bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psoriasis als anlagebedingte Erkrankung in der berufsdermatologischen Beurteilung
Authors: Mahler Vera , Diepgen Thomas , Skudlik Christoph , Becker Detlef , Dickel Heinrich , Fartasch Manige , Geier Johannes , Häberle Michael , Hillen Uwe , Krohn Steffen , John Swen Malte , Weisshaar Elke , Werfel Thomas , Zagrodnik Fred
Published: May 2014

Hintergrund

Die Psoriasis ist eine anlagebedingte Erkrankung. Krankheitsschübe können durch exogene mechanische oder irritative Reize ausgelöst werden. Bei der berufsdermatologischen Behandlung/Begutachtung muss differenziert werden, ob die berufliche Tätigkeit mit der Erkrankung in ursächlichem Zusammenhang steht oder ob der Spontanverlauf der Psoriasis im Vordergrund steht. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist, die sozialrechtlich bedingten Grundlagen für eine einheitliche Beurteilung darzustellen.

Patienten und Methodik

Unter Kenntnis der bestehenden Begutachtungsempfehlungen und Rechtsprechung wurden Empfehlungen zur Begutachtung von Patienten mit Psoriasis und arbeitsbedingten Einflüssen in einer Arbeitsgruppe der Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Berufs‐ und Umweltdermatologie (ABD) und der Deutschen Kontaktallergie‐Gruppe (DKG) in der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG) entwickelt.

Ergebnisse

Voraussetzung für eine Berufskrankheit ist, dass zwischen versicherter Tätigkeit und Hautkrankheit ein ursächlicher Zusammenhang (im Sinne der Entstehung oder der Verschlimmerung) besteht. Dies ist der Fall, wenn die berufliche Tätigkeit die alleinige oder eine rechtlich wesentlich mitwirkende Bedingung für die Erkrankung darstellt. Ein rechtlich wesentlicher Ursachenzusammenhang ist zu verneinen, wenn für die Auslösung der Krankheitserscheinungen gewöhnliche Belastungen des täglichen Lebens ausreichen (Gelegenheitsursache). 1995–2010 wurden 130 Psoriasisfälle von den Unfallversicherungsträgern als berufsbedingt anerkannt.

Schlussfolgerungen

Bei der berufsdermatologischen Begutachtung von Psoriasiserkrankungen handelt es sich um eine Einzelfallbeurteilung durch den Gutachter. Im vorliegenden Positionspapier werden Empfehlungen zur einheitlichen Beurteilungsgrund­lage im Hinblick auf Diagnosesicherung, Beurteilung arbeitsbedingter Verursachung/Verschlimmerung der Psoriasis, MdE‐Schätzung und rehabilitative Leistungen vorgestellt.
Die Kombinationstherapie infantiler Hämangiome mit gepulstem Farbstofflaser und Nd:YAG‐Laser ist wirksam und sicher
Authors: Kaune Kjell M. , Lauerer Peter , Kietz Silke , Eich Christoph , Thoms Kai‐Martin , Schön Michael P. , Zutt Markus
Published: May 2014

Hintergrund

Infantile Hämangiome (IH) können zu schwerwiegenden Komplikationen wie Obstruktion, Ulzeration oder Herzinsuffizienz fhren. Daher ist bei bestimmten Problemlokalisationen oder bei ausbleibender Regression eine rechtzeitige und suffiziente Therapie notwendig. Da systemische Therapien wie der β‐Blocker Propranolol oder orale Kortikosteroide in seltenen Fällen ernstzunehmende Nebenwirkungen haben können, sind gut wirksame und verträgliche Lokaltherapien als Ergänzung oder Alternative wnschenswert.

Patienten und Methodik

Im Rahmen einer interdisziplinären retrospektiven Studie wurden 38 Kinder mit insgesamt 77 IH mit dem gepulsten Farbstofflaser (PDL) (595 nm) und Nd:YAG‐Laser (1 064 nm) behandelt. Der Therapieerfolg und die Nebenwirkungen wurden sowohl anhand objektiver Parameter wie sonographisch bestimmter Tiefenausdehnung als auch subjektiv von den Eltern der Kinder bewertet.

Ergebnisse

Alle 77 behandelten IH sprachen auf die Therapie an, wobei 52,8% nach Therapieabschluss abgeheilt waren und 47,2% nur noch eine minimale Restgröfle aufwiesen. Der Behandlungserfolg wurde von den Eltern in 92,6% als sehr gut oder gut bewertet. Als Hauptnebenwirkung trat in 45,9% eine transiente Blasenbildung auf.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Kombinationsbehandlung mit PDL und Nd:YAG‐Laser ist eine wirksame und nebenwirkungsarme lokale Therapie gegen IH.
Dermatoskopie amelanotischer und hypomelanotischer Melanome
Authors: Stojkovic‐Filipovic Jelena , Kittler Harald
Published: May 2014

Das amelanotische Melanom ist ein nichtpigmentierter Subtyp des kutanen Melanoms. Seine klinische Diagnose stellt eine Herausforderung dar, weil es eine Vielzahl anderer Hautkrankheiten wie gutartige oder maligne melanozytäre und nichtmelanozytäre Tumoren sowie entzndliche Hauterkrankungen imitieren kann. Wie bei den diagnostischen Fortschritten bei pigmentierten Läsionen, könnte die Dermatoskopie den Kliniker auch bei der Diagnose der nichtpigmentierten Hauttumoren im Allgemeinen und den amelanotischen Melanomen im Besonderen untersttzen. Wir haben eine Literatursuche durchgefhrt, um die wichtigsten dermatoskopischen Kriterien bei der Begutachtung amelanotischer und hypomelanotischer Melanome herauszufiltern. Darber hinaus stellen wir acht konsekutive Fälle vor und diskutieren deren klinische und dermatoskopische Charakteristika vor dem Hintergrund der publizierten Daten.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Ebstein's Anomaly
Authors: Booker Oscar J. , Nanda Navin C.
Published: May 2014

Ebstein's anomaly is a complex congenital lesion which primarily involves the tricuspid valve. The tricuspid leaflets are tethered to varying degrees to the right ventricular free wall and the ventricular septum often resulting in significant tricuspid regurgitation and a small functioning right ventricular chamber. Although the septal leaflet originates normally at the right atrioventricular junction, the proximal portion is often completely tethered to the ventricular septum resulting in a misconception and erroneous statements in many publications that its attachment is apically displaced. Although two‐dimensional echocardiography represents the primary modality for the diagnosis of this anomaly, three‐dimensional echocardiography provides incremental value in characterizing the extent and severity of tethering of individual tricuspid valve leaflets. This information is useful in surgical decision making whether to repair or replace the tricuspid valve.
DESIGNED TO FAIL: THE MEDICARE AUCTION FOR DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
Authors: Cramton Peter , Ellermeyer Sean , Katzman Brett
Published: May 2014

We examine the theoretical properties of the auction for Medicare Durable Medical Equipment. Two unique features of the Medicare auction are (1) winners are paid the median winning bid and (2) bids are nonbinding. We show that median pricing results in allocation inefficiencies as some high‐cost firms potentially displace low‐cost firms as winners. Further, the auction may leave demand unfulfilled as some winners refuse to supply because the price is set below their cost. We also introduce a model of nonbinding bids that establishes the rationality of a lowball bid strategy employed by many bidders in the actual Medicare auctions and recently replicated in Caltech experiments. We contrast the median‐price auction with the standard clearing‐price auction where each firm bids true costs as a dominant strategy, resulting in competitive equilibrium prices and full efficiency. (JEL D44, I11, H57)
Survivability and post‐diapause fitness in a scolytid beetle as a function of overwintering developmental stage and the implications for population dynamics
Authors: DWORSCHAK KAI , GRUPPE AXEL , SCHOPF REINHARD
Published: May 2014

1. It has recently been suggested that expected increases in temperature might lead to an additional generation per season in bark beetles. Thus, populations would grow more rapidly. However, an additional but not fully developed generation could lead to high winter mortality in the pre‐imaginal stages.

2. Winter survivability and post‐diapause fitness as a function of the overwintering developmental stage of the spruce bark beetle Ips typographus L. were studied along an altitudinal cline. Fitness was tested in terms of weight, lipid content and flight capacity.

3. Mortality was significantly lower and emergence per brood system significantly higher for fully developed adults that entered overwintering than for larvae, pupae or callow adults.

4. Post‐diapause fitness in terms of dry weight and flight capacity was significantly higher in individuals that completed development before winter, and lipid contents also showed a trend for being higher in those individuals.

5. In conclusion, in a scenario where effective temperature sums are not adequate for the complete development of an additional generation, models may overestimate population growth by neglecting increased mortality and reduced post‐diapause fitness. The results highlight the importance of considering life‐history traits and indirect effects in addition to abiotic factors such as temperature when modelling population dynamics.
Studying ongoing and spontaneous pain in rodents – challenges and opportunities
Authors: Tappe‐Theodor Anke , Kuner Rohini
Published: May 2014

The measurement of spontaneous ongoing pain in rodents is a multiplex issue and a subject of extensive and longstanding debate. Considering the need to align available rodent models with clinically relevant forms of pain, it is of prime importance to thoroughly characterize behavioral outcomes in rodents using a portfolio of measurements that are not only stimulus‐dependent but also encompass voluntary behavior in unrestrained animals. Moreover, the temporal course and duration of behavioral tests should be taken into consideration when we plan our studies to measure explicit chronic pain, with a particular emphasis on performing longitudinal studies in rodents. While using rodents as model organisms, it is also worth considering their circadian rhythm and the influence of the test conditions on the behavioral results, which are affected by social paradigms, stress and anxiety. In humans, general wellbeing is closely related to pain perception, which also makes it necessary in rodents to consider modulators as well as readouts of overall wellbeing. Optimizing the above parameters in study design and the new developments that are forthcoming to test the affective motivational components of pain hold promise in solving inconsistencies across studies and improving their broad applicability in translational research. In this review, we critically discuss a variety of behavioral tests that have been developed and reported in recent years, attempt to weigh their benefits and potential limitations, and discuss key requirements and challenges that lie ahead in measuring ongoing pain in rodent models.
Characterization of structural disturbances in peats by X‐ray CT‐based density determinations
Authors: Turberg P. , Zeimetz F. , Grondin Y. , Elandoy C. , Buttler A.
Published: May 2014

Bulk density was determined indirectly in peat samples by X‐ray computed tomography (X‐ray CT) and compared with density values obtained by standard laboratory methods. Five Histosols were collected in the same cut‐over peatland, representing various degrees of disturbance related to the process of peat extraction. Soil cores were fully imaged by X‐ray CT with a voxel size of about 0.25 mm. Each one of these five attenuation profiles was analysed and compared with direct density measurements. A linear relationship, to convert attenuation values into density values, is proposed to determine the variation in bulk density with a spatial resolution clearly greater than standard laboratory determinations. It is also shown that X‐ray‐based density values can be effectively used to characterize the structure of peat soils and the possible consequences of disturbances after drainage and peat mining. Under the accepted limitations of the method, X‐ray CT opens up new opportunities to determine the structural quality of peat and to monitor its modifications with time. This indirect diagnostic could be particularly useful to study peatlands' hydraulic systems or evaluate the effectiveness of restoration measures.
Major factors controlling late Pleistocene to Holocene soil development in the Vesuvius area (southern Italy)
Authors: Scarciglia F. , Zumpano V. , Sulpizio R. , Terribile F. , Pulice I. , La Russa M. F.
Published: May 2014

In this paper the role of time and late Pleistocene to middle Holocene climate changes in the Somma‐Vesuvius volcano foothill (southern Italy) is investigated with a multidisciplinary approach. Four volcanic soils inter‐layered between five well‐known and well‐dated primary tephra layers were characterized. Chronological constraints were provided by the pyroclastic layers identified in the field (Pomici di Base, Pomici Verdoline, Agnano Pomici Principali, Mercato and Avellino), ranging between 22 and 3.8 thousand years (ka) before present (BP). These represent products of explosive eruptions of Somma‐Vesuvius and the Phlegrean Fields. Another pyroclastic layer (Agnano Monte Spina) from the Phlegrean Fields was also identified, and other ash layers previously unknown in the Somma‐Vesuvius stratigraphy. These were characterized with SEM‐EDS analyses, and correlated with other eruptions from the Phlegrean Fields (Soccavo 4‐5 and Tufi Biancastri) around 12 and 21 ka BP, respectively, thus resulting in further time constraints for phases of soil development. A detailed characterization of the four pedons integrated morphological, physical, chemical, mineralogical and micromorphological analyses. Soil features were interpreted in terms of dominant genetic processes and environmental conditions. The extent of soil development, assessed with pedogenetic indices and the degree of weathering of primary pumices, was only in part consistent with time‐spans of soil formation, suggesting a more important role of climate than soil age. The different extents of expression of andic properties, pumice weathering and varying clay mineralogy allowed us to relate changes to the main climatic phases that occurred during the late Pleistocene to the mid Holocene.
Differences in Frequency of Shared Song Types Enables Neighbour‐Stranger Discrimination in a Songbird Species with Small Song Repertoire
Authors: Osiejuk Tomasz S.
Published: May 2014

Acoustic Neighbour‐Stranger (N‐S) discrimination is widespread in birds and has evolved to settle territorial disputes with low costs. N‐S discrimination was found both in song‐learning oscines and non‐song‐learning bird taxa, irrespective of the repertoire sizes they have. Therefore, it seems that more than just a single mechanism enable N‐S discrimination. Species with larger repertoires, where males have unique phrases or syllables may rely on such interindividual differences. The majority of birds have rather small repertoires, which often are shared among neighbours. In this case, males are facing the problem of individual recognition when rivals produce songs, at least superficially, identical. To better understand the acoustic basis of N‐S discrimination in species with small and shared repertoires, I studied the ortolan bunting (Emberiza hortulana). Males of this small oscine species are able to N‐S discrimination based on a single song rendition when presented in a playback experiment, regardless of song‐type diversity and song‐sharing level within a particular population. It was also found that songs of the same type sung by different males differ in the frequency of the initial song phrases and these differences persist over years. Here, I tested whether males are able to discriminate among the natural songs and the artificially modified songs of their neighbours in which the frequency was experimentally changed by relatively small value in comparison with the variation range found in this population. Subjects responded significantly more aggressively to the songs with an artificially modified frequency, suggesting that males treat such songs as having come from the repertoire of a non‐neighbour. These results confirm an earlier prediction that differences in the frequency of shared song types enable N‐S discrimination. The study presents one of the possible mechanisms enabling N‐S discrimination in songbirds with small repertoires and stress the role of within‐song‐type variation, which is still understudied song characteristic.
Latent heat exchange in the boreal and arctic biomes
Authors: Kasurinen Ville , Alfredsen Knut , Kolari Pasi , Mammarella Ivan , Alekseychik Pavel , Rinne Janne , Vesala Timo , Bernier Pierre , Boike Julia , Langer Moritz , Belelli Marchesini Luca , van Huissteden Ko , Dolman Han , Sachs Torsten , Ohta Takeshi , Varlagin Andrej , Rocha Adrian , Arain Altaf , Oechel Walter , Lund Magnus , Grelle Achim , Lindroth Anders , Black Andy , Aurela Mika , Laurila Tuomas , Lohila Annalea , Berninger Frank
Published: May 2014

In this study latent heat flux (λE) measurements made at 65 boreal and arctic eddy‐covariance (EC) sites were analyses by using the Penman–Monteith equation. Sites were stratified into nine different ecosystem types: harvested and burnt forest areas, pine forests, spruce or fir forests, Douglas‐fir forests, broadleaf deciduous forests, larch forests, wetlands, tundra and natural grasslands. The Penman–Monteith equation was calibrated with variable surface resistances against half‐hourly eddy‐covariance data and clear differences between ecosystem types were observed. Based on the modeled behavior of surface and aerodynamic resistances, surface resistance tightly controlλEin most mature forests, while it had less importance in ecosystems having shorter vegetation like young or recently harvested forests, grasslands, wetlands and tundra. The parameters of the Penman–Monteith equation were clearly different for winter and summer conditions, indicating that phenological effects on surface resistance are important. We also compared the simulatedλEof different ecosystem types under meteorological conditions at one site. Values ofλEvaried between 15% and 38% of the net radiation in the simulations with mean ecosystem parameters. In general, the simulations suggest thatλEis higher from forested ecosystems than from grasslands, wetlands or tundra‐type ecosystems. Forests showed usually a tighter stomatal control ofλEas indicated by a pronounced sensitivity of surface resistance to atmospheric vapor pressure deficit. Nevertheless, the surface resistance of forests was lower than for open vegetation types including wetlands. Tundra and wetlands had higher surface resistances, which were less sensitive to vapor pressure deficits. The results indicate that the variation in surface resistance within and between different vegetation types might play a significant role in energy exchange between terrestrial ecosystems and atmosphere. These results suggest the need to take into account vegetation type and phenology in energy exchange modeling.
Sun protection and hydration of stratum corneum: a study by 2‐D differential method
Authors: Lécureux M. , Deumié C. , Enoch S.
Published: May 2014

Synopsis

Objective

The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin. Its components and its morphology (such as the size of its cells) play a role in sun protection, and it has been noted that the stratum corneum hydration can change these properties. Sunscreens, applied on the skin, can be more or less effective depending on the stratum corneum characteristics. We therefore propose to simulate the quality of the sun protection and the effect of the stratum corneum hydration on the sun protection.

Methods

We first determined the sunscreen distribution on a plastic substrate using an optical coherence tomography device. We were then able to calculate, by 2‐D differential method, the extinction of several sunscreens. We modelled the hydration of the stratum corneum, by changing the substrate with corneocytes of different thicknesses.

Results

Our results showed that hydrated stratum corneum protects more against the UV. The benefit from changing the substrate varies depending on the sunscreen applied.

Conclusion

We modelled sunscreens on different substrates using electromagnetic simulations. To compare these results with measurements, we have to carefully hydrate or dehydrate the SC: the simulations did not take into account modifications of the surface (water on the surface for example) or any change in the characteristics of the stratum corneum other than the modification of the corneocytes thickness.
Hierarchical Processing in Seven‐Month‐Old Infants
Authors: Kovács Ágnes M. , Endress Ansgar D.
Published: May 2014

Hierarchical structures are crucial to many aspects of cognitive processing and especially for language. However, there still is little experimental support for the ability of infants to learn such structures. Here, we show that, with structures simple enough to be processed by various animals, seven‐month‐old infants seem to learn hierarchical relations. Infants were presented with an artificial language composed of “sentences” made of three‐syllable “words.” The syllables within words conformed to repetition patterns based on syllable tokens involving either adjacent repetitions (e.g., dubaba) or nonadjacent repetitions (e.g., dubadu). Importantly, the sequence of word structures in each sentence conformed to repetition patterns based on word types (e.g., aba‐abb‐abb). Infants learned this repetition pattern of repetition patterns and thus likely a hierarchical pattern based on repetitions, but only when the repeated word structure was based on adjacent repetitions. While our results leave open the question of which exact sentence‐level pattern infants learned, they suggest that infants embedded the word‐level patterns into a higher‐level pattern and thus seemed to acquire a hierarchically embedded pattern.
Maternal Responsiveness and the Development of Directed Vocalizing in Social Interactions
Authors: Gros‐Louis Julie , West Meredith J. , King Andrew P.
Published: May 2014

For effective communication, infants must develop the phonology of sounds and the ability to use vocalizations in social interactions. Few studies have examined the development of the pragmatic use of prelinguistic vocalizations, possibly because gestures are considered hallmarks of early pragmatic skill. The current study investigated infant vocal production and maternal responsiveness to examine the relationship between infant and maternal behavior in the development of infants' vocal communication. Specifically, we asked whether maternal responses to vocalizations could influence the development of prelinguistic vocal usage, as has been documented in recent experimental studies exploring the relation between maternal responses and phonological development. Twelve mother–infant dyads participated over a six‐month period (between 8 and 14 months of age). Mothers completed the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory when infants were 15 months old. Maternal sensitive responses to infant vocalizations in the previous months predicted infants' mother‐directed vocalizations in the following months, rather than overall response rate. Furthermore, mothers' sensitive responding to mother‐directed vocalizations was correlated with an increase in developmentally advanced, consonant–vowel vocalizations and some language measures. This is the first study to document a social shaping mechanism influencing developmental change in pragmatic usage of vocalizations in addition to identifying the specific behaviors underlying development.
Into and out of the tropics: the generation of the latitudinal gradient among New World passerine birds
Authors: Kennedy Jonathan D. , Wang Zhiheng , Weir Jason T. , Rahbek Carsten , Fjeldså Jon , Price Trevor D.
Published: May 2014

Aim

One prominent explanation for the latitudinal gradient in biodiversity proposes that its prime cause is the greater age and/or higher origination rates of tropical clades, and the infrequent or delayed dispersal of their component species into temperate regions. An alternative is that species’ carrying capacities vary regionally, which influences rates of time‐averaged diversification via ecological opportunity. We contrast these hypotheses, in order to assess potential historical influences upon the latitudinal gradient of New World passerine birds (order Passeriformes), comparing patterns among the two suborders present (oscines and suboscines), which are known to have had different routes of dispersal across the region.

Location

New World.

Methods

We examine diversity patterns, their abiotic and biotic correlates, and the distributions of phylogenetically old and young species.

Results

Strong latitudinal gradients are present within both oscine and suboscine birds, with maximum diversity towards the equator, but their overall shapes differ. Among the oscines, older lineages are found towards the north, with progressively younger lineages present further south. Regional variation in oscine richness is statistically well explained by a combination of productivity and elevation (R2 = 0.76). In contrast, few suboscine groups have colonized the north, so their current diversity is well correlated with temperature seasonality (R2 = 0.74).

Main conclusions

Because the oscines colonized the Americas from the north, their latitudinal gradient must reflect regional differences in time‐averaged diversification rates, and not the time present within a region. The richness patterns derived from phylogenetic data and the strong predictive power of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) suggest that the radiation of the oscines is consistent with the idea that entry into a new region stimulates a burst of diversification, which is higher and/or continues for longer in areas with greater carrying capacity. Conversely, the suboscine distributions potentially reflect a large historical barrier to dispersal and niche conservatism of climatic tolerances, possibly coupled with competition from the oscines. Although contemporary conditions can explain much of the passerine diversity patterns, history has had an important influence on the taxonomic composition of this gradient.
The impact of grazing on dung beetle diversity depends on both biogeographical and ecological context
Authors: Barragán Felipe , Moreno Claudia E. , Escobar Federico , Bueno‐Villegas Julián , Halffter Gonzalo
Published: May 2014

Aim

We analysed the effects of grazing on the diversity and structure of dung beetle communities to see whether the biogeographical and ecological contexts influence dung beetle responses. We hypothesized that the responses of dung beetle communities are modulated by both the ecological conditions resulting from the transformation of native vegetation into grazing areas, and the history of the species inhabiting different biogeographical provinces.

Location

The state of Hidalgo, in the Mexican Transition Zone, central Mexico.

Methods

We used a standardized hierarchical sampling procedure in three biogeographical provinces located in Hidalgo. Within each province, we identified the dominant vegetation types, and within these we identified the sites with native vegetation and those modified by grazing. The design included 800 baited pitfall traps, and allowed us to study the response of dung beetle communities with different biogeographical histories to ecological context.

Results

We captured 8707 beetles belonging to 37 species and 17 genera in the subfamily Scarabaeinae. We found that grazing areas only had a negative effect on dung beetle diversity in tropical forest; conversely, in dry environments (pine–oak forest and xerophilous scrubland) diversity in grazing areas was higher than in the native vegetation sites. We did not detect a clear effect in cloud forest sites. Species turnover between the native vegetation and pastures was high locally, and low over larger spatial scales (vegetation type or biogeographical province). In all four vegetation types grazing was associated with differences in dung beetle community composition.

Main conclusions

The impact of grazing on dung beetle diversity is dependent to a considerable degree on the local ecological conditions and the biogeographical context that has shaped the composition of communities over time.
An Approach to Integrating Occupational Safety and Health into Life Cycle Assessment: Development and Application of Work Environment Characterization Factors
Authors: Scanlon Kelly A. , Lloyd Shannon M. , Gray George M. , Francis Royce A. , LaPuma Peter
Published: May 2014

Integrating occupational safety and health (OSH) into life cycle assessment (LCA) may provide decision makers with insights and opportunities to prevent burden shifting of human health impacts between the nonwork environment and the work environment. We propose an integration approach that uses industry‐level work environment characterization factors (WE‐CFs) to convert industry activity into damage to human health attributable to the work environment, assessed as disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs). WE‐CFs are ratios of work‐related fatal and nonfatal injuries and illnesses occurring in the U.S. worker population to the amount of physical output from U.S. industries; they represent workplace hazards and exposures and are compatible with the life cycle inventory (LCI) structure common to process‐based LCA. A proof of concept demonstrates application of the WE‐CFs in an LCA of municipal solid waste landfill and incineration systems. Results from the proof of concept indicate that estimates of DALYs attributable to the work environment are comparable in magnitude to DALYs attributable to environmental emissions. Construction and infrastructure‐related work processes contributed the most to the work environment DALYs. A sensitivity analysis revealed that uncertainty in the physical output from industries had the most effect on the WE‐CFs. The results encourage implementation of WE‐CFs in future LCA studies, additional refinement of LCI processes to accurately capture industry outputs, and inclusion of infrastructure‐related processes in LCAs that evaluate OSH impacts.
Role of Perceived Stress in the Occurrence of Preterm Labor and Preterm Birth Among Urban Women
Authors: Seravalli Laura , Patterson Freda , Nelson Deborah B.
Published: May 2014

Introduction

This study examined whether prenatal perceived stress levels during pregnancy were associated with preterm labor or preterm birth.

Methods

Perceived stress levels were measured at 16 weeks’ gestation or less and between 20 and 24 weeks’ gestation in a sample of 1069 low‐income pregnant women attending Temple University prenatal care clinics. Scores were averaged to create a single measure of prenatal stress. Preterm birth was defined as the occurrence of a spontaneous birth prior to 37 weeks’ gestation. Preterm labor was defined as the occurrence of regular contractions between 20 and 37 weeks' gestation that were associated with changes in the cervix.

Results

Independent of potential confounding factors, prenatal perceived stress was not associated with preterm labor (odds ratio [OR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69‐1.78; P = .66); however, prenatal stress trended toward an association with preterm birth (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.00‐2.23; P = .05). The strongest predictor of preterm labor was a history of preterm labor in a prior pregnancy. Women with a history of preterm labor were 2 times more likely to experience preterm labor in the current pregnancy than women who did not have a preterm labor history (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.05‐4.41; P = .04). Historical risk factors for preterm birth, such as African American race, a history of abortion, or a history of preterm birth, were not related to preterm labor. The strongest predictor of preterm birth was having a history of preterm birth in a prior pregnancy (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.54‐4.24; P < .001).

Discussion

Prenatal perceived stress levels may be a risk factor for preterm birth independent of preterm labor; however, prenatal stress was not associated with preterm labor. Risk factors for preterm labor may be different from those of preterm birth.
Pilot Test of a Preconception and Midwifery Care Promotion Program for College Women
Authors: DeJoy Sharon Bernecki
Published: May 2014

Introduction

College campuses remain an underused setting for implementing the 10 strategies for promoting preconception health proposed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This setting can also be used to educate young women about their options for care in future pregnancies, including midwifery care. To address these needs, the author and 2 peer educators developed and pilot‐tested a multiweek health education program for college women.

Methods

Women from a small public liberal arts college in the mid‐Atlantic region of the United States were recruited to participate in the pilot program, which offered 6 hours of education over 4 weeks in an interactive, participant‐led format. Of 26 women who participated, 20 completed at least 3 of the 4 sessions, as well as the pre‐ and posttests.

Results

The program group reported greater awareness of the importance of preconception health and an increased preference for midwifery care in future pregnancies. Program participants experienced an increase in knowledge about preconception health, midwifery care, and risks associated with cesarean birth, labor induction, and preterm birth, but did not report a statistically significant change in behavior related to preconception health, including lifestyle changes and immunizations.

Discussion

Further research should be conducted with a larger sample, longer follow‐up, and a more rigorous evaluation design to assess the potential contributions of this promising pilot program.
The F pilus mediates a novel pathway of CDI toxin import
Authors: Beck Christina M. , Diner Elie J. , Kim Jeff J. , Low David A. , Hayes Christopher S.
Published: May 2014

Contact‐dependent growth inhibition (CDI) is a widespread form of inter‐bacterial competition that requires direct cell‐to‐cell contact. CDI+ inhibitor cells express CdiA effector proteins on their surface. CdiA binds to specific receptors on susceptible target bacteria and delivers a toxin derived from its C‐terminal region (CdiA‐CT). Here, we show that purified CdiA‐CT536 toxin from uropathogenic Escherichia coli 536 translocates into bacteria, thereby by‐passing the requirement for cell‐to‐cell contact during toxin delivery. Genetic analyses demonstrate that the N‐terminal domain of CdiA‐CT536 is necessary and sufficient for toxin import. The CdiA receptor plays no role in this import pathway; nor do the Tol and Ton systems, which are exploited to internalize colicin toxins. Instead, CdiA‐CT536 import requires conjugative F pili. We provide evidence that the N‐terminal domain of CdiA‐CT536 interacts with F pilin, and that pilus retraction is critical for toxin import. This pathway is reminiscent of the strategy used by small RNA leviviruses to infect F+ cells. We propose that CdiA‐CT536 mimics the pilin‐binding maturation proteins of leviviruses, allowing the toxin to bind F pili and become internalized during pilus retraction.
The past, present and future of secondary metabolite research in the Dothideomycetes
Authors: Muria‐Gonzalez Mariano Jordi , Chooi Yit‐Heng , Breen Susan , Solomon Peter S.
Published: May 2014

The Dothideomycetes represents a large and diverse array of fungi in which prominent plant pathogens are over‐represented. Species within the Cochliobolus, Alternaria, Pyrenophora and Mycosphaerella (amongst others) all cause diseases that threaten food security in many parts of the world. Significant progress has been made over the past decade in understanding how some of these pathogens cause disease at a molecular level. It is reasonable to suggest that much of this progress can be attributed to the increased availability of genome sequences. However, together with revealing mechanisms of pathogenicity, these genome sequences have also highlighted the capacity of the Dothideomycetes to produce an extensive array of secondary metabolites, far greater than originally thought. Indeed, it is now clear that we appear to have only scratched the surface to date in terms of the identification of secondary metabolites produced by these fungi. In the first half of this review, we examine the current status of secondary metabolite research in the Dothideomycetes and highlight the diversity of the molecules discovered thus far, in terms of both structure and biological activity. In the second part of this review, we survey the emerging techniques and technologies that will be required to shed light on the vast array of secondary metabolite potential that is encoded within these genomes. Experimental design, analytical chemistry and synthetic biology are all discussed in the context of how they will contribute to this field.
Susceptibility of Culicoides species biting midges to deltamethrin‐treated nets as determined under laboratory and field conditions in the Balearic Islands, Spain
Authors: DEL RÍO R. , BARCELÓ C. , PAREDES‐ESQUIVEL C. , LUCIENTES J. , MIRANDA M. A.
Published: May 2014

Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of several arboviruses, including bluetongue virus (BTV) and African horse sickness virus (AHSV), which cause diseases in, respectively, sheep and cattle, and horses, and have economic repercussions mainly as a result of trade restrictions. Insecticides can be used to reduce vector populations and hence the spread of disease. Despite the economic importance of these diseases, relatively few studies have evaluated the efficacy of commercially available insecticides and the effectiveness of treated nets against Culicoides species. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the insecticidal effect of commercially available polyethylene nets (ZeroVector®) treated with deltamethrin (4.4 g/kg ± 15%) on Culicoides species. Laboratory and field trials were conducted in Culicoides populations collected in Majorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain. The present study shows that deltamethrin‐treated nets provoke high and rapid mortality (90–100%) in Culicoides midges under laboratory conditions and increase mortality by 13% when deployed in the field.
Life history parameters of the cattle long‐nosed sucking louse, Linognathus vituli
Authors: COLWELL D. D.
Published: May 2014

Cattle sucking lice, Linognathus vituli (L.) (Phthiraptera: Linognathidae), were obtained from naturally infected cattle and maintained within ‘arenas’ affixed to the backs of cattle confined in controlled environment chambers maintained at a constant temperature of 15 °C. Temperatures measured within the arenas at an ambient temperature of 15 °C were constant at about 34 °C and only slightly above the temperature on nearby skin. The effect of temperature on egg development was determined using a gradient of temperatures between 25 °C and 41 °C. Eggs did not develop at temperatures of < 26 °C or > 39 °C. Survival of eggs was highest at temperatures of 30 °C and 35 °C. The earliest hatch was observed at 5 days post‐oviposition (at 33–35 °C). Development was extended to as long as 13 days at the lower temperatures. Kaplan–Meier survival probabilities were compared for lice kept at two densities in the arenas and showed there to be no effect of density on louse survival. Similarly, the mean number of eggs/louse/day over an 8‐day period was not influenced by louse density.
Foliar anatomy and micromorphology of southern South American Alstroemeriaceae: Alstroemerieae, and its systematic implications in Alstroemeria
Authors: Sanso A. Mariel , Aagesen Lone , Xifreda Cecilia C.
Published: May 2014

Alstroemerieae is an exclusively Central and South American tribe belonging to Alstroemeriaceae, which comprises two large genera, Alstroemeria and Bomarea. Alstroemeria has two areas of distribution, mediterranean Chile and central southeastern Brazil. Most Bomarea species grow in forests and hedges in moist areas, however, some species are adapted to dry Andean valleys and high altitudes. Previous leaf anatomical data were obtained from a limited group of species. To assess the value of the anatomical characters for the systematics and their importance as adaptations to different environments, we compared representative species from different geographical areas and habitats. Data regarding leaf anatomy and micromorphology were obtained from light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy and were combined with macromorphology for 27 Alstroemerieae species. In accordance with earlier studies, our results show variation in relation to several leaf morpho‐anatomical characters. Based on these we define seven types. We furthermore analyzed the morpho‐anatomical characters in a phylogenetic context. Morpho‐anatomical characters are highly homoplastic within the family. Leaf anatomy may support monophyly of Baker's informal grouping of Alstroemeria Brazilian species with rigid leaves, however, a more thorough study of Brazilian Alstroemeria species are needed to confirm this.
Mediator subunit 16 functions in the regulation of iron uptake gene expression in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Yue , Wu Huilan , Wang Ning , Fan Huajie , Chen Chunlin , Cui Yan , Liu Hongfei , Ling Hong‐Qing
Published: May 2014

Iron is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development, and its absorption is tightly controlled. Under iron limitation, FIT dimerizes with the four Ib bHLH proteins and activates the expression of iron uptake genes. However, how the dimerized complex activates downstream genes remains unclear.

Using forward genetics, a low‐iron‐sensitive mutant was screened. The corresponding gene (MED16) was isolated, and its biological functions in iron homeostasis were characterized using approaches such as gene expression, protein subcellular localization, protein–protein interaction and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay.

Lesion of MED16 significantly reduced FRO2 and IRT1 expression in Arabidopsis roots. The MED16 mutants showed a low shoot iron concentration and severe leaf chlorosis under iron limitation, whereas it grew normally as wild‐type under iron sufficiency. Furthermore, we showed that MED16 interacted with FIT and improved the binding of the FIT/Ib bHLH complex to FRO2 and IRT1 promoters under iron‐deficient conditions. Additionally, we found that many iron‐deficient response genes, which are regulated by FIT, were also controlled by MED16.

In conclusion, MED16 is involved in the iron deficiency response, and modulates the iron uptake gene expression under iron limitation. Our results increase the understanding of the molecular regulation mechanisms underlying iron uptake and homeostasis in plants.
How light competition between plants affects their response to climate change
Authors: van Loon Marloes P. , Schieving Feike , Rietkerk Max , Dekker Stefan C. , Sterck Frank , Anten Niels P. R.
Published: May 2014

How plants respond to climate change is of major concern, as plants will strongly impact future ecosystem functioning, food production and climate. Here, we investigated how vegetation structure and functioning may be influenced by predicted increases in annual temperatures and atmospheric CO2 concentration, and modeled the extent to which local plant–plant interactions may modify these effects.

A canopy model was developed, which calculates photosynthesis as a function of light, nitrogen, temperature, CO2 and water availability, and considers different degrees of light competition between neighboring plants through canopy mixing; soybean (Glycine max) was used as a reference system.

The model predicts increased net photosynthesis and reduced stomatal conductance and transpiration under atmospheric CO2 increase. When CO2 elevation is combined with warming, photosynthesis is increased more, but transpiration is reduced less. Intriguingly, when competition is considered, the optimal response shifts to producing larger leaf areas, but with lower stomatal conductance and associated vegetation transpiration than when competition is not considered. Furthermore, only when competition is considered are the predicted effects of elevated CO2 on leaf area index (LAI) well within the range of observed effects obtained by Free air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiments.

Together, our results illustrate how competition between plants may modify vegetation responses to climate change.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of experimental clinical evidence on initial aligning archwires and archwire sequences
Authors: Papageorgiou S. N. , Konstantinidis I. , Papadopoulou K. , Jäger A. , Bourauel C.
Published: May 2014

The aim of the study was to assess treatment effects and potential side effects of different archwires used on patients receiving orthodontic therapy. Electronic and manual unrestricted searches were conducted in 19 databases including MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar until April 2012 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs. After duplicate study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment with the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and narrative analysis, mean differences (MDs) with confidence intervals (CIs) of similar studies were pooled using a random‐effects model and evaluated with GRADE. A total of 16 RCTs were included assessing different archwire characteristics on 1108 patients. Regarding initial archwires, meta‐analysis of two trials found slightly greater irregularity correction with an austenitic‐active nickel‐titanium (NiTi) compared with an martensitic‐stabilized NiTi archwire (corresponding to MD: 1.11 mm, 95% CI: −0.38 to 2.61). Regarding archwire sequences, meta‐analysis of two trials found it took patient treated with a sequence of martensitic‐active copper‐nickel‐titanium (CuNiTi) slightly longer to reach the working archwire (MD: 0.54 months, 95% CI: −0.87 to 1.95) compared with a martensitic‐stabilized NiTi sequence. However, patients treated with a sequence of martensitic‐active CuNiTi archwires reported general greater pain intensity on the Likert scale 4 h and 1 day after placement of each archwire, compared with a martensitic‐stabilized NiTi sequence. Although confidence in effect estimates ranged from moderate to high, meta‐analyses could be performed only for limited comparisons, while inconsistency might pose a threat to some of them. At this point, there is insufficient data to make recommendations about the majority of initial archwires or for a specific archwire sequence.
Vision impairment and dual sensory problems in middle age
Authors: Dawes Piers , Dickinson Christine , Emsley Richard , Bishop Paul N. , Cruickshanks Karen J. , Edmondson‐Jones Mark , McCormack Abby , Fortnum Heather , Moore David R. , Norman Paul , Munro Kevin
Published: May 2014

Purpose

Vision and hearing impairments are known to increase in middle age. In this study we describe the prevalence of vision impairment and dual sensory impairment in UK adults aged 40–69 years in a very large and recently ascertained data set. The associations between vision impairment, age, sex, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity are reported.

Methods

This research was conducted using the UK Biobank Resource, with subsets of UK Biobank data analysed with respect to self‐report of eye problems and glasses use. Better‐eye visual acuity with habitually worn refractive correction was assessed with a logMAR chart (n = 116 682). Better‐ear speech reception threshold was measured with an adaptive speech in noise test, the Digit Triplet Test (n = 164 770). Prevalence estimates were weighted with respect to UK 2001 Census data.

Results

Prevalence of mild visual impairment (VA >0.1 logMAR (6/7.5, 20/25) and ≥0.48 (6/18, 20/60)) and low vision (VA >0.48 (6/18, 20/60) and ≥1.3 (6/120, 20/400)) was estimated at 13.1% (95% CI 12.9–13.4) and 0.8% (95% CI 0.7–0.9), respectively. Use of glasses was 88.0% (95% CI 87.9–88.1). The prevalence of dual sensory impairment was 3.1% (95% CI 3.0–3.2) and there was a nine‐fold increase in the prevalence of dual sensory problems between the youngest and oldest age groups. Older adults, those from low socioeconomic and ethnic minority backgrounds were most at risk for vision problems.

Conclusions

Mild vision impairment is common in middle aged UK adults, despite widespread use of spectacles. Increased likelihood of vision impairment with older age and with ethnic minorities is of concern given ageing and more ethnically diverse populations. Possible barriers to optometric care for those from low socioeconomic and ethnic minority backgrounds may require attention. A higher than expected prevalence of dual impairment suggests that hearing and vision problems share common causes. Optometrists should consider screening for hearing problems, particularly among older adults.