bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Helping to keep safe
Authors: Cronin Peter , Peyton Liam
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to consider risk from the perspective of people with learning disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the thoughts and experiences of two people with learning disabilities around two different areas of potential risk and their participation in a mental health promotion group which has helped.

Findings

People with learning disabilities encounter many risks in their lives but with the right support these risks can be managed.

Originality/value

The paper adds valuable insight into the life of people with learning disabilities and the risks they face.
Beyond diversity: how nested predator effects control ecosystem functions
Authors: Schneider Florian Dirk , Brose Ulrich
Published: November 2012

The global decline in biodiversity is especially evident in higher trophic levels as predators display higher sensitivity to environmental change than organisms from lower trophic levels. This is even more alarming given the paucity of knowledge about the role of individual predator species in sustaining ecosystem functioning.

The effect of predator diversity on lower trophic level prey is often driven by the increasing chance of including the most influential species. Furthermore, intraguild predation can cause trophic cascades with net positive effects on basal prey. As a consequence, the effects of losing a predator species appear to be idiosyncratic and it becomes unpredictable how the community's net effect on lower trophic levels changes when species number is declining.

We performed a full factorial microcosm experiment with litter layer arthropods to measure the effects of predator diversity and context‐dependent identity effects on a detritivore population and microbial biomass.

We show that major parts of the observed diversity effect can be assigned to the increasing likelihood of including the most influential predator. Further, the presence of a second predator feeding on the first predator dampens this dominant effect. Including this intraguild predator on top of the first predator is more likely with increasing predator diversity as well. Thus, the overall pattern can be explained by a second identity effect, which is nested into the first.

When losing a predator from the community, the response of the lower trophic level is highly dependent on the remaining predator species. We mechanistically explain the net effects of the predator community on lower trophic levels by nested effects of predator identities. These identity effects become predictable when taking the species' body masses into account. This provides a new mechanistic perspective describing ecosystem functioning as a consequence of species composition and yields an understanding beyond simple effects of biodiversity.
Iterated modal marking and polarity focus in ancient greek
Authors: Goldstein David
Published: November 2012

The Ancient Greek particle an, which encodes modal and irrealis semantics, canonically occurs once per clause. In the fifth century bce, however, we find cases where two tokens (or, more rarely, three) co‐occur with the same verb. While this phenomenon has long been recognized in the handbooks, it has received only sporadic attention otherwise, and there is currently no adequate description or analysis of the phenomenon. In this paper, I provide the first detailed overview of the construction in the Attic dramatists (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes) and Herodotos, and argue that it marks polarity focus. I tentatively identify a diachronic source construction as well.
The influence of temperature on life history traits in the Iberian slug, Arion lusitanicus
Authors: Slotsbo S. , Damgaard C. , Hansen L.M. , Holmstrup M.
Published: November 2012

The slug Arion lusitanicus is an invasive species which has recently become established in many European countries and is considered a serious pest, both in agriculture and private gardens. The effect of temperature on growth rate, survival, egg developmental time and hatchability of the slug are reported. The growth rate was positively correlated with temperatures up to 20°C and A. lusitanicus continued (on average) to grow until they die. A model describing how growth depends on temperature was developed, and a field survey found that the predicted growth matched the observed with reasonable accuracy. This study confirms the assumption that A. lusitanicus die after egg laying. Free‐ranging A. lusitanicus has an annual life cycle, but our data show that slugs also possess the ability to live for up to 3 years. The egg developmental time was, like growth, positively correlated with temperature and was shortest at 20°C, but the optimum temperature for egg development, when regarded as the temperature with highest hatchability was found to be 10°C. In conclusion, this study has shown that growth and the life‐history traits, egg developmental time and hatchability, of A. lusitanicus are highly influenced by temperature. However, data also show that temperatures within the range 2–20°C did not influence survival rates to any large degree, and that A. lusitanicus can quickly adjust to changes in temperature. The study provides a number of basic parameters which contribute to the understanding of the population dynamics of A. lusitanicus.
Alterations in ventricular KATP channel properties during aging
Authors: Bao Li , Taskin Eylem , Foster Monique , Ray Beevash , Rosario Rosa , Ananthakrishnan Radha , Howlett Susan E. , Schmidt Ann M. , Ramasamy Ravichandran , Coetzee William A.
Published: November 2012

Coronary heart disease remains the principle cause of mortality in the United States. During aging, the efficiency of the cardiovascular system is decreased and the aged heart is less tolerant to ischemic injury. ATP‐sensitive K+ (KATP) channels protect the myocardium against ischemic damage. We investigated how aging affects cardiac KATP channels in the Fischer 344 rat model. Expression of KATP channel subunit mRNA and protein levels was unchanged in hearts from 26‐month‐old vs. 4‐month‐old rats. Interestingly, the mRNA expression of several other ion channels (> 80) was also largely unchanged, suggesting that posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms occur during aging. The whole‐cell KATP channel current density was strongly diminished in ventricular myocytes from aged male rat hearts (also observed in aged C57BL/6 mouse myocytes). Experiments with isolated patches (inside‐out configuration) demonstrated that the KATP channel unitary conductance was unchanged, but that the inhibitory effect of cytosolic ATP on channel activity was enhanced in the aged heart. The mean patch current was diminished, consistent with the whole‐cell data. We incorporated these findings into an empirical model of the KATP channel and numerically simulated the effects of decreased cytosolic ATP levels on the human action potential. This analysis predicts lesser activation of KATP channels by metabolic impairment in the aged heart and a diminished action potential shortening. This study provides insights into the changes in KATP channels during aging and suggests that the protective role of these channels during ischemia is significantly compromised in the aged individual.
Quantitative autistic traits ascertained in a national survey of 22 529 Japanese schoolchildren
Authors: Kamio Y. , Inada N. , Moriwaki A. , Kuroda M. , Koyama T. , Tsujii H. , Kawakubo Y. , Kuwabara H. , Tsuchiya K. J. , Uno Y. , Constantino J. N.
Published: November 2012

Objective

Recent epidemiologic studies worldwide have documented a rise in prevalence rates for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Broadening of diagnostic criteria for ASD may be a major contributor to the rise in prevalence, particularly if superimposed on an underlying continuous distribution of autistic traits. This study sought to determine the nature of the population distribution of autistic traits using a quantitative trait measure in a large national population sample of children.

Method

The Japanese version of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) was completed by parents on a nationally representative sample of 22 529 children, age 6–15.

Results

Social Responsiveness Scale scores exhibited a skewed normal distribution in the Japanese population with a single‐factor structure and no significant relation to IQ within the normal intellectual range. There was no evidence of a natural ‘cutoff’ that would differentiate populations of categorically affected children from unaffected children.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of the continuous nature of autistic symptoms measured by the SRS, a validated quantitative trait measure. The findings reveal how paradigms for diagnosis that rest on arbitrarily imposed categorical cutoffs can result in substantial variation in prevalence estimation, especially when measurements used for case assignment are not standardized for a given population.
Variation of cats under domestication: genetic assignment of domestic cats to breeds and worldwide random‐bred populations
Authors: Kurushima J. D. , Lipinski M. J. , Gandolfi B. , Froenicke L. , Grahn J. C. , Grahn R. A. , Lyons L. A.
Published: November 2012

Both cat breeders and the lay public have interests in the origins of their pets, not only in the genetic identity of the purebred individuals, but also in the historical origins of common household cats. The cat fancy is a relatively new institution with over 85% of its 40–50 breeds arising only in the past 75 years, primarily through selection on single‐gene aesthetic traits. The short, yet intense cat breed history poses a significant challenge to the development of a genetic marker–based breed identification strategy. Using different breed assignment strategies and methods, 477 cats representing 29 fancy breeds were analysed with 38 short tandem repeats, 148 intergenic and five phenotypic single nucleotide polymorphisms. Results suggest the frequentist method of Paetkau (single nucleotide polymorphisms = 0.78, short tandem repeats = 0.88) surpasses the Bayesian method of Rannala and Mountain (single nucleotide polymorphisms = 0.56, short tandem repeats = 0.83) for accurate assignment of individuals to the correct breed. Additionally, a post‐assignment verification step with the five phenotypic single nucleotide polymorphisms accurately identified between 0.31 and 0.58 of the misassigned individuals raising the sensitivity of assignment with the frequentist method to 0.89 and 0.92 for single nucleotide polymorphisms and short tandem repeats respectively. This study provides a novel multistep assignment strategy and suggests that, despite their short breed history and breed family groupings, a majority of cats can be assigned to their proper breed or population of origin, that is, race.
Laparoscopic splenectomy with or without devascularization of the stomach for liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension: a systematic review
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Dong , He Fu‐Qian , Yang Lie , Yu Yong‐Yang , Zhou Zong‐Guang
Published: November 2012

Background

Open splenectomy and devascularization are effective treatments for cirrhotic patients with severe thrombocytopenia and variceal bleeding. However, it remains controversial whether laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) and devascularization (LSD) can be indicated and beneficial in these patients.

Objectives

A systematic review of the efficacy and safety of LS and LSD for patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension was undertaken to clarify controversy about their utilization in such patients.

Methods

A systematic search strategy was performed to retrieve relevant studies from PubMed and Embase.com. The literature search and data extraction were independently performed by two reviewers.

Results

Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria. The methodology of the identified articles was poor. Six hundred and fifty‐one patients, including 478 LS patients and 173 LSD patients, were involved in efficacy and safety evaluations. There was wide variability in the outcome measures between studies. There was only one death in the patients underwent LSD. Reported major complications included post‐operative bleeding requiring re‐surgery, pancreatic leakage and gastric perforation. Seven studies were identified with comparisons between laparoscopic and open procedures. No meta‐analysis was possible because of heterogeneity between studies and lack of randomization.

Conclusions

The publications reviewed revealed LS and LSD to be safe and effective in the setting of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. From the comparison articles, laparoscopic procedures appear to be superior to open procedures regarding blood loss, hospital stay, complication rate and liver function impairment. However, it is difficult to draw firm statistical conclusions due to lack of high‐quality evidence.
Competition on productivity gradients – what do we expect?
Authors: Rees Mark
Published: November 2012

Many experimental studies have quantified how the effects of competition vary with habitat productivity, with the results often interpreted in terms of the ideas of Grime and Tilman. Unfortunately, these ideas are not relevant to many experiments, and so we develop an appropriate resource competition model and use this to explore the effects of habitat productivity on the intensity of competition. Several mechanisms influencing the productivity–competition intensity relationship are identified, and these mechanisms explored using two classic data sets. In both cases, there is good agreement between the model predictions and empirical patterns. Quantification of the mechanisms identified by the models will allow the development of a simple predictive theory linking measures of the intensity of competition with ecosystem‐level properties.
Bridging the Widening Gap between the EU Treaties and the Agreement on the European Economic Area
Authors: Haukeland Fredriksen Halvard
Published: November 2012

For almost 20 years now, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway have been included in the EU's internal market through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA). The continuing success of the EEA is threatened, however, by an ever widening gap between EU primary law and the still unchanged main part of the EEA Agreement. Unwilling to begin the strenuous work of updating the Agreement, the Contracting Parties place their trust in the ability of the courts to bridge the gap. While it is shown in this article that both the EFTA Court and the Court of Justice of the EU are indeed willing to go far in order to preserve homogeneity between EU law and EEA law, it is argued that there are limits to the courts' ability to remedy the failed updating of the Agreement.
The Question Concerning the Common Frame of Reference
Authors: Niglia Leone
Published: November 2012

The many directives on private consumer law enacted in the last three decades have met with considerable neglect and resistance amongst domestic judges, legislatures and scholars, bringing about less legal unity and more ‘legal fragmentation'—to say it in the words of the Commission. The Draft Common Frame of Reference is one more attempt, on the part of certain strands of European private law scholarship, at imposing a formal break on, and at overcoming, such fragmentation. Presented as a ‘comprehensive and self‐standing’ document, its ambition is to definitively implement the Commission‐generated, market‐orientated agenda of private law reform, so much resisted at the national level. The article argues that the EU legislative institutions should not go ahead with the plan of incorporating the Draft's content in EU law, by adopting a CFR. A CFR would confer an unprecedented degree of authority on a range of contested directive‐generated rules, from the test of fairness to the risk development defence in product liability. In creating a climate in which CFR‐based legalistic arguments promote unity over fragmentation, a CFR would emasculate public debate by implementing, under the spell of legal necessity, exactly those partisan, Commission‐initiated policies that have been, and still are, openly opposed in domestic legal circles. The Draft embodies a grammar of imposition that should be questioned.
The Reuse of Public Sector Information in Europe and Its Impact on Transparency
Authors: Cerrillo‐i‐Martínez Agustí
Published: November 2012

The dissemination of public sector information is not carried out exclusively by public administration. A significant proportion of public sector information constitutes the raw material used by the content industry to offer goods and services and by citizens to provide richer information. In the European Union, Directive 2003/98/EC on the reuse of public sector information establishes a set of rules governing the reuse of public sector information. Although this rule is not intended to provide greater transparency, the re‐use of public sector information could have this effect.

This article sets out the European policy on public sector information reuse and it looks in depth at the content of Spanish Act 37/2007, of 16 November, about the reuse of public sector information, as a case study, outlining some of the instruments that have been used in Spain as well as in other Member States to promote the reuse of public sector information.
Principles of European Private or Civil Law?
Authors: Purnhagen Kai
Published: November 2012

The aim of this piece is to draw the attention of the debate on principles in European private law to an institutional question. As the question of who detects these principles is crucial to understand the values and intentions behind the provisions on principles, I turn to the significance of the authority question of who detects principles of European Private law with regard to the two players ECJ and the academic circle ‘Joint Network on European law'. After analysing the role of these players I will ask whether private law principles (which are principles derived from the analysis of contractual relationships by academics) or principles of civil law (derived from conflict solution by judges) govern the principles debate in European Private law. I will argue for a pluralistic understanding of European Private law, where neither academia nor the ECJ enjoy a monopoly on the detection of principles in European Private law. Instead, they form a symbiotic relationship in several respects. Understood in this way, the DCFR's role as a toolbox for the legislator is supplemented with its maybe even stronger significance as a toolbox for judges.
From forest and agro‐ecosystems to the microecosystems of the human body: what can landscape ecology tell us about tumor growth, metastasis, and treatment options?
Authors: Daoust Simon P. , Fahrig Lenore , Martin Amanda E. , Thomas Frédéric
Published: November 2012

Cancer is now understood to be a process that follows Darwinian evolution. Heterogeneous populations of cancerous cells that make up the tumor inhabit the tissue ‘microenvironment’, where ecological interactions analogous to predation and competition for resources drive the somatic evolution of cancer. The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in the tumor genesis, development, and metastasis processes, as it creates the microenvironmental selection forces that ultimately determine the cellular characteristics that result in the greatest fitness. Here, we explore and offer new insights into the spatial aspects of tumor–microenvironment interactions through the application of landscape ecology theory to tumor growth and metastasis within the tissue microhabitat. We argue that small tissue microhabitats in combination with the spatial distribution of resources within these habitats could be important selective forces driving tumor invasiveness. We also contend that the compositional and configurational heterogeneity of components in the tissue microhabitat do not only influence resource availability and functional connectivity but also play a crucial role in facilitating metastasis and may serve to explain, at least in part, tissue tropism in certain cancers. This novel work provides a compelling argument for the necessity of taking into account the structure of the tissue microhabitat when investigating tumor progression.
Long‐term outcomes in haemophilic synovitis after radiosynovectomy using rhenium‐186: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Zulfikar B. , Turkmen C. , Kilicoglu O. , Dikici F. , Bezgal F. , Gorgun O. , Taser O.
Published: November 2012

Radiosynovectomy has been performed successfully for more than 10 years in our hospital. This study investigated the long‐term outcome in the context of time to progression (TTP) analysis and the factors influencing TTP following radiosynovectomy with Re‐186 in patients with haemophilic synovitis. Radiosynovectomy performed in 165 joints (81 elbows, 74 ankles, 8 shoulder and 2 hip joints) of 106 patients (median age was 18.0 ± 7.5 years; 91 haemophilia A, 13 haemophilia B and 2 von Willebrand's disease between June 2001 and July 2011. The mean follow‐up was 48 months (range: 9–120 months). This study revealed that patients' mean TTP after primary radiosynovectomy was satisfactory for both the ankle and elbow joints. There was no TTP differences between the ankle and elbow joint groups (67 vs. 72 months respectively; P = 0.22). We did not find a relationship between the TTP and the following variables: age, type and severity of haemophilia, the presence or absence of inhibitor, the radiological score, range of motion (ROM) status of joints and the pretreatment bleeding frequency. In this study, 18–20% of the treated joints had improved ROM and 82–79% of the treated joints had unchanged ROM after treatment both the ankle and elbow joints respectively. In this report including TTP analysis in the largest series with long‐term follow‐up, we demonstrated long‐term effectiveness of Re‐186 radiosynovectomy in haemophilic synovitis. In our experience, the main predictor of outcome following radiosynovectomy is the number of joint bleeding within 6 months after therapy.
Computer‐navigated total knee arthroplasty in haemophilic arthropathy
Authors: Cho K.‐Y. , Kim K.‐I. , Khurana S. , Cho S.‐W. , Kang D.‐G.
Published: November 2012

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in end‐stage haemophilic arthropathy is complex and challenging due to the altered bony anatomy, arthrofibrosis and muscle contractures. Computer navigation is especially advocated in patients with deformity or altered anatomy to improve alignment and to assist in ligament balancing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of computer‐navigated TKA in haemophilic arthropathy. A consecutive series of computer‐assisted TKA for the end‐stage haemophilic arthropathy between February 2007 and December 2009 were evaluated. A total of 27 TKA were performed in 25 patients. Pre‐ and postoperative full‐length weight‐bearing radiographs were assessed for the axial limb alignment. The orientation of the components was measured on anteroposterior radiographs. Clinically, Knee Society score and Short Form‐36 were evaluated. The mechanical axis of the leg was within a range of ±3° varus/valgus in 92% of the TKA. The coronal alignment of the femoral and tibial components was within a range of ±3 degrees in 96% of the knees. The clinical outcomes were significantly improved after the operation. There were no complications specific to the computer navigation. Computer‐navigated TKA helps in restoring the mechanical axis and improves accuracy of orientation of the components in patients with end‐stage haemophilic arthropathy. Potential benefits in long‐term outcome require further investigation.
The antecedents of complaint behaviour for Brazilian and French consumers of services
Authors: de Matos Celso Augusto , Leis Rodrigo Pinto
Published: November 2012

Using a cross‐cultural approach, this study investigates customer satisfaction after a service failure and recovery experience, considering (i) the influence of perceived justice on satisfaction; (ii) the impact of satisfaction on consumer repurchasing and complaint intentions; (iii) the moderating role of the customer cultural orientation; and (iv) the relevance of contextual variables. Based on a survey of 298 consumers from Brazil and France, the results indicated that (i) distributive and interactional justice influenced satisfaction; (ii) satisfaction was a significant predictor of repurchase intentions; (iii) satisfaction influenced third‐party, private and voice responses; and (iv) the level of the customer relationship, the severity of the failure and the responsiveness of the firm were significant contextual variables. Moreover, the individual‐level analysis suggested that only power distance cultural orientation was a significant moderator.
Financial socialization's impact on investment orientation and household net worth
Authors: Hira Tahira K. , Sabri Mohamad Fazli , Loibl Cäzilia
Published: November 2012

This study investigates the role of financial socialization for investment orientation and household net worth. Combining consumer socialization literature with findings in the behavioural finance literature, survey data were analysed to (1) investigate the relationship among household net worth, financial socialization, indicators of investment orientation and socio‐demographic investor characteristics; (2) examine the influence of socio‐demographic investor characteristics and financial socialization on indicators of investment orientation; and (3) test whether financial socialization affects household wealth above and beyond socio‐demographic and investment orientation factors. Parents emerged as a relevant socialization agent of investors, influencing investment regularity and household net worth above and beyond other factors. This result extends earlier findings about parents' role for a person's financial management and savings behaviour to the investment context. Based on our findings, educators may want to involve parents in their efforts. They may want to emphasize the importance of starting investing regularly at an early age and of continuing to increase involvement in investing over the years. Financial planners and financial counsellors may consider emphasizing these two practices for their clients and involve children of their clients when and where appropriate.
Pilot intervention with adolescents to increase knowledge and consumption of folate‐rich foods based on the Health Belief Model
Authors: LaBrosse Lindsay , Albrecht Julie A.
Published: November 2012

Folate is important in the prevention of birth defects and in the maintenance of general health. Even after mandatory fortification, many people are still not consuming the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 400 mcg folate/day. Consuming a diet rich in naturally high‐folate foods, as opposed to supplementation, may offer additional health benefits and promote an overall healthy diet. The purpose of this pilot study was to test the hypothesis that a learner‐centred educational intervention based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) will successfully increase knowledge and consumption of folate‐rich foods, while increasing positive beliefs about folate and health in adolescents. A two‐group parallel control trial was conducted in two schools in Nebraska. Pre‐ and post‐study questionnaires included a folate‐based food frequency questionnaire, a HBM questionnaire and a folate knowledge test. Participants in the intervention group completed a post‐study evaluation. The intervention consisted of three 30‐min lessons followed by participant creation of podcasts. One podcast was viewed each week for 8 weeks following the lessons. Data were analysed using t‐tests to measure simple effects within the intervention and control groups, and analysis of variance to measure within‐subject effects between the groups. Folate consumption decreased in both the intervention and control groups, but these differences were not significant (P > 0.05). Significant increases (P = 0.000) in folate knowledge occurred in the intervention group. This difference remained significant (P = 0.001) when compared to the control group. Average HBM rankings significantly decreased (P < 0.05) towards ‘strongly agree’ (Likert scale of 1–6) in the intervention group (P < 0.05) for all constructs except cues to action. However, when compared to the control group, these differences were only significant for self‐efficacy and perceived susceptibility. Creating and viewing podcasts may be helpful for the retention of knowledge over time, but did not appear to be an effective cue to action for increased folate‐rich foods in this pilot study.
CONSERVATION OF THE H‐2 BF1 BINDING MOTIF 5′ OF THE H‐2Ds, Ks AND Dq GENES
Authors: Brown G. D. , Morris D. R. , Meruelo D.
Published: November 2012

The biological consequences of radiation leukaemia virus (RadLV) infection include the stimulation of H‐2 antigen expression soon after injection of the virus. Early studies demonstrated that resistance to RadLV‐induced leukaemia in certain mouse strains is mediated by genes in the H‐2D region of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Recent studies have shown that elevated H‐2Dd expression on the thymocyte cell surface of resistant mouse strains results from increased mRNA transcription and is correlated with elevated levels of a DNA‐binding activity that recognizes a short DNA sequence 5′ of the start of transcription for the H‐2Dd gene. This binding activity has been termed H‐2 binding factor 1 (H‐2 BF1) and is found exclusively in the thymus. In an effort to examine the H‐2 genes of RadLV‐susceptible mice for the presence of the H‐2 BF1 binding target, we have cloned class I genes from the highly susceptible B10.S mouse strain and have identified both the Ds and the Ks genes. The entire genomic sequence for the Ds gene has been determined and is reported here. In addition, the 5′ regulatory region of the previously cloned Dq gene has been sequenced; mice of the Dq haplotype are also susceptible to RadLV‐induced leukaemia. In this report, we show that the H‐2 BF1 DNA binding sequence is present 5′ of each of these three class I genes.
COMPLETE NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCE OF THE HLA‐DRB1*1302 ALLELE
Authors: Martinez‐Quiles N. , Martin‐Villa J. M. , Martinez‐Laso J. , Ferre‐Lopez S. , Alvarez M. , Gomez‐Casado E. , Juan M. D. de , Arnaiz‐Villena A.
Published: November 2012

Sequencing studies of HLA class II molecules have focused almost exclusively on its exon 2. The complete cDNA sequence of the DRB1*1302 allele is reported here for the first time. A conservative polymorphism was detected outside the exon 2 at residue 206; these changes can only be recorded if complete cDNA sequences are studied, and may be of value in drawing evolutive inferences.
Male mating performance and cytoplasmic incompatibility in a wPip Wolbachia trans‐infected line of Aedes albopictus (Stegomyia albopicta)
Authors: MORETTI R. , CALVITTI M.
Published: November 2012

Wolbachia pipientis Hertig (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) is a maternally inherited endosymbiont of a large number of insects and other arthropods that induces various effects on host reproductive biology. Among these, cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) is a form of sterility induced in eggs produced by mating between infected males and females uninfected or infected by an incompatible Wolbachia strain. This phenomenon has been proposed as a potential way to produce functionally sterile males to be used in genetic control programmes. In this paper, we report on experiments carried out to evaluate the mating performances of males of an Aedes albopictus (Stegomyia albopicta) (Diptera: Culicidae) line (ARwP), harbouring a new Wolbachia infection [the wPip strain from Culex pipiens Linnaeus (Diptera: Culicidae)], in comparison with naturally infected males (SR line). ARwP males did not differ from SR males with regard to insemination capacity. Mating competitiveness did not differ significantly between lines in either laboratory or greenhouse conditions. Moreover, crosses with SR females were characterized by a 100% CI regardless of ARwP male age. All of these findings suggest that ARwP males may represent a very efficient tool for control programmes against Ae. albopictus based on the release of functionally sterile males.
Validation of the Insomnia in the Elderly Scale for the detection of insomnia in older adults
Authors: Navarro Beatriz , López‐Torres Jesús , Andrés Fernando , Latorre José Miguel , Montes María Jesús , Párraga Ignacio
Published: November 2012

Aim

The main objective of this study was the validation of a brief support instrument for the diagnosis of insomnia in older adults.

Methods

An observational study was carried out for the evaluation of the Insomnia in the Elderly Scale using the psychiatric interview as the gold standard. Data was collected in a primary care setting in the city of Albacete, Spain. Participants were 926 non‐institutionalized older adults aged ≥65 years.

Results

Sleep characteristics, and the health and sociodemographic status of the participants were assessed. The Insomnia in the Elderly Scale is divided into two subscales for the evaluation of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fouth Edition criteria A and B for insomnia. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for subscale A was 0.868. The cut‐off point to detect the presence of diagnostic criterion A for insomnia was a score of ≥3 (sensitivity: 86.4%; specificity: 69.5%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for subscale B was 0.832. The cut‐off point to detect the presence of diagnostic criterion B was a score of ≥2 (sensitivity: 86.3%; specificity: 66.4%).

Conclusions

The Insomnia in the Elderly Scale has appropriate psychometric properties. This scale compensates for the lack of validated instruments for use in the population aged 65 years or older. The fact that it is divided into two subscales to separately evaluate the insomnia criteria enables us to detect the presence of each of them. Finally, it has been validated in participants aged 65 years and older, which is the target population for this scale. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 646–653.
Association of serum uric acid level with muscle strength and cognitive function among Chinese aged 50–74 years
Authors: Wu Yili , Zhang Dongfeng , Pang Zengchang , Jiang Wenjie , Wang Shaojie , Tan Qihua
Published: November 2012

Aim

Previous studies have shown that uric acid (UA) has strong anti‐oxidant properties, and that high circulating levels of UA are prospectively associated with improved muscle function and cognitive performances in elderly Caucasians. We carried out a replication study in elderly Chinese using cross‐sectional design.

Methods

Data from 2006 individuals aged 50–74 years who participated in a population‐based cross‐sectional survey in Qingdao, China, were analyzed. Hand grip strength was measured in kilograms by using an electronic dynamometer. The sit‐to‐stand (STS) test time was used to represent lower limb strength. The Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to estimate the participants' cognitive function. Lifestyle, comorbidities and laboratory measures were considered as potential confounders. Multiple linear regression models and binary logistic regression were fitted to find the association of UA with strength measures and cognitive performances.

Results

Participants were grouped according to UA tertiles (<257.75 mmol/L, ≥257.75 and ≤359.00 mmol/L, >359.00 mmol/L). Hand grip strength significantly increased across UA tertiles (26.4 ± 8.5 kg; 30.1 ± 10.5 kg; 35.0 ± 11.4 kg; P < 0.001), and prevalence of cognitive disorder declined across UA tertiles (7.9%, 4.9%, 3.1%; P = 0.012). After adjusting for potential confounders, high UA level remained significantly associated with high grip strength (P = 0.023) and decreased risk of cognitive disorder with an OR of 1.002 (95% CI 1.000–1.004; P = 0.022). However, UA level was not significantly associated with STS time (P = 0.780).

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that notwithstanding the associated increased risk of cardiovascular disease, UA might play a protective role in aging‐associated decline in muscle strength and cognitive function. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 672–677.
The transformation of the German vocational training regime: evidence from firms’ training behaviour
Authors: Busemeyer Marius R. , Neubäumer Renate , Pfeifer Harald , Wenzelmann Felix
Published: November 2012

The German system of industrial relations has undergone significant changes in the last decade. This article reflects on and provides empirical evidence for how these changes have affected the training behaviour of firms. Conventional perspectives would predict a general decline in training investment when the constraints of collective wage bargaining are loosened. Relying on a large data set on the costs and benefits of apprenticeship training for the years 2000 and 2007, we do find evidence for this hypothesis but would add that the strength of the effect varies strongly across different types of firms. Large firms have benefited much more from participating in training than have small firms and have therefore maintained their investment in training because they are able to reduce net costs by expanding the productive contributions of apprentices. This finding may help to explain the apparent resilience of the German training system in the recent economic and financial crisis.
Retirement timing in Europe: does sector make a difference?
Authors: De Preter Hanne , Mortelmans Dimitri , Van Looy Dorien
Published: November 2012

This study uses Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe data and event history analysis to determine the effect of sector of employment on retirement timing of older workers aged 50+ in 11 European countries. The findings suggest that older workers in the industrial and financial sectors retire earlier than those in the service sector.
The Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee: How Influential are Consultative Committees in the European Union?
Authors: Hönnige Christoph , Panke Diana
Published: November 2012

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the Committee of the Regions (CoR) are two advisory bodies of the European Union involved in a broad array of policy areas. However, little is known about the effects of the two committees on the positions of the other institutions or final policy outcomes. This article investigates to what extent and under what conditions the CoR and the EESC can exert influence. Based on a comprehensive survey conducted in 2010, a series of hypotheses derived from a neo‐institutionalism framework are tested. It is found that consultative committees are not very influential overall. Nevertheless, they can exert influence under certain scope conditions, including the speed with which they produce recommendations, the quality of the recommendations and the resonance with the addressees’ prior beliefs.
The postcranial anatomy of Coloradisaurus brevis (Dinosauria: Sauropodomorpha) from the Late Triassic of Argentina and its phylogenetic implications
Authors: APALDETTI CECILIA , POL DIEGO , YATES ADAM
Published: November 2012

Abstract:  Basal sauropodomorphs from the Upper Triassic Los Colorados Formation of north‐western Argentina have been known for several decades but most of them are only briefly described. New postrcanial remains of Coloradisaurus brevis, the most gracile sauropodomorph from this unit, are described here and evaluated within a phylogenetic context. These materials belong to a single individual and include elements of the vertebral column, pectoral girdle, incomplete forelimb, pelvis and hindlimb. These elements share an autapomorphic feature with the type specimen of Coloradisaurus brevis and provide novel and unique features that diagnose this taxon, such as pubic apron with semicircular cross‐section and with a depression on its anterior surface, distal surface of the tibia deflected and facing posterodistally and well‐developed pyramidal dorsal process of the posteromedial corner of the astragalus. Several postcranial characters of Coloradisaurus are exclusively shared with Lufengosaurus, from the Lower Jurassic of China. The inclusion of this information in two recent phylogenetic data sets depicts Coloradisaurus as closely related to Lufengosaurus and well nested within Plateosauria. Both data sets used indicate strong character support for the inclusion of Coloradisaurus and Lufengosaurus within Massospondylidae.
A prospective audit of a nurse independent prescribing within critical care
Authors: Carberry Martin , Connelly Sarah , Murphy Jennifer
Published: November 2012

Aims and objectives: To determine the prescribing activity of different staff groups within intensive care unit (ICU) and combined high dependency unit (HDU), namely trainee and consultant medical staff and advanced nurse practitioners in critical care (ANPCC); to determine the number and type of prescription errors; to compare error rates between prescribing groups and to raise awareness of prescribing activity within critical care.

Background: The introduction of government legislation has led to the development of non‐medical prescribing roles in acute care. This has facilitated an opportunity for the ANPCC working in critical care to develop a prescribing role.

Methods: The audit was performed over 7 days (Monday–Sunday), on rolling days over a 7‐week period in September and October 2011 in three ICUs. All drug entries made on the ICU prescription by the three groups, trainee medical staff, ANPCCs and consultant anaesthetists, were audited once for errors. Data were collected by reviewing all drug entries for errors namely, patient data, drug dose, concentration, rate and frequency, legibility and prescriber signature. A paper data collection tool was used initially; data was later entered onto a Microsoft Access data base.

Results: A total of 1418 drug entries were audited from 77 patient prescription Cardexes. Error rates were reported as, 40 errors in 1418 prescriptions (2·8%): ANPCC errors, n = 2 in 388 prescriptions (0·6%); trainee medical staff errors, n = 33 in 984 (3·4%); consultant errors, n = 5 in 73 (6·8%). The error rates were significantly different for different prescribing groups (p < 0·01).

Conclusion: This audit shows that prescribing error rates were low (2·8%). Having the lowest error rate, the nurse practitioners are at least as effective as other prescribing groups within this audit, in terms of errors only, in prescribing diligence. National data is required in order to benchmark independent nurse prescribing practice in critical care.

Relevance to clinical practice: These findings could be used to inform research and role development within the critical care.
Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist: assessing the comfort and feasibility of use in neonates and children
Authors: Duyndam Anita , Bol Bas SP , Kroon André , Tibboel Dick , Ista Erwin
Published: November 2012

Aim: To evaluate the practical feasibility for nurses working with neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) and assess patient comfort and safety when NAVA is initiated.

Background: NAVA is a relatively new mode of ventilation. Its application in neonates and children has been widely documented. However, its practical feasibility from a nursing point of view as well as its safety and comfort in these populations compared with conventional modes of ventilation has not been described.

Design: A prospective, observational crossover pilot study.

Method: NAVA was compared with the conventional mode of ventilation for 3 h each, and practical feasibility, patient comfort level and safety were assessed.

Results: Twenty‐one neonates and children were enrolled into the study. There were no reported adverse events. In most patients, the NAVA catheter was placed too shallow, as measured by the distances from the nose, ear, xiphisternum (NEX) method, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Accurate placement was confirmed by visual inspection of the NAVA positioning window. Patients' comfort did not differ between the conventional mode and NAVA.

Conclusions: NAVA is feasible, once an accurate signal of the electrical activity of the diaphragm is achieved and seems safe and well tolerated in both neonates and children. Nurses need to gain experience in placing the NAVA catheter and practical recommendations are given.

Relevance to clinical practice: NAVA is a promising new mode of ventilation. This article contributes to an increasing body of evidence that NAVA is feasible in neonates and children. There are practical considerations when NAVA is applied in these patient‐groups.
Implementing Trans‐Boundary Infrastructure‐Based Greenhouse Gas Accounting for Delhi, India
Authors: Chavez Abel , Ramaswami Anu , Nath Dwarakanath , Guru Ravi , Kumar Emani
Published: November 2012

Community‐wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting is confounded by the relatively small spatial size of cities compared to nations—due to which, energy use in essential infrastructures serving cities, such as commuter and airline transport, energy supply, water supply, wastewater infrastructures, and others, often occurs outside the boundaries of the cities using them. The trans‐boundary infrastructure supply chain footprint (TBIF) GHG emissions accounting method, tested in eight U.S. cities, incorporates supply chain aspects of these trans‐boundary infrastructures serving cities, and is akin to an expanded geographic GHG emissions inventory. This article shows the results from applying the TBIF method in the rapidly developing city of Delhi, India.

The objectives of this research are to (1) describe the data availability for implementing the TBIF method within a rapidly industrializing country, using the case of Delhi, India; (2) identify methodological differences in implementation of the TBIF method between Indian versus U.S. cities; and (3) compare broad energy use metrics between Delhi and U.S. cities, demonstrated by Denver, Colorado, USA, whose energy use characteristics and TBIF GHG emissions have previously been shown to be similar to U.S. per capita averages.

This article concludes that most data required to implement the TBIF method in Delhi are readily available, and the methodology could be translated from U.S. to Indian cities. Delhi's 2009 community‐wide GHG emissions totaled 40.3 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (t CO2‐eq), which are normalized to yield 2.3 t CO2‐eq per capita; nationally, India reports its average per capita GHG emissions at 1.5 t CO2‐eq. In‐boundary GHG emissions contributed to 68% of Delhi's total, where end use (including electricity) energy in residential buildings, commercial and industrial usage, and fuel used in surface transportation contributed 24%, 19%, and 21%, respectively. The remaining 4% of the in‐boundary GHG emissions were from waste disposal, water and wastewater treatment, and cattle. Trans‐boundary infrastructures were estimated to equal 32% of Delhi's TBIF GHG emissions, with 5% attributed to fuel processing, 3% to air travel, 10% to cement, and 14% to food production outside the city.