bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Firm Investment decisions in the post‐conflict context
Authors: O'Reilly Colin W.
Published: April 2015

Economic and political transition can occur through peaceful or violent means. Violent transition disrupts the incentive for firms to make productive investments. This paper studies the determinants of profit reinvestment for firms in post‐conflict transition economies. Results indicate that while access to finance is an important determinant of reinvestment during transition, it is not as important in the post‐conflict context. However, property rights protections, in particular institutions of contract enforcement, are a more important determinant of profit reinvestment for firms operating in the post‐conflict environment than for firms in general. This indicates that obstacles to investment are context specific.
Identification and genetic analysis of the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus from Pinus yunnanensis
Authors: Wang X. Z. , Wang L. F. , Wang Y. , Huang Y. Q. , Ding Z. G. , Zhou J. , Gou D. P.
Published: April 2015

In China, pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, was first discovered from Pinus thunbergii in 1982. Thus far, 14 species in the genus Pinus have been reported to be infected by PWN under natural conditions. Pinus yunnanensis, a pine species native to south‐western China, is considered a pioneer tree for barren hill afforestation in areas undergoing rocky desertification. In this study, we detected PWN in dead P. yunnanensis trees in Anlong County, Guizhou Province, China, using both morphological and molecular methods. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PWN from P. yunnanensis in China. To investigate the possible origin of this new outbreak, mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene subunit I and cellulase gene sequences were used to evaluate genetic relationships among worldwide PWN isolates. Phylogenetic tree and haplotype networks revealed that the Anlong isolate (BxChQAL008) sequence was identical to those of seven Chinese isolates collected from Sichuan, Chongqing, Zhejiang, Anhui and Shandong (372–1500 km from Anlong County), but different from the isolate BxChQZY030 collected from the same province (330 km from Anlong County). It is suggested, therefore, that more than one introduction of PWN into Guizhou Province has taken place. The Anlong isolate was likely introduced from neighbouring or more distant provinces rather than from outside China. Moreover, the absence of a correlation between geographic and genetic distance was observed using Mantel test analysis, providing evidence that human‐induced dispersal plays a fundamental role in the spread of the PWN in this region.
Sport science for salmon and other species: ecological consequences of metabolic power constraints
Authors: Martin B. T. , Nisbet R. M. , Pike A. , Michel C. J. , Danner E. M.
Published: April 2015

For metabolically demanding behaviours, power supply (ATP resynthesis per unit time) is an important constraint on performance. Yet ecology as a discipline lacks a framework to account for these power constraints. We developed such a framework (borrowing concepts from sports science) and applied it to the upriver migration of anadromous fish. Our models demonstrate how metabolic power constraints alters optimal migratory behaviour; in response to strong counter flows, fish minimise cost of transport by alternating between rapid, anaerobically fuelled swimming and holding to restore spent fuels. Models ignoring power constraints underestimated the effect of elevated water temperature on migration speed and costs (by up to 60%). These differences were primarily due to a temperature‐mediated reduction in aerobic scope that impairs the ability of fish to rapidly migrate through warm waters. Our framework provides a mechanistic link between temperature‐induced reductions in aerobic scope and their ecological consequences for individuals, populations and communities.
EU‐project DROPSA: first achievements regarding pathway analyses for fruit pests
Authors: Steffen K. , Grousset F. , Petter F. , Suffert M. , Schrader G.
Published: April 2015

The EU project ‘DROPSA’ started in 2014 and aims to improve plant health strategies in the fruit sector. The project is being conducted by an international consortium of 26 partners consisting of phytosanitary organizations, companies, research institutes and universities and will last 50 months. Results will be disseminated via conventional publications and will be brought together in the development of risk‐based strategies to prevent the introduction of new fruit pests. This article describes the task related to the preparation of alert lists of pests that may be introduced into Europe with the trade of fruit. Activities of this task include the investigation of pathways of introduction for fruit pests into Europe, the development of alert lists for selected fruit crops and a review of current legislation. A review of introductions, interceptions and outbreaks that occurred during the last 10–15 years was conducted and is summarized, showing the relevance of fruit trade for the international movement of pests. Work has started on the development of alert lists for selected pathways. In this context, important fruit crops (including Malus, Vaccinium, Vitis, Citrus) were selected.
Occurrence of Grapevine Pinot gris virus in Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy): field monitoring and virus quantification by real‐time RT‐PCR
Authors: Bianchi G. L. , De Amicis F. , De Sabbata L. , Di Bernardo N. , Governatori G. , Nonino F. , Prete G. , Marrazzo T. , Versolatto S. , Frausin C.
Published: April 2015

Since 2003 the presence of a new syndrome characterized by symptoms of stunting, chlorotic mottling, leaf deformation, reduced yields and quality has been reported in some white berry varieties of Vitis vinifera in Trentino‐Alto Adige and Friuli Venezia Giulia vineyards. The identification of a new virus, provisionally called Grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV), in a cv. Pinot gris vine suggested an association between this new syndrome and the virus presence (Giampetruzzi et al., 2012), however the contemporary presence of GPGV in both symptomatic and asymptomatic plants has still to be explained. In this work, a large‐scale monitoring over a 3‐year period (2012–14) of Friuli Venezia Giulia vineyards and nurseries has shown a widespread presence of GPGV in symptomatic plants and also in asymptomatic vines, even if at a slightly lower percentage. Quantitative analyses of the virus titer revealed a great variability in the viral content of both symptomatic and asymptomatic plants but the mean GPGV quantity in symptomatic vines was significantly higher than in asymptomatic plants.
The importance of retaining a phylogenetic perspective in traits‐based community analyses
Authors: Poteat Monica D. , Jacobus Luke M. , Buchwalter David B.
Published: April 2015

Many environmental stressors manifest their effects via physiological processes (traits) that can differ significantly among species and species groups. We compiled available data for three traits related to the bioconcentration of the toxic metal cadmium (Cd) from 42 species representing the aquatic insect orders Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies) and Trichoptera (caddisflies). These traits included the propensity to take up Cd from water (uptake rate constant, ku), the ability to excrete Cd (efflux rate constant, ke) and the net result of these two processes (bioconcentration factor).

Ranges in these Cd bioaccumulation traits varied in magnitude across clades (some clades had a greater tendency to bioaccumulate Cd than others). Overlap in the ranges of trait values among different clades was common and highlights situations where species from different lineages can share a similar trait state, but represent the high end of possible physiological values for one clade and the low end for another.

Variance around the mean trait states differed widely across clades, suggesting that some groups (e.g. Ephemerellidae) are inherently more variable than others (e.g. Perlidae). Thus, trait variability/lability is at least partially a function of lineage.

Akaike information criterion comparisons of statistical models were more often driven by lineage than by the other tested potential biological or ecological explanations. Lineage‐driven models generally improved with increasing taxonomic resolution.

Together, these findings suggest that lineage provides context for the analysis of species traits and that failure to consider lineage in community‐based analysis of traits may obscure important patterns of species responses to environmental change.
Effects of food supplies and water temperature on growth rates of two species of freshwater tropical shrimps
Authors: Pérez‐Reyes Omar , Crowl Todd A. , Covich Alan P.
Published: April 2015

Growth rates of individual freshwater shrimp of the species Atya lanipes and Xiphocaris elongata were measured in a second‐order stream in the Luquillo Experimental Forest in Puerto Rico over 10 years (1997–2007). Shrimp living at lower altitudes in warmer water and wider stream channels with more algal and detrital foods were predicted to grow and reproduce more rapidly.

Shrimp were marked and recaptured periodically in pools located at three altitudes to determine whether temperature affected growth rates among individual A. lanipes and X. elongata.

Mean annual water temperatures ranged from 20 to 24 °C with the uppermost pool being cooler than the lower pools. Mean annual growth rates for Atya and Xiphocaris were 0.27 and 0.1 mm carapace length, respectively, for all three populations.

Differences in growth were partially influenced by how each species obtains its food. Atya is a filter feeder and scraper and has continuous access to suspended organic particles and biofilms. The slower growth rate for Xiphocaris elongata is most likely a result of the wider range in quality and accessibility of food resources.

Differences in pool morphology and depths probably affected differences in food availability. Increased leaf litter retention in the deeper upper and lower pools probably increased shrimp growth rates, while washout of leaf litter from the relatively shallow, elongate mid‐altitude pool decreased Atya lanipes growth rates.

These long‐lived, slow‐growing shrimp species transform a wide range of organic materials into their biomass. Because of the slow growth rates of these detritivores shrimp, tropical storms, hurricanes, droughts or other disturbances could have persistent, long‐term impacts on detrital processing and on the populations of their predators.
Strain‐dependent variations in visceral sensitivity: relationship to stress, anxiety and spinal glutamate transporter expression
Authors: Moloney R. D. , Dinan T. G. , Cryan J. F.
Published: April 2015

Responses to painful stimuli differ between populations, ethnic groups, sexes and even among individuals of a family. However, data regarding visceral pain are still lacking. Thus, we investigated differences in visceral nociception across inbred and outbred mouse strains using colorectal distension. Anxiety and depression‐like behaviour were assessed using the open field and forced swim test as well as the corticosterone stress response. Possible mechanistic targets [excitatory amino acid transporter (EAAT‐1), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and 5HT1A receptor] were also assessed using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Adult, male, inbred and outbred mouse strains were used in all assays (inbred strains; CBA/J Hsd, C3H/HeNHsd, BALB/c OlaHsd, C57 BL/6JOlaHsd, DBA/2J RccHsd, CAST/EiJ, SM/J, A/J OlaHsd, 129P2/OlaHsd, FVB/NHan Hsd and outbred strains: Swiss Webster, CD‐1). mRNA expression levels of EAAT‐1, BDNF and 5HT1A receptor (HTR1A) were quantified in the lumbosacral spinal cord, amygdala and hippocampus. A significant effect of strain was found in visceral sensitivity, anxiety and depressive‐like behaviours. Strain differences were also seen in both baseline and stress‐induced corticosterone levels. CBA/J mice consistently exhibited heightened visceral sensitivity, anxiety behaviour and depression‐like behaviour which were associated with decreased spinal EAAT‐1 and hippocampal BDNF and HTR1A. Our results show the CBA/J mouse strain as a novel mouse model to unravel the complex mechanisms of brain–gut axis disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, in particular the underlying mechanisms of visceral hypersensitivity, for which there is great need. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of genotype and the consequences for future development of transgenic strains in pain research.
Random processes and phylogenetic loss caused by plant invasions
Authors: Lapiedra Oriol , Sol Daniel , Traveset Anna , Vilà Montserrat
Published: April 2015

Aim

Although biological invasions represent a major cause of biodiversity loss, the actual mechanisms driving species extinctions remain insufficiently understood. Here we investigate the role of three processes as drivers of phylogenetic loss in invaded local plant communities, namely the ‘biotic resistance’, ‘environmental filtering’ and ‘functional equivalence’ hypotheses.

Location

Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean).

Methods

We quantified the phylogenetic diversity and structure of 109 pairs of invaded and non‐invaded local plant communities from two Mediterranean islands. Each pair contained one control plot and one plot invaded either by the deciduous tree Ailanthus altissima, the succulent subshrubs Carpobrotus spp. or the pseudoannual geophyte Oxalis pes‐caprae. We combined generalized linear models, analyses of phylogenetic community structure and generalized linear mixed models using a Markov chain Monte Carlo technique (MCMCglmm) to contrast the ‘biotic resistance’, ‘environmental filtering’ and ‘functional equivalence’ hypotheses.

Results

While the phylogenetic structure of the non‐invaded communities was not more clustered or overdispersed than expected by chance, minimum phylogenetic distance to the invasive species increased in invaded assemblages, in which the magnitude of phylogenetic diversity loss ranged from 6 to 37% depending on the invader's identity. Invader or island identity did not explain the probabilities of native species becoming locally extinct. Rather, the likelihood of extinction was mainly explained by species abundance, with scarcer species exhibiting a higher chance of becoming locally extinct. Species identity explained a small fraction of the variation in extinction risk (12%), independently of each species' evolutionary history.

Main conclusions

The most relevant driver of local extinction is a stochastic process where less abundant species tend to disappear more frequently irrespective of their evolutionary history. This has strong implications for conservation because it suggests that in the study region the invaders are unlikely to drive regional and global extinctions except in cases where the native species is already rare.
High‐grade fetal adenocarcinoma of the lung is a tumour with a fetal phenotype that shows diverse differentiation, including high‐grade neuroendocrine carcinoma: a clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and mutational study of 20 cases
Authors: Suzuki Masaki , Yazawa Takuya , Ota Satoshi , Morimoto Junichi , Yoshino Ichiro , Yamanaka Shoji , Inayama Yoshiaki , Kawabata Yoshinori , Shimizu Yoshihiko , Komatsu Masayo , Notohara Kenji , Koda Kenji , Nakatani Yukio
Published: April 2015

Aims

High‐grade fetal adenocarcinoma (H‐FLAC) is a rare variant of pulmonary adenocarcinoma; this study aims to elucidate its clinicopathological features and genetic abnormalities.

Methods and results

Clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and mutational analyses were performed on 20 surgically resected lung cancers that showed H‐FLAC histology in various proportions. These tumours predominantly occurred in elderly males and in 10 patients who were heavy smokers. Four cases were pure H‐FLAC, and 16 cases were mixed H‐FLAC, which were found to be combined with conventional‐type adenocarcinoma (15 cases), large‐cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (three cases), small‐cell carcinoma (one case), enteric adenocarcinoma (two cases), choriocarcinoma (two cases), and a solid–clear cell pattern (seven cases). The fetal phenotype and diverse differentiation were supported by the immunoexpression of α‐fetoprotein (95%), thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1) (50%), neuroendocrine markers (30–45%), proneural markers (50–69%), and CDX2 (40%). Except for TTF‐1 expression (pure H‐FLACs, 0%; mixed H‐FLACs, 63%), there were no significant differences in histological or immunohistochemical findings between pure and mixed H‐FLACs. EGFR, KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA mutations were identified in 20%, 0%, 0% and 7% of the tumours, respectively.

Conclusions

Lung adenocarcinomas with H‐FLAC features possess the potential for multidirectional differentiation, and are not strongly associated with known major driver gene mutations.
Nesting of solitary wasps and bees in natural and artificial holes in dead wood in young boreal forest stands
Authors: Westerfelt Per , Widenfalk Olof , Lindelöw Åke , Gustafsson Lena , Weslien Jan
Published: April 2015

Life history traits of solitary nest provisioning bees and wasps (Aculeata) are characterised by low fecundity and extensive parental care. Therefore, it can be expected that egg‐laying females are demanding in their nest choice.

Dead wood in young boreal forest stands in mid‐Sweden were surveyed for holes made by different insect species and the occupancy of solitary bees or wasps in those holes was analysed. Artificial nests consisting of wooden poles with pre‐drilled holes were used for comparison.

In 1634 wood objects, 5793 potential nesting holes of 16 types were labelled to insect species or genera that had made the hole. Only 1.8% of these were occupied by any bee or wasp species. In contrast to the natural wood objects, artificial nests had high occupancy (c. 30%).

Hole diameter, rather than tree species, hole type or stand age, was the most important factor explaining occupancy of a certain aculeate species. Holes in standing dead wood (SDW) had higher occupancy than holes in stumps and logs.

The results are discussed in the context of aculeate life history traits. It is argued that the reason for the low occupancy in the natural dead wood, especially in the stumps, was that most holes were situated in moist and decayed wood, and offered inferior conditions for offspring during the development from egg to adult.

Retention and creation of SDW objects of different tree species at final felling is recommended.
Foreign Location Choice: Review and Extensions
Authors: Kim Jin Uk , Aguilera Ruth V.
Published: April 2015

International Business (IB) research on foreign‐location choice has experienced a revival in recent years, yet a comprehensive review has been sorely lacking. The purpose of this review is to synthesize the findings of recently published articles on the topic of foreign‐location choice and offer fruitful directions for future research. This review consists of three sections: first, the authors provide a historical overview of this research stream by tracing its origins and analyzing the general trend that has shaped research on foreign‐location choice. Next, the authors conduct a review of 137 recent articles published in leading IB and business/management journals. These articles are categorized according to common topics, and the main findings of each category are synthesized in order to bring some cohesion to this fragmented field. Lastly, the authors identify issues that remain under‐researched or require re‐thinking some taken‐for‐granted assumptions. Through this effort, they are able to connect the past, present and future of research on foreign‐location choice and to shed some new light on the IB literature.
Leisure time physical activity before and during mid‐pregnancy and offspring adiposity in mid‐childhood
Authors: Kong K. L. , Gillman M. W. , Rifas‐Shiman S. L. , Wen X.
Published: April 2015

Background

Effects of maternal leisure time physical activity (LTPA) on paediatric obesity are unknown. The objective of this study was to examine associations of maternal LTPA with offspring overall and central adiposity in mid‐childhood.

Methods

We analysed data from 802 mother–child dyads from Project Viva, a prospective pre‐birth cohort study. Women reported average weekly LTPA before and during mid‐pregnancy. At age 7–10 years, we measured fat, truncal fat and lean mass with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Using multivariable linear regression, we examined associations of maternal LTPA with offspring adiposity, adjusting for child age and sex, maternal race/ethnicity, education, age, pre‐pregnancy body mass index, marital status and smoking status.

Results

Mean (standard deviation) of LTPA before and during mid‐pregnancy were 9.5 (8.1) and 7.1 (7.0) h week−1. At mean age 7.8 (0.8) years, childhood fat, truncal fat and lean mass indices were 4.3 (1.8), 1.4 (0.8) and 12.9 (1.4) kg m−2. We did not find that higher maternal LTPA was associated with lower child adiposity outcomes. For example, compared with 0–3 h week−1 of LTPA during mid‐pregnancy, children of mothers with +8 h week−1 had fat mass index 0.07 kg m−2 (95% confidence interval: −0.22, 0.36). In analyses of within‐person LTPA change from before to mid‐pregnancy, compared with +2 h week−1 decrease in LTPA, increased LTPA (2 ± h week−1) was associated with a 0.09 kg m−2 fat mass index (−0.25, 0.43).

Conclusions

Contrary to our hypothesis, higher LTPA before and during mid‐pregnancy, and the change between them, were not associated with lower adiposity in mid‐childhood.
Voluntary or mandatory enrollment in training and the motivation to transfer training
Authors: Curado Carla , Henriques Paulo Lopes , Ribeiro Sofia
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this study is to examine the motivation to transfer training in a multidimensional way. It investigates autonomous and controlled motivation and explores the difference in motivation to transfer according to whether the employee is enrolled in training on a voluntary or mandatory basis. This is a cross‐sectional hypotheses‐testing study. Data were collected at a large insurance company involving employees who had participated in training programs in the previous 6 months. Findings show that when considering autonomous motivation to transfer, results support the argument that being voluntarily enrolled in the training program shows a higher impact on motivation to transfer than being mandatorily enrolled. When considering controlled motivation to transfer, results do not support such an argument, probably because of the nature of controlled motivation to transfer that in practice reduces the difference in results between the two types of enrollment.
Conditions associated with extreme hyperferritinaemia (>3000 μg/L) in adults
Authors: Wormsbecker A. J. , Sweet D. D. , Mann S. L. , Wang S. Y. , Pudek M. R. , Chen L. Y. C.
Published: April 2015

Background

The clinical significance of extreme hyperferritinaemia has come under scrutiny with the increasing recognition of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in adults. Most studies of hyperferritinaemia have focused on serum ferritin greater than 1000 μg/L, often in ambulatory patients. The conditions associated with more extreme hyperferritinaemia are poorly understood.

Aims

To examine conditions associated with extreme hyperferritinaemia greater than 3000 μg/L in acutely ill adults at a quaternary care hospital.

Methods

Patients with serum ferritin greater than 3000 μg/L at Vancouver General Hospital between 1 August 2011 and 1 August 2012 were identified. Those over 18 years of age and with clinical data available were included in the study.

Results

Eighty‐three subjects were identified. Twenty‐one cases (25%) were due to transfusional iron overload, 16 (19%) due to liver disease and 15 (18%) due to mixed factors. Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) was diagnosed in six of 83 patients (7%) with ferritin greater than 3000 μg/L, but six of eight patients (75%) with ferritin greater than 20 000 μg/L.

Conclusions

Extreme hyperferritinaemia greater than 3000 μg/L is uncommon in adult patients. The highest serum ferritin values are seen in HLH, but the differential diagnosis for serum ferritin greater than 3000 μg/L remains broad with iron overload and liver disease being the most common causes.
Er3+ Ions‐Doped Germano‐Gallate Oxyfluoride Glass‐Ceramics Containing BaF2 Nanocrystals
Authors: Zhao Zhiyong , Ai Bing , Liu Chao , Yin Qiaoyun , Xia Mengling , Zhao Xiujian , Jiang Yang
Published: April 2015

Er3+ ions‐doped germano‐gallate oxyfluoride glass‐ceramic containing BaF2 nanocrystals was prepared through conventional melt quenching and subsequent thermal treatment method. X‐ray diffraction patterns and transmission electron microscope images confirmed the formation of BaF2 nanocrystals in glass‐ceramics. Preferential incorporation of Er3+ ions into the BaF2 nanocrystals were confirmed by the absorption spectra and emission spectra, and enhanced upconversion emission and infrared emission were observed. Relatively high transmittance in the mid‐infrared region indicated great potential of this germano‐gallate oxyfluoride glass‐ceramics as host materials for the efficient mid‐infrared emission from rare‐earth ions.
Local and serum levels of adipokines in patients with obesity after periodontal therapy: one‐year follow‐up
Authors: Gonçalves Tiago Eduardo Dias , Zimmermann Glaucia Santos , Figueiredo Luciene Cristina , Souza Monique de Carvalho , da Cruz Daniele Ferreira , Bastos Marta Ferreira , da Silva Hélio Doyle Pereira , Duarte Poliana Mendes
Published: April 2015

Aim

This study evaluated the effects of scaling and root planing (SRP) on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum levels of adipokines in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) with or without obesity.

Methods

Twenty patients with obesity and 20 patients without obesity, all with CP, received SRP. Serum and GCF levels of resistin, adiponectin, leptin, tumour necrosis factor [TNF]‐α and interleukin [IL]‐6 were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months post‐therapy.

Results

SRP reduced the amounts of TNF‐α in deep sites and increased the concentration of adiponectin in shallow sites of non‐obese patients (p < 0.05). SRP increased the concentrations of TNF‐α and leptin in patients with obesity (p < 0.05). GCF levels of TNF‐α were higher in patients with obesity than in patients without obesity at all time‐points (p < 0.05). There were no changes in serum levels of any adipokines for any group after therapy (p > 0.05). Patients with obesity exhibited higher serum levels of leptin at all time‐points and IL‐6 at 3 months post‐therapy (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Obesity may modulate systemic and periodontal levels of adipokines in favour of pro‐inflammation, independently of periodontal therapy. SRP did not affect the circulating levels of adipokines in patients with or without obesity.
The Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort: constructing a deep phenotyping collaborative
Authors: Calkins Monica E. , Merikangas Kathleen R. , Moore Tyler M. , Burstein Marcy , Behr Meckenzie A. , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Ruparel Kosha , Wolf Daniel H. , Roalf David R. , Mentch Frank D. , Qiu Haijun , Chiavacci Rosetta , Connolly John J. , Sleiman Patrick M.A. , Gur Ruben C. , Hakonarson Hakon , Gur Raquel E.
Published: April 2015

Background

An integrative multidisciplinary approach is required to elucidate the multiple factors that shape neurodevelopmental trajectories of mental disorders. The Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort (PNC), funded by the National Institute of Mental Health Grand Opportunity (GO) mechanism of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, was designed to characterize clinical and neurobehavioral phenotypes of genotyped youths. Data generated, which are recently available through the NIMH Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP), have garnered considerable interest. We provide an overview of PNC recruitment and clinical assessment methods to allow informed use and interpretation of the PNC resource by the scientific community. We also evaluate the structure of the assessment tools and their criterion validity.

Methods

Participants were recruited from a large pool of youths (n = 13,958) previously identified and genotyped at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. A comprehensive computerized tool for structured evaluation of psychopathology domains (GOASSESS) was constructed. We administered GOASSESS to all participants and used factor analysis to evaluate its structure.

Results

A total of 9,498 youths (aged 8–21; mean age = 14.2; European American = 55.8%; African American = 32.9%; Other = 11.4%) were enrolled. Factor analysis revealed a strong general psychopathology factor, and specific ‘anxious‐misery’, ‘fear’, and ‘behavior’ factors. The ‘behavior’ factor had a small negative correlation (−0.21) with overall accuracy of neurocognitive performance, particularly in tests of executive and complex reasoning. Being female had a high association with the ‘anxious‐misery’ and low association with the ‘behavior’ factors. The psychosis spectrum was also best characterized by a general factor and three specific factors: ideas about ‘special abilities/persecution,’ ‘unusual thoughts/perceptions’, and ‘negative/disorganized’ symptoms.

Conclusions

The PNC assessment mechanism yielded psychopathology data with strong factorial validity in a large diverse community cohort of genotyped youths. Factor scores should be useful for dimensional integration with other modalities (neuroimaging, genomics). Thus, PNC public domain resources can advance understanding of complex inter‐relationships among genes, cognition, brain, and behavior involved in neurodevelopment of common mental disorders.
Supercritical CO2 Extraction and Characterization of Coriandrum Sativum L. Essential Oil
Authors: Dima Cristian , Ifrim George Adrian , Coman Gigi , Alexe Petru , Dima Ştefan
Published: April 2015

For the present study, whole coriander seeds harvested in Romania were screened (<4 mm) and minced in order to obtain ground powder with various particle sizes. Three types of ground powder with particle sizes of 500, 630 and 710 μm were subjected to extraction with supercritical CO2. The extraction conducted over a period of 210 min was carried out at 150 bar and temperatures of 40 and 50C. The best extraction yield (0.57% w/w) was achieved for the 630‐μm particle size ground at 40C; for this temperature, the density of CO2 is higher as well as its solvation power. The chemical composition of the coriander essential oil extracted at maximum yield was determined through gas chromatography; 10 compounds that make up nearly 97% of the extract thus being identified. The antibacterial activity of the coriander essential oil was investigated on three foodborne pathogens: Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus. The growth of the three pathogens, stored for 10 days at 10C, in the presence of coriander essential oil was proved to be significantly inhibited.

Practical Applications

In contrast with the direct use of powdered spices, the addition of spice extracts in food products does not affect their texture. The supercritical CO2 extraction of coriander essential oils is an environmentally friendly technique that results in pure solvent‐free extracts with high biological potential. In addition, the extraction takes place at low temperatures that help prevent the degradation of the biological components. The pure coriander essential oil thus obtained can be processed further (e.g., microencapsulation) to increase its efficiency in food products. The coriander essential oil obtained using the supercritical CO2 extraction has demonstrated an antibacterial activity, which qualifies its use both as condiment and as preservative.
Establishment of an Enzymatic Membrane Reactor for Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptides Preparation from Wheat Germ Protein Isolates
Authors: He Ronghai , Xing Huan , Wang Zhiping , Ding Wenhui , Zhu Peipei , Liu Bin , Ma Haile
Published: April 2015

In this paper, an efficient enzymatic membrane reactor (EMR) was established for the preparation of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides from wheat germ protein isolates (WGPI). It promoted the protein conversion and improved the enzyme utilization rate. ACE inhibitory peptides of WGPI were prepared using 5 kDa membrane device for enzyme membrane coupling. Based on the results of the protease activity preservation experiment, substrate intercept experiment, batch EMR experiment and continuous EMR experiment, the conditions of EMR were decided as follows: substrate concentration of 1.2% (w/v), alcalase quantity of 110 μL, temperature of 50C, pH of 9.0, effective volume of 0.4 L, permeation flux of 0.005 L/min and turn into 0.011 L/min after 10 min and runtime of 300 min. The continuous EMR method showed high conversion rate of protein (55.3%) and IC50 of peptides (0.50 mg/mL). The conversion rate of protein significantly increased by 36.17% and the IC50 of peptides significantly reduced by 30.6% compared with the traditional enzymatic hydrolysis method. Therefore, the continuous EMR is beneficial to the efficient production of ACE inhibitory peptides from WGPI.

Practical Applications

Using food protein as raw material, functional polypeptides products have been developed by employing enzymatic hydrolysis and series of high technologies. However, during the preparation of functional polypeptides, some problems of low reaction efficiency, product yield and product activity existed, which seriously influence the performance of technology industrialization. The enzymatic membrane reactor (EMR) is an effective mode which can achieve continuous operation by the integration of substrate enzymolysis, enzyme recovery and hydrolyzate separation in functional polypeptides producing. Utilization of the EMR technology will not only increase food protein commercial value, but will also satisfy the needs of the polypeptide processing industries for efficient, low‐cost producing.
Effect of Hospitalization on Inappropriate Prescribing in Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Lund Brian C. , Schroeder Mary C. , Middendorff Grant , Brooks John M.
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To determine whether acute hospitalization is associated with a change in potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use and whether use varies across geographic region.

Design

Observational.

Setting

Continental United States.

Participants

Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during 2007–08.

Measurements

Potentially inappropriate medication use was defined according to the High‐Risk Medications in Elderly Adults quality indicator from the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set. Prevalence of outpatient PIM use was determined at admission and discharge and then used to identify medications discontinued during hospitalization and incident medications started during this period.

Results

Of 124,051 older adults hospitalized for AMI, 9,607 (7.7%) were outpatient PIM users at admission, which increased to 8.6% at discharge (P < .001). Admission PIM rates varied according to geographic region, as did the effect of hospitalization. Admission PIM use was lowest in the northeast and remained unchanged during hospitalization (5.1–5.1%, P = .95). In contrast, admission PIM use was highest in the south and increased significantly during hospitalization (9.9–11.4%, P < .001). PIM use also increased from the long‐term perspective, with 6‐month period prevalence rates of 22.6% before admission and 24.6% after discharge (P < .001).

Conclusion

Despite intervention studies demonstrating up to 80% reduction in PIM use during acute hospitalization, a significant increase in PIM use was observed in a naturalistic setting in Medicare beneficiaries with AMI. Further research is needed to develop an approach to minimizing PIM use in the inpatient setting that is cost‐effective and suitable for widespread implementation.
Asthma Control and Cognitive Function in a Cohort of Elderly Adults
Authors: Ray Maile , Sano Mary , Wisnivesky Juan P. , Wolf Michael S. , Federman Alex D.
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To determine whether poor asthma control is associated with cognitive impairment in a cohort of older, inner‐city adults with asthma.

Design

Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

Outpatient practices in New York City and Chicago.

Participants

Individuals aged 60 and older with a physician diagnosis of asthma and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or a smoking history of 10 pack‐years or more (N = 452).

Measurements

Cognitive assessments that included processing speed (pattern comparison, Trail‐Making Test Part A), executive function (Trail‐Making Test Part B), attention and working memory (letter number sequencing), immediate and delayed recall (Wechsler Memory Scale Story A), word fluency (animal naming), and global cognitive function (Mini‐Mental State Examination) were administered. Asthma control was measured using the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) and airway obstruction using spirometry as the predicted forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1) of less than 70%. Cognitive measures were modeled in linear and logistic regression models controlling for age, race, education, English proficiency, and income.

Results

Participants had a mean age of 68; 41% had poor asthma control according to the ACQ, and 35% had FEV1 of less than 70%. Poor asthma control and FEV1 less than 70% were significantly associated with all measures of cognitive function in univariate analyses, although these associations lost their statistical significance after adjusting for age, education, English proficiency, and other covariates. The same pattern was observed when the outcomes were below‐normal performance on the cognitive measures based on normative data.

Conclusion

Poor asthma control and airway obstruction are not associated with poor performance on various measures of cognitive function in older adults with asthma.
Battling Against Interfaith Relations in Israel: Religion, Therapy, and Social Services
Authors: Hakak Yohai
Published: April 2015

One of the less studied aspects of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict is its demography. On the Jewish side, active steps are taken by the state to encourage Jewish immigration and Jewish births and discourage Jewish assimilation. As part of these efforts, the “problematic relationships” between Arab men and Jewish women from low socioeconomic background have become a high agenda item in public discussions in Israel during the last decade. I will examine here how the diagnostic category “girls at risk” and a therapeutic intervention employed by social services dealing with these couples helps maintaining the delicate balance between Jewish and democratic values. I will analyze these practices as a solution to a structural problem of the Jewish enclave in Israel.

Video Abstract
Differences in the treatment and evolution of acute coronary syndromes according to gender: what are the causes?
Authors: Ferraz‐Torres Marta , Belzunegui‐Otano Tomás , Marín‐Fernandez Blanca , Martinez‐Garcia Óscar , Ibañez‐Beroiz Berta
Published: April 2015

Aims and objectives

The objectives of this study were to analyse the differences in the treatment and the evolution of acute coronary syndromes according to the gender of the patient and to determine the likely causes of these differences.

Background

Epidemiological studies confirm the differences in the course and treatment of acute coronary syndromes according to factors such as gender and age. The factors associated with the observed gender‐based differences are not known.

Design and methods

This prospective study was conducted on 596 patients treated in the Hospital Emergency Service of the Hospital Complex of Navarra, Spain, from 1 January 2012 to April 2013 with acute coronary syndromes. A bivariate and logistic analysis has been made by adjusting the age and severity of process to know the differences by gender.

Results

A total of 71·8% (n = 428) were men, and the remaining 28·2% (168) were women. The mean age of the men was 66·4 ± 12·7 years, and the mean age of the women was 72·5 ± 13·9 years. We found that antiplatelet drugs (68·4 vs. 22·7%), blockers (70 vs. 25·4%), ACE inhibitors (56·2 vs. 15·6%), fibrinolysis (17·2 vs. 4·5%, p = 0·025) and primary angioplasty (AP) (38·7 vs. 16·3%, p = 0·008) were less frequently administered to women compared with men. We observed an additional delay in the demand for health care in women with acute coronary syndromes compared with men.

Conclusions

There is an association between treatment differences and gender. The delay in the request of health care in women is observed to be the largest correlating factor, in addition to voluntary discharge in women affected by acute coronary syndromes.

Relevance to clinical practice

Delays in seeking medical care or voluntary discharge are likely factors related to worse outcomes in women. These factors should be explored, and the results should be made available to the public, particularly to women.
Gum chewing and gastrointestinal function following caesarean delivery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hochner Hagit , Tenfelde Sandi M , Abu Ahmad Wiessam , Liebergall‐Wischnitzer Michal
Published: April 2015

Aims and objectives

The aims of this systematic review and meta‐analysis were to summarise current knowledge regarding gum chewing intervention for activation of the gastrointestinal (GI) system following caesarean delivery.

Background

GI symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and defecatory difficulties are bothersome for women following a caesarean delivery. There is category A recommendation to not withhold oral intake postoperatively. However, current practice guidelines vary widely on time to initiate oral feeding post caesarean delivery, and additional research is needed. Gum chewing has been shown to stimulate the GI system in other postoperative patient populations.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

An electronic review was undertaken using the following resources: PubMed (Medline), CINAHL, EMBASE and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Key words used in various combinations included cesarean section; cesarean delivery; postoperative chewing gum; bowel movement; bowel function and complications.

Results

A total of 171 articles were found of which 166 were excluded: 157 were duplicates and the remainder did not meet the inclusion criteria. Five randomised control trials were included in the meta‐analysis, focusing on gum chewing as an intervention as compared with a nongum chewing intervention, with a total of 846 participants. Compared with the nongum chewing group, gum chewing showed a beneficial impact on the major outcomes of digestive system activation, including bowel sound, gas passage and defecation.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis supports the effectiveness of gum chewing post caesarean delivery as a noninvasive/nonpharmacological intervention for reactivation of bowel movement.

Relevance to clinical practice

Gum chewing in the immediate postoperative period following caesarean delivery may provide a socially acceptable, low‐cost and safe intervention to reduce postcaesarean delivery GI complications and restore GI function.
Breakage of two silicone endotracheal tubes during extubation
Authors: Niimura del Barrio M. C. , Espadas I. , Hughes J. M. L.
Published: April 2015

Silicone endotracheal tubes broke during tracheal extubation of two dogs after uneventful anaesthesia. The remaining pieces were removed via endoscopy, and both dogs recovered with no further problems. A third silicone endotracheal tube broke while checking for cracks prior to its use. Biofilm formation on the surface of the endotracheal tube is thought to be the main cause of the breakage. Destruction of the biofilm is difficult, therefore exhaustive cleaning with detergents followed by vigorous brushing is recommended to break the interaction between the silicone surface and the biofilm. It is suggested that careful attention is paid to how tubes are cleaned and dried (in a hanging position), and that they are checked carefully for cracks prior to each use.
When Buyer‐Driven Knowledge Transfer Activities Really Work: A Motivation–Opportunity–Ability Perspective
Authors: Kim Hyojin , Hur Daesik , Schoenherr Tobias
Published: April 2015

While supplier development has become a prominent strategy, it has also been shown to not always be successful. We take a contingency perspective in the present research to investigate why this may be the case. Unlike most prior studies, we examine the issue from the viewpoint of the supplier as the recipient of buyer‐driven knowledge transfer, and assess factors that may attenuate or hamper its effect on the supplier's operational performance. We suggest, basing our arguments on the theoretical framework of motivation–opportunity–ability (MOA), that while buyer‐driven knowledge transfer activities provide anopportunityfor enhancing the supplier's operational performance, the degree to which this opportunity is realized depends upon both the relative absorptive capacity (ability), as well as the supplier's trust in the buyer, and the supplier's innovativeness (motivation). Specifically, we theorize that the supplier's perceived overlapping knowledge and its perceived cognitive congruence with the buyer (reflective of the supplier's relative absorptive capacity) and the supplier's trust in the buyer serve as positive moderators, and the supplier's own innovativeness as a negative moderator. We assess these hypotheses within a unique context, namely that of small‐ and medium‐sized suppliers of largeSouthKorean conglomerates (so‐calledchaebols), using hierarchical linear modeling. Our findings extend the academic literature in supplier development by providing insight into important contingencies influencing the effectiveness of buyer‐driven knowledge transfer activities for improved operational performance of suppliers, based on theMOAframework, and offer valuable lessons for practitioners in crafting more effective supplier development strategies.
Zero‐Modified Geometric INAR(1) Process for Modelling Count Time Series with Deflation or Inflation of Zeros
Authors: Barreto‐Souza Wagner
Published: April 2015

In this article, we propose a first‐order integer‐valued autoregressive [INAR(1)] process for dealing with count time series with deflation or inflation of zeros. The proposed process has zero‐modified geometric marginals and contains the geometric INAR(1) process as a particular case. The proposed model is also capable of capturing underdispersion and overdispersion, which sometimes are caused by deflation or inflation of zeros. We explore several statistical and mathematical properties of the process, discuss point estimation of the parameters and find the asymptotic distribution of the proposed estimators. We also propose a test based on our model for checking if the count time series considered is deflated or inflated of zeros. Two empirical illustrations are presented in order to show the potential for practice of our zero‐modified geometric INAR(1) process. This article contains a Supporting Information.
A Quantile‐based Test for Symmetry of Weakly Dependent Processes
Authors: Psaradakis Zacharias , Vávra Marián
Published: April 2015

This article considers the problem of testing for symmetry of the marginal distribution of weakly dependent, stationary random processes. A quantile‐based test for symmetry is proposed, which is easy to implement, requires no moment assumptions and has a standard asymptotic distribution. The finite‐sample properties of the test are assessed by means of Monte Carlo experiments. An application to financial time series is also discussed.