bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How contact shapes implicit and explicit preferences: attitudes toward Roma children in inclusive and non‐inclusive environment
Authors: Žeželj Iris , Jakšić Ivana , Jošić Smiljana
Published: November 2014

In two studies, the authors examined the effects of intergroup contact in inclusive and non‐inclusive environments on children's explicit and implicit prejudices. In both studies, supervised contact with Roma peers, instructed by inclusive program, led to a more positive explicit evaluation of Roma and less social distance, while it had no significant impact on implicit attitudes. In contrast, implicit attitudes were related to mere exposure to Roma (Study 2). Intergroup anxiety and self‐disclosure mediated the effect of inclusiveness level on explicit, but not on implicit attitudes. The results indicate that two types of attitudes might be formed via different routes, and that mere exposure and supervised contact influence them differently. This information could help tailor future prejudice reduction programs.
Collective fit increases team performances: extending regulatory fit from individuals to dyadic teams
Authors: Memmert Daniel , Plessner Henning , Hüttermann Stefanie , Froese Georg , Peterhänsel Carolin , Unkelbach Christian
Published: November 2014

People experience “regulatory fit” when they pursue a goal in a manner that suits their chronic regulatory orientation. This regulatory fit impacts performance positively. The present research extends performance gains due to fit from individuals to dyadic team performance. Study 1 manipulated team fit of 32 table football participants (i.e., promotion vs. prevention orientation and offense vs. defense positions). Team fit significantly predicted team success in an experimental tournament beyond team skill level. Study 2 replicated this result with data from a real‐life tournament including 66 highly experienced competitors. These findings broaden the concept of regulatory fit from individual to dyadic teams, and suggest collective fit as a possible important predictor for team success.
Revoking a leader's “license to fail”: downgrading evaluations of prototypical in‐group leaders following an intergroup failure
Authors: Rast David E. , Hackett Justin D. , Alabastro Alexis , Hogg Michael A.
Published: November 2014

Drawing on the social identity theory of leadership, we examined how leadership as an identity function alters perceptions and evaluations of in‐ and out‐group political leaders over time. Participants responded to two online questionnaires, before and after the 2012 U.S. Presidential election between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney. We assessed respondents' strength of party identification, perceptions of each candidate's prototypicality, and evaluations of each candidate. Results supported the hypothesis: after his loss, Romney was presumably perceived as less prototypical of the Republican Party among strong identifiers, who symbolically revoked Romney's “license to fail.” Weakly identified Republicans were unaffected by his defeat, granting him a “license to fail.” Unexpectedly, Democrats and Republicans following his electoral success evaluated Obama more harshly.
Does Accrual Management Impair the Performance of Earnings‐Based Valuation Models?
Authors: Courteau Lucie , Kao Jennifer L. , Tian Yao
Published: November 2014

This study examines how accrual manipulations affect firm valuation in the years surrounding the passage of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX). We compare the absolute percentage pricing errors of RIM and DCF valuation models for a group of US firms suspected to have engaged in accrual manipulations to avoid a small loss or a small earnings decline vs. ‘Normal’ firms matched on industry, year and size. We find that RIM can better estimate intrinsic value than DCF for the matched Normal firms in the pre‐SOX period, but not so for accrual manipulators, and that SOX mitigates the harmful effect of accrual manipulations, completely eliminating the difference in RIM's accuracy advantage over DCF between Normal firms and accrual manipulators. As a further analysis, we redefine Suspect firms as real‐activity manipulators and find a significant across‐group difference in accuracy wedge in both sample periods, implying that SOX has prompted firms to favor real‐activity manipulations over accrual manipulations.
Evolution of tolerance in an invasive weed after reassociation with its specialist herbivore
Authors: Jogesh T. , Stanley M. C. , Berenbaum M. R.
Published: November 2014

The interaction between the European wild parsnip Pastinaca sativa and its coevolved florivore the parsnip webworm Depressaria pastinacella, established in North America for over 150 years, has resulted in evolution of local chemical phenotype matching. The recent invasion of New Zealand by webworms, exposing parsnips there to florivore selection for the first time, provided an opportunity to assess rates of adaptive response in a real‐time experiment. We planted reciprocal common gardens in the USA and NZ with seeds from (1) US populations with a long history of webworm association; (2) NZ populations that had never been infested and (3) NZ populations infested for 3 years (since 2007) or 6 years (since 2004). We measured impacts of florivory on realized fitness, reproductive effort and pollination success and measured phenotypic changes in infested NZ populations relative to uninfested NZ populations to determine whether rapid adaptive evolution in response to florivory occurred. Irrespective of country of origin or location, webworms significantly reduced plant fitness. Webworms reduced pollination success in small plants but not in larger plants. Although defence chemistry remained unchanged, plants in infested populations were larger after 3–6 years of webworm florivory. As plant size is a strong predictor of realized fitness, evolution of large size as a component of florivore tolerance may occur more rapidly than evolution of enhanced chemical defence.
Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus feeding ecology in the northern Gulf of Mexico: a preliminary description of diet from the western Atlantic spawning grounds
Authors: Butler C. M. , Logan J. M. , Provaznik J. M. , Hoffmayer E. R. , Staudinger M. D. , Quattro J. M. , Roberts M. A. , Ingram G. W. , Pollack A. G. , Lutcavage M. E.
Published: November 2014

A combination of stomach contents, nitrogen stable‐isotope and tissue C:N values are presented to demonstrate feeding activity of Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus on the Gulf of Mexico (GOMEX) spawning grounds. Diets include teleosts, cephalopods, crustaceans and a pelagic tunicate (Pyrosoma atlanticum). Results reveal the need to classify the GOMEX as a T. thynnus feeding ground.
Expression of auxin synthesis gene tms1 under control of tuber‐specific promoter enhances potato tuberization in vitro
Authors: Kolachevskaya Oksana O. , Alekseeva Valeriya V. , Sergeeva Lidiya I. , Rukavtsova Elena B. , Getman Irina A. , Vreugdenhil Dick , Buryanov Yaroslav I. , Romanov Georgy A.
Published: November 2014

Phytohormones, auxins in particular, play an important role in plant development and productivity. Earlier data showed positive impact of exogenous auxin on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tuberization. The aim of this study was to generate potato plants with increased auxin level predominantly in tubers. To this end, a pBinB33‐tms1 vector was constructed harboring the Agrobacterium auxin biosynthesis gene tms1 fused to tuber‐specific promoter of the class I patatin gene (B33‐promoter) of potato. Among numerous independently generated B33:tms1 lines, those without visible differences from control were selected for detailed studies. In the majority of transgenic lines, tms1 gene transcription was detected, mostly in tubers rather than in shoots. Indoleacetic acid (IAA) content in tubers and the auxin tuber‐to‐shoot ratio were increased in tms1‐expressing transformants. The organ‐specific increase in auxin synthesis in B33:tms1‐transformants accelerated and intensified the process of tuber formation, reduced the dose of carbohydrate supply required for in vitro tuberization, and decreased the photoperiodic dependence of tuber initiation. Overall, a positive correlation was observed between tms1 expression, IAA content in tubers, and stimulation of tuber formation. The revealed properties of B33:tms1 transformants imply an important role for auxin in potato tuberization and offer prospects to magnify potato productivity by a moderate organ‐specific enhancement of auxin content.
Ultrasonography of the peripheral nervous system in the early stage of Guillain‐Barré syndrome
Authors: Grimm Alexander , Décard Bernhard F. , Axer Hubertus
Published: November 2014

Ultrasonography can be used to visualize peripheral nerve abnormalities in immune‐mediated neuropathies. The objective of this study was to prove the role of ultrasonography (US) in acute phase of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS). Systematic ultrasonic measurements of several peripheral nerves including the vagal nerve as well as the sixth cervical nerve root were performed in 18 patients with GBS at days 1–3 after symptom onset and compared to 21 healthy controls. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) of corresponding nerves were undertaken. Consequently, significant differences between the groups were found in compound muscle action potential amplitudes, F‐wave latency, and persistency. Ultrasonic cross‐sectional areas (CSAs) showed significant enlargement in all nerves except of the ulnar nerve (upper arm) and the sural nerve compared to healthy controls, most prominent in proximal and middle median nerve (p < 0.01). The vagal nerve also showed enlargement compared to controls (p < 0.05), which was most pronounced in patients with autonomic dysfunction compared to patients without (p < 0.05). C6 root diameter showed a significant correlation to the amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)‐protein (Pearson correlation, p < 0.05). US shows nerve enlargement in several peripheral nerves including vagal nerve and C6 root in acute phase of GBS and could be an additional diagnostic tool for example, in GBS of atypical onset and autonomic dysfunction.
Defined Contribution Pension Plans: Sticky or Discerning Money?
Authors: SIALM CLEMENS , STARKS LAURA T. , ZHANG HANJIANG
Published: November 2014

Participants in defined contribution (DC) retirement plans rarely adjust their portfolio allocations, suggesting that their investment choices and consequent money flows are sticky and not discerning. However, participants’ inertia could be offset by DC plan sponsors, who adjust the plan's investment options. We examine these countervailing influences on flows into U.S. mutual funds. We find that flows into funds from DC assets are more volatile and exhibit more performance sensitivity than non‐DC flows, primarily due to adjustments to the investment options by the plan sponsors. Thus, DC retirement money is less sticky and more discerning than non‐DC money.
Investment Decisions of Nonprofit Firms: Evidence from Hospitals
Authors: ADELINO MANUEL , LEWELLEN KATHARINA , SUNDARAM ANANT
Published: November 2014

This paper examines investment choices of nonprofit hospitals. It tests how shocks to cash flows caused by the performance of the hospitals’ financial assets affect hospital expenditures. Capital expenditures increase, on average, by 10 to 28 cents for every dollar received from financial assets. The sensitivity is similar to that found earlier for shareholder‐owned corporations. Executive compensation, other salaries, and perks do not respond significantly to cash flow shocks. Hospitals with an apparent tendency to overspend on medical procedures do not exhibit higher investment‐cash flow sensitivities. The sensitivities are higher for hospitals that appear financially constrained.
Clinical, Hemodynamic, and Intracardiac Echocardiographic Characteristics of Secundum Atrial Septal Defects‐Related Paradoxical Embolism in Adulthood
Authors: RIGATELLI GIANLUCA , DELL'AVVOCATA FABIO , TARANTINI GIUSEPPE , GIORDAN MASSIMO , CARDAIOLI PAOLO , NGUYEN THACH
Published: November 2014

Background

Paradoxical embolism associated with secundum atrial septal defect (sASD) is a relatively rare but well‐known occurrence. The purpose of our study is to report the clinical, hemodynamic, and anatomical features assessed by intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) of sASD as related to paradoxical embolism.

Methods

Five hundred thirty‐seven patients (mean age 48 ± 19.0 years) admitted for transcatheter repair of interatrial shunts were enrolled in a prospective registry over a 10‐year period (September 2003–September 2013). All patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography, complete right and left catheterization, prior to the device‐based procedure. ICE was performed in all patients in order to investigate the interatrial septum anatomy and to monitor device implantation. These results were compared with the data of patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) patients and nonemboligenous sASD admitted at the same time period.

Results

Twenty‐four patients (6.2%) out of 386 who underwent transcatheter repair for paradoxical embolism had a secundum ASD. The defects were cribrosus in 41.6% (10/24). All single sASD (58.3%) had a peculiar anatomical feature a so‐called flat elliptical shape with a major axis of 7.6 ± 2.4 and minimal axis of 2.5 ± 1.6 mm. Patients with sASD‐related paradoxical embolism had a higher frequency of deep venous thrombosis compared to PFO patients. In comparison to nonemboligenous sASD, such patients had lower mean pulmonary pressure and smaller defects.

Conclusion

sASD related to paradoxical embolism had peculiar clinical, hemodynamic, and anatomical characteristics, which classified such defects in the middle of the spectrum between nonemboligenous secundum ASD and PFO.
Endothelial barrier dysfunction in septic shock
Authors: Opal S. M. , van der Poll T.
Published: November 2014

The endothelium provides an essential and selective membrane barrier that regulates the movement of water, solutes, gases, macromolecules and the cellular elements of the blood from the tissue compartment in health and disease. Its structure and continuous function is essential for life for all vertebrate organisms. Recent evidence indicates that the endothelial surface does not have a passive role in systemic inflammatory states such as septic shock. In fact, endothelial cells are in dynamic equilibrium with a myriad of inflammatory mediators and elements of the innate immune and coagulation systems to orchestrate the host response in sepsis. The barrier function of the endothelial surface is almost uniformly impaired in septic shock, and it is likely that this contributes to adverse outcomes. In this review, we will highlight recent advances in the understanding of the signalling events that regulate endothelial function and molecular events that induce endothelial dysfunction in sepsis. Endothelial barrier repair strategies as a treatment for sepsis include modulation of C5a, high‐mobility group box 1 and VEGF receptor 2; stimulation of angiopoietin‐1, sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor 1 and Slit; and a number of other innovative approaches.
Enamel matrix derivative, inflammation and soft tissue wound healing
Authors: Miron R. J. , Dard M. , Weinreb M.
Published: November 2014

Over 15 years have now passed since enamel matrix derivative (EMD) emerged as an agent capable of periodontal regeneration. Following thorough investigation, evidenced‐based clinical application is now established for a multitude of clinical settings to promote regeneration of periodontal hard tissues. Despite the large number of studies and review articles written on this topic, no single review has compiled the influence of EMD on tissue inflammation, an area of research that merits substantial attention in periodontology. The aim of the present review was to gather all studies that deal with the effects of EMD on tissue inflammation with particular interest in the cellular mechanisms involved in inflammation and soft tissue wound healing/resolution. The effects of EMD on monocytes, macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils, fibroblasts and endothelial cells were investigated for changes in cell behavior as well as release of inflammatory markers, including interleukins, prostaglandins, tumor necrosis factor‐α, matrix metalloproteinases and members of the OPG‐RANKL pathway. In summary, studies listed in this review have reported that EMD is able to significantly decrease interleukin‐1b and RANKL expression, increase prostaglandin E2 and OPG expression, increase proliferation and migration of T lymphocytes, induce monocyte differentiation, increase bacterial and tissue debris clearance, as well as increase fibroplasias and angiogenesis by inducing endothelial cell proliferation, migration and capillary‐like sprout formation. The outcomes from the present review article indicate that EMD is able to affect substantially the inflammatory and healing responses and lay the groundwork for future investigation in the field.
Enhanced surveillance of hepatitis B in the EU, 2006–2012
Authors: Duffell E. F. , van de Laar M. J. W. , Amato‐Gauci A. J.
Published: November 2014

Robust epidemiological information on hepatitis B is important to help countries plan prevention and control programmes and evaluate public health responses to control transmission. European Centre Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) introduced enhanced surveillance of hepatitis B at EU/EEA level in 2011 to collate routine surveillance data from national notification systems. Analysis of the data collected for the years 2006–2012 shows a high burden of hepatitis B across Europe with 110 005 cases reported over the period with the majority of these cases being chronic infections. The most commonly reported routes of transmission in acute cases included heterosexual transmission, nosocomial transmission, injecting drug use and transmission among men who have sex with men. Mother‐to‐child transmission was the most common route reported for chronic cases. Trends over time were difficult to analyse as national reporting practices changed, but data suggest a downward trend in acute cases, which probably reflects the impact of the widespread implementation of vaccination programmes. Notifications of chronic infection varied across countries and showed discrepancy with the expected results based on findings from recent prevalence surveys. This indicated that notifications mirror local testing practices rather than real occurrence of disease. Improving the quality of the data and considering reported notifications alongside other data sources, such as local screening practices and vaccination policies, will improve the utility of the data.
Tenofovir‐based alternate therapies for chronic hepatitis B patients with partial virological response to entecavir
Authors: Lu L. , Yip B. , Trinh H. , Pan C. Q. , Han S.‐H. B. , Wong C. C. , Li J. , Chan S. , Krishnan G. , Wong C. C. , Nguyen M. H.
Published: November 2014

Entecavir (ETV) is a first‐line antiviral therapy for treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB); however, some patients have suboptimal response to ETV. Currently, there are limited data on how to approach these patients. Therefore, our aim was to compare the effectiveness of two alternate therapies – tenofovir (TDF) monotherapy and combination therapy of ETV+TDF – in CHB patients with ETV partial virological response. We conducted a retrospective study of 68 patients who had partial virological response to ETV, defined as having detectable HBV DNA following at least 12 months of ETV, and were switched to TDF monotherapy (n = 25) or ETV+TDF (n = 43). Patients were seen in seven US liver/community‐based clinics and started on ETV between 2005 and 2009. The majority of patients were male; the vast majority were Asian and had positive hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). Patients in both groups had similar pretreatment characteristics. Complete viral suppression (CVS) rates with TDF monotherapy and ETV+TDF were similar after 6 months (71% vs 83%, P = 0.23) and 12 months (86% vs 84%, P = 0.85), and there was no statistically significant difference in CVS rates even when only patients with higher HBV DNA levels at switch (>1000 IU/mL) were evaluated. Multivariate analysis indicated that ETV+TDF was not an independent predictor of CVS compared to TDF monotherapy (OR = 1.19, P = 0.63). In conclusion, TDF monotherapy and ETV+TDF are comparable in achieving CVS in CHB patients with partial virological response to ETV. Long‐term alternate therapy with one pill (TDF monotherapy) vs two pills (ETV+TDF) could lead to lower nonadherence rates and better treatment outcomes.
Feline Cystinuria Caused by a Missense Mutation in theSLC3A1Gene
Authors: Mizukami K. , Raj K. , Giger U.
Published: November 2014

Background

Cystinuria is an inherited metabolic disease that is relatively common in dogs, but rare in cats and is characterized by defective amino acid reabsorption, leading to cystine urolithiasis.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to report on a mutation in a cystinuric cat.

Animals

A male domestic shorthair (DSH) cat with cystine calculi, 11 control cats from Wyoming, and 54DSHand purebred control cats from elsewhere in the United States.

Methods

Exons of theSLC3A1gene were sequenced from genomicDNAof the cystinuric cat and a healthy cat. Genetic screening for the discovered polymorphisms was conducted on all cats.

Results

ADSHcat showed stranguria beginning at 2 months of age, and cystine calculi were removed at 4 months of age. The cat was euthanized at 6 months of age because of neurological signs possibly related to arginine deficiency. Twenty‐fiveSLC3A1polymorphisms were observed in the sequenced cats when compared to the feline reference sequence. The cystinuric cat was homozygous for 5 exonic and 8 noncodingSLC3A1polymorphisms, and 1 of them was a unique missense mutation (c.1342C>T). This mutation results in a deleterious amino acid substitution (p.Arg448Trp) of a highly conserved arginine residue in therBATprotein encoded by theSLC3A1gene. This mutation was found previously in cystinuric human patients, but was not seen in any other tested cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study is the first report of anSLC3A1mutation causing cystinuria in a cat, and could be used to characterize other cystinuric cats at the molecular level.
A Comparison of Liver Sampling Techniques in Dogs
Authors: Kemp S.D. , Zimmerman K.L. , Panciera D.L. , Monroe W.E. , Leib M.S. , Lanz O.I.
Published: November 2014

Background

The liver sampling technique in dogs that consistently provides samples adequate for accurate histopathologic interpretation is not known.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare histopathologic results of liver samples obtained by punch, cup, and 14 gauge needle to large wedge samples collected at necropsy.

Animals

Seventy dogs undergoing necropsy.

Methods

Prospective study. Liver specimens were obtained from the left lateral liver lobe with an 8 mm punch, a 5 mm cup, and a 14 gauge needle. After sample acquisition, two larger tissue samples were collected near the center of the left lateral lobe to be used as a histologic standard for comparison. Histopathologic features and numbers of portal triads in each sample were recorded.

Results

The mean number of portal triads obtained by each sampling method were 2.9 in needle samples, 3.4 in cup samples, 12 in punch samples, and 30.7 in the necropsy samples. The diagnoses in 66% of needle samples, 60% of cup samples, and 69% of punch samples were in agreement with the necropsy samples, and these proportions were not significantly different from each other. The corresponding kappa coefficients were 0.59 for needle biopsies, 0.52 for cup biopsies, and 0.62 for punch biopsies.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

The histopathologic interpretation of a liver sample in the dog is unlikely to vary if the liver biopsy specimen contains at least 3–12 portal triads. However, in comparison large necropsy samples, the accuracy of all tested methods was relatively low.
Glycemic Status and Predictors of Relapse for Diabetic Cats in Remission
Authors: Gottlieb S. , Rand J.S. , Marshall R. , Morton J.
Published: November 2014

Background

It is unknown if diabetic cats in remission have persistent abnormalities of glucose metabolism and should be considered prediabetic, or have normal glucose tolerance.

Objective

To characterize glycemic status of diabetic cats in remission and to determine predictors of relapse.

Animals

A total of 21 cats in diabetic remission and 28 healthy control cats.

Methods

At a median of 107 days after remission, screening blood glucose concentration was measured on entry to the clinic. After a 24‐hour fast in hospital, fasting blood glucose, fructosamine and feline pancreatic lipase concentrations were measured, and 3 hours later, a simplified IV glucose tolerance test (1 g glucose/kg) performed. Twenty cats were monitored for relapse for at least 9 months.

Results

Of the 21 cats in remission, 19% (4/21) had impaired fasting glucose concentration and 76% (16/21) had impaired glucose tolerance. Of cats followed up for 9 months after testing, 30% (6/20) had relapsed and required insulin treatment. Fasting blood glucose concentration ≥7.5 mmol/L (≥135 mg/dL) (odds ratio [OR] = 12.8) and severely impaired glucose tolerance (≥5 hours to return to <6.5 mmol/L or <117 mg/dL; OR = 15.2) were significantly associated with relapse. Blood glucose concentration >14 mmol/L; 252 mg/dL at 3 hours was significantly associated with relapse (OR = 10.1).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Most cats in diabetic remission have impaired glucose tolerance and a minority have impaired fasting glucose concentration and should be considered prediabetic. More severe glucose intolerance and impaired fasting glucose concentration are predictors of relapse. Ongoing glucose monitoring of diabetic cats in remission is recommended.
Changes in microRNA expression during disease progression in patients with chronic viral hepatitis
Authors: Sinigaglia Alessandro , Lavezzo Enrico , Trevisan Marta , Sanavia Tiziana , Di Camillo Barbara , Peta Elektra , Scarpa Melania , Castagliuolo Ignazio , Guido Maria , Sarcognato Samantha , Cappellesso Rocco , Fassina Ambrogio , Cardin Romilda , Farinati Fabio , Palù Giorgio , Barzon Luisa
Published: November 2014

Background & Aims

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been involved in hepatocarcinogenesis, but little is known on their role in the progression of chronic viral hepatitis. Aim of this study was to identify miRNA signatures associated with stages of disease progression in patients with chronic viral hepatitis.

Methods

MiRNA expression profile was investigated in liver biopsies from patients with chronic viral hepatitis and correlated with clinical, virological and histopathological features. Relevant miRNAs were further investigated.

Results

Most of the significant changes in miRNA expression were associated with liver fibrosis stages and included the significant up‐regulation of a group of miRNAs that were demonstrated to target the master regulators of epithelial–mesenchymal transition ZEB1 and ZEB2 and involved in the preservation of epithelial cell differentiation, but also in cell proliferation and fibrogenesis. In agreement with miRNA data, immunostaining of liver biopsies showed that expression of the epithelial marker E‐cadherin was maintained in severe fibrosis/cirrhosis while expression of ZEBs and other markers of epithelial–mesenchymal transition were low or absent. Severe liver fibrosis was also significantly associated with the down‐regulation of miRNAs with antiproliferative and tumour suppressor activity. Similar changes in miRNA and target gene expression were demonstrated along with disease progression in a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver fibrosis, suggesting that they might represent a general response to liver injury.

Conclusion

Chronic viral hepatitis progression is associated with the activation of miRNA pathways that promote cell proliferation and fibrogenesis, but preserve the differentiated hepatocyte phenotype.
A review of lunar chronology revealing a preponderance of 4.34–4.37 Ga ages
Authors: Borg Lars E. , Gaffney Amy M. , Shearer Charles K.
Published: November 2014

Data obtained from Sm‐Nd and Rb‐Sr isotopic measurements of lunar highlands’ samples are renormalized to common standard values and then used to define ages with a common isochron regression algorithm. The reliability of these ages is evaluated using five criteria that include whether: (1) the ages are defined by multiple isotopic systems, (2) the data demonstrate limited scatter outside uncertainty, (3) initial isotopic compositions are consistent with the petrogenesis of the samples, (4) the ages are defined by an isotopic system that is resistant to disturbance by impact metamorphism, and (5) the rare‐earth element abundances determined by isotope dilution of bulk of mineral fractions match those measured by in situ analyses. From this analysis, it is apparent that the oldest highlands’ rock ages are some of the least reliable, and that there is little support for crustal ages older than approximately 4.40 Ga. A model age for ur‐KREEP formation calculated using the most reliable Mg‐suite Sm‐Nd isotopic systematics, in conjunction with Sm‐Nd analyses of KREEP basalts, is 4389 ± 45 Ma. This age is a good match to the Lu‐Hf model age of 4353 ± 37 Ma determined using a subset of this sample suite, the average model age of 4353 ± 25 Ma determined on mare basalts with the 146Sm‐142Nd isotopic system, with a peak in Pb‐Pb ages observed in lunar zircons of approximately 4340 ± 20 Ma, and the oldest terrestrial zircon age of 4374 ± 6 Ma. The preponderance of ages between 4.34 and 4.37 Ga reflect either primordial solidification of a lunar magma ocean or a widespread secondary magmatic event on the lunar nearside. The first scenario is not consistent with the oldest ages reported for lunar zircons, whereas the second scenario does not account for concordance between ages of crustal rocks and mantle reservoirs.
Randomized, controlled trial of the effect of e‐feedback on knowledge about radiotherapy of breast cancer patients in Finland
Authors: Siekkinen Mervi , Kesänen Jukka , Vahlberg Tero , Pyrhönen Seppo , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: November 2014

The growing number of women with breast cancer and their unmet knowledge expectations of radiotherapy pose a challenge to develop effective electronic patient education. Development efforts should be focused on e‐feedback on knowledge because of its positive effects. In this study, we evaluated how an e‐feedback knowledge intervention (e‐Re‐Know) before first radiotherapy improves breast cancer patients' knowledge of radiotherapy and identified the associations with patients' characteristics. Women with breast cancer (n = 128) were randomized prior to the radiotherapy period either to the intervention group or control group. The outcome measured three months after the radiotherapy period was knowledge level of radiotherapy. The increase in knowledge level was higher in the intervention group after adjustment for baseline knowledge level, and a significantly higher increase in knowledge level was seen in one subdomain, side‐effect self‐care, compared to the control group. The results of this study indicate that the e‐Re‐Know can be used in patient education to support empowerment. Future research should target new applications of e‐Re‐Know available on the Internet for those interested in the subject.
Factors affecting sexual function: A comparison between women with gynecological or rectal cancer and healthy controls
Authors: Li Chia‐Chun , Rew Lynn , Chen Lynn
Published: November 2014

This study had two purposes: (i) to explore differences in sexual function between women with gynecological or rectal cancer after related pelvic‐area treatments and women without cancer; and (ii) to investigate the relationships among body image, anxiety and depression, sexual relationship power, sexual self‐schema, and female sexual function. The participants (n = 139) were recruited through Internet cancer support groups and women's health organizations in the USA. Six structured questionnaires were mailed, and the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that women with gynecological or rectal cancer had significantly worse sexual function than women without cancer. Having gynecological/rectal cancer and a negative sexual self‐schema were significantly related to poor sexual function. Furthermore, sexual self‐schema moderated the relationship between sexual relationship power and female sexual function. Healthcare providers could give more attention to sexual issues in women who have undergone treatment for gynecological or rectal cancer, especially for those with a negative sexual self‐schema and high sexual relationship power, which might improve these women's quality of life.
Anthurium viridivinosum sp. nov. (Araceae; A. sect. Urospadix subsect. Flaviscentiviridia) from a sedimentary coastal plain in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Valadares Rodrigo Theófilo , Sakuragui Cassia Mônica
Published: November 2014

During a floristic survey of the family Araceae in a sedimentary coastal plain in the state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil, we found an unknown species with an intriguing combination of characteristics intermediate among Anthurium harrisii, A. intermedium, A. jilekii, A. riodocense and A. zeneidae. Herein, we describe and illustrate this novelity as Anthurium viridivinosum with a comparative analysis of characters that distinguishes it from similar species, and comments about its ecology, distribution and conservation.
Reassessment of diversity and analysis of distribution in Tulipa (Liliaceae) in Uzbekistan
Authors: Tojibaev Komiljon , Beshko Natalya
Published: November 2014

The diversity and distribution of the genus Tulipa in Uzbekistan are discussed; 34 taxa of Tulipa are recognized in Uzbekistan. The taxa were mapped using GIS software and their distributions were analyzed. Six species are endemic to the country. A national check‐list of Tulipa was created based on the classification developed by Zonneveld (2009). ‘Hot spot’ areas of tulip diversity in Uzbekistan are western Tien‐Shan (18 taxa), the western Pamir–Alay mountains (18 taxa) and the Turan lowland (5 taxa). An assessment of rare tulip species according to IUCN red list categories and criteria was performed for the first time for Uzbekistan. Evaluation of the latest classification of Tulipa clearly shows that further studies are required to arrive at a natural classification of the genus.
Olive domestication and diversification in the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Diez Concepcion M. , Trujillo Isabel , Martinez‐Urdiroz Nieves , Barranco Diego , Rallo Luis , Marfil Pedro , Gaut Brandon S.
Published: November 2014

Olive (Olea europaeassp. europaea) is the most important oil fruit crop in temperate areas, but the origin of the cultivated olive remains unclear. The existence of one or several domestication events in the Mediterranean Basin (MB) is still debated.

We analyzed a dataset of 387 cultivated and wild accessions that were genotyped at 25 simple‐sequence repeat (SSR) loci. The sample represented genetic diversity at the geographic extremes of theMB. We inferred relationships among samples and also applied approximate Bayesian computation to estimate the most probable demographic model of our samples.

Cultivated olives clustered into three different gene pools (Q1, Q2 and Q3), corresponding loosely to the west, central and easternMB, respectively. Q1 consisted primarily of accessions from southern Spain, retained the fingerprint of a genetic bottleneck, and was closely related to accessions from the easternMB. Q2 showed signs of recent admixture with wild olives and may derive from a local domestication event in the centralMB.

Overall our results suggest that admixture shaped olive germplasm and perhaps also local domestication events.
Foundations for a human science of nursing: Gadamer, Laing, and the hermeneutics of caring
Authors: Rolfe Gary
Published: November 2014

The professions of nursing and nurse education are currently experiencing a crisis of confidence, particularly in the UK, where the Francis Report and other recent reviews have highlighted a number of cases of nurses who no longer appear willing or able to ‘care’. The popular press, along with some elements of the nursing profession, has placed the blame for these failures firmly on the academy and particularly on the relatively recent move to all‐graduate status in England for pre‐registration student nurses. This has come to be known in the UK as the ‘too‐posh‐to‐wash’ argument, that there is an incommensurability between being educated to degree level and performing basic nursing tasks. I will argue in this paper that the diagnosis of the problem is substantively correct, but the formulation and the prescription are misguided and dangerous. I will suggest that the growing emphasis on research‐based and evidence‐based practice is the logical conclusion of an inappropriate scientific paradigm for nursing which is underpinned by the social sciences, by technical rationality, and by a focus on people. In contrast, I will suggest that a more fruitful way of thinking about and practising nursing and nurse education is to consider it as a human science with a focus on persons in which evidence for practice derives largely from practice itself. The history of the idea of a human science is traced from its roots in nineteenth century hermeneutics to the work of Gadamer and R.D. Laing in the 1960s, and I attempt to imagine a paradigm for nursing practice, scholarship, and education based on Laing's ‘existential–phenomenological’ approach with a focus on the endeavour to understand and relate to individual persons rather than to make broad prescriptions for practice based on statistical and other generalizations.
Intraoral features and considerations in face transplantation
Authors: Wall A , Bueno E , Pomahac B , Treister N
Published: November 2014

Face transplantation (FT) is a unique and novel addition to the field of reconstructive surgery, which offers new hope to facially disfigured individuals. This review provides an overview of FT, including clinical indications, immunological principles, and functional outcomes, as well as an in‐depth characterization of the intraoral hard and soft tissue findings in the six patients transplanted to date at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA, USA. Six FT recipients underwent comprehensive clinical and radiographic evaluation to assess their intraoral status, function, and overall health. The extra‐ and intraoral soft tissue was assessed via quantitative sensory testing. The vitality of the transplanted dental hard tissue was evaluated with clinically available testing methods. Native teeth and prostheses were also assessed. Sensation of transplanted oral mucosa varied based on time elapsed from FT, ranging from minimal at 3 months post‐FT, to nearly complete recovery by approximately 24 months. There was mixed success with the integration of donor teeth (Patients 1, 4 and 6), including associated occlusal discrepancies. Mucosal complications included constriction at the donor/recipient interface (Patients 2 and 5) and solitary episodes of mucosal rejection presenting as lichenoid inflammation (Patients 2 and 4). Face transplantation represents a pivotal moment in the history of reconstructive surgery and transplant medicine, providing new optimism to patients with gross facial deformities. This report highlights the successes of FT, but also the challenges of transplanting hard and soft tissues to restore complex stomatognathic function. Further attention directed toward comprehensive oral rehabilitation in FT will contribute to improved outcomes, with the ultimate goal of restoring and optimizing patient quality of life.
Evaluation of two commercial nucleic acid amplification kits for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in saliva samples
Authors: González Mediero G , Vázquez Gallardo R , Pérez del Molino ML , Diz Dios P
Published: November 2014

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two commercial nucleic acid amplification techniques to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis in saliva.

Subjects and Methods

Fifty‐two participants were recruited, 32 patients with a clinical and microbiological diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis and 20 healthy volunteers as controls. Three sputum samples were collected from each participant and were examined by direct bacilloscopy, cultured in liquid and solid media, and processed using the Mycobacterium tuberculosis direct (MTD) test for rRNA detection. One saliva sample was collected from each participant using conventional methods and was examined by direct bacilloscopy, cultured, and processed using the MTD test for rRNA detection and the FluoroType Mycobacterium tuberculosis assay for DNA detection.

Results

In saliva samples, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the MTD test were 71.8%, 95%, 95.8%, and 67.8%, respectively. The values obtained with the FluoroType assay were 56.2%, 90%, 90%, and 56.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that when a sufficient volume of sputum cannot be obtained, saliva could be an alternative biological sample for the rapid diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis using commercial nucleic acid amplification techniques.
Origins of adult pigmentation: diversity in pigment stem cell lineages and implications for pattern evolution
Authors: Parichy David M. , Spiewak Jessica E.
Published: November 2014

Teleosts comprise about half of all vertebrate species and exhibit an extraordinary diversity of adult pigment patterns that function in shoaling, camouflage, and mate choice and have played important roles in speciation. Here, we review studies that have identified several distinct neural crest lineages, with distinct genetic requirements, that give rise to adult pigment cells in fishes. These lineages include post‐embryonic, peripheral nerve‐associated stem cells that generate black melanophores and iridescent iridophores, cells derived directly from embryonic neural crest cells that generate yellow‐orange xanthophores, and bipotent stem cells that generate both melanophores and xanthophores. This complexity in adult chromatophore lineages has implications for our understanding of adult traits, melanoma, and the evolutionary diversification of pigment cell lineages and patterns.
Application of high‐throughput, high‐resolution and cost‐effective next generation sequencing‐based large‐scale HLA typing in donor registry
Authors: Zhou M. , Gao D. , Chai X. , Liu J. , Lan Z. , Liu Q. , Yang F. , Guo Y. , Fang J. , Yang L. , Du D. , Chen L. , Yang X. , Zhang M. , Zeng H. , Lu J. , Chen H. , Zhang X. , Wu S. , Han Y. , Tan J. , Cheng Z. , Huang C. , Wang W.
Published: November 2014

Next generation sequencing (NGS)‐based human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing was used for ultra large‐scale genotyping of registry donors for the China Marrow Donor Program (CMDP). More than 79,000 samples were subjected to HLA genotyping at 4‐digit allelic level without ambiguities for HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, DRB1 and DQB1 loci, with throughput up to 2068 samples per lane in a HiSeq flow cell (eight lanes per run), and cost reduced by 95% compared with that of Sanger‐based typing. Two percent of randomly selected samples were quality control (QC) tested at 4‐digit allelic level by the CMDP QC laboratory, yielded a concordance of 99.72%. These results demonstrate that NGS is a cost effective and valuable tool for HLA typing of registry donors.
Repeat HIV testing during pregnancy and delivery: missed opportunities in a rural district hospital in Zambia
Authors: Heemelaar Steffie , Habets Nicole , Makukula Ziche , van Roosmalen Jos , van den Akker Thomas
Published: November 2014

Objective

To assess coverage of repeat HIV testing among women who delivered in a Zambian hospital. HIV testing of pregnant women and repeat testing every 3 months during pregnancy and breastfeeding is the recommended policy in areas of high HIV prevalence.

Methods

A prospective implementation study in a second‐level hospital in rural Zambia. Included were all pregnant women who delivered in hospital during May and June 2012. Data regarding antenatal visits and HIV testing were collected by two investigators using a standardised form.

Results

Of 401 women who delivered in hospital, sufficient antenatal data could be retrieved for 322 (80.3%) women. Of these 322 women, 301 (93.5%) had attended antenatal care (ANC) at least once. At the time of discharge after delivery in hospital, 171 (53.1%) had an unclear HIV status because their negative test result was more than 3 months ago or of an unknown date, or because they had not been tested at all during pregnancy or delivery. An updated HIV status was present for 151 (46.9%) women: 25 (7.8%) were HIV positive and 126 (39.1%) had tested negative within the last 3 months. In this last group, 79 (24.5%) had been tested twice or more during pregnancy. During the study period, none of the women was tested during admission for delivery.

Conclusion

Despite high ANC coverage, opportunities for repeat HIV testing were missed in almost half of all women who delivered in this hospital in a high‐prevalence HIV setting.
Large Eddy Simulation of the Mixing of a Passive Scalar in a High-Schmidt Turbulent Jet
Authors: Mejía Juan M. , Sadiki Amsini , Molina Alejandro , Chejne Farid , Pantangi Pradeep
Published: November 2014

Accurate subgrid-scale (SGS) scalar flux models are essential when large eddy simulation (LES) is used to represent flow, mixing and transport of passive and active scalars in engineering, and environmental applications in turbulent regime. Many SGS scalar flux models have been developed for flows with low Schmidt numbers (Sc), but their application to high Sc flows has important limitations. In high Sc flows, the behavior of the scalar field becomes anisotropic because of intermittency effects, phenomenon that must be accounted for by SGS scalar flux models. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the ability of three SGS scalar flux models to predict the scalar behavior of a high Sc-number flow configuration, namely the anisotropy-resolved SGS scalar flux model: (1) appropriate for high Sc-number flow configurations, and two additional SGS models (linear eddy diffusivity based SGS models) with (2) constant, and (3) dynamically calculated turbulent Schmidt number. The LES simulation results accomplished by these models are compared to each other and to experimental data of a turbulent round jet discharging a diluted scalar into a low-velocity coflowing water stream. The comparison of simulation results and experimental observations shows that, in general, all SGS models reproduce the mean filtered concentration distribution in radial direction. The dynamic eddy diffusivity and anisotropy models reproduce the rms of the concentration and SGS scalar fluxes distribution. In particular, the anisotropy model improves the prediction reliability of LES. However, the three models evaluated in this study cannot accurately predict the scalar behavior at the superviscous layer. Finally, this work demonstrates that complex models can achieve reliable predictions on reasonable grids using less computational effort, while simple models require fine grids with increased computational costs.