bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of Facial Index among Malay Population
Authors: Yesmin Tahamida , Thwin San San , Afrin Urmi Shazia , Wai Mar Mar , Zaini Pu. Fazlin , Azwan Khairil
Published: November 2014

Facial analysis is anthropologically useful to identify the racial, ethnical, and sexual differences. The present study was done to see the sex difference and variation of facial index among Malaysian population. Cross-sectional descriptive type of study was done in Anatomy Department in UniKL RCMP which was performed on 81 Malay people (40 males, 41 females) aged 19–30 years. To measure the morphological parameters (facial height, facial width, and facial index), digital slide calliper and scale were used. There were significant differences found in all facial parameters of males compared with the females. The mean morphological facial height was 111.9 ± 8.4 and morphological facial width was 127.3 ± 8.0. The range of facial index was 67.44–106.90 for males and 75.21–97.99 for females. The total facial index was calculated according to the formula and the results obtained were analyzed statistically using the t-test which was statistically significant (0.003). The dominant phenotype in Malay population was mesoprosopic or round face (45%) and least common face type was hyperleptoprosopic or very long face (5%). There were significant variations in the face index between Malay males and females; further study with large sample size in different races in Malaysia is recommended.
Management of Sjogren’s Syndrome Patient: A Case Report of Prosthetic Rehabilitation with 6-Year Follow-Up
Authors: de Mendonça Invernici Marcos , Finger Stadler Amanda , Vale Nicolau Gastão , Naval Machado Maria Ângela , Soares de Lima Antônio Adilson , Compagnoni Martins Marilia
Published: November 2014

Completely and partially edentulous patients with Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) experience severe hyposalivation, xerostomia, and considerable difficulty in using tissue-supported prosthesis. This clinical paper describes the management, treatment, and 6-year follow-up of a patient diagnosed with SS type II, who uses corticosteroids and antihyperglycemic drugs. The patient received restorative, periodontal, and surgical treatments followed by implant-supported fixed prosthesis. Radiographic evaluation and probing depth showed gingival health and no bone loss after 6 years. Treatment with implant-retained dental prosthesis greatly increased comfort and function, offering an alternative to patients with SS.
Presumed Virus-Induced Punctal Occlusion
Authors: Yulish Michael , Pikkel Joseph
Published: November 2014

Purpose.To investigate viral infection as a cause of punctal stenosis in individuals without any ocular or systemic risk factors.Methods.The study group comprised patients with no known cause for punctal occlusion who underwent surgery at one medical center during a one-year period. Excised tissue was subjected to histological examination, PCR, and nested PCR testing for common viruses (adenovirus, influenza A and B, enterovirus, varicella-zoster, CMV, herpes simplex types 1 and 2, Epstein-Barr virus, and parainfluenza type 1).Results.All nine patients identified were female, 20–38 years of age. The three-snip-procedure resolved tearing in eight of them. All excised samples showed chronic mononuclear inflammation compatible with viral infection or with viral infection immune inflammatory reaction. PCR testing was negative for all the viruses examined; however, nested PCR was positive in three patients.Conclusion.This study supports the proposition that punctal occlusion in young healthy females may be due to viral infection.
Characterizing Finite Groups Using the Sum of the Orders of the Elements
Authors: Harrington Joshua , Jones Lenny , Lamarche Alicia
Published: November 2014

We give characterizations of various infinite sets of finite groups G under the assumption that G and the subgroups H of G satisfy certain properties involving the sum of the orders of the elements of G and H. Additionally, we investigate the possible values for the sum of the orders of the elements of G.
Potentially Life-Threatening Phosphate Diabetes Induced by Ferric Carboxymaltose Injection: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Vandemergel Xavier , Vandergheynst Frédéric
Published: November 2014

We report the case of a 45-year-old female patient who developed phosphate diabetes after administration of ferric carboxymaltose. Ten days after the second dose, she complained of intense fatigue and blood analysis showed a phosphate plasma level of 0.93 mg/dL with phosphate excretion rate of 23%. She received phosphate supplementation which resulted in phosphate clearance improvement which persisted for two months. We reviewed other cases described in the literature and would draw attention to this rare but potentially life-threatening side effect.
Inhibition of Brain Swelling after Ischemia-Reperfusion byβ-Adrenergic Antagonists: Correlation with Increased K+and Decreased Ca2+Concentrations in Extracellular Fluid
Authors: Song Dan , Xu Junnan , Du Ting , Yan Enzhi , Hertz Leif , Walz Wolfgang , Peng Liang
Published: November 2014

Infarct size and brain edema following ischemia/reperfusion are reduced by inhibitors of the Na+, K+, 2Cl−, and water cotransporter NKCC1 and byβ1-adrenoceptor antagonists. NKCC1 is a secondary active transporter, mainly localized in astrocytes, driven by transmembrane Na+/K+gradients generated by the Na+,K+-ATPase. The astrocytic Na+,K+-ATPase is stimulated by small increases in extracellular K+concentration and by theβ-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. Larger K+increases, as occurring during ischemia, also stimulate NKCC1, creating cell swelling. This study showed no edema after 3 hr medial cerebral artery occlusion but pronounced edema after 8 hr reperfusion. The edema was abolished by inhibitors of specificallyβ1-adrenergic pathways, indicating failure of K+-mediated, but notβ1-adrenoceptor-mediated, stimulation of Na+,K+-ATPase/NKCC1 transport during reoxygenation. Ninety percent reduction of extracellular Ca2+concentration occurs in ischemia. Ca2+omission abolished K+uptake in normoxic cultures of astrocytes after addition of 5 mM KCl. A large decrease in ouabain potency on K+uptake in cultured astrocytes was also demonstrated in Ca2+-depleted media, and endogenous ouabains are needed for astrocytic K+uptake. Thus, among the ionic changes induced by ischemia, the decrease in extracellular Ca2+causes failure of the high-K+-stimulated Na+,K+-ATPase/NKCC1 ion/water uptake, makingβ1-adrenergic activation the only stimulus and its inhibition effective against edema.
Adaptive Randomness: A New Population Initialization Method
Authors: Pan Weifeng , Li Kangshun , Wang Muchou , Wang Jing , Jiang Bo
Published: November 2014

Population initialization is a crucial task in population‐based optimization methods,
which can affect the convergence speed and also the quality of the final solutions. Generally,
if no a priori information about the solutions is available, the initial population
is often selected randomly using random numbers. This paper presents a new initialization
method by applying the concept of adaptive randomness (AR) to distribute the
individuals as spaced out as possible over the search space. To verify the performance
of AR, a comprehensive set of 34 benchmark functions with a wide range of dimensions
is utilized. Conducted experiments demonstrate that AR‐based population initialization
performs better than other population initialization methods such as random population
initialization, opposition‐based population initialization, and generalized opposition‐based
population initialization in the convergence speed and the quality of the final
solutions. Further, the influences of the problem dimensionality, the new control
parameter, and the number of trial individuals are also investigated.
Programmed Cell Death 1 (PD-1) and Its Ligand (PD-L1) in Common Cancers and Their Correlation with Molecular Cancer Type
Authors: Gatalica Zoran , Snyder Carrie , Maney Todd , Ghazalpour Anatole , Holterman Daniel A. , Xiao Nianqing , Overberg Peggy , Rose Inga , Basu Gargi D. , Vranic Semir , Lynch Henry T. , Von Hoff Daniel D. , Hamid Omid
Published: November 2014

Cancer cells expressing PD-1 ligands (PD-L1/PD-L2) inhibit immune-modulatory T-cell activation facilitating disease progression. Preliminary clinical trials exploring interruption of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling showed benefit in several cancer types. We analyzed the distribution of PD-1–positive tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and cancer cells' expression of PD-L1 in a molecularly profiled cohort of 437 malignancies (380 carcinomas, 33 sarcomas, and 24 melanomas). We showed that the presence of PD-1+ TILs significantly varied among cancer types (from 0% in extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcomas to 93% in ovarian cancer), and was generally associated with the increased number of mutations in tumor cells (P = 0.029). Cancer cell expression of PD-L1 varied from absent (in Merkel cell carcinomas) to 100% (in chondro- and liposarcomas), but showed the inverse association with the number of detected mutations (P = 0.004). Both PD-1 and PD-L1 expression were significantly higher in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) than in non-TNBC (P < 0.001 and 0.017, respectively). Similarly, MSI-H colon cancers had higher PD-1 and PD-L1 expression than the microsatellite stable tumors (P = 0.002 and 0.02, respectively). TP53-mutated breast cancers had significantly higher PD-1 positivity than those harboring other driver mutations (e.g., PIK3CA; P = 0.002). In non–small cell lung cancer, PD-1/PD-L1 coexpression was identified in 8 cases (19%), which lacked any other targetable alterations (e.g., EGFR, ALK, or ROS1). Our study demonstrated the utility of exploring the expression of two potentially targetable immune checkpoint proteins (PD-1/PD-L1) in a substantial proportion of solid tumors, including some aggressive subtypes that lack other targeted treatment modalities. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(12); 2965–70. ©2014 AACR.
Safety and Efficacy of VCN-01, an Oncolytic Adenovirus Combining Fiber HSG-Binding Domain Replacement with RGD and Hyaluronidase Expression
Authors: Rodríguez-García Alba , Giménez-Alejandre Marta , Rojas Juan J. , Moreno Rafael , Bazan-Peregrino Miriam , Cascalló Manel , Alemany Ramon
Published: November 2014

Purpose: Tumor targeting upon intravenous administration and subsequent intratumoral virus dissemination are key features to improve oncolytic adenovirus therapy. VCN-01 is a novel oncolytic adenovirus that combines selective replication conditional to pRB pathway deregulation, replacement of the heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan putative-binding site KKTK of the fiber shaft with an integrin-binding motif RGDK for tumor targeting, and expression of hyaluronidase to degrade the extracellular matrix. In this study, we evaluate the safety and efficacy profile of this novel oncolytic adenovirus.

Experimental Design: VCN-01 replication and potency were assessed in a panel of tumor cell lines. VCN-01 tumor-selective replication was evaluated in human fibroblasts and pancreatic islets. Preclinical toxicity, biodistribution, and efficacy studies were conducted in mice and Syrian hamsters.

Results: Toxicity and biodistribution preclinical studies support the selectivity and safety of VCN-01. Antitumor activity after intravenous or intratumoral administration of the virus was observed in all tumor models tested, including melanoma and pancreatic adenocarcinoma, both in immunodeficient mice and immunocompetent hamsters.

Conclusions: Oncolytic adenovirus VCN-01 characterized by the expression of hyaluronidase and the RGD shaft retargeting ligand shows an efficacy–toxicity prolife in mice and hamsters by intravenous and intratumoral administration that warrants clinical testing. Clin Cancer Res; 21(6); 1406–18. ©2014 AACR.
Comparison of CD163+ CD206+ M2 Macrophages in the Lesional Skin of Bullous Pemphigoid and Pemphigus Vulgaris: The Possible Pathogenesis of Bullous Pemphigoid
Authors: Furudate Sadanori , Fujimura Taku , Kambayashi Yumi , Kakizaki Aya , Aiba Setsuya
Published: November 2014

Background: M2 macrophages play a critical role in the induction of T helper 2 (Th2) polarization. Methods: To investigate the contribution of M2 macrophages to the pathogenesis of bullous pemphigoid (BP) and pemphigus vulgaris (PV), we employed immunohistochemical staining for CD163 and CD206, as well as pSTAT1, pSTAT6, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, CCL17, CCL18 and Foxp3 in the lesional skin of 10 cases of BP and PV. Results: The numbers of CD163+ CD206+ M2 macrophages were higher in BP than in PV. Moreover, pSTAT6+ cells, CCL17+ cells, CCL18+ cells and Foxp3+ regulatory T cells were prominent only in the lesional skin of BP. To further investigate the function of M2 macrophages, we examined the mRNA expression and production of Th2-related chemokines from M2 macrophages in vitro, which showed a significant increase in the mRNA expression and production of CCL18 when stimulated by IL-4 or IL-13. Conclusion: Our study sheds light onto one of the possible immunological mechanisms of BP and PV.
Efficacy and Safety of Novel Oral Anticoagulants in Patients with Cervical Artery Dissections
Authors: Caprio Fan Z. , Bernstein Richard A. , Alberts Mark J. , Curran Yvonne , Bergman Deborah , Korutz Alexander W. , Syed Faiz , Ansari Sameer A. , Prabhakaran Shyam
Published: November 2014

Background: American and European guidelines support antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants as reasonable treatments of cervical artery dissection (CAD), though randomized clinical trials are lacking. The utility of novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC), effective in reducing embolic stroke risk in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), has not been reported in patients with CAD. We report on the use, safety, and efficacy of NOACs in the treatment of CAD. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients diagnosed with CAD at a single academic center between January 2010 and August 2013. Patients were categorized by their antithrombotic treatment at hospital discharge with a NOAC (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban), traditional anticoagulant (AC: warfarin or treatment dose low-molecular weight heparin), or antiplatelet agent (AP: aspirin, clopidogrel, or aspirin/extended-release dypyridamole). Using appropriate tests, we compared the baseline medical history, presenting clinical symptoms and initial radiographic characteristics among patients in the 3 treatment groups. We then evaluated for the following outcomes: recurrent stroke, vessel recanalization, and bleeding complications. p values <0.05 were considered significant. Results: Of the 149 included patients (mean age 43.4 years; 63.1% female; 70.5% vertebral artery CAD), 39 (26.2%), 70 (47.0%), and 40 (26.8%) were treated with a NOAC, AC, and AP, respectively. More patients with severe stenosis or occlusion were treated with NOAC than with AC or AP (61.8 vs. 60.0 vs. 22.5%, p = 0.002). Other baseline clinical and radiographic findings, including the presence of acute infarction and hematoma, did not differ between the 3 treatment groups. One hundred and thirty-five (90.6%) patients had clinical follow-up (median time 7.5 months) and 125 (83.9%) had radiographic follow-up (median time 5 months) information. There were 2 recurrent strokes in the NOAC group and 1 in each of the AC and AP groups (p = 0.822). There were more major hemorrhagic events in the AC group (11.4%) compared to the NOAC (0.0%) and AP (2.5%) groups (p = 0.034). Three patients treated with NOAC and none treated with AC or AP had a worsened degree of stenosis on follow-up imaging (8.6 vs. 0.0 vs. 0.0%, p = 0.019). Conclusion: Compared to traditional anticoagulants for CAD, treatment with NOACs is associated with similar rates of recurrent stroke, fewer hemorrhagic complications, but greater rates of radiographic worsening. These data suggest that NOACs may be a reasonable alternative in the management of CAD. Prospective validation of these findings is needed.
Photodynamic Therapy in Bowen's Disease: Influence of Histological Features and Clinical Characteristics on Its Success
Authors: Westers-Attema Annet , Lohman Bjorn G.P.M. , van den Heijkant Fleur , Nelemans Patty J. , Winnepenninckx Veronique J. , Kelleners-Smeets Nicole W.J. , Mosterd Klara
Published: November 2014

Background: In Bowen's disease (BD) there is no consensus on optimal treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective non-invasive treatment modality for BD with excellent cosmetic results. Objective: This retrospective study examines whether clinical and histological features of BD impact PDT response. Methods: Patients with previously untreated BD from 2002 until 2007 were identified at the Maastricht University Medical Centre. Patients treated with PDT were included. All histological slides were re-examined. Results: During the study period 98 tumours were treated with PDT. In univariate analysis severe atypia and higher age were associated with decreased probability of clinical clearance. Higher age was also associated with an increased risk of recurrence. In multivariate analysis severe atypia remained the only independent risk factor for therapy failure. Conclusion: In patients with BD, severe atypia and higher age are associated with an increased risk of treatment failure after PDT.
Reliability of Clinical Diagnosis of Dystonia
Authors: Beghi Ettore , Regio Valentina , Papantonio Annamaria , Bentivoglio Anna Rita , Fasano Alfonso , Fogli Danilo , Giordano Laura , Piolti Roberto , Rinaldi Giuseppe , Simone Pasqualino , Specchio Luigi M. , Tonali Pietro , Torelli Paola , Zarrelli Michele , Messina Paolo
Published: November 2014

Background: There is only one small single-center study on the reliability of the diagnosis of focal dystonia. The aim of this study was to assess the inter-rater reliability of dystonia diagnosis among neurologists with different professional experience. Methods: Twenty-nine adults (18 with dystonia, 9 with other movement disorders, and 2 healthy controls) were videotaped while undergoing neurological examination and during the process of collecting information on the history of their condition. Each case was diagnosed by 35 blind raters (12 general neurologists, 21 neurology residents, and 2 experts in movement disorders) from different hospitals. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated confronting raters with the gold standard (the caring physician). Inter-rater agreement was measured by the Kappa statistic. Results: Specificity and sensitivity were 95.2 and 66.7%, 76.3 and 75.2%, 84.6 and 71.6% for experts, general neurologists, and residents, respectively. Kappa values on dystonia diagnosis ranged from 0.30 to 0.46. The agreement was moderate for experts and residents (0.40-0.60) and fair for general neurologists (0.20-0.40). Kappas were the highest among experts for cranial and laryngeal dystonia (0.61-1), but not for cervical dystonia (0.37). Conclusions: The diagnosis of dystonia is difficult and only partially mirrors a physician's background. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Malignant Minor Salivary Gland Carcinomas of the Larynx
Authors: Zhang Ming , Li Ke-nan , Li Cai , Zhou Liang , Zhu Jia-xing , Wang Shu-yi
Published: November 2014

Aims: To explore the clinical characteristics and treatment of malignant minor salivary gland carcinomas of the larynx. Methods: Clinical patient information regarding presentation, pathology, treatment and outcome was obtained through a review of patient charts. Results: Malignant minor salivary carcinomas in the larynx were confirmed pathologically in 15 patients (11 males, 4 females) between 2003 and 2010 in our hospital; 6 patients had mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC; 40%), 6 had adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC; 40%) and 3 had adenocarcinoma (20%). The most common tumour location was the subglottis (60%), followed by the supraglottis (33%). In total, 13 patients underwent surgery, of which 10 (77%) had positive/insufficient resection margins. The mean follow-up time was 42.3 months, with a range of 8-129 months. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 46.7 and 20%, respectively. Conclusion: Malignant minor salivary gland carcinoma of the larynx is a rare disease that showed male predominance in our study. The carcinomas were most often localised in the subglottic region, and the most common histological types were ACC and MEC. Wide-margin surgery with postoperative radiotherapy is advocated. The overall prognosis is poor compared to squamous cell carcinomas of the same location and tumour stage.
Cardiac Arrest and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Outcome Reports: Update of the Utstein Resuscitation Registry Templates for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Perkins Gavin D. , Jacobs Ian G. , Nadkarni Vinay M. , Berg Robert A. , Bhanji Farhan , Biarent Dominique , Bossaert Leo L. , Brett Stephen J. , Chamberlain Douglas , de Caen Allan R. , Deakin Charles D. , Finn Judith C. , Gräsner Jan-Thorsten , Hazinski Mary Fran , Iwami Taku , Koster Rudolph W. , Lim Swee Han , Huei-Ming Ma Matthew , McNally Bryan F. , Morley Peter T. , Morrison Laurie J. , Monsieurs Koenraad G. , Montgomery William , Nichol Graham , Okada Kazuo , Eng Hock Ong Marcus , Travers Andrew H. , Nolan Jerry P. , Aikin Richard P. , Böttiger Bernd W. , Callaway Clifton W. , Castren Maaret K. , Eisenberg Mickey S. , Kleinman Monica E. , Kloeck David A. , Kloeck Walter G. , Mancini Mary E. , Neumar Robert W. , Ornato Joseph P. , Paiva Edison F. , Peberdy Mary Ann , Soar Jasmeet , Rea Thomas , Sierra Alfredo F. , Stanton David , Zideman David A.
Published: November 2014

Utstein-style guidelines contribute to improved public health internationally by providing a structured framework with which to compare emergency medical services systems. Advances in resuscitation science, new insights into important predictors of outcome from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and lessons learned from methodological research prompted this review and update of the 2004 Utstein guidelines. Representatives of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation developed an updated Utstein reporting framework iteratively by meeting face to face, by teleconference, and by Web survey during 2012 through 2014. Herein are recommendations for reporting out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Data elements were grouped by system factors, dispatch/recognition, patient variables, resuscitation/postresuscitation processes, and outcomes. Elements were classified as core or supplemental using a modified Delphi process primarily based on respondents’ assessment of the evidence-based importance of capturing those elements, tempered by the challenges to collect them. New or modified elements reflected consensus on the need to account for emergency medical services system factors, increasing availability of automated external defibrillators, data collection processes, epidemiology trends, increasing use of dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation, emerging field treatments, postresuscitation care, prognostication tools, and trends in organ recovery. A standard reporting template is recommended to promote standardized reporting. This template facilitates reporting of the bystander-witnessed, shockable rhythm as a measure of emergency medical services system efficacy and all emergency medical services system−treated arrests as a measure of system effectiveness. Several additional important subgroups are identified that enable an estimate of the specific contribution of rhythm and bystander actions that are key determinants of outcome.
Right Ventricular Function in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Mohammed Selma F. , Hussain Imad , AbouEzzeddine Omar F. , Takahama Hiroyuki , Kwon Susan H. , Forfia Paul , Roger Véronique L. , Redfield Margaret M.
Published: November 2014

Background—

The prevalence and clinical significance of right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction (RVD) in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are not well characterized.

Methods and Results—

Consecutive, prospectively identified HFpEF (Framingham HF criteria, ejection fraction ≥50%) patients (n=562) from Olmsted County, Minnesota, underwent echocardiography at HF diagnosis and follow-up for cause-specific mortality and HF hospitalization. RV function was categorized by tertiles of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and by semiquantitative (normal, mild RVD, or moderate to severe RVD) 2-dimensional assessment. Whether RVD was defined by semiquantitative assessment or tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion ≤15 mm, HFpEF patients with RVD were more likely to have atrial fibrillation, pacemakers, and chronic diuretic therapy. At echocardiography, patients with RVD had slightly lower left ventricular ejection fraction, worse diastolic dysfunction, lower blood pressure and cardiac output, higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and more severe RV enlargement and tricuspid valve regurgitation. After adjustment for age, sex, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and comorbidities, the presence of any RVD by semiquantitative assessment was associated with higher all-cause (hazard ratio=1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.77;
P
=0.03) and cardiovascular (hazard ratio=1.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.20–2.80;
P
=0.006) mortality and higher first (hazard ratio=1.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.35–2.90;
P
=0.0006) and multiple (hazard ratio=1.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.18–2.78;
P
=0.007) HF hospitalization rates. RVD defined by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion values showed similar but weaker associations with mortality and HF hospitalizations.

Conclusions—

In the community, RVD is common in HFpEF patients, is associated with clinical and echocardiographic evidence of more advanced HF, and is predictive of poorer outcomes.
Host behaviour, age and sex correlate with ectoparasite prevalence and intensity in a colonial mammal, the little brown bat
Authors: Webber Quinn M.R. , McGuire Liam P. , Smith Steven B. , Willis Craig K.R.
Published: November 2014

The influence of behaviour on host-parasite dynamics has theoretical support but few empirical studies have examined this influence for wild-captured hosts, especially in colonial species, which are thought to face generally high risk of exposure. Behavioural tendencies of hosts in novel environments could mediate host exposure. We tested the hypothesis that behavioural tendencies of hosts, and host sex and age, correlate with prevalence and intensity of ectoparasites in a gregarious mammal, the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus). We also tested whether relationships between host behaviour and parasite prevalence and intensity would vary between taxa of ectoparasites which differ in host-seeking behaviour. We predicted that individual hosts displaying active and explorative behaviours would have higher prevalence and intensity of parasites that depend on physical contact among hosts for transmission (mites) but that host behaviour would not influence prevalence and intensity of mobile ectoparasites with active host-seeking behaviour (fleas). We recorded behavioural responses of wild-captured bats in a novel-environment test and then sampled each individual for ectoparasites. After accounting for age and sex we found mixed support for our hypotheses in some but not all demographics. More active adult and young of the year (YOY) males were more likely to host mites while more active adult and YOY females were less likely to host fleas. Our results highlight possible differences in the influence of host and parasite behaviour on parasite transmission dynamics for colonial compared to non-colonial species and have conservation implications for understanding pathogen transmission in bat white-nose syndrome and other wildlife diseases.
The effects of naloxone on courtship and pairing behaviour in male and female zebra finches: the importance of testing mechanisms using multiple paradigms
Authors: Tomaszycki Michelle L. , Schnelker Joanna H. , Zatirka Brendon P.
Published: November 2014

Opioids are implicated in social attachments, but their role in avian pair bonds is not well understood. The present study tested the effects of naloxone, an opioid antagonist, on pairing using both a forced-choice and a mixed-sex aviary paradigm. First, three doses of naloxone were systemically administered in males using a repeated measures forced-choice design, partner preference formation was tested on the second day. Males treated with 20 mg/kg sang less undirected song. Males treated with 10 mg/kg of naloxone sang less to the familiar partner than when treated with saline and were less likely to form a partner preference than were other treatments. In females, 10 mg/kg of naloxone in a forced-choice paradigm increased preference for the unfamiliar over the familiar male. Finally, males and females were administered either naloxone (10 mg/kg) or saline in a mixed-sex aviary. In females, naloxone increased pairing behaviours, but had no other effects in either sex. Our findings suggest that the effects of naloxone on pairing-related behaviours are context-dependent; male–male competition may decrease the effects of naloxone on male song and a choice of mates may increase affiliation in females in a semi-naturalistic paradigm, and increase preferences for an unfamiliar partner in a forced-choice paradigm. Our findings highlight the importance of using multiple paradigms to test mechanisms of behaviour. These findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms of monogamous relationships and suggest that opioids play a role in male courtship, female affiliation and partner preferences in both sexes of zebra finches, but that context is important.
Coalitions in theory and reality: a review of pertinent variables and processes
Authors: Bissonnette Annie , Perry Susan , Barrett Louise , Mitani John C. , Flinn Mark , Gavrilets Sergey , de Waal Frans B.M.
Published: November 2014

Coalitions and alliances are ubiquitous in humans and many other mammals, being part of the fabric of complex social systems. Field biologists and ethologists have accumulated a vast amount of data on coalition and alliance formation, while theoretical biologists have developed modelling approaches. With the accumulation of empirical data and sophisticated theory, we are now potentially able to answer a host of questions about how coalitions emerge and are maintained in a population over time, and how the psychology of this type of cooperation evolved. Progress can only be achieved, however, by effectively bridging the communication gap that currently exists between empiricists and theoreticians. In this paper, we aim to do so by asking three questions: (1) What are the primary questions addressed by theoreticians interested in coalition formation, and what are the main building blocks of their models? (2) Do empirical observations support the assumptions of current models, and if not, how can we improve this situation? (3) Has theoretical work led to a better understanding of coalition formation, and what are the most profitable lines of inquiry for the future? Our overarching goal is to promote the integration of theoretical and field biology by motivating empirical scientists to collect data on aspects of coalition formation that are currently poorly quantified and to encourage theoreticians to develop a comprehensive theory of coalition formation that is testable under real-world conditions.
Review of the genus Lesteva Latreille, 1797 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae:
Omaliinae: Anthophagini) of Iran and adjacent territories
Authors: SHAVRIN ALEXEY V.
Published: November 2014

The type and additional material from adjacent territories of species of the genus Lesteva Latreille, 1797 of Iran are revised. Eight species are recognized, three of which are described as new: L. (s.str.) frischi sp.n. (Iran, Esfahan), L. (s.str.) schawalleri sp.n. (Iran, Elburs) and L. (s.str.) antennata sp.n. (Iran, Golestan). Two synonyms are proposed: L. (s.str.) binotata Reitter, 1901 = L. (s.str.) syriaca Luze, 1903, syn. n., L. (s.str.) longoelytrata longoelytrata (Goeze, 1777) = L. (s.str.) soror Smetana, 1967, syn. n. A key to species known from Iran and new provincial records for L. (s.str.) binotata Reitter, L. (s.str.) longoelytrata longoelytrata (Goeze), L. (s.str.) maculipennis Luze, 1903 and L. (Lestevidia) punctata Erichson, 1839 are provided. L. (s.str.) binotata Reitter and L. (s.str.) maculipennis are redescribed. Aedeagi of all new species, L. (s.str.) binotata, L. (s.str.) longoelytrata longoelytrata and L. (s.str.) maculipennis, as well as the antennae of all species and the variability of elytral maculae for two redescribed species  are illustrated.
The Sensitivity of Rainfall Estimation to Error Assumptions in a Bayesian Passive Microwave Retrieval Algorithm
Authors: Elsaesser Gregory S. , Kummerow Christian D.
Published: November 2014

The Goddard profiling algorithm (GPROF) uses Bayesian probability theory to retrieve rainfall over the global oceans. A critical component of GPROF and most Bayes theorem–based retrieval frameworks is the specification of uncertainty in the observations being utilized to retrieve the parameter of interest. In the case of GPROF, for any sensor, uncertainties in microwave brightness temperatures (Tbs) arise from radiative transfer model errors, satellite sensor noise and/or degradation, and nonlinear, scene-dependent Tb offsets added during sensor intercalibration procedures. All mentioned sources impact sensors in a varying fashion, in part because of sensor-dependent fields of view. It is found that small errors in assumed Tb uncertainty (ranging from 0.57 K at 10 GHz to 2.29 K at 85 GHz) lead to a 3.6% change in the retrieved global-average oceanic rainfall rate, and 10%–20% (20%–40%) shifts in the pixel-level (monthly) frequency distributions for given rainfall bins. A mathematical expression describing the sensitivity of retrieved rainfall to uncertainty is developed here. The strong global sensitivity is linked to rainfall variance scaling systematically as Tb varies. For ocean scenes, the same emission-dominated rainfall–Tb physics used in passive microwave rainfall retrieval is also responsible for the substantial underestimation (overestimation) of global rainfall if uncertainty is overestimated (underestimated). Proper uncertainties are required to quantify variability in surface rainfall, assess long-term trends, and provide robust rainfall benchmarks for general circulation model evaluations. The implications for assessing global and regional biases in active versus passive microwave rainfall products, and for achieving rainfall product agreement among a constellation of orbiting microwave radiometers [employed in the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission], are also discussed.
Prediction of Indian Summer Monsoon Onset Using Dynamical Subseasonal Forecasts: Effects of Realistic Initialization of the Atmosphere
Authors: Alessandri Andrea , Borrelli Andrea , Cherchi Annalisa , Materia Stefano , Navarra Antonio , Lee June-Yi , Wang Bin
Published: November 2014

Ensembles of retrospective 2-month dynamical forecasts initiated on 1 May are used to predict the onset of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) for the period 1989–2005. The subseasonal predictions (SSPs) are based on a coupled general circulation model and recently they have been upgraded by the realistic initialization of the atmosphere with initial conditions taken from reanalysis. Two objective large-scale methods based on dynamical-circulation and hydrological indices are applied to detect the ISM onset. The SSPs show some skill in forecasting earlier-than-normal ISM onsets, while they have difficulty in predicting late onsets. It is shown that significant contribution to the skill in forecasting early ISM onsets comes from the newly developed initialization of the atmosphere from reanalysis. On one hand, atmospheric initialization produces a better representation of the atmospheric mean state in the initial conditions, leading to a systematically improved monsoon onset sequence. On the other hand, the initialization of the atmosphere allows some skill in forecasting the northward-propagating intraseasonal wind and precipitation anomalies over the tropical Indian Ocean. The northward-propagating intraseasonal modes trigger the monsoon in some early-onset years. The realistic phase initialization of these modes improves the forecasts of the associated earlier-than-normal monsoon onsets. The prediction of late onsets is not noticeably improved by the initialization of the atmosphere. It is suggested that late onsets of the monsoon are too far away from the start date of the forecasts to conserve enough memory of the intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) anomalies and of the improved representation of the mean state in the initial conditions.
Ensemble Typhoon Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts Model in Taiwan
Authors: Hong Jing-Shan , Fong Chin-Tzu , Hsiao Ling-Feng , Yu Yi-Chiang , Tzeng Chian-You
Published: November 2014

In this study, an ensemble typhoon quantitative precipitation forecast (ETQPF) model was developed to provide typhoon rainfall forecasts for Taiwan. The ETQPF rainfall forecast is obtained by averaging the pick-out cases, which are screened using certain criterion based on given typhoon tracks from an ensemble prediction system (EPS). Therefore, the ETQPF model resembles a climatology model. However, the ETQPF model uses the quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) from an EPS instead of historical rainfall observations. Two typhoon cases, Fanapi (2010) and Megi (2010), are used to evaluate the ETQPF model performance. The results show that the rainfall forecast from the ETQPF model, which is qualitatively compared and quantitatively verified, provides reasonable typhoon rainfall forecasts and is valuable for real-time operational applications. By applying the forecast track to the ETQPF model, better track forecasts lead to better ETQPF rainfall forecasts. Moreover, the ETQPF model provides the “scenario” of the typhoon QPFs according to the uncertainty of the forecast tracks. Such a scenario analysis can provide valuable information for risk assessment and decision making in disaster prevention and reduction. Deficiencies of the ETQPF model are also presented, including that the average over the pick-out case usually offsets the extremes and reduces the maximum ETQPF rainfall, the underprediction is especially noticeable for weak phase-locked rainfall systems, and the ETQPF rainfall error is related to the model bias. Therefore, reducing model bias is an important issue in further improving the ETQPF model performance.
Transformative occupational therapy
Authors: Dubouloz Claire-Jehanne
Published: November 2014

Background.

Transformative learning involves critical self-reflection as the motor for transforming values, beliefs, knowledge, and feelings and discovering the new meaning of daily life following a catastrophic injury or illness. Transformation has been conceptualized in various disciplines as a transcendent experience, rebirth process, and meaning-making process and within occupational therapy as a meaning perspective process.

Purpose.

This Muriel Driver lecture explores the concept of transformation and presents the newly developed Meaning Perspectives Transformation model, constructed from research conducted with several different rehabilitation client groups.

Key Issues.

The model is characterized by three phases: trigger, changing, and outcomes. A client’s critical self-reflection acts as a catalyst for moving between the phases and is represented in the model as a moment of readiness for change leading to the development of alternative ways of performing.

Implications.

The Meaning Perspectives Transformation model provides a tool for being an effective occupational therapist, encouraging therapists to listen closely to their clients to identify their weakening and emerging meaning perspectives and enable their occupational evolution and transformation.
TRAIL-Expressing Gingival-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibit Tumorigenesis of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Xia L. , Peng R. , Leng W. , Jia R. , Zeng X. , Yang X. , Fan M.
Published: November 2014

Recent research has verified that mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow or adipose tissues can migrate toward a variety of tumors. In this study, we explored whether human gingival-derived MSCs (G-MSCs) can migrate toward tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and evaluated the antitumor effect of engineered G-MSCs in expressing and delivering the tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). An in vitro cell migration assay with Transwell plates showed that human G-MSCs can migrate toward TSCC cell lines (Tca8113 and Cal27). Then, human G-MSCs, as a type of cell-based vehicle, were transduced with full-length TRAIL and enhanced green fluorescent protein reporter genes by the lentivirus (LV) system (G-MSCs with full-length TRAIL; G-MSCFLT). Tca8113 and Cal27 were co-cultured with G-MSCFLT, respectively, to evaluate the function of G-MSCFLT on tumor cells in vitro. This resulted in G-MSCFLT’s inducing a great number of tumor cell necrosis and apoptosis. Meanwhile, in vivo antitumor assays were performed by administering G-MSCFLT to nude mice locally and systematically (mixed injection with tumor cells and tail vein injection). This showed that G-MSCFLT can reduce or even inhibit TSCC growth regardless of the method of administration, especially when the mixed injection of tumor cells and G-MSCFLT was at a ratio of 1:1, which showed no tumor formation. Furthermore, this verified that G-MSCFLT migrated toward TSCC in quantity. These data emphasize the effectiveness of G-MSCs as a vehicle for cell-based gene therapy and the antitumor activity of TRAIL-expressing G-MSCs.
Audience Design and Social Relations in Aging
Authors: Keller-Cohen Deborah
Published: November 2014

This study asks two questions: (1) Do older adults modify their language based on age of the listener (audience design)? (2) Does social contact affect audience design in older adults? Older adults ( n = 34; mean age = 82) engaged in an instructions task with two fictive listeners (a child and an adult) to test these questions. Results show that older adults used a greater total number of propositions and rapport-building devices and a lower type–token ratio when giving instructions to the child compared to the adult listener. Adults with more social interactions used more propositions when talking to a child. In addition, satisfaction with interactions was significantly positively related to task-tracking devices and negatively related to rapport-building devices by older adults. These results suggest that audience design and social relations are worth further study in language maintenance in older age.
The surgical management of a giant pleomorphic liposarcoma of the chest wall
Authors: Maxfield Mark W , Chang Christopher C , Narayan Deepak , Kim Anthony W
Published: November 2014

Pleomorphic liposarcomas are rare entities with less than 40 cases diagnosed each year, of which a small proportion arise from the chest wall. Optimal management involves wide local resection with negative margins. We describe the case of a 69-year-old gentleman with a chronically growing chest wall mass. After computed tomography and positron-emission tomography, the mass was resected. Chest wall reconstruction was performed with mesh and a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. The patient did well postoperatively, with no evidence of recurrence at 10 months.
Biomimicry: New Natures, New Enclosures
Authors: Goldstein Jesse , Johnson Elizabeth
Published: November 2014

Advocates of biomimicry encourage a new industrial paradigm that ostensibly leaves behind the crude violence of Francis Bacon, the domination of nature-as-machine, and a history of toxic production processes that have given rise to a present and coming climate crisis. As part of a broader trend towards the conceptualization and development of a ‘bioeconomy’, we argue here that biomimicry produces ‘nature’ in new ways. At face value, these new approaches to valuing nature may seem less violent and exploitative. Yet, new natures can and are tortured in new ways. We argue that biomimicry produces ‘nature’ through well-worn logics of resource enclosure and privatization, focusing upon two fundamental shifts in how nonhuman life is figured and put to work: (1) the production of nature as intellectual property (as opposed to raw materials); (2) the production of nature as an active subject (as opposed to a passive receptacle or vehicle).
Audience history as a history of ideas: Towards a transnational history
Authors: Mihelj Sabina
Published: November 2014

One of the possible ways of approaching audience history is by focusing on the history of ideas about audiences. This article examines the benefits and shortcomings of such an approach and develops a set of methodological propositions, drawing on the principles and methods of the German tradition of Begriffsgeschichte (history of concepts). To demonstrate the usefulness of these propositions, the article briefly examines the ideas about audiences in socialist Yugoslavia, focusing on the surge of ideas about politically engaged audiences in the late 1960s. The concluding part of the article situates this historical episode in the wider geographical context and outlines possible avenues for a broader, transnational investigation of the history of ideas about audiences.
Predicting Liver Transplant Capacity Using Discrete Event Simulation
Authors: Toro-Díaz Hector , Mayorga Maria E. , Barritt A. Sidney , Orman Eric S. , Wheeler Stephanie B.
Published: November 2014

The number of liver transplants (LTs) performed in the US increased until 2006 but has since declined despite an ongoing increase in demand. This decline may be due in part to decreased donor liver quality and increasing discard of poor-quality livers. We constructed a discrete event simulation (DES) model informed by current donor characteristics to predict future LT trends through the year 2030. The data source for our model is the United Network for Organ Sharing database, which contains patient-level information on all organ transplants performed in the US. Previous analysis showed that liver discard is increasing and that discarded organs are more often from donors who are older, are obese, have diabetes, and donated after cardiac death. Given that the prevalence of these factors is increasing, the DES model quantifies the reduction in the number of LTs performed through 2030. In addition, the model estimatesthe total number of future donors needed to maintain the current volume of LTs and the effect of a hypothetical scenario of improved reperfusion technology.We also forecast the number of patients on the waiting list and compare this with the estimated number of LTs to illustrate the impact that decreased LTs will have on patients needing transplants. By altering assumptions about the future donor pool, this model can be used to develop policy interventions to prevent a further decline in this lifesaving therapy. To our knowledge, there are no similar predictive models of future LT use based on epidemiological trends.
Yes, but, No, but: A contrarian response to Cross (2014)
Authors: Ansdell Gary
Published: November 2014

This text responds to Ian Cross’ article ‘Music as Communication’ from a music therapist’s perspective. Its response is both appreciative – acknowledging the emerging consilience between aspects of music psychology and music therapy at a disciplinary level – but also contrarian, challenging whether a materialist-reductionist epistemology/methodology can form a sufficient framework for understanding how music helps within music therapy and other music and wellbeing practices. The article suggests that a broader conceptual frame of ‘musical relationship’ is substituted for the narrower one of ‘musical communication,’ and a more expansionist perspective is taken to tracing and exploring the health-promoting ecology of musical people, musical things, and musical situations.