bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of aging on insight into illness in schizophrenia: a review
Authors: Gerretsen Philip , Plitman Eric , Rajji Tarek K. , Graff‐Guerrero Ariel
Published: July 2014

Objectives

Impaired insight into illness is a prevalent feature of schizophrenia, which negatively influences treatment adherence and clinical outcomes. Little is known about the effects of aging on insight impairment. We aimed to review the available research literature on the effects of aging on insight into illness in schizophrenia, in relation to positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Ultimately, we propose a trajectory of insight in schizophrenia across the lifespan.

Method

A systematic Medline® literature search was conducted, searching for English language studies describing the relationship of insight into illness in schizophrenia with aging.

Results

We identified 62 studies. Insight impairment is associated with illness severity, premorbid intellectual function (i.e. IQ), executive function, and memory. Insight impairment improves modestly during midlife, worsening again in late life. It tends to fluctuate with each episode of psychosis, likely in relation to worsening positive symptoms that improve with antipsychotic treatment. The relationship between insight impairment and cognitive dysfunction appears to attenuate with age, while the relationship with lower premorbid intellectual function is preserved. The association between impaired insight and negative symptoms is unclear.

Conclusions

The available literature suggests that the course of insight impairment follows a U‐shaped curve, where insight impairment is severe during the first episode of psychosis, modestly improves over midlife, and declines again in late life. Future studies are required to investigate the trajectory of insight into illness and its core domains across the lifespan from prodromal phase to late life. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integration of geriatric mental health screening into a primary care practice: a patient satisfaction survey
Authors: Samuels S. , Abrams R. , Shengelia R. , Reid M. C. , Goralewicz R. , Breckman R. , Anderson M. A. , Snow C. E. , Woods E. C. , Stern A. , Eimicke J. P. , Adelman R. D.
Published: July 2014

Objective

Colocation of mental health screening, assessment, and treatment in primary care reduces stigma, improves access, and increases coordination of care between mental health and primary care providers. However, little information exists regarding older adults' attitudes about screening for mental health problems in primary care. The objective of this study was to evaluate older primary care patients' acceptance of and satisfaction with screening for depression and anxiety.

Methods

The study was conducted at an urban, academically affiliated primary care practice serving older adults. Study patients (N = 107) were screened for depression/anxiety and underwent a post‐screening survey/interview to assess their reactions to the screening experience.

Results

Most patients (88.6%) found the length of the screening to be “just right.” A majority found the screening questions somewhat or very acceptable (73.4%) and not at all difficult (81.9%). Most participants did not find the questions stressful (84.9%) or intrusive (91.5%); and a majority were not at all embarrassed (93.4%), upset (93.4%), or uncomfortable (88.8%) during the screening process. When asked about frequency of screening, most patients (72.4%) desired screening for depression/anxiety yearly or more. Of the 79 patients who had spoken with their physicians about mental health during the visit, 89.8% reported that it was easy or very easy to talk with their physicians about depression/anxiety. Multivariate results showed that patients with higher anxiety had a lower positive reaction to the screen when controlling for gender, age, and patient–physician communication.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate strong patient support for depression and anxiety screening in primary care. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicology‐based cancer causation analysis of CoCr‐containing hip implants: a quantitative assessment of genotoxicity and tumorigenicity studies
Authors: Christian Whitney V. , Oliver Lindsay D. , Paustenbach Dennis J. , Kreider Marisa L. , Finley Brent L.
Published: July 2014

In this paper, quantitative methods were used to evaluate the weight of evidence regarding a causative relationship between cobalt‐chromium (CoCr)‐containing hip implants and increased cancer risk. We reviewed approximately 80 published papers and identified no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL) and/or lowest‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (LOAEL) values for specific endpoints of interest: genotoxic effects fromin vitrostudies with human cell lines as well as genotoxicity and tumor formation in animal bioassays. Test articles included Co particles and ions, Cr particles and ions, and CoCr alloy particles as well as CoCr alloy implants. The NOAEL/LOAEL values were compared with body burdens of Co/Cr particles and ions we calculated to exist in systemic tissues of hip implant patients under normal and excessive wear conditions. We found that approximately 40 tumor bioassays have been conducted with CoCr alloy implants or Co/Cr particles and ions at levels hundreds to thousands of times higher than those present in hip implant patients, and none reported a statistically significant increased incidence of systemic tumors. Results fromin vitroandin vivogenotoxicity assays, which are relatively less informative owing to false positives and other factors, also indicated that DNA effects would be highly unlikely to occur as a result of wear debris from a CoCr implant. Hence, the toxicological weight of evidence suggests that CoCr‐containing hip implants are unlikely to be associated with an increased risk of systemic cancers, which is consistent with published and ongoing cancer epidemiology studies involving patients with CoCr hip implants. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional arbitrary trajectory scanning photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: Yeh Chenghung , Soetikno Brian , Hu Song , Maslov Konstantin I. , Wang Lihong V.
Published: July 2014

We have enhanced photoacoustic microscopy with three‐dimensional arbitrary trajectory (3‐DAT) scanning, which can rapidly image selected vessels over a large field of view (FOV) and maintain a high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) despite the depth variation of the vessels. We showed that hemoglobin oxygen saturation (sO2) and blood flow can be measured simultaneously in a mouse ear in vivo at a frame rate 67 times greater than that of a traditional two‐dimensional raster scan. We also observed sO2 dynamics in response to switching from systemic hypoxia to hyperoxia.

3‐DAT‐scanning photoacoustic microscopy. Schematic diagram of the 3D scanning stage and method.

magnified image

3‐DAT‐scanning photoacoustic microscopy. Schematic diagram of the 3D scanning stage and method.
The SAP Motif and C‐Terminal RS‐ and RD/E‐Rich Region Influences the Sub‐Nuclear Localization of Acinus Isoforms
Authors: Wang Fang , Wendling Karen S. , Soprano Kenneth J. , Soprano Dianne Robert
Published: July 2014

Acinus has been reported to function in apoptosis, RNA processing and regulation of gene transcription including RA‐dependent transcription. There are three different isoforms of Acinus termed Acinus‐L, Acinus‐S’, and Acinus‐S. The isoforms of Acinus differ in their N‐terminus while the C‐terminus is consistent in all isoforms. The sub‐nuclear localization of Acinus‐L and Acinus‐S’ was determined using fluorescence microscopy. Acinus‐S’ colocalizes with SC35 in nuclear speckles while Acinus‐L localizes diffusely throughout the nucleoplasm. RA treatment has little effect on the sub‐nuclear localization of Acinus‐L and Acinus‐S’. The domains/regions necessary for the distinct sub‐nuclear localization of Acinus‐L and Acinus‐S’ were identified. The speckled sub‐nuclear localization of Acinus‐S’ is dependent on its C‐terminal RS‐ and RD/E‐rich region but is independent of the phosphorylation status of Ser‐453 and Ser‐604 within this region. The unique N‐terminal SAP motif of Acinus‐L is responsible for its diffuse localization in the nucleus. Moreover, the sub‐nuclear localization of Acinus isoforms is affected by each other, which is determined by the combinatorial effect of the more potent SAP motif of Acinus‐L and the C‐terminal RS‐ and RD/E‐rich region in all Acinus isoforms. The C‐terminal RS‐ and RD/E‐rich region of Acinus mediates the colocalization of Acinus isoforms as well as with its interacting protein RNPS1. In conclusion, the SAP motif is responsible for the difference in the nuclear localization between Acinus‐L and Acinus‐S’. This difference in the nuclear localization of Acinus‐S’ and Acinus‐L may suggest that these two isoforms have different functional roles. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 2165–2174, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perlecan Heparan Sulfate Is Required for the Inhibition of Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation by All‐trans‐Retinoic Acid
Authors: Tran‐Lundmark Karin , Tannenberg Philip , Rauch Bernhard H. , Ekstrand Johan , Tran Phan‐Kiet , Hedin Ulf , Kinsella Michael G.
Published: July 2014

Smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation is a key process in stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, and during restenosis after interventions. A clearer understanding of SMC growth regulation is therefore needed to design specific anti‐proliferative therapies. Retinoic acid has been shown to inhibit proliferation of SMCs both in vitro and in vivo and to affect the expression of extracellular matrix molecules. To explore the mechanisms behind the growth inhibitory activity of retinoic acid, we hypothesized that retinoids may induce the expression of perlecan, a large heparan sulfate proteoglycan with anti‐proliferative properties. Perlecan expression and accumulation was induced in murine SMC cultures by all‐trans‐retinoic acid (AtRA). Moreover, the growth inhibitory effect of AtRA on wild‐type cells was greatly diminished in SMCs from transgenic mice expressing heparan sulfate‐deficient perlecan, indicating that the inhibition is perlecan heparan sulfate‐dependent. In addition, AtRA influenced activation and phosphorylation of PTEN and Akt differently in wild‐type and mutant SMCs, consistent with previous studies of perlecan‐dependent SMC growth inhibition. We demonstrate that AtRA regulates perlecan expression in SMCs and that the inhibition of SMC proliferation by AtRA is, at least in part, secondary to an increased expression of perlecan and dependent upon its heparan sulfate‐chains. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 482–487, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of metformin on the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Okopien Bogusław
Published: July 2014

The effect of metformin treatment on the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis is relatively weakly understood. This study included 24 prediabetic patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and untreated subclinical hypothyroidism, 12 of whom had already been treated with bromocriptine (5.0–7.5 mg daily). The included patients received metformin (2.55 g daily) for 6 months. Glucose homeostasis markers, serum prolactin, and thyroid function tests were determined before, after 3 months, and at the end of the treatment. Beyond improving glucose homeostasis, metformin administered for 6 months reduced serum levels of thyrotropin but did not affect serum levels of total and free thyroid hormones. Thyrotropin‐lowering effect of this agent was stronger in patients not treated with bromocriptine than in patients receiving this drug, and weakly correlated with an improvement in insulin sensitivity. The obtained results indicate that metformin treatment may have an impact on thyrotrope function in hypothyroid patients, probably by enhancing the effect of thyroid hormone action in the pituitary.
Testicular glucose and its transporter GLUT 8 as a marker of age‐dependent variation and its role in steroidogenesis in mice
Authors: Banerjee Arnab , Anuradha  , Mukherjee Kaustab , Krishna Amitabh
Published: July 2014

The present study evaluates the hypothesis, that glucose is essential for steroidogenesis and inadequate supply of glucose to the testis may be responsible for decline in steroidogenesis in mice during aging. Mice of different age groups (birth, weaning, puberty, reproductively active, and senescence) were utilized for this study. The changes in glucose, glucose transporter (GLUT), and insulin receptor (IR) level in the testis were evaluated and compared with the testicular steroidogenic parameters such as steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), 3β‐hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD) and circulating testosterone levels. The result showed significant correlation between changes in GLUT 8 and glucose levels with changes in StAR level in the testis and circulating testosterone level in the mice from birth to senescence. Immunohistochemical analysis showed intense immunostaining of GLUT 8 and IR in the interstitial cells, most likely Leydig cells, in testis of pubertal and reproductively active mice suggesting their relevance in steroidogenesis. The in vitro study showed a significant positive correlation between luteinizing hormone (LH)‐induced increase in GLUT 8 and StAR (r = 0.82; P < 0.05) proteins level in the testes with increase in testosterone (r = 0.97; P < 0.05) synthesis of reproductively active mice. This study also showed increased release of lactate with increased uptake of glucose by the testis. Further, intra‐testicular treatment of 2‐deoxy glucose, to reproductively active mice caused a significant decrease in 3β‐HSD enzyme activity in the testis. Based on these findings, it may be concluded that the changes in glucose level either directly or indirectly lead to changes in testicular steroidogenesis during aging. J. Exp. Zool. 321A: 490–502, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of fractionated radiotherapy in sensorineural hearing loss: An animal model
Authors: Mujica‐Mota Mario A. , Ibrahim Farid F. , Bezdjian Aren , Devic Slobodan , Daniel Sam J.
Published: July 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of fractionated radiotherapy on sensorineural hearing loss using an animal model.

Study Design

In vivo animal study.

Methods

Ears of 25 guinea pigs were divided into three groups: control, irradiated with a total of 48 gray (Gy), and 71 Gy. Unilateral exposure of 48 Gy and 71 Gy fractionated irradiation was given for a 4‐week period. Auditory brainstem response and distortion products otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) were tested prior to irradiation and 1, 6, 10, and 16 weeks after completion of radiotherapy to assess the hearing threshold shift postradiotherapy over time.

Results

No significant differences in hearing thresholds between the low dose radiation (48 Gy) and the control group (no radiation) underlined that 48 Gy caused no hearing deficits (P = 0.37). The higher dose (71 Gy) showed progressive deterioration of the hearing function over time. Three‐way ANOVA interactions revealed significant group‐time effects (F= 9.261; P < 0.0001). DPOAE analysis demonstrated hearing loss at 71 Gy without progression or recovery at all time points, predominantly in the higher frequencies tested.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that in the presence of sensorineural hearing loss due to high‐ dose fractionated radiotherapy, there is an initial sensorial component; however, the neural component is responsible for its progressivity.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope 124:E418–E424, 2014
A sequential subspace projection method for extreme Z‐eigenvalues of supersymmetric tensors
Authors: L. Hao C. , F. Cui C. , H. Dai Y.
Published: July 2014

Z‐eigenvalues of tensors, especially extreme ones, are quite useful and are related to many problems, such as automatic control, quantum physics, and independent component analysis. For supersymmetric tensors, calculating the smallest/largest Z‐eigenvalue is equivalent to solving a global minimization/maximization problem of a homogenous polynomial over the unit sphere. In this paper, we utilize the sequential subspace projection method (SSPM) to find extreme Z‐eigenvalues and the corresponding Z‐eigenvectors. The main idea of SSPM is to form a 2‐dimensional subspace at the current point and then solve the original optimization problem in the subspace. SSPM benefits from the fact that the 2‐dimensional subproblem can be solved by a direct method. Global convergence and linear convergence are established for supersymmetric tensors under certain assumptions. Preliminary numerical results over several testing problems show that SSPM is very promising. Besides, the globalization strategy of random phase can be easily incorporated into SSPM, which promotes the ability to find extreme Z‐eigenvalues. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Status Problem of Iberian Holocene Equids: New Data from Cueva de El Mirador (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain)
Authors: Martín P. , Vergès J. M. , Nadal J.
Published: July 2014

Equid remains are scarce and very fragmented in Iberian Neolithic and Bronze Age sites. Evidence suggesting that horses were domesticated does exist, but it is often inconclusive, thus leaving the question unanswered. Today, DNA analyses have provided information about a, most likely Iberian, nucleus of horse domestication, making it crucially important to expand the database. The Holocene sequence (6th and 3rd millennium cal bc) of the Cueva de El Mirador (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain) has yielded 92 equid remains distributed in 12 Neolithic and Bronze Age levels. In this paper, we present the study of the equid remains from the Cueva de El Mirador from an archaeozoological perspective, giving indirect evidence of horse domestication. Our results vary widely and lead to open interpretations about horse domestication and how humans used these animals. This study of horse remains focuses on species identification and on determining how humans economically used these animals. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A qualitative analysis of responses to a question prompt list and prognosis and end‐of‐life care discussion prompts delivered in a communication support program
Authors: Walczak Adam , Henselmans Inge , Tattersall Martin H. N. , Clayton Josephine M. , Davidson Patricia M. , Young Jane , Bellemore Frances A. , Epstein Ronald M. , Butow Phyllis N.
Published: July 2014

Objective

Discussing end‐of‐life (EOL) care is challenging when death is not imminent, contributing to poor decision‐making and EOL quality‐of‐life. A communication support program (CSP) targeting these issues may facilitate discussions. We aimed to qualitatively explore responses to a nurse‐led CSP, incorporating a question prompt list (QPL—booklet of questions patients/caregivers can ask clinicians), promoting life expectancy and EOL‐care discussions.

Methods

Participants met a nurse‐facilitator to explore an EOL‐focussed QPL. Prognosis and advance care planning (ACP) QPL content was highlighted. Thirty‐one transcribed meetings were analysed using thematic text analysis before reaching data saturation.

Results

Thirty‐one advanced cancer patients (life expectancy <12 months) and 11 family caregivers were recruited from six medical oncology clinics in Sydney, Australia. Intent to use the QPL related to information needs, involvement in care and readiness to discuss EOL issues. Many participants did not want life expectancy estimates, citing unreliable estimates, unknown treatment outcomes, or coping by not looking ahead. Most displayed interest in ACP, often motivated by a loved one's EOL experiences, clear treatment preferences, concerns about caregivers or recognition that ACP is valuable regardless of life expectancy. Timing emerged as a reason not to discuss EOL issues; many maintaining it was too early.

Conclusion

Patients and caregivers appear ambivalent about acknowledging approaching death by discussing life expectancy but value ACP. Given heterogeneity in responses, individualised approaches are required to guide EOL discussion conduct and content. Further exploration of the role of prognostic discussion in ACP is warranted. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond the Phi factor: Correction of experimental data for vaporization in tempered reactions for pressure‐relief system design
Authors: Zhao Guibing
Published: July 2014

Design of emergency relief systems to accommodate runaway reactions often requires using bench‐scale adiabatic calorimeters to evaluate thermokinetic data of a full‐scale reactor. However, the well‐known method to correct bench‐scale experimental data for “thermal inertia”—the Phi factor—does not consider the effect of vaporization on thermokinetic data. Calorimeter volumetric fill ratio is an important parameter directly relating to the vaporization effect and is discussed in this article. For a 60% fill ratio, a case study of an aqueous reaction system shows that the measured reaction heat would be 7% less than the actual value for a reaction with a heat release of 800 J/g, 5% less than the actual value with a heat release of 600 J/g, and 2% less than the actual value with a heat release of 300 J/g. The temperature rise rate is even more sensitive to the fill ratio. A high fill ratio is desirable, to get more‐accurate temperature rise data for a tempered exothermic reaction. A low fill ratio requires a significant Phi correction and could also give a misleading thermokinetic interpretation of a plant‐scale reactor. Applying the same fill ratio of a plant‐scale reactor to tests in an adiabatic calorimeter—to get thermokinetic data for emergency relief sizing—is recommended. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 34: 130–136, 2015
Safety challenges in harsh environments: Lessons learned
Authors: Khan Faisal , Ahmed Salim , Yang Ming , Hashemi Seyed Javad , Caines Susan , Rathnayaka Samith , Oldford Dan
Published: July 2014

Development of natural resources in harsh environments presents significant technical and logistical challenges. An industrial workshop on “safety and integrity management of operations in harsh environments” was organized by the safety and risk engineering group at Memorial University of Newfoundland to bring together industrial practitioners, regulatory authorities, and research and development institutions to identify the safety and integrity challenges in harsh environments, share experience, and develop a roadmap for desired solutions. This article summarizes the lessons learned from the workshop on safety issues in harsh environments. The workshop identified that there are safety challenges regarding construction and operation including a lack of detailed standards, optimization with respect to winterization, and data scarcity. The remoteness of operations in harsh environments is an additional challenge. Finally, human factors add another set of challenges that arise from the physical and psychological behavior of personnel in harsh and remote environments. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 34: 191–195, 2015
Neonicotinoids and bumblebees (Bombus terrestris): effects on nectar consumption in individual workers
Authors: Thompson Helen M , Wilkins Selwyn , Harkin Sarah , Milner Sarah , Walters Keith FA
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to quantify whether the presence of three different neonicotinoid insecticides (imidacloprid, thiamethoxam or clothianidin) in sucrose solution results in antifeedant effects in individual worker bumblebees (Bombus terrestris), and, if so, whether this effect is reversible if bees are subsequently offered untreated feed.

RESULTS

Bees exposed to imidacloprid displayed a significant dose‐dependent reduction in consumption at 10 and 100 µg L−1, which was reversed when untreated feed was offered. No consistent avoidance/antifeedant response to nectar substitute with thiamethoxam was detected at the more field‐realistic dose rates of 1 and 10 µg L−1, and exposure to the very high 100 µg L−1 dose rate was followed by 100% mortality of experimental insects. No reduction in food intake was recorded at 1 µg clothianidin L−1, reduced consumption was noted at 10 µg clothianidin L−1 and 100% mortality occurred when bees were exposed to rates of 100 µg clothianidin L−1.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence of a direct antifeedant effect of imidacloprid and clothianidin in individual bumblebees but highlights that this may be a compound‐specific effect. © 2014 Crown copyright. Pest Management Science © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Substrate recognition of holocytochrome c synthase: N‐terminal region and CXXCH motif of mitochondrial cytochrome c
Authors: Zhang Yulin , Stevens Julie M. , Ferguson Stuart J.
Published: July 2014

Holocytochrome c synthase (HCCS) attaches heme covalently to mitochondrial respiratory cytochromes c. Little is known about the reaction of heme attachment to apocytochromes c by HCCS, although recently it has been established that the CXXCH motif and the N‐terminus of the apocytochrome polypeptide are important protein–protein recognition motifs. Here, we explore further the important features of the N‐terminal sequence and investigate what variations in the CXXCH residues are productively recognised by HCCS in its substrate.
Sins of omission versus commission: Cross‐cultural differences in brand‐switching due to dissatisfaction induced by individual versus group action and inaction
Authors: Ng Sharon , Kim Hakkyun , Rao Akshay R.
Published: July 2014

We examine how brand‐switching varies across cultures, depending on the drivers of a prior unsatisfactory consumption experience. We draw from the literature on regret, norm theory and cross‐cultural psychology to predict that Westerners are more likely to switch brands when the unsatisfactory consumption experience is a consequence of their inaction relative to the inaction of a group to which they belong. In contrast, it is predicted that Easterners are more likely to switch brands when the unsatisfactory consumption experience is a consequence of inaction on the part of the group to which they belong relative to their own inaction. We discuss the relevance of our research for marketing theory, the need to account for cultural differences in consumer segments, and the implications for organizations targeting culturally distinct market segments, both domestically and internationally.
Quality assurance in higher education in China: Control, accountability and freedom
Authors: Wang Li
Published: July 2014

Quality assurance (QA) has received increasing attention in the Chinese higher education (HE) sector. This paper examines the QA system in HE in China and its influence on university governance and academic performance. It starts with an introduction into the development of the QA system, and is followed by a discussion of how QA affects accountability and autonomy from the perspective of the faculty. Given that different stakeholders have different understandings of education quality, the next section contributes to the debate on whether the current system is designed for improvement of learning experience, or as a means of effective government control. This paper concludes by highlighting the importance of involving faculty and students in the current QA system to enhance the quality of HE.
The Dutch way of New Public Management
Authors: Enders Jürgen , Westerheijden Don F
Published: July 2014

Our paper investigates the emergence and development of quality assurance (QA) for teaching in the Netherlands since the mid-1980s. We conceptualise our paper on the background of the multi-level study of New Public Management (NPM) as a narrative of political change, as a choice of certain policy instruments and distinct organisational forms, and as a set of practical control technologies. We show how the specific policy regime of corporatist negotiations and Rechtsstaat instruments deflected QA as a ‘hard’ NPM-policy. QA has nevertheless been instrumental within a wider NPM-inspired policy mix for achieving new ways of governmental control of universities and managerialist control within universities. We conclude by arguing that an important function of QA has been to provide ‘legitimacy through procedures’.
Roughness-induced turbulent wedges in a hypersonic blunt-body boundary layer
Authors: Fiala A. , Hillier R. , Estruch-Samper D.
Published: July 2014

This paper uses measurements of surface heat transfer to study roughness-induced turbulent wedges in a hypersonic boundary layer on a blunt cylinder. A family of wedges was produced by changing the height of an isolated roughness element, providing conditions in the following range: fully effective tripping, for the largest element, with a turbulent wedge forming immediately downstream of the element; a long wake, in length several hundred times the boundary layer thickness, leading ultimately to transition; and retention of laminar flow, for the smallest element. With appropriate element size, a fully intermittent wedge formed, comprising a clear train of turbulent spots.
On the cusps bordering liquid sheets
Authors: Gordillo J. M. , Lhuissier H. , Villermaux E.
Published: July 2014

The edge of a stationary radially expanding liquid sheet and the receding rim bordering a plane sheet are naturally indented. It presents a collection of cusps at the extremity of which the liquid concentrates and is expelled. An experimental description of these cusps for a stationary flat inviscid Savart sheet is given. We identify the stable node–jet structure responsible for the deflection of the incoming flow at the rim and demonstrate how these cusps are the structures that accommodate for both mass and momentum conservation at the sheet edge. Their shape, their number around the sheet, and the residual momentum carried by the ejected liquid are computed.
Surface waves on the spin-1/2 quantum magnetoplasma half-space
Authors: Zhu Jun
Published: July 2014

We present a theoretical investigation on the propagation of surface waves on the magnetized degenerate electron plasma half-space with spin effects. Using magnetohydrodynamic model with quantum effects due to the Bohm potential, Fermi degenerate pressure and electron spin, the dispersion relations of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are derived. The dispersion relation of electrostatic surface waves is also obtained by taking electrostatic limit.
Morphological and molecular variability of the sea anemonePhymanthus crucifer(Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Actiniaria, Actinoidea)
Authors: González-Muñoz Ricardo , Simões Nuno , Mascaró Maite , Tello-Musi José Luis , Brugler Mercer R. , Rodríguez Estefanía
Published: July 2014

The shallow water sea anemonePhymanthus cruciferexhibits three distinct morphotypes, characterized by the presence or absence of protuberances on the marginal tentacles, as well as intermediate forms. The taxonomic status of the different morphotypes and the diagnostic value of protuberances on the tentacles have been debated for this species and the family Phymanthidae. We analysed the external and internal anatomy, cnidae and three mitochondrial molecular markers for representatives of each of the three morphotypes. In addition, we address the putative monophyly of the family Phymanthidae based on molecular data. With the exception of the protuberances, our morphological and molecular results show no differences among the three morphotypes; thus, we consider this feature to be intraspecific variability withinP. crucifer. Furthermore, molecular data reveal that the family Phymanthidae is not monophyletic. In addition, we discuss several diagnostic morphological features of the family Phymanthidae.
Temporal variations in taxonomic relatedness of periphytic
ciliate microfauna during its colonization periods in coastal waters of the
Yellow Sea, northern China
Authors: Xu Yuping , Zhang Wei , Liu Yuanyuan , Warren Alan , Xu Henglong
Published: July 2014

Temporal variations in the taxonomic relatedness of periphytic ciliate
microfauna during colonization periods were studied in coastal waters of the
Yellow Sea, northern China, from May to June 2010. Samples were collected at
two depths of 1 and 3 m, using glass slides as artificial substrates. The
colonization dynamics of ciliate microfauna on the slides revealed similar
patterns in species composition at both depths. In the immature communities
(1–7 days), the taxonomic patterns showed high variability compared to those
in the mature ones (10 days and more). However, taxonomic relatedness
parameters at the two depths differed during early stages of colonization
(e.g. 1–3 days). Taxonomic diversity (Δ) was subject to high variability
(coefficients of variation >10%) in both immature and mature communities,
whereas taxonomic distinctness (Δ*), average taxonomic distinctness
(Δ+) and variation in taxonomic distinctness (Λ+)
showed high stability (coefficients of variation <10%) during the
colonization times of 3–21 days. These findings suggest that 3–21-day
exposure times are sufficient to detect the taxonomic distinctness of
periphytic ciliate microfauna at water depths of 1–3 m for the purposes of
ecological research and monitoring of marine ecosystems.
Association between microstructural integrity of frontostriatal tracts and school functioning: ADHD symptoms and executive function as mediators
Authors: Gau S. S. , Tseng W.-L. , Tseng W.-Y. I. , Wu Y.-H. , Lo Y.-C.
Published: July 2014

Background

Deficits in executive function (EF), impaired school functioning and altered white matter integrity in frontostriatal networks have been associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, relationships between impairments in these areas are unclear. Using a sample of youths with and without ADHD, this study examined the association between microstructural integrity of frontostriatal tracts and school dysfunction and the mediating roles of EF and ADHD symptoms in this association.

Method

The sample included 32 Taiwanese youths with ADHD and 32 age-, sex-, handedness- and IQ-matched typically-developing (TD) youths. Participants were assessed using psychiatric interviews, parent reports on ADHD symptoms and school functioning, and EF measures from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). The frontostriatal tracts were reconstructed by diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) tractography and were subdivided into four functionally distinct segments: caudate–dorsolateral, caudate–medial prefrontal, caudate–orbitofrontal and caudate–ventrolateral tracts.

Results

Youths with ADHD, relative to TD youths, showed altered white matter integrity in all four bilateral pairs of frontostriatal tracts (decreased general fractional anisotropy, GFA), had poor attention, vigilance and response inhibition, and showed impaired school functioning. Altered microstructural integrity in frontostriatal tracts was significantly associated with school dysfunction, which was mediated by EF measures of attention/vigilance and response inhibition in addition to inattention and hyperactivity symptoms.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate an association between white matter integrity in the frontostriatal networks and school functioning and suggest that EF deficits and ADHD symptoms may be the mediating mechanisms for this association. Future research is needed to test the directionality and specificity of this finding.
Low-technology industries and the skill composition of immigration
Authors: Rheault Ludovic
Published: July 2014

This paper examines the relationship between the industry mix and policy decisions regarding the skill composition of immigration. I start with the premise that low- and high-technology industries are unequally affected by changes in the intensity of factors of production, and develop conflicting preferences over immigration policies. To avoid the negative reactions that would ensue from the depletion of regional industries, governments have incentives to adjust the skill composition of immigration in order to maintain the existing regional industry mix. I test the implications of this argument using data on Canadian provinces between 2001 and 2010, and a research design based on the two-stage least squares methodology. Overall, the empirical results are consistent with the theory: provinces relying intensively upon low-technology industries are likely to receive higher proportions of low-skilled immigrants. A consequence is that immigration policies may sustain existing technological gaps between regions and temper down the growth of high-technology sectors.
Tracing the reflective practices of student teachers in online modes
Authors: Farr Fiona , Riordan Elaine
Published: July 2014

During the course of pre- and in-service teacher education programmes, reflection can happen in a number of ways, for example: reflective journals, personal stories and pair/group co-operative discussions, professional development portfolios, and blogs and electronic portfolios. The aim of this paper is to examine various technologies such as online chat, discussion forums and blogs, in terms of their suitability and affordances as reflective media. It begins by examining positional survey data gathered from student teachers (STs) who have used these social media over a period of time. Following this it focuses on one of the desired outcomes of Reflective Practice (RP), the construction of teacher identity as part of the process of becoming a professional. The construction of identity through the mediational tool of language used across these modes is examined through a corpus linguistics lens. Collections of language produced around RP activities are analysed as a corpus in quantitative and qualitative ways. These complementary sources of data in a mixed-methods approach provide some insights into the technologies and their potential in a Language Teacher Education (LTE) context. To this end, our findings suggest that blogs, in particular, foster narration, RP and the expression of identities, while chat and forums promote emotional and affective engagement, all of which can be useful to STs at the initial and continuing stages of their career.
Financial repression: what does it mean for savers and investors?
Authors: Fulcher Paul , Boardman Richard , Collier Ian , Gasser Hans-Christof , Price Rod , Shelley Paul , Softley Sarah
Published: July 2014

At the end of 2013 the real yields that the UK government had to pay on
its debt were negative over the whole curve. Several possible explanations
are available for this phenomenon – central bank action, regulatory changes,
demographic developments and economic conditions. The first two can result
from deliberate interaction by the state into the financial markets and can
be labelled as financial repression. We explain the historic precedents for
Governments to use financial repression to manage their debt, look into the
influence of regulation on asset allocation for insurers and pension funds,
and introduce the concept of a balance-sheet recession.
A NOTE ON GENERALIZING THE CONCEPT OF COINTEGRATION
Authors: Hall Stephen G. , Swamy P.A.V.B. , Tavlas George S.
Published: July 2014

Building on the time-varying-coefficient (TVC) model, we propose a generalization of the concept of cointegration, allowing for the possibility that a set of variables measured with error entails a nonlinear relationship with unknown functional form. Both the dependent and explanatory variables of this relationship may be nonstationary (not necessarily of unit-root type), but there exists a nonlinear combination of all these explanatory variables that completely explains all the variation in the dependent variable. The TVC model allows us to test for the presence of this generalized cointegration in the absence of knowledge of the true nonlinear functional form and the full set of explanatory variables. We present the basic stages of the technique and discuss in detail how the issues of nonstationarity and cointegration affect each stage of the TVC estimation procedure.
Exploration and forecasting of behaviours and factors relating to fruit and vegetable intake among seniors in the community
Authors: Hsu Pei-Ti , Liao Pei-Hung , Chu William , Yang Shiu-Yan , Chen I-Ju
Published: July 2014

Objective

The present study investigated the current status of fruit and vegetable intake among seniors and assessed the relationship between personal background factors, social psychological factors and environmental factors of the study participants and their fruit and vegetable consumption behaviour.

Design

Research data were collected through individual interviews using a questionnaire developed by the authors. SPSS for Windows 15·0 statistical software was used to process and analyse the data.

Setting

Elderly individuals sampled from all twenty-nine administration units of Keelung City’s Renai District were interviewed.

Subjects

Study participants included 398 residents aged 65 years or older.

Results

On average, study participants ate five daily servings of fruits and vegetables on 2·86 d/week. The important variables influencing fruit and vegetable consumption were education level, outcome expectancy, social support, self-efficacy, frequency of dining out and role modelling. Educated participants consumed more fruits and vegetables than those without education. Outcome expectancy, social support, self-efficacy and role modelling had positive impacts on fruit and vegetable intake, but frequency of dining out had a negative impact on fruit and vegetable intake. The significant predictors of fruit and vegetable intake behaviour were education level, outcome expectancy, social support and frequency of dining out. Among those variables, social support was the most influential factor.

Conclusions

Our findings supported the conclusion that health education strategies to increase fruit and vegetable intake among seniors should include the variables of social support and outcome expectancy.
Opposites don’t attract: high spouse concordance for dietary supplement use in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer in Norfolk (EPIC-Norfolk) cohort study
Authors: Lentjes Marleen AH , Welch Ailsa A , Keogh Ruth H , Luben Robert N , Khaw Kay-Tee
Published: July 2014

Objective

Dietary supplements are commonly consumed but may not be beneficial for everyone. It is known that supplement users have healthy behaviour characteristics but until now concordance between spouses living in the same household has not been investigated and concordance may be an important behavioural determinant.

Design

Prospective cohort study, cross-sectional data analysis.

Setting

European Prospective Investigation into Cancer in Norfolk (EPIC-Norfolk) in the UK, recruitment between 1993 and 1998.

Subjects

Married (or living as married) participants sharing a household, who attended a health examination and completed a 7 d diet diary were included in the analysis (n 11 060). The age range was 39–79 years.

Results

Nearly 75 % of the households in EPIC-Norfolk were concordant in their supplement use, with 46·7 % not using supplements and 27·0 % using supplements. Concordance increased with age; the percentage of concordant couples varied less by other sociodemographic characteristics. Participants who had a spouse who used a supplement were nearly nine times more likely to use a supplement (unadjusted). Depending on participants’ sex and type of supplement used, odds ratios for ‘supplement use by spouse’ in the prediction of participants’ supplement use varied between 6·2 and 11·7 adjusted for participants’ age, smoking status, BMI, social class, education level and physical activity.

Conclusions

‘Supplement use by spouse’ is an independent and the strongest predictor of participants’ supplement use. This phenomenon can be useful in the design of studies and health interventions; or when assessing risk of excessive intake from dietary supplements.
The protection of civilians mandate in UN peacekeeping operations: reconciling protection concepts and practices
Authors: Willmot Haidi , Sheeran Scott
Published: July 2014

The ‘protection of civilians’ mandate in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations fulfils a critical role in realising broader protection objectives, which have in recent years become an important focus of international relations and international law. The concepts of the ‘protection of civilians’ constructed by the humanitarian, human rights and peacekeeping communities have evolved somewhat separately, resulting in disparate understandings of the associated normative bases, substance and responsibilities. If UN peacekeepers are to effectively provide physical protection to civilians under threat of violence, it is necessary to untangle this conceptual and normative confusion. The practical expectations of the use of force to protect civilians must be clear, and an overarching framework is needed to facilitate the spectrum of actors working in a complementary way towards the common objectives of the broader protection agenda.
Characterization of Cerebral Glutamine Uptake from Blood in the Mouse Brain: Implications for Metabolic Modeling of 13C NMR Data
Authors: Bagga Puneet , Behar Kevin L , Mason Graeme F , De Feyter Henk M , Rothman Douglas L , Patel Anant B
Published: July 2014

13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) studies of rodent and human brain using [1-13C]/[1,6-13C2]glucose as labeled substrate have consistently found a lower enrichment (~25% to 30%) of glutamine-C4 compared with glutamate-C4 at isotopic steady state. The source of this isotope dilution has not been established experimentally but may potentially arise either from blood/brain exchange of glutamine or from metabolism of unlabeled substrates in astrocytes, where glutamine synthesis occurs. In this study, the contribution of the former was evaluated ex vivo using 1H-[13C]-NMR spectroscopy together with intravenous infusion of [U-13C5]glutamine for 3, 15, 30, and 60 minutes in mice. 13C labeling of brain glutamine was found to be saturated at plasma glutamine levels > 1.0 mmol/L. Fitting a blood–astrocyte–neuron metabolic model to the 13C enrichment time courses of glutamate and glutamine yielded the value of glutamine influx, VGln(in), 0.036 ± 0.002 μmol/g per minute for plasma glutamine of 1.8 mmol/L. For physiologic plasma glutamine level (~0.6 mmol/L), VGln(in) would be ~0.010 μmol/g per minute, which corresponds to ~6% of the glutamine synthesis rate and rises to ~11% for saturating blood glutamine concentrations. Thus, glutamine influx from blood contributes at most ~20% to the dilution of astroglial glutamine-C4 consistently seen in metabolic studies using [1-13C]glucose.
Evolution of NO2 levels in Spain from 1996 to 2012
Authors: Cuevas Carlos A. , Notario Alberto , Adame José Antonio , Hilboll Andreas , Richter Andreas , Burrows John P. , Saiz-Lopez Alfonso
Published: July 2014

We report on the evolution of tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) over Spain, focusing on the densely populated cities of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, Sevilla and Valencia, during 17 years, from 1996 to 2012. This data series combines observations from in-situ air quality monitoring networks and the satellite-based instruments GOME and SCIAMACHY. The results in these five cities show a smooth decrease in the NO2 concentrations of ~2% per year in the period 1996–2008, due to the implementation of emissions control environmental legislation and a more abrupt descend of ~7% per year from 2008 to 2012 as a consequence of the economic recession. In the whole Spanish territory the NO2 levels have decreased by ~22% from 1996 to 2012. Statistical analysis of several economic indicators is used to investigate the different factors driving the NO2 concentration trends over Spain during the last two decades.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of plate-like SAPO-34 nanocrystals with increased catalyst lifetime in the methanol-to-olefin reaction
Authors: Álvaro-Muñoz T. , Sastre E. , Márquez-Álvarez C.
Published: July 2014

Microwave mediated synthesis produced SAPO-34 nanocrystals with increased catalyst lifetime in the methanol-to-olefin reaction owing to their plate-like crystal shape.