bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increase of elastic fibers in lichen sclerosus et atrophicus
Authors: Shiba Yohei , Ono Koji , Akiyama Minoru , Fujimoto Norihiro , Tajima Shingo 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundLichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) is histopathologically characterized by upper dermal hyalinization with vacuolar alteration, whereas no particular microscopic change in the mid to lower dermis has been described. The purpose of this study was to investigate any histopathologic changes involving elastic fibers in the mid to lower dermis in patients with LSA.MethodsWe surveyed 22 paraffin‐embedded specimens of vulval (18 cases) and extragenital (4 cases) LSA. The sliced skin sections were stained with elastic van Gieson (EVG), and then the degree of elastic fiber change was determined.ResultsWe found an increase in elastic fibers in the mid to lower dermis in contrast to a decrease or disappearance of elastic fibers in the superficial hyalinized dermis. The level of increase of elastic fibers varies from normal (8/22 cases) to moderate (7/22 cases) to advanced (7/22 cases) levels.ConclusionsAn increase in elastic fibers in the mid to lower dermis may reflect a repairing process in response to the degraded upper dermal elastic fibers, which could be related to the pathogenesis of LSA.
Changes in alcohol policies and public opinions in Finland 2003–2013
Authors: Österberg Esa , Lindeman Mikaela , Karlsson Thomas 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIntroductionThere is a constant and ongoing interplay between public opinions and public policies, alcohol policies being no exception. This article describes the development of public opinions regarding alcohol policy in Finland during a 10‐year period between 2003 and 2013. Fluctuations in the alcohol policy opinion climate are put in context by looking at concurrent changes in alcohol policies and in total alcohol consumption.Data and MethodsThe study is based on data from opinion surveys on alcohol policies commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Welfare and the Finnish Social and Health Association. The opinion polls include questions about the general acceptance of prevailing alcohol policies, appropriate sales channels of different alcoholic beverage categories and opinions about the legal age limits and prices of alcoholic beverages. In the study, changes in alcohol policy during 2003–2013 are surveyed, and their relationship with changes in alcohol policy opinion is examined.ResultsThere seem to be a strong positive correlation during the study period between the level of alcohol consumption and the share of those wanting a more restrictive alcohol policy in Finland.DiscussionIt seems that an increased level of awareness of alcohol‐related issues among the general public created a more restrictive opinion climate on alcohol policy issues after the big alcohol excise duty decrease in 2004. The reverse seems to happen but in a lesser degree when alcohol excise duties has been increased after the year 2007. [Österberg E, Lindeman M, Karlsson T. Changes in alcohol policies and public opinions in Finland 2003–2013. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:242–248]
The ebb and flow of attitudes and policies on alcohol in Ireland 2002–2010
Authors: Hope Ann 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThis paper examines the level of public support for alcohol control policies during a period of policy evolution in Ireland.Design and MethodsA comparison of attitudes to alcohol policy at three points in time was undertaken. The first survey took place in 2002 and was repeated in 2006 and 2010 using a national quota sample of 1000 adults with face‐to‐face interviews. Policy areas examined were drunk‐driving, price, availability and promotion.ResultsIn 2002, the highest level of public support was for drink‐driving countermeasures (84% favoured random breath testing) and measures to restrict alcohol promotions (67% favoured restrictions). Support for stricter measures on price and availability was lower. Trends showed a decline in support for tax increases and for early closing time, whereas support for fewer outlets (off‐trade) increased.Discussion and ConclusionWhen public concerns (level of support) for stricter alcohol policies were seen to be meet, as occurred with price and hours through increased tax and reversal of opening hours, public concern/support declined. When concerns were not met, as with outlets, support continued to rise most likely influenced by greater number of off‐trade outlets and cheaper alcohol. Support for liberal alcohol policies was low and the majority favoured the status quo on price and availability. Public support for policy is one element of the complexity of policymaking along with consensus building across government and management of vested interests, so that the policy outcome is seldom assured. [Hope A. The ebb and flow of attitudes and policies on alcohol in Ireland 2002–2010. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:235–241]
How can knowledge of the climate niche inform the weed risk assessment process? A case study of Chrysanthemoides monilifera in Australia
Authors: Beaumont Linda J. , Gallagher Rachael V. , Leishman Michelle R. , Hughes Lesley , Downey Paul O. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimClimate change and the ability of alien populations to realize different climatic niches compared to native populations pose challenges for pre‐empting invasion risk. These issues are not addressed in Weed Risk Assessments (WRAs), which have been developed to identify potentially invasive species and prevent their importation. Chrysanthemoides monilifera, native to Southern Africa, has two subspecies invasive in Australia, which has led to an importation ban on all six subspecies. We assess whether the two invasive subspecies occupy different realized climatic niches, compared with native populations, and the climatic suitability of Australia for all subspecies under current and future climate scenarios.LocationSouthern Africa and AustraliaMethodsRealized climatic niches of native and alien populations of two invasive subspecies (Bitou Bush and Boneseed) were compared using niche identity tests. The distribution of climatically suitable habitat within Australia for all subspecies was modelled using MaxEnt, under current and future climate scenarios. For invasive subspecies, models were calibrated using (1) native or (2) alien range data.ResultsRealized climatic niches of native and alien populations are not identical, with some alien populations of Boneseed occupying climatic niches absent from Southern Africa. As such, MaxEnt models for Boneseed based on native range data failed to classify one‐third of Australian populations as inhabiting suitable climate.Main ConclusionsWe validate the Australian decision to ban all subspecies by showing that climatically suitable habitat in Australia for non‐introduced subspecies exceeds that of introduced subspecies, under current and future climates. Niche shifts and climate change alter estimates of invasion risks, and this may reduce efficacy of current WRAs. We call for greater dialogue to identify and standardize a comprehensive system for incorporating these challenging issues into WRA systems to ensure that they remain effective in reducing the weed risk into the future.
Spatial metaphor in language can promote the development of cross‐modal mappings in children
Authors: Shayan Shakila , Ozturk Ozge , Bowerman Melissa , Majid Asifa 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPitch is often described metaphorically: for example, Farsi and Turkish speakers use a ‘thickness’ metaphor (low sounds are ‘thick’ and high sounds are ‘thin’), while German and English speakers use a height metaphor (‘low’, ‘high’). This study examines how child and adult speakers of Farsi, Turkish, and German map pitch and thickness using a cross‐modal association task. All groups, except for German children, performed significantly better than chance. German‐speaking adults’ success suggests the pitch‐to‐thickness association can be learned by experience. But the fact that German children were at chance indicates that this learning takes time. Intriguingly, Farsi and Turkish children's performance suggests that learning cross‐modal associations can be boosted through experience with consistent metaphorical mappings in the input language.
123s and ABCs: developmental shifts in logarithmic‐to‐linear responding reflect fluency with sequence values
Authors: Hurst Michelle , Leigh Monahan K. , Heller Elizabeth , Cordes Sara 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWhen placing numbers along a number line with endpoints 0 and 1000, children generally space numbers logarithmically until around the age of 7, when they shift to a predominantly linear pattern of responding. This developmental shift of responding on the number placement task has been argued to be indicative of a shift in the format of the underlying representation of number (Siegler & Opfer, ). In the current study, we provide evidence from both child and adult participants to suggest that performance on the number placement task may not reflect the structure of the mental number line, but instead is a function of the fluency (i.e. ease) with which the individual can work with the values in the sequence. In Experiment 1, adult participants respond logarithmically when placing numbers on a line with less familiar anchors (1639 to 2897), despite linear responding on control tasks with standard anchors involving a similar range (0 to 1287) and a similar numerical magnitude (2000 to 3000). In Experiment 2, we show a similar developmental shift in childhood from logarithmic to linear responding for a non‐numerical sequence with no inherent magnitude (the alphabet). In conclusion, we argue that the developmental trend towards linear behavior on the number line task is a product of successful strategy use and mental fluency with the values of the sequence, resulting from familiarity with endpoints and increased knowledge about general ordering principles of the sequence.A video abstract of this article can be viewed at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg5Q2LIFk3M
Neural bases of Theory of Mind in children with autism spectrum disorders and children with conduct problems and callous‐unemotional traits
Authors: O'Nions Elizabeth , Sebastian Catherine L. , McCrory Eamon , Chantiluke Kaylita , Happé Francesca , Viding Essi 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIndividuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have difficulty understanding other minds (Theory of Mind; ToM), with atypical processing evident at both behavioural and neural levels. Individuals with conduct problems and high levels of callous‐unemotional (CU) traits (CP/HCU) exhibit reduced responsiveness to others' emotions and difficulties interacting with others, but nonetheless perform normally in experimental tests of ToM. The present study aimed to examine the neural underpinnings of ToM in children (aged 10–16) with ASD (N = 16), CP/HCU (N = 16) and typically developing (TD) controls (N = 16) using a non‐verbal cartoon vignette task. Whilst individuals with ASD were predicted to show reduced fMRI responses across regions involved in ToM processing, CP/HCU individuals were predicted to show no differences compared with TD controls. The analyses indicated that neural responses did not differ between TD and CP/HCU groups during ToM. TD and CP/HCU children exhibited significantly greater medial prefrontal cortex responses during ToM than did the ASD group. Within the ASD group, responses in medial prefrontal cortex and right temporoparietal junction (TPJ) correlated with symptom severity as measured by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Findings suggest that although both ASD and CP/HCU are characterized by social difficulties, only children with ASD display atypical neural processing associated with ToM.
Previous reward decreases errors of commission on later ‘No‐Go’ trials in children 4 to 12 years of age: evidence for a context monitoring account
Authors: Winter Warren , Sheridan Margaret 
Published: March 2014

AbstractInhibitory control is widely hypothesized to be the cornerstone of executive function in childhood and the central deficit in a number of developmental disorders, including attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, recent evidence from adults indicates that performance on response inhibition tasks may primarily reflect non‐inhibitory attentional control (context monitoring) processes. Yet it may be that inhibition plays a more central role in childhood – a time when the architecture of cognitive processes might be more transparent due to wide variability in skill level. Here we directly test inhibitory and context monitoring explanations of task performance on a Go/No‐Go task in a large group of children 4–12 years of age. We conclude that traditional inhibitory conceptualizations of task performance on the Go/No‐Go task cannot account for our findings, calling into question evidence supporting a central role for inhibitory control in cognitive development or developmental psychopathology.
Manually controlled instrumented spasticity assessments: a systematic review of psychometric properties
Authors: Bar‐On Lynn , Aertbeliën Erwin , Molenaers Guy , Dan Bernard , Desloovere Kaat 
Published: March 2014

AimThe first aim of this study was to systematically review and critically assess manually controlled instrumented spasticity assessment methods that combine multidimensional signals. The second aim was to extract a set of quantified parameters that are psychometrically sound to assess spasticity in a clinical setting.MethodElectronic databases were searched to identify studies that assessed spasticity by simultaneously collecting electrophysiological and biomechanical signals during manually controlled passive muscle stretches. Two independent reviewers critically assessed the methodological quality of the psychometric properties of the included studies using the COSMIN guidelines.ResultsFifteen studies with instrumented spasticity assessments met all inclusion criteria. Parameters that integrated electrophysiological signals with joint movement characteristics were best able to quantify spasticity. There were conflicting results regarding biomechanical‐based parameters that quantify the resistance to passive stretch. Few methods have been assessed for all psychometric properties. In particular, further information on absolute reliability and responsiveness for more muscles is needed.InterpretationFurther research is required to determine the correct parameters for quantifying spasticity based on integration of signals, which especially focuses on distinguishing the neural from non‐neural contributions to increased joint torque. These parameters should undergo more rigorous exploration to establish their psychometric properties for use in a clinical environment.
Complex MLL rearrangement in non‐infiltrated bone marrow in an infant with stage II precursor B‐lymphoblastic lymphoma
Authors: Ahlmann Martina , Meyer Claus , Marschalek Rolf , Burkhardt Birgit , Koehler Gabriele , Klapper Wolfram , Juergens Heribert , Rossig Claudia 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPurposePrecursor B‐lymphoblastic lymphoma cells are indistinguishable by morphology, and immune phenotype from lymphoblasts in acute leukemia which in infancy is associated with MLL rearrangements and a poor prognosis. The role of MLL gene deregulation in rare cases of isolated lymphoblastic lymphoma in infants is obscure. We report the case of a 10‐month‐old child who presented with a cutaneous nodule on the left foot. Histological diagnosis was precursor B‐lymphoblastic lymphoma. The young age of the patient motivated us to investigate the presence of an MLL rearrangement.MethodsCytogenetic analysis was performed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and the genomic fusion partner of MLL was identified by long‐distance inverse (LDI‐)PCR and confirmed by direct PCR.ResultsFluorescence in situ hybridization screening of paraffin‐embedded formalin‐fixed tissue indeed revealed the presence of an MLL rearrangement. The genomic fusion partner was identified as AF10 by DNA sequencing of the MLL breakpoint region. The MLL‐AF10 fusion gene was further detected in cytologically normal pretreated bone marrow. Treatment was started with standard four‐drug induction chemotherapy. Because of the unfavorable outcome associated with MLL rearrangements in infant leukemia, we intensified postremission treatment according to the Interfant‐06 study protocol. The child is in continuous first remission 36 months after diagnosis.ConclusionThis is the first report of submicroscopic bone marrow involvement in MLL‐rearranged isolated cutaneous B‐cell precursor lymphoma in an infant. To prospectively address the role of MLL rearrangements in extramedullary B‐lymphoblastic malignancies in infants, we suggest to assess both tumors and non‐infiltrated bone marrow for the presence of this genetic abnormality.
Prokaryote populations of extant microbialites along a depth gradient in Pavilion Lake, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Russell J. A. , Brady A. L. , Cardman Z. , Slater G. F. , Lim D. S. S. , Biddle J. F. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPavilion Lake in British Columbia, Canada, is home to modern‐day microbialites that are actively growing at multiple depths within the lake. While microbialite morphology changes with depth and previous isotopic investigations suggested a biological role in the formation of these carbonate structures, little is known about their microbial communities. Microbialite samples acquired through the Pavilion Lake Research Project (PLRP) were first investigated for phototrophic populations using Cyanobacteria‐specific primers and 16S rRNA gene cloning. These data were expounded on by high‐throughput tagged sequencing analyses of the general bacteria population. These molecular analyses show that the microbial communities of Pavilion Lake microbialites are diverse compared to non‐lithifying microbial mats also found in the lake. Phototrophs and heterotrophs were detected, including species from the recently described Chloroacidobacteria genus, a photoheterotroph that has not been previously observed in microbialite systems. Phototrophs were shown as the most influential contributors to community differences above and below 25 meters, and corresponding shifts in heterotrophic populations were observed at this interface as well. The isotopic composition of carbonate also mirrored this shift in community states. Comparisons to previous studies indicated this population shift may be a consequence of changes in lake chemistry at this depth. Microbial community composition did not correlate with changing microbialite morphology with depth, suggesting something other than community changes may be a key to observed variations in microbialite structure.
Numerical Modeling of Slug Tests with MODFLOW Using Equivalent Well Blocks
Authors: Yang Lichao , Wang Xu‐Sheng , Jiao Jimmy J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractSlug tests are a widely used technique to estimate aquifer hydraulic parameters and the test data are generally interpreted with analytical solutions under various assumptions. However, these solutions are not convenient when slug tests are required to be analyzed in a three‐dimensional model for complex aquifer‐aquitard systems. In this study, equivalent well blocks (EWB) are proposed in numerical modeling of slug test data with MODFLOW. Multi‐well slug tests in partially penetrating wells with skin zones can be simulated. Accuracy of the numerical method is demonstrated by benchmarking with analytical solutions. The EWB method is applied in a case study on slug tests in aquitards in the Pearl River Delta, China.
Identifying Recharge from Tropical Cyclonic Storms, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Authors: Eastoe Christopher J. , Hess Greg , Mahieux Susana 
Published: March 2014

AbstractGroundwater in the Todos Santos watershed in southern Baja California, and throughout the peninsula south of latitude 28°N, has values of (δ18O‰, δD‰) ranging between (−8.3, −57) and (−10.9, −78). Such negative values are uncharacteristic of the site latitude near the sea level. Altitude effects do not explain the isotope data. Tropical depressions originating along the Pacific coast of North America yield rain with isotopic depletion; rain from these weather systems in southern Arizona commonly has δ18O values < −10‰ in comparison with amount‐weighted mean summer and fall rain at −6‰. Isotope data indicate hurricane rain as the predominant source of recharge in southern Baja California, where named tropical depressions bring large rains (>50 mm) at least once every 2 to 3 years, and along the Pacific coast between Jalisco and Oaxaca.
Functional outcomes following ankle arthrodesis in males with haemophilia: analyses using the CDC's Universal Data Collection surveillance project
Authors: Lane H. , Siddiqi A.‐E.‐A. , Ingram‐Rich R. , Tobase P. , Scott Ward R. ,   Universal Data Collection Joint Outcome Working Group,   Hemophilia Treatment Center Network Study Investigators
Published: March 2014

SummaryIn persons with haemophilia (PWH), repeated ankle haemarthroses lead to pain, loss of joint range of motion (ROM), and limitations in activity and participation in society. PWH are offered ankle arthrodesis (AA) to eliminate pain. In our experience, PWH are hesitant to proceed to AA due to concerns regarding gait anomalies, functional decline and complete loss of ROM. The aim of this study was to report outcomes in ROM, assistive device (AD)/wheelchair use, activity scale and work/school absenteeism for participants in the CDC's Universal Data Collection surveillance project (UDC) pre‐ and post‐ AA. Males with haemophilia enrolled in the UDC with first report of AA (1998–2010) were selected. Descriptive statistics were calculated using data from the annual study visit pre‐AA and the follow‐up visit (~12–24 months) post‐AA. The 68 subjects who fulfilled the criteria were: mean age 36.9 years (SD = 12.9); 85.3% white; 85.3% haemophilia A; 72% severe, 20.6% moderate; and 10.3% with inhibitor once during the study period. Mean loss in total arc of ankle motion was 17.02° (SD = 21.8, P ≤ 0.01) pre‐ compared to post‐AA. For 61.8%, there was no change in use of AD for ambulation/mobility. For 85.3%, there was no change in use of a wheelchair. On a self‐reported activity scale, 11.8% improved, 8.8% worsened and 79.4% did not change. Work/school absenteeism averaged 2.7 (SD = 6.4) pre‐ and 1.5 (SD = 6.4, P = 0.26) days per year post‐AA. While ankle ROM was significantly reduced post‐AA, for most subjects, there was no change in use of AD/wheelchair for ambulation/mobility. Physical activity was maintained and work/school absenteeism remained stable.