bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning by hiring or hiring to avoid learning?
Authors: Tzabbar Daniel , Silverman Brian S. , Aharonson Barak S.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to advance the understanding of the mechanisms associated with learning-by-hiring.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors built a yearly dyad data structure of all of the hiring and sourcing firms in the US biotechnology sector between 1973 and 1999.

Findings

– The authors found that hiring firm’s learning from a prior employer’s knowledge is limited in scope to the knowledge developed by the newly hired inventor, and could be attributed to new hire direct involvement. Learning from new recruit occurred only when incumbent inventors collaborate intensively with the hired inventor. Accordingly, what might seem like learning-by-hiring may result in hiring to avoid learning, unless the organization creates the social structures that facilitate the exchange of knowledge within and throughout the organization.

Practical implications

– The results, thus, highlight the importance of aligning a firm’s social environment with its strategic goal to learn from its external competitors.

Social implications

– Recruitment is one means by which organizations can interact with and learn from their external environment. Incumbent inventors are more likely to learn from hired inventor knowledge through the development of a collaborative social culture that facilitates communication and trust in the process of transferring knowledge among individuals. The results, thus, highlight the importance of aligning a firm’s internal environment with its strategic goal to learn from its external competitors.

Originality/value

– The authors suggest that access to new knowledge bases through hiring is not sufficient for learning purposes; internalizing a new hire’s knowledge also requires the internal mechanisms, structures, and cultures that motivate knowledge sharing and promote mutual trust.
Image calibration and analysis toolbox – a free software suite for objectively measuring reflectance, colour and pattern
Authors: Troscianko Jolyon , Stevens Martin
Published: July 2015

Quantitative measurements of colour, pattern and morphology are vital to a growing range of disciplines. Digital cameras are readily available and already widely used for making these measurements, having numerous advantages over other techniques, such as spectrometry. However, off‐the‐shelf consumer cameras are designed to produce images for human viewing, meaning that their uncalibrated photographs cannot be used for making reliable, quantitative measurements. Many studies still fail to appreciate this, and of those scientists who are aware of such issues, many are hindered by a lack of usable tools for making objective measurements from photographs.

We have developed an image processing toolbox that generates images that are linear with respect to radiance from the RAW files of numerous camera brands and can combine image channels from multispectral cameras, including additional ultraviolet photographs. Images are then normalised using one or more grey standards to control for lighting conditions. This enables objective measures of reflectance and colour using a wide range of consumer cameras. Furthermore, if the camera's spectral sensitivities are known, the software can convert images to correspond to the visual system (cone‐catch values) of a wide range of animals, enabling human and non‐human visual systems to be modelled. The toolbox also provides image analysis tools that can extract luminance (lightness), colour and pattern information. Furthermore, all processing is performed on 32‐bit floating point images rather than commonly used 8‐bit images. This increases precision and reduces the likelihood of data loss through rounding error or saturation of pixels, while also facilitating the measurement of objects with shiny or fluorescent properties.

All cameras tested using this software were found to demonstrate a linear response within each image and across a range of exposure times. Cone‐catch mapping functions were highly robust, converting images to several animal visual systems and yielding data that agreed closely with spectrometer‐based estimates.

Our imaging toolbox is freely available as an addition to the open source ImageJ software. We believe that it will considerably enhance the appropriate use of digital cameras across multiple areas of biology, in particular researchers aiming to quantify animal and plant visual signals.
Impact of the radius of the injector system on the cell viability in descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty: an ex vivo experimental study
Authors: Yoeruek Efdal , Bartz‐Schmidt Karl‐Ulrich , Hofmann Johanna
Published: July 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of the radius of the injector system on the viability of the endothelial cells in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

Methods

Descemet membranes (DMs) of 30 corneoscleral rims were used in a paired design and divided into three groups (A, B, C). The right corneas were used as control (without shooting through the injector after DM preparation) and the left cornea for simulation of the implantation step (shooting through a glass injector of different radii). The injector in Group A had a diameter of 0.5 mm, group B 0.9 mm and group C 1.4 mm. Prior to preparation, endothelial cell count was measured and endothelial cell quality assessed. Quantification of potential damage was achieved by staining with a viability bioassay (calcein acetoxymethyl and ethidium homodimer‐1) and DAPI. Apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL (terminal dUTP nick‐end labelling) staining.

Results

The average percentage of the endothelial cell death ratios was 4.9 ± 3.3% in group A (n = 5), 3.7 ± 3.7% in group B (n = 5) and 3.9 ± 3.6% in group C (n = 5) with no significant difference compared to the control. The average percentage of apoptotic endothelial cells was 0.05 ± 0.05%, 0.60 ± 0.53% and 0.15 ± 0.26% in groups A, B and C, respectively, with no significant difference compared to the control.

Conclusions

Prepared grafts for transplantation in DMEK procedures may be injected through a smaller sized injector system of up to 0.5 mm with no significant increase in cell loss. Clinical studies are necessary to draw a final conclusion.
The genetic variant rs4073 A→T of the Interleukin‐8 promoter region is associated with the earlier onset of exudative age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Hautamäki Asta , Seitsonen Sanna , Holopainen Juha M. , Moilanen Jukka A. , Kivioja Jarno , Onkamo Päivi , Järvelä Irma , Immonen Ilkka
Published: July 2015

Purpose

To study the association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4073 in the interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) promoter region with the diagnosis and age of onset of exudative age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) in association with the known genetic risk factors for AMD and tobacco smoking.

Methods

Medical records, smoking history and angiograms or fundus photographs of 301 patients with exudative AMD, 72 patients with dry AMD and 119 control subjects were analysed retrospectively. The associations of IL‐8 rs4073 A→T, CFH rs1061170 T→C, ARMS2 rs10490924 G→T and C3 rs2230199 C→G SNPs with the presence of AMD and with the age of onset of exudative AMD were analysed.

Results

Younger age of exudative AMD onset was associated with the homozygous AA genotype of IL‐8 rs4073 (p = 0.009, Mann–Whitney U‐test), CC genotype of CFH rs1061170 (p = 0.016), TT genotype of ARMS2 rs10490924 (p = 0.001) and with current smoking (p = 0.002). The risk alleles C in CFH rs1061170 (p < 0.0001, Pearson chi‐square) and T in ARMS2 rs10490924 (p < 0.0001), as well as smoking (p < 0.0001), were more prevalent in AMD patients compared with controls. No association was found between the IL‐8 rs4073 genotype and the presence of AMD.

Conclusion

Out of the factors associated with the earlier onset of exudative AMD, only the genotype of IL‐8 rs4073 did not appear as a risk factor for AMD in general. IL‐8 may have a role in accelerating the development of the choroidal neovascularization in exudative AMD.
THE IMPACT OF FOREIGN CAPITAL ON MACROECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN CENTRAL ASIA
Authors: ARAZMURADOV Annageldy
Published: July 2015

This paper investigates the short‐run impact of shocks in international capital flows channeled through foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign aid on national output and export performance in five Central Asian economies under a dynamic multivariate structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) framework. The identification of structural shocks is implemented by AB model based on IS‐LM‐BP postulates. The main message is that external capital shocks are persistent and small open economies are weak to absorb them. Overall, the aid shocks reduce national outputs, while FDI increase it, on average. The expansion of global demand (G20) leads to an increase in domestic GDPs, notably in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The impact is augmented by a positive effect of FDI on export channel (and net exports) that shift the IS curve upwards. We cannot find any significant aid‐FDI nexus in the region, except in Kazakhstan. The structural variance decomposition (SFEVD) results suggest that external flows and foreign demand together explain the bigger part of variability in domestic GDP and exports. Finally, variations in foreign capital, aid and FDI, are mainly explained by series themselves. The role of domestic activities is found to be weaker for aid and greater for FDI. The results could be attributed to rigid exchange rates, high trade dependence, and necessity for foreign capital to explore natural resources in Central Asian region. Our results provide some valuable suggestions to improve an investment climate for boosting economic growth.
Effects of different roughage sources and feeding levels on adipogenesis of ovine adipocytes
Authors: Kim Da‐Hye , Choi Ki‐Choon , Ichinohe Toshiyoshi , Song Sang‐Houn
Published: July 2015

The objective of the present study was to conduct an adipogenic evaluation of different roughage sources and feeding levels during ruminant adipocyte differentiation in vitro. Six wether sheep were divided into a timothy hay feeding group (TFG, n = 3) and an Italian ryegrass straw feeding group (IFG, n = 3). The sheep were fed high‐roughage (HR), medium roughage (MR) and low‐roughage (LR) diets in a one‐way layout design each over a 6‐day period. Sheep serum samples collected on the last day of each dietary treatment were added to an adipogenic induction medium for differentiation of preadipocytes derived from sheep subcutaneous adipose tissue. The cytoplasmic lipid accumulations in the TFG serum‐treated preadipocytes were significantly higher than those of the IFG‐serum treated preadipocytes on day 12. Messenger RNA expression of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein (C/EBP)‐α, C/EBP‐β, C/EBP‐δ, fatty‐acid‐binding protein (aP2) and stearoyl‐coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) were regulated by each serum treatment. This study shows that different roughage source diets and roughage‐to‐concentrate ratio diets can regulate adipocyte differentiation via ruminant blood composition.
Early post mortem expression of genes related to tenderization in two Italian Simmental young bulls' skeletal muscles differing in contractile type
Authors: Saccà Elena , Corazzin Mirco , Pizzutti Nicoletta , Lippe Giovanna , Piasentier Edi
Published: July 2015

The early post mortem expression of eight genes potentially involved in meat ageing process and the tenderness of two Italian Simmental young bulls' (Bos taurus) skeletal muscles differing in their contractile type were evaluated. Samples of Longissimus lumborum (LL) and Infraspinatus (IS) muscles were collected from 17 bulls. The messenger RNA (mRNA) abundances of calpain‐1, calpain‐2, calpastatin, caspase 3, caspase 9, heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27), Hsp40 and Hsp70 were detected by quantitative PCR. The myosin heavy chain‐slow and ‐fast isoform content, the pH48h and the lipid content of the muscles were in line with the contractile and metabolic type. In comparison with the fast LL, the slow IS showed a lower calpain‐1/calpastatin mRNA content ratio after slaughtering and a higher Warner‐Bratzler Initial Yield value after 7 days of ageing. Hsp27 and Hsp70 mRNA abundances were significantly lower in LL than IS, highlighting their potential role in the ageing process of bovine muscles.
Basic fibroblast growth factor is pro‐adipogenic in rat skeletal muscle progenitor clone, 2G11 cells
Authors: Nakano Shin‐ichi , Nakamura Katsuyuki , Teramoto Naomi , Yamanouchi Keitaro , Nishihara Masugi
Published: July 2015

Intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) formation is a hallmark of marbling in cattle. IMAT is considered to originate from skeletal muscle progenitor cells with adipogenic potential. However, the mechanism involved in IMAT formation from these progenitor cells in vivo remains unclear. In the present study, among the growth factors tested, which were known to be expressed in skeletal muscle, we found only basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has a pro‐adipogenic effect on skeletal muscle derived adipogenic progenitor clone, 2G11 cells. Pre‐exposure of 2G11 cells to bFGF did not affect initial gene expressions of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein (C/EBP)β and C/EBPδ, while resulting in an enhancement of subsequent expressions of C/EBPα and proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) during adipogenesis, indicating that bFGF is acting on the transcriptional regulation of C/EBPα and PPARγ. In addition, the effect of bFGF is mediated via two types of FGF receptor (FGFR) isoforms: FGFR1 and FGFR2 IIIc, and both receptors are prerequisite for bFGF to express its pro‐adipogenic effect. These results suggest that bFGF plays an important role as a key trigger of IMAT formation in vivo.
Exploring the relationship between video lecture usage patterns and students' attitudes
Authors: Giannakos Michail N. , Jaccheri Letizia , Krogstie John
Published: July 2015

Videos have enhanced the value of teaching and learning, particularly in tertiary education. Recent studies have investigated students' attitudes toward video lectures for educational purposes; however, the relationship between students' attitudes and different usage patterns such as platforms used, video duration, watching period and students' experience, is yet to be explored. To investigate potential attitudinal differences among the diverse video lectures usage patterns, the present study incorporates responses from 40 students who participated in a video‐assisted software engineering course. Our results suggest that usage patterns affect students' attitudes to video lectures as a learning tool. The overall outcomes are expected to promote theoretical development of students' attitudes, video‐platform design principles, and better and more efficient use of video lectures.
Community water fluoridation and health outcomes in England: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Young Nicholas , Newton John , Morris John , Morris Joan , Langford John , Iloya Jonathan , Edwards Diane , Makhani Semina , Verne Julia
Published: July 2015

Background

Six million people in England live in areas where the level of fluoride in water is adjusted to reduce the significant public health burden of dental caries. The dental effects of fluoride are well established, but evidence for suggested adverse health effects is limited, with a lack of rigorous small area population studies that control for confounding. This study aims to test the association between water fluoridation schemes and selected health outcomes using the best available routine data sources.

Methods

Ecological level exposure to fluoridated water was estimated for standard small areas and administrative districts in England using Geographical Information Systems and digitized boundaries based on known patterns of water supply. The association between fluoridation and dental and nondental health indicators was tested using multivariable regression models including ecological level confounding variables. Health indicator data were obtained from routine sources.

Results

There was strong evidence of lower prevalence of dental caries (P < 0.001) among children living in fluoridated areas, they also had fewer teeth affected on average (P < 0.001), and lower admission rates for tooth extraction (55% lower; 95% CI‐73%, ‐27%; P = 0.001). There was no strong evidence of an association between fluoridation and hip fracture, Down syndrome, all‐cancer, all‐cause mortality or osteosarcoma. Fluoridation was negatively associated with the incidence of renal stones (7.9% lower; 95% CI‐9.6%,‐6.2%; P < 0.001) and bladder cancer (8.0% lower; 95% CI‐9.9%,‐6.0%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study uses the comprehensive data sets available in England to provide reassurance that fluoridation is a safe and highly effective public health measure to reduce dental decay. Although lower rates of certain nondental outcomes were found in fluoridated areas, the ecological, observational design prohibits any conclusions being drawn regarding a protective role of fluoridation.
Fragile‐X syndrome – a 20‐year follow‐up study of male patients
Authors: Arvio M.
Published: July 2015

In 1994, a multi‐professional team examined clinically 34 males with fragile X syndrome (FXS). Since then, these patients have been clinically evaluated twice at a 10‐year interval. With the aid of the Portage method we were able to chart the course of their adaptive skills. The FXS males learned new abilities on average up to the age of 25; this was followed by a plateau stage until they reached 50, after which time, physical symptoms evidencing weakened overall motor skills were apparent. During follow‐up, a total of 10 men died, 9 of them suddenly. Of these, three were under the age of 40 at death, and the oldest was 77. The FXS men were socially interactive, helpful, but shy. Typical symptoms of FXS boys such as poor eye contact, tactile defensiveness, and perseverative speech did not disappear with age. At the end of the study, 75% of the study subjects had long‐standing health problems. Most aged over 50 suffered from symptoms arising from an enlarged prostate; one fourth were on psychotropic‐, and one fifth on antiepileptic drug treatment.
Synthesis of pharmacological dyes and their application on synthetic fabrics
Authors: Salem Mounir A. I. , Marzouk Magda I. , Mashaly Hamada M.
Published: July 2015

Seven new azo dyes were prepared by linking various amino derivatives to barbituric acid through diazo coupling reactions. The structures of the azo dyes were identified by elemental analyses and by Fourier transform infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectral data. The barbituric acid dyes exist in five different tautomeric forms, with the Fourier transform infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra confirming the existence of these dyes in triketo tautomeric form in the solid state and in the diketo form in the liquid state. All the compounds were tested for their antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and antioxidant activity. The prepared dyestuffs were dyed on polyester fabrics, and subsequently their dyeing properties and their light, washing, perspiration, rubbing, and sublimation fastness were determined.
Effects of additives on the dyeing of cotton yarn with the aqueous extract of Combretum latifolium Blume stems
Authors: Chairat Montra , Bremner John B. , Samosorn Siritron , Sajomsang Warayuth , Chongkraijak Wassana , Saisara Anongnet
Published: July 2015

Flavonoid constituents from the aqueous extract of the stems of Combretum latifolium Blume sourced in Thailand have potential use as dyestuffs for cotton dyeing. In an effort to improve current natural dyeing methods with this extract, further aspects of the process were studied. It was found that, before equilibrium was reached, an increase in temperature led to an increase in dye adsorption rate of the extract; the initial rate and extent of dye adsorption was further increased by the addition of sodium chloride to the dyebath. In addition, cotton yarn pretreated with a chitosan solution (with and without a crosslinking glyoxal solution), followed by dyeing with C. latifolium extract, provided better depth of shade and also gave better fastness to light and washing than the untreated cotton yarn. Post‐mordanting cotton yarn with a biomordant solution from Memecylon scutellatum leaves also gave good light and wash fastness of the resulting dyed cotton, comparable with the dyeing results with the less environmentally friendly alum as a mordant.
Histopathology and immunophenotype of acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans correlated with ospA and ospC genotypes of Borrelia species
Authors: Brandt Friederike C. , Ertas Beyhan , Falk Thomas M. , Metze Dieter , Böer‐Auer Almut
Published: July 2015

Background

Chronic cutaneous borreliosis (acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans, ACA) is a relatively rare manifestation of borreliosis attributed mainly to Borrelia afzelii. Chronic borreliosis has been associated with ospA and ospC genotypes. Literature on molecular investigations of Borrelia in lesions of ACA is scant.

Methods

Histopathological and immmunohistochemical features in 22 biopsies of ACA (16 patients) were examined. Paraffin‐embedded biopsies were analyzed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting ospA and ospC genes, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.

Results

Genotyping of ospA identified B. afzelii, serotype 2, in 12 of 16 patients. ospC‐PCR was positive in seven patients revealing genotypes Af5 (n = 4), Af2 (n = 2) and Af6 (n = 1). Histopathologically, interstitial granulomatous infiltrates (CD68 positive) were common, combined with thickened collagen bundles and band‐like infiltrates of CD4 positive T lymphocytes. Plasma cells were sparse/absent in 9 of 22 specimens even on staining with CD138. On CD34‐staining, interstitial fibroblasts were often reduced akin to the situation in morphea.

Conclusions

With assays targeting ospA and ospC genes we confirmed from paraffin‐embedded biopsies that B. afzelii, serotype 2, osp C groups Af5, Af2 and Af6 is the main cause of ACA. Specimens commonly showed a combination of band‐like T‐cell‐rich infiltrates with interstitial granulomatous features, a pattern previously under‐recognized in ACA. This finding was particularly typical for lesions infected with ospC genotype Af5.
First definite report of natural infection of Fraxinus ornus by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus
Authors: Kirisits T. , Schwanda K.
Published: July 2015

Hymenoscyphus fraxineus was isolated from four leaf rachises with necrotic lesions of flowering ash (Fraxinus ornus) seedlings, which had been planted on a forest site in Austria where they were exposed to a massive natural infection pressure. This represents the first definite report of natural infection of this ash species by the ash dieback pathogen.
Gametic interactions promote inbreeding avoidance in house mice
Authors: Firman Renée C. , Simmons Leigh W.
Published: July 2015

Reproduction among related individuals is generally maladaptive. Inbreeding imposes significant costs on individual reproductive success, and can decrease population fitness. Theory predicts that polyandrous females can avoid inbreeding by exploiting paternity‐biasing mechanisms that enable differential sperm ‘use’. Evidence of sperm selection is difficult to demonstrate because patterns of non‐random paternity can be generated by a variety of different mechanisms. Here, using in vitro fertilisation in mice, we provide evidence of sperm selection at the gametic level. We mixed the sperm of sibling and non‐sibling males, and observed a fertilisation bias towards the sperm of non‐sibling males. The number of motile sperm and sperm swimming performance did not differ between competitors among the replicate assays. Therefore, our result can only be ascribed to egg‐driven sperm selection against related sperm. We conclude that the expression or secretion of gametic proteins could provide the molecular basis for this mechanism of cryptic female choice.
Controllable Preparation of Al2O3‐MgO·Al2O3‐CaO·6Al2O3 (AMC) Composite with Improved Slag Penetration Resistance
Authors: Chen Junhong , Yan Mingwei , Su Jindong , Li Bin , Chou Kuo‐Chih , Hou Xinmei , Chen Mao , Zhao Baojun
Published: July 2015

Compact Al2O3‐MgO·Al2O3‐CaO·6Al2O3 (AMC) composite was obtained by melting technology using industrial alumina, light‐burned magnesia, and quick lime as raw materials based on the Al2O3‐MgO‐CaO ternary phase diagram. The results show that the phases of MgO·Al2O3 and Al2O3 are formed as the main framework with plate‐like CaO·6Al2O3 crystals mainly discontinuously embedded in MgO·Al2O3. The bulk density of AMC composite is up to 3.42 g/cm3, equivalent to 90.5% of the theoretical density. The synthesized compact AMC composite in the work also exhibits better slag penetration resistance than the castable based on tabular corundum due to the formation of liquid phase.
Transient receptor potential channel superfamily: Role in lower urinary tract function
Authors: Ogawa Teruyuki , Imamura Tetsuya , Nakazawa Masaki , Hiragata Shiro , Nagai Takashi , Minagawa Tomonori , Yokoyama Hitoshi , Ishikawa Masakuni , Domen Takahisa , Ishizuka Osamu
Published: July 2015

Lower urinary tract symptoms associated with neurogenic bladder and overactive bladder syndrome are mediated in part by members of the transient receptor potential channel superfamily. The best studied member of this superfamily is the vanilloid receptor. Other transient receptor potential channels, such as the melastatin receptor and the ankyrin receptor, are also active in the pathogenesis of lower urinary tract dysfunction. However, the detailed mechanisms by which the transient receptor potential channels contribute to lower urinary tract symptoms are still not clear, and the therapeutic benefits of modulating transient receptor potential channel activity have not been proved in the clinical setting. In the present review, to better understand the pathophysiology and therapeutic potential for lower urinary tract symptoms, we summarize the presence and role of different members of the transient receptor potential channel superfamily in the lower urinary tract.
A novel pathogenic RBP‐3 peptide reveals epitope spreading in persistent experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis
Authors: Boldison Joanne , Khera Tarnjit K. , Copland David A. , Stimpson Madeleine L. , Crawford Gemma L. , Dick Andrew D. , Nicholson Lindsay B.
Published: July 2015

Experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) in the C57BL/6J mouse is a model of non‐infectious posterior segment intraocular inflammation that parallels clinical features of the human disease. The purpose of this study was to analyse the immune response to the four murine subunits of retinol binding protein‐3 (RBP‐3) to identify pathogenic epitopes to investigate the presence of intramolecular epitope spreading during the persistent inflammation phase observed in this model of EAU. Recombinant murine subunits of the RBP‐3 protein were purified and used to immunize C57BL/6J mice to induce EAU. An overlapping peptide library was used to screen RBP‐3 subunit 3 for immunogenicity and pathogenicity. Disease phenotype and characterization of pathogenic subunits and peptides was undertaken by topical endoscopic fundal imaging, immunohistochemistry, proliferation assays and flow cytometry. RBP‐3 subunits 1, 2 and 3 induced EAU in the C57BL/6J mice, with subunit 3 eliciting the most destructive clinical disease. Within subunit 3 we identified a novel uveitogenic epitope, 629–643. The disease induced by this peptide was comparable to that produced by the uveitogenic 1–20 peptide. Following immunization, peptide‐specific responses by CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell subsets were detected, and cells from both populations were present in the retinal inflammatory infiltrate. Intramolecular epitope spreading between 629–643 and 1–20 was detected in mice with clinical signs of disease. The 629–643 RBP‐3 peptide is a major uveitogenic peptide for the induction of EAU in C57BL/6J mice and the persistent clinical disease induced with one peptide leads to epitope spreading.
Storytelling, sugar snacking, and toothbrushing rules: a proposed theoretical and developmental perspective on children's health and oral health literacy
Authors: Freeman Ruth
Published: July 2015

Background

Health literacy has been conceptualised to explain how health information facilitates the maintenance of health. What are the clinical implications of children's health literacy? Children have language skills, numeracy, and reading skills that are in a state of flux – how do they decipher and encode adult health messages to make them their own?

Aim

To explore children's health and oral health literacy and discover what processes they use to convert adult health messages into useable information.

Methods

Observations and descriptive case study approach.

Results

A theoretical and developmental perspective on children's health and oral health literacy, based upon the ability of the adult to provide a health message with a common shared element, is proposed. It is this common element that the child uses to make adult words understandable and to generate health action.

Conclusions

Children's health and oral health literacy development is achieved, through, a torturous path, supported by the way adults provide health messages to children. Taking time to identify this common element, helping children to encode and reflect upon the health message will help children convert adult oral health messages into their own oral health practices, and support their emerging health and oral health literacy.
Structure and Microwave Dielectric Characteristics of Ca[(Ga1/2Nb1/2)1−xTix]O3 Ceramics
Authors: Zhang Song Lin , Ma Pian Pian , Liu Xiao Qiang , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: July 2015

The microwave dielectric characteristics of Ca[(Ga1/2Nb1/2)1−xTix]O3 ceramics were investigated together with the structure evolution. The excellent microwave dielectric characteristics were achieved by forming solid solution between Ca(Ga1/2Nb1/2)O3 and CaTiO3 in the present ceramics. The solid solutions in space group Pbnm with antiphase and inphase tilting were determined for all compositions where minor secondary phase was detected for x = 0–0.47, whereas no B‐site ordering was detected. Owing to the structural modification, the dielectric constant (εr) increased with increasing x, and the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) could be tuned from negative to positive, while the decrease of Qf value was acceptable. The best combination of microwave dielectric properties was obtained at x = 0.47: εr = 51.6, Qf = 34 100 GHz and τf = −0.3 ppm/°C.
Biological Self‐Arrangement of Fiber Like Aragonite and Its Effect on Mechanical Behavior of Veined rapa whelk Shell
Authors: Ji Hong‐Mei , Jiang Yun , Yang Wen , Zhang Guang‐Ping , Li Xiao‐Wu
Published: July 2015

The microstructures of Veined rapa whelk shell were characterized, and a series of compression tests were carried out on the shell with the compressive loading direction making different angles (0°, 30°, 60° and 90°) with the shell spiral lines. Weibull analysis of the experiment results shows that the compressive strength is generally the highest for the sample with 0°‐orientation but the lowest for that with 60°‐orientation, which means that the strength shows an obvious anisotropy and the strongest orientation represents the direction parallel to the spiral lines of the shell. Such a phenomenon is closely related to the distinctive microscopic arrangements of different‐order aragonite lamellae. The interfaces of different‐level lamellae in the adjacent macro‐layers yield effects on the mechanical behavior of the shell in a coordinated fashion.
Structural and Thermo‐Mechanical Properties of Nd: Y2O3 Transparent Ceramics
Authors: Zhang Lei , Pan Wei
Published: July 2015

Various content of neodymia Nd: Y2O3 (Nd: 0.5–5.0 at.%) transparent ceramics were fabricated by vacuum sintering. The prepared Nd: Y2O3 ceramics exhibit high transmittance (~80%) at the wavelength of 1100 nm. It is found that the increase in Nd concentration enhances the grain size growth, while decreases the phonon energy, which is benefit for improving both the luminescence quantum and up‐conversion efficiency. The thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient of the transparent 1.0 at.% Nd: Y2O3 ceramic is 5.51 W·(m·K)−1 and 8.11 × 10−6 K−1, respectively. The hardness and the fracture toughness of the transparent ceramic is 9.18 GPa and 1.03 Mpa·m1/2, respectively. The results indicate that the Nd: Y2O3 transparent ceramic is a potential candidate material for laser.
Growth Mechanism of Preferred Crystallite Orientation in Transparent Conducting ZnO:In Thin Films
Authors: Wang Mingsong , Jiang Lingxia , Wang Yulan , Kim Eui Jung , Hahn Sung Hong
Published: July 2015

Texture engineering of thin films with controlled crystalline orientation is essential in tuning their properties. We have successfully prepared ZnO:In thin films via chemical bath deposition (CBD), with the preferred orientation of the films varying from [002] to [100] and [110] by simply altering the solvent composition. Growth mechanism of the preferred crystallite orientation in ZnO:In thin films have been systematically investigated. It is found that the variation in the preferred orientation in the films obeys the principle of evolutionary selection, that is, the fastest‐growing crystallographic direction determines the preferred orientation of the films. The tunable crystallite orientation indicates no epitaxial relationship has been established between the crystallites and the seeds. XPS analysis reveals the successful incorporation of indium in the ZnO:In thin films and the oxygen desorption upon reductive annealing. CBD, thus, is demonstrated to produce transparent conductive oxide thin films with tunable textures.
Macroecological patterns in mammal abundances provide evidence that an apex predator shapes forest ecosystems by suppressing herbivore and mesopredator abundance
Authors: Colman Nicholas J. , Crowther Mathew S. , Letnic Mike
Published: July 2015

Aim

Apex predators often exert strong, top‐down effects on ecosystems, and their removal can result in the dramatic reorganization of ecosystems owing to herbivores and smaller predators becoming the dominant trophic‐regulating species. However, field studies designed to understand the influence that apex predators have on ecosystems are hampered by the large spatial and temporal scales required. Here, we use pre‐existing datasets to test predictions on the direct and indirect effects of apex predators on mammals and vegetation generated from trophic cascade theory and the mesopredator release hypothesis.

Location

Forests of south‐eastern Australia.

Methods

We applied quantile regression to published data collected at 44 sites during the 1980s and 1990s. We investigated inter‐relationships between abundance indices of an apex predator, the dingo (Canis dingo), introduced mesopredators, herbivores, ground‐dwelling medium‐sized mammals and small mammals, and inter‐relationships between habitat complexity and abundances of dingoes and macropods. Quantile regression is well suited for investigating limiting factors of response variables, especially when the observations are made at large temporal and spatial scales.

Results

In accordance with trophic cascade theory, dingo abundance was negatively associated with macropod abundance and macropod abundance was negatively associated with habitat complexity; however, dingo abundance was not correlated with habitat complexity. Similarly, in accordance with the mesopredator release hypothesis, dingo abundance was correlated negatively with red fox abundance and red fox abundance was negatively associated with the abundance of ground‐dwelling medium‐sized mammals, but, dingo abundance was not correlated with the abundance of medium‐sized ground‐dwelling mammals.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that the direct suppressive effects of the dingo on macropods and foxes occur simultaneously, but that their indirect effects on lower trophic levels are comparatively weak. Our study provides evidence that the effects of apex predators on other species can be exerted across large spatial scales and become manifest on species at multiple trophic levels.
Interferon‐α curbs production of interleukin‐22 by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to live Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Berner Anika , Bachmann Malte , Pfeilschifter Josef , Kraiczy Peter , Mühl Heiko
Published: July 2015

Cytokine networks initiated by means of innate immunity are regarded as a major determinant of host defence in response to acute infection by bacteria including Borrelia burgdorferi. Herein, we demonstrate that interferon (IFN)‐α, either endogenously produced after exposure of cells to toll‐like receptor‐9‐activating CpG oligonucleotides or provided as recombinant cytokine, weakens activation of the anti‐bacterial interleukin (IL)‐1/IL‐22 axis in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to viable B. burgdorferi. As IFN‐α has been related to pathological dissemination of the spirochaete, data suggest an immunoregulatory role of type I IFN in this context that is able to significantly modify cytokine profiles thereby possibly determining early course of B. burgdorferi infection.
Maternal Regulation of Daughters' Emotion During Conflicts From Early to Mid‐Adolescence
Authors: Lougheed Jessica P. , Hollenstein Tom , Lewis Marc D.
Published: July 2015

Primary caregivers play an important role in emotion socialization. Real‐time mother–daughter emotion socialization was examined in 45 mother–daughter dyads with early‐adolescent daughters (age M = 11.80, SD = .27) at the first observation point. Maternal supportive emotion regulation and daughters' emotions were coded during two conflict discussions, 2 years apart. With multilevel survival analysis, the likelihood of maternal supportiveness was predicted both over time, between early and mid‐adolescence, and by daughters' pubertal status. Mothers were more likely to respond to daughters' negative and positive emotions with supportiveness for daughters whose pubertal maturation occurred relatively early. Results suggest that mothers adjust their socialization of daughters' emotions according to their daughters' pubertal development.
Host behaviour drives parasite genetics at multiple geographic scales: population genetics of the chewing louse,Thomomydoecus minor
Authors: Harper Sheree E. , Spradling Theresa A. , Demastes James W. , Calhoun Courtney S.
Published: July 2015

Pocket gophers and their symbiotic chewing lice form a host–parasite assemblage known for a high degree of cophylogeny, thought to be driven by life history parameters of both host and parasite that make host switching difficult. However, little work to date has focused on determining whether these life histories actually impact louse populations at the very fine scale of louse infrapopulations (individuals on a single host) at the same or at nearby host localities. We used microsatellite and mtDNAsequence data to make comparisons of chewing‐louse (Thomomydoecus minor) population subdivision over time and over geographic space where there are different potential amounts of host interaction surrounding a zone of contact between two hybridizing pocket‐gopher subspecies. We found that chewing lice had high levels of population isolation consistent with a paucity of horizontal transmission even at the very fine geographic scale of a single alfalfa field. We also found marked genetic discontinuity in louse populations corresponding with host subspecies and little, if any, admixture in the louse genetic groups even though the lice are closely related. The correlation of louse infrapopulation differentiation with host interaction at multiple scales, including across a discontinuity in pocket‐gopher habitat, suggests that host behaviour is the primary driver of parasite genetics. This observation makes sense in light of the life histories of both chewing lice and pocket gophers and provides a powerful explanation for the well‐documented pattern of parallel cladogenesis in pocket gophers and chewing lice.
Structural and molecular basis for the novel catalytic mechanism and evolution of DddP, an abundant peptidase‐like bacterial Dimethylsulfoniopropionate lyase: a new enzyme from an old fold
Authors: Wang Peng , Chen Xiu‐Lan , Li Chun‐Yang , Gao Xiang , Zhu De‐yu , Xie Bin‐Bin , Qin Qi‐Long , Zhang Xi‐Ying , Su Hai‐Nan , Zhou Bai‐Cheng , Xun Lu‐ying , Zhang Yu‐Zhong
Published: July 2015

The microbial cleavage of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) generates volatile dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and is an important step in global sulfur and carbon cycles. DddP is a DMSP lyase in marine bacteria, and the deduced dddP gene product is abundant in marine metagenomic data sets. However, DddP belongs to the M24 peptidase family according to sequence alignment. Peptidases hydrolyze C‐N bonds, but DddP is deduced to cleave C‐S bonds. Mechanisms responsible for this striking functional shift are currently unknown. We determined the structures of DMSP lyase RlDddP (the DddP from Ruegeria lacuscaerulensis ITI_1157) bound to inhibitory 2‐(N‐morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid or PO43− and of two mutants of RlDddP bound to acrylate. Based on structural, mutational and biochemical analyses, we characterized a new ion‐shift catalytic mechanism of RlDddP for DMSP cleavage. Furthermore, we suggested the structural mechanism leading to the loss of peptidase activity and the subsequent development of DMSP lyase activity in DddP. This study sheds light on the catalytic mechanism and the divergent evolution of DddP, leading to a better understanding of marine bacterial DMSP catabolism and global DMS production.
Psychometric properties of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy‐Health Professional Student's version: An Italian validation study with nursing students
Authors: Montanari Paola , Petrucci Cristina , Russo Silvia , Murray Ian , Dimonte Valerio , Lancia Loreto
Published: July 2015

This methodological study was conducted to test the psychometric properties of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy‐Health Professional Student's version (JSE‐HPS), in a convenience sample of 797 Italian nursing students and to describe their empathic engagement. Data were subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, test–retest, correlation analysis, t‐test, and analysis of variance method. Principal component factor extraction with Oblimin rotation on the first half of the sample was conducted. The analysis suggested a three‐factor solution for 14 items: “compassionate care/emotional engagement,” “perspective‐taking,” and “standing in the patient's shoes.” Confirmatory factor analysis on the second half of the sample showed good fit indexes for the 14‐item solution, indicated by the exploratory factor analysis, and the 20 item solution of the scale, with the exception of one item. Test–retest correlation was 0.50 (P < 0.001) for the overall scale. Results from group comparisons and correlations are also provided and discussed. The Italian version of the JSE‐HPS is a psychometrically sound tool. The translated 20‐item solution is also suitable to carry out cross‐cultural comparisons.
First living‐related liver transplant to cure factor VII deficiency
Authors: Mohan Neelam , Karkra Sakshi , Jolly Anu S. , Vohra Vijay , Mohanka Ravi , Rastogi Amit , Soin A. S.
Published: July 2015

Congenital factor VII deficiency is an autosomal recessive serious disorder of blood coagulation with wide genotypic and phenotypic variations. The clinical presentation can vary from asymptomatic patients to patients with major bleedings in severe deficiency (factor VII <1%). Investigations show prolonged PT and low factor VII. Treatment modalities include FFP and repeated recombinant factor VII infusions. We hereby report the first successful LRLT for factor VII deficiency in an infant, the first‐ever youngest baby reported worldwide. A six‐month‐old male child presented with easy bruisability, ecchymotic patches, hematuria, and convulsions. CT of the head showed subdural hemorrhage, which was treated conservatively. He had markedly increased PT (120 s) with normal platelets, and aPTT with factor VII level <1%. Despite the treatment by rFVIIa administration weekly, which was very expensive, he still had repeated life‐threatening bleeding episodes. LRLT was performed with mother as the donor, whose factor VII level was 57%. A factor VII infusion plan for pre‐, intra‐ and postoperative periods was formulated and TEG followed. Postoperatively, his factor VII started increasing from third day and was 38% on 24th day with PT <14 s. He had uneventful intraoperative and postoperative courses. LT is a safe and definite cure for factor VII deficiency.
The Sociology of Women's Abortion Experiences: Recent Research and Future Directions
Authors: Purcell Carrie
Published: July 2015

Abortion is a common and essential reproductive healthcare procedure experienced by approximately one third of women at some time in their life. Abortion is also commonly politicised and presented in public discourse as inherently contentious or controversial. However, recent sociological research on women's experiences of abortion is relatively thin on the ground. The body of qualitative research on abortion experiences, which does exist, varies in scope and focus on a relatively limited range of themes. Building on an earlier review of qualitative research on women's abortion experiences, this paper explores the recent literature and identifies three key thematic areas: the context of abortion; reasons and decision‐making; and abortion stigma. It then goes on to identify gaps in the literature, to explore what shape a sociology of women's abortion experiences might take and to suggest future directions for sociological research.
Quantification of Pelvic Mobility on Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Images: Using Mechanical Insight to Help Diagnose Pelvic Pathologies
Authors: Lecomte‐Grosbras P. , Witz J.‐F. , Brieu M. , Faye N. , Cosson M. , Rubod C.
Published: July 2015

Pelvic mobility is essential for good pelvic organ function. Any modification may be a sign of pathology. The objective of this study was to define a methodology to quantify pelvic mobility. An analysis protocol based on an image registration technique performed on dynamic magnetic resonance imaging sequences is presented. A methodology is proposed for measuring and analysing the whole displacement field based on the contour of the four pelvic organs: the vagina, bladder, rectum and uterus. A targeted analysis of pelvic mobility can be applied in the normal, hypermobility and hypomobility context. The quantification of pelvic mobility in normal conditions allows localising fascia or ligaments involved in the static of pelvic organs. In pathological situations such as prolapse, it helps localise a suspension structure weakness. In a context of hypomobility such as deep pelvic endometriosis, it should help localise pathologic areas to provide more relevant diagnosis and treatment. When combined with conventional radiology, this analysis protocol can be applied to the diagnosis and assessment of complex pelvic pathologies to help define the most suitable surgery. Moreover, these experimental results obtained in normal and pathological cases will help build and validate a better mechanical finite element model of the pelvic system.
The local structure theorem for real spherical varieties
Authors: Knop Friedrich , Krötz Bernhard , Schlichtkrull Henrik
Published: July 2015

Let $G$ be an algebraic real reductive group and $Z$ a real spherical $G$-variety, that is, it admits an open orbit for a minimal parabolic subgroup $P$. We prove a local structure theorem for $Z$. In the simplest case where $Z$ is homogeneous, the theorem provides an isomorphism of the open $P$-orbit with a bundle $Q\times _{L}S$. Here $Q$ is a parabolic subgroup with Levi decomposition $L\ltimes U$, and $S$ is a homogeneous space for a quotient $D=L/L_{n}$ of $L$, where $L_{n}\subseteq L$ is normal, such that $D$ is compact modulo center.