bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developments in the field of allergy in 2011 through the eyes of Clinical and Experimental Allergy
Authors: Arshad S. H. , Dharmage S. C. , Ferreira F. , Fixman E. D. , Gadermaier G. , Hauser M. , Sampson A. P. , Teran L. M. , Wallner M. , Wardlaw A. J.
Published: November 2012

As in previous years, we felt it would be of value to our readership to summarize the new information provided by the authors who have published in Clinical and Experimental Allergy in 2011 and set this in the context of recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis and management of allergic disease in all its many manifestations. In 2011, about 210 articles were published in Clinical and Experimental Allergy including editorials, reviews, opinion articles, guidelines, letters, book reviews and of course at the heart of the journal, papers containing original data. As before, this review is divided into sections based on the way the journal is structured, although this year we have grouped together all the papers dealing with mechanisms of allergic disease, whether they involve patients (clinical mechanisms), pure in vitro studies (basic mechanisms) or animal models (experimental models), as we felt this was a more coherent way to deal with the subject. In the field of asthma and rhinitis, the relationship between airway inflammation and airway dysfunction was of perennial interest to investigators, as were phenotypes and biomarkers. Aspirin hypersensitivity appeared in studies in several papers and there was new interest in asthma in the elderly. The mechanisms involved in allergic disease describe advances in our understanding of T cell responses, the relationship between inflammation and disease, mast cell and basophil activation, steroid resistance and novel therapies. In the section dealing with epidemiology, studies seeking to identify risk factors for allergic disease including vitamin D are prominent, as once again are studies investigating gene–environment interactions. The clinical allergy section focuses on drug allergy, food allergy and immunotherapy. The area of oral immunotherapy for food allergy is well covered and we were grateful to Stephen Durham for guest editing an outstanding special issue on immunotherapy in the centenary year of Leonard Noon's pioneering work. Lastly, in the field of allergens, the interest in component‐resolved diagnosis continues to grow and there are also articles describing important novel cultivars and the effect of food processing on the allergenic properties of foods. Another terrific year, full of important and high‐quality work,which the journal has been proud to bring to the allergy community.
PRRT2 c.649dupC Mutation Derived from De Novo in Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Dyskinesia
Authors: Li Hong‐Fu , Ni Wang , Xiong Zhi‐Qi , Xu Jianfeng , Wu Zhi‐Ying
Published: November 2012

Aims

PRRT2 was recently identified as a causative gene for paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD), and the c.649dupC mutation was shown to be a “high frequency” mutation. This mutation was also identified in many sporadic cases. This might be attributed to the incomplete penetrance of c.649dupC. Alternatively, c.649dupC might derive from de novo. The aim of this study is to elucidate the possibility concerning de novo mutagenesis of PRRT2 mutations in PKD.

Methods

Nine sporadic Chinese PKD patients including one Mongolian patient were recruited. Direct sequencing of PRRT2 was performed in them and their parents. Haplotype analysis was conducted to confirm the biological relationship.

Results

A novel mutation, c.133_136delCCAG, was identified in one Han patient and his unaffected mother. The c.649dupC mutation was detected in another Han patient and his unaffected father. To our interest, c.649dupC was detected in the Mongolian patient but not in his parents. Haplotype analysis confirmed the biological relationship among the trio. No mutations were identified in the remaining six patients.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate the heterogeneity of PKD, and the de novo mutagenesis of PRRT2 gene might indicate the genetic instability of this region.
Treatment satisfaction in the Sensor‐Augmented Pump Therapy for A1C Reduction 3 (STAR 3) trial
Authors: Peyrot M. , Rubin R. R. ,   STAR 3 Study Group
Published: November 2012

Aim

To identify insulin delivery system perceptions that contributed to improvements in overall satisfaction with insulin therapy (treatment satisfaction) that were larger in those using sensor‐augmented pump therapy than those using multiple daily injections with self monitoring of blood glucose.

Methods

The Sensor‐Augmented Pump Therapy for A1C Reduction 3 (STAR 3), a randomized 12‐month clinical trial, compared sensor‐augmented pump therapy to multiple daily injections + self monitoring of blood glucose in adult and paediatric patients. The Insulin Delivery System Rating Questionnaire measured perceptions of convenience, problems, interference with daily activities, blood glucose monitoring burden, social burden, clinical efficacy, diabetes worries and psychological well‐being, as well as treatment satisfaction. We conducted separate multiple regression analyses for the 334 adult patients and 147 paediatric patients and their caregivers to assess the independent associations (P < 0.05) between change from baseline to follow‐up in user perceptions and treatment satisfaction.

Results

Increased convenience was associated with improved treatment satisfaction in all user groups. Reduced interference with daily activities (caregivers), reduced social burden (adults) and increased efficacy (both) also were associated with improved treatment satisfaction.

Conclusions

Treatment satisfaction among children was primarily a function of convenience, while perceived clinical efficacy was also a primary determinant among adults, reflecting different emphases on the treatment process itself vs. treatment consequences. Among adult patients and caregivers, improved treatment satisfaction was also a function of reductions in social burden and interference with daily activities (respectively), reflecting concern with the broader psychosocial impact of sensor‐augmented pump therapy on their lives.
Risk sharing in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Balli Faruk , Basher Syed Abul , Louis Rosmy Jean
Published: November 2012

This study investigates welfare gains and channels of risk sharing among 14 Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries, including the oil‐rich Gulf region and the resource‐scarce economies such as Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. The results show that for the 1992–2009 period, the overall welfare gains across MENA countries were higher than those documented for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) nations. In the Gulf region, the amount of factor income smoothing does not differ considerably when output shocks are longer lasting rather than transitory, whereas the amount smoothed by savings increases remarkably when shocks are longer lasting. In contrast, both factor income flows and international transfers respond more to permanent shocks than to transitory shocks in the non‐oil MENA countries. The results also show that a significant portion of shocks is smoothed via remittance transfers in the economically less‐developed MENA countries, but not in the oil‐rich Gulf and OECD countries. Finally, for the overall MENA region, a large part of the shock remains unsmoothed, suggesting that more market integration is needed to remedy the weak link of incomplete risk sharing.
Cellular neuroanatomy of rat presubiculum
Authors: Simonnet Jean , Eugène Emmanuel , Cohen Ivan , Miles Richard , Fricker Desdemona
Published: November 2012

The presubiculum, at the transition from the hippocampus to the cortex, is a key area for spatial information coding but the anatomical and physiological basis of presubicular function remains unclear. Here we correlated the structural and physiological properties of single neurons of the presubiculum in vitro. Unsupervised cluster analysis based on dendritic length and form, soma location, firing pattern and action potential properties allowed us to classify principal neurons into three major cell types. Cluster 1 consisted of a population of small regular spiking principal cells in layers II/III. Cluster 2 contained intrinsically burst firing pyramidal cells of layer IV, with a resting potential close to threshold. Cluster 3 included regular spiking cells of layers V and VI, and could be divided into subgroups 3.1 and 3.2. Cells of cluster 3.1 included pyramidal, multiform and inverted pyramidal cells. Cells of cluster 3.2 contained high‐resistance pyramidal neurons that fired readily in response to somatic current injection. These data show that presubicular principal cells generally conform to neurons of the periarchicortex. However, the presence of intrinsic bursting cells in layer IV distinguishes the presubicular cortex from the neighbouring entorhinal cortex. The firing frequency adaptation was very low for principal cells of clusters 1 and 3, a property that should assist the generation of maintained head direction signals in vivo.
Cryo‐electron microscopy – a primer for the non‐microscopist
Authors: Milne Jacqueline L. S. , Borgnia Mario J. , Bartesaghi Alberto , Tran Erin E. H. , Earl Lesley A. , Schauder David M. , Lengyel Jeffrey , Pierson Jason , Patwardhan Ardan , Subramaniam Sriram
Published: November 2012

Cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) is increasingly becoming a mainstream technology for studying the architecture of cells, viruses and protein assemblies at molecular resolution. Recent developments in microscope design and imaging hardware, paired with enhanced image processing and automation capabilities, are poised to further advance the effectiveness of cryo‐EM methods. These developments promise to increase the speed and extent of automation, and to improve the resolutions that may be achieved, making this technology useful to determine a wide variety of biological structures. Additionally, established modalities for structure determination, such as X‐ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, are being routinely integrated with cryo‐EM density maps to achieve atomic‐resolution models of complex, dynamic molecular assemblies. In this review, which is directed towards readers who are not experts in cryo‐EM methodology, we provide an overview of emerging themes in the application of this technology to investigate diverse questions in biology and medicine. We discuss the ways in which these methods are being used to study structures of macromolecular assemblies that range in size from whole cells to small proteins. Finally, we include a description of how the structural information obtained by cryo‐EM is deposited and archived in a publicly accessible database.
A new look at saponite formation and its implications for early animal records in the Ediacaran of South China
Authors: Huang J. , Chu X. , Lyons T. W. , Planavsky N. J. , Wen H.
Published: November 2012

Acanthomorphic acritarch fossils, including some interpreted to be the fossils of the earliest animal embryos, first appear in the lower Doushantuo Formation of the Yangtze Gorges area (YGA). Further, the complete paleontological and geochemical record for the YGA has played a central role in defining the global biological and geochemical backdrop that presaged and witnessed the dawn of diverse animal life. Despite the importance of the YGA in our understanding of Neoproterozoic Earth history, basic aspects about its depositional history remain debated. Foremost among the controversies, extensively studied sections in the YGA were recently tied to deposition in an alkaline lake, casting new but contentious light on the environments of early animal evolution and the broader significance of geochemical records from the YGA. Arguments for a lacustrine setting hinged on the presence of trioctahedral clays (saponite–corrensite). However, this clay type commonly forms in other environments, including the weathering profiles of mafic and ultramafic volcanics. Using a coupled geochemical and sedimentological approach, we argue that the trioctahedral clays in the lower Doushantuo of the YGA are better explained as weathering products from a regional mafic‐to‐ultramafic hinterland delivered by rivers to a shelf or lagoon in the Yangtze Gorges Basin. These novel provenance relationships for YGA sediments and associated clays are consistent with a marine setting for the early animal records and must factor in our current understanding of the broader geochemical fabric of the Doushantuo Formation.
Drought's legacy: multiyear hydraulic deterioration underlies widespread aspen forest die‐off and portends increased future risk
Authors: Anderegg William R. L. , Plavcová Lenka , Anderegg Leander D. L. , Hacke Uwe G. , Berry Joseph A. , Field Christopher B.
Published: November 2012

Forest mortality constitutes a major uncertainty in projections of climate impacts on terrestrial ecosystems and carbon‐cycle feedbacks. Recent drought‐induced, widespread forest die‐offs highlight that climate change could accelerate forest mortality with its diverse and potentially severe consequences for the global carbon cycle, ecosystem services, and biodiversity. How trees die during drought over multiple years remains largely unknown and precludes mechanistic modeling and prediction of forest die‐off with climate change. Here, we examine the physiological basis of a recent multiyear widespread die‐off of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) across much of western North America. Using observations from both native trees while they are dying and a rainfall exclusion experiment on mature trees, we measure hydraulic performance over multiple seasons and years and assess pathways of accumulated hydraulic damage. We test whether accumulated hydraulic damage can predict the probability of tree survival over 2 years. We find that hydraulic damage persisted and increased in dying trees over multiple years and exhibited few signs of repair. This accumulated hydraulic deterioration is largely mediated by increased vulnerability to cavitation, a process known as cavitation fatigue. Furthermore, this hydraulic damage predicts the probability of interyear stem mortality. Contrary to the expectation that surviving trees have weathered severe drought, the hydraulic deterioration demonstrated here reveals that surviving regions of these forests are actually more vulnerable to future droughts due to accumulated xylem damage. As the most widespread tree species in North America, increasing vulnerability to drought in these forests has important ramifications for ecosystem stability, biodiversity, and ecosystem carbon balance. Our results provide a foundation for incorporating accumulated drought impacts into climate–vegetation models. Finally, our findings highlight the critical role of drought stress accumulation and repair of stress‐induced damage for avoiding plant mortality, presenting a dynamic and contingent framework for drought impacts on forest ecosystems.
Comparison of alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator) high‐dose vs. low‐dose protocol in restoring hemodialysis catheter function: The ALTE‐DOSE study
Authors: Yaseen Obead , El‐Masri Maher M. , El Nekidy Wasim S. , Soong Derrick , Ibrahim Mohammed , Speirs John W. , Kadri Albert
Published: November 2012

Hemodialysis catheter (HDC) dysfunction due to thrombosis is common, and dysfunction incidence can reach up to 50% within 1 year of use. Although administration of intraluminal alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator [tPA]) is the standard of practice to pharmacologically restore HDC function, there are no evidence‐based guidelines concerning the optimal tPA dose. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of 1.0‐mg vs. 2.0‐mg tPA dwell protocols in restoring the HDC function in thrombotic dysfunctional catheters. A retrospective, single‐center study was conducted on two independent cohorts of patients; the first (n = 129) received 2.0 mg tPA/catheter lumen, while the second (n = 108) received 1.0 mg tPA/catheter lumen. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to compare the catheter survival time between patients who received 1.0 mg tPA and those who received 2.0 mg tPA. Catheter removal occurred in 25 (19.4%) of those catheters treated with 1.0 mg tPA compared with 11 (10.2%) of catheters treated with 2.0 mg tPA (P = 0.05). The hazard ratio (HR) for catheter removal was 2.75 (95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.25–6.04) for the 1.0‐mg tPA cohort compared with the 2.0‐mg tPA cohort. Correction added on 3 December 2012, after first online publication: The tPA cohort values were changed. Female gender (HR = 2.51; 95%CI = 1.20–5.27) and age (HR = 0.96; 95%CI = 0.94–0.98) were also associated with catheter survival. Our findings suggest that treatment of dysfunctional HDC with 2.0‐mg tPA dwells is superior to 1.0‐mg tPA dwells.
Comparing the nine‐item Shared Decision‐Making Questionnaire to the OPTION Scale – an attempt to establish convergent validity
Authors: Scholl Isabelle , Kriston Levente , Dirmaier Jörg , Härter Martin
Published: November 2012

Background

While there has been a clear move towards shared decision‐making (SDM) in the last few years, the measurement of SDM‐related constructs remains challenging. There has been a call for further psychometric testing of known scales, especially regarding validity aspects.

Objective

To test convergent validity of the nine‐item Shared Decision‐Making Questionnaire (SDM‐Q‐9) by comparing it to the OPTION Scale.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting and participants

Data were collected in outpatient care practices. Patients suffering from chronic diseases and facing a medical decision were included in the study.

Methods

Consultations were evaluated using the OPTION Scale. Patients completed the SDM‐Q‐9 after the consultation. First, the internal consistency of both scales and the inter‐rater reliability of the OPTION Scale were calculated. To analyse the convergent validity of the SDM‐Q‐9, correlation between the patient (SDM‐Q‐9) and expert ratings (OPTION Scale) was calculated.

Results

A total of 21 physicians provided analysable data of consultations with 63 patients. Analyses revealed good internal consistency of the SDM‐Q‐9 and limited internal consistency of the OPTION Scale. Inter‐rater reliability of the latter was less than optimal. Association between the total scores of both instruments was weak with a Spearman correlation of r = 0.19 and did not reach statistical significance.

Discussion

By the use of the OPTION Scale convergent validity of the SDM‐Q‐9 could not be established. Several possible explanations for this result are discussed.

Conclusion

This study shows that the measurement of SDM remains challenging.
A Child Killer and Interwar Penal Policy Tensions
Authors: Brookes Michael , Wilson David
Published: November 2012

This article explores interwar penal policy tensions through a case study of Harold Jones, a sexually sadistic double child‐killer. Reports by two reforming Prison Commissioners of that period – Alexander Paterson and Dr W. Norwood East – are used to develop the case study. Their different approaches to understanding Jones's offences reflect their conflicting views on the aetiology of crime, the purpose of imprisonment and how to address offending behaviour. This shaped the extent to which they were prepared to act as an advocate for Jones and whether or not he should be released. It also influenced their views on the operational management of prisons and brought them into conflict with other administrators, managers and commentators of that period, as the prison service moved slowly out of its Victorian origins and responded to the demands of the times.
Professional burnout and social support in the workplace among hospice nurses and midwives in Poland
Authors: Kalicińska Marta , Chylińska Joanna , Wilczek‐Różyczka Ewa
Published: November 2012

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between burnout and social support received at work among hospice nurses and midwives in Poland to reveal the connection in working conditions differing in terms of exposure to death and dying situation. A total sample of 117 nurses represented nurses working in polish hospice and maternity wards. No significant differences in the burnout scores were found between hospice nurses and midwives with high superiors' support. However, hospice nurses and midwives with low superiors' support differed significantly in almost every dimension of burnout. Further, the results showed that social support significantly predicted burnout only in case of midwives. The current findings emphasize the role of superiors and their ability to provide support. Intervention programmes targeted at preventing or reducing burnout would be especially important for maternity wards, where enhancing support at a workplace could be crucial. Confirming causality in prospective research is necessary.
The use of CobanTM compression bandage following below‐knee free‐flap surgery
Authors: Smith Toby O , Hazelden Sarah , Parker Laura , Jha Bhavana , Youatt Margaret , Haywood Richard
Published: November 2012

The outcomes of Coban™ compression bandage in three cases following lower limb extremity free‐flap surgery are reported. Two patients sustained open tibial fractures with extensive soft tissue loss, one case underwent a squamous cell carcinoma excision. Postoperatively, each patient commenced compression therapy on the lower limb prior to beginning mobilization, and continued for the first three postoperative months when mobilizing. No complications such as thrombosis, anastomosis failure, flap congestion, infection or healing issues were reported during the first six postoperative months, with 100% patient adherence to the compression bandage. Lower limb circumference measurements initially reduced in all cases, suggesting early effective oedema control. At the final 6 month review, two patients' circumference had increased when compared to baseline measurements attributed to an increase in muscle bulk at this late stage. The cosmetic appearance of the flaps at 6 months was acceptable in all cases, with no evidence of hypertrophic scarring.
Image of nursing held by nursing students according to gender: A qualitative study
Authors: Karabacak Ükke , Uslusoy Esin , Alpar Şule Ecevit , Bahçecik Nefise
Published: November 2012

This paper is a report of a study to determine the nursing images of female and male nursing students. The study used a qualitative research design to determine nursing images of male (n = 20) and female (n = 20) nursing students. To analyse the data, the method used content analysis. Statements were organized under three categories and seven themes after content analysis. The first category, nursing concept, incorporates the two themes of: (i) female or sister; (ii) job definition. The second category, choosing, incorporates the four themes of: (i) Desire of Others; (ii) Guarantee of Work; (iii) Being Helpful to Others; and (iv) Limited to Academic Achievement. The third category, Gender, incorporates the one theme of: (i) Gendered Approach. Male students have started to take part in nursing programs relatively recently; therefore, more research is needed in the fields of academic accomplishments of male students.
All‐trans‐retinoic acid ameliorates experimental allergic encephalomyelitis by affecting dendritic cell and monocyte development
Authors: Zhan Xiao‐Xia , Liu Yu , Yang Jin‐Feng , Wang Guang‐You , Mu Lili , Zhang Tong‐Shuai , Xie Xiao‐Li , Wang Jing‐Hua , Liu Yu‐Mei , Kong Qing‐Fei , Li Hu‐Lun , Sun Bo
Published: November 2012

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) can be induced in animal models by injecting the MOG35–55 peptide subcutaneously. Dendritic cells (DCs) that are located at the immunization site phagocytose the MOG35–55 peptide. These DCs mature and migrate into the nearest draining lymph nodes (dLNs), then present antigen, resulting in the activation of naive T cells. T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 cells are the primary cells involved in EAE progression. All‐trans‐retinoic acid (AT‐RA) has been shown to have beneficial effects on EAE progression; however, whether AT‐RA influences DC maturation or mediates other functions is unclear. In the present study, we showed that AT‐RA led to the down‐regulation of MHC class II, CD80 (B7‐1) and CD86 (B7‐2) expressed on the surface of DCs that were isolated from dLNs or spleen 3 days post‐immunization in an EAE model. Changes to DC function influenced Th1/Th17 subset polarization. Furthermore, the number of CD44+ monocytes (which might trigger EAE progression) was also significantly decreased in dLNs, spleen, subarachnoid space and the spinal cord parenchyma after AT‐RA treatment. These findings are the first to demonstrate that AT‐RA impairs the antigen‐presenting capacity of DCs, leading to down‐regulation of pathogenic Th1 and Th17 inflammatory cell responses and reducing EAE severity.
Sialoadhesin – a macrophage‐restricted marker of immunoregulation and inflammation
Authors: O'Neill Alexander S. G. , van den Berg Timo K. , Mullen Gregory E. D.
Published: November 2012

Sialoadhesin (Sn, also known as Siglec‐1 and CD169) is a macrophage‐restricted cell surface receptor that is conserved across mammals. Sn is a member of the sialic acid‐binding IgG‐like lectin (Siglec) family of proteins characterized by affinity to specifically sialylated ligands, and under normal conditions is expressed on subsets of macrophages in secondary lymphoid tissues, such as lymph node and spleen. However, Sn‐positive macrophages can also be found in a variety of pathological conditions, including (autoimmune) inflammatory infiltrates and tumours. Sn has been shown to contribute to sialylated pathogen uptake, antigen presentation and lymphocyte proliferation, and to influence both immunity and tolerance. This review presents Sn as a macrophage‐specific marker of inflammation and immunoregulation with the potential to becoming an important biomarker for immunologically active macrophages and a target for therapy.
Reduction of malaria transmission by transgenic mosquitoes expressing an antisporozoite antibody in their salivary glands
Authors: Sumitani M. , Kasashima K. , Yamamoto D. S. , Yagi K. , Yuda M. , Matsuoka H. , Yoshida S.
Published: November 2012

We have previously developed a robust salivary gland‐specific expression system in transgenic Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. To establish transgenic mosquito lines refractory to Plasmodium falciparum using this system, we generated a transgenic mosquito harbouring the gene encoding an anti‐P. falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP) single‐chain antibody (scFv) fused to DsRed in a secretory form (mDsRed‐2A10 scFv). Fluorescence microscopy showed that the mDsRed‐2A10 scFv was localized in the secretory cavities and ducts of the salivary glands in a secreted form. To evaluate P. falciparum transmission‐blocking in a rodent malaria model, a transgenic Plasmodium berghei line expressing PfCSP in place of PbCSP (PfCSP/Pb) was constructed. The PfCSP/Pb parasites were able to bind to the mDsRed‐2A10 scFv in the salivary glands of the transgenic mosquitoes. Importantly, the infectivity of the transgenic mosquitoes to mice was strongly impaired, indicating that the parasites had been inactivated. These results suggest that salivary gland‐specific expression of antisporozoite molecules could be a promising strategy for blocking malaria transmission to humans.
Impact of different acclimation temperatures and duration on the chill coma temperature and oxygen consumption in the tenebrionid beetleAlphitobius diaperinus
Authors: RENAULT DAVID , BIJOU ALICE , HERVANT FRÉDÉRIC
Published: November 2012

When the ambient temperature is lowered to an insect's lower thermal limit, the insect enters into chill coma. Chill coma temperature and chill coma recovery can vary within species as a result of thermal acclimation, although the physiological basis of the onset of chill coma remains poorly understood. The present study investigates how the temperature of acclimation (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 °C for 2 or 7 days) affects chill coma temperature and oxygen consumption in adultAlphitobius diaperinusPanzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). It is hypothesized that the threshold decline in metabolic rate corresponds to the entry into chill coma. Oxygen consumption (as a proxy of metabolism) is measured across the chill coma temperature threshold, and a strong decline in oxygen consumption is expected at entry into chill coma. The acclimation decreases the chill coma temperature significantly from 6.6 ± 1.1 °C in control insects to 3.1 ± 0.7 °C in those acclimated to 10 °C. The change in metabolic rate (Q10) after acclimation to temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 °C is 3.7. Despite acclimation, the metabolic rate ofA. diaperinusconforms to Arrhenius kinetics, suggesting that the response of this beetle does not show metabolic compensation. The data suggest the existence of a threshold decline in metabolic rate during cooling that coincides with the temperature at which an insect goes into chill coma.
Phylogenomics of Hemiptera (Insecta: Paraneoptera) based on mitochondrial genomes
Authors: CUI YING , XIE QIANG , HUA JIMENG , DANG KAI , ZHOU JIANFU , LIU XIAOGUANG , WANG GANG , YU XIN , BU WENJUN
Published: November 2012

Hemiptera is the largest order in Paraneoptera and the fifth largest in Insecta. Disputes about hemipteran phylogeny have concerned the monophyly of Auchenorrhyncha and relationships between the suborders Fulgoromorpha, Cicadomorpha, Coleorrhyncha and Heteroptera. In a phylogenomic study of Hemiptera, we add two new mitochondrial genomes of Peloridiidae (Coleorrhyncha) to those reported in GenBank, to complete the taxon sampling of all suborders. We used two types of data – amino acid sequences and nucleotides of various combinations between protein coding genes, tRNAs and rRNAs – to infer the phylogeny of Hemiptera. In total 27 taxa of Paraneoptera were sampled, 24 of them being hemipterans. Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony analyses were employed. The relationship of Cicadomorpha + Heteroptera is always stable in the results with different combinations between data types and phylogenetic methods, but our results challenge the monophyly of ‘Homoptera’ and Auchenorrhyncha. In evaluating the relative contribution of each gene, the phylograms generated by single genes CO1, ND1, ND2, ND4 and ND5, respectively, closely matched the tree yielded by the combined datasets. In light of the taxon‐sampling sensitivity of trees based on mitochondrial genomes, the results need to be tested with further data from nuclear genes.
Medical appointment no‐shows associated with poor glycaemic control among Taiwanese aborigines
Authors: Jyun‐You Liou , Chia‐Fen Mu , Chao‐Yu Hsu
Published: November 2012

Objective

To determine whether diabetes control is less optimal in Taiwanese aborigines and identify the risk factors associated with poor glycaemic control.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of data from Taiwan Diabetes Shared Care Program

Setting

A rural hospital in central Taiwan.

Methods

Patients enrolled in Diabetes Shared Care Program in 2010 were surveyed. The average HbA1c in 2010 was compared between the aboriginal and non‐aboriginal groups. Age, gender, body mass index and disease duration were selected to represent biological factors. Combined with the existence of geographic barrier to medical service and rate of medical appointment no‐shows, multivariate linear regression model was applied to determine the predictive power of each factor to glycaemic status.

Results

Only 26% of patients achieved average HbA1c of less than 7%. The average HbA1c of the aboriginal group is significantly higher than that of the non‐aboriginal group (8.73% versus 7.93%, P < 0.001). However, in multivariate linear regression model, racial background was no longer a risk factor for poor glycaemic control. Medical appointment no‐shows was found as the most significant risk factor for poor glycaemic control (b = 1.48, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Taiwanese aboriginal diabetes patients as a group have poorer glycaemic control than the non‐aboriginal group. Medical appointment no‐shows may significantly contribute to the development of hyperglycaemia among Taiwanese aborigines.
Reducing the risk of violence towards remote area nurses: A violence management toolbox
Authors: McCullough Kylie M. , Lenthall Sue , Williams Anne M. , Andrew Lesley
Published: November 2012

Objective

To explore the knowledge of a panel of experts to develop possible ways of minimising the risk of occupational violence towards remote area nurses.

Design

The Delphi method using open‐ended questionnaires and an online survey to measure support for suggested control measures.

Setting

Remote area nursing posts across Australia.

Participants

A panel of expert remote area nurses (n = 10) from geographically diverse regions.

Main outcome measure

Identified and described measures with the potential to reduce the risk of violence.

Results

A ‘toolbox’ of strategies was suggested in recognition of the complex nature of occupational violence within the remote health context. Job‐specific education included de‐escalation techniques, risk assessment and cultural safety training. Professional support included access to counselling and debriefing services. Organisational responsibilities included: adequate staffing to provide backup, policies and procedures and action from management when hazards are identified. Community collaboration with the health service in developing orientation programs, safety plans and addressing violence within the community was also recommended.

Conclusion

A variety of strategies were identified that could be used to reduce the risk of occupational violence towards remote health care staff. Further development and assessment of this ‘toolbox’ of strategies is recommended to address the high incidence of violence towards remote health professionals in Australia and overseas.
Complex impact of remoteness on the incidence of myocardial infarction in Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal people in Western Australia
Authors: Katzenellenbogen Judith M. , Sanfilippo Frank M. , Hobbs Michael S. T. , Briffa Tom G. , Knuiman Matthew W. , Dimer Lyn , Thompson Peter L. , Thompson Sandra C.
Published: November 2012

Objective

To determine the impact of remoteness on Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal myocardial infarction incidence rates in men and women of different ages.

Design

Descriptive study.

Setting

Western Australia.

Participants

Incident cases of myocardial infarction in Western Australia from 2000–2004 identified from person‐linked files of hospital and mortality records. Analysis was undertaken for Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal populations, separately and combined, by broad age group, sex and remoteness.

Main outcome measure

Incidence of myocardial infarction.

Results

In the combined analysis, age‐standardised incidence was significantly higher for men in very remote areas (rate ratio 1.31: 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19–1.45) and in women in both regional (rate ratio 1.12: 95% CI, 1.01–1.20) and very remote (rate ratio 2.05: 95% CI, 1.75–2.41) areas. Aboriginal rates were substantially higher than non‐Aboriginal rates in all substrata. Compared with metropolitan people, regional Aboriginal men and very remote non‐Aboriginal men aged 25–54 years had significantly higher incidence rates. For the remaining rural strata, there was either no geographical disadvantage or inconclusive findings.

Conclusions

Non‐metropolitan disadvantage in myocardial infarction rates is confirmed in regional areas and women in very remote areas. This disadvantage is partly explained by the high rates in Aboriginal people. Non‐metropolitan dwellers are not uniformly disadvantaged, reflecting the interplay of the many factors contributing to the complex relationship between myocardial infarction incidence and sex, age, Aboriginality and residence. Aboriginal Western Australians in all regions and young non‐Aboriginal men living in very remote areas need to be targeted to reduce disparities in myocardial infarction.
Lymphovascular invasion is independently associated with bladder cancer recurrence and survival in patients with final stage T1 disease and negative lymph nodes after radical cystectomy
Authors: Tilki Derya , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Lotan Yair , Rink Michael , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Schoenberg Mark P. , Lerner Seth P. , Sonpavde Guru , Sagalowsky Arthur I. , Gupta Amit
Published: November 2012

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

Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is an important step in systemic cancer cell dissemination. LVI has been shown to be an independent predictor of disease recurrence and cancer‐specific survival in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) for patients with carcinoma invading bladder muscle.

Patients with final pathological stage T1N0 UCB who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) have not been separately analysed for influence of LVI on outcomes. Our study shows that LVI predicts disease recurrence and cancer‐specific survival in patients with final stage T1 UCB after RC.

Objective

To determine the outcomes of patients with final pathological stage T1N0 disease after radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) and to determine whether lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is an independent predictor of prognosis in these patients.

Patients and Methods

Records of 958 consecutive patients who underwent RC at three academic centres were reviewed.

A total of 101 patients with negative lymph nodes and with final stage (the higher of the pre‐RC clinical/transurethral resection [TUR] and post‐RC pathological stages) T1 UCB were identified.

The median (range) follow‐up was 38 (0.4–177) months and the median (range) number of nodes examined was 19 (9–80).

Results

Overall, 12/101 (11.9%) patients experienced cancer recurrence and 7/101 (6.9%) died from their cancer. The 3‐year recurrence‐free survival probability (SD) was 0.89 (0.04) and 3‐year cancer‐specific survival probability (SD) was 0.96 (0.02).

Six of 101 (6%) patients had LVI, of whom four experienced disease recurrence and three died from bladder cancer.

All recurrences and deaths occurred in patients who had either LVI and/or concomitant carcinoma in situ.

On multivariable analysis, LVI (hazard ratio [HR] 4.9, P = 0.01) and higher pathological stage (HR 8.5, P = 0.04) predicted cancer recurrence and LVI (HR 6.7, P = 0.01) predicted cancer‐specific survival.

Conclusions

LVI helps identify patients with final pathological T1N0 UCB who are at significantly increased risk of bladder cancer recurrence and death.

These patients should be considered for close monitoring after cystectomy.
Inflation and the Constant Growth Model: Reconciling the Literature
Authors: Kiechle Daniel , Lampenius Niklas
Published: November 2012

We formulate a generalized constant growth valuation model incorporating inflation and capital maintenance. We find that in general there are two sources of growth: growth due to capital maintenance and growth due to net new investments. The generalized version of the constant growth model allows the reconciliation of the existing literature, particularly the works of Gordon and Shapiro (1956), Lally (1988), and Bradley and Jarrell (2008), which all employ particular definitions of capital maintenance. Evaluating the practical relevance of either model we find that each model is best suited for a very particular company set‐up, which does not necessarily correspond to the commonly observed business models. The generalized version of the constant growth valuation model, however, presents a flexible approach that is capable of capturing various conceptions of capital maintenance.
Homogeneity as a sociolinguistic motive in Canadian English
Authors: CHAMBERS J. K.
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT:  A comparative sociolinguistic study of a nation‐wide change in Canada in the 1980s led to the unexpected conclusion that the forces that brought about the homogeneity of inland, urban, middle‐class Canadian English were still functioning. Claims for homogeneity (starting in 1951) had previously been impressionistic, but now more rigorous methods give credence to homogeneity as a sociolinguistic motive by revealing virtually identical progress of incipient sound changes in widely separated urban areas. Sociophonetic studies and real time studies corroborate the persistence of homogeneity in this change. More recent studies shed further light on homogeneity as a sociolinguistic motive. Homogeneity is obviously a form of standardization. Both essentially lead to loss (or levelling) of regional differences. I make the case for homogeneity as a sub‐type of standardization, arguing from distinguishable sociolinguistic attributes in lexical and grammatical changes. Homogeneity appears to be a sociolinguistic motive in some changes to this day.
English as a minority language in Quebec
Authors: BOBERG CHARLES
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT:  The variety of English spoken by about half a million people in the Canadian province of Quebec is a minority language in intensive contact with French, the local majority language. This unusual contact situation has produced a unique variety of English which displays many instances of French influence that distinguish it from other types of Canadian or world English. The most obvious instances involve the adoption of French words or senses of words, though influence at other levels of linguistic structure can also be observed. This paper discusses the historical background of the contact situation and how this motivates hypotheses about its linguistic effects. It then presents both anecdotal and quantitative survey data that demonstrate empirically the distinctive character of Quebec English. It concludes by categorizing the individual examples considered into a typology of five distinct patterns of influence arising from language contact.
Phonetic change in Newfoundland English
Authors: CLARKE SANDRA
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT:  Newfoundland English has long been considered autonomous within the North American context. Sociolinguistic studies conducted over the past three decades, however, typically suggest cross‐generational change in phonetic feature use, motivated by greater alignment with mainland Canadian English norms. The present study uses data spanning the past thirty years to investigate some half‐dozen apparent‐time changes in Newfoundland English. It analyses the social and stylistic stratificational patterns associated with declining regional phonetic feature use in this minority dialect context (particularly the speech of the capital, St. John's), along with those displayed by recent vowel innovations which appear to have been imported from mainland Canadian English. Results indicate many similarities in the general trajectory of change: cross‐generational differences are frequently mediated by gender, social status and speech style. While outcomes may suggest increased adoption of standard Canadian English features on the part of socially and geographically mobile groups, particularly in formal styles, this review finds little evidence of a general trend towards mainland Canadian heteronomy. Rather, regional feature decline, as well as feature adoption, must be contextualized within a broader temporal and demographic framework.
Homogeneity and autonomy of Canadian Raising
Authors: SADLIER‐BROWN EMILY
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT:  “Canadian Raising” is the process in which the low nucleus of the diphthongs /aw/ and /ay/ is raised to “mid” position before voiceless consonants. Although the process is often featured in simple stereotypes of Canadian speech (e.g. “oot” and “aboot” for out and about), it is in reality a far more complex phenomenon in that it is not restricted to Canada, does not occur uniformly across the country, and has been variously claimed to be receding in favour of American standards, particularly in Vancouver. This paper presents the results of two studies addressing these issues. The first is an apparent‐time study of teens and adults in Vancouver. Results suggest that CR is generally a stable feature of Vancouver English, while both the raised and unraised variants show a strong apparent‐time fronting trend. These results demonstrate Vancouver to align with other Canadian cities with regards to CR. The second is a comparison between speakers in Washington State and Vancouver, British Columbia. Results indicate that the most widely‐remarked aspect of CR, the height of raised /aw/, continues to differentiate Washington from Vancouver speakers, but that in all other respects, speakers from the two regions demonstrate more similarities than differences.
Enhancing Conservation, Ecosystem Services, and Local Livelihoods through a Wildlife Premium Mechanism
Authors: Dinerstein Eric , Varma Keshav , Wikramanayake Eric , Powell George , Lumpkin Susan , Naidoo Robin , Korchinsky Mike , Del Valle Christian , Lohani Shubash , Seidensticker John , Joldersma Dirk , Lovejoy Thomas , Kushlin Andrey
Published: November 2012

We propose the wildlife premium mechanism as an innovation to conserve endangered large vertebrates. The performance‐based payment scheme would allow stakeholders in lower‐income countries to generate revenue by recovering and maintaining threatened fauna that can also serve as umbrella species (i.e., species whose protection benefits other species with which they co‐occur). There are 3 possible options for applying the premium: option 1, embed premiums in a carbon payment; option 2, link premiums to a related carbon payment, but as independent and legally separate transactions; option 3, link premiums to noncarbon payments for conserving ecosystem services (PES). Each option presents advantages, such as incentive payments to improve livelihoods of rural poor who reside in or near areas harboring umbrella species, and challenges, such as the establishment of a subnational carbon credit scheme. In Kenya, Peru, and Nepal pilot premium projects are now underway or being finalized that largely follow option 1. The Kasigau (Kenya) project is the first voluntary carbon credit project to win approval from the 2 leading groups sanctioning such protocols and has already sold carbon credits totaling over $1.2 million since June 2011. A portion of the earnings is divided among community landowners and projects that support community members and has added over 350 jobs to the local economy. All 3 projects involve extensive community management because they occur on lands where locals hold the title or have a long‐term lease from the government. The monitoring, reporting, and verification required to make premium payments credible to investors include transparent methods for collecting data on key indices by trained community members and verification of their reporting by a biologist. A wildlife premium readiness fund would enable expansion of pilot programs needed to test options beyond those presented here.

Mejora de la Conservación, Servicios del Ecosistema y Calidad de Vida Local Mediante un Mecanismo de Compensación de Vida Silvestre
The Proliferation of Life Choices and the Resistance that Follows
Authors: DePaulo Bella
Published: November 2012

Twenty‐first century America has been characterized by a proliferation of choices about such fundamental aspects of life as marital status, parental status, and living arrangements. The option to pursue consensual nonmonogamy may be another such choice. When nonnormative ways of living first enter our cultural conversations, resistance and hostility often ensue. Not all stigmatized groups organize to pursue social change. Suggestions for more just laws and policies are offered.