bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy and childbirth outcomes among adolescent mothers: a World Health Organization multicountry study
Authors: Ganchimeg T , Ota E , Morisaki N , Laopaiboon M , Lumbiganon P , Zhang J , Yamdamsuren B , Temmerman M , Say L , Tunçalp Ö , Vogel JP , Souza JP , Mori R ,   on behalf of the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal Newborn Health Research Network
Published: March 2014

Objective

To investigate the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among adolescents in 29 countries.

Design

Secondary analysis using facility‐based cross‐sectional data of the World Health Organization Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health.

Setting

Twenty‐nine countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.

Population

Women admitted for delivery in 359 health facilities during 2–4 months between 2010 and 2011.

Methods

Multilevel logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between young maternal age and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Main outcome measures

Risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among adolescent mothers.

Results

A total of 124 446 mothers aged ≤24 years and their infants were analysed. Compared with mothers aged 20–24 years, adolescent mothers aged 10–19 years had higher risks of eclampsia, puerperal endometritis, systemic infections, low birthweight, preterm delivery and severe neonatal conditions. The increased risk of intra‐hospital early neonatal death among infants born to adolescent mothers was reduced and statistically insignificant after adjustment for gestational age and birthweight, in addition to maternal characteristics, mode of delivery and congenital malformation. The coverage of prophylactic uterotonics, prophylactic antibiotics for caesarean section and antenatal corticosteroids for preterm delivery at 26–34 weeks was significantly lower among adolescent mothers.

Conclusions

Adolescent pregnancy was associated with higher risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancy prevention strategies and the improvement of healthcare interventions are crucial to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes among adolescent women in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Optimal Trade Policy under Endogenous Foreign Entry
Authors: Etro Federico
Published: March 2014

I characterise the optimal unilateral trade policy for domestic firms competing in domestic or integrated markets with endogenous entry of foreign firms. Under conditions satisfied in most trade models (as with quasi‐linear or CES preferences) the analysis is simplified by a Neutrality Theorem: any policy affecting the profitability of the domestic firm is not going to affect consumer surplus and the strategies of the foreign firms, but affects their entry decisions. In a domestic market, we fully characterise the optimal import tariff: this is positive in the classic linear Cournot case, but with a convex demand or product differentiation it is optimal to adopt an import subsidy. In an integrated market, the optimal subsidy to domestic production is always positive, independent from form of competition and size of the domestic market.
Dating of Seals Produced with Stamp‐Pad Ink Using Gas Chromatography Method
Authors: Li Biao
Published: March 2014

Seals are often placed on important documents, and determining the date when a seal was affixed can be important to assess the authenticity of a document. In this study, thirty‐seven different brands of stamp‐pad inks and three different types of paper were used to make diachronic samples of the seals. The volatile components of stamp‐pad ink were determined, and the stamp‐pad ink was classified by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. Calibration curves were created to show the relationship between the content of volatile stamp‐pad ink components and the age of stamp‐pad ink entries stored under natural aging,UV‐induced aging, and heating aging conditions. The experimental results showed thatGCwas useful in the analysis of stamp‐pad ink and applicable for determining the relative age of stamp‐pad ink entries in some cases where the seal was placed on the document within 3 months.
Field Study on the Attraction and Development of Insects on Human Meconium and Breast‐fed‐Infant Feces
Authors: De Jong Grant D.
Published: March 2014

Urogenital myiasis of newborn infants, although rare, is usually considered to indicate neglect due to attraction of flies to feces; however, infant feces have not been determined to attract insects. Human meconium and breast‐fed‐infant feces were used to determine attractiveness to insects and to examine subsequent colonization and growth patterns of insect larvae. Despite small amounts of fecal material present, adults of Lucilia sericata arrived at breast‐fed‐infant feces within five minutes; insects were rarely observed on meconium. Oviposition and growth of L. sericata larvae occurred only on breast‐fed‐infant feces; however, the larvae did not progress beyond the second instar. These data suggest that urogenital myiasis by L. sericata in newborn human infants within the first few days postpartum would not be expected, but desiccation and depletion of infested feces may provide a possible pathway for urogenital myiasis in older newborn infants.
A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Swabbing and Flossing as a Means of Recovering Spermatozoa from the Oral Cavity
Authors: Roberts Katherine A. , Johnson Donald J. , Cruz Sherillelynn , Simpson Heather , Safer Alan
Published: March 2014

This study examined whether flossing the teeth is a more effective collection method in recovering spermatozoa than conventional swabbing techniques. It was hypothesized that inclusion of flossing as a collection method would extend the recovery of spermatozoa to longer postcoital intervals (PCIs). Eighteen individuals provided 174 oral cavity samples. Successful recovery of spermatozoa was assessed with respect to the collection method and reported activity in the oral cavity during the PCI. Samples were subjected to a differential extraction procedure prior to microscopic evaluation of the extracted pellet. The results indicate that swabbing is more effective than flossing when the PCI falls within 1.5–12 h. However, spermatozoa were recovered from seven floss samples where the corresponding swabs gave negative results. When combining the results from the two collection methods, the percentage of subjects from whom spermatozoa are recovered increases for each PCI beyond the 0‐h interval.
Enhanced UV‐B radiation during pupal stage reduce body mass and fat content, while increasing deformities, mortality and cell death in female adults of solitary bee Osmia bicornis
Authors: Wasielewski Oskar , Wojciechowicz Tatiana , Giejdasz Karol , Krishnan Natraj
Published: March 2014

The effects of enhanced UV‐B radiation on the oogenesis and morpho‐anatomical characteristics of the European solitary red mason bee Osmia bicornis L. (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) were tested under laboratory conditions. Cocooned females in the pupal stage were exposed directly to different doses (0, 9.24, 12.32, and 24.64 kJ/m2/d) of artificial UV‐B. Our experiments revealed that enhanced UV‐B radiation can reduce body mass and fat body content, cause deformities and increase mortality. Following UV exposure at all 3 different doses, the body mass of bees was all significantly reduced compared to the control, with the highest UV dose causing the largest reduction. Similarly, following UV‐B radiation, in treated groups the fat body index decreased and the fat body index was the lowest in the group receiving the highest dose of UV radiation. Mortality and morphological deformities, between untreated and exposed females varied considerably and increased with the dose of UV‐B radiation. Morphological deformities were mainly manifested in the wings and mouthparts, and occurred more frequently with an increased dose of UV. Cell death was quantified by the Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay (DNA fragmentation) during early stages of oogenesis of O. bicornis females. The bees, after UV‐B exposure exhibited more germarium cells with fragmented DNA. The TUNEL test indicated that in germarium, low doses of UV‐B poorly induced the cell death during early development. However, exposure to moderate UV‐B dose increased programmed cell death. In females treated with the highest dose of UV‐B the vast majority of germarium cells were TUNEL‐positive.
Cardiac dosimetry for adjuvant left‐sided breast radiotherapy: Patterns with 2D‐ versus 3D‐era planning and correlates of coronary dose with maximum depth of myocardial exposure
Authors: Graham PH
Published: March 2014

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cardiac dosimetry delivered before and after routine 3D CT whole‐breast radiotherapy planning, including cardiac contouring and the relevance of a 15‐mm maximum myocardial depth (MMD) planning tolerance threshold.

Methods

The PULp FICTion study permitted cardiac dosimetry comparisons for 140 patients (70 in the ‘before‐contouring era’ (BC) and 70 in the ‘post‐contouring era’ (PC) ). Comparisons were made of MMD and dosimetry for whole heart, anterior myocardium and left anterior descending (LAD)/coronary artery (overall, superior and inferior) by contouring era.

Results

The MMD mean was 15.6 mm (range 1–40). If the internal mammary chain (IMC) was treated, the MMD increased from 15 to 27.7 mm (P < 0.0001). Excluding IMC patients revealed no difference in MMD between conservation and mastectomy (14.9 vs 17.4, P = 0.3), boost and no boost (14.5 vs 15.5, P = 0.41) or BC and PC (15.7 vs 14.5. P = 0.33) and no differences related to treating clinician, anthracycline use or age. Only in potentially low‐risk patients defined as not requiring IMC or boost treatment was there a difference in MMD by era, with 17.7 mm (1–40) in the BC era and 13.9 mm (1–31) mm in the PC era (P = 0.013). Inferior LAD mean doses increased from 49% to 84% of the prescribed breast dose when MMD was >15 mm, and the proportion of patients with a mean dose <40% of the prescribed breast dose fell from 48% to 8%.

Conclusion

Changes in cardiac dosimetry associated with routine cardiac contouring have initially been minor and restricted to low‐risk patients. A 15‐mm MMD reasonably represents a transition from low mean distal LAD doses to substantial doses.
Accelerated microglial pathology is associated with Aβ plaques in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Baron Rona , Babcock Alicia A. , Nemirovsky Anna , Finsen Bente , Monsonego Alon
Published: March 2014

Microglia integrate within the neural tissue with a distinct ramified morphology through which they scan the surrounding neuronal network. Here, we used a digital tool for the quantitative morphometric characterization of fine cortical microglial structures in mice, and the changes they undergo with aging and in Alzheimer's‐like disease. We show that, compared with microglia in young mice, microglia in old mice are less ramified and possess fewer branches and fine processes along with a slightly increased proinflammatory cytokine expression. A similar microglial pathology appeared 6–12 months earlier in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), along with a significant increase in brain parenchyma lacking coverage by microglial processes. We further demonstrate that microglia near amyloid plaques acquire unique activated phenotypes with impaired process complexity. We thus show that along with a chronic proinflammatory reaction in the brain, aging causes a significant reduction in the capacity of microglia to scan their environment. This type of pathology is markedly accelerated in mouse models of AD, resulting in a severe microglial process deficiency, and possibly contributing to enhanced cognitive decline.
Effects of age, sex, and genotype on high‐sensitivity metabolomic profiles in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Hoffman Jessica M. , Soltow Quinlyn A. , Li Shuzhao , Sidik Alfire , Jones Dean P. , Promislow Daniel E. L.
Published: March 2014

Researchers have used whole‐genome sequencing and gene expression profiling to identify genes associated with age, in the hope of understanding the underlying mechanisms of senescence. But there is a substantial gap from variation in gene sequences and expression levels to variation in age or life expectancy. In an attempt to bridge this gap, here we describe the effects of age, sex, genotype, and their interactions on high‐sensitivity metabolomic profiles in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Among the 6800 features analyzed, we found that over one‐quarter of all metabolites were significantly associated with age, sex, genotype, or their interactions, and multivariate analysis shows that individual metabolomic profiles are highly predictive of these traits. Using a metabolomic equivalent of gene set enrichment analysis, we identified numerous metabolic pathways that were enriched among metabolites associated with age, sex, and genotype, including pathways involving sugar and glycerophospholipid metabolism, neurotransmitters, amino acids, and the carnitine shuttle. Our results suggest that high‐sensitivity metabolomic studies have excellent potential not only to reveal mechanisms that lead to senescence, but also to help us understand differences in patterns of aging among genotypes and between males and females.
Prophylactic vs therapeutic blood patch for obstetric patients with accidental dural puncture – a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Stein M. H. , Cohen S. , Mohiuddin M. A. , Dombrovskiy V. , Lowenwirt I.
Published: March 2014

Epidural blood patch is a standard treatment for obstetric patients experiencing a severe post‐dural puncture headache. Patients who sustained an accidental dural puncture during establishment of epidural analgesia during labour or at caesarean delivery were randomly assigned to receive a prophylactic epidural blood patch or conservative treatment with a therapeutic epidural blood patch if required. Eleven of 60 (18.3%) patients in the prophylactic epidural blood patch group developed a post‐dural puncture headache compared with 39 of 49 (79.6%) in the therapeutic epidural blood patch group (p < 0.0001). A blood patch was performed in 36 (73.4%) of patients in the therapeutic group. The number of patients who needed a second blood patch did not differ significantly between the two groups: 6 (10.0%) for prophylactic epidural blood patch and 4 (11.1%) for therapeutic epidural blood patch. We conclude that prophylactic epidural blood patch is an effective method to reduce the development of post‐dural puncture headache in obstetric patients.
The ethics and practice of neonatal resuscitation at the limits of viability: an international perspective
Authors: Fanaroff Jonathan M. , Hascoët Jean‐Michel , Hansen Thor Willy Ruud , Levene Malcolm , Norman Mikael , Papageorgiou Apostolos , Shinwell Eric , van de Bor Margot , Stevenson David K. ,   on behalf of the International Perinatal Collegium (IPC)
Published: March 2014

Premature infants at the limits of viability raise difficult ethical, legal, social and economic questions. Neonatologists attending an international Collegium were surveyed about delivery room behaviour, and the approach taken by selected countries practicing ‘modern’ medicine was explored.

Conclusion

There were strong preferences for comfort care at 22 weeks and full resuscitation at 24 weeks. Resuscitation was a grey area at 23 weeks. Cultural, social and legal factors also had a considerable impact on decision‐making.
Transient erythroblastopenia of childhood is an underdiagnosed and self‐limiting disease
Authors: van den Akker Machiel , Dror Yigal , Odame Isaac
Published: March 2014

Aim

Transient erythroblastopenia of childhood (TEC) is an uncommon, benign normocytic anaemia of unknown cause, characterised by reduced or absent mature erythroid precursors in otherwise normocellular bone marrow and a complete spontaneous recovery. We present epidemiological data on paediatric TEC cases in a single centre over 30 years and compare them with published data.

Methods

In this retrospective study, epidemiological data on children diagnosed with TEC between 1978 and 2008 were collected and compared with published data.

Results

A total of 36 children (median age 19 months, 56% male children) were diagnosed. At presentation, median haemoglobin was 44 g/L with absolute reticulocyte count 0 × 109/L; seventeen (47%) patients were neutropenic and 23 (64%) had platelet counts of more than 400 × 109/L. The majority (78%) presented from 1983 to 1997, and 78% of articles reviewing 10 or more TEC patients were published between 1983 and 1992.

Conclusion

Transient erythroblastopenia of childhood is now diagnosed less frequently in our institution than in the last two decades. Although the aetiology remains largely unknown, it is possible that changes in causative environmental factors contribute to making TEC a rare disease. Clinicians need to be aware of TEC in order to prevent unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic measurements.
Self‐conscious emotions in worry and generalized anxiety disorder
Authors: Schoenleber Michelle , Chow Philip I. , Berenbaum Howard
Published: March 2014

Objectives

Current theories regarding worry and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) highlight the potential avoidance functions of worry, and it has been suggested that worry functions to avoid self‐conscious emotions in particular. Therefore, the present study examined the roles of proneness and aversion to self‐conscious emotions in worry and GAD.

Design

Cross‐sectional data from two samples were collected: (1) a sample of 726 undergraduates, and (2) a selected sample of 51 community members, 37.3% of whom met DSM‐IV criteria for GAD. Zero‐order correlations and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to examine associations of self‐conscious emotion constructs to worry and GAD.

Method

Proneness to guilt and shame (propensities for experiencing guilt and shame, respectively) were assessed via the Test of Self‐Conscious Affect‐3. Aversion to guilt and shame (perceptions of guilt and shame, respectively, as especially painful, undesirable emotions) were assessed using the Guilt Aversion Assessment and Shame‐Aversive Reactions Questionnaire, respectively. Worry was assessed using the Penn State Worry Questionnaire, and GAD was assessed via the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV‐TR Axis I Disorders.

Results

Correlations indicated positive associations between self‐conscious emotion constructs and worry/GAD. However, in the selected community sample, regression analyses indicated that only shame aversion was positively associated with worry/GAD, over and above all other self‐conscious emotion constructs and depression.

Conclusions

Results suggest a prominent role for an intolerance for shame in worry and GAD, which is broadly consistent with psychological models of worry. Future directions for research and clinical implications are discussed.

Practitioner points

Positive clinical implications

Evidence supporting the theorized importance of self‐conscious emotions in worry and GAD.

Specifically highlights the need to address intolerance for shame in treatment.

Limitations

Small sample size in Study 2.

Use of cross‐sectional data.
Microwave Assistant One Pot Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Antifungal Activities and 3D‐QSAR of Novel 1,2,4‐Triazolo[4,3‐a]pyridines
Authors: Liu Xing‐Hai , Sun Zhao‐Hui , Yang Ming‐Yan , Tan Cheng‐Xia , Weng Jian‐Quan , Zhang Yong‐Gang , Ma Yi
Published: March 2014

A series of novel 1,2,4‐triazolo[4,3‐a]pyridines were synthesized, and their structures were characterized by 1H NMR, MS, elemental analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The antifungal activities were evaluated. The antifungal activity results indicated that the compound 2b, 2g, 2p, and 2i exhibited good activities. The activity of compound 2b, 2g, 2p, and 2i can compare with the commercial pesticide. The 3D‐QSAR model was developed using CoMFA method. Both the steric and electronic field distributions of CoMFA are in good agreement in this work and will be very helpful in designing a new set of analogues.
Pharmacogenetics of beta2 adrenergic receptor agonists in asthma management
Authors: Ortega V. E.
Published: March 2014

Beta2 (β2) adrenergic receptor agonists (beta agonists) are a commonly prescribed treatment for asthma despite the small increase in risk for life‐threatening adverse responses associated with long‐acting beta agonist (LABA). The concern for life‐threatening adverse effects associated with LABA and the inter‐individual variability of therapeutic responsiveness to LABA‐containing combination therapies provide the rationale for pharmacogenetic studies of beta agonists. These studies primarily evaluated genes within the β2‐adrenergic receptor and related pathways; however, recent genome‐wide studies have identified novel loci for beta agonist response. Recent studies have identified a role for rare genetic variants in determining beta agonist response and, potentially, the risk for rare, adverse responses to LABA. Before genomics research can be applied to the development of genetic profiles for personalized medicine, it will be necessary to continue adapting to the analysis of an increasing volume of genetic data in larger cohorts with a combination of analytical methods and in vitro studies.
Accounting for the Impact of Conservation on Human Well‐Being
Authors: MILNER‐GULLAND E.J. , MCGREGOR J.A. , AGARWALA M. , ATKINSON G. , BEVAN P. , CLEMENTS T. , DAW T. , HOMEWOOD K. , KUMPEL N. , LEWIS J. , MOURATO S. , PALMER FRY B. , REDSHAW M. , ROWCLIFFE J.M. , SUON S. , WALLACE G. , WASHINGTON H. , WILKIE D.
Published: March 2014

Conservationists are increasingly engaging with the concept of human well‐being to improve the design and evaluation of their interventions. Since the convening of the influential Sarkozy Commission in 2009, development researchers have been refining conceptualizations and frameworks to understand and measure human well‐being and are starting to converge on a common understanding of how best to do this. In conservation, the term human well‐being is in widespread use, but there is a need for guidance on operationalizing it to measure the impacts of conservation interventions on people. We present a framework for understanding human well‐being, which could be particularly useful in conservation. The framework includes 3 conditions; meeting needs, pursuing goals, and experiencing a satisfactory quality of life. We outline some of the complexities involved in evaluating the well‐being effects of conservation interventions, with the understanding that well‐being varies between people and over time and with the priorities of the evaluator. Key challenges for research into the well‐being impacts of conservation interventions include the need to build up a collection of case studies so as to draw out generalizable lessons; harness the potential of modern technology to support well‐being research; and contextualize evaluations of conservation impacts on well‐being spatially and temporally within the wider landscape of social change. Pathways through the smog of confusion around the term well‐being exist, and existing frameworks such as the Well‐being in Developing Countries approach can help conservationists negotiate the challenges of operationalizing the concept. Conservationists have the opportunity to benefit from the recent flurry of research in the development field so as to carry out more nuanced and locally relevant evaluations of the effects of their interventions on human well‐being.

Consideración del Impacto de la Conservación sobre el Bienestar Humano
Environmental Determinants of Recent Endemism of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Infections in Amphibian Assemblages in the Absence of Disease Outbreaks
Authors: SPITZEN‐VAN DER SLUIJS ANNEMARIEKE , MARTEL AN , HALLMANN CASPAR A. , BOSMAN WILBERT , GARNER TRENTON W. J. , VAN ROOIJ PASCALE , JOORIS ROBERT , HAESEBROUCK FREDDY , PASMANS FRANK
Published: March 2014

The inconsistent distribution of large‐scale infection mediated die‐offs and the subsequent population declines of several animal species, urges us to understand how, when, and why species are affected by disease. It is often unclear when or under what conditions a pathogen constitutes a threat to a host. Often, variation of environmental conditions plays a role. Globally Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) causes amphibian declines; however, host responses are inconsistent and this fungus appears equally capable of reaching a state of endemism and subsequent co‐existence with native amphibian assemblages. We sought to identify environmental and temporal factors that facilitate host–pathogen coexistence in northern Europe. To do this, we used molecular diagnostics to examine archived and wild amphibians for infection and general linear mixed models to explore relationships between environmental variables and prevalence of infection in 5 well‐sampled amphibian species. We first detected infection in archived animals collected in 1999, and infection was ubiquitous, but rare, throughout the study period (2008–2010). Prevalence of infection exhibited significant annual fluctuations. Despite extremely rare cases of lethal chytridiomycosis in A. obstetricans, Bd prevalence was uncorrelated with this species’ population growth. Our results suggest context dependent and species‐specific host susceptibility. Thus, we believe recent endemism of Bd coincides with environmentally driven Bd prevalence fluctuations that preclude the build‐up of Bd infection beyond the critical threshold for large‐scale mortality and host population crashes.

Determinantes Ambientales del Endemismo Reciente de Infecciones de Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis en Conjuntos de Anfibios en Ausencia de Brotes de Enfermedades Spitzen et al.
What Does Children's Spatial Language Reveal About Spatial Concepts? Evidence From the Use of Containment Expressions
Authors: Johanson Megan , Papafragou Anna
Published: March 2014

Children's overextensions of spatial language are often taken to reveal spatial biases. However, it is unclear whether extension patterns should be attributed to children's overly general spatial concepts or to a narrower notion of conceptual similarity allowing metaphor‐like extensions. We describe a previously unnoticed extension of spatial expressions and use a novel method to determine its origins. English‐ and Greek‐speaking 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds used containment expressions (e.g., Englishinto, Greekmesa) for events where an object moved into another object but extended such expressions to events where the object moved behind or under another object. The pattern emerged in adult speakers of both languages and also in speakers of 10 additional languages. We conclude that learners do not have an overly general concept of Containment. Nevertheless, children (and adults) perceive similarities across Containment and other types of spatial scenes, even when these similarities are obscured by the conventional forms of the language.
The Adaptive Use of Recognition in Group Decision Making
Authors: Kämmer Juliane E. , Gaissmaier Wolfgang , Reimer Torsten , Schermuly Carsten C.
Published: March 2014

Applying the framework of ecological rationality, the authors studied the adaptivity of group decision making. In detail, they investigated whether groups apply decision strategies conditional on their composition in terms of task‐relevant features. The authors focused on the recognition heuristic, so the task‐relevant features were the validity of the group members' recognition and knowledge, which influenced the potential performance of group strategies. Forty‐three three‐member groups performed an inference task in which they had to infer which of two German companies had the higher market capitalization. Results based on the choice data support the hypothesis that groups adaptively apply the strategy that leads to the highest theoretically achievable performance. Time constraints had no effect on strategy use but did have an effect on the proportions of different types of arguments. Possible mechanisms underlying the adaptive use of recognition in group decision making are discussed.
A Computational Model for the Item‐Based Induction of Construction Networks
Authors: Gaspers Judith , Cimiano Philipp
Published: March 2014

According to usage‐based approaches to language acquisition, linguistic knowledge is represented in the form of constructions—form‐meaning pairings—at multiple levels of abstraction and complexity. The emergence of syntactic knowledge is assumed to be a result of the gradual abstraction of lexically specific and item‐based linguistic knowledge. In this article, we explore how the gradual emergence of a network consisting of constructions at varying degrees of complexity can be modeled computationally. Linguistic knowledge is learned by observing natural language utterances in an ambiguous context. To determine meanings of constructions starting from ambiguous contexts, we rely on the principle of cross‐situational learning. While this mechanism has been implemented in several computational models, these models typically focus on learning mappings between words and referents. In contrast, in our model, we show how cross‐situational learning can be applied consistently to learn correspondences between form and meaning beyond such simple correspondences.
Melanocytic matricoma: two cases of a rare entity in women
Authors: Tanboon Jantima , Manonukul Jane , Pattanaprichakul Penvadee
Published: March 2014

Melanocytic matricoma is a rare cutaneous adnexal tumor occurring in humans with only 13 cases reported in the literature. The typical lesion is a circumscribed pigmented nodule on sun‐damaged skin. Most cases have occurred in elderly men. The tumor contains a mixed population of matrical cells, supramatrical cells, shadow or ghost cells, and dendritic melanocytes. We report two cases of melanocytic matricoma in two elderly women with unusual histopathological features such as cystic degeneration and focal granulomatous inflammation, which are considered to be atypical for this entity.
‘Miracle cure’ or ‘liquid handcuffs’: Reporting on naltrexone and methadone in the Australian print media
Authors: Matthew‐Simmons Francis , Ritter Alison
Published: March 2014

Introduction and Aims

The news media is an important source of information regarding new developments in medicine and public health interventions. Previous research has indicated that in many cases, reporting on new treatments can be inaccurate or sensationalist. This paper presents analysis of Australian print media reporting on two treatment options for heroin dependence (naltrexone and methadone). The aim of this study was to quantitatively compare the volume and content of Australian print media reporting on these two treatments, one of which had a long history of use in Australia, and the other which was comparatively newer.

Design and Methods

The study constituted a quantitative content analysis of a sample of 859 Australian newspaper articles, published over a 10‐year period (1997–2007). Each article paragraph was coded for positive outcomes/benefits of treatment, as well as negative outcomes associated with treatment.

Results

The analysis revealed that during this period, the Australian print media was significantly more likely to report the potential positive outcomes of naltrexone treatment, compared with the negative outcomes. In contrast, reporting on methadone focused more on the negative outcomes and side effects.

Discussion and Conclusions

The relative frequency by which the benefits of naltrexone were mentioned in this sample of news content is somewhat at odds with the extant efficacy and effectiveness research evidence. The findings suggest that reporting on these treatments in the Australian print media has not been balanced. This type of reporting has potential implications for public attitudes, as well as policy decisions. [Matthew‐Simmons F, Ritter A. ‘Miracle cure’ or ‘liquid handcuffs’: Reporting on naltrexone and methadone in the Australian print media. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:506‐514]
Measuring environmental qualities: an innovative approach
Authors: Shikako‐Thomas Keiko
Published: March 2014

This commentary is on the original article by King et al. on pages 763–769 of this issue.
Activation of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor inhibits tumourigenicity and metastasis of human pancreatic cancer cells via PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Zhao H. , Wang L. , Wei R. , Xiu D. , Tao M. , Ke J. , Liu Y. , Yang J. , Hong T.
Published: March 2014

Aims

It has been reported that glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) agents are associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes. Reports have indicated that GLP‐1 promotes pancreatic metaplasia and premalignant lesions. The aims of this study were to determine the effects of GLP‐1‐based therapy on pancreatic cancer cells.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate GLP‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) expression in 30 human pancreatic cancer tissues. We also analysed associated clinicopathological data and each patient's prognosis. Two human pancreatic cancer cell lines were used to evaluate the in vitro effects of the GLP‐1R agonist liraglutide on cell growth, migration and invasion. Mouse xenograft models of human pancreatic cancer were established to evaluate the effects of liraglutide in vivo.

Results

Human pancreatic cancer tissues showed lower levels or a lack of GLP‐1R expression when compared with levels in the tumour‐adjacent pancreatic tissues. Negative GLP‐1R expression occurred more frequently in advanced tumours with larger diameters and lymphatic metastasis, and was associated with a poor prognosis. GLP‐1R activation with liraglutide inhibited tumourigenicity and metastasis of human pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Akt activation was dose‐dependently inhibited by liraglutide, and the PI3K inhibitors, LY294002 and wortmannin, displayed similar suppressive effects to liraglutide in human pancreatic cancer cells.

Conclusions

GLP‐1R activation has an antitumour effect on human pancreatic cancers via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway. This finding suggests that GLP‐1‐based therapies may be beneficial, rather than harmful, in treating type 2 diabetic patients with pancreatic cancer.
Topographic microclimates drive microhabitat associations at the range margin of a butterfly
Authors: Lawson Callum R. , Bennie Jonathan , Hodgson Jenny A. , Thomas Chris D. , Wilson Robert J.
Published: March 2014

The habitat associations of individuals underpin the dynamics of species distributions. Broad‐scale gradients in climate can alter habitat associations across species’ geographic ranges, but topographic heterogeneity creates local microclimates which could generate variation in habitat use at finer spatial scales. We examined the selection of microhabitats for egg‐laying by populations of a thermally‐constrained butterfly, the skipper Hesperia comma, across 16 sites with different regional temperatures and topographic microclimates. Using models of thermal microclimate, we examined how the association between eggs and warm bare ground microhabitats varied with ambient temperature, and predicted bare ground associations in 287 existing H. comma populations, to investigate the relative impacts of regional temperatures and topographic microclimates on microhabitat use. Eggs were most strongly associated with bare ground in relatively cool sites, indicating climate‐driven changes in microhabitat use. The majority of temperature variation between study sites was attributable to topographic microclimates rather than regional temperature differences, such that changes in microhabitat associations occurred principally between north‐ and south‐facing slopes within the same region. Predicted microhabitat associations across the UK distribution of H. comma showed that, due to the large temperature differences generated by topography, most of the between‐population variation in microhabitat use occurs locally within 5 km grid squares, with a smaller proportion occurring at a regional level between 5 km squares. Our findings show how microclimatic variation generated by topography alters the habitat associations of populations at fine spatial scales, suggesting that microclimate‐driven changes in habitat suitability could shape species’ distribution dynamics and their responses to environmental change.
A novel conceptual framework for long‐term leaching of autochthonous soil particles during transient flow
Authors: Michel E. , Majdalani S. , Di‐Pietro L.
Published: March 2014

To date, most of the experimental and modelling research on the mobilization mechanisms of autochthonous colloidal‐sized soil particles has focused on single rainfall events. However, in the field, natural events interrupted by rainless periods of various durations follow one another. Some studies have shown that the amount of leached particles is much affected by the chronology of rainfall events. In this paper, we propose a model to compute the amount of mobilized particles during the transient flow regime of long series of successive rainfall events. Particles that can be mobilized are assumed to be located at the surface of preferential flow paths in contact with flowing water. As water passes, particles are mobilized, thus uncovering new particles and renewing the stock of mobilizable particles. We also report experimental data on the impact of long series of rainfall events on particle mobilization in undisturbed calcareous soil columns under controlled conditions. The model provides a framework to understand the variation of mobilization observed during the transient flow regime of these rainfall events. These variations resulted in part from the interplay between macropore water content at the onset of rain and the chronology of previous rainfall events. Additionally, the model provides a feedback loop between particle mobilization and minute macropore structure modifications. Once coupled with a particle transport model this feature may be useful to model soil structure changes during long series of successive rainfall events.
Changes in first flowering dates and flowering duration of 232 plant species on the island of Guernsey
Authors: Bock Anna , Sparks Tim H. , Estrella Nicole , Jee Nigel , Casebow Andrew , Schunk Christian , Leuchner Michael , Menzel Annette
Published: March 2014

Climate change has affected plant phenology; increasing temperatures are associated with advancing first flowering dates. The impact on flowering duration, however, has rarely been studied. In this study, we analysed first flowering dates and flowering durations from a 27 year dataset of weekly flower observations on 232 plant species from the island of Guernsey in the English Channel. The aim of this study was to explore variation in trends and relationships between first flowering dates, flowering duration and temperature. We specifically looked for evidence that traits, such as life forms and phylogenetic groups, explained variation in sensitivity of first flowering and flowering duration among species. Overall trends revealed significantly earlier flowering over time, by an average of 5.2 days decade−1 since 1985. A highly significant shortening of flowering duration was observed by an average of 10 days decade−1. Correlations between first flowering, flowering duration and year varied between different species, traits and flowering periods. Significant differences among traits were observed for first flowering and to a lesser degree for flowering duration. Overall, in comparison to first flowering, more species had significant trends in flowering duration. Temperature relationships revealed large differences in strength and direction of response. 55% of the species revealed a significant negative relationship of first flowering dates and temperature. In contrast, only 19% of flowering durations had a significant negative temperature relationship. The advance in first flowering date together with a shortening of flowering duration suggests potentially serious impacts on pollinators, which might pose a major threat to biodiversity, agriculture and horticulture. Human health, in terms of pollen allergies, however, might benefit from a shortening of specific plant pollen seasons.
The Carboniferous Southern Pennine Basin, UK
Authors: Southern Sarah J. , Mountney Nigel P. , Pringle Jamie K.
Published: March 2014

Many of the Carboniferous outcrops located in the Derbyshire region of the Peak District National Park, UK, have provided sites for both significant and pioneering research relating to the clastic sedimentology of marine palaeoenvironments, particularly so during the 1960s and 1970s when early models describing the sedimentary architecture of fluvio‐deltaic, submarine‐slope and deep‐marine submarine‐fan sedimentation were first developed. The area was subject to hydrocarbon exploration from the 1920s to 1950s, which although unsuccessful in economic terms left a legacy of sub‐surface data. Despite a long‐history of sedimentological research, the deposits exposed at several classic localities in the Pennine Basin continue to broaden and challenge our current understanding of sedimentary processes to this day.
Non‐invasive assessment of liver steatosis in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kan Hiromi , Kimura Yuki , Hyogo Hideyuki , Fukuhara Takayuki , Fujino Hatsue , Naeshiro Noriaki , Honda Yohji , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Tsuge Masataka , Hiramatsu Akira , Imamura Michio , Kawakami Yoshiiku , Aikata Hiroshi , Ochi Hidenori , Arihiro Koji , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: March 2014

Aim

The diagnosis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is based on the histological findings. Further, there may be interobserver differences. Liver to spleen (L/S) ratio on computed tomography (CT) is employed to detect or even quantify the fat content of the liver. The objective of this study was to accurately diagnose fatty liver by evaluating the relationship between L/S ratio and histological findings.

Methods

Sixty‐seven biopsy‐proven NAFLD patients were enrolled. L/S ratio on CT was calculated. The area of steatosis in liver specimens was measured by BIOREVO BZ‐9000 microscope, and the percentage of steatosis was calculated using Dynamic cell count BZ‐H1C software.

Results

Steatotic grade assessed by pathologist was significantly correlated with the percentage of steatosis and L/S ratio. Factors associated with steatosis were L/S ratio, aspartate aminotransferase and Homeostasis Model of Assessment – Insulin Resistance as determined by multivariate analysis. L/S ratios were: S0, 1.16 ± 0.20 (mean ± standard deviation); S1, 0.88 ± 0.28; S2, 0.76 ± 0.20; and S3, 0.40 ± 0.18, respectively. The optimal cut‐off value of L/S ratio to exclude steatosis was 1.1, and the area under the receiver–operator curve for the diagnosis of steatosis was 0.886.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that while 0% of steatosis showed 1.296 L/S ratio, the cut‐off value of L/S ratio would be 1.1 at least to exclude clinically important liver steatosis.
Symposium on “Retinoid Research and Clinical Application” Supported by the Japanese Cancer Association
Authors: Shudo Koichi , Muto Yasutoshi , Fujiki Hirota
Published: March 2014

The Symposium on “Retinoid Research and Clinical Application” was held on November 10 and 11, 1989 at the Lecture Hall of the Foundation for Promotion of Cancer Research in Tokyo, within the framework of the activity of the Japanese Cancer Association. The organizers were Dr. Koichi Shudo, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Dr. Yasutoshi Muto, First Department of Internal Medicine, Gifu University, and Hirota Fujiki, Cancer Prevention Division, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo. For preparation of this Symposium, we organizers first consulted Japanese scientists from various research fields about their interest in a Symposium on this subject, since this was the first meeting on retinoid research in Japan. Based on those discussions, we decided to extend invitations from the Japanese Cancer Association to more scientists than usual. That is, six presentations by invited foreign scientists were planned to be included in this Symposium. They were given by Dr. Pierre Chambon from France and Drs. Michael B. Sporn, Peter J. A. Davies, Richard C. Moon, Gregor Eichele and Gary Peck from the United States. In addition, there were 43 oral presentations from Japanese participants. The purpose of the Symposium was to impart and to discuss information concerning the present status of retinoid research at the international level. The meeting was divided into two parts; morning, for short presentations by the Japanese scientists, and afternoon, for three plenary lectures by the invited speakers each day. As scientific languages, Japanese was used in the morning and English in the afternoon. Over 300 participants were registered for two days. This number indicated the high level of current interest in research on retinoids.
Role of growth factors in oesophageal mucosal healing: A work in progress
Authors: YOUNES ZIAD H , DUNCAN MARK D , HARMON JOHN W
Published: March 2014

Abstract Reflux of gastroduodenal contents into the oesophagus results in dynamic cycles of injury followed by cell proliferation and repair. These processes are receiving increased attention due to the high incidence of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and the rising incidence of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus. Repeated cycles of injury and repair may lead to abnormal differentiation followed by abnormal growth. This article summarizes the research performed by our group in the field of oesophageal injury and repair. We initially developed an in vivo perfused rabbit oesophagus model that served to study the effects of various components of the gastroduodenal juice on several parameters of oesophageal injury. We have shown that pepsin causes severe morphological oesophagitis at an acidic pH but is ineffective at an alkaline pH. We have also demonstrated that trypsin causes severe morphological oesophagitis at an alkaline pH but not at an acidic pH. Bile salts were found to disrupt the oesophageal barrier at both pH levels. We have also studied the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) on oesophageal regeneration. We used an ex vivo oesophageal explant model for these experiments. Both EGF and IGF‐I cause a dose‐dependent increase in oesophageal DNA synthesis, cell proliferation and mucosal growth. These effects are synergistic and can be inhibited by specific tyrphostins. We are currently studying the role of growth factors as therapeutic agents and the role of growth factors in the development of Barrett's oesophagus and adenocarcinoma.
Variceal haemorrhage: An update on treatment
Authors: SUNG JOSEPH JY
Published: March 2014

Abstract Recent advances in the management of variceal haemorrhage include injection of cyanoacrylate and the use of banding ligation. New pharmacological agents, such as somatostatin and octreotide, have also proved to be effective in controlling variceal haemorrhage. The transjugular intrahepatic porto‐systemic shunt (TIPS) represents an effective rescue when other treatment modalities fail. A multi‐disciplinary approach should be emphasized in the management of this high‐risk complication of portal hypertension.