bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between inhibition and working memory in predicting children's reading difficulties
Authors: Booth Josephine N. , Boyle James M.E. , Kelly Steve W. 
Published: July 2013

The study evaluated the role of working memory and inhibition in predicting children's word reading difficulties. Twenty‐one participants with word reading difficulties were individually matched to two other participants to form the chronological‐age‐matched and the reading‐level‐matched group. All participants were administered measures of performance IQ, inhibition and working memory. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that tasks of working memory and a composite measure of inhibition discriminated between the groups above the impact of performance IQ when the working memory task was verbally based, but only inhibition discriminated when a nonverbal working memory task was used. This suggests domain‐specific deficits on tasks of working memory, independent of the influence of inhibition on reading difficulties. The implications for theory and assessment practice are discussed.Practitioner pointsWhat is already known about this topic

Children with reading difficulties show impairments with some executive function tasks.
Discrepant findings reported in the literature may be related to task modality (e.g. verbal or nonverbal response).What this paper adds

Tasks of inhibition and working memory, which required a verbal response discriminated children with reading difficulties from both chronological‐age‐matched and reading‐level‐matched control groups. However, when working memory tasks that placed fewer demands on participants' language skills were used, they did not successfully discriminate between the groups.
Executive function task performance was more predictive of reading group membership than general performance measures of cognitive abilities (IQ).
Results suggest a deficit with inhibition and verbal working memory, which was not due to slower developing language skills.Implications for practice and/or policy

Educational and School Psychologists, Special Educational Needs Advisers and Coordinators, and others engaged in the identification of reading difficulties should consider including tests of inhibition in assessments of executive function.
Forensic Identification of CITES Protected Slimming Cactus (Hoodia) Using DNA Barcoding
Authors: Gathier Gerard , van der Niet Timotheus , Peelen Tamara , van Vugt Rogier R. , Eurlings Marcel C.M. , Gravendeel Barbara 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSlimming cactus (Hoodia), found only in southwestern Africa, is a well‐known herbal product for losing weight. Consequently, Hoodia extracts are sought‐after worldwide despite a CITES Appendix II status. The failure to eradicate illegal trade is due to problems with detecting and identifying Hoodia using morphological and chemical characters. Our aim was to evaluate the potential of molecular identification of Hoodia based on DNA barcoding. Screening of nrITS1 and psbA‐trnH DNA sequences from 26 accessions of Ceropegieae resulted in successful identification, while conventional chemical profiling using DLI‐MS led to inaccurate detection and identification of Hoodia. The presence of Hoodia in herbal products was also successfully established using DNA sequences. A validation procedure of our DNA barcoding protocol demonstrated its robustness to changes in PCR conditions. We conclude that DNA barcoding is an effective tool for Hoodia detection and identification which can contribute to preventing illegal trade.
A Method for Estimating Sex Using the Clavicle, Humerus, Radius, and Ulna
Authors: Albanese John 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSex estimation from skeletal remains can be an important part of preliminary identification. The best source of information for estimating sex is the pelvis but it is not always available for analysis. For these cases, a probabilistic sex estimation method is presented using combinations of standard and alternative measurements of the clavicle, humerus, radius, and ulna. Various equations are developed that are not population specific and that are applicable in various recovery scenarios. The equations were tested using four independent samples (n > 370), including a forensic sample. Allocation accuracies vary by test sample and equation and are consistently good (87.4–97.5%) except for a sample of very small males that show the extreme effects of poverty and mortality bias. For many of the cases where allocation was incorrect, the probabilistic approach indicated that no confidence should be placed in the incorrect allocation and the unknown should be classified as sex indeterminate.
Epiphyseal Union of the Cervical Vertebral Centra: Its Relationship to Skeletal Age and Maturation of Thoracic Vertebral Centra
Authors: Albert Midori A. , Maier Christopher A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractEpiphyseal union stages for cervical vertebral centra (ring epiphyses) were documented for 55 individuals (females and males, ages 14–27 years) from the Terry Collection, using the Albert and Maples method 1, to examine both its relationship to age at death and to thoracic data collected from the same individuals using the same method. Results showed a moderate correlation between cervical ring union and age (r = 0.63, p = 0.000), and a fairly low correlation between cervical and thoracic ring union (r = 0.41, p = 0.002). Paired samples t‐tests yielded a statistically significant difference between cervical and thoracic union mean values (p = 0.01). Union progressed earlier in cervical vertebrae and in females. Results indicated fairly substantial variation in both sexes. Findings may serve as a basic guideline for estimating a general age range at death for unknown skeletal remains and to corroborate findings from other skeletal age indicators.
Microwave Selective Thermal Development of Latent Fingerprints on Porous Surfaces: Potentialities of the Method and Preliminary Experimental Results
Authors: Rosa Roberto , Veronesi Paolo , Leonelli Cristina 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe thermal development of latent fingerprints on paper surfaces is a simple, safe, and chemicals‐free method, based on the faster heating of the substrate underlying the print residue. Microwave heating is proposed for the first time for the development of latent fingerprints on cellulose‐based substrate, in order to add to the thermal development mechanism the further characteristic of being able to heat the fingerprint residues to a different extent with respect to the substrate, due to the intrinsic difference in their dielectric properties. Numerical simulation was performed to confirm and highlight the selectivity of microwaves, and preliminary experimental results point out the great potentialities of this technique, which allowed developing both latent sebaceous‐rich and latent eccrine‐rich fingerprints on different porous surfaces, in less than 30 sec time with an applied output power of 500 W. Microwaves demonstrated more effectiveness in the development of eccrine‐rich residues, aged up to 12 weeks.
Diagnostic yield of repeat upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for patients with functional dyspepsia
Authors: Guo Jie Fang , Bai Yu , Li Zhao Shen 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveTo study the diagnostic yield of repeat upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for patients with functional dyspepsia (FD).MethodsA retrospective review of the database including consecutive patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy at least twice for dyspeptic symptoms at a tertiary endoscopy center from 1996 to 2011 was performed. The patients' age, gender, symptoms and endoscopic and pathological findings were collected and analyzed.ResultsA total of 2 350 patients with FD with a median age of 50 years, including 1 020 men and 1 330 women, were enrolled. Abdominal pain or discomfort was the main indication for the first endoscopy, and 12.6% of the patients presented with alarm features. At the second endoscopy, non‐atrophic and atrophic gastritis were the most common endoscopic findings and only 12 and 10 patients were found to have peptic ulcers or gastric polyps, respectively. No malignancy was detected at either the first or the repeat endoscopy.ConclusionsSignificant pathologies within one year after a normal esophagogastroduodenoscopy are very rare for patients with FD. Therefore, a repeat endoscopy within one year after the first endoscopy is not recommended for these patients.
Iodine‐125 thin seeds decrease prostate swelling during transperineal interstitial permanent prostate brachytherapy
Authors: Beydoun Nadine , Bucci Joseph A , Chin Yaw S , Malouf David 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIntroductionProstate swelling following seed implantation is a well‐recognised phenomenon. The purpose of this intervention was to assess whether using thinner seeds reduces post‐implant swelling with permanent prostate brachytherapy.MethodsEighteen consecutive patients eligible for prostate seed brachytherapy underwent seed implantation using iodine‐125 (I‐125) thin seeds. Operative time, dosimetry, prostate swelling and toxicity were assessed and compared with standard I‐125 stranded seed controls, sourced from the department's brachytherapy database.ResultsA learning curve was noted with the thin seeds in terms of greater bending and deviation of needles from their intended path. This translated into significantly longer total operative time (88 vs 103 minutes; P = 0.009, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.1–24.3) and time per needle insertion (2.6 vs 3.7 minutes; P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.5–1.3) for the thin seeds. Day 30 prostate volumes were significantly smaller in the thin seed group compared with standard seeds (40.9 cc vs 46.8 cc; P = 0.001, 95% CI 1.5–5.6). The ratio of preoperative transrectal ultrasound to day 30 post‐implant CT volume was also smaller in the thin seed group (1.2 ± 0.1 for standard seeds vs 1.1 ± 0.1 for thin seeds). Post‐implant dosimetric parameters were comparable for both groups. No significant differences were seen in acute urinary morbidity or quality of life between the two groups.ConclusionsI‐125 thin seeds are associated with an initial learning curve, with longer operative time, even for experienced brachytherapists. The significant reduction in day 30 prostate volumes with the thin seeds has useful implications in terms of optimising dose coverage to the prostate in the early period post‐implantation, as well as improving the accuracy of post‐implant dosimetric assessments.
GLP‐1 Receptor Agonists: Effects on Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
Authors: Lorber Daniel 
Published: July 2013

SummaryComorbid obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension place patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) at greatly increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease‐related morbidity and mortality. An urgent need exists for effective treatment for patients with T2DM that encompasses glycemic control, weight loss, and reduction in CV risk factors. The glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) liraglutide and exenatide are incretin‐based antidiabetes agents. This review examines CV‐associated effects of liraglutide and exenatide in animal models and clinical trials with patients with T2DM. Studies support the effectiveness of GLP‐1 RAs in reducing hyperglycemia. Further, GLP‐1 RAs represent a significant advance in T2DM treatment because they uniquely affect a broad array of CV risk factors through significant weight and systolic blood pressure reduction, improved lipid levels, and possibly, as shown in in vitro studies and animal models, through direct effects on cardiac myocytes and endothelium.
Effect of Simvastatin on Plasma Homocysteine Levels and Its Modification by MTHFR C677T Polymorphism in Chinese Patients with Primary Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Jiang Shanqun , Chen Qianru , Venners Scott A. , Zhong Guisheng , Hsu Yi‐Hsiang , Xing Houxun , Wang Xiaobin , Xu Xiping 
Published: July 2013

SummaryObjectiveWe investigate the effect of simvastatin on plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels and whether genetic factor affects the effect of simvastatin.MethodsA total of 338 patients with hyperlipidemia were enrolled. Simvastatin was orally administered at a dose of 20 mg/day for 8 weeks. Plasma Hcy levels were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment. Genotyping of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism was performed by TaqMan probe technique.ResultsSerum total Hcy levels were positively correlated with serum creatinine (r = 0.332, P < 0.001). Among total subjects, simvastatin treatment resulted in a significant reduction in serum Hcy levels after 8 weeks (−0.37 ± 2.21 μmol/L, P = 0.003), and this effect was dependent on the initial levels of serum Hcy. The individuals with 677TT genotype had a significantly higher baseline Hcy level and a greater change in Hcy levels. After stratification by body mass index (BMI), we observed a significant increase in Hcy levels among the TT genotype group in adjusted model (beta±SE: 2.64 ± 0.84 μmol/L; P = 0.002) among patients with BMI ≥ 25 (kg/m2).ConclusionsSimvastatin can cause a marked decrease in plasma Hcy levels. MTHFR C677T genetic variant contributes to simvastatin's effects among Chinese subjects with primary hyperlipidemia.
Trade‐off between adult body size and juvenile survival: an experimental test of parental effects in the Mediterranean flour moth
Authors: Xu Jin , Wang Qiao 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe conflict between sexual and natural selections on phenotypic traits is a central concern of evolutionary biology. Body size is a key determinant of an animal's ecological and physiological properties, and one of the most important traits involved in mate choice. Selection for higher reproductive fitness may favour larger individuals, but that for survival may limit the increase of body size depending on the species and sex. Here, we used the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), as a model animal to investigate the possible trade‐off between body size and survival. We show that heavier parents produced significantly heavier offspring than lighter ones, suggesting that body size may be a heritable trait in this species. The offspring produced by heavy parents had significantly lower survival rate than those by average and light parents. With the increase of body weight, males lost significantly and disproportionally more weight than females upon eclosion. However, the allometric sex‐specific weight loss cannot explain the lower survival rate of heavier offspring because there was no significant difference in the survival rate between sexes across body weight spectrum. We suggest that the lower survival rate of heavier individuals may be attributed to conflicting selection forces that favour smaller size for higher survival because larger offspring usually need longer time to grow and undertake greater intraspecific competition for food and living space, resulting in higher cumulative mortality. The present study demonstrates a clear trade‐off between body size and survival in E. kuehniella, suggesting that such counterbalancing selection stabilises body size increase.
Repellency and oviposition deterrence effects of plant essential and vegetable oils against femaleQueensland fruit flyBactrocera tryoni(Froggatt) (Diptera:Tephritidae)
Authors: Hidayat Yusup , Heather Neil , Hassan Errol 
Published: July 2013

AbstractEight plant essential oils and five vegetable oils were evaluated under laboratory conditions for their repellency and oviposition deterrence effects against femaleQueensland fruit flyBactrocera tryoni, using artificial substrates and apple fruits. The results showed that vegetable oils were more effective than essential oils in deterring oviposition. The oil with most potential was that of safflowerCarthamus tinctorius. This vegetable oil, at a concentration of 10 mL/L, significantly reduced oviposition in apples by 56.4% in a 24 h choice test, but none of the tested essential and vegetable oils had a significant effect on oviposition in apples in a no‐choice test. Based on the number of fruit flies landing on treated apples, vegetable oils were not repellents but deterred oviposition. The likely mechanism is that safflower and other vegetable oils created a slippery surface, and females were unable to make punctures in the fruit for egg deposition. Essential oils, especially lemon‐scented tea treeLeptospermum petersonii, peppermintMentha piperitaand honey myrtleMelaleuca teretifolia, repelled femaleB. tryoni, but their persistence on apple fruits was very low, only for a few hours.
Host range and potential distribution of Aceria thalgi (Acari: Eriophyidae): a biological control agent for Sonchus species
Authors: McCarren Kathryn L. , Scott John K. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSowthistles, Sonchus arvensis, S. asper and S. oleraceus (Asteraceae), are serious weeds that impact on crop production in many regions of the world. A recently described eriophyid mite, Aceria thalgi from Sonchus species found in southern Australia, was assessed for its potential as a biological control agent for these weeds. Glasshouse host range testing and field observations of 11 species from seven genera from the Lactuceae tribe of Asteraceae showed that A. thalgi survived only on plants within the Sonchinae subtribe (S. asper, S. oleraceus and S. hydrophilus) and not on the closely related Actites megalocarpus, Reichardia tingitana or other test plants. Under glasshouse conditions and varying plant ages, A. thalgi infestation caused significant growth reduction of the exotic species S. oleraceus (up to 97%) and, to a lesser extent, the Australian native S. hydrophilus (up to 33%). Six temperatures from 9.1 to 33.7°C were used to determine population growth parameters for A. thalgi. The range of temperatures suitable for population growth was used to modify a CLIMEX model based on its host S. oleraceus. The projected world distribution of the CLIMEX model indicates that the mite could establish in some areas of North America, making it a possibility for an augmentative approach to biological control of Sonchus spp. in that region. The model confirms the potential for a widespread distribution of A. thalgi in southern Australia where it could be considered for a conservative approach to biological control of Sonchus spp. in cropping systems.
Patterns of insect herbivory on four Australian understory plant species
Authors: Nooten Sabine S , Hughes Lesley 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAustralia harbours a very diverse phytophagous insect fauna, but little is known about the patterns of insect herbivory in dominant forest systems, especially in dry sclerophyll forests. Here, we assess variation in leaf herbivory in four species of narrow‐ranged sclerophyllous shrubs across their geographical distribution. We assessed leaf herbivory as the percentage of missing leaf area, and estimated the proportion of damage types, such as chewing, sucking and mining. We found that the levels of leaf herbivory and the proportions of damage types were consistent among plant species but showed considerable variability within single plant species among sites and individual plants. This variability is most likely due to the patchy distribution of herbivorous insects in space and time. Leaf damage was dominated by chewing, but mining and sucking occurred on all plant four species. Sap sucking, although much less conspicuous, was found to be a major damage type, demonstrating that neglect of sap sucking damage in leaf herbivory assessments could lead to a considerable underestimation of the total herbivore damage inflicted on host plants.
Mohs moat: Peripheral cutaneous margin clearance in a collaborative approach for aggressive and deeply invasive basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Vance Karl K , Pytynia Kristen B , Antony Anuja K , Krunic Aleksandar L 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAlthough Mohs micrographic surgery is the standard of care for large, aggressive or recurrent non‐melanoma skin cancers of the head and neck, tumours that involve deep underlying structures (including bone, parotid gland and named nerves) are impractical for extirpation under local anaesthesia. Such cases are often referred to a head and neck surgeon, who typically relies on intraoperative frozen section analysis of the peripheral cutaneous margin. Here we describe the use of the Mohs moat technique as part of a collaborative approach for the treatment of aggressive and deeply invasive basal cell carcinoma that allows an analysis of the complete peripheral cutaneous margin and results in decreased operating room and general anaesthesia time.
Meta‐analysis of intermittent Pringle manoeuvre versus no Pringle manoeuvre in elective liver surgery
Authors: Sanjay Pandanaboyana , Ong Ian , Bartlett Adam , Powell James J. , Wigmore Stephen J. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackground and objectivesIntermittent Pringle manoeuvre (IPM) is frequently used during liver surgery. This meta‐analysis aimed to review the impact on blood loss, operating time and morbidity and mortality with and without use of IPM.MethodsAn electronic search was performed of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed databases using both subject headings (MeSH) and truncated word searches to identify all articles published that related to this topic. Pooled risk ratios were calculated for categorical outcomes, and mean differences (MDs) for secondary continuous outcomes, using the fixed‐effects and random‐effects models for meta‐analysis.ResultsFour randomized controlled trials encompassing 392 patients were analysed to achieve a summated outcome. Pooled data analysis showed the use of IPM resulted in reduced transection time/cm2 (MD −0.53 (−0.88, −0.18) min/cm2 (P = 0.003)) but with comparable blood loss (mL/cm2) (MD −1.67 (−4.41, 1.08) mL/cm2, P = 0.23), overall blood loss (MD −20.42 (−89.42, 48.58) mL), blood transfusion requirements (risk ratio 0.78 (0.40, 1.52, P = 0.47)) and morbidity and mortality compared to no Pringle manoeuvre. In addition, there was no significant difference in the post‐operative hospital stay (MD 0.37 (−0.60, 1.34) days).ConclusionsThere is no evidence that the routine use of IPM improves perioperative and post‐operative outcomes compared to no Pringle manoeuvre and its routine may not be recommended.
Venous thromboembolism in pregnancy and the puerperal period: a study of 1210 events
Authors: Virkus Rie Adser , Løkkegaard Ellen C.L. , Lidegaard Øjvind , Langhoff‐Roos Jens , Bjerregaard Lars , Skovlund Charlotte W. , Bergholt Thomas 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnancy and the puerperal period, and to validate diagnoses of VTE.DesignHistorical cohort study.PopulationAll pregnancies in Denmark from 1995 to 2009.MethodsVTE diagnoses were retrieved from national registries.Main outcome measuresPositive predictive value of a VTE diagnoses diagnosed during pregnancy or the puerperal period. Location of VTE. Incidence rate of confirmed, validated diagnoses of VTE and on all retrieved diagnoses of VTE.ResultsIn 1 297 037 pregnancies, 1436 women had a first‐ever VTE diagnosis. Hospital records were retrieved for 1210 women (84.3%). Almost all women had relevant clinical symptoms and in 796 (65.8%), the diagnosis were confirmed by a positive diagnostic test or by instituted anticoagulation treatment. In all, 72.6, 53.7, 58.5 and 79.1% of the diagnoses were confirmed in the first, second, third trimester and the puerperal period, respectively. The 796 cases of VTE included 624 women with deep venous thrombosis only and 133 with pulmonary embolisms. Deep venous thrombosis was located in the left lower limb in 83.8% in pregnancy, compared with 67.9% in the puerperal period.ConclusionsThe vast majority of women with a registered diagnosis of VTE had relevant symptoms. Diagnoses of VTE were confirmed in the medical records in two of three women. VTE diagnoses were most often confirmed when made in the first trimester and in the puerperal period. Left‐sided deep venous thrombosis was the predominant type of VTE in pregnancy and the puerperal period.