bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specifying ICD9, ICPC and ATC codes for the STOPP/START criteria: a multidisciplinary consensus panel
Authors: de Groot Dominique A. , de Vries Marloes , Joling Karlijn J. , van Campen Jos P. C. M. , Hugtenburg Jacqueline G. , van Marum Rob J. , Vermeulen Windsant-van den tweel Annemieke M.A. , Elders Petra J.M. , van Hout Hein P.
Published: June 2014

Background: the STOPP/START criteria are a promising framework to increase appropriate prescribing in the elderly in clinical practice. However, the current definitions of the STOPP/START criteria are rather non-specific, allowing undesirable variations in interpretation and thus application. The aim of this study was to design specifications of the STOPP/START criteria into international disease and medication codes to facilitate computerised extraction from medical records and databases.

Methods: a three round consensus procedure with a multidisciplinary expert panel was organised to prepare, judge and agree on the design of the STOPP/START criteria specifications in corresponding international disease codes (ICD9 and ICPC) and medication codes (ATC).

Results: after two rounds consensus was reached for 74% of the STOPP criteria and for 73% of the START criteria. After three rounds full consensus was reached resulting in a specification of 61 out of 62 STOPP criteria and 26 START criteria with their corresponding codes. One criterion could not be specified and for some criteria corresponding disease codes were lacking or imperfect.

Conclusion: this study showed the necessity of a consensus procedure as even experts frequently differed on how to specify the STOPP/START criteria. This specification enables next steps such as prognostic validation of these criteria on adverse outcomes and studying the impact of improving appropriate prescribing in the elderly.
Managing a complex population structure: exploring the importance of information from fisheries-independent sources
Authors: Hintzen N. T. , Roel B. , Benden D. , Clarke M. , Egan A. , Nash R. D. M. , Rohlf N. , Hatfield E. M. C.
Published: June 2014

Natural resource managers aim to manage fish stocks at sustainable levels. Often, management of these stocks is based on the results of analytical stock assessments. Accurate catch data, which can be attributed to a specific population unit and reflects the population structure, are needed for these approaches. Often though, the quality of the catch data is compromised when dealing with a complex population structure where fish of different population units mix in a fishery. The herring population units west of the British Isles are prone to mixing. Here, the inability to perfectly allocate the fish caught to the population unit they originate from, due to classification problems, poses problems for management. These mixing proportions are often unknown; therefore, we use simulation modelling combined with management strategy evaluation to evaluate the role fisheries-independent surveys can play in an assessment to provide unbiased results, irrespective of population unit mixing and classification success. We show that failure to account for mixing is one of the major drivers of biased estimates of population abundance, affecting biomass reference points and MSY targets. When mixing of population units occurs, the role a survey can play to provide unbiased assessment results is limited. Either different assessment models should be employed or stock status should be considered from the survey data alone. In addition, correctly classifying the origin of fish is especially important for those population units that are markedly smaller in size than other units in the population complex. Without high classification success rates, smaller population units are extremely vulnerable to overexploitation.
Enhanced Disease Resistance Caused by BRI1 Mutation Is Conserved Between Brachypodium distachyon and Barley (Hordeum vulgare)
Authors: Goddard R. , Peraldi A. , Ridout C. , Nicholson P.
Published: June 2014

This study investigated the impact of brassinosteroid (BR)-insensitive 1 (BRI1) mutation, the main receptor of BR in both Brachypodium distachyon and barley, on disease resistance against a range of fungal pathogens of cereals exhibiting different trophic lifestyles. Results presented here show that i) disruption of BRI1 has pleiotropic effects on disease resistance in addition to affecting plant development. BR signaling functions antagonistically with mechanisms of disease resistance that are effective against a broad range of cereal pathogens. ii) Disruption of BRI1 results in increased disease resistance against necrotrophic and hemibiotrophic pathogens that exhibit only a marginal asymptomatic phase but has no effect on biotrophic pathogens or those with a prolonged asymptomatic phase, and iii) disruption of BRI1 has a similar effect on disease resistance in B. distachyon and barley, indicating that defense mechanisms are conserved between these species. This work presents the first evidence for conservation of disease resistance mechanisms between the model species B. distachyon and the cereal crop barley and validates B. distachyon for undertaking model-to-crop translation studies of disease resistance.
AMPAkines Have Novel Analgesic Properties in Rat Models of Persistent Neuropathic and Inflammatory Pain
Authors: Le Alexander M. , Lee Michelle , Su Chen , Zou Anthony , Wang Jing
Published: June 2014

Background:

Novel analgesics that do not suppress the respiratory drive are urgently needed. Glutamate signaling through α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors plays important roles in central pain circuits. AMPAkines augment AMPA receptor function and have been shown to stimulate the respiratory drive to oppose opioid-induced hypoventilation. However, their role in chronic pain states remains unknown.

Methods:

The authors studied AMPAkines (CX546 and CX516) in rat spared nerve injury (SNI) model of neuropathic pain and Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) model of inflammatory pain. They measured the effect of AMPAkines on mechanical and cold allodynia. They also evaluated their effect on depressive symptoms of pain using the forced swim test, as time of immobility on this test has been used as a measure for behavioral despair, a feature of depression.

Results:

The authors found that CX546, compared with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) control, reduced both mechanical and sensory allodynia in SNI (DMSO group, n = 9; CX546 group, n = 11) and CFA models (both DMSO and CX546 groups, n = 9). They found that CX546, compared with control, also reduced depressive symptoms of pain by decreasing immobility on the forced swim test in both SNI (both DMSO and CX546 groups, n = 8) and CFA models (both DMSO and CX546 groups, n = 10). Finally, they found that CX516, compared with control, also reduced mechanical and cold allodynia in the SNI model (both DMSO and CX516 groups, n = 10).

Conclusions:

AMPAkines alleviate pain hypersensitivity as well as depression-like behavior associated with long-lasting nerve injury and inflammatory insult.
Philomaths, Herschel, and the myth of the self-taught man
Authors: Winterburn Emily
Published: June 2014

The role of technicians and background characters in the historical practice of science is slowly gaining recognition. This paper looks at the collective effort involved in learning science, using as my case study the eighteenth-century musician turned astronomer, William Herschel. Lacking a university education, Herschel, like many contemporaries, presented himself as self-taught, thereby hiding his engagement with a rich network of didactic resources. Placing Herschel's story within the history of pedagogy, I argue that this network, previously discussed only in the context of popular or marketplace science, was an important resource for science education at its highest level.
Modelling and mutational analysis of
Aspergillus nidulans
UreA, a member of the subfamily of urea/H
+
transporters in fungi and plants
Authors: Sanguinetti Manuel , Amillis Sotiris , Pantano Sergio , Scazzocchio Claudio , Ramón Ana
Published: June 2014

We present the first account of the structure–function relationships of a protein of the subfamily of urea/H
+
membrane transporters of fungi and plants, using
Aspergillus nidulans
UreA as a study model. Based on the crystal structures of the
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
sodium/galactose symporter (vSGLT) and of the Nucleobase-Cation-Symport-1 benzylhydantoin transporter from
Microbacterium liquefaciens
(Mhp1), we constructed a three-dimensional model of UreA which, combined with site-directed and classical random mutagenesis, led to the identification of amino acids important for UreA function. Our approach allowed us to suggest roles for these residues in the binding, recognition and translocation of urea, and in the sorting of UreA to the membrane. Residues W82, Y106, A110, T133, N275, D286, Y388, Y437 and S446, located in transmembrane helixes 2, 3, 7 and 11, were found to be involved in the binding, recognition and/or translocation of urea and the sorting of UreA to the membrane. Y106, A110, T133 and Y437 seem to play a role in substrate selectivity, while S446 is necessary for proper sorting of UreA to the membrane. Other amino acids identified by random classical mutagenesis (G99, R141, A163, G168 and P639) may be important for the basic transporter's structure, its proper folding or its correct traffic to the membrane.
Thermal conductivity of group-IV semiconductors from a kinetic-collective model
Authors: de Tomas C. , Cantarero A. , Lopeandia A. F. , Alvarez F. X.
Published: June 2014

The thermal conductivity of group-IV semiconductors (silicon, germanium, diamond and grey tin) with several isotopic compositions has been calculated from a kinetic-collective model. From this approach, significantly different to Callaway-like models in its physical interpretation, the thermal conductivity expression accounts for a transition from a kinetic (individual phonon transport) to a collective (hydrodynamic phonon transport) behaviour of the phonon field. Within the model, we confirm the theoretical proportionality between the phonon–phonon relaxation times of the group-IV semiconductors. This proportionality depends on some materials properties and it allows us to predict the thermal conductivity of the whole group of materials without the need to fit each material individually. The predictions on thermal conductivities are in good agreement with experimental data over a wide temperature range.
Ancient origins and multiple appearances of carotenoid-pigmented feathers in birds
Authors: Thomas Daniel B. , McGraw Kevin J. , Butler Michael W. , Carrano Matthew T. , Madden Odile , James Helen F.
Published: June 2014

The broad palette of feather colours displayed by birds serves diverse biological functions, including communication and camouflage. Fossil feathers provide evidence that some avian colours, like black and brown melanins, have existed for at least 160 million years (Myr), but no traces of bright carotenoid pigments in ancient feathers have been reported. Insight into the evolutionary history of plumage carotenoids may instead be gained from living species. We visually surveyed modern birds for carotenoid-consistent plumage colours (present in 2956 of 9993 species). We then used high-performance liquid chromatography and Raman spectroscopy to chemically assess the family-level distribution of plumage carotenoids, confirming their presence in 95 of 236 extant bird families (only 36 family-level occurrences had been confirmed previously). Using our data for all modern birds, we modelled the evolutionary history of carotenoid-consistent plumage colours on recent supertrees. Results support multiple independent origins of carotenoid plumage pigmentation in 13 orders, including six orders without previous reports of plumage carotenoids. Based on time calibrations from the supertree, the number of avian families displaying plumage carotenoids increased throughout the Cenozoic, and most plumage carotenoid originations occurred after the Miocene Epoch (23 Myr). The earliest origination of plumage carotenoids was reconstructed within Passeriformes, during the Palaeocene Epoch (66–56 Myr), and not at the base of crown-lineage birds.
The genetic covariance between life cycle stages separated by metamorphosis
Authors: Aguirre J. David , Blows Mark W. , Marshall Dustin J.
Published: June 2014

Metamorphosis is common in animals, yet the genetic associations between life cycle stages are poorly understood. Given the radical changes that occur at metamorphosis, selection may differ before and after metamorphosis, and the extent that genetic associations between pre- and post-metamorphic traits constrain evolutionary change is a subject of considerable interest. In some instances, metamorphosis may allow the genetic decoupling of life cycle stages, whereas in others, metamorphosis could allow complementary responses to selection across the life cycle. Using a diallel breeding design, we measured viability at four ontogenetic stages (embryo, larval, juvenile and adult viability), in the ascidian
Ciona intestinalis
and examined the orientation of additive genetic variation with respect to the metamorphic boundary. We found support for one eigenvector of
G
(

g

obs
max

), which contrasted larval viability against embryo viability and juvenile viability. Target matrix rotation confirmed that while

g

obs
max

shows genetic associations can extend beyond metamorphosis, there is still considerable scope for decoupled phenotypic evolution. Therefore, although genetic associations across metamorphosis could limit that range of phenotypes that are attainable, traits on either side of the metamorphic boundary are capable of some independent evolutionary change in response to the divergent conditions encountered during each life cycle stage.
Redefining Genomic Privacy: Trust and Empowerment
Authors: Narayana Arvind , Yocum Kenneth , Glazer David , Farahany Nita , Olson Maynard , Stein Lincoln D. , Williams James B. , Witkowski Jan A. , Kain Robert C. , Erlich Yaniv
Published: June 2014

Fulfilling the promise of the genetic revolution requires the analysis of large datasets containing information from thousands to millions of participants. However, sharing human genomic data requires protecting subjects from potential harm. Current models rely on de-identification techniques that treat privacy versus data utility as a zero-sum game. Instead we propose using trust-enabling techniques to create a solution where researchers and participants both win. To do so we introduce three principles that facilitate trust in genetic research and outline one possible framework built upon those principles. Our hope is that such trust-centric frameworks provide a sustainable solution that reconciles genetic privacy with data sharing and facilitates genetic research.
BOTRYTIS-INDUCED KINASE1 Modulates Arabidopsis Resistance to Green Peach Aphids via PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT4
Authors: Lei Jiaxin , A. Finlayson Scott , Salzman Ron A. , Shan Libo , Zhu-Salzman Keyan
Published: June 2014

BOTRYTIS-INDUCED KINASE1 (BIK1) plays important roles in induced defense against fungal and bacterial pathogens in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Its tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) homolog is required for host plant resistance to a chewing insect herbivore. However, it remains unknown whether BIK1 functions in plant defense against aphids, a group of insects with a specialized phloem sap-feeding style. In this study, the potential role of BIK1 was investigated in Arabidopsis infested with the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae). In contrast to the previously reported positive role of intact BIK1 in defense response, loss of BIK1 function adversely impacted aphid settling, feeding, and reproduction. Relative to wild-type plants, bik1 displayed higher aphid-induced hydrogen peroxide accumulation and more severe lesions, resembling a hypersensitive response (HR) against pathogens. These symptoms were limited to the infested leaves. The bik1 mutant showed elevated basal as well as induced salicylic acid and ethylene accumulation. Intriguingly, elevated salicylic acid levels did not contribute to the HR-like symptoms or to the heightened aphid resistance associated with the bik1 mutant. Elevated ethylene levels in bik1 accounted for an initial, short-term repellence. Introducing a loss-of-function mutation in the aphid resistance and senescence-promoting gene PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT4 (PAD4) into the bik1 background blocked both aphid resistance and HR-like symptoms, indicating bik1-mediated resistance to aphids is PAD4 dependent. Taken together, Arabidopsis BIK1 confers susceptibility to aphid infestation through its suppression of PAD4 expression. Furthermore, the results underscore the role of reactive oxygen species and cell death in plant defense against phloem sap-feeding insects.
The Impact of Electronic Health Record Implementation and Use on Performance of the Surgical Care Improvement Project Measures
Authors: Thirukumaran Caroline Pinto , Dolan James G. , Webster Patricia Reagan , Panzer Robert J. , Friedman Bruce
Published: June 2014

Objective

To examine the impact of electronic health record (EHR) deployment on Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) measures in a tertiary‐care teaching hospital.

Data Sources

SCIP Core Measure dataset from the CMS Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program (March 2010 to February 2012).

Study Design

One‐group pre‐ and post‐EHR logistic regression and difference‐in‐differences analyses.

Principal Findings

Statistically significant short‐term declines in scores were observed for the composite, postoperative removal of urinary catheter and post–cardiac surgery glucose control measures. A statistically insignificant improvement in scores for these measures was noted 3 months after EHR deployment.

Conclusion

The transition to an EHR appears to be associated with a short‐term decline in quality. Implementation strategies should be developed to preempt or minimize this initial decline.
Bt Cotton, Pesticide Use and Environmental Efficiency in Pakistan
Authors: Abedullah  , Kouser Shahzad , Qaim Matin
Published: June 2014

There is a broad literature on the impact of Bt cotton adoption in different countries, but few studies have explicitly looked at environmental and health effects from an economic perspective. We analyse the impact of Bt cotton on environmental efficiency in Pakistan, using farm survey data and a doubly heteroskedastic stochastic production function framework. Negative environmental and health effects of chemical pesticide use are quantified with the environmental impact quotient. Bt‐adopting farms have higher cotton yields, while using lower pesticide quantities and causing less environmental damage. Bt farms are both technically and environmentally more efficient than non‐Bt farms. Bt adoption increases environmental efficiency by 37%. Achieving the same reduction in negative environmental and health impact without Bt would cost conventional cotton farmersUS$ 54 per acre in terms of foregone yields and revenues (7% of total revenues). Extrapolating this shadow price of the technology's health and environmental benefits to the total Bt cotton area in Pakistan results in an aggregate value ofUS$ 370 million. These benefits are in addition to the profit gains for Bt‐adopting farmers. Our results suggest that Bt technology can contribute to sustainable agricultural development.
Elites in Action: Change and Continuity in Strategic Culture
Authors: Pirani Pietro
Published: June 2014

The aim of this review article is to explore some theoretical issues regarding the role played by elites in the change and continuity of a country’s strategic culture. Despite the growing interest in the issue of strategic culture and change, current approaches still show some noteworthy shortcomings, particularly related to the role played by elites during the process. Based on Ann Swidler’s works on culture, this article suggests that, contrary to the idea shared by many in strategic-cultural studies, who believe that strategic action is a conscious activity, a strategic act need not be entirely explicit and conscious.
European Foreign and Security Policy in the Making
Authors: Kürüm Rahime Süleymanoglu
Published: June 2014

This article critically reviews and analyses the books listed below. The works reviewed provide an overview of the state of the art in the academic literature on the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CSFP). Bearing their original contributions in mind, the themes standing out in the review do not dramatically depart from the ones that have repeatedly been placed under the microscope of scholars. This article argues that the EU is still an ineffective power due to the lack of coherence among the Member States and institutions, and its reluctance and/or inability to promote universal values around the globe.
Job stressors and voluntary work behaviours: mediating effect of emotion and moderating roles of personality and emotional intelligence
Authors: Greenidge Dion , Coyne Iain
Published: June 2014

Framed within an emotion‐centred model, the current study investigated the mediating role of negative and positive emotion between job stressors and counterproductive work behaviours (CWB) and organisational citizenship behaviours, and the moderating effects of personality and ability‐based emotional intelligence (EI) on the relationships between job stressors and emotions. Results from a sample of 202 Caribbean employees across eight public and private sector organisations showed that both positive and negative emotion mediated the relation between job stressors and citizenship behaviours, whereas only negative emotion was found to mediate the relation between job stressors and CWB. Some support was found for the moderating effects of personality and EI. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Occurrence and distribution of tomato seed‐borne mycoflora inSaudiArabia and its correlation with the climatic variables
Authors: Al‐Askar Abdulaziz A. , Ghoneem Khalid M. , Rashad Younes M. , Abdulkhair Waleed M. , Hafez Elsayed E. , Shabana Yasser M. , Baka Zakaria A.
Published: June 2014

One hundred samples of tomato seeds were collected in 2011 and 2012 from tomato‐cultivated fields inSaudiArabia and screened for their seed‐borne mycoflora. A total of 30 genera and 57 species of fungi were recovered from the collected seed samples using agar plate and deep‐freezing blotter methods. The two methods differed as regards the frequency of recovered seed‐borne fungi. Seven fungi among those recovered from tomato seeds, which are known as plant pathogens, were tested for their pathogenicity and transmission on tomato seedlings. The recovery rate of these pathogens gradually decreased from root up to the upper stem, and did not reach to the stem apex. The distribution of tomato seed‐borne fungi was also investigated throughoutSaudiArabia. In this concern,Al‐Madena governorate recorded the highest incidence of fungal flora associated with tomato seeds. The impact of meteorological variables on the distribution of tomato seed‐borne mycoflora was explored using the ordination technique (canonical correspondence analysis). Among all climatic factors, relative humidity was the most influential variable in this regard. Our findings may provide a valuable contribution to our understanding of future global disease change and may be used also to predict disease occurrence and fungal transfer to new uninfected areas.
A proteomic analysis of Nipponia nippon (ID#162)
Authors: Oyanagi Mitsuru , Kaneko Kentaro , Kaneko Yoshinori , Sasaki Maiko , Nishida Chizuko , Matsuda Yoichi , Mitsui Toshiaki
Published: June 2014

We investigated the proteome of a female Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon, ID#162) that died on March 10, 2010 at the Sado Japanese Crested Ibis Conservation Center. Protein preparations from the brain, trachea, liver, heart, lung, proventriculus, muscular stomach, small intestine, duodenum, ovary and neck muscle were subjected to in‐solution shotgun mass spectrometry (MS)/MS analyses using an LTQ Orbitrap XL mass spectrometer. A search of the National Center for Biotechnology Information Gallus gallus databases revealed 4253 GI (GenInfo Identifier) numbers with the sum of the same 11 tissues examined in the Crested Ibis. To interpret the obtained proteomics data, it was verified in detail with the data obtained from the brain of the Crested Ibis. It has been reported that drebrin A is specifically expressed in adult chicken brain. In the shotgun proteomic analyses of the Crested Ibis, we identified drebrin A as a brain‐specific protein. Furthermore, Western blotting analysis of the protein preparations from 10 tissues of the Crested Ibis and 150‐day‐old hens using anti‐drebrin antibodies showed intensive expression of approximately 110 kDa polypeptides of drebrin in both brains. We believe firmly that the present data will contribute to initial and fundamental steps toward understanding the Crested Ibis proteome.
A genome‐wide SNP scan in a porcine Large White × Minzhu intercross population reveals a locus influencing muscle mass on chromosome 2
Authors: Liu Xin , Wang Li Gang , Luo Wei Zhen , Li Yong , Liang Jing , Yan Hua , Zhao Ke Bin , Wang Li Xian , Zhang Long Chao
Published: June 2014

A high‐density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array containing 62 163 markers was employed for a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) to identify variants associated with lean meat in ham (LMH, %) and lean meat percentage (LMP, %) within a porcine Large White × Minzhu intercross population. For each individual, LMH and LMP were measured after slaughter at the age of 240 ± 7 days. A total of 557 F2 animals were genotyped. The GWAS revealed that 21 SNPs showed significant genome‐wide or chromosome‐wide associations with LMH and LMP by the Genome‐wide Rapid Association using Mixed Model and Regression‐Genomic Control approach. Nineteen significant genome‐wide SNPs were mapped to the distal end of Sus Scrofa Chromosome (SSC) 2, where a major known gene responsible for muscle mass, IGF2 is located. A conditioned analysis, in which the genotype of the strongest associated SNP is included as a fixed effect in the model, showed that those significant SNPs on SSC2 were derived from a single quantitative trait locus. The two chromosome‐wide association SNPs on SSC1 disappeared after conditioned analysis suggested the association signal is a false association derived from using a F2 population. The present result is expected to lead to novel insights into muscle mass in different pig breeds and lays a preliminary foundation for follow‐up studies for identification of causal mutations for subsequent application in marker‐assisted selection programs for improving muscle mass in pigs.
Identification of bacteria in total mixed ration silage produced with and without crop silage as an ingredient
Authors: Nishino Naoki , Ogata Yu , Han Hongyan , Yamamoto Yasunari
Published: June 2014

As a forage source for total mixed ration (TMR) silage production, locally produced crop silage is now used in addition to imported hay. This type of TMR ensiling is regarded as a two‐step fermentation process; hence, a survey was carried out to determine whether the bacteria in crop silage affect the subsequent TMR ensiling. Fermentation product contents and bacterial community were determined for TMR silage and its ingredient silages collected in August, October and November. August product contained corn, sorghum and Italian ryegrass silages, October product had wheat silage exclusively and November product did not include any crop silages. Acetic acid, lactic acid, 2,3‐butanediol and ethanol were predominant fermentation products in corn, sorghum, Italian ryegrass and wheat silages, respectively. Robust lactic acid fermentation was seen in TMR silage, even if acetate‐type and alcohol‐type silages were mixed as ingredients. The finding that bacterial community of the TMR silage appeared unrelated to those of ingredient silage supported this. Silages of various fermentation types can therefore be formulated without interfering with lactate‐type fermentation in TMR silage.
Chemical immobilisation and satellite tagging of free‐living southern cassowaries
Authors: Campbell HA , Dwyer RG , Sullivan S , Mead D , Lauridsen G
Published: June 2014

Background

The southern cassowary(Casuarius casuarius johnsonii)attains 1.8 m in height and over 80 kg in weight. These large birds are equipped with large claws and, although not a direct threat to humans, they have caused serious injury to handlers and members of the public.

Methods and results

This study describes chemical immobilisation, restraint, transport and post‐monitoring (satellite tracking) methodologies for adult and juvenile southern cassowaries, captured and released from their natural environment.

Conclusions

The described methods have improved the management and research opportunities for the southern cassowary and may be transferable to other species of large ratite.
Development and evaluation of online video teaching resources to enhance student knowledge of livestock handling
Authors: Klupiec C , Pope S , Taylor R , Carroll D , Ward MH , Celi P
Published: June 2014

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of online audiovisual materials to support the acquisition of animal handling skills by students of veterinary and animal science.

Methods

A series of video clips (Livestock Handling modules) demonstrating livestock handling procedures was created and delivered online to students enrolled in the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney. The effectiveness of these modules for supporting student learning was evaluated via an online survey. The survey also sought feedback on how students could be better prepared for handling livestock.

Results

The survey indicated that students found the videos a useful part of their learning experience, particularly by familiarising them with correct handling procedures and emphasising the importance of safety when handling livestock. Students also highlighted that online delivery supported flexible learning. Suggested improvements of the Livestock Handling modules centred around broadening the content of the videos and improving the user‐friendliness of online access. Student feedback regarding how the Faculty could better prepare them for livestock handling was dominated by requests for more opportunities to practise animal handling using live animals.

Conclusions

The Livestock Handling audiovisual tool is a valuable supplementary resource for developing students' proficiency in safe and effective handling of livestock. However, the results also clearly reveal a perception by students that more hands‐on experience is required for acquisition of animal handling skills. These findings will inform future development of the Faculty's animal handling program.
Solid oral forms availability in children: a cost saving investigation
Authors: Lajoinie Audrey , Henin Emilie , Kassai Behrouz , Terry David
Published: June 2014

Aim

To assess the suitability and potential cost savings, from both the hospital and community perspective, of prescribed oral liquid medicine substitution with acceptable solid forms for children over 2 years.

Method

Oral liquid medicines dispensed from a paediatric hospital (UK) in 1 week were assessed by screening for existence of the solid form alternative and evaluating the acceptability of the available solid form, firstly related to the prescribed dose and secondly to acceptable size depending on the child's age. Costs were calculated based on providing treatment for 28 days or prescribed duration for short term treatments.

Results

Over 90% (440/476) of liquid formulations were available as a marketed solid form. Considering dosage acceptability (maximum of 10% deviation from prescribed dosage or 0% for narrow therapeutic range drugs, maximum tablet divisions into quarters) 80% of liquids could be substituted with a solid form. The main limitation for liquid substitution would be solid form size. However, two‐thirds of prescribed liquids could have been substituted with a suitable solid form for dosage and size, with estimated savings being of £5K and £8K in 1 week, respectively based on hospital and community costs, corresponding to a projected annual saving of £238K and £410K (single institution).

Conclusion

Whilst not all children over 2 years will be able to swallow tablets, drug cost savings if oral liquid formulations were substituted with suitable solid dosage forms would be considerable. Given the numerous advantages of solid forms compared with liquids, this study may provide a theoretical basis for investing in supporting children to swallow tablets/capsules.
Corporate social responsibility perception in business students as future managers: a multifactorial analysis
Authors: Alonso‐Almeida María del Mar , Fernández de Navarrete Fernando Casani , Rodriguez‐Pomeda Jesus
Published: June 2014

This paper examines undergraduate business students' perception of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in cases in which they have not attended any specific course either dealing with CSR or providing training in ethics. A survey was conducted of 535 Spanish business students as future managers. The results show that the stakeholders' perspective deserves a huge attention for those students considering what the keys of business success are. Significant differences in perception were nevertheless identified when a multifactorial analysis was undertaken. Female students are more concerned about CSR issues. The maximization of value for shareholders is less valued by second‐ and third‐year students than by first‐year ones. The findings point to a number of important orientations for the future development of university curriculum.
Human resource systems and competitive advantage: an ethical climate perspective
Authors: Manroop Laxmikant
Published: June 2014

Drawing on the theoretical insights from the resource‐based view of the firm, this paper explores how human resource (HR) systems may contribute to competitive advantage by facilitating the development and maintenance of five types of ethical climates, and conversely, how HR systems may hinder competitive advantage by inhibiting the development and maintenance of these climate types. In so doing, this paper contributes to the literature by highlighting the resource worthiness of a firm's ethical climates and showing how HR systems may influence that value. In addition, it advances theory that underpins the concept of competitive advantage sustainability and provides a platform for future empirical research.
Accuracy of repeated measurements of late‐night salivary cortisol to screen for early‐stage recurrence of Cushing's disease following pituitary surgery
Authors: Danet‐Lamasou Marie , Asselineau Julien , Perez Paul , Vivot Alexandre , Nunes Marie‐Laure , Loiseau Hugues , San‐Galli François , Cherifi‐Gatta Blandine , Corcuff Jean‐Benoît , Tabarin Antoine
Published: June 2014

Objective

The performance of late‐night salivary cortisol (LNSC) to accurately screen for postoperative recurrence of Cushing's disease (CD) at an early stage is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of multiple sampling strategies to suggest the optimal number of LNSC samples needed for diagnosing post‐surgical recurrences of CD at an early stage.

Design

Retrospective analysis in a single centre.

Patients and measurements

Thirty‐six patients in surgical remission of CD had successive measurements of LNSC, defined as ‘sequences’, using a locally modified RIA assay as part of long‐term follow‐up (69·2 ± 10·6 months). Patients underwent an extensive biochemical evaluation within 3 months before or after a sequence of saliva sampling and were classified as being in remission or in early‐stage recurrence. The accuracy of three diagnostic strategies combining two, three or four LNSC results from a sequence was estimated using areas under the ROC curves (AUC), sensitivity, specificity and predictive values.

Results

Forty‐four sequences of LNSC measurements were available. Fifty‐two percent of sequences were performed during early‐stage recurrence. The intrasequence variability of LNSC was higher during recurrence than during remission (medians of SDs: 2·1 vs 0·5 nm; P < 0·0001). AUCs from ROC curves ranged from 0·93 to 0·96 depending on the strategy. For 90% sensitivities, the best specificities (92·9% and 90·9%) were achieved by strategies taking into account three or four measurements summarized either by their mean or their maximum value.

Conclusions

Increase in LNSC concentration is an early abnormality during post‐surgical recurrence of CD. However, due to a major within‐patient variability of LNSC from 1 day to another, a screening strategy using three or four samples collected on successive days may be recommended to detect early‐stage recurrence of CD with a high accuracy.
Correlates of food addiction in obese individuals seeking bariatric surgery
Authors: Meule A. , Heckel D. , Jurowich C. F. , Vögele C. , Kübler A.
Published: June 2014

Recent evidence suggests that palatable, high‐calorie foods may have an addictive potential. Accordingly, obesity and overconsumption of such foods have been associated with addiction‐like eating behaviour. The present study investigated whether individuals with obesity can be classified as food‐addicted and which factors would differentiate between food‐addicted and non‐addicted individuals. We administered the German version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale and other questionnaires to obese individuals seeking bariatric surgery (N = 96). Results showed that 40% of the sample could be diagnosed as food‐addicted. Food‐addicted individuals reported more frequent food cravings, higher eating disorder psychopathology and more depressive symptoms than the non‐addicted group. Age, body mass and gender distribution did not differ between groups. The food addiction group had higher attentional but similar motor and non‐planning impulsivity, and had lower scores on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) compared with the non‐addicted group. Scores on the AUDIT were associated with impulsivity in the non‐addicted group only. We conclude that the prevalence of food addiction is higher in candidates for bariatric surgery compared with the general population and obese individuals not seeking bariatric surgery. A diagnosis of food addiction is associated with higher eating pathology and depression. Moreover, only attentional impulsivity, but not other dimensions of impulsivity, is associated with addictive eating. Finally, food addiction and impulsivity interactively predicted alcohol use, suggesting a crucial role of psychological variables and eating style in determining alcohol consumption in pre‐bariatric patients, independent of body mass.
Association of TNF‐α, TGF‐β1, IL‐10, IL‐6, and IFN‐γ gene polymorphism with acute rejection and infection in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Mu Hui‐jun , Xie Ping , Chen Jing‐yu , Gao Fei , Zou Jian , Zhang Ji , Zhang Bin
Published: June 2014

Infection and rejection are common complications faced by lung transplant recipients (LTRs) and have become major impediments to long‐term survival. Cytokines may play an important role in the development of these complications. In this study, we explored the correlation between TNF‐α (−308 A/G), TGF‐β1 (+869 T/C, +915 G/C), IL‐10 (−592 C/A, −819 T/C, −1082 G/A), IL‐6 (−174 G/C), and IFN‐γ (+874 T/A) gene polymorphisms and the incidence of acute rejection and infection. Transplant outcomes were reviewed in a retrospective cohort of 113 LTRs from a single center between December 2004 and November 2012. Cytokine polymorphisms were measured using sequence‐specific primer‐based PCR. HLA typing was performed for the donors and recipients. We found that the LTRs with the IL‐10 −819 CC and −592 CC genotypes had a significantly decreased risk of infection (p = 0.017, OR = 0.177, 95% CI = 0.04–0.85). However, we found no significant association between cytokine polymorphisms and acute rejection. Furthermore, the data revealed that the occurrence of acute rejection was strongly associated with infection episodes (χ2 = 8.5256, p < 0.01). These results suggest that LTRs possessing the IL‐10 −819 CC and −592 CC genotype may be protected from the occurrence of infection. Our results demonstrated that infection is an important cause of acute rejection for LTRs.
Looking Inside Glitch Mitigation Capability: The Effect of Intraorganizational Communication Channels
Authors: Tenhiälä Antti , Salvador Fabrizio
Published: June 2014

Manufacturers can reduce the occurrence of glitches in their operations by building capabilities to prevent them, yet mitigation capabilities are also needed to contain the effects of the glitches that will still inevitably occur every now and then. We examine the glitch mitigation capability of a production process from an information‐processing perspective and propose that (i) the impact of operational glitches on delivery performance is contingent on the formalization of intrafirm communication channels and (ii) this effect is stronger when formal communication channels are complemented with informal channels. We test our model in a sample of 163 make‐to‐order production processes and find support for the first hypothesis and partial support for the second hypothesis. The statistical analyses also reveal nonhypothesized empirical regularities, which we explore through an additional qualitative study based on 34 site visits and 30 interviews with production planners. The results have practical implications for the design of intraorganizational communication channels, and they also contribute to the research on organizational resilience and communications by showing that when coping with disruptions, the formal communication channels have advantages that are seldom discussed in the literature or recognized by practitioners.
Capacity Planning and Allocation for Web‐Based Applications
Authors: Mohan Srimathy , Alam Ferdous M. , Fowler John W. , Gopalakrishnan Mohan , Printezis Antonios
Published: June 2014

Motivated by the technology division of a financial services firm, we study the problem of capacity planning and allocation for Web‐based applications. The steady growth in Web traffic has affected the quality of service (QoS) as measured by response time (RT), for numerous e‐businesses. In addition, the lack of understanding of system interactions and availability of proper planning tools has impeded effective capacity management. Managers typically make decisions to add server capacity on an ad hoc basis when systems reach critical response levels. Very often this turns out to be too late and results in extremely long response times and the system crashes. We present an analytical model to understand system interactions with the goal of making better server capacity decisions based on the results. The model studies the relationships and important interactions between the various components of a Web‐based application using a continuous time Markov chain embedded in a queuing network as the basic framework. We use several structured aggregation schemes to appropriately represent a complex system, and demonstrate how the model can be used to quickly predict system performance, which facilitates effective capacity allocation decision making. Using simulation as a benchmark, we show that our model produces results within 5% accuracy at a fraction of the time of simulation, even at high traffic intensities. This knowledge helps managers quickly analyze the performance of the system and better plan server capacity to maintain desirable levels of QoS. We also demonstrate how to utilize a combination of dedicated and shared resources to achieve QoS using fewer servers.
Price Incentives and Coordination in a Two‐Product Decentralized Supply Chain
Authors: Shao Jing , Krishnan Harish , McCormick S. Thomas
Published: June 2014

We investigate pricing incentives for competing retailers who distribute two variants of a manufacturer's product in a decentralized supply chain. Under a two‐dimensional Hotelling model, we derive decentralized retailers' prices for the products, and distortions in pricing when compared to centrally optimal prices. We show that price distortions decrease as consumers' travel cost between retailers increases, due to less intense competition. However, price distortions do not change monotonically in consumers' switching cost between products within stores. To fix decentralized retailers' price distortions, we construct a two‐part pricing contract that coordinates the supply chain. We show that the coordinating contract is Pareto‐improving and analyze increase in the supply chain profit under coordination.
Physical activity interventions in children and young people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Quirk H. , Blake H. , Tennyson R. , Randell T. L. , Glazebrook C.
Published: June 2014

Aims

To synthesize evidence from randomized and non‐randomized studies of physical activity interventions in children and young people with Type 1 diabetes so as to explore clinically relevant health outcomes and inform the promotion of physical activity.

Method

We conducted a search of CINAHL Plus, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, SportDiscus and Web of Science between October and December 2012. Eligible articles included subjects aged ≤18 years with Type 1 diabetes and a physical activity intervention that was more than a one‐off activity session. Physiological, psychological, behavioural or social outcomes were those of interest.

Results

A total of 26 articles (10 randomized and 16 non‐randomized studies), published in the period 1964–2012, were reviewed. Although there was heterogeneity in study design, methods and reporting, 23 articles reported at least one significant beneficial health outcome at follow‐up. Meta‐analyses of these studies showed potential benefits of physical activity on HbA1c (11 studies, 345 participants, standardized mean difference ‐0.52, 95% CI ‐0.97 to ‐0.07; P = 0.02), BMI (four studies, 195 participants, standardized mean difference ‐0.41, 95% CI ‐0.70 to ‐0.12; P = 0.006) and triglycerides (five studies, 206 participants, standardized mean difference ‐0.70, 95% CI ‐1.25 to ‐0.14; P = 0.01).The largest effect size was for total cholesterol (five studies, 206 participants, standardized mean difference ‐0.91, 95% CI ‐1.66 to ‐0.17; P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Physical activity is important for diabetes management and has the potential to delay cardiovascular disease, but there is a lack of studies that are underpinned by psychological behaviour change theory, promoting sustained physical activity and exploring psychological outcomes. There remains a lack of knowledge of how to promote physical activity in people with Type 1 diabetes.
Quantifying Error and Uncertainty Reductions in Scaling Functions: An ITEMS Module
Authors: Moses Tim
Published: June 2014

This module describes and extends X‐to‐Y regression measures that have been proposed for use in the assessment of X‐to‐Y scaling and equating results. Measures are developed that are similar to those based on prediction error in regression analyses but that are directly suited to interests in scaling and equating evaluations. The regression and scaling function measures are compared in terms of their uncertainty reductions, error variances, and the contribution of true score and measurement error variances to the total error variances. The measures are also demonstrated as applied to an assessment of scaling results for a math test and a reading test. The results of these analyses illustrate the similarity of the regression and scaling measures for scaling situations when the tests have a correlation of at least .80, and also show the extent to which the measures can be adequate summaries of nonlinear regression and nonlinear scaling functions, and of heteroskedastic errors. After reading this module, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of the purposes, uses, and differences of regression and scaling functions.