bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONNECTING WITH WORK
Authors: Ahmad Akhlaq
Published: June 2011

This study considers to what extent immigrants’ social networks have acted as important resources that have helped them to connect with employment opportunities during their entire occupational careers in Finland. Adopting a comprehensive job-acquisition model, it offers a detailed investigation into how job information that led to employment is acquired and transmitted, how the jobs themselves are applied for, and in which ways social contacts have played a direct or indirect role in obtaining them. Despite the presence of a well-established nationwide system of public employment agencies in Finland, reliance on predominantly ethnic networks was found to be pervasive among immigrants throughout their employment histories under loose as well as tight job-market conditions. The role of networks was especially vital in the immediate post-immigration period, because as newcomers to the host society, they lacked locally acquired human capital. The empirical observations also suggest, however, that extensive reliance on networks was also a means to circumvent discrimination prevailing in the labour market that discouraged immigrants from seeking employment through formal channels of job information. Discrimination had not only contributed to low occupational attainment of informants by confining them to low-prestige occupations but indirectly also may have led to the structuring of ethnically dominated networks among them. The study suggests that the efforts aimed at creating equal employment opportunities for immigrants are unlikely to bear fruit without successfully combating discrimination and a general change in attitudes towards immigrants in society.
Risk Assessment in Intellectually Disabled Offenders: Validation of the Suggested ID Supplement to the HCR-20
Authors: Verbrugge H.M. , Goodman-Delahunty J. , Frize M.C. J.
Published: June 2011

The overrepresentation of individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) in the criminal justice system is an established phenomenon. Recently there has been an increased focus in the literature on risk assessment of offenders with an ID. A supplemental guide to the HCR-20 ( Webster, Douglas, Eaves, & Hart, 1997 ) for offenders with ID was proposed to increase the standardization and reliability of risk assessment for ID offenders. The current project empirically evaluated the validity of these adaptive recommendations in a sample of 59 community-based ID offenders with a history of violent offending. By employing a retrospective approach, this study examined differences in the relationship between predicted risk and actual reoffending over a minimum of two years, as assessed by using the HCR-20 and HCR-20 with ID Supplement. Their predictive validity was also compared to that of the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG; Quinsey, Harris, Rice, & Cormier, 1998). Predictive validity was generally good. Although statistical significance could not be determined, use of the ID Supplement resulted in a small improvement in predictive validity relative to the HCR-20 and VRAG. Implications of the findings for practitioners and recommendations for further research are discussed.
The Psychological Treatment Needs of Deaf Mental Health Patients in High-Secure Settings: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Mitchell ThomasR. , Braham LouiseG.
Published: June 2011

A review of the literature relating to the psychological treatment needs of deaf mentally disordered offenders residing in high secure settings was conducted. Four literature searches were conducted relating to offending, mental illness, assessment and treatment with the deaf. The literature regarding these areas was found to be highly limited. Despite this, evidence suggests that deaf people are over represented in high secure facilities. It is also suggested that deaf offenders show higher levels of violent and sexual offences than their hearing counterparts. Most theories accounting for this difference in offending relate to the insufficient acquirement of social understanding however the finding may be an artefact of biases in the criminal justice system. Overall deaf people appear to experience similar levels of mental illness but greater levels of learning disability than hearing people. There are numerous sources of error when conducting assessments with deaf people. Similarly there are a number of challenges when delivering interventions with deaf people. These issues are discussed in terms of their implications for the psychological treatment needs of deaf mentally disordered offenders. Suggestions for future research include making use of systematic case studies to avoid some of the methodological challenges of researching this population.
Severe Mental Illness and Aggressive Behavior: On the Importance of Considering Subgroups
Authors: Joyal ChristianC. , Côté Gilles , Meloche Julie , Hodgins Sheilagh
Published: June 2011

A minority of persons with severe mental illness (SMI) engage in violence towards others. These individuals, however, constitute a heterogeneous population with respect to patterns and correlates of violence. The present study used multivariate profile analyses to identify clusters of patients with SMI who displayed similar patterns of violence and similar correlates among 178 participants with SMI and a history of interpersonal violence. The types, locations, methods, and victims of violence, the associations of psychotic symptoms, alcohol and drug intoxication with violence, psychopathy traits, and impulsivity were entered into multiple correspondence analyses. Three subgroups of violent individuals were identified: psychotic, repetitive, and institutional. A fourth, unexpected subgroup of less violent persons was also found. The subgroups differed as to frequency, type, method, and location of violent incidents towards others; the presence of delusions, hallucinations, and intoxication when violent; and levels of psychopathy traits and impulsivity. These results demonstrate that among persons with SMI and considered at risk for violence, there are subgroups who display distinctive patterns and correlates of violent behavior. The finding that factors promoting violence in the subgroups differ indicates the need for distinct treatment and management strategies to reduce violence in each type.
Forensic Case Formulation
Authors: Hart Stephen , Sturmey Peter , Logan Caroline , McMurran Mary
Published: June 2011

Formulation is the process or product of gathering and integrating diverse information to develop a concise account of the nature and etiology of the problems affecting a person's mental health to guide idiographic treatment design and other decision-making. Formulation is a core competency in mental health practice, including forensic mental health; however, there is no agreement concerning the details of how it should be done or how to evaluate it, either generally or more specifically with respect to forensic mental health. The purpose of this paper is to raise specific issues in the practice and evaluation of forensic case formulation, and so enhance the profile of this important area of work. In this paper, we (1) define case formulation and describe its key features, (2) specify criteria for evaluating case formulation, and (3) address challenges in forensic practice, with suggestions for advancing practice through research. We conclude with a proposed research agenda that we hope will encourage and promote activity in this important area.
Assessing Risk for Violent and General Recidivism: A Study of the HCR-20 and the PCL-R with a Non-Clinical Sample of Portuguese Offenders
Authors: Neves AnaCristina , Gonçalves RuiAbrunhosa , Palma-Oliveira JoséManuel
Published: June 2011

The present study intended to contribute to the development of risk assessment research and practice in Portugal, while addressing less explored areas of research in the international literature. We sought to replicate and extend the validity of the HCR-20 and the PCL-R, and their components, in a correctional community setting, with a sample of 158 non-mentally disordered Portuguese offenders, regarding both violent and nonviolent recidivism. The predictive, convergent and incremental validity of the HCR-20 and the PCL-R were prospectively tested in relation to general, violent and nonviolent recidivism. Furthermore, the performance of the structured professional judgment (SPJ) was compared to the pure actuarial use of the HCR-20. Both the HCR-20 and the PCL-R showed good predictive validity, although the HCR-20 tended to outperform the PCL-R for general, violent and nonviolent recidivism, adding significant incremental validity to predictions made solely with the PCL-R. High coefficients for the prediction of general and nonviolent recidivism showed that the HCR-20 and the PCL-R can be valid risk measures for outcome other than violence and that they can be useful in nonclinical settings. Results also provided support for the validity and utility of the SPJ method, especially for the assessment of violent outcomes. Our findings showed that internationally disseminated assessment tools, such as the HCR-20 and the PCL-R, can be used with Portuguese offenders with valid and efficient results.
Predicting Seclusion in a Medium Secure Forensic Inpatient Setting
Authors: Reimann BradleyJ. , Nussbaum David
Published: June 2011

The current study investigated the predictive validity of several popular risk-related assessment instruments with respect to seclusion. The Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R; Hare, 2003), Version 2 of the HCR-20 (HCR-20; Webster, Douglas, Eaves, & Hart, 1997), the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG; Harris, Rice, & Quinsey, 1998), and the Level of Service Inventory-Revised (LSI-R; Andrews & Bonta, 1995) were coded from institutional files for a sample of 130 patients from a medium-secure forensic inpatient unit. Seclusion was indexed in terms of total number of seclusions during a period of two years and total time spent in seclusion. ROC analyses indicated that all instruments had small to moderate and significant predictive validity with respect to frequency of seclusion, but were less strongly predictive of duration of seclusion. Overall, Factor 2 of the PCL-R was the best predictor of seclusion. Implications for practice and the necessity for future and local research are discussed.
Type XII collagen regulates osteoblast polarity and communication during bone formation
Authors: Izu Yayoi , Sun Mei , Zwolanek Daniela , Veit Guido , Williams Valerie , Cha Byeong , Jepsen Karl J. , Koch Manuel , Birk David E.
Published: June 2011

Differentiated osteoblasts are polarized in regions of bone deposition, demonstrate extensive cell interaction and communication, and are responsible for bone formation and quality. Type XII collagen is a fibril-associated collagen with interrupted triple helices and has been implicated in the osteoblast response to mechanical forces. Type XII collagen is expressed by osteoblasts and localizes to areas of bone formation. A transgenic mouse null for type XII collagen exhibits skeletal abnormalities including shorter, more slender long bones with decreased mechanical strength as well as altered vertebrae structure compared with wild-type mice. Col12a−/− osteoblasts have decreased bone matrix deposition with delayed maturation indicated by decreased bone matrix protein expression. Compared with controls, Col12a−/− osteoblasts are disorganized and less polarized with disrupted cell–cell interactions, decreased connexin43 expression, and impaired gap junction function. The data demonstrate important regulatory roles for type XII collagen in osteoblast differentiation and bone matrix formation.
Aurora A kinase activity influences calcium signaling in kidney cells
Authors: Plotnikova Olga V. , Pugacheva Elena N. , Golemis Erica A.
Published: June 2011

Most studies of Aurora A (AurA) describe it as a mitotic centrosomal kinase. However, we and others have recently identified AurA functions as diverse as control of ciliary resorption, cell differentiation, and cell polarity control in interphase cells. In these activities, AurA is transiently activated by noncanonical signals, including Ca2+-dependent calmodulin binding. These and other observations suggested that AurA might be involved in pathological conditions, such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD). In this paper, we show that AurA is abundant in normal kidney tissue but is also abnormally expressed and activated in cells lining PKD-associated renal cysts. PKD arises from mutations in the PKD1 or PKD2 genes, encoding polycystins 1 and 2 (PC1 and PC2). AurA binds, phosphorylates, and reduces the activity of PC2, a Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channel and, thus, limits the amplitude of Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum. These and other findings suggest AurA may be a relevant new biomarker or target in the therapy of PKD.
On a bender—BARs, ESCRTs, COPs, and finally getting your coat
Authors: Field Mark C. , Sali Andrej , Rout Michael P.
Published: June 2011

Tremendous variety in form and function is displayed among the intracellular membrane systems of different eukaryotes. Until recently, few clues existed as to how these internal membrane systems had originated and diversified. However, proteomic, structural, and comparative genomics studies together have revealed extensive similarities among many of the protein complexes used in controlling the morphology and trafficking of intracellular membranes. These new insights have had a profound impact on our understanding of the evolutionary origins of the internal architecture of the eukaryotic cell.
Cbp3–Cbp6 interacts with the yeast mitochondrial ribosomal tunnel exit and promotes cytochrome b synthesis and assembly
Authors: Gruschke Steffi , Kehrein Kirsten , Römpler Katharina , Gröne Kerstin , Israel Lars , Imhof Axel , Herrmann Johannes M. , Ott Martin
Published: June 2011

Mitochondria contain their own genetic system to express a small number of hydrophobic polypeptides, including cytochrome b, an essential subunit of the bc1 complex of the respiratory chain. In this paper, we show in yeast that Cbp3, a bc1 complex assembly factor, and Cbp6, a regulator of cytochrome b translation, form a complex that associates with the polypeptide tunnel exit of mitochondrial ribosomes and that exhibits two important functions in the biogenesis of cytochrome b. On the one hand, the interaction of Cbp3 and Cbp6 with mitochondrial ribosomes is necessary for efficient translation of cytochrome b transcript. On the other hand, the Cbp3–Cbp6 complex interacts directly with newly synthesized cytochrome b in an assembly intermediate that is not ribosome bound and that contains the assembly factor Cbp4. Our results suggest that synthesis of cytochrome b occurs preferentially on those ribosomes that have the Cbp3–Cbp6 complex bound to their tunnel exit, an arrangement that may ensure tight coordination of cytochrome b synthesis and assembly.
Septin pairs, a complex choreography
Authors: Ewers Helge
Published: June 2011

Septins form a filamentous collar at the mother–bud neck in budding yeast. In cytokinesis, this collar splits into two rings and the septin complexes undergo a dramatic reorientation. Using fluorescence polarization microscopy, DeMay et al. (2011. J. Cell Biol. doi:10.1083/jcb.201012143) now demonstrate that septin complexes assemble as paired filaments in vivo and reveal new insights into septin organization during cytokinesis.
What Is a Physically Reasonable Space-Time?
Authors: Manchak John Byron
Published: June 2011

Cosmologists often use certain global properties to exclude “physically unreasonable” cosmological models from serious consideration. But, on what grounds should these properties be regarded as physically unreasonable if we cannot rule out, even with a robust type of inductive reasoning, the possibility of the properties obtaining in our own universe?
Problems for Natural Selection as a Mechanism
Authors: Havstad Joyce C.
Published: June 2011

Skipper and Millstein analyze natural selection and mechanism, concluding that natural selection is not a mechanism in the sense of the new mechanistic philosophy. Barros disagrees and provides his own account of natural selection as a mechanism. This discussion identifies a missing piece of Barros's account, attempts to fill in that piece, and reconsiders the revised account. Two principal objections are developed: one, the account does not characterize natural selection; two, the account is not mechanistic. Extensive and persistent variability causes both of these difficulties, so further attempts to describe natural selection as a mechanism are also unlikely to succeed.
On (Some) Explanations in Physics
Authors: Weatherall James Owen
Published: June 2011

I offer an explanation of why inertial and gravitational mass are equal in Newtonian gravitation. I then argue that this is an example of a kind of explanation that is not captured by standard philosophical accounts of scientific explanation. Moreover, this form of explanation is particularly important, at least in physics, because demands for this kind of explanation are used to motivate and shape research into the next generation of physical theories. I suggest that explanations of the sort I describe reveal something important about one way in which physical theories may be related diachronically.
A sharp regularity result of solutions of a transmission problem
Authors: Citti Giovanna , Ferrari Fausto
Published: June 2011

In this paper we study the regularity of solutions of a transmission problem arising in studying a fiber-reinforced composite media. It is described through a divergence type equation

div

(
A
∇
u
)
=
h
,

\mbox {div}(A \nabla u) = h,

in an open set

D
D

, where

h
h

is a bounded function and

A
A

is a uniformly elliptic matrix, bounded and with piecewise Hölder continuous coefficients. The subdomains

D
i

D_i

where

A
A

is of class

C

α

C^{\alpha }

have disjoint closure and are of class

C

1
,
α

C^{1,\alpha }

. Exploiting an idea contained in a paper by Li and Vogelius, we obtain the optimal regularity result for solutions, proving that they are of class

C

1
,
α

(

D
¯

i

)

C^{1,\alpha }(\bar D_i)

.
On the lengths of irreducible pairs of complex matrices
Authors: Longstaff W. , Rosenthal Peter
Published: June 2011

The length of a pair of matrices is the smallest integer

l
l

such that words in the matrices with at most

l
l

factors span the unital algebra generated by the pair. Upper bounds for lengths have been much studied. If

B
B

is a rank one

n
×
n

n\times n

(complex) matrix, the length of the irreducible pair

{
A
,
B
}

\{A,B\}

is

2
n
−
2

2n-2

and the subwords of

A

n
−
1

B

A

n
−
2

A^{n-1}BA^{n-2}

form a basis for

M
n

(

C

)

M_n(\mathbb {C})

. New examples are given of irreducible pairs of

n
×
n

n\times n

matrices of length

n
n

. There exists an irreducible pair of

5
×
5

5\times 5

matrices of length

4
4

. We begin the study of determining lower bounds for lengths.
The Pif1 family in prokaryotes: what are our helicases doing in your bacteria?
Authors: Bochman Matthew L. , Judge Colleen P. , Zakian Virginia A.
Published: June 2011

Pif1 family helicases, which are found in nearly all eukaryotes, have important roles in both nuclear and mitochondrial genome maintenance. Recently, the increasing availability of genome sequences has revealed that Pif1 helicases are also widely found in diverse prokaryotes, but it is currently unknown what physiological function(s) prokaryotic Pif1 helicases might perform. This Perspective aims to briefly introduce the reader to the well-studied eukaryotic Pif1 family helicases and speculate on what roles such enzymes may play in bacteria. On the basis of our hypotheses, we predict that Pif1 family helicases are important for resolving common issues that arise during DNA replication, recombination, and repair rather than functioning in a eukaryotic-specific manner.
An IFRAME approach for assessing impacts of climate change on fisheries
Authors: Zhang Chang Ik , Hollowed Anne Babcock , Lee Jae-Bong , Kim Do-Hoon
Published: June 2011

Zhang, C. I., Hollowed, A. B., Lee, J-B., and Kim, D-H. 2011. An IFRAME approach for assessing impacts of climate change on fisheries. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1318–1328. A new assessment framework is proposed for evaluating the performance of management strategies relative to the goals of an ecosystem approach to management (EAM) under different climate change scenarios. Earlier studies have demonstrated how global climate model simulations from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change can be used to force regional ocean circulation models and forecast regional changes in bottom-up forcing. We extend this approach to assess the ecosystem impacts of resource use and climate change in marine ecosystems, by developing an Integrated Fisheries Risk Analysis Method for Ecosystems (IFRAME) framework. The IFRAME approach tracks climate change impacts on the flow of energy through the planktonic foodweb using NEMURO and projects the implications of these shifts in bottom-up forcing on the fisheries foodweb using Ecopath with Ecosim. Resource management scenarios are developed and incorporated into the projection framework by characterizing the action for changes in fishing mortality or availability of resources. An integrated suite of ecosystem status indicators are proposed to assess the performance of management scenarios relative to the goals of an EAM. These ecosystem status indicators track four key management objectives of the ecosystem: sustainability, biodiversity, habitat quantity, and quality and socio-economic status.
Historical and contemporary population genetic connectivity of the European short‐snouted seahorse Hippocampus hippocampus and implications for management
Authors: Woodall L. C. , Koldewey H. J. , Shaw P. W.
Published: June 2011

This first genetic study of Hippocampus hippocampus covers the species' entire geographic range and employs two mtDNA markers (control region and cytochrome b) to establish patterns of population structuring. A total of 255 specimens from 21 locations were used to obtain 89 concatenated haplotypes. The common haplotype was present in all but one population, however, most haplotypes were unique. The haplotype network had a star‐like construction, suggesting expansion from a bottleneck event. FST and AMOVA revealed population subdivision into three geographic regions (English Channel + Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea + Atlantic Ocean Iberian coast + Macaronesian Islands, and West Africa) with barriers to gene flow indentified at Cape Finisterre and the Cape Verde frontal zone. Neutrality tests and nested clade analysis suggest a complex demographic history, with both historic events and contemporary processes shaping patterns of genetic differentiation. The genetic population subdivision detected in this study indicates that H. hippocampus should be managed as three separate units. This is especially pertinent as H. hippocampus populations within the West African region are the only ones known to be specifically targeted for exploitation.
The relationship between female body size and egg size in pipefishes
Authors: Braga Goncalves I. , Ahnesjö I. , Kvarnemo C.
Published: June 2011

Comparing five species of pipefish, egg size was significantly larger in species with brood pouches (Syngnathus typhle, Syngnathus acus and Syngnathus rostellatus) than in species without brood pouches (Entelurus aequoreus and Nerophis ophidion). Egg size correlated positively with female body size in species with brood pouches, but was similar across female sizes in the species lacking pouches. These results may reflect differences in offspring competition as a consequence of variable offspring relatedness within a brood, due to the mating systems adopted by the different species and the presence or absence of a brood pouch.
The evolutionary origins of Syngnathidae: pipefishes and seahorses
Authors: Wilson A. B. , Orr J. W.
Published: June 2011

Despite their importance as evolutionary and ecological model systems, the phylogenetic relationships among gasterosteiforms remain poorly understood, complicating efforts to understand the evolutionary origins of the exceptional morphological and behavioural diversity of this group. The present review summarizes current knowledge on the origin and evolution of syngnathids, a gasterosteiform family with a highly developed form of male parental care, combining inferences based on morphological and molecular data with paleontological evidence documenting the evolutionary history of the group. Molecular methods have provided new tools for the study of syngnathid relationships and have played an important role in recent conservation efforts. Despite recent insights into syngnathid evolution, however, a survey of the literature reveals a strong taxonomic bias towards studies on the species‐rich genera Hippocampus and Syngnathus, with a lack of data for many morphologically unique members of the family. The study of the evolutionary pressures responsible for generating the high diversity of syngnathids would benefit from a wider perspective, providing a comparative framework in which to investigate the evolution of the genetic, morphological and behavioural traits of the group as a whole.
Reproductive endocrinology of Syngnathidae
Authors: Scobell S. K. , MacKenzie D. S.
Published: June 2011

Few studies have examined the underlying hormonal mechanisms that mediate reproductive cyclicity, male pregnancy and reproductive behaviour in syngnathids. Progress in these areas has been hampered by the small size of most species in the family and a lack of validated techniques for assessing endocrine function. Research on a relatively small number of species has suggested that androgens are likely regulators of spermatogenesis and the development of the male brood pouch prior to pregnancy whereas prolactin and corticosteroids synergistically promote brood pouch function during pregnancy. No evidence supports a reversal of reproductive steroid hormone function in sex‐role reversed behaviour, but neuropeptides such as arginine vasotocin or isotocin should be examined for their role in regulating parturition and mating behaviour. The diversity of reproductive patterns exhibited by syngnathids suggests that they will provide a unique opportunity to assess how hormonal regulation of integumentary function, gametogenesis and reproductive behaviour have evolved within a teleost lineage. Additionally, their coastal distribution and embryo retention make them potentially important subjects for studies on the effect of endocrine disruption on fitness.
Evaluation of family‐centred practices in the early intervention programmes for infants and young children in Singapore with Measure of Processes of Care for Service Providers and Measure of Beliefs about Participation in Family‐Centred Service
Authors: Tang H. N. , Chong W. H. , Goh W. , Chan W. P. , Choo S.
Published: June 2011

Background  The primary purpose of this study was to report on an evaluation of the perceptions and beliefs of service providers towards family‐centred practices in 11 early intervention programmes for infants and young children in Singapore.

Methods  The Measure of Processes of Care for Service Providers (MPOC‐SP) and Measure of Beliefs about Participation in Family‐Centred Service (MBP‐FCS) were administered to 213 service providers made up of teachers, therapists, psychologists and social workers providing centre‐based therapy to children with special needs who were below the age of 6 years.

Results  Exploratory factor analyses were performed with both scales. Nineteen of the 27 MPOC‐SP items were retained and supported the original four‐factor structure model. The exploratory factor analyses on MBP‐FCS provided a less satisfactory outcome. Fourteen of the 28 items were retained and these loaded onto four factors. The two factors relating to Beliefs about benefits of FCS and Beliefs about the absence of negative outcomes from FCS failed to emerge as separate factors. Further multiple regressions indicated that more direct work with families and positive self‐efficacy in implementing FCS contributed significantly to explaining service providers' positive perception towards family‐centred practice in service delivery.

Conclusions  This is the first time MPOC‐SP and MBP‐FCS were administered to a population in an Asian context. While MBP‐FCS would benefit from further development work on its construct, MPOC‐SP offered important insights into service providers' perspectives about family‐centred practices that would have useful implications for professional and service development.
Inflammatory disease of the bile ducts–cholangiopathies: liver biopsy challenge and clinicopathological correlation
Authors: Portmann Bernard , Zen Yoh
Published: June 2011

Portmann B & Zen Y  (2012) Histopathology 60, 236–248  Inflammatory disease of the bile ducts–cholangiopathies: liver biopsy challenge and clinicopathological correlation

Liver biopsy interpretation in inflammatory diseases of the bile ducts or chronic cholangiopathies may be challenging, especially for pathologists working outside referral centres, where there is a limited exposure to relatively uncommon conditions. In view of the importance of sampling errors resulting from the patchy distribution of pathognomonic bile duct injuries and the misleading absence of cholestasis in the early stages, there is a need to recognize surrogate markers and subtle changes, in particular the early periportal deposition of copper and mild biliary interface activity. Such findings may either constitute the first indication of a primarily biliary disorder or be supportive of a clinically suspected diagnosis. Histological changes common to chronic cholangiopathies are reviewed at the variable stages of development that patients may first present to clinicians. As awareness of the protean clinical manifestations is essential for histological interpretation, the major and distinctive anatomoclinical features of primary biliary cirrhosis and primary and acquired sclerosing cholangitis are revisited, together with so‐called overlapping syndromes and less common variants and associations, including more recently documented conditions, such as IgG4‐related disease and the rarer multidrug resistance 3 deficiency. The review stresses the importance of evaluating histological changes in conjunction with clinical information.
Compatible interaction with its rice host leads to enhanced expression of the gamma subunit of oligosaccharyl transferase in the Asian rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzae
Authors: Sinha D. K. , Bentur J. S. , Nair S.
Published: June 2011

The Asian rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzae, is a fast evolving, damaging pest of rice. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanism of interaction between the gall midge and rice will help in devising strategies to control and manage the pest. The present study aims to identify rice‐responsive genes in the gall midge that aid pest survival. The abundance of transcripts coding for enzymes related to glycosylation, in a cDNA library prepared from maggots of the rice gall midge feeding on susceptible hosts, indicated their probable involvement in the gall midge–rice interaction. Hence, a full‐length transcript for a gamma subunit of the oligosaccharyl transferase gene (OoOST) from the gall midge was cloned and characterized. It has 72% similarity to its orthologue cloned from Aedes aegypti. Tissue‐specific analysis of the expression of OoOST revealed an increase (> sevenfold) in the transcripts of the gene in the salivary glands of maggots in susceptible plants when compared with the transcript level in the salivary glands of maggots feeding on resistant hosts. Using quantitative PCR, performed on different developmental stages of the maggots in two susceptible and two resistant hosts, we observed similar expression patterns (i.e. overexpression in the compatible interaction). These results indicate the involvement of OoOST in maggot survival and establishment in the susceptible host. In order to identify polymorphism in the gene, OoOST was cloned from three gall midge biotypes GMB1, GMB4 and GMB4M.
TCam‐2 seminoma cell line exhibits characteristic foetal germ cell responses to TGF‐beta ligands and retinoic acid
Authors: Young J. C. , Jaiprakash A. , Mithraprabhu S. , Itman C. , Kitazawa R. , Looijenga L. H. J. , Loveland K. L.
Published: June 2011

Germ cell testicular cancer is understood to arise during embryogenesis, based on the persistence of embryonic germ cell markers in carcinoma in situ and seminoma. In this study, we examine the potential of the seminoma‐derived TCam‐2 cell line to be used as representative in functional analyses of seminoma. We demonstrate expression of several early germ cell markers, including BLIMP1, OCT3/4, AP2γ, NANOG and KIT. Many TGF‐beta superfamily receptors and downstream transcription factors are also present in these cells including the normally foetal ACTRIIA receptor, indicating potential responsiveness to TGF‐beta superfamily ligands. Treatment with BMP4 or RA induces a significant increase in ACTRIA, ACTRIIA and ACTRIIB transcripts, whereas activin A decreases ACTRIB. BMP4 and RA each support TCam‐2 survival and/or proliferation. In addition, despite increased KIT mRNA levels induced by BMP4, RA and activin A, activin A does not improve survival or proliferation. The capacity for BMP4 and retinoic acid to enhance foetal germ cell survival and proliferation/self‐renewal has been demonstrated in mice, but not previously tested in humans. This study is the first to demonstrate a functional response in seminoma cells, using a well‐characterized cell line, consistent with their foetal germ cell‐like identity.
Qualitative study of Enrolled Nurses transition to Registered Nurses
Authors: Cubit Katrina , Lopez Violeta
Published: June 2011

cubit k. & lopez v. (2012) Qualitative study of Enrolled Nurses’ transition to Registered Nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(1), 206–211.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study which aimed to explore the transition experiences of graduate Registered Nurses (RN) who had previously practised as Enrolled Nurses.

Background.  The literature suggests that graduate RN who have previously practised as Enrolled Nurses (EN) have specific support needs during their first year of clinical practice.

Methods.  A qualitative descriptive study using focus group interviews was undertaken in the Australian Capital Territory, Australia in 2009. Eight graduate nurses (GN) were interviewed 1 week after the graduate nurses programme (GNP) had commenced and five GN at the middle and four GN at the end of the programme. Content analysis of the transcribed data was used to explicate themes.

Results.  Three main categories were identified from the data: stepping out of their comfort zone, being taken advantage of and needing support like any other new RN. The GN pleaded that they need to be treated as any other new nurses undertaking the graduate nurse programme and for staff to forget that they used to be Enrolled Nurses.

Conclusion.  Registered Nurses who had previously practised as Enrolled Nurses preferred not to be identified as having previous nursing experience as they feared being treated by their nurse managers as already capable of practicing as RN when in fact they needed support similar to any new graduate.
Social structure emerges via the interaction between local ecology and individual behaviour
Authors: Tanner Colby J. , Jackson Andrew L.
Published: June 2011

1. The formation of groups is a fundamental aspect of social organization, but there are still many questions regarding how social structure emerges from individuals making non‐random associations.

2. Although food distribution and individual phenotypic traits are known to separately influence social organization, this is the first study, to our knowledge, experimentally linking them to demonstrate the importance of their interaction in the emergence of social structure.

3. Using an experimental design in which food distribution was either clumped or dispersed, in combination with individuals that varied in exploratory behaviour, our results show that social structure can be induced in the otherwise non‐social European shore crab (Carcinus maenas).

4. Regardless of food distribution, individuals with relatively high exploratory behaviour played an important role in connecting otherwise poorly connected individuals. In comparison, low exploratory individuals aggregated into cohesive, stable subgroups (moving together even when not foraging), but only in tanks where resources were clumped. No such non‐foraging subgroups formed in environments where food was evenly dispersed.

5. Body size did not accurately explain an individual’s role within the network for either type of food distribution.

6. Because of their synchronized movements and potential to gain social information, groups of low exploratory crabs were more effective than singletons at finding food.

7. Because social structure affects selection, and social structure is shown to be sensitive to the interaction between ecological and behavioural differences among individuals, local selective pressures are likely to reflect this interaction.
Dispersal as a limiting factor in the colonization of restored mountain streams by plants and macroinvertebrates
Authors: Brederveld Robert J. , Jähnig Sonja C. , Lorenz Armin W. , Brunzel Stefan , Soons Merel B.
Published: June 2011

1. Over the past centuries, European streams have been heavily influenced by humans through pollution and regulation. As a result, the quality and diversity of freshwater riparian habitats have declined strongly, and the diversity of riparian flora and fauna has decreased. Recent restoration measures have resulted in stream habitat improvements, but biodiversity improvements have failed to follow in fragmented streams. It has been suggested that dispersal limitation could play an important role in the lack of biodiversity improvement in restored streams, but to date, there is no conclusive evidence for this assumption.

2. In this study, we investigated whether colonization of restored streams by plants and macroinvertebrates is limited by dispersal. We hypothesized that colonization success increases with increasing availability of (nearby) source populations and with increasing ability of species to disperse over long distances. We related species composition in seven restored stream sections to species’ abundances in the surroundings and to species’ dispersal abilities.

3. For both plants and macroinvertebrates, colonization success is strongly related to the abundance of species in the local and regional species pools.

4. For plants, dispersal strategy has an additional influence on colonization success: short‐lived plants with high production of small, well‐dispersed seeds colonized best within the 3‐ to 5‐year period after restoration.

5. The existence of dispersal strategy constraints could not be confirmed in macroinvertebrates, possibly because these are limited by a lack of connectivity on larger spatial scales. On the landscape scale, beneficial effects of increased plant diversity might further improve habitat suitability for macroinvertebrates.

6. Synthesis and applications. Dispersal appears to be a limiting factor for successful (re)colonization of restored streams in fragmented landscapes. In plants, this is attributed to limitations in seed dispersal abilities and likely to a lack of nearby source populations as well. In macroinvertebrates, lack of nearby source populations may also be a limiting factor. Hence, we suggest restoring landscape connectivity at larger spatial scales and optimizing the availability of near‐natural ‘source’ areas in the vicinity of restoration projects, at least for plants, to improve the success of biodiversity restoration in fragmented habitats.
Spatial patterns of tree species richness in two temperate forests
Authors: Wang Xugao , Wiegand Thorsten , Wolf Amy , Howe Robert , Davies Stuart J. , Hao Zhanqing
Published: June 2011

1. The relative contribution of external vs. internal clustering mechanisms for determining community structure and its manifestations has been the subject of a continuous debate, but few attempts have been made to examine their single and joint effects in a compound process model.

2. In this study, we tested four a priori hypotheses on the relative importance of habitat heterogeneity (topography and soil) and internal clustering mechanisms such as dispersal limitation on the species–area relationship (SAR) in two fully mapped 25‐ha plots of temperate forests in the Changbaishan (CBS) Nature Reserve, China, and the Chequamegon‐Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin, USA.

3. We used the distance decay curve to test the generality of the results obtained for the SAR. To find out if the relative importance of internal and external clustering mechanisms changed with life stage, we conducted separate analyses for small, large and all trees.

4. Model selection favoured the most complex hypothesis that assumed an influence of both habitat heterogeneity and internal clustering on SAR and the distance decay curve. For the CBS plot, which shows weak topographical structuring, models were consistent with data only if soil factors were included into assessment of habitat heterogeneity. At the Wabikon plot, we could not test soil variables, but inclusion of topographical variables substantially improved the fit of the distance decay curve.

5. In general, the results of the SAR agreed with those of the distance decay curve, but the latter was sensitive to positive habitat‐mediated species associations. The SAR, but not distance decay, distinguished among competing hypotheses for the community of large trees at CBS, where species exhibited only weak clustering.

6. Contrary to our expectations, we did not find substantial differences in the relative importance of internal and external clustering mechanisms with life stage.

7. Synthesis. Our analysis of spatial community structure for two relatively diverse temperate forests revealed that the factors governing spatial community structure may not substantially differ from those in highly diverse tropical forests. This result adds to our understanding of the ecological processes underlying the spatial diversity structure in natural forest communities.
Effectiveness of using a behavioural intervention to improve dietary fibre intakes in children with constipation
Authors: Sullivan P. B. , Alder N. , Shrestha B. , Turton L. , Lambert B.
Published: June 2011

Background:  Functional constipation is common in childhood; diets in affluent industrialised countries may be a significant contributory factor as a result of inadequate fibre content. Only a few intervention studies have been reported where childhood constipation has been treated by increasing dietary fibre. The present study aimed to demonstrate that dietary fibre intakes of children with constipation can be increased using a specifically‐designed behaviour modification technique with a self‐monitoring and reward system.

Methods:  Forty‐three children, aged 2–14 years, with functional constipation (defined as less than three bowel movements per week with hard stools and difficulty or delay in defecation) were randomised to one of two treatment groups: Control (n = 20), receiving general advice on increasing dietary fibre intake, or Intervention (n = 23), using the intervention tool. Fibre intake, laxative use and stool frequency were assessed at baseline, and at 3, 6 and 12 months, using parent‐filled diaries.

Results:  A behavioural intervention method significantly increases the fibre intakes of children with constipation at 3 months compared to standard dietary treatment (P = 0.005), remaining so after adjusting for baseline fibre intake (P = 0.007). Follow‐up at 6 and 12 months showed no further increase. No significant benefit in terms of a reduction in laxative use or increased stool frequency associated with additional fibre intake was demonstrated.

Conclusions:  The findings confirm the difficulties encountered in beginning and maintaining high‐fibre diets in children.
Qualitative research in transfusion medicine
Authors: Arnold E. , Lane S.
Published: June 2011

Transfusion medicine research has traditionally employed quantitative methods to answer clinical research questions. Increasingly, qualitative research methods are being used in the field to address a wide variety of research questions in areas such as blood donation, transfusion practices and policy development. This article describes the key characteristics, methodologies and methods of qualitative research and draws on examples to show how qualitative research approaches have been applied in the field of transfusion medicine. It is hoped that this overview will inform and encourage the application of qualitative research in the field of transfusion medicine.
HIV prevention in southern Africa: why we must reassess our strategies?
Authors: Katsidzira Leolin , Hakim James G.
Published: June 2011

Southern Africa continues to shoulder a disproportionate burden of the HIV epidemic with the number of new infections outstripping treatment initiation two‐ to threefold. Current prevention strategies have had a limited impact on the trajectory of the epidemic so far. The history of HIV prevention research is dominated by failed approaches, but recent developments have provided reason for hope. These include the successful male circumcision outcomes in trials in South Africa, Kenya and Uganda, the recent protective outcome of a tenofovir vaginal gel trial in South Africa and the proof that pre‐exposure prophylaxis with oral combination tenofovir/emtricitabine can work in men. The latter positive outcome has however been shattered by the early closure of FEM‐PrEP for futility. The challenge now is on how to best integrate emerging prevention methods with established strategies, recognising that some of the older methods have never been scaled up to saturation level.
Masitinib decreases signs of canine atopic dermatitis: a multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase 3 trial
Authors: Cadot Pierre , Hensel Patrick , Bensignor Emmanuel , Hadjaje Céline , Marignac Geneviève , Beco Luc , Fontaine Jacques , Jamet Jean‐François , Georgescu Gabriela , Campbell Karen , Cannon Andréa , Osborn Sarah C. , Messinger Linda , Gogny‐Goubert Michel , Dubreuil Patrice , Moussy Alain , Hermine Olivier
Published: June 2011

This study investigated the efficacy and safety of masitinib, a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor capable of downregulating mast cell functions, for treatment of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). Dogs with confirmed CAD received masitinib at 12.5 mg/kg/day (n = 202) or control (n = 104) for 12 weeks. A reduction in CAD Extent and Severity Index (CADESI‐02) score of ≥50% at week 12 was observed in 61% of masitinib‐treated dogs versus 35% of control dogs (P < 0.001), according to the modified intent‐to‐treat population. For dogs resistant to ciclosporin and/or corticosteroids (60% of the study population), CADESI‐02 response rates were 60 versus 31%, respectively (P = 0.004). The mean reduction in pruritus score of severely pruritic dogs was 46 versus 29%, respectively (P = 0.045). Furthermore, 65% of owners with severely pruritic dogs assessed masitinib efficacy as good/excellent versus 35% control (P = 0.05). Overall, 63% of investigators assessed masitinib efficacy as good/excellent versus 35% control (P < 0.001). Premature discontinuations from the modified intent‐to‐treat population (28.2% masitinib versus 26.0% control) were mainly due to adverse events (13.4 versus 4.8%, respectively) or lack of efficacy (12.4 versus 18.3%, respectively). In total, 13.2% dogs presented with severe adverse events (16.0% masitinib versus 7.7% control). Masitinib showed a risk of reversible protein loss, although regular surveillance of blood albumin and proteinuria allowed for discontinuation of treatment while the dog was still clinically asymptomatic. Masitinib proved to be an effective and mostly well‐tolerated treatment of CAD, including severe and refractory cases, with medically manageable adverse effects.