bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can upwelling signals be detected in intertidal fishes of different trophic levels?
Authors: Pulgar J. , Poblete E. , Alvarez M. , Morales J. P. , Aranda B. , Aldana M. , Pulgar V. M.
Published: October 2013

For intertidal fishes belonging to three species, the herbivore Scartichthys viridis (Blenniidae), the omnivore Girella laevifrons (Kyphosidae) and the carnivore Graus nigra (Kyphosidae), mass and body size relationships were higher in individuals from an upwelling zone compared with those from a non‐upwelling zone. RNA:DNA were higher in the herbivores and omnivores from the upwelling zone. Higher biomass and RNA:DNA in the upwelling intertidal fishes may be a consequence of an increased exposure to higher nutrient availability, suggesting that increased physiological conditioning in vertebrates from upwelling areas can be detected and measured using intertidal fishes of different trophic levels.
Postpartum Women's Sleep Quality and Its Predictors in Taiwan
Authors: Ko Shu–Hua , Chen Chung–Hey , Wang Hsiu–Hung , Su Yu–ting
Published: October 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore postpartum women's sleep quality and its predictors in Taiwan.

Design

Cross‐sectional design.

Methods

Postpartum women (N = 327) were recruited during their postnatal check‐ups in Taiwan. Data were collected from October 2008 to July 2009 using a demographic form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Physical Symptoms Checklist, Perceived Stress Scale, and Postpartum Social Support Scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used to analyze data.

Results

Most participants (87.5%) reported poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5). Postpartum sleep quality was predicted by postpartum physical symptoms, frequency of nighttime awakening, co‐sleeper disturbance, marital satisfaction, perceived stress, and baby sleep status, which explained 29.9% of the total variance.

Conclusions

Most postpartum women did not sleep well due to physical discomfort, perceived stress, co‐sleeper disturbance, and marital dissatisfaction.

Clinical Relevance

Evaluation of sleep quality should be a routine part of postnatal check‐ups. Information on women's sleep problems, marital satisfaction, stress, co‐sleepers, and baby sleep status can be used to individualize intervention protocols for sleep‐disturbed women.
Effect of the systematised critical pathway protocol on emptying failure as a secondary complication of radical hysterectomy due to uterine cervix cancer
Authors: Oh Jin Kyu , Park Noh‐Hyun , Oh Seung‐June
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the usefulness of this pathway in managing postoperative emptying failure as a secondary complication of radical hysterectomy.

Background

Postoperative urological management after radical hysterectomy has not been effective. We designed and prospectively applied a critical pathway for effective postoperative urological management after radical hysterectomy, based on early catheter removal and application of clean intermittent catheterisation.

Design

Retrospective qualitative study.

Materials and methods

Retrospective review of results from a database of patients who underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for the treatment of uterine cervical cancer from 2004–2008 and analysis of questionnaires from ward nurses (Appendix 1) who were directly involved in patient care for measuring the clinical effectiveness.

Results

Data from a total of 185 patients were analysed. Mean period of the indwelling catheter was 8·3 (SD 1·1), 13·0 (SD 1·1) and 13·1 (SD 3·3) days in the critical pathway (CP), parallel control (PC) and historical control (HC) groups, respectively. Among CP, HC and PC groups, the overall hospital stays were 14·1 (SD 4·8), 20·2 (SD 10) and 18·2 (SD 8·8) days and the periods of time for the indwelling catheters were 8·31 (SD 1·1), 13·1 (SD 3·3) and 13·0 (SD 1·1) days, respectively. Significant differences in the overall hospital stay and the postoperative hospital stay were observed between CP group and the other groups. Analysis of the questionnaires showed that 67% of nurses agreed that the critical pathway was more effective than the previous management pathway system.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that CP is an effective treatment modality for the management of postoperative emptying failure after radical hysterectomy.

Relevance to clinical practice

Our critical pathway may be applicable to postoperative urological management of radical pelvic surgeries. It may help patients in understanding their hospital course of treatment and encourage patients to participate in their postoperative care.
Characteristics of nursing home residents and physical restraint: a systematic literature review
Authors: Hofmann Hedi , Hahn Sabine
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectives

To analyse and to summarise factors associated with nursing home residents' characteristics which could lead to physical restraint, and to investigate the consequences of physical restraint use for this population.

Background

Even though the application of physical restraint is highly controversial, prevalence rates show that it is a common intervention in nursing homes. Residents' characteristics seem to be important to predict the use of physical restraint. Evidence suggests that restrained nursing home residents may have physical and psychological disadvantages as a consequence of being restrained.

Methods

A systematic literature research involving the databases PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, ISI Web of Science and Cochrane Library was carried out for articles published from January 2005–November 2011. Nine Studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and the quality assessment.

Results

Restrained residents had low activities of daily living (ADL) scores and severe cognitive impairment. Residents with low cognitive status and serious mobility impairments were at high risk to be restrained, as well as residents with previous fall and/or fracture. Repeated verbal and physical agitation was found to be positively associated with restraint use. Possible consequences of physical restraint were as follows: lower cognitive and ADL performance, higher walking dependence, furthermore falls, pressure ulcers, urinary and faecal incontinence.

Conclusions

This systematic literature review reveals notable resident‐related factors for physical restraint use. The consequences of restraint seem to negatively influence residents' physical and psychological well‐being. Physical restraint seems to be an important risk factor for residents' further health problems.

Relevance to clinical practice

Resident's characteristics appear to be decisive factors for the use of physical restraint. Nurses need a high level of expertise and competence in evaluating the individual residents′ situation and deciding further steps, with respect for the autonomy and dignity of the person.
The qualitative findings from an online survey investigating nurses' perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care
Authors: McSherry Wilfred , Jamieson Steve
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectives

To provide an opportunity for members to express their understandings of spirituality and spiritual care.

Background

The role and place of spirituality within nursing have been contested by academics and wider society. One argument posited is supporting patients with their spiritual needs is not the responsibility of nurses. This is despite a clear professional requirement for nurses to achieve competence in the delivery of spiritual care.

Design

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) conducted an online survey of its membership to ascertain their perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care identifying current practice.

Methods

This article presents the findings from the final part of the survey that asked respondents to use a free‐text facility to add comments on the subjects of spirituality and spiritual care.

Results

Overall, 4054 RCN members responded, of these 2327 provided additional comments. These comments were analysed using keyword and content/thematic analysis. Five broad themes emerged: (1) theoretical and conceptual understanding of spirituality, (2) fundamental aspects of nursing, (3) notion of integration and integrated care, (4) education and professional development and (5) religious belief and professional practice. Findings suggest that nurses have diverse understandings of spirituality and the majority consider spirituality to be an integral and fundamental element of the nurses' role.

Conclusion

Generally, nurses had a broad, inclusive understanding of spirituality considering this to be ‘universal’. There was some uncertainty and fear surrounding the boundaries between personal belief and professional practice. Respondents advocated formal integration of spirituality within programmes of nurse education.

Relevance to clinical nursing

The concept of spirituality and the provision of spiritual care are now recognised as fundamental aspects of the nurse's role. There is a need for greater clarity between personal and professional boundaries to enable nurses to feel more confident and competent in delivering spiritual care.
‘The situation and the uncertainty about the coming result scared me but interaction with the radiographers helped me through’: a qualitative study on patients' experiences of magnetic resonance imaging examinations
Authors: Carlsson Sofia , Carlsson Eva
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectives

To describe patients' expectations before and experiences during a head‐first magnetic resonance imaging scan.

Background

Previous studies have reported that patients experience fear and anxiety leading to discomfort before, during and after magnetic resonance imaging scans. Frequent problems persist in producing high‐quality images due to motion artefacts. These results imply a need for improvement of patient conditions to allow for the added benefit of better diagnostic quality. Provision of extended written information has not appeared to reduce patients' stress, while interaction with staff has been described as the most important factor for reducing such feelings.

Design and methods

A qualitative, phenomenological approach. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted, and data were analysed with systematic text condensation.

Results

The experiences of the ten participants were encapsulated by the main theme: ‘The situation and the uncertainty about the coming result scared me but interaction with the radiographers helped me through’. Subthemes were ‘Prescan preparation’, ‘Mastering threats to self‐control’ and ‘Personal achievements by completing the scan’.

Conclusions

Our study has provided a deeper understanding of the expectations before, and experiences during, a head‐first magnetic resonance imaging scan. Valuable insight into patients' apprehension about written and verbal information was obtained. The patients reported how they coped with the unfamiliar and stressful magnetic resonance imaging scanning procedure. A trustful dialogue with the radiographer was described as being crucial for patients' ability to manage fear, discomfort and feelings of loss of self‐control. We suggest a need for individualised information based on patient participation.

Relevance to clinical practice

Radiographers, as well as nurses caring for patients who will undergo magnetic resonance imaging examinations, should recognise the difficulties inherent in written information. It is also of importance to adjust the patient–radiographer interaction to address patients' expressions of worries about the scanning procedure or the following result.
1p36.22 region containing PGD gene is frequently gained in human cervical cancer
Authors: Lee Maria , Nam Eun Sook , Jung Seung‐Hyun , Kim Soon Young , Lee Sung‐Jong , Yoon Joo Hee , Lee Nak Woo , Jeon Seob , Choi Joong Sub , Cho Chi‐Heum , Moon Yong , Chung Yeun‐Jun , Kwon Yongil
Published: October 2013

Aim

To identify commonly occurring DNA copy number alterations in Korean cervical cancers.

Methods

DNA copy number alteration was screened by whole‐genome array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis. For the array CGH discovery, genomic DNA from five cervical cancers and 10 normal cervical tissues were examined. For the independent validation of the most significant chromosomal alteration (1p36.22, PGD gene), 40 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded cervical tissue samples were collected; 10 of them were used for quantitative polymerase chain reaction and the other 30 samples were used for immunohistochemical analysis. Chromosomal segments differently distributed between cancers and normal controls were determined to be recurrently altered regions (RAR).

Results

A total of 13 RAR (11 RAR losses and two RAR gains) were defined in this study. Of the 13 cervical cancer‐specific RAR, RAR gain in the 1p36.22 locus where the PGD gene is located was the most commonly detected in cancers (P = 0.004). In the quantitative polymerase chain reaction replication, copy number gain of the PGD gene was consistently identified in cervical cancers but not in the normal tissues (P = 0.02). In immunohistochemical analysis, PGD expression was significantly higher in cervical cancers than normal tissues (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Our results will be helpful to understand cervical carcinogenesis, and the PGD gene can be a useful biomarker of cervical cancer.
Complications with Angio‐Seal™ Vascular Closure Devices Compared with Manual Compression after Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: GREGORY DEBORAH , MIDODZI WILLIAM , PEARCE NEIL
Published: October 2013

Objectives

This study assessed and compared vascular complications in CATHs and PCIs using an Angio‐Seal™ vascular closure device (VCD) versus manual compression (MC).

Methods

Secondary data analysis of a population‐based multiyear cohort database was conducted to compare femoral access‐related vascular outcomes in cardiac procedures using VCD and MC between May 1, 2006 and December 31, 2010. The primary outcome was any vascular complication. Propensity score adjusted analysis was conducted to reduce bias associated with covariate imbalance between the groups compared.

Results

Of the 11,897 procedures, 7,063 (59.4%) used a VCD. Vascular complications occurred in 174/8,796 (2.0%) of CATHs and 82/3,004 (2.7%) of PCIs. In the CATH sample, the odds of vascular complication were 57% lower if a VCD was used (OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.31–0.60). For the PCI sample, the risk was 49% lower if a VCD was used (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.31–0.81).

Conclusions

A low incidence of vascular complications was observed with the use of an Angio‐Seal VCD relative to MC for both procedures.
Influence of gag reflex on dental attendance, dental anxiety, self‐reported temporomandibular disorders and prosthetic restorations
Authors: Akarslan Z. Z. , Yıldırım Biçer A. Z.
Published: October 2013

To assess the influence of gag reflex severity, assessed according to the short form of the patient part of Gagging Problem Assessment Questionnaire (GPA‐pa SF), on the dental attendance, dental anxiety, self‐reported temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms and presence of prosthetic restorations among patients requiring prosthodontic treatment in Turkey. A total of 505 patients (305 women; mean age: 46·35 years, SD: 28·2 years) undergoing dental examination were administered a questionnaire containing questions regarding their age, gender, education level, dental attendance, TMD symptoms (limitation in jaw opening, muscle pain, pain/sounds in the temporomandibular jaw), the Turkish version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and the GPA‐pa SF. Subsequently, any prosthetic restoration was recorded by a dentist. Descriptive statistics, one‐way analysis of variance (anova) and the chi‐square test were used for statistical analysis. Differences were found between GPA‐pa SF scores 0, 1 and 2 for education level (P = 0·001), MDAS scores (P = 0·003), self‐reported TMD (P = 0·000) and prosthesis wear (P = 0·000), but not for attendance patterns (P = 0·826). Patients with gag reflex had lower education levels, higher levels of dental anxiety, more self‐reported TMD symptoms and fewer fixed or removable prosthetic restorations than patients without gag reflex. Gag reflex has impacts on dental anxiety, self‐reported TMD and prosthetic restorations, but not on dental attendance patterns, according to the results of the GPA‐pa SF.
THE GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF HUMAN CAPITAL: MEASUREMENT OF CONTRIBUTING MECHANISMS
Authors: McHenry Peter
Published: October 2013

This paper investigates how the geographic distribution of human capital—measured as college attainment—evolves over time. With U.S. data, I decompose generation‐to‐generation changes in local human capital into three factors: the previous generation's human capital, intergenerational transmission of skills from parents to their children, and migration of the children. I find significant persistence of local skills at the commuting zone (local labor market) level. Labor market size, climate, and local colleges affect local skill measures. Skills move from urban‐to‐rural labor markets through intergenerational transmission but from rural‐to‐urban labor markets through migration.
IS THE ART MARKET MORE BOURGEOIS THAN BOHEMIAN?
Authors: Schuetz Jenny , Green Richard K.
Published: October 2013

Most research on the art market focuses on the high end, composed of auction houses and a few well‐known dealers. In this paper, we use a new database to examine the industry structure and location patterns of the New York art market, which consists largely of small, independent, relatively unknown galleries. We find that Manhattan galleries are highly spatially concentrated, and that clustering reflects both agglomeration economies and preferences over location‐specific amenities. New galleries are more likely to open in neighborhoods with existing gallery clusters, and proximity to other galleries increases establishment lifespan. New galleries also locate in neighborhoods with high population density and more affluent households, consistent with location models of luxury retail. The results are not consistent with the hypothesis that galleries locate in cheap, “bohemian” neighborhoods.
Formulation and evaluation of Pheroid vesicles containing mefloquine for the treatment of malaria
Authors: du Plessis Lissinda H , Helena Chrizaan , van Huysteen Este , Wiesner Lubbe , Kotzé Awie F
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Mefloquine (MQ) is an antimalarial drug with high efficacy, often used in the treatment and chemoprophylaxis of malaria. However, it has low solubility in water, a long elimination half-life (4 days), and is neurotoxic, which leads to unwanted side effects.

Methods

We investigated a lipid-based drug delivery system, Pheroid vesicles, in combination with MQ (Pheroid MQ), to promote future clinical use. MQ was incorporated into Pheroid vesicles and the formulations characterized. The formulations were evaluated in terms of in-vitro efficacy and toxicity. In-vivo bioavailability studies were conducted in C57 BL6 mice.

Key findings

The vesicles incorporated MQ with ∼63% entrapment efficiency. The IC50 values of MQ after 48-h incubation in chloroquine-resistant (RSA11) and chloroquine sensitive (3D7) strains, were reduced by ∼50% and ∼30% respectively. In-vivo bioavailability study revealed no change in the pharmacokinetic parameters of MQ, and the incorporation of the drug in Pheroid vesicles reduced the in-vitro haemolytic activity by ∼75%. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity against human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) of the free drug was reduced by ∼64% with Pheroid MQ.

Conclusions

Pheroid vesicles may therefore decrease the toxicity of MQ and thereby improve its therapeutic index, a strategy that may provide an effective alternative for malaria chemoprophylaxis and treatment.
Looking Innovative: Exploring the Role of Impression Management in High‐Tech Product Adoption and Use
Authors: Wood Stacy , Hoeffler Steve
Published: October 2013

Although consumer adoption of high‐tech innovations is certainly influenced by the product'sfunctionalbenefits, can the use of a new product confersocialbenefits as well? Specifically, can the mere use of an innovative product convey the impression that the user is an innovative person? Impression management (IM) is a well‐established phenomenon in social psychology that refers to the human tendency to monitor, consciously or unconsciously, the efficacy of his or her communication of self to others. This research explores the role thatIMmotivations, or “looking innovative,” play in consumers' use of new high‐tech products, especially in the workplace—an environment in which innovativeness is clearly valued by employers and, thus, individuals have strong motivations to convey innovativeness as a personal characteristic. Data from both ethnographic and experimental methods demonstrate that (1) the use of new high‐tech products can be a surprisingly effective social signal of one's “tech savvy” and personal innovativeness; (2) this impression even significantly increases positive evaluations of secondary traits such as leadership and professional success; and (3) this effect differs by gender. Intriguingly, stronger benefits accrue for women than for men—a finding that runs counter to thebacklash effecttypically found inIMresearch in business settings (i.e., female job evaluations typically suffer after engaging in the same self‐promotingIMstrategies that benefit their male counterparts). Further, the data show that, even for professional recruiters, a momentary observation of a job candidate using a new high‐tech product versus a low‐tech equivalent significantly increases the candidate's evaluation and likelihood of being hired.
A FLEXIBLE STATE SPACE MODEL AND ITS APPLICATIONS
Authors: Qian Hang
Published: October 2013

The standard state space model treats observations as imprecise measurement of the Markovian states. Our flexible model handles the states and observations symmetrically, which are simultaneously determined by past observations and up to first‐lagged states. The only distinction between the states and observations is the observability. When it is applied to the autoregressive moving average, dynamic factor and stochastic volatility models, the state space form is both parsimonious and intuitive, for low‐dimension states are constructed simply by stacking all the relevant but unobserved components in the structural model.
Hepatitis C virus 5′ untranslated region variability correlates with treatment outcome
Authors: Bukowska‐Ośko I. , Radkowski M. , Pawełczyk A. , Rosinska M. , Caraballo Cortés K. , Płoski R. , Berak H. , Horban A. , Stanczak J. , Fic M. , Laskus T.
Published: October 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) variability affects viral–host interactions. We analysed HCV 5′untranslated region (5′UTR) in sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from chronic hepatitis C patients undergoing antiviral treatment. We studied 139 patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. The primary endpoint was a sustained virological response (SVR) defined as negative HCV RNA level 24 weeks after the end of therapy. 5′UTR was analysed by single‐strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and sequencing. The pretreatment SSCP pattern in serum and PBMC differed in 26 (18.7%) patients. During therapy, the SSCP pattern remained stable in 65 (60.8%) patients, number of bands declined in 16 (15.0%), and in 18 (16.8%) patients, changes were qualified as ‘shift’ indicating change in band positions. In univariate analysis, there was a significant (P ≤ 0.05) positive association between SVR and pretreatment serum and PBMC dissimilarities, initial viral load <106 IU/mL, IL‐28B CC genotype of the rs12979860 single nucleotide polymorphism and change in the SSCP band pattern (either ‘shift’ or decline) In multivariable analysis, only low initial viral load, IL‐28B genotype, and changes in the SSCP band pattern were independent factors associated with SVR. In conclusion, stability of 5′UTR correlated with infection persistence, while changes correlated with SVR.
Taking risks with literature: an exploration into the resilience of pupil responses to the study of a challenging text at GCSE
Authors: Erricker Katherine
Published: October 2013

This article explores and compares the impact of studying a challenging literary text at GCSE on pupils with and without learning difficulties. It is based on the findings of a qualitative classroom‐based research project that analysed taped pupil conversations to measure the resilience of the response of secondary school students to reading Shakespearean texts. The data gathered from questionnaires and captured conversations in class suggests that pupils with learning difficulties become risk‐averse in their learning because they do not want to experience failure. They demonstrate signs of resilience in their classroom behaviour but are often under‐confident when working independently. Compared with students who are considered more academically able, pupils with learning difficulties find it difficult to negotiate the linguistic complexities of analytical discourse because it differs greatly from their own social lexis. These pupils are struggling to benefit from their encounters with challenging literature because they are not yet fluent scholars and are lacking opportunities to develop a confident critical voice of their own.
Postvoiding Urine Accumulation in the Vestibule in a Girl Complaining of Postvoiding Urine Incontinence
Authors: SU Chia‐Cheng , CHANG Shang‐Jen , YANG Stephen Shei‐Dei
Published: October 2013

Postvoiding urine accumulation in the vestibule is clearly demonstrated in a 5‐year‐old girl who suffered from urgent urinary incontinence and postvoiding urine leakage. Before catheterization for urodynamic study, the two labia majorae fused temporarily by sticky mucoid substance and easily separated by the examiner's fingers. Temporary adhesion of labia majora might be the cause of urinary incontinence, which was quickly reversed by correcting to normal voiding posture.
Mannosylation in Candida albicans: role in cell wall function and immune recognition
Authors: Hall Rebecca A. , Gow Neil A. R.
Published: October 2013

The fungal cell wall is a dynamic organelle required for cell shape, protection against the environment and, in pathogenic species, recognition by the innate immune system. The outer layer of the cell wall is comprised of glycosylated mannoproteins with the majority of these post‐translational modifications being the addition of O‐ and N‐linked mannosides. These polysaccharides are exposed on the outer surface of the fungal cell wall and are, therefore, the first point of contact between the fungus and the host immune system. This review focuses on O‐ and N‐linked mannan biosynthesis in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans and highlights new insights gained from the characterization of mannosylation mutants into the role of these cell wall components in host–fungus interactions. In addition, we discuss the use of fungal mannan as a diagnostic marker of fungal disease.
Impossible Worlds
Authors: Jago Mark
Published: October 2013

Impossible worlds are representations of impossible things and impossible happenings. They earn their keep in a semantic or metaphysical theory if they do the right theoretical work for us. As it happens, a worlds‐based account provides the best philosophical story about semantic content, knowledge and belief states, cognitive significance and cognitive information, and informative deductive reasoning. A worlds‐based story may also provide the best semantics for counterfactuals. But to function well, all these accounts need use of impossible and as well as possible worlds. So what are impossible worlds? Graham Priest claims that any of the usual stories about possible worlds can be told about impossible worlds, too. But far from it. I'll argue that impossible worlds cannot be genuine worlds, of the kind proposed by Lewis, McDaniel or Yagisawa. Nor can they be ersatz worlds on the model proposed by Melia or Sider. Constructing impossible worlds, it turns out, requires novel metaphysical resources.
Practical Modes of Presentation
Authors: Glick Ephraim
Published: October 2013

The Intellectualist thesis that know‐how is a kind of propositional knowledge faces a simple problem: For any proposition p, it seems that one could know p without knowing how to do the activity in question. For example, it seems that one could know that w is a way to swim even if one didn't know how to swim oneself. In this paper I argue that this “sufficiency problem” cannot be adequately addressed by appealing to practical modes of presentation.
Profiling functions of ectomycorrhizal diversity and root structuring in seedlings of Norway spruce (Picea abies) with fast‐ and slow‐growing phenotypes
Authors: Velmala Sannakajsa M. , Rajala Tiina , Heinonsalo Jussi , Taylor Andy F. S. , Pennanen Taina
Published: October 2013

We studied the role of taxonomical and functional ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal diversity in root formation and nutrient uptake by Norway spruce (Picea abies) seedlings with fast‐ and slow‐growing phenotypes.

Seedlings were grown with an increasingECMfungal diversity gradient from one to four species and sampled before aboveground growth differences between the two phenotypes were apparent.ECMfungal colonization patterns were determined and functional diversity was assayed via measurements of potential enzyme activities of eight exoenzymes probably involved in nutrient mobilization.

Phenotypes did not vary in their receptiveness to differentECMfungal species. However, seedlings of slow‐growing phenotypes had higher fine‐root density and thus more condensed root systems than fast‐growing seedlings, but the potential enzyme activities of ectomycorrhizas did not differ qualitatively or quantitatively.ECMspecies richness increased host nutrient acquisition potential by diversifying the exoenzyme palette. Needle nitrogen content correlated positively with high chitinase activity of ectomycorrhizas.

Rather than fast‐ and slow‐growing phenotypes exhibiting differing receptiveness toECMfungi, our results suggest that distinctions in fine‐root structuring and in the belowground growth strategy already apparent at early stages of seedling development may explain later growth differences between fast‐ and slow‐growing families.
Variable Selection in Cross‐Section Regressions: Comparisons and Extensions
Authors: Deckers Thomas , Hanck Christoph
Published: October 2013

Cross‐section regressions often examine many candidate regressors. We use multiple testing procedures (MTPs) controlling the false discovery rate (FDR) — the expected ratio of false to all rejections — so as not to erroneously select variables because many tests were performed, yielding a simple model selection procedure. Simulations comparing the MTPs with other common model selection criteria demonstrate that, for conventional tuning parameters of the selection procedures, only MTPs consistently control the FDR, but have slightly lower power. In an empirical application to growth, MTPs and PcGets/Autometrics identify similar growth determinants, which differ somewhat from those obtained by Bayesian Model Averaging.
Recovery of benthic marine communities from the end‐Permian mass extinction at the low latitudes of eastern Panthalassa
Authors: Hofmann Richard , Hautmann Michael , Brayard Arnaud , Nützel Alexander , Bylund Kevin G. , Jenks James F. , Vennin Emmanuelle , Olivier Nicolas , Bucher Hugo
Published: October 2013

Based on the quantitative community analysis using species‐level identifications, we track the restoration of benthic ecosystems after the end‐Permian mass extinction throughout the Lower Triassic of the western USA. New data on the palaeoecology of the Thaynes Group and Sinbad Formation are provided, which fill a gap between the recently studied palaeoecology of the Griesbachian–Dienerian Dinwoody Formation and the Spathian Virgin Formation. In the Sinbad Formation and Thaynes Group, 17 species (12 genera) of bivalves, 7 species and genera of gastropods and 2 species and genera of brachiopods are recognized. The new bivalve genus Confusionella (Pteriidae) is described. A comprehensive review of the whole Lower Triassic succession of benthic ecosystems of the western USA indicates that mid‐ and inner shelf environments show incipient recovery signals around the Griesbachian–Dienerian transition, during the Smithian and, most profound, during the early Spathian. Ecological data from youngest strata of the Dinwoody Formation as well as stratigraphic ranges of species suggest that the late Dienerian was likely a time interval of environmental stress for benthic ecosystems. Despite some evidence for short‐term environmental disturbances (e.g. shift of dominant taxa, transient drop in alpha‐diversity) during the Smithian–Spathian transition, benthic ecosystems did not show any notable taxonomic turnover at that time, in contrast to the major crisis that affected ammonoids and conodonts. Whereas alpha‐diversity of benthic communities generally increased throughout the Early Triassic, beta‐diversity remained low, which reflects a persistently wide environmental range of benthic species. This observation is in accordance with a recently proposed model that predicts a time lag between increasing within‐habitat diversity (alpha‐diversity) and the onset of taxonomic differentiation between habitats (beta‐diversity) during biotic recoveries from mass extinction events. The observation that beta‐diversity had not significantly increased during the Early Triassic might also provide an explanation for the comparably sluggish increase in benthic diversity during that time, which has previously been attributed to persistent environmental stress.
Cryptochrome 1 regulates growth and development in Brassica through alteration in the expression of genes involved in light, phytohormone and stress signalling
Authors: SHARMA POOJA , CHATTERJEE MITHU , BURMAN NAINI , KHURANA JITENDRA P.
Published: October 2013

The blue light photoreceptors cryptochromes are ubiquitous in higher plants and are vital for regulating plant growth and development. In spite of being involved in controlling agronomically important traits like plant height and flowering time, cryptochromes have not been extensively characterized from agriculturally important crops. Here we show that overexpression of CRY1 from Brassica napus (BnCRY1), an oilseed crop, results in short‐statured Brassica transgenics, likely to be less prone to wind and water lodging. The overexpression of BnCRY1 accentuates the inhibition of cell elongation in hypocotyls of transgenic seedlings. The analysis of hypocotyl growth inhibition and anthocyanin accumulation responses in BnCRY1 overexpressors substantiates that regulation of seedling photomorphogenesis by cry1 is dependent on light intensity. This study highlights that the photoactivated cry1 acts through coordinated induction and suppression of specific downstream genes involved in phytohormone synthesis or signalling, and those involved in cell wall modification, during de‐etiolation of Brassica seedlings. The microarray‐based transcriptome profiling also suggests that the overexpression of BnCRY1 alters abiotic/biotic stress signalling pathways; the transgenic seedlings were apparently oversensitive to abscisic acid (ABA) and mannitol.
Dramatic Shift in the Infantile Hemangioma Treatment Paradigm at a Single Institution
Authors: Gomulka Jennifer , Siegel Dawn H. , Drolet Beth A.
Published: October 2013

Historically the first line of treatment for infantile hemangiomas (IHs) has been oral corticosteroids, but because of recent discoveries recognizing the effectiveness of oral and topical beta‐blockers, IH management is dynamically changing. With these new treatment options, some physicians are altering the way they manage IHs despite having little evidence‐based data on the treatment methods. Highlighting treatment changes at a single large tertiary pediatric referral center, we conclude that despite the numerous studies already published on this topic, more reliable prospective studies are needed to determine the safety, efficacy, and best treatment algorithms for the use of topical and oral beta‐blockers for the treatment of IHs.
Bullous Dermolysis of the Newborn: Four New Cases and Clinical Review
Authors: Radkevich‐Brown Olga , Shwayder Tor
Published: October 2013

Bullous dermolysis of the newborn (BDN) is a subtype of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa caused by mutations in type VII collagen resulting in disorganized anchoring fibrils and sublamina densa blister formation. Disease activity is usually confined to the first year of life, with restoration of physiologic type VII collagen localization. We report four new cases of BDN and review the utility of immunofluorescence mapping in establishing the diagnosis.
Life Spillovers: The Spillover of Fear of Home Foreclosure to the Workplace
Authors: Ragins Belle Rose , Lyness Karen S. , Williams Larry J. , Winkel Doan
Published: October 2013

Work–life research has focused on the spillover of family experiences to the workplace but has neglected other life experiences that may also be brought to work. Addressing this shortcoming, we present a conceptual framework for the study of life spillovers. We offer the idea that life experiences can include shocks and that the fear associated with nonwork shocks can spill over to the workplace. The national shock of the collapse of the U.S. financial and housing markets in 2008 offered an opportunity to test these ideas and build an empirical foundation for the study of life spillovers. Using a sample of 2,135 organizationally employed homeowners, we examined the spillover of fear of home foreclosure to the workplace. In support of our moderated mediation model, employees with greater fear of losing their homes to foreclosure reported more physical stress‐related symptoms at work, and their acknowledgment of home‐to‐work spillover fully mediated this relationship. Fear of foreclosure also directly predicted job search behaviors and negatively affected employees’ organizational commitment and turnover intentions through multiple mediators involving home‐to‐work spillover and stress. Resources and demands from the home and, to a lesser extent, work domains amplified the spillover of fear of foreclosure to the workplace. Taken together, these findings support widening the work–life lens to include a broader array of nonwork experiences. Practical implications are presented as well as new directions for future research using the life spillover framework.
Political Skill and Work Outcomes: A Theoretical Extension, Meta‐Analytic Investigation, and Agenda for the Future
Authors: Munyon Timothy P. , Summers James K. , Thompson Katina M. , Ferris Gerald R.
Published: October 2013

This quantitative review explored the political skill construct and its predictive ability across a number of organizational outcomes. First, we extended the Ferris et al. meta‐theoretical framework of political skill. Next, incorporating meta‐analysis, we found political skill is positively related to self‐efficacy, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, work productivity, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), career success, and personal reputation, and negatively related to physiological strain. Political skill was not significantly related to psychological strain or perceptions of organizational politics. Using meta‐regression and dominance analyses, political skill predicted task performance after controlling for the Big Five personality characteristics and general mental ability. In a test of indirect relationships, our results suggest that personal reputation and self‐efficacy partially mediate the political skill–task performance relationship. Finally, in a post hoc test of political skill dimensions, we found that networking ability, interpersonal influence, and apparent sincerity (but not social astuteness) predicted task performance. Our findings provide a comprehensive assessment of theory and research to date on political skill and extend theoretical foundations to stimulate new inquiry into the operation of this important construct.
A Comparative Study of the Photosensitizer Penetration into Artificial Caries Lesions in Dentin Measured by the Confocal Raman Microscopy
Authors: Melo Mary Anne S. , Rolim Juliana P.M.L. , Zanin Iriana C.J. , Silva José J.A. , Paschoal Alexandre R. , Ayala Alejandro P. , Rodrigues Lidiany K.A.
Published: October 2013

This study utilized the confocal Raman microspectroscopy (CRM) technique for the first time to investigate the degree of the penetration of toluidine blue‐orto (TBO) in artificial caries lesions produced by two distinct caries‐inducing models. The dentin specimens (n = 10) were divided into three groups: control, in vitro and in situ. Thereafter, the lesion depth and the demineralization level were evaluated by cross‐sectional microhardness (CSMH). CRM mapping across the dentin surface was assessed after the dye application. The CSMH and CRM data were analyzed by t‐test and ANOVA, respectively (P < 0.05). The values of the lesion depth and the demineralization areas were higher for in situ samples (P < 0.05). The TBO penetration values (μm) for the control, in vitro and in situ groups were 44.8 ± 5.6, 46.1 ± 4.5 and 51.2 ± 8.5, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences among the groups (P > 0.05). The rate of TBO penetration was detected up to about <50 μm and the demineralization level did not influence the results. These results have showed promising parameters to develop new protocols for deep caries lesions management using photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy.
A Randomised Trial to Evaluate the Effects of Low‐dose Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction: Design and Baseline Characteristics
Authors: Schisterman Enrique F. , Silver Robert M. , Perkins Neil J. , Mumford Sunni L. , Whitcomb Brian W. , Stanford Joseph B. , Lesher Laurie L. , Faraggi David , Wactawski‐Wende Jean , Browne Richard W. , Townsend Janet M. , White Mark , Lynch Anne M. , Galai Noya
Published: October 2013

Background

Low‐dose aspirin (LDA) has been proposed to improve pregnancy outcomes in couples experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss. However, results from studies of LDA on pregnancy outcomes have been inconsistent, perhaps because most studies evaluated LDA‐initiated post‐conception. The purpose of the Effects of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction (EAGeR) trial was to determine whether preconception‐initiated LDA improves livebirth rates in women with one to two prior losses.

Methods

We performed a multicentre, block randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Study participants were recruited using community‐based advertisements and physician referral to four university medical centres in the US (2006–12). Eligible women were aged 18–40 years actively trying to conceive, with one to two prior losses. Participants were randomised to receive daily LDA (81 mg/day) or a matching placebo, and all were provided with daily 400‐mcg folic acid. Follow‐up continued for ≤6 menstrual cycles while attempting to conceive. For those who conceived, treatment was continued until 36 weeks gestation. The primary outcome was the cumulative livebirth rate over the trial period.

Results

There were 1228 women randomised (615 LDA, 613 placebo). Participants had a mean age of 28.7, were mostly white (95%), well educated (86% more than high school education), and employed (75%) with a household income >$100 000 annually (40%). The characteristics of those in the treatment and placebo arms were well balanced.

Conclusions

We describe the study design, recruitment, data collection, and baseline characteristics of participants enrolled in EAGeR, which aimed to determine the effect of LDA on livebirth and other pregnancy outcomes in these women.
Divining Karma in Chinese Buddhism
Authors: McGuire Beverley Foulks
Published: October 2013

Divination has been a pervasive phenomenon throughout Chinese history, but scholars have tended to focus on indigenous divination practices and overlook Chinese Buddhist ones. Scholars that have attended to Chinese Buddhist divination have largely debated the extent to which it derived from indigenous Chinese or Indian sources. This article advocates a different approach for future studies – one that focuses on the way in which practitioners of divination viewed themselves, their divinatory practices, and their reasons for practicing divination. It illustrates this method with a case study of an eminent Chinese Buddhist monk named Ouyi Zhixu (1599–1655), who viewed divination as a diagnostic tool to determine his karma and prescribed repentance rituals for redressing such karma.
The impact of work culture on quality of care in nursing homes – a review study
Authors: André Beate , Sjøvold Endre , Rannestad Toril , Ringdal Gerd I.
Published: October 2013

Aim

The main aim of this review study was to identify which factors that characterise the relationship between work culture and quality of care in nursing homes.

Method

This review study was structured through systematic search methods to identify articles that describe the relationship between work culture and quality of care in nursing homes. The database search yielded 14510 hits. Closer examination showed that 10401 of these hits were duplicates. Of the remaining 4109 articles, only 10 were related to our aim for the study. A qualitative method were used to explain and understand phenomena of work culture and quality if care in nursing homes.

Findings

Nine out of 10 articles in this review study emphasise the importance of leadership style and supportive management to increase quality of care in nursing homes. Increased empowerment, participation and influence were important factors for improving quality of care. Significant associations between work culture and quality of care and between empowerment and quality of care were reported.

Conclusion

Nursing management and leaders must take in consideration that work culture is crucial for improving quality of care in nursing homes, and this study can be used to increase the focus on the work culture among healthcare personnel in nursing homes. Changes are necessary to increase healthcare personnel′s job satisfaction, empowerment, autonomy and influence in nursing homes. Giving empowerment to the healthcare personnel working in nursing homes is both an organisational and an interpersonal issue. Being given empowerment and influence over their own work situation, the healthcare workers can be more committed and involved in the goal of obtaining best possible care to the residents.