bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of exogenous nitrite in postoperative ileus
Authors: Cosyns S M R , Shiva S , Lefebvre R A
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose

As the pathogenesis of postoperative ileus (POI) involves inflammation and oxidative stress, comparable to ischaemia/reperfusion injury which can be ameliorated with nitrite, we investigated whether nitrite can protect against POI and explored the mechanisms involved.

Experimental Approach

We used intestinal manipulation (IM) of the small intestine to induce POI in C57BL/6J mice. Sodium nitrite (48 nmol) was administered intravenously just before IM. Intestinal transit was assessed using fluorescent imaging. Bethanechol‐stimulated jejunal circular muscle contractions were measured in organ baths. Inflammatory parameters, neutrophil infiltration, inducible NOS (iNOS) activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial complex I activity and cGMP were measured in the intestinal muscularis.

Key Results

Pre‐treatment with nitrite markedly improved the delay in intestinal transit and restored the reduced intestinal contractility observed 24 h following IM. This was accompanied by reduced protein levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and the chemokine CCL2, along with reduced iNOS activity and ROS levels. The associated neutrophil influx at 24 h was not influenced by nitrite. IM reduced mitochondrial complex I activity and cGMP levels; treatment with nitrite increased cGMP levels. Pre‐treatment with the NO scavenger carboxy‐PTIO or the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ abolished nitrite‐induced protective effects.

Conclusions and Implications

Exogenous nitrite deserves further investigation as a possible treatment for POI. Nitrite‐induced protection of POI in mice was dependent on NO and this effect was not related to inhibition of mitochondrial complex I, but did involve activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase.
Research Review: Engaging men: a multi‐level model to support father engagement
Authors: Pfitzner Naomi , Humphreys Cathy , Hegarty Kelsey
Published: July 2015

While there is a growing body of work on using fatherhood as an opportunity to engage men in strategies to prevent child maltreatment and further acts of domestic violence, there is limited research on engaging fathers in strategies to prevent domestic violence from occurring. To fill this gap in the literature, this paper explores existing father engagement frameworks used in child and family services and supports a multi‐level model of father engagement for domestic violence primary prevention. Drawing together evidence about father engagement from a range of studies, including the more general parenting literature, we describe factors that influence father engagement based on an analysis of the literature. These factors include accessibility, staff attitudes and behaviours, programme marketing and the format of service provision.
Pedometer‐determined physical activity level and change in arterial stiffness in Type 2 diabetes over 4 years
Authors: Jennersjö P. , Ludvigsson J. , Länne T. , Nystrom F. H. , Östgren C. J.
Published: July 2015

Aim

To explore prospectively the correlation between the level of pedometer‐determined physical activity at the start of the study and the change in pulse wave velocity from baseline to 4 years later in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We analysed data from 135 men and 53 women with Type 2 diabetes, aged 54–66 years. Physical activity was measured with waist‐mounted pedometers on 3 consecutive days and the numbers of steps/day at baseline were classified into four groups: <5000 steps/day, 5000–7499 steps/day, 7500–9999 steps/day and ≥10 000 steps/day. Pulse wave velocity was measured using applanation tonometry over the carotid and femoral arteries at baseline and after 4 years.

Results

The mean (±sd; range) number of steps/day was 8022 (±3765; 956–20 921). The participants with the lowest level of physical activity had a more pronounced increase in the change in pulse wave velocity compared with the participants with the highest. When change in pulse wave velocity was analysed as a continuous variable and adjusted for sex, age, diabetes duration, HbA1c, BMI, systolic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity at baseline, β‐blocker use, statin use, unemployment, smoking and diabetes medication, the number of steps/day at baseline was significantly associated with a less steep increase in change in pulse wave velocity (P=0.005). Every 1000 extra steps at baseline corresponded to a lower increase in change in pulse wave velocity of 0.103 m/s.

Conclusions

We found that a high level of pedometer‐determined physical activity was associated with a slower progression of arterial stiffness over 4 years in middle‐aged people with Type 2 diabetes.
Lesions of the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus differentially affect sign‐ and goal‐tracking conditioned responses
Authors: Haight Joshua L. , Fraser Kurt M. , Akil Huda , Flagel Shelly B.
Published: July 2015

Recently, evidence has emerged suggesting a role for the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) in the processing of reward‐associated cues. However, the specific role of the PVT in these processes has yet to be elucidated. Here we use an animal model that captures individual variation in response to discrete reward‐associated cues to further assess the role of the PVT in stimulus–reward learning. When rats are exposed to a Pavlovian conditioning paradigm, wherein a discrete cue predicts food reward, two distinct conditioned responses emerge. Some rats, termed sign‐trackers, approach and manipulate the cue, whereas others, termed goal‐trackers, approach the location of reward delivery upon cue presentation. For both sign‐ and goal‐trackers the cue is a predictor, but only for sign‐trackers is it also an incentive stimulus. We investigated the role of the PVT in the acquisition and expression of these conditioned responses using an excitotoxic lesion. Results indicate that PVT lesions prior to acquisition amplify the differences between phenotypes – increasing sign‐tracking and attenuating goal‐tracking behavior. Lesions of the PVT after rats had acquired their respective conditioned responses also attenuated the expression of the goal‐tracking response, and increased the sign‐tracking response, but did so selectively in goal‐trackers. These results suggest that the PVT acts to suppress the attribution of incentive salience to reward cues, as disruption of the functional activity within this structure enhances the tendency to sign‐track.
Stream ecosystem responses to an extreme rainfall event across multiple catchments in southeast Alaska
Authors: Robertson Anne L. , Brown Lee E. , Klaar Megan J. , Milner Alexander M.
Published: July 2015

Floods are a key component of the flow regime of many rivers and a major structuring force of stream communities. Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency of extreme rainfall (i.e. return intervals >100 years) leading to extensive flooding, but the ecological effects of such events are not well understood. Comparative studies of flood impacts are scarce, despite the clear need to understand the potentially contingent responses of multiple independent stream systems to extreme weather occurring at meso‐ and synoptic spatial scales.

We describe the effect of an extreme rainfall event affecting an area >100 000 km2 that caused extensive flooding in SE Alaska. Responses of channel morphology and three key biological groups (meiofauna, macroinvertebrates and fish) were assessed in four separate and recently deglaciated stream catchments of contrasting age (38–180 years) by comparing samples taken before and after the event.

Ecological responses to the rainfall and subsequent flooding differed markedly across the four catchments in response to variations in rainfall intensity and to factors such as channel morphology, stream sediment composition and catchment vegetation type and cover, which were themselves related to stream age.

Our study demonstrates the value of considering multiple response variables when assessing the effects of extreme events, and highlights the potential for contrasting biological responses to extreme events across catchments. We advocate more comparative studies to understand how extreme rainfall and flooding affects ecosystem responses across multiple catchments.
The implication of irrigation in climate change impact assessment: a European‐wide study
Authors: Zhao Gang , Webber Heidi , Hoffmann Holger , Wolf Joost , Siebert Stefan , Ewert Frank
Published: July 2015

This study evaluates the impacts of projected climate change on irrigation requirements and yields of six crops (winter wheat, winter barley, rapeseed, grain maize, potato, and sugar beet) in Europe. Furthermore, the uncertainty deriving from consideration of irrigation, CO2 effects on crop growth and transpiration, and different climate change scenarios in climate change impact assessments is quantified. Net irrigation requirement (NIR) and yields of the six crops were simulated for a baseline (1982–2006) and three SRES scenarios (B1, B2 and A1B, 2040–2064) under rainfed and irrigated conditions, using a process‐based crop model, SIMPLACE . We found that projected climate change decreased NIR of the three winter crops in northern Europe (up to 81 mm), but increased NIR of all the six crops in the Mediterranean regions (up to 182 mm yr−1). Climate change increased yields of the three winter crops and sugar beet in middle and northern regions (up to 36%), but decreased their yields in Mediterranean countries (up to 81%). Consideration of CO2 effects can alter the direction of change in NIR for irrigated crops in the south and of yields for C3 crops in central and northern Europe. Constraining the model to rainfed conditions for spring crops led to a negative bias in simulating climate change impacts on yields (up to 44%), which was proportional to the irrigation ratio of the simulation unit. Impacts on NIR and yields were generally consistent across the three SRES scenarios for the majority of regions in Europe. We conclude that due to the magnitude of irrigation and CO2 effects, they should both be considered in the simulation of climate change impacts on crop production and water availability, particularly for crops and regions with a high proportion of irrigated crop area.
Selective balloon‐occluded transarterial chemoembolization for patients with one or two hepatocellular carcinoma nodules: Retrospective comparison with conventional super‐selective TACE
Authors: Irie Toshiyuki , Kuramochi Masashi , Kamoshida Toshiro , Takahashi Nobuyuki
Published: July 2015

Aim

Selective balloon‐occluded transarterial chemoembolization (B‐TACE) enables strong TACE; infusion of more volume of lipiodol emulsion and forceful injection of embolization materials. The aim of this study is to analyze the efficacy of B‐TACE for patients with one or two hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodules compared with conventional super‐selective TACE using a microcatheter (C‐TACE).

Methods

We retrospectively selected patients without previous history of TACE, with one or two HCC nodules, with performance status 0/1, and with liver function of Child–Pugh score A/B. Between 2008 and 2010, a 3‐Fr microballoon catheter was used for targeted TACE (B‐TACE group). Between 2005 and 2008, a 2‐Fr microcatheter was used (C‐TACE group). Control rates of primary nodule, overall survival rates and tumor‐free rates in the liver were calculated for each group using the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate analysis was performed to compare between the groups using the log–rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed for analysis of prognostic factors using Cox’s proportional hazard model. The factors were B‐TACE versus C‐TACE, Child–Pugh score A versus B, single nodule versus double, large nodule versus small , elder versus not, and prior radiofrequency ablation treatment versus not.

Results

Control rates of the primary nodule were improved by B‐TACE. B‐TACE was an independent factor to improve both control rates of the primary nodule and overall survival rates. Child–Pugh score A was an independent factor to increase overall survival rates. There was no statistically significant difference in overall survival or tumor‐free survival rates between the groups.

Conclusion

B‐TACE was an independent factor to improve overall survival rates on multivariate analysis, but there was no significant difference in overall survival rates between B‐TACE and C‐TACE groups on univariate analysis.
Serum level of taurine would be associated with the amelioration of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Saito Masaya , Hirano Hirotaka , Yano Yoshihiko , Momose Kenji , Yoshida Masaru , Azuma Takeshi
Published: July 2015

Aim

A variety of treatment modalities including L‐carnitine have been tried for cirrhotic patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), which improved MHE for some patients, but were not effective for the other patients. We aimed to identify pre‐therapeutic independent factors to predict the amelioration of MHE after L‐carnitine treatment.

Methods

We performed a prospective cohort study on a total of 64 consecutive outpatients of cirrhotic patients who underwent blood biochemical examinations and neuropsychiatric (NP) test at Kobe University Hospital. MHE patients diagnosed by the NP test were p.o. administrated L‐carnitine for 3 months. The patients with and without MHE amelioration were compared, and the independent factors were statistically examined. Predictive scoring systems of the amelioration of MHE were established using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

The amelioration of MHE was found in 45.8% of MHE patients. Serum taurine before the treatment was the best predictive factor of the amelioration of MHE (P = 0.046). The predictive model using serum taurine discriminated well between patients with and without the amelioration of MHE (area under the receiver–operator curve, 0.748; 95% confidence interval, 0.531–0.901). The predictive scores of the amelioration of MHE enable the patient‐specific probability to be easily looked up.

Conclusion

Serum taurine before L‐carnitine treatment was shown to be an independent factor associated with the amelioration of MHE 3 months after the treatment. The easy pre‐therapeutic prediction of MHE amelioration after L‐carnitine treatment would help in improving awareness of the selection of MHE patients with good response to L‐carnitine, thus being beneficial from a financial perspective.
Thermoresponsive latexes for fragrance encapsulation and release
Authors: Popadyuk N. , Popadyuk A. , Kohut A. , Voronov A.
Published: July 2015

Synopsis

Objective

To synthesize cross‐linked latex particles protecting the encapsulated fragrance at ambient temperatures and facilitating the release of cargo at the temperature of the surface of the skin that varies in different regions of the body between 33.5 and 36.9°C. Poly(stearyl acrylate) (PSA), a polymer with long crystallizable alkyl side chains (undergoes order–disorder transitions at 45°C), was chosen as the main component of the polymer particles. As a result, new thermoresponsive polymer particles for fragrance encapsulation were synthesized and characterized, including assessing the performance of particles in triggered release by elevated temperature.

Methods

To obtain network domains of various crystallinity, stearyl acrylate was copolymerized with dipropylene glycol acrylate caprylate (DGAC) (comonomer) in the presence of a dipropylene glycol diacrylate sebacate (cross‐linker) using the miniemulsion process. Comonomers and a cross‐linker were mixed directly in a fragrance during polymerization. Fragrance release was evaluated at 25, 31, 35 and 39°C to demonstrate a new material potential in personal/health care skin‐related applications.

Results

Particles protect the fragrance from evaporation at 25°C. The fragrance release rate gradually increases at 31, 35 and 39°C. Two slopes were found on release plots. The first slope corresponds to a rapid fragrance release. The second slope indicates a subsequent reduction in the release rate.

Conclusion

Crystalline‐to‐amorphous transition of PSA triggers the release of fragrances from cross‐linked latex particles at elevated temperatures. The presence of the encapsulated fragrance, as well as the inclusion of amorphous fragments in the polymer network, reduces the particle crystallinity and enhances the release. Release profiles can be tuned by temperature and controlled by the amount of loaded fragrance and the ratio of comonomers in the feed mixture.
Fifty shades of yellow: a review of the xanthodermatoses
Authors: Frew John W. , Murrell Dédée F. , Haber Richard M.
Published: July 2015

The xanthodermatoses consist of a heterogeneous group of cutaneous disorders characterized by the macroscopic yellow hue seen on examination. This hue is attributable to the chemical structure of the accumulating substances within the skin or surrounding tissues. The most common culprits are lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides), elastin, and bilirubin. Exogenous sources of yellow pigment include yellow dyes (including hennas) and metal salts. This article will focus on recognition of these entities, classified in terms of morphology and the site of initial eruption, in order to support the recognition and diagnosis of these widely variable conditions.
Physicochemical properties of soya bean protein gel prepared by microbial transglutaminase in the presence of okara
Authors: Yan Wang , Kun Yu , Yang Xu , Li Guo , Xianfeng Du
Published: July 2015

The influences of okara on the gelling and secondary protein structure of soya protein isolate (SPI) were investigated. Okara was ultra‐refined by high‐pressure homogenisation. The resulting particle sizes and microscopic morphologies were determined using a laser particle size analyser and a confocal laser scanning microscope, respectively. After okara homogenisation, surface area average particle size (D32) decreased from 49.68 to 23.29 μm and volume average particle size (D43) decreased from 118.94 to 55.08 μm. Dynamic rheological measurements showed that the storage (G′) and loss (G′′) moduli of SPI gelled in the presence of okara were mostly higher than those of SPI gels alone and were increased as the okara amounts increased. Linear law analysis revealed that SPI–okara gels were weak gels and frequency independent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that okara and transglutaminase influenced the prevalence of α‐helices, β‐turns, β‐sheet and random coils.
Molecular understanding of Indian untransfused thalassemia intermedia
Authors: Nadkarni A. , Dabke P. , Colah R. , Ghosh K.
Published: July 2015

Background

The term thalassemia intermedia describe a form of thalassemia of intermediate severity, between the major transfusion‐dependent forms of the disease and the symptomless carrier states. The phenotypic diversity of β‐thalassemia results from its underlying genetic diversity. The wide clinical variability of these conditions leads to major difficulties in their management. The molecular basis of thalassemia intermedia is very heterogeneous. The clinical and hematological course of β‐thalassemia intermedia is influenced by a number of genetic factors.

Methods and Results

The main aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of globin and nonglobin genetic modifiers on clinical severity of the disease. The study group consisted of 66 homozygous patients with β‐thalassemia [40 transfusion‐dependent thalassemia (TDT), 26 nontransfusion‐dependent thalassemia (NTDT)]. Hepatosplenomegaly was pronounced in the NTDT group. The presence of associated α‐thalassemia was significantly higher in untransfused patients (P < 0.05). The milder β‐thalassemia mutations, such as Cap site +1 (A→C), −88 (C→T), and −87 (C→G), were observed mainly in the NTDT group (9.61%) as against patients with TDT (1.25%). The cis‐DNA haplotypes, motifs, or polymorphisms around the gamma‐globin genes [(AT)x(T)y motif (38.4%), XmnI (76.92%)and the Aγ‐δ intergenic region haplotype T (73.07%) and Pre Gγ globin gene haplotype TAG (46.15%)] contributed significantly in amelioration of the disease severity.

Conclusion

Our study emphasizes the complexity of genetic interactions that underlie the phenotype of β‐thalassemia and highlights the importance of epistatic factors and the regulation of HbF production in β‐thalassemia syndromes.
Leishman and Giemsa stain: a new reliable staining technique for blood/bone marrow smears
Authors: Gajendra S. , Jha B. , Goel S. , Sahni T. , Sharma R. , Shariq M. , Jaiswal S. , Sachdev R.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Peripheral blood and bone marrow smear examination is an important basic tool for the diagnosis of different haematological conditions including haematological malignancies. We created a newer modification of the conventional Leishman and Giemsa stains as Leishman and Giemsa (L&G) stain and compared the efficacy and reliability of this stain with conventional stains. The study was performed to evaluate the staining efficacy, feasibility, time and cost of L&G stain over the conventional Leishman and Giemsa stains.

Methods

A pilot study was carried out in the Department of Haematology of our hospital from October 2013 to December 2013. Hundred selected cases, each with peripheral blood and bone marrow smears were taken, and three sets of the smears were prepared from each sample – one for L&G stain and other two – one each for conventional Leishman and Giemsa stains. This staining is further incorporated in our routine standard operating protocols for staining of all the peripheral blood smears in automated stainer, Sysmex SP10.

Result

The average grading score from each staining methods from all the three experts was compiled. The average grading score of L&G staining method was noted to be significantly higher than the other two methods (analysis of variance test, P value < 0.05). When modified L&G stain (C) was compared with stain conventional stains (A and B), a P value of <0.001 was noted in all parameters except between Leishman stain and L&G stain in mature RBC and WBC nucleus and RBC inclusions (P value between 0.05 and 0.001).

Conclusion

L&G staining is a newer staining technique of immense help in high‐throughput haematology laboratories by offering a time‐saving, cost‐effective and better staining option to conventional staining methods. It gives a better nuclear and cytoplasmic differential staining and can also be used in automated blood counters/stainer.
Enumeration of the facets of cut polytopes over some highly symmetric graphs
Authors: Deza Michel , Dutour Sikirić Mathieu
Published: July 2015

We report here a computation giving the complete list of facets for the cut polytopes over several very symmetric graphs with 15–30 edges, including K8, K3, 3, 3, K1, 4, 4, K5, 5, some other , , , Möbius ladder M14, dodecahedron, Heawood, and Petersen graphs. For K8, it shows that the huge list of facets of the cut polytope CUTP8 and cut cone CUT8, given in the literature is complete. We also confirm the conjecture that any facet of CUTP8 is adjacent to a triangle facet. The lists of facets for with solve problems in the quantum information theory.
Field Evaluation of Cocksfoot, Tall Fescue and Phalaris for Dry Marginal Environments of South‐Eastern Australia. 2. Persistence
Authors: Culvenor R. A. , Clark S. G. , Harris C. A. , Hayes R. C. , Li G. D. , Nie Z. N. , Norton M. R. , Partington D. L.
Published: July 2015

Perennial grasses provide forage and environmental benefits in the agricultural systems of southern Australia, but persistent cultivars are lacking for the lower rainfall inland margins (<600 mm average annual rainfall). Potential new cultivars of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. = syn. Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.) and phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) have been developed in response to this need. These and older cultivars were evaluated for persistence at five sites in south‐eastern Australia from 2009 to 2013. A wide range in rainfall was experienced, but survival was principally reduced by a severe spring–summer–autumn drought in the final year in which all species began to decline in persistence once the spring 2012 to autumn 2013 cumulative climatic moisture deficit became higher than about 700 mm and declined very severely at deficits over 1000 mm. The highly summer‐dormant cocksfoot ssp. hispanica control cultivar Kasbah showed outstanding survival of this event in the cropping zone of southern New South Wales, but not at the drier of two sites with acidic soils in central Victorian where all cocksfoot cultivars showed similar survival. Potential new summer‐active tall fescue cultivars survived well at the higher rainfall Victorian site and under high rainfall in northern NSW. All tall fescue cultivars experienced high mortality during a period of high moisture stress in the spring of the establishment year in southern NSW, but the Mediterranean cultivar Grasslands Flecha MaxP gradually recovered. Differences among phalaris cultivars were not large with new cultivars of North African origin being marginally more persistent at the drier site in southern NSW. Comparisons with results from the Mediterranean Basin are discussed. Although there was no clear evidence of differences in persistence between the new and old cultivars, some of the new cultivars were considered to show potential for commercial release.
Daylength, Temperature and Solar Radiation Effects on the Phenology and Yield Formation of Spring Durum Wheat
Authors: Villegas D. , Alfaro C. , Ammar K. , Cátedra M. M. , Crossa J. , García del Moral L. F. , Royo C.
Published: July 2015

Future food security will depend on crop adaptation to changing environments. We studied the limitations imposed by daylength, temperature and solar radiation on wheat yield in eight field experiments conducted at contrasting northern latitudes and involving 42 adapted spring durum wheat genotypes of divergent phenology, and reduced or without photoperiod sensitivity. Air temperatures averaged from sowing to anthesis (SA) increased from northern to southern sites, while daylength and minimum temperatures from anthesis to maturity (grain filling, GF) followed the opposite trend, due to differences in the latitude of sites. The site effect explained 96 % of the variation in the number of days SA, which was much smaller in southern sites. Average minimum daily temperatures above 6.9 °C before anthesis and below 10.8 °C during GF accompanied by photoperiods during GF of less than 14.2 h resulted in less than 14 000 kernels m−2, which was the threshold below which kernel number limited yield. Radiation during GF lower than 1.8 kJ kernel−1 day−1 limited kernel weight, which was then a constraint to the achievement of yield potential.
The Compelling Case for Indentation as a Functional Exploratory and Characterization Tool
Authors: Marshall David B. , Cook Robert F. , Padture Nitin P. , Oyen Michelle L. , Pajares Antonia , Bradby Jodie E. , Reimanis Ivar E. , Tandon Rajan , Page Trevor F. , Pharr George M. , Lawn Brian R.
Published: July 2015

The utility of indentation testing for characterizing a wide range of mechanical properties of brittle materials is highlighted in light of recent articles questioning its validity, specifically in relation to the measurement of toughness. Contrary to assertion by some critics, indentation fracture theory is fundamentally founded in Griffith–Irwin fracture mechanics, based on model crack systems evolving within inhomogeneous but well‐documented elastic and elastic–plastic contact stress fields. Notwithstanding some numerical uncertainty in associated stress intensity factor relations, the technique remains an unrivalled quick, convenient and economical means for comparative, site‐specific toughness evaluation. Most importantly, indentation patterns are unique fingerprints of mechanical behavior and thereby afford a powerful functional tool for exploring the richness of material diversity. At the same time, it is cautioned that unconditional usage without due attention to the conformation of the indentation patterns can lead to overstated toughness values. Limitations of an alternative, more engineering approach to fracture evaluation, that of propagating a precrack through a “standard” machined specimen, are also outlined. Misconceptions in the critical literature concerning the fundamental nature of crack equilibrium and stability within contact and other inhomogeneous stress fields are discussed.
An integrative review: understanding driving retirement decisions for individuals living with a dementia
Authors: Andrew Catherine , Traynor Victoria , Iverson Don
Published: July 2015

Aim

To synthesise primary research exploring decision making practices used to determine the time to retire from driving for individuals living with a dementia.

Background

Driving requires complex cognitive and physical skills potentially compromised due to the progressive nature of dementia. Whilst on‐road assessments are considered reliable indicators of driving capacity by clinicians, drivers with dementia disagree.

Design

Integrative literature review informed by Whittemore & Knafl (2005).

Data sources

Electronic database search of Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, Google Scholar 1997–2012; and incremental hand search.

Review methods

Primary studies published in peer reviewed journals were appraised against quality assessment criteria using CASP methodological assessment tools.

Results

A total of 43 studies were retained for synthesis. Key findings were abstracted and a themes matrix was generated to identify patterns of meaning. Six themes emerged: (i) dementia may compromise the complex task of driving; (ii) defining onset and severity of dementia is problematic; (iii) symptom progression impacts on driving skills; (iv) assessment of fitness to drive remains subjective; (v) some drivers are reluctant to accept negative assessment outcomes; and (vi) the search for effective strategies to enhance acceptance of driver retirement continues.

Conclusion

This integrative literature review identified a large body of knowledge exploring the issues of driving cessation for drivers with dementia. However a challenge remains for practitioners, drivers and their family carers regarding how best to address this highly emotive issue. Findings could inform a structured approach to address this sensitive topic in a timely manner.
Organizational identification and “currencies of exchange”: integrating social identity and social exchange perspectives
Authors: Tavares Susana M. , van Knippenberg Daan , van Dick Rolf
Published: July 2015

We integrate social exchange and social identity perspectives to propose and test the prediction that depending on their level of organizational identification, people may reciprocate the received organizational support using different “currencies of exchange”—reducing turnover intentions or, instead, engaging in extra‐role behavior. Specifically, the relationship of perceived organizational support (POS) with turnover intentions is proposed to be stronger with lower identification, whereas POS is proposed to be more closely related to extra‐role behavior with higher organizational identification. These predictions were supported in a cross‐sectional survey of N = 1,000 employees of a financial services firm. These results speak to the added value of integrating the social exchange perspective with its roots in applied psychology and the social identity perspective with its roots in social psychology in understanding the employee‐organization relationship.
The consequences of intergroup ideologies and prejudice control for discrimination and harmony
Authors: Pedersen Anne , Paradies Yin , Barndon Ashleigh
Published: July 2015

In the present study, we investigated two literature bases by way of a community survey across Australia. We investigated four acculturation orientations (assimilation, multiculturalism, color‐blind, and polyculturalism ideologies) and the motivations to respond without prejudice. We examined what predicted support for Harmony Day as well as explicit discrimination. Multiculturalism, polyculturalism, and internal motivation to respond without prejudice correlated with positive attitudes in both scenarios. External motivation to respond without prejudice was positively correlated with discrimination. Conversely, color‐blind ideology had no effect, and assimilation ideology related positively to explicit discrimination and negatively with Harmony Day. Using a multiple regression analysis, there was a difference in emphasis in different contexts. Our findings provide antiprejudice practitioners with material for discussions which can promote positive intergroup relations.
Does counting to ten increase or decrease aggression? The role of state self‐control (ego‐depletion) and consequences
Authors: Osgood Jeffrey M. , Muraven Mark
Published: July 2015

In this investigation, we experimentally test the interaction of ego‐depletion (low state self‐control), consequences, and decision‐making time on aggressive responses to an insult from a confederate. The results indicate that ego‐depleted participants respond more quickly and aggressively to an insult from a confederate. However, when a 30‐ second decision‐making delay is imposed, ego‐depleted participants reduce their aggression, but only if there are external consequences to being aggressive. In the absence of such consequences, ego‐depleted participants become more aggressive following a delay. Additionally, if a distracting cognitive load disrupts the 30‐ second delay, aggression levels do not change significantly, even if there are consequences. These results suggest people respond to aggressive triggers more impulsively when ego‐depleted.
Social influence processes on adolescents’ food likes and consumption: the role of parental authoritativeness and individual self‐monitoring
Authors: Guidetti Margherita , Cavazza Nicoletta , Conner Mark
Published: July 2015

This cross‐sectional study investigated how parents and friends influence adolescents’ food likes and consumption. 709 adolescent‐parent and 638 adolescent‐friend dyads completed a questionnaire, allowing us to compare target‐parent and target‐friend resemblances both on food likes and consumption, while distinguishing between cultural influence and dyadic unique influence. In addition, we identified two psychosocial predictors of resemblance, namely parenting style and adolescents' self‐monitoring. As expected, results indicated that authoritative parenting style increased target‐parent resemblance in food likes (directly) and consumption (indirectly), and self‐monitoring orientation increased target‐friend resemblance in food likes (directly) and consumption (indirectly). We also showed that target‐friend resemblance was more culture‐based than target‐parent resemblance, suggesting that parental influence is more specific to the dyadic relation than is peer influence.
Regional Business‐Cycle Synchronization, Sector Specialization and EU Accession
Authors: Bierbaumer‐Polly Jürgen , Huber Peter , Rozmahel Petr
Published: July 2015

We examine the effects of Eastern and Northern enlargement of the EU on regional business‐cycle synchronization and sector specialization. Difference‐in‐difference estimates show that cyclical synchronicity decreased and differences in sector structure increased in acceding region‐pairs after Eastern enlargement. For Northern enlargement, results are more ambiguous. Moreover, in both enlargement episodes, region‐pairs with highly synchronous business cycles before accession experienced weaker cyclical and structural convergence than region‐pairs with less synchronous cycles. Likewise, region‐pairs with more similar sector structures before accession experienced stronger divergence (or weaker convergence) of structural similarity and business‐cycle synchronicity after the enlargement. We argue that these results call for developing more differentiated hypotheses on EU enlargement's effects on business‐cycle synchronization and sector specialization.
Relationship among salivary antioxidant activity, cytokines, and periodontitis: the Nagasaki Island study
Authors: Tamaki Naofumi , Yoshino Fumihiko , Fukui Makoto , Hayashida Hideaki , Yoshida Ayaka , Kitamura Masayasu , Iwasaki Takahiro , Furugen Reiko , Kawasaki Koji , Nakazato Mio , Maeda Takahiro , Kokeguchi Susumu , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Lee Masaichi Chang‐il , Ito Hiro‐O , Saito Toshiyuki
Published: July 2015

Aim

Antioxidant activities and cytokine levels in human body fluids are considered to be strongly associated with periodontitis. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between salivary antioxidant activities against superoxide or hydroxyl radical, cytokines, and periodontal conditions through a community‐based cross‐sectional study conducted in Goto city, Japan.

Materials and Methods

Saliva samples were analysed for superoxide or hydroxyl radical scavenging activities and cytokine levels from 160 participants. We demonstrated that saliva contained superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities by using electron spin resonance with a spin‐trapping agent. The concentrations of eight cytokines were measured using multiplex bead assays.

Results

There were significant differences in salivary superoxide or hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and the levels of Interleukin‐1β, Interleukin‐6, and Interleukin‐8 between periodontitis classifications. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression model showed that salivary superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities were significantly associated with the classification of periodontitis. In addition, salivary superoxide scavenging activity was found to have significant association with all periodontal parameters using multiple linear regression analysis.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the evaluation of salivary antioxidant activities, as assessed by electron spin resonance, are associated with periodontitis and various clinical variables in community‐dwelling participants (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01742728).
Combining Multiregional Input‐Output Analysis with a World Trade Model for Evaluating Scenarios for Sustainable Use of Global Resources, Part I: Conceptual Framework
Authors: Duchin Faye , Levine Stephen H. , Strømman Anders Hammer
Published: July 2015

Consumption in a particular country often entails resource extraction, production, and environmental degradation in remote locations. This fact has stimulated a growing body of empirical analysis using input‐output (I‐O) databases and techniques to reveal and quantify the underlying linkages. Two lines of research rooted in I‐O economics, multiregional input‐output (MRIO) analysis and I‐O modeling of the world economy, describe and analyze these relationships, the first for the past, increasingly in the form of footprints and the underlying pathways, and the latter under alternative scenarios about possible courses of action in the future. The article shows how organizing such scenario outcomes into an MRIO database can extend the reach of MRIO analysis to the future while simultaneously supplementing the capabilities of the world trade modeling framework. We describe the compilation of an MRIO database from the results of scenario analysis using the world trade model (WTM) in a companion article (Part II, Implementation); the subsequent application of MRIO techniques to this database permits the evaluation of prospects for the future. We also address several overlooked challenges, namely, the need to include factor endowments and distances between potential trade partners in an MRIO database, the representation of sectors providing transport of internationally traded goods, and the manipulation of mixed physical and money units when both quantities and prices are endogenous.
Differential peptidomics assessment of strain and age differences in mice in response to acute cocaine administration
Authors: Romanova Elena V. , Rubakhin Stanislav S. , Ossyra John R. , Zombeck Jonathan A. , Nosek Michael R. , Sweedler Jonathan V. , Rhodes Justin S.
Published: July 2015

Neurochemical differences in the hypothalamic‐pituitary axis between individuals and between ages may contribute to differential susceptibility to cocaine abuse. This study measured peptide levels in the pituitary gland (Pit) and lateral hypothalamus (LH) in adolescent (age 30 days) and adult (age 65 days) mice from four standard inbred strains, FVB/NJ, DBA/2J, C57BL/6J, and BALB/cByJ, which have previously been characterized for acute locomotor responses to cocaine. Individual peptide profiles were analyzed using mass spectrometric profiling and principal component analysis. Sequences of assigned peptides were verified by tandem mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis classified all strains according to their distinct peptide profiles in Pit samples from adolescent mice, but not adults. Select pro‐opiomelanocortin‐derived peptides were significantly higher in adolescent BALB/cByJ and DBA/2J mice than in FVB/NJ or C57BL/6J mice. A subset of peptides in the LH, but not in the Pit, was altered by cocaine in adolescents. A 15 mg/kg dose of cocaine induced greater peptide alterations than a 30 mg/kg dose, particularly in FVB/NJ animals, with larger differences in adolescents than adults. Neuropeptides in the LH affected by acute cocaine administration included pro‐opiomelanocortin‐, myelin basic protein‐, and glutamate transporter‐derived peptides. The observed peptide differences could contribute to differential behavioral sensitivity to cocaine among strains and ages.

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Peptides were measured using mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF) in individual lateral hypothalamus and pituitary samples from four strains and two ages of inbred mice in response to acute cocaine administration. Principal component analyses (PCA) classified the strains according to their peptide profiles from adolescent mice, and a subset of peptides in the lateral hypothalamus was altered by cocaine in adolescents.
Association of malocclusion, happiness, and oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) in schoolchildren
Authors: da Rosa Guilherme Nascimento , Del Fabro Joana Possamai , Tomazoni Fernanda , Tuchtenhagen Simone , Alves Luana Severo , Ardenghi Thiago Machado
Published: July 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of malocclusion on children's oral health–related quality of life (COHRQoL) and self‐reported happiness.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in a representative sample of 12‐year‐old schoolchildren from Santa Maria, South Brazil. Four calibrated examiners carried out clinical exams to evaluate malocclusion [Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI)], dental caries (DMFT), and dental trauma (O'Brien classification, used in the Children's dental health survey in the UK, 1994). Participants answered the Brazilian versions of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11‐14) and the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS). Parents completed a structured questionnaire regarding socioeconomic status. Data analysis was conducted using multilevel Poisson regression models.

Results

A total of 1,134 adolescents (boys: 45.8 percent; girls: 54.1 percent) were enrolled in the study. The DAI overall score ranged from 13 to 63 (mean: 25.19, standard error: 0.19); 57.6 percent of the subjects had minor or no malocclusion and 24.4 percent had definite malocclusion. Severe malocclusion and handicapping malocclusion were found in 10.4 percent and 7.4 percent of the subjects, respectively. After adjustment, the severity of malocclusion was associated with high mean values of the CPQ11‐14 overall score, and the emotional well‐being and social well‐being domains were the most affected. Lower levels of happiness were also associated with the severity of malocclusion: those with definite malocclusion presented lower scores on the SHS scale (Rate Ratio 0.97; 95 percent CI 0.94‐0.99).

Conclusion

Malocclusion had a negative impact on COHRQoL and happiness, mainly on the emotional and social domains.
The Influence ofCEOs'Visionary Innovation Leadership on the Performance of High‐Technology Ventures: The Mediating Roles of Connectivity and Knowledge Integration
Authors: Caridi‐Zahavi Odellia , Carmeli Abraham , Arazy Ofer
Published: July 2015

Senior leaders play an essential role in facilitating knowledge creation processes and driving firms' innovation performance. However, little is known about the underlying relational mechanisms by whichCEOshelp build knowledge integration capability and drive firm innovation. We developed and tested a conceptual model about the ways in whichCEOsshape a context conducive for knowledge creation processes and drive multiple innovation performance. A field, survey‐based, study among small‐ to medium‐sized technological ventures (SMVs) showed thatCEOvisionary innovation leadership (manifested by both vision for innovation and enactment of the vision through specific leadership behaviors) was positively related to a context of connectivity. Connectivity was related to firm knowledge integration capacity, which in turn resulted in enhanced firm innovation (new product quality, development speed, and product innovation). The findings also indicate direct links betweenCEOvisionary innovation leadership and knowledge integration, and between connectivity and product innovation. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Inhibitory effects of advanced glycation end‐products and Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide on the expression of osteoblastic markers of rat bone marrow cells in culture
Authors: Sakamoto E. , Mihara C. , Ikuta T. , Inagaki Y. , Kido J. , Nagata T.
Published: July 2015

Background and Objectives

Diabetes is a major risk factor for periodontitis and there is a close relationship between the degree of hyperglycemia and the severity of periodontitis. Advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) accumulate in various tissues under diabetic conditions. AGEs in the periodontal tissues probably play a role in upregulating periodontal inflammation; however, the association of AGEs with the severity of periodontitis has not been fully clarified. Lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis (P‐LPS) is a potent pathogenic factor in periodontitis. Although the independent effect of AGE or P‐LPS on osteoblastic cells has been reported in vitro, the effect of adding both has not been clearly elucidated. In this study, to explore factors aggravating diabetic periodontitis, we investigated the effects of AGE and P‐LPS on the expression of osteoblastic markers and the expression of inflammation‐related markers in vitro.

Material and Methods

Rat bone marrow cells were cultured, and alkaline phosphatase activity and bone nodule formation were evaluated as osteoblastic markers. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the mRNA expression of molecules associated with bone and inflammation. Protein levels of osteocalcin and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

AGEs and P‐LPS independently reduced alkaline phosphatase activity and bone nodule formation. The addition of both AGE and P‐LPS (AGE+P‐LPS) further decreased these markers. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that AGE+P‐LPS markedly decreased the mRNA expression of osteoblast‐related molecules such as type 1 collagen, osteocalcin and Cbfa1, and markedly increased that of inflammation‐related molecules such as IL1β and S100A8. AGE and P‐LPS decreased the protein level of osteocalcin and increased that of IL‐1β, and a further increase of IL‐1β was detected for AGE+P‐LPS.

Conclusion

AGEs and P‐LPS inhibited the expression of osteoblastic markers and increased the levels of inflammatory markers in rat bone marrow cells, suggesting that both AGE and P‐LPS may be important factors associated with the aggravation of diabetic periodontitis.