bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opposition Politics and Urban Service Delivery in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Lambright Gina M. S.
Published: June 2014

Uganda, like other African countries, has implemented reforms to decentralise political authority to local governments and reintroduce multi‐party elections. This combination creates opportunities for national partisan struggles to emerge in local arenas and influence local service delivery. This article examines service provision by Kampala City Council and recent reforms to recentralise control over the city. It finds that partisan politics undermines service delivery in Kampala in several ways, including through financing, tax policy, and even direct interference in the policies and decisions made by the City Council.
Strategies of Subversion in Vertically‐Divided Contexts: Decentralisation and Urban Service Delivery in Senegal
Authors: Resnick Danielle
Published: June 2014

Focusing on the case of Senegal under the former President, Abdoulaye Wade, this article examines the impact party politics has on service delivery in urban areas controlled by opposition parties. Senegal's decentralisation process provided opportunities for the central government to deliberately reduce the autonomy of local government under conditions in which the latter could be held accountable for good service delivery and increase autonomy when local government could be targeted for poor performance – actions manifested through backtracking on political decentralisation, undermining fiscal decentralisation, and augmenting administrative ambiguity. The case offers useful implications for donors involved in decentralisation and urban service‐delivery projects in opposition‐controlled cities.
Vertical Decentralisation and Urban Service Delivery in South Africa: Does Politics Matter?
Authors: Cameron Robert
Published: June 2014

Focusing on the case of South Africa, this study examines how decentralisation policies and inter‐party politics have affected urban service‐delivery responsibilities and resources. Service delivery does not appear to be worse off in Cape Town than in Johannesburg, even though the former is controlled by the opposition Democratic Alliance. While there have been political attempts to undermine the authority of its officials, the fiscal elements are protected by a relatively strong and well‐managed department of finance. Consequently, both donors and the national government steer money towards Cape Town because they know it can deliver on its obligations.
From regionally predictable to locally complex population structure in a freshwater top predator: river systems are not always the unit of connectivity in Northern Pike Esox lucius
Authors: Bekkevold Dorte , Jacobsen Lene , Hemmer‐Hansen Jakob , Berg Søren , Skov Christian
Published: June 2014

Contemporary genetic diversity is the product of both historical and contemporary forces, such as climatic and geological processes affecting range distribution and continuously moulded by evolutionary forces selection, gene flow and genetic drift. Predatory freshwater fishes, such as Northern Pike Esox lucius, commonly exhibit small population sizes, and several local populations are considered endangered. Pike inhabit diverse habitat types, including lakes, rivers and brackish marine waters, thus spanning from small isolated patches to large open marine systems. However, pike population structure from local to regional scales is relatively poorly described, in spite of its significance to developing conservation measures. We analysed microsatellite variation in a total of 1185 North European pike from 46 samples collected across both local and regional scales, as well as over time, to address two overarching questions: Is pike population structure associated with local and/or regional connectivity patterns, and which factors likely have the main influence on the contemporary distribution of genetic diversity? To answer this, we combined estimators of population diversity and structure to assess evidence of whether populations within (i) habitats, (ii) drainage systems and (iii) geographical regions are closer related than among these ranges, and whether patterns are temporally stable. Contrasting previous predictions that genetic drift obscures signals of postglacial colonisation history, we identified clear regional differences in population genetic signatures, suggesting a major effect of drainage divides on colonisation history and connectivity. However, several populations deviated from the general pattern, showing that local processes may be complex and need to be examined case‐by‐case.
Neuron type‐ and input pathway‐dependent expression of Slc4a10 in adult mouse brains
Authors: Song Xiaohong , Yamasaki Miwako , Miyazaki Taisuke , Konno Kohtarou , Uchigashima Motokazu , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: June 2014

Slc4a10 was originally identified as a Na+‐driven Cl−/HCO3− exchanger NCBE that transports extracellular Na+ and HCO3− in exchange for intracellular Cl−, whereas other studies argue against a Cl−‐dependence for Na+–HCO3− transport, and thus named it the electroneutral Na+/HCO3− cotransporter NBCn2. Here we investigated Slc4a10 expression in adult mouse brains by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Slc4a10 mRNA was widely expressed, with higher levels in pyramidal cells in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, parvalbumin‐positive interneurons in the hippocampus, and Purkinje cells (PCs) in the cerebellum. Immunohistochemistry revealed an uneven distribution of Slc4a10 within the somatodendritic compartment of cerebellar neurons. In the cerebellar molecular layer, stellate cells and their innervation targets (i.e. PC dendrites in the superficial molecular layer) showed significantly higher labeling than basket cells and their targets (PC dendrites in the basal molecular layer and PC somata). Moreover, the distal dendritic trees of PCs (i.e. parallel fiber‐targeted dendrites) had significantly greater labeling than the proximal dendrites (climbing fiber‐targeted dendrites). These observations suggest that Slc4a10 expression is regulated in neuron type‐ and input pathway‐dependent manners. Because such an elaborate regulation is also found for K+–Cl− cotransporter KCC2, a major neuronal Cl− extruder, we compared their expression. Slc4a10 and KCC2 overlapped in most somatodendritic elements. However, relative abundance was largely complementary in the cerebellar cortex, with particular enrichments of Slc4a10 in PC dendrites and KCC2 in molecular layer interneurons, granule cells and PC somata. These properties might reflect functional redundancy and distinction of these transporters, and their differential requirements by individual neurons and respective input domains.
Cash Flow Multipliers and Optimal Investment Decisions
Authors: Kraft Holger , Schwartz Eduardo
Published: June 2014

Valuation multipliers are frequently used in practice. By postulating a simple stochastic process for the firm's cash flows in which the drift and the variance of the process depend on the investment policy, we develop a stylised model that links the cash flow multiplier to the optimal investment policy. Our model implies that the multiplier increases with investment at a decreasing rate. On the other hand, the multiplier is inversely related to discount rates. Using an extensive data set we examine the implications of our model. We find strong support for the variables postulated by the model.
Airborne particulates (PM10) and tracheal mucus: A case–control study at anAmerican Thoroughbred racetrack
Authors: Millerick‐May M. L. , Karmaus W. , Derksen F. J. , Berthold B. , Robinson N. E.
Published: June 2014

Reasons for performing study

Particle mapping within stalls has demonstrated a relationship between particulate concentrations and visible accumulations of tracheal mucus. However, measurement of breathing zone particulate concentrations, which is the most accurate way to measure exposure, has not been performed to determine the relationship between exposures and accumulations of tracheal mucus sufficient to affect performance.

Objectives

To compare breathing zone particulate exposures between horses with tracheal mucus scores (MS) previously demonstrated to affect performance (MS≥2) and those without (MS= 0) visible tracheal mucus.

Study design

Case–control study.

Methods

We endoscopically examined 649 Thoroughbred racehorses over 7 months and selected 113 age‐matched cases and controls based on the presence (MS≥2) or absence (MS= 0) of tracheal mucus, respectively. Inflammatory cell numbers in tracheal lavage were also determined. Breathing zone monitors recorded particulate exposure during 3 time periods (mid‐day, evening and overnight). Total recording time averaged 17.5 h/horse.

Results

The overall prevalence ofMS≥2 in the observed stables was 23%. Breathing zone particular matter (PM10) concentrations were very similar to previously reported ambient concentrations. During the evening and overnight, cases had significantly higher breathing zonePM10 concentrations and neutrophil counts than controls. Inflammatory cell counts were associated with averagePM10 concentrations throughout the day.

Conclusions

Breathing zone particulate concentrations are associated withMS≥2 and inflammatory cell numbers. If breathing zone particulate exposures are predominantly influenced by ambientPMconcentrations, racing stable management practices to reduce particle exposures should greatly reduce the prevalence of tracheal mucus.
In vivo study of targeted nanomedicine delivery into Langerhans cells by multiphoton laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Kolonics Attila , Csiszovszki Zsolt , Tőke Enikő R. , Lőrincz Orsolya , Haluszka Dóra , Szipőcs Róbert
Published: June 2014

Epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) function as professional antigen‐presenting cells of the skin. We investigated the LC‐targeting properties of a special mannose–moiety‐coated pathogen‐like synthetic nanomedicine DermaVir (DV), which is capable to express antigens to induce immune responses and kill HIV‐infected cells. Our aim was to use multiphoton laser microscopy (MLM) in vivo in order to visualize the uptake of Alexa‐labelled DV (AF546‐DV) by LCs. Knock‐in mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) under the control of the langerin gene (CD207) were used to visualize LCs. After 1 h, AF546‐DV penetrated the epidermis and entered the eGFP‐LCs. The AF546‐DV signal was equally distributed inside the LCs. After 9 h, we observed AF546‐DV signal accumulation that occurred mainly at the cell body. We demonstrated in live animals that LCs picked up and accumulated the nanoparticles in the cell body.
Old Wine in New Bottles: Decanting Systemic Family Process Research in the Era of Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Rohrbaugh Michael J.
Published: June 2014

Social cybernetic (systemic) ideas from the early Family Process era, though emanating from qualitative clinical observation, have underappreciated heuristic potential for guiding quantitative empirical research on problem maintenance and change. The old conceptual wines we have attempted to repackage in new, science‐friendly bottles include ironic processes (when “solutions” maintain problems), symptom‐system fit (when problems stabilize relationships), and communal coping (when we‐ness helps people change). Both self‐report and observational quantitative methods have been useful in tracking these phenomena, and together the three constructs inform a team‐based family consultation approach to working with difficult health and behavior problems. In addition, a large‐scale, quantitatively focused effectiveness trial of family therapy for adolescent drug abuse highlights the importance of treatment fidelity and qualitative approaches to examining it. In this sense, echoing the history of family therapy research, our experience with juxtaposing quantitative and qualitative methods has gone full circle—from qualitative to quantitative observation and back again.
Does Board Independence Reduce the Cost of Debt?
Authors: Bradley Michael , Chen Dong
Published: June 2014

Using the passage of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act and the associated changes in listing standards as a natural experiment, we find that while board independence decreases the cost of debt when credit conditions are strong or leverage is low, it increases the cost of debt when credit conditions are poor or leverage is high. We also document that independent directors set corporate policies that increase firm risk. These results suggest that independent directors act in the interests of shareholders and are increasingly costly to bondholders with the intensification of the agency conflict between these two stakeholder groups.
Migration, religion and post‐imperial formations
Authors: HANSEN THOMAS BLOM
Published: June 2014

Most scholarship on international migration focuses on the incorporation of ethnic and religious minorities into societies in Europe and North America. Much of this work overlooks that a very substantial part of contemporary flows of migration happen within well‐trodden pathways of language, commercial ties and cultural imagination established by colonial empires and the networks of exchange and control they enabled. Adopting a notion of the post‐imperial formation as a crucial economic and cultural factor in contemporary migration flows affords one to understand a much broader set of migratory movements beyond the Euro‐American context. In this article, I explore two such examples – migration to Johannesburg and Durban in South Africa, and labour migration from the Indian subcontinent to the Gulf States – in the light of how movement of labour, commercial transactions and religious‐cultural difference were managed within the British imperial and post‐imperial formation.
Travelling faiths and migrant religions: the case of circulating models of da'wa among the Tablighi Jamaat and Foguangshan in Malaysia
Authors: WONG DIANA , LEVITT PEGGY
Published: June 2014

In this article, we propose conceptual and methodological tools to study religion in motion and make an analytical distinction between two types of religious movement – travelling faiths and migrant religions. Travelling faiths are religious movements with universal claims around which a religious community forms (deterritorialized religions). They travel in order to proselytize. Migrant religions travel within the local ethnic confines of the migrant (and home) population, even as they reterritorialize and adapt to new contexts. Mission is one form that religious travel takes, which, especially in its Christian form, entails reaching out to a religious community with the intent of conversion. But religious outreach undertaken by travelling faiths can, and often is, directed at the existing religious community as a call to renewal and renovation. It involves a kind of conversion, if not to a new faith, then within the existing one. Many travelling faiths remain in their ethno‐linguistic community, even as they embark on their transnational journey. Others succeed in a different kind of movement. Their missions, be they directed at purifying the practices of current members or converting new ones, cross the diasporic ethnic boundary. As we show in the case of Malaysia, part of the success of the Islamic Tablighi Jamaat movement is its ability to traverse that divide, while the Buddhist Foguangshan movement, although enormously successful on a global scale, has remained largely within the ethnic Chinese domain. When religious boundaries are transcended, globality assumes a particular significance.
Seroprevalence, genotypic distribution and potential risk factors of hepatitis B and C virus infections among adults in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Authors: Yamada Hiroko , Fujimoto Mayumi , Svay Somana , Lim Olline , Hok Sirany , Goto Noboru , Ohisa Masayuki , Akita Tomoyuki , Matsuo Junko , Do Son Huy , Katayama Keiko , Miyakawa Yuzo , Tanaka Junko
Published: June 2014

Aim

We investigated hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among adults in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to consider the prevention strategy in cooperation with the Ministry of Health in Cambodia.

Methods

Serological tests for determining HBV and HCV infections and questionnaires were performed from 2010 to 2012 among the general population in the province of Siem Reap. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to clarify the factors related to HBV and HCV infections.

Results

There were 483 participants, comprising 194 men and 289 women (age range, 18–89 years). The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen was not very high at 4.6%, while anti‐hepatitis B core (anti‐HBc) was high at 38.5%. All HBV DNA samples were classified as genotype C. Anti‐HBc showed the trend that the older the age, the higher the positive rate (P = 0.0002). The prevalence of HCV RNA and anti‐HCV were 2.3% and 5.8%, respectively. HCV RNA was detected in 39.3% of anti‐HCV positive samples and most of them were classified as genotype 6 (54.5%) and 1 (27.3%). Remarkably, in multivariate logistic regression analysis, history of operation and blood transfusion were significantly associated with the positivity for HBV infection and HCV RNA, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results showed that operation and blood transfusion were potential risk factors for HBV and HCV infection, respectively, and supposed that horizontal HBV transmission may be frequent in adults in Cambodia. Hence, for reducing HBV and HCV infections, it is necessary to improve the safety of blood and medical treatment.
Who prefers the ‘cost‐effectiveness ratio’ prioritization approach in health‐care decisions? Results of an empirical analysis
Authors: Damm Kathrin , Prenzler Anne , Zuchandke Andy
Published: June 2014

Background

The problem of resource scarcity has led to an on‐going debate about priority setting in the health‐care system. Prioritization via the economic‐based cost‐effectiveness ratio (CER), for example, is controversial and has many advocates as well as opponents. Hence, the aim of our research is to analyse the fairness consideration of theCERapproach in comparison with other prioritization approaches and to investigate whether these preferences depend on the field of study.

Methods

We developed and tested a unique questionnaire. Between October 2011 and January 2012, freshmen and advanced university students of medicine, law, economics, philosophy and religion in Germany were asked to choose among four prioritization approaches (CER, minimum health, random selection and age) using a dichotomous choice technique. The data were analysed by descriptive and microeconometric regression techniques.

Results

Data on 913 students were included in the study. A majority of the students prioritized cost‐effectiveness second after minimum health. Advanced economics students preferred theCERapproach significantly more than did incoming economics students. The attitudes of the advanced philosophy/religion students towards theCERwere significantly more negative compared with the respective freshmen. Further, gender had a strong, significant impact on attitudes: women chose theCERless often than men did (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that attitudes presented by opinion leaders in the investigated fields of study seem to be in line with the perceptions of the respective fields' advanced students. Because of these differences, the debate on how to deal with scarce resources may remain complicated.
Age‐dependent breeding dispersal and adult survival within a metapopulation ofCommonTernsSterna hirundo
Authors: Breton André R. , Nisbet Ian C. T. , Mostello Carolyn S. , Hatch Jeremy J.
Published: June 2014

Dispersal is increasingly recognized as a process of fundamental importance in population dynamics and other aspects of biology. Concurrently, interest in age‐dependent effects on survival, including actuarial senescence, has increased, especially in studies of long‐lived seabirds. Nevertheless, datasets necessary for studying dispersal and age‐dependent effects are few, as these require simultaneous data collection at two or more sites over many years. We conducted a 22‐year capture‐mark‐recapture study ofCommonTernsSterna hirundoat three breeding colonies 10–26 km apart inBuzzardsBay,Massachusetts,USA. All birds in the study were of known age (range 2–28 years, median 7 years,n = 3290) and 77% were of known sex. Estimates of adult recapture, survival and breeding dispersal rates were obtained for all age‐classes from 2 to 20 years. The model that acquired 100% of theQAICc(Akaike's Information Criterion adjusted for small sample size and overdispersion) weight in our analysis included age‐specificity in all parameters but no relationship with sex. Our study may be the first to demonstrate age‐specificity in recapture, survival and breeding dispersal rates simultaneously, using a single model. Annual rates of breeding dispersal ranged from <0.01 to 0.27, with a population‐weighted mean of 0.065; they decreased with increasing distance between colony sites and, unexpectedly, increased with age. Breeding dispersal did not increase consistently after years with predation on adults or after an attempt to displace birds from an oiled site. Survival rates did not vary among sites or years. Annual adult survival increased from 0.80 in 2‐year‐old birds to a maximum of approximately 0.88 around age 8 years and then declined to 0.76 at age 20 years, yielding strong evidence for actuarial senescence. The peak annual survival rate of 0.88 is at the low end of other estimates forCommonTern and in the lower part of the range recorded for other terns, but total numbers in the three colonies increased seven‐fold during the study. This was part of a slower increase in the regional population, with net immigration into the study colonies. Our results demonstrate the biological significance of breeding dispersal in local population dynamics and age‐related effects on survival and dispersal from a metapopulation of a long‐lived seabird.
Galapagos ground finches balance investment in behavioural and immunological pathogen defences
Authors: Zylberberg Maxine
Published: June 2014

The scientific community has long recognized the importance of individual behaviour in pathogen spread in wild animals. Furthermore, recent studies have highlighted the potential for behaviour to act as a pathogen defence mechanism. In line with these studies, the pathogen defence optimization hypothesis (PDOH) posits that individuals balance investment in costly behavioural and immunological defences against pathogen infection. Here, I test the PDOH using data from observations of wild Galapagos finches (Medium Ground Finches Geospiza fortis and Small Ground Finches Geospiza fuliginosa) at feeders, combined with immune data collected in the field. Both within and between species, those groups engaging to a greater extent in high transmission‐risk behaviours (not investing in behavioural defences against pathogen exposure) invest more heavily in immune pathogen defences. These data provide the first support for the PDOH in a wild population.
Associations between the home environment and children's sweet beverage consumption at 2‐year follow‐up: the ‘Be active, eat right’ study
Authors: van Grieken A. , Renders C. M. , van de Gaar V. M. , Hirasing R. A. , Raat H.
Published: June 2014

Background

This study evaluates the association between home environmental characteristics and sweet beverage consumption (i.e. beverages that contain sugar) of 7‐year‐old children.

Methods

The population for analysis consisted of n = 2047 parents and their children from the population‐based ‘Be active, eat right’ study. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, parental beliefs, parenting practices and child's sweet beverage consumption were obtained by parental report with questionnaires. We performed linear and multinomial regression analyses evaluating associations between characteristics at age 5 years and (i) consumption at 7 years and (ii) consumption patterns between age 5 and 7 years with reference category ‘low consumption’.

Results

Based on the report from their parents, 5‐year‐old children drank on average 3.0 (SD:1.4) sweet beverage per day. Children consumed less sweet beverages at age 7 years (beta −0.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.24 to −0.09) when there were less sweet beverages available at home. The multinomial regression model showed that children with parents who discouraged sweet beverage consumption were more likely to decrease their sweet beverage consumption over the study period (odds ratio: 1.24, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.43). Moreover, when there were less sweet beverages available at home, children were less likely to increase their consumption or have a high consumption over the study period (odds ratio: 0.70, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.83 and 0.61, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.70, respectively).

Conclusions

The results showed that characteristics of the home environment are associated with the consumption of sweet beverages among children. Specifically, the availability of sweet beverages at home is associated with the child's sweet beverage consumption.
Pharmaceutical care of older people: what do older people want from community pharmacy?
Authors: Wood Kathryn , Gibson Fiona , Radley Andrew , Williams Brian
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To explore older people's opinions of current community pharmacy provision and identify potential areas for improvement.

Methods

A pilot focus group was conducted to finalise the topic areas for discussion. Three focus groups and three small group interviews were held with a total of 25 people aged over 65 years. A purposive sampling approach was used to maximise variation in likely responses. All focus group discussions were transcribed and analysed for emerging themes. Data collection continued until saturation was reached. Finally, the themes were taken to a further five community groups to discuss and confirm the findings.

Key findings

Two main interlinked themes emerged around ‘personal and relational factors’ and ‘service factors’. The participants valued continuity of personalised pharmaceutical care and described receiving this care in small community pharmacies. The ability to build a trusting relationship over time was important to the people in this study. There was a lack of awareness of services already available from community pharmacies. Ongoing disruption in the supply of medicines caused problems for this client group, and the complexity of prescription ordering, collection and delivery systems presented challenges for participants. Good communication from the community pharmacy helped to improve the experience.

Conclusion

This study contributes some qualitative data on the opinions of older people about community pharmacies. There may be planning implications for the size of future community pharmacies and the range of services provided. Community pharmacies may need to take a more proactive role in promoting innovative services to older people who may benefit from these services.
Factors influencing registered nurses perception of their overall job satisfaction: a qualitative study
Authors: Atefi N. , Abdullah K.L. , Wong L.P. , Mazlom R.
Published: June 2014

Aim

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore factors related to critical care and medical‐surgical nurses' job satisfaction as well as dissatisfaction in Iran.

Background

Job satisfaction is an important factor in healthcare settings. Strong empirical evidence supports a causal relationship between job satisfaction, patient safety and quality of care.

Method

A convenient sample of 85 nurses from surgical, medical and critical care wards of a large hospital was recruited. Ten focus group discussions using a semi‐structured interview guide were conducted. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach.

Findings

The study identified three main themes that influenced nurses' job satisfaction and dissatisfaction: (1) spiritual feeling, (2) work environment factors, and (3) motivation. Helping and involvement in patient care contributed to the spiritual feeling reported to influence nurses' job satisfaction. For work environment factors, team cohesion, benefit and rewards, working conditions, lack of medical resources, unclear nurses' responsibilities, patient and doctor perceptions, poor leadership skills and discrimination at work played an important role in nurses' job dissatisfaction. For motivation factors, task requirement, professional development and lack of clinical autonomy contributed to nurses' job satisfaction.

Conclusion and Implications for Nursing and Health Policy

Nurse managers should ensure a flexible practice environment with adequate staffing and resources with opportunities for nurses to participate in hospital's policies and governance. Policy makers should consider nurses' professional development needs, and implement initiatives to improve nurses' rewards and other benefits as they influence job satisfaction.
Corporate Governance and the Cost of Capital: An International Study
Authors: Zhu Feifei
Published: June 2014

This study shows that firms with good corporate governance are consistently associated with both lower cost of equity and cost of debt capital in an international setting. The association between corporate governance and the cost of equity is more pronounced in countries with strong legal systems, extensive disclosure practices, and good government quality. However, the relation between corporate governance and the cost of debt is stronger in countries characterized by weak legal protection, low transparency, and poor government quality. The differential relations can be attributed to asymmetric payoffs received by creditors and shareholders.
Effect of Tibial Plateau Angle on Cranial Cruciate Ligament Strain: An Ex Vivo Study in the Dog
Authors: Haynes Kevin H. , Biskup Jeffrey , Freeman Andrew , Conzemius Michael G.
Published: June 2014

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between tibial plateau angle (TPA) and strain in the intact cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) during axial loading.

Study Design

Ex vivo mechanical testing study.

Sample Population

Cadaveric canine stifles (n = 6).

Methods

A bicentric and uni‐radial Slocum saw blade was used to perform the osteotomy on each stifle and a custom designed plate was secured to the leg. Each stifle was loaded and CCL strain and axial displacement were recorded. TPA was adjusted to −20°, −10°, 0°, +10°, +20° of normal. Change in the strain was assessed during the axial loading period.

Results

For all specimens, linear displacement of the femur and CCL strain increased with increasing axial load. Mean change in strain was 4.41, 5.26, 6.02, 6.3, and 7.39 at −20°, −10°, 0°, 10°, and 20°, respectively. The R‐squared for the linear regression equation was 0.91, suggesting a strong relationship between change in TPA and CCL strain.

Conclusions

The mechanical testing model used found CCL strain increased with increasing axial load regardless of the TPA. Decreasing TPA decreased strain in the intact CCL.
Detection and quantification of human herpes viruses types 4–6 in sperm samples of patients with fertility disorders and chronic inflammatory urogenital tract diseases
Authors: Naumenko V. , Tyulenev Y. , Kurilo L. , Shileiko L. , Sorokina T. , Evdokimov V. , Yakovleva V. , Kovalyk V. , Malolina E. , Kulibin A. , Gomberg M. , Kushch A.
Published: June 2014

Acute and chronic infections of the seminal tract are among the most common causes of male infertility. As at least half of male infertility cases are classified as idiopathic, some of these cases might be attributed to asymptomatic infection. The detection and quantification of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and human herpes virus type 6 (HHV‐6) DNA in semen samples were performed. A total of 232 patients were divided into five groups: (i) infertile men with varicocoele; (ii) men with idiopathic infertility; (iii) infertile men with chronic inflammatory urogenital tract diseases (IUTD); (iv) fertile men with IUTD and (v) men whose partners had a history of pregnancy loss. In the study population, the prevalence of viral DNA was 17.7, 3.4% for EBV, 5.2% for CMV, 6.5% for HHV‐6, 0.43% for EBV + CMV, 0.87% for EBV + HHV‐6 and 1.3% for CMV + HHV‐6. The median viral loads for EBV, CMV and HHV‐6 were 500, 2250 and 250 copies/mL respectively. Of the sperm cell fractions, derived from infected samples 87.5% contained viral DNA. No association between EBV and fertility disorders or IUTD was found. CMV detection was much higher in the group of patients with infertility and concomitant IUTD compared with the other groups combined (18.5% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.03) and associated with reduced sperm cell count (39.5 × 106/mL vs. 72.5 × 106/mL, p = 0.036). Immunostaining of spermatozoa from infected samples and in vitro–infected cells detected CMV in sperm heads, tails and connecting pieces and revealed attachment to sperm membrane and intracellular localization. HHV‐6 was the more common in fertile men with chronic IUTD than in the other groups combined (19% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.018) and had no effect on sperm parameters. The results suggest that both CMV and HHV‐6 may contribute to the aetiology of IUTD and, moreover, CMV‐associated IUTD can lead to male sterility.
TNF‐α gene promoter polymorphisms contribute to periodontitis susceptibility: evidence from 46 studies
Authors: Ding Cheng , Ji Xiaowei , Chen Xing , Xu Yan , Zhong Liangjun
Published: June 2014

Aim

Tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. TNF‐α gene polymorphisms can influence the TNF‐α production. Many studies have focused the association between TNF‐α gene promoter polymorphisms and periodontitis risk, but these results are still controversial.

Materials and Methods

A meta‐analysis was performed to assess the effect of TNF‐α −308G/A (rs1800629), −238G/A (rs361525) and −863C/A (rs1800630) polymorphisms on either chronic (CP) or aggressive periodontitis (AgP) risk. Odds ratios (ORs) along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of the association. Forty‐six studies involving 5186 cases and 6683 controls were retrieved and analyzed.

Results

The TNF‐α −308G/A AA genotype was associated with increased CP risk in Asians, non‐smoking Asians and Caucasians, and this polymorphism was significantly associated with elevated risk of AgP in Asians and Caucasians. Asian individuals carrying AA genotype had a significantly increased risk for −863C/A. No significant association was identified between TNF −238G/A polymorphism and CP.

Conclusions

These findings supported that TNF‐α −308G/A and −863C/A polymorphisms may contribute to the susceptibility of periodontitis.
Practitioner Review: Long‐term pharmacological treatment of pediatric bipolar disorder
Authors: Díaz‐Caneja Covadonga M. , Moreno Carmen , Llorente Cloe , Espliego Ana , Arango Celso , Moreno Dolores
Published: June 2014

Background

Although long‐term treatment is a core aspect of the management of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD), most clinical recommendations are based on results from short‐term studies or adult data. In order to guide clinical practice, we review the efficacy and safety profile of mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and other pharmacological strategies for the long‐term treatment of BD in pediatric patients.

Methods

A MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and PsycInfo search (inception through November 2013) was performed to identify prospective studies longer than 12 weeks assessing the use of pharmacological strategies for the long‐term treatment of BD in pediatric patients (0–18 years of age).

Results

Four randomized controlled trials (RCT) [three placebo‐controlled (assessing aripiprazole (2) and flax oil), and one head‐to‐head comparison of lithium vs. divalproex], and thirteen noncontrolled studies (six open‐label studies assessing lithium or anticonvulsants, five assessing second‐generation antipsychotics (SGAs) and four assessing combination strategies) were included in the review. Aripiprazole has shown efficacy for relapse prevention in children with pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) 4–9 years of age in one placebo‐controlled RCT. Positive results have been reported in noncontrolled studies with quetiapine and lithium for relapse prevention, as well as with lithium, quetiapine, ziprasidone, and the combination of risperidone and divalproex or lithium for long‐term symptom reduction in PBD. The most frequently reported adverse events in children and adolescents treated with lithium and anticonvulsants are gastrointestinal and neurological, whereas use of SGAs is mainly related to weight gain and sedation.

Conclusion

According to the limited empirical evidence, aripiprazole can be useful for relapse prevention in children with PBD. Given the lack of consistent efficacy data, clinical decision making should be based on individual clinical aspects and safety concerns.
Volatiles in perennial ryegrass infected with strains of endophytic fungus: impact on African black beetle host selection
Authors: Qawasmeh A. , Raman A. , Wheatley W.
Published: June 2014

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is often infected with the fungal‐endophyte Neotyphodium lolii. In addition to the ‘wild‐type’ strain (EWT), several ‘selected’ strains of N. lolii are now being marketed as AR1 (EAR1) and AR37 (EAR37). Each of these strains impact positively on L. perenne's resistance against many insects, including the African black beetles (Heteronychus arator). The impact of volatile oils produced specifically by each strain in the endophyte–grass association in enhancing the grass's resistance to insects is still largely unknown. Keeping these in view, we determined the volatile oil profiles produced by L. perenne infected with either EWT or EAR1 or EAR37 and determined the impacts of these volatiles on the host‐selection behaviour of H. arator adults. In the absence of endophyte infection (E–), L. perenne produced 18 different volatile oils. In L. perenne EWT, quantities of 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol acetate (Rt = 14.5 min), (Z)‐2‐octen‐1‐ol (Rt = 22.2 min), and butylated hydroxyl toluene (Rt = 23.2 min) were 24, 16 and 26%, respectively, greater than L. perenne E–. The strains EAR1 and EAR37 affected differently the quantities of the volatile compounds but not their identity. In the four‐choice bioassay, males and females of H. arator were equally attracted to each strain. In Y‐tube olfactometer, compared against E–, H. arator adults were less attracted to L. perenne EWT and EAR1. The attractiveness of EAR37 was similar in effect to E– to H. arator. The results indicate that each strain of N. lolii alters the profile of volatile oils in L. perenne differently and that alteration can influence H. arator adult‐host selection.
Evaluating the MEDLINE Core Clinical Journals filter: data‐driven evidence assessing clinical utility
Authors: Klein‐Fedyshin Michele , Ketchum Andrea M. , Arnold Robert M. , Fedyshin Peter J.
Published: June 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

MEDLINE offers the Core Clinical Journals filter to limit to clinically useful journals. To determine its effectiveness for searching and patient‐centric decision making, this study compared literature used for Morning Report in Internal Medicine with journals in the filter.

Method

An EndNote library with references answering 327 patient‐related questions during Morning Report from 2007 to 2012 was exported to a file listing variables including designated Core Clinical Journal, Impact Factor, date used and medical subject. Bradford's law of scattering was applied ranking the journals and reflecting their clinical utility. Recall (sensitivity) and precision of the Core Morning Report journals and non‐Core set was calculated. This study applied bibliometrics to compare the 628 articles used against these criteria to determine journals impacting decision making.

Results

Analysis shows 30% of clinically used articles are from the Core Clinical Journals filter and 16% of the journals represented are Core titles. When Bradford‐ranked, 55% of the top 20 journals are Core. Articles <5 years old furnish 63% of sources used. Among the 63 Morning Report subjects, 55 have <50% precision and 41 have <50% recall including 37 subjects with 0% precision and 0% recall.

Conclusions

Low usage of publications within the Core Clinical Journals filter indicates less relevance for hospital‐based care. The divergence from high‐impact medicine titles suggests clinically valuable journals differ from academically important titles. With few subjects demonstrating high recall or precision, the MEDLINE Core Clinical Journals filter may require a review and update to better align with current clinical needs.
A Need for Training: Preparing Juvenile and Family Court Judges on Military‐Related Issues
Authors: Marsh Shawn C. , Gonzalez Carlene
Published: June 2014

This brief report presents a study undertaken to better understand the training needs of judicial officers related to military issues. A snowball sample of judicial officers and court‐affiliated stakeholders were asked to identify the most critical training topics regarding military issues in juvenile and family court, as well as rate the importance of 13 potential training topics. The highest rated training topics for judicial officers (N = 129) were the (1) Welfare of spouses and children, (2) Protocols to consider when selecting kinship care for children of deployed parents, (3) Mental and physical health consequences of military service and deployment, (4) Reporting standards regarding Intimate Partner Violence or Family Violence, as well as implications for civil case investigation, and (5) Education support for children of deployed parents. Findings suggest a desire in the field for specific training on a multitude of issues related to serving/veteran men and women, spouses, and dependents. Recommendations for such trainings are discussed.
Developing an Effective Method to Determine the Deviation of F Value upon the Location of a Still Can during Convection Heating Using CFD and Subzones
Authors: Lee Myeong Gi , Yoon Won Byong
Published: June 2014

A numerical simulation was applied to determine the temperature profiles of water in a can with a diameter of 52.3 mm and a height of 124.0 mm. Cold points at different heating times were determined, and the degree of pasteurization (F value) of each cold point was calculated. Subzones in both vertical and horizontal directions were introduced to determine the deviation of F value upon the location in the can during a convective heating, and the average F value of each subzone was estimated. The slow heating zone (SHZ) was determined by overwrapping the subzones with the lowest average F values in the vertical and horizontal direction. The cold point was continuously moved during the thermal treatment and even at 600 s, the SHZ determined by this subzone method maintained a single zone, unlike the cold points. The relative difference of F value between the SHZ and the cold point was approximately 0.575%. The subzone method is thus an effective way to determine the SHZ and F value, which is an indicator of the sterilization.

Practical Applications

For safety purposes, estimation of the degree of pasteurization is very important for the liquid food in a can. Determination of the slow heating zone (SHZ) and F value in the can is very difficult because of the convection flow during heating. Many previous studies indicated the importance of determining the SHZ for the liquid food in a can, but there was no clear advice to estimate the degree of pasteurization based on the temperature profile from the SHZ. This study suggested to use the subzones to estimate the SHZ and clearly demonstrate that the degree of pasteurization at the SHZ represented by the area average F value obtained from the subzone is more stable and consistent.
Ozone‐Induced Changes in Phenols and Antioxidant Capacities of Peanut Skins
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Diao Enjie , Shen Xiangzhen , Ma Wenwen , Ji Ning , Dong Haizhou
Published: June 2014

Changes of total phenols, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and antioxidant capacities of peanut skins were studied after they were ozonated for different times (0–60 h). The phenols and their oxidation products in peanut skins were identified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled Quadrupole Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry (HPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS). Ozone treatment significantly affected total phenolic and proanthocyanidin contents, which were reduced by 48.77 and 47.71% after 24 h of ozone treatment, respectively. Total flavonoids were increased due to new flavonoids formed during ozone treatment. The antioxidant capacities of peanut skin extracts were closely correlated to the total phenolic and proanthocyanidin contents, and the correlation coefficients (R) were 0.9831 and 0.7859, respectively. The decrease of total phenolic and proanthocyanidin contents reduced obviously the antioxidant capacities of peanut skin extracts. Ten phenolic compounds and seven oxidation products were identified by Q‐TOF/MS, and the changes of their peak areas further verified the changes of phenols in peanut skin extracts at different ozonation times.

Practical Applications

Many studies have proved that ozone can degrade aflatoxins in peanuts. However, ozone treatment can also affect the phenols in peanut skins, and then influence their antioxidant capacities. This study demonstrated the changes of phenols and their antioxidant capacities in the ozonated peanut skins. The phenolic compounds and their oxidation products were identified by TOF/MS. Information on the changes of phenols induced by ozone would help in improving the detoxification technology of peanuts for maintaining more functional components in peanut skins.
Build–to–Learn: An Examination of Pedagogical Practices in Interior Design Education
Authors: Konkel Margaret T.
Published: June 2014

“Build–to–learn” is a pedagogical practice reflecting traditions in architectural and engineering education, as well as theoretical foundations in experiential learning. This study investigates how interior design educators are using this approach by classifying types of build–to–learn projects with their associated learning outcomes. Findings disclose both the educator and student perspectives on build–to–learn experiences. The paper first reports findings from a study of Interior Design Educator's Council (IDEC) educators ( N = 40) who participated in an online survey of build–to–learn practices and observations. In the second exploratory study, students ( N = 11) were assigned a build–to–learn exercise as part of a construction materials and methods course and were surveyed on their experience. The results revealed four build–to–learn classifications: (1) representational models as a means of understanding three–dimensionality; (2) construction assembly and materiality; (3) joinery–connectivity; (4) real–scale construction experiences. Findings from the study generally suggest positive learning outcomes from all types of build–to–learn experiences, although some student and educator challenges are identified.