bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of exotic insect herbivores on native tritrophic interactions: a case study of the African cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis and insects associated with the field mustard Brassica rapa
Authors: Chabaane Yosra , Laplanche Diane , Turlings Ted C. J. , Desurmont Gaylord A.
Published: July 2014

When exotic herbivores invade new environments, they have the potential to interfere with native predator‐prey relationships. This interference can be indirect, via changes induced in native host plants, and may have cascading consequences at the community level. Here, we investigate the impact of the presence of an exotic generalist insect herbivore, the African cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis, on the outcome of native tritrophic interactions between the plant Brassica rapa, the herbivore Pieris brassicae and its parasitoid Cotesia glomerata.

In olfactometer choice tests, plants damaged by S. littoralis and plants damaged by both S. littoralis and P. brassicae were consistently less attractive to the parasitoid than plants damaged by P. brassicae alone. Chemical analyses revealed that B. rapa volatiles typically induced by S. littoralis dominated the headspace in case of dual herbivore infestation.

In behavioural observations in petri dishes, C. glomerata wasps mistakenly attacked S. littoralis larvae significantly more often when P. brassicae was present, and attacks on both herbivores were comparable in terms of time (attack duration) and energy investment (number of eggs injected). Successful parasitism of S. littoralis was never observed, but larvae exposed to C. glomerata for 24 h exhibited reduced survivorship, possibly as a result of failed parasitism attempts.

In tents with herbivore‐infested B. rapa plants, the presence of S. littoralis did not have an effect on the parasitism rates of P. brassicae by C. glomerata, regardless of whether the two species were on the same or on different plants. Field experiments in newly invaded environments are necessary to evaluate the realized impact of S. littoralis.

Synthesis. Our study illustrates that exotic herbivores can impact native tritrophic interactions associated with Brassica rapa, even if they cannot be used as prey by native natural enemies. The mechanisms behind such effects, in particular chemical interference with foraging cues via changes in herbivore‐induced plant volatiles, have the potential to be quite general, and their long‐term effects on native communities should not be underestimated.
Improving communication outcomes for young offenders: a proposed response to intervention framework
Authors: Snow Pamela C. , Sanger Dixie D. , Caire Laura M. , Eadie Patricia A. , Dinslage Teagan
Published: July 2014

Background

Speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) are strongly overrepresented in young offender populations, and there is growing commitment internationally to ensuring access to speech–language therapy services for such young people. However there is currently no framework in which such interventions might be conceptualized, delivered and evaluated. This is significant given the role of language competence in the development of prosocial skills and also in the transition to literacy.

Aims

To present Response to Intervention (RTI) as a framework in which SLCN of young offenders might be systematically addressed and evaluated within youth justice settings, led by speech–language therapists, in conjunction with other education and welfare team members.

Methods & Procedures

Literature regarding prevalence rates of SLCN in young offenders is reviewed, together with the limited extant evidence on interventions for this group. The importance of applying evidence‐based interventions is argued, and a framework for adapting RTI for SLCN in custodial settings is outlined.

Main Contribution

A framework for adapting RTI to design, deliver and evaluate speech–language therapy interventions in youth custodial settings is presented.

Conclusions

Speech–language therapy interventions for young offenders will be better addressed at policy, practice and research levels if a framework such as an RTI adaptation is employed. It is expected, however, that this model will evolve over time, as intervention evidence pertaining to the youth offender population emerges.
The Reign of Grace: Liberalism and Heresy in the New World
Authors: Wood Simon A.
Published: July 2014

This article examines the controversy surrounding The Reign of Grace (1888), a pamphlet published in Dunedin by William Salmond (d. 1917), a Presbyterian intellectual. It came in for harsh criticism. James MacGregor, a conservative minister, and Adam Johnston, a layman, wrote rebutting pamphlets. The controversy occurred during a period in which Presbyterianism's leadership was dividing along liberal and traditionalist lines. It dominated proceedings at the Presbytery of Dunedin for months, featured at the 1888 Synod of Otago and Southland, and received some coverage abroad. At stake was Salmond's proposal for an extended “reign of grace” that allowed for postmortem repentance. His opponents considered this an attack on Christian mission. I discuss the controversy in terms of Salmond's views on the Bible, his challenge to the Westminster Confession, and his specific proposition for extending grace's “reign.” I argue that while the debate reflected a stark liberal–traditionalist polarisation — something seen particularly in regard to the Confession — there was something further at play. Regarding Salmond's extension of grace's reign, the debate was not between liberals and traditionalists, but between a man largely standing alone against an array of liberals and traditionalists who found his idea dangerous.
The “Religion” Question in British Colonial and Commonwealth Censuses 1820s–2010s
Authors: Christopher Anthony J.
Published: July 2014

Questions on “religion” in national censuses have had a long and complex history. In this article, the experiences of the British colonies and the subsequent Commonwealth countries in the conduct of census enquiries into religion are explored. Although the British government issued general instructions for the guidance of population censuses in the colonial empire, little clear advice was offered on the issue. The result was essentially a pragmatic approach, with each census commissioner responsible for the decision to include a religious question and the form and content of the published tables. Decisions taken by early census commissioners tended to be followed subsequently for the sake of maintaining continuity. In most cases smooth bureaucratic transitions at independence resulted in colonial practices being retained, unless there were pressing reasons for change. Nevertheless, the form of the question and particularly the classification scheme were susceptible to modification reflecting changing national priorities. Computerisation of the census has resulted in the widespread abandonment of open‐ended questions and the presentation of a restricted list of options, unique to each country. Commonwealth countries thus exhibit a highly flexible and diverse range of responses to recording religion.
Presbyterian Professor on the Prairies: President Walter Murray, the Co‐Education Debate and the Role of Personal Faith in Creating an Inclusive University Culture, 1907–1921
Authors: Lamb Drover Victoria
Published: July 2014

In 1907, the government of the recently formed Province of Saskatchewan set down legislation designed to guide the creation of a provincial university in this newly settled western region. Within this provincial act, female students were granted equal educational opportunities to their male peers, but equal opportunity does not necessarily translate into co‐education or wide‐scale acceptance within a university culture. Walter Murray, the university's first president, chose to interpret this clause of the 1907 University Act in its broadest terms, and what resulted was a university administration that did not discriminate against students, staff, or faculty on the basis of sex or marital status. This article will discuss Murray's commitment to co‐education and gender parity, and will examine how his personal background and religious convictions as a Maritime Presbyterian related to this progressivism.
Acute Fatal Coronary Artery Dissection Following Exercise‐related Blunt Chest Trauma
Authors: Barbesier Marie , Boval Catherine , Desfeux Jacques , Lebreton Catherine , Léonetti Georges , Piercecchi Marie‐Dominique
Published: July 2014

Coronary artery injury such as acute coronary dissection is an uncommon and potentially life‐threatening complication after blunt chest trauma. The authors report an unusual autopsy case of a 43‐year‐old healthy man who suddenly collapsed after receiving a punch to the chest during the practice of kung fu. The occurrence of the punch was supported by the presence of one recent contusion on the left lateral chest area at the external examination and by areas of hemorrhage next to the left lateral intercostal spaces at the internal examination. The histological examination revealed the presence of an acute dissection of the proximal segment of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Only few cases of coronary artery dissection have been reported due to trauma during sports activities such as rugby and soccer games, but never during the practice of martial arts, sports usually considered as safe and responsible for only minor trauma.
Transitions in reflective practice: Exploring student development and preferred methods of engagement
Authors: O'Reilly Sharleen L. , Milner Julia
Published: July 2014

Aim

Health‐care professional students are required to demonstrate their reflective practice skills during their degree training programme. Online and digital technologies are increasingly being used to support this skill development. Our study aimed to explore whether different technology‐based methods supported student growth and skill development in reflective practice at separate developmental time points (novice and competent).

Methods

Third‐ (n = 23) and fourth‐year undergraduate dietetic students (n = 22) from a single university were cross‐sectionally surveyed via an online anonymous questionnaire at the end of the academic year. The mixed methods survey of 37 questions investigated the student experience of different reflective practice activities, their effect on a student's ability to self‐reflect and whether using them aided a student's perceived transition towards becoming a competent dietitian. The data analysis included brief thematic enquiry, descriptive and independent t‐test statistical examination.

Results

Differences emerged in the way students engaged in reflection over time. Fourth‐year students preferred to use more independent methods such as e‐journaling (fourth‐ vs third‐year students, P = 0.003) and engaged in reflection for reasons outside assessment (fourth‐ vs third‐years, P = 0.027). Fourth‐year students also identified fewer negative barriers to participating in reflection and reported being comfortable engaging in reflective practice.

Conclusions

Overall, offering students a range of ways to engage in reflective practice over time supported their understanding and increased confidence in their reflective practice skills, thus potentially enabling a smoother transition into their profession where reflective practice is an essential and autonomous skill.
Inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability of digitally captured images of plate waste
Authors: Navarro Daniela Abigail , Singer Pierre , Leibovitz Eyal , Krause Ilan , Boaz Mona
Published: July 2014

Aim

Digital intake estimation has been shown to be strongly correlated with real‐time visual estimation of dietary intake in cafeterias and long term care settings. The objectives of the present study were to estimate intra‐ and interrater agreement for digitally captured plate waste in hospitalised adults.

Methods

Lunch plates (n = 106) of hospitalised adults were photographed immediately prior to tray collection. Two raters used the modified Comstock method to assess food waste from each of the digital images. Additionally, a randomly selected subset of photographs was re‐estimated 72 hours following the first estimation. Inter‐ and intrarater reliability were estimated by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results

In the total population, the ICC for interrater reliability was 0.95 (95% CI 0.93–0.97, P < 0.0001) for the entire meal, 0.94 (95% CI 0.9–0.96, P < 0.0001) for vegetables, 0.96 (95% CI 0.9–0.96, P < 0.0001) for starch and 0.96 (95% CI 0.94–0.97, P < 0.0001) for the main course. ICC for intrarater reliability was 0.99 (95% CI 0.97–1.0, P < 0.0001) for the entire meal, 0.95 (95% CI 0.86–0.98, P < 0.0001) for vegetables, 0.97 (95% CI 0.92–0.99, P < 0.0001) for starch and 0.99 (0.98–1.0, P < 0.0001) for the main course. Findings were similar for regular diets and somewhat weaker for soft diets.

Conclusions

Dietary intake estimated from digital images has a high degree of both inter‐ and intrarater reliability in hospitalised patient populations.
Project design with limited commitment and teams
Authors: Georgiadis George , Lippman Steven A. , Tang Christopher S.
Published: July 2014

We study the interaction between a group of agents who exert effort to complete a project and a manager who chooses its objectives. The manager has limited commitment power so that she can commit to the objectives only when the project is sufficiently close to completion. We show that the manager has incentives to extend the project as it progresses. This result has two implications. First, the manager will choose a larger project if she has less commitment power. Second, the manager should delegate the decision rights over the project size to the agents unless she has sufficient commitment power.
Intertemporal substitution and new car purchases
Authors: Copeland Adam
Published: July 2014

This article presents a dynamic demand model for motor vehicles. This approach accounts for the change in the mix of consumers over the model year and measures consumers' substitution patterns across products and time. I find intertemporal substitution is significant; consumers are more likely to change the timing of their purchase in reaction to a price increase rather than buy another vehicle in the same period. Further, I find automakers' use of large cash‐back rebates at the end of the model year, although boosting overall sales, induces large numbers of consumers to delay their purchases and so pay lower prices.
Leaf traits in dominant species from different secondary successional stages of deciduous forest on the Loess Plateau of northern China
Authors: Chai Yongfu , Liu Xiao , Yue Ming , Guo Jiangchao , Wang Mao , Wan Pengcheng , Zhang Xiaofei , Zhang Chenguang
Published: July 2014

Questions

Are leaf traits related to plant growth efficiency different in different stages of forest succession on the Loess Plateau of northern Shaanxi, China? How do plant ecological strategies change with the progress of forest succession? Can a combination of some key leaf traits across species discriminate successional stages?

Location

Loess Plateau region of northern Shaanxi, China.

Methods

A set of 31 plots was established in the study area. Twenty‐two traits were measured in 31 dominant species representative of six succession stages: three pertaining to morphology, nine to stoichiometry and ten to physiological ecology. Six traits related to photosynthesis were measured in 15 species.

Results

Eleven of 22 leaf traits differed significantly along the succession gradient. Early succession species had leaves with higher specific leaf area (SLA), higher leaf phosphorus (P) content (LPC) and lower N/P ratio, which assured higher growth rates and resource acquisition. Species from more advanced stages had a higher leaf dry mass content (LDMC), leaf carbon (C) content (LCC), leaf construction cost (CC) and C/P ratio, indicating improved competiveness through efficient nutrient conservation. None of the traits related to photosynthesis differed significantly among successional stages. Differences between traits among life forms also revealed that changes in traits with succession were due to the turnover of life forms in dominant species along the succession gradient.

Conclusions

The results provide clear evidence of functional links between leaf traits and forest succession in the Loess Plateau ecosystem, confirming trait‐based trade‐off of nutrient acquisition vs conservation during succession. We recommend using a combination of seven key leaf traits across species to discriminate between the succession stages.
Exploring corporate citizenship and purchase intention: mediating effects of brand trust and corporate identification
Authors: Tsai Yuan Hui , Joe Sheng‐Wuu , Lin Chieh‐Peng , Chiu Chou‐Kang , Shen Kuei‐Tzu
Published: July 2014

Corporate citizenship represents various organizational activities and status related to the organization's societal and stakeholder obligations. This study develops five different dimensions of corporate citizenship and examines the relationship between the five dimensions and purchase intention by including two key mediators. In the proposed model of this study, purchase intention is indirectly affected by economic, legal, ethical, general philanthropic, and strategic philanthropic citizenship via the mediation of corporate identification and brand trust. Empirical testing using a survey of 353 consumers from various industries confirms most of our hypothesized effects. Last, managerial implications for corporate leaders and limitations of our findings are discussed in depth.
Image and Process: Psychoanalysis or Art?
Authors: Caldwell Lesley
Published: July 2014

This paper argues that Marion Milner's contributions to psychoanalytic understandings of art are of interest as comments both on ways of approaching the production of images and their generation of meaning, and on the practice of psychoanalysis in the consulting room. This is supported by discussion of her case history, The Hands of the Living God (1969).
High outgroup entitativity can inhibit intergroup retribution
Authors: Newheiser Anna‐Kaisa , Dovidio John F.
Published: July 2014

Understanding the psychological processes that are involved in the perpetuation and escalation of intergroup conflict remains an important goal for intergroup relations research. In the present research, we examined perceived outgroup entitativity as a potential determinant of intergroup hostility. In intergroup conflict situations, high‐entitative outgroups are perceived as particularly deserving of retribution; however, high‐entitative outgroups are also perceived as efficacious and capable of retaliating successfully, suggesting that people may inhibit hostility against high‐entitative (vs. low‐entitative) outgroups that are in a position to retaliate. We tested this prediction in two studies. In Study 1, we manipulated intergroup provocation and outgroup entitativity, and found that higher negative mood predicted greater aggression against a low‐entitative provoker outgroup, but failed to predict aggression against a high‐entitative provoker outgroup that was plausibly in a position to retaliate. In Study 2, we held provocation constant while manipulating outgroup entitativity and the possibility of retaliation by the outgroup, and found that people acted in a retributive manner against a high‐entitative provoker outgroup only when the outgroup was not in a position to retaliate. Implications for intergroup conflict are discussed.
Transient receptor potential channel modulators as pharmacological treatments for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS): myth or reality?
Authors: Deruyver Yves , Voets Thomas , De Ridder Dirk , Everaerts Wouter
Published: July 2014

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels belong to the most intensely pursued drug targets of the last decade. These ion channels are considered promising targets for the treatment of pain, hypersensitivity disorders and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The aim of the present review is to discuss to what extent TRP channels have adhered to their promise as new pharmacological targets in the lower urinary tract (LUT) and to outline the challenges that lie ahead.

TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) agonists have proven their efficacy in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (DO), albeit at the expense of prolonged adverse effects as pelvic ‘burning’ pain, sensory urgency and haematuria.

TRPV1 antagonists have been very successful in preclinical studies to treat pain and DO. However, clinical trials with the first generation TRPV1 antagonists were terminated early due to hyperthermia, a serious, on‐target, side‐effect.

TRP vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), TRP ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and TRP melastatin 8 (TRPM8) have important sensory functions in the LUT. Antagonists of these channels have shown their potential in pre‐clinical studies of LUT dysfunction and are awaiting clinical validation.
The changing reality of urothelial bladder cancer: should non‐squamous variant histology be managed as a distinct clinical entity?
Authors: Monn M. Francesca , Kaimakliotis Hristos Z. , Cary K. Clint , Bihrle Richard , Pedrosa Jose A. , Masterson Timothy A. , Foster Richard S. , Gardner Thomas A. , Cheng Liang , Koch Michael O.
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To assess the effect of non‐squamous differentiation (non‐SQD) variant histology on survival in muscle‐invasive bladder urothelial cancer (UC).

Patients and Methods

A cohort of 411 radical cystectomy (RC) cases performed with curative intent for muscle‐invasive primary UC was identified between 2008 and June 2013. Survival analysis was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier methodology comparing non‐variant (NV) + SQD histology to non‐SQD variant histology (non‐SQD variants). Multivariable cox proportional hazards regression assessed all‐cause and disease‐specific mortality.

Results

Of the 411 RC cases, 77 (19%) had non‐SQD variant histology. The median overall survival (OS) for non‐SQD variant histology was 28 months, whereas the NV+SQD group had not reached the median OS at 74 months (log‐rank test P < 0.001). After adjusting for sex, age, pathological stage, and any systemic chemotherapy, patients with non‐SQD variant histology at RC had a 1.57‐times increased adjusted risk of all‐cause mortality (P = 0.027) and 1.69‐times increased risk of disease‐specific mortality (P = 0.030) compared with NV+SQD patients.

Conclusions

While SQD behaves similarly to NV, non‐SQD variant histology portends worse OS and disease‐specific survival regardless of neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy and pathological stage. Non‐SQD variants of UC could perhaps be considered a distinct clinical entity in UC with goals for developing new treatment algorithms through novel clinical trials.
Self‐reported physical activity is associated with cognitive function in lean, but not obese individuals
Authors: Galioto Wiedemann R. , Calvo D. , Meister J. , Spitznagel M. B.
Published: July 2014

Convergent evidence demonstrates that greater physical activity is associated with better cognitive functioning across many patient and healthy samples. However, this relationship has not been well examined among obese individuals and remains unclear. The present study examined the relationship between performance‐based measures of attention/executive function and self‐reported physical activity, as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, among lean (n = 36) and obese (n = 36) college students. Lean individuals performed better than obese individuals on measures of attention/executive function. No significant differences in self‐reported physical activity emerged between weight groups. Higher self‐reported physical activity was related to faster reaction time in lean individuals but slower reaction time in obese individuals. Additionally, in lean individuals, higher levels of self‐reported physical activity were related to more errors on a task of speeded inhibitory control. The results are consistent with previous research demonstrating that greater physical activity is associated with faster attention and executive function abilities in healthy samples and highlight the importance of examining reaction time and accuracy indices separately on these measures. The lack of association among obese individuals may be due in part to inaccurate self‐report in the current study. Additionally, the cognitive consequences of obesity may outweigh the benefits of physical activity in this group. Future work should investigate these associations in obese individuals using physical activity interventions, as well as a combination of self‐report and objective measures to investigate discrepancies in reporting.
Error‐monitoring in response to social stimuli in individuals with higher‐functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: McMahon Camilla M. , Henderson Heather A.
Published: July 2014

Error‐monitoring, or the ability to recognize one's mistakes and implement behavioral changes to prevent further mistakes, may be impaired in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Children and adolescents (ages 9–19) with ASD (n = 42) and typical development (n = 42) completed two face processing tasks that required discrimination of either the gender or affect of standardized face stimuli. Post‐error slowing and the difference in Error‐Related Negativity amplitude between correct and incorrect responses (ERNdiff) were used to index error‐monitoring ability. Overall, ERNdiff increased with age. On the Gender Task, individuals with ASD had a smaller ERNdiff than individuals with typical development; however, on the Affect Task, there were no significant diagnostic group differences on ERNdiff. Individuals with ASD may have ERN amplitudes similar to those observed in individuals with typical development in more social contexts compared to less social contexts due to greater consequences for errors, more effortful processing, and/or reduced processing efficiency in these contexts. Across all participants, more post‐error slowing on the Affect Task was associated with better social cognitive skills.
Most appropriate animal models to study the efficacy of statins: a systematic review
Authors: Pecoraro Valentina , Moja Lorenzo , Dall'Olmo Luigi , Cappellini Glauco , Garattini Silvio
Published: July 2014

Background

In animal models and clinical trials, statins are reported as effective in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. We have aggregated the findings in animal models – mice, rats and rabbits – using the technique of systematic review and meta‐analysis to highlight differences in the efficacy of statins.

Materials and methods

We searched Medline and Embase. After examining all eligible articles, we extracted results about total cholesterol and other blood parameters, blood pressure, myocardial infarction and survival. Weighted and standard mean difference random effects meta‐analysis was used to measure overall efficacy in prespecified species, strains and subgroups.

Results

We included in systematic review 161 animal studies and we analysed 120 studies, accounting for 2432 animals. Statins lowered the total cholesterol across all species, although with large differences in the effect size: −30% in rabbits, −20% in mice and −10% in rats. The reduction was larger in animals fed on a high‐cholesterol diet. Statins reduced infarct volume but did not consistently reduce the blood pressure or effect the overall survival. Few studies considered strains at high risk of cardiovascular diseases or hard outcomes.

Conclusions

Although statins showed substantial efficacy in animal models, few preclinical data considered conditions mimicking human pathologies for which the drugs are clinically indicated and utilized. The empirical finding that statins are more effective in lowering cholesterol derived from an external source (i.e. diet) conflicts with statin's supposed primary mechanism of action.
Effect of a denture base acrylic resin containing silver nanoparticles onCandida albicansadhesion and biofilm formation
Authors: Li Zhe , Sun Jing , Lan Jing , Qi Qingguo
Published: July 2014

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of denture base resin containing silver nanoparticles (nano‐silver) onCandida albicansadhesion and biofilm formation.

Background

Epidemiological studies report that approximately 70% of removable denture wearers suffer from denture stomatitis.Candida albicansadhesion and biofilm formation are regarded as essential prerequisites for denture stomatitis.

Materials and methods

The bioactivity and biomass ofC. albicansbiofilm, which was incubated in a series of twofold dilutions of nano‐silver suspension at 37°C for 24 h, were determined usingXTTreduction and crystal violet assays, respectively. The denture base resin specimens containing nano‐silver were then used inC. albicansadhesion (37°C; 90 min;n = 9) and biofilm formation assays (37°C; 72 h;n = 9). Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to evaluate the architectural properties of average thickness and live/dead cell ratio in the different biofilm stages that developed on the specimens.

Results

The bioactivity and biomass ofC. albicansbiofilm successively decreased with increasing nano‐silver solution concentration. Denture base resin containing nano‐silver had no effect on adhesion at low concentrations, but it exhibited anti‐adhesion activity at a high concentration (5%). For 72 h biofilm formed on the resin specimens, the thickness and live/dead cell ratio were successively reduced with increasing nano‐silver concentrations.

Conclusion

Nano‐silver had antifungal activity and inhibitedC. albicansbiofilm formation. Antifungal activity and an inhibitory effect on adhesion and biofilm formation by denture base resin containing nano‐silver were discovered, especially at a higher concentration.
Questioning the Capetians, 1180–1328
Authors: Field Sean L. , Gaposchkin M. Cecilia
Published: July 2014

The sharp ascent of Capetian power between the reigns of Philip II Augustus (r. 1180–1223) and Philip IV the Fair (r. 1285–1314) is an axiom of medieval French history. In the mid‐20th century, French and American institutional historians focused on governmental developments in analyzing the means by which the Capetian kings increased their real authority. But because Capetian power was also understood to have rested as much on ideological claims as on brute force, 20th century historians from Marc Bloch to Joseph Strayer already recognized cultural components as crucial to this story. Consequently, later 20th century turns toward cultural history and post‐structural theory did not so much undermine as open up new possibilities for this established narrative. Most recently, a sophisticated new brand of institutional history has emerged to further invigorate a thriving field, which defines Capetian power in ways that necessitate the inclusion of ideology, art, sanctity, gender, crusade, persecution, and intellectual authority in an overarching conceptualization of the period's political history.
Ethnic Identification and Stereotypes in Western Europe, circa 1100–1300
Authors: Weeda Claire
Published: July 2014

The central Middle Ages witnessed a remarkable upsurge in sources containing ethnic stereotypes. Should we interpret the increase in ethnic images as evidence that people identified more strongly with ethnic or national groups from the 12th century onwards? And to which extent was ethnic identity informed by cultural, religious, and medical discourses, as well as forged by political elites as part of a state‐formation process? Addressing these questions from a broad range of perspectives and incorporating a wide body of research, this article offers a review of the scholarship on ethnic identity formation and the relevance of ethnic stereotyping in religious‐eschatological thought, medical science, and political rhetoric from the 12th century. It challenges the notion that ethnic stereotyping reflected random expressions of hatred, or, conversely, expressions of nationalist patriotism in the later Middle Ages.
Potential for nosocomial transmission of Enterococcus faecalis from surfaces in dental operatories
Authors: Vidana R. , Sillerström E. , Ahlquist M. , Lund B.
Published: July 2014

Aim

To assess the potential for nosocomial transmission of Enterococcus faecalis during root canal treatment by measuring its occurrence on surfaces in dental operatories in relation to the efficacy of disinfection routines.

Methodology

Eight dental clinics (two endodontic specialist clinics and six general dentistry clinics) were included. Bacterial sampling was conducted in duplicate after root canal treatment and collected before and after disinfection from four surfaces expected to be frequently disinfected and six surfaces expected to be occasionally disinfected.

Results

A total of 320 samples were collected. Overall, 40.6% (n = 130) exhibited bacterial growth, mostly consisting of environmental bacteria (36.3%) and to a lesser extent of bacteria from salivary contamination (3.4%). Only three surfaces, all of which were probably seldomly disinfected, were positive for E. faecalis (0.9%). Disinfection routines resulted in an increased contamination in the majority of general dentistry clinics: 64% (32/50) of the surfaces were contaminated prior to and 70% (35/50) after disinfection. Conversely, disinfection of surfaces in the specialist clinics reduced contamination levels by 10%.

Conclusions

The origin of E. faecalis in secondary root canal infections remains unclear, as the potential for nosocomial transmission of enterococci from environmental surfaces in dental surgeries appears to be very small. The incorrect or ineffective disinfection procedures in general dentistry clinics needs to be addressed to counteract the risk for bacterial transmission in dental operatories.
Two Centuries of Glass Research: Historical Trends, Current Status, and Grand Challenges for the Future
Authors: Mauro John C. , Zanotto Edgar D.
Published: July 2014

The field of glass science and technology has a remarkable history spanning about two centuries of research. In this article, we analyze the number of research papers and patents related to glassy and amorphous materials in the published literature. The publication rate has increased roughly exponentially since 1945. Within the most recent decade, China has become the clear dominant player in the global glass research community, while the publication rate has declined in many of the historically most prolific countries. Oxide glasses, metallic glasses, amorphous carbon, and amorphous silicon have drawn the most research attention overall and are still given the greatest focus today. Publication data are also analyzed in terms of the properties under study, author keywords, affiliation, and primary characterization techniques. We find that the level of published (fundamental) glass research from industrial laboratories has dropped significantly, despite the opportunities for new breakthroughs to solve some of the most challenging problems facing the world today. But, surprisingly, the number of patents issued worldwide has surpassed the number of published scientific articles, indicating a very high level of activity in technological research.
Changes in consumer segments and preferences to green labelling
Authors: Whitson Debbora , Ozkaya H. Erkan , Roxas Juanita
Published: July 2014

This paper is a follow‐up on a study conducted in 1996 to determine if there have been changes in market segments and consumer preferences since that time. The specific purpose of this study is to determine whether respondents’ will be influenced by the presence of seals and/or logos certifying that the laundry detergent is environmentally friendly, and whether the customer segments and preferences have changed over time. Respondents were subjected to a stack of 16 cards with different combinations of price, degree of concentration, whether detergent had regular or low suds formulas, the presence of phosphates, and the presence of either a Green Seal, an EPA logo or both. The data yielded three distinct clusters/groupings of respondents (i.e. Green Seal, price and EPA Logo) different from the previous study. This study showed that respondents were not monolithic in their preferences for green labelling techniques. The findings of this study indicate that the customer segments and their preferences have changed over time. Suggestions are made for marketing to each of the respective current segments.
The mediating role of illness perceptions in psychological outcomes in overactive bladder
Authors: Pretorius Sara , Kinsey Debbie , Alexander Tim , Glover Lesley , Kraus Sigurd , Duggan Paul
Published: July 2014

Overactive bladder (OAB) is condition, characterized by urinary urgency, frequency and incontinence, which has the potential to disrupt everyday life considerably. Although there is evidence that antimuscarinic treatment is effective at treating physical symptoms, there is currently no systematic exploration of psychological factors associated with OAB after treatment. This study aimed to examine the quality of life, relationships, sexual functioning, psychological wellbeing and illness perceptions of individuals with OAB after they have received treatment. And to determine whether an individual's psychological wellbeing is directly related to the severity of their symptoms, or whether their illness perceptions mediate this relationship. This study used a cross‐sectional, questionnaire‐based quantitative design with a secondary care outpatient sample who were diagnosed with OAB and had been either previously or currently prescribed drug treatment. Patients reported moderately severe OAB symptoms, with approximately a third reporting moderate/severe anxiety and 12% reporting severe depression. There was no direct relationship between symptom severity and psychological wellbeing (β = −0·03, t(31) = −0·96, p = 0·34; β = −0·02, t(31) = −0·41, p = 0·68) – this relationship was mediated by the patient's sense of personal control over their OAB (β = 0·03 (SE = 0·02), 95% CI [0·004, 0·09]; β = 0·02 (SE = 0·02), 95% CI [0·0008, 0·08]). Including interventions to improve personal control alongside drug treatment may improve treatment adherence and outcomes.
When reduction strategies are put in place and mental health consumers are still secluded: An analysis of clinical and sociodemographic characteristics
Authors: Bullock Rebecca , McKenna Brian , Kelly Teresa , Furness Trentham , Tacey Mark
Published: July 2014

Internationally, seclusion practices continue to be the subject of intense clinical health service and academic scrutiny. Despite extensive efforts to reduce and eliminate this controversial practice, seclusion remains a clinical intervention widely used in contemporary mental health service settings. Early identification of people who are at risk for seclusion and the timely application of alternative evidence‐based interventions are critical for reducing incidents of seclusion in real‐world practice settings. This retrospective study aimed to determine the relationship between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and the use of seclusion for those mental health consumers for whom evidence‐based seclusion‐reduction initiatives had little impact. A 12‐month centred moving average was fitted to seclusion data from a psychiatric inpatient unit over 2 years to determine stabilization in seclusion reduction. The number of consumers admitted was calculated from the point of stabilization for 1 year (n = 469). In this cohort, univariate analysis sought to compare the characteristics of those who were secluded and those who were not. A multivariate logistic regression model was undertaken to associate future seclusion based on significant independent variables. Of those people admitted, 88 (19%) were secluded. The majority of seclusions occurred in the first 5 days (70/88, 79%). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that three variables maintained their independent associative risk of seclusion: (i) age less than 35 years; (ii) assessment of risk of violence to others; and (iii) a history of seclusion. The implications of these findings for nursing practice are discussed.
Involvement of small GTPases in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction
Authors: PFITZER G. , ARNER A.
Published: July 2014

Neurohumoral stimulation of smooth muscle leads to an increased responsiveness of the myofilaments to Ca2+. This review provides a summary of the data that suggest that the signalling from the membrane‐bound serpentine receptors to the contractile apparatus leading to the increase in Ca2+‐sensitivity requires the activation of the Ras‐related low molecular mass GTPase Rho. In smooth muscle permeabilized with α‐toxin or β‐escin, the increase in force elicited by different agonists at fixed [Ca2+] (Ca2+‐sensitization) can be inhibited by bacterial toxins (EDIN, and exoenzyme C3) which ADP‐ribosylate and inactivate Rho proteins. Moreover, the agonist‐induced increase in Ca2+‐sensitivity can be mimicked by constitutively active recombinant Rho proteins. The physiological relevance of this mechanism is suggested by the fact that toxins that are internalized into intact cells [toxin B from C. difficile and a chimeric toxin (DC3B) consisting of C3 and the (non‐catalytic) B fragment of diphteria toxin (inhibit the tonic phase of an agonist‐induced contraction. Toxin B inhibits contraction without affecting the intracellular Ca2+‐transient determined with fura‐2. However, it inhibits phosphorylation of the regulatory light chains of myosin (MLC). Rho has been suggested to activate a Rho‐associated kinase which in turn phosphorylates the myosin binding subunit of the myosin light chain phosphatase. This would lead to an increase in phosphorylation of MLC and hence of force at constant Ca2+. The Ca2+‐sensitizing effect of agonists is also inhibited by tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This suggests the possibility that in smooth muscle, like in non‐muscle cells, there is a cross‐talk between Rho and tyrosine kinases.
Nitric oxide – cyclic GMP pathway regulates vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic modulation: implications in vascular diseases
Authors: LINCOLN T.M. , DEY N.B. , BOERTH N.J. , CORNWELL T.L. , SOFF G.A.
Published: July 2014

The role of cGMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKG) in the regulation of rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) phenotype was examined using a transfected cell culture system. Repetitively passaged VSMC do not express PKG and exist in the synthetic phenotype. Transfection of PKG‐lα cDNA, or the active catalytic domain of PKG‐lα, resulted in the appearance of VSMC having a morphology consistent with the contractile phenotype. PKG‐expressing cells also contained markers for the contractile phenotype (for example, smooth muscle specific myosin heavy chain, calponin, α‐actin) and reduced levels of synthetic phenotype markers (osteopontin, thrombospondin). PKG‐transfected VSMC have also reduced the levels of fibroblast growth factor receptors 1 and 2, consistent with the establishment of a more contractile phenotype. The regulation of PKG expression in VSMC is largely undefined; however, continuous exposure of cultured bovine aortic smooth muscle cells with nitric oxide (NO)‐donor drugs or cyclic nucleotide analogues reduced the expression of PKG. These results suggest that PKG occupies a critical role in VSMC phenotype and that suppression of PKG expression during inflammation or injury promotes a more synthetic state of the VSMC.
On the cellular mechanism for the effect of acidosis on vascular tone
Authors: PENG H.‐L. , IVARSEN A. , NILSSON H. , AALKJÆR C.
Published: July 2014

The role of smooth muscle [Ca2+]i and membrane potential for the relaxation to hypercapnic (increased CO2) and normocapnic (unchanged CO2) acidosis is not complete understood. It is often stated that membrane hyperpolarization plays an important role but this has not been vigorously tested. In this study we investigated isolated rat cerebral small arteries under isobaric conditions. Lumen diameter was measured simultaneously with either [Ca2+]i or membrane potential, and acidosis was induced by increasing Pco2 or reducing HCO3− of the bathing solution or by adding HCl to a nominally bicarbonate‐free solution. Confocal microscopy verified loading of smooth muscle cells with fluorescent dyes. Acidosis always reduced myogenic tone at transmural pressures between 20 and 120 mmHg. Acidification at a transmural pressure of 40 mmHg caused an increase in diameter and a decrease in [Ca2+]i. This was also seen in the presence of l‐NNA and after depolarization with 50 mM K+. The response to hypercapnic and normocapnic acidosis was similar. However, while hypercapnic acidosis caused hyperpolarization, normocapnic acidosis caused depolarization. Dilatation, decrease of [Ca2+]i and depolarization, was also seen with reduction of pH in bicarbonate‐free solution. We conclude that the isobaric relaxation to both hypercapnic and normocapnic acidosis is most likely mediated by a reduction of [Ca2+]i. Membrane potential may on the other hand not play a major role for this reduction of [Ca2+]i and it is possible that molecular CO2 has an effect on the membrane potential.
MAP kinases and vascular smooth muscle function
Authors: TAKAHASHI E. , BERK B.C.
Published: July 2014

The mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase family members are ubiquitously expressed protein kinases activated in response to a variety of extracellular stimuli and shown to be involved in cell growth, transformation, differentiation and apoptosis. MAP kinases have been implicated in both growth and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) which suggests that they play important roles in cardiovascular diseases such as essential hypertension, atherosclerosis, and restenosis followed angioplasty. The MAP kinases are themselves components of specific kinase cascades characterized by activation by specific stimuli, families of related serine and threonine kinases and downstream substrates that include other kinases, transcription factors, membrane receptors and other cell mediators. Cross‐talk among the different MAP kinases results in direct modulation of signal transduction. In addition, increased expression and activation of MAP kinase phosphatases plays an important role in MAP kinase inactivation. Our laboratory has used angiotensin II (Angll), a potent activator of all MAP kinases in VSMC, to study mechanisms by which MAP kinases are regulated by vasoactive peptides. In this review, we describe the mechanisms by which Angll activates MAP kinases, and potential roles for MAP kinases in Angll‐ dependent effects on VSMC function.