bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dilated cardiomyopathy in a De Brazza's monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus)
Authors: Felkai Alena , Vogelnest Larry , McNabb Suzanne , Allan Graeme , Sangster Cheryl 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundCardiomyopathies have been reported in many primates. They may result from an inflammatory response to an infectious agent, nutritional deficiency, familial‐genetic inheritance or toxic agents, but in many cases they are idiopathic.MethodsA De Brazza's monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus) presented with weight loss and inappetence. Physical examination, blood collection and diagnostic imaging and an electrocardiogram were performed.ResultsRadiographs and echocardiogram revealed pleural effusion with partially collapsed lungs, cardiomegaly, and reduced myocardial contractility from myocardial failure.ConclusionsNecropsy revealed pulmonary infarction, subsequent to heart failure from dilated cardiomyopathy.
The neuropsychological profile of vascular cognitive impairment not demented: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Vasquez Brandon P. , Zakzanis Konstantine K. 
Published: February 2014

The most common cause of vascular cognitive impairment not demented (VCIND) is cerebral small vessel disease leading to diffuse subcortical white matter lesions. While many studies indicate that the core cognitive features of VCIND are executive dysfunction and impaired processing speed, this finding is not always consistent, and may be partially dependent on the comparison group applied. Hence, we undertook two systematic meta‐analytic reviews on neuropsychological test performance across eight cognitive domains: between VCIND and healthy controls (data from 27 studies), and between VCIND and non‐vascular mild cognitive impairment (nv‐MCI; data from 20 studies). Our quantitative synthesis of the research literature demonstrates that individuals with VCIND show weaknesses across all cognitive domains relative to healthy controls, with the greatest impairment in the domain of processing speed (Md = −1.36), and the least affected being working memory (Md = −.48) and visuospatial construction (Md = −.63). When compared directly with nv‐MCI, individuals with VCIND had significantly greater deficits in processing speed (Md = −.55) and executive functioning (Md = −.40), while those with nv‐MCI exhibited a greater relative deficit in delayed memory (Md = .41). Our analyses indicate that disruption to subcortical white matter tracts impairs more cognitive processes than is typically thought to be directly related to the fronto‐subcortical network. The data also suggest that differing brain aetiologies can be responsible for similar cognitive profiles. Although the findings do not evince diagnostic value, they allude to the interconnectivity of disparate cognitive processes and call for further research on the behavioural outcome of network disruption.
A pre‐emptive pain management protocol to support self‐care following vitreo‐retinal day surgery
Authors: McCloud Christine , Harrington Ann , King Lindy 
Published: February 2014

Aims and objectivesTo describe the development and evaluation of a pre‐emptive and multimodal pain management protocol that aims to improve patient experiences following vitreo‐retinal day surgery.BackgroundVitreo‐retinal surgery has been increasingly performed as day surgery that requires patients to undertake postoperative self‐care, including the management of pain. While vitreo‐retinal surgery is known to be painful in the convalescent period, pain management following day surgery has been described as problematic across many surgical specialties.DesignOne hundred patient audit and in‐depth qualitative interviews with nine participants.MethodsA pain management protocol was developed from research evidence, established knowledge and expert opinion, then implemented and evaluated.ResultsThe pre‐emptive and multimodal protocol used intravenous Parecoxib in conjunction with regional ocular anaesthesia and oral paracetamol. Parecoxib 40 mg was administered prior to discharge, and participants were instructed to take the paracetamol six hours post‐regional anaesthesia. Rescue analgesia was also provided. Following implementation of the protocol in a single clinical site, low levels of pain were reported in the audited patient cohort and confirmed in the qualitatively explored experiences of nine participants.ConclusionsThe results of this study were encouraging, in that post vitreo‐retinal day surgery pain appeared to have been successfully self‐managed with a multimodal and pre‐emptive protocol. The protocol was flexible and sensitive to patient comorbidities, surgical complexity, previous experiences and medical preferences. Further research is required to consolidate the success of this protocol to effectively support patients’ self‐care pain management and provide capacity to generalise the findings.Relevance to clinical practiceKnowledge developed through this clinically based research has the potential for informing future patient care across many sites where day surgery is an integral component of treatment for people with vitreo‐retinal disease.
Cyclicity in the French Property–Liability Insurance Industry: New Findings Over the Recent Period
Authors: Bruneau Catherine , Sghaier Nadia 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis article reinvestigates the presence and the causes of the underwriting cycle in the French property–liability insurance industry as displayed by the combined ratio for the 1963–2008 period. The question is still a timely issue if we refer to regulation issues and the recent proposals in the Solvency framework to take into account the fluctuations of the profitability in specifying the solvency capital requirement. In the literature, two approaches are traditionally adopted to investigate the underwriting cycle. The first one refers to an endogenous characterization of the cyclical properties from an AR(2) model. The second one claims that the cycle in the property–liability insurance has exogenous sources related to the financial markets and the general economy. In this article, we reconcile the two approaches by using a smooth transition regression model. This model shows that the AR(2) model is relevant in a first regime where the capacity constraint is binding. In contrast, the fluctuations in the combined ratio are positively influenced by the lagged stock market return in a second regime where the capacity is not constrained, as for the most recent period. Moreover, we find that the current capacity is related to the lagged inflation rate in the latter case. These results confirm the idea that the European rules regarding the solvency capital requirement for insurance companies should take into account the state of the economy and the financial markets.
Parental readiness to implement life‐style behaviour changes in relation to children's excess weight
Authors: Giannisi Filippina , Pervanidou Panagiota , Michalaki Eri , Papanikolaou Katerina , Chrousos George , Yannakoulia Mary 
Published: February 2014

AimThe aim if this study is to evaluate parental readiness to implement changes in specific life‐style behaviours for preventing or reducing obesity in children.MethodsEighty‐seven parents of overweight or obese children participated in this cross‐sectional study. Parents completed a questionnaire for the assessment of their perceptions about their children's weight and their readiness to take action in general, as well as in relation to ten obesogenic life‐style behaviours. The transtheoretical model with the five stages of change (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance) was used for this assessment. A total readiness score was calculated for the 10 behaviours.ResultsA total of 4.6% of parents were in the precontemplation–contemplation stage for overall weight management. However, this percentage was greater for particular behaviours, such as allowing children to self‐regulate their food intake, having family meals, reducing screen time and increasing physical activity. Child's body mass index, paternal education level and parental perception about child's excessive weight being attributed to over‐consumption of sweets and salty snacks were significantly associated with total readiness score.ConclusionsThe results of the present study indicate that the high readiness for general action reported by parents of overweight/obese children does not necessarily imply their readiness to engage in changes in specific life‐style behaviours.
Antidepressant use among paediatric patients with recent‐onset inflammatory bowel disease: A nationwide case control study in Finland
Authors: Virta Lauri J , Kolho Kaija‐Leena 
Published: February 2014

AimChildren with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) appear to be at increased risk of psychosocial problems, but there are few large‐scale studies related to mental health in paediatric IBD. We aimed to assess the use of antidepressants among adolescents with recent‐onset IBD.MethodsIn a Finnish nationwide register‐based study, we assessed dispensed prescribed antidepressants in 248 adolescents with incident IBD and in 992 peers individually matched for age, sex and place of residence between 1 January 2006 and 30 September 2010. For comparison, dispensed prescribed centrally acting sympathomimetics (ADHD drugs) were also assessed. Purchases of these drugs, available by prescription only, were considered proxy indicators for drug use.ResultsWe observed a significant difference in the frequency of antidepressant use among adolescents with IBD (3.2%) when compared with peers (1.2%; P = 0.031) up to 3 years from diagnosis. In the use of ADHD drugs there was no difference between the groups.ConclusionThe findings address the disease burden of the gut disease and reflect the importance of considering mental health in adolescents with IBD.
Effects of hurricane disturbance and feral goat herbivory on the structure of a Caribbean dry forest
Authors: Rojas‐Sandoval Julissa , Meléndez‐Ackerman Elvia J. , Fumero‐Cabán José , García‐Bermúdez Miguel A. , Sustache José , Aragón Susan , Morales Mariely , Fernández Denny S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractQuestionHurricanes are a major factor influencing forest structure and have been linked to higher incidences of multiple‐stemmed trees in Caribbean dry forests relative to the continent. In Sept 1998, category 3 Hurricane Georges passed over Mona Island. This island, unlike others in the Caribbean, has had feral goats for five centuries. In this study we addressed the following questions: (i) what are the short‐term (4 mo) and long‐term (10 yr) responses of Mona Island's dry forests to hurricane disturbance in terms of forest structure and tree mortality; and (ii) is there any effect of goat exclusion on the recovery process and forest structure after the hurricane?LocationDry forest of Mona Island, Puerto Rico.MethodsPermanent fenced and unfenced plots established in 1997 and monitored annually until 2008 were used to evaluate the interplay between goat herbivory and hurricane effects on structural dynamics of the tree community. Within these plots, vegetation data collected include species identity, DBH, successional status and hurricane‐related tree mortality.ResultsWe found that vegetation responses to hurricane disturbances may have been influenced by the presence of feral goats through at least two mechanisms. First, goats may have led to changes in forest structure and composition that feed back into the recovery dynamics that follow hurricane events. Second, goat herbivory limits the production of multiple stems, a trait that could be an adaptive response in hurricane‐prone areas. Feral goats may lead to alternate successional pathways by keeping this dry forest at early‐successional stages much longer than expected, and shifting vegetation communities to an alternate state where smaller, shrubbier and perhaps less palatable species dominate.ConclusionsDifferences in structure between Mona Island's dry forest and other tropical dry forests are related to changes in species composition that may have been triggered by introduced goats. Our results highlight the potential complexities that may arise when setting management goals within the context of novel ecosystems. Ultimately, implementation of management goals requires knowing what changes are linked to the ecological integrity of the ecosystem and what cultural values are placed on the current state of the tree community vs its historical condition.
Inorganic nitrogen acquisition by the tropical seagrass Halophila stipulacea
Authors: Alexandre Ana , Georgiou Dimos , Santos Rui 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe tropical seagrass Halophila stipulacea is dominant in most regions of the Indo‐Pacific and the Red Sea and was introduced into the Mediterranean Sea after the opening of the Suez canal. The species is considered invasive in the Mediterranean Sea and has been progressively colonizing new areas westward. Growth and photosynthetic responses of H. stipulacea have been described but no information is yet available on the nitrogen nutrition of the species. Here we simultaneously investigated the uptake kinetics of ammonium and nitrate and the internal translocation of incorporated nitrogen in H. stipulacea using 15N‐labelled substrates across a range of Ni levels (5, 25, 50 and 100 μm). The ammonium uptake rates exceeded the nitrate uptake rates 100‐fold, revealing a limited capacity of H. stipulacea to use nitrate as an alternative nitrogen source. The uptake rates of ammonium by leaves and roots were comparable up to 100 μm 15NH4Cl. At this concentration, the leaf uptake rate was 1.4‐fold higher (6.22 ± 0.70 μmol·g−1 DW h−1) than the root uptake rate (4.54 ± 0.28 μmol·g−1 DW h−1). The uptake of ammonium followed Michaelis–Menten kinetics, whereas nitrate uptake rates were relatively constant at all nutrient concentrations. The maximum ammonium uptake rate (Vmax) and the half‐saturation constant (Km) of leaves (9.79 μmol·g−1 DW h−1 and 57.95 μm, respectively) were slightly higher than that of roots (6.09 μmol·g−1DW h−1 and 30.85 μm, respectively), whereas the affinity coefficients (α = Vmax/Km) for ammonium of leaves (0.17) and roots (0.20) were comparable, a characteristic that is unique among seagrass species. No substantial translocation (<2.5%) of 15N incorporated as ammonium was detected between plant parts, whereas the translocation of 15N incorporated as nitrate was higher (40–100%). We conclude that the Ni acquisition strategy of H. stipulacea, characterized by a similar uptake capacity and efficiency of leaves and roots, favors the geographical expansion potential of the species into areas with variable water‐sediment N levels throughout the Mediterranean.
Testing variations within the Tagish Lake meteorite—I: Mineralogy and petrology of pristine samples
Authors: Blinova Alexandra I. , Zega Thomas J. , Herd Christopher D. K. , Stroud Rhonda M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractFour samples (TL5b, TL11h, TL11i, and TL11v) from the pristine collection of the Tagish Lake meteorite, an ungrouped C2 chondrite, were studied to characterize and understand its alteration history using EPMA, XRD, and TEM. We determined that samples TL11h and TL11i have a relatively smaller proportion of amorphous silicate material than sample TL5b, which experienced low‐temperature hydrous parent‐body alteration conditions to preserve this indigenous material. The data suggest that lithic fragments of TL11i experienced higher degrees of aqueous alteration than the rest of the matrix, based on its low porosity and high abundance of coarse‐ and fine‐grained sheet silicates, suggesting that TL11i was present in an area of the parent body where alteration and brecciation were more extensive. We identified a coronal, “flower”‐like, microstructure consisting of a fine‐grained serpentine core and coarse‐grained saponite‐serpentine radial arrays, suggesting varied fluid chemistry and crystallization time scales. We also observed pentlandite with different morphologies: an exsolved morphology formed under nebular conditions; a nonexsolved pentlandite along grain boundaries; a “bulls‐eye” sulfide morphology and rims around highly altered chondrules that probably formed by multiple precipitation episodes during low‐temperature aqueous alteration (≥100 °C) on the parent body. On the basis of petrologic and mineralogic observations, we conclude that the Tagish Lake parent body initially contained a heterogeneous mixture of anhydrous precursor minerals of nebular and presolar origin. These materials were subjected to secondary, nonpervasive parent‐body alteration, and the samples studied herein represent different stages of that hydrous alteration, i.e., TL5b (the least altered) < TL11h < TL11i (the most altered). Sample TL11v encompasses the petrologic characteristics of the other three specimens.
Genome scan methods against more complex models: when and how much should we trust them?
Authors: de Villemereuil Pierre , Frichot Éric , Bazin Éric , François Olivier , Gaggiotti Oscar E. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe recent availability of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has made possible the use of dense genetic markers to identify regions of the genome that may be under the influence of selection. Several statistical methods have been developed recently for this purpose. Here, we present the results of an individual‐based simulation study investigating the power and error rate of popular or recent genome scan methods: linear regression, Bayescan, BayEnv and LFMM. Contrary to previous studies, we focus on complex, hierarchical population structure and on polygenic selection. Additionally, we use a false discovery rate (FDR)‐based framework, which provides an unified testing framework across frequentist and Bayesian methods. Finally, we investigate the influence of population allele frequencies versus individual genotype data specification for LFMM and the linear regression. The relative ranking between the methods is impacted by the consideration of polygenic selection, compared to a monogenic scenario. For strongly hierarchical scenarios with confounding effects between demography and environmental variables, the power of the methods can be very low. Except for one scenario, Bayescan exhibited moderate power and error rate. BayEnv performance was good under nonhierarchical scenarios, while LFMM provided the best compromise between power and error rate across scenarios. We found that it is possible to greatly reduce error rates by considering the results of all three methods when identifying outlier loci.
Two bullocks, a ladder and a lamp: electoral symbols in Nehruvian India
Authors: Vittorini Simona 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThere is a substantial body of literature on nation‐building that, from a variety of theoretical approaches, examines the role of symbolic constructs in the process of construction and consolidation of new nation‐states. Among these works, the dramatic and symbolic aspects of election and their function in the nation‐building project have been investigated by political scientists and anthropologists alike. However, analysis of electoral emblems as constitutive elements in the nation‐building process has been largely missing from most studies of nation‐building and official nationalism. A case study of postindependence India suggests how national belonging was also made to hinge upon on competent democratic participation of the masses in the political life of the country. Central to this process of identity work was the establishment of an independent Election Commission and of strict rules for the design, selection and allotment of election emblems. Conventional accounts have argued that these procedures were introduced primarily for the benefit of the uneducated masses who were suddenly invited to participate in India's democratic process. I argue against this simplistic interpretation. Far from being only tools for the simplification of electoral processes, India's election symbols were one of India's institutional mechanisms designed to nurture the development of a correct democratic conduct and therefore ultimately contributing to the Nehruvian national project.
Greater loss of productivity among Japanese workers with gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms that persist vs resolve on medical therapy
Authors: Suzuki H. , Matsuzaki J. , Masaoka T. , Inadomi J. M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundGastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD) impairs quality of life; however, the association between GERD and work productivity has not been well investigated in Japan. This study was designed to compare the impact of GERD on productivity between Japanese workers with GERD symptoms that persisted vs resolved on medical therapy.MethodsA cross‐sectional Web‐based survey was conducted in workers. The impact of GERD on work and daily productivity was evaluated using a Web‐reported Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire for patients with GERD and a GERD symptom severity Questionnaire. Demographic information, clinical history, and satisfaction with GERD medication were also ascertained.Key ResultsA total of 20 000 subjects were invited to the survey. After the exclusion of patients with a history of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy, peptic ulcer, upper GI surgery, and unemployment, 650 participants were included in the analysis. Participants with persistent GERD symptoms reported a significantly greater losses of work productivity (11.4 ± 13.4 h/week), absenteeism (0.7 ± 3.1 h/week), presenteeism (10.7 ± 12.6 h/week), costs (20 100 ± 26 800 JPY/week), and lower daily productivity (71.3% [95% confidence interval, 69.0–73.7]) than those whose symptoms were alleviated with medications. The level of dissatisfaction with GERD medications among participants with persistent GERD symptoms was significantly correlated with loss of work and daily productivity (p < 0.001).Conclusions & InferencesGERD places a significant burden on work and daily productivity despite medical therapy. Ineffective GERD therapy is associated with greater productivity loss.
Strigolactone analog GR24 triggers changes in PIN2 polarity, vesicle trafficking and actin filament architecture
Authors: Pandya‐Kumar Nirali , Shema Rony , Kumar Manoj , Mayzlish‐Gati Einav , Levy Danny , Zemach Hanita , Belausov Eduard , Wininger Smadar , Abu‐Abied Mohamad , Kapulnik Yoram , Koltai Hinanit 
Published: February 2014

Summary

Strigolactones (SLs) are plant hormones that regulate shoot and root development in a MAX2‐dependent manner. The mechanism underlying SLs' effects on roots is unclear.

We used root hair elongation to measure root response to SLs. We examined the effects of GR24 (a synthetic, biologically active SL analog) on localization of the auxin efflux transporter PIN2, endosomal trafficking, and F‐actin architecture and dynamics in the plasma membrane (PM) of epidermal cells of the primary root elongation zone in wildtype (WT) Arabidopsis and the SL‐insensitive mutant max2. We also recorded the response to GR24 of trafficking (tir3), actin (der1) and PIN2 (eir1) mutants.

GR24 increased polar localization of PIN2 in the PM of epidermal cells and accumulation of PIN2‐containing brefeldin A (BFA) bodies, increased ARA7‐labeled endosomal trafficking, reduced F‐actin bundling and enhanced actin dynamics, all in a MAX2‐dependent manner. Most of the der1 and tir3 mutant lines also displayed reduced sensitivity to GR24 with respect to root hair elongation.

We suggest that SLs increase PIN2 polar localization, PIN2 endocytosis, endosomal trafficking, actin debundling and actin dynamics in a MAX2‐dependent fashion. This enhancement might underlie the WT root's response to SLs, and suggests noncell autonomous activity of SLs in roots.