bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do the media set the parliamentary agenda? A comparative study in seven countries
Authors: VLIEGENTHART RENS , WALGRAVE STEFAAN , BAUMGARTNER FRANK R. , BEVAN SHAUN , BREUNIG CHRISTIAN , BROUARD SYLVAIN , BONAFONT LAURA CHAQUÉS , GROSSMAN EMILIANO , JENNINGS WILL , MORTENSEN PETER B. , PALAU ANNA M. , SCIARINI PASCAL , TRESCH ANKE
Published: February 2016

A growing body of work has examined the relationship between media and politics from an agenda‐setting perspective: Is attention for issues initiated by political elites with the media following suit, or is the reverse relation stronger? A long series of single‐country studies has suggested a number of general agenda‐setting patterns but these have never been confirmed in a comparative approach. In a comparative, longitudinal design including comparable media and politics evidence for seven European countries (Belgium, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom), this study highlights a number of generic patterns. Additionally, it shows how the political system matters. Overall, the media are a stronger inspirer of political action in countries with single‐party governments compared to those with multiple‐party governments for opposition parties. But, government parties are more reactive to media under multiparty governments.
Banks’ Financial Reporting and Financial System Stability
Authors: ACHARYA VIRAL V. , RYAN STEPHEN G.
Published: February 2016

The use of accounting measures and disclosures in banks’ contracts and regulation suggests that the quality of banks’ financial reporting is central to the efficacy of market discipline and nonmarket mechanisms in limiting banks’ development of debt and risk overhangs in economic good times and in mitigating the adverse consequences of those overhangs for the stability of the financial system in downturns. This essay examines how research on banks’ financial reporting, informed by the financial economics literature on banking, can generate insights about how to enhance the stability of the financial system. We begin with a foundational discussion of how aspects of banks’ accounting and disclosures may affect stability. We then evaluate representative papers in the empirical literature on banks’ financial reporting and stability, pointing out the research design issues that empirical accounting researchers need to confront to develop well‐specified tests able to generate reliably interpretable findings. To this end, we provide examples of settings amenable to addressing these issues. We conclude with considerations for accounting standard setters and financial system policy makers.
Brain Fluid Content Related to Body Position and Postmortem Interval – An Animal Model
Authors: Leonard Anna , Vink Robert , Byard Roger W.
Published: February 2016

Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were euthanized and placed in a horizontal or vertical (head‐down) position at room temperature, after which brain fluid content was measured by a moisture analysis technique at variable time points. No significant difference in brain fluid content was observed between horizontal and vertical postmortem positions. A significant increase in brain fluid content was demonstrated 3, 6, and 24 h after death, with maximal fluid content observed at 24 h. Specifically, the brain fluid content of control animals was 77.79 ± 0.36%, increasing to 80.05 ± 0.22% at 24 h (p < 0.0001). This study has demonstrated no significant differences in brain fluid content related to postmortem position, suggesting that a head‐down position is not associated with increased brain fluid content or swelling. However, significant temporal increases in brain fluid content after death, most likely related to cerebral liquefaction, occur.
A Comparison of Various Fixatives for Casting Footwear Impressions in Sand at Crime Scenes
Authors: Battiest Travis , Clutter Susan W. , McGill David
Published: February 2016

Footwear examination can provide an important link between the crime scene and the suspect. Casts have been taken from snow, soil, and sand substrates to assist with the examination and to accurately depict the impression. However, there has been some discrepancy on what kind of fixative, if any, should be used with impressions present in sand. This study tested four different fixatives on three sandy substrates. Eight gross characteristics were added to a boot sole, and thirty sand impressions were created in each substrate. Except for one control set that remained untreated, the impressions were treated with a fixative agent before casting. The ninety shoe casts were examined by a qualified footwear examiner and scored based on his ability to see the eight characteristics. The results indicated that pump‐action hairspray was the most successful on play and construction sand, while beach sand impressions without any fixative scored highest.
Controlling Listeria monocytogenes and Leuconostoc mesenteroides in Uncured Deli‐style Turkey Breast Using a Clean Label Antimicrobial
Authors: Weyker Robert E. , Glass Kathleen A. , Milkowski Andrew L. , Seman Dennis L. , Sindelar Jeffrey J.
Published: February 2016

Interest in natural/organic meat products has resulted in the need to validate the effectiveness of clean label antimicrobials to increase safety and shelf life of these products. A Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the effects of varying levels of moisture, pH, and a commercial “clean‐label” antimicrobial (cultured sugar‐vinegar blend; CSVB) on the growth rate of Listeria monocytogenes and Leuconostoc mesenteroides in uncured turkey stored at 4 °C for 16 wk. Twenty treatment combinations of moisture (60% to 80%), pH (5.8 to 6.4), and CSVB (2.5% to 5.0%) were evaluated during phase I to develop growth curves for both microbe types, whereas the interactive effects of pH (5.8 to 6.4) and CSVB (0.0 to 4.75) were tested in 16 treatment combinations during Phase II at a single moisture level using L. monocytogenes only. CSVB inhibited L. monocytogenes growth in 14 of the 20 treatments tested in Phase I and in 12 of the 16 treatments in Phase II through 16 and 8 wk, respectively. In contrast, CSVB had little effect on L. mesenteroides, with growth inhibited in only 4 of 20 treatments in Phase I and was therefore not tested further in Phase II. Significant interactions of the RSM design coefficients yielded a predictive model for L. mesenteroides growth rate, but due to lack of growth, no growth rate model was developed for L. monocytogenes. CSVB was found to be an effective antilisteral antimicrobial, while having little effect on a spoilage microorganism.
Self‐administered methoxyflurane for procedural analgesia: experience in a tertiary Australasian centre
Authors: Gaskell A. L. , Jephcott C. G. , Smithells J. R. , Sleigh J. W.
Published: February 2016

Methoxyflurane, an agent formerly used as a volatile anaesthetic but that has strong analgesic properties, will soon become available again in the UK and Europe in the form of a small hand‐held inhaler. We describe our experience in the use of inhaled methoxyflurane for procedural analgesia within a large tertiary hospital. In a small pilot crossover study of patients undergoing burns‐dressing procedures, self‐administered methoxyflurane inhalation was preferred to ketamine‐midazolam patient‐controlled analgesia by five of eight patients. Patient and proceduralist outcomes and satisfaction were recorded from a subsequent case series of 173 minor surgical and radiological procedures in 123 patients performed using inhaled methoxyflurane. The procedures included change of dressing, minor debridement, colonoscopy and incision‐and‐drainage of abscess. There was a 97% success rate of methoxyflurane analgesia to facilitate these procedures. Limitations of methoxyflurane include maximal daily and weekly doses, and uncertainty regarding its safety in patients with pre‐existing renal disease.
Review article: recent advances in pharmacogenetics and pharmacokinetics for safe and effective thiopurine therapy in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Moon W. , Loftus E. V.
Published: February 2016

Background

Azathioprine and mercaptopurine have a pivotal role in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, because of their complex metabolism and potential toxicities, optimal use of biomarkers to predict adverse effects and therapeutic response is paramount.

Aim

To provide a comprehensive review focused on pharmacogenetics and pharmacokinetics for safe and effective thiopurine therapy in IBD.

Methods

A literature search up to July 2015 was performed in PubMed using a combination of relevant MeSH terms.

Results

Pre‐treatment thiopurine S‐methyltransferase typing plus measurement of 6‐tioguanine nucleotides and 6‐methylmercaptopurine ribonucleotides levels during treatment have emerged with key roles in facilitating safe and effective thiopurine therapy. Optimal use of these tools has been shown to reduce the risk of adverse effects by 3‐7%, and to improve efficacy by 15–30%. For the introduction of aldehyde oxidase (AOX) into clinical practice, the association between AOX activity and AZA dose requirements should be positively confirmed. Inosine triphosphatase assessment associated with adverse effects also shows promise. Nucleoside diphosphate‐linked moiety X‐type motif 15 variants have been shown to predict myelotoxicity on thiopurines in East Asian patients. However, the impact of assessments of xanthine oxidase, glutathione S‐transferase, hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase and inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase appears too low to favour incorporation into clinical practice.

Conclusions

Measurement of thiopurine‐related enzymes and metabolites reduces the risk of adverse effects and improves efficacy, and should be considered part of standard management. However, this approach will not predict or avoid all adverse effects, and careful clinical and laboratory monitoring of patients receiving thiopurines remains essential.
Variational bayesian method of estimating variance components
Authors: Arakawa Aisaku , Taniguchi Masaaki , Hayashi Takeshi , Mikawa Satoshi
Published: February 2016

We developed a Bayesian analysis approach by using a variational inference method, a so‐called variational Bayesian method, to determine the posterior distributions of variance components. This variational Bayesian method and an alternative Bayesian method using Gibbs sampling were compared in estimating genetic and residual variance components from both simulated data and publically available real pig data. In the simulated data set, we observed strong bias toward overestimation of genetic variance for the variational Bayesian method in the case of low heritability and low population size, and less bias was detected with larger population sizes in both methods examined. The differences in the estimates of variance components between the variational Bayesian and the Gibbs sampling were not found in the real pig data. However, the posterior distributions of the variance components obtained with the variational Bayesian method had shorter tails than those obtained with the Gibbs sampling. Consequently, the posterior standard deviations of the genetic and residual variances of the variational Bayesian method were lower than those of the method using Gibbs sampling. The computing time required was much shorter with the variational Bayesian method than with the method using Gibbs sampling.
Cognitive impairment in late‐life bipolar disorder is not associated with Alzheimer's disease pathological signature in the cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Forlenza Orestes V , Aprahamian Ivan , Radanovic Márcia , Talib Leda L , Camargo Marina ZA , Stella Florindo , Machado‐Vieira Rodrigo , Gattaz Wagner F
Published: February 2016

Objectives

Cognitive impairment is a common feature of late‐life bipolar disorder (BD). Yet, there is limited information on the biological mechanisms associated with this process. It is uncertain whether cognitively impaired patients with BD may present the Alzheimer's disease (AD) bio‐signature in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), defined as a combination of low concentrations of the amyloid‐beta peptide (Aβ1‐42) and high concentrations of total tau (T‐tau) and tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (P‐tau). In this study, we sought to determine whether cognitive impairment in elderly patients with BD is associated with the AD CSF bio‐signature.

Methods

Seventy‐two participants were enrolled in the study. The test group comprised older adults with BD and mild cognitive impairment (BD‐MCI; n = 16) and the comparison groups comprised patients with dementia due to AD (n = 17), patients with amnestic MCI (aMCI; n = 14), and cognitively healthy older adults (control group; n = 25). CSF samples were obtained by lumbar puncture and concentrations of Aβ1‐42, T‐tau and P‐tau were determined.

Results

CSF concentrations of all biomarkers were significantly different in the AD group compared to all other groups, but did not differentiate BD‐MCI subjects from aMCI subjects and controls. BD‐MCI patients had a non‐significant reduction in CSF Aβ1‐42 compared to controls, but this was still higher than in the AD group. Concentrations of T‐tau and P‐tau in BD‐MCI patients were similar to those in controls, and significantly lower than those in AD.

Conclusions

Cognitively impaired patients with BD do not display the so‐called AD bio‐signature in the CSF. We therefore hypothesize that cognitive deterioration in BD is not associated with the classical pathophysiological mechanisms observed in AD, i.e., amyloid deposition and hyperphosphorylation of microtubule‐associated tau protein.
Working out across Canada: Is there a gender gap?
Authors: Coen Stephanie E. , Subedi Rajendra P. , Rosenberg Mark W.
Published: February 2016

Key Messages

We consider how scale and activity type matter for the gender gap in physical activity in Canada.

Results show the nature and direction of physical activity gender gaps vary.

Interventions need to be gender‐sensitive in ways that are place‐specific.
Transit‐oriented development and gentrification along Metro Vancouver's low‐income SkyTrain corridor
Authors: Jones Craig E. , Ley David
Published: February 2016

Key Messages

A low‐income corridor follows the SkyTrain rapid transit line through Vancouver and its suburbs, containing subsidized rental housing from long‐terminated federal programs.

The housing is aging and is occupied by poorer groups, notably recently landed refugees and immigrants.

This housing is endangered by gentrification from a regional policy of transit‐oriented development (TOD), a policy where environmental objectives and profitability trump social justice objectives.
Detection of an embolized central venous catheter fragment with endobronchial ultrasound
Authors: Dhillon Samjot Singh , Harris Kassem , Alraiyes Abdul H. , Picone Anthony L.
Published: February 2016

An 84‐year‐old woman underwent Convex‐probe Endobronchial Ultrasound (CP‐EBUS) for 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose avid subcarinal lymphadenopathy on Positron Emission Tomogram (PET) scan. Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration of the subcarinal lymph node revealed squamous cell lung carcinoma. A small hyperechoic rounded density was noted inside the lumen of the azygous vein. Based on chest computed tomography findings and her clinical history, this was felt to be a broken fragment of a peripherally inserted central catheter, which was placed for intravenous antibiotics, a few months prior to this presentation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first ever CP‐EBUS description of a broken fragment of central venous catheter.
Transcendental Philosophy and Intersubjectivity: Mutual Recognition as a Condition for the Possibility of Self‐Consciousness in Sections 1–3 of Fichte's Foundations of Natural Right
Authors: McNulty Jacob
Published: February 2016

In the opening sections of his Foundations of Natural Right, Fichte argues that mutual recognition is a condition for the possibility of self‐consciousness. However, the argument turns on the apparently unconvincing claim that, in the context of transcendental philosophy, conceptions of the subject as an isolated individual give rise to a vicious circle the resolution of which requires the introduction of a second rational being to ‘summon’ the first. In this essay, my aim is to present a revised account of the opening arguments on which they are more convincing. In particular, I argue that the problem of a circle is genuine and may be seen to result from a relation of mutual dependence between agency and cognition which ensures that for an exercise of either capacity to take place, an exercise of the other would have already had to have taken place with the result that neither can occur. Moreover, the solution is successful. The summons (the claim of the other) prevents us from being driven around the circle once more because it is a ‘synthesis’ that reconciles the constraint to which I am subject as a cognizer of independently given objects and my freedom as a self‐determining subject.
Prevalence, risk factors and genetic parameters of cresty neck in Pura Raza Español horses
Authors: Sánchez M. J. , Azor P. J. , Molina A. , Parkin T. , Rivero J. L. L. , Valera M.
Published: February 2016

Reasons for performing study

Cresty neck is a relatively common morphological defect in Pura Raza Español horses and other Baroque type horse breeds, which adversely affects the breeding industry.

Objectives

To establish the within‐breed prevalence, possible associated factors and heritability of cresty neck in Pura Raza Español horses.

Study design

Cross‐sectional analysis of a large worldwide database of Pura Raza Español horses.

Methods

The database included evaluations of 10,929 Pura Raza Español horses from 24 countries. Cresty neck score, on a 9 point scale, girth‐to‐height ratio, height at the withers, length of neck, head–neck junction and neck–body junction were recorded. A Bayesian genetic animal model included the following systematic effects: girth‐to‐height ratio, age, sex, coat colour and geographical area of the stud. Animal and residual effects were included as random effects.

Results

Within this Pura Raza Español population,8.91% had a cresty neck score ≥5, which is the threshold for penalty or disqualification in the studbook of the breed. The age, sex, coat colour and stud geographical area were significantly associated with cresty neck score. The estimated heritability coefficient for cresty neck score was 0.37 (s.d.=0.034) and genetic correlation between cresty neck score and other conformational traits ranged from −0.06 (height‐at‐withers) to −0.21 (neck–body junction).

Conclusions

Cresty neck is a prevalent defect in Pura Raza Español horses, associated with age, sex, coat colour and other conformational traits, with a moderate level of heritability. Breeding to select against this condition may therefore be beneficial in this breed.
Slab fractures of the third tarsal bone: Minimally invasive repair using a single 3.5 mm cortex screw placed in lag fashion in 17 Thoroughbred racehorses
Authors: Barker W. H. J. , Wright I. M.
Published: February 2016

Reasons for performing the study

A technique for minimally invasive repair of slab fractures of the third tarsal bone has not previously been reported. Results of third tarsal bone slab fracture repair in Thoroughbred racehorses are lacking.

Objectives

To report the outcomes of repair of uniplanar frontal slab factures of the third tarsal bone using a single 3.5 mm cortex screw in lag fashion.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Case records of horses that had undergone this procedure were reviewed.

Results

Seventeen horses underwent surgery. Eighteen percent of cases had wedge shaped third tarsal bones. A point midway between the long and lateral digital extensor tendons and centrodistal and tarsometatarsal joints created a suitable entry site for implants. The fracture location, configuration and curvature of the third tarsal bone and associated joints requires a dorsolateral proximal‐plantaromedial distal trajectory for the screw, which was determined by preplaced needles. There were no complications and fractures healed in all cases at 4–6 months post surgery. Seventy‐nine percent of horses returned to racing and, at the time of reporting, 3 are in post operative rehabilitation programmes.

Conclusion

The technique reported provides a safe, appropriate and repeatable means of repairing slab fractures of the third tarsal bone. Surgical repair is a viable alternative to conservative management.
Integrity of Literature on Expressed Emotion and Relapse in Patients with Schizophrenia Verified by a p‐Curve Analysis
Authors: Weintraub Marc J. , Hall Daniel L. , Carbonella Julia Y. , Weisman de Mamani Amy , Hooley Jill M.
Published: February 2016

There is growing concern that much published research may have questionable validity due to phenomena such as publication bias and p‐hacking. Within the psychiatric literature, the construct of expressed emotion (EE) is widely assumed to be a reliable predictor of relapse across a range of mental illnesses. EE is an index of the family climate, measuring how critical, hostile, and overinvolved a family member is toward a mentally ill patient. No study to date has examined the evidential value of this body of research as a whole. That is to say, although many studies have shown a link between EE and symptom relapse, the integrity of the literature from which this claim is derived has not been tested. In an effort to confirm the integrity of the literature of EE predicting psychiatric relapse in patients with schizophrenia, we conducted a p‐curve analysis on all known studies examining EE (using the Camberwell Family Interview) to predict psychiatric relapse over a 9‐ to 12‐month follow‐up period. Results suggest that the body of literature on EE is unbiased and has integrity, as there was a significant right skew of p‐values, a nonsignificant left skew of p‐values, and a nonsignificant test of flatness. We conclude that EE is a robust and valuable predictor of symptom relapse in schizophrenia.
Crystal structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis ketol‐acid reductoisomerase at 1.0 Å resolution – a potential target for anti‐tuberculosis drug discovery
Authors: Lv You , Kandale Ajit , Wun Shun Jie , McGeary Ross P. , Williams Simon J. , Kobe Bostjan , Sieber Volker , Schembri Mark A. , Schenk Gerhard , Guddat Luke W.
Published: February 2016

The biosynthetic pathway for the branched‐chain amino acids is present in plants, fungi and bacteria, but not in animals, making it an attractive target for herbicidal and antimicrobial drug discovery. Ketol‐acid reductoisomerase (KARI; EC 1.1.1.86) is the second enzyme in this pathway, converting in a Mg2+‐ and NADPH‐dependent reaction either 2‐acetolactate or 2‐aceto‐2‐hydroxybutyrate to their corresponding 2,3‐dihydroxy‐3‐alkylbutyrate products. Here, we have determined the crystal structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mt) KARI, a class I KARI, with two magnesium ions bound in the active site. X‐ray data were obtained to 1.0 Å resolution and the final model has an Rfree of 0.163. The structure shows that the active site is solvent‐accessible with the two metal ions separated by 4.7 Å. A comparison of this structure with that of Mg2+‐free Pseudomonas aeruginosa KARI suggests that upon magnesium binding no movement of the N domain relative to the C domain occurs. However, upon formation of the Michaelis complex, as illustrated in the structure of Slackia exigua KARI in complex with NADH.Mg2+. N‐hydroxy‐N‐isopropyloxamate (IpOHA, a transition state analog), domain movements and reduction of the metal–metal distance to 3.5 Å are observed. This inherent flexibility therefore appears to be critical for initiation of the KARI‐catalyzed reaction. This study provides new insights into the complex structural rearrangements required for activity of KARIs, particularly those belonging to class I, and provides the framework for the rational design of Mt KARI inhibitors that can be tested as novel antituberculosis agents.

Database

Coordinates and structure factors for the Mt KARI.Mg2+ complex are available in the Protein Data Bank under accession number 4YPO
Molecular phylogeny and systematics of Blue and Grey Noddies (Procelsterna)
Authors: Cibois Alice , Thibault Jean‐Claude , Rocamora Gérard , Pasquet Eric
Published: February 2016

We used a mitochondrial and nuclearDNAphylogeny to evaluate the relationships among all noddies (AnousandProcelsterna, Laridae) and to clarify their classification. The Lesser NoddyAnous tenuirostrisand Black NoddyAnous minutusform a pair of closely related sister‐species, as do the Blue NoddyProcelsterna albivittaand Grey NoddyProcelsterna cerulea. Blue and Grey Noddies are embedded within the dark noddies and are the sister‐clade to the Lesser and Black Noddies, indicating that the genusAnousin its current definition is not monophyletic. Thus, we propose to merge all noddies into the genusAnousStephens, and to considerProcelsternaLafresnayeas a junior synonym.
Effect of bisphenol A on morphology, apoptosis and proliferation in the resting mammary gland of the adult albino rat
Authors: Ibrahim Marwa A. A. , Elbakry Reda H. , Bayomy Naglaa A.
Published: February 2016

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic oestrogen that is extensively used in a wide range of daily used plastic products. This makes it one of the environmental chemicals that may have impact on human health. Due to its oestrogenic effect, BPA might affect the mammary gland. This study aimed to investigate the influence of BPA on the histological structure of the mammary gland of the adult female albino rat and its effect on epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis status, in addition to its possible modulating effect on estrogen receptor expression. Thirty female adult albino rats were divided into control and experimental groups. The rats in the experimental group were gavaged with 5 mg/kg BPA daily for 8 weeks. The mammary glands were dissected and processed for histological and immunohistochemical stains for Ki‐67, activated caspase‐3 and estrogen receptor alpha (ER‐α). BPA induced an increase in the number and size of the acini and ducts in the mammary gland of treated rats with hyperplasia of their lining epithelial cells. The collagen fibre content was significantly increased in the connective tissue stroma separating the ducts. Immunohistochemical results showed a significant increase in Ki‐67 and caspase‐3, but a non‐significant increase in ER‐α expression. Bisphenol A induced structural changes and affected the proliferation rate of mammary glands, so it might be one of the predisposing factors for breast cancer.
A Discrete Element Model of Armor Glass Fragmentation and Comminution Failure Under Compression
Authors: Xu Wei , Sun Xin
Published: February 2016

Because of its good optical properties and exceptional compressive strength, lightweight borosilicate glass has been increasingly used in transparent armor applications. Due to its brittle nature, glass fails differently from ductile materials in the sense that fragmentation occurs instantly upon impact penetration ahead of the projectile tip. Therefore, the penetration resistance of glass armor typically is measured by the effective residual strength of predamaged glass under compression loading, which primarily is sustained by the interactions and accommodations of various‐sized glass fragments in the comminuted zones under confinement from the surrounding intact body. As a result, a mechanistic description of this damage evolution process is needed to develop a predictive model for simulating glass strength for transparent armor applications. In the present study, a discrete element‐based modeling framework has been established to understand and predict the transient compressive fragmentation and comminution failure processes within the confined borosilicate glass by explicitly resolving the experimentally observed dynamic initiation and propagation of local instabilities. The predicted results are found to aptly capture the most essential characteristic loading behaviors of the damaged glass, for which the effects of crucial material properties also were numerically evaluated.
Improvement of Chinese noodle quality by supplementation with arabinoxylans from wheat bran
Authors: Fan Ling , Ma Sen , Wang Xiaoxi , Zheng Xueling
Published: February 2016

This study was performed to investigate the effects of arabinoxylans on Chinese noodles quality. Unmodified arabinoxylans (UAX) and modified arabinoxylans (MAX) were added to wheat flour at 0.25–2.0% (w/w), and noodle samples were evaluated in terms of colour, free sulfhydryl groups, disulphide bond, water, texture properties and cooking characteristics. As the amounts of arabinoxylans increased, dough sheet became darker, and the texture of the cooked noodles increased and then deteriorated after 1% of arabinoxylans addition. The content of free sulfhydryl groups fluctuated and decreased by 15.4% and by 19.3% after the addition of 0.5% of UAX and MAX, respectively. The relaxation time T2 decreased with increased amounts of arabinoxylans. Generally, the water absorption increased and cooking loss rate decreased up to 1.0% of arabinoxylan addition. Our results confirm that using 0.25–1.0% arabinoxylans in wheat flour, it was possible to increase both the nutrition and quality of Chinese noodles.
Evaluating the attractiveness of the availability of injectable progestogen contraceptives at the community pharmacy setting in the United Kingdom
Authors: Heller Rebecca , Cameron Sharon T
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Pharmacists have extended opening hours and are located in communities. Many offer sexual and reproductive health services such as emergency contraception. The opportunity to receive injectable contraception from community pharmacists would improve availability of this method and might increase uptake and continuation. A self-administered survey of women attending a large urban sexual and reproductive health clinic was undertaken to determine the acceptability of receiving contraceptive injections from a community pharmacist.

Methods

Women aged 16–50 years attending an NHS walk-in sexual and reproductive health clinic were invited to complete questionnaires while they were waiting to attend an appointment with a clinician. Questionnaires asked women if they were current, previous or never users of the progestogen only injectable, their method of contraception and whether availability of the injectable from a local pharmacist would influence their decision to use this method.

Results

Two hundred and forty questionnaires were distributed and 220 completed (92%). A total of 9% of respondents were past users of the injectable (n = 21), 4% were current users (n = 8) and the remaining 87% were never users. Of those 191 current non-users, 33% (n = 64) indicated that they would consider using this method if it was available at the pharmacy. The main perceived advantages of attending the pharmacy were quicker appointments (52%) and easier access (47%).

Conclusion

Provision of the injectable contraceptive from a pharmacist might make this method attractive to almost one in three women who are not currently using it. This could be a strategy to improve uptake and continuation of this method.
Prostate‐specific antigen lowering effect of metabolic syndrome is influenced by prostate volume
Authors: Choi Woo Suk , Heo Nam Ju , Paick Jae‐Seung , Son Hwancheol
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To investigate the influence of metabolic syndrome on prostate‐specific antigen levels by considering prostate volume and plasma volume.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 4111 men who underwent routine check‐ups including prostate‐specific antigen and transrectal ultrasonography. The definition of metabolic syndrome was based on the modified Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Prostate‐specific antigen mass density (prostate‐specific antigen × plasma volume / prostate volume) was calculated for adjusting plasma volume and prostate volume. We compared prostate‐specific antigen and prostate‐specific antigen mass density levels of participants with metabolic syndrome (metabolic syndrome group, n = 1242) and without metabolic syndrome (non‐prostate‐specific antigen metabolic syndrome group, n = 2869). To evaluate the impact of metabolic syndrome on prostate‐specific antigen, linear regression analysis for the natural logarithm of prostate‐specific antigen was used.

Results

Patients in the metabolic syndrome group had significantly older age (P < 0.001), larger prostate volume (P < 0.001), higher plasma volume (P < 0.001) and lower mean serum prostate‐specific antigen (non‐metabolic syndrome group vs metabolic syndrome group; 1.22 ± 0.91 vs 1.15 ± 0.76 ng/mL, P = 0.006). Prostate‐specific antigen mass density in the metabolic syndrome group was still significantly lower than that in the metabolic syndrome group (0.124 ± 0.084 vs 0.115 ± 0.071 μg/mL, P = 0.001). After adjusting for age, prostate volume and plasma volume using linear regression model, the presence of metabolic syndrome was a significant independent factor for lower prostate‐specific antigen (prostate‐specific antigen decrease by 4.1%, P = 0.046).

Conclusions

Prostate‐specific antigen levels in patients with metabolic syndrome seem to be lower, and this finding might be affected by the prostate volume.
Transvesical laparoscopic surgery for double renal pelvis and ureter with or without ureterocele
Authors: Naitoh Yasuyuki , Oishi Masakatsu , Kobayashi Kenichi , Yamada Yasuhiro , Nakamura Terukazu , Johnin Kazuyoshi , Hongo Fumiya , Naya Yoshio , Okihara Koji , Kawauchi Akihiro
Published: February 2016

Objective

To evaluate the performance of transvesical laparoscopic surgery for patients with complete double pelvis and ureter.

Methods

A total of 10 patients were included in the present study: five had complete double pelvis and ureter with ureterocele (group A), and five did not have ureterocele (group B). Three small incisions of 5 mm were used, without incision in the lower abdomen. In group A patients, the ureterocele wall was resected, and two ureters were sufficiently detached as a combined ureteral complex. Ureterocele on the side of the bladder wall was sutured to the bladder neck, and the bladder wall was strengthened. According to the cross‐trigonal technique, ureterocystoneostomy was carried out in two ureters as a combined ureteral complex. In group B patients, two ureters were sufficiently detached, and ureterocystoneostomy was carried out as in group A.

Results

In group A, the mean age was 13.4 years (range 2–34 years). The mean operation time was 304.6 min (242–346 min). In group B, the mean age was 16.6 years (range 2–48 years). The mean operation time was 207.8 min (150–249 min). There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications in both study groups.

Conclusions

Transvesical laparoscopic surgery can be safely and effectively used in patients with double pelvis and ureter.
Native‐Migrant Wage Differential Across Occupations: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Islam Asad , Parasnis Jaai
Published: February 2016

We investigate wage differential by migrant status across white‐collar and blue‐collar occupations in Australia. Migrants are observed to have a higher wage; this difference, however, does not exist once we control for covariates. The unconditional wage differential varies over wage distribution as well as by occupation. Significant wage differentials are found above the median: positive for white‐collar workers and negative for blue‐collar workers. Using recently developed decomposition methods based on Firpo, Fortin, and Lemieux (2009) we decompose wage differentials across their distribution. Overall, the wage advantage of migrants reflects their superior labour market characteristics, and in particular, their levels of education. We find that English language proficiency plays an important role in wage differences among immigrants from non‐English speaking countries.
New Patterns of Internal Migration in Emigrant‐Sending Communities: the Case of China
Authors: Song Qian , Liang Zai
Published: February 2016

Despite the large number of migrants at both international and internal scales in developing countries, literature on building the links between the two migration processes is still lacking. Using survey data from China's Fujian Province, we elaborate a novel link between international and internal migration processes by examining the response of internal migration to international migration in the migrant origins. Our findings suggest that emigration of one individual initially deterred the internal migration of other family members. Yet, over time individuals from emigrant‐related households had an increasing propensity to migrate internally. During the internal migration process, emigrants’ family members received greater financial returns and had reached farther destinations than other internal migrants. Those emigrant‐related internal migrants with enhanced economic profiles would benefit their domestic destinations in a variety of ways. These benefits support a more optimistic view on the impact of international migration on the development of migrant‐sending countries.
Physical health nurse consultant role to improve physical health in mental health services: A carer's perspective
Authors: Happell Brenda , Wilson Karen , Platania‐Phung Chris , Stanton Robert
Published: February 2016

The physical health of people diagnosed with a mental illness is significantly poorer in comparison with the general population. Awareness of this health disparity is increasing; however, strategies to address the problem are limited. Carers play an important role in the physical health care of people with mental illness, particularly in facilitating navigation of and advocating in the health care system. A specialist physical health nurse consultant position has been suggested as a way to address the physical health care disparity and limited research available suggests that positive outcomes are possible. In the present study, a qualitative exploratory research project was undertaken, involving in‐depth interviews with people identifying as mental health carers. Two focus groups and one individual interview were conducted involving a total of 13 carers. The resulting data were analyzed thematically. Views and opinions about the proposed physical health nurse consultant (PHNC) position were sought during these interviews and are reported in this paper. Two main sub‐themes were evident relating to characteristics of this role: reliability and consistency; and communication and support. Essentially carers expressed a need for support for themselves and consumers in addressing physical health concerns. Successful implementation of this position would require a consistent and reliable approach. Carers are significant stakeholders in the physical health of consumers of mental health services and their active involvement in identifying and tailoring services, including development of the physical health nurse consultant must be seen as a priority.
Oferta ilimitada de trabajadores no calificados y segregación ocupacional por sexo en Jamaica
Authors: RICKETTS Heather E. , BERNARD David V.
Published: February 2016

Los indicadores habituales de la segregación ocupacional por sexo pueden ser sumamente engañosos aplicados a los países en desarrollo debido a las diferencias estructurales, culturales e históricas que los separan de los desarrollados, tomados como modelo en los estudios sobre segregación. En Jamaica, debido al antiguo régimen de esclavitud, la mujer lleva siglos presente a gran escala en la población activa, y no decenios, como en los países desarrollados. Según los autores, la reserva importante e indiferenciada de trabajadores no calificados de Jamaica se traduce paradójicamente en niveles inferiores de segregación laboral, con predominio de mujeres en las ocupaciones más calificadas.
Determinantes de la brecha de género de desempleo en Italia y Reino Unido. Un estudio comparado
Authors: BAUSSOLA Maurizio , MUSSIDA Chiara , JENKINS Jamie , PENFOLD Matthew
Published: February 2016

El artículo analiza la brecha de género relativa al desempleo en Italia y Reino Unido investigando los determinantes de los flujos laborales con un modelo logit multinomial y estimando la contribución de las transiciones entre empleo, desempleo e inactividad a la brecha a partir de datos de las encuestas de población activa de ambos países de 2004 a 2013. La descomposición de la brecha mediante una matriz de probabilidades de transición muestra la desventaja de las mujeres en Italia y su situación ventajosa respecto de los hombres en el Reino Unido.
Discriminación salarial de género en Jordania. Las buenas intenciones no bastan
Authors: ALFARHAN Usamah F.
Published: February 2016

Aunque Jordania firmó los principales tratados internacionales que prohíben la discriminación de género, sufre una brecha salarial considerable. Con datos de la Encuesta de Gastos e Ingresos de los Hogares de 2002, 2006 y 2008, se realiza un análisis de descomposición teniendo en cuenta las decisiones de participación laboral de hombres y mujeres, según el cual toda la brecha salarial se explica por diferencias de género en los coeficientes estimados. Dicha brecha se debe a discriminación en el momento de la contratación y tiende a disminuir con el tiempo. La baja participación laboral femenina contribuye a una mejora estadística de sus ingresos relativos.
Citizen Science and Statistics: Playing a Part
Authors: Bain Robert
Published: February 2016

“Citizen science” has empowered amateurs and enthusiasts to get involved in a wide range of research projects, helping to collect and analyse data on a massively distributed scale. But project leads still need to ensure their work remains statistically robust. Robert Bain reports

Cover story

Citizen scientists and statisticians must work together to solve the data puzzle. By Robert Bain
Surface Segregation of Niobium and Tantalum in Titanium Dioxide. Overview
Authors: Atanacio Armand J. , Ikuma Yasuro
Published: February 2016

Segregation in crystals results in surface layer enrichment of selected lattice elements. The present work considers the phenomenon of segregation in solid solutions of TiO2 doped with donor‐type elements, such as niobium and tantalum. The focus is on the effect of oxygen activity on segregation at elevated temperatures. It is shown that the effect of oxygen activity on the segregation‐induced enrichment may be used for engineering of oxide materials in general and TiO2‐based materials in particular with controlled surface composition that is required to achieve the desired reactivity and photoreactivity for energy conversion in general and solar energy conversion in particular. The development of the related surface engineering procedures requires correct determination of oxygen activity during processing and the segregation‐induced concentration gradients within the surface layer.
Instruments for measuring meaningful learning in healthcare students: a systematic psychometric review
Authors: Cadorin Lucia , Bagnasco Annamaria , Tolotti Angela , Pagnucci Nicola , Sasso Loredana
Published: February 2016

Aim

To identify, evaluate and describe the psychometric properties of instruments that measure learning outcomes in healthcare students.

Background

Meaningful learning is an active process that enables a wider and deeper understanding of concepts. It is the result of an interaction between new and prior knowledge and produces a long‐standing change in knowledge and skills. In the field of education, validated and reliable instruments for assessing meaningful learning are needed.

Design

A psychometric systematic review.

Data sources

MEDLINE CINAHL, SCOPUS, ERIC, Cochrane Library, Psychology & Behavioural Sciences Collection Database from 1990–December 2013.

Review method

Using pre‐determined inclusion criteria, three reviewers independently identified studies for full‐text review. Then they extracted data for quality appraisal and graded instrument validity using the Consensus‐based Standards for the selection of the health status Measurement INstruments checklist and the Psychometric Grading Framework.

Results

Of the 57 studies identified for full‐text review, 16 met the inclusion criteria and 13 different instruments were assessed. Following quality assessment, only one instrument was considered of good quality but it measured meaningful learning only in part; the others were either fair or poor. The Psychometric Grading Framework indicated that one instrument was weak, while the others were very weak. No instrument displayed adequate validity.

Conclusions

The systematic review produced a synthesis of the psychometric properties of tools that measure learning outcomes in students of healthcare disciplines. Measuring learning outcomes is very important when educating health professionals. The identified tools may constitute a starting point for the development of other assessment tools.
Comparative Performance of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Versus Calcium Hydroxide as a Direct Pulp Capping Agent
Authors: Jefferies Steven R.
Published: February 2016

Vital pulp therapy is the general concept involved in the “regenerative” restorative treatment of the reversibly injured dental pulp with the intention of maintaining its vitality in a restored, functioning tooth. While this procedure has been attempted with various materials and techniques over a period of several centuries, the advent of hard‐setting calcium hydroxide materials in the late 1950s made the procedure of direct pulp capping a more routine and relatively predictable procedure. More recently, in the mid 1990s, a new type of water‐based, “hydraulic‐type,” calcium silicate‐based cement, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), was introduced to dentistry as a possible alternative to the established standard of hard‐setting calcium hydroxide. Over the last two decades, a slowly growing body of pre‐clinical and human clinical studies evaluating and comparing these two materials has developed. Most recently, a number of well‐designed, randomized controlled studies and resultant systematic reviews have been completed and published regarding the comparative efficacy of calcium hydroxide versus MTA for direct pulp capping. This Critical Appraisal considers and reviews some of the more recently published reports which provide a more definitive answer to this clinical research question.
Japanese nurses' perception of their preparedness for disasters: Quantitative survey research on one prefecture in Japan
Authors: Öztekin Seher Deniz , Larson Eric E. , Akahoshi Makoto , Öztekin İlhan
Published: February 2016

Aim

The objective of this study was to explore nurses' perceptions regarding their knowledge, skills, and preparedness for disasters and how they acquired their knowledge about disaster preparation using a quantitative approach.

Methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional survey using the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool was distributed to nurses in six hospitals (three private, three public) throughout Miyazaki Prefecture located in southern Japan.

Results

Nine hundred and seventy‐three surveys (87.4%) were returned. Seventy‐two were eliminated leaving 902 (81.0%) for data analysis. Mean scores for preparedness, response abilities, and evaluation all scored below normal on a 6 point Likert scale (2.63, 2.02, and 2.05, respectively). Overall, nurses felt they were not able to respond in a variety of disaster situations, were aware of their workplace emergency disaster plan, but did not think they could execute them, and were not aware of the level of preparedness of the healthcare systems in their communities.

Conclusion

The amount of information nurses need to know on the knowledge, skills, and preparation of disasters are in great need. Such skills are understood, but lacking for various reasons. In‐house programs for nurses to learn more about disaster nursing are needed. Furthermore, a curriculum for disaster preparedness for undergraduate and graduate nursing programs would also help these future nurses gain more information earlier on to better prepare them for possible disaster situations in their future careers.