bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biogeographic structure of the northeastern Pacific rocky intertidal: the role of upwelling and dispersal to drive patterns
Authors: Fenberg Phillip B. , Menge Bruce A. , Raimondi Peter T. , Rivadeneira Marcelo M.
Published: June 2014

Identifying the environmental conditions that drive biogeographic structure remains a major challenge of biogeography, evolutionary ecology and increasingly, conservation biology. Here, we use multivariate classification trees to assess the biogeographic structure of northeast Pacific (∼ 26–58°N) rocky intertidal species (406 species of algae and invertebrates) from 102 field sites. Random forest analyses are used to assess the importance of 29 environmental variables, encompassing a broad range of potential drivers, to predict biogeographic structure. Analyses are repeated for species with different larval dispersal capabilities and by broad taxonomic categories (invertebrates and algae). Results show that overall biogeographic structure is in general agreement with classic classification schemes, but patterns are variable among species with different larval dispersal capabilities. Random forest models show a very high fit (pseudo r2 > 0.94) and indicate that biogeographic structure can be predicted by a relatively modest subset of variables. Upwelling related variables are the best overall predictors of biogeographic structure (nutrient concentrations, sea‐surface temperature, upwelling/downwelling seasonal switch index), but the relative importance of predictors is geographically variable and top predictors are dependent on the type of larval dispersal. Upwelling related variables are more important to predict biogeographic structure for invertebrates with lower‐medium dispersal capabilities and algae, whereas species with high larval dispersal (planktotrophic) are better predicted by a different subset of variables (i.e. salinity, precipitation seasonality). Our results lend support to the influence of coastal upwelling in structuring biogeographic patterns and highlight the potential for climate change‐induced alterations of upwelling regimes to profoundly affect biodiversity at biogeographic scales.
European Non‐native Species in Aquaculture Risk Analysis Scheme – a summary of assessment protocols and decision support tools for use of alien species in aquaculture
Authors: Copp G. H. , Russell I. C. , Peeler E. J. , Gherardi F. , Tricarico E. , Macleod A. , Cowx I. G. , Nunn A. D. , Occhipinti‐Ambrogi A. , Savini D. , Mumford J. , Britton J. R.
Published: June 2014

The European Non‐native Species in Aquaculture Risk Analysis Scheme (ENSARS) was developed in response to European ‘Council Regulation No. 708/2007 of 11 June 2007 concerning use of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture’ to provide protocols for identifying and evaluating the potential risks of using non‐native species in aquaculture. ENSARS is modular in structure and adapted from non‐native species risk assessment schemes developed by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation and for the UK. Seven of the eight ENSARS modules contain protocols for evaluating the risks of escape, introduction to and establishment in open waters, of any non‐native aquatic organism being used (or associated with those used) in aquaculture, that is, transport pathways, rearing facilities, infectious agents, and the potential organism, ecosystem and socio‐economic impacts. A concluding module is designed to summarise the risks and consider management options. During the assessments, each question requires the assessor to provide a response and confidence ranking for that response based on expert opinion. Each module can also be used individually, and each requires a specific form of expertise. Therefore, a multidisciplinary assessment team is recommended for its completion.
Permeability changes in simulated granite faults during and after frictional sliding
Authors: Tanikawa W. , Tadai O. , Mukoyoshi H.
Published: May 2014

Thermal–hydrological–mechanical coupling processes suggest that fault permeability should undergo dynamic change as a result of seismic slip. In igneous rocks, a fault's slip surface may have much higher permeability than the surrounding rock matrix and therefore operate as a conduit for fluids. We conducted laboratory experiments to investigate changes in fracture permeability (or transmissivity) of a fault in granite due to shear slip and cyclic heating and cooling. Our experiments showed that high initial fracture transmissivity (>10−18 m3) was associated with a high friction coefficient and that transmissivity decreased during slip. We propose that this reduction in transmissivity reflects the presence of gouge in fracture voids, increasing the area of contact in the fault plane and reducing the hydraulic aperture. In contrast, when initial fracture transmissivity was low (<10−18 m3), we observed that friction was lower and transmissivity increased during slip. The high transmissivity and high friction may be explained by large areas of bare rock being in contact on the slip surface. Slip velocity had little influence on the evolution of permeability, probably because gouge produced at different slip velocities had similar grain size distributions, or because gouge leaked from the slip surface. Transmissivity decreased with increasing temperature in heating tests, probably due to thermal expansion increasing normal stress on the fracture. Frictional heating did not influence transmissivity during the shearing tests.
The Effects of Calcium‐to‐Phosphorus Ratio on the Densification and Mechanical Properties of Hydroxyapatite Ceramic
Authors: Tan Chou Yong , Singh Ramesh , Teh Yee Ching , Tan Yoke Meng , Yap Boon Kar
Published: May 2014

In this work, hydroxyapatite (HA) powders were synthesized using calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2 and orthophosphoric acid H3PO4 via wet chemical precipitation method in aqueous medium. Calcium‐to‐phosphorus (Ca/P) ratio was set to 1.57, 1.67, 1.87 that yield calcium‐deficient HA, stoichiometric HA, and calcium‐rich HA, respectively. These synthesized HA powders (having different Ca/P ratio) were characterized in terms of particle size and microstructural examination. Then, the densification and mechanical properties of the calcium‐deficient HA, stoichiometric HA, and calcium‐rich HA were evaluated from 1000 to 1350°C. Experimental results have shown that no decomposition of hydroxyapatite phase was observed for stoichiometric HA (Ca/P = 1.67) and calcium‐deficient HA (Ca/P = 1.57) despite sintered at high temperature of 1300°C. However, calcium oxide (CaO) was detected for calcium‐rich HA (Ca/P = 1.87) when samples sintered at the same temperature. The study revealed that the highest mechanical properties were found in stoichiometric HA samples sintered at 1100–1150°C, having relative density of ~99.8%, Young's modulus of ~120 GPa, Vickers hardness of ~7.23 GPa, and fracture toughness of ~1.22 MPam1/2.
Upper bounds for heuristic approaches to the strip packing problem
Authors: Buchwald Torsten , Scheithauer Guntram
Published: May 2014

We consider the 2D and 3D strip packing problem (SPP): given a set of rectangular items and a strip, find the minimal height needed to pack all items. Rotation of the items is not permitted. We present an algorithm for the 2D SPP, which improves the packing of the well‐known FFDH heuristic and state theoretical results for this algorithm. Furthermore, we prove new upper bounds for the 3D SPP in special cases. Moreover, we present an implementation of the FFDH heuristic for the 3D case, which is used to construct a new algorithm, called COMB‐3D heuristic, with absolute performance ratio of at most 5. Based on the new algorithm, we also prove a general upper bound for the optimal height, which depends on the continuous lower bound and the maximum height lower bound, and we show that the combination of both lower bounds also has an absolute worst‐case performance ratio of at most 5.
REGULATION REFRAMED
Authors: Jacobides Michael G. , Drexler Michael , Rico Jason R.
Published: June 2014

New financial regulation risks being piecemeal. The best regulation will view the financial world as a system and focus on financial intermediaries' business models, argue Michael G. Jacobides, Michael Drexler and Jason R. Rico
PEACE OF MIND
Authors: Coomber Steve
Published: June 2014

Komal Joshi founded Planned Departure after her father died and she had difficulty accessing his online accounts
TECH KNOW‐HOW
Authors: Coomber Steve
Published: June 2014

CTO & Co was set up by François Collomb to provide experienced Chief Technology Officers to SMEs
Beta‐Glucosidases from Cellulolytic Fungi Aspergillus Terreus, Geotrichum Candidum, and Trichoderma Longibrachiatum as Typical Glycosidases
Authors: Rodionova NA , Tavobilov IM , Martinovich LI , Buachidze TS , Kvesitadze GI , Bezborodov AM
Published: June 2014

By ethanol precipitation (v/v) and chromatography on Sephadex SP, DEAE (or DEAE‐cellulose), and G‐200 beta‐glucosidases (EC 3.2.1.21) from the culture filtrates of cellulolytic fungi Aspergillus terreus, Geotrichum candidum, and Trichoderma longibrachiatum grown on the medium with cellulose containing materials were isolated. The enzymes were homogenous as shown by different techniques. The substrate specificities of the obtained enzymes were studied. beta‐Glucosidases had higher affinity for p‐nitrophenyl‐beta‐D‐glucopyranoside than for cellobiose (Km 1.25, 0.34, 0.20 and 5.4, 2.0, 1.2 mM, respectively) and were able to hydrolyze both laminaribiose and gentiobiose; but they were unable to cleave cotton fiber, carboxymethylcellulose, and other glycans to reducing sugars. They showed transglycosylase activity. Ki values for arylglucosidase activity of beta‐glucosidases from A. terreus, G. candidum, and T. longibrachiatum in the presence of either glucose or glucono‐1,5‐lactone were 12.2, 6.0, 2.1 and 0.20, 0.19, 0.07 mM, respectively. The Mr's were estimated by gel filtration and by sedimentation equilibrium centrifugation to 200,000, 200,000, 350,000, respectively. The isoelectric points of beta‐glucosidases were 4.8, 5.9, and 4.2, respectively. The optimum temperatures and pH's were 60, 50, and 50 degrees C and at pH 4.5, 4.5, and 4.8‐5.7, respectively. These properties appear to relate beta‐glucosidases obtained in the present study to typical glycosidases.
Oligomycin‐sensitivity of hexose‐sugar catabolism in the bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei brucei
Authors: JK Kiaira , MR Njogu
Published: June 2014

The catabolism of hexose sugars and glycerol by the bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei brucei incubated with oligomycin was investigated. Oligomycin at a concentration of 10 micrograms/10(8) trypanosomes inhibited the catabolism of fructose, glucose and mannose by 70‐80%, but not that of glycerol. Permeabilization of the trypanosome membranes by digitonin did not reverse the inhibition by oligomycin. Oligomycin did not inhibit pyruvate production in digitonin‐permeabilized trypanosomes which were catabolizing exogenous glycolytic intermediates. It is concluded that the oligomycin‐sensitive glycolysis is dependent on trypanosome membrane integrity. Oligomycin caused a rapid increase in the levels of hexose phosphates and some triose phosphates, but a decrease in the levels of glycerate 2‐phosphate and phosphoenolpyruvate. There was a crossover point in the sequence of reactions between the formation of glycerol 3‐phosphate and glycerate 2‐phosphate during catabolism of the hexoses. Addition of the same concentration of oligomycin caused no change in the levels of glycolytic intermediates during the catabolism of glycerol. It is proposed that the catabolism of hexose sugars requires the transport of glycerol 3‐phosphate from the glycosome via a glycerol 3‐phosphate carrier which is probably inhibited by a hexose‐sugar derivative formed on inhibition of the mitochondrial Mg(2+)‐ATPase by oligomycin.
Adsorption and desorption of cellulase components during the hydrolysis of a steam‐exploded birch substrate 1
Authors: Yu Alex H. C , Lee Dora , Saddler John N.
Published: June 2014

Using a chromatofocusing method, all of the cellulase components from a commercial cellulase preparation were found to adsorb to a steam‐exploded birch substrate. Both common and distinct binding sites for cellulase components were found to exist on the substrate. During hydrolysis of the substrate, the composition of the bound cellulase components remained unchanged and maintained a similar proportion as that of the original cellulase mixture. The specific activity of cellulase components recovered in the reaction supernatant after about 80% of substrate conversion is similar to that of the original cellulase mixture. However, this accounts for only about 40‐50% of the total cellulase activity.
Cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase may be the only starch‐degrading enzyme in Bacillus macerans
Authors: Nogrady N. , Pocsi I. , Szentirmai A.
Published: June 2014

Cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase) was released into the culture fluid by Bacillus macerans predominantly in the late stationary phase of growth and during autolysis in the presence of either glucose or starch as a carbon source. In both cases significant soluble intracellular enzyme activity could be observed in the early stationary phase, and a low non‐soluble intracellular CGTase activity could be demonstrated also in the exponential growth phase in the presence of starch. At the end of the exponential phase the non‐soluble specific intracellular enzyme activity was found to be constant with a value of 0.63 +/‐ 0.06 nkat/10(9) viable cells. Since amylase activity could not be detected in any intracellular or extracellular sample taken at any culture time, we conclude that cellbound CGTase is the only starch‐digesting enzyme in growing B. macerans and, hence, may be fully responsible for the degradation of starch in the culture fluid.
Cyclically‐Neutral Generational Accounting
Authors: Bonin Holger , Patxot Concepció , Souto Guadalupe
Published: June 2014

This paper introduces a key methodological innovation into generational accounting. By incorporating cyclically‐adjusted balances into the forward‐looking budget projections underlying the concept, we isolate pure policy effects, which render comparisons of the fiscal sustainability indicators obtained across time and countries truly meaningful. We also show that a demographic effect and a debt effect may drive fiscal sustainability measures over time, and establish a routine to control for these effects in the generational accounting framework. An empirical application for Spain illustrates that our proposed decomposition of indicators is empirically relevant. Standard generational accounting suggests that fiscal sustainability in Spain improved substantially in preparing for EMU. However, calculation of the pure policy effects reveals that this has not been the case.
Practitioner Review: Evaluation of the known behavioral heterogeneity in conduct disorder to improve its assessment and treatment
Authors: Klahr Ashlea M. , Burt S. Alexandra
Published: May 2014

Background

Conduct Disorder (CD) is among the most highly represented diagnostic problems in child and adolescent mental health treatment settings. There is a great deal of heterogeneity within the CD category, with potentially important implications for case conceptualization and treatment. The current review sought to detail forms of heterogeneity within CD, including callous‐unemotional traits, comorbid Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), aggressive and nonaggressive antisocial behavior, and age of onset.

Methods

The current review summarizes research on etiological factors, correlates, and trajectories associated with distinguishable dimensions of CD, and considers how this heterogeneity should be incorporated into the assessment and treatment of CD.

Results

Callous‐unemotional traits have been associated with a more severe and persistent form of CD, as have comorbid ADHD and child‐onset CD. Aggressive antisocial behavior is a stable behavioral dimension that emerges in early childhood and is associated with high levels of neuroticism. Nonaggressive antisocial behavior demonstrates specific associations with impulsivity, is most frequent during adolescence, and evidences more moderate levels of stability.

Conclusions

Conduct disorder is a highly heterogeneous disorder. Although the clinical implications of this heterogeneity are discussed, future research is clearly needed to shore up our understanding of the clinical ramifications of the sub‐dimensions within CD.
Heterogeneity and plasticity in the development of language: a 17‐year follow‐up of children referred early for possible autism
Authors: Pickles Andrew , Anderson Deborah K. , Lord Catherine
Published: May 2014

Background

Delayed, abnormal language is a common feature of autism and language therapy often a significant component of recommended treatment. However, as with other disorders with a language component, we know surprisingly little about the language trajectories and how varied these might be across different children. Thus, we know little about how and when language problems might resolve, whether there are periods of relative stability or lack of change and what periods might offer more favourable circumstances for intervention.

Methods

Expressive and receptive language was measured on six occasions between age 2 and 19 on a cohort of 192 children initially referred for autism. Latent class growth models were fitted to characterize the patterns of heterogeneous development.

Results

Latent class growth analysis identified seven classes. Between age 6 and 19, all classes tracked in parallel. Between ages 2 and 6, development was more heterogeneous with considerable variation in relative progress. In all groups, receptive and expressive language developed very largely in tandem.

Conclusions

The results confirmed previous analysis of children with specific language impairment where progress beyond age 6 was remarkably uniform. Greater variation was evident before this age with some groups making clearly better or worse progress compared to others. While this developmental heterogeneity may simply be a reflection of variation in preexisting and unchanging biological disposition, it may also reflect, at least in part, greater sensitivity in the early years to environments that are more or less supportive of language development. These findings contribute to the case for the importance of early intervention.
Investigation of the Background of Greening of Fatty Goose Liver (Foie Gras) during Prolonged Frozen Storage under Vacuum
Authors: Szabó András , Áprily Szilvia , Kacsala László , Vajda Tamás , Rekedtné‐Fekete Evelin , Bónai András , Toldi Mária , Romvári Róbert
Published: May 2014

During vacuum‐packaged frozen storage of fatty goose liver (“foie gras”), a yet unknown, but fully reversible (package opening and thawing), greening was found at a Hungarian processing plant. Laboratory analysis revealed hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and remnant blood in 35 livers. Microbial spoilage was under the limit of detection for H2S‐producing strains. In liver homogenates and in thawing exudates, sulfhemoglobin was found and confirmed (acid‐alkali reactions), with spectrophotometric analysis. Slaughtered geese are chilled to 2C (24 h) in a non‐eviscerated condition to maintain liver shape. With logistic regression, the H2S (most probably from the intestinal tract) was of primary importance in the green color development. In an experimental group (n = 10) dissected after 2 h of body chilling, H2S was absent in the liver. Results indicate that intestinal tract‐originated H2S is diffusing the fattened goose liver, leading to a color defect of a delicatesse, without consumer health risks.

Practical Applications

Hungary leads the world's “foie gras” production, and a rarely occurring production‐technology‐associated green color defect negatively affects product perception. Fattened, slaughtered geese are chilled to 2C for 24 h in a non‐eviscerated form to keep liver intact during dissection. Based on the industrial observations and analytical results, foie gras contains sulfhemoglobin, a non‐toxic, green pigment, which is sensitive towards oxidative stimuli. The color defect occurs only in frozen‐stored and vacuum‐packaged livers. After excluding microbiological spoilage and proving the presence of sulfhemoglobin, we suggest the application of an oxidative packaging technology, e.g., modified atmosphere. Further conditions possibly precluding the formation of sulfhemoglobin may be fresh, warm dissection (immediately after slaughter) or the improvement of the efficacy of bleeding during slaughter. Though the green pigment has no consumer health risk, its full elimination would positively affect the quality of a high‐value delicatesse.
Is Marriage Individualized? What Couples Actually Do
Authors: Yodanis Carrie , Lauer Sean
Published: June 2014

We address an idea in the study of families that is growing in acceptance—marriage today is individualized. Using a new institutional perspective, we review the literature to evaluate whether marriage is actually individualized. We discuss the commonly used indicators of individualization, questioning some of the key indicators and calling for a greater focus on the examination of actual behaviors of married spouses. We also review the empirical evidence for individualized marriage. We conclude that more attention should be paid to data showing that the majority of spouses engage in interdependent and integrated behaviors and that trends are not clearly in a trajectory toward individualization. Institutions, including formal and informal rules and taken‐for‐granted assumptions, do not change easily.
Sleep–Wake Disturbances in Sedentary Community‐Dwelling Elderly Adults with Functional Limitations
Authors: Vaz Fragoso Carlos A. , Miller Michael E. , Fielding Roger A. , King Abby C. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , McDermott Mary M. , Myers Valerie , Newman Anne B. , Pahor Marco , Gill Thomas M. ,   Lifestyle Interventions and Independence in Elder Study Group
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To evaluate sleep–wake disturbances in sedentary community‐dwelling elderly adults with functional limitations.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Lifestyle Interventions and Independence in Elder (LIFE) Study.

Participants

Community‐dwelling persons (mean age 78.9) who spent fewer than 20 min/wk in the previous month engaged in regular physical activity and fewer than 125 min/wk of moderate physical activity, and had a Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score of <10 (N = 1,635).

Measurements

Mobility was evaluated according to 400‐m walk time (slow gait speed defined as <0.8 m/s) and SPPB score (≤7 defined moderate to severe mobility impairment). Physical inactivity was defined according to sedentary time, as a percentage of accelerometry wear time with activity of <100 counts/min; participants in the top quartile of sedentary time were classified as having a high sedentary time. Sleep–wake disturbances were evaluated using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) (range 0–28; ≥8 defined insomnia), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) (range 0–24; ≥10 defined daytime drowsiness), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (range 0–21; >5 defined poor sleep quality), and Berlin Questionnaire (high risk of sleep apnea).

Results

Prevalence rates were 43.5% for slow gait speed and 44.7% for moderate to severe mobility impairment, with 77.0% of accelerometry wear time spent as sedentary time. Prevalence rates were 33.0% for insomnia, 18.1% for daytime drowsiness, 47.8% for poor sleep quality, and 32.9% for high risk of sleep apnea. Participants with insomnia had a mean ISI score of 12.1, those with daytime drowsiness had a mean ESS score of 12.5, and those with poor sleep quality had a mean PSQI score of 9.2. In adjusted models, measures of mobility and physical inactivity were generally not associated with sleep–wake disturbances, using continuous or categorical variables.

Conclusion

In a large sample of sedentary community‐dwelling elderly adults with functional limitations, sleep–wake disturbances were prevalent but only mildly severe and were generally not associated with mobility impairment or physical inactivity.
Emergency Department and Outpatient Treatment of Acute Injuries in Older Adults in the United States: 2009–2010
Authors: Betz Marian E. , Ginde Adit A. , Southerland Lauren T. , Caterino Jeffrey M.
Published: June 2014

Objectives

We sought to describe epidemiological patterns of acute injuries treated in emergency department (ED) and outpatient primary care settings in the United States.

Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of data from the 2009 and 2010 National Health Care Surveys.

Setting

Emergency departments and outpatient primary care clinics.

Participants

Older adults (≥65) with initial visits for acute injuries.

Measurements

Frequencies and incidence rates of medically attended injury according to participant characteristics and care setting.

Results

Of the 19.7 million medically attended acute injuries in older adults in 2009–10, 50% were treated at EDs and 50% at outpatient primary care clinics. The annual incidence rate of medically attended injuries rose with age, from 20.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 17.0–24.6) per 100 in those aged 65 to 74 to 41.5 (95% CI = 33.5–49.4) per 100 for those aged 85 and older. Of injury‐related ED visits, 60% occurred outside standard business hours, 36% were triaged as low acuity, and 25% resulted in admission. Only 9% of injury‐related primary care visits had injury prevention counseling documented.

Conclusion

Medically attended injuries area common in older adults, and their incidence increases with advancing age. Half of all initial visits for acute injuries in older adults are to primary care clinics. Most injured individuals are discharged home, and injury prevention counseling is rarely documented. To inform injury prevention efforts appropriately and to avoid underestimating the burden of injury, future injury studies should include a range of outpatient and inpatient care settings.
Health literacy issues surrounding weight management among African American women: a mixed methods study
Authors: James D. C. S. , Harville C. , Efunbumi O. , Martin M. Y.
Published: June 2014

Background

Individuals with limited health literacy (LHL) have poorer health outcomes and have difficulty understanding and complying with recommendations to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The present study examined the association between health literacy (HL) and sources of dieting information, the weight‐loss methods used and the information needed to manage weight among African American women.

Methods

This mixed method study included seven focus groups and a survey of 413 African American women. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between HL category and sources of dieting information, weight‐loss methods and information needed to lose weight. Thematic analysis was used to analyse focus group data.

Results

Women with LHL were significantly more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI) than those with AHL (P < 0.05). Compared to respondents with LHL, those with adequate health literacy (AHL) are more likely to rely on information obtained from the Internet (P < 0.001), although they are less likely to rely on information obtained from the television (P < 0.05). They also are significantly more likely to participate in physical activity to lose weight (P ≤ 0.002). In addition, women with AHL were significantly less likely to want information on portion control (P = 0.002). Major qualitative themes were the importance of television and the Internet as major sources of health information, the use of healthy and unhealthy weight‐loss methods, and being overwhelmed by the plethora of dieting information.

Conclusions

HL may affect BMI among AA women, where they access dieting information and the types of information needed to manage their weight.
Divergent Neuronal Circuitries Underlying Acute Orexigenic Effects of Peripheral or Central Ghrelin: Critical Role of Brain Accessibility
Authors: Cabral A. , Valdivia S. , Fernandez G. , Reynaldo M. , Perello M.
Published: May 2014

Ghrelin is an octanoylated peptide hormone that potently and rapidly increases food intake. The orexigenic action of ghrelin involves the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC), which is accessible to plasma ghrelin and expresses high levels of the ghrelin receptor. Local administration of ghrelin in a variety of other brain nuclei also increases food intake. It is currently unclear, however, whether these non‐ARC ghrelin brain targets are impacted by physiological increases of plasma ghrelin. Thus, the present study aimed to clarify which ghrelin brain targets participate in the short‐term orexigenic actions of ghrelin. First, c‐Fos induction into mouse brains centrally or peripherally treated with ghrelin was analysed. It was confirmed that peripherally administered ghrelin dose‐dependently increases food intake and mainly activates c‐Fos in ARC neurones. By contrast, centrally administered ghrelin activates c‐Fos in a larger number of brain nuclei. To determine which nuclei are directly accessible to ghrelin, mice were centrally or peripherally injected with a fluorescent ghrelin tracer. It was found that peripherally injected tracer mainly accesses the ARC, whereas centrally injected tracer reaches most brain areas known to express ghrelin receptors. Subsequently, the effects of ghrelin were tested in ARC‐ablated mice and it was found that these mice failed to increase food intake in response to peripherally administered ghrelin but fully responded to centrally administered ghrelin. ARC‐ablated mice showed patterns of ghrelin‐induced c‐Fos expression similar to those seen in control mice with the exception of the ARC, where no c‐Fos was found. Thus, peripheral ghrelin mainly accesses the ARC, which is required for the orexigenic effects of the hormone. Central ghrelin accesses a variety of nuclei, which can mediate the orexigenic effects of the hormone, even in the absence of an intact ARC.
An evaluation of the quality of Emergency Nurse Practitioner services for patients presenting with minor injuries to one rural urgent care centre in the UK: a descriptive study
Authors: McDevitt Joe , Melby Vidar
Published: June 2014

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the quality of the emergency nurse practitioner service provided to people presenting to a rural urgent care centre with minor injuries. The three objectives that were focused were an evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of the emergency nurse practitioner service, an assessment of patients' satisfaction with the emergency nurse practitioner service and a determination of factors that may enhance the quality of the emergency nurse practitioner service.

Background

Urgent care centres have become increasingly prevalent across the UK. Emergency nurse practitioner services at these rural urgent care centres remain largely unevaluated. This study attempts to redress this deficit by evaluating the quality of an emergency nurse practitioner service in relation to the care of patients presenting with minor injuries to a rural urgent care centre.

Design

This descriptive study used a case‐note review and a survey design with one open‐ended exploratory question.

Methods

Patient views were collected using a self‐completed questionnaire and a data extraction tool to survey patients' case notes retrospectively.

Results

Despite comparatively low total length‐of‐stay times, most patients felt they had enough time to discuss things fully with the emergency nurse practitioner. Although emergency nurse practitioners routinely impart injury advice, feedback from some patients suggests a need for the provision of more in‐depth information regarding their injury. The vast majority (97·3%) of patients felt that the quality of the emergency nurse practitioner service was of a high standard. Contrary to some other studies, the findings in this study indicate that patient satisfaction is not influenced by waiting times.

Conclusions

Emergency nurse practitioners in rural urgent care centres have the potential to deliver a safe and effective quality service that is reflected in high levels of patient satisfaction.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study provides some evidence to support the continued expansion of the emergency nurse practitioner service in rural settings in the UK.
A Crisis of Banks as Liquidity Providers
Authors: ACHARYA VIRAL V. , MORA NADA
Published: June 2014

Can banks maintain their advantage as liquidity providers when exposed to a financial crisis? While banks honored credit lines drawn by firms during the 2007 to 2009 crisis, this liquidity provision was only possible because of explicit, large support from the government and government‐sponsored agencies. At the onset of the crisis, aggregate deposit inflows into banks weakened and their loan‐to‐deposit shortfalls widened. These patterns were pronounced at banks with greater undrawn commitments. Such banks sought to attract deposits by offering higher rates, but the resulting private funding was insufficient to cover shortfalls and they reduced new credit.
The Longitudinal Influence of Self‐Efficacy, Communication, and Parenting on Spontaneous Adolescent Disclosure
Authors: Kearney Josephine , Bussey Kay
Published: May 2014

This study involving 463 adolescents examined the impact of parent, teen, and parent–teen interaction processes on spontaneous disclosure to mothers. High openness in communication and stronger disclosure self‐efficacy beliefs were associated with more disclosure at follow‐up. Although a positive relationship was also found for maternal warmth/responsiveness when it was considered together with other parenting attributes, its unique contribution to the disclosure process was attenuated once openness and self‐efficacy beliefs were taken into account. Domain‐specific predictors of disclosure were also explored. Open communication was important for disclosure across all domains, while self‐efficacy beliefs were critical for revealing difficult information. These findings underscore the importance of fostering an open environment in families that nurtures adolescents' confidence to engage in disclosure with parents.
Type I Female Genital Mutilation: A Cause of Completely Closed Vagina
Authors: Rouzi Abdulrahim A. , Sahly Nora , Alhachim Estabraq , Abduljabbar Hassan
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Female genital mutilation (FGM) ranges in severity from a nick of the clitoris to partial or total removal of the external genitalia. Sexual complications after FGM include sexual dysfunction, difficult intercourse, and dyspareunia.

Aim

We report a case of Type I FGM presenting as complete vaginal closure and urinary retention.

Methods

A 16-year-old adolescent was referred for obliterated vagina and urinary retention. She had recurrent urinary tract infections, difficulty in voiding, and cyclic hematuria. At the age of 1 year she had been taken by her mother to a pediatric surgeon to have a Type I FGM procedure. On examination, the urethral meatus and vaginal orifices were completely closed by the FGM scar. She underwent uneventful surgical opening of the vagina.

Results

A normal vaginal orifice was created and normal flow of urine and menses occurred.

Conclusion

Type I FGM can present as complete vaginal closure and urinary retention. Proper diagnosis and treatment are of paramount importance.
Circadian endocrine rhythms: the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and its actions
Authors: Nicolaides Nicolas C. , Charmandari Evangelia , Chrousos George P. , Kino Tomoshige
Published: June 2014

The stress system effectively restores the internal balance—or homeostasis—of living organisms in the face of random external or internal changes, the stressors. This highly complex system helps organisms to provide a series of neuroendocrine responses to stressors—the stress response—through coordinated activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the locus coeruleus/norepinephrine autonomic nervous systems. In addition to stressors, life is influenced by daily light/dark changes due to the 24‐h rotation of Earth. To adjust to these recurrent day/night cycles, the biological clock system employs the heterodimer of transcription factors circadian locomotor output cycle kaput/brain–muscle–arnt–like protein 1 (CLOCK/BMAL1), along with a set of other transcription factors, to regulate the circadian pattern of gene expression. Interestingly, the stress system, through the HPA axis, communicates with the clock system; therefore, any uncoupling or dysregulation could potentially cause several disorders, such as metabolic, autoimmune, and mood disorders. In this review, we discuss the biological function of the two systems, their interactions, and the clinical implications of their dysregulation or uncoupling.
Combination of Percutaneous Unilateral Translaminar Facet Screw Fixation and Interbody Fusion for Treatment of Lower Lumbar Vertebra Diseases: a Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Zeng Zhong‐you , Zhang Jian‐qiao , Song Yong‐xin , Yan Wei‐feng , Wu Peng , Tang Hong‐cao , Han Jian‐fu
Published: May 2014

Objective

To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of sight‐guided percutaneous unilateral translaminar facet screw fixation (TLFSF) with interbody fusion for treatment of lower lumbar vertebra diseases.

Methods

Twenty‐nine adult patients with lower lumbar disease underwent sight‐guided percutaneous unilateral TLFSF combined with microsurgical spinal decompression, discectomy, and interbody fusion from June 2007 to June 2008. All 29 patients had low back pain caused by lumbar disc degeneration (20 cases), in situ recurrent lumbar disc herniation (2), primary diskitis (1), lumbar disc herniation with spinal stenosis (3), and first‐degree lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (3). Twenty‐three cases had lesions at L4,5; three at L5S1, one at L3,4, L4,5, and two at L4,5, L5S1.

Results

No patient experienced significant postoperative complications. The mean incision length was 4.48 ± 0.55 cm; operative time 1.34 ± 0.22 h; intraoperative blood loss 280 ± 175 mL; and postoperative drainage volume 165 ± 85 mL. Screw position results: type I, 21 cases (23 segments); type II, 7 cases (8 segments); and type III, 1 case (1 segment). Twenty‐eight patients were followed up for 24–60 months (average, 47.5 months). Interbody fusion rate was 93.5%). Postoperative intervertebral height recovered significantly; however, loss of intervertebral height oc urred during follow‐up.

Conclusion

Sight‐guided percutaneous unilateral TLFSF with interbody fusion for treatment of lower lumbar disease is simple and minimally invasive, with good screw accuracy and security, high fusion rate, and good efficacy. However, specific surgical indications must be strictly followed.
Cricket Injuries: an Orthopaedist's Perspective
Authors: Shafi Mohamed
Published: May 2014

A decade ago, cricket has traditionally been regarded as relatively injury free, although it has been classified as having a “moderate” injury risk. At present, cricket has evolved into shorter and more competitive versions involving greater aggression and often played for long periods of time. This has expectedly ensued in an increase in the number of cricketing injuries similar to those seen in other sports which involve running, throwing, or being hit by a hard object. However, there are some injuries to look out for especially in cricket players. In this article, we have reviewed information about cricket injuries that will help orthopaedists make the correct diagnoses and initiate appropriate treatment. Orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists should work as a team to detect treatable cricket injuries at an early stage and ensure that every precaution is taken to minimize the risks of injury.
Lesion‐Specific Differences for Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapies in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: KELLA DANESH K. , MERCHANT FAISAL M. , VELEDAR EMIR , BOOK WENDY , LLOYD MICHAEL S.
Published: June 2014

Background

Sudden cardiac death is a major cause of late mortality in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). While data exist for adults with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), little is known about those with non‐TOF lesions. We examined the relative rates in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy according to congenital lesion type in a large‐volume adult congenital heart center.

Methods

A cohort of 59 individuals (median follow up time, 3.2 years range 0–10) with ACHD and ICDs was stratified according to underlying congenital lesion and implant indication. Appropriate therapies were defined as any therapy for a physician‐adjudicated ventricular arrhythmia. Rates of inappropriate and appropriate ICD therapies were analyzed according to several relevant clinical variables.

Results

Thirty‐three (56%) TOF, 15 (25.4%) L‐ or D‐transposition of great arteries, and 11 (18.6%) with other lesions were included in the analysis. Approximately half (52.5%) were implanted for primary prevention indications. During follow‐up, 12 (20.3%) patients received appropriate ICD therapies and 13 (22%) patients received inappropriate therapies. The incidence of appropriate shocks among patients with TOF was 27.3% (9/33) compared to 11.5% (3/26) among non‐TOF diagnoses during the follow‐up time (p = 0.043).

Conclusions

ACHD patients with non‐TOF congenital lesions are significantly less likely to receive appropriate ICD therapy than those with TOF. Our analysis calls into question the validity of traditional ICD implantation guidelines in this growing and diverse patient population.
IDEAS AND INSTITUTIONAL CONVERSION THROUGH LAYERING: THE CASE OF ISRAELI IMMIGRATION POLICY
Authors: SHPAIZMAN ILANA
Published: June 2014

Gradual transformative policy change has attracted increasing attention in recent times. However, existing explanations for the evolvement of the various modes of such change do not account for the direction and content of change and also have difficulty with more complex policy change processes in which several modes are employed. Ideational analysis can fill this gap, albeit most ideational research does not address gradual policy and ideational changes. Based on a process tracing of two cases from Israeli immigration policy, this article argues that a low level of discretion and a strong status quo bias are conditions that enable institutional conversion through layering. Ideational change in policy solution and problem definition ideas, and the interaction between the two, can explain this pattern and its direction. The article not only expands our knowledge of gradual transformative change, but also moves ideational research a step beyond punctuated equilibrium.
A Meeting of the Conceptual and the Natural: Wittgenstein on Learning a Sensation‐Language
Authors: Tang Hao
Published: June 2014

Since the rise of modern natural science there has been deep tension between the conceptual and the natural. Wittgenstein's discussion of how we learn a sensation‐language contains important resources that can help us relieve this tension. The key here, I propose, is to focus our attention on animal nature, conceived as partially re‐enchanted (in the sense recommended by John McDowell). To see how nature, so conceived, helps us relieve the tension in question, it is crucial to gain a firm and detailed appreciation of how the primitive‐instinctive, a central part of animal nature, actually serves the conceptual. I offer such an appreciation by closely examining §244 of the Philosophical Investigations and Peter Winch's discussion of it. The general aim is to bring out a certain kind of Wittgensteinian “naturalism” (not as a theory but as a general reminder), a “naturalism” that is fully alive to the rootedness of conceptuality in nature. A concomitant aim is to illustrate the truth of Wittgenstein's saying that in philosophy one often has to pay close attention to details.
Optimal fixation for total preanalytic phase evaluation in pathology laboratories. A comprehensive study including immunohistochemistry, DNA, and mRNA assays
Authors: Sato Masaaki , Kojima Motohiro , Nagatsuma Akiko Kawano , Nakamura Yuka , Saito Norio , Ochiai Atsushi
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study was to set the optimal preanalytical fixation protocol to enhance analytical and postanalytical phase accuracy and consistency. Twenty‐five normal colorectal tissues were fixed using various formalin concentrations, pHs, and fixation periods. All specimens were embedded in paraffin and 4 μm sections were used for immunohistochemistry of Ki‐67, and extraction and amplification of DNA and RNA. The Ki‐67 labeling index and the successful gene amplification rate for DNA and mRNA were evaluated and compared among variously fixed tissue samples. Ki‐67 positivity was enhanced by low pH and short fixation time, and was influenced by the type of antibody, but not by the staining (with or without using an autostainer) method. DNA amplification by PCR was strongly influenced by pH of formalin. cDNA amplification could be accomplished only with the shortest PCR fragment of 142 bp, and longer fixation times impaired the amplification. These data suggest that multiple different factors influence immunohistochemical results and gene amplification using DNA and mRNA. We recommend, based on data from this comprehensive analysis, a 10% neutral buffered formalin and fixation times of no longer than 1 week to produce consistent immunohistochemical slides and DNA amplification within 500 bp in pathology laboratories.
Mucinous breast carcinoma with a lobular neoplasia component: A subset with aberrant expression of cell adhesion and polarity molecules and lack of neuroendocrine differentiation
Authors: Jimbo Kenjiro , Tsuda Hitoshi , Yoshida Masayuki , Miyagi‐Maeshima Akiko , Sasaki‐Katsurada Yuka , Asaga Sota , Hojo Takashi , Kitagawa Yuko , Kinoshita Takayuki
Published: May 2014

We investigated whether some mucinous carcinomas (MUCs) are associated with lobular neoplasia (LN) components, and if so, whether this subset has any distinct biological properties. MUC specimens from 41 patients were stratified into pure and mixed types. The LN components adjacent to MUC lesions were examined histopathologically. We also tested immunohistochemically for E‐cadherin, β‐catenin, and the neuroendocrine markers chromogranin A and synaptophysin; and compared results between MUCs with and without LN. Of 41 patients with MUC, LN was detected in 12 patients (29%); LN alone was the noninvasive component in 8 patients (20%). Decreased E‐cadherin and β‐catenin expression in the MUC component was detected in 2 (17%) and 7 (58%) cases, respectively, of MUC with LN, compared with 0% (P = 0.080) and 21% (P = 0.018) in MUCs without LN. Neuroendocrine factors were frequently detected in MUCs with LN (42%) and without LN (52%), but tended to be less frequent in MUCs with only LN components (25%) than in other MUCs (55%; P = 0.133). MUCs associated with LN components appear to be a biologically characteristic subset that frequently shows decreased cell–cell adhesion, cell polarity molecules and lack of neuroendocrine differentiation.