bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Standards for the Uniform Reporting of Hypertension in Adults Using Population Survey Data: Recommendations From the World Hypertension League Expert Committee
Authors: Gee Marianne E. , Campbell Norm , Sarrafzadegan Nizal , Jafar Tazeen , Khalsa Tej K. , Mangat Birinder , Poulter Neil , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Sonkodi Sandor , Whelton Paul K. , Woodward Mark , Zhang Xin‐Hua
Published: August 2014

Surveillance and monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors including raised blood pressure are critical to informing efforts to prevent and control cardiovascular disease. Yet, many countries lack the capacity for adequate national surveillance. Furthermore, hypertension indicators are often reported in different ways, which hampers the ability to compare and assess progress. In order to encourage standardized hypertension surveillance reporting, the World Hypertension League assembled an Expert Committee to develop a standard set of core indicators, definitions, and recommended analyses. The recommended core indicators are: (1) blood pressure distribution, (2) prevalence of hypertension, (3) awareness of the condition, (4) antihypertensive drug treatment, and (5) control of hypertension based on drug therapy. Each of these can be reported overall and by age group and sex, with crude and age‐standardized changes tracked over time in order to assess the impact of instituted policies and programs for hypertension prevention and control. An expanded list of indicators can also facilitate tracking of hypertension prevention and control efforts. Widespread adoption of these indicators and analyses could benefit all those conducting and analyzing hypertension surveys and will facilitate hypertension surveillance efforts.
Overweight adolescents eat what? And when? Analysis of consumption patterns to guide dietary message development for intervention
Authors: Smith K. L. , Straker L. M. , Kerr D. A. , Smith A. J.
Published: August 2014

Background

Little is known about overweight adolescent dietary consumption patterns, with challenges to collecting meaningful data making it difficult to develop targeted obesity interventions. The present study aimed to examine the timing and consumption of fruit, vegetables and junk food by time of the day and day of the week.

Methods

Overweight adolescents (n = 61), aged 12–16 years, completed 3‐day food records. Negative binomial and binary logistic regression using generalised estimating equations were used to compare the amount and likelihood of the consumption of each food group between time periods.

Results

Overweight adolescent girls were more likely to eat fruit on weekdays than weekends [odds ratio (OR) = 5.0. P < 0.001], as were boys (OR = 2.5, P = 0.034). Adolescents consumed more fruit at school than other meals [girls: incident rate ratio (IRR) = 7.5, P < 0.001; boys: IRR = 4.0, P = 0.050]. Weekday dinner was the meal where girls were most likely to consume vegetables (OR = 3.0, P = 0.009) and when boys consumed the most vegetables (IRR = 30.9, P = 0.006). Fast food consumption was most likely for girls at dinner on the weekend (OR = 9.6, P = 0.042), whereas fast food intake for boys increased overall on the weekend (IRR = 3.6, P = 0.001). Intake of ‘other junk’ (e.g. crisps) peaked during school hours for girls (IRR = 7.2, P < 0.001) and sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption increased for boys on the weekend (IRR = 3.3, P = 0.001). Overall, trends in fruit intake showed opposing times for high and low consumption compared to vegetable intake.

Conclusions

These results represent the next step in using time of day and day of week consumption patterns to develop targeted, evidence‐based dietary messages for interventions in overweight adolescents.
Measuring effects of MDMA (ecstasy) abuse on the rate of cerebral serotonin synthesis
Authors: Cumming Paul
Published: August 2014

Read the full article ‘Brain serotonin synthesis in MDMA (ecstasy) polydrug users: an alpha‐[11C]methyl‐L‐tryptophan study’ on page 634.
Computed Tomographic Analysis of Left Ventricular Volumes and Function after Implantation of the Parachute® Endoventricular Partitioning Device
Authors: MENON PRAHLAD G. , LUDWIG DANIEL , LACOMIS JOAN , SCHWARTZMAN DAVID , TOMA CATALIN
Published: August 2014

Background

Preliminary clinical experience with a percutaneous endoventricular partitioning device (Parachute®, CardioKinetix Inc., Menlo Park, CA, USA) suggests that it ameliorates global LV dysfunction and heart failure symptoms in selected patients who have suffered previous anterior myocardial infarction. Less is known of its effect on regional LV function.

Objective

To gain insight into device effect on regional LV function by analysis of cardiac computed tomographic (CT) images obtained before and after device implantation.

Methods

Comparative analysis of pre and 6 months post‐implantation contrast‐enhanced CT images from 6 subjects enrolled in the phase 1 Parachute clinical trials, including regional LV volume and systolic excursion, as well as device motion.

Results

After implantation, a significant reduction in volume of the “dynamic” LV compartment (that which was not excluded by the device) was accompanied by a significant reduction in dykinetic motion and a trend toward an improved ejection fraction. Penetration of contrast into the excluded compartment was still present at 6 months, however the apical motion was significantly less diskinetic in 3 subjects and unchanged in the other 3. Overall device surface motion was inward in systole, a significant improvement relative to the overall dyskinetic LV apex pre‐implantation. Device motion was spatially heterogeneous, which appeared to be dependent on the motility of the myocardium that anchored its individual splines.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the Parachute device acts as a functional impediment to flow and stretch, effectively depressurizing the apical segment.
From flexibility human resource management to employee engagement and perceived job performance across the lifespan: A multisample study
Authors: Bal P. Matthijs , De Lange Annet H.
Published: August 2014

This study investigated the effects of flexibility human resource management (HRM) on employee outcomes over time, as well as the role of age in these relations. Based on work adjustment theory and AMO theory, it was predicted that availability and use of flexibility HRM would be positively related to employee engagement, as well as higher job performance. Moreover, we postulated different hypotheses regarding the role of employee age. While generation theory predicts that younger generations would react more strongly to flexibility HRM in relation to engagement, selection, optimization, and compensation theory of ageing predicts that older workers respond more strongly in relation to job performance. A longitudinal study among US employees and a study among employees in 11 countries across the world showed that engagement mediated the relationships between availability of flexibility HRM and job performance. Moreover, we found partial support for the moderating role of age in the relations of flexibility HRM with the outcomes: Flexibility HRM was important for younger workers to enhance engagement, while for older workers, it enhanced their job performance. The study shows that the effectiveness of flexibility HRM depends upon employee age and the type of outcome involved, and consequently, theory on flexibility at work should take the age of employees into account.

Practitioner points

Flexibility HRM can be used by organizations to enhance younger workers’ engagement, while it can be used for older workers to enhance their job performance.

It is important for organizations to not only offer flexibility to their employees, but also to make sure that employees take advantage of these HR practices.

Flexibility HRM is important across the world, because it enables people across the world to balance demands from work as well as from private life.
Xerostomia relates to the degree of asthma control
Authors: Alcázar Navarrete Bernardino , Gómez‐Moreno Gerardo , Aguilar‐Salvatierra Antonio , Guardia Javier , Romero Palacios Pedro José
Published: August 2014

Few studies have assessed the relationships between xerostomia and the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). The main objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of xerostomia in a respiratory outpatient clinic and its relationship with bronchial asthma and ICS use. A cross‐sectional observational study of patients recruited in an outpatient setting divided them according to previous diagnoses of bronchial asthma. Data about pulmonary function, concomitant medication, medical comorbidities, Xerostomia Inventory test (XI test), and the degree of asthma control by ACT (asthma control test) were collected for each patient. A linear regression model was applied, using the XI score as dependent variable and the ACT score as independent variable. The 57 patients were divided into asthmatics (40 patients, 70.2%) and control group without asthma (17, 29.8%). The prevalence of xerostomia was 87.7% (50 patients), with no differences between the study groups or current dose of ICS. In the asthmatic group, patients with uncontrolled asthma had worse XI scores than those with partially or totally controlled asthma (30.43 ± 8.71 vs. 24.92 ± 8.08; P < 0.05). In a logistic regression model, the XI test was significantly associated to ACT scores with a moderately strong correlation (r = 0.55; P = 0.005) after adjusting for the current daily dose of ICS. Xerostomia is a common symptom in the ambulatory setting. There is a moderate relationship between the degree of asthma control and the severity of xerostomia.
Diabetes causes morphological changes in human submandibular gland: a morphometric study
Authors: Lilliu Maria Alberta , Solinas Paola , Cossu Margherita , Puxeddu Roberto , Loy Francesco , Isola Raffaella , Quartu Marina , Melis Tiziana , Isola Michela
Published: August 2014

Background

Dataon structural alterations in human diabetic salivary glands are scanty and conflicting. The goal of this study is based on the evaluation of the morphological changes in submandibular glands of subjects with well‐controlled diabetes and without evident salivary malfunctions.

Methods

Submandibular gland pieces from diabetic and non‐diabetic patients were fixed, dehydrated, and processed to obtain sections for light and electron microscopy. Randomly selected micrographs were statistically analyzed to reveal variations in serous acini.

Results

Morphometrical evaluation allowed us to reveal significant changes such as enlargement of acinar and granule size, reduction of mitochondrial size, increased density of microbuds and protrusions along luminal membranes.

Conclusions

The results indicate that diabetes affects submandibular gland structure even when glandular function appears unaltered and suggest that morphological changes reflect functional changes chiefly regarding the secretory activity.
Low basal salivary flow and Burning Mouth Syndrome: new evidence in this enigmatic pathology
Authors: Spadari Francesco , Venesia Paolo , Azzi Lorenzo , Veronesi Giovanni , Costantino Dario , Croveri Fabio , Farronato Davide , Tagliabue Angelo , Tettamanti Lucia
Published: August 2014

Background

Burning mouth syndrome remains a puzzling condition. One symptom commonly associated with the burning sensation is xerostomia. The current study measured basal and stimulated salivary flow in a group of burning mouth syndrome patients.

Methods

Three groups of patients were recruited: 44 burning mouth syndrome patients, 27 oral lichen planus patients and 40 healthy patients. We chose to measure basal salivary flow and stimulated salivary flow in the three groups of patients using the ‘spitting’ method. Thus, the patients were asked to spit every minute for 5 min. Afterwards, they were asked to repeat the procedure a second time, but a drop of citric acid was positioned on their tongue every minute to stimulate salivary secretion. After 14 days, the same procedure was repeated for 15 min.

Results

Although there was no significant difference between the burning mouth syndrome group and the other two groups regarding the stimulated volumes, an important difference was found in the basal volumes, with the burning mouth syndrome patients showing lower values.

Conclusions

The outcomes of our research demonstrate the presence of very low basal salivary flow in burning mouth syndrome patients compared with the other two groups, but the stimulated salivary flow was equal, if not higher, in the burning mouth syndrome patients. This study contributes new topics for further investigation of a solution to the very mysterious pathology represented by burning mouth syndrome.
Intra‐epithelially entrapped blood vessels in ameloblastoma
Authors: Siar Chong Huat , Ishak Ismadi , Ng Kok Han
Published: August 2014

Background

The ameloblastoma is a benign but locally aggressive odontogenic neoplasm with a high recurrence rate. While significant progress has been made in our understanding regarding the role of tumoral vasculature relative to the diverse behavioral characteristics of this tumor, no attention has been paid to a distinct subset of blood vessels entrapped within its epithelial compartment. As vascular niches are known to influence tumoral growth, clarification of these vessels is important. The objectives of this study were to investigate the morphologic characteristics of intra‐epithelially entrapped blood vessels (IEBVs) in ameloblastoma and to speculate on their relevance.

Materials and method

Here, we evaluated the frequency, microvessel density (MVD), morphology, and distribution pattern of IEBVs in 77 ameloblastoma of different subtypes based on their immunoreactivity for endothelial markers (CD34, CD31, CD105), vascular tight junction protein (claudin‐5), pericyte [α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐sma)], and vascular basement membrane (collagen IV).

Results

IEBVs were heterogeneously detected in ameloblastoma. Their mean MVD (CD34 = 15.46 ± 7.25; CD31 = 15.8 ± 5.04; CD105 = 0.82 ± 0.51) showed no significant correlation with different subtypes, and between primary and recurrent tumors (P > 0.05). These microvessels may occur as single/clusters of capillary sprouts, or formed compressed branching/non‐branching slits entrapped within the epithelial compartment, and in direct apposition with polyhedral/granular neoplastic epithelial cells. They expressed proteins for endothelial tight junctions (claudin‐5‐positive) and pericytes (α‐sma‐positive) but had deficient basement membrane (collagen IV weak to absent). Aberrant expression for CD34, CD31, and CD105 in tumor epithelium was variably observed.

Conclusions

Although rare in occurrence, identification of IEBVs in ameloblastoma could potentially represent a new paradigm for vascular assessment of this neoplasm.
Childhood Secondhand Smoke Exposure andADHD‐Attributable Costs to the Health and Education System
Authors: Max Wendy , Sung Hai‐Yen , Shi Yanling
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Children exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) have higher rates of behavioral and cognitive effects, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but the costs to the health care and education systems have not been estimated. We estimate these costs for school‐aged children aged 5‐15.

METHODS

The relative risk (RR) of ADHD from SHS exposure was obtained from our previous work. SHS exposure was measured using 2 alternative approaches—reported exposure and serum cotinine‐measured exposure. RRs and SHS exposure were used to determine the number of children with SHS‐attributable ADHD, and mean costs of ADHD‐related health care and education services were applied to obtain SHS‐attributable health care and education costs.

RESULTS

Annual health care costs of SHS‐attributable ADHD ranged from $644 million (using reported SHS exposure) to $2.05 billion (using cotinine‐measured exposure). SHS‐attributable costs to the education system ranged from $2.90 to $9.23 billion.

CONCLUSIONS

The costs of SHS‐attributable ADHD to the education system may total more than 4 times the costs for health care. The huge economic impact of SHS exposure on the education system has not been documented previously, and suggests that reducing childhood exposure to tobacco smoke will release substantial funds that could be used for general education of all children.
Physical Fitness in Spanish Schoolchildren Aged 6–12 Years: Reference Values of the Battery EUROFIT and Associated Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Gulías‐González Roberto , Sánchez‐López Mairena , Olivas‐Bravo Ángel , Solera‐Martínez Montserrat , Martínez‐Vizcaíno Vicente
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Physical fitness is considered an important indicator of health in children. The aims of this study were to (1) provide sex‐ and age‐specific EUROFIT battery levels of fitness in Spanish children; (2) compare Spanish children's fitness levels with those of children from other countries; and (3) determine the percentage of Spanish children with cardiovascular risk associated with low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).

METHODS

Physical fitness was assessed using the EUROFIT tests in 1725 children, aged 6 to 12, from Castilla‐La Mancha, Spain. We derived specific values for physical fitness using LMS method. FITNESSGRAM 2010 criteria were used to estimate the percentage of children with cardiovascular risk associated with low CRF.

RESULTS

Boys scored higher in all the physical fitness tests, except for the flexibility test. Physical fitness improved as age increased, except for flexibility, which worsened in boys, and VO2max, which decreased in both sexes. The prevalence of boys and girls with cardiovascular risk associated to low CRF was 13% and 26%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific fitness test scores for children and adolescents can represent the fitness status of schoolchildren accurately. Schools need to make efforts to improve the fitness level of the schoolchildren to prevent cardiovascular risk.
Multilevel Analyses of School and Children's Characteristics Associated With Physical Activity
Authors: Gomes Thayse Natacha , dos Santos Fernanda K. , Zhu Weimo , Eisenmann Joey , Maia José A. R.
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Children spend most of their awake time at school, and it is important to identify individual and school‐level correlates of their physical activity (PA) levels. This study aimed to identify the between‐school variability in Portuguese children PA and to investigate student and school PA correlates using multilevel modeling.

METHODS

The sample included 1075 Portuguese children of both sexes, aged 6‐10 years, from 24 schools. Height and weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) was estimated. Physical activity was estimated using the Godin and Shephard questionnaire (total PA score was used); cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated with the 1‐mile run/walk test. A structured inventory was used to access information about the school environment. A multilevel analysis (level‐1: student‐level; level‐2: school‐level) was used.

RESULTS

Student‐level variables (age, sex, 1‐mile run/walk test) explained 7% of the 64% variance fraction of the individual‐level PA; however, school context explained approximately 36% of the total PA variance. Variables included in the model (school size, school setting, playground area, frequency and duration of physical education class, and qualification of physical education teacher) are responsible for 80% of the context variance.

CONCLUSIONS

School environment is an important correlate of PA among children, enhancing children's opportunities for being active and healthy.
The Social Environment of Schools and Adolescent Nutrition: Associations Between the School Nutrition Climate and Adolescents' Eating Behaviors and Body Mass Index
Authors: Cvjetan Branko , Utter Jennifer , Robinson Elizabeth , Denny Simon
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the association between the school nutrition climate and students' eating behaviors and body mass index (BMI).

METHODS

Data were collected as part of Youth'07, a nationally representative health survey of high school students in New Zealand. Overall, 9107 randomly selected students from 96 randomly selected schools participated. School‐level measures were created by aggregating students' reports within schools. Analyses were conducted using multilevel modeling, accounting for student‐level characteristics.

RESULTS

There was a positive association between the school nutrition climate and students' consumption of fruits and vegetables. This relationship was statistically significant after controlling for the background characteristics of students. There were no associations between the school nutrition climate and students' junk food consumption or BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

The school nutrition climate appears to have a positive influence on adolescents' healthy eating behaviors (fruit and vegetable intake), but a limited effect on unhealthy eating behaviors and ultimately body weight. This may reflect the pervasiveness of junk food in the environments of adolescents outside of school and the difficulty in limiting its consumption.
Overweight and obesity in 4–5‐year‐old children in New Zealand: Results from the first 4 years (2009–2012) of the B4School Check programme
Authors: Rajput Nitin , Tuohy Pat , Mishra Suryaprakash , Smith Ash , Taylor Barry
Published: August 2014

Aim

We describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity in four‐year‐old children in New Zealand, variations with ethnicity and socio‐economic status, and changes over the study duration using body mass index (BMI) measurements collected as part of the B4School Check programme.

Methods

Demographic and BMI data were extracted for all children measured between 2009 and 2012. Overweight and obesity rates were estimated using International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) 2012 standards and the 85th (overweight) and 95th (obese) percentiles for BMI‐for‐age of the World Health Organization (WHO) 2006, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2000 and UK 1990 reference standards.

Results

A total of 168,744 BMI measurements were included in the analysis with a coverage rate of 66.5%. Mean BMI was 16.30 kg/m2 in girls and 16.44 kg/m2 in boys. Mean BMI z‐score (WHO 2006 standards) was 0.601 in girls and 0.785 in boys. Using WHO 2006 standards, 16.9% of girls and 19.6% of boys were overweight and 13.8% of girls and 18.7% of boys were obese. Using IOTF standards, 18.3% of girls and 16.2% of boys were overweight and 5.7% of girls and 4.7% of boys were found obese. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in Pacific and Maori children and those living in more socio‐economically deprived areas than other children. No definite time‐trends were observed over the study duration.

Conclusions

The study reaffirms the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in pre‐school children in New Zealand, and demonstrates the variations in prevalence when using different reference standards.
Delivering Justice in Indigenous Sentencing Courts: What This Means for Judicial Officers, Elders, Community Representatives, and Indigenous Court Workers
Authors: Marchetti Elena
Published: August 2014

Indigenous sentencing courts are now an established form of innovative justice practice in most Australian jurisdictions. Whether such processes, which involve the participation of local community elders or representatives in sentencing an offender, provide a “better” form of justice is still up for debate. Recidivism analyses have yet to find that these courts are more likely to reduce reoffending than their mainstream counterparts. Some scholars argue that this is not the sole purpose of the courts and that other measures of “success” should be utilised when evaluating their performance. This article uses interviews with judicial officers, elders, community representatives, and Indigenous and non‐Indigenous court workers to explore what the courts are seeking to achieve and how that translates into a different form of doing justice.
The Processing of Plural Expressions
Authors: Patson Nikole D.
Published: August 2014

This paper reviews the psycholinguistic work on the processing of plurals and offers a novel account of how plural expressions are represented during comprehension. The evidence suggests that there are three distinct types of plural representation. The first type of representation is completely underspecified such that the plural expression may denote a singleton. The second type of representation specifies that the plural expression refers to multiple entities without individuating any of the entities. Finally, the last type of plural expression is fully specified in that the number of entities is known and the entities are differentiated. This account of plural representation is consistent with the semantic proposal that plurals are left unmarked for number compared to singulars. This proposal is also consistent with theories of sentence processing that allow some semantic information to be left unresolved during comprehension.
21st Century Virtual Language Learning Environments (VLLEs)
Authors: Mroz Aurore
Published: August 2014

Learning a foreign language (L2) has never been more efficiently done than through immersion in the target culture. By comparison, learning in a traditional classroom has proven to lead only to limited proficiency. But traveling to the target country is still inaccessible for many L2 learners. Investing in the tremendous array of technologies that have emerged since the beginning of the 21st century could bring us one step closer. This essay overviews the body of research on Virtual Language Learning Environments (VLLEs), considered as promising venues to approximate the type of naturalistic learning that happens in real‐life immersion. Drawing on research in Computer‐Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and Second Language Acquisition (SLA) theories, this paper intends to provide a clearer picture of what virtuality entails for the L2 learning process, and to offer research‐based suggestions on what to look for to integrate VLLEs in the L2 curriculum.
Proteomic profiling of a robust Wolbachia infection in an Aedes albopictus mosquito cell line
Authors: Baldridge Gerald D. , Baldridge Abigail S. , Witthuhn Bruce A. , Higgins LeeAnn , Markowski Todd W. , Fallon Ann M.
Published: August 2014

Wolbachia pipientis, a widespread vertically transmitted intracellular bacterium, provides a tool for insect control through manipulation of host–microbe interactions. We report proteomic characterization of wStr, a Wolbachia strain associated with a strong cytoplasmic incompatibility phenotype in its native host, Laodelphax striatellus. In the Aedes albopictus C/wStr1 mosquito cell line, wStr maintains a robust, persistent infection. MS/MS analyses of gel bands revealed a protein ‘footprint’ dominated by Wolbachia‐encoded chaperones, stress response and cell membrane proteins, including the surface antigen WspA, a peptidoglycan‐associated lipoprotein and a 73 kDa outer membrane protein. Functional classifications and estimated abundance levels of 790 identified proteins suggested that expression, stabilization and secretion of proteins predominate over bacterial genome replication and cell division. High relative abundances of cysteine desulphurase, serine/glycine hydroxymethyl transferase, and components of the α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex in conjunction with above average abundances of glutamate dehydrogenase and proline utilization protein A support Wolbachia genome‐based predictions for amino acid metabolism as a primary energy source. wStr expresses 15 Vir proteins of a Type IV secretion system and its transcriptional regulator. Proteomic characterization of a robust insect‐associated Wolbachia strain provides baseline information that will inform further development of in vitro protocols for Wolbachia manipulation.
Structure of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis type VII secretion system chaperone EspG5 in complex with PE25–PPE41 dimer
Authors: Korotkova Natalia , Freire Diana , Phan Trang H. , Ummels Roy , Creekmore Christopher C. , Evans Timothy J. , Wilmanns Matthias , Bitter Wilbert , Parret Annabel H. A. , Houben Edith N. G. , Korotkov Konstantin V.
Published: August 2014

The growth or virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli depends on homologous type VII secretion systems, ESX‐1, ESX‐3 and ESX‐5, which export a number of protein effectors across membranes to the bacterial surface and environment. PE and PPE proteins represent two large families of highly polymorphic proteins that are secreted by these ESX systems. Recently, it was shown that these proteins require system‐specific cytoplasmic chaperones for secretion. Here, we report the crystal structure of M. tuberculosis ESX‐5‐secreted PE25–PPE41 heterodimer in complex with the cytoplasmic chaperone EspG5. EspG5 represents a novel fold that is unrelated to previously characterized secretion chaperones. Functional analysis of the EspG5‐binding region uncovered a hydrophobic patch on PPE41 that promotes dimer aggregation, and the chaperone effectively abolishes this process. We show that PPE41 contains a characteristic chaperone‐binding sequence, the hh motif, which is highly conserved among ESX‐1‐, ESX‐3‐ and ESX‐5‐specific PPE proteins. Disrupting the interaction between EspG5 and three different PPE target proteins by introducing different point mutations generally affected protein secretion. We further demonstrate that the EspG5 chaperone plays an important role in the ESX secretion mechanism by keeping aggregation‐prone PE–PPE proteins in their soluble state.
Musa nagalandiana sp. nov. (Musaceae) from Nagaland, northeast India
Authors: Dey Santanu , Jamir N. S. , Gogoi Rajib , Chaturvedi S. K. , Jakha Hutoka Y. , Kikon Zubenthung P.
Published: August 2014

Musa nagalandiana S. Dey & Gogoi, a new species of Musa sect. Musa, is described and illustrated from Zunheboto district, Nagaland, India based on morphological characteristics observed in the field. The new species is rare in the wild and found in tropical semi‐evergreen forest on the bank of the river Doyang, in Zunheboto district of Nagaland. A key to M. nagalandiana and related taxa is provided.
Are pollinators the agents of selection for the extreme large size and dark color inOncocyclusirises?
Authors: Lavi Renana , Sapir Yuval
Published: August 2014

Pollinator‐mediated selection is a major evolutionary driver of floral traits; yet, such selection has rarely been tested for floral extreme traits. TheOncocyclusirises have exceptionally large, dark‐colored flowers, associated with night‐sheltering pollination and heat reward by the dark flowers.

We quantified phenotypic selection on stem length, floral size and color in two species of iris (Iris atropurpureaandI. haynei), using an experimental approach. We estimated selection gradients for both flowers open to natural pollination and for flowers receiving supplementary hand pollination, assuming that open‐pollinated flowers are affected by all factors that could influence fitness, whereas supplementary pollination removes the possible influence of pollinators.

We found evidence for pollinator‐mediated selection to increase floral size and stem length inI. atropurpurea, but floral color in this species was not under pollinator‐mediated selection. InI. haynei, no pollinator‐mediated selection on any of the traits was detected.

We conclude that the extreme floral size ofI. atropurpureahas probably evolved as a result of pollinator behavior. Lack of such evidence forI. hayneiand for the dark floral color in both species suggests that other non‐pollinator agents are selecting for these prominent traits, or that phenotypic color variation in these irises is neutral.
Increase in de novo food allergies after pediatric liver transplantation: Tacrolimus vs. cyclosporine immunosuppression
Authors: Lebel Marie‐Jeanne , Chapdelaine Hugo , Paradis Louis , Des Roches Anne , Alvarez Fernando
Published: August 2014

Post‐TAFA is an uncommon but serious complication of organ transplantation. This study aimed to compare the incidence of FA in CsA and tacrolimus‐treated children following OLT and identify risk factors. The medical charts of all patients who underwent OLT at our institution were reviewed. Between 1985 and 2010, 218 OLTs were performed on 188 pediatric recipients, of which 154 were included in the study. Three patients (3%) of the 102 receiving CsA developed FA, compared with nine (17%) in the 52 tacrolimus‐treated patients, the latter exceeding general population reported FA prevalence (RR 5.88; 95% CI: 1.66–20.81). All TAFA cases underwent transplantation before the age of three with an incidence of 29% (9/31) in the tacrolimus‐treated children in comparison with 7% (3/41) in the CsA group (RR 3.97; 95% CI: 1.17–13.45). Eosinophilia was present in 81% of children receiving tacrolimus compared with 54% in the CsA group (p = 0.002). We observed a statistically significant increase incidence of FA in tacrolimus‐treated children following an OLT and those under the age of three are particularly vulnerable. The underlying process is still unknown and probably multifactorial.
Implementation of a Training Program for Low‐Literacy Promotoras in Oral Rehydration Therapy
Authors: Amerson Roxanne , Hall‐Clifford Rachel , Thompson Beti , Comninellas Nicholas
Published: August 2014

Objective

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effectiveness of a culturally appropriate promotora training program related to oral rehydration therapy and diarrheal management. Factors that influenced the development, implementation, and evaluation of the program provided to low‐literacy women in Guatemala are explored.

Design and Sample

Promotora training was conducted with 15 Mayan women from a rural community in the highlands of Guatemala. Women were selected by leaders of the community to participate in the program.

Measures

Quantitative data were collected and analyzed to determine descriptive statistics and reliability coefficients for the pretests and posttests. A nonparametric Wilcoxon test for paired‐samples was conducted. The qualitative data from the program evaluations were analyzed for themes.

Results

Mean scores increased from 41.73 (SD = 9.65) to 70.33 (SD = 21.29) on the pretest and posttest. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.54 on the pretest with 0.65 on the posttest. The Wilcoxon test demonstrated a significant difference between the pretest and posttest scores (Z = 3.040, p < .05).

Conclusions

Extremely low‐literacy levels played a major role in the ability of the women to successfully complete the requirements of the training program. The curriculum demonstrated effectiveness, but will benefit from replication with a larger sample.
EXPLORATION OF LOCALNESS IN THE CONTEXT OF ECONOMIC BASE: ACCESSING EVIDENCE FROM GREEK PREFECTURES
Authors: Christofakis Manolis , Gkouzos Andreas
Published: August 2014

This paper explores the localness of Greek prefectures according to the methodological approach of economic base and, specifically, the minimum requirements technique, which leads to the estimation of a localness index for each group of prefectures of similar population size. Hence, through the definition of the types of areas that enhance their localness, the determination of the spatial pattern and the causes of these changes could be better investigated. According to the results of the research, a growing localness in all groups of prefectures during the period 2000–2009 has emerged. Localness seems high in a group with the highest population and largest urban concentrations, enhancing their ability to be largely self‐powered locally. Localness is high in the smallest group too, which is characterized by the pattern of integrated spatial development. Thus, without underestimating the importance of exports and imports, it makes more sense to look at localness and extroversion together in order to achieve greater development.
Nonsuicidal Self‐injury in Asian Versus Caucasian University Students: Who, How, and Why?
Authors: Turner Brianna J. , Arya Shalini , Chapman Alexander L.
Published: August 2014

The correlates of nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) among Asian and Caucasian university students; differences in the rates, frequency, forms, severity, and emotional contexts of NSSI among self‐injuring students; and whether Asian students who are highly oriented toward Asian culture differed from those less oriented toward Asian culture in NSSI characteristics were investigated. University students (N = 931), including 360 Caucasian students (n = 95, 26.4%, with a history of ≥ 1 episode of NSSI) and 571 Asian students (n = 107, 18.7%, with a history of NSSI), completed questionnaires assessing NSSI, acculturation, and putative risk factors for NSSI. Caucasian students were more likely to report NSSI, particularly cutting behavior, self‐injured with greater frequency and versatility, and reported greater increases in positively valenced, high arousal emotions following NSSI, compared to Asian students. Among Asian students, obsessive–compulsive symptoms, experiential avoidance, and anger suppression increased the likelihood of reporting a history of NSSI. Among Caucasian students, lack of emotional clarity and anger suppression increased likelihood of NSSI. Finally, some tentative findings suggested potentially important differences in rates and frequency of NSSI among Asian students who were highly oriented toward Asian culture compared with those less oriented toward Asian culture.
Associations between bicycling and carotid arterial stiffness in adolescents: The European Youth Hearts Study
Authors: Ried‐Larsen M. , Grøntved A. , Østergaard L. , Cooper A. R. , Froberg K. , Andersen L. B. , Møller N. C.
Published: August 2014

The aim of the study was to investigate the associations between bicycling and carotid arterial stiffness, independent of objectively measured moderate‐and‐vigorous physical activity. This cross‐sectional study included 375 adolescents (age 15.7 ± 0.4 years) from the Danish site of the European Youth Heart Study. Total frequency of bicycle usage was assessed by self‐report, and carotid arterial stiffness was assessed using B‐mode ultrasound. After adjusting for pubertal status, body height, and objectively measured physical activity and other personal lifestyle and demographic factors, boys using their bicycle every day of the week displayed a higher carotid arterial compliance {standard beta 0.47 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07–0.87]} and distension [standard beta 0.38 (95% CI −0.04 to 0.81)]. Boys using their bicycle every day of the week furthermore displayed a lower Young's elastic modulus [standard beta −0.48 (95% CI −0.91 to −0.06)]. Similar trends were observed when investigating the association between commuter bicycling and carotid arterial stiffness. These associations were not observed in girls. Our observations suggest that increasing bicycling in adolescence may be beneficial to carotid arterial health among boys.
Dangerous Privilege: Trans Men, Masculinities, and Changing Perceptions of Safety
Authors: Abelson Miriam J.
Published: August 2014

This article examines the construction of masculinities in social interaction through in‐depth interviews with trans men living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Interviewees’ concerns for safety, particularly the threat of violence from other men, shaped their masculine practices, which led some men to practice defensive masculinities and, for others, constrained their ability to practice transformative masculinities. Respondents’ concerns for safety, and their masculine practices, changed according to variation in transition, physical location, audience, and their physical stature. These findings have implications for the relationship between men's fear of violent victimization and accountability to situated gender expectations in interaction and the persistence of gender inequality. Theoretically, this article engages a complex understanding of accountability and multiple masculinities to argue that the perceived threat of violence shapes men's practices in interaction. The fear of violence encourages conformity and inhibits men's transformative practices.
Consumer Citizenship and Cross‐Class Activism: The Case of the National Consumers' League, 1899–1918
Authors: Haydu Jeffrey
Published: August 2014

Political consumerism is often criticized for its failure to cross class lines, a failure linked to the economic resources and cultural capital of affluent consumers. The early history of the National Consumers' League (NCL) illustrates how an alternative model of consumer citizenship can lead privileged shoppers to draw social boundaries in different ways. The NCL included lower‐class women and children as beneficiaries and occasional allies in consumer campaigns, but distanced itself from the organized labor movement. This alternative model of political consumerism is traced to the gender and class cultures of reformist women in the Progressive Era.
“God Is Like a Drug…”: Explaining Interaction Ritual Chains in American Megachurches
Authors: Wellman James K. , Corcoran Katie E. , Stockly‐Meyerdirk Kate
Published: August 2014

Megachurches have been criticized as superficial sources of entertainment that do not produce significant feelings of belonging, moral responsibility, or spirituality. This article challenges popular criticisms of megachurches and, drawing on interaction ritual theory, proposes that megachurches are successful interaction ritual venues and powerful purveyors of emotional religious experience. We predict that these interaction rituals produce positive emotional energy, membership symbols that are charged with emotional significance, feelings of morality, and a heightened sense of spirituality. From a census of 1,250 known megachurches in America, 12 were selected that closely represent the national megachurch profile. At each church, focus groups were conducted and attendees participated in a survey. We combine these data sources to provide a more comprehensive picture of the megachurch interaction ritual. The combined qualitative and quantitative results provide strong support for our predictions.
Exploring Stigmatization and Stigma Management in Mental Health Court: Assessing Modified Labeling Theory in a New Context
Authors: Ray Bradley , Dollar Cindy Brooks
Published: August 2014

Drawing on Link and colleagues' modified labeling theory, this article examines whether the stigma management strategies defendants anticipate using after mental health court exit are associated with their reported experiences during court. Using survey data from 34 mental health court graduates, we find that respondents generally perceive the mental health court as procedurally just, did not experience stigmatizing shame, and anticipate using the inclusionary coping strategy of education over the exclusionary strategies of secrecy and withdrawal. Moreover, findings reveal that the anticipated use of stigma management strategies is associated with mental health court experiences in that procedural justice is associated with inclusionary coping strategies, while stigmatizing shame is associated with exclusionary coping strategies. We conclude by encouraging researchers to further explore the role of stigmatization and shame in specialty court contexts and to continue investigating these defendant perceptions of these courts' process.
CD11a, CD11c, and CD18 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to Behçet's disease in Koreans
Authors: Park S. R. , Park K. S. , Park Y. J. , Bang D. , Lee E.‐S.
Published: August 2014

Lesions of Behçet's disease (BD) show vascular infiltrates of immune cells expressing integrins. β2 integrins (CD11/CD18) play a major role in cell migration to the inflammatory lesion and also induce cytokine production. Thus, genetic polymorphisms of CD11/CD18 may be associated with the pathogenesis of BD. In this study, nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the CD11a, CD11c, and CD18 were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) and haplotype analysis in 305 BD patients and 266 healthy controls. The frequencies of genotype rs11574944 CC and haplotype rs11574944C–rs2230433G–rs8058823A in CD11a were significantly lower in BD patients. The frequencies of genotype rs2230429 CC, rs2929 GG, and haplotype rs2230429C–rs2929G in CD11c were higher in BD patients. The frequencies of genotype rs235326CC and haplotype rs2070946A–rs235326C–rs760456G–rs684G in CD18 were significantly higher in the BD patients than in the controls. Other SNPs in CD11a, CD11c, and CD18 gene were not significantly different. Therefore, the major genotype and haplotype of CD11a/CD18 may play a role in decreasing the susceptibility of BD, whereas the major genotype and haplotype of CD11c/CD18 may play a role in increasing the susceptibility of BD.
Integrating GIS‐Based Geo‐Atom Theory and Voxel Automata to Simulate the Dispersal of Airborne Pollutants
Authors: Jjumba Anthony , Dragicevic Suzana
Published: August 2014

Environmental processes are usually conceptualized as complex systems whose dynamics are best understood by examining the relationships and interactions of their constituent parts. The cellular automata paradigm, as a bottom‐up modeling approach, has been widely used to study the macroscopic behavior of these complex natural processes. However, the cellular automata models are largely restricted to the two‐dimensional spatial perspective even though the process dynamics they represent evolve in the three spatial dimensions. The objective of this study is to develop a voxel‐based automata approach for modeling the propagation of airborne pollutants in three‐dimensional space over time. The GIS‐based geo‐atom theory was used to manage the data within the automaton. The simulation results indicate the model has the capability to generate effective four‐dimensional (4D) simulations from simple transition rules that describe the processes of particle advection and diffusion. The application of voxel‐based automata and the geo‐atom concepts allows for a detailed 4D analysis and tracking of the changes in the voxel space at every time‐step. The proposed modeling approach provides new means to examine the relationships between pattern and process in 4D.
Quantitative Analysis of Membrane Trafficking in Regulation of Cdc42 Polarity
Authors: Watson Leah J. , Rossi Guendalina , Brennwald Patrick
Published: August 2014

Vesicle delivery of Cdc42 has been proposed as an important mechanism for generating and maintaining Cdc42 polarity at the plasma membrane. This mechanism requires the density of Cdc42 on secretory vesicles to be equal to or higher than the plasma membrane polarity cap. Using a novel method to estimate Cdc42 levels on post‐Golgi secretory vesicles in intact yeast cells, we: (1) determined that endocytosis plays an important role in Cdc42's association with secretory vesicles (2) found that a GFP‐tag placed on the N‐terminus of Cdc42 negatively impacts this vesicle association and (3) quantified the surface densities of Cdc42 on post‐Golgi vesicles which revealed that the vesicle density of Cdc42 is three times more dilute than that at the polarity cap. This work suggests that the immediate consequence of secretory vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane polarity cap is to dilute the local Cdc42 surface density. This provides strong support for the model in which vesicle trafficking acts to negatively regulate Cdc42 polarity on the cell surface while also providing a means to recycle Cdc42 between the cell surface and internal membrane locations.