bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Headache in the UK Military: Cross‐Sectional and Longitudinal Analyses
Authors: Rona Roberto J. , Jones Margaret , Goodwin Laura , Hull Lisa , Wessely Simon
Published: April 2013

Aims

To assess the importance of service demographic, mental disorders, and deployment factors on headache severity and prevalence, and to assess the impact of headache on functional impairment.

Background

There is no information on prevalence and risk factors of headache in the UK military. Recent US reports suggest that deployment, especially a combat role, is associated with headache. Such an association may have serious consequences on personnel during deployment.

Methods

A survey was carried out between 2004 and 2006 (phase 1) and again between 2007 and 2009 (phase 2) of randomly selected UK military personnel to study the health consequences of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. This study is based on those who participated in phase 2 and includes cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses. Headache severity in the last month and functional impairment at phase 2 were the main outcomes.

Results

Forty‐six percent complained of headache in phase 2, half of whom endorsed moderate or severe headache. Severe headache was strongly associated with probable post‐traumatic stress disorder (multinomial odds ratio [MOR] 9.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.4‐14.2), psychological distress (MOR 6.15, 95% CI 4.8‐7.9), multiple physical symptoms (MOR 18.2, 95% CI 13.4‐24.6) and self‐reported mild traumatic brain injury (MOR 3.5, 95% CI 1.4‐8.6) after adjustment for service demographic factors. Mild headache was also associated with these variables but at a lower level. Moderate and severe headache were associated with functional impairment, but the association was partially explained by mental disorders. Mental ill health was also associated with reporting moderate and severe headache at both phase 1 and phase 2. Deployment and a combat role were not associated with headache.

Conclusion

Moderate and severe headache are common in the military and have an impact on functional impairment. They are more strongly associated with mental disorders than with mild traumatic brain injury.
Screening for Gastric Cancer and Surveillance of Premalignant Lesions: a Systematic Review of Cost‐Effectiveness Studies
Authors: Areia Miguel , Carvalho Rita , Cadime Ana Teresa , Rocha Gonçalves Francisco , Dinis‐Ribeiro Mário
Published: April 2013

Background

Cost‐effectiveness studies are highly dependent on the models, settings, and variables used and should be based on systematic reviews. We systematically reviewed cost‐effectiveness studies that address screening for gastric cancer and/or surveillance of precancerous conditions and lesions.

Materials and Methods

A systematic review of cost‐effectiveness studies was performed by conducting a sensitive search in seven databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Current Contents Connect, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, Academic Search Complete, and CINAHL Plus), independently evaluated by two investigators. Articles were evaluated for type of study, perspective, model, intervention, incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio, clinical or cost variables, and quality, according to published guidelines.

Results

From 2395 abstracts, 23 articles were included: 19 concerning population screening and 4 on following up premalignant lesions. Studies on Helicobacter pylori screening concluded that serology was cost‐effective, depending on cancer incidence and endoscopy cost (incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio: 6264–25,881), and eradication after endoscopic resection was also cost‐effective (dominant) based on one study. Studies on imaging screening concluded that endoscopy was more cost‐effective than no screening (incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio: 3376–26,836). Articles on follow‐up of premalignant lesions reported conflicting results (incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio: 1868–72,519 for intestinal metaplasia; 18,600–39,800 for dysplasia). Quality assessment revealed a unanimous lack of a detailed systematic review and fulfillment of a median number of 23 items (20–26) of 35 possible ones.

Conclusions

The available evidence shows that Helicobacter pylori serology or endoscopic population screening is cost‐effective, while endoscopic surveillance of premalignant gastric lesions presents conflicting results. Better implementation of published guidelines and accomplishment of systematic detailed reviews are needed.
In vitro induction of melanin synthesis and extrusion by tamoxifen
Authors: Matamá T. , Araújo R. , Preto A. , Cavaco‐Paulo A. , Gomes A. C.
Published: April 2013

Synopsis

Objectives

Physical appearance has significant importance psychologically and socially, with skin and hair being of prime relevance. Effective ingredients that modulate melanin synthesis are of growing interest. Tamoxifen, a widely used selective oestrogen receptor modulator, SERM, was described occasionally in medical case reports as causing grey hair repigmentation. This work aimed to study, in vitro, the effect of tamoxifen and 4‐hydroxy‐tamoxifen, one of its most bioactive derivatives, on melanin production in human melanocytes.

Methods

Adult normal human epidermal melanocytes (NHEM) were treated with physiological concentrations of tamoxifen and 4‐hydroxy‐tamoxifen during 72 hours. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage. Total melanin was quantified by spectrophotometry, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) was determined by competitive ELISA. The relative mRNA levels of several genes involved in melanogenesis were investigated by real‐time PCR.

Results

Under the conditions used, the results showed that tamoxifen and 4‐hydroxy‐tamoxifen treatments, none of them toxic to NHEM, induced a time‐dependent increase in the amount of melanin released to the culture medium. cAMP, one of the major second messenger in signalling pathways important to melanogenesis, was decreased after treatment. The transcript levels of genes coding for catalase, premelanosome protein and melan‐A, directly related to skin and hair pigmentation, showed an increased tendency upon tamoxifen and 4‐hydroxy‐tamoxifen treatment. Induction of catalase gene expression in NHEM points towards a promelanogenic effect mediated by ROS.

Conclusion

According to the results, even in such a short treatment period, tamoxifen and 4‐hydroxy‐tamoxifen promoted melanin extrusion and they seem to act as melanogenesis stimulators at the molecular level. Our data suggest that SERMs might be a new tool for increasing melanogenesis and might be of great interest for topical formulations in cosmetic industry.
Low‐Temperature Co‐Fired Ceramics System for Light Absorbance Measurement
Authors: Czok Mateusz J. , Bembnowicz Paweł I. , Golonka Leszek J.
Published: April 2013

The article describes technology of the low‐temperature co‐fired ceramics (LTCC) structure that enables light absorbance measurements of liquid sample. The manufactured ceramic structure contains buried microfluidic channels. The structure consists of two co‐fired glass windows that separate the light source and detector from the test solution. A construction of an electronic measurement system is described as well. The signal from three light‐emitting diodes (LED)s — red, green, and blue — can be used in the absorbance measurements. The light intensity is measured by the TCS 3414CS (TAOS, Plano, TX) color detector. Optical properties of the fabricated microfluidic LTCC system is investigated with several concentrations of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) in water solution. The system can be applied in microbiology for constant monitoring of bacterial growth.
Manufacturing and Characterization of a Deformable Membrane with Integrated Temperature Sensors and Heating Structures in Low Temperature Co‐fired Ceramics
Authors: Gutzeit Nam , Müller Jens , Reinlein Claudia , Gebhardt Sylvia
Published: April 2013

In this article, the challenging manufacturing process of a deformable mirror for the wave front correction of a high energy laser is described. During this process, the low temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) membrane as the base component with integrated sensors must endure several postfire processes at temperatures of up to 900°C without any degradation of the sensors' characteristics. To optimize the sensors, various combinations of resistor and conductor pastes and different geometries are characterized. The usability and the performance of the sensor elements after temperature treatment are investigated by measuring the resistance and its resistance temperature characteristic.
In Vitro Dissolution, Microstructural and Mechanical Characterizations of Microplasma‐Sprayed Hydroxyapatite Coating
Authors: Dey Arjun , Mukhopadhyay Anoop K.
Published: April 2013

Hydroxyapatite coating was developed with high degree of crystallinity on SS316L substrate by the microplasma spraying technique. Systematic in vitro study of the coating was conducted after the immersion into the simulated body fluid for 1–14 days. Inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were utilized for physicochemical and microstructural characterizations. Nanoindentation technique employed to evaluate the nanohardness and Young's modulus of the coating at a constant load of 100 mN. Further, the tribological characteristic was also examined by microscratch testing at a ramping normal load of 10–10.6 N.
Shaping the Future of Ceramics for Aerospace Applications
Authors: Steyer Todd E.
Published: April 2013

Aerospace was one of several parallel tracks at the 4th International Congress on Ceramics. Three prominent areas for application of ceramic technology to aerospace were discussed: propulsion and exhaust washed structures, thermal protection systems, and hot primary structure. Whereas ceramics are not new to aerospace, their application heretofore has been rather limited. Beyond directly working the technical maturity of various ceramic matrix composite, thermal protection, and ultra‐high‐temperature ceramic materials and systems, specific efforts are required to fully transition these materials for aerospace applications, to nurture the technology through to application, and to address affordability.
Experienced teachers' perspectives on priorities for improved intelligible pronunciation: The case of Japanese learners of English
Authors: Saito Kazuya
Published: April 2013

The current study was designed as an exploratory investigation of the usefulness of experienced teachers' perspectives as a means to identify teaching and learning priorities for a particular group of L2 learners (i.e. native speakers of Japanese (NJs) learning English in EFL settings) to acquire intelligible pronunciation. A total of 120 experienced teachers (61 native speakers of English (NEs) and 59 NJs) rated 25 problematic features on a 5‐point scale ranging from “very important to teach” to “not very important to teach.” The ordered ranking suggests the teachers' opinion is that the syllabus needs to include not only (a) pronunciation problems which are generally problematic in other ESL/EFL classrooms but also (b) sound features which are highly specific to NJs. The construct validity of the experienced teachers' judgment will be discussed in light of relevant findings in L2 pronunciation research.
Mathematical Sociology in Japan: Its Powerful Development and a Problem
Authors: Sato Yoshimichi
Published: April 2013

Mathematical sociology in Japan was born in the mid‐1970s and has actively developed since then. Mathematical sociologists in Japan have studied various topics of mathematical sociology as well as of quantitative sociology. The Japanese Association for Mathematical Sociology (JAMS) was established in 1986. It holds semi‐annual conferences and publishes Sociological Theory and Methods, its official journal. Thus, the JAMS is a platform for mathematical sociologists in Japan to present and publish papers, contributing to the institutionalization of mathematical sociology in Japan. It has also co‐sponsored five joint conferences with the Section on Mathematical Sociology of the American Sociological Association. Based on these activities, mathematical sociology in Japan could be judged to be vibrant domestically and internationally; it has a bright future. I argue, however, that mathematical sociologists in Japan have tended to confine themselves to areas where mathematical modeling is relatively easy. These areas are not necessarily attractive to sociologists in other fields. I propose that mathematical sociologists in Japan should tackle social phenomena that other sociologists think are critical to sociology so that they further contribute to advances in the discipline.
Sociologization, Pedagogization, and Resociologization: Has the Post‐war Japanese Sociology of Education Suffered from the Galapagos Syndrome?
Authors: Nakamura Takayasu
Published: April 2013

When considering the trends in the Japanese sociology of education over the 70 years since the end of World War II, there have been several significant changes in the nature and social position of the sociology of education within the academic history of expansion and development. These changes can be further understood by focusing on: (i) the relationship between the sociology of education in Japan and research trends in Western sociology; (ii) the relationship between the sociology of education and pedagogy in Japan; and (iii) the relationship between the sociology of education and changes in Japanese society itself. This paper focuses on these three relationships to provide an overview of the characteristics and the future direction of post‐war Japanese sociology of education. The keywords of this paper will be sociologization, pedagogization, resociologization, and the Galapagos syndrome. The post‐war Japanese sociology of education has not suffered from the Galapagos syndrome. However, it is evident that it lacks transmission of research results to other countries. So, the future task for Japanese researchers in the sociology of education is to demonstrate the significance of their research on Japanese education to international sociology of education markets. To achieve a more generalized perspective and regain a sense of equilibrium within the Japanese sociology of education, a “resociologization” will be required for the sociology of education in Japan, though the Japanese sociology of education especially seems to be experiencing a pedagogization.
Defining nurse regulation and regulatory body performance: a policy Delphi study
Authors: Benton D.C. , González‐Jurado M.A. , Beneit‐Montesinos J.V.
Published: April 2013

Context

Professional self‐regulation is a privilege and needs to deliver against the underpinning social contract between the professional and citizens who are receiving care and services.

Aims

The aims of this study were to generate, international consensus on a contemporary definition of professional nurse regulation; and to articulate the key features of a highly performing regulatory body, and postulate which regulatory model and administrative arrangements are best suited to attain the key features.

Method

A highly diverse and globally recruited random stratified sample of 75 experts was approached to participate in a classic three‐round policy Delphi study. Quantitative and qualitative data were generated and subjected to thematic and statistical analysis. Both non‐parametric and descriptive statistical techniques were used in relation to quantitative data.

Results

Consensus on a revision of the current International Council of Nurses definition of professional nurse regulation was developed and a set of 47 key features of high‐performing regulatory bodies was agreed. Although a strong preference for the delegated self‐regulatory model (43%) and single‐board administrative approach (48%) was expressed the underlying rationale for such a preference was unclear.

Conclusion

The research makes an important contribution to an underdeveloped field of study. The case for conducting more quantitative investigations to ascertain the best regulatory model and associated administrative approach has been made.
Global pension systems and their reform: Worldwide drivers, trends and challenges
Authors: Holzmann Robert
Published: April 2013

Across the world, pension systems and their reforms are in a constant state of flux driven by a shifting focus, moving reform needs, and a changing enabling environment that reflect objective events but also changes in views and perception. The ongoing worldwide financial crisis and the adjustment to an uncertain “new normal” will make future pension systems different from past ones. The objectives of this article are: i) to briefly review recent and ongoing key changes that are triggering reforms; ii) to outline the main reform trends across pension pillars over the last two decades; and iii) to present key policy areas on which the pension reform community will need to focus to make a difference.
Professional competence of practising nurses
Authors: Numminen Olivia , Meretoja Riitta , Isoaho Hannu , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: April 2013

Aims and objectives

To compare nurse competence in terms of its quality and frequency of action in medical, surgical, paediatric/obstetric/gynaecological and psychiatric clinical fields.

Background

One challenge of current health care is to target practising nurses' competencies to optimal use. Therefore, a systematic assessment of nurse competence is justified. Studies using the Nurse Competence Scale have found that nurses' competence is on a good or very good level and it increases with age and work experience.

Design

A cross‐sectional comparative survey using the Nurse Competence Scale.

Methods

A purposive sample of 2083 nurses in a major University Hospital in Finland participated in this study in 2007–2008. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics' anova with Bonferroni correction, and Pearson/Spearman correlation coefficients were used to analyse the data.

Results

The overall level of competence of nurses was good, and the quality of action correlated positively with the frequency of action. Nurses in the psychiatric field reached somewhat higher overall mean scores than nurses in other clinical fields. On item level, nurses seemed to be the most competent in actions related to immediate individualised patient care, the maintenance of their own professional competence and commitment to nursing ethics. Age and particularly work experience were positively correlated with the competence.

Conclusion

Findings from this large data corroborate previous study results on the category level assessment of nurse competence using the Nurse Competence Scale indicating a good level of competence. On item level, findings revealed more detailed themes of nurse competence, which complements earlier knowledge retrieved from the category level analysis and could be used to target nurses' competencies to even more optimal use.

Relevance to clinical practice

Competence assessment and targeted interventions are recommended as tools for the management for planning nurses' career development and continuing education to ensure competent and motivated work force and high‐quality care.
Effect of silencing the two major tomato fruit pectin methylesterase isoforms on cell wall pectin metabolism
Authors: Wen B. , Ström A. , Tasker A. , West G. , Tucker G. A.
Published: April 2013

Post‐harvest storage is largely limited by fruit softening, a result of cell wall degradation. Pectin methylesterase (PE) (EC3.1.1.11) is a major hydrolase responsible for pectin de‐esterification in the cell wall, a response to fruit ripening. Two majorPEisoforms,PE1 andPE2, have been isolated from tomato (Solanum lycopersicon) pericarp tissue and both have previously been down‐regulated using antisense suppression. In this paper,PE1andPE2double antisense tomato plants were successfully generated through crossing the two single antisense lines. In the double antisense fruit, approximately 10% of normalPEactivity remained and ripening associated pectin de‐esterification was almost completely blocked. However, double antisense fruit softened normally during ripening. In tomato fruit, thePE1 isoform was found to contribute little to totalPEactivity and have little effect on the degree of esterification of pectin. In contrast, the other dominant fruit isoform,PE2, has a major impact on de‐esterification of total pectin.PE2 appears to act on non‐CDTA‐soluble pectin during ripening and onCDTA‐soluble pectin before the start of ripening in a potentially block‐wise fashion.
Reproducing Actions, Reproducing Power: Local Ideologies and Everyday Practices of Participation at a California Community Bike Shop
Authors: Arnold Lynnette
Published: April 2013

The study of participation within linguistic anthropology has developed a nuanced understanding of participant roles and examined the process by which such roles are enacted in participation frameworks. This paper examines what I call modes of engagement, that is, role‐based differential use of forms of embodied and linguistic participation. I argue that such engagement modes are central in defining and differentiating participant roles themselves. The analysis focuses on data gathered at a bilingual bicycle‐repair shop with an overtly prescriptive ideology of participation. Ethnographic and interactional analysis demonstrates that such ideologies both influence and are shaped by local practices, and have material consequences for who can participate and how they do so.
Fluorine‐Free Synthesis of Well‐Dispersed Hollow TiO2 Spheres via Ostwald Ripening: Process, Mechanism, and Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Qi , Gao Shian , Shang Jian Ku
Published: April 2013

Well‐dispersed hollow TiO2 spheres were synthesized via Ostwald ripening through a fluorine‐free solvothermal process in a n‐PrOH/H2O mixed solvent. Several commonly used acids, such as HNO3, HCl, and H2SO4, were found to be effective as the ripening‐directing agent to replace the highly corrosive HF, and the hollow TiO2 sphere size could be modulated by varying the reactant concentrations. The effects of the solvents and reactants were explored in details, which demonstrated that four important criteria existed in this fluorine‐free process to create well‐dispersed hollow TiO2 spheres, including the utilization of n‐PrOH/H2O mixed solvent, certain degree of acidity, coexistence of different acids, and the existence of SO42− in the reaction solution. After calcination for a better crystallization, these hollow TiO2 spheres were composed of pure anatase phase, and had a good photocatalytic degradation performance on RhB under UV illumination.
Effect of Surface Concentration of Lu on Oxygen Permeation of Polycrystalline Alumina at High Temperatures
Authors: Wada Masashi , Matsudaira Tsuneaki , Kato Takeharu , Kitaoka Satoshi
Published: April 2013

The effect of Lu surface concentration on oxygen permeation in polycrystalline α‐alumina wafers was determined at 1773 K under limited oxygen potential gradients (Δ), where the two surfaces of the wafer were deliberately subjected to different oxygen partial pressures [ (I) ≪  (II)]. When oxygen permeation occurred mainly by oxygen GB diffusion under a Δ generated by a combination of low values, the Lu‐coating on the (I) [ (II)] surface decreased [increased] the oxygen permeability constants. When Δ was the result of a combination of high values, where oxygen permeation proceeded mainly by aluminum GB diffusion, the oxygen permeability constants were decreased only by the Lu‐coating on the (I) surface. The analysis of mass transfer parameters, such as the chemical potentials, GB diffusion coefficients, and fluxes of aluminum and oxygen in the wafers, suggested that ambient oxygen molecules were effectively attracted toward Lu‐coated surfaces exposed to low‐ environments, leading to a change in oxygen permeability.
Synthesis and Characteristics of Superparamagnetic Co0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 Nanoparticles by a Modified Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Ri , Zhao Xiruo , Zhang Yajun , Zhao Jinliang , Li Feng
Published: April 2013

Nanoparticles of Co0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4, with narrow size distribution, regular morphology, and high saturation magnetization, have been synthesized. The synthesis, involved a very rapid mixing of reducible metal cations with sodium borohydride, is carried out in a colloid mill and followed by a separate hydrothermal process. The microstructure and magnetic properties of the synthesized nanoparticles are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The effects of different synthesis conditions (synthesis temperature and reaction time) on the characteristics of the ferrite nanoparticles are discussed. The changes in cation contribution are revealed by the Raman study. The magnetic measurements explore that all the as‐synthesized samples are superparamagnetic in nature. The corresponding superparamagnetic behavior is explained by paramagnetic Langevin theory. Note that, the superparamagnetic Co0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 ferrite nanoparticle, with excellent performance, can be synthesized at 160°C for a short reaction time (4 h).
High‐Temperature Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Properties of ZnO/ZrSiO4 Composite Ceramics
Authors: Kong Luo , Yin Xiaowei , Li Quan , Ye Fang , Liu Ye , Duo Guiying , Yuan Xiaowen
Published: April 2013

Owing to the widespread presence of electromagnetic interferences, it is necessary to develop new materials with excellent high‐temperature electromagnetic wave (EM) absorption properties. In the present work, ZnO is infiltrated into porous ZrSiO4 substrates to form ZnO/ZrSiO4 composite ceramics using sol‐gel process. The doping of aluminum results in the improvement of electrical conductivity and the significant change in the morphology of ZnO. With the increase in environment temperature during measurement, the permittivity of the composite ceramics increases first and then decreases dramatically, which is attributed to the change in conductive loss. The electrical conductivity increases with increasing measurement temperature. However, the concentration of oxygen vacancies decreases under air atmosphere when the measurement temperature increases continuously, which results in the reduction in conductivity. Therefore, permittivities of the undoped and doped ceramics measured at 673 K are higher than the ones at the other temperatures. The composite ceramics maintain a relatively high EM absorption coefficient, low reflection coefficient (RC), and wide effective absorption bandwidth at environment temperatures up to 773 K. As a result, we conclude that the ZnO/ZrSiO4 composite ceramics exhibit a promising prospect as a kind of high‐temperature EM absorbing material.
Investigation on Energy Transfer and Luminescent Properties of K3Gd(PO4)2:RE3+ (RE = Eu, Tb) Under UV and VUV Excitation
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Wang Dan , Wang Yuhua , Zhang Jiachi , Tao Haibo
Published: April 2013

K3Gd(PO4)2:RE3+ (RE = Eu, Tb) are prepared by solid‐state reaction and their photoluminescence (PL) properties are investigated under UV and VUV excitation, respectively. The obtained experimental data show that no energy transfer happens among the activator ions Tb3+ or Eu3+ under UV excitation. Under 147‐nm excitation, the strongest emission intensity of K3Gd(PO4)2:RE3+ (RE = Eu, Tb) is obtained when the activator ions Tb3+ or Eu3+ concentration is 0.8 mol, the integrate emission intensity of K3Gd0.2(PO4)2:0.8Tb3+ is about 204% of commercial phosphor Zn1.96SiO4:0.04Mn2+ with chromaticity coordinates of (0.340, 0.561) and the decay time of about 5.09 ms under 147‐nm excitation. We analyze the experimental data and propose a possible energy‐transfer mechanism under 147‐nm excitation.
Flash Sintering of Anode–Electrolyte Multilayers for SOFC Applications
Authors: Francis John S. C. , Cologna Marco , Montinaro Dario , Raj Rishi
Published: April 2013

We show that multilayer green tapes constituted from sandwiched layers of NiO–zirconia anode and cubic zirconia electrolyte can be sintered below 1000°C in a few seconds under the influence of a DC electric field. The sintering yields a dense electrolyte layer with minor closed porosity, and an anode layer with open porosity, and, most importantly, a multilayer that is largely devoid of defects and delamination.
DECR1 and ME1 genotypes are associated with lipid composition traits in Duroc pigs
Authors: Ramírez O. , Quintanilla R. , Varona L. , Gallardo D. , Díaz I. , Pena R.N. , Amills M.
Published: April 2013

Variation at the porcine DECR1 and ME1 genes has been associated with meat quality traits and backfat thickness in Landrace pigs, respectively. However, it has not been investigated yet whether DECR1 and ME1 genotypes influence lipid composition. With this aim, we have genotyped two missense DECR1 substitutions (c.160G>C and c.437G>C) and one silent ME1 (c.576C>T) polymorphism in 361 Duroc barrows distributed in five half‐sib families and phenotyped for serum lipid concentrations and intramuscular fat content and composition traits. At the whole‐population level, relevant associations, that is, with a posterior probability of the allele substitution effect to be over or below zero (PPN0) > 0.90, were observed between DECR1 genotype and serum cholesterol (CHOL) (PPN0 = 0.932) and LDL concentrations (PPN0 = 0.945) at 190 days, as well as between ME1 genotype and longissimus dorsi saturated fatty acid content (PPN0 = 0.924). At the within‐family level, we found relevant associations between DECR1 and ME1 genotypes and diverse lipid composition traits, but most of them were family‐specific. Discrepancies in allele substitution effects estimated in half‐sib families might be produced by many factors such as number of individuals, marker allele frequencies and informativeness in each family, unaccounted random genetic and environmental effects, epistasis and family‐specific differences in the linkage phase or amount of linkage disequilibrium between causal and marker mutations. This lack of consistency across families, combined with the fact that the ME1 mutation is synonymous and that the two DECR1 polymorphisms are conservative, suggests that the associations found are not causative.
Direct and maternal genetic effects for preweaning growth in Retinta cattle estimated by a longitudinal approach throughout the calving trajectory of the cow
Authors: Morales R. , Menéndez‐Buxadera A. , Avilés C. , Molina A.
Published: April 2013

The direct and maternal genetic effects were estimated for the preweaning growth of Retinta calves with a multitrait model across parities, using a longitudinal approach with random regression models (RRM). The 120 (P120) and 180 days (P180) weights (5972 calves) were considered as different traits in each calving. The heritability of direct effect across parities was on average 0.37 for P120 and 0.58 for P180, slightly higher than the estimates by univariate (0.30 and 0.56) and bivariate models (0.30 and 0.51, respectively). The heritability for maternal effects was 0.16 for P120 and 0.26 for P180 and very similar by uni‐ (0.16 and 0.23) and multivariate model (0.16 and 0.22, respectively). The correlation between direct and maternal effects by RRM showed a pronounced antagonism −0.64 for P120 and −0.78 for P180), likewise uni‐ (−0.62 and −0.72) and multivariate case (−0.64 and −0.74, respectively). The preweaning weights should be considered as different traits across parities, because the genetic correlations were different from unity. The RRM also allowed us to estimate all the parameters throughout the calving trajectory of the cow. The use of multiple traits RRM across parities can provide very useful information for the breeding programmes.
Children with ASD can use gaze in support of word recognition and learning
Authors: McGregor Karla K. , Rost Gwyneth , Arenas Rick , Farris‐Trimble Ashley , Stiles Derek
Published: April 2013

Background

Many children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) struggle to understand familiar words and learn unfamiliar words. We explored the extent to which these problems reflect deficient use of probabilistic gaze in the extra‐linguistic context.

Method

Thirty children with ASD and 43 with typical development (TD) participated in a spoken word recognition and mapping task. They viewed photographs of a woman behind three objects and simultaneously heard a word. For word recognition, the objects and words were familiar and the woman gazed ahead (neutral), toward the named object (facilitative), or toward an un‐named object (contradictory). For word mapping, the objects and words were unfamiliar and only the neutral and facilitative conditions were employed. The children clicked on the named object, registering accuracy and reaction time.

Results

Speed of word recognition did not differ between groups but varied with gaze such that responses were fastest in the facilitative condition and slowest in the contradictory condition. Only the ASD group responded slower to low frequency than high‐frequency words. Accuracy of word mapping did not differ between groups, but accuracy varied with gaze with higher performance in the facilitative than neutral condition. Both groups scored above single‐trial chance levels in the neutral condition by tracking cross‐situational information. Only in the ASD group did mapping vary with receptive vocabulary.

Conclusions

Under laboratory conditions, children with ASD can monitor gaze and judge its reliability as a cue to word meaning as well as typical peers. The use of cross‐situational statistics to support word learning may be problematic for those who have weak language abilities.
The ATP‐binding Cassette Transporter OsABCG15 is Required for Anther Development and Pollen Fertility in Rice
Authors: Niu Bai‐Xiao , He Fu‐Rong , He Ming , Ren Ding , Chen Le‐Tian , Liu Yao‐Guang
Published: April 2013

Plant male reproductive development is a complex biological process, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Here, we characterized a rice (Oryza sativa L.) male sterile mutant. Based on map‐based cloning and sequence analysis, we identified a 1,459‐bp deletion in an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter gene, OsABCG15, causing abnormal anthers and male sterility. Therefore, we named this mutant osabcg15. Expression analysis showed that OsABCG15 is expressed specifically in developmental anthers from stage 8 (meiosis II stage) to stage 10 (late microspore stage). Two genes CYP704B2 and WDA1, involved in the biosynthesis of very‐long‐chain fatty acids for the establishment of the anther cuticle and pollen exine, were downregulated in osabcg15 mutant, suggesting that OsABCG15 may play a key function in the processes related to sporopollenin biosynthesis or sporopollenin transfer from tapetal cells to anther locules. Consistently, histological analysis showed that osabcg15 mutants developed obvious abnormality in postmeiotic tapetum degeneration, leading to rapid degredation of young microspores. The results suggest that OsABCG15 plays a critical role in exine formation and pollen development, similar to the homologous gene of AtABCG26 in Arabidopsis. This work is helpful to understand the regulatory network in rice anther development.
α2A adrenoceptor‐mediated presynaptic inhibition of GABAergic transmission in rat tuberomammillary nucleus neurons
Authors: Nakamura Michiko , Suk Kyungho , Lee Maan‐Gee , Jang Il‐Sung
Published: April 2013

Histaminergic neurons within the tuberomammillary nucleus (TMN) play an important role in the regulation of sleep‐wakefulness. Here, we report the adrenergic modulation of GABAergic transmission in rat TMN histaminergic neurons using a conventional whole‐cell patch clamp technique. Norepinephrine (NE) reversibly decreased the amplitude of action potential‐dependent GABAergic inhibitory post‐synaptic currents (IPSCs) and increased the paired pulse ratio. The NE‐induced inhibition of GABAergic IPSCs was mimicked by clonidine, a selective α2 adrenoceptor agonist. However, cirazoline and isoproterenol, nonselective α1 and β adrenoceptor agonists, respectively, had no effect on GABAergic IPSCs. The NE‐induced inhibition of GABAergic IPSCs was significantly blocked by BRL44408, a selective α2A adrenoceptor antagonist, but not imiloxan or JP1302, a selective α2B and α2C adrenoceptor antagonists. The extent of NE‐induced inhibition of GABAergic IPSCs was inversely proportional to the extracellular Ca2+ concentration. Pharmacological agents affecting the activities of adenylyl cyclase or G‐protein‐coupled inwardly rectifying K+ channels did not affect the NE‐induced inhibition of GABAergic IPSCs. However, NE had no effect on the frequency and amplitude of GABAergic miniature IPSCs. These results suggest that NE acts on presynaptic α2A adrenoceptor to inhibit action potential‐dependent GABA release via the inhibition of Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space to GABAergic nerve terminals, and that this α2A adrenoceptor‐mediated modulation of GABAergic transmission may be involved in regulating the excitability of TMN histaminergic neurons.
Retinal cell type‐specific prevention of ischemia‐induced damages by LPS‐TLR4 signaling through microglia
Authors: Halder Sebok K. , Matsunaga Hayato , Ishii Ken J. , Akira Shizuo , Miyake Kensuke , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: April 2013

Reprogramming of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) by brief ischemia or lipopolysacharide (LPS) contributes to superintending tolerance against destructive ischemia in brain. However, beneficial roles of TLR4 signaling in ischemic retina are not well known. This study demonstrated that preconditioning with LPS 48 h prior to the retinal ischemia prevents the cellular damage in morphology with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and functions of retina with electroretinogram (ERG), while post‐ischemia treatment deteriorated it. The preventive effects of LPS preconditioning showed the cell type‐specificity of retinal cells. There was complete rescue of ganglion cells, partial rescue of bipolar and photoreceptor cells or no rescue of amacrine cells, respectively. LPS treatment caused the proliferation and migration of retinal microglia and its preconditioning prevented the ischemia‐induced microglial activation. Preventive actions from cell damages following LPS preconditioning prior to retinal ischemia were abolished in TLR4 knock‐out mice, and by pre‐treatments with anti‐TLR4 antibody or minocycline, a microglia inhibitor, which themselves had no effects on the retinal ischemia‐induced damages or microglia activation. Thus, this study revealed that TLR4 mediates the LPS preconditioning‐induced preventive effects through microglial activation in the retinal ischemia model.
The Effects of Stock Lending on Security Prices: An Experiment
Authors: KAPLAN STEVEN N. , MOSKOWITZ TOBIAS J. , SENSOY BERK A.
Published: April 2013

We examine the impact of short selling by conducting a randomized stock lending experiment. Working with a large, anonymous money manager, we create an exogenous and sizeable shock to the supply of lendable shares by taking high loan fee stocks in the manager's portfolio and randomly making available and withholding stocks from the lending market. The experiment ran in two independent phases: the first, from September 5 to 18, 2008, with over $580 million of securities lent, and the second, from June 5 to September 30, 2009, with over $250 million of securities lent. While the supply shocks significantly reduce market lending fees and raise quantities, we find no evidence that returns, volatility, skewness, or bid–ask spreads are affected. The results provide novel evidence on the impact of shorting supply and do not indicate any adverse effects on stock prices from securities lending.
The positive inotropic effect of the ethyl acetate fraction from Erythrina velutina leaves on the mammalian myocardium: the role of adrenergic receptors
Authors: Passos Amilton Gustavo da Silva , Gondim Antônio Nei Santana , Roman-Campos Danilo , Cruz Jader Santos , Conde-Garcia Eduardo Antônio , Araújo Neto Vítor , Estevam Charles Santos , Cerqueira Sandra Valéria Santos , Brandão Geraldo Célio , Oliveira Alaíde Braga , de Vasconcelos Carla Maria Lins
Published: April 2013

Objectives

We studied the effects of ethyl acetate fraction (EAcF) obtained from Erythrina velutina leaves on mammalian myocardium.

Methods

The effect of EAcF on the contractility was studied using guinea-pig left atria mounted in a tissue bath (Tyrode's solution, 29°C, 95% CO2, 5% O2) and electrically stimulated (1 Hz). Concentration-response curves of EAcF were obtained in the presence of propranolol (1 μm), nifedipine (1 μm) and in reserpinized animals (5 mg/kg). The involvement of l-type calcium current (ICa,L) on the EAcF effect was observed in cardiomyocytes of mice assessed using patch-clamp technique.

Key findings

EAcF (550 μg/ml) had a positive inotropic effect, increasing the atrial force by 164% (EC50 = 157 ± 44 μg/ml, n = 6), but it was less potent than isoproterenol (EC50 = 0.0036 ± 0.0019 μg/ml, n = 8). The response evoked by EAcF was abolished by propranolol or nifedipine. Reserpine did not alter the inotropic response of EAcF. Furthermore, an enhancement of the ICa,L peak (31.2%) with EAcF was observed. Chemical analysis of EAcF revealed the presence of at least 10 different flavonoid glycoside derivatives. Two were identified as vicenin II and isorhoifolin.

Conclusions

We conclude that EAcF increases the cardiac contractile force by increasing the l-type calcium current and activating the adrenergic receptor pathway.
The impact of mixed, hope and forgiveness‐focused marital counselling on interpersonal cognitive distortions of couples filing for divorce
Authors: Navidian A. , Bahari F.
Published: April 2013

Accessible summary

Hope and forgiveness are effective strategies for reducing family conflicts. These are two modern approaches for resolving marital conflicts. Merging hope‐ and forgiveness‐focused interventions can be used to decrease irrational marital beliefs among couples. Divorce is the most common outcome of conflicts among couples, who seek counselling going through the process of divorce.

The study explores the effects of mixed, hope‐ and forgiveness‐focused interventions on couples filing for divorce in Isfahan, Iran. In hope‐focused counselling, it seeks to strengthen relationship of married couples and reduce the rate of divorce. Forgiveness is a curative approach used in marriage therapy, suggested for helping manage the feelings of resentment and anger related to being hurt by separation.

Results emphasize that hope‐oriented interventions had no effect on the total number of interpersonal cognitive distortions in comparison with the control group. A similar pattern was observed in the forgiveness group. In contrast, a comparison of the mixed and control groups revealed significant differences, indicating that mixed interventions were significantly more effective than a non‐intervention control period in reducing the two dimensions of interpersonal irrational expectations and misconceptions among divorcing couples.

Divorce and conflict are overlapping processes. Previous findings suggest that spirituality‐related interventions in mental health nursing may play a significant role in reducing the level and amount of conflict. We examined the effects of hope and forgiveness‐focused marital counselling and a combination of the two intervention types on interpersonal cognitive distortions of couples filing for divorce in Isfahan, Iran. We conducted a quasi‐experimental study with a pre‐test and post‐test design. Of 440 couples referred to the Crisis Intervention Center undergoing pre‐divorce counselling, 60 were randomly assigned to four groups: hope‐focused, forgiveness‐focused, mixed and control. Data were gathered using the Interpersonal Cognitive Distortions Scale and analysed using the non‐parametric Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney's U and Wilcoxon tests. Hope‐ and forgiveness‐focused interventions did not have a significant effect on the total number of interpersonal cognitive distortions in comparison with the control group. However, the mixed intervention significantly reduced irrational expectations and interpersonal rejection among couples. Combining hope‐ and forgiveness‐focused interventions can be used to decrease irrational marital beliefs among couples. In addition, rating the level of conflict among couples is important for determining the type of intervention that should be used by mental health nurses (psycho‐educational or therapeutic).
Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Hyaluronic Acid Vaginal Gel to Ease Vaginal Dryness: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled, Open-Label, Parallel-Group, Clinical Trial
Authors: Chen Junya , Geng Li , Song Xuehong , Li Hongxia , Giordan Nicola , Liao Qinping
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Atrophic vaginitis is a common occurrence, particularly among postmenopausal women; however, few seek or receive treatment. One therapeutic solution is topically applied products. Estrogen-based treatments have been shown to be effective; however, many patients are reluctant to use such formulations due to health concerns, hence the need to assess the efficacy of acceptable alternatives.

Aim

This multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label, parallel-group clinical trial set out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid vaginal gel to treat vaginal dryness compared with estriol cream in postmenopausal women.

Methods

One hundred forty-four subjects were randomized, 72 to the test group treated with hyaluronic acid vaginal gel (Hyalofemme) and 72 to the control group treated with estriol cream (Ovestin). Treatment in both groups was applied by means of a device once every 3 days for a total of 10 applications over 30 days.

Main Outcome Measures

Efficacy was measured by grading vaginal dryness and three other vaginal symptoms on a visual analog scale. Safety assessments included vital signs, laboratory examinations of the vaginal microecosystem, vaginal pH value, vaginal B ultrasound, and incidence of adverse events. Assessments were performed at baseline, by telephone after the third application, and at the final visit.

Results

Both hyaluronic acid vaginal gel and estriol cream can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women, with improvement rate of 84.44% and 89.42%, respectively, after 10 applications, without statistically significant difference between them.

Conclusion

Both hyaluronic acid vaginal gel and estriol cream are effective in the treatment of vaginal dryness. Hyaluronic acid vaginal gel may be considered as a valid alternative to estrogen-based treatments in relieving the symptoms of vaginal dryness.