bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein tyrosine phosphatases – from housekeeping enzymes to master regulators of signal transduction
Authors: Tonks Nicholas K.
Published: November 2012

There are many misconceptions surrounding the roles of protein phosphatases in the regulation of signal transduction, perhaps the most damaging of which is the erroneous view that these enzymes exert their effects merely as constitutively active housekeeping enzymes. On the contrary, the phosphatases are critical, specific regulators of signalling in their own right and serve an essential function, in a coordinated manner with the kinases, to determine the response to a physiological stimulus. This review is a personal perspective on the development of our understanding of the protein tyrosine phosphatase family of enzymes. I have discussed various aspects of the structure, regulation and function of the protein tyrosine phosphatase family, which I hope will illustrate the fundamental importance of these enzymes in the control of signal transduction.
Numerical simulation of the coupling between thermal dissipation and fish‐eye crack growth in very high cycle fatigue regime
Authors: NGUYEN H.Q. , GALLIMARD L. , BATHIAS C.
Published: November 2012

In this paper, we study the temperature field associated with the propagation of a fatigue crack in a very high cycle fatigue regime during ultrasonic fatigue testing. We use a Paris–Hertzberg crack growth law to compute the evolution of the crack and a perfectly elastic–plastic constitutive law to compute the plastic dissipation per cycle at the tip of the crack. A thermomechanical finite element model is proposed to estimate the evolution of the temperature field during the crack propagation. Numerical results obtained agree fairly well with experimental results.
Assessment of the thrombin generation assay in haemophilia: Comparative study between fresh and frozen platelet‐rich plasma
Authors: Vila V. , Aznar J. A. , Moret A. , Marco A. , Navarro S. , Vila C. , España F.
Published: November 2012

The severity of haemophilia A has traditionally been classified by the dosage of factor VIII (FVIII) by one‐step coagulation tests. However, an homogeneous group of patients with similar FVIII levels show clinical heterogeneity and 10–15% of the patients classified as severe haemophilia do not have a severe bleeding phenotype. Traditional tests used for measuring FVIII are not capable of detecting other prohaemorrhagic or prothrombotic factors. Global tests as the thrombin generation assay (TGA) may detect these haemostatic factors. So TGA may be an additional tool for classifying the actual severity of haemophilia. Our group is carrying out correlation tests between FVIII and TGA in platelet‐poor and ‐rich plasmas (PPP and PRP, respectively). PRP has the inconvenience that must be done freshly soon after blood extraction. Our aim is to study the differences between TGA performed with fresh and frozen PRP and PPP and its implementation in multicenter studies. We included 70 patients with severe haemophilia A in prophylactic treatment. Venous blood drawing was obtained prior to administration of FVIII, at the trough levels. FVIII measurement and TGA were performed in fresh and frozen PRP and PPP. The platelet absence caused a significant decrease in TGA although PPP and PRP correlated well. Frozen samples gave different results in PPP, but there were no significant differences between fresh and frozen PRP. This fact enables using frozen PRP in multicenter studies with a TGA‐specialized laboratory for reclassifying haemophilia severity and for pharmacokinetic studies with TGA.
Management of surgical procedures in children with severe FV deficiency: experience of 13 surgeries
Authors: Mathias M. , Tunstall O. , Khair K. , Liesner R.
Published: November 2012

Homozygous severe factor V (FV) deficiency has a prevalence of around one per million. Even in patients with FV levels of <0.01 IU mL−1 there appears to be a variation in bleeding phenotype in that there is a subgroup of affected individuals who present in later childhood and have a relatively mild bleeding phenotype, but there are children who present as neonates with intracerebral bleeding events and who have a much more severe bleeding phenotype. The only available current FV replacement is in the form of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or solvent detergent FFP. We present here our experience with surgical haemostatic cover for 13 surgeries in three children with severe FV deficiency.
Correlation of connective tissue growth factor with liver stiffness measured by transient elastography in biliary atresia
Authors: Honsawek Sittisak , Udomsinprasert Wanvisa , Chirathaworn Chintana , Anomasiri Wilai , Vejchapipat Paisarn , Poovorawan Yong
Published: November 2012

Aim

Biliary atresia (BA) is a neonatal liver disease defined as chronic progressive fibrotic obliteration of extrahepatic bile ducts. The objective of this study was to determine the association of serum connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) with clinical outcome and liver stiffness measurement.

Methods

Eighty‐two BA patients post‐Kasai operation and 28 healthy controls were recruited. BA patients were categorized into two groups based on their portal hypertension (PH) status. Serum CTGF levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Liver stiffness scores were measured by transient elastography.

Results

BA patients had greater CTGF levels (905.9 ± 57.7 vs 238.3 ± 23.5 pg/mL, P < 0.001) and higher liver stiffness values than controls (28.2 ± 2.6 vs 5.0 ± 0.5 kPa, P < 0.001). Serum CTGF levels were remarkably elevated in BA patients with PH compared to those without PH (1092.4 ± 73.9 vs 582.6 ± 45.7 pg/mL, P < 0.001). Furthermore, BA patients with PH had significantly higher liver stiffness values compared to those without PH (37.3 ± 3.0 vs 10.6 ± 1.1 kPa, P < 0.001). Additionally, serum CTGF was positively correlated with liver stiffness (r = 0.875, P < 0.001) and total bilirubin (r = 0.462, P < 0.001). There was an inverse correlation between serum CTGF and serum albumin (r = −0.579, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

High serum CTGF was associated with a poor outcome in BA patients. Accordingly, serum CTGF and transient elastography may serve as non‐invasive biomarkers reflecting the disease severity in postoperative BA patients.
An evaluation of a Books on Prescription scheme in a UK public library authority
Authors: Furness Rebecca , Casselden Biddy
Published: November 2012

This article discusses an evaluation of a Books on Prescription (BOP) scheme in a UK public library authority. The research was carried out by Rebecca Furness and submitted as a dissertation for the MSc Information and Library Management to Northumbria University. The dissertation was supervised by Biddy Casselden at Northumbria University and was awarded a distinction. The dissertation identified areas for development for BOP schemes and made specific recommendations that could make the schemes more accessible, enabling significant numbers of people to lead more fulfilling lives. Because this study focuses on mental health and the role that UK public libraries have in supporting well‐being, it is a good illustration of the wide‐ranging nature of subjects welcomed for the Dissertations into practice feature.

AM
Preparation and characteristics of squid pen β‐chitin prepared under optimal deproteinisation and demineralisation condition
Authors: Youn Dal Kyoung , No Hong Kyoon , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: November 2012

Squid (Todarodes pacifica) pen was an excellent source of β‐chitin with 25.5% yield. The optimal condition to prepare squid pen β‐chitin was established: deproteinisation with 3% NaOH for 30 min at 15 psi/121 °C and a solid/solvent ratio of 1:10 (w/v) and a subsequent demineralisation with 1 N HCl for 30 min at room temperature and a solid/solvent ratio of 1:10 (w/v). Squid pen β‐chitin contained 6.29% nitrogen, 0.25% ash, and negligible fat with degree of acetylation of 94.02%, residual amino acid of 0.499 g/100 g and bulk density of 0.28 g mL−1. Depending on its particle size, squid pen β‐chitin visually looked white (L* = 82.82, a* = −0.67, b* = 6.31; particle size of 0.15–0.18 mm) or light grey (L* = 62.88, a* = 0.33, b* = 10.66; particle size of 0.425–0.841 mm). Water, fat and dye‐binding capacity of squid pen β‐chitin was 694.67%, 194.03% and 79.81%, respectively.
Misapplication of the Clausius–Clapeyron equation for estimating heats of adsorption in foods
Authors: Caurie Matthew
Published: November 2012

It has been pointed out that the Clausius–Clapeyron equation which is currently used to measure isosteric heat of adsorption in reality measures the latent heat of evaporation. The usual Clausius–Clapeyron plot that decays rapidly to low values at low Aws has been compared with a suggested alternative equation derived directly from an expanded form of Caurie's unimolecular adsorption equation. The plot of the proposed equation is higher than that of the Clausius–Clapeyron equation, and it has the shape of an inverse sigmoid isotherm. Two discontinuities in the proposed plots are stated to demarcate three energy levels corresponding to three states of bound water recognised to exist along sigmoid food isotherm plots.
Watermelon juice pretreatment with microfiltration process for obtaining lycopene
Authors: Gomes Flávia S. , Costa Priscila A. , Campos Maria B. D. , Tonon Renata V. , Couri Sônia , Cabral Lourdes M. C.
Published: November 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of microfiltration on the lycopene content and antioxidant capacity of watermelon juice using ceramic membranes with an average pore size of 0.1 μm and a permeable area of 0.022 m2. The influence of the tangential cross‐flow velocity (4.3–6.4 m s−1) and temperature (23–37 °C) on the permeation flux, lycopene content and antioxidant capacity was evaluated. A 22complete factorial experimental design was used. Increases in tangential cross‐flow velocity and temperature had positive effects on permeation flux, with a maximum of 92.4 l h−1 m−2achieved at 6.4 m s−1and 30 °C. With regard to the lycopene content and antioxidant capacity, tangential cross‐flow velocity was the only factor that exhibited significant effects on these responses. For the most concentrated extract, the lycopene concentration and antioxidant capacity were enhanced by 402.8% and 416.3%, respectively.
Acid gelation of native and heat‐denatured soy proteins and locust bean gum
Authors: Perrechil Fabiana A. , Braga Ana Luiza M. , Cunha Rosiane L.
Published: November 2012

The effects of protein concentration and locust bean gum (LBG) addition on the mechanical properties, microstructure and water holding capacity of acidified soy protein (SPI) gels were studied. The protein was employed in two different states: (i) native and (ii) heat denatured. A slow acidification rate was induced in both systems by applying glucono‐δ‐lactone (GDL). The results indicated that the gels of native SPI were weaker, less deformable and showed lower water holding capacity than the gels of heat‐denatured SPI. The LBG addition led to an increase in the strength and water holding capacity of SPI gels, independent of the protein state (native or denatured). These results indicated that the properties of texture and water holding capacity of the SPI acid gels can be modulated by the process conditions or by the addition of other ingredients, such as polysaccharides.
Enzymatic peeling and discoloration of Red Bartlett pears
Authors: Ibarz Albert , Pagán Jordi , Garvín Alfonso , Ibarz Raquel , Gatius Ferran , Falguera Víctor
Published: November 2012

In purees manufacturing from some fruits, problems related to undesirable colours that come from fruit skin may arise. In this article, the feasibility of using an enzyme preparation to reduce the colour of Red Bartlett pears to be used for industrial purees has been studied. Kinetic models that suitably describe changing colour parameters with treatment time have been tested, seeking for the optimum ones. It was found that the most appropriated processing conditions for Red Bartlett pears discoloration are as follows: 45 °C with an enzyme concentration of 5000 ppm and a time that does not exceed 200 min. Although this treatment constitutes a solution for the problem of skin colour, a high concentration of enzyme and high treatment times are required, which makes the process expensive from the economic standpoint.
Polyphenol and volatile profiles of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit extracts and liquors
Authors: Galego Ludovina R. , Jockusch Steffen , Da Silva José P.
Published: November 2012

This work reports on the preparation of new aromatic pomegranate liquors by maceration of pomegranate juice and arils in Arbutus unedo L. distillate. The volatile, anthocyanin and ellagitannin profiles were monitored after each step. Aromatic compounds of pomegranates, such as limonene, 1‐hexenol and trans‐caryophyllene, were detected in trace levels and showed little contribution to the liquor aroma. The main volatiles of the liquors, namely isobutanol, isopentanols, vitispiranes and volatile esters, are given by the fruit distillate. The anthocyanin contents of the pomegranate juice were around 135 mg L−1 but decreased to about 5% of this value in the final liquors. Anthocyanin diglucoside compounds showed higher stability than their monoglucoside analogs. Punicalagins and punicalins showed contents between 80 and 135 mg L−1, depending on the used starting pomegranate material. These ellagitannins account for 60% of the total polyphenols. The procedure can be used to prepare aromatic pomegranate liquors with high polyphenol content.
Effects of polyphenol oxidation on in vitro iron availability in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) flour
Authors: Luo Yu‐Wei , Xie Wei‐Hua
Published: November 2012

Tannic acid (TA) and green tea extract (GTE) were added to faba bean flour, before and after incubation with polyphenol oxidase (mushroom tyrosinase), and the effect on in vitro iron availability was investigated. The inhibitory effect of TA and GTE was dose dependent, and the in vitro iron availability decreased from 64.5% in the pure faba bean flour to 9.8% (P < 0.05) with the addition of 1 mg of TA 1 g−1 to faba bean flour. The addition of 5 mg of GTE resulted in low in vitro iron availability as after the addition of 10 mg of TA (11.6% against 10.3% for 1 mg TA). Incubation of the polyphenols with tyrosinase before addition to the faba bean flour significantly increased the in vitro iron availability. The increase in iron availability was significant (P < 0.05) when amounts of 0.2, 0.5 or 1 mg g−1 TA or GTE added to faba bean flour, respectively, were oxidised, even with the lowest amount of tyrosinase (150 u). Oxidation of 1 mg TA or GTE with 150 u tyrosinase increased the in vitro iron availability from 10.3% to 15.5% and from 19.2% to 26.1%, respectively. At the 300‐u level, the addition of higher amounts of enzyme (from 600 to 900 u) did not have any effect. The results from the study therefore suggest that the oxidation of polyphenols may be a promising way to increase the availability of iron in polyphenol‐containing legume foods.
Optimisation of preservatives for dealcoholised red wine using a survival model for spoilage yeasts
Authors: Taboada‐Rodríguez Amaury , Belisario‐Sánchez Yulissa Y. , Cava‐Roda Rita , Cano Juan A. , López‐Gómez Antonio , Marín‐Iniesta Fulgencio
Published: November 2012

To optimise the application of preservatives in a new commercial dealcoholised red wine (DRW), a survival model of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was developed. A factorial design included three variables, each at three levels: potassium sorbate, sodium metabisulphite and dimethyl dicarbonate (0, 100 and 200 mg L−1). DRW samples were inoculated with a cocktail of yeasts and counts were performed after 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of incubation. Logistic regression analysis was used to create survival models. Potassium sorbate and sodium metabisulphite did not show any fungicide effect alone, while the model predicts that dimethyl dicarbonate at 185 mg L−1 has fungicide activity. The interaction of potassium sorbate and dimethyl dicarbonate was statistically significant, so both could act as synergic preservatives. The logistic model obtained was validated with a 100% of accuracy for the conditions tested. Combining use of the studied preservatives reduced the individual dose for preservation of DRW.
Glucocorticoid receptor BclI polymorphism associates with immunomodulatory response to stress hormone in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Xiang L. , Marshall G. D.
Published: November 2012

Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) variants have been found to be associated with stress‐related disorders. Our previous in vivo study revealed that the CC allele of GR BclI single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was more common in the high‐stress group, which had lower levels of both regulatory T cells (Treg) and Th1 cytokine. The current study was to investigate the associations between GR BclI polymorphism and immunomodulatory response to stress hormone in vitro in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Blood samples were collected from 18 normal volunteers including 9 subjects with BclI polymorphism GG allele and 9 with wild‐type (WT) CC allele. PBMC were cultured with 10−8 m dexamethasone (DEX), which mimics the plasma cortisol level observed during periods of psychological stress for 24 h and 11 days. Gene expressions of transcription factors, stress hormone and cytokine receptors were analysed by real‐time RT‐PCR. FoxP3 mRNA was significantly altered in the BclI WT (decreased at 24 h and increased at 11 days) but not in the GG allele. GR mRNA was up‐regulated at 24 h and down‐regulated at 11 days in CC alleles (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05), rather than in GG alleles. The expression of β‐2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) was increased at 24 h in both CC and GG alleles (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001), but decreased significantly at 11 days in only GG alleles. Expression of T‐bet and GATA‐3 was altered simultaneously in 24‐h culture with DEX from both groups. The BclI polymorphism of GR identifies different immunomodulatory responses to corticosteroids, which may explain, at least in part, the variability in individual sensitivity to stressors.
Focus on systemic lupus erythematosus in Indigenous Australians: towards a better understanding of autoimmune diseases
Authors: Vincent F. B. , Bourke P. , Morand E. F. , Mackay F. , Bossingham D.
Published: November 2012

The incidence and prevalence of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, primary Sjögren syndrome, scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) varies with geography and ethnicity. For example, SLE is reported to be more common in populations such as African‐Caribbeans and Indigenous Australians (IA). As well as socio‐economic status, variation in severity of disease may also show ethnic variability. The initial presentation of SLE in IA, in the context of a unique genetic background and distinctive environmental influences, is often florid with a recurring spectrum of clinical phenotypes. These clinical observations suggest a unique pathway for autoimmunity pathogenesis in this population. For instance, the high prevalence of bacterial infections in IA, particularly group A streptococcus, may be a potential explanation not only for increased incidence and prevalence of SLE but also the commonly florid acute disease presentation and propensity for rapidly progressive end organ threatening disease. This article will review the state of research in autoimmune disease of IA, consider key findings related to autoimmune disease in this population and propose a model potentially to explain the involvement of innate immunity and chronic infection in autoimmune disease pathogenesis. Ultimately, understanding of SLE at this level could affect management and result in personalised and targeted therapies to improve the health status of IA as well as better understanding of SLE pathogenesis per se.
Alcohol consumption and health status of family members: health impacts without ingestion
Authors: Liang W. , Chikritzhs T.
Published: November 2012

Background

Over several decades, many cohort studies from the medical epidemiology literature have observed that compared with abstainers, moderate drinkers experience lower risk for a range of diseases. It was very difficult to separate the hypothesised physiological protective effect of moderate drinking from its well‐correlated confounders in observational study settings.

Aims

To investigate the association between current alcohol consumption levels of randomly selected family members and the current self‐reported health status of other members living within the same family, using a large‐scale representative general population survey.

Method

Poisson regression models of the association between randomly selected key respondent alcohol consumption and health status of cohabiting family members using data from the 2008, 2009 and 2010 National Health Interview Surveys. Self‐reported alcohol consumption of randomly selected key participants and self‐reported health status of adult and child (parent reported) family members living in the same household were measured and compared.

Results

After controlling for a large range of commonly reported confounders, inverse associations were evident between light and moderate alcohol consumption of key participants and the prevalence of adverse health status among their family members, including children.

Conclusions

The superior health status attributed to family members of light and moderate drinkers is highly likely to be spurious and due to residual confounding rather than physiologically protective effects of alcohol. Unaccounted for confounding is likely to underpin apparent ‘protective effects’ due to moderate drinking commonly reported from observational studies of all‐cause mortality, heart disease, stroke and other chronic diseases.
Specific antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity responses associated with slow progression of HIV infection
Authors: Wren Leia H. , Chung Amy W. , Isitman Gamze , Kelleher Anthony D. , Parsons Matthew S. , Amin Janaki , Cooper David A. ,   ADCC study collaboration investigators, Stratov Ivan , Navis Marjon , Kent Stephen J.
Published: November 2012

Antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is potentially an effective adaptive immune response to HIV infection. However, little is understood about the role of ADCC in controlling chronic infection in the small number of long‐term slow‐progressors (LTSP) who maintain a relatively normal immunological state for prolonged periods of time. We analysed HIV‐specific ADCC responses in sera from 139 HIV+ subjects not on antiretroviral therapy. Sixty‐five subjects were LTSP, who maintained a CD4 T‐cell count > 500/μl for over 8 years after infection without antiretroviral therapy and 74 were non‐LTSP individuals. The ADCC responses were measured using an natural killer cell activation assay to overlapping HIV peptides that allowed us to map ADCC epitopes. We found that although the magnitude of ADCC responses in the LTSP cohort were not higher and did not correlate with CD4 T‐cell depletion rates, the LTSP cohort had significantly broader ADCC responses compared with the non‐LTSP cohort. Specifically, regulatory/accessory HIV‐1 proteins were targeted more frequently by LTSP. Indeed, three particular ADCC epitopes within the Vpu protein of HIV were recognized only by LTSP individuals. Our study provides evidence that broader ADCC responses may play a role in long‐term control of HIV progression and suggests novel vaccine targets.
Influence of dispersive soil electromagnetic properties on hand‐held time domain electromagnetic sensors
Authors: Cross Guy , Das Yogadhish
Published: November 2012

Although metal detectors remain the workhorses of humanitarian demining, it is well established that the performance of both continuous wave (frequency domain) and pulsed induction (time domain) detectors can be severely compromised by so‐called ‘soil‐effects’. Generally, problem soils reduce the signal‐to‐noise ratio and increase the false‐detection rate. In certain locations, the soil‐effect is so severe as to render the detector practically inoperable. The current study is part of an ongoing international effort to establish and quantify the influence of soil electromagnetic properties on the operation of metal detectors and related sensor technologies. In particular, we examine the relative influence of soil electrical conductivity, magnetic susceptibility and associated frequency dependence on the time domain electromagnetic (TDEM) response of pulsed induction metal detectors and related small‐scale TDEM sensors.
Curvature analysis to differentiate magnetic sources for geologic mapping
Authors: Lee Madeline , Morris William , Leblanc George , Harris Jeff
Published: November 2012

Curvature of a surface is typically applied in seismic data interpretation; however this work outlines its application to a potential field, specifically aeromagnetic data. The curvature of a magnetic grid (from point data) is calculated by fitting a quadratic surface within a moving window at each grid node. The overall and directional curvatures calculated within this window provide insight into the geometry of the magnetic grid surface and causative sources. Curvature analysis is an in‐depth study of both qualitative (graphically) and quantitative (statistically) approaches. This analysis involved the calculation of full, profile and plan curvatures. The magnitude, sign and relative ratios enable the user to define source location and geometry and also discriminate source type; for example, differentiation between a fault and normal polarity dyke. The reliability of the analysis is refined when a priori geological knowledge is available and basic statistics are considered. By allotting a weighting scheme to various statistical populations (e.g., standard deviation), increased detail is extracted on the different lithologies and structures represented by the data set. Furthermore, the curvature's behaviour is analogous to derivative calculation (vertical, horizontal and tilt) by producing a zero value at the source edge and either a local maxima or minima over the source. Application prior to semi‐automated methods may help identify correct indices necessary for identification of magnetic sources. Curvature analysis is successfully applied to an aeromagnetic data set over the 2.6–1.85 Ga Paleoproterozoic Wopmay orogen, Northwest Territories, Canada. This area has undergone regional and local‐scale faulting and is host to multiple generations of dyke swarms. As the area has been extensively mapped, this data set proved to be an ideal test site.
Sea‐bed diffractions and their impact on 4D seismic data
Authors: Grude Sissel , Osdal Bård , Landrø Martin
Published: November 2012

A sea‐bed reflection is used to estimate changes in water layer velocities between time‐lapse seismic surveys. Such corrections are crucial in order to obtain high‐quality 4D seismic data. This might be a challenge in areas where rough sea‐bed topography creates sea‐bed diffractions that interfere with the sea‐bed reflection, as in several of the northern fields in the Norwegian Sea. These diffractions and diffracted multiples are difficult to attenuate during data processing and become a source of noise in time‐lapse data.

In this work we study how cross‐correlation analysis of time‐lapse seismic data at a sea‐bed reflection may be perturbed by the presence of diffractions. The sea‐bed topography from the Norne field is used in 2D finite difference modelling to explain some of the observed variation in a water layer time‐shift in field data. We find that a rough sea‐bed and the diffracted energy it induces cause residual noise on the 4D data. The variation to the water layer time‐shift increases with sea‐bed complexity and is amplified by interaction with other sources of non‐repeatability like water column variations, mis‐positioning and strength of the ice scours creating the diffracted energy. Time‐shift variations with mis‐positioning and velocity changes between the surveys seem to best explain the observed variation in the time‐shift for time‐lapse seismic field data from Norne.
The roles of female and hermaphroditic flowers in the gynodioecious–gynomonoecious Silene littorea: insights into the phenology of sex expression
Authors: Casimiro‐Soriguer I. , Buide M. L. , Narbona E.
Published: November 2012

Some gynodioecious species have intermediate individuals that bear both female and hermaphroditic flowers. This phenomenon is known as a gynodioecious–gynomonoecious sexual system. Gender expression in such species has received little attention in the past, and the phenologies of male and female functions have also yet to be explored. In this study, we examined variations in gender patterns, their effects on female reproductive success and sex expression in depth throughout the flowering period in two populations. The studied populations of Silene littorea contained mostly gynomonoecious plants and the number of pure females was very low. The gynomonoecious plants showed high variability in the total proportion of female flowers. In addition, the proportion of female flowers in each plant varied widely across the flowering season. Although there was a trend towards maleness, our measures of functional gender suggested that most plants transmit their genes via both pollen and ovules. Fruit set and seed set were not significantly different among populations; in contrast, flower production significantly varied between the two populations – and among plants – with consequent variation in total seed production. Conversely, gender and sex expression were similar in both populations. Plants with higher phenotypic femaleness did not have higher fruit set, seed set or total female fecundity. The mating environment fluctuated little across the flowering period, but fluctuations were higher in the population with low flower production. We therefore conclude that the high proportion of gynomonoecious individuals in our studied populations of S. littorea may be advantageous for the species, providing the benefits of both hermaphroditic and female flowers.
Clinical comparison of the Welch Allyn SureSight™ handheld autorefractor vs. streak retinoscopy in dogs
Authors: Groth Allyson D. , Hollingsworth Steven R. , Ofri Ron , Kass Philip H. , Reed Zoe , Murphy Christopher J.
Published: November 2012

Objective To compare the Welch Allyn SureSight™ wavefront autorefractor with retinoscopy in normal dogs.

Animals studied Fifty privately owned dogs (100 eyes) of 20 breeds, free of ocular disease. Mean ± SD age: 5.7 ± 3.25 years (range: 6 months–13 years).

Procedures The refractive error was determined in each eye by two experienced retinoscopists using streak retinoscopy as well as by an autorefractor operated by two different examiners. Measurements were performed before and approximately 30–45 min after cycloplegia was induced by cyclopentolate 0.5% and tropicamide 0.5% ophthalmic solutions.

Results Mean ± SD noncyclopleged retinoscopy net sphere was −0.55 ± 1.14 (range: −3.75 to 3.5) diopters (D). Mean cyclopleged retinoscopy net sphere was −0.52 ± 1.18 (range: −4.25 to 2) D. Mean ± SD noncyclopleged autorefractor spherical equivalent (SE) was −0.42 ± 1.13 D (range: −3.36 to 2.73) D. Mean cyclopleged autorefractor SE was 0.10 ± 1.47 (range: −5.62 to 3.19) D. Noncyclopleged autorefraction results were not significantly different from streak retinoscopy (whether noncyclopleged or cyclopleged,P = 0.80 andP = 0.26, respectively). Cyclopleged autorefraction results were significantly different from noncyclopleged or cyclopleged streak retinoscopy (P < 0.0001 in both states). There was no significant difference between noncyclopleged and cyclopleged streak retinoscopy (P = 0.97).

Conclusions Noncyclopleged autorefraction shows good agreement with streak retinoscopy in dogs and may be a useful clinical technique. Cycloplegia does not significantly affect streak retinoscopy results in dogs.
Managed Futures for Long‐Term Investors: A DEA Ranking Analysis
Authors: Tokic Damir
Published: November 2012

This study proposes an alternative Data Envelopment Analysis ranking model to evaluate the relative performance efficiency of commodity‐trading advisors. I measure the performance efficiency using the decision‐making process quality/trading skills framework and depart from the traditional risk–return framework. The Data Envelopment Analysis rankings produced some interesting results. First, similarly to the previous studies, I successfully isolated two ‘superstar’ commodity‐trading advisors with the highest Sharpe ratios as the Grade A commodity‐trading advisors. However, as an improvement over the similar studies that used the traditional risk–return framework, I also isolated two commodity‐trading advisors with average and below‐average Sharpe ratios as Grade A commodity‐trading advisors.
What Is the Recent Evidence on an Excess Supply of Legal Qualifications in Australia?
Authors: Daly Anne
Published: November 2012

This article considers the Australian evidence on whether there has been an excess supply of law graduates. There is evidence of a strong growth in demand for legal services over the past 15 years. It is also shown that the number graduating from Australian universities with a law degree grew by 3.5‐fold between 1989 and 2007. Evidence on employment rates and starting salaries for law graduates does not suggest that the labour market has been unable to absorb this increase in supply. There is, however, some evidence from the 2006 Census of a decline in the median salary of law graduates.
Vega: Non‐Linear FEM Deformable Object Simulator
Authors: Sin F. S. , Schroeder D. , Barbič J.
Published: November 2012

This practice and experience paper describes a robust C++ implementation of several non‐linear solid three‐dimensional deformable object strategies commonly employed in computer graphics, named the Vega finite element method (FEM) simulation library. Deformable models supported include co‐rotational linear FEM elasticity, Saint–Venant Kirchhoff FEM model, mass–spring system and invertible FEM models: neo‐Hookean, Saint–Venant Kirchhoff and Mooney–Rivlin. We provide several timestepping schemes, including implicit Newmark and backward Euler integrators, and explicit central differences. The implementation of material models is separated from integration, which makes it possible to employ our code not only for simulation, but also for deformable object control and shape modelling. We extensively compare the different material models and timestepping schemes. We provide practical experience and insight gained while using our code in several computer animation and simulation research projects.
A GIS‐Based Site Identification for the Seasonal Storage of Solar Heating: Promises and Pitfalls
Authors: Dolney Timothy J. , Flarend Richard
Published: November 2012

This research presents the use of GIS to identify potential locations of the Seasonal Storage of Solar Heating (S3H) within the state of Pennsylvania. The S3H utilizes a large pit to store thermal energy collected during the warm months for later use in the cold months. To maximize its overall efficiency, S3H must be built where several locational parameters occur in unison: abandoned mine lands (AMLs), institutions, soil type, and land use. These parameters were mapped using GIS with potential locations identified through the application of neighborhood statistics. Potential locations were verified through the use of aerial photographs, hillshades, and site visitations. The verification process revealed spatial inaccuracies associated with the AML dataset. As a result, the horizontal positional accuracy of AMLs was tested according to the Geospatial Positioning Accuracy Standards – National Standard for Spatial Data Accuracy (NSSDA). Results indicate larger than expected positional offset for a dataset that is crucial to funding the reclamation of AMLs.
The Market for Corporate Responsibility Reporting in the Americas
Authors: Hamilton Trina , Tschopp Daniel J.
Published: November 2012

The largest corporations in the world are increasingly adopting international corporate responsibility (CR) reporting standards from organizations such as the Global Reporting Initiative to meet stakeholder expectations for reliable and comparable social and environmental performance data. At the same time, significant geographic variations in reporting rates remain. The goal of this paper is to explain the diffusion of international CR reporting standards within the Americas. Reporting rates cannot be explained fully by a country's population size or level of economic development. Based on a unique statistical analysis of the relative impact of institutional environments, corporate resources and strategic orientation, stakeholder pressures, and transnational trade and learning networks, this research concludes that the diffusion of CR reporting throughout the Americas to date has been fueled by a rather narrow set of corporations with the capacities necessary to implement CR reporting and the strategic orientation to benefit from it. Moreover, corporations' internal capacities and the external demands for CR reporting have been enhanced in select countries by national and transnational CR advocacy and training organizations. This has led to an uneven development of CR reporting thus far, and this unevenness is expected to continue even as overall reporting rates increase.
Growth of Incumbent Firms and Entrepreneurship in Vietnam
Authors: Santarelli Enrico , Tran Hien Thu
Published: November 2012

This paper analyzes the relationship between the performance of incumbent firms and the net entry of new firms by combining various theoretical views of entrepreneurship. Different regression models to treat dynamics and endogeneity issues are applied to test the research hypothesis with regional micro‐data for 61 Vietnamese provinces from 2000 to 2008. The main finding is that net entry is associated with the performance of incumbent firms and the overall performance of the economy. Incumbents' growth and gross domestic product growth induce changes in the existing production system and stimulate the creation of an economic environment more favourable to new firm formation. Consistent with the hypotheses put forward within the “knowledge spillover,” the “error‐correction,” and other approaches, incumbents may generate new entrepreneurial opportunities not only for themselves but also for the whole society.
International trends in health science librarianship: Part 4 – Four Southern European countries
Authors: Lappa Evagelia , Chaleplioglou Artemis , Cognetti Gaetana , Seta Maurella Della , Cheyne Federica Napolitani , Juan‐Quilis Veronica , Muñoz‐Gonzalez Laura , Lopes Sílvia
Published: November 2012

This is the fourth in a series of articles exploring international trends in health science librarianship in four Southern European countries in the first decade of the 21st century. The invited authors are from Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Future issues will track trends in Latin America and Central Europe.

JM
Molecular evidence for the mixing of Meat, Fish and Vegetables in Anglo‐Saxon coarseware from Hamwic, UK
Authors: Baeten J. , Jervis B. , De Vos D. , Waelkens M.
Published: November 2012

Absorbed lipid residues from 24 seventh‐ to ninth‐century coarseware potsherds from the major Anglo‐Saxon trading centre of Hamwic (Southampton, UK) were analysed by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in order to reconstruct the dietary habits of its population. The results show that the vessels were used for preparing ruminant fats and leafy vegetables. In addition, evidence was found for a minor contribution of aquatic foods. Beeswax was found once and most probably relates to a sealing function or to honey. Remarkable features were: (i) the isomeric mixture of octadecenoic acid (C18:1 Δ7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16) and 8‐ to 16‐hydroxyoctadecanoic acid, and (ii) the co‐occurrence of C17:1, C19:1 and isoprenoid fatty acids. These features were proposed as biomarkers for ruminant and aquatic food sources, respectively. Furthermore, the carbonyl position distribution in mid‐chain ketones was used to identify mixtures of animal‐ and plant‐derived ketones. The paper highlights the difficulty in interpreting complex lipid signatures that show a mixture of various foods, as observed in the majority of the samples. This was linked to the preparation of stews or the recycling of vessels. The results are considered alongside ceramic usewear data and existing data relating to environmental remains recovered from the Hamwic excavations.
Cutaneous Tuberculosis in Children
Authors: Sethuraman Gomathy , Ramesh Venkatesh
Published: November 2012

Abstract:  Cutaneous tuberculosis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that accounts for 1% to 2% of cases. Childhood skin tuberculosis represents 18% to 82% of all cutaneous tuberculosis cases. Scrofuloderma and lupus vulgaris are the two most common clinical forms in children. An increase in the number of tuberculids, especially lichen scrofulosorum, has been observed in the last several years. Cutaneous tuberculosis in children can be severe and have a protracted course. Multiplicity of lesions and multifocal disseminated involvement in scrofuloderma and lupus vulgaris is common. Scrofuloderma progressing to gummatous lesions (scrofulous gumma) is mostly described in children. Morbidities and deformities are more severe in children.
Comparative Cardiovascular Safety of Dementia Medications: A Cross‐National Study
Authors: Fosbøl Emil L. , Peterson Eric D. , Holm Ellen , Gislason Gunnar H. , Zhang Yinghong , Curtis Lesley H. , Køber Lars , Iwata Isao , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Setoguchi Soko
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To compare the cardiovascular safety of currently marketed dementia medications in new users in the United States and Denmark.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries from 2006 through 2009 and nationwide Danish administrative registries from 1997 through 2007.

Participants

Individuals treated with a dementia medication aged 65 and older.

Measurements

Hospitalizations for myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure, and syncope or atrioventricular block in both cohorts; fatal or nonfatal MI and cardiac death in the Danish cohort; and all‐cause mortality in sensitivity analyses.

Results

In 46,737 Medicare beneficiaries and 29,496 Danish participants, donepezil was the most frequently used medication. There were no substantial differences in the risk of MI or heart failure between participants using donepezil and those using other cholinesterase inhibitors (all hazard ratios (HR) crossing 1). In the Danish cohort, memantine was associated with fatal or nonfatal MI (HR = 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08–1.63), cardiac death (HR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.12–1.53), and a trend toward higher rates of hospitalization for MI (HR = 1.31, 95% CI = 0.98–1.76). Memantine was also associated with greater risk of all‐cause mortality in the Medicare (HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.13–1.28) and Danish (HR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.73–1.94) cohorts, suggesting that sicker individuals were selected for memantine therapy.

Conclusion

Cholinesterase inhibitors have similar cardiovascular risk profiles. Associations between memantine and fatal outcomes in Denmark may be related, in part, to selection of sicker individuals for memantine therapy.
The Impact of Publicity and Subsequent Intervention in Recruitment Advertising on Job Searching Freshmen's Attraction to an Organization and Job Pursuit Intention
Authors: Lee Chun‐Hsien , Hwang Fang‐Ming , Yeh Yu‐Chen
Published: November 2012

This study investigates the impacts of publicity exposure and recruiting advertisement sequence on freshmen's job search attraction to organizations and their job decisions. The current research uses a two‐factor experiment design, publicity (positive vs. negative) and recruiting ads (detailed vs. general), and recruits 415 undergraduates (seniors are the majority). Results indicate that negative publicity has greater effect on applicant attraction than positive publicity. The perceived truthfulness of sequential intervening recruiting advertisement rules the reaction to job ad, then further impacts on organizational attractiveness and job pursuit intention. With negative publicity exposure, higher specificity of recruiting advertisement has more significant mitigation effects than lower specificity. This work discusses implications and directions for future research.
The Effect of Companion's Gender on Impulsive Purchasing: The Moderating Factor of Cohesiveness and Susceptibility to Interpersonal Influence
Authors: Cheng Yin‐Hui , Chuang Shih‐Chieh , Wang Sui‐Min , Kuo Shan‐yun
Published: November 2012

Most impulse purchasing research investigates individual‐level factors. This paper, however, examines the influence of shopping companion gender on impulse purchasing. The results of the three studies show that shoppers were more likely to exhibit impulse purchase behavior when shopping with an opposite gender companion. In addition, shoppers who were in the low‐cohesive condition and who shopped with an opposite gender companion were more likely to exhibit impulse purchase behavior than those who shopped with the same gender companion, and those who were susceptible to interpersonal influence were also more likely to exhibit impulse purchase behavior when shopping with an opposite gender companion. For shoppers who were not as susceptible to interpersonal influence, the influence of their companion's gender appeared to diminish on impulsive purchasing.
Variation in eggshell traits between geographically distant populations of pied flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca
Authors: Morales Judith , Ruuskanen Suvi , Laaksonen Toni , Eeva Tapio , Mateo Rafael , Belskii Eugen , Ivankina Elena V. , Järvinen Antero , Kerimov Anvar , Korpimäki Erkki , Krams Indrikis , Mänd Raivo , Morosinotto Chiara , Orell Markku , Qvarnström Anna , Siitari Heli , Slater Fred M. , Tilgar Vallo , Visser Marcel E. , Winkel Wolfgang , Zang Herwig , Moreno Juan
Published: November 2012

The expression and impact of maternal effects may vary greatly between populations and environments. However, little is known about large‐scale geographical patterns of variation in maternal deposition to eggs. In birds, as in other oviparous animals, the outermost maternal component of an egg is the shell, which protects the embryo, provides essential mineral resources and allows its interaction with the environment in the form of gas exchange. In this study, we explored variation of eggshell traits (mass, thickness, pore density and pigmentation) across 15 pied flycatcher populations at a large geographic scale. We found significant between‐population variation in all eggshell traits, except in pore density, suggesting spatial variation in their adaptive benefits or in the females’ physiological limitations during egg laying. Between‐ population variation in shell structure was not due to geographic location (latitude and longitude) or habitat type. However, eggshells were thicker in populations that experienced higher ambient temperature during egg laying. This could be a result of maternal resource allocation to the shell being constrained under low temperatures or of an adaptation to reduce egg water loss under high temperatures. We also found that eggshell colour intensity was positively associated with biliverdin pigment concentration, shell thickness and pore density. To conclude, our findings reveal large‐ scale between‐population variation of eggshell traits, although we found little environmental dependency in their expression. Our findings call for further studies that explore other environmental factors (e.g. calcium availability and pollution levels) and social factors like sexual selection intensity that may account for differences in shell structure between populations.