bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Experience With the New Generation Edwards Sapien 3 Aortic Bioprosthesis: Procedural Results and Short Term Outcome
Authors: MURRAY MARIE‐ISABEL , GEIS NICOLAS , PLEGER SVEN T. , KALLENBACH KLAUS , KATUS HUGO A. , BEKEREDJIAN RAFFI , CHORIANOPOULOS EMMANUEL
Published: February 2015

Background

TAVR has become an established treatment for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis in patients with high surgical risk. The latest generation of the balloon‐expandable Edwards Sapien device, the Sapien 3, together with its new transfemoral Commander delivery system has been designed to reduce paravalvular regurgitation and vascular access site complications.

Objectives

To evaluate procedural results and short term outcome with the third generation Sapien 3 device.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 125 consecutive TAVR patients and analyzed the first 51 patients in whom we implanted the new Sapien 3 device via transfemoral access.

Results

In patients implanted with the Sapien 3 device significant residual paravalvular regurgitation after TAVR was virtually absent with the vast majority having none or trace postinterventional aortic regurgitation on angiography or echocardiography (92.2% and 80.4% respectively). None of the patients had more than mild paravalvular regurgitation. Major vascular access site complications or major bleeding according to the VARC II criteria were not observed in our cohort, minor vascular complications and minor bleeding occurred in 7.8% and 5.9% respectively. If vascular complications occurred, they were related to closure device failure. Thirty day outcome showed a 1.9% major stroke rate and 3.9% death rate. However, we observed a 25.5% permanent pacemaker rate in our Sapien 3 cohort.

Conclusions

Implantation of the new third generation Sapien 3 device resulted in excellent procedural and short term outcome. Significant paravalvular regurgitation was virtually absent. However, the increased rate of postinterventional pacemaker implantations needs to be analyzed in a larger cohort of patients. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:109–116)
Plant Growth‐promoting Fungus Penicillium oxalicum Enhances Plant Growth and Induces Resistance in Pearl Millet Against Downy Mildew Disease
Authors: Murali Mahadevamurthy , Amruthesh Kestur Nagaraj
Published: February 2015

Plant Growth‐promoting Fungus (PGPF) Penicillium oxalicum was isolated from rhizosphere soil of pearl millet and was tested for its ability to promote growth and induce systemic resistance in pearl millet against downy mildew disease. The fungal isolate P. oxalicum UOM PGPF 16 was identified as P. oxalicum using ITS sequencing and morphological analysis and sequence was deposited at NCBI with accession number KF150220. Pearl millet susceptible seeds were treated with three different inducers (CS, CF and LCF) of PGPF P. oxalicum and all the inducers significantly reduced the downy mildew disease and enhanced plant growth. Among the inducers tested, CS treatment recorded highest seed germination of 91% and 1427 seedling vigour followed by LCF and CF treatments. The vegetative growth parameter and NPK uptake studies under greenhouse conditions revealed that the CS treatment of P. oxalicum remarkably enhanced the parameters tested when compared to control plants. A significant disease protection of 62% and 58% against downy mildew disease was observed in plants pretreated with CS of P. oxalicum under greenhouse and field conditions, respectively. The spatio‐temporal studies revealed that inducers P. oxalicum required a minimum of 3 days for developing maximum disease resistance which was maintained thereafter. The maximum Peroxidase (POX) activity (62.7 U) was observed at 24 h in seedlings treated with CS of PGPF P. oxalicum and the activity gradually reduced at later time points after pathogen inoculation. Chitinase (CHT) activity was significantly higher in inducer treated seedlings when compared to control seedlings inoculated with pathogen after 48 h and remained constant at all time points.
Percutaneous absorption of methimazole: an in vitro study of the absorption pharmacokinetics for two different vehicles
Authors: Hill K. E. , Mills P. C. , Jones B. R. , Bolwell C. F. , Aberdein D. , Chambers J. P.
Published: February 2015

The use of transdermal medications in cats has become popular in veterinary medicine due to the ease of administration compared to oral medication. However, the research to support systemic absorption of drugs applied to the pinna after transdermal administration in cats is limited. The aim of this study was to characterize the percutaneous absorption pharmacokinetics of methimazole in a lipophilic vehicle compared to methimazole in Pluronic® lecithin organogel (PLO) using a finite dose applied to feline ear skin in an in vitro Franz cell model. The two formulations of methimazole (10 mg) were applied to the inner stratum corneum of six pairs of feline ears. The receptor medium was sampled up to 30 h post–administration, and methimazole concentrations were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Histological examination of all ears was undertaken as small differences in the thickness of ear skin may have contributed to inter‐individual differences in methimazole absorption between six cats. Methimazole was absorbed more completely across the pinnal skin when administered in the lipophilic vehicle compared to administration in the PLO gel (P < 0.001).
The Northwest Africa (NWA) 5790 meteorite: A mesostasis‐rich nakhlite with little or no Martian aqueous alteration
Authors: Tomkinson Tim , Lee Martin R. , Mark Darren F. , Dobson Katherine J. , Franchi Ian A.
Published: February 2015

Northwest Africa (NWA) 5790 is the most recently discovered member of the nakhlite group. Its mineralogy differs from the other nakhlites with a high abundance mesostasis (38.1 ± 3.6 vol%) and scarcity of olivine (4.0 ± 2.2 vol%). Furthermore, zoning of augite phenocrysts, and other petrographic and chemical characteristics suggest that NWA 5790 samples the chilled margin of its parent lava flow/sill. NWA 5790 contains calcite and rare clay minerals that are evidence for its exposure to liquid water. The calcite forms a cement to coatings of dust on the outer surface of the find and extends into the interior of the meteorite within veins. The presence of microbial remains within the coating confirms that the dust and its carbonate cement are terrestrial in origin, consistent with the carbon and oxygen isotope composition of the calcite. The clay minerals are finely crystalline and comprise ~0.003 vol% of the meteorite. δD values of the clay minerals range from −212 ± 109‰ to −96 ± 132‰, and cannot be used to distinguish between a terrestrial or Martian origin. As petrographic results are also not definitive, we conclude that secondary minerals produced by Martian groundwaters are at best very rare within NWA 5790. The meteorite has therefore sampled a region of the lava flow/sill with little or no exposure to the aqueous solutions that altered other nakhlites. This isolation could relate to the scarcity of olivine in NWA 5790 because dissolution of olivine in other nakhlites by Martian groundwaters enhanced their porosity and permeability, and provided solutes for secondary minerals.
Bangladeshi women's experiences of infant feeding in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Authors: Rayment Juliet , McCourt Christine , Vaughan Lisa , Christie Janice , Trenchard‐Mabere Esther
Published: February 2015

This study examined the main factors that influence Bangladeshi women living in London's decisions to partially breastfeed their children, including the influence of older women within the community. Fifty‐seven women of Bangladeshi origin living in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets took part in seven discussion groups between April and June 2013. Five groups were held with women of child‐bearing age and two groups with older women in the community. A further eight younger women and three older women took part in one‐on‐one interviews. Interviews were also carried out with eight local health care workers, including public health specialists, peer support workers, breastfeeding coordinators and a health visitor. The influences on women's infant feeding choices can be understood through a ‘socio‐ecological model’, including public health policy; diverse cultural influences from Bangladesh, London and the Bangladeshi community in London; and the impacts of migration and religious and family beliefs. The women's commitment to breastfeeding was mediated through the complexity of their everyday lives. The tension between what was ‘best’ and what was ‘possible’ leads them not only to partially breastfeed but also to sustain partial breastfeeding in a way not seen in other socio‐cultural groups in the United Kingdom.
Contrasting population genetic structure among freshwater‐resident and anadromous lampreys: the role of demographic history, differential dispersal and anthropogenic barriers to movement
Authors: Bracken Fiona S. A. , Hoelzel A. Rus , Hume John B. , Lucas Martyn C.
Published: February 2015

The tendency of many species to abandon migration remains a poorly understood aspect of evolutionary biology that may play an important role in promoting species radiation by both allopatric and sympatric mechanisms. Anadromy inherently offers an opportunity for the colonization of freshwater environments, and the shift from an anadromous to a wholly freshwater life history has occurred in many families of fishes. Freshwater‐resident forms have arisen repeatedly among lampreys (within thePetromyzontidae andMordaciidae), and there has been much debate as to whether anadromous lampreys, and their derived freshwater‐resident analogues, constitute distinct species or are divergent ecotypes of polymorphic species. Samples of 543European river lampreyLampetra fluviatilis(mostly from anadromous populations) and freshwaterEuropean brook lampreyLampetra planerifrom across 18 sites, primarily in theBritish Isles, were investigated for 13 polymorphic microsatelliteDNAloci, and 108 samples from six of these sites were sequenced for 829 bp of mitochondrialDNA(mtDNA). We found contrasting patterns of population structure for mtDNAand microsatelliteDNAmarkers, such that low diversity and little structure were seen for all populations for mtDNA(consistent with a recent founder expansion event), while fine‐scale structuring was evident for nuclear markers. Strong differentiation for microsatelliteDNAloci was seen among freshwater‐residentL. planeripopulations and betweenL. fluviatilisandL. planeriin most cases, but little structure was evident among anadromousL. fluviatilispopulations. We conclude that postglacial colonization founded multiple freshwater‐resident populations with strong habitat fidelity and limited dispersal tendencies that became highly differentiated, a pattern that was likely intensified by anthropogenic barriers.
Ancient vicariance and climate‐driven extinction explain continental‐wide disjunctions in Africa: the case of the Rand Flora genus Canarina (Campanulaceae)
Authors: Mairal M. , Pokorny L. , Aldasoro J. J. , Alarcón M. , Sanmartín I.
Published: February 2015

Transoceanic distributions have attracted the interest of scientists for centuries. Less attention has been paid to the evolutionary origins of ‘continent‐wide’ disjunctions, in which related taxa are distributed across isolated regions within the same continent. A prime example is the ‘Rand Flora’ pattern, which shows sister taxa disjunctly distributed in the continental margins of Africa. Here, we explore the evolutionary origins of this pattern using the genus Canarina, with three species: C. canariensis, associated with the Canarian laurisilva, and C. eminii and C. abyssinica, endemic to the Afromontane region in East Africa, as case study. We infer phylogenetic relationships, divergence times and the history of migration events within Canarina using Bayesian inference on a large sample of chloroplast and nuclear sequences. Ecological niche modelling was employed to infer the climatic niche of Canarina through time. Dating was performed with a novel nested approach to solve the problem of using deep time calibration points within a molecular dataset comprising both above‐species and population‐level sampling. Results show C. abyssinica as sister to a clade formed by disjunct C. eminii and C. canariensis. Miocene divergences were inferred among species, whereas infraspecific divergences fell within the Pleistocene–Holocene periods. Although C. eminii and C. canariensis showed a strong genetic geographic structure, among‐population divergences were older in the former than in the latter. Our results suggest that Canarina originated in East Africa and later migrated across North Africa, with vicariance and aridification‐driven extinction explaining the 7000 km/7 million year divergence between the Canarian and East African endemics.
Microcirculatory Perfusion During Different Perioperative Hemodynamic Strategies
Authors: Stens Jurre , de Wolf Steven P. , van der Zwan René J. , Koning Nick J. , Dekker Nicole A.M. , Hering Jens P. , Boer Christa
Published: February 2015

Objective

We investigated whether hemodynamic optimization of systemic tissue perfusion based on PPV and CI improves microcirculatory perfusion when compared to a MAP‐based strategy in patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery.

Methods

Patients were randomized into a PPV/CI guided group (n = 13, target PPV <12%, CI >2.5 L/min/m2, and MAP >70 mmHg) or MAP‐guided group (n = 18, target MAP >70 mmHg). PPV, CI, and MAP were measured using noninvasive arterial blood pressure measurements. Sublingual microcirculatory perfusion was measured at one, two, and three hours following anesthesia induction, and quantified as TVD, PVD or the proportion of perfused vessels. Data were analyzed using ANOVA RM.

Results

Patients in the PPV/CI group required more fluid administration than control patients (1927 ± 747 mL versus 1283 ± 582 mL, respectively; p = 0.01). Despite this difference, we observed similar values for TVD (RM; F(1.28) = 0.01; p = 0.92), PVD (RM; F(1.28) = 0.09; p = 0.77) and the proportion of perfused vessels (RM; F(1.28) = 0.01; p = 0.76) in both groups.

Conclusion

Hemodynamic optimization of systemic tissue perfusion is not associated with improvement of microcirculatory perfusion compared to a MAP‐guided protocol in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
Preliminary study of zonisamide monotherapy in de novo patients with early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ikeda Ken , Hanashiro Sayori , Sawada Masahiro , Iwasaki Yasuo
Published: February 2015

Background

Little is known about single administration of zonisamide in Parkinson's disease patients.

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of zonisamide monotherapy in early Parkinson's disease patients.

Methods

A total of 10 untreated (de novo) patients with Yahr stage I or II participated. Zonisamide was given at a daily dose of 25 mg for 1 month and increased to 50 mg for the next 2 months. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale parts I–IV and tremor‐related Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (items 16, 20 and 21) were examined every month. Serum zonisamide concentrations and urinary homovanillic acid concentrations were measured. Three patients had rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. Sleep condition was asked to patients? spouses.

Results

At 1 month after zonisamide treatment, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale scores did not differ from the baseline scores statistically. At 2 and 3 months after zonisamide treatment, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III and tremor‐related scores were reduced significantly compared with pretreatment (P < 0.01). Sleep state improved markedly in three patients with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder at 1–2 months after zonisamide treatment. The mean serum concentrations of zonisamide (standard deviation) were 2.0 μg/mL (0.9) at 25 mg/day and 6.6 μg/mL (2.3) at 50 mg/day. Urinary homovanillic acid concentrations were not altered before and after zonisamide administration.

Conclusions

The present study showed that zonisamide monotherapy improved motor and sleep dysfunction in de novo patients with early Parkinson's disease. Significant therapeutic benefits were present within 1–2 months. Finally, the data highlight a therapeutic potential of zonisamide monotherapy in tremor‐predominant patients with early Parkinson's disease.
Reduced compensatory effects explain the nitrogen‐mediated reduction in stability of an alpine meadow on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Song Ming‐Hua , Yu Fei‐Hai
Published: February 2015

Many ecosystems are facing strong perturbations such as nitrogen (N) fertilization, which can greatly alter ecosystem stability via different mechanisms. Understanding such mechanisms is critical for predicting how ecosystems will function in the face of global changes.

We examined how 8 yr of N fertilization with different N rates (no N addition or N addition at a low, medium or high rate) and different forms of N (ammonium, nitrate or ammonium nitrate) affected the temporal stability of the aboveground biomass of an alpine meadow on the Tibetan Plateau, and tested four mechanisms (diversity effect, mean‐variance scaling, compensatory dynamics and dominance effect) that may alter stability.

Compared with the control (no N addition), a high N rate did not affect the diversity effect, the mean‐variance scaling or the dominance effect, but significantly decreased compensatory dynamics among species and functional groups, which contributed to the reduction in community stability of the alpine meadow. The form of N did not affect any of the four mechanisms and thus did not affect community stability.

A high N rate can change community stability by altering compensatory dynamics, whereas the form of N may not have an effect.
The Influence and Policy Signalling Role of FOMC Forecasts
Authors: Hubert Paul
Published: February 2015

Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) policymakers have published macroeconomic forecasts since 1979 and we examine the effects of FOMC inflation forecasts using a structural VAR model. First, we assess whether they influence private inflation expectations. Second, we investigate the underlying mechanism at work and whether they convey policy signals. We provide original evidence that FOMC inflation forecasts influence private ones. We also find that the influencing effect of FOMC forecasts does not come through current Fed rate changes, that FOMC forecasts affect private expectations in a different way than current policy decisions, and that FOMC forecasts are informative about future Fed rate movements.
Anesthesia‐related critical incidents in the perioperative period in children; a proposal for an anesthesia‐related reporting system for critical incidents in children
Authors: de Graaff Jurgen C. , Sarfo Marie‐christine , van Wolfswinkel Leo , van der Werff Désirée B. M. , Schouten Antonius N. J.
Published: February 2015

Background

The incidence, type and severity of anesthesia‐related critical incidents during the perioperative phase has been investigated less in children than in adults.

Aim

The aim of the study was to identify and analyze anesthesia‐related critical incidents in children to identify areas to improve current clinical practice, and to propose a specialized anesthesia‐related critical incidence registration for children.

Method

All reported pediatric anesthesia‐related critical incidents reported on a voluntary reporting based on a 20‐item complication list of the Dutch Society of Anesthesiology between January 2007 and August 2013 were analyzed. An anesthesia‐related critical incident was defined as ‘any incident that affected, or could have affected, the safety of the patient while under the care of an anesthetist’. As the 20‐item complications list was too crude for detailed analyses, all critical incidents were reclassified into the more detailed German classification lists with the adjustment of specific items for children (in total 10 categories with 101 different subcategories).

Results

During the 6‐year period, a total of 1214 critical incidents were reported out of 35 190 anesthetics (cardiac and noncardiac anesthesia cases). The most frequently reported incidents (46.5%) were related to the respiratory system. Infants <1 year, children with ASA physical status III and IV, and emergency procedures had a higher rate of adverse incidents.

Conclusion

Respiratory events were the most reported commonly critical incidents in children. Both the Dutch and German existing lists of critical incident definitions appeared not to be sufficient for accurate classification in children. The present list can be used for a new registration system for critical incidents in pediatric anesthesia.
Genome‐wide survey of artificial mutations induced by ethyl methanesulfonate and gamma rays in tomato
Authors: Shirasawa Kenta , Hirakawa Hideki , Nunome Tsukasa , Tabata Satoshi , Isobe Sachiko
Published: February 2015

Genome‐wide mutations induced by ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and gamma irradiation in the tomato Micro‐Tom genome were identified by a whole‐genome shotgun sequencing analysis to estimate the spectrum and distribution of whole‐genome DNA mutations and the frequency of deleterious mutations. A total of ~370 Gb of paired‐end reads for four EMS‐induced mutants and three gamma‐ray‐irradiated lines as well as a wild‐type line were obtained by next‐generation sequencing technology. Using bioinformatics analyses, we identified 5920 induced single nucleotide variations and insertion/deletion (indel) mutations. The predominant mutations in the EMS mutants were C/G to T/A transitions, while in the gamma‐ray mutants, C/G to T/A transitions, A/T to T/A transversions, A/T to G/C transitions and deletion mutations were equally common. Biases in the base composition flanking mutations differed between the mutagenesis types. Regarding the effects of the mutations on gene function, >90% of the mutations were located in intergenic regions, and only 0.2% were deleterious. In addition, we detected 1 140 687 spontaneous single nucleotide polymorphisms and indel polymorphisms in wild‐type Micro‐Tom lines. We also found copy number variation, deletions and insertions of chromosomal segments in both the mutant and wild‐type lines. The results provide helpful information not only for mutation research, but also for mutant screening methodology with reverse‐genetic approaches.
Sustained NIK‐mediated antiviral signalling confers broad‐spectrum tolerance to begomoviruses in cultivated plants
Authors: Brustolini Otávio J.B. , Machado Joao Paulo B. , Condori‐Apfata Jorge A. , Coco Daniela , Deguchi Michihito , Loriato Virgílio A.P. , Pereira Welison A. , Alfenas‐Zerbini Poliane , Zerbini Francisco M. , Inoue‐Nagata Alice K. , Santos Anesia A. , Chory Joanne , Silva Fabyano F. , Fontes Elizabeth P.B.
Published: February 2015

Begomovirus‐associated epidemics currently threaten tomato production worldwide due to the emergence of highly pathogenic virus species and the proliferation of a whitefly B biotype vector that is adapted to tomato. To generate an efficient defence against begomovirus, we modulated the activity of the immune defence receptor nuclear shuttle protein (NSP)‐interacting kinase (NIK) in tomato plants; NIK is a virulence target of the begomovirus NSP during infection. Mutation of T474 within the kinase activation loop promoted the constitutive activation of NIK‐mediated defences, resulting in the down‐regulation of translation‐related genes and the suppression of global translation. Consistent with these findings, transgenic lines harbouring an activating mutation (T474D) were tolerant to the tomato‐infecting begomoviruses ToYSV and ToSRV. This phenotype was associated with reduced loading of coat protein viral mRNA in actively translating polysomes, lower infection efficiency and reduced accumulation of viral DNA in systemic leaves. Our results also add some relevant insights into the mechanism underlying the NIK‐mediated defence. We observed that the mock‐inoculated T474D‐overexpressing lines showed a constitutively infected wild‐type transcriptome, indicating that the activation of the NIK‐mediated signalling pathway triggers a typical response to begomovirus infection. In addition, the gain‐of‐function mutant T474D could sustain an activated NIK‐mediated antiviral response in the absence of the virus, further confirming that phosphorylation of Thr‐474 is the crucial event that leads to the activation of the kinase.
Variability of Solar Radiation and CDOM in Surface Coastal Waters of the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Sempéré Richard , Para Julien , Tedetti Marc , Charrière Bruno , Mallet Marc
Published: February 2015

Atmospheric and in‐water solar radiation, including UVR‐B, UVR‐A and PAR, as well as chromophoric dissolved organic matter absorption [aCDOM(λ)] in surface waters were monthly measured from November 2007 to December 2008 at a coastal station in the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea (Bay of Marseilles, France). Our results showed that the UVR‐B/UVR–A ratio followed the same trend in the atmosphere and at 2 m depth in the water (P < 0.0001) with an increase (eight‐fold higher) during summer. The low diffuse attenuation coefficients for downward irradiance [Kd(λ)] of UVR‐B, UVR‐A and PAR indicated that the waters were highly transparent throughout the year. The relationships between aCDOM(λ) and Kd(λ) in this oligotrophic system suggested that CDOM contributed to UVR attenuation in the UVA domain, but also played a significant role in PAR attenuation. Mean UV doses received in the mixed layer depth were higher by a factor 1.4–33 relative to doses received at fixed depths (5 and 10 m) in summer (stratified period), while the inverse pattern was found in winter (mixing period). This shows the importance of taking into account the vertical mixing in the evaluation of UVR effects on marine organisms.
Histopathological Analysis of UVB and IR Interaction in Rat Skin
Authors: Gonzalez Vinícius C. , Beheregaray Ana C. M. , Peres Bárbara M. , Sallis Eliza S. V. , Varela Junior Antônio S. , Trindade Gilma S.
Published: February 2015

To determine the chronic skin effects caused by the interaction of infrared and ultraviolet B radiations, male Rattus norvegicus (Wistar) (2 months old) were exposed for 15 days to infrared radiation (600–1500 nm, with a peak at 1000 nm, n = 12) for 30 min (1080 J cm−2) (IRo); to ultraviolet B radiation (peak emission at 313 nm, n = 9) for 90 min (55.08 J cm−2) (UVB); to infrared radiation followed after 90 min by ultraviolet B (n = 6) (IRUVB) and to ultraviolet B followed after 90 min by infrared radiation (n = 9) (UVBIR). Skin samples were collected and histopathological analysis showed the presence of acanthosis, parakeratotic and orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, intraepidermal pustules, keratin pearls, detachment of epidermis, collagen necrosis, inflammatory infiltrate, vasodilation, basal cell vacuolization and superficial dermis degeneration both in UVB and UVBIR treatments. IRUVB animals showed the same characteristics as above except for parakeratotic hyperkeratosis, keratin pearls and superficial dermis degeneration. To conclude, infrared radiation exposure after ultraviolet B irradiation increases skin damage without protecting the tissue, while infrared radiation exposure before ultraviolet B irradiation showed a protective effect against ultraviolet skin damage.
Contact and Threat: Factors Affecting Views on Increasing Immigration in Japan
Authors: Green David , Kadoya Yoshihiko
Published: February 2015

Japan, like most of the developed world, faces demographic shortfalls brought on by a rapidly aging society with a long life expectancy and low birth rate. Where other Western countries have used increased immigration to help fight these tendencies, immigration rates in Japan remain much lower. Using nationally representative survey data, this article digs deeper into public opinion on immigration, testing contact, and group threat theories. We test a variety of social and demographic variables to see what is associated with attitudes regarding increased immigration and if there have been any obvious changes over time. We find that English conversation ability is strongly associated with positive perceptions toward immigrants in Japan. This provides some evidence of basic, superficial contact working to reduce the negative image of immigrants in the Japanese case.

Related Articles

Byrne,Jennifer, andGregory C.Dixon.2013. “.”Politics & Policy41():83‐116.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12002/abstractByrne,Jennifer.2011. “.”Politics & Policy39():485‐514.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00301.x/abstractSatoh,Haruko.2010. “.”Politics & Policy38():571‐588.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00249.x/abstract

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. .http://jgss.daishodai.ac.jp/english/research/res_top.htmlSakanaka,Hidenori.2014. Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fILXxWm6q8c.http://iminseisaku.org/top/
Federalism's Fractured Decision Making in the Kyoto Protocol
Authors: Fisher Sarah
Published: February 2015

Studies have examined a variety of domestic factors that might impact foreign policy decision making with regard to international environmental regimes. However, there have been no quantitative studies that examine how federalism affects the ratification process for international environmental treaties. The decentralized decision‐making process in federal systems should make federal states less likely and slower to ratify international treaties than unitary states. Using the Kyoto Protocol as a test case, I find that federalism has a negative impact on both the likelihood and speed of ratification. In addition, qualitative evidence suggests that federalism played a significant role in the foreign policy decision‐making process of the United States and Australia. For Kyoto, the protracted ratification process was especially important given the treaty mechanisms, the dramatic economic repercussions of possible compliance, and the political factors underlying ratification patterns.

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Ibarrarán Viniegra,
María Eugenia, and
Salimah Mónica Cossens González. 2007. “.” Politics & Policy 35 (): 684‐701. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00080.x/abstract

Below, Amy. 2007. “.” Politics & Policy 35 (): 702‐15. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00081.x/abstract

Rugeley, Cynthia R., and
John David Gerlach. 2012. “.” Politics & Policy 40 (): 444‐70. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00352.x/abstract

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Mobley, Kayce, and
Sarah Fisher. 2015. “.” Dialogue 2 (). http://journaldialogue.org/

Sorkin, Aaron. 2000. “.” The West Wing. Warner Brothers Television.

. 2014. http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php
Slow‐delta phase concentration marks improved temporal expectations based on the passage of time
Authors: Wilsch Anna , Henry Molly J. , Herrmann Björn , Maess Burkhard , Obleser Jonas
Published: February 2015

Temporal expectations enhance neural encoding precision, reflected in optimized alignment of slow neural oscillatory phase, and facilitate subsequent stimulus processing. If an event's exact occurrence time is unknown, temporal expectations arise solely from the passage of time. Here, we show that this specific type of temporal expectation is also reflected in neural phase organization. While undergoing magnetoencephalography, participants performed an auditory‐delayed matching‐to‐sample task with two syllables (S1, S2). Critically, S1‐onset time varied in the 0.6–1.8‐s (i.e., 0.6–1.7 Hz) range. Increasing S1‐onset times led to increased slow‐delta (0.6–0.9 Hz) phase coherence over right frontotemporal sensors during S1 encoding. Moreover, individuals with higher slow‐delta coherence showed decreased alpha power (8–13 Hz) during subsequent memory retention. In sum, temporal expectations based on the passage of time optimize the precise alignment of neural oscillatory phase with an expected stimulus.
Effect of Seminal Plasma on Post‐Thaw Quality and Functionality of Corriedale Ram Sperm Obtained by Electroejaculation and Artificial Vagina
Authors: Ledesma A , Manes J , Ríos G , Aller J , Cesari A , Alberio R , Hozbor F
Published: February 2015

Contents

We have already shown that seminal collection method affects seminal plasma composition and sperm quality in Corriedale rams. In this study, we evaluated the effect of seminal plasma collected by electroejaculation or artificial vagina on sperm resistance to cryodamage. Seminal plasma of five rams of the Corriedale breed collected by artificial vagina or electroejaculation was added before freezing to sperm cells collected by the two methods, and post‐thaw quality parameters were evaluated. We found that seminal plasma has no effect on sperm resistance to cryodamage. However, we observed significantly higher percentages of sperm with intact and functional plasma membrane, intact acrosome and greater fertilizing potential after thawing in samples obtained by electroejaculation. This study demonstrates that sperm collected by electroejaculation are more resistant to damage caused by cryopreservation than those collected by artificial vagina.
Developing preceptorship through action research: Part 1
Authors: Hilli Yvonne , Melender Hanna‐Leena
Published: February 2015

Clinical preception in practice plays a significant role in both registered and practical nurse studies. As such, the cooperation between the faculty and working life is important to narrow the theory–practice gap, with emphasis being placed on a student‐oriented approach promoting self‐direction and lifelong learning. The aim of this project was to develop the preceptorship at five different units within the health‐care sector in western Finland by implementing an action research (AR) approach. This article is the first of a two‐part article on the project, focusing on a cultural analysis and the development of preception models conducted within the project. The five units participating in the study were the following: a long‐term care ward in the community, a ward for people with dementia, a geriatric ward, a medical ward and a surgical ward representing specialised care. The starting point of the study was a cultural analysis, which was made in all the five units to obtain a ‘bottom‐up’ perspective. In each of the five units 3–5 nurses were appointed to become members of the core groups. This meant that all the units would start from the perspective of their own working environment when creating a preception model that would fit into their particular workplace. During this process, the participants received continuous support from the researchers. Several workshops and seminars were also arranged to further support the core groups and staff. The models were implemented and tested during the academic year 2010–2011 followed by an evaluation of the project. The evaluation results will be presented in the second part of the two‐part article. The project showed that reflective practice and critical thinking can be improved through an AR approach.
Review of sampling, sample and data collection procedures in nursing research ‐ An example of research on ethical climate as perceived by nurses
Authors: Suhonen Riitta , Stolt Minna , Katajisto Jouko , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: February 2015

Objective

To report a review of quality regarding sampling, sample and data collection procedures of empirical nursing research of ethical climate studies where nurses were informants. Surveys are needed to obtain generalisable information about topics sensitive to nursing. Methodological quality of the studies is of key concern, especially the description of sampling and data collection procedures.

Design

Methodological literature review.

Data sources and methods

Using the electronic MEDLINE database, empirical nursing research articles focusing on ethical climate were accessed in 2013 (earliest‐22 November 2013). Using the search terms ‘ethical’ AND (‘climate*’ OR ‘environment*’) AND (‘nurse*’ OR ‘nursing’), 376 citations were retrieved. Based on a four‐phase retrieval process, 26 studies were included in the detailed analysis.

Results

Sampling method was reported in 58% of the studies, and it was random in a minority of the studies (26%). The identification of target sample and its size (92%) was reported, whereas justification for sample size was less often given. In over two‐thirds (69%) of the studies with identifiable response rate, it was below 75%. A variety of data collection procedures were used with large amount of missing data about the details of who distributed, recruited and collected the questionnaires. Methods to increase response rates were seldom described. Discussion about nonresponse, representativeness of the sample and generalisability of the results was missing in many studies.

Conclusion

This review highlights the methodological challenges and developments that need to be considered in ensuring the use of valid information in developing health care through research findings.
Oriented adjuncts across Germanic languages: evidence from English and Swedish
Authors: Rawoens Gudrun , Taverniers Miriam
Published: February 2015

This article gives an account of oriented adjuncts in English and Swedish. After a presentation of a number of properties of oriented adjuncts and a discussion of what distinguishes them from other types of adjuncts, we focus on a number of central and peripheral subtypes that have been delineated, starting from a general typology of oriented adjuncts. Each subtype is described in detail in terms of lexical meanings, possible paraphrases and particular syntactic features. It is shown that, in spite of clear similarities, the oriented adjuncts discussed also display a number of subtle differences between English and Swedish, most clearly in terms of morphosyntax.
A dimensional analysis to quantify the thermal budget around lithospheric‐scale shear zones
Authors: Duprat‐Oualid Sylvia , Yamato Philippe , Schmalholz Stefan M.
Published: February 2015

The thermal evolution around shear zones is controlled by three major thermal processes: diffusion, advection and shear heating. We present a dimensional analysis to quantify, to first‐order, the relative contributions of these three processes to the thermal evolution around lithospheric‐scale shear zones. We consider 11 parameters that control the kinematics, the three‐dimensional (3‐D) geometry, the initial thermal structure and the average strength of the shear zone. Three dimensionless parameters are presented to quantify the relative contributions of the three thermal processes. We validate the dimensional analysis with 2‐D thermo‐kinematic numerical models. The applicability of the dimensional analysis to any kind of shear zone (i.e. thrust, normal‐slip and strike‐slip shear zones) makes it a useful tool that is complementary to previous numerical and analytical studies. Finally, thrust‐type shear zones are used to illustrate how the three thermal processes control the thermal evolution.
Association between recent internal travel and malaria in Ugandan highland and highland fringe areas
Authors: Lynch Caroline A. , Bruce Jane , Bhasin Amit , Roper Cally , Cox Jonathan , Abeku Tarekegn A.
Published: February 2015

Objective

To examine the association between travel (recency of travel, transmission intensity at destination compared to origin and duration of travel) and confirmed malaria in Uganda.

Methods

Health facility‐based case–control study in highland (~2200 m), and highland fringe (~1500 m) areas with adjustment for other covariates.

Results

In the highland site, patients who had travelled to areas of higher transmission intensity than their home (origin) areas recently were nearly seven times more likely to have confirmed malaria than those who had not (OR 6.9; P = 0.01, 95% CI: 1.4–33.1). In the highland fringe site, there was also a statistically significant association between travel and malaria (OR 2.1; P = 0.04, 95% CI: 1.1–3.9).

Conclusions

For highland areas, or areas of low malaria transmission, health authorities need to consider internal migrants when designing malaria control programs. Control interventions should include information campaigns reminding residents in these areas of the risk of malaria infection through travel and to provide additional mosquito nets for migrants to use during travel. Health authorities may wish to improve diagnosis in health facilities in highland areas by adding travel history to malaria case definitions. Where routine monitoring data are used to evaluate the impact of interventions on the malaria burden in highland areas, health authorities and donors need ensure that only cases from the local area and not ‘imported cases’ are counted.
Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic properties of the novel triazene TriN 2755 in tumour bearing dogs – a phase I study†
Authors: Athanasiadi I. , Geigy C. , Hilger R. A. , Meier V. , Rohrer Bley C.
Published: February 2015

TriN 2755 is an alkylating antineoplastic agent for intravenous (IV) use, carrying the triazene group as the cytotoxic principal. Using a standard 3 + 3 design, a phase I study was performed in tumour bearing dogs to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), the dose limiting toxicity (DLT), and pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of TriN 2755. Thirty dogs were included in the study. TriN 2755 was administered over 20 min on two consecutive weeks per month for a total of three cycles. The starting dose was 25 mg kg−1 and the MTD was 74.6 mg kg−1. Three dogs experienced DLT, which was characterized by gastrointestinal adverse events. The PKs of TriN 2755 and its main metabolites in plasma and sputum are described in a two‐compartment model. The response rate for 19 of 30 dogs was 47.3% (six partial remission, three stable disease) and the median progression‐free interval (PFI) for the responders was 47 days (range: 21–450 days).
Cell cannibalism by malignant neoplastic cells: three cases in dogs and a literature review
Authors: Meléndez‐Lazo Antonio , Cazzini Paola , Camus Melinda , Doria‐Torra Georgina , Marco Valle Alberto Jesús , Solano‐Gallego Laia , Pastor Josep
Published: February 2015

Cell cannibalism refers to the engulfment of cells by nonprofessional phagocytic cells. Studies in human medicine have demonstrated a relationship between the presence of cell cannibalism by neoplastic cells and a poor outcome, and have shown a positive correlation with the presence of metastasis at the time of diagnosis. The biologic significance of cell cannibalism is unknown, but it is proposed that it may represent a novel mechanism of tumor immune evasion as a survival strategy in cases of unfavorable microenvironmental conditions. This report describes clinical and morphologic features of 3 cases of dogs with malignant neoplasia in which the presence of cellular cannibalism was observed in cytologic and histologic specimens. In the 1st case, a dog with a primary tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma with metastasis to retropharyngeal lymph nodes had neoplastic epithelial cells engulfing neutrophils noted in cytologic examination of the lymph nodes. In the 2nd case, neoplastic epithelial cells were seen engulfing each other in fine‐needle aspirates from a primary mammary carcinoma with lung metastasis. In the 3rd case, poorly differentiated neoplastic mast cells from a recurrent, metastatic grade III mast cell tumor were observed cannibalizing eosinophils. A brief review of the literature describing known cell‐into‐cell relationships and the possible biologic significance and mechanisms involved in this phenomenon is provided. The relationship between cell cannibalism and distant metastasis should be explored in further studies, as it may prove to be a criterion of malignancy, as it is proposed in human medicine.
Long‐term compassionate use of oclacitinib in dogs with atopic and allergic skin disease: safety, efficacy and quality of life
Authors: Cosgrove Sallie B. , Cleaver Dawn M. , King Vickie L. , Gilmer Amy R. , Daniels Anne E. , Wren Jody A. , Stegemann Michael R.
Published: February 2015

Background

Oclacitinib is safe and effective for treating dogs with pruritus associated with allergic and atopic dermatitis, based on randomized clinical trials of up to 4 months duration.

Hypothesis/Objectives

This study assessed long‐term safety, efficacy and quality of life of oclacitinib‐treated dogs enrolled in a compassionate use programme.

Animals

Two hundred and forty‐seven client‐owned dogs with allergic skin disease that had previously benefited from oclacitinib therapy.

Methods

Dogs were enrolled in an open‐label study at 26 veterinary clinics. Dogs received 0.4–0.6 mg/kg oclacitinib twice a day for 14 days, then once a day for up to 630 days. Assessments were performed at ~90 day intervals. Owners completed a quality‐of‐life survey and assessed pruritus using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at each clinic visit. Veterinarians assessed dermatitis using a similar VAS. Abnormal health events, concomitant medication and clinical pathology results were summarized.

Results

Visual Analog Scale scores showed improvement from baseline at all time points. The percentage of dogs showing ≥50% reduction from baseline on day 90 was 63.9% for pruritus and 66.4% for dermatitis. Owners saw a positive impact on quality of life in >91% of all dogs. Urinary tract infection/cystitis, vomiting, otitis, pyoderma and diarrhoea were the most frequently reported (>5% of dogs) abnormal clinical signs. Haematology and serum chemistry means remained within the normal reference ranges. Concomitant medications were well tolerated.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Results indicated that oclacitinib was safe and efficacious for long‐term use and improved the quality of life for dogs in this study.
Distribution of Film-Cooling Effectiveness on a Turbine Endwall Measured Using the Ammonia and Diazo Technique
Authors: Friedrichs S. , Hodson H. P. , Dawes W. N.
Published: February 2015

The distribution of adiabatic film-cooling effectiveness on the endwall of a large-scale low-speed linear turbine cascade has been measured using a new technique. This technique is based on an established surface-flow visualisation technique, and makes use of the reaction between ammonia gas and a diazo surface coating. A new method of calibration has been developed to relate the result of the reaction to surface concentration of coolant. Using the analogy that exists between heat and mass transfer the distribution of film-cooling effectiveness can then be determined.

The complete representation of the film-cooling effectiveness distribution provided by the technique reveals the interaction between the coolant ejected from the endwall and the secondary flow in the turbine blade passage. Over- and under-cooled regions on the endwall are identified, illustrating the need to take these interactions into account in the design process. Modifications to the cooling configuration examined in this paper are proposed as a result of the application of the ammonia and diazo technique.