bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key Word Signing Usage in Residential and Day Care Programs for Adults With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Meuris Kristien , Maes Bea , Zink Inge
Published: January 2015

Key word signing (KWS) is a means of augmentative and alternative communication frequently used with adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). Their acquisition ofKWShas been described in the literature; however, little is known about the everydayKWSuse among adults withIDand their support staff. This study aimed to give an account of the prevalence ofKWSand the sign knowledge of adults withIDand their support staff inFlemish residential programs (RPs) and day care programs (DCPs). Communication specialists in allRPs andDCPs for adults withIDinFlanders, theDutch‐speaking part ofBelgium, were contacted by phone and were asked whether they usedKWS, and if so, whether they were willing to fill out a questionnaire about theKWSuse of support staff and clients. Findings show that of 347RPs andDCPs inFlanders, 85% met the inclusion criteria. Half (51.2%) of these programs usedKWS. Of these 152 programs, 93 (61.2%) completed our questionnaire. A quarter (26.6%) of their adult clients withIDusedKWS. Most of them knew 10–50 signs, whereas most support staff knew fewer than 10 signs. The presence of a speech and language therapist as well as sign knowledge and attitude of support staff were significantly related to the sign knowledge of their clients. Motivational problems for staff to useKWSwere quite common.KWSsupport should be more widespread and more easily accessible.
Using Cognitive Mapping and Qualitative System Dynamics to Support Decision Making in Intellectual Disability Care
Authors: Duryan Meri , Nikolik Dragan , van Merode Godefridus , Curfs Leopold M. G.
Published: January 2015

Provider organizations specializing in supporting people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are under pressure because of public policy reforms, changes in society, and increased customer expectations. The combination of all these factors makes long‐term decision making a challenge for the managers of such organizations. The majority of research examining decision making in ID service organizations has commonly studied the issue from the perspective of healthcare providers. The authors contend that the degree of success of ID support providers depends on their ability to appreciate the views and interests of service receivers and frontline workers, the most important components in the system. Having a comprehensive picture of key stakeholders' overall perspectives on problem situations can enhance managers' understanding of the behavior of a complex system they manage. The authors suggest that the combination of qualitative system dynamics modeling and cognitive mapping techniques can facilitate collaborative representation of the stakeholders' views in a way that can support decision making in complex healthcare systems. The authors illustrate the application of this combined method through a case study in one ID supports provider in the Netherlands and demonstrated the possibilities of using structured stakeholders' perspectives related to flexible pool schedule shifts, one of the key resource allocation dilemmas in the organization, for organizational decision making.
Prevalence of Consistent Condom Use with Various Types of Sex Partners and Associated Factors among Money Boys in Changsha, China
Authors: Wang Lian-Hong , Yan Jin , Yang Guo-Li , Long Shuo , Yu Yong , Wu Xi-Lin
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Money boys with inconsistent condom use (less than 100% of the time) are at high risk of infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or sexually transmitted infection (STI), but relatively little research has examined their risk behaviors.

Aim

We investigated the prevalence of consistent condom use (100% of the time) and associated factors among money boys.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire was conducted among money boys in Changsha, China, between July 2012 and January 2013.

Main Outcome Measure

Independent variables included socio-demographic data, substance abuse history, work characteristics, and self-reported HIV and STI history. Dependent variables included the consistent condom use with different types of sex partners.

Results

Among the participants, 82.4% used condoms consistently with male clients, 80.2% with male sex partners, and 77.1% with female sex partners in the past 3 months. A multiple stepwise logistic regression model identified four statistically significant factors associated with lower likelihoods of consistent condom use with male clients: age group, substance abuse, lack of an “employment” arrangement, and having no HIV test within the prior 6 months. In a similar model, only one factor associated significantly with lower likelihoods of consistent condom use with male sex partners was identified in multiple stepwise logistic regression analyses: having no HIV test within the prior six months. As for female sex partners, two significant variables were statistically significant in the multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis: having no HIV test within the prior 6 months and having STI history.

Conclusions

Interventions which are linked with more realistic and acceptable HIV prevention methods are greatly warranted and should increase risk awareness and the behavior of consistent condom use in both commercial and personal relationship.
The Role of Ideology in State Legislative Elections
Authors: Birkhead Nathaniel A.
Published: January 2015

In this article, I examine the effect of incumbent ideology on elections in 45 state legislatures, showing that ideological extremists are more likely to be opposed in the general election than are moderates and that extremists tend to do worse in challenged elections than moderates do. I also explore the intervening role of legislative professionalism, finding that in the majority of state legislatures moderation is rewarded, though in the most professionalized legislatures, incumbents are actually rewarded for extremism. These results show that despite the informational disadvantage of the electorate, the ideology of state legislators is an important factor in elections.
Electoral Reform and Changes in Legislative Behavior: Adoption of the Secret Ballot in Congressional Elections
Authors: Carson Jamie L. , Sievert Joel
Published: January 2015

There is widespread agreement that the Australian ballot fundamentally altered the American electoral system. One common approach to test the effects of ballot reform is to examine legislators elected under the party and secret ballot. An alternative research design, which we adopt here, compares changes in the behavior of legislators who were elected under both ballot types. We use this approach to investigate whether ballot reform directly influenced legislators' decisions to seek renomination and their behavior within the institution. Our results raise a number of important implications for understanding the effects of electoral reform on political behavior.
Isotopic composition of carbon and nitrogen in ureilitic fragments of the Almahata Sitta meteorite
Authors: Downes H. , Abernethy F. A. J. , Smith C. L. , Ross A. J. , Verchovsky A. B. , Grady M. M. , Jenniskens P. , Shaddad M. H.
Published: January 2015

This study characterizes carbon and nitrogen abundances and isotopic compositions in ureilitic fragments of Almahata Sitta. Ureilites are carbon‐rich (containing up to 7 wt% C) and were formed early in solar system history, thus the origin of carbon in ureilites has significance for the origin of solar system carbon. These samples were collected soon after they fell, so they are among the freshest ureilite samples available and were analyzed using stepped combustion mass spectrometry. They contained 1.2–2.3 wt% carbon; most showed the major carbon release at temperatures of 600–700 °C with peak values of δ13C from −7.3 to +0.4‰, similar to literature values for unbrecciated (“monomict”) ureilites. They also contained a minor low temperature (≤500 °C) component (δ13C = ca −25‰). Bulk nitrogen contents (9.4–27 ppm) resemble those of unbrecciated ureilites, with major releases mostly occurring at 600–750 °C. A significant lower temperature release of nitrogen occurred in all samples. Main release δ15N values of −53 to −94‰ fall within the range reported for diamond separates and acid residues from ureilites, and identify an isotopically primordial nitrogen component. However, they differ from common polymict ureilites which are more nitrogen‐rich and isotopically heavier. Thus, although the parent asteroid 2008TC3 was undoubtedly a polymict ureilite breccia, this cannot be deduced from an isotopic study of individual ureilite fragments. The combined main release δ13C and δ15N values do not overlap the fields for carbonaceous or enstatite chondrites, suggesting that carbon in ureilites was not derived from these sources.
Molecular identification and classification of Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex strains isolated from humans and selected animal species
Authors: Ziółkowska Grażyna , Nowakiewicz Aneta , Gnat Sebastian , Trościańczyk Aleksandra , Zięba Przemysław , Majer Dziedzic Barbara
Published: January 2015

Species differentiation within Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex group currently poses a major diagnostic challenge, with molecular methods increasingly supplementing classical identification based on the morphological and physiological properties of the fungi. Diagnostic and epidemiological research aimed at determining the source and means of transmission of dermatophytoses in both humans and animals requires not only species differentiation of isolates but also differentiation within species. The study was conducted on 24 isolates originating in humans and various animal species with clinical symptoms of dermatophytosis. The analysis included phenotypical identification methods and molecular methods: internal transcribed spacer sequencing and ITS‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) with multi‐enzyme restriction. ITS sequence analysis identified the isolates to species – Trichophyton interdigitale, Arthroderma benhamiae and A. vanbreuseghemii, and ITS‐RFLP detected six different genotypes. Genotypes I, II and III characterised strains belonging to A. benhamiae, genotype IV characterised the A. vanbreuseghemii strain, and genotypes V and VI occurred only within the species T. interdigitale. Strains isolated from guinea pigs were dominant within genotype I, while genotype II was found mainly in strains from foxes. Multi‐enzyme restriction analysis of this region enables intraspecific differentiation, which may be useful in epidemiological research, particularly in determining the source of infections.
Between the sword and the wall:Spain's limited options forCatalan secessionism
Authors: Griffiths Ryan D. , Guillen Alvarez Pablo , Martinez i Coma Ferran
Published: January 2015

We propose a game theoretical model to assess the capacity ofCatalonia to become a recognised, independent country with at least ade facto EuropeanUnion (EU) membership. Support forCatalan independence has been increasing for reasons pertaining to identity and economics.Spain can avoid a vote for independence by effectively ‘buying‐out’ a proportion of theCatalan electorate with a funding agreement favourable toCatalonia. If, given the current economic circumstances, the buying‐out strategy is too expensive, a pro‐independence vote is likely to pass. Our model predicts an agreement in whichSpain and theEUaccommodateCatalan independence in exchange forCatalonia taking a share of theSpanish debt. IfSpain and theEUdo not accommodate,Spain becomes insolvent, which in turn destabilises theEU. The current economic woes ofSpain and theEUboth contribute to the desire forCatalan independence and make it possible.
Religion, secularisation and nationalism inQuebec and theBasqueCountry: a comparative approach
Authors: Santiago Jose
Published: January 2015

This article analyses the relationship between religion, secularisation and nationalism inQuebec and theBasqueCountry using a comparative approach. I will first outline the ethnic‐religiousoriginof these nationalist movements. Second, I will examine the extent to which the ‘new’ secular and violent nationalism (Euskadi Ta AskatasunaandFront de Libération du Québec) that emerged in the 1960s was fuelled in itsoriginby a transfer of sacrality. Third, I will address an aspect that has led some theorists to view religion and nationalism asanalogous phenomena, in which nationalism is construed as a religion of blood sacrifice. Fourth, I will examine another aspect that leads to this view of religion and nationalism as analogous phenomena, as the latter also provides a framework of transcendent meaning through an imaginary of continuity between the different generations. The article concludes with a series of general considerations on the relations between nationalism, secularisation and religion.
A metacalibrated time‐tree documents the early rise of flowering plant phylogenetic diversity
Authors: Magallón Susana , Gómez‐Acevedo Sandra , Sánchez‐Reyes Luna L. , Hernández‐Hernández Tania
Published: January 2015

The establishment of modern terrestrial life is indissociable from angiosperm evolution. While available molecular clock estimates of angiosperm age range from the Paleozoic to the Late Cretaceous, the fossil record is consistent with angiosperm diversification in the Early Cretaceous.

The time‐frame of angiosperm evolution is here estimated using a sample representing  87% of families and sequences of five plastid and nuclear markers, implementing penalized likelihood and Bayesian relaxed clocks. A literature‐based review of the palaeontological record yielded calibrations for 137 phylogenetic nodes. The angiosperm crown age was bound within a confidence interval calculated with a method that considers the fossil record of the group.

An Early Cretaceous crown angiosperm age was estimated with high confidence. Magnoliidae, Monocotyledoneae and Eudicotyledoneae diversified synchronously 135–130 million yr ago (Ma); Pentapetalae is 126–121 Ma; and Rosidae (123–115 Ma) preceded Asteridae (119–110 Ma). Family stem ages are continuously distributed betweenc. 140 and 20 Ma.

This time‐frame documents an early phylogenetic proliferation that led to the establishment of major angiosperm lineages, and the origin of over half of extant families, in the Cretaceous. While substantial amounts of angiosperm morphological and functional diversity have deep evolutionary roots, extant species richness was probably acquired later.
CASSIA – a dynamic model for predicting intra‐annual sink demand and interannual growth variation in Scots pine
Authors: Schiestl‐Aalto Pauliina , Kulmala Liisa , Mäkinen Harri , Nikinmaa Eero , Mäkelä Annikki
Published: January 2015

The control of tree growth vs environment by carbon sources or sinks remains unresolved although it is widely studied. This study investigates growth of tree components and carbon sink–source dynamics at different temporal scales.

We constructed a dynamic growth model ‘carbon allocation sink source interaction’ (CASSIA) that calculates tree‐level carbon balance from photosynthesis, respiration, phenology and temperature‐driven potential structural growth of tree organs and dynamics of stored nonstructural carbon (NSC) and their modifying influence on growth. With the model, we tested hypotheses that sink demand explains the intra‐annual growth dynamics of the meristems, and that the source supply is further needed to explain year‐to‐year growth variation.

The predicted intra‐annual dimensional growth of shoots and needles and the number of cells in xylogenesis phases corresponded with measurements, whereas NSC hardly limited the growth, supporting the first hypothesis. Delayed GPP influence on potential growth was necessary for simulating the yearly growth variation, indicating also at least an indirect source limitation.

CASSIA combines seasonal growth and carbon balance dynamics with long‐term source dynamics affecting growth and thus provides a first step to understanding the complex processes regulating intra‐ and interannual growth and sink–source dynamics.
A hemicellulose‐bound form of silicon with potential to improve the mechanical properties and regeneration of the cell wall of rice
Authors: He Congwu , Ma Jie , Wang Lijun
Published: January 2015

Silicon (Si) plays a large number of diverse roles in plants, but the structural and chemical mechanisms operating at the single‐cell level remain unclear.

We isolate the cell walls from suspension‐cultured individual cells of rice (Oryza sativa) and fractionate them into three main fractions including cellulose (C), hemicellulose (HC) and pectin (P).

We find that most of the Si is in HC as determined by inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), where Si may covalently crosslink the HC polysacchrides confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The HC‐bound form of Si could improve both the mechanical property and regeneration of the cell walls investigated by a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).

This study provides further evidence that HC could be the major ligand bound to Si, which broadens our understanding of the chemical nature of ‘anomalous’ Si in plant cell walls.
Pathways from dieting to weight regain, to obesity and to the metabolic syndrome: an overview
Authors: Dulloo A. G. , Montani J.‐P.
Published: January 2015

Every year, scores of millions of people – as diverse as obese and lean, teenagers and older adults, sedentary and elite athletes, commoners and celebrities – attempt to lose weight on some form of diet. They are often encouraged by their parents, friends, health professionals, training coaches, a media that promotes a slim image and a diet‐industry that in Europe and United States alone has an annual turnover in excess of $150 billion. Weight regain is generally the rule, with one‐third to two‐thirds of the weight lost being regained within 1 year and almost all is regained within 5 years. With studies of the long‐term outcomes showing that at least one‐third of dieters regain more weight than they lost, together with prospective studies indicating that dieting during childhood and adolescence predicts future weight gain and obesity, there is concern as to whether dieting may paradoxically be promoting exactly the opposite of what it is intended to achieve. Does dieting really make people fatter? How? Does dieting increase the risks for cardiometabolic diseases as many go through repeated cycles of intentional weight loss and unintentional weight regain, i.e. through yo‐yo dieting or weight cycling? What's new in adipose tissue biology pertaining to the mechanisms that drive weight regain? Why does exercise not necessarily work in concert with dieting to achieve weight loss and prevent weight regain? What ‘lessons’ are we learning from bariatric surgery about the mechanisms by which long‐term weight loss seems achievable? It is these questions, against a background of preoccupation with dieting, that recent advances and controversies relevant to the theme of ‘Pathways from dieting to weight regain, to obesity and to the metabolic syndrome’ are addressed in this overview and the eight review articles in this supplement reporting the proceedings of the 7th Fribourg Obesity Research Conference.
Dieting: proxy or cause of future weight gain?
Authors: Lowe M. R.
Published: January 2015

The relationship between dieting and body mass has a long and controversial history. This paper aims to help resolve this issue by making two key distinctions. The first is between dieting as a cause of weight gain/regain and as a proxy risk factor for identifying non‐obese individuals prone to weight gain for reasons other than dieting. The second is between the body mass that is attained following one or more weight loss/regain cycles and the body mass that might have been reached had dieting never been undertaken. Evidence is reviewed on the relation between recent diet‐induced weight loss and sustained weight loss (weight suppression), on the one hand, and weight regain, on the other hand. Furthermore, the reason that a history of dieting in non‐obese individuals reflects a susceptibility to future weight gain is explained. It is concluded that (i) diet‐induced weight loss hastens weight regain but a history of weight loss diets does not cause weight gain beyond that which would occur in the absence of dieting, and (ii) weight loss dieting in non‐obese individuals does not cause future weight gain but is simply a proxy risk factor reflecting a personal vulnerability to weight gain and living in an obesogenic environment.
Deep body composition phenotyping during weight cycling: relevance to metabolic efficiency and metabolic risk
Authors: Bosy‐Westphal A. , Kahlhöfer J. , Lagerpusch M. , Skurk T. , Müller M. J.
Published: January 2015

Weight cycling may lead to adverse effects on metabolic efficiency (i.e. adaptive thermogenesis or ‘metabolic slowing’) and metabolic risks (e.g. increased risk for insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome). In order to investigate these topics, the partitioning of fat and lean mass (i.e. the change in the proportion of both compartments) needs to be extended to the organ and tissue level because metabolic risk differs between adipose tissue depots and lean mass is metabolically heterogeneous being composed of organs and tissues differing in metabolic rate. Contrary to data obtained with severe weight loss and regain in lean people, weight cycling most likely has no adverse effects on fat distribution and metabolic risk in obese patients. There is even evidence for an increased ability of fat storage in subcutaneous fat depots (at the trunk in men and at the limbs in women) with weight cycling that may provide a certain protection from ectopic lipid deposition and thus explain the preservation of a favourable metabolic profile despite weight regain. On the other hand, the mass‐specific metabolic rate of lean mass may increase with weight gain and decrease with weight loss mainly because of an increase and respective decrease in the proportion (and/or activity) of metabolically active organ mass. Obese people could therefore have a higher slope of the regression line between resting energy expenditure (REE) and fat‐free mass that leads to an overestimation of metabolic efficiency when applied to normalize REE data after weight loss. Furthermore, in addressing the impact of macronutrient composition of the diet on partitioning of lean and fat mass, and the old controversy about whether a calorie is a calorie, we discuss recent evidence in support of a low glycaemic weight maintenance diet in countering weight regain and challenge this concept for weight loss by proposing the opposite.
HYBRID MANAGER–PROFESSIONALS' IDENTITY WORK: THE MAINTENANCE AND HYBRIDIZATION OF MEDICAL PROFESSIONALISM IN MANAGERIAL CONTEXTS
Authors: MCGIVERN GERRY , CURRIE GRAEME , FERLIE EWAN , FITZGERALD LOUISE , WARING JUSTIN
Published: January 2015

We examine the ‘identity work’ of manager–professional ‘hybrids’, specifically medical professionals in managerial roles in the British National Health Service, to maintain and hybridize their professional identity and wider professionalism in organizational and policy contexts affected by managerialist ideas. Empirically, we differentiate between ‘incidental hybrids’, who represent and protect traditional institutionalized professionalism while temporarily in hybrid roles, and ‘willing hybrids’, who developed hybrid professional–managerial identities during formative identity work or later in reaction to potential professional identity violations. Questions about willing hybrids' professional identities led them to challenge and disrupt institutionalized professionalism, and use and integrate professionalism and managerialism, creating more legitimate hybrid professionalism in their managerial context. By aligning professionalism with their personal identity, and regulating and auditing other professionals, willing hybrids also position hybrids collectively as elite within their profession.
Pneumococcal vaccination reduced the risk of acute otitis media: Cohort study
Authors: Hasegawa Junko , Mori Mitsuru , Showa Satoko , Matsushima Aiko , Ohnishi Hirofumi , Tsugawa Takeshi , Yoto Yuko , Tsutsumi Hiroyuki
Published: January 2015

Background

Seven‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) was introduced to Japan in 2009, and after that invasive pneumococcal disease has gradually decreased. There are few data, however, on the effectiveness of PCV7 against acute otitis media (AOM) in Japan.

Methods

From 10 daycare centers in Sapporo, Japan, 614 parents participated in the survey. Each parent reported whether their child subject had received one or more doses of PCV7, and, if so, the exact dates of receiving PCV7 were verified by reviewing their maternal and child health handbooks marked by a pediatrician. AOM was diagnosed by otorhinolaryngologist or pediatrician. Cox's proportional hazard model was used for calculating the hazard ratio (HR) of AOM incidence reduced by PCV7 inoculation.

Results

Inoculation of PCV7 significantly reduced the risk of AOM (crude HR, 0.63; 95%CI: 0.50–0.79). Adjusting for potentially confounding variables reduced the risk further (adjusted HR, 0.32; 95%CI: 0.23–0.44). On stratification by subject age on 30 April 2012, PCV7 was significantly associated with a reduced risk of AOM in both infants <3 years old, and in children ≥3 years.

Conclusion

PCV7 is effectiveness in reducing the risk of AOM both in infants <3 years old, and in young children ≥3 years in Japan.
Incidence and prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus in a 35 year period in Fukushima, Japan
Authors: Kawasaki Yukihiko , Ohara Shinichiro , Miyazaki Kyohei , Kanno Shuto , Ono Atsushi , Suyama Kazuhide , Sato Masatoki , Suzuki Shigeo , Maeda Ryo , Nagasawa Katsutoshi , Hosoya Mitsuaki
Published: January 2015

Background

We examined the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and prognosis of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan over a 35 year period.

Methods

We collected the medical records of 37 patients diagnosed with SLE between 1977 and 2013. These children were divided into two groups. group 1 consisted of 19 patients who were diagnosed between 1977 and 1995, and group 2 consisted of 18 patients diagnosed between 1996 and 2013. The epidemiology, clinical features, and prognosis were retrospectively compared between the two groups.

Results

The mean number of patients per 100 000 children per year for group 1 and group 2 was 0.33 ± 0.25 and 0.35 ± 0.30, respectively. The duration from onset of symptoms to treatment in group 2 was shorter than that in group 1, but the clinical and laboratory findings at onset did not differ between the two groups. All patients were treated with prednisolone, and 17 patients in group 1 and 18 in group 2 were treated with methylprednisolone pulse therapy. The frequency of cyclophosphamide treatment decreased whereas the frequency of cyclosporine, tacrolimus and mizoribine pulse therapy increased in group 2. SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score at the latest follow up in group 2 was lower in group 1. The survival rate was 84% in group 1 and 100% in group 2.

Conclusion

The frequency and severity of SLE in group 1 were similar to those in group 2, and the prognosis of SLE in group 2 was better than that in group 1.
Incrementalism: Dead yet Flourishing
Authors: Bendor Jonathan
Published: January 2015

Charles Lindblom's 1959 essay “The Science of ‘Muddling Through’” is best known for the strategy of decision making—disjointed incrementalism—that it recommended. That famous paper and Lindblom's related work also provided two theories: a critique of the conventional method (the synoptic approach) and an argument for using incrementalism instead. Both are applied theories: they are designed to help solve complex policy problems. Lindblom's negative applied theory has stood the test of time well: the empirical foundations of its main micro‐component (cognitive constraints of individuals) and its central macro‐component (the impact of preference conflict on policy making) have grown stronger since 1959. The picture regarding the positive applied theory is more mixed. As a coherent decision‐making strategy, disjointed incrementalism has almost disappeared. Yet its key elements, the major heuristics identified in “Muddling Through,” are thriving in many applied fields. Intriguingly, they are often accompanied by subroutines—especially optimization as a choice rule—typically associated with the synoptic approach.
More Than Fear Induction: Toward an Understanding of People's Motivation to Be Well‐Prepared for Emergencies in Flood‐Prone Areas
Authors: de Boer Joop , Wouter Botzen W. J. , Terpstra Teun
Published: January 2015

This article examines the extent and manner to which evaluations of flood‐related precautions are affected by an individual's motivation and perception of context. It argues that the relationship between risk perception and flood risk preparedness can be fruitfully specified in terms of vulnerability and efficacy if these concepts are put into the perspective of prevention‐focused motivation. This relationship was empirically examined in a risk communication experiment in a delta area of the Netherlands (n = 1,887). Prevention‐focused motivation was induced by contextualized risk information. The results showed that prevention‐focused individuals were more sensitive to the relevance of potential precautions for satisfying their needs in the context they found themselves in. The needs included, but were not limited to, fear reduction. Due to the heterogeneity of the residents, the evaluations reflected individual differences in the intensity and the selectivity of precautionary processes. Four types of persons could be distinguished according to their evaluation of precautionary measures: a high‐scoring minority, two more selective types, and a low‐scoring minority. For policymakers and risk communicators it is vital to consider the nature of prevention motivation and the context in which it is likely to be high.
Participation in research as a means of improving quality of care: the role of a principal investigator in multicentre clinical trials
Authors: Thangaratinam Shakila , Khan Khalid S
Published: January 2015

Key content

A doctor’s duty to reduce uncertainty in the provision of care requires their participation in well‐developed and ethically approved clinical trials.

Compared to non‐participation, collaboration in a clinical trial improves the quality of care of women.

Successful recruitment into multicentre trials is achieved through enthusiastic involvement of several principal investigators (PIs).

Allocation of NHS patient care costs for clinical research supports those engaged in recruiting women into studies.

Consultants need to acquire basic mandatory research training for the role as a PI leading research. An awareness of support mechanisms locally, regionally and nationally, such as NIHR Clinical Research Network, aids in the execution of PI duties.

PI contribution to research is a recognised professional and personal development activity and forms an integral part of appraisal, revalidation and clinical excellence award scheme.

Learning objectives

To recognise the added benefits to care of women through participation in research.

To ascertain the roles and responsibilities of a PI engaged in a multicentre clinical trial.

To identify ways to overcome barriers and avail support mechanisms offered to consultants in their role as PI.

To increase awareness of the various means by which consultants can attain recognition and rewards for their responsibility as PI.

Ethical issues

It is the responsibility of the principal investigator to ensure that all eligible women are offered the opportunity to participate in clinical studies.
Thyroid dysfunction and reproductive health
Authors: Jefferys Amanda , Vanderpump Mark , Yasmin Ephia
Published: January 2015

Key content

Thyroid disease is a common condition in the reproductive medicine setting due to the complex interplay between the hypothalamo‐pituitary axis and the thyoid gland.

Abnormalities in thyroid function, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can have an adverse effect on reproductive health and result in reduced rates of conception, increased early pregnancy loss, and adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.

There is increasing evidence for the role of autoantibodies in subfertility and early pregnancy loss, even in euthyroid women.

Evidence suggests that treating thyroid disorders and keeping thyroid‐stimulating hormone levels at the lower end of normal in euthyroid women may improve conception rates in subfertile women and reduce early pregnancy loss.

Learning objectives

To gain an overview of the effect of thyroid disorders on reproductive health.

To review the evidence on how to optimise thyroid function to improve reproductive outcomes.

Ethical issues

Screening for thyroid disease should be considered in women presenting with subfertility and recurrent early pregnancy loss.
Management of common disorders in psychosexual medicine
Authors: Cowan Fiona , Frodsham Leila
Published: January 2015

Key content

Over 20% of women attending gynaecology clinics have psychosexual dysfunction and yet training for medical students, trainees, and consultants is inadequate and in some regions non‐existent.

Common problems include sexual pain disorders, protracted pelvic or vulval pain, hypoactive sexual desire disorder and repeated requests for gynaecological surgery where no pathology has been found.

National provision of specialist psychosexual clinics is patchy and yet the Tomorrow's Specialist report from the RCOG includes psychosexual services as a service expected by patients.

Learning objectives

This article outlines the management of psychosexual dysfunction in the gynaecology outpatient department (GOPD). After reading we would expect clinicians to have a basic understanding allowing the majority of such cases to be managed in the GOPD.

The principles of psychosexual medicine are that the patient is the expert but clinicians can allow them to see their problems more clearly through enhanced consultation skills.

Ethical issues

There are very few trained doctors and specialists in psychosexual medicine despite it being a commonly requested service.
Hepatitis E Virus Enters Liver Cells Through a Dynamin‐2, Clathrin and Membrane Cholesterol‐Dependent Pathway
Authors: Holla Prasida , Ahmad Imran , Ahmed Zulfazal , Jameel Shahid
Published: January 2015

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes large outbreaks and sporadic cases of acute viral hepatitis in developing countries. In the developed world,HEVoccurrence has increased as a result of zoonotic transmission from swine. The cellular aspects ofHEVinfection, especially the determinants of entry, are poorly understood. In the absence of a robustin vitroculture system forHEV, it is not possible to produce high titre infectious virus that can be labeled for tracking its internalization. We have therefore used anEscherichia coliexpressedHEV‐like particle (HEV‐LP) to studyHEVentry. Following internalization, theHEV‐LPinitially trafficks to Rab5‐positive compartmentsen routeto acidic lysosomal compartments where it is degraded. Using pharmacological inhibitors, dominant negative and constitutively active mutants, andsiRNA‐mediated perturbations, we show thatHEVentry requires dynamin‐2, clathrin, membrane cholesterol and actin, but is independent of factors associated with macropinocytosis. TheHEV‐LPresults were further validated through infection of liver cells with virus from the stool of an infected patient. The comparative analysis also showed involvement of the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/Akt pathway in an early post‐entry step of viral replication. This report provides a detailed description of endocytic processes associated withHEVinfection.
Granule Mobility, Fusion Frequency and Insulin Secretion Are Differentially Affected by Insulinotropic Stimuli
Authors: Schumacher Kirstin , Matz Magnus , Brüning Dennis , Baumann Knut , Rustenbeck Ingo
Published: January 2015

The pre‐exocytotic behavior of insulin granules was studied against the background of the entirety of submembrane granules in MIN6 cells, and the characteristics were compared with the macroscopic secretion pattern and the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration of MIN6 pseudo‐islets at 22°C, 32°C and 37°C. The mobility of granules labeled by insulin–EGFP and the fusion events were assessed by TIRF microscopy utilizing an observer‐independent algorithm. In the z‐dimension, 40 mm K+ or 30 mm glucose increased the granule turnover. The effect of high K+ was quickly reversible. The increase by glucose was more sustained and modified the efficacy of a subsequent K+ stimulus. The effect size of glucose increased with physiological temperature whereas that of high K+ did not. The mobility in the x/y‐dimension and the fusion rates were little affected by the stimuli, in contrast to secretion. Fusion and secretion, however, had the same temperature dependence. Granules that appeared and fused within one image sequence had significantly larger caging diameters than pre‐existent granules that underwent fusion. These in turn had a different mobility than residence‐matched non‐fusing granules. In conclusion, delivery to the membrane, tethering and fusion of granules are differently affected by insulinotropic stimuli. Fusion rates and secretion do not appear to be tightly coupled.
Plant Location, Wind Direction and Pollution Policy Under Offshoring
Authors: Zhao Laixun , Haruyama Tetsugen
Published: January 2015

We examine pollution policy in a unified three‐country framework, with the country in the middle playing double roles as both a polluter and a victim. We find that government preference over profits and consumer surplus to be important and so is environmentalism. In particular, the most downwind country has the least incentives to control pollution. Under oligopoly, several additional undesirable scenarios may arise, due to the interaction between wind direction and the incentive trade‐offs in rent‐shifting and pollution control. We analyse the mechanisms behind and provide policy guidance.
Sprint interval and moderate‐intensity continuous training have equal benefits on aerobic capacity, insulin sensitivity, muscle capillarisation and endothelial eNOS/NAD(P)Hoxidase protein ratio in obese men
Authors: Cocks Matthew , Shaw Christopher S. , Shepherd Sam O. , Fisher James P. , Ranasinghe Aaron , Barker Thomas A. , Wagenmakers Anton J. M.
Published: January 2015

Key points

Skeletal muscle capillary density and vasoreactivity are reduced in obesity, due to reduced nitric oxide bioavailability.

Sprint interval training (SIT) has been proposed as a time efficient alternative to moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT), but its effect on the skeletal muscle microvasculature has not been studied in obese individuals.

We observed that SIT and MICT led to equal increases in capillarisation and endothelial eNOS content, while reducing endothelial NOX2 content in microvessels of young obese men.

We conclude that SIT is equally effective at improving skeletal muscle capillarisation and endothelial enzyme balance, while being a time efficient alternative to traditional MICT.

Sprint interval training (SIT) has been proposed as a time efficient alternative to moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT), leading to similar improvements in skeletal muscle capillary density and microvascular function in young healthy humans. In this study we made the first comparisons of the muscle microvascular response to SIT and MICT in an obese population. Sixteen young obese men (age 25 ± 1 years, BMI 34.8 ± 0.9 kg m−2) were randomly assigned to 4 weeks of MICT (40–60 min cycling at ∼65% 5 times per week) or constant load SIT (4–7 constant workload intervals of 200% Wmax 3 times per week). Muscle biopsies were taken before and after training from the m. vastus lateralis to measure muscle microvascular endothelial eNOS content, eNOS serine1177 phosphorylation, NOX2 content and capillarisation using quantitative immunofluorescence microscopy. Maximal aerobic capacity (), whole body insulin sensitivity and arterial stiffness were also assessed. SIT and MICT increased skeletal muscle microvascular eNOS content and eNOS ser1177 phosphorylation in terminal arterioles and capillaries (P < 0.05), but the latter effect was eliminated when normalised to eNOS content (P = 0.217). SIT and MICT also reduced microvascular endothelial NOX2 content (P < 0.05) and both increased capillary density and capillary–fibre perimeter exchange index (P < 0.05). In parallel, SIT and MICT increased (P < 0.05) and whole body insulin sensitivity (P < 0.05), and reduced central artery stiffness (P < 0.05). As no significant differences were observed between SIT and MICT it is concluded that SIT is a time efficient alternative to MICT to improve aerobic capacity, insulin sensitivity and muscle capillarisation and endothelial eNOS/NAD(P)Hoxidase protein ratio in young obese men.
Potential of a Sports Club–Based Exercise Program for Improving Physical Activity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lackinger Christian , Haider Sandra , Kosi Lana , Harreiter Juergen , Winhofer Yvonne , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra
Published: January 2015

Background:

Although the infrastructure of Austrians’ sports clubs is well developed, exercise classes for people suffering from type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) do not exist. This feasibility study evaluates factors for participating in target group specific exercise courses (TGSEC) and changes in physical activity.

Methods:

This intervention study was performed in 22 communities of Austria. Initial TGSEC were offered to T2DM patients over 2 months. Participants were surveyed at 4 time points with a questionnaire: before the program, 2, 6 and 12 months after the initial questionnaire.

Results:

881 patients aged 59.0 (SD: 9.6) years took part in TGSEC. At baseline a lack of suitable exercise groups prevented 51% from being active. 58% were encouraged by the medical sector. After 12 months the weekly time spent on exercise training was increased from 1.40 (SD: 2.55) hours to 2.15 (SD: 3.00) hours (P < .001). The dropout rate during the first 2 months was 12.9%. The rate of return for the 12 months questionnaire was 42%.

Conclusion:

TGSEC provided by sports clubs attract people suffering from T2DM and effectively enhance physical activity.
Sitting Time and Quality of Life in Older Adults: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Meneguci Joilson , Sasaki Jeffer Eidi , Santos Alvaro , Scatena Lucia Marina , Damião Renata
Published: January 2015

Background:

Quality of life is influenced by several factors and one aspect that has been negatively associated with health is sedentary behavior. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association between sitting time and quality of life in older adults.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted with individuals ≥60 years old residing in 24 Brazilian municipalities. Total sitting time was evaluated according to self-report of sitting time on a regular weekday and usual weekend day. The quality of life was evaluated by the WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOL-OLD instruments.

Results:

3206 older adults were analyzed. In the univariate logistic regression analysis, all domain and facets of quality of life were associated to the longest sitting time; however, in the multivariate analysis, only the physical domain and the social participation facet remained significant in the model. After adjustment for sex, age group, education and regular practice of physical activity, longest sitting time remained associated with the lowest score for the physical domain (OR = 1.80; 95% CI: 1.39–2.34) and social participation facet (OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.10–1.84).

Conclusions:

In this study, older adults who sat the most presented the worst scores in the physical domain and social participation facet of quality of life.
Draft Genome Sequences of Symbiotic and Nonsymbiotic Rhizopus microsporus Strains CBS 344.29 and ATCC 62417
Authors: Horn Fabian , Üzüm Zerrin , Möbius Nadine , Guthke Reinhard , Linde Jörg , Hertweck Christian
Published: January 2015

Specific
Rhizopus
microsporus pathovars harbor bacterial endosymbionts (
Burkholderia rhizoxinica
) for the production of a phytotoxin. Here, we present the draft genome sequences of two
R. microsporus
strains, one symbiotic (ATCC 62417), and one endosymbiont-free (CBS 344.29). The gene predictions were supported by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data. The functional annotation sets the basis for comparative analyses.
Genome Sequences of the Listeria ivanovii subsp. ivanovii Type Strain and Two Listeria ivanovii subsp. londoniensis Strains
Authors: Hupfeld Mario , Fouts Derrick E. , Loessner Martin J. , Klumpp Jochen
Published: January 2015

We present the complete genomes of
Listeria ivanovii
subsp. ivanovii WSLC 3010 (ATCC 19119
T
),
Listeria ivanovii
subsp. londoniensis WSLC 30151 (SLCC 8854), and
Listeria ivanovii
subsp. londoniensis WSLC 30167 (SLCC 6032), representing the type strain of the species and two strains of the same serovar but different properties, respectively.
Complete Genome Sequence of Anaeromyxobacter sp. Fw109-5, an Anaerobic, Metal-Reducing Bacterium Isolated from a Contaminated Subsurface Environment
Authors: Hwang C. , Copeland A. , Lucas S. , Lapidus A. , Barry K. , Glavina del Rio T. , Dalin E. , Tice H. , Pitluck S. , Sims D. , Brettin T. , Bruce D. C. , Detter J. C. , Han C. S. , Schmutz J. , Larimer F. W. , Land M. L. , Hauser L. J. , Kyrpides N. , Lykidis A. , Richardson P. , Belieav A. , Sanford R. A. , Löeffler F. E. , Fields M. W.
Published: January 2015

We report the genome sequence of Anaeromyxobacter sp. Fw109-5, isolated from nitrate- and uranium-contaminated subsurface sediment of the Oak Ridge Integrated Field-Scale Subsurface Research Challenge (IFC) site, Oak Ridge Reservation, TN. The bacterium's genome sequence will elucidate its physiological potential in subsurface sediments undergoing
in situ
uranium bioremediation and natural attenuation.
Complete Genome Sequence of Ehrlichia mineirensis, a Novel Organism Closely Related to Ehrlichia canis with a New Host Association
Authors: Cabezas-Cruz Alejandro , Zweygarth Erich , Broniszweska Marzena , Passos Lygia M. F. , Ribeiro Múcio Flávio Barbosa , Manrique Marina , Tobes Raquel , de la Fuente José
Published: January 2015

We report here the complete genome sequencing of Ehrlichia mineirensis, an Ehrlichia organism that was isolated from the hemolymph of
Rhipicephalus microplus
–engorged females. E. mineirensis is the best characterized Ehrlichia isolate from a novel cattle-related clade closely related to the monocytotropic pathogen E. canis.
Draft Genome Sequence of Alkaliphilic Exiguobacterium sp. Strain HUD, Isolated from a Polymicrobial Consortia
Authors: Rout Simon P. , Rai Anup , Humphreys Paul N.
Published: January 2015

An alkaliphilic microorganism from the genus Exiguobacterium, Exiguobacterium sp. strain HUD was isolated from a fermentative, methanogenic polymicrobial microcosm operating at pH 10. The draft genome shows the presence of genes encoding for the metabolism of a range of carbohydrates under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus selenatarsenatis SF-1
T
, a Promising Agent for Bioremediation of Environments Contaminated with Selenium and Arsenic
Authors: Kuroda Masashi , Ayano Hiroyuki , Sei Kazunari , Yamashita Mitsuo , Ike Michihiko
Published: January 2015

Bacillus selenatarsenatis
sp. nov. strain SF-1
T
is a promising agent for bioremediation of environments contaminated with selenium and arsenic. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this strain.