bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid diversification of sexual signals in HawaiianNesosydneplanthoppers (Hemiptera: Delphacidae): the relative role of neutral and selective forces
Authors: Goodman K. R. , Kelley J. P. , Welter S. C. , Roderick G. K. , Elias D. O. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractChanges in sexual signals have the potential to promote rapid divergence and reproductive isolation among populations of animals. Thus, identifying processes contributing to variation in signals is key to understanding the drivers of speciation. However, it is difficult to identify the processes initiating changes in signals in empirical systems because (1) the demographic history of populations under study is usually unclear, and (2) there is no unified hypothesis‐testing framework for evaluating the simultaneous contribution of multiple processes. A unique system for study in the Hawaiian Islands, the planthopper speciesNesosydne chambersi, offers a clear demographic context to disentangle these factors. By measuring variation in male vibratory sexual signals across different genetic populations on the island of Hawaii, we found that that multiple signal traits varied significantly between populations. We developed a mixed modelling framework to simultaneously test competing hypotheses about which processes contribute to changes in signal traits: genetic drift, sensory drive or reproductive character displacement. Our findings suggest that signal divergence proceeds along different axes for different signal traits under the influence of both neutral and selective processes. They are the first, to our knowledge, to document the relative importance of multiple processes on divergence in sexual signals.
Australian Liver Association (ALA) expert consensus recommendations for the use of transient elastography in chronic viral hepatitis
Authors: Kemp William , Levy Miriam , Weltman Martin , Lubel John ,   Australian Liver Association (ALA)
Published: December 2014

AbstractSince the introduction of Transient Elastography (TE) into Australia in 2008, non‐invasive liver fibrosis assessments have integrated themselves into clinical hepatology. The Australian Liver Association (ALA) recognizes these technologies perform an important role in the assessment of chronic viral hepatitis B and C. However, in the setting of viral hepatitis and many other chronic liver diseases, there remains no consensus or guidelines regarding the performance, utility or reporting of TE. Accordingly, the ALA sought to produce an expert consensus statement for the use of TE in chronic viral hepatitis. The recommendations incorporated in this document are based upon a thorough literature review and draw on extensive clinical experience using TE. The initial draft was presented at Australian Gastroenterology Week (AGW) 2013. Through a collaborative process and expert external review a finalized document was presented at AGW 2014.
Higher Perceived Stress Scale Scores Are Associated with Higher Pain Intensity and Pain Interference Levels in Older Adults
Authors: White Robert S. , Jiang Julie , Hall Charles B. , Katz Mindy J. , Zimmerman Molly E. , Sliwinski Martin , Lipton Richard B. 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of bodily pain measures (pain intensity and interference) in elderly people and their relationship with Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsA representative community sample of 578 individuals aged 70 and older (mean age 78.8, 63% female).MeasurementsThe prevalence of pain intensity and pain interference and their relationship with PSS scores, demographic factors, past medical history, and neuropsychological testing scores were examined. Pain intensity and pain interference were measured using the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short‐Form Survey bodily pain questions.ResultsBivariate analysis for pain measures showed that PSS scores, neuropsychological test scores, and medical histories were associated with pain intensity and interference. Logistic regression showed that higher PSS scores were significantly associated with greater odds of having moderate to severe pain intensity and moderate to severe pain interference (with and without the inclusion of pain intensity in the models).ConclusionHigher PSS scores are associated with greater pain intensity and interference. In this cross‐sectional analysis, directionality cannot be determined. Because perceived stress and pain are potentially modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and other poor health outcomes, future research should address temporality and the benefits of treatment.
Cost‐Effectiveness of a Community‐Integrated Home‐Based Depression Intervention in Older African Americans
Authors: Pizzi Laura T. , Jutkowitz Eric , Frick Kevin D. , Suh Dong‐Churl , Prioli Katherine M. , Gitlin Laura N. 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesTo test the cost‐effectiveness of a home‐based depression program: Beat the Blues (BTB).DesignA cost‐effectiveness analysis as part of a previously reported randomized controlled trial that compared BTB with a wait‐list control group.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsEnglish‐speaking, cognitively intact (Mini‐Mental State Examination score ≥24), African Americans aged 55 and older with depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire score ≥5) (N = 129).InterventionParticipants randomly assigned to BTB received up to 10 home visits over 4 months from licensed social workers who provided care management, referral and linkage, stress reduction, depression education, and behavioral activation to help participants achieve self‐identified goals.MeasurementsIncremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of BTB versus wait‐list controls during the 4‐month study period. The primary ICER was defined as cost per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) using the Euro Quality of Life 5D (EQ‐5D) and secondarily using the Health Utilities Index‐3 (HUI‐3). Additional ICERs were calculated using clinical measures (cost per depression improvement, cost per depression remission). Costs included BTB intervention, depression‐related healthcare visits and medications, caregiver time, and social services.ResultsBTB cost per participant per month was $146. Base case ICERs were $64,896 per QALY (EQ‐5D) and $36,875 per QALY (HUI‐3). Incremental cost was $2,906 per depression improvement and $3,507 per remission. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses yielded a cost/QALY range of $20,500 to $76,500.ConclusionBased on the range of cost‐effectiveness values resulting from this study, BTB is a cost‐effective treatment for managing depressive symptoms in older African Americans that compares favorably with the cost‐effectiveness of previously tested approaches.
Factors Associated with Family Caregiver Dissatisfaction with Acute Hospital Care of Older Cognitively Impaired Relatives
Authors: Whittamore Kathy H. , Goldberg Sarah E. , Bradshaw Lucy E. , Harwood Rowan H. ,   the Medical Crises in Older People Study Group
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesTo identify patient and caregiver characteristics associated with caregiver dissatisfaction with hospital care of cognitively impaired elderly adults.DesignSecondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial.SettingAn 1,800‐bed general hospital in England providing the only emergency medical services in its area.ParticipantsCognitively impaired individuals aged 65 and older randomly assigned to a specialist unit or standard geriatric or internal medical wards (N = 600) and related caregivers (N = 488).MeasurementsPatient and caregiver health status was measured at baseline, including delirium, cognitive impairment, behavioral and psychological symptoms, activities of daily living, and caregiver strain. Caregiver satisfaction with quality of care was ascertained after hospital discharge or death.ResultsFour hundred sixty‐two caregivers completed satisfaction questionnaires. Regardless of assignment, 54% of caregivers were dissatisfied with some aspects of care, but overall 87% were satisfied with care. The main areas of dissatisfaction were communication, discharge planning, and medical management. Dissatisfaction was associated with high levels of patient behavioral and psychological symptoms on admission, caregiver strain and poor psychological well‐being at admission, a diagnosis of delirium, and the relationship between the caregiver and the patient. There was less dissatisfaction from caregivers of patients managed on the specialist Medical and Mental Health Unit than those on standard wards, after controlling for multiple factors.ConclusionDissatisfaction was associated with patient behavioral and psychological symptoms and caregiver strain but was not immutable to efforts to improve care.
A Systematic Review of Maternal Confidence for Physiologic Birth: Characteristics of Prenatal Care and Confidence Measurement
Authors: Avery Melissa D. , Saftner Melissa A. , Larson Bridget , Weinfurter Elizabeth V. 
Published: December 2014

IntroductionBecause a focus on physiologic labor and birth has reemerged in recent years, care providers have the opportunity in the prenatal period to help women increase confidence in their ability to give birth without unnecessary interventions. However, most research has only examined support for women during labor. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the research literature for information about prenatal care approaches that increase women's confidence for physiologic labor and birth and tools to measure that confidence.MethodsStudies were reviewed that explored any element of a pregnant woman's interaction with her prenatal care provider that helped build confidence in her ability to labor and give birth. Timing of interaction with pregnant women included during pregnancy, labor and birth, and the postpartum period. In addition, we looked for studies that developed a measure of women's confidence related to labor and birth. Outcome measures included confidence or similar concepts, descriptions of components of prenatal care contributing to maternal confidence for birth, and reliability and validity of tools measuring confidence.ResultsThe search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases provided a total of 893 citations. After removing duplicates and articles that did not meet inclusion criteria, 6 articles were included in the review. Three relate to women's confidence for labor during the prenatal period, and 3 describe tools to measure women's confidence for birth.DiscussionResearch about enhancing women's confidence for labor and birth was limited to qualitative studies. Results suggest that women desire information during pregnancy and want to use that information to participate in care decisions in a relationship with a trusted provider. Further research is needed to develop interventions to help midwives and physicians enhance women's confidence in their ability to give birth and to develop a tool to measure confidence for use during prenatal care.
Degradation of gamma secretase activating protein by the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway
Authors: Chu Jin , Li Jian‐Guo , Hoffman Nicholas E. , Madesh Muniswamy , Praticò Domenico 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA major hallmark feature of Alzheimer's disease is the accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ), whose formation is regulated by the γ‐secretase complex and its activating protein (also known as γ‐secretase activating protein, or GSAP). Because GSAP interacts with the γ‐secretase without affecting the cleavage of Notch, it is an ideal target for a viable anti‐Aβ therapy. GSAP derives from a C‐terminal fragment of a larger precursor protein of 98 kDa via a caspase 3‐mediated cleavage. However, the mechanism(s) involved in its degradation remain unknown. In this study, we show that GSAP has a short half‐life of approximately 5 h. Neuronal cells treated with proteasome inhibitors markedly prevented GSAP protein degradation, which was associated with a significant increment in Aβ levels and γ‐secretase cleavage products. In contrast, treatment with calpain blocker and lysosome inhibitors had no effect. In addition, we provide experimental evidence that GSAP is ubiquitinated. Taken together, our findings reveal that GSAP is degraded through the ubiquitin–proteasome system. Modulation of the GSAP degradation pathway may be implemented as a viable target for a safer anti‐Aβ therapeutic approach in Alzheimer's disease.
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The GSAP derives from a precursor via a caspase 3‐mediated cleavage, is up‐regulated in Alzheimer's disease brains and facilitates Aβ production by interacting directly with the γ‐secretase complex. Here, we demonstrate that GSAP is ubiquitinated and then selectively degraded via the proteasome system but not the calpains or lysosome pathways. These findings provide further evidence for the involvement of the proteasome system in the regulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) precursor protein metabolism and Aβ formation. AICD, APP intracellular domain; APP, amyloid precursor protein; ATP, adenosine triphosphate; CTF‐α, alpha‐C‐terminal fragment; CTF‐β, beta‐C‐terminal fragment; GSAP, γ‐secretase activating protein; Ub, ubiquitin.
Progressive brain metabolic changes under deep brain stimulation of subthalamic nucleus in parkinsonian rats
Authors: Melon Christophe , Chassain Carine , Bielicki Guy , Renou Jean‐Pierre , Kerkerian‐Le Goff Lydia , Salin Pascal , Durif Franck 
Published: December 2014

AbstractDeep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is an efficient neurosurgical treatment for advanced Parkinson's disease. Non‐invasive metabolic neuroimaging during the course of DBS in animal models may contribute to our understanding of its action mechanisms. Here, DBS was adapted to in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 11.7 T in the rat to follow metabolic changes in main basal ganglia structures, the striatum, and the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). Measurements were repeated OFF and ON acute and subchronic (7 days) STN‐DBS in control and parkinsonian (6‐hydroxydopamine lesion) conditions. Acute DBS reversed the increases in glutamate, glutamine, and GABA levels induced by the dopamine lesion in the striatum but not in the SNr. Subchronic DBS normalized GABA in both the striatum and SNr, and glutamate in the striatum. Taurine levels were markedly decreased under subchronic DBS in the striatum and SNr in both lesioned and unlesioned rats. Microdialysis in the striatum further showed that extracellular taurine was increased. These data reveal that STN‐DBS has duration‐dependent metabolic effects in the basal ganglia, consistent with development of adaptive mechanisms. In addition to counteracting defects induced by the dopamine lesion, prolonged DBS has proper effects independent of the pathological condition.
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Non‐invasive metabolic neuroimaging might be useful to understand the physiological mechanisms of deep brain stimulation (DBS). Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of repeated high‐field proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of basal ganglia structures under subthalamic nucleus DBS in control and parkinsonian rats. Results show that DBS has both rapid and delayed effects either dependent or independent of disease state.
Child protection: A 50‐year perspective
Authors: Skellern Catherine Yvette 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIt has been 50 years since Kempe et al. published ‘The Battered Child Syndrome’, describing harm from inflicted injury mechanisms derived from parents and care givers. Since then, there has emerged a rapidly expanding literature on paediatric forensic medicine and child protection, which has offered new insights into injury mechanisms, informed us of the sequelae of abuse and neglect, aided diagnosis and guided clinical practice in the treatment and management of children who become involved in the child protection system. Through the scrutiny of government inquiries and at times uncomfortable media exposure, there have been improvements in child protection and forensic practices resulting in recognition of need for specialised forensic training, improved funding, development of resources and development of professional standards that support accountable, objective, safe and robust practice. From the perspective of an Australian child protection paediatrician, this paper chronicles some of the most significant and at times controversial research in the last 50 years in child protection that have played a key role in shaping our current understanding of child abuse and neglect.
Determinants of child stunting in the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan: an in‐depth analysis of nationally representative data
Authors: Aguayo Victor M. , Badgaiyan Nina , Paintal Kajali 
Published: December 2014

AbstractStunting is associated with poor survival and development in children. Our analysis identifies the factors most significantly associated with child stunting in Bhutan using a nationally representative sample of 2085 children 0–23 months old. We find that 27.5% of children were stunted and almost half (42.6%) of the stunted children were severely stunted. Children's mean height‐for‐age z‐score deteriorated significantly with age (from −0.23 in infants 0–5 months old to −1.60 in children 18–23 months old) and levels of severe stunting were significantly higher among boys. Multivariate regression analysis indicates that children from the Eastern/Western regions had a 64% higher odds of being stunted than children from the Central region (OR 1.64; 95% CI 1.29–2.07); similarly, children from the two lower wealth quintiles had 37% higher odds of being stunted than children from the two upper wealth quintiles (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.00–1.87). Children whose mothers received three or fewer antenatal care visits during the last pregnancy had a 31% higher odds of being stunted (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.01–1.69) while children whose mothers did not receive antenatal care from a doctor, nurse or midwife had a 51% higher odds of being stunted (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.18–1.92). Recommended complementary feeding practices tended to be associated with lower odds of stunting, particularly in the first year of life. Specifically, children who were not fed complementary foods at 6–8 months had about threefold higher odds of being severely stunted than children who were fed complementary foods (OR 2.73; 95% CI 1.06–7.02).
Legionella pneumophila utilizes a single‐player disulfide‐bond oxidoreductase system to manage disulfide bond formation and isomerization
Authors: Kpadeh Zegbeh Z. , Day Shandra R. , Mills Brandy W. , Hoffman Paul S. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryLegionella pneumophila uses a single homodimeric disulfide bond (DSB) oxidoreductase DsbA2 to catalyze extracytoplasmic protein folding and to correct DSB errors through protein‐disulfide isomerase (PDI) activity. In Escherichia coli, these functions are separated to avoid futile cycling. In L. pneumophila, DsbA2 is maintained as a mixture of disulfides (S‐S) and free thiols (SH), but when expressed in E. coli, only the SH form is observed. We provide evidence to suggest that structural differences in DsbB oxidases (LpDsbB1 and LpDsbB2) and DsbD reductases (LpDsbD1 and LpDsbD2) (compared with E. coli) permit bifunctional activities without creating a futile cycle. LpdsbB1 and LpdsbB2 partially complemented an EcdsbB mutant while neither LpdsbD1 nor LpdsbD2 complemented an EcdsbD mutant unless DsbA2 was also expressed. When the dsb genes of E. coli were replaced with those of L. pneumophila, motility was restored and DsbA2 was present as a mixture of redox forms. A dominant‐negative approach to interfere with DsbA2 function in L. pneumophila determined that DSB oxidase activity was necessary for intracellular multiplication and assembly/function of the Dot/Icm Type IVb secretion system. Our studies show that a single‐player system may escape the futile cycle trap by limiting transfer of reducing equivalents from LpDsbDs to DsbA2.
Liberation Theology: A Comparative Study of Christian and Islamic Approaches
Authors: Ciftci Mehmet 
Published: December 2014

AbstractResearch into liberation theologies has rarely had an interreligious perspective. To that end, I shall carry out a comparative study of Christian and Islamic versions of liberation theology and I shall highlight the similarities and differences in their approaches. It will be a thematic study that is structured around three key mentalities which are shared by the approaches of both religious traditions. Firstly, the need to reinterpret their own religions from the perspective of the poor; secondly the interrelated emphases on action, orthopraxy and the agency of the oppressed; and thirdly a rejection of excessive other-worldliness. I conclude from my analyses with the following hypotheses: firstly, due to the lack of an authority akin to the Catholic Church, Islamic liberation theology is comparatively more likely to create the potential for social upheaval and is more likely to lead to an attenuation of metaphysical religious feeling; secondly, all liberation theologies contain latently the potential for creating millenarian outbursts; the best example to offer from modern history of this latent feature becoming manifest is in the Iranian Islamic revolution of 1979.
Multivariate methods to visualise colour‐space and colour discrimination data
Authors: Hastings Gareth D. , Rubin Alan 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPurposeDespite most modern colour spaces treating colour as three‐dimensional (3‐D), colour data is usually not visualised in 3‐D (and two‐dimensional (2‐D) projection‐plane segments and multiple 2‐D perspective views are used instead). The objectives of this article are firstly, to introduce a truly 3‐D percept of colour space using stereo‐pairs, secondly to view colour discrimination data using that platform, and thirdly to apply formal statistics and multivariate methods to analyse the data in 3‐D. This is the first demonstration of the software that generated stereo‐pairs of RGB colour space, as well as of a new computerised procedure that investigated colour discrimination by measuring colour just noticeable differences (JND).MethodsAn initial pilot study and thorough investigation of instrument repeatability were performed. Thereafter, to demonstrate the capabilities of the software, five colour‐normal and one colour‐deficient subject were examined using the JND procedure and multivariate methods of data analysis.ResultsScatter plots of responses were meaningfully examined in 3‐D and were useful in evaluating multivariate normality as well as identifying outliers. The extent and direction of the difference between each JND response and the stimulus colour point was calculated and appreciated in 3‐D. Ellipsoidal surfaces of constant probability density (distribution ellipsoids) were fitted to response data; the volumes of these ellipsoids appeared useful in differentiating the colour‐deficient subject from the colour‐normals. Hypothesis tests of variances and covariances showed many statistically significant differences between the results of the colour‐deficient subject and those of the colour‐normals, while far fewer differences were found when comparing within colour‐normals.ConclusionsThe 3‐D visualisation of colour data using stereo‐pairs, as well as the statistics and multivariate methods of analysis employed, were found to be unique and useful tools in the representation and study of colour. Many additional studies using these methods along with the JND and other procedures have been identified and will be reported in future publications.