bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HLA‐G 5′ URR SNPs and 3′ UTR 14‐bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in an Afro‐Brazilian population from Paraná State
Authors: Tureck L. V. , Santos L. C. , Wowk P. F. , Mattar S. B. , Silva J. S. , Magalhães J. C. M. , Roxo V. M. M. S. , Bicalho M. G.
Published: July 2013

The present study investigated 23 SNPs in the 5′URR promoter region and the 14 bp ins/del polymorphism at the 3′UTR region of the HLA‐G gene in 150 individuals with Afro‐Brazilian ancestry. Three haplotypes were found to be the most frequent. Comparing these polymorphisms in other samples, our data suggest that Afro‐Brazilians are more similar to the Euro‐Brazilians than to Hutterite population.
The use of propranolol for complicated infantile hemangiomas
Authors: Vercellino Nadia , Romanini Maria Victoria , Pelegrini Monica , Rimini Alessandro , Occella Corrado , Dalmonte Pietro
Published: July 2013

Objective

To assess propranolol efficacy and safety in complicated infantile hemangiomas in two different age groups.

Patients and methods

We report on 68 infants with infantile hemangiomas treated with oral propranolol at the lowest effective dose at different ages for a period of six months. Inclusion criteria were life‐threatening hemangiomas, function‐threatening hemangiomas, facial hemangiomas with risk for disfigurement, and extensive and ulcerated hemangiomas. A previously designed safety protocol was applied to all patients. The evolution of all hemangiomas since baseline (pre‐therapy) until the end of follow‐up was assessed on the basis of clinical features (color, palpable softening, size, and volume) and taken at follow‐up visits.

Results

Our results showed that propranolol was effective in arresting the proliferative phase and in accelerating the involution of infantile hemangiomas in 92.6% of cases. Propranolol efficacy was clear even when it was started after 12 months of life at low dose; after discontinuation of therapy there was a moderate‐to‐severe regrowth in 9.3% of cases and a mild regrowth in 22.5%. No adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

Propranolol should be used as first‐line medical treatment in all cases of complicated infantile hemangiomas.
Excess post‐hypoxic oxygen consumption in Atlantic cod Gadus morhua
Authors: Plambech M. , Van Deurs M. , Steffensen J. F. , Tirsgaard B. , Behrens J. W.
Published: July 2013

Atlantic cod Gadus morhua experienced oxygen deficit () when exposed to oxygen levels below their critical level (c. 73% of pcrit) and subsequent excess post‐hypoxic oxygen consumption (CEPHO) upon return to normoxic conditions, indicative of an oxygen debt. The mean ± s.e. CEPHO: was 6·9 ± 1·5, suggesting that resorting to anaerobic energy production in severe hypoxia is energetically expensive.
Trabajar, Pedir, Vender. El Caso de los Vendedores Ambulantes en Trenes de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Perelman Mariano D.
Published: July 2013

Este artículo se basa en el trabajo de campo con enfoque etnográfico que desarrollo con vendedores ambulantes en trenes de la ciudad de Buenos Aires. Me concentro en cómo los actores se presentan y realizan diferentes performances para poder vender sus productos. Mi argumento es que estas diferencias están basadas en los discursos sociales sobre la pobreza (legítima e ilegítima) y sobre el trabajo, pero que estos discursos y prácticas son reinterpretadas por las personas de carne y hueso. Ello ocurre durante las interacciones entre los vendedores, los pasajeros y otros actores presentes en el trayecto del ferrocarril y a partir de las trayectorias de los vendedores. El artículo busca contribuir a la comprensión de la forma en que miles de personas se ganan la vida realizando actividades localizadas en una zona gris entre el trabajo y el no trabajo, entre la legalidad y la ilegalidad, legitimidad e ilegitimidad.
“We are all Chiquitano”: Struggles over Territory and Sovereignty in Lowland Bolivia
Authors: Weber Katinka
Published: July 2013

Este artículo explora las diferentes maneras en que los blancos y mestizos de Concepción, una sede municipal en el departamento de Santa Cruz en el oriente Boliviano, buscan deslegitimizar el proyecto político indígena chiquitano. Una manera popular entre las élites de neutralizar la amenaza que este proyecto supone para su soberanía sobre los recursos, la tierra y la población en esa región, es utilizando un discurso regional de mestizaje que pretende minar la frontera étnica (cf. Barth 1969) creada por los chiquitanos para diferenciarse de los blancos y mestizos. Con el fin de explicar esta estrategia, presento un resumen de los acontecimientos históricos que han contribuido a crear el clima político contemporáneo local, y discuto los vínculos de dicha estrategia con el surgimiento del regionalismo Cruceño.
Withholding Recess From Elementary School Students: Policies Matter
Authors: Turner Lindsey , Chriqui Jamie F. , Chaloupka Frank J.
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Recess is a key aspect of a healthy elementary school environment and helps to keep students physically active during the school day. Although national organizations recommend that students not be withheld from recess, this practice occurs in schools. This study examined whether district policies were associated with school practices regarding the withholding of recess for behavior management or academic reasons, as well as the use of physical activity (eg, running laps) for behavior management.

METHODS

Data were gathered from administrators at US public elementary schools by mail‐back surveys conducted during the spring of the 2008‐2009, 2009‐2010, and 2010‐2011 school years. Corresponding school district policies were gathered and coded. Each year's sample was nationally representative and data were analyzed as a stacked cross‐sectional sample. A total of 1,919 surveys were received (61.2% response rate).

RESULTS

Averaged over the 3 years, students were not withheld from recess for poor behavior or academic reasons at 28.3% and 26.7% of elementary schools, respectively. Strong district policy was associated with an increased odds of not withholding students from recess for poor behavior (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.27, p < .001) or completing schoolwork (adjusted OR = 1.99, p < .001). Withholding recess was less common in the South versus the West, Midwest, and Northeast. Use of physical activity for behavior management was rare and not associated with district policy.

CONCLUSIONS

Strengthening district policies may be an effective strategy for changing school practices pertaining to withholding of recess, and to ensure that all students have opportunities to be physically active during the school day.
Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and Physical Fitness in Junior High School Students
Authors: Bohr Adam D. , Brown Dale D. , Laurson Kelly R. , Smith Peter J. K. , Bass Ronald W.
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Research on physical fitness often regards socioeconomic status (SES) as a confounding factor. However, few studies investigate the impact of SES on fitness. This study investigated the impact of SES on physical fitness in both males and females, with an economic‐based construct of SES.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 954 6th, 7th, and 8th graders from a public, urban, Illinois middle school. The students participated in the FITNESSGRAM battery of fitness assessments as part of physical education. Descriptive statistics were calculated for height, weight, age, and sex. Students were grouped as high or low SES depending on whether they qualified for the federal free lunch program. A multivariate analysis of variance controlled for age and stratified by sex compared the raw scores from the fitness test for low and high SES students. Odds ratios stratified by sex were calculated for the likelihood of not achieving the FITNESSGRAM Healthy Fitness Zone standards among SES groups.

RESULTS

Girls of the low SES group had significantly lower scores on the FITNESSGRAM assessments and were significantly less likely to achieve Healthy Fitness Zone status than the girls from the high SES groups. For boys, SES was a significant main effect for body composition but not for the other fitness tests conducted.

CONCLUSION

SES is related to physical fitness in girls but not in boys. A potential explanation for this is that boys are more likely to engage in vigorous leisure time activity regardless of SES than girls.
Academic Attainment Findings in Children With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Epping Amanda S. , Myrvik Matthew P. , Newby Robert F. , Panepinto Julie A. , Brandow Amanda M. , Scott J. Paul
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) demonstrate deficits in cognitive and academic functioning. This study compared the academic attainment of children with SCD relative to national, state, and local school district rates for African American students.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of children with SCD was completed and academic information was collected from caregiver report and school records. One‐sample tests of proportions were calculated to compare academic attainment rates in children with SCD relative to national, state, and local school district normative data of African American students.

RESULTS

Overall, 197 patient records were reviewed. A higher proportion of children with SCD were retained a grade relative to national, state, and local school district rates for African American students. In addition, a higher proportion of children with SCD received special education services relative to the national, state, and local school district rates for African American students.

CONCLUSION

Children with SCD demonstrate higher rates of special education services and grade retention relative to African American peers. Overall, children with SCD demonstrate poorer academic attainment relative to healthy, African American peers highlighting the need for increased focus on special education services to address school performance issues within this population.
Help‐Seeking in the School Context: Understanding Chinese American Adolescents' Underutilization of School Health Services
Authors: Anyon Yolanda , Whitaker Kelly , Shields John P. , Franks Heather
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

This article examines whether school contextual factors, such as referral practices and peer dynamics, contribute to Chinese American students' underrepresentation in school health programs.

METHODS

Data from the 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (N = 1,744) as well as interviews and focus groups (N = 51) with Chinese American users and nonusers of high school health programs were analyzed to identify aspects of the help‐seeking process unique to Chinese American students.

RESULTS

Chinese American students primarily defined the need for school health services as having personal problems, engaging in early sexual activity, or using drugs. For the most part, they did not recognize their own health or psychosocial concerns as falling in these categories. Teacher referrals and peer dynamics were also salient factors in students' decisions to seek help from school health programs. Relationships with providers in strengths‐based prevention programs improved their utilization of individual therapy and reproductive health services.

CONCLUSIONS

To increase Chinese American students' access of needed services, the organizational systems and social contexts of school health programs (in addition to the practices of individual clinicians) must be responsive to the needs and preferences of these ethnic minority youth.
The Association of Screen Time, Television in the Bedroom, and Obesity Among School‐Aged Youth: 2007 National Survey of Children's Health
Authors: Wethington Holly , Pan Liping , Sherry Bettylou
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Among school‐aged youth, we sought to identify characteristics associated with (1) exceeding screen time recommendations (ie, television/videos/video games more than 2 hours/weekday), and (2) exceeding screen time recommendations, the presence of a television in the bedroom, and obesity.

METHODS

Using 2007 National Survey of Children's Health data, we used multivariable logistic regression to identify sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics associated with excessive screen time among 6 to 11‐ and 12 to 17‐year‐olds on a typical weekday. For 12 to 17‐year‐olds only, we used logistic regression to examine the odds of obesity using the same variables as above, with the addition of screen time.

RESULTS

Overall, 20.8% of 6 to 11‐year‐olds and 26.1% of 12 to 17‐year‐olds had excessive screen time. For both age groups, having a bedroom TV was significantly associated with excessive screen time. For the older age group, the dual scenario of excessive screen time with a bedroom TV had the strongest association with obesity (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.9, 3.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Given the similar risk factors for excess screen time and having a TV in the bedroom, a public health challenge exists to design interventions to reduce screen time among school‐aged youth.
Management of children with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 in Australia
Authors: Tassie Benjamin , Isaacs David , Kilham Henry , Kerridge Ian
Published: July 2013

Aims

The study aims to: (i) estimate the prevalence of spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA 1); (ii) describe what practices characterise end‐of‐life care of patients with SMA 1; and (iii) ascertain whether a consistent approach to the management of these patients exists in Australia.

Methods

An audit of the Australasian pathology laboratories offering the diagnostic SMN1 deletion test was conducted for patients diagnosed with SMA in Australia for 2010 and 2011. In addition, a retrospective clinical audit was conducted in eight major Australian paediatric hospitals of the end‐of‐life care provided to children with confirmed SMA 1 from 2005 to 2010.

Results

Thirty‐five children were included in the clinical audit, accounting for an estimated 61% of children diagnosed with SMA 1 from 2005 to 2010. Twenty‐six per cent were ventilated invasively, only two of whom were intubated after the diagnosis was confirmed. No children were ventilated long term (>90 days) or had a tracheostomy performed. Nasogastric tube feeding was a common measure to support adequate nutritional intake. Total parenteral nutrition, gastrostomy and fundoplication were not provided for any children. Conflict over end‐of‐life care decisions was documented in one instance, without the involvement of a guardianship tribunal.

Conclusion

There appears to be a consistent approach in the management of children with SMA 1 in Australia, which can be characterised as ‘actively managed dying’. This study could contribute to the development of Australian consensus guidelines for the management of these children. These results also highlight a number of ethical issues related to the management of children with SMA 1.
Current Status of Cereal Root Diseases in Western Australia Under Intensive Cereal Production and Their Comparison with the Historical Survey Conducted During 1976–1982
Authors: Khangura Ravjit K. , MacNish Gordon C. , MacLeod William J. , Vanstone Vivien A. , Hanbury Colin D. , Loughman Robert , Speijers Jane E.
Published: July 2013

Two separate surveys of root diseases of cereals in the Western Australian (WA) cereal belt were conducted: the first conducted annually for wheat and barley during 1976–1982 and the second for wheat during 2005–2007. For the 1976–1982 survey, the cereal belt was divided into 15 zones based on the location and rainfall. Sampling was representative of the actual cropping area, with both wheat and barley sampling sites selected by zone as a percentage of total sites. Over 31 000 plants were assessed from a total of 996 fields. Average take‐all incidence ranged from 3% in the northern low rainfall zone to 57% in the southern high rainfall zone. Other root diseases assessed included rhizoctonia root rot, fusarium crown rot and subcrown internode discolouration. During the 2005–2007 survey, around 20 000 plants from a total of 210 fields being intensively cropped with cereals were surveyed for take‐all, rhizoctonia root rot, fusarium crown rot, common root rot, root lesion nematode and cereal cyst nematode. The 2005–2007 survey results indicated that root and crown diseases prevailed in paddocks frequently cropped with cereals and occurred at damaging levels across all WA cropping districts surveyed. The more recent root disease survey identified that the fungal diseases rhizoctonia root rot and fusarium crown rot and the root lesion nematode were the most serious impediments to intensive cereal production, particularly in the southern region of WA. Comparing the 2005–2007 results with the previous survey of 1976–1982, the relative importance of take‐all appears to have declined over the past 30 years.
Identification of Genes for Resistance to Bean Common Mosaic Virus and Bean Common Mosaic Necrosis Virus in Snap Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Breeding Lines Using Conventional and Molecular Methods
Authors: Pasev Gancho , Kostova Dimitrina , Sofkova Svetla
Published: July 2013

Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) and Bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV) are among the biggest threats for snap bean production in Bulgaria due to their seed, aphid and mechanical transmission. Old valuable Bulgarian snap bean varieties are being neglected, because of the high percentage of virus‐infected seeds. Breeding resistant cultivars is the best way to solve the problem. The genetic control towards both viruses is assured by one dominant I gene and a number of recessive (bc‐u, bc‐1, bc‐12, bc‐2, bc‐22 and bc‐3) genes. Our aim was to identify resistance gene combinations in advanced F8 breeding lines, derived from two crosses (A‐8‐40‐7‐2‐1 × IVT 7214) and (Zaria × RH 26D), by the application of conventional and molecular approaches. Four methods were applied for the characterization of their resistance gene makeup: (i) leaf‐abscission infection test designed to identify I gene by direct inoculation with NL3 strain of BCMNV; (ii) intact‐plant infection test with strain NY15 of BCMV to separate immune genotypes, possessing bc‐ubc‐12, bc‐ubc‐22,bc‐ubc‐2bc‐3, I, Ibc‐12, Ibc‐22 or Ibc‐3; (iii) PCR analysis with the following markers: SCAR – SW13 (for I gene), SBD5 (for bc‐12), ROC11 (for bc‐3) and CAPS – eIFE4 (for bc‐3); and 4) high‐temperature (more than 30°C) infection test with NL3 of BCMNV to provoke systemic necrosis in I, Ibc‐1, Ibc‐12, Ibc‐12bc‐22 or Ibc‐3. The four methods applied worked properly and complemented each other. Valuable gene combination (Ibc‐3) was established in seven breeding lines with immune reaction to BCMNV. They will be included in the snap bean breeding programme for virus resistance.
Microarray analysis of genes differentially expressed in melatonin‐rich transgenic rice expressing a sheep serotonin N‐acetyltransferase
Authors: Byeon Yeong , Park Sangkyu , Kim Young Soon , Back Kyoungwhan
Published: July 2013

Transgenic rice plants overexpressing a sheep serotonin N‐acetyltransferase led to an enhanced production of melatonin with various physiological effects, including seminal root elongation and resistance against cold and oxidative stress, which raises the possibility that melatonin may alter gene expression profiles in the transgenic rice. Therefore, we performed a microarray analysis to investigate the regulatory role of melatonin using the melatonin‐rich transgenic rice. We identified 260 and 204 genes that were up‐ or downregulated in the melatonin‐rich transgenic rice when compared with the wild type. Of these, 20 upregulated genes were identified in the seedlings of melatonin‐rich rice at more than twice the levels in the wild type (P < 0.05), while 23 downregulated genes were also detected. The representative upregulated genes included caleosin, a Ca2+‐binding oil‐body surface protein involved in the degradation of lipids stored in oil bodies and various signaling proteins such as a cyclin F‐box protein and leucine‐rich repeat protein. In contrast, jasmonate‐induced protein, senescence‐associated protein, and polygalacturonase were included in the downregulated gene group. These results suggest that melatonin has an important role in modulating a wide range of gene expression, reflecting its pleiotropic physiological roles in plant growth and development.
Melatonin attenuates methamphetamine‐induced disturbances in mitochondrial dynamics and degeneration in neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells
Authors: Parameyong Arisa , Charngkaew Komgrid , Govitrapong Piyarat , Chetsawang Banthit
Published: July 2013

Methamphetamine (METH) is a psychostimulant drug that can cause toxicity and degeneration in the brain. The toxicity due to METH involves multiple pathways, including the mitochondrial‐dependent death pathway. Several pieces of evidence have emphasized that the fragmentation of mitochondria into smaller structures plays some role in the cell‐death process. In this study, we investigated the role of mitochondrial dynamics in METH‐induced toxicity in human dopaminergic neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cultured cell lines. In addition, the protective effect of melatonin against METH‐induced toxicity was investigated. Our results show that METH significantly decreased cell viability and increased the levels of the mitochondrial fission protein, Fis1 and the Drp1 oligomer. However, the levels of the mitochondrial fusion proteins OPA1 and Mfn1 did not change in METH‐treated cells. Melatonin can reverse the toxic effects of the METH‐induced reduction in cell viability and the production of the Fis1 protein and the Drp1 oligomer. Moreover, the morphological alteration of mitochondria was investigated in METH‐treated cells in the presence of melatonin using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). At 24 hr after METH exposure, typical cell shrinkage was observed in SH‐SY5Y cells. Mitochondria were fragmented into small globular structures in a large proportion of METH‐treated cells, but tubular networks of mitochondria were present in large proportions of control‐untreated cells and METH‐treated cells in the presence of melatonin. The results of the present study demonstrate the potential of melatonin to reduce cell death and restore mitochondrial function in neurons affected by METH‐induced toxicity.
Enabling Innovation through Strategic Synergies
Authors: Ford Darren , Paladino Angela
Published: July 2013

This paper empirically examines the effect that a market orientation (MO) and resource orientation (RO) have on three performance outcomes: financial performance, customer value, and innovation. Individually, the effect each orientation has on performance has been explored but with conflicting results. This study addresses a pertinent gap in the literature by providing insight into a relationship yet unexamined; the role of RO as a moderator of the MO and performance relationship. Although the existing literature considers the role of environmental phenomena as moderators on the MO and performance relationship, the role of alternate orientations has not been studied. While customer value and dynamic resources are needed to succeed, can they each assist the other to perform better? Specifically, does the ability to better develop, deploy, and alter dynamic resources help a firm to better provide customer value to improve performance? This paper is the first to our knowledge to integrate literature from the two paradigms to assess this. Results show that both orientations, when analyzed individually, have a significantly positive effect on all three‐performance outcomes: financial performance, customer value, and innovation. Thus, support for each of the first six hypotheses is provided. The moderated regression provided support for two of the three hypotheses pertaining to this component of the study. It was found that an RO significantly moderates the relationship of an MO with customer value and financial performance but is unable to exert any moderating effect on the MO and innovation relationship because of the dominant role of the RO. Thus, RO appeared superior in delivering innovative outcomes relative to MO. From this, implications, limitations, and recommendations are discussed.
The Impact of Word of Mouth Sources on the Perceived Usefulness of an Innovation
Authors: Kawakami Tomoko , Parry Mark E.
Published: July 2013

This paper examines the role of three indirect mechanisms linking word‐of‐mouth communication with one of the most important innovation attributes influencing the adoption decision: perceived usefulness. The authors hypothesize that word‐of‐mouth (WOM) communication impacts perceived usefulness by influencing potential adopter perceptions of the credibility of innovation information, the size of the adopter population, and the availability of complementary products. To test these hypotheses, the authors analyze the survey responses of over 550 potential adopters of e‐readers and smartphones. In both product samples, the perceived credibility of WOM information is positively related with perceived usefulness, which is positively related with purchase intent. Consistent with theoretical arguments regarding the importance of access to expert information sources, findings indicate that, relative to personal WOM, written and virtual WOM have stronger relationships with consumer perceptions of the credibility of innovation information. In addition, in both samples, perceived usefulness is positively related with the perceived availability of complementary products, which is positively related with both personal and written word‐of‐mouth. Finally, perceived usefulness has (1) a direct relationship with the perceived size of the local adopter population in the e‐reader sample and (2) an indirect relationship with the same variable that is mediated by the perceived availability of complementary products in both samples. In turn, the perceived size of the local adopter population is positively related with exposure to personal word‐of‐mouth.
Comparing self‐efficacy and self‐care behaviours between outpatients with comorbid schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes and outpatients with only type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chen S‐R. , Chien Y‐P. , Kang C‐M. , Jeng C. , Chang W‐Y.
Published: July 2013

Accessible summary

Self‐efficacy is known as an effective model used to predict the self‐care ability and self‐care outcomes of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.

This descriptive comparative design study compared differences in scores of self‐efficacy and self‐care behaviours between outpatients with comorbid schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes and outpatients with only type 2 diabetes.

The study revealed that outpatients with coexisting schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes scored significantly lower on self‐efficacy and self‐care measures compared with outpatients affected only by type 2 diabetes; thus, a self‐efficacy education programme must be developed to assist them in successfully managing their dual illnesses.

Self‐efficacy, the haemoglobin A1C level and cigarette smoking were significant predictors of self‐care behaviours in outpatients with comorbid schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes; therefore, these outcome variables should be monitored regularly in outpatient settings.

People with schizophrenia show higher‐than‐normal rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, research on their understanding of diabetes self‐efficacy and self‐care behaviours is lacking. This study compared differences in scores of self‐efficacy and self‐care behaviours between outpatients with comorbid schizophrenia and T2DM and outpatients with T2DM alone. Data were collected using the Diabetes Management Self‐Efficacy Scale and Summary of Diabetes Self‐Care Activity questionnaire. In total, 105 outpatients with schizophrenia and T2DM and 106 outpatients with T2DM returned completed questionnaires. Results of this study revealed that outpatients with schizophrenia and T2DM had significantly lower total self‐efficacy and self‐care scores than outpatients with only T2DM. The stepwise regression analysis revealed that self‐efficacy, the haemoglobin A1C level and current smoking were significant predictors of self‐care behaviours in outpatients with comorbid schizophrenia and T2DM, which explained 33.20% of the variance. These findings help mental health professionals improve patient care through a better understanding of self‐care behaviours among outpatients with comorbid schizophrenia and T2DM.
Patterns of sleep quality during and after postacute rehabilitation in older adults: a latent class analysis approach
Authors: Martin Jennifer L. , Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Mitchell Michael , Fung Constance H. , Jouldjian Stella , Alessi Cathy A.
Published: July 2013

Sleep quality is related to emotional, physical, psychological and cognitive functioning and functional independence in later life. After acute health events, older adults are likely to utilize postacute rehabilitation services to improve functioning and facilitate return to independent living. Patterns of how sleep changes with postacute rehabilitation, and predictors of such patterns, are unknown. The current investigation employed latent class analysis (LCA) methods to classify older adults (n = 233) into groups based on patterns of self‐reported sleep quality pre‐illness, during postacute rehabilitation and up to 1 year following postacute rehabilitation. Using LCA, older adults were grouped into (1) consistently good sleepers (46%), (2) good sleepers who transitioned into poor sleepers (34%), (3) consistently poor sleepers (14%) and (4) poor sleepers who transitioned into good sleepers (6%). In three planned analyses, pain was an independent predictor of membership in classes 1 or 2 (good pre‐illness sleep quality) versus classes 3 or 4 (poor pre‐illness sleep quality), and of membership in class 1 (consistently good sleep) versus class 2 (good sleep that transitioned to poor sleep). A lower Mini‐Mental State Examination score was a predictor of membership in class 1 versus class 2. There were no statistically significant predictors of membership in class 3 versus class 4. Demographics, comorbidities and depressive symptoms were not significant predictors of class membership. These findings have implications for identification of older adults at risk for developing poor sleep associated with changes in health and postacute rehabilitation. The findings also suggest that pain symptoms should be targeted to improve sleep during postacute rehabilitation.
Clinical usefulness of double biomarkers AFP and PIVKA‐II for subdividing prognostic groups in locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Park Hana , Kim Seung Up , Park Jun Young , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Chon Chae Yoon , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Seong Jinsil
Published: July 2013

Background & Aims

In this study, we investigated the clinical usefulness of AFP and PIVKA‐II in subdividing prognostic groups in patients with locally advanced HCC treated locally.

Methods

Patients who had undergone local treatment for locally advanced HCC between 2001 and 2006 were enrolled. Response to treatment was defined as a reduction in AFP or PIVKA‐II by more than 50% from baseline levels at 1 month after the treatment completion. Patients were divided according to their AFP and PIVKA‐II response: A↓P↓ [AFP response (+) and PIVKA‐II response (+)]; A↓P↑ [AFP response (+) and PIVKA‐II response (−)]; A↑P↓ [AFP response (−) and PIVKA‐II response (+)]; A↑P↑ [AFP response (−) and PIVKA‐II response (−)]. Clinical characteristics and prognosis were compared between groups.

Results

Patients were subdivided into four groups by the change in the level of the biomarkers AFP and PIVKA‐II, and the survival outcomes of each group were distinct. Among patients with an AFP response, further subdivision by PIVKA‐II response revealed that those in the A↓P↓ group had a longer median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with those in the A↓P↑ group (PFS: 16.2 vs. 5.1 months, P = 0.009; OS: 26.3 vs. 7.3 months, P = 0.017). Combination of AFP and PIVKA‐II response showed a predictive power for PFS and OS comparable to radiological criteria and better than AFP response alone.

Conclusions

In patients with locally advanced HCC, the use of a combination of two biomarkers, AFP and PIVKA‐II, appears useful in predicting treatment outcomes through the subdivision of prognostic groups.
Claiming Citizenship: The Political Dimension of Welfare Fraud
Authors: Regev-Messalem Shiri
Published: July 2013

This article exposes the political dimension of welfare fraud by investigating—in the context of the Israeli welfare reform of 2003—how forty-nine Israeli women who live on welfare justify welfare fraud. I find that women's justifications cannot be fully explained by traditional noncompliance theories that view welfare fraud as an individual, private, criminal activity that solely reflects on the fraudster's moral character or desperate need. Instead, women's justifications for welfare fraud are better understood as a sociopolitical struggle for inclusion and deservedness—as a political act that reflects an alternative concept of citizenship with respect to women's unpaid care work.
Legal Subjectivity Among Youth Victims of Sexual Abuse
Authors: Hlavka Heather R.
Published: July 2013

How do youth experience and understand the law? How is law regarded and communicated? Youth's legal subjectivity has received limited attention in the sociological and legal literatures, especially as it relates to crime‐reporting behaviors. Drawing on legal socialization theory and procedural justice, I show how youth, as legal subjects, described the law and how those descriptions differed by social location. Using a diverse sample, I examined narratives produced during forensic interviews following reports of sexual victimization. Rather than passive victims, youth act on, and within, institutions. In their own words, youth describe experiences with state systems that animated their understandings of law and criminal justice processes. They reveal how shared frameworks of understanding affected legal subjectivity, shaped their evaluations of the law, and influenced participation in state systems so that perhaps those most in need of legal remedy are those most unlikely to seek it.
Noncompliance with Parental Leave Provisions in Korea: Extending Institutional Research to a New Legal Context
Authors: Baek Kyungmin , Kelly Erin L.
Published: July 2013

We investigate Korean organizations' noncompliance with parental leave provisions. A survey of 1,750 organizations reveals that 19 percent are fully noncompliant (i.e., no policy in place) and 29 percent are partially noncompliant (i.e., acknowledged failure to implement policy). We examine whether organizational characteristics and conditions that predict responsiveness to US employment law are relevant in Korea and apply to a concrete parental leave requirement. Our results show that the predictors of full and partial noncompliance differ, suggesting different motives or processes among noncompliant organizations. Sector and size reduce the odds of full noncompliance but are unrelated to implementing parental leave policies. Having a human resources department predicts that only implementing adopted policies and gender traditionalism increase the likelihood of noncompliance. This is the first theoretically informed investigation of noncompliance with Korean parental leave laws and provides new evidence of the value of institutional perspectives on employment law beyond the US context.
How Bureaucracies Listen to Courts: Bureaucratized Calculations and European Law
Authors: Greer Scott L. , Martín de Almagro Iniesta Maria
Published: July 2013

The European Court of Justice, and courts in general, were key actors in the creation of the European Union (EU). However, they cannot change major policy without political supporters to lobby and litigate for implementation. We argue that part of the resolution of this apparent paradox comes from complementing existing work on the activities of EU courts and litigants with a focus on a third actor: implementing bureaucracies, whose effect on law and politics has not been a focus of studies of EU legal development. Their calculations about whether to pay attention, lobby, and comply shape the impact of the law. Those calculations are variable and patterned; when and how bureaucracies listen to courts varies in predictable ways. We find evidence for this proposition in the case of EU health care services law, both in the secondary literature and in empirical studies of France and Spain.
Environmental factors contributing to the development of brown muscle disease and perkinsosis in Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) and trematodiasis in cockles (Cerastoderma edule) of Arcachon Bay
Authors: Binias Cindy , Tu Do Van , Jude‐Lemeilleur Florence , Plus Martin , Froidefond Jean‐Marie , de Montaudouin Xavier
Published: July 2013

The aim of the present study was to identify environmental factors that could explain the distribution of different pathologies of commercially exploited intertidal bivalves in an Atlantic lagoon, Arcachon Bay. In particular, the role of the salinity gradient as a driver was explored. The Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum experienced two severe pathologies, perkinsosis, which is due to a protozoan parasite, and brown muscle disease (BMD), the etiological agent of which remains unknown. Perkinsus olseni infection was very low in a small low‐salinity area but, at the scale of the entire lagoon, was more influenced by organic matter content in the sediment and by emersion time. BMD prevalence was also 2.6 times higher in the higher organic content area but was also negatively correlated with salinity. The sympatric cockle (Cerastoderma edule) was affected by eight trematode species. These parasites have a complex life cycle that generally involves three free‐living host species. The distribution of the different trematode communities was rather patchy within Arcachon Bay with no clear relationship with measured environmental factors. The dominance of particular trematode species could be due to the presence of other hosts involved in their life cycle, making it more difficult to detect a major environmental driver. This survey demonstrated that salinity is not a major factor explaining disease distribution in this temperate lagoon. This result has consequences for the research of ‘refuge areas’ (free of diseases) or ‘hot spots’ (heavy infection) for species of high economic value.
Vesta's mineralogical composition as revealed by the visible and infrared spectrometer on Dawn
Authors: De Sanctis M. Cristina , Ammannito Eleonora , Capria M. Teresa , Capaccioni Fabrizio , Combe Jean‐Philippe , Frigeri Alessandro , Longobardo Andrea , Magni Gianfranco , Marchi Simone , McCord Tom B. , Palomba Ernesto , Tosi Federico , Zambon Francesca , Carraro Francesco , Fonte Sergio , Li Y. J. , McFadden Lucy A. , Mittlefehldt David W. , Pieters Carle M. , Jaumann Ralf , Stephan Katrin , Raymond Carol A. , Russell Christopher T.
Published: July 2013

The Dawn spacecraft mission has provided extensive new and detailed data on Vesta that confirm and strengthen the Vesta–howardite–eucrite–diogenite (HED) meteorite link and the concept that Vesta is differentiated, as derived from earlier telescopic observations. Here, we present results derived by newly calibrated spectra of Vesta. The comparison between data from the Dawn imaging spectrometer—VIR—and the different class of HED meteorites shows that average spectrum of Vesta resembles howardite spectra. Nevertheless, the Vesta spectra at high spatial resolution reveal variations in the distribution of HED‐like mineralogies on the asteroid. The data have been used to derive HED distribution on Vesta, reported in Ammannito et al. (2013), and to compute the average Vestan spectra of the different HED lithologies, reported here. The spectra indicate that, not only are all the different HED lithologies present on Vesta, but also carbonaceous chondritic material, which constitutes the most abundant inclusion type found in howardites, is widespread. However, the hydration feature used to identify carbonaceous chondrite material varies significantly on Vesta, revealing different band shapes. The characteristic of these hydration features cannot be explained solely by infalling of carbonaceous chondrite meteorites and other possible origins must be considered. The relative proportion of HEDs on Vesta's surface is computed, and results show that most of the vestan surface is compatible with eucrite‐rich howardites and/or cumulate or polymict eucrites. A very small percentage of surface is covered by diogenite, and basaltic eucrite terrains are relatively few compared with the abundance of basaltic eucrites in the HED suite. The largest abundance of diogenitic material is found in the Rheasilvia region, a deep basin, where it clearly occurs below a basaltic upper crust. However, diogenite is also found elsewhere; although the depth to diogenite is consistent with one magma ocean model, its lateral extent is not well constrained.
Phylogeographical pattern ofEuplotes nobilii, a protist ciliate with a bipolar biogeographical distribution
Authors: Di Giuseppe Graziano , Barbieri Michele , Vallesi Adriana , Luporini Pierangelo , Dini Fernando
Published: July 2013

Nuclear (18S andITS) and mitochondrial (16S) ribosomalRNAgene sequences were determined from genetically distinct wild‐type strains of Antarctic (nine strains), Fuegian (four strains), Greenland (nine strains) and Svalbard (three strains) populations of the marine ciliate,Euplotes nobilii, and analysed for their nucleotide polymorphisms. A close genetic homogeneity was found within and between the Antarctic and Fuegian populations, while more significant levels of genetic differentiation were detected within and between the two Arctic populations, as well as between these populations and the Antarctic/Fuegian ones. The phylogeographical pattern that was derived from these data indicates that gene flow is not limited among Arctic populations; it equally connects the Arctic and Antarctic populations either directly, or through the Fuegian population. This indication reinforces previous evidence from laboratory assays of mating interactions between some of the strains analysed in this work that Southern and Northern polar populations ofE. nobiliibelong to a unique, panmictic population that substantially share the same gene pool.
Intensive care unit nurses' evaluation of simulation used for team training
Authors: Ballangrud Randi , Hall‐Lord Marie Louise , Hedelin Birgitta , Persenius Mona
Published: July 2013

Aim

To implement a simulation‐based team training programme and to investigate intensive care nurses' evaluations of simulation used for team training.

Background

Simulation‐based training is recommended to make health care professionals aware of and understand the importance of teamwork related to patient safety.

Design

The study was based on a questionnaire evaluation design.

Methods

A total of 63 registered nurses were recruited: 53 from seven intensive care units in four hospitals in one hospital trust and 10 from an intensive care postgraduate education programme. After conducting a simulation‐based team training programme with two scenarios related to emergency situations in the intensive care, the participants evaluated each simulation activity with regard to: (i) outcome of satisfaction and self‐confidence in learning, (ii) implementation of educational practice and (iii) simulation design/development.

Result

Intensive care nurses were highly satisfied with their simulation‐based learning, and they were mostly in agreement with the statements about self‐confidence in learning. They were generally positive in their evaluation of the implementation of the educational practice and the simulation design/development. Significant differences were found with regard to scenario roles, prior simulation experience and area of intensive care practice.

Conclusion

The study indicates a positive reception of a simulation‐based programme with regard to team training in emergency situations in an intensive care unit.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings may motivate and facilitate the use of simulation for team training to promote patient safety in intensive care and provide educators with support to develop and improve simulation‐based training programmes.
Post mortem function of AtMC9 in xylem vessel elements
Authors: Bollhöner Benjamin , Zhang Bo , Stael Simon , Denancé Nicolas , Overmyer Kirk , Goffner Deborah , Van Breusegem Frank , Tuominen Hannele
Published: July 2013

Cell death of xylem elements is manifested by rupture of the tonoplast and subsequent autolysis of the cellular contents. Metacaspases have been implicated in various forms of plant cell death but regulation and execution of xylem cell death by metacaspases remains unknown.

Analysis of the type II metacaspase gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana supported the function of METACASPASE 9 (AtMC9) in xylem cell death. Progression of xylem cell death was analysed in protoxylem vessel elements of 3‐d‐old atmc9 mutant roots using reporter gene analysis and electron microscopy.

Protoxylem cell death was normally initiated in atmc9 mutant lines, but detailed electron microscopic analyses revealed a role for AtMC9 in clearance of the cell contents post mortem, that is after tonoplast rupture. Subcellular localization of fluorescent AtMC9 reporter fusions supported a post mortem role for AtMC9. Further, probe‐based activity profiling suggested a function of AtMC9 on activities of papain‐like cysteine proteases.

Our data demonstrate that the function of AtMC9 in xylem cell death is to degrade vessel cell contents after vacuolar rupture. We further provide evidence on a proteolytic cascade in post mortem autolysis of xylem vessel elements and suggest that AtMC9 is part of this cascade.
Multiplex micro‐respiratory measurements of Arabidopsis tissues
Authors: Sew Yun Shin , Ströher Elke , Holzmann Cristián , Huang Shaobai , Taylor Nicolas L. , Jordana Xavier , Millar A. Harvey
Published: July 2013

Researchers often want to study the respiratory properties of individual parts of plants in response to a range of treatments. Arabidopsis is an obvious model for this work; however, because of its size, it represents a challenge for gas exchange measurements of respiration.

The combination of micro‐respiratory technologies with multiplex assays has the potential to bridge this gap, and make measurements possible in this model plant species. We show the adaptation of the commercial technology used for mammalian cell respiration analysis to study three critical tissues of interest: leaf sections, root tips and seeds.

The measurement of respiration in single leaf discs has allowed the age dependence of the respiration rate in Arabidopsis leaves across the rosette to be observed. The oxygen consumption of single root tips from plate‐grown seedlings shows the enhanced respiration of root tips and their time‐dependent susceptibility to salinity. The monitoring of single Arabidopsis seeds shows the kinetics of respiration over 48 h post‐imbibition, and the effect of the phytohormones gibberellic acid (GA3) and abscisic acid (ABA) on respiration during seed germination.

These studies highlight the potential for multiplexed micro‐respiratory assays to study oxygen consumption in Arabidopsis tissues, and open up new possibilities to screen and study mutants and to identify differences in ecotypes or populations of different plant species.