bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large entropy change accompanying two successive magnetic phase transitions in TbMn2Si2 for magnetic refrigeration
Authors: Li Guoxing , Wang Jianli , Cheng Zhenxiang , Ren Qingyong , Fang Chunsheng , Dou Shixue
Published: May 2015

Structural and magnetic properties in TbMn2Si2 are studied by variable temperature X-ray diffraction, magnetization, electrical resistivity, and heat capacity measurements. TbMn2Si2 undergoes two successive magnetic transitions at around Tc1 = 50 K and Tc2 = 64 K. Tc1 remains almost constant with increasing magnetic field, but Tc2 shifts significantly to higher temperature. Thus, there are two partially overlapping peaks in the temperature dependence of magnetic entropy change, i.e., −ΔSM (T). The different responses of Tc1 and Tc2 to external magnetic field, and the overlapping of −ΔSM (T) around Tc1 and Tc2 induce a large refrigerant capacity (RC) within a large temperature range. The large reversible magnetocaloric effect (−ΔSMpeak ∼ 16 J/kg K for a field change of 0–5 T) and RC (=396 J/kg) indicate that TbMn2Si2 could be a promising candidate for low temperature magnetic refrigeration.
Mapping allied health evidence-based practice: providing a basis for organisational realignment
Authors: Ziviani Jenny , Wilkinson Shelley A. , Hinchliffe Fiona , Feeney Rachel
Published: May 2015

Objective Ahead of the convergence of two major paediatric services, we examined evidence-based practice (EBP) self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, knowledge and use among allied health (AH) staff in two major Queensland (Qld) paediatric services. This was to determine whether any differences existed based on organisational affiliation, profession and any previous training to inform a strategy to enhance AH EBP within the new organisational setting. Methods All AH staff from the two Brisbane (Qld) tertiary paediatric hospitals were invited to participate in the survey. Using a cross-sectional design, EBP self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, knowledge and use, as well as previous EBP training, were assessed with an online survey. Background demographic information obtained included professional discipline and hospital. Results One hundred and thirty-eight health practitioners completed the survey (37% response rate). Most practitioners had accessed EBP training. Mean scores for EBP attitudes (self-efficacy and outcome expectancy) and knowledge were higher than for EBP use scores. Greater variation was observed across professional disciplines than organisations. Training impacted positively on EBP measures but explained a small proportion of total variance in regression models. Conclusions The results underscore the need to provide organisational supports to AH staff for EBP implementation. Strategies other than training are required to maximally enhance EBP attitudes. The new organisational structure provides an opportunity for this cultural shift to occur. What is known about the topic? Factors affecting the EBP capabilities of AH professionals are complex and are associated with institutional culture and barriers, personal self-belief and individual experience and ability, and can exist at clinician, team and organisational levels. What does this paper add? The data from the present study confirm the emerging literature examining various AH professional groups’ EBP behaviours and ratings with a large and diverse cohort from a variety of backgrounds and across organisations. Respondents possessed a positive attitude towards EBP and moderate EBP knowledge, with these scores exceeding EBP use scores. Organisational affiliation had little impact on EBP measures. What are the implications for practitioners? Although the results of the present study highlight the importance of training in literature searching, EBP and research design and/or analysis, the findings also indicated that strategies other than training are required to maximally enhance EBP attitudes and use by AH staff. To harness the positive approach AH staff have to EBP, strategies such as incorporation of EBP principles and plans in departmental meetings and strategic reviews, as well as strengthening organisational governance in relation to EBP and research, must be developed within the new organisational structure and context; a powerful, but often overlooked, enabler of EBP.
Sugar in Mid-twentieth-century Australia: A Bittersweet Tale of Behaviour, Economics, Politics and Dental Health
Authors: Akers H. F. , Foley M. A. , Ford P. J. , Ryan L. P.
Published: May 2015

History is replete with debates between health professionals with concerns about practices and products and others who either challenge scientific evidence or believe that the greatest public good is achieved through maintenance of the status quo. This paper provides a 1950s socio-scientific perspective on a recurring problem for health professionals. It analyses dentists' promotion of oral health by discouraging sugar consumption and the sugar industry's defence of its staple product. Despite scientific evidence in support of its case, the dental profession lacked influence with government and large sections of the Australian community. The division of powers within the Australian Constitution, together with the cause, nature and ubiquity of caries and Australians' tolerance of the disease, were relevant to the outcome. In contrast, the sugar industry was a powerful force. Sugar was a pillar of the Australian and Queensland economies. The industry contributed to the history of Queensland and to Queenslanders' collective psyche, and enjoyed access to centralized authority in decision-making. The timing of the debate was also relevant. Under Prime Minister Robert Menzies, the Australian Government was more concerned with promoting industry and initiative than oral health. This was a one-sided contest. Patterns of food consumption evolve from interactions between availability, culture and choice. Food and associated etiquettes provide far more than health, nutrients and enjoyment. They contribute to economic and social development, national and regional identity and the incidence of disease. The growing, milling and processing of sugarcane and the incorporation of sugar into the Australian diet is a case study that illuminates the interface between health professionals, corporations, society and the state. Today, for a variety of reasons, health professionals recommend limits for daily intake of sugar. Calls for dietary reform are not new and invariably arouse opposition. The issue came to the fore between 1945 and 1960, when dentists contended that the consumption of sugar either caused or contributed to a major health problem, namely dental caries (tooth decay). Representatives of the sugar industry defended their staple product against these claims, which emerged at a critical time for the industry. With hindsight, these exchanges can be seen as a precursor to more diverse and recurring debates relating to contemporary health campaigns. This paper documents and analyses the contemporaneous scientific and socio-political backgrounds underpinning these engagements
Transcriptome of early embryonic invasion at implantation sites in a murine model
Authors: Moreno-Moya J. M. , Franchi N. A. , Martínez-Escribano S. , Martínez-Conejero J. A. , Bocca S. , Oehninger S. , Horcajadas J. A.
Published: May 2015

Successful implantation relies on the interaction between a competent embryo and a receptive endometrium. The aim of the present study was to investigate genes differentially expressed in early invasive embryonic tissue versus decidual tissue in mice. Samples were obtained from the ectoplacental cone, the immediately surrounding deciduas and from deciduas from interimplantation sites. Microarray analysis showed that 817 genes were differentially expressed between extra-embryonic tissue and the surrounding decidua and that 360 genes were differentially expressed between the different deciduas, with a high representation of developmental processes. Genes differentially expressed in the maternal compartment included chemokines, lipoproteins, growth factors and transcription factors, whereas the embryonic invasive tissue expressed genes commonly observed in invasive tumour-like processes. These results provide information about genes involved in early embryonic invasion and the control exerted by the surrounding decidua. This information may be useful to find targets involved in pathologies associated with implantation failure and early pregnancy loss.
Dynamics of Notch signalling in the mouse oviduct and uterus during the oestrous cycle
Authors: Murta D. , Batista M. , Trindade A. , Silva E. , Mateus L. , Duarte A. , Lopes-da-Costa L.
Published: May 2015

The oviduct and uterus undergo extensive cellular remodelling during the oestrous cycle, requiring finely tuned intercellular communication. Notch is an evolutionarily conserved cell signalling pathway implicated in cell fate decisions in several tissues. In the present study we evaluated the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time qPCR) and expression (immunohistochemistry) patterns of Notch components (Notch1–4, Delta-like 1 (Dll1), Delta-like 4 (Dll4), Jagged1–2) and effector (hairy/enhancer of split (Hes) 1–2, Hes5 and Notch-Regulated Ankyrin Repeat-Containing Protein (Nrarp)) genes in the mouse oviduct and uterus throughout the oestrous cycle. Notch genes are differentially transcribed and expressed in the mouse oviduct and uterus throughout the oestrous cycle. The correlated transcription levels of Notch components and effector genes, and the nuclear detection of Notch effector proteins, indicate that Notch signalling is active. The correlation between transcription levels of Notch genes and progesterone concentrations, and the association between expression of Notch proteins and progesterone receptor (PR) activation, indicate direct progesterone regulation of Notch signalling. The expression patterns of Notch proteins are spatially and temporally specific, resulting in unique expression combinations of Notch receptor, ligand and effector genes in the oviduct luminal epithelium, uterus luminal and glandular epithelia and uterine stroma throughout the oestrous cycle. Together, the results of the present study imply a regulatory role for Notch signalling in oviduct and uterine cellular remodelling occurring throughout the oestrous cycle.
‘It’s always just there in your face’: young people’s views on porn
Authors: Walker Shelley , Temple-Smith Meredith , Higgs Peter , Sanci Lena
Published: May 2015

Background
Young people’s exposure to pornography has increased, as has the violent and sexist nature of mainstream porn. Contemporary content means young people are exposed to violent porn whether they like it or not, and it is no longer a question of whether they will be exposed, but rather when. Methods: Using purposive sampling, 33 in-depth interviews were conducted with young people aged 15–20 years in 2010–11, to explore the phenomenon of sexting. During initial interviews, participants raised the topic of pornography exposure as a secondary, unexpected finding. Discussions highlighted an important link between sexting and pornography. The inductive nature of the research meant this new and important area of inquiry was able to be explored. Results: Data was thematically coded and analysed using a grounded theory approach. Findings highlight that many young people are exposed to porn both intentionally and unintentionally. Furthermore, they are concerned about gendered norms that reinforce men’s power and subordination over women. A link between porn exposure, young men’s sexual expectations and young women’s pressure to conform to what is being viewed, has been exposed. Conclusions: Results are significant given this is one of few recent qualitative Australian studies to explore the issue of pornography exposure from the perspective of young people. Important implications for educators, parents and health providers have been revealed, including the need to create opportunities for young people to challenge the messages expressed in porn, and for their views to be heard in academic and public debate.
Comparison of Saline-Irrigated Catheter vs. Temperature-Controlled Catheter for Renal Denervation in a Canine Model
Authors: Wang Zhenglong , Chen Shaojie , Zhou Tingquan , Su Li , Ling Zhiyu , Fan Jinqi , Chen Weijie , Du Huaan , Lu Jiayi , Xu Yanping , Tan Zhen , Yang Hanxuan , Hu Xinyu , Li Chengzhi , Yan Xue , Hu Guangxin , Liu Chang , Yin Yuehui
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of catheter-based renal denervation (RDN) remains controversial. Although the reasons for this have not yet been elucidated, ineffective denervation appears to be an important factor. The present study aimed to investigate the difference in RDN between a saline-irrigated catheter (SIC) and a temperature-controlled catheter (TCC).

METHODS

Dogs (n = 6) from the Kunming province in Chinese were ablated; the SIC was introduced into the right renal artery, while the TCC was introduced into the left renal artery. After 6 months, histopathology and renal angiography were performed, and the change in neural density was evaluated using morphometric software. The average values of heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and catecholamine metabolites were assessed at baseline and follow-up.

RESULTS

Histopathology showed nerve demyelination and denaturation, as well as interstitial hyperplasia, although these changes were more pronounced when the SIC was used. The change in neural density was greater and ablation was deeper when the SIC was used. Intimal hyperplasia was greater when the TCC was used, whereas medial hyperplasia was greater when the SIC was used. A trend toward a decrease in HR, BP, metanephrine, and normetanephrine between baseline and follow-up was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that SIC ablation results in more extensive neural degeneration, deeper penetration, and less extensive intimal hyperplasia than TCC ablation for RDN.
The Early Career of William of Ypres in England: A New Charter of King Stephen
Authors: Nieus Jean-François
Published: May 2015

The abstract for your paper is included below. This will appear online only. This article discusses a newly discovered writ addressed by King Stephen to his military commander and leading supporter William of Ypres. This undated writ, copied by the French antiquary Étienne Baluze from a twelfth-century cartulary of the abbey of Saint-Bertin in northern France, was most probably issued in or around 1140. It sheds interesting new light on the English holdings of Stephen of Blois before his coronation, as well as on the (poorly documented) early career of William of Ypres in service to the new king. It records a grant to William of two knight’s fees in Suffolk, along with the port of Orford, which, as we learn from the text, had been previously awarded to Stephen by King Henry I. Orford was indeed associated with the honour of Eye, held by Stephen after 1113–5 and—as we can now confirm—transferred to William’s own custody around 1137. It mattered to both men as a strategic sea connection between East Anglia and their continental interests, i.e. the county of Boulogne and the recruitment area of Flemish mercenaries. This is probably why William retained it after his appointment in Kent around 1139. William of Ypres’ early tenancy in Eye eventually helps us to reassess his traditional image as a ‘mercenary captain’, and gives new insight into King Stephen’s administrative reforms on the eve of the civil war.
Pre-release processes influencing short-term mortality of glass eels in the French eel (Anguilla anguilla, Linnaeus 1758) stocking programme
Authors: Josset Q. , Trancart T. , Mazel V. , Charrier F. , Frotté L. , Acou A. , Feunteun E.
Published: May 2015

The decline in the European eel has led the European Union to require that its Member States establish an Eel Management Plan, which includes a set of measures to help preserve and restore the wild eel populations. Stocking has been conducted in France since 2011 as part of this Management Plan. This stocking programme is based on a protocol designed by the French National Museum of Natural History and includes an assessment of the short-term (15 d after release) mortality and three recapture surveys at 6, 12, and 36 months after release. The present study aims to assess the different processes influencing the short-term mortality to provide recommendations to reduce mortality and increase the efficiency of the releases. A linear model was built to examine the different variables selected modelling. The resulting model explained 56.4% of the total deviance; the main factor in terms of explained deviance was the operation (31.2%), which actually includes a number of handling parameters. The other factors influencing the short-term mortality were the release year, the fishmonger that provided the glass eels, the duration of stalling (period of captivity) before release, the body condition, the marking, and the type of mortality test. It appears that some of these variables could be adjusted to reduce the short-term mortality. For instance, selecting the most suitable release sites to stock or selecting glass eels with good body condition, adjusting the duration of stalling, or limiting the marking should help reduce short-term mortality.
Reactivation of Chagas Disease in a Patient With Follicular Lymphoma Diagnosed by Means of Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Garzón Maria I. , Sánchez Ariel G. , Goy Maria C. , Alvarellos Teresita , Zarate Abel H. , Basquiera Ana L. , Garcia Juan J. , Caeiro Juan P.
Published: May 2015

We report a case of Chagas disease reactivation in a patient with stage IIb follicular lymphoma in the cecum. He was admitted to the hospital with neutropenia and fever. He had a history of right hemicolectomy 6 months earlier and had received the sixth cycle of chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine/prednisone/rituximab. Blood and urine cultures were negative, but the fever persisted. Reactivation of Chagas disease was confirmed by means of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Parasitic load was 577 950 parasite equivalents/mL. The patient began treatment with benznidazole 5 mg/k per day every 12 hours. After 1 month, the qRT-PCR control was undetectable. The patient completed 60 days of treatment and is currently asymptomatic. Trypanosoma cruzi qRT-PCR may become a useful diagnostic method for reactivation of Chagas disease.
Increased Regulatory T-Cell Percentage Contributes to Poor CD4+ Lymphocytes Recovery: A 2-Year Prospective Study After Introduction of Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Saison Julien , Maucort Boulch Delphine , Chidiac Christian , Demaret Julie , Malcus Christophe , Cotte Laurent , Poitevin-Later Francoise , Miailhes Patrick , Venet Fabienne , Trabaud Mary Anne , Monneret Guillaume , Ferry Tristan
Published: May 2015

Background.  The primary aim of this study was to determine the impact of regulatory T cells (Tregs) percentage on immune recovery in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients after antiretroviral therapy introduction.

Methods.  A 2-year prospective study was conducted in HIV-1 chronically infected naive patients with CD4 count <500 cells/mm3. Regulatory T cells were identified as CD4+CD25highCD127low cells among CD4+ lymphocytes. Effect of Treg percentage at inclusion on CD4 evolution overtime was analyzed using a mixed-effect Poisson regression for count data.

Results.  Fifty-eight patients were included (median CD4 = 293/mm3, median Treg percentage = 6.1%). Percentage of Treg at baseline and CD4 nadir were independently related to the evolution of CD4 absolute value according to time: (1) at any given nadir CD4 count, 1% increase of initial Treg was associated with a 1.9% lower CD4 absolute value at month 24; (2) at any given Treg percentage at baseline, 10 cell/mm3 increase of CD4 nadir was associated with a 2.4% increase of CD4 at month 24; and (3) both effects did not attenuate with time. The effect of Treg at baseline on CD4 evolution was as low as the CD4 nadir was high.

Conclusions.  Regulatory T-cell percentage at baseline is a strong independent prognostic factor of immune recovery, particularly among patients with low CD4 nadir.
Non-convexly constrained image reconstruction from nonlinear tomographic X-ray measurements
Authors: Blumensath Thomas , Boardman Richard
Published: May 2015

The use of polychromatic X-ray sources in tomographic X-ray measurements leads to nonlinear X-ray transmission effects. As these nonlinearities are not normally taken into account in tomographic reconstruction, artefacts occur, which can be particularly severe when imaging objects with multiple materials of widely varying X-ray attenuation properties. In these settings, reconstruction algorithms based on a nonlinear X-ray transmission model become valuable. We here study the use of one such model and develop algorithms that impose additional non-convex constraints on the reconstruction. This allows us to reconstruct volumetric data even when limited measurements are available. We propose a nonlinear conjugate gradient iterative hard thresholding algorithm and show how many prior modelling assumptions can be imposed using a range of non-convex constraints.
Regulation of recombination at yeast nuclear pores controls repair and triplet repeat stability
Authors: Su Xiaofeng A. , Dion Vincent , Gasser Susan M. , Freudenreich Catherine H.
Published: May 2015

Secondary structure-forming DNA sequences such as CAG repeats interfere with replication and repair, provoking fork stalling, chromosome fragility, and recombination. In budding yeast, we found that expanded CAG repeats are more likely than unexpanded repeats to localize to the nuclear periphery. This positioning is transient, occurs in late S phase, requires replication, and is associated with decreased subnuclear mobility of the locus. In contrast to persistent double-stranded breaks, expanded CAG repeats at the nuclear envelope associate with pores but not with the inner nuclear membrane protein Mps3. Relocation requires Nup84 and the Slx5/8 SUMO-dependent ubiquitin ligase but not Rad51, Mec1, or Tel1. Importantly, the presence of the Nup84 pore subcomplex and Slx5/8 suppresses CAG repeat fragility and instability. Repeat instability in nup84, slx5, or slx8 mutant cells arises through aberrant homologous recombination and is distinct from instability arising from the loss of ligase 4-dependent end-joining. Genetic and physical analysis of Rad52 sumoylation and binding at the CAG tract suggests that Slx5/8 targets sumoylated Rad52 for degradation at the pore to facilitate recovery from acute replication stress by promoting replication fork restart. We thereby confirmed that the relocation of damage to nuclear pores plays an important role in a naturally occurring repair process.
Securities and Exchange Commission announces enforcement initiative directed at reporting violations by public company insiders
Authors: Parrino Richard J. , Romeo Peter , Dye Alan
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review the enforcement initiative announced by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in September 2014 directed at reporting violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) by public company officers, directors and significant stockholders. The paper considers the notable features of the first round of SEC enforcement actions pursuant to that initiative and proposes measures public companies and their insiders can adopt to enhance compliance with their reporting and related disclosure obligations under the Exchange Act.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper examines the SEC’s enforcement initiative against the backdrop of the agency’s enforcement activity since 1990 for violations by public company insiders of the reporting provisions of Sections 13 and 16 of the Exchange Act. The paper summarizes the features of the reporting violations that attracted SEC enforcement interest in the recent proceedings and identifies the factors apparently weighed by the SEC in determining the amount of the penalties sought against those charged with the violations.

Findings

– The SEC’s latest enforcement actions are unprecedented for insider reporting violations. The new enforcement initiative represents an abandonment by the SEC of its largely passive approach of the past dozen years in which it charged insider reporting violations only when they related to fraud or other major violations of the securities laws. If reporting violations are flagrant, the SEC now promises to target the offenders for enforcement on a stand-alone basis without regard to other possible wrongdoing. The SEC also cautions that, as it did in some of the recent enforcement actions, it may charge companies that promise to assist their insiders in the preparation and filing of their reports, but do not to make the filings in a timely manner, with contributing to the filing failures.

Originality/value

– The paper provides expert guidance from experienced securities lawyers.
Perceived organizational support and its outcomes
Authors: Ahmed Ishfaq , Nawaz Muhammad Musarrat , Ali Ghulam , Islam Talat
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Riggleet al.’s (2009) research of 20 years literature (1986-2006) is the latest available meta-analysis on perceived organizational support and outcomes. There are seven years since no work has been done to see the changes in the research and its emphasis, which is the main target of this research. This study aimed at five major outcomes: employee engagement, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, organizational citizenship behavior and turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Hundred and twelve studies were included in meta-analysis containing at least one of the outcomes. Riggleet al.included 167 studies in their investigation from 1986 to 2006. This study adds value to the work of Riggleet al.by looking at the studies conducted from January 2007 to April 2014.

Findings

– Findings of the study revealed that perceived organizational support had a strong positive impact on employee engagement, job satisfaction and organizational commitment, while its impact on organizational citizenship behavior and turnover intentions is moderate.

Originality/value

– This study adds value by offering meta-analysis of the perceived organizational support and its outcomes for latest available literature (i.e. 2007-2014).
Seasonal demography of a cyclic lemming population in theCanadianArctic
Authors: Fauteux Dominique , Gauthier Gilles , Berteaux Dominique
Published: May 2015

The causes of cyclical fluctuations in animal populations remain a controversial topic in ecology. Food limitation and predation are two leading hypotheses to explain small mammal population dynamics in northern environments. We documented the seasonal timing of the decline phases and demographic parameters (survival and reproduction) associated with population changes in lemmings, allowing us to evaluate some predictions from these two hypotheses.

We studied the demography of brown lemmings (Lemmus trimucronatus), a species showing 3‐ to 4‐year population cycles in the Canadian Arctic, by combining capture–mark–recapture analysis of summer live‐trapping with monitoring of winter nests over a 10‐year period. We also examined the effects of some weather variables on survival.

We found that population declines after a peak occurred between the summer and winter period and not during the winter. During the summer, population growth was driven by change in survival, but not in fecundity or proportion of juveniles, whereas in winter population growth was driven by changes in late summer and winter reproduction.

We did not find evidence for direct density dependence on summer demographic parameters, though our analysis was constrained by the paucity of data during the low phase. Body mass, however, was highest in peak years.

Weather effects were detected only in early summer when lemming survival was positively related to snow depth at the onset of melt but negatively related to rainfall.

Our results show that high mortality causes population declines of lemmings during summer and fall, which suggests that predation is sufficient to cause population crashes, whereas high winter fecundity is the primary factor leading to population irruptions. The positive association between snow depth and early summer survival may be due to the protective cover offered by snow against predators. It is still unclear why reproduction remains low during the low phase.
Citrinin Determination in Red Fermented Rice Products by Optimized Extraction Method Coupled to Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS)
Authors: Ji Xiaofeng , Xu Junfeng , Wang Xiaofu , Qi Peipei , Wei Wei , Chen Xiaoyun , Li Rui , Zhou Yu
Published: May 2015

A rapid and sensitive method was developed and validated for citrinin determination in red fermented rice products by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) under the selected reaction monitoring mode. Sample preparation was especially focused, and the quantitative methods of LC‐MS/MS and high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC‐FLD) were compared. In red fermented rice samples, the limit of detection was 1.0 μg/kg for LC‐MS/MS compared to 250 μg/kg for HPLC‐FLD, the limit of quantification was 3.0 μg/kg for LC‐MS/MS compared to 825 μg/kg for HPLC‐FLD. High correlation coefficient was obtained (R2 = 0.999) within the linear range (0.1 to 100 μg/L) in the MS method. The recoveries ranging from 80.9% to 106.5% were obtained in different spiking concentrations. The average intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy ranged from 75.4% to 103.1%, and the intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were from 3.3% to 7.9%. The developed method was applied to 12 commercial red fermented rice products, and citrinin was found in 10 samples ranging from 0.14 to 44.24 mg/kg. Compared to traditional qualitative and quantitative methods, the newly developed LC‐MS/MS method for citrinin determination includes the merits of using a small amount of extraction solvent, simple preparation steps, and high sensitivity.
Violent suicidal behaviour in bipolar disorder is associated with nitric oxide synthase 3 gene polymorphism
Authors: Oliveira J. , Debnath M. , Etain B. , Bennabi M. , Hamdani N. , Lajnef M. , Bengoufa D. , Fortier C. , Boukouaci W. , Bellivier F. , Kahn J.‐P. , Henry C. , Charron D. , Krishnamoorthy R. , Leboyer M. , Tamouza R.
Published: May 2015

Objective

Given the importance of nitric oxide system in oxidative stress, inflammation, neurotransmission and cerebrovascular tone regulation, we postulated its potential dysfunction in bipolar disorder (BD) and suicide. By simultaneously analysing variants of three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) genes, we explored interindividual genetic liability to suicidal behaviour in BD.

Method

A total of 536 patients with BD (DSM‐IV) and 160 healthy controls were genotyped for functionally relevant NOS1, NOS2 and NOS3 polymorphisms. History of suicidal behaviour and violent suicide attempt was documented for 511 patients with BD. Chi‐squared test was used to perform genetic association analyses and logistic regression to test for gene–gene interactions.

Results

NOS3 rs1799983 T homozygous state was associated with violent suicide attempts (26.4% vs. 10.8%, in patients and controls, P = 0.002, corrected P (Pc) = 0.004, OR: 2.96, 95% CI = 1.33–6.34), and this association was restricted to the early‐onset BD subgroup (37.9% vs. 10.8%, in early‐onset BD and controls, P = 0.0003, Pc = 0.0006 OR: 5.05, 95% CI: 1.95–12.45), while we found no association with BD per se and no gene–gene interactions.

Conclusion

Our results bring further evidence for the potential involvement of endothelial NOS gene variants in susceptibility to suicidal behaviour. Future exploration of this pathway on larger cohort of suicidal behaviour is warranted.
Owned dog and cat populations in remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory: a retrospective study
Authors: Burleigh A , McMahon S , Kiely S
Published: May 2015

Objective

To determine the population of owned dogs and cats in Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory (NT), and compare the data with those for the average Australian household.

Methods

Results of 20 Indigenous community animal health programs were analysed for species present and dog and cat numbers. The female breeding and puppy populations were also identified.

Results

The average dog population density was significantly higher than the average Australian household, with an average of 24.4 dogs per 10 households, but the average cat population density was similar (3.3 cats per 10 households). Numbers of other species were not determined. The average percentage of puppies in these communities was 17.6% of the treated canine population, the average percentage of breeding canine females was 18.6% of the treated canine population, and the average percentage of breeding feline females was 19.7% of the total feline population.

Conclusions

Dog populations in NT Indigenous communities were at least 6.3‐fold higher per household compared with data for the rest of Australia. Cat populations per household were similar to the overall population. Factors contributing to the relatively high dog populations in remote Indigenous communities include a lack of veterinary presence, community remoteness, poor socioeconomic factors, poor house and yard designs, cultural reasons, communal beliefs, lack of community animal management and a lack of funding. We believe that animal health programs are an important way of addressing a number of these issues. Other elements that should be addressed include improving house and yard design, increasing education regarding animal health, care and welfare, and increasing the training and presence of health and animal professionals.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia induces an exhausted T cell phenotype in the TCL1 transgenic mouse model
Authors: Gassner Franz J. , Zaborsky Nadja , Catakovic Kemal , Rebhandl Stefan , Huemer Michael , Egle Alexander , Hartmann Tanja N. , Greil Richard , Geisberger Roland
Published: May 2015

Although chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a B cell malignancy, earlier studies have indicated a role of T cells in tumour growth and disease progression. In particular, the functional silencing of antigen‐experienced T cells, called T cell exhaustion, has become implicated in immune evasion in CLL. In this study, we tested whether T cell exhaustion is recapitulated in the TCL1tg mouse model for CLL. We show that T cells express high levels of the inhibitory exhaustion markers programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1, also termed PD‐1) and lymphocyte‐activation gene 3 (LAG3), whereas CLL cells express high levels of CD274 (also termed PD‐ligand 1). In addition, the fraction of exhausted T cells increases with CLL progression. Finally, we demonstrate that exhausted T cells are reinvigorated towards CLL cytotoxicity by inhibition of PDCD1/CD274 interaction in vivo.

These results suggest that T cell exhaustion contributes to CLL pathogenesis and that interference with PDCD1/CD274 signalling holds high potential for therapeutic approaches.
An Education Worth Having: The Aspirations and the Development of the Whole Education Network in England
Authors: Crossley David
Published: May 2015

The Whole Education National Network is a dynamic national not‐for‐profit partnership of schools and organisations that believe that all children and young people are entitled to an education that supports the development of wider skills, qualities and characteristics to enable them to thrive in life, learning and work, as well as conventional academic achievement. The article outlines the background to the development of the growing network of some 150 schools plus partner organisations and its core aims. It then considers what the Network is achieving and what it is learning about its approach as it grows. It offers and is seeking to embed and sustain an approach to school development that is ‘values‐led, evidence‐informed and impact‐focused’. It is also predicated on a commitment to and belief in peer‐to‐peer collaboration, inspired and encouraged by the work of leading academics, thinkers and practitioners. Whole Education is also a response to what many observers and commentators identify as a weakness of the English and many other systems: the gap between the outcomes achieved by the more disadvantaged and other students. Part of its moral purpose is to help to narrow that gap, underpinned by a belief that focusing on immediate outcomes and test scores is not enough on its own. The Network operates in the belief that it will only be through the commitment to an entitlement to a ‘whole education for all’ that any school or system will truly narrow the gap and make a real difference to the life‐chances of all young people. School leaders and schools that have gravitated towards Whole Education seek like minds to share and, more importantly, develop both their thinking and strategies employed to help achieve their goals. At the heart of the change model underpinning Whole Education is the development of effective communities of practice that develop professional capital and unleash the creativity of teachers.

Creating, embedding and sustaining a national self‐funded school‐led network committed to achieving longer‐term aspirations rather than immediate needs is both inspiring and challenging. The pressure to respond to short‐term targets in terms of student outcomes and accountability pressures has meant that the energy and resource tend to be focused on the immediate rather than the medium‐ or longer‐term needs. Whole Education provides a powerful example of how schools that share common aspirations can seize the agenda, have real impact on students and demonstrate the potential of a self‐improving school system.
Love and taxes – and matching institutions
Authors: Konrad Kai A. , Lommerud Kjell Erik
Published: May 2015

Abstract Income disparities and the intra‐family redistribution implied by a marriage may induce a high‐income earner to abstain from marrying a low‐income earner even though they would be a perfect match emotionally. Redistributive income taxation eases this problem, and the design of marriage matching institutions interacts with this role of redistributive taxation. Matching institutions that ensure that people largely from the same income groups meet each other can substitute for redistribution. Matching across income groups that focuses on emotional quality or preference congruence of the match may increase the efficiency‐enhancing role of taxation.
Review Essay: Recent Additions to the Rosenwald Historiography
Authors: Beilke Jayne R.
Published: May 2015

This essay reviews two books on Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Fund and places them within the historiography of the Fund. Julius Rosenwald: The Man Who Built Sears, Roebuck and Advanced the Cause of Black Education in the American South, is a biography written by Peter M. Ascoli. The book entitled The Rosenwald Schools of the American South written by Mary S. Hoffschwelle is a study of the rural school-building program with which the Fund is most closely associated. Ascoli's biography joins three other new biographies of early philanthropists that were published in 2006: David Nasaw's Andrew Carnegie; Mrs. Russell Sage: Women's Activism and Philanthropy in Gilded Age and Progressive Era America by Ruth R. Crocker; and David Cannadine's Mellon: An American Life (Katz, p. B6).
Timing of migration and residence areas during the non‐breeding period of barn swallows Hirundo rustica in relation to sex and population
Authors: Liechti Felix , Scandolara Chiara , Rubolini Diego , Ambrosini Roberto , Korner‐Nievergelt Fränzi , Hahn Steffen , Lardelli Roberto , Romano Maria , Caprioli Manuela , Romano Andrea , Sicurella Beatrice , Saino Nicola
Published: May 2015

We investigated sex‐ and year‐dependent variation in the temporal and spatial movement pattern of barn swallows Hirundo rustica during the non‐breeding period. Hundred and three individuals equipped with miniaturized light‐level geolocators at three different breeding areas in southern Switzerland and northern Italy provided data for the analysis. We identified a region 1000 km in radius centred in Cameroon as the main non‐breeding residence area of these three geographical populations. Five residence areas of males only were in southern Africa, south of 19°S. Most individuals occupied a single site during their stay south of the Sahara. The timing of migration broadly overlapped between sexes and all geographical breeding populations. Between the two study years there was a distinct difference of 5 to 10 d in departure dates from and arrival at the breeding sites. Remarkably, the period of residence in sub‐Saharan Africa was very similar (157 d) in the two study years, but their positions in the first year (2010–2011) were about 400 km more to the north than in the second (2011–2012). Independent of the year, individuals with sub‐Saharan residence areas further north and east had a shorter pre‐breeding migration and arrived earlier than those staying further south and west. In addition, birds breeding in southern Switzerland arrived at their breeding colony 7–10 d later than those breeding only 100 km south, in the Po river plain. Our study provides new information on the variance in migration phenology and the distribution of residence areas in sub‐Saharan Africa in relation to sex, population and year. It supports the usefulness of light‐level geolocators for the study of annual routines of large samples of small birds.
Cardiovascular surgery nurses' level of knowledge regarding delirium
Authors: Demir Korkmaz Fatma , Gok Fadime , Yavuz Karamanoglu Ayla
Published: May 2015

Background

Studies have shown that nurses have a crucial role in the recognition of delirium; however, they have insufficient knowledge regarding the issue.

Objective

The aim of the study is to determine the knowledge level of cardiovascular surgery nurses regarding delirium.

Methods

A survey design was used. The population of the study consisted of 124 nurses employed at the cardiovascular surgery wards and intensive care units of universities as well as state and private hospitals located in two different cities in Turkey between May and June 2014. The sample consisted of 97 nurses employed at the aforementioned institutions and time. Data were collected using the questionnaire form depicting the demographic characteristics of the nurses and the knowledge form including the level of nurses' knowledge regarding delirium. For the evaluation of data, number, percentage, Kruskal‐Wallis, Mann‐Whitney U‐ and independent‐samples t‐test were used.

Results

Nurses were between 18 and 47 years of age with a mean 29·8 (SD = 6·80, the youngest = 18 and the oldest = 47) years. They spent a minimum of 1, a maximum of 25 and a median value of 3 (interquartile range, IQR: 5) years working in cardiovascular surgery. As for the scores received from the knowledge form regarding delirium, the lowest was zero, the highest was 60, and the average score was 41·18 ± 12·50 (a moderate level of knowledge). It was found that the nurses working in intensive care units, those who were chief nurses and those who received in‐service training scored higher than the others.

Conclusions

Cardiovascular surgery nurses had a moderate level of knowledge regarding delirium. This may result in the neglect of delirium or a misdiagnosis.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is recommended that training is provided that includes recognition, assessment and application of appropriate interventions to minimise the incidence of delirium.
The influence of childhood asthma on puberty and height in Swedish adolescents
Authors: Protudjer Jennifer Lisa Penner , Lundholm Cecilia , Bergström Anna , Kull Inger , Almqvist Catarina
Published: May 2015

Background

Evidence relating to the effect of asthma on puberty or height is inconclusive. We aimed to examine whether the exposure of childhood asthma, including timing and phenotypes, and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use is either cross‐sectionally or longitudinally associated with the outcomes of pubertal staging or height.

Methods

This study employed data from a longitudinal, population‐based cohort of Swedish children (born 1994–1996). At ages 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 years, parent‐reported data on asthma and ICS use in the previous 12 months were collected. At 8 and 12 years, height was ascertained at a clinical visit, and child‐reported, respectively. At 12 years, children answered puberty‐related questions.

Results

Retention through 12 years was 82% (3366/4089). Participants without puberty data (n = 620) were excluded, yielding a study population of 2746 (67%). Asthma at 8 years, including timing of onset and phenotypes, was not statistically significantly associated with pubertal staging in adjusted models. Children with asthma averaged 0.93 cm (95% CI 0.35–1.50) shorter than children without asthma. Children with asthma using ICS were 1.28 (95% CI 0.62–1.95) shorter than those with asthma without using ICS.

Conclusions

We found no consistent association between asthma and pubertal staging. Children with asthma were shorter than those without asthma. Moreover, children with asthma using ICS were shorter than those not using ICS.
Site vegetation characteristics are more important than landscape context in determining bird assemblages in revegetation
Authors: Gould Susan F. , Mackey Brendan G.
Published: May 2015

The effectiveness of revegetation in providing habitat for fauna is expected to be determined both by within‐site factors and attributes of the landscape in which a revegetation site occurs. Most studies of fauna in revegetation have been conducted in landscapes that have been extensively cleared, modified or fragmented, and in Australia, predominantly in the southern temperate zone. We investigated how within‐site vegetation attributes and landscape context attributes were related to bird species richness and composition in a chronosequence of post‐mining rehabilitation sites within an otherwise intact landscape in tropical northern Australia. Our working hypothesis was that bird species richness in rehabilitating sites would be positively related to site vegetation structure and landscape context including (1) proximity to woodland and (2) the proportion of woodland within a 500‐m buffer of rehabilitation sites. Within each of 67 sites, we sampled vegetation once and surveyed for birds eight times over 16 months. Landscape context variables were calculated using GIS. There were large differences between bird assemblages of woodland and rehabilitation sites and between age classes of rehabilitation. Bird assemblages were strongly related to site vegetation attributes across all rehabilitation sites. Proximity to woodland was only related to bird assemblages in rehabilitation sites older than 4 years old. We conclude that the relative importance of landscape context and site variables at any point in time will be a function of how closely vegetation within the revegetation site matches the habitat resource requirements of individual species.