bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ECG interpretation in Emergency Department residents: an update and e-learning as a resource to improve skills
Authors: Barthelemy Francois X. , Segard Julien , Fradin Philippe , Hourdin Nicolas , Batard Eric , Pottier Pierre , Potel Gilles , Montassier Emmanuel
Published: August 2015

Objective

ECG interpretation is a pivotal skill to acquire during residency, especially for Emergency Department (ED) residents. Previous studies reported that ECG interpretation competency among residents was rather low. However, the optimal resource to improve ECG interpretation skills remains unclear. The aim of our study was to compare two teaching modalities to improve the ECG interpretation skills of ED residents: e-learning and lecture-based courses.

Participants and methods

The participants were first-year and second-year ED residents, assigned randomly to the two groups. The ED residents were evaluated by means of a precourse test at the beginning of the study and a postcourse test after the e-learning and lecture-based courses. These evaluations consisted of the interpretation of 10 different ECGs.

Results

We included 39 ED residents from four different hospitals. The precourse test showed that the overall average score of ECG interpretation was 40%. Nineteen participants were then assigned to the e-learning course and 20 to the lecture-based course. Globally, there was a significant improvement in ECG interpretation skills (accuracy score=55%,P=0.0002). However, this difference was not significant between the two groups (P=0.14).

Conclusion

Our findings showed that the ECG interpretation was not optimal and that our e-learning program may be an effective tool for enhancing ECG interpretation skills among ED residents. A large European study should be carried out to evaluate ECG interpretation skills among ED residents before the implementation of ECG learning, including e-learning strategies, during ED residency.
Charles Wayne Rees CBE. 15 October 1927 — 21 September 2006
Authors: Moody Christopher J.
Published: August 2015

Charles Rees was an eminent organic chemist. He specialized in the area of heterocyclic chemistry—the study of rings made up of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur atoms—an important subject given that many medicines, agrochemicals, dyes and reprographic materials, as well as a very large number of naturally occurring compounds, including the DNA bases, the building blocks of life itself, are heterocyclic molecules. His scientific work was dominated by two overarching themes: reactive intermediates, in particular neutral, electron-deficient species such as carbenes, nitrenes and arynes, and unusual ring systems, particularly strained rings and novel aromatic systems, including those rich in sulphur and nitrogen atoms. Born in 1927, he was educated at Farnham Grammar School, then spent three years at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, before going to University College Southampton (later Southampton University) (BSc 1950, PhD 1953). After a postdoctoral period, he was appointed assistant lecturer at Birkbeck College, London, in 1955, before moving to a lectureship at King’s College, London, and subsequently to chairs at the University of Leicester (1965), the University of Liverpool (1969) and Imperial College, London (1978). He was elected to the Royal Society in 1974 and appointed CBE in 1995. He died in London in 2006.
Bacillus solani sp. nov., isolated from rhizosphere soil of a potato field
Authors: Liu Bo , Liu Guo-Hong , Sengonca Cetin , Schumann Peter , Ge Ci-Bin , Wang Jie-Ping , Cui Wei-Dong , Lin Nai-Quan
Published: August 2015

A novel Gram-stain-positive, endospore-forming bacterium, designated strain FJAT-18043T, was isolated from a soil sample of a potato field in Xinjiang Autonomous Region, China. Cells were rods that were catalase-positive and motile by peritrichous flagella. The strain grew at 20–45 °C (optimum 35 °C), at pH 6.0–10.0 (optimum pH 9) and with 0–10 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain FJAT-18043T belonged to the genus Bacillus and exhibited similarities of 97.7, 97.6, 97.2 and 97.2 % with Bacillus eiseniae A1-2T, Bacillus horneckiae DSM 23495T, Bacillus gottheilii WCC 4585T and Bacillus purgationiresistens DS22T, respectively. DNA–DNA relatedness between strain FJAT-18043T and B. eiseniae A1-2 T was lower than 70 % (36.1 %). The menaquinone was identified as MK-7 and the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The major fatty acids detected were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, C16 : 0 and iso-C14 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 48.8 mol%. Phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic properties clearly indicated that isolate FJAT-18043T represents a novel species within the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus solani sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FJAT-18043T ( = DSM 29501T = CCTCC AB 2014277T).
Read clouds uncover variation in complex regions of the human genome
Authors: Bishara Alex , Liu Yuling , Weng Ziming , Kashef-Haghighi Dorna , Newburger Daniel E. , West Robert , Sidow Arend , Batzoglou Serafim
Published: August 2015

Although an increasing amount of human genetic variation is being identified and recorded, determining variants within repeated sequences of the human genome remains a challenge. Most population and genome-wide association studies have therefore been unable to consider variation in these regions. Core to the problem is the lack of a sequencing technology that produces reads with sufficient length and accuracy to enable unique mapping. Here, we present a novel methodology of using read clouds, obtained by accurate short-read sequencing of DNA derived from long fragment libraries, to confidently align short reads within repeat regions and enable accurate variant discovery. Our novel algorithm, Random Field Aligner (RFA), captures the relationships among the short reads governed by the long read process via a Markov Random Field. We utilized a modified version of the Illumina TruSeq synthetic long-read protocol, which yielded shallow-sequenced read clouds. We test RFA through extensive simulations and apply it to discover variants on the NA12878 human sample, for which shallow TruSeq read cloud sequencing data are available, and on an invasive breast carcinoma genome that we sequenced using the same method. We demonstrate that RFA facilitates accurate recovery of variation in 155 Mb of the human genome, including 94% of 67 Mb of segmental duplication sequence and 96% of 11 Mb of transcribed sequence, that are currently hidden from short-read technologies.
Sex steroid hormones matter for learning and memory: estrogenic regulation of hippocampal function in male and female rodents
Authors: Frick Karyn M. , Kim Jaekyoon , Tuscher Jennifer J. , Fortress Ashley M.
Published: August 2015

Ample evidence has demonstrated that sex steroid hormones, such as the potent estrogen 17β-estradiol (E2), affect hippocampal morphology, plasticity, and memory in male and female rodents. Yet relatively few investigators who work with male subjects consider the effects of these hormones on learning and memory. This review describes the effects of E2on hippocampal spinogenesis, neurogenesis, physiology, and memory, with particular attention paid to the effects of E2in male rodents. The estrogen receptors, cell-signaling pathways, and epigenetic processes necessary for E2to enhance memory in female rodents are also discussed in detail. Finally, practical considerations for working with female rodents are described for those investigators thinking of adding females to their experimental designs.
Reward processing by the dorsal raphe nucleus: 5-HT and beyond
Authors: Luo Minmin , Zhou Jingfeng , Liu Zhixiang
Published: August 2015

The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) represents one of the most sensitive reward sites in the brain. However, the exact relationship between DRN neuronal activity and reward signaling has been elusive. In this review, we will summarize anatomical, pharmacological, optogenetics, and electrophysiological studies on the functions and circuit mechanisms of DRN neurons in reward processing. The DRN is commonly associated with serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT), but this nucleus also contains neurons of the neurotransmitter phenotypes of glutamate, GABA and dopamine. Pharmacological studies indicate that 5-HT might be involved in modulating reward- or punishment-related behaviors. Recent optogenetic stimulations demonstrate that transient activation of DRN neurons produces strong reinforcement signals that are carried out primarily by glutamate. Moreover, activation of DRN 5-HT neurons enhances reward waiting. Electrophysiological recordings reveal that the activity of DRN neurons exhibits diverse behavioral correlates in reward-related tasks. Studies so far thus demonstrate the strong power of DRN neurons in reward signaling and at the same time invite additional efforts to dissect the roles and mechanisms of different DRN neuron types in various processes of reward-related behaviors.
Neurobehavioral perspectives on the distinction between fear and anxiety
Authors: Perusini Jennifer N. , Fanselow Michael S.
Published: August 2015

In this review, we discuss the usefulness of the distinction between fear and anxiety. The clinical use of the labels is ambiguous, often defining one in terms of the other. We first consider what a useful, objective, and scientifically valid definition would entail and then evaluate several fear/anxiety distinctions that have been made in the neurobiological literature. A strong distinction should specify the difference in conditions that lead to fear versus anxiety. Additionally, fear and anxiety should generate distinct sets of behaviors. Ideally, the two states should be supported by distinguishable neuroanatomical circuits. Such a conceptualization would be consistent with the National Institute of Mental Health's Research Domain Criteria (RDoc). The majority of neurobiological approaches to the fear versus anxiety distinction fail to differentiate the two states in terms of behavior, often using the exact same behavioral measures as indicators. Of the two that do, only Predatory Imminence Theory provides a distinction both in terms of cause and effect. Indeed, that approach provides a ready distinction of anxiety, fear, and panic in terms of both antecedent conditions and response selection rules. Additionally, it appeals to distinct neural circuits to generate these modes of action.
The effectiveness of workshop (cooperative learning) based seminars
Authors: Baird Kevin , Munir Rahat
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on the effectiveness of a workshop (cooperative learning) based seminar approach in an undergraduate accounting subject.

Design/methodology/approach

– The effectiveness is assessed using a combination of student perceptions obtained in a survey of students enroled in a third-year elective accounting unit, and a comparison of student performance across semesters with alternative teaching structures.

Findings

– The survey results provide strong evidence that students perceive that seminar-based learning is effective in improving generic skills, including problem solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills. The findings also suggest that groups were generally successful, while many students found that the weekly case study assignments kept them engaged with the unit and provided them with an insight into real-world activities. The analysis of student performance provides further support for the effectiveness of this approach with the students subject to the seminar approach performing better in regard to the three types of assessments analysed.

Practical implications

– Academics should consider using the seminar-based approach to inculcate the skills required in the accounting profession.

Originality/value

– The study provides a unique insight into the success of a change in teaching structure from a traditional structure to a seminar-based workshop. The study examines both student perceptions and actual student performance.
The impact of relationship history on negotiation strategy expectations
Authors: Thomas Stephanie P , Manrodt Karl B. , Eastman Jacqueline K.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how the history of a supply chain relationship impacts expectations concerning negotiation strategy use.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following a grounded theory approach, experienced buyers and suppliers were interviewed to enhance understanding of the complexity of supply chain negotiations.

Findings

– Qualitative analysis developed a theoretical framework emphasizing the impact of relationship history on negotiation strategy expectations in long-term buyer-supplier relationships. Data supports that previous negotiation interactions build a history between the involved organizations. This relationship history creates expectations. When negotiation strategy use is consistent with expectations, the relationship history will continue to develop in the same manner as it has previously. When negotiation strategy expectations are violated, the relationship impact will differ depending on evidence of an Extrarelational Factor that leads to the strategy change.

Research limitations/implications

– Results of this study present a theoretical framework that future research can quantitatively test, which has the potential to open up new streams of research on relationship history and supply chain negotiations.

Practical implications

– Results show that buyers and suppliers should consider the strategy expectations of their negotiation partner. When actions are inconsistent with expectations, the effects impact the relationship.

Originality/value

– Negotiation research has largely focussed on negotiations as discrete events with economic outcomes. This ongoing buyer-supplier relationship research highlights the impact that previous negotiations (relationship history) have on negotiation expectations. It also explores the relational impact when those expectations are or are not met.
Masking the bullwhip effect in retail: the influence of data aggregation
Authors: Jin Yao 'Henry' , Williams Brent D. , Waller Matthew A. , Hofer Adriana Rossiter
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The accurate measurement of demand variability amplification across different nodes in the supply chain, or “bullwhip effect,” is critical for firms to achieve more efficient inventory, production, and ordering planning processes. Building on recent analytical research that suggests that data aggregation tends to mask the bullwhip effect in the retail industry, the purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate whether different patterns of data aggregation influence its measurement.

Design/methodology/approach

– Utilizing weekly, product-level order and sales data from three product categories of a consumer packaged goods manufacturer, the study uses hierarchical linear modeling to empirically test the effects of data aggregation on different measures of bullwhip.

Findings

– The authors findings lend strong support to the masking effect of aggregating sales and order data along product-location and temporal dimensions, as well as the dampening effect of seasonality on the measurement of the bullwhip effect.

Research limitations/implications

– These findings indicate that inconsistencies found in the literature may be due to measurement aggregation and statistical techniques, both of which should be applied with care by academics and practitioners in order to preserve the fidelity of their analyses.

Originality/value

– Using product-weekly level data that cover both seasonal and non-seasonal demand, this study is the first, to the author’s knowledge, to systematically aggregate data up to category and monthly levels to empirically examine the impact of data aggregation and seasonality on bullwhip measurement.
Microbial activity in forest soil reflects the changes in ecosystem properties between summer and winter
Authors: Žifčáková Lucia , Větrovský Tomáš , Howe Adina , Baldrian Petr
Published: August 2015

Understanding the ecology of coniferous forests is very important because these environments represent globally largest carbon sinks. Metatranscriptomics, microbial community and enzyme analyses were combined to describe the detailed role of microbial taxa in the functioning of the Picea abies‐dominated coniferous forest soil in two contrasting seasons. These seasons were the summer, representing the peak of plant photosynthetic activity, and late winter, after an extended period with no photosynthate input. The results show that microbial communities were characterized by a high activity of fungi especially in litter where their contribution to microbial transcription was over 50%. Differences in abundance between summer and winter were recorded for 26–33% of bacterial genera and < 15% of fungal genera, but the transcript profiles of fungi, archaea and most bacterial phyla were significantly different among seasons. Further, the seasonal differences were larger in soil than in litter. Most importantly, fungal contribution to total microbial transcription in soil decreased from 33% in summer to 16% in winter. In particular, the activity of the abundant ectomycorrhizal fungi was reduced in winter, which indicates that plant photosynthetic production was likely one of the major drivers of changes in the functioning of microbial communities in this coniferous forest.
Fluorescence microscopy of Streptomyces conjugation suggests DNA‐transfer at the lateral walls and reveals the spreading of the plasmid in the recipient mycelium
Authors: Thoma Lina , Vollmer Bernd , Muth Günther
Published: August 2015

Conjugative DNA‐transfer in mycelial streptomycetes is a unique process, manifested on agar plates by the formation of circular growth retardation zones called pocks. Because pock size correlates with the extent of the transconjugant zone, it was suggested that pocks reflect the spreading of the transferred plasmid in the recipient mycelium. However, this concept has not been experimentally proven yet. The use of an eGFP‐encoding derivative of the conjugative pIJ303 plasmid and Streptomyces lividans T7‐mCherry as recipient enabled us to differentiate donor, recipient and transconjugant hyphae in mating experiments by fluorescence microscopy. Microscopic observation of the conjugation process suggested DNA‐transfer via the lateral walls. At the contact sites mCherry was never observed in the donor, indicating that the conjugative DNA‐transfer does not involve interfusion of cytoplasms of donor and recipient. The spreading of the transferred plasmid to the older parts of the recipient mycelium was demonstrated. This spreading was impaired when plasmid‐encoded spd genes were inactivated. Deletion of the FtsK‐like DNA‐translocase encoding tra gene from the plasmid and mating experiments with strains containing chromosomal copies of tra either in the donor and/or in the recipient revealed that Tra had an essential role in intramycelial plasmid spreading.
McpQ is a specific citrate chemoreceptor that responds preferentially to citrate/metal ion complexes
Authors: Martín‐Mora David , Reyes‐Darias Jose‐Antonio , Ortega Álvaro , Corral‐Lugo Andrés , Matilla Miguel A. , Krell Tino
Published: August 2015

Chemoreceptors are at the beginning of chemosensory pathways that mediate chemotaxis. Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is predicted to have 27 chemoreceptors, most of which uncharacterized. We have previously identified McpS as chemoreceptor for Krebs cycle intermediates. Citrate is primarily present in the environment as metal complex, which, however, is not recognized by McpS. We show here that the McpS paralogue McpQ recognizes specifically citrate and citrate/metal2+ complexes. The McpQ ligand binding domain (McpQ‐LBD) binds citrate/metal2+ complexes with higher affinity than citrate. McpQ‐LBD is present in a monomer‐dimer equilibrium and citrate and particularly citrate/Mg2+ binding stabilize the dimer. The bacterium showed much stronger responses to citrate/Mg2+ than to citrate and mcpQ inactivation caused a dramatic reduction in chemotaxis. Responses to Krebs cycle intermediates are thus mediated by the broad range McpS and McpQ that responds specifically to an intermediate not recognized by McpS. Interesting parallels exist to the paralogous amino acid chemoreceptors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis. Whereas one paralogue recognizes most amino acids, the remaining paralogue binds specifically one of the few acids not recognized by the broad range receptors. Therefore, chemotaxis to compound families by the concerted action of broad and narrow range receptors may represent a general mechanism.
Persistence of Regional Wage Differences in China
Authors: Candelaria Christopher , Daly Mary , Hale Galina
Published: August 2015

Regional wage differences in China appear to be persistent and even to have grown over the past two decades. We study potential explanations for this phenomenon. After adjusting for the difference in the cost of living across provinces, we find that some of the cross‐province differences in real wages could be related to the quality of labour, industry composition and geographic location of provinces. These factors, taken together, explain approximately half of the cross‐province real wage variation. Interestingly, we find that interprovincial government transfers have not offset regional wage differences during the time period we consider. We also demonstrate that interprovincial migration, while driven in part by levels and changes in wage differences across provinces, did not help offset these differences. These results are consistent with findings in the literature that cross‐province labour mobility in China is still limited.
Contemporary Monetary Policy in China: An Empirical Assessment
Authors: Nuutilainen Riikka
Published: August 2015

This paper focuses on monetary policy in China. A set of different specifications for the monetary policy reaction function are empirically evaluated using monthly data for 1998–2014. Overall, the performance of the estimated policy rules is surprisingly good. Chinese monetary policy displays countercyclical reactions to inflation and leaning‐against‐the‐wind behaviour. The paper shows a notable increase in the overall responsiveness of Chinese monetary policy over the course of the estimation period. The central bank interest rate is unresponsive to economic conditions during the earlier years of the sample, but response becomes significant in later years. This finding comports with the view that the monetary policy of the People's Bank of China has come to place greater weight on price‐based instruments. A time‐varying estimation procedure suggests that the two monetary policy objectives are generally assigned to different instruments. The money supply instrument continues to be utilized to control the price level. Since 2008, the interest rate instrument has been mainly used to achieve the targeted output growth.
People, protected areas and ecosystem services: a qualitative and quantitative analysis of local people's perception and preferences in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Amin Ariane , Zaehringer Julie G. , Schwilch Gudrun , Koné Inza
Published: August 2015

The long‐term integrity of protected areas (PAs), and hence the maintenance of related ecosystem services (ES), are dependent on the support of local people. In the present study, local people's perceptions of ecosystem services from PAs and factors that govern local preferences for PAs are assessed. Fourteen study villages were randomly selected from three different protected forest areas and one control site along the southern coast of Côte d'Ivoire. Data was collected through a mixed‐method approach, including qualitative semi‐structured interviews and a household survey based on hypothetical choice scenarios. Local people's perceptions of ecosystem service provision was decrypted through qualitative content analysis, while the relation between people's preferences and potential factors that affect preferences were analyzed through multinomial models. This study shows that rural villagers do perceive a number of different ecosystem services as benefits from PAs in Côte d'Ivoire. The results based on quantitative data also suggest that local preferences for PAs and related ecosystem services are driven by PAs' management rules, age, and people's dependence on natural resources.
An intelligent disaster decision support system for increasing the sustainability of transport networks
Authors: Rajabifard Abbas , Thompson Russell G. , Chen Yiqun
Published: August 2015

The increase in extreme weather events arising from climate change is posing serious threats to the sustainability of transport systems, creating the need for improved tools for decision support for more effectively managing natural disasters. There are numerous transport‐related decisions that are required during the response, recovery and preparedness stages of the disaster management cycle. This paper describes the development and application of the Intelligent Disaster Decision Support System (IDDSS), which provides a platform for integrating a vast range of road network, traffic, geographic, economic and meteorological data, as well as dynamic disaster and transport models. Initial applications to the response and planning for floods and fires are presented to illustrate some of its capabilities. The IDDSS can be used to improve disaster management, which in turn will increase the sustainability of transport networks.
Development of chloroplast genomic resources for Cynara
Authors: Curci Pasquale L. , De Paola Domenico , Sonnante Gabriella
Published: August 2015

In this study, new chloroplast (cp) resources were developed for the genus Cynara, using whole cp genomes from 20 genotypes, by means of high‐throughput sequencing technologies. Our target species included seven globe artichokes, two cultivated cardoons, eight wild artichokes, and three other wild Cynara species (C. baetica, C. cornigera and C. syriaca). One complete cp genome was isolated using short reads from a whole‐genome sequencing project, while the others were obtained by means of long‐range PCR, for which primer pairs are provided here. A de novo assembly strategy combined with a reference‐based assembly allowed us to reconstruct each cp genome. Comparative analyses among the newly sequenced genotypes and two additional Cynara cp genomes (‘Brindisino’ artichoke and C. humilis) retrieved from public databases revealed 126 parsimony informative characters and 258 singletons in Cynara, for a total of 384 variable characters. Thirty‐nine SSR loci and 34 other INDEL events were detected. After data analysis, 37 primer pairs for SSR amplification were designed, and these molecular markers were subsequently validated in our Cynara genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis based on all cp variable characters provided the best resolution when compared to what was observed using only parsimony informative characters, or only short ‘variable’ cp regions. The evaluation of the molecular resources obtained from this study led us to support the ‘super‐barcode’ theory and consider the total cp sequence of Cynara as a reliable and valuable molecular marker for exploring species diversity and examining variation below the species level.
A new method to analyse species abundances in space using generalized dimensions
Authors: Saravia Leonardo A.
Published: August 2015

Species–area relationships (SAR) and species‐abundance distributions (SAD) are among the most studied patterns in ecology, due to their application to both theoretical and conservation issues. One problem with these general patterns is that different theories can generate the same predictions, and for this reason, they cannot be used to detect different mechanisms of community assembly.

A solution is to search for more sensitive patterns, for example by extending the SAR to the whole SAD. A generalized dimension (Dq) approach has been proposed to study the scaling of SAD, but to date, there has been no evaluation of the ability of this pattern to detect different mechanisms.

An equivalent way to express SAD is the rank‐abundance distribution (RAD). Here I introduce a new way to study SAD scaling using a spatial version of RAD: the species‐rank surface (SRS), which can be analysed using Dq. Thus, there is an old Dq based on SAR (), and a new one based on SRS (). I perform spatial simulations to examine the relationship of Dq with SAD, spatial patterns and number of species. Finally, I compare the power of both Dq, SAD, SAR exponent and the fractal information dimension to detect different community patterns using a continuum of hierarchical and neutral spatially explicit models.

The SAD, and all had good performance in detecting models with contrasting mechanisms. , however, had a better fit to data and allowed comparisons between hierarchical communities where the other methods failed. The SAR exponent and information dimension had low power and should not be used.

SRS and could be interesting methods to study community or macroecological patterns.
Exact Bayesian inference for animal movement in continuous time
Authors: Blackwell Paul G. , Niu Mu , Lambert Mark S. , LaPoint Scott D.
Published: August 2015

It is natural to regard most animal movement as a continuous‐time process, generally observed at discrete times. Most existing statistical methods for movement data ignore this; the remainder mostly use discrete‐time approximations, the statistical properties of which have not been widely studied, or are limited to special cases. We aim to facilitate wider use of continuous‐time modelling for realistic problems.

We develop novel methodology which allows exact Bayesian statistical analysis for a rich class of movement models with behavioural switching in continuous time, without any need for time discretization error. We represent the times of changes in behaviour as forming a thinned Poisson process, allowing exact simulation and Markov chain Monte Carlo inference. The methodology applies to data that are regular or irregular in time, with or without missing values.

We apply these methods to GPS data from two animals, a fisher (Pekania [Martes] pennanti) and a wild boar (Sus scrofa), using models with both spatial and temporal heterogeneity. We are able to identify and describe differences in movement behaviour across habitats and over time.

Our methods allow exact fitting of realistically complex movement models, incorporating environmental information. They also provide an essential point of reference for evaluating other existing and future approximate methods for continuous‐time inference.
Nonparametric Factor Analytic Risk Measurement in Common Stocks in Financial Firms: Evidence from Korean Firms
Authors: Baek Seungho , Cursio Joseph D. , Cha Seung Y.
Published: August 2015

This research examines the efficiency of nonparametric factor analytic approaches in measuring risk in common stocks of Korean financial firms from the risk‐management perspective. This paper shows that using only one risk factor extracted from principal component analysis, the parallel shift or market movement factor, has sufficient accuracy for downside risk measures. We assess accuracy by applying Monte Carlo simulation to obtain VaR and ES for the Korean financial sector and industries within the financial sector (banks, insurance companies, and investment andsecurity trading companies), and further estimate the risk contagious effect on financial firms.
Does Financial Synergy Provide a Rationale for Conglomerate Mergers?
Authors: Mooney Tim , Shim Hyeongsop
Published: August 2015

We examine two sources of financial synergies — coinsurance effects and asset liquidity — in mergers and test whether financial synergy is greater in conglomerate mergers than horizontal mergers. We find that a reduction in cash flow volatility for consolidated firms helps enhance shareholder value. Consistent with theoretical predictions of earlier studies, our results indicate that a merger can increase shareholder value when the cash flow volatility of the consolidated firm is less than the current cash flow volatility of the acquiring firm. We present new evidence that the source of financial synergies in conglomerate mergers comes mainly from higher asset liquidity. Our test results also suggest that liquidation values are higher in conglomerate mergers than horizontal mergers holding the coinsurance effect constant, particularly when the target is financially constrained.
How Do Ambiguity and Risk Aversion Affect Price Volatility under Asymmetric Information?
Authors: Hahn Guangsug , Kwon Joon Yeop
Published: August 2015

This paper investigates the effects of ambiguity and risk aversion on asset price volatility when uninformed traders face ambiguity. We find that the effects of ambiguity on price volatility depend on the degree of risk aversion. If the degree of risk aversion is sufficiently low, then ambiguity has little influence on price volatility, even when the degree of ambiguity is extremely high or almost all traders have ambiguous information. In contrast, if traders are sufficiently risk‐averse, ambiguity effects on price volatility are amplified by the degree of risk aversion.
Order Aggressiveness, Price Impact, and Investment Performance in a Pure Order‐Driven Stock Market
Authors: Hung Pi‐Hsia , Chen An‐Sing , Wu Yun‐Lin
Published: August 2015

This study provides an order‐level angle, which is more directly mapped to traders’ initial trading requirement, to investigate the relationship between order aggressiveness, price impact, and investment performance. Our results reveal several findings. First, dealers exhibit the most aggressive trading behavior. Second, traders’ order aggressiveness is affected by market conditions. Third, mutual funds and foreign investors apparently influence transitory price movements through their direct buying behavior, rather than their order aggressiveness. Fourth, foreign investors’ aggressive buy orders perform better than other traders in both bearish and bullish markets. Fifth mutual funds’ aggressive selling is related to informed trading.
GLP‐1 Receptor Agonist Exenatide Attenuates the Detrimental Effects of Obesity on Inflammatory Profile in Testis and Sperm Quality in Mice
Authors: Zhang Erhong , Xu Fen , Liang Hua , Yan Jinhua , Xu Haixia , Li Zhuo , Wen Xingqiao , Weng Jianping
Published: August 2015

Problem

Male obesity has been linked to subfecundity. This study is to investigate the effects of GLP‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonist exenatide on sperm quality in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese mice.

Method of study

After 12 weeks of chow diet (CD) or HFD challenge, mice on HFD were allocated to either saline or exenatide (24 nmol/kg/day) interventions for 8 weeks. Sperm quality and the inflammatory profile of testis were compared among three groups.

Results

Obesity reduced the quality of sperm and changed the inflammatory profile characterized by increased mRNA expression levels of TNF‐α, MCP‐1, and F4/80 in testis. Exenatide intervention reduced the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and improved the quality of sperm.

Conclusion

HFD‐induced obesity leads to the impairment of sperm quality and increased inflammation of testis in mice, and the abnormal physiology can be attenuated by exenatide treatment. Exenatide treatment may bring additional profits to obese and diabetes men by improving sperm function.
The positive impact of structured teaching in the operating room
Authors: Leung Yee , Salfinger Stuart , Mercer Annette
Published: August 2015

Background

A survey of obstetric and gynaecology trainees in Australia found the trainee's opinion of the consultants' teaching ability for laparoscopic procedures and procedures dealing with complications as ‘poor’ in 21.2% and 23.4% of responses, respectively (Aust NZ J Obstet Gynaecol 2009; 49: 84). Surgical caseload per trainee is falling for a variety of reasons. Strategies need to be adopted to enhance the surgical learning experience of trainees in the operating room.

Aims

We describe the use of a structured encounter template to facilitate the teaching of surgery in the operating room and report the response of the trainees to this intervention.

Methods

Trainees attached to a gynaecologic surgery unit all underwent surgical training using a set format based on the surgical encounter template, including briefing, goal setting and intra‐operative teaching aims as well as debriefing. Data on the trainees' experience and perception of their learning experience were then collected and analysed as quantitative and qualitative data sets.

Results

The trainees reported satisfaction with the use of a structured encounter template to facilitate the surgical teaching in the operating room. Some trainees had not received such clarity of feedback or the opportunity to complete a procedure independently prior to using the structured encounter template.

Conclusions

A structured surgical encounter template based on andragogy principles to focus consultant teaching in the operating room is highly acceptable to obstetric and gynaecology trainees in Australia. Allowing the trainee the opportunity to set objectives and receive feedback empowers the trainee and enhances their educational experience.
Children with congenital colorectal malformations often require special education or remedial teaching, despite normal intelligence
Authors: van den Hondel Desiree , Aarsen Femke K. , Wijnen Rene M.H. , Sloots Cornelius E.J. , IJsselstijn Hanneke
Published: August 2015

Aim

This study prospectively evaluated neuropsychological functioning in 8‐year‐old patients with anorectal malformation (ARM) and Hirschsprung's disease (HD).

Methods

School functioning and behaviour were assessed in a standardised interview. Intelligence, attention, self‐esteem and quality of life were evaluated with validated tests and questionnaires. The following predictors were assessed: socio‐economic status, number of episodes of general anaesthesia, laxative treatment and premature birth. Severely intellectually disabled patients were excluded.

Results

In total, twelve of the 23 (52%) patients with ARM and 11 (55%) of the 20 patients with HD received special education or remedial teaching. The intelligence quotient was normal: mean (standard deviation or SD) was 98 (17) and 96 (17), respectively. However, sustained attention was below the norm: mean (SD) Z‐score was −1.90 (1.94) and −1.43 (1.98) for ARM and HD patients; both p < 0.01. Self‐esteem was normal: mean (SD) Z‐score was 0.10 (1.29) and −0.20 (1.11) for ARM and HD patients. Quality of life was normal in ARM patients and slightly impaired in HD patients. No predictors for neuropsychological outcome were identified.

Conclusion

Despite normal intelligence, more than half of these patients received special education or remedial teaching. In addition, problems with sustained attention were found. These findings are important for long‐term care.
Implementation of Child Rights in the Children's Homes in Malaysia
Authors: Nalasami Pathmanathan R. , Bakar Siti Hajar Abu , Yusoff Jal Zabdi , Wahab Haris Abd. , Omar Noralina , Islam M. Rezaul
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study was to examine the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in the Children Homes under the Social Welfare Department (SWD) in Malaysia. Data was collected from 402 registered children who were staying in six Children Homes across the country. This study employed self‐report surveys where multiple data collection methods, such as face‐to‐face structured interviews, key informant interviews (KIIs), and documentation survey, were used. The study found that the SWD failed to comply with most of the commitments of CRC in Children Homes at its implementation level, and it is still needs based. The findings of this study present important guidelines for government and policy makers in improving child welfare services in the Children Homes in Malaysia.
Optimum Study Design for Detecting Imprinting and Maternal Effects Based on Partial Likelihood
Authors: Zhang Fangyuan , Khalili Abbas , Lin Shili
Published: August 2015

Despite spectacular advances in molecular genomic technologies in the past two decades, resources available for genomic studies are still finite and limited, especially for family-based studies. Hence, it is important to consider an optimum study design to maximally utilize limited resources to increase statistical power in family-based studies. A particular question of interest is whether it is more profitable to genotype siblings of probands or to recruit more independent families. Numerous studies have attempted to address this study design issue for simultaneous detection of imprinting and maternal effects, two important epigenetic factors for studying complex diseases. The question is far from settled, however, mainly due to the fact that results and recommendations in the literature are based on anecdotal evidence from limited simulation studies rather than based on rigorous statistical analysis. In this article, we propose a systematic approach to study various designs based on a partial likelihood formulation. We derive the asymptotic properties and obtain formulas for computing the information contents of study designs being considered. Our results show that, for a common disease, recruiting additional siblings is beneficial because both affected and unaffected individuals will be included. However, if a disease is rare, then any additional siblings recruited are most likely to be unaffected, thus contributing little additional information; in such cases, additional families will be a better choice with a fixed amount of resources. Our work thus offers a practical strategy for investigators to select the optimum study design within a case-control family scheme before data collection.
Enhancing L2 vocabulary acquisition through implicit reading support cues in e‐books
Authors: Liu Yeu‐Ting , Leveridge Aubrey Neil
Published: August 2015

Various explicit reading support cues, such as gloss, QR codes and hypertext annotation, have been embedded in e‐books designed specifically for fostering various aspects of language development. However, explicit visual cues are not always reliably perceived as salient or effective by language learners. The current study explored the efficacy of implicit reading support cues—cues that are imperceptible to second‐language (L2) readers during their L2 digital reading—for promoting L2 vocabulary acquisition. Results suggest that subliminal formal priming—being one type of implicit reading support cues—helped L2 readers significantly improve their form‐meaning vocabulary knowledge through e‐book reading. In particular, subliminal formal priming was more effective when the digital content, including the text and relevant illustration, was presented to L2 readers simultaneously, rather than incrementally. The results have important implications vis‐à‐vis the need for the inclusion of implicit reading cues, and the optimal digital input presentation mode for enhancing L2 vocabulary gains.
Neutrophil function in young and old caregivers
Authors: Vitlic Ana , Lord Janet M. , Taylor Angela E. , Arlt Wiebke , Bartlett David B. , Rossi Alessandra , Arora‐Duggal Niharika , Welham Alice , Heald Mary , Oliver Chris , Carroll Douglas , Phillips Anna C.
Published: August 2015

Objective

The present study examined the effects of caregiving stress and ageing on neutrophil function in young and older individuals.

Design

As a model of caregiving, young parents (aged 38.3 ± 4.78) of children with developmental disabilities were recruited and compared to older caregivers (aged 70 ± 6.03), full time carers of a spouse with dementia. Age‐ and gender‐matched controls were also assessed.

Methods

Participants completed a questionnaire pack assessing health behaviours, psychosocial status and caregiving characteristics, and provided a blood sample for assay of neutrophil function (phagocytosis of Escherichia coli and generation of reactive oxygen species to E. coli).

Results

Despite scoring poorly on the majority of psychological and caregiving variables, neutrophil function in caregivers was comparable to that in controls and was unexpectedly higher in older adults when compared to younger adults overall. However, those caregivers who reported higher psychological morbidity (depression, perceived stress, poor sleep quality), and more burdensome caregiving showed some evidence of poorer neutrophil phagocytic function.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effect of caregiving stress on neutrophil function in young and older participants simultaneously. Overall, neutrophil function was preserved in caregivers with neutrophil phagocytosis compromised only in those with the highest levels of distress. This suggests that, in future studies, more attention should be paid to individual differences among caregivers rather than caregiving status per se.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Ageing is accompanied by the decrease in innate and adaptive immunity, termed immunosenescence.

Caregiving stress has been shown to exert negative effect on immune function in both young and old.

What does this study add?

The study examined effect of caregiving and ageing simultaneously in four groups of participants.

Neutrophil function and stress hormone levels were preserved in the stressed in both age groups.

Those with higher psychological morbidity had poorer neutrophil phagocytosis.
The challenges presented by parental mental illness and the potential of a whole‐family intervention to improve outcomes for families
Authors: Gatsou Lina , Yates Scott , Goodrich Nigel , Pearson Dan
Published: August 2015

Parental mental illness (PMI) can negatively affect the lives of all family members, and there is acknowledged need to work with family and social contexts to promote recovery. However, programmes undertaking such work remain rare and knowledge concerning mechanisms through which PMI impacts families and through which recovery might be achieved is underdeveloped. This paper outlines a new family intervention programme and presents evidence from focus groups with 16 professionals into their experiences of work with families with PMI. Evidence suggests that interactional effects of PMI, family communication and family relationships are key to understanding its impacts, but professionals are liable to struggle to engage with these due to concerns over stigma, lack of skills and low confidence. Positive impacts on practice were achieved through raising awareness of the whole‐family context in relation to PMI, building confidence to raise and engage with PMI and the provision of structured tools for use with families. Positive impacts on the lives of family members were then achieved by professionals in relation to symptoms for the ill parent, the burden on children and overall family well‐being, strongly mediated through improved family communication, understanding and relationships. Implications for policy and practice are considered.