bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
More screen time, less face time – implications for EHR design
Authors: Asan Onur , D. Smith Paul , Montague Enid
Published: May 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

Understanding the impact of health information technology on doctor–patient interaction is vital to designing better electronic health records (EHRs). This article quantitatively examines and compares clinically experienced physicians' interactions with patients using paper or EHRs in ambulatory primary care settings.

Methods

Clinical encounters using paper or EHRs were recorded with high‐resolution video cameras to capture physicians' interactions with the health records and patients. All videos were coded using quantified video coding methodology to understand how physicians interacted with EHRs and patients through measuring eye gaze durations. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the results of the paper and EHR visits.

Results

Eight experienced family medicine physicians and 80 patients participated in the study. A total of 80 visits, 40 with paper and 40 with EHRs were recorded. The proportion of time physicians spent gazing at medical records during EHR visits was significantly more than in paper chart visits (35.2 versus 22.1%, P = 0.001). A significantly smaller proportion of physician time was spent gazing at the patient when using an EHR compared with when using a paper chart (52.6 versus 45.6%, P = 0.041).

Conclusions

For this group of family medicine physicians, more time was spent looking at the EHR screen than paper records and a little less time looking at the patient. These findings may negatively affect the patient perception of the visit with the physician and have implications for the design of future EHRs.
Intelligent Monitoring of Zucchini Drying Process Based on Fuzzy Expert Engine and ANN
Authors: Tavakolipour Hamid , Mokhtarian Mohsen , Kalbasi‐Ashtari Ahmad
Published: May 2014

Two intelligent tools, fuzzy expert engine (FEE) and artificial neural network (ANN), were used to predict momentarily the moisture content of zucchini slices during dehydration process. For this purpose, the fuzzy logic toolbox in MATLAB was used to predict moisture ratio (MR) of dried zucchini. Drying time, temperature and product thickness were selected as input variables and MR was selected as output variable. Linguistic variables were defined for both input and output variables. Generally, 81 if‐then rules with “AND” operator was obtained for thin layer drying of zucchini. It was found that ANN with one and two hidden layers, topology of 3‐20‐20‐1 had the best result to predict MR. This network was able to predict MR with R2 = 0.998. Finally, comparison of these results revealed that ANN model had greater accuracy than FEE to predict MR of dried zucchini.

Practical Applications

Different intelligent tools including fuzzy and neural networks were used in this study to control the drying parameters and produce dehydrated zucchini with minimal nutritional changes. Zucchini is a rich source of different vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers and omega 3 fatty acids. The suggested nondestructive approach is capable to predict kinetic parameters during the zucchini drying more accurately than the conventional regression method. In other words, it is possible to check the moisture ratio in every minute of drying process and determine the drying time for reaching to specific moisture content in the final product. Since the moisture ratio in the regression model is a function of drying time (with the assumption of different constant coefficients), it is not able to control various complex and nonlinear relations between the independent and dependent variables during drying process. This is the reason that zucchini drying monitored with the suggestive system had a higher quality and most probably used less energy than the similar product controlled with regression model.
The Praxis of Courage as a Foundation for Care
Authors: Hawkins Sara F. , Morse Janice
Published: May 2014

Purpose

To analyze the concept of courage and determine its relevance for the present‐day context of nursing.

Methods

Using techniques of pragmatic utility, a systematic review of the literature was conducted using 18 articles and books from the nursing literature. Analytical questions were developed to guide the data synthesis.

Results

Despite fear for self and others, courage in nursing is usually presented as ethical‐moral “risk‐taking” action(s) with the intent to ensure safe patient care.

Conclusions

The concept of courage is germane to nursing and provides a unique aspect of nursing care, not fully incorporated into “care,” “compassion,” or the caring sciences. Apart from its linkage toward a moral ethic, courage is not presently used in nursing theory. We recommend incorporating this traditional concept into nursing theory, research, and practice.

Clinical Relevance

Developing courage in novice professionals and stre‐ngthening courage in practitioners can not only improve professional integrity, but also improve patient safety.
Architectural properties of the neuromuscular compartments in selected forearm skeletal muscles
Authors: Liu An‐Tang , Liu Ben‐Li , Lu Li‐Xuan , Chen Gang , Yu Da‐Zhi , Zhu Lie , Guo Rong , Dang Rui‐Shan , Jiang Hua
Published: May 2014

The purposes f this study were to (i) explore the possibility of splitting the selected forearm muscles into separate compartments in human subjects; (ii) quantify the architectural properties of each neuromuscular compartment; and (iii) discuss the implication of these properties in split tendon transfer procedures. Twenty upper limbs from 10 fresh human cadavers were used in this study. Ten limbs of five cadavers were used for intramuscular nerve study by modified Sihler's staining technique, which confirmed the neuromuscular compartments. The other 10 limbs were included for architectural analysis of neuromuscular compartments. The architectural features of the compartments including muscle weight, muscle length, fiber length, pennation angle, and sarcomere length were determined. Physiological cross‐sectional area and fiber length/muscle length ratio were calculated. Five of the selected forearm muscles were ideal candidates for splitting, including flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor carpi radials, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi ulnaris and pronator teres. The humeral head of pronator teres contained the longest fiber length (6.23 ± 0.31 cm), and the radial compartment of extensor carpi ulnaris contained the shortest (2.90 ± 0.28 cm). The ulnar compartment of flexor carpi ulnaris had the largest physiological cross‐sectional area (5.17 ± 0.59 cm2), and the ulnar head of pronator teres had the smallest (0.67 ± 0.06 cm2). Fiber length/muscle length ratios of the neuromuscular compartments were relatively low (average 0.27 ± 0.09, range 0.18–0.39) except for the ulnar head of pronator teres, which had the highest one (0.72 ± 0.05). Using modified Sihler's technique, this research demonstrated that each compartment of these selected forearm muscles has its own neurovascular supply after being split along its central tendon. Data of the architectural properties of each neuromuscular compartment provide insight into the ‘design’ of their functional capability. In addition to improving our understanding of muscle anatomy and function, elucidation of forearm neuromuscular compartments architecture may ultimately provide information useful for selection of muscle subdivisions used in tendon transfer.
The design of compassionate care
Authors: Crawford Paul , Brown Brian , Kvangarsnes Marit , Gilbert Paul
Published: May 2014

Aims and objectives

To investigate the tension between individual and organisational responses to contemporary demands for compassionate interactions in health care.

Background

Health care is often said to need more compassion among its practitioners. However, this represents a rather simplistic view of the issue, situating the problem with individual practitioners rather than focusing on the overall design of care and healthcare organisations, which have often adopted a production‐line approach.

Design

This is a position paper informed by a narrative literature review.

Methods

A search of the PubMed, Science Direct and CINAHL databases for the terms compassion, care and design was conducted in the research literature published from 2000 through to mid‐2013.

Results

There is a relatively large literature on compassion in health care, where authors discuss the value of imbuing a variety of aspects of health services with compassion including nurses, other practitioners and, ultimately, among patients. This contrasts with the rather limited attention that compassionate practice has received in healthcare curricula and the lack of attention to how compassion is informed by organisational structures and processes. We discuss how making the clinic more welcoming for patients and promoting bidirectional compassion and compassion formation in nursing education can be part of an overall approach to the design of compassionate care.

Conclusions

We discuss a number of ways in which compassion can be enhanced through training, educational and organisational design, through exploiting the potential of brief opportunities for communication and through initiatives involving patients and service users, as well as practitioners and service leaders.

Relevance to clinical practice

The development of contemporary healthcare systems could usefully address the overall design of compassionate care rather than blame individual practitioners for a lack of compassion.
Psychosocial safety climate moderating the effects of daily job demands and recovery on fatigue and work engagement
Authors: Garrick Adam , Mak Anita S. , Cathcart Stuart , Winwood Peter C. , Bakker Arnold B. , Lushington Kurt
Published: May 2014

This study examined the role of schools' psychosocial safety climate (PSC) in teachers' psychological outcomes. We proposed that PSC would moderate the effects of teachers' daily job demands on their fatigue and work engagement, and also the effects of teachers' daily recovery on fatigue and engagement. Sixty‐one Australian school teachers completed a diary that was repeated three times over the course of approximately 8 months. Each diary ran for five consecutive days, measuring daily self‐reports of job demands, recovery, fatigue, and engagement (N = 915 data points), while perceived PSC was measured once per diary. Multilevel analyses indicated that PSC moderated the relationships between job demands and fatigue, as well as job demands and engagement. This suggests that perceived PSC could act as a buffer against deleterious impacts of daily job demands. PSC also moderated the relationships between recovery and fatigue, and recovery and engagement. This indicates that higher levels of perceived PSC in schools could amplify the benefits of daily recovery for teachers. PSC also exerted a main effect on both fatigue and engagement. These results offer insight into the mechanisms by which PSC may act as a buffer to protect worker mental health, and highlight the importance for school management to promote PSC within their organization.

Practitioner points

Psychosocial safety climate in organizations may buffer workers from the negative psychological outcomes associated with job demands.

Psychosocial safety climate in organizations may boost the psychological benefits that workers gain from achieving good daily recovery outside of work.
Corpus Callosal Abnormalities in Dogs
Authors: Gonçalves R. , Volk H. , Smith P.M. , Penderis J. , Garosi L. , MacKillop E. , de Stefani A. , Cherubini G. , McConnell J.F.
Published: May 2014

Background

Corpus callosal abnormalities (CCA) in dogs have been only sporadically reported and are poorly characterized.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe the clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of dogs with CCA.

Animals

Fifteen client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Retrospective study. Records of the contributing institutions were reviewed to identify dogs diagnosed with malformations affecting the corpus callosum (CC); cases in which the CCA was thought to be secondary were excluded.

Results

The most represented breeds were Staffordshire Bull Terriers (5/15) and Miniature Schnauzers (3/15; n = 3, 20%) and the mean age at time of presentation of 19 months (range 3–81 months). The clinical signs most commonly reported were adipsia/hypodipsia with associated hypernatremia (12/15), tremors (6/15), and seizures (6/15). Review of the MR images revealed that 10 dogs had absence of the rostral CC and hypoplasia of the caudal portion, 4 dogs had a diffusely hypoplastic and dysplastic CC, and 1 dog had a diffusely hypoplastic CC. In 14 cases, there was abnormal cortical development with fusion of the ventral frontal lobes and part of the diencephalon, indicating lobar holoprosencephaly.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Previous literature has mainly associated CCA with adipsia and only 12 of 15 dogs in the current series demonstrated this abnormality. There are different degrees of the malformation but in 10 dogs the rostral portion of the CC is most severely affected. Fourteen dogs have simultaneous fusion of the midline structures rostral to the CC; this region has several structures involved in thirst regulation and might explain this derangement.
Peroxisomes contribute to biosynthesis of extracellular glycolipids in fungi
Authors: Freitag Johannes , Ast Julia , Linne Uwe , Stehlik Thorsten , Martorana Domenica , Bölker Michael , Sandrock Björn
Published: May 2014

Many microorganisms secrete surface‐active glycolipids. The basidiomycetous fungus Ustilago maydis produces two different classes of glycolipids, mannosylerythritol lipids (MEL) and ustilagic acids (UAs). Here we report that biosynthesis of MELs is partially localized in peroxisomes and coupled to peroxisomal fatty acid degradation. The acyltransferases, Mac1 and Mac2, which acylate mannosylerythritol with fatty acids of different length, contain a type 1 peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS1). We demonstrate that Mac1 and Mac2 are targeted to peroxisomes, while other enzymes involved in MEL production reside in different compartments. Mis‐targeting of Mac1 and Mac2 to the cytosol did not block MEL synthesis but promoted production of MEL species with altered acylation pattern. This is in contrast to peroxisome deficient mutants that produced MELs similar to the wild type. We could show that cytosolic targeting of Mac1 and Mac2 reduces the amount of UA presumably due to competition for overlapping substrates. Interestingly, hydroxylated fatty acids characteristic for UAs appear in MELs corroborating cross‐talk between both biosynthesis pathways. Therefore, peroxisomal localization of MEL biosynthesis is not only prerequisite for generation of the natural spectrum of MELs, but also facilitates simultaneous assembly of different glycolipids in a single cell.
Nutrient adequacy and imbalance among young children aged 1–3 years in the UK
Authors: Gibson S. , Sidnell A.
Published: May 2014

Toddlers and young children in the second and third years of life (12–35 months) may be nutritionally vulnerable, especially if they eat a limited range of foods or consume a diet that is energy rich but nutrient poor. We compared dietary intakes among children aged 18–35 months from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2008–2011) and children aged 12–18 months from the Diet and Nutrition Survey of Infants and Young Children (2011) with UK Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) to assess potential nutrient excess or inadequacy. Multiple criteria were used [reference nutrient intake (RNI), estimated average requirements (EAR) and lower reference nutrient intake (LRNI)], and where the LRNI or EAR were unavailable they were estimated as 75% of the EAR or RNI, respectively. Compared to current recommendations, there appear to be significant shortfalls in intakes of vitamin D in young children in the UK, and supplementation, although recommended by government, is not addressing the problem because take‐up is low (9–11%). Vitamin D intakes (including supplements) averaged only 55% of the RNI among children aged 12–18 months and 33% of the RNI for those aged 18–35 months, while 64% and 87% of the younger and older group, respectively, had intakes below the LRNI (estimated). Endogenous synthesis of vitamin D may be insufficient to fulfil requirements, especially in winter. Iron intakes are also suboptimal among some groups. Based on the EAR cut‐point method, the estimated population prevalence of dietary inadequacy for children aged 18–35 months was 91% for vitamin D and 31% for iron. Zinc, vitamin A and iodine had estimated levels of dietary inadequacy ranging from 5% to 19%. Mean energy intakes were below the 1991 DRV for energy but above the most recent DRV issued in 2011, while protein intakes in both surveys were in excess of the RNI. Further work is warranted to identify dietary patterns associated with low micronutrient intakes and status, and to assess the best strategies for ensuring adequacy, especially among vulnerable groups. Parents and healthcare professionals should be informed as to how to minimise the risks of both nutrient deficiency and excessive energy intakes for the young children in their care. Government can facilitate provision of appropriate advice via the healthcare system and encourage provision of appropriate foods and supplements via enabling legislation. The food industry also has a role in the responsible provision of fortified foods and drinks that can address nutrient inadequacy.
Early growth and obesity risk – What should health professionals be advising?
Authors: Papadopoulou E. , Stanner S.
Published: May 2014

Obesity rates in the UK have been continuously increasing among adults and children and have been attributed to nutritional and lifestyle practices that promote a positive shift in energy balance. Over the last few decades, a growing body of evidence suggests that the origins of obesity start at the earliest stages of human development and specifically pre‐conception, in utero and during early infancy. Maternal nutritional status and early life feeding have been identified as ‘critical windows’ for obesity risk. Pre‐conception and pregnancy overweight and obesity, as well as fetal exposure to diabetes and hyperglycaemia, have been associated with high birthweight, which, in turn, has been reported to have a direct link with obesity risk later in life. A number of studies have also demonstrated low birthweight to be associated with increased risk of obesity and suggested that low‐birthweight term infants who demonstrate early ‘catch‐up’ growth have a tendency to become obese adults. Low birthweight has been associated with pre‐conception underweight and inadequate in utero nutrition.

Although the links between early growth and later obesity risk implicate maternal pre‐natal nutrition, it has been suggested that nutrition during early infancy also affects later body composition. Breastfeeding has been associated with a reduced prevalence of obesity, although the evidence is still inconsistent and somewhat limited. Recent advances in the ability to manipulate infant formula composition by reducing its protein content and bringing its composition closer to that of breastmilk could potentially help prevent the rapid weight gain observed in formula‐fed infants. Early introduction of complementary foods has also been associated with increased obesity risk later in life.

Unfortunately to date, the majority of evidence on the developmental origins of obesity comes from observational studies, making their interpretation difficult and providing an uncertain basis for practice. However, a number of modifiable risk factors in the pre‐natal and early post‐natal periods of human development have been identified, as well as vulnerable subgroups within the population to these risk factors, which may guide health professionals when advising women regarding lifestyle strategies to reduce the risk of obesity for their offspring and for future generations.
Discrepancies between couples' perceptions of family functioning in child‐rearingJapanese families
Authors: Honda Junko , Hohashi Naohiro
Published: May 2014

This study examined discrepancies in couples' family functioning scores on theJapanese version of theFeethamFamilyFunctioningSurvey, which evaluates both internal and external family functioning, and the relationship of family demographic characteristics to such discrepancies. Participants were 313 husband and wife pairs with child(ren) attending nursery school. The discrepancies were significantly related to: the presence of a family member living with a disease/illness; the number of children; mean age of the children; and annual household income. A possible factor that may explain the discrepancies was question design, that is, use of “you” or “your,” and the inclusion of questions concerning intrafamily issues. The findings indicated that family‐related perceptions by each individual family member may differ. Nurses should therefore be aware that information from just one family member will not necessarily represent the family's actual situation.
Functional body composition and related aspects in research on obesity and cachexia: report on the 12th Stock Conference held on 6 and 7 September 2013 in Hamburg, Germany
Authors: Müller M. J. , Baracos V. , Bosy‐Westphal A. , Dulloo A. G. , Eckel J. , Fearon K. C. H. , Hall K. D. , Pietrobelli A. , Sørensen T. I. A. , Speakman J. , Trayhurn P. , Visser M. , Heymsfield S. B.
Published: May 2014

The 12th Stock Conference addressed body composition and related functions in two extreme situations, obesity and cancer cachexia. The concept of ‘functional body composition’ integrates body components into regulatory systems relating the mass of organs and tissues to corresponding in vivo functions and metabolic processes. This concept adds to an understanding of organ/tissue mass and function in the context of metabolic adaptations to weight change and disease. During weight gain and loss, there are associated changes in individual body components while the relationships between organ and tissue mass are fixed. Thus an understanding of body weight regulation involves an examination of the relationships between organs and tissues rather than individual organ and tissue masses only. The between organ/tissue mass relationships are associated with and explained by crosstalks between organs and tissues mediated by cytokines, hormones and metabolites that are coupled with changes in body weight, composition and function as observed in obesity and cancer cachexia. In addition to established roles in intermediary metabolism, cell function and inflammation, organ‐tissue crosstalk mediators are determinants of body composition and its change with weight gain and loss. The 12th Stock Conference supported Michael Stocks' concept of gaining new insights by integrating research ideas from obesity and cancer cachexia. The conference presentations provide an in‐depth understanding of body composition and metabolism.
The contributions of apoplastic, symplastic and gas phase pathways for water transport outside the bundle sheath in leaves
Authors: BUCKLEY THOMAS N.
Published: May 2014

Water movement from the xylem to stomata is poorly understood. There is still no consensus about whether apoplastic or symplastic pathways are more important, and recent work suggests vapour diffusion may also play a role. The objective of this study was to estimate the proportions of hydraulic conductance outside the bundle sheath contributed by apoplastic, symplastic and gas phase pathways, using a novel analytical framework based on measurable anatomical and biophysical parameters. The calculations presented here suggest that apoplastic pathways provide the majority of conductance outside the bundle sheath under most conditions, whereas symplastic pathways contribute only a small proportion. The contributions of apoplastic and gas phase pathways vary depending on several critical but poorly known or highly variable parameters namely, the effective Poiseuille radius for apoplastic bulk flow, the thickness of cell walls and vertical temperature gradients within the leaf. The gas phase conductance should increase strongly as the leaf centre becomes warmer than the epidermis – providing up to 44% of vertical water transport for a temperature gradient of 0.2 K. These results may help to explain how leaf water transport is influenced by light absorption, temperature and differences in leaf anatomy among species.
Resequencing and association analysis of OXTR with autism spectrum disorder in a Japanese population
Authors: Egawa Jun , Watanabe Yuichiro , Shibuya Masako , Endo Taro , Sugimoto Atsunori , Igeta Hirofumi , Nunokawa Ayako , Inoue Emiko , Someya Toshiyuki
Published: May 2014

Aims

The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) is implicated in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A recent study found a rare non‐synonymous OXTR gene variation, rs35062132 (R376G), associated with ASD in a Japanese population. In order to investigate the association between rare non‐synonymous OXTR variations and ASD, we resequenced OXTR and performed association analysis with ASD in a Japanese population.

Methods

We resequenced the OXTR coding region in 213 ASD patients. Rare non‐synonymous OXTR variations detected by resequencing were genotyped in 213 patients and 667 controls.

Results

We detected three rare non‐synonymous variations: rs35062132 (R376G/C), rs151257822 (G334D), and g.8809426G>T (R150S). However, there was no significant association between these rare non‐synonymous variations and ASD.

Conclusions

Our present study does not support the contribution of rare non‐synonymous OXTR variations to ASD susceptibility in the Japanese population.
Recent advances in Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Morimoto Akira , Oh Yukiko , Shioda Yoko , Kudo Kazuko , Imamura Toshihiko
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this review is to provide an updated overview of the pathogenesis and treatment of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). The pathogenesis of LCH remains obscure and the optimal treatment for LCH has not been established, although incremental progress has been made. Proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines are known to play a role in LCH, which suggests that LCH is an immune disorder. However, the oncogenic BRAF mutation is also detected in more than half of LCH patients, which suggests that LCH is a neoplastic disorder. Remaining major issues in the treatment of LCH are how to rescue patients who have risk‐organ involvement but do not respond to first‐line therapy, the optimal treatment for the orphan disease of multifocal adult LCH, and how to reduce and treat central nervous system‐related consequences, such as central diabetes insipidus and neurodegeneration. More research is needed to better understand the pathogenesis of this disease and to resolve the treatment issues.
My Family Medical History and Me: Feasibility Results of a Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Intervention
Authors: Imes Christopher C. , Lewis Frances M. , Austin Melissa A. , Dougherty Cynthia M.
Published: May 2014

Objective

Evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a behaviorally focused intervention designed to increase perceived cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in young adults with a family history (FH) of CVD/CHD.

Design and Sample

Single group, pre‐post‐test design. Fifteen, mostly female (n = 13, 86.7%), White, young adults (mean age 20.8 years) with a minimum of a high school education with a FH of CVD/CHD.

Measures

Feasibility examined the recruitment strategy, study procedures, appropriateness and quality of the study instruments, and problems that occurred during delivery of the intervention. Acceptability examined participants’ engagement in the in person sessions and at home exercises and their feedback about the intervention.

Intervention

Two, in person sessions provided personalized, tailored messages about 10‐year and lifetime CHD risk based on risk factors, FH from a three‐generation pedigree, lipid levels, blood pressure, and smoking status, and brief counseling about how to engage in a healthy lifestyle to decrease CVD/CHD risk.

Results

The intervention was feasible and acceptable. Participants requested more information on healthy food choices, including which foods to avoid and which exercises most improve cardiovascular health.

Conclusions

Although requiring refinement, the intervention has potential public health implications and deserves further testing.
Floral scent composition predicts bee pollination system in five butterfly bush (Buddleja, Scrophulariaceae) species
Authors: Gong W.‐C. , Chen G. , Vereecken N. J. , Dunn B. L. , Ma Y.‐P. , Sun W.‐B.
Published: May 2014

Traditionally, plant–pollinator interactions have been interpreted as pollination syndrome. However, the validity of pollination syndrome has been widely doubted in modern studies of pollination ecology. The pollination ecology of five Asian Buddleja species, B. asiatica, B. crispa, B. forrestii, B. macrostachya and B. myriantha, in the Sino‐Himalayan region in Asia, flowering in different local seasons, with scented inflorescences were investigated during 2011 and 2012. These five species exhibited diverse floral traits, with narrow and long corolla tubes and concealed nectar. According to their floral morphology, larger bees and Lepidoptera were expected to be the major pollinators. However, field observations showed that only larger bees (honeybee/bumblebee) were the primary pollinators, ranging from 77.95% to 97.90% of total visits. In this study, floral scents of each species were also analysed using coupled gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Although the five Buddleja species emitted differentiated floral scent compositions, our results showed that floral scents of the five species are dominated by substances that can serve as attractive signals to bees, including species‐specific scent compounds and principal compounds with larger relative amounts. This suggests that floral scent compositions are closely associated with the principal pollinator assemblages in these five species. Therefore, we conclude that floral scent compositions rather than floral morphology traits should be used to interpret plant–pollinator interactions in these Asian Buddleja species.
Sex‐specific phenotypic selection and geographic variation in gender divergence in a gynodioecious shrub
Authors: Castilla A. R. , Alonso C. , Herrera C. M.
Published: May 2014

In sexually polymorphic plant species the extent of gender divergence in floral morphology and phenology may be influenced by gender‐specific selection patterns imposed by pollinators, which may change geographically. Distribution margins are areas where changes in the pollinator fauna, and thus variation in gender divergence of floral traits, are expected. We tested for pollination‐driven geographic variation in the gender divergence in floral and phenological traits in the gynodioecious shrubDaphne laureola, in core and marginal areas differing in the identity of the main pollinator. Pollinators selected for longer corolla tubes in hermaphrodite individuals only in core populations, which in turn recorded higher fruit set. Consistent with these phenotypic selection patterns, gender divergence in flower corolla length was higher in core populations. Moreover, pollinators selected towards delayed flowering on hermaphrodite individuals only in marginal populations, where the two sexes differed more in flowering time. Our results support that a shift in main pollinators is able to contribute to geographic variation in the gender divergence of sexually polymorphic plant species.
Reduced seed germination in Arabidopsis over‐expressing SWI/SNF2 ATPase genes
Authors: Leeggangers Hendrika A. C. F. , Folta Adam , Muras Aleksandra , Nap Jan‐Peter , Mlynarova Ludmila
Published: May 2014

In the life of flowering plants, seed germination is a critical step to ensure survival into the next generation. Generally the seed prior to germination has been in a dormant state with a low rate of metabolism. In the transition from a dormant seed to a germinating seed, various epigenetic mechanisms play a regulatory role. Here, we demonstrate that the over‐expression of chromatin remodeling ATPase genes (AtCHR12 or AtCHR23) reduced the frequency of seed germination in Arabidopsis thaliana up to 30% relative to the wild‐type seeds. On the other hand, single loss‐of‐function mutations of the two genes did not affect seed germination. The reduction of germination in over‐expressing mutants was more pronounced in stress conditions (salt or high temperature), showing the impact of the environment. Reduced germinations upon over‐expression coincided with increased transcript levels of seed maturation genes and with reduced degradation of their mRNAs stored in dry seeds. Our results indicate that repression of AtCHR12/23 gene expression in germinating wild‐type Arabidopsis seeds is required for full germination. This establishes a functional link between chromatin modifiers and regulatory networks towards seed maturation and germination.
The Subjects of Collectively Binding Decisions: Democratic Inclusion and Extraterritorial Law
Authors: Beckman Ludvig
Published: May 2014

Citizenship and residency are basic conditions for political inclusion in a democracy. However, if democracy is premised on the inclusion of everyone subject to collectively binding decisions, the relevance of either citizenship or residency for recognition as a member of the polity is uncertain. The aim of this paper is to specify the conditions for being subject to collective decisions in the sense relevant to democratic theory. Three conceptions of what it means to be subject to collectively binding decisions are identified and examined, referring to those subject to legal duties and legal powers or to those subject to legal duties and state institutions. The contrast between them is most clearly illustrated in relation to non‐residents, those not present in the territory of the state. The extraterritorial dimension of the law thus highlights a fundamental ambiguity in the theory of democracy concerning the extension of political rights.
A Typological Reading of Prevailing Legal Theories
Authors: Novak Marko
Published: May 2014

A classic debate in the history of philosophy is that between rationalists and empiricists concerning the “true” source of human knowledge. In legal philosophy this debate has been reflected in the classic opposition between natural law and legal positivist perspectives. Even the currently predominant inclusivist perspectives on the nature of law, such as inclusive legal positivism and inclusive legal non‐positivism, are not immune to such a dichotomy. In this paper I attempt to present an understanding of specific cognitive characteristics of prevailing legal theories from the perspective of the theory of psychological types as developed by Carl G. Jung.
Rhetoric Meets Rational Argumentation Theory
Authors: Paso Mirjami
Published: May 2014

The theory of rhetoric is recognised and widely used in a number of disciplines, particularly in the social sciences. It is therefore slightly surprising that it has not gained an important footing in jurisprudence. It is often argued that rhetoric and argumentative justification are clearly different issues. However, the present paper argues that they are in fact two aspects of argumentation and that the theory of rhetoric may be used also in the context of legal reasoning.
Positivism, Legal Validity, and the Separation of Law and Morals
Authors: Pino Giorgio
Published: May 2014

The essay discusses the import of the separability thesis both for legal positivism and for contemporary legal practice. First, the place of the separability thesis in legal positivism will be explored, distinguishing between “standard positivism” and “post‐Hartian positivism.” Then I will consider various kinds of relations between law and morality that are worthy of jurisprudential interest, and explore, from a positivist point of view, what kind of relations between law and morality must be rejected, what kind of such relations should be taken into account, and what kind of such relations are indeed of no import at all. The upshot of this analysis consists in highlighting the distinction between two different dimensions of legal validity (formal validity and material validity respectively), and in pointing out that the positivist separability thesis can apply to formal validity only. On the other hand, when the ascertainment of material validity is at stake, some form of moral reasoning may well be involved (here and now, it isnecessarilyinvolved). The essay concludes with some brief remarks on the persisting importance of the positivist jurisprudential project.
Some Ontological Consequences of Atomism
Authors: Dumsday Travis
Published: May 2014

Is there a fundamental layer of objects in nature? And if so what sorts of things populate it? Among those who answer ‘yes’ to the first question, a common answer to the second is ‘atoms,’ where an atom is understood in the original sense of an object that is spatially unextended, indivisible, and wholly lacking in proper parts (whether actual or potential). Here I explore some of the ontological consequences of atomism. First, if atoms are real, then whatever motion they appear to undergo must be discrete (discontinuous). The link between atomism and discrete motion goes back at least to Aristotle and is admitted by some atomists, but the full significance of that admission has been neglected. I argue that a commitment to discrete motion in turn entails significant and sometimes counter‐intuitive results. I also examine the implications of these results for the philosophy of mind and for discussions of metaphysical naturalism.
Using Prior Risk‐Related Knowledge to Support Risk Management Decisions: Lessons Learnt from a Tunneling Project
Authors: Cárdenas Ibsen Chivatá , Al‐Jibouri Saad S. H. , Halman Johannes I. M. , van de Linde Wim , Kaalberg Frank
Published: May 2014

The authors of this article have developed six probabilistic causal models for critical risks in tunnel works. The details of the models' development and evaluation were reported in two earlier publications of this journal. Accordingly, as a remaining step, this article is focused on the investigation into the use of these models in a real case study project. The use of the models is challenging given the need to provide information on risks that usually are both project and context dependent. The latter is of particular concern in underground construction projects. Tunnel risks are the consequences of interactions between site‐ and project‐ specific factors. Large variations and uncertainties in ground conditions as well as project singularities give rise to particular risk factors with very specific impacts. These circumstances mean that existing risk information, gathered from previous projects, is extremely difficult to use in other projects. This article considers these issues and addresses the extent to which prior risk‐related knowledge, in the form of causal models, as the models developed for the investigation, can be used to provide useful risk information for the case study project. The identification and characterization of the causes and conditions that lead to failures and their interactions as well as their associated probabilistic information is assumed to be risk‐related knowledge in this article. It is shown that, irrespective of existing constraints on using information and knowledge from past experiences, construction risk‐related knowledge can be transferred and used from project to project in the form of comprehensive models based on probabilistic‐causal relationships. The article also shows that the developed models provide guidance as to the use of specific remedial measures by means of the identification of critical risk factors, and therefore they support risk management decisions. Similarly, a number of limitations of the models are discussed.
A novel HLA‐DQB1*05:15 allele was identified in a Chinese individual
Authors: Han Z.‐D. , Wang W. , He J. , Zhu F.‐M. , Lv H.‐J.
Published: May 2014

HLA‐DQB1*05:15 differs from DQB1*05:03:01:01 by a single nucleotide substitution at codon 80 (AGA>AAA).
Report of a novel activating killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor allele 3DS1*078 identified using sequence‐based typing
Authors: Yindom L.‐M. , Wang L. , Rai M. A. , Dong T. , Rowland‐Jones S. L.
Published: May 2014

KIR3DS1*078 differs from KIR3DS1*0130101 at position 5586 and at position 14255.
The Paradox of ‘Preferences’: Regional Trade Agreements and Trade Costs in Services
Authors: Miroudot Sébastien , Shepherd Ben
Published: May 2014

We analyse the relationship between regional trade integration and trade costs in services. The analysis relies on theory‐consistent bilateral trade costs for 55 countries for 1999–2009 and an analysis of services commitments in 66 regional trade agreements to which these countries are parties. Despite the recent proliferation of services regional trade agreements (RTAs), we find that trade costs are only slightly lower due to these agreements. In addition, we find that the trade cost reductions that do take place tend to happen before the agreement is signed. This is consistent with countries using RTAs as a way of ‘locking in’ reforms. Finally, we find that the preferential margin of services RTAs is thin: members and non‐members both see slightly lower trade costs when an RTA is signed. However, the difference between the member and non‐member trade cost effects is 28 per cent for services and 40 per cent for goods, indicating a slimmer margin of preference in the former case. We discuss the possible explanations for these findings in terms of the nature of services RTAs and their relationship with regulatory reform. Based on these results, we argue that regionalism in the case of services seems relatively non‐discriminatory and does not lead to substantial trade preferences.
Effect of intravenous administration of romifidine on intraocular pressure in clinically normal horses
Authors: Marzok Mohamed A. , El‐khodery Sabry A. , Oheida Aiman H.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To evaluate the effect of intravenous administration of romifidine on the intraocular pressure (IOP) in horses.

Animals studied

Twenty‐four horses with no ocular abnormalities.

Procedure

Horses were randomly assigned into two equal groups (treatment and control). All horses in the treatment group received an intravenous (IV) injection of romifidine (40 μg/kg). The horses in the control group were administrated an intravenous injection of 0.9% saline (0.4 mL/100 kg). In both groups, theIOPvalues were measured immediately (T0) pre‐administration and at 5 (T5), 15 (T15), 30 (T30), 45 (T45), 60 (T60), 90 (T90), and 120 (T120) min after drug administration.

Results

The pre‐treatment values (T0) ofIOPfor right and left eyes were 24.25 ± 3.5 and 25.16 ± 3.4 mmHg, respectively. A significant decrease inIOPvalues was observed in both right and left eyes of the horses in treatment group at T5, T15, T30, T45, T60, and T90in comparison with the baseline values (P < 0.05). The lowest level ofIOPin romifidine‐treated groups was recorded at T45for the right and left eyes (10.25 ± 2.3 and 11.25 ± 3.5 mmHg, respectively).

Conclusion

Romifidine significantly decreasedIOPin clinically normal horses and may be used safely for surgery or diagnostic ocular procedures in horses when specific control ofIOPis required.
Anterior segment morphology and morphometry in selected reptile species using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Rival Franck , Linsart Adeline , Isard Pierre‐François , Besson Christian , Dulaurent Thomas
Published: May 2014

Objective

To provide new and original images of the anterior segment (AS) of the eye of selected Ophidian, Chelonian, and Saurian species and to compare the AS architecture among and within these three groups.

Animals studied

17 Saurians, 14 Ophidians, and 11 Chelonians with no concurrent systemic or eye disease were included in the study.

Procedure

Age, weight, nose‐cloaca distance (NCD), and pupil shape were collected for each animal. The AS was examined by optical coherence tomography (OCT). After gross description of the appearance of the AS, the central and peripheral corneal thickness (CCT, PCT) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) were measured using the software provided with the OCT device. The ratio CCT/ACD was then calculated for each animal.

Results

Pupil shape was a vertical slit in all the crepuscular or nocturnal animals (except for 1 chelonian and 1 ophidian). Each group had its own particular AS architecture. Saurians had a regularly thin cornea with a flat anterior lens capsule and a deep anterior chamber. Ophidians had a thick cornea with a narrow anterior chamber due to a very anteriorly anchored spherical lens. The spectacle was difficult to identify in all ophidians except in Python molurus bivitattus in which it was more obvious. Chelonians displayed an intermediate architecture which more closely resembled the Saurian type than the Ophidian type.

Conclusion

Despite grossly similar AS architecture, the three groups of reptiles in the study demonstrated differences that are suggestive of a link between anatomical disparities and variations in environment and lifestyle.
Developing Nursing and Midwifery Research Priorities: A Health Service Executive (HSE) North West Study
Authors: Parlour Randal , Slater Paul
Published: May 2014

Aim

The primary purpose of this study was to identify research priorities for nurses and midwives across the Health Service Executive (HSE) North West region. The rationale for the study was underlined during meetings of HSE North West Directors of Nursing and Midwifery in January 2011. It was agreed that a more strategic approach to generating synergy among nursing and midwifery research, evaluation, and evidence‐based practice should be developed through the Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Unit.

Methods

The research design was founded upon collaborative processes for consensus building that included the Delphi technique and nominal group technique. The study sample included a panel of experts. Data were collected between March 2011 and December 2011.

Findings

Findings from this study validate the efficacy of the research methodology in enabling the effective identification of priority areas for research. These include: (a) an evaluation of the impact of postgraduate nursing and midwifery education programs focusing upon patient, professional, and organizational outcomes; (b) development and evaluation of an effective culture of nurse‐ and midwife‐led audit across all services within a Regional Health Trust in Ireland; (c) an examination of the efficacy of approaches to clinical supervision within the context of the Irish health system; (d) an evaluation of the impact of an Advanced Nurse Practitioner role in supporting the effective management of long‐term conditions within the context of Regional Health Trust primary care settings in Ireland; and (e) Supporting and developing an ethical framework for nursing and midwifery research within a Regional Health Trust in Ireland.

Linking Evidence to Action

It is anticipated that future work, outlined within this paper, will lead to important improvements in patient care and outcomes. Furthermore, this study provides evidence that a strong nursing and midwifery research agenda can be established upon genuine collaborations and partnerships across varying levels of research knowledge and skills, but with a shared purpose and shared values.