bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring the Near‐surface Urban Heat Island in Beijing, China by Satellite Remote Sensing
Authors: XU YONGMING , LIU YONGHONG
Published: November 2014

Urban heat island (UHI) effect is an important impact factor of the regional climate and ecological environment. How to observe and analyse the spatial distribution of UHI has become an important issue of urban environmental research. In this paper, the near‐surface air temperature of Beijing was derived based on the Landsat/TM satellite imagery on 26 July 2011 to study the near‐surface UHI. A statistical model at 195‐m window size was established to estimate the air temperature, using land surface temperature, normalized difference vegetation index, altitude, and surface albedo as independent variables. The mean absolute error (MAE) of the model was 0.87°C, and the R2 was 0.66, indicating that the method can be used to effectively estimate the air temperature. The air temperature distribution obtained from remote sensing revealed that the UHI effect in Beijing was very significant and showed a concentrated pattern. The heat island intensity was stronger in the southern part than in the northern part of the city. In addition, the relationship between the air temperature and impervious surfaces was analysed. The air temperature increased with increasing impervious surface coverage, and the rate of change depended on the impervious surface coverage. When the impervious surface coverage was below 40 per cent, the temperature increased rapidly with increasing impervious surface coverage, and when the impervious surface coverage was above 40 per cent, the temperature increased slowly. This study provides a new approach to monitor near‐surface UHI and reveals its relationship with impervious surface, providing a scientific reference for urban planning and environmental assessment.
Blood Flows in Tributaries of the Portal Vein: Anatomical and Angiographic Studies in Normal Beagle Dogs
Authors: Mogicato G. , Vautravers G. , Meynaud‐Collard P. , Deviers A. , Sautet J.
Published: November 2014

Liver anatomy, particularly its vascularization, has been investigated in many studies in dogs. Knowledge of blood flow from the main tributaries of the portal vein (PV) is necessary to explain the preferential sites of secondary lesions within the liver based on the site of the initial malignant lesion. How these flows come together was established in an earlier ex vivo study. Here, we highlight in vivo the blood flows from the main PV tributaries and their distribution in the liver of normal dogs. Portographs of the main PV tributaries were obtained in seven dogs after injection of an angiographic contrast medium. After euthanasia, the livers and their portal vascularization (PV and tributaries) were extracted for a comparative corrosion cast study. Flows were demonstrated in the cranial mesenteric vein, caudal mesenteric vein and splenic vein. However, no proper flow could be distinguished for the gastroduodenal and ileocolic veins. All these tributaries primarily supply the lateral liver lobes (right or left). Most of our observations indicate that the cranial mesenteric, caudal mesenteric and splenic veins primarily supply the right lateral lobe and the caudate process of the caudate lobe and secondarily the left lateral lobe, left medial lobe and the quadrate lobe. The two other tributaries (gastroduodenal and ileocolic veins) primarily supply the right lateral lobe and the caudate process of the caudate lobe.
Exploitation of sperm‐Escherichia coli interaction at the receptor‐ligand level for the development of anti‐receptor antibodies as the vaginal contraceptive
Authors: Kaur K. , Kaur S. , Prabha V.
Published: November 2014

In an earlier work performed in our laboratory, we have been able to isolate a sperm receptor (SR) from human spermatozoa playing critical role in fertilization using sperm–‐E. coli interactions at the receptor‐ligand level. It has been hypothesized that for the development of an immunocontraceptive, antibodies generated against the SR should have the ability to impair sperm parameters. In this league, an attempt was made to generate anti‐SR antibodies and their effect on sperm parameters such as motility, viability, Mg2+‐dependent ATPase activity, acrosome status, and apoptotic index was examined. Loss of sperm motility was observed with 100% agglutination. Interaction of anti‐SR antibodies with spermatozoa resulted in reduced Mg2+‐dependent ATPase activity (1020 ± 0.53%), premature acrosomal loss (61.5 ± 0.67%) as well as induced apoptosis (58.76 ± 2.5%). The induction of sperm damage was specifically because of anti‐SR polyclonal antibodies as it could be mitigated by the addition of purified SR. Further, when in vivo efficacy of anti‐SR antibodies was checked, results showed that a single intravaginal administration with anti‐SR antibodies in female BALB/c mice led to the failure of conception. However, simultaneous administration of SR with anti‐SR polyclonal antibodies resulted in sustenance of fertility. Infertility induced by anti‐SR antibodies did not show any other tissue pathology; hence the present work highlights the potential of anti‐SR polyclonal antibodies to be used as a vaginal contraceptive.
Identification of known and novel germ cell cancer‐specific (embryonic) miRs in serum by high‐throughput profiling
Authors: Rijlaarsdam M. A. , van Agthoven T. , Gillis A. J. M. , Patel S. , Hayashibara K. , Lee K. Y. , Looijenga L. H. J.
Published: November 2014

microRNAs (miRs) are short non‐coding RNA molecules (≈21 nucleotides) involved in regulation of translation. As such they are crucial for normal cell development and differentiation as well as cellular maintenance. Dysregulation of miRs has been reported in various diseases, including cancer. Interestingly, miRs can be informative as tumor classifiers and disease biomarkers. Recent studies demonstrated the presence of miRs in body fluids like serum, thus providing a putative non‐invasive tool to study and monitor disease state. Earlier targeted studies by several independent groups identified specific embryonic miRs as characteristic for germ cell tumors (GCT) (miR‐371‐2‐3 & miR‐302/367 clusters). This study reports a high‐throughput miR profiling (≈750 miRs) approach on serum from testicular germ cell tumor patients (14 seminoma and 10 non‐seminoma) and controls (n = 11), aiming at independent identification of miRs as candidate biomarkers for testicular GCT. A magnetic bead capture system was used to isolate miRs from serum. Subsequently, the TaqMan Array Card 3.0 platform was used for profiling. The previously identified miRs 371 and 372 were confirmed to be specifically elevated in serum from germ cell tumor patients. In addition, several novels miRs were identified that were discriminative between germ cell cancer and controls: miR‐511, ‐26b, ‐769, ‐23a, ‐106b, ‐365, ‐598, ‐340, and let‐7a. In conclusion, this study validates the power of the embryonic miRs 371 and 372 in detecting malignant GCT (SE and NS) based on serum miR levels and identifies several potential novel miR targets.
Helicobacter‐negative gastritis: a distinct entity unrelated to Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Genta R. M. , Sonnenberg A.
Published: November 2014

Background

Helicobacter‐negative gastritis is diagnosed when no organisms are detected in a gastric mucosa with typical features of Helicobacter gastritis (Hp‐gastritis). If Helicobacter‐negative gastritis consisted mostly of ‘missed’ Helicobacter infections, its prevalence should represent a constant percentage of these infections in a population, and their clinico‐epidemiological features would overlap.

Aim

To compare the epidemiologic patterns of Hp‐positive and Hp‐negative gastritis.

Methods

From a pathology database, we extracted demographic, clinical and histopathological data from patients with gastric biopsies (1.2008–12.2013). We allocated patients to high (≥12%) and low (≤6%) H. pylori prevalence regions defined by ZIP code‐based data. The prevalence of H. pylori‐positive and ‐negative gastritis by sex, age and state were expressed as a per cent of the total study population stratified accordingly.

Results

Of 895 323 patients, 10.6% had Hp‐gastritis and 1.5% Helicobacter‐negative gastritis. Hp‐gastritis, but not Helicobacter‐negative gastritis, was more common in males than females (OR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.16–1.19). While Hp‐gastritis was more prevalent in high than in low‐prevalence areas (OR 3.65, 95% CI: 3.57–3.74), Helicobacter‐negative gastritis was only minimally affected by the underlying H. pylori prevalence (1.7% vs. 1.5%). The age‐specific prevalence of Hp‐gastritis peaked in the 4th to 5th decades; Helicobacter‐negative gastritis exhibited a low and relatively flat pattern. The geographic distribution of H. pylori‐positive and ‐negative gastritis showed no significant correlation. Intestinal metaplasia was found in 13.0% of patients with Hp‐gastritis and in 6.1% of those with Helicobacter‐negative gastritis (OR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.40–0.47).

Conclusion

These data suggest that Helicobacter‐negative gastritis is, in the vast majority of cases, a nosologically and epidemiologically distinct entity that deserves further investigation.
Managing the challenge of PTLD in liver and bowel transplant recipients
Authors: Lauro Augusto , Arpinati Mario , Pinna Antonio D.
Published: November 2014

Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) remains a common complication of liver and bowel transplantion. The ubiquity of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) combined with engraftment of organs rich with lymphatic tissue and the requirement of highly immunosuppressive regimens are factors that account for the high frequency and poor prognosis of PTLD in this population. Early detection of the virus followed by pre‐emptive reduction of immunosuppression are essential components in the management of PTLD, but can increase the risk of graft loss. More recently, the anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab) has been shown to improve survival in various transplant populations with PTLD, while other therapeutic options, such as chemotherapy, surgery or radiotherapy, have minimal clinical impact. EBV‐directed cytotoxic T cells have shown promise in the management of PTLD but clinical use is currently limited by lack of technical facilities worldwide.
Childhood, Movement and Play: An Analysis of Child Agency and Heterotopia in Linha de Passe (2008) and Los colores de la montaña (2010)
Authors: RANDALL RACHEL
Published: November 2014

This paper draws on contemporary theoretical debates surrounding the significance of cinematic children in order to examine two recent Latin American films. The Foucauldian concept of ‘heterotopia’ is used to explore the abilities of child protagonists to produce spaces with which they interact both imaginatively and in the films' diegetic realities. Despite distinct urban and rural settings, these productions' staging of playful heterospaces and heterotemporalities permit brief moments of relief within otherwise harsh environments. Such spaces enable child characters to demonstrate an ‘agency’ that is denied their elders, whilst somewhat evading the symbolic ‘futurity’ with which children are often burdened.
Transition experience of young adults with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): a mixed methods study
Authors: Plevinsky J. M. , Gumidyala A. P. , Fishman L. N.
Published: November 2014

Background

Outcomes following transition can be poor; many young adults are ill prepared to take responsibility for their health care, older adolescents report incomplete understanding of medications, and parents remain largely responsible for their care. Good patient–provider relationships are associated with better adherence; however, the role of the relationship between post‐transition patients and their providers has not been explored. The current study aimed to understand transition of young adults with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), the impact of the paediatric patient–provider relationship and what determines the adult patient–provider relationship.

Methods

This study examined the experience of young adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (aged 18–30) after transition. Twenty‐nine patients completed a 31‐item online survey of their transition experience from paediatric to adult care. Responses were coded quantitatively and qualitatively, and qualitative responses were analysed by two independent raters.

Results

Positive themes regarding adult providers included independence, autonomy and trust, while negative themes included initial discomfort and confusing logistics. Five of six patients who reported ‘terrifying’ first visit experiences with their adult providers reported overall positive relationships. The earlier the diagnosis age, the less involved in medical decisions they were as an adult (r = 0.41, P = .03). Those who had a more positive experience with their paediatric providers were more likely to bring up confusion with their adult providers (r = .45, P = .04), and those who had a more positive experience with their adult providers were more likely to endorse collaborative medical decision‐making (r = .57, P < .001).

Conclusions

Patients diagnosed with IBD at a young age may need extra education and self‐management strategies, as they were less likely to exhibit behaviours indicative of a successful transition to adult care. Additionally, transition programme development may benefit from the post‐transition perspective across chronic illness populations.
Integration of a postoperative calcitonin measurement into an anatomical staging system improves initial risk stratification in medullary thyroid cancer
Authors: Yang Ji H. , Lindsey Susan C. , Camacho Cléber P. , Valente Flávia O. F. , Germano‐Neto Fausto , Machado Alberto L. , Mamone Maria Conceição O. C. , Brodskyn Fábio , Biscolla Rosa Paula M. , Tuttle Robert Michael , Dias‐da‐Silva Magnus R. , Maciel Rui M. B.
Published: November 2014

Objective

Staging systems applied to medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) rely on initial clinical and pathological features and do not consider the response to treatment. To determine whether MTC staging can be improved by incorporating the first postoperative calcitonin measurement.

Patients and measurements

Eighty‐five patients being monitored for MTC (median follow‐up 5 years) were retrospectively classified according to both the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the proposed combined risk stratification system (low, intermediate and high risk), which incorporates the first postoperative calcitonin measurement, using the outcomes no evidence of disease (NED), biochemical evidence of disease, structurally identifiable disease and death.

Results

Ninety per cent of AJCC I patients were classified as NED at final follow‐up. When we added a postoperative calcitonin measurement, 95% low‐risk patients were classified as NED at final follow‐up. AJCC stages I and IV were associated, respectively, with no occurrence and a high rate (63%) of structurally identifiable disease. Stages II and III yielded similar predictions of structurally identifiable disease, 13% and 14%, respectively. When we included the postoperative calcitonin level, the patients with structural evidence of disease included none from the low‐risk group, 10% from the intermediate group and 63% from the high‐risk group. The proportion of variance explained analysis (PVE) was better for the combined risk stratification system (54%) than for the AJCC system alone (32%).

Conclusion

Including the first postoperative calcitonin measurement with the anatomical staging system can better predict the clinical outcome of patients with MTC and refine the follow‐up of these patients.
Evaluation of theDDAVPtest in the diagnosis of Cushing's Disease
Authors: Rollin Guilherme A.F. , Costenaro Fabiola , Gerchman Fernando , Rodrigues Ticiana C. , Czepielewski Mauro A.
Published: November 2014

Objective

To analyse the performance of the desmopressin (DDAVP) test in the diagnosis of Cushing's disease (CD).

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of 124 patients with suspected hypercortisolism who were recruited from an outpatient endocrinology clinic and investigated for Cushing's syndrome (CS). TheACTHand cortisol responses to theDDAVPtest were assessed to determine patient diagnosis and test the procedure's diagnostic accuracy.

Results

A total of 68 patients hadCD, while 56 had suspectedCS. According toROCanalysis, anACTHpeak of 71·8 pg/ml (15·8 pmol/l) followingDDAVPadministration was able to diagnoseCDwith a specificity of 94·6% and a sensitivity of 90·8%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 89·9% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95·3%. An absoluteACTHincrement ≥37 pg/ml (8·1 pmol/l) over baseline had a sensitivity of 88·0%, specificity of 96·4%,NPVof 87·0% andPPVof 95·3% in diagnosingCD. Only 2 of 56 cases withoutCDhad an absoluteACTHincrement ≥37 pg/ml (8·1 pmol/l) over baseline. TheDDAVPtest was superior to other clinical instruments in diagnosingCS.

Conclusions

TheDDAVPtest could be a useful additional tool to diagnoseCDin patients with suspectedCS.
Cumulative Voting: Investor Protection or Antitakeover? Evidence from Family Firms in China
Authors: Chen Yugang , Li Wenjing , Lin Karen Jingrong
Published: November 2014

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

The Chinese government regulates on the adoption of cumulative voting (CV) in order to protect minority shareholders by allowing them to elect a dissident director. However, adopting CV may deter potential acquirers, reducing the effectiveness of corporate takeover as a governance mechanism. Even worse, lacking enforcement of CV adoption allows firms to adopt CV when they need to deter potential acquirers.

Research Findings/Insights

First, we find CV adopters have better governance overall, but also have tightened control such as higher ownership concentration. This evidence hints that when a firm adopts better governance to signal the market, it may tighten control in other ways such as increasing shareholder power and adopting CV. Second, we distinguish the role of CV in investor protection by examining its competing effects on tunneling and antitakeover. We find that CV does not reduce tunneling but lowers the probability of CEO turnover and of the firm becoming a takeover target. These results indicate that CV is used as an antitakeover measure in family‐controlled listed companies. Finally, we find that adopting CV has no impact on company performance.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our evidence sheds light on the incentives embedded in the ownership structure that can determine the governance mechanism in family firms.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Since 2002, the Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission requires firms with a controlling shareholder holding more than 30 percent of shares to adopt CV. Our study shows that this policy has unintended consequences and does not always protect minority shareholders.
Comparison of the Cellient™ automated cell block system and agar cell block method
Authors: Kruger A. M. , Stevens M. W. , Kerley K. J. , Carter C. D.
Published: November 2014

Objective

To compare the CellientTM automated cell block system with the agar cell block method in terms of quantity and quality of diagnostic material and morphological, histochemical and immunocytochemical features.

Materials and Methods

Cell blocks were prepared from 100 effusion samples using the agar method and Cellient system, and routinely sectioned and stained for haematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid‐Schiff with diastase (PASD). A preliminary immunocytochemical study was performed on selected cases (27/100 cases). Sections were evaluated using a three‐point grading system to compare a set of morphological parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test.

Results

Parameters assessing cellularity, presence of single cells and definition of nuclear membrane, nucleoli, chromatin and cytoplasm showed a statistically significant improvement on Cellient cell blocks compared with agar cell blocks (P < 0.05). No significant difference was seen for definition of cell groups, PASD staining or the intensity or clarity of immunocytochemical staining. A discrepant immunocytochemistry (ICC) result was seen in 21% (13/63) of immunostains.

Conclusion

The Cellient technique is comparable with the agar method, with statistically significant results achieved for important morphological features. It demonstrates potential as an alternative cell block preparation method which is relevant for the rapid processing of fine needle aspiration samples, malignant effusions and low‐cellularity specimens, where optimal cell morphology and architecture are essential. Further investigation is required to optimize immunocytochemical staining using the Cellient method.
Dreidimensionale (3D) Histologie im Routineverfahren: praktische Durchführung und deren Evaluation
Authors: Eberle Franziska Carola , Kanyildiz Mukaddes , Schnabl Saskia Maria , Schulz Claudia , Häfner Hans‐Martin , Adam Patrick , Breuninger Helmut
Published: November 2014

Hintergrund

Die lückenlose Aufarbeitung der Ränder eines Tumors mittels dreidimensionaler (3D) Histologie erscheint oft kompliziert und auf eine Personalunion von Operateur und Histopathologe reduziert. Wir stellen klare Regeln vor, die eine Kommunikation zwischen allen Beteiligten erlaubt und überprüfen deren Anwendung in der täglichen Routine.

Methodik

Die Gewebeeinbettung, Befundinterpretation sowie Kommunikation zwischen Operateur und Histopathologe basiert auf einem festgelegten Algorithmus unter Zuhilfenahme von Uhrzeiten und Einbettkassetten, welche eine exakte topographische Orientierung erlauben. Die Anwendung dieses Verfahrens in der täglichen Routine wurde an 947 operierten Basalzellkarzinomen hinsichtlich der Entwicklung von Rezidivtumoren evaluiert.

Ergebnisse

Bei einer medianen Nachbeobachtungszeit von 47 Monaten entwickelten sich bei 10 von 947 operierten Basalzellkarzinomen (1,1 %) Rezidivtumoren. Basalzellkarzinome vom fibrosierenden Typ sowie Basalzellkarzinome, welche im Rahmen der Erstoperation nicht R0 reseziert werden konnten, zeigten ein signifikant häufigeres Auftreten von Rezidiven (p < 0,05 bzw. p < 0,001).

Schlussfolgerungen

Standardisierte Regeln für den Umgang mit exzidiertem Gewebe erlauben eine effektive Anwendung der 3D‐Histologie im täglichen klinischen Alltag. 3D‐Histologie führt zu einer niedrigen Rezidivquote. Primär nicht R0 resezierte Basalzellkarzinome vom fibrosierenden Typ wurden als Risikogruppe für Rezidive identifiziert.
Biosimilar insulins: a European perspective
Authors: DeVries J. H. , Gough S. C. L. , Kiljanski J. , Heinemann L.
Published: November 2014

Biosimilar insulins are likely to enter clinical practice in Europe in the near future. It is important that clinicians are familiar with and understand the concept of biosimilarity and how a biosimilar drug may differ from its reference product. The present article provides an overview of biosimilars, the European regulatory requirements for biosimilars and safety issues. It also summarizes the current biosimilars approved in Europe and the key clinical issues associated with the use of biosimilar insulins.
Embryonic development of fin spines in Callorhinchus milii (Holocephali); implications for chondrichthyan fin spine evolution
Authors: Jerve Anna , Johanson Zerina , Ahlberg Per , Boisvert Catherine
Published: November 2014

Fin spines are commonly known from fossil gnathostomes (jawed vertebrates) and are usually associated with paired and unpaired fins. They are less common among extant gnathostomes, being restricted to the median fins of certain chondrichthyans (cartilaginous fish), including chimaerids (elephant sharks) and neoselachians (sharks, skates, and rays). Fin spine growth is of great interest and relevance but few studies have considered their evolution and development. We investigated the development of the fin spine of the chimaerid Callorhinchus milii using stained histological sections from a series of larval, hatchling, and adult individuals. The lamellar trunk dentine of the Callorhinchus spine first condenses within the mesenchyme, rather than at the contact surface between mesenchyme and epithelium, in a manner more comparable to dermal bone formation than to normal odontode development. Trabecular dentine forms a small component of the spine under the keel; it is covered externally with a thin layer of lamellar trunk dentine, which is difficult to distinguish in sectioned adult spines. We suggest that the distinctive characteristics of the trunk dentine may reflect an origin through co‐option of developmental processes involved in dermal bone formation. Comparison with extant Squalus and a range of fossil chondrichthyans shows that Callorhinchus is more representative than Squalus of generalized chondrichthyan fin‐spine architecture, highlighting its value as a developmental model organism.
Body size and condition influence migration timing of juvenile Arctic grayling
Authors: Heim Kurt C. , Wipfli Mark S. , Whitman Matthew S. , Seitz Andrew C.
Published: November 2014

Freshwater fishes utilising seasonally available habitats within annual migratory circuits time movements out of such habitats with changing hydrology, although individual attributes of fish may also mediate the behavioural response to environmental conditions. We tagged juvenile Arctic grayling in a seasonally flowing stream on the Arctic Coastal Plain in Alaska and recorded migration timing towards overwintering habitat. We examined the relationship between individual migration date, and fork length (FL) and body condition index (BCI) for fish tagged in June, July and August in three separate models. Larger fish migrated earlier; however, only the August model suggested a significant relationship with BCI. In this model, 42% of variability in migration timing was explained by FL and BCI, and fish in better condition were predicted to migrate earlier than those in poor condition. Here, the majority (33%) of variability was captured by FL with an additional 9% attributable to BCI. We also noted strong seasonal trends in BCI reflecting overwinter mass loss and subsequent growth within the study area. These results are interpreted in the context of size and energetic state‐specific risks of overwinter starvation and mortality (which can be very high in the Arctic), which may influence individuals at greater risk to extend summer foraging in a risky, yet prey rich, habitat. Our research provides further evidence that heterogeneity among individuals within a population can influence migratory behaviour and identifies potential risks to late season migrants in Arctic beaded stream habitats influenced by climate change and petroleum development.
How inhibiting nitrification affects nitrogen cycle and reduces environmental impacts of anthropogenic nitrogen input
Authors: Qiao Chunlian , Liu Lingli , Hu Shuijin , Compton Jana E. , Greaver Tara L. , Li Quanlin
Published: November 2014

Anthropogenic activities, and in particular the use of synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizer, have doubled global annual reactive N inputs in the past 50–100 years, causing deleterious effects on the environment through increased N leaching and nitrous oxide (N2O) and ammonia (NH3) emissions. Leaching and gaseous losses of N are greatly controlled by the net rate of microbial nitrification. Extensive experiments have been conducted to develop ways to inhibit this process through use of nitrification inhibitors (NI) in combination with fertilizers. Yet, no study has comprehensively assessed how inhibiting nitrification affects both hydrologic and gaseous losses of N and plant nitrogen use efficiency. We synthesized the results of 62 NI field studies and evaluated how NI application altered N cycle and ecosystem services in N‐enriched systems. Our results showed that inhibiting nitrification by NI application increased NH3 emission (mean: 20%, 95% confidential interval: 33–67%), but reduced dissolved inorganic N leaching (−48%, −56% to −38%), N2O emission (−44%, −48% to −39%) and NO emission (−24%, −38% to −8%). This amounted to a net reduction of 16.5% in the total N release to the environment. Inhibiting nitrification also increased plant N recovery (58%, 34–93%) and productivity of grain (9%, 6–13%), straw (15%, 12–18%), vegetable (5%, 0–10%) and pasture hay (14%, 8–20%). The cost and benefit analysis showed that the economic benefit of reducing N's environmental impacts offsets the cost of NI application. Applying NI along with N fertilizer could bring additional revenues of $163 ha−1 yr−1 for a maize farm, equivalent to 8.95% increase in revenues. Our findings showed that NIs could create a win‐win scenario that reduces the negative impact of N leaching and greenhouse gas production, while increases the agricultural output. However, NI's potential negative impacts, such as increase in NH3 emission and the risk of NI contamination, should be fully considered before large‐scale application.
Measuring Spatial Autocorrelation of Vectors
Authors: Liu Yu , Tong Daoqin , Liu Xi
Published: November 2014

This article introduces measures to quantify spatial autocorrelation for vectors. In contrast to scalar variables, spatial autocorrelation for vectors involves an assessment of both direction and magnitude in space. Extending conventional approaches, measures of global and local spatial associations for vectors are proposed, and the associated statistical properties and significance testing are discussed. The new measures are applied to study the spatial association of taxi movements in the city of Shanghai. Complications due to the edge effect are also examined.
Preliminary results for the use of knee mega‐endoprosthesis in the treatment of musculoskeletal complications of haemophilia
Authors: Sunnassee Y. , Wan R. , Shen Y. , Xu J. , Southern E. P. , Zhang W.
Published: November 2014

Complications of haemophilia in the knee region are rare and difficult to treat. Use of surgical treatments such as total knee arthroplasty cannot satisfactorily restore knee function in patients with these complications, which include massive haemophilic pseudotumour, fracture around the knee and haemarthrosis. To analyse the postoperative results of patients suffering from complications of haemophilia and treated with a knee mega‐endoprosthesis, to discuss and compare this type of surgical management with other types of treatments used in similar cases. We retrospectively analyse the surgical results of patients who were treated with a knee mega‐endoprosthesis for complications of haemophilia. Three severe haemophilic arthritic knees, of which two were combined with femoral condylar fractures, were treated in a one‐stage surgery, and another two knees which presented with massive haemophilic pseudotumours and bony defects were treated in a two‐stage operation. Mean age at time of surgery was 28.5 years old and mean follow‐up time was 22.8 months; the mega‐endoprosthesis surgery was successfully performed in four cases and the mean range of motion increased from 29.5° preoperatively to 96.75° postoperatively. The Knee society score function score value increased from 25 to 82.5. One knee was amputated because of uncontrollable recurrent haemorrhage. Roentgenograms did not show any signs of loosening of the prostheses. Use of Mega‐endoprosthesis in the treatment of complications of haemophilia can offer patients suffering from massive pseudotumours with bone defect, severe contracture knee haemophilic arthritis and fractures around a haemophilic knee a viable treatment option.
‘I wouldn't push that further because I don't want to lose her’: a multiperspective qualitative study of behaviour change for long‐term conditions in primary care
Authors: Hunter Cheryl , Chew‐Graham Carolyn A. , Langer Susanne , Drinkwater Jessica , Stenhoff Alexandra , Guthrie Elspeth A. , Salmon Peter
Published: November 2014

Background

Health outcomes for long‐term conditions (LTCs) can be improved by lifestyle, dietary and condition management‐related behaviour change. Primary care is an important setting for behaviour change work. Practitioners have identified barriers to this work, but there is little evidence examining practices of behaviour change in primary care consultations and how patients and practitioners perceive these practices.

Objective

To examine how behaviour change is engaged with in primary care consultations for LTCs and investigate how behaviour change is perceived by patients and practitioners.

Design

Multiperspective, longitudinal qualitative research involving six primary health‐care practices in England. Consultations between patients with LTCs and health‐care practitioners were audio‐recorded. Semi‐structured interviews were completed with patients and practitioners, using stimulated recall. Patients were re‐interviewed 3 months later. Framework analysis was applied to all data.

Participants

Thirty‐two people with at least one LTC (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, asthma and coronary heart disease) and 10 practitioners.

Results

Behaviour change talk in consultations was rare and, when it occurred, was characterized by deflection and diffidence on the part of practitioners. Patient motivation tended to be unaddressed. While practitioners positioned behaviour change work as outside their remit, patients felt uncertain about, yet responsible for, this work. Practitioners raised concerns that this work could damage other aspects of care, particularly the patient–practitioner relationship.

Conclusion

Behaviour change work is often deflected or deferred by practitioners in consultations, who nevertheless vocalize support for its importance in interviews. This discrepancy between practitioners’ accounts and behaviours needs to be addressed within primary health‐care organizations.
The Discourse of Pathology: Reproducing the Able Mind through Bodies of Color
Authors: Taylor Ashley
Published: November 2014

The growing field of feminist disability studies explores how human bodies are interpreted through cultural values and expectations surrounding physical and mental ability. This paper contributes to and expands upon this conversation by examining how the ideal of “able‐mindedness” functions to maintain racial divisions and inequalities through attributions of cognitive and psychiatric disability to bodies of color. Drawing upon contemporary examples from popular social media, public policy, and academic discourse, the author shows how racialized and nonnormatively gendered bodies are identified and interpreted through norms of able‐mindedness and used as markers against which the ideal of the able mind is upheld. This “discourse of pathology” operates insidiously within academic theorizing by remaining largely invisible because it tracks our deeply ingrained assumptions about the undesirability of cognitive and psychiatric disability. The author argues that because of the entanglement of race with disability, so long as the normalizing and privileging of the ideal of able‐mindedness goes unchallenged and we maintain the myth that there exists a normal mental state, both racism and ableism remain very much alive, including within the academy.
THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF FUNCTIONAL DISORDERS OF THE BILIARY TRACT
Authors: Ham J. M. , Bolin T. D. , Wilton N. , Stevenson D. , Jefferies S.
Published: November 2014

An approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with presumed functional disorders of the biliary tract (biliary dyskinesia) is described. The current diagnostic criteria are pain compatible with biliary pain in the absence of gallstones and other organic gastrointestinal disease, or other disorders which might produce abdominal pain, together with reproduction of the patient's symptoms by cholecystokinin, or morphine, or both. Other diagnostic methods are described together with their limitations.

The results of operation in 38 of 45 patients seen in this Unit during the past six years are presented. The results were poor in 20% of patients, but two‐thirds of the group have had good results in the short term.
RECURRENT BILIARY CALCULI DUE TO NON‐ABSORBABLE CYSTIC DUCT LIGATURES
Authors: Ingram David , Kermode Denis G.
Published: November 2014

A non‐absorbable cystic duct ligature may migrate into the common bile duct and act as a nidus for recurrent stone formation. Four case histories are presented and the problem is discussed. This sequel may be prevented by the use of absorbable sutures to ligate the cystic duct, thereby reducing the number of patients facing the hazards of recurrent biliary surgery.
RUPTURED CHOLEDOCHAL CYST: RECOGNITION AND MANAGEMENT
Authors: Battersby Cameron
Published: November 2014

A case is described of the rupture of a choledochal cyst in a 21‐year‐old man involved in a motor vehicle accident. At laparotomy, a haemoperitoneum was traced to a large haematoma in the lesser omentum which extended into the mesocolon and was found to be tinged with bile. Eventually it became apparent that the primary pathological condition was a large choledochal cyst into which opened the gallbladder. This cyst had split longitudinally down its anterior surface from the porta hepatis to the duodenum. Bile leakage was controlled by inserting a Foley catheter into the common hepatic duct, and inflating the balloon. Postoperative cholangiography showed massive cystic dilation of the intrahepatic ducts. Five days after the initial operation, a Roux‐en‐Y cystjejunostomy was performed, and the patient has been well since.

Crucial points in the emergency management of this condition appear to be in its recognition, and the provision of an adequate method of primary biliary drainage, if the condition of the patient demands staged management. End‐to‐end cystjejunostomy provides a satisfactory method of final drainage.
SOME SPECIFIC ANATOMICAL FEATURES OF THE ATLAS AND AXIS: DENS, EPITRANSVERSE PROCESS AND ARTICULAR FACETS
Authors: Tulsi R. S.
Published: November 2014

Metrical and morphological findings, based on 107 human vertebral columns, related to the variations of the dens are given, and differences in the depth of the superior articular facets of the atlas and specific pertinent details related to the os odontoideum and epitransverse process are also provided and their possible clinical relevance indicated. Findings reveal considerable variation in the height of the dens (11 to 18 mm), but remarkably little in its anteroposterior and transverse diameters at the root. The use of the term “hypoplasia” with reference to the dens is discussed, and a need for more rigid criteria in the use of this term stressed. It is also suggested that there may be sufficient radiological evidence in a lateral radiograph to lead one to suspect the presence of an os odontoideum or a separate dens caused by trauma in the distant past.
CONTRAGESTION WITH RU 486: A NEW APPROACH TO POSTOVULATORY FERTILITY CONTROL
Authors: Baulieu E.‐E.
Published: November 2014

The steroidal derivative RU 486 (17β‐hydroxy‐11β‐(4‐dimethyl‐aminophenyl)‐17α‐(prop‐1‐ynyl) estra‐4, 9‐dien‐3‐one) is the first potent antiprogestin to be used clinically. RU 486 blocks the action of progesterone by a reversible inhibition of the action of progesterone on its own receptors. This reversibility allows endocrine functions to return quickly to normal after discontinuation of treatment. However, target cells which depend upon a continuity of progesterone action will be irreversibly disrupted by receptor blockade. In normal women, RU 486 acts during the luteal phase in the endometrium, provoking bleeding, and decreasing pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and hence luteolysis. In pregnant women, it affects the decidua, increases myometrial contractility and ripening of the cervix and ultimately leads to termination of pregnancy. Detachment of the trophoblast leads to a further fall in gonadotropin production. Clinical studies indicate that RU 486 can be a very efficient agent for the termination of early pregnancy, and as a postcoital menstrual regulator. In about 20% of cases when RU 486 is given alone, termination of pregnancy fails. This can be overcome by taking in addition a small amount of prostaglandin.
CLINICAL TRIALS WITH RU 486 (MIFEPRISTONE): AN UPDATE
Authors: Ulmann A. , Dubois C.
Published: November 2014

This paper reviews much of the clinical data obtained with the antiprogestin RU 486 (mifepristone) in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology. To interrupt early pregnancy (less than 50 days of amenorrhea) RU 486 as a single dose of 600 mg followed 36–48 hours later by a prostaglandin derivative, constitutes an alternative to vacuum aspiration or dilatation and curettage (D and C). All three methods have comparable efficacy, provided that they are performed in centers with adequate medical facilities. RU 486 is the first antiprogestational steroid available for clinical purposes. Its pharmacological properties have been reviewed in detail elsewhere (1,2). The present paper reviews the main clinical data obtained during trials monitored by Roussel Uclaf.
PROSTAGLANDINS AND ANTIPROGESTINS
Authors: Bygdeman M. , Swahn M.L.
Published: November 2014

There is considerable interest in the development of a non‐surgical method to terminate early pregnancy. During the three weeks immediately following the first missed menstrual period, several prostaglandin (PG) analogs such as sulprostone, gemeprost and 9‐methylene PGE2 have been used to terminate the pregnancy. Prostaglandins, however, at the doses required to induce disruption of the conceptus cause gastrointestinal side effects and uterine pain which are more severe than those subsequent to vacuum aspiration. Treatment with the antiprogestin, mifepristone counteracts the effects of progesterone in pregnancy and thus prevents maintenance of the pregnancy. Mifepristone administered alone causes termination of the pregnancy in most, but not all, cases. In addition to removing the influence of progesterone, mifepristrone also induces regular uterine contractions and significantly increased the sensitivity of the uterus to PG analogs. Mifepristone (50 mg/day) followed by an intramuscular injection of a low dose, (0.25 mg), of sulprostone (approximately 1/6 of the dose of prostaglandin necessary to induce abortion if used alone) was highly effective in terminating early pregnancy, causing complete abortion in 94% of cases. Gastrointestinal side effects were rare and uterine pain significantly less common than if PG analogs were used alone. Subsequently the combination of mifepristone and vaginal administration of gemeprost (0.5–1.0 mg) has been shown to be equally effective (1). Ideally, the PG analog would be administered orally rather than by injection or vaginal administration. Preliminary data indicate that 9‐methylene PGE2 but not PGE2 may be suitable for this purpose in combination with mifepristone. In a naturally occurring spontaneous abortions a decreased influence of progesterone and increased local production of PGF2α are thought to result in uterine contractions and hence termination of pregnancy. Thus sequential therapy with antiprogestin and a PG analog may mimic the physiological events of a spontaneous abortion.
AN ANTIPROGESTIN STEROID AND PGE2 FOR AN EARLY PREGNANCY TERMINATION
Authors: Hingorani V. , Malhotra U. , Kumar S. , Saraya L. , Sunesh K. , Buckshee K.
Published: November 2014

A non‐surgical, preferably self‐administered, procedure would be an attractive alternative to vacuum for the termination of early pregnancy. 20 patients with 49 days of amenorrhea and confirmation of pregnancy by ultrasound, urine testing and human chorionic gonadotrophin (β‐hCG) analysis, were administered RU 486, 25 mg twice daily for 4 days, (Group I). A further 20 patients received the same dose of RU 486 for 3 days (Group II). All patients received an intramuscular injection of the prostaglandin derivative sulprostone, 0.25 mg, on the last day of RU 486 treatment. Outcome of therapy was assessed on the second follow up visit (day 15) on the basis of clinical course, ultrasound findings and hCG levels. In Group I, all patients had a complete abortion with a success rate of 100%. In Group II, a success rate of 95% was achieved. Side effects were minimal and did not require any medication. A dramatic fall was observed in the plasma β‐hCG and progesterone levels on days 8 and 14, correlating with the clinical course of abortion. Plasma cortisol levels remained within the normal range. It is concluded that sequential therapy with RU 486 and prostaglandin is a highly safe, simple and effective non‐surgical method for termination of early pregnancy.
Comparison of sole nurse and team‐delivered community clozapine services for people with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia
Authors: Gage Heather , Family Hannah , Murphy Fenella , Williams Peter , Sutton Jane , Taylor Denise
Published: November 2014

Aim

To compare sole nurse and doctor‐led multidisciplinary team delivery of community clozapine services for people with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia.

Background

Around 20% of people with schizophrenia are treatment resistant and fail to respond to front line medications. Clozapine, a second‐line treatment, has potentially serious side effects requiring regular monitoring. Different models of community clozapine services are emerging in the British National Health Service, but there is little evidence about which is best.

Design

Questionnaire survey of service users.

Methods

All patients on the lists of seven clozapine clinics (four sole nurse, three multidisciplinary team) in one trust were invited to participate, 2009–2010. Forward stepwise regression was used to investigate associations between patient well‐being, functioning, self‐efficacy and satisfaction, and clinic model attended, controlling for socio‐demographic and health characteristics and processes of care. Use (and costs) of other health and social services accessed was compared between models.

Results

Sixty‐six service users (35% participation rate) responded. Well‐being and functioning were associated with patient characteristics and processes of care, not clinic model. Patients managed by sole nurses reported, over 3 months: more community psychiatric nurse visits and hospital psychiatrist appointments. Clinic list size affects costs per patient.

Conclusions

Multidisciplinary team delivery may reduce use of other services. Although multidisciplinary team delivery is regarded as best practice, sole nurses can effectively provide clozapine services and may be warranted in areas of low population density.
Supplier Financing and Earnings Quality
Authors: García‐Teruel Pedro J. , Martínez‐Solano Pedro , Sánchez‐Ballesta Juan P.
Published: November 2014

In this paper we investigate the effect of earnings quality on supplier credit in a sample of small and medium‐sized firms. After controlling for other determinants of trade credit, we show that firms whose earnings present lower variability, higher smoothing and predictability, and higher accruals quality have access to more trade credit from suppliers. This association suggests that earnings attributes associated to lower volatility and higher precision with respect to cash flows facilitate access to trade credit.