bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The problem of peers in Vietnamese interaction
Authors: Sidnell Jack , Shohet Merav
Published: August 2013

In Vietnamese, address (second‐person reference) is typically accomplished by the use of a kin term regardless of whether the talk's recipient is a genealogical relative or not. All Vietnamese kin terms encode a specification of either relative age or relative generation of participants, and there are no reciprocal terms akin to English ‘brother’ or ‘sister’; rather, a speaker must select between terms such as ‘older brother’ (anh) or ‘younger sibling’ (em). Since generation is normatively associated with a difference in age, the result is a ubiquitous indexing of age and status hierarchies in all acts of address. This results in a problem for peers. How, in such a system, should they address one another (and also self‐refer)? In this article, we describe the various practices that speakers use to subvert the system and thus avoid indexing differences of age or station. Specifically, we describe four practices: (1) the use of true pronouns in address and self‐reference; (2) the use of proper names in address and self‐reference; (3) the use of kin terms in address and pronouns in self‐reference; and (4) the ironic use of kin terms in address. We conclude that the Vietnamese system well illustrates what is likely a universal tension between hierarchy and equality in acts of address and self‐reference, by showing how speakers deconstruct the vector of age and indicate that they consider one another peers. We further suggest that although the literature in this area has focused on the ways in which languages convey differences of status and rank, social order is built as much upon relations of parity and sameness – on identification of the other as neither higher nor lower than me – as it is upon relations of hierarchy.
Do ‘we’ ‘do’ God? LindaWoodhead & RebeccaCatto (eds), Religion and change in modern Britain. London: Routledge.
Authors: Coleman Simon
Published: August 2013

What does it mean to talk of the religion ‘of’ a given country? I reflect on an edited volume dealing with religion in Britain and consider two related themes: the secular considered as ‘absence’ or ‘presence’, and the siting of religion not in conventional denominations or ritual practices but in spaces of encounter between religions, and between the so‐called ‘religious’ and ‘secular’.
Age‐related dystrophic changes in corneal endothelium from DNA repair–deficient mice
Authors: Roh Danny S. , Du Yiqin , Gabriele Michelle L. , Robinson Andria R. , Niedernhofer Laura J. , Funderburgh James L.
Published: August 2013

The corneal endothelium (CE) is a single layer of cells lining the posterior face of the cornea providing metabolic functions essential for maintenance of corneal transparency. Adult CE cells lack regenerative potential, and the number of CE cells decreases throughout life. To determine whether endogenous DNA damage contributes to the age‐related spontaneous loss of CE, we characterized CE in Ercc1−/Δ mice, which have impaired capacity to repair DNA damage and age prematurely. Eyes from 4.5‐ to 6‐month‐old Ercc1−/Δ mice, age‐matched wild‐type (WT) littermates, and old WT mice (24‐ to 34‐month‐old) were compared by spectral domain optical coherence tomography and corneal confocal microscopy. Histopathological changes in CE were further identified in paraffin tissue sections, whole‐mount immunostaining, and scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. The CE of old WT mice displayed polymorphism and polymegathism, polyploidy, decreased cell density, increased cell size, increases in Descemet's thickness, and the presence of posterior projections originating from the CE toward the anterior chamber, similar to changes documented for aging human corneas. Similar changes were observed in young adult Ercc1−/Δ mice CE, demonstrating spontaneous premature aging of the CE of these DNA repair–deficient mice. CD45+ immune cells were associated with the posterior surface of CE from Ercc1−/Δ mice and the tissue expressed increased IL‐1α, Cxcl2, and TNFα, pro‐inflammatory proteins associated with senescence‐associated secretory phenotype. These data provide strong experimental evidence that DNA damage can promote aging of the CE and that Ercc1−/Δ mice offer a rapid and accurate model to study CE pathogenesis and therapy.
Quality of life after surgery in individuals with familial colorectal cancer: does extended surgery have an adverse impact?
Authors: Pollett William G. , Marion Kaye , Moeslein Gabriela , Schneider Claudia , Parry Susan , Veysey Katrina , Bissett Ian P. , Jones Ian , Macrae Finlay
Published: August 2013

Background

There is controversy regarding the optimum surgical treatment of patients presenting with colorectal cancer with known or suspected genetic cancer syndromes. Although standard segmental resection may be curative, a high risk of metachronous malignancy leads many to advocate extended surgery. The current study was designed to assess whether or not extended surgery adversely impacts quality of life compared to segmental surgery.

Methods

Records at The Royal Melbourne Hospital Family Cancer Clinic were searched in order to identify patients with suspected high risk familial colon cancer. Patients who underwent surgery were identified and mailed two Standardized Quality of Life Questionnaires (EORTC QLQ‐C30 and EORTC QLQ‐CR38).

Results

Fifty respondents met the inclusion criteria. None of the 15 patients whose primary operation was an extended procedure developed a metachronous cancer. Seventeen of the 35 (48.67%) who had an initial segmental resection had subsequent surgery for metachronous cancer. At the time of the questionnaire, 27 had extended surgery and 23 had segmental operations. The overall global health status and quality of life was very similar between the two groups.

Conlcusion

This study confirms that there is a high rate of metachronous cancer for patients undergoing segmental resection for hereditary colon cancer. Quality of life following either segmental or extended resection is not significantly different. Consequently, it is reasonable to recommend extended surgery for most patients with high risk hereditary colon cancer.
A phase I/II trial of bortezomib combined concurrently with gemcitabine for relapsed or refractory DLBCL and peripheral T‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Evens Andrew M. , Rosen Steven T. , Helenowski Irene , Kline Justin , Larsen Annette , Colvin Jennifer , Winter Jane N. , van Besien Koen M. , Gordon Leo I. , Smith Sonali M.
Published: August 2013

There remains an unmet therapeutic need for patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL). We conducted a phase I/II trial with bortezomib (dose‐escalated to 1·6 mg/m2) given concurrently with gemcitabine (800 mg/m2) days 1 + 8 q21 d. Of 32 patients, 16 each had relapsed/refractory PTCL and DLBCL. Median prior therapies were 3 and 35% had failed transplant. Among the first 18 patients, 67% experienced grade 3/4 neutropenia and/or grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia resulting in repeated treatment delays (relative dose intensity: 46%). Thus, the study was amended to give bortezomib and gemcitabine days 1 + 15 q28 d, which resulted in markedly improved tolerability. Among all patients, the overall response rate (ORR) was 24% with 19% complete remission (CR; intent‐to‐treat (ITT) ORR 16%, CR 13%), which met criteria for futility. The ORR for DLBCL was 10% (CR 10%) vs. 36% for PTCL (CR 27%). Among 6 PTCL patients treated on the modified schedule, ORR by ITT was 50% (CR 30%). Altogether, concurrent bortezomib/gemcitabine given days 1 + 8 q21 d was not tolerable, while modification to a bi‐monthly schedule allowed consistent treatment delivery. Whereas efficacy of this combination was low in heavily pre‐treated DLBCL, there was a signal of activity in relapsed/refractory PTCL utilizing the modified schedule.
Combination of two anti‐CD5 monoclonal antibodies synergistically induces complement‐dependent cytotoxicity of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells
Authors: Klitgaard Josephine L. , Koefoed Klaus , Geisler Christian , Gadeberg Ole V. , Frank David A. , Petersen Jørgen , Jurlander Jesper , Pedersen Mikkel W.
Published: August 2013

The treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) has been improved by introduction of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that exert their effect through secondary effector mechanisms. CLL cells are characterized by expression of CD5 and CD23 along with CD19 and CD20, hence anti‐CD5 Abs that engage secondary effector functions represent an attractive opportunity for CLL treatment. Here, a repertoire of mAbs against human CD5 was generated and tested for ability to induce complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) both as single mAbs and combinations of two mAbs against non‐overlapping epitopes on human CD5. The results demonstrated that combinations of two mAbs significantly increased the level of CDC compared to the single mAbs, while no enhancement of ADCC was seen with anti‐CD5 mAb combinations. High levels of CDC and ADCC correlated with low levels of Ab‐induced CD5 internalization and degradation. Importantly, an anti‐CD5 mAb combination enhanced CDC of CLL cells when combined with the anti‐CD20 mAbs rituximab and ofatumumab as well as with the anti‐CD52 mAb alemtuzumab. These results suggest that an anti‐CD5 mAb combination inducing CDC and ADCC may be effective alone, in combination with mAbs against other targets or combined with chemotherapy for CLL and other CD5‐expressing haematological or lymphoid malignancies.
Trade Union Approaches towards the ICE Regulations: Defensive Realism or Missed Opportunity?
Authors: Hall Mark , Purcell John , Terry Michael , Hutchinson Sue , Parker Jane
Published: August 2013

Reflecting debates about whether statutory workforce‐wide consultation arrangements are likely to undermine or underpin trade union representation, unions' approaches towards the UK's Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations 2004 have been ambivalent and their engagement with the legislation limited. Evidence from longitudinal case studies in 25 organizations suggests that the introduction of information and consultation bodies did not have the effect of marginalizing trade union representation and collective bargaining, and in some cases reinforced unions' standing within the organization. The article highlights the implications for union strategies and legislative reform, and suggests a research agenda.
Accounting for National and Sectoral Variance in the Implementation of European Social Partner ‘Soft’ Law: The Cases of the Implementation of the Telework and Work‐Related Stress Agreements
Authors: Prosser Thomas
Published: August 2013

This article investigates the factors that explicate the implementation of European social partner ‘soft’ framework agreements. The implementation of two such agreements, the Telework and Work‐Related Stress Agreements, in four countries and two sectors is investigated. Seven hypotheses, primarily derived from the study of generic European ‘soft’ law, about the factors that explain the implementation of European social partner ‘soft’ law are tested. The article concludes that European social partner ‘soft’ law is distinctive from generic European ‘soft’ law in that its successful implementation is contingent upon the extent the industrial relations system in which it is implemented is centralized and co‐ordinated.
Long‐term visual outcomes in patients with orbitotemporal neurofibromatosis
Authors: Greenwell Timothy H , Anderson Peter J , Madge Simon K , Selva Dinesh , David David J
Published: August 2013

Background

The study aimed to review the presentation and long‐term visual outcomes of patients with orbitotemporal neurofibromatosis.

Design

Retrospective case series.

Participants

Patients with orbitotemporal neurofibromatosis presenting from 1981 to 2009.

Methods

Demographic data, examination findings, causes of vision impairment and interventions performed were recorded for each patient from presentation through subsequent follow‐up encounters. Visual impairment was defined as an ipsilateral Snellen acuity of <6/12.

Main Outcome Measures

The proportion of patients with visual impairment or enucleation, the rate of new vision loss during follow up; and causes for vision loss or enucleation.

Results

Thirty‐seven patients (17 female) were included. Median presenting age was 15 years (range 2–45) with an average follow up of 7.4 years (range 0.5–20.3). Visual impairment occurred in 54% of patients at presentation. Causes were amblyopia (13 of 37), optic atrophy (4 of 37), previous enucleation/evisceration (2 of 37), and optic nerve glioma (1 of 37). At presentation, 76% of patients had ptosis, and 51% had strabismus. Thirty‐one patients had surgery, with an average of two procedures per patient. At final follow up, 62% had visual impairment. The rate of visual decline was 2% per patient‐years. Causes of visual decline were two patients with optic nerve atrophy, one with exposure keratitis and one whose cause was unknown. Five blind patients had enucleation.

Conclusions

The first series of orbitotemporal neurofibromatosis to focus on visual outcomes was presented. Vision loss is common, with a high prevalence of amblyopia. Close monitoring from an early age is needed to prevent visual impairment.
Optical performance of two new trifocal intraocular lenses: through‐focus modulation transfer function and influence of pupil size
Authors: Ruiz‐Alcocer Javier , Madrid‐Costa David , García‐Lázaro Santiago , Ferrer‐Blasco Teresa , Montés‐Micó Robert
Published: August 2013

Background

To compare the in vitro optical quality of two new trifocal intraocular lenses at different focal points as a function of pupil size.

Methods

Two intraocular lenses having different design approaches were evaluated: the AT LISA tri 839MP with a trifocal diffractive design, and the FineVision, which combines two distinct apodized bifocal diffractive profiles resulting in three foci. A PMTF optical bench was used to assess the intraocular lenses' performance, and as optical quality metrics, the through‐focus modulation transfer function was selected; that is, it was measured at 10 focal points and for four different apertures (2.0, 3.0, 3.75 and 4.5 mm).

Results

For both lenses, the through‐focus curve showed three peaks, corresponding to far, intermediate and near focal point. At the 0.0 D focal point, the FineVision yielded better results for larger pupils. At the −1.5 D focal point, both lenses performed worse for larger pupils. At the −3.0 D, the FineVision provided better results for all apertures. However, at the −3.5 D focal point, it was the AT LISA tri 839MP that outperformed the FineVision for larger pupils.

Conclusions

The two trifocal intraocular lenses under analysis have modulation transfer function peaks that correspond to the far, intermediate and near focal points. For larger pupil sizes, the FineVision seems to provide better results at far focal points, while the AT LISA tri 839MP not only provides better results at the intermediate and near focal points, but is also less pupil size‐dependent.
Long‐term outcomes after adjunctive topical 5‐flurouracil or mitomycin C for the treatment of surgically excised, localized ocular surface squamous neoplasia
Authors: Bahrami Bobak , Greenwell Timothy , Muecke James S
Published: August 2013

Background

To report rates of recurrence and complications of localized ocular surface squamous neoplasia treated with 5‐fluorouracil or mitomycin C as adjunctive treatment to surgical excision.

Design

Long‐term follow up of two prospective, non‐comparative interventional case series.

Participants

One hundred fifty‐three eyes with histologically confirmed localized, non‐invasive ocular surface squamous neoplasia. 89 eyes were treated with adjuvant 5‐fluorouracil and 64 eyes were treated with adjuvant mitomycin C.

Methods

Following surgical excision±cryotherapy patients received topical 5‐fluorouracil 1% four times daily for two weeks or topical mitomycin C 0.04% four times daily for two to three 1‐week cycles.

Main Outcome Measures

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia recurrence, complications of therapy and compliance.

Results

Median follow up was 33.6 (range 12–84) months and 57.9 (range 12–160) months in 5‐fluorouracil and mitomycin C groups, respectively. There was one recurrence in the 5‐fluorouracil group and no recurrences in the mitomycin C group. Side‐effects occurred in 69% of 5‐fluorouracil patients and 41% of mitomycin C patients. Five patients (6%) required intervention for treatment‐related side‐effects in the 5‐fluorouracil group versus 11 (17%) in the mitomycin C group. No vision‐threatening complications were noted.

Conclusions

Long‐term recurrence of localised ocular surface squamous neoplasia is rare when topical 5‐fluorouracil or mitomycin C are used as adjunctive treatment to surgical excision. While side‐effects are common, the majority are transient and rarely limit compliance.
A founder mutation in COL4A3 causes autosomal recessive Alport syndrome in the Ashkenazi Jewish population
Authors: Webb B.D. , Brandt T. , Liu L. , Jalas C. , Liao J. , Fedick A. , Linderman M.D. , Diaz G.A. , Kornreich R. , Trachtman H. , Mehta L. , Edelmann L.
Published: August 2013

Alport syndrome is an inherited progressive nephropathy arising from mutations in the type IV collagen genes, COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5. Symptoms also include sensorineural hearing loss and ocular lesions. We determined the molecular basis of Alport syndrome in a non‐consanguineous Ashkenazi Jewish family with multiple affected females using linkage analysis and next generation sequencing. We identified a homozygous COL4A3 mutation, c.40_63del, in affected individuals with mutant alleles inherited from each parent on partially conserved haplotypes. Large‐scale population screening of 2017 unrelated Ashkenazi Jewish samples revealed a carrier frequency of 1 in 183 indicating that COL4A3 c.40_63del is a founder mutation which may be a common cause of Alport syndrome in this population. Additionally, we determined that heterozygous mutation carriers in this family do not meet criteria for a diagnosis of Thin Basement Membrane Nephropathy and concluded that carriers of c.40_63del are not likely to develop benign familial hematuria.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy following a positive faecal occult blood test within a bowel screening programme may reduce the detection of neoplasia
Authors: Mansouri D. , McMillan D. C. , Roxburgh C. S. D. , Moug S. J. , Crighton E. M. , Horgan P. G.
Published: August 2013

Aim

Colorectal cancer screening using the faecal occult blood test (FOBt) detects a disproportionate number of left‐sided tumours. This study aims to examine the theoretical impact on neoplasia detection rates of a sigmoidoscopy‐first protocol in FOBt‐positive patients undergoing colonoscopy.

Method

From retrieved endoscopy/pathology reports, pathology up to and including the splenic flexure was assumed detectable by sigmoidoscopy. High‐risk polyps prompting subsequent colonoscopy were classed as three or more polyps, one polyp of ≥ 1 cm, villous or tubulovillous components or the presence of high‐grade dysplasia.

Results

Between April 2009 and April 2011, 4631 patients underwent colonoscopy as a result of a positive FOBt in Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Cancer was detected in 398 (9%) and adenomas were detected in 1985 (47%) of which 1323 (67%) were deemed significant according to British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines. Applying the flexible sigmoidoscopy‐first model, cancer would have been detected in 329 (8%) patients and adenomas in 1640 (39%), of which 1140 (70%) would have been significant. In total, 1546 (37%) patients would have required subsequent colonoscopy, following which 21 patients would have a new diagnosis of cancer. The positive predictive values (PPVs) for neoplasia (47 vs 57%, P < 0.001), significant neoplasia (35 vs 41%, P < 0.001) and cancer (8 vs 9%, P = 0.007) were all lower in the sigmoidoscopy‐first model.

Conclusion

A significant reduction in the detection of both adenomas and cancers would be seen if the sigmoidoscopy‐first protocol were to be used following a positive FOBt. Furthermore, a significant proportion of patients would be subjected to two procedures, with considerable implications for both the patient and cost.
A Ranking‐Theoretic Approach to Conditionals
Authors: Spohn Wolfgang
Published: August 2013

Conditionals somehow express conditional beliefs. However, conditional belief is a bi‐propositional attitude that is generally not truth‐evaluable, in contrast to unconditional belief. Therefore, this article opts for an expressivistic semantics for conditionals, grounds this semantics in the arguably most adequate account of conditional belief, that is, ranking theory, and dismisses probability theory for that purpose, because probabilities cannot represent belief. Various expressive options are then explained in terms of ranking theory, with the intention to set out a general interpretive scheme that is able to account for the most variegated usage of conditionals. The Ramsey test is only the first option. Relevance is another, familiar, but little understood item, which comes in several versions. This article adds a further family of expressive options, which is able to subsume also counterfactuals and causal conditionals, and indicates at the end how this family allows for partial recovery of truth conditions for conditionals.
Santos et al. reply
Authors: Palmini André , Santos Kleber
Published: August 2013

Please also see the reply to this letter by 966–967.
Analysis of hematogones in bone marrow from acute myeloid leukaemia cases posttherapy
Authors: Zheng Jine , Du Wen , Yao Junxia , You Yong , Li Weiming , He Yanli , Li Xiaoqing , Liu Wei , Wu Yaohui , Hu Yanjie , Jin Runming , Zou Ping , Huang Shiang , Hu Yu , Zhang Min
Published: August 2013

Background

Increased bone marrow (BM) hematogones (HGs) are often observed in patients with marrow regenerating status. Many studies have focused on the role of HGs in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), but very little has been done to understand their effects on acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Materials and methods

Through immunophenotyping, HGs were quantified in 471 BM samples from 292 postchemotherapy AML cases. These samples were analysed to determine whether there is any relationship between HGs percentages and French–American–British (FAB) subtypes or risk stratification of AML.

Results

HGs were identified in 57.75% of 471 patient samples (271) with a mean percentage of 3.87 ± 0.25%. No significant differences were found amongst different FAB subtypes of AML (P > 0.05). However, significant differences (P < 0.05) in HG numbers were noted between AML patients experiencing haematological complete remission (HCR) and those who have relapsed. HGs were identified in 59.9% of samples under HCR with a mean per cent of 3.98 ± 0.31%, and 36.7% of individuals who have relapsed have detectable HGs with a mean per cent of 1.75 ± 0.47. In addition, HGs in patients groups with low risk or intermediate risk were elevated when compared with high‐risk groups (P < 0.05), whilst no significant difference was found between low‐risk patients and intermediate‐risk patients (P > 0.05). Patients with >0.1% of HGs had a significantly better median leukaemia‐free survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS) than those with <0.1% of HGs (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Therefore, our data indicate that HGs in bone marrow may be used as a favourable prognostic factor that predict for a better outcome of AML patients.
Treatment and long‐term follow‐up of distichiasis, with special reference to the Friesian horse: A case series
Authors: Hermans H. , Ensink J. M.
Published: August 2013

Reasons for performing study

Distichiasis is very uncommon in horses and treatment options and outcome remain unknown.

Objectives

To describe treatment and long‐term follow‐up of distichiasis in the horse.

Study design

Retrospective clinical study.

Methods

Case records of horses admitted for diagnosis and treatment of uni‐ or bilateral distichiasis between 2003 and 2012 were reviewed. Long‐term (>6 months after last treatment) follow‐up was by telephone conversation with the owner or referring veterinarian. Data were analysed using a Chi‐squared test.

Results

Eighteen cases were identified, of which 17 were Friesians. All horses had signs of corneal irritation or ulceration concurrent with distichiasis. In total, 29 eyes were affected with distichiasis of which 23 had clinical signs. All corneas were stained with fluorescein and 13 had fluorescein positive defects (45%). The lower eyelid was affected more often. Two different electrocautery devices were used for treatment. The complications were slight scarring of the eyelids (100%) and clinical recurrence (54%). Successful resolution of the clinical signs after one treatment occurred in 46% of the horses and in 77% of the horses satisfactory long‐term results were found after a mean of 2 treatments (range: 1– 6 treatments). There was significant correlation between number of hairs and recurrence (P<0.002).

Conclusions

There is a breed predisposition of distichiasis in the Friesian horse. In Friesian horses that present with uni‐ or bilateral corneal irritation or corneal ulceration, careful examination of the eyelid margins should be performed to diagnose distichiasis. Electrocautery is a valid and successful therapeutic modality which is minimally invasive, inexpensive, has a low complication rate and is easy to perform in the standing sedated horse. The recurrence rate is low in horses with less than 5 distichiae.
Nitrogen deposition weakens plant–microbe interactions in grassland ecosystems
Authors: Wei Cunzheng , Yu Qiang , Bai Edith , Lü Xiaotao , Li Qi , Xia Jianyang , Kardol Paul , Liang Wenju , Wang Zhengwen , Han Xingguo
Published: August 2013

Soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stoichiometry is a main driver of ecosystem functioning. Global N enrichment has greatly changed soil C : N ratios, but how altered resource stoichiometry influences the complexity of direct and indirect interactions among plants, soils, and microbial communities has rarely been explored. Here, we investigated the responses of the plant‐soil‐microbe system to multi‐level N additions and the role of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and inorganic N stoichiometry in regulating microbial biomass in semiarid grassland in northern China. We documented a significant positive correlation betweenDOCand inorganic N across the N addition gradient, which contradicts the negative nonlinear correlation between nitrate accrual andDOCavailability commonly observed in natural ecosystems. Using hierarchical structural equation modeling, we found that soil acidification resulting from N addition, rather than changes in the plant community, was most closely related to shifts in soil microbial community composition and decline of microbial respiration. These findings indicate a down‐regulating effect of high N availability on plant–microbe interactions. That is, with the limiting factor for microbial biomass shifting from resource stoichiometry to soil acidity, N enrichment weakens the bottom‐up control of soil microorganisms by plant‐derived C sources. These results highlight the importance of integratively studying the plant‐soil‐microbe system in improving our understanding of ecosystem functioning under conditions of global N enrichment.
Influences of Solid Loadings on the Microstructures and the Optical Properties of Yb:YAG Ceramics
Authors: Ba Xuewei , Li Jiang , Pan Yubai , Zeng Yanping , Liu Wenbin , Jiang Benxue , Liu Jing
Published: August 2013

Transparent Y2.85Yb0.15Al5O12 ceramics were prepared using an aqueous tape casting and vacuum sintering method. The rheological properties were measured by a rheometer. The results indicate high quality tapes, and ceramics can be obtained by increasing the solid loading of the corresponding slurries. The densities of the tapes increase from 2.42 to 2.69 g/cm3 by increasing the solid loadings from 35 to 50 vol%. The corresponding green body densities range from 52.7 to 57.1% of the theoretical. The solid loading suitable for fabricating transparent Yb:YAG ceramics should be higher than 45 vol%.
Antipathogenic activity and preservative effect of levan (β‐2,6‐fructan), a multifunctional polysaccharide
Authors: Byun Bo Young , Lee Su‐Jin , Mah Jae‐Hyung
Published: August 2013

The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of levan compounds, including high‐molecular‐weight levan, low‐molecular‐weight levan and difructose dianhydride IV (DFA IV). The levans exhibited broad antibacterial spectra against foodborne pathogenic bacteria, in a concentration‐dependent manner. From comparison with simple saccharides, often regarded as by‐products of levan production, it turned out that the antibacterial activity of levans was primarily caused by themselves. The strongest effect was observed with low‐molecular‐weight levan as compared to the others, and oligosaccharides as well. The low‐molecular‐weight levan was therefore applied to bread making. The bread samples inoculated with pathogenic bacteria were divided into two groups: bread with sugar alone (control) and bread with both sugar and levan (treatment). It was found from the in situ test that the viability of pathogenic bacteria in bread was reduced by the addition of low‐molecular‐weight levan. Therefore, levan compounds have potential as alternative sweeteners for reduction in pathogenic contamination.
Resource partition among lacertid lizards in southern Europe
Authors: Arnold E. N.
Published: August 2013

Twenty‐four species of lacertid lizards were examined at 31 sites in western Yugoslavia, Greece and Iberia. Comparative observations were made on over 4500 individual lizards, noting such features as times of activity, hunting methods, diet, micro‐ and macro‐habitat, refuges used and body temperature. These data are used as a basis for assessing resource partition in related sympatric species, for finding out whether different systematic groups have characteristic types of niche, and for comparing community structure in the three peninsulas of southern Europe.
Species richness of epiphytic bryophytes: drivers across scales on the edge of the Mediterranean
Authors: Medina Nagore G. , Albertos Belén , Lara Francisco , Mazimpaka Vicente , Garilleti Ricardo , Draper David , Hortal Joaquín
Published: August 2013

Spatial variation in species richness is one of the most frequently studied topics on macroecology. However, the relative importance of the factors affecting richness across scales and their influence on some groups of small‐sized organisms, such as bryophytes, remain unclear. We evaluate the relative importance of biogeographic region, climate, topography, forest structure and abundance in shaping epiphytic bryophyte richness at both local (forest) and sample (trunk) scale on the boundary between the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions in NW Spain. For that purpose we used simple, multiple and partial regressions, hierarchical partitioning and partial least squares path analyses. Although climatic variables related to water availability during spring and summer were the most important predictors of bryophyte richness, their effects were moderated by winter temperature. Abundance, in contrast, was mostly related to forest structure. Biogeographic region was not significantly related to richness. Interestingly, forest richness was the best predictor of trunk richness. Our results highlight the importance of seasonal distribution of rainfall and temperatures and support that the richness of bryophyte communities is constrained by mesoscale climatic factors, in particular the interplay between water and energy availability. In contrast, abundance seems to be controlled by habitat characteristics. We also detected a strong top‐down structure between both scales of measurement evidencing a scaling down of the climatic effect: richness at the sample scale is controlled mainly by local richness and local richness is in turn controlled by climate, so mesoscale climatic gradients are indirectly limiting richness at the smallest scale.
Positron Annihilation in Off‐Stoichiometric and Ta‐Doped Zn2TiO4
Authors: Guagliardo Paul R. , Vance Eric R. , Lumpkin Gregory R. , Blackford Mark G. , Sudarshan Kathi , Davis Joel , Samarin Sergey , Williams James F.
Published: August 2013

While Zn vacancies are regarded as the charge compensators in Ti‐rich Zn2TiO4, no evidence of cation vacancies in essentially single‐phase samples containing up to 13 wt% excess TiO2 was evident from positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). Nor was there strong evidence of cation vacancies in Ta‐doped samples targeted to contain either tetrahedral or octahedral vacancies, although there was a small increase in the lifetime as the doping level increased and the structure changed from cubic to tetragonal.
Effect of CMAS Deposits on MOCVD Coatings in the System Y2O3–ZrO2: Phase Relationships
Authors: Eils Nadine K. , Mechnich Peter , Braue Wolfgang
Published: August 2013

Three metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) coatings (ZrO2, Y2O3·ZrO2, Y2O3) were studied in contact with model CMAS to investigate the microstructural evolution and phase formation. The MOCVD coatings were covered with CMAS powder deposits and annealed for 1 h at 1250°C, respectively. The ZrO2 coating was completely infiltrated by CMAS, whereas the yttria containing coatings show a higher resistance against CMAS infiltration. This is explained by the formation of a continuous oxyapatite layer in the reaction zone of the coating and the CMAS deposit. The Y2O3·ZrO2 coating shows the best infiltration resistance despite the fact that the Y2O3–CMAS sample is the only completely crystallized. As crystallization products, oxyapatite, melilite, anorthite as well as new garnets bearing all available cations were formed. The garnet phase was confirmed by XRD and TEM. EDS measurements were used to calculate structural formula A3B2T3O12 (A = Ca, Y, Zr; B = Mg, Al; T = Al, Si).
The Social Information Processing Model as a Framework for Explaining Frequent Aggression in Adults with Mild to Moderate Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review of the Evidence
Authors: Larkin Peter , Jahoda Andrew , MacMahon Ken
Published: August 2013

Background

There is an established evidence base con‐cerning the use of anger management interventions with violent offenders who have intellectual disabilities. However, there has been limited research investigating the role of social cognitive factors underpinning problems of aggression. Psychosocial sources of agg‐ression in the non‐disabled population are generally discussed using Social Information Processing (SIP) models.

Method

A systematic review of the available evidence was carried out to establish whether SIP offers a useful explanatory model for understanding the contribution of social cognitive factors to problems of aggression presented by people with intellectual disabilities.

Results and conclusions

Whilst research relating to the SIP model remains sparse for this population, there was evidence for different patterns of processing between aggressive and non‐aggressive individuals. Group diff‐erences included interpretation of emotional cues, inter‐personal attributions and beliefs about the outcomes of aggressive behaviour. The future direction of SIP research with people who have intellectual disabilities is discussed, along with the possibility of using this framework to help build on current initiatives to develop individually tailored interventions to work at a cognitive level with those who are aggressive and offend.
‘Counterfeit Deviance’ Revisited
Authors: Griffiths Dorothy , Hingsburger Dave , Hoath Jordan , Ioannou Stephanie
Published: August 2013

Background

The field has seen a renewed interest in exploring the theory of ‘counterfeit deviance’ for persons with intellectual disability who sexually offend. The term was first presented in 1991 by Hingsburger, Griffiths and Quinsey as a means to differentiate in clinical assessment a subgroup of persons with intellectual disability whose behaviours appeared like paraphilia but served a function that was not related to paraphilia sexual urges or fantasies. Case observations were put forward to provide differential diagnosis of paraphilia in persons with intellectual disabilities compared to those with counterfeit deviance. The brief paper was published in a journal that is no longer available and as such much of what is currently written on the topic is based on secondary sources.

Method

The current paper presents a theoretical piece to revisit the original counterfeit deviance theory to clarify the myths and misconceptions that have arisen and evaluate the theory based on additional research and clinical findings. The authors also propose areas where there may be a basis for expansion of the theory.

Results

The theory of counterfeit deviance still has relevance as a consideration for clinicians when assessing the nature of a sexual offence committed by a person with an intellectual disability. Clinical differentiation of paraphilia from counterfeit deviance provides a foundation for intervention that is designed to specifically treat the underlying factors that contributed to the offence for a given individual.

Discussion

Counterfeit deviance is a concept that continues to provide areas for consideration for clinicians regarding the assessment and treatment of an individual with an intellectual disability who has sexually offended. It is not and never was an explanation for all sexually offending behavior among persons with intellectual disabilities.
A Comparison of Anger in Offenders and Non‐Offenders Who have Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Nicoll Matthew , Beail Nigel
Published: August 2013

Background

There is growing evidence of the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy to treat anger in offenders with intellectual disabilities. The aim is to lower anger levels; the rationale is that this will reduce recidivism. However, the hypothesis that anger levels amongst offenders are higher than non‐offenders has not been tested.

Method

The study utilizes a case‐comparison design to examine whether levels of anger are higher amongst people with intellectual disabilities who have offended in comparison with those who have not offended. Anger levels are compared for 29 offenders with intellectual disabilities and 27 non‐offenders with intellectual disabilities (all male).

Results

No differences were found between offenders and non‐offenders on measures of anger. The offending group was shown to have higher levels of aggression.

Conclusions

Results suggest that there is no difference in levels of anger between offender and non‐offenders to begin with. The limitations of the study are discussed, but the implication of the study questions the legitimacy of the rationale to utilize anger treatment to reduce recidivism in offenders with intellectual disabilities.
Men with Intellectual Disabilities who have Attended Sex Offender Treatment Groups: A Follow‐Up
Authors: Heaton Kathryn M. , Murphy Glynis H.
Published: August 2013

Background

There have been a number of studies of treatment for men with intellectual disabilities and sexually abusive behaviour but few follow‐up studies. Our aim was to follow up men with intellectual disabilities who had attended group cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT) for sexually abusive behaviour.

Method

Thirty‐four men (from seven treatment sites) were followed up. All had attended SOTSEC‐ID groups. The mean length of follow‐up, since the end of the treatment group, was 44 months (SD 28.7, range 15–106 months).

Results

The statistically significant improvements in sexual knowledge, empathy and cognitive distortions that occurred during treatment were maintained at follow‐up. In all, 11 of the 34 (32%) men showed further sexually abusive behaviour, but only two of these men received convictions. Analyses of the variables associated with further sexually abusive behaviour indicated that a diagnosis of autism was associated with a higher likelihood of further sexually abusive behaviour.

Conclusions

This study provides some evidence of the longer‐term effectiveness of group CBT for men with intellectual disabilities and sexually abusive behaviour.
The challenge of delineating biogeographical regions: nestedness matters for Indo‐Pacific coral reef fishes
Authors: Mouillot David , De Bortoli Julien , Leprieur Fabien , Parravicini Valeriano , Kulbicki Michel , Bellwood David R.
Published: August 2013

Aim

The delineation of regions is a critical procedure in biogeography, but there is still no consensus about the best approach. Traditionally, a compositional dissimilarity index and a clustering algorithm are used to partition locations into regions. However, the choice of index and algorithm may have a profound impact on the final result, particularly when locations display different levels of species richness and when they are nested within each other. Our objective was to estimate the influence of species nestedness among locations on the delineation of biogeographical regions.

Location

As a case study, we used coral reef fishes (families Chaetodontidae, Pomacentridae and Labridae) from the Indo‐Pacific, where a large richness gradient extends, often as a series of nested assemblages, from the species‐rich Indo‐Australian Archipelago (Coral Triangle) to species‐poor peripheral locations.

Methods

We used the turnover and nestedness components of the Sørensen and Jaccard dissimilarity indices to estimate the effect of nestedness on the delineation of biogeographical regions. In addition, we compared the results with those obtained using a parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE).

Results

Low Mantel correlation values revealed that the PAE method assembled locations in a very different way than methods based on dissimilarity indices for Indo‐Pacific coral reef fishes. We also found that nestedness mattered when delineating biogeographical units because, for both the Sørensen and the Jaccard indices, reef fish assemblages were grouped differently depending on whether we used the turnover component of each index or the complete index, including the nestedness component. The turnover component ignored variation in species richness attributable to differences in habitat area between locations, and permitted a delineation based solely on species replacement.

Main conclusions

We demonstrate that the choice of the component used to measure dissimilarity between species assemblages is critical, because it may strongly influence regional delineations, at least for Indo‐Pacific coral reef fishes. We conclude that the two components of the dissimilarity indices can reveal complementary insights into the role that history may have played in shaping extant patterns of biodiversity.
Larval and juvenile development of dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus reared in mesocosms
Authors: Cunha M. E. , Ré P. , Quental‐Ferreira H. , Gavaia P. J. , Pousão‐Ferreira P.
Published: August 2013

The larval development of the dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus up to the benthic juvenile stage is described in detail to establish a reference for their larval identification. Development is described in terms of ontogenetic changes in morphology, growth, pigmentation, fin structure and skeletal structure. Larvae were reared in mesocosms at a mean temperature of 24·3° C, salinity of 36·5, dissolved oxygen of 6·4 mg l−1 and pH of 8·2. Newly hatched larvae had an estimated total length (LT) of 2·3 mm. On the second day post hatching the yolk was almost fully absorbed with traces of the oil globule still present, the eyes were already pigmented and mouth and gut functional. At this stage the cranial skeletal elements for feeding and breathing (mouth and gills) and the pectoral‐fin support were already present. About 50% of the observed larvae had food in their guts. Pigmentation was very characteristic, consisting of two large chromatophores visible on the edge of the primordial fin, close to the midpoint of the post‐anal region of the body and over the midgut and hindgut and post‐anal portion of the body. At 2·9 mm LT the emergence of the second dorsal‐fin spine, characteristic of the Epinephilinae, was clearly visible. The pre‐flexion stage started in larva of 3·2 mm LT. At 5·5 mm LT the larvae possessed posterior preopercular angle spines, and the dorsal and pelvic spines presented serrated edges and were pigmented. The water surface‐tension‐related death of the yolk sac and pre‐flexion larvae described in the rearing of several other grouper species did not occur during E. marginatus culture. Notochord flexion, with initial ossification of the caudal‐fin supporting elements, started at 6·6 mm LT. At this stage the major melanophores, preopercular, dorsal and pelvic spines and mandibular teeth were already present. Transformation of larvae into juveniles occurred when larvae averaged 13·8 mm LT. Juveniles with a mean LT of 20·1 mm started to settle and most of them were benthic with a mean LT of 26·8 mm.
Population structure and residency of whale sharks Rhincodon typus at Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras
Authors: Fox S. , Foisy I. , De La Parra Venegas R. , Galván Pastoriza B. E. , Graham R. T. , Hoffmayer E. R. , Holmberg J. , Pierce S. J.
Published: August 2013

There were 479 reported whale shark Rhincodon typus encounters between 1999 and 2011 at the island of Utila, which forms part of the Meso‐American Barrier Reef System (MBRS) in the western Caribbean Sea. The majority of R. typus were found to feed on small bait fish associated with various tuna species. Ninety‐five individual R. typus, ranging from 2 to 11 m total length (LT), were identified through their unique spot patterns. A significant male bias (65%) was present. There was no significant difference between the mean ± s.d. LT of female (6·66 ± 1·65 m) and male (6·25 ± 1·60 m) R. typus. Most R. typus were transient to Utila, with 78% sighted only within a single calendar year, although some individuals were sighted in up to 5 years. Mean residency time was modelled to be 11·76 days using maximum likelihood methods.
Decreased enteric fatty acid amide hydrolase activity is associated with colonic inertia in slow transit constipation
Authors: Zhang Shu‐Cheng , Wang Wei‐Lin , Su Peng‐Jun , Jiang Kai‐Lei , Yuan Zheng‐Wei
Published: August 2013

Background

Constipation is one of the most common chronic digestive complaints. Gastrointestinal transit studies have divided it into three patterns: normal transit, slow transit constipation (STC), and outlet obstruction. It has been demonstrated that STC patients respond poorly to standard therapies, and the etiology of STC remains poorly understood. Animal studies have also shown that fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) controls intestinal motility through its putative receptors or non‐receptor‐mediated pathways. However, the role of FAAH in STC has not been elaborated.

Methods

A case series was carried out on thirty‐two STC patients fulfilling the Rome II criteria and on 24 controls. All of the subjects underwent a laparotomy in Shengjing Hospital. Colonic specimens were obtained and used for FAAH expression analysis, enzyme activity assay, and cannabinoid detection.

Results

FAAH immunoreactivity occurred in the enteric neurons and in the surface epithelial and glands. The expression level and enzyme activity of FAAH in the STC group were both significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The amounts of anandamide, 2‐arachidonylglycerol, and palmitoylethanolamide, which are negatively correlated with enzyme activity, were significantly higher in the constipation group than that in the control group. In the STC group, cannabinoid receptor type 1 immunoreactivity occurred predominantly in the submucosal and myenteric fibers that were obviously strong and wave‐like in their appearance. Enteric ganglions decreased or disappeared.

Conclusions

The tone of the enteric cannabinoids system is disturbed in STC, and the decreased enteric FAAH activity contributes to colonic inertia in STC.