bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis ofShigella sonneibiotype g isolated from paediatric populations in Egypt, 1999–2005
Authors: DEJLI J. , NADA R. A. , MANSOUR A. , EL-MONIEM A. A. , WASFY M. O. , KLENA J. D.
Published: September 2012

Strain characteristics of 51Shigella sonneiisolates obtained from children seeking medical care (MC) and 48 isolates recovered during a prospective diarrhoea birth cohort (BC) study were compared. Biochemical characterization and antibiotic susceptibility testing determined that allS. sonneiisolates were biotype g and multidrug-resistant. Plasmid profiling identified 15 closely related patterns andXbaI pulsed-field gel electrophoresis confirmed the high degree of genetic similarity between isolates. AllS.sonneiisolates harbouredipaHand class II integrase genes and 84·3 and 80% of the MC and BC isolates, respectively carried thesengene. Neither the class I integrase nor thesetgene was detected. Our results indicate thatS. sonneiisolates associated with severe diarrhoea were indistinguishable from those associated with mild diarrhoea. Additional genetic tests with greater discrimination might offer an opportunity to determine genetic differences within the globally disseminating biotype g clone.
Personal protective equipment, hygiene behaviours and occupational risk of illness after July 2011 flood in Copenhagen, Denmark
Authors: WÓJCIK O. P. , HOLT J. , KJERULF A. , MÜLLER L. , ETHELBERG S. , MØLBAK K.
Published: September 2012

Incidence of various diseases can increase following a flood. We aimed to identify professionals in Copenhagen who became ill after contact with 2 July 2011 floodwater/sediment and determine risks and protective factors associated with illness. We conducted a cohort study of employees engaged in post-flood management activities. Participants completed a questionnaire collecting information about demographics, floodwater/sediment exposure, compliance with standard precautions, and symptoms of illness. Overall, 257 professionals participated, with 56 (22%) cases. Risk of illness was associated with not washing hands after floodwater/sediment contact [relative risk (RR) 2·45], exposure to floodwater at work and home (RR 2·35), smoking (RR 1·92), direct contact with floodwater (RR 1·86), and eating/drinking when in contact with floodwater (RR 1·77). Professionals need to follow standard precautions when in contact with floodwater/sediment, especially proper hand hygiene after personal protective equipment use and before eating/drinking and smoking.
Linking fluvial bed sediment transport across scales
Authors: Zhang Yong , Meerschaert Mark M. , Packman Aaron I.
Published: September 2012

We present a new random walk model for bed load sediment transport that explains the scale‐dependency generally observed in transport rates and captures the transient anomalous dispersion often seen in rivers. Particles alternate between mobile and resting phases, with a tempered stable probability distribution for both particle step length and resting time. Tempered fractional mobile‐immobile differential equations model the ensemble average of particle dynamics. The model is tested against data from three sediment dispersion experiments. Using tempering in both space and time, the new model is able to capture the full range of observed ensemble particle dynamics. The random walk model illuminates the physical meaning of all transport parameters in the mobile‐immobile equations and explains transitions between observed super‐diffusive, sub‐diffusive, and regular diffusive ensemble particle dynamics. By explicitly predicting the effects of spatial and temporal averaging on particle dynamics, this method can be used to link observations of fluvial sediment dynamics across scales. This approach is also generally applicable to a wide variety of geophysical and ecological dynamics, such as ecological dispersal, pathogen transmission in rivers, nutrient export from watersheds, and large‐scale geomorphodynamics associated with infrequent phenomena such as avalanches and turbidity currents.
Determination of sea surface wind speed using the polarimetric and multidirectional properties of satellite measurements in visible bands
Authors: Harmel Tristan , Chami Malik
Published: September 2012

The reflection of the direct sunlight onto the rough sea surface (sun glint) generates a strong signal which is informative on wind speed. An original method is described to determine the wind speed values and their associated uncertainty over the ocean using multidirectional and polarimetric data measured by a passive satellite sensor in the visible/near infrared bands, namely PARASOL sensor. The method is able to derive wind speed values for almost 80% of a cloud‐free scene. Comparisons with buoys and with the operational wind product of the AMSR‐E sensor (NASA) show a satisfactory agreement (coefficient of correlation r > 0.84). This study demonstrates that passive satellite sensors that are able to measure the polarization and multidirectionality features of the radiation at solar wavelengths can be relevant alternative approaches to quantify the wind speed at a spatial resolution at least four times higher than that currently obtained using passive or active microwave sensors.
Localization of geoid anomalies and the evolution of oceanic lithosphere: A case study from the Mendocino Fracture Zone
Authors: Cadio C. , Korenaga J.
Published: September 2012

The thermal evolution of oceanic lithosphere is investigated by focusing on geoid offsets occurring across the Mendocino Fracture Zone, where plates with different ages are juxtaposed. Various processing techniques have been devoted to separate the geoid signal of the age contrast from regional and shorter wavelength components unrelated to the thermal structure of lithosphere. Nevertheless, due to processing differences, estimates of geoid offsets vary, and no agreement on the thermal evolution of oceanic lithosphere has been found so far. In this study, we propose to use a continuous wavelet analysis to accurately characterize the components of the geoid at different spatial scales and to estimate a new geoid slope‐age relationship from localized signals. We also apply the same wavelet transform on a set of synthetic geoid calculated with different assumptions on plate cooling. The comparison of the observed geoid offsets with those predicted from cooling models indicates that our approach can successfully remove unwanted regional contributions and isolate the geoid signature due to lithospheric cooling. Our results suggest that, contrary to previous studies, geoid slopes measured at the Mendocino Fracture Zone are compatible with both the half‐space cooling model and the plate model.
Evidence for flash floods over deserts from loss of coherence in InSAR imagery
Authors: Schepanski K. , Wright T. J. , Knippertz P.
Published: September 2012

Flash floods in complex terrain play an important role for sediment transport in arid regions and thus potentially for dust production, but observations of these phenomena are scarce over most of the world's deserts. Here, methods from radar interferometry, applied to 8 years (2003–2010) of ENVISAT Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar data over the northwestern Sahara, are used to demonstrate the potential of these data to identify significant flash floods. Loss of coherence between two consecutive images is indicative of changes in surface characteristics. Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission daily precipitation estimates, together with the digital elevation model from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, are analyzed to assess the likelihood of these changes to be related to flash floods. Four interferometric pairs representing periods with different rainfall amounts are examined with regard to changes in surface characteristics caused by precipitation. To do this, ratios of coherences are calculated, highlighting the changes in soil texture through loss of coherence in particular for desert valleys. Many pixels within wadis show large coherence during dry periods and a significant loss during wet periods, while others show low coherence irrespective of rainfall, possibly due to Aeolian processes. In the long term, findings from this study will be used to investigate the relation between flash floods and interannual variability of local dust emission fluxes.
Early functional and transcriptomic changes in the myocardium predict outcome in a long-term rat model of sepsis
Authors: Rudiger Alain , Dyson Alex , Felsmann Karen , Carré Jane E. , Taylor Valerie , Hughes Sian , Clatworthy Innes , Protti Alessandro , Pellerin Denis , Lemm Jana , Claus Ralf A. , Bauer Michael , Singer Mervyn
Published: September 2012

Myocardial function is depressed in sepsis and is an important prognosticator in the human condition. Using echocardiography in a long-term fluid-resuscitated Wistar rat model of faecal peritonitis we investigated whether depressed myocardial function could be detected at an early stage of sepsis and, if so, whether the degree of depression could predict eventual outcome. At 6 h post-insult, a stroke volume <0.17 ml prognosticated 3-day mortality with positive and negative predictive values of 93 and 80%, respectively. Subsequent fluid loading studies demonstrated intrinsic myocardial depression with poor-prognosis animals tolerating less fluid than either good-prognosis or sham-operated animals. Cardiac gene expression analysis at 6 h detected 527 transcripts significantly up- or down-regulated by the septic process, including genes related to inflammatory and cell cycle pathways. Predicted mortality was associated with significant differences in transcripts of genes expressing proteins related to the TLR2/MyD88 (Toll-like receptor 2/myeloid differentiation factor 88) and JAK/STAT (Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription) inflammatory pathways, β-adrenergic signalling and intracellular calcium cycling. Our findings highlight the presence of myocardial depression in early sepsis and its prognostic significance. Transcriptomic analysis in heart tissue identified changes in signalling pathways that correlated with clinical dysfunction. These pathways merit further study to both better understand and potentially modify the disease process.
Addressing the Content Vocabulary With Core: Theory and Practice for Nonliterate or Emerging Literate Students
Authors: Witkowski Debbie , Baker Bruce
Published: September 2012

In the early elementary grades, the primary emphasis is on developing skills crucial to future academic and personal success—specifically oral and written communication skills. These skills are vital to student success as well as to meaningful participation in the classroom and interaction with peers. Children with complex communication needs (CCN) may require the use of high-performance speech generating devices (SGDs). The challenges for these students are further complicated by the task of learning language at a time when they are expected to apply their linguistic skills to academic tasks. However, by focusing on core vocabulary as a primary vehicle for instruction, educators can equip students who use SGDs to develop language skills and be competitive in the classroom. In this article, we will define core vocabulary and provide theoretical and practical insights into integrating it into the classroom routine for developing oral and written communication skills.
Making Cultural Connections Across the Professions
Authors: Hyter Yvette D.
Published: September 2012

Due to globalization, more opportunities exist for U.S.–based speech-language pathologists and audiologists to provide services to clients from a variety of cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds. These opportunities can be a consequence of increasing groups of diverse people migrating to the United States, as well as the availability of more possibilities for members of the communication sciences and disorders professions to travel and provide services in other countries. This article focuses on a study abroad component of a transdisciplinary, transnational curriculum development program designed to explain the effects of global economic and cultural processes on health care, education, language and literacy practices, migration, and food systems in West Africa and in the U.S. Midwest.
Mapping the “Forbidden Zone” near and Away from the Fixation Point
Authors: Chung-Fat-Yim Ashley , Ono Hiroshi
Published: September 2012

Burt and Julesz modified the classical view of Panum's fusional area by incorporating the concept of the disparity gradient. They found that an area of double vision, described as the forbidden zone for single vision, is present when the angular separation between two objects is small. However, Krol and van de Grind argued that Burt and Julesz's finding could be explained by the classical theories (specifically Ogle, 1932 JOSA22 664–728) in which the probability for fusion is a function of peripheral angle and disparity magnitude. We examined whether a forbidden zone can be specified within Ogle's experimental space. We found forbidden zones (a) when fixation was placed on one of the two objects and (b) when fixation was placed away from both objects. Krol and van de Grind's arguments do not easily explain the results in (b). The size of the forbidden zones was less than the predicted disparity gradient of unity that Burt and Julesz found in their experiment.
A Distributed GPU-Based Framework for Real-Time 3D Volume Rendering of Large Astronomical Data Cubes
Authors: Hassan A. H. , Fluke C. J. , Barnes D. G.
Published: September 2012

We present a framework to volume-render three-dimensional data cubes interactively using distributed ray-casting and volume-bricking over a cluster of workstations powered by one or more graphics processing units (GPUs) and a multi-core central processing unit (CPU). The main design target for this framework is to provide an in-core visualization solution able to provide three-dimensional interactive views of terabyte-sized data cubes. We tested the presented framework using a computing cluster comprising 64 nodes with a total of 128 GPUs. The framework proved to be scalable to render a 204 GB data cube with an average of 30 frames per second. Our performance analyses also compare the use of NVIDIA Tesla 1060 and 2050 GPU architectures and the effect of increasing the visualization output resolution on the rendering performance. Although our initial focus, as shown in the examples presented in this work, is volume rendering of spectral data cubes from radio astronomy, we contend that our approach has applicability to other disciplines where close to real-time volume rendering of terabyte-order three-dimensional data sets is a requirement.
Characterizing the mechanics of cultured cell monolayers
Authors: Harris Andrew R. , Peter Loic , Bellis Julien , Baum Buzz , Kabla Alexandre J. , Charras Guillaume T.
Published: September 2012

One-cell-thick monolayers are the simplest tissues in multicellular organisms, yet they fulfill critical roles in development and normal physiology. In early development, embryonic morphogenesis results largely from monolayer rearrangement and deformation due to internally generated forces. Later, monolayers act as physical barriers separating the internal environment from the exterior and must withstand externally applied forces. Though resisting and generating mechanical forces is an essential part of monolayer function, simple experimental methods to characterize monolayer mechanical properties are lacking. Here, we describe a system for tensile testing of freely suspended cultured monolayers that enables the examination of their mechanical behavior at multi-, uni-, and subcellular scales. Using this system, we provide measurements of monolayer elasticity and show that this is two orders of magnitude larger than the elasticity of their isolated cellular components. Monolayers could withstand more than a doubling in length before failing through rupture of intercellular junctions. Measurement of stress at fracture enabled a first estimation of the average force needed to separate cells within truly mature monolayers, approximately ninefold larger than measured in pairs of isolated cells. As in single cells, monolayer mechanical properties were strongly dependent on the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton, myosin, and intercellular adhesions interfacing adjacent cells. High magnification imaging revealed that keratin filaments became progressively stretched during extension, suggesting they participate in monolayer mechanics. This multiscale study of monolayer response to deformation enabled by our device provides the first quantitative investigation of the link between monolayer biology and mechanics.
Imagined communities: initiatives around LGBTQ ageing in Italy
Authors: Ross Charlotte
Published: September 2012

LGBTQ ageing is an under-researched but vital issue, given the cultural invisibility of older LGBTQ individuals and Italy's ageing population. This article explores initiatives around LGBTQ ageing, considered in relation to the hypothesis that LGBTQ populations may develop effective strategies for ‘successful ageing’, by establishing queer cultural spaces and support networks. After a brief contextualisation of key issues the author focuses on a case study of a lesbian community in Bari which is planning a residential arrangement for ‘older lesbians’. Drawing on interviews conducted in January 2011, the coping strategies or forms of ‘resilience’ developed by this community are identified and analysed. It is argued that while plans for a residential facility remain unrealised, this community demonstrates a degree of ‘resilience across the life course’, through reciprocal support, and socio-cultural and political innovation. However, interviews also reveal the difficulties of progressing from an ‘imagined community’ to its concrete realisation.
Good reduction of the Brauer–Manin obstruction
Authors: Colliot-Thélène Jean-Louis , Skorobogatov Alexei
Published: September 2012

For a smooth and projective variety over a number field with torsion-free geometric Picard group and finite transcendental Brauer group we show that only the archimedean places, the primes of bad reduction and the primes dividing the order of the transcendental Brauer group can turn up in the description of the Brauer–Manin set.
A ‘transversal’ for minimal invariant sets in the boundary of a CAT(0) group
Authors: Guralnik Dan , Swenson Eric
Published: September 2012

We introduce new techniques for studying boundary dynamics of CAT(0) groups. For a groupGGacting geometrically on a CAT(0) spaceXXwe show there is a flatF⊂XF\subset Xof maximal dimension (denote it bydd), whose boundary sphere intersects every minimalGG-invariant subset of∂∞X\partial _\infty X. As applications we obtain an improved dimension-dependent bound\[diam⁡∂TX≤2π−arccos⁡(−1d+1)\operatorname {diam}\partial _{_\mathrm {T}} X\leq 2\pi -\arccos \left (-\frac {1}{d+1}\right )\]on the Tits-diameter of∂X\partial Xfor non-rank-one groups, a necessary and sufficient dynamical condition forGGto be virtually Abelian, and we formulate a new approach to Ballmann’s rank rigidity conjectures.
Zero-free regions for Dirichlet series
Authors: Delaunay C. , Fricain E. , Mosaki E. , Robert O.
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we are interested in explicit zero-free discs for some Dirichlet series and we also study a general Beurling-Nyman criterion for

L
L

-functions. Our results generalize and improve previous results obtained by N. Nikolski and by A. de Roton. As a concrete application, we get, for example, a Beurling-Nyman type criterion for the Siegel zero problem.
Optimized Agroinfiltration and Virus-Induced Gene Silencing to Study Ve1-MediatedVerticilliumResistance in Tobacco
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Fradin Emilie , de Jonge Ronnie , van Esse H. Peter , Smit Patrick , Liu Chun-Ming , Thomma Bart P. H. J.
Published: September 2012

Recognition of pathogen effectors by plant immune receptors often leads to the activation of a hypersensitive response (HR), which is a rapid and localized cell death of plant tissue surrounding the site at which recognition occurs. Due to its particular amenability to transient assays for functional genetics, tobacco is a model for immune signaling in the Solanaceae plant family. Here, we show that coexpression of the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) immune receptor Ve1 and the corresponding Verticillium effector protein Ave1 leads to HR only in particular tobacco species. Whereas HR is obtained in Nicotiana tabacum, no such response is obtained in N. benthamiana. Furthermore, our analysis revealed an endogenous Ve1 ortholog in Nicotiana glutinosa, as expression of Ave1 in absence of Ve1 induced a HR, and N. glutinosa was found to be resistant against race 1 Verticillium dahliae. We furthermore report the establishment of virus-induced gene silencing in N. tabacum for functional analysis of Ve1 signaling. Collectively, our data show that N. tabacum can be used as a model plant to study Ve1-mediated immune signaling.
An Integrated Badnavirus Is Prevalent in Fig Germplasm
Authors: Laney Alma G. , Hassan Mohamed , Tzanetakis Ioannis E.
Published: September 2012

Fig mosaic occurs worldwide and is the most common and important viral disease of fig. In the quest to identify the causal agent of the disease, several new viruses have been identified, including a new DNA virus, the subject of this communication. Phylogenetic analysis placed the virus, provisionally named Fig badnavirus-1 (FBV-1), in the genus Badnavirus, family Caulimoviridae. The experimental host range of FBV-1 was evaluated and the virus was mechanically transmitted to several herbaceous hosts. FBV-1 was detected in the National Clonal Germplasm Repository fig collection and additional samples from Arkansas, California, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, and South Carolina, suggesting its wide distribution in the United States. Further tests revealed the presence of FBV-1 in seedlings and meristem tissue culture plants. Forty-four isolates were used in a study evaluating the population structure of the virus in the United States. Evidence that FBV-1 is integrated in the fig genome is presented and discussed.
Cone monochromacy and visual pigment spectral tuning in wobbegong sharks
Authors: Theiss Susan M. , Davies Wayne I. L. , Collin Shaun P. , Hunt David M. , Hart Nathan S.
Published: September 2012

Much is known regarding the evolution of colour vision in nearly every vertebrate class, with the notable exception of the elasmobranchs. While multiple spectrally distinct cone types are found in some rays, sharks appear to possess only a single class of cone and, therefore, may be colour blind. In this study, the visual opsin genes of two wobbegong species,
Orectolobus maculatus
and
Orectolobus ornatus
, were isolated to verify the molecular basis of their monochromacy. In both species, only two opsin genes are present,
RH1
(rod) and
LWS
(cone), which provide further evidence to support the concept that sharks possess only a single cone type. Examination of the coding sequences revealed substitutions that account for interspecific variation in the photopigment absorbance spectra, which may reflect the difference in visual ecology between these species.
Late Pleistocene species distribution modelling of North Atlantic intertidal invertebrates
Authors: Waltari Eric , Hickerson Michael J.
Published: September 2012

Aim

In this study we test molecular‐based biogeographical hypotheses of Pleistocene persistence and recolonization in a North Atlantic rocky intertidal invertebrate assemblage using species distribution modelling.

Location

North Atlantic coastlines.

Methods

We develop a novel application of species distribution models for intertidal taxa by using both oceanographic and terrestrial environmental variables recently made available at biologically relevant pixel resolutions. We use these model‐based distribution estimates to test alternative hypotheses of late Pleistocene history across six amphi‐Atlantic taxa whose hypothesized Pleistocene distributions are constructed from previous population genetic inferences.

Results

Species distribution models correctly estimate all six current amphi‐Atlantic distributions on both sides of the Atlantic. Models hindcasted to the Last Glacial Maximum estimate trans‐Atlantic distributional persistence in three of six taxa, and conversely indicate no suitable habitat on the North American coastline in the other three taxa. These results are consistent with the histories inferred from population genetic data for five of six of the taxa, the exception being Nucella lapillus, whose hindcasted trans‐Atlantic persistence at the Last Glacial Maximum contrasts with the mitochondrial DNA‐based estimates of post‐glacial expansion from Europe to North America.

Main conclusions

Marine and terrestrial distribution models are broadly concordant with known contemporary distributions and fail to reject five of six historical distributional hypotheses based on population genetic inferences. This demonstrated utility suggests that this technique could be expanded to examine how Pleistocene and contemporary climate change might play a role in intertidal species distributions across the entire community. Future application and development of these marine and terrestrial distribution models will strengthen inferences regarding the processes generating intertidal community assembly and population divergence, and may assist in conservation planning and the design of marine reserves.
Trait impulsivity in suicide attempters: Preliminary study
Authors: Doihara Chiho , Kawanishi Chiaki , Ohyama Nene , Yamada Tomoki , Nakagawa Makiko , Iwamoto Yohko , Odawara Toshinari , Hirayasu Yoshio
Published: September 2012

Suicide attempt is a risk factor for suicide. To investigate trait impulsivity among suicide attempters, 93 attempters admitted to an emergency department and 113 healthy controls were evaluated using the Japanese version of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS‐11J). Impulsivity was analyzed in relation to clinical data in the attempters. Total BIS‐11J, attention impulsiveness, and motor impulsiveness scores were significantly higher in the attempters than in the controls. Both total BIS‐11J and non‐planning impulsiveness scores were significantly higher in attempters with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders among the diagnostic groups. Control of impulsivity should be considered as one of the targets for suicide prevention.
Factor structure of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale in community‐dwelling subjects in Japan
Authors: Sugawara Norio , Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Kaneda Ayako , Sato Yasushi , Tsuchimine Shoko , Fujii Akira , Danjo Kazuma , Takahashi Ippei , Matsuzaka Masashi , Kaneko Sunao
Published: September 2012

This study examined the internal consistency and structural/construct validity of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) for community‐dwelling subjects in Japan. A cross‐sectional study that included 929 participants was conducted. Structural/construct validity was assessed on confirmatory factor analysis. The internal consistency reliability was good for the overall LSAS scale (α = 0.97) and for its original four factors (α = 0.92–0.89). The original four‐factor model fit the observed data relatively better than alternative models. These findings indicate that the LSAS is a valid and reliable measure of anxiety symptoms for this community‐dwelling population in Japan.
Malignant mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the kidney: Report of the first male case
Authors: Suzuki Toshiro , Hiragata Shiro , Hosaka Kyoko , Oyama Toshio , Kuroda Naoto , Hes Ondrej , Michal Michal
Published: September 2012

Mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the kidney is a rare benign tumor that consists of both epithelial and stromal cells. To date, eight malignant cases have previously been reported in female patients only. We report the first case of malignant mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the kidney in a male patient. A 67‐year‐old Japanese man receiving hormonal therapy for prostatic cancer was found to have a right renal cystic tumor and underwent right nephrectomy. Histologically, the tumor was composed of benign epithelial and stromal cells in addition to malignant undifferentiated stromal cells. Immunohistochemically, the malignant stromal component was positive for cluster of differentiation 99 and B‐cell lymphoma 2, but no chimeric transcripts for synovial sarcoma were identified. Finally, a diagnosis of malignant mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the kidney was recorded. Urologists and pathologists should recognize that malignant mixed epithelial and stromal tumors of the kidney might occur in male patients receiving hormonal therapy for prostatic cancer.
The role of community pharmacists in monitoring adverse drug reactions in Nigeria
Authors: Osemene Kanayo Patrick , Ayeni Mopelola Ibidunni , Afolabi Margaret Olubunmi
Published: September 2012

Objectives

To identify the common types of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) detected and reported by community pharmacists in Nigeria. In addition we examined the extent of community pharmacists' involvement in ADR activities and evaluated the factors influencing community pharmacists' role in monitoring and reporting ADRs.

Methods

The study was conducted among community pharmacists using a convenience sampling process. Verbal consent to participate in the study was sought during this initial contact. Structured and pre-tested questionnaires made up of closed and open-ended questions were given to the community pharmacists. Community pharmacists answered questions on demographics, the extent of their involvement in ADR activities, pharmacological class of drugs causing ADRs and number of ADRs detected and reported as well as the factors influencing their role in ADR activities.

Key findings

Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The response rate for the study was 92.7%. The extent of involvement of community pharmacists in ADR activities was low. A total of 41cases of ADRs were identified and reported. Variables that were significant at P < 0.05 and the study revealed that influences on community pharmacists' role in ADR activities were knowledge of ADRs (1.369), community pharmacists' experience (1.330) and patients' medical information (1.183).

Conclusion

Analyses indicated that all classes of drugs examined, including herbal medicines, caused ADRs. This is contrary to the widely held view that herbal preparations are non-toxic in nature. Hence, this finding will elicit more interest in effective medication management and monitoring.
CULTURAL VARIATION IN RUGBY SKILLS: A PRELIMINARY NEUROANTHROPOLOGICAL REPORT
Authors: Downey Greg
Published: September 2012

Cultural differences in sports playing styles may be the result of players possessing diverging cognitive–perceptual strategies, with resulting differences in the underlying neurological correlates of skilled behavior. The chapter describes the preliminary stages of an applied project with national rugby unions to understand how different developmental environments for skill acquisition may effect cognitive variation by making use of “degenerate” neurological structures, or the ability of multiple neurological structures to produce similar outcomes. Neurocognitive differences in skill have implications for talent identification, appropriate training, and the difficulty of capturing skilled action in laboratory settings, which artificially narrow players’ potential to use diverse problem solving strategies.
EMPATHY AND THE ROBOT: A NEUROANTHROPOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Glaskin Katie
Published: September 2012

Roboticists developing socially interactive robots seek to design them in such a way that humans will readily anthropomorphize them. For this anthropomorphizing to occur, robots need to display emotion‐like responses to elicit empathy from the person, so as to enable social interaction. This article focuses on roboticists’ efforts to create emotion‐like responses in humanoid robots. In particular, I investigate the extent to which the cultural dimensions of emotion and empathy are factored into these endeavors. Recent research suggests that mirror neurons or other brain structures may have a role to play in empathy and imitation. Notwithstanding this, the effect of sociocultural experience in shaping appropriate empathic responses and expectations is also crucial. More broadly, this article highlights how we are literally anthropomorphizing technology, even as the complexity of technology and the role it plays in our lives grows. Both the actual design process and the understanding of how technology shapes our daily lives are core applied dimensions of this work, from carrying out the research to capturing the critical implications of these technological innovations.
LIFE HISTORY AND REAL LIFE: AN EXAMPLE OF NEUROANTHROPOLOGY IN ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIA
Authors: Burbank Victoria K.
Published: September 2012

A recent conceptual reworking of the developmental origins of health and disease model that places it within a life history framework is used to interpret some of the history of people living today in the remote Arnhem Land community of Numbulwar. This approach suggests some of the means by which their past circumstances may have had an impact on their current health. A combination of history, ethnography, and the neurobiology of stress and pregnancy provides a neuroanthropological approach for considering the manner in which environmental stressors, particularly those of social origin, may have intergenerational consequences for health.
Psychological distress among university female students and their need for mental health services
Authors: Bernhardsdóttir J. , Vilhjálmsson R.
Published: September 2012

Accessible summary

The purpose of this research was to assess psychological distress among university female students and identify their mental health service needs.

Rates of elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety among university women students was 22.5% and 21.2%, respectively, which is similar to women of the same age in the general population. The mean level of depressive symptoms was however lower among the female students.

Results showed that little less than one‐third of psychologically distressed women students had received professional help, and only 1.4% had received mental health counselling from nurses.

Most of the distressed female students experienced mild to moderate levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms, which indicates a need for prevention or early intervention measures.

This need is a challenge for nurses working in the primary care sector, including the educational system. They are in a unique position to screen for psychological distress and provide or initiate preventive services or early interventions, including outreach programmes within schools where most young people are reachable.

Psychological distress among university students, especially young women, is of increasing concern. This study focuses on the prevalence of psychological distress among female university students and their need for mental health services. The analysis is based on two cross‐sectional surveys, an internet survey among women students attending the University of Iceland in the spring of 2007, and a postal survey of Icelandic female adults conducted in the Fall of 2006. Psychological distress was measured with the Symptom Checklist‐90 Depression and Anxiety subscales. The prevalence of above‐threshold depression and anxiety among the university women students was 22.5% and 21.2% respectively. Results showed that the mean depression score was significantly lower among the students than among women of the same age in the general population. However, little less than one‐third of students with elevated distress levels received any professional help. Only 1.4% of the distressed students received mental help care from nurses. The high proportion of distressed female students not receiving professional help is a challenge to the primary health‐care system and the nursing profession. This also raises questions about the adequacy of the current system of health‐care delivery and the potential advantages of on‐campus health services, in closer proximity to the students.
Retrospective review of trends in assaults and seclusion at an acute psychiatric ward over a 5‐year period
Authors: Luckhoff M. , Jordaan E. , Swart Y. , Cloete K. J. , Koen L. , Niehaus D. J. H.
Published: September 2012

Accessible summary

Research on trends in assaults and seclusion over time in developing countries such as South Africa is scant.

Here, we assessed trends in assaults and seclusion, stratified by gender, at the acute admission wards in one psychiatric facility over a 5‐year period.

The results of this study show that continuous monitoring of assaults and seclusions is important to improve quality of care.

In developing countries such as South Africa, not much is known about the prevalence of assaults and seclusion occurring in mental health wards over time. Here, we describe a 5‐year trend in assaults and seclusions, stratified by gender, at Stikland Hospital, South Africa. A retrospective review of clinical records of patients admitted to the acute psychiatric admission wards at Stikland and involved in assault and secluded was undertaken between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2010. Data on the number of patient and staff assaults as well as seclusions, gender, age, marital status, level of education, level of income, duration of hospital admission and primary psychiatric diagnosis were collected. Significantly (P < 0.01) more men than women engaged in patient assaults, while significantly (P < 0.01) more men were secluded than women. On a monthly basis, the number of gender‐stratified patient assaults and seclusions significantly increased (P < 0.01) throughout the study period. In conclusion, we show here that gender had a significant effect on both patient assault and seclusion numbers, which increased towards the end of the study period. Monitoring of these events is therefore important to continuously improve quality of care.
Restoring Rhythm in the Broken Heart
Authors: Baker Aaron B.
Published: September 2012

Gene transfer of a gap junction protein connexin 43 may reduce the risk of arrhythmia after heart attack.
Dietary fat source alters hepatic gene expression profile and determines the type of liver pathology in rats overfed via total enteral nutrition
Authors: Ronis M. J. J. , Baumgardner J. N. , Marecki J. C. , Hennings L. , Wu X. , Shankar K. , Cleves M. A. , Gomez-Acevedo H. , Badger T. M.
Published: September 2012

To determine if dietary fat composition affects the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), we overfed male Sprague-Dawley rats low (5%) or high (70%) fat diets with different fat sources: olive oil (OO), corn oil (CO), or echium oil (EO), with total enteral nutrition (TEN) for 21 days. Overfeeding of the 5% CO or 5% EO diets resulted in less steatosis than 5% OO ( P < 0.05). Affymetrix array analysis revealed significant differences in hepatic gene expression signatures associated with greater fatty acid synthesis, ChREBP, and SREBP-1c signaling and increased fatty acid transport ( P < 0.05) in the 5% OO compared with 5% CO group. The OO groups had macrosteatosis, but no evidence of oxidative stress or necrosis. The 70% CO and 70% EO groups had a mixture of micro- and macrosteatosis or only microsteatosis, respectively; increased oxidative stress; and increased necrotic injury relative to their respective 5% groups ( P < 0.05). Oxidative stress and necrosis correlated with increasing peroxidizability of the accumulated triglycerides. Affymetrix array analysis comparing the 70% OO and 70% CO groups revealed increased antioxidant pathways and lower expression of genes linked to inflammation and fibrosis in the 70% OO group. A second study in which 70% OO diet was overfed for 50 days produced no evidence of progression of injury beyond simple steatosis. These data suggest that dietary fat type strongly influences the progression of NAFLD and that a Mediterranean diet high in olive oil may reduce the risk of NAFLD progressing to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Controlled reoxygenation cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with reduced transcriptomic changes in cyanotic tetralogy of Fallot patients undergoing surgery
Authors: Ghorbel Mohamed T. , Mokhtari Amir , Sheikh Maimuna , Angelini Gianni D. , Caputo Massimo
Published: September 2012

In cyanotic patients undergoing repair of heart defects, high level of oxygen during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) leads to greater susceptibility to myocardial ischemia and reoxygenation injury. This study investigates the effects of controlled reoxygenation CPB on gene expression changes in cyanotic hearts of patients undergoing surgical correction of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). We randomized 49 cyanotic TOF patients undergoing corrective cardiac surgery to receive either controlled reoxygenation or hyperoxic/standard CPB. Ventricular myocardium biopsies were obtained immediately after starting and before discontinuing CPB. Microarray analyses were performed on samples, and array results validated with real-time PCR. Gene expression profiles before and after hyperoxic/standard CPB revealed 35 differentially expressed genes with three upregulated and 32 downregulated. Upregulated genes included two E3 Ubiquitin ligases. The products of downregulated genes included intracellular signaling kinases, metabolic process proteins, and transport factors. In contrast, gene expression profiles before and after controlled reoxygenation CPB revealed only 11 differentially expressed genes with 10 upregulated including extracellular matrix proteins, transport factors, and one downregulated. The comparison of gene expression following hyperoxic/standard vs. controlled reoxygenation CPB revealed 59 differentially expressed genes, with six upregulated and 53 downregulated. Upregulated genes included PDE1A, MOSC1, and CRIP3. Downregulated genes functionally clustered into four major classes: extracellular matrix/cell adhesion, transcription, transport, and cellular metabolic process. This study provides direct evidence that hyperoxic CPB decreases the adaptation and remodeling capacity in cyanotic patients undergoing TOF repair. This simple CPB strategy of controlled reoxygenation reduced the number of genes whose expression was altered following hyperoxic/standard CPB.
Blind‐Matched Filtering for Speech Enhancement with Distributed Microphones
Authors: Stenzel Sebastian , Freudenberger Jürgen
Published: September 2012

A multichannel noise reduction and equalization approach for distributed microphones is presented. The speech enhancement is based on a blind‐matched filtering algorithm that combines the microphone signals such that the output SNR is maximized. The algorithm is developed for spatially uncorrelated but nonuniform noise fields, that is, the noise signals at the different microphones are uncorrelated, but the noise power spectral densities can vary. However, no assumptions on the array geometry are made. The proposed method will be compared to the speech distortion‐weighted multichannel Wiener filter (SDW‐MWF). Similar to the SDW‐MWF, the new algorithm requires only estimates of the input signal to noise ratios and the input cross‐correlations. Hence, no explicit channel knowledge is necessary. A new version of the SDW‐MWF for spatially uncorrelated noise is developed which has a reduced computational complexity, because matrix inversions can be omitted. The presented blind‐matched filtering approach is similar to this SDW‐MWF for spatially uncorrelated noise but additionally achieves some improvements in the speech quality due to a partial equalization of the acoustic system.
Effects of Buyang Huanwu Decoction on Ventricular Remodeling and Differential Protein Profile in a Rat Model of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhou Ying Chun , Liu Bin , Li Ying Jia , Jing Lin Lin , Wen Ge , Tang Jing , Xu Xin , Lv Zhi Ping , Sun Xue Gang
Published: September 2012

Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) is a well-known and canonical Chinese medicine formula from “Correction on Errors in Medical Classics” in Qing dynasty. Here, we show that BYHWD could alleviate the ventricular remodeling induced by left anterior descending (LAD) artery ligation in rats. BYHWD treatment (18 g/kg/day) decreased heart weight/body weight (HW/BW), left ventricle (LV) dimension at end diastole (LVDd) and increased LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV fractional shortening (LVFS) significantly compared to model group at the end of 12 weeks. The collagen volume of BYHWD group was more significantly decreased than that of model group. Proteomic analysis showed that atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) was downregulated; heat shock protein beta-6 (HSPB6) and peroxiredoxin-6 (PRDX6) were upregulated in BYHWD-treated group among successfully identified proteins. The apoptotic index (AI) was reduced by BYHWD accompanied by decreased expression of Bax and caspase 3 activity, increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and phosphorylation of HSPB6 compared to that of model group. Taken together, these results suggest that BYHWD can alleviate ventricular remodeling induced by LAD artery ligation. The antiremodeling effects of BYHWD are conferred by decreasing AI through affecting multiple targets including increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio and decreased caspase 3 activity that might be via upregulated PRDX6, phosphorylation of HSPB6 and subsequently reduction of ANF.
Pattern Classification of Signals Using Fisher Kernels
Authors: Athavale Yashodhan , Krishnan Sridhar , Guergachi Aziz
Published: September 2012

The intention of this study is to gauge the performance of Fisher kernels for dimension simplification and classification of time‐series signals. Our research work has indicated that Fisher kernels have shown substantial improvement in signal classification by enabling clearer pattern visualization in three‐dimensional space. In this paper, we will exhibit the performance of Fisher kernels for two domains: financial and biomedical. The financial domain study involves identifying the possibility of collapse or survival of a company trading in the stock market. For assessing the fate of each company, we have collected financial time‐series composed of weekly closing stock prices in a common time frame, using Thomson Datastream software. The biomedical domain study involves knee signals collected using the vibration arthrometry technique. This study uses the severity of cartilage degeneration for classifying normal and abnormal knee joints. In both studies, we apply Fisher Kernels incorporated with a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) for dimension transformation into feature space, which is created as a three‐dimensional plot for visualization and for further classification using support vector machines. From our experiments we observe that Fisher Kernel usage fits really well for both kinds of signals, with low classification error rates.