bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How robust are exemplar effects in word comprehension?
Authors: Hanique Iris , Aalders Ellen , Ernestus Mirjam
Published: April 2014

This paper studies the robustness of exemplar effects in word comprehension by means of four long-term priming experiments with lexical decision tasks in Dutch. A prime and target represented the same word type and were presented with the same or different degree of reduction. In Experiment 1, participants heard only a small number of trials, a large proportion of repeated words, and stimuli produced by only one speaker. They recognized targets more quickly if these represented the same degree of reduction as their primes, which forms additional evidence for the exemplar effects reported in the literature. Similar effects were found for two speakers who differ in their pronunciations. In Experiment 2, with a smaller proportion of repeated words and more trials between prime and target, participants recognized targets preceded by primes with the same or a different degree of reduction equally quickly. Also, in Experiments 3 and 4, in which listeners were not exposed to one but two types of pronunciation variation (reduction degree and speaker voice), no exemplar effects arose. We conclude that the role of exemplars in speech comprehension during natural conversations, which typically involve several speakers and few repeated content words, may be smaller than previously assumed.
Production and accent affect memory
Authors: Cho Kit W. , Feldman Laurie B.
Published: April 2014

In three experiments, we examined the effects of accents and production on free recall and yes/no recognition memory. In the study phase, native English participants heard English words pronounced by a speaker with an accent that is highly familiar to the participant (American English) or with a less familiar accent (Dutch). Participants had to either say aloud (produce) the word that they heard in their natural pronunciation (Exp. 1a) or imitate the original speaker (Exp. 1b) or simply listen to the word. In all experiments, in both recall and recognition, produced words and words spoken in an unfamiliar accent were more likely to be recalled and more likely to be recognized, than words that were listened to or words spoken in a more familiar accent. In recognition but not in recall, listening to words spoken in an unfamiliar accent improved memory more than listening to words spoken in a familiar accent. Results suggest that listening allows the acoustic-phonetic details of a speaker to be retained in memory, but that production attenuates details about the original speaker’s pronunciation. Finally, the benefit of production for memory does not differ whether one produces in one’s natural accent or imitates that of the speaker.
Maintaining the Momentum of Change: The Role of the 2014 Updates to the Compendium in Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections
Authors: Septimus Edward , Yokoe Deborah S. , Weinstein Robert A. , Perl Trish M. , Maragakis Lisa L. , Berenholtz Sean M.
Published: April 2014

Preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is a national priority. Although substantial progress has been achieved, considerable deficiencies remain in our ability to efficiently and effectively translate existing knowledge about HAI prevention into reliable, sustainable, widespread practice. “A Compendium of Strategies to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections in Acute Care Hospitals: 2014 Updates” is the product of a highly collaborative endeavor designed to support hospitals' efforts to implement and sustain HAI prevention strategies.
Three multihaem cytochromes c from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Ignicoccus hospitalis: purification, properties and localization
Authors: Naß Bastian , Pöll Uwe , Langer Julian David , Kreuter Lydia , Küper Ulf , Flechsler Jennifer , Heimerl Thomas , Rachel Reinhard , Huber Harald , Kletzin Arnulf
Published: April 2014

Three different multihaem cytochromes c were purified from cell extracts of the hyperthermophilic archaeon Ignicoccus hospitalis. One tetrahaem cytochrome, locus tag designation Igni_0530, was purified from membrane fractions together with the iron–sulfur protein Igni_0529. Two octahaem cytochromes, Igni_0955 and Igni_1359, were purified from soluble fractions but were also present in the membrane fraction. N-terminal sequencing showed that three of the four proteins had their signal peptides cleaved off, while results were ambiguous for Igni_0955. In contrast, mass spectrometry of Igni_0955 and Igni_1359 resulted in single mass peaks including the signal sequences and eight haems per subunit and so both forms might be present in the cell. Igni_0955 and Igni_1359 belong to the hydroxylamine dehydrogenase (HAO) family (29 % mutual identity). HAO or reductase activities with inorganic sulfur compounds were not detected. Igni_0955 was reduced by enriched I. hospitalis hydrogenase at a specific activity of 243 nmol min−1 (mg hydrogenase)−1 while activity was non-existent for Igni_0530 and low for Igni_1359. Immuno-electron microscopy of ultra-thin sections showed that Igni_0955 and Igni_1359 are located in both I. hospitalis membranes and also in the intermembrane compartment. We concluded that these cytochromes might function as electron shuttles between the hydrogenase in the outer cellular membrane and cellular reductases, whereas Igni_0530 might be part of the sulfur-reducing mechanism.
Diversity of entomopathogens Fungi: Which groups conquered the insect body?
Authors: Araújo João P.M. , Hughes David P
Published: April 2014

The entomopathogenic Fungi comprise a wide range of ecologically diverse species. This group of parasites can be found distributed among all fungal phyla and as well as among the ecologically similar but phylogenetically distinct Oomycetes or water molds, that belong to a different kingdom (Stramenopila). As a group, the entomopathogenic fungi and water molds parasitize a wide range of insect hosts from aquatic larvae in streams to adult insects of high canopy tropical forests. Their hosts are spread among 18 orders of insects, in all developmental stages such as: eggs, larvae, pupae, nymphs and adults exhibiting completely different ecologies. Such assortment of niches has resulted in these parasites evolving a considerable morphological diversity, resulting in enormous biodiversity, much of which remains unknown. Here we gather together a huge amount of records of these entomopathogens to comparing and describe both their morphologies and ecological traits. These findings highlight a wide range of adaptations that evolved following the evolutionary transition to infecting the most diverse and widespread animals on Earth, the insects.
The Polyadenylation Factor Subunit CLEAVAGE AND POLYADENYLATION SPECIFICITY FACTOR30: A Key Factor of Programmed Cell Death and a Regulator of Immunity in Arabidopsis
Authors: Bruggeman Quentin , Garmier Marie , de Bont Linda , Soubigou-Taconnat Ludivine , Mazubert Christelle , Benhamed Moussa , Raynaud Cécile , Bergounioux Catherine , Delarue Marianne
Published: April 2014

Programmed cell death (PCD) is essential for several aspects of plant life, including development and stress responses. Indeed, incompatible plant-pathogen interactions are well known to induce the hypersensitive response, a localized cell death. Mutational analyses have identified several key PCD components, and we recently identified the mips1 mutant of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), which is deficient for the key enzyme catalyzing the limiting step of myoinositol synthesis. One of the most striking features of mips1 is the light-dependent formation of lesions on leaves due to salicylic acid (SA)-dependent PCD, revealing roles for myoinositol or inositol derivatives in the regulation of PCD. Here, we identified a regulator of plant PCD by screening for mutants that display transcriptomic profiles opposing that of the mips1 mutant. Our screen identified the oxt6 mutant, which has been described previously as being tolerant to oxidative stress. In the oxt6 mutant, a transfer DNA is inserted in the CLEAVAGE AND POLYADENYLATION SPECIFICITY FACTOR30 (CPSF30) gene, which encodes a polyadenylation factor subunit homolog. We show that CPSF30 is required for lesion formation in mips1 via SA-dependent signaling, that the prodeath function of CPSF30 is not mediated by changes in the glutathione status, and that CPSF30 activity is required for Pseudomonas syringae resistance. We also show that the oxt6 mutation suppresses cell death in other lesion-mimic mutants, including lesion-simulating disease1, mitogen-activated protein kinase4, constitutive expressor of pathogenesis-related genes5, and catalase2, suggesting that CPSF30 and, thus, the control of messenger RNA 3′ end processing, through the regulation of SA production, is a key component of plant immune responses.
The Pea Photoperiod Response Gene STERILE NODES Is an Ortholog of LUX ARRHYTHMO
Authors: Liew Lim Chee , Hecht Valérie , Sussmilch Frances C. , Weller James L.
Published: April 2014

The STERILE NODES (SN) locus in pea (Pisum sativum) was one of the first photoperiod response genes to be described and provided early evidence for the genetic control of long-distance signaling in flowering-time regulation. Lines homozygous for recessive sn mutations are early flowering and photoperiod insensitive, with an increased ability to promote flowering across a graft union in short-day conditions. Here, we show that SN controls developmental regulation of genes in the FT family and rhythmic regulation of genes related to circadian clock function. Using a positional and functional candidate approach, we identify SN as the pea ortholog of LUX ARRHYTHMO, a GARP transcription factor from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) with an important role in circadian clock function. In addition to induced mutants, sequence analysis demonstrates the presence of at least three other independent, naturally occurring loss-of-function mutations among known sn cultivars. Examination of genetic and regulatory interactions between SN and two other circadian clock genes, HIGH RESPONSE TO PHOTOPERIOD (HR) and DIE NEUTRALIS (DNE), suggests a complex relationship in which HR regulates expression of SN and the role of DNE and HR in control of flowering is dependent on SN. These results extend previous work to show that pea orthologs of all three Arabidopsis evening complex genes regulate clock function and photoperiod-responsive flowering and suggest that the function of these genes may be widely conserved.
Acceptable risk and life and death decisions: a case study
Authors: Sherman Cherie Ann , Anderson Philip M.
Published: April 2014

Case description

This case discusses the best-selling security system for preventing shoplifting and the dilemma its startup manufacturer faced when it learned there was a very remote possibility that the system might interfere with heart pacemakers. The theme of the case is that when health is involved, a company must carefully consider any level of preventable risk a product poses, even if that level of risk is extremely low.
Expanding Cutts Floral Distributors
Authors: Ibrayeva Elina , Sebora Terrence
Published: April 2014

Case description

Cutts Floral Distributors, founded in 2004 by Dave Lambe, was a floral wholesaler in Lincoln, Nebraska. The firm became a top wholesaler in the Lincoln area and had expanded its delivery range (all accessed by the company's hand delivery system) up to 100 miles outside of Lincoln. The company credited its success to the expertise of its founder, a professor of horticultural entrepreneurship, and to the company's commitment to customer service. Dave Lambe came to believe that Cutts had exhausted the local market and began looking for growth opportunities within driving distance. Proposed locations for expansion included Kansas City (MO/KS), Denver (CO), and St Joseph (MO). The case provides an in-depth look at Cutts, its competitive advantages, and strategy as the firm faced a critical decision, made more difficult by the uncertainties of the economic recession. This case encourages students to think critically in order to answer the case's central questions: “Should Cutts expand? If so, where?” The complexity of an expansion decision and the multitude of factors that may influence an entrepreneur's decision to expand are illustrated throughout the case.
Navigating a mid-level career transition through the strategic use of power and influence
Authors: Brownlee Amy L. , Beda Britt Isaac
Published: April 2014

Case description

Lauren Tate began a new career at a new organization. Based on information she learned in a recent MBA Leadership course, Lauren approached her new workplace with the goal of being more strategic in her interpersonal interactions. She focussed on identifying and building sources of power in this new career and proactively managed her evolving relationships. At some levels, she was very successful and effective but some relationships were characterized by stress. The case asks students to analyze Lauren's actions to determine which were effective and how her actions could have been even more effective.
Interpretation of magnetic and gravity gradient tensor data using normalized source strength – A case study from McFaulds Lake, Northern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Beiki Majid , Keating Pierre , Clark David A.
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we present a case study on the use of the normalized source strength (NSS) for interpretation of magnetic and gravity gradient tensors data. This application arises in exploration of nickel, copper and platinum group element (Ni‐Cu‐PGE) deposits in the McFaulds Lake area, Northern Ontario, Canada. In this study, we have used the normalized source strength function derived from recent high resolution aeromagnetic and gravity gradiometry data for locating geological bodies.

In our algorithm, we use maxima of the normalized source strength for estimating the horizontal location of the causative body. Then we estimate depth to the source and structural index at that point using the ratio between the normalized source strength and its vertical derivative calculated at two levels; the measurement level and a height h above the measurement level. To discriminate more reliable solutions from spurious ones, we reject solutions with unreasonable estimated structural indices.

This method uses an upward continuation filter which reduces the effect of high frequency noise. In the magnetic case, the advantage is that, in general, the normalized magnetic source strength is relatively insensitive to magnetization direction, thus it provides more reliable information than standard techniques when geologic bodies carry remanent magnetization. For dipping gravity sources, the calculated normalized source strength yields a reliable estimate of the source location by peaking right above the top surface.

Application of the method on aeromagnetic and gravity gradient tensor data sets from McFaulds Lake area indicates that most of the gravity and magnetic sources are located just beneath a 20 m thick (on average) overburden and delineated magnetic and gravity sources which can be probably approximated by geological contacts and thin dikes, come up to the overburden.
Predator avoidance during reproduction: diel movements by spawning sockeye salmon between stream and lake habitats
Authors: Bentley Kale T. , Schindler Daniel E. , Cline Timothy J. , Armstrong Jonathan B. , Macias Daniel , Ciepiela Lindsy R. , Hilborn Ray
Published: April 2014

Daily movements of mobile organisms between habitats in response to changing trade‐offs between predation risk and foraging gains are well established; however, less in known about whether similar tactics are used during reproduction, a time period when many organisms are particularly vulnerable to predators.

We investigated the reproductive behaviour of adult sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) and the activity of their principal predator, brown bears (Ursus arctos), on streams in south‐western Alaska. Specifically, we continuously monitored movements of salmon between lake habitat, where salmon are invulnerable to bears, and three small streams, where salmon spawn and are highly vulnerable to bears. We conducted our study across 2 years that offered a distinct contrast in bear activity and predation rates.

Diel movements by adult sockeye salmon between stream and lake habitat were observed in 51·3% ± 17·7% (mean ± SD) of individuals among years and sites. Fish that moved tended to hold in the lake for most of the day and then migrated into spawning streams during the night, coincident with when bear activity on streams tended to be lowest. Additionally, cyclic movements between lakes and spawning streams were concentrated earlier in the spawning season.

Individuals that exhibited diel movements had longer average reproductive life spans than those who made only one directed movement into a stream. However, the relative effect was dependent on the timing of bear predation, which varied between years. When predation pressure primarily occurred early in the spawning run (i.e., during the height of the diel movements), movers lived 120–310% longer than non‐movers. If predation pressure was concentrated later in the spawning run (i.e. when most movements had ceased), movers only lived 10–60% longer.

Our results suggest a dynamic trade‐off in reproductive strategies of sockeye salmon; adults must be in the stream to reproduce, but must also avoid predation long enough to spawn. Given the interannual variation in the timing and intensity of predation pressure, the advantages of a particular movement strategy will likely vary among years. Regardless, movements by salmon allowed individuals to exploit fine‐scale habitat heterogeneity during reproduction, which appears to be a strategy to reduce predation risk on the spawning grounds.
Body size, carry‐over effects and survival in a seasonal environment: consequences for population dynamics
Authors: Betini Gustavo S. , Griswold Cortland K. , Prodan Livia , Norris D. Ryan
Published: April 2014

In seasonal populations, vital rates are not only determined by the direct effects of density at the beginning of each season, but also by density at the beginning of past seasons. Such delayed density dependence can arise via non‐lethal effects on individuals that carry over to influence per capita rates.

In this study, we examine (i) whether parental breeding density influences offspring size, (ii) how this could carry over to affect offspring survival during the subsequent non‐breeding period and (iii) the population consequences of this relationship.

Using Drosophila melanogaster, the common fruit fly, submitted to distinct breeding and non‐breeding seasons, we first used a controlled laboratory experiment to show that high parental breeding density leads to small offspring size, which then affects offspring survival during the non‐breeding period but only at high non‐breeding densities.

We then show that a model with the interaction between parental breeding density and offspring density at the beginning of the non‐breeding season best explained offspring survival over 36 replicated generations.

Finally, we developed a biseasonal model to show that the positive relationship between parental density and offspring survival can dampen fluctuations in population size between breeding and non‐breeding seasons.

These results highlight how variation in parental density can lead to differences in offspring quality which result in important non‐lethal effects that carry over to influence per capita rates the following season, and demonstrate how this phenomenon can have important implications for the long‐term dynamics of seasonal populations.
Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitides: a scientometric approach visualizing worldwide research activity
Authors: Gerber Alexander , Klingelhoefer Doris , Groneberg David , Bundschuh Matthias
Published: April 2014

Aim

To provide a critical evaluation of quality and quantity regarding scientific efforts on antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitides (AAV) during the past 20 years.

Method

Scientometric benchmark procedures, density‐equalizing mapping and large‐scale data analysis were used to visualize bi‐ and multilateral research cooperation and institutional collaborations, and to identify the most successful countries, institutions, authors and journals concerned with AAV.

Results

The USA are the most productive supplier and have established their position as center of international cooperation with 22.5% of all publications, followed by Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Japan, respectively. The most successful international cooperation proved to be the one between the USA, Germany and the UK. A distinct global pattern of research productivity and citation activity was revealed, with the USA and Germany holding both the highest h‐index and the highest number of total citations, but Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands leading with regards to the citation rate. Some large and productive countries such as Japan, China and Turkey show only a few international cooperations.

Conclusion

The present study represents the first detailed scientometric analysis and visualization of research quality and quantity on ‘ANCA‐ associated vasculitides’. It was shown that scientometric indicators such as h‐index, citation rate and impact factor, commonly used for assessment of scientific quality, have to be seen critically due to distortion by self‐citation, co‐authorship and language bias. Countries with considerable numbers of patients should enhance international collaboration behavior for the benefit of international scientific and clinical progress.
Role of Semen in Modulating the Female Genital Tract Microenvironment – Implications for HIV Transmission
Authors: Doncel Gustavo F. , Anderson Sharon , Zalenskaya Irina
Published: April 2014

Semen deposition results in modulated immunity and an inflammatory response of the genital mucosa, which promotes conditions facilitating conception and pregnancy. These semen‐induced alterations in the female reproductive tract can also have implications for the sexual transmission of viral infections such as HIV‐1. Semen is not only a vector for HIV‐1 but also a carrier for pro‐ and antiviral factors. Semen induces significant mucosal changes upregulating gene, and transcription factors leading to recruitment and activation of HIV target cells, stimulation of HIV replication and potentiation of Toll‐like receptor responses. Although more research is needed to clearly elucidate the resulting collective effects of all these factors, semen modulation of the cervicovaginal microenvironment and immune system appears to lead, through multiple mechanisms, to mucosal changes facilitating viral entry and replication, likely resulting in enhanced susceptibility to acquire HIV‐1 infection.
Ultrasound assessment of cervical length at 18–21 weeks' gestation in an Australian obstetric population: Comparison of transabdominal and transvaginal approaches
Authors: Marren Anthony J. , Mogra Ritu , Pedersen Lars H. , Walter Mary , Ogle Robert F. , Hyett Jon A.
Published: April 2014

Background

Using a fixed cut‐off of ≤25 mm, ultrasound assessment of cervical length during the 18–23 week anomaly scan has been shown to identify approximately 50% of pregnancies that would deliver prior to 34 weeks.

Aim

To determine whether a policy of reverting to transvaginal cervical assessment only if the cervix appears short (≤25 mm) on transabdominal assessment affects the efficiency of screening.

Methods

Women with a singleton pregnancy that presented for a routine anomaly scan had their cervical length assessed transabdominally, initially with the maternal bladder full (TABF) and then empty (TABE). Cervical length was then assessed transvaginally (TV).

Results

One hundred and ninety‐eight women agreed to participate in the study. Identification of the internal and external cervical os was possible during TABF, TABE and TV sonography in 97.0, 82.8 and 100%, respectively. Compared with TV sonography, TABF overestimates cervical length (6.1 mm difference in median values; P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between TV and TABE. However, TABE assessment was not possible in one in six women. If TABF sonography was to be used as a screening tool and using ≤25 mm as the critical cut‐off, the sensitivity and specificity was 15.4 and 93.2%, respectively.

Conclusion

This study has shown that assessment of cervical length using a TA approach is only routinely possible when the bladder is full. However, measurements are significantly overestimated. Therefore, we feel that TV assessment of cervical length is the preferred method of reliable cervical assessment. As such, all women should be offered a TV assessment of cervical length at the time of the fetal anomaly ultrasound as a screening test for preterm birth.
Associations of subjective vitality with DNA damage, cardiovascular risk factors and physical performance
Authors: Maynard S. , Keijzers G. , Hansen Å.‐M. , Osler M. , Molbo D. , Bendix L. , Møller P. , Loft S. , Moreno‐Villanueva M. , Bürkle A. , Hvitby C. P. , Schurman S. H. , Stevnsner T. , Rasmussen L. J. , Avlund K. , Bohr V. A.
Published: April 2014

Aim

To examine associations of DNA damage, cardiovascular risk factors and physical performance with vitality, in middle‐aged men. We also sought to elucidate underlying factors of physical performance by comparing physical performance parameters to DNA damage parameters and cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

We studied 2487 participants from the Metropolit cohort of 11 532 men born in 1953 in the Copenhagen Metropolitan area. The vitality level was estimated using the SF‐36 vitality scale. Cardiovascular risk factors were determined by body mass index (BMI), and haematological biochemistry tests obtained from non‐fasting participants. DNA damage parameters were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from as many participants as possible from a representative subset of 207 participants.

Results

Vitality was inversely associated with spontaneous DNA breaks (measured by comet assay) (P = 0.046) and BMI (P = 0.002), and positively associated with all of the physical performance parameters (all P < 0.001). Also, we found several associations between physical performance parameters and cardiovascular risk factors. In addition, the load of short telomeres was inversely associated with maximum jump force (P = 0.018), with lowered significance after exclusion of either arthritis sufferers (P = 0.035) or smokers (P = 0.031).

Conclusion

Here, we show that self‐reported vitality is associated with DNA breaks, BMI and objective (measured) physical performance in a cohort of middle‐aged men. Several other associations in this study verify clinical observations in medical practice. In addition, the load of short telomeres may be linked to peak performance in certain musculoskeletal activities.
Duodenal intraepithelial lymphocytosis is common in children without coeliac disease, and is not meaningfully influenced by Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Guz‐Mark A. , Zevit N. , Morgenstern S. , Shamir R.
Published: April 2014

Background

Increased numbers of duodenal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) characterise coeliac disease (CD) but have also been described in noncoeliacs. Controversy exists regarding an association between increased IELs and infection with Helicobacter pylori, which is commonly found in children.

Aim

To assess the relationship between H. pylori infection and duodenal IELs in a large cohort of children, with and without CD.

Methods

We reviewed gastric and duodenal biopsies of children who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy between January 2006 and February 2013 because of either recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) or suspected CD at Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, a referral centre for Israel's largest Health Maintenance Organization. The duodenal IEL count and H. pylori presence in antral biopsies were determined for each specimen.

Results

Children with RAP (n = 693) or CD (n = 306) were included. Among children with RAP, H. pylori was present in 33.8%. The mean IEL count in the H. pylori positive RAP group was 17.8(±8.8)/100 enterocytes, vs. 15.8(±8.3) in the H. pylori negative patients (P = 0.004). Increased IEL counts (≥25 IELs/100 enterocytes) were found in 15.7% of H. pylori negative, noncoeliac children. Among children with CD, there was no significant difference in IEL counts according to H. pylori status: 73.1(±26.1) vs. 72.6 (±26.5) in H. pylori positive and negative patients respectively.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that slightly elevated duodenal intraepithelial lymphocyte counts are common in the paediatric population. Helicobacter pylori infection has no major influence on the intraepithelial lymphocyte counts in children with recurrent abdominal pain or children with coeliac disease.
Educational and Organizational Interventions to Improve the Usefulness of Clinical Pharmacological Advice for Personalized Drug Dosing Based on Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Authors: Pea Federico , Dose Lucia , Cojutti Piergiorgio , Baraldo Massimo , Fontana Fabrizio , Favaretti Carlo , Furlanut Mario
Published: April 2014

This study was aimed at increasing the clinical usefulness of clinical pharmacological advice (CPA) for personalized drug dosing based on therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Educational and organizational interventions focused on improving the knowledge of clinical pharmacology among hospital healthcare workers and reducing the incidence of errors throughout the process were planned. After a pre‐interventional period of risk assessment, different list forms of the types of error occurring in the various phases of the process (Phase 1, request for CPA and blood sampling for TDM; Phase 2, sample delivery to and check in at the CPU; Phase 3, TDM execution and CPA production) were created. In the interventional period, the errors were collected daily and educational programmes were carried out. The pre‐intervention error rate was 19.5%, and resulted significantly higher for the requests coming from the medical wards compared with those from the surgical wards or the ICUs (26.0% versus 10.5% versus 13.7%, p < 0.001). The educational programme trained 303 nurses and 145 physicians. Afterwards, the error percentage progressively dropped (15.5% in the 2nd trimester; 12.3% in the 3rd one; 10.5% in the 4th one). The adopted strategy resulted in significant improvements which may be useful both to improve quality of patient care and to reduce waste in healthcare costs.
Complexities of Choice after Prior Cesarean: A Narrative Analysis
Authors: Shorten Allison , Shorten Brett , Kennedy Holly Powell
Published: April 2014

Background

High rates of primary cesarean internationally continue to create decision dilemmas for women and practitioners about birth in subsequent pregnancies. This article explores values and expectations that guide women during decision making about the next birth after cesarean and identifies factors that influence consistency between women's choices and actual birth experiences.

Methods

Narrative analysis was used to identify key themes in decision‐making experiences of women who were facing a choice about mode of birth after cesarean. A sample of 187 women provided qualitative data about their choices for birth at 36–38 weeks. At 6–8 weeks after the birth, 168 also wrote about their experiences of birth and the process of making the decision.

Results

Decision making about birth after cesarean was complex and difficult for many women; strong emotions were expressed as they weighed birth options. Fear and anxiety were articulated as women explained their choices and expectations. Avoidance of the previous cesarean experience, an expectation of a “better” or “faster” recovery, and issues around “safety” for the baby were common reasons given for wanting either vaginal or cesarean birth. Practitioner preferences were influential and women's need for information about their options underpinned their confidence or certainty about their decision.

Conclusions

Strategies are needed to support practitioners to expand discussions beyond clinical algorithms about physical risks and benefits of birth options and to actively integrate women's values and preferences into decisions about birth.
Relationship between cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation, CMV‐driven immunity, overall immune recovery and graft‐versus‐leukaemia effect in children
Authors: Jeljeli Mohamed , Guérin‐El Khourouj Valérie , Porcher Raphael , Fahd Mony , Leveillé Sandrine , Yakouben Karima , Ouachée‐Chardin Marie , LeGoff Jerome , Cordeiro Debora Jorge , Pédron Beatrice , Baruchel Andre , Dalle Jean‐Hugues , Sterkers Ghislaine
Published: April 2014

The interplay between immune recovery, cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐reactivation, CMV‐driven immunity and graft‐versus‐leukaemia effect (GVL) was analysed in 108 children (median age: 8 years) who underwent haematopoietic‐stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for acute leukaemia. Follow‐up was 2 years unless death or relapse occurred. CMV‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was programmed weekly until month +3 post‐HSCT. Immunomonitoring consisted of sequential lymphocyte subset enumerations and analyses of T‐cell proliferative and γ‐interferon responses to CMV and to adenovirus. In the 108 recipients, the 2‐year relapse rate (RR) was 25% (median time to onset 4·5 months; range: 24 d–17 months). CMV reactivation occurrence was 31% (median time to onset 26 d). Donor/recipient CMV serostatus did not influence RR. Among the 89 recipients disease‐free after day +120, i) early CMV‐reactivation before day +30 was more frequent (P = 0·01) in the relapse recipient group opposed to the non‐relapse group. ii) CD8+/CD28− and CD4+CD45RA− T‐cell expansions induced by CMV did not influence RR, iii) Recovery of anti‐CMV and also anti‐adenovirus immunity and of naïve CD4+ T‐cells was faster in the non‐relapse group (P = 0·008; 0·009 and 0·002 respectively). In contrast to adult acute myeloid leukaemia, CMV reactivation was associated with increased RR in this paediatric series. Accelerated overall immune recovery rather than CMV‐driven immunity had a favourable impact on RR.
Peripheral blood mitochondrial DNA content, A10398G polymorphism, and risk of breast cancer in a Han Chinese population
Authors: Jiang Huangang , Zhao Hong , Xu Hui , Hu Liu , Wang Wenbo , Wei Yuehua , Wang You , Peng Xiaohong , Zhou Fuxiang
Published: April 2014

It has been reported that quantitative alterations and sequence variations of mtDNA are associated with the onset and progression of particular types of tumor. However, the relationship between mtDNA content, certain mtDNA polymorphisms in peripheral blood leukocytes and breast cancer risk remain obscure. This study was undertaken to investigate whether mtDNA content and the A10398G polymorphism in peripheral blood leukocytes could be used as risk predictors for breast cancer in Han Chinese women. Blood samples were obtained from a total of 506 breast cancer patients and 520 matched healthy controls. The mtDNA content was measured by using quantitative real‐time PCR assay; A10398G polymorphism was determined by PCR‐RFLP assay. There was no statistically significant difference between cases and controls in terms of peripheral blood mtDNA content or A10398G polymorphism. However, further analysis suggested that the risk of breast cancer was associated with decreased mtDNA content in premenopausal women (P = 0.001; odds ratio = 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.38–0.77), with increased mtDNA content in postmenopausal women (P = 0.027; odds ratio = 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–2.11). In addition, the associations between mtDNA content and several clinicopathological parameters of cases such as age, menopausal status, and number of pregnancies and live births were observed. This case–control study indicated that the peripheral blood mtDNA content might be a potential biomarker to evaluate the risk of breast cancer for selected Chinese women.
Defect healing with various bone substitutes
Authors: Yip Ian , Ma Li , Mattheos Nikos , Dard Michel , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: April 2014

Objective

Biphasic calcium phosphates (BCPs), mixture of hydroxyapatite (HA) and β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) are synthetic bone substitutes, which are increasingly used in adjunctive implant and periodontal surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate and amount of bone regeneration in defects filled with three different BCPs in relation to deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM).

Method

Ten New Zealand rabbits were used in the experiment. Four defects of 6 mm in diameter were prepared in each rabbit, and they were filled with different biomaterials: BCP with HA/β‐TCP ratio of 60/40 (BCPG1), ratio of 10/90 (BCPG2), a BCP with polylactide incorporated (moldable BCP) and DBBM. Group A (n = 5) rabbits were sacrificed after 3 months, and group B (n = 5) were sacrificed 6 months after surgery. Histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed. Mean percentages of mineralized new bone (%MNB), bone marrow (%BM), residual grafting material (%RG) and soft tissue (%ST) were calculated for each bone substitute.

Results

Percentages of MNB in defects filled with the four bone substitutes were comparable after 3 months and 6 months. Amount of MNB regenerated for moldable BCP and DBBM after 6 months were significantly higher than after 3 months (P < 0.05), whereas those for BCPG1 and BCPG2 did not show significant change. Percentage RG was significantly higher in moldable BCP compared with BCPG1 (P < 0.05) after 3 months.

Conclusion

After 3 months, the granules‐form synthetic materials performed better than DBBM in terms of bone regeneration. The grafting materials performed similarly after 6 months of healing. Addition of polylactide in moldable BCP may slow down osteogenesis in grafted defects.
Surprise! Infants consider possible bases of generalization for a single input example
Authors: Gerken LouAnn , Dawson Colin , Chatila Razanne , Tenenbaum Josh
Published: April 2014

Infants have been shown to generalize from a small number of input examples. However, existing studies allow two possible means of generalization. One is via a process of noting similarities shared by several examples. Alternatively, generalization may reflect an implicit desire to explain the input. The latter view suggests that generalization might occur when even a single input example is surprising, given the learner's current model of the domain. To test the possibility that infants are able to generalize based on a single example, we familiarized 9‐month‐olds with a single three‐syllable input example that contained either one surprising feature (syllable repetition, Experiment 1) or two features (repetition and a rare syllable, Experiment 2). In both experiments, infants generalized only to new strings that maintained all of the surprising features from familiarization. This research suggests that surprise can promote very rapid generalization.
High normal albuminuria is independently associated with aortic stiffness in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Liu J.‐J. , Tavintharan S. , Yeoh L. Y. , Sum C. F. , Ng X. W. , Pek S. L. T. , Lee S. B. M. , Tang W. E. , Lim S. C. ,   the SMART2D study
Published: April 2014

Background

High normal albuminuria is associated with higher cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes. Increased aortic stiffness is an established risk factor of vascular events. However, the relationship between albuminuria within the normal range (0–30 mg/g) and aortic stiffness in patients with Type 2 diabetes is unknown.

Methods

A total of 614 normoalbuminuric subjects with Type 2 diabetes with spot urinary albumin:creatinine ratio ≤ 30 mg/g and estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 60 ml min−1 1.73 m−2 were included in the study. Aortic stiffness was assessed by carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity.

Results

Pulse wave velocity increased progressively with the increase of albumin:creatinine ratio within the normoalbuminuric range (0–30 mg/g). Only 2.6% of the subjects with an albumin:creatinine ratio in the lowest quartile (0.7–3.4 mg/g) were classified as having aortic stiffness (pulse wave velocity ≥12 m/s). In contrast, the proportion of subjects with aortic stiffness increased significantly with the increase of albumin:creatinine ratio level (11.0%, 10.4% and 13.6% in albumin:creatinine ratio quartiles 2, 3 and 4, respectively, P = 0.008). A logistic regression model revealed that the odds of having aortic stiffness were increased by 56% with a 1‐sd increase of log albumin:creatinine ratio after adjustment for age, gender, duration of diabetes, HbA1c, blood pressure, HDL and LDL cholesterol, estimated glomerular filtration rate, BMI, usage of renin–angiotensin system antagonists, statins and insulin.

Conclusions

High normal albuminuria is associated with aortic stiffness in patients with Type 2 diabetes, which may in part explain their increased cardiovascular risk.
Efficacy and safety of insulin degludec given as part of basal–bolus treatment with mealtime insulin aspart in type 1 diabetes: a 26‐week randomized, open‐label, treat‐to‐target non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Davies M. J. , Gross J. L. , Ono Y. , Sasaki T. , Bantwal G. , Gall M. A. , Niemeyer M. , Seino H. ,   on behalf of the BEGIN BB T1 study group
Published: April 2014

Aims

The efficacy and safety of insulin degludec (IDeg) was compared with insulin detemir (IDet), both administered once daily (OD) as basal treatment in participants with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The primary outcome was non‐inferiority of IDeg to IDet in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction after 26 weeks.

Methods

This multinational, 26‐week, controlled, open‐label, parallel‐group trial randomized adults with T1DM to IDeg or IDet as OD basal insulin treatment combined with mealtime bolus insulin aspart (IAsp). Participants with T1DM treated with any basal–bolus insulin regimen for ≥12 months prior to the trial, a mean HbA1c ≤ 10.0% (85.8 mmol/mol) and body mass index (BMI) ≤35.0 kg/m2 at screening participated in the trial (IDeg: N = 302; IDet: N = 153).

Results

After 26 weeks, HbA1c decreased 0.73% (8.0 mmol/mol) (IDeg) and 0.65% (7.1 mmol/mol) (IDet) [estimated treatment difference (ETD) IDeg–IDet: −0.09% (−0.23; 0.05)95%CI (−10.0 mmol/mol [−2.6; 0.6]95% CI); confirming non‐inferiority]. Mean fasting plasma glucose improved in both groups, and was lower with IDeg than IDet [ETD IDeg–IDet: −1.66 mmol/l (−2.37; −0.95)95% CI, p < 0.0001]. The rate of confirmed hypoglycaemia was similar with IDeg and IDet [45.83 vs. 45.69 episodes per patient‐year of exposure (PYE); estimated rate ratio (RR) IDeg/IDet: 0.98 (0.80; 1.20)95% CI, p = 0.86]. The rate of nocturnal confirmed hypoglycaemia was lower with IDeg than IDet [4.14 vs. 5.93 episodes per PYE; RR IDeg/IDet: 0.66 (0.49; 0.88)95% CI, p = 0.0049]. Adverse event profiles were similar between groups.

Conclusion

IDeg administered OD in basal–bolus therapy effectively improved long‐term glycaemic control in participants with T1DM with a lower risk of nocturnal confirmed hypoglycaemia than IDet.
Evidence for inhibitory autocrine effects of proinsulin C‐peptide on pancreatic β‐cell function and insulin secretion
Authors: McKillop A. M. , Ng M. T. , Abdel‐Wahab Y. H. A. , Flatt P. R.
Published: April 2014

Aims

Autocrine and paracrine regulatory mechanisms ensure integrated secretion of islet hormones that respond efficiently to changes in metabolic need. As proinsulin C‐peptide exerts various biological effects and binds to cell membranes including insulin‐secreting β cells, its physiological role in insulin release was examined.

Methods

Insulin releasing activity of human and rat C‐peptides were studied in the clonal pancreatic cell line, BRIN‐BD11, with findings substantiated using isolated islets and in vivo studies employing SWISS TO mice.

Results

Acute exposure of clonal β cells to human C‐peptide resulted in concentration‐dependent inhibitory effects on insulin secretion at 5.6 mM (p < 0.05–p < 0.001) and 16.7 mM (p < 0.01–p < 0.001) glucose. At physiologically relevant intra‐islet concentrations (10−9–10−6 M), C‐peptide suppressed the insulin‐secretory responses to a range of secretagogues acting at different points in the β cell stimulus‐secretion coupling pathway including alanine (p < 0.05), Ca2+ (p < 0.001), arginine (p < 0.05), tolbutamide (p < 0.001), glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) (p < 0.001), isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) (p < 0.01) and KCl (p < 0.05). Similar results were obtained using isolated mouse pancreatic islets. Human C‐peptide (3 × 10−7 M, p < 0.001), somatostatin‐14 (3 × 10−7 M, p < 0.01) and diazoxide (300 µM, p < 0.001) reduced both alanine and glucose‐stimulated insulin release by 43, 25 and 48%, respectively. The effects of human C‐peptide were reproduced using rat C‐peptide I and II. C‐peptide also inhibited in vivo glucose‐stimulated insulin release and impaired glucose tolerance in mice.

Conclusions

C‐peptide is a biologically active endogenous peptide hormone that exerts inhibitory autocrine effects on pancreatic β‐cell function. Mechanisms involving the activation of K+ channels and a distal effect downstream of increased cytoplasmic Ca2+ appear to be implicated in the inhibition of insulin secretion.
How Can Low‐income Countries Gain from a Framework Agreement on Climate Change? An Analysis with Integrated Assessment Modelling
Authors: Cantore Nicola , te Velde Dirk Willem , Peskett Leo
Published: April 2014

By using the integrated assessment model RICE this article carries out a scenario analysis with different assumptions about international negotiations on climate change, in particular hypothesising about reduction in targets for greenhouse gas emissions, technology transfers and financial transfer programmes. It finds that, in terms of growth, developing countries and in particular sub‐Saharan Africa will benefit from agreements that reduce the level of pollution and promote technological diffusion. Moreover, when developed countries are subject to emissions limits and poor regions have no such commitments, financial transfers from rich to developing countries for adaptation and mitigation enhance pro‐poor growth and help the effectiveness of poor countries in reducing emissions.
Improving Africa's Roads: Modelling Infrastructure Investment and Its Effect on Sectoral Production Behaviour
Authors: Schürenberg‐Frosch Hannah
Published: April 2014

Given the scarce resources for public investment in developing countries, policy analysis should include a detailed perspective on the effects of infrastructure. This article develops a modelling framework for analysing the effects of improved road infrastructure on the economy of African countries. The theoretical framework is tested empirically and used for simulations in a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model, and the effects on production and welfare are analysed. The model also serves to investigate the effect of roads on the economic participation of rural households.