bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Unplugged,” a European school‐based program for substance use prevention among adolescents: Overview of results from the EU‐Dap trial
Authors: Vigna‐Taglianti Federica D. , Galanti Maria Rosaria , Burkhart Gregor , Caria Maria Paola , Vadrucci Serena , Faggiano Fabrizio
Published: April 2014

The EU‐Dap study aimed to develop and evaluate a school‐based curriculum for the prevention of substance use among young people. The school curriculum, “Unplugged,” is based on social influence approach and addresses social and personal skills, knowledge, and normative beliefs. It consists of 12 one‐hour interactive sessions delivered by teachers. Its effectiveness was evaluated through a randomized trial involving 7,079 pupils of seven European countries. Unplugged was effective in reducing cigarette smoking, episodes of drunkenness, and the use of cannabis at short term. This association, however, was confined to boys, with age and self‐esteem as possible explanations of this difference. Beneficial effects associated with the program persisted at fifteen‐month follow‐up for drunkenness, alcohol‐related problems, and cannabis use, and were stronger among adolescents in schools of average low socioeconomic level. These results are of scientific importance and may inform the adoption of effective public health interventions at population level.
Improving dissemination of evidence‐based programs through researcher–practitioner collaboration
Authors: Özdemir Metin , Giannotta Fabrizia
Published: April 2014

Prevention field has achieved major advances in developing, implementing, and testing the efficacy of preventive interventions in controlled settings. Nevertheless, there is still a gap in translating the success of programs in efficacy trials into real‐life settings. Dissemination of evidence‐based programs is a major challenge. The authors argue that promoting adoption of evidence‐based programs requires further improvements in three areas, and collaboration between researchers and practitioners. First, there is a need to develop a holistic assessment system encompassing both risk/need and readiness assessments. Second, there is need for new methods for improving implementation quality. Third, prevention research needs to focus more on identifying the mechanisms that explain how programs work and the core elements of the program. Both researchers and practitioners have roles and opportunities to collaborate to achieve developments in these areas.
Advancing school‐based interventions through economic analysis
Authors: Olsson Tina M. , Ferrer‐Wreder Laura , Eninger Lilianne
Published: April 2014

Commentators interested in school‐based prevention programs point to the importance of economic issues for the future of prevention efforts. Many of the processes and aims of prevention science are dependent upon prevention resources. Although economic analysis is an essential tool for assessing resource use, the attention given economic analysis within school‐based prevention remains cursory. Largely, economic analyses of school‐based prevention efforts are undertaken as secondary research. This limits these efforts to data that have been collected previously as part of epidemiological and outcomes research. Therefore, economic analyses suffer from gaps in the knowledge generated by these studies. This chapter addresses the importance of economic analysis for the future of school‐based substance abuse prevention programs and highlights the role of prevention research in the development of knowledge that can be used for economic analysis.
Hand‐rearing, growth, and development of common loon (Gavia immer) chicks
Authors: Kenow Kevin P. , Meier Melissa S. , McColl Laurie E. , Hines Randy K. , Pichner Jimmy , Johnson Laura , Lyon James E. , Kroc Scharold Kellie , Meyer Michael
Published: April 2014

Common loon chicks were reared in captivity in association with studies to evaluate the effects of radiotransmitter implants and to assess the ecological risk of dietary methylmercury. Here we report on hatching and rearing methods used to successfully raise chicks to 105 days of age. We experienced a 91.5% hatch rate, and 89.6% of loon chicks survived to the end of the study at 105 days. Baseline information on observed rates of fish consumption, behavioral development, and growth patterns are provided. Husbandry techniques are provided that should prove valuable to wildlife rehabilitators caring for abandoned or injured loons, and biologists contemplating methods for restoring loons to areas within their former breeding range. Zoo Biol. 33:360–371, 2014. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Tragic Knowledge: Truth Telling and the Maintenance of Hope in Surgery
Authors: Suri Megha , McKneally Martin , Devon Karen
Published: April 2014

Surgeons often are faced with the challenge of balancing truth telling and the maintenance of hope in the setting of a poor prognosis. This ethical dilemma is informed by conflicting appeals to principles of autonomy and nonmaleficence, where a patient’s right to be told important medical information must be weighed against the potential harm that may result from the knowledge of an unfavourable diagnosis. Truth telling in surgery raises questions on the nature of truth itself, how much information ought to be shared, what information can be withheld, and how surgeons should share tragic knowledge with patients. This paper will address these questions and provide some insight on how surgeons may navigate the sharing of tragic knowledge.
A Modification of Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreatosplenectomy for Adenocarcinoma of the Left Pancreas: Significance of En Bloc Resection Including the Anterior Renal Fascia
Authors: Kitagawa Hirohisa , Tajima Hidehiro , Nakagawara Hisatoshi , Makino Isamu , Miyashita Tomoharu , Terakawa Hirofumi , Nakanuma Shinichi , Hayashi Hironori , Takamura Hiroyuki , Ohta Tetsuo
Published: April 2014

Background

Radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) has theoretical advantages for curative resection of adenocarcinomas of the left pancreas. The anterior renal fascia is a key structure, and resection planes should run posterior to this fascia. However, it is difficult to delineate this fascia and set a precise dissection plane. We modified RAMPS to achieve such a precise dissection plane with ease.

Methods

After clamping the splenic artery, the third duodenal portion was mobilized from the left to the right to locate the inferior vena cava, which was covered by the anterior renal fascia. Here, the anterior renal fascia was incised while approaching the dissection plane. Dissection then continued cephalad, with this plane along the inferior vena cava, and then turned along the left renal vein at the confluence of the left renal vein toward the renal hilum. At this point, dissection continued along the coronal plane to the superior edge of the pancreas.

Results

Between July 2007 and December 2012, a total of 24 pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients underwent modified RAMPS. Tumor extension beyond the pancreatic parenchyma (T3) and lymph node metastases was confirmed in 17 and 13 cases, respectively. Histologically clear surgical margins were achieved (R0 resection) in 21 patients (88 %). The 5‐year overall survival rate was 53 %. Six patients survived for over 5 years without recurrence.

Conclusions

This modification of RAMPS is advantageous for en bloc resection while actually including removal of the anterior renal fascia. It is associated with satisfactory survival rates for patients with distal pancreatic carcinomas.
The effect of albumin fusion structure on the production and bioactivity of the somatostatin-28 fusion protein in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Ding Yuedi , Fan Jun , Li Wenxin , Peng Ying , Yang Runlin , Deng Lili , Fu Qiang
Published: April 2014

Somatostatin, a natural inhibitor of growth hormone (GH), and its analogs have been used in clinical settings for the treatment of acromegaly, gigantism, thyrotropinoma, and other carcinoid syndromes. However, natural somatostatin is limited for clinical usage because of its short half-life in vivo. Albumin fusion technology was used to construct long-acting fusion proteins and Pichia pastoris was used as an expression system. Three fusion proteins (SS28)2-HSA, (SS28)3-HSA, and HSA-(SS28)2, were constructed with different fusion copies of somatostatin-28 and fusion orientations. The expression level of (SS28)3-HSA was much lower than (SS28)2-HSA and HSA-(SS28)2 due to the additional fusion of the somatostatin-28 molecule. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry revealed that severe degradation occurred in the fermentation process. Similar to the standard, somatostatin-14, all three fusion proteins were able to inhibit GH secretion in blood, with (SS28)2-HSA being the most effective one. A pharmacokinetics study showed that (SS28)2-HSA had a prolonged half-life of 2 h. These results showed that increasing the number of small protein copies fused to HSA may not be a suitable method for improving protein bioactivity.
Operation performance and microbial community dynamics of phosphorus removal sludge with different electron acceptors
Authors: Lv Xiaomei , Shao Mingfei , Li Chaolin , Li Ji , Liu Dongyang , Gao Xinlei , Xia Xue
Published: April 2014

Operation performances of phosphorus removal sludge with different electron acceptors in three parallel SBRs were firstly compared in the present study, and the effect of post-aeration on denitrifying phosphorus removal was also studied. Moreover, community dynamics of different phosphorus removal sludge was systematically investigated with high-throughput sequencing for the first time. TP removal rates for nitrate-, nitrite-, and oxygen-based phosphorus removal sludge were 84.8, 78.5, and 87.4 %, with an average effluent TP concentration of 0.758, 0.931, and 0.632 mg/l. The average specific phosphorus release and uptake rates were 20.3, 10.8, and 21.5, and 9.43, 8.68, and 10.8 mgP/(gVSS h), respectively. Moreover, electron utilization efficiency of denitrifying phosphorus removal sludge with nitrate as electron acceptor was higher than nitrite, with P/e− were 2.21 and 1.51 mol-P/mol-e−, respectively. With the assistance of post-aeration for nitrate-based denitrifying phosphorus removal sludge, settling ability could be improved, with SVI decreased from 120 to 80 and 72 ml/g when post-aeration time was 0, 10, and 30 min, respectively. Moreover, further phosphorus removal could be achieved during post-aeration with increased aeration time. However, the anoxic phosphorus uptake was deteriorated, which was likely a result of shifted microbial community structure. Post-aeration of approximately 10 min was proposed for denitrifying phosphorus removal. Nitrate- and nitrite-based denitrifying phosphorus removal sludge exhibited similar community structure. More phosphorus accumulating organisms were enriched under anaerobic–aerobic conditions, while anaerobic–anoxic conditions were favorable for suppressing glycogen-accumulating organisms. Significant differences in pathogenic bacterial community profiles revealed in the current study indicated the potential public health hazards of non-aeration activated sludge system.
Extraspinal ossifications after implantation of vertical expandable prosthetic titanium ribs (VEPTRs)
Authors: Zivkovic Vanja , Büchler Philippe , Ovadia Dror , Riise Rolf , Stuecker Ralf , Hasler Carol
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Though developed for thoracic insufficiency syndrome, the spinal growth-stimulating potential and the ease of placement of vertical expandable titanium ribs (VEPTRs) has resulted in their widespread use for early-onset spine deformity. Observation of implant-related ossifications warrants further assessment, since they may be detrimental to the function-preserving non-fusion strategy.

Patients and methods

Radiographs (obtained pre and post index procedure, and at 4-year follow-up) and the records of 65 VEPTR patients from four paediatric spine centres were analysed. Ossifications were classified as type I (at anchor points), type II (along the central part) or type III (re-ossification after thoracostomy).

Results

The average age at the index procedure was 6.5 years (min 1, max 13.7). The most prevalent spine problem was congenital scoliosis (37) with rib fusions (34), followed by neuromuscular and syndromic deformities (13 and 8, respectively). Idiopathic and secondary scoliosis (e.g. after thoracotomy) were less frequent (3 and 4, respectively). Forty-two of the 65 (65 %) patients showed ossifications, half of which were around the anchors. Forty-five percent (15/33) without pre-existing rib fusions developed a type II ossification along the implant. Re-ossifications of thoracostomies were less frequent (5/34, 15 %). The occurrence of ossifications was not associated with patient-specific factors.

Conclusions

Implant-related ossifications around VEPTR are common. In contrast to harmless bone formation around anchors, ossifications around the telescopic part and the rod section are troublesome in view of their possible negative impact on chest cage compliance and spinal mobility. This potential side effect needs to be considered during implant selection, particularly in patients with originally normal thoracic and spinal anatomy.
The Lung Reporting and Data System (LU-RADS): A Proposal for Computed Tomography Screening
Authors: Manos Daria , Seely Jean M. , Taylor Jana , Borgaonkar Joy , Roberts Heidi C. , Mayo John R.
Published: April 2014

Despite the positive outcome of the recent randomized trial of computed tomography (CT) screening for lung cancer, substantial implementation challenges remain, including the clear reporting of relative risk and suggested workup of screen-detected nodules. Based on current literature, we propose a 6-level Lung-Reporting and Data System (LU-RADS) that classifies screening CTs by the nodule with the highest malignancy risk. As the LU-RADS level increases, the risk of malignancy increases. The LU-RADS level is linked directly to suggested follow-up pathways. Compared with current narrative reporting, this structure should improve communication with patients and clinicians, and provide a data collection framework to facilitate screening program evaluation and radiologist training. In overview, category 1 includes CTs with no nodules and returns the subject to routine screening. Category 2 scans harbor minimal risk, including <5 mm, perifissural, or long-term stable nodules that require no further workup before the next routine screening CT. Category 3 scans contain indeterminate nodules and require CT follow up with the interval dependent on nodule size (small [5-9 mm] or large [≥10 mm] and possibly transient). Category 4 scans are suspicious and are subdivided into 4A, low risk of malignancy; 4B, likely low-grade adenocarcinoma; and 4C, likely malignant. The 4B and 4C nodules have a high likelihood of neoplasm simply based on screening CT features, even if positron emission tomography, needle biopsy, and/or bronchoscopy are negative. Category 5 nodules demonstrate frankly malignant behavior on screening CT, and category 6 scans contain tissue-proven malignancies.
Identification of a truncated kinase suppressor of Ras 2 mRNA in sperm
Authors: Guo Lili , Volle Deanna J. , Lewis Robert E.
Published: April 2014

The kinase suppressor of Ras 2 (KSR2) is a scaffold protein for the extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. KSR2 mediates germline mpk‐1 (Caenorhabditis elegans ERK) phosphorylation in C. elegans and has been implicated the regulation of meiosis. KSR2−/− mice exhibit metabolic abnormalities and are reproductively impaired. The role of KSR2 in meiosis and fertility in mice has yet to be elucidated. Here, we describe a novel truncated KSR2 mRNA identified in mouse testes (T‐KSR2). Further analysis demonstrates T‐KSR2 is specific to mouse testes and mature sperm cells. The detection of T‐KSR2 may enhance our understanding of mechanisms controlling spermatogenesis and fertility.
FREE GROUPS AND AUTOMORPHISM GROUPS OF INFINITE STRUCTURES
Authors: LÜCKE PHILIPP , SHELAH SAHARON
Published: April 2014

Given a cardinal$\lambda $with$\lambda =\lambda ^{\aleph _0}$, we show that there is a field of cardinality$\lambda $whose automorphism group is a free group of rank$2^\lambda $. In the proof of this statement, we develop general techniques that enable us to realize certain groups as the automorphism group of structures of a given cardinality. They allow us to show that analogues of this result hold for free objects in various varieties of groups. For example, the free abelian group of rank$2^\lambda $is the automorphism group of a field of cardinality$\lambda $whenever$\lambda $is a cardinal with$\lambda =\lambda ^{\aleph _0}$. Moreover, we apply these techniques to show that consistently the assumption that$\lambda =\lambda ^{\aleph _0}$is not necessary for the existence of a field of cardinality$\lambda $whose automorphism group is a free group of rank$2^\lambda $. Finally, we use them to prove that the existence of a cardinal$\lambda $of uncountable cofinality with the property that there is no field of cardinality$\lambda $whose automorphism group is a free group of rank greater than$\lambda $implies the existence of large cardinals in certain inner models of set theory.
Survey of current Swiss pig feeding practices and potential for ammonia emission reduction
Authors: Spring P. , Bracher A.
Published: April 2014

Controlling potentially harmful and polluting emissions from farms is important in the developed world, where legislation exists in many countries limiting emissions such as ammonia and controlling how manure is disposed of from intensive farming operations. In Switzerland, there are legal agreements concerning controls of ammonia emissions, most especially from farms. Ammonia production from pig farms can be controlled by dietary intervention, such as reducing protein levels, which in turn reduces excretion, mainly via urine. The following paper surveys current practices for nitrogen use on Swiss pig farms, and how feeding strategies may assist in controlling ammonia production from pig production systems. The survey found that 70-75% of all feeds used for pigs of all categories were reduced in protein and nitrogen, with 90% being reduced in protein in high animal density areas. Regression analysis showed that CP levels explained up to 49% of the nitrogen efficiency, suggesting that other factors are important in pollution control. Although piglet diets are more tightly regulated in terms of controlling N input, excessive protein levels in so-called reduced protein diets for finisher pigs and dry sows are common in the market. Hence, there is considerable potential to reduce N-input and ammonia emissions from Swiss pig production, which could be implemented at no or minimal extra cost.
X.—The Factorial Analysis of Multiple Item Tests
Authors: Lawley D. N.
Published: April 2014

6. The expected score of an individual on a test consisting of a large number of items is assumed to be given by a formula involving the ability of the individual and also two quantities constant for the test. An expression is then derived for the covariance between two tests measuring different abilities. It appears that if a factorial analysis is performed on a set of tests of unequal difficulty, using the matrix of variances and covariances, a spurious factor will tend to be introduced depending mainly on the differences in difficulty. The effect of this is removed by transforming the variances and covariances to a new set of coefficients. A numerical example of the process is given.

In conclusion I should like to thank the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland for a grant to cover the cost of the setting and printing of mathematical formulæ in a paper previously published in the Society's Proceedings (LXI, A, 1943, 273–287).
Formative assessment by first-year chemistry students as predictor of success in summative assessment at a South African university
Authors: Siweya Hlengani J. , Letsoalo Peter
Published: April 2014

This study investigated whether formative assessment is a predictor of summative assessment in a university first-year chemistry class. The sample comprised a total of 1687 first-year chemistry students chosen from the 2011 and 2012 cohorts. Both simple and multiple linear regression (SLR and MLR) techniques were applied to perform the primary aim of the research. In order to apply the above mentioned techniques, a selection criterion was executed on the 1687 sample, after which 1519 cases remained for the analysis. The study revealed a statistically significant SLR model, suggesting that formative assessment (FA) can, at 45.4% (that isR2= 0.454) level of accuracy, predict the summative assessment (SA) of students in a university first-year chemistry class. Furthermore, the results of two MLR models discovered that SA can be predicted by usingtheory marksat 57.1% (that isR2= 0.571) level of accuracy, andaverage semester test marksat 59.4% (that isR2= 0.594) level of accuracy. The aforementioned domino effects suggest that the semester tests marks are more efficient, among other marks, in predicting the SA marks of students in a chemistry department at a South African traditional university; accordingly recommends that more effort be made in preparing students for their semester marks. In addition the study found that of the 1519 students who had the 40% subminimum entry requirement for summative assessment, 765 (51.4%) passed the summative assessment, that of the 277 whose formative assessment mark was between 40% and 49% (both inclusive), 6 (2.2%) passed the summative assessment, that of the 1208 whose formative assessment mark was at least 50%, 725 (60%) passed the summative assessment and, finally, that of the 34 students whose formative assessment mark was at least 75% only 8 were able to retain their grades. Overall, linear regression and probability analyses suggest that FA does predict the SA mark, but it is best when the AVRSEMT mark is used.
Theoretical Studies on Phosphorescent Materials: The Conjugation-Extended PtII Complexes
Authors: Liang Ai-Hua , Bai Fu-Quan , Wang Jian , Ma Jian-Bo , Zhang Hong-Xing
Published: April 2014

A theoretical study on the PtII complex A based on a dimesitylboron (BMes2)-functionalized [Pt(C^N)(acac)] (C^N = 2-phenyl-pyridyl, acac = acetylaceton) complex, as well as three conjugation-extended analogues of the methylimidazole (C*) ligand BMes2-[Pt(C^C*)(acac)] complexes B–D is performed. Their theoretical geometries, electronic structures, emission properties, and the radiative decay rate constants (kr) were also investigated. The energy differences between the two highest occupied orbitals with dominant Pt d-orbital components (Δddocc) of D both at the ground and excited states are the smallest of all. Compared with B, the charge transfer in D possesses a marked trend towards the extended conjugated group, while C changed inconspicuously. The lowest-lying absorptions and the phosphorescence of them can be described as a mixed metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT)/intra-ligand π→π* charge transfer (ILCT) and 3MLCT/3ILCT, respectively. The variation of charge transfer properties induced by extended conjugation and the radiative decay rate constants (kr) calculated revealed that D is a more efficient blue phosphorescence material with a 497 nm emission transition.
Loss of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Impairs Lung Endothelial Cell Barrier Function and Increases Susceptibility to Microvascular Damage from Cigarette Smoke
Authors: Brown Mary Beth , Hunt William R. , Noe Julie E. , Rush Natalia I. , Schweitzer Kelly S. , Leece Thomas C. , Moldobaeva Aigul , Wagner Elizabeth M. , Dudek Steven M. , Poirier Christophe , Presson Robert G. , Gulbins Erich , Petrache Irina
Published: April 2014

Abnormal lung microvascular endothelial vascular barrier function may contribute to pulmonary inflammation, such as that occurring during inhalation of cigarette smoke (CS). Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), an anion channel expressed in both epithelial and endothelial cells, regulates the organization of tight junctions between epithelial cells and has also been implicated in the transport of sphingosine‐1 phosphate (S1P), a vascular barrier–enhancing sphingolipid. Because CS has been shown to affect CFTR function, we hypothesized that CFTR function contributes to lung endothelial cell barrier and that CFTR dysfunction worsens CS‐induced injury. CFTR inhibitors GlyH‐101 or CFTRinh172 caused a dose‐dependent increase in pulmonary or bronchial endothelial monolayer permeability, which peaked after 4 hours. CFTR inhibition was associated with both intercellular gaps and actin stress fiber formation compared with vehicle‐treated cells. Increasing endothelial S1P, either by exogenous treatment or by inhibition of its degradation, significantly improved the barrier function in CFTR‐inhibited monolayers. Both cultured lung endothelia and the lung microcirculation visualized in vivo with intravital two‐photon imaging of transgenic mice deficient in CFTR showed that CFTR dysfunction increased susceptibility to CS‐induced permeability. These results suggested that CFTR function might be required for lung endothelial barrier, including adherence junction stability. Loss of CFTR function, especially concomitant to CS exposure, might promote lung inflammation by increasing endothelial cell permeability, which could be ameliorated by S1P.
A subadditive property of the error function
Authors: Alzer Horst , Kwong Man
Published: April 2014

We prove the following subadditive property of the error function:
\[
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="erf left-parenthesis x right-parenthesis equals StartFraction 2 Over StartRoot pi EndRoot EndFraction integral Subscript 0 Superscript x Baseline e Superscript minus t squared Baseline d t left-parenthesis x element-of bold upper R right-parenthesis period">

erf

(
x
)
=

2

π

∫
0
x

e

−

t
2

d
t

(
x
∈

R

)

.

\mbox {erf}\,(x)=\frac {2}{\sqrt {\pi }}\int _0^x e^{-t^2}dt \quad {(x\in \mathbf {R})}.

\]
Let

a
a

and

b
b

be real numbers. The inequality
\[
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="erf left-parenthesis left-parenthesis x plus y right-parenthesis Superscript a Baseline right-parenthesis Superscript b Baseline greater-than erf left-parenthesis x Superscript a Baseline right-parenthesis Superscript b Baseline plus erf left-parenthesis y Superscript a Baseline right-parenthesis Superscript b">

erf

(

(
x
+
y

)
a

)

b

>

erf

(

x
a

)
b

+

erf

(

y
a

)
b

\mbox {erf}\,\bigl ((x+y)^a\bigr )^b> \mbox {erf}\,(x^a)^b + \mbox {erf}\,(y^a)^b

\]
holds for all positive real numbers

x
x

and

y
y

if and only if

a
b
≤
1

ab\leq 1

.
Enumeration of certain varieties over a finite field
Authors: Friedlander John , Shparlinski Igor
Published: April 2014

Let

F

q

\mathbb {F}_q

be a finite field of

q
q

elements. E. Howe has shown that there is a natural correspondence between the isogeny classes of two-dimensional ordinary abelian varieties over

F

q

\mathbb {F}_q

which do not contain a principally polarized variety and pairs of positive integers

(
a
,
b
)

(a,b)

satisfying

q
=

a
2

+
b

q = a^2 + b

, where

gcd
(
q
,
b
)
=
1

\gcd (q,b)=1

and all prime divisors

ℓ
\ell

of

b
b

are in the arithmetic progression

ℓ
≡
1

(
mod

3
)

\ell \equiv 1 \pmod 3

. This arithmetic criterion allows us to give good upper bounds, and for many finite fields good lower bounds, for the frequency of occurrence of isogeny classes of varieties having this property.
Quantifying selection in immune receptor repertoires
Authors: Elhanati Yuval , Murugan Anand , Callan Jr. Curtis G , Mora Thierry , Walczak Aleksandra
Published: April 2014

The efficient recognition of pathogens by the adaptive immune system relies on the diversity of receptors displayed at the surface of immune cells. T-cell receptor diversity results from an initial random DNA editing process, called VDJ recombination, followed by functional selection of cells according to the interaction of their surface receptors with self and foreign antigenic peptides. To quantify the effect of selection on the highly variable elements of the receptor, we apply a probabilistic maximum likelihood approach to the analysis of high-throughput sequence data from the β-chain of human T-cell receptors. We quantify selection factors for V and J gene choice, and for the length and amino-acid composition of the variable region. Our approach is necessary to disentangle the effects of selection from biases inherent in the recombination process. Inferred selection factors differ little between donors, or between naive and memory repertoires. The number of sequences shared between donors is well-predicted by the model, indicating a purely stochastic origin of such "public" sequences. We find a significant correlation between biases induced by VDJ recombination and our inferred selection factors, together with a reduction of diversity during selection. Both effects suggest that natural selection acting on the recombination process has anticipated the selection pressures experienced during somatic evolution.
Parasites and genetic diversity in an invasive bumblebee
Authors: Jones Catherine M. , Brown Mark J. F.
Published: April 2014

Biological invasions are facilitated by the global transportation of species and climate change. Given that invasions may cause ecological and economic damage and pose a major threat to biodiversity, understanding the mechanisms behind invasion success is essential.

Both the release of non‐native populations from natural enemies, such as parasites, and the genetic diversity of these populations may play key roles in their invasion success.

We investigated the roles of parasite communities, through enemy release and parasite acquisition, and genetic diversity in the invasion success of the non‐native bumblebee, Bombus hypnorum, in the United Kingdom.

The invasive B. hypnorum had higher parasite prevalence than most, or all native congeners for two high‐impact parasites, probably due to higher susceptibility and parasite acquisition. Consequently parasites had a higher impact on B. hypnorum queens’ survival and colony‐founding success than on native species. Bombus hypnorum also had lower functional genetic diversity at the sex‐determining locus than native species. Higher parasite prevalence and lower genetic diversity have not prevented the rapid invasion of the United Kingdom by B. hypnorum. These data may inform our understanding of similar invasions by commercial bumblebees around the world.

This study suggests that concerns about parasite impacts on the small founding populations common to re‐introduction and translocation programs may be less important than currently believed.
African American women's preventative care usage: the role of social support and racial experiences and attitudes
Authors: Pullen Erin , Perry Brea , Oser Carrie
Published: April 2014

Research suggests that African Americans are less likely to utilise preventative care services than Americans of European descent, and that these patterns may contribute to racial health disparities in the United States. Despite the persistence of inequalities in preventative care utilisation, culturally relevant factors influencing the use of these gateway health services have been understudied among marginalised groups. Using a stratified sample of 205 low‐income African American women, this research examines the predictors of receiving a physical exam, with a particular emphasis on how differing levels of social support from friend and family networks and experiences of racial discrimination and cultural mistrust shape utilisation. The findings underscore the importance of traditional predictors of utilisation, including insurance status and having a usual physician. However, they also indicate that supportive ties to friendship networks are associated with higher predicted rates of having an annual physical exam, while social support from family and sentiments of cultural mistrust are associated with lower rates of utilisation. Broadly, the findings indicate that even as traditional predictors of help‐seeking become less relevant, it will be critical to explore how variations in discrimination experiences and social relationships across marginalised groups drive patterns of preventative care utilisation.
Creeping edgework: carnivalesque consumption and the social experience of health risk
Authors: Cronin James M. , McCarthy Mary , Collins Alan
Published: April 2014

This article contributes to an understanding of voluntary health risk based on the regular, excessive intake of food and alcohol in the micro‐cultural setting. By drawing on and extending edgework theory our aim is to conceptualise the riskiness of carnivalesque consumption as a medium for expression and performance in two separate community contexts. Using ethnographic research methods, we explore the consumption of calorie‐dense, low nutrient food for gamers and the use of alcohol for hipsters. Our findings are reported over four key themes. The first and last consider how carnivalesque consumption provides sensations for multi‐sensory loss of self and a shared emancipation from day‐to‐day moderation. The second and third explore how community members prepare and exercise control over their consumption to manage risks related to an ‘immediate edge’. We discuss how carnivalesque behaviour, when ritualised, establishes a trajectory that creeps towards a more ‘distant edge’ characterised by longer term health consequences. We argue that the transcendental experiences that are part and parcel of edgework can be enacted by products that are traditionally conceptualised as mundane and that the risks of consuming them are largely accumulative rather than instantaneous. Implications for health interventions are included.
The contribution of non‐timber forest products towards sustainable rural development: The case of Candelilla wax from the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico
Authors: Arato Miguel , Speelman Stijn , Van Huylenbroeck Guido
Published: April 2014

The promotion of development projects based on the commercialization of non‐timber forest products has increased in recent decades, showing a positive contribution to rural development; yet it has led to controversial approaches in resource preservation. This paper examines the case of Candelilla wax from the Chihuahuan Desert in northern Mexico, identifying its potential contribution to poverty alleviation in marginal areas, and its unique opportunity to access potential markets of a wide variety of industries all around the world. In this paper, the authors base their analysis on three main aspects: social, economic and environmental. Potential benefits that could be obtained from the collaboration of private institutions, development organizations, policymakers and rural producers through integrated rural development projects are featured.
EarthSciencesComparativeMatrix: A Comparative Method for Geoheritage Assessment
Authors: WHITE SUSAN , WAKELIN‐KING GRESLEY A.
Published: April 2014

Geological heritage is insufficiently recognised inAustralia; it should be considered in its own right, not as an addendum to other heritage values. The lack of a suitable robust and repeatable methodology has seriously constrained the assessment of geological sites suitable for the National Heritage List (NHL). A desktop assessment ofAustralian desert landscapes required intrinsic natural values of a diverse group of sites, spread over a vast area, to be assessed againstNHLcriteria. The Earth Sciences Comparative Matrix (ESCoM) was developed for this study. In theESCoM, sites are grouped in process themes. Each is assessed againstNHLcriteria then compared with other similar places, according to degree of unusualness, integrity, and authenticity. A site scoring well across multiple themes has increased heritage significance. The overall values of a site are quantified, leading to a qualitative judgement on whether it achieves the threshold of outstanding heritage value. Examples of assessment using this method are given. In this methodology, significance determination is based on rigorous comparisons of specific values. It is semi‐quantitative, repeatable, and robust. It differs from other geoheritage assessment methods in its combination of process‐based groupings (facilitating the separation of site type from heritage criteria), matrix structure (minimising complexities of scale or diversity), and use of numerical rankings as an aid in decision‐making. While the study for whichESCoMwas developed was focused on landforms, it can be used for other types of geoheritage (e.g. fossils, tectonic processes), with modification of matrix theme headings.
Noninvasive individual and species identification of jaguars (Panthera onca), pumas (Puma concolor) and ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) in Belize, Central America using cross‐species microsatellites and faecalDNA
Authors: Wultsch Claudia , Waits Lisette P. , Kelly Marcella J.
Published: April 2014

There is a great need to develop efficient, noninvasive genetic sampling methods to study wild populations of multiple, co‐occurring, threatened felids. This is especially important for molecular scatology studies occurring in challenging tropical environments whereDNAdegrades quickly and the quality of faecal samples varies greatly. We optimized 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci for jaguars (Panthera onca), pumas (Puma concolor) and ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) and assessed their utility for cross‐species amplification. Additionally, we tested their reliability for species and individual identification usingDNAfrom faeces of wild felids detected by a scat detector dog across Belize in Central America. All microsatellite loci were successfully amplified in the three target species, were polymorphic with average expected heterozygosities ofHE = 0.60 ± 0.18 (SD) for jaguars,HE = 0.65 ± 0.21 (SD) for pumas andHE = 0.70 ± 0.13 (SD) for ocelots and had an overallPCRamplification success of 61%. We used this nuclearDNAprimer set to successfully identify species and individuals from 49% of 1053 field‐collected scat samples. This set of optimized microsatellite multiplexes represents a powerful tool for future efforts to conduct noninvasive studies on multiple, wild Neotropical felids.
The Underlying Cause of the Global Financial Crisis: An Islamic Perspective
Authors: Ejaz Nauman , Khan Hayat
Published: April 2014

This article highlights that the primary architecture of the conventional financial system induces financial crises as it does not legally “tie the knot” between nominal and real transactions. This legal binding would require replacing interest‐based mechanisms with an arrangement where nominal transactions are backed up by real transactions and a ban on securitisation of nominal assets that is based on the principles of risk transferring rather than risk sharing. The argument underlying our contention is that the extent of the negative impact of any crisis would be proportional to the gap between the nominal and real economy, and the mechanisms governing the distribution of risk. That is why, as advocated by proponents of Islamic Finance, the Islamic financial sector showed resilience during the global financial crisis (GFC). There is however no serious academic effort that formally presents the case of Islamic Finance. This article intends to fill this gap by taking stock of the literature on GFC and relates the discussion to the financial architecture proposed in Islamic finance.
Money Demand in Australia: Which Monetary Aggregate Matters?
Authors: Lim Sokchea , Khun Channary
Published: April 2014

We examine the long‐run relation linking the demand for money in Australia to economic activity and the interest rate for an extended period from 1976 to 2010. Using the Johansen cointegration test, we test the relationship for three measures of monetary aggregate – currency, M1 and M3. The results provide evidence for a long‐run equilibrium relation linking the demand for M1 to economic activity and the interest rate. The relationship is stable with unitary income elasticity and sizeable interest rate semi‐elasticity. The evidence may open a new debate for the Reserve Bank of Australia to look into the use of M1 as a tool in implementing its monetary policy after a long‐time abandonment of M3.
Fifty years' development and future perspectives of psychiatric register research
Authors: Munk‐Jørgensen P. , Okkels N. , Golberg D. , Ruggeri M. , Thornicroft G.
Published: April 2014

Objective

This article illustrates the development of psychiatric register research and discusses the strengths, limitations, and possible directions for future activities.

Method

Examples illustrating the development from the post‐World War II introduction of psychiatric register research until today are selected.

Results

The strengths of register research are seen especially within health service. Until recently, when starting linking registers to biobanks, register research had limited value in cause‐seeking. Register research benefits from the possibilities for following identifiable persons over long time (lifelong) and the possibilities for linking to other registers and databases. Important limitations of register research are the heterogeneity and questionable validity of the clinical data collected.

Conclusion

Future register research can go in the direction of big is beautiful collecting data from all possible sources creating giga‐registers. In that case, low data quality will still be an unsolved problem. Or it can take the direction of smaller local clinical databases which has many advantages, for example, integrating clinical knowledge and experience into register research. However, in that case, registers will not be able to deal with rare conditions and diseases.
Jointness through vessel capacity input in a multispecies fishery
Authors: Hansen Lars Gårn , Jensen Carsten Lynge
Published: April 2014

The success of regulations of multispecies fisheries may depend critically on understanding output dependencies correctly. An example is purse seine fisheries that target several species over the season but are specialized in the sense that each species are targeted individually. Such fisheries are typically modeled as either independent single species fisheries or using standard multispecies functional forms characterized by jointness in inputs. We argue that production of each species is essentially independent but that jointness may be caused by competition for fixed but allocable input of vessel capacity. We develop a fixed but allocatable input model of purse seine fisheries capturing this particular type of jointness. We estimate the model for the Norwegian purse seine fishery and find that it is characterized by nonjointness, while estimations for this fishery using the standard models imply jointness.
Community care for the Elderly: Needs and Service Use Study (CENSUS): Who receives home care packages and what are the outcomes?
Authors: Low Lee‐Fay , Fletcher Jennifer , Gresham Meredith , Brodaty Henry
Published: April 2014

Aim

Investigate factors associated with waiting times for home care packages and outcomes for care recipients and carers.

Method

Analyses of data collected every four months for 12 months from 55 community‐dwelling older adults eligible for government‐subsidised packaged care and their carers.

Results

Thirty of fifty‐five participants were offered a package; they waited from one to 237 days. Baseline quality of life was higher for those offered a package than those not. Baseline care needs and unmet needs, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and cognitive decline did not predict offers. Package receipt compared to non‐package receipt was associated with decreased carer burden over time but did not affect levels of unmet care needs, care needs or quality of life.

Conclusions

Being offered a home care package was not based on waiting time or unmet care needs. Reforms should include a transparent system of wait listing and prioritisation.
U Wave Variability in the Surface ECG
Authors: Kukla Piotr , Baranchuk Adrian , Jastrzębski Marek , Bryniarski Leszek
Published: April 2014

A 72‐year‐old man with heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction 20%), prior ischemic stroke, COPD, and exacerbation of chronic renal failure was admitted in our unit. Serum potassium was 6.1 mmol/L, calcium concentration was at the lower normal range 2.15 mmol/L, and NT‐pro‐BNP was 28,900 pg/mL. The surface 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) showed sinus rhythm at 60 bpm, PR interval 160 ms, QRS duration 115 ms, QT interval 460 ms, and left ventricular hypertrophy criteria. Negative T waves in leads I, II, aVL, and V4–V6 were also seen. In leads V4–V6, negative U waves were observed in concordance with negative T waves. In all precordial leads, beat‐to‐beat U‐wave polarity variability was observed as a polarity variation from negative to positive with associated and stable negative T waves, in a beat‐to‐beat alternate morphology.
QT Dispersion in HIV‐Infected Patients Receiving Combined Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Wongcharoen Wanwarang , Suaklin Somkhuan , Tantisirivit Nualnit , Phrommintikul Arintaya , Chattipakorn Nipon
Published: April 2014

Background

A higher prevalence of QT prolongation has been reported among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that QT dispersion is a better predictor of serious ventricular tachyarrhythmia and cardiac mortality than corrected QT (QTc) interval. However, data of QT dispersion in HIV‐infected patients receiving a combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) is limited. We sought to assess QTc interval and QT dispersion in HIV‐infected patients receiving cART. The association between QT parameters and heart rate variability (HRV) was also examined.

Methods

Ninety‐one HIV‐infected patients receiving cART (male = 33, mean age = 44 ± 10 years) and 70 HIV‐seronegative subjects (male = 25, mean age = 44 ± 8 years) were enrolled in the study. In a resting 12‐lead electrocardiogram, QT interval was measured by the tangent method in all leads with well‐defined T waves. The QT dispersion was defined as the difference between maximum and minimum QTc intervals in any of 12 leads.

Results

The baseline characteristics were not different between the two groups. We demonstrated the significantly longer mean QTc interval (420 ± 21 vs. 409 ± 21 ms, P < 0.001), and greater QT dispersion in HIV‐infected group compared to the control group (85 ± 29 vs. 55 ± 23 ms, P < 0.001). Among the HIV‐infected patients, those who had lower CD4 lymphocyte count (<350 cells/mm3) tended to have greater QT dispersion (92 ± 28 vs. 81 ± 29 ms, P = 0.098). There were no associations between QT parameters and either HRV or cART regimens.

Conclusions

HIV‐infected patients receiving cART were associated with prolonged QTc interval and increased QT dispersion, independent of autonomic dysfunction and antiretroviral drugs, which may have led to the potentially higher risk of ventricular arrhythmia and cardiac mortality.