bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The incidence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in Israel from 2005 to 2007: results of a nationwide survey
Authors: Kesler A. , Stolovic N. , Bluednikov Y. , Shohat T.
Published: April 2014

Background and purpose

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), also known as pseudotumor cerebri, is a disorder related to increased intracranial pressure without clinical, laboratory or radiological evidence of an intracranial space occupying lesion or cerebral sinus vein thrombosis, predominantly affecting obese women of childbearing age. Our aim was to determine the incidence and clinical features of IIH in Israel.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, all medical records of patients discharged from the hospital with a primary diagnosis of IIH during 2005–2007 were reviewed.

Results

Four hundred and twenty‐eight patients with a new onset of IIH were diagnosed. The average annual incidence rate was 2.02 per 100 000 with an incidence of 3.17 per 100 000 for women and 0.85 per 100 000 for men. The incidence rate in females of childbearing age (18–45) was 5.49 per 100 000. The female to male ratio for >17 years old was 6.1:1 (252 females and 41 males) and 2.1:1 (60 females and 28 males) for ages 11–17. Obesity was documented in 83.4% of patients. Body mass index (BMI) data were available for 159 (37.1%) patients; of these, 59.1% had a BMI ≥ 30.

Conclusion

The incidence of IIH in Israel has increased during the last decade. This finding could be related to the increasing rates of obesity. The association of IIH and obesity should be further explored especially with regard to the effect of weight reduction for primary prevention.
Don’t Tax Me? Determinants of Individual Attitudes Toward Progressive Taxation
Authors: Hennighausen Tanja , Heinemann Friedrich
Published: April 2014

This contribution empirically analyzes the individual determinants of tax rate preferences. For that purpose, we use representative survey data from the German General Social Survey, which offers information on attitudes toward progressive, proportional and regressive taxation. On the basis of theoretical considerations, we explore the factors which, beyond an individual’s financial interest, should drive preferences for progressive taxation. Our empirical results confirm that the narrow redistributive self-interest does not offer the sole explanation of the heterogeneity in individual attitudes. Rather, we show that the choice of the favored tax rate is also driven by fairness considerations and beliefs on the role of effort for economic success.
A comparison ofHelicobacter pyloriand non‐Helicobacter pylori Helicobacterspp. Binding to Canine Gastric Mucosa with Defined Gastric Glycophenotype
Authors: Amorim Irina , Freitas Daniela P. , Magalhães Ana , Faria Fátima , Lopes Célia , Faustino Augusto M. , Smet Annemieke , Haesebrouck Freddy , Reis Celso A. , Gärtner Fátima
Published: April 2014

Background

The gastric mucosa of dogs is often colonized by non‐Helicobacter pylorihelicobacters (NHPH), whileH. pyloriis the predominant gastricHelicobacterspecies in humans. The colonization of the human gastric mucosa byH. pyloriis highly dependent on the recognition of host glycan receptors. Our goal was to define the canine gastric mucosa glycophenotype and to evaluate the capacity of different gastricHelicobacterspecies to adhere to the canine gastric mucosa.

Materials and Methods

The glycosylation profile in body and antral compartments of the canine gastric mucosa, with focus on the expression of histo‐blood group antigens was evaluated. The in vitro binding capacity ofFITC‐labeledH. pyloriandNHPHto the canine gastric mucosa was assessed in cases representative of the canine glycosylation pattern.

Results

The canine gastric mucosa lacks expression of type 1 Lewis antigens and presents a broad expression of type 2 structures and A antigen, both in the surface and glandular epithelium. Regarding the canine antral mucosa,H. heilmanniis.s. presented the highest adhesion score whereas in the body region the SabA‐positiveH. pyloristrain was the strain that adhered more.

Conclusions

The canine gastric mucosa showed a glycosylation profile different from the human gastric mucosa suggesting that alternative glycan receptors may be involved inHelicobacterspp. binding.Helicobacter pyloriandNHPHstrains differ in their ability to adhere to canine gastric mucosa. Among theNHPH,H. heilmanniis.s. presented the highest adhesion capacity in agreement with its reported colonization of the canine stomach.
Trends in Religious History in New Zealand: From Institutional to Social History
Authors: Lineham Peter J.
Published: April 2014

This survey of recent writings on the religion of New Zealand shows how social and political themes have taken precedence over institutional history and suggests that religious history is one of the most vigorous aspects of historical work in the country. Yet it also notes that this category of history has only gradually been recognised as significant in general accounts of New Zealand. It suggests that as in other western countries, new writings on religion have shown that it raises profound contemporary historical issues, whether in relation to race relations, reformist movements, political culture or community structure.
Antioxidant activity in relation to the phenolic profile during the winemaking of sweet wines Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet Sauvignon
Authors: Marquez Ana , Serratosa Maria P. , Merida Julieta
Published: April 2014

The phenolic profile during the winemaking of Cabernet Sauvignon sweet wines has been studied, including the stages of controlled grape drying and the posterior maceration of the fortified musts with their skins. Each phenolic family has been correlated individually with the antioxidant activity measured by the 2,2,‐diphenylpicrylhydrazyl assay. Linear regressions with a confidence level superior to 99% have been found with hydroxybenzoic acids, esters of hydroxycinnamic acids, flavan‐3‐ol derivatives, tannins, anthocyanin adducts, polymers and polymeric pigments. With a multiple correlation, the antioxidant properties of musts and sweet wines were explained jointly by the families of polymeric pigments and flavan‐3‐ol derivatives. The musts during the drying process and the wines during the maceration presented a different phenolic composition and were distinguished using a cluster analysis and a principal component analysis.
Nanoparticles and Apparent Activation Energy of Portland Cement
Authors: Jayapalan Amal R. , Jue Melinda L. , Kurtis Kimberly E.
Published: April 2014

Although chemically inert nanosize mineral fillers have been shown to modify early cement hydration kinetics, with the effects dependent upon usage rate, particle size, and dispersibility, the effects of such fillers on the “apparent activation energy” (Ea) of cement has not been previously examined. Here, cementEawas calculated from isothermal calorimetry performed at different temperatures with two different types of fillers (i.e., titanium dioxide and limestone) using a linear method as well as a modifiedASTMC1074 method. The use of both types of nanoparticles increased the rate of cement hydration as well as accelerated the reaction rate, due to heterogeneous nucleation effect, as previously demonstrated.Eaincreased in the presence of nanosized fillers, demonstrating an increased temperature sensitivity of the filler‐cement composites relative to ordinary cement. These results show that chemically inert nanoparticles behave fundamentally differently compared with supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash and silica fume which instead decrease temperature sensitivity. The increased temperature sensitivity could thus be used to modify and optimize the reaction mechanism and kinetics of cement hydration, especially to increase the rate of cement hydration, to decrease setting time, and to achieve faster strength gain accounting for higher or lower temperatures during curing.
Physiological stability: a concept analysis
Authors: Lebel Valerie , Alderson Marie , Aita Marilyn
Published: April 2014

Aim

To present a concept analysis of physiological stability.

Background

Physiological stability is an ubiquitous concept in the literature. However, no operational definition of this concept seems to be clearly established even though a literature review demonstrates multiple uses of the concept. Thus, a concept analysis is required to clarify the concept of physiological stability and identify its theoretical bases.

Design

Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis.

Data Sources

The databases consulted to perform the literature review of concept of physiological stability were: CINAHL, Ovid Medline, PsycINFO, Eric and EMB Reviews. Articles were included when the keywords physiological and stability were present in the title or abstract in articles published between 2000–2012, available electronically or in paper at the libraries.

Review Method

This concept analysis was performed using the 8‐step method proposed by Walker and Avant.

Results

Identification of the attributes, antecedents and consequences of physiological stability led to an operational definition of the concept of physiological stability as a dynamic state of a living organism characterized by the maintenance of one or more physiological parameters within value ranges that vary only slightly in the presence of disruptive elements. It is an adaptive response reflecting the physiological balance of the living organism.

Conclusion

This analysis contributes to the advancement of knowledge of the concept of physiological stability by proposing an operational definition derived from theoretical foundations. This concept is important within nursing because it helps to define the effectiveness of nursing interventions and attests to clients' well‐being.
Prevalence and risk factors of development of peripheral diabetic neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus in a tertiary care setting
Authors: Bansal Dipika , Gudala Kapil , Muthyala Harini , Esam Hari Prasad , Nayakallu Ramya , Bhansali Anil
Published: April 2014

Aims/Introduction

The study was carried out to assess the prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), compare the prevalence between known diabetes mellitus (KDM) and newly detected diabetes mellitus (NDDM), identify risk factors associated, its prevalence pattern and to assess if any sex‐specific differences are present.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital. Patients with duration of diabetes ≤6 months were considered to be NDDM. DPN was diagnosed by the combination of more than one abnormal result of 10‐g monofilament, pinprick sensations and ankle reflexes, and categorized according to the severity level using vibration perception threshold. The study included 1,637 KDM and 369 NDDM patients.

Results

A total of 586 participants were found to have DPN, accounting for 29.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 27.2–31.2) prevalence. The higher prevalence was observed in KDM compared with NDDM 33.7% (95% CI 31.42–36.01) vs 9.2% (95% CI 6.3–12.2; P < 0.001). Prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe neuropathies was 8.06, 14.55 and 6.63%, respectively. Regression analysis showed age (P < 0.001), duration of diabetes (P < 0.001), dyslipidemia (P = 0.03), glycated hemoglobin (P < 0.001), the presence of other microvascular complications (P < 0.001), macrovascular complications (P = 0.003) and alcoholic status (P < 0.033) to be associated. No sex‐specific differences were observed in the mean age at diagnosis of diabetes, mean age at the diagnosis of neuropathy, and duration taken for the DPN development among females and males.

Conclusions

The study showed a high prevalence (29.2%) of DPN among north Indian type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Thus, timely screening with earlier detection and intervention would be useful in preventing the progression of neuropathy.
Advance Directive Completion by Elderly Americans: A Decade of Change
Authors: Silveira Maria J. , Wiitala Wyndy , Piette John
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To describe trends in advance directive (AD) completion from 2000 to 2010 and to explore the relationship between AD and hospitalization and hospital death at the end of life.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Health and Retirement Study (HRS).

Participants

HRS participants who died between 2000 and 2010 and were aged 60 and older at death (N = 6,122).

Measurements

Trends over time in rates of AD completion, hospitalization before death, and death in hospital are described. The association between trends in AD completion and hospital death was then assessed by comparing nested, multivariable logistic regression models predicting the odds of hospital death over time with and without adjusting for AD status and sociodemographic characteristics. The complex sampling design was accounted for in all analyses.

Results

The proportion of decedents with an AD increased from 47% in 2000 to 72% in 2010. At the same time, the proportion of decedents with at least one hospitalization in the last 2 years of life increased from 52% to 71%, and the proportion dying in the hospital decreased from 45% to 35%. After adjusting for confounding by sociodemographic characteristics, the trend in declining hospital death over the decade was negligibly associated with the greater use of ADs.

Conclusion

There has been a significant increase in rates of AD completion over the last decade, but this trend has had little effect upon hospitalization and hospital death, suggesting that AD completion is unlikely to stem hospitalization before death.
Detection of Adverse Events in an Acute Geriatric Hospital over a 6‐Year Period Using the Global Trigger Tool
Authors: Suarez Cristina , Menendez María Dolores , Alonso Josefina , Castaño Nieves , Alonso Marta , Vazquez Fernando
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To assess the frequency, severity, and preventability of adverse events (AEs) detected using the Global Trigger Tool (GTT) in an acute geriatric hospital.

Design

A 6‐year retrospective study.

Setting

An urban Spanish acute geriatric teaching hospital of 200 beds.

Participants

Ten randomly selected clinical records were chosen every fortnight from January 2007 to December 2012 (1,440 records, 240 per year).

Measurements

Triggers, AEs, Index of the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP) categories of severity, and Likert scale to evaluate the preventability of AEs.

Results

Four hundred twenty‐four AEs (categories E to I of the NCC MERP Index) were identified in 335 of the 1,440 individuals scrutinized, which corresponded to 29.4 physical injuries per 100 admissions (95% confidence interval (CI) = 25.7–34.7). Of these, 351 (91.7%) occurred 3 or more days after admission; 279 harms (65.8%) were preventable. Significant decreases in the rate of harms per 1,000 patient‐days (21.8 vs 27.1, relative risk (RR) = 0.77, 95% CI 0.66–0.91, P = .02) and in high‐severity events (categories F to I) (11/720 clinical records in 2011–2012 vs 23/720 clinical records in 2007–2009) (RR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.24–0.96, P = .04) were observed during the second half of the study from the first. The number needed to alert was 7.8.

Conclusion

The frequency and severity of AEs decreased during the period of study. Factors possibly contributing to the decrease in AEs include new beds with variable height, pressure ulcer prevention, introduction of clinical electronic records, staff training on hand washing, surgical check list, correct patient identification, and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality surveys on patient safety culture.
Effect of the Bathing Without a Battle Training Intervention on Bathing‐Associated Physical and Verbal Outcomes in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia: A Randomized Crossover Diffusion Study
Authors: Gozalo Pedro , Prakash Shivaani , Qato Danya M. , Sloane Philip D. , Mor Vincent
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Bathing Without a Battle intervention in reducing physical and verbal aggressive behaviors for nursing home residents with dementia.

Design

A randomized crossover diffusion study, with one group receiving the intervention after one round of baseline observations and a delayed intervention group receiving the intervention after two rounds of baseline observations.

Setting

Six nursing home facilities in the state of New York.

Participants

Nursing home residents with dementia (N = 240).

Intervention

The Bathing Without a Battle educational program, designed for direct‐care staff members responsible for bathing residents diagnosed with dementia and implemented through a train‐the‐trainer model.

Measurements

Rates of verbal and physical aggressive and agitated behaviors were measured using the Care Recipient Behavior Assessment; secondary measures of effect included bath duration, bath modality, and antipsychotic medication use.

Results

In spite of implementation obstacles (consent delays and change in leadership at one facility), a significant change was observed in how residents were bathed that translated into a significant reduction in the rate of aggressive and agitated behaviors, particularly verbal, during residents' baths. The use of in‐bed baths increased 17%, and average bath duration decreased significantly (average 1.5 minutes less) in the postintervention period, particularly for in‐bed baths. Verbal behaviors declined 17.8% (P = .008), combined verbal and physical behaviors declined 18.6% (P = .004), and antipsychotic use declined 30% (P = .002) after the intervention.

Conclusion

The Bathing Without a Battle educational program, delivered through a train‐the‐trainer format, is an effective means of improving the bathing experience of residents with dementia in nursing homes. This research supports broadly adopting this intervention, especially for nursing homes serving many residents with dementia.
Microstructural changes in cartilage and bone related to repetitive overloading in an equine athlete model
Authors: Turley Sean M. , Thambyah Ashvin , Riggs Christopher M. , Firth Elwyn C. , Broom Neil D.
Published: April 2014

The palmar aspect of the third metacarpal (MC3) condyle of equine athletes is known to be subjected to repetitive overloading that can lead to the accumulation of joint tissue damage, degeneration, and stress fractures, some of which result in catastrophic failure. However, there is still a need to understand at a detailed microstructural level how this damage progresses in the context of the wider joint tissue complex, i.e. the articular surface, the hyaline and calcified cartilage, and the subchondral bone. MC3 bones from non‐fractured joints were obtained from the right forelimbs of 16 Thoroughbred racehorses varying in age between 3 and 8 years, with documented histories of active race training. Detailed microstructural analysis of two clinically important sites, the parasagittal grooves and the mid‐condylar regions, identified extensive levels of microdamage in the calcified cartilage and subchondral bone concealed beneath outwardly intact hyaline cartilage. The study shows a progression in microdamage severity, commencing with mild hard‐tissue microcracking in younger animals and escalating to severe subchondral bone collapse and lesion formation in the hyaline cartilage with increasing age and thus athletic activity. The presence of a clearly distinguishable fibrous tissue layer at the articular surface immediately above sites of severe subchondral collapse suggested a limited reparative response in the hyaline cartilage.
Thrombomodulin improves maternal and fetal conditions in an experimental pre‐eclampsia rat model
Authors: Shin Mihwa , Hino Hirofumi , Tamura Midori , Ishizuka Bunpei , Tanaka Mamoru , Suzuki Nao , Tateda Takeshi
Published: April 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the consecutive administration of recombinant thrombomodulin (r‐TM) for 4 days improves maternal and fetal conditions and physiological outcomes in an N′‐nitro‐L‐arginine‐methyl ester hydrochloride‐induced and low‐dose endotoxin‐induced pre‐eclampsia (PE).

Methods

r‐TM or saline was administrated i.v. to normal pregnant and experimental PE rats for 4 days. The maternal condition, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐1 (VEGFR‐1), fetal conditions, uteroplacental blood flow (UPBF), and oxygenation in the placenta and fetal brain was evaluated on gestational day 21.

Results

Significant increases in the mean arterial blood pressure, VEGFR‐1 values and fetal death rate were observed in PE rats compared with control rats, while maternal and fetal bodyweight and fetal brain weight were substantially lower. Hypoperfusion and hypo‐oxygenation in both the placenta and fetal brain tissues occurred in PE rats. Although r‐TM failed to improve hypertension and affect the differences in maternal bodyweight between the groups, r‐TM significantly improved hypoperfusion and fetal and maternal conditions, including VEGFR‐1 values (6.5 ± 4.0 vs 2.2 ± 2.7 ng/mL, PE vs PE with r‐TM, respectively; P < 0.05). Although not significant, a decrease in the fetal death rate was observed in PE rats administrated r‐TM (36.1 ± 17.6% vs 25.0 ± 23.8%, P = 0.077).

Conclusion

The severe reductions in the UPBF and the placental oxygenation imply that regional hypoperfusion occurs in association with systemic mean arterial pressure. r‐TM may be a candidate medical treatment for PE complications.
Recurrent miscarriage is associated with a decline of decidual natural killer cells expressing killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors specific for human leukocyte antigen C
Authors: Wang Shan , Li Yan‐Ping , Ding Bo , Zhao Yue‐Ran , Chen Zi‐Jiang , Xu Cheng‐Yan , Fu Yi‐Bing , Wang Xie‐Tong
Published: April 2014

Aim

To investigate the relationship between natural killer (NK) cell phenotype and recurrent miscarriage (RM).

Methods

We studied killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) expression on decidual NK cells in women with RM.

Results

The expression of KIR2DL1/S1 on CD56+CD16− NK cells in the deciduas of these women was significantly lower than in that of control subjects (P = 0.026). There was a significant decline in the frequency of CD56+CD16− NK cells staining for KIR2DL1/S1 and KIR2DL2/S2/L3 throughout the first trimester in patients (P < 0.05). Furthermore, by stratification of the women in three groups according to gestational stage, it was found that KIR2DL1/S1 expressing NK cells were significantly decreased in all groups, especially around gestational days 50–70 (P = 0.010).

Conclusion

This is the first report to demonstrate that RM is associated with a decline in the frequency of decidual NK cells expressing KIR specific for human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐C, and in which gestational stage was considered. The results suggest that KIR phenotype contributes to the pathogenesis of the disease, and that assessment of KIR may serve as a diagnostic tool.
Women's knowledge and attitude towards mode of delivery and frequency of cesarean section on mother's request in six public and private hospitals in Tehran, Iran, 2012
Authors: Ghotbi Fatemeh , Akbari Sene Azadeh , Azargashb Eznollah , Shiva Farideh , Mohtadi Mina , Zadehmodares Shahrzad , Farzaneh Farah , Yasai Fakhr‐al‐molouk
Published: April 2014

Aim

The rate of cesarean section (CS) has been reported to be as high as 40% among Iranian women in the year 2009. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of cesarean delivery on mother's request (CDMR) and to determine maternal attitude and knowledge about various modes of delivery in private and public (university) hospitals in Tehran.

Material and Methods

All primiparous mothers delivering in six selected hospitals between April 2010 and March 2011 were included. Trained investigators handed a predesigned questionnaire to mothers 1 day after delivery to be filled out in the presence of the investigator.

Results

From 600 deliveries, 501 (83.5%) were CS and 99 (16.5%) were normal vaginal delivery. The CS rates in university hospitals versus private hospitals were 78.5% and 91.9%, respectively. In total, mothers' knowledge scores were poor, intermediate, and good in 55.6%, 37.9%, and 6.5% of cases, respectively, and no significant difference in knowledge was observed between mothers attending private or public hospitals. The overall rate of CDMR was 20.8%; and the most frequent reason was fear of pain. Women with CDMR were at higher marital age, education, insurance coverage, and socioeconomic status compared with the women with vaginal delivery.

Conclusion

Prompt action is needed to reduce the unacceptably high rate of unwarranted cesarean deliveries. Improving women's knowledge about the risks and benefits of different modes of delivery can lead to a positive maternal attitude towards vaginal delivery.
Evaluation of gingival crevicular fluid levels of tissue plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor 2, matrix metalloproteinase‐3 and interleukin 1‐β in patients with different periodontal diseases
Authors: Toyman U. , Tüter G. , Kurtiş B. , Kıvrak E. , Bozkurt Ş. , Yücel A. A. , Serdar M.
Published: April 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the gingival crevicular fluid levels of interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β), matrix metalloproteinases‐3 (MMP‐3), tissue type plasminogen activator (t‐PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 (PAI‐2) in patients with chronic periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and healthy individuals (controls).

Material and Methods

Systemically healthy (21 chronic periodontitis, 23 AgP and 20 controls) subjects were included in this study. Plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level were recorded and gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected. Assays for IL‐1β, MMP‐3, t‐PA and PAI‐2 levels in gingival crevicular fluid were carried out by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The one‐sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman correlation coefficient were used for data analyses.

Results

Gingival crevicular fluid levels of t‐PA and IL‐1β were significantly higher in chronic periodontitis and AgP groups than in the control group (p < 0.001). MMP‐3 levels in gingival crevicular fluid were detected as significantly higher in the chronic periodontitis and AgP groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The t‐PA/PAI‐2 rate of patients with chronic periodontitis and AgP were significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). The positive correlations were found among the PAI‐2, t‐PA, IL‐1β and MMP‐3 levels in gingival crevicular fluid. The volume of the gingival crevicular fluid correlated with all of the clinical parameters (p < 0.001). There were positive correlations between the gingival crevicular fluid levels of PAI‐2 and the probing pocket depth and between gingival crevicular fluid levels of PAI‐2 and the clinical attachment level (p < 0.01). Similarly, significant correlations were found between t‐PA levels and probing pocket depth and between t‐PA levels and clinical attachment level measurements (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The present data showed that gingival crevicular fluid levels of IL‐1 β, MMP‐3 and t‐PA increased in periodontal disease regardless of the periodontitis type and played a part in tissue destruction.
Hierarchical processing in music, language, and action: Lashley revisited
Authors: Fitch W. Tecumseh , Martins Mauricio D.
Published: April 2014

Sixty years ago, Karl Lashley suggested that complex action sequences, from simple motor acts to language and music, are a fundamental but neglected aspect of neural function. Lashley demonstrated the inadequacy of then‐standard models of associative chaining, positing a more flexible and generalized “syntax of action” necessary to encompass key aspects of language and music. He suggested that hierarchy in language and music builds upon a more basic sequential action system, and provided several concrete hypotheses about the nature of this system. Here, we review a diverse set of modern data concerning musical, linguistic, and other action processing, finding them largely consistent with an updated neuroanatomical version of Lashley's hypotheses. In particular, the lateral premotor cortex, including Broca's area, plays important roles in hierarchical processing in language, music, and at least some action sequences. Although the precise computational function of the lateral prefrontal regions in action syntax remains debated, Lashley's notion—that this cortical region implements a working‐memory buffer or stack scannable by posterior and subcortical brain regions—is consistent with considerable experimental data.
Postgraduates performing powerfully in a changing academic environment
Authors:   NZGS‐PG Network
Published: April 2014

Over the last 20 years, there has been considerable discussion around the changing nature of tertiary education. Much of this work has described how tertiary institutions and academic staff are forced to compete, account for and justify their work within a narrowing neoliberal discourse characterised by competition and entrepreneurialism, the privileging of certain forms of knowledge above others and the monetisation of academic labour. Following from the postgraduate workshop at the New Zealand Geographical Society 2012 conference, we, as postgraduate students, provide a contribution to this discussion that explores how postgraduate students might ‘perform powerfully’ through collective action to enact a different university in an increasingly uncertain and entrepreneurial academic climate. We outline various forms of collective action to maximise postgraduate students' sense of agency and seek to highlight possibilities in an increasingly uncertain and entrepreneurial academic climate.
New Zealand's ‘wild and scenic rivers’: Geographical aspects of 30 years of water conservation orders
Authors: Hughey Kenneth F. D. , Rennie Hamish G. , Williams Nick J.
Published: April 2014

Attempts to protect and preserve New Zealand's wild and scenic rivers received statutory support in 1981 through amendments to the Water and Soil Conservation Act 1967. These legislative provisions, Water Conservation Orders, were retained in the Resource Management Act 1991, although there was a broadening of the type of waters and range of values that could be protected. An analysis of the 15 water conservation orders granted enabled the identification of a typology that reveals some distinctive geographic and temporal patterns.
Update on pediatric neurocritical care
Authors: Tasker Robert C.
Published: April 2014

Paralytic poliomyelitis, Reye syndrome, Hemophilus Influenzae type B epiglottitis, bacterial meningitis, and meningococcal septic shock are catastrophic illnesses that in the last 60 years have shaped the development of pediatric intensive care. Neurocritical care has been at the forefront of our thinking and, more latterly, as a specialty we have had the technology and means to develop this focus, educate the next generation and show that outcomes can be improved—first in adult critical care and now the task is to translate these benefits to critically ill children. In our future we will need to advance interventions in patient care with clinical trials.

MeSH terms: Neurocritical care; child; traumatic brain injury; status epilepticus; cerebrovascular
Expanding knowledge of the Rubisco kinetics variability in plant species: environmental and evolutionary trends
Authors: GALMÉS JERONI , KAPRALOV MAXIM V. , ANDRALOJC P. JOHN , CONESA MIQUEL À. , KEYS ALFRED J. , PARRY MARTIN A. J. , FLEXAS JAUME
Published: April 2014

The present study characterizes the kinetic properties of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) from 28 terrestrial plant species, representing different phylogenetic lineages, environmental adaptations and photosynthetic mechanisms. Our findings confirm that past atmospheric CO2/O2 ratio changes and present environmental pressures have influenced Rubisco kinetics. One evolutionary adaptation to a decreasing atmospheric CO2/O2 ratio has been an increase in the affinity of Rubisco for CO2 (Kc falling), and a consequent decrease in the velocity of carboxylation (kcatc), which in turn has been ameliorated by an increase in the proportion of leaf protein accounted by Rubisco. The trade‐off between Kc and kcatc was not universal among the species studied and deviations from this relationship occur in extant forms of Rubisco. In species adapted to particular environments, including carnivorous plants, crassulacean acid metabolism species and C3 plants from aquatic and arid habitats, Rubisco has evolved towards increased efficiency, as demonstrated by a higher kcatc/Kc ratio. This variability in kinetics was related to the amino acid sequence of the Rubisco large subunit. Phylogenetic analysis identified 13 residues under positive selection during evolution towards specific Rubisco kinetic parameters. This crucial information provides candidate amino acid replacements, which could be implemented to optimize crop photosynthesis under a range of environmental conditions.
Critical hepatic hemangioma in infants: Recent nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Kuroda Tatsuo , Hoshino Ken , Nosaka Shunsuke , Shiota Yohko , Nakazawa Atsuko , Takimoto Tetsuya
Published: April 2014

The International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classification divides vascular lesions into two major entities: neoplasms originating from the vascular endothelium and vascular malformations. Although this concept has been widely accepted, little has been established regarding vascular lesions in deep organs, such as infantile hepatic hemangioma (IHH). The current nationwide survey identified 19 critical infantile hemangiomas during the most recent 5 years. On histopathology all the lesions examined were neoplastic, but portovenos shunt was found histologically or clinically in some cases. High‐output cardiac failure, consumption coagulopathy, and respiratory distress were the major symptoms, and treatment‐resistant coagulopathy seemed to be the most reliable predictor of fatal outcome. Although steroid has been the gold standard treatment for these lesions, 25% of the patients were totally insensitive to steroids, whereas propranolol had a prompt effect in one case. For critical IHH with steroid‐insensitive thrombocytopenia and prothrombin time prolongation, novel therapeutic options including beta‐blocker therapy, surgery, and liver transplantation should be urgently considered as alterative treatment. The present review summarizes the results of the survey.
Estimation of muscle strength from actigraph data in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Kimura Shigemi , Ozasa Shiro , Nomura Keiko , Yoshioka Kowashi , Endo Fumio
Published: April 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of a wrist actigraph for estimating muscle strength in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients aged 4–19 years wore a wrist actigraph to monitor activities of daily living, and underwent a test of knee extension strength and the 6 min walk test. These measures were made at baseline and at 1 year later. The actigraph data were quantified using the zero crossing mode (ZCM), which indicates the frequency of movement, and the proportional integration mode (PIM), which indicates activity level or vigor of motion.

Results

The ZCM and PIM scores of ambulatory patients were higher than those of non‐ambulatory patients (P < 0.001). The correlation coefficient between ZCM score and 6 min walk distance, ZCM score and knee extension strength, PIM score and 6 minute walk distance, and PIM score and knee extension strength was –0.44, 0.25, 0.58, and 0.63, respectively. This indicates that the PIM score had a moderate–good association with 6 min walk distance and knee extension strength.

Conclusion

Muscle strength can be estimated using the PIM score calculated from actigraph data. The PIM score is a good tool for the estimation of muscle strength.
Laryngeal botoxification for severe asthma
Authors: Gibson Peter
Published: April 2014

See article, page 531
Elevated plasma YKL‐40 as a prognostic indicator in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Chen Guo , Yang Tao , Gu Qing , Ni Xin‐Hai , Zhao Zhi‐Hui , Ye Jue , Meng Xian‐Min , Liu Zhi‐Hong , He Jian‐Guo , Xiong Chang‐Ming
Published: April 2014

Background and objective

Pulmonary vascular remodelling and inflammation have been implicated in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). YKL‐40, a marker of tissue remodelling and inflammation, has recently been recognized as a risk predictor of cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. The study aimed to investigate a potential role of YKL‐40 in predicting prognosis in idiopathic PAH (IPAH).

Methods

Plasma YKL‐40 levels were measured in 82 IPAH patients without current or previous PAH‐specific treatment during right heart catheterization and in 54 healthy volunteers. Concurrent data included clinical, haemodynamic and biochemical variables.

Results

Plasma YKL‐40 levels were increased in IPAH patients compared with control subjects (median, interquartile range: IPAH: 24.90, 17.68–39.78 ng/mL; controls: 16.58, 14.20–19.64 ng/mL; P < 0.001). YKL‐40 levels correlated with cardiac index (r = −0.244, P = 0.027) and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP, r = 0.263, P = 0.017). After a median follow‐up of 578 days, YKL‐40 outperformed NT‐proBNP, uric acid, and 6‐min walk distance in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses in predicting both clinical worsening (area under the curve (AUC) 0.681) and death (AUC 0.717). Compared with patients with YKL‐40 below the ROC‐derived cut‐off point (24.5 ng/mL), the high YKL‐40 group showed higher pulmonary vascular resistance and serum uric acid levels, and showed more clinical worsening events and deaths in Kaplan–Meier analyses. Plasma YKL‐40 was independently associated with clinical worsening in univariate and multivariate Cox analyses (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Plasma YKL‐40 might serve as a promising indicator of disease severity and prognosis in patients with IPAH.
Characteristics of Triassic epithermal Au mineralization at the Q prospect, Chatree mining area, Central Thailand
Authors: Tangwattananukul Ladda , Ishiyama Daizo , Matsubaya Osamu , Mizuta Toshio , Charusiri Punya , Sato Hinako , Sera Koichiro
Published: April 2014

The Chatree deposit is located in the Loei‐Phetchabun‐Nakhon Nayok volcanic belt that extends from Laos in the north through central and eastern Thailand into Cambodia. Gold‐bearing quartz veins at the Q prospect of the Chatree deposit are hosted within polymictic andesitic breccia and volcanic sedimentary breccia. The orebodies of the Chatree deposit consist of veins, veinlets and stockwork. Gold‐bearing quartz veins are composed mainly of quartz, calcite and illite with small amounts of adularia, chlorite and sulfide minerals. The gold‐bearing quartz veins were divided into five stages based on the cross‐cutting relationship and mineral assemblage. Intense gold mineralization occurred in Stages I and IV. The mineral assemblage of Stages I and IV is characterized by quartz–calcite–illite–laumontite–adularia–chlorite–sulfide minerals and electrum. Quartz textures of Stages I and IV are also characterized by microcrystalline and flamboyant textures, respectively. Coexistence of laumontite, illite and chlorite in the gold‐bearing quartz vein of Stage IV suggests that the gold‐bearing quartz veins were formed at approximately 200°C. The flamboyant and brecciated textures of the gold‐bearing quartz vein of Stage IV suggest that gold precipitated with silica minerals from a hydrothermal solution that was supersaturated by boiling. The δ18O values of quartz in Stages I to V range from +10.4 to +11.6‰ except for the δ18O value of quartz in Stage IV (+15.0‰). The increase in δ18O values of quartz at Stage IV is explained by boiling. PH2O is estimated to be 16 bars at 200°C. The fCO2 value is estimated to be 1 bar based on the presence of calcite in the mineral assemblage of Stage IV. The total pressure of the hydrothermal solution is approximately 20 bars at 200°C, suggesting that the gold‐bearing quartz veins of the Q prospect formed about 200 m below the paleosurface.
Volatility Contagion in the Asian Crisis: New Evidence of Volatility Tail Dependence
Authors: Karmann Alexander , Herrera Rodrigo
Published: April 2014

We analyze empirically the existence and the extent of financial contagion by means of extreme value theory in the Asian crisis. We consider two key markets, the stock exchange and the foreign exchange using daily data in the period 1992–2001. We present several notions of financial contagion as a significant change in volatility tail dependence (VTD) among different assets. To this end, we introduce a semiparametric VTD estimator in the framework of regularly varying strictly stationary time series. Our analysis provides mixed evidence with respect to the “interdependence vs contagion” dispute. Within‐country contagion is more likely to hold than across‐country contagion. Because the latter is typically symmetric, contagion in stocks and foreign exchange coincide, in line with “portfolio rebalancing” arguments. Across‐market contagion supports the “wake up call” argument of loss of confidence, as small countries' currency markets affect contagiously the stock markets of the larger economies.
The Impact of Measurement Error on Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Hellton Kristoffer Herland , Thoresen Magne
Published: April 2014

We investigate the effect of measurement error on principal component analysis in the high‐dimensional setting. The effects of random, additive errors are characterized by the expectation and variance of the changes in the eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The results show that the impact of uncorrelated measurement error on the principal component scores is mainly in terms of increased variability and not bias. In practice, the error‐induced increase in variability is small compared with the original variability for the components corresponding to the largest eigenvalues. This suggests that the impact will be negligible when these component scores are used in classification and regression or for visualizing data. However, the measurement error will contribute to a large variability in component loadings, relative to the loading values, such that interpretation based on the loadings can be difficult. The results are illustrated by simulating additive Gaussian measurement error in microarray expression data from cancer tumours and control tissues.
The double loop mattress suture
Authors: Biddlestone John , Samuel Madan , Creagh Terry , Ahmad Tariq
Published: April 2014

An interrupted stitch type with favorable tissue characteristics will reduce local wound complications. We describe a novel high‐strength, low‐tension repair for the interrupted closure of skin, cartilage, and muscle, the double loop mattress stitch, and compare it experimentally with other interrupted closure methods. The performance of the double loop mattress technique in porcine cartilage and skeletal muscle is compared with the simple, mattress, and loop mattress interrupted sutures in both a novel porcine loading chamber and mechanical model. Wound apposition is assessed by electron microscopy. The performance of the double loop mattress in vivo was confirmed using a series of 805 pediatric laparotomies/laparoscopies. The double loop mattress suture is 3.5 times stronger than the loop mattress in muscle and 1.6 times stronger in cartilage (p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, the double loop mattress reduces tissue tension by 66% compared with just 53% for the loop mattress (p ≤ 0.001). Wound gapping is equal, and wound eversion appears significantly improved (p ≤ 0.001) compared with the loop mattress in vitro. In vivo, the double loop mattress performs as well as the loop mattress and significantly better than the mattress stitch in assessments of wound eversion and dehiscence. There were no episodes of stitch extrusion in our series of patients. The mechanical advantage of its intrinsic pulley arrangement gives the double loop mattress its favorable properties. Wound dehiscence is reduced because this stitch type is stronger and exerts less tension on the tissue than the mattress stitch. We advocate the use of this novel stitch wherever a high‐strength, low‐tension repair is required. These properties will enhance wound repair, and its application will be useful to surgeons of all disciplines.
Experimental Analysis of a Tracking Solar Water Heating System by Real Time Digital Tracking Method
Authors: Rhushi Prasad P. , Gangavati P. B. , Byregowda H. V. , Badarinarayan K. S.
Published: April 2014

Nowadays the field of applied mechanical systems opens new horizons for the use of orientation mechanisms. The opportunity to use mechanisms with a “sustainable purpose” leads to new approaches in the development of renewable energy systems design. In literature review many authors says the evaluation of the existing products shows that the tracking mechanisms for solar energy conversion systems may improve the efficiency of the solar energy conversion systems up to 30% to 50%. Applications of solar energy for domestic and industrial heating purposes are becoming very popular. However the effectiveness of presently used fixed flat plate collectors, photovoltaic panels and parabolic collector are low due to the moving nature of the energy source.

This paper presents researches in the field of increasing the efficiency of the solar energy conversion by using tracking systems with flat plate collector of solar water heating system with the aim to change the position of the solar collector/solar panels correlated to the sun position for maximizing the use of beam radiation by real time digital tracking method.

H.V. Byregowda et.al. optimized the interaction between the mechatronic system components by integrating the analog electronic system by using a 555 timer in the mechanical model by designing a single axis low cost tracking system of experimental model in order to reduce cost and show improvement in efficiency of tracking systems before beginning with the virtual prototype level. The work done by these authors was at chickballapur location in BGS R&D centre, SJCIT College. The result Obtained in their research work is that, the thermal efficiency was increased by 21% with tracking of manual method and by 24% with analog method of automatic tracking system.

In the present work, a new method of tracking system has been developed electronically with solar water heating systems used in homes for water heating and Power utilization as multiple purpose domestic applications by adding real time clock (RTC) digital, microcontroller, DC motor, Electronics circuit board, batteries and photovoltaic panels along with water tank, flat plate collector which are existing at present in homes only for water heating applications. The results obtained in present work of digital tracking system the thermal efficiency of experimental working model of flat plate collector shows 30% increase when compared with tracking system and non tracking system.
Robust and Adaptive Power Generation, Control and Actuation System for Air Flow Control of Jet Engines
Authors: Jacazio Giovanni , Sorli Massimo , Mornacchi Andrea
Published: April 2014

The paper presents the result of a study aimed at defining an innovative architecture for an airflow control system of a military jet engine, able to enhance the system performance, reliability and survivability, as well as to reduce the power consumption. This is obtained by combining an innovative architecture of the hydraulic power generation system with a hybrid hydraulic and electrical actuation for the flight safety critical actuators, and with suitable health management algorithms. The hydraulic power generation unit uses variable pressure, smart control and a back-up emergency power source. A key issue is to obtain all these functions while reducing to a minimum the number of additional components with respect to the conventional hydraulic power generation systems. The paper firstly presents the state-of-art of these systems and their critical issues, outlines the alternative solutions, and then describes architecture, characteristics and performance of the airflow control system that was eventually defined as a result of a research activity aimed at moving beyond the present state-of-art in this field.