bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of primary transoral laser microsurgery in laryngeal cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: To K. , Qureishi A. , Mortimore S. , De M.
Published: February 2015

Objective

To investigate the oncologic and survival outcomes of primary transoral laser microsurgery in laryngeal cancer.

Design

Retrospective analysis of a database of all patients undergoing primary transoral laser microsurgery with or without adjunctive therapy from June 2000 to October 2013. The median follow‐up time was 33 months.

Setting

A teaching hospital.

Participants

Two hundred and three patients underwent primary transoral laser microsurgery. Of these, 166 had glottic and 37 had supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma.

Main outcome measures

Overall survival, disease‐specific survival, local control and rate of salvage laryngectomy.

Results

Primary transoral laser microsurgery was performed exclusively in 149 (73%) patients, 16 (8%) had transoral laser microsurgery followed by postoperative (chemo)radiotherapy, 6 (3%) had transoral laser microsurgery with neck dissection, and 32 (16%) had transoral laser microsurgery in combination with neck dissection and postoperative (chemo)radiotherapy. In glottic cancer, the 5‐year local control was 86%, 86% and 76% in carcinoma in situ (Tis), early‐stage (T1, T2) and late‐stage (T3, T4) disease, respectively. The 5‐year disease‐specific survival was 93% in Tis, 96% in early‐stage and 65% at late‐stage disease. In supraglottic cancer, the 5‐year local control was 66% in early‐stage and 88% in late‐stage disease. The 5‐year disease‐specific survival was 80% and 75%, respectively. The rate of salvage laryngectomy was 9.9%.

Conclusion

In carefully selected patients with laryngeal cancer, primary transoral laser microsurgery with or without adjunctive therapy can be organ preserving. It can provide a valid treatment option for patients.
Quality of life, anxiety, depression and obsessive‐compulsive tendencies in patients with chronic hand eczema
Authors: Kouris Anargyros , Armyra Kalliopi , Christodoulou Christos , Katoulis Alexandros , Potouridou Irene , Tsatovidou Revekka , Rigopoulos Dimitrios , Kontochristopoulos Georgios
Published: February 2015

Background

Chronic hand eczema is a common dermatological disorder of multifactorial aetiology. It affects physical, material, social and psychological aspects of life, thereby impairing health‐related quality of life.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to assess quality of life, anxiety, depression and obsessive‐compulsive tendencies in patients with chronic hand eczema.

Materials and methods

Seventy‐one patients with chronic hand eczema were included in the study. Quality of life was evaluated according to the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Patients were also assessed for anxiety and depression with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and for compulsive behaviour with the Leyton Trait Scale.

Results

The DLQI score was 11.11 ± 1.81 in patients with chronic hand eczema. Scores on the Leyton Trait Scale were significantly higher than those of healthy controls (p < 0.027). As concerns the HADS‐Anxiety subscale, patients with hand dermatitis had statistically significantly higher scores than those of volunteers (p = 0.002). In contrast, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups with regard to the HADS‐Depression subscale score and total HADS score.

Conclusion

Hand eczema treatment should address the severity of skin lesions as well as the psychological impact of hand eczema.
Prevalence and patterns of alcohol use in pregnancy in remote Western Australian communities: The LililwanProject
Authors: Fitzpatrick James P. , Latimer Jane , Ferreira Manuela L. , Carter Maureen , Oscar June , Martiniuk Alexandra L. C. , Watkins Rochelle E. , Elliott Elizabeth J.
Published: February 2015

Introduction and Aims

Alcohol use in pregnancy is thought to be common in remote Australian communities, but no population‐based data are available. Aboriginal leaders in remote Western Australia invited researchers to determine the prevalence and patterns of alcohol use in pregnancy within their communities.

Design and Methods

A population‐based survey of caregivers of all children born in 2002/2003 and living in the Fitzroy Valley in 2010/2011 (n = 134). Alcohol use risk was categorised using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test consumption subset (AUDIT‐C) tool. Birth and child outcomes were determined by interview, medical record review and physical examination.

Results

127/134 (95%) eligible caregivers participated: 78% were birth mothers, 95% were Aboriginal and 55% reported alcohol use in index pregnancies; 88% reported first trimester drinking and 53% drinking in all trimesters. AUDIT‐C scores were calculated for 115/127 women, of whom 60 (52%) reported alcohol use in pregnancy. Of the 60 women who drank (AUDIT‐C score ≥ 1), 12% drank daily/almost daily, 33% drank 2–3 times per week; 71% drank ≥ 10 standard drinks on a typical occasion; 95% drank at risky or high‐risk levels (AUDIT‐C score ≥ 4). Mean AUDIT‐C score was 8.5 ± 2.3 (range 2–12). The most common drinking pattern was consumption of ≥10 standard drinks either 2–4 times per month (27%) or 2–3 times per week (27%).

Discussion and Conclusions

High‐risk alcohol use in pregnancy is common in remote, predominantly Aboriginal communities in north western Australia. Prevention strategies to reduce prenatal alcohol use are urgently needed. [Fitzpatrick JP, Latimer J, Ferreira ML, Carter M, Oscar J, Martiniuk ALC, Watkins RE, Elliott EJ. Prevalence and patterns of alcohol use in pregnancy in remote Western Australian communities: The Lililwan Project. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015]
Health‐care professionals’ attitudes across different hospital departments regarding alcohol‐related presentations
Authors: Iqbal Nauman , McCambridge Orlagh , Edgar Lauren , Young Ciara , Shorter Gillian W.
Published: February 2015

Introduction and Aims

Attitudes to individuals presenting with alcohol‐related issues are important in developing therapeutic relationships and applying alcohol‐related interventions. This study explores staff attitudes to these individuals across a range of roles and departments.

Design and Methods

Data were gathered from 204 staff in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland. Regression models were used to predict attitudes as measured by the Short Alcohol and Alcohol Problems Perception Questionnaire (SAAPPQ).

Results

Two hundred and four people participated in the study. The sample comprised doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and other staff who had face‐to‐face contact with patients. Staff worked in accident and emergency (A&E), medical, surgical, addiction or psychiatry departments. Staff working in addiction and psychiatry departments had significantly higher levels of role adequacy compared with those in A&E. Staff in addictions also demonstrated higher levels of role legitimacy, motivation and role satisfaction than those in A&E. Doctors had higher role adequacy and role legitimacy than nursing staff.

Discussion and Conclusions

There are critical differences in staff attitudes to patients presenting with alcohol‐related issues in a range of hospital settings; training and working in a specialist setting have a significant positive influence on staff attitudes. This suggests that further training and support would positively enhance the attitudes of staff in a variety of professional roles and across a range of hospital settings in the management of patients presenting with alcohol‐related difficulties. [Iqbal N, McCambridge O, Edgar L, Young C, Shorter GW. Health‐care professionals’ attitudes across different hospital departments regarding alcohol‐related presentations. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:487–94]
Do women grow out of risky drinking? A prospective study of three cohorts of Australian women
Authors: Powers Jennifer R. , Anderson Amy E. , Byles Julie E. , Mishra Gita , Loxton Deborah J.
Published: February 2015

Introduction and Aims

To examine women's drinking behaviour relative to Australian guidelines and identify associated factors over the lifespan.

Design and Methods

Data came from three prospective cohorts of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health aged 18–23 (n = 14 247), 45–50 (n = 13 715) and 70–75 years (n = 12 432) when first surveyed in 1996. The same women were re‐surveyed at roughly 3‐year intervals until 2012. At each survey, four drinking behaviours were based on two guidelines: long‐term drinking (no more than two standard drinks per day) and episodic drinking (no more than four standard drinks on an occasion): (i) no risk (within both guidelines); (ii) low episodic risk (less than once a month); high episodic risk (at least once a month); long‐term risk (more than two drinks per day regardless of episodic drinking).

Results

No risk drinking increased with age, low episodic risk drinking remained almost constant between ages 18 and 39, and high episodic risk drinking declined rapidly. Few women drank at long‐term risk. Factors associated with risky drinking varied with age; however, being a past or current smoker consistently increased the risk, and risks for smokers increased with age. Risky drinking was less likely to be practised by women providing care and needing help with daily tasks, or by pregnant women and those living with children.

Discussion and Conclusions

Risky drinking behaviour should be addressed in younger women and in those who smoke. Interventions to reduce risky drinking, possibly in combination with reducing smoking, could be offered through general practice centres. [Powers JR, Anderson AE, Byles JE, Mishra G, Loxton DJ. Do women grow out of risky drinking? A prospective study of three cohorts of Australian women. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015]
Thermal behaviour and the prospect spread of an invasive benthic top predator onto the Euro‐Arctic shelves
Authors: Christiansen Jørgen S. , Sparboe Maria , Sæther Bjørn‐S. , Siikavuopio Sten I.
Published: February 2015

Aim

A focal task for invasion biology is to identify the environmental variables and biological traits that set and underpin realised and potential habitats of invasive species. Ecophysiology provides powerful empirical knowledge that connects theory with natural phenomena and may improve the accuracy of species distribution modelling. We used the introduced Kamchatka red king crab Paralithodes camtschaticus of the Barents Sea as a prime case to show how thermal behaviour may drive the spreading of a marine invader in context of ocean warming. Finally, we discuss the conceivable consequences for a poleward spread of invasive top predators on native marine biota, conservation and management policies.

Location

Barents Sea, Euro‐Arctic shelves, Northeast Atlantic.

Methods

We used novel and non‐manipulative tests which allowed adult red king crab to freely select and monitor ambient temperature in situ across a < 1–14 °C gradient by means of a temperature data storage tag attached to the carapace.

Results

Adult red king crab, irrespective of body size, maturation stage and nutritional state, (1) displays clear behavioural thermoregulation in a hetero‐thermal environment and, (2) conclusively selects temperatures in the coldest end of a gradient and avoids temperatures > 4 °C. The final thermal preferendum matches completely present day Arctic shelf temperatures north and east in the Barents Sea.

Main conclusions

This is the first published study on the thermal behaviour of a marine invasive top predator. Our tests and the concurrent realised habitat north‐east of Kola Peninsula suggest that the introduced red king crab is capable of invading the Euro‐Arctic shelves in less than three decades. We argue that current management practices of the introduced red king crab compromise Arctic biodiversity and conservation and, to counteract further spreading, we recommend free fisheries on this species across its entire distributional area in the Northeast Atlantic.
Glucose‐lowering effect and glycaemic variability of insulin glargine, insulin detemir and insulin lispro protamine in people with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Derosa G. , Franzetti I. , Querci F. , Romano D. , D'Angelo A. , Maffioli P.
Published: February 2015

Aim

To compare, using a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, the effect on glycaemic variability of insulin glargine, detemir and lispro protamine.

Methods

A total of 49 white people with type 1 diabetes, not well controlled by three times daily insulin lispro, taken for at least 2 months before study and on a stable dose, were enrolled. The study participants were randomized to add insulin glargine, detemir or lispro protamine, once daily, in the evening. We used a CGM system, the iPro Digital Recorder (Medtronic MiniMed, Northridge, CA, USA) for 1 week. Glycaemic control was assessed according to mean blood glucose values, the area under the glucose curve above 3.9 mmol/l (AUC>3.9) or above 10.0 mmol/l (AUC>10.0), and the percentage of time spent with glucose values >3.9 or >10.0 mmol/l. Intraday glycaemic variability was assessed using standard deviation (s.d.) values, the mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions and continuous overlapping of net glycaemic action. Day‐to‐day glycaemic variability was assessed using the mean of daily differences.

Results

The s.d. was found to be significantly lower with insulin lispro protamine and glargine compared with insulin detemir. AUC>3.9 was higher and AUC>10.0 was lower with insulin lispro protamine and glargine compared with detemir. The mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions and continuous overlapping net glycaemic action values were lower with insulin lispro protamine and glargine compared with detemir. In addition, the mean of daily differences was significantly lower with insulin lispro protamine and glargine compared with detemir. Fewer hypoglycaemic events were recorded during the night‐time with insulin lispro protamine compared with glargine and detemir.

Conclusions

The results suggest that insulin lispro protamine and glargine are more effective than detemir in reducing glycaemic variability and improving glycaemic control in people with type 1 diabetes. Insulin lispro protamine seems to lead to fewer hypoglycaemic events than other insulin regimens.
Intrapulmonary Shunt and SCUBA Diving: Another Risk Factor?
Authors: Madden Dennis , Ljubkovic Marko , Dujic Zeljko
Published: February 2015

Laboratory and field investigations have demonstrated that intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses (IPAVA) may provide an additional means for venous gas emboli (VGE) to cross over to the arterial circulation due to their larger diameter compared to pulmonary microcirculation. Once thought to be the primary cause of decompression sickness (DCS), it has been demonstrated that, even in large quantities, their presence does not always result in injury. Normally, VGE are trapped in the site of gas exchange in the lungs and eliminated via diffusion. When VGE crossover takes place in arterial circulation, they have the potential to cause more harm as they are redistributed to the brain, spinal column, and other sensitive tissues. The patent foramen ovale (PFO) was once thought to be the only risk factor for an increase in arterialization; however, IPAVAs represent another pathway for this crossover to occur. The opening of IPAVAs is associated with exercise and hypoxic gas mixtures, both of which divers may encounter. The goal of this review is to describe how IPAVAs may impact diving physiology, specifically during decompression, and what this means for the individual diver as well as the future of commercial and recreational diving. Future research must continue on the relationship between IPAVAs and the environmental and physiological circumstances that lead to their opening and closing, as well as how they may contribute to diving injuries such as DCS.
Clinical Consideration for Techniques to Detect and Quantify Blood Flow through Intrapulmonary Arteriovenous Anastomoses: Lessons from Physiological Studies
Authors: Duke Joseph W. , Elliott Jonathan E. , Lovering Andrew T.
Published: February 2015

Intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses (IPAVA) are large diameter (>50 μm) vascular conduits, present in >95% of healthy humans. Because IPAVA are large diameter pathways that allow blood flow to bypass the pulmonary capillary network, blood flow through IPAVA (QIPAVA) can permit the transpulmonary passage of particles larger than pulmonary capillaries. IPAVA have been known to exist for over 50 years, but their physiological and clinical significance are still being established; although, currently suggested roles for QIPAVA include allowing emboli to reach the systemic circulation and providing a source of shunt. Studying QIPAVA is an important area of research and as the suggested roles become better established, detecting and quantifying QIPAVA may become significantly more important in the clinic. Several techniques that can be used to quantify and/or detect QIPAVA in animals, ex vivo human/animal lungs, and intact healthy humans; microspheres, radiolabeled macroaggregated albumin particles, and saline contrast echocardiography, are reviewed with limitations and advantages to each. The current body of literature using these techniques to study QIPAVA in animals, ex vivo lungs, and healthy humans has established conditions when QIPAVA is present, such as during exercise or with arterial hypoxemia and conditions when QIPAVA is absent, such as at rest or during exercise breathing 100% O2. Many of these physiological studies have direct application to patient populations and we discuss each of these findings in the context of their potential to influence the clinical utility, and interpretation, of the results from these techniques highlighted in this review.
Non‐native species modify the isotopic structure of freshwater fish communities across the globe
Authors: Sagouis A. , Cucherousset J. , Villéger S. , Santoul F. , Boulêtreau S.
Published: February 2015

Multiple anthropogenic pressures including the widespread introductions of non‐native species threaten biodiversity and ecosystem functioning notably by modifying the trophic structure of communities. Here, we provided a global evaluation of the impacts of non‐native species on the isotopic structure (δ13C and δ15N) of freshwater fish communities. We gathered the stable isotope values (n = 4030) of fish species in 496 fish communities in lentic (lakes, backwaters, reservoirs) and lotic (running waters such as streams, rivers) ecosystems throughout the world and quantified the isotopic structure of communities. Overall, we found that communities containing non‐native species had a different isotopic structure than communities without non‐native species. However, these differences varied between ecosystem types and the trophic positions of non‐native species. In lotic ecosystems, communities containing non‐native species had a larger total isotopic niche than communities without non‐native species. This was primarily driven by the addition of non‐native predators at the top of the food chain that increased δ15N range without modifying the isotopic niche size of native species. In lentic ecosystems, non‐native primary consumers increased δ15N range and this was likely driven by an increase of resource availability for species at higher trophic levels, increasing food chain length. The introduction of non‐native secondary consumers at the centre of the isotopic niche of recipient communities decreased the core isotopic niche size, the δ13C range of recipient communities and the total isotopic niche of coexisting native species. These results suggested a modified contribution of the basal resources consumed (e.g. multi‐chain omnivory) and an increase level of competition with native species. Our results notably imply that, by affecting the isotopic structure of freshwater fish communities at a global scale, non‐native species represent an important source of perturbations that should be accounted for when investigating macro‐ecological patterns of community structure and biotic interactions.
Does Democracy Increase Growth More in New Countries?
Authors: Sylwester Kevin
Published: February 2015

Countries face governing challenges at their inception, albeit not of the same degree or type. Challenges such as creating governing structures and forming one nation from disparate groups can create uncertainty and so lower economic growth. Does democracy exacerbate or lessen such problems? This paper considers an empirical specification where the effect of democracy upon economic growth is allowed to vary over time. I find that democracy is more greatly associated with economic growth in newer countries. This suggests that democracy helps to mitigate governing challenges that can lower economic growth.
Screening for sub‐threshold psychotic experiences and perceived need for psychological services
Authors: Demmin Docia L. , DeVylder Jordan E. , Hilimire Matthew R.
Published: February 2015

Aim

Sub‐threshold psychotic experiences (PEs) are common in the general population and may increase risk for psychological distress and psychosis onset, generating a need for effective community screening instruments. This study aimed to explore the utility of a brief, self‐report, psychosis risk screening tool in predicting perceived need for psychological treatment among a non‐clinical sample, above and beyond that accounted for by accompanying forms of psychopathology or trait neuroticism.

Methods

Construct validity, predictive validity and test–retest reliability of the brief, self‐report questionnaire for screening putative prepsychotic states were determined among college students (N = 679). Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between PEs and perceived need for psychological services.

Results

With the exception of auditory perceptual disturbances, PEs were not significantly associated with one's need for services, or the belief from others that services are needed, after controlling for neuroticism, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Auditory perceptual disturbances were significantly associated with the perceived need for psychological services, even after accounting for these additional symptoms.

Conclusions

These results confirm the usefulness of the psychosis risk screening tool in evaluating the presence of sub‐threshold PEs, particularly auditory perceptual disturbances. The relationship between other PEs and a perceived need for psychological services, however, was largely explained by the existence of neurotic traits and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Screening for auditory perceptual disturbances may be useful in identifying unmet clinical need among young adults.
Social media and suicide prevention: a systematic review
Authors: Robinson Jo , Cox Georgina , Bailey Eleanor , Hetrick Sarah , Rodrigues Maria , Fisher Steve , Herrman Helen
Published: February 2015

Aim

Social media platforms are commonly used for the expression of suicidal thoughts and feelings, particularly by young people. Despite this, little is known about the ways in which social media can be used for suicide prevention. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to identify current evidence pertaining to the ways in which social media are currently used as a tool for suicide prevention.

Methods

Medline, PsycInfo, Embase, CINHAL and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles published between 1991 and April 2014. English language articles with a focus on suicide‐related behaviour and social media were included. No exclusion was placed on study design.

Results

Thirty studies were included; 4 described the development of social media sites designed for suicide prevention, 6 examined the potential of social media in terms of its ability to reach or identify people at risk of suicide, 15 examined the ways in which people used social media for suicide prevention‐related purposes, and 5 examined the experiences of people who had used social media sites for suicide prevention purposes. No intervention studies were identified.

Conclusion

Social media platforms can reach large numbers of otherwise hard‐to‐engage individuals, may allow others to intervene following an expression of suicidal ideation online, and provide an anonymous, accessible and non‐judgmental forum for sharing experiences. Challenges include difficulties controlling user behaviour and accurately assessing risk, issues relating to privacy and confidentiality and the possibility of contagion. Social media appears to hold significant potential for suicide prevention; however, additional research into its safety and efficacy is required.
Comparison of immunological and microbiological characteristics in children and the elderly with or without dental caries
Authors: Yang Ying , Li Yuhong , Lin Yuhong , Du Minquan , Zhang Ping , Fan Mingwen
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships among early childhood caries (ECC), root caries (RC), the quantity of Streptococcus mutans in saliva, and the concentrations of total and specific secretory IgA (sIgA). Saliva samples were collected from 70 children, 3–4 yr of age, with and without ECC, and from 43 adults, ≥60 yr of age, with and without RC. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) and decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (dmfs) scores of each child, and the root decayed and filled teeth (RDFT) and root decayed and filled surfaces (RDFS) scores of each elderly subject, were determined. The S. mutans levels, total sIgA, and specific sIgA against two virulence antigens of S. mutans in saliva were analysed using quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) and ELISAs. The quantity of S. mutans was significantly higher in caries‐positive subjects within the two populations than in the caries‐free subjects; and a positive correlation was found between the quantity of S. mutans and the dmft, dmfs, RDFT, and RDFS scores. In addition, the salivary total sIgA was significantly higher in children with severe early childhood caries (SECC) and in the elderly subjects with RC. Moreover, although the S. mutans level was significantly higher, the concentrations of specific sIgA against S. mutans antigens were significantly lower in samples from elderly subjects than in samples from children. These results support the concept that S. mutans is positively associated with ECC and RC. Furthermore, the levels of S. mutans‐specific antibodies in saliva are too low to prevent infection with cariogenic bacteria and to inhibit development of ECC and RC.
Structure and reaction mechanism of a novel enone reductase
Authors: Hou Feng , Miyakawa Takuya , Kitamura Nahoko , Takeuchi Michiki , Park Si‐Bum , Kishino Shigenobu , Ogawa Jun , Tanokura Masaru
Published: February 2015

Recently, a novel gut‐bacterial fatty acid metabolism, saturation of polyunsaturated fatty acid, that modifies fatty acid composition of the host and is expected to improve our health by altering lipid metabolism related to the onset of metabolic syndrome, was discovered in Lactobacillus plantarum AKU 1009a. Enzymes constituting the pathway catalyze sequential reactions of free fatty acids without CoA or acyl carrier protein. Among these enzymes, CLA‐ER was identified as an enone reductase that can saturate the C=C bond in the 10‐oxo‐trans‐11‐octadecenoic acid (KetoB) to produce 10‐oxo‐octadecanoic acid (KetoC). This enzyme is the sole member of the NADH oxidase/flavin reductase family that has been identified to exert an enone reduction activity. Here, we report both the structure of holo CLA‐ER with cofactor FMN and the KetoC‐bound structure, which elucidate the structural basis of enone group recognition of free fatty acids and provide the unique catalytic mechanism as an enone reductase in the NADH oxidase/flavin reductase family. A ‘cap’ structure of CLA‐ER underwent a large conformational change upon KetoC binding. The resulting binding site adopts a sandglass shape and is positively charged at one side, which is suitable to recognize a fatty acid molecule with enone group. Based on the crystal structures and enzymatic activities of several mutants, we identified C51, F126 and Y101 as the critical residues for the reaction and proposed an alternative electron transfer pathway of CLA‐ER. These findings expand our understanding of the complexity of fatty acid metabolism.

Database

The atomic coordinates have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (PDB), www.pdb.org (PDB ID 4QLX, 4QLY)
Modeling the ComD/ComE/comcde interaction network using small angle X‐ray scattering
Authors: Sanchez Dyana , Boudes Marion , van Tilbeurgh Herman , Durand Dominique , Quevillon‐Cheruel Sophie
Published: February 2015

The ComD–ComE two‐component system controls the competence state of Streptococcus pneumoniae via the phospho‐regulation of ComE, which fluctuates between monomeric and dimeric states. We previously showed that the non‐phosphorylatable ComED58A mutant is monomeric in solution, whereas the ComED58E active mimic mutant dimerizes via its REC domains. The crystal structure of ComED58A revealed an asymmetric dimer that may represent the activated form of ComE. Here, we investigated the binding between the catalytic domain of ComD, ComE and the promoter region comcde, using small angle X‐ray scattering. ComDcatdom is a dimer that adapts two monomers of ComE, one on each side, placing ComED58 residue in front of ComDH248, a location that is convenient for the intermolecular transfer reaction of the phosphoryl group. The LytTR, ComED58A and ComED58E complexed with comcde are composed of two protein molecules per DNA duplex. Modeling the complexes against small angle X‐ray scattering data indicated that ComED58E bound to comcde forms a compact dimer similar to the crystal structure, whereas ComED58A–comcde adopts more than one conformation with or without dimer contacts. The various oligomeric states of ComE induce different bending angles of the promoter, which provides a mechanistic scenario for the activation of ComE: the phosphorylation of ComE forces additional bending of comcde, and the release of this bending strain on DNA via the disruption of the ComE dimer may signal the shut‐off of the competence state.

Database

The molecular models and experimental SAXS data have been deposited on SASBDB (Small Angle Scattering Biological Data Bank) (see http://www.sasbdb.org/aboutSASBDB/) under the SAS codes SASDAA7, SASDAB7 and SASDAC7.
Human‐directed social behaviour in dogs shows significant heritability
Authors: Persson M. E. , Roth L. S. V. , Johnsson M. , Wright D. , Jensen P.
Published: February 2015

Through domestication and co‐evolution with humans, dogs have developed abilities to attract human attention, e.g. in a manner of seeking assistance when faced with a problem solving task. The aims of this study were to investigate within breed variation in human‐directed contact seeking in dogs and to estimate its genetic basis. To do this, 498 research beagles, bred and kept under standardized conditions, were tested in an unsolvable problem task. Contact seeking behaviours recorded included both eye contact and physical interactions. Behavioural data was summarized through a principal component analysis, resulting in four components: test interactions, social interactions, eye contact and physical contact. Females scored significantly higher on social interactions and physical contact and age had an effect on eye contact scores. Narrow sense heritabilities (h2) of the two largest components were estimated at 0.32 and 0.23 but were not significant for the last two components. These results show that within the studied dog population, behavioural variation in human‐directed social behaviours was sex dependent and that the utilization of eye contact seeking increased with age and experience. Hence, heritability estimates indicate a significant genetic contribution to the variation found in human‐directed social interactions, suggesting that social skills in dogs have a genetic basis, but can also be shaped and enhanced through individual experiences. This research gives the opportunity to further investigate the genetics behind dogs' social skills, which could also play a significant part into research on human social disorders such as autism.
Investigation on formaldehyde release from preservatives in cosmetics
Authors: Lv C. , Hou J. , Xie W. , Cheng H.
Published: February 2015

Synopsis

Objective

To understand formaldehyde residue in cosmetics, an investigation on formaldehyde release from eight preservatives (methenamine – MA, paraformaldehyde – PF, poly(p‐toluenesulfonamide‐co‐formaldehyde) ‐PTSAF, quaternium‐15 – QU, imidazolidinyl urea – IU, diazolidinyl urea – DU, dimethyloldimethyl hydantoin – DMDM and bronopol – BP) under various conditions was performed.

Methods

The concentration of released formaldehyde was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection after derivatization with 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine.

Results

The amounts of formaldehyde release were in the order of PF > DU > DMDM ≈ QU ≈ IU > MA > BP > PTSAF. The releasing amounts of formaldehyde were the highest in the presence of aqueous matrices for the releasers except QU and IU, and the releasing effect was also relative to pH. More formaldehyde was released with longer storage time and higher temperature. Furthermore, all preservatives in cosmetic matrices released fewer amounts of formaldehyde than in pure aqueous or organic matrices, and the formaldehyde‐releasing amounts were also cosmetic specific.

Conclusion

Formaldehyde release was dependent on the matrix, pH, time and mainly temperature, and the releasing effect was also cosmetic specific.
Disaster nursing skills, knowledge and attitudes required in earthquake relief: Implications for nursing education
Authors: Yan Y.E. , Turale S. , Stone T. , Petrini M.
Published: February 2015

Background

Globally, nurses becoming more aware of getting better prepared for disaster relief, but in China, disaster nursing knowledge, courses and research are still limited.

Introduction

China has long been prone to disasters, but disaster nursing education and training is in its infancy.

Aim

This study explored the skills, knowledge and attitudes required by registered nurses from across China who worked in the aftermath of three large earthquakes to try to determine future disaster nursing education requirements.

Method

The Questionnaire of Nurses' Disaster Nursing Skills at Earthquake Sites, assessing nursing skills, knowledge and attitudes, was distributed to 139 registered nurses in 38 hospitals in 13 provinces across China who had worked in one or more earthquake disaster zones. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data, and content analysis for qualitative data.

Results

Eighty‐nine questionnaires were returned, a response rate of 68.3%. No respondent had ever received specific disaster nursing training prior to their post‐earthquake nursing. Skills most often used by respondents were haemostasis bandaging, fixation, manual handling, observation and monitoring, debridement and dressing, and mass casualty transportation. Respondents identified that the most important groups of skills required were cardiopulmonary resuscitation; haemostasis, bandaging, fixation, and manual handling; and emergency management. They emphasized the need for psychological care of victims as well as that of fellow health workers.

Conclusion

No respondent had ever received disaster nursing training prior to engagement at the earthquake disaster sites. All believed that there were important gaps in their knowledge and skills, and supported disaster nursing courses in the future.

Implications for nursing and health policy

China urgently needs to develop disaster nursing courses, with the support of nurse leaders, educationalists and government, to implement training using an all hazards approach in accordance with international best practice and trainees' background clinical experience and knowledge.
The Labour Party
Authors: Lipsey David
Published: February 2015

Bill McCarthy was not New or Old Labour but Real Labour, a faith he retained to the end.
Industrial Relations and Labour Law
Authors: Davies Paul , Freedland Mark
Published: February 2015

In this article, it is argued that Bill McCarthy's work in the field of industrial relations brought him into a profound engagement with labour law, despite his initial commitment to the credo of ‘collective laissez‐faire’ with its assertion of a minimal role for labour law in that field. His approach to the post‐1970 developments in labour law was an essentially pragmatic and empirical one, but he maintained the ideals of social justice and collective solidarity and continued to suggest ways in which labour law could best be harnessed to the service of those ideals.
Trade union organisation
Authors: Undy Roger
Published: February 2015

Union organisation was studied by Lord (Bill) McCarthy throughout his academic career. It also figured large in his political engagement with national policy making under both Labour and Conservative Governments. From 1968 onwards he was particularly interested in conducting research into, and producing related publications and unpublished papers on, the efficacy of various models of union structure and union government. The following article therefore focuses on these two critically important aspects of union organisation. It also assesses the different roles Bill played in his attempts to influence the reform of union organisation between 1968 and 1979, a relatively, and at least initially, benign political period and his attempts to protect union organisation in the more hostile political and economic climate of 1979 to 1996. It is also argued that Bill, following his appointment as Labour's front bench spokesman in the House of Lords in 1980, now occupied his niche role.
Effect of Cristobalite on the Strength of Sintered Fused Silica Above and Below the Cristobalite Transformation
Authors: Breneman Ryan C. , Halloran John W.
Published: February 2015

Porous fused silica ceramics which had been partially devitrified to cristobalite were stronger at 350°C in the beta‐cristobalite stability range, but weaker at 25°C after the transformation to alpha‐cristobalite. The tensile strength distribution for different cristobalite fractions are compared for three types of specimens. These were beta‐cristobalite samples which had never been transformed to alpha‐cristobalite; room‐temperature samples with alpha‐cristobalite; and samples at 350°C which had retransformed to beta‐cristobalite after prior transformation to alpha‐cristobalite. The alpha‐cristobalite samples displayed 50%–75% the strength of samples tested on beta and the difference in strength was dependent on cristobalite content. Specimens retransformed to beta‐cristobalite had strength similar to virgin specimens. Microcracking associated with the transformation to alpha‐cristobalite contributes to the strength changes but cannot fully explain the impact of the beta–alpha transformation on strength.
On the Faceted and Inclined Twin Boundary of Titanium Carbide Derived from Nanolaminated Ti3AlC2
Authors: Zhang Hui , Qin Yifa , Hu Tao , Wang Xiaohui , Zhou Yanchun
Published: February 2015

Due to its high twin boundary energy, the absence of Σ3{112} in covalently bonded TiC has been theoretically adjudged. Here, we report the observation of TiC twin boundaries that consist of Σ3{112} and Σ3{111} steps in a faceted and inclined manner. The twin interface in the transition region is not flat, wherein periodic contrasts resulting from overlapped twins were identified. Based on the microstructural analyses, a formation mechanism for the energy‐expensive Σ3{112} and inclined twin boundaries is elaborated.
Formation of Tetravalent Fe Ions in LaFeO3 Perovskite Through Mechanochemical Modification by Ball Milling
Authors: Uchiyama Tomoki , Nishibori Maiko , Einaga Hisahiro , Teraoka Yasutake
Published: February 2015

Mechanochemical modification of previously synthesized LaFeO3 perovskite‐type oxide by a high‐energy ball milling was investigated to introduce Fe4+ ions or transform some Fe3+ into Fe4+ in LaFeO3. X‐ray absorption fine structure studies revealed that the formation of Fe4+ ions into LaFeO3 perovskite has been achieved at first time by ball milling at room temperature without any additives or replacement of La3+ ions by some divalent cations. The structural model of Fe4+ containing LaFeO3 could be described as with a modified perovskite having equal amounts of La and Fe vacancies, which is supported by a good correlation between the results of Fe K‐edge XANES spectra and O2‐TPD. The synthesis of Fe4+‐containing LaFeO3 perovskite by ball milling was able to produce the O2 adsorption capacity of nonsubstituted perovskite‐type oxide.
Always together: mate guarding or predator avoidance as determinants of group cohesion in white‐breasted mesites?
Authors: Gamero Anna , Kappeler Peter M.
Published: February 2015

Being a member of a cohesive group can have fitness benefits such as decreased predation risk, increased feeding efficiency as well as enhanced access to social information and mates. However, competition and the risk of parasite transmission exert centrifugal forces on group‐living. Thus, the actual degree of cohesion is expected to vary as a function of the relative importance of several social and ecological factors. White‐breasted mesitesMesitornis variegataare medium‐sized ground‐dwelling birds endemic to the dry deciduous forests of western Madagascar. They live in stable breeding pairs or small family groups, mate monogamously and often form temporary heterospecific associations with canopy‐dwelling bird species that give alarm calls to which mesites respond with anti‐predator behaviours. We investigated the potential effects of predation risk and mate defence on mesite group cohesion by analysing inter‐individual distances of 20 groups as a function of mesite social organization, alarm call events, the size of associated heterospecific flocks, and the adults' reproductive state. Mesite social units were very cohesive, particularly in families, when associated with smaller heterospecific flocks, and after an alarm call event. Adult reproductive state did not influence breeding partners' cohesion. Therefore, the pronounced group cohesion in mesites seems to be mainly a response to the high predation risk typically associated with a terrestrial life‐style, and not to mate‐guarding. However, we suggest that high group cohesion due to predation risk could limit opportunities for solitary extra‐territorial forays to obtain extra‐pair copulations, thereby contributing to a strictly monogamous system in this species.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship of marbofloxacin against Aeromonas hydrophila in Chinese soft‐shelled turtles (Trionyx sinensis)
Authors: Shan Q. , Zheng G. , Liu S. , Bai Y. , Li L. , Yin Y. , Ma L. , Zhu X.
Published: February 2015

The single‐dose disposition kinetics of the antibiotic marbofloxacin were determined in Chinese soft‐shelled turtles (n = 10) after oral and intramuscular (i.m.) dose of 10 mg/kg bodyweight. The in vitro and ex vivo activities of marbofloxacin in serum against a pathogenic strain of Aeromonas hydrophila were determined. A concentration‐dependent antimicrobial activity of marbofloxacin was confirmed for levels lower than 4 × MIC. For in vivo PK data, values of AUC: minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ratio for serum were 1166.6 and 782.4 h, respectively, after i.m. and oral dosing of marbofloxacin against a pathogenic strain of A. hydrophila (MIC = 0.05 μg/mL). The ex vivo growth inhibition data after oral dosing were fitted to the inhibitory sigmoid Emax equation to provide the values of AUC/MIC required to produce bacteriostasis, bactericidal activity and elimination of bacteria. The respective values were 23.79, 36.35 and 126.46 h. It is proposed that these findings might be used with MIC50 or MIC90 data to provide a rational approach to the design of dosage schedules, which optimize efficacy in respect of bacteriological as well as clinical cures.
Gendered Genocide: The Socially Destructive Process of Genocidal Rape, Killing, and Displacement in Darfur
Authors: Kaiser Joshua , Hagan John
Published: February 2015

Accounts of mass atrocities habitually focus on one kind of violence and its archetypal victim, inviting uncritical, ungendered misconceptions: for example, rape only impacts women; genocide is only about dead, battle-aged men. We approach collective violence as multiple, intersecting forms of victimization, targeted and experienced through differential social identities, and translated throughout communities. Through mixed-method analyses of Darfuri refugees' testimonies, we show (a) gendered causes and collective effects of selective killing, sexual violence, and anti-livelihood crimes, (b) how they cause displacement, (c) that they can be genocidal and empirically distinct from nongenocidal forms, (d) how the process of genocidal social destruction can work, and (e) how it does work in Darfur. Darfuris are victimized through gender roles, yielding a gendered meaning-making process that communicates socially destructive messages through crimes that selectively target other genders. The collective result is displacement and destruction of Darfuris' ways of life: genocide.
Leveling the Odds: The Effect of Quality Legal Representation in Cases of Asymmetrical Capability
Authors: Miller Banks , Keith Linda Camp , Holmes Jennifer S.
Published: February 2015

How much does attorney quality influence the outcome of cases in which one litigant is significantly more capable than the other? Using a unique dataset of all asylum merits decision from 1990 to 2010, we find that high quality representation evens the odds for asylum applicants and that not being represented by legal counsel is actually better than being represented by a poor lawyer. In this analysis, we draw on a modified party capability theory and create new measures of attorney capability. We find that variation in attorney capability is a primary driver of the disparity in asylum outcomes in U.S. immigration courts and that a likely causal mechanism for this influence is the judge-specific reputation of an attorney.
Internalizing Legal Norms: An Investigation into the Legitimacy of Payback Killings in the New Guinea Islands
Authors: Larcom Shaun
Published: February 2015

This article investigates beliefs concerning the legitimacy of the traditional customary practice of payback in the New Guinea Islands; a practice that has been illegal for more than a century. The practice of payback is described and contextualized and a conceptual framework of norm internalization in a legal transplant society is developed. The empirical results highlight a stark urban–rural divide in attitudes. Yet, against expectations, those in urban environments (and in closer proximity to the state criminal law) are more likely to agree with the use of payback. An expected relationship is found between the ability to speak English and not agreeing with the use of payback. The empirical results suggest that the criminal law may be a weak force and that non-legal channels may be more effective in transforming society.