bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assistant principal leadership development: a narrative capture study
Authors: Petrides Lisa , Jimes Cynthia , Karaglani Anastasia
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the knowledge base on the ways in which assistant principals view their roles, and on the potential challenges involved in a distributed leadership model.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study employed a narrative capture method, in which assistant principals from two large urban school districts were asked to relate and self-interpret two leadership stories through a web-based narrative capture form. A total of 90 stories were collected from 45 assistant principals. Participants rated their stories based on a set of leadership indicators (including method of decision making and type of teacher interaction present in the story, among others); the results were analyzed statistically.

Findings

– Overall, participants tended to view their roles in terms of instructionally focussed leadership. However, leadership challenges emerged in several areas of leadership practice, including operational management and teacher professional development (PD). Demographic factors were found to influence leadership perceptions and practices.

Research limitations/implications

– This study begins to fill the empirical gap on assistant principal leadership roles, practices, and perceptions. Further research, using other methods (e.g. observation), is needed to collect evidence ofin situleadership practices of assistant principals, and how those practices impact and relate to school objectives for teaching and learning.

Practical implications

– The study sheds light on the leadership development needs of assistant principals and on the importance of ongoing, tailored PD, based on factors including where leaders are in their careers and how they envision their roles.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to nascent scholarship regarding assistant principal school leadership.
Salient characteristics of high-performing Turkish elementary schools
Authors: Kondakci Yasar , Sivri Hakan
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Considering student achievement in a nation-wide examination as an indicator of school effectiveness, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the common characteristics across nine highly performing schools.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was designed as a multiple-case study. Semi-structured interviews with teachers and administrators were conducted when collecting the data. Content analysis was implemented in analyzing the interview transcripts.

Findings

– The findings of the study basically suggest building a vision of achievement and sharing this vision with different constituencies, structuring positive instructional environment and implementing positive classroom managerial practices, educational leadership identifying the needs of school environment and responding to these needs, investing in positive school climate, monitoring pupils’ progress, ensuring the contribution of parents in schooling practices, and structuring a safe physical environment and providing necessary materials are instrumental activities for positive student outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

– Although it is not uncommon in the literature, the study relies on students’ scores in a nation-wide examination as an indicator of school effectiveness. However, this was inevitable because of the fact that Turkish education system does not suggest behavioral or organizational effectiveness indicators. Hence, further research in Turkish context may identify multiple indicators and focus on school wide as well as environmental dynamics of effectiveness.

Originality/value

– The current study produced similar themes characterizing effective schools with the rest of the literature. However, the Turkish context exhibits a different understanding in relation to what causes effectiveness. The uniqueness of the Turkish context is largely related to the cultural context which has largely been shaped by conservatist philosophical orientations and centralized structure.
Research trend of joint ventures in construction: a two-decade taxonomic review
Authors: Hong Yuming , W.M. Chan Daniel
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to systematically and critically explore the research trend of construction joint ventures (CJVs) in some selected leading construction journals over the past two decades between 1993 and 2012. It is also expected that some valuable insights into the extended application of JVs to facilities service management and maintenance could be generated from the research findings.

Design/methodology/approach

– A powerful search engine “Scopus” was selected to identify those journals that have published CJV-related articles. The papers related to CJVs, as retrieved from the selected journals, were first classified based on their relevance to CJV study and were then analyzed in terms of the annual number of CJV-related publications, research focus of CJV studies and the applied research methods and techniques. Future research directions are suggested to enrich and add value to the extant literature about CJVs.

Findings

– An apparent increasing trend of research on CJVs has been witnessed over the past two decades. A critical analysis of the two-decade research outputs indicated that research topics of CJVs published in the selected journals consist of several key areas: theory and model development; motives, benefits and other strategic demands of application; performance measurement or management; risk assessment or management; influential factors for practice; problematic issues and challenges in practice; and managerial practices of CJVs in the industry. This study also identified that the research methods employed in CJV studies are predominantly questionnaire survey, case study, literature review/analysis, and interview. Research techniques applied in CJV studies were classified into seven main groups, with rank-order analysis, structural equation modelling and regression analysis being the three mostly adopted analytical tools.

Research limitations/implications

– The critical review of CJV literature reveals several inherent limitations of the existing research and practices of CJVs, The research findings also help visualize future research directions associated with the identification of barriers to the adoption and successful operation of CJVs, investigation of the appropriateness and effectiveness of CJV contracting strategies, and exploration into possible strategies for improving the industrial applications in future.

Originality/value

– Joint ventures have been extensively used in the construction sector, which calls for the need of more rigorous and meaningful research to guide the appropriate and effective use of it. The findings of this taxonomic review could provide useful insights towards researchers into shaping their research foci under the umbrella of CJVs to suit the demands of both the literature base and the real construction market.
Gender gap in innovation: an institutionalist explanation
Authors: Carrasco Inmaculada
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to contribute to knowledge on innovation from a gender perspective, and to investigate how environment affects the process of innovation by women.

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical study uses a Structural Equations Model of a Partial Least Squared (PLS) technique. Data of 40 countries from around the world were collected from 2008.

Findings

– Institutional environment matters for innovative activity by women. An innovative thinking is required for integrating the gender perspective in innovative milieus in order to enrich, diversify and promote stronger innovation activities, mobilising unexploited opportunities for managers in the business sector, and for policy makers in the public one.

Research limitations/implications

– A new sex-disaggregated dataset will allow us to enlarge and improve upon this study. A longitudinal study would be extremely useful, but for the moment, there are no available data of this kind.

Practical implications

– Policies designed to reduce the gap for women in innovation activities have to fight against gender segregation in the job market and gender differences in education and training. They must increase flexibility in the workplace, provide more help to conciliate family and working lives, and reduce the gap in family responsibilities taken on by women.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the cross-over of knowledge between innovation and gender, and reduces the lack of information on how external factors may impact innovative behaviour by gender.
Altered autophagy induction by sera from pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia: a case–control study
Authors: Kanninen TT , Jayaram A , Jaffe Lifshitz S , Witkin SS
Published: April 2014

Objective

Mechanisms leading to pre‐eclampsia remain incompletely defined. Autophagy is a conserved process necessary for cell survival under adverse conditions. We hypothesised that sera from women with healthy pregnancies and women with pre‐eclampsia differed in autophagy induction.

Design

A case–control study.

Setting

Weill Cornell Medical College.

Population

Twenty‐four normotensive pregnant women and 20 women with pre‐eclampsia.

Methods

Sera were incubated with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from female donors. After 48 hours the PBMCs were lysed and the intracellular concentration of p62 was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Its concentration is inversely proportional to the extent of autophagy induction. Serum endoglin, interleukin 13 (IL–13), insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF–1), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF–β1) levels were quantitated by ELISA.

Main outcome measures

Differences in autophagy induction and serum mediator levels in the two groups.

Results

Autophagy induction increased with gestational age in sera from normotensive women (P = 0.0045), but not in women with pre‐eclampsia. In the presence of an autophagy inducer, the capacity for autophagy induction decreased with gestational age in sera from women with pre‐eclampsia (P = 0.0235), but not from controls. Endoglin concentrations were positively associated with the extent of autophagy induction in controls only (P = 0.0141). There was no association between autophagy and serum IL–13, IGF–1, or TGF–β1 levels.

Conclusions

Sera from women with pre‐eclampsia differ from normotensive women by their inability to induce autophagy as a function of gestational age.
Chinese Yam Extracts Containing β‐Sitosterol and Ethyl Linoleate Protect against Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E‐Deficient Mice and Inhibit Muscular Expression of VCAM‐1 In Vitro
Authors: Koo Hyun Jung , Park Hye Jin , Byeon Hye Eun , Kwak Jong Hwan , Um Sung Hee , Kwon Soon Tae , Rhee Dong Kwon , Pyo Suhkneung
Published: April 2014

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, which is associated with increased expression of adhesion molecules and monocyte recruitment into the arterial wall. This study evaluated whether hexane extracts from the edible part (DB‐H1) or bark region (DB‐H2) of Dioscorea. batatas Decne have anti‐atherosclerotic properties in vivo and in vitro experiments. We also identified bioactive components in the hexane extracts. Thirty‐six apolipoprotein E (ApoE−/−) mice and 12 control (C57BL/6J) mice were given a Western‐type diet for 11 or 21 wk. To examine the effects of yam extracts on lesion development, ApoE−/− mice were orally administered DB‐H1 or DB‐H2 for the duration of the study (200 mg/kg b.w./day, 3 times per wk). Both DB‐H1 and DB‐H2 significantly reduced the total atherosclerotic lesion area in the aortic root. In addition, plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, oxidized‐low‐density lipoprotein, and c‐reactive protein were decreased by administration of DB‐H1 and DB‐H2. Consistent with the in vivo observations, DB‐H1 and DB‐H2 inhibited tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α–induced vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 expression and adhesion of THP‐1 monocytes to TNF‐α–activated vascular smooth muscle cells. It was also found that treatment with DB‐H1 or DB‐H2 resulted in the inhibition nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species production and iNOS expression in macrophages. Thus, DB‐H1 and DB‐H2 seem to influence atherosclerosis by affecting the production of inflammatory mediators in vivo. Our results suggest that yam extracts have the potential to be used in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Spatial and temporal variations of microbial community in a mixed plug‐flow loop reactor fed with dairy manure
Authors: Li Yueh‐Fen , Chen Po‐Hsu , Yu Zhongtang
Published: April 2014

Mixed plug‐flow loop reactor (MPFLR) has been widely adopted by the US dairy farms to convert cattle manure to biogas. However, the microbiome in MPFLR digesters remains unexplored. In this study, the microbiome in a MPFLR digester operated on a mega‐dairy farm was examined thrice over a 2 month period. Within 23 days of retention time, 55–70% of total manure solid was digested. Except for a few minor volatile fatty acids (VFAs), total VFA concentration and pH remained similar along the course of the digester and over time. Metagenomic analysis showed that although with some temporal variations, the bacterial community was rather stable spatially in the digester. The methanogenic community was also stable both spatially and temporally in the digester. Among methanogens, genus Methanosaeta dominated in the digester. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis and metagenomic analysis yielded different relative abundance of individual genera of methanogens, especially for Methanobacterium, which was predominant based on qPCR analysis but undetectable by metagenomics. Collectively, the results showed that only small microbial and chemical gradients existed within the digester, and the digestion process occurred similarly throughout the MPFLR digester. The findings of this study may help improve the operation and design of this type of manure digesters.
Spatial heterogeneity in the Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot affects barcoding accuracy of its freshwater fishes
Authors: Geiger M. F. , Herder F. , Monaghan M. T. , Almada V. , Barbieri R. , Bariche M. , Berrebi P. , Bohlen J. , Casal‐Lopez M. , Delmastro G. B. , Denys G. P. J. , Dettai A. , Doadrio I. , Kalogianni E. , Kärst H. , Kottelat M. , Kovačić M. , Laporte M. , Lorenzoni M. , Marčić Z. , Özuluğ M. , Perdices A. , Perea S. , Persat H. , Porcelotti S. , Puzzi C. , Robalo J. , Šanda R. , Schneider M. , Šlechtová V. , Stoumboudi M. , Walter S. , Freyhof J.
Published: April 2014

Incomplete knowledge of biodiversity remains a stumbling block for conservation planning and even occurs within globally important Biodiversity Hotspots (BH). Although technical advances have boosted the power of molecular biodiversity assessments, the link between DNA sequences and species and the analytics to discriminate entities remain crucial. Here, we present an analysis of the first DNA barcode library for the freshwater fish fauna of the Mediterranean BH (526 spp.), with virtually complete species coverage (498 spp., 98% extant species). In order to build an identification system supporting conservation, we compared species determination by taxonomists to multiple clustering analyses of DNA barcodes for 3165 specimens. The congruence of barcode clusters with morphological determination was strongly dependent on the method of cluster delineation, but was highest with the general mixed Yule‐coalescent (GMYC) model‐based approach (83% of all species recovered as GMYC entity). Overall, genetic morphological discontinuities suggest the existence of up to 64 previously unrecognized candidate species. We found reduced identification accuracy when using the entire DNA‐barcode database, compared with analyses on databases for individual river catchments. This scale effect has important implications for barcoding assessments and suggests that fairly simple identification pipelines provide sufficient resolution in local applications. We calculated Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered scores in order to identify candidate species for conservation priority and argue that the evolutionary content of barcode data can be used to detect priority species for future IUCN assessments. We show that large‐scale barcoding inventories of complex biotas are feasible and contribute directly to the evaluation of conservation priorities.
Alcohol Medications Development: Advantages and Caveats of Government/Academia Collaborating with the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Litten Raye Z. , Ryan Megan , Falk Daniel , Fertig Joanne
Published: April 2014

The process of developing pharmacological treatments for alcohol use disorder is notoriously complex and challenging. The path to market is long, costly, and inefficient. One way of expediting and reducing the drug development process is through collaborations—building partnerships among government, academia, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, healthcare organizations and advocacy groups, and the patients (end consumers) themselves. By forging collaborations, particularly with pharmaceutical companies, the alcohol treatment field stands to reap benefits in generating new medications for use in mainstream treatment settings. At the same time, there are certain caveats that should be considered, particularly by academic researchers, before entering into such partnerships. This commentary examines the advantages and caveats of government and academia collaborations with pharmaceutical companies.
Relative importance of prey abundance and habitat structure as drivers of shorebird breeding success and abundance
Authors: Douglas David J. T. , Pearce‐Higgins James W.
Published: April 2014

Understanding large‐scale drivers of animal breeding densities and demography has a range of important uses, including informing conservation management. Given the threat of climate change, the importance of developing a process‐based understanding of variation in animal populations is increased to inform adaptive management. For a climate‐change sensitive species, the European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria, we use novel field‐collected data on large‐scale spatial variation in prey abundance and vegetation structure to understand drivers of breeding abundance and breeding success, and inform potential management responses. The abundance of the key prey, crane flies (Tipulidae), increased with altitude (a surrogate for temperature) and peat depth (a surrogate for soil moisture). Golden plover breeding densities were highest where vegetation was shortest, probably reflecting greater prey accessibility. In contrast, breeding success was not strongly related to vegetation height, but positively correlated with both crane fly abundance and daily minimum temperatures. When combined to model the number of likely successful pairs in any 1 year, the magnitude of vegetation height effect far exceeded that of crane fly abundance. Thus, for golden plover and other shorebirds sharing similar habitats, management to optimize breeding habitat (grazing or burning to promote short vegetation) may differ from management to promote breeding success (drain blocking to increase soil moisture and prey abundance). Adaptive management in the face of climate change should therefore include appropriate vegetation management, as well as maximizing prey abundance. More broadly, as the drivers of breeding density and demographic parameters may differ, we advocate that conservation practitioners collect not just information on species' distributions but also underpinning demographic processes when using science to inform management.
Robot‐assisted therapy for improving social interactions and activity participation among institutionalized older adults: A pilot study
Authors: Sung Huei‐Chuan , Chang Shu‐Min , Chin Mau‐Yu , Lee Wen‐Li
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Animal‐assisted therapy is gaining popularity as part of therapeutic activities for older adults in many long‐term care facilities. However, concerns about dog bites, allergic responses to pets, disease, and insufficient available resources to care for a real pet have led to many residential care facilities to ban this therapy. There are situations where a substitute artificial companion, such as robotic pet, may serve as a better alternative.

Methods

This pilot study used a one‐group pre‐ and posttest design to evaluate the effect of a robot‐assisted therapy for older adults. Sixteen eligible participants participated in the study and received a group robot‐assisted therapy using a seal‐like robot pet for 30 minutes twice a week for 4 weeks. All participants received assessments of their communication and interaction skills using the Assessment of Communication and Interaction Skills (ACIS‐C) and activity participation using the Activity Participation Scale at baseline and at week 4.

Results

A total of 12 participants completed the study. Wilcoxon signed rank test showed that participants' communication and interaction skills (z = −2.94, P = 0.003) and activity participation (z = −2.66, P = 0.008) were significantly improved after receiving 4‐week robot‐assisted therapy.

Discussion

By interacting with a robot pet, such as Paro, the communication, interaction skills, and activity participation of the older adults can be improved. The robot‐assisted therapy can be provided as a routine activity program and has the potential to improve social health of older adults in residential care facilities.
Development of refining and petrochemical industries in East Asia: An interpretation based on the Flying Geese Paradigm
Authors: García Clara , Palazuelos Enrique
Published: April 2014

Several East Asian countries, with scarcely any crude oil, have developed since the second half of the twentieth century strong production capacities in refining and petrochemicals. This has been the case in Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and China. This paper assesses whether the development of refining and petrochemical industries in these countries may be better understood with the aid of one of the major interpretative paradigms of structural change and foreign relations in East Asia: the Flying Geese Paradigm. The article concludes that, overall, the production and external relations in oil‐related industries do indeed follow a Flying Geese Paradigm pattern. We observe, nevertheless, some dissonances that are attributable to the particularities of intermediate sectors (such as refining and basic petrochemistry).
Struggling or in transition: Small household growers and the coffee industry in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Imbun Benedict Y.
Published: April 2014

The challenge of ensuring economic opportunities are made available to a country's population is a key function of any government. It is particularly acute in many developing countries where the subsistence economy is dominant and where limited formal employment opportunities exist. For such countries, reliance on cash cropping provides a central plank in earning foreign exchange. More importantly, it provides an important source of cash incomes for the largely subsistence‐based population. Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one such example with a significant rural population dependent on cash crops for their economic livelihood. This paper discusses the country's coffee industry in the context of its producers, most importantly the contribution made by small household growers, and the issues and challenges they face. The paper traces the emergence of coffee as a cash crop in the PNG highlands and discusses, among other things, recent developments in extension and points out possibilities for government intervention to ensure the continued viability of the highlands coffee industry. Conceptually, the discussion acknowledges the significance of relational economics and its underpinnings, particularly reflections of duality of labour, perceptions of coffee as cash crop and markets in the context of Indigenous growers.
Practicalities bottleneck to pension fund responsible investment?
Authors: Sievänen Riikka
Published: April 2014

We found that pension funds may face a bottleneck as practical impediments to engaging in responsible investment with respect to the role played by defining and implementing responsible investment. Furthermore, pension funds seek additional coherence and practical guidelines in this field to enable them to take into account ethical considerations in their investment strategies and in implementing them. These findings indicate that the availability of information may affect the stance that key decision makers of pension funds adopt towards responsible investment.
Influence of collar design on peri‐implant tissue healing around immediate implants: A pilot study in Foxhound dogs
Authors: Calvo‐Guirado José Luis , López‐López Patricia Jara , Maté Sánchez de val José Eduardo , Mareque‐Bueno Javier , Delgado‐Ruiz Rafael Arcesio , Romanos Georgios E.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

The study aims to assess the soft tissue level (STL) and crestal bone level (CBL), of titanium dental implants with different mixed collar abutments configurations.

Materials and methods

This study included 48 implants with the same dimensions. They were divided into two groups of 24 implants each one: implants with a polished collar of 2 mm plus a roughened area of 0.8 mm (CONTROL) and implants with a polished collar of 0.8 mm plus a micro‐threated and roughened area of 2 mm (TEST). The implants were inserted randomly in the post‐extraction sockets of P2, P3, P4, and M1 bilaterally in the lower jaw of six foxhound dogs. STL and CBL were evaluated after 8 and 12 weeks by histology and histometry.

Results

All implants were clinically and histologically osseointegrated. Healing patterns examined microscopically at 8 and 12 weeks for both groups yielded similar qualitative findings for the STL evaluation, without significant differences between groups (P > 0.05). CBL was significantly higher in the buccal side in comparison with the lingual side for both groups (P < 0.05); the comparison between groups at 8 weeks showed IS‐B (distance from the implant shoulder to the top of the bony crest) and IS‐C (distance from the implant shoulder to the first bone‐to‐implant contact) values significantly higher for control group in comparison with test (P < 0.05). At 12 weeks, CBL showed increased values for both groups that were higher in controls group in comparison with test (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Bony crest resorption could not be avoided both at test and control sites. However, the neck conformation at the test sites reduced the buccal bone resorption. Soft tissue dimensions were similar both at the test and control sites.
Visual warning signals of the ladybird Harmonia axyridis: the avian predators’ point of view
Authors: Průchová Alexandra , Nedvěd Oldřich , Veselý Petr , Ernestová Bára , Fuchs Roman
Published: March 2014

Previous studies have suggested that spotted patterns are important in the protection of ladybirds against attack by avian predators. Nevertheless, these studies were based on the comparison of several ladybird species differing in colouration, but also in other traits (e.g., chemical protection). We presented natural as well as artificial colour modifications (using brown, red, and black paint) of the ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) – an invasive alien species for Europe – to an avian predator, the great tit, Parus major L. (Passeriformes: Paridae). All forms were considered to be equal in size, but differed in colouration and in the presence of spots. The chemical protection was equal except for one form. The birds displayed strong avoidance of all forms with red and black colouration; beetles with artificially removed red colouration (painted brown) were attacked more often. The beetles painted brown with black spots were slightly better protected than the painted beetles without spots. We can sum up that spots are of some importance in the protection of ladybirds; nevertheless, red and black colouration is the main part of the visual signal.
Throwing out the rules: anticipatory alpha‐band oscillatory attention mechanisms during task‐set reconfigurations
Authors: Foxe John J. , Murphy Jeremy W. , De Sanctis Pierfilippo
Published: April 2014

We assessed the role of alpha‐band oscillatory activity during a task‐switching design that required participants to switch between an auditory and a visual task, while task‐relevant audiovisual inputs were simultaneously presented. Instructional cues informed participants which task to perform on a given trial and we assessed alpha‐band power in the short 1.35‐s period intervening between the cue and the task‐imperative stimuli, on the premise that attentional biasing mechanisms would be deployed to resolve competition between the auditory and visual inputs. Prior work had shown that alpha‐band activity was differentially deployed depending on the modality of the cued task. Here, we asked whether this activity would, in turn, be differentially deployed depending on whether participants had just made a switch of task or were being asked to simply repeat the task. It is well established that performance speed and accuracy are poorer on switch than on repeat trials. Here, however, the use of instructional cues completely mitigated these classic switch‐costs. Measures of alpha‐band synchronisation and desynchronisation showed that there was indeed greater and earlier differential deployment of alpha‐band activity on switch vs. repeat trials. Contrary to our hypothesis, this differential effect was entirely due to changes in the amount of desynchronisation observed during switch and repeat trials of the visual task, with more desynchronisation over both posterior and frontal scalp regions during switch‐visual trials. These data imply that particularly vigorous, and essentially fully effective, anticipatory biasing mechanisms resolved the competition between competing auditory and visual inputs when a rapid switch of task was required.
Subdural hematoma in patients with end‐stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis
Authors: Wang I.‐K. , Lin C.‐L. , Wu Y.‐Y. , Kuo H.‐L. , Lin S.‐Y. , Chang C.‐T. , Yen T.‐H. , Chuang F.‐R. , Cheng Y.‐K. , Huang C.‐C. , Sung F.‐C.
Published: April 2014

Background and purpose

Hemodialysis (HD) may increase the risk of acute subdural hematoma (SDH) with high fatality, but the extent of this disease in non‐western populations is unclear. The incidence of and fatality from SDH in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) on HD were examined for an Asian population.

Methods

A cohort of 4709 newly diagnosed ESRD patients on HD from 1998 to 2010 and a control cohort of 18 663 subjects without any kidney disease were identified from a universal insurance claims database in Taiwan. The incidence and hazard of SDH for the two cohorts and 30‐day mortality from SDH were measured by the end of 2010.

Results

The incidence of SDH was 4.47‐fold higher in the HD cohort than in the control cohort (56.3 vs. 12.6 per 10 000 person‐years) with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 3.81 (95% CI 2.77–5.25). HD patients with SDH had a high odds of 30‐day mortality with an adjusted odds ratio of 6.34 (95% CI 2.37–16.9).

Conclusions

ESRD patients with HD were demonstrated to be at high risk of subsequent SDH and to have a high mortality risk from SDH. Proper care for HD patients is necessary to prevent the devastating disorder.
A Young Manakin Knows His Place: Evidence for an Age‐Graded Dominance Hierarchy Among Long‐Tailed Manakins
Authors: Lukianchuk Katrina C. , Doucet Stéphanie M.
Published: April 2014

In lek‐breeding systems where many males gather at display sites, males benefit from the establishment of dominance hierarchies to reduce intrasexual aggression and the associated risk of injuries. Long‐tailed manakins (Chiroxiphia linearis) exhibit an exploded lek‐breeding system wherein the two top‐ranking males at each display site team up to perform elaborate coordinated courtship displays for females. Young males undergo delayed plumage maturation whereby they acquire distinct pre‐definitive plumage patterns each year until they attain definitive plumage in their fifth year. This unique characteristic is thought to have evolved as a status‐signalling mechanism to aid in the establishment of an age‐graded dominance hierarchy in which older males are dominant to younger males. Previous research has shown evidence for such a dominance hierarchy among alpha and beta males; however, the presence of this hierarchy among males of other age classes has never been quantified. In this study, we investigated the presence of an age‐graded dominance hierarchy by determining whether older males direct more aggressive behaviours towards younger males. We also investigated whether status signalling is less clear within age classes than between age classes, by determining whether males within the same age class exhibit more aggression towards each other. We found that older males performed aggressive behaviours towards younger males much more frequently than younger males performed aggressive behaviours towards older males. We also found that some aggressive interactions occurred between males within the same age class more frequently than between males from different age classes. Our study provides some evidence for an age‐graded dominance hierarchy among male long‐tailed manakins of all age classes and also provides some support for the status‐signalling hypothesis. However, further research is needed to conclusively establish the presence of a linear dominance hierarchy among younger male manakins. This research may help us better understand the evolution of complex hierarchical systems in animals.
High TMEM45A expression is correlated to epidermal keratinization
Authors: Hayez Aurélie , Malaisse Jérémy , Roegiers Edith , Reynier Marie , Renard Chantal , Haftek Marek , Geenen Vincent , Serre Guy , Simon Michel , de Rouvroit Catherine Lambert , Michiels Carine , Poumay Yves
Published: April 2014

TMEM45A (DERP7, DNAPTP4 or FLJ10134) gene, belonging to the TMEM family encoding predicted transmembrane proteins, is highly expressed in epidermal keratinocytes. To investigate the potential involvement of TMEM45A during the differentiation and keratinization processes, its expression has been characterized in normal human keratinocytes and the protein subcellular localization has been studied in this cell type, both in vitro and in vivo. TMEM45A expression is upregulated with differentiation, either induced by cultured keratinocyte confluence or enhanced Ca2+ concentration in medium. In vivo, TMEM45A mRNA and protein are mostly found in the granular layer of the epidermis. TMEM45A expression is linked to keratinization, as accumulation of the protein is detected in native and reconstructed epidermis as well as in thymic Hassal bodies, but not in non‐keratinized stratified epithelia. At the subcellular level, co‐detection with ER and Golgi markers reveals that TM protein 45A is associated with the Golgi apparatus and more specifically with the trans‐Golgi/trans‐Golgi network in vitro and in granular layer in vivo. The protein is neither related to lysosomes nor transported within corneodesmosin‐containing lamellar bodies. These data demonstrate a strong correlation between TMEM45A expression and epidermal keratinization, indicating the relevance of this gene in this process.
Consistent nutrient storage and supply mediated by diverse fish communities in coral reef ecosystems
Authors: Allgeier Jacob E. , Layman Craig A. , Mumby Peter J. , Rosemond Amy D.
Published: April 2014

Corals thrive in low nutrient environments and the conservation of these globally imperiled ecosystems is largely dependent on mitigating the effects of anthropogenic nutrient enrichment. However, to better understand the implications of anthropogenic nutrients requires a heightened understanding of baseline nutrient dynamics within these ecosystems. Here, we provide a novel perspective on coral reef nutrient dynamics by examining the role of fish communities in the supply and storage of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). We quantified fish‐mediated nutrient storage and supply for 144 species and modeled these data onto 172 fish communities (71 729 individual fish), in four types of coral reefs, as well as seagrass and mangrove ecosystems, throughout the Northern Antilles. Fish communities supplied and stored large quantities of nutrients, with rates varying among ecosystem types. The size structure and diversity of the fish communities best predicted N and P supply and storage and N : P supply, suggesting that alterations to fish communities (e.g., overfishing) will have important implications for nutrient dynamics in these systems. The stoichiometric ratio (N : P) for storage in fish mass (~8 : 1) and supply (~20 : 1) was notably consistent across the four coral reef types (but not seagrass or mangrove ecosystems). Published nutrient enrichment studies on corals show that deviations from this N : P supply ratio may be associated with poor coral fitness, providing qualitative support for the hypothesis that corals and their symbionts may be adapted to specific ratios of nutrient supply. Consumer nutrient stoichiometry provides a baseline from which to better understand nutrient dynamics in coral reef and other coastal ecosystems, information that is greatly needed if we are to implement more effective measures to ensure the future health of the world's oceans.
A reconceptualization of state transnationalism: South Korea as an illustrative case
Authors: CHIN KU SUP , SMITH DAVID
Published: March 2014

Our reconceptualization of state transnationalism underlines the active role that states can play in generating and sustaining cross‐border flows between a nation's homeland and its diasporic communities. This represents a sort of ‘middle ground’ between formerly hegemonic state centric’ approaches to global processes (focusing heavily on the ‘international’) and more recent ones emphasizing ‘transnational’ dynamics (which primarily arise through the agency of cross‐border migrants). We discuss a typology of approaches and avoid the tendency to set nation‐states against global and transnational processes. In fact, we highlight the various ways in which states often initiate key transnational flows, such as migration and the integration of diasporic communities into the sending nation, as well as maintain and regulate various processes instigated by immigrants. As an iconic case, we present an illustrative study of the South Korean government and Korean diasporic communities in the USA. Finally, in a brief conclusion, we outline some challenges for future research.
Varicose veins of the legs among nurses: Occupational and demographic characteristics
Authors: Sharif Nia Hamid , Chan Yiong Huak , Haghdoost Ali Akbar , Soleimani Mohammad Ali , Beheshti Zahra , Bahrami Nasim
Published: April 2014

This study aims to determine the relationship between occupational and demographic hazards that characterize varicose veins (VV) in the legs and their intensity among nurses.A cross‐sectional study was carried out among 203 nurses from three general hospitals in Amol, Iran. The required subjects' information was collected through a self‐filled questionnaire and the physical examination of the VV intensity was based on the Clinical finding using the Etiology, Anatomic finding, Pathophysiological standards. The prevalence of VV, with different degrees, was 72.4% (95% CI 65.7–78.4), with women having a higher prevalence compared with men (77.9% vs. 56.9%, P = 0.004). The other non‐interventional risk variable was having longer years of service. Interventional variables were long‐standing hours, overtime work and body mass index status. This study had determined the occupational risk variables on VV which could be interventional in improving the working nurses' environment and quality of life for their long‐term career.
Risks for larvae mediated by plasticity in hatching
Authors: Branscomb E. Sanford , Vedder Karen , Strathmann Richard R.
Published: April 2014

Risks associated with benthic and planktonic development can be mediated by plasticity in hatching. The ability to delay hatching while awaiting favorable planktonic conditions, combined with the ability to accelerate hatching when encapsulated offspring are at risk, should be advantageous. We tested this predicted association of hatching plasticities with a barnacle. In the winter, broods of barnacles (Balanus glandula) reached hatching‐capable stages at widely varying times, but these broods hatched in the spring within about 2 weeks, consistent with a synchronizing environmental stimulus for hatching. In contrast, the same adults held subsequent broods (during later spring and summer) briefly. Either an environmental stimulus for hatching was not needed later in the season, or it was more frequently present. Dissections of brood lamellae that scattered smaller clumps of the encapsulated nauplii induced hatching. Crabs eating brooding adults had a similar effect: crabs broke the barnacles' tests, and many nauplii hatched. In contrast, when whelks ate barnacles, they left the barnacles' wall plates and opercula in place, and few nauplii were released. In some cases, numerous hatched nauplii were trapped within the test of the killed mother. At a field site with abundant whelks, many dead barnacles had opercular plates in place. Plasticity in hatching of broods adjusted risks for planktonic larvae against risks of death of the parent before release of embryos, but escape or death of brooded offspring depended on the kind of damage to the brooding mother and thus on the kind of predator. Although both predators killed brooding parents, subtle snails imposed a greater risk than crushing crabs.
Oral l‐glutamine administration attenuated cutaneous wound healing in Wistar rats
Authors: Goswami Saurabh , Kandhare Amit , Zanwar Anand A , Hegde Mahabaleshwar V , Bodhankar Subhash L , Shinde Sudhir , Deshmukh Shahaji , Kharat Ravindran
Published: April 2014

The objective of this study was to evaluate the wound healing potential of l‐glutamine in laboratory rats using excision and incision wound models. Excision wounds of size 500 mm2 and depth 2 mm were made on the dorsal portion of male Wistar rats (230–250 g) and were used for the study of oral l‐glutamine (1 g/kg) treatment on the rate of contraction of wound and epithelisation. Histological evaluation of wound tissue was also performed. Six‐centimetre‐long two linear‐paravertebral incisions in male Wistar rats (230–250 g) were used to study the effect of l‐glutamine (1 g/kg, p.o.) treatment on tensile strength, total protein and hydroxyproline content in the incision model. Oral administration of l‐glutamine (1 g/kg) significantly decreased wound area, epithelisation period and wound index, whereas the rate of wound contraction significantly increased (P < 0·001) when compared with vehicle control rats in the excision wound model. Tensile strength, hydroxyproline content and protein level were significantly increased (P < 0·001) in l‐glutamine (1 g/kg, p.o.)‐treated rats when compared with vehicle control rats in the incision wound model. Histological evaluation of wound tissue from l‐glutamine (1 g/kg, p.o.)‐treated rats showed complete epithelialisation with new blood vessel formation and high fibrous tissues in the excision wound model. In conclusion, oral administration of l‐glutamine (1 g/kg) promotes wound healing by acting on various stages of wound healing such as collagen synthesis, wound contraction and epithelialisation.
Nanocrystalline Rare Earth Phosphates from Glass Dissolution and Precipitation Reactions
Authors: George Jaime , Ryan Colin , Brow Richard K.
Published: April 2014

A novel method is employed for the formation of rare earth phosphate solid solution compounds with unique mesoscopic structures. Europium‐ and lanthanum‐doped sodium borate glass microspheres and particles, ranging in sizes from 50 to 300 μm, were reacted in 0.25 M K2HPO4 solution to form hollow spheres of nanocrystalline rare earth phosphate compounds by dissolution–precipitation reactions. The initially X‐ray amorphous precipitated rare earth phosphate materials were heat‐treated at 700°C for 2 h to form nanocrystalline compounds. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) experiments yield an average activation energy for crystallization of 394 ± 26 kJ/mol. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) data indicate that samples crystallized to the monazite structure (monoclinic P21/n) with unit cell volumes ranging from 306.5 Å3 for LaPO4 to 282.5 Å3 for EuPO4 and with crystallite grain sizes of 56 ± 14 nm. Compositions containing both rare earth elements formed solid solutions with the composition La(1−x)EuxPO4. Raman spectroscopy indicates that the P–O symmetric stretching vibrations (ν1) change systematically from 963 cm−1 for LaPO4 to 986 cm−1 for EuPO4, consistent with a systematic decrease in average P–O bond length. Photoluminescence measurements show maximum emission intensity for the La0.65Eu0.35PO4 composition.
Near‐Infrared and Upconversion Luminescence in Er:Y2O3 Ceramics under 1.5 μm Excitation
Authors: Brown Ei E. , Hömmerich Uwe , Bluiett Althea , Kucera Courtney , Ballato John , Trivedi Sudhir
Published: April 2014

Results of the spectroscopic characteristics and upconversion luminescence in Er3+ doped yttria (Y2O3) transparent ceramics prepared by a modified two‐step sintering method are presented. The near‐infrared (1.5 μm) luminescence properties were evaluated as a function of Er3+ concentration. Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters, radiative rates, branching ratios, and emission lifetimes were determined and compared with results reported for Er3+‐doped Y2O3 single crystal and nanocrystals. Following pumping at 1.532 μm, weak blue (~0.41 μm, 2H9/2 → 4I15/2), strong green (~0.56 μm, 2H11/2, 4S3/2 → 4I15/2), and red (~0.67 μm, 4F9/2 → 4I15/2) emission bands were observed as well as weak near‐infrared emissions at 0.8 μm (4I9/2 → 4I15/2) and 0.85 μm (4S3/2 → 4I13/2) at room temperature. The upconversion luminescence properties under ~1.5 μm pumping were further investigated through pump power dependence and decay time studies. Sequential two‐photon absorption leads to the 4I9/2 upconversion emission, whereas energy‐transfer upconversion is responsible for the emission from the higher excited states 2H9/2, 2H11/2, 4S3/2, and 4F9/2. The enhanced red emission with increasing Er3+ concentration most likely occurred via the cross‐relaxation process between (4F7/2 → 4F9/2) and (4I11/2 → 4F9/2) transitions, which increased the population of the 4F9/2 level.
Growth of Highly (100)‐Oriented SrTiO3 Thin Films on Si(111) Substrates Without Buffer Layer
Authors: Panomsuwan Gasidit , Takai Osamu , Saito Nagahiro
Published: April 2014

The SrTiO3 (STO) thin films were directly grown on Si(111) substrates without buffer layer by an electron‐cyclotron‐resonance ion beam sputter deposition. The growth temperature was varied from 700°C to 850°C, while other parameters were kept unchanged. X‐ray structural analysis demonstrates that the growth temperature has a strong influence in tuning degree of (100) orientation. The STO film grown at 800°C is found to be the highest degree of (100) orientation (98%) and a strong (100) fiber texture. For the surface morphology, the development of plate‐shaped grains reveals a good correlation with the change in the degree of (100) orientation. Moreover, the leakage current–voltage characteristics of the Au/STO/Si(111) metal‐insulator‐semiconductor capacitors are investigated and discussed in considerable detail.