bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘We needed to change the mission statement of the marriage’: biographical disruptions, appraisals and revisions among couples living with endometriosis
Authors: Hudson Nicky , Culley Lorraine , Law Caroline , Mitchell Helene , Denny Elaine , Raine‐Fenning Nick
Published: December 2015

The concept of biographical disruption has been widely applied in sociological explorations of chronic illness and has been subject to much theoretical scrutiny, reflection and development. However, little attention has been given to the impact of biographical disruption beyond the individual level. This article explores the concept from a dyadic perspective, utilising data from an exploratory, qualitative study (ENDOPART) that investigated the impact of endometriosis on women and their male partners. In total, 22 couples participated in in‐depth, semi‐structured, face‐to‐face interviews. The women and their partners were interviewed separately and, in most cases, simultaneously, by different interviewers. Data analysis was informed by an interpretivist relational approach, foregrounding the meanings participants applied to their experiences, treating interviews as accounts, and exploring partners’ accounts in relation to one another. Two analytic approaches generated several themes for exploration in the context of the concept of biographical disruption: sex and intimacy; planning for and having children; working lives and social lives. The article argues that biographical disruptions are social and inter‐relational processes and discusses how couples living with endometriosis negotiated these disruptions, how they were appraised and how lives and expectations were revised as a result.
Papal Power and Protection in the Shebet Yehudah
Authors: Rist Rebecca
Published: December 2015

The sixteenth‐century Shebet Yehudah is an account of the persecutions of Jews in various countries and epochs, including their expulsion from Spain in the fifteenth century. It is not a medieval text and was written long after many of the events it describes. Yet although it cannot give us a contemporary medieval standpoint, it provides important insights into how later Jewish writers perceived Jewish–papal relations in the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth centuries. Although the extent to which Jewish communities came into contact either with the papacy as an institution or the actions of individual popes varied immensely, it is through analysis of Hebrew works such as the Shebet Yehudah that we are able to piece together a certain understanding of Jewish ideas about the medieval papacy as an institution and the policies of individual popes. This article argues that Jews knew only too well that papal protection was not unlimited, but always carefully circumscribed in accordance with Christian theology. It is hoped that it will be a scholarly contribution to our growing understanding of Jewish ideas about the papacy's spiritual and temporal power and authority in the Later Middle Ages and how this impacted on Jewish communities throughout medieval Europe.
Effect of Span 60 on the Microstructure, Crystallization Kinetics, and Mechanical Properties of Stearic Acid Oleogels: An In‐Depth Analysis
Authors: Uvanesh K. , Sagiri S. S. , Senthilguru K. , Pramanik K. , Banerjee I. , Anis Arfat , Al‐Zahrani S. M. , Pal Kunal
Published: December 2015

Modulation of crystallization of stearic acid and its derivatives is important for tuning the properties of stearate oleogels. The present study delineates the crystallization of stearic acid in stearate oleogels in the presence of Span 60. Microarchitecture analysis revealed that stearic acid crystals in the oleogels changed its shape from plate‐like structure to a branched architecture in the presence of Span 60. Consequently, a significant variation in the mobility of the solute molecules inside the oleogel (Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching studies, FRAP analysis) was observed. Thermal analysis (gelation kinetics and DSC) revealed shortening of nucleation induction time and secondary crystallization with an increase in the Span 60 concentration. Furthermore, isosolid diagram suggested better physical stability of the formulations at higher proportions of Span 60. XRD analysis indicated that there was a decrease in the crystal size and the crystallinity of the stearic acid crystals with an increase in Span 60 concentration in the Span 60 containing oleogels. However, crystal growth orientation was unidirectional and found unaltered with Span 60 concentration (Avarmi analysis using DSC data). The mechanical study indicated a composition‐dependent variation in the viscoelastic properties (instantaneous [τ1], intermediate [τ2], and delayed [τ3] relaxation times) of the formulations. In conclusion, Span 60 can be used to alter the kinetics of the crystallization, crystal habit and crystal structure of stearic acid. This study provides a number of clues that could be used further for developing oleogel based formulation.
Expression and clinical significance of A‐kinase anchor protein 4 in lung adenocarcinoma tissue
Authors: Li Hong‐Mei , Guo Kang , Yu Xiao‐Yun , Yu Zhuang , Xu Ping
Published: December 2015

Background

The A‐kinase anchor proteins (AKAP) are a growing family of scaffolding proteins involved in the occurrence, proliferation, and metastasis of tumors by controlling intracellular signals. In this study, the expression and significance of AKAP4 were analyzed in patients with lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent non‐cancerous tissues.

Methods

Using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, AKAP4 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression levels were measured in 108 cases of lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent non‐cancerous tissues.

Results

AKAP4 mRNA and protein were expressed in lung adenocarcinoma tissues, but not in adjacent non‐cancerous tissues. The expression of AKAP4 mRNA and protein was closely associated with lymphatic metastasis (P < 0.05), but had no relationship with stage, differentiation degree, gender, age or smoking (P > 0.05). AKAP4 expression had an adverse effect on the overall survival rate (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The expression of AKAP4 was high in lung adenocarcinoma tissue, which may be closely related to the lymphatic metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma. AKAP4 may be a novel lung adenocarcinoma molecule marker and a predictor of poor prognosis.
Hypofractionated radiotherapy for medically inoperable stage I non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Jiang Wei , Wang Jian‐Yang , Wang Jing‐Bo , Liang Jun , Hui Zhou‐Guang , Wang Xiao‐Zhen , Zhou Zong‐Mei , Wang Lu‐Hua
Published: December 2015

Background

To investigate the clinical outcomes and toxicity of hypofractionated radiotherapy for medically inoperable stage I non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Patients treated with radiotherapy at a dose of 4–6 Gy per fraction using fixed‐field intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) at our hospital from June 2005 to December 2013 were analyzed. The total prescription doses ranged from 50–78 Gy with 4–6 Gy per fraction. The median follow‐up period was 24 months.

Results

A total of 65 patients with stage I NSCLC were analyzed, including 43 primary NSCLC patients and 22 patients with recurrent or second primary NSCLC. An objective response (complete or partial response) was achieved at six months in 84.6% of patients. The three‐year local control rate was 90.8%. Kaplan–Meier estimates of local failure‐free, progression‐free, overall, and cancer‐specific survival rates at three years were 90.3%, 64.3%, 68.9%, and 88.8%, respectively. The rate of symptomatic radiation pneumonitis was 16.9%, and no grade 4–5 toxicity was observed.

Conclusion

Favorable local control and outcome was achieved with hypofractionated radiotherapy in patients with inoperable stage I NSCLC with acceptable toxicity. The most common schedule of 6 Gy × 12 fractions may be a promising regimen, and a prospective study is in process.
Dutch healthcare professionals inadequately perceived if three‐ and four‐year‐old preschool children were overweight
Authors: Bocca Gianni , Corpeleijn Eva , Broens Jasper , Stolk Ronald P. , Sauer Pieter J.
Published: December 2015

Aim

We studied whether healthcare professionals adequately perceived if preschool children were overweight and whether this was influenced by their own body mass index (BMI).

Methods

We sent 716 Dutch healthcare professionals questionnaires containing seven pictures and seven sketches of three‐ and four‐year‐old children showing body weights from underweight to morbidly obese. The professionals rated the pictures on a five‐point scale from too heavy to too light and chose the sketch that they felt best depicted the child's body shape. They also reported their own height and weight and their BMI was calculated.

Results

Of the 716 questionnaires, 346 (48.3%) were returned with complete information and analysed. Healthcare professionals mostly chose sketches that showed children as being lighter than they really were. Depending on their own BMI group, the overweight child was perceived as having a normal weight by 74–79% of the healthcare professionals. The obese children were rated correctly by 44–52% of the professionals, but 14–15% said their weight was normal. The morbidly obese child was adequately assessed by 93–98% of the professionals.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals inadequately perceived whether three‐ and four‐year‐old children were overweight and this may have hindered early interventions, leading to overweight children becoming overweight adolescents.
Pan‐Cardiac Cycle Fixed Mitral Valve Opening in an LVAD Patient Presenting with Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Yoon Andrew J. , Sohn Jina , Grazette Luanda , Fong Michael W. , Bowdish Michael E.
Published: December 2015

We present the case of a patient with a HeartMate II left ventricular assist device (LVAD) who underwent an elective cholecystectomy and abruptly decompensated on postoperative day 9. We highlight the uncommon echocardiogram finding of mitral valve leaflets fixed widely open throughout the cardiac cycle during an LVAD suction event. Bedside echocardiographic confirmation of a suction event enabled the rapid diagnosis and intervention for hemorrhagic shock before blood tests and radiographic results were available. Acoustic image quality can be limited in LVAD patients, and awareness of this uncommon finding may increase specificity for the echocardiographic diagnosis of LVAD suction events.
Optimising musculoskeletal care for patients with haemophilia
Authors: Carcao Manuel , Hilliard Pamela , Escobar Miguel A. , Solimeno Luigi , Mahlangu Johnny , Santagostino Elena
Published: December 2015

Despite recent improvements in the quality of care and treatment outcomes for haemophilia, joint disease remains a major concern for patients with and without inhibitors. Most bleeding episodes occur in the musculoskeletal system, and recurrent bleeding may result in progressive joint damage, leading to haemophilic arthropathy. Consequently, early identification and management of musculoskeletal bleeding episodes are important to prevent crippling deformities and dysfunction. Management strategies should aim at optimising joint function by reducing the frequency of, and preventing, joint bleeds. Although prophylactic factor replacement is proven to be effective in reducing bleeding frequency into joints and preserving musculoskeletal function in patients without inhibitors, the role for prophylaxis (with bypassing agents) in patients with inhibitors remains unclear. The available bypassing agents, activated prothrombin complex concentrate and recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa), are currently the standard of care for acute bleeding episodes in patients with high‐titre inhibitors. These agents also prevent bleeding during elective orthopaedic surgery (EOS) in this patient population. This review discusses published data and uses illustrative cases to describe effective strategies for assessing joint health and maintaining optimal musculoskeletal care, focusing on the use of rFVIIa for haemostatic control in haemarthroses and when EOS is required in patients with inhibitors.
Cooperative advertising in a capacitated manufacturer–retailer supply chain: a game‐theoretic approach
Authors: Ahmadi‐Javid Amir , Hoseinpour Pooya
Published: December 2015

To achieve a more realistic understanding of how the supply chain's components interact, it is helpful to consider the operational limitations of the underlying supply chain while analyzing cooperative advertising. This paper studies cooperative advertising in a manufacturer–retailer supply chain under the practical operational assumption that the manufacturer's production capacity is limited. The retailer advertises locally, and the manufacturer advertises in national media and supports part of the retailer's promotional costs. Equilibria are determined under two different scenarios. In the first scenario, both retailer and manufacturer move simultaneously, while in the second scenario, they move sequentially, with the manufacturer being the leader. The sales function is a bivariate version of the diminishing returns response function. When the production capacity is unlimited, several important properties can be proven, which cannot be shown analytically for the existing sales functions. Considering the production‐capacity constraint leads to new managerial insights into cooperative advertising. For example, only if the production capacity is large enough, both manufacturer and retailer are better off under the second scenario than the first scenario. In other words, the sequential move is not necessarily Pareto‐improving when the production capacity is limited. It is also observed that, under the first scenario, there are multiple equilibria whenever the production capacity is not too high. Under the second scenario, the manufacturer supports the retailer only when the retailer's margin is relatively small compared to the manufacturer's margin and production capacity.
Cardiac, pulmonary and neuromuscular effects of clenbuterol and terbutaline compared with placebo.
Authors: Whitsett TL , Manion CV , Wilson MF
Published: December 2015

1 Cardiac, neuromuscular (tremor) and pulmonary effects of multiple single oral doses of clenbuterol (40, 60 and 80 micrograms) and terbutaline (2.5 and 5 mg) were compared with placebo in thirteen patients with reversible obstructive airways disease. 2 The percent change in the bronchodilator and neuromuscular effects of clenbuterol and terbutaline were greater than that of the cardiac activity. 3 Both drugs decreased T wave amplitude and occasionally caused J point ST segment depression. These changes were considered typical of this class of drugs and clinically insignificant. 4 While these drugs had comparable cardiac, pulmonary and neuromuscular effects, clenbuterol, at larger doses, had a higher incidence of transient headaches and nervousness.
Short‐term Modulation of Domestic Pigeon (Columbia livia L.) Behaviour Induced by Intraventricular Administration of ACTH
Authors: DEVICHE PIERRE , DELIUS JUAN D.
Published: December 2015

The behavioural responses induced in adult domestic pigeons by intraventricular injections of 0 to 6 IU of ACTH 1–39 are reported. The frequency of 10 different behaviour patterns was recorded for 90 min after administration of the peptide. The effect that was induced was complex, the frequency of some patterns increasing (yawning, headshaking, body shaking, wing‐flapping), of some others decreasing (feeding, one‐wing stretching, eye closing) or remaining unchanged (preening). The frequency of several patterns was maximal during the first 30 min following the injections but this was shown in some cases to be independent on the hormone administration.
Male Relationships and Infant Deaths in Red Howler Monkeys (Alouatta seniculus)
Authors: SEKULIC RANKA
Published: December 2015

For decades howler monkeys were considered to be among the most peaceful animals. Recent investigators, however, have noted that, although male aggression is rare, it may be extremely severe; the criteria used to quantify howler relationships should therefore be different from those used for other primates. This paper describes the pattern of male relationships in the red howler monkey Alouatta seniculus, and examines its effect on reproductive success within the troop and the ability of troop males to resist intrusion by competing males. 4 of the 8 infants born during the study period were killed or disappeared when change occurred in relative status between two adult males.
Postpartum Sexual Functioning and Method of Delivery: Summary of the Evidence
Authors: Hicks Tara L. , Goodall Susan Forester , Quattrone Evelyn M. , Lydon‐Rochelle Mona T.
Published: December 2015

Short‐term postpartum sexual problems are highly prevalent, ranging from 22% to 86%; however, there are few studies that address how mode of delivery affects sexual functioning after childbirth. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on selected postpartum sexual function outcomes as affected by cesarean, assisted vaginal, and spontaneous vaginal delivery. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases from January 1990 to September 2003 and focused on mode of delivery and the most commonly reported sexual health outcomes, which included perineal pain, dyspareunia, resumption of intercourse, and self‐reported perception of sexual health/sexual problems. The studies all showed increased risks of delay in resumption of intercourse, dyspareunia, sexual problems, or perineal pain associated with assisted vaginal delivery. Some studies showed no differences in sexual functioning between women with cesarean delivery and those with spontaneous vaginal delivery, whereas others reported less dyspareunia for women with cesarean delivery. A systematic review of the literature suggests an association between assisted vaginal delivery and some degree of sexual dysfunction. Reported associations between cesarean delivery and sexual dysfunction were inconsistent. Continued research is necessary to identify modifiable risk factors for sexual problems related to method of delivery.
Characterization and Relative Orientation of Epitopes for Monoclonal Antibodies and Antisera to Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
Authors: EHRLICH PAUL H. , MOUSTAFA ZEINAB A. , KRICHEVSKY ALEXANDER , BIRKEN STEVEN , ARMSTRONG E. GLENN , CANFIELD ROBERT E.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: We analyzed ten monoclonal antibodies and three polyclonal antisera directed against human chorionic gonadotropin by immunoassay in order to determine which pairs of antibodies are capable of binding simultaneously to hCG. A relative orientation of epitopes on the surface of hCG could be inferred from a matrix of data describing the abilities of particular antibody pairs to inhibit competitively or enhance the binding of each other. These results indicated that the binding site of each of the antibodies could be assigned to one of three different regions of the hCG molecule, and at least one antibody binding within each region exhibited a substantial preference for hCG relative to human luteinizing hormone. One of these regions is the COOH‐terminal portion of the hCGβ subunit. A second region contains the binding site for the SB6 rabbit antiserum (which has been widely employed in clinical studies) as well as the binding sites of several monoclonal antibodies. Antibodies to this second region characteristically bind both the whole hormone and the free β subunit. A third region contains the binding sites of a previously reported human antiserum and also several monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies characteristically react preferentially with the intact hormone relative to the free subunits. The information contained in the type of epitope map described here can be used as the rational basis for the design of two‐site immunoradiometric assays for hCG and/or its subunits.
Effect of H‐2 Complex on the Growth of Embryo‐Derived Teratomas in Mice
Authors: TAYA CHOJI , MORIWAKI KAZUO
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Seven‐day‐old embryos of several H‐2 congenic strains were transplanted under the kidney capsules of syngeneic adult recipients to determine the genetic factors(s) governing the in vivo growth of embryo‐derived teratomas. A.TH(H‐2t2) and A.TL(H‐2t1) strains showed significantly greater tumor weights than A.BY(H‐2b) and A.SW(H‐2S) strains. The A(H‐2a) strain was intermediate in tumor size. A comparison of the genic constitution of the H‐2 complex in each congenic strain suggested that the H‐2D locus and/or its distal regions affected the growth of embryo‐derived teratomas. The teratoma induced in the B10.A(H‐2a) strain was smaller than that in the A(H‐2a) strain, indicating that the genetic background of the A strain is favorable for teratoma growth. Histological observations demonstrated that the existence of embryonal carcinoma cells was necessary for the growth of teratomas. A radiation‐sensitive immunological factor in the recipient probably plays a role in stimulating teratoma growth.
Failure to Identify HLA ABC and Dr Antigens on Human Sperm
Authors: HAAS GILBERT G. , NAHHAS FAYEZ
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: An indirect radiolabeled antiglobulin assay (IRAA), adsorption procedures, and an indirect immunofluorescent assay using cytofluorometry (IFAA) failed to identify HLA ABC or D/Dr antigens associated with untreated human sperm or human sperm exposed to capacitating conditions. Two monoclonal clones against HLA ABC and two clones against Dr antigens were utilized. Test results in the IRAA were not different regardless of whether sperm from fertile men or human red blood cells were employed in the IRAA. However, there were highly significant differences in the IRAA between the HLA antigen expression of human sperm and leukocytes. If the antihuman HLA monoclonal antibody was preadsorbed with 25 × 106sperm, there was no diminution in the ability of the adsorbed antibody to identify HLA antigens on leukocytes; however, preadsorption with 2.5 × 106 leukocytes reduced the activity of the monoclonal antihuman HLA antibody to levels equivalent to background activity.
Intrauterine Growth Retardation of Unknown Etiology: II. Serum Complement and Circulating Immune Complexes in Maternal Sera and Their Relationship With Parity and Chronic Villitis
Authors: LABARRERE CARLOS A. , ALTHABE OMAR H.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Significantly lower CH50 levels were found in women with small for gestational age (SGA) infants. The lowest values corresponded to nulliparous with placental chronic villitis (124.0 ± 10.6). Three out of five mothers with circulating immune complexes from SGA group were nulliparous, having placental chronic villitis. An immunological derangement in women with SGA infants is proposed for the development of placental lesions, mainly in nulliparous mothers with a lower previous exposure to fetal antigens.
Reproductive Performance in Women With Repeated Pregnancy Losses and Multiple Partners
Authors: COULAM CAROLYN B. , McINTYRE JOHN A. , FAULK W. PAGE
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: We studied 20 patients with a history of multiple pregnancy losses who had more than one partner for differences in reproductive efficiency with different partners. On the basis of obstetric history, patients were classified as primary (no children) or secondary (abortions after having children or stillbirths) aborters with their mates. Of 16 women diagnosed as primary aborters, 5 were primary aborters with their first mates and 11 with their second; one became a secondary aborter with her second partner. Five women were secondary aborters with either mate, and one of these was a secondary aborter with both. In no instance did a secondary aborter become a normally reproducing woman. These findings indicate that pregnancy failure in primary aborters may be due to compatibility between mating partners and that secondary aborters seem to manifest an innate aberration.
Fibrinoid and Trophoblastic Necrosis With Massive Chronic Intervillositis: An Extreme Variant of Villitis of Unknown Etiology
Authors: LABARRERE CARLOS , MULLEN EDUARDO
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: A placental lesion, characterized by fibrinoid and trophoblastic necrosis with massive infiltration of the intervillous space by mononuclear cells (massive chronic intervillositis, MCI), was observed in six cases, five with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and one with sudden intrauterine fetal death. Four out of six had chronic villitis of unknown etiology (CVUE) associated with this lesion, and five had lesions of anchoring villitis. In three cases, acute atherosislike lesions in spiral arteries of parietal and/or basal decidua were observed. Massive deposits of IgM, a smaller amount of C3 and Clq, and slight deposits of IgG and IgA were found in these vessels. Neither mothers nor infants had any clinical or serological evidence of infection. Cases with MCI were compared with those having CVUE without intervillositis. Patients with MCI showed lower values of infant weight, infant length, and ponderal index than controls. However, cases with MCI group showed a higher incidence of IUGR. Placentas from the MCI group had a greater number of acute atherosislike lesions than controls. Massive chronic intervillositis may represent an extreme variant of villitis of unknown etiology. A maternal immunological aggression toward fetal tissues is proposed as pathophysiological mechanism, although a nondetermined placental infection cannot be excluded.
Lack of Correlation Between the Immunobead Test and the Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Sperm Antibody Detection
Authors: CLARKE GARY N.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: A total of 41 sera submitted for routine sperm antibody screening were tested by both the indirect immunobead test (IBT) against viable sperm as antigen, and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the supernatant fraction from washed, sonicated sperm as antigen. Sixteen sera were positive by either IBT or ELISA, but none were positive by both tests. It was concluded that the tests may be detecting antibodies reacting with distinct antigen subgroups, possibly because the ELISA may be detecting antibodies directed against internal antigens or non‐sperm‐specific antigens such as HLA.
Adolescent Self‐Destructive Behavior and Crisis Intervention in Japan
Authors: Ishii Kan'ichiro
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: After the author cites his three unsuccessful attempts to commit suicide during World War II, he then reflects on his experiences in the past almost forty years (of his “bonus life”) as a suicide‐prevention counselor to Japanese youth, particularly at Kyoto University. His reflections are arranged under the following six headings: The gradual increase of self‐destructive acts among adolescents in contemporary Japan; the background for this increase (including the affluent society, the change in the nuclear family, and the keen competition for higher education); the types and motives for adolescent suicide; the distinctive features of adolescent suicides in Japan; the role of crisis intervention; and the role of “the human encounter.” He concludes that the “increasing adolescent suicides is a 'silent indictment’ of current society in Japan.”
Heroes as Fathers
Authors: Weinstein Julia D.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: While there are many cases of suicide among children of the famous and powerful, this present study is limited to the family lives of Thomas Mann, Karl Marx and Theodor Herzl. Details of the family‐child and father‐child relationships are described and an attempt is made to find some common ground for the suicides of children of the famous fathers.
The Role of Drugs in Adolescent Suicide Attempts
Authors: McKenry Patrick C. , Tishler Carl L. , Kelley Coleen
Published: December 2015

Drug histories of 46 adolescent suicide attempters and their parents are described. In addition, these attempters and their parents are compared with a group of non‐attempters and their parents on selected measures of drug use. Findings indicate that adolescent drug use is closely related to and perhaps symptomatic of suicidal behaviors and overall pathology. The relationship between adolescent suicidal behaviors and parental drug use is unclear because of the discrepancy between parent‐adolescent responses.
Suicide Trends in Canada and West Germany: An Application of Configural Frequency Analysis
Authors: Chipuer Heather M. , von Eye Alexander
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Canadian and West German successful suicides for the years 1974–1977 were used to fit a log‐linear model relating age, method of suicide, gender, and country to suicide frequency. Configural frequency analyses (CFA) were performed to complement the log‐linear analyses, as well as to obtain more information about the data. A log‐linear model involving all four three‐way interactions among these variables was required to explain the observed frequency distribution in a satisfactory manner. Results from this study support McIntosh and Santos's (1982) findings that each gender displays its own unique pattern of methods of suicide. This study also showed that each age group has its own unique pattern of methods of suicide within each specific gender group. Results from CFA showed different patterns in the trends of suicide for each age × gender × country × method of suicide grouping. These results can be used to help clarify the intricate relationships among the factors that are important in explaining suicide trends.
Genomic prediction of growth in pigs based on a model including additive and dominance effects
Authors: Lopes M.S. , Bastiaansen J.W.M. , Janss L. , Knol E.F. , Bovenhuis H.
Published: December 2015

Independent of whether prediction is based on pedigree or genomic information, the focus of animal breeders has been on additive genetic effects or ‘breeding values’. However, when predicting phenotypes rather than breeding values of an animal, models that account for both additive and dominance effects might be more accurate. Our aim with this study was to compare the accuracy of predicting phenotypes using a model that accounts for only additive effects (MA) and a model that accounts for both additive and dominance effects simultaneously (MAD). Lifetime daily gain (DG) was evaluated in three pig populations (1424 Pietrain, 2023 Landrace, and 2157 Large White). Animals were genotyped using the Illumina SNP60K Beadchip and assigned to either a training data set to estimate the genetic parameters and SNP effects, or to a validation data set to assess the prediction accuracy. Models MA and MAD applied random regression on SNP genotypes and were implemented in the program Bayz. The additive heritability of DG across the three populations and the two models was very similar at approximately 0.26. The proportion of phenotypic variance explained by dominance effects ranged from 0.04 (Large White) to 0.11 (Pietrain), indicating that importance of dominance might be breed‐specific. Prediction accuracies were higher when predicting phenotypes using total genetic values (sum of breeding values and dominance deviations) from the MAD model compared to using breeding values from both MA and MAD models. The highest increase in accuracy (from 0.195 to 0.222) was observed in the Pietrain, and the lowest in Large White (from 0.354 to 0.359). Predicting phenotypes using total genetic values instead of breeding values in purebred data improved prediction accuracy and reduced the bias of genomic predictions. Additional benefit of the method is expected when applied to predict crossbred phenotypes, where dominance levels are expected to be higher.
Investment and Capital Structure of Partially Private Regulated Firms
Authors: Cambini Carlo , Spiegel Yossi
Published: December 2015

We develop a model that examines the capital structure and investment decisions of regulated firms in a setting that incorporates two key institutional features of the public utilities sector in many countries: firms are partially owned by the state and regulators are not necessarily independent. Among other things, we show that regulated firms issue more debt, invest more, and enjoy higher regulated prices when they face more independent regulators, are more privatized, and when regulators are more pro‐firm. Moreover, regulatory independence, higher degree of privatization, and pro‐firm regulatory climate are associated with higher social welfare.
Distributed Cogeneration of Power and Heat within an Energy Management Strategy for Mitigating Fossil Fuel Consumption
Authors: Kikuchi Yasunori , Kanematsu Yuichiro , Sato Ryuichi , Nakagaki Takao
Published: December 2015

Distributed energy sources, such as self‐power generation, steam boilers, and combined heat and power production (CHP), are operated to manage the supply of energy by optimizing the costs of meeting the demand for electricity and heat. This article was written in conjunction with reports by the United Nations Environment Program's International Resource Panel that quantifies and compares the environmental and natural resource impacts and benefits of using demand‐side efficient technologies for greenhouse gas mitigation scenarios from now until 2050. In this article, we examine the potential of using distributed energy sources in future energy systems. First, we reviewed the existing research into several energy technologies, especially into cogeneration systems for CHP, using a bibliometric analysis. The current energy supply/demand in the demand‐side sectors in Japan is also reviewed using available statistical data, and an investigation into the energy requirements of industrial manufacturers was performed. After systematizing the results of our review on progress in current research, a scenario analysis was conducted on the potential of distributed energy sources to clarify the contribution of the various technology options. A mismatch between the quality of energy produced, especially heat, or any benefits arising from scale from other energy technologies, can decrease the incentive to implement distributed energy technologies. As a requirement of a regional energy system design and management, distributed energy sources should be considered so that the appropriate technology options can be adopted for the desired energy supply in the demand‐side sector. The possibility exists to replace conventional single‐generation technologies, such as boilers or power generators, with multigeneration technologies. A change in the grid power mix is one of the most sensitive parameters affecting the performance of cogeneration technologies.
Assessment of the Hong Kong Liver Cancer Staging System in Europe
Authors: Kolly Philippe , Reeves Helen , Sangro Bruno , Knöpfli Marina , Candinas Daniel , Dufour Jean‐François
Published: December 2015

Background & Aims

European and American guidelines have endorsed the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of the recently developed Hong Kong Liver Cancer (HKLC) classification as a staging system for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Europe.

Methods

We used a pooled set of 1693 HCC patients combining three prospective European cohorts. Discrimination ability between the nine substages and five stages of the HKLC classification system was assessed. To evaluate the predictive power of the HKLC and BCLC staging systems on overall survival, Nagelkerke pseudo R2, Bayesian Information Criterion and Harrell's concordance index were calculated. The number of patients who would benefit from a curative therapy was assessed for both staging systems.

Results

The HKLC classification in nine substages shows suboptimal discrimination between the staging groups. The classification in five stages shows better discrimination between groups. However, the BCLC classification performs better than the HKLC classification in the ability to predict overall survival (OS). The HKLC treatment algorithm tags significantly more patients to curative therapy than the BCLC.

Conclusions

The BCLC staging system performs better for European patients than the HKLC staging system in predicting OS. Twice more patients are eligible for a curative therapy with the HKLC algorithm; whether this translates in survival benefit remains to be investigated.
Evidence of divergent selection for drought and cold tolerance at landscape and local scales in Abies alba Mill. in the French Mediterranean Alps
Authors: Roschanski Anna M. , Csilléry Katalin , Liepelt Sascha , Oddou‐Muratorio Sylvie , Ziegenhagen Birgit , Huard Frédéric , Ullrich Kristian K. , Postolache Dragos , Vendramin Giovanni G. , Fady Bruno
Published: December 2015

Understanding local adaptation in forest trees is currently a key research and societal priority. Geographically and ecologically marginal populations provide ideal case studies, because environmental stress along with reduced gene flow can facilitate the establishment of locally adapted populations. We sampled European silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) trees in the French Mediterranean Alps, along the margin of its distribution range, from pairs of high‐ and low‐elevation plots on four different mountains situated along a 170‐km east–west transect. The analysis of 267 SNP loci from 175 candidate genes suggested a neutral pattern of east–west isolation by distance among mountain sites. FST outlier tests revealed 16 SNPs that showed patterns of divergent selection. Plot climate was characterized using both in situ measurements and gridded data that revealed marked differences between and within mountains with different trends depending on the season. Association between allelic frequencies and bioclimatic variables revealed eight genes that contained candidate SNPs, of which two were also detected using FST outlier methods. All SNPs were associated with winter drought, and one of them showed strong evidence of selection with respect to elevation. QST–FST tests for fitness‐related traits measured in a common garden suggested adaptive divergence for the date of bud flush and for growth rate. Overall, our results suggest a complex adaptive picture for A. alba in the southern French Alps where, during the east‐to‐west Holocene recolonization, locally advantageous genetic variants established at both the landscape and local scales.
Anthropology in the design of preventive behavioral health programs for children and families living in disadvantaged neighborhoods
Authors: AZEVEDO KATHRYN J. , ROBINSON THOMAS N.
Published: December 2015

Applied anthropologists working with public health researchers and clinicians have the opportunity to make tangible impacts on illness and disease in children and families living in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Stanford ECHALE was a randomized controlled trial of an experimental intervention to prevent obesity among low‐income seven‐ to 11‐year‐old Latina girls and their families. The two‐year school‐ and home‐based experimental intervention included (1) an after‐school folkloric dance program, and (2) a screen‐time reduction curriculum. An active placebo comparison intervention involved health education. Moreover, an ethnographic study complemented the clinical trial. The novel challenges of conducting ethnographic and clinical research projects in seven public elementary schools demanded that the research team engage with community stakeholders and multiple collaborating agencies to address many conceptual, logistical, and ethical concerns. Overall, field‐based participant observation, consideration of political economic structures, along with ethnography and narrative analysis, contributed to culturally competent program design, high participant retention rates, and procedures to protect children engaged in the research. Anthropologists can also play an integral role in guiding the strengthening of social networks needed to enhance social capital and increase community involvement allowing for portions of the interventions to be sustained after the research funding ends. [obesity prevention, culturally tailored health interventions, girls, Latino health, applied anthropology]
Risk Markers and Appropriate Implantable Defibrillator Therapy in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: MAGNUSSON PETER , GADLER FREDRIK , LIV PER , MÖRNER STELLAN
Published: December 2015

Background

Risk stratification of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is mainly based on evaluations from patients at highly specialized centers.

Aim

To evaluate risk markers for appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy in an unselected, nationwide cohort of HCM.

Methods

Patients with an ICD due to HCM were identified from the Swedish ICD Registry since its start in 1995, merged with Patient Register data, and medical records were retrieved. Risk markers for ventricular arrhythmias leading to appropriate ICD therapy were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard ratio (HR).

Results

Of 321 patients (70.1% males), at least one appropriate therapy occurred in 77 (24.0%) during a mean follow‐up of 5.4 years (5.3% per year; primary prevention 4.5%, secondary prevention 7.0%). Cumulative incidences at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years were 8.1%, 15.3%, and 21.3%, respectively. Cardioversion effectively restored rhythm in 52% of the first episode and antitachycardia pacing was sufficient in the remaining. For the whole cohort, ejection fraction (EF) <50% (HR 2.63; P < 0.001) was associated with appropriate ICD therapy. In primary prevention, patients with established risk markers experienced appropriate therapy; atrial fibrillation (AF; HR 2.54; P = 0.010), EF < 50% (HR 2.78; P = 0.004), and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (HR 1.80; P = 0.109) had the highest HR, and wall thickness ≥30 mm, syncope, exercise blood pressure response, or family history of SCD had weaker associations.

Conclusion

ICD therapy successfully terminates ventricular arrhythmias in HCM. In addition to conventional risk markers, a history of AF or EF < 50% may be considered in risk stratification.
Short- and Long-Run Estimates of The Local Effects of Retirement on Health
Authors: Fé Eduardo , Hollingsworth Bruce
Published: December 2015

We explore the existence of short- and long-term effects of retirement on health. Short-term effects are estimated with a regression discontinuity design which is robust to weak instruments and where the underlying assumptions of continuity of potential outcomes are uncontroversial. To identify the long-term effects we propose a parametric model which, under strong assumptions, can separate normal deterioration of health from the causal effects of retirement. We apply our framework to the British Household Panel Survey and find that retirement has little effect on health. However, our estimates suggest that retirement opens the gate to a sedentary life with an impoverished social component and this is a channel through which retirement could indirectly affect health in the long run.
Autonomic nervous activity of patients with gagging problems during dental mirror insertion
Authors: Sakamoto Toyoaki , Fukuda Ken‐ichi , Saita Naoko , Koukita Yoshihiko , Yamashita Shuichirou , Koizumi Jun‐ichi , Ichinohe Tatuya
Published: December 2015

Objective

To investigate autonomic nervous activities in patients with gagging problem.

Methods

Subjects were 12 and 12 individuals, graded as Group G2 (mild gagging problem) and Group G3 (middle gagging problem), respectively, according to the Classification of Gagging Problem index (CGP) and compared with 15 normal patients. Heart rate (HR), low‐frequency/high‐frequency ratio (L/H), the coefficient of component variation for high frequency (CCVHF), and the coefficient of variation of R‐R intervals (CVRR) were assessed by heart rate variability on electrocardiogram. The measurement was recorded continuously for 1 min before and after dental mirror insertion.

Results

The insertion did not affect HR, L/H, CCVH, and CVRR in Group G2. HR did not change despite both increases in L/H and CCVHF after the insertion in Group G3.

Conclusions

Patients with a gagging problem in G3, dental mirror insertion increased both parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous activities, despite no change in HR.
Plant cell wall imaging by metabolic click‐mediated labelling of rhamnogalacturonan II using azido 3‐deoxy‐d‐manno‐oct‐2‐ulosonic acid
Authors: Dumont Marie , Lehner Arnaud , Vauzeilles Boris , Malassis Julien , Marchant Alan , Smyth Kevin , Linclau Bruno , Baron Aurélie , Mas Pons Jordi , Anderson Charles T. , Schapman Damien , Galas Ludovic , Mollet Jean‐Claude , Lerouge Patrice
Published: December 2015

In plants, 3‐deoxy‐d‐manno‐oct‐2‐ulosonic acid (Kdo) is a monosaccharide that is only found in the cell wall pectin, rhamnogalacturonan‐II (RG‐II). Incubation of 4‐day‐old light‐grown Arabidopsis seedlings or tobacco BY‐2 cells with 8‐azido 8‐deoxy Kdo (Kdo‐N3) followed by coupling to an alkyne‐containing fluorescent probe resulted in the specific in muro labelling of RG‐II through a copper‐catalysed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction. CMP‐Kdo synthetase inhibition and competition assays showing that Kdo and D‐Ara, a precursor of Kdo, but not L‐Ara, inhibit incorporation of Kdo‐N3 demonstrated that incorporation of Kdo‐N3 occurs in RG‐II through the endogenous biosynthetic machinery of the cell. Co‐localisation of Kdo‐N3 labelling with the cellulose‐binding dye calcofluor white demonstrated that RG‐II exists throughout the primary cell wall. Additionally, after incubating plants with Kdo‐N3 and an alkynated derivative of L‐fucose that incorporates into rhamnogalacturonan I, co‐localised fluorescence was observed in the cell wall in the elongation zone of the root. Finally, pulse labelling experiments demonstrated that metabolic click‐mediated labelling with Kdo‐N3 provides an efficient method to study the synthesis and redistribution of RG‐II during root growth.
CoxIter – Computing invariants of hyperbolic Coxeter groups
Authors: Guglielmetti R.
Published: December 2015

CoxIter is a computer program designed to compute invariants of hyperbolic Coxeter groups. Given such a group, the program determines whether it is cocompact or of finite covolume, whether it is arithmetic in the non-cocompact case, and whether it provides the Euler characteristic and the combinatorial structure of the associated fundamental polyhedron. The aim of this paper is to present the theoretical background for the program. The source code is available online as supplementary material with the published article and on the author’s website (http://coxiter.rgug.ch).

Supplementary materials are available with this article.
Differential control of azurophilic and specific granule exocytosis in Sendai‐virus‐permeabilized rabbit neutrophils.
Authors: Barrowman M M , Cockcroft S , Gomperts B D
Published: December 2015

1. Rabbit neutrophils were permeabilized by treatment with Sendai virus. This was monitored by fluorescence measurement of the formation of the adduct of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) with ethidium bromide. 2. On addition of Ca2+, buffered (with EGTA) in the micromolar concentration range to the permeabilized cells, secretion of beta‐glucuronidase (marker of azurophilic granules) and lysozyme (marker of specific granules) occurs. Lactate dehydrogenase (cytosol marker) is retained. Half‐maximal secretion of beta‐glucuronidase occurs at approximately pCa 6.3; lysozyme secretion occurs at approximately pCa 6.6. 3. Secretion is dependent on the provision of nucleoside triphosphates to the permeabilized cells. There is an absolute requirement for adenosine 5'‐triphosphate (ATP) for the secretion of lysozyme, but beta‐glucuronidase secretion can be partly supported by other nucleoside triphosphates in the order guanosine 5'‐triphosphate (GTP) greater than uridine 5'‐triphosphate (UTP) = xanthosine 5'‐triphosphate (XTP) greater than cytidine 5'‐triphosphate (CTP). 4. Secretion from both granules is complete within 10 min of adding Ca2+ to the permeabilized cells. There is a delay before commencement of beta‐glucuronidase secretion of approximately half a minute; the secretion of lysozyme has no measurable delay.