bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with the presence of atrophic tongue in patients with dry mouth
Authors: Kimori Hisato , Yamamoto Ken , Yamachika Shigeo , Tsurumoto Akihisa , Kamikawa Yoshiaki , Sasao Mami , Morito Mitsuhiko , Saito Ichiro , Ohshima Tomoko , Maeda Nobuko , Nakagawa Yoichi
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This study aimed to identify factors associated with atrophic tongue in patients with dry mouth.

Methods

Discriminant analysis was performed in 1265 patients with dry mouth to identify factors that might influence the risk of developing atrophic tongue. The dependent variable was the presence of atrophic tongue, while patient age, resting saliva flow rate, stimulated saliva flow rate and Candida colony‐forming units (CFU) were used as the independent variables.

Results

The standardised linear discriminant coefficients showed that Candida CFU, stimulated saliva flow rate and age were significantly associated with the presence of atrophic tongue. The following linear discriminant function was obtained: z = 0.024 × age − 0.63 × (resting saliva flow rate) − 0.81 × (stimulated saliva flow rate) + 0.002 × Candida CFU − 0.611.

Conclusion

High Candida CFU, low stimulated saliva flow rate and advanced age were identified as closely associated factors for the risk of development of atrophic tongue.
Symbolic Interactions and the Development of Women Leaders in Higher Education
Authors: Gallant Andrea
Published: May 2013

The under‐representation of women in higher education (HE) leadership is a persistent global phenomenon. The purpose of this research is to re‐examine this issue through symbolic interactionism (SI). Eight women aspiring to leadership were invited to participate in semi‐structured interviews after attending a leadership programme specifically designed to enhance their leadership prospects. Analysis indicated ambiguities and contradictions that surround notions of leadership, in particular how the participants position themselves and are positioned in their workplace. This was evidenced by the meaning they attributed to: recognizing a leader; interactions with existing leadership; and speculation regarding their leadership capacity. Gendered notions were apparent in their constructed meanings. Similarity attraction was also evident, with men being observed as ‘paying it forward’, therefore facilitating promotion. Formal leadership training was advocated rather than experiential processes.
Impact of advanced dialysis technology on the prevalence of dialysis‐related amyloidosis in long‐term maintenance dialysis patients
Authors: Schiffl Helmut
Published: May 2013

Dialysis‐related amyloidosis (DRA) is a unique type of amyloidosis (beta‐2 microglobulin) predominantly in end‐stage renal disease. Its clinical manifestations add to increased morbidity and reduced quality of life. There seems to be a relative risk reduction in DRA manifestations when hemodialysis (HD) patients are treated with advanced HD technology, but changes of the course of DRA are uncertain. The aim of our investigation was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in long‐term dialysis patients receiving either conventional or high‐flux, online‐produced ultrapure dialysis fluid. The cross‐sectional study included 147 HD patients (at least 10 years). The definitive diagnosis of CTS was made histologically or by the coexistence of CTS with other radiological DRA manifestations (bone cysts, arthropathies). The two HD patient groups did not differ significantly in age at start of HD, gender, major co‐morbid diseases, anuria, and dialysis vintage. The conventional HD group had significantly higher circulating beta‐2 microglobulin and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels. The prevalence of DRA was 68% for the conventional HD group and 28% for the advanced HD group. Duration of dialysis treatment was the only significant risk factor for the development of clinical DRA manifestations in both study groups, but CTS, bone cysts, or arthropathies occurred significantly earlier in conventional HD patients. The prevalence and severity of DRA have decreased with advances in dialysis technology during the last two decades, although its occurrence is simply delayed.
Introduction: The Historiographical Legacies of David Underdown
Authors: Smuts Malcolm
Published: May 2013

During a career spanning nearly six decades, David Underdown anticipated the turn toward detailed narrative political history characteristic of revisionism but subsequently rejected what he saw as an overly narrow revisionist emphasis on high politics, in favor of approaches that focused on the political outlooks of the majority of the population and connections between political, social and cultural history. This introduction reflects on the overall arc of his career, its relationship to the historiography of the late twentieth‐century and its relevance to the current state of the field of early seventeenth century English history.
David Underdown, Royalist Conspirators and the Character of English Politics
Authors: Bowen Lloyd
Published: May 2013

This article discusses David Underdown's first major publication, Royalist Conspiracy in England, 1649–60 (1960). This volume is located in its historiographical context, and it is suggested that commentators have overlooked the potential influence of the Tory historian Sir Keith Feiling on this work, alongside the better known perspectives of Underdown's supervisor, Christopher Hill. Underdown's critical view of royalist conspiracy in this book is discussed through several interpretative categories including political faction, collective biography, emotion and rationality, youth and leadership, tradition and modernity. It is argued that Underdown's approach to royalism became more positive and socially expansive in later publications, but that his view of a persistent moderate and conservative centre ground of early modern political life forms a continuous thread throughout his published work.
The ‘Chalk’ and the ‘Cheese’: David Underdown, Regional Cultures and Popular Allegiance in the English Revolution
Authors: Hughes Ann
Published: May 2013

This article identifies the most important themes in David Underdown's analysis of popular political allegiance in the English civil war, looking particularly at his understanding of regional contrasts and cultural conflict. It focuses on Revel, Riot and Rebellion, and discusses the debate on this major work as well as the ways in which its insights have been modified by more recent scholarship.
Politics and Gender in Crisis in David Underdown's “The Taming of the Scold”
Authors: Weil Rachel
Published: May 2013

David Underdown's 1985 essay “The Taming of the Scold” argues on the basis of an increase in the number of cucking stools and skimmingtons (both mechanisms for punishing unruly women) that there was a crisis in gender relations in the years around 1600. This article reviews the argument, describes the diverse historiographies with which it engages and contributes, and considers later attempts to test Underdown's claims empirically and the methodological questions which these attempts illuminate.
Synthesis and Photoluminescence Characteristics of YAl3(BO3)4:Tb3+ Phosphors by Combustion Process
Authors: Li Guifang , Li Zhimin , Cao Quanxi , Huang Yunxia , Shi Junyan
Published: May 2013

Terbium‐activated YAl3(BO3)4 (YAl3(BO3)4:Tb3+) phosphors were synthesized by both combustion method and solid‐state reaction. It was found that the pure‐phase YAl3(BO3)4 phosphors synthesized by combustion method were obtained at 1000°C, which was 200°C lower than that by solid‐state reaction. The average particle size of the combustion‐derived phosphors increased with increasing temperatures. The luminescence characteristics in ultraviolet (UV) — vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) ranges for the YAl3(BO3)4:Tb3+ phosphors were investigated. The bands from 175 nm to 300 nm were attributed to the 4f8‐4f75d1 transitions of Tb3+. The other strong bands in the region from 125 nm to 175 nm were assigned to host absorption. The emission spectra showed the strongest emission at 542 nm corresponding to the 5D4→7F5 transition of Tb3+. Moreover, the combustion‐derived YAl3(BO3)4:Tb3+ phosphors generated more intense luminescence than the solid‐state‐derived phosphors under UV excitation.
Description and process evaluation of pharmacists’ interventions in a pharmacist-led information technology-enabled multicentre cluster randomised controlled trial for reducing medication errors in general practice (PINCER trial)
Authors: Howard Rachel , Rodgers Sarah , Avery Anthony J , Sheikh Aziz
Published: May 2013

Objective

To undertake a process evaluation of pharmacists’ recommendations arising in the context of a complex IT-enabled pharmacist-delivered randomised controlled trial (PINCER trial) to reduce the risk of hazardous medicines management in general practices.

Methods

PINCER pharmacists manually recorded patients’ demographics, details of interventions recommended, actions undertaken by practice staff and time taken to manage individual cases of hazardous medicines management. Data were coded, double-entered into SPSS version 15 and then summarised using percentages for categorical data (with 95% confidence interval (CI)) and, as appropriate, means (± standard deviation) or medians (interquartile range) for continuous data.

Key findings

Pharmacists spent a median of 20 min (interquartile range 10, 30) reviewing medical records, recommending interventions and completing actions in each case of hazardous medicines management. Pharmacists judged 72% (95% CI 70, 74; 1463/2026) of cases of hazardous medicines management to be clinically relevant. Pharmacists recommended 2105 interventions in 74% (95% CI 73, 76; 1516/2038) of cases and 1685 actions were taken in 61% (95% CI 59, 63; 1246/2038) of cases; 66% (95% CI 64, 68; 1383/2105) of interventions recommended by pharmacists were completed and 5% (95% CI 4, 6; 104/2105) of recommendations were accepted by general practitioners (GPs), but not completed at the end of the pharmacists’ placement; the remaining recommendations were rejected or considered not relevant by GPs.

Conclusions

The outcome measures were used to target pharmacist activity in general practice towards patients at risk from hazardous medicines management. Recommendations from trained PINCER pharmacists were found to be broadly acceptable to GPs and led to ameliorative action in the majority of cases. It seems likely that the approach used by the PINCER pharmacists could be employed by other practice pharmacists following appropriate training.
T‐cell responses after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for aggressive relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Burman Joachim , Fransson Moa , Tötterman Thomas H. , Fagius Jan , Mangsbo Sara M. , Loskog Angelica S. I.
Published: May 2013

Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis is a potentially curative treatment, which can give rise to long‐term disease remission. However, the mode of action is not yet fully understood. The aim of the study was to evaluate similarities and differences of the CD4+ T‐cell populations between HSCT‐treated patients (n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 9). Phenotyping of memory T cells, regulatory T (Treg) cells and T helper type 1 (Th1) and type 17 (Th17) cells was performed. Further, T‐cell reactivity to a tentative antigen, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, was investigated in these patient populations. Patients treated with natalizumab (n = 15) were included as a comparative group. White blood cells were analysed with flow cytometry and T‐cell culture supernatants were analysed with magnetic bead panel immunoassays. HSCT‐treated patients had similar levels of Treg cells and of Th1 and Th17 cells as healthy subjects, whereas natalizumab‐treated patients had lower frequencies of Treg cells, and higher frequencies of Th1 and Th17 cells. Cells from HSCT‐treated patients cultured with overlapping peptides from myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein produced more transforming growth factor‐β1 than natalizumab‐treated patients, which suggests a suppressive response. Conversely, T cells from natalizumab‐treated patients cultured with those peptides produced more interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), IL‐1 and IL‐10, indicating a Th17 response. In conclusion, we demonstrate circumstantial evidence for the removal of autoreactive T‐cell clones as well as development of tolerance after HSCT. These results parallel the long‐term disease remission seen after HSCT.
Modelling the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System's Energy Consumption Under‐Coverage
Authors: Cao Kay , Wong Jason , Kumar Anil
Published: May 2013

The new data source for the Australian Energy Statistics, the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System, does not require businesses using less than 200 terajoules to report their energy consumption. This results in a data gap in the total industry energy consumption. To estimate the gap, this study models business energy consumption using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics' 2008–09 Energy, Water and Environment Survey and data from the 2008 to 2009 business activity statement unit record estimates. The article discusses the modelling approaches and methodological issues associated with the estimation of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System's energy consumption under‐coverage. It provides estimation results and suggestions for future research, based on available data.
The Henderson Question? The Melbourne Institute and 50 Years of Welfare Policy
Authors: Gregory Robert G.
Published: May 2013

I discuss selected research contributions of the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research to 50 years of welfare policy for those of workforce age and focus particularly on the policy focus of R. F. Henderson, the inaugural director. Following the spirit of his 1960s poverty research, in the mid‐1970s, government doubled unemployment allowances in real terms and increased pensions by approximately 40 per cent. Both income support payments were to be indexed by average wage increases. At the time, unemployment was typically around 1 per cent and the pension take‐up for those of workforce age was also limited. Today, income support take‐up rates have probably increased fivefold. In response, government has adopted a ‘make work pay’ policy over the last two decades and indexed allowances for Consumer Price Index increases and allowances have fallen by 25–35 per cent, relative to community living standards. Pensions continue to be indexed by average wage changes. I address a range of questions arising from this experience, including: Why has government abandoned the Henderson recommendations?; Is there any evidence that a ‘make work pay’ policy is working?
Dysregulation of Diurnal Cortisol Secretion Affects Abstinence Induction during a Lead‐in Period of a Clinical Trial for Depressed Cocaine‐Dependent Patients
Authors: Raby Wilfrid Noel , SanFilippo Lisa , Pavlicova Martina , Carpenter Kenneth M. , Glass Andrew , Onyemekwu Chukwudi , Roginek Eric , Nunes Edward V.
Published: May 2013

Background and Objective

Hypothesizing that stress dysregulation may worsen cocaine dependence, we investigated the effect of diurnal cortisol secretion profile, suppression of cortisol secretion, and total cortisol secretion on retention, abstinence‐based voucher earnings, days of cravings, and mood status of participants at the end of a 2‐week medication‐free lead‐in prior to randomization in a clinical trial of mirtazapine (60 mg vs. placebo) for depressed cocaine‐dependent patients.

Methods

We measured saliva cortisol levels at 9 AM, 2 PM, and 5 PM on the first two consecutive days of a 2‐week medication‐free lead‐in period. Results from saliva samples were used to estimate the total daily level of cortisol, the diurnal profile of secretion (typical vs. atypical), and response to dexamethasone suppression (.1 mg). Seventy‐seven patients collected saliva samples at baseline, and 65 (85%) were suitable for profile analysis.

Results

Patients with typical profiles (52%) collected significantly more abstinence‐based voucher earnings during the lead‐in (U = 299.50, p = .025). Diurnal secretion profile did not significantly affect mood status, days of craving, or retention. There were no significant effects of suppression of cortisol secretion or of total cortisol levels on any outcome measures.

Conclusion

In a subgroup of cocaine‐dependent patients, deviation of cortisol secretion away from the homeostatic diurnal pattern was associated with reduced success at achieving early abstinence, an important determinant of treatment success. (Am J Addict 2014;23:1–6)
“Corporatism with Adjectives”? Conceptualizing Civil Society Incorporation and Indigenous Participation in Latin America
Authors: Chartock Sarah
Published: May 2013

Ethnodevelopment is a relatively new type of participatory policy that targets the poverty of marginalized ethnic groups with a focus on identity and self-management. While observers have recognized the empirical significance of this new paradigm, little has been done to conceptualize ethnodevelopment. This article argues that national-level ethnodevelopment implementation is a form of corporatism. Examining ethnodevelopment institutions in Ecuador, it shows that the state has structured, subsidized, and partially controlled the indigenous sector through ethnodevelopment policies and agencies. However, certain components of classical corporatism, such as monopolies of representation, do not characterize this paradigm. This article therefore classifies ethnodevelopment as a diminished subtype of corporatism. It challenges corporatism's long association with a particular historical period in the region and finds that Latin American states and social groups have called on historical institutional repertoires in responding to the newly salient ethnic cleavage in the region.
Learning to read in Williams syndrome and Down syndrome: syndrome‐specific precursors and developmental trajectories
Authors: Steele Ann , Scerif Gaia , Cornish Kim , Karmiloff‐Smith Annette
Published: May 2013

Background

In typical development, early reading is underpinned by language skills, like vocabulary and phonological awareness (PA), as well as taught skills like letter knowledge. Less is understood about how early reading develops in children with neurodevelopmental disorders who display specific profiles of linguistic strengths and weaknesses, such as Down syndrome (DS) and Williams syndrome (WS).

Methods

Early reading, letter knowledge, rhyme matching, phoneme matching and receptive vocabulary were assessed in 26 children with DS and 26 children with WS between 4 and 8 years, as well as in two groups of typically developing (TD) children matched on nonverbal mental age (NVMA controls) or reading (RA controls). Reading was also measured 1 year later in DS, WS and RA controls to assess reading growth and its longitudinal predictors.

Results

Despite poor PA and vocabulary, children with DS displayed good reading and letter knowledge, compared with NVMA controls. Performance of children with WS was equivalent to RA controls and superior to NVMA controls on all tasks. Longitudinal delays emerged in reading in both DS and WS compared with RA controls. Vocabulary was a significant longitudinal predictor of reading growth for all children, but, for both children with DS and WS, and unlike RA controls, letter knowledge and PA were not.

Conclusions

Children with DS and WS display atypical developmental patterns in the earliest stages of reading, further underlining the importance of cross‐syndrome, longitudinal research, which tracks all levels of development in neurodevelopmental disorders. Identifying early syndrome‐specific profiles of strengths and weaknesses underlying literacy development is critical for planning intervention programmes.
Mesenchymal hamartoma of the chest wall: Prenatal sonographic manifestations
Authors: Wie Jeong ha , Kim Ju Yeon , Kwon Ji Young , Ko Hyun Sun , Shin Jong Chul , Park In Yang
Published: May 2013

Mesenchymal hamartoma of the chest wall is a rare, benign lesion that arises from one or more ribs, almost exclusively found in infants. Some cases that developed in the fetal period have been reported, but accurate diagnosis was usually possible only after birth, except in a few cases in which fetal magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography were performed. We present a case of a congenital mesenchymal hamartoma of the chest wall. Although the diagnosis was not confirmed until birth, the prenatal sonographic examination showed strongly suggestive findings. We review the published reports on this condition, and suggest the prenatal sonographic features. Prenatal sonography is valuable in the differential diagnosis of chest mass.
Placental alpha microglobulin‐1 (AmniSure test) versus insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 (Actim PROM test) for detection of premature rupture of fetal membranes
Authors: Abdelazim Ibrahim A. , Makhlouf Hanan H.
Published: May 2013

Aim

This study was designed to compare the accuracy of placental alpha microglobulin‐1 (PAMG‐1) versus insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 (IGFBP‐1) to diagnose premature rupture of fetal membranes (PROM).

Material and Methods

This comparative prospective study was carried out over 3 years in Al‐Rashid Maternity and Ahmadi Hospitals, Kuwait. One hundred and fifty pregnant women after 37 weeks gestation were included in this study for induction of labor and divided into two groups according to presence or absence of PROM.

Results

In this study, the sensitivity and specificity (97.3% and 98.7%) of PAMG‐1 to diagnose PROM were statistically insignificant compared with the sensitivity and specificity (89.3% and 82.7%) of IGFBP‐1. The PPV and NPV (98.6% and 97.4%) of PAMG‐1 were also statistically insignificant compared with the PPV and NPV (83.8% and 88.6%) of IGFBP‐1. Also, the accuracy (98%) of PAMG‐1 was statistically insignificant compared with the accuracy (86%) of IGFBP‐1 (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Although AmniSure test seems to be the most accurate test to diagnose rupture of the fetal membranes with high sensitivity and specificity, in this study the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of AmniSure test to diagnose PROM were statistically insignificant compared with the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of Actim PROM test.
Bilateral uterine artery chemoembolization combined with dilation and curettage for treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy: A method for preserving the uterus
Authors: Lan Weishun , Hu Daoyu , Li Zhen , Wang Liang , Yang Wenzhong , Hu Shan
Published: May 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to respectively evaluate the feasibility and safety of bilateral uterine artery chemoembolization (UACE) combined with dilation and curettage (D&C) for the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).

Material and Methods

Our study was approved by our institutional review board, with informed patient consent. From January 2004 to December 2010, 79 patients with CSP underwent UACE in our institution, with transcatheter infusion of 30–50 mg methotrexate into the bilateral uterine artery before embolization with sponge particles. Within 24–48 h after UACE, D&C was performed on all the patients under the guidance of ultrasonography and hysteroscopy.

Results

All the 79 patients diagnosed as having CSP were included in our study and their data were analyzed. All the patients recovered completely without severe complications. The average hemorrhage volume during D&C was 30 mL, but none of them needed transfusion. The uteri of all the patients were preserved, and none of them had to undergo hysterectomy. The safety rate was 100%. The mean duration of hospital stay was 10.5 days.

Conclusions

UACE performed prior to D&C is a feasible method and it may reduce hemorrhage complications and risk of hysterectomy in patients with CSP.
Haematological and biochemical values in North American Scottish deerhounds
Authors: Sheerer K. N. , Couto C. G. , Marin L. M. , Zaldívar‐Lopez S. , Iazbik M. C. , Dillberger J. E. , Frye M. , DeNicola D. B.
Published: May 2013

Objective

Sighthounds, including deerhounds, have unique physiological traits that result in laboratory test results that may lie outside reference intervals for the general dog population. Although reference intervals for most analytes are thought to be similar among sighthounds, breed‐specific reference intervals are available mainly for greyhounds. The aim of this study was to establish reference intervals for haematology and serum biochemical profiles in deerhounds.

Methods

Venous blood samples were collected from healthy deerhounds. Haematological and biochemical analytes were examined and reference intervals were established using the 5th and 95th percentiles.

Results

The reference intervals obtained from 96 dogs for platelets, reticulocytes, total thyroxine, chloride, gamma glutamyl transferase, bilirubin and glucose were lower than the general dog population. Reference intervals for mean cell volume, potassium, urea, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and cholesterol were higher than the general dog population. Reference intervals for eosinophils and globulin were wider than that of the general population.

Clinical Significance

These results confirm that differences in haematological and biochemical values exist in the deerhound. Some appear to be shared by all sighthounds but others may be unique to this breed.
A paucity of liver disease in Canadian Inuit with chronic hepatitis B virus, subgenotype B6 infection
Authors: Minuk G. Y. , MacRury S. , Uhanova J. , Caouette S. , Coleman N. , Cummings K. , Larke B. , Vardy L. , Triet Huyn C. , Osiowy C.
Published: May 2013

Clinical observations suggest that chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in the Canadian Inuit are less often associated with serious adverse outcomes than has been described in other HBV‐infected patient populations. The aim of this study was to document the clinical and biochemical features, liver‐related morbidity and all‐cause mortality in Canadian Inuit with chronic HBV infections. Administrative databases were reviewed for individuals identified as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive during a 1983–85 seroepidemiological survey of viral hepatitis in Baffin Island, Canada. An equal number of age‐ and gender‐matched HBsAg‐negative individuals from the same communities served as controls. Baseline HBV viral loads, genotypes and specific mutations were compared in HBsAg‐positive survivors and nonsurvivors. A subset of surviving HBsAg‐positive carriers were reassessed 25–30 years following their initial diagnosis for evidence of advanced liver disease and changes to their serological/virological findings. One hundred and forty four HBsAg‐positive individuals were identified. All were Canadian Inuit. The mean age at diagnosis was 38 ± 17 years and 69 (61%) were male. Median follow‐up was 23 years (range: 2–28 years). Viral quantitation from stored sera could be performed in 70 infected individuals. The median viral load was 4.3 log 10 IU/ml (range: 2.3–8.8 log 10 IU/ml), and all were genotype B, subgenotype B6. Liver biochemistry, morbidity and all‐cause mortality rates were similar in HBsAg‐positive carriers and controls. Following multivariate analyses, only age at diagnosis predicted mortality in HBsAg carriers. In a subset of 30 HBsAg‐positive survivors who underwent follow‐up assessments, clinical, biochemical and radiological examinations of the liver were essentially normal. 23/30 (77%) remained HBsAg positive and 17/19 (90%) HBV‐DNA positive. The genotype and prevalence of genomic mutations in this cohort remained largely unchanged, but quantifiable viral loads were significantly lower (P < 0.003). The results of this study suggest that chronic HBV infections in the Canadian Inuit are infrequently associated with serious adverse outcomes. Whether this finding reflects unique features of the host, presence or absence of external factors that influence the course of HBV and/or intrinsic properties of the HBV B6 subgenotype remains to be determined.
Changes in grouping patterns of saiga antelope in relation to intrinsic and environmental factors in Mongolia
Authors: Buuveibaatar B. , Fuller T. K. , Fine A. E. , Chimeddorj B. , Young J. K. , Berger J.
Published: May 2013

Factors that affect group sizes in large ungulates are generally poorly understood for species from remote regions. Understanding grouping patterns is important for effective species management, but is lacking for the endangered Mongolian saiga (Saiga tatarica mongolica). We studied seasonal changes in the group size and social structure of saigas in relation to environmental and anthropogenic factors in western Mongolia during 2009–2012. To identify group size and composition, we observed saigas monthly while conducting monitoring surveys, and weekly while tracking radio‐collared animals. We observed 9268 individuals; median group size was 6.5 (se = 1.7; range = 1–121), and groups of 1–5 animals were most common. Seasonality exerted strong effects with the smallest groups in June and largest in December. The largest mixed and nursery groups formed during pre‐rutting and summer seasons, respectively, but no seasonal differences were detected for bachelor groups. The best fitting model, including Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, predation rate and season as covariates, explained ∼76% of the variation in monthly ‘typical’ group size. Our results are concordant with studies of other arid‐adapted ungulates and suggest vegetation productivity, predation rate and biological cycles are responsible for saiga grouping patterns in Mongolia.
Are declines of an endangered mammal predation‐driven, and can a captive‐breeding and release program aid their recovery?
Authors: McCleery R. , Oli M. K. , Hostetler J. A. , Karmacharya B. , Greene D. , Winchester C. , Gore J. , Sneckenberger S. , Castleberry S. B. , Mengak M. T.
Published: May 2013

Declines of imperiled small mammals are often attributed to predation without investigating the relative influence of survival and reproductive parameters on population growth. Accordingly, declines in the endangered Key Largo woodrat Neotoma floridana smalli (KLWR) population have been attributed to predation by feral cats Felis catus, Burmese pythons Python molurus bivittatus and raccoons Procyon lotor. We estimated survival, recruitment and realized population growth rates from four capture–mark–recapture studies to determine if the pattern of demographic variation was consistent with predation as the primary cause of KLWR declines. Additionally, we evaluated the KLWR captive‐breeding and release program by comparing survival of captive‐born and released KLWRs to wild‐born KLWRs. The realized population growth rate of wild‐born KLWRs had a strong pattern of covariation with recruitment; covariation between the realized population growth rate and apparent survival was negligible. Consistent with demographic theory, our results suggest that KLWR population dynamics were driven primarily by variation in recruitment, and that periodic reductions in recruitment led to population declines. We found that the survival curve and the first month (S1) and first 3‐month (S1–3) survival estimates for the wild‐born KLWRs [S1 = 0.929 (0.890–0.968); S1–3 = 0.942 (0.919–0.965)] were considerably higher (χ2 = 33.9, 1 d.f., P < 0.001) than released KLWRs [S1 = 0.521 (0.442–0.600); S1–3 = 0.561 (0.493–0.629)]. Low survival rates from predation limited the success of the captive‐breeding and release program. This study illustrates the importance of pre‐release conditioning of captive‐bred animals and the importance of considering reproductive parameters in conjunction with survival estimates to understand the drivers of population decline.
The demographic history of populations experiencing asymmetric gene flow: combining simulated and empirical data
Authors: Paz‐Vinas I. , Quéméré E. , Chikhi L. , Loot G. , Blanchet S.
Published: May 2013

Population structure can significantly affect genetic‐based demographic inferences, generating spurious bottleneck‐like signals. Previous studies have typically assumed island or stepping‐stone models, which are characterized by symmetric gene flow. However, many organisms are characterized by asymmetric gene flow. Here, we combined simulated and empirical data to test whether asymmetric gene flow affects the inference of past demographic changes. Through the analysis of simulated genetic data with three methods (i.e. bottleneck, M‐ratio and msvar), we demonstrated that asymmetric gene flow biases past demographic changes. Most biases were towards spurious signals of expansion, albeit their strength depended on values of effective population size and migration rate. It is noteworthy that the spurious signals of demographic changes also depended on the statistical approach underlying each of the three methods. For one of the three methods, biases induced by asymmetric gene flow were confirmed in an empirical multispecific data set involving four freshwater fish species (Squalius cephalus, Leuciscus burdigalensis, Gobio gobio and Phoxinus phoxinus). However, for the two other methods, strong signals of bottlenecks were detected for all species and across two rivers. This suggests that, although potentially biased by asymmetric gene flow, some of these methods were able to bypass this bias when a bottleneck actually occurred. Our results show that population structure and dispersal patterns have to be considered for proper inference of demographic changes from genetic data.
An exploration of jealousy in nursing: A Kleinian analysis
Authors: Evans Alicia M , Traynor Michael , Glass Nel
Published: May 2013

It is well established that nursing practice produces considerable anxiety, and it can also give rise to envy and jealousy. While envy in nursing was identified in the literature more than 50 years ago, there remains a paucity of articles addressing either envy or jealousy for nurses. In a recent research study on current experiences of clinical practice, we analysed a fragment of nurses’ speech via Klein's theory of jealousy. The results revealed that the nurses expressed jealousy at the privilege afforded to doctors. We argue that it is important to acknowledge jealousy in nursing practice because it has the potential for ‘spoiling’ effective care delivery and as such, can have detrimental ramifications in the health system. Also, jealousy may keep the nurse from fully focusing on their nursing practice in that it divides the nurse's attention and so limits the nurse's treatment of the patient. Nurses’ jealousy of doctors is a taboo topic in nursing, and yet it warrants serious consideration due to the potential deleterious consequences that can arise when this dynamic is present.
Association between reflux and symptoms during ambulatory reflux monitoring: pros and cons of existing methods
Authors: Bredenoord A. J. , Smout A. J. P. M.
Published: May 2013

Ambulatory reflux monitoring provides information on the quantity of gastroesophageal reflux and, if symptoms are registered during the study, provides insights into the relation between symptoms and reflux. Several symptom‐reflux association analysis indices have been developed to express the relationship between onset of symptom and reflux in a numerical way. One of these indices is the binomial symptom index, introduced by Ghillebert et al. in 1990. The binomial symptom index can be used to study the relationship between symptoms and acid reflux. In this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility Barriga‐Rivera et al. describe the use of Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the effect of random changes in reflux rates and symptom occurrences on binomial symptom index outcome. Their analysis shows that this index can be used to measure the strength of reflux symptom association. Performing symptom‐reflux association analysis is important as the outcome has been shown to be reproducible and can be used as a predictor to response to acid‐suppressive treatment. Despite some limitations, use of symptom‐reflux association analysis is a valuable clinical tool that can provide unique insights into the cause of a patient's symptoms.
Schaffer's Demon
Authors: Ballantyne Nathan , Evans Ian
Published: May 2013

Jonathan Schaffer (2010) has summoned a new sort of demon – which he calls the debasing demon – that apparently threatens all of our purported knowledge. We show that any debasing skeptical argument must attack the justification condition and can do so only if a plausible thesis about justification is false.
Fast Covariance Estimation for Innovations Computed from a Spatial Gibbs Point Process
Authors: Coeurjolly Jean‐François , Rubak Ege
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we derive an exact formula for the covariance of two innovations computed from a spatial Gibbs point process and suggest a fast method for estimating this covariance. We show how this methodology can be used to estimate the asymptotic covariance matrix of the maximum pseudo‐likelihood estimator of the parameters of a spatial Gibbs point process model. This allows us to construct asymptotic confidence intervals for the parameters. We illustrate the efficiency of our procedure in a simulation study for several classical parametric models. The procedure is implemented in the statistical software R, and it is included in spatstat, which is an R package for analyzing spatial point patterns.
Reducing Implicit Prejudice
Authors: Lai Calvin K. , Hoffman Kelly M. , Nosek Brian A.
Published: May 2013

Implicit prejudices are social preferences that exist outside of conscious awareness or control. In this review, we summarize evidence for three mechanisms that influence the expression of implicit prejudice: associative change, contextual change, and change in control over implicit prejudice. We then review the evidence (or lack thereof) for answers to five open issues in implicit prejudice reduction research: (1) what shows effectiveness in real‐world application; (2) what doesn't work for implicit prejudice reduction; (3) what interventions produce long‐term changes in implicit prejudice; (4) measurement diversity in implicit prejudice reduction research; and (5) the relationship between implicit prejudice and behavior. Addressing these issues provides an agenda for clarifying the conditions and implications of reducing implicit prejudice.
The Dynamic Relationship Between Accuracy and Bias in Social Perception Research
Authors: Stern Chadly , West Tessa V. , Schoenthaler Antoinette
Published: May 2013

How do perceivers make accurate social judgments? A substantial amount of evidence suggests that perceivers' judgments are often quite accurate even when they do not have direct access to the truth, in part because they make judgments through biased processes. In the present article, we examine the dynamic relationship between bias and accuracy in social perception research. We outline how bias and accuracy are theoretically and empirically distinct processes and describe the importance (and difficulty) of defining and measuring both truth variables and bias variables in order to make empirical conclusions in accuracy research. Additionally, we examine how both bias variables (e.g., stereotypes, perceivers' own beliefs) and truth variables exert an influence on how perceivers make social judgments, as well as the extent to which judgments are accurate. Lastly, we provide steps that researchers can take in order to examine the relationship between bias and accuracy in their own research.
Village registers for vital registration in rural Malawi
Authors: Singogo E. , Kanike E. , van Lettow M. , Cataldo F. , Zachariah R. , Bissell K. , Harries A. D.
Published: May 2013

Paper‐based village registers were introduced 5 years ago in Malawi as a tool to measure vital statistics of births and deaths at the population level. However, usage, completeness and accuracy of their content have never been formally evaluated. In Traditional Authority Mwambo, Zomba district, Malawi, we assessed 280 of the 325 village registers with respect to (i) characteristics of village headmen who used village registers, (ii) use and content of village registers, and (iii) whether village registers provided accurate information on births and deaths. All village headpersons used registers. There were 185 (66%) registers that were regarded as 95% completed, and according to the registers, there were 115 840 people living in the villages in the catchment area. In 2011, there were 1753 births recorded in village registers, while 6397 births were recorded in health centre registers in the same catchment area. For the same year, 199 deaths were recorded in village registers, giving crude death rates per 100 000 population of 189 for males and 153 for females. These could not be compared with death rates in health centre registers due to poor and inconsistent recording in these registers, but they were compared with death rates obtained from the 2010 Malawi Demographic Health Survey that reported 880 and 840 per 100 000 for males and females, respectively. In conclusion, this study shows that village registers are a potential source for vital statistics. However, considerable inputs are needed to improve accuracy of births and deaths, and there are no functional systems for the collation and analysis of data at the traditional authority level. Innovative ways to address these challenges are discussed, including the use of solar‐powered electronic village registers and mobile phones, connected with each other and the health facilities and the District Commissioner's office through the cellular network and wireless coverage.
Decorin‐PEI nanoconstruct attenuates equine corneal fibroblast differentiation
Authors: Donnelly Kevin S. , Giuliano Elizabeth A. , Sharma Ajay , Tandon Ashish , Rodier Jason T. , Mohan Rajiv R.
Published: May 2013

Objective

To explore (i) the potential of polyethylenimine (PEI) nanoparticles as a vector for delivering genes into equine corneal fibroblasts (ECFs) using green fluorescent protein (GFP) marker gene, (ii) whether PEI nanoparticle‐mediated decorin (DCN) gene therapy could be used to inhibit fibrosis in the equine cornea using an in vitro model.

Procedure

Polyethylenimine–DNA nanoparticles were prepared at nitrogen‐to‐phosphate (N‐P) ratio of 15 by mixing 22 kDa linear PEI and a plasmid encoding either GFP or DCN. ECFs were generated from donor corneas as previously described. Initially, GFP was introduced into ECFs using PEI nanoparticles to confirm gene delivery, then DCN was introduced to evaluate for antifibrotic effects. GFP gene delivery was confirmed with real‐time qPCR and ELISA. Changes in fibrosis after DCN therapy were quantified by measuring α‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA) mRNA and protein levels with qPCR, immunostaining, and immunoblotting. Cytotoxicity was determined by evaluating cell morphology, cellular viability, and TUNEL assay.

Results

Polyethylenimine‐green fluorescent protein‐treated cultures showed 2.2 × 104 GFP plasmid copies/μg of cellular DNA and 2.1 pg of GFP/100 μL of lysate. PEI–DCN delivery significantly attenuated TGFβ‐induced transdifferentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts (2‐fold decrease of αSMA mRNA; P = 0.05) and significant inhibition of αSMA (49 ± 14.2%; P < 0.001) in immunocytochemical staining and immunoblotting were found. Furthermore, PEI–DNA nanoparticle delivery did not alter cellular phenotype at 24 h and cellular viability was maintained.

Conclusions

Twenty‐two kilo dalton Polyethylenimine nanoparticles are safe and effective for equine corneal gene therapy in vitro. PEI‐mediated DCN gene delivery is effective at inhibiting TGFβ‐mediated fibrosis in this model.
Modeling Print Registration in Roll-to-Roll Printing Presses
Authors: Seshadri Aravind , Pagilla Prabhakar R. , Lynch Jamie E.
Published: May 2013

Roll-to-roll (R2R) printing is a continuous process in which thin flexible materials such as paper are passed through a printing press to print the required pattern onto the material. Each printing press may have several printing units depending on the number of colors to be printed and the complexity of the pattern. The flexible material, often referred to as a “web,” is passed successively through each print unit to create a multicolor pattern. Print registration is the process of overlapping successive printed patterns to form a complex multicolor pattern and the registration error is the position misalignment in the overlapped patterns. This paper develops a machine direction print registration model in a printing press with multiple print units whose print cylinders are driven using mechanical line shafts. The registration model considers the effects of interaction between adjacent print units due to variations in material strain and machine dynamics, including various dynamic elements, such as the print cylinder, doctor blade assembly, print unit compensator roller, print unit motor, friction at various locations, etc. Measured data from typical production runs on an industrial printing press are used to corroborate the developed print registration model. Mechanical design and control design recommendations to reduce registration error in print units are also provided. The developed registration model is applicable to many R2R printing technologies, such as offset, flexo, and rotogravure printing.
A Model for Temperature Prediction for Two-Phase Oil/Water Stratified Flow
Authors: Shang Wei , Sarica Cem
Published: May 2013

In this paper a mathematical model was developed to predict temperature profiles for two-phase oil-water stratified flows. Based on the energy balance of a control volume, analytical solutions were derived for the prediction of temperature profiles for two-phase oil/water stratified flow pattern in pipe flows. The model has been verified with a single-phase heat transfer model, which is available in most heat transfer textbooks. Two typical cases were simulated for extreme operating conditions with water cuts of 0% and 100%, respectively. This analytical model was also validated against experimental data. The test was conducted on a multiphase facility with accurate flow control devices and effective thermal treating units. The water cut was set at 50% for this test. The simulation results and experimental data agree within the experimental uncertainty. The closure relationships can be conveniently applied to a two-phase oil/water paraffin deposition model, which is dependent on the heat transfer process. The model was also used to predict the temperature profiles for two-phase oil and water flows with different water cuts.
Nonlinear H-Shaped Springs to Improve Efficiency of Vibration Energy Harvesters
Authors: Boisseau Sebastien , Despesse Ghislain , Seddik Bouhadjar Ahmed
Published: May 2013

Vibration energy harvesting is an emerging technology aimed at turning mechanical energy from vibrations into electricity to power the microsystems of the future. Most current vibration energy harvesters (VEH) are based on a mass-spring structure: this introduces a resonance phenomenon that enables an increase of VEH output power (compared to nonresonant systems); however, the working frequency bandwidth is limited. Therefore, these devices are not able to harvest energy when ambient vibrations’ frequencies shift. To solve this problem and to increase the frequency band where power can be harvested, one solution consists in using nonlinear springs. This paper introduces H-shaped nonlinear springs, their model, and their benefits to improve VEH output powers. Simulations on real vibration sources show that the output power can be higher in nonlinear devices (up to +48%) compared to linear systems.