bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myc and SAGA rewire an alternative splicing network during early somatic cell reprogramming
Authors: Hirsch Calley L. , Coban Akdemir Zeynep , Wang Li , Jayakumaran Gowtham , Trcka Dan , Weiss Alexander , Hernandez J. Javier , Pan Qun , Han Hong , Xu Xueping , Xia Zheng , Salinger Andrew P. , Wilson Marenda , Vizeacoumar Frederick , Datti Alessandro , Li Wei , Cooney Austin J. , Barton Michelle C. , Blencowe Benjamin J. , Wrana Jeffrey L. , Dent Sharon Y.R.
Published: April 2015

Embryonic stem cells are maintained in a self-renewing and pluripotent state by multiple regulatory pathways. Pluripotent-specific transcriptional networks are sequentially reactivated as somatic cells reprogram to achieve pluripotency. How epigenetic regulators modulate this process and contribute to somatic cell reprogramming is not clear. Here we performed a functional RNAi screen to identify the earliest epigenetic regulators required for reprogramming. We identified components of the SAGA histone acetyltransferase complex, in particular Gcn5, as critical regulators of reprogramming initiation. Furthermore, we showed in mouse pluripotent stem cells that Gcn5 strongly associates with Myc and that, upon initiation of somatic reprogramming, Gcn5 and Myc form a positive feed-forward loop that activates a distinct alternative splicing network and the early acquisition of pluripotency-associated splicing events. These studies expose a Myc–SAGA pathway that drives expression of an essential alternative splicing regulatory network during somatic cell reprogramming.
GIXSGUI: a MATLAB toolbox for grazing-incidence X-ray scattering data visualization and reduction, and indexing of buried three-dimensional periodic nanostructured films
Authors: Jiang Zhang
Published: April 2015

GIXSGUI is a MATLAB toolbox that offers both a graphical user interface and script-based access to visualize and process grazing-incidence X-ray scattering data from nanostructures on surfaces and in thin films. It provides routine surface scattering data reduction methods such as geometric correction, one-dimensional intensity linecut, two-dimensional intensity reshaping etc. Three-dimensional indexing is also implemented to determine the space group and lattice parameters of buried organized nanoscopic structures in supported thin films.
Combining high time and angular resolutions: time-resolved X-ray powder diffraction using a multi-channel analyser detector
Authors: Choe Hyeokmin , Gorfman Semën , Hinterstein Manuel , Ziolkowski Michael , Knapp Michael , Heidbrink Stefan , Vogt Marco , Bednarcik Jozef , Berghäuser Andreas , Ehrenberg Helmut , Pietsch Ullrich
Published: April 2015

The design and testing of the new MAD-STROBO data acquisition system are reported. The system realizes stroboscopic collection of high-resolution X-ray powder diffraction profiles under a dynamically applied electric field. It synchronizes an externally applied stimulus and detected X-ray photons. The feasibility of detecting sub-millidegree shifts of powder diffraction profiles with microsecond time resolution is demonstrated. MAD-STROBO may be applied for the investigation of various macroscopic and domain-related processes induced by an external perturbation, such as elasticity or piezoelectricity.
In situ defect annealing of swift heavy ion irradiated CeO2 and ThO2 using synchrotron X-ray diffraction and a hydrothermal diamond anvil cell
Authors: Palomares Raul I. , Tracy Cameron L. , Zhang Fuxiang , Park Changyong , Popov Dmitry , Trautmann Christina , Ewing Rodney C. , Lang Maik
Published: April 2015

Hydrothermal diamond anvil cells (HDACs) provide facile means for coupling synchrotron X-ray techniques with pressure up to 10 GPa and temperature up to 1300 K. This manuscript reports on an application of the HDAC as an ambient-pressure sample environment for performing in situ defect annealing and thermal expansion studies of swift heavy ion irradiated CeO2 and ThO2 using synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The advantages of the in situ HDAC technique over conventional annealing methods include rapid temperature ramping and quench times, high-resolution measurement capability, simultaneous annealing of multiple samples, and prolonged temperature and apparatus stability at high temperatures. Isochronal annealing between 300 and 1100 K revealed two-stage and one-stage defect recovery processes for irradiated CeO2 and ThO2, respectively, indicating that the morphology of the defects produced by swift heavy ion irradiation of these two materials differs significantly. These results suggest that electronic configuration plays a major role in both the radiation-induced defect production and high-temperature defect recovery mechanisms of CeO2 and ThO2.
Characterization of dislocations in germanium layers grown on (011)- and (111)-oriented silicon by coplanar and noncoplanar X-ray diffraction
Authors: Benediktovitch Andrei , Zhylik Alexei , Ulyanenkova Tatjana , Myronov Maksym , Ulyanenkov Alex
Published: April 2015

Strained germanium grown on silicon with nonstandard surface orientations like (011) or (111) is a promising material for various semiconductor applications, for example complementary metal-oxide semiconductor transistors. However, because of the large mismatch between the lattice constants of silicon and germanium, the growth of such systems is challenged by nucleation and propagation of threading and misfit dislocations that degrade the electrical properties. To analyze the dislocation microstructure of Ge films on Si(011) and Si(111), a set of reciprocal space maps and profiles measured in noncoplanar geometry was collected. To process the data, the approach proposed by Kaganer, Köhler, Schmidbauer, Opitz & Jenichen [Phys. Rev. B, (1997), 55, 1793–1810] has been generalized to an arbitrary surface orientation, arbitrary dislocation line direction and noncoplanar measurement scheme.
Aerodynamic shape design using hybrid evolutionary computing and multigrid-aided finite-difference evaluation of flow sensitivities
Authors: Catalano Luciano Andrea , Quagliarella Domenico , Vitagliano Pier Luigi
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose an accurate and efficient technique for computing flow sensitivities by finite differences of perturbed flow fields. It relies on computing the perturbed flows on coarser grid levels only: to achieve the same fine-grid accuracy, the approximate value of the relative local truncation error between coarser and finest grids unperturbed flow fields, provided by a standard multigrid method, is added to the coarse grid equations. The gradient computation is introduced in a hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) that takes advantage of the presented method to accelerate the gradient-based search. An application to a classical transonic airfoil design is reported.

Design/methodology/approach

– Genetic optimization algorithm hybridized with classical gradient-based search techniques; usage of fast and accurate gradient computation technique.

Findings

– The new variant of the prolongation operator with weighting terms based on the volume of grid cells improves the accuracy of the MAFD method for turbulent viscous flows. The hybrid GA is capable to efficiently handle and compensate for the error that, although very limited, is present in the multigrid-aided finite-difference (MAFD) gradient evaluation method.

Research limitations/implications

– The proposed new variants of HGA, while outperforming the simple genetic algorithm, still require tuning and validation to further improve performance.

Practical implications

– Significant speedup of CFD-based optimization loops.

Originality/value

– Introduction of new multigrid prolongation operator that improves the accuracy of MAFD method for turbulent viscous flows. First application of MAFD evaluation of flow sensitivities within a hybrid optimization framework.
Geometrically nonlinear analysis of functionally graded plates using isogeometric analysis
Authors: Yin Shuohui , Yu Tiantang , Bui Tinh Quoc , Nguyen Minh Ngoc
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose an efficient and accurate numerical model that employs isogeometric analysis (IGA) for the geometrically nonlinear analysis of functionally graded plates (FGPs). This model is utilized to investigate the effects of boundary conditions, gradient index, and geometric shape on the nonlinear responses of FGPs.

Design/methodology/approach

– A geometrically nonlinear analysis of thin and moderately thick functionally graded ceramic-metal plates based on IGA in conjunction with first-order shear deformation theory and von Kármán strains is presented. The displacement fields and geometric description are approximated with nonuniform rational B-splines (NURBS) basis functions. The Newton-Raphson iterative scheme is employed to solve the nonlinear equation system. Material properties are assumed to vary along the thickness direction with a power law distribution of the volume fraction of the constituents.

Findings

– The present model for analysis of the geometrically nonlinear behavior of thin and moderately thick FGPs exhibited high accuracy. The shear locking phenomenon is avoided without extra numerical efforts when cubic or high-order NURBS basis functions are utilized.

Originality/value

– This paper shows that IGA is particularly well suited for the geometrically nonlinear analysis of plates because of its exact geometrical modelling and high-order continuity.
An EFG-SBM based partitioning algorithm for two-dimensional elastic analysis of cyclically symmetrical structures
Authors: Guo Xiaofeng , He Yiqian , Yang Haitian
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to exploit the cyclic symmetry to reduce the computational expense of scaled boundary method (SBM) which may cumber its further application.

Design/methodology/approach

– A partitioning EFG-SB (Element-free Galerkin-SB) algorithm is proposed for the two-dimensional elastic analysis of cyclically symmetric structures.

Findings

– By utilizing the cyclic symmetry and partitioning algorithm, the whole computational cost can be significantly reduced. Three numerical examples are given to illustrate the advantages of the proposed algorithm.

Originality/value

– It is proved that the matrices of eigenvalue and system equations of EFG-SBM for cyclically symmetric structures are block-circulant so long as a kind of symmetry-adapted reference coordinate system is adopted. No matter whether displacement constraints are cyclically symmetric or not, the partition is available for the eigenvalue equations. Therefore the major computational cost can be saved via the proposed partitioning algorithm. This paper provides an efficient algorithm for the two-dimensional elastic analysis of cyclically symmetric structures using EFG-SBM. A higher computing efficiency can be expected since the proposed partitioning algorithm facilitates parallel processing.
Leasing or borrowing and buying decision: a case study of Bright Soap
Authors: Akhtar Muhammad , Zada Najeeb , Ahmad Irfan , Zaman Nazim
Published: April 2015

Subject area

Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management and Marketing.

Study level/applicability

BBA, MBA, MS, PHD.

Case overview

Leasing or borrowing and buy decisions are very crucial in the industrial era. Every company does not possess sufficient resources to meet their investing needs. The leasing options have provided a decent way to congregate fixed assets requirements in manufacturing industry. This case mainly focuses on the dynamics of business survival.

Expected learning outcomes

To be able to evaluate the different financial and marketing options available with the company. Understand the relevance of the theory of diversification as applied to financial and production aspects; be able to evaluate the leasing, borrowing and buying options that are available in financing of fixed assets; understand the disclosure requirements in the financial statements according to International Accounting Standards (17); be able to evaluate marketing strategies including pricing options, product diversification, reaction to competition and innovation; and consider human resource policy decisions at times of change including cost-cutting measures.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Applied improvisation training for disaster readiness and response
Authors: Tint Barbara S. , McWaters Viv , van Driel Raymond
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce applied improvisation (AI) as a tool for training humanitarian aid workers. AI incorporates principles and practices from improvisational theatre into facilitation and training. It is an excellent modality for training aid workers to deal with crisis and disaster scenarios where decision-making and collaboration under pressure are critical.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper provides a theoretical base for understanding skills needed in disaster response and provides a case for innovative training that goes beyond the current standard. AI principles, activities and case examples are provided. Interviews with development experts who have participated in AI training are excerpted to reveal the impact and promise of this methodology.

Findings

– Different from typical training and games, which simulate potential crisis scenarios, AI works with participants in developing the skills necessary for success in disaster situations. The benefit is that workers are better prepared for the unexpected and unknown when they encounter it.

Research limitations/implications

– The current paper is based on author observation, experience and participant interviews. While AI is consistently transformative and successful, it would benefit from more rigorous and structured research to ground the findings more deeply in larger evidence based processes.

Practical implications

– The authors offer specific activities, resources for many others and practical application of this modality for training purposes.

Social implications

– Its application has tremendous benefits in training for specific skills, in creating greater cohesion and satisfaction in work units and breaking down culture and language barriers.

Originality/value

– This work is original in introducing these training methods to humanitarian aid contexts in general, and disaster preparedness and response in particular.
Navigating service sector innovation using co-creation partnerships
Authors: Burdon Stephen , Mooney Grant Richard , Al-Kilidar Hiyam
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse a series of engineering services partnerships to better understand requisites needed in building high value co-creation alliances – especially where innovation is the strategic goal.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a combination of quantitative surveys, qualitative “deep-dive” assessments and a small number of in-situ mini-case investigations this research sets out to analyse 99 joint-venture innovation partnerships. These ventures represent a variety of asymmetric and symmetric alliances within the engineering services sector. Particular emphasis is given to those where the prerequisites for co-creative innovation are either in place or could be built.

Findings

– Partnering and progressing innovative ideas are important behaviours for organisations seeking higher levels of commercial success and competitive advantage. Navigating the partnering dynamic can also be harder than expected, potentially hindered by misunderstandings and differing expectations between enterprises. Particularly for symmetric endeavours, success often hinges upon not only having clarity in the degree of innovation sought but also alignment as to the depth and stage of the partnering dynamic itself. However, when such collaboration works customer satisfaction and associated contract retention can increase significantly.

Originality/value

– Most inter-company innovation projects historically seem to occur where one firm is significantly larger than the other. In contrast, this study highlights issues encountered when innovation co-creation projects are undertaken by a mature (as opposed to maturing) organisation in collaboration with partners where the power balance is similar between the two enterprises. In such cases, customer satisfaction surveys can be useful tools for objectively navigating the innovation co-creation experience.
Applying Halliday’s linguistic theory in qualitative data analysis
Authors: To Vinh , Lê Quynh , Lê Thao
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the usefulness of Halliday’s linguistic theory known as Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) in analysing qualitative data. In order to do this, it initially presents an overview of SFL, and then explains how and why four linguistic features namely, nominalisation, grammatical metaphor, thematic structure and lexical density are useful in examining qualitative data. The paper also discusses three social metafunctions of language known as the ideational, the interpersonal and the textual metafunctions which are significant for understanding and interpreting texts.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper employs SFL as the main theoretical framework to discussing the usefulness of this linguistics theory in qualitative data analysis.

Findings

– SFL can be seen as a paradigm shift in linguistic theory moving away from the traditional focus on syntax to the inclusion of the interface between language and pragmatics. The focus of SFL is language in use. It deals with texts in social contexts, which is the main focus in qualitative data analysis. Thus, SFL provides both research tools and theoretical insights for understanding and interpreting texts.

Originality/value

– This paper provides significant insights into language which are crucial for understanding and interpreting texts in social contexts.
Gender discrimination in the way the Vietnamese talk about face thê diên
Authors: Nguyen Thi Quynh Trang
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a view of gender discrimination in Vietnam via the lens of thê diên – the Vietnamese face concept.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper reports on results of a PhD exploratory study of the Vietnamese face concept thê diên. Semi-structured indepth interviews were conducted with 15 Vietnamese college teachers about the notion of thê diên in relation with several areas including gender.

Findings

– There are two ways in which gender discrimination is reflected in the participants’ perceptions of thê diên. First, there is discrimination in terms of the different language used for men and women in terms of face. Second, there are different social expectations for men and women in terms of thê diên. Specifically, in order to maintain thê diên, men are expected to prove themselves as sources of the family income and social status. Meanwhile, women are only supposed to maintain their men’s face.

Originality/value

– While the gender situation in Vietnam has been examined via various social, economical, and political perspectives, it has never been filtered through the lens of face, a cultural concept that deeply reflects living and behaving principles of a cultural community in a certain time.
Action researching power in an ESL and academic writing classroom
Authors: Abraham Alison
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The teaching of English and academic writing in universities has largely been explored in western higher education settings by native English speakers from the UK, USA or Anglo-countries. The purpose of this paper is to use action research as a methodology to unravel local complexities in power relations within and beyond her ESL academic writing classroom, in a British Malaysian university setting.

Design/methodology/approach

– Power relations are examined in conjunction with the lens of Academic Literacies as a theory to think about teaching academic writing. The author’s action research cycles allow her to gain an insider perspective on her students’ academic writing and learning problems.

Findings

– Through the use of stories collected from diaries, interviews and letters, the author is able to make sense of their learning experiences in a way that connects the individual with the social.

Research limitations/implications

– Although time-consuming, the action research cycles helped the author to gauge what does or does not work in the classroom and how she can best improve her practice and the students learning, once she reflected on the findings. However, given the oppressive nature of hierarchical institutions that can deter the raising of issues, the limits of action research in making more widespread changes to teaching and English language usage in a former colony’s institution are explored.

Originality/value

– It appears that the internal power relations between teacher and student can alter somewhat, although not massively, within the confines of one classroom, but there is less potential for effecting broader institutional change from the positioning of one junior lecturer.
Rebounding triad (severe itching, dryness and burning) after facial corticosteroid discontinuation defines a specific class of corticosteroid‐dependent dermatitis
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Xie Hongfu , Jian Dan , Deng Yuxuan , Chen Xiang , Li Ji
Published: April 2015

In patients with dermatitis, the sudden discontinuation of topical corticosteroid (TC) use after long‐term treatment could cause flaring symptoms (named “rebounding responses”). Diagnostic criteria for facial corticosteroid‐dependent dermatitis (FCDD) are vague and uncertain. We aim to define a category of patients with clinical rebounding triad including severe itching, dryness and burning. Patients with FCDD (n = 268) were evaluated to determine distinctive rebounding triad manifestations after TC cessation. Data on history of facial TC use and rebounding presentations were collected. A group of chronic dermatitis patients (n = 83) with rebounding triad after TC discontinuation were enrolled and added to patients with FCDD presenting triad symptoms. Patients without triad were compared with triad‐positive patients. Eighty‐five patients who displayed triad manifestations after TC cessation showed longer (93.1 ± 53.6 vs 9.6 ± 5.5 weeks, P < 0.001) and more frequent (7.7 ± 4.5 vs 2.3 ± 1.6 times/week, P < 0.001) use of TC. Similar results were observed after adding 83 dermatitis patients who experienced triad after TC cessation. Multivariate analysis showed that mean duration of TC use (odds ratio [OR] = 1.83, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.042–3.218, P = 0.035) and mean frequency of TC use (OR = 2.802, 95% CI = 1.135–6.918, P = 0.025) were independent predictors of rebounding triad after TC cessation. Duration and frequency of TC use were the main factors predicting rebounding triad.
Inpatient management of gout in a New Zealand hospital: a retrospective audit
Authors: Kennedy Nicholas J. , Healy Paul J. , Harrison Andrew A.
Published: April 2015

Aim

To review inpatient management of acute gout in a New Zealand hospital.

Methods

A retrospective file review of all acute episodes of gout at Hutt Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand over a 1 year period.

Results

In the course of a year, there were 90 admissions for, or complicated by, acute gout. In 31 cases, gout was the primary diagnosis. Median length of stay was 5 days and readmissions were common. The majority of patients (87%) were known to have gout before admission, yet only 50% of these patients were on uric acid lowering treatment. Serum urate was measured in only 60% of patients with a mean level of 0.471 mmol/L. Treatment for the acute attack was evenly split between monotherapy (49%) and polytherapy (49%). Treatment modalities used were: prednisone (61%), non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatories (40%), colchicine (40%), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) (15%) and intrarticular steroids (7%). Patients were generally treated in a timely manner with few patients experiencing delays. Patients seen by the Rheumatology Department were more likely to receive polytherapy, be treated with intra‐articular steroids or ACTH and to start allopurinol. The ‘treat‐to‐target’ approach to the management of elevated serum urate was mentioned in only 9% of cases.

Conclusion

There was considerable variability in the investigation and management of acute gout, with significant deviation from published protocols. The ‘treat‐to‐target’ approach to the management of elevated urate has not yet been widely adopted by the physicians in this New Zealand hospital.
Risk factors associated with secondary enucleation after fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy in uveal melanoma
Authors: van den Bosch Thomas , Vaarwater Jolanda , Verdijk Rob , Muller Karin , Kiliç Emine , Paridaens Dion , de Klein Annelies , Naus Nicole
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To evaluate risk factors for secondary enucleation after fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (fSRT) in uveal melanoma.

Methods

In this retrospective study, clinical data of 118 consecutive patients who had initially been treated with fSRT between 1999 and 2009 were collected and analysed. The patients who had undergone secondary enucleation were identified and examined for clinical, histopathological and cytogenetical (fluorescence in situ hybridization determined) data. Also, the reasons for secondary enucleation, such as treatment failure (progressive tumour growth or tumour recurrence) or complications following fSRT (painful blind eye), were recorded and examined.

Results

The secondary enucleation rate was 16% after a median follow‐up of 4.7 years, with 5% due to treatment failure and 11% due to complications. In the univariate analysis, large tumour diameter (p = 0.019) and large tumour height (p = 0.001) were associated with secondary enucleation, tumour involvement of the optic disc showed borderline significance (p = 0.068). Cox regression multivariate analysis displayed large tumour height as independent prognostic factor (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.12–1.81, p = 0.004). Following secondary enucleation, mitotic figures were present in five of 18 tumours, and gain of chromosome 8q was also present in five tumours. Within the subgroup of patients who required secondary enucleation due to failed tumour control by fSRT (N = 6), mitotic figures were present in four of six tumours while gain of 8q was present in three of six tumours.

Conclusion

Secondary enucleation after previous fSRT was associated with large tumour height. High mitotic counts and gain of chromosome 8q were frequently found in secondary enucleations and possibly indicate a more aggressive or radiation‐resistant tumour.
Comparative diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance elastography vs. eight clinical prediction rules for non‐invasive diagnosis of advanced fibrosis in biopsy‐proven non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: a prospective study
Authors: Cui J. , Ang B. , Haufe W. , Hernandez C. , Verna E. C. , Sirlin C. B. , Loomba R.
Published: April 2015

Background

Two‐dimensional magnetic resonance elastography (2D‐MRE) is an advanced magnetic resonance method with high diagnostic accuracy for predicting advanced fibrosis in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. However, no prospective, head‐to‐head comparisons between 2D‐MRE and clinical prediction rules (CPRs) have been performed in patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD.

Aim

To compare the diagnostic utility of 2D‐MRE against that of eight CPRs (AST:ALT ratio, APRI, BARD, FIB‐4, NAFLD Fibrosis Score, Bonacini cirrhosis discriminant score, Lok Index and NASH CRN model) for predicting advanced fibrosis in a prospective cohort with paired liver biopsy as the gold standard.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional analysis of a prospective study of 102 patients (58.8% women) with biopsy‐proven NAFLD, 2D‐MRE and clinical research assessment within 90 days of biopsy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the performance of 2D‐MRE and CPRs for predicting advanced fibrosis.

Results

The mean (±s.d.) age and BMI were 51.3 (±14.0) years and 31.7 (±5.5) kg/m2 respectively. 48, 26, 9, 13 and 6 patients had stage 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 fibrosis respectively. The area under ROC curve (AUROC) was 0.957 for 2D‐MRE and between 0.796 and 0.861 for the CPRs. FIB‐4 was the best‐performing CPR at predicting advanced fibrosis with AUROC of 0.861. In head‐to‐head comparisons using the DeLong test, 2D‐MRE had significantly better AUROC (P < 0.05) than each CPR for predicting advanced fibrosis.

Conclusion

Compared to clinical prediction rules, 2D‐MRE provides significantly higher accuracy for the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis in NAFLD patients.
Starting small: Revisiting young children's perceptions of social withdrawal in China
Authors: Ding Xuechen , Coplan Robert J. , Sang Biao , Liu Junsheng , Pan Tingting , Cheng Chen
Published: April 2015

In this reply to the commentaries by Xinyin Chen, Charissa Cheah, Yiyuan Xu, and Dawn Watling, we further discuss the conceptual and methodological challenges that arise when attempting to study beliefs about social withdrawal (1) in the unique cultural context of China and (2) in the unique developmental age period of early childhood.
A mixture hierarchical model for response times and response accuracy
Authors: Wang Chun , Xu Gongjun
Published: April 2015

In real testing, examinees may manifest different types of test‐taking behaviours. In this paper we focus on two types that appear to be among the more frequently occurring behaviours – solution behaviour and rapid guessing behaviour. Rapid guessing usually happens in high‐stakes tests when there is insufficient time, and in low‐stakes tests when there is lack of effort. These two qualitatively different test‐taking behaviours, if ignored, will lead to violation of the local independence assumption and, as a result, yield biased item/person parameter estimation. We propose a mixture hierarchical model to account for differences among item responses and response time patterns arising from these two behaviours. The model is also able to identify the specific behaviour an examinee engages in when answering an item. A Monte Carlo expectation maximization algorithm is proposed for model calibration. A simulation study shows that the new model yields more accurate item and person parameter estimates than a non‐mixture model when the data indeed come from two types of behaviour. The model also fits real, high‐stakes test data better than a non‐mixture model, and therefore the new model can better identify the underlying test‐taking behaviour an examinee engages in on a certain item.
Disparities in health‐related quality of life among healthy adolescents in a developing country – the impact of gender, ethnicity, socio‐economic status and weight status
Authors: Loh D. A. , Moy F. M. , Zaharan N. L. , Mohamed Z.
Published: April 2015

Background

Physical functioning and psychological resilience in adulthood is shaped during adolescence. Self‐reported health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) assessments during this life phase are important first‐hand accounts of their well‐being. This study aimed, firstly, to identify differences in HRQoL according to gender, ethnicity, socio‐economic status and weight status; and secondly, to examine associations between weight status and HRQoL among an urban sample of multi‐ethnic adolescents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study involving 652 adolescents (aged 13 years) was conducted in Kuala Lumpur. Weight and height were measured. Body mass index z‐scores were categorized according to the International Obesity Task Force criteria. HRQoL was assessed using the Malay version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scales. Univariate analyses of differences in HRQoL according to gender, ethnicity (Malays, Chinese and Indians), maternal education level and weight status were performed. Complex samples general linear model was used to examine the associations between HRQoL and weight status, adjusted for confounders.

Results

Female adolescents reported significantly lower emotional functioning scores (mean, 95% confidence interval: 59.25, 57.33–61.17). When the three main ethnic groups were studied, Malay adolescents scored significantly lower emotional functioning scores (59.00, 57.13–60.87) compared with their Chinese peers. Adolescents with tertiary‐educated mothers reported lower emotional functioning scores (57.45, 53.85–61.06) compared with those with primary‐educated mothers. Obese adolescents reported poorer HRQoL scores with significantly impaired physical and social functioning after controlling for confounders.

Conclusions

These findings detected disparities in HRQoL among the adolescents when gender, ethnicity, maternal education level and weight status were considered. Further studies should address these health inequalities by implementing gender‐specific and culturally appropriate measures to attain optimal well‐being and avoid potential burden of disease.
Does An Early Intervention Influence Behavioral Development Until Age 9 in Children Born Prematurely?
Authors: Landsem Inger Pauline , Handegård Bjørn Helge , Ulvund Stein Erik , Tunby Jorunn , Kaaresen Per Ivar , Rønning John A.
Published: April 2015

This study examined whether the Mother–Infant Transaction Program prevents behavioral problems among preterm children (birth weight < 2000 g) until age 9. The program was administered to 72 preterms, while 74 preterms and 75 full‐terms formed control groups (N = 221). Behavior was reported by parents (Child Behavior Checklist) and teachers (Teachers Report Form) and by all on selected Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) questions. Long‐term behavioral development appeared to be qualitatively unaffected by the intervention. At ages 7 and 9, fewer attention problems and better adaptation to school were reported from parents and teachers of the intervention group compared to preterm controls. At age 9, teachers reported fewer difficulties in the intervention group and better academic performance. In these areas they were reported as being at the statistically same level as term controls.
Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of All‐Ceramic Single Tooth Implant Reconstructions Using Modified Zirconia Abutments: Radiographic and Prosthetic Results at 1 Year of Loading
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Brandenberg Francine , Fehmer Vincent , Büchi Dominik L.E. , Hämmerle Christoph H.F. , Sailer Irena
Published: April 2015

Purpose

This study aims to test whether or not veneering of the submucosal part of zirconia abutments with pink dental ceramic affects radiographic and technical outcomes of implant‐supported single crowns (ISSC).

Materials and Methods

Single tooth implants were randomly restored with either pink‐veneered zirconia abutments (test; n = 10) or non‐veneered zirconia abutments (control group; n = 10) and all‐ceramic crowns. At baseline (crown insertion), and 6‐ and 12‐month radiographic and technical evaluations were performed including standardized x‐rays and modified United States Public Health Service criteria (technical). Survival and complication rates were assessed for implants and restorations. Robust linear mixed model analysis was performed to investigate the effect of group and time‐point on radiographic outcomes.

Results

At 1 year, the survival rate for implants was 100% and 95% for ISSC. Most of the implants were placed subcrestally. Therefore, mean marginal bone levels decreased in both groups between implant insertion and baseline (p < .05), but then remained stable up to 1 year (test: 0.15 mm ± 0.42 mm; control 0.23 mm ± 0.63 mm) (p > .005). At 6 months, one minor chipping occurred in the test group. At 1 year, three crowns (control) exhibited occlusal roughness. In addition, one abutment fracture occurred (test). The differences between test and control group were not statistically significantly different for any of the evaluated outcome measures (p > .05).

Conclusions

Veneering of the submucosal part of zirconia abutments did not affect biological and technical outcomes of ISSCs. Technical complications of the reconstructions, however, were frequent, resulting in a rate of 75% of the crowns being complication free.
The personal shopper – a pilot randomized trial of grocery store‐based dietary advice
Authors: Lewis K. H. , Roblin D. W. , Leo M. , Block J. P.
Published: April 2015

The objective of this study was to test the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a store‐based dietary education intervention against traditional clinic‐based advice. Patients with obesity (n = 55, mean [standard deviation, SD] age 44.3[9.2] years, 64% women, 87% non‐Hispanic Black) were randomized to receive dietary counselling either in a grocery store or a clinic. Change between groups (analysis of covariance) was assessed for outcomes including: dietary quality (Healthy Eating Index – 2005 [0–100 points] ), and nutritional knowledge (0–65‐point knowledge scale). Both groups reported improved diet quality at the end of the study. Grocery participants had greater increases in knowledge (mean [SD] change = 5.7 [6.1] points) than clinic participants (mean [SD] change = 3.2 [4.0] points) (P = 0.04). Participants enjoyed the store‐based sessions. Grocery store‐based visits offer a promising approach for dietary counselling.
The Land that Disappeared: Forceful Occupation, Disputes and the Negotiation of Landlord Power in a Bangladeshi Bastee
Authors: Suykens Bert
Published: April 2015

Through the lens of the ‘disappearance’ of a piece of land, this article analyses land relations in a Bangladeshi bastee (slum). The author builds an understanding of the local negotiation of ownership in an area where dakhal (forceful occupation) is the main starting point for the assessment of ownership. The property regime in the bastee emerges out of a web of relationships between different landlords, strongmen, elected officials and (local and national) politicians. These relations are not only crucial for maintaining existing dakhal patterns, but also for guaranteeing land sales, negotiating and settling disputes and, in the final instance, for negotiating power relations in the bastee itself.
Animal, but not human, faces engage the distributed face network in adolescents with autism
Authors: Whyte Elisabeth M. , Behrmann Marlene , Minshew Nancy J. , Garcia Natalie V. , Scherf K. Suzanne
Published: April 2015

Multiple hypotheses have been offered to explain the impaired face‐processing behavior and the accompanying underlying disruptions in neural circuitry among individuals with autism. We explored the specificity of atypical face‐processing activation and potential alterations to fusiform gyrus (FG) morphology as potential underlying mechanisms. Adolescents with high functioning autism (HFA) and age‐matched typically developing (TD) adolescents were scanned with sMRI and fMRI as they observed human and animal faces. In spite of exhibiting comparable face recognition behavior, the HFA adolescents evinced hypo‐activation throughout the face‐processing system in response to unfamiliar human, but not animal, faces. They also exhibited greater activation in affective regions of the face‐processing network in response to animal, but not human, faces. Importantly, this atypical pattern of activation in response to human faces was not related to atypical structural properties of the FG. This atypical neural response to human faces in autism may stem from abnormalities in the ability to represent the reward value of social (i.e. conspecific) stimuli.
Low resting heart rates are associated with new‐onset atrial fibrillation in patients with vascular disease: results of the ONTARGET/TRANSCEND studies
Authors: Böhm M. , Schumacher H. , Linz D. , Reil J.‐C. , Ukena C. , Lonn E. , Teo K. , Sliwa K. , Schmieder R. E. , Sleight P. , Yusuf S.
Published: April 2015

Background

Elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) and high resting heart rate (HR) are associated with cardiovascular end‐points. Although the association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and SBP is well established, the relation between AF and HR remains unclear.

Methods

In patients from the ONTARGET and TRANSCEND studies with high cardiovascular disease risk (n = 27 064), new‐onset AF was evaluated in relation to mean SBP, visit‐to‐visit variation in SBP (SBP‐CV; i.e. SD/mean × 100%), mean HR and visit‐to‐visit variation in HR (HR‐CV).

Results

Low mean HR (P < 0.0001) and high SBP (P = 0.0021) were associated with incident AF. High SBP‐CV (P = 0.031) and HR‐CV (P < 0.0001) were also associated with incident AF. After adjustment for confounders, SBP and SBP‐CV were no longer significantly associated with AF. The detrimental effect of low HR was particularly evident in subjects who were not receiving treatment with beta‐blockers (P = 0.014 for interaction between beta‐blocker use and mean HR). In addition to low HR, high HR‐CV and high SBP had additive effects on incident AF.

Conclusions

Low mean HR (<60 beats min−1) is independently associated with incident AF, and low HR‐CV and high SBP further increase the incidence of new‐onset AF in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease.
Clinical audit results in earlier nutritional intervention in malnourished children with cystic fibrosis with improved outcome
Authors: Ledder Oren , Oliver Mark R , Heine Ralf G , Graham Joanne , Volders Evelyn , Robinson Philip J
Published: April 2015

Aim

The association between nutritional status, pulmonary function and survival in cystic fibrosis (CF) is well established. A previous case series from the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne (RCH), demonstrated suboptimal referral practices and highlighted the importance of early nutritional interventions in children with CF. Various qualitative changes were made to our CF service, and this study assesses the effects of these practice changes timing of gastrostomy and clinical outcome in patients who underwent gastrostomy insertion.

Method

Clinical audit of all CF patients who had undergone gastrostomy insertion from 2002 to 2010 at Royal Children's Hospital. Clinical data, including nutritional parameters, respiratory function and survival, were collected at 2 years prior and 2 years post gastrostomy insertion. Data were compared with the previous study from 1989 to 1997.

Results

Patients with CF who underwent gastrostomy insertion between 2002 and 2010 (n = 22) had higher weight‐for‐age scores (−1.5 ± 0.68 vs. −2.67 ± 1.06; P = 0.0001) and higher forced expiratory volume in 1 s (68% ± 22 vs. 52% ± 18.5; P = 0.006), compared with the cohort from 1989 to 1997 (n = 37). These differences were maintained at 2‐year follow‐up. Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonisation rate was 100% in 1989–1997 vs. 41% in 2002–2010; P = 0.0001. The 2‐year survival post‐gastrostomy insertion improved from 70% to 100%; P = 0.004.

Conclusion

Earlier referral of patients in the recent cohort resulted in sustained improvements in weight‐for‐age and lung function. Survival at 2 years post‐procedure was significantly improved. This study confirms the value of clinical audits and subsequent re‐evaluation of clinical services.
Genome constitution of Elymus tangutorum (Poaceae: Triticeae) inferred from meiotic pairing behavior and genomic in situ hybridization
Authors: Yang Cai‐Rong , Zhang Hai‐Qin , Zhao Fu‐Qiang , Liu Xiao‐Yan , Fan Xing , Sha Li‐Na , Kang Hou‐Yang , Wang Yi , Zhou Yong‐Hong
Published: April 2015

Elymus tangutorum (Nevski) Hand.‐Mazz (2n = 6x = 42) is a perennial species in the tribe Triticeae, which distributes in Nepal and north and northwest China. However, the genome constitution of E. tangutorum is controversial and its taxonomic status is not clear. Hybridizations of E. tangutorum were carried out with E. wawawaiensis J. R. Carlson & Barkworth (StH), Roegneria grandis Keng (StY), and E. dahuricus Turcz. ex Griseb. (StYH). Meiotic pairing in the hybrids E. tangutorum × E. wawawaiensis (StH), E. tangutorum × R. grandis (StY), and E. tangutorum × E. dahuricus (StYH) averaged 10.48, 11.12, and 20.92 bivalents per cell, respectively. The results suggested that E. tangutorum is an allohexaploid and contains the StYH genomes. Results of genomic in situ hybridization analysis strongly supported the chromosome pairing data. Therefore, E. tangutorum should be treated as Campeiostachys dahurica var. tangutorum (Nevski) B. R. Baum, J. L. Yang & C. Yen. Intergenomic rearrangements of E. tangutorum may be affected by environmental factors.
Excluding evidence (or staying proceedings) to vindicate rights in Irish and English law
Authors: Ward Tony , Leon Clare
Published: April 2015

The constitutional duty of the Irish state ‘to defend and vindicate the personal rights of the citizen’ is the basis of a strict rule excluding unconstitutionally obtained evidence. Although English courts recognise a similar duty to ‘vindicate human rights and the rule of law’, their powers to exclude evidence or stay proceedings for abuse of process are extremely flexible and discretionary. In both jurisdictions, there has been particular controversy over the application of these powers to covert recordings that breach legal professional privilege. This paper argues that the duty to vindicate rights and the rule of law underpins both the exclusion of unlawfully obtained evidence and the punishment of offenders. It requires a balancing exercise, not between defendants' rights and an incommensurable public interest but, rather, between two aspects of the same constitutional duty of the courts.
Infusion of endothelial progenitor cells ameliorates liver injury in mice after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Qiao Jianlin , Qi Kunming , Chu Peipei , Mi Hongling , Yang Na , Yao Haina , Xia Yuan , Li Zhenyu , Xu Kailin , Zeng Lingyu
Published: April 2015

Background & Aims

Injury to liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) is thought to be the initial factor for Hepatic veno‐occlusive disease, a severe complication after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have the capacity to differentiate into endothelial cells and play a critical role in vasculogenesis, tissue regeneration and repair. Whether EPCs infusion ameliorates LSECs injury remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of EPCs on liver injury in mice after HSCT.

Methods

Mice received HSCT without or with EPCs infusion (HSCT + EPCs). Untreated mice were used as control. Liver and whole blood were collected post HSCT and used for the analysis of pathology of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and hepatocytes, liver ultrastructure, function, level of IL‐6, TNF‐α and platelet activation.

Results

Severe LSECs injury, hepatocyte damage, abnormal liver function was observed in HSCT group. In addition, increased P‐selectin expression and secretion of IL‐6, TNF‐α was also found. However, all the above changes were alleviated in HSCT + EPCs at all the time points and normalized at the endpoint. Meanwhile, EPCs‐induced repair of LSECs and hepatocytes was totally inhibited by the addition of anti‐VE‐cadherin antibody.

Conclusions

EPCs infusion ameliorated the damage to LSECs and hepatocytes as well as reduced secretion of IL‐6, TNF‐α and inhibited platelet activation after HSCT, leading to improved liver function, suggesting EPCs might be a new therapeutic strategy in the prophylaxis of liver injury after HSCT.