bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of autoantibodies expressed in acquired aplastic anaemia
Authors: Goto Maki , Kuribayashi Kageaki , Takahashi Yusuke , Kondoh Takashi , Tanaka Maki , Kobayashi Daisuke , Watanabe Naoki
Published: November 2012

Acquired aplastic anaemia (aAA) is recognized as an autoimmune disorder; however, the autoantigens and target cells involved remain elusive. Expression of autoantibodies and their target cells were examined using the haematopoietic cell line K562 and bone marrow stromal cell line hTS‐5; 43·5% and 21·7% of aAA expressed autoantibody against K562 and hTS‐5 cells, respectively. The autoantigens were identified by serological identification of antigens through recombinant cDNA expression cloning. This study indicates that haematopoietic cells are the targets of immune abnormality in aAA. These autoantibodies may be utilized to distinguish patients associated with immune abnormality from bone marrow failure syndrome.
Girls in detail, boys in shape: Gender differences when drawing cubes in depth
Authors: Lange‐Küttner C. , Ebersbach M.
Published: November 2012

The current study tested gender differences in the developmental transition from drawing cubes in two‐ versus three dimensions (3D), and investigated the underlying spatial abilities. Six‐ to nine‐year‐old children (N = 97) drew two occluding model cubes and solved several other spatial tasks. Girls more often unfolded the various sides of the cubes into a layout, also called diagrammatic cube drawing (object design detail). In girls, the best predictor for drawing the cubes was Mental Rotation Test (MRT) accuracy. In contrast, boys were more likely to preserve the optical appearance of the cube array. Their drawing in 3D was best predicted by MRT reaction time and the Embedded Figures Test (EFT). This confirmed boys' stronger focus on the contours of an object silhouette (object shape). It is discussed whether the two gender‐specific approaches to drawing in three dimensions reflect two sides of the appearance–reality distinction in drawing, that is graphic syntax of object design features versus visual perception of projective space.
Differential Contributions of Development and Learning to Infants' Knowledge of Object Continuity and Discontinuity
Authors: Bertenthal Bennett I. , Gredebäck Gustaf , Boyer Ty W.
Published: November 2012

Sixty infants divided evenly between 5 and 7 months of age were tested for their knowledge of object continuity versus discontinuity with a predictive tracking task. The stimulus event consisted of a moving ball that was briefly occluded for 20 trials. Both age groups predictively tracked the ball when it disappeared and reappeared via occlusion, but not when it disappeared and reappeared via implosion. Infants displayed high levels of predictive tracking from the first trial in the occlusion condition, and showed significant improvement across trials in the implosion condition. These results suggest that infants possess embodied knowledge to support differential tracking of continuously and discontinuously moving objects, but this tracking can be modified by visual experience.
Different immunosuppressive mechanisms in multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria patients
Authors: Pinheiro R O , de Oliveira E B , dos Santos G , Sperandio da Silva G M , de Andrade Silva B J , Teles R M B , Milagres A , Sarno E N , Dalcolmo M P , Sampaio E P
Published: November 2012

Previous studies have demonstrated that cells from both multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) patients respond poorly to mycobacterial antigens in vitro. In the present study, we compared the in vitro response of cells isolated from sensitive TB (NR-TB)-, MDR-TB- and NTM-infected patients. Analysis of T cell phenotype ex vivo revealed that both MDR-TB and NTM patients present an increased percentage of CD4+CD25+- forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+ and CD4+CD25+CD127− regulatory T (Treg) cells when compared to NR-TB. Increased numbers of Treg cells and interleukin (IL)-10 serum levels were detected in MDR-TB, whereas elevated serum transforming growth factor (TGF)-β was found in the NTM group. Cells of MDR-TB patients stimulated with early secretory antigenic target (ESAT)-6, but not purified protein derivative (PPD), showed a lower frequency of CD4+/interferon (IFN)-γ+ T cells and enhanced CD4+CD25+FoxP3+, CD4+CD25+CD127− and CD4+CD25+IL-10+ T cell population. In addition, increased IL-10 secretion was observed in cultured MDR-TB cells following ESAT-6 stimulation, but not in NR-TB or NTM patients. In vitro blockade of IL-10 or IL-10Rα decreased the CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ frequencies induced by ESAT-6 in MDR-TB, suggesting a role of IL-10 on impaired IFN-γ responses seen in MDR-TB. Depletion of CD4+CD25+ T lymphocytes restored the capacity of MDR-TB T cells to respond to ESAT-6 in vitro, which suggests a potential role for Treg/T regulatory 1 cells in the pathogenesis of MDR-TB. Together, our results indicate that although the similarities in chronicity, NTM- and MDR-TB-impaired antigenic responses involve different mechanisms.
Predicting non‐native fish dispersal under conditions of climate change: case study in England of dispersal and establishment of pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus in a floodplain pond
Authors: Fobert Emily , Zięba Grzegorz , Vilizzi Lorenzo , Godard Michael J. , Fox Michael G. , Stakėnas Saulius , Copp Gordon H.
Published: November 2012

Predictions of future climate change include shifts in patterns of precipitation, evapotranspiration and water run‐off, resulting in increased periods of drought as well as variability and intensity of rainfall events. In the United Kingdom, the non‐native North American sunfish, pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus (L.), is expected to benefit from these changes. We examine how hydrological variability induced by predicted changes in climate will affect the dispersal and spread of pumpkinseed in England by: (i) determining the relationship between discharge regime and pumpkinseed propagule pressure; (ii) examining a newly‐established pumpkinseed population following a flood event in 2007; and (iii) comparing the growth and life‐history traits of this new population with fish collected from the source population to demonstrate how the pumpkinseed's life‐history plasticity contributes to its success as a coloniser. Using Bayesian modelling, we determined that the number of pumpkinseed escapees is likely to increase with increasing discharge. The newly‐established pumpkinseed population showed fast juvenile growth, early age at maturity and small size at maturity. These traits differed significantly from the source population, specifically total length (TL) means at ages 1 and 2 were significantly greater in the new population, whereas TL at age 4 was significantly greater in the source population, and a significantly higher proportion of mature females were found at smaller size classes in the newly established pumpkinseed population. This study demonstrates the potential link between hydrological variability (current and future) and the dispersal of non‐native pumpkinseed, leading to the establishment of new populations.
Molecular cloning of IGλ rearrangements using long‐distance inverse PCR (LDI‐PCR)
Authors: Shimanuki Masaya , Sonoki Takashi , Hosoi Hiroki , Watanuki Jyuri , Murata Shogo , Kawakami Keiki , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Hanaoka Nobuyoshi , Nakakuma Hideki
Published: November 2012

Objectives

Malignant cells of mature B‐cell origin show tumor‐specific clonal immunoglobulin gene (IG) rearrangements, including V(D)J recombinations, nucleotide mutations, or translocations. Rapid molecular cloning of the breakpoint sequence by long‐distance inverse PCR (LDI‐PCR) has so far been applied to rearrangements targeted to IGH joining, IGH switch, and IGκ regions. We tended to apply LDI‐PCR method for cloning of IGλ rearrangements.

Methods

To identify which IGλ isotype segment was rearranged, we performed Southern blot analysis using isotype‐specific probes. We set inverse primers on the telomeric side of each joining region and amplified rearranged bands detected by Southern blot analysis as corresponding PCR products.

Results

All germline IGλ segments were successfully amplified as expected PCR products. We determined breakpoint sequences of five chromosome translocations involving IGλ locus: three novel t(8;22)(q24;q11), one known t(3;22)(q27;q11), and one partially known t(11;22)(q13;q11). Two of the three t(8;22)(q24;q11) were involved in Jλ with a recombination signal sequence and one of three in the first exon of IGLL5, which lies upstream of Jλ1. Three 8q24 breakpoints were widespread at 132, 260 and 366 kb downstream of MYC locus. The t(3;22)(q27;q11) showed a juxtaposition of Jλ2 and the first intron of BCL6, as previously reported. In t(11;22)(q13;q11), 3′UTR of cyclin D1 fused to the constant region of λ7 with nucleotide mutations. We also amplified four Vλ/Jλ recombination sequences.

Conclusion

Our method is a useful tool for molecular analysis of genetic events in IGλ.
Comparison of 6‐hydroxydopamine lesions of the substantia nigra and the medial forebrain bundle on a lateralised choice reaction time task in mice
Authors: Heuer Andreas , Smith Gaynor A. , Dunnett Stephen B.
Published: November 2012

Parkinson's disease is most commonly modelled via unilateral infusion of the neurotoxin 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) in the rat, but recent work has been aimed to translate the reproducibility and reliability of the model to the mouse. Here we present the effects of unilateral 6‐OHDA lesions to either the medial forebrain bundle or the substantia nigra (SN) in mice, which were trained on a lateralised choice reaction time (RT) task. This task measures response accuracy as well as RT and movement time latencies, and offers the opportunity for a more fine‐grained analysis of the precise nature of the movement deficit, motor learning and functional recovery than can be achieved using classical tests of simple motor asymmetry. Both lesion types caused impaired response accuracy, which was more pronounced when responses had to be directed contralateral to the lesion. Furthermore, movement times were increased for both lesion groups, whereas only the bundle lesion group displayed a RT deficit. The lesions were stable over three consecutive weeks of testing, therefore lesion‐type and behavioural assessment on the operant task are suitable to investigate the dopaminergic system in parkinsonian mice. Both lesions were stable over time, and were more pronounced when responses were directed in contralateral space; the mice with more complete bundle lesions displayed a greater deficit than mice that received lesions to the SN. The translation of this choice RT task will be beneficial for the assessment of therapeutics in mouse models of the disease.
Freeze‐drying as a preserving preparation technique for in vitro testing of human skin
Authors: Franzen Lutz , Vidlářová Lucie , Kostka Karl‐Heinz , Schaefer Ulrich F. , Windbergs Maike
Published: November 2012

In vitro testing of drugs with excised human skin is a valuable prerequisite for clinical studies. However, the analysis of excised human skin presents several obstacles. Ongoing drug diffusion, microbial growth and changes in hydration state influence the results of drug penetration studies. In this work, we evaluate freeze‐drying as a preserving preparation method for skin samples to overcome these obstacles. We analyse excised human skin before and after freeze‐drying and compare these results with human skin in vivo. Based on comprehensive thermal and spectroscopic analysis, we demonstrate comparability to in vivo conditions and exclude significant changes within the skin samples due to freeze‐drying. Furthermore, we show that freeze‐drying after skin incubation with drugs prevents growth of drug crystals on the skin surface due to drying effects. In conclusion, we introduce freeze‐drying as a preserving preparation technique for in vitro testing of human skin.
Skewed distribution of natural killer cells in psoriasis skin lesions
Authors: Batista Mariana D. , Ho Emily L. , Kuebler Peter J. , Milush Jeffrey M. , Lanier Lewis L. , Kallas Esper G. , York Vanessa A. , Chang David , Liao Wilson , Unemori Patrick , Leslie Kieron S. , Maurer Toby , Nixon Douglas F.
Published: November 2012

Psoriasis is a hyper‐proliferative disease of the skin in which immunological mechanisms play a direct pathogenetic role. There have been limited studies of natural killer (NK) cells in psoriasis. The aim of this study was to examine the phenotype of NK cells in skin biopsies and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with psoriasis and healthy controls. CD56+CD16− and CD56+CD16+ NK cells were isolated from lesional skin, unaffected skin and PBMC of psoriasis patients, and normal skin and PBMC from healthy controls. The expression of CD57, NKG2A and NKG2C was assessed by flow cytometry. NK cells in psoriasis skin lesions were skewed in their expression of CD57, a marker of NK cell maturity, with CD57 expression significantly reduced and NKG2A expression increased on NK cells in lesional and unaffected skin compared to controls. These data suggest that in this patient cohort, NK cells could be isolated from psoriasis lesions and exhibit an immature phenotype.
Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) may modulate the timing of anagen entry in mouse hair follicles
Authors: Kellenberger Antonia J. , Tauchi Miyuki
Published: November 2012

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a central regulator of cell proliferation and survival. There is limited evidence that mTOR influences hair follicles (HFs), which undergo cycles of quiescence (telogen), growth (anagen) and regression (catagen). We sought to investigate whether mTOR, in particular mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), regulates the hair growth cycle by employing biochemical, immunohistochemical and functional approaches in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that quantitative analysis of mTORC1 kinase activity shows phase‐dependent changes, and phosphorylated mTOR at S2448 (p‐mTOR) was localized in certain sites of HFs in a phase‐dependent manner. These results were indicative of mTOR's role in hair growth initiation. Finally, in a pharmacological challenge in vivo using the specific mTORC1 inhibitor, rapamycin, hair cycle initiation was delayed, suggesting a functional relevance of mTORC1 in anagen entry. Based on our findings, we propose that mTORC1 may participate in hair cycle regulation, namely the timing of anagen initiation.
Torrefaction/biochar production by microwave and conventional slow pyrolysis – comparison of energy properties
Authors: Gronnow Mark J. , Budarin Vitaliy L. , Mašek Ondřej , Crombie Kyle N. , Brownsort Peter A. , Shuttleworth Peter S. , Hurst Peter R. , Clark James H.
Published: November 2012

The energy efficiency of torrefaction/pyrolysis of biomass to fuel/biochar was studied using conventional (slow) and microwave (low temperature) pyrolysis. Conventional pyrolysis is approximately three times as energy efficient as microwave pyrolysis, in terms of the energy required to process a unit of feedstock. However, this is more than compensated for by the higher energy content of the condensable and gaseous coproducts from microwave pyrolysis, as these can be utilized to generate the electricity required to drive the process. It is proposed that the most efficient method of torrefaction/biochar production is a combination of conventional heating with ‘catalytic’ amount of microwave irradiation.
At the limits: habitat suitability modelling of northern 17‐year periodical cicada extinctions (Hemiptera: Magicicada spp.)
Authors: Cooley John R. , Marshall David C. , Simon Chris , Neckermann Michael L. , Bunker Gerry
Published: November 2012

Aim

Adult periodical cicadas emerge as temporally isolated, synchronized multispecies communities (‘broods’) that are for the most part geographically contiguous and that fit together in jigsaw‐puzzle‐like fashion. Some year‐classes of 17‐year cicadas have become extinct within historical times. We investigate two general causes for these extinctions – anthropogenic habitat destruction and post‐glacial climate change.

Location

Periodical cicadas are confined to the eastern United States, east of the Great Plains. We document the locations of known periodical cicada extinctions in two broods of 17‐year cicadas in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and upstate New York, USA.

Methods

Using additional distributional records of 17‐year cicadas, we develop habitat suitability models for all 17‐year periodical cicadas, using data layers that reflect both ecological and anthropogenic factors.

Results

Climatological data layers related specifically to annual mean temperature and temperature during the warmest months make the greatest contributions to our models, and data layers most specifically related to deforestation and habitat fragmentation tend to make much smaller contributions. Two well‐documented extinct populations of periodical cicadas occurred in locations where these models predict relatively low habitat suitability for 17‐year cicadas.

Main conclusions

Our results and other circumstantial evidence discount the importance of anthropogenic habitat destruction in explaining these particular extinctions.
Geographic evidence for source–sink dynamics in deep‐sea neogastropods of the eastern North Atlantic: an approach using nested analysis
Authors: Brault Solange , Stuart Carol T. , Wagstaff Martine C. , Rex Michael A.
Published: November 2012

Aim

We conduct a nested analysis of bathymetric distributions in neogastropods to test the hypothesis that bathyal and abyssal populations represent a source–sink system. Abyssal assemblages are predicted to be significantly nested subsets of bathyal assemblages, and to be characterized by low density, which drives extinction, and a high incidence of species with larval dispersal for continued immigration to maintain diversity.

Location

Bathyal and abyssal regions of the eastern North Atlantic Ocean.

Methods

We used published indices of beta diversity to distinguish the components of species dissimilarity among sites that are caused by turnover and nestedness. We used BINMATNEST and its most conservative null model to test specifically for nestedness along a depth gradient.

Results

Both turnover and nestedness affect beta diversity, but dissimilarity due to turnover predominates at depths of less than 3000 m, and dissimilarity due to nestedness at depths greater than 3000 m. Nestedness increases significantly down‐slope at depths greater than 1000 m. The rank order of nestedness is significantly predicted by macrofaunal density and by the proportion of neogastropod species with dispersing larvae.

Main conclusions

Bathymetric patterns of beta diversity in the deep‐sea benthos have been interpreted largely as a consequence of species turnover. Our results indicate that beta diversity in neogastropods is composed of two separate processes, turnover and nestedness, and that their relative importance changes with depth. Dissimilarity among sites due to nestedness, coupled with information on standing stock and life history, suggests that at least part of the abyssal neogastropod assemblage is maintained by source–sink dynamics.
Peri‐operative intravenous administration of magnesium sulphate and postoperative pain: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Albrecht E. , Kirkham K. R. , Liu S. S. , Brull R.
Published: November 2012

Intravenous magnesium has been reported to improve postoperative pain; however, the evidence is inconsistent. The objective of this quantitative systematic review is to evaluate whether or not the peri‐operative administration of intravenous magnesium can reduce postoperative pain. Twenty‐five trials comparing magnesium with placebo were identified. Independent of the mode of administration (bolus or continuous infusion), peri‐operative magnesium reduced cumulative intravenous morphine consumption by 24.4% (mean difference: 7.6 mg, 95% CI −9.5 to −5.8 mg; p < 0.00001) at 24 h postoperatively. Numeric pain scores at rest and on movement at 24 h postoperatively were reduced by 4.2 (95% CI −6.3 to −2.1; p < 0.0001) and 9.2 (95% CI −16.1 to −2.3; p = 0.009) out of 100, respectively. We conclude that peri‐operative intravenous magnesium reduces opioid consumption, and to a lesser extent, pain scores, in the first 24 h postoperatively, without any reported serious adverse effects.
Broadening the translational immunology landscape
Authors: Peakman M
Published: November 2012

It is just over 5 years sinceClinical and Experimental Immunology came under the direction of a new team of Editors and made a concerted effort to refresh its approach to promoting clinical and applied immunology through its pages. There were two major objectives: to foster papers in a field which, at the time, we loosely termed ‘translational immunology’; and to create a forum for the presentation and discussion of immunology that is relevant to clinicians operating in this space. So, how are we doing with these endeavours? This brief paper aims to summarize some of the key learning points and successes and highlight areas in which translational gaps remain.
Human and climate influences on frequent fire in a high‐elevation tropical forest
Authors: Yocom Larissa L. , Fulé Peter Z.
Published: November 2012

Surface fire has increasingly been regarded as a critical threat to tropical forests, but much of the research documenting degradation of tropical forests by fire comes from the low‐elevation humid tropics. Fire in high‐elevation tropical forests has received less research attention, but these forests are of high conservation value because they support unique ecosystems, which are often isolated due to their restriction to widely separated peaks.

We investigated the frequency and ecological impact of fire on a high‐elevation tropical forest ofPinus hartwegiiinPico deOrizabaNationalPark in centralMexico. This forest was previously thought to have been degraded by excessive human‐caused fires. We assessed human‐caused changes to the fire regime as well as the impact of climate on fire occurrence, both previously undocumented in this region.

We found no increase in fire frequency or evidence of degradation of the forest. We found that the forest was uneven‐aged and contained many large and old trees (maximum age 483 years). In the twentieth century, the forest experienced a frequent surface fire regime, with fires scarring trees in 90 of 100 years. However, most fires were small and asynchronous among sites. Inter‐annual climatic variability was not an influential driver of fire, andElNiño–SouthernOscillation was not significantly related to the occurrence of widespread fire.

Synthesis and applications. Our results show that this high‐elevation tropical forest has not been degraded but has existed with frequent fires for at least a century. A trend in the 21st century towards less‐frequent fire could be cause for concern, as a decrease in fire frequency could lead to an increase in tree density and a loss of resilience in the face of climate change and other future disturbance. We recommend that managers take into account historical fire regimes in their local areas: frequent surface fires in the case ofPico deOrizaba. It is important to recognize that although fire can be detrimental in many low‐elevation tropical forests, it is an integral part of this high‐elevation tropical forest ecosystem, and other high‐elevation forests may show similar patterns.
A diagonal approach to building primary healthcare systems in resource‐limited settings: women‐centred integration of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, MCH and NCD initiatives
Authors: Gounder Celine R. , Chaisson Richard E.
Published: November 2012

La nécessité d’une intégration des systèmes des soins de santé primaire pour les femmes offrant des services pour les maladies infectieuses et non transmissibles courantes dans les cadres à ressources limitées, est discutée.
Markers of systemic inflammation in delayed pressure urticaria
Authors: Kasperska‐Zajac Alicja , Jasinska Tatiana , Grzanka Alicja , Kowalik‐Sztylc Agata
Published: November 2012

Background  We have previously reported, increased plasma IL‐6 concentration in chronic urticaria. In addition, it has been suggested that IL‐6 and C‐reactive protein (CRP) may be useful markers of the disease activity.

Aim  The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a systemic inflammation is present in delayed pressure urticaria (DPU).

Methods  Plasma IL‐6 and serum CRP concentrations, biomarkers of acute phase response, were measured in DPU, and the healthy subjects matched by age, gender, and BMI using ELISA method.

Results  DPU patients showed significantly higher plasma IL‐6 and serum CRP concentrations than the healthy subjects.

Conclusions  Similarly to the known locally increased IL‐6 activity in DPU lesions, the elevated circulating levels of IL‐6 and CRP have been currently found in DPU. This indicates that the disease induces a systemic inflammatory process, termed the acute phase response.
Efficacy and safety of a WallFlex enteral stent for malignant gastric obstruction
Authors: Kanno Yoshihide , Ito Kei , Fujita Naotaka , Noda Yutaka , Kobayashi Go , Horaguchi Jun , Koshita Shinsuke , Ogawa Takahisa , Masu Kaori , Hirasawa Dai , Sugawara Toshiki , Koike Yoshiki , Hashimoto Shinichi , Ishii Syoutarou
Published: November 2012

Aim

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of a newly available enteral WallFlex stent for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO).

Methods

Twenty‐one consecutive patients with symptomatic (unable to take solids) malignant GOO treated by a WallFlex stent from April 2010 to February 2012 were included and analyzed retrospectively. Main outcome measurements were technical success, early complications, clinical response (elimination of the need for nasogastric tube drainage), clinical success (improvement of oral intake to a GOO score of 2 or 3), and duration of sustaining a GOO score of 2 or 3 after clinical success (median duration until reworsening of GOO score to <2 by the Kaplan–Meier method). A four‐point GOO scoring system (0–3) was used for estimation of oral intake.

Results

Technical success rate was 100%. Bleeding and perforation after stent placement and stent dislocation/migration in the follow‐up period did not occur in any patients, whereas one patient (5%) developed moderate post‐procedural pancreatitis. Clinical response and clinical success was achieved in all patients and in 81% (17/21), respectively. In 17 patients whose GOO score had improved to 2 or 3 after stent placement, eight (47%) developed reworsening of the GOO score to <2 with a median time of 148 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 0–328; Kaplan–Meier method). Median survival time after the initial intervention was 61 days (95% CI, 40–82).

Conclusion

Placement of an enteral WallFlex stent in patients with malignant GOO is safe and effective.
Healthcare context and nursing workforce in a main city of Angola
Authors: Costa Mendes I.A. , Marchi‐Alves L.M. , Mazzo A. , Nogueira M.S. , Trevizan M.A. , de Godoy S. , Bistafa Pereira M.J. , Leonardo de Oliveira Gaioli C.C. , Arena Ventura C.A.
Published: November 2012

Background

Angola is one of the largest African countries with continuing levels of insecurity, considerable weakness in terms of respect for human rights, destroyed infrastructure and low transparency and social accountability levels. The health system displays gaps and nursing represents the main contingent among human resources in health.

Aim

This research aims to understand the healthcare context in Angola from the perspective of Brazilian nurses who were involved in helping their Angolan colleagues. This general view of health services is followed by a description of nursing workforce particularities at a tertiary health service in the province of Luanda.

Methods

Data were extracted from the database of the Global Network of World Health Organization Collaborating Centres for Nursing and Midwifery Development, constructed based on technical visits to Angola in 2009. Information related to health service characteristics was used, focusing on nursing human resource activities at two tertiary, one secondary and one primary health institutions located in the province of Luanda. The study data were analysed through descriptive statistics.

Findings

Among the problems the nursing workforce faces, the lack of human, material and financial resources stands out, as well as insufficient professional qualification, excessive work journeys, low remunerations, non‐valuation of professionals, leading to unsatisfactory work environments and discouraged human resources.

Conclusions

Nursing in Angola is conquering its professional space. Therefore, regulatory policies are fundamental, defining the rights and obligations of all categories involved, with a view to determining nurses' function in the health team, including respect for and acknowledgement of their role in the community.
The effect of obesity on polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lim S. S. , Norman R. J. , Davies M. J. , Moran L. J.
Published: November 2012

While many women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are overweight, obese or centrally obese, the effect of excess weight on the outcomes of PCOS is inconsistent. The review aimed to assess the effects of overweight, obesity and central obesity on the reproductive, metabolic and psychological features of PCOS. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and PSYCINFO were searched for studies reporting outcomes according to body mass index categories or body fat distribution. Data were presented as mean difference or risk ratio (95% confidence interval). This review included 30 eligible studies. Overweight or obese women with PCOS had decreased sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), increased total testosterone, free androgen index, hirsutism, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment‐insulin resistance index and worsened lipid profile. Obesity significantly worsened all metabolic and reproductive outcomes measured except for hirsutism when compared to normal weight women with PCOS. Overweight women had no differences in total testosterone, hirsutism, total‐cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol compared to normal weight women and no differences in SHBG and total testosterone compared to obese women. Central obesity was associated with higher fasting insulin levels. These results suggest that prevention and treatment of obesity is important for the management of PCOS.
Characterizing the EPODE logic model: unravelling the past and informing the future
Authors: Van Koperen T. M. , Jebb S. A. , Summerbell C. D. , Visscher T. L. S. , Romon M. , Borys J. M. , Seidell J. C.
Published: November 2012

EPODE (‘Ensemble Prévenons l'Obésité De Enfants’ or ‘Together let's Prevent Childhood Obesity’) is a large‐scale, centrally coordinated, capacity‐building approach for communities to implement effective and sustainable strategies to prevent childhood obesity. Since 2004, EPODE has been implemented in over 500 communities in six countries. Although based on emergent practice and scientific knowledge, EPODE, as many community programs, lacks a logic model depicting key elements of the approach. The objective of this study is to gain insight in the dynamics and key elements of EPODE and to represent these in a schematic logic model. EPODE's process manuals and documents were collected and interviews were held with professionals involved in the planning and delivery of EPODE. Retrieved data were coded, themed and placed in a four‐level logic model. With input from international experts, this model was scaled down to a concise logic model covering four critical components: political commitment, public and private partnerships, social marketing and evaluation. The EPODE logic model presented here can be used as a reference for future and follow‐up research; to support future implementation of EPODE in communities; as a tool in the engagement of stakeholders; and to guide the construction of a locally tailored evaluation plan.
ARE LONG‐TERM INFLATION EXPECTATIONS WELL‐ANCHORED? EVIDENCE FROM THE EURO AREA AND THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Tsenova Tsvetomira
Published: November 2012

This paper analyses the stability of long‐term inflation expectations and uncertainty, based on their sensitivity to innovations to observed inflation, short‐ and medium‐term forecast news. News is defined in a subjective sense and derived from revisions to shorter‐term fixed‐target forecasts. The assessment tests for presence of non‐linear effects, including regime changes during disinflation in the USA in the 1990s and the recent financial crisis. Stability is also investigated in terms of level evolution, based on a structural non‐linear and non‐Gaussian learning model to uncover the presence of a common trend underlying the long‐term dynamics of inflation, individual expectations, and uncertainty.
FISCAL DECENTRALIZATION: AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR GOVERNMENT REFORM?
Authors: KWON OSUNG
Published: November 2012

The theory of fiscal federalism asserts that fiscal decentralization increases government effectiveness, reduces government budgets, and reduces corruption when used as a means of government reform. However, counter‐arguments have been made that such an approach has diverging effects according to the level of national development. We have attempted herein to carry out an empirical analysis to examine these theories. Data from 17 developed and 17 developing states were obtained in order to conduct a regression analysis of various indicators. The results revealed that fiscal decentralization reduced government effectiveness in developed countries. Important determinants for government effectiveness were the quality of regulation and the rule of law. When responsibility for expenditure and revenue were devolved, budgets expanded in both developed and developing countries. Fiscal decentralization deterred corruption in advanced states, whereas greater autonomy in spending increased malfeasance in the developing world.
Functional foods and the biomedicalisation of everyday life: a case of germinated brown rice
Authors: Kim Hyomin
Published: November 2012

Germinated brown rice (GBR) is a functional food, whose benefits for chronic diseases have been demonstrated by scientific research on a single constituent of GBR, gamma aminobutyric acid. This article examines the processes through which the emphasis on biomedical rationality made during the production and consumption of functional foods is embedded in the complicated social contexts of the post‐1990s. In the case of GBR, the Korean government, food scientists, mass media and consumers have added cultural accounts to the biomedical understanding of foods. In particular, consumers have transformed their households and online communities into a place for surveillance medicine. Functional foods are embedded in multiple actors’ perspectives on what healthy foods mean and how and where the risks of chronic diseases should be managed.
Which Method Predicts Recidivism Best?: A Comparison of Statistical, Machine Learning and Data Mining Predictive Models
Authors: Tollenaar N. , van der Heijden P. G. M.
Published: November 2012

Using criminal population conviction histories of recent offenders, prediction mod els are developed that predict three types of criminal recidivism: general recidivism, violent recidivism and sexual recidivism. The research question is whether prediction techniques from modern statistics, data mining and machine learning provide an improvement in predictive performance over classical statistical methods, namely logistic regression and linear discrim inant analysis. These models are compared on a large selection of performance measures. Results indicate that classical methods do equally well as or better than their modern counterparts. The predictive performance of the various techniques differs only slightly for general and violent recidivism, whereas differences are larger for sexual recidivism. For the general and violent recidivism data we present the results of logistic regression and for sexual recidivism of linear discriminant analysis.
Ratings and Rankings: Voodoo or Science?
Authors: Paruolo Paolo , Saisana Michaela , Saltelli Andrea
Published: November 2012

Composite indicators aggregate a set of variables by using weights which are understood to reflect the variables’ importance in the index. We propose to measure the importance of a given variable within existing composite indicators via Karl Pearson’s ‘correlation ratio’; we call this measure the ‘main effect’. Because socio-economic variables are heteroscedastic and correlated, relative nominal weights are hardly ever found to match relative main effects; we propose to summarize their discrepancy with a divergence measure. We discuss to what extent the mapping from nominal weights to main effects can be inverted. This analysis is applied to six composite indicators, including the human development index and two popular league tables of university performance. It is found that in many cases the declared importance of single indicators and their main effect are very different, and that the data correlation structure often prevents developers from obtaining the stated importance, even when modifying the nominal weights in the set of non-negative numbers with unit sum.
Social Stratification and Out-of-School Learning
Authors: Andersson Christian , Johansson Per
Published: November 2012

To study the effects of out-of-school learning we use data on children who stayed in boarding houses while attending public elementary schools in Sweden in the 1940s. The out-of-school environment at the boarding houses could be considered as being more conducive to learning than the home environment: the pupils at the boarding houses had daily scheduled time for doing their homework with the assistance of a junior school teacher and, in addition, they had access to a small library. The placement at boarding houses was based on the distance from their place of residence to the nearest school and thus had no direct connection to the pupils’ skills, which simplifies the empirical analysis based on register data. We find that the more conducive learning environment equalized skills at school leaving age, and the effect was greater for children with poor initial ability.
MONETARY POLICY RULES AND MACROECONOMIC STABILIZATION IN SMALL OPEN ECONOMIES UNDER BEHAVIORAL FX TRADING: INSIGHTS FROM NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS*
Authors: PROAÑO CHRISTIAN R.
Published: November 2012

In this paper the interaction between foreign exchange (FX) markets driven by trading based on behavioral forecasting rules and the macroeconomy of a small open economy is investigated. A special focus of the paper is set on the consequences of chartism or technical analysis for the stability at the macroeconomic level. Furthermore, the performance of alternative monetary policy rules concerning the overall stabilization of the economy is investigated through numerical analysis.
ACCOUNTING FOR THE GREAT RECESSION IN THE UK: REAL BUSINESS CYCLES AND FINANCIAL FRICTIONS*
Authors: CHADHA JAGJIT S. , WARREN JAMES
Published: November 2012

Using the business cycle accounting (BCA) framework, we examine the 2008–9 recession in the UK. The recession appears to have been mostly driven by shocks to the efficiency wedge in total production, rather than intertemporal (asset price) consumption. From an expenditure perspective this result is consistent with the large observed falls in both consumption and investment. Simulated data from a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model in which asset price shocks dominate finds no strong role for the intertemporal consumption wedge. This result implies that financial frictions work through more than just this channel.
Technology Diffusion with Learning Spillovers: Patent Versus Free Access
Authors: GLACHANT MATTHIEU , MÉNIÈRE YANN
Published: November 2012

This paper analyses the interplay between technology diffusion and patent law. We develop a dynamic model where initial adoptions generate learning spillovers that reduce the cost of subsequent adoptions. In this setting, we contrast technology diffusion paths under competitive supply, subsidized adoption and patent protection. Competitive supply entails various coordination failures that cannot be fully fixed by public subsidy. We show that a patent holder can internalize externalities more efficiently, insofar as patent protection is fully effective. In contrast, fully competitive supply may be more efficient when patent enforcement is imperfect.
‘That wicked rule, that evil doctrine … ’: Reforming the Law on Disclosure in Insurance Contracts
Authors: Lowry John , Rawlings Philip
Published: November 2012

The Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012, which abolishes the consumer assured's duty to volunteer information, heralds the first successful outcome of the English and Scottish Law Commissions current insurance contract law reform project. This paper outlines the defects of the common law duty of disclosure which the Law Commissions sought to address. It goes on to consider why previous legislative attempts failed, the self‐regulatory measures introduced by the insurance industry as a means of resisting earlier pressure for statutory intervention, and how that resistance broke down. Finally, it examines the scope of the 2012 reforms and the current consultation being undertaken in respect of the duty of disclosure in relation to business insurance. It concludes by assessing the significance of the statute in providing a necessary impetus for future insurance law reforms.
Section 994 of the Companies Act 2006 and the Primacy of Contract
Authors: McVea Harry
Published: November 2012

The Court of Appeal's decision in Fulham Football Club (1987) Ltd v Richards & Anor is both of interest and significance. By embracing the idea of the parties’ ability to ‘contract out’ of their statutory right to petition the court for relief under section 994 of the Companies Act 2006 (the so‐called ‘unfair prejudice’ remedy), their Lordships have not only contrived to stunt the future development of unfair prejudice as a minority shareholder remedy but, and more importantly for the purposes of this case note, their decision has reasserted and extended the contractual analogy in modern UK company law.
Giant eucalypts – globally unique fire‐adapted rain‐forest trees?
Authors: Tng D. Y. P. , Williamson G. J. , Jordan G. J. , Bowman D. M. J. S.
Published: November 2012

Tree species exceeding 70 m in height are rare globally. Giant gymnosperms are concentrated near the Pacific coast of theUSA, while the tallest angiosperms are eucalypts (Eucalyptusspp.) in southern and eastern Australia. Giant eucalypts co‐occur with rain‐forest trees in eastern Australia, creating unique vegetation communities comprising fire‐dependent trees above fire‐intolerant rain‐forest. However, giant eucalypts can also tower over shrubby understoreys (e.g. in Western Australia). The local abundance of giant eucalypts is controlled by interactions between fire activity and landscape setting. Giant eucalypts have features that increase flammability (e.g. oil‐rich foliage and open crowns) relative to other rain‐forest trees but it is debatable if these features are adaptations. Probable drivers of eucalypt gigantism are intense intra‐specific competition following severe fires, and inter‐specific competition among adult trees. However, we suggest that this was made possible by a general capacity of eucalypts for ‘hyper‐emergence’. We argue that, because giant eucalypts occur in rain‐forest climates and share traits with rain‐forest pioneers, they should be regarded as long‐lived rain‐forest pioneers, albeit with a particular dependence on fire for regeneration. These unique ecosystems are of high conservation value, following substantial clearing and logging over 150 yr.

ContentsSummary1001I.Introduction1001II.Giant eucalypts in a global context1002III.Giant eucalypts – taxonomy and distribution1004IV.Growth of giant eucalypts1006V.Fire and regeneration of giant eucalypts1008VI.Are giant eucalypts different from other rain‐forest trees?1009VII.Conclusions1010Acknowledgements1011References1011
Heidegger, event and the ontological politics of the site
Authors: Joronen Mikko
Published: November 2012

This paper scrutinises the possibilities Martin Heidegger’s notion of ‘the event of revealing’ (Ereignis) poses for spatial theory. It shows how Heidegger’s work on ‘the event’ and its ‘fourfold’ constitution (between earth, sky, mortals and divinities) affords a spatial understanding of ontology as a site revealed around the assemblage of things. Accordingly, spatial ontologies do not grow from the multiplicity of human constructions and social relations, but from the radical ontological finitude constitutive for the revealing of the material site of the thing. Through such post‐human understanding of the event, it becomes possible to think spatiality, not just in accordance with the influence Heidegger’s thought could have on the material understanding of spatiality, but in accordance with the rich understanding we could gain by exploring the politics of finite ontologies, the politics intrinsic for the different happenings of revealing.
Postnatal outcome in neonates with severe Rhesus c compared to Rhesus D hemolytic disease
Authors: Rath Mirjam E.A. , Smits‐Wintjens Vivianne E.H.J. , Lindenburg Irene T.M. , Folman Claudia C. , Brand Anneke , van Kamp Inge L. , Oepkes Dick , Walther Frans J. , Lopriore Enrico
Published: November 2012

Background

Neonates with Rhesus c (Rh c) hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) are often managed in the same way as neonates with Rhesus D (Rh D) HDFN, although evidence to support this policy is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate neonatal outcome in severe Rh c HDFN compared to Rh D HDFN.

Study Design and Methods

A retrospective study of (near‐)term neonates with severe Rh c (n = 22) and Rh D HDFN (n = 103; without additional antibodies) admitted to the Leiden University Medical Center between January 2000 and October 2011 was conducted. The need for intrauterine transfusions (IUTs), phototherapy, exchange transfusions (ETs), and top‐up transfusions up to 3 months of age were recorded and compared between both groups.

Results

Although there was a trend for a slightly more severe antenatal course for Rh D HDFN reflected by an earlier need for and higher number of IUTs (median [interquartile range], 2 [1.5‐4] vs. 2 [1‐2] in Rh c HDFN; p = 0.070), no significant differences were found for the postnatal course between Rh c and Rh D group in days of phototherapy (mean, Days 4.8 and 4.6, respectively; p = 0.569), need for ET (50% vs. 44%, respectively; p = 0.589), and top‐up transfusions (62% vs. 78%, respectively; p = 0.128).

Conclusion

Postnatal outcome in neonates with severe Rh c HDFN is similar compared to neonates with severe Rh D hemolytic disease in terms of days of phototherapy, need for ET, and need for top‐up transfusions. These results justify a similar postnatal management of neonates with Rh D and Rh c HDFN.