bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumer attitude towards purchasing intent for ready to drink orange juice and nectar
Authors: Ferrarezi Alessandra , Minim Valéria Paula , dos Santos Karina Maria , Monteiro Magali
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the impact of some labeling aspects on the consumer intent to purchase ready to drink orange juice and nectar.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of label information on the consumer intent to purchase was evaluated by conjoint analysis using a convenience sample (n=149). A factorial design with four characteristics, price, brand, information about the product and kind of beverage, was used. Three levels were established for brand and product information, and two for price and kind of beverage.

Findings

Low price, product information and market leading brand had positive impact. “No preservatives/natural” was the information that most influenced consumer's purchase intent. The ideal label showed the leading brand, low price and information “no preservatives/natural”. These results could be useful for strategic planning of consumer instruction and have important implications for Brazilian orange juice manufactures.

Originality/value

Although the most widely consumed beverages in Brazil are ready to drink orange juice and nectar, it was unexpected that consumers did not know the differences between them and that kind of beverage was not an important factor for the purchase decision.
For those who form calcium oxalate stones, which one is healthier?
Authors: Lotfi Yagin Neda , Mahdavi Reza , Nikniaz Zeinab
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Although black tea is commonly consumed in Iran, within the last years the popularity of green tea, especially green tea bags, has dramatically increased due to all scientific papers reporting that green tea has benefit impacts on human health. Considering the postulated role of increased dietary oxalate intake on calcium oxalate stone formation, this paper aimed to study the oxalate content of most popular green and black tea bags consumed in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

Five green tea samples and ten black tea samples were purchased from various markets in Tabriz, Iran. The oxalate content of each sample after infusion for five minutes was measured in triplicate using an enzymatic assay. Statistical analysis used: the ANOVA with Tukey's post‐hoc test, and also an independent t‐test were used for statistical analysis.

Findings

The oxalate concentration in different brands of green tea bags ranged from 0.73 to 1.75 and from 3.69 to 6.31 mg/240 ml for black tea bags. There were significant differences in oxalate content of different brands, both in green and black tea bags (P<0.001). The mean oxalate content of green and black tea samples also differed significantly from each other (P<0.001).

Originality/value

From the oxalate point of view, consumption of green and black tea bags infusions several times per day may not pose significant health risks in kidney stone patients and susceptible individuals.
The effect of processing parameters on the physicochemical properties of oil from roselle seed
Authors: Bamgboye Isaac , Adejumo Oyebola I.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The study aimed to focus on the effect of the processing parameters on the physicochemical properties of oil from roselle seed.

Design/methodology/approach

Fine and coarse samples of the ground roselle seeds were conditioned to the moisture contents of 4.4‐10.4 per cent and 5.14‐11.14 per cent. Oil was expressed at applied pressures of 15‐37.5 MPa with 7.5 MPa interval using hydraulic oil extractor for between 10‐40 min. at increment of 10 min. and at the heating temperatures of 80, 90, 100 and 110°C over a period of 15‐30 min. at an increment of 5 min. All the physicochemical properties were determined using AOAC and AOCS methods [AOAC, 1984; AOCS, 1994].

Findings

The free fatty acid, peroxide values and the colour intensity of the oil were affected by the processing parameters; while saponification value, viscosity, specific gravity, refractive index and the iodine value of the oil were not affected by the expression parameters.

Originality/value

Processing parameters were found to affect the quality attributes of free fatty acid, peroxide values and the colour intensity of the oil.
Are PIIGS stock markets efficient?
Authors: Kumar Dilip
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to test the finite sample properties of the automatic variance ratio (AVR) test and suggest suitable measure to improve its small sample properties under conditional heteroskedasticity and apply it to test the martingale hypothesis in the stock prices of the Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain (PIIGS economies) markets. This paper also seeks to investigate that “If the time series is not martingale, then what else?”

Design/methodology/approach

Monte Carlo experiments have been undertaken to test the small sample properties of automatic variance ratio (AVR) test. The study uses AVR test on daily and weekly data of the indices to investigate their martingale behaviour. It uses detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) and BDS test statistics to answer, “If not martingale, then what else?”. The study also applies moving subsample approach to examine the dynamic behavior of stock prices and to obtain inferential findings robust to possible structural changes and presence of influential outliers.

Findings

The author finds that weighted bootstrap procedure significantly improves the small sample properties of AVR tests under conditional heteroskedasticity. The results provide evidence in support of the weak‐form efficiency of Italy and Spain. But Portugal, Ireland and Greece exhibit signs of long memory in the stock prices. All indices also exhibit chaotic characteristics.

Originality/value

This paper has both methodological and empirical originality. On the methodological aspect, the author proposes weighted bootstrap procedure on AVR test to improve its small sample properties. On the empirical side, the study finds that all stocks exhibit dynamic behavioral characteristics which change over time.
Interfuel substitution in Australia: a way forward to achieve environmental sustainability
Authors: Shahiduzzaman MD , Alam Khorshed
Published: June 2013

This paper examines the possibilities for interfuel substitution in Australia in view of the need to shift towards a cleaner mix of fuels and technologies to meet future energy demand and environmental goals. The translog cost function is estimated for the aggregate economy, the manufacturing sector and its subsectors, and the electricity generation subsector. The advantages of this work over previous literature relating to the Australian case are that it uses relatively recent data, focuses on energy‐intensive subsectors and estimates the Morishima elasticities of substitution. The empirical evidence shown herein indicates weak‐form substitutability between different energy types, and higher possibilities for substitution at lower levels of aggregation, compared with the aggregate economy. For the electricity generation subsector, which is at the centre of the CO2 emissions problem in Australia, significant but weak substitutability exists between coal and gas when the price of coal changes. A higher substitution possibility exists between coal and oil in this subsector. The evidence for the own‐ and cross‐price elasticities, together with the results for fuel efficiencies, indicates that a large increase in relative prices could be justified to further stimulate the market for low‐emission technologies.
Does induction of labour increase the risk of caesarean section? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of trials in women with intact membranes
Authors: Wood S , Cooper S , Ross S
Published: June 2013

Background

Recent literature on the effect of induction of labour (compared with expectant management) has provided conflicting results. Reviews of observational studies generally report an increase in the rate of caesarean section, whereas reviews of post‐dates and term prelabour rupture of membrane (PROM trials suggest either no difference or a reduction in risk.

Objective

To evaluate with a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) whether or not the induction of labour increases the risk of caesarean section in women with intact membranes.

Search strategy

Literature search using electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Clinical Trials.

Selection criteria

RCTs comparing a policy of induction of labour with expectant management in women with intact membranes.

Data collection and analysis

A total of 37 trials were identified and reviewed. Quantitative analyses with fixed‐ and random‐effects models were performed with revman 5.1.

Main results

Of the 37 RCTs, 27 were trials of uncomplicated pregnancies at 37–42 weeks of gestation. The remaining ten evaluated induction versus expectant management in pregnancies with suspected macrosomia (two), diabetes in pregnancy (one), oligohydramnios (one), twins (two), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (two), mild pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH) (one), and women with a high‐risk score for caesarean section (one). Meta‐analysis of 31 trials determined that a policy of induction was associated with a reduction in the risk of caesarean section compared with expectant management (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.76–0.92).

Author's Conclusions

Induction of labour in women with intact membranes reduces the risk of caesarean section. Review of the trials suggests that this effect may arise from non‐treatment effects, and that additional trials are needed.
Southeast Asian primate communities: the effects of ecology and Pleistocene refuges on species richness
Authors: HASSEL‐FINNEGAN Heather , BORRIES Carola , ZHAO Qing , PHIAPALATH Phaivanh , KOENIG Andreas
Published: June 2013

We examined historical and ecological factors affecting current primate biodiversity in Southeast Asia. In Africa, Madagascar and South America, but not Southeast Asia, primate species richness is positively associated with average rainfall and distance from the equator (latitude). We predicted that Southeast Asia's non‐conformance may be due to the effect of dispersed Pleistocene refuges (locations of constricted tropical forests during glacial maxima which today are at least 305 m in altitude). Based on 45 forested sites (13 on large islands; 32 on the mainland) of at least 100 km2 to minimize recent human impact, we determined correlations between extant primate species richness and rainfall, latitude and supplementary ecological variables, while controlling for refuges and islands. We found that refuge sites had significantly higher primate species richness than non‐refuges (t = –2.76, P < 0.05), and distance from the nearest Pleistocene refuge was negatively correlated with species richness for non‐refuge sites (r = –0.51, P < 0.05). There was no difference in species richness between sites on large islands and the mainland (t = –1.4, P = 0.16). The expected positive relationship between rainfall and species richness was not found (r = 0.17, P = 0.28). As predicted, primate species richness was negatively correlated with latitude (r = –0.39, P < 0.05) and positively correlated with mean temperature (r = 0.45, P < 0.05). General linear models indicated that a site's latitude (F1,38 = 6.18, P < 0.05) and Pleistocene refuge classification (F1,42 = 5.96, P < 0.05) were the best predictors of species richness. Both ecological and historical factors contribute to present day primate species richness in Southeast Asia, making its biodiversity less of an outlier than previously believed.
Sex‐specific participation in inter‐group conflicts within a multilevel society: the first evidence at the individual level
Authors: ZHAO Dapeng , CHEN Zhuoyue , LI Baoguo , ROMERO Teresa
Published: June 2013

Inter‐group conflicts are common among many group‐living animals and involve potentially complex motivations and interactions. Mammals living in multilevel societies offer a good opportunity to study inter‐group conflicts. This study is the first to explore the function of sex‐specific participation during inter‐group conflicts within a multilevel society at the individual level. The Sichuan snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) is an endangered seasonal breeding species living in a multilevel society. From Sep 2007 to May 2008 we recorded 290 inter‐group conflicts of a free‐ranging provisioned band of R. roxellana in the Qinling Mountains of China to investigate the function of individual aggression during inter‐group encounters. Our findings show that adult males were the main participants in inter‐group conflicts, while females took part in them only occasionally. The male participation rate during the mating season, when adult females were estrous, was significantly higher than that during the non‐mating season. Furthermore, males directed their aggression to other males, and directed more intense aggression towards bachelor males than towards other resident males. For both sexes, the participation rate as initiators was higher in the winter than that in the spring; and there was a significant positive correlation between group size and the participation rate as initiators. Our results suggest that inter‐group aggression in Sichuan snub‐nosed monkeys is linked to both mate defense and resource defense.
William Shenstone's Poetry, The Leasowes and the Intermediality of Reading and Architectural Design
Authors: JUNG SANDRO
Published: June 2013

Examining the complexity of Shenstone's landscape gardening project, his self‐fashioning and pastoral myth‐making, the essay will study a hitherto neglected, illustrated manuscript album of Shenstone's verse, investigating the volume's intermedial remit by reading it as poetic guidebook for visitors to The Leasowes. Discussing its visual–textual strategies as related to the poet's landscape gardening, the essay will shed light on Shenstone's unique scripting of a route that visitors follow in order to experience both the different loci of his monumentalised self and nature's architectural recasting.
Structural change in urban Chinese food preferences
Authors: Hovhannisyan Vardges , Gould Brian W.
Published: June 2013

We undertake a range of tests for structural food preference change in urban China, using provincial‐level panel data from 2002 to 2010. We introduce a time transition function into the Generalized Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (GQAIDS) to represent consumer preferences. We apply this system to evaluate the demand structure for seven food groups. The use of the GQAIDS specification relaxes many empirical demand system restrictions associated with previous analyses of structural preference change. Our findings suggest that Chinese food preferences are continuing to evolve.
Textual and Experimental Studies on The Compositions of Traditional Chinese Organic–Inorganic Mortars
Authors: Zhang Kun , Zhang Hui , Fang Shiqiang , Li Jiajia , Zheng Ye , Zhang Bingjian
Published: June 2013

The Chinese people started to add organic matter to lime or ‘tabia’ no later than 1500 years ago, and thus created the traditional Chinese organic–inorganic mortar featured in this paper, which has been demonstrated by a great deal of archaeological evidence. According to the ancient literature records, the traditional Chinese organic–inorganic mortar was widely used for architectural purposes, such as rammed earthen buildings, finishing mortars, city walls, water conservancy projects and tombs. To verify the authenticity of the literature, four types of architecture were chosen from eastern China, and the obtained samples were analysed by chemical methods and FT–IR. The experimental results turned out to be consistent with the literature.
Cloning and Characterization of the GNA11 Promoter and its Regulation by Early Growth Response 1
Authors: Klenke Stefanie , Siffert Winfried , Frey Ulrich Hermann
Published: June 2013

GNAQ and GNA11, encoding the G‐proteins Gαq and Gα11, are members of the Gαq/Gα11 subfamily, which transmits signals from the cell surface to intracellular signalling cascades. The GNAQ promoter was already characterized, and regulation by the transcription factor early growth response 1 (Egr‐1) was demonstrated. Interestingly, in silico analysis revealed putative Egr‐1 binding sites in sequences potentially representing the GNA11 promoter. However, the GNA11 promoter has not been characterized so far. Therefore, the purpose of the study was the characterization of the GNA11 promoter and investigation of its potential regulation by Egr‐1. The putative GNA11 promoter was cloned, and deletion constructs were generated. Luciferase assays were performed, and essential regulatory regions identified between nt‐805/‐177. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), one specific Egr‐1 binding site at nt‐475/‐445 was identified. An Egr‐1 expression plasmid was generated, which evoked increased Egr‐1 content in nuclear extracts and a > 2‐fold increase in GNA11 promoter activity in construct nt‐805/+54 (p = 0.035). Finally, real‐time PCR analysis was performed, and an increased Gα11 mRNA (p = 0.035) expression induced by Egr‐1 was found. Here, we characterize for the first time the GNA11 promoter and its specific interaction with Egr‐1. Both the GNAQ and the GNA11 promoter appear to be regulated by the same transcription factor, Egr‐1, which may be a molecular mechanism leading to Gαq‐/Gα11‐associated phenotypes.
Erectile dysfunction in men treated for testicular cancer
Authors: Tal Raanan , Stember Doron S. , Logmanieh Nina , Narus Joseph , Mulhall John P.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To study the unique characteristics of erectile dysfunction (ED) in a population of men who developed ED after testicular cancer (TC) diagnosis and treatment.

Patients and Methods

All men treated for TC who presented for sexual function evaluation were included in an institutional database.

All men underwent standard evaluation including a history/physical examination, completion of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, testosterone/gonadotropin measurement and penile duplex Doppler ultrasonography (DUS).

Results

The study population comprised 76 men whose mean (sd) age was 29 (8) years and of whom 25% were married/had a partner. In all, 39% of the patients had seminoma and 61% had non‐seminomatous germ‐cell tumour (NSGCT).

A total of 66% of patients with seminoma underwent radiation therapy. Of the patients with NSGCT, 79% received chemotherapy, 18% underwent primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) and 20% underwent post‐chemotherapy RPLND.

The mean (sd) time before seeking sexual medicine consultation was 12 (7) months after treatment completion, the median (range) number of vascular risk factors was 0 (0–2) and the mean (sd) remaining testis volume was 16 (8) mL. Mean (sd) total testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone levels were 312 (186) ng/dL, 9 (7) IU/mL, 17 (12) IU/mL. A total of 26% of patients had total testosterone levels <300 ng/dL.

In all, 84% of patients complained primarily of loss of erection‐sustaining capability and 24% had episodes of transient ED before TC diagnosis. The mean (sd) IIEF erectile function domain score was 16 (7).

All the patients (100%) had a normal DUS. Mean (sd) peak systolic and end‐diastolic velocities were 48 (16) and 1.2 (2.2) cm/s, respectively.

A total of 88% of patients responded to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) use with erections sufficient for penetration, but 12% did not (mean [sd] erectile function domain score 27 [5] vs 17 [6]).

There were no differences in haemodynamics between those men with and without hypogonadism.

Conclusions

Men with TC presenting with ED after treatment appear uniformly to have normal erectile haemodynamics, suggesting adrenaline‐mediated ED.

While the majority of TC survivors with ED respond successfully to PDE5i, a significant minority do not.
Systemic family therapy using the reflecting team: the experiences of adults with learning disabilities
Authors: Anslow (née Atkins Furniss) Katharine
Published: June 2013

Accessible summary

Sometimes people with learning disabilities and their families get upset and want to talk about their problems. They might see a therapist who talks to them and their family together. This is sometimes called family therapy. The therapist might use a team of other therapists to give the family other ideas. This is called the reflecting team.

We wanted to know what it was like for the person with learning disabilities when this happened.

We showed five adults with learning disabilities aDVDof the reflecting team in their family therapy and asked what it was like for them.

They told us interesting things about what was helpful and what was not helpful in their therapy.

This will help us give a better service to adults with learning disabilities who have family therapy.

This research aimed to illuminate the experiences of adults with learning disabilities of the reflecting team, in the context of their systemic family therapy. Five adults with learning disabilities were recruited from one community learning disability team. A qualitative design using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was appropriate to gather participants' views using semi‐structured interviews. The interviews usedDVD‐assisted recall of the reflecting team. Various validation strategies were employed, including respondent feedback and a focus group with the therapists. Insights were gained in the areas of ‘therapists’ focus on strengths and difficulties’, ‘differences in metacognition’, ‘finding a voice in therapy’, ‘frustration with the outcome of therapy’ and ‘managing an unusual experience’. The research has indicated some important factors to consider in the successful inclusion of adults with learning disabilities in systemic family therapy.
Expanding the phenotypic spectrum of ECEL1‐related congenital contracture syndromes
Authors: Shaaban S. , Duzcan F. , Yildirim C. , Chan W.‐M. , Andrews C. , Akarsu N.A. , Engle E.C.
Published: June 2013

Using a combination of homozygosity mapping and whole‐exome sequencing (WES), we identified a novel missense c.1819G>A mutation (G607S) in the endothelin‐converting enzyme‐like 1 (ECEL1) gene in a consanguineous pedigree of Turkish origin presenting with a syndrome of camptodactyly, scoliosis, limited knee flexion, significant refractive errors and ophthalmoplegia. ECEL1 mutations were recently reported to cause recessive forms of distal arthrogryposis. This report expands on the molecular basis and the phenotypic spectrum of ECEL1‐associated congenital contracture syndromes.
Adenocarcinoma of the anal canal – a systematic review
Authors: Anwar S. , Welbourn H. , Hill J. , Sebag‐Montefiore D.
Published: June 2013

Aim

The prognosis of anal adenocarcinoma is poor and the management remains controversial. We carried out a literature review to identify current practice in the management of anal adenocarcinoma.

Method

A systematic review of the literature was performed for studies in the English language published between 1950 and 2011. All those that focused on the management of anal adenocarcinoma were considered for inclusion.

Results

Sixteen retrospective observational studies were identified; no randomized trials were found. Most of the studies contained small numbers of patients due to the rarity of anal adenocarcinoma. Treatment included local excision), radiotherapy, chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy and abdominoperineal excision. Most studies concluded that a multimodality approach, combining radical surgical resection with neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemoradiotherapy was the optimal management strategy.

Conclusion

The prognosis of anal adenocarcinoma is poor, and there is little information on the optimal management. The relevant studies indicate that a combination of radical surgical resection and pre‐ or postoperative chemoradiotherapy offers the best chance of survival.
Multiorgan procurement increases systemic inflammation in brain dead donors
Authors: Auråen Henrik , Mollnes Tom E. , Bjørtuft Øystein , Bakkan Per A. , Geiran Odd , Kongerud Johny , Fiane Arnt , Holm Are M.
Published: June 2013

Organs available for solid organ transplantation are mainly procured from brain dead donors. The inflammation associated with brain death may reduce organ quality and increase organ immunogenicity, thus leading to inferior recipient outcome. We hypothesized that the extensive surgical procedure performed during multiorgan procurement enhances the levels of systemic inflammatory biomarkers. We measured the levels of 27 cytokines and the terminal complement complex (TCC) in plasma samples from brain dead organ donors (n = 34) drawn before and at three specific time points during procurement surgery. Baseline levels of G‐CSF, interferon‐γ, IL‐1ra, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐7, IL‐8, IL‐10, IP‐10, MCP‐1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1β, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), regulated upon activation T cell expressed and secreted, and tumor necrosis factor‐α were significantly elevated in brain dead donors compared with normal individuals (n = 14), but they were not associated with time on ventilator or any other registered clinical variable. Notably, the secretion of G‐CSF, IL1‐ra, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IP‐10, MCP‐1, MIP‐1β, PDGF, and TCC, the latter reflecting ongoing complement activation, increased significantly during surgery. None of the biomarker increases were correlated with operation duration. Multiorgan procurement surgery significantly adds to the inflammatory response revealed by both pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory biomarkers associated with brain death. Future studies should determine whether this is associated with inferior recipient outcome.
Institutions, Lobbying, and Economic Performance
Authors: Heckelman Jac C. , Wilson Bonnie
Published: June 2013

We investigate whether the impact of institutions depends not just on their current state but also on how they came to be. In particular, we hypothesize that while economic freedom that emerges spontaneously may be growth promoting, economic freedom that emerges as a result of costly lobbying efforts may be less fruitful. In an extreme case, costly lobbying efforts may even negate the growth‐enhancing effect of economic freedom. To the extent that lobbying efforts constitute an opportunity cost of resources diverted away from investment and production, our hypothesis also implies that greater the opportunity cost of lobbying, the more efficient is the institutional environment. Panel data analysis reveals the expected positive relation between economic freedom and growth, and consistent with our hypothesis, the findings indicate that the impact of economic freedom on growth does indeed diminish as lobbying efforts increase. In addition, we find that lobbying is more harmful to growth at greater levels of economic freedom.
The Impact of Private Interest Contributions on RPS Adoption
Authors: Jenner Steffen , Ovaere Lotte , Schindele Stephan
Published: June 2013

In the last two decades, many U.S. states introduced policies to promote electricity generation from renewable energy sources (RES‐E). Renewable portfolio standards (RPS) are considered to be the key RES‐E policy tool to date. This article tackles the question on why some state legislators were front‐running the trend of RPS implementation whereas others adopted policies just recently, and why others have not adopted them at all. We compile data on financial contributions of conventional energy interest groups (CEI) and renewable energy interest groups (REI) to state‐level policy‐makers between 1998 and 2010. By means of hazard and tobit regressions, we test the effect of these financial contributions on the probability of RPS adoption and on RPS stringency. The article provides evidence in favor of interest group theory. First, CEI have donated more to state‐level legislators affiliated with the Republican Party than to Democrats while contributions from REI went largely to the latter. Second, there are statistically significant links between the likelihood of RPS adoption and private interest contributions. Contributions from CEI have a negative effect on the likelihood of RPS adoption whereas REI contributions have a positive effect.
Forgotten family members: the importance of siblings in early psychosis
Authors: Bowman Siann , Alvarez‐Jimenez Mario , Wade Darryl , McGorry Patrick , Howie Linsey
Published: June 2013

Objective

This paper reviews the evidence on the significance of sibling inclusion in family interventions and support during early psychosis.

Method

This narrative review presents the current research related to the importance of family work during early psychosis, the needs and developmental significance of siblings during adolescence and early adulthood, the protective effects of sibling relationships, and the characteristics of early psychosis relevant to the sibling experience. It will also review the evidence of the sibling experience in chronic physical illness and disability, as well as long‐term psychotic illness.

Conclusions

Despite the evidence that working with families is important during early psychosis, siblings have been largely ignored. Siblings are an important reciprocal relationship of long duration. They play an important role in development during adolescence and early adulthood. These relationships may be an underutilized protective factor due to their inherent benefits and social support. Developmental theories imply that early psychosis could negatively impact the sibling relationship and their quality of life, effecting personality development and health outcomes. The evidence shows that adolescent physical illness or disability has a significantly negative impact on the sibling's quality of life and increases the risk for the onset of mental health issues. Long‐term psychotic illness also results in negative experiences for siblings. Current evidence shows that siblings in early psychosis experience psychological distress and changes in functional performance.

Further research using standard measures is required to understand the impact early psychosis has on the sibling relationship and their quality of life.
Gustatory modulation of the responses of trigeminal subnucleus caudalis neurons to noxious stimulation of the tongue in rats
Authors: Boucher Yves , Felizardo Rufino , Klein Amanda H. , Carstens Mirela I. , Carstens Earl
Published: June 2013

Certain tastants inhibit oral irritation by capsaicin, whereas anesthesia of the chorda tympani (CT) enhances oral capsaicin burn. We tested the hypothesis that tastants activate the CT to suppress responses of trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) neurons to noxious oral stimuli. In anesthetized rats, we recorded Vc unit responses to noxious electrical, chemical (pentanoic acid, 200 μm) and thermal (55 °C) stimulation of the tongue. Electrically evoked responses were significantly reduced by a tastant mix and individually applied NaCl, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and monopotassium glutamate. Sucrose, citric acid, quinine and water (control) had no effect. Pentanoic acid‐evoked responses were similarly attenuated by NaCl and MSG, but not by other tastants. Responses to noxious heat were not affected by any tastant. Transection and/or anesthesia of the CT bilaterally affected neither Vc neuronal responses to electrical or pentanoic acid stimulation, nor the depressant effect of NaCl and MSG on electrically evoked responses. Calcium imaging showed that neither NaCl nor MSG directly excited any trigeminal ganglion cells or affected their responses to pentanoic acid. GABA also had no effect, arguing against peripheral effects of GABA, NaCl or MSG on lingual nocicepive nerve endings. The data also rule out a central mechanism, as the effects of NaCl and MSG were intact following CT transection. We speculate that the effect is mediated peripherally by the release from taste receptor cells (type III) of some mediator(s) other than GABA to indirectly inhibit trigeminal nociceptors. The results also indicate that the CT does not exert a tonic inhibitory effect on nociceptive Vc neurons.
Simulated Intraspecific Usurpations in Paper Wasps: Different Reproductive Tactics Affect Foreign Brood Destruction in Polistes fuscatus and Polistes dominulus
Authors: Wensink Stacey M. , Hoffman Jordan R. , Gamboa George J.
Published: June 2013

We simulated intraspecific usurpation in two species of paper wasps at a field site in Michigan to compare the species' treatment of foreign brood. Queens of Polistes fuscatus, a species that commonly uses intraspecific usurpation as an alternative reproductive tactic, destroyed significantly fewer large larvae and significantly more small larvae than queens of P. dominulus, a sympatric species that rarely usurps. The pattern of brood destruction exhibited by P. fuscatus was consistent with the previously published findings that P. fuscatus usurpers destroy reproductive‐destined brood (eggs and small larvae), but not worker‐destined brood (large larvae and pupae) that are subsequently used by a usurper to raise her own reproductives. The pattern of brood destruction displayed by P. dominulus differed from that of Polistes species that frequently engage in intraspecific usurpation. The brood destruction pattern in P. dominulus may have been shaped by nest adoption, a common alternative reproductive tactic in this species. If so, it is not clear why P. dominulus would destroy large, worker‐destined larvae.
Secondary approaches to the abdominal cavity for horses with signs of colic may be key to successful resolution of an either very proximal or very distal small colon obstruction
Authors: Klohnen A.
Published: June 2013

Equine emergency colic surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed. Small colon obstructions (as the cause of the exploratory celiotomy) are relatively infrequently diagnosed (2–5%). The most frequently seen small colon problems are small colon impactions, a small colon faecalith, small colon enterolith(s), small colon lipomas and small colon foreign bodies. Less frequently, a diagnosis of rents in the small colon mesentery, damage to the small colon vascular supply after a foaling accident or intramural masses are made.
Filaggrin compound heterozygous patients carry mutations in trans position
Authors: Carlsen Berit C. , Meldgaard Michael , Johansen Jeanne D. , Thyssen Jacob P. , Menné Torkil , Szecsi Pal B. , Stender Steen
Published: June 2013

More than 40 null mutations in the filaggrin (FLG) gene are described. It is therefore possible to find two different null mutations in one individual (compound heterozygosity). It has been generally perceived that homozygous and compound heterozygous individuals were genotypically comparable; however, this has not been scientifically investigated. Two different FLG null mutations in the same individual may be in trans position, meaning that each mutation locates to a different allele functionally equivalent to homozygosity, or may be in cis position, meaning that both mutations locate to the same allele functionally equivalent to heterozygosity. To experimentally investigate allelic in cis versus in trans configuration of the two most common filaggrin (FLG) mutations (R501X and 2282del4) in compound heterozygous individuals. Testing for in cis or in trans allele configuration was performed by means of allele‐specific PCR amplification and analysis of PCR products by agarose gel electrophoresis. All R501X/2282del4 compound heterozygous samples collected over a 4‐year period of routine FLG mutation testing were investigated. In total, 37 samples were tested. All thirty‐seven R501X/2282del4 compound heterozygous individuals were found to carry the two mutations in trans position. FLG null mutation compound heterozygous individuals can be considered functionally equivalent to FLG null mutation homozygosity for any of the two mutations.
A pilot study of genetic variants in dopamine regulators with indoor tanning and melanoma
Authors: Flores Kristina G. , Erdei Esther , Luo Li , White Kirsten A. M. , Leng Shuguang , Berwick Marianne , Lazovich DeAnn
Published: June 2013

Many people frequently tan indoors despite being aware of the increased risk of melanoma. Ultraviolet radiation is hypothesized to modify biological reward pathways, for example, through the dopamine neurotransmitter system, to reinforce tanning behaviour. In this pilot study, we relied on questionnaire and DNA data from a recently completed case–control study to examine 67 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and related haplotypes in five dopamine receptor and drug metabolism genes in relation to indoor tanning among controls. We also examined the association between individual SNPS and likelihood of melanoma, adjusting for or stratifying on indoor tanning status. In candidate and haplotype gene analyses, variants only in the DRD2 dopamine receptor and ANKK1 signalling genes were positively associated with indoor tanning use among controls; only associations for ANKK1 remained statistically significant (P < 0.05) after adjustment. Several SNPs in ANKK1 and DRD2 associated with indoor tanning among controls were also found to be associated with increased risk of melanoma. Upon stratifying for indoor tanning status, one ANKK1 SNP was positively associated with melanoma among non‐tanners, while three DRD2 SNPS were positively associated with melanoma among tanners or non‐tanners, depending on the SNP. These alleles represent important genomic regions to further explore addictive tanning behaviour.
Characterization of Ruminococcus albus cellodextrin phosphorylase and identification of a key phenylalanine residue for acceptor specificity and affinity to the phosphate group
Authors: Sawano Tatsuya , Saburi Wataru , Hamura Ken , Matsui Hirokazu , Mori Haruhide
Published: June 2013

Ruminococcus albus has the ability to intracellularly degrade cello‐oligosaccharides primarily via phosphorolysis. In this study, the enzymatic characteristics of R. albus cellodextrin phosphorylase (RaCDP), which is a member of glycoside hydrolase family 94, was investigated. RaCDP catalyzes the phosphorolysis of cellotriose through an ordered ‘bi bi’ mechanism in which cellotriose binds to RaCDP before inorganic phosphate, and then cellobiose and glucose 1‐phosphate (Glc1P) are released in that order. Among the cello‐oligosaccharides tested, RaCDP had the highest phosphorolytic and synthetic activities towards cellohexaose and cellopentaose, respectively. RaCDP successively transferred glucosyl residues from Glc1P to the growing cello‐oligosaccharide chain, and insoluble cello‐oligosaccharides comprising a mean of eight residues were produced. Sophorose, laminaribiose, β‐1,4‐xylobiose, β‐1,4‐mannobiose and cellobiitol served as acceptors for RaCDP. RaCDP had very low affinity for phosphate groups in both the phosphorolysis and synthesis directions. A sequence comparison revealed that RaCDP has Gln at position 646 where His is normally conserved in the phosphate binding sites of related enzymes. A Q646H mutant showed approximately twofold lower apparent Km values for inorganic phosphate and Glc1P than the wild‐type. RaCDP has Phe at position 633 corresponding to Tyr and Val in the +1 subsites of cellobiose phosphorylase and N,N′‐diacetylchitobiose phosphorylase, respectively. A F633Y mutant showed higher preference for cellobiose over β‐1,4‐mannobiose as an acceptor substrate in the synthetic reaction than the wild‐type. Furthermore, the F633Y mutant showed 75‐ and 1100‐fold lower apparent Km values for inorganic phosphate and Glc1P, respectively, in phosphorolysis and synthesis of cellotriose.
Should Welfare Administration be Centralized or Decentralized? Evidence from a Policy Experiment
Authors: Boockmann Bernhard , Walter Thomas , Huber Martin , Thomsen Stephan L. , Göbel Christian
Published: June 2013

The 2005 reform of the German welfare system introduced two competing organizational models for welfare administration. In most districts, a centralized organization was established where local welfare agencies are bound to central directives. At the same time, 69 districts were allowed to opt for a decentralized organization. We evaluate the relative success of both types in terms of integrating welfare recipients into employment. Compared to centralized organization, decentralized organization has a negative effect on employment chances of males. For women, no significant effect is found. These findings are robust to the inclusion of aspects of internal organization common to both types of agencies.
Membrane lipid saturation activates IRE1α without inducing clustering
Authors: Kitai Yuto , Ariyama Hiroyuki , Kono Nozomu , Oikawa Daisuke , Iwawaki Takao , Arai Hiroyuki
Published: June 2013

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an adaptive stress response that responds to the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and that adjusts the protein‐folding capacity to the needs of the cell. Perturbation of cellular lipids also activates the UPR. Lipid‐induced UPR has attracted much attention because it is associated with the pathology of some metabolic diseases. However, how the lipid‐induced UPR is activated remains unclear. We previously showed that palmitic acid treatment or knockdown of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase in HeLa cells promotes membrane lipid saturation and activates the UPR. In this study, we compared UPR activation by membrane lipid saturation with UPR activation by conventional ER stressors that cause the accumulation of unfolded proteins such as tunicamycin and thapsigargin. Membrane lipid saturation induced autophosphorylation of inositol‐requiring 1α (IRE1α) and protein kinase RNA‐like ER kinase, but not the conversion of activating transcription factor‐6α to the active form. A conventional ER stressor induced clustering of fluorescently tagged IRE1α fusion protein, but palmitic acid treatment did not, suggesting that IRE1α was activated without large cluster formation by membrane lipid saturation. Together, these results suggest membrane lipid saturation, and unfolded proteins activate the UPR through different mechanisms.
Emplacement of hot Lesser Himalayan nappes from 15 to 10 Ma in the Jumla–Surkhet region, western Nepal, and their thermal imprint on the underlying Early Miocene fluvial Dumri Formation
Authors: Sakai Harutaka , Iwano Hideki , Danhara Tohru , Hirata Takafumi , Takigami Yutaka
Published: June 2013

A multichronological study of the weakly metamorphosed Early Miocene fluvial Dumri Formation and the overlying Kuncha and Lesser Himalayan Crystalline nappes has helped to clarify the timing and heat source of the metamorphism, as well as the history of emplacement and cooling of the nappes. U–Pb ages of detrital zircons from the Dumri Formation show peaks at ca 1 Ga and 500–600 Ma, and fission‐track dating indicates a thermal imprint on the formation at 11–10 Ma. In the Naudanda Quartzite, overlying the Kuncha Formation, reset fission‐track detrital zircon ages are 9.5 Ma, but the U–Pb ages are older than 1.7 Ga. The differences in the U–Pb ages for detrital zircons from the Dumri and Kuncha Formations indicate that the Kuncha nappe was never exposed at the surface during the Early Miocene when the Dumri Formation was deposited. Two‐mica garnet schists of the Main Central Thrust (MCT) zone have fission‐track detrital zircon ages of 7.8 Ma and 40Ar–39Ar muscovite ages of 19 Ma, though the zircons have U–Pb ages older than 600 Ma. Our interpretation is that the heat for the Dumri Formation metamorphism came from the overlying nappes. The timing of the thermal imprint on the Dumri Formation indicates that the metamorphic nappe reached its present position before ca 10 Ma. The Parajul Khola granite in the frontal zone of the Kuncha nappe yields U–Pb zircon ages of 1.89 Ga, and it underwent an Early Miocene thermal event, cooling below 240°C at 14.7 Ma and below 100°C at 10.3 Ma. These thermochronological data suggest that the frontal part of the Kuncha nappe was exposed at the surface around 15–14 Ma and cooled immediately, but inner parts of the nappe were still hot during its emplacement.
Hypodermal delivery of cosmetic actives for improved facial skin morphology and functionality
Authors: Bojanowski K.
Published: June 2013

Synopsis

Objective

Skin compartments traditionally targeted by cosmetic actives – epidermis and dermis – are anchored and nourished by the underlying hypodermis, which therefore should be a key target for skin‐rejuvenating formulations. However, given the difficulty to reach even the superficial layers of the skin, and to its ‘unglamorous’ fatty composition, the regenerative potential of hypodermis remains largely untapped. Therefore, this study was to investigate the capacity of a cosmetic material to trigger a regenerative response in dermis and epidermis through a selective action on hypodermis. Furthermore, it aimed to establish the effect of such cosmetic material in transbuccal hypodermal delivery form, on the hypodermal precursor cells – the preadipocytes.

Methods

A combination of grape seed extract and soy phospholipids was formulated and standardized for elastase activity and free radical inhibition. This formulation was then used to contact the hypodermal layer of human skin biopsies and – under a transbuccal delivery vehicle form – the 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes, and its effects were quantified using PCR arrays and histochemistry.

Results

Application of the standardized grape/soy material to the hypodermal layer of skin triggered modulation of gene expression in the upper layers of the skin and resulted in the clear morphological improvement at the dermal and epidermal levels. Furthermore, when this material was formulated in a mucoadhesive, intraoral film and applied on 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes, the resulting modulation of gene expression in these cells was consistent with differentiation and detoxification effects.

Conclusions

These results suggest that transbuccal formulations of nutraceutical grade cosmetics have potential to induce signal transduction pathways in facial hypodermis, resulting in anti‐aging effects throughout all skin compartments, including dermal and epidermal layers.
Regression Analysis of Ordinal Stroke Clinical Trial Outcomes: An Application to the NINDS t-PA Trial
Authors: DeSantis Stacia M. , Lazaridis Christos , Palesch Yuko , Ramakrishnan Viswanathan
Published: June 2013

Background

The modified Rankin scale (mRS) is the most common functional outcome assessed in stroke trials. The proportional odds model is commonly used to analyze this ordinal outcome but it requires a restrictive assumption that a single odds ratio applies across the entire outcome scale.

Aims

The study aims to model the effect of tissue-type plasminogen activator on ordinal mRS, test model assumptions, and compare fits and predictive ability of the statistical models.

Methods

Several ordinal regression methods are presented and applied to a re-analysis of the 1995 NINDS tissue-type plasminogen activator study. Violations of the proportional odds assumption are demonstrated using graphs and statistical tests, and the partial proportional odds model is introduced and recommended as an alternative for the analysis of mRS.

Results

The partial proportional odds model relaxes the assumptions about treatment effect on the ordinal outcome scale and provides a better fit to the data than the commonly used proportional odds model (likelihood ratio test chi-square = 8·05, P = 0·005). It provides easily interpretable odds ratios and it is able to detect efficacy at the lower end and a lack of efficacy at the upper end of the mRS scale. Further, it provides lower prediction error than the proportional odds model (0·002 versus 0·005).

Conclusion

Assuming proportional odds when it does not hold can mask differential treatment effects at the upper end of the ordinal mRS scale and has implications for reduced power when studies are designed under this assumption.