bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐commitment human resource practices in a Taiwanese service industry: differentiating effects of demographic and functional diversity
Authors: Lin Long‐Sheng , Chen Shyh‐Jer , Huang Pei‐Chi , Lu Chia‐Mei
Published: October 2014

While there is considerable research exploring the link between high‐commitment human resource (HR) practices and firm performance, the contingencies (or boundary conditions) that might affect this relationship have received little attention. This paper proposes to explore this gap by analysing data drawn from a service industry (hair salons) in Taiwan. Building upon social exchange theory, the paper tests four hypotheses exploring the link between high‐commitment HR practices and store performance, the mediating role of ‘helping’ or organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB), and the moderating effects of demographic and functional diversity. One finding is that age diversity, the most applicable indicator of demographic diversity, was found to undermine the linkages between high‐commitment HR practices, helping behaviour and store performance. In contrast, educational diversity – a key indicator of functional diversity – reinforced those relationships. This study also compares the relative moderating strengths of two diversity dimensions upon the mediation relationship of the HRM bundle, OCB and store performance and shows that functional diversity is the more potent moderator. The paper supports the view that there is no direct and universal relationship between high‐commitment HR practices and performance. Instead the relationship is heavily moderated by contingent factors such as the various dimensions of workforce diversity.
Effect of Electronic Monitoring on Social Welfare Dependence
Authors: Andersen Lars H. , Andersen Signe H.
Published: October 2014

Research Summary

We studied the effect on social welfare dependence of serving a sentence under electronic monitoring rather than in prison using Danish registry data and two policy shifts that extended the use of electronic monitoring in Denmark. We found that electronic monitoring is less harmful than imprisonment, at least for younger offenders, whereas it does not leave older offenders worse off than imprisonment.

Policy Implications

As the United States moves toward noncustodial alternatives to imprisonment, policy makers might benefit from knowledge on experiences from other contexts. The experiences from Denmark are clear: Electronic monitoring is less harmful than imprisonment to the life‐course outcomes of offenders. Because electronic monitoring could be less costly for the corrections administrations than imprisonment, efforts to extend the use of electronic monitoring in the United States could be accelerated.
Increased frequency of class I and II anti‐human leukocyte antigen antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma and associated factors: a comparative study
Authors: Tozkir Hilmi , Pamuk Omer Nuri , Duymaz Julide , Gurkan Hakan , Yazar Metin , Sari Gulce , Tanrikulu Hazel , Pamuk Gulsum Emel
Published: October 2014

Aim

There is significant autoantibody production in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and scleroderma (SSc); microchimerism is also thought to play a role in pathogenesis. We determined the frequency of anti‐HLA antibodies in SLE and SSc patients and evaluated associated clinical factors.

Methods

We included 77 SLE patients, 46 SSc patients and 53 healthy controls into the study. Clinical data about the patients were obtained from hospital records. Anti‐human leukocyte (anti‐HLA) antigen antibody analysis of sera was performed by applying Lifecodes anti‐HLA Class I and Class II Screening kits based on xMAP technology.

Results

The frequencies of class I and II anti‐HLA antibodies were significantly higher in SLE (27.3% and 41.6%) and SSc (26.1% and 41.3%) groups than in healthy controls (1.9% and 5.7%) (all P < 0.001). Frequencies of thrombocytopenia (P = 0.021), anti‐ribonucleoprotein (P = 0.037) and anti‐Ro (P = 0.027) were significantly higher in the class I antibody‐positive SLE group; however, pericarditis was less frequent (P = 0.05). On the other hand, the class II antibody‐positive SLE group had more frequent anti‐ribosomal P antibody (P = 0.038), but less frequent active disease (P = 0.038). In the SSc group, class I antibody‐positive patients had more frequent digital ulcers (P = 0.048) and anti‐centromere antibodies (P = 0.01). There was no association of anti‐HLA antibodies with pulmonary hypertension and interstitial fibrosis in SSc patients.

Conclusions

Both class I and class II antibodies were found to be significantly increased in SLE and SSc. Rather than major organ involvement, anti‐HLA antibodies were associated with the presence of other antibodies in both diseases.
Evaluation and prevention of enamel surface damage during dental restorative procedures
Authors: Milic T , George R , Walsh LJ
Published: October 2014

Background

This study examined the effect of operator experience, dominance, tooth position and access, on frequency and extent of iatrogenic damage to approximal tooth surfaces during conventional Class II cavity preparations. The effectiveness of protective devices in minimizing damage was also explored.

Methods

10 students and 10 experienced dentists each prepared 24 Class II cavity preparations in typodont teeth without protection; 10 utilizing stainless steel matrix bands and 10 utilizing protective wedges. The frequency and extent of damage were analysed with respect to the above variables. Subsequently, 20 natural and 20 typodont teeth were utilized to establish the relationship in depth of damage caused by a high‐speed diamond bur on typodont versus natural teeth.

Results

Dentists caused iatrogenic damage on 74% of approximal surfaces without protection, which fell to 50% and 46% respectively when matrix bands and wedges were used as guards. The corresponding rates of damage for students were 94%, 80% and 44%. There was no difference in depth of damage caused on the two types of teeth when bur was in contact with teeth for a very short time.

Conclusions

Greater operator experience and the use of guards reduces iatrogenic damage to proximal surfaces during preparation with high‐speed rotary instruments.
Testing goodness‐of‐fit for the proportional hazards model based on nested case–control data
Authors: Lu Wenbin , Liu Mengling , Chen Yi‐Hau
Published: October 2014

Nested case–control sampling is a popular design for large epidemiological cohort studies due to its cost effectiveness. A number of methods have been developed for the estimation of the proportional hazards model with nested case–control data; however, the evaluation of modeling assumption is less attended. In this article, we propose a class of goodness‐of‐fit test statistics for testing the proportional hazards assumption based on nested case–control data. The test statistics are constructed based on asymptotically mean‐zero processes derived from Samuelsen's maximum pseudo‐likelihood estimation method. In addition, we develop an innovative resampling scheme to approximate the asymptotic distribution of the test statistics while accounting for the dependent sampling scheme of nested case–control design. Numerical studies are conducted to evaluate the performance of our proposed approach, and an application to the Wilms' Tumor Study is given to illustrate the methodology.
Instrumental Variable Additive Hazards Models
Authors: Li Jialiang , Fine Jason , Brookhart Alan
Published: October 2014

Instrumental variable (IV) methods are popular in non-experimental studies to estimate the causal effects of medical interventions. These approaches allow for the consistent estimation of treatment effects even if important confounding factors are unobserved. Despite the increasing use of these methods, there have been few extensions of IV methods to censored data problems. In this article, we discuss challenges in applying IV techniques to the proportional hazards model and demonstrate the utility of the additive hazards formulation for IV analyses with censored data. Assuming linear structural equation models for the hazard function, we develop a closed-form, two-stage estimator for the causal effect in the additive hazard model. The methods permit both continuous and discrete exposures, and enable the estimation of causal relative survival measures. The asymptotic properties of the estimators are derived and the resulting inferences are shown to perform well in simulation studies and in an application to a data set on the effectiveness of a novel chemotherapeutic agent for colon cancer.
Testing primary‐school children's understanding of the nature of science
Authors: Koerber Susanne , Osterhaus Christopher , Sodian Beate
Published: October 2014

Understanding the nature of science (NOS) is a critical aspect of scientific reasoning, yet few studies have investigated its developmental beginnings and initial structure. One contributing reason is the lack of an adequate instrument. Two studies assessed NOS understanding among third graders using a multiple‐select (MS) paper‐and‐pencil test. Study 1 investigated the validity of the MS test by presenting the items to 68 third graders (9‐year‐olds) and subsequently interviewing them on their underlying NOS conception of the items. All items were significantly related between formats, indicating that the test was valid. Study 2 applied the same instrument to a larger sample of 243 third graders, and their performance was compared to a multiple‐choice (MC) version of the test. Although the MC format inflated the guessing probability, there was a significant relation between the two formats. In summary, the MS format was a valid method revealing third graders' NOS understanding, thereby representing an economical test instrument. A latent class analysis identified three groups of children with expertise in qualitatively different aspects of NOS, suggesting that there is not a single common starting point for the development of NOS understanding; instead, multiple developmental pathways may exist.
Overall survival and final efficacy and safety results from a Japanese phase II study of axitinib in cytokine‐refractory metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Eto Masatoshi , Uemura Hirotsugu , Tomita Yoshihiko , Kanayama Hiroomi , Shinohara Nobuo , Kamei Yoichi , Fujii Yosuke , Umeyama Yoshiko , Ozono Seiichiro , Naito Seiji , Akaza Hideyuki ,   the Japan Axitinib Phase II Study Group
Published: October 2014

In an open‐label, multicenter phase II study of Japanese patients with cytokine‐refractory metastatic renal cell carcinoma, axitinib showed substantial antitumor activity with an acceptable safety profile. Here, we report overall survival and updated efficacy and safety results. Sixty‐four Japanese patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma following prior therapy with cytokines were treated with axitinib at a starting dose of 5 mg b.i.d. Following median treatment duration of 14.2 months, median overall survival was 37.3 months (95% CI, 28.6–49.9). The objective response rate, the primary endpoint of the study, was 51.6% (95% CI, 38.7–64.2); the median duration of response, 11.1 months (95% CI, 8.2–13.7); and the median progression‐free survival was 11.0 months (95% CI, 9.2–12.0), assessed by the independent review committee. Common treatment‐related all‐grade adverse events were hypertension (88%), hand‐foot syndrome (75%), diarrhea (66%), proteinuria (63%), fatigue (55%) and dysphonia (53%). In an exploratory analysis, median overall survival was found to be significantly longer in patients who had greater decreases in plasma levels of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 during the first cycle of treatment. In conclusion, the present study showed axitinib to be effective, and toxicities with long‐term treatment were generally controllable with axitinib dose modification and/or standard medications in these Japanese patients. Some frequently reported adverse events warrant close monitoring and management. Changes in the plasma levels of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 may be used as a prognostic factor for overall survival in metastatic renal cell carcinoma following axitinib treatment. This study is registered at ClinicalTrial.gov (identifier NCT00569946).
Cataract and quality of life in patients with glaucoma
Authors: Skalicky Simon E , Martin Keith R , Fenwick Eva , Crowston Jonathan G , Goldberg Ivan , McCluskey Peter
Published: October 2014

Background

To assess the impact of cataract on quality of life (QoL) for patients with glaucoma.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Participants

Two hundred forty‐two patients with mild (n = 67), moderate (n = 80) or severe (n = 45) glaucoma and 50 controls (glaucoma suspects). Patients with cataract of any severity were included.

Methods

The following data were collected: sociodemographic information, phakic/pseudophakic status, cataract grade according to the Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS) III, visual acuity and visual field test parameters. Glaucoma severity was stratified according to binocular visual field loss. Visually significant cataract was defined as: LOCS III criteria nuclear cataract ≥3/6.9, cortical cataract ≥3/5.9 or posterior subcapsular cataract ≥2/5.9.

Main Outcome Measures

Patients’ QoL was measured using Rasch‐transformed scores from the Glaucoma Activity Limitation‐9 (GAL‐9) questionnaire. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine the association between cataract and GAL‐9 (logit) score.

Results

Fifty‐six (23.1%) patients had at least one visually significant cataract. At least one visually significant cataract (standardized coefficient [β] 1.19, 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.34, P = 0.011) and poor visual field index (better eye) (β 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.36–1.88, P < 0.001) were independently associated with worse GAL‐9 score.

Conclusions

Cataract influences glaucoma‐related QoL among glaucoma patients of all severity levels and is an important cause of potentially reversible visual impairment among glaucoma patients. The Rasch‐analysed GAL‐9 questionnaire is a useful metric to quantify visual disability related to cataract in glaucoma patients.
The Malleability of Participation: The Politics of Agricultural Research under Neoliberalism in Bolivia
Authors: Córdoba Diana , Jansen Kees , González Carolina
Published: October 2014

This article analyses how neoliberal restructuring encouraged the use of participatory methods in agricultural research in Bolivia and how, at a later stage, participatory development initiatives had to be adapted to prevent conflicts with the post‐neoliberal views of farmer organizations. The article contributes to the debate on the normalization of participatory methods in agrarian development. Engaging with Foucault's work on governmentality and neoliberalism, our analysis goes beyond interpretations of participation which conceptualize it exclusively as a technology of power to discipline subjects. Drawing on a distinction between a liberal and a neoliberal moment in the restructuring of agricultural research, we study the case of PROINPA (Foundation for the Promotion and Research of Andean Products), a national NGO that was once part of the state system for agricultural research but was then privatized. Although PROINPA employed participation mainly to enhance managerial effectiveness, it also facilitated moments of participation from below. We argue that participation designed by this type of NGO is not just ‘technical’ as PROINPA professionals would like to perceive it, nor is it simply ‘political’ as critical views on participation hold. Instead it is malleable in the sense that each actor is involved in finding a new balance between technical, economic and political considerations.
Call me Alix, not Elix: vowels are more important than consonants in own‐name recognition at 5 months
Authors: Bouchon Camillia , Floccia Caroline , Fux Thibaut , Adda‐Decker Martine , Nazzi Thierry
Published: October 2014

Consonants and vowels differ acoustically and articulatorily, but also functionally: Consonants are more relevant for lexical processing, and vowels for prosodic/syntactic processing. These functional biases could be powerful bootstrapping mechanisms for learning language, but their developmental origin remains unclear. The relative importance of consonants and vowels at the onset of lexical acquisition was assessed in French‐learning 5‐month‐olds by testing sensitivity to minimal phonetic changes in their own name. Infants’ reactions to mispronunciations revealed sensitivity to vowel but not consonant changes. Vowels were also more salient (on duration and intensity) but less distinct (on spectrally based measures) than consonants. Lastly, vowel (but not consonant) mispronunciation detection was modulated by acoustic factors, in particular spectrally based distance. These results establish that consonant changes do not affect lexical recognition at 5 months, while vowel changes do; the consonant bias observed later in development does not emerge until after 5 months through additional language exposure.
Sharing the Knowledge: Sharing Aggregate Genomic Findings with Research Participants in Developing Countries
Authors: Kerasidou Angeliki
Published: October 2014

Returning research results to participants is recognised as an obligation that researchers should always try to fulfil. But can we ascribe the same obligation to researchers who conduct genomics research producing only aggregated findings? And what about genomics research conducted in developing countries?

This paper considers Beskow's et al. argument that aggregated findings should also be returned to research participants. This recommendation is examined in the context of genomics research conducted in developing countries. The risks and benefits of attempting such an exercise are identified, and suggestions on ways to avoid some of the challenges are proposed. I argue that disseminating the findings of genomic research to participating communities should be seen as sharing knowledge rather than returning results. Calling the dissemination of aggregate, population level information returning results can be confusing and misleading as participants might expect to receive individual level information. Talking about sharing knowledge is a more appropriate way of expressing and communicating the outcome of population genomic research. Considering the knowledge produced by genomics research a worthwhile output that should be shared with the participants and approaching the exercise as a ‘sharing of knowledge’, could help mitigate the risks of unrealistic expectations and misunderstanding of findings, whilst promoting trusting and long lasting relationships with the participating communities.
Widespread native and alien plant species occupy different habitats
Authors: Pouteau Robin , Hulme Philip E. , Duncan Richard P.
Published: October 2014

Theories to explain the success of alien species often assume that they are inherently different from native species. Although there is an increasing body of evidence showing that alien plants tend to dominate in highly human‐modified environments, the underlying reasons why widespread natives might differ in their habitat distribution have rarely been addressed. We used species distribution models to quantify the dominant environmental axes shaping the habitat of 95 widespread native and alien herbaceous species in a highly modified grassland‐dominated landscape in New Zealand. For each species, support vector machines were used to determine 1) the environmental variables that most strongly determined a species’ distribution; 2) the affinity towards a particular position along environmental axes; and 3) tolerance to environmental variation. These three measures were compared among native perennials (n = 31), alien perennials (30) and alien annuals (34). Independent of their origin, species’ distributions were defined by similar environmental variables. Nevertheless, native and alien species occupied different regions of the dominant environmental axes. Perennial natives occupied regions associated with lower human disturbance, while perennial aliens were associated with habitats that had been modified by vegetation clearance, pasture development and livestock grazing. Annual aliens differed from perennials and were associated with both semi‐natural and more intensively managed vegetation. No evidence was found that aliens had broader environmental tolerances than natives that might facilitate invasion into a wider range of environments. Thus, widespread native and alien species differ in the degree to which environmental factors shape their distribution as a result of anthropogenic perturbations to which they respond differently as well as the introduction of functional groups that are capable of exploiting novel environments.
SDMvspecies: a software for creating virtual species for species distribution modelling
Authors: Duan Ren‐Yan , Kong Xiao‐Quan , Huang Min‐Yi , Wu Gan‐Lin , Wang Zhi‐Gao
Published: October 2014

The following is a report on software developed to create virtual species for the study of species distribution modelling (SDM). SDMvspecies provides several methods to create virtual species. The package is designed to be simple and intuitive, even for users who are not familiar with the R language. SDMvspecies is available online free of charge from .
Can the Antarctic terrestrial midge, Eretmoptera murphyi, tolerate life in water?
Authors: EVERATT MATTHEW J. , CONVEY PETER , MIRBAHAI LEDA , WORLAND MICHAEL R. , BALE JEFF S. , HAYWARD SCOTT A. L.
Published: October 2014

1. Early‐season flooding and ice entrapment at sub‐zero temperatures pose significant challenges to any polar terrestrial invertebrate.

2. The chironomid midge, Eretmoptera murphyi, is native to the sub‐Antarctic island of South Georgia and has been introduced to the maritime Antarctic (Signy Island). While the majority of its 2‐year life cycle is spent as a terrestrial larva, it is found in habitats potentially exposed to prolonged flooding.

3. The current study explored the tolerance of the larvae to extended submergence, demonstrating survival for at least 28 days, underlain by their ability to respire (oxy‐regulate) whilst submerged. To date, this ability is not known to be shared by any other terrestrial midge. Larvae also demonstrated notable anoxia tolerance whilst encased in ice, surviving for up to 28 days.

4. These data indicate a capacity to survive ecologically relevant periods of submergence and/or ice entrapment, such as may be experienced in their natural habitats.
Effects of trophic similarity on community composition
Authors: Morlon Hélène , Kefi Sonia , Martinez Neo D.
Published: October 2014

Understanding how ecological processes determine patterns among species coexisting within ecosystems is central to ecology. Here, we explore relationships between species’ local coexistence and their trophic niches in terms of their feeding relationships both as consumers and as resources. We build on recent concepts and methods from community phylogenetics to develop a framework for analysing mechanisms responsible for community composition using trophic similarity among species and null models of community assembly. We apply this framework to 50 food webs found in 50 Adirondack lakes and find that species composition in these communities appears to be driven by both bottom‐up effects by which the presence of prey species selects for predators of those prey, and top‐down effects by which prey more tolerant of predation out‐compete less tolerant prey of the same predators. This approach to community food webs is broadly applicable and shows how species interaction networks can inform an increasingly large array of theory central to community ecology.
Romanness: a multiple identity and its changes
Authors: Pohl Walter
Published: October 2014

In the often controversial debates about early medieval ethnicity and identities, Romanness has received little attention. But it should, because it is a particularly interesting case of the transformations of identity. What did it mean to be Roman after Rome? Early medieval Roman identities could be civic, regional, imperial, religious, cultural, legal or military; by self‐identification or by outside ascription; they could constitute one facet in a complex web of affiliations, or a stubbornly maintained point of reference for the survival of a community. The ‘Byzantine’ empire, the city of Rome, the Catholic church, an educated elite or a regional population could provide foci of post‐Roman Romanness in the west. Romans could be counted as one gens among others, or still measured by their imperial pretences. These ambivalences about Roman identity are not simply a result of the fall of the western empire. Numerous recent studies have dealt with the significance of Romanness in antiquity, and have shown that this was a paradoxical construction from the start, creating a wide variety of ways to be Roman. At times, Romanness was also ethnicized, although usually its political, legal and cultural definitions were in the forefront. The present contribution sketches some ways in which the classical multiplicity of romanitas affected its early medieval development.
Romana urbs: levels of Roman and imperial identity in the city of Rome
Authors: Gantner Clemens
Published: October 2014

This contribution investigates how the urban Roman identity of the popes and the papacy developed in relation to the Romanness of the Roman empire of the eighth century and the perception of a ‘state’ (res publica, but also imperium). It then shows examples of how the city of Rome itself was used and perceived in papal writings of the time and how all these concepts were consciously altered by the papacy in the course of the eighth century to enhance Rome's ecclesiastical and political prestige as well as its secular power.
Developing network data envelopment analysis model for supply chain performance measurement in the presence of zero data
Authors: Tavassoli Mohammad , Farzipoor Saen Reza , Faramarzi Gholam Reza
Published: October 2014

Performance measurement of supply chain (SC) has a vital impact on SC management and can increase efficiency of whole system and also brings competitive advantages for companies. Conventional data envelopment analysis (DEA) models treat the supply chain as a black box and do not deal with interactions of components within supply chain. Existence of zero data in supply chains can be a new assumption in performance evaluation. The main objective of this paper is to propose a new network DEA (NDEA) model in the presence of zero data. In addition, to rank supply chains, this paper proposes a novel super‐efficiency formulation of NDEA using input saving and output surplus concepts. To demonstrate applicability of the proposed model, a case study is presented.
Perceptions of Boundary Ambiguity in the Process of Leaving an Abusive Partner
Authors: Khaw Lyndal , Hardesty Jennifer L.
Published: October 2014

The process of leaving an abusive partner has been theorized using the Stages of Change Model. Although useful, this model does not account for changes in relational boundaries unique to the process of leaving. Using family stress and feminist perspectives, this study sought to integrate boundary ambiguity into the Stages of Change Model. Boundary ambiguity is defined as a perception of uncertainty as to who is in or out of a family system (Boss & Greenberg, 1984). Twenty‐five mothers who had temporarily or permanently left their abusers were interviewed. Data were analyzed using constructivist grounded theory methods. Results identify types, indicators of, and mothers' responses to boundary ambiguity throughout the five stages of change. Most mothers and abusers fluctuated between physical and psychological presence and absence over multiple separations. The integration of boundary ambiguity into the Stages of Change Model highlights the process of leaving an abusive partner as systemic, fluid, and nonlinear.
Ensuring a Place for Family Court Services in the Family Court of the Future: Do or Die
Authors: Fieldstone Linda
Published: October 2014

In order for family court services to thrive amidst the next wave of budget cuts, court and legislative deliberations regarding essential services, and ongoing barriers to services experienced by litigants, units must make themselves relevant to parties, the court, and the family law community. Learning from Family Court Services of Miami‐Dade County, Florida, it is essential that units develop collaborative relationships both within the court and the community. Various innovations and protocols are offered in order to ensure family court services a place in the family court of the future.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

Readers will be able to justify the need for a family court services unit in their judicial system.

Readers will be able to identify barriers and restrictions currently placed on family court services programs.

Readers will be able to detail components of family court services that will keep the unit relevant by making the unit indispensable to the parties, the court, and the family law community.

Readers will be able to identify strategies for family court services to do more with less and stay afloat even when there are budget cuts and threats of elimination.

Readers will have a case example in the Family Court Services unit in Miami‐Dade County, Florida, to refer to when proposing the creation, development, or modification of a unit in their family court.
Inhibition of bladder cancer invasion by Sp1‐mediated BTG2 expression via inhibition of DNA methyltransferase 1
Authors: Devanand Preethi , Kim Sun Il , Choi Yong Won , Sheen Seung Soo , Yim Hyunee , Ryu Min Sook , Kim Se Joong , Kim Wun‐Jae , Lim In Kyoung
Published: October 2014

Significantly lower endogenous expression of B‐cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) was observed in human muscle‐invasive bladder cancers (MIBC) than matched normal tissues and non‐muscle invasive bladder cancers (NMIBC). BTG2 expression was inversely correlated with increased expression of the DNA methyltransferases DNMT1 and DNMT3a in MIBC, but not NMIBC, suggesting a potential role for BTG2 expression in muscle invasion of bladder cancer. Over 90% of tumor tissues revealed strong methylation at CpG islands of the BTG2 gene, compared with no methylation in the normal tissues, implying epigenetic regulation of BTG2 expression in bladder carcinogenesis. By using EJ bladder cancer cells and the demethylating agent decitabine, transcription of BTG2 was shown to be up‐regulated by inhibiting DNMT1 expression via modification at CpG islands. DNMT1 binding to the BTG2 gene further regulated BTG2 expression by chromatin remodeling, such as H3K9 dimethylation and H3K4 trimethylation, and Sp1 activation. Induced BTG2 expression significantly reduced EJ cell tumorigenesis and invasiveness together with induction of G2/M arrest. These results demonstrate an important role for the BTG2/TIS21/PC3 gene in the progression of bladder cancers, and suggest that BTG2/TIS21/PC3 is a promising epigenetic target for prevention of muscle invasion in human bladder cancers.
Queer Categories: Queer(y)ing the Identification ‘Older Lesbian, Gay and/or Bisexual (LGB) Adults’ and its Implications for Organizational Research, Policy and Practice
Authors: King Andrew
Published: October 2014

In recent years there has been a growth in organizational discourse concerning the lives of older lesbian, gay and/or bisexual (LGB) adults, which has started to address the serious omission and invisibility of this group of people in research, policy making and service provision. Whilst this development is welcomed, it inevitably draws attention to the identification ‘older LGB adults’ on which it is based. Using insights from queer theory, in addition to the sociological perspectives of ethnomethodology and conversation analysis, this article troubles or ‘queers’ such identifications. It does this, not only theoretically, but empirically, by conducting a membership categorization analysis (MCA) of some data emanating from a small organizational scoping study of older LGB adults. The ramifications of this for organizational research, policy making and practice are considered in the conclusion.
Inducing RNA interference in the arbovirus vector, Culicoides sonorensis
Authors: Mills M. K. , Nayduch D. , Michel K.
Published: October 2014

Biting midges in the genus Culicoides are important vectors of arboviral diseases, including epizootic haemorrhagic disease, bluetongue and most likely Schmallenberg, which cause significant economic burdens worldwide. Research on these vectors has been hindered by the lack of a sequenced genome, the difficulty of consistent culturing of certain species and the absence of molecular techniques such as RNA interference (RNAi). Here, we report the establishment of RNAi as a research tool for the adult midge, Culicoides sonorensis. Based on previous research and transcriptome analysis, which revealed putative small interfering RNA pathway member orthologues, we hypothesized that adult C. sonorensis midges have the molecular machinery needed to perform RNA silencing. Injection of control double‐stranded RNA targeting green fluorescent protein (dsGFP), into the haemocoel of 2–3‐day‐old adult female midges resulted in survival curves that support virus transmission. dsRNA injection targeting the newly identified C. sonorensis inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 (CsIAP1) orthologue resulted in a 40% decrease of transcript levels and 73% shorter median survivals as compared with dsGFP‐injected controls. These results reveal the conserved function of IAP1. Importantly, they also demonstrate the feasibility of RNAi by dsRNA injection in adult midges, which will greatly facilitate studies of the underlying mechanisms of vector competence in C. sonorensis.
Prospects for the return of shell‐crushing crabs to Antarctica
Authors: Aronson Richard B. , Frederich Markus , Price Rick , Thatje Sven
Published: October 2014

Rapidly rising sea temperatures off the western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) are placing the Antarctic benthos at risk of increasing predation from durophagous (shell‐breaking) brachyuran and anomuran crabs. Crabs are at present excluded from Antarctic‐shelf environments by their limited capacity to down‐regulate magnesium ions in their blood, a constraint that paralyses and kills them under cold conditions. Interspecific variation in the ability of Subantarctic crabs to flush out magnesium ions predicts which species should be capable of extending their ranges to shelf environments along the Antarctic Peninsula. In agreement with those predictions, the brachyuran Halicarcinus planatus was recently found in the shallow subtidal zone at Deception Island, an emergent volcanic cone located off the WAP. Geothermal activity at Deception Island provides a warm‐water opportunity for persistence in a cold ocean, and heavy ship‐traffic there could accelerate the delivery of non‐native species. Large populations of anomuran king crabs (Lithodidae) have recently been discovered on the continental slope off the WAP, at ambient sea temperatures slightly warmer than the waters over the shelf. The lithodids are generalized, durophagous predators that could expand to shelf habitats as the overlying waters warm rapidly. Another brachyuran, the globally invasive, durophagous European green crab Carcinus maenas, also appears poised to expand to nearshore habitats in Antarctica. Successful expansion of predators and other benthic species to the Antarctic shelf would accelerate the global trend towards functional homogenization of the marine biota. Long‐term monitoring programmes should be established immediately to assess the extent of the problem in Antarctica.
Non‐invasive imaging of allogeneic transplanted skin graft by 131I‐anti‐TLR5 mAb
Authors: Sun Hukui , Yang Guangjie , Liang Ting , Zhang Chao , Song Jing , Han Jiankui , Hou Guihua
Published: October 2014

Although 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) uptake can be used for the non‐invasive detection and monitoring of allograft rejection by activated leucocytes, this non‐specific accumulation is easily impaired by immunosuppressants. Our aim was to evaluate a 131I‐radiolabelled anti‐Toll‐like receptor 5 (TLR5) mAb for non‐invasive in vivo graft visualization and quantification in allogeneic transplantation mice model, compared with the non‐specific radiotracer 18F‐FDG under using of immunosuppressant. Labelling, binding, and stability studies were performed. BALB/c mice transplanted with C57BL/6 skin grafts, with or without rapamycin treatment (named as allo‐treated group or allo‐rejection group), were injected with 131I‐anti‐TLR5 mAb, 18F‐FDG, or mouse isotype 131I‐IgG, respectively. Whole‐body phosphor‐autoradiography and ex vivo biodistribution studies were obtained. Whole‐body phosphor‐autoradiography showed 131I‐anti‐TLR5 mAb uptake into organs that were well perfused with blood at 1 hr and showed clear graft images from 12 hrs onwards. The 131I‐anti‐TLR5 mAb had significantly higher graft uptake and target‐to‐non‐target ratio in the allo‐treated group, as determined by semi‐quantification of phosphor‐autoradiography images; these results were consistent with ex vivo biodistribution studies. However, high 18F‐FDG uptake was not observed in the allo‐treated group. The highest allograft‐skin‐to‐native‐skin ratio (A:N) of 131I‐anti‐TLR5 mAb uptake was significantly higher than the ratio for 18F‐FDG (7.68 versus 1.16, respectively). 131I‐anti‐TLR5 mAb uptake in the grafts significantly correlated with TLR5 expression in the allograft area. The accumulation of 131I‐IgG was comparable in both groups. We conclude that radiolabelled anti‐TLR5 mAb is capable of detecting allograft with high target specificity after treatment with the immunosuppressive drug rapamycin.
Comparison of Abstinence and Coital Frequency Between 2 Natural Methods of Family Planning
Authors: Fehring Richard J. , Schneider Mary
Published: October 2014

Introduction

The length of periodic abstinence, due to overestimation of the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle, is often a cause for dissatisfaction, discontinuation, and user error with natural family planning (NFP) methods. The objective of this research was to compare the length of required abstinence (ie, estimated fertility) and coital frequency between 2 NFP methods.

Methods

This was an analysis of data from a 12‐month prospective comparison study in which participants were randomized into either an electronic hormonal fertility monitor (EHFM) group or a cervical mucus monitoring (CMM) group—both of which included a fertility algorithm as a double check for the beginning and end of the estimated fertile window. The number of days of estimated fertility and coitus was extracted from each menstrual cycle of data, and t tests were used to compare the means of these 2 variables between the 2 NFP methods.

Results

The study involved 197 women (mean [SD] age 29.7 [5.4]) who used the EHFM to estimate the fertile window and 160 women (mean [SD] age 30.4 [5.3]) who used CMM to estimate the fertile window. They produced 1,669 menstrual cycles of data. After 12 months of use, the EHFM group had statistically fewer days of estimated fertility than the CMM group (mean [SD] days, 13.25 [2.79] vs 13.68 [2.99], respectively; t = 2.07; P = .039) and significantly more coitus (mean [SD] coital acts, 4.22 [3.16] vs 4.05 [2.88], respectively; t = 1.17; P = .026).

Discussion

The use of the EHFM seems to provide more objectivity and confidence in self‐estimating the fertile window and using nonfertile days for intercourse when avoiding pregnancy.
An Acute Injection of Corticosterone Increases Thyrotrophin‐Releasing Hormone Expression in the Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalamus but Interferes with the Rapid Hypothalamus Pituitary Thyroid Axis Response to Cold in Male Rats
Authors: Sotelo‐Rivera I. , Jaimes‐Hoy L. , Cote‐Vélez A. , Espinoza‐Ayala C. , Charli J.‐L. , Joseph‐Bravo P.
Published: October 2014

The activity of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐thyroid (HPT) axis is rapidly adjusted by energy balance alterations. Glucocorticoids can interfere with this activity, although the timing of this interaction is unknown. In vitro studies indicate that, albeit incubation with either glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonists or protein kinase A (PKA) activators enhances pro‐thyrotrophin‐releasing hormone (pro‐TRH) transcription, co‐incubation with both stimuli reduces this enhancement. In the present study, we used primary cultures of hypothalamic cells to test whether the order of these stimuli alters the cross‐talk. We observed that a simultaneous or 1‐h prior (but not later) activation of GR is necessary to inhibit the stimulatory effect of PKA activation on pro‐TRH expression. We tested these in vitro results in the context of a physiological stimulus on the HPT axis in adult male rats. Cold exposure for 1 h enhanced pro‐TRH mRNA expression in neurones of the hypophysiotrophic and rostral subdivisions of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, thyrotrophin (TSH) serum levels and deiodinase 2 (D2) activity in brown adipose tissue (BAT). An i.p. injection of corticosterone stimulated pro‐TRH expression in the PVN of rats kept at ambient temperature, more pronouncedly in hypophysiotrophic neurones that no longer responded to cold exposure. In corticosterone‐pretreated rats, the cold‐induced increase in pro‐TRH expression was detected only in the rostral PVN. Corticosterone blunted the increase in serum TSH levels and D2 activity in BAT produced by cold in vehicle‐injected animals. Thus, increased serum corticosterone levels rapidly restrain cold stress‐induced activation of TRH hypophysiotrophic neurones, which may contribute to changing energy expenditure. Interestingly, TRH neurones of the rostral PVN responded to both corticosterone and cold exposure with an amplified expression of pro‐TRH mRNA, suggesting that these neurones integrate stress and temperature distinctly from the hypophysiotrophic neurones.
Polymorphism in CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, members of the cytochrome P450 mixed‐function oxidase system, in the metabolism of psychotropic drugs
Authors: Stingl J. , Viviani R.
Published: October 2014

Numerous studies in the field of psychopharmacological treatment have investigated the possible contribution of genetic variability between individuals to differences in drug efficacy and safety, motivated by the wide individual variation in treatment response. Genomewide analyses have been conducted in several large‐scale studies on antidepressant drug response. However, no consistent findings have emerged from these studies. In a recent meta‐analysis of genomewide data from the three studies capturing common variation for association with symptomatic improvement and remission revealed the absence of any strong genetic association and failed to replicate results of individual studies in the pooled data. However, there are good reasons to consider the possible importance of pharmacogenetic variants separately. These variants explain a large portion of the manifold variability in individual drug metabolism. More than 20 psychotropic drugs have now been relabelled by the FDA adding information on polymorphic drug metabolism and therapeutic recommendations. Furthermore, dose recommendations for polymorphisms in drug metabolizing enzymes, first and foremost CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, have been issued with the advice to reduce the dosage in poor metabolizers to 50% or less (in eight cases), or to choose an alternative treatment. Beside the well‐described role in hepatic drug metabolism, these enzymes are also expressed in the brain and play a role in biotransformation of endogenous substrates. These polymorphisms may therefore modulate brain metabolism and affect the function of the neural substrates of cognition and emotion.
In vitro Evaluation of Wood Preservatives to Prevent Dispersal of Pitch Canker Pathogen, Fusarium circinatum
Authors: Serrano Yolanda , Elvira‐Recuenco Margarita , Conde María , Troya M. Teresa , Raposo Rosa
Published: October 2014

Fusarium circinatum, the causal agent of pitch canker disease on pines, can be disseminated by wood produced in infested areas. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of wood preservatives, commonly used against sapstain and wood‐decay fungi, on growth and sporulation of Fusarium circinatum. Seven active ingredients of antisapstain and anti‐wood‐decay preservatives were evaluated by their inhibition of mycelial growth. Propiconazole, tebuconazole, and 3‐iodo‐2‐propinyl butyl carbamate (IPBC) were effective against F. circinatum, whereas hydroxycarbonate of cooper was not. An assay was also conducted to evaluate the efficacy of three commercial antisapstain and two anti‐wood‐decay preservatives on Pinus radiata sapwood blocks that were previously inoculated with Fusarium circinatum. The product with the best efficacy was an antidecay preservative composed of tebuconazole, propiconazole, and dichlofluanid. None of the antisapstain preservatives tested was effective even though they contained fungicidal ingredients. Effects of dosage, product application, and formulation on the efficacy of these preservatives are discussed.
Antithetic Method‐Based Particle Swarm Optimization for a Queuing Network Problem with Fuzzy Data in Concrete Transportation Systems
Authors: Zeng Ziqiang , Xu Jiuping , Wu Shiyong , Shen Manbin
Published: October 2014

The aim of this article is to develop an antithetic method‐based particle swarm optimization to solve a queuing network problem with fuzzy data for concrete transportation systems. The concrete transportation system at the Jinping‐I Hydropower Project is considered the prototype and is extended to a generalized queuing network problem. The decision maker needs to allocate a limited number of vehicles and unloading equipment in multiple stages to the different queuing network transportation paths to improve construction efficiency by minimizing both the total operational costs and the construction duration. A multiple objective decision‐making model is established which takes into account the constraints and the fuzzy data. To deal with the fuzzy variables in the model, a fuzzy expected value operator, which uses an optimistic–pessimistic index, is introduced to reflect the decision maker's attitude. The particular nature of this model requires the development of an antithetic method‐based particle swarm optimization algorithm. Instead of using a traditional updating method, an antithetic particle‐updating mechanism is designed to automatically control the particle‐updating in the feasible solution space. Results and a sensitivity analysis for the Jinping‐I Hydropower Project are presented to demonstrate the performance of our optimization method, which was proved to be very effective and efficient compared to the actual data from the project and other metaheuristic algorithms.