bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legal framework against disability discrimination at work in Cyprus
Authors: Parlalis Stavros K.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The legal system comprises one of the greatest tools for people with disabilities, in order to ensure and protect their fundamental rights. The present study aimed to focus on the scrutiny of the legal system of the Republic of Cyprus. More specifically, the focus was placed on those laws that refer to the employability of people with disabilities, aiming to present the extent to which disability discrimination at work is prevented in the Republic of Cyprus.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief presentation of the laws employed on the prevention of disability discrimination at work worldwide is made; then, a presentation follows on the specific laws employed in the Republic of Cyprus.

Findings

The conditions in Cyprus are quite similar compared to the international standards. Cyprus has already introduced numerous laws and regulations regarding the prevention of disability discrimination at work; also, a code of good practice and guidance against disability discrimination at work has been published. However, regardless of the differences between legislation in various countries, the importance of establishing new laws and regulations depends on the extent to which they find application in each society. Therefore, there is an imperative need to set up a national mechanism to monitor the application of these laws and regulations, in order to ensure that discrimination at work is prevented in practice and not only in theory (meaning the establishment of new laws).

Originality/value

The findings of this study are useful for policy makers regarding issues of disability discrimination at work for people with disabilities in the Republic of Cyprus.
Gender and careers: a study of persistence in engineering education in Bangladesh
Authors: Saifuddin Samina M. , Dyke Lorraine S. , Rasouli Maria
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The goals of this study were to examine the utility of social cognitive career theory in a South Asian context, extend SCCT beyond its individualistic roots to include social and contextual variables, and explore the possible differential validity of SCCT predictors for men and women.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved an in‐class survey of Bangladeshi undergraduate engineering students including 209 women and 640 men.

Findings

Despite stronger relationships between persistence and two predictors – social aspirations and self‐efficacy – for men, self‐efficacy, the core construct of SCCT, was the most important predictor of persistence for both women and men thus supporting the applicability of SCCT in non‐Western contexts.

Research limitations/implications

Several new measures were developed for this study which provide a basis for future research but will require further validation. The results demonstrated the applicability of SCCT in a non‐Western context but the amount of variance explained was modest. Thus, additional research into context‐specific factors affecting persistence is warranted.

Practical implications

The results suggest that interventions intended to enhance the participation of women in non‐traditional fields such as engineering should focus on enhancing self‐efficacy, potentially through creating a more supportive learning environment.

Originality/value

The current study is one of the first to assess the applicability of SCCT in a non‐Western context and to examine the differential validity of SCCT predictors for women and men.
Are Swedish houses overpriced?
Authors: Andreas Claussen Carl
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Swedish house prices have risen rapidly since the mid‐1990s. How can this be explained? Are houses overpriced? In this paper the author tries to answer these questions.

Design/methodology/approach

The author estimates an error correction model (ECM), and sees if the model can explain the house price developments.

Findings

The model suggests that increasing household disposable income and falling mortgage rates are the most important factors behind the upswing in prices. There is no evidence of overpricing.

Originality/value

Compared to earlier Swedish studies, this study is based on new data and new variables. Furthermore, the estimation period is restricted to the more recent period when Swedish credit markets have been unregulated.
Optimal ways for companies to use Facebook as a marketing channel
Authors: Hansson Linnea , Wrangmo Anton , Solberg Søilen Klaus
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Social media has increased as a marketing channel, and Facebook is the biggest social media company globally. Facebook contains both positive and negative information about companies; therefore, it is important for companies to manage their Facebook page to best serve their own interests. Although most users are familiar with business and marketing activities on Facebook, they use it primarily for fun and personal purposes. The most effective methods for companies to use Facebook have not been clear. The personal nature of Facebook presents unique challenges for companies by raising ethical and social responsibility issues that are important to users. The purpose of this paper is to discover how companies can optimize their use of Facebook as a marketing channel.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted. The respondents were 158 users of Facebook in Sweden; complete answers were provided by all respondents. In a series of specific questions and comments, the respondents were asked to describe an optimal marketing solution on Facebook for companies. They rated different functions, which were illustrated with pictures, to help in the cognitive process and to avoid misunderstandings.

Findings

Most users who have an opinion on the issue accept marketing on Facebook, but only in the right amount. There are basically two groups: those who think that companies have no place on Facebook and those who want companies to be active on Facebook. The latter group emphasizes the importance of meaningful posts without unsolicited sales messages, and would prefer to search for the companies themselves rather than being bombarded by company messages. By far, status updates and pictures/images were found to be the most important functions to respondents.

Research limitations/implications

The sample consisted of only Swedish users. Another limitation was that, since many Facebook users do not normally think about the implications of being exposed to marketing on Facebook, they have difficulty taking a position on many issues related to the service.

Practical implications

The results give companies a clear idea of how to effectively use Facebook in their marketing efforts.

Originality/value

A large number of companies are currently asking themselves, “How can we use Facebook in an optimal way?” The results in this study answer this question and lead directly to saving time and resources for these companies.
From integrated library systems to library management services: time for change?
Authors: Yang Sharon
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to inform librarians about the advanced features of the next generation library systems called library management services. It is time to ask if and when a library should move on to the new system.

Design/methodology/approach

The author looked into each new system for evaluation and analysis.

Findings

The next generation library systems include Alma from Ex Libris, Intota from Serials Solutions, Kuali OLE from the Kuali Foundation, Sierra from Innovative Interfaces, and Worldshare from OCLC. The new systems are designed with many advanced features such as electronic resources management, license management, user driven acquisitions, trial database management, statistic reporting, and more.

Originality/value

A search for relevant literature from the past three years has yielded no publications or data on the evaluation and analysis of the new library systems. Therefore, the information in this article is original.
The mediating effects of the adoption of an environmental information system on top management's commitment and environmental performance
Authors: Yang Spencer Sarah , Adams Carol , Yapa Prem W.S.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the antecedent factor, top management's commitment to environmental sustainability, for the adoption of a sophisticated internal environmental information system; measured by the broad‐scope, timeliness, aggregation and integration of such information. The paper also seeks to examine whether the availability of such a system would lead to improved environmental performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates responses from a survey of Chief Financial Officers or chief management accountants in the top 200 listed companies in Australia. It uses linear regression analysis based on a multiple‐mediator model with percentile‐based bootstrap, bias‐corrected (BC) and bias‐corrected and accelerated (BCa) bootstrap confidence intervals to identify significant mediators.

Findings

It was found in this study that top management commitment to environmental sustainability was associated with the adoption of a sophisticated internal environmental information system. Further, the availability of aggregated environmental information was found to mediate the relationship between top management commitment to environmental sustainability and environmental performance. However, there was no significant relationship to other mediating variables.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations relate to the collinearity of mediators which make it difficult to identify the impact of specific mediators in a multi‐mediator model. The implications are that other methods may provide further value, but these may need to be based on either different data or larger samples.

Practical implications

The findings point to the importance of aggregated environmental accounting information to organisations aiming to improve their environmental performance.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the corporate environmental accounting literature by empirically linking the top management commitment to environmental sustainability and to environmental performance through the adoption of accounting information provisions. The results of this study also provide guidance to practitioners about how to ensure their commitment to environmental sustainability will be translated to environmental performance and to some extent provide some answer to whether countries such as Australia should implement Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) to account for carbon costs.
Temperature dependence of trophic interactions are driven by asymmetry of species responses and foraging strategy
Authors: Dell Anthony I. , Pawar Samraat , Savage Van M.
Published: May 2013

Environmental temperature has systematic effects on rates of species interactions, primarily through its influence on organismal physiology.

We present a mechanistic model for the thermal response of consumer–resource interactions. We focus on how temperature affects species interactions via key traits – body velocity, detection distance, search rate and handling time – that underlie per capita consumption rate. The model is general because it applies to all foraging strategies: active‐capture (both consumer and resource body velocity are important), sit‐and‐wait (resource velocity dominates) and grazing (consumer velocity dominates).

The model predicts that temperature influences consumer–resource interactions primarily through its effects on body velocity (either of the consumer, resource or both), which determines how often consumers and resources encounter each other, and that asymmetries in the thermal responses of interacting species can introduce qualitative, not just quantitative, changes in consumer–resource dynamics. We illustrate this by showing how asymmetries in thermal responses determine equilibrium population densities in interacting consumer–resource pairs.

We test for the existence of asymmetries in consumer–resource thermal responses by analysing an extensive database on thermal response curves of ecological traits for 309 species spanning 15 orders of magnitude in body size from terrestrial, marine and freshwater habitats. We find that asymmetries in consumer–resource thermal responses are likely to be a common occurrence.

Overall, our study reveals the importance of asymmetric thermal responses in consumer–resource dynamics. In particular, we identify three general types of asymmetries: (i) different levels of performance of the response, (ii) different rates of response (e.g. activation energies) and (iii) different peak or optimal temperatures. Such asymmetries should occur more frequently as the climate changes and species' geographical distributions and phenologies are altered, such that previously noninteracting species come into contact.

By using characteristics of trophic interactions that are often well known, such as body size, foraging strategy, thermy and environmental temperature, our framework should allow more accurate predictions about the thermal dependence of consumer–resource interactions. Ultimately, integration of our theory into models of food web and ecosystem dynamics should be useful in understanding how natural systems will respond to current and future temperature change.
Conservation implications of song divergence between source and translocated populations of the North Island Kōkako
Authors: Valderrama Sandra V. , Molles Laura E. , Waas Joseph R. , Slabbekoorn Hans
Published: May 2013

Translocation of individuals from healthy source populations to newly colonize or recolonize suitable habitat is a vital tool for the conservation of a species. Demographic, genetic and landscape factors, but also acoustic signals and cultural factors, will all affect translocation success.

We investigated variation in song, and response to song, of the endangered North Island kōkako Callaeas wilsoni (Bonaparte 1850) in New Zealand in two translocated populations and their source population.

We found significant vocal variation between the source population and both translocated populations, the latter of which had reduced repertoire sizes and increased repertoire sharing, as well as structurally different song elements of higher frequency and shorter duration.

Despite the song divergence and clear variability in the nature and level of response among populations, we did not find any evidence for discrimination against nonlocal song in our reciprocal playback experiments.

Synthesis and applications. Vocal divergence and reduced variability in translocated populations suggest founder effects or reduced social interaction rates. The variation could be viewed as cultural erosion and may undermine translocation success. Persistence of response to playback, despite vocal divergence, suggested that social restrictions on gene flow require at least a few decades of separation after translocation. The decision to translocate individuals of threatened species is becoming a more common tool for species conservation world‐wide. We argue that it is important to take vocal variation into account during such management decisions as it may affect success of establishment and persistence of translocated populations.
Aerotaxis governs floating biofilm formation in Shewanella oneidensis
Authors: Armitano Joshua , Méjean Vincent , Jourlin‐Castelli Cécile
Published: May 2013

Floating biofilm, or pellicle, is a biofilm found at the air‐liquid interface. Here, we show that pellicle development of the aquatic bacterium Shewanella oneidensis is under the control of the chemotaxis system (Che3), a regulatory system known to pilot planktonic cell motion according to environmental cues. Deletion of the histidine kinase cheA3 or the response regulator cheY3 gene led to a heterogeneous pellicle or to the absence of pellicle respectively. In addition, a non‐phosphorylatable CheY3‐D56A mutant was unable to promote pellicle formation. Kinetic analysis revealed that pellicle formation occurs in three steps: rapid formation of a thin pellicle evolving into a heterogeneous biofilm and finally into a thick homogeneous biofilm. Depletion of oxygen not only abolished initiation of pellicle formation but also blocked pellicle maturation. This study thus demonstrates an essential role of aerotaxis (chemotaxis towards oxygen) in floating biofilm development in S. oneidensis, and it also reveals that pellicle formation is a step‐by‐step process.
Identification and characterization of a highly motile and antibiotic refractory subpopulation involved in the expansion of swarming colonies of Paenibacillus vortex
Authors: Roth Dalit , Finkelshtein Alin , Ingham Colin , Helman Yael , Sirota‐Madi Alexandra , Brodsky Leonid , Ben‐Jacob Eshel
Published: May 2013

Bacteria often use sophisticated cooperative behaviours, such as the development of complex colonies, elaborate biofilms and advanced dispersal strategies, to cope with the harsh and variable conditions of natural habitats, including the presence of antibiotics. Paenibacillus vortex uses swarming motility and cell‐to‐cell communication to form complex, structured colonies. The modular organization of P. vortex colony has been found to facilitate its dispersal on agar surfaces. The current study reveals that the complex structure of the colony is generated by the coexistence and transition between two morphotypes – ‘builders’ and ‘explorers’ – with distinct functions in colony formation. Here, we focused on the explorers, which are highly motile and spearhead colonial expansion. Explorers are characterized by high expression levels of flagellar genes, such as flagellin (hag), motA, fliI, flgK and sigD, hyperflagellation, decrease in ATP (adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate) levels, and increased resistance to antibiotics. Their tolerance to many antibiotics gives them the advantage of translocation through antibiotics‐containing areas. This work gives new insights on the importance of cell differentiation and task distribution in colony morphogenesis and adaptation to antibiotics.
Structure and function of the methanogenic microbial communities in Uruguayan soils shifted between pasture and irrigated rice fields
Authors: Scavino Ana Fernandez , Ji Yang , Pump Judith , Klose Melanie , Claus Peter , Conrad Ralf
Published: May 2013

Irrigated rice fields in Uruguay are temporarily established on soils used as cattle pastures. Typically, 4 years of cattle pasture are alternated with 2 years of irrigated rice cultivation. Thus, oxic upland conditions are rotated with seasonally anoxic wetland conditions. Only the latter conditions are suitable for the production of CH4 from anaerobic degradation of organic matter. We studied soil from a permanent pasture as well as soils from different years of the pasture‐rice rotation hypothesizing that activity and structure of the bacterial and archaeal communities involved in production of CH4 change systematically with the duration of either oxic or anoxic conditions. Soil samples were taken from drained fields, air‐dried and used for the experiments. Indeed, methanogenic archaeal gene copy numbers (16S rRNA, mcrA) were lower in soil from the permanent pasture than from the pasture‐rice alternation fields, but within the latter, there was no significant difference. Methane production started to accumulate after 16 days and 7 days of anoxic incubation in soil from the permanent pasture and the pasture‐rice alternation fields respectively. Then, CH4 production rates were slightly higher in the soils used for pasture than for rice production. Analysis of δ13C in CH4, CO2 and acetate in the presence and absence of methyl fluoride, an inhibitor of aceticlastic methanogenesis, indicated that CH4 was mainly (58–75%) produced from acetate, except in the permanent pasture soil (42%). Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) of archaeal 16S rRNA genes showed no difference among the soils from the pasture‐rice alternation fields with Methanocellaceae and Methanosarcinaceae as the main groups of methanogens, but in the permanent pasture soil, Methanocellaceae were relatively less abundant. T‐RFLP analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA genes allowed the distinction of permanent pasture and fields from the pasture‐rice rotation, but nevertheless with a high similarity. Pyrosequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes generally revealed Firmicutes as the dominant bacterial phylum, followed by Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria. We conclude that a stable methanogenic microbial community established once pastures have been turned into management by pasture‐rice alternation despite the fact that 2 years of wetland conditions were followed by 4 years of upland conditions that were not suitable for CH4 production.
After a Terrorist Attack: Challenges for Political and Administrative Leadership in Norway
Authors: Christensen Tom , Lægreid Per , Rykkja Lise Hellebø
Published: May 2013

This article addresses the challenges that the terrorist attacks on 22 July 2011 in Norway created for central government and, more particularly, for the political and police leadership. The emphasis is on ‘meaning making’, focusing on how the leaders played out their reactions in the media and towards the public. When explaining the different aspects of crisis management, we draw on three organizational perspectives: emphasizing the importance of myths and symbols, formal organization and cultural–institutional traditions. The analysis is based on qualitative content analysis of central policy documents, parliamentary debates and documents, speeches made by central actors and mass media coverage in the year following the attacks. A main finding is that the response to the terrorist attacks is characterized by complex interactions between mutually influential factors, by dynamics between symbolic factors, on one hand, and structural and cultural influences, on the other.
Foreign Aid and the Quest for Poverty Reduction: Is Aid to Agriculture Effective?
Authors: Kaya Ozgur , Kaya Ilker , Gunter Lewell
Published: May 2013

Development statistics estimate that three quarters of the poor live in rural areas and most of them depend on agriculture and related activities for their livelihood. Consequently, research focusing on economic growth and poverty reduction has found that sustainable rapid transition out of poverty requires a special emphasis on the agricultural sector. This study contributes to the debate on aid effectiveness by disaggregating total aid into subcategories and specifically investigating the relationship between aid given to the agricultural sector and poverty reduction. If agricultural development is more effective in reducing poverty than some other types of development, then foreign aid directed towards agriculture may be more efficient in increasing the well‐being of the poor than aid directed to some other sectors or uses. Our analysis uses panel data for developing aid recipient countries to empirically test this relationship. We find a significant relationship between agricultural aid and poverty reduction in our estimates.
Pronasale Position: An Appraisal of Two Recently Proposed Methods for Predicting Nasal Projection in Facial Reconstruction
Authors: Mala Pavla Zednikova
Published: May 2013

This study examines two recently proposed methods for predicting nose projection from the skull, those developed by Stephan et al. (Am J Phys Anthropol 122, 2003, 240) and Rynn et al. (Forensic Sci Med Pathol 6, 2010, 20). A sample of 86 lateral head cephalograms of adult subjects from Central Europe was measured, and the actual and predicted dimensions were compared. Regarding nose projection (the anterior and vertical position of the pronasale), in general, the method of Rynn et al. (Forensic Sci Med Pathol 6, 2010, 20) was found to perform better and with less error variance than the method of Stephan et al. (Am J Phys Anthropol 122, 2003, 240), but the mean difference between the actual and predicted values did not exceed 2.2 mm (6.5% of the actual dimension) in most of the variables tested. The vertical dimensions of the nose were predictable with greater accuracy than the horizontal dimensions. Although the mean error of both methods is not great in practice and thus both methods could be considered to be “accurate,” the real variance of error should not be overlooked.
Real‐Time Detection of Concealed Chemical Hazards Under Ambient Light Conditions Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Cletus Biju , Olds William , Fredericks Peter M. , Jaatinen Esa , Izake Emad L.
Published: May 2013

Current concerns regarding terrorism and international crime highlight the need for new techniques for detecting unknown and hazardous substances. A novel Raman spectroscopy‐based technique, spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS), was recently devised for noninvasively probing the contents of diffusely scattering and opaque containers. Here, we demonstrate a modified portable SORS sensor for detecting concealed substances in‐field under different background lighting conditions. Samples including explosive precursors, drugs, and an organophosphate insecticide (chemical warfare agent surrogate) were concealed inside diffusely scattering packaging including plastic, paper, and cloth. Measurements were carried out under incandescent and fluorescent light as well as under daylight to assess the suitability of the probe for different real‐life conditions. In each case, it was possible to identify the substances against their reference Raman spectra in less than 1 min. The developed sensor has potential for rapid detection of concealed hazardous substances in airports, mail distribution centers, and customs checkpoints.
Manual and Automated Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): A Comparison of Associated Injury Patterns,
Authors: Pinto Deborrah C. , Haden‐Pinneri Kathryn , Love Jennifer C.
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this study was to identify and compare patterns of trauma associated with AutoPulse® CPR and manual CPR. Finalized autopsy records from 175 decedents brought to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences were reviewed, 87 received manual‐only CPR, and 88 received AutoPulse® CPR (in combination with manual CPR as per standard protocol). The characteristic pattern observed in manual‐only CPR use included a high frequency of anterior rib fractures, sternal fractures, and midline chest abrasions along the sternum. The characteristic pattern observed in AutoPulse® CPR use included a high frequency of posterior rib fractures, skin abrasions located along the anterolateral chest and shoulder, vertebral fractures, and a few cases of visceral injuries including liver lacerations, splenic lacerations, and hemoperitoneum. Knowledge of the AutoPulse® CPR injury pattern can help forensic pathologists differentiate therapeutic from inflicted injuries and therefore avoid an erroneous assessment of cause and manner of death.
Effects of Sugars on the Formation of Nanometer‐Sized Droplets of Vegetable Oil by an Isothermal Low‐Energy Emulsification Method
Authors: Ikeda Shinya , Miyanoshita Michitaka , Gohtani Shoichi
Published: May 2013

Effects of sugars on the formation of nanometer‐sized oil droplets induced by the addition of vegetable oil to aqueous dispersions of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (MOPS, Tween 80) at 25 °C without the application of intensive mechanical energy were investigated. Phase diagrams were constructed using polarized light microscopy and small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) to elucidate the relationship between the type of phases involved in the process of emulsification and the droplet size in the resulting emulsions. Nanometer‐sized oil droplets as small as 220 nm in diameter were obtained when the sponge phase (L3) was formed at first, followed by the phase transition to coexisting multiple phases including the micellar cubic phase (I1) with increasing vegetable oil content. Sugars expanded the area of the sponge phase toward lower MOPS contents, enabling the formation of nano‐emulsions from a wider range of the initial composition. The area of the sponge phase increased in the order of d‐fructose ≈ d‐glucose < sucrose < d‐maltose, consistent with the order of the literature value of the mean number of equatorial hydroxyl groups per sugar molecule and that of the hydration number of sugar that represents the average number of water molecules forming a complex with a single molecule of sugar in aqueous solution. The present results confirm that sugars facilitate the formation of nano‐emulsions using the isothermal low‐energy emulsification method, presumably due to their abilities to shift the effective hydrophile–lipophile balance (HLB) of the surfactant toward the hydrophobic side.
The Applications of Polysaccharides from Various Mushroom Wastes as Prebiotics in Different Systems
Authors: Chou Wei‐Ting , Sheih I‐Chuan , Fang Tony J.
Published: May 2013

The bases or stipes of mushrooms are normally discarded as low‐economic value animal feed and compost. There are no known reports on deriving polysaccharides from these mushroom wastes for use as prebiotics. This study showed that the relatively low concentration (0.1% to 0.5%) of polysaccharides from Lentinula edodes stipe, Pleurotus eryngii base, and Flammulina velutipes base can enhance the survival rate of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum during cold storage. The polysaccharides had synergistic effects with the peptides and amino acids from a yogurt culture to maintain probiotics above 107 CFU/mL during cold storage, and they also had significant protective effects on these probiotics in simulated gastric and bile juice conditions to achieve beneficial effects in the host. These results showed that mushroom wastes, which are cheaper than other sources, could be an important, new, alternative source of prebiotics.
Clinical strategies for differentiating autoimmune pancreatitis from pancreatic malignancy to avoid unnecessary surgical resection
Authors: Wu Wen Chuan , Yao Xiu Zhong , Jin Da Yong , Wang Dan Song , Lou Wen Hui , Qin Xin Yu
Published: May 2013

Objective

The study aimed to determine a practical strategy for differentiating between autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and pancreatic malignancy in order to avoid unnecessary surgical resection.

Methods

Altogether, 19 patients with AIP or other pancreatic diseases underwent routine examinations including liver function test and carbohydrate antigen 19‐9, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and/or IgG4 was determined in patients with clinically suspected or pathologically proven AIP. Patients with suspected AIP either received diagnostic steroid therapy or laparotomy (if malignant tumors could not be excluded). Surgery was not performed in patients with a definite diagnosis of AIP by fast intraoperative frozen biopsy. Those with confirmed AIP received steroid treatment.

Results

In total, 15 cases were finally confirmed as AIP with eight diagnosed preoperatively, five confirmed by surgical pathology (preoperatively misdiagnosed) and two by intraoperative biopsy. Of these 15 patients with AIP and one without AIP, 14 had elevated serum γ‐globulin levels. It was proven by subsequent antibody tests that serum IgG or IgG4 were simultaneously increased.

Conclusions

Elevated serum γ‐globulin level can be used as a preoperative sentinel indicator for differentiating between IgG4‐related AIP and pancreatic malignancy. Serum IgG or IgG4 tests should be further performed in those with elevated serum γ‐globulin level, which helps to identify AIP in order to avoid unnecessary operation.
Estimating age‐specific survival when age is unknown: open population capture–recapture models with age structure and heterogeneity
Authors: Matechou Eleni , Pledger Shirley , Efford Murray , Morgan Byron J.T. , Thomson David L.
Published: May 2013

When studying senescence in wildlife populations, we are often limited by the sparseness of the available information on the ages of the individuals under study. Additionally, heterogeneity between individuals can be substantial. Ignoring this heterogeneity can lead to biased estimates of the population parameters of interest and can mask senescence.

This article demonstrates the use of a recently developed capture–recapture model for extracting age‐dependent estimates of survival probabilities for individuals of unknown age and extends the model by allowing for heterogeneity in survival and capture probabilities using finite mixtures.

Using simulation, we show that the estimates of age‐dependent survival probabilities when age is unknown can be biased when heterogeneity in capture probabilities is not modelled, in contrast to the case of time‐dependent survival probabilities when the estimates are robust to similar violations of model assumptions.

The methods are demonstrated using a long‐term data set of female brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula Kerr) for which age‐specific models for survival probabilities indicating senescence are strongly favoured. We found no evidence of heterogeneity in survival but strong evidence of heterogeneity in capture probabilities.

These models have a wide range of applications for estimating age dependence in survival when the age is unknown as they can be applied to any capture–recapture data set, as long as it is collected over a period which is longer, and preferably considerably so, than the life span of the species studied.
A Quantile Survival Model for Censored Data
Authors: Cai Yuzhi
Published: May 2013

In this paper we propose a quantile survival model to analyze censored data. This approach provides a very effective way to construct a proper model for the survival time conditional on some covariates. Once a quantile survival model for the censored data is established, the survival density, survival or hazard functions of the survival time can be obtained easily. For illustration purposes, we focus on a model that is based on the generalized lambda distribution (GLD). The GLD and many other quantile function models are defined only through their quantile functions, no closed‐form expressions are available for other equivalent functions. We also develop a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method for parameter estimation. Extensive simulation studies have been conducted. Both simulation study and application results show that the proposed quantile survival models can be very useful in practice.
Relationship of psychological symptoms, antipsychotics and social data with psychosocial function in schizophrenia patients in Malaysia
Authors: Norlelawati A. Talib , Kartini Abdullah , Norsidah Kuzaifah , Ramli Musa , Wan Azizi Wan Sulaiman , Tariq Abdul Razak
Published: May 2013

Introduction

The present study investigated the relationship between psychological symptoms and psychosocial function and the role of relevant sociodemographic data and antipsychotic use in the prediction of psychosocial function among multiracial schizophrenia outpatients in Malaysia.

Methods

A total of 223 participants were recruited in this cross‐sectional study conducted from December 2010 to April 2011. Psychological symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale whilst the psychosocial function was assessed using the Personal and Social Performance scale. Sociodemographic and treatment variables were gathered through interview or review of the medical records.

Results

All dimensions of psychosocial functions were inversely correlated with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale sub‐domains. Only the disorganization sub‐domain significantly predicts all dimensions of psychosocial function. For social data, body mass index and employment status were significant predictors of all dimensions of psychosocial functions. Typical antipsychotics significantly predict social function negatively as compared to sulpiride (β = −0.152, P = 0.028).

Discussion

We found that the relationship between psychological symptoms and psychosocial functions were relatively consistent with the findings from the Caucasian population. Additionally, disorganization was the only significant predictor of all dimensions of psychosocial functions. This further emphasized the importance of cognition in psychosocial function. The roles of sulpiride, body mass index and employment status as predictors of psychosocial function were also discussed.
Intragastric acidity and omeprazole exposure during dosing with either PA32540 (enteric‐coated aspirin 325 mg + immediate‐release omeprazole 40 mg) or enteric‐coated aspirin 325 mg + enteric‐coated omeprazole 40 mg – a randomised, phase 1, crossover study
Authors: Miner P. B. , Fort J. G. , Zhang Y.
Published: May 2013

Background

Aspirin therapy is associated with adverse upper gastrointestinal effects. PA32540 is a coordinated‐delivery tablet containing enteric‐coated aspirin (EC‐ASA) 325 mg and immediate‐release (IR) omeprazole 40 mg. Immediate‐release omeprazole (located in outer layer of tablet) is available for instantaneous dissolution rapidly after ingestion, while dissolution of the EC‐ASA core is delayed until pH >5.5.

Aim

To compare the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects of PA32540 (EC‐ASA 325 mg + IR‐omeprazole 40 mg) vs. enteric‐coated (EC)‐omeprazole 40 mg.

Methods

This single‐centre, open‐label, randomised, two‐way crossover study in healthy volunteers compared 7 days of once‐daily dosing with PA32540 with 7 days of once‐daily EC‐ASA 325 mg + EC‐omeprazole 40 mg dosed concomitantly. The primary endpoint was per cent time intragastric pH >4 over 24 h on Day 7. A key secondary endpoint was determination of the pharmacokinetics of omeprazole and salicylic acid.

Results

Twenty‐six subjects (mean age 29 years) were enrolled into the study. On Day 7, mean per cent time intragastric pH >4 was 50.6% for PA32540 and 57.6% for EC‐omeprazole 40 mg (P = 0.004) and geometric least squares mean AUC0–24 for omeprazole was 1446 h*ng/mL for PA32540 and 2558 h*ng/mL for EC‐omeprazole 40 mg. Day 7 median Tmax of omeprazole was 0.5 h for PA32540 and 1.25 h for EC‐omeprazole 40 mg.

Conclusion

Total exposure to omeprazole from PA32540 was 57% of that from EC‐omeprazole for the same dose amount (40 mg), while absolute difference in 24‐h acid control was 7%. Omeprazole exposure and pH control with PA32540 appear similar to EC‐omeprazole 20 mg.
Treatment of Epstein Barr virus‐induced haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis with rituximab‐containing chemo‐immunotherapeutic regimens
Authors: Chellapandian DeepakBabu , Das Rupali , Zelley Kristin , Wiener Susan J. , Zhao Huaqing , Teachey David T. , Nichols Kim E. ,   EBV‐HLH Rituximab Study Group
Published: May 2013

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life threatening complication of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. The anti‐CD20 antibody rituximab depletes B cells, leading to improved outcomes for patients with EBV‐associated B‐lymphoproliferative disorders. To gather data on the use of rituximab in EBV‐HLH, we performed a retrospective investigation involving 42 EBV‐HLH patients who had received treatment with rituximab‐containing regimens. On average, patients received 3 rituximab infusions (range 1–10) at a median dose of 375 mg/m2. In all patients, rituximab was administered with other HLH‐directed medications, including steroids, etoposide and/or ciclosporin. Rituximab‐containing regimens appeared well tolerated and improved clinical status in 43% of patients. Examination of laboratory data obtained prior to and within 2–4 weeks after the first rituximab dose revealed significant reductions in EBV load (median load pre‐rituximab: 114 200 copies/ml, median post‐rituximab: 225 copies/ml, P = 0·0001) and serum ferritin levels (median ferritin pre‐rituximab: 4260 μg/l, median post‐rituximab: 1149 μg/l, P = 0·001). Thus, when combined with conventional HLH‐directed therapies, rituximab improves symptoms, reduces viral load and diminishes inflammation. These data support the incorporation of rituximab into future prospective clinical trials for patients with EBV‐HLH.
Gender responses to psychological distress among Palestinians: Risk and protective factors
Authors: Khamis Vivian
Published: May 2013

This study investigated the extent to which differences in the presence of trauma, political and normative stressors, resources, coping, and hardiness could account for variation in gender responses to psychological distress among Palestinians. Participants were 624 males and females aged 27–56 years. Questionnaires were administered in an interview format with participants at home. Results indicated that female gender has been associated with psychological distress. The females in this study reported feeling distressed by intrafamily strains, whereas males reported feeling distressed by work and family strains as well as losses. Political stressors were more predictive of psychological distress than was the presence of trauma or normative stressors. The sociodemographics had different patterns of relations with psychological distress. Females' education was negatively related to psychological distress, whereas the family income was negatively related to psychological distress in males. No significant differences between males and females were found in their coping responses. However, cognitive and behavioural strategies Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales (F‐COPES) seem to combine and had an impact on psychological distress of females only. Also, family hardiness was evidenced to have an influence on perceived psychological distress in both genders. The clinical and policy implications of these conclusions were discussed.
Elasticity as a biomarker for prostate cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Good Daniel W. , Stewart Grant D. , Hammer Steven , Scanlan Paul , Shu Wenmiao , Phipps Simon , Reuben Robert , McNeill Alan S.
Published: May 2013

To systematically review the range of methods available for assessing elasticity in the prostate and to examine its use as a biomarker for prostate cancer.

A systematic review of the electronic database PubMed was performed up to December 2012.

All relevant studies assessing the use of elasticity as a biomarker for prostate cancer were included except those not studying human prostates or reporting a sensitivity, specificity or quantitative elasticity value.

There has been much interest in the use of elasticity in the detection of prostate cancer and there have been many publications using various methods of detection. The most common method of assessment is an imaging method, called sonoelastography. Further imaging methods include ultrasound (US), three‐dimensional US and magnetic resonance elastography. These methods are reviewed for sensitivity and specificity.

The other method of assessment is the mechanical method. These use quantitative elasticity values to differentiate benign from malignant areas of the prostate. This method of assessment has shown that the elasticity changes for differing Gleason grades and T stages of disease within the prostate. Quantitative elasticity values offer the potential of using ‘threshold’ elasticity values under which the prostate is benign.

Tissue elasticity has great potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for prostate cancer and can be assessed using various methods. Currently transrectal sonoelastography has the most evidence supporting its use in clinical practice.
Genetic variation in MKL2 and decreased downstream PCTAIRE1 expression in extreme, fatal primary human microcephaly
Authors: Ramos E.I. , Bien‐Willner G.A. , Li J. , Hughes A.E.O. , Giacalone J. , Chasnoff S. , Kulkarni S. , Parmacek M. , Cole F.S. , Druley T.E.
Published: May 2013

The genetic mechanisms driving normal brain development remain largely unknown. We performed genomic and immunohistochemical characterization of a novel, fatal human phenotype including extreme microcephaly with cerebral growth arrest at 14–18 weeks gestation in three full sisters born to healthy, non‐consanguineous parents. Analysis of index cases and parents included familial exome sequencing, karyotyping, and genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. From proband, control and unrelated microcephalic fetal cortical tissue, we compared gene expression of RNA and targeted immunohistochemistry. Each daughter was homozygous for a rare, non‐synonymous, deleterious variant in the MKL2 gene and heterozygous for a private 185 kb deletion on the paternal allele, upstream and in cis with his MKL2 variant allele, eliminating 24 CArG transcription factor binding sites and MIR4718. MKL1 was underexpressed in probands. Dysfunction of MKL2 and its transcriptional coactivation partner, serum response factor (SRF), was supported by a decrease in gene and protein expression of PCTAIRE1, a downstream target of MKL2:SRF heterodimer transcriptional activation, previously shown to result in severe microcephaly in murine models. While disruption of the MKL2:SRF axis has been associated with severe microcephaly and disordered brain development in multiple model systems, the role of this transcription factor complex has not been previously demonstrated in human brain development.
Effects of an Invasive Plant on Population Dynamics in Toads
Authors: GREENBERG DANIEL A. , GREEN DAVID M.
Published: May 2013

When populations decline in response to unfavorable environmental change, the dynamics of their population growth shift. In populations that normally exhibit high levels of variation in recruitment and abundance, as do many amphibians, declines may be difficult to identify from natural fluctuations in abundance. However, the onset of declines may be evident from changes in population growth rate in sufficiently long time series of population data. With data from 23 years of study of a population of Fowler's toad (Anaxyrus [ = Bufo] fowleri) at Long Point, Ontario (1989–2011), we sought to identify such a shift in dynamics. We tested for trends in abundance to detect a change point in population dynamics and then tested among competing population models to identify associated intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The most informative models of population growth included terms for toad abundance and the extent of an invasive marsh plant, the common reed (Phragmites australis), throughout the toads’ marshland breeding areas. Our results showed density‐dependent growth in the toad population from 1989 through 2002. After 2002, however, we found progressive population decline in the toads associated with the spread of common reeds and consequent loss of toad breeding habitat. This resulted in reduced recruitment and population growth despite the lack of significant loss of adult habitat. Our results underscore the value of using long‐term time series to identify shifts in population dynamics coincident with the advent of population decline.

Efectos de una Planta Invasora sobre las Dinámica Poblacional de Sapos
Suppressive role of regucalcin in liver cell proliferation: involvement in carcinogenesis
Authors: Yamaguchi M.
Published: May 2013

Regucalcin (RGN/SMP30) was discovered in 1978 and is a unique calcium‐binding protein contains no EF‐hand motif calcium‐binding domain. Its name, regucalcin, was proposed as it suppresses activation of enzymes related to calcium signalling. The regucalcin gene (rgn) is localized on the X chromosome. Regucalcin plays its role of suppressor protein in intracellular signalling pathways, including of protein kinases and protein phosphatase activities, protein synthesis, and DNA and RNA synthesis in liver cells. Overexpression of endogenous regucalcin has a suppressive effect on cell proliferation in modelled rat hepatoma H4‐II‐E cells, which are induced by various signalling stimulations in vitro. This suppressive effect is independent of apoptosis. Endogenous regucalcin plays a suppressive role on overproduction of proliferating cells in regenerating rat liver in vivo. Regucalcin mRNA expression is uniquely down‐regulated in development of carcinogenesis in liver of rats in vivo. Regucalcin mRNA and protein expressions are also depressed in human hepatoma HepG2 cells, MCF‐7 breast cancer cells, and prostate cancer LNCaP cells. Depression of regucalcin expression may be associated with activity progression of carcinogens. Regucalcin may be a key molecule suppressor protein in cell proliferation and carcinogenesis.