bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Interaction of Language‐Specific and Universal Factors During the Acquisition of Morphophonemic Alternations With Exceptions
Authors: Baer‐Henney Dinah , Kügler Frank , van de Vijver Ruben
Published: December 2014

Using the artificial language paradigm, we studied the acquisition of morphophonemic alternations with exceptions by 160 German adult learners. We tested the acquisition of two types of alternations in two regularity conditions while additionally varying length of training. In the first alternation, a vowel harmony, backness of the stem vowel determines backness of the suffix. This process is grounded in substance (phonetic motivation), and this universal phonetic factor bolsters learning a generalization. In the second alternation, tenseness of the stem vowel determines backness of the suffix vowel. This process is not based in substance, but it reflects a phonotactic property of German and our participants benefit from this language‐specific factor. We found that learners use both cues, while substantive bias surfaces mainly in the most unstable situation. We show that language‐specific and universal factors interact in learning.
Advanced technology for the improvement of adenoma and polyp detection during colonoscopy
Authors: Moriyama Tomohiko , Uraoka Toshio , Esaki Motohiro , Matsumoto Takayuki
Published: December 2014

Early detection and removal of adenomatous polyps reduces colorectal cancer death. However, many studies have reported that up to 20% of adenomas can be missed during colonoscopy. To improve visualization and reduce the blind spot of the colonic mucosa for an increase in the adenoma detection rate, many endoscopic techniques and technologies have been developed. The benefit of the high‐definition endoscope for improving adenoma and polyp detection is marginal. Wide‐angle colonoscope has failed to improve adenoma detection compared to standard colonoscopy. Although the cap‐assisted colonoscope can reduce cecal intubation times, it does not seem to improve adenoma and polyp detection. The diagnostic accuracy of the colon capsule endoscope is low compared to the conventional colonoscope. Third Eye® retroscope®, which provides additional retrograde viewing, has revealed significant improvement in adenoma and polyp detection compared to standard colonoscopy. However, this device increases procedural times. Recently developed full‐spectrum endoscopy colonoscope and extra‐wide‐angle‐view colonoscope have demonstrated a significantly lower miss rate of polyps. However, clinical trials are mandatory to determine the efficacy of these novel technologies for cancer screening. In addition, education and training for these novel techniques and technologies should seriously be considered to improve adenoma and polyp detection.
Teratosphaeria gauchensis associated with trunk, stem and foliar lesions of Eucalyptus globulus in Portugal
Authors: Silva M. R. C. , Diogo E. , Bragança H. , Machado H. , Phillips A. J. L.
Published: December 2014

Teratosphaeria gauchensis and T. zuluensis both cause a stem canker of eucalypts that leads to serious damage in various parts of the world. Until recently, this disease was unknown in Portugal. Nevertheless, severe damage to Eucalyptus globulus has been observed in Portugal since 2006 when symptoms appeared as necrotic spots on young green stems and leaves, twig lesions, and dark oval‐shaped lesions on stems and trunks. The isolates from affected E. globulus tree plantations were identified using sequence data of the ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 and EF‐1α clusters, together with morphological characteristics. Based on these results, the causal organism was identified as T. gauchensis, which represents the first report of this pathogen from Portugal.
Chronic alcohol intake abolishes the relationship between dopamine synthesis capacity and learning signals in the ventral striatum
Authors: Deserno Lorenz , Beck Anne , Huys Quentin J. M. , Lorenz Robert C. , Buchert Ralph , Buchholz Hans‐Georg , Plotkin Michail , Kumakara Yoshitaka , Cumming Paul , Heinze Hans‐Jochen , Grace Anthony A. , Rapp Michael A. , Schlagenhauf Florian , Heinz Andreas
Published: December 2014

Drugs of abuse elicit dopamine release in the ventral striatum, possibly biasing dopamine‐driven reinforcement learning towards drug‐related reward at the expense of non‐drug‐related reward. Indeed, in alcohol‐dependent patients, reactivity in dopaminergic target areas is shifted from non‐drug‐related stimuli towards drug‐related stimuli. Such ‘hijacked’ dopamine signals may impair flexible learning from non‐drug‐related rewards, and thus promote craving for the drug of abuse. Here, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure ventral striatal activation by reward prediction errors (RPEs) during a probabilistic reversal learning task in recently detoxified alcohol‐dependent patients and healthy controls (N = 27). All participants also underwent 6‐[18F]fluoro‐DOPApositron emission tomography to assess ventral striatal dopamine synthesis capacity. Neither ventral striatal activation byRPEs nor striatal dopamine synthesis capacity differed between groups. However, ventral striatal coding ofRPEs correlated inversely with craving in patients. Furthermore, we found a negative correlation between ventral striatal coding ofRPEs and dopamine synthesis capacity in healthy controls, but not in alcohol‐dependent patients. Moderator analyses showed that the magnitude of the association between dopamine synthesis capacity andRPEcoding depended on the amount of chronic, habitual alcohol intake. Despite the relatively small sample size, a power analysis supports the reported results. Using a multimodal imaging approach, this study suggests that dopaminergic modulation of neural learning signals is disrupted in alcohol dependence in proportion to long‐term alcohol intake of patients. Alcohol intake may perpetuate itself by interfering with dopaminergic modulation of neural learning signals in the ventral striatum, thus increasing craving for habitual drug intake.
Stimulus intensity determines experience‐dependent modifications in neocortical neuron firing rates
Authors: Glazewski Stanislaw , Barth Alison L.
Published: December 2014

Although subthreshold inputs of neocortical sensory neurons are broadly tuned, the spiking output is more restricted. These subthreshold inputs provide a substrate for stimulus intensity‐dependent changes their spiking output, as well as for experience‐dependent plasticity to alter firing properties. Here we investigated how different stimulus intensities modified the firing output of individual neurons in layer 2/3 of the mouse barrel cortex. Decreasing stimulus intensity over a 30‐fold range lowered the firing rates evoked by principal whisker stimulation and reduced the overall size of the responding ensemble in whisker‐undeprived animals. We then examined how these responses were changed after single‐whisker experience (SWE). After 7 days of SWE, the mean magnitude of response to spared whisker stimulation at the highest stimulus intensity was not altered. However, lower‐intensity whisker stimulation revealed a more than 10‐fold increase in mean firing output compared with control animals. Also, under control conditions, only ~15% of neurons showed any firing at low stimulus intensity, compared with more than 70% of neurons after SWE. However, response changes measured in the immediately surrounding representations were detected only for the highest stimulus intensity. Overall, these data showed that the measurement of experience‐dependent changes in the spike output of neocortical neurons was highly dependent upon stimulus intensity.
Interests shape how adolescents pay attention: the interaction of motivation and top‐down attentional processes in biasing sensory activations to anticipated events
Authors: Banerjee Snigdha , Frey Hans‐Peter , Molholm Sophie , Foxe John J.
Published: December 2014

The voluntary allocation of attention to environmental inputs is a crucial mechanism of healthy cognitive functioning, and is probably influenced by an observer's level of interest in a stimulus. For example, an individual who is passionate about soccer but bored by botany will obviously be more attentive at a soccer match than an orchid show. The influence of monetary rewards on attention has been examined, but the impact of more common motivating factors (i.e. the level of interest in the materials under observation) remains unclear, especially during development. Here, stimulus sets were designed based on survey measures of the level of interest of adolescent participants in several item classes. High‐density electroencephalography was recorded during a cued spatial attention task in which stimuli of high or low interest were presented in separate blocks. The motivational impact on performance of a spatial attention task was assessed, along with event‐related potential measures of anticipatory top‐down attention. As predicted, performance was improved for the spatial target detection of high interest items. Further, the impact of motivation was observed in parieto‐occipital processes associated with anticipatory top‐down spatial attention. The anticipatory activity over these regions was also increased for high vs. low interest stimuli, irrespective of the direction of spatial attention. The results also showed stronger anticipatory attentional and motivational modulations over the right vs. left parieto‐occipital cortex. These data suggest that motivation enhances top‐down attentional processes, and can independently shape activations in sensory regions in anticipation of events. They also suggest that attentional functions across hemispheres may not fully mature until late adolescence.
Quantifying ecological memory in plant and ecosystem processes
Authors: Ogle Kiona , Barber Jarrett J. , Barron‐Gafford Greg A. , Bentley Lisa Patrick , Young Jessica M. , Huxman Travis E. , Loik Michael E. , Tissue David T.
Published: December 2014

The role of time in ecology has a long history of investigation, but ecologists have largely restricted their attention to the influence of concurrent abiotic conditions on rates and magnitudes of important ecological processes. Recently, however, ecologists have improved their understanding of ecological processes by explicitly considering the effects of antecedent conditions. To broadly help in studying the role of time, we evaluate the length, temporal pattern, and strength of memory with respect to the influence of antecedent conditions on current ecological dynamics. We developed the stochastic antecedent modelling (SAM) framework as a flexible analytic approach for evaluating exogenous and endogenous process components of memory in a system of interest. We designed SAM to be useful in revealing novel insights promoting further study, illustrated in four examples with different degrees of complexity and varying time scales: stomatal conductance, soil respiration, ecosystem productivity, and tree growth. Models with antecedent effects explained an additional 18–28% of response variation compared to models without antecedent effects. Moreover, SAM also enabled identification of potential mechanisms that underlie components of memory, thus revealing temporal properties that are not apparent from traditional treatments of ecological time‐series data and facilitating new hypothesis generation and additional research.
Vertigo and nystagmus in orthostatic hypotension
Authors: Choi J.‐H. , Seo J.‐D. , Kim M.‐J. , Choi B.‐Y. , Choi Y. R. , Cho B. M. , Kim J. S. , Choi K.‐D.
Published: December 2014

Background and purpose

Generalized cerebral ischaemia from cardiovascular dysfunction usually leads to presyncopal dizziness, but several studies reported a higher frequency of rotatory vertigo in cardiovascular patients. Whether generalized cerebral ischaemia due to cardiovascular disorders may produce objective vestibular dysfunction was investigated.

Methods

Thirty‐three patients with orthostatic dizziness/vertigo due to profound orthostatic hypotension and 30 controls were recruited. All participants underwent recording of eye movements during two orthostatic challenging tests: the Schellong and the squatting−standing tests. Most patients had neuroimaging, and patients with abnormal eye movements were subjected to follow‐up evaluations.

Results

Symptoms associated with orthostatic dizziness/vertigo included blurred vision, fainting and tinnitus. Ten (30%) of 33 patients developed rotatory vertigo and nystagmus during the Schellong (n = 5) or squatting−standing test (n = 5). Four of them showed pure downbeat nystagmus whilst five had downbeat and horizontal nystagmus with or without torsional component. Patients with orthostatic nystagmus had shorter duration of orthostatic intolerance than those without nystagmus (1.0 ± 1.6 vs. 11.0 ± 9.7 months, P < 0.001). In two patients, orthostatic nystagmus disappeared during follow‐up despite the persistence of profound orthostatic hypotension.

Conclusions

Generalized cerebral ischaemia caused by orthostatic hypotension induces rotatory vertigo due to objective vestibular dysfunction. The presence of orthostatic vertigo and nystagmus has an association with the duration of orthostatic intolerance.
White matter abnormalities associate with type and localization of focal epileptogenic lesions
Authors: Campos Brunno M. , Coan Ana C. , Beltramini Guilherme C. , Liu Min , Yassuda Clarissa L. , Ghizoni Enrico , Beaulieu Christian , Gross Donald W. , Cendes Fernando
Published: December 2014

Objective

To evaluate white matter (WM) integrity of distinct groups of patients with antiepileptic drug (AED)–resistant localization‐related epilepsies.

Methods

We used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) fiber‐tractography and voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) to investigate differences of WM micro‐ and macrostructural integrity in patients with different drug‐resistant localization‐related epilepsies: 17 with temporal lobe epilepsy with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signs of hippocampal sclerosis (TLE‐HS), 17 with TLE and normal MRI (TLE‐NL), 14 with frontal lobe epilepsy and subtle MRI signs of focal cortical dysplasia (FLE‐FCD), and 112 healthy controls. We performed fiber‐tractography using a semiautomatic deterministic method to yield average fractional anisotropy (FA), axial (AD), and radial (RD) diffusivity ipsilateral and contralateral to the epileptogenic zone of the following tracts based on their functional and anatomic relevance: body of fornix (BoF), body of cingulum (BoC), inferior frontal occipital (IFO), and uncinate fasciculi (UF). In addition, we performed VBM of the WM maps to assess macrostructural integrity differences among groups.

Results

TLE‐HS had ipsilateral and contralateral decreased FA and increased RD for all tracts. VBM showed WM alterations mainly in the ipsilateral parahippocampal region and contralateral superior temporal gyrus. FLE‐FCD showed bilateral FA decreases only in the BoC and ipsilateral RD increases also in the BoC. VBM showed WM reduction mainly in the ipsilateral precuneus and posterior and anterior cingulum. No significant WM alterations were found in the TLE‐NL in DTI or VBM analysis.

Significance

WM abnormalities differ in distinct AED‐resistant localization‐related epilepsies. The diverse distribution of the WM damage in these patients suggests that the localization of the epileptic networks may play a role in the WM burden. However, the distinct degree of this damage, more accentuated in TLE‐HS, also suggests that the underlying cause of the epilepsy is probably an additional factor to explain this WM damage.
Comparative analyses of tooth wear in free‐ranging and captive wild equids
Authors: Taylor L. A. , Müller D. W. H. , Schwitzer C. , Kaiser T. M. , Castell J. C. , Clauss M. , Schulz‐Kornas E.
Published: December 2014

Reasons for performing study

Captive breeding has played a crucial role in the conservation of threatened equid species. Grazing ruminants and rhinoceros in captivity have less abrasion‐dominated tooth wear than their free‐ranging conspecifics, with potential negative consequences for their health. However, a similar study on wild equids in captivity is missing.

Objectives

The aim was to establish if different tooth wear patterns are exhibited by free‐ranging and captive equids.

Study design

Cross‐sectional study of museum specimens comparing free‐ranging and captive equids.

Methods

Dental casts of maxillary cheek teeth of 228 museum specimens (122 from free‐ranging and 106 from captive individuals) of 7 wild equid species were analysed using the extended mesowear method. Although teeth showing specific abnormalities were not scored, the presence of focal overgrowths (hooks) of the rostral premolars (106, 206) was recorded.

Results

Captive Equus ferus przewalskii, E. grevyi, E. hemionus, E. quagga boehmi and E. zebra hartmannae have less abrasion‐dominated tooth wear on their premolars than their free‐ranging conspecifics (P<0.001). Fewer differences were exhibited between populations in the molars. No differences were exhibited in the distal cusp of the molars (110, 210) between populations, except in a small sample of E. kiang. Captive equids exhibited more homogeneous wear along the tooth row whereas free‐ranging equids exhibited a tooth wear gradient, with more abrasion on premolars than molars. There were more rostral hooks on the premolars (106, 206) in the captive than the free‐ranging population (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Captive equids did experience less abrasion‐dominated tooth wear than their free‐ranging conspecifics, but the differences in tooth wear were less pronounced than those between captive and free‐ranging wild ruminant and rhinoceros species. This indicates that feeding regimes for captive equids deviate less from natural diets than those for captive ruminants and rhinoceros but that factors leading to hook formation, in particular feeding height, should receive special attention.

The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting information.
A meta‐analysis of haddock size‐selection data
Authors: Fryer Robert John , O'Neill Finbarr Gerard , Edridge Alexius
Published: December 2014

Many jurisdictions have introduced management regimes prohibiting or limiting discarding, and a key objective of the European Union Common Fisheries Policy is the gradual elimination of discards. One way of reducing the catch of unwanted fish is to use more size‐selective gears. Gear‐based management options can best be explored using models that predict size selection across a wide range of variables related to gear design. Such a model is developed for haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) through a meta‐analysis of 21 trials of codend selection and 19 trials of the combined selection of the codend and a square mesh panel. Individual‐haul estimates of the 50% retention length (l50) and the selection range (SR) are related to a set of explanatory variables through a structural model that describes the dual process of panel and codend selection. Codend l50 and SR are positively related to codend mesh size and negatively related to the codend twine diameter. Codend l50 is also negatively related to the number of open meshes around the codend circumference. Panel l50 increases with panel mesh size. The panel contributes more to gear selection as it is moved closer to the codline. The panel is most effective between November and January and least between May and July, periods which broadly coincide with peak and poor haddock condition. The results are illustrated for a typical trawler targeting haddock in the Scottish whitefish sector, and the utility of the model for gear design and legislation is discussed.
Significant nonsymbiotic nitrogen fixation in Patagonian ombrotrophic bogs
Authors: Knorr Klaus‐Holger , Horn Marcus A. , Borken Werner
Published: December 2014

Nitrogen (N) nutrition in pristine peatlands relies on the natural input of inorganic N through atmospheric deposition or biological dinitrogen (N2) fixation. However, N2 fixation and its significance for N cycling, plant productivity, and peat buildup are mostly associated with the presence of Sphagnum mosses. Here, we report high nonsymbiotic N2‐fixation rates in two pristine Patagonian bogs with diversified vegetation and natural N deposition. Nonsymbiotic N2 fixation was measured in samples from 0 to 10, 10 to 20, and 40 to 50 cm depth using the 15N2 assay as well as the acetylene reduction assay (ARA). The ARA considerably underestimated N2 fixation and can thus not be recommended for peatland studies. Based on the 15N2 assay, high nonsymbiotic N2‐fixation rates of 0.3–1.4 μmol N2 g−1 day−1 were found down to 50 cm under micro‐oxic conditions (2 vol.%) in samples from plots covered by Sphagnum magellanicum or by vascular cushion plants, latter characterized by dense and deep aerenchyma roots. Peat N concentrations point to greater potential of nonsymbiotic N2 fixation under cushion plants, likely because of the availability of easily decomposable organic compounds and oxic conditions in the rhizosphere. In the Sphagnum plots, high N2 fixation below 10 cm depth rather reflects the potential during dry periods or low water level when oxygen penetrates the top peat layer and triggers peat mineralization. Natural abundance of the 15N isotope of live Sphagnum (5.6 δ‰) from 0 to 10 cm points to solely N uptake from atmospheric deposition and nonsymbiotic N2 fixation. A mean 15N signature of −0.7 δ‰ of peat from the cushion plant plots indicates additional N supply from N mineralization. Our findings suggest that nonsymbiotic N2 fixation overcomes N deficiency in different vegetation communities and has great significance for N cycling and peat accumulation in pristine peatlands.
The Political Budget Cycle and Subnational Debt Expenditures in Federations: Panel Data Evidence from India
Authors: Sáez Lawrence
Published: December 2014

What political variables explain variations in subnational fiscal expenditures on interest payments on the debt? The author argues that the political budget cycle and center‐right political party ideology—rather than the effective number of parties, alternation of power, ideological proximity between the central government and constituent units, or most forms of political party ideology—can help explain the level of expenditures on interest payment of subnational debt in India. The core empirical finding is that significant increases in expenditures on the debt occur the year in which a state assembly election is held in India.
Abnormal nuclear expression of Pygopus‐2 in human primary hepatocellular carcinoma correlates with a poor prognosis
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Li Jie , He Fei , Wang Xiao‐Min
Published: December 2014

Aims

Pygopus‐2 (Pygo2) is a critical element of the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin transcriptional complex. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression patterns and clinicopathological significance of Pygo2 in human primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods and results

Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the mRNA levels of Pygo2 in 50 paired HCC cancer/adjacent non‐cancerous tissues showed that Pygo2 mRNA expression was significantly higher in cancerous tissues (P = 0.009). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that abnormal Pygo2 protein expression in HCC patients was associated with age (P = 0.025), tumour size (P = 0.005), intra‐ or extra‐hepatic metastasis (P = 0.029), vascular invasion (P = 0.026) and tumour differentiation (P = 0.004). Patients with normal Pygo2 protein expression showed a longer survival time (P = 0.031) and a higher 1‐year survival rate (P = 0.032) than those with abnormal Pygo2 expression. Cox's proportional hazard regression model showed that abnormal Pygo2 protein expression was a risk factor associated with the prognosis of HCC patients (P = 0.043).

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report investigating Pygo2 expression patterns and their clinicopathological significance in HCC. Our findings suggest that Pygo2 may be an important predictor of poor outcome in HCC patients, and could serve as a novel biomarker for HCC.
Morphological and genetic classification of lung cancer: variation in practice and implications for tailored treatment
Authors: Cane Paul , Linklater Karen M , Nicholson Andrew G , Peake Michael D , Gosney John
Published: December 2014

Aims

Tailored therapy of lung cancer requires high‐quality pathology. Tumours must be subtyped accurately and material preserved for genetic analysis upon which treatment is increasingly based. There is a presumption that pathologists have risen to this challenge, but the nature and degree of variation in practice and quality are unknown.

Methods and results

We collected detailed information on 1507 consecutive, newly diagnosed patients referred to 19 UK lung cancer units, ranging from district general hospitals to specialist cardiothoracic units. In only four centres were pathologists handling thoracic biopsies enrolled in the thoracic external quality assessment (EQA) scheme. Achievement of a positive diagnosis of malignancy ranged from 53 to 88%. Variation in tumour subtypes was wide, and the proportion of biopsies classified as merely ‘non‐small‐cell lung cancer, not otherwise specified’ varied from 3 to 20%, despite almost universal use of immunochemistry. The proportion of tumours tested for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation ranged from 12 to 92%.

Conclusions

There is considerable variation in practice among UK pathologists and arguably in the quality of pathology, raising questions about expertise, adherence to guidelines, rigour of EQA and, ultimately, the reliability of the pathology that underpins the management of lung cancer.
Flexibility in the timing of post‐breeding moult in passerines in the UK
Authors: Morrison Catriona A. , Baillie Stephen R. , Clark Jacquie A. , Johnston Alison , Leech David I. , Robinson Robert A.
Published: December 2014

Higher temperatures resulting from climate change have led to predictions that the duration of the breeding season of many temperate bird species may be changing. However, the extent to which breeding seasons can be altered will also depend on the degree of flexibility in processes occurring at other points in the annual cycle. In particular, plasticity in the timing of post‐breeding moult (PBM) could facilitate changes in the timing of key events throughout the annual cycle, but little is known about the level of within‐ and between‐species plasticity in PBM. As part of the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Ringing Scheme, many ringers routinely record moult scores of flight feathers, and these can be used to provide information on the annual progression of PBM for a range of species. Here we use ringing data to investigate patterns of PBM in 15 passerines, as well as data from the BTO Nest Record Scheme to relate these differences to the timing of breeding of these species across the UK. We find considerable variation in both the mean start (19 May–29 July) and duration (66–111 days) of PBM between species, but find no evidence that species starting PBM later in the season complete it any faster. However, there is considerable within‐species variation in PBM, particularly for multi‐brooded species; PBM starts later and is completed in less time when the duration of the breeding season (difference between first and last nests) is longer. This implies that a later end to breeding can be compensated for by faster PBM, and that advances in breeding could lead to earlier and slower PBM. Our findings suggest that adaptation of PBM in response to climate‐mediated changes in the timing and duration of the breeding season is possible. However, the requirement to complete PBM prior to migration or the onset of winter might constrain the extent to which breeding seasons can lengthen, especially for later nesting species.
Prior Antiplatelet Agent Use and Outcomes after Intravenous Thrombolysis with Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies and Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Pan Xiding , Zhu Yubing , Zheng Danni , Liu Yukai , Yu Feng , Yang Jie
Published: December 2014

Background

There is uncertainty surrounding the influence of prior antiplatelet agent use on outcomes after intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in acute ischemic stroke.

Aim

We performed a systematic review with a final meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prior antiplatelet use before intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke.

Summary of review

We searched PubMed and Embase databases from 1997 to 2014. Primary outcome was functional outcome at the end of follow-up; secondary outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and recanalization rate. The meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager 5·2 (Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2012). Eleven studies with a total of 19 453 patients were included. A total of 6517 (33·5%) patients who had received intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator were taking antiplatelet agent before stroke onset. Pooled analysis demonstrated a clear trend that previous anti-platelet users had a reduced probability of good outcome, although it was not conventionally statistically significant (OR 0·86; 95% CI 0·73–1·01; P = 0·06). There was no difference in recanalization rate between two groups (OR 1·23; 95% CI 0·30–4·99; P = 0·77). The risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was significantly increased in the antiplatelet group (OR 1·65; 95% CI 1·44–1·90; P < 0·01).

Conclusions

In acute ischemic stroke patients receiving intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator therapy, prior antiplatelet agent use did not lead to a significant difference in functional outcome, although it significantly increased the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Recanalization rate was not different between two groups. In the subgroup analysis, prior clopidogrel mono therapy may not increase the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, which will need further studies to confirm.
Cultural perspective of urinary incontinence: similarities and differences between white elderly and Korean immigrant women
Authors: Kang Youngmi
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

Little is known about whether differences in help‐seeking behaviours for urinary incontinence (UI) between the general population and Korean immigrant women are associated with differences in meaning of having UI from a cultural perspective. The purpose of this paper is to examine the similarities and uniqueness associated with these two perspectives from both the US and Korean standpoints. Similar to the USA, UI in Korea has been constructed from a biological perspective. The cultural construction of UI in both the USA and Korea is grounded in sexism. Subtle differences exist in each country regarding ageism and shame. In this cultural construction of UI on sexism, ageism and shame, managing the signs and symptoms of UI necessitates an approach different from that used in countries such as the USA. Findings from this study will contribute to understanding the health in Korean immigrant women who have poor health care access and utilization owing to cultural constraints. Health policy for minorities and policy makers should consider the cultural variances and meaning of UI.
Solid‐State NMR Study of Mn2+ for Ca2+ Substitution in Thermally Processed Hydroxyapatites
Authors: Kolmas Joanna , Jabłoński Mateusz , Ślósarczyk Anna , Kolodziejski Waclaw
Published: December 2014

In the present study calcium hydroxyapatites enriched at 0.08 wt% in Mn2+ ions (Mn–HA) and their unsubstituted forms (HA) were synthesized using the same standard wet chemical route. Mn‐HA and HA were both calcined at 800°C to give Mn‐HAc and HAc, respectively or sintered at 1250°C, to give Mn‐HAs and HAs, respectively. The influence of the heat treatment on physicochemical properties of Mn‐HA was investigated using powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning, and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR). Mn‐HAc and Mn‐HAs were compared to each other and to HAc and HAs, respectively. Assignment of the proton ssNMR peaks from high‐temperature‐treated apatites has been revised. It was found that Mn–HAc and HAc were nanocrystalline, while Mn‐HAs and HAs comprised micrometer sized, partially fused particles (SEM and TEM). PXRD and ssNMR demonstrated that the incorporation of Mn2+ into the crystal lattice of hydroxyapatite significantly facilitates its dehydroxylation and decomposition to oxyhydroxyapatite during calcination at 800°C, and induces its transformation to tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) and alpha‐tricalcium phosphate (α‐TCP) at 1250°C. Contamination by CaO has also been detected. The 1H→31P NMR cross‐polarization experiments have indicated that the Mn2+ ions preferentially occupied the Ca(I) position in the crystallographic unit cell of Mn‐HAc. In Mn‐HAs, the Mn2+ ions were evenly distributed between the Ca(I) and Ca(II) positions.
Two‐Step Carbothermal Synthesis of AlN–SiC Solid Solution Powder Using Combustion Synthesized Precursor
Authors: Chu Aimin , Qin Mingli , ud‐din Rafi , Dong Yinghu , Guo Shibo , Qu Xuanhui
Published: December 2014

In the present work, a two‐step carbothermal reduction method is employed to prepare the AlN–SiC solid solution (AlN–SiCss) powders by using a combustion synthesized precursor. The precursor is prepared by low‐temperature combustion synthesis (LCS) method using a mixed solution of aluminum nitrate, silicic acid, polyacrylamide, glucose, and urea. The synthesized LCS precursor exhibits a porous and foamy uniform mixture of Al2O3 + SiO2 + C consisting of flaky particles. The carbothermal reduction in the LCS precursor is carried out in two steps. First, the precursors are calcined at 1600°C in argon for 3 h. Subsequently, the precursors are further calcined at 1600°C–1900°C in nitrogen for 3 h. The results indicate that the precursor calcined at and above 1850°C in nitrogen for 3 h yields the single‐phase AlN–SiCss powders. The synthesized AlN–SiCss powder exhibits near‐spherical particles with diameter of 200–500 nm. The experimental and thermodynamical results reveal that the formation of AlN–SiCss occurs via the diffusion of AlN into SiC by virtue of formation of a highly defective β′ intermediate during the second step reaction.
Composition‐ and Temperature‐Dependent Large Strain in (1−x)(0.8Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–0.2Bi0.5K0.5TiO3)– xNaNbO3 Ceramics
Authors: Dong Guangzhi , Fan Huiqing , Shi Jing , Li Mengmeng
Published: December 2014

Ternary solid solutions of (1 − x)(0.8Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–0.2Bi0.5K0.5TiO3)– xNaNbO3 (BNKT–xNN) lead‐free piezoceramics were fabricated using a conventional solid‐state reaction method. Pure BNKT composition exhibited an electric‐field‐induced irreversible structural transition from pseudocubic to ferroelectric rhombohedral phase at room temperature. Accompanied with the ferroelectric‐to‐relaxor temperature TF‐R shifted down below room temperature as the substitution of NN, a compositionally induced nonergodic‐to‐ergodic relaxor transition was presented, which featured the pinched‐shape polarization and sprout‐shape strain hysteresis loops. A strain value of ~0.445% (under a driving field of 55 kV/cm) with large normalized strain of ~810 pm/V was obtained for the composition of BNKT–0.04NN, and the large strain was attributed to the reversible electric‐field‐induced transition between ergodic relaxor and ferroelectric phase.
High‐Temperature Na2SO4 Deposit‐Assisted Corrosion of Silicon Carbide – I: Temperature and Time Dependence
Authors: Hagan Joseph M. , Opila Elizabeth J.
Published: December 2014

Time and temperature dependence of Na2SO4‐induced hot corrosion were studied for sintered‐α (Hexoloy) as well as CVD‐SiC at temperatures between 900°C and 1100°C and at times from 0.75 to 96 h. The extent of corrosion was quantified using mass change measurements, removal of corrosion products using sequential water, HCl, and HF dissolution steps followed by ICP‐OES analysis, and by optical profilometry of corroded materials to characterize pitting on the sample surface. In addition, SEM, EDS, and XRD were used to better understand the morphology, distribution, and phase composition of corrosion products. It was found that hot corrosion of Hexoloy was more severe than that of high‐purity CVD‐SiC. Hot corrosion is initially rapid until a continuous silica layer is formed underneath the mixed silicate layer. Once a continuous silica layer was formed the temperature dependence of the corrosion rate was consistent with diffusion of oxygen through the silica layer.
Effect of Impairment‐Testing Disclosures on the Cost of Equity Capital
Authors: Paugam Luc , Ramond Olivier
Published: December 2014

Information risk – the uncertainty regarding the parameters of the distribution of firms’ future cash flows – generates valuation errors and is costly to investors who require a higher return to compensate for greater information risk. We argue that, on average, through their impairment‐testing disclosures, managers convey information that reduces information risk. Using disclosures from firms included in the SBF 250 index of Euronext Paris over the period 2006–2009, we document a negative association between impairment‐testing disclosures and implied cost of equity capital. We find that prospective entity‐specific impairment‐testing disclosures are negatively associated with cost of capital whereas descriptive disclosures exhibit no association with cost of capital. Additionally, we document that firms which avoid booking impairments when low performance indicators suggest a greater likelihood of impairments exhibit no association between impairment‐testing disclosures and cost of capital. This suggests that those firms’ disclosures are perceived as less accurate by investors. We also find that prospective impairment‐testing disclosures are negatively related to analysts’ forecast errors. Our study adds to the literature on the economic consequences of financial reporting and sheds light on the consequences of one accounting mechanism, namely impairment‐testing disclosures, ensuring conservatism of financial reporting.
Sex allocation, juvenile mortality and the costs imposed by offspring on parents and siblings
Authors: Kahn A. T. , Jennions Michael D. , Kokko Hanna
Published: December 2014

Generally, sex‐specific mortality is not expected to affect optimal patterns of sex allocation. Several authors have, however, made verbal arguments that this is not true if juvenile mortality is sex specific during the period of parental care. Here, we provide formal mathematical models exploring the effect of such mortality on optimal sex allocation. We confirm the prediction that biased production of the sex with higher mortality during care is favoured. Crucially, however, this is only true when juvenile mortality in the period of parental care frees up resources for their current/future siblings (i.e. the saved investment is transferable). Furthermore, we show that although optimal sex allocation is consistent with the theory of equal investment (as asserted by previous authors), thinking in terms of equal investment is not readily feasible in some scenarios. We also show that differences in early mortality overcome biased sex allocation such that the sex ratio at independence is generally, but not always, biased in the opposite direction from that at birth. Our models should prove useful to empiricists investigating the effect of sex‐specific juvenile mortality and antagonistic sibling interactions on sex allocation.
Abundance, diversity and geographic distribution of cassava mosaic disease pandemic‐associated Bemisia tabaci in Tanzania
Authors: Tajebe L. S. , Boni S. B. , Guastella D. , Cavalieri V. , Lund O. S. , Rugumamu C. P. , Rapisarda C. , Legg J. P.
Published: December 2014

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), one of the most economically important agricultural pests worldwide, is the vector of cassava mosaic geminiviruses that cause cassava mosaic disease (CMD). In East and Central Africa, a severe CMD pandemic that spread from Uganda in the late 1980s still continues to devastate cassava crops. To assess the association of distinct B. tabaci genetic groups with the CMD pandemic, mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene sequences were analysed from whiteflies collected during surveys conducted from 2010 to 2013 in Tanzania. Four genetic groups – Sub‐Saharan Africa 1 (SSA1), Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and East Africa 1, and a group of unknown whitefly species were identified. SSA1 comprised four subgroups: SSA1‐SG1, SSA1‐SG2, SSA1‐SG1/2 and SSA1‐SG3. SSA1‐SG1 was confined to the pandemic‐affected north‐western parts of Tanzania whilst SSA1‐SG2 and SSA1‐SG3 were found in the central and eastern parts not yet affected by the pandemic. The CMD pandemic front was estimated to lie in Geita Region, north‐western Tanzania, and to be spreading south‐east at a rate of ca 26 km/year. The pandemic‐associated B. tabaci SSA1‐SG1 predominated up to 180 km ahead of the CMD front indicating that changes in whitefly population characteristics precede changes in disease characteristics.
‘We don't have recipes; we just have loads of ingredients’: explanations of evidence and clinical decision making by speech and language therapists
Authors: McCurtin Arlene , Carter Bernie
Published: December 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

Research findings consistently suggest that speech and language therapists (SLTs) are failing to draw effectively on research‐based evidence to guide clinical practice. This study aimed to examine what constitutes the reasoning provided bySLTs for treatment choices and whether science plays a part in those decisions.

Method

This study, based inIreland, reports on the qualitative phase of a mixed‐methods study, which examined attitudes underpinning treatment choices and the therapy process.SLTs were recruited from community, hospital and disability work settings viaSLTmanagers who acted as gatekeepers. A total of three focus groups were run. Data were transcribed, anonymized and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

In total, 48 participants took part in the focus groups. The majority of participants were female, represented senior grades and had basic professional qualifications. Three key themes were identified: practice imperfect; practice as grounded and growing; and critical practice. Findings show that treatment decisions are scaffolded primarily on practice evidence. The uniqueness of each patient results in dynamic and pragmatic practice, constraining the application of unmodified therapies.

Conclusion

The findings emerging from the data reflect the complexities and paradoxes of clinical practice as described bySLTs. Practice is pivoted on both the patient and clinician, through their membership of groups and as individuals. Scientific thinking is a component of decision making; a tool with which to approach the various ingredients and the dynamic nature of clinical practice. However, these scientific elements do not necessarily reflect evidence‐based practice as typically constructed.
Using new tools to identify eggs ofEngraulis anchoita(Clupeiformes, Engraulidae)
Authors: Favero J. M. , Katsuragawa M. , Zani‐Teixeira M. L. , Turner J. T.
Published: December 2014

Efficiency of the identification of eggs ofEngraulis anchoitacan be greatly improved by a method developed from egg measurements, using photography and the ImageJ programme, analysed by discriminant analysis using R software.
Sympatric populations of sister species of Brachyrhaphis
Authors: Ingley S. J.
Published: December 2014

The first records of sympatric populations of the poorly studied sister species Brachyrhaphis roseni and Brachyrhaphis terrabensis are presented. Sympatric populations were found in a total of 14 localities in four river drainages throughout the Pacific slopes of western Panama, and they occurred in a wide range of elevations, from 90 to 651 m. These data expand the elevation range of each species, and provide the first case of sympatric sister species within the genus.
AFFILIATED AGENTS, BOARDS OF DIRECTORS, AND MUTUAL FUND SECURITIES LENDING RETURNS
Authors: Adams John C. , Mansi Sattar A. , Nishikawa Takeshi
Published: December 2014

Using a manually collected U.S. index mutual fund sample, we find that funds with sponsor‐affiliated lending agents have lower annual returns on lent securities and that securities lending returns are significantly higher when funds administer their own lending programs. We also document that multiple board of director appointments, more director fund ownership, higher board independence, and lower excess director compensation are associated with higher lending returns. Overall, the evidence has implications for mutual fund boards as they consider lending proposals and for future regulatory actions.
INTERMEDIATION IN THE MARKET FOR EQUITY RESEARCH
Authors: Markov Stanimir , Tan Eng‐Joo
Published: December 2014

We study a unique setting in Singapore where an intermediary assigns firms willing to pay for coverage to research providers that also produce nonintermediated research. Our evidence suggests the intermediated model is a promising alternative to the traditional sell‐side model, which neglects small firms and suffers from conflicts of interest. Specifically, intermediation enhances coverage of small firms and sharply ameliorates optimism—“strong buys” account for one‐third of provider recommendations for nonparticipating firms but virtually none of their recommendations for participating firms. Furthermore, research quality is not compromised as the information content of intermediated and nonintermediated research reports are comparable.
INTERNATIONAL STOCK MARKET COMOVEMENT AND NEWS
Authors: Höchstötter Markus , Meyer Stephan , Riordan Ryan , Storkenmaier Andreas
Published: December 2014

We explore how news comovement drives a portion of stock return comovement using the Thomson Reuters international business news database. We develop a measure of news comovement similar in design to a well‐known measure of stock return comovement and find that news helps explain country‐level stock market comovement. Our results are novel in that we find that more news comovement is related to higher stock market comovement. The explanatory power of news comovement is found to be particularly strong in countries that have low total market capitalization, are more corrupt, and have lower accounting standards.
Development, identification and utilization of introgression lines using Chinese endemic and synthetic wheat as donors
Authors: Gu Liqing , Wei Bo , Fan Renchun , Jia Xu , Wang Xianping , Zhang Xiangqi
Published: December 2014

Chromosome segmental introgression lines (ILs) are an effective way to utilize germplasm resources in crops. To improve agronomic traits of wheat cultivar (Triticum aestivum) Shi 4185, four sets of ILs were developed. The donors were Chinese endemic subspecies accessions Yunnan wheat (T. aestivum ssp. yunnanense) YN3, Tibetan semi‐wild wheat (T. aestivum ssp. tibetanum) XZ‐ZM19450, and Xinjiang wheat (T. aestivum ssp. petropavlovskyi) XJ5, and synthetic wheat HC‐XM1620 derived from a cross between T. durum acc. D67.2/P66.270 with Aegilops tauschii acc. 218. Totals of 356, 366, 445 and 457 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were polymorphic between Shi 4185 and YN3, XZ‐ZM19450, XJ5 and HC‐XM1620, respectively. In total, 991 ILs were identified, including 300 derived from YN3, covering 95% of the genome of Shi 4185, 218 from XZ‐ZM19450 (79%), 279 from XJ5 (97%), and 194 from HC‐ZX1620 (84%). The sizes and locations of each introgression were determined from a consensus SSR linkage map. Using the ILs, 11 putative quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified for plant height (PH), spike length (SL) and grain number per spike (GNS). Comparative analyses of 24 elite ILs with the parents revealed that the four donor parents could be important resources to improve wheat SL and GNS. Our work offers a case for utilizing endemic landraces for QTL mapping and improvement of wheat cultivars using introgression lines.