bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality Control and Reproducibility in M‐Mode, Two‐Dimensional, and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Acquisition and Analysis: The CARDIA Study, Year 25 Examination Experience
Authors: Armstrong Anderson C. , Ricketts Erin P. , Cox Christopher , Adler Paul , Arynchyn Alexander , Liu Kiang , Stengel Ellen , Sidney Stephen , Lewis Cora E. , Schreiner Pamela J. , Shikany James M. , Keck Kimberly , Merlo Jamie , Gidding Samuel S. , Lima João A. C.
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Few large studies describe quality control procedures and reproducibility findings in cardiovascular ultrasound, particularly in novel techniques such as speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). We evaluate the echocardiography assessment performance in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study Year 25 (Y25) examination (2010–2011) and report findings from a quality control and reproducibility program conducted to assess Field Center image acquisition and reading center (RC) accuracy.

Methods

The CARDIA Y25 examination had 3475 echocardiograms performed in 4 US Field Centers and analyzed in a RC, assessing standard echocardiography (LA dimension, aortic root, LV mass, LV end‐diastolic volume [LVEDV], ejection fraction [LVEF]), and STE (two‐ and four‐chamber longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strains). Reproducibility was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficients of variation (CV), and Bland–Altman plots.

Results

For standard echocardiography reproducibility, LV mass and LVEDV consistently had CV above 10% and aortic root below 6%. Intra‐sonographer aortic root and LV mass had the most robust values of ICC in standard echocardiography. For STE, the number of properly tracking segments was above 80% in short‐axis and four‐chamber and 58% in two‐chamber views. Longitudinal strain parameters were the most robust and radial strain showed the highest variation. Comparing Field Centers with echocardiography RC STE readings, mean differences ranged from 0.4% to 4.1% and ICC from 0.37 to 0.66, with robust results for longitudinal strains.

Conclusion

Echocardiography image acquisition and reading processes in the CARDIA study were highly reproducible, including robust results for STE analysis. Consistent quality control may increase the reliability of echocardiography measurements in large cohort studies.
GASOLINE PRICES AND ROAD FATALITIES: INTERNATIONAL EVIDENCE
Authors: Burke Paul J. , Nishitateno Shuhei
Published: November 2014

This study utilizes data for 144 countries from 1991 to 2010 to present the first international estimates of the gasoline price elasticity of road fatalities. We instrument each country's gasoline price with that country's oil reserves and the yearly international crude oil price to address potential endogeneity concerns. Our findings suggest that the average reduction in road fatalities resulting from a 10% increase in the gasoline pump price is in the order of 3%–6%. Around 35,000 road deaths per year could be avoided by the removal of global fuel subsidies. (JEL R41, H23, O18, Q43)
Predators marked with chemical cues from one prey have increased attack success on another prey species
Authors: VAN MAANEN ROOS , BROUFAS GEORGE , DE JONG PAULIEN , AGUILAR‐FENOLLOSA ERNESTINA , REVYNTHI ALEXANDRA , SABELIS MAURICE W. , JANSSEN ARNE
Published: November 2014

1. To reduce the risk of being eaten by predators, prey alter their morphology or behaviour. This response can be tuned to the current danger if chemical or other cues associated with predators inform the prey about the risks involved.

2. It is well known that various prey species discriminate between chemical cues from predators that fed on conspecific prey and those that fed on heterospecific prey, and react stronger to the first. It is therefore expected that generalist predators are more successful in capturing a given prey species when they are contaminated with chemical cues from another prey species instead of cues from the same prey species.

3. Here, a generalist predatory mite was studied that feeds on thrips larvae as well as on whitefly eggs and crawlers. Mites were marked with cues (i.e. body fluids) of one of these two prey species and were subsequently offered thrips larva.

4. Predators marked with thrips cues killed significantly fewer thrips than predators marked with whitefly cues, even though the predator's tendency to attack was the same. In addition, more thrips larvae sought refuge in the presence of a predatory mite marked with thrips cues instead of whitefly cues.

5. This suggests that generalist predators may experience improved attack success when switching prey species.
The hemibiotrophic lifestyle of the fungal pine pathogen Dothistroma septosporum
Authors: Kabir M. S. , Ganley R. J. , Bradshaw R. E.
Published: November 2014

Dothistroma needle blight is a forest disease of increasing international importance due to its ability to kill as well as to retard the growth of pines. It is caused by fungi in the genus Dothistroma that produce dothistromin, a non‐host selective toxin and virulence factor that is involved in necrosis of pine tissue. Recent studies of the genome of one of the main pathogenic species, Dothistroma septosporum, showed that it contains many similarities to that of the biotroph Cladosporium fulvum, including the presence of candidate biotrophic effector genes, which supported the hypothesis that D. septosporum has a hemi‐biotrophic lifestyle. Using Pinus radiata as a host, we used a combination of microscopy, histological and molecular tools to further test this hypothesis and to determine the stage of the disease cycle in which dothistromin toxin is produced. The results showed a biotrophic‐type phase in which the fungus grew over the needle surface, penetrated through stomatal pores and colonized epistomatal chambers. The subsequent necrotrophic phase was characterized by colonization of the mesophyll and production of dothistromin, with a >100‐fold increase in dothistromin levels from early necrotic lesion to sporulating lesion stages. This is consistent with the role of dothistromin as a virulence factor that is involved in lesion expansion.
Corporate ownership and control in Victorian Britain
Authors: Acheson Graeme G. , Campbell Gareth , Turner John D. , Vanteeva Nadia
Published: November 2014

Using ownership and control data for 890 firm‐years, this article examines the concentration of capital and voting rights in British companies in the second half of the nineteenth century. We find that both capital and voting rights were diffuse by modern‐day standards. However, this does not necessarily mean that there was a modern‐style separation of ownership from control in Victorian Britain. One major implication of our findings is that diffuse ownership was present in the UK much earlier than previously thought, and given that it occurred in an era with weak shareholder protection law, it somewhat undermines the influential law and finance hypothesis. We also find that diffuse ownership is correlated with large boards, a London head office, non‐linear voting rights, and shares traded on multiple markets.
Clinical course and prognosis of non‐secretory multiple myeloma
Authors: Chawla Sagar S. , Kumar Shaji K. , Dispenzieri Angela , Greenberg Alexandra J. , Larson Dirk R. , Kyle Robert A. , Lacy Martha Q. , Gertz Morie A. , Rajkumar S. Vincent
Published: November 2014

Objective

To determine the prognosis of patients with non‐secretory myeloma.

Methods

We studied 124 patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma who had no monoclonal protein detected on serum and urine immunofixation at diagnosis and on all subsequent follow‐up testing (non‐secretory myeloma). The overall survival (OS) of patients with non‐secretory myeloma was compared with 6953 patients with typical myeloma seen during the same time period in whom a monoclonal protein was detected at the time of diagnosis.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐four patients met criteria for non‐secretory multiple myeloma. The median follow‐up was 102 months (range, 1–204 months). The median progression‐free survival with initial therapy was 28.6 months, and the median OS was 49.3 months. There was a significant improvement in OS since 2001; median survival 43.8 months (prior to 2001) vs. 99.2 months (2001–2012), P < 0.001. OS was superior in patients with a normal baseline FLC ratio (n = 10) compared to patients with an abnormal ratio (n = 19), medians not reached in both groups. Prior to 2001, OS was similar in non‐secretory myeloma (n = 86) and secretory myeloma (n = 4011), median 3.6 vs. 3.5 yr, respectively, P = 0.63. However, among patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2012, OS was superior in non‐secretory myeloma (n = 36) compared to secretory myeloma (n = 2942), median 8.3 vs. 5.4 yr, respectively, P = 0.03.

Conclusions

Non‐secretory myeloma is an uncommon subtype of multiple myeloma. In the last decade, there has been an improvement in the survival of non‐secretory myeloma and appears superior to secretory myeloma.
Development and Assessment of the Effectiveness of an Undergraduate General Education Foreign Language Requirement
Authors: Thompson Robert J. , Walther Ingeborg , Tufts Clare , Lee Kunshan Carolyn , Paredes Liliana , Fellin Luciana , Andrews Edna , Serra Matt , Hill Jennifer L. , Tate Eleanor B. , Schlosberg Laura
Published: November 2014

This article describes a faculty‐led, multiyear process of formulating learning objectives and assessing the effectiveness of a foreign language requirement for all College of Arts and Sciences undergraduates at a research university. Three interrelated research questions were addressed: (1) What were the levels and patterns of language courses completed under the language requirement compared to those under the previous curriculum? (2) To what extent was the oral proficiency learning objective being attained? and (3) How did oral proficiency vary by course level and the patterns of courses completed to satisfy the language requirement? The oral proficiency of 614 students was assessed with the Simulated Oral Proficiency Interview and categorized in terms of ACTFL ratings. Study findings indicated that 76% of students met or exceeded the objective of the Intermediate Mid level of oral proficiency and that oral proficiency differed by course level and the pattern of courses completed to satisfy the language requirement. In particular, the impact of completing an advanced‐level course was clear, which in turn had implications for curricular policies and academic advising. It is argued that faculty‐led evaluation of program effectiveness, in which assessment approaches are both summative and formative and findings are routinely used to improve educational practices as well as document student learning, is the necessary context for developing an evidence‐based approach to undergraduate language education.
Climate change and dead zones
Authors: Altieri Andrew H. , Gedan Keryn B.
Published: November 2014

Estuaries and coastal seas provide valuable ecosystem services but are particularly vulnerable to the co‐occurring threats of climate change and oxygen‐depleted dead zones. We analyzed the severity of climate change predicted for existing dead zones, and found that 94% of dead zones are in regions that will experience at least a 2 °C temperature increase by the end of the century. We then reviewed how climate change will exacerbate hypoxic conditions through oceanographic, ecological, and physiological processes. We found evidence that suggests numerous climate variables including temperature, ocean acidification, sea‐level rise, precipitation, wind, and storm patterns will affect dead zones, and that each of those factors has the potential to act through multiple pathways on both oxygen availability and ecological responses to hypoxia. Given the variety and strength of the mechanisms by which climate change exacerbates hypoxia, and the rates at which climate is changing, we posit that climate change variables are contributing to the dead zone epidemic by acting synergistically with one another and with recognized anthropogenic triggers of hypoxia including eutrophication. This suggests that a multidisciplinary, integrated approach that considers the full range of climate variables is needed to track and potentially reverse the spread of dead zones.
Supply of cellulosic biomass in Illinois and implications for the Conservation Reserve Program
Authors: Chen Xiaoguang , Li Linlin
Published: November 2014

We developed a mathematical programming model to estimate the supply of cellulosic biomass in Illinois at various biomass prices and examine the implications of biomass production for the maintenance costs of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). We find that Illinois has the potential to produce about 38.4–54.5 million dry metric tons (MT) of biomass in 2020 at a biomass price of $150/MT, depending on the production costs of cellulosic feedstocks, residue collection technology, and rates of yield increases of conventional crops. Corn stover will account for more than 65% of the total biomass production across biomass prices and the scenarios considered, while the roles of wheat straw and energy crops are quite limited. Given biomass prices of $50/MT‐$150/MT, many landowners would convert their expiring CRP lands to croplands. To maintain the size of the CRP during the 2007–2020 period at the 2007 levels in Illinois, total program maintenance costs would be $104.6–176.5 million at a biomass price of $50/MT, depending on biomass production conditions and crop yields on CRP lands. This would increase to $155.2–245.4 million at a biomass price of $150/MT.
Differential methylation of the promoter and first exon of the RASSF1A gene in hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Jain Surbhi , Xie Lijia , Boldbaatar Batbold , Lin Selena Y. , Hamilton James P. , Meltzer Stephen J. , Chen Shun‐Hua , Hu Chi‐Tan , Block Timothy M. , Song Wei , Su Ying‐Hsiu
Published: November 2014

Aim

Aberrant methylation of the promoter, P2, and the first exon, E1, regions of the tumor suppressor gene RASSF1A, have been associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), albeit with poor specificity. This study analyzed the methylation profiles of P1, P2 and E1 regions of the gene to identify the region of which methylation most specifically corresponds to HCC and to evaluate the potential of this methylated region as a biomarker in urine for HCC screening.

Methods

Bisulfite DNA sequencing and quantitative methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to compare methylation of the 56 CpG sites in regions P1, P2 and E1 in DNA isolated from normal, hepatitic, cirrhotic, adjacent non‐HCC, and HCC liver tissue and urine samples for the characterization of hypermethylation of the RASSF1A gene as a biomarker for HCC screening.

Results

In tissue, comparing HCC (n = 120) with cirrhosis and hepatitis together (n = 70), methylation of P1 had an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) of 0.90, whereas methylation of E1 and P2 had AUROC of 0.84 and 0.72, respectively. At 90% sensitivity, specificity for P1 methylation was 72.9% versus 38.6% for E1 and 27.1% for P2. Methylated P1 DNA was detected in urine in association with cirrhosis and HCC. It had a sensitivity of 81.8% for α‐fetoprotein negative HCC.

Conclusion

Among the three regions analyzed, methylation of P1 is the most specific for HCC and holds great promise as a DNA marker in urine for screening of cirrhosis and HCC.
Randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of new alcohol‐free chlorhexidine mouthrinses after 8 weeks
Authors: Zimmer S , Korte P , Verde P , Ohmann C , Naumova E , Jordan RA
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of two alcohol‐free antimicrobial mouthrinses in reducing plaque and gingivitis compared to an alcohol‐containing rinse and toothbrushing alone.

Methods

One hundred and sixty healthy volunteers were enrolled in the randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomly and equally assigned to four groups: (i) toothbrushing + rinsing (0.06% CHX + 0.025% NaF, alcohol‐containing rinse, positive control); (ii) toothbrushing + rinsing (0.06% CHX + 0.025% NaF, alcohol‐free experimental rinse); (iii) toothbrushing + rinsing (0.06% CHX + 0.03% CPC + 0.025% NaF, alcohol‐free experimental rinse); (iv) toothbrushing alone (negative control). At baseline, Quigley‐Hein plaque index (QHI), modified proximal plaque index (MPPI), and papillary bleeding index (PBI) were recorded. All subjects brushed their teeth as usual during the study. Additionally, groups 1–3 rinsed twice daily. Eight weeks after baseline, indices were recorded again. anova with Bonferroni adjustment served for statistical analysis.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐five participants were included into final analysis (i: n = 39, 2: n = 39, 3: n = 37, 4: n = 40). Experimental rinses (ii, iii) reduced QHI and MPPI to a higher extent than the negative control (iv), whereas no significant difference to the positive control was found. QHI: (i) 36.6%, (ii) 32.3%, (iii) 36.8%, (iv) 21.6%; MPPI: (i) 11.9%, (ii) 12.2%, (iii) 13.6%, (iv) 3.5%. For PBI, no statistically significant difference was found between groups: (i) 80.2%, (ii) 77.8%, (iii) 76.5% and (iv) 78.8%.

Conclusions

With respect to QHI and MPPI, toothbrushing in combination with any rinse was more effective than toothbrushing alone. No statistically significant differences were found between the alcohol‐free and the alcohol‐containing control rinses.
Global analysis and indeterminacy in a two‐sector growth model with human capital
Authors: Antoci Angelo , Galeotti Marcello , Russu Paolo
Published: November 2014

The purpose of the present paper is to highlight some features of global dynamics of the two‐sector growth model with accumulation of human and physical capital analyzed by Brito and Venditti, which is a specialization of the model proposed by Mulligan and Sala‐i‐Martín. In particular, our analysis focuses on the context in which the Brito–Venditti system admits two balanced growth paths, each corresponding, after a change of variables, to an equilibrium point of a three‐dimensional system, and proves the possible existence of points such that in any neighborhood of lying on the plane corresponding to fixed values of the state variables there exist points whose positive trajectories tend to either equilibrium point. This implies that equilibrium selection in the Brito–Venditti system may depend on the expectations of economic agents rather than on the history of the economy. That is, economies with identical technologies and preferences, starting from the same initial values of the state variables (history), may follow rather different equilibrium trajectories according to the economic agents’ choices of the initial values of the jumping variables (expectations). Moreover, we prove that the basins of attraction (two or three‐dimensional) of locally indeterminate equilibrium points may be very large, as they can extend up to the boundary of the system phase space.
Trade costs, FDI incentives, and the intensity of price competition
Authors: Gori Giuseppe Francesco , Lambertini Luca , Tampieri Alessandro
Published: November 2014

Contrary to theoretical predictions, empirical evidence shows that an increase in trade liberalization causes an increase in foreign direct investment. We propose an explanation for this apparent puzzle by exploiting Dastidar's approach, which delivers a continuum of Bertrand–Nash equilibria ranging above marginal cost pricing. We show that allowing for softer price competition may indeed more than offset the standard effect generated by a decrease in trade costs, thereby restoring foreign direct investment incentives.
Failure of ad valorem and specific tax equivalence under uncertainty
Authors: Goerke Laszlo , Herzberg Frederik , Upmann Thorsten
Published: November 2014

Applying a framework of perfect competition under uncertainty, we contribute to the discussion of whether or not ad valorem taxes and specific taxes are equivalent. While this equivalence holds without price uncertainty, we show that ad valorem taxes and specific taxes are “almost never” equivalent in the presence of uncertainty if we require equivalence to hold pathwise. Since we obtain this result under perfect competition, our analysis also provides a further rationale for why the equivalence must fail under imperfect competition.
Challenges in Integrating International Evidence Relating to Stroke Rehabilitation: Experiences from a Cochrane Systematic Review
Authors: Pollock Alex , Campbell Pauline , Baer Gillian , Choo Pei Ling , Forster Anne , Morris Jacqui , Pomeroy Valerie M , Langhorne Peter
Published: November 2014

There are many randomized controlled trials relating to stroke rehabilitation being carried out in China, which are often published in Chinese-language journals. A recent update to our Cochrane systematic review of physical rehabilitation to improve function and mobility after stroke included 96 trials; over half (51) were conducted in China; 37 of these included studies were published in Chinese. Analyses within this Cochrane review support the conclusion that physical rehabilitation, using a mix of components from different approaches, is effective for the recovery of function and mobility after stroke. The inclusion of the Chinese studies had a substantial impact on the volume of evidence and, consequently, the conclusions. In this paper, we explore whether it is appropriate to draw implications for clinical practice throughout the world from evidence relating to a complex rehabilitation intervention delivered within one particular geographical healthcare setting. We explore the unique challenges associated with incorporating the body of evidence from China, particularly the Chinese-language publications, and identify the ongoing debate about the quality of Chinese research publications. We conclude that the growing body of evidence from China has important implications for future systematic reviews and evidence-based stroke care, but analysis and interpretation raise challenges, and improved reporting is critical.
Recent Advances in TeleStroke: A Systematic Review on Applications in Prehospital Management and Stroke Unit Treatment or TeleStroke Networking in Developing Countries
Authors: Hubert Gordian J. , Müller-Barna Peter , Audebert Heinrich J.
Published: November 2014

TeleStroke has become an increasing means to overcome shortage of stroke expertise in underserved areas. This rapidly growing field has triggered a large amount of publications in recent years. We aimed to analyze recent advances in the field of telemedicine for acute stroke, with main focus on prehospital management, Stroke Unit treatment and network implementations in developing countries. Out of 260 articles, 25 were selected for this systematic review: 9 regarding prehospital management, 14 regarding Stroke Unit treatment and 2 describing a network in developing countries. Prehospital management showed that stroke recognition can start at the dispatch emergency call, important clinical information can be electronically transmitted to hospitals before admission and even acute treatment such as thrombolysis can be initiated in the prehospital field if ambulances are equipped with CT scan and point-of-care laboratory. Articles on remote clinical examination, telemedical imaging interpretation, trial recruitment and cost-effectiveness described various aspects of Stroke Unit treatment within TeleStroke networks, underlining reliability, safety and cost savings of these systems of care. Only one network was described to have been implemented in a developing/emerging nation. TeleStroke is a growing field expanding its focus to a broader spectrum of stroke care. It still seems to be underused, particularly in developing countries.
Prevent, Protect, and Prosecute Human Trafficking in Mexico: Policy and Practical Recommendations
Authors: Rietig Victoria
Published: November 2014

This article presents original research findings on the state of anti‐trafficking efforts in Mexico. Based on quantitative and qualitative interviews with stakeholders from government, civil society, and United Nations organizations, this article provides data on the challenges these actors face, especially regarding corruption and violence. It argues for eight actions to improve prevention, protection, and prosecution: 1. Collect more and better data; 2. Retain officials; 3. Support shelters; 4. Employ better evaluation measures and use multipliers; 5. Provide technical help to NGOs; 6. Design a coordination platform; 7. Increase the rule of law, and 8. Promote high‐level interest to push the topic of human trafficking on the political agenda in Mexico. In sum, these eight actions address the deficiencies this research found, and outlines concrete steps each actor can take to improve the current anti‐trafficking regime in Mexico.
Jordanian survivors' experiences of recovery from critical illness: a qualitative study
Authors: Abdalrahim M.S. , Zeilani R.S.
Published: November 2014

Background

Despite the fact that a lot of patients consider their discharge from hospitals as a positive sign of progress towards regained health, many of them start suffering from physical, psychological and social problems after discharge from intensive care units.

Aim

This study aims to describe the experiences of Jordanian survivors of critical illnesses 3 months after discharge from a hospital intensive care unit.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative approach was used to involve 18 Jordanian patients from two hospitals in a major Jordanian city using open‐ended interviews. Interview transcripts were analysed using content analysis method.

Results

Three main themes have emerged from the data: (1) new meaning of life; (2) different perspectives on the meaning of life, and (3) struggle for role identity.

Limitation

The sample was chosen from one city in Jordan; longitudinal study might help identify the change in patients' experiences over time.

Conclusion

Patients described the discharge from the intensive care unit as a means of rescue from death; they began to value their spiritual and religious rituals. Negative traumatic experiences hindered the patients' recovery process. During recovery, patients struggled to resume their power and role in family.

Implications for Nurses and Health Policy

This study emphasizes the importance of providing care according to the patient's individual needs, related to their cultural and spiritual milieu; there is a need to develop follow‐up services for ICU survivors within a national health policy. Further educational and training programmes in the patient's issues after discharge from hospital are needed. This will definitely help nurses care after this patient group.
Mary Seacole: global nurse extraordinaire
Authors: Staring‐Derks Corry , Staring Jeroen , Anionwu Elizabeth N.
Published: November 2014

Aims

A discussion of recently discovered literature that reveals how after the Crimean War ended in 1856, Jamaican nurse, doctress and entrepreneur Mary Seacole travelled more widely and gained further international recognition than had previously been appreciated.

Background

New findings demonstrate that Seacole's international charitable and business activities were reported more widely than realised. Recently discovered literature uncovers her networking and strategic skills in various social milieus. A former Scutari nurse and 39 other women, offered their service to Seacole to nurse British soldiers in India. Newspapers also reported the medal she had been awarded from the Turkish government.

Design

Discussion paper.

Data sources

Digitized 19th‐century newspaper reports, and 1857 Dutch and 1858 French translations of Seacole's autobiography and a recently discovered handwritten letter dated 1 October 1857 from Seacole to Sir Henry Storks, at the time Secretary for Military Correspondence at the War Office, London.

Implications for nursing

Awareness of the findings affords a more thorough understanding of the scope and diversity of nursing history. This can provide valuable role models for the 21st century generations of competent and self‐confident healthcare professionals. The new evidence offers further testimony that Seacole can truly be considered as one such figurehead.

Conclusions

British and international primary sources reveal Mary Seacole as an historical and charismatic global phenomenon, more than had been previously realised.
Taxes, International Clienteles and the Value of ADR Dividends
Authors: Jun Aelee , Partington Graham H.
Published: November 2014

An alternative approach to valuing dividends is developed and applied to American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) on Australian stocks. The values of ADR dividends are estimated from the period when, due to different ex‐dividend dates, the ADRs and their underlying stocks trade with differential dividend entitlements. Australian ADR dividends are valued at less than their face value and the dividends on the underlying stocks are valued at more than their face value. This suggests that ADR dividends are priced by a clientele of US investors placing little value on the imputation tax credits attached to the dividends and that a clientele of Australian resident investors, who obtain value from imputation tax credits, price the dividends on the underlying stock.
Accounting Ratios and the Cross‐section of Expected Stock Returns
Authors: Cordis Adriana S.
Published: November 2014

Under clean‐surplus accounting, the log return on a stock can be decomposed into a linear function of the contemporaneous log return on equity, the contemporaneous log dividend–price ratio (if the stock pays a dividend), and both the contemporaneous and lagged values of the log book‐to‐market equity ratio. This paper studies the implications of this decomposition for the cross‐section of conditional expected stock returns. The empirical analysis reveals that the log accounting ratios capture cross‐sectional variation in both the conditional mean and conditional variance of log stock returns, which is consistent with the decomposition. It also brings fresh insights to the relation between firm size (market equity) and conditional expected stock returns. The evidence indicates that the conditional median return increases with firm size, while the conditional return skewness decreases with firm size. Empirically, the skewness effect outweighs the median effect, leading to the well‐documented inverse relation between size and average returns. The results of out‐of‐sample tests suggest that investors could use the information provided by the observed values of the log accounting ratios to formulate more effective portfolio strategies.
ATP synthase subunit alpha and LV mass in ischaemic human hearts
Authors: Roselló‐Lletí Esther , Tarazón Estefanía , Barderas María G. , Ortega Ana , Molina‐Navarro Maria Micaela , Martínez Alba , Lago Francisca , Martínez‐Dolz Luis , González‐Juanatey Jose Ramón , Salvador Antonio , Portolés Manuel , Rivera Miguel
Published: November 2014

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in the development of ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). In this study, the mitochondrial proteome in the cardiac tissue of ICM patients was analysed by quantitative differential electrophoresis (2D‐DIGE) and mass spectrometry (MS) for the first time to provide new insights into cardiac dysfunction in this cardiomyopathy. We isolated mitochondria from LV samples of explanted hearts of ICM patients (n = 8) and control donors (n = 8) and used a proteomic approach to investigate the variations in mitochondrial protein expression. We found that most of the altered proteins were involved in cardiac energy metabolism (82%). We focused on ATPA, which is involved in energy production, and dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase, implicated in substrate utilization, and observed that these molecules were overexpressed and that the changes detected in the processes mediated by these proteins were closely related. Notably, we found that ATPA overexpression was associated with reduction in LV mass (r = −0.74, P < 0.01). We also found a substantial increase in the expression of elongation factor Tu, a molecule implicated in protein synthesis, and PRDX3, involved in the stress response. All of these changes were validated using classical techniques and by using novel and precise selected reaction monitoring analysis and an RNA sequencing approach, with the total heart samples being increased to 24. This study provides key insights that enhance our understanding of the cellular mechanisms related to the pathophysiology of ICM and could lead to the development of aetiology‐specific heart failure therapies. ATPA could serve as a molecular target suitable for new therapeutic interventions.
Cardiovascular risks associated with incident and prevalent periodontal disease
Authors: Yu Yau‐Hua , Chasman Daniel I. , Buring Julie E. , Rose Lynda , Ridker Paul M
Published: November 2014

Aim

While prevalent periodontal disease associates with cardiovascular risk, little is known about how incident periodontal disease influences future vascular risk. We compared effects of incident versus prevalent periodontal disease in developing major cardiovascular diseases (CVD), myocardial infarction (MI), ischaemic stroke and total CVD.

Material and Methods

In a prospective cohort of 39,863 predominantly white women, age ≥45 years and free of cardiovascular disease at baseline were followed for an average of 15.7 years. Cox proportional hazard models with time‐varying periodontal status [prevalent (18%), incident (7.3%) versus never (74.7%)] were used to assess future cardiovascular risks.

Results

Incidence rates of all CVD outcomes were higher in women with prevalent or incident periodontal disease. For women with incident periodontal disease, risk factor adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.42 (95% CI, 1.14–1.77) for major CVD, 1.72 (1.25–2.38) for MI, 1.41 (1.02–1.95) for ischaemic stroke and 1.27 (1.06–1.52) for total CVD. For women with prevalent periodontal disease, adjusted HRs were 1.14 (1.00–1.31) for major CVD, 1.27 (1.04–1.56) for MI, 1.12 (0.91–1.37) for ischaemic stroke and 1.15 (1.03–1.28) for total CVD.

Conclusion

New cases of periodontal disease, not just those that are pre‐existing, place women at significantly elevated risks for future cardiovascular events.
Interactions of Bacillus thuringiensis bioinsecticides and the predatory stink bug Podisus nigrispinus to control Plutella xylostella
Authors: Magalhães G. O. , Vacari A. M. , Laurentis V. L. , De Bortoli S. A. , Polanczyk R. A.
Published: November 2014

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.), is a major pest of brassica crops worldwide. Control of this pest is difficult because it rapidly develops resistance to synthetic and biological insecticides and because of the effects of insecticides on its natural enemies. Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) is a predator that feeds on its prey, as well as on the host plants of its prey, and is an important biological control agent of DBMs. The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility of P. xylostella larvae to two bioinsecticides: the HD1 strain of Bacillus thuringiensis (B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki) and the commercial product Agree® (B. thuringiensis var. aizawai CG 91). In addition, the impact of these bioinsecticides on the P. nigrispinus consumption of DBM larvae and phytophagy was evaluated. Both the HD1 strain and Agree® caused 100% mortality in P. xylostella larvae. P. nigrispinus nymphs fed only with kale leaves (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) sprayed with water, the HD1 strain, or Agree® did not complete their nymphal development. When prey was also available, P. nigiripinus fed on kale leaves to obtain water. Both nymphs and adults of P. nigrispinus consumed greater numbers of DBM larvae, and fed less on kale leaves, when sprayed with the HD1 strain or Agree®. These results suggest a positive interaction of B. thuringiensis‐based products and the predator P. nigrispinus in the control of P. xylostella larvae.
Development of an instrument for assessment of Korean nurses' attitudes toward obese patients
Authors: Han Sang‐Sook , Han Jeong‐Won , Lee Jung‐Min
Published: November 2014

Aim

The purpose of this study was to verify the validity and reliability of an instrument and to identify nurses' attitudes toward obese patients.

Methods

Basic questions were developed after a preliminary published work review, and content validity was verified by a group of experts. Principle components analysis was applied to the verified questions as a factor analysis, and a confirmatory factor analysis was used to verify whether each question qualified for a specific factor and construct reliability. Average variances were extracted and checked to appraise the reliability of each factor.

Results

The first 74 questions composed with reference to the published work to identify nurses' attitudes toward obese patients were tested for construct validity and modified via factor analysis to 32 questions. Then, the questions were again modified to 29 questions with four factors after a confirmatory factor analysis. Construct reliability and the average variance extracted for the factors were verified to demonstrate that this tool was highly reliable to explain the 29 factors under the four categories.

Conclusion

These results show nurses' attitudes toward obese patients. Further research using various subject groups and appropriate measures is needed.
Exposure to serotonin adversely affects oligodendrocyte development and myelination in vitro
Authors: Fan Lir‐Wan , Bhatt Abhay , Tien Lu‐Tai , Zheng Baoying , Simpson Kimberly L. , Lin Rick C. S. , Cai Zhengwei , Kumar Praveen , Pang Yi
Published: November 2014

Serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) has been implicated to play critical roles in early neural development. Recent reports have suggested that perinatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) resulted in cortical network miswiring, abnormal social behavior, callosal myelin malformation, as well as oligodendrocyte (OL) pathology in rats. To gain further insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying SSRIs‐induced OL and myelin abnormalities, we investigated the effect of 5‐HT exposure on OL development, cell death, and myelination in cell culture models. First, we showed that 5‐HT receptor 1A and 2A subtypes were expressed in OL lineages, using immunocytochemistry, Western blot, as well as intracellular Ca2+ measurement. We then assessed the effect of serotonin exposure on the lineage development, expression of myelin proteins, cell death, and myelination, in purified OL and neuron‐OL myelination cultures. For pure OL cultures, our results showed that 5‐HT exposure led to disturbance of OL development, as indicated by aberrant process outgrowth and reduced myelin proteins expression. At higher doses, such exposure triggered a development‐dependent cell death, as immature OLs exhibited increasing susceptibility to 5‐HT treatment compared to OL progenitor cells (OPC). We showed further that 5‐HT‐induced immature OL death was mediated at least partially via 5‐HT2A receptor, since cell death could be mimicked by 5‐HT2A receptor agonist 1‐(2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐iodophenyl)‐2‐aminopropane hydrochloride, (±)‐2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐iodoamphetamine hydrochloride, but atten‐uated by pre‐treatment with 5‐HT2A receptor antagonist ritanserin. Utilizing a neuron‐OL myelination co‐culture model, our data showed that 5‐HT exposure significantly reduced the number of myelinated internodes. In contrast to cell injury observed in pure OL cultures, 5‐HT exposure did not lead to OL death or reduced OL density in neuron‐OL co‐cultures. However, abnormal patterns of contactin‐associated protein (Caspr) clustering were observed at the sites of Node of Ranvier, suggesting that 5‐HT exposure may affect other axon‐derived factors for myelination. In summary, this is the first study to demonstrate that manipulation of serotonin levels affects OL development and myelination, which may contribute to altered neural connectivity noted in SSRIs‐treated animals.

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The current in vitro study demonstrated that exposure to high level of serotonin (5‐HT) led to aberrant oligodendrocyte (OL) development, cell injury, and myelination deficit. We propose that elevated extracellular serotonin levels in the fetal brain, such as upon the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy, may adversely affect OL development and/or myelination, thus contributing to altered neural connectivity seen in Autism Spectrum Disorders. OPC = oligodendrocyte progenitor cell.
Mechanical regulation of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation
Authors: Steward Andrew J. , Kelly Daniel J.
Published: November 2014

Biophysical cues play a key role in directing the lineage commitment of mesenchymal stem cells or multipotent stromal cells (MSCs), but the mechanotransductive mechanisms at play are still not fully understood. This review article first describes the roles of both substrate mechanics (e.g. stiffness and topography) and extrinsic mechanical cues (e.g. fluid flow, compression, hydrostatic pressure, tension) on the differentiation of MSCs. A specific focus is placed on the role of such factors in regulating the osteogenic, chondrogenic, myogenic and adipogenic differentiation of MSCs. Next, the article focuses on the cellular components, specifically integrins, ion channels, focal adhesions and the cytoskeleton, hypothesized to be involved in MSC mechanotransduction. This review aims to illustrate the strides that have been made in elucidating how MSCs sense and respond to their mechanical environment, and also to identify areas where further research is needed.
Anatomy of the nerves and ganglia of the aortic plexus in males
Authors: Beveridge Tyler S. , Johnson Marjorie , Power Adam , Power Nicholas E. , Allman Brian L.
Published: November 2014

It is well accepted that the aortic plexus is a network of pre‐ and post‐ganglionic nerves overlying the abdominal aorta, which is primarily involved with the sympathetic innervation to the mesenteric, pelvic and urogenital organs. Because a comprehensive anatomical description of the aortic plexus and its connections with adjacent plexuses are lacking, these delicate structures are prone to unintended damage during abdominal surgeries. Through dissection of fresh, frozen human cadavers (n = 7), the present study aimed to provide the first complete mapping of the nerves and ganglia of the aortic plexus in males. Using standard histochemical procedures, ganglia of the aortic plexus were verified through microscopic analysis using haematoxylin & eosin (H&E) and anti‐tyrosine hydroxylase stains. All specimens exhibited four distinct sympathetic ganglia within the aortic plexus: the right and left spermatic ganglia, the inferior mesenteric ganglion and one previously unidentified ganglion, which has been named the prehypogastric ganglion by the authors. The spermatic ganglia were consistently supplied by the L1 lumbar splanchnic nerves and the inferior mesenteric ganglion and the newly characterized prehypogastric ganglion were supplied by the left and right L2 lumbar splanchnic nerves, respectively. Additionally, our examination revealed the aortic plexus does have potential for variation, primarily in the possibility of exhibiting accessory splanchnic nerves. Clinically, our results could have significant implications for preserving fertility in men as well as sympathetic function to the hindgut and pelvis during retroperitoneal surgeries.
Learning Odors: The Impact of Visual and Olfactory Mental Imagery Training on Odor Perception
Authors: Tempere S. , Hamtat M.L. , Bougeant J.C. , de Revel G. , Sicard G.
Published: November 2014

Mental imagery has been used successfully in sensorimotor training, but rarely to improve sensory skills. Novices, undergraduate enology students (intermediates) and wine experts were asked to repeatedly imagine the visual images or smells of odorant sources presented in picture form. Olfactory abilities, odor sensitivity and identification performance were compared before and after mental training to check the differential effects of the two types of sensory training. We demonstrated that, like repeated objective odorant stimulations, repeated imagination of odors was able to enhance olfactory performance in objective perception. Both odor detection and identification abilities were improved. However, according to our results: (1) the effect was odorant specific; and (2) the impact of training on identification was restricted to wine experts. In addition, interestingly, the experts’ olfactory identification performance apparently deteriorated following specific visual attention during the training phase.

Practical Applications

One extremely important aspect of sensory evaluation is training panelists to achieve consistent results. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of olfactory mental imagery as training strategy. The findings demonstrated that olfactory mental imagery was able to modify olfactory capabilities of wine professionals, with results comparable to those obtained using perceptual training. Consequently, olfactory mental imagery is an excellent tool for training the olfactory capacities of panelists, and may be extended to perfumers, flavorists and tasting panelists with a view to improving product quality control, without material stimulus such as chemical supports.
The response to whistleblowing by regulators: a practical perspective
Authors: Savage Ashley , Hyde Richard
Published: November 2014

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 provides protection for whistleblowers; it does not place statutory obligations on regulators to act in response to whistleblowing concerns. Using Freedom of Information requests as a research methodology, this paper seeks to examine how whistleblowing is approached by regulators and what happens when a whistleblowing disclosure is made. Forty-eight national regulators in a variety of fields and 408 county, district and unitary local authorities with responsibility for the regulation of food were contacted. The paper begins by considering the importance of whistleblowing disclosures and how they are protected in PIDA. The examination of the law reveals that several organisations with important regulatory functions are not prescribed, and this has the potential to create inconsistencies in the protection of whistleblowers. The bulk of the paper examines the results of the Freedom of Information requests. By examining the results of these requests, it was possible to show that there are a number of inconsistencies in the way in which regulatory agencies handle concerns. Several changes to practice are suggested in order to ensure that the whistleblowers receive appropriate treatment and that the concerns that they express can be properly addressed.