bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sonic Hedgehog mutations are not a common cause of congenital hypopituitarism in the absence of complex midline cerebral defects
Authors: Paulo Sabrina Soares , Fernandes‐Rosa Fábio L. , Turatti Wendy , Coeli‐Lacchini Fernanda Borchers , Martinelli Carlos E. , Nakiri Guilherme S. , Moreira Ayrton C. , Santos Antônio C. , de Castro Margaret , Antonini Sonir R.
Published: July 2014

Context and Objective

Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and GLI2, an obligatory mediator of SHH signal transduction, are holoprosencephaly (HPE)‐associated genes essential in pituitary formation. GLI2 variants have been found in patients with congenital hypopituitarism without complex midline cerebral defects (MCD). However, data on the occurrence of SHH mutations in these patients are limited. We screened for SHH and GLI2 mutations or copy number variations (CNV) in patients with congenital hypopituitarism without MCD or with variable degrees of MCD.

Patients and Methods

Detailed data on clinical, laboratory and neuroimaging findings of 115 patients presenting with congenital hypopituitarism without MCD, septo‐optic dysplasia or HPE were analysed. The SHH and GLI2 genes were directly sequenced, and the presence of gene CNV was analysed by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA).

Results

Anterior pituitary deficiency was found in 74% and 53% of patients with SOD or HPE, respectively. Diabetes insipidus was common in patients with HPE (47%) but infrequent in patients with congenital hypopituitarism or SOD (7% and 8%, respectively). A single heterozygous nonsense SHH mutation (p.Tyr175Ter) was found in a patient presenting with hypopituitarism and alobar HPE. No other SHH mutations or CNV were found. Nine GLI2 variations (8 missense and 1 frameshift) including a homozygous and a compound heterozygous variation were found in patients with congenital hypopituitarism or SOD, but not in HPE patients. No GLI2 CNV were found.

Conclusion

SHH mutations or copy number variations are not a common cause of congenital hypopituitarism in patients without complex midline cerebral defects. GLI2 variants are found in some patients with congenital hypopituitarism without complex midline cerebral defects or septo‐optic dysplasia. However, functional analyses of these variants are needed to strengthen genotype–phenotype relationship.
Children's Explanations as a Window Into Their Intuitive Theories of the Social World
Authors: Rhodes Marjorie
Published: July 2014

Social categorization is an early emerging and robust component of social cognition, yet the role that social categories play in children's understanding of the social world has remained unclear. The present studies examined children's (N = 52 four‐ and five‐year olds) explanations of social behavior to provide a window into their intuitive theories of how social categories constrain human action. Children systematically referenced category memberships and social relationships as causal‐explanatory factors for specific types of social interactions: harm among members of different categories more than harm among members of the same category. In contrast, they systematically referred to agents' mental states to explain the reverse patterns of behaviors: harm among members of the same category more than harm among members of different categories. These data suggest that children view social category memberships as playing a causal‐explanatory role in constraining social interactions.
Peer Assessment of Aviation Performance: Inconsistent for Good Reasons
Authors: Roth Wolff‐Michael , Mavin Timothy J.
Published: July 2014

Research into expertise is relatively common in cognitive science concerning expertise existing across many domains. However, much less research has examined how experts within the same domain assess the performance of their peer experts. We report the results of a modified think‐aloud study conducted with 18 pilots (6 first officers, 6 captains, and 6 flight examiners). Pairs of same‐ranked pilots were asked to rate the performance of a captain flying in a critical pre‐recorded simulator scenario. Findings reveal (a) considerable variance within performance categories, (b) differences in the process used as evidence in support of a performance rating, (c) different numbers and types of facts (cues) identified, and (d) differences in how specific performance events affect choice of performance category and gravity of performance assessment. Such variance is consistent with low inter‐rater reliability. Because raters exhibited good, albeit imprecise, reasons and facts, a fuzzy mathematical model of performance rating was developed. The model provides good agreement with observed variations.
25‐Hydroxyvitamin D and Ankle‐Brachial Blood Pressure Index in Adults without Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Amer Muhammad , Narotsky David L. , Qayyum Rehan
Published: July 2014

Background

Inverse association between lower level of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and higher prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) among individuals with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is known. Less is known about the relationship between 25(OH)D and ankle‐brachial blood pressure index (ABPI) in asymptomatic adults. We hypothesized a nonlinear relationship between 25(OH)D and ABPI in asymptomatic adults without PAD.

Methods

Data from the continuous NHANES (2001–2004) was used. Minimum of the two reported ABPI value was chosen for each individual (>18 years). Linear regression models with spline adjusted for demographic and traditional risk factors for CVD were used to examine nonlinear relationship between 25(OH)D and ABPI. Mean changes in ABPI per 10 ng/mL change in 25(OH)D were reported.

Results

Mean (SD) age and 25(OH)D levels of 4979 participants (48% females) were 60.4 (13.22) years and 22.1 (8.68) ng/mL, respectively, while mean (SD) ABPI was 1.07 (0.15). We observed positive association between 25(OH)D and ABPI both in the univariable and multivariable regression models (all p < 0.05). In univariable regression with spline, a significant increase in ABPI (ß = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.02–0.04) was observed until 25(OH)D reached but not above 27 ng/mL. Similarly, in multivariable spline models, 25(OH)D was positively associated with ABPI (ß = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.01–0.03) only up to 27 ng/mL.

Conclusions

In asymptomatic adults without PAD, rising serum 25(OH)D concentration but not above 27 ng/mL was associated with statistically significant increase in ABPI.
Continuity and change in children's longitudinal neural responses to numbers
Authors: Emerson Robert W. , Cantlon Jessica F.
Published: July 2014

Human children possess the ability to approximate numerical quantity nonverbally from a young age. Over the course of early childhood, children develop increasingly precise representations of numerical values, including a symbolic number system that allows them to conceive of numerical information as Arabic numerals or number words. Functional brain imaging studies of adults report that activity in bilateral regions of the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) represents a key neural correlate of numerical cognition. Developmental neuroimaging studies indicate that the right IPS develops its number‐related neural response profile more rapidly than the left IPS during early childhood. One prediction that can be derived from previous findings is that there is longitudinal continuity in the number‐related neural responses of the right IPS over development while the development of the left IPS depends on the acquisition of numerical skills. We tested this hypothesis using fMRI in a longitudinal design with children ages 4 to 9. We found that neural responses in the right IPS are correlated over a 1–2‐year period in young children whereas left IPS responses change systematically as a function of children's numerical discrimination acuity. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that functional properties of the right IPS in numerical processing are stable over early childhood whereas the functions of the left IPS are dynamically modulated by the development of numerical skills.
Xq26.1‐26.2 gain identified on array comparative genomic hybridization in bilateral periventricular nodular heterotopia with overlying polymicrogyria
Authors: Abe Yu , Kikuchi Atsuo , Kobayashi Satoru , Wakusawa Keisuke , Tanaka Soichiro , Inui Takehiko , Kunishima Shinji , Kure Shigeo , Haginoya Kazuhiro
Published: July 2014

Periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH) with overlying polymicrogyria (PMG) is a recently described, developmental brain malformation; however, the causative genes of this malformation have not yet been identified. We report on a 5‐year‐old Japanese male with bilateral PNH with overlying PMG. He had mild intellectual disability, distinctive facial features, short stature, and microcephaly, with cardiac disorders. No mutation was identified in Sanger sequences for FLNA and ARFGEF2; however, array comparative genomic hybridization revealed an approximately 0.8Mb gain at Xq26.1‐26.2, which included three genes: IGSF1, OR13H1, and FIRRE. We identified the same 3‐copy gain in his mother; despite identifying the same abnormality in the mother, it must still be considered as a possible cause for the abnormalities, as X‐inactivation in the mother could have led to her not expressing the same phenotype. This case may provide important clues for identifying the genes responsible and help in the understanding of the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Ultrasonographic Imaging of the Cervical Thoracic Duct in Children with Congenital or Acquired Heart Disease
Authors: Kochilas Lazaros K. , Shepard Charles W. , Berry James M. , Chin Alvin J.
Published: July 2014

Conditions that increase central venous pressure lead to secondary dilation of the thoracic duct and impaired lymphatic circulation. We report the use of ultrasound to directly image the cervical part of the thoracic duct in children without the need for invasive techniques or contrast agents. Systematic evaluation of the thoracic duct may be useful in cardiovascular conditions with congestion of the lymphatic system such as single ventricle following Glenn or Fontan procedures.
Entrepreneurship Research (1985–2009) and the Emergence of Opportunities
Authors: Busenitz Lowell W. , Plummer Lawrence A. , Klotz Anthony C. , Shahzad Ali , Rhoads Kevin
Published: July 2014

In order to identify shifts and trends in the entrepreneurship literature over the past 25 years, we conduct a bibliometric study involving new data from the 2000–2009 era building on 1985–1999 data to study entrepreneurship research published in the major management journals. Our findings indicate that entrepreneurship articles now have a significant presence in the mainline “A” journals. Furthermore, we contend that this presence signals legitimacy and, more importantly, a growing exchange among researchers studying entrepreneurship. The area of entrepreneurial opportunities and nascent ventures is showing signs of growth and in our view represents an area where entrepreneurship is contributing back to the broader research conversation in organizational studies.
Skin and glucocorticoids: effects of local skin glucocorticoid impairment on skin homeostasis
Authors: Nikolakis Georgios , Zouboulis Christos C.
Published: July 2014

The role of skin as a de novo source of glucocorticoids and the importance of cutaneous glucocorticoidogenesis as a homeostatic mechanism in human skin is highlighted by Slominski et al. in a recently published issue. Impairment of glucocorticoidogenesis through noxious stimuli, such as UVB, can explain pathophysiology of skin diseases (e.g. rosacea). In addition to keratinocytes, melanocytes and fibroblasts, cutaneous adnexes also play a significant role as targets and sources of glucocorticoids, because they express most of the enzymes required for steroidogenesis. Glucocorticoids are also involved in the pathogenesis of acne lesions, affecting sebum production in vivo and in vitro. Certain steroidogenic enzymes, such as 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, are upregulated in acne lesions. On this background, the paper by Slominski et al. provides further insights into dermatoendocrinology, with emphasis on the importance of an impairment of the skin's own hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal‐like axis in the pathophysiology of several skin diseases.
Genetic diversity within sea trout population from an intensively stocked southern Baltic river, based on microsatellite DNA analysis
Authors: Bernaś R. , Burzyński A. , Dębowski P. , Poćwierz‐Kotus A. , Wenne R.
Published: July 2014

Sea trout, Salmo trutta L., populations in the Slupia River basin have been affected by mass stocking with smolts and fry. This work is focused on a small‐scale differentiation in sea trout populations from one basin with a strong emphasis on the relationship between wild and hatchery origin fish. A total of 216 sea trout were genotyped at 10 microsatellite loci. Global FST obtained by amova was low at 0.0165. Pairwise FST were significant for all tests except wild and stocked adults. The highest pairwise difference was found between the hatchery sample and Kwacza (FST = 0.038). Analysis of the genetic structure revealed micro‐geographical differentiation with four subpopulations. The quality of the artificial spawning was found not to be adequate with a high risk of adverse effects to the whole population. All future stocking actions in the basin should consider the existing population structures.
Beauty, friends, power, money: navigating the impacts of community woodlands
Authors: Lawrence Anna , Ambrose‐Oji Bianca
Published: July 2014

Community forestry in the UK has developed rapidly over the last 25 years, and the wide range of drivers has resulted in a great variety of relationships between communities and woodlands, and over 650 community woodlands. Given strong current policy interest, the study aims to assess existing evidence for the impact of these initiatives. The variety of models, evaluation purposes, and impacts requires a new approach to organising the evidence, including a new typology of community woodlands. The review identified more than 70 studies, covering 681 evaluation cases. Of these, 41% are ‘urban regeneration’ programmes, 32% are locally led ‘community place’ projects, and 22% are locally owned ‘community resources’. Only 3% are ‘economic partnerships’ where the primary objective is enterprise; and 1% are ‘lifestyle alternatives’. The majority of evaluations are conducted by the public sector. Evaluations tend to focus on the positive and the quantitative and relate predominantly to outputs (e.g. trees planted, meetings attended). Only 21% of cases identify outcomes (e.g. neighbourhoods enhanced, wellbeing enhanced), and there is little evidence of community empowerment or meaningful engagement in decisionmaking. Attention has shifted from biophysical to social and participation indicators in recent years, but evidence of change over time is lacking. The policy relevance of the evidence base will be greatly enhanced if cases distinguish between types of community woodland, consistently include comparable indicators, and link context, process, outputs and outcomes.
Differences in Gastric Mucosal Microbiota Profiling in Patients with Chronic Gastritis, Intestinal Metaplasia, and Gastric Cancer Using Pyrosequencing Methods
Authors: Eun Chang Soo , Kim Byung Kwon , Han Dong Soo , Kim Seon Young , Kim Kyung Mo , Choi Bo Youl , Song Kyu Sang , Kim Yong Sung , Kim Jihyun F.
Published: July 2014

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection plays an important role in the early stage of cancer development. However, various bacteria that promote the synthesis of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species may be involved in the later stages. We aimed to determine the microbial composition of gastric mucosa from the patients with chronic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and gastric cancer using 454 GS FLX Titanium.

Methods

Gastric mucosal biopsy samples were collected from 31 patients during endoscopy. After the extraction of genomic DNA, variable region V5 of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified. PCR products were sequenced using 454 high‐throughput sequencer. The composition, diversity, and richness of microbial communities were compared between three groups.

Results

The composition of H. pylori‐containing Epsilonproteobacteria class appeared to be the most prevalent, but the relative increase in the Bacilli class in the gastric cancer group was noticed, resulting in a significant difference compared with the chronic gastritis group. By analyzing the Helicobacter‐dominant group at a family level, the relative abundance of Helicobacteraceae family was significantly lower in the gastric cancer group compared with chronic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia groups, while the relative abundance of Streptococcaceae family significantly increased. In a UPGMA clustering of Helicobacter‐dominant group based on UniFrac distance, the chronic gastritis group and gastric cancer group were clearly separated, while the intestinal metaplasia group was distributed in between the two groups. The evenness and diversity of gastric microbiota in the gastric cancer group was increased compared with other groups.

Conclusions

In Helicobacter predominant patients, the microbial compositions of gastric mucosa from gastric cancer patients are significantly different to chronic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia patients. These alterations of gastric microbial composition may play an important, as‐yet‐undetermined role in gastric carcinogenesis of Helicobacter predominant patients.
Long‐term, low‐dose exposure to microcystin toxin does not increase the risk of liver tumor development or growth in mice
Authors: Labine Meaghan , Minuk Gerald Y.
Published: July 2014

Aim

Cyanotoxins are biological toxins produced by cyanobacteria (blue green algae) that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of liver tumors. Based on acute toxicity studies, the World Health Organization has designated 1.0 μg/L of cyanotoxin‐contaminated drinking water as the safe allowable limit for daily oral consumption. The aim of this study was to determine whether long‐term exposure to this concentration of cyanotoxins is capable of initiating or promoting the growth of liver tumors.

Methods

In the present study, four groups of adult, male CD‐1 mice (n = 20/group) were exposed to either drinking water alone (water group), drinking water containing 1.0 μg/L of microcystin‐LR (MC‐LR group), MC‐LR plus the tumor promoter thioacetamide (MC‐LR/TAA group) or thioacetamide alone (TAA group). Following 28 weeks of exposure, mice were killed and the livers examined for tumor number and size.

Results

No tumors were present in the water or MC‐LR alone groups while five mice in the MC‐LR/TAA group and four in the TAA alone group developed liver tumors. The mean size of the tumors in the MC‐LR/TAA and TAA alone groups were similar as were the results of Ki‐67 staining, number of atypical mitoses and liver cancer gene expression profiles. In vitro MC‐LR (0.1–1000 μg/L) exposure did not induce malignant transformation of WB‐F344 hepatic stem cells or increase the proliferative activity or invasiveness of PLC/PRF/5 malignant hepatocytes.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that long‐term, low dose cyanotoxin exposure is unlikely to result in liver tumor development or enhance existing tumor growth.
The Role of Higher Education within Broader Skills Policies, a Comparison of Emerging Scottish and English Approaches
Authors: Keep Ewart
Published: July 2014

This article explores the important role played by higher education in broader skills and economic development policies in England and Scotland. It places the often divergent policy experiments and structural developments in these two countries' higher education systems within an international policy context and explains why England and Scotland are often tackling common problems and challenges in different ways. Scotland's retention of a centralised funding system for higher education, its enthusiasm for a closer integration of higher education with other forms of skills creation and its emphasis on skills utilisation are all leading to greater divergence from England.
The Role of Work Experience in the Future Employability of Higher Education Graduates
Authors: Helyer Ruth , Lee Dionne
Published: July 2014

Many new graduates are finding it difficult to obtain graduate‐level work and impossible to break into the sectors they were aiming at. In order to address this, higher education institutions are examining the methods they use to enhance student employability and deploying various measures to grow and strengthen this activity, with an increasing focus on providing work experience. One popular way of doing this is via internships (placements). This paper examines the context in which work experience has come to the fore as an approach to enhancing employability by interrogating recent research and policy related to this agenda. Employability is presented as an on‐going debate that cannot be viewed as a finite entity but must move and develop with the market, society and the global situation. In addition the paper closely examines a graduate internship programme in a university in North East England. Comparing and contrasting findings from this scheme, with other examples of experiential learning through work experience, provides some evidence to suggest the value of internships and furthermore supports some formative ideas about how internships might be developed to best serve those taking part in them: interns; employers and universities.
Benign Neoplasm of the Heart Increases the Risk of First Ischemic Stroke: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Lai Ming-May , Li Tsai-Chung , Lin Cheng-Li , Sung Fung-Chang , Lin Cheng-Chieh , Liu Chiu-Shong , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: July 2014

Objective:

The study aims to investigate the incidence of first ischemic stroke in patients with benign cardiac tumors who did or did not undergo operations.

Methods:

We used the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan to conduct the research. The exposure cohort comprised 587 adult patients with benign cardiac tumors. Each patient was randomly frequency matched by age, index month, and index year with 10 participants from the general population who exhibited no history of benign cardiac tumors before the index date (control group). Cox's proportion hazard regression analyses were conducted to determine the relation between benign cardiac tumors and the risk of ischemic stroke.

Results:

Based on clinical diagnoses, the prevalence of benign cardiac tumors was 0·004%. Patients with benign cardiac tumors exhibited an increased risk of first ischemic stroke [adjusted hazard ratio: 1·77; (95% confidence interval, 1·20–2·63)], particularly at young ages (adjusted hazard ratio: 22·9, 95% confidence interval: 4·17–126·0). We observed no significant difference in the risk of ischemic stroke between men with and without benign cardiac tumors (adjusted hazard ratio: 1·29, 95% confidence interval: 0·63–2·63). Among patients with benign cardiac tumors, the adjusted hazard ratio of first ischemic stroke was 0·48 (95% confidence interval: 0·23–1·04) in the operation group compared with the nonoperation group.

Conclusion:

Younger patients (<50 years) with benign cardiac tumors exhibit an increased risk of first ischemic stroke.
Is the presence of varicocele associated with static and dynamic components of benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms in elderly men?
Authors: Otunctemur Alper , Ozbek Emin , Besiroglu Huseyin , Dursun Murat , Sahin Suleyman , Koklu Ismail , Erkoc Mustafa , Danis Eyyup , Bozkurt Muammer , Gurbuz Ahmet
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the relationship between varicocele and benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms in patients over the age of 40 years.

Methods

A total of 1040 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated for prostate volume, testicular volume, testicular consistency, total testosterone, total prostate‐specific antigen and body mass index. A questionnaire including International Prostate Symptom Score and a uroflow test were also carried out. The presence and grade of varicocele was determined in each patient by physical examination.

Results

Varicocele was found bilaterally in 22.3% and unilaterally in 25.7% of the patients. There was no difference in terms of age and body mass index distribution between subgroups. When grouping patients for varicocele laterality, total testosterone (P = 0.04), prostate volume (P = 0.009) and total prostate‐specific antigen (P = 0.02) level were significantly different. Similarly, these parameters were significant between patients with grade 1, 2 and 3 varicocele. Total testosterone level (P = 0.02) and prostate volume (P = 0.035) were found to be significantly different when patients were grouped according to testicular size. A positive correlation was found between testosterone level and prostate volume (P = 0.004; r2 = 0.084).

Conclusions

Bilateral and/or higher‐grade varicocele is associated with lower prostate volume and testosterone levels, as well as lower prostate‐specific antigen levels. However, it is not associated with dynamic components of benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms in patients over the age of 40 years.
Telehealth: experience of the first 120 consultations delivered from a new Refugee Telehealth clinic
Authors: Schulz T. R. , Richards M. , Gasko H. , Lohrey J. , Hibbert M. E. , Biggs B.‐A.
Published: July 2014

Background

In 2011, the Australian Government introduced Medicare item numbers for telehealth consultations. This is a rapidly expanding method of healthcare provision.

Aims

We assessed the demographic and disease profile of refugee patients attending a new telehealth clinic, and calculated the patient travel avoided. We examined technical challenges and assessed the performance of two videoconferencing solutions using different bandwidth and latencies.

Methods

We audited the first 120 patients attending the telehealth clinic. During consultations, the patient was with the general practitioner (GP) and linked by internet videoconference using VIDYO, GoToMeeting or Skype, to the specialist at a tertiary referral hospital. Travel avoided was calculated and technical problems were assessed by the participating specialist. Bandwidth and latency variations were examined within a university broadband testing facility.

Results

The two most frequently managed conditions were hepatitis C and latent tuberculosis. Twenty‐nine different GP were included and 42 consultations required an interpreter. Nearly 500 km of travel and 127 kg of CO2 production was avoided per consultation. Technical issues were faced in 25% of consultations, most frequently sound problems and connections dropping out. A bandwidth of at least 512 kbps and latency of no more than 300 ms was necessary to conduct an adequate multipoint videoconference.

Conclusions

Telehealth using videoconferencing adds a new component to care of refugee and immigrant patients settling in regional areas. Telehealth will be improved by changes to improve simplicity and standardisation of videoconferencing, but requires ongoing Medicare funding to allow sufficient administrative support.
Corporation-based Parties: The Present and Future of Business Politics in Latin America
Authors: Barndt William T.
Published: July 2014

Throughout Latin America, particular business conglomerates have begun to sponsor their own political parties, building those parties on their own corporate assets. These “corporation-based parties” represent a new wave of highly particularized conservative representation in the region. Indeed, corporation-based parties have become a regular—though largely unrecognized—feature of contemporary Latin American party systems. This article develops a theory of how and why particular business conglomerates sponsor their own parties, provides substantial evidence for the existence of corporation-based parties across much of Latin America, and uses a case study of a party built on a Panamanian supermarket chain to demonstrate how such parties are organized. In closing, it discusses the possible future for these parties in the region.
The Explosive Combination of Inefficient Local Bureaucracies and Mining Production: Evidence from Localized Societal Protests in Peru
Authors: Ponce Aldo F. , McClintock Cynthia
Published: July 2014

Although numerous scholars have analyzed the effects of natural resource extraction at the national level, few have explored it systematically at the local level. Focusing on Peru, where both mining production and local social protests have greatly increased in recent years and where a new tax has required mining companies to transfer revenue to subnational governments, this study explores the resource curse at the local level. In particular, why do protests arise mostly in the areas of natural resource extraction? Employing subnational data for Peru for the period 2004–9 and LAPOP survey data from 2010, the research confirms previous findings that social conflict is provoked by both the negative externalities of mining and the revenues from the new tax. The article further demonstrates that local bureaucratic capacity is a significant independent variable. Greater subnational bureaucratic capacity can ameliorate the pernicious societal effects of a local resource curse.
Measuring employment vulnerability in Europe
Authors: BAZILLIER Rémi , BOBOC Cristina , CALAVREZO Oana
Published: July 2014

Two of the most notable trends in labour markets in Europe are the rise in the number of atypical job contracts (e.g. fixed‐term contracts and temporary work) and the increase in job turnover. The concept of “employment vulnerability” can be used to describe these trends, which weaken the employer–employee relationship. In this article, the authors measure this employment vulnerability, for individual European countries, by creating two indices – an “employer‐related vulnerability index” and a “job‐related vulnerability index” – which are then aggregated to form an overall employment vulnerability index.
Novel Hybrid Nanorod Carriers of Fluorescent Hydroxyapatite Shelled with Mesoporous Silica Effective for Drug Delivery and Cell Imaging
Authors: Singh Rajendra K. , Kim Tae‐Hyun , Patel Kapil D. , Mahapatra Chinmaya , Dashnyam Khandmaa , Kang Min Sil , Kim Hae‐Won
Published: July 2014

Development of biocompatible multifunctional nanocarriers is necessary for the success of theranostics. Here, we report a novel hybrid nanorod with self‐fluorescent property, high drug loading capacity, and good biocompatibility. Fluorescent hydroxyapatite (fHA) nanorod was ensheathed with mesoporous silica (mSi). The mSi shell was uniformly layered and was tunable in thickness (10–30 nm) over the fHA nanorod. Highly mesoporous structure of mSi shell facilitated the loading of a large quantity of biological molecules, as confirmed with fluorescein isothiocynate; ~1% loading for fHA increased to ~10% loading for fHA@mSi. The self‐fluorescent property of the fHA resulting from CO2.− radicals was well preserved in the fHA@mSi hybrid, as analyzed by photoluminescence and electron paramagnetic resonance property. Cellular toxicity of the fHA@mSi hybrid nanorod showed favorable cell viability (>90% viability of control) up to a concentration of ~40 μg/mL. Intracellular uptake rate of the hybrid nanorod was as high as 80–90%, as analyzed by fluorescent‐assisted cell sorter. Results demonstrate the newly developed fHA@mSi nanocarriers have great potential for the effective loading of therapeutic molecules and delivery within intracellular compartments in concert with a capacity for in situ imaging.
The Role of Infiltration Temperature in the Reaction Bonding of Boron Carbide by Silicon Infiltration
Authors: Zhang Cuiping , Ru Hongqiang , Wang Wei , Yue Xinyan , Zhao Jing
Published: July 2014

The present paper is concerned on the effect of infiltration temperature on the components, microstructure, and mechanical properties of reaction‐bonded boron carbide (RBBC) ceramics. RBBC ceramics were fabricated by reactive infiltration of molten silicon (Si) into porous preforms containing boron carbide (B4C) and free carbon. It has been found that infiltration temperatures have significant influence on the infiltration reactions involved and therefore the evolution of different phases formed in the RBBC ceramics. An increase in grain size of boron carbide particles through the coalescence of neighboring grains was observed at certain infiltration temperatures. The morphology of silicon carbide (SiC) phases developed from discontinuous and cloud‐like SiC to continuous and integrated SiC zones with the increase of infiltration temperatures. With increasing temperatures up to 1600°C, the hardness, flexural strength, and fracture toughness all increased. When the temperatures exceeded 1600°C, while the hardness and flexural strength decreased, the fracture toughness continued to increase.
Atom Probe Tomography of Yttrium‐Doped Barium–Cerium–Zirconium Oxide with NiO Addition
Authors: Diercks David R. , Gorman Brian P. , Manerbino Anthony , Coors Grover
Published: July 2014

The perovskite ceramic BaCe0.2Zr0.7Y0.1O3‐δ (BCZY27) with a small addition of NiO has previously been shown to densify at a reasonable sintering temperature while maintaining high protonic conductivity. However, some questions remain regarding the role, location, and resulting phase of the NiO addition. Transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography (APT) were used to analyze BCZY27 specimens before and after use as a hydrogen separation membrane. The effects of electrolyte operation on the local chemistry were explored. Grain boundaries were specifically targeted due to their higher energies and importance for overall conductivity. The compositions measured by APT were found to be dependent on the laser energy used for analysis, but conditions were found which gave results reasonably consistent with x‐ray fluorescence results. Specimens before and after electrolytic use showed no measureable difference in the local chemistry. Most grain boundaries exhibited little compositional variation from the bulk material, with only a slight increase in yttrium being apparent. A few grain boundaries had particles 2–15 nm in diameter, which were found by APT to be NiO.
High‐Temperature Properties and Ferroelastic Phase Transitions in Rare‐Earth Niobates (LnNbO4)
Authors: Sarin Pankaj , Hughes Robert W. , Lowry Daniel R. , Apostolov Zlatomir D. , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: July 2014

Phase transition and high‐temperature properties of rare‐earth niobates (LnNbO4, where Ln = La, Dy and Y) were studied in situ at high temperatures using powder X‐ray diffraction and thermal analysis methods. These materials undergo a reversible, pure ferroelastic phase transition from a monoclinic (S.G. I2/a) phase at low temperatures to a tetragonal (S.G. I41/a) phase at high temperatures. While the size of the rare‐earth cation is identified as the key parameter, which determines the transition temperature in these materials, it is the niobium cation which defines the mechanism. Based on detailed crystallographic analysis, it was concluded that only distortion of the NbO4 tetrahedra is associated with the ferroelastic transition in the rare‐earth niobates, and no change in coordination of Nb5+ cation. The distorted NbO4 tetrahedron, it is proposed, is energetically more stable than a regular tetrahedron (in tetragonal symmetry) due to decrease in the average Nb–O bond distance. The distortion is affected by the movement of Nb5+ cation along the monoclinic b‐axis (tetragonal c‐axis before transition), and is in opposite directions in alternate layers parallel to the (010). The net effect on transition is a shear parallel to the monoclinic [100] and a contraction along the monoclinic b‐axis. In addition, anisotropic thermal expansion properties and specific heat capacity changes accompanying the transition in the studied rare‐earth niobate systems are also discussed.
Synthesis and Thermal Expansion of β‐Eucryptite Powders Produced by the Inorganic–Organic Steric Entrapment Method
Authors: Seymour Kevin C. , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: July 2014

The characterization of powders prepared using the inorganic–organic steric entrapment method was explored and compared to the conventional solid‐state route, using X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, particle size analysis, and specific surface area measurements. β‐eucryptite was crystallized at 627°C and the properties of the resulting powder allowed for increased densification upon sintering compared to conventional methods. The thermal expansion behavior was also determined in situ using X‐ray diffraction and was found to be similar to other published studies, but thermal expansion in all {hkl} pole directions has been measured.
Chemical Bulk Diffusion Coefficient of a La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ Cathode for Intermediate‐Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Fu Yen‐Pei , Hsieh Min‐Yen
Published: July 2014

In the first part of this study, the characteristics of a La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ cathode are described, including its chemical bulk diffusion coefficient (Dchem), and electrical conductivity relaxation experiments are performed to obtain experimental Dchem measurements of this cathode. The second part of this study describes two methods to improve the single‐cell performance of solid oxide fuel cells. One method uses a composite cathode, i.e., a mix of 30 wt% electrolyte and 70 wt% cathode; the other method uses an electrolyte‐infiltrated cathode, i.e., an active ionic‐conductive electrolyte with nano‐sized particles is deposited onto a porous cathode surface using the infiltration method. In this work, 0.2M Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 (SDC)‐infiltrated La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ exhibits a maximum peak power density of 1221 mW/cm2 at an operating temperature of 700°C with a thick‐film SDC electrolyte (30 μm), a NiO + SDC anode (1 mm) and a La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ cathode (10 μm). The enhancement in electrochemical performances using the electrolyte‐infiltrated cathode is attributed to the creation of electrolyte/cathode phase boundaries, which considerably increases the number of electrochemical sites available for the oxygen reduction reaction.
Covered in stigma? The impact of differing levels of Islamic head‐covering on explicit and implicit biases toward Muslim women
Authors: Everett Jim A.C. , Schellhaas Fabian M.H. , Earp Brian D. , Ando Victoria , Memarzia Jessica , Parise Cesare V. , Fell Benjamin , Hewstone Miles
Published: July 2014

Given the prominence of Muslim veils—in particular the hijab and full‐face veil—in public discourse concerning the place of Muslims in Western society, we examined their impact on non‐Muslims’ responses at both explicit and implicit levels. Results revealed that responses were more negative toward any veil compared with no veil, and more negative toward the full‐face veil relative to the hijab: for emotions felt toward veiled women (Study 1), for non‐affective attitudinal responses (Study 2), and for implicit negative attitudes revealed through response latency measures (Studies 3a and 3b). Finally, we manipulated the perceived reasons for wearing a veil, finding that exposure to positive reasons for wearing a veil led to better predicted and imagined contact (Study 4). Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
The greatest magic of Harry Potter: Reducing prejudice
Authors: Vezzali Loris , Stathi Sofia , Giovannini Dino , Capozza Dora , Trifiletti Elena
Published: July 2014

Recent research shows that extended contact via story reading is a powerful strategy to improve out‐group attitudes. We conducted three studies to test whether extended contact through reading the popular best‐selling books of Harry Potter improves attitudes toward stigmatized groups (immigrants, homosexuals, refugees). Results from one experimental intervention with elementary school children and from two cross‐sectional studies with high school and university students (in Italy and United Kingdom) supported our main hypothesis. Identification with the main character (i.e., Harry Potter) and disidentification from the negative character (i.e., Voldemort) moderated the effect. Perspective taking emerged as the process allowing attitude improvement. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed in the context of extended intergroup contact and social cognitive theory.
Effects of heterosexuals' direct and extended friendships with sexual minorities on their attitudes and behaviors: intergroup anxiety and attitude strength as mediators and moderators
Authors: Mereish Ethan , Poteat V. Paul
Published: July 2014

We tested processes by which heterosexuals' direct and extended friendships with lesbian and gay individuals predicted homophobic and affirming behaviors toward lesbian and gay individuals. Results demonstrated that friendships predicted less homophobic behaviors and more affirming behaviors, mediated through reduced intergroup anxiety and sexual prejudice. Further, the strength with which individuals held their prejudiced attitudes moderated the extent to which these attitudes predicted affirming behaviors. Less prejudiced attitudes only predicted affirming behaviors when these attitudes were strongly held; in contrast, prejudiced attitudes predicted homophobic behavior regardless of how strongly these attitudes were held.
Patterns of tree species composition across tropical African forests
Authors: Fayolle Adeline , Swaine Michael D. , Bastin Jean‐François , Bourland Nils , Comiskey James A. , Dauby Gilles , Doucet Jean‐Louis , Gillet Jean‐François , Gourlet‐Fleury Sylvie , Hardy Olivier J. , Kirunda Ben , Kouamé François N. , Plumptre Andrew J.
Published: July 2014

Aim

In this study we identified large‐scale variation in tree species composition across tropical African forests and determined the underlying environmental and historical factors.

Location

Tropical forests from Senegal to Mozambique.

Methods

Distribution data were gathered for 1175 tree species in 455 sample sites scattered across tropical Africa, including all types of tropical forests (wet, moist, dry, and lowland to moderate elevation montane forests). The value of elevation and 19 climatic variables extracted from the BIOCLIM data set were assigned to each sample site. We determined the variation in species composition using correspondence analysis and identified the environmental correlates. We defined floristic clusters according to species composition and identified the characteristic species using indicator analysis.

Results

We identified a major floristic discontinuity located at the Albertine rift that separated the dry, moist and wet forests of West and Central Africa (the entire Guineo‐Congolian Region) from the upland and coastal forests of East Africa. Except for the Albertine Rift, we found no evidence to support the other proposed floristic discontinuities (Dahomey Gap etc.). We detected two main environmental gradients across tropical African forests. The rainfall gradient was strongly correlated with the variation in tree species composition in West and Central Africa. The elevation/temperature gradient highlighted the major floristic differences within East Africa and between East Africa and the Guineo‐Congolian Region, the latter being most probably due to the geological disruption and associated climatic history of the East African uplift.

Main conclusions

We found floristic evidence for three main biogeographical regions across the tropical African forests, and described six floristic clusters with particular environmental conditions within these regions: Coastal and Upland for East Africa, Dry and Wet‐Moist for West Africa, and Moist and Wet for Central Africa.
The Relationship Between Nocturnal Blood Pressure and Hemorrhagic Stroke in Chinese Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Sun Jialan , Yang Wanlin , Zhu Yang , Liu Xiaohong , Wei Xin , Wang Baisong , Zhong Jiuchang , Fu Yi
Published: July 2014

To study the relationship between nocturnal blood pressure (BP) variation and spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) among Chinese hypertensive patients and its clinical significance, the authors retrospectively screened 371 patients with primary hypertension (189 patients with ICH, 182 patients without ICH) in Shanghai and analyzed their demographics, clinical information, nocturnal blood pressure variability and medication. Compared with the control group, the levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, and creatinine were significantly increased in the ICH group, along with a marked reduction in nocturnal BP drop (P<.05). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that blood glucose, creatinine, and nocturnal mean arterial pressure were risk factors for ICH, and the magnitude of nocturnal BP drop was negatively related to the risk for ICH. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of reverse dippers between the large hematoma volume group and the small hematoma volume group (χ2=2.529, P=.112), nor among the patients taking angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or calcium channel blockers (χ2=1.981, P=.371). Reverse dipping is associated with the risk for ICH, suggesting that appropriate antihypertensive drug and chronotherapy might be effective to normalize the rhythm of abnormal circadian variation in hypertensive patients.
Criterion validity of the general factor of psychopathology in a prospective study of girls
Authors: Lahey Benjamin B. , Rathouz Paul J. , Keenan Kate , Stepp Stephanie D. , Loeber Rolf , Hipwell Alison E.
Published: July 2014

Background

The best‐fitting model of the structure of common psychopathology often includes a general factor on which all dimensions of psychopathology load. Such a general factor would be important if it reflects etiologies and mechanisms shared by all dimensions of psychopathology. Nonetheless, a viable alternative explanation is that the general factor is partly or wholly a result of common method variance or other systematic measurement biases.

Methods

To test this alternative explanation, we extracted general, externalizing, and internalizing factor scores using mother‐reported symptoms across 5–11 years of age in confirmatory factor analyses of data from a representative longitudinal study of 2,450 girls. Independent associations between the three psychopathology factor scores and teacher‐reported criterion variables were estimated in multiple regression, controlling intelligence, and demographic covariates.

Results

The model including the general factor fit significantly better than a correlated two‐factor (internalizing/externalizing) model. The general factor was robustly and independently associated with all measures of teacher‐reported school functioning concurrently during childhood and prospectively during adolescence.

Conclusions

These findings weaken the hypothesis that the general factor of psychopathology in childhood is solely a measurement artifact and support further research on the substantive meaning of the general factor.