bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whistle‐blowing and workplace culture in older peoples' care: qualitative insights from the healthcare and social care workforce
Authors: Jones Aled , Kelly Daniel
Published: April 2014

Inquiries in the UK into mistreatment of older people by healthcare employees over the last 30 years have focused on introducing or supporting employee whistle‐blowing. Although whistle‐blowers have made an important contribution to patient safety it remains a controversial activity. The fate of whistle‐blowers is bleak, often resulting in personal and professional sacrifices. Here we draw on the views of healthcare and social care employees working with older people to explore perceptions of whistle‐blowing as well as alternative strategies that may be used to raise concerns about the mistreatment of patients by co‐workers. Whistle‐blowing was perceived as a negative term. Managers said they promoted open cultures underpinned by regular team meetings and an open‐door ethos. Others described workplace norms that were somewhat at odds with these open culture ideals. Whistle‐blowing was considered risky, and this led to staff creating informal channels through which to raise concerns. Those who witnessed wrongdoing were aware that support was available from external agencies but preferred local solutions and drew upon personal ethics rather than regulatory edicts to shape their responses. We argue that the importance of workplace relationships and informal channels for raising concerns should be better understood to help prevent the mistreatment of vulnerable groups.
Effect of production season on protein fraction content in milk of various breeds of goats in Poland
Authors: Brodziak Aneta , Król Jolanta , Barłowska Joanna , Litwińczuk Zygmunt
Published: April 2014

Milk of various goat breeds was analysed to assess the effect of production season on content of basic chemical components, with regard to whey proteins. Milk of goats in the productive herds (white and coloured coat) contained significantly (P < 0.01) more total protein, casein, fat, dry matter and functional whey proteins. The production season significantly determined the content of total protein (P < 0.01), casein (P < 0.01) and whey proteins (P < 0.05), including α‐lactalbumin (P < 0.01) and lactoferrin (P < 0.01). A higher content of total protein and casein was found in the autumn–winter season and the content of whey proteins was higher in the spring–summer period.
Detection of antimicrobial substances from larvae of the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)
Authors: Park Soon‐Ik , Chang Byung Soo , Yoe Sung Moon
Published: April 2014

Maggots have become highly successful in the treatment of non‐healing wounds and multidrug‐resistant pathogen infections. The main objective of this study was to extract antibacterial substances from larvae of the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens. To induce immune responses, we septically injured the larvae with a contaminated needle. Lyophilized H. illucens larvae were homogenized and extracted with acidic methanol. We examined the antifungal and antibacterial effects of the low molecular weight antimicrobial factors within the larval extract on the growth of a broad range of microorganisms, including Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Gram‐negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, we isolated the anti‐MRSA substances from the larval extract using high performance liquid chromatography. These investigations revealed that the larval extract possessed a broad‐spectrum of antibacterial activity, demonstrating that secretions of H. illucens larvae prove useful in the fight against MRSA and can potentially be a source of novel antibiotic‐like compounds for infection control.
Changing trends in the proportions of small (≤2 cm) proximal and non‐proximal gastric carcinomas treated at a high‐volume tertiary medical center in China
Authors: Shi Jiong , Sun Qi , Xu Bi Yun , Yu Hui Ping , Zhang Yi Fen , Zou Xiao Ping , Huang Lily , Gold Jason S. , Mashimo Hiroshi , Yu Cheng Gong , Huang Qin
Published: April 2014

Objective

Guided by the recently established histological criteria of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), we aimed to investigate and compare trends in the proportions of small (≤2 cm) proximal gastric carcinoma (PGC) vs non‐PGC (NPGC) in Chinese patients over an 8‐year period.

Methods

The study was conducted with consecutive surgical resected specimens of small PGC that was located within 3 cm below the GEJ and NPGC (located at all other gastric regions) treated at a single medical center in China. Differences in proportions between the two groups were compared.

Results

Among all 313 cases, 111 (35.5%) were classified as PGC and the remaining 202 (64.5%) as NPGC. Patients with PGC were significantly elder than those with NPGC, and none aged younger than 40 years. The proportions of PGC significantly and progressively increased from 16% in 2004 to 45% in 2011, in contrast to a steady decreasing trend for NPGC from 84% to 55% over the same period. The difference in trends between the two groups approached, but was not at a statistically significant level (P = 0.08). Proportions of small cancers in the gastric corpus and in female patients remained low and stable, in contrast to a significantly higher proportion in male patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our data showed a significantly upward‐shifting trend in the proportions of small PGC, primarily in elderly male patients, in contrast to a downward shifting trend in NPGC over the most recent 8‐year period in Chinese patients.
Trading Behavior Prior to Public Release of Analyst Reports: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Choi Bobae , Jung Kooyul , Lee Doowon
Published: April 2014

This paper investigates information leakage from analyst reports prior to their public release. Previous studies document abnormal trading by institutions or short selling before announcement of recommendation changes. Such prerelease abnormal trading is interpreted as evidence of information leakage from analyst reports. However, if sophisticated investors obtain information similar to what analysts have from other sources, abnormal prerelease trading patterns would be observed even if there were no information leakage from analyst reports. This paper, using a unique data set from Korea, aims to determine whether a direct causal link between recommendation changes and prerelease trading exists, by comparing trading behavior of client investors with non‐client investors. We find that abnormal prerelease trading by client investors, especially client institutions, is earlier in timing and greater in magnitude than that of other investor groups, supporting the information leakage hypothesis. We further find that net buying by client institutions and client large individuals is positively associated with firm, analyst, and earnings forecast change variables that influence formulation of recommendation changes and their impacts.
Cucumber volatile blend, a promising female‐biased lure for Bactrocera cucumis (French 1907) (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacinae), a pest fruit fly that does not respond to male attractants
Authors: Royer Jane E , De Faveri Stefano G , Lowe Gail E , Wright Carole L
Published: April 2014

Bactrocera cucumis (French 1907), the ‘cucumber fruit fly’, is a horticultural pest in Australia that primarily infests cucurbits and has also been recorded from tomatoes, papaw and several other hosts. It does not respond to known male lures, cue‐lure and methyl eugenol, making monitoring and control difficult. A cucumber volatile blend lure was recently developed in Hawaii and found to be an effective female‐biased attractant for the melon fly B. cucurbitae. This lure was field tested in north Queensland, Australia in McPhail traps in comparison with orange ammonia, Cera Trap® and a control, and was found to more consistently trap B. cucumis than the other lures. B. cucumis were caught at 41% of the cucumber volatile lure trap clearances, compared with 27% of the orange ammonia, 18% of the Cera Trap and 16% of the control trap clearances. The cucumber volatile lure was more attractive to B. cucumis in low population densities and also trapped B. cucumis earlier on average than the other lures. Data analysed from the site with highest trap catches (Spring Creek) showed that the cucumber volatile lure caught significantly more B. cucumis than the other traps in four of the 11 trap clearance periods, and for the remaining clearances, no other trap type caught significantly more flies than the cucumber volatile lure. The cucumber volatile lure had a strong female‐biased attraction but it was not significantly more female‐biased than orange ammonia or Cera Trap. Cucumber volatile lure traps were cleaner to service resulting in better quality specimens than the orange ammonia trap or Cera Trap. These findings have potential implications for market access monitoring for determining pest freedom, and for biosecurity monitoring programmes in other countries that wish to detect B. cucumis early.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of optimal initial fraction of oxygen levels in the delivery room at ≤32 weeks
Authors: Saugstad Ola Didrik , Aune Dagfinn , Aguar Marta , Kapadia Vishal , Finer Neil , Vento Maximo
Published: April 2014

Aim

The optimal initial fraction of oxygen (iFiO2) for resuscitating/stabilising premature infants is not known. We aimed to study currently available information and provide guidelines regarding the iFiO2 levels needed to resuscitate/stabilise premature infants of ≤32 weeks' gestation.

Methods

Our systematic review and meta‐analysis studied the effects of low and high iFiO2 during the resuscitation/stabilisation of 677 newborn babies ≤32 weeks' gestation.

Results

Ten randomised studies were identified covering 321 infants receiving low (0.21–0.30) iFiO2 levels and 356 receiving high (0.60–1.0) levels. Relative risk for mortality was 0.62 (95% CI: 0.37–1.04, I2 = 0%, pheterogeneity = 0.88) for low versus high iFiO2 ; for bronchopulmonary dysplasia, it was 1.11 (95% CI: 0.73–1.68, I2 = 46%, pheterogeneity = 0.06); and for intraventricular haemorrhage, it was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.53–1.53, I2 = 9%, pheterogeneity = 0.36).

Conclusion

These data show that reduced mortality approached significance when a low iFiO2 (0.21–0.30) was used for initial stabilisation, compared to a high iFiO2 (0.60–1.0). There was no significant association for bronchopulmonary dysplasia or intraventricular haemorrhage when comparing low and high iFiO2. Based on present data, premature babies ≤32 weeks' gestation in need of stabilisation in the delivery room should be given an iFiO2 of 0.21–0.30.
Triggering of Erythrocyte Cell Membrane Scrambling by Salinomycin
Authors: Bissinger Rosi , Malik Abaid , Jilani Kashif , Lang Florian
Published: April 2014

Salinomycin, a polyether ionophore antibiotic effective against a variety of pathogens, has been shown to trigger apoptosis of cancer cells and cancer stem cells. The substance is thus considered for the treatment of malignancy. Salinomycin compromises tumour cell survival at least in part by interference with mitochondrial function. Erythrocytes lack mitochondria but may undergo apoptosis‐like suicidal cell death or eryptosis, which is characterized by scrambling of the cell membrane with phosphatidylserine exposure at the erythrocyte surface. Signalling involved in the triggering of eryptosis includes activation of oxidant‐sensitive Ca2+ permeable cation channels with subsequent increase in cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i). This study explored whether salinomycin stimulates eryptosis. Phosphatidylserine‐exposing erythrocytes were identified by measurement of annexin‐V binding, cell volume was estimated from forward scatter, haemolysis determined from haemoglobin release, [Ca2+]i quantified utilizing Fluo3‐fluorescence and oxidative stress from 2′,7′ dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) fluorescence in flow cytometry. A 48‐hr exposure to salinomycin (5‐100 nM) was followed by a significant increase in Fluo3‐fluorescence, DCFDA fluorescence and annexin‐V binding, as well as a significant decrease in forward scatter (at 5–10 nM, but not at 50 and 100 nM). The annexin‐V binding after salinomycin treatment was significantly blunted but not abrogated in the nominal absence of extracellular Ca2+ or in the presence of antioxidant n‐acetyl cysteine (1 mM). Salinomycin triggers cell membrane scrambling, an effect at least partially due to oxidative stress and entry of extracellular Ca2+.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Antimalarial Properties of Novel 4‐Aminoquinoline Hybrid Compounds
Authors: Fisher Gillian M. , Tanpure Rajendra P. , Douchez Antoine , Andrews Katherine T. , Poulsen Sally‐Ann
Published: April 2014

Pharmacophore hybridization has recently been employed in the search for antimalarial lead compounds. This approach chemically links two pharmacophores, each with their own antimalarial activity and ideally with different modes of action, into a single hybrid molecule with the goal to improve therapeutic properties. In this paper, we report the synthesis of novel 7‐chloro‐4‐aminoquinoline/primary sulfonamide hybrid compounds. The chlorinated 4‐aminoquinoline scaffold is the core structure of chloroquine, an established antimalarial drug, while the primary sulfonamide functional group has a proven track record of efficacy and safety in many clinically used drugs and was recently shown to exhibit some antimalarial activity. The activity of the hybrid compounds was determined against chloroquine‐sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine‐resistant (Dd2) Plasmodium falciparum strains. While the hybrid compounds had lower antimalarial activity when compared to chloroquine, they demonstrated a number of interesting structure–activity relationship (SAR) trends including the potential to overcome the resistance profile of chloroquine.
Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and Biological Evaluation of Some Novel Hydrazones and Pyrazole Derivatives as Anti‐inflammatory Agents
Authors: Mohammed Khaled O. , Nissan Yassin M.
Published: April 2014

2‐Hydrazinyl‐N‐(4‐sulfamoylphenyl)acetamide 3 was the key intermediate for the synthesis of novel hydrazones 4–10 and pyrazole derivatives 11–17. All compounds were tested for their in vivo anti‐inflammatory activity and their ability to inhibit the production of PGE2 in serum samples of rats. IC50 values for the most active compounds for inhibition of COX‐1 and COX‐2 enzymes were determined in vitro, and they were also tested for their ulcerogenic effect. Molecular docking was performed on the active site of COX‐2 to predict their mode of binding to the amino acids. Most of the synthesized compounds showed good anti‐inflammatory activity especially compounds 3, 4, 8, 9, 15, and 17 which showed better activity than diclofenac as the reference drug. Compounds 3, 8, 9, 13, and 15–17 were less ulcerogenic than indomethacine as the reference drug. Most of the synthesized compounds interacted with Tyr 385 and Ser 530 in molecular docking study with additional hydrogen bond for compound 17. Compound 17 showed good selectivity index value of 11.1 for COX‐1/COX‐2 inhibition in vitro.
Optic nerve head assessment: comparison of Cirrus optic coherence tomography and Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph 3
Authors: Kratz Assaf , Lim Ridia , Goldberg Ivan
Published: April 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between optic nerve head (ONH) parameters measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope.

Design

Prospective, cross‐sectional study. Hospital setting.

Participants

One hundred seventy‐three subjects (85 glaucoma and 88 normal subjects).

Methods

One eye from each individual was selected randomly for ONH imaging by the spectral domain Cirrus OCT and Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph 3 (HRT3).

Main Outcome Measures

Four ONH parameters that are measured by both technologies (average cup‐to‐disc ratio [CDR], rim area, disc area and cup volume) were analysed and compared for differences, agreement of the categorical classification, diagnostic sensitivities and specificities and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC).

Results

ONH parameters, as determined by the two technologies were significantly different but strongly correlated. Proportional bias was demonstrated for all measurements. The agreement of categorical classification was excellent for CDR (κ = 0.94) and good for rim area and cup volume (κ = 0.63 and 0.71, respectively). The highest sensitivities at fixed specificities were achieved by Cirrus OCT. AUCs for CDR, rim area, disc area and cup volume were not significantly different between the two technologies.

Conclusions

The diagnostic capability of ONH measurements by both technologies is similar. Paired ONH measurements by Cirrus OCT and HRT3 are strongly correlated but significantly different and proportionally biased. The results preclude interchangeable use of the absolute values, but categorical classification of ONH parameters may be interchangeable in clinical practice.
Antisense‐mediated therapeutic pseudoexon skipping in TMEM165‐CDG
Authors: Yuste‐Checa P. , Medrano C. , Gámez A. , Desviat L.R. , Matthijs G. , Ugarte M. , Pérez‐Cerdá C. , Pérez B.
Published: April 2014

Deficiencies in glycosyltransferases, glycosidases or nucleotide‐sugar transporters involved in protein glycosylation lead to congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG), a group of genetic diseases mostly showing multisystem phenotype. Despite recent advances in the biochemical and molecular knowledge of these diseases, no effective therapy exists for most. Efforts are now being directed toward therapies based on identifying new targets, which would allow to treat specific patients in a personalized way. This work presents proof‐of concept for the antisense RNA rescue of the Golgi‐resident protein TMEM165, a gene involved in a new type of CDG with a characteristic skeletal phenotype. Using a functional in vitro splicing assay based on minigenes, it was found that the deep intronic change c.792+182G>A is responsible for the insertion of an aberrant exon, corresponding to an intronic sequence. Antisense morpholino oligonucleotide therapy targeted toward TMEM165 mRNA recovered normal protein levels in the Golgi apparatus of patient‐derived fibroblasts. This work expands the application of antisense oligonucleotide‐mediated pseudoexon skipping to the treatment of a Golgi‐resident protein, and opens up a promising treatment option for this specific TMEM165‐CDG.
“As Good As It Gets”: Undocumented Latino Day Laborers Negotiating Discrimination in San Francisco and Berkeley, California, USA
Authors: QUESADA JAMES , ARREOLA SONYA , KRAL ALEX , KHOURY SAHAR , ORGANISTA KURT C. , WORBY PAULA
Published: April 2014

Undocumented Latino day laborers in the United States are vulnerable to being arrested and expelled at any time. This social fact shapes their everyday lives in terms of actions taken and strategies deployed to mitigate being confronted, profiled, and possibly incarcerated and deported. While perceptions of threat and bouts of discrimination are routine among undocumented Latino day laborers, their specific nature vary according to multiple social factors and structural forces that differ significantly from locale to locale. The experience of discrimination is often tacitly negotiated through perceptions, decisions, and actions toward avoiding or moderating its ill effects. This essay examines urban undocumented Latino day laborers over a variety of sites in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, which, compared to many metropolitan areas in the U.S. is “as good as it gets” in terms of being socially tolerated and relatively safe from persecution. Nonetheless, tacit negotiations are necessary to withstand or overcome challenges presented by idiosyncratic and ever changing global, national/state, and local dynamics of discrimination.
Automobility, Immobility, Altermobility: Surviving and Resisting the Intensification of Immigrant Policing
Authors: STUESSE ANGELA , COLEMAN MATHEW
Published: April 2014

In the last five years, immigration enforcement in the United States has changed dramatically. The focus on federal border enforcement and workplace raids of yesteryear has been replaced by an intensification of state and local initiatives that rely on the daily policing of immigrant communities deep within the country's heartlands. Perhaps the most pervasive of these are the 287(g) and Secure Communities programs, which call upon local police and sheriff's offices to act as foot soldiers for the enforcement of federal immigration law. Fortified by the pervasive rollback by states of immigrant access to driver's licenses, these programs convert the mundane act of driving into the activity of highest risk for undocumented individuals. Getting pulled over for a minor traffic violation now typically results in detention and often deportation. Yet most immigrants—as most “Americans”—are compelled to drive on a daily basis in order to work, care for their children, and keep up their households. How do people cope with this reality, where driving is at once requisite and forbidden? Our unfolding research in Atlanta reveals the importance of social networks and new communication technologies, including social media, in immigrants' struggle to maintain a semblance of normalcy amid the intense criminalization of their communities. Through a discussion of the policing of automobility, its resulting immobility, and emerging forms of altermobility, this paper brings into ethnographic relief the recent words of one undocumented activist who declared, “the only secure community is an organized one.” [mobilities, immigration enforcement, undocumented immigrant, Atlanta]
The Border Network for Human Rights: From Community Organizing to Public Policy Action
Authors: HEYMAN JOSIAH
Published: April 2014

TheBorderNetwork forHumanRights (BNHR) is a community‐based organization in theUnitedStates‐Mexico borderlands, focused on human rights in the domain of immigration law enforcement and comprehensive immigration reform.BNHRhas three important features. First, it focuses on theU.S.‐Mexico border region, the region of most intensiveU.S.immigration enforcement. Second, theBNHRuses a base community organizing strategy, as opposed to external activist or service provider strategies. Third, theBNHRhas brought the voices and perspectives of border and immigrant community members to the public policy process. In these ways, theBNHRis reformulating political agency in the borderlands and theU.S.[U.S.‐Mexico border, immigration, community organizing, human rights, public policy]
Soft tissue augmentation of ridge defects in the maxillary anterior area using two different methods: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Akcalı A. , Schneider D. , Ünlü F. , Bıcakcı N. , Köse T. , Hämmerle C. H. F.
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To test whether or not vascularized interpositional periosteal‐connective tissue grafts are as successful as free subepithelial connective tissue grafts in augmenting volume defects in the anterior maxilla.

Material and methods

Twenty subjects with Seibert class 1 ridge defects in the anterior maxilla were randomly, equally assigned to augmentation by vascularized interpositional periosteal‐connective tissue graft (test) or free subepithelial connective tissue graft (control). Clinical periodontal parameters at teeth adjacent to the gap were recorded, and conventional impressions were taken prior to surgery (baseline = t0) and 1 (t1), 3 (t3) and 6 (t6) months after surgery. The casts were optically scanned, digitized and analyzed for ridge contour changes in the augmented area. Data were subjected to nonparametric statistics.

Results

The contour changes in labial distance between baseline and follow‐up for the control group were (median, range) 1 mm, 0.37–1.45 (t0–t1); 1.18 mm, 0.39–1.40 (t0–t3); and 0.63 mm, 0.28–1.22 (t0–t6) and for test group 1.21 mm, 0.74–2.47 (t0–t1); 1.26 mm, 0.50–1.71 (t0–t3); and 1.18 mm, 0.16–1.75 (t0–t6). Significantly less shrinkage of the graft was observed in the test group after 6 months (P = 0.03). Clinical periodontal parameters at the neighboring teeth were stable over the follow‐up period and did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

Augmentation of single tooth gaps with moderate ridge defects in the anterior maxilla was successfully performed using both techniques. However, after 6 months, sites treated by the pediculated graft were superior in maintaining the initially augmented volume and showed less shrinkage of the graft. This could be attributed to better perfusion of the pediculated graft.
Accuracy of digital versus conventional implant impressions
Authors: Lee Sang J. , Betensky Rebecca A. , Gianneschi Grace E. , Gallucci German O.
Published: April 2014

Objective

The accuracy of digital impressions greatly influences their clinical viability in implant restorations. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of gypsum models acquired from the conventional implant impression to digitally milled models created from direct digitalization by three‐dimensional analysis.

Materials and Methods

Thirty gypsum and 30 digitally milled models, impressed directly from a reference model, were prepared. The models and reference model were scanned by a laboratory scanner, and 30 surface tessellation language datasets from each group were imported to an inspection software program. The datasets were aligned to the reference dataset by a repeated best‐fit algorithm, and 10 specified contact locations of interest were measured in mean volumetric deviations. The areas were pooled by cusps, fossae, interproximal contacts, horizontal and vertical axes of implant position and angulation. The pooled areas were statistically analysed by comparing each group to the reference model to investigate the mean volumetric deviations accounting for accuracy and standard deviations for precision.

Results

Milled models from digital impressions had comparable accuracy to gypsum models from conventional impressions. However, differences in fossae and vertical displacement of the implant position from the gypsum and digitally milled models compared to the reference model exhibited statistical significance (P < 0.001, P = 0.020, respectively).

Conclusion

Milled models from digital impression are comparable to gypsum models from conventional impression.
Hepatocyte Transplants Improve Liver Function and Encephalopathy in Portacaval Shunted Rats
Authors: Fogel Wieslawa Agnieszka , Stasiak Anna , Maksymowicz Michał , Kobos Jozef , Unzeta Mercedes , Mussur Miroslaw
Published: April 2014

Aim

Rats with portacaval shunt (PCS) are useful experimental models of human hepatic encephalopathy in chronic liver dysfunction. We have previously shown that PCS modifies amine neurotransmitter systems in the CNS and increases voluntary alcohol intake by rats. Hepatocyte transplantation, used in acute liver failure, has recently also been applied to chronic liver diseases, which prompted us to investigate whether the altered brain amine system and the drinking behavior in long‐term shunted rats could be normalized by hepatocyte transplants.

Methods

Hepatocytes, isolated from syngeneic donors by collagenase digestion, were injected (3 × 106 cells/rat) into the pancreatic tail region, 6 months after PCS. Hepatic function was evaluated by measuring urine urea and plasma L‐histidine concentrations. A free choice test with two bottles (tap water and 10% ethyl alcohol) was performed for 3 days to assess the rats’ preference for alcohol. The rats were euthanized 2 months posttransplantation. Brain histamine and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) levels were measured by radioenzymatic assay and by HPLC‐EC, respectively, N‐tele‐methylhistamine by GC/MS while MAOA and MAOB activities by isotopic procedures.

Results

Portacaval shunt rats with hepatocyte transplants gave more urea than before transplantation, with lower plasma L‐His levels and higher body weight versus the PCS counterparts. Also, those rats consumed less alcohol. The CNS amines and 5‐HIAA concentrations, as well as MAO‐B activity, being abnormally high in untreated PCS rats, significantly reduced after PCS hepatocyte treatment.

Conclusions

The results support the therapeutic values of hepatocyte transplants in chronic liver diseases and the temporary character of PCS‐exerted CNS dysfunctions.
Quasi‐prospective, real‐life monitoring of food craving post‐bariatric surgery: comparison with overweight and normal weight women
Authors: Guthrie H. , Tetley D. , Hill A. J.
Published: April 2014

Food cravings are common post‐bariatric surgery, suggested as predictors of relapse and weight regain, but relatively unstudied, especially in the longer term. The present study investigated the frequency and nature of food craving experiences after gastric surgery in comparison with non‐surgical control participants. Participants were 21 women, 4–38 months post‐surgery (mean age = 44 years, 9 following gastric banding, 12 after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass), and two comparison samples of 39 overweight dieters and 33 normal weight non‐dieters. They completed a food craving record after every food craving, a daily mood assessment and a food diary over a 7‐day period. Over the 299 craving episodes, savoury foods were the most commonly craved (40% of craving events), followed by chocolate (31%). Post‐bariatric patients reported more and stronger cravings than normal weight non‐dieters but at a similar frequency and strength to overweight dieters. Neither hunger nor negative mood distinguished the food cravings of post‐bariatric patients from those of comparison participants, nor did the proportion that led to eating (58%). Food cravings should be anticipated post‐bariatric surgery but no more so at 12 months post‐surgery than by other overweight or obese individuals. Food cravings are not the product of extreme hunger nor do they have the connection with negative mood seen in disordered eating. In addition, the ability to fulfil cravings by eating the craved food is reduced by the surgery itself, although the duration of surgical restraint is uncertain.
Piloting a Nationally Disseminated, Interactive Human Subjects Protection Program for Community Partners: Design, Content, and Evaluation
Authors: Solomon Stephanie , Eakin Brenda , Kirk Rosalind , Piechowski Patricia , Thomas Barbara
Published: April 2014

Funders, institutions, and research organizations are increasingly recognizing the need for human subjects protections training programs for those engaged in academic research. Current programs tend to be online and directed toward an audience of academic researchers. Research teams now include many nonacademic members, such as community partners, who are less likely to respond to either the method or the content of current online trainings. A team at the CTSA‐supported Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research at the University of Michigan developed a pilot human subjects protection training program for community partners that is both locally implemented and adaptable to local contexts, yet nationally consistent and deliverable from a central administrative source. Here, the developers and the analysts of this program discuss its development, its content, and the results of its evaluation.
Spatial synchrony in stream fish populations: influence of species traits
Authors: Chevalier Mathieu , Laffaille Pascal , Grenouillet Gaël
Published: April 2014

Spatial synchrony in population dynamics has been identified in most taxonomic groups. Numerous studies have reported varying levels of spatial synchrony among closely‐related species, suggesting that species' characteristics may play a role in determining the level of synchrony. However, few studies have attempted to relate this synchrony to the ecological characteristics and/or life‐history traits of species. Yet, as to some extent the extinction risk may be related to synchrony patterns, identifying a link between species' characteristics and spatial synchrony is crucial, and would help us to define effective conservation planning. Here, we investigated whether species attributes and temperature synchrony (i.e. a proxy of the Moran effect) account for the differences in spatial population synchrony observed in 27 stream fish species in France. After measuring and testing the level of synchrony for each species, we performed a comparative analysis to detect the phylogenetic signal of these levels, and to construct various multi‐predictor models with species traits and temperature synchrony as covariates, while taking phylogenetic relatedness into account. We then performed model averaging on selected models to take model uncertainty into account in our parameter estimates. Fifteen of the 27 species displayed a significant level of synchrony. Synchrony was weak, but highly variable between species, and was not conserved across the phylogeny. We found that some species' characteristics significantly influenced synchrony levels. Indeed, the average model indicated that species associated with greater dispersal abilities, lower thermal tolerance, and opportunistic strategy displayed a higher degree of synchrony. These findings indicate that phylogeny and spatial temperature synchrony do not provide information pertinent for explaining the variations in species' synchrony levels, whereas the dispersal abilities, the life‐history strategies and the upper thermal tolerance limits of species do appear to be quite reliable predictors of synchrony levels.
Effectiveness of exclosures for restoring soils and vegetation degraded by overgrazing in the Junggar Basin, China
Authors: Rong Yuping , Yuan Fei , Ma Lei
Published: April 2014

The desert steppe exclosure system was constructed in 2003 to implement the Chinese policy that banned livestock grazing to permit recovery of overgrazed rangeland. Empirical data on the effectiveness of excluding livestock grazing on restoring degraded desert soils and vegetation in western China is limited. Additional data are necessary for making alternative grassland management decisions and implementing effective subsidy policy. In this paper, desert vegetation in an extremely dry area, which was fenced to exclude winter sheep grazing in 2003, was compared to adjacent sites where winter grazing has been continued. Vegetation was sampled to determine plant species richness, vegetation composition and herb‐shrub layer cover. Soil properties were also measured. Results showed that excluding sheep grazing from desert steppe for 8 years increased plant cover and approximately tripled the biomass of standing vegetation, especially the shrub component. Livestock exclusion was more favorable for the growth of perennial grasses. Annual forbs were more abundant in the grazed area than in the ungrazed area. Species richness, evenness and diversity as measured by Simpson or Shannon‐Wiener indices did not differ between the grazed and ungrazed areas (P > 0.05), which indicated that species composition of the desert vegetation is difficult to restore. Excluding livestock grazing increased soil organic carbon in the 0–10 cm (by 66%) and 10–20 cm (26%) soil depths, total nitrogen in the 0–10 cm (110%) and 10–20 cm (60%) soil depths and total phosphorus in the 0–10 cm (114%) and 10–20 cm (64%) soil depths (P < 0.05). Our results demonstrated that vegetation biomass and soil properties can be improved by removal of sheep grazing, but had less impact on the species richness and diversity in this extremely dry region. It also affirms the current central government's policy of banning grazing to benefit the recovery of ecological services.
Frequent detection of BRAFV600E mutations in histiocytic and dendritic cell neoplasms
Authors: Go Heounjeong , Jeon Yoon Kyung , Huh Jooryung , Choi Suk Jin , Choi Yoo‐Duk , Cha Hee Jeong , Kim Hyun‐Jung , Park Gyeongsin , Min Sookee , Kim Ji Eun
Published: April 2014

Aims

In this study, we examined BRAF mutation in a wide range of histiocytic and dendritic cell neoplasms and compared its detection rate in each disease group.

Methods and results

A total of 129 cases of histiocytic, dendritic cell and other related lesions were reviewed from the archives of 10 hospitals in Korea. The cases consisted of histiocytic sarcoma, follicular dendritic cell (FDC) sarcoma, interdigitating cell sarcoma, Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), Langerhans cell sarcoma, blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm, acute monocytic leukaemia M5, giant cell tumour, xanthogranuloma, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour and Rosai–Dorfman disease. BRAF mutation analysis was performed by Sanger sequencing and PNAcqPCR. All the detected mutations of BRAF were V600E. Histiocytic sarcoma exhibited the highest rate of BRAFV600E (62.5%, five of eight), followed by Langerhans cell tumours (25%, seven of 28), FDC sarcoma (18.5%, five of 27) and giant cell tumour (6.7%, two of 30). The other tumours did not harbour BRAF mutations. In histiocytic sarcoma, FDC sarcoma and LCH, there were no significant differences in clinical features between tumours containing BRAFV600E and those with BRAFwt.

Conclusions

BRAFV600E was not limited to LCH and was detected more frequently in histiocytic sarcoma. Our findings suggest that the BRAF pathway may contribute to the pathogenesis or malignant transformation of histiocytic and dendritic cell neoplasms.
Allometric deviations of plasma carotenoids in raptors
Authors: Blanco Guillermo , Bautista Luis M. , Hornero‐Méndez Dámaso , Lambertucci Sergio A. , Wiemeyer Guillermo , Sanchez‐Zapata José A. , Hiraldo Fernando , Donázar José A.
Published: April 2014

Because large species ingest proportionally less food than small ones, it may be predicted that they should incorporate relatively fewer carotenoids to a proportionally equal volume of blood. However, some species may increase their levels of circulating carotenoids by ingesting unusual food. We tested whether the plasma concentration of carotenoids scales to the three‐quarter power of mass in nine predatory and scavenger raptor species. No significant allometric relationships were found due to the unusually high concentrations of carotenoids in the Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus and the Andean condor Vultur gryphus. To assess whether these two species deviate from the allometric rule through the exploitation of unusual sources of carotenoids, or due to a physiological adaptation to improve the uptake of carotenoids, we determined allometric patterns in individuals of these two species kept in captivity with an exclusive diet of flesh. Our results provided support for the allometric rule because the slope of the allometric equation did not differ from a three‐quarter exponent when carotenoid levels of the two outliers were replaced by those of captive birds. This adjustment to the allometric rule suggests a lack of any physiological adaptation to improve the uptake of the low concentrations of carotenoids contained in flesh. Differences between species in carotenoid incorporation into the bloodstream may be ultimately due to contrasting evolutionary history, physiology and associated colour‐signalling strategies, but proximately due to the acquisition of these micronutrients from both usual and unusual dietary sources.
Low host‐tree preferences among saproxylic beetles: a comparison of four deciduous species
Authors: Milberg Per , Bergman Karl‐Olof , Johansson Helena , Jansson Nicklas
Published: April 2014

Many wood‐dwelling beetles rely on old hollow trees. In Europe, oaks are known to harbour a species‐rich saproxylic beetle fauna, while less is known regarding other broad‐leaved tree species. Furthermore, the extent to which saproxylic insect species have specialised on different tree species remains unknown.

In this study, we sampled beetles through pitfall traps and window traps in four different tree species in a landscape with many old oaks.

We recorded 242 saproxylic beetle species of which 27 were red‐listed. After eliminating the species recorded only on a single tree, few cases among the 171 remaining species in the data set were confined to a single tree species.

Using odds ratios, we showed that 19 of the 171 beetle species showed significant associations withQuercus roburin at least one of the two trap types. ForAcer platanoides, Fraxinus excelsiorandTilia cordata, the corresponding numbers were 6, 2 and 5, respectively. One species showed a negative association withQ. robur.

Using meta‐analysis, we quantified the degree of association between the beetle species and the tree species. The associations were most profound among species classified as obligate saproxylic rather than facultative in lifestyle. Overall, a significant association was only found withQ. robur.

We conclude that the saproxylic fauna is dominated by non‐specialist species but includes a small proportion of truly host‐tree‐specific species. Furthermore, other broad‐leaved trees can be important as supporting habitats for many saproxylic organisms that have had presumed associations with oaks to date.
Environmental Fatigue of Silicate Glasses in Humid Conditions
Authors: Tang Zhongzhi , Brow Richard K.
Published: April 2014

Failure strains of commercial silica, soda‐lime‐silicate, and E‐glass fibers were measured using two‐point bending in room temperature humid air. Humidity dependence and dynamic fatigue behavior were studied, and the fatigue reaction orders in terms of humidity were determined. In the humidity range tested (~0.1% to ~100%), the dynamic fatigue parameters for silica and E‐glass are found to be greater in lower humidity (~0.1% to ~10%), whereas the fatigue parameter for soda‐lime‐silicate is independent of humidity. The humidity dependence of failure strains for all three glasses was more pronounced in high humidity (~10% to ~100%) than in low humidity (~0.1% to ~10%), indicating that the reaction order decreases with decreasing humidity. These observations were correlated with the different structures of the glasses and their corresponding fatigue mechanisms.
Realized Volatility Forecast: Structural Breaks, Long Memory, Asymmetry, and Day‐of‐the‐Week Effect
Authors: Yang Ke , Chen Langnan
Published: April 2014

We investigate the properties of the realized volatility in Chinese stock markets by employing the high‐frequency data of Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index and four individual stocks from Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange, and find that the volatility exhibits the properties of long‐term memory, structural breaks, asymmetry, and day‐of‐the‐week effect. In addition, the structural breaks only partially explain the long memory. To capture these properties simultaneously, we derive an adaptive asymmetry heterogeneous autoregressive model with day‐of‐the‐week effect and fractionally integrated generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity errors (HAR‐D‐FIGARCH) and use it to conduct a forecast of realized volatility. Compared with other heterogeneous autoregressive realized volatility models, the proposed model improves the in‐sample fit significantly. The proposed model is the best model for the day‐ahead realized volatility forecasts among the six models based on various loss functions by utilizing the superior predictive ability test.
Enhanced Coercivity of CaLaCo‐Doped SrM Hexaferrites by Microwave‐Calcination Technique
Authors: Chen Zhongyan , Wang Fan , Yan Shuoqing , Nie Yan , Feng Zekun , Chen Yajie , Harris Vincent G.
Published: April 2014

The effects of microwave calcination (MC) and conventional muffle furnace calcination (CC) on the microstructure and magnetic properties of M‐type hexagonal ferrite Ca0.15La0.39Sr0.46Fe11.7Co0.3O19 were investigated. The phase composition, microstructure, and magnetic properties of calcined materials were examined using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometry. Experiments indicated that the MC method can achieve both pure phase, and fine and uniform grains for both calcined and sintered M‐type hexaferrites. MC treatments resulted in a magnetization at 15 kOe of 67 emu/g and an increase in coercivity by 12% over the CC technique. The improved magnetic properties resulting from microwave‐assisted calcination were attributed to the formation of a fine‐grained morphology, which yielded a narrow grain size distribution. The microwave calcinating technique was shown here to possess unique potential for fabrication of high‐performance ferrites and possibly other ceramics.
Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature on the Structure and Conduction of Polymer‐Derived SiC
Authors: Wang Kewei , Ma Baisheng , Li Xuqin , Wang Yiguang , An Linan
Published: April 2014

We studied the electric conductivity and structure of polymer‐derived carbon‐rich amorphous SiC pyrolyzed at different temperatures. The conductivity of the material increased drastically with pyrolysis temperature followed an Arrhenius relationship with the activation energy of ~3.4 eV. Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that the order of free carbon phase increased with pyrolysis temperature, accompanied by sp3→sp2 transition. The activation energy for such a structure change was 3.1–3.8 eV, which is close to that for the conductivity change. We thus believe that the increase in the conductivity was mainly due to the increase in conductivity of the free carbon phase.
Aged over 50 years and practising: separation and changes in nursing practice among New Zealand's older Registered Nurses
Authors: North Nicola , Leung William , Lee Rochelle
Published: April 2014

Aim

To describe temporary and permanent separation patterns and changes in nursing practice over 5 years, for the 2006 cohort of nurses aged ≥50 years in New Zealand.

Background

As ageing populations increase demand on nursing services, workforce projections need better information on work and retirement decision‐making of large ‘baby‐boomer’ cohorts.

Design

Retrospective cohort analysis using the Nursing Council of New Zealand administrative dataset.

Methods

A cohort of all nurses aged ≥50 years on the register and practising in 2006 (n = 12,606) was tracked until 2011.

Results

After 5 years, a quarter (n = 3161) of the cohort (equivalent to 8·4% of all 2006 practising nurses) was no longer practising. There were no significant differences in permanent separation rates between the ages of 50–58; between 18–54% of annual separations re‐entered the workforce. On re‐entry, 56% returned to the same clinical area. Annual separations from the workforce declined sharply during the global financial crisis and more of those leaving re‐entered the workforce. In 2006, half the cohort worked in hospitals. After 5 years, the number of cohort nurses working in hospitals fell by 45%, while those in community settings increased by 12%. Over 5 years, weekly nursing practice hours declined significantly for every age‐band.

Conclusions

To retain the experience of older nurses for longer, workforce strategies need to take account of patterns of leaving and re‐entering the workforce, preferences for work hours and the differences between the sub‐groups across employment settings and practice areas.
Relevance of Differences between Net Income based on IFRS and Domestic Standards for European Firms
Authors: Barth Mary E. , Landsman Wayne R. , Young Danqing , Zhuang Zili
Published: April 2014

Net income adjustments resulting from mandatory 2005 IFRS adoption in Europe are value relevant for financial and non‐financial firms. Differences in relevance of the aggregate adjustment and adjustments related to several IFRS standards, for financial and non‐financial firms and across country groups, suggest differences in domestic standards and institutions affect investors’ assessment of the relevance of IFRS accounting amounts. Despite these differences, except for French/German non‐financial firms, investors view net income measured using IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement as more relevant than that measured using domestic standards, which is notable because IAS 39 was highly controversial in Europe.