bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“My School and Me”—Exploring the Intersections of Insideness and Interior Environments
Authors: Strickland Aileen , Hadjiyanni Tasoulla
Published: January 2014

Much of the scholarship on place and identity draws from fields like psychology, anthropology, and geography and as a result, interior environments have not been the focus. Understanding how interiors intersect with the self–making process is crucial to the field of interior design, on both theoretical and practical levels. This is particularly the case for learning environments, the places where children spend much of their day at crucial junctures of their development and establishment of self. Through the experiences of six high–school students from an inner city Minneapolis high–school, this paper explores how the concept of “insideness,” first conceptualized by E. Relph (1976), can be appropriated to understand the person–interiors relationship. Photographs, journals, and personal interviews shed light on the process by which “insideness” is constructed in interiors. With walls being noted as the primary constructor of “insideness,” the analysis unravels the active seeing of the students across spatial scales and how characteristics of spaces inform how students contest and negotiate their identity. Through constructing and deconstructing their understandings of both the interiors they inhabit and themselves, students navigate larger societal and cultural messages. We call this exploratory theoretical model The Spatial Scales of Self–Making. By attempting to appropriate the term “insideness” and theorize the relationship between identity and interiors as one dependent on varying spatial scales within the interior environment, this paper begins to move discourses away from a monolithic understanding of interiors. Scholars, educators, and practitioners of interior design who recognize that design parameters that range from programming to spatial layout, material selection, and signage can play a role in these meaning–making processes can help push the boundaries of what it means to create spaces and places in which people who are seers live their lives.
Interior Design Practitioner Motivations for Specifying Sustainable Materials: Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior to Residential Design
Authors: Lee Eunsil , Allen April , Kim BoKyung
Published: January 2014

Although sustainable design has become one of the major concerns in the interior design industry, the frequency of making such sustainable choices in real practice is still limited. Given that little research has yet focused on interior designers’ choice of sustainable material, this study aimed to identify factors affecting interior designers’ sustainable material choices focusing on sustainable flooring materials for residential use. On the basis of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a theoretical framework, we developed hypotheses to test relationships (1) between three determinants (attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control) and behavioral intention and (2) between two behavioral beliefs (environmental outcome and health outcome) and attitude. This study used quantitative methodologies through an Internet survey with a sample selected from American Society of Interior Designers practicing residential design. A total of 225 final surveys were utilized for further analysis. Findings revealed that all three determinants (attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) were positively associated with behavioral intention to choose sustainable flooring materials. Attitude toward adopting sustainable flooring materials were significantly related to environmental beliefs but not to health beliefs. Our findings imply that the TPB framework can provide valuable insights for developing more effective and comprehensive strategies and strengthening the interior design curriculum to promote interior designers’ sustainable decision–making in material choices in actual real–life design practice.
A SPATIAL MULTIVARIATE COUNT MODEL FOR FIRM LOCATION DECISIONS
Authors: Bhat Chandra R. , Paleti Rajesh , Singh Palvinder
Published: January 2014

This paper proposes a new spatial multivariate model to predict the count of new businesses at a county level in the state of Texas. Several important factors including agglomeration economies/diseconomies, industrial specialization indices, human capital, fiscal conditions, transportation infrastructure, and land development characteristics are considered. The results highlight the need to use a multivariate modeling system for the analysis of business counts by sector type, while also accommodating spatial dependence effects in business counts.
The Co‐Use of Tobacco and Cannabis Among Adolescents Over a 30‐Year Period
Authors: Webster Lauren , Chaiton Michael , Kirst Maritt
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

This study explores the patterns of use and co‐use of tobacco and cannabis among Ontario adolescents over 3 decades and if characteristics of co‐users and single substance users have changed.

METHODS

Co‐use trends for 1981‐2011 were analyzed using the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, which includes 38,331 students in grades 7, 9, and 11. A co‐user was defined as someone reporting daily tobacco and/or cannabis use in the past month. Trends over time (by gender and academic performance) were analyzed with logistic regression.

RESULTS

The prevalence of tobacco‐only use, cannabis‐only use, and co‐use fluctuated considerably. During 1981‐1993, there were more tobacco‐only users than co‐users and cannabis‐only users; since 1993 the prevalence of tobacco use has decreased dramatically. Co‐use prevalence peaked at 12% (95% confidence interval: 9, 15) in 1999, when prevalence of overall use of both substances was highest. In 2011, 92% of tobacco users also used cannabis, up from 16% in 1991.

CONCLUSIONS

In 2011 nearly all students who smoke tobacco daily also use cannabis. Non‐regular use of either substance is highest now compared with the past 3 decades. Contemporary tobacco and cannabis co‐users are significantly different than past users. Youth prevention programs should understand the changing context of cannabis and tobacco among youth.
Long‐term effects of maternal separation on the responsiveness of the circadian system to melatonin in the diurnal nonhuman primate (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Rawashdeh Oliver , Dubocovich Margarita L.
Published: January 2014

Depression is often linked to early‐life adversity and circadian disturbances. Here, we assessed the long‐term impact of early‐life adversity, particularly preweaning mother–infant separation, on the circadian system's responsiveness to a time giver or synchronizer (Zeitgeber). Mother‐reared (MR) and peer‐reared (PR) rhesus monkeys were subjected to chronic jet‐lag, a forced desynchrony protocol of 22 hr T‐cycles [11:11 hr light:dark (LD) cycles] to destabilize the central circadian organization. MR and PR monkeys subjected to the T‐cycles showed split locomotor activity rhythms with periods of ~22 hr (entrained) and ~24 hr (free‐running), simultaneously. Continuous melatonin treatment in the drinking water (20 μg/mL) gradually increased the amplitude of the entrained rhythm at the expense of the free‐running rhythm, reaching complete entrainment by 1 wk. Upon release into constant dim light, a rearing effect on anticipation for both the predicted light onset and food presentation was observed. In MR monkeys, melatonin did not affect the amplitude of anticipatory behavior. Interestingly, however, PR macaques showed light onset and food anticipatory activities in response to melatonin treatment. These results demonstrate for the first time a rearing‐dependent effect of maternal separation in macaques, imprinting long‐term plastic changes on the circadian system well into late adulthood. These effects could be counteracted by the synchronizer molecule melatonin. We conclude that the melatonergic system is targeted by early‐life adversity of maternal separation and that melatonin supplementation ameliorates the negative impact of stress on the circadian system.
Gender-Specificity of Solitary and Dyadic Sexual Desire among Gynephilic and Androphilic Women and Men
Authors: Dawson Samantha J. , Chivers Meredith L.
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Incentive motivation theory proposes that sexual desire emerges from sexual arousal, and is triggered by sexually competent stimuli. Research demonstrates gender and sexual orientation differences in the features that contribute to the competency of sexual stimuli. Men's and gynephilic women's genital arousal tends to be gender-specific with preferred gender eliciting significantly greater genital arousal than nonpreferred gender. In contrast, stimuli depicting preferred and nonpreferred gender elicit similar degrees of genital arousal among androphilic women, termed a gender-nonspecific pattern. Given these differences in the features that elicit a sexual response, and that sexual desire is proposed to emerge from sexual arousal, the question remains as to whether sexual desire would emerge only through exposure to preferred stimuli or whether patterns of responsive desire would parallel those observed for genital arousal.

Aim

The study aims to examine patterns of dyadic and solitary sexual desire in response to stimuli differing in incentive value.

Methods

Thirty androphilic women, 21 gynephilic women, 21 gynephilic men, and 16 androphilic men participated in a sexual psychophysiological session. Participants viewed sexual stimuli that varied the gender of the actors and the intensity of sexual activities depicted.

Main Outcome Measures

Participants reported their degree of desire for sex with a partner (dyadic desire) and desire to masturbate (solitary desire), before and after each film.

Results

Men and gynephilic women exhibited gender-specific patterns of sexual desire. Androphilic women's dyadic desire showed significantly less differentiation between genders, and their solitary desire did not differentiate at all. No gender difference was observed for either type of desire. All groups reported greater desire as stimulus intensity increased.

Conclusions

Gender-nonspecific sexual response is not limited to the sexual arousal patterns of androphilic women, but extends to include responsive sexual desire. Men and gynephilic women, however, show gender-specific responsive sexual desire that parallels their sexual arousal patterns.
Loss of intrahepatic HBsAg expression predicts sustained response to peginterferon and is reflected by pronounced serum HBsAg decline
Authors: Arends P. , Rijckborst V. , Zondervan P. E. , Buster E. , Cakaloglu Y. , Ferenci P. , Tabak F. , Akarca U. S. , Simon K. , Sonneveld M. J. , Hansen B. E. , Janssen H. L. A.
Published: January 2014

There is a lack of knowledge regarding the effect of peginterferon (PEG‐IFN) on the expression of intrahepatic hepatitis B core and surface antigen (HBcAg and HBsAg) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and its relation with response to therapy. Fifty‐two HBeAg‐positive and 67 HBeAg‐negative CHB patients with paired liver biopsies taken at baseline and after 1 year of PEG‐IFN therapy were studied. After PEG‐IFN therapy, HBeAg‐negative patients showed a significant reduction in both intrahepatic HBcAg (P = 0.04) and HBsAg expression (P < 0.001). In contrast, a reduction in intrahepatic HBcAg expression was not observed in HBeAg‐positive patients, while a trend in reduction of intrahepatic HBsAg staining was found (P = 0.09). Post‐treatment, 7 (13%) HBeAg‐positive and 9 (14%) HBeAg‐negative patients had no expression of intrahepatic HBsAg. Patients without any intrahepatic HBsAg expression post‐treatment were more likely to achieve a combined response (HBeAg loss with hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA <2000 IU/mL for HBeAg ‐positive and HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL and normal alanine aminotransferase for HBeAg‐negative CHB): 71% vs 5% for HBeAg‐positive (P < 0.001) and 60% vs 16% for HBeAg‐negative patients (P = 0.004), respectively. Moreover, a more profound decline of serum HBsAg was observed in patients with absence of intrahepatic HBsAg staining (3.1 vs 0.4 log IU/mL, P < 0.001 and 1.7 vs 0.4 log IU/mL, P = 0.005 for HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative CHB, respectively). In conclusion, PEG‐IFN reduces expression of intrahepatic HBsAg. Loss of HBsAg as assessed by immunohistochemistry from the liver predicts a sustained response and is reflected in a pronounced serum HBsAg decline.
Building the bacterial orisome: high‐affinity DnaA recognition plays a role in setting the conformation of oriC DNA
Authors: Kaur Gulpreet , Vora Mansi P. , Czerwonka Christopher A. , Rozgaja Tania A. , Grimwade Julia E. , Leonard Alan C.
Published: January 2014

During assembly of the E. coli pre‐replicative complex (pre‐RC), initiator DnaA oligomers are nucleated from three widely separated high‐affinity DnaA recognition sites in oriC. Oligomer assembly is then guided by low‐affinity DnaA recognition sites, but is also regulated by a switch‐like conformational change in oriC mediated by sequential binding of two DNA bending proteins, Fis and IHF, serving as inhibitor and activator respectively. Although their recognition sites are separated by up to 90 bp, Fis represses IHF binding and weak DnaA interactions until accumulating DnaA displaces Fis from oriC. It remains unclear whether high‐affinity DnaA binding plays any role in Fis repression at a distance and it is also not known whether all high‐affinity DnaA recognition sites play an equivalent role in oligomer formation. To examine these issues, we developed origin‐selective recombineering methods to mutate E. coli chromosomal oriC. We found that, although oligomers were assembled in the absence of any individual high‐affinity DnaA binding site, loss of DnaA binding at peripheral sites eliminated Fis repression, and made binding of both Fis and IHF essential. We propose a model in which interaction of DnaA molecules at high‐affinity sites regulates oriC DNA conformation.
Polymorphous oligodendroglioma of Zülch revisited: A genetically heterogeneous group of anaplastic gliomas including tumors of bona fide oligodendroglial differentiation
Authors: Hewer Ekkehard , Beck Jürgen , Murek Michael , Kappeler Andreas , Vassella Erik , Vajtai Istvan
Published: January 2014

A polymorphous variant of oligodendroglioma was described by K.J. Zülch half a century ago, and is only very sporadically referred to in the subsequent literature. In particular, no comprehensive analysis with respect to clinical or genetic features of these tumors is available. From a current perspective, the term polymorphous oligodendroglioma (pO) may appear as contradictory in terms, as nuclear monotony is a histomorphological hallmark of oligodendrogliomas. For the purpose of this study, we defined pO as diffusely infiltrating gliomas felt to be of oligodendroglial rather than astrocytic differentiation and characterized by the presence of multinucleate tumor giant cells and/or nuclear pleomorphism. In a total of nine patients, we identified tumors consistent with this working definition. All tumors were high‐grade. We characterized these with respect to clinical, histomorphological and genetic features. Despite clinical and genetic heterogeneity, we identified a subset of tumors of bona fide oligodendroglial differentiation as characterized by combined loss of heterozygosity of chromosome arms 1p and 19q (LOH 1p19q). Those tumors that lacked LOH 1p19q showed a high frequency of IDH1 mutations and loss of alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X‐linked gene (ATRX) immunoreactivity, indicating a possible phenotypic convergence of true oligodendrogliomas and gliomas of the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway. p53 alterations were common irrespective of the 1p19q status. Histomorphologically, the tumors featured interspersed bizarre multinucleate giant tumor cells, while the background population varied from monotonous to significantly pleomorphic. Our findings indicate, that a rare polymorphous – or “giant cell” – variant of oligodendroglioma does indeed exist.
A transcriptomics‐based kinetic model for ethylene biosynthesis in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit: development, validation and exploration of novel regulatory mechanisms
Authors: Van de Poel Bram , Bulens Inge , Hertog Maarten L. A. T. M. , Nicolai Bart M. , Geeraerd Annemie H.
Published: January 2014

The gaseous plant hormone ethylene is involved in many physiological processes including climacteric fruit ripening, in which it is a key determinant of fruit quality. A detailed model that describes ethylene biochemistry dynamics is missing. Often, kinetic modeling is used to describe metabolic networks or signaling cascades, mostly ignoring the link with transcriptomic data.

We have constructed an elegant kinetic model that describes the transfer of genetic information into abundance and metabolic activity of proteins for the entire ethylene biosynthesis pathway during fruit development and ripening of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum).

Our model was calibrated against a vast amount of transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolic data and showed good descriptive qualities. Subsequently it was validated successfully against several ripening mutants previously described in the literature. The model was used as a predictive tool to evaluate novel and existing hypotheses regarding the regulation of ethylene biosynthesis.

This bottom‐up kinetic network model was used to indicate that a side‐branch of the ethylene pathway, the formation of the dead‐end product 1‐(malonylamino)‐1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (MACC), might have a strong effect on eventual ethylene production. Furthermore, our in silico analyses indicated potential (post‐) translational regulation of the ethylene‐forming enzyme ACC oxidase.
Drought enhances folivory by shifting foliar metabolomes in Quercus ilex trees
Authors: Rivas‐Ubach Albert , Gargallo‐Garriga Albert , Sardans Jordi , Oravec Michal , Mateu‐Castell Laia , Pérez‐Trujillo Míriam , Parella Teodor , Ogaya Romà , Urban Otmar , Peñuelas Josep
Published: January 2014

At the molecular level, folivory activity on plants has mainly been related to the foliar concentrations of nitrogen (N) and/or particular metabolites.

We studied the responses of different nutrients and the whole metabolome of Quercus ilex to seasonal changes and to moderate field experimental conditions of drought, and how this drought may affect folivory activity, using stoichiometric and metabolomic techniques.

Foliar potassium (K) concentrations increased in summer and consequently led to higher foliar K : phosphorus (P) and lower carbon (C) : K and N : K ratios. Foliar N : P ratios were not lowest in spring as expected by the growth rate hypothesis. Trees exposed to moderate drought presented higher concentrations of total sugars and phenolics and these trees also experienced more severe folivory attack.

The foliar increases in K, sugars and antioxidant concentrations in summer, the driest Mediterranean season, indicated enhanced osmoprotection under natural drought conditions. Trees under moderate drought also presented higher concentrations of sugars and phenolics; a plant response to avoid water loss. These shifts in metabolism produced an indirect relationship between increased drought and folivory activity.
Carbon and nitrogen gain during the growth of orchid seedlings in nature
Authors: Stöckel Marcus , Těšitelová Tamara , Jersáková Jana , Bidartondo Martin I. , Gebauer Gerhard
Published: January 2014

For germination and establishment, orchids depend on carbon (C) and nutrients supplied by mycorrhizal fungi. As adults, the majority of orchids then appear to become autotrophic. To compare the proportional C and nitrogen (N) gain from fungi in mycoheterotrophic seedlings and in adults, here we examined in the field C and N stable isotope compositions in seedlings and adults of orchids associated with ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi.

Using a new highly sensitive approach, we measured the isotope compositions of seedlings and adults of four orchid species belonging to different functional groups: fully and partially mycoheterotrophic orchids associated with narrow or broad sets of ectomycorrhizal fungi, and two adult putatively autotrophic orchids associated exclusively with saprotrophic fungi.

Seedlings of orchids associated with ectomycorrhizal fungi were enriched in 13C and 15N similarly to fully mycoheterotrophic adults. Seedlings of saprotroph‐associated orchids were also enriched in 13C and 15N, but unexpectedly their enrichment was significantly lower, making them hardly distinguishable from their respective adult stages and neighbouring autotrophic plants.

We conclude that partial mycoheterotrophy among saprotroph‐associated orchids cannot be identified unequivocally based on C and N isotope compositions alone. Thus, partial mycoheterotrophy may be much more widely distributed among orchids than hitherto assumed.
Simultaneous profiling of seed‐associated bacteria and fungi reveals antagonistic interactions between microorganisms within a shared epiphytic microbiome on Triticum and Brassica seeds
Authors: Links Matthew G. , Demeke Tigst , Gräfenhan Tom , Hill Janet E. , Hemmingsen Sean M. , Dumonceaux Tim J.
Published: January 2014

In order to address the hypothesis that seeds from ecologically and geographically diverse plants harbor characteristic epiphytic microbiota, we characterized the bacterial and fungal microbiota associated with Triticum and Brassica seed surfaces.

The total microbial complement was determined by amplification and sequencing of a fragment of chaperonin 60 (cpn60). Specific microorganisms were quantified by qPCR. Bacteria and fungi corresponding to operational taxonomic units (OTU) that were identified in the sequencing study were isolated and their interactions examined.

A total of 5477 OTU were observed from seed washes. Neither total epiphytic bacterial load nor community richness/evenness was significantly different between the seed types; 578 OTU were shared among all samples at a variety of abundances. Hierarchical clustering revealed that 203 were significantly different in abundance on Triticum seeds compared with Brassica. Microorganisms isolated from seeds showed 99–100% identity between the cpn60 sequences of the isolates and the OTU sequences from this shared microbiome. Bacterial strains identified as Pantoea agglomerans had antagonistic properties toward one of the fungal isolates (Alternaria sp.), providing a possible explanation for their reciprocal abundances on both Triticum and Brassica seeds.

cpn60 enabled the simultaneous profiling of bacterial and fungal microbiota and revealed a core seed‐associated microbiota shared between diverse plant genera.
A eucrustacean from the Cambrian ‘Orsten’ of Sweden with epipods and a maxillary excretory opening
Authors: Waloszek Dieter , Maas Andreas , Olesen Jørgen , Haug Carolin , Haug Joachim T.
Published: January 2014

The Cambrian species Paulinecaris siveterae n. gen. n. sp., known from two trunk fragments, represents the first record of epipods (serving as gills and osmoregulatory structures) in a crustacean from the Swedish ‘Orsten’. Moreover, it is the first report of the maxillary excretory opening of a crustacean based on Cambrian material of ‘Orsten’‐type preservation. One specimen comprises the maxillary segment with an appendage and several thoracic segments with parts of their limbs; a second specimen is a fragment possibly of a more posterior part of the trunk. As in other known small eucrustaceans, the tergites of the new species lack prominent tergopleurae, so that the limbs insert directly ventral to the tergal margins. Limb preservation includes the maxilla and several thoracopods, all possessing a prominent, fleshy basipod with six setose endites along their median rim distally to the proximal endite. The presence of long and prominent limbs of P. siveterae suggests that it had good swimming ability, while the slight C‐like curvature of their basal limb part, basipod, indicates involvement of the limbs also in so‐called ‘sucking chambers’ for suspension feeding coupled with locomotion. The estimated total length of P. siveterae, 2–3 mm, is comparable to that of extant cephalocarids, but its appendages are twice as long and wide. The limbs of P. siveterae also differ in size and armature from extant eucrustaceans as well as early representatives of this group known from the ‘Orsten’ assemblages. The general morphology of the limbs, for example in having a fleshy and C‐shaped basipod with several setae‐bearing endites medially, identifies P. siveterae as an entomostracan eucrustacean, but a lack of further details precludes its affinity with any of the in‐group taxa. Three epipods on the outer edge of the basipod, as in P. siveterae, are also known from the Cambrian eucrustacean Yicaris dianensis from China and early ontogenetic stages of extant fairy shrimps (Anostraca); their adult stages have two epipods. This hints at an original number of three epipods in the ground pattern of Entomostraca, but some uncertainty remains with regard to the eucrustacean ground pattern because Malacostraca possess a maximum number of two.
The Effect of Loading Palladium on Zinc Oxide on the Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl tert‐Butyl Ether (MTBE) in Water
Authors: Seddigi Zaki S. , Ahmed Saleh A. , Ansari Shahid P. , Yarkandi Naeema H. , Danish Ekram , Alkibash Abdullah Abu , Oteef Mohammed D. Y. , Ahmed Shakeel
Published: January 2014

A series of heterogeneous catalysts was prepared by doping zinc oxide with different palladium loadings in the range of 0.5%–1.5%. The prepared catalysts were characterized by SEM, TEM and XRD. These catalysts were applied to study the degradation of Methyl tert‐Butyl Ether (MTBE). An amount of 100 mg of each of these catalysts was added to an aqueous solution of 100 ppm of MTBE. The resulting mixtures were irradiated with UV light for a period of 5 h. A 99.7% removal of MTBE was achieved in the case of the zinc oxide photocatalyst particles doped with 1% Pd. The photoreaction was found to be a first‐order one.
Lessons from Resource Dependence Theory for Contemporary Public and Nonprofit Management
Authors: Malatesta Deanna , Smith Craig R.
Published: January 2014

The fiscal landscape continues to challenge public and nonprofit managers. Against this backdrop, public and nonprofit managers look for new strategies to address the challenges associated with limited resources. Resource dependence theory provides valuable guidance for managers who want to understand the considerations and consequences relevant to different types of interorganizational partnering. In this article, the theory's core ideas are described, along with three common strategies or tactics that organizations use to obtain critical resources from the environment: merging, forming alliances, and co‐opting. For each strategy, the authors derive a set of practical lessons for busy public and nonprofit managers.
Gold Mineralization of the Gatsuurt Deposit in the North Khentei Gold Belt, Central Northern Mongolia
Authors: Khishgee Chinbat , Akasaka Masahide , Ohira Hiroto , Sereenen Jargalan
Published: January 2014

Mineral assemblages, chemical compositions of ore minerals, wall rock alteration and fluid inclusions of the Gatsuurt gold deposit in the North Khentei gold belt of Mongolia were investigated to characterize the gold mineralization, and to clarify the genetic processes of the ore minerals. The gold mineralization of the deposit occurs in separate Central and Main zones, and is characterized by three ore types: (i) low‐grade disseminated and stockwork ores; (ii) moderate‐grade quartz vein ores; and (iii) high‐grade silicified ores, with average Au contents of approximately 1, 3 and 5 g t−1 Au, respectively. The Au‐rich quartz vein and silicified ore mineralization is surrounded by, or is included within, the disseminated and stockwork Au‐mineralization region. The main ore minerals are pyrite (pyrite‐I and pyrite‐II) and arsenopyrite (arsenopyrite‐I and arsenopyrite‐II). Moderate amounts of galena, tetrahedrite‐tennantite, sphalerite and chalcopyrite, and minor jamesonite, bournonite, boulangerite, geocronite, scheelite, geerite, native gold and zircon are associated. Abundances and grain sizes of the ore minerals are variable in ores with different host rocks. Small grains of native gold occur as fillings or at grain boundaries of pyrite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, galena and tetrahedrite in the disseminated and stockwork ores and silicified ores, whereas visible native gold of variable size occurs in the quartz vein ores. The ore mineralization is associated with sericitic and siliceous alteration. The disseminated and stockwork mineralization is composed of four distinct stages characterized by crystallization of (i) pyrite‐I + arsenopyrite‐I, (ii) pyrite‐II + arsenopyrite‐II, (iii) galena + tetrahedrite + sphalerite + chalcopyrite + jamesonite + bournonite + scheelite, and iv) boulangerite + native gold, respectively. In the quartz vein ores, four crystallization stages are also recognized: (i) pyrite‐I, (ii) pyrite‐II + arsenopyrite + galena + Ag‐rich tetrahedrite‐tennantite + sphalerite + chalcopyrite + bournonite, (iii) geocronite + geerite + native gold, and (iv) native gold. Two mineralization stages in the silicified ores are characterized by (i) pyrite + arsenopyrite + tetrahedrite + chalcopyrite, and (ii) galena + sphalerite + native gold. Quartz in the disseminated and stockwork ores of the Main zone contains CO2‐rich, halite‐bearing aqueous fluid inclusions with homogenization temperatures ranging from 194 to 327°C, whereas quartz in the disseminated and stockwork ores of the Central zone contains CO2‐rich and aqueous fluid inclusions with homogenization temperatures ranging from 254 to 355°C. The textures of the ores, the mineral assemblages present, the mineralization sequences and the fluid inclusion data are consistent with orogenic classification for the Gatsuurt deposit.
Geochemical and statistical characterization of the phosphate facies of the Farim‐Saliquinhé phosphate mineralization (Guinea‐Bissau)
Authors: Charifo Gilberto , Ferreira António M. , Almeida José A. , Prian Jean‐Pierre
Published: January 2014

The Eocene Farim‐Saliquinhé phosphate mineralization (FSPM) is a buried sedimentary deposit located in the northern part of Guinea‐Bissau, discovered and spatially constrained during the 1980s by the French Geological Survey (BRGM). In the present work some of the data collected at that time are reworked in the framework of the development of a 3D geological and geochemical model of this mineralization. We show the usefulness of two classical multivariate statistical methods – principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) – applied to eight geochemical variables (P2O5, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, F and CO2) measured in 247 samples from phosphate facies, for differentiation of samples taken from the different phosphate facies recognized in the FSPM, namely the main ore FPA (30 to 35% high grade phosphate), the calcareous low grade phosphate FPB (10 to 20% P2O5) (both Lutetian), and a mineralized Upper Eocene to Lower Oligocene cover (mainly including the FPO level and a silico‐aluminous phosphate bed), overlying the FPA, which can also be considered a third set of phosphate facies associated with the FSPM.
Regional Trade Agreements and the Pattern of Trade: A Networks Approach
Authors: Reyes Javier , Wooster Rossitza , Shirrell Stuart
Published: January 2014

This paper uses a complex network approach for the analysis trade effects from regional trade agreements on world trade flows. We use bilateral trade data to compute the network community structure for every year between 1970 and 2000. We compare this to null community structures that emerge from various models based on regional and geographical classifications, the implementation of RTA's and gravity models of trade. Our results show that RTA formation appears to have a cyclical pattern on the world trade network community structure. We document periods where bilateral trade flows and the structure of the world trade network are consistent with those predicted by formation of RTAs. These cycles occur in 1980–86 and 1990–96. At the same time, we document periods in which the pattern in the world trade network is not explained by RTA formation. Two periods, 1986–90 and 1997–2000, show a pattern of bilateral trade flows that moves away from the prediction that results from assuming RTA formation as the driving force in the determination of the world trade network structure. Factors contributing to the latter parts of the cycle during our sample period include formation of regional trade networks in East Asia that account for a significant portion of world trade but are not formalised by RTAs in force.
The clinical utility of two human portable blood glucose meters in canine and feline practice
Authors: Domori Asuka , Sunahara Ayano , Tateno Morihiro , Miyama Takako Shimokawa , Setoguchi Asuka , Endo Yasuyuki
Published: January 2014

Background

Portable blood glucose meters (PBGMs) are useful for serial measurements of blood glucose and creation of blood glucose curves in veterinary practice. However, it is necessary to validate PBGMs designed for people for veterinary use.

Objectives

Our objective was to evaluate the accuracy of 2 PBGMs designed for people for use in dogs and cats.

Methods

The blood glucose levels were determined in blood samples collected from 69 dogs and 26 cats admitted to the Kagoshima University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, using a MEDISAFE [PBGM‐T] and an Antsense III [PBGM‐H], and a FUJI DRI‐CHEM 7000V as reference method. The correlations and agreements among the results were statistically analyzed.

Results

Simple regression analyses revealed a high correlation between values from both PBGMs and the reference method in both dogs and cats. However, Passing–Bablok regression and Bland–Altman analyses revealed that the data from both PBGMs did not show statistical agreement with the reference values. Concordance correlated coefficients were moderate for the PBGM‐T and almost perfect for the PBGM‐H for canine samples, and were poor for the PBGM‐T and substantial for the PBGM‐H for feline samples. Hematocrit values significantly affected the results of the PBGM‐T, but not the PBGM‐H. Error grid analyses revealed that all measurements from both PBGMs would lead to acceptable treatment decisions.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that both PBGMs, especially the PBGM‐H, would be clinically useful in small animal practice, although there was a bias between each PBGM and the reference method.
Platelet count and plateletcrit in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Greyhounds using the Advia 120 and 2120
Authors: Kelley Jessica , Sharkey Leslie C. , Christopherson Pete W. , Rendahl Aaron
Published: January 2014

Background

Models for the regulation of thrombopoiesis predict that platelet mass is the biologically regulated variable, yet clinical evaluations of thrombopoiesis are often based on platelet number. When thrombocytopenia and variation in platelet size occur concurrently, platelet count may poorly estimate total platelet mass, confounding clinical decision making.

Objective

We hypothesized that plateletcrit (PCT) provides clinically important information when platelet number is an incomplete representation of platelet mass, such as in genetic macrothrombocytopenia.

Methods

We retrospectively compared platelet count andPCTs with general reference intervals for 4 groups of dogs: sick Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) and Greyhounds, presented for nonhematopoietic disease to the University of Minnesota (measured using an Advia 2120) and Auburn University Teaching Hospitals (measured using an Advia 120) over a 3‐year period.

Results

A caninePCTreference interval of 0.129–0.403% was established. None of the 4 sample groups had significantly more individuals below the reference interval for plateletcrit. For platelet count, only the 2 CKCS groups had significantly more individuals below the reference interval than predicted.

Conclusion

Use of thePCTas determined by the Advia 120/2120 appeared to avoid overestimation of low platelet mass in sick CKCS in a clinical setting. In contrast, thePCTperformed similarly to the platelet count in evaluation of platelet mass in sick Greyhounds. Evaluation of thePCTshould be considered in other conditions associated with increased mean platelet volume.
Increases in heart rate and serum cortisol concentrations in healthy dogs are positively correlated with an indoor waiting‐room environment
Authors: Perego Roberta , Proverbio Daniela , Spada Eva
Published: January 2014

Background

Few studies have investigated the effect of veterinary clinical procedures on the welfare of dogs, with specific emphasis on the veterinary practice environment. Clinicopathologic variables have also not been assessed in these potentially stressful situations. Similar to human clinical studies, the veterinary clinical waiting room could present a significant stress factor for dogs.

Objectives

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of waiting‐room environment on serum cortisol and glucose alterations as well as heart rate in privately owned healthy dogs.

Methods

The clinical trial included 24 healthy dogs that were divided into 2 groups: the clinical waiting‐room group (A) and the control group (B) that waited outside in a garden. During the entire experiment, 18 dogs (9 dogs per group) were monitored with a human heart rate monitor fastened around the chest. After 20 minutes of waiting, blood samples were collected from all of the dogs (24 dogs) to determine serum cortisol concentration.

Results

Serum cortisol concentration and mean, maximum, and minimum heart rate were significantly higher in group A compared with group B, but there was no statistical difference in serum glucose concentrations between the 2 study groups.

Conclusions

Results of this study suggest that the waiting room is a potentially stressful situation for dogs in clinical veterinary practice, when compared with a garden, based on the assessment of adrenal cortex function and heart rate evaluation.
The Reach, Transferability, and Impact of the Evidence‐Based Practice Questionnaire: A Methodological and Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Upton Dominic , Upton Penney , Scurlock‐Evans Laura
Published: January 2014

Background

Since the 1990s, evidence‐based practice (EBP) has been increasingly emphasized in nursing, but its implementation is still sometimes met with confusion and resistance. Therefore, identifying factors affecting its implementation is crucial. The Evidence‐Based Practice Questionnaire (EBPQ) was published in 2006, addressing a need for a robust measure of nurses’ practice of, attitudes toward, and knowledge of EBP. The growing body of professionals using the questionnaire means that a review of its reach, transferability, and impact is timely.

Aims

The aims of this review were threefold: (a) identify the situations in which the EBPQ has been used in both published and unpublished research internationally (Reach); (b) collate the psychometric properties of the EBPQ from the research reviewed (Transferability); and (c) discuss the study's findings to shed new light on issues facing professionals in implementing EBP, and possible future directions for research (Impact).

Methods

Literature searches on studies reported between 2006 and July 2012 inclusive were conducted using the terms “Evidence‐Based Practice Questionnaire” and “EBPQ.” Green, Johnson and Adams's guidelines for completing narrative literature reviews and Terwee et al.'s framework for reporting questionnaires’ psychometric properties were adopted to ensure rigor.

Findings

Twenty‐seven studies were reviewed in which the EBPQ had been translated into five different languages and used with a variety of professional groups. The questionnaire demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity and good internal reliability. Research adopting the questionnaire identified a range of variables related to EBP implementation, including qualification route and job role.

Linking Evidence to Action

Assessment of organizational culture and workforce training needs prior to developing educational interventions is crucial. The EBPQ has the potential to provide further understanding of these and other issues faced by professionals when implementing EBP.
The Establishment of Evidence‐Based Practice Competencies for Practicing Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Nurses in Real‐World Clinical Settings: Proficiencies to Improve Healthcare Quality, Reliability, Patient Outcomes, and Costs
Authors: Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek , Gallagher‐Ford Lynn , Long Lisa English , Fineout‐Overholt Ellen
Published: January 2014

Background

Although it is widely known that evidence‐based practice (EBP) improves healthcare quality, reliability, and patient outcomes as well as reduces variations in care and costs, it is still not the standard of care delivered by practicing clinicians across the globe. Adoption of specific EBP competencies for nurses and advanced practice nurses (APNs) who practice in real‐world healthcare settings can assist institutions in achieving high‐value, low‐cost evidence‐based health care.

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop a set of clear EBP competencies for both practicing registered nurses and APNs in clinical settings that can be used by healthcare institutions in their quest to achieve high performing systems that consistently implement and sustain EBP.

Methods

Seven national EBP leaders developed an initial set of competencies for practicing registered nurses and APNs through a consensus building process. Next, a Delphi survey was conducted with 80 EBP mentors across the United States to determine consensus and clarity around the competencies.

Findings

Two rounds of the Delphi survey resulted in total consensus by the EBP mentors, resulting in a final set of 13 competencies for practicing registered nurses and 11 additional competencies for APNs.

Linking Evidence to Action

Incorporation of these competencies into healthcare system expectations, orientations, job descriptions, performance appraisals, and clinical ladder promotion processes could drive higher quality, reliability, and consistency of healthcare as well as reduce costs. Research is now needed to develop valid and reliable tools for assessing these competencies as well as linking them to clinician and patient outcomes.
Hypermuscular mice with mutation in the myostatin gene display altered calcium signalling
Authors: Bodnár Dóra , Geyer Nikolett , Ruzsnavszky Olga , Oláh Tamás , Hegyi Bence , Sztretye Mónika , Fodor János , Dienes Beatrix , Balogh Ágnes , Papp Zoltán , Szabó László , Müller Géza , Csernoch László , Szentesi Péter
Published: January 2014

Key points

Hypermuscularity associated with naturally occurring mutations in the myostatin gene as found in Compact mice results in increased muscle mass but reduced specific force.

The calcium sensitivity of the contractile apparatus as assessed on chemically skinned skeletal muscle fibres under isometric conditions is not altered in these animals.

While the resting calcium concentration remains unaffected, depolarization‐evoked increases in intracellular calcium concentration are suppressed.

Spontaneous calcium release events from sarcoplasmic reticulum are also decreased in frequency, amplitude and spatial spread.

Our results suggest that mutations in the myostatin gene are accompanied by alterations in excitation contraction coupling, which manifest as a reduction in sarcoplasmic calcium release.

Myostatin, a member of the transforming growth factor β family, is a potent negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth, as myostatin‐deficient mice show a great increase in muscle mass. Yet the physical performance of these animals is reduced. As an explanation for this, alterations in the steps in excitation–contraction coupling were hypothesized and tested for in mice with the 12 bp deletion in the propeptide region of the myostatin precursor (MstnCmpt‐dl1Abc or Cmpt). In voluntary wheel running, control C57BL/6 mice performed better than the mutant animals in both maximal speed and total distance covered. Despite the previously described lower specific force of Cmpt animals, the pCa–force relationship, determined on chemically permeabilized fibre segments, did not show any significant difference between the two mouse strains. While resting intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) measured on single intact flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscle fibres using Fura‐2 AM was similar to control (72.0 ± 1.7 vs. 78.1 ± 2.9 nm, n = 38 and 45), the amplitude of KCl‐evoked calcium transients was smaller (360 ± 49 vs. 222 ± 45 nm, n = 22) in the mutant strain. Similar results were obtained using tetanic stimulation and Rhod‐2 AM, which gave calcium transients that were smaller (2.42 ± 0.11 vs. 2.06 ± 0.10 ΔF/F0, n = 14 and 13, respectively) on Cmpt mice. Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium release flux calculated from these transients showed a reduced peak (23.7 ± 3.0 vs. 15.8 ± 2.1 mMs−1) and steady level (5.7 ± 0.7 vs. 3.7 ± 0.5 mm s−1) with no change in the peak‐to‐steady ratio. The amplitude and spatial spread of calcium release events detected on permeabilized FDB fibres were also significantly smaller in mutant mice. These results suggest that reduced SR calcium release underlies the reduced muscle force in Cmpt animals.
Genetic ablation of ryanodine receptor 2 phosphorylation at Ser‐2808 aggravates Ca2+‐dependent cardiomyopathy by exacerbating diastolic Ca2+ release
Authors: Liu Bin , Ho Hsiang‐Ting , Velez‐Cortes Florencia , Lou Qing , Valdivia Carmen R. , Knollmann Bjorn C. , Valdivia Hector H. , Gyorke Sandor
Published: January 2014

Key points

Phosphorylation at Ser‐2808 is suggested to result in RyR2 hyperactivity, i.e. ‘leakiness’, thus contributing to the pathology of cardiac diseases.

We studied the effect of disabling phosphorylation at Ser‐2808 of RyR2 in a genetic model of Ca2+‐dependent cardiomyopathy, which was caused by leaky RyR2.

RyR2 phosphorylation was high at Ser‐2808 in myocytes expressing wild‐type (WT) RyR2; protein phosphatase increased RyR2 leakiness in cells expressing WT, but not in mutant RyR2s with disabled Ser‐2808 phosphorylation sites.

Rather than alleviating cardiac disease, ablation of the Ser‐2808 exacerbated the disease phenotype by reducing survival, impairing in vivo cardiac function and enhancing RyR2 Ca2+ leak and mitochondrial damage.

These results suggest a novel mode of RyR2 regulation via dephosphorylation at Ser‐2808 in normal and diseased hearts.

Phosphorylation of the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) by protein kinase A (PKA) at Ser‐2808 is suggested to mediate the physiological ‘fight or flight’ response and contribute to heart failure by rendering the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) leaky for Ca2+. In the present study, we examined the potential role of RyR2 phosphorylation at Ser‐2808 in the progression of Ca2+‐dependent cardiomyopathy (CCM) by using mice genetically modified to feature elevated SR Ca2+ leak while expressing RyR2s that cannot be phosphorylated at this site (S2808A). Surprisingly, rather than alleviating the disease phenotype, constitutive dephosphorylation of Ser‐2808 aggravated CCM as manifested by shortened survival, deteriorated in vivo cardiac function, exacerbated SR Ca2+ leak and mitochondrial injury. Notably, the deteriorations of cardiac function, myocyte Ca2+ handling, and mitochondria integrity were consistently worse in mice with heterozygous ablation of Ser‐2808 than in mice with complete ablation. Wild‐type (WT) and CCM myocytes expressing unmutated RyR2s exhibited a high level of baseline phosphorylation at Ser‐2808. Exposure of these CCM cells to protein phosphatase 1 caused a transitory increase in Ca2+ leak attributable to partial dephosphorylation of RyR2 tetramers at Ser‐2808 from more fully phosphorylated state. Thus, exacerbated Ca2+ leak through partially dephosphorylated RyR2s accounts for the prevalence of the disease phenotype in the heterozygous S2808A CCM mice. These results do not support the importance of RyR2 hyperphosphorylation in Ca2+‐dependent heart disease, and rather suggest roles for the opposite process, the RyR2 dephosphorylation at this residue in physiological and pathophysiological Ca2+ signalling.