bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological contract breach, organizational justice and emotional well-being
Authors: Cassar Vincent , Buttigieg Sandra C.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Psychological contract breach, which represents instances when organizations fail to fulfil their side of the employment bargain, has been associated with salient concepts in strategic human resources management. The purpose of this paper is to investigate moderated mediated relationships involving breach, organizational (procedural and interactional) justice and emotional well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study draws upon quantitative data collected by means of a questionnaire that was administered to 620 full-time technical and shop-floor employees in an automobile-parts company in Malta. The questionnaire included psychometrically validated scales on breach, justice and well-being.

Findings

– Breach partially mediated the relationship between justice and well-being while justice levels did not differentiate this mediating effect except for interactional justice. Finally, the interaction between procedural and interactional justice failed to explain the mediating role of breach over and above their single contributions although interactional justice seemed to make a bigger impact.

Research limitations/implications

– This study contributes towards a better understanding of the relationships between breach, justice and well-being. The major limitation is that because of its cross-sectional nature, causality cannot be inferred.

Practical implications

– Given that managing the employment relationship impacts on how people feel and hence perform, understanding how breach, justice and well-being are related, is strategically important to human resources management.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge, there is no previous research that links breach, justice and well-being in one study.
A multi-dimensional approach to talent
Authors: Thunnissen Marian , Van Arensbergen Pleun
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the development of a broader, multi-dimensional approach to talent that helps scholars and practitioners to fully understand the nuances and complexity of talent in the organizational context.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data were collected in two complementary research projects on the definition and identification of talented academics in the early stages of their careers. The first study focussed on defining and developing talent within university departments, in which the perspectives of management, policy advisors and talented employees themselves were taken into account. The second study investigated talent selection in the specific context of grant allocation by the Dutch Research Council (NWO).

Findings

– The results suggest that the conceptualization of talent cannot be disconnected from its context. In particular, the perceptions of the different stakeholder groups in an organizational context have a major impact. Although talent is generally perceived as a combination of multiple components, this general outcome conceals the unilateral approaches to talent of the separate stakeholder groups. These unilateral interpretations of talent also affect the design of the talent management system. The paper describes the difficulties organizations are confronted within developing and implementing their talent programs.

Originality/value

– This broader approach regards talent as a bundle of integrated components, and takes the impact of the organizational context and its interrelated stakeholders into account.
Speaking of global virtual teams: language differences, social categorization and media choice
Authors: Klitmøller Anders , Schneider Susan Carol , Jonsen Karsten
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the interrelation between language differences, media choice and social categorization in global virtual teams (GVTs).

Design/methodology/approach

– An ethnographic field work was conducted in a Finnish multinational corporation (MNC). The study included interviews, observations, and language proficiency assessment of 27 GVT members located in five European countries.

Findings

– In GVTs, the combination of language proficiency differences and verbal media (e.g. telephone) tends to lead to social categorization, while a similar effect was not found when GVT members chose written media (e.g. e-mail).

Research limitations/implications

– The qualitative study only consisted of GVTs from one MNC, and thus the empirical findings might not be generalizable to other MNCs. Therefore, quantitative studies that can add to the robustness of the exploratory findings could be a worthwhile endeavour.

Practical implications

– Language training should be provided to GVT members, and virtual policies should be implemented to ensure the use of written media in GVTs characterized by language proficiency differences.

Originality/value

– Although it is well established in the literature that language differences are detrimental to co-located team effectiveness no study has explored how the relationship between variation in language proficiency and media choice affects social categorization in GVTs.
Natural course of keratoacanthoma and related lesions after partial biopsy: Clinical analysis of 66 lesions
Authors: Takai Toshihiro , Misago Noriyuki , Murata Yozo
Published: February 2015

There is some confusion regarding the classification of keratoacanthoma (KA) and related lesions that have crateriform architecture. We examined the clinical courses of 66 KA lesions and related lesions after a partial biopsy to clarify the nosological concept of KA. We histopathologically classified these lesions into five types: (i) KA at various stages (53 lesions); (ii) KA‐like squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (3 lesions); (iii) KA with malignant transformation (3 lesions); (iv) infundibular SCC (5 lesions); and (v) crateriform SCC arising from solar keratosis (2 lesions). We analyzed the clinical course in each group. The regression rate of KA was 98.1% and that of KA‐like SCC/KA with malignant transformation was 33.3%. No regression was observed in either infundibular SCC or crateriform SCC arising from solar keratosis. Thus, KA is a distinct entity that should be distinguished from other types of SCC with crateriform architecture based on the high frequency of regression. The regression rate of 33.3% in KA‐like SCC/KA with malignant transformation indicated that KA lesions with an SCC component still have the potential for regression. However, this result also indicated that KA is biologically unstable, and some KA tend to evolve into conventional SCC with a gradual loss of the capacity for the spontaneous regression. Infundibular SCC and crateriform SCC arising from solar keratosis are fundamentally different from KA, not only according to the histopathological findings but also based on the biological properties.
Basking sharks and oceanographic fronts: quantifying associations in the north‐east Atlantic
Authors: Miller Peter I. , Scales Kylie L. , Ingram Simon N. , Southall Emily J. , Sims David W.
Published: February 2015

Understanding the mechanisms that link oceanographic processes and marine vertebrate space use is critical to our knowledge of marine ecosystem functioning, and for effective management of populations of conservation concern.

The basking shark Cetorhinus maximus has been observed in association with oceanographic fronts – physical interfaces at the transitions between water masses – exploiting foraging opportunities resulting from zooplankton aggregation. However, the scale, significance and variability of these associations have not previously been established.

Here, we quantify the influence of thermal and chlorophyll‐a fronts on basking shark habitat use in the north‐east Atlantic. We use animal‐mounted archival tracking together with composite front mapping via Earth Observation (EO) remote sensing to provide an oceanographic context to shark movements.

We investigate levels of association with fronts occurring over two spatio‐temporal scales, (i) broad‐scale, seasonally persistent frontal zones and (ii) contemporaneous thermal and chl‐a fronts. Using random walk simulations and logistic regression within an iterative generalized linear mixed modelling (GLMM) framework, we find that seasonal front frequency is a significant predictor of shark presence.

Oceanographic metrics time‐matched to shark tracks indicate that sharks show a preference for productive regions and associate with contemporaneous thermal and chl‐a fronts more frequently than could be expected at random. Moreover, we highlight the importance of front persistence and cross‐frontal temperature step, which appear to interact to affect the degree of prey aggregation along thermal fronts in this shelf‐sea system.

Our findings confirm that surface frontal activity is a predictor of basking shark presence in the north‐east Atlantic, both over seasonal timescales and in near real‐time. These insights have clear implications for understanding the preferred habitats of basking sharks in the context of anthropogenic threat management and marine spatial planning in the region.
Linkage of root physiology and morphology as an adaptation to soil phosphorus impoverishment in tropical montane forests
Authors: Ushio Masayuki , Fujiki Yasuto , Hidaka Amane , Kitayama Kanehiro
Published: February 2015

Tropical forests in Borneo maintain a high level of productivity/biomass even under phosphorus (P)‐limited conditions. The P‐acquisition properties of roots may be an important factor that contributes to forest productivity, but they have not been well evaluated compared with above‐ground properties of plants.

In this study, we analysed root acid phosphatase activity and morphological properties (surface area, diameter and tissue density of roots) of dominant tree species in three tropical montane forests on Mt. Kinabalu, Borneo, to investigate changes in root properties along a soil P availability gradient.

We found at the community level that root phosphatase activity and specific root surface area (root surface area per gram root biomass) increased, and root diameter decreased, with decreasing soil P availability at the community level, and the relationship was not changed in general even if we focused on a single‐tree species distributed across multiple study sites that differ in soil P availability. Root acid phosphatase was significantly positively correlated with specific root surface area, and negatively correlated with root diameter, suggesting that finer roots have higher phosphatase activities.

Furthermore, we compared root acid phosphatase activity with leaf P concentration of a given tree species and found a significant negative correlation between them. The significant correlation suggested that root P‐acquisition properties could influence leaf P concentration, and/or vice versa. Below‐ground properties (i.e. root P‐acquisition properties) might be directly/indirectly linked to above‐ground properties (i.e. leaf P concentration) of a tree individual.

In conclusion, the root physiological and morphological properties change along a gradient of soil P availability in the tropical montane forests. In addition, the changes in the root properties are coordinated with the changes in leaf P concentrations. The adaptive changes in the above‐ground and below‐ground properties along the soil P gradient could contribute to the maintenance of forest productivity in the tropical montane forest in Borneo.
Phylogenetic patterns are not proxies of community assembly mechanisms (they are far better)
Authors: Gerhold Pille , Cahill James F. , Winter Marten , Bartish Igor V. , Prinzing Andreas
Published: February 2015

The subdiscipline of ‘community phylogenetics’ is rapidly growing and influencing thinking regarding community assembly. In particular, phylogenetic dispersion of co‐occurring species within a community is commonly used as a proxy to identify which community assembly processes may have structured a particular community: phylogenetic clustering as a proxy for abiotic assembly, that is habitat filtering, and phylogenetic overdispersion as a proxy for biotic assembly, notably competition.

We challenge this approach by highlighting (typically) implicit assumptions that are, in reality, only weakly supported, including (i) phylogenetic dispersion reflects trait dispersion; (ii) a given ecological function can be performed only by a single trait state or combination of trait states; (iii) trait similarity causes enhanced competition; (iv) competition causes species exclusion; (v) communities are at equilibrium with processes of assembly having been completed; (vi) assembly through habitat filtering decreases in importance if assembly through competition increases, such that the relative balance of the two can be thus quantified by a single parameter; and (vii) observed phylogenetic dispersion is driven predominantly by local and present‐day processes.

Moreover, technical sophistication of the phylogenetic‐patterns‐as‐proxy approach trades off against sophistication in alternative, potentially more pertinent approaches to directly observe or manipulate assembly processes.

Despite concerns about using phylogenetic dispersion as a proxy for community assembly processes, we suggest there are underappreciated benefits of quantifying the phylogenetic structure of communities, including (i) understanding how coexistence leads to the macroevolutionary diversification of habitat lineage‐pools (i.e. phylogenetic‐patterns‐as‐result approach); and (ii) understanding the macroevolutionary contingency of habitat lineage‐pools and how it affects present‐day species coexistence in local communities (i.e. phylogenetic‐patterns‐as‐cause approach).

We conclude that phylogenetic patterns may be little useful as proxy of community assembly. However, such patterns can prove useful to identify and test novel hypotheses on (i) how local coexistence may control macroevolution of the habitat lineage‐pool, for example through competition among close relatives triggering displacement and diversification of characters, and (ii) how macroevolution within the habitat lineage‐pool may control local coexistence of related species, for example through origin of close relatives that can potentially enter in competition.
Improving the participation of youth with physical disabilities in community activities: An interrupted time series design
Authors: Law Mary , Anaby Dana , Imms Christine , Teplicky Rachel , Turner Laura
Published: February 2015

Background/aim

Youth with physical disabilities experience restrictions to participation in community‐based leisure activities; however, there is little evidence about how to improve their involvement. This study examined whether an intervention to remove environmental barriers and develop strategies using a coaching approach improved youth participation in leisure activities.

Methods

An Interrupted Time Series design was employed, where replication of the intervention effect was examined across individualised participation goals and across participants. Six adolescents with a physical disability participated in a 12‐week intervention. An occupational therapist worked with each youth and his/her family to set three leisure goals based on problems identified using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). A coaching approach was used to collaboratively identify and implement strategies to remove environmental barriers. Interventions for each goal were introduced at different time points. Outcomes were evaluated using the COPM.

Results

Improvements in COPM performance scores were clinically significant for 83% of the identified activities; an average change of 4.5 points in the performance scale (SD = 1.95) was observed. Statistical analysis using the celeration line demonstrated that the proportion of data points falling above the line increased in the intervention phase for 94% of the activities, indicating a significant treatment effect.

Conclusions

This study is the first to examine an intervention aimed at increasing leisure participation by changing only the environment. The results indicate that environment‐focussed interventions are feasible and effective in promoting youth participation. Such findings can inform the design of a larger study and guide occupational therapy practice.
The Federalism Debate
Authors: Brumby John , Galligan Brian
Published: February 2015

These papers examine current Australian federalism from the perspectives of an academic and a practitioner. Both acknowledge the opportunities arising from the current White Paper process, as well as challenges in the face of substantial cuts of proposed funding from the Commonwealth to the States. They insist upon the need for renewed commitment to the idea of federalism, and the importance of sustainable fiscal arrangements within the federation. Challenges in Reforming Australian federalism reminds us of the kind of federalism operative in Australia – concurrent, not coordinate – and develops reform proposals accordingly. Ten Steps to a Better Federation offers a range of ideas from a former state premier, drawing on his experience as both a participant at Council of Australian Government (COAG) and, later, Chair of the COAG Reform Council.
Influence of brodifacoum and bromadiolone on growth of yoghurt cultures in milk
Authors: Hathurusinghe Madhavi H , Ibrahim Salam A
Published: February 2015

The influence of brodifacoum and bromadiolone on the growth of yoghurt culture in milk was determined. Milk samples inoculated with a commercial yoghurt culture and serially diluted rodenticides were incubated at 42 °C for 6 h. The yoghurt cultures showed detectable sensitivity (significant change (P < 0.05) in pH in the medium) to brodifacoum at 0.12 mg/mL and to bromadiolone at 0.08 mg/mL. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the bacterial count and α‐galactosidase and β‐galactosidase activities in the presence of toxins in milk. The results indicate that brodifacoum and bromadiolone could inhibit the growth of yoghurt culture in milk.
Healthy aspect of low‐cholesterol ghee on modulation of lipid profile of rats
Authors: Meghwal Karuna , Sharma Vivek , Lal Darshan , Arora Sumit , Kapila Suman
Published: February 2015

Low‐cholesterol ghee (LCG) feeding did not show any significant increase in total plasma cholesterol level from day 0 (56.8 ± 6.8 mg/dL) to day 90 (59.5 ± 0.8 mg/dL). Plasma HDL cholesterol (HDL) levels increased by 59.9%, whereas LDL cholesterol (LDL) showed a reduction of 74.8%. Total plasma triacylglycerol (mg/dL) did not show any significant change within or between groups. Relative contribution of lipoprotein fraction HDL was 69% vs 47% in control. Atherogenic Index was low (0.47 ± 0.05) vs 1.03 ± 0.2 in the control. Deposition of cholesterol in arteries and liver was also less (0.423 mg/g tissue) than in control (0.648 mg/g tissue). Feeding LCG improved the lipid profile of rats.
Perinatal outcomes following an earlier post‐term labour induction policy: a historical cohort study
Authors: Hedegaard M , Lidegaard Ø , Skovlund CW , Mørch LS , Hedegaard M
Published: February 2015

Objective

To assess the changes in perinatal outcomes in children born from 37 weeks of gestation after implementation of a more proactive labour induction practice from 2009.

Design

Register‐based cohort study.

Setting

Denmark, 2000–12.

Population

Newborns from 37 weeks of gestation.

Methods

Perinatal outcomes were estimated using a logistic regression analysis with adjustment for gestational age, maternal age, parity, plurality, smoking and body mass index.

Main outcome measures

Perinatal outcomes.

Results

A total of 770 926 infants were included. Labour induction from 37 weeks increased from 9.7% in 2000–02 to 22.5% in 2011–12. From 2003–05 to 2011–12, the risk of umbilical cord pH < 7.0 decreased by 23%; odds ratio (OR) 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.67–0.89), and the adjusted OR of Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes was unchanged. The risk of admission to neonatal intensive care units increased by 56%; OR 1.56 (1.47–1.66), whereas the risk of neonatal deaths decreased by 44%; OR 0.56 (0.45–0.70). The risk of cerebral palsy was from 2000–02 to 2009–10 reduced by 26%; OR 0.74 (0.60–0.90). The proportion of infants born with fetal weight ≥ 4500 g decreased by one‐third; OR 0.68 (0.65–0.71). However, the risk of shoulder dystocia increased by 32%; OR 1.32 (1.21–1.44), whereas the risk of peripheral nerve injuries was reduced by 43%; OR 0.57 (0.45–0.73).

Conclusion

The results suggest an overall improvement in perinatal outcomes as a result of a more proactive post‐term labour induction practice.
Protein Oxidation in Processed Meat: Mechanisms and Potential Implications on Human Health
Authors: Soladoye O.P. , Juárez M.L. , Aalhus J.L. , Shand P. , Estévez M.
Published: February 2015

Processed meats represent a large percentage of muscle foods consumed in the western world. Various processing steps affect the physicochemical properties of the meat, compromise its nutritional components, or produce some compounds that are of health concern. Hence, the impact of oxidation on human health and the aging process and the influence of diet on these harmful reactions are of growing interest. Past decades have seen more focus on lipid oxidation, microbial deterioration, and pathogenicity, as well as production of carcinogenic compounds during meat processing. The oxidation of protein, which is a major component in meat systems, has received less attention. Protein oxidation has been defined as a covalent modification of protein induced either directly by reactive species or indirectly by reaction with secondary by‐products of oxidative stress. Not only are these modifications critical for technological and sensory properties of muscle foods, they may have implications on human health and safety when consumed. Cooking, for example, has been observed to increase free radical generation while it also decreases the antioxidant protection systems in meat, both of which contribute to protein oxidation. Many other meat processing techniques, as well as other emerging technologies, may significantly affect protein oxidation and protein overall quality. This paper explores the current understanding of meat processing techniques and their possible effects on the status of protein oxidation and nutritional value, as well as their possible implications on human health.
Determination of Sex: Interest of Frontal Sinus 3D Reconstructions
Authors: Michel Justin , Paganelli Arnaud , Varoquaux Arthur , Piercecchi‐Marti Marie‐Dominique , Adalian Pascal , Leonetti Georges , Dessi Patrick
Published: February 2015

Frontal sinuses (FSs) have been studied in radiology, anthropology, and forensic anthropology. This study aimed to determine whether it was possible to predict the age and sex of an individual using FS volume. Sixty‐nine anonymized CT scans were imported to MIMICS 10.01® software (Materialise N.V.), and each FS volume was calculated in mm3. There was an absence of significant difference between right and left FS volume (p = 0.173) and an absence of correlation between age and FS volume (Pearson's test; p = 0.705). Sexual dimorphism was significantly different (p = 0.001). However, the most discriminant datum for determining sex was found to be the total FS volume (sum of an individual's right and left FS volumes) with linear discriminant Fisher's function coefficients of −2.759 for the male group and −1.275 for the female group. With this model, 72.5% of our sample was correctly classified according to sex.
Calculating Point of Origin of Blood Spatter Using Laser Scanning Technology
Authors: Hakim Nashad , Liscio Eugene
Published: February 2015

The point of origin of an impact pattern is important in establishing the chain of events in a bloodletting incident. In this study, the accuracy and reproducibility of the point of origin estimation using the FARO Scene software with the FARO Focus3D laser scanner was determined. Five impact patterns were created for each of three combinations of distances from the floor (z) and the front wall (x). Fifteen spatters were created using a custom impact rig, scanned using the laser scanner, photographed using a DSLR camera, and processed using the Scene software. Overall results gave a SD = 3.49 cm (p < 0.0001) in the x‐direction, SD = 1.14 cm (p = 0.9291) in the y‐direction, and SD = 9.08 cm (p < 0.0115) in the z‐direction. The technique performs within literature ranges of accepted accuracy and reproducibility and is comparable to results reported for other virtual stringing software.
Development of Forensic Assay Signatures for Ebolaviruses
Authors: Song Jian , Doggett Norman , Wren Melinda , Burr Tom , Fenimore P. W. , Hatcher Eneida L. , Bruno William J. , Li Po‐E , Stubben Chris , Wolinsky Murray
Published: February 2015

Ebolaviruses are a diverse group of RNA viruses comprising five different species, four of which cause fatal hemorrhagic fever in humans. Because of their high infectivity and lethality, ebolaviruses are considered major biothreat agents. Although detection assays exist, no forensic assays are currently available. Here, we report the development of forensic assays that differentiate ebolaviruses. We performed phylogenetic analyses and identified canonical SNPs for all species, major clades and isolates. TaqMan‐MGB allelic discrimination assays based on these SNPs were designed, screened against synthetic RNA templates, and validated against ebolavirus genomic RNAs. A total of 45 assays were validated to provide 100% coverage of the species and variants with additional resolution at the isolate level. These assays enabled accurate forensic analysis on 4 “unknown” ebolaviruses. Unknowns were correctly classified to species and variant. A goal of providing resolution below the isolate level was not successful. These high‐resolution forensic assays allow rapid and accurate genotyping of ebolaviruses for forensic investigations.
Specific Patterns of Canine Scavenging in Indoor Settings
Authors: Colard Thomas , Delannoy Yann , Naji Stephan , Gosset Didier , Hartnett Kristen , Bécart Anne
Published: February 2015

Postmortem animal mutilations due to domestic dogs in isolated domestic deaths are taphonomic modifications regularly observed by forensic pathologists. They are rarely described in the literature; however, even though they present specific patterns. Through 41 cases, 10 at the forensic institute in Lille (France) and 31 at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (USA), plus 22 cases from the literature, specific locations and patterns of postmortem scavenging lesions are proposed. These lesions are mainly distributed in three locations: the face, especially the nose and the mouth (73.1%), the neck (43.1%), and the arm (shoulder/upper limb [29.2%], hand [26.8%]). We discuss the time span between death and scavenging, the consequences on identification, and comparison with outdoor settings. Outdoor scavenging lesions are mainly located on the trunk and limbs usually sparing the head, which strongly differs from indoor distribution and imply different animal motivations.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: D'Ovidio Cristian , Sablone Sara , Carnevale Aldo
Published: February 2015

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. It occurs most commonly in otherwise healthy women during pregnancy or the postpartum period. The true incidence of SCAD is underestimated, as most cases are diagnosed at autopsy. The pathophysiology of SCAD is still not fully understood, and its management can be challenging. This report describes a 35‐year‐old pregnant female who presented with an acute antero‐lateral ST elevation secondary to spontaneous dissection of the left anterior descending artery and the circumflex artery. The diagnosis was established by coronary artery angiography. However, the patient died following cardiac tamponade. The examination of this case represented a starting point for the reviewing of the diagnosis, clinical course, and management of SCAD, and for the placing of this in context with the existing literature. This study highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and subsequent lifesaving treatment.
Preparation of a Ytterbium‐tagged Gunshot Residue Standard for Quality Control in the Forensic Analysis of GSR
Authors: Hearns Nigel G.R. , Laflèche Denis N. , Sandercock Mark L.
Published: February 2015

Preparation of a ytterbium‐tagged gunshot residue (GSR) reference standard for scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopic (SEM‐EDS) microanalysis is reported. Two different chemical markers, ytterbium and neodymium, were evaluated by spiking the primers of 38 Special ammunition cartridges (no propellant, no projectile) and discharging them onto 12.7 mm diameter aluminum SEM pin stubs. Following SEM‐EDS microanalysis, the majority of tri‐component particles containing lead, barium, and antimony (PbBaSb) were successfully tagged with the chemical marker. Results demonstrate a primer spiked with 0.75% weight percent of ytterbium nitrate affords PbBaSb particles characteristic of GSR with a ytterbium inclusion efficiency of between 77% and 100%. Reproducibility of the method was verified, and durability of the ytterbium‐tagged tri‐component particles under repeated SEM‐EDS analysis was also tested. The ytterbium‐tagged PbBaSb particles impart synthetic traceability to a GSR reference standard and are suitable for analysis alongside case work samples, as a positive control for quality assurance purposes.
Primary lymphomas in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Peng Jiang Chen , Zhong Lu , Ran Zhi Hua
Published: February 2015

Primary gastrointestinal (GI) lymphomas are uncommon diseases that can involve the whole GI tract. The etiologies of the disease remain unclear, and potential risk factors include celiac disease,Helicobacter pyloriinfection, use of immunosuppressive agents, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)or Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection and inflammatory bowel disease,etc. Diffuse largeB‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma are the most common subtypes of GI lymphomas. B‐cell lymphomas of the GI tract are more common inWestern countries, while in Asia–Pacific region T‐cell lymphomas are more frequently reported. In this review, lymphomas in the esophagus, stomach and intestine are described, including their epidemiology, histology, clinical manifestations, endoscopic findings, radiological features and treatment.
Genomic Resources Notes Accepted 1 October 2014–30 November 2014
Authors:   Genomic Resources Development Consortium, Baratti Mariella , Cattonaro Federica , Di Lorenzo Tiziana , Galassi Diana Maria Paola , Iannilli Valentina , Iannucci Alessio , Jensen Just , Larsen Peter Foged , Nielsen Rasmus O. , Pertoldi Cino , Postolache Dragos , Pujolar Jose Martin , Randi Ettore , Ruiz‐Gonzalez Aritz , Thirstrup Janne Pia , Vendramin Giovanni Giuseppe , Zalewski Andrzej
Published: February 2015

This article documents the public availability of (i) RAD sequencing data and validated SNPs for the American mink Neovison vison and (ii) Transcriptome resources for two nonmodel freshwater crustacean species, the copepod Eucyclops serrulatus and the amphipod Echinogammarus veneris.
Could a Pigouvian Subsidy Mitigate Poker Machine Externalities, in Australia?
Authors: Rowell David , Gyrd‐Hansen Dorte
Published: February 2015

Habitual gambling with electronic gaming machines can generate negative externalities. However, it is not the gambling process (wagers placed) but the outcome (revenue lost), which is a principal cause of these externalities. The specification of a quadratic externality function implies the existence of a corner solution, whereby actuarially fair electronic gaming machines that offer wagers at zero prices, could affect a reduction in the gambling externalities produced. In this paper we explore under what conditions might the introduction of actuarially fair electronic gaming machines reduce externalities associated with electronic gaming machines gambling.
Safety of pediatric continuous interscalene block catheters placed under general anesthesia: a single center's experience
Authors: GURNANEY H. , MUHLY W. T. , KRAEMER F. W. , CUCCHIARO G. , GANESH A.
Published: February 2015

Background

The use of interscalene catheters is an effective treatment strategy for children and adolescents undergoing shoulder surgery. Although placement of interscalene catheters in the awake child is challenging, some have cautioned against performing regional anesthesia in the patient under general anesthesia. We present a case series of 154 interscalene catheters placed in pediatric patients under general anesthesia and managed in the outpatient setting.

Methods

A total of 154 interscalene catheters were placed at a single institution between April 2006 and December 2011 using a modified lateral approach. All catheters were placed with the patient under general anesthesia. The patients discharged home with the catheters were followed‐up with daily phone calls until removal of the catheter.

Results

Of the 154 patients with an interscalene CPNB, 132 (85.7%) were discharged home with the interscalene CPNB in place. The success rate for the catheters was 92.1% (CI: 86.9–95.7%). The most common reason for catheter failure (6%) was early dislodgement (within 24 h). In addition to these 12 patients, 3 other patients had adverse events related to the interscalene CPNB.

Conclusion

Interscalene catheter placement under general anesthesia and management on an outpatient basis is feasible in the pediatric population and is associated with a low rate of catheter‐related complications.
Gene expression defines natural changes in mammalian lifespan
Authors: Fushan Alexey A. , Turanov Anton A. , Lee Sang‐Goo , Kim Eun Bae , Lobanov Alexei V. , Yim Sun Hee , Buffenstein Rochelle , Lee Sang‐Rae , Chang Kyu‐Tae , Rhee Hwanseok , Kim Jong‐So , Yang Kap‐Seok , Gladyshev Vadim N.
Published: February 2015

Mammals differ more than 100‐fold in maximum lifespan, which can be altered in either direction during evolution, but the molecular basis for natural changes in longevity is not understood. Divergent evolution of mammals also led to extensive changes in gene expression within and between lineages. To understand the relationship between lifespan and variation in gene expression, we carried out RNA‐seq‐based gene expression analyses of liver, kidney, and brain of 33 diverse species of mammals. Our analysis uncovered parallel evolution of gene expression and lifespan, as well as the associated life‐history traits, and identified the processes and pathways involved. These findings provide direct insights into how nature reversibly adjusts lifespan and other traits during adaptive radiation of lineages.
Parkinson's disease as a result of aging
Authors: Rodriguez Manuel , Rodriguez‐Sabate Clara , Morales Ingrid , Sanchez Alberto , Sabate Magdalena
Published: February 2015

It is generally considered that Parkinson's disease is induced by specific agents that degenerate a clearly defined population of dopaminergic neurons. Data commented in this review suggest that this assumption is not as clear as is often thought and that aging may be critical for Parkinson's disease. Neurons degenerating in Parkinson's disease also degenerate in normal aging, and the different agents involved in the etiology of this illness are also involved in aging. Senescence is a wider phenomenon affecting cells all over the body, whereas Parkinson's disease seems to be restricted to certain brain centers and cell populations. However, reviewed data suggest that Parkinson's disease may be a local expression of aging on cell populations which, by their characteristics (high number of synaptic terminals and mitochondria, unmyelinated axons, etc.), are highly vulnerable to the agents promoting aging. The development of new knowledge about Parkinson's disease could be accelerated if the research on aging and Parkinson's disease were planned together, and the perspective provided by gerontology gains relevance in this field.
Aging exacerbates hypertension‐induced cerebral microhemorrhages in mice: role of resveratrol treatment in vasoprotection
Authors: Toth Peter , Tarantini Stefano , Springo Zsolt , Tucsek Zsuzsanna , Gautam Tripti , Giles Cory B. , Wren Jonathan D. , Koller Akos , Sonntag William E. , Csiszar Anna , Ungvari Zoltan
Published: February 2015

Recent studies demonstrate that aging exacerbates hypertension‐induced cognitive decline, but the specific age‐related mechanisms remain elusive. Cerebral microhemorrhages (CMHs) are associated with rupture of small intracerebral vessels and are thought to progressively impair neuronal function. To determine whether aging exacerbates hypertension‐induced CMHs young (3 months) and aged (24 months) mice were treated with angiotensin II plus L‐NAME. We found that the same level of hypertension leads to significantly earlier onset and increased incidence of CMHs in aged mice than in young mice, as shown by neurological examination, gait analysis, and histological assessment of CMHs in serial brain sections. Hypertension‐induced cerebrovascular oxidative stress and redox‐sensitive activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were increased in aging. Treatment of aged mice with resveratrol significantly attenuated hypertension‐induced oxidative stress, inhibited vascular MMP activation, significantly delayed the onset, and reduced the incidence of CMHs. Collectively, aging promotes CMHs in mice likely by exacerbating hypertension‐induced oxidative stress and MMP activation. Therapeutic strategies that reduce microvascular oxidative stress and MMP activation may be useful for the prevention of CMHs, protecting neurocognitive function in high‐risk elderly patients.
Accelerated epigenetic aging in Down syndrome
Authors: Horvath Steve , Garagnani Paolo , Bacalini Maria Giulia , Pirazzini Chiara , Salvioli Stefano , Gentilini Davide , Di Blasio Anna Maria , Giuliani Cristina , Tung Spencer , Vinters Harry V. , Franceschi Claudio
Published: February 2015

Down Syndrome (DS) entails an increased risk of many chronic diseases that are typically associated with older age. The clinical manifestations of accelerated aging suggest that trisomy 21 increases the biological age of tissues, but molecular evidence for this hypothesis has been sparse. Here, we utilize a quantitative molecular marker of aging (known as the epigenetic clock) to demonstrate that trisomy 21 significantly increases the age of blood and brain tissue (on average by 6.6 years, P = 7.0 × 10−14).
Do attitudes towards persons with mental illness worsen during the course of life? An age‐period‐cohort analysis
Authors: Schomerus G. , Van der Auwera S. , Matschinger H. , Baumeister S. E. , Angermeyer M. C.
Published: February 2015

Objective

Cross‐sectional studies frequently find higher age associated with negative attitudes towards persons with mental illness. We explore whether attitudes worsen over the life span, or follow a cohort pattern.

Method

Using data from three identical population surveys in Germany from 1990, 2001 and 2011 (combined sample n = 7835), we performed age–period–cohort analyses determining the association of age, time period and birth‐cohort with social distance from a person with either depression (n = 3910) or schizophrenia (n = 3925), using linear and nonlinear partial least squares regression models.

Results

Social distance increases with age, independent from cohort and period effects, cumulating to an increase of 2.4 (schizophrenia) and 2.3 (depression) on the 28 point social distance scale over the life span (youngest to oldest participant). We found a cohort effect in depression, but not schizophrenia, with decreasing social distance until 1970 and a slight increase in younger cohorts. Period effects were visible particularly in schizophrenia, with growing social distance over time.

Conclusion

Considering demographic change and the vulnerability of older persons to severe outcomes of mental illness such as suicide, the observed increase of negative attitudes over the life span seems highly relevant. We discuss the role of conservatism and preferences for agreeable social contacts in older age.
Prevalence of alcohol use disorders in mainland China: a systematic review
Authors: Cheng Hui G. , Deng Fei , Xiong Wei , Phillips Michael R.
Published: February 2015

Aims

To identify studies about the prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in mainland China, evaluate the quality of these studies and conduct a meta‐analysis of the prevalence of AUD in China's adult population and in population subgroups defined by sex, age and urban versus rural residency.

Methods

Relevant studies published prior to January 2014 were identified from the following databases: China Knowledge Resource Integrated (CNKI), Wanfang, Pubmed, EmBase and Web of Science. A 16‐item quality assessment inventory for epidemiological studies in mainland China was constructed to evaluate the methodological rigor of the studies. A total of 38 studies including 1 304 354 individuals were identified. Outcomes included current and life‐time prevalence of AUD, alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse.

Results

The pooled life‐time and current prevalence of alcohol dependence were 1.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.3, 1.5] and 1.5% (95% CI = 1.2, 1.9). For males, pooled estimates of the current prevalence of alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse and AUD were 4.4 (95% CI = 3.1, 5.7), 4.0 (95% CI = 2.2, 5.7) and 10.1% (95% CI = 4.7, 15.4), respectively; the corresponding values for females were all below 0.2, 0.1, and 0.1%. There was large between‐study heterogeneity in the prevalence measures that was associated with sample size, the use of key informants and the use of substitute respondents. The quality of included studies was generally low. Higher‐quality studies reported higher prevalence.

Conclusions

Alcohol use disorder is an urgent public health problem in China, especially among males. When using high‐quality studies, current and life‐time prevalence estimates of alcohol dependence in China measure 2.2% and 3.7%, respectively, approaching those of the Netherlands, United States and other western countries.
Number of drugs most frequently found to be independent risk factors for serious adverse reactions: a systematic literature review
Authors: Saedder Eva A. , Lisby Marianne , Nielsen Lars Peter , Bonnerup Dorthe K. , Brock Birgitte
Published: February 2015

In order to reduce the numbers of medication errors (MEs) that cause adverse reactions (ARs) many authors have tried to identify patient‐related risk factors. However, the evidence remains controversial. The aim was to review systematically the evidence on the relationship between patient‐related risk factors and the risk of serious ARs. A systematic search in Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Systematic Reviews, Psychinfo and SweMed+ was performed. Included full text articles were hand searched for further references. Peer reviewed papers including adults from primary and secondary healthcare were included if they clearly defined seriousness of the ARs and described correlations to risk factors by statistical analysis. A total of 28 studies were identified including 85 212 patients with 3385 serious ARs, resulting in an overall frequency of serious ARs in 4% of patients. Age, gender and number of drugs were by far the most frequently investigated risk factors. The total number of drugs was the most consistent correlated risk factor found in both univariate and multivariate analyses. The number of drugs is the most frequently documented independent patient‐related risk factor for serious ARs in both the general adult population as well as in the elderly. The existing evidence is however conflicting due to heterogeneity of populations and study methods. The knowledge of patient‐related risk factors for experiencing ARs could be used for electronic risk stratification of patients and thereby allocation of healthcare resources to high risk patients.
Introducing One Health to the Ethical Debate About Zoonotic Diseases in Southeast Asia
Authors: Capps Benjamin , Bailey Michele Marie , Bickford David , Coker Richard , Lederman Zohar , Lover Andrew , Lysaght Tamra , Tambyah Paul
Published: February 2015

Pandemic plans recommend phases of response to an emergent infectious disease (EID) outbreak, and are primarily aimed at preventing and mitigating human‐to‐human transmission. These plans carry presumptive weight and are increasingly being operationalized at the national, regional and international level with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO). The conventional focus of pandemic preparedness for EIDs of zoonotic origin has been on public health and human welfare. However, this focus on human populations has resulted in strategically important disciplinary silos. As the risks of zoonotic diseases have implications that reach across many domains outside traditional public health, including anthropological, environmental, and veterinary fora, a more inclusive ecological perspective is paramount for an effective response to future outbreaks.
Friends, friendlessness, and the social consequences of gaining a theory of mind
Authors: Fink Elian , Begeer Sander , Peterson Candida C. , Slaughter Virginia , de Rosnay Marc
Published: February 2015

Fink, Begeer, Peterson, Slaughter, and de Rosnay (2014) conducted a prospective longitudinal study showing that theory‐of‐mind (ToM) development at school entry (mean age 5.61 years) significantly predicted friendlessness both concurrently and 2 years later. Friendlessness (defined as lacking any friendship that is mutually reciprocated) is conceptually and empirically distinct from group popularity and independently predicts adverse mental health outcomes throughout life. Here, we respond to the thoughtful commentaries by Wellman (Brit. J. Dev. Psychol, 2015; 33, 24–26), Mizokawa and Koyasu (Brit. J. Dev. Psychol, 2015; 33, 21–23), and Lerner and Lillard (Brit. J. Dev. Psychol, 2015; 33, 18–20) with a focus on three key issues, namely (a) the definition and measurement of friendship, (b) the measurement of advanced ToM development beyond the preschool years, and (c) the exciting future potential for ToM‐based training and intervention studies to combat chronic friendlessness.
Novel Oxazolidinone Antibacterial Analogues with a Substituted Ligustrazine C‐ring Unit
Authors: Chen Yan , Ruan Zhi‐Xiong , Wang Fang , Huangfu De‐Sheng , Sun Ping‐Hua , Lin Jing , Chen Wei‐Min
Published: February 2015

A series of novel oxazolidinone compounds with a substituted ligustrazine C‐ring unit and different substituted groups at the C‐5 side chain were designed and synthesized using linezolid as a lead and based on a scaffold hopping strategy. Their antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory activities were evaluated. The results of in vitro antibacterial assays showed that all fourteen target compounds displayed potent activity against Gram‐positive pathogens, particularly 8b, 13b, 14a, 14b, 15a, and 15b. Moreover, 14a and 14b exhibited significant inhibitory activities on the production of inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide, interleukin‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha. Thus, these derivatives could serve as valuable candidates to develop anti‐infective agents for the treatment of chronic wounds.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Cleistanthin A Derivatives as Potent Vacuolar H+‐ATPase Inhibitors
Authors: Zhao Yu , Lu Yapeng , Ma Jinlong , Zhu Li
Published: February 2015

Twelve new glycosides and alkane derivatives of cleistanthin A were designed and synthesized. Their in vitro antiproliferative activity was investigated against HCT‐116, HepG2, A549, Hela tumor cell lines and HEK293 cell by MTT assay. Most of these compounds displayed antiproliferative effects on four cancer cells at submicromolar concentration, but they were less potent than cleistanthin A Moreover, they showed no antiproliferative effects on HEK293 cell at 200 nm. The most potent compounds, 3e and 4a, have been shown to inhibit the activity of vacuolar H+‐ATPase (V‐ATPase) and neutralize the pH of lysosomes at submicromolar concentrations.