bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of Mass Media Responsibility towards the Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene Practices among Adolescent Girls in Rural Communities of Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Tsebee Kenneth Asor , Ternenge Kusugh
Published: July 2024

Background: Menstrual hygiene is a critical health issue affecting over 1.8 billion of the girls who menstruate each month across globe and at least 37 million of them in Nigeria are confronted with different challenges that affect their effective menstrual hygiene management.
Objective: This study investigated mass media responsibility towards the promotion of menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in rural communities of Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria.
Methodology: The study adopted descriptive survey research design with the questionnaire used as the research instrument for data collection. The population of the study comprised the adolescent girls of rural communities of Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria which were estimated to be 291, 071. The sample size of the study was 384. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics.
Findings: Radio followed by the television were the mass media channels adolescent girls were more exposed to for information on menstrual hygiene practices as compared with the magazine and newspaper that were the least channels for the purpose. It further revealed that mass media have high level of positive influence on the menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls in rural communities but there was low level of adoption of such practices among the girls.
Conclusion: The conclusion was the mass media have high level of positive influence on the menstrual hygiene attitude of the adolescent girls but the level of involvement that guarantees desired success in the knowledge of and or adoption of sanitary menstrual hygiene practices among the adolescent girls is rather insufficient.
Recommendations: Prioritizing radio and television and increase in time, space and frequency in programmes on menstrual hygiene practices are some of the recommendations made in the study for achieving more success in menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls and women.
Effect of Audit Fees and Audit Tenure on Earnings Management of Listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria
Authors: Hadiza Suleiman Ahmed , Abba Babagana
Published: July 2024

This paper assesses the effect of audit fees and audit tenure on earnings management of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria. The population consists of the 14 DMBs in Nigeria spanning from 2011 to 2021, out of which twelve banks were selected as the sample size using a criterion on the availability of data.  The paper uses a longitudinal research design to investigate the effect of audit fees and audit tenure on the earnings management of listed DMBs in Nigeria. The audited financial annual reports of the banks chosen were used to collect data for the independent variables such as audit fees and audit tenure, as well as the dependent variable earnings management. The Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) was then employed for analyzing the data. The result shows that audit fee had a coefficient of -0.1461at a significant level of  0.0000.  Audit tenure has positive coefficient of 0.1405at a significant level of 0.0001 influences on listed DMBs' management of earnings in Nigeria. The study therefore concludes that, audit fee curtail EM of listed DMBs in Nigeria while audit tenure do not ameliorate EM of listed DMBs in Nigeria. In order to prevent the threat of familiarity, the paper recommends that DMBs in Nigeria should stick to the statutory and professional standard audit fees and discourage long-term audit firm retention.
Strategies for Resource Management in the Department of Education: A Systematic Review of Efficiency and Effectiveness
Authors: Ramos Ruel B. , Balatero Maria Fe T. , Cagape Eleanor M. , Guray Charlo Bianci M.
Published: July 2024

This systematic review examines the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department of Education's resource management strategies, with an emphasis on budgetary planning, technological integration, and policy implementation at the elementary, secondary, and higher education levels. Using the PICOS paradigm, the study critically evaluates 39 papers published between 2019 and 2024 that were chosen based on precise inclusion criteria outlined in the report. Efficiency is defined as the ideal allocation and utilization of resources to achieve desired results with little waste, as opposed to effectiveness, which assesses the impact of these strategies on educational quality and stakeholder satisfaction. The analysis focuses on significant results on how strategic resource allocation improves institutional sustainability and academic achievement. This assessment intends to recommend to policymakers, school leaders, and teachers to maximize resource management strategies to accomplish educational goals while improving operational efficiency.
Agronomic Effectiveness of Zinc Sources as Micronutrient Fertilizers: A Comprehensive Review’
Authors: Navi Laxman , H A Sushma , Araganji Santosh , G M Shanthanagowda , M C Harish
Published: July 2024

Zinc naturally occurs in the earth's crust as part of rocks and ore minerals. The average concentration of zinc in the lithosphere is 80 mg kg-1. While zinc is relatively immobile in soil, it is moderately mobile in plants. As a vital micronutrient for both humans and animals, zinc plays an essential role in plants as a catalytic, structural and regulatory cofactor for many enzyme reactions. It is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein synthesis, the biosynthesis of growth hormones (particularly indoleacetic acid) and the maintenance of cell membrane integrity. Zinc deficiency is a widespread problem affecting both plants and humans in many regions of the world. To address this issue and improve plant zinc nutrition and yields, both soil and foliar zinc fertilizers have been applied. The agronomic effectiveness of Zn fertilizers has been related to the management factors such as placement, source type, seed treatment, foliar spray and biofortification that can affect the effectiveness of Zn fertilizers.
The Impact of Pre-Breeding on Vegetable Crop Improvement: A Review
Authors: Sagar K. Rajendar , Srinivasulu B. , Vamsi B.
Published: July 2024

Pre-breeding begins with the finding of beneficial genes from wild relatives, native species, and various other unadapted materials. These advantageous qualities are subsequently transferred to a moderate pool of resources so that breeders can create new varieties for farmers. With the process of discovering useful characteristics, preserving their genetic diversity, and incorporating these genes into a form that can be used, crop improvement innovation is generated. Connecting genetic diversity from wild relatives along with other uncontrolled sources is the main goal. Pre-breeding strategies aim to introduce genes for tolerance to environmental difficulties and resistance to major diseases and pests from wild relatives into cultivated crops using the application of introgression and integration procedures. Pre-breeding provides the base for commercially important techniques for plant breeding by broadening the diversity of germplasm and providing breeders with easily accessible resources to breeding beneficial characteristics, while adhering to the basic concepts of the field. The comprehensive discussion of pre-breeding is a valuable resource for scientists and researchers alike, addressing all aspects of this crucial phase in improving vegetable crops.
Experimental Investigation of Hardness and Impact Variability in Wooden Agricultural Equipment
Authors: Rani Annu , Singh T.P. , Singh Jayant , Kumar Ajit , Choudhary Mukesh Kumar
Published: July 2024

This study was conducted to determine the hardness testing and Impact testing of selected Timbers to be used in agricultural implements in Pantnagar, Udam Singh Nagar, between September 2015 and April 2016. The Rockwell hardness test is generally performed when quick and direct reading is desirable. The Rockwell hardness test was carried on the Digital Hardness testing machine on HRV-Scale. The impact strength of a material is determined with a Charpy or Izod impact test named after their inventors. the hardness of different types of timber, namely, Teak, Sal, Java plum, Eucalyptus, Yellow teak, North Indian Rose timber, red cedar, Mango, Margosa and Lebbeck was found to be 75.4, 79.1, 68.2, 69.1, 64.0, 87.1, 30.8, 63.2, 61.7 and 64.3 respectively. the Impact Strength of different types of timber, namely, Eucalyptus, Yellow teak, Teak, Lebbeck, Java plum, Mango, Red cedar, North Indian Rose timber, Margosa and Sal was found to be 49.2, 39.23, 56.71, 52.21, 46.3, 48.37, 49.2, 45.23, 41.6 and 58.89 KJ/m2 respectively. And their standard deviations were as follows: yellow teak (0.67), Red cedar (1.09), North Indian Rose timber (2.12), Teak (0.23), Lebbeck (7.95), Java plum (0.34), Eucalyptus (0.34), Margosa (0.71), Mango (0.87) and Sal (1.36) respectively. The timber of North Indian rose timber and Sal was found suitable for making Plankar, pulley and bearing block. The timber of North Indian rose timber, Sal and Eucalyptus was found best for making plough bottom.
Passive Design Strategy in Vernacular House of Samin, Indonesia
Authors: Nugroho Agung Murti
Published: July 2024

Vernacular architecture embodies passive design principles and strategies to create comfortable dwellings. This study investigates the impact of passive design strategies on temperature comfort in Samin vernacular houses. Visual observation is employed to assess the suitability of house elements based on passive design criteria. At the same time, field measurements are conducted to evaluate comfortable temperature conditions using data loggers over one month. The research focuses on the Original Samin house and the New Samin house situated in Klopoduwur Village, Blora Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. The visual observation reveals that the roof volume, slope, and thin walls with low conductivity in both Samin houses align with passive design principles. The New Samin house also incorporates other passive design strategies, including an east-west building orientation with the long side perpendicular to the wind direction, an open-plan room layout, and varying floor heights. The temperature comfort performance in both houses falls within the neutral temperature range during 16 hours. The New Samin house exhibits the largest daytime air temperature decrease at 5.5°C, while the Original Samin house experiences the largest nighttime decrease at 0.7°C. The evolution of passive designs in Samin vernacular houses encompasses considerations such as building proportion and width, terrace width, positioning and size of window openings, vegetation, and shading elements.
Building Mass Optimization to Reduce Solar Radiation in High Rise Building by Using Parametric Approach
Authors: A'yun Qurrotul
Published: July 2024

Buildings use 40% of global primary energy, therefore their design and use affect climate change. Building performance analysis can assist architects predict performance before construction with parametric design tools. Radiance can be reduced via a parametric mass, lowering cooling load and energy use. The study uses theoretical and computational research to explain, forecast, and analyze events, whereas parametric design optimizes complicated geometries using mathematical parameters and algorithms. Environmental analysis in Grasshopper with the Ladybug plugin uses Rhinoceros. This plugin provides solar radiation, and climate analysis capabilities. To determine the most energy-efficient building design, the research links independent and dependent variables such solar radiation intensity and building mass. The study uses Surabaya weather data and high rise buildings. The land is formed like a square, with a 15-degree slope to the north and is flanked by low-rise buildings. As a result, the location receives the most direct sunlight during the day. Then, solar radiation analysis. It helps optimize passive solar design solutions. According to the modelling results, solar radiation on the top and west sides are particularly large and dominant in 65.37 and 32.69 kWh/m2. Meanwhile, the north, east and south sides receive very little solar radiation. The following simulation considers the optimal direction, which is to extend west-east and face to the south. A multi-towered megastructure is a high-rise building that responds best to solar radiation. The total solar radiation value is 3,718,100 kWh. It can accommodate large spaces with large mass composition but relatively low total solar radiation values. The building towers provide shade to each other, thereby reducing direct radiation from the sun to the building. The sides of the building's podium are also shaded, so the top of the building is partially red.
Hochschulambulanzen, PIAs, GIAs & Co. – Ambulante Leistungserbringung durch Krankenhäuser
Authors: Matthäus Claudia
Published: July 2024

Die Ermächtigung von Krankenhäusern und von in Krankenhäusern tätigen Ärzten zur Teilnahme an der vertragsärztlichen Versorgung war bisher als grundsätzlich nachrangige Ergänzung des Versorgungsangebotes durch Vertragsärzte und MVZ ausgestaltet. Die im Entwurf des KHVVG vorgesehene Ermächtigung sektorenübergreifender Versorgungseinrichtungen für die hausärztliche Versorgung nach § 116a Abs. 3 SGB V in der Entwurfsfassung gibt diesen Nachrang auf.
Zum Schutz berufsrechtlicher Verschwiegenheitsrechte durch die DAC 6
Authors: Münch Lukas
Published: July 2024

Anlass für den Beitrag sind die Schlussanträge der Generalanwältin Kokott vom 30.5.2024 im Verfahren C-432/23. Diese betreffen ein auf Amtshilfe-RL gestütztes Informationsersuchen und auf den ersten Blick ein Spezifikum des luxemburgischen Rechts, nämlich den beschränkten Schutz berufsrechtlicher Verschwiegenheitsrechte im Bereich der Steuerrechtsberatung. Da allerdings offenbar auch mehrere Beteiligte Bezug genommen haben auf die ebenfalls auf die Amtshilfe-RL gestützte DAC 6- Anzeigepflicht, enthalten die Schlussanträge auch Ausführungen zur Vereinbarkeit der Anzeigepflicht mit den Unionsgrundrechten. Diese Ausführungen sollten nicht unterschätzt werden: Sie geben Anlass, die Vereinbarkeit der gesamten Anzeigepflicht mit der Grundrechte-Charta in Zweifel zu ziehen.
Climate change and health in Earth's future
Authors: Bowles Devin C. , Butler Colin D. , Friel Sharon
Published: December 2013

Threats to health from climate change are increasingly recognized, yet little research into the effects upon health systems is published. However, additional demands on health systems are increasingly documented. Pathways include direct weather impacts, such as amplified heat stress, and altered ecological relationships, including alterations to the distribution and activity of pathogens and vectors. The greatest driver of demand on future health systems from climate change may be the alterations to socioeconomic systems; however, these “tertiary effects” have received less attention in the health literature. Increasing demands on health systems from climate change will impede health system capacity. Changing weather patterns and sea‐level rise will reduce food production in many developing countries, thus fostering undernutrition and concomitant disease susceptibility. Associated poverty will impede people's ability to access and support health systems. Climate change will increase migration, potentially exposing migrants to endemic diseases for which they have limited resistance, transporting diseases and fostering conditions conducive to disease transmission. Specific predictions of timing and locations of migration remain elusive, hampering planning and misaligning needs and infrastructure. Food shortages, migration, falling economic activity, and failing government legitimacy following climate change are also “risk multipliers” for conflict. Injuries to combatants, undernutrition, and increased infectious disease will result. Modern conflict often sees health personnel and infrastructure deliberately targeted and disease surveillance and eradication programs obstructed. Climate change will substantially impede economic growth, reducing health system funding and limiting health system adaptation. Modern medical care may be snatched away from millions who recently obtained it.
Critical capillary number: Desaturation studied with fast X‐ray computed microtomography
Authors: Armstrong Ryan T. , Georgiadis Apostolos , Ott Holger , Klemin Denis , Berg Steffen
Published: December 2013

For subsurface flow, the correct definition for the balance of viscous and capillary forces, the so‐called capillary number (Ca), which predicts the mobilization of nonwetting phase, has been a long‐standing controversy. The most common microscopic definition results in nonwetting phase mobilization at Ca ~10−5, which is counterintuitive. Rather, mobilization should occur at Ca ≥ 1. As demonstrated herein, by using fast synchrotron‐based X‐ray computed microtomography and averaging of thereby accessible pore‐scale parameters to macroscale values, a macroscale Ca definition is validated and shown to correctly describe mobilization at Ca ~1. The presented methodology provides a connection between desaturation and pore‐scale fluid topology and gives insight into when and how Ca changes with system size. The broader implication implies that it makes a difference whether desaturation is driven by an increase in flow rate or viscosity or decrease in interfacial tension since Ca incorporates nonwetting phase cluster length, which is process‐dependent.
Illumination of mesospheric irregularity by lightning discharge
Authors: Füllekrug Martin , Mezentsev Andrew , Soula Serge , van der Velde Oscar , Evans Adrian
Published: December 2013

Theoretical model calculations recently predicted the existence of mesospheric irregularities which assist the initiation of sprites. Here we report the experimental detection of a ∼3–19 km3 large mesospheric irregularity at ∼80–85 km height which is illuminated by the electromagnetic field of an intense positive cloud‐to‐ground lightning discharge. While the lightning discharge causes a prompt group of four sprites above the lightning discharge, the mesospheric irregularity is found at a horizontal distance at least ∼15–20 km away from the sprite group and it rebrightens ∼40–60 ms after the sprite group occurrence. This rebrightening is driven by a local quasi‐static electric field enhancement with a charge moment ∼4–20 Ckm which causes the irregularity to develop a downward descending luminous column from ∼75–85 km height. The quasi‐static electric field enhancement is caused by the reorganization of residual charge inside the thundercloud during a high‐level activity of intracloud discharges with ∼10–20 pulses per ms. Such mesospheric irregularities might have an effect on the wave propagation of 100 kHz radio waves which are used for atomic time transfer and marine navigation.
Surface warming patterns drive tropical rainfall pattern responses to CO2 forcing on all timescales
Authors: Chadwick Robin , Good Peter , Andrews Timothy , Martin Gill
Published: December 2013

Mechanisms behind regional tropical rainfall responses to CO2 forcing are examined in idealized climate model experiments, traceable to transient forcing scenarios. As previously shown, the pattern of the first‐year response of dynamical precipitation change to an abrupt CO2 increase is similar to the century‐scale response. It is demonstrated here that this similarity is driven by surface temperature pattern change, not a direct atmospheric circulation response to CO2. This confirms the “Warmer get Wetter” hypothesis, which emphasizes the role of sea surface temperature pattern change in driving regional tropical precipitation change. Future regional rainfall changes should thus be studied primarily in coupled ocean‐atmosphere models.
Low‐energy electrons (5–50 keV) in the inner magnetosphere
Authors: Ganushkina N. Y. , Liemohn M. W. , Amariutei O. A. , Pitchford D.
Published: December 2013

Transport and acceleration of the 5–50 keV electrons from the plasma sheet to geostationary orbit were investigated. These electrons constitute the low‐energy part of the seed population for the high‐energy MeV particles in the radiation belts and are responsible for surface charging. We modeled one nonstorm event on 24–30 November 2011, when the presence of isolated substorms was seen in the AE index. We used the Inner Magnetosphere Particle Transport and Acceleration Model (IMPTAM) with the boundary at 10 RE with moment values for the electrons in the plasma sheet. The output of the IMPTAM modeling was compared to the observed electron fluxes in 10 energy channels (from 5 to 50 keV) measured on board the AMC 12 geostationary spacecraft by the Compact Environmental Anomaly Sensor II with electrostatic analyzer instrument. The behavior of the fluxes depends on the electron energy. The IMPTAM model, driven by the observed parameters such as Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) By and Bz, solar wind velocity, number density, dynamic pressure, and the Dst index, was not able to reproduce the observed peaks in the electron fluxes when no significant variations are present in those parameters. We launched several substorm‐associated electromagnetic pulses at the substorm onsets during the modeled period. The observed increases in the fluxes can be captured by IMPTAM when substorm‐associated electromagnetic fields are taken into account. Modifications of the pulse front velocity and arrival time are needed to exactly match the observed enhancements.
Protozoology
Authors: Warren A
Published: December 2013

Protozoa are unicellular, heterotrophic eukaryotes that have been studied for more than 300 years, at first as microscopic curiosities, later as organisms causing disease and more recently as important components of ecosystems. In addition to being of intrinsic interest in their own right, protozoa are important in a number of fields of study, including: (1) as model organisms for investigations of cell biology, physiology and biochemistry; (2) ecological processes, such as predation and competition, and how these might affect the evolution of life history traits; (3) nutrient cycling, food webs and soil fertility; (4) reconstructing past climate change and (5) locating oil deposits. In addition, protozoa cause a number of important diseases of humans and animals, including malaria, sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, amoebic dysentery, coccidiosis, leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis. Consequently, protozoology – the study of protozoa – is a discipline with a substantial following throughout the world.

Key Concepts:

Protozoa have been studied by microscopists for more than 300 years.

The identification of protozoa is based mainly on morphology as revealed by light microscopy.

Many fundamental processes in cell biology and biochemistry were first discovered in protozoa.

A wide range of human and animal diseases are caused by protozoa.

Protozoa play key roles in nutrient cycling and soil fertility and are the main predators of bacteria in many environments.

Fossil protozoa are used to help to locate oil deposits and to reconstruct past climate change.
Electrophoresis and Blotting of
DNA
Authors: Sedivy‐Haley Katharine , Tamber Sandeep , Hancock Robert EW
Published: December 2013

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
electrophoresis and blotting are techniques commonly used to visualise DNA. Both techniques use simple, inexpensive protocols that rely on fundamental properties of DNA, and these protocols have changed little since they were introduced. Electrophoresis relies on the negative electrical charge of DNA to draw these molecules through a gel, separating DNA molecules on the basis of size. Southern blotting makes use of sequence complementarity to identify specific DNA fragments on the basis of their sequences. Despite the introduction of more powerful methods such as polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing, electrophoresis and blotting techniques are still widely used to identify DNA fragments of interest, including the identification of unusual structures within DNA and the analysis of larger fragments which are not easily analysed by other methods.

Key Concepts:

DNA electrophoresis and blotting are fundamental methods of molecular biology.

Basic physical and chemical properties of DNA are used to analyse unknown sequences.

Gel electrophoresis uses an electrical current to separate DNA by size.

Southern blotting locates a specific DNA sequence on a gel using a probe sequence that is its chemical match.

Minor variations on these procedures can improve results for specific experiments.

These techniques are still used to analyse unknown DNA molecules and identify DNA fragments of interest.

The principles behind electrophoresis and blotting can also be seen in newer methods.
Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Reventos Jaume , Colas Eva , Martínez Elena , Campoy Irene , Devis Laura , Rigau Marina , Olivan Mireia , Cabrera Silvia , Gil‐Moreno Antonio , Garcia Angel , Doll Andreas , Castellvi Josep , Díaz‐Feijoo Berta
Published: December 2013

Endometrial cancer is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract in the US. Immunohistochemistry and genomic studies have led to key insights into the pathogenesis of endometrial carcinoma and have provided a genetic basis for the current dualistic classification of this common malignancy. This classification has been challenged by the recent The Cancer Genome Atlas study, which has pursued a molecular classification that permits classification of all endometrial cancer tumours.

Key Concepts:

Dualistic classification is the most valid tool to categorise endometrial carcinomas since 1983.

Type‐I endometrial cancers are mostly oestrogen dependent. They are low‐grade and low‐stage tumours and present slow evolution and better prognosis than type‐II tumours.

Type‐II endometrial cancers are not dependent on hormones. They are high‐grade and aggressive tumours.

Type‐I is composed of endometrioid tumours, whereas type‐II is mostly composed of serous histologies and other minor subtypes.

Precursor lesions of type‐I and type‐II carcinomas are hyperplasia and intraepithelial carcinoma, respectively.

The most common alterations identified in type‐I carcinomas include
PTEN
,
PIK3CA
,
CTNNB1
,
KRAS
,
FGFR2
and
SPRY‐2
mutations and microsatellite instability.

The mutated genes identified in type‐II carcinomas include
TP53
,
PIK3CA
,
PPP2R1A
,
Her2/neu
,
E‐cadherin
,
CCNE1
and
BRCA1
, among others.

High‐grade tumours and tumours with mix histologies are difficult to allocate in the dualistic model as they present overlapping or combined morphologic and molecular characteristics from both types.

TCGA molecular classification permits the categorisation of all endometrial tumours into 4 categories:
POLE
ultramutated, MSI hypermutated, copy number low and copy number high.

More studies are needed in order to validate the usefulness of the recent molecular classification.
Bidirectional Gene Pairs in the Human Genome
Authors: Koyanagi Kanako O , Imanishi Tadashi , Gojobori Takashi
Published: December 2013

Bidirectional gene pairs, also called head‐to‐head gene pairs, are defined as two genes on different strands with adjacent 5′‐ends. They are transcribed divergently in a variety of coordinated fashion. The region between a bidirectional gene pair is designated as a putative bidirectional promoter, which is suggested to coordinately regulate the expression of the pair. The closely located bidirectional gene pairs and their bidirectional promoters were recently found to be enriched in the human genome. Despite substantial interests in these gene pairs and their expression regulation through bidirectional promoters, their biological significance is not well understood. Furthermore, it is of particular interest to know when and how the bidirectional gene arrangement evolved. Here the current understanding of these pairs is reviewed: bidirectional gene pairs may have great biological significance, and the bidirectional gene arrangement has evolved during the evolution of vertebrates leading to mammals by relocation of existing genes.

Key Concepts:

Closely located bidirectional gene pairs are enriched in the human genome.

Bidirectional gene pairs show correlated expression pattern.

Bidirectional gene pairs tend to have basic function in cells such as DNA repair.

Bidirectional promoters lack TATA boxes and are enriched in CpG islands.

Specific transcription factors are overrepresented in bidirectional promoters.

Bidirectional genes pairs tend to transcribe actively.

Bidirectional gene arrangement has evolved during the evolution of vertebrates leading to mammals by relocation of existing genes.

Detailed mechanisms of bidirectional transcription and the evolutionary forces that shaped the bidirectional arrangement in the human genome remain to be elucidated.
Pharmacogenetics of Pain
Authors: Smith Maree T , Muralidharan Arjun
Published: December 2013

Marked interindividual variability in pain severity ratings and the analgesic dosing requirements of patients with apparently similar pain states is underpinned by genetic and environmental factors, and their interactions. Over the past decade, rodent heritability studies, familial aggregation and twin studies in humans have provided insight into the genetic factors contributing to interindividual variability in pain sensitivity. Concurrently, a large number of genetic association studies using the candidate gene paradigm have investigated the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms in numerous genes encoding receptors, ion channels, enzymes and transporters, on pain sensitivity. Despite initial promise, most genetic association studies have either failed to replicate or have been only partially replicated by independent investigators; the underlying issues are addressed herein. Apart from deficiencies in study design and execution and inappropriate choice of statistical methods, subtle between‐study differences in interacting environmental factors that affect pain phenotypes (epigenetics), are a likely explanation.

Key Concepts:

Pain severity ratings and analgesic dosing requirements differ considerably between individuals with apparently similar pain states.

Factors contributing to interindividual variability in human pain sensitivity include genetic factors, environmental factors and their interaction.

More than 350 candidate pain genes have been identified as potentially contributing to heritable differences in pain sensitivity.

The findings of genetic association studies using a candidate gene approach have failed to replicate or have been only partially replicated by independent investigators.

Future research aimed at elucidating genetic influences on pain phenotypes and analgesic responsiveness need to utilise strategies other than the candidate gene approach.
The Appearance‐Change Instruction Does Not Improve Line‐up Identification Accuracy
Authors: Porter Devon , Moss Alexa , Reisberg Daniel
Published: December 2013

In many jurisdictions, police instruct a witness, before presenting a photo line‐up, that the suspect's appearance may be different in the photo than it was at the time of the crime. The experiments reported here examine the impact of this ‘appearance‐change instruction’ (ACI), exploring its effects with different crimes, perpetrators, line‐ups, and different phrasings of the ACI. The data indicate that the ACI increases witnesses' willingness to make a choice from a line‐up but does not increase accuracy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence of Doctor‐Diagnosed Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis: An Analysis of Swedish Health Care
Authors: Wolf Jennifer Moriatis , Turkiewicz Aleksandra , Atroshi Isam , Englund Martin
Published: December 2013

Objective

While the prevalence of radiographic thumb carpometacarpal (CMC1) osteoarthritis (OA) is well‐described, little is known about clinically symptomatic disease presenting to physicians for care. We sought to determine the prevalence of doctor‐diagnosed CMC1 OA.

Methods

Using health care data from Skåne in southern Sweden (population 1.24 million), we identified all adults ages ≥20 years who consulted a physician at least once and received a diagnosis for CMC1 OA (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, code M18). Data from the 15‐year period 1998–2012 were analyzed. Using cross‐referencing with the Swedish population register to exclude subjects who were deceased or had relocated, we obtained point estimates of the proportion of the population consulting for CMC1 OA.

Results

The prevalence of doctor‐diagnosed CMC1 OA in adults was estimated at 1.4% (2.2% in women and 0.62% in men). The mean ± SD age in the prevalent CMC1 cohort (n = 11,111) was 67.7 ± 11.4 years; 78.5% of diagnoses were in women. Prevalence peaked in women ages 70–74 years with an estimate of 5.3% and in men ages 80–84 years with an estimate of 1.7%. Age at initial diagnosis also differed, with women presenting between ages 60–69 years and men presenting between ages 70–79 years.

Conclusion

The clinically important prevalence of CMC1 OA is 3 to 4 times higher in women than men. By the end of 2012, more than 1 in 20 elderly women had consulted a physician for CMC1 OA over the last 15 years. The high prevalence of this subset of hand OA is a concern in an aging population.
Applying Quantitative Microstructure Control in Advanced Functional Composites
Authors: Heinz Nicholas A. , Ikeda Teruyuki , Pei Yanzhong , Snyder G. Jeffrey
Published: December 2013

Microstructure control in functional materials draws from a historical reserve rich in established theory and experimental observation of metallurgy. Methods such as rapid solidification, eutectoid reaction, and nucleation and growth precipitation have all proven to be effective means to produce microstructure relevant for a wide array of applications. Here, the available parameters to control structure morphology, size, and spacing are discussed using thermoelectric composites as an example. Moreover, exploiting different aspects of a material system's phase diagram enables a controlled introduction of nanostructures. While much of this discussion is pertinent to the rapidly developing field of thermal conductivity control in thermoelectric composites, these techniques can be applied to a variety of other material systems where their use may lead to novel electrical, optical, as well as thermal properties of semiconductors and insulators as it has in the past for the mechanical properties of metals.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Greco Raffaella , Bondanza Attilio , Vago Luca , Moiola Lucia , Rossi Paolo , Furlan Roberto , Martino Gianvito , Radaelli Marta , Martinelli Vittorio , Carbone Maria Rosaria , Lupo Stanghellini Maria Teresa , Assanelli Andrea , Bernardi Massimo , Corti Consuelo , Peccatori Jacopo , Bonini Chiara , Vezzulli Paolo , Falini Andrea , Ciceri Fabio , Comi Giancarlo
Published: December 2013

Neuromyelitis optica is a rare neurological autoimmune disorder characterized by a poor prognosis. Immunosuppression can halt disease progression, but some patients are refractory to multiple treatments, experiencing frequent relapses with accumulating disability. Here we report on durable clinical remissions after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in 2 patients suffering from severe forms of the disease. Immunological data evidenced disappearance of the pathogenic antibodies and regeneration of a naive immune system of donor origin. These findings correlated with evident clinical and radiological improvement in both patients, warranting extended clinical trials to investigate this promising therapeutic option. ANN NEUROL 2014;75:447–453
In situ biaxial stretching for the platelet formation of an ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymer through multistage stretching extrusion and its effect on the gas‐barrier properties of polyethylene
Authors: Zhu Jiaming , Shen Jiabin , Guo Shaoyun
Published: December 2013

The morphological evolution of ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) and its effect on the gas‐barrier properties of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) were investigated. HDPE/EVOH blends were prepared through a multistage stretching extrusion, which combined an assembly of force‐assembling elements (FAEs) with an extruder. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that with an increasing number of FAEs, the biaxial‐stretching field existing in each FAE transformed the dispersed EVOH phase into well‐defined platelets along the flowing plane. Dynamic rheological results further revealed that the formation of the platelets enlarged the interfaces between the dispersed barrier phase and the matrix; this not only led to the decline of the complex viscosity but also created more tortuous paths for the diffusion of gas molecules. Compared with that of the non‐FAE specimen blended with 25 wt % EVOH, the oxygen permeability coefficient decreased more than one order of magnitude when one FAE was applied. The structural model for permeability indicated that the enhanced barrier resulted from the increased tortuosity of the diffusion pathway, which was provided by the aligned high‐aspect‐ratio platelets. Compared with the previous biaxial‐stretching method, multistage stretching extrusion provided a simple and economical way to generate a laminar structure of the dispersed phase in the matrix phase without the application of an external stretching force. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40221.
A thiol‐ene clickable hyperbranched polyester via a simple single‐step melt trans‐esterification process
Authors: Shree Varaprasad N. S. , Venkhatesh Prasanna , Ramakrishnan S.
Published: December 2013

Self‐condensation of AB2 type monomers (containing one A‐type and two B‐type functional groups) generates hyperbranched (HB) polymers that carry numerous B‐type end‐groups at their molecular periphery; thus, development of synthetic methods that directly provide quantitatively transformable peripheral B groups would be of immense value as this would provide easy access to multiply functionalized HB systems. A readily accessible AB2 monomer, namely diallyl, 5‐(4‐hydroxybutoxy)isophthalate was synthesized, which on polymerization under standard melt‐transesterfication conditions yielded a peripherally clickable HB polyester in a single step; the allyl groups were quantitatively reacted with a variety of thiols using the facile photoinitiated “thiol‐ene” reaction to generate a wide range of derivatives, with varying solubility and thermal properties. Furthermore, it is shown that the peripheral allyl double bonds can also be readily epoxidized using meta‐chloroperoxybenzoic acid to yield interesting HB systems, which could potentially serve as a multifunctional cross‐linking agent in epoxy formulations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40248.
Determinants of tax evasion and compliance
Authors: Wentworth Diane Keyser , Rickel Annette Urso
Published: December 2013

The problem of tax evasion and subsequent revenue loss is an important one for our nation. Noncompliance with tax laws causes multibillion dollar annual losses for the U.S. treasury. An investigation of psychological variables is suggested as the most promising route to increase tax compliance. Hence, a review of the legal, economic, sociological, and psychological literature concerning the motivation and causes of noncompliance with tax laws is presented. Theoretical models and empirical studies addressing the issue of tax evasion are reviewed. An individual's feelings of equity and sense of norm commitment may be the crucial factors in the decision to comply or evade legally mandated taxes, superseding the notion of sanctions as the most effective deterrent. A legal reasoning model is one suggested alternative in the search for a causal explanation of noncompliance.
A Synthetic Oligonucleotide Model for Evaluating the Oxidation and Crosslinking Propensities of Natural Furan‐Modified DNA
Authors: Carrette Lieselot L. G. , Madder Annemieke
Published: December 2013

We have previously developed a crosslinking methodology for oligonucleotides based on the incorporation of furan moieties, which can be selectively oxidised to reactive intermediates that will quickly react with the opposite bases in DNA, forming toxic interstrand crosslinks (ICLs). Furan moieties also occur in natural DNA, as a result of oxidative stress. Moreover, the furan‐containing degradation product of this modified DNA—kinetin—has been found to display beneficial anti‐ageing effects. To investigate the apparent discrepancy between the effects of the synthetic and the natural furan modifications in DNA, a quick and easy postsynthetic method providing access to the natural modification in short synthetic oligonucleotides was developed. On checking for potential crosslinking propensity, we found that the furan moiety does indeed undergo oxidation, in this way functioning as an important scavenger for oxidative stress. The reactive intermediate, however, was shown to degrade without producing toxic crosslinked products.
Projection neurons of the vestibulo‐sympathetic reflex pathway
Authors: Holstein Gay R. , Friedrich Victor L. , Martinelli Giorgio P.
Published: December 2013

Changes in head position and posture are detected by the vestibular system and are normally followed by rapid modifications in blood pressure. These compensatory adjustments, which allow humans to stand up without fainting, are mediated by integration of vestibular system pathways with blood pressure control centers in the ventrolateral medulla. Orthostatic hypotension can reflect altered activity of this neural circuitry. Vestibular sensory input to the vestibulo‐sympathetic pathway terminates on cells in the vestibular nuclear complex, which in turn project to brainstem sites involved in the regulation of cardiovascular activity, including the rostral and caudal ventrolateral medullary regions (RVLM and CVLM, respectively). In the present study, sinusoidal galvanic vestibular stimulation was used to activate this pathway, and activated neurons were identified through detection of c‐Fos protein. The retrograde tracer Fluoro‐Gold was injected into the RVLM or CVLM of these animals, and immunofluorescence studies of vestibular neurons were conducted to visualize c‐Fos protein and Fluoro‐Gold concomitantly. We observed activated projection neurons of the vestibulo‐sympathetic reflex pathway in the caudal half of the spinal, medial, and parvocellular medial vestibular nuclei. Approximately two‐thirds of the cells were ipsilateral to Fluoro‐Gold injection sites in both the RVLM and CVLM, and the remainder were contralateral. As a group, cells projecting to the RVLM were located slightly rostral to those with terminals in the CVLM. Individual activated projection neurons were multipolar, globular, or fusiform in shape. This study provides the first direct demonstration of the central vestibular neurons that mediate the vestibulo‐sympathetic reflex. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2053–2074, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The RNA binding protein RBPMS is a selective marker of ganglion cells in the mammalian retina
Authors: Rodriguez Allen R. , de Sevilla Müller Luis Pérez , Brecha Nicholas C.
Published: December 2013

There are few neurochemical markers that reliably identify retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which are a heterogeneous population of cells that integrate and transmit the visual signal from the retina to the central visual nuclei. We have developed and characterized a new set of affinity‐purified guinea pig and rabbit antibodies against RNA‐binding protein with multiple splicing (RBPMS). On western blots these antibodies recognize a single band at 〜24 kDa, corresponding to RBPMS, and they strongly label RGC and displaced RGC (dRGC) somata in mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, and monkey retina. RBPMS‐immunoreactive cells and RGCs identified by other techniques have a similar range of somal diameters and areas. The density of RBPMS cells in mouse and rat retina is comparable to earlier semiquantitative estimates of RGCs. RBPMS is mainly expressed in medium and large DAPI‐, DRAQ5‐, NeuroTrace‐ and NeuN‐stained cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL), and RBPMS is not expressed in syntaxin (HPC‐1)‐immunoreactive cells in the inner nuclear layer (INL) and GCL, consistent with their identity as RGCs, and not displaced amacrine cells. In mouse and rat retina, most RBPMS cells are lost following optic nerve crush or transection at 3 weeks, and all Brn3a‐, SMI‐32‐, and melanopsin‐immunoreactive RGCs also express RBPMS immunoreactivity. RBPMS immunoreactivity is localized to cyan fluorescent protein (CFP)‐fluorescent RGCs in the B6.Cg‐Tg(Thy1‐CFP)23Jrs/J mouse line. These findings show that antibodies against RBPMS are robust reagents that exclusively identify RGCs and dRGCs in multiple mammalian species, and they will be especially useful for quantification of RGCs. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:1411–1443, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Engineering the TiO2–Graphene Interface to Enhance Photocatalytic H2 Production
Authors: Liu Lichen , Liu Zhe , Liu Annai , Gu Xianrui , Ge Chengyan , Gao Fei , Dong Lin
Published: December 2013

In this work, TiO2–graphene nanocomposites are synthesized with tunable TiO2 crystal facets ({100}, {101}, and {001} facets) through an anion‐assisted method. These three TiO2–graphene nanocomposites have similar particle sizes and surface areas; the only difference between them is the crystal facet exposed in TiO2 nanocrystals. UV/Vis spectra show that band structures of TiO2 nanocrystals and TiO2–graphene nanocomposites are dependent on the crystal facets. Time‐resolved photoluminescence spectra suggest that the charge‐transfer rate between {100} facets and graphene is approximately 1.4 times of that between {001} facets and graphene. Photoelectrochemical measurements also confirm that the charge‐separation efficiency between TiO2 and graphene is greatly dependent on the crystal facets. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that TiC bonds are formed between {100} facets and graphene, while {101} facets and {001} facets are connected with graphene mainly through TiOC bonds. With TiC bonds between TiO2 and graphene, TiO2‐100‐G shows the fastest charge‐transfer rate, leading to higher activity in photocatalytic H2 production from methanol solution. TiO2‐101‐G with more reductive electrons and medium interfacial charge‐transfer rate also shows good H2 evolution rate. As a result of its disadvantageous electronic structure and interfacial connections, TiO2‐001‐G shows the lowest H2 evolution rate. These results suggest that engineering the structures of the TiO2–graphene interface can be an effective strategy to achieve excellent photocatalytic performances.
Overview of the Core Commitments Initiative
Authors: McTighe Musil Caryn
Published: December 2013

This chapter provides an overview of the Core Commitments Initiative conducted by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). Core Commitments was intended to reinvigorate the conversation about personal and social responsibility within higher education, and served as the impetus for this New Directions volume.
Higher Education's Role in Educating for Personal and Social Responsibility: A Review of Existing Literature
Authors: Reason Robert D. , Ryder Andrew J. , Kee Chad
Published: December 2013

This chapter examines the existing literature in two major areas. A review of literature related to higher education's mission to educate for personal and social responsibility provides a rationale to refocus our collective attention on this important area of student learning and development. The chapter also reviews the current understanding on how well colleges and universities are currently doing in educating for personal and social responsibility.