bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eco‐labels and willingness‐to‐pay: a Hong Kong study
Authors: Yau Yung
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether consumers in Hong Kong's private housing market are willing to pay more for new apartment units with an eco‐label.

Design/methodology/approach

Green or sustainable housing has recently become a new orthodoxy in the field of architecture. Governments commonly use legislation or subsidies to promote green housing. However, eco‐friendly housing provision can become autonomous without any state intervention if the consumers are willing to pay more for housing of better environmental performance. In this light, this study explores Hong Kong resident's willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) for eco‐labelled housing based on the findings of a face‐to‐face questionnaire survey. Besides, the determinants of the WTP are identified using logistic regression modelling.

Findings

Less than half of the 231 respondents were willing to pay more for a new eco‐labelled apartment unit. The number of “willing” respondents dropped significantly with the label grade which signified the level of environmental performance of a property. Moreover, the decision about WTP was contingent mainly on the respondents’ household income and environmental attitude.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study can offer valuable insights for the house‐building industry and policy makers into how to promote a more sustainable built environment in Hong Kong.

Originality/value

Nearly all previous research on green building consumerism focussed on commercial buildings and houses. As a preliminary study, this research extends the body of knowledge by exploring the WTP for eco‐labelled apartments.
A micro‐level indexing model for assessing urban ecosystem sustainability
Authors: Dizdaroglu Didem , Yigitcanlar Tan , Dawes Les
Published: November 2012

Purpose

As a consequence of rapid urbanisation and globalisation, cities have become the engines of population and economic growth. Hence, natural resources in and around the cities have been exposed to externalities of urban development processes. This paper introduces a new sustainability assessment approach that is tested in a pilot study. The paper aims to assist policy‐makers and planners investigating the impacts of development on environmental systems, and produce effective policies for sustainable urban development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces an indicator‐based indexing model entitled “Indexing Model for the Assessment of Sustainable Urban Ecosystems” (ASSURE). The ASSURE indexing model produces a set of micro‐level environmental sustainability indices that is aimed to be used in the evaluation and monitoring of the interaction between human activities and urban ecosystems. The model is an innovative approach designed to assess the resilience of ecosystems towards impacts of current development plans and the results serve as a guide for policy‐makers to take actions towards achieving sustainability.

Findings

The indexing model has been tested in a pilot case study within the Gold Coast City, Queensland, Australia. This paper presents the methodology of the model and outlines the preliminary findings of the pilot study. The paper concludes with a discussion on the findings and recommendations put forward for future development and implementation of the model.

Originality/value

Presently, there is a few sustainability indices developed to measure the sustainability at local, regional, national and international levels. However, due to challenges in data collection difficulties and availability of local data, there is no effective assessment model at the micro‐level that the assessment of urban ecosystem sustainability accurately. The model introduced in this paper fills this gap by focusing on parcel‐scale and benchmarking the environmental performance in micro‐level.
Learner autonomy coaching: enhancing learning and academic success
Authors: Foen Ng Siew , Confessore Gary J. , Abdullah Moniza
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect on Learner Autonomy Profile (LAP) scores and academic success of a five‐week coaching intervention for pre‐diploma university students in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi‐experimental designed was used. Participants completed the LAP pre‐ and post‐intervention. The experimental group of 35 participated in five weekly learner autonomy coaching sessions and wrote in computer‐managed reflection logs between meetings. A 52‐member control group received no intervention. Null hypotheses expected no significant differences in post‐ over pre‐intervention LAP scores or in GPA, Math, or English grades for either group.

Findings

Two null hypotheses were not supported and one was. Significant increases in mean post‐ over pre‐intervention LAP scores of the experimental group were found in eight of 22 components and two of four constructs of the LAP. No significant differences were found in the mean post‐ over pre‐intervention LAP scores of the control group. Significant increases were found in post‐ over pre‐intervention grades of both groups. However, the experimental group achieved a greater positive difference in grades than did the experimental group.

Research limitations/implications

There was no hypothesis related to the use of group coaching versus the traditional individual coaching model in this study.

Practical implications

Learner autonomy group coaching and reflection activities appear to enhance behavioral intentions to learn and academic success.

Social implications

Enhanced behavioral intentions to learn and academic success benefits the learner and society.

Originality/value

This is the first study designed to test the capacity to influence learner autonomy expressed in terms of behavioral intentions through coaching and its relationship to academic success.
The potential of bacteria isolated from ruminal contents of seaweed‐eating North Ronaldsay sheep to hydrolyse seaweed components and produce methane by anaerobic digestion in vitro
Authors: Williams Allan G. , Withers Susan , Sutherland Alastair D.
Published: November 2012

The production of methane biofuel from seaweeds is limited by the hydrolysis of polysaccharides. The rumen microbiota of seaweed‐eating North Ronaldsay sheep was studied for polysaccharidic bacterial isolates degrading brown‐seaweed polysaccharides. Only nine isolates out of 65 utilized > 90% of the polysaccharide they were isolated on. The nine isolates (eight Prevotella spp. and one Clostridium butyricum) utilized whole Laminaria hyperborea extract and a range of seaweed polysaccharides, including alginate (seven out of nine isolates), laminarin and carboxymethylcellulose (eight out of nine isolates); while two out of nine isolates additionally hydrolysed fucoidan to some extent. Crude enzyme extracts from three of the isolates studied further had diverse glycosidases and polysaccharidase activities; particularly against laminarin and alginate (two isolates were shown to have alginate lyase activity) and notably fucoidan and carageenan (one isolate). In serial culture rumen microbiota hydrolysed a range of seaweed polysaccharides (fucoidan to a notably lesser degree) and homogenates of L. hyperborea, mixed Fucus spp. and Ascophyllum nodosum to produce methane and acetate. The rumen microbiota and isolates represent potential adjunct organisms or enzymes which may improve hydrolysis of seaweed components and thus improve the efficiency of seaweed anaerobic digestion for methane biofuel production.
Limited feeding on bacteria by two intertidal benthic copepod species as revealed by trophic biomarkers
Authors: Cnudde Clio , Moens Tom , Hoste Bart , Willems Anne , De Troch Marleen
Published: November 2012

Harpacticoids can discriminate between biofilms of different bacterial strains. We investigated whether assimilation of bacteria is selective and whether harpacticoids select for the most nutritional bacteria. We specifically focused on the role of bacterial characteristics in copepod food selection. Trophic biomarkers (stable isotopes, fatty acids) were used to test selective assimilation of three bacteria by the harpacticoids Platychelipus littoralis and Delavalia palustris, all isolated from a salt marsh. The bacteria Gramella sp., Jannaschia sp. and Photobacterium sp. with contrasting ribosomal protein and fatty acid contents were 13C‐labelled and offered in a food patch choice experiment with monospecific and combination treatments (single and two strains per microcosm respectively). Low assimilation of bacterial carbon and lack of significant fatty acid transfer proved that bacteria were a poor food source for the harpacticoids. Assimilation was copepod species‐specific and bacteria strain‐specific (preference for Photobacterium). However, only a low degree of selective feeding occurred; it can partly be explained by bacterial extracellular metabolites rather than by biochemical content and densities. Finally, the energetic cost of differential bacterivory resulted in a negative fatty acid balance for Platychelipus, while Delavalia showed an improved fatty acid profile and thus a positive response to the low‐quality bacterial food.
A historical overview of the appearance and spread of Musa pests and pathogens on the African continent: highlighting the importance of clean Musa planting materials and quarantine measures
Authors: Blomme G. , Ploetz R. , Jones D. , De Langhe E. , Price N. , Gold C. , Geering A. , Viljoen A. , Karamura D. , Pillay M. , Tinzaara W. , Teycheney P.‐Y. , Lepoint P. , Karamura E. , Buddenhagen I.
Published: November 2012

The genus Musa is not native to Africa. It evolved in tropical Asia, from southwest India eastward to the island of New Guinea. There is a growing circumstantial evidence which suggests that the East African Highland banana and the tropical lowland plantain were cultivated on the African continent since before 1 AD. It is also probable that ABB cooking and AB and AAB dessert cultivars were brought to the continent from India by Arabian traders from 600 AD, and that these were disseminated throughout East Africa. During the colonial era, the main centres of distribution for banana cultivars were botanical gardens, such as Zomba in Malawi, Entebbe in Uganda and Amani in Tanzania. It appears that the very early introductions of Highland banana and plantain arrived in Africa as a relatively clean material without the conspicuous pests and diseases that affect them in Asia. In contrast, several devastating problems now impact the crop in Africa, including nematodes, the borer weevil and diseases, most notably banana bunchy top, banana streak, Sigatoka leaf spots, Xanthomonas wilt and Fusarium wilt. We (a) provide chronological overviews of the first reports/observations of different Musa pests and pathogens/diseases in Africa, (b) highlight specific examples of when a pest or pathogen/disease was introduced via planting materials and (c) give recent examples of how the pests and pathogens spread to new regions via planting materials. In total, these production constraints threaten banana and plantain production throughout the continent and impact those who can ill afford lost production, the small‐holder producer. Our intent in this review is to highlight the significance of these problems and the great importance that infested planting materials have played in their development.
A metabolic signature for long life in the Caenorhabditis elegans Mit mutants
Authors: Butler Jeffrey A. , Mishur Robert J. , Bhaskaran Shylesh , Rea Shane L.
Published: November 2012

Mit mutations that disrupt function of the mitochondrial electron transport chain can, inexplicably, prolong Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan. In this study we use a metabolomics approach to identify an ensemble of mitochondrial‐derived α‐ketoacids and α‐hydroxyacids that are produced by long‐lived Mit mutants but not by other long‐lived mutants or by short‐lived mitochondrial mutants. We show that accumulation of these compounds is dependent on concerted inhibition of three α‐ketoacid dehydrogenases that share dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) as a common subunit, a protein previously linked in humans with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. When the expression of DLD in wild‐type animals was reduced using RNA interference we observed an unprecedented effect on lifespan – as RNAi dosage was increased lifespan was significantly shortened, but, at higher doses, it was significantly lengthened, suggesting that DLD plays a unique role in modulating length of life. Our findings provide novel insight into the origin of the Mit phenotype.
Rotation flap approach mastectomy
Authors: Dean Nicola R. , Yip Jia Miin , Birrell Stephen
Published: November 2012

Background

The authors present a technique for mastectomy with greater versatility for reconstruction.

Methods

The areola is marked and a vertical line is dropped medial to the breast axis, down towards the inframammary fold and laterally to the anterior axillary line. In large ptotic breasts, the markings are modified to reduce the skin envelope. The rotation flap is raised over the lateral half of the breast, and the remainder of the skin envelope is then separated from the breast tissue as per any other mastectomy. Skin closure is by rotation of the flap and incremental gathering of skin. An audit of 37 cases of rotation flap approach (RoFA) mastectomy has been performed, evaluating complications and post‐reconstruction outcome using the BREAST Q.

Results

RoFA has been found to offer good access for mastectomy and lymphadenectomy. A total of 7 of 37 patients had delay in healing, and 2 patients developed haematoma. Post‐reconstruction outcome was scored as comparable with other published series.

Discussion

The RoFA mastectomy has the potential to facilitate reconstructive results equivalent to skin‐sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction.
Renewing Union Narrative Resources: How Union Capabilities Make a Difference
Authors: Lévesque Christian , Murray Gregor
Published: November 2012

This article explores the role of framing in mobilizing and transforming narrative resources. It draws on in‐depth studies of two different workplace unions within the same multinational company in Canada. We conducted interviews with managers and trade unionists at different levels over a number of years of observation. Each of these workplace unions mobilizes new repertoires of action to enhance its capacity to act. Yet they differ considerably in their capacity to renew their narrative resources. Whereas one of the workplace unions still relies on an exclusive and restrictive narrative, the other union has evolved towards a more encompassing and inclusive narrative. This article argues that strategic capabilities are a key variable in understanding the processes through which narrative resources change and are mobilized.
Do Recessions Transform Work and Employment? Evidence fromIreland
Authors: Roche William K. , Teague Paul
Published: November 2012

Two contrasting views tend to dominate the literature on the impact of recessions on employment. One view is that recessions amount to a ‘critical conjuncture’ for work and employment systems, a time when firms try to transform radically existing employment models. The alternative perspective is that firms, constrained mostly by the forces of path dependency, seek to adjust to the immediate or short‐term pressures of the recession but otherwise maintain the established way of organizing the employment relationship. The purpose of this article is to contribute to this literature by reporting the findings of a major study of the effects of the recession on work and employment in firms based inIreland. The main finding to emerge from the study is that firms mostly have made improvised adaptations in response to the crisis and have shied away from far‐reaching transformational strategies.
A Cross‐Sectional Study on Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarker Levels in Cognitively Normal Elderly Subjects With or Without a Family History of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Liu Zhao , Chen Huai‐Hong , Li Tian‐Lang , Xu Lei , Du Hua‐Qing
Published: November 2012

Background

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers reflect changes in the brain, and contribute to early screening. Maternal inheritance is putatively stronger than paternal inheritance for late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD).

Methods

Clinical data of 162 cognitively normal subjects were reviewed. A standard questionnaire was used to identify LOAD family history. Mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) was used to evaluate cognition. CSF Aβ1‐40, Aβ1‐42, total and phosphorylated tau were measured using ELISA.

Aims

To compare biomarkers in cognitively normal elderly subjects with versus without LOAD family history.

Results

Among the 162 subjects, 38 and 60 had LOAD family history on paternal and maternal sides, respectively. The remaining 60 subjects had no family history. No difference was noted in age, gender, education level, MMSE score, and memory impairment complaint in the three groups. Aβ42 and the Aβ42/40 ratio were lower than in subjects with a maternal history than in subjects with a paternal history or without family history (P < 0.05 in both). Phosphorylated and total tau did not differ among the three groups.

Conclusion

Offspring with a family history of LOAD on the maternal side have lower Aβ42 and Aβ42/40 ratio in the CSF, and maybe at higher risk for developing AD.
Wingless reproductives in the slave‐making ant Polyergus samurai: specialized producers of males (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Tsuneoka Yousuke
Published: November 2012

Three wingless reproductives of Polyergus samurai Yano were collected in the reproductive season. These wingless reproductives had developed ovaries and laid eggs immediately after collection. They lacked spermatheca and the eggs produced by wingless reproductives finally become adult males. These observations suggest that the wingless reproductives of P. samurai are potential producers of males.
Practical Reasoning, Impartiality and the European Patent Office: The Legal Regulation of Biotechnology
Authors: Sideri Katerina
Published: November 2012

The article argues in favour of a different conceptualisation of the role of the European Patent Office, and of the mode of reasoning that the EPO ought to deploy, so as to decide cases concerning the patentability of gene related inventions such as diagnostic tests, and questions regarding the regulation of therapeutic cloning. Richardson's model of specifying norms offers an important alternative to the models based on cost‐benefit analysis and neutral application of the appropriate norm by administrative agencies. Specificationism stresses the importance of revising the ends of policy, coming up with a new norm, the product of creative synthesis of the content of conflicting norms. The article adds to this model the idea that the revision of ends requires a strong deliberative democracy, based on the notion of the practically wise regulator, who can apply principles correctly, as these cannot be usefully applied in difficult situations by people who lack experience, insight, and character. Given the current discussion to establish a unitary EU patent, the thesis advanced here is that the patent system in Europe ought to endorse elements of deliberative democracy, enhancing the importance of civil society in the European decision making processes.
Peto's paradox revisited: theoretical evolutionary dynamics of cancer in wild populations
Authors: Roche Benjamin , Sprouffske Kathleen , Hbid Hassan , Missé Dorothée , Thomas Frédéric
Published: November 2012

If the occurrence of cancer is the result of a random lottery among cells, then body mass, a surrogate for cells number, should predict cancer incidence. Despite some support in humans, this assertion does not hold over the range of different natural animal species where cancer incidence is known. Explaining the so‐called ‘Peto's paradox' is likely to increase our understanding of how cancer defense mechanisms are shaped by natural selection. Here, we study how body mass may affect the evolutionary dynamics of tumor suppressor gene (TSG) inactivation and oncogene activation in natural animal species. We show that the rate of TSG inactivation should evolve to lower values along a gradient of body mass in a nonlinear manner, having a threshold beyond which benefits to adaptive traits cannot overcome their costs. We also show that oncogenes may be frequently activated within populations of large organisms. We then propose experimental settings that can be employed to identify protection mechanisms against cancer. We finally highlight fundamental species traits that natural selection should favor against carcinogenesis. We conclude on the necessity of comparing genomes between populations of a single species or genomes between species to better understand how evolution has molded protective mechanisms against cancer development and associated mortality.
Tree growth changes with climate and forest type are associated with relative allocation of nutrients, especially phosphorus, to leaves and wood
Authors: Sardans Jordi , Peñuelas Josep
Published: November 2012

Aim

To test our hypothesis that trees change the allocation and the proportion of different nutrients between leaves and wood to maximize growth along climatic gradients.

Location

Catalonia, Iberian Peninsula.

Methods

We tested the relationships of total forest nutrient content, stoichiometry and allocation between leaves and wood in trees with growth along environmental gradients using data from the Catalan Forest Inventory and a suite of multivariate mixed models, ANOVAs and principal components analyses.

Results

The aboveground growth of trees and the nutrient content of leaves and wood were positively correlated with mean annual precipitation (MAP). The changes in C:nutrient ratios were proportionally higher in leaves than in wood, mainly in deciduous forests. Higher MAP was also related to a lower N:P content ratio in leaves and wood but was not related to a greater allocation of P than N in leaves relative to wood (N:PL/W). Conifers, which presented the highest relative aboveground growth, had the lowest N:PL/W (0.99 ± 0.02), whereas the slow‐growing evergreens had the highest N:PL/W (2.26 ± 0.23).

Main conclusions

In all forest types, growth was related to a higher allocation of nutrients to leaves than to wood, especially of P, coinciding with better climatic conditions for growth (higher MAP in this Mediterranean context). The highest rates of growth were linked to the lowest N:P ratios. The allocation of P relative to N in leaves is higher in conifers than in evergreen and deciduous trees.
Out on a limb: microarthropod and microclimate variation in coastal temperate rainforest canopies
Authors: Lindo Zoë , Winchester Neville
Published: November 2012

Species richness of microarthropods in coastal temperate rainforests of western North America is enhanced by the presence of heterogeneous arboreal habitats (moss mats). We studied the relationship between species traits and microclimate as a structuring mechanism for understanding this high diversity.

To examine whether community composition is associated with distinct microclimate zones we used Non‐metric Multidimensional Scaling ordination of environmental and community data. To link the traits of arboreal microarthropod species with observed environmental variables we used a trait‐based approach ofRLQand fourth‐corner analysis.

Distinct microclimatic zones were observed in the canopy ecosystem stemming from gradients of moisture, temperature, and climatic stability associated with height in canopy and distance from trunk. Associated with these gradients is the growth and development of epiphytic bryophytes such as moss mats and suspended soils, which in turn, influence canopy microclimates.

Microarthropod fauna displayed a community‐level response to microclimate gradients which was mediated and partially explained by a trait‐based analysis. A general decline in species richness was associated with harsher microclimate conditions. While many species possessed desiccation resistance traits under low‐moisture conditions, we posit that other species were able to persist by compensatory movements at very small spatial scales.

In conclusion this study highlights the importance of environmental buffering associated with greater epiphytic biomass for preserving canopy microarthropod biodiversity, but also how developing an understanding of the species trait distributional shifts can enhance our understanding of communities under different environmental conditions, and for predicting future communities under global environmental change.
Study on bending behaviour of nickel–titanium rotary endodontic instruments by analytical and numerical analyses
Authors: Tsao C. C. , Liou J. U. , Wen P. H. , Peng C. C. , Liu T. S.
Published: November 2012

Aim

To develop analytical models and analyse the stress distribution and flexibility of nickel–titanium (NiTi) instruments subject to bending forces.

Methodology

The analytical method was used to analyse the behaviours of NiTi instruments under bending forces. Two NiTi instruments (RaCe and Mani NRT) with different cross‐sections and geometries were considered. Analytical results were derived using Euler–Bernoulli nonlinear differential equations that took into account the screw pitch variation of these NiTi instruments. In addition, the nonlinear deformation analysis based on the analytical model and the finite element nonlinear analysis was carried out. Numerical results are obtained by carrying out a finite element method.

Results

According to analytical results, the maximum curvature of the instrument occurs near the instrument tip. Results of the finite element analysis revealed that the position of maximum von Mises stress was near the instrument tip. Therefore, the proposed analytical model can be used to predict the position of maximum curvature in the instrument where fracture may occur. Finally, results of analytical and numerical models were compatible.

Conclusion

The proposed analytical model was validated by numerical results in analysing bending deformation of NiTi instruments. The analytical model is useful in the design and analysis of instruments. The proposed theoretical model is effective in studying the flexibility of NiTi instruments. Compared with the finite element method, the analytical model can deal conveniently and effectively with the subject of bending behaviour of rotary NiTi endodontic instruments.
A qualitative exploration of opinions on the community pharmacists' role amongst the general public in Scotland
Authors: Gidman Wendy , Cowley Joseph
Published: November 2012

Objective

To understand members of the public's opinions and experiences of pharmacy services.

Method

This exploratory study employed qualitative methods. Five focus groups were conducted with 26 members of the public resident in Scotland in March 2010. The groups comprised those perceived to be users and non-users of community pharmacy. A topic guide was developed to prompt discussion. Each focus group was recorded, transcribed, anonymised and analysed using thematic analysis.

Key findings

Participants made positive comments about pharmacy services although many preferred to see a general practitioner (GP). Participants discussed using pharmacies for convenience, often because they were unable to access GPs. Pharmacists were perceived principally to be suppliers of medicine, although there was some recognition of roles in dealing with minor ailments and providing advice. For those with serious and long-standing health matters GPs were usually the professional of choice for most health needs. Community pharmacy was seen to offer incomplete services which did not co-ordinate well with other primary-care services. The pharmacy environment and retail setting were not considered to be ideal for private healthcare consultations.

Conclusions

This study suggests that despite recent initiatives to extend the role of community pharmacists many members of the general public continue to prefer a GP-led service. Importantly GPs inspire public confidence as well as offering comprehensive services and private consultation facilities. Improved communication and information sharing between community pharmacists and general practice could support community pharmacist-role expansion.
NO LINKAGE OR ASSOCIATION OF A VNTR MARKER IN THE JUNCTION REGION OF THE IMMUNOGLOBULIN HEAVY CHAIN GENES IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Authors: Ligers A. , He B. , Fogdell‐Hahn A. , Olerup O. , Hillert J.
Published: November 2012

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Autoantibodies are thought to participate in the pathogenesis. Previous reports on the role of immunoglobulin (Ig) variable gene segments in MS are contradictory. Here, by using a highly polymorphic variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) marker located in the centre of the IgH chain locus, we demonstrate a lack of linkage and association with MS in 34 multiplex families and 113 sporadic MS patients in Sweden. Stratification for the presence or abscence of the MS‐associated HLA‐Dw2 haplotype did not influence the negative outcome. We conclude that the IgH chain genes are unlikely to play a role in genetic susceptibility to MS in the Swedish population.
Warm‐up before laparoscopic surgery is not essential
Authors: Weston Maree K. , Stephens Jacqueline H. , Schafer Amy , Hewett Peter J.
Published: November 2012

Background

Several recent studies have suggested that warming up prior to surgery may improve surgical performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether warming up prior to laparoscopic surgery improves surgical performance or reduces surgery duration.

Methods

Between August 2011 and January 2012, a randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare two warm‐up modalities to no warm‐up. The study was conducted at a single site, with nine surgeons performing 72 laparoscopic cholecystectomies and 37 laparoscopic appendicectomies. Prior to surgery, surgeons were randomized to either laparoscopic trainer box warm‐up, PlayStation 2 warm‐up or no warm‐up. The activity was performed within 30 min of surgery commencing. Patients provided informed consent for the surgery to be digitally recorded. Digital videodiscs (DVDs) were reviewed by an independent and blinded assessor. Data were collected on duration of surgery, level of training and perceived surgical difficulty. Surgical performance was graded using a validated scoring system.

Results

From the 109 operations performed, there were 75 usable DVDs. Overall, there were no statistical differences in the demographics of patients and surgeons in the three treatment groups, nor in the subset that had useable DVDs. There were no statistical differences in the duration of surgery or surgeon's perceived surgical difficulty. There was no statistical difference in surgical performance.

Conclusions

This study suggests that warm‐up prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy or appendicectomy is not essential, acknowledging that there are several study limitations that preclude definitive conclusion.
“How was your health 3 years ago?” Predicting mortality in older adults using a retrospective change measure of self‐rated health
Authors: Galenkamp Henrike , Deeg Dorly JH , Braam Arjan W. , Huisman Martijn
Published: November 2012

Aim

Studies have shown better predictive value of self‐rated health (SRH) for mortality when prospective change in SRH is considered. However, retrospective change is more feasible and might have better sensitivity to objective health changes. This study compares the predictive value for mortality of retrospectively measured change in SRH (based on a “then‐test”) with current SRH and prospectively measured change in SRH.

Methods

Data from two waves of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (2001–2003 and 2005–2006 [T0], n = 1894) were used. Retrospective change was defined as the difference between SRH at T0 (“current SRH”) and SRH measured with a then‐test at T0, asking for a renewed judgement of one's health at the previous wave. Prospective change was defined as change in SRH between the two waves. We applied Cox proportional hazards analysis to predict 5‐year mortality.

Results

Having poorer current SRH significantly predicted mortality (HR poor vs very good SRH = 4.42). Declined SRH was associated with higher mortality risk, but only when measured prospectively (one point decline vs no change HR = 1.33; two points decline HR = 1.95). After adjusting for current SRH, neither change measure predicted mortality. Results were similar in subgroups that did and did not experience incident diseases or limitations between the two waves.

Conclusions

Neither retrospective, nor prospective changes in SRH improved the prediction of mortality in older adults over current SRH. These results imply that using a standard single indicator for self‐rated health in research or clinical practice might suffice to identify those with a high risk of future negative health outcomes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 678–686.
Effects of physical function trajectories on later long‐term care utilization among the Taiwanese elderly
Authors: Hsu Hui‐Chuan
Published: November 2012

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of trajectories of physical function on later long‐term care utilization based on longitudinal panel data of older adults.

Methods

A representative longitudinal sample of older adults during the years 1993 to 2007 was used (n = 1232). Trajectories of physical function from 1993 to 2007 were identified by group‐based trajectory analysis, and then the relationships of the past trajectories with the use of nursing homes and care assistants, and the amount of utilization used in 2007 were examined.

Results

Four groups of physical function difficulties trajectories were identified: none (38.8%), little (34.1%), late increasing (16.1%) and early increasing (11.0%). The early‐ and late‐increasing difficulty groups were more likely to use and used more nursing homes and care assistants. In particular, a long‐term disability is closely related to a larger probability of using nursing homes than using care assistants at home. The utilization of care assistants seems a priority choice at the early‐increasing stage of disability. When the disability worsens and lasts a long time, a nursing home is then the next choice.

Conclusion

Past physical function trajectories relate to later long‐term care utilization. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 751–758.
Overview of: “Assessing the Extent and Sources of NCAA Rule Infractions: A National Self‐Report Study of Student‐Athletes”
Authors: Cullen Francis T. , Latessa Edward J. , Jonson Cheryl Lero
Published: November 2012

Research Summary

Although the popular and academic media often proclaim that rule violations are widespread in college athletics, research assessing the true prevalence and causes of such infractions is in short supply. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a national survey that asked a random sample of male student‐athletes at Division I basketball and football programs about such infractions (n = 648). The results revealed that although six in ten student‐athletes did not commit any infractions in the recruitment process, seven in ten respondents reported breaking NCAA rules while in college. Most violations, however, were relatively minor and involved amenities that would enhance the student‐athletes’ quality of life (free meals, cash payments less than $20). In contrast, serious violations—such as free cars, substantial financial allocations, and academic fraud—were rare, although they did exist. The multivariate analysis revealed that infractions were higher among student‐athletes who were highly recruited; who associated with fellow athletes that transgressed NCAA rules or saw nothing inappropriate about breaking these regulations; who personally embraced values defining rule violations as acceptable; who did not have close relationships with their parents; and, in particular, who had a general propensity to be involved in deviant behavior. In contrast, infractions were statistically unrelated to a variety of factors, including most notably economic deprivation, organizational context, and threats of sanctions. A potentially disquieting finding is that a quarter of the respondents admitted to gambling on sporting events, with a small percentage reporting placing bets on games in which they played and three respondents stating that they had “received money from a gambler for not playing well.”

Policy Implications

The findings suggest that NCAA infractions have diverse causes and are likely to be an ongoing reality of major college athletics. Such infractions are unlikely to be diminished either by proposals to compensate student‐athletes financially or by efforts to punish them more harshly. Instead, a more profitable approach would be to establish programs that (1) intervene with student‐athletes at risk for misconduct and (2) that seek to transform “deviant learning environments” that encourage rule infractions by using positive and innovative means to persuade student‐athletes that NCAA rules are legitimate and should be followed.
The Art of Listening: Perceiving Pulse in Eighteenth‐Century France
Authors: SYKES INGRID J.
Published: November 2012

This article examines the importance of sound in medical and musical circles of the French Enlightenment. Sound and listening in medicine were highlighted in 1756 by the Montpellier doctor Théophile de Bordeu, in his work on pulse. Pulse recognition, according to Bordeu, depended not only on the tactile abilities of the doctor but also on his skills in auditory perception. Doctors were required to memorise various acoustical patterns, then match them to the ‘live’ pulse pattern of the patient perceived during observation. The Enlightened medical physician, like the musician, relied on his ear to communicate knowledge and understanding.
“Ich kam unter die Schweizer”: Teaching Switzerland as a Multi‐Ethnic Society
Authors: Baumgartner Karin
Published: November 2012

This article describes a five‐week module on “Switzerland as a multi‐ethnic society” intended to counteract the popular image of Switzerland as a homogenous country concerned mostly with tourism, chocolate, and watches. Instead, the module treats Switzerland through topics such as the definition of identity in a multi‐ethnic society, the politics of immigration for a largely service‐based economy, and the strains that migration puts on a modern society shaped by political will. The unit seeks to familiarize students with contemporary multi‐ethnic Switzerland through a number of different texts (including film and music), compare the Swiss debates of migration and integration to those in the United States, and move students toward deep reflection on the larger issue concerning migration and national identity. The module is versatile in that it can be taught as part of a course on Switzerland, or of a broader course on migration in the German‐speaking countries.
Creating Innovation Leaders: Why We Need to Blend Business and Design Education
Authors: Fixson Sebastian K. , Read James M.
Published: November 2012

Fusing design and business education is like forming a compound out of two elements. In this case, the result is something completely new.
Four Skills Graduates Need to Cut It in Design‐Led Firms
Authors: Beverland Michael
Published: November 2012

That “certain spark,” and what puts it there.
Design Education: A Return to Basics
Authors: Vossoughi Sohrab , Alviani Carl
Published: November 2012

Truly educated designers know that real genius lies in recognizing and operating within the constraints imposed on the project.
Seipin regulates excitatory synaptic transmission in cortical neurons
Authors: Wei Shunhui , Soh Stephanie Li‐Ying , Qiu Wenjie , Yang Wulin , Seah Cheyenne Jia‐Yan , Guo Jing , Ong Wei‐Yi , Pang Zhiping P. , Han Weiping
Published: November 2012

Heterozygosity for missense mutations in Seipin, namely N88S and S90L, leads to a broad spectrum of motor neuropathy, while a number of loss‐of‐function mutations in Seipin are associated with the Berardinelli–Seip congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 2 (CGL2, BSCL2), a condition that is characterized by severe lipoatrophy, insulin resistance, and intellectual impairment. The mechanisms by which Seipin mutations lead to motor neuropathy, lipodystrophy, and insulin resistance, and the role Seipin plays in central nervous system (CNS) remain unknown. The goal of this study is to understand the functions of Seipin in the CNS using a loss‐of‐function approach, i.e. by knockdown (KD) of Seipin gene expression. Excitatory post‐synaptic currents (EPSCs) were impaired in Seipin‐KD neurons, while the inhibitory post‐synaptic currents (IPSCs) remained unaffected. Expression of a shRNA‐resistant human Seipin rescued the impairment of EPSC produced by Seipin KD. Furthermore, α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)‐induced whole‐cell currents were significantly reduced in Seipin KD neurons, which could be rescued by expression of a shRNA‐resistant human Seipin. Fluorescent imaging and biochemical studies revealed reduced level of surface AMPA receptors, while no obvious ultrastructural changes in the pre‐synapse were found. These data suggest that Seipin regulates excitatory synaptic function through a post‐synaptic mechanism.
Differential association of postsynaptic signaling protein complexes in striatum and hippocampus
Authors: Baucum Anthony J. , Brown Abigail M. , Colbran Roger J.
Published: November 2012

Distinct physiological stimuli are required for bidirectional synaptic plasticity in striatum and hippocampus, but differences in the underlying signaling mechanisms are poorly understood. We have begun to compare levels and interactions of key excitatory synaptic proteins in whole extracts and subcellular fractions isolated from micro‐dissected striatum and hippocampus. Levels of multiple glutamate receptor subunits, calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), a highly abundant serine/threonine kinase, and spinophilin, a F‐actin and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) binding protein, were significantly lower in striatal extracts, as well as in synaptic and/or extrasynaptic fractions, compared with similar hippocampal extracts/fractions. However, CaMKII interactions with spinophilin were more robust in striatum compared with hippocampus, and this enhanced association was restricted to the extrasynaptic fraction. NMDAR GluN2B subunits associate with both spinophilin and CaMKII, but spinophilin‐GluN2B complexes were enriched in extrasynaptic fractions whereas CaMKII‐GluN2B complexes were enriched in synaptic fractions. Notably, the association of GluN2B with both CaMKII and spinophilin was more robust in striatal extrasynaptic fractions compared with hippocampal extrasynaptic fractions. Selective differences in the assembly of synaptic and extrasynaptic signaling complexes may contribute to differential physiological regulation of excitatory transmission in striatum and hippocampus.
In vitro activity of colistin as single agent and in combination with antifungals against filamentous fungi occurring in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Schemuth H. , Dittmer S. , Lackner M. , Sedlacek L. , Hamprecht A. , Steinmann E. , Buer J. , Rath P.‐M. , Steinmann J.
Published: November 2012

Because published reports indicate that the antibiotic colistin (COL) has antifungal properties, this study investigated the antifungal in vitro activity of COL as single agent and in combination with the antifungal compounds voriconazole (VRC), caspofungin (CAS) and amphotericin B (AMB) against Scedosporium/Pseudallescheria spp., Exophiala dermatitidis and Geosmithia argillacea. In total, susceptibility was determined for 77 Scedosporium/Pseudallescheria spp., 82 E. dermatitidis and 17 G. argillacea isolates. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of COL and the antifungals as single compound and in combination were determined with MIC test strips. Drug interactions were detected by crossing the MIC test strips at a 90º angle. The fractional inhibitory concentration index was used to categorise the drugs’ interaction. The MIC50 value of COL was 12 μg ml−1 for S. prolificans, 16 μg ml−1 for P. apiosperma, 16 μg ml−1 for P. boydii, 12 μg ml−1 for E. dermatiditis and 6 μg ml−1 for G. argillacea. VRC was the most active drug in combination without any antagonism with the exception of few P. boydii isolates. COL as single agent and in most combinations with antifungals exhibits in vitro antifungal activity against filamentous ascomycetes occurring in cystic fibrosis patients and may offer a novel therapeutic option, especially for multidrug‐resistant S. prolificans.
Reduced Plasmodium berghei sporozoite liver load associates with low protective efficacy after intradermal immunization
Authors: NGANOU‐MAKAMDOP K. , PLOEMEN I. , BEHET M. , VAN GEMERT G.‐J. , HERMSEN C. , ROESTENBERG M. , SAUERWEIN R. W.
Published: November 2012

Studies in animal models suggest that protection against malaria induced by intradermal (ID) administration of sporozoites is less effective compared to intravenous injection (IV). We investigated in a murine model the protective efficacy and immune responses after ID or IV immunization of sporozoites. Mice were immunized via either IV or ID route with Plasmodium berghei sporozoites in combination with chloroquine treatment (CPS) (allowing full liver stage development) or by γ‐radiation‐attenuated sporozoites (RAS) (early liver stage arrest). While IV immunization with both RAS and CPS generated 90–100% protection, ID immunization resulted in reduced levels of protection with either immunization strategy in both Balb/cByJ (50%) and C57BL/6j mice (7–13%). Lower protection by ID routing associated with a 30‐fold lower parasite liver load [P < 0.001 (χ2 = 49.08, d.f. = 1)] assessed by real‐time in vivo imaging of bioluminescent P. berghei parasites. Unlike IV, ID immunization did not result in expansion of CD8+ T cells with effector memory phenotype and showed lower IFNγ responses irrespective of the immunization regime. In conclusion, protection against sporozoite infection is likely dependent on parasite liver infection and subsequently generated cellular immune responses.
Fast real‐time detection of Potato spindle tuber viroid by RT‐LAMP
Authors: Lenarčič R. , Morisset D. , Mehle N. , Ravnikar M.
Published: November 2012

This paper reports the development of a single tube, real‐time, reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) assay for detecting Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd), one of the quarantine pathogens of potato in Europe and North America. The method enables detection of a broad range of PSTVd isolates, and is about 10 times more sensitive than the conventional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay. Its benefits are not only its speed (15–25 min to obtain results) and cost effectiveness (resulting from time saved as well as cheaper consumables), but also its demonstrated ability to be performed in the field, using portable instruments.
Carbon Storage with Benefits
Authors: Sohi Saran P.
Published: November 2012

Biochar—a material related to charcoal—has the potential to benefit farming as well as mitigate climate change.
Combating Hunger
Authors: Swaminathan M. S.
Published: November 2012

At the close of the recent London Olympics, the United Kingdom announced a program designed to rescue 25 million children worldwide from malnutrition by the time of the next Olympics in Brazil. In May 2012, the World Health Assembly agreed to a target of reducing the number of stunted children by 40% (a reduction of about 70 million children) by 2025. To meet these targets and nourish the 870 million hungry people in the world,
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the world's leaders will need to prioritize an innovative science-based marriage of nutrition and agriculture.
Making Sense of a Senseless Act
Authors: Hvistendahl Mara
Published: November 2012

Research from Asia is overturning long-held notions about the factors that drive people to commit suicide.