bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Further diversity of the 5′ promoter region of the MHC class I‐related chain B gene
Authors: Laza‐Briviesca R. , Pearson H. , Saudemont A. , Madrigal J. A. , Cox S. T.
Published: December 2015

We have now found a total of 15 individual MICB promoter sequences, varying by combination of 18 polymorphic positions within the MICB minimal promoter sequence. Sequence‐based typing and cloning characterized the three new 5′ promoter sequences as MICB‐P13, MICB‐P14 and MICB‐P15.
Asylum Provision: A Review of Economic Theories
Authors: Suriyakumaran Anjali , Tamura Yuji
Published: December 2015

In recent years, economic theories have been used to examine asylum provision by non‐persecutor countries. Unfortunately, the nature of the analyses makes the results inaccessible to many who are interested in understanding the topic from multidisciplinary perspectives but are unfamiliar with mathematical methods in economics. We communicate the findings of those analyses in a non‐mathematical fashion, thereby contributing to a facilitation of interdisciplinary research on asylum policy.
Sex life and role identity in Taiwanese women during menopause: a qualitative study
Authors: Yang Cheng‐Fang , Kenney Nancy J. , Chang Ting‐Chen , Chang Shiow‐Ru
Published: December 2015

Aim

Our goal was to examine Taiwanese women's perspectives on the way menopause affected their sexual behaviour to gain an in‐depth understanding of their experiences during this transition.

Background

Physical symptoms associated with menopause may affect women's sexual experiences. Little is known about how menopause‐related changes in sexual behaviour may affect role identity of women living in a modernizing urban culture that is still strongly rooted in traditional beliefs and attitudes.

Design

This was a qualitative study involving face‐to‐face interviews using open‐ended questions.

Methods

During 2011–2012, eighteen peri or postmenopausal women visiting a medical clinic for gynaecological examinations or treatment were interviewed about their sexual experiences. Responses were analysed for common themes.

Findings

Four themes were identified about the effects of menopause on women's sex life: (1) changes in physical responses during sex; (2) the acceptance/non‐acceptance of the current situation; (3) sexual pressure related to their marital role; (4) efforts to improve sexual interest or activity. Menopause‐related physical changes often (but not always) made sexual interactions difficult. But women's responses to the changes varied. Some used sexual discomfort as a reason to avoid sexual intercourse. Others sought to improve their sexual encounters through behavioural modifications or hormone therapy.

Conclusions

Given the variety of reactions to the impact of menopause on sexual behaviour/relationships seen here, it is clear that health professionals need to assess of each woman's specific situation and be prepared to recommend a variety of behavioural or hormonal treatment options.
Vibrating vaginal balls to improve pelvic floor muscle performance in women after childbirth: a protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial
Authors: Oblasser Claudia , McCourt Christine , Hanzal Engelbert , Christie Janice
Published: December 2015

Aim

This paper presents a feasibility trial protocol the purpose of which is to prepare for a future randomised controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of vibrating vaginal pelvic floor training balls for postpartum pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation.

Background

Vibrating vaginal pelvic floor training balls are available in Austria to enhance women's pelvic floor muscles and thus prevent or treat urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor problems following childbirth. Nonetheless, there is currently little empirical knowledge to substantiate their use or assess their relative effectiveness in comparison to current standard care, which involves pelvic floor muscle exercises.

Design

Single blind, randomised controlled feasibility trial with two parallel groups.

Methods

It is planned to recruit 56 postpartum women in Vienna, who will be randomised into one of two intervention groups to use either vibrating vaginal balls or a comparator pelvic floor muscle exercises for 12 weeks. As this is a feasibility study, study design features (recruitment, selection, randomisation, intervention concordance, data collection methods and tools) will be assessed and participants’ views and experiences will be surveyed. Tested outcome measures, collected before and after the intervention, will be pelvic floor muscle performance as reported by participants and measured by perineometry. Descriptive and inferential statistics and content analysis will serve the preparation of the future trial.

Discussion

The results of this feasibility trial will inform the design and conduct of a full randomised controlled trial and provide insight into the experiences of women regarding the interventions and study participation.
The decline in fitness with inbreeding: evidence for negative dominance‐by‐dominance epistasis in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sharp N. P. , Agrawal A. F.
Published: December 2015

Genetic interactions can play an important role in the evolution of reproductive strategies. In particular, negative dominance‐by‐dominance epistasis for fitness can theoretically favour sex and recombination. This form of epistasis can be detected statistically because it generates nonlinearity in the relationship between fitness and inbreeding coefficient. Measures of fitness in progressively inbred lines tend to show limited evidence for epistasis. However, tests of this kind can be biased against detecting an accelerating decline due to line losses at higher inbreeding levels. We tested for dominance‐by‐dominance epistasis in Drosophila melanogaster by examining viability at five inbreeding levels that were generated simultaneously, avoiding the bias against detecting nonlinearity that has affected previous studies. We find an accelerating rate of fitness decline with inbreeding, indicating that dominance‐by‐dominance epistasis is negative on average, which should favour sex and recombination.
Sibling competition does not exacerbate inbreeding depression in the burying beetleNicrophorus vespilloides
Authors: Pilakouta N. , Sieber D. J. , Smiseth P. T.
Published: December 2015

Inbreeding results from matings between relatives and can cause a reduction in offspring fitness, known as inbreeding depression. Previous work has shown that a wide range of environmental stresses, such as extreme temperatures, starvation and parasitism, can exacerbate inbreeding depression. It has recently been argued that stresses due to intraspecific competition should have a stronger effect on the severity of inbreeding depression than stresses due to harsh physical conditions. Here, we tested whether an increase in the intensity of sibling competition can exacerbate inbreeding depression in the burying beetleNicrophorus vespilloides. We used a 2 × 3 factorial design with offspring inbreeding status (outbred or inbred) and brood size (5, 20, or 40 larvae) as the two factors. We found a main effect of inbreeding status, as inbred larvae had lower survival than outbred larvae, and a main effect of brood size, as larvae in large broods had lower survival and mass than larvae in medium‐sized broods. However, there was no effect of the interaction between inbreeding status and brood size, suggesting that sibling competition did not influence the severity of inbreeding depression. Since we focused on sibling competition within homogeneous broods of either inbred or outbred larvae, we cannot rule out possible effects of sibling competition on inbreeding depression in mixed paternity broods comprising of both inbred and outbred offspring. More information on whether and when sibling competition might influence inbreeding depression can help advance our understanding of the causes underlying variation in the severity of inbreeding depression.
The diversity, distribution and status of deep‐water elasmobranchs in the Rockall Trough, north‐east Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Neat F. C. , Burns F. , Jones E. , Blasdale T.
Published: December 2015

Data from a scientific deep‐water trawl fisheries survey in the north‐east Atlantic were analysed to determine the spatial and bathymetric distribution of elasmobranch species and assess the change in relative abundance over the period 1998–2013. During this period, commercial fisheries for deep‐water sharks went from being entirely unregulated, to being briefly managed, to being completely prohibited. A total of 22 species of shark and 10 species of skate were recorded between depths of 300 and 2030 m. All showed strong species‐specific depth‐related trends in abundance. Out of the 11 more common species, five showed no change in relative abundance over time, two (Centrophorus squamosus and Centroselachus crepidater) declined significantly and four increased in relative abundance (Apristurus aphyodes, Apristurus microps, Galeus melastomus and Deania calcea). Assuming these populations were depleted by fisheries in the past, the current data do not suggest there has been an overall recovery. Positive signs for some species in the most recent years suggest movement or recruitment back into the area; however, it is of concern that two species continued to decline. There is a continued need to have precautionary management of these elasmobranch species, and the current ban on landing these species in European waters remains appropriate.
Subsurface observations of white shark Carcharodon carcharias predatory behaviour using an autonomous underwater vehicle
Authors: Skomal G. B. , Hoyos‐Padilla E. M. , Kukulya A. , Stokey R.
Published: December 2015

In this study, an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) was used to test this technology as a viable tool for directly observing the behaviour of marine animals and to investigate the behaviour, habitat use and feeding ecology of white sharks Carcharodon carcharias near Guadalupe Island off the coast of Mexico. During the period 31 October to 7 November 2013, six AUV missions were conducted to track one male and three female C. carcharias, ranging in estimated total length (LT) from 3·9 to 5·7 m, off the north‐east coast of Guadalupe Island. In doing so, the AUV generated over 13 h of behavioural data for C. carcharias at depths down to 90 m. The sharks remained in the area for the duration of each mission and moved through broad depth and temperature ranges from the surface to 163·8 m depth (mean ± s.d. = 112·5 ± 40·3 m) and 7·9–27·1° C (mean ± s.d. = 12·7 ± 2·9° C), respectively. Video footage and AUV sensor data revealed that two of the C. carcharias being tracked and eight other C. carcharias in the area approached (n = 17), bumped (n = 4) and bit (n = 9) the AUV during these tracks. This study demonstrated that an AUV can be used to effectively track and observe the behaviour of a large pelagic animal, C. carcharias. In doing so, the first observations of subsurface predatory behaviour were generated for this species. At its current state of development, this technology clearly offers a new and innovative tool for tracking the fine‐scale behaviour of marine animals.
Estimating growth from tagging data: an application to north‐east Atlantic tope shark Galeorhinus galeus
Authors: Dureuil M. , Worm B.
Published: December 2015

This study addresses the inherent uncertainty when estimating growth from limited mark–recapture information. A selection procedure was developed utilizing 18 competing growth estimation methods. The optimal method for a given data set was identified by simulating the length at capture and recapture under different scenarios of measurement error and growth variability while considering the structure of observed data. This selection procedure was applied to mark–recapture data for 37 female and 16 male tope sharks Galeorhinus galeus obtained from tagging studies in the north‐east Atlantic Ocean. Parameter estimates differed strongly among methods, showing the need for careful method selection. The selection approach suggested that best estimates for males and females were given by James' weighted least‐squares approach with a fixed asymptote. Given an average total length (LT) at birth of 28 cm, the von Bertalanffy growth function of north‐east Atlantic G. galeus would be LT = 200·85 − (200·85 − 28)e− 0·076t for females and LT = 177·30 − (177·30 − 28)e− 0·081t for males. The resulting age estimates were up to 11 years lower when compared with previous estimates derived from highly uncertain vertebrae readings. More generally, this procedure can help identify optimal estimation methods for a given data set and therefore aid in estimating more reliable growth parameters from mark–recapture information.
Stressor timing, not cortisol, is an important embryo viability determinant in female rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Medeiros L. R. , Elliott M. , Nagler J. J.
Published: December 2015

The objective of this study was to determine whether the timing of elevated cortisol levels in adult female rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, achieved by silastic implants within the body cavity, had an effect on embryo viability. Cortisol‐implanted fish experienced a significant increase in circulating levels of plasma cortisol compared with sham‐implanted fish, and plasma cortisol remained elevated relative to sham‐implanted fish for 4 months in each of the three treatment groups (0–4, 4–8 and 8–12 months). There were no significant differences in embryo viability, egg diameters or plasma 17β‐oestradiol levels between the cortisol and sham‐implanted treatments in any of the groups. There was a significant difference in the number of subfertile females (<80% embryo viability) when the three treatments were compared. The majority of the females (75%) implanted immediately postspawn (0–4 months) produced subfertile eggs, which was significantly higher than those treated 4–8 (33%) or 8–12 (17%) months postspawn. These results imply that silastic implantation can affect oocyte development, independent of plasma cortisol levels, leading to a reduction in embryo viability.
A primary phosphorus‐deficient skeletal phenotype in juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar: the uncoupling of bone formation and mineralization
Authors: Witten P. E. , Owen M. A. G. , Fontanillas R. , Soenens M. , McGurk C. , Obach A.
Published: December 2015

To understand the effect of low dietary phosphorus (P) intake on the vertebral column of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, a primary P deficiency was induced in post‐smolts. The dietary P provision was reduced by 50% for a period of 10 weeks under controlled conditions. The animal's skeleton was subsequently analysed by radiology, histological examination, histochemical detection of minerals in bones and scales and chemical mineral analysis. This is the first account of how a primary P deficiency affects the skeleton in S. salar at the cellular and at the micro‐anatomical level. Animals that received the P‐deficient diet displayed known signs of P deficiency including reduced growth and soft, pliable opercula. Bone and scale mineral content decreased by c. 50%. On radiographs, vertebral bodies appear small, undersized and with enlarged intervertebral spaces. Contrary to the X‐ray‐based diagnosis, the histological examination revealed that vertebral bodies had a regular size and regular internal bone structures; intervertebral spaces were not enlarged. Bone matrix formation was continuous and uninterrupted, albeit without traces of mineralization. Likewise, scale growth continues with regular annuli formation, but new scale matrix remains without minerals. The 10 week long experiment generated a homogeneous osteomalacia of vertebral bodies without apparent induction of skeletal malformations. The experiment shows that bone formation and bone mineralization are, to a large degree, independent processes in the fish examined. Therefore, a deficit in mineralization must not be the only cause of the alterations of the vertebral bone structure observed in farmed S. salar. It is discussed how the observed uncoupling of bone formation and mineralization helps to better diagnose, understand and prevent P deficiency‐related malformations in farmed S. salar.
Performance and Efficiency of Pressure‐Swirl and Twin‐Fluid Nozzles Spraying Food Liquids with Varying Viscosity
Authors: Stähle Philipp , Schuchmann Heike P. , Gaukel Volker
Published: December 2015

We investigated two different sized pressure‐swirl nozzles and two twin‐fluid nozzles (external and internal mixing) spraying food liquids with different viscosities (0.001 Pa s ≤ µ ≤ 0.308 Pa s). Liquid pressures in the range of 0.2 MPa ≤ pL ≤ 30 MPa and gas‐to‐liquid ratios of 0.01 ≤ GLR ≤ 2.92 were applied. To compare the nozzles, we used two energy based approaches: The spraying efficiency e and the energy density EV. The spraying efficiency of all investigated nozzles was within reported ranges from literature. When described as a function of EV, the Sauter mean diameter (SMD) of the spray drops showed a power‐law dependency. Further, the SMD was independent of the size of the pressure‐swirl nozzles and the location (internal or external) of mixing in twin‐fluid nozzles. The pressure‐swirl nozzles were superior over the twin‐fluid nozzles when low viscous fluids were sprayed. However, only the twin‐fluid nozzles were able to spray viscosities of µ ≥ 0.143 Pa s satisfactorily. Overall, the EV concept showed to be an appropriate method for the prediction of SMD in dependency of energy relevant process parameters.

Practical Application

In spray‐drying of foodstuffs, the spray drop size is a crucial parameter. It depends on the physical properties of the liquid, on the type of nozzle and on the chosen process parameters. The nozzle comparison by means of the energy density EV enables the operator to quickly choose the needed energy, i.e. the process parameters, which has to be supplied to the nozzle at a specific viscosity and liquid volume flow rate to obtain the desired mean spray drop size. This facilitates the operation of spray dryers and the scale up of spraying nozzles.
Mathematical Modeling of the Anthocyanins Adsorption/Desorption from Blueberries on Amberlite FPX‐66 Resin in A Fixed Bed Column
Authors: Sandhu Amandeep K. , Cai Yun , Janve Bhaskar , Yang Wade , Yagiz Yavuz , Marshall Maurice R. , Gu Liwei
Published: December 2015

The objective of the present study was to predict column design parameters using mathematical models such as bed depth service time (BDST) and the empty bed residence time (EBRT). The dynamic adsorption/desorption of anthocyanins from blueberry water extracts was conducted on Amberlite FPX‐66 resin in a fixed bed column system. Blueberry anthocyanins were extracted with acidified hot water (90 °C) utilizing high power ultrasound. Breakthrough curves were obtained at different bed depths (5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 cm) and constant flow rate of 4.0 mL/min. Increase in bed height increased both the breakpoint and exhaustion point of the FPX‐66 resin. The experimental data fitted well to BDST model at 5% of the breakthrough curve (R2 = 0.9864). The EBRT was in the range of 3.75–10.25 min at different bed depths. In addition, desorption of anthocyanins was studied at different ethanol concentrations and sigmoid equation was applied to obtain maximum recovery rates.

Practical Applications

Anthocyanins are antioxidant flavonoids in blueberries. They are responsible for the blue color of the berries and are known to promote better health by preventing chronic diseases. A concentrated anthocyanin extract from blueberries has the potential to be used as dietary supplement, natural colorant and functional food ingredient. This present study optimized resin adsorption method to concentrate polyphenols and remove sugars using mathematical models. Optimization of the column design parameters can be used in designing a pilot/industrial scale column for the separation and concentration of anthocyanins from blueberries.
Study on Effect of the Polyethylene Terephthalate/Nanoclay Nanocomposite Film on the Migration of Terephthalic Acid into the Yoghurt Drinks Simulant
Authors: Dardmeh N. , Khosrowshahi A. , Almasi H. , Zandi M.
Published: December 2015

Poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET)‐based nanocomposite was developed to study the effect of nanoclay presence and different concentration on the polymer properties and terephthalic acid (TPA) migration. First, PET/Cloisite 15A nanocomposite films containing 1, 3 and 5% wt were prepared by melt blending. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry and mechanical analyses were conducted on fabricated nanocomposite films. Then migration of TPA (as a monomer) from PET/Cloisite 15A nanocomposite into yoghurt drink simulant was evaluated under various storage temperature (4, 25 and 40
) during 15, 30, 60 and 90 days by high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The glass transition temperature, Tg, of all nanocomposites increased on increasing nanoclay content. However, crystallinity decreased except for PET/Cloisite 15A 3%. Morphological analysis using SEM and XRD revealed homogenous dispersion and exfoliated structure at the level of 3% nanoclay, respectively. Also the highest value of Young's modulus was found for PET/Cloisite 15A containing 3% nanoclay. The HPLC results show that the amount of the specific migration of TPA into the acetic acid 3% was at the range of 0.077–3.362
in all treatments. Our results depicted that Cloisite 15A addition at content of 3% wt into PET matrix caused to increase in thermal and mechanical properties and decrease TPA migration amount.

Practical Applications

In this work, poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/clay nanocomposites containing 1, 3 and 5% wt Cloisite 15A were prepared by melt blending. Our results depicted that Cloisite 15A addition at content of 3% wt into PET matrix caused to increase in thermal and mechanical properties and decrease terephthalic acid migration amount. Results revealed that 3% wt loading concentration was better compared to others due to its improved properties and migration prevented. Migration of polymer constituents can take place when the packaging plastic materials and foodstuffs come in direct contact during storage condition; but addation of Cloisite 15A reduce migration.
Changes in Myofibrillar and Sarcoplasmic Proteins in Salami Processing Added with Lactobacillus Sakei/Staphylococcus Carnosus According to Modulated Differential Scanning Calorimetry and the Color Profile
Authors: Blanco‐Lizarazo Carla María , Arjona‐Roman JoséLuis , Llorente‐Bousquets Adriana , Sotelo‐Díaz Indira
Published: December 2015

Changes in the thermal and color profiles of the sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein fractions were analyzed during the fermentation and ripening processes of salami added with Lactobacillus sakei and Staphylococcus carnosus using modulated differential scanning calorimetry, CIELAB and reflectance. The results of the pre and postfermentation stages for the myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic fractions showed a decrease in transition temperatures (Tm) without variation in the degradation enthalpy (ΔHd). Thus, the sarcoplasmic protein fraction in these stages showed Cp values between 0.18 and 1.0 J/gC while for myofibrillar was 0.22 and 0.07 J/gC. However, in the postripening stage, the ΔHd increased to 364.1 J/g for myofibrillar fraction and 1292 J/g for sarcoplasmic fractions. Seventh day corresponds to the turning point in L*, a decreasing trend was observed in L* and the reflectance percentage in postripening stage, which can reflect structural changes in proteins.

Practical Applications

This study facilitates a comparison of the changes in sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein fractions during three stages of salami processing, correlating these changes with the bacterial population dynamics focused on the behavior of a starter culture, pH and aw. Likewise, the possibility of using a methodology such as modulated differential scanning calorimetry and color to analyze protein changes in a complex matrix such as salami is intriguing.
Individual and Combined Effects of Pomegranate Extract and Ultrasonic Treatments on Kiwifruit Juice Quality Parameters
Authors: Tomadoni Barbara , Moreira Maria Del Rosario , Espinosa Juan Pablo , Ponce Alejandra
Published: December 2015

The objectives of this study were to report the effectiveness of ultrasound and pomegranate extract, individually and combined, on kiwifruit juice quality attributes. Fruit juices were treated with 180 μg/mL pomegranate extract and sonicated for 10 and 30 min (180 W, 40 kHz). Microbial populations, ascorbic acid retention, sensory attributes and color parameters were evaluated through refrigerated storage. By the end of storage, individual ultrasound treatments were able to reduce yeast and molds counts compared with that in control. Furthermore, combined treatments of ultrasound and pomegranate extract showed synergism, with higher reductions on yeast and molds. None of the treatments were able to increase the ascorbic acid retention through storage time. Color parameters evaluated showed that the treatments applied had significant differences from that of control. At Day 2, the treatments showed an improvement in color, with total color difference (ΔE) lower than that of untreated sample, indicating less color difference from fresh kiwifruit juice. Sensory attributes were not significantly affected by the treatments. However, a significant effect of storage time was perceived by the panelists, with a decrease in overall visual quality score throughout time, indicating the end of shelf‐life of the product at Day 7 of refrigerated storage.

Practical Applications

Ultrasonic processing technology and the application of natural antimicrobials are continuously being explored as alternatives to traditional thermal treatments in the food industry. It is necessary to study the impact of these technologies both individually and combined, in terms of microbiological stability and quality preservation. In practice, it is important to not only decrease the microbial growth on food products, but also minimize the loss of their nutritional and sensory attributes. This study suggests some processing and preservation conditions for kiwifruit juice, demonstrating the potential use of ultrasound in combination with the application of pomegranate extract as a biopreservative. This hurdle technology could be easily introduced in the fruit and vegetable juice industry, replacing thermal treatments that compromise the nutritional and sensory quality of the final product.
Behavior of the Complex Micro‐Ecology in Maize and Rye Flour and Mother‐Dough for Broa Throughout Storage
Authors: Rocha João M. , Malcata F. Xavier
Published: December 2015

Besides water, maize and rye flour are the main constituents of broa – a unique sourdough bread, manufactured following traditional protocols at the farm level in Portugal. Mother‐dough, i.e., a piece of leavened dough kept aside from batch to batch under refrigeration conditions, constitutes the only starter culture used throughout breadmaking. Maize and rye flour, as well as mother‐dough, were accordingly assayed for their microbiological profiles throughout storage time, to characterize the evolution in viability of the adventitious microorganisms: total viable counts, as well as viable yeasts, molds, gram‐negative rods, gram‐positive rods (endospore‐forming and nonsporing) and gram‐positive cocci (catalase+ and catalase−). In general, all microbial groups exhibited an outstanding resistance to storage, so use of mother‐dough appears technologically effective in this form of breadmaking, and an appropriate storage of flour does not convey any important changes to their microbiological profile.

Practical Applications

Broa is a traditional sourdough bread made of maize (Zea mays) and rye (Secale cereale) flour. It is widely manufactured at farm level in Northern Portugal following ancient manufacturing procedures, and has earned the food specialty status (with an Appellation d'Origine Protégée label already granted). This research is expected to contribute to a better understanding of its microbiological dynamics (and related chemistry), thus effectively supporting health claims associated with its consumption and rational optimization of its technological process – both of which, in turn, will help to expand its market and economic value. The practical purpose of this research is to study the behavior of microflora during the storage period of mother‐dough and flour samples for broa. To date, no research work had specifically tackled on this topic, yet the importance of this traditional specialty bread in the Portuguese economy fully justifies allocation of resources to elucidate the effects of processing on the final product.
Towards a framework in interaction training for staff working with clients with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour
Authors: Willems A. , Embregts P. , Hendriks L. , Bosman A.
Published: December 2015

Background

Training support staff in dealing with challenging behaviour in clients with intellectual disabilities (ID) is needed. The goal of this study is to determine which elements need to be incorporated in a training on staff interactions with these clients, building upon a framework and an interpersonal model. As in functional analysis, this study tests the influence of client interpersonal behaviour, three types of staff reactions to challenging behaviour, two types of staff psychological resources and staff team climate on four styles of staff interpersonal behaviour.

Method

A total of 318 support staff members completed a questionnaire on staff interpersonal behaviour for 44 clients with ID and challenging behaviour, as well as seven questionnaires on client interpersonal behaviour, staff emotions, attributions, self‐efficacy, self‐reflection, coping styles and team climate. The influence of these seven factors on four staff interpersonal behaviours was examined using multilevel multiple regression analysis.

Results

Friendly‐warm and dominant client interpersonal behaviour had a significant positive impact on friendly and assertive control staff behaviour, respectively. Also, there was a strong influence of staff negative and positive emotions, as well as their self‐efficacy, on most of the staff interpersonal behaviours. Staff self‐reflection, insight and avoidance‐focused coping style had an impact on some staff interpersonal behaviours. Staff team climate only predicted higher support‐seeking staff behaviour.

Conclusions

In conducting a functional analysis of staff interpersonal behaviour, the results of this study can be used both as a framework in staff–client interaction training and in clinical practice for treating challenging behaviour. The emphasis in training and practice should not only be on the bidirectional dynamics of control and affiliation between staff and clients, but also – in order of importance – on the impact of staff emotions, self‐efficacy, self‐reflection and insight, coping style, team climate and attributions on staff interpersonal behaviour.
Entropy‐assisted image segmentation for nano‐ and micro‐sized networks
Authors: KIM D. , CHOI J. , NAM J.
Published: December 2015

Image analysis is an important tool for characterizing nano/micro network structures. To understand the connection, organization and proper alignment of network structures, the knowledge of the segments that represent the materials inside the image is very necessary. Image segmentation is generally carried out using statistical methods. In this study, we developed a simple and reliable masking method that improves the performance of the indicator kriging method by using entropy. This method selectively chooses important pixels in an image (optical or electron microscopy image) depending on the degree of information required to assist the thresholding step. Reasonable threshold values can be obtained by selectively choosing important pixels in a complex network image composed of extremely large numbers of thin and narrow objects. Thus, the overall image segmentation can be improved as the number of disconnected objects in the network is minimized. Moreover, we also proposed a new method for analyzing high‐pixel resolution images on a large scale and optimized the time‐consuming steps such as covariance estimation of low‐pixel resolution image, which is rescaled by performing the affine transformation on high‐pixel resolution images. Herein, image segmentation is executed in the original high‐pixel resolution image. This entropy‐based masking method of low‐pixel resolution significantly decreases the analysis time without sacrificing accuracy.
Dopamine induces mitochondrial depolarization without activating PINK1‐mediated mitophagy
Authors: Bondi Heather , Zilocchi Mara , Mare Maria Gabriella , D'Agostino Gianluca , Giovannardi Stefano , Ambrosio Santiago , Fasano Mauro , Alberio Tiziana
Published: December 2015

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. PD mostly occurs sporadically and its cause remains unknown, nevertheless the discovery of familiar forms of PD, characterized by mutations of genes encoding proteins associated with mitochondria homeostasis, suggests a strong implication of the mitochondrial quality control system in PD. We investigated the effect of dopamine cytosolic accumulation in undifferentiated SH‐SY5Y cells, an in vitro model widely used to reproduce impairment of dopamine homeostasis, an early step in PD pathogenesis. A strong depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane was observed after dopamine exposure. Nevertheless, mitochondrial network resulted to assume a peculiar morphology with a distinct pattern of OPA1 and MFN1, key regulators of mitochondrial dynamics. Moreover, selective elimination of dysfunctional mitochondria did not take place, suggesting an impairment of the mitophagic machinery induced by dopamine. Indeed, PINK1 did not accumulate on the outer mitochondrial membrane, nor was parkin recruited to depolarized mitochondria. Altogether, our results indicate that an improper handling of dysfunctional mitochondria may be a leading event in PD pathogenesis.

image

Impaired dopamine (DA) homeostasis and oxidative stress play a key role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Free cytosolic dopamine undergoes spontaneous oxidation and generates semiquinonic and quinonic species (DAQ) with the concurrent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Dopamine dissipates mitochondrial potential (Δψm) with a peculiar alteration of the mitochondrial network. However, PINK1‐dependent mitophagy is not activated by dopamine toxicity and dysfunctional mitochondria accumulate inside the cell.
Proteoglycans and axon guidance: a new relationship between old partners
Authors: Masu Masayuki
Published: December 2015

Neural circuits are formed with great precision during development. Accumulated evidence over the past three decades has demonstrated that growing axons are navigated toward their targets by the combined actions of attractants and repellents together with their receptors. It has long been known that proteoglycans, glycosylated proteins possessing covalently attached glycosaminoglycans, play a critical role in axon guidance; however, the molecular mechanisms by which proteoglycans regulate axon behaviors remain largely unknown. Glycosaminoglycans such as heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are large linear polysaccharides composed of repeating disaccharide units that are highly modified by specific sulfation and epimerization. Recent biochemical and molecular biological studies have identified the enzymes that are involved in the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans. Interestingly, many mutants lacking glycosaminoglycan‐synthesizing enzymes or proteoglycans in several model organisms show defects in specific nerve tract formation. In parallel, detailed biochemical studies have identified the molecular interactions between axon guidance molecules and glycosaminoglycans that have specific modification in their sugar chains. This review summarizes the structure and function of axon guidance molecules and glycosaminoglycans, and then tries to combine the knowledge from these studies to understand the role of proteoglycans from a new vantage point. Deciphering the sugar code is important for understanding the complicated nature of proteoglycans in axon guidance.

image

Neural circuits are formed by the combined actions of axon guidance molecules. Proteoglycans play critical roles in regulating axon guidance through the interaction between signaling molecules and glycosaminoglycan chains attached to the core protein. This paper summarizes the structure and functions of axon guidance molecules and glycosaminoglycans and reviews the molecular mechanisms by which proteoglycans regulate axon guidance from a new vantage point.

This article is part of the 60th Anniversary special issue.
Stress and Memory: A Selective Review on Recent Developments in the Understanding of Stress Hormone Effects on Memory and Their Clinical Relevance
Authors: Wolf O. T. , Atsak P. , de Quervain D. J. , Roozendaal B. , Wingenfeld K.
Published: December 2015

Stress causes a neuroendocrine response cascade, leading to the release of catecholamines and glucocorticoids (GCs). GCs influence learning and memory by acting on mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors. Typically, GCs enhance the consolidation of memory processing at the same time as impairing the retrieval of memory of emotionally arousing experiences. The present selective review addresses four recent developments in this area. First, the role of the endocannabinoid system in mediating the rapid, nongenomic effects of GCs on memory is illustrated in rodents. Subsequently, studies on the impact of the selective stimulation of MRs on different memory processes in humans are summarised. Next, a series of human experiments on the impact of stress or GC treatment on fear extinction and fear reconsolidation is presented. Finally, the clinical relevance of the effects of exogenous GC administration is highlighted by the description of patients with anxiety disorders who demonstrate an enhancement of extinction‐based therapies by GC treatment. The review highlights the substantial progress made in our mechanistic understanding of the memory‐modulating properties of GCs, as well as their clinical potential.
Prognostic clinical indicators of short‐term survival for ineffective breathing pattern in children with acute respiratory infection
Authors: Pascoal Lívia Maia , Lopes Marcos Venícios de Oliveira , da Silva Viviane Martins , Beltrão Beatriz Amorim , Chaves Daniel Bruno Resende , Nunes Marília Mendes , de Castro Natália Barreto
Published: December 2015

Aims and objectives

To identify prognostic clinical indicators of short‐term survival for ineffective breathing pattern in children with acute respiratory infection.

Background

Despite the studies of survival for nursing diagnosis, there is not enough evidence about the clinical indicators that are associated with a worse prognosis for ineffective breathing pattern.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Methods

One hundred and thirty‐six children were followed up for a minimum of six and a maximum of 10 consecutive days. The survival rate for ineffective breathing pattern was calculated using Nelson‐Aalen's method. An extended Cox model was adjusted to identify the main prognostic clinical indicators for this nursing diagnosis.

Results

Over half of the sample had an ineffective breathing pattern at the first evaluation. The occurrence of new cases was observed until the ninth day of monitoring, and the survival rate after this day was low. According to the Cox model, the main clinical indicators of a poor prognosis were an abnormal breathing pattern, the use of accessory muscles, dyspnoea and increase in the anterior–posterior chest diameter.

Conclusions

Children with acute respiratory infection who present with an abnormal breathing pattern, the use of accessory muscles to breathe, dyspnoea and increased anterior–posterior diameter have a poor prognosis for an ineffective breathing pattern.

Relevance to clinical practice

Survival analyses of nursing diagnoses allow the identification of clinical indicators that can be used in clinical practice as prognostic markers. The identification of indicators associated with a poor clinical prognosis allows nurses to intervene early and to maximise the possibility of a good outcome.
Prognostic indices in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: where do we stand how do we proceed?
Authors: Baliakas P. , Mattsson M. , Stamatopoulos K. , Rosenquist R.
Published: December 2015

The remarkable clinical heterogeneity in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) has highlighted the need for prognostic and predictive algorithms that can be employed in clinical practice to assist patient management and therapy decisions. Over the last 20 years, this research field has been rewarding and many novel prognostic factors have been identified, especially at the molecular genetic level. Whilst detection of recurrent cytogenetic aberrations and determination of the immunoglobulin heavy variable gene somatic hypermutation status have an established role in outcome prediction, next‐generation sequencing has recently revealed novel mutated genes with clinical relevance (e.g. NOTCH1, SF3B1 and BIRC3). Efforts have been made to combine variables into prognostic indices; however, none has been universally adopted. Although a unifying model for all groups of patients and in all situations is appealing, this may prove difficult to attain. Alternatively, focused efforts on patient subgroups in the same clinical context and at certain clinically relevant ‘decision points’, that is at diagnosis and at initiation of first‐line or subsequent treatments, may provide a more accurate approach. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages as well as the clinical applicability of three recently proposed prognostic models, the MD Anderson nomogram, the integrated cytogenetic and mutational model and the CLL‐international prognostic index. We also consider future directions taking into account novel aspects of the disease, such as the tumour microenvironment and the dynamics of (sub)clonal evolution. These aspects are particularly relevant in view of the increasing number of new targeted therapies that have recently emerged.
DEVELOPING LIFE SKILLS IN HAEMODIALYSIS USING THE GUIDED SELF‐DETERMINATION METHOD: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Authors: Finderup Jeanette , Bjerre Tina , Soendergaard Aase , Nielsen Mette Elisabeth , Zoffmann Vibeke
Published: December 2015

Background

Studies in patients with diabetes have shown that the guided self determination (GSD) method effectively improves patients’ glycaemia control and life skills. As a pilot study in 2011 showed promising results of using parts of GSD adjusted to patients on haemodialysis (HD), we decided to develop and test a full‐scale GSD for this patient group (GSD‐HD).

Objectives

To study how a full‐scale GSD‐HD influenced the quality of relatedness between the patient and the GSD‐HD nurse and the patients’ ability to live well with end stage renal disease (ESRD).

Methods

GSD‐HD was developed through participatory research and evaluated qualitatively at five dialysis units in Denmark involving 31 patients and 16 nurses. The intervention lasted four months and comprised six sessions. Data consisting of semi‐structured interviews with 13 patients were analysed using a mix of inductive and deductive thematic analysis.

Findings

A process of developing life skills was clearly identified in the changes accomplished by all 13 participants going through the GSD‐HD intervention. Six themes showed that the changes involved the patients personally, their relationships with healthcare professionals and relatives and their self‐management of ESRD: Deeper and more meaningful relationships, self‐exploration of self‐selected challenges, self‐understanding as a condition for meaningful knowledge, ability to act in a self‐determined way, feedback from action that accords with daily life skills and decision‐making from professional to share.

Conclusion

The positive changes identified in this qualitative evaluation are promising and indicate that GSD‐HD has a potential worthwhile to be tested further among patients with ESRD.
Making Environmental SCM Initiatives Work—Moving Beyond the Dyad to Gain Affective Commitment
Authors: Wichmann Barbara K. , Carter Craig R. , Kaufmann Lutz , Wilson Jeffrey R.
Published: December 2015

Companies often struggle to embed environmental sustainability in their supply chain management (SCM) processes due to an insufficient understanding of how to initiate and bring environmental initiatives to fruition. Scholars argue that commitment of employees is crucial to enhance the implementation of these initiatives. Drawing from intra‐organizational influence theory, this study examines how managers who champion these initiatives can gain employee affective commitment within a social network context. Prior research has investigated influence behavior by an individual (an agent) within the organization to gain the commitment of another individual (a target), by focusing on this agent–target dyad. Our research extends this single dyadic agent–target perspective, by investigating influence attempts within a more realistic, multi‐dyadic context in which influence attempts by multiple agents are possible and in fact likely, and in which an actor can be both an agent and a target. We identify a 90‐actor social network, resulting in 273 influence attempts surrounding the implementation of an environmental SCM initiative at a large, multinational corporation, and investigate how the affective commitment of actors in this network is achieved. Based on the analysis of a generalized linear mixed model, the results suggest that if agents want to create a high level of target commitment, then consultation and to a lesser degree inspirational appeals seem to be key, while tactics such as rational persuasion, ingratiation, legitimating, and coalition are not related to affective commitment, within the context of a social network where multiple agents often attempt to influence a target.
Effects of seismic surveys on New Zealand fur seals during daylight hours: Do fur seals respond to obstacles rather than airgun noise?
Authors: Lalas Chris , McConnell Helen
Published: December 2015

The responses of New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) during a three‐dimensional marine seismic survey were recorded in the first quantified investigation of the effects of seismic exploration operations on otariid seals. The survey was over the continental slope off southern New Zealand, where fur seals dive to forage at night and rest on the surface during daylight hours. Data were restricted to daylight sightings from the source vessel while towed seismic gear was fully deployed, with comparisons made between fur seal responses when airguns were off and when airguns were operating at full power. Results were inconclusive. Comparisons were confounded because both sighting rate and distance first seen decreased with deteriorating sea state. The key finding of this study was that the source vessel and towed gear created physical obstacles that often generated responses from fur seals. A more thorough investigation is recommended in order to differentiate between responses to airgun noise and responses to physical obstacles, and improvements are suggested to rectify shortfalls in data collection that should generate conclusive outcomes.