bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autonomic functioning in irritable bowel syndrome measured by heart rate variability: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Qing , Wang Er Man , Yan Xiu Juan , Chen Sheng Liang
Published: August 2013

Objective

To analyze autonomic functioning which presented as the high frequency (HF) component of heart rate variability, a measurement of vagal tone, and the ratio of low frequency (LF) to HF (LF : HF), an indicator of sympathovagal balance in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients.

Methods

We identified relevant studies by performing a literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the ISI Web of Knowledge to 31 March 2013. Pooled effect sizes with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random effects model. Between‐study heterogeneity was assessed using the Q test and I2 statistic.

Results

In all, 11 articles including 392 IBS patients and 263 controls met the inclusion criteria of the analysis. IBS patients had lower HF band power (Hedges's g = −0.38, 95% CI −0.68 to −0.09) than the controls (I2 = 63.6%, P = 0.003). Moreover, IBS patients showed a higher LF : HF (Hedges's g = 0.43, 95% CI 0.13–0.74), with no significant heterogeneity. A subgroup analysis of the HF index according to the recording time yielded different results for the IBS patients and controls. Additionally, constipation‐predominant IBS (IBS‐C) patients had decreased HF band power, whereas no significant difference was found in LF : HF.

Conclusions

Impaired parasympathetic functioning and abnormal sympathovagal balance may be involved in the pathogenesis of IBS. Vagal dysfunction is more obvious in the IBS‐C subgroup.
Bicarbonate‐dependent transport of acetate and butyrate across the basolateral membrane of sheep rumen epithelium
Authors: Dengler F. , Rackwitz R. , Benesch F. , Pfannkuche H. , Gäbel G.
Published: August 2013

Aim

This study aimed to assess the role of in the transport of acetate and butyrate across the basolateral membrane of rumen epithelium and to identify transport proteins involved.

Methods

The effects of basolateral variation in concentrations on acetate and butyrate efflux out of the epithelium and the transepithelial flux of these short‐chain fatty acids were tested in Ussing chamber experiments using 14C‐labelled substrates. ‐dependent transport mechanisms were characterized by adding specific inhibitors of candidate proteins to the serosal side.

Results

Effluxes of acetate and butyrate out of the epithelium were higher to the serosal side than to the mucosal side. Acetate and butyrate effluxes to both sides of rumen epithelium consisted of ‐independent and ‐dependent parts. ‐dependent transport across the basolateral membrane was confirmed in studies of transepithelial fluxes. Mucosal to serosal fluxes of acetate and butyrate decreased with lowering serosal concentrations. In the presence of 25 mm , transepithelial flux of acetate was inhibited effectively by p‐hydroxymercuribenzoic acid or α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid, while butyrate flux was unaffected by the blockers. Fluxes of both acetate and butyrate from the serosal to the mucosal side were diminished largely by the addition of to the serosal side, with this effect being more pronounced for acetate.

Conclusion

Our results indicate the existence of a basolateral short‐chain fatty acid/ exchanger, with monocarboxylate transporter 1 as a primary candidate for acetate transfer.
Transnational Alliances for Negotiating International Framework Agreements: Power Relations and Bargaining Processes between Global Union Federations and European Works Councils
Authors: Dehnen Veronika
Published: August 2013

Why should European Works Councils (EWCs) discuss the International Labour Organisation's core labour standards? With respect to their legal duties, EWCs are information and consultation bodies on European topics. In practice, they can become main actors in negotiating and implementing international framework agreements (IFAs) about core labour standards in multinational companies. Using theoretical models of internal and inter‐organizational bargaining, the author highlights the role of those European bodies that work together with Global Union Federations (GUFs) during negotiations. In order to analyse the different forms of actors' involvement in negotiations, empirical data from a content analysis of all IFAs, as well as three company case studies, will be presented. It will be argued that internal bargaining between EWCs and GUFs influences negotiations with management. Furthermore, the article discusses the role of norms and institutions that shape internal as well as inter‐organizational bargaining processes, and lead to different forms of involvement of employee representation bodies.
Association between thyroid hormones and body fat in euthyroid subjects
Authors: Ren Ruizhen , Jiang Xiuyun , Zhang Xu , Guan Qingbo , Yu Chunxiao , Li Youzhang , Gao Ling , Zhang Haiqing , Zhao Jiajun
Published: August 2013

Objective

Thyroid hormones disorders are associated with changes of body composition. However, the relationship between thyroid hormones and body fat in a euthyroid population is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the association between thyroid hormones and body fat in a euthyriod population.

Subjects

A total of 865 euthyroid individuals were recruited in this study. Subjects with thyroid diseases or diabetes and who were taking medications that could influence thyroid hormones, weight or glucose metabolism were excluded.

Measurements

FT3, FT4, lipid parameters, fasting insulin (FINS) and blood glucose were determined, and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was calculated. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and body fat parameters were assessed.

Results

Serum FT3 was slightly higher in body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 group than that in BMI <25 kg/m2 group (P < 0·05). However, the difference was too small to have clinical significance. FT4 levels were not significantly different between the two groups. Body weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), percentage of body fat (PBF), waist‐fat‐to‐hip‐fat ratio, FINS and HOMA‐IR increased linearly with the elevation of FT3 adjusted for age and gender. A multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that fat mass, PBF, HOMA‐IR and FT4 contributed significantly to FT3 levels.

Conclusion

Grouped according to BMI, overweight and obese subjects have similar thyroid hormones compared to those with normal weight. Body composition parameters increase with the elevation of FT3, and FT3 is associated with body fat parameters in euthyroid subjects.
Vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphism prevalence in patients with diabetic macular oedema and its correlation with anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor treatment outcomes
Authors: El‐Shazly Sherien F , El‐Bradey Mohamed H , Tameesh Mohamed K
Published: August 2013

Background

To study the possible association between vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphism and diabetic macular oedema, and its correlation to the outcomes of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor treatment.

Design

Prospective study.

Participants

392 diabetic patients were included; 180 patients of them had no retinopathy, 212 patients had diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy patients were classified into four groups as defined by the absence or presence of macular oedema or proliferative retinopathy.

Methods

In all subjects, polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism was conducted to detect the vascular endothelial growth factor gene C‐634G polymorphism. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor were estimated. Changes of visual acuity and central macular thickness after bevacizumab treatment in diabetic macular oedema patients of different genotypes were monitored for 9–12 months.

Main Outcome Measures

Vascular endothelial growth factor C‐634G genotypes distribution in different groups; correlation between genotypes, and changes in visual acuity and central macular thickness after intravitreal bevacizumab treatment.

Results

CC genotype was significantly prevalent among diabetic macular oedema patients (P = 0.019). Significant higher serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor were detected in diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema patients with CC genotype (P = 0.02, 0.016). After bevacizumab treatment, individuals with genotypes CG and GG have a decreased chance of positive treatment outcomes compared t with CC genotype (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Vascular endothelial growth factor C‐634G polymorphism (CC genotype) is a genetic risk factor for diabetic macular oedema, and its presence provides significantly better visual outcome following bevacizumab treatment.
A systematic review of outcome reporting in colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Whistance R. N. , Forsythe R. O. , McNair A. G. K. , Brookes S. T. , Avery K. N. L. , Pullyblank A. M. , Sylvester P. A. , Jayne D. G. , Jones J. E. , Brown J. , Coleman M. G. , Dutton S. J. , Hackett R. , Huxtable R. , Kennedy R. H. , Morton D. , Oliver A. , Russell A. , Thomas M. G. , Blazeby J. M. ,   The CONSENSUS‐CRC (Core Outcomes and iNformation SEts iN SUrgical Studies – ColoRectal Cancer) working group
Published: August 2013

Aim

Evaluation of surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) is necessary to inform clinical decision‐making and healthcare policy. The standards of outcome reporting after CRC surgery have not previously been considered.

Method

Systematic literature searches identified randomized and nonrandomized prospective studies reporting clinical outcomes of CRC surgery. Outcomes were listed verbatim, categorized into broad groups (outcome domains) and examined for a definition (an appropriate textual explanation or a supporting citation). Outcome reporting was considered inconsistent if results of the outcome specified in the methods were not reported. Outcome reporting was compared between randomized and nonrandomized studies.

Results

Of 5644 abstracts, 194 articles (34 randomized and 160 nonrandomized studies) were included reporting 766 different clinical outcomes, categorized into seven domains. A mean of 14 ± 8 individual outcomes were reported per study. ‘Anastomotic leak’, ‘overall survival’ and ‘wound infection’ were the three most frequently reported outcomes in 72, 60 and 44 (37.1%, 30.9% and 22.7%) studies, respectively, and no single outcome was reported in every publication. Outcome definitions were significantly more often provided in randomized studies than in nonrandomized studies (19.0% vs 14.9%, P = 0.015). One‐hundred and twenty‐seven (65.5%) papers reported results of all outcomes specified in the methods (randomized studies, n = 21, 61.5%; nonrandomized studies, n = 106, 66.2%; P = 0.617).

Conclusion

Outcome reporting in CRC surgery lacks consistency and method. Improved standards of outcome measurement are recommended to permit data synthesis and transparent cross‐study comparisons.
Delayed allograft inflammation following alemtuzumab induction for kidney transplantation
Authors: Heilman Raymond L. , Khamash Hasan A. , Smith Maxwell L. , Chakkera Harini A. , Moss Adyr A. , Reddy Kunam S.
Published: August 2013

Background

In a recent clinical trial in kidney transplant recipients, induction with alemtuzumab and rabbit‐antithymocyte globulin (r‐ATG) was equally effective in preventing rejection during the first post‐transplant year; however, this study did not include protocol biopsies.

Methods

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of alemtuzumab induction on rejection and subclinical inflammation during the first post‐transplant year compared with a historic control group receiving induction with r‐ATG. All patients received tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).

Results

There were 361 in the alemtuzumab group and 478 in the r‐ATG groups. Rejection (excluding Banff borderline), during the first year, occurred in 14% of the alemtuzumab group and 9% of the r‐ATG group (p = 0.03). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (chronic kidney disease (CKD)‐EPI formula) at one yr and graft survival at three yr were similar. On the protocol biopsies, interstitial inflammation (Banff i scores) and tubulitis (Banff t scores) were more likely in the r‐ATG group at one month, but at four and 12 months, both inflammation and tubulitis were more likely in the alemtuzumab group.

Conclusions

We conclude that alemtuzumab induction is associated with delayed inflammation at four and 12 months, but this inflammation did not appear to negatively impact the GFR or graft survival.
Effect of mating on sex attraction in Bactericera cockerelli with evidence of refractoriness
Authors: Guédot Christelle , Horton David R. , Landolt Peter J. , Munyaneza Joseph E.
Published: August 2013

We investigated the effect of mating on female attractiveness and male responsiveness in the potato psyllid, Bactericera (= Paratrioza) cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), a major pest of potato. Assays were designed to examine response by mated or virgin males to volatile odors produced by virgin or mated females. Mating induced a behavioral refractory period during which males were not attracted to females. The refractory period was shown to include a mating‐induced lowering of male response to females, as well as a mating‐induced lowering of female attractiveness. The refractory period was longer in females (at least 48 h) than in males (less than 24 h). Following a post‐copulatory refractory period of 96 h, females were as attractive to males as virgin females. We also explored how rapidly spermatophores became depleted in females as a function of the amount of time following mating. The percent of females carrying spermatophores and the number of spermatophores per female decreased with the length of the female post‐mating period, possibly due to the absorption by females of the spermatophores and their content. By 96 h following mating, spermatophores were not visible in the majority of females, thus the absence of spermatophores in females of this species should not be used as evidence of mating status.
Prophylactic digital cryotherapy is associated with decreased incidence of laminitis in horses diagnosed with colitis
Authors: Kullmann A. , Holcombe S. J. , Hurcombe S. D. , Roessner H. A. , Hauptman J. G. , Geor R. J. , Belknap J.
Published: August 2013

Reasons for performing the study

Recent research suggested that prophylactic digital cryotherapy (ICE) improved lameness scores, diminished histological changes and early laminar inflammatory signalling in horses following oligofructose administration. In clinical practice, horses at risk for sepsis‐associated laminitis receiveICE. Evidence to support this practice is lacking.

Objectives

To determine factors associated with development of laminitis in horses diagnosed with colitis, includingICE.

Study design

Multicentre retrospective case series.

Methods

Medical records for horses admitted to 2 university hospitals diagnosed with colitis with evidence of systemic inflammatory response from 2002 to 2012 were reviewed. Horses were excluded if they exhibited signs of laminitis at admission, were ponies, miniature or draught breeds, or <2 years old. Data were analysed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Twenty‐seven of 130 horses (21%) developed laminitis. Seven of 69 (10%) horses treated withICEdeveloped laminitis compared with 20/61 (33%) horses that developed laminitis but did not receiveICE. Factors associated with laminitis included site of hospitalisation, admission respiratory rate (↑) and blood L‐lactate (↑), andICE(↓), P<0.05. Horses treated withICEhad 10 times less odds of developing laminitis compared with horses treated withoutICE(odds ratio 0.11, 95% confidence limit 0.03–0.44). Sixteen horses (16/130, 12%) were subjected to euthanasia in hospital. Fourteen of these horses had laminitis and 2 did not develop laminitis. Survival for horses with colitis that developed laminitis was 13/27 (48%) compared with survival for horses with colitis that did not develop laminitis, 101/103 (98%).

Conclusion

Laminitis occurred in more clinically compromised horses. Use ofICEreduced the incidence of clinical laminitis in the study population suggesting that digital cryotherapy is an effective prophylactic strategy for the prevention of laminitis in horses with colitis.
Evidence that Notch and Delta expressions have a role in dermal condensate aggregation during wool follicle initiation
Authors: Xavier Stephanie P. , Gordon‐Thomson Clare , Wynn Peter C. , McCullagh Peter , Thomson Peter C. , Tomkins Lisa , Mason Rebecca S. , Moore Geoffrey P. M.
Published: August 2013

Notch pathway genes have been implicated in the commitment of mesenchymal cells to a wool follicle cell fate. Notch1 and Delta1 transcripts were quantified in fetal skin of fine‐woolled (Merino) and strong‐woolled (Tukidale) sheep at two time points: either preceding (d56) or during (d70) the first wave of follicle initiation. DIG‐labelled probes for both transcripts were localised in the epithelium, some mesenchymal cells, and in the dermal condensates of primordia. The possibility that condensates selectively incorporated Delta1‐labelled mesenchymal cells is considered. The involvement of Notch1 in condensate formation was also explored in cultured fetal skin explants and whisker papilla cells using DAPT to block Notch signalling. In its presence, follicle initiation in skin explants was reduced, and the propensity for cultured papilla cells to aggregate was abolished. Results suggest that Notch1 activation is a prerequisite for mesenchymal aggregation. It is speculated that Delta interactions contribute to condensate formation, in vivo.
Dihydrodehydrodiisoeugenol enhances adipocyte differentiation and decreases lipolysis in murine and human cells
Authors: Nehrenheim Katja , Meyer Imke , Brenden Heidi , Vielhaber Gabriele , Krutmann Jean , Grether‐Beck Susanne
Published: August 2013

Loss of subcutaneous fat is a hallmark of ageing usually starting in the face. Attempts to ameliorate cosmetically the appearance of subcutaneous fat loss have been of limited success as they fail to rebuild the missing subcutaneous tissue. Ageing‐driven loss of subcutaneous fat results from (i) the reduced capacity of pre‐adipocytes to differentiate into adipocytes and (ii) the fact that adipocytes of the elderly secrete increased amounts of TNFα, that in turn enhances lipolysis, inhibits pre‐adipocyte differentiation and induces dedifferentiation of adipocytes. The neolignan dihydrodehydrodiisoeugenol (DDE) caused a 30% increase in lipid accumulation in murine 3T3‐L1 cells. This effect was accompanied by an induction of the differentiation‐associated transcription factors peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptorγ (PPARγ2), CAAT/enhancer‐binding protein α (C/EBPα), fatty acid binding protein 4 and adiponectin, and a loss of the pre‐adipocyte marker Pref1. In addition, DDE diminished both basal and TNFα‐induced lipolysis. Similar results were obtained in human subcutaneous (hsc) pre‐adipocytes cultured in an age‐adapted hormone mix with reduced levels of insulin and dexamethasone. In this system, DDE significantly increased lipid accumulation by 71% and 94% and was associated with an induction of PPARγ2 and adiponectin mRNA expression. DDE also reduced basal lipolysis in mature hsc adipocytes. DDE acted as a partial PPARγ agonist because (i) DDE displaced PPARγ ligand from the human PPAR ligand‐binding site, (ii) DDE‐induced lipid accumulation and (iii) DDE‐induced adiponectin secretion could be overcome by the addition of PPARγ antagonists. Taken together, these studies identify DDE as a compound well suited to prevent and reverse loss of subcutaneous fat.
Theory of mind and the social brain: implications for understanding the genetic basis of schizophrenia
Authors: Martin A. K. , Robinson G. , Dzafic I. , Reutens D. , Mowry B.
Published: August 2013

Genome‐wide association studies in schizophrenia have recently made significant progress in our understanding of the complex genetic architecture of this disorder. Many genetic loci have been identified and now require functional investigation. One approach involves studying their correlation with neuroimaging and neurocognitive endophenotypes. Theory of Mind (ToM) deficits are well established in schizophrenia and they appear to fulfill criteria for being considered an endophenotype. We aim to review the behavioral and neuroimaging‐based studies of ToM in schizophrenia, assess its suitability as an endophenotype, discuss current findings, and propose future research directions. Suitable research articles were sourced from a comprehensive literature search and from references identified through other studies. ToM deficits are repeatable, stable, and heritable: First‐episode patients, those in remission and unaffected relatives all show deficits. Activation and structural differences in brain regions believed important for ToM are also consistently reported in schizophrenia patients at all stages of illness, although no research to date has examined unaffected relatives. Studies using ToM as an endophenotype are providing interesting genetic associations with both single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and specific copy number variations (CNVs) such as the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. We conclude that ToM is an important cognitive endophenotype for consideration in future studies addressing the complex genetic architecture of schizophrenia, and may help identify more homogeneous clinical sub‐types for further study
Characterization of sporadic acute hepatitis E and comparison of hepatitis E virus genomes in acute hepatitis patients and pig liver sold as food in Mie, Japan
Authors: Okano Hiroshi , Takahashi Masaharu , Isono Yoshiaki , Tanaka Hiroki , Nakano Tatsunori , Oya Yumi , Sugimoto Kazushi , Ito Keiichi , Ohmori Shigeru , Maegawa Tadashi , Kobayashi Makoto , Nagashima Shigeo , Nishizawa Tsutomu , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: August 2013

Aim

To characterize hepatitis E in Mie prefecture and to investigate whether raw pig liver sold as food in Mie is contaminated with hepatitis E virus (HEV) strains similar to those recovered from patients.

Methods

Seventeen patients with sporadic acute hepatitis E treated from 2004 to 2012 were studied. A total of 243 packages of raw pig liver from regional grocery stores were tested for the presence of HEV RNA. The partial genomic sequences of human and swine HEV isolates were determined and subjected to the phylogenetic analyses.

Results

The HEV isolates recovered from the 17 patients segregated into genotype 3 (n = 15) and genotype 4 (n = 2), and 15 genotype 3 isolates further segregated into 3e (n = 11) and 3b (n = 4). Pig liver specimens from 12 (4.9%) of the 243 packages had detectable HEV RNA. All 12 swine HEV isolates were grouped into genotype 3 (3a or 3b). Although no 3e strains were isolated from pig liver specimens, two 3b swine strains were 99.5–100% identical to two HEV strains recovered from hepatitis patients, within 412‐nt partial sequences.

Conclusion

The 3e HEV was prevalent among hepatitis E patients. HEV RNA was detected in approximately 5% of pig liver sold as food. The presence of identical HEV strains between hepatitis patients and pig liver indicated that pigs play an important role as reservoirs for HEV in humans in Mie. Further studies are needed to clarify the source of 3e HEV in the animal and environmental reservoirs.
Wrinkle reduction in post‐menopausal women consuming a novel oral supplement: a double‐blind placebo‐controlled randomized study
Authors: Jenkins G. , Wainwright L. J. , Holland R. , Barrett K. E. , Casey J.
Published: August 2013

Synopsis

Objective

The maintenance of youthful skin appearance is strongly desired by a large proportion of the world's population. The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the effect on skin wrinkling, of a combination of ingredients reported to influence key factors involved in skin ageing, namely inflammation, collagen synthesis and oxidative/UV stress. A supplemented drink was developed containing soy isoflavones, lycopene, vitamin C and vitamin E and given to post‐menopausal women with a capsule containing fish oil.

Method

We have performed a double‐blind randomized controlled human clinical study to assess whether this cocktail of dietary ingredients can significantly improve the appearance of facial wrinkles.

Results

We have shown that this unique combination of micronutrients can significantly reduce the depth of facial wrinkles and that this improvement is associated with increased deposition of new collagen fibres in the dermis.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that consumption of a mixture of soy isoflavones, lycopene, vitamin C, vitamin E and fish oil is able to induce a clinically measureable improvement in the depth of facial wrinkles following long‐term use. We have also shown, for the first time with an oral product, that the improvement is associated with increased deposition of new collagen fibres in the dermis.
Sodium Excess Ta‐Modified (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 Ceramics Prepared by Reactive Template Grain Growth Method
Authors: Hussain Ali , Maqbool Adnan , Kim Jin Soo , Song Tae Kwon , Kim Myong Ho , Kim Won Jong , Kim Sang Su
Published: August 2013

Lead‐free sodium excess Ta‐modified (K0.470Na0.545)(Nb0.55Ta0.45)O3 (KNNT) ceramics were synthesized by a conventional and reactive templated grain growth methods, and their degree of grain orientation, microstructure, dielectric, ferroelectric, and field‐induced strain properties were systematically investigated. A high degree of grain orientation (Lotgering factor F = 80%) was obtained in textured KNNT ceramics. Results showed that textured KNNT ceramics exhibit high grain orientation, dielectric constant, and field‐induced strain as compared to nontextured samples of the same composition. Room temperature unipolar field‐induced strain of K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) ceramics was enhanced from 0.080% for nontextured sample to 0.115% for textured sample, and their corresponding dynamic piezoelectric coefficients () were improved from 320 pm/V to 460 pm/V, respectively.
Fabrication and Characterization of Near‐Net‐Shape In Situ Reaction‐Bonded Porous Cordierite/SiC Ceramics
Authors: Liu Shifeng , Zeng Yu‐Ping , Jiang Dongliang
Published: August 2013

Porous cordierite/SiC ceramics were fabricated by in situ reaction bonding using α‐SiC, α‐Al2O3, and MgO powders as the starting materials. During sintering, part SiC is oxidized to SiO2 and then the latter reacts with Al2O3 and MgO to form cordierite. As a result, porous cordierite/SiC ceramics were obtained, and the ceramics are strengthened by the residual SiC. Due to the large volume expansion introduced by the oxidation of SiC, the ceramics exhibit small sintering‐induced dimension variations. In addition, a fine‐grained microstructure and good thermal and mechanical properties were obtained for the porous cordierite/SiC ceramics.
Neural network models to classify olive oils within the protected denomination of origin framework
Authors: Torrecilla José S. , Cancilla John C. , Matute Gemma , Díaz‐Rodríguez Pablo
Published: August 2013

A computerised approach to vastly reduce the experimental information required (number of independent variables) to classify similar extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) is presented. It is based on the application of a multilayer perceptron (MLP) and further analysis of the obtained results using differential calculations. To validate this new model, it has been applied for the classification of 147 EVOO samples into four similar families. The oil samples employed came from two types of protected denomination of origin (PDO) oils and two non‐PDO from the same Spanish province (Granada). This approach results in a new method that reduces the necessary size of the databases used, without an appreciable loss of information, by over 82%. The percentage of misclassifications using less data points is similar to the results achieved using the whole database (less than 0.90%).
Changes in mineral absorption inhibitors consequent to fermentation of Ethiopian injera: implications for predicted iron bioavailability and bioaccessibility
Authors: Baye Kaleab , Mouquet‐Rivier Claire , Icard‐Vernière Christèle , Picq Christian , Guyot Jean‐Pierre
Published: August 2013

Possible changes in mineral bioavailability during processing of different types of injera sampled in Ethiopian households were assessed using different methods: phytic acid/mineral molar ratio, absorption prediction algorithm and in vitro availability measurements. Most foods analysed were rich in iron, but most of the iron likely resulted from soil contamination. The highest iron, zinc and calcium contents were found in teff–white sorghum (TwS) injera and flour. The lowest phytic acid/Fe and phytic acid/Zn molar ratios were found in barley–wheat (BW) and wheat–red sorghum (WrS) injeras. Although ideal phytic acid/Fe molar ratios (<0.4) were found in BW and WrS injeras, no significant difference between in vitro iron bioaccessibility and algorithm predicted absorption was observed. In injera, phytic acid degradation alone is unlikely to improve iron bioavailability, suggesting interactions with other absorption inhibitors. The use of phytic acid/Fe molar ratios to predict bioavailability may thus be less appropriate for iron‐contaminated foods.
Population processes in south‐west Scanian Sand martins (Riparia riparia)
Authors: Persson Christer
Published: August 2013

The sex ratio changes in Sand martin populations, described in Persson (19876), will by definition act as a control loop to the ‘reproduction amplifier’ of the population. Age structure integrates the effect over a couple of years, thereby creating the specific time‐lag of three to four years. One hypothesis of this paper suggests that these changes are intentional, a true feedback from the population level or the overall sex ratio. The main advantage of a feedback is to stabilize a system against parameter variations, in the present case primarily ‘catastrophic’ winter mortality and/or reproduction failure. In consequence the observed cycle is at least the by‐product of an adaptation. If numerical values of r (the intrinsic rate of natural increase) and Tare introduced into the equations defining limit values of an age‐structured model, its dynamic behaviour will be confined between diverging and damped oscillations, leaving a stable limit cycle as a very probable outcome.

The disturbance creating a need for regulation may be epitomized as a variation of equilibrium levels. This variation must be dependent on African drought, and perhaps ultimately on the sunspot cycle (the second hypothesis of the paper). Regulation as an adaptation is created (and probably maintained) by means of group‐selection; it has earlier been shown (Persson, 1978) that one prerequisite for group selection is at hand; the study population is virtually confined within the census area. The ‘vulnerability’ (Persson, 19873) of maximum populations complicates the picture. Additional vulnerability may result from a conflict between individual selection and group selection‐young birds with high breeding fitness attempting double broods when they should not‐that is injurious to perfect regulation.
Pre‐Trial Reported Defendants in the Netherlands with Intellectual Disability, Borderline and Normal Intellectual Functioning
Authors: Vinkers David J.
Published: August 2013

Background

Intellectually disabled offenders may have different characteristics than offenders with average intellectual functioning. We therefore compared pre‐trial reported defendants with an IQ score ≤70, 71–84 and ≥85 points.

Methods

Nationwide database of pre‐trial psychiatric reports requested by Dutch courts between 2000 and 2006 with a reported level of intellectual functioning (n = 12 186).

Results

Defendants with an IQ score between 71 and 84 (n = 2 439 reports; 20.0%) and ≤70 (n = 539 reports; 4.4%) were younger, more often from an ethnic minority and more often diagnosed with psycho‐organic syndromes, developmental and conduct disorders as compared with defendants with an IQ score of 85 or higher. In addition, there was an increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and rape as indicted crime and a decreased odds ratio of having a steady job and cannabis abuse in defendants with an IQ score of 71–84.

Conclusion

Intellectually disabled defendants have different characteristics than defendants without intellectually disability.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Forensic Issues and Challenges for Mental Health Professionals and Courts
Authors: Freckelton Ian
Published: August 2013

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as defined in DSM‐V, can be relevant in a variety of ways to decision‐making by courts and tribunals. This includes the family, disciplinary, discrimination and criminal law contexts. By reviewing decisions made by superior courts in a number of common law jurisdictions, this article identifies a pivotal role for mental health professionals closely familiar with both the disorder and forensic exigencies to educate courts about the inner world of those with ASD. Highlighting areas of criminality that court decisions have dealt with, especially in relation to persons with Asperger's Disorder, as defined by DSM‐IV, it calls for further research on the connection between ASD, on the one hand, and conduct, capacities and skills, on the other hand. It urges enhancement of awareness of the forensic repercussions of the disorder so that expert evidence can assist the courts more humanely and informedly to make criminal justice and other decisions.
Offending by People with Intellectual Disabilities in Community Settings: A Preliminary Examination of Contextual Factors
Authors: Wheeler Jessica R. , Clare Isabel C. H. , Holland Anthony J.
Published: August 2013

Background

While several validated measures of the life circumstances of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) have been developed, this stream of research has not yet been well integrated with environmentally oriented criminological theory to explain offending among people with ID. In this study, we attempt to provide a preliminary integration through an investigation of the relationship between contemporary life experiences, well‐being, choice and offending among people with ID, exploring the relevance of two classic criminological theories (theories of strain and social control).

Materials and Methods

Questionnaire measures were used to compare a range of ‘ordinary’ life experiences [the ‘Life Experiences Checklist’ (LEC)], subjective well‐being (the ‘Personal Well‐being Index – ID’) and the extent of choice (the ‘Choice Questionnaire’), between offenders (N = 27) and non‐offenders (N = 19) with ID recruited through integrated (NHS and Local Authority) multi‐disciplinary teams (community teams for adults with learning disabilities).

Results

Using regression analyses to explore the strength of associations with offending, it was found that an indicator of impoverished personal relationships, from the LEC provided the best predictor of offending. This finding appears to favour criminological explanations based on social control.

Conclusions

Existing measures of life circumstances can be used to explore environmentally oriented criminological theories, bringing benefits to our understanding and treatment of offenders with ID living in community settings.
Why Do Some People with Intellectual Disability Engage in Offending Behaviour and What Can We Do About It? Editorial
Authors: Lindsay William R. , Hastings Richard P. , Beail Nigel
Published: August 2013

Background

The field of forensic intellectual disabilities has been developing rapidly over the last 15 years. Much of the work has been built on research in mainstream criminality but more recently studies have emerged that reveal issues specific to offenders with intellectual disability.

Method

Research on pathways into offending is reviewed with reference to its relevance to the field of intellectual disability. We also summarize some findings on pathways into and through services for offenders with intellectual disability.

Findings

Studies reveal that developmental adversity is an important risk variable. Previous and recent aggression are potent risk factors. New evidence suggests that immediate, proximal risk factors may be more important in this client group. The studies in this issue add to the knowledge on pathways into offending, important areas for assessment and effective treatments as well as advancing knowledge in the academic literature on general criminality.
Effect of Urinary Incontinence on Older Nursing Home Residents’ Self‐Reported Quality of Life
Authors: Xu Dongjuan , Kane Robert L.
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of urinary incontinence (UI) on elderly nursing home (NH) residents’ self‐reported quality of life (QOL), especially on the specific QOL domains most closely associated with UI.

Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional study using the Minimum Data Set (MDS) and Minnesota Nursing Home Report Card data in 2010 to compare overall QOL and its domains of residents with and without UI using propensity scores and inverse probability weighting (IPW) adjustments to reduce selection bias.

Setting

All Medicare‐ or Medicaid‐licensed NHs in Minnesota.

Participants

All residents aged 65 and older except those with conditions that could readily overwhelm the effect of UI on QOL, such as coma and cerebral palsy.

Measurements

Urinary incontinence (UI) was defined as leakage two or more times a week (score ≥2 on MDS 5‐point scale), and continence was defined as continent or usually continent (score 0 or 1 on MDS 5‐point scale). QOL was assessed using a self‐reported QOL questionnaire that measured general QOL, not QOL specific to UI symptoms.

Results

Urinary incontinence (UI) prevalence was 65.8% in 10,683 older NH residents. Self‐reported QOL was good (>0.7 on a scale from 0 to 1) in 8,620 eligible residents in 371 NHs. Mood and meaningful activity domains had lower scores; dignity had the highest score. UI was associated with being older and female, ADL dependence, impaired cognitive ability, Alzheimer's disease, non‐Alzheimer's dementia, bowel incontinence, diabetes mellitus, and long‐term NH stay. Bivariate analysis found that residents with UI had lower QOL than those without. Using IPW to reduce selection bias, it was found that, although UI was not associated with overall QOL, it decreased the QOL domains of dignity, autonomy, and mood.

Conclusion

To improve the QOL of residents with UI, attention should be paid to dignity, autonomy, and mood.
Lactate administration reproduces specific brain and liver exercise‐related changes
Authors: E Lezi , Lu Jianghua , Selfridge J. Eva , Burns Jeffrey M. , Swerdlow Russell H.
Published: August 2013

The effects of exercise are not limited to muscle, and its ability to mitigate some chronic diseases is under study. A more complete understanding of how exercise impacts non‐muscle tissues might facilitate design of clinical trials and exercise mimetics. Here, we focused on lactate's ability to mediate changes in liver and brain bioenergetic‐associated parameters. In one group of experiments, C57BL/6 mice underwent 7 weeks of treadmill exercise sessions at intensities intended to exceed the lactate threshold. Over time, the mice dramatically increased their lactate threshold. To ensure that plasma lactate accumulated during the final week, the mice were run to exhaustion. In the liver, mRNA levels of gluconeogenesis‐promoting genes increased. While peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma co‐activator 1 alpha (PGC‐1α) expression increased, there was a decrease in PGC‐1β expression, and overall gene expression changes favored respiratory chain down‐regulation. In the brain, PGC‐1α and PGC‐1β were unchanged, but PGC‐1‐related co‐activator expression and mitochondrial DNA copy number increased. Brain tumor necrosis factor alpha expression fell, whereas vascular endothelial growth factor A expression rose. In another group of experiments, exogenously administered lactate was found to reproduce some but not all of these observed liver and brain changes. Our data suggest that lactate, an exercise byproduct, could mediate some of the effects exercise has on the liver and the brain, and that lactate itself can act as a partial exercise mimetic.

image

In mice, exercise induces liver peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma co‐activator 1 alpha (PGC‐1α) mRNA, increases gluconeogenesis, but otherwise minimally affects respiration infrastructure. Brain PGC‐1‐related co‐activator (PRC) mRNA, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) mRNA increase, whereas tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) mRNA decreases. Lactate injection reproduces some, but not all, of these effects. Exercise‐generated lactate, therefore, likely mediates some exercise‐associated liver and brain effects.
Tracking of Single Receptor Molecule Mobility in Neuronal Membranes: A Quick Theoretical and Practical Guide
Authors: Kwakowsky A. , Potapov D. , Ábrahám I. M.
Published: August 2013

Single‐molecule detection enables us to visualise the real‐time dynamics of individual molecules in live cells. We review the recent advancements in single‐molecule fluorescence tracking of receptor protein mobility in the neuronal membrane. First, we discuss the practical consideration of single‐molecule tracking in neurones, including the choice of cells and possible fluorescent labelling, as well as the appropriate optical set‐up and imaging technology. We then describe the analysis of the single‐molecule imaging data, including its theoretical and practical aspects of and relevant estimations of the biophysical parameters. Finally, we provide an example of a single‐molecule tracking study in neuroendocrinology and highlight the next frontiers of single‐molecule detection technologies.
Framing and Interorganizational Knowledge Transfer: A Process Study of Collaborative Innovation in the Aircraft Industry
Authors: van Burg Elco , Berends Hans , van Raaij Erik M.
Published: August 2013

This article explains how and why organizational actors' decisions about interorganizational knowledge transfer might change over time. We find that organizational actors' framing of future innovation developments, as either an opportunity or a threat, motivates them to engage or disengage in interorganizational knowledge transfer activities. Shifts in framing lead organizational actors to leverage their relational context and knowledge base in new ways, thereby emphasizing the role of agency in drawing upon these structures. These findings are incorporated into a process model that explains discontinuous change in interorganizational knowledge transfer.
Ethics in the Production and Dissemination of Management Research: Institutional Failure or Individual Fallibility?
Authors: Honig Benson , Lampel Joseph , Siegel Donald , Drnevich Paul
Published: August 2013

Over the past 50 years, we have witnessed considerable growth in business education, increased competition among business schools, and higher expectations for faculty scholarship. Increasing competition among scholars for limited publication opportunities in top‐tier journals and the proliferation of bottom‐tier journals has given rise to a variety of systemic ethical issues and dilemmas, for scholars and their institutions. In this article, we critically examine the current state of normative publishing activities and expectations, including doctoral education, promotion and tenure processes and research expectations, editorial and peer review processes, academic freedom, acceptable breadth, depth, and accuracy or legitimacy of research designs and methodologies, academic integrity, replication, and data availability concerning the trends and implications of contemporary and future management scholarship. We also provide recommendations for additional research and discussion on these issues.
Lifelong Pathways to Longevity: Personality, Relationships, Flourishing, and Health
Authors: Kern Margaret L. , Della Porta Serenity S. , Friedman Howard S.
Published: August 2013

Building upon decades of research with the lifelong (nine‐decade) Terman Life Cycle Study, we present a life pathway model for understanding human thriving that accounts for long‐term individual difference in health and longevity, with a particular focus on child personality and adult social relationships. Developing data derived and supplemented from the Terman study (N = 570 males, 451 females), we employed regression and survival analyses to test models of childhood personality predicting adult psychosocial factors (subjective well‐being, family relationships, community involvement, subjective achievement, hardships) and subsequent longevity. Child personality differentially related to midlife social relationships, well‐being, and hardships. Conscientiousness and good social relationships predicted longer life, whereas subjective well‐being was unrelated to mortality risk. Examining multiple life factors across long time periods uncovers important pathways through which personality relates to premature mortality or longevity. Typical stress‐and‐illness models are untenable and should be replaced with life span trajectory approaches.
Molecular and morphological diversity of Narragansett Bay (RI, USA) Ulva (Ulvales, Chlorophyta) populations
Authors: Guidone Michele , Thornber Carol , Wysor Brian , O'Kelly Charles J.
Published: August 2013

Macroalgal bloom‐forming species occur in coastal systems worldwide. However, due to overlapping morphologies in some taxa, accurate taxonomic assessment and classification of these species can be quite challenging. We investigated the molecular and morphological characteristics of 153 specimens of bloom‐forming Ulva located in and around Narragansett Bay, RI, USA. We analyzed sequences of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 1 region (ITS1) and the chloroplast‐encoded rbcL; based on the ITS1 data, we grouped the specimens into nine operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Eight of these OTUs have been previously reported to exist, while one is novel. Of the eight OTUs, all shared sequence identity with previously published sequences or differed by less than 1.5% sequence divergence for two molecular markers. Previously, 10 species names were reported for Ulva in Rhode Island (one blade and nine tube‐forming species) based upon morphological classification alone. Of our nine OTUs, three contained blade‐forming specimens (U. lactuca, U. compressa, U. rigida), one OTU had a blade with a tubular stipe, and six contained unbranched and/or branched tubular morphologies (one of these six, U. compressa, had both a blade and a tube morphology). While the three blade‐forming OTUs in Narragansett Bay can frequently be distinguished by careful observations of morphological characteristics, and spatial/temporal distribution, it is much more difficult to distinguish among the tube‐forming specimens based upon morphology or distribution alone. Our data support the molecular species concept for Ulva, and indicate that molecular‐based classifications of Ulva species are critical for proper species identification, and subsequent ecological assessment or mitigation of Ulva blooms.