bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A co-produced self-management programme improves psychosocial outcomes for people living with depression
Authors: Turner Andy , Realpe Alba X. , Wallace Louise M. , Kosmala-Anderson Joanna
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– There is growing interest in self-management support for people living with mental health problems. The purpose of this paper is to describe the evaluation of a co-designed and co-delivered self-management programme (SMP) for people living with depression delivered as part of large scale National Health Service quality improvement programme, which was grounded in the principles of co-production. The authors investigated whether participants became more activated, were less psychologically distressed enjoyed better health status, and quality of life, and improved their self-management skills after attending the seven-week SMP.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors conducted a longitudinal study of 114 people living with depression who attended the SMP. Participants completed self-reported measures before attending the SMP and at six months follow up.

Findings

– Patient activation significantly improved six months after the SMP (baseline M=49.6, SD=12.3, follow up M=57.2, SD=15.0, t(113)=4.83, p
<
0.001; d=0.61). Participants’ experience of depression symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 significantly reduced (baseline M=15.5, SD=6.8, follow up M=10.6, SD=6.9, t(106)=7.22, p
<
0.001, d=−0.72). Participants’ anxiety and depression as measured by the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale also decreased significantly (baseline anxiety: M=13.1, SD=4.2, follow up M=10.2, SD=4.4, t(79)=6.29, p
<
0.001, d=−0.69); (baseline depression: M=10.3, SD=4.6, follow up M=7.7, SD=4.5, t(79)=5.32, p
<
0.001, d=−0.56). The authors also observed significant improvement in participants’ health status (baseline M=0.5, SD=0.3, follow up M=0.6, SD=0.3, t(97)=−3.86, p
<
0.001, d=0.33), and health-related quality of life (baseline M=45.4, SD=20.5, follow up M=60.8, SD=22.8, t(91)=−2.71, p=0.008, d=0.75). About 35 per cent of participant showed substantial improvements of self-management skills.

Originality/value

– The co-produced depression SMP is innovative in a UK mental health setting. Improvements in activation, depression, anxiety, quality of life and self-management skills suggest that the SMP could make a useful contribution to the recovery services in mental health.
Shared dilemmas, choice and autonomy in the management of psychosis: a phenomenological analysis
Authors: Wharne Simon
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– When detaining and enforcing treatment, psychiatric services often assumed that the person is separate from their dysfunctional biology and removed from their social context. Coproduction is hindered by polarised views where one party holds power and others are not able to promote their views. But if biomedical models are abandoned, ethical grounding for mental health law would be lost. The purpose of this paper is to explore the experience of detaining and being detained, clarifying understandings of trust, illness, personhood and control.

Design/methodology/approach

– A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was employed.

Findings

– A Social Worker and man who suffers from psychosis report that their choices are limited by mental health law. They both experience themselves as passive. The man rejects society and withdraws to avoid stress; while the Social Worker just follows legal guidelines. Interaction in mental healthcare is experienced as lacking trust, involving threat, but sometimes negotiation is possible. Control over illness is associated with having a choice of treatments. Psychosis is not experienced as a separate illness process and control is exercised over the person rather than that illness.

Research limitations/implications

– This was a small qualitative study designed to prompt discussion and inform further research and policy review.

Practical implications

– To enable coproduction, detention or enforced treatment should be grounded more firmly in morality or criminal justice.

Social implications

– People who suffer psychosis could be understood and their views more often accepted.

Originality/value

– An innovative research approach is used to bring new understanding.
Making sense of expatriation
Authors: Pinto Luisa  Helena , Caldas Regina
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine how international workers engage into and make sense of expatriation and how sense-making enacts further action.

Design/methodology/approach

– Given the corporate influence over expatriation, empirical data were collected from a single case study organization, a well-established Portuguese retail company. The primary data sources were the in-depth interviews with 13 international workers, while other secondary data sources included company documents that provided the background information required to understand the interviewees and describe the organization. The experiences of expatriation through the accounts and stories of these workers were subject to thematic content analysis.

Findings

– The findings demonstrate that international workers act as sense-makers and sense-givers vehicles about expatriation. By doing so, they enact a plausible and dominant story that ultimately bounds the perception of divergent cues and limit their own action. While this ongoing dialogue between expatriation meaning and action can raise organizational actors’ capacities to negotiate and influence further meaning and action, it also validates existing practices and generates further compliance.

Originality/value

– Despite being limited to a single organizational context, this study offers a contextualized approach to the study of expatriation that complements earlier research and highlights sense-making dynamics and related outcomes, further extending the applications of the sense-making perspective. This study suggests new research avenues exploring the politics and negotiation bonds from which expatriation sense-making can emerge as well as the opportunities for disruptive sense-making.
Chinese expatriates’ adjustment process in Portugal: on the road toguanxireplication
Authors: Jingjing Li , Guimarães Costa Nuno , Neves Pedro
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to analyze the adjustment experience of Chinese expatriate managers in Portugal.

Design/methodology/approach

– This exploratory study is based on the qualitative analysis of 12 semi-structured, open-ended interviews to Chinese expatriate managers in Portugal. Expatriates varied in terms of international experience, stage of career and industry. All expatriates had at least one-year working experience in Portugal. The coding process followed a reflexive approach between data and existing theory.

Findings

– The process of adjustment of Chinese expatriate managers to the Portuguese context is arranged in five dimensions: perception: expatriates tend to perceive the differences between China and Portugal as not significant;guanxireplication: similarities between the two countries raised the question of whether theguanximodel could be replicated; resistance: although the two countries are perceived as close, there are significant differences, namely, in terms of some cultural aspects, the legal framework and the level of acceptance of theguanxi; adaptation: given these resistances, it is necessary for expatriates to change some practices that are commonly used in the Chinese context; and identity construction: Chinese expatriates are particularly concerned by their identity as foreigners and of the corresponding need to adjust.

Originality/value

– This exploratory study revealed thatguanxishould not be seen as a purely cultural product grounded in the Confucian tradition but instead should be taken as a business strategy that depends on the existence of specific factors, such as the relevance and quality of interpersonal relationships in a business context.
Narratives and stories that capture the library’s worth
Authors: Calvert Philip , Goulding Anne
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a study exploring New Zealand library managers’ views on the purpose, outcomes and approaches to measuring library economic value and social impact.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews with library managers drawn from a purposive sample were undertaken in four main centres in New Zealand.

Findings

– Analysis of the interviews suggest that library managers do not feel under immediate direct pressure to provide evidence of the value and impact of their services but feel that it is important to have data available if required. There was some scepticism about the validity of quantitative data collected and some uncertainty about how to interpret and communicate it for the best outcome for the service. Strong support for qualitative “stories” or narratives was a feature of the interviews.

Research limitations/implications

– This was a small scale study, limited to just four centres in the North Island of New Zealand.

Practical implications

– Library managers may want to consider systematic methods of collecting narrative data to support quantitative data. They could also reflect on how to communicate value and impact data and information proactively, using alternative communication strategies and tools such as social media.

Originality/value

– There have been no previous studies of library managers’ views of measuring the value and impact of libraries in New Zealand. The focus on the purpose and outcomes of measurement in the New Zealand context is also original.
Developments in understanding tourism policy
Authors: Airey David
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the current stage of the development of the study of tourism policy and some of the key issues that have come in for attention.

Design/methodology/approach

– The work is based on a review of the literature relating to tourism policy over a 40-year period. Based on one of the models of tourism policy-making, it uses a five-part structure to organise the literature and for each part, it explores the issues dealt with by researchers over the period.

Findings

– After a slow start, most aspects of tourism policy are now well-covered in the literature, and notably, there has been a marked quickening in the pace of study over the past decade. Influences on policy are well-documented, as are the roles of the different stakeholders in the policy process. This contrasts with the understanding of the work of the policymakers, which is less well-developed, as is the nature and influence of the different forms of policy output. Neoliberalism and governance have been prominent among recent policy themes pursued by researchers.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper draws on a wide range of work over 40 years, but it cannot be comprehensive.

Originality/value

– The paper’s originality lies in it providing a brief overview of the current state of research into tourism policy.
Upregulation of microrna‐451 increases the sensitivity of A549 cells to radiotherapy through enhancement of apoptosis
Authors: Tian Feng , Han Yong , Yan Xiaolong , Zhong Daixing , Yang Guang , Lei Jie , Li Xiaofei , Wang Xiaoping
Published: November 2015

Background: As radioresistance of non‐small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) is one of the main causes of failure in radiotherapy, we examined whether micro ribonucleic acid (miR‐451) could function as a potential radiosensitizer of NSCLC and the related mechanism.

Methods: Radioresistant NSCLC cell line A549 was transfected with pre‐miR‐451 or a scrambled control. The miR‐451 messenger RNA level, colony‐forming ability, apoptosis, and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) protein level of 549 cells were examined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, clonogenic assay, flow cytometry analysis, and Western blot.

Results: Upregulation of miR‐451 enhanced the suppressive effects of irradiation on the colony‐forming ability of A549 cells. The apoptosis and PTEN expression of A549 cells post‐irradiation were also enhanced by upregulation of miR‐451.

Conclusions: Upregulation of miR‐451 sensitized radioresistant NSCLC A549 cells to irradiation through the enhancement of apoptosis. The activation of PTEN post‐irradiation was possibly correlated with the radiosensitization of A549 cells induced by miR‐451 overexpression.
Genome‐wide RNA‐Seq analysis of breast muscles of two broiler chicken groups differing in shear force
Authors: Piórkowska K. , Żukowski K. , Nowak J. , Połtowicz K. , Ropka‐Molik K. , Gurgul A.
Published: November 2015

In this study, a whole transcriptome analysis of breast muscles was conducted in broiler chicken groups differing in shear force. Shear force is a determinant of tenderness, which in turn is one of the most important parameters of meat quality in chickens. In our analysis, a total of 11 560 transcripts and 9824 genes per sample were identified. In chickens with more tender meat, up‐regulation of 19 genes and down‐regulation of 49 genes was observed. The up‐regulated gene group included the ASB2 gene, which is probably involved in the meat conversion process, as its product results in the degradation of filamins, proteins which form muscle fibres. In the down‐regulated gene group, genes which play a role in lipogenesis (THRSP, PLIN1) and in collagen synthesis (P4HA3, LEPREL4, PCOLCE2, COL16A1, COL20A1, VWA1) were detected. Their presence suggests the involvement of the extracellular matrix in the determination of meat tenderness. Thus, our study identified a pool of genes that may participate in the tenderisation process in broiler chickens.
Masculinities and ethnicities: Ethnic differences in drive for muscularity in British men and the negotiation of masculinity hierarchies
Authors: Swami Viren
Published: November 2015

Although relatively little is known about ethnic differences in men's drive for muscularity, recent theoretical developments suggest that ethnic minority men may desire greater muscularity to contest their positions of relative subordinate masculinity. This study tested this hypothesis in a sample of 185 White, 180 Black British, and 182 South Asian British men. Participants completed self‐report measures of drive for muscularity, need for power, adherence to traditional cultural values, and ethnic group affiliation. Taking into account between‐group differences in body mass index, results indicated that White men had significantly lower drive for muscularity than Black and South Asian men, who were not significantly different from each other. In addition, greater need for power was significantly associated with higher drive for muscularity in ethnic minority, but not White, men. Greater adherence to traditional cultural values, but not ethnic group affiliation, was associated with lower drive for muscularity in all ethnic groups. These results suggest that ethnic minority men may desire greater muscularity as a means of negotiating masculinity and attendant ideals of appearance.
CREDIT MARKETS AND HOUSING CHOICES
Authors: Trucchi Serena
Published: November 2015

This paper analyses how individual characteristics and credit market conditions interact and determine homeownership. The impact of the lifetime profile of resources on homeownership is larger when credit market imperfections are more severe. We combine data from the Bank of Italy's Survey on Household Income and Wealth with information on regional differences in interest rate spreads. We find that an increase in current resources by 10,000 euros increases the probability of homeownership by five (two) percentage points under the least (most) favourable credit market conditions.
IS THERE A CURSE OF RELOCATION? ANALYSING THE CAUSAL LINK BETWEEN OFFSHORING AND THE INNOVATION PERFORMANCE OF (SMALL) FIRMS
Authors: Mitze Timo , Kreutzer Fabian
Published: November 2015

We analyse the empirical link between offshoring activities and different dimensions of innovation performance at the firm‐level. In order to identify causal effects running from offshoring to innovation, we use a quasi‐experimental comparison group approach by means of (conditional) difference‐in‐difference estimations applied to German establishment‐level data for firms that conducted offshoring activities in the period 2007–13. We find that the international relocation of business functions has a negative impact on the firms’ propensity to be innovative in terms of product and process innovations as well as product improvements. While for larger firms the reduction in process innovations is most striking, potentially due to a lack of resources, stagnation in expertise and a reduction in intra‐organizational learning‐by‐doing associated with the relocation of some business activities, for small and medium‐sized enterprises we particularly observe a reduction in product innovations after the offshoring activity has taken place. When interpreting this ‘pessimistic’ picture on the link between offshoring and the innovation performance of firms, the reader should note that our findings for German establishments have to be assessed through the lens of a global economy in economic recession after 2008, which may have intensified the negative impact of offshoring on the firms’ innovation performance.
Subsurface fluid flow in the deep‐water Kwanza Basin, offshore Angola
Authors: Serié Christophe , Huuse Mads , Schødt Niels H. , Brooks James M. , Williams Alan
Published: November 2015

Integrated analysis of high‐quality three‐dimensional (3D) seismic, seabed geochemistry, and satellite‐based surface slick data from the deep‐water Kwanza Basin documents the widespread occurrence of past and present fluid flow associated with dewatering processes and hydrocarbon migration. Seismic scale fluid flow phenomena are defined by seep‐related seafloor features including pockmarks, mud or asphalt volcanoes, gas hydrate pingoes, as well as shallow subsurface features such as palaeo‐pockmarks, direct hydrocarbon indicators (DHIs), pipes and bottom‐simulating reflections (BSRs). BSR‐derived shallow geothermal gradients show elevated temperatures attributed to fluid advection along inclined stratigraphic carrier beds around salt structures in addition to elevated shallow thermal anomalies above highly conductive salt bodies. Seabed evidences of migrated thermogenic hydrocarbons and surface slicks are used to differentiate thermogenic hydrocarbon migration from fluid flow processes such as dewatering and biogenic gas migration. The analysis constrains the fluid plumbing system defined by the three‐dimensional distribution of stratigraphic carriers and seal bypass systems through time. Detailed integration and iterative interpretation have confirmed the presence of mature source rock and effective migration pathways with significant implications for petroleum prospectivity in the post‐salt interval. Integration of seismic, seabed geochemistry and satellite data represents a robust method to document and interpret fluid flow phenomena along continental margins, and highlights the importance of integrated fluid flow studies with regard to petroleum exploration, submarine geohazards, marine ecosystems and climate change.
Plastid phylogenomics and molecular evolution of Alismatales
Authors: Ross T. Gregory , Barrett Craig F. , Soto Gomez Marybel , Lam Vivienne K.Y. , Henriquez Claudia L. , Les Donald H. , Davis Jerrold I. , Cuenca Argelia , Petersen Gitte , Seberg Ole , Thadeo Marcela , Givnish Thomas J. , Conran John , Stevenson Dennis W. , Graham Sean W.
Published: November 2015

Past phylogenetic studies of the monocot order Alismatales left several higher‐order relationships unresolved. We addressed these uncertainties using a nearly complete genus‐level sampling of whole plastid genomes (gene sets representing 83 protein‐coding and ribosomal genes) from members of the core alismatid families, Tofieldiaceae and additional taxa (Araceae and other angiosperms). Parsimony and likelihood analyses inferred generally highly congruent phylogenetic relationships within the order, and several alternative likelihood partitioning schemes had little impact on patterns of clade support. All families with multiple genera were resolved as monophyletic, and we inferred strong bootstrap support for most inter‐ and intrafamilial relationships. The precise placement of Tofieldiaceae in the order was not well supported. Although most analyses inferred Tofieldiaceae to be the sister‐group of the rest of the order, one likelihood analysis indicated a contrasting Araceae‐sister arrangement. Acorus (Acorales) was not supported as a member of the order. We also investigated the molecular evolution of plastid NADH dehydrogenase, a large enzymatic complex that may play a role in photooxidative stress responses. Ancestral‐state reconstructions support four convergent losses of a functional NADH dehydrogenase complex in Alismatales, including a single loss in Tofieldiaceae.
Management of anticoagulated patients in implant therapy: a clinical comparative study
Authors: Clemm R. , Neukam F. W. , Rusche B. , Bauersachs A. , Musazada S. , Schmitt C. M.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

This prospective clinical comparative study aimed to analyze the postoperative bleeding risk of patients continuing their anticoagulation therapy (AT) and undergoing implant surgery and bone grafting procedures.

Materials and methods

The treatments ranged from the insertion of single or multiple dental implants over implant exposures to sinus floor augmentation and vertical and/or lateral bone grafting with autologous bone grafts. The patients of the test groups (AT groups) were treated with platelet aggregation inhibitors (PAIs), Vitamin‐K inhibitors, Vitamin‐K inhibitor withdrawal bridged with heparin (LMWH), or new/direct oral anticoagulants (NOACs/DOACs). Patients of the control group were non‐anticoagulated (non‐AT group). Surgical procedures were performed in the same manner in all groups. Pre, intra, and postoperative data concerning the treatment, extent of the surgery and bleedings was recorded and statistically evaluated.

Results

There were seven postoperative bleedings in 564 patients (1.2%), four in the AT groups (3.4%), and three in the non‐AT group (0.6%). No thromboembolic complication occurred in the whole observation period. The invasiveness of the surgical procedure had no statistically significant effect on bleeding frequencies. Patients taking Vitamin‐K inhibitors had a significantly higher risk of a postoperative bleeding compared to patients without any AT (P = 0.038). Two patients were hospitalized due to the severity of the bleeding as a precautionary measure (one in the non‐AT and one in the PAI group). All bleedings were easily controllable with local hemostatic measures. There was no postoperative bleeding recorded for patients taking DOACs.

Conclusions

Anticoagulation therapy should be continued in patients undergoing implant surgery and bone grafting procedures avoiding thromboembolic complications. Surgeons should always apply the most minimally invasive approach to reduce postoperative risks and be able to apply local hemostatic measures in terms of a bleeding complication.
Enhanced dyeability of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/organoclay nanocomposite filaments
Authors: Özen İlhan
Published: November 2015

This study deals with the generation of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/organoclay nanocomposite filaments by the melt‐spinning method and with the investigation of their morphological and dyeing properties. Different montmorillonite types of clay (Resadiye and Rockwood) were modified using different intercalating agents, and poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanocomposite filaments containing 0.5 and 1 wt% organoclays were prepared. Afterwards, the filaments were dyed with two disperse dyes (Setapers Red P2G and Setapers Blue TFBL‐NEW) at different temperatures (100, 110, and 120 °C) in the absence/presence of a carrier. Organoclays and poly(ethylene terephthalate)/organoclay nanocomposites showed an increased d‐spacing between clay layers. Irrespective of clay and surfactant type, poly(ethylene terephthalate)/organoclay nanocomposite filaments dyed at 120 °C in the presence of only a very small amount of carrier showed appreciable dyeability in comparison with neat poly(ethylene terephthalate). The dyeability of the organoclay‐containing poly(ethylene terephthalate) samples was found to be better in spite of having increased degrees of crystallinity. Moreover, the colour fastness properties of the clay‐containing samples were not affected adversely.
USING THE PARETO DISTRIBUTION TO IMPROVE ESTIMATES OF TOPCODED EARNINGS
Authors: Armour Philip , Burkhauser Richard V. , Larrimore Jeff
Published: November 2015

Inconsistent censoring in the public‐use March Current Population Survey (CPS) limits its usefulness in measuring labor earnings trends, as previous approaches for imputing topcoded earnings systematically understate top earnings. Using Pareto estimation methods with less‐censored internal data, we create an enhanced cell‐mean series to capture top earnings in the public‐use data. Annual earnings inequality trends since 1963 using our series largely mirror those found by Kopczuk, Saez, and Song using social security administration data for commerce and industry workers. When we extend our analysis to 2013 and consider all workers, earnings inequality levels are higher but its growth is more modest. (JELC81, D31, J01)
Newspaper coverage of mental illness in Hong Kong between 2002 and 2012: impact of introduction of a new Chinese name of psychosis
Authors: Chan Sherry K.W. , Ching Elaine Y.N. , Lam Kenneth S.C. , So Hon‐Cheong , Hui Christy L.M. , Lee Edwin H.M. , Chang Wing C. , Chen Eric Y.H.
Published: November 2015

Aim

In Hong Kong, ‘si‐jue‐shi‐tiao’ (思覺失調) was officially adopted as the Chinese translation of psychosis in 2001. The new term covered a broader aspect of psychosis, compared with the original term, ‘jing‐shen‐fen‐lie’ (精神分裂), which gave a negative stereotype as a ‘mental split‐mind disorder’. The current study compared the usage of the two terms, and added evidence to the name changing as anti‐stigma strategy.

Methods

The usage and themes of the new Chinese name of psychosis ‘si‐jue‐shi‐tiao’ was examined in 1217 local newspaper articles in comparison with the traditional Chinese name of schizophrenia ‘jing‐shen‐fen‐lie’.

Results

Results show that an increase use of ‘si‐jue‐shi‐tiao’ was found equally across themes, whereas ‘jing‐shen‐fen‐lie’ was decreasingly used in positive/neutral themes over time. The association of ‘jing‐shen‐fen‐lie’ with dangerous wordings increased over time, but no change was found with the new name.

Conclusions

Our finding adds to literature on effects of changing new name on public stigma.
Distal regulatory element of the STAT1 gene potentially mediates positive feedback control of STAT1 expression
Authors: Yuasa Katsutoshi , Hijikata Takao
Published: November 2015

We previously identified a distal regulatory element located approximately 5.5‐kb upstream of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) gene, thereafter designating it as 5.5‐kb upstream regulatory region (5.5URR). In this study, we investigated the functional roles of 5.5URR in the transcriptional regulation of STAT1 gene. A chromosome conformation capture assay indicated physical interaction of 5.5URR with the STAT1 core promoter. In luciferase reporter assays, 5.5URR‐combined STAT1 core promoter exhibited significant increase in reporter activity enhanced by forced STAT1 expression or interferon (IFN) treatment, but STAT1 core promoter alone did not. The 5.5URR contained IFN‐stimulated response element and GAS sites, which bound STAT1 complexes in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Consistently, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays of HEK293 cells with Halo‐tagged STAT1 expression indicated the association of Halo‐tagged STAT1 with 5.5URR. ChIP assays with IFN treatment demonstrated that IFNs promoted the recruitment of Halo‐tagged STAT1 to 5.5URR. Forced STAT1 expression or IFN treatment increased the expression of endogenous STAT1 and other IFN signaling pathway components, such as STAT2, IRF9 and IRF1, besides IFN‐responsive genes. Collectively, the results suggest that 5.5URR may provide a regulatory platform for positive feedback control of STAT1 expression possibly to amplify or sustain the intracellular IFN signals.
Ultrasound assisted diffusion of sodium salt replacer and effect on physicochemical properties of pork meat
Authors: Ojha Kumari Shikha , Keenan Derek F. , Bright Aurelia , Kerry Joseph P. , Tiwari Brijesh K.
Published: November 2015

In an attempt to reduce the high intake of dietary salt, the processed meat industry is continuously looking for alternative solutions for salt replacement. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of employing sonication on the diffusion of sodium salt (NaCl) and a salt replacer (SR) into pork meat. Ultrasound‐assisted brining experiments were carried out using 5% NaCl or SR at power levels of 9.0 and 54.9 W cm−2 for 120 min. Samples were assessed for cooking loss, water mobility, deformation, while thermal behaviour was analysed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Experimental data obtained were used to estimate the mass transfer coefficient of the brining process. The mass transfer equation was solved using the Runge–Kutta method. Results showed that the ultrasonic treatment had a low influence on the mass transfer of salt into pork samples. Only at high ultrasonic power was the mass transfer coefficient higher than the static brining. This study has improved our understanding of the effect of sonication on diffusion of NaCl and SR in pork meat and will enable a more systemic approach to future healthy meat product development.
A point mutation in the glutamate‐gated chloride channel of Plutella xylostella is associated with resistance to abamectin
Authors: Wang X. , Wang R. , Yang Y. , Wu S. , O'Reilly A. O. , Wu Y.
Published: November 2015

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is a global pest of cruciferous vegetables. Abamectin resistance in a field population of P. xylostella was introgressed into the susceptible Roth strain. The resulting introgression strain Roth‐Abm showed 11 000‐fold resistance to abamectin compared with Roth. An A309V substitution at the N‐terminus of the third transmembrane helix (M3) of the glutamate‐gated chloride channel of P. xylostella (PxGluCl) was identified in Roth‐Abm. The frequency of the V309 allele of PxGluCl was 94.7% in Roth‐Abm, whereas no such allele was detected in Roth. A subpopulation of Roth‐Abm was kept without abamectin selection for 20 generations to produce a revertant strain, Roth‐Abm‐D. Abamectin resistance in Roth‐Abm‐D declined to 1150‐fold compared with Roth, with the V309 allele frequency decreased to 9.6%. After treatment of the Roth‐Abm‐D strain with 80 mg/l abamectin the V309 allele frequency in the survivors increased to 55%. This demonstrates that the A309V mutation in PxGluCl is strongly associated with a 10‐fold increase in abamectin resistance in Roth‐Abm relative to Roth‐Abm‐D. Homology modelling and automated ligand docking results suggest that the A309V substitution allosterically modifies the abamectin‐binding site, as opposed to directly eliminating a key binding contact. Other resistance mechanisms to abamectin in Roth‐Abm are discussed besides the A309V mutation of PxGluCl.
Effect of Expectation of Care on Adherence to Antihypertensive Medications Among Hypertensive Blacks: Analysis of the Counseling African Americans to Control Hypertension (CAATCH) Trial
Authors: Grant Andrea Barnes , Seixas Azizi , Frederickson Keville , Butler Mark , Tobin Jonathan N. , Jean‐Louis Girardin , Ogedegbe Gbenga
Published: November 2015

Novel ideas are needed to increase adherence to antihypertensive medication. The current study used data from the Counseling African Americans to Control Hypertension (CAATCH) study, a sample of 442 hypertensive African Americans, to investigate the mediating effects of expectation of hypertension care, social support, hypertension knowledge, and medication adherence, adjusting for age, sex, number of medications, diabetes, education, income, employment, insurance status, and intervention. Sixty‐six percent of patients had an income of $20,000 or less and 56% had a high school education or less, with a mean age of 57 years. Greater expectation of care was associated with greater medication adherence (P=.007), and greater social support was also associated with greater medication adherence (P=.046). Analysis also showed that expectation of care mediated the relationship between hypertension knowledge and medication adherence (P<.05). Expectation of care and social support are important factors for developing interventions to increase medication adherence among blacks.
Medical, psychological and socio‐economic implications of chronic hand eczema: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cazzaniga S. , Ballmer‐Weber B.K. , Gräni N. , Spring P. , Bircher A. , Anliker M. , Sonntag A.K. , Piletta P. , Huber C. , Borradori L. , Diepgen T. , Apfelbacher C. , Simon D.
Published: November 2015

Background

Hand eczema (HE) is a common skin disease with major medical psychological and socio‐economic implications. Onset and prognosis of HE are determined by individual as well as environmental factors. So far, most epidemiological data on HE have been reported from Scandinavian and recently German studies.

Objective

To investigate the characteristics and medical care of patients with chronic HE (CHE) in Switzerland, and identify risk factors.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, data from patients with chronic HE were obtained by means of medical history, dermatological examination and patient questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to identify risk factors for high severity and dermatology life quality index (DLQI).

Results

In seven dermatology departments, 199 patients (mean age 40.4 years, 50.8% female) with CHE (mean duration 6.6 years) were enrolled. Moderate to severe HE was reported by 70.9% of patients, and was associated with age <30 or >50 years, localization of lesions and pruritus. Because of the CHE, 37.3% of patients were on sick leave over the past 12 months, 14.8% had changed or lost their job. Practically all patients applied topical therapy, 21% were treated with alitretinoin, and 21% with psoralen plus UVA light (PUVA). The effects on the health‐related quality of life was moderate to large in 33.7% and 39.4% of CHE patients, respectively. Factors associated with a high impact on DLQI (mean 9.7 ± 5.8) were female sex, lesions on back of the hands and pruritus as well as mechanical skin irritation and wearing gloves.

Conclusion

In agreement with recent studies, the Swiss data demonstrate the high impact of CHE on medical well‐being, patient quality of life and work ability. As it is associated with an intense use of health care services, high rate of sick leave, job loss and change, CHE may cause a high socio‐economic burden.
Pragmatic perspective on aerobic scope: peaking, plummeting, pejus and apportioning
Authors: Farrell A. P.
Published: November 2015

A major challenge for fish biologists in the 21st century is to predict the biotic effects of global climate change. With marked changes in biogeographic distribution already in evidence for a variety of aquatic animals, mechanistic explanations for these shifts are being sought, ones that then can be used as a foundation for predictive models of future climatic scenarios. One mechanistic explanation for the thermal performance of fishes that has gained some traction is the oxygen and capacity‐limited thermal tolerance (OCLTT) hypothesis, which suggests that an aquatic organism's capacity to supply oxygen to tissues becomes limited when body temperature reaches extremes. Central to this hypothesis is an optimum temperature for absolute aerobic scope (AAS, loosely defined as the capacity to deliver oxygen to tissues beyond a basic need). On either side of this peak for AAS are pejus temperatures that define when AAS falls off and thereby reduces an animal's absolute capacity for activity. This article provides a brief perspective on the potential uses and limitations of some of the key physiological indicators related to aerobic scope in fishes. The intent is that practitioners who attempt predictive ecological applications can better recognize limitations and make better use of the OCLTT hypothesis and its underlying physiology.
Growth Potential Assessment of Listeria in Milk Fat Products by Challenge Testing
Authors: Michelon Damien , Leclercq Alexandre , Garric Gilles , Guillier Laurent , Beaufort Annie , Bergis Helene
Published: November 2015

Milk fat products (MFP), including butter and low‐fat dairy spreads, are a specific type of ready‐to‐eat food known as water‐in‐fat emulsions, in which the behavior of microbial foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes is not clearly known. This study investigated the growth and survival of L. monocytogenes, and of Listeria innocua as a surrogate for L. monocytogenes, in these foods using challenge testing. Three commercial MFPs with various fat contents (butter, half butter and low‐fat dairy spread) and two samples of traditional churned butter with various water droplet sizes were artificially contaminated with Listeria. Total mesophilic microflora including lactic acid bacteria, pH and Listeria were monitored throughout the shelf life. The growth potential of Listeria was calculated in the course of the shelf life and remains below the limit value of 0.5 log cfu/g during the whole shelf life in any of the butter. However, the concentration of Listeria remained stable during the shelf life in the tested MFPs (commercial and churned) except in the commercial low‐fat dairy spread in which Listeria decreased gradually.

Practical Applications

European Union regulation No. 2073/2005 lays down the microbiological limit criteria for Listeria monocytogenes in ready‐to‐eat foods (RTE). According to this regulation, each RTE food has to be classified, with scientific justification, as able or unable to support the growth of L. monocytogenes during the shelf life. This challenge‐test study on milk fat products (MFPs) provided some useful data needed to assess the behavior of Listeria in these particular RTE food products. This study showed that while MFPs do not promote growth, they do support Listeria survival. Water droplet size seems to be a key parameter in preventing the growth of both microflora and Listeria. The study also showed that, in order to determine whether a given MFP supports Listeria growth or not, it is crucial to investigate the impact of the variations in physico‐chemical and microbiological parameters of each butter‐making process used by companies.
Genetic dissection of maize seedling root system architecture traits using an ultra‐high density bin‐map and a recombinant inbred line population
Authors: Song Weibin , Wang Baobao , Hauck Andrew L , Dong Xiaomei , Li Jieping , Lai Jinsheng
Published: November 2015

Maize (Zea mays) root system architecture (RSA) mediates the key functions of plant anchorage and acquisition of nutrients and water. In this study, a set of 204 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was derived from the widely adapted Chinese hybrid ZD958(Zheng58 × Chang7‐2), genotyped by sequencing (GBS) and evaluated as seedlings for 24 RSA related traits divided into primary, seminal and total root classes. Significant differences between the means of the parental phenotypes were detected for 18 traits, and extensive transgressive segregation in the RIL population was observed for all traits. Moderate to strong relationships among the traits were discovered. A total of 62 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified that individually explained from 1.6% to 11.6% (total root dry weight/total seedling shoot dry weight) of the phenotypic variation. Eighteen, 24 and 20 QTL were identified for primary, seminal and total root classes of traits, respectively. We found hotspots of 5, 3, 4 and 12 QTL in maize chromosome bins 2.06, 3.02‐03, 9.02‐04, and 9.05‐06, respectively, implicating the presence of root gene clusters or pleiotropic effects. These results characterized the phenotypic variation and genetic architecture of seedling RSA in a population derived from a successful maize hybrid.
Optical characterization of temperature‐ and composition‐dependent microstructure in asphalt binders
Authors: RAMM A. , SAKIB N. , BHASIN A. , DOWNER M.C.
Published: November 2015

We introduce noncontact optical microscopy and optical scattering to characterize asphalt binder microstructure at temperatures ranging from 15°C to 85°C for two compositionally different asphalt binders. We benchmark optical measurements against rheometric measurements of the magnitude of the temperature‐dependent bulk complex shear modulus . The main findings are: (1) Elongated (∼5 × 1 μm), striped microstructures (known from AFM studies as ‘bees’ because they resemble bumble‐bees) are resolved optically, found to reside primarily at the surface and do not reappear immediately after a single heating–cooling cycle. (2) Smaller (∼1 μm2) microstructures with no observable internal structure (hereafter dubbed ‘ants’), are found to reside primarily in the bulk, to persist after multiple thermal cycles and to scatter light strongly. Optical scattering from ‘ants’ decreases to zero with heating from 15°C to 65°C, but recovers completely upon cooling back to 15°C, albeit with distinct hysteresis. (3) Rheometric measurements of reveal hysteresis that closely resembles that observed by optical scatter, suggesting that thermally driven changes in microstructure volume fraction cause corresponding changes in .
Brain Imaging Using Mobile CT: Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: John Seby , Stock Sarah , Cerejo Russell , Uchino Ken , Winners Stacey , Russman Andrew , Masaryk Thomas , Rasmussen Peter , Hussain Muhammad S.
Published: November 2015

Computed tomography (CT) is an invaluable tool in the diagnosis of many clinical conditions. Several advancements in biomedical engineering have achieved increase in speed, improvements in low‐contrast detectability and image quality, and lower radiation. Portable or mobile CT constituted one such important advancement. It is especially useful in evaluating critically ill, intensive care unit patients by scanning them at bedside. A paradigm shift in utilization of mobile CT was its installation in ambulances for the management of acute stroke. Given the time sensitive nature of acute ischemic stroke, Mobile stroke units (MSU) were developed in Germany consisting of an ambulance equipped with a CT scanner, point of care laboratory system, along with teleradiological support. In a radical reconfiguration of stroke care, the MSU would bring the CT scanner to the stroke patient, without waiting for the patient at the emergency room. Two separate MSU projects in Saarland and Berlin demonstrated the safety and feasibility of this concept for prehospital stroke care, showing increased rate of intravenous thrombolysis and significant reduction in time to treatment compared to conventional care. MSU also improved the triage of patients to appropriate and specialized hospitals. Although multiple issues remain yet unanswered with the MSU concept including clinical outcome and cost‐effectiveness, the MSU venture is visionary and enables delivery of life‐saving and enhancing treatment for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. In this review, we discuss the development of mobile CT and its applications, with specific focus on its use in MSUs along with our institution's MSU experience.
Mathematical modeling and simulation in animal health. Part I: Moving beyond pharmacokinetics
Authors: Riviere J.E. , Gabrielsson J. , Fink M. , Mochel J.
Published: November 2015

The application of mathematical modeling to problems in animal health has a rich history in the form of pharmacokinetic modeling applied to problems in veterinary medicine. Advances in modeling and simulation beyond pharmacokinetics have the potential to streamline and speed‐up drug research and development programs. To foster these goals, a series of manuscripts will be published with the following goals: (i) expand the application of modeling and simulation to issues in veterinary pharmacology; (ii) bridge the gap between the level of modeling and simulation practiced in human and veterinary pharmacology; (iii) explore how modeling and simulation concepts can be used to improve our understanding of common issues not readily addressed in human pharmacology (e.g. breed differences, tissue residue depletion, vast weight ranges among adults within a single species, interspecies differences, small animal species research where data collection is limited to sparse sampling, availability of different sampling matrices); and (iv) describe how quantitative pharmacology approaches could help understanding key pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of a drug candidate, with the goal of providing explicit, reproducible, and predictive evidence for optimizing drug development plans, enabling critical decision making, and eventually bringing safe and effective medicines to patients. This study introduces these concepts and introduces new approaches to modeling and simulation as well as clearly articulate basic assumptions and good practices. The driving force behind these activities is to create predictive models that are based on solid physiological and pharmacological principles as well as adhering to the limitations that are fundamental to applying mathematical and statistical models to biological systems.
Foucault on “Avowal”: Theatres of Truth from Homer to Modern
Psychology
Authors: Valverde Mariana
Published: November 2015

The publication of a previously unknown set of lectures delivered by
Foucault in 1981 at Louvain's criminology institute constitutes a major
revelation for legal and criminological scholars (Wrong‐Doing,
Truth‐Telling: The Function of Avowal in Justice, 2014).
The lecture material includes an extended discussion of the techniques used
by Oedipus to establish the truth of his familial crime, a reflection on the
beginnings of the inquisitorial justice system (which Foucault here argues
paved the way for the scientific revolution), and analyses of contemporary
forensic confessions. Throughout these meticulously edited lectures, the
scientific and philosophical “inquiries” that revolutionized modern European
knowledges are shown to be rooted in embodied practices of confession and
avowal that go back to ancient Greece.
Registered nurses’ perceptions of new nursing graduates’ clinical competence: A systematic integrative review
Authors: Missen Karen , McKenna Lisa , Beauchamp Alison
Published: November 2015

Over the past decade, many questions have been raised about graduates’ clinical competence and fitness for practice upon completion of their undergraduate education. Despite the significance of this issue, the perspectives of registered nurses have rarely been examined. This systematic review explores the perceptions of experienced registered nurses regarding the clinical competence of new nursing graduates. Original research studies published between 2004–2014 were identified using electronic databases, reference lists, and by searching “grey literature.” Papers were critically reviewed and relevant data extracted and synthesized using an approach based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis. From 153 studies initially identified, 15 original research papers were included. Four main research themes were identified: clinical/technical skills, critical thinking, interaction/communication, and overall readiness for practice. Areas of concern in relation to the clinical competence of new nursing graduates specifically related to two themes: critical thinking and clinical/technical skills. Further research is required on strategies identified within the literature with the ultimate aim of ensuring new nursing graduates are safe and competent practitioners.