bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Elementary Derivation of the Exponential Limit and of Euler's Constant
Authors: Turnbull H. W.
Published: July 2013

By defining a logarithm as

we may visualise the function as the area under the curve

, measured to the right from the zero value at the ordinate AB. The fundamental properties follow at once from (1): for if u = av, then
A note on the ruled surface
Authors: Wilson R.
Published: July 2013

The generators and their orthogonal trajectories form, perhaps, the most useful set of parametric curves for the study of the local geometry of a ruled surface. It is not generally realised, however, that the fundamental quantities of the surface can be expressed quite simply in terms of the geodesic curvature, the geodesic torsion and the normal curvature of the directrix, that particular orthogonal trajectory which is chosen as base curve. Certain of the results are similar in form to those arising in the special case of a surface which is generated by the principal normals to a given curve, except that the curvature and torsion are geodetic. In addition it is possible to obtain in an elegant form the differential equation of the curved asymptotic lines and the expression for the mean curvature.
A series identity
Authors: Watson G. N.
Published: July 2013

I have constructed two simple proofs of the result established by J. C. P. Miller, Mathematical Notes, No. 29 (1935), pp. vi–viii.
The evaluation of certain continued fractions
Authors: Darwin C. G.
Published: July 2013

1. If the approximate numerical value of e is expressed as a continued fraction the result is

and it was in finding the proof that the sequence extends correctly to infinity that the following work was done. First the continued fraction may be simplified by setting down the difference equations for numerator and denominator as usual, and eliminating two out of every successive three equations. A difference equation is thus formed between the first, fourth, seventh, tenth … convergents , and this equation will generate another continued fraction. After a little rearrangement of the first two members it appears that (1) implies

2. We therefore consider the continued fraction

which includes (2), and also certain continued fractions which were discussed by Prof. Turnbull. He evaluated them without solving the difference equations, and it is the purpose here to show how the difference equations may be solved completely both in his cases and in the different problem of (2). It will appear that the work is connected with certain types of hypergeometric function, but I shall not go into this deeply.
Bi-determinants
Authors: Turnbull H. W.
Published: July 2013

The important Binet-Cauchy theorem of determinants (3, p. 81)

may be illustrated as follows. Consider the identity

where ax = a1x1 + a2x2 + a3x3, and similarly for ay, bx, by. This identity follows by adding x1 row1 + x2row2 + x3row3 to row4 in the first determinant; and y1row1 + etc. to row5. Then by expanding both determinants in a Laplace development of the first three rows and the last two we obtain the identity

.
Pictorial relativity
Authors: Etherington I. M. H.
Published: July 2013

There are some people who find it easier to absorb abstruse theories when encouraged by picturesque analogies. There are also some people, mathematicians, who hold such assistance in austere contempt. Pictorialism, however, is no new thing in expositions of relativity, and I will not apologise for the following attempt to introduce a little more. The object of this note is to suggest ways of visualising some of the metrics which are of importance in the general theory of relativity. For each metric two pictures are supplied; they may be called (A) geometrical and (B) dynamical.
Note on a special determinant
Authors: Aitken A. C.
Published: July 2013

Suppose a polynomial or convergent power series

is raised to powers j = 0, 1, 2, 3, … The coefficients of xk in [f(x)]j, k = 0, 1, 2, …, may be entered as elements in positions (j, k) in an array or matrix F, thus:

By construction all elements in column (k) have weight (sum of suffixes) equal to k.
Correlation-based analysis of mode converters in multimode waveguides
Authors: Russo Ivan , Mayer Winfried , Pflueger Stefan , Menzel Wolfgang
Published: July 2013

In this work, a novel method for the mode content extrapolation in multimode waveguides with focus on the characterization of mode converters is presented. The proposed method is based on the direct determination of the correlation coefficients between the structural functions of all possible propagating modes and the complex measured near-field pattern. To implement the method, standard near-field equipment is simply required. Test simulations and measurements from 4 to 8 GHz on a 6-in. circular pipe for radar level monitoring are reported in the last section and demonstrate that the proposed technique provides accurate information about the mode content of the structure under test.
Electrophysiological Correlates of Impaired Response Inhibition During Inhalation of Propionic Acid
Authors: Juran Stephanie Anja , van Thriel Christoph , Kleinbeck Stefan , Schäper Michael , Falkenstein Michael , Iregren Anders , Johanson Gunnar
Published: July 2013

Chemosensory stimulation can impair cognitive processing, which we demonstrated previously in human volunteers who showed reduced behavioral accuracy in a go/nogo flanker task during 4-hr, whole-body exposure to 10 ppm propionic acid but not during 0.3 or 5 ppm exposures ( Hey et al., 2009 ). Now we investigated event-related potentials (ERP) in a subgroup of six male volunteers from the same study to identify which cognitive processes were sensitive to propionic acid exposure. The ERP subgroup showed the same increases in chemosensory perceptions and error rate during 10 ppm exposure as the whole group. In addition several exposure-related effects were seen in the ERPs: first there were effects of the absolute level of exposure on ERP components related to inhibition (nogo-P3) and conscious error perception (late PE). We assume that the unpleasant smell of propionic acid mediates these effects. Second, there were effects related to the variability of exposure on components related to processing in conflict and error trials (N2 and error-P3). We assume that exposure variability disturbs processing especially in critical task situations such as conflict and errors. From our results we conclude that ERPs are a valuable tool to examine chemosensory mediated impairment on different cognitive processing states and their neural substrates.
The Synthesis and Structures of Tris(2-pyridylseleno)methyl Zinc Compounds with κ2-, κ3-, and κ4-Coordination Modes
Authors: Rong Yi , Parkin Gerard
Published: July 2013

Tris(2-pyridylseleno)methane, [Tpsem]H, has been employed to synthesize the bis(trimethylsilyl)amido zinc complex [κ3-Tpsem]ZnN(SiMe3)2. The latter compound provides access to a variety of other [Tpsem]ZnX derivatives, which include the isocyanate complex [κ4-Tpsem]ZnNCO, the hydrosulfido complex [κ3-Tpsem]ZnSH, the sulfido complex {[κ3-Tpsem]Zn}2(μ-S), the 2 : 1 complex [κ2-Tpsem]2Zn and the pyridyl-2-selenolate complex [κ4-Tpsem]Zn-(κ2-SeC6H4N), thereby demonstrating that the [Tpsem] ligand can exhibit κ2-, κ3-, and κ4-coordination modes. Variable-temperature 1H NMR spectroscopic studies demonstrate that [κ3-Tpsem]ZnN(SiMe3)2, [κ3-Tpsem]ZnSH, and {[κ3-Tpsem]Zn}2(μ-S) are fluxional on the NMR timescale.
Process-based modelling to understand which ryegrass characteristics can increase production and decrease leaching in grazed grass–legume pastures
Authors: Snow V. O. , White T. A.
Published: July 2013

A significant challenge for the pastoral farming systems is to maintain or increase production while reducing leaching of nitrogen, and for pastoral systems, this means reducing leaching from urine patches. Here we explore the potential impact of four ryegrass characteristics to increase pasture production and reduce leaching from ryegrass–white clover pastures. We focus on understanding which characteristics are desirable, the stage before investigating the achievability of those characteristics in a breeding program. Those characteristics were: the winter- or summer-dominance of growth (GP); the ability of the plant to intercept radiation at low pasture mass (LI); rooting depth (RD); and resistance to moderate water stress (WF). The impact of these ryegrass characteristics, both singly and combined within a ryegrass–clover pasture, was explored across a range of soils, climates, irrigation management, and urine patch concentrations using the process-based model APSIM. Of the four characteristics tested, LI was the most effective in increasing production and reducing leaching in all environments. The characteristics RD and WF were moderately effective, with RD having a greater impact on reducing leaching whereas WF had a greater effect on increasing production. The characteristic with the least impact was GP and it seems that ryegrass is currently well adapted for typical temperatures in New Zealand. The production and environmental effects of the characteristics were additive. The characteristics should be investigated further in the typically more diverse mixtures normally found in pastures but show promise for achieving improved production while reducing leaching provided they can be achieved in a breeding program.
New weighted estimates for bilinear fractional integral operators
Authors: Moen Kabe
Published: July 2013

We prove a plethora of weighted estimates for bilinear fractional integral operators of the form
\[
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper B upper I Subscript alpha Baseline left-parenthesis f comma g right-parenthesis left-parenthesis x right-parenthesis equals integral Underscript double-struck upper R Superscript n Baseline Endscripts StartFraction f left-parenthesis x minus t right-parenthesis g left-parenthesis x plus t right-parenthesis Over StartAbsoluteValue t EndAbsoluteValue Superscript n minus alpha Baseline EndFraction d t comma 0 greater-than alpha greater-than n period">

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BI_\alpha (f,g)(x)=\int _{\mathbb {R}^n}\frac {f(x-t)g(x+t)}{|t|^{n-\alpha }}\,dt, \qquad 0>\alpha >n.

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When the target space has an exponent greater than one, many weighted estimates follow trivially from Hölder’s inequality and the known linear theory. We address the case where the target Lebesgue space is at most one and prove several interesting one and two weight estimates. As an application we formulate a bilinear version of the Stein-Weiss inequality for fractional integrals.
Popular Politics in the Late Medieval City: York and Bruges
Authors: Liddy Christian D. , Haemers Jelle
Published: July 2013

The city of York, England’s self-titled ‘second city’ in the late middle ages, was the site of persistent political conflict from the last quarter of the fifteenth century. The Flemish city of Bruges experienced a series of revolts in the same period. This article compares the patterns of popular politics in the two cities. Although dissimilar in governmental context, population size and commercial significance, their constitutional arrangements were much more comparable. The urban commons, organised and mobilised by the crafts, were at the centre of the major disturbances in each city. They had a distinctive reading of the urban constitution, which was nurtured in a guild environment among craftsmen and citizens. In York and Bruges, the crafts engaged in similar forms of collective action (petitioning, collective assembly and the occupation of public space), and revolt was the consequence of a pattern of corporate politics. The shared forms, goals and mentalities of popular protest in York and Bruges can provide an explanation of revolt which might apply not only to towns across late medieval Europe in which the political representation of the crafts was common but also, more generally, to those urban centres where a corporatist ethos flourished.
The Conservative Party and Welsh Politics in the Inter-War Years
Authors: Thomas Geraint
Published: July 2013

Following the 1931 general election, the Conservative party dominated the electoral landscape in England and reached a twentieth-century high in Scotland. Conservatives in Wales, by contrast, failed to ride the wave of ‘National’ politics in the 1930s, with their best performances at the ballot box confined to the immediate aftermath of the First World War. The following article explores the reasons for Conservative failure in Wales and explains the pattern with reference to two types of constituency, namely the industrial seats of South Wales and the rural seats of Welsh-speaking West Wales, both of which were crucial to any party hoping to advance in the principality. The article highlights the essential durability of pre-1914 political cultures, along with the Conservatives’ failure both to neutralise the anti-English flavour of the Victorian Celtic revival and, unlike Labour in South Wales, to capitalise on the mutable nature of the dissenting tradition. The obstacles to Conservative success were further shaped by social and economic conditions, linguistic peculiarities and denominational identities, compounded by the ability of the Liberal party in West Wales, and increasingly the Labour party in South Wales, to (re)construct imagined ‘national’ political identities that served as counter-hegemonic discourses against British Conservatism. Amid the recent transnational turn, this article alerts us to the continuing scope of the national idiom in discussions of modern British political culture.
Hamlet
dans
La Nouvelle Héloïse
, ou la leçon d'arts visuels de Gravelot à Rousseau
Authors: Ferrand Nathalie
Published: July 2013

Illustrateur célèbre de Fielding ou de l'abbé Prévost, Hubert François Gravelot (1699–1773) croise le chemin de Rousseau à l'occasion de l'illustration de
La Nouvelle Héloïse
(1761). On considère généralement qu'en dessinant la série des douze planches commandées par Rousseau, Gravelot s'acquitta fidèlement de sa tâche et qu'il suivit les consignes de l'écrivain, parvenant ainsi à une pleine réussite. Cette étude se consacre à l'une des planches les plus énigmatiques de la série, la dixième, que Rousseau appelait l'estampe des fantômes. À travers analyse de ses dessins préparatoires apparaît une divergence entre le projet initial de l'artiste et sa réalisation finale. Quels sont les modèles intervenus en cours de route? La culture littéraire de Gravelot, son goût pour le théâtre et les acteurs, et son expérience antérieure d'illustrateur lorsqu'il se trouvait en Angleterre surgissent brusquement et réservent des surprises en introduisant contre toute attente la présence de Shakespeare dans
La Nouvelle Héloïse
. Une autre image du travail de l'artiste apparaît dans son rapport à Rousseau, non plus faite de docilité voire de ‘servitude’ comme l'a dit la critique, mais apparaissant comme une création libérée, voire provocatrice.
Mixed afforestation of young subtropical trees promotes nitrogen acquisition and retention
Authors: Lang Anne C. , von Oheimb Goddert , Scherer‐Lorenzen Michael , Yang Bo , Trogisch Stefan , Bruelheide Helge , Ma Keping , Härdtle Werner
Published: July 2013

Afforestation is globally increasing to produce timber and pulp wood, but also to enhance ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, nutrient retention or groundwater recharge. In China, large areas have been and will be afforested in order to compensate for the negative impacts of former clear‐cuttings and to make use of the ecosystem services associated with afforestation. In order to further optimize these services with regard to balanced nutrient (particularly nitrogen) cycles, it is important to know whether the use of mixtures of native tree species in afforestation projects promotes the acquisition and retention of nitrogen compared with the currently established large‐scale monocultures.

To test the effect of species richness on system N retention and tree sapling N uptake, we conducted a15N tracer experiment in a young tree plantation. To this end, saplings of four abundant early successional tree species were planted in monocultures, in two‐ and four‐species mixtures and as single trees.

Nitrogen retention increased with higher species richness due to enhanced N pools in sapling biomass. These species richness effects strengthened over time.

Species‐specific differences in15N recoveries over time revealed below‐ground niche differentiation with regard to N uptake, which is likely to result in complementary resource use among coexisting species.

Synthesis and applications. This study provides evidence that mixed afforestation promotes N retention from the sapling stage. To further improve ecosystem services associated with afforestation, we strongly suggest the use of mixtures of native tree species instead of monocultures. Mixtures of four species may reduce system N losses and thus may lessen groundwater contamination due to N leaching. We encourage further investigations to find optimal species combinations that promote a wide range of ecosystem services related to more closed nutrient cycles and minimized soil erosion. In our study, the plantations' capability to retain N could be optimized by means of both increasing tree species richness and by choosing the optimal species combinations.
Terrorism Communication: Characteristics and Emerging Perspectives in the Scientific Literature 2002–2011
Authors: Ruggiero Aino , Vos Marita
Published: July 2013

This paper aims to clarify current knowledge on the contribution of communication to crisis management in the case of terrorism incidents. This is done by means of a systematic review of the scientific literature on terrorism communication over the last 10 years to identify the many challenges facing communication in such crises, and represents the first attempt of its kind. To date, within the literature on terrorism communication, much attention has been paid to chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear hazards. Terrorism crises are complex and challenging. Preparedness for such diverse low‐probability high‐impact crises can best be included in a wider educative approach. Terrorism crises call for fast information updates that, using a multi‐channel approach, can be tailored to fit different needs and (social) media habits.
2010–2011 Queensland floods: Using Haddon's Matrix to define and categorise public safety strategies
Authors: Zhong Shuang , Clark Michele , Hou Xiang‐Yu , Zang Yu‐Li , FitzGerald Gerry
Published: July 2013

Objective

The 2010–2011 Queensland floods resulted in the most deaths from a single flood event in Australia since 1916. This article analyses the information on these deaths for comparison with those from previous floods in modern Australia in an attempt to identify factors that have contributed to those deaths. Haddon's Matrix, originally designed for prevention of road trauma, offers a framework for understanding the interplay between contributing factors and helps facilitate a clearer understanding of the varied strategies required to ensure people's safety for particular flood types.

Methods

Public reports and flood relevant literature were searched using key words ‘flood’, ‘fatality’, ‘mortality’, ‘death’, ‘injury’ and ‘victim’ through Google Scholar, PubMed, ProQuest and EBSCO. Data relating to reported deaths during the 2010–2011 Queensland floods, and relevant data of previous Australian flood fatality (1997–2009) were collected from these available sources. These sources were also used to identify contributing factors.

Results

There were 33 deaths directly attributed to the event, of which 54.5% were swept away in a flash flood on 10 January 2011. A further 15.1% of fatalities were caused by inappropriate behaviours. This is different to floods in modern Australia where over 90% of deaths are related to the choices made by individuals. There is no single reason why people drown in floods, but rather a complex interplay of factors.

Conclusions

The present study and its integration of research findings and conceptual frameworks might assist governments and communities to develop policies and strategies to prevent flood injury and fatalities.
Do patients die well in your emergency department?
Authors: Bradley Victoria , Burney Claire , Hughes Geoff
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Although the role of the ED in the management of patients needing palliative care is recognised internationally, there are little Australasian data on this issue. This study aimed to determine the current knowledge and attitude to the provision of palliative care in Australasian EDs.

Methods

All ED directors in Australasia were invited to complete an online survey about the provision of palliative care in their department. Quantitative data were described using counts and proportions, and qualitative data were summarised thematically.

Results

Of 165 eligible ED directors, 35 completed the survey (22%; 95% CI, 15–28%). Only 17/35 (49%; 95% CI, 32–65%) believed that ED provided good palliative care, and 28/35 (80%; 95% CI, 67–93%) were unaware of international gold standard palliative care protocols. Most had access to hospital‐based palliative care specialists 27/35 (77%; 95% CI, 63–91%); however, only 5/27 (19%; 95% CI, 4–33%) used them. Few EDs undertake formal training in palliative care 10/35 (29%; 95% CI, 16–45%). Respondents showed concern about the quality of palliative care they provide and advocated for more palliative care training.

Conclusion

Although limited by the low response rate, this survey indicates that there is a need and a desire for greater integration of the values and standards of high‐quality palliative care in Australasian EDs.
Identification of Impeding Factors for Dry Weight Achievement in End‐Stage Renal Disease After Appropriate Kidney Graft Function
Authors: Rivera‐González Sonia Catalina , Pérez‐Grovas Héctor , Madero Magdalena , Mora‐Bravo Franklin , Saavedra Nadia , López‐Rodriguez Javier , Lerma Claudia
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors that prevent dry weight achievement in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in renal replacement therapy through the change in their body weight after kidney transplant (KT) compared with 1 week before KT. The study included 188 ESRD patients of diverse etiology who received living kidney transplantation with normal immediate graft function, 62.2% were male, age 29 ± 11 years old. All patients were on renal replacement therapy for at least 1 month before KT with either hemodiafiltration (N = 106), hemodialysis (N = 25), or peritoneal dialysis (N = 57). Based on body weight difference (after transplant—before transplant), patients with body weight difference ≤2 kg were considered as being close to their dry weight (Group 1, N = 112), whereas patients with body weight difference >2 kg were considered as being overhydrated (Group 2, N = 76). Clinical and biochemical characteristics were obtained from the medical records at three periods of time: time of ESRD initiation (baseline), 1 week before undergoing KT, and 1 week after KT. The mean time (± standard deviation) from renal replacement therapy initiation to the week before KT was 9.2 ± 5 months. Group 2 had a higher proportion of men, antihypertensive use, peritoneal dialysis, and higher urine output during all periods. Before KT, Group 2 had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures than Group 1. After KT, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased in Group 2, whereas no change occurred in Group 1. Before KT, Group 2 had higher levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, and phosphorous compared with Group 1. Compared with baseline, Group 1 had more optimal blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid parameters before KT than Group 2. After KT, all parameters improved with respect to baseline in both groups. Hemoglobin, albumin, and sodium were similar between groups, except for higher hemoglobin in Group 2 than Group 1 after KT. Multivariate regression analysis showed that male sex, peritoneal dialysis, and systolic blood pressure before KT were independent risk factors for overhydration. In conclusion, high systolic blood pressure and peritoneal dialysis were two independent modifiable variables associated with overhydration before KT. Assessment of the body weight change after KT is a useful tool to evaluate dry weight, in addition to identifying variables associated with poor volume control. This could allow adjustment of clinical and dialysis parameters in future patients.
Does Regular Lipid Apheresis in Patients With Isolated Elevated Lipoprotein(a) Levels Reduce the Incidence of Cardiovascular Events?
Authors: Rosada Adrian , Kassner Ursula , Vogt Anja , Willhauck Michael , Parhofer Klaus , Steinhagen‐Thiessen Elisabeth
Published: July 2013

Elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is known as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Regular lipid apheresis decreases elevated Lp(a) concentrations. However, there is a lack of reliable data regarding the effect of lipid apheresis on cardiovascular endpoints. To assess the effects of apheresis, we compared the occurrence of cardiovascular events in 37 patients treated regularly with lipid apheresis at the time periods of preinitiation of apheresis and during apheresis treatment. A retrospective analysis of 37 patients (35 men and two women; aged 58 years ± 11 [mean ± standard deviation]; body mass index 26 kg/m2 ± 3; low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol before apheresis 84 mg/dL ± 21; Lp(a) before apheresis 112 mg/dL ± 34) treated regularly with lipid apheresis was performed. Patients' medical records were screened for cardiovascular events at the preapheresis and during apheresis periods. Apheresis led to a significant reduction of lipid levels (LDL cholesterol −60%; Lp(a) –68%) measured after apheresis. The event‐free survival rate after 1 year in the preapheresis period was 38% (22–54%, 95% confidence interval [CI]) vs. 75% (61–89%, 95% CI) in the during‐apheresis period with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001). Apheresis seems to lower the progression of atherosclerosis leading to a reduced number of cardiovascular events in hyperlipoproteinemia(a). Because prospective and controlled trials are lacking, the therapeutic effectiveness of lipid apheresis can only be estimated.
Distribution and temporal prevalence of Theileria orientalis major piroplasm surface protein types in eastern Australian cattle herds
Authors: Eamens GJ , Bailey G , Gonsalves JR , Jenkins C
Published: July 2013

Objective

To determine the distribution of theilerial types in eastern Australian cattle herds and their changing prevalence in regions of New South Wales (NSW).

Design

Survey testing of herds in 2010–11 in Queensland (QLD), NSW and Victoria (VIC) where clinical theileriosis was not evident and ongoing surveillance in NSW through laboratory submissions.

Methods

Blood samples were tested by PCR targeting the Theileria orientalis p32 gene and positive tests were examined for the Ikeda, Chitose and Buffeli types. Survey samples from 516 cattle in 50 herds and diagnostic submissions from 434 suspect field cases in 116 herds were analysed.

Results

In clinically normal survey cattle, T. orientalis prevalence was high (NSW 23.7%, QLD 56.8%, VIC 34.0%), with variability among regions of each state. Chitose was the most common and widespread type (19.1–43.7% per state), with Buffeli present in all states at a lower prevalence (10.8–24.8% per state). Ikeda was detected in three of five regions in QLD (North, South and South East; prevalence 3.4–15.4%), only one of the surveyed regions in NSW (North Coast; prevalence 74.2%) and in only one animal in VIC. Evidence of clinical disease and laboratory confirmation of Ikeda infection in diagnostic submissions were predominant in several NSW regions, with increasing numbers of affected herds particularly in the coastal Mid‐Coast and Cumberland areas.

Conclusions

In those regions where prior evidence of theileriosis was uncommon, Ikeda infection was evident in a limited number of NSW regions and multiple regions in QLD. However, clinical disease has continued to become widespread in NSW and VIC, involving Ikeda strains in many regions.
False hyperchloraemia in a dog secondary to ingestion of horse feed supplemented with potassium bromide
Authors: Peacock RE , Smart L
Published: July 2013

Background

A dog was presented for acute abdominal distension after inadvertent access to a large amount of dry dog food and possibly horse feed consisting of chaff, pony cubes and vitamin, mineral and yeast supplements.

Results

A marked hyperchloraemia and decreased anion gap on blood electrolyte analysis prompted a review of the patient's history for potential ingestion of bromide. It was revealed that the horse feed was supplemented with potassium bromide. The serum bromide level was 23.6 mmol/L. The dog recovered uneventfully.

Conclusion

This case report highlights the importance of knowing common interferents of chemical analysis techniques.
Pathotyping of Australian isolates of Marek's disease virus in commercial broiler chickens vaccinated with herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT) or bivalent (HVT/SB1) vaccine and association with viral load in the spleen and feather dander
Authors: Walkden‐Brown SW , Islam A , Islam AFMF , Burgess SK , Groves PJ , Cooke J
Published: July 2013

Objective

To pathotype Australian isolates of Marek's disease virus (MDV) in commercial broiler chickens using standard methods and to evaluate early markers of pathotype.

Methods

A complete 3 × 4 factorial experiment with two replicates was conducted using 648 Cobb broiler chickens in 24 isolators. The experimental factors were vaccination (unvaccinated, herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT), bivalent (HVT + SB1 strain of serotype 2 MDV)) and MDV challenge (unchallenged or 500 plaque‐forming units of isolates MFP57, 02LAR or FT158). Mortality, body weight, immune‐organ weights and viral load were measured to 56 days post challenge (dpc). Vaccinal protective index (PI) and virulence rank (VR) were calculated based on gross Marek's disease (MD) pathology.

Results

The PIs provided by the HVT and bivalent vaccines against challenge with MPF57, 02LAR, and FT158 were 84.6% 56%, 61.4% and 82.2%, 60.8%, 57.7%, respectively, leading to putative pathotypes of virulent MDV for MPF57 and very virulent MDV for 02LAR and FT158. Significantly more of the unvaccinated chickens (85.7%) had MD lesions than chickens vaccinated with either the HVT (26.8%) or bivalent vaccine (27.6%). Strong linear relationships were observed between the incidence of MD at 56 dpc and MDV load in the spleen at 7 dpc (R2 = 0.71) and MDV load in the isolator exhaust dust at 14 dpc (R2 = 0.57) and 21 dpc (R2 = 0.51). Immune organ weights had a weaker association with subsequent MD incidence.

Conclusion

Pathotyping results in broiler chickens with maternal antibody broadly agreed with those in specific‐pathogen‐free chickens in other studies, with some important differences. MDV load in the spleen at 7 dpc and in isolator dust at both 14 and 21 dpc was a powerful early predictor of subsequent MD incidence.
Testing for Hendra virus: difficulties experienced by veterinarians in Queensland prior to 2011
Authors: Mendez D , Judd J , Speare R
Published: July 2013

Objective

To identify the perceived barriers to Hendra virus (HeV) management by private equine veterinarians in Queensland.

Design

An exploratory qualitative study of private equine veterinarians registered and working in coastal Queensland.

Methods

A questionnaire that included eight open‐ended questions about the management of HeV was used in face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews with 21 veterinary personnel working in equine or mixed private practice between Far North and South‐East Queensland in 2009–10. The qualitative data was entered and analysed thematically using QSR's International's Nvivo 9 qualitative data analysis software.

Results

This study revealed key issues associated with HeV testing: (1) inadequate knowledge of testing procedures and laboratory diagnostic pathways; (2) difficulty in accessing laboratory services; (3) responsibility for cost of collection and transport of specimen; and (4) the role of government. Participants perceived these issues as reducing potential HeV case management efficiency.

Conclusion

Although HeV management plans have been modified in part since 2009–10, this study highlights the importance of considering the perspectives of private veterinary practitioners in any biosecurity protocols.
Response of Australian veterinarians to the announcement of a Hendra virus vaccine becoming available
Authors: Mendez D , Büttner P , Speare R
Published: July 2013

Design

A cross‐sectional study of private veterinarians providing equine services in Queensland.

Results

The study revealed that a majority of veterinarians would support the introduction of a Hendra virus (HeV) vaccine. Moreover, almost half of the respondents intended to make vaccination a prerequisite to horse patient presentation. However, participants also responded that a vaccine would not reduce the risk sufficiently to cease or downgrade their HeV management plan and infection control measures.

Conclusion

When devising promoting and marketing campaigns, government agencies and manufacturers should consider private veterinarians' intentions as a significant driver for the uptake of the HeV vaccine.
Is the hijab protective? An investigation of body image and related constructs among British Muslim women
Authors: Swami Viren , Miah Jusnara , Noorani Nazerine , Taylor Donna
Published: July 2013

Previous studies have reported equivocal findings concerning the impact of wearing a hijab, or Islamic head‐ and body‐cover, on Muslim women's body image. Here, we sought to examine that impact using a larger sample of Muslim women than has been relied upon and a wider range of body image measures. A total of 587 British Muslim women completed a battery of scales assessing their frequency and conservativeness of hijab use, body image variables, attitudes towards the media and beauty ideals, importance of appearance, and religiosity. Preliminary results indicated that 218 women never used the hijab and 369 women used some form of the hijab at least rarely. Controlling for religiosity, women who wore the hijab had more positive body image, lower internalization of media messages about beauty standards, and placed less importance on appearance than women who did not wear the hijab. Among women who wore the hijab, hijab use significantly predicted weight discrepancy and body appreciation over and above religiosity. These results are discussed in terms of the possible protective impact among British Muslim women of wearing the hijab.
Gaining knowledge about parental mental illness: how does it empower children?
Authors: Grove Christine , Reupert Andrea , Maybery Darryl
Published: July 2013

This study examined the utility of a digital video disc (DVD) intervention, designed to educate children, whose parents have depression and/or anxiety. Twenty‐nine children completed pre‐ and post‐DVD exposure questionnaires, on mental health knowledge and help seeking, and 18 were interviewed about their experiences and use of the DVD. Post‐DVD, children's knowledge of mental illness improved. The DVD also challenged mental illness misconceptions. Most children preferred watching the DVD with a parent. The study explains how children utilize information about mental illness.
Do Responsible Investment Indices Improve Corporate Social Responsibility? FTSE4Good's Impact on Environmental Management
Authors: Mackenzie Craig , Rees William , Rodionova Tatiana
Published: July 2013

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This study investigates the impact of a responsible investment index on environmental management practices. Firms that were included in the FTSE4Good index but failed to meet enhanced requirements were subject to both engagement by FTSE and the threat of expulsion from the index. We examine the combined effect of these actions, estimate the contribution of both elements separately, and the influence of concentrated equity ownership, corporate governance, and the institutional environment. We also evaluate whether the effect is persistent or transitory.

Research Findings/Insights

For a sample of 1,029 firms from 21 countries, our findings demonstrate that engagement combined with the threat of expulsion from the FTSE4Good index doubles the probability that a firm failing to meet the environmental management criteria in 2002 would comply by 2005. The higher compliance rate for the firms receiving engagement persists until the end of our study in 2010. We also find that compliance is positively associated with low levels of concentrated ownership and with firms based in coordinated rather than liberal market economies.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our results contribute to the understanding of the complexities of governance, where decision makers are constrained or influenced by equity holders, the firm's governance system, institutional arrangements, and collective engagement by institutional equity holders. Our findings are consistent with both institutional and agency issues impacting on decision making.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our study suggests that engagement via a responsible investment index reinforced by the threat of public expulsion from the index provides an effective route for large‐scale collaborative investor engagement on corporate social responsibility issues targeting large and internationally diverse firms. It also demonstrates why regulators may wish to encourage engagement of this type to achieve social benefits.
Hurrying Foragers Fail to Choose the Best Prey Item: Prey Choice in Paper Wasps Depredating Conspecific Nests
Authors: Furuichi Sho , Kasuya Eiiti
Published: July 2013

Animals frequently face situations where they must choose one prey item from a set of options. Animals are often considered to be able to choose the best prey item from multiple alternatives. However, time may be required to make accurate decisions, and under natural conditions, time is usually limited. Here, we examined whether animals fail to choose the most profitable prey item under time‐limited conditions. A queen (foundress) of a paper wasp Polistes chinensis antennalis starts a colony in spring and maintains the nest alone until the emergence of workers. At the stage, the foundress often depredates larvae in other conspecific nests. The intruder needs to finish choosing and extracting a single larva during the absence of the owner from the nest. Intruders preferred the fifth‐instar larvae, which are the largest and the most profitable prey among larvae. When the time spent in choosing was long, intruders were able to choose the fifth‐instar larvae with a higher probability. However, when the time spent in choosing was short, intruders sampled only a small fraction of larvae in a nest, and the probability of choosing the fifth‐instar larvae decreased. Furthermore, we found that intruders decreased the time spent in choosing under higher time constraints. These results suggest that under time‐limited conditions, intruders occasionally failed to choose the most profitable prey item because of incomplete information on the availability of options. These results also suggest a trade‐off between speed and accuracy of choosing the best item from a set of options.
Self‐perceived health and quality of life by activity status in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Pino Lara , González‐Vélez Abel E , Prieto‐Flores Maria‐Eugenia , Ayala Alba , Fernandez‐Mayoralas Gloria , Rojo‐Perez Fermina , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Forjaz Maria João
Published: July 2013

Aim

The present study aimed at analyzing whether activity status is associated with self‐perceived health status and quality of life (QoL) in community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

We used a cross‐sectional design based on a semi‐structured QoL questionnaire in a representative sample of 1106 community‐dwelling adults aged 60 years and older in Spain. Logistic regression models were used to explain the association of activity status with self‐perceived health status and QoL, assessed by means of the EQ‐5D‐3L index, controlling for the influence of sociodemographic, social and support network variables, and health indicators.

Results

The mean age ± standard deviation was 72.1 ± 7.8 years. For the activity status, 8.5% were working people, 53.7% retirees, 30.6% homemakers and 7.2% pensioners. All homemakers and 93.6% pensioners were women. In the model to assess perceived health status, when controlling for sociodemographic, social and support network variables, we found that working people rated their health better than the retired group. In this model, pensioners rated their health status worst, whereas homemakers did not show any significant difference compared with the retired group. However, there were no differences in the model of QoL by activity status.

Conclusion

Activity status was associated with self‐perceived health status, but not with QoL. This study draws attention to the need of considering the activity of older adults for actions aimed at maintaining and improving their health. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 464–473.
Canine mesenchymal stem cells show antioxidant properties against thioacetamide‐induced liver injury in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Quintanilha Luiz Fernando , Takami Taro , Hirose Yoshikazu , Fujisawa Koichi , Murata Yasuhiko , Yamamoto Naoki , Goldenberg Regina Coeli dos Santos , Terai Shuji , Sakaida Isao
Published: July 2013

Aim

To overcome current limitations of therapy for liver diseases, cell‐based therapies using mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been attempted through basic and clinical approaches. Oxidative stress is a crucial factor in hepatology, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are well‐established molecules responsible for its deleterious effects. The antioxidant properties of MSC were recently demonstrated, and therefore we examined the antioxidant activity of canine MSC (cMSC), their effects on isolated hepatocytes in vitro and their curative potential against thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced liver injury in vivo.

Methods

To evaluate the ability of cMSC to challenge oxidative stress, cell viability, cytotoxicity and ROS were measured in cultured cMSC treated with TAA. Also, cMSC were co‐cultured with hepatocytes in the same injury condition, and the ROS level was measured exclusively in hepatocytes. Finally, to verify the curative potential of cMSC, 2.0 × 106 cells or phosphate‐buffered saline were injected systemically in non‐obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice that received TAA injections twice a week for 13 weeks. We then evaluated histological parameters, serum injury markers and redox homeostasis.

Results

cMSC overcame TAA‐induced oxidative stress in vitro, as shown by increased viability and lower cytotoxicity and ROS levels. Moreover, hepatocytes co‐cultured with cMSC also showed decreased cellular ROS. The in vivo study showed that mice treated with cMSC presented with an ameliorated histological pattern, suppressed fibrosis, lower serum injury marker levels and better oxidative parameters.

Conclusion

We concluded that cMSC injection reduce TAA‐induced liver injury through antioxidant activities and hepatoprotective effects, showing a curative potential in liver diseases.
Screening for breast cancer among young Jordanian women: ambiguity and apprehension
Authors: Al Dasoqi K. , Zeilani R. , Abdalrahim M. , Evans C.
Published: July 2013

Aims

The goal of this study was to understand young Jordanian women's attitudes towards breast cancer screening practices in order to improve young women's uptake of screening and early detection.

Background

The incidence of breast cancer is increasing annually among younger Jordanian women; however, little is known about their attitudes towards breast cancer and associated screening practices. Young women's attitudes towards breast cancer must be taken into account when designing screening strategies and interventions specifically for this age group. Screening strategies must also acknowledge young women's cultural context; however, little is known about how culture shapes their understandings and practices.

Methods

A qualitative interpretive approach was utilized to interview 45 young educated women about their breast cancer views and screening practices. Data were analysed thematically.

Findings and Discussion

Four overlapping themes emerged: (i) young women should not think about it, (ii) absence of a role model, (iii) cultural shame of breast cancer, and (iv) cancer means death and disability. The study found high levels of apprehension and ambiguity related to breast cancer. This was associated with the perceived impact of a cancer diagnosis on a young woman's social status and family role. Family support was perceived to be a necessary prerequisite for seeking treatment or screening.

Conclusions

Understanding young women's perception about screening and early detection of breast cancer is essential for policy makers and healthcare providers to design culturally appropriate and age‐appropriate health promotion campaigns and services.
Validation of the Staff Attitudes to Nutritional Nursing Care Geriatric scale in Italian
Authors: Bonetti Loris , Bagnasco Annamaria , Aleo Giuseppe , Sasso Loredana
Published: July 2013

Aim

To validate the Staff Attitudes to Nutritional Nursing Care Geriatric scale in Italian, a tool created in Sweden to measure nurses' attitudes towards nutritional care in older people.

Background

Malnutrition in institutionalized older people is a serious problem having negative impact on patient outcomes. It is reported in the literature that nurses have negative attitudes towards nutritional care.

Methods

Forward and back‐translation were carried out to build the Italian version of the tool. Content and face validity were then examined by pilot study. Test‐retest reliability with Spearman's rho (rs) correlation, intraclass correlation (ICC) and internal consistency reliability with Cronbach's α were assessed. Differences between test‐rest were assessed by t‐test.

Results

Linguistic and semantic adaptation of the tool into Italian was successful. Thirty‐three nurses skilled in caring for older patients did pilot testing and 46 test‐retesting. SANN‐G GITA‐scale achieved good content and face validity, good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.85) and acceptable stability [rs = 0.75, P = 0.001; ICC = 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63–0.86; P = 0.001]. The t‐test showed no significant difference between test and retest results, confirming stability of the tool (t(64) = −0.98; P = 0.33).

Discussion

The process of adaptation of the scale from Swedish to Italian language was successful. Thus, the SANN‐GITA scale can be useful to assess attitudes of nursing staff to nutritional care in the Italian context.

Conclusions

This tool will allow the identification of areas where Italian nurses have negative attitudes and where to implement strategies to improve overall nutritional care.