bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internalized Arab diasporic identity: revisiting the Duboisian double-consciousness
Authors: Abdul-Jabbar Wisam Kh.
Published: November 2014

This article explores how the notion of double-consciousness peculiar to the African dispersion is not distant from the condition of most Arabs in diaspora. Arguably, it is similarly creolized as a syncretic product of continuous historical, cultural and linguistic processes, and is correspondingly an immediate consequence of the advent of the colonized world. Although connections with the Arab ties, whether emotional or cultural, vary largely, the politicized aspect of double-consciousness remains salient. This article examines internalized personality formation and the process of forming ethno-cultural identity within the Arab diasporic community through the Duboisian narrative of double-consciousness.
Effects of a 5-year trawling ban on the local benthic community in a wind farm in the Dutch coastal zone
Authors: Bergman Magda J. N. , Ubels Selma M. , Duineveld Gerard C. A. , Meesters Erik W. G.
Published: November 2014

As part of a large impact study in a wind farm (OWEZ) in the Dutch coastal zone, the effects of exclusion of bottom trawling on the benthic community were studied by comparison with nearby reference areas which were regularly fished. In addition to a standard boxcorer for common macrofauna, a Triple-D dredge was used to collect longer-lived, more sparsely distributed infauna and epifauna. Multivariate analysis did not reveal any difference between the assemblages in and outside OWEZ with respect to abundance, biomass, and production after a 5-year closure. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index pointed to a significantly higher diversity in OWEZ compared with some of the reference areas. A minority of the bivalve species assumed to be sensitive to trawling showed higher abundances (Spisula solida) or larger sizes (Tellina fabula, Ensis directus) in OWEZ than in some of the reference areas. In general, samples collected with the Triple-D showed more differences between areas than boxcore samples. No evidence was also found that the species composition in OWEZ relative to the reference areas had changed in the period between 1 (2007) and 5 (2011) years after closure. The change observed in all areas between 2007 and 2011 was mainly due to relatively small variations in species abundances. In conclusion, 5 years after the closure of OWEZ to fisheries, only subtle changes were measured in the local benthic community, i.e. a higher species diversity and an increased abundance and lengths of some bivalves. Depleted adult stocks, faunal patchiness, and a limited time for recovery (5 years) might explain that a significant recovery could not be found. The current study shows that designation of large-scale marine protected areas as planned for the North Sea will not automatically imply that restoration of benthic assemblages can be expected within a relatively short period of years.
miR-125b can enhance skin tumor initiation and promote malignant progression by repressing differentiation and prolonging cell survival
Authors: Zhang Liang , Ge Yejing , Fuchs Elaine
Published: November 2014

Previously, we identified miR-125b as a key regulator of the undifferentiated state of hair follicle stem cells. Here, we show that in both mice and humans, miR-125b is abundantly expressed, particularly at early stages of malignant progression to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most prevalent cancer worldwide. Moreover, when elevated in normal murine epidermis, miR-125b promotes tumor initiation and contributes to malignant progression. We further show that miR-125b can confer “oncomiR addiction” in early stage malignant progenitors by delaying their differentiation and favoring an SCC cancer stem cell (CSC)-like transcriptional program. To understand how, we systematically identified and validated miR125b targets that are specifically associated with tumors that are dependent on miR-125b. Through molecular and genetic analysis of these targets, we uncovered new insights underlying miR-125b’s oncogenic function. Specifically, we show that, on the one hand, mir-125b directly represses stress-responsive MAP kinase genes and associated signaling. On the other hand, it indirectly prolongs activated (phosphorylated) EGFR signaling by repressing Vps4b (vacuolar protein-sorting 4 homolog B), encoding a protein implicated in negatively regulating the endosomal sorting complexes that are necessary for the recycling of active EGFR. Together, these findings illuminate miR-125b as an important microRNA regulator that is shared between normal skin progenitors and their early malignant counterparts.
Role of DNA sequence in chromatin remodeling and the formation of nucleosome-free regions
Authors: Lorch Yahli , Maier-Davis Barbara , Kornberg Roger D.
Published: November 2014

AT-rich DNA is concentrated in the nucleosome-free regions (NFRs) associated with transcription start sites of most genes. We tested the hypothesis that AT-rich DNA engenders NFR formation by virtue of its rigidity and consequent exclusion of nucleosomes. We found that the AT-rich sequences present in many NFRs have little effect on the stability of nucleosomes. Rather, these sequences facilitate the removal of nucleosomes by the RSC chromatin remodeling complex. RSC activity is stimulated by AT-rich sequences in nucleosomes and inhibited by competition with AT-rich DNA. RSC may remove NFR nucleosomes without effect on adjacent ORF nucleosomes. Our findings suggest that many NFRs are formed and maintained by an active mechanism involving the ATP-dependent removal of nucleosomes rather than a passive mechanism due to the intrinsic instability of nucleosomes on AT-rich DNA sequences.
Telomere position effect: regulation of gene expression with progressive telomere shortening over long distances
Authors: Robin Jérôme D. , Ludlow Andrew T. , Batten Kimberly , Magdinier Frédérique , Stadler Guido , Wagner Kathyrin R. , Shay Jerry W. , Wright Woodring E.
Published: November 2014

While global chromatin conformation studies are emerging, very little is known about the chromatin conformation of human telomeres. Most studies have focused on the role of telomeres as a tumor suppressor mechanism. Here we describe how telomere length regulates gene expression long before telomeres become short enough to produce a DNA damage response (senescence). We directly mapped the interactions adjacent to specific telomere ends using a Hi-C (chromosome capture followed by high-throughput sequencing) technique modified to enrich for specific genomic regions. We demonstrate that chromosome looping brings the telomere close to genes up to 10 Mb away from the telomere when telomeres are long and that the same loci become separated when telomeres are short. Furthermore, expression array analysis reveals that many loci, including noncoding RNAs, may be regulated by telomere length. We report three genes (ISG15 [interferon-stimulated gene 15 kd], DSP [Desmoplakin], and C1S [complement component 1s subcomplement]) located at three different subtelomeric ends (1p, 6p, and 12p) whose expressions are altered with telomere length. Additionally, we confirmed by in situ analysis (3D-FISH [three-dimensional fluorescence in situ hybridization]) that chromosomal looping occurs between the loci of those genes and their respective telomere ends. We term this process TPE-OLD for “telomere position effect over long distances.” Our results suggest a potential novel mechanism for how telomere shortening could contribute to aging and disease initiation/progression in human cells long before the induction of a critical DNA damage response.
Nonsense-mediated RNA decay: at the ‘cutting edge’ of regulated snoRNA production
Authors: Wilusz Jeremy E. , Wilusz Jeffrey
Published: November 2014

Production of multiple functional RNAs from a single primary transcript is an extremely efficient use of genetic information, although it complicates the ability of the cell to independently regulate the production of each RNA. For the case of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) encoded within introns of mRNA genes, Lykke-Andersen and colleagues (pp. 2498–2517) demonstrated that alternative splicing and the SMG6 endonuclease of the nonsense-mediated RNA decay pathway are key regulators that control which RNAs accumulate.
The long reach of telomeres
Authors: Misteli Tom
Published: November 2014

The primary purpose of telomeres is to protect chromosome ends from erosion during cell division cycles. New observations suggest an additional function for telomeres, namely in gene silencing via formation of long-range chromatin interactions.
Mental health issues in the schools: are educators prepared?
Authors: Andrews Amy , McCabe Mike , Wideman-Johnston Taunya
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Mental health issues are exceedingly prevalent in society. Approximately one in five people will experience a mental illness within their lifetime and serious mental illnesses are most likely to emerge between the ages of 16 and 24. This research endeavored to gain a better understanding of teachers’ knowledge and perceived roles in dealing with students with mental health issues. The purpose of this paper is to explore teacher education programs and other resources accessible to teachers as well as barriers to their continued learning about issues related to mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 75 secondary school teachers completed an online survey consisting of 42 Likert-style questions constructed with the main objective of the study in mind. The questions were organized under five different subheadings in the survey in order to provide some direction regarding the research questions. Measures of central tendency were utilized to determine frequencies of responses. The researchers created summary tables of the data for analysis purposes.

Findings

– Teachers indicate that it is within their role to deal with mental health issues, but many do not have the knowledge to do so. Teacher education programs are not providing enough preparation for teachers and, although available, many teachers do not have knowledge of resources produced by interest groups.

Research limitations/implications

– Teacher education programs, both pre-service and in-sevice, must respond to the needs of teachers. In doing so, the authors can then address the needs of students and assist them in the challenges that mental illnesses present.

Practical implications

– While an educator's role does not officially include being a mental health practitioner, it is their role to educate all students. This inevitably requires an understanding of the connection between mental health issues and how they affect a student's ability to learn and to live a healthy life.

Social implications

– Resiliency theory suggests “the most important and consistent protective factor is that of adults caring for children during or after major stressors” (Masten et al., 1991, p. 431). Who better placed to assist them than teachers?

Originality/value

– This research adds to the ever-increasingly difficulty tasks that teachers are charged with implementing. It identifies a clear need for increased attention to preparing teachers.
BAT – Biodiversity Assessment Tools, an R package for the measurement and estimation of alpha and beta taxon, phylogenetic and functional diversity
Authors: Cardoso Pedro , Rigal François , Carvalho José C.
Published: November 2014

Novel algorithms have been recently developed to estimate alpha and partition beta diversity in all their dimensions (taxon, phylogenetic and functional diversity – TD, PD and FD), whether communities are completely sampled or not.

The R package BAT – Biodiversity Assessment Tools – performs a number of analyses based on either species identities (TD) or trees depicting species relationships (PD and FD). Functions include building randomized accumulation curves for alpha and beta diversity, alpha diversity estimation from incomplete samples and the partitioning of beta diversity in its replacement and richness difference components.

All functions allow the rarefaction of communities. Estimation methods include curve‐fitting and nonparametric algorithms. Beta diversity indices include the Jaccard and Sørensen families of measures and deal with both incidence and abundance data. Two auxiliary functions that allow judging the efficiency of the algorithms are also included.

Several examples are shown using the data included in the package, which demonstrate the usefulness of the different methods. The BAT package constitutes an open platform for further development of new biodiversity assessment tools.
Gendered violence: rotating intimacy
Authors: Pain Rachel
Published: November 2014

This paper explores what the framing of intimacy‐geopolitics as interwoven strands of a single structure means for gendered violence. It considers some longstanding and newer forms of violence that work through intimacy, and draws attention to the messy relation with resistance.
Deferasirox effect on renal haemodynamic parameters in patients with transfusion‐dependent β thalassaemia
Authors: Piga Antonio , Fracchia Silvia , Lai Maria E. , Cappellini Maria Domenica , Hirschberg Raimund , Habr Dany , Wegener Antje , Bouillaud Emmanuel , Forni Gian Luca
Published: November 2014

Some patients with β thalassaemia experience non‐progressive creatinine increases with deferasirox, mostly within normal limits; the mechanisms involved are not fully elucidated. The effects of deferasirox on renal haemodynamics, including glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF), were investigated in a Phase I, open‐label study in β thalassaemia major patients with iron overload. Patients received deferasirox 30 mg/kg/d up to Week 8, followed by a 2‐week washout period, and extended treatment up to Week 104 with a 4‐week washout period. In the short‐term study (n = 11), mean GFR and RPF declined from baseline to Week 8 (mean [%] change:−9·2 [−9·5%] and −105·7 ml/min [−17·8%], respectively). A similar pattern was observed during the long‐term study (n = 5); mean GFR and RPF decreased up to Week 52 (−19·1 [−17·7%] and −155·6 ml/min [−26·1%]), with similar change at Week 104 (−18·4 [−17·2%] and −115·9 ml/min [−19·6%]). Measures returned to baseline values after each washout. Serum creatinine and creatinine clearance followed a similar pattern. Effects of deferasirox on renal haemodynamics were mild and reversible for up to 2 years of treatment, with no progressive worsening of renal function over time. www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00560820.
Fostering Creativity in New Product Development through Entrepreneurial Decision Making
Authors: Blauth Matthias , Mauer René , Brettel Malte
Published: November 2014

Research has emphasized the importance of employees' individual entrepreneurial decision making for innovation. In this context, practised creativity as the ability to perceive and exploit creative opportunities, can be regarded as a crucial requirement for employees in new product development. We discuss the application of decision making logic as an important antecedent of practised creativity in new product development. We survey 219 employees from new product development departments of German product and service firms. Results indicate that the use of entrepreneurial decision making logic positively impacts practised creativity; comparably we find indicators that the use of causal decision making logic negatively influences creativity. The effects significantly depend on the moderating role of uncertainty. The results contribute to the literature of creativity, entrepreneurship and new product development by theoretically and empirically revealing effectuation as antecedent to practised creativity. The results open promising avenues for future research and allow the derivation of valuable guidelines for practitioners. Aligning the new product development process to support employees' entrepreneurial decision making may help generating practised creativity.
A pilot study on reparixin, a CXCR1/2 antagonist, to assess safety and efficacy in attenuating ischaemia–reperfusion injury and inflammation after on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Opfermann P , Derhaschnig U , Felli A , Wenisch J , Santer D , Zuckermann A , Dworschak M , Jilma B , Steinlechner B
Published: November 2014

Reparixin, a CXCR 1/2 antagonist, has been shown to mitigate ischaemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) in various organ systems in animals, but data in humans are scarce. The aim of this double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of reparixin to suppress IRI and inflammation in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Patients received either reparixin or placebo (n = 16 in each group) after induction of anaesthesia until 8 h after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We compared markers of systemic and pulmonary inflammation, surrogates of myocardial IRI and clinical outcomes using Mann–Whitney U- and Fisher's exact tests. Thirty- and 90-day mortality was 0% in both groups. No side effects were observed in the treatment group. Surgical revision, pleural and pericardial effusion, infection and atrial fibrillation rates were not different between groups. Reparixin significantly reduced the proportion of neutrophil granulocytes in blood at the beginning [49%, interquartile range (IQR) = 45–57 versus 58%, IQR = 53–66, P = 0·035], end (71%, IQR = 67–76 versus 79%, IQR = 71–83, P = 0·023) and 1 h after CPB (73%, IQR = 71–75 versus 77%, IQR = 72–80, P = 0·035). Reparixin patients required a lesser positive fluid balance during surgery (2575 ml, IQR = 2027–3080 versus 3200 ml, IQR = 2928–3778, P = 0·029) and during ICU stay (2603 ml, IQR = 1023–4288 versus 4200 ml, IQR = 2313–8160, P = 0·021). Numerically, more control patients required noradrenaline ≥ 0·11 μg/kg/min (50 versus 19%, P = 0·063) and dobutamine (50 versus 25%, P = 0·14). Therefore, administration of reparixin in CABG patients appears to be feasible and safe. It concurrently attenuated postoperative granulocytosis in peripheral blood.
Making Probabilistic Relational Categories Learnable
Authors: Jung Wookyoung , Hummel John E.
Published: November 2014

Theories of relational concept acquisition (e.g., schema induction) based on structured intersection discovery predict that relational concepts with a probabilistic (i.e., family resemblance) structure ought to be extremely difficult to learn. We report four experiments testing this prediction by investigating conditions hypothesized to facilitate the learning of such categories. Experiment 1 showed that changing the task from a category‐learning task to choosing the “winning” object in each stimulus greatly facilitated participants' ability to learn probabilistic relational categories. Experiments 2 and 3 further investigated the mechanisms underlying this “who's winning” effect. Experiment 4 replicated and generalized the “who's winning” effect with more natural stimuli. Together, our findings suggest that people learn relational concepts by a process of intersection discovery akin to schema induction, and that any task that encourages people to discover a higher order relation that remains invariant over members of a category will facilitate the learning of putatively probabilistic relational concepts.
Clinical features and treatment of drug fever caused by anti‐tuberculosis drugs
Authors: Fang Yong , Xiao Heping , Tang Shenjie , Liang Li , Sha Wei , Fang Yuanyuan
Published: November 2014

Background and Aims

Tuberculosis is a major global health problem. However, anti‐tuberculosis drug treatment has many adverse effects, such as drug‐caused fever. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features and treatments of anti‐tuberculosis drugs‐induced fever.

Methods

A total of 78 inpatients and outpatients with pulmonary tuberculosis accompanied by drug fever during the anti‐tuberculosis treatment were analysed retrospectively from April 2006 to March 2013.

Results

Among the anti‐tuberculosis drugs that caused the drug fever, rifampicin was the most common one, followed by para‐aminosalicylic and pyrazinamide. The symptoms occurred within 2 months after treatment, mainly in the 1–3 weeks, and the main symptom was high fever with body temperature above 39°C. The accompanying symptoms include rash, chills, headache, stuffy nose, runny nose, nausea, vomiting and joint pain. Routine blood examination found that eosinophilia increased in 15 cases and decreased in another 15. Among 63 patients who underwent liver function tests, there were 10 cases of abnormal function and 4 cases of liver damage. When the drug fever was suspected, the measure of withdrawal was taken first. All the suspected drugs were withdrawn in 59 cases, while gradual withdrawal was conducted in 19 cases. Patients with complications were first treated in accordance with the principles of complications treatment and then were gradually given some drugs after recovery. The patients without complications were gradually given some drugs after the body temperature was back to normal.

Conclusion

Drug fever is an allergic reaction, the resolution of which depends on whether it was accompanied by liver damage and/or rash or not.
Climate change‐induced decline in bamboo habitats and species diversity: implications for giant panda conservation
Authors: Li Renqiang , Xu Ming , Wong Michelle Hang Gi , Qiu Shuai , Sheng Qingkai , Li Xinhai , Song Zengming
Published: November 2014

Aim

Conservation strategies must anticipate how climate change may alter the geographic distributions of limited food resources for highly specialized species. Here, we use bamboo as a case study to investigate climate change‐induced changes in species diversity and discuss how to protect the critical food species for giant pandas.

Location

Giant panda habitats.

Methods

Using a niche‐based model and the most updated climate projections, we projected the current and future distribution of 16 bamboo species under no and universal dispersal assumptions. We then assessed the impact of climate change on bamboo forests and their alpha and beta diversities in the giant panda habitats and reserves.

Results

Under both dispersal assumptions and three RCPs, six bamboo species are projected to vanish from panda habitats as climate change progresses, resulting in a great loss of the current bamboo forests. Although about half of the bamboo species may potentially colonize new climatically suitable areas under universal dispersal, the other species would experience significant habitat loss. Consequently, climate change would reduce both the alpha and beta diversity of bamboo species in panda habitats. Meanwhile, the proportion of single‐species bamboo forests would significantly increase. The decline in bamboo forests and diversity would be most drastic in Qinling, Daxiangling and Qionglaishan Mountains, whereas those in the north‐west of Minshan Mountains and Liangshan Mountains may increase.

Main conclusions

Climate change‐induced decline in bamboo habitats and species diversity would pose a severe challenge to the food availability of giant pandas. We posit that human‐assisted adaptation and increasing bamboo species diversity are critical to ensuring food security of the giant panda in a changing climate. Our results indicate that conservation planning should not only incorporate species range shifts but also diversity patterns in communities under climate change.
Increased large VLDL particles confer elevated cholesteryl ester transfer in diabetes
Authors: Dullaart Robin P. F. , de Vries Rindert , Kwakernaak Arjan J. , Perton Frank , Dallinga‐Thie Geesje M.
Published: November 2014

Background

Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer (CET), reflecting transfer of cholesteryl esters from high density lipoproteins (HDL) towards apolipoprotein B‐containing lipoproteins, may promote atherosclerosis development, and is elevated in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We determined the extent to which the relationship of plasma CET with very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions is modified in T2DM.

Materials and methods

Plasma CET, cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mass, as well as VLDL and LDL subfractions (nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) were determined in 62 patients with T2DM and 53 nondiabetic subjects.

Results

Plasma CET and CETP mass were increased in T2DM, coinciding higher triglycerides and large VLDL particles (all P < 0·02). Plasma CET was positively related to the VLDL and the LDL particle concentration in age‐, sex‐ and diabetes status‐adjusted analysis (both P < 0·001). Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated an independent positive interaction between the presence of T2DM and the VLDL concentration on plasma CET (β = 0·238, P = 0·033). The relationship of plasma CET with the VLDL concentration was also positively modified by plasma glucose (β = 0·211, P = 0·004) and glycated haemoglobin (β = 0·190, P = 0·012). Of the individual VLDL subfractions, a positive interaction of diabetes status with large VLDL on plasma CET was observed (β = 0·280, P = 0·003). Neither the relationship of the LDL particle concentration nor of CETP mass with plasma CET was modified by the presence of T2DM (P > 0·15).

Conclusion

Abnormalities in the concentration and composition of large VLDL particles are likely to contribute to elevated plasma CET in T2DM.
Shifts in trait means and variances in North American tree assemblages: species richness patterns are loosely related to the functional space
Authors: Šímová Irena , Violle Cyrille , Kraft Nathan J. B. , Storch David , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Boyle Brad , Donoghue John C. , Jørgensen Peter , McGill Brian J. , Morueta‐Holme Naia , Piel William H. , Peet Robert K. , Regetz Jim , Schildhauer Mark , Spencer Nick , Thiers Barbara , Wiser Susan , Enquist Brian J.
Published: November 2014

One of the key hypothesized drivers of gradients in species richness is environmental filtering, where environmental stress limits which species from a larger species pool gain membership in a local community owing to their traits. Whereas most studies focus on small‐scale variation in functional traits along environmental gradient, the effect of large‐scale environmental filtering is less well understood. Furthermore, it has been rarely tested whether the factors that constrain the niche space limit the total number of coexisting species. We assessed the role of environmental filtering in shaping tree assemblages across North America north of Mexico by testing the hypothesis that colder, drier, or seasonal environments (stressful conditions for most plants) constrain tree trait diversity and thereby limit species richness. We assessed geographic patterns in trait filtering and their relationships to species richness pattern using a comprehensive set of tree range maps. We focused on four key plant functional traits reflecting major life history axes (maximum height, specific leaf area, seed mass, and wood density) and four climatic variables (annual mean and seasonality of temperature and precipitation). We tested for significant spatial shifts in trait means and variances using a null model approach. While we found significant shifts in mean species’ trait values at most grid cells, trait variances at most grid cells did not deviate from the null expectation. Measures of environmental harshness (cold, dry, seasonal climates) and lower species richness were weakly associated with a reduction in variance of seed mass and specific leaf area. The pattern in variance of height and wood density was, however, opposite. These findings do not support the hypothesis that more stressful conditions universally limit species and trait diversity in North America. Environmental filtering does, however, structure assemblage composition, by selecting for certain optimum trait values under a given set of conditions.
Efficacy and safety of low‐dose lenalidomide plus dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory POEMS syndrome
Authors: Cai Qian‐Qian , Wang Chen , Cao Xin‐Xin , Cai Hao , Zhou Dao‐Bin , Li Jian
Published: November 2014

Although autologous stem cell transplantation or melphalan‐based chemotherapy has significantly improved the prognosis of POEMS syndrome, a few patients will relapse or be refractory to primary therapy, and there is a lack of studies regarding these patients. In this study, we used low‐dose lenalidomide (10 mg daily) and dexamethasone (40 mg, once weekly) to treat twelve patients with relapsed (n = 8) or refractory (n = 4) POEMS syndrome. After a median follow‐up time of 20 months, the overall hematologic response rate was 77% with 44% having a complete response. Eight (67%) patients had neurological response, and the median overall neuropathy limitation scale score was reduced from 3 (range, 1–9) to 2 (range, 0–6). Serum vascular endothelial growth factor response rate was 91% and 46% of patients had normal serum VEGF levels. One patient had progression of the disease 3 months after the end of treatment and subsequently died from the disease. Therefore, the estimated 2 year overall survival and progression‐free survival were 92%. The low‐dose lenalidomide and dexamethasone regimen was well tolerated, with no treatment‐related death or any grade 3 or 4 toxicity. In conclusion, low‐dose lenalidomide plus dexamethasone therapy is an effective and safe regimen for patients with relapsed or refractory POEMS syndrome.
Seeing the forest beyond the trees
Authors: Saatchi Sassan , Mascaro Joseph , Xu Liang , Keller Michael , Yang Yan , Duffy Paul , Espírito‐Santo Fernando , Baccini Alessandro , Chambers Jeffery , Schimel David
Published: November 2014

In a recent paper (Mitchard et al. 2014, Global Ecology and Biogeography, 23, 935–946) a new map of forest biomass based on a geostatistical model of field data for the Amazon (and surrounding forests) was presented and contrasted with two earlier maps based on remote‐sensing data Saatchi et al. (2011; RS1) and Baccini et al. (2012; RS2). Mitchard et al. concluded that both the earlier remote‐sensing based maps were incorrect because they did not conform to Mitchard et al. interpretation of the field‐based results. In making their case, however, they misrepresented the fundamental nature of primary field and remote‐sensing data and committed critical errors in their assumptions about the accuracy of research plots, the interpolation methodology and the statistical analysis. By ignoring the large uncertainty associated with ground estimates of biomass and the significant under‐sampling and spatial bias of research plots, Mitchard et al. reported erroneous trends and artificial patterns of biomass over Amazonia. Because of these misrepresentations and methodological flaws, we find their critique of the satellite‐derived maps to be invalid.
Hours, Scheduling and Flexibility for Women in the US Low‐Wage Labour Force
Authors: Jacobs Anna W. , Padavic Irene
Published: November 2014

Research on women's experiences with work schedules and flexibility tends to focus on professional women in high‐paying careers, despite women's far greater prevalence in low‐wage jobs. This paper seeks to contribute to our understanding of the work‐hours problems faced by women precariously employed in low‐wage jobs by addressing how work‐on‐demand scheduling and other features of part‐time labour in the neoliberal economy limit women's ability to make ends meet. Using data from 17 in‐depth interviews, we identify four themes — unpredictable schedules, inadequate hours, time theft and punishment‐and‐control via hours‐reduction — and the problems they present. Results suggest that much‐championed flexible work policies that seek to encourage women's career advancement may have little bearing on the work‐hours dilemmas faced by low‐wage women workers. We conclude that social change efforts need to encompass work policies geared to low‐wage workers, such as guaranteed minimum hours and increases in the minimum wage.
Diabetes increases pancreatitis induced systemic inflammation but has little effect on inflammation and cell death in the lung
Authors: Zechner Dietmar , Spitzner Marie , Müller‐Graff Tassilo , Vollmar Brigitte
Published: November 2014

Acute pancreatitis (AP) can lead to a systemic inflammatory response that often results in acute lung injury and single or multiple organ failure. In a previous study we demonstrated that diabetes aggravates the local pathophysiological process during AP. In this study we explore, if diabetes also increases pancreatitis induced systemic inflammation and causes lung injury. Acute pancreatitis was induced in untreated and streptozotocin‐treated diabetic mice by injection of cerulein. Systemic inflammation was studied by IL‐6 ELISA in blood plasma and white blood cell count. Lung inflammation and lung injury were quantified by chloroacetate esterase staining, evaluation of the alveolar cellularity index and cleaved caspase‐3 immunohistochemistry. In normoglycaemic mice AP increased the IL‐6 concentration in plasma and caused lymphocytopenia. Diabetes significantly increased the IL‐6 concentration in plasma and further reduced the number of lymphocytes during AP, whereas diabetes had little effect on these parameters in the absence of pancreatitis. However, diabetes only marginally increased lung inflammation and did not lead to cell death of the lung epithelium during AP. We conclude that diabetes increases parameters of systemic inflammation during AP, but that this increase is insufficient to cause lung injury.
Male eco‐fashion: a market reality
Authors: D'Souza Clare , Gilmore Andrew J. , Hartmann Patrick , Apaolaza Ibáñez Vanessa , Sullivan‐Mort Gillian
Published: November 2014

With the fashion industry striving for competitive advantage, eco‐fashions provide an opportunity to distinguish environmentally friendly products from other fashion products. However, the viability of these eco‐fashion brands is questionable. An exploratory study is conducted to explain men's differences, particularly, as clothing styles vary for men and women. The research examines if men's purchase intent would make a difference to the eco‐fashion industry. A random sample is collected to examine men's purchase intentions for eco‐clothing by product attributes, environmental concerns and sustainable behaviour. Partial least squares is used to empirically test the sample. A conceptual model is developed. It was found that there are four significant exogenous variables, environmental concern, sustainable pricing, sustainable behaviour and sustainable branding with a moderately strong, negatively signed coefficient path. Perceived consumer effectiveness and faith in others are not found to be significant moderators. This defined male segment makes several theoretical contributions as well as generating useful recommendations for marketing practitioners.
Adolescents' sustainability concerns and reasons for not consuming sustainably
Authors: Francis Julie E. , Davis Teresa
Published: November 2014

Many consumers report being concerned about sustainability but they do not necessarily consume in a sustainable manner. Understanding why this occurs is vital to encouraging sustainable consumption practices. Understanding the phenomenon in relation to adolescents is particularly important. In addition to being a significant segment of current consumers, adolescents are learning consumption habits and preferences that they will carry into adulthood. This research contributes to the domain by fulfilling two research objectives. The first objective was to develop and use a scale for measuring adolescents' sustainability concerns (ASC). The second objective was to identify and examine adolescents' reasons for not consuming sustainably. The research used a three‐stage multi‐method design that included small group interviews and two online surveys with adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. The ASC scale that we produced identifies 14 key sustainability concerns across the dimensions of environment, well‐being and society. The reasons for not consuming sustainably varied across these dimensions. For example, the most frequently reported reasons in the environmental dimension included cost and convenience whereas peer pressure and hedonic preferences were the dominant reasons for well‐being. More broadly, three groups of reasons for unsustainable consumption emerged. These included (i) limited application of sustainability concerns across consumption; (ii) deviating from concerns due to competing priorities; and (iii) limiting or eliminating personal responsibility. The contributions of this research have theoretical, methodological and practical implications for consumer researchers, social marketers and policy makers.
A randomized controlled trial of an educational programme to improve self‐care in Brazilian patients following percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Furuya Rejane K. , Arantes Eliana C. , Dessotte Carina A.M. , Ciol Marcia A. , Hoffman Jeanne M. , Schmidt André , Dantas Rosana A.S. , Rossi Lidia A.
Published: November 2014

Aims

To test an educational programme with telephone follow‐up to improve self‐care in Brazilian patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention has been established as a treatment for coronary disease. However, additional intervention is needed to improve self‐care for individuals who undergo this procedure to reduce further disease. Telephone follow‐up is one strategy that has been used to improve chronic disease self‐care.

Design

Randomized controlled trial. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01341093.

Methods

Sixty patients who were preparing for their first percutaneous coronary intervention between 2011–2012 were randomly allocated to an educational programme with telephone follow‐up (N = 30) or a control group (N = 30). Perceived health status was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form. Self‐efficacy, symptoms of anxiety and depression and medication adherence were also assessed. Measures were collected before intervention (baseline) and 6 months later.

Results

Both groups improved from baseline to 6 months in the ‘Physical Component Summary’ and in the domains of ‘Physical Functioning’, ‘Role–Emotional’ and ‘Role–Physical’. The educational programme group showed a reduction in anxiety from baseline to 6‐month follow‐up, while the control group showed a slight increase. No differences in symptoms in depression and self‐efficacy were found and both groups reported high levels of medication adherence.

Conclusion

The educational programme with telephone follow‐up is a promising intervention as it led to reduction in anxiety for those receiving the educational programme. Further improvements in timing and focus of the educational programme, such as targeting emotional and social lifestyle changes, might be warranted.
Effect of peer education on self‐management and psychological status in type 2 diabetes patients with emotional disorders
Authors: Liu Yan , Han Ying , Shi Jieli , Li Ruixia , Li Sufen , Jin Nana , Gu Yong , Guo Honglei
Published: November 2014

Aims/Introduction

The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of peer education in type 2 diabetes patients with emotional disorders on the metabolic index and psychological status.

Materials and Methods

Educators use psychological scales to screen type 2 diabetes patients with emotional disorders. Participants were divided into usual and peer education groups. Both groups received usual diabetes education. Peer leaders were recruited to provide support with the peer education group for 6 months. The metabolic index, diabetes knowledge, self‐management, diabetes‐related distress, emotional status and quality of life were compared at the end of the study.

Results

A total of 127 patients participated in the study. There were 20 peer leaders engaged in the study as volunteers for peer education. All participants completed the study and fulfilled the scales. Improvements in the peer education group were significant compared with the usual education group with respect to anxiety (49.0 ± 9.65 vs 54.0 ± 8.48), depression (51.3 ± 7.97 vs 55.8 ± 7.52), diabetes knowledge (18.8 ± 2.46 vs 16.3 ± 2.08), distress (2.67 ± 0.55 vs 3.02 ± 0.56), self‐management (66.5 ± 4.26 vs 62.4 ± 5.88) and quality of life (−1.98 ± 0.82 vs −2.50 ± 0.71), whereas no significant difference existed with respect to the metabolic index.

Conclusions

Peer education, providing more attention to diabetes patients with emotional disorders, is a preferred model for delivering care.
Photoreceptors in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Kern Timothy S , Berkowitz Bruce A
Published: November 2014

Although photoreceptors account for most of the mass and metabolic activity of the retina, their role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy has been largely overlooked. Recent studies suggest that photoreceptors might play a critical role in the diabetes‐induced degeneration of retinal capillaries, and thus can no longer be ignored. The present review summarizes diabetes‐induced alterations in photoreceptor structure and function, and provides a rationale for further study of a role of photoreceptors in the pathogenesis of the retinopathy.
Mate‐sampling costs and sexy sons
Authors: Kokko H. , Booksmythe I. , Jennions M. D.
Published: November 2014

Costly female mating preferences for purely Fisherian male traits (i.e. sexual ornaments that are genetically uncorrelated with inherent viability) are not expected to persist at equilibrium. The indirect benefit of producing ‘sexy sons’ (Fisher process) disappears: in some models, the male trait becomes fixed; in others, a range of male trait values persist, but a larger trait confers no net fitness advantage because it lowers survival. Insufficient indirect selection to counter the direct cost of producing fewer offspring means that preferences are lost. The only well‐cited exception assumes biased mutation on male traits. The above findings generally assume constant direct selection against female preferences (i.e. fixed costs). We show that if mate‐sampling costs are instead derived based on an explicit account of how females acquire mates, an initially costly mating preference can coevolve with a male trait so that both persist in the presence or absence of biased mutation. Our models predict that empirically detecting selection at equilibrium will be difficult, even if selection was responsible for the location of the current equilibrium. In general, it appears useful to integrate mate sampling theory with models of genetic consequences of mating preferences: being explicit about the process by which individuals select mates can alter equilibria.
The Patient-Centered Discharge—An Electronic Discharge Process Is Associated With Improvements in Quality and Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Buckler Lacey T. , Teasdale Carla , Turner Matthew , Schadler Aric , Schwieterman Tracy M. , Campbell Charles L.
Published: November 2014

In this retrospective cohort study, 100 records were randomly selected from the intervention period (April 2012) and the control period (April 2011). The hospital's institutional database was queried to compare mortality, length of stay, and patient satisfaction, in the year prior to and the year after the integration of the new process. A chart review was performed to determine if the reengineered process was associated with an improvement in documentation. A scoring system was developed to gauge the quality and timeliness of the process. Institutional data regarding length of stay, mortality, patient satisfaction, and core measures compliance were compared for the pre- and postimplementation of the new process. The reengineered discharge process was associated with an improvement in patient satisfaction and in the quality of the discharge materials as measured by the “patient-centered transitions of care (PCTC) score.” These improvements occurred without a significant increase in the time to complete a discharge.

A redesigned discharge process resulted in system-wide improvements in the quality of information provided to the patient and their outpatient providers. This intervention was associated with an improvement in compliance with core measures, improvements in patient satisfaction and timeliness of discharge summary preparation.
The course and the anatomo‐functional relationships of the optic radiation: a combined study with ‘post mortem’ dissections and ‘in vivo’ direct electrical mapping
Authors: Sarubbo Silvio , De Benedictis Alessandro , Milani Paola , Paradiso Beatrice , Barbareschi Mattia , Rozzanigo Umbero , Colarusso Enzo , Tugnoli Valeria , Farneti Marco , Granieri Enrico , Duffau Hugues , Chioffi Franco
Published: November 2014

Even if different dissection, tractographic and connectivity studies provided pure anatomical evidences about the optic radiations (ORs), descriptions of both the anatomical structure and the anatomo‐functional relationships of the ORs with the adjacent bundles were not reported. We propose a detailed anatomical and functional study with ‘post mortem’ dissections and ‘in vivo’ direct electrical stimulation (DES) of the OR, demonstrating also the relationships with the adjacent eloquent bundles in a neurosurgical ‘connectomic’ perspective. Six human hemispheres (three left, three right) were dissected after a modified Klingler's preparation. The anatomy of the white matter was analysed according to systematic and topographical surgical perspectives. The anatomical results were correlated to the functional responses collected during three resections of tumours guided by cortico‐subcortical DES during awake procedures. We identified two groups of fibres forming the OR. The superior component runs along the lateral wall of the occipital horn, the trigone and the supero‐medial wall of the temporal horn. The inferior component covers inferiorly the occipital horn and the trigone, the lateral wall of the temporal horn and arches antero‐medially to form the Meyer's Loop. The inferior fronto‐occipital fascicle (IFOF) covers completely the superior OR along its entire course, as confirmed by the subcortical DES. The inferior longitudinal fascicle runs in a postero‐anterior and inferior direction, covering the superior OR posteriorly and the inferior OR anteriorly. The IFOF identification allows the preservation of the superior OR in the anterior temporal resection, avoiding post‐operative complete hemianopia. The identification of the superior OR during the posterior temporal, inferior parietal and occipital resections leads to the preservation of the IFOF and of the eloquent functions it subserves. The accurate knowledge of the OR course and the relationships with the adjacent bundles is crucial to optimize quality of resection and functional outcome.
Comparison of different technologies for noninvasive skin tightening
Authors: Pritzker Rachel N. , Hamilton Heather K. , Dover Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2014

Facial skin laxity is a bothersome sign of aging. In the past, the only option for treating laxity was surgery. While surgical lifting remains the gold standard, there has been a growing demand among patients for less invasive techniques. Patients are increasingly seeking procedures with little to no downtime, lower risk profiles, and a more natural appearance. The industry has responded to these demands with an emergence of noninvasive skin tightening devices. The rate of development and marketing of these devices has increased exponentially within the last decade. Whereas we previously had no options, now we are faced with many choices. How do we choose which technology is best for our patients? While there is a paucity of comparative trials to date, a critical exploration of these technologies is worthwhile. The underlying mechanism of action of all these treatments is essentially the same: heating of the dermis and subdermal areas while minimizing injury to the epidermis. In this article, we outline the different technologies and highlight the differences to help guide us in selecting the right treatment.