bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The evolutionary loss of aerenchyma limits both realized and fundamental ecohydrological niches in the Cape reeds (Restionaceae)
Authors: Huber Meret , Linder Hans P.
Published: May 2013

The basic physiological mechanisms that determine the niche limits, and so the local ranges, of species are often poorly understood. Here, we assessed whether the presence of root aerenchyma can account for both the fundamental and realized ecohydrological niche in the Restionaceae.

We documented the ability to make aerenchyma of almost 300 of the c. 350 South African Restionaceae species with the help of field observations, cultivation experiments and herbarium collections, and correlated this information with the ecohydrological niche of the species. We used a diversity of sampling approaches to account for variation in both aerenchyma and habitat at individual, population and species level. Tolerance of waterlogging in species with and without aerenchyma was investigated experimentally.

To account for phylogenetic relatedness, the evolution of both aerenchyma and the ecohydrological niche was explored in the context of an almost complete species‐level phylogeny using both parsimony and maximum likelihood optimization methods.

We showed that the presence of aerenchyma was correlated with the ecohydrological niche at population and at species level, and after phylogenetic correction. Most individuals of non‐aerenchymatous species died when waterlogged, whereas most species with aerenchyma were waterlogging tolerant. This indicates that waterlogging acts as an environmental filter that excludes non‐aerenchymatous species from these conditions. The absence, and to a certain degree also the presence, of aerenchyma predicts both the field‐observed realized and experimentally determined fundamental ecohydrological niche.

Aerenchyma was ancestrally present as inferred by both parsimony and maximum likelihood reconstruction and showed a strong phylogenetic signal with frequent losses but few gains. The ecohydrological niche was evolutionary more labile, with niche changes in many evolutionary lineages. Changes from wetland to dry habitats were reconstructed in species with aerenchyma, whereas the reverse change was never inferred for species that had lost aerenchyma.

Synthesis. Our study provides evidence that functional traits can effectively predict species niches, and evolution of these may constrain the habitats available to the clades. We underpin the importance of understanding the causal driver of the local distribution of species for making robust predictions of species range shifts under climate change.
Optimal resource allocation in a serotinous non‐resprouting plant species under different fire regimes
Authors: Tonnabel Jeanne , Van Dooren Tom J.M. , Midgley Jeremy , Haccou Patsy , Mignot Agnès , Ronce Ophélie , Olivieri Isabelle
Published: May 2013

Serotiny, the retention of mature seeds in closed fruits within the canopy for over a year, is a common trait in fire‐prone environments. When competition with adult plants prevents seedling establishment between fire events and in the absence of post‐release soil seed dormancy, strong serotiny, i.e. the retention of all seeds until the next fire, appears as the best strategy. Despite the low levels of inter‐fire seed recruitment for several species in both Australian and South African fire‐prone environments, considerable variation in the duration of fruit retention is nevertheless observed among species.

Our aim is to predict optimal age‐specific reproductive schedules in a perennial, serotinous species, when cone maintenance is costly. We focus on species where adults are killed by fire, without a soil seed‐bank. We explicitly consider a trade‐off between growth (which determines plant survival), seed production and seed maintenance. In our model recruitment relies upon fire events. We use dynamic programming to determine, for given fire regimes, the optimal pattern of resource allocation. We further study the effect of changes in fire regime on the viability of populations adapted to some historical fire regime.

We find that, whenever maximal plant survival probability is low, the optimal strategy consists in reducing resource allocation to seed maintenance while increasing resource allocation to annual seed production. This illustrates a trade‐off between current and future reproduction.

A low rather than a strong level of serotiny should evolve whenever the variance of fire intervals is large and the mean fire interval is low. Low levels of serotiny could constitute a bet‐hedging strategy with decreasing predictability of the arrival of fire.

Once adapted to some historical fire regime, serotinous populations are highly sensitive to a change in mean fire frequency and to an increase in the variance of fire intervals. Populations adapted to a historically high level of variance in fire return are more robust to changes in fire regime.

Synthesis: Life‐history trade‐offs and low predictability of fire intervals may favour low rather than strong levels of serotiny even when recruitment essentially occurs just after fire events.
Modified Ventral Stabilization Using Positively Threaded Profile Pins and Polymethylmethacrylate for Atlantoaxial Instability in 49 Dogs
Authors: Aikawa Takeshi , Shibata Mitsuhiro , Fujita Hiroshi
Published: May 2013

Objective

To describe diagnostic findings, complications, and long‐term outcome of dogs with atlantoaxial instability (AAI) that had modified ventral stabilization with positively threaded profile pins and polymethylmethacrylate by 1 surgeon and to evaluate the potential prognostic indicators.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 49) with AAI.

Methods

Medical records (2000–2010) of dogs with AAI that had modified ventral stabilization were reviewed. Data on pre‐ and postoperative neurologic status, diagnostic findings, and outcomes were retrieved. Age, neurologic grade, duration of clinical abnormalities, dens abnormalities, and MRI findings were evaluated as the potential predictors for recovery. Age and cancellous bone grafting were evaluated as the potential predictors of postoperative pin breakage.

Results

Two dogs died during the perioperative period. In 47 dogs with follow up (median: 29 months; range, 4–110 months), 46 dogs (94%) improved neurologically after surgery, but 1 dog did not become ambulatory. There were no long term complications that resulted in serious neurologic deterioration or that required additional surgery. Partial pin breakage (1–5 pins) occurred in 16 dogs at 1–27.5 months (median, 5 months) without neurologic deterioration. Only the nonambulatory preoperative grade was significantly (P = .002) associated with non/incomplete recovery compared with ambulatory dogs.

Conclusions

Adequate stabilization of the vertebrae and improved neurologic status were achieved in most dogs with AAI using a modified ventral stabilization technique with positively threaded profile pins and polymethylmethacrylate.
Outcomes and Complications Associated With Epicardial Pacemakers in 28 Dogs and 5 Cats
Authors: Visser Lance C. , Keene Bruce W. , Mathews Kyle G. , Browne William J. , Chanoit Guillaume
Published: May 2013

Objective

To report signalment, history, indications, complications and outcome for 28 dogs and 5 cats in which 34 permanent epicardial pacing leads were surgically placed by transdiaphragmatic approach (32) or intercostal thoracotomy (2).

Methods

Medical records (2005–2010) were reviewed. Signalment, age, species, gender, clinical signs, presence of structural heart disease and/or congestive heart failure, ECG diagnosis, body weight (<10 or >10 kg), and overall survival rate were recorded. Statistical correlations were made between these variables and major and minor complications rates.

Results

Except for body weight, no statistical differences were identified in prevalence of major (life threatening or requiring replacement of the pacemaker system) or minor (self‐limiting) complications; dogs weighing >10 kg had significantly more major complications (P = .03). There was a trend (P = .051) for lower survival in animals that had major complications.

Conclusions

Larger dogs (>10 kg) may be predisposed to more major complications with epicardial pacemaker (EP) implantation. Major complication rate and survival time are similar to those reported for transvenous pacing and therefore implantation of EPs remains a suitable alternative.
Out‐group trust, intergroup anxiety, and out‐group attitude as mediators of the effect of imagined intergroup contact on intergroup behavioral tendencies
Authors: Turner Rhiannon N. , West Keon , Christie Zara
Published: May 2013

We investigated whether imagining contact with an out‐group member would change behavioral tendencies toward the out‐group. In Experiment 1, British high school students who imagined talking to an asylum seeker reported a stronger tendency to approach asylum seekers than did participants in a control condition. Path analysis revealed this relationship was mediated by out‐group trust and, marginally, by out‐group attitude. In Experiment 2, straight undergraduates who imagined an interaction with a gay individual reported a stronger tendency to approach, and a weaker tendency to avoid, gay people. Path analyses showed that these relationships were mediated by out‐group trust, out‐group attitude, and less intergroup anxiety. These findings highlight the potential practical importance of imagined contact and important mediators of its effects.
White ancestry in perceptions of Black/White biracial individuals: implications for affirmative‐action contexts
Authors: Good Jessica J. , Sanchez Diana T. , Chavez George F.
Published: May 2013

The present studies examine how White ancestry influences perceivers' minority categorization of Black/White biracial individuals, as well as the implications of minority categorization for distribution of minority resources and stereotype use. Study 1 suggests that people are less likely to categorize those of Black/White biracial descent as minority and thus are less likely to view them as appropriate recipients of affirmative action than those of Black monoracial or Black/Native American descent. Study 2 tests a model in which Black/White biracial individuals with a greater amount of White ancestry are perceived as experiencing less discrimination and are less likely to be categorized as minority; therefore, they are judged as less appropriate for minority resources.
Expression of metallothionein‐1 and metallothionein‐2 as a prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Park Yangsoon , Yu Eunsil
Published: May 2013

Background and Aims

Metallothionein (MT)‐1 and ‐2 are low‐molecular weight, cysteine‐rich, intracellular metal‐binding proteins involved in diverse functions, such as metal homeostasis, cell cycle progression, cell differentiation, and carcinogenesis. This study investigated the expression of MT‐1 and MT‐2 as a prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Expression of MT‐1 and MT‐2 were evaluated immunohistochemically in tissue microarrays containing samples from 370 HCCs, 336 adjacent noncancerous livers, and 12 normal livers. The relationships between MT‐1 and MT‐2 expression and the clinicopathological parameters of HCC were assessed.

Results

The expression of MT‐1 and MT‐2 was uniformly strong in the nucleus and cytoplasm of normal liver, but varied in noncancerous livers and HCCs. Loss of nuclear and cytoplasmic expression was significantly more in HCCs than in adjacent noncancerous livers (P < 0.001). The loss of nuclear expression of MT‐1 and MT‐2 was significantly correlated with high Edmondson‐Steiner grade and the presence of microvascular invasion (P < 0.05 each). Multivariate analysis showed that the loss of nuclear expression of MT‐1 and MT‐2 was an independent poor prognostic factor for both recurrence‐free survival and overall survival.

Conclusions

The expression of MT‐1 and MT‐2 may play a role in HCC differentiation and carcinogenesis, and may predict prognosis in patients with HCC.
Continuous imaging of esophagogastric junction in patients with reflux esophagitis using 320‐row area detector CT: A feasibility study
Authors: Fukazawa Kousuke , Furuta Kenji , Adachi Kyoichi , Shimura Shino , Kamiyama Kazutoshi , Aimi Masahito , Ohara Shunji , Kajitani Takafumi , Tsurusaki Masakatsu , Kitagaki Hajime , Kinoshita Yoshikazu
Published: May 2013

Background and Aim

The function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is evaluated using an esophageal manometric study. However, information regarding the surrounding organs is difficult to obtain with use of a sensor catheter. We investigated the utility of 320‐row area detector computed tomography (CT) to evaluate morphological changes of the esophagogastric junction and surrounding organs.

Methods

The study subjects were 18 healthy volunteers and 29 patients with reflux esophagitis (RE). Immediately after swallowing a diluted contrast agent, continuous imaging of the esophagogastric junctional area was performed for 15 s. Using CT images, the presence or absence of esophageal hiatal hernia, His angle before and after swallowing, size of the diaphragmatic hiatus, morphologically identified‐LES (MI‐LES) length, intraluminal horizontal area of MI‐LES during relaxation phase, MI‐LES thickness, abdominal esophagus length, subcutaneous fat area, visceral fat area, and esophagogastric junction fat area were evaluated.

Results

Analysis of CT images showed more frequent occurrence of hiatal hernia, greater His angle, and a larger diaphragmatic hiatus in patients with severe RE, while the lengths of MI‐LES and abdominal esophagus were shorter in those patients. Visceral and esophagogastric junction fat areas tended to be greater in patients with RE. In all subjects, the posterior wall of the MI‐LES was thicker than the anterior wall.

Conclusion

Continuous imaging with 320‐row area detector CT is useful to evaluate morphological changes in the esophagogastric junction area in both normal individuals and patients with reflux esophagitis.
Normative Values of Cognitive and Physical Function in Older Adults: Findings from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing
Authors: Kenny Rose Anne , Coen Robert F. , Frewen John , Donoghue Orna A. , Cronin Hilary , Savva George M.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To provide normative values of tests of cognitive and physical function based on a large sample representative of the population of Ireland aged 50 and older.

Design

Data were used from the first wave of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), a prospective cohort study that includes a comprehensive health assessment.

Setting

Health assessment was undertaken at one of two dedicated health assessment centers or in the study participant's home if travel was not practicable.

Participants

Five thousand eight hundred ninety‐seven members of a nationally representative sample of the community‐living population of Ireland aged 50 and older. Those with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, or Parkinson's disease were excluded.

Measurements

Measurements included height and weight, normal walking speed, Timed Up‐and‐Go, handgrip strength, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Color Trails Test, and bone mineral density. Normative values were estimated using generalized additive models for location shape and scale (GAMLSS) and are presented as percentiles, means, and standard deviations.

Results

Generalized additive models for location shape and scale fit the observed data well for each measure, leading to reliable estimates of normative values. Performance on all tasks decreased with age. Educational attainment was a strong determinant of performance on all cognitive tests. Tests of walking speed were dependent on height. Distribution of body mass index did not change with age, owing to simultaneous declines in weight and height.

Conclusion

Normative values were found for tests of many aspects of cognitive and physical function based on a representative sample of the general older Irish population.
Quality of Life in Older Age: Evidence from an Irish Cohort Study
Authors: Layte Richard , Sexton Eithne , Savva George
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To compare the role of different life domains in determining quality of life (QoL) in Ireland with international results.

Design

Cross‐sectional study of responses to The Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

Setting

Individuals aged 50 and older living in private residential addresses in the Republic of Ireland.

Participants

Eight thousand five hundred four individuals living in 6,279 households in the Republic of Ireland (response rate 62%) were interviewed and completed a self‐completion questionnaire.

Measurements

Quality of life was measured using the Control, Autonomy, Self‐realization and Pleasure measure (CASP‐19). The domains of physical and mental health, social participation, economic resources, and sociodemographic status were measured using a large number of indicators. Ordinary least squares regression models were used to estimate the effect of factors on CASP‐19, with the relative contribution of different domains to total explanation measured using a measure of statistical fit.

Results

The mean CASP‐19 score for the sample was 43.8 (95% confidence interval = 43.6–44.1), significantly higher than the mean score for the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (mean 42.5: 42.3–42.7). In unadjusted analyses, CASP‐19 was curvilinear with age, peaking at 67 and falling thereafter. Controlling for predictors of QoL, CASP‐19 continued to rise, at a decreasing rate, with age. Mental health independently explained the largest proportion of variance in CASP‐19 (7.6%), but no single domain of life dominated in terms of explanation.

Conclusion

Increasing longevity can be associated with increasing QoL as long as it is accompanied by reasonable levels of mental and physical health, high‐quality relationships, and social participation. Even if physical health becomes poor, evidence suggests that QoL can often remain high as individuals find value and enjoyment in other dimensions of life.
Combining Material Flow Analysis, Life Cycle Assessment, and Multiattribute Utility Theory
Authors: Rochat David , Binder Claudia R. , Diaz Jaime , Jolliet Olivier
Published: May 2013

Three assessment methods, material flow analysis (MFA), life cycle analysis (LCA), and multiattribute utility theory (MAUT) are systematically combined for supporting the choice of best end‐of‐life scenarios for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste in a municipality of a developing country. MFA analyzes the material and energy balance of a firm, a region, or a nation, identifying the most relevant processes; LCA evaluates multiple environmental impacts of a product or a service from cradle to grave; and MAUT allows for inclusion of other aspects along with the ecological ones in the assessment.

We first systematically coupled MFA and LCA by defining “the service offered by the total PET used during one year in the region” as the functional unit. Inventory and impacts were calculated by multiplying MFA flows with LCA impacts per kilogram. We used MAUT to include social and economic aspects in the assessment. To integrate the subjective point of view of stakeholders in the MAUT, we normalized the environmental, social, and economic variables with respect to the magnitude of overall impacts or benefits in the country.

The results show large benefits for recycling scenarios from all points of view and also provide information about waste treatment optimization. The combination of the three assessment methods offers a powerful integrative assessment of impacts and benefits. Further research should focus on data collection methods to easily determine relevant material flows. LCA impact factors specific to Colombia should be developed, as well as more reliable social indicators.
Development and Pilot Outcome Data of a Midlife Women's Health Assessment Clinic: A Comprehensive and Multidisciplinary Approach to Health Care
Authors: Deneris Angela , Wheeler Catherine , Salmon Shanna
Published: May 2013

Introduction

As women enter midlife, health issues and chronic health problems can emerge. The University of Utah Health Science Center's Midlife Women's Health Assessment Clinic was developed to provide a personalized approach to healthy aging by individual assessment, group education, motivational interviewing, and wellness coaching to women. This article describes the model of care and an initial evaluation of this model.

Methods

Four pilot clinics were conducted to determine if the model would be successful. Data analyzed included patient history questionnaires, laboratory and diagnostic test results, new diagnoses, and follow‐up recommendations; telephone surveys of patients 2 to 4 weeks after clinic visits; and verbal queries of clinicians about their experiences and recommendations for improving the clinics.

Results

Among the 62 women attending the clinics, the most frequent concern was healthy aging. Two‐thirds of the women had new diagnoses during the clinics. Both the women and clinicians participating positively evaluated the pilot clinics.

Discussion

This model of care could be replicated to provide comprehensive and efficient health care to aging women in a variety of settings.
Success rates of prosthetic restorations on endodontically treated teeth; a systematic review after 6 years
Authors: Ploumaki A. , Bilkhair A. , Tuna T. , Stampf S. , Strub J. R.
Published: May 2013

The aims of this systematic review were to investigate the success rates of prosthetic restorations on endodontically treated teeth and their manner of failure. PubMed and hand literature searches were conducted on studies published until June 2012. Only clinical studies on human subjects referring to the success rates of prosthetic restorations on endodontically treated teeth with a follow‐up period of at least 6 years were reviewed. A total of four studies were identified. Meta‐analysis showed the success rate to be 92% (CI 82–98%) for single crowns on endodontically treated teeth and 79% (72–86%) for fixed dental prostheses. Only one study reported on removable dental prostheses with a success rate of 66%. Single crowns on teeth restored without posts demonstrated a success rate of 94% (CI 84–99%), whereas where posts were placed, the success rate was lower (92% CI 82–98%). Single crowns over cast post‐and‐cores and prefabricated posts showed success rates of 93% (CI 82–99%) and 94% (CI 90–97%), respectively; both differences were not statistically significant (significance level of 5%). The most common reason for failure was post‐debonding. Single crowns seem to be the best treatment modality for endodontically treated teeth. However, due to the low number of studies included and their design, the results of this systematic review should be interpreted with caution. Further clinical studies are needed to provide high‐quality evidence on the topic.
Effects of Diagnostic Test Accuracy and Treatment Efficacy on the Occurrence of Suspected Failure of Heartworm Prophylaxis in Dogs
Authors: Rohrbach B.W. , Patton S.
Published: May 2013

Background

Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA/CVM) cited concern regarding failure of heartworm prophylaxis. The positive and negative predictive value of the heartworm antigen test is an estimate of the probability of adult heartworm infection.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Assess the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of heartworm antigen tests. Explore the role of heartworm test accuracy and treatment with immiticide to generate reports of suspected failure of heartworm prophylaxis.

Methods

Literature searches for published information on the accuracy of heartworm antigen tests and efficacy of immiticide for treatment of the adult heartworm.

Results

Weighted averages for heartworm antigen test sensitivity and specificity were 78.2 and 97.3%, respectively. Efficacy of immiticide by 2‐injection or alternate dose protocols were 88.3 and 89.1%, respectively. Depending on prevalence, the positive predictive value of the heartworm antigen test ranged from 15 to 54% and negative predictive value from 99 to 99.9%. For a hospital testing 1,000 dogs per year, false‐positive test results may vary from 24 to 27 dogs. If these dogs were on heartworm preventive, they may undergo treatment and be classified as prophylaxis failures. Ten percent of dogs who were treated and continued or placed on prophylaxis at the time of treatment may have adult heartworms when tested 1 year later and be presumed to represent failure of prophylaxis.

Conclusions

When interpreting heartworm antigen test results, clinical signs, history, and regional prevalence of heartworm disease should be considered in estimating the predictive value of the test result. Limitations of test and treatment should be discussed with clients as part of the decision‐making process.
Transvenous Retrieval of Foreign Objects Lost during Cardiac Device Implantation or Revision: A 10‐Year Experience
Authors: CALVAGNA GIUSEPPE M. , ROMEO PLACIDO , CERESA FABRIZIO , VALSECCHI SERGIO
Published: May 2013

Background

Many techniques for the endovascular retrieval of lost or misplaced foreign objects have been developed, and the removal of almost every foreign object has become possible. In this paper, we report our experience in retrieving foreign objects lost during cardiac device implantations or previous extraction procedures.

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of the case records of all patients referred to our institution for transvenous retrieval of intravascular foreign objects.

Results

Over 10 years, 45 consecutive patients underwent procedures for the retrieval of intravascular foreign objects. These objects were: 25 distal portions of introducer sheaths, 18 pacing lead fragments, one guidewire, and one anchoring sleeve. The majority of fragments were located in the right ventricle and subclavian and caval veins. Some had migrated to the pulmonary artery or more distally. The median dwell time of the fragments was 3 months. Retrieval was most frequently achieved through the femoral veins, and was successful in 42 (93%) procedures. No procedure‐related complications occurred in this series.

Conclusions

In the present single‐center experience, the endovascular approach to retrieving intravascular objects lost during cardiac device implantation or previous extraction procedures seemed effective with currently available tools and was associated with no complications.
mHCN4 Genetically Modified Canine Mesenchymal Stem Cells Provide Biological Pacemaking Function in Complete Dogs with Atrioventricular Block
Authors: LU WEI , YAOMING NONG , BOLI RAN , JUN CHENG , CHANGHAI ZHANG , YANG ZHOU , ZHIYUAN SONG
Published: May 2013

Background

The study was undertaken to assess the properties of mouse HCN4 (mHCN4)‐modified canine mesenchymal stem cells (cMSCs) in dogs with experimentally induced complete atrioventricular (AV) block and electronic pacing.

Methods

Complete AV block was induced in adult dogs who had undergone implantation of backup electronic pacemakers. cMSCs were transfected with mHCN4 genes. Evidence of successful IHCN4 expression was provided by patch‐clamp detection. mHCN4‐cMSCs or normal cMSCs were injected subepicardially into the left ventricular anterior wall of the dogs. Cardiac parameters were monitored for 6 weeks. Heart rate variability (HRV) was evaluated using quantitative Poincaré plots of R‐RN against R‐RN+1 intervals. cMSCs survival and expression of HCN4 in vivo were examined by histological studies and Western blot.

Results

In 2 weeks, the maximum heart rate and the number of impulses generated from the injection sites were much higher in dogs injected with HCN4‐modified MSCs than in control dogs.  Basal heart rate increased in the HCN4 group and became fully stabilized by Week 4, evidenced by markedly reduced numbers of electronic pacemaker beats. At Week 2, HRV during exercise was significantly higher in HCN4 dogs than in controls as shown by descriptors of both instantaneous (SD1) and longer term (SD2) beat‐to‐beat deviations (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin‐eosin staining and Western blot proved that cMSCs survive and express HCN4 protein in situ in heart of HCN4 dog.

Conclusion

Transplantation of mHCN4‐modified cMSCs provided a stable biological pacemaking function that allowed an appropriate chronotropic response to physical exercise for up to 6 weeks.
Long‐Term Performance of Beat‐to‐Beat Automatic Ventricular Threshold Adjustment in Infants with Congenital Atrioventricular Block
Authors: HIIPPALA ANITA , HAPPONEN JUHA‐MATTI
Published: May 2013

Background

AutoCapture™ (AC) of St. Jude Medical (SJM; St. Paul, MN, USA) pacemakers provides beat‐to‐beat ventricular capture verification and allows low‐amplitude pacing. There has been concern about evoked response signal (ERS) amplitude decreasing over time, leading to discontinuation of AC. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long‐term performance of AC in infants with epicardial pacing leads.

Methods

Data on 16 newborns with congenital complete atrioventricular block (CCAVB) implanted with a SJM Microny pacemaker between January 1998 and December 2004 were collected. The ERS at discharge, at 12 ± 2 months, and long‐term AC performance were analyzed retrospectively. The median follow‐up time was 5.3 years (range 0.4–8.6 years), the end point of follow‐up being either lead or generator exchange.

Results

AC could be activated in all patients at discharge; the median ERS was 9.3 mV (3.7–19.0 mV). At 12 ± 2 months, the median ERS measured 4.6 ± 3.6 mV (n = 13), showing a significant decrease (P = 0.002) and leading to discontinuation of AC in three (23%) of 13 patients. AC use was possible in eight patients and long‐term use in six patients.

Conclusions

In epicardially paced CCAVB newborns, the ERS amplitude decreased significantly during the first year. ERS decrease was the most common reason for AC failure. At 1‐year follow‐up, AC was functional in only 53% of patients, although it could originally be activated in all patients. During the first year of follow‐up, special attention to AC parameters is recommended in this subgroup of pediatric pacemaker patients.
Objectively measured activity in 8–10‐year‐old Turkish children: Relationship to health‐related fitness
Authors: Güvenç Alpay , Aslan Alper , Açıkada Caner
Published: May 2013

Background

No objective data regarding the physical activity (PA) levels of young Turkish children currently exist. Furthermore, whether habitual PA is associated with the components of health‐related fitness among children is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the patterns and levels of objectively measured PA in prepubertal Turkish children and its relationship with body fatness, aerobic and anaerobic fitness.

Methods

Eighty‐nine 8–10‐year‐old children (47 boys and 42 girls) participated in this study. The intensity, duration and frequency of PA were assessed from 4 days of heart rate monitoring with 15 s sampling intervals. Body fatness was determined by measuring skinfold thickness. Anaerobic fitness was evaluated using the Wingate test. All the children performed the shuttle run test to assess aerobic fitness.

Results

The PA of boys was significantly higher than that of girls (P < 0.05). Gender difference is more marked for vigorous PA. Instead of sustained PA, short bouts of PA, lasting up to 1 min, were characteristic of PA patterns of children. The duration and frequency of PA were positively related to aerobic fitness and negatively related to fatness for both gender groups (P < 0.05). These relationships were more prominent for accumulated PA than for other measures of PA. No relationship was obtained between PA and anaerobic fitness in either gender group (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Intermittent, accumulated moderate intensity PA may be more important than sustained vigorous intensity PA in influencing children's fitness and fatness levels. Detailed studies are needed to clarify which dimension of PA is more beneficial for health‐related fitness in children.
High‐dose phenobarbital or erythropoietin for the treatment of perinatal asphyxia in term newborns
Authors: Avasiloaiei Andreea , Dimitriu Cristina , Moscalu Mihaela , Paduraru Luminita , Stamatin Maria
Published: May 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to compare two neuroprotective strategies to supportive care in the treatment of perinatal asphyxia.

Methods

A total of 67 term newborns with perinatal asphyxia were included and randomized into three groups: one group received supportive treatment; another group received a single dose of 40 mg/kg phenobarbital; and the third received three daily doses of 1000 IU/kg erythropoietin. The following parameters were analyzed: gestational age, birthweight, Apgar scores, cord blood pH, total serum antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA). The newborns were included in the follow‐up program and examined up to 18 months of age.

Results

TAS was higher in the erythropoietin group than in the other groups. SOD and GPx were lower for infants treated with phenobarbital or erythropoietin compared to control infants. MDA was lower in the erythropoietin group compared to the other groups, although the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The mortality rate was lower in the phenobarbital and erythropoietin groups (both 4.6%) than in the control group (17.4%). Long‐term neurologic follow up showed a high incidence of sequelae in the control group compared to the phenobarbital and erythropoietin groups. Follow‐up results were better in the phenobarbital group than in the erythropoietin group for motor and cognitive function at 3 and 6 months and worse for expressive language. At 18 months, however, the differences between these two groups were not significant.

Conclusion

High‐dose phenobarbital or erythropoietin along with supportive treatment has a positive influence on the outcome of newborns with perinatal asphyxia. Phenobarbital has the advantage of low cost and simplicity.
Feeding choice has a gender‐associated effect on infant growth
Authors: Nagahara Keiko , Dobashi Kazushige , Itabashi Kazuo
Published: May 2013

Background

Appropriate nutrition during childhood is important for preventing future development of lifestyle‐related diseases. The effect of feeding choice on infant growth in Japan is not known.

Methods

Data from 204 healthy schoolchildren (age, 6–9 years) were obtained retrospectively from their parents by questionnaires. Breast‐fed (BF) and formula‐fed (FF) groups were defined as those fed only breast milk or formula milk at 4 months of age, respectively. There were 71 children (M/F, 31/40) in BF and 30 (M/F, 19/11) in FF. Anthropometric data at birth, and at 1, 4, 7, 10, 18, and 36 months of age in male and female infants were compared between the groups.

Results

In male infants, height was significantly lower at 4 months, bodyweight was lower from 4 to 18 months, and body mass index (BMI) was lower from 10 to 36 months in BF than in FF. The standard deviation scores (SDS) for height, weight and BMI had a similar pattern. No significant differences were observed for these variables for female infants in BF compared with FF. Multiple regression analysis showed that birthweight, mother's pre‐pregnancy weight, and infant feeding choice were significant factors associated with weight‐SDS at 18 and 36 months. Feeding choice was the only factor associated with BMI‐SDS at 18 months.

Conclusions

Infant feeding choice had a gender‐associated effect on growth during infancy. When evaluating infant growth, not only birthweight and mother's pre‐pregnancy weight, but also infant feeding choice and gender should be considered.
Intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy for retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Şahin Alparslan , Şahin Muhammed , Cingü Abdullah Kürşat , Çınar Yasin , Türkcü Fatih Mehmet , Yüksel Harun , Kaya Savaş , Arı Şeyhmus , Çaça İhsan
Published: May 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injections, used as a monotherapy in type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed for 17 type 1 ROP patients (34 eyes), who had IVB injection between July 2011 and June 2012. Birthweight, gestational age at birth, stage and location of ROP, IVB injection time, time of complete retinal vascularization, and additional treatments if needed, were noted. A total of 0.625 mg (0.025 mL) bevacizumab was injected intravitreally.

Results

Thirty eyes of 17 patients with type 1 ROP enrolled in the study were treated with IVB injection. Of them seven had aggressive posterior‐ROP, six had stage 2 ROP, and four had stage 3 ROP. The mean gestational age was 28.44 weeks (range, 26–31 weeks); and the mean birthweight was 1151.88 g (range, 600–1600 g). The mean age for IVB injection was 35.47 weeks. The mean full retinal vascularization time was 136.6 ± 26.6 days. The mean follow‐up time was 285.3 ± 70 days. ROP was regressed and retinal vascularization was completed in all cases except one eye, which had threshold disease.

Conclusion

IVB injection, used as a monotherapy, is an effective treatment approach in patients with type 1 ROP. Timely treatment of stage 2 and early stage 3 ROP in which disease progression was observed, prevents vitreoretinal membrane formation in posterior disease. Further studies need to be performed to determine the safety of IVB injection.
Dexibuprofen for fever in children with upper respiratory tract infection
Authors: Kim Chang‐Keun , Callaway Zak , Choung Ji Tae , Yu Jin Ho , Shim Kye Shik , Kwon Eun‐Mi , Koh Young Yull
Published: May 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of dexibuprofen compared to ibuprofen.

Methods

This double‐blind, double‐dummy study enrolled patients fromJanuary 2008 toMay 2009 presenting at one of five tertiary care centers inSeoul,Korea with febrile illness who were then given one of three active treatments: one dose of dexibuprofen 2.5 or 5 mg/kg (DEX 1); dexibuprofen 3.5 or 7 mg/kg (DEX 2); or ibuprofen 5 or 10 mg/kg (control) syrup. Those with a temperature <38.5°Cwere given the lower dose. Temperature was measured every hour for 4 h. Primary study outcome was mean change in temperature 4 h after one dose.

Results

A total of 264 children (aged 6 months–14 years) with febrile illness due to upper respiratory tract infection were consecutively sampled and screened, with 260 randomized. No patients withdrew due to adverse effects. Mean temperature change after 4 h (mean ±SD:DEX 1, 0.99 ± 0.84°C;DEX 2, 1.12 ± 0.92°C; control, 1.38 ± 0.84°C) differed only betweenDEX 1and controls (P= 0.007, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.61 to −0.15). When groups were subdivided according to initial temperature, there were no significant differences in mean temperature change after 4 h betweenDEX 2subgroups (<38.5°C, 0.88 ± 0.86°C; ≥38.5°C, 1.46 ± 0.90°C) and controls (1.07 ± 0.84°C and 1.72 ± 0.91°C, respectively), but there was a significant difference betweenDEX 1(≥38.5°C, 1.25 ± 0.76°C) and controls (P= 0.0222, 95%CI: −0.80 to −0.13). There were no significant differences in adverse events among groups.

Conclusion

Dexibuprofen (3.5 or 7 mg/kg) is as effective and tolerable as ibuprofen for fever caused by upper respiratory tract infection in children.
Fighting Discrimination with Discrimination: Public Universities and the Rights of Dissenting Students
Authors: Affolter Jacob
Published: May 2013

This article discusses recent legal conflicts between state universities and conservative religious students in the United States, focusing on Christian Legal Society v. Martinez. In recent years, several universities have denied recognition to religious student organizations that discriminate on the basis of religion or sexual orientation. I argue that scholars on both sides of the issue have failed to recognize the full scope of the privilege that the universities demand. If the courts accept the universities' demands, then the courts dangerously expand the government's authority to suppress dissenters. No proponent of civil liberties should welcome this change.
Kant and Habermas on International Law
Authors: Mikalsen Kjartan Koch
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this article is to present a critical assessment of Jürgen Habermas' reformulation of Kant's philosophical project Toward Perpetual Peace. Special attention is paid to how well Habermas' proposed multi‐level institutional model fares in comparison with Kant's proposal—a league of states. I argue that Habermas' critique of the league fails in important respects, and that his proposal faces at least two problems. The first is that it implies a problematic asymmetry between powerful and less powerful states. The second is that it entails creating a global police force that has an obligation to intervene against egregious human rights violations worldwide, and that this seems incompatible with the idea that every person has an innate right to freedom. There are important normative constraints relevant for institutional design in the international domain that Habermas does not take sufficiently into account. However, this does not mean that Kant's league cannot be supplemented with more comprehensive forms of institutional cooperation between states. On the basis of my assessment of the multi‐level model, I propose a hybrid model combining elements from Kant and Habermas.
Novel role for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in alveolar fluid clearance in lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury in mice
Authors: Jin Weizhong , Song Yuanlin , Bai Chunxue , Jiang Jinjun
Published: May 2013

Background and objective

Alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) is important for the resolution of acute lung injury (ALI). The role of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in AFC has not been entirely elucidated in animal models of ALI. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CFTR and its mechanisms in AFC in normal and ALI mice.

Methods

Seventy mice were randomly divided into 14 groups and ALI was established by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After 48 h, CFTR activator CFTRact‐16 or inhibitor CFinh‐172 with or without β‐agonist was instillated intratracheally and AFC was measured with radioisotopic tracer.

Results

Although there was no effects of CFTRact‐16 on AFC in mice with or without isoproterenol, CFinh‐172 markedly decreased isoproterenol‐stimulated AFC in both normal (P < 0.01) and LPS‐induced ALI mice (P < 0.01) and there was significantly decreased basal AFC in ALI mice (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results provide direct functional evidence for CFTR in cAMP‐mediated AFC in both normal and ALI mice.
Block‐threshold‐adapted Estimators via a Maxiset Approach
Authors: Autin Florent , Freyermuth Jean‐Marc , Von Sachs Rainer
Published: May 2013

We study the maxiset performance of a large collection of block thresholding wavelet estimators, namely thehorizontal block thresholding family. We provide sufficient conditions on the choices of rates and threshold values to ensure that the involved adaptive estimators obtain large maxisets. Moreover, we prove that any estimator of such a family reconstructs the Besov balls with a near‐minimax optimal rate that can be faster than the one of any separable thresholding estimator. Then, we identify, in particular cases, the best estimator of such a family, that is, the one associated with the largest maxiset. As a particularity of this paper, we propose a refined approach that models method‐dependent threshold values. By a series of simulation studies, we confirm the good performance of the best estimator by comparing it with the other members of its family.
Estimating the Vehicle‐Miles‐Traveled Implications of Alternative Metropolitan Growth Scenarios: A Boston Example
Authors: Ferreira Joseph , Diao Mi , Xu Jingsi
Published: May 2013

This study demonstrates the potential value, and difficulties, in utilizing large‐scale, location aware, administrative data together with urban modeling to address current policy issues in a timely fashion. We take advantage of a unique dataset of millions of odometer readings from annual safety inspections of all private passenger vehicles in Metropolitan Boston to estimate the vehicle‐miles‐traveled (VMT) implication of alternative metropolitan growth scenarios: a sprawl‐type “let‐it‐be” scenario and a smart‐growth‐type “winds‐of‐change” scenario. The data are georeferenced to 250 × 250 m grid cells developed by MassGIS. We apply a greedy algorithm to assign Traffic Analysis Zone (TAZ) level household growth projections to grid cells and then use spatial interpolation tools to estimate VMT‐per‐vehicle surfaces for the region. If new growth households have similar VMT behavior as their neighbors, then the let‐it‐be scenario will generate 12–15% more VMT per household compared to the winds‐of‐change scenario. However, even the “wind‐of‐change” scenario, will result in new households averaging higher VMT per household than the Metro Boston average observed in 2005. The implication is that urban growth management can significantly reduce GHG but, by itself, will not be sufficient to achieve the GHG emission reduction targets set by the State for the transportation sector.
Potential uses of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in weed research
Authors: Rasmussen J , Nielsen J , Garcia‐Ruiz F , Christensen S , Streibig J C
Published: May 2013

Small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with cameras have not been adopted in weed research, but offer low‐cost sensing with high flexibility in terms of spatial resolution. A small rotary‐wing UAS was tested as part of a search for an inexpensive, user‐friendly and reliable aircraft for practical applications in UAS imagery weed research. In two experiments with post‐emergence weed harrowing in barley, the crop resistance parameter, which reflects the crop response to harrowing, was unaffected by image capture altitude in the range from 1 to 50 m. This corresponded to image spatial resolution in the range from 0.3 to 17.1 mm per pixel. This finding is important because spatial resolution is inversely related to sensing capacity. We captured 20 plots comprising a total of about 0.2 ha in one image at 50 m altitude without losing information about the cultivation impacts on vegetation compared with ground truth data. UAS imagery also gave excellent results in logarithmic sprayer experiments in oilseed rape, where we captured 37 m long plots in each image from an altitude of 35 m. Furthermore, perennial weeds could be mapped from UAS images. These first experiences with a small rotary‐wing UAS show that it is relatively easy to integrate as a tool in weed research and offers great potential for site‐specific weed management.
Self-dual integral normal bases and Galois module structure
Authors: Pickett Erik Jarl , Vinatier Stéphane
Published: May 2013

Let $N/ F$ be an odd-degree Galois extension of number fields with Galois group $G$ and rings of integers ${\mathfrak{O}}_{N} $ and ${\mathfrak{O}}_{F} = \mathfrak{O}$. Let $ \mathcal{A} $ be the unique fractional ${\mathfrak{O}}_{N} $-ideal with square equal to the inverse different of $N/ F$. B. Erez showed that $ \mathcal{A} $ is a locally free $\mathfrak{O}[G] $-module if and only if $N/ F$ is a so-called weakly ramified extension. Although a number of results have been proved regarding the freeness of $ \mathcal{A} $ as a $ \mathbb{Z} [G] $-module, the question remains open. In this paper we prove that $ \mathcal{A} $ is free as a $ \mathbb{Z} [G] $-module provided that $N/ F$ is weakly ramified and under the hypothesis that for every prime $\wp $ of $\mathfrak{O}$ which ramifies wildly in $N/ F$, the decomposition group is abelian, the ramification group is cyclic and $\wp $ is unramified in $F/ \mathbb{Q} $. We make crucial use of a construction due to the first author which uses Dwork’s exponential power series to describe self-dual integral normal bases in Lubin–Tate extensions of local fields. This yields a new and striking relationship between the local norm-resolvent and the Galois Gauss sum involved. Our results generalise work of the second author concerning the case of base field $ \mathbb{Q} $.