bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CEO Overconfidence and Earnings Management During Shifting Regulatory Regimes
Authors: Hsieh Tien‐Shih , Bedard Jean C. , Johnstone Karla M.
Published: November 2014

This study examines the relationship of CEO overconfidence with accrual‐based earnings management, real activities‐based earnings management, and targeting to meet or just beat analyst forecasts. Following, we measure “overconfidence” based on the CEO's tendency to hold in‐the‐money stock options, as rational expected utility maximizers should exercise early to avoid overexposure to company idiosyncratic risks. The results show that before the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX), companies of overconfident CEOs were more likely than other CEOs to engage in managing earnings through accelerating the timing of cash flow from operations and achieving analyst forecast benchmarks. After SOX, we find that overconfident CEOs are more likely to have income‐increasing discretionary accruals. They remain more likely to engage in real activities management through abnormally high cash flows, and also have abnormally low discretionary expenses. These results are consistent with overconfident CEOs feeling less constrained by SOX, and suggest that this individual characteristic works against regulators’ attempts to constrain earnings management by corporate executives. In contrast, we find that the tendency of overconfident CEOs to manage to targets decreases after SOX, perhaps due to changes in investor behavior in the new regulatory environment.
Is the use of formulae a reliable way to predict the accuracy of genomic selection?
Authors: Brard S. , Ricard A.
Published: November 2014

We studied four formulae used to predict the accuracy of genomic selection prior to genotyping. The objectives of our study were to investigate the impact of the parameters of each formula on the values of accuracy calculated using these formulae, and to check whether the accuracies reported in the literature are in agreement with the formulae. First, we computed the marginal distribution of accuracy (by integration) for each parameter of all four formulae: heritability h2, reference population size T, number of markers M and number of effective segments in the genome Me. Then, we collected 145 accuracies and corresponding parameters reported in 13 publications on genomic selection (mainly in dairy cattle), and performed analysis of variance to test the differences between observed and predicted accuracy with effects of formulae and parameters. The variation of accuracy for different values of each parameter indicated that two parameters, T and Me, had a significant impact and that considerable differences existed between the formulae (mean accuracies differed by up to 0.20 point). The results of our meta‐analysis showed a big formula effect on the accuracies predicted using each formula, and also a significant effect of the value obtained for Me calculated from Ne (effective population size). Each formula can therefore be demonstrated to be optimal depending on the assumption used for Me. In conclusion, no rules can be applied to predict the reliability of genomic selection using these formulae.
Phylogeny and Reclassification of Hemistasia phaeocysticola (Scherffel) Elbrächter & Schnepf, 1996
Authors: Yabuki Akinori , Tame Akihiro
Published: November 2014

Hemistasia phaeocysticola is a marine flagellate that preys on diatoms and dinoflagellates among others. Although its morphology and ultrastructure were previously observed and characterized, its phylogenetic position has not been analyzed using molecular sequence data. This flagellate was classified as a kinetoplastid on the basis of the presence of a kinetoplast in the mitochondrion. However, several morphological characteristics similar to those of diplonemids, a sister group of kinetoplastids, have also been noted. Herein, we report that H. phaeocysticola branches within the diplonemid clade in the phylogenetic tree reconstructed by analyzing 18S rRNA gene sequences. Its systematic placement based on this finding is also discussed.
Efficiency of Several Cultural Methods and a Chick Bioassay to Recover Dry‐Stressed Campylobacter
Authors: Cox N.A. , Richardson L.J. , Harrison M.A.
Published: November 2014

Campylobacter can become viable but nonculturable (VBNC) when environments are unfavorable. The VBNC state arises from exposure to sublethal adverse environmental conditions and recovery occurs by passage of the organism through a susceptible host. This study evaluated the efficacy of five enrichment procedures for recovery of dry‐atmospheric‐temperature stressed Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli and determined viability using a chick bioassay. Sterile chick paper pads and filter papers were inoculated at a low (L) and high (H) inoculum levels. Inoculated samples were left at room temperature and exposed to atmospheric conditions for up to 24 h with sampling performed periodically. Recovery rate decreased gradually from 0 to 2 h and then sharply from 2 to 4 h. For the chick bioassay, negative dry‐stressed samples at 6 and 24 h post inoculation were administered orally and intracloacally to day‐of‐age chicks. Seven days post inoculation, the chicks' ceca were analyzed for marker strains. This is the first study to use the intracloacal route of chicks to determine viability.

Practical Applications

The inability of conventional laboratory procedures to detect the presence of viable nonculturable Campylobacter from dry samples has led scientists to misunderstand the ecology of this microorganism in the integrated poultry industry. For example, when Campylobacter are not detected in dry hatchery samples (eggshell, fluff, chick pads), it is erroneously assumed that they are not present rather than not culturable. Breeder flocks and fertile eggs are indeed a source of Campylobacter to the young chick, but this has been overlooked and disregarded due to the nonculturable state of this microorganism. This study may convince poultry scientists to frequently question their lab results and may allow us to better understand the ecology of this elusive organism.
Detection and Enumeration of Lactic Acid Bacteria, Acetic Acid Bacteria and Yeast in Kefir Grain and Milk Using Quantitative Real‐Time PCR
Authors: Kim Dong‐Hyeon , Chon Jung‐Whan , Kim Hyunsook , Kim Hong‐Seok , Choi Dasom , Hwang Dae‐Geun , Seo Kun‐Ho
Published: November 2014

Kefir is a unique fermented dairy product that is produced by a mixture of lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria and yeast. In this study, a culture‐independent quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to enumerate lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria and yeast in kefir grain and kefir milk using group‐specific primers. The most abundant microbial groups were lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria, followed by yeast (P < 0.05) in both kefir grain and kefir milk. The most leading genera of lactic acid bacteria and yeast were Lactobacillus/Lactococcus (P < 0.05) and Candida, respectively. All microbial groups were present in lower numbers in kefir milk than in kefir grain (P < 0.05), except for Enterococcus and Saccharomyces groups. This is the first report to characterize the number of specific microbial populations in kefir grain and kefir milk using quantitative real‐time PCR. In conclusion, we successfully established the methods for the quantification of microorganisms in kefir grain and kefir milk using group‐specific quantitative real‐time PCR and provided quantitative microbiological information for quality control of kefir.

Practical Applications

This report describes the enumerative methods of microorganisms in the kefir grain and kefir milk using group‐specific quantitative real‐time PCR assay. It could facilitate the microbiological quality control of kefir‐fermented milk and grain and can be used in further studies to understand the fermentation process of kefir milk. In addition, the results provide basic information on the number of lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria and yeast in kefir grain and kefir milk.
Importance of fasting in preparing dogs for abdominal ultrasound examination of specific organs
Authors: Garcia D. A. A. , Froes T. R.
Published: November 2014

OBJECTIVE

To describe the effect of fasting on the technical success of abdominal ultrasonography specifically in respect of examination of the gall bladder, duodenum, pancreas, adrenal glands and portal vein in dogs.

METHODS

Randomised, prospective study of 150 dogs with a variety of physical characteristics. Animals were divided into two groups of 75 dogs each. Dogs in Group 1 were fasted for 8 to 12 hours before ultrasonographic evaluation and those in Group 2 were not but received food anytime between 10 minutes and 2 hours before the procedure.

RESULTS

Intraluminal gas can influence the visibility of organs, but intraluminal gas accumulation occurred independently of fasting status. The assessment of abdominal organs was not affected by whether or not an animal was fasted.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Routine fasting of dogs before abdominal ultrasonography is not essential.
Impact of the free‐vaccine policy on timely initiation and completion of hepatitis B vaccination in Fujian, China
Authors: Wu J. N. , Wen X. Z. , Zhou Y. , Lin D. , Zhang S. Y. , Yan Y. S.
Published: November 2014

The extent to which the free‐vaccine policy impacts the initiation and completion of a hepatitis B vaccine series is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the free‐vaccine policy on hepatitis B vaccination. A provincial survey was conducted in 2006 in Fujian Province, south‐east of China, where the free‐vaccine policy for hepatitis B was announced in 2002 and implemented in 2003. A total of 1628 children were investigated, and 1443 (88.6%) were included in this analysis. Among the children studied, 55.2% were vaccinated within 24 h of birth, and 76.1% completed the hepatitis B vaccine series on time. The rate of hepatitis B surface antibody positivity increased from 29.9% among children born in 1992 to 90.5% among children born in 2005, while the corresponding HBV infection rate decreased from 30.4% to 1.72%. Logistic regression indicated that, compared to children born between 1996 and 2001, the odds ratios (ORs) for timely initiation were 2.57 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71–3.84), 5.24 (95% CI, 3.26–8.43) and 9.06 (95% CI, 4.48–18.34) among children born in 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively; the corresponding ORs for completing the vaccine series were 4.23 (95% CI, 1.97–9.10), 3.76 (95% CI, 1.81–7.82) and 4.94 (95% CI, 1.74–14.00) among children born in 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively. Children with delayed vaccine initiation (>24 h after birth) were less likely to complete the vaccine series than those who received a timely first dose (OR = 0.02, 95% CI, 0.005–0.09). The impact of the free‐vaccine policy on vaccine initiation and vaccine series completion did not differ by children's residence area (rural vs urban). As hypothesized, the odds of completing the vaccine series increased after the free‐vaccine policy was announced in 2002 among children with delayed initiation (>24 h after birth) but not among those with timely initiation (≤24 h after birth). In conclusion, the free‐vaccine policy significantly improved the timely initiation and completion of the vaccine series. The impact of this policy on completion of the vaccine series was larger among children with delayed vaccine initiation.
Frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 with the MAPT R406W mutation presenting with a broad distribution of abundant senile plaques
Authors: Ishida Chiho , Kobayashi Katsuji , Kitamura Tatsuru , Ujike Hiroshi , Iwasa Kazuo , Yamada Masahito
Published: November 2014

We report the autopsy results of a patient with familial dementia who was diagnosed as having frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP‐17) with an R406W mutation in the microtubule‐associated protein tau (MAPT) gene. This patient showed Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐like clinical manifestations from the age of 59, with reduced β‐amyloid1‐42 (Aβ42) and elevated total and phosphorylated tau levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. He did not present with any apparent parkinsonism throughout the disease course. His autopsy at age 73 showed atrophy and neurodegeneration in many brain regions, particularly in the antero‐medial temporal cortex and hippocampus, followed by the frontal lobes, with abundant neurofibrillary tangles. In addition, a diffuse distribution of Aβ‐positive senile plaques, including many neuritic plaques, was observed and classified as stage C according to the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) criteria. These results suggest that analyzing of the MAPT gene is essential for diagnosing familial dementia, even if amyloid markers such as Aβ42 in the cerebrospinal fluid and amyloid imaging are positive, or if neuropathological findings indicate a diagnosis of AD.
Malignant meningioma with adenocarcinoma‐like metaplasia: Demonstration of intestinal phenotype
Authors: Takayama Yoshiyasu , Nobusawa Sumihito , Ochiai Ikuo , Watanabe Hitoshi , Ishigame Hiroki , Ikota Hayato , Hirato Junko , Nakayama Jun , Yokoo Hideaki
Published: November 2014

Meningiomas show a diverse histopathologic appearance, often referred to as metaplastic changes; however, adenocarcinoma‐like metaplasia is an extremely rare condition. Here, we present a novel case. A dura‐based bulky mass located in the right frontotemporal region was identified radiologically in an 83‐year‐old woman. The tumor, yellow to ash‐gray in color, was subtotally removed. Histopathological examination revealed robust adenocarcinoma‐like structures within a conventional meningothelial neoplasm. Meningioma elements showed a WHO grade I to III histology. Morphological and immunophenotypic transition between meningothelial and columnar epithelial cells was confirmed on detailed observation. It was of note that the adenocarcinomatous components shared an immunophenotype with intestinal epithelium, expressing CDX2, MUC2 and cytokeratin 20. The present case could be differentiated from secretory meningioma based on distinct cellular atypia, lack of intracytoplasmic lumina and pseudosammoma bodies, and the intact status of the KLF4 gene. In addition, the morphological and immunophenotypic transition excluded the possibility of metastatic carcinoma within meningioma. This is the first reported case of meningioma with adenocarcinoma‐like metaplasia harboring an intestinal immunophenotype.
Frequencies of myohistological mitochondrial changes in patients with mitochondrial DNA deletions and the common m.3243A>G point mutation
Authors: Zierz Charlotte Maria , Joshi Pushpa Raj , Zierz Stephan
Published: November 2014

Frequencies of typical myohistological changes such as ragged red fibers (RRF) and cytochrome c oxidase (COX)‐deficient fibers have been suggested to be dependent on underlying mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) defect. However, there are no systematic studies comparing frequencies of myohistological changes and underlying genotypes. The histopathological changes were analysed in 29 patients with genetically confirmed mitochondrial myopathies. Genotypes included multiple mtDNA deletions due to POLG1 mutations (n = 11), single mtDNA deletion (n = 10) and mtDNA point mutation m.3243A>G (n = 8). Histochemical reactions, including Gomori‐trichome, COX/SDH (succinate dehydrogenase) and SDH as well as immunohistological reaction with COX‐antibody against subunit I (COI) were carried out in muscle biopsy sections of all patients. The COX‐deficient fibers were observed most frequently in all three patient groups. The frequencies of myopathological changes were not significantly different in the different genotypes in all three histochemical stains. However, there was a tendency to lower means and variations in patients with point mutation. Only COI‐negative fibers were histochemically negative for COX activity in all patient groups. Frequency of COI‐negative fibers was significantly lower in patients with mtDNA point mutation than in patients with deletions. This suggests that impact of point mutation on protein synthesis is less than that of deletions.
Perceptual Variation, Color Language, and Reference Fixing. An Objectivist Account
Authors: Gómez‐Torrente Mario
Published: November 2014

I offer a new objectivist theory of the contents of color language and color experience, intended especially as an account of what normal intersubjective variation in color perception and classification shows about those contents. First I explain an abstract account of the contents of (utterances of) color and other gradable adjectives; on the account, these contents are certain objective properties constituted in part by contextually intended standards of application, which are in turn values in the dimensions of variation associated with the adjectives. Then I propose an explanation of normal variations in linguistic color classification; these are postulated to be effects of differences in intended standards for the color adjectives appearing in the classifying predicates. Next, I consider a potential objection to this explanation, based on the suggestion that contextual content should be more accessible than the explanation predicts. In reply, I point out that contextual content is occasionally opaque to unsophisticated reflection. Finally, I present a companion account of the contents of color experiences on which these represent an object as lying on certain salient intervals in the chromatic dimensions, and I show how the account accommodates intersubjective variation in color perception.
Effects of muscarinic receptor modulators on ocular biometry of guinea pigs
Authors: Fang Fang , Huang Furong , Xie Ruozhong , Li Cheng , Liu Yin , Zhu Ying , Qu Jia , Zhou Xiangtian
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This study investigated whether pilocarpine and cyclopentolate induce changes in ocular biometry of guinea pigs, in order to understand if guinea pigs have a similar response to these two agents as humans do.

Methods

Under general anaesthesia, refraction, axial components and surface curvature in various optical interfaces of the eye were measured in 10 guinea pigs (age of 2 weeks) at baseline (0 min) and different time points (5, 10, 20, 30, 60, 90 min) after topical administration of pilocarpine or cyclopentolate. The interval between the two drug treatments for the same animals was at least 24 h.

Results

Eyes treated with pilocarpine developed approximately 6D myopia (p < 0.001 from 0 to 90 min) with a decrease in anterior lens radius of curvature (ALRC) (p < 0.001 from 0 to 90 min, repeated measures anova). This myopic shift was moderately correlated to the decreased ALRC (r2 = 0.48, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a small but significant increase in the VCD (p < 0.001 from 0 to 30 min, repeated measures anova) with an unchanged AL (p = 0.85 from 0 to 90 min, repeated measures anova) after the drug treatment suggested a transient and mild forward movement of the lens. Cyclopentolate dilated the pupil in all eyes (p < 0.001 from 0 to 90 min, repeated measures anova) but did not change other ocular parameters.

Conclusions

The muscarinic agonist, pilocarpine induced a myopic shift mainly due to a decrease in ALRC, suggesting that guinea pigs have an accommodative mechanism similar to that in humans. The minimal changes produced by cyclopentolate could be due to the use of general anaesthesia, which may have reduced the susceptibility of the eye to topical cyclopentolate in the induction of cycloplegia.
An observational, real‐life safety study of a 5‐grass pollen sublingual tablet in children and adolescents
Authors: Eberle Peter , Brueck Helmut , Gall Ralph , Hadler Meike , Sieber Jochen , Karagiannis Efstrathios
Published: November 2014

Background

The safety and efficacy of pre‐ and coseasonal sublingual allergen immunotherapy (SLIT) with a 5‐grass pollen sublingual tablet have been demonstrated in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) in children and adolescents. Observational, ‘real‐life’ studies can usefully complement the results of RCTs.

Methods

A prospective, open‐label, observational, multicentre post‐marketing study of children and adolescents (aged 5–17, with grass pollen‐induced allergic rhinitis) treated with the 5‐grass pollen sublingual tablet was performed between June 2009 and January 2011 in Germany. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded during consultations with the investigating physicians; AEs judged to have at least a possible causal link to the tablet were classified as adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

Results

Eight hundred and forty‐nine patients were enrolled (by 207 investigating physicians), 829 (mean ± s.d. age: 10.9 ± 3.3 yr) completed the study without major protocol deviations, and 796 were fully documented with respect to AEs. Ninety‐four of the 796 patients (11.8%) experienced at least one ADR on the first day of SLIT and 218 (27.4%) experienced at least one ADR during the study. Four hundred and sixty‐six of the 596 ADRs (78.2%) were mild or moderate. The most common ADRs were throat irritation (19.1% of the reactions), oral paresthesia (8.2%), oral pruritus (6.5%) and oedema mouth (6.2%). Serious ADRs occurred in five patients. No epinephrine use was reported. Seventy‐six of the 829 patients (9.2%) discontinued SLIT due to AEs. Tolerability was judged to be good or very good by patients (84.7%), parents (87.0%) and investigators (89.7%).

Conclusions

In clinical practice, pre‐ and coseasonal treatment with a 5‐grass pollen sublingual tablet is safe and well tolerated in children and adolescents.
Ara h 2 and Ara h 6 sensitization predicts peanut allergy in Mediterranean pediatric patients
Authors: Agabriel Chantal , Ghazouani Ouafeh , Birnbaum Joëlle , Liabeuf Valérie , Porri Françoise , Gouitaa Marion , Cleach Isabelle , Grob Jean‐Jacques , Bongrand Pierre , Sarles Jacques , Vitte Joana
Published: November 2014

Background

Peanut allergy (PA) management was improved by the introduction of molecular allergology, but guidelines for Mediterranean patients are lacking. We aimed at evaluating peanut component‐resolved diagnosis as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in children from Southern France.

Methods

In 181 pediatric patients, PA diagnosis was founded on medical history, skin prick testing, serum‐specific IgE to Arachis hypogea extract and components, Pru p 4, and plant carbohydrates, and oral food challenge. Allergen microarray was also performed in 68 of these patients.

Results

In peanut‐allergic children (n = 117), IgE to Ara h 6 were most prevalent (64%), followed by Ara h 2 (63%), Ara h 1 (60%), and Ara h 9 (52%). Ara h 6 was the best predictor of PA. The second best predictor was the ratio of Ara h 2 IgE to peanut IgE (cutoff 0.113). Persistent childhood PA was associated with complex molecular profiles. Comparison of singleplex and microarray results showed poor concordance for Ara h 2 and Ara h 9.

Conclusion

Ara h 6 and Ara h 2 are the best predictors of PA at diagnosis in Mediterranean pediatric patients. Ara h 1, Ara h 8, and molecular complexity are associated with PA persistence.
The Meanings of “Imagine” Part II: Attitude and Action
Authors: Van Leeuwen Neil
Published: November 2014

In this Part II, I investigate different approaches to the question of what makes imagining different from belief. I find that the sentiment‐based approach of David Hume falls short, as does the teleological approach, once advocated by David Velleman. I then consider whether the inferential properties of beliefs and imaginings may differ. Beliefs, I claim, exhibit an anti‐symmetric inferential governance over imaginings: they are the background that makes inference from one imagining to the other possible; the reverse is not true, and this allows us to distinguish the two attitudes. I then go on to consider the action theory of imagining and the role that imaginings play in generating emotion.
The Kantian (Non)‐conceptualism Debate
Authors: McLear Colin
Published: November 2014

One of the central debates in contemporary Kant scholarship concerns whether Kant endorses a “conceptualist” account of the nature of sensory experience. Understanding the debate is crucial for getting a full grasp of Kant's theory of mind, cognition, perception, and epistemology. This paper situates the debate in the context of Kant's broader theory of cognition and surveys some of the major arguments for conceptualist and non‐conceptualist interpretations of his critical philosophy.
Dehumanization, Essentialism, and Moral Psychology
Authors: Smith David Livingstone
Published: November 2014

Despite its importance, the phenomenon of dehumanization has been neglected by philosophers. Since its introduction, the term “dehumanization” has come to be used in a variety of ways. In this paper, I use it to denote the psychological stance of conceiving of other human beings as subhuman creatures. I draw on an historical example – Morgan Godwyn's description of 17th century English colonists' dehumanization of African slaves and use this to identify three explanatory desiderata that any satisfactory theory of dehumanization needs to address. I then summarize and criticize the theories of dehumanization developed by Jacques‐Philippe Leyens and Nicholas Haslam, focusing on what I take to be their misappropriation of the theory of psychological essentialism, and show that both of these approaches suffer from major difficulties. I finish with an assessment of the degree to which Leyens' and Haslam's theories satisfy the three desiderata mentioned earlier, conclude that they fail to address them, and offer a brief sketch of a more satisfactory approach to understanding dehumanization.
Vitamin D and Skin Cancer
Authors: Burns Erin M. , Elmets Craig A. , Yusuf Nabiha
Published: November 2014

Vitamin D signaling plays a key role in many important processes, including cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, immune regulation, hormone secretion and skeletal health. Furthermore, vitamin D production and supplementation have been shown to exert protective effects via an unknown signaling mechanism involving the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in several diseases and cancer types, including skin cancer. With over 3.5 million new diagnoses in 2 million patients annually, skin cancer is the most common cancer type in the United States. While ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is the main etiologic factor for nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), UVB also induces cutaneous vitamin D production. This paradox has been the subject of contradictory findings in the literature in regards to amount of sun exposure necessary for appropriate vitamin D production, as well as any beneficial or detrimental effects of vitamin D supplementation for disease prevention. Further clinical and epidemiological studies are necessary to elucidate the role of vitamin D in skin carcinogenesis.
ß‐Ga2O3 Nanorod Synthesis with a One‐step Microwave Irradiation Hydrothermal Method and its Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation for Perfluorooctanoic Acid
Authors: Zhao Baoxiu , Li Xiang , Yang Long , Wang Fen , Li Jincheng , Xia Wenxiang , Li Weijiang , Zhou Li , Zhao Colin
Published: November 2014

ß‐Ga2O3 nanorod was first directly prepared by the microwave irradiation hydrothermal way without any subsequent heat treatments, and its characterizations were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), UV–Vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy techniques, and also its photocatalytic degradation for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was investigated. XRD patterns revealed that ß‐Ga2O3 crystallization increased with the enhancement of microwave power and the adding of active carbon (AC). PFOA, as an environmental and persistent pollutant, is hard decomposed by hydroxyl radicals (HO·); however, it is facilely destroyed by ß‐Ga2O3 photocatalytic reaction in an anaerobic atmosphere. The important factors such as pH, ß‐Ga2O3 dosage and bubbling atmosphere were researched, and the degradation and defluorination was 98.8% and 56.2%, respectively. Reductive atmosphere reveals that photoinduced electron may be the major reactant for PFOA. Furthermore, the degradation kinetics for PFOA was simulated and constant and half‐life was calculated, respectively.
Qualitative and quantitative aspects of information processing in first psychosis: Latent class analyses in patients, at‐risk subjects, and controls
Authors: van Tricht Mirjam J. , Bour Lo J. , Koelman Johannes H. T. M. , Derks Eske M. , Braff David L. , de Wilde Odette M. , Boerée Thijs , Linszen Don H. , de Haan Lieuwe , Nieman Dorien H.
Published: November 2014

We aimed to determine profiles of information processing deficits in the pathway to first psychosis. Sixty‐one subjects at ultrahigh risk (UHR) for psychosis were assessed, of whom 18 converted to a first episode of psychosis (FEP) within the follow‐up period. Additionally, 47 FEP and 30 control subjects were included. Using 10 neurophysiological parameters associated with information processing, latent class analyses yielded three classes at baseline. Class membership was related to group status. Within the UHR sample, two classes were found. Transition to psychosis was nominally associated with class membership. Neurophysiological profiles were unstable over time, but associations between specific neurophysiological components at baseline and follow‐up were found. We conclude that certain constellations of neurophysiological variables aid in the differentiation between controls and patients in the prodrome and after first psychosis.
Group Bound: Confidence Intervals for Groups of Variables in Sparse High Dimensional Regression Without Assumptions on the Design
Authors: Meinshausen Nicolai
Published: November 2014

It is in general challenging to provide confidence intervals for individual variables in high dimensional regression without making strict or unverifiable assumptions on the design matrix. We show here that a ‘group bound’ confidence interval can be derived without making any assumptions on the design matrix. The lower bound for the regression coefficient of individual variables can be derived via linear programming. The idea also generalizes naturally to groups of variables, where we can derive a one-sided confidence interval for the joint effect of a group. Although the confidence intervals of individual variables are by the nature of the problem often very wide, it is shown to be possible to detect the contribution of groups of highly correlated predictor variables even when no variable individually shows a significant effect. The assumptions that are necessary to detect the effect of groups of variables are shown to be weaker than the weakest known assumptions that are necessary to detect the effect of individual variables.
Institutional Investors' Trading in Speculation: Evidence from China
Authors: Kong Gaowen , Kong Dongmin
Published: November 2014

The trading behaviour of institutional investors has attracted much attention. However, many issues related to their trading behaviour cannot be addressed without high‐frequency changes in institutional ownership. Based on a measure of the trading behaviour of institutional investors by using an institutional account dataset from China, we find that (i) active institutions trade speculatively by taking advantage of individual investors; (ii) individuals buying high and selling low offer liquidity only on average; (iii) foreign investors do not show significant patterns in speculation; and (iv) trading of active institutions significantly affects price. This study casts doubt on the conventional wisdom that institutional or sophisticated investors improve market efficiency by correcting mispricing, and provides direct evidence for institutional investors' speculation behaviour and their destabilising effect on the stock market. Results suggest that regulators in emerging markets should monitor institutions' speculation to bring fairness and justice to the stock market.
Feeling an outsider left in uncertainty – a phenomenological study on the experiences of older hospital patients
Authors: van der Meide Hanneke , Olthuis Gert , Leget Carlo
Published: November 2014

This paper starts from a care ethical perspective on care and reports on a phenomenological study into older patients’ experiences of hospitalisation. Although hospital care for older patients is at the centre of attention, questions what is at stake and what defines quality of care are rarely discussed with a view to the perspective of older patients themselves. The qualitative observational method of shadowing was used. Ten patients of 75 years old or older were shadowed from admission until discharge. The reflective lifeworld approach, based on phenomenological philosophy, was used to analyse the collected data. For the older patients included in the study, the essential meaning of hospitalisation can be described as feeling an outsider left in uncertainty. The word ‘left’ reveals how hospitalisation is experienced as a solitary struggle with various uncertainties that are related both to the hospital environment and to the patient's personal situation. The essential meaning is composed of the following three constituents: (i) staying in an inhospitable place, (ii) feeling constrained and (iii) experiencing disruption. The busy walking back and forth of care professionals and the functional character of involvement, restrain older patients from participating and make them feel abandoned. Feeling constrained reveals the feelings brought on by the ageing body which are emphasised by hospitalisation but often neglected by hospital staff. The failure of healthcare professionals to recognise and respond to who older patients are aside from their illness exacerbate the experience of disruptions. To improve care, hospital staff must be more sensitive to older patients’ uncertainties. Also, hospital staff should provide older patients with understandable information and explanation which besides offering patients the possibility to feel involved, meets their need for recognition.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Low Testosterone among Patients with End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Bao Yeran , Johansen Kirsten L.
Published: November 2014

The prevalence of low testosterone level is particularly high among patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and has been associated with mortality. In populations without ESRD, low testosterone level has also been associated with a number of morbidities including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, low muscle mass, low bone mass, low physical performance, and frailty. However, there is controversy regarding what constitutes low testosterone level in the aging population and at what level replacement therapy with testosterone is indicated. There are no randomized controlled trials investigating long‐term outcomes of testosterone replacement therapy in populations with or without ESRD. Available trial results suggest equivocal improvements in sexual function. Muscle mass and bone mineral density appear to improve, but results in physical function and performance are mixed and there are no data on fracture prevention. Some recent data suggest harm when testosterone was given to men with limited mobility. Finally, there is little evidence that testosterone adds to existing erythropoietin agents in the treatment of anemia in ESRD. Due to lack of evidence supporting long‐term use of testosterone, the authors recommend against the routine use of testosterone in ESRD patients with low testosterone levels. Testosterone treatment can be considered in those with low bone mass and total testosterone level <200 ng/dl, or in younger patients with sexual complaints with total testosterone level lower than the reference range. It is important to engage patients in discussion of risks and benefits before initiating testosterone therapy; testosterone therapy should be discontinued if the intended treatment effect is not observed after short‐term use.
Surface‐Mediated Priming During In Vitro Generation of Monocyte‐Derived Dendritic Cells
Authors: Sauter A. , Mc Duffie Y. , Boehm H. , Martinez A. , Spatz J. P. , Appel S.
Published: November 2014

Ex vivo‐generated human dendritic cells (DC) are most commonly generated from monocytes using standard cell culture dishes. To elucidate the effect of the plastic surface during the differentiation process, we compared a standard adhesive plastic dish with four different mainly non‐adherent surfaces. Untouched monocytes were cultured for 3 days in the presence of IL‐4 and GM‐CSF. Time‐lapse videos were recorded, and the phenotype of the cells was analysed by flow cytometry. The cytokine profiles were analysed using a 25‐plex cytokine assay. The use of non‐adherent surfaces led to a significant reduction in expression of CD14 and CD38, and a significant increase in expression of CD86 compared to standard culture dishes. Expression levels of DC‐SIGN and PD‐L2 were reduced significantly on cells cultured on non‐adherent surfaces. The cytokine production was independent on the surface used. The surface‐mediated priming should therefore be considered when aiming to induce specific immune responses. This is especially important with regard to DC‐based immunotherapy, where an adjustment of the surface during the DC generation process might have highly beneficial effects.
DOWNY MILDEW RESISTANT 6 and DMR6‐LIKE OXYGENASE 1 are partially redundant but distinct suppressors of immunity in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zeilmaker Tieme , Ludwig Nora R. , Elberse Joyce , Seidl Michael F. , Berke Lidija , Van Doorn Arjen , Schuurink Robert C. , Snel Berend , Van den Ackerveken Guido
Published: November 2014

Arabidopsis downy mildew resistant 6 (dmr6) mutants have lost their susceptibility to the downy mildew Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis. Here we show that dmr6 is also resistant to the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae and the oomycete Phytophthora capsici. Resistance is accompanied by enhanced defense gene expression and elevated salicylic acid levels. The suppressive effect of the DMR6 oxygenase was confirmed in transgenic Arabidopsis lines overexpressing DMR6 that show enhanced susceptibility to H. arabidopsidis, P. capsici, and P. syringae. Phylogenetic analysis of the superfamily of 2‐oxoglutarate Fe(II)‐dependent oxygenases revealed a subgroup of DMR6‐LIKE OXYGENASEs (DLOs). Within Arabidopsis, DMR6 is most closely related to DLO1 and DLO2. Overexpression of DLO1 and DLO2 in the dmr6 mutant restored the susceptibility to downy mildew indicating that DLOs negatively affect defense, similar to DMR6. DLO1, but not DLO2, is co‐expressed with DMR6, showing strong activation during pathogen attack and following salicylic acid treatment. DMR6 and DLO1 differ in their spatial expression pattern in downy mildew‐infected Arabidopsis leaves; DMR6 is mostly expressed in cells that are in contact with hyphae and haustoria of H. arabidopsidis, while DLO1 is expressed mainly in the vascular tissues near infection sites. Strikingly, the dmr6‐3_dlo1 double mutant, that is completely resistant to H. arabidopsidis, showed a strong growth reduction that was associated with high levels of salicylic acid. We conclude that DMR6 and DLO1 redundantly suppress plant immunity, but also have distinct activities based on their differential localization of expression.
Simulation of Oxy–Fuel Combustion of Heavy Oil Fuel in a Model Furnace
Authors: Ben-Manosur Rached , Ahmed Pervez , Habib M. A.
Published: November 2014

The present study aims at investigating the characteristics of oxy-combustion of heavy oil liquid fuel in a down-fired model furnace. Nonpremixed probability density function (PDF) mixture model was used to simulate the combustion characteristics and turbulence chemistry. The validation of the present model was performed against the experimental data and is found to be in good agreement. The results depict that the oxy-combustion of liquid fuels results in lower soot. It is observed that the soot formation is reduced when N2 in air-combustion is replaced by O2 in oxy-combustion. However, it increases as the amount of oxygen in oxy-combustion increases. Replacing nitrogen in the air-combustion by carbon dioxide in oxyfuel combustion tends to reduce the temperature levels in the upstream sections of the combustion chamber.
Mask-Less Electrochemical Additive Manufacturing: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Sundaram Murali M. , Kamaraj Abishek B. , Kumar Varun S.
Published: November 2014

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metallic structures by laser based layered manufacturing processes involve thermal damages. In this work, the feasibility of mask-less electrochemical deposition as a nonthermal metallic AM process has been studied. Layer by layer localized electrochemical deposition using a microtool tip has been performed to manufacture nickel microstructures. Three-dimensional free hanging structures with about 600 μm height and 600 μm overhang are manufactured to establish the process capability. An inhouse built CNC system was integrated in this study with an electrochemical cell to achieve 30 layers thick microparts in about 5 h by AM directly from STL files generated from corresponding CAD models. The layer thickness achieved in this process was about 10 μm and the minimum feature size depends on the tool width. Simulation studies of electrochemical deposition performed to understand the pulse wave characteristics and their effects on the localization of the deposits.
Optimal Layering Time Control for Stepped-Concurrent Radiative Curing Process
Authors: Yebi Adamu , Ayalew Beshah
Published: November 2014

This paper makes the following main proposals: (1) a stepped-concurrent curing (SCC) approach for making thick parts using ultraviolet (UV) radiative curing and (2) an optimal interlayer hold time control scheme to maximize the benefit of the SCC approach. The SCC approach seeks to reduce cure level deviations across a thick part by introducing new layers before earlier ones cure completely. A model of the UV curing process that includes the coupled cure kinetics and heat transfer is used to motivate the SCC scheme as well as the inherent optimization problem in this process. Then, the SCC process is cast as a hybrid system in which the addition of each layer switches the underlying state space to one with a higher dimension. Minimization of the overall cure deviation is set as the objective of the process and the necessary conditions for the optimal interlayer hold time control sequence are explicitly derived and solved via a steepest descent algorithm. Applications of the proposed scheme to a composite laminate curing process show that the so computed optimal layering time control sequence indeed gives the best performance in terms of closely tracking a target cure level distribution, compared to equal-time SCC or one-shot curing of the whole thick part.
Empirical Studies of Designer Thinking: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Dinar Mahmoud , Shah Jami J. , Cagan Jonathan , Leifer Larry , Linsey Julie , Smith Steven M. , Hernandez Noe Vargas
Published: November 2014

Understanding how designers think is core to advancing design methods, tools, and outcomes. Engineering researchers have effectively turned to cognitive science approaches to studying the engineering design process. Empirical methods used for studying designer thinking have included verbal protocols, case studies, and controlled experiments. Studies have looked at the role of design methods, strategies, tools, environment, experience, and group dynamics. Early empirical studies were casual and exploratory with loosely defined objectives and informal analysis methods. Current studies have become more formal, factor controlled, aiming at hypothesis testing, using statistical design of experiments (DOE) and analysis methods such as analysis of variations (ANOVA). Popular pursuits include comparison of experts and novices, identifying and overcoming fixation, role of analogies, effectiveness of ideation methods, and other various tools. This paper first reviews a snapshot of the different approaches to study designers and their processes. Once the current basis is established, the paper explores directions for future or expanded research in this rich and critical area of designer thinking. A variety of data may be collected, and related to both the process and the outcome (designs). But there are still no standards for designing, collecting and analyzing data, partly due to the lack of cognitive models and theories of designer thinking. Data analysis is tedious and the rate of discoveries has been slow. Future studies may need to develop computer based data collection and automated analyses, which may facilitate collection of massive amounts of data with the potential of rapid advancement of the rate of discoveries and development of designer thinking cognitive models. The purpose of this paper is to provide a roadmap to the vast literature for the benefit of new researchers, and also a retrospective for the community.
Toll like receptor 2/1 mediated platelet adhesion and activation on bacterial mimetic surfaces is dependent on src/Syk-signaling and purinergic receptor P2X1 and P2Y12 activation
Authors: Klarström Engström Kristin , Brommesson Caroline , Kälvegren Hanna , Bengtsson Torbjörn
Published: November 2014

Platelets are considered to have important functions in inflammatory processes as key players in innate immunity. Toll like receptors (TLRs), expressed on platelets, recognize pathogen associated molecular patterns and trigger immune responses. Pathogens are able to adhere to human tissues and form biofilms which cause a continuous activation of the immune system. The authors aimed to investigate how immobilized Pam3CSK4 (a synthetic TLR2/1 agonist) and IgG, respectively, resembling a bacterial focus, affects adhesion and activation of platelets including release of two cytokines, regulated on activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). The authors also aim to clarify the signaling downstream of TLR2/1 and FcγRII (IgG receptor) and the role of adenine nucleotides in this process. Biolayers of Pam3CSK4 and IgG, respectively, were confirmed by null-ellipsometry and contact angle measurements. Platelets were preincubated with signaling inhibitors for scr and Syk and antagonists for P2X1 or P2Y1 [adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptors] prior to addition to the surfaces. The authors show that platelets adhere and spread on both Pam3CSK4- and IgG-coated surfaces and that this process is antagonized by scr and Syc inhibitors as well as P2X1 and P2Y antagonists. This suggests that Pam3CSK4 activated platelets utilize the same pathway as FcγRII. Moreover, the authors show that ATP-ligation of P2X1 is of importance for further platelet activation after TLR2/1-activation, and that P2Y12 is the prominent ADP-receptor involved in adhesion and spreading. RANTES and MIF were secreted over time from platelets adhering to the coated surfaces, but no MIF was released upon stimulation with soluble Pam3CSK4. These results clarify the importance of TLR2/1 and FcγRII in platelet adhesion and activation, and strengthen the role of platelets as an active player in sensing bacterial infections.