bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pitch processing of dynamic lexical tones in the auditory cortex is influenced by sensory and extrasensory processes
Authors: Krishnan Ananthanarayan , Gandour Jackson T. , Suresh Chandan H. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe aim is to evaluate how language experience (Chinese, English) shapes processing of pitch contours as reflected in the amplitude of cortical pitch response components. Responses were elicited from three dynamic curvilinear nonspeech stimuli varying in pitch direction and location of peak acceleration: Mandarin lexical Tone 2 (rising) and Tone 4 (falling), and a flipped variant of Tone 2, Tone 2′ (nonnative). At temporal sites (T7/T8), Chinese listeners’ Na–Pb response amplitudes to Tones 2 and 4 were greater than those of English listeners in the right hemisphere only; a rightward asymmetry for Tones 2 and 4 was restricted to the Chinese group. In common to both Fz‐to‐linked T7/T8 and T7/T8 electrode sites, the stimulus pattern (Tones 2 and 4 > Tone 2′) was found in the Chinese group only. As reflected by Pb–Nb at Fz, Chinese subjects’ amplitudes were larger than those of English subjects in response to Tones 2 and 4, and Tones 2 and 4 were larger than Tone 2′, whereas for English subjects, Tone 2 was larger than Tone 2′ and Tone 4. At frontal electrode sites (F3/F4), regardless of component or hemisphere, Chinese subjects’ responses were larger in amplitude than those of English subjects across stimuli. For either group, responses to Tones 2 and 4 were larger than Tone 2′. No hemispheric asymmetry was observed at the frontal electrode sites. These findings demonstrate that cortical pitch response components are differentially modulated by experience‐dependent, temporally distinct but functionally overlapping, weighting of sensory and extrasensory effects on pitch processing of lexical tones in the right temporal lobe and, more broadly, are consistent with a distributed hierarchical predictive coding process.
Non‐Mammalian Infants Requiring Parental Care Elicit Greater Human Caregiving Reactions Than Superprecocial Infants Do
Authors: Kruger Daniel J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractEthologists proposed the coevolution of pedomorphic characteristics in infants and caregiving responses to these features in parents. Human infants higher in pedomorphic characteristics are more likely to receive baby talk from adults and elicit stronger motivations for caretaking. Neotenous facial characteristics in human adults cue social approach and elicit helping. This study demonstrates generally strong differences in reactions to infants from non‐mammalian species requiring parental care (semiprecocial) and superprecocial species within the same class. People perceive semiprecocial infants as more neotenous (cute, immature, and helpless), had greater desires to hold or pet them, thought they would have a greater appreciation of being held or pet, thought they would be less likely to survive on their own, and anticipated being more likely to adopt them compared to superprecocial infants. Both avian and reptilian infants elicited these patterns. There was a moderate degree of sex differences in ratings, women saw the infants as more neotenous and were more willing to adopt them than men.
Travel and Activity Choices for Transit Travelers at Terminals with Dynamic Information Provision
Authors: Hsu Chaug‐Ing , Li Chia‐Wen 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis study explores the impacts of providing dynamic information on travelers' behavior and the induced demand for terminal‐surrounding activities. A nested logit model was used to identify the important factors, and a questionnaire was designed to explore the preference of travelers regarding activities and travel choices. Adopting dynamic information was found to have a significant influence on travel decisions. The results show that an increased duration of activity participation may accompany an alteration of departure time or mode choice. The results also show that the use of dynamic information for travelers is related to induced activity participation and travelers' socioeconomic characteristics. The content of the dynamic information should be designed in accordance with the preference of travelers to encourage travelers participating in terminal‐surrounding activities.
Urban Growth Boundaries and Betterment: Rent‐Seeking by Landowners on Melbourne's Expanding Urban Fringe
Authors: Taylor Elizabeth Jean 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMelbourne's Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) was legislated in 2002 and expanded substantially in 2010. Although based on strategic planning goals, UGBs have the capacity to influence land and housing markets. Landowners on the rural–urban fringe are a stakeholder group directly impacted by UGB policy, with multiple interests in containment policies and any land‐value effects. Following the 2010 expansion, substantial windfall profits to “instant millionaire” Melbourne landowners were openly reported. This paper critically interprets claims made by landowners in 264 public submissions responding to the proposed UGB expansion, and to an accompanying new policy instrument, the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC). The GAIC was, in effect, a hypothecated tax on betterment expected to result from the UGB shift. Landowners commonly expressed fears that the UGB shift would not result in claimed value increases. On this basis, the GAIC was revised such that it is—at least in intention—a system wherein the tax is to be paid by housing developers and passed forward to homebuyers. The paper argues that the series of changes to the UGB and GAIC, including the modified “purchaser pays” system, may be understood as a response to rent‐seeking policy pressures from existing landowners as “insiders.” Although the unpopularity of the GAIC with landowners might have been anticipated, the outcome appears to legitimise their misinterpretation of the premise of development gain. A broader implication is that rent‐seeking behaviour by existing property owners can determine whether and how strategic planning policies are implemented.
Professional development through attending conferences: reflections of a health librarian
Authors: Jenkins Ruth 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn this article, guest writer Ruth Jenkins from Berkshire Heathcare Foundation Trust reflects on two conferences she attended in 2014, LILAC and SLA. Through the process of reflection, she considers the benefits that attending conferences can have to library and information professionals in the health sector. In particular, she discusses the opportunities and areas for learning and professional development that conferences can offer including evidence‐based practice and current awareness, gaining new knowledge and objectivity, and networking and the unexpected benefits of conferences. Ruth also offers some practical hints and tips on ways to facilitate your attendance at conferences, including through awards and funding.H.S.
International Trends in Health Science Librarianship Part 14: East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda)
Authors: Gathoni Nasra , Kamau Nancy , Nannozi Judith , Singirankabo Marcel 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis is the 14th in a series of articles exploring international trends in health science librarianship in the 21st century. This is the second of four articles pertaining to different regions in the African continent. The present issue focuses on countries in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda). The next feature column will investigate trends in West Africa.JM
The health information seeking behaviour and needs of community health workers in Chandigarh in Northern India
Authors: Raj Sonika , Sharma Vijay Lakshmi , Singh Amarjeet , Goel Sonu 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis article represents two‐firsts for the feature – it is the first to report on a study outside the UK and the first to examine the health information needs of community health workers. Sonika Raj is pursuing PhD at the Centre for Public Health, Panjab University, Chandigarh, in India and she conducted her research in Chandigarh. The article outlines the important role that health workers at community level play in determining health outcomes in the developing world, including Chandigarh. It demonstrates that while those workers recognise their information needs, there are many issues affecting their ability to access health information effectively, not least their limited access to appropriate technology and training.AM
Reporting statistical analyses in peer review journal articles
Authors: Stephens Richard , Grant Maria J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAs a regular referee for the Health Information and Libraries Journal, Richard Stephens – Winner of the 2014 Wellcome Trust Science Writing Prize – has been impressed by the science on offer in the Health Information and Libraries Journal. But he has also been struck by how often similar problems with statistical analysis reporting come up during the review process. Acknowledging that statistics can be scary, he advocates that they should be simply viewed as a means of communicating ideas. In this editorial, he provides some straightforward guidelines on reporting statistical analyses in peer review journal articles, highlights pitfalls to avoid and illustrates best practice to aim for.
Soluble biomarkers of immune activation and inflammation in HIV infection: impact of 2 years of effective first‐line combination antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Hattab S , Guiguet M , Carcelain G , Fourati S , Guihot A , Autran B , Caby F , Marcelin A‐G , Costagliola D , Katlama C 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the impact of rapid and sustained viral control produced by combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) on HIV‐associated immune activation and inflammation.MethodsIn this longitudinal observational study, we examined changes in interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interferon‐γ‐inducible protein‐10 (IP‐10), monokine induced by interferon‐γ (MIG) and soluble CD14 (sCD14) levels during 2 years of effective first‐line cART. Biomarker levels before and after cART were compared with those observed in healthy subjects, using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Elevated biomarker levels were defined with respect to values for healthy subject (mean + 2 standard deviations). Factors associated with persistently elevated biomarker levels after 2 years of cART were identified by logistic regression.ResultsWe included in the study 139 patients with a median HIV‐1 RNA level of 4.8 log10 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL and a median CD4 cell count of 294 cells/μL at cART initiation [day 0 (D0)]. At D0, all biomarker levels were higher than in healthy subjects (P < 0.05). After 2 years of cART, IL‐6, IP‐10 and MIG levels fell significantly, by a median of 0.54, 420 and 1107 pg/mL, respectively (all P < 0.001), and were no longer elevated in > 75% of patients. In contrast, sCD14 levels did not change significantly (0.18 × 106 pg/mL; P = 0.102) and remained elevated. Older age was associated with elevated levels of IP‐10 [odds ratio (OR) 1.60 per 10 years older; P = 0.047] and MIG (OR 1.92 per 10 years older; P = 0.007) after 2 years of cART.ConclusionsThe rapid and sustained viral suppression produced by first‐line cART reduced IL‐6, IP‐10 and MIG to normal levels, while sCD14, a marker of monocyte activation, remained elevated. High levels of IP‐10 and MIG tended to persist in older patients.
Assessment of radiological vertebral fractures in HIV‐infected patients: clinical implications and predictive factors
Authors: Gazzola L , Savoldi A , Bai F , Magenta A , Dziubak M , Pietrogrande L , Tagliabue L , Del Sole A , Bini T , Marchetti G , d'Arminio Monforte A 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of including lateral spine X‐ray in the screening of bone diseases in HIV‐positive patients.MethodsA total of 194 HIV‐positive patients underwent dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA), lateral spine X‐ray and bone biochemical analysis. Vertebral fractures were identified using a morphometric analysis of X‐rays and classified using the semiquantitative scoring system of Genant et al. For each patient, a spine deformity index (SDI) score was calculated by summing the grades of vertebral deformities. Reductions in vertebral body height of > 25% were considered vertebral fractures, and those < 25% were considered vertebral deformities. Risk factors associated with vertebral fractures were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsVertebral fractures were detected in 24 patients (12.4%) and vertebral deformities in 17 patients (8.7%); 153 patients (78.9%) did not show any vertebral deformity. Among patients with fractures, only two with SDI > 10 reported lumbar pain; the remaining were asymptomatic. Patients over 50 years old showed a higher prevalence of vertebral fracture [24.4% versus 11.8% in patients 41–50 years old (P = 0.05) and 1.9% in patients ≤ 40 years old (P = 0.04)]. No significant increase in the prevalence according to bone mineral density (BMD) reduction was observed, and 70% of fractures were diagnosed in nonosteoporotic patients. Older age [adjusted odds ratio 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.13; P = 0.001] and steroid use (adjusted odds ratio 3.64; 95% CI 1.29–10.3; P = 0.01) were independently associated with vertebral fracture; no association was found with HIV‐ or highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)‐related variables.ConclusionsA prevalence of vertebral fractures of 12.4% was observed in our HIV‐positive cohort. Given that two‐thirds of fractures occurred in nonosteoporotic patients, spine X‐ray may be considered in patients at increased risk, irrespective of BMD; that is, in elderly patients and/or patients using steroids.
Antimicrobial 2‐hydroxyisocaproic acid and chlorhexidine resist inactivation by dentine
Authors: Sakko M. , Tjäderhane L. , Sorsa T. , Hietala P. , Rautemaa R. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimTo compare the antibacterial activity of 2‐hydroxyisocaproic acid (HICA) with currently used root canal medicaments and to examine their interactions with potential inhibitors in nutrient‐deficient and nutrient‐rich conditions.MethodologyFirst, the antibacterial activity of single concentrations of HICA, calcium hydroxide solution or slurry, chlorhexidine digluconate or acetate was tested against Enterococcus faecalis with and without potential inhibitors: dentine powder (DP), hydroxyapatite or bovine serum albumin, in a low concentration of peptone water. Relative viable counts were determined by culture at 1, 24 and 48 h. In the second set of experiments, the activity of three concentrations of HICA was evaluated against two isolates of E. faecalis with and without potential inhibitors in nutrient‐rich thioglycollate broth using a modification of a standard microdilution method. The minimum bactericidal concentration was determined by culture at 1, 24 and 48 h.ResultsConcentrations of ≥33 mg mL−1 of HICA were found to be bactericidal against E. faecalis in both nutrient‐deficient and nutrient‐rich environments at 24‐ to 48‐h incubation, whereas the initial activity of Ca(OH)2 slurry was lost at 48‐h incubation. HICA tolerated well all tested potential inhibitors up to 19 mg mL−1. DP concentrations higher than this inhibited its activity in a dose‐dependent manner in both environments. DP demonstrated moderate antibacterial activity, and it enhanced the otherwise limited activity of Ca(OH)2 slurry and solution. DP did not impact on the activity of chlorhexidine.ConclusionsThese results support the long‐term antibacterial activity of HICA and indicate its tolerance to clinically relevant concentrations of dentine and other inhibitors commonly present in the root canal system. Therefore, HICA may have potential as an interappointment medication in the treatment of root canal infections.
Evaluation of Mindray BC‐5000 hematology analyzer: a new miniature 5‐part WBC differential instrument
Authors: Xiang D. , Yue J. , Lan Y. , Sha C. , Ren S. , Li Y. , Li M. , Wang C. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryIntroductionThe Mindray BC‐5000 automated hematology analyzer is a miniature, automated hematology analyzer, and 5‐part leukocyte differential counter for in vitro diagnostic use in clinical laboratories.MethodsPrecision, linearity, carryover, and method comparison were carried out. The analyzer was evaluated and compared with the Sysmex XE‐2100 hematology analyzer and manual microscopic in the hematology laboratory of a tertiary hospital in Chinese.ResultsThere were minimal carryover (<0.25%), and excellent linearity for white blood cell, and platelet counts (r > 0.99). Within‐run precision was good at all levels for the routine cell blood count parameters (CV < 3.5%). Between‐run precision was acceptable at all levels for the analysis parameters (CV < 5%) except for eosinophil and basophil (CV% >10%). BC‐5000 displayed very good correlation (r > 0.94) with the XE‐2100 for cell blood count and cell differential parameters except for basophil (r = 0.72). The comparison of 258 leukocyte differential count results analyzed in parallel with manual microscopy, BC‐5000 analyzer showed perfect specificity (93%) and negative predictive value (90%) on abnormal blood samples.ConclusionIt is concluded that the overall performance of the BC‐5000 is acceptable. The miniature analyzer is suitable for use in small‐ to medium‐size laboratories.
Measures of acute physiology, comorbidity and functional status to differentiate illness severity and length of stay among acute general medical admissions: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Huggan P. J. , Akram F. , Er B. H. D. , Christen L. S. J. , Weixian L. , Lim V. , Huang Y. , Merchant R. A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundSimple measures of acute physiologic compromise, functional status and comorbidity may help clinicians to make decisions relating to clinical care and resource utilisation.AimsTo explore the usefulness of common assessment tools in predicting outcomes of (i) death or intensive care unit (ICU) admission and (ii) length of hospital stay at a busy tertiary hospital in Singapore.MethodsThree hundred and ninety‐eight consecutive admissions to two general medicine teams were prospectively assessed during 2 months in 2011. Patients were followed until discharge or transfer to ICU/high dependency unit (HDU). Data collected included routine demographic data, final diagnosis, comorbid conditions including a weighted prognostic comorbidity index (the updated Charlson index) and the modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) at presentation to the emergency department. The admission modified Barthel Index was recorded for patients aged 65 and over. Death and total length of hospital stay were recorded in all cases.ResultsOf 398 patients, 16 (4 %) died or were transferred to ICU and 99 (25%) stayed for more than 7 days. Medical early warning (MEW) scores of ≥5 were significantly associated with death or ICU admission (hazard ratio 5.50, 95% confidence interval 1.77–17.07, P = 0.003). There was no independent association between this outcome and the Charlson score or admission Barthel Index. Excess length of stay was associated with a modified Barthel Index ≤17 and altered mental status at presentation.ConclusionAmong unselected general medical patients, MEW scores of ≥5 were significantly associated with death or ICU admissions and only functional status and altered mental status were independent predictors of excess length of stay.
Icatibant in angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor‐associated angioedema
Authors: Fok J. S. , Katelaris C. H. , Brown A. F. , Smith W. B. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundAngioedema occurs in up to 2% of those taking angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Upper airway angioedema may potentially require endotracheal intubation or cricothyrotomy, and is usually unresponsive to adrenaline. The bradykinin receptor antagonist icatibant is proven to be effective in the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema, and has also been reported effective in the treatment of angioedema associated with ACE inhibitors.AimTo describe the use of icatibant for ACE inhibitor‐associated airway angioedema.MethodsWe treated 13 consecutive emergency department (ED) patients, who had not improved with adrenaline and/or corticosteroids, with icatibant 30 mg subcutaneously for ACE inhibitor‐associated upper respiratory tract angioedema according to an agreed protocol.ResultsFour patients were intubated in the ED either before or after receiving icatibant; three of these were extubated within 24 h of treatment. Eight patients received early icatibant and did not require intubation. The time from onset of airway angioedema to ED presentation ranged from 1 h to 3 days (median 4 h); from ED presentation to receiving icatibant, from 30 minutes to 3 days (median 3 h); and to onset of symptom improvement after icatibant, 15 minutes to 7 h (median 2 h). One patient received a second dose of icatibant.ConclusionAll patients improved after receiving icatibant, consistent with its bradykinin receptor blocking mechanism. Icatibant rapidly reversed symptoms, and appeared to avert the need for intubation or expedite extubation. Timely use of icatibant in ACE inhibitor‐associated angioedema may avert the need for invasive airway procedures and intensive care unit admission.
Biochemical composition of the saliva and dental biofilm of children with Down syndrome
Authors: Schwertner Carolina , Moreira Maurício José Santos , Faccini Lavinia Schuler , Hashizume Lina Naomi 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundThe biochemical composition of the saliva and biofilm of children with Down syndrome (DS) may be associated with the incidence of caries in this population.AimTo evaluate the biochemical composition of the saliva and dental biofilm of children with DS in the city of Porto Alegre, RS.DesignThe sample comprised 144 children between 6 and 14 years of age, of whom 61 had DS and 83 did not. Stimulated saliva samples were collected from all participants, as were samples of 48‐h biofilm. Fluoride (F), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (Pi) concentrations in saliva and biofilm were determined by colorimetric method (Ca and Pi) or selective electrode (F). The level of insoluble extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) in dental biofilm was measured using sulphuric acid method.ResultsSalivary concentration of F, Ca, and Pi did not differ between children with and without DS. The dental biofilm of children with DS, however, showed higher Pi and EPS levels than that of children without the syndrome (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe present results suggest that despite the salivary composition being similar between groups, the dental biofilm of children with DS has higher cariogenic potential than that of children without this condition.
Organising migrant workers: the living wage campaign at the University of East London
Authors: Lopes Ana , Hall Timothy 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis critical case study looks at the campaign led by Citizens UK and Unison to get the University of East London (UEL) to sign up to the London living wage (LLW). UEL agreed to pay the LLW after a brief campaign in November 2010 and it was subsequently implemented in August 2011. The study charts the course of the campaign and draws on mobilisation theory and new primary research to account for its success. What our findings suggest is that community organisers and union activists were able to organise and mobilise a largely apolitical group of migrant workers. This, we suggest, can be explained by the successful mobilisation of the community and augurs well for future broad‐based campaigns.