used to Synthesize Sr2SiO4:Dy3+ Phosphor by Solid‐State Reaction Method
Authors: Zhang Le , Lu Zhou , Han Pengde , Lu Jiajia , Xu Naicen , Wang Lixi , Zhang Qitu
Published: August 2012

Two different Sr2SiO4:Dy3+ phosphors were successfully synthesized at 1000°C for 4 h using NH4Cl or SrCl2 as the flux, respectively. The luminescence intensity of Sr2SiO4:Dy3+ was enhanced 60 times by the addition of 5 wt% NH4Cl. The phase evolution and photoluminescence (PL) properties of the phosphors were investigated by the calculation of phase equilibrium and the analysis of TG/DSC, XRD, SEM, and PL. The role of NH4Cl was proved to be attributed to the formation of SrCl2 at ~300°C. The flux NH4Cl or SrCl2 lowered the decomposition temperature of carbonate and promoted the preferential formation of α′ phase in the solid‐state reaction through accelerating the kinetics of the formation of Sr2SiO4 by enhancing diffusion with more liquid phase.
Ambient Temperature Drying Shrinkage and Cracking in Metakaolin‐Based Geopolymers
Authors: Kuenzel Carsten , Vandeperre Luc J. , Donatello Shane , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Cheeseman Chris
Published: August 2012

Ambient temperature drying shrinkage in metakaolin‐based geopolymer pastes exposed to low relative humidity environments has been investigated. The effect of varying the geopolymer composition (water content, Si:Al ratio, Na:Al ratio, and Na+ or K+ cations) on the sensitivity to ambient temperature drying shrinkage is reported. The definition of “structural” water as being the minimum water content required that prevents contractions in the gel structure, and thus drying shrinkage from occurring, is introduced. From the results presented, it is clear that the ionic charge density of cations, the total quantity of cations, and the relative quantities and stabilities of cation: AlO4− pairs in the paste are major factors affecting the sensitivity of pastes to ambient temperature drying shrinkage.
Changes in the diagnosed incidence of early onset schizophrenia over four decades
Authors: Okkels N. , Vernal D. L. , Jensen S. O. W. , McGrath J. J. , Nielsen R. E.
Published: August 2012

Objective: To explore changes in the diagnosed incidence of early onset schizophrenia (EOS) from 1971 to 2010.

Method: Examination of incidence rates of schizophrenia in patients under 18 years of age, using a nationwide, population‐based, mental health register.

Results: The age‐standardized incidence rate (IR) of EOS in the period 1971–2010 was 3.17 (95% CI: 3.16, 3.18) per 100 000 person years in the age group 0–18 years, and 9.10 (95% CI: 9.00, 9.21) in the age group 12–18 years. In the period 1971–1993, the age‐standardized IR of EOS was 1.80 (95% CI: 1.79, 1.82) per 100 000 person years in the age group 0–18 years, and 5.02 (95% CI: 4.92, 5.11) in the age group 12–18 years. In the period 1994–2010, the age‐standardized IR of EOS was 5.15 (95% CI: 5.10, 5.20) per 100 000 person years in the age group 0–18 years, and 15.73 (95% CI: 15.22, 16.22) in the age group 12–18 years. The IR was higher for males than females in the periods 1971–1993 and 1971–2010, but in the period 1994–2010 the IR was higher for females than males.

Conclusion: In recent years, the diagnosed incidence of EOS has increased and the usual male excess has disappeared. The changes in IR could be a result of changes in the diagnostic system, increased awareness of early psychosis or a reflection of actual underlying incidence of the disorder.
Long-Term Evaluation of Cross-Sex Hormone Treatment in Transsexual Persons
Authors: Wierckx Katrien , Mueller Sven , Weyers Steven , Van Caenegem Eva , Roef Greet , Heylens Gunter , T’Sjoen Guy
Published: August 2012

Introduction

Long-term effects and side effects of cross-sex hormone treatment in transsexual persons are not well known.

Aim

The aim of this study is to describe the effects and side effects of cross-sex hormone therapy in both transsexual men and women.

Main Outcome Measures

Hormone levels were measured by immunoassays. Physical health was assessed by physical examination and questionnaires on general health and specific side effects, areal bone parameters by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Methods

Single center cross-sectional study in 100 transsexual persons post-sex reassignment surgery and on average 10 years on cross-sex hormone therapy.

Results

Transsexual men did not experience important side effects such as cardiovascular events, hormone-related cancers, or osteoporosis. In contrast, a quarter of the transsexual women had osteoporosis at the lumbar spine and radius. Moreover, 6% of transsexual women experienced a thromboembolic event and another 6% experienced other cardiovascular problems after on average 11.3 hormone treatment years. None of the transsexual women experienced a hormone-related cancer during treatment.

Conclusion

Cross-sex hormone treatment appears to be safe in transsexual men. On the other hand, a substantial number of transsexual women suffered from osteoporosis at the lumbar spine and distal arm. Twelve percent of transsexual women experienced thromboembolic and/or other cardiovascular events during hormone treatment, possibly related to older age, estrogen treatment, and lifestyle factors. In order to decrease cardiovascular morbidity, more attention should be paid to decrease cardiovascular risk factors during hormone therapy management.