bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Omics Discovery Index - Discovering and Linking Public ‘Omics’ Datasets
Authors: Perez-Riverol Yasset , Bai Mingze , da Veiga Leprevost Felipe , Squizzato Silvano , Mi Park Young , Haug Kenneth , Carroll Adam J. , Spalding Dylan , Paschall Justin , Wang Mingxun , del-Toro Noemi , Ternent Tobias , Zhang Peng , Buso Nicola , Bandeira Nuno , Deutsch Eric W. , Campbell David S , Beavis Ronald C. , Salek Reza M. , Nesvizhskii Alexey I. , Sansone Susanna-Assunta , Steinbeck Christoph , Lopez Rodrigo , Vizcaíno Juan Antonio , Ping Peipei , Hermjakob Henning
Published: April 2016

Biomedical data, in particular omics datasets are being generated at an unprecedented rate. This is due to the falling costs of generating experimental data, improved accuracy and better accessibility to different omics platforms such as genomics, proteomics and metabolomics1,2. As a result, the number of deposited datasets in public repositories originating from various omics approaches has increased dramatically in recent years. With strong support from scientific journals and funders, public data sharing is increasingly considered to be a good scientific practice, facilitating the confirmation of original results, increasing the reproducibility of the analyses, enabling the exploration of new or related hypotheses, and fostering the identification of potential errors, discouraging fraud3. This increase in public data deposition of omics results is a good starting point, but opens up a series of new challenges. For example the research community must now find more efficient ways for storing, organizing and providing access to biomedical data across platforms. These challenges range from achieving a common representation framework for the datasets and the associated metadata from different omics fields, to the availability of efficient methods, protocols and file formats for data exchange between multiple repositories. Therefore, there is a great need for development of new platforms and applications to make possible to search datasets across different omics fields, making such information accessible to the end-user. The FAIR paradigm describes a set of guiding principles to address many of these issues, and aims to make data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-usable(https://www.force11.org/group/fairgroup/fairprinciples).
BIOGENESIS FACTOR REQUIRED FOR ATP SYNTHASE 3 Facilitates Assembly of the Chloroplast ATP Synthase Complex
Authors: Zhang Lin , Duan Zhikun , Zhang Jiao , Peng Lianwei
Published: April 2016

Thylakoid membrane-localized chloroplast ATP synthases use the proton motive force generated by photosynthetic electron transport to produce ATP from ADP. Although it is well known that the chloroplast ATP synthase is composed of more than 20 proteins with α3β3γ1ε1δ1I1II1III14IV1 stoichiometry, its biogenesis process is currently unclear. To unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying the biogenesis of chloroplast ATP synthase, we performed extensive screening for isolating ATP synthase mutants in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). In the recently identified bfa3 (biogenesis factors required for ATP synthase 3) mutant, the levels of chloroplast ATP synthase subunits were reduced to approximately 25% of wild-type levels. In vivo labeling analysis showed that assembly of the CF1 component of chloroplast ATP synthase was less efficient in bfa3 than in the wild type, indicating that BFA3 is required for CF1 assembly. BFA3 encodes a chloroplast stromal protein that is conserved in higher plants, green algae, and a few species of other eukaryotic algae, and specifically interacts with the CF1β subunit. The BFA3 binding site was mapped to a region in the catalytic site of CF1β. Several residues highly conserved in eukaryotic CF1β are crucial for the BFA3–CF1β interaction, suggesting a coevolutionary relationship between BFA3 and CF1β. BFA3 appears to function as a molecular chaperone that transiently associates with unassembled CF1β at its catalytic site and facilitates subsequent association with CF1α during assembly of the CF1 subcomplex of chloroplast ATP synthase.
Who is your ideal mentor? An exploratory study of mentor prototypes
Authors: Bailey Sarah Frances , Voyles Elora C , Finkelstein Lisa , Matarazzo Kristina
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– One of the main aspects of a mentoring relationship involves the expectations that mentees have of an ideal mentor. However, the traits that mentees envision in an ideal mentor are unclear. The purpose of this paper is to present series of studies examined mentees’ ideas about their ideal mentor’s physical characteristics and mentoring functions. The authors also examined gender and racial (white/nonwhite) differences in ideal mentor preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

– The two studies examined what mentees envision when they picture their ideal mentor, and whether the ideal mentor prototypes varied by participants’ ethnicity and gender. Study 2 further examined mentees’ ideal mentor characteristics in a forced choice ranking scale and the ideal mentor scale (Rose, 2003).

Findings

– When asked to describe their ideal mentor’s appearance, participants provided detailed descriptions of the ideal mentor’s features. They also emphasized mentoring characteristics and behaviors, such as guidance. Participants’ preferences for their ideal mentor’s gender and race varied by the question format (open-ended description vs scale).When asked to envision their ideal mentor (Study 2), participants emphasized guidance, interpersonal warmth, and ethical integrity. Other mentoring characteristics and behaviors emerged in the content coding framework. Prototypes of the ideal mentors varied based on ethnicity and gender, but also on how the question was presented.

Originality/value

– These findings suggest that the ideal mentor prototype involves guidance, understanding, and role modeling ethical values. Like other organizational roles (i.e. leaders), awareness of these traits informs how employees view mentors and what they expect from mentoring relationships. Facilitators of mentoring programs can consider the ideal mentor prototype during the matching process and the initial stages of the mentoring relationship.
International licensing revisited: the role of copyright and trademark enforcement strength
Authors: Papageorgiadis Nikolaos , Alexiou Constantinos , Nellis Joseph G
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the instrumental role that copyright and trademark enforcement strength plays in stimulating licensing flows in 21 countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– In so doing, panel data methodology serves as the empirical platform upon which the investigation between the trademark and copyright enforcement strength levels of 21 countries and the choice between unaffiliated and affiliated licensing of US firms for the period 1998-2011 is conducted.

Findings

– The evidence suggests that both copyright and trademark enforcement strength have a highly significant effect on licensing and, more specifically, that stronger levels of enforcement stimulate higher levels of unaffiliated licensing.

Originality/value

– The authors use the two longitudinal indices of copyright and trademark enforcement strength which capture the effectiveness and efficiency with which copyrights and trademarks are enforced in 21 countries.
The co-creation of multi-agent social innovations
Authors: Windrum Paul , Schartinger Doris , Rubalcaba Luis , Gallouj Faiz , Toivonen Marja
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The research fields of service innovation and social innovation have, until now, been largely disconnected. At the most basic level, a great many social innovations are services, often public sector services with social entrepreneurs organizing and delivering service innovations. As well as this overlap in the focus of research, scholars in both research fields address socio-economic concerns using multidisciplinary perspectives. The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework that can bridge the two research fields.

Design/methodology/approach

– Inter-linkages between service and social innovation are shown by identifying research areas in which both find a joint heuristic field. This approach has been illustrated in a set of case studies in the health sector in Europe.

Findings

– The bridge between social innovation and service innovation research can be built when social innovation is examined through a multi-agent framework. The authors focus on social innovations where the co-creation of novel services is guided by the prominent position taken by citizens, social entrepreneurs or third sector organizations (NGOs or charities) in the innovation process. Of particular interest are the ways in which the interests of individual users and citizens are “represented” by third sector organizations.

Practical implications

– The case study of the Austrian nationwide public access defibrillation programme provides an exemplar of the process of co-creation by which this social innovation was developed, implemented and sustained. Here the Austrian Red Cross acted on behalf of citizens, organizing an innovation network capable of creating both the demand and the supply side of a sustainable market for the production and safe application of portable automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in Austria. This process involved, first, raising public awareness of the need for portable defibrillators and acting as a user representative when inducing changes in the design of portable AEDs. Later, there was the institutionalization of AED training in every first aid training in Austria, work with local manufacturers to produce this device, and with large user organizations to install AEDs on their premises.

Originality/value

– The paper develops multi-agent model of innovation that enables one to synthesize key concepts in social and service innovation literatures and, thereby, examine the dynamics of invention and diffusion of social innovations.
A study of relationships between parents’ and teachers’ demographic factors and their judgments about children’s activities and school readiness in primary schools of Tehran
Authors: Kakia Lida , Popov Habil  Nikolay , Arani Abbas Madandar
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The paper describes the relationship between parents’ and teachers’ demographic factors and their judgments about children’s activities and school readiness in primary schools of Tehran. The purpose of this paper is to determine: first, the relationship between the child’s gender and the frequency of parent-child activities; second, the relationship between the parent’s gender, age and educational level and the frequency of parent-child activities; and third, the relationship between the teacher’s gender, educational level and length of service with rate of frequency of the child’s school readiness.

Design/methodology/approach

– Multi-stage Cluster Sampling was used to select samples, and the research instruments (questionnaires) were distributed among 36 first grade teachers and 756 parents.

Findings

– The study found that there were significant gender differences in hands-on activities. With regards to the parent’s age and gender, there were significant differences only in hands-on activities, while, with respect to the educational level of fathers and mothers, there were significant differences in both hands-on and community activities among children. Finally, the finding indicated that there was a significant relationship between children’s skills and the teacher’s gender and length of service.

Originality/value

– Although the research findings are consistent with the reality of Iranian families, more research is needed relating the types of activities in which parents and children engage.
Who lives longer? Startups vs spinoffs founded as proprietorships
Authors: Furlan Andrea
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– Studies on spinoffs neglect firms founded by single individuals (i.e. proprietorships) thus overlooking a large portion of new ventures. Moreover, scholars usually do not consider the effect of the rank, and the amount, of founder’s working experience on spinoff’s survival. The purpose of this paper is to analyze a sample of 3,456 Italian manufacturing proprietorships.

Design/methodology/approach

– Out of an initial population of some 6,000 firms, the authors obtained a sample of 3,456 usable records with complete information about new ventures and founders’ background. The authors relied on the class of methods known as “proportional hazard models” to perform survival analyses.

Findings

– Analyses show that spinoffs from surviving parents outlive other startups. Surprisingly, spinoffs from high-ranked positions have comparable hazard rates than other startups while spinoffs from low-ranked positions have lower hazard rates than other startups. Finally, industry-specific working experience has a curvilinear inverted U-shape effect on spinoffs’ survival.

Originality/value

– The present study contributes to the debate on spinoffs’ survival and bears important ramifications into the relationship between knowledge inheritance and entrepreneurial dynamic capabilities. It is also helpful in informing public policies aimed at encouraging entrepreneurial activities in the form of new proprietorships.
Efficiency, internationalization and market positioning in textiles fast fashion
Authors: de Jorge Moreno Justo , Carrasco Oscar Rojas
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the competitive position of the company Inditex in the period 1990-2013 as a case study, identified by academics and professionals as a successful company. The analysis has focussed on the comparison of Inditex with its competitive environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology used to achieve the objectives was: data envelopment analysis for the analysis of efficiency and for the second the Tobit regression to determine the factors explaining efficiency. The authors have used additional methodologies such as social networks or cluster analysis.

Findings

– The individual company analysis reveals that the average efficiency level by years for the period 1990-2013, is relatively high 88.8 percent. The determinants of efficiency have been; the resources of the company in terms of assets whose relationship with is U-shaped curvilinear, where the minimum value (trend change) is produced between years 2002 and 2003. The degree of internationalization of the firm, is positively related to efficiency. As the company increases its expansion, experience and skills, increases efficiency. Finally, the effect of liberalization of textile trade in 2005 had no influence on the efficiency levels.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitations involving the methodology, in terms of representativeness, possible generalizations and type of secondary information used, can be offset by the ability to provide good vision and establish alternatives for possible studies.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the fast-fashion retail industry literature by emphasizing the importance of the case study.
Determinants of risk disclosure compliance in Malawi: a mixed-method approach
Authors: Tauringana Venancio , Chithambo Lyton
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate compliance with risk disclosure requirements under International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 7 by Malawian Stock Exchange-listed companies over a three-year period. Specifically, the paper examines the extent and determinants of risk disclosure compliance with IFRS 7.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study uses a mixed-method approach. The quantitative approach employs the research index methodology and uses panel data regression analysis to examine the relationship between proportion of non-executive directors (NEDs), size, gearing and profitability and the extent of risk disclosure compliance. The results of the panel data regression analysis are triangulated by the qualitative research approach in the form of personal interviews with company managers.

Findings

– The results indicate that over the three years, the extent of compliance with IFRS 7 is, on average, 40 per cent which is very low. The regression results suggest that NEDs, size and gearing are significantly and positively associated with the extent of risk disclosure compliance under IFRS 7. The results of qualitative approach are mixed since some support and whilst others contradict the regression results.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample size is very small which may affect the generalisability of the study.

Originality/value

– The use of a mixed-methods approach to examine the determinants of risk disclosure compliance provides additional insights not provided in prior studies. The contradicting results suggest that more research using the mixed approach is required to provide more robust evidence of the determinants of risk disclosure compliance.
Age‐Related Vulnerability to Lethal Craniocerebral Crush Injuries from Electrical Beds/Tables
Authors: Byard Roger W. , Herbst Jonathon , Langlois Neil E.I.
Published: April 2016

Vulnerability to accidents characterizes the extremes of life for reasons that may be similar in each age group. Two cases are reported to demonstrate increased risks of entrapment and crushing injury involving the use of electrically controlled beds/tables. Case 1: A frail 98‐year‐old woman with a history of dementia suffered a lethal crush injury to her head when she fell out of bed and accidentally activated its lowering mechanism. Case 2: An 18‐month‐old girl suffered a lethal crush injury to her head when she became trapped under a lowered electric massage table. Common devices may be dangerous if individuals do not have the mental or physical capabilities to deal with them. The forensic assessment of such deaths involves an evaluation of the neurocognitive level and physical strength of the decedent as documented in previous clinical assessments, in addition to a careful examination of the structure and function of the bed/table.
Equity Value as a Function of (eps1, eps2, dps1, bvps, beta): Concepts and Realities
Authors: Ohlson James , Johannesson Erik
Published: April 2016

This paper examines three basic equity valuation concepts: (1) residual income valuation (RIV); (2) in the spirit of Miller‐Modigliani, the irrelevance of a firm's dividend payout policy; (3) betas/CAPM, to quantify risk and capitalization factors. As a first cut, results show that RIV, concept (1), lacks empirical support while in contrast concepts (2) and (3) hold up reasonably well. To address (2) and (3) we develop a model where earnings and earnings growth determine value. This model supplants RIV because of its greater intuitive appeal and empirical support. A linear function of eps1, eps2, dps1 maps into stock prices and theory specifies the coefficients’ admissible magnitudes. Both the concepts of dividend payout irrelevance and risk (cost‐of‐equity per CAPM) restrict the coefficients. Bvps is value‐irrelevant, in both the analytical and empirical analyses. The latter can be viewed as a case study; it considers S&P500 firms at two points in time, and the data was hand‐collected in real time from a public website (Yahoo!Finance). This scheme ensures perfectly synchronized data and it usefully provides not only consensus forecasts but also real time betas. Overall, the paper contributes by developing valuation concepts and by showing how these can be evaluated empirically.
Valuation: Accounting for Risk and the Expected Return
Authors: Penman Stephen
Published: April 2016

Under accounting principles, the recognition of earnings is path‐dependent and the path depends on risk and its resolution: under the so‐called realization principle, earnings are not booked until uncertainty is resolved. In asset pricing terms, the principle means that earnings cannot be recognized until the firm can book a low‐beta asset such as cash or a near‐cash discounted receivable. If the risk to which this accounting responds is priced risk, the accounting indicates the expected return. This paper connects accounting under this principle to risk and return, summarizes the supporting empirical evidence, and examines the implications for research on the implied cost of capital, cash‐flow betas, asset pricing models that imbed accounting numbers, and papers that assume an autoregressive model for the earnings path to infer the expected return. The accounting that captures risk and its resolution also has implications for the unsolved issue of specifying the appropriate accounting for accounting‐based valuation models and, indeed, for financial accounting standards.
A Structural Accounting Framework for Estimating the Expected Rate of Return on Equity
Authors: Christodoulou Demetris , Clubb Colin , Mcleay Stuart
Published: April 2016

This paper shows how the expected rate of return (ERR) on equity may be estimated using only published accounting results, based on the information dynamics of reported earnings. As accounting‐based valuation models conditional upon financial statement articulation lead to a rank deficient system of estimating equations, the paper introduces a nonlinear constraint on the articulation that allows the information system simultaneously to produce an estimate for the ERR by iteration, together with predictions for the key clean surplus forecasts of net earnings, net dividend, and the book value of equity. Further decomposition produces estimates of expected capital gain, expected earnings, and the expected change in equity book value, and by rearrangement, the expected change in unrecorded goodwill. The clean surplus relation is maintained in the forecast variables. Exploratory data methods are used to examine the nonlinear relationship between components of the accounting‐based ERR and realized stock returns. Findings show that realized returns are higher (lower) than estimated ERR in expansionary (recessionary) periods, with evidence of a stronger returns impact in recessionary periods. For the large majority of firms, realized returns revert to the estimated ERR, and the time‐varying accounting components are strongly related to future realized stock returns, consistent with time variation in the ERR around a long‐run average. Predicted earnings and dividends provide useful additional information on short‐run variations in the ERR.
Diagnostics to Evaluate Cost of Capital Measures. Discussion of Christodoulou et al.
Authors: Bertomeu Jeremy
Published: April 2016

Christodoulou et al. () develop measures of the cost of equity capital that require only accounting inputs, using as an identification strategy the linear information dynamics of Feltham and Ohlson (). I propose to test these measures by evaluating the predictability of innovations to abnormal earnings using various predetermined variables. The over‐identifying restrictions of this model require these innovations not to be predictable. Using a generalized model, I observe that the estimated measures are probably too low. I conjecture that this anomaly, which occurs jointly with a positive drift in abnormal earnings, is caused by the omission of economic assets such as intangibles.
Does at‐home bleaching induce systemic oxidative stress in healthy subjects?
Authors: Akbari M , Nejat AH , Farkhondeh N , Mehraban Moghadam S , Hashemy SI , Mohammadipour HS
Published: April 2016

Background

At‐home bleaching is a technique characterized by the use of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as a tooth‐whitening agent. However, no data exist regarding systemic safety of this technique. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of at‐home bleaching on serum redox homeostasis.

Methods

Twenty‐nine healthy volunteers who requested tooth‐whitening participated in this study. Specified bleaching trays were fabricated for the maxilla and mandible arches. Each participant was given two syringes containing 9% hydrogen peroxide gel to use for 30 min/night for 14 nights consecutively. To evaluate the redox status, the serum concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and pro‐oxidant–antioxidant balance (PAB) were measured. Blood samples were obtained in the morning prior to initiation of study and the morning after expiration of the bleaching period. The collected data were analyzed using Student's t‐test with 95% confidence interval.

Results

Twenty‐three subjects completed the study. MDA, PAB and TAC were significantly increased after the bleaching period (P = 0.001, 0.001 and 0.002, respectively).

Conclusions

At‐home bleaching revealed the potential to disturb oxidant–antioxidant balance and induce oxidative stress. Its clinical relevance is unfavourable and potential side‐effects of at‐home bleaching should be considered.
Fuels and landscape flammability in an Australian alpine environment
Authors: Fraser Imogen P. , Williams Richard J. , Murphy Brett P. , Camac James S. , Vesk Peter A.
Published: April 2016

Factors governing landscape‐scale flammability are poorly understood, yet critical to managing fire regimes. Studies of the extent and severity of the 2003 Australian alpine fires revealed marked differences in flammability between major alpine plant communities, with the occurrence and severity of fire greater in heathland compared to grassland. To understand this spatial variation in landscape flammability, we documented variation in two physical properties of fuel – load and bulk density – at the life‐form and plant community scale. We measured the load (mass per unit area) and bulk density (mass per unit volume) of fine fuels (<6 mm) at 56 sites across the Bogong High Plains, southeastern Australia. Fine fuel load was positively correlated with shrub cover, and fine fuel bulk density was negatively correlated with shrub cover. Furthermore, fine fuel load and bulk density were accurately predicted using simple measures of canopy height and shrub cover. We also conducted a burning experiment on individual shrubs and snowgrass (Poa spp.) patches to assess comparative differences in flammability between these life‐forms. The burning experiment revealed that shrubs were more flammable than snowgrass as measured by a range of flammability variables. Consequently, our results indicate that treeless alpine landscapes of southeastern Australia are differentially flammable because of inherent life‐form differences in both fine fuel load and bulk density. If shrub cover increases in these alpine landscapes, as projected under climate change, then they are likely to become more flammable and may experience more frequent and/or severe fires.
Does waiting after peri‐prostatic nerve block reduce pain during transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Du Jason , Johnston James , Studd Rodney
Published: April 2016

Background

To determine if a short, clinically sufficient and manageable time delay after peri‐prostatic nerve block (PNB) reduces pain during transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)‐guided prostate biopsy.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. All patients who underwent TRUS‐guided prostate biopsy between February and June 2014 were randomized into waiting or control groups. All biopsies were performed by senior registrars with the same PNB technique. Patients in the waiting group waited 5 min after PNB prior to biopsies. Those in the control group did not. Patients were then asked to complete a questionnaire regarding pain associated with different parts of the procedure and their degree of anxiety using a 10‐cm, validated visual analogue scale. Mann–Whitney U tests were performed on the pain and anxiety scores and analysis of variance was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software.

Results

A total of 92 patients were randomized to 39 in the waiting group and 53 in the control group. Mean overall pain scores were 2.85 and 2.66 (P = 0.626) for the waiting and control groups, respectively. The mean pain scores from probe insertion, biopsy, before leaving the department and mean anxiety scores were similar between the two groups and did not reach statistical significance. Analysis of variance showed that irrespective of group and age, increasing anxiety is associated with an increase in overall pain score (P < 0.0005).

Conclusion

Waiting 5 min after PNB did not reduce pain in men undergoing TRUS‐guided prostate biopsy.
The Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Antagonist Capsazepine Improves the Impaired Lung Mechanics during Endotoxemia
Authors: Cabral Layla D. M. , Giusti‐Paiva Alexandre
Published: April 2016

Acute lung injury (ALI) caused by systemic inflammatory response remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Management of patients with sepsis is largely limited to supportive therapies, reflecting an incomplete understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. Furthermore, there have been limited advances in the treatments for ALI. In this study, lung function and a histological analysis were performed to evaluate the impact of transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 receptor (TRPV1) antagonist (capsazepine; CPZ) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced lung injury in mice. For this, adult mice pre‐treated with CPZ or vehicle received intraperitoneal injections of LPS or saline and 24 hr after, the mice were anaesthetized, and lung mechanics was evaluated. The LPS‐challenged mice exhibited substantial mechanical impairment, characterized by increases in respiratory system resistance, respiratory system elastance, tissue damping and tissue elastance. The pre‐treatment with CPZ prevented the increase in respiratory system resistance and decreased the increase in tissue damping during endotoxemia. In addition, mice pre‐treated with CPZ had an attenuated lung injury evidenced by reduction on collapsed area of the lung parenchyma induced by LPS. This suggests that the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine has a protective effect on lung mechanics in ALI during endotoxemia and that it may be a target for enhanced therapeutic efficacy in ALI.
Understanding of Goals, Beliefs, and Desires Predicts Morally Relevant Theory of Mind: A Longitudinal Investigation
Authors: Sodian Beate , Licata Maria , Kristen‐Antonow Susanne , Paulus Markus , Killen Melanie , Woodward Amanda
Published: April 2016

Developmental continuity between infants’ understanding of intentional agency (goals, beliefs, and desires) and young children's attributions of moral intentions were studied in a 4‐year longitudinal study (N = 77 children). First, goal encoding at the age of 7 months and implicit false belief understanding at 18 months were predictive of children's understanding of an accidental transgressor's moral intentions at the age of 5 years. Second, 24‐month‐olds’ understanding of subjective desires was predictive of children's ability to understand an accidental transgressor's false belief at 5 years. These correlations remained significant when controlling for gender and verbal IQ. These findings support the theory that an early understanding of intentional agency is foundational for moral cognition in childhood.
Strengths of caregivers raising a child with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Authors: Kapasi Aamena , Brown Jason
Published: April 2016

Birth, foster and adoptive parents raising a child with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder know their children best and are well positioned to inform professionals how to help alcohol‐affected children. Telephone interviews with 32 parents were conducted to explore strengths of caregivers raising a child with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and responses analyzed using concept mapping methodology. Four themes emerged from 74 unique responses: ‘change parenting strategy for different children’, ‘use non‐verbal, sensory and physical strategies’, ‘stay patient and understanding’ and ‘locate and maintain external supports’. Results were compared and contrasted with the existing literature. Although many responses were consistent with the literature, strengths previously unreported by caregivers in the literature included cultural practices, communication, generalizability of skills, soothing music and use of a service dog.
Assessing children at risk: organizational and professional conditions within children's hospitals
Authors: Svärd Veronica
Published: April 2016

According to the Swedish Social Services Act, all health personnel are required to report children whom they suspect are subject to maltreatment. This paper describes the organizational and professional conditions in four Swedish children's hospitals regarding the reporting process. Specifically, the study focused on knowledge of risk to children, legal frameworks and the perceptions of organizational support and explored the differences between the hospitals and professional groups. The method used was a quantitative questionnaire, and 295 personnel responded. Hospitals differed in the level of organizational support offered to staff. Importantly, the professional groups showed different levels of knowledge and awareness about structures supporting their reporting obligations, with nurses and nurse assistants showing a lower level of awareness than physicians and hospital social workers. The paper argues that all professional groups need to have equal access to education, with the opportunity to become more involved in the assessment and reporting process and to strengthen multidisciplinary structures. Further, this would reduce risk, dispel the perception that work with children is ‘dirty work’ and counter strategies of avoidance among some professionals.
Resistance to hypertension and high Cl− excretion in humans with SLC26A4 mutations
Authors: Kim B.G. , Yoo T.‐H. , Yoo J.‐E. , Seo Y.J. , Jung J. , Choi J.Y.
Published: April 2016

Pendrin is a membrane transporter encoded by solute carrier family26A4 (SLC26A4). Mutations in this gene are known to cause hearing loss, and recent data from animal studies indicate a link between pendrin expression and hypertension; although, this association in humans is unclear. To clarify this issue, we investigated the influence of pendrin on blood pressure by analyzing demographic and biochemical data – including blood pressure and urinary electrolyte excretion – in patients with bi‐allelic SLC26A4 mutations. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and the left ventricular hypertrophy index were lower in subjects with pendrin mutations than in controls. In addition, fractional excretion of Na+ and Cl− was increased and serum renin, angiotensin I and II levels were higher in subjects with pendrin mutations as compared to controls. Thus, patients with impaired pendrin function are likely to be resistant to high blood pressure due to enhanced urinary Na+/Cl− excretion. These results suggest that pendrin may regulate blood pressure through increased urinary salt excretion.
Magnitude knowledge: the common core of numerical development
Authors: Siegler Robert S.
Published: April 2016

The integrated theory of numerical development posits that a central theme of numerical development from infancy to adulthood is progressive broadening of the types and ranges of numbers whose magnitudes are accurately represented. The process includes four overlapping trends: (1) representing increasingly precisely the magnitudes of non‐symbolic numbers, (2) connecting small symbolic numbers to their non‐symbolic referents, (3) extending understanding from smaller to larger whole numbers, and (4) accurately representing the magnitudes of rational numbers. The present review identifies substantial commonalities, as well as differences, in these four aspects of numerical development. With both whole and rational numbers, numerical magnitude knowledge is concurrently correlated with, longitudinally predictive of, and causally related to multiple aspects of mathematical understanding, including arithmetic and overall math achievement. Moreover, interventions focused on increasing numerical magnitude knowledge often generalize to other aspects of mathematics. The cognitive processes of association and analogy seem to play especially large roles in this development. Thus, acquisition of numerical magnitude knowledge can be seen as the common core of numerical development.
Endothelin receptor blockers reduce shunting and angiogenesis in cirrhotic rats
Authors: Hsu Shao‐Jung , Lin Te‐Yueh , Wang Sun‐Sang , Chuang Chiao‐Lin , Lee Fa‐Yauh , Huang Hui‐Chun , Hsin I‐Fang , Lee Jing‐Yi , Lin Han‐Chieh , Lee Shou‐Dong
Published: April 2016

Background

Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in splanchnic hyperaemia and portosystemic collateral formation in cirrhosis. Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), an endothelium‐derived vasoconstrictor, has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Design

This study aimed to survey the influences of ET‐1 in cirrhosis‐related angiogenesis. Common bile duct ligation was performed on Spraque–Dawley rats to induce cirrhosis. Since the 14th day after the operation, rats randomly received distilled water (DW, control), bosentan [a nonselective ET receptor (ETR) blocker] or ambrisentan (a selective ETAR blocker) for 4 weeks. On the 43rd day, portal and systemic haemodynamics, liver biochemistry, portosystemic shunting degree, mesenteric vascular density, mRNA and/or protein expressions of relevant angiogenic factors were evaluated.

Results

In cirrhotic rats, bosentan significantly reduced portal pressure. Ambrisentan did not influence haemodynamics and liver biochemistry. Both of them significantly improved the severity of portosystemic collaterals and decreased the mesenteric vascular density. Compared with the DW‐treated cirrhotic rats, splenorenal shunt and mesenteric inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA expressions and mesenteric iNOS, COX2, VEGF, phospho‐VEGF receptor 2, Akt and phospho‐Akt protein expressions were down‐regulated in both groups.

Conclusions

In rats with liver cirrhosis, both nonselective and selective ETAR blockade ameliorate the severity of portosystemic shunting and mesenteric angiogenesis via the down‐regulation of VEGF pathway and relevant angiogenic factors. ET receptors may be targeted to control the severity of portosystemic collaterals and associated complications in cirrhosis.
Crystal structure and identification of a key amino acid for glucose tolerance, substrate specificity, and transglycosylation activity of metagenomic β‐glucosidase Td2F2
Authors: Matsuzawa Tomohiko , Jo Toshinori , Uchiyama Taku , Manninen Jenny A. , Arakawa Takatoshi , Miyazaki Kentaro , Fushinobu Shinya , Yaoi Katsuro
Published: April 2016

β‐Glucosidase Td2F2 isolated from a compost metagenome has high glucose tolerance and transglycosylation activity. In this study, we determined the high‐resolution crystal structure of Td2F2. It has a unique structure at the −1 subsite that is important for substrate specificity but not for glucose tolerance. To elucidate the mechanism(s) of glucose tolerance, we isolated a glucose‐sensitive Td2F2 mutant using random mutagenesis. In this mutant, Asn223 residue located between subsites +1 and +2 was mutated. The Asn223 mutation resulted in reduced glucose tolerance and transglycosylation activity, and drastically changed substrate specificity. These results indicate that the structure between subsites +1 and +2 is critical for the glucose tolerance and substrate specificity of Td2F2. Our findings shed light on the glucose tolerance and transglycosylation activity mechanisms of glycoside hydrolase family 1 β‐glucosidases.

Database

The atomic coordinates and structure factors (codes 3WH5, 3WH6, 3WH8, 3WH7, 5AYB, and 5AYI) have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (http://wwpdb.org/).
Carbon isotope discrimination in leaves of the broad‐leaved paperbark tree, Melaleuca quinquenervia, as a tool for quantifying past tropical and subtropical rainfall
Authors: Tibby John , Barr Cameron , McInerney Francesca A. , Henderson Andrew C. G. , Leng Melanie J. , Greenway Margaret , Marshall Jonathan C. , McGregor Glenn B. , Tyler Jonathan J. , McNeil Vivienne
Published: April 2016

Quantitative reconstructions of terrestrial climate are highly sought after but rare, particularly in Australia. Carbon isotope discrimination in plant leaves (Δleaf) is an established indicator of past hydroclimate because the fractionation of carbon isotopes during photosynthesis is strongly influenced by water stress. Leaves of the evergreen tree Melaleuca quinquenervia have been recovered from the sediments of some perched lakes on North Stradbroke and Fraser Islands, south‐east Queensland, eastern Australia. Here, we examine the potential for using M. quinquenervia ∆leaf as a tracer of past rainfall by analysing carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) of modern leaves. We firstly assess Δleaf variation at the leaf and stand scale and find no systematic pattern within leaves or between leaves due to their position on the tree. We then examine the relationships between climate and Δleaf for a 11‐year time series of leaves collected in a litter tray. M. quinquenervia retains its leaves for 1–4 years; thus, cumulative average climate data are used. There is a significant relationship between annual mean ∆leaf and mean annual rainfall of the hydrological year for 1–4 years (i.e. 365–1460 days) prior to leaf fall (r2 = 0.64, P = 0.003, n = 11). This relationship is marginally improved by accounting for the effect of pCO2 on discrimination (r2 = 0.67, P = 0.002, n = 11). The correlation between rainfall and Δleaf, and the natural distribution of Melaleuca quinquenervia around wetlands of eastern Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia offers significant potential to infer past rainfall on a wide range of spatial and temporal scales.
Triptans for Acute Migraine Headache: Current Experience With Triptan Use and Prescription Habits in a Tertiary Care Headache Outpatient Clinic: An Observational Study
Authors: Fischer Marlene , Frank Florian , Wille Georg , Klien Stephanie , Lackner Peter , Broessner Gregor
Published: April 2016

Background

Triptans are recommended as first‐line therapy in the acute phase of a migraine attack. We describe patterns of triptan use in a tertiary care headache outpatient clinic, particularly addressing factors that are associated with triptan discontinuation.

Methods

From December 2009 until August 2012, demographic and clinical data of consecutive patients with migraine were collected. The Headache Impact Test (HIT‐6) was used to measure the adverse impact of headaches. Factors associated with triptan discontinuation were analyzed using binary logistic regression.

Results

Of 511 migraine patients included, 73.2% (n = 374) were triptan naïve on first consultation. At follow‐up, 57.1% of new triptan users (n = 72/126) reported pain‐freedom or pain relief after 2 hours, 40.5% (n = 51/126) did not refill their triptan, another 15.1% (n = 19/126) switched to a different type of triptan. Negative response to triptan treatment and substantial or severe headache impact (HIT‐6 score ≥56) at first follow‐up were associated with triptan discontinuation (OR 0.39 [95% CI 0.20—0.78], P = .007; OR 3.33 [95% CI 1.10–10.03], P = .033).

Conclusions

Although triptans have been in clinical use for more than two decades, many migraine sufferers in our study population were found to be triptan naïve on first consultation. The HIT‐6 score may be used as an indicator of triptan adherence and help to identify patients at risk for triptan discontinuation.
Novel Bioactive Materials Derived by Bioglass: Glass‐Ceramic A‐W and Surface‐Modified Ti Metal
Authors: Kokubo Tadashi , Yamaguchi Seiji
Published: April 2016

It is shown in this study how bioactive glass‐ceramic A‐W with a high mechanical strength and bioactive surface‐modified Ti metal with a high fracture toughness was derived from Bioglass®. Glass‐ceramic A‐W precipitating apatite and wollastonite was obtained by crystallization of a glass of a modified composition of Bioglass®. The resultant product showed a higher mechanical strength than human cortical bone, as well as bone‐bonding ability. It was clinically used for various kinds of bone substitute such as artificial vertebrae and iliac crest. However, its fracture toughness is not so high as that of human cortical bone. By examining bone‐bonding mechanism of Bioglass® and glass‐ceramic A‐W, it was found that a material capable of forming bonelike apatite on its surface in the living body bonds to living bone through the apatite layer. The apatite formation on a material in the living body can be evaluated even in a simulated body fluid in vitro. On the basis of these findings, a Ti metal with high fracture toughness was conferred bone‐bonding ability by surface modification with simple chemical and heat treatments. The resultant products are in clinical use for an artificial hip joint and spinal fusion devices.
Association of TIM‐1 5383‐5397ins/del and TIM‐3 ‐1541C>T polymorphisms with multiple sclerosis in Isfahan population
Authors: Mazrouei F. , Ganjalikhani‐Hakemi M. , Salehi R. , Alesahebfosoul F. , Etemadifar M. , Pouladian M. , Meshkat R. , Nekoueian Sh. , Zarkesh‐Esfahani H. , Ziyaee‐Ghahnaviyeh M.
Published: April 2016

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an organ‐specific autoimmune disease in central nervous system, affecting about 2.5 million people around the world. Probable involvement of two newly identified immunoregulator molecules, TIM‐1 and TIM‐3, has been reported in autoimmune diseases. In this study, for the first time, the association of TIM‐1 5383‐5397ins/del and TIM‐3 ‐1541C>T polymorphisms with MS in an Iranian population was considered. The results of our study showed that there is no significant association between TIM‐1 5383‐5397ins/del and MS (P = 0.38); however, the frequency of CT genotype of TIM‐3 ‐1541C>T in patient group was significantly higher than the control group, and there was a significant association between CT genotype and MS (P = 0.009, OR = 4.08).
The Impact of Elevated Left Atrial Pressure in Sinus Rhythm After Cardioversion on Outcomes After Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: KISHIMA HIDEYUKI , MINE TAKANAO , TAKAHASHI SATOSHI , ASHIDA KENKI , ISHIHARA MASAHARU , MASUYAMA TOHRU
Published: April 2016

Sustained Pressure Overload of the Left Atrium in Sinus Rhythm

Introduction

Some patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) exhibit elevated left atrial pressure (LAP) in sinus rhythm (SR). The aim of the study was to investigate whether LAP changes between SR and AF are associated with outcomes after catheter ablation (CA) for AF.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively studied 110 patients (70 men, 66 ± 8 years, 37 with non‐paroxysmal AF) who underwent CA of AF. In all patients, AF was induced by programmed stimulation and then terminated with cardioversion during CA. LAP was measured in SR and AF. The LAPSR‐AF was defined as the difference between mean LAP in SR and mean LAP in AF (mean LAPSR – mean LAPAF). Recurrence of AF after CA was detected in 37/110 patients (33.6%) during the follow‐up period (13 ± 5 months). Univariate analysis revealed higher LAPSR‐AF, larger left atrial diameter, and persistent AF (PeAF) as significant variables. On multivariate analysis, higher LAPSR‐AF and PeAF were independently associated with recurrence of AF after CA. All patients were divided into the non‐elevated LAPSR‐AF group (LAPSR‐AF <0 mmHg) or the elevated LAPSR‐AF group (LAPSR‐AF ≥0 mmHg) using the optimal cut‐off value of LAPSR‐AF. During a mean follow‐up period of 13 ± 5 months, the AF recurrence ratio was higher in the elevated LAPSR‐AF group than in the non‐elevated LAPSR‐AF group (20/42 patients, 48% vs. 17/68 patients, 25%, log‐rank, P = 0.0306).

Conclusion

Elevated LAP after cardioversion is associated with poor outcome after CA of AF. Sustained pressure overload of the LA in SR could be a cause of the recurrent AF.