bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wildlife-friendly farming benefits rare birds, bees and plants
Authors: Pywell Richard F. , Heard Matthew S. , Bradbury Richard B. , Hinsley Shelley , Nowakowski Marek , Walker Kevin J. , Bullock James M.
Published: June 2012

Agricultural intensification is a leading cause of global biodiversity loss, especially for threatened and near-threatened species. One widely implemented response is ‘wildlife-friendly farming’, involving the close integration of conservation and extensive farming practices within agricultural landscapes. However, the putative benefits from this controversial policy are currently either unknown or thought unlikely to extend to rare and declining species. Here, we show that new, evidence-based approaches to habitat creation on intensively managed farmland in England can achieve large increases in plant, bee and bird species. In particular, we found that habitat enhancement methods designed to provide the requirements of sensitive target biota consistently increased the richness and abundance of both rare and common species, with 10-fold to greater than 100-fold more rare species per sample area than generalized conventional conservation measures. Furthermore, targeting landscapes of high species richness amplified beneficial effects on the least mobile taxa: plants and bees. Our results provide the first unequivocal support for a national wildlife-friendly farming policy and suggest that this approach should be implemented much more extensively to address global biodiversity loss. However, to be effective, these conservation measures must be evidence-based, and developed using sound knowledge of the ecological requirements of key species.
Modelling the spread ofWolbachiain spatially heterogeneous environments
Authors: Hancock Penelope A. , Godfray H. Charles J.
Published: June 2012

The endosymbiontWolbachiainfects a large number of insect species and is capable of rapid spread when introduced into a novel host population. The bacteria spread by manipulating their hosts' reproduction, and their dynamics are influenced by the demographic structure of the host population and patterns of contact between individuals. Reaction–diffusion models of the spatial spread ofWolbachiaprovide a simple analytical description of their spatial dynamics but do not account for significant details of host population dynamics. We develop a metapopulation model describing the spatial dynamics ofWolbachiain an age-structured host insect population regulated by juvenile density-dependent competition. The model produces similar dynamics to the reaction–diffusion model in the limiting case where the host's habitat quality is spatially homogeneous andWolbachiahas a small effect on host fitness. When habitat quality varies spatially,Wolbachiaspread is usually much slower, and the conditions necessary for local invasion are strongly affected by immigration of insects from surrounding regions. Spread is most difficult when variation in habitat quality is spatially correlated. The results show that spatial variation in the density-dependent competition experienced by juvenile host insects can strongly affect the spread ofWolbachiainfections, which is important to the use ofWolbachiato control insect vectors of human disease and other pests.
Transition from sea to land: olfactory function and constraints in the terrestrial hermit crabCoenobita clypeatus
Authors: Krång Anna-Sara , Knaden Markus , Steck Kathrin , Hansson Bill S.
Published: June 2012

The ability to identify chemical cues in the environment is essential to most animals. Apart from marine larval stages, anomuran land hermit crabs (Coenobita) have evolved different degrees of terrestriality, and thus represent an excellent opportunity to investigate adaptations of the olfactory system needed for a successful transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. Although superb processing capacities of the central olfactory system have been indicated inCoenobitaand their olfactory system evidently is functional on land, virtually nothing was known about what type of odourants are detected. Here, we used electroantennogram (EAG) recordings inCoenobita clypeatusand established the olfactory response spectrum. Interestingly, different chemical groups elicited EAG responses of opposite polarity, which also appeared forCoenobita compressusand the closely related marine hermit crabPagurus bernhardus.Furthermore, in a two-choice bioassay withC. clypeatus,we found that water vapour was critical for natural and synthetic odourants to induce attraction or repulsion. Strikingly, also the physiological response was found much greater at higher humidity inC. clypeatus, whereas no such effect appeared in the terrestrial vinegar flyDrosophila melanogaster. In conclusion, our results reveal that theCoenobitaolfactory system is restricted to a limited number of water-soluble odourants, and that high humidity is most critical for its function.
Parallel evolution of angiosperm colour signals: common evolutionary pressures linked to hymenopteran vision
Authors: Dyer Adrian G. , Boyd-Gerny Skye , McLoughlin Stephen , Rosa Marcello G. P. , Simonov Vera , Wong Bob B. M.
Published: June 2012

Flowering plants in Australia have been geographically isolated for more than 34 million years. In the Northern Hemisphere, previous work has revealed a close fit between the optimal discrimination capabilities of hymenopteran pollinators and the flower colours that have most frequently evolved. We collected spectral data from 111 Australian native flowers and tested signal appearance considering the colour discrimination capabilities of potentially important pollinators. The highest frequency of flower reflectance curves is consistent with data reported for the Northern Hemisphere. The subsequent mapping of Australian flower reflectances into a bee colour space reveals a very similar distribution of flower colour evolution to the Northern Hemisphere. Thus, flowering plants in Australia are likely to have independently evolved spectral signals that maximize colour discrimination by hymenoptera. Moreover, we found that the degree of variability in flower coloration for particular angiosperm species matched the range of reflectance colours that can only be discriminated by bees that have experienced differential conditioning. This observation suggests a requirement for plasticity in the nervous systems of pollinators to allow generalization of flowers of the same species while overcoming the possible presence of non-rewarding flower mimics.
Natural simian immunodeficiency virus transmission in mandrills: a family affair?
Authors: Fouchet David , Verrier Delphine , Ngoubangoye Barthélémy , Souquière Sandrine , Makuwa Maria , Kazanji Mirdad , Gonzalez Jean-Paul , Pontier Dominique
Published: June 2012

Understanding how pathogens spread and persist in the ecosystem is critical for deciphering the epidemiology of diseases of significance for global health and the fundamental mechanisms involved in the evolution of virulence and host resistance. Combining long-term behavioural and epidemiological data collected in a naturally infected mandrill population and a Bayesian framework, the present study investigated unknown aspects of the eco-epidemiology of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), the recent ancestor of HIV. Results show that, in contrast to what is expected from aggressive and sexual transmission (i.e. the two commonly accepted transmission modes for SIV), cases of SIVmnd-1 subtype were significantly correlated among related individuals (greater than 30% of the observed cases). Challenging the traditional view of SIV, this finding suggests the inheritance of genetic determinants of susceptibility to SIV and/or a role for behavioural interactions among maternal kin affecting the transmission of the virus, which would highlight the underappreciated role of sociality in the spread of infectious diseases. Outcomes of this study also provide novel insights into the role of host social structure in the evolution of pathogens.
Towards a second‐order view of child protection placement‐related decision‐making
Authors: O'Gorman Shannon
Published: June 2012

Child protection workers are tasked with prioritizing and facilitating safe, secure and preferably, long‐term care arrangements for children and adolescents living within the child protection system. Recognizing the complexities associated with this task, this paper will propose that the application of theory – namely attachment theory and family systems theory – may aid in the conceptualization of placement decision‐making within the context of child protection practice. In particular, this paper will describe a framework entitled: Towards a second‐order view of child protection placement‐related decision‐making. This framework assumes the position that the ideals of relationship security and permanency of placement are more accessible in instances in which practitioners are able to locate themselves within temporary, stabilized but ultimately evolving systems. Specifically, the practitioner is encouraged to conceptualize where their individual selves, the broader child protection system and family system are located at any one point in time, whilst also identifying the direction in which these systems should be moving.
The impact of children's perception of an activity as play rather than not play on emotional well‐being
Authors: Howard J. , McInnes K.
Published: June 2012

Background

As an important aspect of health and development, a number of policy and practice initiatives across education, health and social care are aimed at increasing children's emotional well‐being. Links have been made between young children's emotional well‐being and play although empirical evidence is limited. This paper demonstrates that when children perceive an activity as play, they show more signs of emotional well‐being than when they perceive the same activity as not play.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐nine children aged between 3 and 5 years participated in the study. The cues children use to differentiate play and not play were used to create an activity session that was ‘like play’ and an activity session that was ‘not like play’. The activity itself remained constant. Children were allocated to either of the activity session types alternately and emotional well‐being was measured using the Leuvens Involvement Scale.

Results

There was a significant difference in the level of emotional well‐being displayed by children in the two activity session types. Children who undertook the ‘like play’ activity scored significantly higher than children who undertook the same activity but ‘not like play’. Detailed observational analysis also showed increased behavioural indicators relating to emotional well‐being among children participating in the ‘like play’ rather than ‘not like play’ activity session.

Conclusion

Children demonstrate increased emotional well‐being when they perceive an activity as play rather than not play. Findings support the proposition that play can be seen as an observable behaviour but also as a mental state. As well as providing important evidence as to the value of play for enhancing children's emotional well‐being, findings are discussed in relation to professional practice in children's services. The paper highlights the training needs of practitioners to enable them to understand children's views about play and use this information to create playful situations which maximize the developmental potential of play.
Lymphangiogenesis in regional lymph nodes predicts nodal recurrence in pathological N0 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue
Authors: Hirota Kyoko , Wakisaka Naohiro , Sawada‐Kitamura Seiko , Kondo Satoru , Endo Kazuhira , Tsuji Akira , Murono Shigeyuki , Yoshizaki Tomokazu
Published: June 2012

Hirota K, Wakisaka N, Sawada‐Kitamura S, Kondo S, Endo K, Tsuji A, Murono S & Yoshizaki T  (2012) Histopathology Lymphangiogenesis in regional lymph nodes predicts nodal recurrence in pathological N0 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue

Aims:  Cancer cells induce de‐novo lymphatic vessel growth within draining lymph nodes before they metastasize. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate lymph node lymphangiogenesis before the establishment of nodal recurrence in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue.

Methods and results:  Surgical specimens from 28 patients with pT2–T3N0M0 SCC of the tongue after local excision with supraomohyoid neck dissection were studied by immunohistochemistry. Intranodal lymphatic endothelium was highlighted by podoplanin staining to evaluate lymphatic vessel counts (LVCs). Primary tumour sections were examined for the expression of lymphangiogenic factors: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐C and VEGF‐D. LVCs in regional lymph nodes were significantly increased in the cases with nodal recurrence (P = 0.0013). Simultaneous increases in VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D expression were significantly associated with both an increase in LVC in regional lymph nodes (P = 0.0001) and a decrease in the rate of survival without nodal recurrence (P = 0.016).

Conclusions:  Knowing the status of lymphangiogenesis in the regional pN0 lymph nodes in tongue cancer would help in predicting which patients will develop nodal recurrence. The use of a therapeutic approach which blocks lymphangiogenic factors, such as VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D, may be beneficial in suppressing the lymphatic spread of tongue cancer with intense intranodal lymphangiogenesis.
Now I know what ICT can do for me!
Authors: Clayton Kaylene , Beekhuyzen Jenine , Nielsen Sue
Published: June 2012

The under‐representation of women entering into information and communication technology (ICT) programmes is a long‐standing problem. While ICT continues to be increasingly accepted and integrated into everyday life, gender stereotypes prevail in ICT turning female students away from ICT as an occupation. Based on existing literature on factors influencing girls' career choices and on an empirical qualitative study in three schools in Australia, a conceptualisation of the influence of middle‐school experiences on girls' ICT study and career choices is presented. This conceptualisation is used as a guide to evaluate a recent intervention programme aimed at promoting ICT study and work opportunities to middle‐school girls. A number of recommendations for future programmes are provided, highlighting the need to study how subcultures that support ICT career choices develop and are supported in Australian schools.
Peracetic acid is effective for controlling fungus on channel catfish eggs
Authors: Straus D L , Meinelt T , Farmer B D , Mitchell A J
Published: June 2012

Peracetic acid (PAA) is a relatively new compound suggested for use to treat pathogens in aquaculture. It is approved for use in Europe, but not in the United States. This study determined the effectiveness of PAA for fungus control on channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), eggs. The study consisted of five PAA concentrations (2.5, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg L−1) and an untreated control in a flow‐through system. A single spawn was used for each replication (N = 4). Eggs were treated twice daily until the embryos developed eyes. When hatching was complete for all viable eggs, fry were counted to determine the percent survival in each treatment. Fungal growth was severe in the untreated controls resulting in 11% survival. Treatments of 2.5, 5 and 10 mg L−1 PAA were significantly different from the controls (P < 0.05). The highest percent survival of hatched fry was with 5 mg L−1 PAA administered twice daily; the 2.5 mg L−1 PAA treatment had slightly less survival, but gives a higher margin of safety in case of treatment error. Very little fungus was present in treatments receiving 2.5 mg L−1 PAA or higher, and concentrations of 15 and 20 mg L−1 PAA were toxic to the eggs. The mean survivals in the 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg L−1 PAA treatments were 11%, 60%, 63%, 62%, 32% and 0%, respectively. Therefore, PAA may be a compound that merits further investigations regarding its use in U.S. aquaculture.
GDNF Contributes to Oestrogen‐Mediated Protection of Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurones
Authors: Campos F. L. , Cristovão A. C. , Rocha S. M. , Fonseca C. P. , Baltazar G.
Published: June 2012

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterised by the preferential loss of dopaminergic neurones from the substantia nigra (SN) that leads to the hallmark motor disturbances. Animal and human studies suggest a beneficial effect of oestrogen to the nigrostriatal system, and the regulation of neurotrophic factor expression by oestrogens has been suggested as a possible mechanism contributing to that neuroprotective effect. The present study was designed to investigate whether the neuroprotection exerted by 17β‐oestradiol on nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurones is mediated through the regulation of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) expression. Using an in vivo rat model of PD, we were able to confirm the relevance of 17β‐oestradiol in defending dopaminergic neurones against 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) toxicity. 17β‐oestradiol, released by micro‐osmotic pumps, implanted 10 days before intrastriatal 6‐OHDA injection, prevented the loss of dopaminergic neurones induced by 6‐OHDA. 17β‐oestradiol treatment also promoted an increase in GDNF protein levels both in the SN and striatum. To explore the relevance of GDNF increases to 17β‐oestradiol neuroprotection, we analysed, in SN neurone‐glia cultures, the effect of GDNF antibody neutralisation and RNA interference‐mediated GDNF knockdown. The results showed that both GDNF neutralisation and GDNF silencing abolished the dopaminergic protection provided by 17β‐oestradiol against 6‐OHDA toxicity. Taken together, these results strongly identify GDNF as an important player in 17β‐oestradiol‐mediated dopaminergic neuroprotection.
Interaction between Dopamine‐ and Isotocin‐Containing Neurones in the Preoptic Area of the Catfish, Clarias batrachus: Role in the Regulation of Luteinising Hormone Cells
Authors: Singh U. , Kumar S. , Singru P. S.
Published: June 2012

Apart from gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) and dopamine (DA), oxytocin has emerged as an important endogenous agent that regulates reproduction. Although the interaction between these factors has been extensively studied in mammals, parallel information in teleosts is much limited. We studied the organisation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH; a marker for dopamine) and isotocin neurones in the preoptic area (POA) and hypothalamus of the catfish, Clarias batrachus and its implication in the regulation of luteinising hormone (LH) cells in the pituitary. Nucleus preopticus periventricularis (NPP), a major dopaminergic centre in the brain, consists of anterior (NPPa) and posterior (NPPp) subdivisions. Using retrograde neuronal tracing, we found that majority of the DA neurones in NPPa, but none from NPPp, project to the pituitary. The nucleus preopticus (NPO) of C. batrachus contains a conspicuous assemblage of large isotocin‐positive neurones. It consists of a paraventricular subdivision (NPOpv) located on either side of the third ventricle and lies roughly sandwiched between the dopaminergic neurones of NPPa and NPPp. An additional subset of isotocin neurones was located above the optic chiasm in the supraoptic subdivision of the NPO (NPOso). Isotocin‐containing neurones in both the subdivisions of NPO were densely innervated by DA fibres. Superfusion of the POA‐containing brain slices with DA D1‐like receptor agonist (SKF‐38393) resulted in significant increase in isotocin immunoreactivity in the NPOpv neurones; NPOso neurones did not respond. However, treatment with DA D2‐like receptor agonist (quinpirole) reduced isotocin immunoreactivity in the NPOso, but not in the NPOpv. Thus, DA appears to differentially regulate the components of isotocinergic system. Isotocin fibres extend to the pituitary and terminate on LH cells and the superfused pituitary slices treated with isotocin caused significant reduction in LHβ‐immunoreactivity. An elaborate interplay between the DA and isotocin systems appears to be an important component of the LH regulatory system.
Are the severe injuries of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by an exacerbated Th1 response?
Authors: NICODEMO A. C. , AMATO V. S. , MIRANDA A. M. , FLOETER‐WINTER L. M. F. , ZAMPIERI R. A. , FERNADES E. R. , DUARTE M. I. S.
Published: June 2012

American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) is a disease whose clinical features are strongly related to the type of immune response it induces. Herein we report an atypical presentation of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a woman with a severe and extensive sore located in her leg, and we describe the differences between the usual local immune response in ATL and the local immune response in this patient. We observed an intense inflammatory response characterized by Th1 cells and cytokines with conspicuous expression of Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR‐3). Few parasites were present, but there was an extensive tissue damage. We also discuss the immunological factors that could be related to the atypical presentation.
Mitochondrial SCAR and SSR Markers for distinguishing cytoplasmic male sterile lines from their isogenic maintainer lines in cotton
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Meng Zhigang , Zhou Tao , Sun Guoqing , Shi Ji , Yu Yuanhua , Zhang Rui , Guo Sandui
Published: June 2012

With 8 figures and 3 tables

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) line P30A of Upland cotton has been used in commercial production of F1seeds. However, cytoplasm‐specific molecular markers in this ‘three‐line’ (CMS line P30A, maintainer line P30B and restorer line Y18R) system are mostly unknown. Twenty mitochondrial gene probes were used to identify the differences between P30B fertile (N‐) and P30A sterile (S‐) cytoplasm. Among six genes that revealed restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), the gene for α‐subunit of F1ATPase (atpA) revealed significant differences between N‐ and S‐cytoplasm. All of theEcoRI restriction bands ofatpAwere amplified by inverse PCR (iPCR) technique, indicating that both N‐ and S‐cytoplasm contained an intact and a 3′ truncatedatpAcopy, but the truncating site (breakpoint) was different. According to the chimerical sequences following the breakpoints, three cytoplasm‐specific sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers were developed. In addition, a simple sequence repeat (SSR) locus in the 3′ flanking sequences of the intactatpAgene was found between N‐ and S‐cytoplasm. The four PCR markers were used to distinguish CMS lines from maintainer lines.
Characterization of the durability of adhesive bonds
Authors: PITT S. , JONES R. , PENG D.
Published: June 2012

The deterioration of adhesive bonds as a result of exposure to aggressive service environments is a problem for both metallic and composite bonded joints in aircraft structures. In this context airworthiness issues arising from the in service growth of small naturally occurring defects in adhesively bonded repairs has led to the need to develop a fracture mechanics based approach for setting the inspection intervals associated with the growth of such naturally occurring defects. This involves issues associated with both durability and damage tolerance that are associated with such small defects because it is well known that, for metals, the use of long crack data can lead to erroneous non‐conservative estimates. As such a means for assessing the issues related to such small naturally occurring defects is urgently needed. In this context the Boeing Wedge test, and its related variants, plays a central role in not only qualitatively assessing environmental performance but also in ranking surface treatments. However, this method has the problem that the initial defect introduced during wedge testing may not be representative of the small initial defects that can arise in service. Thus the relative ranking of various surface treatments obtained using wedge tests may be misleading. To this end, the paper presents a simple fracture mechanics based method that has the potential to account for the discrepancy in the initial defect size. This approach resembles crack growth laws developed to account for the growth of both long and short cracks in metals, environmentally enhanced crack growth in metals and delamination growth in composites.
Shotgun nanoLC‐MS/MS proteogenomics to document MALDI‐TOF biomarkers for screening new members of the Ruegeria genus
Authors: Christie‐Oleza Joseph Alexander , Piña‐Villalonga Juana Maria , Guerin Philippe , Miotello Guylaine , Bosch Rafael , Nogales Balbina , Armengaud Jean
Published: June 2012

The identification of bacteria by means of matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry directly using whole cells has become a standard method in clinical diagnosis due to its rapidity and simplicity. Nevertheless, the analysis of environmental samples with this approach still represents a challenge due to the enormous microbial diversity existing on earth and the lack of a comprehensive database. Most of the environmentally relevant species comprise only one unique strain, while pathogens such as Escherichia coli, with 667 described strains, are well documented. In such case, identification of the proteins responsible for the peak signals within MALDI‐TOF spectra can give crucial information for species discrimination. To give higher confidence in MALDI‐TOF biomarker description we exploited information from proteins identified by shotgun nanoLC‐MS/MS, consisting of the identification and quantification of low‐molecular‐weight proteins after SDS‐PAGE, in‐gel trypsin proteolysis and analysis of tryptic peptides. We also proposed the standardization of the inclusion of internal calibrants in the bacterial sample to improve the accuracy of the MALDI‐TOF measurements. In this way, nine candidate biomarkers were tentatively proposed for Ruegeria lacuscaerulensis ITI‐1157. The conserved biomarkers were theoretically deduced for all other Ruegeria strains whose genomes have been sequenced and their corresponding m/z MALDI‐TOF signals were estimated. Among these, DNA‐binding protein, HU, and ribosomal proteins, L29, L30, L32 and S17, were shown experimentally to be also the most prominent and conserved signals in the other strain tested, Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS‐3. Thus, we suggested that these five biomarkers, which give rise to 10 m/z peak signals derived from the mono‐ and doubly protonated proteins, are the best candidates for identifying bacteria belonging to the Ruegeria genus, and quickly assessed their phylogenetic proximity to described species. As an application of these biomarkers, we quickly screened 30 seawater bacterial isolates by MALDI‐TOF and found one belonging to the Ruegeria genus, as further confirmed by 16S RNA sequencing. Due to its simplicity and effectiveness, this technique could be of immense value in monitoring bacteria in the environment in the near future.
Validation of the TonoVet®rebound tonometer in normal and glaucomatous cats
Authors: McLellan Gillian J. , Kemmerling Jeremy P. , Kiland Julie A.
Published: June 2012

Objective To validate intraocular pressure (IOP) readings obtained in cats with the TonoVet®tonometer.

Animals studied IOP readings obtained with the TonoVet®were compared to IOP readings determined by manometry and by the Tono‐Pen XL™in 1 normal cat and two glaucomatous cats. TonoVet®and Tono‐Pen XL™readings were also compared in a further six normal and nine glaucomatous cats.

Procedures The anterior chambers of both eyes of three anesthetized cats were cannulated and IOP was varied manometrically, first increasing from 5 to 70 mmHg in 5 mmHg increments, then decreasing from 70 to 10 mmHg in 10 mmHg decrements. At each point, two observers obtained three readings each from both eyes, with both the TonoVet®and Tono‐Pen XL™. IOP was measured weekly for 8 weeks with both tonometers in six normal and nine glaucomatous unsedated cats. Data were analyzed by linear regression. Comparisons between tonometers and observers were made by paired studentt‐test.

Results The TonoVet®was significantly more accurate than the Tono‐Pen XL™(P = 0.001), correlating much more strongly with manometric IOP. In the clinical setting, the Tono‐Pen XL™underestimated IOP when compared with the TonoVet®.

Conclusions Both the TonoVet®and Tono‐Pen XL™provide reproducible IOP measurements in cats; however, the TonoVet®provides readings much closer to the true IOP than the Tono‐Pen XL™. The TonoVet®is superior in accuracy to the Tono‐Pen XL™for the detection of ocular hypertension and/or glaucoma in cats in a clinical setting.
Current status of validation for robotic surgery simulators – a systematic review
Authors: Abboudi Hamid , Khan Mohammed S. , Aboumarzouk Omar , Guru Khurshid A. , Challacombe Ben , Dasgupta Prokar , Ahmed Kamran
Published: June 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Little is known on how best to train the future generation of robotic surgeons. It has been postulated that virtual reality (VR) simulators may aid the progression along the learning curve for this rapidly developing surgical technique within a safe training environment. There are several simulators available on the market, the best known is that developed by Intuitive Surgical Inc.

The present study provides the first systematic review of all the trails of the various VR robotic platforms. It explores the evidence supporting the effectiveness of the various platforms for feasibility, reliability, validity, acceptability, educational impact and cost‐effectiveness. This article also highlights the deficiencies and future work required to advance robotic surgical training.

To analyse studies validating the effectiveness of robotic surgery simulators. The MEDLINE®, EMBASE® and PsycINFO® databases were systematically searched until September 2011. References from retrieved articles were reviewed to broaden the search. The simulator name, training tasks, participant level, training duration and evaluation scoring were extracted from each study. We also extracted data on feasibility, validity, cost‐effectiveness, reliability and educational impact. We identified 19 studies investigating simulation options in robotic surgery. There are five different robotic surgery simulation platforms available on the market. In all, 11 studies sought opinion and compared performance between two different groups; ‘expert’ and ‘novice’. Experts ranged in experience from 21–2200 robotic cases. The novice groups consisted of participants with no prior experience on a robotic platform and were often medical students or junior doctors. The Mimic dV‐Trainer®, ProMIS®, SimSurgery Educational Platform® (SEP) and Intuitive systems have shown face, content and construct validity. The Robotic Surgical SimulatorTM system has only been face and content validated. All of the simulators except SEP have shown educational impact. Feasibility and cost‐effectiveness of simulation systems was not evaluated in any trial. Virtual reality simulators were shown to be effective training tools for junior trainees. Simulation training holds the greatest potential to be used as an adjunct to traditional training methods to equip the next generation of robotic surgeons with the skills required to operate safely. However, current simulation models have only been validated in small studies. There is no evidence to suggest one type of simulator provides more effective training than any other. More research is needed to validate simulated environments further and investigate the effectiveness of animal and cadaveric training in robotic surgery.
Long‐term oncological and continence outcomes after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Busch Jonas , Stephan Carsten , Herold Anja , Erber Barbara , Kempkensteffen Carsten , Hinz Stefan , Lein Michael , Weikert Steffen , Miller Kurt , Magheli Ahmed
Published: June 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Over the past decade, minimally invasive laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and more recently robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy have been introduced and have proven equally effective compared with open surgery in terms of mid‐term cancer control and complication rates. Because long‐term data is lacking, open prostatectomy is still considered the ‘gold standard’ by some authors, who argue that minimally invasive approaches have to measure up to the excellent long‐term results of open surgery.

This study represents one of the largest series (1845 patients) of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy with extended follow‐up (11.3 years) and detailed data on oncological outcome and postoperative incontinence. It therefore supplies previously lacking information on these details for minimally invasive prostate surgery and provides important information for patient counselling.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate biochemical recurrence (BCR) rates and data on postoperative incontinence in a large laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) cohort with extended follow‐up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BCR and independent predictors of BCR were identified using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis of 1845 patients who underwent LRP from 1999 to 2007.

Urinary incontinence was evaluated by pads per day and stratified as follows: 0–1 pad: no incontinence; 2–3 pads: mild incontinence; and ≥3 pads: severe incontinence.

RESULTS

Organ‐confined disease, extraprostatic extension, seminal vesicle invasion and lymph node metastasis were present in 71.3%, 20.5%, 6.7% and 3.2% of patients, respectively. The positive surgical margin rate was 29.2%.

Postoperatively, 74.9% of the patients were continent, while 9.2% had mild and 15.9% severe incontinence.

The mean follow‐up was 5 years with a maximum follow‐up of 11.3 years.

There were 51 overall deaths and six deaths from prostate cancer. The 5‐year, 8‐year and 10‐year BCR‐free survival rates were 83.9%, 78.6% and 75.6%, respectively.

On univariate analyses preoperative D'Amico risk classification, pathological tumour stage, postoperative Gleason sum and surgical margin status were predictors of BCR (P < 0.001).

On multivariable analysis, D'Amico classification, Gleason sum (P < 0.001), postoperative tumour stage (P < 0.001), nodal status (P < 0.001) and surgical margin status (P= 0.002) were independent predictors of BCR.

CONCLUSIONS

LRP offers excellent long‐term functional and oncological results with a low incidence of BCR for patients with localized disease.

These results could be used for patient counselling before robot‐assisted laparascopic prostatectomy (RALP) until long‐term follow‐up data for RALP is available.
Reflexivity and habitus: opportunities and constraints on transformative learning
Authors: Nairn Stuart , Chambers Derek , Thompson Susan , McGarry Julie , Chambers Kristian
Published: June 2012

This paper will explore the relationship between Mezirow's concept of reflexivity and Bourdieu's theory of habitus in order to develop a more robust framework within which critical reflection can take place. Nurse educators have sought to close the theory practice gap through the use of critical reflection. However, we are not convinced that this has produced the depth and quality of reflection required. Furthermore, the contexts in which critical reflection takes place is often sidelined or erased so that the whole impetus in the literature is to educate nurses in reflection rather than empower nurses to understand the complex circumstances and barriers that obstruct critical reflection. This paper argues that the reason for this position is that nurse education does not always acknowledge the role that personal and cultural values systems have on reflective practices. The literature search was undertaken using CINHAL and MEDLINE. Keywords included: values systems, habitus, and critical reflection. Inclusion criteria were determined by the theoretical approach and included seminal texts, from as far back as 1956, to identify key themes. Although critical reflection is a potentially powerful way of enhancing care it has often failed to do so. It is suggested that this is because nurse educators have frequently used models of reflection without considering the impact that student's personal values systems has on their perceptions of care and subsequently care delivery. The purpose of this paper is to promote deeper levels of reflection and is part of a programme of research aimed at developing a more robust approach to reflection in educational practice.
The lost path to emancipatory practice: towards a history of reflective practice in nursing
Authors: Nelson Sioban
Published: June 2012

This paper historicizes the taken‐for‐granted acceptance of reflection as a fundamental professional practice in nursing. It draws attention to the broad application of reflective practice, from pedagogy to practice to regulation, and explores the epistemological basis upon which the authority of reflective discourse rests. Previous work has provided a series of critiques of the logic and suitability of reflective practice across all domains of nursing. The goal of this paper is to commence a history of nursing's reflective identity. The paper begins with a discussion of Dewey and Schön then focuses on Habermas's Theory of Communicative Action as the epistemological basis of reflective practice's standing as a authoritative discourse in nursing.
Transcriptome sequencing of wild chickpea as a rich resource for marker development
Authors: Jhanwar Shalu , Priya Pushp , Garg Rohini , Parida Swarup K. , Tyagi Akhilesh K. , Jain Mukesh
Published: June 2012

The transcriptome of cultivated chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), an important crop legume, has recently been sequenced. Here, we report sequencing of the transcriptome of wild chickpea, C. reticulatum (PI489777), the progenitor of cultivated chickpea, by GS‐FLX 454 technology. The optimized assembly of C. reticulatum transcriptome generated 37 265 transcripts in total with an average length of 946 bp. A total of 4072 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) could be identified in these transcript sequences, of which at least 561 SSRs were polymorphic between C. arietinum and C. reticulatum. In addition, a total of 36 446 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified after optimization of probability score, quality score, read depth and consensus base ratio. Several of these SSRs and SNPs could be associated with tissue‐specific and transcription factor encoding transcripts. A high proportion (92–94%) of polymorphic SSRs and SNPs identified between the two chickpea species were validated successfully. Further, the estimation of synonymous substitution rates of orthologous transcript pairs suggested that the speciation event for divergence of C. arietinum and C. reticulatum may have happened approximately 0.53 million years ago. The results of our study provide a rich resource for exploiting genetic variations in chickpea for breeding programmes.
The Maker of Martyrs: Narrative Form and Political Resistance in Ryleev's “Voinarovskii”
Authors: RIKOUN POLINA
Published: June 2012

This essay examines the synergy of narrative form and political function in Ryleev's last and best completed narrative poem, “Voinarovskii” (1824). The poem is designed to foment rebellion, to persuade readers to fight tyranny even in the face of failure and certain death. To recruit self‐sacrificing fighters for the cause of freedom, Ryleev creates a sophisticated narrative apparatus, a chain of conversion narratives where one martyr recruits another in perpetuity. While representing his characters’ conversions, Ryleev also strives to engulf his readers in this “chain reaction.”“Voinarovskii” unfolds in a series of nested narrative frames, where each frame contains a story of a character's conversion to freedom's cause; each story helps convert another character in the next frame. The poem's beginning and ending are designed to blur the boundary between characters’ and readers’ lives. They invite readers to emulate the poem's characters and add a story of their own transformation to the “chain reaction” of conversions, which can continue indefinitely, thanks to framed narrative's inherent expandability. Potentially endless replication of conversion narratives creates a sense that the community of rebels transcends time and death; fallen heroes are vicariously reborn in the next generation. This narrative effect gives readers a powerful psychological incentive to join the community of selfless fighters, promising them a symbolic victory over death. Ryleev's aspiration to transform readers into martyrs for freedom may seem hopelessly naïve; however, reader responses, particularly testimonies of revolutionary radicals such as Vera Zasulich and Nikolai Ogarev, suggest that the poet succeeded beyond probable expectation. By exploiting inherent properties of framed narrative (its potential to blur the boundary between life and art and its capacity to expand indefinitely), Ryleev created an effective instrument of political propaganda, a tool for keeping the spirit of resistance alive despite defeat until, for better or for worse, revolution could finally succeed.
Transformational Tourism, Nature and Wellbeing: New Perspectives on Fitness and the Body*
Authors: Little Jo
Published: June 2012

Historical studies of rural recreation and wellbeing have drawn attention to the role of nature and the countryside in the development of ideas surrounding notions of fitness as a moral responsibility. This article builds on some of this work in an examination of transformational tourism and the ways in which nature, and in particular wild nature, is drawn into more contemporary concerns about health, wellbeing and the body. Using the work of Foucault, the article explores how wild nature (as a location and a set of practices) becomes part of a strategy employed by the individual to discipline the body in terms of ideas about size, shape and fitness and to inform broader lifestyle and therapeutic practices in the ‘care of the self’.
Testing the Market Integration Process in the European Car Sector: Evidence from Pricing‐to‐market Behaviour
Authors: Balaguer Jacint
Published: June 2012

In this study, we investigate the process of the European car market integration by analysing the evolution of cross‐country differences in the degree of pricing‐to‐market behaviour of United Kingdom exporters. We estimate these country differences by exploiting statistical information for pre‐tax retail prices and for export unit values. Conclusions from both independent data sets are, in general, quite consistent. Results support the claim that, in the period before the Block Exemption Regulation (1400/2002) came fully into force, international price discrimination was an important source of car price dispersion within the euro area. For a more recent period, we found that estimated deviations in pricing‐to‐market behaviour across destinations have become lower. This convergence suggests that car market integration was progressively improved at the end of the last decade.
A Family of Markov‐Switching Garch Processes
Authors: Liu Ji‐Chun
Published: June 2012

This paper develops a family of Markov‐switching GARCH (MSG) processes that not only encompasses some specifications in the literature, but also can be regarded as a Markov‐switching version of the family of GARCH processes introduced byHe and Teräsvirta (J. Econometrics, 1999, 92, 173–192). Some structural properties of this new family of MSG processes are considered. First, a sufficient and necessary condition for the existence of the strictly stationary solution of the family of MSG processes is presented. Moreover, we also give a sufficient and necessary condition for the existence of the strictly stationary solution of the family of MSG processes with finiteδ‐order moment. In particular, a definition of so‐called family of integrated MSG processes is introduced and its stationarity is also discussed. Next, the general conditions for the existence of any order moment of the family of MSG processes are derived. Finally, by means of a new renewal theorem, we describe the tail of the marginal distribution of the family of MSG processes.
Workplace Bullying, Mobbing and General Harassment: A Review
Authors: Branch Sara , Ramsay Sheryl , Barker Michelle
Published: June 2012

Research into workplace bullying has continued to grow and mature since emerging from Scandinavian investigations into school bullying in the late 1970s. Research communities now exist well beyond Scandinavia, including Europe, the UK, Australia, Asia and the USA. While the terms ‘harassment’ and ‘mobbing’ are often used to describe bullying behaviour, ‘workplace bullying’ tends to be the most consistently used term throughout the research community. In the past two decades especially, researchers have made considerable advances in developing conceptual clarity, frameworks and theoretical explanations that help explain and address this very complex, but often oversimplified and misunderstood, phenomenon. Indeed, as a phenomenon, workplace bullying is now better understood with reasonably consistent research findings in relation to its prevalence; its negative effects on targets, bystanders and organizational effectiveness; and some of its likely antecedents. However, as highlighted in this review, many challenges remain, particularly in relation to its theoretical foundations and efficacy of prevention and management strategies. Drawing on Affective Events Theory, this review advances understanding through the development of a new conceptual model and analysis of its interrelated components, which explain the dynamic and complex nature of workplace bullying and emphasize current and future debates. Gaps in the literature and future research directions are discussed, including the vexing problem of developing an agreed definition of workplace bullying among the research community, the emergence of cyberbullying, the importance of bystanders in addressing the phenomenon and the use of both formal and informal approaches to prevention and intervention.
Mechanisms for Managing Ambidexterity: A Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Turner Neil , Swart Juani , Maylor Harvey
Published: June 2012

Ambidexterity is of central importance to the competitive advantage of the firm, yet to date there is limited understanding of how it is managed. The theorization of ambidexterity is inadequate for complex, practical realities and, in turn, this hinders the way in which it can aid the management of ambidexterity in practice. This paper asks: What are the mechanisms for achieving ambidexterity? The authors use a systematic review to develop a research framework which integrates intellectual capital resources (organizational, social and human capital) across various levels of analysis (organization, group and individual). This review extends understanding of the generic mechanisms (i.e. temporal, structural and contextual ambidexterity) that dominate the literature. This allows for a more fine‐grained understanding of how ambidexterity is achieved and enables avenues for further research to be identified.
Religion and Decisions About Marriage, Residence, Occupation, and Children
Authors: Sigalow Emily , Shain Michelle , Bergey Meredith R.
Published: June 2012

Using data from the first wave of the Portraits of American Life Study (PALS), we consider the extent to which people report that religious factors influence their decisions about career choice, marriage, residency, and number of children. We find significant positive relationships between the importance of religion or religious faith and the perceived influence of religious factors on one's choice of occupation, decision about whether or whom to marry, decision about where to live, and decision about how many children to have. We also observe significant interactions between the importance of religion or religious faith and religious tradition, but we find no consistent patterns across our decision‐making outcomes. Our preliminary conclusions raise significant questions about the broader relationship between religion, perception, and decision making.