bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact measurement in social enterprises: Australia and India
Authors: Haski-Leventhal Debbie , Mehra Akriti
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This study aims to extend existing research on impact measurement (IM) in social enterprises (SEs) by capturing, comparing and contrasting perceptions of IM in SEs in Australia and India.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology was used to study five cases each in India and Australia. The SEs were identified using snowball and theoretical sampling, and grounded theory was applied to analyze the data.

Findings

Emerging perceptions of IM in both countries are described according to the development of the SE, its perceived impact and IM methods and challenges. Primary differences between India and Australia lie in perceptions of impact and IM, and related tools and processes. Similarities include understanding the importance of IM and the challenges faced. Signaling theory is used to depict how some SEs use IM to signal quality to their stakeholders and how information asymmetry can be reduced by measuring and reporting on IM.

Research limitations/implications

There is limited representation from developed and developing countries, and the snowball and theoretical sampling approaches used to identify SEs have limitations, including limited representation of SEs.

Practical implications

There is presently no standardized method of IM due to common challenges and perceived barriers. It is, therefore, important for SEs to work toward developing their own comprehensive IM methodology that is ingrained in strategy, applied on a regular basis and used to measure collective impact to increase sense of ownership and acceptability for employees and partners.

Originality/value

The paper brings the social entrepreneurs’ perspectives on measuring social impact while comparing these perspectives in one developing and one developed country.
The productivity of agricultural credit in India
Authors: Narayanan Sudha
Published: May 2016

This study examines the nature of the relationship between formal agricultural credit and agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in India, specifically the role of the former in supporting agricultural growth, using state level panel data covering the period 1995–1996 to 2011–2012. The study uses a mediation analysis framework to map the pathways through which institutional credit relates to agricultural GDP relying on a control function approach to tackle the problem of endogeneity. The findings from the analysis suggest that over this period, all the inputs are highly responsive to an increase in institutional credit to agriculture. A 10% increase in credit flow in nominal terms leads to an increase by 1.7% in fertilizers (N, P, K) consumption in physical quantities, 5.1% increase in the tonnes of pesticides, 10.8% increase in tractor purchases. Overall, it seems quite clear that input use is sensitive to credit flow, whereas GDP of agriculture is not. Credit seems therefore to be an enabling input, but one whose effectiveness is undermined by low technical efficiency and productivity.
Impact of fetal gender on the risk of preterm birth, a national cohort study
Authors: Peelen Myrthe J.C.S. , Kazemier Brenda M. , Ravelli Anita C.J. , De Groot Christianne J.M. , Van Der Post Joris A.M. , Mol Ben W.J. , Hajenius Petra J. , Kok Marjolein
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Fetal gender is associated with preterm birth; however, a proper subdivision by onset of labor and corresponding neonatal outcome by week of gestation is lacking.

Material and methods

Data from the Netherlands Perinatal Registry (1999–2010) were used to calculate relative risk ratios for gender by week of gestation and gender‐related risk on adverse neonatal outcomes using a moving average technique. White European women with an alive fetus at onset of labor were included. Adverse neonatal outcomes were defined as neonatal mortality and a composite of neonatal morbidity. Onset of labor was categorized as spontaneous onset with intact membranes, premature rupture of membranes, and induction or elective cesarean section.

Results

The study population comprised 1 736 615 singleton deliveries (25+0–42+6 weeks). Male fetuses were at increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth with intact membranes compared with a female fetus with a peak between 27 and 31 weeks [relative risk (RR) 1.5; 95% CI 1.4–1.6]. Male fetuses were also at increased risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes between 27 and 37 weeks (RR 1.2; 95% CI 1.16–1.23). No gender effect was seen for medically indicated preterm birth. No significant differences were seen for neonatal mortality. Males were at significantly increased risk of composite neonatal morbidity from 29 weeks onwards (RR 1.3; 95% CI 1.3–1.4).

Conclusions

Male fetal gender is a relevant risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth, both for intact membranes and for preterm premature rupture of membranes in white European women. In addition, male infants are at increased risk of neonatal morbidity.
Video‐assisted endoscopic resection of left ventricular papillary fibroelastoma through the aortic valve
Authors: Ishida Keiichi , Satokawa Hirono , Takase Shinya , Kagoshima Akihito , Takano Tomohiro , Yokoyama Hitoshi
Published: May 2016

Papillary fibroelastoma is a rare, benign cardiac tumor. Surgical resection is indicated to prevent embolization. We herein report a case of a 78‐year‐old asymptomatic man who was found to have a mobile left ventricular papillary fibroelastoma anchoring deep in the left ventricle by incidental transthoracic echocardiography. The tumor was resected under visualization by a video‐assisted rigid endoscope with a flexible head inserted through the aortic valve into the left ventricle. Intraoperative frozen section analysis provided a pathological diagnosis of papillary fibroelastoma. The postoperative course was uneventful. This technique is recommended for the observation and resection of a tumor anchoring deep in the left ventricle and is helpful for avoiding the adverse effects of left ventriculotomy.
Beyond Cognition: Reading Motivation and Reading Comprehension
Authors: Wigfield Allan , Gladstone Jessica R. , Turci Lara
Published: May 2016

In this article, we review research on children's motivation to read and its relation to their reading comprehension. We begin by discussing work on the development of school motivation in general and reading motivation in particular, reviewing studies showing that many children's motivation to read declines over the school years. Motivation to read tends to differ by gender—with girls motivated more positively to read than boys. It also differs by ethnicity, in more complex ways. Over the last 15 years, researchers have identified instructional practices that boost students' motivation to read and their reading comprehension. Researchers should build on this work by developing and studying programs among children of different ages to identify effective classroom‐based instructional approaches that motivate reading and use a variety of narrative and informational materials.
The pharmacokinetics and dosing of oral 4-methylumbelliferone for inhibition of hyaluronan synthesis in mice
Authors: Kuipers H F , Nagy N , Ruppert S M , Sunkari V G , Marshall P L , Gebe J A , Ishak H D , Keswani S G , Bollyky J , Frymoyer A R , Wight T N , Steinman L , Bollyky P L
Published: May 2016

Recently, there has been considerable interest in using 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) to inhibit hyaluronan (HA) synthesis in mouse models of cancer, autoimmunity and a variety of other inflammatory disorders where HA has been implicated in disease pathogenesis. In order to facilitate future studies in this area, we have examined the dosing, treatment route, treatment duration and metabolism of 4-MU in both C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. Mice fed chow containing 5% 4-MU, a dose calculated to deliver 250 mg/mouse/day, initially lose substantial weight but typically resume normal weight gain after 1 week. It also takes up to a week to see a reduction in serum HA in these animals, indicating that at least a 1-week loading period on the drug is required for most protocols. At steady state, more than 90% of the drug is present in plasma as the glucuronidated metabolite 4-methylumbelliferyl glucuronide (4-MUG), with the sulphated metabolite, 4-methylumbelliferyl sulphate (4-MUS) comprising most of the remainder. Chow containing 5% but not 0·65% 4-MU was effective at preventing disease in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of multiple sclerosis, as well as in the DORmO mouse model of autoimmune diabetes. While oral 4-MU was effective at preventing EAE, daily intraperitoneal injections of 4-MU were not. Factors potentially affecting 4-MU uptake and plasma concentrations in mice include its taste, short half-life and low bioavailability. These studies provide a practical resource for implementing oral 4-MU treatment protocols in mice.
Ex vivo sentinel lymph node mapping in colorectal cancer using a magnetic nanoparticle tracer to improve staging accuracy: a pilot study
Authors: Pouw J. J. , Grootendorst M. R. , Klaase J. M. , van Baarlen J. , ten Haken B.
Published: May 2016

Aim

Nodal status is the most important prognostic factor in colorectal cancer (CRC). Small occult metastases may remain undetected on conventional histopathological examination, potentially resulting in undertreatment. Ex vivo sentinel lymph node mapping (SLNM) can be used to improve the accuracy of nodal staging, but the currently used tracers suffer from drawbacks, which hamper implementation of the technique in routine clinical practice. Magnetic tracers are the optimal size for sentinel lymph node (SLN) retention and allow objective quantitative selection of SLNs; they therefore have great potential for SLNM in CRC. The study evaluates the feasibility of ex vivo magnetic SLNM and compares the performance of this technique with blue dye SLNM.

Method

Twenty‐eight ex vivo SLNM procedures were performed in 27 histological node‐negative patients with CRC using a magnetic tracer and blue dye. A magnetometer was used to select magnetic SLNs after formalin fixation of the CRC specimen. Both magnetic and blue SLNs were subjected to serial sectioning and immunohistochemical staining to reveal occult metastases.

Results

At least one SLN was successfully identified in 27/28 (96%) and 25/28 (89%) of the cases with the magnetic technique and blue dye. Isolated tumour cells were detected in 10 patients. This was predicted with 100% sensitivity and accuracy using the magnetic technique, and with 91% sensitivity and 96% accuracy using the blue dye technique.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that ex vivo magnetic SLNM is a feasible technique for use in routine clinical practice, improving nodal staging accuracy of CRC patients.
Why Are Verbs So Hard to Remember? Effects of Semantic Context on Memory for Verbs and Nouns
Authors: Earles Julie L. , Kersten Alan W.
Published: May 2016

Three experiments test the theory that verb meanings are more malleable than noun meanings in different semantic contexts, making a previously seen verb difficult to remember when it appears in a new semantic context. Experiment 1 revealed that changing the direct object noun in a transitive sentence reduced recognition of a previously seen verb, whereas changing the verb had little impact on noun recognition. Experiment 2 revealed that verbs exhibited context effects more similar to those shown by superordinate nouns rather than basic‐level nouns. Experiment 3 demonstrated that the degree of meaning change in a target word resulting from changes in semantic context influenced the magnitude of context effects, but context effects remained larger for verbs than for nouns even when the degree of meaning change was similar for nouns and verbs. These results are discussed with respect to the imageability and grammatical roles played by nouns and verbs in a sentence.
Prevalence and risk factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in a Hlai community in Hainan Island of China
Authors: Ding Yipeng , Yang Danlei , He Ping , Yao Jinjian , Sun Pei , Li Quanni , Xie Pingdong , Lin Daobo , Sun Dingwei , Niu Huan , Tian Zhongjie
Published: May 2016

Objectives

We investigated prevalence and risk factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a population of Hlai (the Li) ethnicity, a major minority, in Qicha Town, Changjiang County, Hainan Province, PRC, during 2014.

Methods

All residents at the age of 40 years or older were interviewed with standardized questionnaires. Spirometry was performed to measure the possible airflow limitation. According to the GOLD criteria, post bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 70% was defined as COPD. Case‐control study was used to screen the risk factors by analyzing COPD group (212 cases) and non‐COPD control group (236 cases). Single factor analysis and multiple factor logistic regression analysis were used as statistical methods.

Results

The prevalence of COPD in the residents at the age of 40 years or older of Hlai community was 5.07% (286/5637) (95% CI = 0.045–0.057). In the logistic regression analysis, the COPD prevalence was 5.07% (147/2901) in men and 5.08% (139/2736) in women, respectively, with odds ratio (OR) 1.003, 95% CI 0.790–1.272 and P > 0.05, suggesting that the sex did not affect the COPD prevalence in the investigated samples, but age (OR = 1.096), expectoration (OR = 87.917), locomotor activity limitation (OR = 3.908) and frequency of respiration (OR = 2.512) were risk factors and associated with the development of COPD. Notably, although the tobacco smoker in male and female COPD patients were 48.6% (54/111) and 4.0% (4/101), respectively, passive smokers in female with COPD were 45.6% (46/101).

Conclusion

In the Hlai population aged ≥40 years, the COPD prevalence was 5.07%. Smoking, age, expectoration, locomotor activity limitation and frequency of respiration were risk factors of COPD in Hlai ethnicity.
Diagnosis value of serum soluble B7‐H4 expression in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xu Chun Hua , Wang Wei , Wang Yu Chao , Lin Yong , Zhang Xiu Wei
Published: May 2016

Introduction

B7‐H4, a member of the inhibitory B7 family, can restrain T cell proliferation, activation, cytokine secretion, and may be involved in immune evasion in cancer patients.

Objectives

This aim of the study was to determine the expression level of soluble B7‐H4 (sB7‐H4) in circulation and to subsequently evaluate the clinical significance of circulating sB7‐H4 in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Serum specimens from 128 patients with NSCLC, 100 healthy volunteers (HV), and 80 patients with benign lung diseases (BLD) were collected. The concentrations of sB7‐H4 were measured by sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Serum sB7‐H4 levels in patients with NSCLC were significantly higher than those in patients with BLD (P < 0.05), or those in HV (P < 0.05). Using a cutoff of 27.8 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity of sB7‐H4 in differentiating between patients with NSCLC and patients with BLD, and between patients with NSCLC and HV was, 46.9% and 92.5%, and 54.7% and 95.0%, respectively. An area under the curve (AUC) for NSCLC resulting from sB7‐H4 (0.863), which was significantly better than any other tumour markers tested including CA125 (0.763), and CEA (0.775).

Conclusion

In conclusion, assessment of serum sB7‐H4 levels could be considered as a diagnostic biomarker for NSCLC.
Credit Conditions in Pakistan: Supply Constraints or Demand Deficiencies?
Authors: Ahmed Jameel
Published: May 2016

This paper attempts to pin down the key drivers of demand for and supply of real private sector credit in Pakistan. I use both the equilibrium and disequilibrium econometric frameworks, specifically tackling the issue of lack of consistency and/or efficiency of joint estimators in the former via the three‐stage least squares technique. On the demand side, I find that higher economic activity provides stimulus to credit whereas inflation dampens it. The stock market seems to play a dual role: as a source of alternative financing, a bullish market negatively impacts credit while, as an indicator of economic expectations, it provides a positive impetus. On the supply side, banks' lending capacity is found to be the major driver of credit while government borrowing has a crowding‐out effect. Pakistan currently faces supply constraints, which might put an additional check on capacity utilization by firms, thus damaging growth prospects. The results have important policy implications.
Assessment of impaired coordination between respiration and deglutition in children and young adults with ataxia telangiectasia
Authors: Lefton‐Greif Maureen A , Perlman Adrienne L , He Xuming , Lederman Howard M , Crawford Thomas O
Published: May 2016

Aim

This cross‐sectional investigation aimed to assess the value of non‐invasive measures of temporal respiratory–swallow coupling in individuals with ataxic swallowing.

Method

Twenty participants (11 males, 9 females; range 9‐21y) with ataxia telangiectasia were presented with water and pudding boluses. Their 193 swallows were compared with 2200 swallows from 82 age‐matched healthy controls. The two components of airway protection during swallowing that were analyzed were: direction of peri‐deglutitive airflow and duration of deglutitive inhibition of respiratory airflow (DIORA).

Results

Safe expiratory patterns of peri‐deglutitive airflow occurred significantly less often in participants with ataxia telangiectasia than in age‐matched control participants (younger p<0.015 and older p<0.001). The frequency of an expiratory pattern of peri‐deglutitive airflow increased with age in participants in the comparison group (p=0.006), but not in those with ataxia telangiectasia (p=0.234). With age, mean duration of DIORA decreased in controls (p<0.001) but was unchanged in participants with ataxia telangiectasia (p=0.164).

Interpretation

Non‐invasive quantitative measures of respiratory–swallow coupling capture temporal relationships that plausibly contribute to airway compromise from dysphagia. Changes in respiratory–swallow coupling observed with advancing age in control participants were not seen in participants with ataxia telangiectasia. Measures of perturbations may herald swallowing problems prior to development of pulmonary and nutritional sequelae.
Analyzing the Spatial Dynamics of Deforestation in Brazilian Amazon
Authors: de Alencastro Bouchardet Daniel , Alves Porsse Alexandre , Timofeiczyk Junior Romano
Published: May 2016

Historically, development in Brazilian Amazon was promoted by permits of deforestation under soft territory control or supervision. However, due to the importance of this biome for biodiversity and ecosystem balance in a global perspective, Brazilian's government has tightened deforestation control. This work investigates the spatial pattern of deforestation in a cross‐section and time perspective using global and local spatial data analysis. Global results indicate the existence of high spatial correlation and that deforestation holds concentrated across space, despite the efficacy of policy mechanisms adopted for controlling and reducing the level of deforestation in Legal Amazon. Furthermore, local results support the hypothesis of high spillover effects. Considering the spatial analysis results, we highlight some implications for policy design aiming deforestation control.
Peripheral cytokines, C‐X‐C motif ligand10 and interleukin‐13, are associated with Malaysian Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Mohd Hasni Dayana Sazereen , Lim Siong Meng , Chin Ai Vyrn , Tan Maw Pin , Poi Philip Jun Hua , Kamaruzzaman Shahrul Bahyah , Majeed Abu Bakar Abdul , Ramasamy Kalavathy
Published: May 2016

Aim

Cytokines released from chronically‐activated microglia could result in neuroinflammation. An accurate profile of the relationship between cytokines and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, as well as the patterns of these inflammatory mediators in AD patients could lead to the identification of peripheral markers for the disease. The present study was undertaken to identify pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines associated with AD in the Malaysian population.

Methods

Further to informed consent from 39 healthy subjects and 39 probable AD patients, 8.5 mL of peripheral blood was collected and serum was extracted. The differential levels of 12 serum cytokines extracted from peripheral blood samples were measured using Procarta Multiplex Cytokine and enzyme‐linked immunoassay kits. Concentrations of cytokines were measured at 615 nm using a fluorometer.

Results

Except for tumor necrosis factor‐α, all classical pro‐inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐12 and interferon‐γ) were found to be significantly upregulated (P < 0.001) in AD patients. Three of the five non‐classical pro‐inflammatory cytokines (C‐X‐C motif ligand 10 [CXCL‐10], monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α) showed similar patterns. Both classical IL‐10 and non‐classical IL‐13 anti‐inflammatory cytokines were significantly downregulated (P < 0.001) in AD patients when compared with non‐AD controls. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses for both CXCL‐10 (IP‐10) and IL‐13 showed a high level of diagnostic accuracy (area under curve = 1 [95% confidence interval]). Both CXCL‐10 and IL‐13 also showed sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100% for diagnosis of AD (cut‐off values >53.65 ρg/mL and <9.315 ρg/mL, respectively).

Conclusions

Both the non‐classical pro‐inflammatory CXCL‐10 and anti‐inflammatory IL‐13 cytokines showed promising potential as blood‐based cytokine biomarkers for AD. This is the first study of non‐classical cytokine profiles of Malaysian AD patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 839–846.
Non‐invasive mechanical ventilation in elderly patients: A narrative review
Authors: Piroddi Ines Maria Grazia , Barlascini Cornelius , Esquinas Antonio , Braido Fulvio , Banfi Paolo , Nicolini Antonello
Published: May 2016

The treatment of acute respiratory failure with non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) as a first‐line therapy is increasingly common in intensive care units. The reduced invasiveness of NIV leads to better outcomes than endotracheal intubation in carefully selected groups of patients. Furthermore, the use of NIV as a palliative treatment for respiratory failure and dyspnea has become increasingly common. NIV also has an impact on the use of “do not intubate” orders. In the present narrative review, we explore the use and outcome of NIV in elderly patients. To accomplish this, we reviewed the most recent available medical literature. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 689–696.
Issues in diagnosis of small B cell lymphoid neoplasms involving the bone marrow and peripheral blood. Report on the Bone Marrow Workshop of the XVIIth meeting of the European Association for Haematopathology and the Society for Hematopathology
Authors: Porwit Anna , Fend Falko , Kremer Marcus , Orazi Attilio , Safali Mükerrem , van der Walt Jon
Published: May 2016

Small B cell lymphoid neoplasms are the most common lymphoproliferative disorders involving peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM). The Bone Marrow Workshop (BMW) organized by the European Bone Marrow Working Group (EBMWG) of the European Association for Haematopathology (EAHP) during the XVIIth EAHP Meeting in Istanbul, October 2014, was dedicated to discussion of cases illustrating how the recent advances in immunophenotyping, molecular techniques and cytogenetics provide better understanding and classification of these entities. Submitted cases were grouped into following categories: (i) cases illustrating diagnostic difficulties in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL); (ii) cases of BM manifestations of small B cell lymphoid neoplasms other than CLL; (iii) transformation of small B cell lymphoid neoplasms in the BM; and (iv) multiclonality and composite lymphomas in the BM. This report summarizes presented cases and conclusions of the BMW and provides practical recommendations for classification of the BM manifestations of small B cell lymphoid neoplasms based on the current state of knowledge.
Strategies for designing synthetic immune agonists
Authors: Wu Tom Y.‐H.
Published: May 2016

Enhancing the immune system is a validated strategy to combat infectious disease, cancer and allergy. Nevertheless, the development of immune adjuvants has been hampered by safety concerns. Agents that can stimulate the immune system often bear structural similarities with pathogen‐associated molecular patterns found in bacteria or viruses and are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Activation of these PRRs results in the immediate release of inflammatory cytokines, up‐regulation of co‐stimulatory molecules, and recruitment of innate immune cells. The distribution and duration of these early inflammatory events are crucial in the development of antigen‐specific adaptive immunity in the forms of antibody and/or T cells capable of searching for and destroying the infectious pathogens or cancer cells. However, systemic activation of these PRRs is often poorly tolerated. Hence, different strategies have been employed to modify or deliver immune agonists in an attempt to control the early innate receptor activation through temporal or spatial restriction. These approaches include physicochemical manipulation, covalent conjugation, formulation and conditional activation/deactivation. This review will describe recent examples of discovery and optimization of synthetic immune agonists towards clinical application.
Varistor, Dielectric, and Luminescent Properties of Pr6O11‐doped TiO2 Multifunctional Ceramics
Authors: Gong Yunyun , Chu Ruiqing , Xu Zhijun , Dou Tongfu , Zeng Wenjing , Zhang Xiannan , Hao Jigong , Li Guorong
Published: May 2016

A series of Pr6O11 (x = 0–0.70 mol%)‐doped TiO2 ceramics were synthesized by the conventional solid‐state reaction method. The microstructure, electrical, and luminescence properties were systematically investigated. The results showed that the as‐prepared TiO2 ceramics exhibited strong red emission at 606 nm at room temperature and the optimal photoluminescence were obtained at x = 0.30. In addition, the nonlinear coefficient was improved with the amount of Pr6O11 dopant, reaching the maximum value at x = 0.50. Therefore, Pr6O11‐doped TiO2 ceramics, which simultaneously exhibited luminescent properties and good electrical properties, would be useful in novel multifunctional devices.
Concept analysis and the building blocks of theory: misconceptions regarding theory development
Authors: Bergdahl Elisabeth , Berterö Carina M.
Published: May 2016

Aim

The purpose of this article is to discuss the attempts to justify concepts analysis as a way to construct theory – a notion often advocated in nursing.

Background

The notion that concepts are the building blocks or threads from which theory is constructed is often repeated. It can be found in many articles and well‐known textbooks. However, this notion is seldom explained or defended. The notion of concepts as building blocks has also been questioned by several authors. However, most of these authors seem to agree to some degree that concepts are essential components from which theory is built.

Design

Discussion paper.

Data sources

Literature was reviewed to synthesize and debate current knowledge.

Implications for nursing

Our point is that theory is not built by concepts analysis or clarification and we will show that this notion has its basis in some serious misunderstandings. We argue that concept analysis is not a part of sound scientific method and should be abandoned.

Conclusion

The current methods of concept analysis in nursing have no foundation in philosophy of science or in language philosophy. The type of concept analysis performed in nursing is not a way to ‘construct’ theory. Rather, theories are formed by creative endeavour to propose a solution to a scientific and/or practical problem. The bottom line is that the current style and form of concept analysis in nursing should be abandoned in favour of methods in line with modern theory of science.
MARIS plays important roles in Arabidopsis pollen tube and root hair growth
Authors: Liao Hong‐Ze , Zhu Meng‐Meng , Cui Hong‐Hui , Du Xin‐Yu , Tang Yu , Chen Li‐Qun , Ye De , Zhang Xue‐Qin
Published: May 2016

In flowering plants, male gametes are delivered to female gametes for double fertilization through pollen tubes. Therefore, pollen tube growth is crucial for double fertilization. Despite its importance to sexual reproduction, genetic mechanisms of pollen tube growth remain poorly understood. In this study, we characterized the receptor‐like cytoplasmic protein kinase (RLCK) gene, MARIS (MRI) that plays critical roles in pollen tube growth. MRI is preferentially expressed in pollen grains, pollen tubes and roots. Mutation in MRI by a Ds insertion led to a burst of pollen tubes after pollen germination. Pollen‐rescue assay by pollen and pollen tube‐specific expression of MRI in the mri‐4 mutant showed that loss of MRI function also severely affected root hair elongation. MRI protein interacted with the protein kinase OXIDATIVE SIGNAL INDUCIBLE1 (OXI1) in the in vitro and in vivo assays, which functions in plant defence and root hair development, and was phosphorylated by OXI1 in vitro. Our results suggest that MRI plays important roles in pollen tube growth and may function in root hair elongation through interaction with OXI1.
Reconstitution of synaptic Ion channels from rodent and human brain in Xenopus oocytes: a biochemical and electrophysiological characterization
Authors: Mazzo Francesca , Zwart Ruud , Serratto Giulia Maia , Gardinier Kevin M. , Porter Warren , Reel Jon , Maraula Giovanna , Sher Emanuele
Published: May 2016

Disruption in the expression and function of synaptic proteins, and ion channels in particular, is critical in the pathophysiology of human neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. However, very little is known regarding the functional and pharmacological properties of native synaptic human ion channels, and their potential changes in pathological conditions. Recently, an electrophysiological technique has been enabled for studying the functional and pharmacological properties of ion channels present in crude membrane preparation obtained from post‐mortem frozen brains. We here extend these studies by showing that human synaptic ion channels also can be studied in this way. Synaptosomes purified from different regions of rodent and human brain (control and Alzheimer's) were characterized biochemically for enrichment of synaptic proteins, and expression of ion channel subunits. The same synaptosomes were also reconstituted in Xenopus oocytes, in which the functional and pharmacological properties of the native synaptic ion channels were characterized using the voltage clamp technique. We show that we can detect GABA, (RS)‐α‐Amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid, and NMDA receptors, and modulate them pharmacologically with selective agonists, antagonists, and allosteric modulators. Furthermore, changes in ion channel expression and function were detected in synaptic membranes from Alzheimer's brains. Our present results demonstrate the possibility to investigate synaptic ion channels from healthy and pathological brains. This method of synaptosomes preparation and injection into oocytes is a significant improvement over the earlier method. It opens the way to directly testing, on native ion channels, the effects of novel drugs aimed at modulating important classes of synaptic targets.

image

Disruption in the expression and function of synaptic ion channels is critical in the pathophysiology of human neurodegenerative diseases. We here show that synaptosomes purified from rodent and human frozen brain (control and Alzheimer disease) can be studied both biochemically and functionally. This method opens the way to directly testing the effects of novel drugs on native ion channels.
Can Brokers Have It All? On the Relation between Make‐Take Fees and Limit Order Execution Quality
Authors: BATTALIO ROBERT , CORWIN SHANE A. , JENNINGS ROBERT
Published: May 2016

We identify retail brokers that seemingly route orders to maximize order flow payments, by selling market orders and sending limit orders to venues paying large liquidity rebates. Angel, Harris, and Spatt argue that such routing may not always be in customers’ best interests. For both proprietary limit order data and a broad sample of trades from TAQ, we document a negative relation between several measures of limit order execution quality and rebate/fee level. This finding suggests that order routing designed to maximize liquidity rebates does not maximize limit order execution quality and thus brokers cannot have it all.
Reduction of Winter Wheat Yield Losses Caused by Stripe Rust through Fungicide Management
Authors: Sharma Ram C. , Nazari Kumarse , Amanov Amir , Ziyaev Zafar , Jalilov Anwar U.
Published: May 2016

Stripe rust of winter bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) causes substantial grain yield loss in Central Asia. This study involved two replicated field experiments undertaken in 2009–2010 and 2010–2011 winter wheat crop seasons. The first experiment was conducted to determine grain yield reductions on susceptible winter wheat cultivars using single and two sprays of fungicide at Zadoks growth stages Z61–Z69 in two farmers’ fields in Tajikistan and one farmer's field in Uzbekistan. In the second experiment, four different fungicides at two concentrations were evaluated at Zadoks growth stage Z69. These included three products from BASF – Opus (0.5 l/ha and 1.0 l/ha), Platoon (0.5 l/ha and 1.0 l/ha) and Opera (0.75 l/ha and 1.5 l/ha) – and locally used fungicide Titul 390 (0.5 l/ha and 1.0 l/ha). One and two sprays of fungicides did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) in increasing grain yield. Stripe rust reduced grain yield and 1000‐kernel weight (TKW) from 24 to 39% and from 16 to 24%, respectively. The benefits from the two concentrations of the same fungicide did not consistently resulted in significantly higher grain yield, suggesting that the lower concentrations could be more cost effective. Our study provides important information about the selection of fungicides, spray concentrations and number of spray to control stripe rust and increase grain yield. The findings could play an important role in developing stripe rust management approaches such as fungicide rotation and strategic fungicide applications in Central Asian countries.
Partisanship, Sophistication, and Public Attitudes about Majority Rule and Minority Rights in Congress
Authors: Park Hong Min , Smith Steven S.
Published: May 2016

The balance between majority rule and minority rights is a central issue in the design and operation of democratic institutions and remains a contested issue in debates of policy‐making processes. Remarkably, public attitudes about this balance are not subjected to scholarly investigation. In this article, we report the findings of the first survey experiment in which the American public's attitudes about majority rule and minority rights in legislative bodies are explored. We find robust support for both majority rule and minority rights, discover that only a few Americans distinguish between the US House of Representatives and Senate in the application of these principles, and demonstrate that views of majority rule and minority rights can be moved once we introduce respondents to the partisan implications of procedural rules. Moreover, with conflicting theoretical expectations about the effect of political sophistication on attitudes about majority rule and minority rights, we find that higher levels of political sophistication are associated with stronger partisan effects on attitudes about the balance between majority rule and minority rights in Congress.
CONVERGENCE OF A LEAST‐SQUARES MONTE CARLO ALGORITHM FOR AMERICAN OPTION PRICING WITH DEPENDENT SAMPLE DATA
Authors: Zanger Daniel Z.
Published: May 2016

We analyze the convergence of the Longstaff–Schwartz algorithm relying on only a single set of independent Monte Carlo sample paths that is repeatedly reused for all exercise time‐steps. We prove new estimates on the stochastic component of the error of this algorithm whenever the approximation architecture is any uniformly bounded set of L2 functions of finite Vapnik–Chervonenkis dimension (VC‐dimension), but in particular need not necessarily be either convex or closed. We also establish new overall error estimates, incorporating bounds on the approximation error as well, for certain nonlinear, nonconvex sets of neural networks.
Glucose induces delocalization of a flagellar biosynthesis protein from the flagellated pole
Authors: Park Soyoung , Park Young‐Ha , Lee Chang‐Ro , Kim Yeon‐Ran , Seok Yeong‐Jae
Published: May 2016

To survive in a continuously changing environment, bacteria sense concentration gradients of attractants or repellents, and purposefully migrate until a more favourable habitat is encountered. While glucose is known as the most effective attractant, the flagellar biosynthesis and hence chemotactic motility has been known to be repressed by glucose in some bacteria. To date, the only known regulatory mechanism of the repression of flagellar synthesis by glucose is via downregulation of the cAMP level, as shown in a few members of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Here we show that, in Vibrio vulnificus, the glucose‐mediated inhibition of flagellar motility operates by a completely different mechanism. In the presence of glucose, EIIAGlc is dephosphorylated and inhibits the polar localization of FapA (flagellar assembly protein A) by sequestering it from the flagellated pole. A loss or delocalization of FapA results in a complete failure of the flagellar biosynthesis and motility. However, when glucose is depleted, EIIAGlc is phosphorylated and releases FapA such that free FapA can be localized back to the pole and trigger flagellation. Together, these data provide new insight into a bacterial strategy to reach and stay in the glucose‐rich area.
Evolution of tonoplast P‐ATPase transporters involved in vacuolar acidification
Authors: Li Yanbang , Provenzano Sofia , Bliek Mattijs , Spelt Cornelis , Appelhagen Ingo , Machado de Faria Laura , Verweij Walter , Schubert Andrea , Sagasser Martin , Seidel Thorsten , Weisshaar Bernd , Koes Ronald , Quattrocchio Francesca
Published: May 2016

Petunia mutants (Petunia hybrida) with blue flowers defined a novel vacuolar proton pump consisting of two interacting P‐ATPases, PH1 and PH5, that hyper‐acidify the vacuoles of petal cells. PH5 is similar to plasma membrane H+P3A‐ATPase, whereas PH1 is the only known eukaryoticP3B‐ATPase. As there were no indications that this tonoplast pump is widespread in plants, we investigated the distribution and evolution of PH1 and PH5.

We combined database mining and phylogenetic and synteny analyses of PH1‐ and PH5‐like proteins from all kingdoms with functional analyses (mutant complementation and intracellular localization) of homologs from diverse angiosperms.

We identified functional PH1 and PH5 homologs in divergent angiosperms. PH5 homologs evolved from plasma membrane P3A‐ATPases, acquiring an N‐terminal tonoplast‐sorting sequence and new cellular function before angiosperms appeared. PH1 is widespread among seed plants and related proteins are found in some groups of bacteria and fungi and in one moss, but is absent in most algae, suggesting that its evolution involved several cases of gene loss and possibly horizontal transfer events.

The distribution of PH1 and PH5 in the plant kingdom suggests that vacuolar acidification by P‐ATPases appeared in gymnosperms before flowers. This implies that, next to flower color determination, vacuolar hyper‐acidification is required for yet unknown processes.
A 9‐year retrospective analysis of 418 consecutive temporal artery biopsies (TAB): a surgical perspective of patients treated in a UK district general hospital referral service
Authors: Bharadwaj G. , Ferris C. , Lyall J.
Published: May 2016

Aim

Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is a gold standard investigation in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA). We explored the relationship of the specimen length and biopsy results before and after the establishment of Fife GCA referral protocols in 2010.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review of TAB carried out between the year 2005–2013 was carried out. The biopsy results were analysed for length of the specimen and diagnostic outcome.

Results

A total of 418 biopsies were performed from 2005 to 2013 inclusive. Four hundred and nine biopsies were eligible for study and nine specimen were excluded as they were non‐arterial. Seventy‐three biopsies (17.8%) were reported positive. Average length of specimen in our study was 13.15 mm. Mean specimen length of positive cases was less than that for negative cases (difference in means = −3.7, 95% confidence interval −4.9 to −2.6 mm, P < 0.001). There is evidence that the mean length of the sample increased after the introduction of the guidelines in 2010 and did not affect the percentage of positive results (r = −0.18, P = 0.64).

Conclusion

TAB is an invasive procedure, and our results indicated that the positive outcomes were low (17.8%). After introduction of local protocols, the specimen length increased but not the percentage of positive results.
Maximum likelihood positioning algorithm for high‐resolution PET scanners
Authors: Gross‐Weege Nicolas , Schug David , Hallen Patrick , Schulz Volkmar
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

In high‐resolution positron emission tomography (PET), lightsharing elements are incorporated into typical detector stacks to read out scintillator arrays in which one scintillator element (crystal) is smaller than the size of the readout channel. In order to identify the hit crystal by means of the measured light distribution, a positioning algorithm is required. One commonly applied positioning algorithm uses the center of gravity (COG) of the measured light distribution. The COG algorithm is limited in spatial resolution by noise and intercrystal Compton scatter. The purpose of this work is to develop a positioning algorithm which overcomes this limitation.

Methods:

The authors present a maximum likelihood (ML) algorithm which compares a set of expected light distributions given by probability density functions (PDFs) with the measured light distribution. Instead of modeling the PDFs by using an analytical model, the PDFs of the proposed ML algorithm are generated assuming a single‐gamma‐interaction model from measured data. The algorithm was evaluated with a hot‐rod phantom measurement acquired with the preclinical hyperion II D PET scanner. In order to assess the performance with respect to sensitivity, energy resolution, and image quality, the ML algorithm was compared to a COG algorithm which calculates the COG from a restricted set of channels. The authors studied the energy resolution of the ML and the COG algorithm regarding incomplete light distributions (missing channel information caused by detector dead time). Furthermore, the authors investigated the effects of using a filter based on the likelihood values on sensitivity, energy resolution, and image quality.

Results:

A sensitivity gain of up to 19% was demonstrated in comparison to the COG algorithm for the selected operation parameters. Energy resolution and image quality were on a similar level for both algorithms. Additionally, the authors demonstrated that the performance of the ML algorithm is less prone to missing channel information. A likelihood filter visually improved the image quality, i.e., the peak‐to‐valley increased up to a factor of 3 for 2‐mm‐diameter phantom rods by rejecting 87% of the coincidences. A relative improvement of the energy resolution of up to 12.8% was also measured rejecting 91% of the coincidences.

Conclusions:

The developed ML algorithm increases the sensitivity by correctly handling missing channel information without influencing energy resolution or image quality. Furthermore, the authors showed that energy resolution and image quality can be improved substantially by rejecting events that do not comply well with the single‐gamma‐interaction model, such as Compton‐scattered events.
A novel approach to background subtraction in contrast‐enhanced dual‐energy digital mammography with commercially available mammography devices: Noise minimization
Authors: Contillo Adriano , Di Domenico Giovanni , Cardarelli Paolo , Gambaccini Mauro , Taibi Angelo
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

Dual‐energy image subtraction represents a useful tool to improve the detectability of small lesions, especially in dense breasts. A feature it shares with all x‐ray imaging techniques is the appearance of fluctuations in the texture of the background, which can obscure the visibility of interesting details. The aim of the work is to investigate the main noise sources, in order to create a better performing subtraction mechanism. In particular, the structural noise cancellation was achieved by means of a suitable extension of the dual‐energy algorithm.

Methods:

The effect of the cancellation procedure was tested on an analytical simulation of a target with varying structural composition. Subsequently, the subtraction algorithm was also applied to a set of actual radiographs of a breast phantom exhibiting a nonuniform background pattern. The background power spectra of the outcomes were computed and compared to the ones obtained from a standard subtraction algorithm.

Results:

The comparison between the standard and the proposed cancellations showed an overall suppression of the magnitudes of the spectra, as well as a flattening of the frequency dependence of the structural component of the noise.

Conclusions:

The proposed subtraction procedure provides an effective cancellation of the residual background fluctuations. When combined with the polychromatic correction already described in a companion publication, it results in a high performing dual‐energy subtraction scheme for commercial mammography units.
Factors affecting the development of speech recognition in steady and modulated noise
Authors: Hall Joseph W. , Buss Emily , Grose John H.
Published: May 2016

This study used a checkerboard-masking paradigm to investigate the development of the speech reception threshold (SRT) for monosyllabic words in synchronously and asynchronously modulated noise. In asynchronous modulation, masker frequencies below 1300 Hz were gated off when frequencies above 1300 Hz were gated on, and vice versa. The goals of the study were to examine development of the ability to use asynchronous spectro-temporal cues for speech recognition and to assess factors related to speech frequency region and audible speech bandwidth. A speech-shaped noise masker was steady or was modulated synchronously or asynchronously across frequency. Target words were presented to 5–7 year old children or to adults. Overall, children showed higher SRTs and smaller masking release than adults. Consideration of the present results along with previous findings supports the idea that children can have particularly poor masked SRTs when the speech and masker spectra differ substantially, and that this may arise due to children requiring a wider speech bandwidth than adults for speech recognition. The results were also consistent with the idea that children are relatively poor in integrating speech cues when the frequency regions with the best signal-to-noise ratios vary across frequency as a function of time.