bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Warrant as a means to study classification system design
Authors: Bullard Julia
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of warrant in daily classification design in general and in negotiating disparate classification goals in particular.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper synthesizes classification research on forms of warrant and uses examples of classification decisions from ethnographic engagement with designers to illustrate how forms of warrant interact in daily classification decisions.

Findings

Different forms of warrant, though associated with incompatible theories of classification design, coexist in daily classification decisions. A secondary warrant might be employed to augment the primary warrant of a system, such as to decide among equally valid terms, or to overturn a decision based on the primary warrant, such as when ethical impacts are prioritized above user preference.

Research limitations/implications

This paper calls for empirical research using the application of warrant as an object of analysis.

Originality/value

The paper connects a ubiquitous and observable element of classification design – the application of warrant – to longstanding divisions in classification theory. This paper demonstrates how the analysis of daily classification design can illuminate the interaction between disparate philosophies of classification.
Genomic and physiological analyses of ‘Reinekea forsetii’ reveal a versatile opportunistic lifestyle during spring algae blooms
Authors: Avcı Burak , Hahnke Richard L. , Chafee Meghan , Fischer Tanja , Gruber‐Vodicka Harald , Tegetmeyer Halina E. , Harder Jens , Fuchs Bernhard M. , Amann Rudolf I. , Teeling Hanno
Published: December 2016

Gammaproteobacterial Reinekea spp. were detected during North Sea spring algae blooms in the years 2009‐2012, with relative abundances of up to 16% in the bacterioplankton. Here, we explore the ecophysiology of ‘R. forsetii' strain Hel1_31_D35 that was isolated during the 2010 spring bloom using (i) its manually annotated, high‐quality closed genome, (ii) re‐analysis of in situ data from the 2009–2012 blooms and (iii) physiological tests. High resolution analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences suggested that ‘R. forsetii' dominated Reinekea populations during these blooms. This was corroborated by retrieval of almost complete Hel1_31_D35 genomes from 2009 and 2010 bacterioplankton metagenomes. Strain Hel1_31_D35 can use numerous low‐molecular weight substrates including diverse sugar monomers, and few but relevant algal polysaccharides such as mannan, α‐glucans, and likely bacterial peptidoglycan. It oxidizes thiosulfate to sulfate, and ferments under anoxic conditions. The strain can attach to algae and thrives at low phosphate concentrations as they occur during blooms. Its genome encodes RTX toxin and secretion proteins, and in cultivation experiments Hel1_31_D35 crude cell extracts inhibited growth of a North Sea Polaribacter strain. Our data suggest that the combination of these traits make strain Hel1_31_D35 a versatile opportunist that is particularly competitive during spring phytoplankton blooms.
Evaluation of Non‐Natural Deaths among Veterans: New Mexico Medical Examiner‐Investigated Deaths, 2002–2011
Authors: LeBlanc Melissa R. , Clifford Camille P. , Lathrop Sarah L.
Published: December 2016

While it is recognized that veterans have increased rates of depression, post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicide, and substance use disorders, rates of homicide and unintentional injury deaths in veterans have been minimally investigated. We evaluated all non‐natural deaths in New Mexico veterans between 2002 and 2011 in comparison with non‐natural deaths among non‐veterans. We reviewed all decedents in New Mexico with a history of military service and investigated by the medical examiner, excluding natural deaths and deaths due to fall from standing height. The most common manner of death was unintentional injury (62%), most of these deaths due to motor vehicle accidents (29%) followed by unintentional overdose (26%). Suicide rates among veterans were consistently higher than the general population. The most common mechanism of suicide in men was gunshot wound (72%), and intentional overdose in women (49%). Services are needed for veterans that are tailored to all ages and both sexes.
Women in the Crosshairs: Violence Against Women during the Second World War
Authors: Jolluck Katherine R.
Published: December 2016

This article seeks to look broadly at Second World War violence through the lens of gender; to shift the focus from attacks on ethno‐national groups to the ways that women were targeted within and across ethno‐national lines. It asks why the occupiers and inhabitants of Eastern Europe unleashed such tremendous brutality against females in the region, civilians who, according to the Hague Conventions and moral norms, were supposed to be shielded from the ravages of war. Given the enormity of the topic of the violence women suffered during the war and its immediate aftermath, I focus on Poland and the western part of the Soviet Union, the epicenter of wartime brutality. This territory suffered alternating occupations by the Nazis and Soviets, with broad swaths changing overlords three times. The article is organized by stages of the war, each of which bore a distinct character of violence. The focus on gender‐based violence by no means assumes that women were only victims during the war. They exercised varying degrees of agency, as fighters, perpetrators, resisters, collaborators, and simply as individuals trying to survive — experiences that space will not allow in this article.
Using rates of gravestone decay to reconstruct atmospheric sulphur dioxide levels
Authors: Inkpen Rob , Mooers Howard D , Carlson Michael J
Published: December 2016

Decay losses from marble gravestones spanning the last 130 years were measured using the lead lettering index (LLI). The relationship between decay loss and gravestone age can be described using a power function of the form decay loss = a(age)b. For locations where decay is likely to have been dominated by ‘normal’ rainfall, the value of b tends to 1, while for locations where decay losses were higher in the past b tends towards a value of 2. Using Lipfert's dose–response function it is possible to postdict atmospheric sulphur dioxide concentrations using rainfall records and yearly decay rates derived from the power functions. Comparing the derived historic atmospheric sulphur dioxide concentrations between locations, the highest levels are found in the industrial location of Swansea compared with the relatively high historic levels found in urban area such as Oxford, Birmingham and Portsmouth. Suburban or rural locations tend to have very low concentrations.
The drugs that mostly frequently induce acute kidney injury: a case − noncase study of a pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Pierson‐Marchandise Marion , Gras Valérie , Moragny Julien , Micallef Joelle , Gaboriau Louise , Picard Sylvie , Choukroun Gabriel , Masmoudi Kamel , Liabeuf Sophie ,   the French National Network of Pharmacovigilance Centres
Published: December 2016

Aims

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with a high hospitalization rate, accelerated long‐term decline in kidney function and a high mortality rate. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) constitute one of the most important modifiable factors in the context of AKI. Most studies of drug‐induced AKI have focused on a sole drug class. The objective of the present study was to establish a comprehensive overview of drug‐induced AKI on the basis of spontaneously reported ADRs in the French national pharmacovigilance database (FPVD).

Methods

We performed a case–noncase study of drug‐induced AKI. Cases corresponded to the reports of AKI recorded in the FPVD between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015. The noncases corresponded to all other spontaneously reported ADRs (excluding AKI) recorded in the FPVD during the same period. Data were expressed as the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and the 95% confidence interval.

Results

Of the 38 782 ADRs recorded in the FPVD during the study period, 3.2% were classified as cases of AKI. A total of 1254 patients experienced AKI (males: 55%; mean age ± standard deviation: 68.7 ± 15.0 years). Overall, 15.2% of the patients required renal replacement therapy. Two or more concomitantly administered drugs were involved in 66% of the cases of AKI. The most frequently implicated drug classes were antibacterial agents for systemic use (29.5%), diuretics (18.5%), agents acting on the renin–angiotensin system (16.3%), antineoplastic agents (10.2%) and anti‐inflammatory agents (5.4%). Gentamicin, eplerenone, spironolactone, candesartan, cisplatin and acyclovir had the highest RORs (>10).

Conclusion

A comprehensive study of a national pharmacovigilance database enabled us to identify the drug classes that most frequently induced AKI. Even though most of the identified drugs were already known to induce AKI, the present work should raise physicians' awareness of the compounds responsible for triggering this potentially life‐threatening condition.
Possible functions of CD169‐positive sinus macrophages in lymph nodes in anti‐tumor immune responses
Authors: Komohara Yoshihiro , Ohnishi Koji , Takeya Motohiro
Published: December 2016

The lymph node (LN) is an important immune system in which a number of antigen‐presenting cells are present that induce rapid immune responses to foreign antigens. While a great number of macrophages exist in lymph nodes, recent studies using animal models have shown that lymph node sinus macrophages are associated with the induction of anti‐tumor immunity, playing a significant role in host immune responses against tumor cells. In colorectal tumor, malignant melanoma, and endometrial tumor, it was shown that a high density of CD169‐positive macrophages in the LN sinus was a predictive factor for better clinical prognosis. The observations that the density of CD169‐positive macrophages in the LN sinus was positively associated with the density of infiltrating T or NK cells in tumor tissues, indicates the significance of CD169‐positive macrophages in anti‐tumor immune reactions of tumor patients. Moreover, antigen delivery targeting LN macrophages is also considered to be promising approach for vaccination. In this article, we have summarized the significance of CD169‐positive LN macrophages in anti‐tumor immunity.
Nestin phosphorylation at threonines 315 and 1299 correlates with proliferation and metastasis of human pancreatic cancer
Authors: Matsuda Yoko , Ishiwata Toshiyuki , Yoshimura Hisashi , Yamahatsu Kazuya , Minamoto Toshinari , Arai Tomio
Published: December 2016

The neuroepithelial stem cell marker nestin is a cytoskeletal protein that regulates cell proliferation, invasion, and stemness in various tumors, including pancreatic tumors. In the present study, we examined the expression and roles of phosphorylated nestin in pancreatic cancer cells. Nestin phosphorylation at threonines 315 (Thr315) and 1299 (Thr1299) was observed during mitosis in human pancreatic cancer cells. Nestin phosphorylation was positively correlated with a cell proliferation marker, MIB‐1 expression in human pancreatic cancer samples. Transfection of MIA PaCa‐2 cells with nestin mutated at Thr315 and/or Thr1299 (to suppress phosphorylation) resulted in lower proliferation rates than those in control groups. Transfecting MIA PaCa‐2 cells with wild‐type nestin or with nestin mutated at Thr315 increased migration and invasion. In contrast, transfection with nestin mutated at both phosphorylation sites (Thr315 and Thr1299) did not enhance cell migration or invasion. In an intra‐splenic xenograft experiment using MIA PaCa‐2 cells, tumors expressing the nestin double mutant formed fewer liver metastases than tumors expressing wild‐type nestin. Nestin phosphorylation at these two sites was decreased upon treatment with inhibitors for cyclin dependent kinases, AKT, and Aurora in PANC‐1 cells, which express a high baseline level of phosphorylated nestin. These findings suggest that phosphorylation of nestin at Thr315 and/or Thr1299 affects cell proliferation, and inhibition of both phosphorylation sites suppresses invasion and metastasis of human pancreatic cancer. Inhibiting nestin phosphorylation at these two sites may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer.
Human basophils are a source of ‐ and are differentially activated by ‐ IL‐31
Authors: Raap U. , Gehring M. , Kleiner S. , Rüdrich U. , Eiz‐Vesper B. , Haas H. , Kapp A. , Gibbs B. F.
Published: December 2016

Background

Basophils are important effector cells involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases including chronic urticaria which is associated by increased IL‐31 serum levels. So far the effects of IL‐31 on human basophils are unknown.

Objective

To analyse the functional role of IL‐31 in basophil biology.

Methods

IL‐31 expression was evaluated in skin samples derived from chronic spontaneous urticaria patients. Oncostatin M receptor (OSMR), IL‐31 receptor A (RA) and IL‐31 protein expressions were analysed on human basophils from healthy donors. Basophil responses to IL‐31 were assessed for chemotaxis, externalization of CD63 and CD203c as well as the release of histamine, IL‐4 and IL‐13.

Results

IL‐31RA and OSMR were expressed on human basophils. IL‐31 was strongly expressed in the skin of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria and was released from isolated basophils following either anti‐IgE, IL‐3 or fMLP stimulation. IL‐31 induced chemotaxis and the release of IL‐4 and IL‐13 which was specifically inhibited by anti‐IL‐31RA and anti‐OSMR. Conversely, IL‐31 had no effect on CD63 and CD203c externalization or histamine release.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Human basophils are a source of –and are activated by – IL‐31 with the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and the induction of chemotaxis indicating an important novel function of IL‐31 in basophil biology.
Hypoxia causes IL‐8 secretion, Charcot Leyden crystal formation, and suppression of corticosteroid‐induced apoptosis in human eosinophils
Authors: Porter L. M. , Cowburn A. S. , Farahi N. , Deighton J. , Farrow S. N. , Fiddler C. A. , Juss J. K. , Condliffe A. M. , Chilvers E. R.
Published: December 2016

Background

Inflamed environments are typically hypercellular, rich in pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and profoundly hypoxic. While the effects of hypoxia on neutrophil longevity and function have been widely studied, little is known about the consequences of this stimulus on eosinophils.

Objective

We sought to investigate the effects of hypoxia on several key aspects of eosinophil biology, namely secretion, survival, and their sensitivity to glucocorticosteroids (GCS), agents that normally induce eosinophil apoptosis.

Methods

Eosinophils derived from patients with asthma/atopy or healthy controls were incubated under normoxia and hypoxia, with or without glucocorticoids. Activation was measured by flow cytometry, ELISA of cultured supernatants, and F‐actin staining; apoptosis and efferocytosis by morphology and flow cytometry; and GCS efficacy by apoptosis assays and qPCR.

Results

Hypoxic incubation (3 kPa) caused (i) stabilization of HIF‐2α and up‐regulation of hypoxia‐regulated genes including BNIP3 (BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19‐kDa protein‐interacting protein 3) and GLUT1 (glucose transporter 1); (ii) secretion of pre‐formed IL‐8, and Charcot Leyden crystal (CLC) formation, which was most evident in eosinophils derived from atopic and asthmatic donors; (iii) enhanced F‐actin formation; (iv) marked prolongation of eosinophil lifespan (via a NF‐κB and Class I PI3‐kinase‐dependent mechanism); and (v) complete abrogation of the normal pro‐apoptotic effect of dexamethasone and fluticasone furoate. This latter effect was evident despite preservation of GCS‐mediated gene transactivation under hypoxia.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

These data indicate that hypoxia promotes an eosinophil pro‐inflammatory phenotype by enhancing eosinophil secretory function, delaying constitutive apoptosis, and importantly, antagonizing the normal pro‐apoptotic effect of GCS. As eosinophils typically accumulate at sites that are relatively hypoxic, particularly during periods of inflammation, these findings may have important implications to understanding the behaviour of these cells in vivo.
When to initiate immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IGRT) in antibody deficiency: a practical approach
Authors: Jolles S , Chapel H , Litzman J
Published: December 2016

Primary antibody deficiencies (PAD) constitute the majority of all primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID) and immunoglobulin replacement forms the mainstay of therapy for many patients in this category. Secondary antibody deficiencies (SAD) represent a larger and expanding number of patients resulting from the use of a wide range of immunosuppressive therapies, in particular those targeting B cells, and may also result from renal or gastrointestinal immunoglobulin losses. While there are clear similarities between primary and secondary antibody deficiencies, there are also significant differences. This review describes a practical approach to the clinical, laboratory and radiological assessment of patients with antibody deficiency, focusing on the factors that determine whether or not immunoglobulin replacement should be used. The decision to treat is more straightforward when defined diagnostic criteria for some of the major PADs, such as common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVID) or X-linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA), are fulfilled or, indeed, when there is a very low level of immunoglobulin production in association with an increased frequency of severe or recurrent infections in SAD. However, the presentation of many patients is less clear-cut and represents a considerable challenge in terms of the decision whether or not to treat and the best way in which to assess the outcome of therapy. This decision is important, not least to improve individual quality of life and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with recurrent infections but also to avoid inappropriate exposure to blood products and to ensure that immunoglobulin, a costly and limited resource, is used to maximal benefit.
A Neurocomputational Model of the N400 and the P600 in Language Processing
Authors: Brouwer Harm , Crocker Matthew W. , Venhuizen Noortje J. , Hoeks John C. J.
Published: December 2016

Ten years ago, researchers using event‐related brain potentials (ERPs) to study language comprehension were puzzled by what looked like a Semantic Illusion: Semantically anomalous, but structurally well‐formed sentences did not affect the N400 component—traditionally taken to reflect semantic integration—but instead produced a P600 effect, which is generally linked to syntactic processing. This finding led to a considerable amount of debate, and a number of complex processing models have been proposed as an explanation. What these models have in common is that they postulate two or more separate processing streams, in order to reconcile the Semantic Illusion and other semantically induced P600 effects with the traditional interpretations of the N400 and the P600. Recently, however, these multi‐stream models have been called into question, and a simpler single‐stream model has been proposed. According to this alternative model, the N400 component reflects the retrieval of word meaning from semantic memory, and the P600 component indexes the integration of this meaning into the unfolding utterance interpretation. In the present paper, we provide support for this “Retrieval–Integration (RI)” account by instantiating it as a neurocomputational model. This neurocomputational model is the first to successfully simulate the N400 and P600 amplitude in language comprehension, and simulations with this model provide a proof of concept of the single‐stream RI account of semantically induced patterns of N400 and P600 modulations.
Learning to Be (In)variant: Combining Prior Knowledge and Experience to Infer Orientation Invariance in Object Recognition
Authors: Austerweil Joseph L. , Griffiths Thomas L. , Palmer Stephen E.
Published: December 2016

How does the visual system recognize images of a novel object after a single observation despite possible variations in the viewpoint of that object relative to the observer? One possibility is comparing the image with a prototype for invariance over a relevant transformation set (e.g., translations and dilations). However, invariance over rotations (i.e., orientation invariance) has proven difficult to analyze, because it applies to some objects but not others. We propose that the invariant transformations of an object are learned by incorporating prior expectations with real‐world evidence. We test this proposal by developing an ideal learner model for learning invariance that predicts better learning of orientation dependence when prior expectations about orientation are weak. This prediction was supported in two behavioral experiments, where participants learned the orientation dependence of novel images using feedback from solving arithmetic problems.
Knowledge Attributions and Behavioral Predictions
Authors: Turri John
Published: December 2016

Recent work has shown that knowledge attributions affect how people think others should behave, more so than belief attributions do. This paper reports two experiments providing evidence that (a) knowledge attributions also affect behavioral predictions more strongly than belief attributions do, and (b) knowledge attributions facilitate faster behavioral predictions than belief attributions do. Thus, knowledge attributions play multiple critical roles in social cognition, guiding judgments about how people should and will behave.
The Digital Gender Divide: Confronting Obstacles to Women's Development in Africa
Authors: Alozie Nicholas O. , Akpan‐Obong Patience
Published: December 2016

The African Union has declared 2010–2020 as the African Women's Decade to accelerate African women's development. However, to achieve the decade's goals, African countries must acknowledge the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in consolidating human capital. This research investigates gender disparities in access and use ofICTs in sub‐Saharan Africa and finds that men are more likely to own and use the technologies. Education, socioeconomic status, domesticity and traditionalism are all linked toICTuse. However, the gender gap does not arise as a result of differential returns to these factors for men and women. Rather, it materializes when fewer women have the resources, or are more disadvantaged in accessing and usingICTs. Implications are discussed.
Long‐term climate and competition explain forest mortality patterns under extreme drought
Authors: Young Derek J. N. , Stevens Jens T. , Earles J. Mason , Moore Jeffrey , Ellis Adam , Jirka Amy L. , Latimer Andrew M.
Published: December 2016

Rising temperatures are amplifying drought‐induced stress and mortality in forests globally. It remains uncertain, however, whether tree mortality across drought‐stricken landscapes will be concentrated in particular climatic and competitive environments. We investigated the effects of long‐term average climate [i.e. 35‐year mean annual climatic water deficit (CWD)] and competition (i.e. tree basal area) on tree mortality patterns, using extensive aerial mortality surveys conducted throughout the forests of California during a 4‐year statewide extreme drought lasting from 2012 to 2015. During this period, tree mortality increased by an order of magnitude, typically from tens to hundreds of dead trees per km2, rising dramatically during the fourth year of drought. Mortality rates increased independently with average CWD and with basal area, and they increased disproportionately in areas that were both dry and dense. These results can assist forest managers and policy‐makers in identifying the most drought‐vulnerable forests across broad geographic areas.
Components of Variance of Scales With a Bifactor Subscale Structure From Two Calculations of α
Authors: Andrich David
Published: December 2016

Since Cronbach's (1951) elaboration of α from its introduction by Guttman (1945), this coefficient has become ubiquitous in characterizing assessment instruments in education, psychology, and other social sciences. Also ubiquitous are caveats on the calculation and interpretation of this coefficient. This article summarizes a recent contribution (Andrich, 2015) on the use of coefficient α which complements these many caveats. It shows that in the presence of a simple bifactor structure of a scale where unique components of variance are homogeneous in magnitude, three components of variance and the common latent common correlation among the subscales can be calculated from the ratio of two calculations of α, one at the level of the items, the other at the level of the subscales. It was suggested that these two ready calculations and their interpretation, and the reporting of all four indices in the analysis of scales with a subscale structure, would reduce the misinterpretation of this coefficient. An illustrative example of the application of the calculations is also shown.
People with epilepsy receive more statins than the general population but have no higher cardiovascular risk: results from a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Vivanco‐Hidalgo R. M. , Elosua R. , Gómez González A. , Moreira A. , Díez L. , Grau M. , Degano I. R. , Roquer J.
Published: December 2016

Background and purpose

Epilepsy has been associated with cardiovascular comorbidity. Risk prediction equations are the standard tools in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Our aim was to compare the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs), cardiovascular risk and statin use in people with epilepsy (PWE) and the general population.

Methods

The CVRFs and cardiovascular risk score were compared between 815 PWE from an outpatient register and 5336 participants from a general population cohort.

Results

People with epilepsy had less hypertension (43.3% vs. 50.4%), less diabetes (15.8% vs. 19.2%), more dyslipidemia (40.2% vs. 34.6%) and lower cardiovascular risk than the general population (P < 0.01). No etiology was associated with a worse CVRF profile or higher cardiovascular risk. Patients taking enzyme‐inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs) had more dyslipidemia than the general population (41.6% vs. 34.6%) but similar cardiovascular risk. Independently of risk or CVRFs, PWE had 60% more probability of receiving statins than the general population.

Conclusions

People with epilepsy had more dyslipidemia, related to EIAEDs, and lower cardiovascular risk but still took more statins than the general population. Physicians should use clinical judgement to decide on further treatment of CVRFs in PWE who are below the recommended risk threshold for treatment and should consider lipid abnormalities a potential side‐effect of EIAEDs. Other therapy options may need to be evaluated before starting lipid‐lowering treatment.
The role of objective cognitive dysfunction in subjective cognitive complaints after stroke
Authors: van Rijsbergen M. W. A. , Mark R. E. , Kop W. J. , de Kort P. L. M. , Sitskoorn M. M.
Published: December 2016

Background and purpose

Objective cognitive performance (OCP) is often impaired in patients post‐stroke but the consequences of OCP for patient‐reported subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) are poorly understood. We performed a detailed analysis on the association between post‐stroke OCP and SCC.

Methods

Assessments of OCP and SCC were obtained in 208 patients 3 months after stroke. OCP was evaluated using conventional and ecologically valid neuropsychological tests. Levels of SCC were measured using the CheckList for Cognitive and Emotional (CLCE) consequences following stroke inventory. Multivariate hierarchical regression analyses were used to evaluate the association of OCP with CLCE scores adjusting for age, sex and intelligence quotient. Analyses were performed to examine the global extent of OCP dysfunction (based on the total number of impaired neuropsychological tests, i.e. objective cognitive impairment index) and for each OCP test separately using the raw neuropsychological (sub)test scores.

Results

The objective cognitive impairment index for global OCP was positively correlated with the CLCE score (Spearman's rho = 0.22, P = 0.003), which remained significant in multivariate adjusted models (β = 0.25, P = 0.01). Results for the separate neuropsychological tests indicated that only one task (the ecologically valid Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test) was independently associated with the CLCE in multivariate adjusted models (β = −0.34, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Objective neuropsychological test performance, as measured by the global dysfunction index or an ecologically valid memory task, was associated with SCC. These data suggest that cumulative deficits in multiple cognitive domains contribute to subjectively experienced poor cognitive abilities in daily life in patients post‐stroke.
Increased expression of Forkhead box M1 transcription factor is associated with clinicopathological features and confers a poor prognosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Egawa Mayumi , Yoshida Yuichi , Ogura Satoshi , Kurahashi Tomohide , Kizu Takashi , Furuta Kunimaro , Kamada Yoshihiro , Chatani Norihiro , Hamano Mina , Kiso Shinichi , Hikita Hayato , Tatsumi Tomohide , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Nagano Hiroaki , Doki Yuichiro , Mori Masaki , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: December 2016

Aim

Forkhead Box M1 (FoxM1) is a proliferation‐specific transcription factor. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the clinicopathological and prognostic values of FoxM1 expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and correlate FoxM1 expression with various etiologies of liver diseases. We also investigated its therapeutic value in HCC.

Methods

We investigated the expression of FoxM1 in tumor tissues and adjacent non‐tumor tissues of 79 Japanese HCC patients by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis. Depletion by siRNA or specific inhibition by siomycin A were also used to investigate the effect of FoxM1 inhibition on stem‐like features of human HCC cells.

Results

Quantitative real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that tumor tissues displayed an approximately 14‐fold increase in FoxM1 expression compared with adjacent non‐tumor tissues. Interestingly, the expression levels of FoxM1in tumor tissues did not depend on the etiology of liver disease. The expression of FoxM1 in tumor tissues was associated with serum α‐fetoprotein level, maximum tumor size, histological grade, TNM staging, and portal involvement. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that the high FoxM1 expression (≥median) group had a poor prognosis compared with the low FoxM1 expression (<median) group. Using multivariate analysis, the expression of FoxM1 in tumor tissues was shown to be an independent prognostic factor that affected overall survival and disease‐free survival. Furthermore, FoxM1 inhibition by siRNA or siomycin A reduced spheroid colony formation of HCC cells in vitro.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that FoxM1 might be a prognostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for HCC.
What's for Sale at Canadian Universities? A Mixed‐Methods Analysis of Promotional Strategies
Authors: Pizarro Milian Roger
Published: December 2016

The current fiscal environment has driven Canadian universities to become more entrepreneurial, seeking out and competing over new sources of funding. Despite such intensifying competition, little effort has been made to document the promotional tactics that Canadian universities are using to render themselves appealing to external audiences. This study examines the contents of the home pages of English‐speaking universities in Canada. It finds that, though there are some differences in the tactics that primarily undergraduate and research‐intensive universities employ, both generally strive to emulate the same institutional ‘template’. Moreover, the usage of more unorthodox promotional tactics, drawing on labour market rhetoric or discourses of inclusivity, is limited. These findings are theorised in relation to contemporary work within organisational sociology and strategic management.
Labour statistics in south‐eastern Europe: Similarities and differences across national definitions
Authors: FILIPI Gjergji
Published: December 2016

It is obviously important to harmonize national statistical definitions of employment, unemployment and inactivity – both for general accuracy and for international data comparability. This concise overview compares the statistical practices of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia and Turkey in this respect. While all of these territories and countries rely on labour force surveys to collect the required data, they exhibit discrepancies as to the definitions, classification and labour market status of specific groups, particularly in regard to the statistical category of unemployment. The paper concludes with a plea for remedying these remaining discrepancies through further harmonization.
Sub‐Tg enthalpy relaxation in a milling‐derived chalcogenide glass
Authors: Qiao Ang , Tao Haizheng , Yue Yuanzheng
Published: December 2016

In this work we succeeded in synthesizing a chalcogenide glass, that is, the Ag3PS4 glass, by milling the mixture of the crystalline Ag2S and P2S5 powder. In terms of potential energy, the glass was excited by the milling process. The evidence for the energy excitation was the occurrence of the sub‐Tg relaxation recorded by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The relaxation behavior in the milling‐derived Ag3PS4 glass was found to significantly differ from that of a hyperquenched oxide glass. We observed two decoupled peaks of the energy release during a DSC scan, which are in contrast to the single asymmetric peak of the hyperquenched glass. The low‐temperature peak could be attributed to the β‐relaxation of the Ag–S ionic bonds, whereas the high‐temperature peak could arise from the α‐relaxation of the distorted rigid [PS4] units involving covalent bonds. The decoupling between the two peaks implies the fragile nature of the Ag3PS4 glass. Upon the dynamic heating and the sub‐Tg annealing we found that the relaxation of the Ag3PS4 glass is of high nonexponentiallity, and hence, of high structural heterogeneity.
Exploring the potential role of the advanced nurse practitioner within a care path for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Ryckeghem Hannah , Delesie Liesbeth , Tobback Els , Lievens Stefaan , Vogelaers Dirk , Mariman An
Published: December 2016

Aims

To explore the experiences and expectations of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and general practitioners to develop the potential role of an advanced nurse practitioner at the diagnostic care path of abnormal fatigue developed for regional transmural implementation in the Belgian provinces of East and West Flanders.

Background

Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome experience an incapacitating chronic fatigue that is present for at least 6 months. Since many uncertainties exist about the causes and progression of the disease, patients have to cope with disbelief and scepticism. Access to health care may be hampered, which could lead to inappropriate treatments and guidance.

Design

Qualitative design.

Methods

Individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted with patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and general practitioners in Belgium. Data were collected over 9 months in 2014‐2015. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for qualitative analysis using open explorative thematic coding.

Results

Fifteen patients and 15 general practitioners were interviewed. Three themes were identified: mixed feelings with the diagnosis, lack of one central intermediator and insufficient coordination. Participants stressed the need for education, knowledge and an intermediator to provide relevant information at the right time and to build up a trust relationship.

Conclusion

This qualitative exploration underscores some clear deficiencies in the guidance of patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome and abnormal fatigue. An advanced nurse practitioner as a central intermediator in the transmural care of these patients could promote interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary collaboration and effective communication, provide education and ensure a structured and coordinated approach.
Evaluation of a Social Network Intervention for People with Mild to Borderline Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: van Asselt‐Goverts A. E. , Embregts P. J. C. M. , Hendriks A. H. C.
Published: December 2016

Background

Little is known about the effectiveness of interventions aimed at enhancing the social networks of people with intellectual disabilities. This study explores the results of such an intervention. How did the clients with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities and their support workers evaluate the intervention? What did they learn from it? Were there any changes in network characteristics, satisfaction and wishes in relation to networks, participation, loneliness, self‐determination or self‐esteem?

Method

The evaluation of the intervention was explored from several perspectives (i.e. five clients, their six support workers and three trainers), using mixed methods (i.e. interviews and questionnaires).

Results

The intervention was positively evaluated by both clients and support workers. Moreover, the analysis revealed the vulnerability of clients and their networks but also the benefits experienced from the intervention, such as decreased loneliness, enhanced social networks, increased awareness, competence, autonomy and increased participation.

Conclusion

The indicative level of evidence for the effectiveness of this intervention justifies a larger series of case studies or a larger control trial study.
Job Satisfaction, Quality of Work Life and Work Motivation in Employees with Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kocman Andreas , Weber Germain
Published: December 2016

Background

Current research on employment options for people with Intellectual Disability emphasizes the importance of employee needs and satisfaction. The study aims at systematically reviewing the literature on job satisfaction and related constructs.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted. Studies were included if (i) they are specific to effects of work, (ii) assessed variables are related to job satisfaction, QoWL, attitudes towards work or work motivation and if (iii) studies reported intellectual disability‐specific results. Twenty‐three studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings were classified according to the socio‐cognitive model of job satisfaction.

Results

Current literature suggests high job satisfaction in people with intellectual disability. Predictors of job satisfaction are similar to people without disabilities, albeit the importance of factors differs.

Conclusions

Stronger consideration of well‐established theories and measures from organizational psychology would enhance future research. Findings indicate that high satisfaction ratings might result from lack of control over vocational decisions.
Direct, extended, and mass‐mediated contact with immigrants in Italy: their associations with emotions, prejudice, and humanity perceptions
Authors: Visintin Emilio Paolo , Voci Alberto , Pagotto Lisa , Hewstone Miles
Published: December 2016

Two correlational studies investigated the associations between different forms of intergroup contact, on the one hand, and Italians' prejudice and humanity attributions toward immigrants in Italy, on the other. Study 1 examined the effects of direct contact, extended contact, and parasocial contact through mass‐media, assessing separately contact through TV news and newspapers and contact through entertainment programs. Study 2 analyzed the distinct effects of positive and negative episodes of the contact forms considered in Study 1. Across the studies, we tested the mediational role of intergroup anxiety, empathy, and trust. Overall, results showed the importance of taking into account different forms of contact and considering the emotional processes during contact experiences to understand intergroup attitudes.
Modification of Obstetric Emergency Simulation Scenarios for Realism in a Home‐Birth Setting
Authors: Komorowski Janelle , Andrighetti Tia , Benton Melissa
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Clinical competency and clear communication are essential for intrapartum care providers who encounter high‐stakes, low‐frequency emergencies. The challenge for these providers is to maintain infrequently used skills. The challenge is even more significant for midwives who manage births at home and who, due to low practice volume and low‐risk clientele, may rarely encounter an emergency. In addition, access to team simulation may be limited for home‐birth midwives. This project modified existing validated obstetric simulation scenarios for a home‐birth setting.

Methods

Twelve certified professional midwives (CPMs) in active home‐birth practice participated in shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage simulations. The simulations were staged to resemble home‐birth settings, supplies, and personnel. Fidelity (realism) of the simulations was assessed with the Simulation Design Scale, and satisfaction and self‐confidence were assessed with the Student Satisfaction and Self‐Confidence in Learning Scale. Both utilized a 5‐point Likert scale, with higher scores suggesting greater levels of fidelity, participant satisfaction, and self‐confidence.

Results

Simulation Design Scale scores indicated participants agreed fidelity was achieved for the home‐birth setting, while scores on the Student Satisfaction and Self‐Confidence in Learning indicated high levels of participant satisfaction and self‐confidence.

Discussion

If offered without modification, simulation scenarios designed for use in hospitals may lose fidelity for home‐birth midwives, particularly in the environmental and psychological components. Simulation is standard of care in most settings, an excellent vehicle for maintaining skills, and some evidence suggests it results in improved perinatal outcomes. Additional study is needed in this area to support home‐birth providers in maintaining skills. This pilot study suggests that simulation scenarios intended for hospital use can be successfully adapted to the home‐birth setting.
High‐resolution lipidomics coupled with rapid fixation reveals novel ischemia‐induced signaling in the rat neurolipidome
Authors: Trépanier Marc‐Olivier , Eiden Michael , Morin‐Rivron Delphine , Bazinet Richard P. , Masoodi Mojgan
Published: December 2016

The field of lipidomics has evolved vastly since its creation 15 years ago. Advancements in mass spectrometry have allowed for the identification of hundreds of intact lipids and lipid mediators. However, because of the release of fatty acids from the phospholipid membrane in the brain caused by ischemia, identifying the neurolipidome has been challenging. Microwave fixation has been shown to reduce the ischemia‐induced release of several lipid mediators. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a method combining high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), high‐energy head‐focused microwave fixation and statistical modeling, allowing for the measurement of intact lipids and lipid mediators in order to eliminate the ischemia‐induced release of fatty acids and identify the rat neurolipidome. In this study, we demonstrated the ischemia‐induced production of bioactive lipid mediators, and the reduction in variability using microwave fixation in combination with liquid chromatography (LC)–MS/MS. We have also illustrated for the first time that microwave fixation eliminates the alterations in intact lipid species following ischemia. While many phospholipid species were unchanged by ischemia, other intact lipid classes, such as diacylglycerol, were lower in concentration following microwave fixation compared to ischemia.

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Military to civilian nurse: Personal and professional reconstruction
Authors: Elliott Brenda , Chargualaf Katie A , Patterson Barbara
Published: December 2016

Aims and objectives

To examine and describe the transition process of military nurses from military nursing practice to civilian nursing practice. A second aim was to identify challenges and facilitators to this transition.

Background

Serving in the military, and embodying its values, can have a major impact on a person's worldview. These individuals serve not only as nurses but also as part of a larger military culture with a mission to protect. The decision to separate from the military and transition into the civilian workforce carries many challenges capable of influencing nurses’ personal and professional identities.

Design

Qualitative descriptive.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews of 10 nurse veterans were conducted in 2015–2016. Data were collected until saturation was reached.

Results

The transition includes four major phases from military to civilian nurse: Separating from Military Life, Conflict and Chaos, Shifting Sands and Personal and Professional Reconstruction. Duration and progress through each phase varied slightly for individual nurses.

Conclusions

Both work–role and personal identity transition occur when a nurse leaves the military and enters civilian practice. Military and civilian organisations, in both the USA and other countries, can implement supports to aid these nurses during this personal and professional change. Recommendations from the study group are provided.

Relevance to clinical practice

The global nursing profession, as well as healthcare organisations that employ nurse veterans, has a commitment and obligation to understand the transition process of nurses who practise within the scope of military nursing and later in civilian nursing environments so that they may be supported and used to the extent of their prior experience. Lessons learned and advice from this group of nurses may positively aid others in their transition experience.