bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corticocancellous fresh‐frozen allograft bone blocks for augmenting atrophied posterior mandibles in humans
Authors: Dias Rafael R. , Sehn Felipe P. , de Santana Santos Thiago , Silva Erick R. , Chaushu Gavriel , Xavier Samuel P.
Published: October 2014

Background

Allograft fresh‐frozen bone (FFB) is an alternative to autogenous bone for oral implantation due to bone quantity availability and lower morbidity for patients. Few specific studies about the use of FFB for reconstructing the posterior mandibular alveolar crest have been conducted.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate histological, histomorphometrical, and volumetric aspects of FFB allografts used to augment atrophied posterior mandible bone ridges.

Materials and methods

Sixteen hemi‐mandibles of twelve patients presenting with critical alveolar atrophy were three‐dimensionally reconstructed using corticocancellous FFB. Thirty blocks were fixed with titanium screws and covered with particulate bovine bone mineral and collagen membrane. Volumetric data were obtained by cone beam computed tomography analysis after 6 months, implants were inserted, and bone biopsies were harvested and sent for histological and histomorphometric analyses.

Results

The blocks were distributed between nine female and three male patients (mean age, 50.9 ± 8.3 years). Thirty implants were installed, and the implant survival rate was 96.66%. Histology demonstrated newly formed vital bone contacting residual acellular allograft bone and connective tissue. The histomorphometric analysis showed 18.9 ± 8.1% newly formed bone and 32.5 ± 14.8% allograft residual bone. Graft absorption was 45% for height and volume, and both measures were significantly different (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Fresh‐frozen allografts are a viable alternative for reconstructing an atrophied mandible in the posterior region, allowing for new bone formation, installation of implants, and prosthetic loading.
An agenda for assessing and improving conservation impacts of sustainability standards in tropical agriculture
Authors: Milder Jeffrey C. , Arbuthnot Margaret , Blackman Allen , Brooks Sharon E. , Giovannucci Daniele , Gross Lee , Kennedy Elizabeth T. , Komives Kristin , Lambin Eric F. , Lee Audrey , Meyer Daniel , Newton Peter , Phalan Ben , Schroth Götz , Semroc Bambi , Rikxoort Henk Van , Zrust Michal
Published: October 2014

Sustainability standards and certification serve to differentiate and provide market recognition to goods produced in accordance with social and environmental good practices, typically including practices to protect biodiversity. Such standards have seen rapid growth, including in tropical agricultural commodities such as cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soybeans, and tea. Given the role of sustainability standards in influencing land use in hotspots of biodiversity, deforestation, and agricultural intensification, much could be gained from efforts to evaluate and increase the conservation payoff of these schemes. To this end, we devised a systematic approach for monitoring and evaluating the conservation impacts of agricultural sustainability standards and for using the resulting evidence to improve the effectiveness of such standards over time. The approach is oriented around a set of hypotheses and corresponding research questions about how sustainability standards are predicted to deliver conservation benefits. These questions are addressed through data from multiple sources, including basic common information from certification audits; field monitoring of environmental outcomes at a sample of certified sites; and rigorous impact assessment research based on experimental or quasi‐experimental methods. Integration of these sources can generate time‐series data that are comparable across sites and regions and provide detailed portraits of the effects of sustainability standards. To implement this approach, we propose new collaborations between the conservation research community and the sustainability standards community to develop common indicators and monitoring protocols, foster data sharing and synthesis, and link research and practice more effectively. As the role of sustainability standards in tropical land‐use governance continues to evolve, robust evidence on the factors contributing to effectiveness can help to ensure that such standards are designed and implemented to maximize benefits for biodiversity conservation.
Building robust conservation plans
Authors: Visconti Piero , Joppa Lucas
Published: October 2014

Systematic conservation planning optimizes trade‐offs between biodiversity conservation and human activities by accounting for socioeconomic costs while aiming to achieve prescribed conservation objectives. However, the most cost‐efficient conservation plan can be very dissimilar to any other plan achieving the set of conservation objectives. This is problematic under conditions of implementation uncertainty (e.g., if all or part of the plan becomes unattainable). We determined through simulations of parallel implementation of conservation plans and habitat loss the conditions under which optimal plans have limited chances of implementation and where implementation attempts would fail to meet objectives. We then devised a new, flexible method for identifying conservation priorities and scheduling conservation actions. This method entails generating a number of alternative plans, calculating the similarity in site composition among all plans, and selecting the plan with the highest density of neighboring plans in similarity space. We compared our method with the classic method that maximizes cost efficiency with synthetic and real data sets. When implementation was uncertain—a common reality—our method provided higher likelihood of achieving conservation targets. We found that χ, a measure of the shortfall in objectives achieved by a conservation plan if the plan could not be implemented entirely, was the main factor determining the relative performance of a flexibility enhanced approach to conservation prioritization. Our findings should help planning authorities prioritize conservation efforts in the face of uncertainty about future condition and availability of sites.
Corporate Governance, Risk Disclosure Practices, and Market Liquidity: Comparative Evidence from the UK and Italy
Authors: Elshandidy Tamer , Neri Lorenzo
Published: October 2014

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This paper examines the influence of corporate governance on risk disclosure practices in the UK and Italy and also studies the impact of those practices on market liquidity.

Research Findings/Insights

We find that governance factors principally influence the decisions of UK (Italian) firms over whether to exhibit risk information voluntarily (mandatorily) in their annual report narratives. When we distinguish between firms with strong and weak governance (in terms of board efficiency) in each country, we find that the factors that affect mandatory and voluntary risk disclosure appear to be driven more by strongly governed firms in both countries. Furthermore, strongly governed firms in the UK tend to provide more meaningful risk information to their investors than weakly governed firms. In Italy, however, we find that strongly rather than weakly governed firms exhibiting risk information voluntarily rather than mandatorily improves market liquidity significantly.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This paper emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between mandatory and voluntary risk disclosure when studying the impact of corporate governance. Our findings differ across strongly and weakly governed firms, in terms of both the factors that influence risk disclosure practices and the exact informativeness of those practices.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

The results support the current regulatory trend in risk reporting within the UK that emphasizes the importance of directors and encourages rather than mandates risk disclosure. However, the results generally signal a need for further improvements in the Italian context. Our evidence also supports the value of the confidence in the UK governance system, compared to that in Italy, which motivates British firms to provide highly informative risk information more often than Italian firms.
Comparison of insulin glargine and liraglutide added to oral agents in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes
Authors: D'Alessio D. , Häring H.‐U. , Charbonnel B. , de Pablos‐Velasco P. , Candelas C. , Dain M.‐P. , Vincent M. , Pilorget V. , Yki‐Järvinen H. ,   on behalf of the EAGLE Investigators
Published: October 2014

Aim

To compare safety and efficacy of insulin glargine and liraglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Methods

This randomized, multinational, open‐label trial included subjects treated for T2DM with metformin ± sulphonylurea, who had glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of 7.5–12%. Subjects were assigned to 24 weeks of insulin glargine, titrated to target fasting plasma glucose of 4.0–5.5 mmol/L or liraglutide, escalated to the highest approved clinical dose of 1.8 mg daily. The trial was powered to detect superiority of glargine over liraglutide in percentage of people reaching HbA1c <7%.

Results

The mean [standard deviation (s.d.)] age of the participants was 57 (9) years, the duration of diabetes was 9 (6) years, body mass index was 31.9 (4.2) kg/m2 and HbA1c level was 9.0 (1.1)%. Equal numbers (n = 489) were allocated to glargine and liraglutide. Similar numbers of subjects in both groups attained an HbA1c level of <7% (48.4 vs. 45.9%); therefore, superiority of glargine over liraglutide was not observed (p = 0.44). Subjects treated with glargine had greater reductions of HbA1c [−1.94% (0.05) and −1.79% (0.05); p = 0.019] and fasting plasma glucose [6.2 (1.6) and 7.9 (2.2) mmol/L; p < 0.001] than those receiving liraglutide. The liraglutide group reported a greater number of gastrointestinal treatment‐emergent adverse events (p < 0.001). The mean (s.d.) weight change was +2.0 (4.0) kg for glargine and −3.0 (3.6) kg for liraglutide (p < 0.001). Symptomatic hypoglycaemia was more common with glargine (p < 0.001). A greater number of subjects in the liraglutide arm withdrew as a result of adverse events (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Adding either insulin glargine or liraglutide to subjects with poorly controlled T2DM reduces HbA1c substantially, with nearly half of subjects reaching target levels of 7%.
Thickness and fit of mouthguards adjusted by notching thermoplastic sheets under different heating conditions
Authors: Mizuhashi Fumi , Koide Kaoru , Takahashi Mutsumi
Published: October 2014

This study examines the thickness and fit of mouthguards by notching thermoplastic copolymer ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sheets and then heating them to various degrees. The material used was a 3.8‐mm‐thick sports mouthguard. Notches with a length of 90 and 80 mm were cut into an EVA sheet 20 mm from the anterior and posterior margins and 15 mm from the right and left margins, respectively, and the sheet was compared with the original. The sheets were formed using a vacuum former when the sheets were heated until they hung 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 cm from the baseline. We measured the thickness and fit of the mouthguard at the central incisor and first molar. Differences in thickness and fit according to the measurement parts, sheet type, and heating conditions were analyzed by three‐way anova. The measurement parts and sheet type significantly differed (P < 0.01), and the notched sheet maintained the required thickness. Fit differed among the measurement parts and by heating conditions (P < 0.01), but was not affected by the notching. The mouthguard fit was optimal when the sheets were heated to a hanging distance of 3.0 cm. These results suggest that the thickness and fit of the EVA sheet could be maintained by notching and heating the sheet to a hanging distance of 3.0 cm. These findings could be useful for fabricating appropriate mouthguards.
Effects of context‐drug learning on synaptic connectivity in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala in rats
Authors: Rademacher David J. , Mendoza‐Elias Nasya , Meredith Gloria E.
Published: October 2014

Context‐drug learning produces structural and functional synaptic changes in the circuitry of the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA). However, how the synaptic changes translated to the neuronal targets was not established. Thus, in the present study, immunohistochemistry with a cell‐specific marker and the stereological quantification of synapses was used to determine if context‐drug learning increases the number of excitatory and inhibitory/modulatory synapses contacting the gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) interneurons and/or the pyramidal neurons in theBLAcircuitry. Amphetamine‐conditioned place preference increased the number of asymmetric (excitatory) synapses contacting the spines and dendrites of pyramidal neurons and the number of multisynaptic boutons contacting pyramidal neurons andGABAinterneurons. Context‐drug learning increased asymmetric (excitatory) synapses onto dendrites ofGABAinterneurons and increased symmetric (inhibitory or modulatory) synapses onto dendrites but not perikarya of these same interneurons. The formation of context–drug associations alters the synaptic connectivity in theBLAcircuitry, findings that have important implications for drug‐seeking behavior.
Rapid generation of reaction permeability in the roots of black smoker systems, Troodos ophiolite, Cyprus
Authors: Cann J. R. , McCaig A. M. , Yardley B. W. D.
Published: October 2014

The deep levels of former black smoker hydrothermal systems are widespread in the Troodos ophiolite in Cyprus. They are marked by zones of hydrothermal reaction in the sheeted dyke unit close to the underlying gabbros. These zones are characterized by the presence of epidosite (epidote–quartz rock). In the reaction zones, the dykes are altered to a range of greenschist facies mineral assemblages, from a low degree of alteration with a five to seven phase metabasaltic assemblage to a high degree of alteration with a two to three phase epidosite assemblage. Individual dykes may contain the full range, with the epidosites forming yellow–green stripes within a darker background, often extending for more than several metres, parallel to the dyke margins. Field relations show that the alteration took place on a dyke‐by‐dyke basis and was not a regional process. SEM petrography reveals that the epidosites contain millimetre scale pores. The minerals surrounding the pores show euhedral overgrowths into the free pore space, indicating a former transient porosity of up to 20%. We conclude that the epidosites formed by reaction between newly intruded basaltic dykes and actively circulating black smoker fluid leading to extensive dissolution of primary dyke minerals. This reaction generated the porosity in the stripes and transiently led to a much increased permeability, allowing the rapid penetration of the black smoker fluid into the dykes and flow along them in fingers. As the system evolved, the same flow regime allowed mineral precipitation and partial infilling of the porosity. This mechanism allows rapid recrystallization of the rock with release of metals and other components into the fluid. This explains the depletion of these components in epidosites and their enrichment in black smoker vent fluids and the relatively constant composition of vent fluids as fresh rock is continually mined.
International doctoral students as knowledge brokers: reciprocity, trust and solidarity in transnational networks
Authors: BILECEN BAŞAK , FAIST THOMAS
Published: October 2014

In this article, we examine the role of brokerage, the knowledge that brokers transfer and the social conditions of that transfer. Previous research suggests that highly skilled migrants spanning multiple locales have the advantage of being able to transfer knowledge as they move from one place to another. In this study, using a network perspective, we look at the activities of international doctoral students in their transfer of knowledge and illustrate the underlying social conditions of knowledge transfer through transnational friendship networks. Using a qualitative methodology, we examine the research questions and 35 in‐depth interviews, as well as egocentric network analysis conducted in Germany. In the findings, we explore the social conditions of knowledge brokerage, including trust, reciprocity and solidarity. Finally, we discuss the implications for further research on knowledge sharing among brokers and international students.
FEIBA in the treatment of acquired haemophilia A: Results from the prospective multicentre French ‘FEIBA dans l'hémophilie A acquise’ (FEIBHAC) registry
Authors: Borg J.‐Y. , Négrier C. , Durieu I. , Dolimier E. , Masquelier A.‐M. , Lévesque H. ,   the FEIBHAC Study Group
Published: October 2014

Factor VIII inhibitor bypass activity (FEIBA) is a recommended first‐line bypassing agent for bleeding episodes in patients with acquired haemophilia A (AHA). Due to the low incidence of AHA, available clinical data on FEIBA treatment are limited. The study aim was to delineate practice patterns in FEIBA treatment of AHA patients, the haemostatic efficacy of FEIBA, including criteria for its assessment, and safety. A prospective registry was established of AHA patients receiving FEIBA for bleeding episodes or prophylaxis at the time of invasive procedures. Data were collected at 16 participating centres in France. Patients were followed up for 3 months. Haemostatic efficacy, FEIBA regimen and FEIBA‐related adverse events were documented. Thirty‐four patients averaging 81.8 years old with standard deviation (SD) 8.1 years were included in the study: 33 for acute bleeding and one for haematoma evacuation. The mean initial dose of FEIBA for acute bleeding was 75.4 U kg−1 (SD, 7.7 U kg−1), most often administered twice daily, and the median duration of FEIBA treatment was 4.0 days (interquartile range, 2.2–8.0 days). FEIBA was effective in managing 88.0% of bleeding episodes (95% confidence interval, 75.8–94.5%). No baseline variables influencing treatment response could be identified. The sensitivity and specificity of an objective haemostatic efficacy scale in predicting sequential investigator assessments of haemostatic efficacy were 45.3% and 84.1% respectively. Four patients experienced a total of six serious adverse events possibly related to FEIBA. In the first prospective study specifically focused on FEIBA treatment of patients with AHA, 88.0% of bleeding episodes were effectively managed.
Rethinking the relationship between science and society: Has there been a shift in attitudes to Patient and Public Involvement and Public Engagement in Science in the United Kingdom?
Authors: Boaz Annette , Biri Despina , McKevitt Christopher
Published: October 2014

Background

The policy imperative to engage the public and patients in research can be seen as part of a wider shift in the research environment. This study addresses the question: Has there been a shift in attitudes to Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) and Public Engagement in Science (PES) amongst researchers?

Methods

Attitudes toPPIandPESwithin a cluster of threeNIHRsupported Biomedical Research Centres were explored through in‐depth interviews with 19 researchers.

Results

Participants distinguishedPPI(as an activity involving patients and carers in research projects and programmes) fromPES(as an activity that aims to communicate research findings to the public, engage the public with broader issues of science policy or promote a greater understanding of the role of science in society). While participants demonstrated a range of attitudes to these practices, they shared a resistance to sharing power and control of the research process with the public and patients.

Conclusion

While researchers were prepared to engage with the public and patients and listed the advantages of engagement, the study revealed few differences in their underlying attitudes towards the role of society in science (and science in society) to those reported in previous studies. To the participants science remains the preserve of scientists, with patients and the public invited to ‘tinker at the edges’.
Australian pharmacies prevent potential adverse reactions in patients taking warfarin requesting over-the-counter analgesia
Authors: MacFarlane Brett V , Bergin Jenny K , Reeves Peter , Matthews Andrew
Published: October 2014

Objective

The objective of this article was to assess if Australian pharmacy staff prevent potential adverse reactions in warfarin patients requesting over-the-counter (OTC) analgesia.

Methods

Mystery shoppers entered 170 pharmacies across Australia to request OTC analgesia for a hypothetical patient with a wrist injury who currently takes warfarin following a heart valve replacement. The request was made to the first pharmacist or non-pharmacist staff member to approach the mystery shopper. The interaction was audio-taped and assessed by a pharmacist. The OTC analgesic recommended was assessed for the potential to cause an adverse bleeding event. The quality of advice given with the OTC analgesic was assessed against determined criteria. Results were compared with scenarios of similar request type where the hypothetical patient was not taking warfarin.

Key findings

Mystery shoppers enquiring about taking OTC analgesics concomitantly with warfarin had access to the pharmacist in 97.0% of cases. All 170 pharmacies recommended OTC analgesics that were less likely to cause adverse events when taken with warfarin. The advice given and the communication between pharmacy staff and mystery shoppers were of high quality.

Conclusion

Australian pharmacies support the quality use of medicines by patients taking warfarin by providing expeditious access to the pharmacist, appropriate recommendations of OTC analgesics, high standards of quality of advice and they communicate in a way to ensure ease of understanding by the consumer. The protocols used by pharmacy staff help prevent potentially serious adverse drug events.
Postoperative detrusor contractility temporarily decreases in patients undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery
Authors: Kitta Takeya , Mitsui Takahiko , Kanno Yukiko , Chiba Hiroki , Moriya Kimihiko , Nonomura Katsuya
Published: October 2014

Objectives

To assess the postoperative lower urinary tract function in patients undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery.

Methods

A total of 24 women with advanced anterior vaginal wall prolapse underwent transvaginal repair using a polypropylene mesh. The preoperative, 1‐week and 3‐month postoperative evaluations were carried out by urodynamics. Maximal flow rate detrusor pressure at maximal flow rate, voided volume and bladder contractility index were measured. A value of P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

The mean age of patients was 73.5 years (range 49–84 years). The mean postoperative maximal flow rate, voiding efficiency and bladder contractility index decreased significantly after the operation compared with the preoperative values (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between preoperative and 3‐month postoperative parameters. Of the patients, 33.3%, 11.1% and 50% were classified as having normal/strong contractility preoperative, 1 week and 3 months, respectively. The proportion of normal/strong contractility decreased significantly after the operation, and it recovered 3 months postoperatively. The grade of obstruction did not change significantly.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery present temporary impaired detrusor contractility, which improves significantly during the midterm postoperative period.
Microstructures and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Ba((Co0.55Zn0.35Mg0.1)1/3Nb2/3)O3‐BaZrO3 Ceramics
Authors: Ma Pian Pian , Yi Lei , Wu Shu Ya , Chen Xiang Ming , Gu Hui
Published: October 2014

Microstructures and microwave dielectric properties of (1−x)Ba((Co0.55Zn0.35Mg0.1)1/3 Nb2/3)O3‐xBaZrO3 (x = 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06) ceramics have been investigated. The 1:2 ordered structure remains in the solid solutions when x is less than 0.03, but the ordering is destabilized. While, the local ordering behavior, which generates from compositional inhomogeneous, is observed in the composition with x = 0.04, where the 1:1 ordered phase begins to form. For x = 0.05 and 0.06, the solid solutions are comprised of nanometer‐sized 1:1 and 1:2 ordered domains, those are dispersed in a disordered matrix. The lower Qf values of the as‐sintered ceramics mainly because of the lower ordering degrees. BaZrO3 substitution decreases both the annealing time and temperature. The effects of annealing process upon the improvement of Qf values are significant for the lower substitution levels (x = 0.01 and 0.02), while only slight effects are determined for high substitution levels (x = 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06). The highest Qf value of 84,500 GHz is obtained for 1 mol% BaZrO3 substituted composition, after annealing at 1300°C for 8 h.
Clinical performance of access flap in the treatment of class II furcation defects. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Graziani Filippo , Gennai Stefano , Karapetsa Dimitra , Rosini Stefano , Filice Natalia , Gabriele Mario , Tonetti Maurizio
Published: October 2014

Objectives

To systematically review the performance of access flap (OFD) in the treatment of class II furcation defects (FD).

Methods

RCTs evaluating surgical treatment of class II FD with OFD, minimum 6 months follow‐up were identified. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted independently by three reviewers. The primary outcomes were tooth survival and change in the horizontal clinical attachment level (HCAL). Changes in vertical clinical attachment level (VCAL), reduction of pocket probing depth (PPD), recession increase (REC), horizontal (HBL), and vertical bone level (VBL) were also collected.

Results

The search identified 1571 studies out of which 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed on 199 patients and 251 FD. Tooth survival was seldom reported. Altogether with inflammatory amelioration, the weighted mean differences were for HCAL 0.96 mm [CI: (0.60, 1.32), p < 0.001], 0.55 mm [CI: (0.00, 1.10), p = 0.05] for VCAL gain. PPD reduction over 6 months was 1.38 mm [CI: (0.91, 1.85), p < 0.01]. Potential risk of bias was identified.

Conclusions

Teeth with mandibular class II furcation involvement treated with OFD show significant clinical improvements 6 months after surgery. Nevertheless, in order to better understand the magnitude of these changes and their clinical relevance, prospective long‐term trials are needed.
Connective tissue graft associated or not with low laser therapy to treat gingival recession: randomized clinical trial
Authors: Fernandes‐Dias Stephanie B. , de Marco Andrea C. , Santamaria Milton , Kerbauy Warley D. , Jardini Maria A.N. , Santamaria Mauro P.
Published: October 2014

Background

To evaluate the treatment of gingival recession with a connective tissue graft (CTG) alone or in combination with low‐level laser therapy (CTG + L).

Methods

Forty patients presenting 40 Miller Class I and II gingival recessions were included. The defects were randomly assigned to receive either CTG (n = 20) or CTG + L (n = 20). A diode laser (660 nm) was applied to the test sites immediately after surgery and every other day for 7 days (eight applications).

Results

The mean percentage of root coverage was 91.9% for the test group and 89.48% for the control group after 6 months (p > 0.05). The test group presented more complete root coverage (n = 13, 65%) than the control group (n = 7, 35%) (p = 0.04). Dentine sensitivity decreased significantly after 6 months in both groups (p < 0.001). The two groups showed improvement in aesthetics at the end of treatment.

Conclusions

Low‐level laser therapy may increase the percentage of complete root coverage when associated with CTG.
Haematological parameters do senesce in the wild: evidence from different populations of a long‐lived mammal
Authors: Jégo M. , Lemaître J.‐F. , Bourgoin G. , Capron G. , Warnant C. , Klein F. , Gilot‐Fromont E. , Gaillard J‐M.
Published: October 2014

Increasing evidence of senescence has been reported from long‐term studies of wild populations. However, most studies have focused on life‐history traits like survival, reproduction or body mass, generally from a single intensively monitored population. However, variation in the intensity of senescence across populations, and to a lesser extent between sexes, is still poorly understood. In addition, the pattern of age‐specific changes in haematological parameters remains virtually unknown to date for any population of vertebrate living in the wild. Using repeated blood samples collected from known‐aged (2–15 years of age) roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from two populations facing highly different environmental conditions, we filled the gap. In particular, we investigated age‐specific changes in haematocrit, albumin and creatinine. We reported clear evidence of senescence in all haematological parameters. Moreover, senescence patterns differed between sexes and populations. The rate of senescence was higher in males than in females for haematocrit with no site difference. On the other hand, the rate of senescence in creatinine was higher atTroisFontaines than atChizé with no sex difference. Our findings provide a first demonstration of age‐specific declines in haematological parameters in wild populations of large herbivores and show that the process of senescence in vertebrates is not restricted to body mass or fitness components. We also demonstrate that the senescence pattern of haematological parameters is context dependent and varies both between sexes and according to environmental conditions.
Private Information and Bargaining Power in Venture Capital Financing
Authors: Koskinen Yrjö , Rebello Michael J. , Wang Jun
Published: October 2014

We model the natural evolution of private information over the life of a venture capitalist financed project. In the early stages, the entrepreneur is better informed regarding the project, and when the project matures, the venture capitalist has an informational advantage over the entrepreneur. Within this framework, we examine how the venture capitalist's relative bargaining power affects cash flow rights and investment. When the bargaining advantage lies with the entrepreneur, the project may not be screened, and the venture capitalist may acquiesce to excessive initial investment but subsequently terminate the project. Increased venture capitalist bargaining power encourages project screening, attenuates the incentive to overinvest, and reduces the incidence of project termination subsequent to the initial investment. The payoff sensitivity of venture capitalist's financing contract also increases as his bargaining power improves.
Selection, Heterogeneity, and Entry in Professional Markets
Authors: Alderighi Marco , Piga Claudio A.
Published: October 2014

We analyze two different cases of entry regulation in professional markets: first, when licensing is a requirement for becoming a professional (lawyers); second, when entry and price restrictions are applied on a geographical basis (pharmacists). Both cases are investigated within a circular model of localized competition and heterogeneous players. The analysis reveals that licensing introduces a selection mechanism which is effective in preventing entry of inefficient players in markets with large ex ante heterogeneity. Furthermore, because in the second case excessive entry is reduced as the degree of heterogeneity increases, our analysis lends support to a policy that simultaneously relaxes entry and price restrictions.
Information Revelation in Procurement Auctions with Two‐Sided Asymmetric Information
Authors: Doni Nicola , Menicucci Domenico
Published: October 2014

A buyer needs to procure a good from one of two suppliers offering differentiated products and with privately observed costs. The buyer privately observes the own valuations for the products and (ex ante) decides how much of this information should be revealed to suppliers before they play a first score auction. Our main result is that the more significant is each supplier's private information on the own cost, the less information the buyer should reveal. We also examine the buyer's incentives to make untruthful announces.
Simplification of vacuole structure during plant cell death triggered by culture filtrates of Erwinia carotovora
Authors: Hirakawa Yumi , Nomura Toshihisa , Hasezawa Seiichiro , Higaki Takumi
Published: October 2014

Vacuoles are suggested to play crucial roles in plant defense‐related cell death. During programmed cell death, previous live cell imaging studies have observed vacuoles to become simpler in structure and have implicated this simplification as a prelude to the vacuole's rupture and consequent lysis of the plasma membrane. Here, we examined dynamics of the vacuole in cell cycle‐synchronized tobacco BY‐2 (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Bright Yellow 2) cells during cell death induced by application of culture filtrates of Erwinia carotovora. The filtrate induced death in about 90% of the cells by 24 h. Prior to cell death, vacuole shape simplified and endoplasmic actin filaments disassembled; however, the vacuoles did not rupture until after plasma membrane integrity was lost. Instead of facilitating rupture, the simplification of vacuole structure might play a role in the retrieval of membrane components needed for defense‐related cell death.
Finding of 132, 173‐cyclopheophorbide a enol as a degradation product of chlorophyll in shrunk zooxanthellae of the coral Montipora digitata
Authors: Suzuki Toshiyuki , Casareto Beatriz Estela , Shioi Yuzo , Ishikawa Yoshio , Suzuki Yoshimi
Published: October 2014

We examined the morphology and pigment composition of zooxanthellae in corals subjected to normal temperature (27°C) and thermal stress (32°C). We observed several normal and abnormal morphological types of zooxanthellar cells. Normal cells were intact and their chloroplasts were unbroken (healthy); abnormal cells were shrunken and had partially degraded or broken chloroplasts, or they were bleached and without chloroplasts. At 27°C, most healthy zooxanthellar cells were retained in the coral tissue, whereas shrunken zooxanthellae were expelled. Under thermal stress, the abundance of healthy zooxanthellae declined and the proportion of shrunken/abnormal cells increased in coral tissues. The rate of algal cell expulsion was reduced under thermal stress. Within the shrunken cells, we detected the presence of a chl‐like pigment that is not ordinarily found in healthy zooxanthellae. Analysis of the absorption spectrum, absorption maxima, and retention time (by HPLC) indicated that this pigment was 132, 173‐cyclopheophorbide a enol (cPPB‐aE), which is frequently found in marine and lacustrine sediments, and in protozoans that graze on phytoplankton. The production of cPPB‐aE in shrunken zooxanthellae suggests that the chls have been degraded to cPPB‐aE, a compound that is not fluorescent. The lack of a fluorescence function precludes the formation of reactive oxygen species. We therefore consider the formation of cPPB‐aE in shrunken zooxanthellae to be a mechanism for avoiding oxidative stress.
What Exactly Is an Unusual Sexual Fantasy?
Authors: Joyal Christian C. , Cossette Amélie , Lapierre Vanessa
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Although several theories and treatment plans use unusual sexual fantasies (SF) as a way to identify deviancy, they seldom describe how the fantasies referred to were determined to be unusual.

Aim

The main goal of this study was to determine which SF are rare, unusual, common, or typical from a statistical point of view among a relatively large sample of adults recruited from the general population. A secondary goal was to provide a statistical comparison of the nature and intensity of sexual fantasies for men and women. This study also aims at demonstrating with both quantitative and qualitative analyses that certain fantasies often considered to be unusual are common.

Methods

An Internet survey was conducted with 1,516 adults (799 ♀; 717 ♂) who ranked 55 different SF and wrote their own favorite SF. Each SF was rated as statistically rare (2.3% or less), unusual (15.9% or less), common (more than 50%), or typical (more than 84.1% of the sample).

Main Outcome Measures

An extended version of the Wilson's Sex Fantasy Questionnaire with an open question.

Results

Only two sexual fantasies were found to be rare for women or men, while nine others were unusual. Thirty sexual fantasies were common for one or both genders, and only five were typical. These results were confirmed with qualitative analyses. Submission and domination themes were not only common for both men and women, but they were also significantly related to each other. Moreover, the presence of a single submissive fantasy was a significant predictor of overall scores for all SF in both genders.

Conclusion

Care should be taken before labeling an SF as unusual, let alone deviant. It suggested that the focus should be on the effect of a sexual fantasy rather than its content.
Selective Reproduction: Social and Temporal Imaginaries for Negotiating the Value of Life in Human and Animal Neonates
Authors: Svendsen Mette N.
Published: October 2014

This article employs a multi‐species perspective in investigating how life's worth is negotiated in the field of neonatology in Denmark. It does so by comparing decision‐making processes about human infants in the Danish neonatal intensive care unit with those associated with piglets who serve as models for the premature infants in research experiments within neonatology. While the comparison is unusual, the article argues that there are parallels across the decision‐making processes that shape the lives and deaths of infants and pigs alike. Collectivities or the lack thereof as well as expectations within linear or predictive time frames are key markers in both sites. Exploring selective reproductive processes across human infants and research piglets can help us uncover aspects of the cultural production of viability that we would not otherwise see or acknowledge.
Geographical distribution of Allium oleraceum cytotypes in Finland and Sweden
Authors: Åström Helena , Hæggström Carl‐Adam , Hæggström Eeva
Published: October 2014

Chromosome numbers from a total number of 226 populations of Allium oleraceum were determined in Finland, Sweden and seven other countries. Two different chromosome numbers or cytotypes were found, tetraploids (2n = 32) and pentaploids (2n = 40).

In Finland, samples were collected for chromosome counts from a total of 190 populations, which fairly well covers the distribution area of the species in Finland. The majority of the populations of A. oleraceum in Finland contained only one of the two cytotypes. A clear pattern in the geographical distribution of the cytotypes could be distinguished. The pentaploid cytotype predominates in the Åland Islands and in the archipelago of Regio aboënsis. The tetraploid cytotype predominates on the mainland of the Regio aboënsis and along the coast of the Nylandia. In south Häme, all studied native populations were of the tetraploid cytotype. Of all the studied populations in Finland 43.7% were tetraploid and 51.6% pentaploid. A few mixed populations with both tetraploid and pentaploid plants occurring in the same population were also found (4.7%).

The chromosome numbers of 19 populations of A. oleraceum from the southern part of Sweden were pentaploids, with the exception of one tetraploid population. It seems that the pentaploid cytotype is predominant in Sweden, but no conclusions about a geographical pattern between the two cytotypes could be drawn.

Based on the occurrence of the cytotypes, it is suggested that the pentaploid cytotype might have spread to Finland from the Swedish east coast via the Åland Islands to Kaland on the Finnish west coast and along the coast of Nyland to the archipelagos of Kotka and Hamina in Karelia australis. The tetraploid populations in south Häme are clearly connected to Iron Age activity and to old inland trade routes, and may be of eastern origin.
Immunohistochemical detection of the BRAF V600E mutation in melanoma patients with monoclonal antibody VE1
Authors: Liu Hui , Li Zhongwu , Wang Yan , Feng Qin , Si Lu , Cui Chuanliang , Guo Jun , Xue Weicheng
Published: October 2014

A novel mutation‐specific monoclonal antibody VE1 was generated to detect BRAF V600E mutation with immunohistochemistry. This study aims to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of immunohistochemistry compared with conventional Sanger sequencing and to evaluate whether IHC would become the routine screening method of BRAF V600E mutation. A total of 84 cases of melanoma lesion specimens were selected to make the tissue microarray and to perform IHC with VE1 antibody. Simultaneously Sanger sequencing was applied to test and verify. VE1 has a high specificity (100%) and sensitivity (72.2%), and the concordance between the two techniques is excellent (93.8% cases coherent and kappa = 0.801). As a rapid, cost‐effective method, IHC may become the routine diagnostic means for the detection of BRAF V600E mutation of malignant melanomas in the near future, and the recommended detection process is initial immunohistochemical staining for positive cases, followed by molecular techniques for negative or ambiguous cases.
Clear cell carcinoma arising from a uterus‐like mass
Authors: Nakakita Baku , Abiko Kaoru , Mikami Yoshiki , Kido Aki , Baba Tsukasa , Yoshioka Yumiko , Yamaguchi Ken , Matsumura Noriomi , Konishi Ikuo
Published: October 2014

A uterus‐like mass is an extrauterine mass with a cavity lined by endometrial tissue and a smooth muscle layer resembling the uterine corpus. It is a rare condition of unknown histogenesis. Herein, we describe a case of clear cell carcinoma arising from a uterus‐like mass located in the retroperitoneal space. The patient, a 67‐year old nulliparous woman, had been followed with the diagnosis of an ovarian endometriotic cyst for 14 years until ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an enlargement of the cystic mass with a thickened irregular wall. Suspicion of malignant transformation prompted us to excise the lesion. At laparotomy, the uterus and right ovary appeared normal, and a mass measuring 8 cm was identified in the retroperitoneal space without any connection to the uterus. Grossly, the removed mass was composed of a cyst filled with blackish‐brownish fluid and a thick wall resembling uterine myometrium. Microscopically, endometrial tissue inside the cyst, which was diffusely lined by clear cell carcinoma, was identified. Although the histogenesis of a uterus‐like mass remains unclear, this case indicates that malignant tumors may occur from a uterus‐like mass through the pathway similar to the carcinogenesis of endometriosis‐related ovarian neoplasms.
The role of two superoxide dismutase mRNAs in rye aluminium tolerance
Authors: Sánchez‐Parra B. , Figueiras A. M. , Abd El‐Moneim D. , Contreras R. , Rouco R. , Gallego F. J. , Benito C.
Published: October 2014

Aluminium (Al) is the main factor that limits crop production in acidic soils. There is evidence that antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) play a key role against Al‐induced oxidative stress in several plant species. Rye is one of the most Al‐tolerant cereals and exudes both citrate and malate from the roots in response to Al. The role of SOD against Al‐induced oxidative stress has not been studied in rye. Al accumulation, lipid peroxidation, H2O2 production and cell death were significantly higher in sensitive than in tolerant rye cultivars. Also, we characterised two genes for rye SOD: ScCu/ZnSOD and ScMnSOD. These genes were located on the chromosome arms of 2RS and 3RL, respectively, and their corresponding hypothetical proteins were putatively classified as cytosolic and mitochondrial, respectively. The phylogenetic relationships indicate that the two rye genes are orthologous to the corresponding genes of other Poaceae species. In addition, we studied Al‐induced changes in the expression profiles of mRNAs from ScCu/ZnSOD and ScMnSOD in the roots and leaves of tolerant Petkus and sensitive Riodeva rye. These genes are mainly expressed in roots in both ryes, their repression being induced by Al. The tolerant cultivar has more of both mRNAs than the sensitive line, indicating that they are probably involved in Al tolerance.
Antimicrobial activity of essential oils of Thymus vulgaris and Origanum vulgare on phytopathogenic strains isolated from soybean
Authors: Oliva M. de las M. , Carezzano M. E. , Giuliano M. , Daghero J. , Zygadlo J. , Bogino P. , Giordano W. , Demo M.
Published: October 2014

The aim of this work was to study the antimicrobial activity of essential oils obtained from Thymus vulgaris (thyme) and Origanum vulgare (oregano) on phytopathogenic Pseudomonas species isolated from soybean. Strains with characteristics of P. syringae were isolated from leaves of soybean plants with blight symptoms. Ten of these could be identified in Group Ia of LOPAT as P. syringae. Six of these were confirmed as P. syringae using 16S rRNA, indicating the presence of these phytopathogenic bacteria in east and central Argentina. All the phytopathogenic bacteria were re‐isolated and identified from the infected plants. MIC values for thyme were 11.5 and 5.7 mg·ml−1 on P. syringae strains, while oregano showed variability in the inhibitory activity. Both essential oils inhibited all P. syringae strains, with better inhibitory activity than the antibiotic streptomycin. The oils were not bactericidal for all pseudomonads. Both oils contained high carvacrol (29.5% and 19.7%, respectively) and low thymol (1.5%). Natural products obtained from aromatic plants represent potential sources of molecules with biological activity that could be used as new alternatives for the treatment of phytopathogenic bacteria infections.
Monetary Policy and the Diversification–Profitability Linkage in Banking: Evidences from Emerging Market Economies
Authors: Chen Pei‐Fen , Zeng Jhih‐Hong , Lee Chien‐Chiang
Published: October 2014

In previous studies, the stance of monetary policy is proven to associate with banking profitability or activities. This paper provides empirical evidence aiming at the influence of monetary policy, including stances of expansionary and contractionary monetary policies, on the relationship between banks' income diversification and their profitabilities in emerging market economies. We find the significant evidence that expansionary monetary policies can raise banks' diversification efforts, whereas contractionary monetary policies weaken the efforts of banking diversification, for which our most robustness tests support these findings. There are some relevant implications and suggestions for bank managers and policymakers.
Unnecessary Renal Replacement Therapy for Acute Kidney Injury is Harmful for Renal Recovery
Authors: Clark Edward G. , Bagshaw Sean M.
Published: October 2014

The use of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for severe acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequently necessary in the face of life‐threatening complications; however, there is wide practice variation with respect to triggers for RRT initiation. Recent evidence suggests that RRT may be independently associated with impaired recovery following AKI. There are plausible mechanistic reasons why RRT may be harmful and this concept is supported by ancillary evidence in the form of studies that have assessed the impact of different modalities of RRT for AKI as well as some of the literature pertaining to initiation of chronic hemodialysis in end‐stage kidney disease patients (ESKD). As such, avoiding unnecessary RRT (URRT) is a desirable goal. There is emerging evidence of strategies that may be effective to help limit URRT. These strategies primarily involve early identification of AKI and limiting iatrogenic harm once AKI is established. Further research into defining and preventing URRT may help improve the consistently poor outcomes following severe AKI with respect to development of chronic kidney disease and ESKD.