bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LATIN AMERICAN EXCHANGE RATE DEPENDENCIES: A REGULAR VINE COPULA APPROACH
Authors: Loaiza Maya Rubén Albeiro , Gomez‐Gonzalez Jose Eduardo , Melo Velandia Luis Fernando
Published: October 2014

This study implements a regular vine copula methodology to evaluate the level of contagion among the exchange rates of six Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru) from June 2005 to April 2012. We measure contagion in terms of tail dependence coefficients, following Fratzscher's (1999) definition of contagion as interdependence. Our results indicate that these countries are divided into two blocks. The first block consists of Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico, whose exchange rates exhibit the largest dependence coefficients, and the second block consists of Argentina and Peru, whose exchange rate dependence coefficients with other Latin American countries are low. We also found that most of the Latin American exchange rate pairs exhibit asymmetric behaviors characterized by nonsignificant upper tail dependence and significant lower tail dependence. These results imply that there exists contagion in Latin American exchange rates in periods of large appreciations, whereas there is no evidence of contagion during periods of currency depreciation. This empirical regularity may reflect the “fear of appreciation” in emerging economies identified by Levy‐Yeyati, Sturzenegger, and Gluzmann (2013). (JEL C32, C51, E42)
Tuberculous Pericarditis Mimicking a Pericardial Tumor
Authors: Komorovsky Roman , Slaba Ulyana , Smiyan Svitlana
Published: October 2014

Mini‐Abstract

The image and the clinical message focus on an unusual presentation of tuberculous pericardial involvement appearing as a loculated organized pericardial effusion mimicking a pericardial tumor. Antituberculous combination therapy resulted in complete resolution of the pericardial mass. To the best of our knowledge, such presentation of tuberculous pericarditis has not been previously reported.
An Interesting Case of Tricuspid Aortic Valve with a Quadricuspid Function
Authors: Tessitore Elena , Müller Hajo , Nganou‐Gnindjio Chris Nadege , Grisel Philippe , Šekoranja Lučka
Published: October 2014

Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is a rare congenital heart defect, often related to severe aortic regurgitation, and usually detected by echocardiography or at the time of aortic valve surgery. We report a case of an interesting and extremely rare variant of “false” QAV, detected preoperatively by transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, in a severely symptomatic patient, admitted to our hospital for dyspnea. Three leaflets of aortic valve appeared quadricuspid, because the left coronary cusp was divided into 2 parts, as confirmed by MRI and pathology. Most frequently, QAV presents with all 4 leaflets equal in size.
Application of Intravascular Ultrasound in the Emergency Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Wang Hong‐Xia , Dong Ping‐Shuan , Li Zhi‐Juan , Wang Hong‐Lei , Wang Ke , Liu Xiang‐Yong
Published: October 2014

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the application of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with high thrombus burden (thrombus grade ≥3) undergoing emergency diagnosis and primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods

Eighty STEMI patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the IVUS‐guided group (38 patients) or non‐IVUS group (42 patients). Stent implantation was performed in non‐IVUS group patients. IVUS group patients were further divided into low‐risk and high‐risk patients on the basis of IVUS evaluation for determining whether stenting should be performed. Major adverse cardiac event (MACE) rates, changes in the left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and ejection fraction (EF) values, and stent numbers were examined during hospitalization, and follow‐up was performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Results

During hospitalization, there were no significant differences in the MACE rates, LVEDD, and EF values and in the follow‐up outcomes at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively among the patients in the 2 groups (P > 0.05). A significantly lower number of stents were implanted in the IVUS group than in the non‐IVUS group patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

During the IVUS‐guided emergency intervention, enhanced antithrombotic therapy and best medical care for low‐risk STEMI patients may be feasible.
Foreign Bodies in the Heart
Authors: Leitman Marina , Vered Zvi
Published: October 2014

Background

Foreign bodies in the heart are rare, may reach the heart by different ways, and cause serious complications. X‐ray, computerized tomography, and echocardiography are main diagnostic modalities. Foreign body can be removed surgically, percutaneously or can be managed conservatively. In this work, we analyzed 100 published cases of a foreign body in the heart and 4 cases that were identified in our hospital.

Methods

We searched the literature for foreign body in the heart and found 100 published previously cases. Additional 4 cases were identified in our echo laboratory. A total series of 104 patients with a foreign body in the heart were analyzed for the etiology, clinical presentation, symptoms, complications and management.

Results

Mean patients' age was 46, there were more men than woman 73 versus 31 [P < 0.00005]. The most common foreign bodies were parts of inferior vena cava filters and devices implanted for relieving hydrocephalus. Foreign bodies in the heart were symptomatic in 56% of patients. Right heart chambers were occupied more often. A total of 20% presented within the first 24 hours and 30% of patients presented years after the penetration of the foreign body. A majority of foreign bodies reached the heart by migration [88%]. Mortality was reported in 4 patients [3.8%]. Here 54% of the patients underwent surgical and 29% percutaneous removal of the foreign body, while 14% were followed conservatively.

Conclusion

Foreign bodies in the heart may present with a wide variety of symptoms. Physicians should be aware of this rare and peculiar complications which may be fatal. Larger devices may result in more severe complications.
A Residual Intramyocardial Cystic Dissection after Cardiac Fibroma Resection
Authors: Bai Wenjuan , Zeng Lijun , Rao Li
Published: October 2014

Mini‐Abstract

The article discusses a residual intramyocardial cystic dissection as a complication after cardiac fibroma resection. It indicates the usefulness of echocardiography, especially three‐dimensional echocardiography, to get a complete picture of the entire lesion.
DOES BEAUTY MATTER IN UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION?
Authors: Deryugina Tatyana , Shurchkov Olga
Published: October 2014

Physically attractive individuals achieve greater success in terms of earnings and status than those who are less attractive. However, whether this “beauty premium” arises primarily because of differences in ability or confidence, bias, or sorting remains unknown. We use a rich dataset from a women's college to evaluate each of these three mechanisms at the college level. We find that students judged to be more attractive perform significantly worse on standardized tests but, conditional on test scores, are not evaluated more favorably at the point of admission, suggesting that more attractive people do not possess greater abilities at the beginning of college. Controlling for test scores, more attractive students receive only marginally better grades in some specifications, and the magnitudes of the differences are very small. Finally, there is substantial beauty‐based sorting into areas of study and occupations. (JEL J16, I21, I23)
Complexities and Challenges of Researching Student Completion and Non‐completion of HE Programmes in Europe: a comparative analysis between England and Norway
Authors: Thomas Liz , Hovdhaugen Elisabeth
Published: October 2014

There is a growing interest in policy research on student completion and non‐continuation and bodies such as the European Commission and OECD are focusing on the subject. There is also increasing national interest in the issue in many countries and they are looking to each other for input on effective policies. However, there are significant social, economic and educational differences between national systems across Europe, making this a very challenging project. The aim of this article is to study challenges and complexities in researching student non‐completion of higher educqtion programmes in Europe. We use the case of two contrasting countries — England and Norway — to help to identify some of the differences, challenges and complexities that are relevant when creating an approach for analysis that can be used more widely to explore ‘non‐completion’ across different countries in Europe and beyond.
Is Drop‐out from University Dependent on National Culture and Policy? The Case of Denmark
Authors: Troelsen Rie , Laursen Per F.
Published: October 2014

National cultures are known to influence educational institutions and practices in many ways. It therefore seems reasonable to assume that drop‐out from university is also influenced by differences in national cultures. In this article, we compare drop‐out from Danish universities with drop‐out from European universities. Based on Danish national culture (characterised by individualism, low power distance, femininity, and low uncertainty avoidance) and on the high level of economic support for students, we find that drop‐out from higher education in Denmark as compared to most other European countries is less influenced by socio‐economic factors and by the students’ degree of social integration. Hence, our review of the research on drop‐out identifies some differences that might rest on national cultural varieties. It also points to difficulties in comparing results from different research studies, not only in Denmark but also across Europe. This difficulty results from varieties in research designs and definitions of drop‐out.
Genome‐wide miRNA profiling in myelodysplastic syndrome with del(5q) treated with lenalidomide
Authors: Merkerova Michaela Dostalova , Krejcik Zdenek , Belickova Monika , Hrustincova Andrea , Klema Jiri , Stara Eliška , Zemanova Zuzana , Michalova Kyra , Cermak Jaroslav , Jonasova Anna
Published: October 2014

Objectives

Lenalidomide is a potent drug with pleiotropic effects in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with deletion of the long arm of chromosome 5 [del(5q)]. We investigated its effect on regulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in del(5q) patients with MDS in vivo.

Methods

We used miRNA expression microarrays to study changes in miRNA levels in peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes collected from patients before and during lenalidomide treatment and compared them with those from healthy donors.

Results

Before treatment, we observed strong upregulation of pro‐apoptotic miR‐34a and miR‐34a* that diminished during lenalidomide exposure. Upregulation of HOX‐related miR‐196b and erythroid‐specific miR‐451 seen in untreated patients remained unchanged after the treatment. At the time of hematologic response, expression of several miRNAs clustering to the 14q32 locus was reduced. Additionally, we focused more deeply on miRNAs from the 5q commonly deleted region and found that levels of miR‐378 and miR‐378* followed haploinsufficiency trend.

Conclusions

This report describes changes in miRNA expression in del(5q) patients with MDS treated with lenalidomide, likely arising from deregulation of pathways implicated in lenalidomide action.
Associative plasticity in surround inhibition circuits in human motor cortex
Authors: Belvisi Daniele , Kassavetis Panagiotis , Bologna Matteo , Edwards Mark J. , Berardelli Alfredo , Rothwell John C.
Published: October 2014

Surround inhibition is a physiological mechanism that is hypothesised to improve contrast between signals in the central nervous system. In the human motor system, motor surround inhibition (mSI) can be assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We evaluated whether it is possible to modulate mSI, using a paradigm able to induce plastic effects in primary motor cortex (M1). Fifteen healthy volunteers participated in the experiments. To assess mSI, we delivered single pulses at rest and at the onset of a right thumb abduction. TMS pulses over abductor digiti minimi (ADM; surround muscle) hotspot were delivered when EMG activity in right abductor pollicis brevis (APB; active muscle) > 100 μV was detected. Paired associative stimulation (PAS) was delivered using peripheral median nerve electric stimulation and TMS over APB M1 area at an interstimulus interval of 21.5 ms for the real PAS (PAS21.5) and 100 ms for the sham PAS (PAS100). To verify the effect of PAS21.5 on mSI we collected 20 MEPs from ADM at rest and during APB movements before (T0) and 5 (T1), 15 (T2) and 30 (T3) minutes after PAS21.5. mSI from APB to ADM was present at baseline. PAS21.5 increased the amount of mSI compared with baseline whereas there was no effect after PAS100. Our results suggest that mSI is an adaptable phenomenon depending on prior experience.
The effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on conscious perception of sensory inputs from hand palm and dorsum
Authors: Westgeest Annette , Morales Merche , Cabib Christopher , Valls‐Sole Josep
Published: October 2014

Conscious perception of sensory signals depends in part on stimulus salience, relevance and topography. Letting aside differences at skin receptor level and afferent fibres, it is the CNS that makes a contextual selection of relevant sensory inputs. We hypothesized that subjective awareness (AW) of the time at which a sensory stimulus is perceived, a cortical function, may be differently modified by cortical stimulation, according to site and type of the stimulus. In 24 healthy volunteers, we examined the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the assessment of AW to heat pain or weak electrical stimuli applied to either the hand palm or dorsum. We also recorded the vertex‐evoked potentials to the same stimuli. The assessment was done before, during and after cathodal or anodal tDCS over the parietal cortex contralateral to the hand receiving the stimuli. At baseline, AW to thermal stimuli was significantly longer for palm than for dorsum (P < 0.01), while no differences between stimulation sites were observed for the electrical stimuli. Both cathodal and anodal tDCS caused a significant shortening of AW to thermal stimuli in the palm but not in the dorsum, and no effects on AW to electrical stimuli. Longer AW in the palm than in the dorsum may be attributable to differences in skin thickness. However, the selectivity of the effects of tDCS on AW to thermal stimulation of the glabrous skin reflects the specificity of CNS processing for site and type of sensory inputs.
Spectrotemporal dynamics of the EEG during working memory encoding and maintenance predicts individual behavioral capacity
Authors: Bashivan Pouya , Bidelman Gavin M. , Yeasin Mohammed
Published: October 2014

We investigated the effect of memory load on encoding and maintenance of information in working memory. Electroencephalography (EEG) signals were recorded while participants performed a modified Sternberg visual memory task. Independent component analysis (ICA) was used to factorise the EEG signals into distinct temporal activations to perform spectrotemporal analysis and localisation of source activities. We found ‘encoding’ and ‘maintenance’ operations were correlated with negative and positive changes in α‐band power, respectively. Transient activities were observed during encoding of information in the bilateral cuneus, precuneus, inferior parietal gyrus and fusiform gyrus, and a sustained activity in the inferior frontal gyrus. Strong correlations were also observed between changes in α‐power and behavioral performance during both encoding and maintenance. Furthermore, it was also found that individuals with higher working memory capacity experienced stronger neural oscillatory responses during the encoding of visual objects into working memory. Our results suggest an interplay between two distinct neural pathways and different spatiotemporal operations during the encoding and maintenance of information which predict individual differences in working memory capacity observed at the behavioral level.
Sporting Justifications under EU Free Movement and Competition Law: The Case of the Football ‘Transfer System’
Authors: Pearson Geoff
Published: October 2014

Governing bodies have significant autonomy in the organisation of professional sport in the EU, a situation now supported by Article 165 TFEU. However the post‐Lisbon competence for sport does not grant any exemption for practices that infringe fundamental freedoms or competition law; such infringements can only be justified where they are a proportionate response to an inherent need in that sport. The football ‘transfer system’ has been the subject of a series of EU law challenges, but continues to place obstacles in the way of the free movement of players between Member States and may restrict the ability of most clubs to compete for the elite players. Court of Arbitration for Sport decisions in transfer dispute cases have entrenched this situation, and recent evidence casts doubt on both the ability of the authorities to justify the current system and the 2001 decision by the European Commission to sign it off as being an acceptable balance between the rights of the stakeholders.
A hybrid model for business process event and outcome prediction
Authors: Le Mai , Gabrys Bogdan , Nauck Detlef
Published: October 2014

Large service companies run complex customer service processes to provide communication services to their customers. The flawless execution of these processes is essential because customer service is an important differentiator. They must also be able to predict if processes will complete successfully or run into exceptions in order to intervene at the right time, preempt problems and maintain customer service. Business process data are sequential in nature and can be very diverse. Thus, there is a need for an efficient sequential forecasting methodology that can cope with this diversity. This paper proposes two approaches, a sequential k nearest neighbour and an extension of Markov models both with an added component based on sequence alignment. The proposed approaches exploit temporal categorical features of the data to predict the process next steps using higher order Markov models and the process outcomes using sequence alignment technique. The diversity aspect of the data is also added by considering subsets of similar process sequences based on k nearest neighbours. We have shown, via a set of experiments, that our sequential k nearest neighbour offers better results when compared with the original ones; our extension Markov model outperforms random guess, Markov models and hidden Markov models.
A case‐control study of brain structure and behavioral characteristics in 47,XXX syndrome
Authors: Lenroot R. K. , Blumenthal J. D. , Wallace G. L. , Clasen L. S. , Lee N. R. , Giedd J. N.
Published: October 2014

Trisomy X, the presence of an extra X chromosome in females (47,XXX), is a relatively common but under‐recognized chromosomal disorder associated with characteristic cognitive and behavioral features of varying severity. The objective of this study was to determine whether there were neuroanatomical differences in girls with Trisomy X that could relate to cognitive and behavioral differences characteristic of the disorder during childhood and adolescence. MRI scans were obtained on 35 girls with Trisomy X (mean age 11.4, SD 5.5) and 70 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Cognitive and behavioral testing was also performed. Trisomy X girls underwent a semi‐structured psychiatric interview. Regional brain volumes and cortical thickness were compared between the two groups. Total brain volume was significantly decreased in subjects with Trisomy X, as were all regional volumes with the exception of parietal gray matter. Differences in cortical thickness had a mixed pattern. The subjects with Trisomy X had thicker cortex in bilateral medial prefrontal cortex and right medial temporal lobe, but decreased cortical thickness in both lateral temporal lobes. The most common psychiatric disorders present in this sample of Trisomy X girls included anxiety disorders (40%), attention‐deficit disorder (17%) and depressive disorders (11%). The most strongly affected brain regions are consistent with phenotypic characteristics such as language delay, poor executive function and heightened anxiety previously described in population‐based studies of Trisomy X and also found in our sample.
Pronounced chemical response of Subarctic lakes to climate‐driven losses in surface area
Authors: Lewis Tyler L. , Lindberg Mark S. , Schmutz Joel A. , Heglund Patricia J. , Rover Jennifer , Koch Joshua C. , Bertram Mark R.
Published: October 2014

Losses in lake area have been observed for several Arctic and Subarctic regions in recent decades, with unknown consequences for lake ecosystems. These reductions are primarily attributed to two climate‐sensitive mechanisms, both of which may also cause changes in water chemistry: (i) increased imbalance of evaporation relative to inflow, whereby increased evaporation and decreased inflow act to concentrate solutes into smaller volumes; and (ii) accelerated permafrost degradation, which enhances sublacustrine drainage while simultaneously leaching previously frozen solutes into lakes. We documented changes in nutrients [total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP)] and ions (calcium, chloride, magnesium, sodium) over a 25 year interval in shrinking, stable, and expanding Subarctic lakes of the Yukon Flats, Alaska. Concentrations of all six solutes increased in shrinking lakes from 1985–1989 to 2010–2012, while simultaneously undergoing little change in stable or expanding lakes. This created a present‐day pattern, much weaker or absent in the 1980s, in which shrinking lakes had higher solute concentrations than their stable or expanding counterparts. An imbalanced evaporation‐to‐inflow ratio (E/I) was the most likely mechanism behind such changes; all four ions, which behave semiconservatively and are prone to evapoconcentration, increased in shrinking lakes and, along with TN and TP, were positively related to isotopically derived E/I estimates. Moreover, the most conservative ion, chloride, increased >500% in shrinking lakes. Conversely, only TP concentration was related to probability of permafrost presence, being highest at intermediate probabilities. Overall, the substantial increases of nutrients (TN >200%, TP >100%) and ions (>100%) may shift shrinking lakes towards overly eutrophic or saline states, with potentially severe consequences for ecosystems of northern lakes.
Deep fluid circulation within crystalline basement rocks and the role of hydrologic windows in the formation of the Truth or Consequences, New Mexico low‐temperature geothermal system
Authors: Pepin J. , Person M. , Phillips F. , Kelley S. , Timmons S. , Owens L. , Witcher J. , Gable C.
Published: October 2014

Hot springs can occur in amagmatic settings, but the mechanisms of heating are often obscure. We have investigated the origin of the Truth or Consequences, New Mexico low‐temperature (approximately 41°C) hot springs in the southern Rio Grande Rift. We tested two hypotheses that could account for this amagmatic geothermal anomaly: lateral forced convection in a gently dipping carbonate aquifer and circulation through high‐permeability crystalline basement rocks to depths of 8 km that is then focused through an overlying faulted hydrologic window. These hypotheses were tested using a regional two‐dimensional hydrothermal model. Model parameters were constrained by calibrating to measured temperatures, specific discharge rates, and groundwater residence times. We collected 16 temperature profiles, 11 geochemistry samples, and 6 carbon‐14 samples within the study area. The geothermal waters are Na+/Cl−‐dominated and have apparent groundwater ages ranging from 5500 to 11 500 years. Hot‐spring geochemistry is consistent with water/rock interaction in a silicate geothermal reservoir, rather than a carbonate system. Peclet number analysis of temperature profiles suggests that specific discharge rates beneath Truth or Consequences range from 2 to 4 m year−1. Geothermometry indicates maximum reservoir temperatures are around 170°C. Observed measurements were reasonably reproduced using the deep circulation permeable‐basement modeling scenario (10−12 m2) but not the lateral forced‐convection carbonate‐aquifer scenario. Focused geothermal discharge is the result of localized faulting, which has created a hydrologic window through a regional confining unit. In tectonically active areas, such as the Rio Grande Rift, deep groundwater circulation within fractured crystalline basement may play a more prominent role in the formation of geothermal systems than has generally been acknowledged.
Short‐Term Complications After Colic Surgery in Geriatric Versus Mature Non‐Geriatric Horses
Authors: Gazzerro Deanna M. , Southwood Louise L. , Lindborg Sue
Published: October 2014

Objective

To compare in geriatric and mature horses the occurrence of short‐term complications and short‐term outcome associated with complications after colic surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective case–control study.

Sample Population

Horses aged ≥20 years (geriatric, n = 78) and 4–15 years (mature non‐geriatric, n = 156) that had exploratory celiotomy for colic and survived recovery from general anesthesia.

Methods

Medical records (2000–2010) of horses that recovered from general anesthesia after colic surgery were reviewed. Postoperative complications evaluated included postoperative reflux (POR), diarrhea, inappetence, fever, leukopenia, incisional infection, incisional dehiscence, thrombophlebitis, colic, repeat celiotomy, pneumonia, and laminitis. Short‐term outcome (alive vs. dead at hospital discharge) of geriatric and mature horses with these complications were compared. Data were analyzed using a χ2or Fisher's exact test or an ANOVA. Level of significanceP < .05.

Results

Geriatric horses had higher odds of having a small intestinal strangulating lesion than mature horses. A higher proportion of geriatric horses had POR and inappetence; however, there was no difference in the proportion of geriatric and mature horses with small intestinal strangulating lesions having POR. Short‐term outcome with and without complications was similar between the 2 age groups.

Conclusion

Geriatric and mature horses have similar occurrences of short‐term complications and short‐term outcomes associated with complications after colic surgery.
Subtly offending feedback
Authors: Krings Rabea , Jacobshagen Nicola , Elfering Achim , Semmer Norbert K.
Published: October 2014

Providing acceptable negative feedback is difficult because it may threaten the receiver's self‐esteem. Studies have established that destructive feedback elicits stronger negative reactions than constructive feedback. However, these destructive conditions were quite strong, implying a clear threat to the self. Because of the importance of protecting one's self‐concept, negative evaluations might be provoked by more subtle cues. Such cues should also be detected by observers.

We developed three variants of subtly offending feedback in which mistakes appeared disproportionately serious. In an experimental pilot study, 132 student observers judged the fairness of feedback given to another student. The subtly offending conditions were evaluated as less fair than constructive feedback but as more fair than destructive feedback.
Fit for persuasion: the effects of nonverbal delivery style, message framing, and gender on message effectiveness
Authors: Jacks Julia Zuwerink , Lancaster Lesia C.
Published: October 2014

This study examined two experimental variables, delivery style and message framing, that have yet to be examined together in the regulatory fit literature. College students (mean age = 30) watched a video message encouraging regular exercise delivered in an eager or vigilant nonverbal style and framed in terms of gain or loss. Results revealed significant fit effects involving gender, delivery style, and message framing. The eager message was perceived as more effective by men whereas the vigilant message was perceived as more effective by women. A message framing by delivery style fit effect also emerged for perceived message effectiveness. The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
Human values and non‐adherence to doctors' instructions across Europe
Authors: Ahola Salla
Published: October 2014

This study examines the relationships between human values and patient non‐adherence. Two types of non‐adherence are studied: non‐adherent views and non‐adherent behavior in response to doctor's instructions. The study uses data from the European Social Survey Round 2 from 14 countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland. Correlation analyses and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted both using the pooled data from these 14 countries and within countries. The sample size ranged from n = 20,012 to n = 21,600 in the analyses of pooled data. Human values were found to be associated with non‐adherence. As hypothesized, endorsing openness‐to‐change values (vs. conservation values) was positively related to non‐adherent views and behavior.
Compensatory renal hypertrophy following uninephrectomy is calcineurin‐independent
Authors: Williams Clintoria R. , Wynne Brandi M. , Walker Makeeva , Hoover Robert S. , Gooch Jennifer L.
Published: October 2014

Calcineurin is a calcium‐dependent phosphatase that is involved in many cellular processes including hypertrophy. Inhibition or genetic loss of calcineurin blocks pathological cardiac hypertrophy and diabetic renal hypertrophy. However, calcineurin does not appear to be involved in physiological cardiac hypertrophy induced by exercise. The role of calcineurin in a compensatory, non‐pathological model of renal hypertrophy has not been tested. Therefore, in this study, we examined activation of calcineurin and the effect of calcineurin inhibition or knockout on compensatory hypertrophy following uninephrectomy (UNX). UNX induces ~15% increase in the size of the remaining kidney; the data show no change in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), Nox4 or transforming growth factor‐β expression confirming the model as one of compensatory hypertrophy. Next, analyses of the remaining kidney reveal that total calcineurin activity is increased, and, to a lesser extent, transcriptional activity of the calcineurin substrate nuclear factor of activated T cell is up‐regulated following UNX. However, inhibition of calcineurin with cyclosporine failed to prevent compensatory renal hypertrophy. Likewise, hypertrophy was comparable to WT in mice lacking either isoform of the catalytic subunit of calcineurin (CnAα−/− or CnAβ−/−). In conclusion, similar to its role in the heart, calcineurin is required for pathological but not compensatory renal hypertrophy. This separation of signalling pathways could therefore help further define key factors necessary for pathological hypertrophy including diabetic nephropathy.
Phenotypic characterization and genetic diversity of Flavobacterium columnare isolated from red tilapia, Oreochromis sp., in Thailand
Authors: Dong H T , LaFrentz B , Pirarat N , Rodkhum C
Published: October 2014

Flavobacterium columnare is the aetiological agent of columnaris disease and severely affects various freshwater aquaculture fish species worldwide. The objectives of this study were to determine the phenotypic characteristics and genetic variability among F. columnare isolates isolated from red tilapia in Thailand. Forty‐four F. columnare isolates were recovered from diseased fish in different geographical locations. The isolates exhibited homologous phenotypic characteristics but exhibited genetic diversity. One isolate was assigned to genomovar I, and the remainder were assigned to genomovar II, indicating the coexistence of these genomovars but predominance of genomovar II. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S‐23S ISR sequences revealed that a subset of the Thai isolates (n = 25) contained a smaller intergenic spacer region (ISR) (523–537 bp) and formed a unique ISR phylogenetic group. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene supported the unique cluster of Thai isolates. This is the first description of the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of F. columnare isolated from red tilapia in Thailand as well as five isolates of F. columnare derived from other fish species including Nile tilapia, koi carp and striped catfish.
Probiotics, immunostimulants, plant products and oral vaccines, and their role as feed supplements in the control of bacterial fish diseases
Authors: Newaj‐Fyzul A , Austin B
Published: October 2014

There is a rapidly increasing literature pointing to the success of probiotics, immunostimulants, plant products and oral vaccines in immunomodulation, namely stimulation of the innate, cellular and/or humoral immune response, and the control of bacterial fish diseases. Probiotics are regarded as live micro‐organisms administered orally and leading to health benefits. However, in contrast with the use in terrestrial animals, a diverse range of micro‐organisms have been evaluated in aquaculture with the mode of action often reflecting immunomodulation. Moreover, the need for living cells has been questioned. Also, key subcellular components, including lipopolysaccharides, have been attributed to the beneficial effect in fish. Here, there is a link with immunostimulants, which may also be administered orally. Furthermore, numerous plant products have been reported to have health benefits, namely protection against disease for which stimulation of some immune parameters has been reported. Oral vaccines confer protection against some diseases, although the mode of action is usually linked to humoral rather than the innate and cellular immune responses. This review explores the relationship between probiotics, immunostimulants, plant products and oral vaccines.
The Future of the Clinical Nurse Specialist Role in Finland
Authors: Jokiniemi Krista , Haatainen Kaisa , Meretoja Riitta , Pietilä Anna‐Maija
Published: October 2014

Purpose

To identify and examine the expert panelists’ visions on the future implementation of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) role in Finland.

Design and Methods

A policy Delphi design was conducted in 2013. A purposive sampling method was used to recognize expert panelists in the areas of advanced practice nursing (APN), healthcare management, and advanced practice nurse education. Three iterative Web‐based survey rounds were conducted (n = 25, n = 22, n = 19). Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The expert panelists envisioned the future of the CNS role in Finland. This study portrayed the CNS role in Finland as generally consistent with the international role. CNS have comprehensive skills and knowledge that they use to guide and develop nursing practice; however, several threats may affect their role achievement. The existing national consensus, contradiction, and ambivalence related to CNS roles were revealed through the examination of the results, thus pointing out the areas for consideration when further developing these roles and role policies.

Conclusions

This is the first national study to examine the implementation of the CNS role in Finland. Expert panelists’ views regarding the CNS role will be valuable in the forthcoming national policy formulation process. Although the policy Delphi design is not often utilized, this study reveals that it is very well suited to guide and inform national and international APN policy development.

Clinical Relevance

This study contributes to CNS role development and describes the methods facilitating the essential policy formulation process.
Transcranial Doppler Sonography: Atypical Dicrotic Pulse Waveforms in a Man with HIV Infection and Severe Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Suwatcharangkoon Sureerat , Meads Dana B. , Tegeler Charles H. , Reynolds Patrick S.
Published: October 2014

A 27‐year‐old human immunodeficiency virus—positive man presented with abdominal pain. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed large right pleural effusion, pericardial effusion and marked ascites with diffuse intra‐ and extraperitoneal lymphadenopathy. Echocardiography showed severely reduced left ventricular systolic function. After drainage of pleural and pericardial fluid, the patient developed severe hypotension and hypoxic respiratory failure. Extra‐ and intracranial neurovascular sonography demonstrated low carotid artery flow volume and dicrotic pulse waveforms in all vessels insonated bilaterally. This case report demonstrates an atypical dicrotic waveform pattern of transcranial Doppler in advanced ventricular dysfunction with shock.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP, INFORMATION, AND GROWTH
Authors: michelle bunten devin , Weiler Stephan , Thompson Eric , Zahran Sammy
Published: October 2014

We examine the contribution to economic growth of entrepreneurial marketplace information within a regional endogenous growth framework. Entrepreneurs are posited to provide an input to economic growth through the information revealed by their successes and failures. We empirically identify this information source with the regional variation in establishment births and deaths. To account for the potential endogeneity caused by forward‐looking entrepreneurs, we utilize instruments based on historic mining activity. We find that the information spillover component of local establishment birth and death rates have significant positive effects on subsequent entrepreneurship and employment growth for U.S. counties and metropolitan areas.
RESIDENTIAL SORTING AND ENVIRONMENTAL EXTERNALITIES: THE CASE OF NONLINEARITIES AND STIGMA IN AVIATION NOISE VALUES
Authors: Thanos Sotirios , Bristow Abigail L. , Wardman Mark R.
Published: October 2014

This paper explores the sorting process in response to differing levels of aviation noise exposure in a housing market. Spatiotemporal hedonic pricing (HP) and stated choice (SC) results reflect nonlinearities and stigma. The HP models reveal nonlinear noise depreciation increasing from 0.40 to 2.38 percent per decibel as noise increases, while the SC noise values are lower in an area with high long‐term noise exposure. These nonlinearities are attributed to the spatial sorting of noise tolerant individuals. HP results from the same “noisy” area show a “stigma” from noise during the first year after the complete removal of aviation noise.
Effects of Reduced Soybean‐Meal Diets Containing Moringa oleifera or Leucaena leucocephala Leaf Meals on Growth Performance, Plasma Lysozyme, and Total Intestinal Proteolytic Enzyme Activity of Juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, in Outdoor Tanks
Authors: Kasiga Tom , Chen Ruguang , Sink Todd , Lochmann Rebecca
Published: October 2014

Leaf meals are potential alternatives to soybean meal (SBM) in fish diets in developing countries because they are cheaper. Moringa oleifera (MOR) and Leucaena leucocephala (LEU) reduced nutrient digestibility of diets compared with SBM in an earlier study. However, fish raised outdoors consume natural foods, which might offset the negative effects of leaf‐meal diets. We conducted a feeding trial using mixed‐sex Nile tilapia (5.2 g) to assess performance of fish fed 36% protein diets with different concentrations of MOR and LEU leaf meals in place of SBM. Fish in static pools were fed daily to apparent satiation for 59 d. Individual weight gain (30.4–34.7 g), survival (91.8–97.3%), feed conversion ratio (FCR, 1.6–1.9), proximate composition, plasma lysozyme activity, and intestinal proteolytic enzyme activity were similar among diets. However, fish fed diets containing leaf meals had higher concentrations of n‐3 fatty acids than those fed the SBM control. Despite lower nutrient availability of the leaf‐meal diets compared with the soy diet, MOR or LEU could replace up to 30% of the SBM protein without reducing fish performance. Inclusion of poultry meal in the diets and probable nutrient supplementation from natural foods appeared to compensate for the lower nutritional value of the leaf meals compared with SBM.
Development of Loop‐mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) for the Rapid Detection of Streptococcus agalactiae in Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Ke Xiaoli , Huo Huanhuan , Lu Maixin , Liu Zhigang , Zhu Huaping , Gao Fengying
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Streptococcus agalactiae is one of the major causative agents of tilapia streptococcosis, which has caused severe economic losses in aquaculture. Rapid and accurate detection of the pathogen is necessary to limit losses because of this disease. In this study, a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed for the detection of S. agalactiae. Firstly, a set of four primers was designed to target the cfb gene of S. agalactiae. Then, using Bst DNA polymerase, the LAMP assay was performed at 65 C for 60 min and terminated at 80 C for 10 min in a simple water bath. Positive or negative results could be observed by direct visual inspection. There were no cross reactions with other bacterial species, indicating high specificity of the LAMP assay. The sensitivity of the LAMP assay for detecting S. agalactiae was about 20 cells per reaction. Moreover, the developed closed‐tube step has greatly improved the LAMP system. The LAMP method was also applied to detect S. agalactiae in infected tilapia tissue, demonstrating usefulness in diagnostics. Overall, this study showed that the cfb‐based LAMP assay was an effective method to detect S. agalactiae rapidly.
In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Plant Ethanolic Extracts against Fish Pathogens
Authors: Bulfon Chiara , Volpatti Donatella , Galeotti Marco
Published: October 2014

Fifteen commercial ethanolic extracts from medicinal plants were in vitro screened for antibacterial activity against Listonella anguillarum (serotypes O1 and O2), Yersinia ruckeri, Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida, and Lactococcus garvieae. Their antimicrobial potential was assessed by the disc diffusion assay, then minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were established by the broth microdilution method. The extracts of lavender, Lavandula officinalis; lemon balm, Melissa officinalis; basil, Ocimum basilicum; oregano, Origanum vulgare; rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis; common sage, Salvia officinalis; and red bilberry, Vaccinium vitis‐idaea, showed a broad spectrum of inhibitory effects. The extracts of yarrow, Achillea millefolium; arnica, Arnica montana; marigold, Calendula officinalis; Icelandic lichen, Cetraria islandica; horsetail, Equisetum arvense; grindelia, Grindelia robusta; java tea, Orthosiphon stamineus; and thyme, Thymus vulgaris, were less or not active. P. damselae subsp. piscicida was the most susceptible bacterial strain, while Y. ruckeri was the most resistant. These results can be considered for further investigations aimed to identify novel natural antimicrobial compounds that could be used in aquaculture for the control of bacterial infections.
Survival analysis of proposed BCLC‐B subgroups in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Weinmann Arndt , Koch Sandra , Sprinzl Martin , Kloeckner Roman , Schulze‐Bergkamen Henning , Düber Christoph , Lang Hauke , Otto Gerd , Wörns Marcus A. , Galle Peter R.
Published: October 2014

Background & Aims

The BCLC‐staging system is used to facilitate treatment decisions in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Owing to the observed clinical heterogeneity of the intermediate stage BCLC‐B, a subclassification was proposed taking Child–Pugh score and extended criteria for transplantation into account. Analysis of the prognostic significance of a proposed subclassification of the BCLC‐B score in a European cohort of HCC patients.

Methods

Eight hundred and eighty four consecutive HCC patients were retrospectively analysed. Patients with stage BCLC‐B were grouped according to the proposed subclassification. Baseline patient and tumour characteristics, therapy and overall survival were analysed.

Results

Two hundred and fifty four patients with stage BCLC‐B were classified as B1/B2/B3 and B4 in 16.1/56.7/7.9 and 19.3%. OS compared between adjacent subgroups (B1 vs. B2, B2 vs. B3, B3 vs. B4) did not reach statistical significance. Groupwise comparison showed significant differences between B1 vs. B3 (P = 0.035), B1 vs. B4 (P = 0.006) and B2 vs. B4 (P < 0.0001). OS was significantly improved in patients undergoing OLT (P < 0.0001). Cox regression showed no significant influence of the BCLC‐B substage on survival.

Conclusions

No significant survival differences between subgroups were found in the retrospective analysis. We could not confirm the BCLC‐B subclassification to be prognostically meaningful in our cohort. As liver function and therapy influenced survival in this study, a more refined BCLC‐B subclassification has the potential to be a useful tool to better stratify treatment decisions. Further studies in larger collectives with homogenous staging and treatment strategies are warranted to confirm the prognostic significance of the proposed subclassifications.
A β1‐6/β1‐3 galactosidase from Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bl‐04 gives insight into sub‐specificities of β‐galactoside catabolism within Bifidobacterium
Authors: Viborg Alexander Holm , Fredslund Folmer , Katayama Takane , Nielsen Stinne Kirketerp , Svensson Birte , Kitaoka Motomitsu , Lo Leggio Leila , Abou Hachem Maher
Published: October 2014

The Bifidobacterium genus harbours several health promoting members of the gut microbiota. Bifidobacteria display metabolic specialization by preferentially utilizing dietary or host‐derived β‐galactosides. This study investigates the biochemistry and structure of a glycoside hydrolase family 42 (GH42) β‐galactosidase from the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bl‐04 (BlGal42A). BlGal42A displays a preference for undecorated β1‐6 and β1‐3 linked galactosides and populates a phylogenetic cluster with close bifidobacterial homologues implicated in the utilization of N‐acetyl substituted β1‐3 galactosides from human milk and mucin. A long loop containing an invariant tryptophan in GH42, proposed to bind substrate at subsite + 1, is identified here as specificity signature within this clade of bifidobacterial enzymes. Galactose binding at the subsite − 1 of the active site induced conformational changes resulting in an extra polar interaction and the ordering of a flexible loop that narrows the active site. The amino acid sequence of this loop provides an additional specificity signature within this GH42 clade. The phylogenetic relatedness of enzymes targeting β1‐6 and β1‐3 galactosides likely reflects structural differences between these substrates and β1‐4 galactosides, containing an axial galactosidic bond. These data advance our molecular understanding of the evolution of sub‐specificities that support metabolic specialization in the gut niche.