bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Income versus Consumption Inequality in Korea: Evaluating Stochastic Dominance Rankings by Various Household Attributes
Authors: Heshmati Almas , Rudolf Robert
Published: December 2014

Using four rounds (1999, 2002, 2005 and 2008) of the Korean Labor and Income Panel Study, the present paper examines determinants of household income and consumption levels and inequalities. Unconditional as well as conditional stochastic dominance tests are performed by year, by household heads’ characteristics (age, education, gender, health, marital status and occupation) and by household characteristics (household type, household size and degree of urbanization). Mean least squares regression techniques are used to predict conditional expectations. The residuals containing effects for each characteristic conditional on the remaining characteristics are then used for the stochastic dominance analysis employing extended Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests of first‐order and second‐order dominance in distribution of income and consumption. The results provide a detailed and up‐to‐date picture of inequality and poverty by subgroup in Korea, which helps in targeting particularly vulnerable groups. While inequality in disposable income is found to be substantial, consumption inequality is less substantial. Households headed by the elderly, the uneducated, the divorced, the widowed, females, and those with health problems are found to be the most vulnerable groups.
Audit Committee Effectiveness in Victorian Local Government
Authors: Purcell Aquinas J. , Francis Ronald D. , Clark Colin
Published: December 2014

This research addressed the questions: do audit committees (AC) in Victorian local government function effectively? Qualitative and quantitative data were collected to measure the perceptions, attitudes and perspectives of mayors, chief executives and chairs of the AC. The results were compared with perceptions of committee members of the Local Government and Shires Association of New South Wales and board members of the Municipal Association of Victoria as the representative bodies of local government in New South Wales and Victoria. There was a similarity of views in relation to: (1) inputs of an AC; (2) the behavioural nuances of the rigour of debate, trust and effective communications; and (3) the relationships with councillors and management. Limitations to effectiveness included: (1) attraction and retention of members; (2) the variability of expertise and the skills of the members; (3) continuing professional development for members; (4) ‘gaming’ behaviours; (5) power games associated with the appointment process; and (6) domination of the AC by members or management. The suggested way forward is the reinforcement of a strong governance culture in local government and an effective AC providing oversight of compliance, governance, internal control and risk processes.
Transperineal template‐guided prostate biopsy: 10 years of experience
Authors: Mai Zhipeng , Yan Weigang , Zhou Yi , Zhou Zhien , Chen Jian , Xiao Yu , Liang Zhiyong , Ji Zhigang , Li Hanzhong
Published: December 2014

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of transperineal template‐guided prostate biopsy.

Materials and Methods

From December 2003 to December 2013, a total of 3 007 patients (30–91 years old, mean age 69.1) who met the inclusion criteria underwent 11‐region transrectal ultrasound‐guided transperineal template prostate biopsy.

The inclusion criteria included a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level of 4.0 ng/mL or greater and abnormal prostate gland findings on digital rectal examination, ultrasound, CT or MRI. The median PSA level was 11.0 ng/mL (range 0.2–100 ng/mL).

The prostate cancer detection rate and prostate biopsy adverse effects, as well as prostate cancer spatial distribution were analyzed.

Results

A mean of 19.3 cores (range 11–44) were obtained for each biopsy, and more cores were obtained in larger prostates than in smaller ones.

One to four cores were collected from each region. Prostate cancer was detected in 1 067 of the 3 007 patients (35.5%). The prostate cancer detection rates in groups with PSA levels of 0–4.0 ng/mL, 4.1–10.0 ng/mL, 10.1–20.0 ng/mL, 20.1–50.0 ng/mL, and 50.1–100.0 ng/mL were 15.3% (27/176), 21.0% (248/1 179), 32.6% (318/975), 56.0% (232/414), and 92.0% (241/262), respectively.

The mean positives for cancer in regions 1–10 and region 11 (the apical region) were 46.7% vs 52.0% (P = 0.014).

Regarding adverse effects, 47.0% of the patients reported hematuria, 6.1% developed hemospermia, 1.9% required short‐term catheterization after biopsy because of acute urinary retention, and 0.03% (one patient) developed urosepsis.

Conclusions

Transrectal ultrasound‐guided transperineal template prostate biopsy is safe and accurate.

The current study suggests that prostate carcinoma foci are more frequently localized in the apical region.
Depression and anxiety among left‐behind children in China: a systematic review
Authors: Cheng J. , Sun Y.‐H.
Published: December 2014

This study aimed to systematically review evidence of the prevalence and predictors of depression and anxiety among ‘left‐behind children’ in rural China. The electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure/Wanfang (Chinese) were utilized to search for terms including ‘depression’ or ‘depressive disorder’, ‘anxiety’ or ‘mental health’, combined with ‘left behind’, ‘children’ and ‘China’. High rates of psychological depression/anxiety have been reported among left‐behind children compared with their age‐matched peers. Prevalence rates of depression are reported to range from 12.1 to 51.4% and of anxiety are reported to range from 13.2 to 57.6%. Variability between studies is likely attributable to methodological variations relating to measures used and research setting. Potential predictors measured in studies include age and gender, types of being left, age/years of separation, socio‐economic status, etc. These high rates of reported psychological problems among this group of young people suggest the need to develop more effective approaches to prevention and management.
Child Maltreatment and Children's Developmental Trajectories in Early to Middle Childhood
Authors: Font Sarah A. , Berger Lawrence M.
Published: December 2014

Associations between experiencing child maltreatment and adverse developmental outcomes are widely studied, yet conclusions regarding the extent to which effects are bidirectional, and whether they are likely causal, remain elusive. This study uses the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a birth cohort of 4,898 children followed from birth through age 9. Hierarchical linear modeling and structural equation modeling are employed to estimate associations of maltreatment with cognitive and social‐emotional well‐being. Results suggest that effects of early childhood maltreatment emerge immediately, though developmental outcomes are also affected by newly occurring maltreatment over time. Additionally, findings indicate that children's early developmental scores predict their subsequent probability of experiencing maltreatment, though to a lesser extent than early maltreatment predicts subsequent developmental outcomes.
An elevated preoperative serum carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 level is a significant predictor for peritoneal dissemination and poor survival in colorectal cancer
Authors: Takakura Y. , Ikeda S. , Imaoka Y. , Urushihara T. , Itamoto T.
Published: December 2014

Aim

Many studies support the role of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a strong indicator of the status of colorectal cancer patients, but evidence for carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) is poor. For this reason the study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative serum CA19‐9 levels in colorectal cancer patients.

Method

In all, 1190 colorectal cancer patients were included in this study, of whom 955 underwent a potentially curative resection. These were analysed for recurrence and survival. The 255 patients with Stage IV disease were analysed for metastatic status.

Results

Patients with an elevated preoperative CEA with Stage II and III disease showed a significantly poorer survival than those with normal levels. In contrast patients with elevated preoperative CA19‐9 levels were associated with a significantly poorer survival irrespective of disease stage. Of the 255 patients with Stage IV disease, 92 (39.1%) had peritoneal dissemination at laparotomy observed more frequently in patients with an elevated CA19‐9 (47.9%). Of the 955 patients having a curative resection, 18 (1.9%) developed peritoneal dissemination. In multivariate analysis, an elevated preoperative CA19‐9 level was a significant risk factor for postoperative peritoneal recurrence.

Conclusion

After curative surgery for colorectal cancer the preoperative CA19‐9 level is a strong prognostic indicator of higher risk of peritoneal dissemination.
Gender aspects of survival after surgical treatment for rectal cancer
Authors: Lydrup M.‐L. , Höglund P.
Published: December 2014

Aim

Longer survival in women than men after rectal cancer surgery has been reported. Our hypothesis was that after correction for their longer life expectancy a survival benefit for women would still remain.

Method

We studied 2792 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer in the southern part of Sweden between 1996 and 2006. The following parameters were included in a prespecified multivariable Cox regression analysis: age at diagnosis, gender, preoperative radiotherapy, stage, year and type of surgery. In addition to overall survival, relative survival was calculated using the Hakulinen approach utilizing an age‐, gender‐ and calendar year‐matched Swedish control cohort.

Results

Female patients were significantly older, received neoadjuvant treatment less often and were more often operated on by local excision. Overall survival was significantly longer in women. In the multivariable analysis of relative survival, controlling for neoadjuvant treatment, Dukes stage and year and type of surgery, no significant effect of gender [hazard ratio (HR) 1.10 for men, P = 0.114] was found, whereas an improved relative survival with increased age (HR 0.96 per year, P < 0.001) was seen. In contrast, using the same multivariable model with no correction for underlying mortality in the population, male gender (HR 1.38, P < 0.001) and greater age (HR 1.05 per year, P < 0.001) increased the risk of death.

Conclusion

The results show that after correction for the underlying longer survival in women and some known confounders, survival after surgical treatment for rectal cancer appears to be gender neutral.
A novel cause of community‐acquired pneumonia in a young immunocompetent host
Authors: James Nicholas , Gilman Matthew , Duncan Robert , Gray Anthony
Published: December 2014

Diffuse pulmonary infiltrates represent a common problem encountered by pulmonologists. The differential diagnosis is extensive and includes infectious, inflammatory, environmental and malignant conditions. Appropriate evaluation, aside from a thorough history and physical examination, includes serologic, radiographic and procedural elements. We describe a case of a healthy male with diffuse pulmonary infiltrates. Work up revealed a novel infectious etiology. Although this particular microorganism has been described to cause native valve endocarditis, recurrent breast abscesses, osteomyelitis and bacteremia, it has to date not been described as a cause for community acquired pneumonia in immunocompetent hosts.
Allocation of Returned Products among Different Recovery Options through an Opportunity Cost–Based Dynamic Approach*
Authors: Özdemir‐Akyıldırım Öznur , Denizel Meltem , Ferguson Mark
Published: December 2014

In a make‐to‐order product recovery environment, we consider the allocation decision for returned products decision under stochastic demand of a firm with three options: refurbishing to resell, parts harvesting, and recycling. We formulate the problem as a multiperiod Markov decision process (MDP) and present a linear programming (LP) approximation that provides an upper bound on the optimal objective function value of the MDP model. We then present two solution approaches to the MDP using the LP solution: a static approach that uses the LP solution directly and a dynamic approach that adopts a revenue management perspective and employs bid‐price controls technique where the LP is resolved after each demand arrival. We calculate the bid prices based on the shadow price interpretation of the dual variables for the inventory constraints and accept a demand if the marginal value is higher than the bid price. Since the need for solving the LP at each demand arrival requires a very efficient solution procedure, we present a transportation problem formulation of the LP via variable redefinitions and develop a one‐pass optimal solution procedure for it. We carry out an extensive numerical analysis to compare the two approaches and find that the dynamic approach provides better performance in all of the tested scenarios. Furthermore, the solutions obtained are within 2% of the upper bound on the optimal objective function value of the MDP model.
Impact of Value‐Added Service Features in e‐Retailing Processes: An Econometric Analysis of Web Site Functions
Authors: Hao‐Chun Chuang Howard , Lu Guanyi , Peng David Xiaosong , Heim Gregory R.
Published: December 2014

We examine the impact of three classes of Web site functions (foundational, customer‐centered, and value‐added) upon e‐retailer performance. Using secondary panel data for 2007–2009 on operating characteristics of over 600 e‐retailers, our econometric analysis finds that only the value‐added service functions are positively associated with changes in e‐retail sales revenues across time. We also observe a decreasing marginal impact of deploying additional value‐added service features. To account for possible alternate explanations, we control for firm‐ and time‐specific fixed effects, merchant types, merchandise categories, and order fulfillment strategies. By further decomposing e‐retail sales revenues into Web site traffic, conversion rate, and average order value, we find that Web site functions affect e‐retail sales revenues mainly through their impact on Web site traffic. Our investigation demonstrates the empirical research usefulness of the Voss conceptual e‐service sand cone model. Our results identify for managers where to focus ongoing e‐retailing system development efforts, yet suggest that focusing too many retailing capabilities on exploratory and experimental value‐added service features may backfire, potentially leading to worsening e‐retailer performance.
Important elements of measuring participation for children who need or use power mobility: a modified Delphi survey
Authors: Field Debra A , Miller William C , Jarus Tal , Ryan Stephen E , Roxborough Lori
Published: December 2014

Aim

To identify and reach consensus on important elements of measuring participation in everyday life for children who need or use power mobility.

Method

A panel (n=74) of parents, therapists, and researchers with pediatric power mobility and participation expertise completed an online modified Delphi survey. Three rounds determined important elements of participation for two groups: early childhood (18mo–5y) and school‐aged (6–12y). ‘Elements of participation’ defined the ‘who, what, where, and how’ of measuring participation, generated from a literature review and participants’ suggestions. Consensus was set a priori as ≥80% agreement.

Results

Consensus was reached on 21 out of 48 elements of participation important to measure for our population: eight elements for the younger group and 18 elements for the older group. When ranked by importance, four of the top five elements were common across both age groups.

Interpretation

For children using power mobility, measuring participation in a variety of settings is critical, along with considering both the child's and family's participation. Evaluating child engagement and enjoyment of participation are priorities, as is measuring barriers and facilitators. For school‐aged children, evaluating child and parent reports of participation are essential. These elements can guide tool selection and/or development.
First detection of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus associated with Pinus nigra in Portugal and in Europe
Authors: Inácio M.L. , Nóbrega F. , Vieira P. , Bonifácio L. , Naves P. , Sousa E. , Mota M.
Published: December 2014

The pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is the causal agent of pine wilt disease. This species has been reported from the United States of America and Asia associated with important forestry tree species, including pine, spruce, fir, larch and other conifers. However, in Europe, the devastating epidemics centred in Portugal's mainland, and the most recent detections in Madeira Island and in Spain were restricted to Pinus pinaster alone. During the 2013 national survey, wilted Pinus nigra trees, from the central region of Portugal, were sampled. A Bursaphelenchus species was found in very high numbers, with an average up to 5000 nematodes per 10 g of wood, collected from different pine trees. Morphological identification of those specimens, including the presence of a bursa in the male tail, four lateral incisures, shape of spicules, presence of a vulva flap and female rounded tail, was in agreement with the PWN description. Species identification was confirmed also using species‐specific primers targeting the ITS region of the ribosomal DNA to the PWN. Herein, B. xylophilus is reported for the first time associated with declining P. nigra in Portugal, and in Europe. Simultaneously, the insect vector Monochamus galloprovincialis was also detected colonizing the PWN‐infected P. nigra.
Structural and functional analysis of yeast Crh1 and Crh2 transglycosylases
Authors: Blanco Noelia , Sanz Ana B. , Rodríguez‐Peña Jose M. , Nombela César , Farkaš Vladimír , Hurtado‐Guerrero Ramón , Arroyo Javier
Published: December 2014

Covalent cross‐links between chitin and glucan at the yeast cell wall are created by the transglycosylase activity of redundant proteins Crh1 and Crh2, with cleavage of β‐1,4 linkages of the chitin backbone and transfer of the generated molecule containing newly created reducing end onto the glucan acceptor. A three‐dimensional structure of Crh1 was generated by homology modeling based on the crystal structure of bacterial 1,3‐1,4‐β‐d‐glucanase, followed by site‐directed mutagenesis to obtain molecular insights into how these enzymes achieve catalysis. The residues of both proteins that are involved in their catalytic and binding activities have been characterized by measuring the ability of yeast cells expressing different versions of these proteins to transglycosylate oligosaccharides derived from β‐1,3‐glucan, β‐1,6‐glucan and chitin to the chitin at the cell wall. Within the catalytic site, residues E134 and E138 of Crh1, as well as E166 and E170 of Crh2, corresponding to the nucleophile and general acid/base, and also the auxiliary D136 and D168 of Crh1 and Crh2, respectively, are shown to be essential for catalysis. Mutations of aromatic residues F152, Y160 and W219, located within the carbohydrate‐binding cleft of the Crh1 model, also affect the transglycosylase activity. Unlike Crh1, Crh2 contains a putative carbohydrate‐binding module (CBM18) of unknown function. Modeling and functional analysis of site‐directed mutant residues of this CBM identified essential amino acids for protein folding and stability, as well as residues that tune the catalytic activity of Crh2.
Bayesian Chance‐Constrained Hydraulic Barrier Design under Geological Structure Uncertainty
Authors: Chitsazan Nima , Pham Hai V. , Tsai Frank T.‐C.
Published: December 2014

The groundwater community has widely recognized geological structure uncertainty as a major source of model structure uncertainty. Previous studies in aquifer remediation design, however, rarely discuss the impact of geological structure uncertainty. This study combines chance‐constrained (CC) programming with Bayesian model averaging (BMA) as a BMA‐CC framework to assess the impact of geological structure uncertainty in remediation design. To pursue this goal, the BMA‐CC method is compared with traditional CC programming that only considers model parameter uncertainty. The BMA‐CC method is employed to design a hydraulic barrier to protect public supply wells of the Government St. pump station from salt water intrusion in the “1500‐foot” sand and the “1700‐foot” sand of the Baton Rouge area, southeastern Louisiana. To address geological structure uncertainty, three groundwater models based on three different hydrostratigraphic architectures are developed. The results show that using traditional CC programming overestimates design reliability. The results also show that at least five additional connector wells are needed to achieve more than 90% design reliability level. The total amount of injected water from the connector wells is higher than the total pumpage of the protected public supply wells. While reducing the injection rate can be achieved by reducing the reliability level, the study finds that the hydraulic barrier design to protect the Government St. pump station may not be economically attractive.
The role of mutations in epigenetic regulators in myeloid malignancies
Authors: Woods Brittany A. , Levine Ross L.
Published: December 2014

Over the past decade, genomic studies have identified a number of novel and recurrent somatic mutations that affect epigenetic patterning in patients with myeloid malignancies, including myeloproliferative neoplasms, myelodysplastic syndrome, and acute myeloid leukemia. Many of these mutations occur in genes with established roles in the regulation and maintenance of DNA methylation and/or chromatin modifications in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Subsequent genetic and functional studies have revealed that these mutations affect epigenetic patterning in myeloid diseases. In this review, we discuss historical and recent studies implicating epigenetic modifiers in the development and evolution of the various myeloid malignancies and discuss how this knowledge has and will lead to future clinical and biologic insights.
A systematic review of nurse‐related social network analysis studies
Authors: Benton D.C. , Pérez‐Raya F. , Fernández‐Fernández M.P. , González‐Jurado M.A.
Published: December 2014

Background

Nurses frequently work as part of both uni‐ and multidisciplinary teams. Communication between team members is critical in the delivery of quality care. Social network analysis is increasingly being used to explore such communication.

Aim

To explore the use of social network analysis involving nurses either as subjects of the study or as researchers.

Methods

Standard systematic review procedures were applied to identify nurse‐related studies that utilize social network analysis. A comparative thematic approach to synthesis was used.

Both published and grey literature written inEnglish,Spanish andPortuguese betweenJanuary 1965 andDecember 2013 were identified via a structured search ofCINAHL,SciELOandPubMed. In addition,Google andYahoo search engines were used to identify additional grey literature using the same search strategy.

Results

Forty‐three primary studies were identified with literature fromNorthAmerica dominating the published work. So far it would appear that no author or group of authors have developed a programme of research in the nursing field using the social network analysis approach although several authors may be in the process of doing so.

Limitations

The dominance of literature fromNorthAmerica may be viewed as problematic as the underlying structures and themes may be an artefact of cultural communication norms from this region.

Conclusions

The use of social network analysis in relation to nursing and by nurse researchers has increased rapidly over the past two decades. The lack of longitudinal studies and the absence of replication across multiple sites should be seen as an opportunity for further research.

Implication for Nursing and Health Policy

This analytical approach is relatively new in the field of nursing but does show considerable promise in offering insights into the way information flows between individuals, teams, institutions and other structures. An understanding of these structures provides a means of improving communication.
Perceived barriers to effective knowledge sharing in agile software teams
Authors: Ghobadi Shahla , Mathiassen Lars
Published: December 2014

While the literature offers several frameworks that explain barriers to knowledge sharing within software development teams, little is known about differences in how team members perceive these barriers. Based on an in‐depth multi‐case study of four software projects, we investigate how project managers, developers, testers and user representatives think about barriers to effective knowledge sharing in agile development. Adapting comparative causal mapping, we constructed causal maps for each of the four roles and identified overlap and divergence in map constructs and causal linkages. The results indicate that despite certain similarities, the four roles differ in how they perceive and emphasize knowledge‐sharing barriers. The project managers put primary emphasis on project setting barriers, while the primary concern of developers, testers and user representatives were project communication, project organization and team capabilities barriers, respectively. Integrating the four causal maps and the agile literature, we propose a conceptual framework with seven types of knowledge‐sharing barriers and 37 specific barriers. We argue that to bridge communication gaps and create shared understanding in software teams, it is critical to take the revealed concerns of different roles into account. We conclude by discussing our findings in relation to knowledge sharing in agile teams and software teams more generally.
What lies ahead: Ten predictions for 2015
Authors: Legrain Philippe , Pettifor Ann , Gardiner Laura , Torrance David , Jacques Martin , Crabtree James , Jacobs Michael , Nave Kathryn , Taylor Matthew , Glaser Eliane
Published: December 2014

2014 ends in uncertainty, with economic stagnation, health crisis in west Africa, and war in the Ukraine and Middle East. Yet there is optimism, on climate change action, growth in Asia and Africa, and new technology. Juncture asked leading commentators to look ahead to 2015 on key issues facing Britain and the world.
World in motion: How globalisation is reshaping the party system
Authors: Curtice John
Published: December 2014

John Curtice argues that globalisation is fragmenting our party system, as those who have lost out from economic change and who are concerned about its downsides turn away from the established parties. Labour in particular is in danger, he says, of losing its claim to be the party that stands up for the exploited and disadvantaged.
After the 30‐year experiment: The future of the ‘foundational economy’
Authors: Leaver Adam , Williams Karel
Published: December 2014

Adam Leaver and Karel Williams argue that since 1979 successive British governments have embraced an economic model that has produced systemic failure and pervasive mismanagement in many business sectors – yet appear to have learned nothing from this failure.
The influence of vagrant hosts and weather patterns on the colonization and persistence of blood parasites in an island bird
Authors: Clark Nicholas J. , Clegg Sonya M.
Published: December 2014

Aim

Colonization and extinction are important drivers of island biogeography, but they are difficult to study. We used a long‐term dataset to determine the mechanisms that contribute to colonization and persistence for vector‐borne blood parasites in an island population of birds that regularly receives infected vagrant conspecifics and wind‐assisted potential vectors from the mainland.

Location

Heron Island (Australia) and the Australian mainland.

Methods

We determined the prevalence, temporal stability and host‐specificity of Haemoproteus and Plasmodium parasites in resident and mainland‐vagrant silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis) on Heron Island over seven years (1999–2003 and 2012–2013). We carried out simulations using mainland infection data and vagrant arrival scenarios to test whether transmission from vagrants influences infection patterns in island residents. We tested whether variation in island parasite prevalence was predicted by abiotic factors associated with vector breeding and dispersal.

Results

Parasite prevalence and composition on the island varied considerably across years. Host‐specialist Haemoproteus species exhibited lower prevalence than expected and frequent absence despite a high probability of arriving via vagrants. In contrast, host‐generalist Plasmodium species exhibited a low probability of arriving via vagrants but were temporally persistent in island silvereyes. Increases in prevalence and diversity of Plasmodium species were associated with episodes of offshore winds.

Main conclusions

This study shows that parasites that are abundant in source populations do not necessarily exhibit increased colonization success via vagrant host movement. Vagrant silvereyes are not likely to shape infection patterns in island‐resident silvereyes. Instead, indirect evidence of associations between weather patterns and parasite dynamics suggests that the insular parasite community may be limited by vector establishment. Our results support the hypothesis that host‐specificity is important in determining a parasite's ability to persist on islands, with host‐specialists at greater risk of failing to establish after their initial arrival.
Detox diets for toxin elimination and weight management: a critical review of the evidence
Authors: Klein A. V. , Kiat H.
Published: December 2014

Detox diets are popular dieting strategies that claim to facilitate toxin elimination and weight loss, thereby promoting health and well‐being. The present review examines whether detox diets are necessary, what they involve, whether they are effective and whether they present any dangers. Although the detox industry is booming, there is very little clinical evidence to support the use of these diets. A handful of clinical studies have shown that commercial detox diets enhance liver detoxification and eliminate persistent organic pollutants from the body, although these studies are hampered by flawed methodologies and small sample sizes. There is preliminary evidence to suggest that certain foods such as coriander, nori and olestra have detoxification properties, although the majority of these studies have been performed in animals. To the best of our knowledge, no randomised controlled trials have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of commercial detox diets in humans. This is an area that deserves attention so that consumers can be informed of the potential benefits and risks of detox programmes.
The Importance of Biological Oscillators for Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Adrenal Activity and Tissue Glucocorticoid Response: Coordinating Stress and Neurobehavioural Adaptation
Authors: Russell G. M. , Kalafatakis K. , Lightman S. L.
Published: December 2014

The hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis is critical for life. It has a circadian rhythm that anticipates the metabolic, immunoregulatory and cognitive needs of the active portion of the day, and retains an ability to react rapidly to perceived stressful stimuli. The circadian variation in glucocorticoids is very ‘noisy’ because it is made up from an underlying approximately hourly ultradian rhythm of glucocorticoid pulses, which increase in amplitude at the peak of circadian secretion. We have shown that these pulses emerge as a consequence of the feedforward–feedback relationship between the actions of corticotrophin hormone (ACTH) on the adrenal cortex and of endogenous glucocorticoids on pituitary corticotrophs. The adrenal gland itself has adapted to respond preferentially to a digital signal of ACTH and has its own feedforward–feedback system that effectively amplifies the pulsatile characteristics of the incoming signal. Glucocorticoid receptor signalling in the body is also adapted to respond in a tissue‐specific manner to oscillating signals of glucocorticoids, and gene transcriptional and behavioural responses depend on the pattern (i.e. constant or pulsatile) of glucocorticoid presentation. During major stressful activation of the HPA, there is a marked remodelling of the pituitary–adrenal interaction. The link between ACTH and glucocorticoid pulses is maintained, although there is a massive increase in the adrenal responsiveness to the ACTH signals.
Computational Analyses of Arteriovenous Malformations in Neuroimaging
Authors: Di Ieva Antonio , Boukadoum Mounir , Lahmiri Salim , Cusimano Michael D.
Published: December 2014

Computational models have been investigated for the analysis of the physiopathology and morphology of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in recent years. Special emphasis has been given to image fusion in multimodal imaging and 3‐dimensional rendering of the AVM, with the aim to improve the visualization of the lesion (for diagnostic purposes) and the selection of the nidus (for therapeutic aims, like the selection of the region of interest for the gamma knife radiosurgery plan). Searching for new diagnostic and prognostic neuroimaging biomarkers, fractal‐based computational models have been proposed for describing and quantifying the angioarchitecture of the nidus. Computational modeling in the AVM field offers promising tools of analysis and requires a strict collaboration among neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, clinicians, computer scientists, and engineers. We present here some updated state‐of‐the‐art exemplary cases in the field, focusing on recent neuroimaging computational modeling with clinical relevance, which might offer useful clinical tools for the management of AVMs in the future.
Effects of epigallocatechin gallate on lipid metabolism and its underlying molecular mechanism in broiler chickens
Authors: Huang J. B. , Zhang Y. , Zhou Y. B. , Wan X. C. , Zhang J. S.
Published: December 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on fat metabolism and to establish the molecular mechanism of these effects in broilers. Seventy‐two 28‐day‐old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into three groups with different levels ofEGCGsupplementation for 4 weeks: normal control (NC) group, L‐EGCG(a low‐level supplement ofEGCG, 40 mg/kg body weight daily) and H‐EGCG(a high‐level supplement ofEGCG, 80 mg/kg body weight daily). After 4 weeks of oral administration,EGCGsignificantly reduced the level of abdominal fat deposition in broilers. The serum triglycerides and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol of chickens in H‐EGCGgroup were also significantly decreased compared with theNCgroup, and the high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was notably increased at the same time. Moreover, the vital role of the liver and abdominal adipose tissue in lipid metabolism of poultry animals was examined through gene expression and enzyme activities related to fat anabolism and catabolism in these organs. Our data show thatEGCGsupplementation for 2 weeks significantly downregulated the expression of fatty acid synthesis and fat deposition‐related genes, and upregulated the expression of genes involved in fatty acidβ‐oxidation and lipolysis genes. Simultaneously, the activities of hepatic fatty acid synthesis enzymes (fatty acid synthase and acetyl CoA carboxylase) were significantly decreased, and the activity of carnitine palmitoyl transferase‐1 was notably elevated. The results suggest thatEGCGcould alleviate fat deposition in broilers through inhibiting fat anabolism and stimulating lipid catabolism in broilers.
Perception of Men's Beauty and Attractiveness by Women with Low Sexual Desire
Authors: Ferdenzi Camille , Delplanque Sylvain , Vorontsova-Wenger Olga , Pool E.v.a. , Bianchi-Demicheli Francesco , Sander David
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Despite the high prevalence of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), especially among women, this sexual disorder remains poorly understood. Among the multiple factors possibly involved in HSDD, particularities in the cognitive evaluations of social stimuli need to be better characterized. Especially, beauty and attractiveness judgments, two dimensions of interpersonal perception that are related but differ on their underlying motivational aspects, may vary according to the level of sexual desire.

Aim

The main goal of this study was to investigate whether women with and without HSDD differ in their evaluations of beauty and attractiveness of men's faces and voices.

Methods

Young women from the general population (controls, n = 16) and with HSDD (patients, n = 16) took part in the study. They were presented with a series of neutral/nonerotic voices and faces of young men from the GEneva Faces And Voices database.

Main Outcome Measures

Ratings of beauty (i.e., assessments of aesthetic pleasure) and of attractiveness (i.e., assessments of the personal propensity to feel attracted to someone) and the frequency to which the participants pressed a key to see or listen to each stimulus again were the main outcome measures.

Results

Ratings of attractiveness were lower than ratings of beauty in both groups of women. The dissociation between beauty and attractiveness was larger in women with HSDD than in control participants. Patients gave lower attractiveness ratings than the controls and replayed the stimuli significantly less often.

Conclusion

These results suggest that women with HSDD are characterized by specific alterations of the motivational component of men's perception, very early in the process of interpersonal relationships. Our findings have significant implications, both in better understanding the specific cognitive processes underlying hypoactive sexual desire and more largely the evaluative processes involved in human mate choice.
THE NUMÉRAIRE PROPERTY AND LONG‐TERM GROWTH OPTIMALITY FOR DRAWDOWN‐CONSTRAINED INVESTMENTS
Authors: Kardaras Constantinos , Obłój Jan , Platen Eckhard
Published: December 2014

We consider the portfolio choice problem for a long‐run investor in a general continuous semimartingale model. We combine the decision criterion of pathwise growth optimality with a flexible specification of attitude toward risk, encoded by a linear drawdown constraint imposed on admissible wealth processes. We define the constrained numéraire property through the notion of expected relative return and prove that drawdown‐constrained numéraire portfolio exists and is unique, but may depend on the investment horizon. However, when sampled at the times of its maximum and asymptotically as the time‐horizon becomes distant, the drawdown‐constrained numéraire portfolio is given explicitly through a model‐independent transformation of the unconstrained numéraire portfolio. The asymptotically growth‐optimal strategy is obtained as limit of numéraire strategies on finite horizons.
Petrology and trace element geochemistry of Tissint, the newest shergottite fall
Authors: Balta J. Brian , Sanborn Matthew E. , Udry Arya , Wadhwa Meenakshi , McSween Harry Y.
Published: December 2014

The fall and recovery of the Tissint meteorite in 2011 created a rare opportunity to examine a Martian sample with a known, short residence time on Earth. Tissint is an olivine‐phyric shergottite that accumulated olivine antecrysts within a single magmatic system. Coarse olivine grains with nearly homogeneous cores of Mg# >80 suggest slow re‐equilibration. Many macroscopic features of this sample resemble those of LAR 06319, including the olivine crystal size distribution and the presence of evolved oxide and olivine compositions. Unlike LAR 06319, however, no magmatic hydrous phases were found in the analyzed samples of Tissint. Minor and trace element compositions indicate that the meteorite is the product of closed‐system crystallization from a parent melt derived from a depleted source, with no obvious addition of a LREE‐rich (crustal?) component prior to or during crystallization. The whole‐rock REE pattern is similar to that of intermediate olivine‐phyric shergottite EETA 79001 lithology A, and could also be approximated by a more olivine‐rich version of depleted basaltic shergottite QUE 94201. Magmatic oxygen fugacities are at the low end of the shergottite range, with log fO2 of QFM‐3.5 to ‐4.0 estimated based on early‐crystallized minerals and QFM‐2.4 estimated based on the Eu in pyroxene oxybarometer. These values are similarly comparable to other depleted shergottites, including SaU 005 and QUE 94201. Tissint occupies a previously unsampled niche in shergottite chemistry: containing olivines with Mg# >80, resembling the enriched olivine‐phyric shergottite LAR 06319 in its crystallization path, and comparable to intermediate olivine‐phyric shergottite EETA 79001A, depleted olivine‐phyric shergottite DaG 476, and depleted basaltic shergottite QUE 94201 in its trace element abundances and oxygen fugacity. The apparent absence of evidence for terrestrial alteration in Tissint (particularly in trace element abundances in the whole‐rock and individual minerals) confirms that exposure to the arid desert environment results in only minimal weathering of samples, provided the exposure times are brief.
Non‐convulsive seizures in children with infection‐related altered mental status
Authors: Fujita Kyoko , Nagase Hiroaki , Nakagawa Taku , Saji Yohsuke , Maruyama Azusa , Uetani Yoshiyuki
Published: December 2014

Background

In the intensive care unit, the use of continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) in children with altered mental status often results in the detection of non‐convulsive seizures (NCS). Children with influenza can occasionally display altered mental status, but the prevalence of NCS in children with influenza with altered mental status is yet to be determined. This study determined the prevalence of NCS in pediatric patients with altered mental status associated with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed admissions to the pediatric intensive care unit between September 2009 and February 2010 and confirmed the presence of NCS on cEEG in children with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and with altered mental status.

Results

Of the 15 patients (aged 41−159 months old), NCS was identified on cEEG in five children (33%).

Conclusions

Approximately one‐third of the children infected with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 with altered mental status had NCS. Further research is needed to determine if the detection and management of NCS improve outcome in these children.
Relationship between electrocardiographic signs and shunt volume in atrial septal defect
Authors: Somura Junpei , Nakagawa Masao , Ukiami Masami , Sagawa Hironori , Furukawa Ouki , Hoshino Shinsuke , Fujino Hidetoshi , Takeuchi Yoshihiro
Published: December 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to determine whether electrocardiographic signs correlate with hemodynamics and the magnitude of the intracardiac shunt in children with ostium secundum atrial septal defects (ASD).

Methods

A total of 100 ASD patients (median age, 6 years 4 months; 54 girls) underwent cardiac catheterization between August 1980 and April 2010. We retrospectively investigated the relationship between electrocardiographic signs and the pulmonary/systemic blood flow ratio (Qp/Qs) in these patients. We also compared 63 postoperative electrocardiograms with those recorded before surgery.

Results

The mean Qp/Qs ratio of the 100 patients was 2.46 ± 0.81 (range, 1.1–5.0). The Qp/Qs ratio in patients with and without right bundle branch block (RBBB) was 2.57 ± 0.82 (n = 73) and 2.15 ± 0.72 (n = 27), respectively (P = 0.016). The Qp/Qs ratio in patients with and without isolated negative T‐wave was 2.85 ± 0.87 (n = 38) and 2.22 ± 0.68 (n = 62), respectively (P = 0.0003). None of the patients with low Qp/Qs ratio (Qp/Qs ratio ≤ 1.5) had both RBBB and isolated negative T‐wave. The prevalence of these two signs decreased from 73.0% (n = 46) and 36.5% (n = 23) to 15.9% (n = 10) and 15.9% (n = 10) after surgical repair, respectively.

Conclusions

RBBB and isolated negative T‐wave in the precordial leads are well correlated with high Qp/Qs ratio in ASD patients.
Thioredoxin Reductase Activity may be More Important than GSH Level in Protecting Human Lens Epithelial Cells against UVA Light
Authors: Padgaonkar Vanita A. , Leverenz Victor R. , Bhat Aparna V. , Pelliccia Sara E. , Giblin Frank J.
Published: December 2014

This study compares the abilities of the glutathione (GSH) and thioredoxin (Trx) antioxidant systems in defending cultured human lens epithelial cells (LECs) against UVA light. Levels of GSH were depleted with either L‐buthionine‐(S,R)‐sulfoximine (BSO) or 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene (CDNB). CDNB treatment also inhibited the activity of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). Two levels of O2, 3% and 20%, were employed during a 1 h exposure of the cells to 25 J cm−2 of UVA radiation (338–400 nm wavelength, peak at 365 nm). Inhibition of TrxR activity by CDNB, combined with exposure to UVA light, produced a substantial loss of LECs and cell damage, with the effects being considerably more severe at 20% O2 compared to 3%. In contrast, depletion of GSH by BSO, combined with exposure to UVA light, produced only a slight cell loss, with no apparent morphological effects. Catalase was highly sensitive to UVA‐induced inactivation, but was not essential for protection. Although UVA light presented a challenge for the lens epithelium, it was well tolerated under normal conditions. The results demonstrate an important role for TrxR activity in defending the lens epithelium against UVA light, possibly related to the ability of the Trx system to assist DNA synthesis following UVA‐induced cell damage.
The Impact of Identity Politics in Challenging National Narratives: A Case Study among Canadian Muslims
Authors: Amin Sara N.
Published: December 2014

Research and theories of nationalisms have underscored how national imaginaries are significantly shaped by collective identity claims‐making, as well as how national imaginaries are mobilized to make claims of both inclusion and exclusion by groups in the nation. However, there has been less focus on how within a given categorical group in a nation national imaginaries are interpreted, contested, and mobilized. Just as inter‐group contests have been shown to impact on national narratives, I propose that intra‐group contests have implications for national narratives as well. This article utilizes the literature on identity politics and multiculturalism to explore how Muslim Canadians are attempting to shape the national narratives of the religious in Canada. Utilizing interviews, editorials written by Muslim Canadians in the mass media, as well as Muslim organizational documents from the 2000–2008 period, this article analyses the claims and counter‐claims within the Muslim‐Canadian community about how they imagine the Canadian nation and the place of the religious in it.
Towards a Powerful Nation: Neoliberalism andGreek Nationalism inThrace at the Turn of the Twenty‐First Century
Authors: Gkintidis Dimitrios
Published: December 2014

This article retraces the permutations ofGreek nationalism from the early 1990s up to the late 2000s using the example of theWorldThracianCongresses – localized public events of ostentatious nationalist display that were organized from the early 1990s in theGreek border region ofThrace. New discourses on a ‘PowerfulGreece’ and flexible geopolitics reflect the particular ways in whichGreek nationalism and neoliberalism were configured among local and national elites. By understanding the ways in which aspirations of national grandeur, rationality, and accountability have been constructed for the last twenty years, we can begin to develop a deeper insight into the dilemmas ofGreek nationalism during the economic crisis of the early 2010s.