bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Meteorological Drought Pattern During Different Climatic and Cropping Seasons in Bangladesh
Authors: Alamgir Mahiuddin , Shahid Shamsuddin , Hazarika Manzul Kumar , Nashrrullah Syams , Harun Sobri Bin , Shamsudin Supiah
Published: January 2015

Drought is one of the most frequent natural disasters in Bangladesh which severely affect agro‐based economy and people's livelihood in almost every year. Characterization of droughts in a systematic way is therefore critical in order to take necessary actions toward drought mitigation and sustainable development. In this study, standardized precipitation index is used to understand the spatial distribution of meteorological droughts during various climatic seasons such as premonsoon, monsoon, and winter seasons as well as cropping seasons such as Pre‐Kharif (March‐May), Kharif (May‐October), and Rabi (December‐February). Rainfall data collected from 29 rainfall gauge stations located in different parts of the country were used for a period of 50 years (1961‐2010). The study reveals that the spatial characteristics of droughts vary widely according to season. Premonsoon droughts are more frequent in the northwest, monsoon droughts mainly occur in the west and northwest, winter droughts in the west, and the Rabi and Kharif droughts are more frequent in the north and northwest of Bangladesh. It is expected that the findings of the study will support drought monitoring and mitigation activities in Bangladesh.
Speciation in the dark: diversification and biogeography of the deep‐sea gastropod genus Scaphander in the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Eilertsen Mari H. , Malaquias Manuel António E.
Published: January 2015

Aim

The aim of this work was to improve understanding about the mode, geography and tempo of diversification in deep‐sea organisms, using a time‐calibrated molecular phylogeny of the heterobranch gastropod genus Scaphander.

Location

Atlantic and Indo‐West Pacific (IWP) oceans.

Methods

Two mitochondrial gene markers (COI and 16S) and one nuclear ribosomal gene (28S) from six Atlantic species of Scaphander, and four IWP species were used to generate a multilocus phylogenetic hypothesis using uncorrelated relaxed‐clock Bayesian methods implemented in beast and calibrated with the first occurrence of Scaphander in the fossil record (58.7–55.8 Ma).

Results

Two main clades were supported: clade A, with sister relationships between species and subclades from the Atlantic and IWP; and clade B, with two western Atlantic sister species. Our estimates indicate that the two earliest divergences in clade A occurred between the middle Eocene and late Miocene and the most recent speciation occurred within the middle Miocene to Pleistocene. The divergence between the two western Atlantic species in clade B was estimated at late Oligocene–Pliocene.

Main conclusions

The prevailing mode of speciation in Scaphander was allopatric, but one possible case of sympatric speciation was detected between two western Atlantic species. Sister relationships between IWP and Atlantic lineages suggest the occurrence both of vicariance events caused by the closure of the Tethyan Seaway and of dispersal between the two ocean basins, probably around South Africa during episodic disruptions of the deep‐sea regional current system caused by glacial–interglacial cycles. Cladogenetic estimates do not support comparatively older diversification of deep‐sea faunas, but corroborate the hypothesis of a pulse of diversification centred in the Oligocene and Miocene epochs. Amphi‐Atlantic species were found to occur at deeper depths (bathyal–abyssal) and we hypothesize that trans‐Atlantic connectivity is maintained by dispersal between neighbouring reproductive populations inhabiting the abyssal sea floor and by dispersal across the shelf and slope of Arctic and sub‐Arctic regions.
Attribution Effects of Time Pressure in Retail Supply Chain Relationships: Moving From “What” to “Why”
Authors: Thomas Rodney W. , Davis‐Sramek Beth , Esper Terry L. , Murfield Monique L.
Published: January 2015

Retail supply chains must be responsive to consumer demand and flexible in adapting to changing consumer preferences. As a result, suppliers are often expected to deal with time pressure demands from retailers. While previous research demonstrates that time pressure can have longer term relational costs that reduce collaborative behaviors and overall relationship quality, this mixed‐methods study goes further by accounting for attribution effects to explain why the time pressure occurs. Specifically, supplier perceptions for the reason of time pressure being within or beyond a retailer's control, rather than time pressure itself, appear to have a stronger effect on relational outcomes. By investigating time pressure through the lens of attribution theory, this research opens a new inquiry of research that moves away from examination of outcomes themselves (the “what”), to examining “why” the outcome occurred.
Supply Chain Game Changers—Mega, Nano, and Virtual Trends—And Forces That Impede Supply Chain Design (i.e., Building a Winning Team)
Authors: Fawcett Stanley E. , Waller Matthew A.
Published: January 2015

Strategic systems design is essential to structuring and governing a supply chain for competitive advantage. To effectively co‐create value, decision makers must manage the three rights of supply chain design: right players, right roles, and right relationships. Doing this well requires managers discern how the unwritten competitive rules are changing as well as determine firm readiness to compete. As part of this analysis, we briefly explore five emerging “game changers” that represent potential supply chain design inflection points: (1) Big Data and predictive analytics, (2) additive manufacturing, (3) autonomous vehicles, (4) materials science, and (5) borderless supply chains. We also consider four forces that impede transformation to higher levels of value co‐creation: (1) supply chain security, (2) failed change management, (3) lack of trust as a governance mechanism, and (4) poor understanding of the “luxury” nature of corporate social responsibility initiatives. How well managers address sociostructural and sociotechnical issues will determine firm survivability and success.
MiR‐200b expression in breast cancer: a prognostic marker and act on cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting Sp1
Authors: Yao YaSai , Hu Jian , Shen Zan , Yao RuYong , Liu ShiHai , Li Yong , Cong Hui , Wang XinGang , Qiu WenSheng , Yue Lu
Published: January 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as important post‐transcriptional regulators involved in various biological and pathological processes of cells. In the present study, we investigated the roles and mechanisms of miR‐200b in human breast cancer (BC). MiR‐200b expression was carried out by qRT‐PCR in human BC cell lines and clinical samples and the prognostic potential of miR‐200b expression was further evaluated. In vitro, effects of miR‐200b on BC cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were tested by CCK‐8 kit, flow cytometric analysis respectively. Luciferase assay and Western blot analysis were performed to validate the potential targets of miR‐200b after the preliminary screening by employing open access software. We found that miR‐200b was significantly down‐regulated in both BC tissues and cell lines. The low expression of miR‐200b was correlated with late TNM stage, negative oestrogen receptor and positive HER‐2 status. Multivariate analysis showed that miR‐200b expression was an independent prognostic predictor for BC patients. Integrated analysis identified Sp1 as a direct and functional target of miR‐200b. Knockdown of Sp1 inhibited cell proliferation, induce apoptosis and act on cell cycle resembling that of miR‐200b high expression. Our data demonstrates that miR‐200b has potential to serve as prognostic biomarker and tumour suppressor for BC patients. As a direct and functional target of miR‐200b, Sp1 and miR‐200b both could be an exciting target for BC treatment strategy.
Effect of non‐surgical periodontal therapy on plasma homocysteine levels in Indian population with chronic periodontitis: a pilot study
Authors: Bhardwaj Smiti , Prabhuji M. L. Venkatesh , Karthikeyan Bangalore Vardhan
Published: January 2015

Aim

Homocysteine (Hcy) is implicated in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The effect of periodontal disease and periodontal therapy on plasma Hcy remains controversial. Hence, in this pilot study we assessed the effect of periodontal disease and non‐surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on plasma Hcy in systemically healthy Indian subjects.

Materials and methods

Forty participants (30 to 39 years) were enrolled in the study and were divided into two groups based on gingival index, probing depth, and clinical attachment level (CAL): Healthy (control group; n = 20) and Chronic Periodontitis (test group; n = 20). Plasma samples were collected and quantified at baseline and 12 weeks after scaling and root planing (SRP) for Hcy using High Performance Liquid Chromatography with fluorescent detection (HPLC‐fld).

Results

Plasma Hcy levels of chronic periodontitis (17.87 ± 1.21 μmol/l) subjects was significantly higher than healthy subjects (9.09 ± 2.11 μmol/l). Post‐therapy, the plasma Hcy concentration reduced significantly (11.34 ± 1.87 μmol/l) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The rise and descent of plasma Hcy levels with periodontal inflammation and therapy, respectively, indicate a direct relationship of Hcy with chronic periodontitis. NSPT may be employed as an adjunctive Hcy Lowering Therapy, contributing towards primary prevention against CVD's.
Practitioner Review: Cognitive bias modification for mental health problems in children and adolescents: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Cristea Ioana A. , Mogoașe Cristina , David Daniel , Cuijpers Pim
Published: January 2015

Background

Despite accumulating research and bold claims about the efficacy of cognitive bias modification (CBM) for young populations, no meta‐analysis has attempted to synthesize the research literature so far. We examined whether there was empirical evidence for the clinical efficacy of CBM interventions in youths, while also considering the methodological quality of this evidence.

Methods

Studies were identified through systematic searches in bibliographical databases (PubMed, PsychInfo, Cochrane Library and EMBASE to June 2014). We included randomized controlled trials of CBM interventions, and considered both clinical outcomes and targeted biases. We examined the quality of the trials, as well as potential publication bias and possible moderators.

Results

We identified 23 trials that reported on four types of outcomes: mental health, anxiety, depression and bias. Effect sizes were small and nonsignificant for all symptom outcomes considered. We found a moderate significant effect size for bias outcomes (Hedges' g of 0.53), with significant heterogeneity. There were no differences between types of CBM interventions, or between one versus multiple‐session applications. A small but significant effect size for mental health problems arose when the intervention was delivered in schools. The quality of almost all of the included studies was suboptimal and the vast majority did not include information needed for allowing quality assessment.

Conclusions

We conducted the first meta‐analysis of CBM interventions for children and adolescents and found no effects for mental health outcomes, but we did find moderate and significant effects on the targeted biases. Our results cast serious doubts on CBM interventions having any clinical utility for nonadult populations. Demand characteristics might play an important part in CBM research.
Assessment of a scoring system for Basal Cell Carcinoma with multi‐beam optical coherence tomography
Authors: Wahrlich C. , Alawi S.A. , Batz S. , Fluhr J.W. , Lademann J. , Ulrich M.
Published: January 2015

Background

Multi‐beam optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a novel method of non‐invasive skin imaging allowing the evaluation of tissue at high level of lateral and axial resolution. It permits the horizontal and vertical evaluation of the extent of diseases.

Objective

Herein, we aimed to validate diagnosing basal cell carcinoma (BCC) by OCT using a newly developed scoring system (‘Berlin Score’‐BS). This was based on the predetermined criteria such as dark border underneath the tumour and ovoid structures. Their frequency and distribution in subtypes of BCC were evaluated.

Methods

The study was conducted in two phases, in which the experience of examiner differed. A total of 127 BCC and 50 other skin diseases were examined. In phase one, students performed the evaluation of skin lesions using the BS, while in phase two an expert performed the scoring in a different subset of patients.

Results

Application of BS by students revealed sensitivity and specificity of 92.8% (95% CI 85.4–96.8) and 24.1% (95% CI 11.0–43.4) when reaching the lower threshold BS≥8. The most common BCC subtypes were superficial (28.7%) and nodular (22.6%) BCC. Second phase was carried out to verify collected data by a dermatological specialist and expert in using OCT. Increased sensitivity and specificity for OCT amounted to 96.6% (95% CI 80.4–99.8) and 75.2% (95% CI 52.5–90.9). Thereby 88% of all diagnoses were correctly classified confirmed by histopathology.

Conclusion

Multi‐beam optical coherence tomography revealed to be a fast and promising device for assessing lesions by means of BS. Both students, who benefit from practice in handling OCT, and experts are able to perform this procedure. However, experience and training in the interpretation markedly increased sensitivity and specificity of the BS in our study. Moreover, redefinition and refining of the criteria seems necessary and may further increase the diagnostic value of OCT for NMSC.
Labor Regulations and European Venture Capital
Authors: Bozkaya Ant , Kerr William R.
Published: January 2015

European nations substitute between employment protection regulations and labor market expenditures (e.g., unemployment insurance benefits) for providing worker insurance. Employment regulations more directly tax firms making frequent labor adjustments than other labor market insurance mechanisms. Venture capital (VC) investors are especially sensitive to these labor adjustment costs. Nations favoring labor market expenditures as the mechanism for providing worker insurance developed stronger VC markets over 1990–2008, especially in high‐volatility sectors. In this context, policy mechanisms are more important than the overall level of worker insurance.
Spectrophotometric Analysis of the Influence of Metal Alloy Choice, Opaque Thickness, and Repeated Firing on the Shade of Metal Ceramic Restorations
Authors: Al Hamad Khaled Q. , Qadan Mohammad M. , Al Wahadni Ahed M.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

To determine the effect of type of base metal alloy, opaque thickness, and repeated firing on color of metal ceramic restorations.

Materials and Methods

Four nickel chromium and four cobalt chromium were selected with one noble alloy as a control. Ten discs (16 mm 0.5 mm) were prepared for each group. Color of specimens were measured using a spectrophotometer and were calculated using CIEDE2000 formula (ΔL′, ΔC′, ΔH′, ΔE′) between experimental groups and control at six stages of porcelain constructions: opaque 0.1 and 0.3 mm, dentine, enamel, glaze, and three times repeated firing. Shade A3 was used. One‐way analysis of variance and Bonferroni multiple test were performed (α = 0.05).

Results

Alloy type and stage showed statistical significance on total color and color parameter differences from the control and there was significant interaction between them (p < .05). Nidour alloy was the closest to control. Increase in ΔC′ and a decrease in ΔH′ and in a* and b* was the commonest in comparison with the control. However, ΔE′ was below acceptability threshold for all alloys at all stages.

Conclusion

Despite the statistical significance, base metal alloys performed as good as noble metal control. Neither opaque thickness, nor repeated firing affected color variations from the control group. There was no obvious trend in the behavior of metal alloys at all stages. However, increase in chroma and a decrease in hue, with green blue shift, was the most common.

Clinical Significance

Records of the effects of eight commonly used base metal alloys on the color of final shade of the metal‐ceramic restorations, at various stages of ceramic buildup, have considerable value. (J Esthet Restor Dent 28:S56–S67, 2016)
Contrasting energy allocation strategies of two sympatric Merluccius species in an upwelling system
Authors: Rey J. , Fernandez‐Peralta L. , Quintanilla L. F. , Hidalgo M. , Presas C. , Salmeron F. , Puerto M. A.
Published: January 2015

This study investigated the somatic growth and energy allocation strategy of two sympatric hake species (Merluccius polli and Merluccius senegalensis), coexisting under the strong influence of the Mauritanian upwelling. The results revealed that ontogeny, bathymetry, geography and reproduction shaped the differences found between the condition dynamics of the two species. Aside from species‐specific differences, individuals were observed in better condition in the northernmost area (more influenced by the permanent upwelling) and in the deepest waters, probably the most favourable habitat for Merluccius spp. Both species also displayed contrasting trade‐offs in energy allocation probably due to the dissimilarity of their habitats, which favours the existence of divergent adaptive strategies in response to different ontogenic requirements. It was hypothesized that M. polli invests in mass and energy reserves while sacrificing growth, as larger sizes may not provide an ecological advantage in a deeper and more stable environment. Moreover, M. senegalensis capitalizes on a steady growth without major disruptions, enabling earlier spawning at the expense of a lower somatic mass, which is fitting to a less stable shallower environment. This study sheds new light on differences in the biological traits and life strategies of Merluccius spp., which permit their overlap in a complex upwelling system and may contribute to the long‐lasting scientific‐based management of these species.
Antiviral therapy in the improvement of survival of patients with hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma treated with sorafenib
Authors: Xu Li , Gao Hengjun , Huang Junting , Wang Haoyuan , Zhou Zhongguo , Zhang Yaojun , Li Shaohua , Chen Minshan
Published: January 2015

Background and Aim

To evaluate the role of antiviral therapy with nucleoside analogs (NAs) in sorafenib‐treated patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was done in 151 HBV‐related HCC patients treated with sorafenib at Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center between 2007 and 2012. Overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival and adverse events were compared in patients treated with/without NAs. Subgroup analysis and Cox regression analysis were performed to determine the efficiency of NAs and prognostic factors for OS.

Results

HBV‐related HCC patients (n = 151) were identified from our database of HCC patients treated with sorafenib. Patients treated with NAs (antiviral group, n = 88) had significantly improved OS compared with the patients who received no NAs (non‐antiviral group, n = 63; median OS: 16.47 months vs 13.10 months, P = 0.03). Patients in the antiviral group had a significant risk reduction of death compared with the non‐antiviral group (hazard ratio: 0.67, 95% confidence interval: 0.46–0.98, P = 0.04). By subgroup analysis, patients of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C and patients with higher presorafenib HBV‐DNA level achieved better survival improvement. Antiviral therapy with NAs was one of the independent prognostic factors for OS of HBV‐related HCC patients who were treated with sorafenib.

Conclusion

Antiviral therapy with NAs improved OS of HBV‐related HCC patients treated with sorafenib, especially in patients with BCLC stage C disease and higher HBV‐DNA level.
Brain Imaging Findings in Elderly Adults and Years of Life, Healthy Life, and Able Life over the Ensuing 16 Years: The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Longstreth W. T. , Diehr Paula H. , Yee Laura M. , Newman Anne B. , Beauchamp Norman J.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To determine whether elderly people with different patterns of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings have different long‐term outcomes.

Design

Longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

Cardiovascular Health Study.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older were recruited (N = 5,888); 3,660 of these underwent MRI, and 3,230 without a stroke before MRI were included in these analyses.

Measurements

Cluster analysis of brain MRI findings was previously used to define five clusters: normal, atrophy, simple infract, leukoaraiosis, and complex infarct. Participants were subsequently classified as healthy if they rated their health as excellent, very good, or good and as able if they did not report any limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs). Mean years of life (YoL), years of healthy life (YHL), and years of able life (YAL) were calculated over 16 years after the MRI and compared between clusters using unadjusted and adjusted regression analyses.

Results

Mean age of participants was 75.0. With 16 years of follow‐up, mean YoL was 11.3; YHL, 8.0; and YAL, 8.4. Outcomes differed significantly between clusters. With or without adjustments, outcomes were all significantly better in the normal than complex infarct cluster. The three remaining clusters had intermediate results, significantly different from the normal and complex infarct clusters but not usually from one another. Over 16 years of follow‐up, participants in the complex infarct cluster (n = 368) spent the largest percentage of their 8.4 years alive being sick (38%) and not able (38%).

Conclusion

Findings on MRI scans in elderly adults are associated not only with long‐term survival, but also with long‐term self‐rated health and limitation in ADLs. The combination of infarcts and leukoaraiosis carried the worst prognosis, presumably reflecting small vessel disease.
A Stiff Price to Pay: Does Joint Stiffness Predict Disability in an Older Population?
Authors: Thakral Manu , Shi Ling , Shmerling Robert H. , Bean Jonathan F. , Leveille Suzanne G.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To describe the prevalence of joint stiffness and associated comorbidities in community‐living older adults and to determine whether joint stiffness, independent of pain, contributes to new and worsening disability.

Design

Population‐based cohort.

Setting

Urban and suburban communities in the Boston, Massachusetts, area.

Participants

Adults aged 70 and older (N = 765) underwent a baseline home interview and clinic examination, 680 participants completed the 18‐month follow‐up.

Measurements

Morning joint stiffness on most days in the past month was assessed in the arms, back, hips, and knees. Mobility limitations were measured using self‐reported difficulty and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). The home interview and clinic examination included extensive health measures.

Results

Four hundred one participants reported morning joint stiffness, half of these with one site of stiffness and the other half with multisite stiffness. Twenty percent of participants with multisite stiffness and 50% with single site stiffness did not have a major stiffness‐associated condition. After adjustment for pain severity and other covariates, multisite stiffness was associated with a 64% greater risk of developing new or worsening mobility difficulty (relative risk = 1.64, 95% confidence interval = 1.05–2.79). Those with multisite stiffness had declined more quickly in physical performance over the 18‐month follow up.

Conclusion

Older adults with multisite stiffness are more likely to be at risk of disability than those without joint stiffness after accounting for pain severity and the presence of stiffness‐associated conditions. Better assessment, along with strategies to prevent and treat multisite joint stiffness is needed to prevent or slow the progression of disability in elderly adults.
The Practice of Continuous Sedation Until Death in Nursing Homes in Flanders, Belgium: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Rys Sam , Mortier Freddy , Deliens Luc , Bilsen Johan
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To investigate how continuous sedation until death (CSD), the reduction or removal of consciousness of an incurably ill individual until death to relieve refractory suffering, is practiced in nursing homes.

Design

Nationwide cross‐sectional retrospective survey.

Setting

Nursing homes in Flanders, Belgium.

Participants

Palliative care nurses (N = 660) in all nursing homes in Flanders.

Measurements

Nurse reports of their most recent patient treated with CSD.

Results

The response rate was 65.5%, and 249 nurses reported a case of CSD (57.6%). Most individuals had cancer (33.6%) or dementia (32.8%); lacked competence (65.7%); and had severe pain (71.2%), fatigue (62.3%), loss of dignity (59%), anxiety (58.4%), and longing for death (58.4%). Intractable pain (70.7%) and physical exhaustion (63.9%) were the most decisive symptoms for initiating CSD. Life expectancy was generally limited to 1 week (64.9%), and 88.4% had insufficient nutritional oral intake before the start of CSD. CSD was rarely combined with artificial nutrition or hydration. Benzodiazepines were most frequently used (84.8%). Overall, according to the reporting nurses, CSD provided adequate symptom relief and good quality of dying.

Conclusion

In nursing homes, CSD is typically used in residents with cancer or dementia and severe, intractable physical symptoms. Lack of competence prevents most residents from being involved in the decision‐making process, which illustrates the importance of advance care planning in nursing homes in Flanders.
Findings from the National Memory Screening Day Program
Authors: Bayley Peter J. , Kong Jennifer Y. , Mendiondo Marta , Lazzeroni Laura C. , Borson Soo , Buschke Herman , Dean Margaret , Fillit Howard , Frank Lori , Schmitt Frederick A. , Peschin Susan , Finkel Sanford , Austen Melissa , Steinberg Carol , Ashford John Wesson
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To report experience with a large, nation‐wide public memory screening program.

Design

Descriptive study of community‐dwelling elderly adults.

Setting

Local community sites (48 sites agreed to provide data) throughout the United States participating in National Memory Screening Day in November 2010.

Participants

Of 4,369 reported participants, 3,064 had complete data records and are included in this report.

Measurements

Participants completed a questionnaire that included basic demographic information and a question about subjective memory concerns. Each site selected one of seven validated cognitive screening tests: Mini‐Cog, General Practitioner assessment of Cognition, Memory Impairment Screen, Kokmen Short Test of Mental Status, Mini‐Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination.

Results

Overall, 11.7% failed one of the seven screening tests. As expected, failure rates were higher in older and less‐educated participants (P's < .05). Subjective memory concerns were associated with a 40% greater failure rate for persons of similar age and education but no memory concerns (odds ratio = 1.4, 95% confidence interval = 1.07–1.78), although only 11.9% of those who reported memory concerns (75% of all participants) had detectible memory problems.

Conclusion

Screening for cognitive impairment in community settings yielded results consistent with expected effects of age and education. The event attracted a large proportion of individuals with memory concerns; 88.1% were told that they did not have memory problems detectible with the tests used. Further studies are needed to assess how participants respond to and use screening information, whether this information ultimately influences decision‐making or outcomes, and whether memory screening programs outside healthcare settings have public health value.
The Portal of Geriatrics Online Education: A 21st‐Century Resource for Teaching Geriatrics
Authors: Ramaswamy Ravishankar , Leipzig Rosanne M. , Howe Carol L. , Sauvigne Karen , Usiak Craig , Soriano Rainier P.
Published: January 2015

The way students are taught and evaluated is changing, with greater emphasis on flexible, individualized, learner‐centered education, including the use of technology. The goal of assessment is also shifting from what students know to how they perform in practice settings. Developing educational materials for teaching in these ways is time‐consuming and can be expensive. The Portal of Geriatrics Online Education (POGOe) was developed to aid educators in meeting these needs and become quicker, better‐prepared teachers of geriatrics. POGOe contains more than 950 geriatrics educational materials that faculty at 45% of allopathic and 7% of osteopathic U.S. medical schools and the Centers for Geriatric Nursing Excellence have created. These materials include various instructional and assessment methodologies, including virtual and standardized patients, games, tutorials, case‐based teaching, self‐directed learning, and traditional lectures. Materials with common goals and resource types are available as selected educational series. Learner assessments comprise approximately 10% of the educational materials. POGOe also includes libraries of videos, images, and questions extracted from its educational materials to encourage educators to repurpose content components to create new resources and to align their teaching better with their learners' needs. Web‐Geriatric Education Modules, a peer‐reviewed online modular curriculum for medical students, is a prime example of this repurposing. The existence of a robust compendium of instructional and assessment materials allows educators to concentrate more on improving learner performance in practice and not simply on knowledge acquisition. It also makes it easier for nongeriatricians to teach the care of older adults in their respective disciplines.
Neurotherapeutic effects of novel HO‐1 inhibitors in vitro and in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Gupta Ajay , Lacoste Baptiste , Pistel Paul J. , Ingram Donald K. , Hamel Edith , Alaoui‐Jamali Moulay A. , Szarek Walter A. , Vlahakis Jason Z. , Jie Su , Song Wei , Schipper Hyman M.
Published: January 2015

Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) encoded by the HMOX1 gene is a 32‐kDa stress protein that catabolizes heme to biliverdin, free iron, and carbon monoxide (CO). Glial HO‐1 is over‐expressed in the CNS of subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). The HMOX1 gene is exquisitely sensitive to oxidative stress and is induced in brain and other tissues in various models of disease and trauma. Induction of the glial HMOX1 gene may lead to pathological brain iron deposition, intracellular oxidative damage, and bioenergetic failure in AD and other human CNS disorders such as PD and MS. Therefore, targeted suppression of glial HO‐1 hyperactivity may prove to be a rational and effective therapeutic intervention in AD and related neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we report the effects of QC‐47, QC‐56, and OB‐28, novel azole‐based competitive and reversible inhibitors of HO‐1, on oxidative damage to whole‐cell and mitochondrial compartments in rat astrocytes transfected with the HMOX1 gene. We also report the effect of OB‐28 on the behavior and neuropathology of APPswe/PS1∆E9 mice. OB‐28 was found to reduce oxidative damage to whole‐cell and mitochondrial compartments in rat astrocytes transfected with the HMOX1 gene. Moreover, OB‐28 was found to significantly counter behavioral deficits and neuropathological alterations in APPswe/PS1∆E9 mice. Attenuation of AD‐associated behavioral deficits and neuropathological changes suggests that HO‐1 may be a promising target for neuroprotective intervention in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.

image

We propose that the targeted suppression of glial heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) hyperactivity may prove to be a rational and effective therapeutic intervention in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related neurodegenerative disorders. We report attenuation by a selective HO‐1 inhibitor of oxidative damage to whole‐cell and mitochondrial compartments in astrocytes in vitro and amelioration of behavioral anomalies in a transgenic mouse model of AD.
A Profile of U.S. Nursing Faculty in Research‐ and Practice‐Focused Doctoral Education
Authors: Smeltzer Suzanne C. , Sharts‐Hopko Nancy C. , Cantrell Mary Ann , Heverly Mary Ann , Nthenge Serah , Jenkinson Amanda
Published: January 2015

Purpose

This study, which is part of a larger project, was conducted to profile the nursing faculty in the United States teaching in PhD and DNP programs.

Design

This is a descriptive study. A sample of 554 nursing faculty who teach in PhD and DNP programs was recruited by email solicitation to represent all geographic regions of the United States. Data were collected from November 2013 through January 2014 using an online survey instrument.

Methods

The instrument was developed based on results of review of the literature and of focus groups of doctoral faculty (faculty teaching in doctoral programs) to ascertain characteristics of faculty teaching in doctoral programs and of the schools in which they teach. Frequencies and descriptive statistics are reported.

Findings

Growth in DNP programs has outpaced growth in PhD programs, and DNP graduates have moved into doctoral education in greater numbers than PhD graduates. DNP faculty report less prior experience and current productivity scholarship than faculty in PhD programs only or both types of programs.

Conclusions

Strategies are needed to ensure that doctoral programs are staffed by faculty who are prepared for doctoral education and the development of nursing science.

Clinical Relevance

The Institute of Medicine has recommended doubling the number of doctorally prepared nurses in the United States by 2020 to ensure that sufficient numbers of faculty are available to prepare the nursing labor force that is needed for delivery of healthcare services. Nurse scientists are needed to contribute to improvement in patient care quality and safety, and practice leaders are needed to facilitate the translation of research into safe, high‐quality, and cost‐effective care. The landscape of doctoral education in nursing is rapidly changing.
Highly improved perinatal states in Japan
Authors: Maeda Kazuo
Published: January 2015

To report on improved perinatal states in Japan, governmental and United Nations Children's Fund reports were analyzed. Initial maternal mortality, which was 409.8 in 1899, decreased to 4.1 in 2010, with a reduction rate of 409.8/4.1 (102.4) in 111 years: 2.5 in the initial 50 years in home delivery and 39.3 in the later 60 years in hospital births. The difference between 2.5 versus 39.3 was attributed to the medicine and medical care provided in hospital births. The total reduction of neonatal mortality was 77.9/1.1 (70.8), and the rate in the initial 50 versus later 60 years was 2.8/25. Also, there was a big difference after introduction of extensive neonatal care. Virtual perinatal mortality after 22 weeks was estimated to be 428 in 1000 births in 1900 (i.e. those infants born at 22–28 weeks were unlikely to survive at that time), while the perinatal mortality was reported to be 22 weeks or more in 1979 (i.e. premature babies born at ≥22 weeks survived in 1979 because of the improved neonatal care). Actually, 60% of premature infants of 400–500 g survived in the neonatal intensive care unit. In a recent report, 36% of infants born at 22 weeks survived to 3 years. Although there were neurodevelopmental impairments, outcomes were improved. In conclusion, perinatal states have remarkably improved in Japan.
The expression of MACC1 and its role in the proliferation and apoptosis of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Li Haifeng , Liao Xiaoying , Liu Yeqing , Shen Zhuojian , Gan Xiangfeng , Li Haigang , Huang Zhiquan
Published: January 2015

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between metastasis‐associated in colon cancer‐1 and patient clinical characteristics. We also examined the role of metastasis‐associated in colon cancer‐1 in the proliferation and apoptosis in adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Material and Methods

Metastasis‐associated in colon cancer‐1 expression was analysed in 65 paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma and 25 adjacent non‐cancerous tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC). We used RNA interference technology to silence metastasis‐associated in colon cancer‐1 expression in ACCM cells. Cell Counting Kit‐8 tests, transwell experiments and flow cytometry were used to test the proliferation, cisplatin resistance, migration, invasion and apoptosis of ACCM cells.

Results

Metastasis‐associated in colon cancer‐1 nuclear and cytoplasmic expression in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma tissue was higher than in the adjacent normal salivary tissue. The expression level was closely associated with tumour histological grading, perineural invasion and surrounding tumour invasion. The downregulation of metastasis‐associated in colon cancer‐1 expression inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in ACCM cells. The knock‐down of metastasis‐associated in colon cancer‐1 expression had no effect on migration, invasion and chemoresistance.

Conclusions

Metastasis‐associated in colon cancer‐1 may have an important role in tumour development in adenoid cystic carcinoma. Metastasis‐associated in colon cancer‐1 is a potential biomarker for adenoid cystic carcinoma.
Triarchic Model of Psychopathy: Origins, Operationalizations, and Observed Linkages with Personality and General Psychopathology
Authors: Patrick Christopher J. , Drislane Laura E.
Published: January 2015

The triarchic model (Patrick, Fowles, & Krueger, 2009) was formulated to reconcile contrasting conceptions of psychopathy reflected in historic writings and contemporary assessment instruments, and to address persisting unresolved issues in the field. The model conceives of psychopathy as encompassing three distinct but interrelated phenotypic dispositions—disinhibition, boldness, and meanness—with biological referents. These dispositional constructs can be viewed as building blocks for alternative conceptions of psychopathy, and various existing psychopathy measures are presumed to index these constructs to differing degrees. This article summarizes the bases of the triarchic model in the conceptual and empirical literatures on psychopathy, and it describes linkages between the constructs of the model and established structural frameworks for personality and psychological disorders. Alternative methods for indexing the constructs of the model are described, and evidence regarding their interrelations and criterion‐related validity is reviewed. Promising aspects of the model for ongoing research on psychopathy are discussed, along with current gaps in knowledge/methods and recommended avenues for future research.
Genetic Analysis of Resistance Gene Analogues from a Sugarcane Cultivar Resistant to Red Rot Disease
Authors: Hameed Usman , Pan Yong‐Bao , Iqbal Javed
Published: January 2015

One of the important approaches for disease control in sugarcane is to develop a disease‐resistant variety; this may be accomplished through identification of resistance genes in sugarcane. In this study, PCR primers targeting the conserved motifs of the nucleotide‐binding site (NBS) class and kinase class of the resistance gene analogues (RGAs) were used to amplify the RGAs from a red rot‐resistant sugarcane cultivar (Saccharum spp. hybrid) HSF 240. Upon subcloning and sequencing, fifteen putative RGAs were identified. These RGAs shared 63–98% identity to the reported disease‐resistant genes in the NCBI GenBank database. Deduced amino acid sequences also showed the presence of expected conserved domains characteristic of RGAs. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these RGAs clustered with R genes from other plant species. The findings will be useful for studying disease‐resistant genes in sugarcane.
Network science and oral health research
Authors: Maupome Gerardo , McCranie Ann
Published: January 2015

The present overview of research methods describes a scientific enquiry paradigm that is well established in other disciplines, including health research, but that is fairly new to oral health research. Social networks analysis (SNA) or network science research is a set of relational methods purporting to identify and characterize the connections between members of a system or network, as well as the structure of the network. Persons and communities making up the members of networks have commonly been the focus of SNA studies but corporations or living organisms might just as well be organized in networks. SNA is grounded in both graphic imagery and computational models. SNA is based on the assumptions that features and structure of networks are amenable to characterization, that such information sheds light on the ways members of the network relate to each other (sharing information, diseases, norms, and so on), and that through these connections between members the overall network structure and characteristics are shaped. The overview resorts to examples specific to oral health themes and proposes a few general avenues for population‐based research.
GGF2 Is Neuroprotective in a Rat Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury-Induced Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Burnett Arthur L. , Sezen Sena F. , Hoke Ahmet , Caggiano Anthony O. , Iaci Jennifer , Lagoda Gwen , Musicki Biljana , Bella Anthony J.
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction is a major complication of radical prostatectomy, commonly associated with penile neuropathy. In animal models of peripheral nerve injury, glial growth factor-2 (GGF2), a member of the neuregulin family of growth factors, has neuroprotective and neurorestorative properties, but this potential has not been established after cavernous nerve (CN) injury.

Aims

The effectiveness of GGF2 in preserving axonal integrity and recovering erectile function in a rat model of radical prostatectomy-associated CN injury.

Methods

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent bilateral CN crush injury (BCNI) or sham surgery. Rats were administered GGF2 (0.5, 5, or 15 mg/kg) or vehicle subcutaneously 24 hour pre and 24-hour post-BCNI, and once weekly for 5 weeks. Erectile function was assessed in response to electrical stimulation of the CN. CN survival was assessed by fluorogold retrograde axonal tracing in major pelvic ganglia (MPG). Unmyelinated axons in the CNs were quantitated by electron microscopy.

Main Outcome Measures

Erectile function recovery, CN survival, and unmyelinated CN axon preservation in response to GGF2 treatment following BCNI.

Results

Erectile function was decreased (P < 0.05) after BCNI, and it was improved (P < 0.05) by all doses of GGF2. The number of fluorogold-labeled cells in the MPG was reduced (P < 0.05) by BCNI and was increased (P < 0.05) by GGF2 (0.5 and 5 mg/kg). The percentage of denervated Schwann cells in the BCNI group was higher (P < 0.05) than that in the sham-treated group and was decreased (P < 0.05) in the GGF2-treated (5 mg/kg) BCNI group. In the BCNI + GGF2 (5 mg/kg) group, the unmyelinated fiber histogram demonstrated a rightward shift, indicating an increased number of unmyelinated axons per Schwann cell compared with the BCNI group.

Conclusions

GGF2 promotes erectile function recovery following CN injury in conjunction with preserving unmyelinated CN fibers. Our findings suggest the clinical opportunity to develop GGF2 as a neuroprotective therapy for radical prostatectomy.
Foodfish Production Strategies Using 13‐cm and 19‐cm Hybrid Catfish, ♀Ictalurus punctatus ×  ♂Ictalurus furcatus
Authors: Rees Patrick , Engle Carole , Renukdas Nilima
Published: January 2015

Most hybrid catfish, ♀Ictalurus punctatus × ♂Ictalurus furcatus, producers stock 18‐ to 19‐cm fingerlings in single‐batch production. While stocking smaller fingerlings would be less expensive, the economic trade‐offs of using smaller fingerlings is unknown. Two sizes of hybrid catfish fingerlings (13‐cm and 19‐cm) were stocked in single‐size treatments at 9884 head/ha and a multi‐size treatment with each size stocked at 9884 head/ha (total 19,768 head/ha). In the 13‐cm and 19‐cm single‐size treatments, 87 and 98%, respectively, reached market size in one season. In the multi‐size treatment, 77% of all fish stocked reached market size, demonstrating that more than half of the 13‐cm fish reached market size in this treatment. Gross, net, and marketable yields were significantly greater in the multi‐size treatment when compared to the 13‐cm or 19‐cm single‐size treatments, but were not significantly different between the two single‐size treatments. The 19‐cm single‐size treatment resulted in greater break‐even prices and economic risk than the other two treatments. This study demonstrated that 13‐cm hybrid catfish fingerlings can be raised economically in both single‐ and multi‐size production systems in the southern USA.
Apparent Protein and Energy Digestibility and Amino Acid Availability of Commercial Meat and Bone Meal for Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Xavier Tadeu O. , Michelato Mariana , Vidal Luiz V. O. , Furuya Valéria R. B. , Furuya Wilson M.
Published: January 2015

Meat and bone meal (MBM) is an excellent source of amino acids (AAs) for fish but its proximate composition varies according to its origin and processing. Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy, and apparent availability coefficients (AAC) of essential and nonessential AAs (EAA and NEAA, respectively) in MBM containing various levels of crude protein (MBM‐340, 370, 400, 430, and 460 g/kg) were determined for juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, 32.7 ± 4.5 g). A reference diet containing 351.9 g/kg crude protein and 4541.1 kcal/kg of gross energy and test diets containing a 70:30 mixture of the reference diet and MBM were used with 5 g/kg Cr2O3 as an external indicator. ADC of dry matter, gross energy, and crude protein in MBM samples were 42.9–76.2%, 71.6–89.1%, and 49.4–86.9%, respectively. MBM‐400, 430, and 460 showed higher dry matter, gross energy, and crude protein ADC than that by MBM‐340 and 370. All AAs in MBM‐460 showed AAC of EAA > 90%, while the value for MBM‐430 was >85%, except arginine (82.1%) and lysine (84.8%). High ADC of energy, crude protein, and AAC in MBM‐430 and 460 indicate good potential as quantitative AA sources. Besides the low AA quality of MBM‐340, 370, and 400, their utilization is limited by low digestible energy and high ash, which should be considered in the production of least‐cost, well‐balanced, and sustainable diets for tilapia.
Spore Culture of Red Seaweed, Gloiopeltis furcata
Authors: Chen Suwen , Chen Lixiong , Zhu Changbo , Guo Yongjian , Guo Yihui
Published: January 2015

Two experiments were conducted to study Gloiopeltis furcata spore culture with different substrates in the nonreproduction season. Using spores discharged by fertile G. furcata frozen for storage, two experiments were conducted during the nonreproduction season. In the first experiment, G. furcata spores were collected and incubated in aquariums using palm line, polythene line, vinylon line, and three types of plastic sheets (white, ripple, and transparent polymethyl methacrylate) as substrates. In the second experiment, G. furcata spores were collected and incubated in a plastic tank using plastic sheets of different materials (PP, PE, and transparent PVC) and plastic even nets of different mesh sizes (3, 2, and 0.5 cm) as substrates. At the end of the experiment (after 60 d), discs with raised thallus were found on different plastic sheets and white plastic even nets, but no discs were visible on any type of line or on the black plastic even net (3‐cm mesh). The white plastic even net was found to be a suitable substrate for G. furcata spore culture in farms and for sporeling culture in sea. Results presented in this study are expected to aid in the progress of the artificial seeding of Gloiopeltis.