bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Surface Properties on Colloid Retention on Natural and Surrogate Produce Surfaces
Authors: Lazouskaya Volha , Sun Taozhu , Liu Li , Wang Gang , Jin Yan
Published: November 2016

Bacterial contamination of fresh produce is a growing concern in food industry. Pathogenic bacteria can attach to and colonize the surfaces of fresh produce and cause disease outbreaks among consumers. Surface properties of both bacteria and produce affect bacterial contamination; however, the effects of produce roughness, topography, and hydrophobicity on bacterial retention are still poorly understood. In this work, we used spherical polystyrene colloids as bacterial surrogates to investigate colloid retention on and removal (by rinsing) from fresh produce surfaces including tomato, orange, apple, lettuce, spinach, and cantaloupe, and from surrogate produce surface Sharklet (a micro‐patterned polymer). All investigated surfaces were characterized in terms of surface roughness and hydrophobicity (including contact angle and water retention area measurements). The results showed that there was no single parameter that dominated colloid retention on fresh produce, yet strong connection was found between colloid retention and water retention and distribution on all the surfaces investigated except apple. Rinsing was generally not efficient in removing colloids from produce surfaces, which suggests the need to modify current cleaning procedures and to develop novel contamination prevention strategies. This work offers a physicochemical approach to a food safety problem and improves understanding of mechanisms leading to produce contamination.
Comparative analysis of SAF, Protaper Next and BT‐Race in eliminating Enterococcus faecalis from long oval canals: An ex vivo study
Authors: Krokidis Andreas , Bonfanti Carlo , Cerutti Antonio , Barabanti Nicola , Zinelis Spyros , Panopoulos Panos
Published: November 2016

Comparison of the ability of newly designed rotary files to eliminate viable Enterococcus faecalis populations from long oval root canals of extracted human teeth to that of the self‐adjusting file (SAF). One hundred caries‐free, single‐rooted, long oval teeth were contaminated with E. faecalis. The teeth were randomly distributed into four groups (n = 25) as follows: G.1, manual; G.2, SAF; G.3, ProTaper Next; and G.4, BT‐Race. Two microbial samples were obtained from each tooth with sterile paper points, (s1) before and (s2) after instrumentation. The relative reduction in colony‐forming units (CFUs) from s1 to s2 measurements was calculated and compared among the groups using parametric Kruskal–Wallis one‐way anova on ranks and Dunn's method (a = 0.05). The results indicated a descending order of the groups with regard to efficacy as follows: BT‐Race, Next, SAF and manual. The statistical analysis showed that the relative percentage reduction (RR) of CFUs was lower in the manual group than in the other groups, while the SAF group showed a significantly lower RR than the BT‐Race group (P < 0.05). The efficacy in reduction of the microbiological load of viable E. faecalis from long oval root canals was different between the tested endodontic systems.
PGC‐1α4 gene expression is suppressed by the IL‐6—MEK—ERK 1/2 MAPK signalling axis and altered by resistance exercise, obesity and muscle injury
Authors: Brown J. L. , Rosa‐Caldwell M. E. , Lee D. E. , Brown L. A. , Perry R. A. , Shimkus K. L. , Blackwell T. A. , Fluckey J. D. , Carson J. A. , Dridi S. , Washington T. A. , Greene N. P.
Published: November 2016

Aim

PGC‐1α4 is a novel regulator of muscle hypertrophy; however, there is limited understanding of the regulation of its expression and role in many (patho)physiological conditions. Therefore, our purpose was to elicit signalling mechanisms regulating gene expression of Pgc1α4 and examine its response to (patho)physiological stimuli associated with altered muscle mass.

Methods

IL‐6 knockout mice and pharmacological experiments in C2C12 myocytes were used to identify regulation of Pgc1α4 transcription. To examine Pgc1α4 gene expression in (patho)physiological conditions, obese and lean Zucker rats with/without resistance exercise (RE), ageing mice and muscle regeneration from injury were examined.

Results

In IL‐6 knockout mice, Pgc1α4mRNA was ~sevenfold greater than wild type. In C2C12 cells, Pgc1α4mRNA was suppressed ~70% by IL‐6. Suppression of Pgc1α4 by IL‐6 was prevented by MEK–ERK–MAPK inhibition. RE led to ~260% greater Pgc1α4mRNA content in lean rats. However, obese Zucker rats exhibited ~270% greater Pgc1α4mRNA than lean, sedentary with no further augmentation by RE. No difference was seen in IL‐6mRNA or ERK‐MAPK phosphorylation in Zucker rats. Aged mice demonstrated ~50% lower Pgc1α4mRNA and ~fivefold greater ERK‐MAPK phosphorylation than young despite unchanged Il‐6mRNA. During muscle regeneration, Pgc1α4 content is ~30% and IL‐6mRNA >threefold of uninjured controls 3 days following injury; at 5 days, Pgc1α4 was >twofold greater in injured mice with no difference in IL‐6mRNA.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal a novel mechanism suppressing Pgc1α4 gene expression via IL‐6–ERK‐MAPK and suggest this signalling axis may inhibit Pgc1α4 in some, but not all, (patho)physiological conditions.
Poor predictive value of lower gastrointestinal alarm features in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer in 1981 patients in secondary care
Authors: Simpkins S. J. , Pinto‐Sanchez M. I. , Moayyedi P. , Bercik P. , Morgan D. G. , Bolino C. , Ford A. C.
Published: November 2016

Background

Clinicians are advised to refer patients with lower gastrointestinal (GI) alarm features for urgent colonoscopy to exclude colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the utility of alarm features is debated.

Aim

To assess whether performance of alarm features is improved by using a symptom frequency threshold to trigger referral, or by combining them into composite variables, including minimum age thresholds, as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Methods

We collected data prospectively from 1981 consecutive adults with lower GI symptoms. Assessors were blinded to symptom status. The reference standard to define CRC was histopathological confirmation of adenocarcinoma in biopsy specimens from a malignant‐looking colorectal lesion. Controls were patients without CRC. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPVs) and negative predictive values were calculated for individual alarm features, as well as combinations of these.

Results

In identifying 47 (2.4%) patients with CRC, individual alarm features had sensitivities ranging from 11.1% (family history of CRC) to 66.0% (loose stools), and specificities from 30.5% (loose stools) to 75.6% (family history of CRC). Using higher symptom frequency thresholds improved specificity, but to the detriment of sensitivity. NICE referral criteria also had higher specificities and lower sensitivity, with PPVs above 4.8%. More than 80% of those with CRC met at least one of the NICE referral criteria.

Conclusions

Using higher symptom frequency thresholds for alarm features improved specificity, but sensitivity was low. NICE referral criteria had PPVs above 4.8%, but sensitivities ranged from 2.2% to 32.6%, meaning many cancers would be missed.
Stereotypes of Sex Offenders’ Romantic Partners Predict Intent to Discriminate
Authors: Plogher Tyler J. , Stevenson Margaret C. , McCracken Evan W.
Published: November 2016

Registered sex offenders’ family members perceive themselves to be the direct targets of public scrutiny, ostracism, harassment, and employment discrimination. Study 1 offers a preliminary exploration of the stereotypes of registered sex offenders’ romantic partners. Participants’ open‐ended responses were coded and subjected to inter‐rater reliability, using a coding scheme that was both exploratory in nature, while also informed by theory and research. Partially supporting our hypotheses, participants primarily perceived sex offenders’ romantic partners as fearful, vulnerable, deviant, and mentally ill, but also as good, forgiving people who want to help reform the offender. In Study 2, we developed an attitudes toward sex offenders’ partners scale, designed to measure participants’ endorsement of stereotypes about offenders’ partners. As predicted, endorsement of negative stereotypes about offenders’ romantic partners (i.e., that they are deviant and predatory, as well as fearful and vulnerable) predicted greater support for sex offender legislation and less support for hiring offenders’ partners across a variety of employment contexts. Moreover, political conservatives were more likely than liberals to discriminate against offenders’ partners in job hiring contexts—an effect statistically explained by conservatives’ endorsement of negative stereotypes about offenders’ partners.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of pyrimidine derivatives as potential inhibitors of human calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IV
Authors: Jameel Ehtesham , Naz Huma , Khan Parvez , Tarique Mohd. , Kumar Jitendra , Mumtazuddin Syed , Ahamad Shahzaib , Islam Asimul , Ahmad Faizan , Hoda Nasimul , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz
Published: November 2016

Calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IV (CAMKIV) is a multifunctional Ser/Thr kinase, associated with cerebral hypoxia, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we report design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of seven pyrimidine‐substituted novel inhibitors of CAMKIV. We successfully synthesized and extensively characterized (ESI‐MS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR studies) seven compounds that are showing appreciable binding affinity to the CAMKIV. Molecular docking and fluorescence binding studies revealed that compound 1 is showing very high binding free energy (ΔG = −11.52 kcal/mol) and binding affinity (K = 9.2 × 1010 m−1) to the CAMKIV. We further performed MTT assay to check the cytotoxicity and anticancer activity of these compounds. An appreciable IC50 (39 μm) value of compound 1 was observed on human hepatoma cell line and nontoxic till the 400 μm on human embryonic kidney cells. To ensure anticancer activity of all these compounds, we further performed propidium iodide assay to evaluate cell viability and DNA content during the cell cycle. We found that compound 1 is again showing a better anticancer activity on both human hepatoma and human embryonic kidney cell lines.
The meaning of participation for children in Malawi: insights from children and caregivers
Authors: Nelson F. , Masulani‐Mwale C. , Richards E. , Theobald S. , Gladstone M.
Published: November 2016

Background

Global rates of childhood disability are high and are estimated through tools that focus on impairment, functioning and activity. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health has promoted a framework to define disability more broadly and to include participation. New outcome measures have now been created to assess participation of children with disabilities for use in research and clinical practice. In order to use these in other cultural contexts, the validity of concepts and tools developed should be evaluated prior to use. We aim to create a tool that would be relevant and valid to the cultural context of Malawi, but to do so, we first need to understand what participation means to children in Malawi.

Aim

The aim of this study is to explore what participation means for children (including those with and without disability) in rural Northern Malawi.

Methods

We used semi‐structured interviews, focus group discussions, participatory action research and direct observations. Sixty‐four participants were involved including children (8–18 years) with (14) and without disabilities (17), carers of children with (8) and without (6) disabilities, community members (14) and professionals/healthcare workers (5). Data analysis was carried out using the ‘framework’ approach.

Results

Activities reported by children, carers and community members fell within seven main themes or areas of participation. These include contribution to family life (chores and work), social activities (communicating and being with others), social activities (unstructured play), structured and organized activities, activities of daily living, education and schooling and entertainment (listening to and watching media).

Conclusions

This study provides concepts and ideas that may be utilized in developing a suitable measure of participation of children with disabilities for rural African settings. Many of the most important activities for all children relate to family and day‐to‐day social life.
Peri‐radiographic guidelines for children with autism spectrum disorder: a nationwide survey in Sweden
Authors: Björkman B. , Gimbler Berglund I. , Enskär K. , Faresjö M. , Huus K.
Published: November 2016

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of guidelines and routines used nationwide when children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are taken care of and examined in a radiology department during a peri‐radiographic process.

Method

A nationwide survey was compiled and distributed to 94 radiology departments throughout Sweden, i.e. those performing more than 100 000 radiographic examinations annually. The survey was designed as a web questionnaire with seven questions on possible guidelines and/or routines for the departments when preparing and taking care of children with ASD in conjunction with a radiographic procedure. The data were scrutinized, using descriptive statistics.

Results

In total, 86 radiology departments responded to the survey (response rate 92%). Of those departments, 40 did not examine children with ASD. None of the departments included in the study had existing guidelines underpinning the routines when preparing and performing radiographic examinations for children diagnosed with ASD. A few departments (n = 8) would set aside more time for the procedure if it were known in advance that the child to be examined had been diagnosed with ASD. Also, some departments (n = 7) had radiographers who were more experienced in the care of children who would be appointed to perform examinations for children with ASD.

Conclusion

It is suggested that guidelines should be developed in order to increase interaction in a supportive way and decrease anxiety during the peri‐radiographic process with children with ASD.
Higher thyrotropin concentration is associated with increased incidence of colorectal cancer in older men
Authors: Chan Yi X. , Alfonso Helman , Chubb Stephen Anthony Paul , Fegan Peter Gerard , Hankey Graeme J. , Golledge Jonathan , Flicker Leon , Yeap Bu B.
Published: November 2016

Context

Thyroid hormones regulate cellular survival and metabolism; however, their association with cancer incidence and death has not been well explored.

Objectives

Our aim was to examine the relationship between thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) with cancer incidence (all cancers, prostate, colorectal and lung cancer). Associations with cancer‐related deaths were also explored.

Design and setting

A prospective cohort study involving community‐dwelling men aged 70–89 years.

Main outcome measures

Thyroid hormones were measured in 3836 men between 2001 and 2004. Competing risks analyses were used to perform longitudinal analyses with results expressed as subhazard ratios (SHR). Outcomes were ascertained through electronic linkage until 20 June 2013.

Results

Mean age was 77·0 ± 3·6 years. A total of 864 men developed cancers, and 506 experienced cancer‐related deaths. A total of 340, 136 and 119 men developed prostate, colorectal and lung cancers, respectively. After adjustments, there were no associations between TSH and incidence of all cancers, prostate or lung cancer. Higher TSH was associated with increased colorectal cancer incidence (SHR = 1·19, 95% CI 1·00–1·42; P = 0·048 for every 1 SD increase in log TSH). This association was strengthened after excluding the first year of follow‐up (SHR = 1·23, 95% CI 1·02–1·48, P = 0·028). FT4 was not associated with incidence of all cancers, prostate, colorectal or lung cancer. Thyroid hormones were not associated with cancer‐related deaths.

Conclusion

In community‐dwelling older men, FT4 was not associated with cancer incidence. Higher TSH is independently associated with increased incidence of colorectal cancer. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether a causal relationship exists.
The effect of growth hormone replacement on the thyroid axis in patients with hypopituitarism: in vivo and ex vivo studies
Authors: Glynn Nigel , Kenny Helena , Quisenberry Leah , Halsall David J. , Cook Paul , Kyaw Tun Tommy , McDermott John H. , Smith Diarmuid , Thompson Christopher J. , O'Gorman Donal J. , Boelen Anita , Lado‐Abeal Joaquin , Agha Amar
Published: November 2016

Objective

Alterations in the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis have been reported following growth hormone (GH) replacement. The aim was to examine the relationship between changes in serum concentration of thyroid hormones and deiodinase activity in subcutaneous adipose tissue, before and after GH replacement.

Design

A prospective, observational study of patients receiving GH replacement as part of routine clinical care.

Patients

Twenty adult hypopituitary men.

Measurements

Serum TSH, thyroid hormones – free and total thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) and reverse T3, thyroglobulin and thyroid‐binding globulin (TBG) levels were measured before and after GH substitution. Changes in serum hormone levels were compared to the activity of deiodinase isoenzymes (DIO1, DIO2 and DIO3) in subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Results

The mean daily dose of growth hormone (GH) was 0·34 ± 0·11 mg (range 0·15–0·5 mg). Following GH replacement, mean free T4 levels declined (−1·09 ± 1·99 pmol/l, P = 0·02). Reverse T3 levels also fell (−3·44 ± 1·42 ng/dl, P = 0·03) and free T3 levels increased significantly (+0·34 ± 0·15 pmol/l, P = 0·03). In subcutaneous fat, DIO2 enzyme activity declined; DIO1 and DIO3 activities remained unchanged following GH substitution. Serum TSH, thyroglobulin and TBG levels were unaltered by GH therapy.

Conclusions

In vitro analysis of subcutaneous adipose tissue from hypopituitary human subjects demonstrates that GH replacement is associated with significant changes in deiodinase isoenzyme activity. However, the observed variation in enzyme activity does not explain the changes in the circulating concentration of thyroid hormones induced by GH replacement. It is possible that deiodinase isoenzymes are differentially regulated by GH in other tissues including liver and muscle.
Homozygous deletion of RAG1, RAG2 and 5′ region TRAF6 causes severe immune suppression and atypical osteopetrosis
Authors: Weisz Hubshman M. , Basel‐Vanagaite L. , Krauss A. , Konen O. , Levy Y. , Garty B.Z. , Smirin‐Yosef P. , Maya I. , Lagovsky I. , Taub E. , Marom D. , Gaash D. , Shichrur K. , Avigad S. , Hayman‐Manzur L. , Villa A. , Sobacchi C. , Shohat M. , Yaniv I. , Stein J.
Published: November 2016

Mutations of several genes have been implicated in autosomal recessive osteopetrosis (OP), a disease caused by impaired function and differentiation of osteoclasts. Severe combined immune deficiencies (SCID) can likewise result from different genetic mutations. We report two siblings with SCID and an atypical phenotype of OP. A biallelic microdeletion encompassing the 5′ region of TRAF6, RAG1 and RAG2 genes was identified. TRAF6, a tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated family member, plays an important role in T cell signaling and in RANKL‐dependent osteoclast differentiation and activation but its role in human OP has not been previously reported. The RAG proteins are essential for recombination of B and T cell receptors, and for the survival and differentiation of these cells. This is the first study to report a homozygous deletion of TRAF6 as a cause of human disease.
Continuation of antithrombotic therapy may be associated with a high incidence of colonic post‐polypectomy bleeding
Authors: Shibuya Tomoyoshi , Nomura Osamu , Kodani Tomohiro , Murakami Takashi , Fukushima Hirofumi , Tajima Yuzuru , Matsumoto Kohei , Ritsuno Hideaki , Ueyama Hiroya , Inami Yoshihiro , Ishikawa Dai , Matsumoto Kenshi , Sakamoto Naoto , Osada Taro , Nagahara Akihito , Ogihara Tatsuo , Watanabe Sumio
Published: November 2016

Background and Aim

Post‐polypectomy bleeding (PPB) is the most common complication of endoscopic procedures. To reduce the risk of thromboembolic incidents, Japanese guidelines for gastroenterological endoscopy were revised to indicate that antithrombotic agents were not to be discontinued for endoscopic treatment. However, carrying out endoscopic procedures under antithrombotic medication potentially increases the incidence of hemorrhagic complications. The present study investigated the impact of the revised guidelines on the frequency of complications after colonoscopic procedures.

Methods

The surveillance period comprised the year before the initiation of the new guidelines (2012), which served as a control period, and 2 years after initiation of the new guidelines (2013 and 2014). During the control period, 3955 cases were examined colonoscopically and 1601 lesions were treated endoscopically. During the 2‐year period under the new guidelines, 8749 colonoscopies and 3768 endoscopic treatments were carried out. Changes in treatment methods and rates of complications were compared.

Results

PPB rate was not significantly different before and after the revision (0.87% vs 1.01%). With the new guidelines, PPB rates in antithrombotic non‐users and users were 0.60% and 3.13%, respectively (OR 5.11, P = 0.000). Multivariable analysis showed that the risks for PPB were as follows: heparin bridging therapy (OR 6.34, P = 0.0002); low‐dose aspirin (LDA) continuation (OR 5.30, P = 0.0079); and lesion size (OR 1.06, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The present study showed that the overall PPB rate under the new guidelines was not significantly higher when compared with the previous data obtained before the new guidelines were introduced.
Make Europe happen on the ground? Enabling and constraining factors for European Union aid coordination in Africa
Authors: Carbone Maurizio
Published: November 2016

This article investigates the extent to which the collective commitments on aid coordination made in the EU context trigger any changes in the aid practices of EU member states in Africa. By exploring the trajectory of joint programming, it demonstrates that the development policies of EU members states are affected by EU membership, yet the impact of Europe is, surprisingly, less pronounced on the ground than at the headquarter level. This decoupling of norms from practices can be attributed not only (and necessarily) to the attempt of EU donors to pursue their national goals, but also to the resistance of national aid bureaucracies on the ground, the increased scepticism of developing countries, and the growing complexity of the development architecture.
Corruption, Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Constraints: International Firm‐level Evidence
Authors: Lopatta Kerstin , Jaeschke Reemda , Tchikov Magdalena , Lodhia Sumit
Published: November 2016

This study examines the relationship between firm‐level factors including corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance and financial constraints, and the firm‐level risk of corruption. Facing a measurement challenge referring to firm‐level risk of corruption, we define a corruption score based on corporate disclosures of corrupt activities. We show that, first, CSR performance is negatively related to the risk of corporate corruption. Second, a firm's vulnerability to financial constraints is positively related to the risk of corporate corruption. Third, the effects are particularly strong for firms with low board independence. Finally, we contribute to prior literature by developing the first firm‐level corruption score that is not only robust to prevalent corruption indices but is also applicable to any dataset and can be used for future research on firm‐level corruption. Moreover, the study provides new empirical evidence on firm‐level determinants that relate to corporate corruption risk.
Judicious Use of L1 in L2 Arabic Speaking Practice Sessions
Authors: Al Masaeed Khaled
Published: November 2016

This study investigated the contexts for “optimal” use of first language (L1) in second language (L2) one‐on‐one speaking practice sessions in a study abroad program where English was the L1 and Arabic was the L2 of students, and the opposite applied to their speaking partners. Drawing on insights from sociocultural theory to investigate data from 17 audiorecorded speaking sessions, the study shows that judicious use of students’ L1 for certain purposes does indeed work as one of several interactional resources that contribute to enhancing the development of the L2 by operating as a mediating tool to cultivate communication and L2 learning. The argument for L1 optimal use is demonstrated in two particular contexts: (1) during speaking sessions to ask for or provide linguistic assistance, and (2) at the periphery of these speaking sessions for various goals, such as showing solidarity, warming up, and agreeing on what to discuss and how to proceed during interaction. Pedagogical implications are discussed.
Global warming may disproportionately affect larger adults in a predatory coral reef fish
Authors: Messmer Vanessa , Pratchett Morgan S. , Hoey Andrew S. , Tobin Andrew J. , Coker Darren J. , Cooke Steven J. , Clark Timothy D.
Published: November 2016

Global warming is expected to reduce body sizes of ectothermic animals. Although the underlying mechanisms of size reductions remain poorly understood, effects appear stronger at latitudinal extremes (poles and tropics) and in aquatic rather than terrestrial systems. To shed light on this phenomenon, we examined the size dependence of critical thermal maxima (CTmax) and aerobic metabolism in a commercially important tropical reef fish, the leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus) following acclimation to current‐day (28.5 °C) vs. projected end‐of‐century (33 °C) summer temperatures for the northern Great Barrier Reef (GBR). CTmax declined from 38.3 to 37.5 °C with increasing body mass in adult fish (0.45–2.82 kg), indicating that larger individuals are more thermally sensitive than smaller conspecifics. This may be explained by a restricted capacity for large fish to increase mass‐specific maximum metabolic rate (MMR) at 33 °C compared with 28.5 °C. Indeed, temperature influenced the relationship between metabolism and body mass (0.02–2.38 kg), whereby the scaling exponent for MMR increased from 0.74 ± 0.02 at 28.5 °C to 0.79 ± 0.01 at 33 °C, and the corresponding exponents for standard metabolic rate (SMR) were 0.75 ± 0.04 and 0.80 ± 0.03. The increase in metabolic scaling exponents at higher temperatures suggests that energy budgets may be disproportionately impacted in larger fish and contribute to reduced maximum adult size. Such climate‐induced reductions in body size would have important ramifications for fisheries productivity, but are also likely to have knock‐on effects for trophodynamics and functioning of ecosystems.
Caring About and For the Cuts: a Case Study of the Gendered Dimension of Austerity and Anti‐austerity Activism
Authors: Craddock Emma
Published: November 2016

Austerity is a feminist issue, given its disproportionate impact on women. Within Nottingham there has been a strong resistance to austerity. However, the key local anti‐austerity groups neglect this gendered dimension, resulting in women forming their own community groups to provide practical support to women affected by the cuts. This article explores this feminist response to austerity, raising the question of why this gendered dimension is not visible within key local anti‐austerity movements. It seeks to answer this question by drawing on data from semi‐structured interviews with activists, paying close attention to the gendered barriers and exclusions to activism that exist. In particular, this article explores the complex relationship between care and activism that underlies many of these barriers. Finally, it offers some potential solutions to this key problem.
International Students Pathways Between Open and Closed Borders: Towards a Multi‐scalar Approach to Educational Mobility and Labour Market Outcomes
Authors: Moskal Marta
Published: November 2016

This paper explores the complex and changing relationship between academic capitalism that encourages global mobility of highly‐skilled international students on the one hand and recent changes to immigration policy in the UK that prevent such mobility on the other. The paper is based on a longitudinal study that traces the experiences and aspirations of postgraduates from three Asian countries and their pathways from the UK universities to post study work and realities. Taking a multi‐scalar approach, the analysis of international students’ narratives unpacks the unevenness of career opportunities, barriers to settlement and various “assemblages of power” that shape students’ life trajectories. The paper illustrates how the individual‐scale projects intersect with states’ policies of both receiving and sending countries and other institutions and structures of power that operate within and beyond the nation‐states.
Differences in posttraumatic growth and grief reactions among adolescents by relationship with the deceased
Authors: Hirooka Kayo , Fukahori Hiroki , Ozawa Miwa , Akita Yumi
Published: November 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine three hypotheses: (1) adolescents who had experienced the death of a parent would report higher grief reactions than those who had lost a grandparent; (2) adolescents who experienced the death of a parent would report higher posttraumatic growth than those who had lost a grandparent; and (3) posttraumatic growth and grief reactions are positively associated.

Background

To date, no study has investigated adolescents' posttraumatic growth by their relationship with the deceased.

Design

Cross‐sectional web‐based survey.

Methods

Participants were adolescents who had experienced the death of a parent or grandparent in the last 5 years. Participants completed the Japanese version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and grief reaction items. We conducted a web‐based survey during January 2014. We used Pearson product–moment correlations to examine the association between each Posttraumatic Growth Inventory domain and each grief reaction item. Differences in the relationship with the deceased for each Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and grief reaction item were compared with an independent‐sample t‐test.

Results

Participants (n = 124) reported grief reactions including ‘I began to get frustrated at the little things’ (43·5%), ‘It was difficult to go to school’ (41·1%) and ‘I was not able to sleep at night’ (33·9%). The independent t‐test indicated that parentally bereaved adolescents reported higher posttraumatic growth and grief reactions than those who had lost a grandparent. Pearson's bivariate analysis showed an association between grief reactions and posttraumatic growth.

Conclusion

Parentally bereaved adolescents reported higher posttraumatic growth and grief reactions. Nurses should ensure bereaved adolescents receive appropriate support.
Modelling avian growth with the Unified‐Richards: as exemplified by wader‐chick growth
Authors: Tjørve Kathleen M. C. , Tjørve Even
Published: November 2016

Postnatal growth in birds is traditionally modelled by fitting three‐parameter models, namely the logistic, the Gompertz, or the von Bertalanffy models. The purpose of this paper is to address the utility of the Unified‐Richards (U‐Richards) model. We draw attention to two forms of the U‐Richards and lay down a set of recommendations for the analysis of bird growth, in order to make this model and the methods more accessible. We examine the behaviour of the four parameters in each model form and the four derived measurements, and we show that all are easy to interpret, and that each parameter controls a single curve characteristic. The two parameters that control the inflection point, enable us to compare its placement in two dimensions, 1) inflection value (mass or length at inflection) and 2) inflection time (time since hatching), between data sets (e.g. between biometrics or between species). We also show how the parameter controlling growth rate directly presents us with the relative growth rate at inflection, and we demonstrate how one can compare growth rates across data sets. The three traditional models, where the inflection value is fixed (to a specific percentage of the upper asymptote), provide incompatible growth‐rate coefficients. One of the two forms of the U‐Richards model makes it possible to fix not only the upper asymptote (adult value), but also the intersection with the y‐axis (hatching value). Fitting the new model forms to data validates the usefulness of interpreting the inflection placement in addition to the growth rate. It also illustrated the advantages and limitations of constraining the upper asymptote (adult value) and the y‐axis intersection (hatching value) to fixed values. We show that the U‐Richards model can successfully replace some of the commonly used growth models, and we advocate replacing these with the U‐Richards when modelling bird growth.
Migration strategies and annual space‐use in an Afro‐Palaearctic aerial insectivore – the European nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus
Authors: Norevik Gabriel , Åkesson Susanne , Hedenström Anders
Published: November 2016

Obligate insectivorous birds breeding in high latitudes travel thousands of kilometres during annual movements to track the local seasonal peaks of food abundance in a continuously fluctuating resource landscape. Avian migrants use an array of strategies when conducting these movements depending on e.g. morphology, life history traits and environmental factors encountered en route. Here we used geolocators to derive data on the annual space‐use, temporal pattern and migratory strategies in an Afro‐Palaearctic aerial insectivorous bird species – the European nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus. More specifically, we aimed to test a set of hypothesises pertaining to the migration of a population of nightjars breeding in south‐eastern Sweden. We found that the birds wintered across the central and western parts of the southern tropical Africa almost entirely outside the currently described wintering range of the species. The nightjars performed a narrow loop migration across Sahara, with spring Sahel stopovers significantly to the west of autumn stops indicative to an adaptive response to winds during migration. To our surprise, the migration speed was faster in the autumn (119 km d− 1) than in the spring (99 km d− 1), possibly due to the prevailing wind regimes over the Sahara. The estimated flight fraction in both autumn (14%) and spring (12%) was almost exactly as the theoretically predicted 1:7 time relationship between flights and stopovers for small birds. The temporal patterns within the annual cycle indicate that individuals follow alternative spatiotemporal schedules that converge towards the breeding season. The positive relationship between the spatially and temporally distant winter departure and breeding arrival suggests that individuals´ temporal fine‐tuning to breeding may be constrained, leading to potential negative fitness consequences.
Prevalence and characteristics ofStaphylococcus aureusand methicillin‐resistantStaphylococcus aureusnasal colonization among a community‐based diabetes population in Foshan, China
Authors: Lin Jialing , Xu Ping , Peng Yang , Lin Dongxin , Ou Qianting , Zhang Ting , Bai Chan , Ye Xiaohua , Zhou Junli , Yao Zhenjiang
Published: November 2016

Aims/Introduction

Evidence suggests that diabetes might cause an increase in colonization ofStaphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) and methicillin‐resistantS. aureus(MRSA) in community settings. We carried out a cross‐sectional study to determine the prevalence and influencing factors ofS. aureusandMRSAnasal colonization among a community‐based diabetes population, and to identify the characteristics of the isolated strains.

Materials and Methods

A total of 956 participants from 11 community settings were included in the study.

Results

Of the 529 diabetes participants, 46 were colonized withS. aureusand 22 were colonized withMRSA. Of the 427 non‐diabetes participants, 25 were colonized withS. aureusand 12 were colonized withMRSA. Men (odds ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.20–0.99,P= 0.047) were less likely to haveS. aureusnasal colonization, and those with well‐controlled blood glucose (odds ratio 2.04, 95% confidence interval 1.01–4.13,P= 0.047) among the diabetes population were more likely to haveS. aureusnasal colonization. The proportion of multidrug‐resistantS. aureusstrains in the diabetes population (52.17%) was higher than that in the non‐diabetes population (28.00%; χ2= 3.848,P= 0.050). The most common clonal complex type and Staphylococcal chromosome cassettemectype ofMRSAin diabetes population was clonal complex 5 (40.91%) and typeIV(27.27%), respectively. The proportion of Panton–Valentine leukocidin gene inMRSAstrains was 17.65%. There was great sequence type diversity inMRSAstrains.

Conclusions

The prevalence ofMRSAin the community‐based diabetes population was moderate, and the high proportions of multidrug‐resistantS. aureusstrains and diverse molecular characteristics in the diabetes population should be noticed.
Assessing the Climate Effects of Biofuels Using Integrated Assessment Models, Part I: Methodological Considerations
Authors: Plevin Richard J.
Published: November 2016

Estimates of the climate‐change mitigation benefits of biofuels are varied and controversial. Some analysts rely on attributional life cycle assessment (ALCA), limiting the analytic scope to the direct supply chain, whereas others supplement an ALCA result with an estimate of land‐use change (LUC) emissions intensity. Other analysts have used consequential life cycle assessment (CLCA), with methods ranging from static market assessments to identify the likely marginal product and supplier, to running partial and general equilibrium models to estimate changes in global production and consumption. In this article, we consider another alternative—using an integrated assessment model (IAM) as a platform for CLCA of biofuels. In this article (part I of II), we focus on the methodological challenges of this approach. In part II, we present a case study using one IAM—the global change assessment model (GCAM)—to estimate the climate effects of several biofuels.
Consequences of Future Data Center Deployment in Canada on Electricity Generation and Environmental Impacts: A 2015–2030 Prospective Study
Authors: Dandres Thomas , Vandromme Nathan , Obrekht Glasha , Wong Andy , Nguyen Kim Khoa , Lemieux Yves , Cheriet Mohamed , Samson Réjean
Published: November 2016

The environmental impacts of data centers that provide information and communication technologies (ICTs) services are strongly related to electricity generation. With the increasing use of ICT, many data centers are expected to be built, causing more absolute impacts on the environment. Given that electricity distribution networks are very complex and dynamic systems, an environmental evaluation of future data centers is uncertain. This study proposes a new approach to investigate the consequences of future data center deployment in Canada and optimize this deployment based on the Energy 2020 technoeconomic model in combination with life cycle assessment methodology. The method determines specific electricity sources that will power the future Canadian data centers and computes related environmental impacts based on several indicators. In case‐study scenarios, the largest deployment of data centers leads to the smallest impact per megawatt of data centers for all of the environmental indicators. It is found that an increase in power demand by data centers would lead to a reduction in electricity exports to the United States, driving the United States to generate more electricity to meet its energy demand. Given that electricity generation in the United States is more polluting than in Canada, the deployment of data centers in Canada is indirectly linked to an increase in overall environmental impacts. However, though an optimal solution should be found to mitigate global greenhouse gas emissions, it is not clear whether the environmental burden related to U.S. electricity generation should be attributed to the Canadian data centers.
An integrative review of health‐related quality of life in patients with critical limb ischaemia
Authors: Monaro Susan , West Sandra , Gullick Janice
Published: November 2016

Aims and objectives

To examine the domains and the domain‐specific characteristics within a peripheral arterial disease health‐related quality of life framework for their usefulness in defining critical limb ischaemia health‐related quality of life.

Background

Critical Limb Ischaemia presents a highly individualised set of personal and health circumstances. Treatment options include conservative management, revascularisation or amputation. However, the links between treatment decisions and quality of life require further investigation.

Design

The framework for this integrative review was the peripheral arterial disease‐specific health‐related quality of life domains identified by Treat‐Jacobson et al.

Results

The literature expanded and refined Treat‐Jacobson's framework by modifying the characteristics to better describe health‐related quality of life in critical limb ischaemia.

Conclusions

Given that critical limb ischaemia is a highly individualised situation with powerful health‐related quality of life implications, further research focusing on patient and family‐centred decision‐making relating to therapeutic options and advanced care planning is required.

Relevance to clinical practice

A critical limb ischaemia‐specific, health‐related quality of life tool is required to capture both the unique characteristics of this disorder, and the outcomes for active or conservative care among this complex group of patients.
Plagiarism in nursing education: an integrative review
Authors: Lynch Joan , Everett Bronwyn , Ramjan Lucie M , Callins Renee , Glew Paul , Salamonson Yenna
Published: November 2016

Aims and objectives

To identify the prevalence and antecedents of plagiarism within nursing education and approaches to prevention and management.

Background

There has been growing media attention highlighting the prevalence of plagiarism in universities, including the academic integrity of undergraduate nursing students. A breach of academic integrity among nursing students also raises further concern with the potential transfer of this dishonest behaviour to the clinical setting.

Design

Integrative review.

Methods

A systematic search of five electronic databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source, and ERIC was undertaken. Only primary studies related to plagiarism and nursing students (undergraduate or postgraduate) studying at a tertiary education institution or nursing faculty were included. Both qualitative and quantitative study designs were included.

Results

Twenty studies were included in this review with six key themes identified: (1) prevalence; (2) knowledge, understanding and attitudes; (3) types of plagiarism; (4) antecedents to plagiarism; (5) interventions to reduce or prevent plagiarism; and (6) the relationship between academic honesty and professional integrity. Plagiarism is common among university nursing students, with a difference in perception of this behaviour between students and academics. The review also highlighted the importance of distinguishing between inadvertent and deliberate plagiarism, with differing strategies suggested to address this behaviour. Nevertheless, interventions to reduce plagiarism have not been shown to be effective.

Conclusions

The current punitive approach to plagiarism within nursing faculties has not reduced its occurrence. There is a need to promote awareness, knowledge and provide students with the appropriate referencing skills, to reduce the significant amount of inadvertent plagiarism.

Relevance to clinical practice

The importance of promoting honesty and academic integrity in nursing education is highlighted. Cheating within the academic setting has been associated with dishonesty in the clinical setting, which highlights the importance of nurturing a culture of honesty and integrity at university.
European Data Protection Regulation and Online New Media: Mind the Enforcement Gap
Authors: Erdos David
Published: November 2016

Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) play a critical role in shaping and applying the regulation applicable to online media expression within the European Economic Area. Drawing on seven ubiquitous types of online new media actors, a comprehensive survey of these authorities was undertaken. It found that European DPAs generally adopt an expansive interpretation of data protection and a constrained understanding of freedom of expression in this space. In contrast, data protection enforcement is weak and lacking in harmonization. Except for street mapping services, each type of online media actor had only faced relevant enforcement action from a minority of these agencies. DPA financial resourcing is very limited. Notwithstanding the development of DPA ‘network governance’, only DPAs with a particularly extensive interpretative stance proved likely to have engaged in extensive enforcement activity. It remains unclear what difference the General Data Protection Regulation will make to resolving this enforcement gap and its related problems.
Driving Priorities in Risk‐based Regulation: What's the Problem?
Authors: Baldwin Robert , Black Julia
Published: November 2016

Both risk‐based and problem‐centred regulatory techniques emphasize giving priority to matters that are serious and important. In the case of both risks and problems, however, issues of identification, selection, and prioritization involve inescapably normative and political choices. It is important, therefore, to understand why regulators target the risks and problems that they do; which factors drive such choices; and how regulation is affected when these factors pull in similar or opposite directions. Such an understanding provides a fresh framework for thinking about the challenges of both risk‐based and problem‐centred regulation. The analysis presented here does not oppose either risk‐based or problem‐centred regulation, but it illustrates why neither is as straightforward as simple calls for ‘better regulation’ may suggest, and it proposes ways in which key aspects of those challenges may be addressed.
Judicial Activism in the Name of the Nation: Reneging on the Integration of Immigrants in Greece
Authors: Anagnostou Dia
Published: November 2016

Why do courts sometimes decide to liberalize migrants’ rights, while at others restricting such rights, even contrary to the policies of elected governments? This article addresses this question in the context of Greece. It explores the causes and consequences of judicial decision making in a major decision of the Council of State that suspended the most important government reform of 2010, promoting the integration of third‐country nationals. Drawing on judicial politics scholarship, it argues that the ideological and political preferences of key judges were an important influence on the first Council of State decision considered here. However, in the final decision, intra‐court dynamics and the judges’ consideration of external political constraints influenced the court's reasoning, leading to a more moderate outcome, with important consequences for the relaunching of policy reform.