bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison between sitagliptin or glibenclamide in addition to metformin + pioglitazone on glycaemic control and β‐cell function: the triple oral therapy
Authors: Derosa G. , Cicero A. F. G. , Franzetti I. G. , Querci F. , Carbone A. , Piccinni M. N. , D'Angelo A. , Fogari E. , Maffioli P.
Published: February 2013

Aims

To evaluate which triple oral therapy between metformin + pioglitazone + sitagliptin and metformin + pioglitazone + glibenclamide can be more useful in improving glycaemic control and should be preferred in clinical practice.

Methods

During the 2‐year run‐in period, patients were instructed to take metformin monotherapy for the first year, then a combination of metformin and pioglitazone for the second year, then patients were randomized to add glibenclamide or sitagliptin to the dual combination of metformin and pioglitazone for another year.

Results

Body weight reached with sitagliptin at 36 months was lower than that reached with glibenclamide. Fasting plasma insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were significantly increased by triple therapy with glibenclamide and decreased by that with sitagliptin. While sitagliptin did not change homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function, this value was significantly increased by glibenclamide. Fasting plasma proinsulin was not influenced by triple oral therapy including glibenclamide, while it was decreased by the therapy including sitagliptin compared to glibenclamide. Triple oral therapy with sitagliptin better improved β‐cell function measures compared with the glibenclamide therapy.

Conclusions

Sitagliptin should be preferred to glibenclamide as an addition to the metformin + pioglitazone combination for its better protection of β‐cell secretion and its neutral effect on body weight.
Fenofibrate and the kidney: an overview
Authors: Kostapanos Michael S. , Florentin Matilda , Elisaf Moses S.
Published: February 2013

Background

Fenofibrate has been used for the management of atherogenic dyslipidaemia for many years. Reports of fenofibrate‐associated increases in serum creatinine (SCr) levels raised concerns regarding deleterious effects on renal function.

Design

In this narrative review, we discuss available literature on the effect of fenofibrate on the kidney.

Results

Most clinical studies showed a rapid (within weeks) raising effect of fenofibrate on SCr levels. This was often accompanied by declined estimated glomerular filtration rate. Risk predictors of this adverse effect might include increased age, impaired renal function and high‐dose treatment. Also, the concomitant use of medications affecting renal hemodynamics (e.g. angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers) may predispose to fenofibrate‐associated increased SCr levels. Interestingly, SCr increases by fenofibrate were transient and reversible even without treatment discontinuation. Furthermore, fenofibrate was associated with a slower progression of renal function impairment and albuminuria in a long‐term basis. Also, fenofibrate might be protective against pathological changes in diabetic nephropathy and hypertensive glomerulosclerosis. In this context, it is uncertain whether fenofibrate‐associated increase in SCr levels mirrors true renal function deterioration. Several theories have been expressed. The most dominant one involved the inhibition of renal vasodilatory prostaglandins reducing renal plasma flow and glomerular pressure. Increased creatinine secretion or reduced creatinine clearance by fenofibrate was also suggested. These hypotheses should be settled by further studies.

Conclusions

Fenofibrate may not be a nephrotoxic drug. However, a close monitoring of SCr levels is relevant especially in high‐risk patients. Increases in SCr levels ≥30% can impose treatment discontinuation.
Phenylacetaldehyde attracts male and female apple clearwing moths, Synanthedon myopaeformis, to inflorescences of showy milkweed, Asclepias speciosa
Authors: Eby Chelsea , Gardiner Mark G.T. , Gries Regine , Judd Gary J.R. , Khaskin Grigori , Gries Gerhard
Published: February 2013

Synanthedon myopaeformis Borkhausen (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) is a diurnal clearwing moth native to Eurasia that was recently introduced into British Columbia (BC) and Ontario, Canada, where it has become a serious pest in apple orchards. In BC, these moths commonly feed on nectar of inflorescences, particularly that of showy milkweed, Asclepias speciosa Torrey (Apocynaceae). We investigated the relative importance of visual and olfactory cues, and the key floral semiochemical(s) mediating attraction of S. myopaeformis to A. speciosa. In field experiments, inflorescences left exposed or enclosed in cheesecloth bags dyed green induced similar visitation rates by moths, indicating that olfactory cues are attractive. Among the >10 floral odourants that elicited responses from moth antennae in coupled gas chromatographic‐electroantennographic detection analyses, phenylacetaldehyde induced the most frequent proboscis extension reflexes of male and female moths. Among eight floral odourants that were field‐tested singly, phenylacetaldehyde attracted 35 times more male and female moths than any other candidate semiochemical. Attractiveness of phenylacetaldehyde could not be enhanced by admixture with other floral odourants at the ratios or concentrations tested indicating that it alone may mediate attraction of S. myopaeformis to the inflorescences of A. speciosa. The potential use of phenylacetaldehyde as bait to monitor or mass‐trap populations of male and female S. myopaeformis should be investigated.
Dropout from Secondary Education: all's well that begins well
Authors: De Witte Kristof , Rogge Nicky
Published: February 2013

Despite the increased attention to students leaving secondary education without a diploma numerous students still dropout yearly. This paper makes a distinction between the ‘individual perspective’ and the ‘institutional perspective’ of dropping out. The former is explored by multinominal logit models. We observe that particularly motivation of the student and interest in schooling of his/her parents are crucial predictors of the individual dropout decision. The institutional perspective is examined by ordered logit models. In particular, we discuss the influence of the first year of secondary education by analyzing the large differences in the number of dropouts in Dutch first year classes. We observe that, more than motivation, the first year of secondary education is crucial in shaping the dropping out decision.
Measuring ICT Use and Learning Outcomes: evidence from recent econometric studies
Authors: Biagi Federico , Loi Massimo
Published: February 2013

Based on PISA 2009 data, this article studies the relationship between students’ computer use and their achievement in reading, mathematics and science in 23 countries. After having categorised computer use into a set of different activities according to the skills they involve, we correlate students’ PISA test‐scores with an index capturing the intensity of use for each of these activities and with the total number of activities they perform. Overall, we find that students’ PISA test scores in reading, mathematics and science increase with the intensity of computer use for Gaming activities while they decrease with the intensity of computer use for activities that are more related with school curricula (i.e. Communication and Collaboration activities; Technical Operations/Info Retrieval activities; Creation of Content and Knowledge Problem Solving activities). However, the number of activities (and hence the diversification of activities), irrespective of the intensity of computer use, is positively correlated with students’ proficiency in all three PISA domains in the vast majority of countries, indicating that computers breadth of use, as opposed to intensity of use in a given activity, has some positive effect on students’ PISA test scores.
OECD Work on Technology and Education: innovative learning environments as an integrating framework
Authors: Istance David , Kools Marco
Published: February 2013

This article presents in summary a selection of the work conducted by OECD in the field of technology and education, which has been an on‐going focus of OECD work since the 1980s. Recently, much of this has been under the heading of ‘New Millennium Learners’, but it has also included the widening of student achievement surveys towards digital literacy; reviews of e‐learning in higher education, surveys on Open Education Resources (OER); technology as a source of innovation; and analyses of the digital resources market and educational technology patents. The article proposes the more holistic focus on ‘learning environments’ through which to analyse the very diverse ways in which technology can be integrated into education and as a design framework. This is drawn from a report of the OECD Innovative Learning Environments (ILE) project to be published in 2013, itself based on 40 case studies from different countries and regions. It suggests that contemporary learning environments should be: i) Innovating the ‘pedagogical core’; ii) Engaging the ‘Design/Redesign Leadership Circle’; iii) Widening connections and capacity through partnerships; and iv) Promoting 21st century effectiveness (based on the principles derived from the 2010 ILE learning research review). The article then applies this framework to show how technology shapes learning environments in many different ways. The article questions over‐reliance on individuals navigating successfully to access non‐formal learning opportunities and rejects the argument that learning institutions should simply adapt more adequately to available technologies. Instead, technology should be fully exploited in well‐designed learning environments.
Open Educational Resources and the Transformation of Education
Authors: Tuomi Ilkka
Published: February 2013

The extremely rapid expansion of open educational resource (OER) initiatives and the millions of learners they attract can be understood as an indicator of an emerging revolution in education and learning. This article describes recent developments in this area and develops conceptual foundations for studies and policies on OER. We describe four different types of OER, locate these in a field of learning theories, and discuss how the wide adoption of OER may constrain and accelerate the transformation of learning and education in the knowledge society.
Framing ICT‐enabled Innovation for Learning: the case of one‐to‐one learning initiatives in Europe
Authors: Bocconi Stefania , Kampylis Panagiotis , Punie Yves
Published: February 2013

This article discusses 1:1 learning initiatives in Europe in the context of a mapping framework of ICT‐enabled innovation for learning. The aim of the framework, visualised as a spider's web, is two‐fold: (i) to provide a further understanding of the nature of ICT‐enabled innovation for learning; and (ii) to depict the impact of existing and emerging innovative initiatives using ICT in the Education and Training context. We present 1:1 learning initiatives in Europe as a case of ICT‐enabled innovation for learning with significant scale, scope, and impact at system level and being implemented in real settings. We identified and analysed 29 1:1 learning initiatives from 19 European countries reaching a total of approximately 620,000 schools and 16,800,000 students. The application of the framework to the case of 1:1 learning in Europe (implemented in multi‐faceted educational settings) showed the current state of development and the emerging trends regarding the nature, the reach, the target groups and the impact of 1:1 innovation in learning. Regarding the nature of innovation, 1:1 learning strategies in Europe can be considered as mostly incremental. There is a need to progressively move the focus away from the devices and infrastructure to the learners and to 1:1 pedagogies. The framework can contribute (i) to policy interventions ‐at micro, meso and macro level‐ aimed at diversity and systemic implementation and (ii) to strategic planning by a multiplicity of actors such as policy makers, researchers and practitioners, increasing the impact of ICT‐enabled innovation in Education and Training.
Sequential Polygyny During Egg Attendance is Rare in a Tree Frog and Does not Increase Male Fitness
Authors: Cheng Wei‐Chun , Chen Yi‐Huey , Yu Hon‐Tsen , Roberts J. Dale , Kam Yeong‐Choy
Published: February 2013

Sequential polygyny is a reproductive strategy that allows males to continue to mate and compensates for the loss of future breeding opportunities incurred by parental care (i.e. egg attendance). Using the frog Kurixalus eiffengeri, we tested predictions that (1) attending males fathered two, overlapping clutches; and (2) that double clutching leads to improved offspring numbers. Using five microsatellite DNA markers, we genotyped 15 pairs of overlapping clutches, which differed slightly in developmental stage at a single egg‐laying site. Parentage analyses showed at least 12 of 15 pairs of overlapping egg clutches were sired by the attending male mated with different females, providing the first genetic evidence to support an earlier prediction that attending males sired both egg clutches. Field surveys found a low incidence of overlapping clutches (4.9% of 263 egg‐occupied stumps), suggesting sequential polygyny is uncommon. Stumps with multiple clutches contained significantly more eggs than stumps with single clutches but hatched similar number of tadpoles. Results suggest that continuous calling that attracts females during egg attendance is a reproductive tactic that maximizes mating opportunities. However, adoption of the sequential polygyny tactic may only result in marginal fitness gains for males that are traded off against average higher egg mortality in larger egg clutches.
A Test of the Nonlinearity Hypothesis in Great‐tailed Grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus)
Authors: Slaughter Emily I. , Berlin Erin R. , Bower Jonathan T. , Blumstein Daniel T.
Published: February 2013

Highly aroused or scared animals may produce a variety of sounds that sound harsh and are somewhat unpredictable. These sounds frequently contain nonlinear acoustic phenomena, and these nonlinearities may elicit arousal or alarm responses in humans and many animals. We designed a playback experiment to elucidate whether specific nonlinear phenomena can elicit increased responsiveness in great‐tailed grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus). We broadcast two control sounds (a 0.5‐s, 3‐kHz pure tone and the song of tropical kingbirds (Tyrannus melancholicus) and three test sounds that all began with a 0.4‐s, 3‐kHz pure tone and ended with 0.1 s of either a 1‐ to 5‐kHz band of white noise, an abrupt frequency jump to 1 kHz, or an abrupt frequency jump to 5 kHz. In response to these three nonlinear phenomena, grackles decreased their relaxed behavior (walking, foraging, and preening) and increased looking. A second experiment looked at the rapidity of the time course of frequency change and found that the abrupt frequency jump from 3 to 1 kHz, as opposed to a gradual downward frequency modulation over the same bandwidth, was uniquely arousing. These results suggest that while nonlinear phenomena may be generally evocative, frequency jumps may be the most evocative in great‐tailed grackles. Future studies in other systems can evaluate this general hypothesis.
Effects of Microhabitat‐Dependent Predation Risk on Vigilance during Intermittent Locomotion in Psammodromus algirus Lizards
Authors: López Pilar , Martín Jose
Published: February 2013

Animals should be able to adjust their behavior by tracking changes in predation risk level continuously. Many animals show a pattern of intermittent locomotion with short pauses that may increase detection and vigilance of predators. These locomotor patterns may depend on the microhabitat structure, which affect predation risk levels. We examined in detail in the laboratory the characteristics of spontaneous locomotion, scanning behavior, and the escape performance of Psammodromus algirus lizards moving in two different microhabitats (leaf litter patches and open sand areas). Results showed that in leaf litter, lizards moved at slower speed and had shorter bursts of locomotion both in distance and duration, than in sand substrates. This locomotor pattern allowed lizards to increase scanning rate and total time spent in vigilance behavior. When lizards were forced to flee, they escaped to longer distances and during more time in open sand areas, but lizards were able to attain similar escape speed in the two substrates. Lizards may be able to compensate the cost of moving between different microhabitats with different predation risk by behaviorally changing their locomotor and vigilance patterns. However, complex interactions between the visibility of lizards to predators and the ability of lizards to detect predators, together with the need of attending simultaneously to other conflicting demands, may lead to apparently non‐intuitive solutions in locomotor patterns and the rate of vigilance behavior.
Removal of cystic calculi using a transinguinal laparoscopic‐assisted technique in two stallions
Authors: Vitte A. , Mespoulhès‐Rivière C. , Lechartier A. , Rossignol F.
Published: February 2013

See also Clinical Commentary by Wilson
Three horses with bilateral sinonasal progressive haematomas not associated with the ethmoidal labyrinth
Authors: Barker W. H. J , Perkins J. D. , Witte T. H.
Published: February 2013

Progressive haematomata (PH) are a rare cause of equine paranasal sinusitis and are thought to result from recurrent haemorrhage within the respiratory submucosa of the ethmoidal labyrinth. Clinical signs ofPHare variable but mostly attributable to rupture of the mass with haemorrhage, occlusion of nasomaxillary drainage and secondary infection. Almost all affected horses have unilateral or bilateral, intermittent, serosanguinous nasal discharge. Radiographic examination is useful in identifying largePH, but small masses can be overlooked because of superimposition. Computed tomography (CT) has the benefit of producing cross‐sectional images of the sinuses, overcoming the limitations of radiography. The cases in this report suffered from bilateralPHnot associated with the ethmoidal labyrinth. They highlight the benefit of CT in the diagnosis, surgical planning and evaluation of the architecture of the sinuses. Preoperative treatment with formalin to desiccate the mass prior to removal can be performed more safely when guided by CT.
Inhibition of neuropeptide degradation suppresses sweating but increases the area of the axon reflex flare
Authors: Schlereth Tanja , Breimhorst Markus , Werner Nicolas , Pottschmidt Katrin , Drummond Peter D. , Birklein Frank
Published: February 2013

The neuropeptides CGRP (calcitonin gene‐elated peptide) and substance P (SP) mediate neurogenic inflammation. Both are degraded by the neutral endopeptidase (NEP) which can be blocked by phosphoramidon. The aim was to evaluate the effect of NEP inhibition on sweating and vasodilatation. Dermal microdialysis was performed on the skin of 39 subjects. Two fibres were perfused with phosphoramidon (0.01%, 0.02% or 0.2%), two with saline. Acetylcholine (ACh) was either added to the microdialysis perfusate (n = 30, 10−2 m) or thermoregulatory sweating was induced (n = 9). Co‐application of phosphoramidon reduced cholinergic and thermoregulatory sweating. However, the flare size – a localized increase in superficial blood flow after ACh‐application – was significantly increased. The increase in flare size is most probably due to increased CGRP levels. The inhibition of sweating by phosphoramidon may involve an increase in SP, a reduction in CGRP‐degradation fragments or a direct inhibitory action of phosphoramidon.
Investigation of drug–drug interactions between clopidogrel and fluoxetine
Authors: Delavenne Xavier , Magnin Marion , Basset Thierry , Piot Michele , Mallouk Nora , Ressnikoff Denis , Garcin Arnauld , Laporte Silvy , Garnier Pierre , Mismetti Patrick
Published: February 2013

Drug–drug interactions may contribute to the variability of the response of clopidogrel. Several hypotheses have been proposed concerning the potential modification of clopidogrel pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics by fluoxetine. This open‐label crossover study assessed the effect of fluoxetine on the pharmacological activity of clopidogrel in healthy volunteers. Eight healthy male volunteers received a single 600‐mg loading dose of clopidogrel followed by 20 mg of fluoxetine on 4 days and then 20 mg of fluoxetine plus 600 mg of clopidogrel on the fifth day. Eleven blood samples were withdrawn after clopidogrel administration to determine plasma concentrations of clopidogrel active metabolite (CAM) and platelet function. Platelet aggregation was measured by light transmittance aggregometry (LTA) and platelet reactivity index by flow cytometric vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) analysis. The areas under the curve and maximum plasma concentrations of CAM were, respectively, 20.6 and 25.3% lower after co‐administration of fluoxetine compared with administration of clopidogrel alone. The percentage maximum platelet aggregation values in the presence of 5 μm and 10 μm adenosine diphosphate, measured by LTA, were, respectively, 13.9 and 22.4% lower after fluoxetine co‐administration. The platelet reactivity index measured by the flow cytometric VASP method was 36.8% lower when clopidogrel was administered in conjunction with fluoxetine.
Consumer Perceptions of Transparency: A Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Hustvedt Gwendolyn , Kang Jiyun
Published: February 2013

Transparency is an essential part of the effort to build a socially responsible brand. Communicating with stakeholders about labor violations in manufacturing is an important aspect of this transparency. Previous research has suggested that consumer perception of transparency is related to brand trust, which in turn increases aspects of the consumer–brand relationship such as loyalty. In this study, items measuring consumer attitudes toward the transparency of social responsibility were developed, and multistep analysis was used to demonstrate that the resulting measure called Transparency is reliable and valid. The measure developed in this study can be used to explore consumer perceptions of the social responsibility efforts of brands and other organizations.
The plasma membrane calcium pump in health and disease
Authors: Brini Marisa , Calì Tito , Ottolini Denis , Carafoli Ernesto
Published: February 2013

The Ca2+ ATPases of the plasma membrane (PMCA pumps) export Ca2+ from all eukaryotic cells. In mammals they are the products of four separate genes. PMCA types 1 and 4 are distributed ubiquitously; PMCA types 2 and 3 are restricted to some tissues, the most important being the nervous system. Alternative splicing at two sites greatly increases the number of pump isoforms. The two ubiquitous isoforms are no longer considered as only housekeeping pumps as they also perform tissue‐specific functions. The PMCAs are classical P‐type pumps, their reaction cycle repeating that of all other pumps of the family. Their 3D structure has not been solved, but molecular modeling on SERCA pump templates shows the essential structural pattern of the latter. PMCAs are regulated by calmodulin, which interacts with high affinity with their cytosolic C‐terminal tail. A second calmodulin‐binding domain with lower affinity is present in some splicing variants of the pump. The PMCAs are essential to the regulation of cellular Ca2+, but the all‐important Ca2+ signal is ambivalent: defects in its control generate various pathologies, the most thoroughly studied being those of genetic origin. Genetic defects of PMCA function produce disease phenotypes: the best characterized is a form of deafness in mice and in humans linked to PMCA2 mutations. A cerebellar X‐linked human ataxia has recently been found to be caused by a mutation in the calmodulin‐binding domain of PMCA3.
Implications of nonrandom seed abscission and global stilling for migration of wind‐dispersed plant species
Authors: Thompson Sally E. , Katul Gabriel G.
Published: February 2013

Migration of plant populations is a potential survival response to climate change that depends critically on seed dispersal. Biological and physical factors determine dispersal and migration of wind‐dispersed species. Recent field and wind tunnel studies demonstrate biological adaptations that bias seed release toward conditions of higher wind velocity, promoting longer dispersal distances and faster migration. However, another suite of international studies also recently highlighted a global decrease in near‐surface wind speeds, or ‘global stilling’. This study assessed the implications of both factors on potential plant population migration rates, using a mechanistic modeling framework. Nonrandom abscission was investigated using models of three seed release mechanisms: (i) a simple drag model; (ii) a seed deflection model; and (iii) a ‘wear and tear’ model. The models generated a single functional relationship between the frequency of seed release and statistics of the near‐surface wind environment, independent of the abscission mechanism. An Inertial‐Particle, Coupled Eulerian‐Lagrangian Closure model (IP‐CELC) was used to investigate abscission effects on seed dispersal kernels and plant population migration rates under contemporary and potential future wind conditions (based on reported global stilling trends). The results confirm that nonrandom seed abscission increased dispersal distances, particularly for light seeds. The increases were mitigated by two physical feedbacks: (i) although nonrandom abscission increased the initial acceleration of seeds from rest, the sensitivity of the seed dispersal to this initial condition declined as the wind speed increased; and (ii) while nonrandom abscission increased the mean dispersal length, it reduced the kurtosis of seasonal dispersal kernels, and thus the chance of long‐distance dispersal. Wind stilling greatly reduced the modeled migration rates under biased seed release conditions. Thus, species that require high wind velocities for seed abscission could experience threshold‐like reductions in dispersal and migration potential if near‐surface wind speeds continue to decline.
GHG emissions of forest‐biomass supply chains to commercial‐scale liquid‐biofuel production plants in Finland
Authors: Jäppinen Eero , Korpinen Olli‐Jussi , Ranta Tapio
Published: February 2013

Commercial‐scale liquid‐biofuel production utilizing forest‐based biomass would require feedstock supply from a large geographical area. Feedstock composition, supply chains' arrangements, and the resulting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are location dependent, and case‐specific assessments are needed if one is to guarantee the fulfillment of GHG reduction requirements by a specific biofuel product. This work assessed GHG emissions derived from the feedstock supply and transportation chain to three possible commercial‐scale biodiesel plant locations in Finland (Rauma, Porvoo, and Kemi) at site‐specific level. The supply of 7.2 PJ yr−1 (approximately 1 million m3solid) of forest biomass (harvesting residues, stumps, and small‐diameter energy wood) was assessed for each location, including four distinct scenarios for truck and railway transportation and two scenarios for biomass availability. Biomass availability and transportation‐network assessments were conducted through utilization of geographical information system methods, and the GHG emissions were assessed by means of life‐cycle assessment. The results showed that the GHG emissions of the supply chains can be effectively reduced through use of railway transportation from distant supply areas. Furthermore, even though the supply‐chain GHG emissions differed by up to 30% between the case‐study locations, the GHG emissions of the feedstock supply chain, from roadside stores of uncomminuted biomass to comminuted biomass delivered to the plants, were relatively low (2–4%) when compared with the GHG emissions of fossil diesel.
Climate envelope models suggest spatio‐temporal co‐occurrence of refugia of African birds and mammals
Authors: Levinsky Irina , Araújo Miguel B. , Nogués‐Bravo David , Haywood Alan M. , Valdes Paul J. , Rahbek Carsten
Published: February 2013

Aim

Studies investigating the theory of tropical refugia for vertebrates have previously focused on a handful of species or a single taxonomic group. We sought to identify the potential location of cross‐taxonomic refugia of African birds and mammals in the Last Glacial Maximum, and used historic climate data to hindcast the location of past ranges of species based on their current distributions.

Location

Mainland sub‐Saharan Africa.

Methods

Using current distributions of 537 mammal and 1265 bird species, we modelled the past distribution of species, taking advantage of recently available reconstructions of climate for the Last Glacial Maximum. Modelled historical ranges were verified individually using standard techniques for evaluating the precision of bioclimatic envelope models. Potential refugia were identified as those areas with a higher overlap of climatically suitable ranges (i.e. levels of species richness) than expected based on randomizing of the modelled past climatically suitable ranges in the sub‐Saharan domain and on the level of resource availability (by modelling past species richness patterns as would be expected given the water–energy theory).

Results

Our models show that during the Last Glacial Maximum areas of high concentration of climatically suitable ranges of birds and mammals tend to aggregate, more than can be accounted for random placement of ranges and resource availability (ecological processes), in the same six areas: Upper Guinea, the Cameroon Highlands, the Congo Basin, the Ethiopian Highlands, the Angola–Namibia area and the south‐east part of South Africa.

Main conclusions

The unusually high aggregation of predicted suitable ranges for birds and mammals in six relatively small geographical areas corresponds to the location of some of the previously suggested refugia. We interpret this – and the similarity of patterns obtained for both birds and mammals – as a strong indication of the existence of refugia in those areas. The results also illustrate the usefulness of bioclimatic envelope models, coupled randomization techniques and macroecological models, for the reconstruction of geographical distribution patterns in the past.
Impact of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen on the clinical course of hepatitis C virus carriers in a hyperendemic area in Japan: A community‐based cohort study
Authors: Tsubouchi Naoko , Uto Hirofumi , Kumagai Kotaro , Sasaki Fumisato , Kanmura Shuji , Numata Masatsugu , Moriuchi Akihiro , Oketani Makoto , Ido Akio , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Kusumoto Kazunori , Shimoda Kazuya , Stuver Sherri O. , Tsubouchi Hirohito
Published: February 2013

Aim

Subjects positive for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAb) and negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) are considered to have occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of occult HBV infection on aggravation of the clinical course in hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed in 400 subjects who were positive for anti‐HCV antibody and negative for HBsAg. Among these subjects, 263 were HCV core antigen positive or HCV RNA positive (HCV carriers). We examined whether the presence of HBcAb affected the clinical course in these HCV carriers from 1996–2005.

Results

The HBcAb positive rates were 53.6% and 52.6% in HCV carriers and HCV RNA negative subjects, respectively. There were no differences in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cumulative mortality associated with liver‐related death between HCV carriers who were positive and negative for HBcAb. In multivariate analysis, age (≥65 years) and alanine aminotransferase level (≥31 IU/L) emerged as independent risk factors for HCC development and liver‐related death, but the HBcAb status was not a risk factor. In addition, increased serum hepatic fibrosis markers (measured from 2001–2004) were not associated with HBcAb status.

Conclusion

In our cohort study, the presence of HBcAb had no impact on HCC development, liver‐related death and hepatic fibrosis markers in HCV carriers. Thus, our results indicate that occult HBV infection has no impact on the clinical course in HCV carriers.
‘Letting them loose!’ A different approach to a biochemistry post‐exam training session
Authors: Flint Lisa
Published: February 2013

This feature looks at changing the format of a well‐established information skills session for first‐year biochemistry students at UCL, to improve its design, delivery and the overall learning experience for the students. After reviewing current literature, active learning methods were explored and an idea of a research‐based quiz based on famous scientists was devised. After a brief introduction to the library resources available, the students were ‘let loose’ to research their particular scientist and answer a series of questions. Feedback was gained and evaluated and concluded that the session was well received by students. The feature also raises the discussion of generic verses subject‐based information skills training.

H.S.
The NHS Lanarkshire Intranet site (FirstPort) and its effectiveness as a knowledge management tool
Authors: Herbert Paul
Published: February 2013

The use of intranets as knowledge management tools in the NHS has been applied with varying success. This study set out to evaluate the effectiveness of the NHS Lanarkshire intranet site FirstPort as a knowledge management tool and to capture opinions on what would be required of a new FirstPort 2 site to be launched in the summer of 2012. The research was conducted in June 2011 by Paul Herbert as part of MSc in Health Informatics at the University of Sheffield, supervised by Nigel Ford. At the time of the study, Paul was working at NHS Lanarkshire and he was able to give his employers a useful set of recommendations. He moved to his present post with Healthcare Improvement Scotland in June 2012. This article is the first in the Dissertations into Practice series to investigate web‐based tools for information and communication inside the NHS, but there are more in the pipeline.

AM
International trends in health science librarianship. Part 5 Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Berry Beverley , Rodrííguez‐Jiménez Teresa M.
Published: February 2013

This is the 5th in a series of articles exploring international trends in health science librarianship in Latin America and the Caribbean in the first decade of the 21st century. The invited authors are from Argentina, Bermuda and Mexico. Future issues will track trends in Central Europe and the Middle East.

JM
Searching MEDLINE for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health literature: questionable sensitivity
Authors: Sladek Ruth M. , Tieman Jennifer J. , Tyndall Jess , Phillips Paddy A.
Published: February 2013

Objective

The extent to which existing and future research can impact on reducing health disparities relates not only to the evidence available, but the ability to find that evidence. Our objective is to quantify experts' literature searching effectiveness with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's health.

Methods

Nine journals were dual reviewed, and a ‘gold standard’ set of relevant articles was identified. Health librarians (n = 25) completed a standardised searching task using OVID MEDLINE, and results were compared with the gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity and precision rates were calculated.

Results

The gold standard comprised 136 of 1469 (9.3%) records from nine journals. Searches achieved a mean sensitivity of 53.2% (median = 64.7%, range 0.0–93.4%), specificity of 97.4% (median = 99.4%, range 52.6–100%) and precision of 83.3% (median = 91.0%, range 16.7–100%). Self‐estimates of search sensitivity (post hoc) were significantly higher than observed (M = 78.9%, t = 4.812, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Even expert searchers struggle to find the relevant peer‐reviewed literature in MEDLINE.

Implications

A search filter may improve searching effectiveness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health literature. Assessment of health librarians' searching competencies warrants further professional debate and consideration.
From NHS Choices to the integrated customer service platform
Authors: Gann Bob , Grant Maria J.
Published: February 2013

In 2013 the NHS Commissioning Board launches its new integrated customer service platform. The new service utilises the full range of channels (web, telephone, apps etc) to provide access to information to support transparency, participation and transactions. Digital health services have proven benefits in informed choice, shared decision making and patient participation.
Understanding the language of tourism: Tanzanian perspective
Authors: Chiwanga Fredrick E.
Published: February 2013

Different from other languages such as newspeak, journalese and many others, tourism has its own linguistic line. The language of tourism necessitates tourism practitioners and tourists to endlessly learn it. It covers all forms of touristic communication at every stage of journey, safari and stay. This paper seeks to engage in the mediation between expertise about language and the actual language use in the tourism domain and highlights areas that need clear understanding. It not only helps tourism practitioners sell effectively available tourism products and services, and communicate competently with tourists and colleagues in the industry but also government officials in curricula and policy matters. We have found, through ethno‐methodological and textual data, more features of language of tourism through Tanzanian tourism practitioners.
M‐finance and consumer redress for the unbanked in South Africa
Authors: Anong Sophia T. , Kunovskaya Irina
Published: February 2013

The paper describes the nature and impact of mobile financial services (m‐finance) and consumer protection in developing countries. Specifically, it explores consumer redress in South Africa's m‐finance, a sector responsible for rapidly drawing unbanked consumers in developing countries into the financial mainstream. The Actor–Network Theory is used to identify key actors of transformational m‐finance in South Africa. Complaint procedures of the identified providers are reviewed and evaluated against the 2007 recommendation by the Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) on consumer dispute resolution and redress. The research shows that although South Africa is not an OECD member, the legal and self‐regulatory environments have fostered what appear to be good consumer redress intentions by businesses. All providers in the study had consumer information on internal redress channels and some even provided additional information on alternative dispute resolution services in the country. Some shortcomings, however, were the lack of standard designs for online complaint forms and not providing expected time frames for the resolution process and possible solutions.
Gender, fashion consumer group, need for touch and Korean apparel consumers' shopping channel preference
Authors: Workman Jane E. , Cho Siwon
Published: February 2013

Shopping preferences are affected by the culture in which an individual grows up as well as by individual differences in consumers such as differences in gender, fashion leadership and need for touch. The current study examined the influence of consumers' need for touch and fashion leadership on preference for shopping outlets (e.g. touch and non‐touch shopping channels) between genders and within a particular culture. The purpose of this study was to examine gender, fashion consumer group, need for touch and Korean apparel consumers' shopping channel preference. Participants were a convenience sample of 262 Korean college students who were recruited in Changwon, South Korea. A questionnaire was compiled that included a request for demographic information, the Need For Touch scale, the Measure of Fashion Innovativeness and Opinion Leadership, and items assessing preference for touch and non‐touch shopping channels for clothing. Women and men did not differ in overall need for touch or instrumental need for touch. Fashion change agents and fashion followers did not differ in their preference for touch and non‐touch shopping channels. Preference for touch shopping channels was more greatly affected by variables such as need for touch, gender, and fashion innovativeness and opinion leadership than preference for non‐touch shopping channels. Preference for non‐touch shopping channels was virtually unaffected by the variables examined in the current study. Implications for theory and research are provided.
Making Franchising Work: A Framework Based on a Systematic Review
Authors: Nijmeijer Karlijn J. , Fabbricotti Isabelle N. , Huijsman Robbert
Published: February 2013

There is a large and fragmented literature that examines the nature of franchising. This paper aims to collect all the empirical evidence on the factors that make franchising work and to integrate this evidence in a framework. A narrative synthesis was performed of 126 peer‐reviewed empirical journal articles. This review shows how the outcomes of franchising are determined by five major clusters of factors: ownership structure, business format design, contract design, behavior of the franchisor and the franchisee and their interaction, and the age and size of the system and its units. It identifies what franchisors and franchisees need to do to be successful and which evidence gaps and conflicting results remain. To yield better outcomes for both the franchisor and the franchisee, they should work on a recognizable brand name and a good working relationship; in addition, they should have suitable skills and attitudes as well as contractual exclusive territories. For further improvement of franchisee outcomes, high‐quality franchisor support, decentralized decision‐making, selection tools and fair contracts are essential. The effects of a high franchise proportion, active ownership, knowledge exchange and standardized operating instructions are contingent on other structural and contextual factors in the system. Conflicts and tying should be prevented. Hardly any research has been undertaken into which franchise designs are valued by customers. The authors have launched a research agenda for further research, from various theoretical perspectives, into the interactions between system elements, actors and contexts.
Differential effects of insemination volume and substance on reproductive changes in honey bee queens (Apis mellifera L.)
Authors: Niño E. L. , Tarpy D. R. , Grozinger C. M.
Published: February 2013

Mating causes dramatic changes in female insects at the behavioural, physiological and molecular level. The factors driving these changes (e.g. seminal proteins, seminal volume) and the molecular pathways by which these factors are operating have been characterized only in a handful of insect species. In the present study, we use instrumental insemination of honey bee queens to examine the role of the insemination substance and volume in triggering post‐mating changes. We also examine differences in gene expression patterns in the fat bodies of queens with highly activated ovaries to determine if events during copulation can cause long‐term changes in gene expression. We found that the instrumental insemination procedure alone caused cessation of mating flights and triggered ovary activation, with high‐volume inseminated queens having the greatest ovary activation. Hierarchical clustering grouped queens primarily by insemination substance and then insemination volume, suggesting that while volume may trigger short‐term physiological changes (i.e. ovary activation) substance plays a greater role in regulating long‐term transcriptional changes. The results of gene ontology analysis and comparison with previous studies suggest that both insemination substance and volume trigger molecular post‐mating changes by altering overlapping gene pathways involved in honey bee reproduction. We also discuss the effects on two genes (vitellogenin and transferrin) involved in reproduction and defence responses.
IL‐22, not simply a Th17 cytokine
Authors: Rutz Sascha , Eidenschenk Céline , Ouyang Wenjun
Published: February 2013

Interleukin‐22 (IL‐22) has important functions in host defense at mucosal surfaces as well as in tissue repair. It is unique as a cytokine that is produced by immune cells, including T‐helper (Th) cell subsets and innate lymphocytes, but acts only on non‐hematopoietic stromal cells, in particular epithelial cells, keratinocytes, and hepatocytes. Although IL‐22 is beneficial to the host in many infectious and inflammatory disorders, depending on the target tissue it can be pathogenic due to its inherent pro‐inflammatory properties, which are further enhanced when IL‐22 is released together with other pro‐inflammatory cytokines, in particular IL‐17. To avoid pathology, IL‐22 and IL‐17 production have to be controlled tightly and independently. While common factors such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and retinoid orphan receptor γt (RORγt) drive the expression of both cytokines, other factors, such as c‐Maf act specifically on IL‐22 and enable the separate expression of either cytokine. Here, we discuss the production of IL‐22 from various T‐cell populations as well as protective versus pathogenic roles of IL‐22. Finally, we focus on recent advances in our understanding of the molecular regulation of IL‐22 in T cells.
Th9 cells: differentiation and disease
Authors: Kaplan Mark H.
Published: February 2013

CD4+ T‐helper cells regulate immunity and inflammation through the acquisition of potential to secrete specific cytokines. The acquisition of cytokine‐secreting potential, in a process termed T‐helper cell differentiation, is a response to multiple environmental signals including the cytokine milieu. The most recently defined subset of T‐helper cells are termed Th9 and are identified by the potent production of interleukin‐9 (IL‐9). Given the pleiotropic functions of IL‐9, Th9 cells might be involved in pathogen immunity and immune‐mediated disease. In this review, I focus on recent developments in understanding the signals that promote Th9 differentiation, the transcription factors that regulate IL‐9 expression, and finally the potential roles for Th9 cells in immunity in vivo.
CD4+ T‐cell subsets and host defense in the lung
Authors: Kolls Jay K.
Published: February 2013

CD4+ T‐helper subsets are lineages of T cells that have effector function in the lung and control critical aspects of lung immunity. Depletion of these cells experimentally or by drugs or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in humans leads to the development of opportunistic infections as well as increased rates of bacteremia with certain bacterial pneumonias. Recently, it has been proposed that CD4+ T‐cell subsets may also be excellent targets for mucosal vaccination to prevent pulmonary infections in susceptible hosts. Here, we review recent findings that increase our understanding of T‐cell subsets and their effector cytokines in the context of pulmonary infection.
NF‐κB: roles and regulation in different CD4+ T‐cell subsets
Authors: Oh Hyunju , Ghosh Sankar
Published: February 2013

The nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) family of transcription factors plays important roles in various biological processes including apoptosis, stress response, immunity, and inflammation. NF‐κB signaling is involved in both immune cell development and function, and it is critical in modulation of the immune response through the transcriptional regulation of cytokine and chemokine expression. An area of great interest in T‐cell‐mediated adaptive immunity is the ability of naive CD4+ T cells generated in the thymus to differentiate into various subsets including T‐helper 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17, Th9, follicular helper T (Tfh), Th22, and regulatory T (Treg) cells, upon encountering different pathogens and microenvironments. In this review, we discuss the role of NF‐κB pathway in the development and functional divergence of the different helper T‐cell subsets as well as in regulatory T cells.