bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Air‐oxidized linalyl acetate – an emerging fragrance allergen?
Authors: Hagvall Lina , Berglund Victoria , Bråred Christensson Johanna
Published: January 2015

Background

Linalyl acetate is a fragrance chemical that is prone to autoxidation. Exposure to linalyl acetate occurs through cosmetic products and essential oils, but is difficult to assess, as linalyl acetate is not labelled in the EU.

Objective

To investigate the frequencies of contact allergy to oxidized linalyl acetate among dermatitis patients, and to investigate the autoxidation of linalyl acetate in terms of hydroperoxide formation and sensitization potency.

Patients and methods

Hydroperoxide formation in air‐exposed linalyl acetate was determined with high‐performance liquid chromatography. The sensitization potencies of hydroperoxides were determined with the local lymph node assay. One thousand seven hundred and seventeen patients were patch tested with oxidized linalyl acetate at 6.0% in petrolatum.

Results

Of the patients, 2.2% showed positive reactions to oxidized linalyl acetate. Forty‐three per cent of the positive patients also had positive patch test reactions to other fragrance markers. Linalyl acetate hydroperoxides were detected early in the autoxidation process, and accumulated to a concentration of 37% after 42 weeks of air exposure. The linalyl acetate hydroperoxides were classified as moderate sensitizers.

Conclusions

The frequency of positive reactions to oxidized linalyl acetate is comparable to that of previously studied oxidized fragrance terpenes. Oxidized linalyl acetate could thus be a common fragrance contact allergen.
Effect of coloration with various metal oxides on zirconia
Authors: Chen Jianfeng , Zhang Yi , Dong Shuwen , Zhao Lisheng , Gu Bin , Liao Ningfang , Wen Ning
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the coloration of zirconia ceramic by adding three kinds of metal oxide. This was done with different concentrations of Fe2O3, CeO2, and Bi2O3 in tetragonal zirconia polycrystals stabilised with 3Y‐TZP powder compacted at 200 MPa using cold isostatic pressure and full sintering. X‐ray diffraction analysis was used to examine the structure of the shaded 3Y‐TZP. The chromaticity of sintered bodies was measured on a spectrophotometer. The coloration of zirconia by the three kinds of metal oxide was determined. With the addition of CeO2, the lightness of the zirconia was about 84–87, a* decreased slightly, and the colour shifted to a more yellow‐green hue. With an increasing content of Fe2O3, the chroma of the ceramic became more intense, the lightness decreased, and the colour changed to a red‐yellow hue. With an increasing concentration of Bi2O3, the colour of the materials shifted to a light saffron yellow. X‐ray diffraction spectra revealed only tetragonal phase. Results show that zirconia ceramic can be colourised using Fe2O3, CeO2, and Bi2O3.
Preparation of thermally stable dyes derived from diketopyrrolopyrrole pigment by polymerisation with polyisocyanate binder
Authors: Yoon Chun , Kwon Hye‐Sun , Yoo Jae‐Sung , Lee Hyun‐Young , Bae Ji‐Hye , Choi Jae‐Hong
Published: January 2015

Four thermally stable and solvent soluble dyes were prepared from diketopyrrolopyrrole pigment via an N‐alkylation reaction. To improve the thermal stability of the dyes, a hydroxyl functional group that could react with blocked polyisocyanates was introduced into the dyes. The prepared dyes had absorption maxima near 500 nm, and the chromaticity diagrams of all synthesised dyes exhibited smaller x and y values than those of CI Pigment Red 254, indicating that the colour of the synthesised dyes was close to an orange shade. The dyes reacting with blocked polyisocyanates showed extremely high thermal stability compared with analogous dyes not reacting with polyisocyanates.
Low‐temperature bleaching of cotton fabric using a copper‐based catalyst for hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Yin Chong , Huang Yuting , Zhang Linping , Xu Hong , Zhong Yi , Mao Zhiping
Published: January 2015

Hydrogen peroxide can be catalysed to bleach cotton fibres at a temperature of 70 °C by incorporating the copper‐based catalyst [Cu(TPMA)Cl]ClO4·1/2H2O in the bleaching solution. The effects of pH, temperature, and concentration of catalyst and hydrogen peroxide on bleaching effectiveness were evaluated. The effects of other transition metal complexes of tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine were also examined. The bleaching mechanism was investigated by studying the active species. The results showed that a satisfactory whiteness index could be obtained at low temperature with the copper‐based catalyst, and it also had a competitive advantage in protecting cellulose from severe chemical damage. Cu(i)TPMA(OOH)− was the active species in bleaching.
High B‐cell activating factor is not associated with worse 3‐year graft outcome in blood group‐incompatible kidney transplantation with rituximab induction
Authors: Lehnhardt Anja M. , Strecker Maximiliane , Eiermann Thomas , Marget Matthias , Thaiss Friedrich , Nashan Björn , Koch Martina
Published: January 2015

B cells and their regulation by B‐cell activating factor BAFF are of growing interest in kidney transplantation (KTx). There is evidence that high serum (s) BAFF leads to increased allosensitization and impaired long‐term graft function. We prospectively investigated sBAFF, peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), and donor‐specific HLA antibodies (DSA) in patients after ABOi with B‐cell depleting rituximab induction treatment and compared them to a group of blood group‐compatible (ABOc) living donor kidney recipients. Twelve patients after ABOi and 18 after ABOc were included. After rituximab treatment prior to ABOi, B cells remained significantly lower 1 year after KTx (1.2% (0.0–17.8) compared to ABOc of 8.6% (2.8–35.0), p = 0.0004, and also BAFF‐R expression was significantly lower in ABOi (p < 0.006). sBAFF remained elevated 1 year post‐Tx compared to ABOc (3615 ± 1800 vs. 1394 ± 493 pg/mL, p < 0.004). Kidney function was not significantly different between both groups after 1, 2, and 3 years. The use of rituximab in ABOi together with maintenance immunosuppression leads to significant elevation of sBAFF and lowering of B‐cell numbers for more than 1 year, and this does not correlate with worse 3‐year graft outcome.
Rebranding the State: Uganda's Strategic Use of the International Criminal Court
Authors: Freeland Valerie
Published: January 2015

When governments invite the International Criminal Court (ICC) to conduct investigations within their own borders, they seem to indicate acceptance of global norms of accountability for wartime atrocities. The first of these self‐referrals came from Uganda, whose government requested investigation into its conflict with the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), a conflict within which it, too, committed large‐scale human rights violations. This article argues that Uganda used the ICC to help solve a problem faced by many of the world's least powerful states, whose domestic politics are often structured through patron–client networks. Their rulers need to distribute basic state resources, including physical protection, to loyal clients without alienating donors who demand provision of these same resources by right to all citizens. By inviting external scrutiny and manipulating the investigative process, the Ugandan government received an international seal of approval for practices that the ICC would normally punish. This strategy has system‐wide consequences in that repeated mislabelling of rights violations as compliant with international norms causes the meaning of compliance to become incoherent, and norms are less able to constrain the behaviour of all states in the long run.
Efficacy of carbon dioxide versus air insufflation according to different sedation protocols during therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: Prospective, randomized, double‐blind study
Authors: Lee Su Jin , Lee Tae Hoon , Park Sang‐Heum , Lee Yun Nah , Jung Yunho , Choi Hyun Jong , Cha Sang‐Woo , Moon Jong Ho , Cho Young Deok , Kim Sun‐Joo
Published: January 2015

Background and Aim

Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) tends to require considerable air insufflation, which results in abdominal pain or distension. We investigated the efficacy of carbon dioxide (CO2) compared with air insufflation when using two different sedation protocols in therapeutic ERCP.

Methods

Patients who required therapeutic ERCP were randomly assigned to four groups based on preliminary data: air insufflation with balanced propofol sedation (BPS), air with propofol + opioid sedation (PS), CO2 with BPS, and CO2 with PS. Post‐ERCP abdominal pain, distension and nausea by the 10‐point visual analogue scale (VAS), and gas volume score (GVS) by the four‐point ordinal scale were measured according to the time interval. Overall satisfaction with sedation, sedation efficacy, and complications were also measured.

Results

The CO2 with BPS group showed lowest mean VAS score for abdominal pain (immediately after recovery, P = 0.002; and 3 h post‐ERCP, P = 0.047) and distension (immediately after recovery, P = 0.018; 3 h post‐ERCP, P < 0.01; and 24 h post‐ERCP, P = 0.042). Overall satisfaction with sedation was greater in the CO2 with BPS group (P = 0.005). Mean GVS at 2 h and 12 h post‐ERCP was significantly lower in the CO2 with BPS group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in procedure or sedation‐related complications.

Conclusion

CO2 with BPS showed the lowest VAS score for early abdominal pain, distension and GVS, and had a higher score for overall satisfaction for sedation.
Frequency, risk factors and prophylaxis of infection in ANCA‐associated vasculitis
Authors: Kronbichler Andreas , Jayne David R. W. , Mayer Gert
Published: January 2015

Background

Antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitides are potentially life‐threatening disorders.

Materials and methods

Even though immunosuppressive therapy improves the prognosis, adverse events, either attributable to persistent disease activity or side effects of treatment remain a challenge. Infectious complications are the leading cause of death in the first year after diagnosis and a major cause of morbidity and mortality thereafter.

Results

Their incidence in clinical trials varies considerably but opportunistic and life‐threatening infections, such as Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia or systemic cytomegalovirus infections, are frequent and thus predisposing/risk factors need to be defined. Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia has been associated with a lymphocyte count below 300/mm3. Additionally, besides the aggressiveness of the immunosuppressive regimen administered (especially the cumulative dose of steroids and cyclophosphamide), an elevated serum creatinine or dialysis dependency, older age and pulmonary involvement increase the rate of infectious complications.

Conclusions

We suggest to routinely prescribe trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole or antimicrobial agents such as pentamidine in case of intolerance or contraindication in the early phase of induction therapy irrespective of the immunosuppressive strategy used and to continue therapy, together with other targeted measures (antiviral, antimycotic or antibiotic) in the presence of risk factors for a prolonged period of time. Finally, there is an urgent need to standardize the reporting of infectious complications in clinical trials to enable comparing the adverse event spectrum of distinct treatment approaches more appropriately.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation induced modulations of resting state motor connectivity in writer's cramp
Authors: Bharath R. D. , Biswal B. B. , Bhaskar M. V. , Gohel S. , Jhunjhunwala K. , Panda R. , George L. , Gupta A. K. , Pal P. K.
Published: January 2015

Background and purpose

Writer's cramp (WC) is a focal task‐specific dystonia of the hand which is increasingly being accepted as a network disorder. Non‐invasive cortical stimulation using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has produced therapeutic benefits in some of these patients. This study aimed to visualize the motor network abnormalities in WC and also its rTMS induced modulations using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI).

Methods

Nineteen patients with right‐sided WC and 20 matched healthy controls (HCs) were prospectively evaluated. All patients underwent a single session of rTMS and rsfMRI was acquired before (R1) and after (R2) rTMS. Seed‐based functional connectivity analysis of several regions in the motor network was performed for HCs, R1 and R2 using SPM8 software. Thresholded (P < 0.05, false discovery rate corrected) group level mean correlation maps were used to derive significantly connected region of interest pairs.

Results

Writer's cramp showed a significant reduction in resting state functional connectivity in comparison with HCs involving the left cerebellum, thalamus, globus pallidus, putamen, bilateral supplementary motor area, right medial prefrontal lobe and right post central gyrus. After rTMS there was a significant increase in the contralateral resting state functional connectivity through the left thalamus−right globus pallidus−right thalamus−right prefrontal lobe network loop.

Conclusions

It is concluded that WC is a network disorder with widespread dysfunction much larger than clinically evident and changes induced by rTMS probably act through subcortical and trans‐hemispheric unaffected connections. Longitudinal studies with therapeutic rTMS will be required to ascertain whether such information could be used to select patients prior to rTMS therapy.
The role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in endothelial dysfunction induced by homocysteine thiolactone
Authors: Wu Shujin , Gao Xiang , Yang Shehua , Meng Min , Yang Xiaolai , Ge Bin
Published: January 2015

Our and other studies have reported that homocysteine thiolactone (HTL) could induce endothelial dysfunction. However, the precise mechanism was largely unknown. In this study, we tested the most possible factor‐endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which was demonstrated to be involved in endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular disease. Acetylcholine (Ach)‐induced endothelium‐dependent relaxation (EDR) and biochemical parameters were measured in rat isolated aorta. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO was designed by specific fluorescent probe DCFH‐DA and DAF‐FM DA separately. The nuclear translocation of the NF‐κB was studied by immune‐fluorescence. The mRNA expression and protein expression of GRP78—a key indicator for the induction of ER stress—were assessed by real‐time PCR and Western blot. Two ER stress inhibitors‐4‐PBA (5 mm) and Tudca (500 μg/mL)—significantly prevented HTL—impaired EDR and increased NO release, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and SOD activity, decreased ROS production, NADPH activity, NOX‐4 mRNA and MDA level. We also found that 4‐PBA and Tudca blocked HTL‐induced NF‐κB activation thus inhibiting the downstream target gene production including TNF‐α and ICAM‐1. Simultaneously, HTL increased the mRNA and protein level of GRP78. HTL could induce ER stress leading to a downstream enhancement of oxidative stress and inflammation, which finally caused vascular endothelial dysfunction.
Challenges in fisheries management in the Zambezi, one of the great rivers of Africa
Authors: Tweddle D. , Cowx I. G. , Peel R. A. , Weyl O. L. F.
Published: January 2015

Almost all fisheries in the Zambezi River system have experienced severe declines in catch rates, loss of larger, most valuable fish species, and increased use of environmentally damaging active fishing gears. The fisheries of the Barotse, Caprivi and Kafue floodplains, and lakes Kariba (Zambian sector), Malawi and Malombe are all fished down. The concept of balanced harvesting with moderate effort has no relevance to these African inland fisheries, where rapid human population growth and lack of alternative livelihoods for small‐scale fishers means they have no choice but to continue fishing despite dwindling returns. In some areas, e.g. Liuwa Plain National Park in Zambia and conservancies in Namibia, comanagement with local communities has potential for success, but other fisheries, e.g. Lake Malombe in Malawi, are so severely fished down that there is no prospect of recovery without radical restructuring of exploitation patterns coupled with habitat restoration.
Carbon stock and its responses to climate change inCentralAsia
Authors: Li Chaofan , Zhang Chi , Luo Geping , Chen Xi , Maisupova Bagila , Madaminov Abdullo A. , Han Qifei , Djenbaev Bekmamat M.
Published: January 2015

Central Asia has a land area of 5.6 × 106 km2and contains 80–90% of the world's temperate deserts. Yet it is one of the least characterized areas in the estimation of the global carbon (C) stock/balance. This study assessed the sizes and spatiotemporal patterns of C pools in Central Asia using both inventory (based on 353 biomass and 284 soil samples) and process‐based modeling approaches. The results showed that the C stock in Central Asia was 31.34–34.16 Pg in the top 1‐m soil with another 10.42–11.43 Pg stored in deep soil (1–3 m) of the temperate deserts. They amounted to 18–24% of the global C stock in deserts and dry shrublands. The C stock was comparable to that of the neighboring regions in Eurasia or major drylands around the world (e.g. Australia). However, 90% of Central Asia C pool was stored in soil, and the fraction was much higher than in other regions. Compared to hot deserts of the world, the temperate deserts in Central Asia had relatively high soil organic carbon density. The C stock in Central Asia is under threat from dramatic climate change. During a decadal drought between 1998 and 2008, which was possibly related to protracted La Niña episodes, the dryland lost approximately 0.46 Pg C from 1979 to 2011. The largest C losses were found in northern Kazakhstan, where annual precipitation declined at a rate of 90 mm decade−1. The regional C dynamics were mainly determined by changes in the vegetation C pool, and theSOCpool was stable due to the balance between reduced plant‐derived C influx and inhibited respiration.
Risk-Off Episodes and Swiss Franc Appreciation: The Role of Capital Flows
Authors: Carvalho Filho Irineu de
Published: January 2015

During episodes of increased global risk aversion, or risk-off episodes, safe haven currencies such as the Swiss franc tend to appreciate. The immediate impact of a risk-off shock is an increase in net private inflows to Switzerland, mostly driven by a reduction in Swiss residents’ net purchases of foreign debt securities and reduced foreign exposure by Swiss banks. Given that the bulk of capital movements related to risk-off episodes is driven by decisions of Swiss residents, capital flow management policies that discriminate based on the residency of the investor (capital controls) are not likely to be effective at reducing the impact of risk-off episodes. However, prudential policies that limit leveraging or foreign exposure by Swiss banks may diminish the volatility of capital flows during risk-off episodes.
Field Test of a Hybrid Finite‐Difference and Analytic Element Regional Model
Authors: Abrams D.B. , Haitjema H.M. , Feinstein D.T. , Hunt R.J.
Published: January 2015

Regional finite‐difference models often have cell sizes that are too large to sufficiently model well‐stream interactions. Here, a steady‐state hybrid model is applied whereby the upper layer or layers of a coarse MODFLOW model are replaced by the analytic element model GFLOW, which represents surface waters and wells as line and point sinks. The two models are coupled by transferring cell‐by‐cell leakage obtained from the original MODFLOW model to the bottom of the GFLOW model. A real‐world test of the hybrid model approach is applied on a subdomain of an existing model of the Lake Michigan Basin. The original (coarse) MODFLOW model consists of six layers, the top four of which are aggregated into GFLOW as a single layer, while the bottom two layers remain part of MODFLOW in the hybrid model. The hybrid model and a refined “benchmark” MODFLOW model simulate similar baseflows. The hybrid and benchmark models also simulate similar baseflow reductions due to nearby pumping when the well is located within the layers represented by GFLOW. However, the benchmark model requires refinement of the model grid in the local area of interest, while the hybrid approach uses a gridless top layer and is thus unaffected by grid discretization errors. The hybrid approach is well suited to facilitate cost‐effective retrofitting of existing coarse grid MODFLOW models commonly used for regional studies because it leverages the strengths of both finite‐difference and analytic element methods for predictions in mildly heterogeneous systems that can be simulated with steady‐state conditions.
Multicenter cooperative case survey of hepatitis B virus reactivation by chemotherapeutic agents
Authors: Takahashi Hideaki , Ikeda Masafumi , Kumada Takashi , Osaki Yukio , Kondo Shunsuke , Kusumoto Shigeru , Ohkawa Kazuyoshi , Nadano Seijin , Furuse Junji , Kudo Masatoshi , Ito Kiyoaki , Yokoyama Masahiro , Okusaka Takuji , Shimoyama Masanori , Mizokami Masashi
Published: January 2015

Aim

The purpose of this multicenter cooperative study was to elucidate the clinical features of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation by chemotherapeutic agents and the patient outcomes after HBV reactivation by a retrospective review of accumulated patients’ medical records.

Methods

Records of a total of 27 patients (hematological malignancy, 14 patients; solid tumor, 13 patients) from 11 institutions who were diagnosed between June 2005 and October 2010 as having HBV reactivation following chemotherapy were reviewed.

Results

Of the 27 patients with reactivation, 16 patients were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive and 11 were HBsAg negative prior to the commencement of chemotherapy. Of the 11 patients who were HBsAg negative prior to the chemotherapy, 10 had hematological malignancies and one had a solid tumor. Of the 14 patients with hematological malignancies with HBV reactivation enrolled in the study, the reactivation occurred more than 12 months after the completion of chemotherapy in five patients (36%); on the other hand, none of the patients (0%) with solid tumors developed HBV reactivation more than 12 months after the completion of chemotherapy. Of the 24 patients who had acute liver dysfunction at the diagnosis of HBV reactivation, nine (38%) had severe hepatitis and seven (29%) died of liver failure.

Conclusion

Most of the patients with HBV reactivation who were HBsAg negative prior to the chemotherapy had underlying hematological malignancies. Furthermore, patients with hematological malignancies often developed late‐onset HBV reactivation. The prognosis of patients who develop acute liver dysfunction as a complication of HBV reactivation is extremely dismal.
Seral changes in ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) assemblages in the sub‐boreal forests of British Columbia
Authors: Higgins Robert J. , Lindgren B. S.
Published: January 2015

Despite their ubiquity, ant assemblages in the sub‐boreal forests of British Columbia, Canada, are largely unknown.

Ant assemblages and area densities of species colonies were characterised in lodgepole pine‐leading forests through strip‐plot hand sampling of coarse woody debris (CWD), with species richness supplementation through pitfall trapping and mini‐Winkler sampling of forest floor litter, over five seral ages.

Seventeen species of ants were identified across all seral ages. Ant assemblage dissimilarity (non‐metric multidimensional scaling) determined from CWD (i.e. ordination separation between sites) decreased through early seral ages then began to increase in later seral ages.

Despite a species richness curve superficially consistent with competitive exclusion developing in later seral ages, the overall decline in all species abundances with advancing seral age, the low colony densities, and the persistence of only an ecologically subordinate species in the oldest seral age, argued against competitive exclusion and for a thermally based hypothesis of evolved species tolerance.

Successional facilitation and examples of the role of individual life history characteristics were also noted with seral progression.
Characteristics of a Continuous Direct Foaming Technique
Authors: Luthardt Fabian , Adler Jörg , Michaelis Alexander
Published: January 2015

Continuous direct foaming techniques for ceramics promise economical and ecological advantages compared to other manufacturing routes. No additional template is needed to generate a foam structure, and no fugitive pore formers have to be burned out. Using only air as the pore former, much lower emissions of waste gases can be achieved during the heat treatment of the foam. The challenge of the direct foaming technique is the control of the metastable wet foam state where foam destabilization processes can change or destroy the foam structure. Complex rheological and microscopic measurements were developed to investigate the relationship between rheological parameters and foam stability. It could be shown that the storage modulus G' is the dominant factor describing the stability of the wet foam. The shear‐thinning behavior and the value of the viscosity of the slurry define the possible foam porosity in dependence of the manufacturing parameters of the foaming device. Foamability and foam stability are rheological contrary to each other. The Sauter diameter D32 was used to characterize the pore size. Theoretical calculations of the Sauter diameter D32 could be verified by experimental data. Suitable parameters are shown to produce stable foams with high porosities.
Synthesis of Alumina Nanowires in a Cordierite Pore Structure by a CVD Process Using a Powder Source
Authors: Park Si Jung , Kim Jun Gyu , Choi Doo Jin
Published: January 2015

We fabricated a composite cordierite pore structure with alumina (Al2O3) nanowires by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. The Al2O3 nanowires were grown in a horizontal Al2O3 tube furnace by CVD using an aluminum (Al) powder source without the use of any catalysts at a temperature of 1200°C and a pressure of 0.27 kPa. The source evaporation region was at the center of the furnace, and the nanowire deposition region was at the rear of the furnace. By the transport of evaporated species by a carrier gas, nanowires grew in the inner pores of the cordierite filter region at the rear of the furnace at 1200°C, while nanowires did not grow in the center region at 1400°C. We performed nanowire deposition as a function of the deposition time and determined the relationship between the deposition time and BET surface area.
Do Immigrants Have Different Procedural Justice Perceptions of Personnel Selection methods? The case of native Israelis and immigrants from the former Soviet Union
Authors: Brender‐Ilan Yael , Sheaffer Zachary
Published: January 2015

Most prior research on perceived procedural justice vis‐à‐vis human resource management selection procedures focuses on comparisons between nations and between types of employees. So far, findings indicate slight, if any, differences between nations. Predicated on a random sample of 950 respondents – native Israelis and Israelis from the former Soviet Union – we find significant differences between the two groups concerning five selection methods, which we ascribe to inherent cultural dissimilarities. We attribute these differences to Hofstede's uncertainty avoidance dimension. These results may elicit increased focus on inherent cultural differences among potential employees with the view of considering these differences in opting for selection methods in order to accommodate for existing cultural differences. This consideration appears particularly pertinent in culturally diverse workforces, given the increased proportion of immigrants.
Graduate Student Selection: Graduate record examination, socioeconomic status, and undergraduate grade point average as predictors of study success in a western European University
Authors: Schwager Inge T. L. , Hülsheger Ute R. , Bridgeman Brent , Lang Jonas W. B.
Published: January 2015

Graduate students' mobility has increased within Europe. Yet, empirical evidence on the validity of standardized admission tests in Europe is still scarce. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the incremental validity of the GRE® revised general test above undergraduate grade point average (U‐GPA) by focusing on a multinational sample of master students (N = 282) enrolled at a Dutch university. Results indicated that the Analytical Writing part of the GRE predicts graduate grade point average above and beyond U‐GPA. Furthermore, the results suggest that the relationship is independent of students' socioeconomic status as indexed by parental education. Implications for graduate student selection in a European context are discussed.
Not on My Watch: Facilitating peer reporting through employee job attitudes and personality traits
Authors: Bowling Nathan A. , Lyons Brian D.
Published: January 2015

Because employees often conceal their misbehavior from management, counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs) can be difficult to detect. Fortunately, peer reporting – which occurs when employees report their coworkers' misdeeds to organizational authorities – may enhance the detection of CWBs. Little is known, however, about the variables that facilitate peer reporting. Using a sample of working adults (N = 267), we examined job attitudes and personality traits as moderators of the relationship between CWB observations and CWB reporting. Our results suggest that most CWBs employees observe go unreported. Furthermore, we found that organizational commitment strengthened the relationship between CWB observations and CWB reporting. The other hypothesized moderators, however, failed to yield the expected interaction effects.
Analysis of a global random stratified sample of nurse legislation
Authors: Benton D.C. , Fernández‐Fernández M.P. , González‐Jurado M.A. , Beneit‐Montesinos J.V.
Published: January 2015

Aim

To identify, compare and contrast the major component parts of heterogeneous stratified sample of nursing legislation.

Background

Nursing legislation varies from one jurisdiction to another. Up until now no research exists into whether the variations of such legislation are random or if variations are related to a set of key attributes.

Methods

This mixed method study used a random stratified sample of legislation to map through documentary analysis the content of 14 nursing acts and then explored, using quantitative techniques, whether the material contained relates to a number of key attributes. These attributes include: legal tradition of the jurisdiction; model of regulation; administrative approach; area of the world; and the economic status of the jurisdiction.

Findings

Twelve component parts of nursing legislation were identified. These were remarkably similar irrespective of attributes of interest. However, not all component parts were specified in the same level of detail and the manner by which the elements were addressed did vary. A number of potential relationships between the structure of the legislation and the key attributes of interest were identified.

Conclusions and Implications for Policy

This study generated a comprehensive and integrated map of a global sample of nursing legislation. It provides a set of descriptors to be used to undertake further quantitative work and provides an important policy tool to facilitate dialogue between regulatory bodies. At the individual nurse level it offers insights that can help nurses pursue recognition of credentials across jurisdictions.
Effects of Initial Powder Size on the Densification of Barium Titanate Ceramics Prepared by Microwave‐Assisted Sintering
Authors: Yun Han‐Sol , Kim Hyo‐Han , Jeong Dae‐Yong , Cho Nam‐Hee
Published: January 2015

The effects of initial powder size on microwave‐assisted sintering (MWS) were investigated. BaTiO3 powders with an average particle size of 50, 100, and 500 nm were prepared and sintered with MWS and conventional heating‐based sintering (CS). Samples of the 50 ‐ and 100‐nm‐sized BaTiO3 powders were mechanically milled to study the effects of powder crystallinity on microwave absorption during the MWS process. The MWS of the 50‐nm‐sized BaTiO3 powder resulted in a relative mass density of more than 90% when sintered at 1050°C, whereas the same density was achieved at 1200°C with CS. This difference between the optimal sintering temperatures, which is caused by the absorption of microwaves, was not observed when the 500‐nm‐sized BaTiO3 powder was used. The sinterability of the BaTiO3 ceramics prepared through the MWS of mechanically milled, 50‐nm‐sized powders decreased with increasing milling time. However, the sinterability was much higher than that of the BaTiO3 ceramics prepared through the MWS of the 100‐ and 500‐nm‐sized unmilled powders. In conclusion, microwave absorption has significant effects on the sintering behavior of ~50‐nm‐sized powders, but is negligible for 500‐nm‐sized powders.
Track analysis beyond panbiogeography
Authors: Morrone Juan J.
Published: January 2015

Aim

Panbiogeography, as originally formulated by Léon Croizat, assumed that vicariance and range expansion are the only biogeographical processes needed to explain general biotic distributions. This was in opposition to the prevailing paradigm at the time, known as dispersalism, which postulates that organisms evolve in ‘centres of origin’ from pre‐existing species and then randomly cross barriers to occupy new areas, where they adapt and evolve into new species. The panbiogeographic approach is implemented through track analysis, which consists of three basic steps: constructing individual tracks for two or more different taxa, obtaining generalized tracks where two or more different individual tracks coincide, and identifying nodes in the areas where two or more generalized tracks intersect. In this synthesis I discuss some criticisms that have been directed at panbiogeography and track analysis.

Location

Global.

Methods

I evaluated the papers with track analyses that have been published in the last few decades and the critiques provided by several authors.

Results

Most of the critiques have been directed at the original panbiogeographic approach, with its complete or almost complete reliance on vicariance explanations. Track analyses published in the 1980s and 1990s usually applied a strict vicariance explanation; however, most of the analyses published in the last 10 years or so consider both vicariance and dispersal to explain the observed patterns.

Main conclusions

Although Croizat's metaphor ‘Earth and life evolve together’ may be a useful guide to understanding broad, general patterns, the relationships between Earth history and life are more complex because biotic history is reticulate. To reduce our explanations exclusively to vicariance or dispersal is misguided. We should integrate both processes into a dispersal–vicariance model that allows us to understand the evolution of biotic distributions, incorporating the dating of the lineages and the identification of the cenocrons (sets of taxa that share the same biogeographical history) that coexist within biotas. In the framework of this model, panbiogeographic track analysis is a useful method for identifying biotas, and may constitute the first step of an evolutionary biogeographical analysis.
Implicit sequence learning in juvenile anorexia nervosa: neural mechanisms and the impact of starvation
Authors: Firk Christine , Mainz Verena , Schulte‐Ruether Martin , Fink Gereon , Herpertz‐Dahlmann Beate , Konrad Kerstin
Published: January 2015

Background

Previous studies have reported that cognitive deficits occur in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and that these deficits may represent a predisposition towards developing AN or perpetuate the disorder. Specifically, dysfunctional implicit learning may contribute to the development of highly resistant dieting behaviours that are fundamental to the persistence of the disorder. Thus, the aims of this study were (a) to investigate implicit sequence learning in adolescent patients with AN before and after weight recovery and (b) to elucidate the associated neural mechanisms in acute AN relative to healthy controls.

Methods

In a behavioural study, implicit sequence learning was assessed using a serial reaction time task in 27 adolescents with AN before (T1) and after weight recovery (T2) compared with age‐matched healthy controls (HC) who were assessed at similar time intervals. The neural correlates of implicit sequence learning were subsequently investigated in 19 AN patients shortly after they were admitted to the hospital and 20 HC using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Results

At T1, AN patients showed reduced sequence learning compared with HC. However, no behavioural differences between HC and AN patients were found at T2. At the neural level, acute AN patients showed reduced thalamic activation during sequence learning compared with HC subjects.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the impaired implicit learning observed in adolescent AN patients before weight gain is a state‐related dysfunction that normalises with weight gain. Thus, implicit learning deficits do not appear to represent a predisposition towards developing AN; rather, these deficits should be considered when planning psychotherapeutic interventions for acute AN. Reduced thalamic activation during the acute stage of AN may indicate a starvation‐induced dysfunction of the neural circuitry that is involved in behavioural flexibility.
Norway spruce (Picea abies) laccases: Characterization of a laccase in a lignin‐forming tissue culture
Authors: Koutaniemi Sanna , Malmberg Heli A. , Simola Liisa K. , Teeri Teemu H. , Kärkönen Anna
Published: January 2015

Secondarily thickened cell walls of water‐conducting vessels and tracheids and support‐giving sclerenchyma cells contain lignin that makes the cell walls water impermeable and strong. To what extent laccases and peroxidases contribute to lignin biosynthesis in muro is under active evaluation. We performed an in silico study of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) laccases utilizing available genomic data. As many as 292 laccase encoding sequences (genes, gene fragments, and pseudogenes) were detected in the spruce genome. Out of the 112 genes annotated as laccases, 79 are expressed at some level. We isolated five full‐length laccase cDNAs from developing xylem and an extracellular lignin‐forming cell culture of spruce. In addition, we purified and biochemically characterized one culture medium laccase from the lignin‐forming cell culture. This laccase has an acidic pH optimum (pH 3.8–4.2) for coniferyl alcohol oxidation. It has a high affinity to coniferyl alcohol with an apparent Km value of 3.5 μM; however, the laccase has a lower catalytic efficiency (Vmax/Km) for coniferyl alcohol oxidation compared with some purified culture medium peroxidases. The properties are discussed in the context of the information already known about laccases/coniferyl alcohol oxidases of coniferous plants.
High‐resolution, high‐throughput imaging with a multibeam scanning electron microscope
Authors: EBERLE A.L. , MIKULA S. , SCHALEK R. , LICHTMAN J. , TATE M.L. KNOTHE , ZEIDLER D.
Published: January 2015

Electron–electron interactions and detector bandwidth limit the maximal imaging speed of single‐beam scanning electron microscopes. We use multiple electron beams in a single column and detect secondary electrons in parallel to increase the imaging speed by close to two orders of magnitude and demonstrate imaging for a variety of samples ranging from biological brain tissue to semiconductor wafers.
Alteration of mTOR signaling occurs early in the progression of Alzheimer disease (AD): analysis of brain from subjects with pre‐clinical AD, amnestic mild cognitive impairment and late‐stage AD
Authors: Tramutola Antonella , Triplett Judy C. , Di Domenico Fabio , Niedowicz Dana M. , Murphy Michael P. , Coccia Raffaella , Perluigi Marzia , Butterfield D. Allan
Published: January 2015

The clinical symptoms of Alzheimer disease (AD) include a gradual memory loss and subsequent dementia, and neuropathological deposition of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. At the molecular level, AD subjects present overt amyloid β (Aβ) production and tau hyperphosphorylation. Aβ species have been proposed to overactivate the phosphoinositide3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) axis, which plays a central role in proteostasis. The current study investigated the status of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in post‐mortem tissue from the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) at three different stages of AD: late AD, amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and pre‐clinical AD (PCAD). Our findings suggest that the alteration of mTOR signaling and autophagy occurs at early stages of AD. We found a significant increase in Aβ (1–42) levels, associated with reduction in autophagy (Beclin‐1 and LC‐3) observed in PCAD, MCI, and AD subjects. Related to the autophagy impairment, we found a hyperactivation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in IPL of MCI and AD subjects, but not in PCAD, along with a significant decrease in phosphatase and tensin homolog. An increase in two mTOR downstream targets, p70S6K and 4EBP1, occurred in AD and MCI subjects. Both AD and MCI subjects showed increased, insulin receptor substrate 1, a candidate biomarker of brain insulin resistance, and GSK‐3β, a kinase targeting tau phosphorylation. Nevertheless, tau phosphorylation was increased in the clinical groups. The results hint at a link between Aβ and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis and provide further insights into the relationship between AD pathology and insulin resistance. In addition, we speculate that the alteration of mTOR signaling in the IPL of AD and MCI subjects, but not in PCAD, is due to the lack of substantial increase in oxidative stress.

image

The figure represents the three different stages of Alzheimer Disease: Preclinical Alzheimer Disease (PCAD), Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and late stage of Alzheimer Disease. The progression of the disease is associated with a reduction in autophagy (Beclin‐1 and LC‐3) observed in Inferior parietal lobe of PCAD, MCI, and AD subjects (light red). Related to the autophagy impairment, the graph shows the impairment of PI3K/Akt/mTOR in MCI and AD subjects (dark red).
Quantitative expression proteomics and phosphoproteomics profile of brain from PINK1 knockout mice: insights into mechanisms of familial Parkinson's disease
Authors: Triplett Judy C. , Zhang Zhaoshu , Sultana Rukhsana , Cai Jian , Klein Jon B. , Büeler Hansruedi , Butterfield David Allan
Published: January 2015

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age‐related, neurodegenerative motor disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and presence of α‐synuclein‐containing protein aggregates. Mutations in the mitochondrial Ser/Thr kinase PTEN‐induced kinase 1 (PINK1) are associated with an autosomal recessive familial form of early‐onset PD. Recent studies have suggested that PINK1 plays important neuroprotective roles against mitochondrial dysfunction by phosphorylating and recruiting Parkin, a cytosolic E3 ubiquitin ligase, to facilitate elimination of damaged mitochondria via autophagy‐lysosomal pathways. Loss of PINK1 in cells and animals leads to various mitochondrial impairments and oxidative stress, culminating in dopaminergic neuronal death in humans. Using a 2‐D polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis proteomics approach, the differences in expressed brain proteome and phosphoproteome between 6‐month‐old PINK1‐deficient mice and wild‐type mice were identified. The observed changes in the brain proteome and phosphoproteome of mice lacking PINK1 suggest that defects in signaling networks, energy metabolism, cellular proteostasis, and neuronal structure and plasticity are involved in the pathogenesis of familial PD.

image

Mutations in PINK1 are associated with an early‐onset form of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study examines changes in the proteome and phosphoproteome of the PINK1 knockout mouse brain. Alterations were noted in several key proteins associated with: increased oxidative stress, aberrant cellular signaling, altered neuronal structure, decreased synaptic plasticity, reduced neurotransmission, diminished proteostasis networks, and altered metabolism. 14‐3‐3ε, 14‐3‐3 protein epsilon; 3‐PGDH, phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase; ALDOA, aldolase A; APT1, acyl‐protein thioesterase 1; CaM, calmodulin; CBR3, carbonyl reductase [NADPH] 3; ENO2, gamma‐enolase; HPRT, hypoxanthine‐guanine phosphoribosyltransferase; HSP70, heat‐shock‐related 70 kDa protein 2; IDHc, cytoplasmic isocitrate dehydrogenase [NADP+]; MAPK1, mitogen‐activated protein kinase 1; MEK1, MAP kinase kinase 1; MDHc, cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase; NFM, neurofilament medium polypeptide; NSF, N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive fusion protein; PHB, prohibitin; PINK1, PTEN‐induced putative kinase 1; PPIaseA, peptidyl‐prolyl cis‐trans isomerase A; PSA2, proteasome subunit alpha type‐2; TK, transketolase; VDAC‐2, voltage‐dependent anion‐selective channel protein 2.
Mandatory Portfolio Disclosure, Stock Liquidity, and Mutual Fund Performance
Authors: AGARWAL VIKAS , MULLALLY KEVIN A. , TANG YUEHUA , YANG BAOZHONG
Published: January 2015

We examine the impact of mandatory portfolio disclosure by mutual funds on stock liquidity and fund performance. We develop a model of informed trading with disclosure and test its predictions using the May 2004 SEC regulation requiring more frequent disclosure. Stocks with higher fund ownership, especially those held by more informed funds or subject to greater information asymmetry, experience larger increases in liquidity after the regulation change. More informed funds, especially those holding stocks with greater information asymmetry, experience greater performance deterioration after the regulation change. Overall, mandatory disclosure improves stock liquidity but imposes costs on informed investors.
Prosthodontics Treatment Considerations for Methamphetamine‐Dependent Patients
Authors: Gantos Meredith A. , Manzotti Anna , Yuan Judy Chia‐Chun , Afshari Fatemeh S. , Marinis Aristotelis , Syros George , Rynn Michelle Howard , Sukotjo Cortino
Published: January 2015

Overt dental disease is a distinguishing comorbidity associated with methamphetamine abuse, necessitating the need for special management to maximize treatment benefits. As this highly addictive stimulant increases in popularity, it has become imperative that clinicians are equipped to thoughtfully provide comprehensive care for these patients. This article reviews the impact of methamphetamine to systemic and oral health and proposes a comprehensive treatment plan and sequence for the methamphetamine‐dependent patient. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended. Destructive oral and psychological changes must be identified and controlled. A thorough risk assessment, caries control, and preventative plan should be established before initiating prosthodontic treatment. Patient motivation, support, and a timely recall schedule are integral for dental longevity.
Praying to Die
Authors: Crane Jonathan K.
Published: January 2015

Prayer has long been a staple in the proverbial Jewish medical toolbox. While the vast majority of relevant prayers seek renewed health and prolonged life, what might prayers for someone to die look like? What ethical dimensions are involved in such liturgical expressions? By examining both prayers for oneself to die and prayers for someone else to die, this essay discerns reasons why it may be good and even necessary to pray for a patient's demise.