bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spiritual resources in the job demands-resources model
Authors: Bickerton Grant R. , Miner Maureen H. , Dowson Martin , Griffin Barbara
Published: March 2014

The present study investigates the role of spiritual resources in the motivational and health impairment processes of the job demands-resources model. Spiritual resources are operationalized as a distinct category of personal resources. Results of item-level structural equation modeling on data from 835 Australian religious workers support the hypotheses that spiritual resources promote work engagement and lower exhaustion, which in turn fully mediate the influence of spiritual resources on reduced turnover intentions and emotional ill health. However, spiritual resources were not found to moderate the relationship between job demands and exhaustion. Cross-validation of the measurement model and structural relationships were assessed using a split-half technique. Limitations, future directions, and practical implications for improving the well-being of religious workers are discussed.
Proteinase-activated Receptor 1 Contributed to Up-regulation of Enkephalin in Keratinocytes of Patients with Obstructive Jaundice
Authors: Tao Kun-Ming , Tao Yong , Chen Cai-Yang , Yang Li-Qun , Lu Zhi-Jie , Sun Yu-Ming , Huang Sheng-Dong , Yu Wei-Feng
Published: March 2014

Background:

Skin synthesis of endogenous opioids such as enkephalin is considered to be increased in cholestatic rodents, which may induce antinociception in cholestatic liver disease. No studies have reported yet the expression of skin enkephalin in patients with cholestasis.

Methods:

Electrical pain threshold, postoperative morphine consumption, and skin enkephalin expression were measured in patients with jaundice (n = 18) and control patients (n = 16). Male Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 52) and human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT were used in vivo and in vitro studies, respectively. Nociceptive thresholds and plasma and skin levels of methionine-enkephalin were compared in protease-activated receptors-1–antagonized and control bile duct–ligated rats. In in vitro study, the effect on thrombin-induced enkephalin expression was examined and the role of extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 and p38 was investigated.

Results:

The authors found that: (1) the electrical pain threshold (mean ± SD) was 1.1 ± 0.1 mA in control patients, whereas it was significantly increased in patients with jaundice (1.7 ± 0.3 mA); 48-h postoperative morphine consumption was approximately 50% higher in the control group than that in the group with jaundice; (2) Skin keratinocytes enkephalin expression was increased in the patients with jaundice; (3) Protease-activated receptors-1 antagonist 1 μg·kg−1·day−1 treatment to the bile duct–ligated rats significantly reduced plasma levels of methionine-enkephalin, nociceptive thresholds, and keratinocytes enkephalin expression; and (4) protease-activated receptors-1 activation induced enkephalin expression through phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 and p38 in keratinocytes.

Conclusion:

Protease-activated receptors-1 activation in peripheral keratinocytes may play an important role in the local synthesis of enkephalin during cholestasis.
Crystallographic effect of a high magnetic field on a solidified hypoeutectic Zn–Al alloy
Authors: Li Lei , Li Zongbin , Zhang Yudong , Esling Claude , Liu Haitao , Zhao Zhihao , Zhu Qingfeng , Zuo Yubo , Cui Jianzhong
Published: March 2014

Hypoeutectic Zn–4.45 wt% Al solidified under a high magnetic field was investigated crystallographically. With the field, the primary zinc-rich β phase is distributed homogeneously and orients with thecaxis perpendicular to the magnetic field direction. These results are attributed to the magnetic viscosity resistance force and the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of zinc, respectively. The orientation modification also leads to a preferential alignment of the flat-shaped primary β dendrites. Furthermore, with the field, the eutectic β phase shows an orientation character similar to that of the primary β phase. This arises from its continuous growth with the primary β phase. In addition, a specific crystallographic orientation relationship ({0001}β||{111}α, 〈1\overline 210〉β||〈110〉α) exists in some of the eutectics (between the eutectic zinc-rich β and aluminium-rich α phases). However, this orientation relationship is related to the distribution of primary β dendrites, which originates from the independent nucleation of the pseudo-primary α phase attached to the primary β dendrites.
Artificial light puts ecosystem services of frugivorous bats at risk
Authors: Lewanzik Daniel , Voigt Christian C.
Published: March 2014

Currently, tropical forests are transformed into pasture and agricultural areas at an unprecedented rate, yet converted areas are often abandoned by farmers because depleting soil fertility renders unprofitable any agricultural land use. Natural succession of abandoned land could counter the loss of biodiversity, but the rate of natural reforestation is slow.

Neotropical frugivorous bats facilitate natural succession because they seem to tolerate habitat disturbance when dispersing seeds of pioneer plants. Under naturally dark conditions, bats produce a copious seed rain even in deforested habitats and connect distant forest fragments. Yet, artificial light at night may compromise bat‐mediated seed dispersal if bats avoid lit areas. This may delay or jeopardize natural forest succession in fragmented tropical landscapes.

We asked whether the foraging behaviour of Sowell's short‐tailed bats Carollia sowelli, a specialist on infructescences of pepper plants (Piperaceae), is negatively affected by artificial light at night.

First, in a dual choice experiment with captive bats, we demonstrate that food was less often explored and consumed in the dimly illuminated than in the dark compartment, indicating that artificial light alters the foraging behaviour of fruit‐eating bats. Secondly, using observations in free‐ranging bats, we found that infructescences were less likely to be harvested when plants were illuminated by a street lamp than under natural darkness.

Synthesis and applications. Natural succession of deforested areas and connectivity of remaining forest patches may suffer due to artificial light at night through a reduction in nocturnal seed disperser activity in lit areas. This could have negative impacts on biodiversity and consequent effects on land erosion, particularly in developing countries of the tropics where light pollution increases rapidly with growing economies and human populations. Mitigation requires that the use of artificial light should be limited in space, time and intensity to the minimum necessary. The effectiveness of ‘darkness corridors’ to enhance fragment connectivity and to reduce species loss should be evaluated. Policy‐makers of tropical countries should become aware of the potential detrimental effects of artificial lighting on wildlife and ecosystem functioning.
Simple individual‐based models effectively represent Afrotropical forest bird movement in complex landscapes
Authors: Aben Job , Strubbe Diederik , Adriaensen Frank , Palmer Stephen C. F. , Travis Justin M. J. , Lens Luc , Matthysen Erik
Published: March 2014

Reliable estimates of dispersal rates between habitat patches (i.e. functional connectivity) are critical for predicting long‐term effects of habitat fragmentation on population persistence. Connectivity measures are frequently derived from least cost path or graph‐based approaches, despite the fact that these methods make biologically unrealistic assumptions. Individual‐based models (IBMs) have been proposed as an alternative as they allow modelling movement behaviour in response to landscape resistance. However, IBMs typically require excessive data to be useful for management. Here, we test the extent to which an IBM requiring only an uncomplicated set of movement rules [the ‘stochastic movement simulator’ (SMS)] can predict animal movement behaviour in real‐world landscapes.

Movement behaviour of two forest birds, the Cabanis's greenbul Phyllastrephus cabanisi (a forest specialist) and the white‐starred robin Pogonocichla stellata (a habitat generalist), across an Afrotropical matrix was simulated using SMS. Predictions from SMS were evaluated against a set of detailed movement paths collected by radiotracking homing individuals.

SMS was capable of generating credible predictions of bird movement, although simulations were sensitive to the cost values and the movement rules specified. Model performance was generally highest when movement was simulated across low‐contrasting cost surfaces and when virtual individuals were assigned low directional persistence and limited perceptual range.

SMS better predicted movements of the habitat specialist than the habitat generalist, which highlights its potential to model functional connectivity when species movements are affected by the matrix.

Synthesis and applications. Modelling the dispersal process with greater biological realism is likely to be critical for improving our predictive capability regarding functional connectivity and population persistence. For more realistic models to be widely applied, it is vital that their application is not overly complicated or data demanding. Here, we show that given relatively basic understanding of a species' dispersal ecology, the stochastic movement simulator represents a promising tool for estimating connectivity, which can help improve the design of functional ecological networks aimed at successful species conservation.
Paying the price for being inclusive: the story of Marshlands
Authors: Glazzard Jonathan
Published: March 2014

This article illustrates, through the story of one mainstream primary school, the tensions between the inclusion agenda and the standards agenda. The school is situated in an area of social deprivation and nearly half of the school population have been identified as having special educational needs. The story presented in this article illustrates powerfully the inherent injustice of the performative culture which pervades education and the effects of this discourse for children with special educational needs and their teachers. I argue that a policy change is needed to create a more equitable education system and that, in the absence of such a change, schools such as the one presented here will risk being categorised as failing schools. This will have disastrous consequences for the teachers' careers, children's self‐concepts and the inclusion agenda itself.
The standards agenda: reflections of a special educational needs co‐ordinator
Authors: Glazzard Jonathan
Published: March 2014

This study is a life history account of Bev, a special educational needs co‐ordinator who works in a primary school in England. The research examines how, within Bev's experiences, the discourses of integration and inclusion have affected learners with special educational needs. Additionally, the study examines the impact of the ‘performativity’ agenda on a mainstream school with a high proportion of learners with special educational needs. The account illustrates how, in Bev's experiences, inclusion operates within a powerful othering framework which marginalises children with special educational needs and their teachers. Additionally, the account raises questions about the risks of choosing to work in schools with high proportions of children with special educational needs within a discourse of performativity. It raises questions about whether the inclusion agenda has resulted in limited forms of inclusion and whether it was easier to meet children's holistic needs under the integration agenda.
The influence of occupational socialisation upon a teacher's interpretation and delivery of Teaching Games for Understanding to pupils experiencing social and emotional behavioural difficulties
Authors: O'Leary Nick , Longmore Carl , Medcalf Richard
Published: March 2014

This study examined how one physical education (PE) teacher in a specialist school for pupils with social and emotional behavioural difficulties (SEBD) taught Year 9 pupils utilising the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) model. The research identified factors that led to such instruction, and considered the influence of occupational socialisation on the pedagogical approaches of the teacher. Data collection methods were semi‐structured interviews and non‐participant lesson observations. The resultant data were inductively analysed. Observations revealed that the lessons emphasised problem‐solving and limited technical practice. Interviews detailed how the factors influencing this practice were other PE teachers and the nature of the pupils. This research makes two recommendations: first, SEBD schools wishing to utilise TGfU should examine the prior pedagogical experiences of potential employees; second, student teachers wishing to use TGfU in institutions for pupils with SEBD should consider gaining experience of SEBD education prior to higher education in order to put subsequent pedagogical experiences into relevant focus.
Classwide peer tutoring for elementary and high school students at risk: listening to students’ voices
Authors: Ayvazo Shiri , Aljadeff‐Abergel Elian
Published: March 2014

Teaching has become a very challenging profession with the requirements to provide appropriate individualised instruction in large and diverse classes. Problem behaviours displayed by students with special needs exacerbate the difficulties. This is especially true and intense in physical education, where students are exposed to extreme emotional situations under physical demands. Classwide peer tutoring (CWPT) is an evidence‐based teaching strategy that involves programmed interactions between peers and holds promise for the education of students at risk who display antisocial behaviours. This article discusses the implementation and modification of CWPT in third and eighth grades in a K‐12 inner‐city charter school in the USA, directed towards students who have special educational and social needs. First, the two CWPT applications are described. Second, authors share the students’ reactions to the pedagogy. Third, based on students’ responses and the teacher's accumulated experience delivering CWPT, the article discusses how to tailor CWPT better to each of the grade levels.
Taiwanese families' perspectives on learning disabilities: an exploratory study in three middle schools
Authors: Chu Szu‐Yin , Lo Yu‐Ling Sabrina
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate families' perspectives on learning disabilities (LD) in Taiwan. A researcher‐designed survey was sent out to families of children with or without LD from three middle schools. Data from 153 participants were gathered and analysed. The survey consisted of four sections, namely demographic information, children's reading performance, families' general understanding and perspectives of LD. Specifically, the last section of 54 Likert scale items designed to gather information about families' perspectives of LD was analysed with five domains: causes of LD (inherent or acquired), conceptions and misconceptions, attitudes (acceptance or rejection), disclosure of disabilities (willing or unwilling), and support. Results indicated that families were not familiar with educational services related to LD in schools. Additionally, families' experiences with people with disabilities resulted in different perspectives regarding the causes and conceptions about LD, and acquiring support. Families' perspectives on LD also correlated with personal characteristics, including the level of their children's reading performance, number of children and income level. The cultural implications of these findings interplay with an emphasis on academic performance are discussed.
The Value Relevance of Mandatory Non‐GAAP Earnings
Authors: Venter Elmar R. , Emanuel David , Cahan Steven F.
Published: March 2014

This paper examines the value relevance of earnings components where there is a mandatory requirement to report generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) earnings and non‐GAAP earnings, and where the items to be eliminated from GAAP earnings are defined in detail. The setting is different from non‐GAAP earnings disclosures presented in the United States and elsewhere, where managers have discretion over whether to report a non‐GAAP earnings number, and what to exclude from GAAP earnings. Our mandatory setting enables us to report value relevance results that are not confounded by managers' discretionary choices regarding non‐GAAP earnings exclusions.

We use price‐level regressions, based on the Ohlson (1995) model, to test for incremental and relative value relevance. The results show that non‐GAAP earnings reported under a mandatory regime have higher value relevance than GAAP earnings. The disaggregation of these items is useful to investors in a setting where managerial motivations are minimized.
The Information Content of Ratings: An Analysis of Australian Credit Default Swap Spreads
Authors: Wang Jue , Svec Jiri , Peat Maurice
Published: March 2014

We examine the information content of Australian credit rating announcements by measuring the abnormal changes in credit default swap (CDS) spreads. CDS spreads provide a direct view of credit quality and thus should impound information quickly when investors receive new credit risk related information via a rating event. Using an event study methodology, we show that watch downs and rating upgrades contain valuable information even after controlling for sources of contamination. We find that watch downs elicit statistically significant market reactions, while subsequent downgrades are anticipated. Upgrades are associated with a significant but small abnormal reduction in CDS spreads, whereas watch ups appear to contain no new information.
Comparison of Cardiogoniometry and ECG at Rest versus Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy
Authors: Weber Stefan , Birkemeyer Ralf , Schultes Dominik , Grewenig Walter , Huebner Thomas
Published: March 2014

Background

Cardiogoniometry (CGM) is a novel resting electrocardiac method based on computer‐generated three‐dimensional data derived from cardiac potentials. The purpose of this study was to determine CGM's and electrocardiography's (ECG) accuracy for detecting myocardial ischemia and/or lesions in comparison with stress/rest myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (single photon emission computer tomography [SPECT]).

Method

A cohort of consecutively enrolled patients (n = 100) with suspected or known coronary artery disease (mean age 67.8 years, 52% female) were examined by CGM and resting ECG before stress/rest myocardial scintigraphy.

Results

Pathological scintigraphy findings at adenosine stress perfusion (ASP) and/or rest were conclusively identified in 21 patients. Diagnostic sensitivity was 71% for CGM and 24% for ECG, specificity was 70% for CGM and 95% for ECG. Reversible ischemia was diagnosed in 16 of 21 patients with pathological scintigraphy results. In this subgroup, sensitivity was 67% for CGM and 25% for ECG.

Conclusions

At rest, the sensitivity of a CGM significantly surmounts that of a standard 12‐lead ECG for detection of isolated myocardial ischemia or myocardial lesions revealed by scintigraphy/SPECT; specificity is in a reasonable range. CGM's ease of use and its considerable agreement with the results of myocardial scintigraphy, suggests a possible role for patient screening in the primary care setting.
Exercise reduces the symptoms of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and improves social behaviour, motor skills, strength and neuropsychological parameters
Authors: Kamp Carolin Friederike , Sperlich Billy , Holmberg Hans‐Christer
Published: March 2014

This review summarises research studies on the impact and beneficial effects of different types of exercise on childhood attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and provides recommendations for the scientific and therapeutic communities.

Conclusion

Although the design and the exercise interventions featured in these studies varied considerably, all showed that exercise reduced the symptoms of ADHD and led to improvements in social behaviour, motor skills, strength and neuropsychological parameters.
Effect of the type of farrowing room on the welfare and productive performance of lactating sows and of piglets during tropical winter
Authors: Oliveira Júnior Gregório M. , Ferreira Aloízio S. , Rodrigues Valéria V. , Figueiredo Érika M. , Formigoni Andressa S. , Zangeronimo Márcio G. , Santos Wilams G. , Alvarenga Renata R.
Published: March 2014

The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior and performance of sows and piglets kept in different types of farrowing rooms: conventional farrowing room with jugglers and cages (CFR), CFR with a heated floor for the piglets alongside the sows (CFR+HF) and semi‐outdoor farrowing room without a cage or heating floor but with access to a fenced field (SFR) during the tropical winter. Twenty‐seven multiparous sows were allocated in three treatments and nine repetitions during 21 days. The relative humidity was higher at CFR and CFR+HF. The temperature of thigh and chest in contact with the floor and the neck were higher (P < 0.01) in conventional systems. Sows maintained in the CFR spent (P < 0.01) more time feeding and drinking. The heating floor increased (P < 0.01) the nursing behavior but did not affect (P > 0.09) the sows’ and piglets’ performances. SFR decreased the backfat thickness (P = 0.03) and lactation efficiency, but did not affect milk production (P > 0.12) or piglet performance (P > 0.09). It is concluded that during tropical winter, conventional farrowing systems ensure better piglet performance compared to SFR but this last seems to improve the behavior of sows. The heating floor favors nursing and does not affect the welfare of sows.
Treatment satisfaction with tadalafil or tamsulosin vs placebo in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): results from a randomised, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Oelke Matthias , Giuliano François , Baygani Simin K. , Melby Thomas , Sontag Angelina
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To assess treatment satisfaction with tadalafil or tamsulosin vs placebo in a 12‐week, randomised, double‐blind study of men with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH).

Patients and Methods

After a 4‐week placebo lead‐in period, men aged ≥45 years with an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of ≥13 and a maximum urinary flow rate of ≥4 to ≤15 mL/s received placebo (172 men), tadalafil 5 mg (171), or tamsulosin 0.4 mg (168) once daily for 12 weeks. Treatment Satisfaction Scale‐BPH (TSS‐BPH) responses were assessed based on median treatment differences using the van Elteren test.

Results

Overall treatment satisfaction was greater for tadalafil vs placebo (P = 0.005), based on greater satisfaction with efficacy (P = 0.003); neither overall treatment satisfaction nor satisfaction with efficacy was greater for tamsulosin vs placebo (P ≥ 0.409). For individual questions, 66.5% of men rated tadalafil treatment as ‘effective/very effective’ (Question 1, Q1) vs placebo (P = 0.011), 72.6% would ‘definitely/probably recommend their treatment’ (Q3; P = 0.043), 71.8% were generally ‘very satisfied/satisfied with their medication’ (Q8; P < 0.003), and 65.0% would ‘definitely/probably continue therapy’ (Q10; P = 0.035). With tamsulosin, differences vs placebo were not statistically significant. Subgroup analyses of overall TSS‐BPH by baseline age (≤65/>65 years), history of erectile dysfunction (yes/no), LUTS/BPH severity (IPSS</≥20), total testosterone level (<300/≥300 ng/dL), and age‐specific predicted prostate volume (<40/≥40 mL) showed no statistically significant treatment‐subgroup interactions. Men with recent prior α‐blocker therapy reported greater treatment satisfaction with tadalafil vs placebo, with only borderline difference for men without prior therapy.

Conclusion

Treatment satisfaction was greater with tadalafil vs placebo, with no significant difference between tamsulosin and placebo.
Nutritional status and physical activity level as risk factor for traumatic dental injuries occurrence: a systematic review
Authors: Goettems Marília Leão , Schuch Helena Silveira , Hallal Pedro Curi , Torriani Dione Dias , Demarco Flávio Fernando
Published: March 2014

Aim

To systematically review epidemiological articles assessing traumatic dental injuries (TDI) rates according to the physical activity habits and nutritional status.

Methods

A search was conducted using PubMed, ISI, Scopus, SciELO, LILACS, and gray literature in Brazilian Theses Databank. We searched for dental trauma, traumatic dental injuries, tooth injuries, tooth fractures, physical activity, motor activity, exercise, sedentary lifestyle, sports, obesity, body mass index (BMI), overweight, and fatness. Databases were searched in duplicate from their earliest records until 2012. Additional studies were identified by searching bibliographies of the articles. Two reviewers performed data extraction and analyzed study procedural quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews were followed.

Results

We found 1159 articles, of whom 14 reports involving 13 studies were selected. One article was a birth cohort, one had a case–control design, and the others were cross‐sectional. The quality of evidence varied across the studies and was high (9) in 3. Eleven of the studies included assessed influence of nutritional status: five show a positive association between dental trauma and overweight and six do not show any association. Regarding physical activity level, five studies assessed its effect on trauma occurrence: two detected that physical activity acts as a protective factor and two that physical active increases the risk of dental injuries, and one showed no differences in TDI occurrence. Physical activity estimated from questionnaires and BMI were the most frequently used measures, but methodological differences prevent the comparison of results.

Conclusion

The results suggest that no truly causal relationship exists between dental trauma and physical activity and nutritional status. Due to the relatively low level of evidence currently present, studies with more robust design, for example, prospective cohort should address this question, especially in view of the epidemic of obesity.
Oviposition habitat selection by container‐dwelling mosquitoes: responses to cues of larval and detritus abundances in the field
Authors: FADER JOSEPH E. , JULIANO STEVEN A.
Published: March 2014

Insects' oviposition responses to resource and larval densities can be important factors determining distributions and competitive interactions of larvae. Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) show aggregated distributions of larvae in the field, larval interactions that are affected by detritus resources, and oviposition responses to resource and density cues in the laboratory. In this study, field experiments were conducted to test whether these species choose oviposition sites in response to chemical cues indicating detritus resource quantity and quality or larval abundances.

In Experiment 1, both species showed interactive responses to water conditioned with high or low quantities of senescent live oak leaves and density combinations of A. albopictus and A. aegypti larvae. Aedes aegypti preferred high‐detritus containers when conspecifics were absent. Aedes albopictus tended to prefer high‐detritus containers when larval density was low. We found no evidence of interspecific differences in oviposition preferences.

In Experiment 2, A. albopictus preferred high detritus to low or no detritus, and rapidly decaying, high‐quality detritus to low‐quality detritus.

Oviposition choices by these Aedes are mainly determined by resource quantity and quality, with larval densities having minor, variable effects. Oviposition responses of these species are unlikely to lead to resource partitioning. Aggregated distributions of these species in the field are unlikely to be products of oviposition choices based on larval densities.
Role of the MIR146A polymorphism in the origin and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Palmieri Annalisa , Carinci Francesco , Martinelli Marcella , Pezzetti Furio , Girardi Ambra , Cura Francesca , Rubini Corrado , Scapoli Luca
Published: March 2014

Gene expression and cell behavior are regulated by several factors, including small non‐coding RNAs. MicroRNAs affecting cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis are thought to play an important role in tumorigenesis. The levels of miR‐146 appear to be associated with cancer development and progression, including that of oral squamous cell carcinoma. The aim of this investigation was to ascertain whether the single nucleotide polymorphism, rs2910164, mapping in the MIR146A gene, has a role in oral squamous cell carcinoma progression. A genetic association study was performed with a sample set of 346 oral squamous cell carcinomas collected in Italy. Our data indicate that the rs2910164 polymorphism is not associated with tumor development. However, a slight increase in the frequency of the variant allele was observed in Stage II tumors. Further investigations are needed to verify a possible role of the variant allele or rs2910164 in oral squamous cell carcinoma progression.
Ultrasound‐guided injection of the median artery in the standing sedated horse
Authors: Spriet M. , Trela J. M. , Galuppo L. D.
Published: March 2014

Reasons for performing study

Injection of the median artery of horses leads to better distribution and persistence of mesenchymal stem cells than i.v. regional limb perfusion. Due to technical difficulties, intra‐arterial injections thus far have only been performed under general anaesthesia.

Objectives

To assess the feasibility of injection of the median artery in standing sedated horses.

Study design

Experimental study.

Methods

Six horses were included in the study. After median and ulnar regional analgesia, radiographic contrast material was injected in the median artery of both front limbs, using a catheter in one limb and a direct needle injection in the other. Ultrasound guidance was used for catheter and needle placement. Radiographs were obtained for confirmation of successful injection. Post procedural ultrasound examination was performed to assess vascular compromise.

Results

Catheter placement was successful in all 6 limbs, but in one limb injection was not possible due to arterial spasm. Movement of the limbs after the initial injection resulted in loss of functionality of the catheter in 2 other horses. Direct needle injection was successful on all 6 limbs, with periarterial extravasation observed in 2 limbs. No clinical complications were observed.

Conclusions

Injection of the median artery can be performed in standing horses under sedation. Direct needle injection is a more practical technique than catheterisation, as it is easier to perform and less likely to induce arterial spasm. Periarterial extravasation remains a possible limitation of the technique. Intra‐arterial injections may be useful for administration of therapeutic agents such as mesenchymal stem cells on standing sedated horses.
Increased cutaneous absorption reflects impaired barrier function of reconstructed skin models mimicking keratinisation disorders
Authors: Eckl Katja‐Martina , Weindl Günther , Ackermann Katharina , Küchler Sarah , Casper Ramona , Radowski Michał R. , Haag Rainer , Hennies Hans Christian , Schäfer‐Korting Monika
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to assess a recently established 3D model of congenital ichthyosis, representing severe epidermal barrier function defects, for skin penetration and permeation. We have generated disease models by knock‐down of either TGM1 or ALOXE3 in primary human keratinocytes, and using keratinocytes and fibroblasts from patients with congenital ichthyosis. The results indicate disturbed barrier function as demonstrated by increased permeation of testosterone and caffeine particularly in TGM1 knock‐down models compared to control models. In addition, enhanced penetration of the model dye nile red incorporated into solid lipid nanoparticles and core‐multishell nanotransporters, respectively, was evident in disease models. Thus, in vitro skin disease models reproduce differences in barrier permeability and function seen in congenital ichthyosis and pave the way to personalised disease models. Furthermore, our findings indicate that nanocarriers may be useful in new, topical therapeutic approaches for the currently very limited treatment of congenital ichthyosis.
Association of the ROBO1 gene with reading disabilities in a family‐based analysis
Authors: Tran C. , Wigg K. G. , Zhang K. , Cate‐Carter T. D. , Kerr E. , Field L. L. , Kaplan B. J. , Lovett M. W. , Barr C. L.
Published: March 2014

Linkage studies have identified a locus on chromosome 3 as reading disabilities (RD) and speech and sound disorder (SSD) susceptibility region, with both RD and SSD sharing similar phonological processing and phonological memory difficulties. One gene in this region, roundabout homolog 1 (ROBO1), has been indicated as a RD candidate and has shown significant association with measures of phonological memory in a population‐based sample. In this study, we conducted a family‐based association analysis using two independent samples collected in Toronto and Calgary, Canada. Using the two samples, we tested for association between ROBO1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and RD, along with quantitative measures for reading, spelling and phonological memory. One SNP, rs331142, which was selected based on its correlation with ROBO1 expression in brain tissue, was found to be significantly associated with RD in the Toronto sample with over transmission of the minor C allele (P = 0.001), correlated with low expression. This SNP is located ∼200 bp from a putative enhancer and results for a marker within the enhancer, rs12495133, showed evidence for association with the same allele in both the Toronto and Calgary samples (P = 0.005 and P = 0.007). These results support previous associations between ROBO1 and RD, as well as correlation with low gene expression, suggesting a possible mechanism of risk conferred by this gene.
Fossilization and degradation of archaeal intact polar tetraether lipids in deeply buried marine sediments (Peru Margin)
Authors: Lengger Sabine K. , Hopmans Ellen C. , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Schouten Stefan
Published: March 2014

Glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraether (GDGT) lipids are part of the cellular membranes of Thaumarchaeota, an archaeal phylum composed of aerobic ammonia oxidizers, and are used in the paleotemperature proxy TEX86. GDGTs in live cells possess polar head groups and are called intact polar lipids (IPL‐GDGTs). Their transformation to core lipids (CL) by cleavage of the head group was assumed to proceed rapidly after cell death, but it has been suggested that some of these IPL‐GDGTs can, just like the CL‐GDGTs, be preserved over geological timescales. Here, we examined IPL‐GDGTs in deeply buried (0.2–186 mbsf, ~2.5 Myr) sediments from the Peru Margin. Direct measurements of the most abundant IPL‐GDGT, IPL‐crenarchaeol, specific for Thaumarchaeota, revealed depth profiles, which differed per head group. Shallow sediments (<1 mbsf) contained IPL‐crenarchaeol with both glycosidic and phosphate head groups, as also observed in thaumarchaeal enrichment cultures, marine suspended particulate matter and marine surface sediments. However, hexose, phosphohexose‐crenarchaeol is not detected anymore below 6 mbsf (~7 kyr), suggesting a high lability. In contrast, IPL‐crenarchaeol with glycosidic head groups is preserved over timescales of Myr. This agrees with previous analyses of deeply buried (>1 m) marine sediments, which only reported glycosidic and no phosphate‐containing IPL‐GDGTs. TEX86 values of CL‐GDGTs did not markedly change with depth, and the TEX86 of IPL‐derived GDGTs decreased only when the proportions of monohexose‐ to dihexose‐GDGTs changed, likely due to the enhanced preservation of the monohexose GDGTs. Our results support the hypothesis that in situ GDGT production and differential IPL degradation in sediments is not substantially affecting TEX86 paleotemperature estimations based on CL–GDGTs and indicates that likely only a small amount of IPL‐GDGTs present in deeply buried sediments is part of cell membranes of active archaea. The amount of archaeal biomass in the deep biosphere based on these IPLs may have been substantially overestimated.
Bias of Apparent Tracer Ages in Heterogeneous Environments
Authors: McCallum James L. , Cook Peter G. , Simmons Craig T. , Werner Adrian D.
Published: March 2014

The interpretation of apparent ages often assumes that a water sample is composed of a single age. In heterogeneous aquifers, apparent ages estimated with environmental tracer methods do not reflect mean water ages because of the mixing of waters from many flow paths with different ages. This is due to nonlinear variations in atmospheric concentrations of the tracer with time resulting in biases of mixed concentrations used to determine apparent ages. The bias of these methods is rarely reported and has not been systematically evaluated in heterogeneous settings. We simulate residence time distributions (RTDs) and environmental tracers CFCs, SF6, 85Kr, and 39Ar in synthetic heterogeneous confined aquifers and compare apparent ages to mean ages. Heterogeneity was simulated as both K‐field variance (σ2) and structure. We demonstrate that an increase in heterogeneity (increase in σ2 or structure) results in an increase in the width of the RTD. In low heterogeneity cases, widths were generally on the order of 10 years and biases generally less than 10%. In high heterogeneity cases, widths can reach 100 s of years and biases can reach up to 100%. In cases where the temporal variations of atmospheric concentration of individual tracers vary, different patterns of bias are observed for the same mean age. We show that CFC‐12 and CFC‐113 ages may be used to correct for the mean age if analytical errors are small.
Impacts of Seawater Rise on Seawater Intrusion in the Nile Delta Aquifer, Egypt
Authors: Sefelnasr Ahmed , Sherif Mohsen
Published: March 2014

Several investigations have recently considered the possible impacts of climate change and seawater level rise on seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers. All have revealed the severity of the problem and the significance of the landward movement of the dispersion zone under the condition of seawater level rise. Most of the studies did not consider the possible effects of the seawater rise on the inland movement of the shoreline and the associate changes in the boundary conditions at the seaside and the domain geometry. Such effects become more evident in flat, low land, coastal alluvial plans where large areas might be submerged with seawater under a relatively small increase in the seawater level. None of the studies combined the effect of increased groundwater pumping, due to the possible decline in precipitation and shortage in surface water resources, with the expected landward shift of the shore line. In this article, the possible effects of seawater level rise in the Mediterranean Sea on the seawater intrusion problem in the Nile Delta Aquifer are investigated using FEFLOW. The simulations are conducted in horizontal view while considering the effect of the shoreline landward shift using digital elevation models. In addition to the basic run (current conditions), six different scenarios are considered. Scenarios one, two, and three assume a 0.5 m seawater rise while the total pumping is reduced by 50%, maintained as per the current conditions and doubled, respectively. Scenarios four, five, and six assume a 1.0 m seawater rise and the total pumping is changed as in the first three scenarios. The shoreline is moved to account for the seawater rise and hence the study domain and the seaside boundary are modified accordingly. It is concluded that, large areas in the coastal zone of the Nile Delta will be submerged by seawater and the coast line will shift landward by several kilometers in the eastern and western sides of the Delta. Scenario six represents the worst case under which the volume of freshwater will be reduced to about 513 km3 (billion m3).
Nogo‐B: A potential indicator for hepatic cirrhosis and regulator in hepatic stellate cell activation
Authors: Men Ruoting , Wen Maoyao , Dan Xuelian , Zhu Yongjun , Wang Wanqin , Li Junli , Wu Wenchao , Liu Xiaojing , Yang Li
Published: March 2014

Aim

To evaluate plasma Nogo‐B levels in liver cirrhotic patients and declare a novel molecular basis by which Nogo‐B modulates hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation.

Methods

Plasma Nogo‐B levels from liver cirrhotic patients were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Rat primary HSC were culture activated or stimulated with transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β. Activated HSC were transfected for 48 h with Nogo‐B shRNA to inhibit Nogo‐B expression. Gene expressions of Nogo‐B, α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA), collagen type I, TGF‐β, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress key molecules, including C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor (ATF)4, ATF6, X‐box binding protein 1 (Xbp‐1) and calnexin, and the marker of autophagy beclin 1, were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The protein expressions of Nogo‐B, α‐SMA, collagen type I, CHOP, GRP78 and the marker of autophagy LC3B were evaluated by western blot.

Results

Liver cirrhotic patients showed a much higher level of plasma Nogo‐B compared with the healthy controls. Nogo‐B expression and ER stress could be induced during the process of cultured HSC activation. TGF‐β treatment increased Nogo‐B expression time‐ and dose‐dependently. Knockdown of Nogo‐B in HSC reduced the activation of HSC. After Nogo‐B gene knockdown, there was a decline of expression of ER stress markers and autophagic markers. Agonist or antagonist of ER stress could regulate autophagy level.

Conclusion

Circulating Nogo‐B may be an effective indicator for liver cirrhosis. Nogo‐B inhibition could diminish HSC activation, in which alleviating ER stress may be one of the mechanisms, suggesting a potential approach to interference Nogo‐B in liver fibrosis.
Job variation in advanced training in adult neurology in Australia and New Zealand: a follow‐up study
Authors: Burrell J. R. , Parratt K. , Lueck C. J.
Published: March 2014

Background

Six years ago, a survey of Australian trainees in neurology highlighted several differences in the training offered by the various positions. There has been a subsequent increase in trainee numbers.

Aim

This survey aimed to re‐examine the workload and exposure provided by individual positions and to compare training in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

A questionnaire was circulated in 2012 to all advanced trainees in core adult neurology positions in Australia and New Zealand, looking at ward work, outpatient clinics, neurophysiology exposure and on‐call commitments.

Results

The response rate was 85.7%. There was a 48.7% increase in the number of core training positions in Australia, but an average increase in inpatient workload of 56%. General neurology clinic numbers were unchanged while specialist clinic exposure had risen from 1.0 to 1.8 clinics/week. In some cases, exposure to neurophysiology had fallen. The requirement for out‐of‐hours on‐call had fallen. There were no major differences between positions in Australia and New Zealand.

Conclusion

There have been significant improvements in advanced training in adult neurology in the 5 years between 2007 and 2012: numbers of trainees have increased, on‐call commitments have fallen and exposure to specialist clinics has risen. However, inpatient workload has increased significantly, accompanied by a slight reduction in exposure to training in neurophysiology in some cases. Overall, the changes are encouraging, but more work is still needed to ensure that individual positions meet the training needs of trainees.
Home Birth After Hospital Birth: Women's Choices and Reflections
Authors: Bernhard Casey , Zielinski Ruth , Ackerson Kelly , English Jessica
Published: March 2014

Introduction

The number of US women choosing home birth is increasing. Little is known about women who choose home birth after having experienced hospital birth; therefore, the purpose of this research was to explore reasons why these women choose home birth and their perceptions regarding their birth experiences.

Methods

Qualitative description was the research design, whereby focus groups were conducted with women who had hospital births and subsequently chose home birth. Five focus groups were conducted (N = 20), recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was undertaken allowing themes to emerge.

Results

Five themes emerged from the women's narratives: 1) choices and empowerment: with home birth, women felt they were given real choices rather than perceived choices, giving them feelings of empowerment; 2) interventions and interruptions: women believed things were done that were not helpful to the birth process, and there were interruptions associated with their hospital births; 3) disrespect and dismissal: participants believed that during hospital birth, providers were more focused on the laboring woman's uterus, with some experiencing dismissal from their hospital provider when choosing to birth at home; 4) birth space: giving birth in their own home, surrounded by people they chose, created a peaceful and calm environment; and 5) connection: women felt connected to their providers, families, newborns, and bodies during their home birth.

Discussion

For most participants, dissatisfaction with hospital birth influenced their subsequent decision to choose home birth. Despite experiencing challenges associated with this decision, women expressed satisfaction with their home birth.
Plantation Systems, Labour Regimes and the State in Malaysia, 1900–2012
Authors: Kaur Amarjit
Published: March 2014

Plantation production systems, plantation labour regimes and a foreign workforce typified European investment in the large‐scale agricultural sector in colonial Malaya. Analogous structures and trends continue to be influential in Malaysia's contemporary commercial agricultural sector. Initially, the politics and organization of the East India Company and the pursuit of tropical commodities corresponded with the facilitation and channelling of Indian migrant labour for coffee and sugar cultivation in Malaya. The subsequent development of the rubber industry represented the first major transition to more highly capitalized large‐scale farming for international markets. In the 1990s, oil palm replaced rubber as the premier crop in a second agrarian transition, consistent with Malaysia's economic and political imperatives, social policy and the global demand for palm oil. There are important continuities in the rubber and oil palm agricultural transitions. These include comparable plantation structures, labour systems and a continuing reliance on migrant labour, despite the growth of the national labour force. The correlation between plantation systems and Malaysia's foreign labour policy should be viewed through the prism of challenges to large‐scale agricultural production and countervailing forces that might be acting on the Malaysian state.