bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of acclimation on the thermal tolerance of the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)
Authors: Piyaphongkul Jiranan , Pritchard Jeremy , Bale Jeffrey
Published: March 2014

The influence of acclimation on the cold and heat tolerance of Nilaparvata lugens was determined by measurements of the critical thermal minimum and maximum (CTmin and CTmax), chill and heat coma temperature (CCT and HCT) and lower and upper lethal temperature (LLT50 and ULT50).

First‐instar nymphs were acclimated for 5 days at 15 °C and for 2 days at 30 °C and compared with a population maintained at 23 °C; for the adult comparisons, first‐instar nymphs were reared at 15, 23 and 30 °C until adult emergence, requiring development periods of 50–55, 30–35 and 18–20 days, respectively.

The thermal tolerance limits of both age groups changed significantly with acclimation and were correlated with rearing temperature.

Across the 48 separate measurements of thermal tolerance (CTmin, CCT, CTmax, HCT, LLT50 and ULT50 of nymphs and adult males and females), the temperature differential across the three indices of cold tolerance after acclimation at 15 °C compared with a population maintained at 23 °C were between 0.5–2.8 and 2.9–5.0 °C for nymphs and adults, respectively. By comparison, acclimation at 30 °C increased heat tolerance in terms of changes in the CTmax, HCT and ULT50, and the temperature differentials compared with the 23 °C population were between 1.1–3.3 °C for nymphs and 0.3–1.6 °C for adults.

These data indicate that, under the acclimation regimes applied to N. lugens, increases in cold tolerance were greater than heat tolerance.
Manual small incision extracapsular cataract surgery in Australia
Authors: van Zyl Lourens , Kahawita Shyalle , Goggin Michael
Published: March 2014

Background

Examination of the results and describing the technique of manual small incision extracapsular cataract extraction on patients with advanced cataracts in urban Australia.

Design

A descriptive case series.

Participants

Thirty‐eight patients at three public hospitals, one tertiary and two secondary ophthalmic units in urban Australia.

Methods

Forty eyes with dense mature cataracts with hand movement vision or worse underwent a planned manual small incision extracapsular cataract extraction instead of traditional phaco‐emulsification.

Main Outcome Measures

Postoperative visual aquity, surgically induced astigmatism and complications.

Results

Seventy‐eight per cent of patients had an uncorrected visual acuity of 6/12 or better on the first postoperative day. Eighty‐three per cent of patients had a distance corrected visual acuity of 6/9 or better 3 months postoperatively. One case was complicated by a posterior capsule rupture. No cases of endophthalmitis were reported. The summated vector mean of the surgically induced astigmatism was 0.089D at 93°.

Conclusion

Manual small incision extracapsular cataract extraction is an efficacious cataract surgery technique with good visual outcome and is a safe alternative to phaco‐emulsification in suitable cases in a first‐world setting.
Improving Conservation Outcomes with Insights from Local Experts and Bureaucracies
Authors: HAENN NORA , SCHMOOK BIRGIT , REYES YOL , CALMÉ SOPHIE
Published: March 2014

We describe conservation built on local expertise such that it constitutes a hybrid form of traditional and bureaucratic knowledge. Researchers regularly ask how local knowledge might be applied to programs linked to protected areas. By examining the production of conservation knowledge in southern Mexico, we assert local expertise is already central to conservation. However, bureaucratic norms and social identity differences between lay experts and conservation practitioners prevent the public valuing of traditional knowledge. We make this point by contrasting 2 examples. The first is a master's thesis survey of local experts regarding the biology of the King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) in which data collection took place in communities adjacent to the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. The second is a workshop sponsored by the same reserve that instructed farmers on how to monitor endangered species, including the King Vulture. In both examples, conservation knowledge would not have existed without traditional knowledge. In both examples, this traditional knowledge is absent from scientific reporting. On the basis of these findings, we suggest conservation outcomes may be improved by recognizing the knowledge contributions local experts already make to conservation programming.

Mejorando los Resultados de la Conservación con la Percepción de Expertos y Burócratas Locales Haenn et al.
Clinical usage of serum ferritin to assess liver fibrosis in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: Proceed with caution
Authors: Yoneda Masato , Thomas Emmanuel , Sumida Yoshio , Imajo Kento , Eguchi Yuichiro , Hyogo Hideyuki , Fujii Hideki , Ono Masafumi , Kawaguchi Takumi , Schiff Eugene R.
Published: March 2014

Serum ferritin was recently reported to have low diagnostic accuracy for the detection of advanced fibrosis in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To corroborate these findings, we investigated the diagnostic accuracy of serum ferritin levels for detecting liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients utilizing a large Japanese cohort database. A total 1201 biopsy‐proven NAFLD patients, seen between 2001 and 2013, were enrolled into the Japan Study Group of NAFLD. Analysis was performed on data from this cohort comparing between serum ferritin levels and hepatic histology. Serum ferritin increased with increasing histological grade of steatosis, lobular inflammation and ballooning. Multivariate analyses revealed that sex differences, steatotic grade and fibrotic stage were independently associated with serum ferritin levels (P < 0.0001, <0.0001, 0.0248, respectively). However, statistical analyses performed using serum ferritin levels demonstrated that the area under the receiver–operator curve for detecting fibrosis was not adequate for rigorous prediction. Several factors including sex differences, steatosis and fibrosis were found to correlate with serum ferritin levels. Therefore, serum ferritin may have low diagnostic accuracy for specifically detecting liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients due to the involvement of multiple hepatocellular processes.
An antennae‐enriched carboxylesterase from Spodoptera exigua displays degradation activity in both plant volatiles and female sex pheromones
Authors: He P. , Zhang Y‐N. , Li Z‐Q. , Yang K. , Zhu J‐Y. , Liu S‐J. , Dong S‐L.
Published: March 2014

Carboxyl/cholinesterase (CCE) is a large gene family of diverse functions, but in insects its function with respect to catabolism of sex pheromone components and plant volatiles is not well understood. In the present study, we cloned and functionally characterized one putative odorant‐degrading enzyme (ODE) of the CCE family, SexiCXE14, from Spodoptera exigua. The tissue‐temporal expression pattern revealed that the mRNA level of SexiCXE14 is antennae‐enriched, sex equivalent and peaks at 3 days after moth eclosion. Functional study using the recombinant enzyme determined that SexiCXE14 has high degrading activity (Vmax) to host plant volatiles, suggesting its role in degradation of these volatiles. In addition, SexiCXE14 may also play a role in the degradation of sex pheromone components, as the Vmax and affinity parameter (Km) values with the sex pheromones are similar to those of reported pheromone degrading enzymes (PDEs). Further analysis of the relationship between substrate structure and enzymatic activity demonstrated that carbon chain length is a major influential factor, while the number of double bonds also affects the enzymatic activity. In addition, SexiCXE14 displays lower activity at acidic pH levels (pH 5.0) than in neutral conditions (pH 6.5). By characterizing this new ODE the present study provides insights in understanding of the high sensitivity of the moth olfactory system.
Promoting HIV and sexual safety behaviour in people with severe mental illness: A systematic review of behavioural interventions
Authors: Walsh Chloe , McCann Edward , Gilbody Simon , Hughes Elizabeth
Published: March 2014

People diagnosed with severe mental illness (SMI) are at greater risk of HIV than the general population. However, little attention has been given to how best to reduce sexual risk taking in this group. The aim of the review was to evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural interventions to promote sexual safety behaviour in people diagnosed with SMI. A comprehensive search of relevant databases was undertaken, and studies were included if they were randomized, controlled trials; behavioural intervention related to sexual behaviour; included adults diagnosed with SMI; and if a behavioural outcome was reported. The Cochrane Assessment of Bias Tool was used. Of the initial 515 papers identified, 11 trials were included for quality assessment and data extraction. The studies were heterogeneous in content and dose of intervention, as well as outcome measure and follow‐up periods, and all had some risk of bias. Four of the studies demonstrated significant improvement in safer sexual behaviour at follow up, but this effect diminished over time. The effect sizes were extremely variable. There is emerging evidence to suggest that a behavioural intervention has the potential to reduce sexual risks in people diagnosed with SMI. However, further high‐quality research is needed in this area.
Influence of Intraoral Temperature and Relative Humidity on the Dentin Bond Strength: An in Situ Study
Authors: Saraiva Letícia O. , Aguiar Thaiane R. , Costa Leonardo , Cavalcanti Andrea N. , Giannini Marcelo , Mathias Paula
Published: March 2014

Statement of the Problem

The effect of the intraoral environment during adhesive restorative procedures remains a concern, especially in the absence of rubber dam isolation.

Objective

To evaluate the temperature and relative humidity (RH) at anterior and posterior intraoral sites and their effects on the dentin bond strength of two‐step etch‐and‐rinse adhesive systems.

Methods

Sixty human molars were assigned to six groups according to the adhesive systems (Adper Single Bond Plus and One Step Plus) and intraoral sites (incisor and molar sites). The room condition was used as a control group. Dentin fragments were individually placed in custom‐made acetate trays and direct composite restorations were performed. The intraoral temperature and RH were recorded during adhesive procedures. Then, specimens were removed from the acetate trays and sectioned to obtain multiple beams for the microtensile bond strength test. In addition, the adhesive interface morphology was evaluated through scanning electron microscopy. Intraoral conditions were statistically analyzed by paired Students' t‐tests and the bond strength data by two‐way analysis of variance and Tukey test (α = 0.05).

Results

The posterior intraoral site showed a significant increase in the temperature and RH when compared with the anterior site. However, both intraoral sites revealed higher temperatures and RH than the room condition. In regards to the adhesive systems, the intraoral environment did not affect the bond strength, and the One Step Plus system showed the highest bond strength means.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that remarkable changes in the intraoral conditions were observed for both anterior and posterior sites, the intraoral environment was not able to compromise the immediate dentin bond strength.

Clinical Significance

Some conditions of intraoral temperature and relative humidity may not impair the dentin bond strength of two‐step etch‐and‐rinse adhesive systems. Thus, an adequate relative isolation seems to be a good alternative under the specific clinical conditions in which rubber dam isolation is either impossible or very difficult to perform.
High specialisation in the pollination system of Mandevilla tenuifolia (J.C. Mikan) Woodson (Apocynaceae) drives the effectiveness of butterflies as pollinators
Authors: de Araújo L. D. A. , Quirino Z. G. M. , Machado I. C.
Published: March 2014

Butterfly pollination in the tropics is considered somewhat effective or solely effective in a few plant species. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that Mandevilla tenuifolia (Apocynaceae), which has floral attributes associated with psychophily, has strategies adapted to pollination by butterflies, restricting other floral visitors and making these insects act as efficient pollinators. We analysed the floral and reproductive biology of M. tenuifolia, as well as the frequency and efficiency of its flower visitors. M. tenuifolia is an herb whose flowers have strong herkogamy and secondary pollen presentation on the style head, which corresponds to 60.4% of pollen on the anthers. Flower longevity and the long period of receptivity of the stigmatic region associated with the large amount of pollen removed in the first visits suggest that flowers remain functionally female during part of anthesis. Butterflies, mainly of the families Nymphalidae and Pieridae, are the only pollinators of M. tenuifolia. Despite being self‐compatible, M. tenuifolia depends on biotic vectors for fruit production. A non‐significant difference in fruit set between controlled treatments and natural conditions suggests that the pollinators are efficient. The inclination resulting from the landing of butterflies on flowers, together with flower morphology, guiding the insect proboscis inside the floral tube, as well as the frequency and efficiency of butterfly visits, are evidence of the close relationship between butterflies and M. tenuifolia, and also of the efficiency of these insects as pollinators.
Portuguese nurses' knowledge of and attitudes toward hospitalized older adults
Authors: de Almeida Tavares João Paulo , Silva Alcione Leite da , Sá‐Couto Pedro , Boltz Marie , Capezuti Elizabeth
Published: March 2014

Portugal is impacted by the rapid growth of the aging population, which has significant implications for its health care system. However, nurses have received little education focusing on the unique and complex care needs of older adults. This gap in the nurses′ education has an enormous impact in their knowledge and attitudes and affects the quality of nursing care provided to older adults. A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 1068 Portuguese nurses in five hospitals (northern and central region) with the following purposes: (i) explore the knowledge and attitudes of nurses about four common geriatric syndromes (pressure ulcer, incontinence, restraint use and sleep disturbance) in Portuguese hospitals; and (ii) evaluate the influence of demographic, professional and nurses' perception about hospital educational support, geriatric knowledge, and burden of caring for older adults upon geriatric nursing knowledge and attitudes. The mean knowledge and attitudes scores were 0.41 ± 0.15 and 0.40 ± 0.21, respectively (the maximum score was 1). Knowledge of nurses in Portuguese hospitals about the four geriatric syndromes (pressure ulcers, sleep disturbance, urinary incontinence and restraint use) was found inadequate. The nurses' attitudes towards caring for hospitalized older adults were generally negative. Nurses who work in academic hospitals demonstrated significantly more knowledge than nurses in hospital centers. The attitudes of nurses were significantly associated with the hospital and unit type, region, hospital educational support, staff knowledge, and perceived burden of caring for older adults. The study findings support the need for improving nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards hospitalized older adults and implementing evidence‐based guidelines in their practice.
Characteristics and control of dicamba‐resistant common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album)
Authors: Rahman Anis , James Trevor , Trolove Michael
Published: March 2014

The expansion of atrazine‐resistant Chenopodium album (common lambsquarters) since the 1980s has forced New Zealand's maize‐growers to use an additional postemergence herbicide application. The frequent use of dicamba for this has selected for a common lambsquarters population with reduced sensitivity to dicamba. Initial greenhouse experiments with seeds that had been collected from the plants that survived field applications of dicamba showed that these plants could tolerate ≤1.2 kg ha−1, fourfold the recommended rate. These dicamba‐resistant plants were morphologically distinct from the susceptible population. The leaves of the resistant plants were less dentate and a lighter shade of green. The resistant plants were shorter, had a lower biomass and growth rate and flowered ≤19 days earlier than the susceptible plants. When grown together in various density ratios, the average biomass of both the susceptible and the resistant plants increased as the number of susceptible plants decreased in the mixture. The field experiments demonstrated that the resistant population tolerated dicamba at ≤2.4 kg ha−1, eightfold the recommended rate. Postemergence applications of bromoxynil, pyridate, nicosulfuron and mesotrione effectively controlled both populations. Nicosulfuron and mesotrione provided long‐term residual control, with nicosulfuron being more effective on the grass weeds. High rates of dicamba damaged the maize plants, resulting in an increased weed cover and reduced grain yield. The number of viable common lambsquarters seeds in the soil seed bank at the end of the growing season declined in the treatments in which common lambsquarters was controlled effectively.
Influence of polarization and a source model for dose calculation in MRT
Authors: Bartzsch Stefan , Lerch Michael , Petasecca Marco , Bräuer‐Krisch Elke , Oelfke Uwe
Published: March 2014

Purpose:

Microbeam Radiation Therapy (MRT), an alternative preclinical treatment strategy using spatially modulated synchrotron radiation on a micrometer scale, has the great potential to cure malignant tumors (e.g., brain tumors) while having low side effects on normal tissue. Dose measurement and calculation in MRT is challenging because of the spatial accuracy required and the arising high dose differences. Dose calculation with Monte Carlo simulations is time consuming and their accuracy is still a matter of debate. In particular, the influence of photon polarization has been discussed in the literature. Moreover, it is controversial whether a complete knowledge of phase space trajectories, i.e., the simulation of the machine from the wiggler to the collimator, is necessary in order to accurately calculate the dose.

Methods:

With Monte Carlo simulations in the Geant4 toolkit, the authors investigate the influence of polarization on the dose distribution and the therapeutically important peak to valley dose ratios (PVDRs). Furthermore, the authors analyze in detail phase space information provided by Martínez‐Rovira et al. [“Development and commissioning of a Monte Carlo photon model for the forthcoming clinical trials in microbeam radiation therapy,” Med. Phys. 39(1), – (2012)] and examine its influence on peak and valley doses. A simple source model is developed using parallel beams and its applicability is shown in a semiadjoint Monte Carlo simulation. Results are compared to measurements and previously published data.

Results:

Polarization has a significant influence on the scattered dose outside the microbeam field. In the radiation field, however, dose and PVDRs deduced from calculations without polarization and with polarization differ by less than 3%. The authors show that the key consequences from the phase space information for dose calculations are inhomogeneous primary photon flux, partial absorption due to inclined beam incidence outside the field center, increased beam width and center to center distance due to the beam propagation from the collimator to the phantom surface and imperfect absorption in the absorber material of the Multislit Collimator. These corrections have an effect of approximately 10% on the valley dose and suffice to describe doses in MRT within the measurement uncertainties of currently available dosimetry techniques.

Conclusions:

The source for the first clinical pet trials in MRT is characterized with respect to its phase space and the photon polarization. The results suggest the use of a presented simplified phase space model in dose calculations and hence pave the way for alternative and fast dose calculation algorithms. They also show that the polarization is of minor importance for the clinical important peak and valley doses inside the microbeam field.
Whole Genome Sequence of the Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus paracasei N1115, Isolated from Traditional Chinese Fermented Milk
Authors: Wang Shijie , Zhu Hong , He Fang , Luo Yongkang , Kang Zhiyuan , Lu Chun , Feng Lili , Lu Xiaoli , Xue Yuling , Wang Hua
Published: March 2014

Lactobacillus paracasei
N1115 is a new strain with probiotic properties isolated from traditional homemade dairy products in Inner Mongolia, China. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
L. paracasei
N1115, which shows high similarity to the well-studied probiotic
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
GG, and 3 structures turned out to be inversions, according to the colinearity analysis of the BLAST alignment.
Primary hyperparathyroidism from a probable ectopic parathyroid adenoma with severe skeletal disease and vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Garingarao Carlo Jan P , Paz-Pacheco Elizabeth , Jimeno Cecilia A
Published: March 2014

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) may lead to skeletal deformities, fractures and renal failure in symptomatic patients if untreated. We present a case of a 30-year-old woman presented with muscle weakness, weight loss, hypercalcaemia and a pathological fracture, eventually with rapidly progressive musculoskeletal disease. Subsequent biochemical, radiographic and scintigraphy findings were consistent with PHPT from an ectopic mediastinal adenoma, and concomitant vitamin D deficiency. The severe hypercalcaemia was adequately temporised with hydration, forced diuresis and intravenous bisphosphonates. Removal of the adenoma by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was contemplated; however, consent was withdrawn precluding histological confirmation. A review of literature shows the changing profiles of patients with PHPT, the uncommon occurrence of parathyroid adenomas in ectopic locations and possible association between severity of PHPT and vitamin D status.
ANALYTICAL RELATIONSHIPS FOR NANOINDENTATION-BASED ESTIMATION OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF BIOMATERIALS
Authors: RAUKER JOSIP , MOSHTAGH PARISA R. , WEINANS HARRIE , ZADPOOR AMIR A.
Published: March 2014

Nanoindentation is an (almost) non-invasive method for obtaining material properties of different types of materials from the interpretation of experimental data related to indenter load (P) and penetration depth (h). In most cases, the material properties that are obtained by nanoindentation are elastic modulus (E), shear modulus (G) and hardness (H). The main advantages of this method are that no extensive preparation of the test specimen is required and that the mechanical properties can be probed at small scales. Moreover, nanoindentation test procedure is automated and the test equipment is easy to use. In this paper, we review different analytical methods that could be used for obtaining the mechanical properties of biomaterials based on the force-displacement curves generated by nanoindentation machines. Some practical issues including different types of machines and tips, calibration of nano-indentation machines, sources of error and specimen preparation are also briefly discussed. The main interest of this paper is the elastic behavior of biological tissues and biomaterials. Nevertheless, there is one section on elasto-plasticity, because purely elastic deformation of linearly elastic materials is difficult to achieve. The analytical solutions found in the literature for different material models are presented including the relationships found for linear elastic, elasto-plastic, hyperelastic, viscoelastic and poroelastic materials. These material models are relevant material models for studies of biological tissues and biomaterials.
Interaction of Inflammation, Hyperuricemia, and the Prevalence of Hypertension Among Adults Free of Metabolic Syndrome: NHANES 2009–2010
Authors: Krishnan Eswar
Published: March 2014

Background

Hyperuricemia and markers of inflammation are correlated with the risk for hypertension. Whether hyperuricemia has any impact on the association between C‐reactive protein (
CRP
) and hypertension is not known.

Methods and Results

We analyzed cross‐sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2010, using ordinary least squares and logistic regression models. Those who met the criteria for metabolic syndrome, had self‐reported gout, or were <20 years old were excluded. For each 1‐SD increase in serum urate, the serum
CRP
concentration was 20% higher in unadjusted linear regression models and 13% higher in multivariable linear regression models, after accounting for the effects of age, sex, race, socioeconomic and educational strata, renal function, lipids, smoking, and body mass index. In multivariable models adjusting for the same covariates, hyperuricemia was associated with hypertension with an odds ratio of 2.21 (1.71 to 2.85). When analyzed separately, this was observed in men and women. In multivariable analyses of the overall sample, elevated
CRP
levels were not associated with hypertension.

Conclusions

Among adults free of metabolic syndrome, elevated uric acid, but not elevated
CRP
, is independently associated with prevalent hypertension.
Coronary Heart Disease Risks Associated with High Levels of HDL Cholesterol
Authors: Wilkins John T. , Ning Hongyan , Stone Neil J. , Criqui Michael H. , Zhao Lihui , Greenland Philip , Lloyd‐Jones Donald M.
Published: March 2014

Background

The association between high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (
HDL‐C
) and coronary heart disease (
CHD
) events is not well described in individuals with very high levels of
HDL
‐C (>80 mg/dL).

Methods and Results

Using pooled data from 6 community‐based cohorts we examined
CHD
and total mortality risks across a broad range of
HDL
‐C, including values in excess of 80 mg/dL. We used Cox proportional hazards models with penalized splines to assess multivariable, adjusted, sex‐stratified associations of
HDL
‐C with the hazard for
CHD
events and total mortality, using
HDL
‐C 45 mg/dL and 55 mg/dL as the referent in men and women, respectively. Analyses included 11 515 men and 12 925 women yielding 307 245 person‐years of follow‐up. In men, the association between
HDL
‐C and
CHD
events was inverse and linear across most
HDL
‐C values; however at
HDL
‐C values >90 mg/dL there was a plateau effect in the pattern of association. In women, the association between
HDL
‐C and
CHD
events was inverse and linear across lower values of
HDL
‐C, however at
HDL
‐C values >75 mg/dL there were no further reductions in the hazard ratio point estimates for
CHD
. In unadjusted models there were increased total mortality risks in men with very high
HDL
‐C, however mortality risks observed in participants with very high
HDL
‐C were attenuated after adjustment for traditional risk factors.

Conclusions

We did not observe further reductions in CHD risk with
HDL
‐C values higher than 90 mg/dL in men and 75 mg/dL in women.
Surgery for Otitis Media in a Universal Health Care Model: Socioeconomic Status and Race/Ethnicity Effects
Authors: Ambrosio Art , Brigger Matthew T.
Published: March 2014

Objectives

(1) To determine the association between socioeconomic status (SES), race/ethnicity, and other demographic risk factors in surgically managed otitis media within a model of universal health care. 2) To determine quality of life (QOL) outcomes of surgically managed otitis media in this model.

Setting

Tertiary academic medical center.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted between June 2011 and December 2012 with dependent children of military families. TRICARE provides equal access to care among all beneficiaries regardless of a wide range of annual incomes. Caretakers of children scheduled for bilateral myringotomy and tympanostomy tube (BMT) placement were administered a demographic survey, as well as OM‐6 QOL instrument preoperatively and 6 weeks postoperatively. A control group who did not undergo BMT was also administered both the survey and OM‐6 for comparison.

Results

Two hundred forty patients were enrolled (120 surgical patients and 120 controls). Logistic regression demonstrated age younger than 6 years old (P <. 001), day care attendance (P <. 001), and non‐Hispanic Caucasian race (P =. 022) to be associated with surgery. Surgical QOL outcomes demonstrated a significant improvement in otitis media‐6 (OM‐6) scores after surgical management from 3.00 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.79‐3.20) to 1.35 (95% CI, 1.22‐1.47).

Conclusion

In a universal health care model serving more than 2 million children, previously reported proxies of low SES as well as minority race/ethnicity were not associated with surgically managed otitis media contrary to reported literature. Caucasian race, young age, and day care attendance were associated with surgery. Surgery improved QOL outcomes 6 weeks postoperatively.
Exploring the Role of Organizational and Personal Resources in Explaining Nurse Performance in Public Hospitals in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Authors: Yavas Ugur , Karatepe Osman M. , Babakus Emin
Published: March 2014

This article investigates the role of organizational and personal resources in explaining nurses’ in-role and extra-role performances. A sample of 124 nurses working for public hospitals in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) serves as the study setting. Results of the study reveal that organizational and personal resources included in the scope of this study cannot explain the nurses’ in-role and extra-role performances. Implications of the results are discussed and future research directions are offered.
Construction and Validation of the Customer Participation Scale
Authors: Chen Sandy C. , Raab Carola
Published: March 2014

Although the importance of a mandatory customer participation construct in service delivery has been much discussed in the literature, little research has been devoted to conceptualizing and measuring one. To fill this void, this study followed a seven-step process for creating and analyzing scales in order to develop a customer participation scale and evaluate its generalizability, reliability, and validity. In theoretical terms, this scale extends the service quality literature, which has heavily emphasized the service provider’s responsibility for service quality, and will facilitate further studies in customer participation. In practical terms, the scale provides practitioners with useful mechanisms that could enhance their interactions with customers through facilitating the latter’s mandatory role in service delivery.
Future prospects for longevity
Authors: Leeson George W
Published: March 2014

It is acknowledged that the world is ageing at both the individual and population level. Life expectancies at birth have increased for males and females in the more developed economies across the 20th century. The 21st century is expected to see this development continue with life expectancies moving towards 100 years. This paper looks at the evidence for future increases in life expectancy and for the longest-lived to live even longer.
Genomic structure of nucleotide diversity among Lyon rat models of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Ma Man Chun John , Atanur Santosh S , Aitman Timothy J , Kwitek Anne E
Published: March 2014

Background

The metabolic syndrome (MetS), a complex disorder involving hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The Lyon Hypertensive (LH), Lyon Normotensive (LN) and Lyon Low-pressure (LL) rats are inbred strains simultaneously derived from a common outbred Sprague Dawley colony by selection for high, normal, and low blood pressure, respectively. Further studies found that LH is a MetS susceptible strain, while LN is resistant and LL has an intermediate phenotype. Whole genome sequencing determined that, while the strains are phenotypically divergent, they are nearly 98% similar at the nucleotide level. Using the sequence of the three strains, we applied an approach that harnesses the distribution of Observed Strain Differences (OSD), or nucleotide diversity, to distinguish genomic regions of identity-by-descent (IBD) from those with divergent ancestry between the three strains. This information was then used to fine-map QTL identified in a cross between LH and LN rats in order to identify candidate genes causing the phenotypes.

Results

We identified haplotypes that, in total, contain at least 95% of the identifiable polymorphisms between the Lyon strains that are likely of differing ancestral origin. By intersecting the identified haplotype blocks with Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) previously identified in a cross between LH and LN strains, the candidate QTL regions have been narrowed by 78%. Because the genome sequence has been determined, we were further able to identify putative functional variants in genes that are candidates for causing the QTL.

Conclusions

Whole genome sequence analysis between the LH, LN, and LL strains identified the haplotype structure of these three strains and identified candidate genes with sequence variants predicted to affect gene function. This approach, merged with additional integrative genetics approaches, will likely lead to novel mechanisms underlying complex disease and provide new drug targets and therapies.
Identification of candidate genes involved in coronary artery calcification by transcriptome sequencing of cell lines
Authors: Sen Shurjo K , Barb Jennifer J , Cherukuri Praveen F , Accame David S , Elkahloun Abdel G , Singh Larry N , Lee-Lin Shih-Queen , Program NISC Comparative Sequencing , Kolodgie Frank D , Cheng Qi , Zhao XiaoQing , Chen Marcus Y , Arai Andrew E , Green Eric D , Mullikin James C , Munson Peter J , Biesecker Leslie G
Published: March 2014

Background

Massively-parallel cDNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) is a new technique that holds great promise for cardiovascular genomics. Here, we used RNA-Seq to study the transcriptomes of matched coronary artery disease cases and controls in the ClinSeq® study, using cell lines as tissue surrogates.

Results

Lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from 16 cases and controls representing phenotypic extremes for coronary calcification were cultured and analyzed using RNA-Seq. All cell lines were then independently re-cultured and along with another set of 16 independent cases and controls, were profiled with Affymetrix microarrays to perform a technical validation of the RNA-Seq results. Statistically significant changes (p < 0.05) were detected in 186 transcripts, many of which are expressed at extremely low levels (5–10 copies/cell), which we confirmed through a separate spike-in control RNA-Seq experiment. Next, by fitting a linear model to exon-level RNA-Seq read counts, we detected signals of alternative splicing in 18 transcripts. Finally, we used the RNA-Seq data to identify differential expression (p < 0.0001) in eight previously unannotated regions that may represent novel transcripts. Overall, differentially expressed genes showed strong enrichment (p = 0.0002) for prior association with cardiovascular disease. At the network level, we found evidence for perturbation in pathways involving both cardiovascular system development and function as well as lipid metabolism.

Conclusions

We present a pilot study for transcriptome involvement in coronary artery calcification and demonstrate how RNA-Seq analyses using LCLs as a tissue surrogate may yield fruitful results in a clinical sequencing project. In addition to canonical gene expression, we present candidate variants from alternative splicing and novel transcript detection, which have been unexplored in the context of this disease.
Measurement of three‐dimensional morphological characteristics of the calcaneus using CT image post‐processing
Authors: Qiang Minfei , Chen Yanxi , Zhang Kun , Li Haobo , Dai Hao
Published: March 2014

Background

Although computed tomography (CT) with three‐dimensional (3D) rendering of the calcaneus is used for diagnostic evaluation of disorders, morphological measurements for the calcaneus are mostly based on a two‐dimensional plane. The purposes of this study were to design a method for 3D morphological measurements of the normal calcaneus based on CT post‐processing techniques, to measure morphological parameters in the male and female groups and describe gender differences of the parameters, and to investigate the reliability of such measurements.

Methods

One hundred and seventy‐nine patients (83 men and 96 women) with a mean age of 40.6 (range, 21 to 59) years who underwent CT scans for their feet were reviewed retrospectively. The 3D structure of a normal calcaneus after shaded surface display reconstruction was extracted by interactive and automatic segmentation. Morphological measurements were achieved by means of a 3D measurement method based on CT image post‐processing. Lengths and heights of the main parts of the calcaneus, Gissane's angle, Böhler's angle and the area of articular facet were worked out in 3D space. Gender‐related size differences of parameters were compared using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), adjusting for body height. Intra‐observer and inter‐observer reliabilities were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the root mean square standard deviation (RMS‐SD) for precision study.

Results

A large range of measurement values was found. Only the length of the anterior process was without gender difference (p > 0.05). The other parameters in the male group were greater than those in the female group (p < 0.01 for each, ANCOVA). All parameters had excellent reliability and reproducibility (ICC > 0.8). Precision was acceptable for intra‐observer RMS‐SD (linear, angular and areal measurements no more than 0.6 mm, 1.2° and 0.25 mm2, respectively). Inter‐observer RMS‐SD ranged from 0.4 to 1.6 mm for linear measurements, 1.2 to 2.5° for angles and 0.24 to 0.40 mm2 for areas.

Conclusions

Three‐dimensional morphological measurement based on a CT post‐processing technique was highly reliable and repeatable for calcaneal anatomic morphological measurement. The current data will be helpful for anatomic reduction of calcaneal fractures and calcaneal malunion.
The use of combination of zeolites to pursue integrated refined pyrolysis oil from kraft lignin
Authors: Huang Fang , Ben Haoxi , Pan Shaobo , Pu Yunqiao , Ragauskas Arthur
Published: March 2014

A mixture of Y and M type zeolites were applied to pyrolyze kraft softwood (SW) lignin with the objective of studying the combination effect of different types of zeolite on pyrolysis. The chemical structures of the subsequent pyrolysis oils were examined. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy including13C,31P of phosphitylated bio-oils, Heteronuclear Single-Quantum Correlation (HSQC)-NMR, and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) were used to characterize the pyrolysis oils. The yields of pyrolysis products (light oil, heavy oil and char) from the zeolites combination ‘Y + M’ catalyzed pyrolysis ranged between the pyrolysis oil yields from zeolite Y or M catalyzed pyrolysis.31P NMR analysis of the phosphitylated bio-oils revealed that the mixture of ‘Y + M’ during pyrolysis could decrease the carboxyl groups by 84%, which is close to the effect of the M zeolite. The yields of hydroxyl groups and other functional groups in the ‘Y + M’ generated bio-oil was between the individual Y and M generated oils. The molecular weight of the pyrolysis oil using a zeolite mixture of ‘Y + M’ was similar to the individual zeolite Y assisted pyrolysis. These results show that the zeolite mixture of ‘Y + M’ manifests additive characteristics for pyrolysis.
Adversity, cannabis use and psychotic experiences: evidence of cumulative and synergistic effects
Authors: Morgan Craig , Reininghaus Ulrich , Reichenberg Abraham , Frissa Souci ,   SELCoH study team, Hotopf Matthew , Hatch Stephani L.
Published: March 2014

Background

There is robust evidence that childhood adversity is associated with an increased risk of psychosis. There is, however, little research on intervening factors that might increase or decrease risk following childhood adversity.

Aims

To investigate main effects of, and synergy between, childhood abuse and life events and cannabis use on odds of psychotic experiences.

Method

Data on psychotic experiences and childhood abuse, life events and cannabis use were collected from 1680 individuals as part of the South East London Community Health Study (SELCoH), a population-based household survey.

Results

There was strong evidence that childhood abuse and number of life events combined synergistically to increase odds of psychotic experiences beyond the effects of each individually. There was similar, but weaker, evidence for cannabis use (past year).

Conclusions

Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that childhood abuse creates an enduring vulnerability to psychosis that is realised in the event of exposure to further stressors and risk factors.
Transforming Cancer Care: Are Transdisciplinary Approaches Using Design-Thinking, Engineering, and Business Methodologies Needed to Improve Value in Cancer Care Delivery?
Authors: Patel Manali I. , Moore David , Blayney Douglas W. , Milstein Arnold
Published: March 2014

Although design-thinking and engineering methodologies have not been used in cancer care delivery transformation, there are opportunities for these methodologies to improve interventions aimed at delivering high-quality cancer care.
Intracellular pH and its response to CO2-driven seawater acidification in symbiotic versus non-symbiotic coral cells
Authors: Gibbin Emma M. , Putnam Hollie M. , Davy Simon K. , Gates Ruth D.
Published: March 2014

Regulating intracellular pH (pHi) is critical for optimising the metabolic activity of corals, yet mechanisms involved in pH regulation and the buffering capacity within coral cells are not well understood. Our study investigated how the presence of symbiotic dinoflagellates affects the response of pHi to pCO2-driven seawater acidification in cells isolated from Pocillopora damicornis. Using the fluorescent dye BCECF-AM, in conjunction with confocal microscopy, we simultaneously characterised the response of pHi in host coral cells and their dinoflagellate symbionts, in symbiotic and non-symbiotic states under saturating light, with and without the photosynthetic inhibitor DCMU. Each treatment was run under control (pH 7.8) and CO2 acidified seawater conditions (decreasing pH from 7.8 - 6.8). After two hours of CO2 addition, by which time the external pH (pHe) had declined to 6.8, the dinoflagellate symbionts had increased their pHi by 0.5 pH units above control levels. In contrast, in both symbiotic and non-symbiotic host coral cells, 15 min of CO2 addition (0.2 pH unit drop in pHe) led to cytoplasmic acidosis equivalent to 0.4 pH units. Despite further seawater acidification over the duration of the experiment, the pHi of non-symbiotic coral cells did not change, though in host cells containing a symbiont cell the pHi recovered to control levels. This recovery was negated when cells were incubated with DCMU. Our results reveal that photosynthetic activity of the endosymbiont is tightly coupled with the ability of the host cell to recover from cellular acidosis after exposure to high CO2 / low pH.
Mapping forest plots: an efficient method combining photogrammetry and field triangulation
Authors: Korpela Ilkka , Tuomola Tuukka , Välimäki Esko
Published: March 2014

Intra stand spatial information is often collected in ecological investigations, when functioning or interactions in the ecosystem are studied. Local relative accuracy is often given priority in such cases. Forest maps with accurate absolute positions in a global coordinate system are needed in remote-sensing applications for validation and calibration purposes. Establishing the absolute position is particularly difficult under a canopy as is creating undistorted coordinate systems for large plots in the forest. We present a method that can be used for the absolute mapping of point features under a canopy that is efficient for large forest plots. In this method, an undistorted network of control points is established in the forest using photogrammetric observations of treetops. These points are used for the positioning of other points, using redundant observations of interpoint distances and azimuths and a least squares adjustment. The method provides decimetre-level accuracy and only one person is required to conduct the work. An estimate of the positioning accuracy of each point is readily available in the field. We present the method, a simulation study that explores the potential of the method and results from an experiment in a mixed boreal stand in southern Finland.
Forest nursery waste composting in windrows with or without horse manure or urea – the composting process and nutrient leaching
Authors: Veijalainen Anna-Maria , Juntunen Marja-Liisa , Lilja Arja , Heinonen-Tanski Helvi , Tervo Leo
Published: March 2014

In order to find the best management practices for forest nursery waste composting, organic waste was composted without or with horse manure or urea in six windrows for two years. The windrows were built in four consecutive years during 1999â2002. In 1999, no extra-nutrients were added to the windrow (N99). In 2000, urea fertilizer was used as a nitrogen source (U00). Despite this, the process did not function properly. In 2001, two windrows were built, one (H01) with and the other (N01) without horse manure. Horse manure slightly accelerated the heating process. Consequently, two windrows with more horse manure were built in 2002. One was aerated passively (H02) as earlier windrows, and the other was aerated forcedly (HA02). Horse manure and forced aeration were needed to keep the temperature above 55Â°C for long enough to ensure microbial hygiene of the material. The degradation of cellulose was greater during the curing stage. Nutrient leaching was low, although the additives increased leaching in conjunction with the inefficient process. The results showed that forest nursery waste alone is ineffective at raising the temperature of the compost, and degrades slowly due to its low nutrient and easily available carbon content. The best management practice for forest nursery waste composting is to use horse manure and aeration to ensure the heating process. Environmental contamination can be avoided by collecting the leachates. Further research is needed to evaluate the usability of the compost.