bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dendrites enable a robust mechanism for neuronal stimulus selectivity
Authors: Cazé Romain D. , Jarvis Sarah , Foust Amanda J. , Schultz Simon R. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractHearing, vision, touch-underlying all of these senses is stimulus selectivity, a robust information processing operation in which cortical neurons respond more to some stimuli than to others. Previous models assume that these neurons receive the highest weighted input from an ensemble encoding the preferred stimulus, but dendrites enable other possibilities. Non-linear dendritic processing can produce stimulus selectivity based on the spatial distribution of synapses, even if the total preferred stimulus weight does not exceed that of non-preferred stimuli. Using a multi-subunit non-linear model, we demonstrate that stimulus selectivity can arise from the spatial distribution of synapses. We propose this as a general mechanism for information processing by neurons possessing dendritic trees. Moreover, we show that this implementation of stimulus selectivity increases the neuron's robustness to synaptic and dendritic failure. Importantly, our model can maintain stimulus selectivity for a larger range of synapses or dendrites loss than an equivalent linear model. We then use a layer 2/3 biophysical neuron model to show that our implementation is consistent with two recent experimental observations: (1) one can observe a mixture of selectivities in dendrites, that can differ from the somatic selectivity, and (2) hyperpolarization can broaden somatic tuning without affecting dendritic tuning. Our model predicts that an initially non-selective neuron can become selective when depolarized. In addition to motivating new experiments, the model's increased robustness to synapses and dendrites loss provides a starting point for fault-resistant neuromorphic chip development.
South‐East Asia study alliance guidelines on the management of acne vulgaris in South‐East Asian patients
Authors: Goh Chee Leok , Abad‐Casintahan Flordeliz , Aw Derrick Chen Wee , Baba Roshidah , Chan Lee Chin , Hung Nguyen Thanh , Kulthanan Kanokvalai , Leong Hoe Nam , Medina‐Oblepias Marie Socouer , Noppakun Nopadon , Sitohang Irma Bernadette , Sugito Titi Lestari , Wong Su‐Ni 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe management of acne in South‐East Asia is unique, as Asian skin and local variables require a clinical approach unlike that utilized in other parts of the world. There are different treatment guidelines per country in the region, and a group of leading dermatologists from these countries convened to review these guidelines, discuss current practices and recent advances, and formulate consensus guidelines to harmonize the management of acne vulgaris in the region. Emphasis has been placed on formulating recommendations to impede the development of antibiotic resistance in Propionibacterium acnes. The group adopted the Acne Consensus Conference system for grading acne severity. The group recommends that patients may be treated with topical medications including retinoids, benzoyl peroxide (BPO), salicylic acid, a combination of retinoid and BPO, or a combination of retinoids and BPO with or without antibiotics for mild acne; topical retinoid with topical BPO and a oral antibiotic for moderate acne; and oral isotretinoin if the patient fails first‐line treatment (a 6‐ or 8‐week trial of combined oral antibiotics and topical retinoids with BPO) for severe acne. Maintenance acne treatment using topical retinoids with or without BPO is recommended. To prevent the development of antibiotic resistance, topical antibiotics should not be used as monotherapy or used simultaneously with oral antibiotics. Skin care, comprised of cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection, is likewise recommended. Patient education and good communication is recommended to improve adherence, and advice should be given about the characteristics of the skin care products patients should use.
3D fracture networks in the crystalline upper crust ‐ A new seismic model of the Continental Deep Drilling Site (South Germany)
Authors: Szalaiová Eva , Iwanowski‐Strahser Katja , Rabbel Wolfgang 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTBased on three‐dimensional seismic reflection data, we present the first comprehensive three‐dimensional model of the fault and fracture inventory of the crystalline upper crust penetrated by the Continental Superdeep Drillhole (Kontinentale Tiefborung, Oberpfalz, Southeast Germany). The investigated volume spans ∼19×19 km2 down to 16‐km depth. It can be regarded as a typical example of metamorphic crust that has undergone numerous phases of ductile and brittle deformation since the start of the Variscan orogeny. We developed an automated workflow for identifying and quantifying the crustal fracture network in order to prepare a basis for an assessment of fluid pathways and geothermal potential of crystalline crust. The workflow comprises the following steps: determination of (i) a three‐dimensional model of major faults by structural tensor analysis and (ii) a three‐dimensional model of middle‐scale fractures by log‐Gabor filtering and image processing; (iii) validation of results by comparison with geophysical borehole data, with independent seismic and seismicity data; and (iv) definition of a three‐dimensional fracture density function serving for a statistical assessment of fracture connectivity and “relative permeability.” This assessment is based on probabilistic fractionation and percolation theories. The derived three‐dimensional distribution of “relative permeability” may be used as a kernel function for inverting hydraulic permeability from hydrothermal field experiments. By comparing borehole and three‐dimensional seismic data, we could confirm that the faults and fractures of the Kontinentale Tiefbohrung area follow a fractal law that is consistent with Turcotte's fractionation model. An important conclusion from this is that upscaling and downscaling between one‐dimensional borehole and three‐dimensional seismic data appear possible. The corresponding one‐, two‐, and three‐dimensional fractal dimension are about 0.8, 1.9, and 2.8, respectively.
Serial determinations of asymmetric dimethylarginine and homocysteine during pregnancy to predict pre‐eclampsia: a longitudinal study
Authors: López‐Alarcón M , Montalvo‐Velarde I , Vital‐Reyes VS , Hinojosa‐Cruz JC , Leaños‐Miranda A , Martínez‐Basila A 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the usefulness of serial determinations of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations during pregnancy to predict pre‐eclampsia, taking into account maternal obesity and B vitamin status.DesignLongitudinal study.SettingTwo obstetric referral hospitals.SampleTwo hundred and fifty‐two of 411 women invited to participate in the study.MethodsThe women made monthly visits from ≤20 weeks of gestation until delivery for measurements of plasma ADMA, Hcy, and vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid, and for the recording of clinical information.Main outcome measureEarly elevations in plasma ADMA and Hcy related to the development of pre‐eclampsia.ResultsOf the 252 women who completed the study, 179 had no complications, 49 developed pre‐eclampsia, and 24 presented with complications other than pre‐eclampsia. ADMA and Hcy increased gradually throughout pregnancy in the pre‐eclampsia group, independent of maternal B–vitamin status and obesity, but remained constant in women with no complications. Relative to the preceding month, ADMA and Hcy levels increased 1 month prior to the onset of pre‐eclampsia: 124 ± 27 nmol (P < 0.001) and 1177 ± 278 nmol (P = 0.001), respectively, in the pre‐eclampsia group. The group of women with no complications did not show any significant changes. Increases of 80 nmol ADMA and 1000 nmol Hcy at 1 month prior to the onset of pre‐eclampsia demonstrated the best potential for prediction.ConclusionsIncreased ADMA and Hcy levels precede clinical manifestations of pre‐eclampsia. Therefore, serial determinations of their concentrations may be helpful in identifying women at risk.Tweetable abstractIncreased ADMA and Hcy precede clinical pre‐eclampsia and may identify women at risk.
Maternal and perinatal outcomes in women planning vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) at home in England: secondary analysis of the Birthplace national prospective cohort study
Authors: Rowe R , Li Y , Knight M , Brocklehurst P , Hollowell J 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo compare vaginal birth rates in women planning vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) at home versus in an obstetric unit (OU) and explore transfer rates in women planning home VBAC.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingOUs and planned home births in England.Population1436 women planning VBAC in the Birthplace cohort, including 209 planning home VBAC.MethodsWe used Poisson regression to calculate relative risks adjusted for maternal characteristics.Main outcome measuresMain outcomes: (i) vaginal birth and (ii) transfer from planned home birth to OU during labour or immediately after birth. Secondary outcomes: (i) composite of maternal blood transfusion or admission to higher level care, (ii) stillbirth or Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes, (iii) neonatal unit admission.ResultsPlanned VBAC at home was associated with a statistically significant increase in the chances of having a vaginal birth compared with planned VBAC in an OU (adjusted relative risk 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.06–1.24). The risk of an adverse maternal outcome was around 2–3% in both settings, with a similar risk of an adverse neonatal outcome. Transfer rates were high (37%) and varied markedly by parity (para 1, 56.7% versus para 2+, 24.6%).ConclusionWomen in the cohort who planned VBAC at home had an increased chance of a vaginal birth compared with those planning VBAC in an OU, but transfer rates were high, particularly for women with only one previous birth, and the risk of an adverse maternal or perinatal outcome was around 2–3%. No change in guidance can be recommended.Tweetable abstractHigher vaginal birth rates in planned VBAC at home versus in OU but 2–3% adverse outcomes and high transfer rate.
Progression from severe sepsis in pregnancy to death: a UK population‐based case‐control analysis
Authors: Mohamed‐Ahmed O , Nair M , Acosta C , Kurinczuk JJ , Knight M 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo identify factors associated with progression from pregnancy‐associated severe sepsis to death in the UK.DesignA population‐based case‐control analysis using data from the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS) and the UK Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Death (CEMD).SettingAll pregnancy care and death settings in UK hospitals.PopulationAll non‐influenza sepsis‐related maternal deaths (January 2009 to December 2012) were included as cases (n = 43), and all women who survived severe non‐influenza sepsis in pregnancy (June 2011 to May 2012) were included as controls (n = 358).MethodsCases and controls were identified using the CEMD and UKOSS. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals.Main outcome measuresOdds ratios for socio‐demographic, medical, obstetric and management factors in women who died from sepsis, compared with those who survived.ResultsFour factors were included in the final regression model. Women who died were more likely to have never received antibiotics [aOR = 22.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.64–141.6], to have medical comorbidities (aOR = 2.53, 95%CI 1.23–5.23) and to be multiparous (aOR = 3.57, 95%CI 1.62–7.89). Anaemia (aOR = 13.5, 95%CI 3.17–57.6) and immunosuppression (aOR = 15.0, 95%CI 1.93–116.9) were the two most important factors driving the association between medical comorbidities and progression to death.ConclusionsThere must be continued vigilance for the risks of infection in pregnant women with medical comorbidities. Improved adherence to national guidelines, alongside prompt recognition and treatment with antibiotics, may reduce the burden from sepsis‐related maternal deaths.Tweetable abstractMedical comorbidities, multiparity and antibiotic delays increase the risk of death from maternal sepsis.
Should the Mantel test be used in spatial analysis?
Authors: Legendre Pierre , Fortin Marie‐Josée , Borcard Daniel 
Published: July 2015

Summary

The Mantel test is widely used in biology, including landscape ecology and genetics, to detect spatial structures in data or control for spatial correlation in the relationship between two data sets, for example community composition and environment. The study demonstrates that this is an incorrect use of that test.

The null hypothesis of the Mantel test differs from that of correlation analysis; the statistics computed in the two types of analyses differ. We examined the basic assumptions of the Mantel test in spatial analysis and showed that they are not verified in most studies. We showed the consequences, in terms of power, of the mismatch between these assumptions and the Mantel testing procedure.

The Mantel test H0 is the absence of relationship between values in two dissimilarity matrices, not the independence between two random variables or data tables. The Mantel R2 differs from the R2 of correlation, regression and canonical analysis; these two statistics cannot be reduced to one another. Using simulated data, we show that in spatial analysis, the assumptions of linearity and homoscedasticity of the Mantel test (H1: small values of D1 correspond to small values of D2 and large values of D1 to large values of D2) do not hold in most cases, except when spatial correlation extends over the whole study area. Using extensive simulations of spatially correlated data involving different representations of geographic relationships, we show that the power of the Mantel test is always lower than that of distance‐based Moran's eigenvector map (dbMEM) analysis and that the Mantel R2 is always smaller than in dbMEM analysis, and uninterpretable. These simulation results are novel contributions to the Mantel debate. We also show that regression on a geographic distance matrix does not remove the spatial structure from response data and does not produce spatially uncorrelated residuals.

Our main conclusion is that Mantel tests should be restricted to questions that, in the domain of application, only concern dissimilarity matrices, and are not derived from questions that can be formulated as the analysis of the vectors and matrices from which one can compute dissimilarity matrices.
Shared additive genetic influences on DSM‐IV criteria for alcohol dependence in subjects of European ancestry
Authors: Palmer Rohan H. C. , McGeary John E. , Heath Andrew C. , Keller Matthew C. , Brick Leslie A. , Knopik Valerie S. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsGenetic studies of alcohol dependence (AD) have identified several candidate loci and genes, but most observed effects are small and difficult to reproduce. A plausible explanation for inconsistent findings may be a violation of the assumption that genetic factors contributing to each of the seven DSM‐IV criteria point to a single underlying dimension of risk. Given that recent twin studies suggest that the genetic architecture of AD is complex and probably involves multiple discrete genetic factors, the current study employed common single nucleotide polymorphisms in two multivariate genetic models to examine the assumption that the genetic risk underlying DSM‐IV AD is unitary.Design, Setting, Participants, MeasurementsAD symptoms and genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from 2596 individuals of European descent from the Study of Addiction: Genetics and Environment were analyzed using genomic‐relatedness‐matrix restricted maximum likelihood. DSM‐IV AD symptom covariance was described using two multivariate genetic factor models.FindingsCommon SNPs explained 30% (standard error = 0.136, P = 0.012) of the variance in AD diagnosis. Additive genetic effects varied across AD symptoms. The common pathway model approach suggested that symptoms could be described by a single latent variable that had a SNP heritability of 31% (0.130, P = 0.008). Similarly, the exploratory genetic factor model approach suggested that the genetic variance/covariance across symptoms could be represented by a single genetic factor that accounted for at least 60% of the genetic variance in any one symptom.ConclusionAdditive genetic effects on DSM‐IV alcohol dependence criteria overlap. The assumption of common genetic effects across alcohol dependence symptoms appears to be a valid assumption.
Natural outcome of cannabis use disorder: a 3‐year longitudinal follow‐up
Authors: Feingold Daniel , Fox Jonah , Rehm Jürgen , Lev‐Ran Shaul 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsTo assess the prevalence and correlates of remission from cannabis use disorders (CUDs), focusing on the proportion of individuals with CUDs that remit without abstaining from cannabis use.DesignThree‐year longitudinal study.SettingWave 1 (2001) and wave 2 (2004) of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), a nationally representative sample of US adults aged 18 years and over.ParticipantsOur sample included 444 individuals diagnosed with DSM‐IV cannabis abuse and/or dependence during the 12 months prior to wave 1 of the NESARC.MeasurementsBaseline socio‐demographic and clinical correlates were analysed for possible outcomes of CUDs after 3 years: abstinent remission, non‐abstinent remission and sustained disorder.FindingsApproximately two‐thirds (67%) of individuals with baseline CUD remitted at follow‐up. Approximately 37% of those who remitted were non‐abstinent. Remission was associated with Hispanic ethnicity [odds ratio (OR) = 2.59; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27–4.87], baseline daily or almost daily use of cannabis (OR = 1.91; 95% CI = 1.15–3.16), baseline use of other drugs (OR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.04–2.56) and two or more medical conditions at baseline (OR = 8.40; 95% CI = 2.67–26.41). Non‐abstinent remission was associated with baseline daily or almost daily use of cannabis (OR = 1.92; 95% CI = 1.05–3.51).ConclusionsA substantial level of remission from cannabis use disorders (CUDs), including non‐abstinent remission, suggests that the nature of CUDs may be more unstable than reported previously.
Lay epidemiology and the interpretation of low‐risk drinking guidelines by adults in the United Kingdom
Authors: Lovatt Melanie , Eadie Douglas , Meier Petra S. , Li Jessica , Bauld Linda , Hastings Gerard , Holmes John 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsTo explore how the concept of lay epidemiology can enhance understandings of how drinkers make sense of current UK drinking guidelines.MethodsQualitative study using 12 focus groups in four sites in northern England and four sites in central Scotland. Participants were 66 male and female drinkers, aged between 19 and 65 years, of different socio‐economic backgrounds. Data were analysed thematically using a conceptual framework of lay epidemiology.ResultsCurrent drinking guidelines were perceived as having little relevance to participants' drinking behaviours and were generally disregarded. Daily guidelines were seen as irrelevant by drinkers whose drinking patterns comprised heavy weekend drinking. The amounts given in the guidelines were seen as unrealistic for those motivated to drink for intoxication, and participants measured alcohol intake in numbers of drinks or containers rather than units. Participants reported moderating their drinking, but this was out of a desire to fulfil work and family responsibilities, rather than concerns for their own health. The current Australian and Canadian guidelines were preferred to UK guidelines, as they were seen to address many of the above problems.ConclusionsDrinking guidelines derived from, and framed within, solely epidemiological paradigms lack relevance for adult drinkers who monitor and moderate their alcohol intake according to their own knowledge and risk perceptions derived primarily from experience. Insights from lay epidemiology into how drinkers regulate and monitor their drinking should be used in the construction of drinking guidelines to enhance their credibility and efficacy.
A cost‐effectiveness analysis of opioid substitution therapy upon prison release in reducing mortality among people with a history of opioid dependence
Authors: Gisev Natasa , Shanahan Marian , Weatherburn Don J. , Mattick Richard P. , Larney Sarah , Burns Lucy , Degenhardt Louisa 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimAlthough opioid substitution therapy (OST) immediately after prison release reduces mortality, the cost‐effectiveness of treatment has not been examined. Therefore, we undertook a cost‐effectiveness analysis of OST treatment upon prison release and the prevention of death in the first 6 months post‐release.DesignPopulation‐based, retrospective data linkage study using records of OST entrants (1985–2010), charges and court appearances (1993–2011), prison episodes (2000–11) and death notifications (1985–2011).SettingNew South Wales, Australia.ParticipantsA cohort of 16 073 people with a history of opioid dependence released from prison for the first time between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2011.InterventionOST treatment compared to no OST treatment at prison release.MeasurementsMortality and costs (treatment, criminal justice system—court, penalties, prison—and the social costs of crime) were evaluated at 6 months post‐release. Analyses included propensity score matching, bootstrapping and regression.FindingsA total of 13 468 individuals were matched (6734 in each group). Twenty (0.3%) people released onto OST died, compared with 46 people (0.7%) not released onto OST. The final average costs were lower for the group that received OST post‐release ($7206 versus $14 356). The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio showed that OST post‐release was dominant, incurring lower costs and saving more lives. The probability that OST post‐release is cost‐effective per life‐year saved is 96.7% at a willingness to pay of $500.ConclusionOpioid substitution treatment (compared with no such treatment), given on release from prison to people with a history of opioid dependence, is cost‐effective in reducing mortality in the first 6 months of release.