bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communication: A full solution of the annihilation reaction A + B → ∅ based on time-subordination
Authors: Benson David A. , Bolster Diogo , Paster Amir
Published: April 2013

The connection between the governing equations of chemical reaction and the underlying stochastic processes of particle collision and transformation have been developed previously along two end-member conditions: perfectly mixed and maximally diffusion-limited. The complete governing equation recognizes that in the perfectly mixed case, the particle (i.e., molecular or macro-particle) number state evolution is Markovian, but that spatial self-organization of reactants decreases the probability of reactant pairs finding themselves co-located. This decreased probability manifests itself as a subordination of the clock time: as reactant concentrations become spatially variable (unmixed), the time required for reactants to find each other increases and the random operational time that particles spend in the active reaction process is less than the clock time. For example, in the system A + B → ∅, a simple approximate calculation for the return time of a Brownian motion to a moving boundary allows a calculation of the operational time density, and the total solution is a subordination integral of the perfectly-mixed solution with a modified inverse Gaussian subordinator. The system transitions from the well-mixed solution to the asymptotic diffusion-limited solution that decays as t−d/4 in d-dimensions.
Band offset of GaAs/AlxGa1−xAs heterojunctions from atomistic first principles
Authors: Wang Yin , Zahid Ferdows , Zhu Yu , Liu Lei , Wang Jian , Guo Hong
Published: April 2013

Using an atomistic first principles approach, we investigate the band offset of the GaAs/AlxGa1−xAs heterojunctions for the entire range of the Al doping concentration 0<x≤1. We apply the coherent potential approach to handle the configuration average of Al doping and a recently proposed semi-local exchange potential to accurately determine the band gaps of the materials. The calculated band structures of the GaAs, AlAs crystals and band gaps of the AlxGa1−xAs alloys, are in very good agreement with the experimental results. We predict that valence band offset of the GaAs/AlxGa1−xAs heterojunction scales with the Al concentration x in a linear fashion as VBO(x)≃0.587x, and the conduction band offset scales with x in a nonlinear fashion. Quantitative comparisons to the corresponding experimental data are made.
Applicability of carbon and boron nitride nanotubes as biosensors: Effect of biomolecular adsorption on the transport properties of carbon and boron nitride nanotubes
Authors: Zhong Xiaoliang , Mukhopadhyay Saikat , Gowtham S. , Pandey Ravindra , Karna Shashi P.
Published: April 2013

The effect of molecular adsorption on the transport properties of single walled carbon and boron nitride nanotubes (CNTs and BNNTs) is investigated using density functional theory and non-equilibrium Green's function methods. The calculated I-V characteristics predict noticeable changes in the conductivity of semiconducting BNNTs due to physisorption of nucleic acid base molecules. Specifically, guanine which binds to the side wall of BNNT significantly enhances its conductivity by introducing conduction channels near the Fermi energy of the bioconjugated system. For metallic CNTs, a large background current masks relatively small changes in current due to the biomolecular adsorption. The results therefore suggest the suitability of BNNTs for biosensing applications.
Ripening of grape berries can be advanced or delayed by reagents that either reduce or increase ethylene levels
Authors: Böttcher Christine , Harvey Katie E. , Boss Paul K. , Davies Christopher
Published: April 2013

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) berries are considered to be nonclimacteric fruit as they do not exhibit a large rise in ethylene production or respiration rate at the onset of ripening (veraison). However, ethylene may still play a role in berry development and in ripening in particular. (2-Chloroethyl)phosphonic acid (CEPA), an ethylene-releasing reagent, delayed ripening when applied early in berry development. In agreement with a role for ethylene in controlling the timing of ripening, the application of an inhibitor of ethylene biosynthesis, aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), advanced ripening, as did abscisic acid, when applied during the preveraison period. Applications of CEPA nearer to the time of veraison enhanced berry colouration. Changes in the expression of ethylene biosynthesis and receptor genes were observed throughout berry development. Transcript levels of some of these genes were increased by CEPA and decreased by AVG, suggesting changes in ethylene synthesis and perception during the preveraison period that might contribute to the biphasic response to CEPA (ethylene). The significant delay of ripening in field-grown grapes through the application of CEPA also indicates that this may be useful in controlling the timing of veraison, and therefore harvest date, in warmer climates.
Arousability as a predictor of sexual risk behaviours in African-American adolescent women
Authors: Wood Jessica R. , Milhausen Robin R. , Sales Jessica M. , Graham Cynthia A. , Sanders Stephanie A. , DiClemente Ralph J. , Wingood Gina M.
Published: April 2013

This study examined the impact of sexual excitation (arousability) on sexual risk-taking behaviours in a community sample of African-American adolescent women. A sample of 701 African-American adolescent women completed measures examining their propensity for sexual arousal, impulsivity and sexual behaviour. Compared with women with a lower propensity for sexual arousability, women with a higher propensity reported a greater number of sexual partners, more inconsistent condom use, a greater likelihood of having engaged in sexual intercourse with ‘risky’ partners, and sex while high on alcohol or drugs. These results indicate that women who have a greater propensity to become sexually aroused in a variety of situations may be at a greater risk for contracting HIV or sexually transmissible infections relative to women with a lower propensity for arousal. This suggests that individual differences in the propensity to become sexually aroused should be considered when developing intervention approaches targeting young African-American women.
Engaging nonHIV specialist general practitioners with new priorities in HIV prevention and treatment: qualitative insights from those working in the field
Authors: Newman Christy E. , Kidd Michael R. , Kippax Susan C. , Reynolds Robert H. , Canavan Peter G. , de Wit John B.F.
Published: April 2013

Background
The science of HIV prevention and treatment is evolving rapidly, resulting in renewed calls to increase rates of HIV testing and, in particular, facilitate the timely and possibly earlier initiation of treatment, as this has the potential to dramatically reduce new infections. Little is known about how to engage nonHIV specialist Australian general practitioners (GPs) with these new priorities. Methods: Content related to the engagement of nonHIV specialist GPs in the HIV response was identified within the transcripts of in-depth interviews with policy key informants (n = 24) and general practice clinicians (n = 47) engaged with HIV medicine. A qualitative analysis of the semantic meaning of this content identified three categories of ‘issues’ described by participants. Results: Educational issues referred to a lack of attention to HIV in medical curricula, a perception that HIV care is only provided by HIV-specialist GPs, a need to make HIV testing more ‘routine’ in GP education and a need to strengthen GP awareness of referral options. Organisational issues encompassed time pressures in general practice, and a need for general practice nurses and for rapid testing to become available, as well as formalised peer mentoring and comanagement opportunities. Societal issues included the changing dynamics of HIV transmission and a need to reconnect GPs with the Australian HIV response. Conclusions: To successfully engage nonHIV specialist GPs in the promotion of regular HIV testing and timely initiation of treatment, challenging issues affecting their capacity and willingness must be urgently addressed.
The great medical imitator: a case of syphilitic osteitis in the setting of HIV infection
Authors: Trevillyan Janine M. , Yap Kenneth S. , Hoy Jennifer
Published: April 2013

A 44-year-old man with well-controlled HIV presented with low-grade fever, pharyngitis, frontal headache, abdominal and shin pain, and abnormal liver function tests 8 weeks after switching from zidovudine to abacavir (while continuing nevirapine and lamivudine). An abacavir reaction was the working diagnosis and thus his antiretroviral regimen was returned to the previously tolerated combination and he received 10 days of oral penicillin (500 mg twice daily) for presumptive tonsillitis with significant improvement. A whole-body bone scan demonstrated multiple foci of increased patchy osteoblastic activity of the long bones and skull. Six months later during routine screening, a syphilis rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titre of 128 was detected. Retrospective testing on stored samples demonstrated a first positive RPR at the time of symptomatic presentation. He received three injections of 1.8 g benzathine penicillin on a weekly basis with a subsequent decrease in RPR titre and normalisation of the bone scan. Although syphilitic osteitis is rare, this case re-emphasises the importance of considering syphilis when HIV-infected patients present with unusual symptoms. The use of bone scan in this setting and treatment options are discussed.
CD4+cell-dependent granuloma formation in humanized mice infected with mycobacteria
Authors: Heuts Frank , Gavier-Widén Dolores , Carow Berit , Juarez Julius , Wigzell Hans , Rottenberg Martin E.
Published: April 2013

We have used humanized mice, in which human immune cells differentiate de novo from transplanted cord blood progenitor cells, to study the human immune responses to infection withMycobacterium bovisbacillus Calmette–Guérin andMycobacterium tuberculosis. Granulomas with a core containing giant cells, human CD68+macrophages, and high bacilli numbers surrounded by a layer of CD3+T cells and a fibrotic response encapsulating the lesions were observed in livers and lungs from bacillus Calmette–Guérin-infected humanized mice but not in nonhumanized infected controls. Paradoxically, humanized mice contained higher mycobacterial numbers in organs than nonhumanized controls. The enhancement of bacterial load was mediated by human CD4+cells and associated to an increased expression of Programmed Death-1 protein and CD57 on T cells, molecules associated with inhibition and senescence. The lesions from mice depleted of CD4+cells were scarcer, minimal, and irregular compared with those from mice depleted of CD8+cells or nondepleted controls. Granulomas of bacillus Calmette–Guérin-infected humanized mice administered with a TNF-neutralizing TNF receptor fusion molecule preserved their structure, but contained higher levels of intracellular bacilli. Extended necrosis was observed in granulomas fromM. tuberculosis- but not bacillus Calmette–Guérin-infected humanized mice. Our data indicate that humanized mice can be used as a model to study the formation and maintenance of human granuloma in tuberculosis and other infectious or noninfectious diseases.
Health impacts of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid.
Authors: Mateos H. T. , Lewandowski P. A. , Vaughan V. C. , Su X. Q.
Published: April 2013

Long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC
n
-3 PUFA) particularly, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 22: 5
n
-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22: 6
n
-3) have been reported to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) including myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary artery disease and sudden cardiac death. In addition, these fatty acids play an important role in reduction of cancer risks, Alzheimer's disease, depression and schizophrenia. Furthermore, studies also showed that EPA and DHA are important for foetal development, particularly neuronal and retinal functions. Several recent human trials have strengthened the evidence that EPA and DHA can reduce the risks of various chronic diseases although this has not been a uniform finding. In general, the high prevalence of mortality caused by chronic disease can be prevented by consumption of LC
n
-3 PUFA, which has been proven to have considerable health benefits. The aim of this paper was to review main scientific evidence regarding the health impact of LC
n
-3 PUFA, especially EPA and DHA on chronic disease including CVD, cancer, mental health, arthritis and infant development.
Structural and nanomechanical properties of InN films grown on Si(1 0 0) by femtosecond pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Hafez M A , Mamun M A , Elmustafa A A , Elsayed-Ali H E
Published: April 2013

The structural and nanomechanical properties of InN films grown on Si(1 0 0) using femtosecond pulsed laser deposition were studied for different growth conditions. Atomic nitrogen was generated by either thermal cracking or laser-induced breakdown (LIB) of ammonia. Optical emission spectroscopy was conducted on the laser plasma and used to observe atomic nitrogen formation. An indium buffer layer was initially grown on the Si substrate at low temperature. The surface structure and morphology were investigated by in situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction, ex situ atomic force microscopy and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the initial buffer indium layers were terminated with the In(2 × 1) structure and had a smooth surface. With increased coverage, the growth mode developed from two-dimensional layers to three-dimensional islands. At room temperature (RT), formation of submicrometre islands resulted in mixed crystal structure of In and InN. As the substrate temperature was increased to 250–350 °C, the crystal structure was found to be dominated by fewer In and more InN, with only InN formed at 350 °C. The XRD patterns show that the grown InN films have wurtzite crystal structure. The film hardness near the surface was observed to increase from less than 1 GPa, characteristic of In for the sample grown at RT using the thermal cracker, to a hardness of 11 GPa at 30 nm from surface, characteristic of InN for samples grown at 350 °C by LIB. The hardness at deep indents reaches the hardness of the Si substrate of ∼12 GPa.
Indecomposables live in all smaller lengths
Authors: Bongartz Klaus
Published: April 2013

We show that there are no gaps in the lengths of the indecomposable objects in an abelian

k
k

-linear category over a field

k
k

provided all simples are absolutely simple. To derive this natural result we prove that any distributive minimal representation-infinite

k
k

-category is isomorphic to the linearization of the associated ray category which is shown to have an interval-finite universal cover with a free fundamental group so that the well-known theory of representation-finite algebras applies.
Detecting regulatory gene–environment interactions with unmeasured environmental factors
Authors: Fusi Nicoló , Lippert Christoph , Borgwardt Karsten , Lawrence Neil D. , Stegle Oliver
Published: April 2013

Motivation: Genomic studies have revealed a substantial heritable component of the transcriptional state of the cell. To fully understand the genetic regulation of gene expression variability, it is important to study the effect of genotype in the context of external factors such as alternative environmental conditions. In model systems, explicit environmental perturbations have been considered for this purpose, allowing to directly test for environment-specific genetic effects. However, such experiments are limited to species that can be profiled in controlled environments, hampering their use in important systems such as human. Moreover, even in seemingly tightly regulated experimental conditions, subtle environmental perturbations cannot be ruled out, and hence unknown environmental influences are frequent. Here, we propose a model-based approach to simultaneously infer unmeasured environmental factors from gene expression profiles and use them in genetic analyses, identifying environment-specific associations between polymorphic loci and individual gene expression traits.

Results: In extensive simulation studies, we show that our method is able to accurately reconstruct environmental factors and their interactions with genotype in a variety of settings. We further illustrate the use of our model in a real-world dataset in which one environmental factor has been explicitly experimentally controlled. Our method is able to accurately reconstruct the true underlying environmental factor even if it is not given as an input, allowing to detect genuine genotype–environment interactions. In addition to the known environmental factor, we find unmeasured factors involved in novel genotype–environment interactions. Our results suggest that interactions with both known and unknown environmental factors significantly contribute to gene expression variability.

Availability: and implementation: Software available at http://pmbio.github.io/envGPLVM/.

Contact:  oliver.stegle@ebi.ac.uk or nicolo.fusi@sheffield.ac.uk

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Bayesian hierarchical model of protein-binding microarrayk-mer data reduces noise and identifies transcription factor subclasses and preferredk-mers
Authors: Jiang Bo , Liu Jun S. , Bulyk Martha L.
Published: April 2013

Motivation: Sequence-specific transcription factors (TFs) regulate the expression of their target genes through interactions with specific DNA-binding sites in the genome. Data on TF-DNA binding specificities are essential for understanding how regulatory specificity is achieved.

Results: Numerous studies have used universal protein-binding microarray (PBM) technology to determine the in vitro binding specificities of hundreds of TFs for all possible 8 bp sequences (8mers). We have developed a Bayesian analysis of variance (ANOVA) model that decomposes these 8mer data into background noise, TF familywise effects and effects due to the particular TF. Adjusting for background noise improves PBM data quality and concordance with in vivo TF binding data. Moreover, our model provides simultaneous identification of TF subclasses and their shared sequence preferences, and also of 8mers bound preferentially by individual members of TF subclasses. Such results may aid in deciphering cis-regulatory codes and determinants of protein–DNA binding specificity.

Availability and implementation: Source code, compiled code and R and Python scripts are available from http://thebrain.bwh.harvard.edu/hierarchicalANOVA.

Contact:  bojiang83@gmail.com or mlbulyk@receptor.med.harvard.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for the prediction of ventricular tachyarrhythmic events: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Scott Paul A. , Rosengarten James A. , Curzen Nick P. , Morgan John M.
Published: April 2013

Aims

Approaches to the risk stratification for sudden cardiac death (SCD) remain unsatisfactory. Although late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (LGE‐CMR) for SCD risk stratification has been evaluated in several studies, small sample size has limited their clinical validity. We performed this meta‐analysis to better gauge the predictive accuracy of LGE‐CMR for SCD risk stratification.

Methods and results

Electronic databases and published bibliographies were systematically searched to identify studies evaluating the association between the extent of LV scar on LGE‐CMR and ventricular arrhythmic events [SCD, resuscitated cardiac arrest, the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias, or appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy]. Only studies enrolling patients with CAD or non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy were included. Summary estimates of the relative risk (RR) and likelihood ratios (LRs) were calculated using random effects models. Eleven studies comprising 1105 patients were identified. During a mean/median follow‐up of 8.5–41 months 207 patients had ventricular arrhythmic events. Ventricular arrhythmic events were more common in patients with a greater extent of LV scar: RR 4.33 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.98–6.29], positive LR 1.98 (95% CI 1.66–2.37), and negative LR 0.33 (95% CI 0.24–0.46).

Conclusion

The extent of LGE on CMR is strongly associated with the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with reduced LVEF and may be a valuable risk stratification tool for identifying patients who will benefit from ICD therapy. However, uncertainties regarding clinical application persist and need to be addressed prior to introduction into broad clinical practice.
First Report of Soybean vein necrosis-associated virus in Ohio Soybean Fields
Authors: Han J. , Domier L. L. , Dorrance A. E. , Qu F.
Published: April 2013

Soybean vein necrosis-associated virus (SVNaV), a newly discovered tospovirus that infects soybean, was first described as widespread in a number of southern and midwestern states, but so far has not been reported in Ohio (1). Here we describe its occurrence in six different soybean leaf samples collected from five Ohio counties: Champaign, Hardin, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wyandot. Specifically, SVNaV was initially identified through a comprehensive survey during the summer of 2011 that used high throughput sequencing to detect genome sequences of viruses present in a pool of 110 field samples collected from 24 Ohio counties. Three assembled contigs, with sizes of 7,551, 4,937, and 1,554 nucleotides (nt) respectively, share 99% nt identity with the three SVNaV genomic RNAs (L, M, and S), and thus constitute partial sequences of the SVNaV Ohio (OH) isolate. The distribution of this virus was further delineated using reverse transcription (RT)-PCR with primers SVNaV-1734F (5′ CCATCTTTCTTTCCAGGCATTTCA 3′) and SVNaV-S-2421R (5′ GATTCAAGTTCAGCGAGTTCTACAA 3′). All plants from which the SVNaV-positive samples were collected showed typical virus symptoms, including systemic mosaic accompanied by leaf deformation, chlorosis, vein necrosis, and rusty spots on mature leaves. These symptoms are largely consistent with the previous report by Zhou and colleagues (1). Intriguingly, further analysis with RT-PCR revealed that five out of the six SVNaV-positive samples also contained a second virus, with Bean pod mottle virus found in four of the samples, and Tobacco ringspot virus in the fifth. Since it is not yet possible to initiate SVNaV infection mechanically, it is difficult to determine whether the co-infecting viruses contribute to the disease symptoms and yield losses. It should be noted that SVNaV may have been in Ohio for some time since symptoms similar to those reported by Zhou and colleagues (1) have been observed in soybean fields of this state since at least 2009. Furthermore, while in 2011 these symptoms were observed in only a few fields, as reflected by the detection of SVNaV in six of the 110 samples, the 2012 growing season has seen a big jump of symptomatic plants and fields. The current report confirms its presence with molecular evidence and lays the groundwork for further assessment of its impact on soybean production.

Reference: (1) J. Zhou et al. Virus Genes 43:289, 2011.
Prolonged Administration of Pyridostigmine Impairs Neuromuscular Function with and without Down-regulation of Acetylcholine Receptors
Authors: Richtsfeld Martina , Yasuhara Shingo , Fink Heidrun , Blobner Manfred , Martyn J. A. Jeevendra
Published: April 2013

Background:

The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, pyridostigmine, is prophylactically administered to mitigate the toxic effects of nerve gas poisoning. The authors tested the hypothesis that prolonged pyridostigmine administration can lead to neuromuscular dysfunction and even down-regulation of acetylcholine receptors.

Methods:

Pyridostigmine (5 or 25 mg·kg−1·day−1) or saline was continuously administered via osmotic pumps to rats, and infused for either 14 or 28 days until the day of neuromuscular assessment (at day 14 or 28), or discontinued 24 h before neuromuscular assessment. Neurotransmission and muscle function were examined by single-twitch, train-of-four stimulation and 100-Hz tetanic stimulation. Sensitivity to atracurium and acetylcholine receptor number (quantitated by 125I-α-bungarotoxin) provided additional measures of neuromuscular integrity.

Results:

Specific tetanic tensions (Newton [N]/muscle weight [g]) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased at 14 (10.3 N/g) and 28 (11.1 N/g) days of 25 mg·kg−1·day−1 pyridostigmine compared with controls (13.1–13.6 N/g). Decreased effective dose (0.81–1.05 vs. 0.16–0.45 mg/kg; P < 0.05) and decreased plasma concentration (3.02–3.27 vs. 0.45–1.37 μg/ml; P < 0.05) of atracurium for 50% paralysis (controls vs. 25 mg·kg−1·day−1 pyridostigmine, respectively), irrespective of discontinuation of pyridostigmine, confirmed the pyridostigmine-induced altered neurotransmission. Pyridostigmine (25 mg·kg−1·day−1) down-regulated acetylcholine receptors at 28 days.

Conclusions:

Prolonged administration of pyridostigmine (25 mg·kg−1·day−1) leads to neuromuscular impairment, which can persist even when pyridostigmine is discontinued 24 h before assessment of neuromuscular function. Pyridostigmine has the potential to down-regulate acetylcholine receptors, but induces neuromuscular dysfunction even in the absence of receptor changes.
Effectiveness of Trimethoprim‐Sulfamethoxazole and Metronidazole in the Treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Children Living in a Slum
Authors: Tahan Soraia , Melli Lígia Cristina F.L. , Mello Carolina Santos , Rodrigues Mírian Silva C. , Filho Humberto Bezerra , de Morais Mauro B.
Published: April 2013

Trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole and metronidazole were used for 14 days to treat 20 children with small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO was diagnosed using the lactulose hydrogen breath test. The breath test was repeated 1 month after treatment, and 19 (95.0%) of 20 children showed no evidence of SIBO (P < 0.001). The area under the individual curves showed that children with SIBO exhibited greater hydrogen production before treatment in both the first hour and between 60 and 180 minutes after the breath test. The treatment did not decrease methane production. In conclusion, trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole and metronidazole was effective in treating children with SIBO.
Selective advantages of two major clones of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates (CC235 and CC641) from Korea: antimicrobial resistance, virulence and biofilm-forming activity
Authors: Lee Ji-Young , Peck Kyong Ran , Ko Kwan Soo
Published: April 2013

The characteristics of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (CRPA) isolates from Korea were investigated. Two major clones, clonal complex (CC) 235 and CC641, were identified. CC235, an important international clone, might have been imported recently in Korea as this clone displayed a homogeneous genotype, oprD mutation and antimicrobial resistance profile. While 13 ST235 isolates harboured the bla
IMP-6 gene, which conferred high-level meropenem resistance, CC641 isolates showed high biofilm-forming activity. CC235 and CC641 isolates showed distinct distribution of ferripyoverdine receptor type and virulence markers. While all CC235 isolates were of the fpvAIIb type and exoS−/exoU+
, CC641 isolates were exoS+/exoU−
, and all but one showed the fpvAIII type. CC235 and CC641 isolates were also characterized by different extracellular protease activity: staphylolysin and elastase activities in CC235 and CC641, respectively. Two major CRPA clones in Korea seem to be predominant, reflecting their selective advantage by virtue of antimicrobial resistance, virulence and biofilm-forming activity.
The controversy over euthanasia in Uganda: a case of the Baganda
Authors: Kalanzi Dorothy J.N.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore attitudes towards euthanasia among Ugandan adults.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an important study because data were recently collected in 2010. The sample consists of 80 participants above age 18 who responded to an interview schedule exploring attitudes towards euthanasia. A qualitative approach was utilized to analyze the findings.

Findings

Unique to this study is the fact that almost all participants (96 percent) perceived euthanasia as murder. Religious beliefs, hope for recovery, potential for new medical technologies, health care costs, quality of life, and the right to die are some of the themes that influenced attitudes towards euthanasia. Religious and cultural beliefs appear to be the major influential factors for euthanasia attitudes in this study.

Originality/value

Generated information may assist in formulating end of life policies as well as addressing related ethical issues in low income nations. Currently, information on attitudes towards euthanasia in sub‐Sahara African countries is scarce in the literature. The paper's findings may increase knowledge in this area.
Altruism and participation costs in local redistribution
Authors: Terra Rafael , Mattos Enlinson
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role played by the geographic distance between the poor and non‐poor in the local demand for income redistribution and, in particular, to provide an empirical test of the geographically limited altruism model proposed by Pauly, incorporating the possibility of participation costs associated with the provision of transfers.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors motivate the discussion by allowing for an “iceberg cost” as participation for the poor individuals in Pauly's original model. Next, using data from the 2000 Brazilian Census and a panel based on the National Household Sample Survey (PNAD) from 2001 to 2007, the authors estimate the effect of the proximity between poor and non‐poor on the demand for redistribution.

Findings

All of the authors' distance‐related explanatory variables indicate that an increased proximity between poor and non‐poor is associated with better targeting of the programs (demand for redistribution). For instance, a one‐hour increase in the time spent commuting by the poor reduces the targeting by 3.158 percentage points. This result is similar to that of Ashworth et al., but is definitely not due to the program leakages. To empirically disentangle participation costs and spatially restricted altruism effects, an additional test is conducted using unique panel data based on the 2004 and 2006 PNAD, which assess the number of benefits and the average benefit value received by beneficiaries. The estimates suggest that both cost and altruism play important roles in the demand for redistribution and might reduce targeting in Brazil. Lastly, the results indicate that “size matters”; i.e. the budget for redistribution has a positive impact on targeting.

Practical implications

Our results suggest that a totally centralized supply of transfers may be more inefficient than local redistribution in terms of targeting, either due to higher participation costs or because of the eventual greater geographical distance between the national median voter and poor individuals. However, a partial role for the federal government, such as providing funds for redistribution, seems to improve targeting.

Originality/value

In particular, the paper provides an empirical test for the geographically limited altruism model proposed by Pauly, incorporating the possibility of participation costs associated with the provision of transfers. The authors motivate this discussion by adding the possibility of distance‐related “iceberg costs” of delivering benefits to poor individuals and show that these two effects of distance may act to lower the demand for transfers, making it difficult to distinguish between the two effects. These two effects of distance act by lowering the demand for transfers, making it difficult to disentangle the effect of altruism from the effect of cost. The authors' empirical strategy seems to allow to identify each of them and to provide a suggestion on whether it is advantageous to carry out redistribution at the local level.
Understanding citizens' participation in service delivery protests in South Africa's Sedibeng district municipality
Authors: Akinboade Oludele A. , Putuma Mokwena Mandisa , Kinfack Emilie C.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss citizen participation in public service delivery protests in the Sedibeng district municipality of South Africa. The municipality consists of three local municipalities: Lesedi, Emfuleni and Midvaal.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured sample of 1,000 respondents was used in the study. The descriptive and inferential statistics approaches were applied to understand the root causes of the protests.

Findings

Overall, the average level of satisfaction with public service delivery is quite low. Service delivery protest participants opine that doing so is the only way of getting things done in the municipality. The overwhelming opinion of respondents is that the councillors are unresponsive.

Practical implications

Public service delivery in Sedibeng municipality must improve so that citizens' confidence in municipal governance can rise. Sedibeng municipality should urgently improve the socio‐economic conditions in the communities and should prioritise crime prevention, job creation and development for young people. Health care delivery is important to long‐term residents. Government should ensure that all allegations of corruption and maladministration are speedily and transparently dealt with, without fear or favour.

Originality/value

Studies that provide insight into citizen participation in public services delivery protests in Africa are very few and so this study makes an important contribution to our understanding of this important field.
A bivariate causality link between foreign direct investment and economic growth
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Yadav Surendra S. , Gautam Vinayshil
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the causal relationship between economic growth and foreign direct investment (FDI) in context of India.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Toda‐Yamamoto granger causality technique, authors tried to examine the causal link between GDP per capita (proxy for economic growth) and FDI. The data is tested for stationarity using Augmented Dickey‐Fuller test and Phillips Peron test. Authors also examined the co integration properties using Johansen test to identify long run relationship between the two variables.

Findings

It was found that GDP per capita and FDI are integrated in long run. There also exist a bidirectional between FDI and growth in post liberalization period, i.e. post 1991. There is also evidence of FDI led growth in the pre‐liberalization period, i.e. pre 1991.

Research limitations/implications

There are many factors which contribute to FDI and GDP per capita. A comprehensive study can be done to explore other determinants of FDI and GDP per capita.

Practical implications

The findings reveal that economic growth measured by GDP per capita has become one of the important determinants of FDI after liberalization. The evidence of FDI led growth in both the periods signifies that policy makers should ensure a minimum level of economic growth to maintain India as an attractive destination for FDI. The policy should lay emphasis on business facilitation measures like improving the conditions for doing business in India, expanding the role of investment promotion agencies (IPAs) and providing single window for foreign investment.

Originality/value

There exists cross‐sectional studies on examining relationship between FDI and growth. However, there is a need to have country level study to identify FDI and growth nexus as it is sensitive to country specific factors which are unobservable in time series analysis of group of countries.
Population responses of small mammals to food supply and predators: a global meta‐analysis
Authors: Prevedello Jayme A. , Dickman Chris R. , Vieira Marcus V. , Vieira Emerson M.
Published: April 2013

The relative importance of food supply and predation as determinants of animal population density is a topic of enduring debate among ecologists. To address it, many studies have tested the potential effects of food on population density by experimentally supplementing natural populations, with much focus on terrestrial vertebrates, especially small mammals.

Here we perform a meta‐analysis of such experiments, testing two complementary hypotheses: (i) small mammal populations are bottom‐up limited and (ii) population increases in response to food supplementation are constrained by predation, a top‐down limitation.

In the 148 experiments recorded, food supplementation had an overall positive and significant effect, increasing population densities by 1·5‐fold. Larger population increases occurred when predation was reduced and populations were open to immigration. Predation appeared to be unimportant when populations were closed to immigration. Immigration was the major mechanism underlying increases in abundance by increasing local population density and crowding. Contributions of increased reproductive rate could be detected, but were minor compared to immigration, and no effects were detected from survival.

Our analyses support the view that animal population density is determined by both bottom‐up and top‐down forces. They also suggest the possibility that food supplementation experiments might unintentionally create ecological traps by aggregating both prey and predators in small areas of the landscape. We suggest an alternative experimental design to increase the contribution that food supplementation experiments can make in future.
Recalibrating Management: Feminist Activism to Achieve Equality in an Evolving University
Authors: Bendl Regine , Danowitz Mary Ann , Schmidt Angelika
Published: April 2013

In this paper we examine the process of incorporating gender equality into a higher education institution as it evolves into a managerial university. The case illustrates the ongoing processes between structure, activism and features of gender equality, and provides insights into how activists adapt to changes in governance and influence managerial responses to equality. Tracing the interaction of employee activism with new managerialism over nearly two decades, four phases of change are identified. These provide a basis for generating two concepts – managerial recalibration and individual activism – while challenging the social abeyance hypothesis of social movements.
The City as Experiential Space: The Production of Shared Meaning
Authors: Löw Martina
Published: April 2013

Cities obviously differ from each other. Sociologically, this difference becomes significant when your aim is to ascertain the influence of local factors in a globalizing world or to understand processes of societal differentiation. To do so, scholars in the areas of urban and regional sociology, community research and local policy can turn to a number of theoretical and empirical studies on cities, municipalities, or, less specifically, the local setting as societally formative units that resist global influences. In this article I continue to ask how cities socialize in a way that allows shared experience to emerge in communities. Grounded in the sociology of knowledge shaped by German thinkers such as Max Weber, Alfred Schütz, Karl Mannheim, Peter L. Berger and Thomas Luckmann, my aim is to illustrate that specific stocks of knowledge based on habitualized experience arise in every city. Intrinsic logic captures the hidden structures of cities as locally well‐established, operative processes of sense‐making along with their physical, material manifestations.
Use of the air‐Q® intubating laryngeal airway for rapid‐sequence intubation in infants with severe airway obstruction: a case series
Authors: Jagannathan N. , Sohn L. E. , Eidem J. M.
Published: April 2013

We describe a four‐step method for fibreoptic‐guided, rapid‐sequence tracheal intubation through the air‐Q® intubating laryngeal airway in infants with severe airway obstruction. Our step‐wise process provides an organised and controlled approach to safely securing the airway.
Impact of persistent, frequent regurgitation on quality of life in heartburn responders treated with acid suppression: a multinational primary care study
Authors: Kahrilas P. J. , Howden C. W. , Wernersson B. , Denison H. , Nuevo J. , Gisbert J. P.
Published: April 2013

Background

In gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn responds well to acid suppression, but regurgitation is a common cause of incomplete treatment response.

Aim

To assess the prevalence and burden of persistent, frequent regurgitation in primary care patients with GERD treated with acid suppression.

Methods

We analysed observational data from 134 sites across six European countries in patients diagnosed with GERD. Within 3 months of the index visit, symptoms were assessed using the Reflux Disease Questionnaire, and their impact on sleep and work productivity with the Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia questionnaire and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire, respectively. Patients provided information on concomitant over‐the‐counter (OTC) GERD medication use.

Results

Persistent, frequent (3–7 days/week) regurgitation was reported by 13.2% (153/1156) of GERD patients with no heartburn on acid suppression; the prevalence was very similar for patients with up to 2 days/week of ongoing mild heartburn. Among patients without heartburn, sleep disturbance of any type was reported by 50.7–60.1% with persistent, frequent regurgitation, compared with 38.1–51.1% and 14.4–19.2% of those with less frequent or no regurgitation respectively. Persistent, frequent regurgitation was associated with increased use of OTC medication and more hours of work missed, whether mild, infrequent heartburn was present or not.

Conclusions

Frequent regurgitation, which persisted in 12–13% of patients with no or infrequent, mild heartburn on acid suppression, negatively affected sleep and work productivity, and increased use of OTC medication. Persistent, frequent regurgitation is problematic for primary care patients with GERD.
Non‐invasive tests for fibrosis and liver stiffness predict 5‐year survival of patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus
Authors: de Lédinghen V. , Vergniol J. , Barthe C. , Foucher J. , Chermak F. , Le Bail B. , Merrouche W. , Bernard P.‐H.
Published: April 2013

Background

Liver stiffness and non‐invasive tests predict overall survival in chronic hepatitis C. However, in patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), only the association between liver stiffness and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma has been published.

Aim

To evaluate the 5‐year prognostic value of liver stiffness, non‐invasive tests of liver fibrosis, and liver biopsy, to predict overall survival in chronic hepatitis B.

Methods

In a consecutive cohort, we prospectively assessed fibrosis, with liver stiffness, FibroTest, APRI, FIB‐4 and liver biopsy (if indicated). We examined death and liver transplantation during a 5‐year follow‐up, and factors associated with overall survival.

Results

A total of 600 patients (men 64%, mean age 42 years, inactive carriers 36%) with chronic hepatitis B were included. At 5 years, 25 patients were dead (13 liver‐related deaths) and four patients had liver transplantation. Overall survival was 94.1% and survival without liver‐related death 96.3%. No liver‐related death was observed in inactive carriers. Survival was significantly decreased in patients diagnosed with severe fibrosis, whatever the non‐invasive method used (P < 0.0001), or liver biopsy (P = 0.02). Patients' prognosis decreased as liver stiffness and FibroTest increased. In multivariate analysis, FibroTest and liver stiffness had the highest hazard ratio with survival. The association persisted after adjustment on age, necro‐inflammatory histological activity presumed by ActiTest and treatment.

Conclusions

Liver stiffness measurement or FibroTest can predict survival in chronic HBV infection. Thus, these tools may help physicians to early assess prognosis and discuss specific treatments, such as liver transplantation.
Therapies in Aicardi–Goutières syndrome
Authors: Crow Y J , Vanderver A , Orcesi S , Kuijpers T W , Rice G I
Published: April 2013

Aicardi–Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a genetically determined disorder, affecting most particularly the brain and the skin, characterized by the inappropriate induction of a type I interferon-mediated immune response. In most, but not all, cases the condition is severe, with a high associated morbidity and mortality. A number of important recent advances have helped to elucidate the biology of the AGS-related proteins, thus providing considerable insight into disease pathology. In this study, we outline the clinical phenotype of AGS, paying particular attention to factors relevant to therapeutic intervention. We then discuss the pathogenesis of AGS from a molecular and cell biology perspective. Finally, we suggest possible treatment strategies in light of these emerging insights.
A methodological approach to assessing alveolar ridge preservation procedures in humans: soft tissue profile
Authors: Vanhoutte Vanessa , Rompen Eric , Lecloux Geoffrey , Rues Stefan , Schmitter Marc , Lambert France
Published: April 2013

Introduction

The aesthetic results of implant restoration in the anterior maxilla are particularly related to the soft tissue profile. Although socket preservation techniques appear to reduce bone remodelling after tooth extraction, there is still few investigations assessing the external soft tissue profile after such procedures. The goal of this study was to describe an accurate technique to evaluate soft tissue contour changes after performing socket preservation procedures. The secondary objective was to apply the newly developed measuring method to a specific socket preservation using a “saddled” connective tissue graft combined with the insertion of slowly resorbable biomaterials into the socket.

Materials and methods

A total of 14 patients needing tooth replacement in the aesthetic region were included to receive a socket preservation procedure using a connective tissue graft. Impressions were taken before the tooth extraction (baseline) and at 2, 4, and 12 weeks after the procedure. The corresponding plaster casts were scanned, and the evolution of the soft tissue profile in relation to the baseline situation was assessed using imaging software.

Results

The measuring technique allowed assessing the soft tissue profiles accurately at different levels of the alveolar process. The insertion of a saddled connective tissue appeared to compensate for the horizontal and vertical bone remodelling after a socket preservation procedure in most regions of the alveolar crest. After 12 weeks, the only significant change was located in the more cervical and central region of the alveolar process and reached a median drop of 0.62 mm from baseline.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, we found that a saddled connective tissue graft combined with a socket preservation procedure could almost completely counteract the bone remodelling in terms of the external soft tissue profile. The minor changes found in the cervical region might disappear with the emergence profile of the prosthodontic components. The described technique might therefore enhance the aesthetic outcomes when a tooth has to be replaced in the aesthetic zone. The described protocol can be used to further compare the effectiveness of different extraction socket preservation protocols in randomised controlled trials.