bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospital administrative characteristics and volunteer resource management practices
Authors: Intindola Melissa , Rogers Sean , Flinchbaugh Carol , Della Pietra Doug
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the links between various characteristics of hospital administration and the utilization of classes of volunteer resource management (VRM) practices.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses original data collected via surveys of volunteer directors in 122 hospitals in five Northeastern and Southern US states.

Findings

– Structural equation modeling results suggest that number of paid volunteer management staff, scope of responsibility of the primary volunteer administrator, and hospital size are positively associated with increased usage of certain VRM practices.

Research limitations/implications

– First, the authors begin the exploration of VRM antecedents, and encourage others to continue this line of inquiry; and second, the authors assess dimensionality of practices, allowing future researchers to consider whether specific dimensions have a differential impact on key individual and organizational outcomes.

Practical implications

– Based on the findings of a relationship between administrative characteristics and the on-the-ground execution of VRM practice, a baseline audit comparing current practices to those VRM practices presented here might be useful in determining what next steps may be taken to focus investments in VRM that can ultimately drive practice utilization.

Originality/value

– The exploration of the dimensionality of volunteer management adds a novel perspective to both the academic study, and practice, of volunteer management. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical categorization of VRM practices.
Healthcare reform in China: making sense of a policy experiment?
Authors: Millar Ross , Jian Weiyan , Mannion Russell , Miller Robin
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore recent healthcare reform in China. Reflecting on the current literature, the viewpoint argues that greater attention should be paid to healthcare reform in China as a public policy process, particularly one that is built on policy experimentation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The viewpoint argues that while recent efforts to understand the impact of reform have brought significant understanding of key issues and processes, such interest tends to focus on pragmatic concerns rather than pose wider theoretical and methodological questions about the nature and pace of reform.

Findings

– The authors suggest that the lens of public policy is particular relevant and insightful given what has been documented elsewhere regarding China’s unique policy process characterised by “policy experimentation”. The authors discuss how a policy experiment perspective can provide a useful heuristic for understanding healthcare reform in China.

Originality/value

– The viewpoint concludes by outlining possible applications of this approach and looks forward at the emerging research agenda in this area.
A response to Stone and Parker
Authors: Rutherford Brian A.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To respond to the comment by Stone and Parker on my paper “The struggle to fabricate accounting narrative obfuscation: An actor-network-theoretic analysis of a failing project”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper responds to issues highlighted by Stone and Parker.

Findings

This response argues that there is at least one alternative to the augmentation of Flesch: that we bring our skills and experience as accountants directly to bear on narratives, to analyse and report on how accessible and informative they are – and even to what extent they obfuscate – in ways that will, at least according to some definitions, be subjective but perhaps no more subjective than asserting that some simple statistic represents a reliable proxy for a complex notion such as accessibility.

Originality/value

This comment adds to the necessary debate about how we should tackle research on accounting narratives.
The effects of food web structure on ecosystem function exceeds those of precipitation
Authors: Trzcinski M. Kurtis , Srivastava Diane S. , Corbara Bruno , Dézerald Olivier , Leroy Céline , Carrias Jean‐François , Dejean Alain , Céréghino Régis
Published: April 2016

Ecosystems are being stressed by climate change, but few studies have tested food web responses to changes in precipitation patterns and the consequences to ecosystem function. Fewer still have considered whether results from one geographic region can be applied to other regions, given the degree of community change over large biogeographic gradients.

We assembled, in one field site, three types of macroinvertebrate communities within water‐filled bromeliads. Two represented food webs containing both a fast filter feeder–microbial and slow detritivore energy channels found in Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, and one represented the structurally simpler food webs in French Guiana, which only contained the fast filter feeder–microbial channel. We manipulated the amount and distribution of rain entering bromeliads and examined how food web structure mediated ecosystem responses to changes in the quantity and temporal distribution of precipitation.

Food web structure affected the survival of functional groups in general and ecosystem functions such as decomposition and the production of fine particulate organic matter. Ecosystem processes were more affected by decreased precipitation than were the abundance of micro‐organisms and metazoans. In our experiments, the sensitivity of the ecosystem to precipitation change was primarily revealed in the food web dominated by the single filter feeder–microbial channel because other top‐down and bottom‐up processes were weak or absent.

Our results show stronger effects of food web structure than precipitation change per se on the functioning of bromeliad ecosystems. Consequently, we predict that ecosystem function in bromeliads throughout the Americas will be more sensitive to changes in the distribution of species, rather than to the direct effects caused by changes in precipitation.
The effect of enoxaparin on seroma and mesh‐tissue adhesion in a hernia model
Authors: Ozkececi Ziya T , Gonul Yucel , Karavelioglu Afra , Bozkurt Mehmet F , Kacar Emre , Bal Ahmet , Ozsoy Mustafa , Turamanlar Ozan , Celep Bahadir
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate whether enoxaparin (ENX) administration would increase seroma risk and worsen mesh tissue recovery in an experimental rat hernia repair model. Fifty‐six adult male Wistar–Albino rats were included in the study. Rats were equally and randomly separated into seven groups: Group 1, Control, only subcutaneous dissection was performed; group 2, Sham, Hernia defect was primary sutured; Group 3, Prolene mesh; Group 4, Dual mesh; Group 5, ENX + Sham; Group 6, ENX + Prolene mesh; Group 7, ENX + Dual mesh. ENX was subcutaneously injected at a dose of 180 U/kg per day for 7 days. Rats were killed after the amount of subcutaneous seroma was determined by ultrasound on day 7 following the surgical procedure. Mesh‐tissue healing was evaluated using histopathological and immunohistochemical (CD31) staining methods. The mean seroma amount significantly increased in Groups 5–7 compared to Groups 2–4. CD31 immunostaining showed a reduction in neovascularization in Groups 6 and 7, compared to Groups 3 and 4. Neovascularization decreased and hemorrhage, necrosis and oedema findings remarkably increased in Groups 6 and 7, when compared to Groups 3 and 4. Fibroblastic activity and inflammation were more prominent in Groups 3 and 4. It should be kept in mind that ENX interferes with inflammation, which is desired in the early period of healing and leads to an increase in overall seroma amount with anti‐coagulant effects, which in turn may disrupt wound healing and mesh‐tissue adhesions, as was indicated in our study.
Contrast‐marking prosodic emphasis in Williams syndrome: results of detailed phonetic analysis
Authors: Ito Kiwako , Martens Marilee A.
Published: April 2016

Background

Past reports on the speech production of individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) suggest that their prosody is anomalous and may lead to challenges in spoken communication. While existing prosodic assessments confirm that individuals with WS fail to use prosodic emphasis to express contrast, those reports typically lack detailed phonetic analysis of speech data. The present study examines the acoustic properties of speech prosody, aiming for the future development of targeted speech interventions.

Aims

The study examines the three primary acoustic correlates of prosodic emphasis (duration, intensity, F0) and determines whether individuals with WS have difficulty in producing all or a particular set of the three prosodic cues.

Methods & Procedures

Speech produced by 12 individuals with WS and 12 chronological age (CA)‐matched typically developing individuals were recorded. A sequential picture‐naming task elicited production of target phrases in three contexts: (1) no contrast: gorilla with a racket → rabbit with a balloon; (2) contrast on the animal: fox with a balloon → rabbit with a balloon; and (3) contrast on the object: rabbit with a ball → rabbit with a balloon. The three acoustic correlates of prosodic prominence (duration, intensity and F0) were compared across the three referential contexts.

Outcomes & Results

The two groups exhibited striking similarities in their use of word duration and intensity for expressing contrast. Both groups showed the reduction and enhancement of final lengthening, and the enhancement and reduction of intensity difference for the animal contrast and for the object contrast conditions, respectively. The two groups differed in their use of F0: the CA group produced higher F0 for the animal than for the object regardless of the context, and this difference was enhanced when the animal noun was contrastive. In contrast, the WS group produced higher F0 for the object than for the animal when the object was contrastive.

Conclusions & Implications

The present data contradict previous assessment results that report a lack of prosodic skills to mark contrast in individuals with WS. The methodological differences that may account for this variability are discussed. The present data suggest that individuals with WS produce appropriate prosodic cues to express contrast, although their use of pitch may be somewhat atypical. Additional data and future speech comprehension studies will determine whether pitch modulation can be targeted for speech intervention in individuals with WS.
Is fertiliser use inconsistent with expected profit maximization in sub‐Saharan Africa? “Evidence from Nigeria”
Authors: Liverpool‐Tasie Lenis Saweda O.
Published: April 2016

This article revisits a conventional wisdom that inorganic fertiliser use across sub‐Saharan Africa is too low. This expectation that more farmers should be using inorganic fertiliser, and at higher rates, implies it is profitable to use rates higher than observed if farmers are rational expected profit maximisers. We obtain consistent estimates of the effects of applied nitrogen on rice production. We find the yield response to applied nitrogen to be low in the main rice growing farming system. Farmer behaviour is not inconsistent with expected profitability which is limited by a low yield response to applied fertiliser, high transportation costs, and low selling prices for rice in rural areas. In particular, we do not find any farmers for whom applied nitrogen is profitable that are not using fertiliser in the study sample for each of our survey years (2010 and 2012).
Radiofrequency ablation for recurrent versus first‐occurrence hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chong Charing Ching‐Ning , Wong John , Cheung Yue‐Sun , Yu Simon Chun‐Ho , Hui Joyce Wai‐Yi , Lee Paul Sing‐Fun , Ip Philip Sing‐Tak , Lee Kit‐Fai , Lai Paul Bo‐San
Published: April 2016

Aim

Studies comparing the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in terms of overall survival, disease‐free survival and local recurrence in recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are limited. We carried out the present study to compare the survival of recurrent HCC after RFA with that of first‐occurrence HCC.

Patients and Methods

A total of 170 patients with HCC smaller than 5 cm who received RFA in a tertiary academic hospital were recruited. Clinical data were prospectively collected, reviewed and compared between recurrent and first‐occurrence HCC groups. Patients who received RFA for post‐ablation recurrent HCC were excluded.

Results

There was no significant difference in the complication, incomplete ablation, recurrence and survival rates between the recurrent HCC and the first‐occurrence HCC groups. The tumour size in the recurrent HCC group was significantly smaller than that in the first‐occurrence group (1.8 vs 2.5 cm), and the recurrent HCC group had a significantly higher proportion of Child's A cirrhosis.

Conclusions

When detected and treated early, the overall survival of recurrent HCC treated RFA was comparable to that of first‐occurrence HCC. The advantages of RFA, especially when percutaneous route is feasible, over hepatectomy should be extended to recurrent HCC in suitable cases.
Law and Negotiation: A Role for a Transformative Approach?
Authors: Swaine Aisling
Published: April 2016

Feminist critique of negotiations that aim to bring about peaceful political settlements has consistently pointed to the glaring absence of the critical analysis of and response to gender relations as part of both the modus operandi and substantive output of those processes. Just as war is a gendered phenomenon war is a gendered phenomenon (working off gender relations that subordinate women), so too the processes that respond to it and aim to negotiate its end and create an aftermath, are inherently gendered. Where the goal is a peace that works for ‘everyone’, then negotiation needs to respond to structural gendered conditions that limit the potential that negotiation holds for women. The concept of transformation has been espoused by feminists as key to altering the structural inequalities that determine a systemic gendered order that works to de‐privilege women and women's interests. As a concept, ‘transformation’ holds great potential to regenerate processes of negotiation towards promoting women's ability to have agency over their lives. This article begins a consideration of what transformation might mean for the practice of negotiation and how it might be advanced to make negotiations responsive to gender relations so that a peace that serves women as well as men is worked towards.
Late reactions in food‐allergic children and adolescents after double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenges
Authors: Saleh‐Langenberg J. , Flokstra‐de Blok B. M. J. , AlAgla N. , Kollen B. J. , Dubois A. E. J.
Published: April 2016

The time during which children are observed following a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) varies in clinical practice. There are little data on late reactions (LRs) following DBPCFCs. Therefore, we determined the prevalence, severity and clinical characteristics of late reactions in food‐allergic children and adolescents after DBPCFC, and ascertained which factors are associated with, and may predict, LRs. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate which factors were associated with LRs and to develop the association and prediction models. A total of 1142 children underwent DBPCFCs (child–test combinations). Of these 1142 child–test combinations, 400 reported LRs following the DBPCFC. LRs in food‐allergic children after DBPCFC are poorly predictable and are generally not severe. All LRs, including those on the placebo day, are more frequently reported in younger children. Children who do not experience severe immediate reactions may be safely discharged home 2 h after a DBPCFC.
Stealth surgery for congenital muscular torticollis
Authors: Raut Amit , Tatar Deephree
Published: April 2016

Introduction

We report a case of congenital muscular torticollis managed successfully by the endoscopic transaxillary subcutaneous approach without any neck incision.

Materials and Surgical Technique

A 10‐year‐old girl was diagnosed as having right torticollis. After her condition and the necessary procedure were explained to her parents, the patient underwent surgery. The patient was placed in the supine position. A subcutaneous tunnel was made from the anterior axillary fold up to the right sternocleidomastoid muscle. Flow rate and pressure were gradually increased during this process. Then the sternocleidomastoid muscle's sternal and clavicular attachments were dissected and divided.

Discussion

Scarless surgery is in great demand today. Stealth surgery refers to endoscopic subcutaneous procedures performed without leaving any obvious evidence that an operation has occurred. It involves the excision of benign subcutaneous lesions of the head and neck in children through an incision in the axilla or a hidden incision in the scalp.
Combined inhibition of EZH2 and histone deacetylases as a potential epigenetic therapy for non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Takashina Taichi , Kinoshita Ichiro , Kikuchi Junko , Shimizu Yasushi , Sakakibara‐Konishi Jun , Oizumi Satoshi , Nishimura Masaharu , Dosaka‐Akita Hirotoshi
Published: April 2016

Recent discoveries have revealed that human cancer involves aberrant epigenetic alterations. We and others have previously shown that the histone methyltransferase EZH2, the catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), is frequently overexpressed in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and that an EZH2 inhibitor, 3‐deazaneplanocin A, inhibits the proliferation of NSCLC cells. Transcriptional silencing by EZH2 was recently shown to be required for the activity of histone deacetylases (HDACs) that interact with another PRC2 protein, EED. To develop a more effective epigenetic therapy for NSCLC, we determined the effects of co‐treatment with 3‐deazaneplanocin A and the HDAC inhibitor vorinostat (SAHA) in NSCLC cells. The co‐treatment synergistically suppressed the proliferation of all tested NSCLC cell lines, regardless of their epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status. The synergistic effect was associated with slightly decreased histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation, modestly increased histone acetylation, and the depletion of EZH2 and other PRC2 proteins. The co‐treatment resulted in an accumulation of p27Kip1, decrease in cyclin A, and increased apoptotic fraction in an additive/synergistic manner. Interestingly, the co‐treatment strongly suppressed EGFR signaling, not only in EGFR‐wild‐type NSCLC cells, but also in EGFR‐mutant cells, mainly through dephosphorylation of EGFR. Furthermore, the co‐treatment suppressed the in vivo tumor growth of EGFR‐mutant, EGFR–tyrosine kinase‐resistant H1975 cells more effectively than did each agent alone, without visible toxicity. These results suggest that the combined pharmacological targeting of EZH2 and HDACs may provide more effective epigenetic therapeutics for NSCLC.
Limitations of outsourcing on‐the‐ground biodiversity conservation
Authors: Iacona Gwenllian D. , Bode Michael , Armsworth Paul R.
Published: April 2016

To counteract global species decline, modern biodiversity conservation engages in large projects, spends billions of dollars, and includes many organizations working simultaneously within regions. To add to this complexity, the conservation sector has hierarchical structure, where conservation actions are often outsourced by funders (foundations, government, etc.) to local organizations that work on‐the‐ground. In contrast, conservation science usually assumes that a single organization makes resource allocation decisions. This discrepancy calls for theory to understand how the expected biodiversity outcomes change when interactions between organizations are accounted for. Here, we used a game theoretic model to explore how biodiversity outcomes are affected by vertical and horizontal interactions between 3 conservation organizations: a funder that outsourced its actions and 2 local conservation organizations that work on‐the‐ground. Interactions between the organizations changed the spending decisions made by individual organizations, and thereby the magnitude and direction of the conservation benefits. We showed that funders would struggle to incentivize recipient organizations with set priorities to perform desired actions, even when they control substantial amounts of the funding and employ common contracting approaches to enhance outcomes. Instead, biodiversity outcomes depended on priority alignment across the organizations. Conservation outcomes for the funder were improved by strategic interactions when organizational priorities were well aligned, but decreased when priorities were misaligned. Meanwhile, local organizations had improved outcomes regardless of alignment due to additional funding in the system. Given that conservation often involves the aggregate actions of multiple organizations with different objectives, strategic interactions between organizations need to be considered if we are to predict possible outcomes of conservation programs or costs of achieving conservation targets.
Das Druckprofil von Sportkompressionsstrümpfen
Authors: Reich‐Schupke Stefanie , Surhoff Stefan , Stücker Markus
Published: April 2016

Hintergrund

Zunehmend werden Sportkompressionsstrümpfe (SKS) eingesetzt, doch fehlt eine Norm in Analogie zu medizinischen Kompressionsstrümpfen (MKS). Ziel dieser Pilotstudie war der Vergleich der Druckprofile von fünf SKS ex vivo und in vivo miteinander sowie mit MKS‐Normen.

Patienten und Methodik

CEP Running‐Progressive‐Socks, Falke Running‐­Energizing, Sigvaris Performance, X‐Socks Speed‐Metal‐Energizer und 2XU Compression‐­Race‐Socks wurden an zehn Leistungssportlern (standardisiert in vivo, Kikuhime‐­Sensor) sowie im Hohenstein Institut (ex vivo) hinsichtlich ihres Druckprofils getestet.

Ergebnisse

Die Ex‐vivo‐Messungen im Fesselbereich von CEP (25,6 mmHg) und 2XU (23,2 mmHg) entsprachen der deutschen MKS‐Klasse 2, von Sigvaris‐SKS (20,8 mmHg) der deutschen MKS‐Klasse 1. Die übrigen SKS lagen darunter. Die ermittelten Druckprofile differierten stark und entsprachen nicht der MKS‐Norm. Die In‐vivo‐Messungen zeigten für drei SKS (2XU, CEP, Sigvaris) durchschnittlich einen höheren Anpressdruck als die SKS von Falke und X‐Socks. Alle SKS lagen in vivo jedoch unter der deutschen MKS‐Klasse 1. Kein SKS bot den für MKS geforderten Druckabfall vom Messpunkt B nach D.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die in vivo und ex vivo ermittelten SKS‐Druckprofile zeigten heterogene Ergebnisse und folgten kaum den MKS‐Anforderungen. Entsprechend sind auch die klinisch‐praktischen Effekte von SKS nicht vergleichbar. Wünschenswert wäre eine SKS‐Klassifikation, die erlaubt, Produkte einzuordnen, zu vergleichen und nach konkreten Vorlieben und Bedürfnissen (hoher vs. geringer Druck, progressiver vs. degressiver Gradient) auszuwählen.
Report on immediate irradiation of a rapidly growing sarcoma of the scalp prior to wound closure
Authors: Müller Cornelia Sigrid Lissi , Jungmann Janina , Pföhler Claudia , Mohammad Farid , Rübe Christian , Vogt Thomas
Published: April 2016

Cutaneous sarcomas are primarily treated with extensive surgery, and occasionally require adjuvant radiation therapy following complete wound healing. Thus, sarcoma surgery leads to large and deep wounds, and the initiation of adjuvant radiation therapy depends on the time required for defect closure. We present the case of a male patient with pleomorphic sarcoma of the temporal skin, which was treated with multiple wide and deep excisions, instant application of an Integra® bilayer, and immediate radiation therapy prior to wound closure. The objective was to investigate the usefulness of a dermal substitute (Integra®) in accelerating the effect of adjuvant radiation therapy on scalp defects after tumor surgery. A ring‐shaped skin area – at risk for recurrence – around the Integra® bilayer was irradiated with a total of 59.4 Gy. No necrosis, infection, or major radiotoxicity was observed, and a subsequent split skin graft following radiation therapy remained fully vital until complete healing. In conclusion, a combined procedure consisting of sequential tumor surgery and subsequent application of a dermal substitute in conjunction with immediate initiation of adjuvant radiation therapy is, in principle, possible, and may permit innovative therapeutic options in dermatooncology and dermatosurgery.
Laser‐assisted drug delivery: mode of action and use in daily clinical practice
Authors: Braun Stephan Alexander , Schrumpf Holger , Buhren Bettina Alexandra , Homey Bernhard , Gerber Peter Arne
Published: April 2016

Topical application of pharmaceutical agents is a basic principle of dermatological therapy. However, the effective barrier function of the skin significantly impairs the bioavailability of most topical drugs. Fractional ablative lasers represent an innovative strategy to overcome the epidermal barrier in a standardized, contact‐free manner. The bioavailability of topical agents can be significantly enhanced using laser‐assisted drug delivery (LADD). In recent years, the principle of LADD has become well established for various dermatological indications. Herein, we review the current literature on LADD and present potential future applications.
The effect of muscle endurance and fatigue on participation in adolescents with cerebral palsy
Authors: Kumar Ratna , Smith Martin
Published: April 2016

This commentary is on the original article by Eken et al. on pages 814–821 of this issue.
The differentiation of amniotic fluid stem cells into sweat glandlike cells is enhanced by the presence of Sonic hedgehog in the conditioned medium
Authors: Liang Hansi , Sun Qing , Zhen Yunfang , Li Fang , Xu YunYun , Liu Yao , Zhang Xueguang , Qin Mingde
Published: April 2016

After patients suffer severe full‐thickness burn injuries, the current treatments cannot lead to the complete self‐regeneration of the sweat gland structure and function. Therefore, it is important to identify new methods for acquiring sufficient functional sweat gland cells to restore skin function. In this study, we inducedCD117+ human amniotic fluid stem (hAFS) cells to differentiate into sweat glandlike (hAFS‐SG) cells based on the use of conditioned medium (CM) from the human sweat gland (hSG) cells. Real‐timePCRand immunofluorescent staining were used to confirm the expression of the sweat gland‐related genes Ectodysplasin‐A (EDA), Ectodysplasin‐A receptor (EDAR), keratin 8 (K8) and carcino‐embryonic antigen (CEA). Transmission electron microscopy analysis shows that microvilli, the cellular structures that are typical for hSGcells, can also be observed on the membrane of the hAFS‐SGcells. Our test for the calcium response to acetylcholine (Ach) proved that hAFS‐SGcells have the potential to respond to Ach in a manner similar to normal sweat glands. A three‐dimensional culture is an effective approach that stimulates the hAFS‐SGcells to form tubular structures and drives hAFS‐SGcells to mature into higher stage. We also found that epidermal growth factor enhances the efficiency of differentiation and that Sonic hedgehog is an important factor of theCMthat influences sweat gland differentiation. Our study provides the basis for further investigations into novel methods of inducing stem cells to differentiate into sweat glandlike cells.
The decision to moonlight: does second job holding by the self‐employed and employed differ?
Authors: Atherton Andrew , Faria João R. , Wheatley Daniel , Wu Dongxu , Wu Zhongmin
Published: April 2016

This article considers drivers of second job holding among the self‐employed in comparison with the employed. Econometric analysis of panel data explores whether the self‐employed are more or less likely to take on a second job when already running their own business than their employed counterparts. The findings contribute to the literature through identification of a need‐based variable—difficulty in meeting housing costs—as a key driver of movements from self‐employment to hybrid entrepreneurship. Findings, further, identify different patterns of second job holding by gender, particularly among self‐employed individuals.
Blacklisting and its legacy in the UK construction industry: employment relations in the aftermath of exposure of the Consulting Association
Authors: Druker Janet
Published: April 2016

This paper explores responses to the exposure of blacklisting in the UK construction industry in the period following the closure of the Consulting Association (CA) in 2009. It asks whether employer collusion to blacklist in this way has been terminated and concludes that it is now largely of historical interest although other forms of anti‐union activity continue. It highlights particularly the historic and continuing importance of ‘double breasting’ and reports on divergent employer paths in the aftermath of the exposure and subsequent closure of the activities of the CA.
Tetrahymena australis (Protozoa, Ciliophora): A Well‐Known But “Non‐Existing” Taxon – Consideration of Its Identification, Definition and Systematic Position
Authors: Liu Mingjian , Fan Xinpeng , Gao Feng , Gao Shan , Yu Yuhe , Warren Alan , Huang Jie
Published: April 2016

A cryptic species of the Tetrahymena pyriformis complex, Tetrahymena australis, has been known for a long time but never properly diagnosed based on taxonomic methods. The species name is thus invalid according to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Recently, a population isolated from a freshwater lake in Wuhan, China was investigated using live observations, silver staining methods and gene sequence data. This organism can be separated from other described species of the T. pyriformis complex by its relatively small body size, the number of somatic kineties and differences in sequences of two genes, namely the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1). We compared the SSU rRNA gene sequences of all available Tetrahymena species to reveal the nucleotide differences within this genus. The sequence of the Wuhan population is identical to two sequences of a previously isolated strain of T. australis (ATCC #30831). Phylogenetic analyses indicate that these three sequences (X56167, M98015, KT334373) cluster with Tetrahymena shanghaiensis (EF070256) in a polytomy. However, sequence divergence of the cox1 gene between the Wuhan population and another strain of T. australis (ATCC #30271) is 1.4%, suggesting that these may represent different subspecies.
Effects of Temperature on Thermo‐Physical Properties of Roasted Peanut Paste (Arachis Hypogaea L.) Blended with Soybean Oil
Authors: Raigar Rakesh Kumar , Mishra Hari Niwas
Published: April 2016

The thermo‐physical properties of peanut paste (PP) blended with varying amount of soybean oil (SO) (0–25%, w/w) were studied as functions of temperature (30–70C). Thermal conductivity (k), thermal diffusivity (α) and specific heat (Cp) were determined using the thermal pro analyzer (line heat source methods) while the density (ρ) was determined by the pycnometer. The k and α were in the range of 0.079–0.214W/m/Kand 0.067–0.164 m2/s that decreased with increase in temperature and the proportion of SO. The density (929–1047 kg/m3) decreased with increasing temperature and SO content. The Cp was found to range between (1.10–2.64) × 10−3 kJ/kg/C, which also increased with increases in temperature and SO proportion in the blend. The calculated activation energy was higher for pure PP. A multiple regression polynomial equations were developed of k, α, Cp and ρ, as a function of SO supplementation and temperature.

Practical Applications

Peanut paste, butter and peanut‐based ready‐to‐eat therapeutic food (RTE‐TF) have been considered as an important protein and energy rich food in addition with macro and micro nutrients. These peanut‐based products are mostly used for breakfast and for fighting with malnutrition. Peanut paste is a high viscous product retaining the strong aroma and flavor of the raw materials. The blending amount of soybean oil and varying temperature influences the physical, heat transfer characteristics, flow behavior and oil deterioration quality of the product while processing. This highly unique and conceptual findings on the thermo‐physical changes of peanut paste as a function of temperature and amount of soybean oil blending is boon for industry involved in the food and equipment manufactures.
Is LabTutor a helpful component of the blended learning approach to biosciences?
Authors: Swift Amelia , Efstathiou Nikolaos , Lameu Paula
Published: April 2016

Aims and Objectives

To evaluate the use of LabTutor (a physiological data capture and e‐learning package) in bioscience education for student nurses.

Background

Knowledge of biosciences is important for nurses the world over, who have to monitor and assess their patient's clinical condition, and interpret that information to determine the most appropriate course of action. Nursing students have long been known to find acquiring useable bioscience knowledge challenging. Blended learning strategies are common in bioscience teaching to address the difficulties students have. Student nurses have a preference for hands‐on learning, small group sessions and are helped by close juxtaposition of theory and practice.

Design

An evaluation of a new teaching method using in‐classroom voluntary questionnaire.

Methods

A structured survey instrument including statements and visual analogue response format and open questions was given to students who participated in Labtutor sessions. The students provided feedback in about the equipment, the learning and the session itself.

Results

First year (n = 93) and third year (n = 36) students completed the evaluation forms. The majority of students were confident about the equipment and using it to learn although a few felt anxious about computer‐based learning. They all found the equipment helpful as part of their bioscience education and they all enjoyed the sessions.

Conclusion

This equipment provides a helpful way to encourage guided independent learning through practice and discovery and because each session is case study based and the relationship of the data to the patient is made clear. Our students helped to evaluate our initial use of LabTutor and found the sessions enjoyable and helpful. LabTutor provides an effective learning tool as part of a blended learning strategy for biosciences teaching.

Relevance to clinical practice

Improving bioscience knowledge will lead to a greater understanding of pathophysiology, treatments and interventions and monitoring.
Performance of manual hyperinflation: consistency and modification of the technique by intensive care unit nurses during physiotherapy
Authors: Dennis Diane M , Duncan Christine N , Pinder Mary , Budgeon Charley A , Jacob Wendy J
Published: April 2016

Aims and objectives

To assess the consistency and safety of manual hyperinflation delivery by nurses of variable clinical experience using a resuscitator bag during physiotherapy treatment.

Background

Manual hyperinflation involves the delivery of larger than normal gas volumes to intubated patients and is routinely used by nurses in collaboration with physiotherapists for the management of retained sputum. The aim is to deliver slow deep breaths with an inspiratory hold without unsafe airway pressures, lung volumes or haemodynamic changes. In addition, nursing staff should be able to ‘feel' differences in resistance and adjust their technique accordingly.

Design

Prospective observational study utilising the simulation of a mechanically ventilated patient.

Methods

Thirty‐three nurses delivered manual hyperinflation to a SimMan3G mannequin who had three distinct lung scenarios applied (normal; asthma; Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) in randomised order during simulated physiotherapy treatment. Respiratory rate, tidal volume (Vt), mean inspiratory flow rate (Vt/Ti), and peak airway pressure data were generated.

Results

Over all scenarios, mean respiratory rate = 12·3 breaths/minute, mean Vt = 638·6 mls, mean inflation time = 1·3 seconds and peak airway pressure exceeded 40 cm H2O in 41% of breaths, although only in 10% of breaths during the ‘normal' lung scenario.

Conclusions

Experienced nurses were able to manually hyperinflate ‘normal' patients in a simulated setting safely. Despite their knowledge of barotrauma, unsafe airway pressures were delivered in some scenarios.

Relevance to clinical practice

Training with regard to safe airway pressures, breath hold and adequate volumes is recommended for all nurses undertaking the procedure. Nurses and physiotherapists must closely monitor the patient's condition during manual hyperinflation thereby recognising changes with regard to lung compliance and airway resistance, with nurses responding by altering their technique. The addition of a pressure manometer in the circuit may improve patient safety when performing manual hyperinflation.
Diode laser ablation of a tracheal osteochondroma in a dog
Authors: Bottero E. , Cagnasso A. , Gianella P.
Published: April 2016

A mass almost completely obstructing the tracheal lumen was detected during endoscopic investigation of dyspnoea in a four‐month‐old golden retriever. Histopathology was consistent with osteochondroma. The lesion was ablated using endoscopic diode laser ablation.
Characterization of Functional furVs as a Biomarker for Detection of Aquatic Pathogen Vibrio splendidus
Authors: Weikang Liang , Shanshan Zhang , Weiwei Zhang , Chenghua Li , Qingxi Han
Published: April 2016

Vibrio splendidus is an important opportunistic pathogen that can infect a broad range of aquatic animals including Apostichopus japonicus, leading to skin ulceration syndrome. In this study, fur gene of V. splendidus (furVs), the gene encoding ferric uptake regulator (Fur) of V. splendidus, was cloned and characterized. furVs possessed the signature ammonia acids of Vibrio sp., and its mRNA level was regulated by iron and coelomic fluid of A. japonicus. While the amino acid sequence of the furVs showed high homology with the compared Fur proteins of other Vibrio sp., the nucleotide sequence of furVs differed greatly from that of the other fur genes from Vibrio sp., based on which a pair of specific primers VSFurRTF3 and VSFurRTR3, was designed. A distinct DNA band with a length of 223 bp can be amplified from V. splendidus with great specificity. The detection limits for V. splendidus in seawater, homogenized tissues of epidermis, muscles, and coelomic fluid from A. japonicus, was 1 × 102, 1 × 105, 1 × 103, and 1 × 102 CFU/mL, respectively. Moreover, the detection limit was as low as 8 × 10−3 pg/μL when using DNA of V. splendidus as a template. Our results provide a simple and rapid polymerase chain reaction method for the sensitive and specific detection of V. splendidus.
Effects of Culture Area, Stocking Density, and Shrimp and Fish Polyculture on the Cost Efficiency of Hard Clam, Meretrix meretrix, Culture: A Case Study of Hard Clam Farms in Yunlin, Taiwan
Authors: Huang Jung‐Fu , Chou Ming‐Tao , Lee Jie‐Min , Cheng Yung‐Hsin
Published: April 2016

Using the hard clam farms in Yunlin, Taiwan as examples, this study analyzes the effects of culture area, stocking density, and shrimp and fish polyculture on the cost efficiency (CE) of hard clam farming. A data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to estimate the farms' technical efficiency (TE), allocative efficiency (AE), and CE values. The findings show that the mean TE, AE, and CE values of hard clam farms are 0.74, 0.57, and 0.43, respectively. The TE value is higher than the AE value, which indicates that cost inefficiency is mainly attributable to poor AE. Tobit regression results suggest that there are positive relationships between CE and both culture area and operator experience. Hard clam stocking density and age of the operators have negative effects on CE. Hard clam culture areas larger than 2 ha and a stocking density of 1.1–1.2 million hard clams per hectare have higher CEs than smaller culture areas and smaller or larger stocking densities. The use of sand shrimp, white shrimp, kuruma shrimp, and grass shrimp for polyculture and the use of milkfish and silver sea bream for polyculture are both associated with high CEs.
The effect of close approaches for tagging activities by small research vessels on the behavior of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Authors: Williamson Michael J. , Kavanagh Ailbhe S. , Noad Michael J. , Kniest Eric , Dunlop Rebecca A.
Published: April 2016

Small research vessels are often used as platforms for tagging activities to collect behavioral data on cetaceans and they have the potential to disturb that group or individual. If this disturbance is ignored, results and conclusions produced by that study could be inaccurate. Here land‐based behavioral data of migrating humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) (n= 29) were used to determine the effect of close approaches for tagging by research vessels on their diving, movement and surface behaviors. Groups of whales were tagged, using digital recording tags, by small research vessels, as part of a behavioral response study. In groups that were approached for tagging, temporary changes in movement behaviors during close approaches were found, with subsequent recovery to “pre‐approach” levels. In female‐calf groups more long‐term changes in travel speed were found. Results suggest that, although close approaches for tagging by small vessels may cause behavioral changes in humpback whales, this change may be small and temporary. However, in female‐calf groups, the behavioral change may be greater and longer lasting. This study shows that when using small vessels for behavioral research, disturbance, and recovery should be measured to ensure integrity of data used for other analyses.
Analysis of Amblyomma sculptum haplotypes in an area endemic for Brazilian spotted fever
Authors: BITENCOURTH K. , VOLOCH C. M. , SERRA‐FREIRE N. M. , MACHADO‐FERREIRA E. , AMORIM M. , GAZÊTA G. S.
Published: April 2016

Amblyomma sculptum (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Berlese, 1888, a member of the Amblyomma cajennense complex, is the major vector of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) in southeastern Brazil. In this study, the genetic diversity of A. sculptum populations in the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil, was investigated because genetic variability in tick populations may be related to vector competence. Samples of A. sculptum from 19 municipalities in 7 regions of RJ were subjected to DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing of D‐loop, cytochrome oxidase II and 12S rDNA mitochondrial genes. These sequences were used to map the genetic diversity of this tick. Amblyomma sculptum populations are genetically diverse in RJ, especially in the South Centre and Highland regions. Few unique haplotypes were observed in all populations, and the majority of genetic variation found was among ticks within each population. Phylogenetic reconstruction reinforced the assumption that all the haplotypes identified in RJ belong to A. sculptum. However, some RJ haplotypes are closer to A. sculptum from Argentina than to A. sculptum from elsewhere in Brazil. In RJ, A. sculptum has high genetic diversity, although little genetic differentiation. Observations also indicated a high level of gene flow among the studied populations and no evidence of population structure according to region in RJ.
Coevolutionary elaboration of pollination‐related traits in an alpine ginger (Roscoea purpurea) and a tabanid fly in the Nepalese Himalayas
Authors: Paudel Babu Ram , Shrestha Mani , Burd Martin , Adhikari Subodh , Sun Yong‐Shuai , Li Qing‐Jun
Published: April 2016

Geographical variation in the interacting traits of plant–pollinator mutualism can lead to local adaptive differentiation. We tested Darwin's hypothesis of reciprocal selection as a key driving force for the evolution of floral traits of an alpine ginger (Roscoea purpurea) and proboscis length of a tabanid fly (Philoliche longirostris).

We documented the pattern of trait variation in R. purpurea and P. longirostris across five populations. At each site, we quantified pollinator‐mediated selection on floral display area, inflorescence height and corolla length of R. purpurea by comparing selection gradients for flowers exposed to natural pollination and to supplemental hand pollination. Reciprocal selection between plant and fly was examined at two sites via the relationship between proboscis length and nectar consumption (fly benefit) and corolla length and pollen deposition (plant benefit).

Local corolla tube length was correlated with local fly proboscis length among the five sites. We found strong linear selection imposed by pollinators on corolla tube length at all sites, but there was no consistent relationship of fitness to inflorescence height or floral display area. Selection between corolla length and proboscis length was reciprocal at the two experimental sites examined.

The geographical pattern of trait variation and the evidence of selection is consistent with a mosaic of local, species‐specific reciprocal selection acting as the major driving force for the evolution of corolla length of R. purpurea and proboscis length of P. longirostris.
Left Axillary Implantation of Loop Recorder versus the Traditional Left Chest Area: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: MIRACAPILLO GENNARO , ADDONISIO LUIGI , BRESCHI MARCO , DE SENSI FRANCESCO , MANFREDINI ENRICO , CORBUCCI GIORGIO , SEVERI SILVA , BAROLD S. SERGE
Published: April 2016

Background

Based upon the results of a previous small pilot study, we present the results of a prospective single‐center randomized study comparing the performance of the implantable loop recorder (ILR) at two implanting sites.

Methods

A group of patients whose ILRs were implanted via a left axillary approach were compared with a group who received an ILR in the traditional left site of the chest. Follow‐up (FU) was scheduled every 6 months or when symptoms occurred. All patients enrolled in the study had a complete FU from implantation to explantation. R‐ and P‐wave amplitudes were measured at implantation and during FU. Explantation of the device was programmed at the end of service life or when ILR analysis resulted in a complete and exhaustive diagnosis.

Results

Sixty‐three patients were enrolled (70 ± 12 years, range: 21–92, 59% male): 31 standard and 32 with axillary access. The R‐wave amplitude obtained with the new technique was comparable with that obtained with the standard procedure. The diagnostic accuracy of the ILR was comparable in the two groups. The axillary implantation procedure was slightly longer but no complications were observed.

Conclusion

This long‐term randomized study confirmed that axillary access for ILR implantation is feasible, safe, well tolerated, and reliable in terms of device performance. Moreover, it is aesthetically superior to the standard approach and carries the potential of minimizing permanent scarring after ILR extraction.