bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“It’s our Scotland just as much as anyone else’s”
Authors: Hood Ian
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to look at some of the experiences of people with learning disabilities in Scotland during the Independence Referendum campaign, through the prism of a series of workshops run by a collective advocacy organisation. These workshops took an inclusive approach to the views of everyone with a learning disability.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is a record of the workshops written after the event.

Findings

– People with learning disabilities were engaged in the discussion and campaigns around the referendum in similar ways to other members of their communities. The issues that especially affect people with learning disabilities figured highly in the workshops. However, there was also discussion of more general issues such as employment, jobs and constitutional arrangements that affect all citizens.

Research limitations/implications

– This is an observational study written up by the workshop leader and, as such, can make no claims of complete impartiality.

Practical implications

– Experience of the workshops suggests that many of the barriers that prevent civic participation of people with learning disabilities may be ones of staff attitude and approach. The support offered to enable people to take part in the community may on some occasions have the opposite effect.

Social implications

– Nonetheless, for those who have been able to overcome these barriers, there are signs of much greater participation in public life. This reflects an ongoing process of change with many people now joining political parties or being able to make contributions towards political debate.

Originality/value

– This paper provides an important record of the growing involvement of people with learning disabilities in civil society.
Changes in soil respiration components and their specific respiration along three successional forests in the subtropics
Authors: Huang Wenjuan , Han Tianfeng , Liu Juxiu , Wang Gangsheng , Zhou Guoyi
Published: December 2015

Understanding how soil respiration components change with forest succession is critical for modelling and predicting soil carbon (C) processes and its sequestration below‐ground. The specific respiration (a ratio of respiration to biomass) is increasingly being used as an indicator of forest succession conceptually based on Odum's theory of ecosystem development. However, the hypothesis that specific soil respiration declines with forest succession remains largely untested.

We used a trenching method to partition soil respiration into heterotrophic respiration and autotrophic respiration (RH and RA) and then evaluated the specific RH and specific RA in three successional forests in subtropical China.

Our results showed a clear seasonality in the influence of forest succession on RH, with no significant differences among the three forests in the dry season but a higher value in the old‐growth forest than the other two forests in the wet season. RA in the old‐growth forest tended to be the highest among the three forests. Both the specific RH and specific RA decreased with the progressive maturity of three forests.

Our results highlight the importance of forest succession in determining the variation of RH in different seasons. With forest succession, soil microbes and plant roots become more efficient to conserve C resources, which would result in a greater proportion of C retained in soils.
Case study: Comparison of milk composition from adjacent organic and conventional farms in the USA
Authors: Tunick Michael H , Van Hekken Diane L , Paul Moushumi , Ingham Elaine R , Karreman Hubert J
Published: December 2015

A study of two adjacent dairy farms, one using conventional confined herd management and the other organic management, revealed significant differences in the fatty acid composition of the milk. Compared with conventional milk, organic milk had higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and α‐linolenic acid (the major omega‐3 fatty acid in milk), and less stearic and linoleic acid (the major omega‐6 fatty acid in milk) during the spring–summer grazing season. When discarding geography and weather as variables, organic milk appears to yield more CLA and α‐linolenic acid, which should be beneficial to health.
Party debate over Europe in national election campaigns: Electoral disunity and party cohesion
Authors: HELLSTRÖM JOHAN , BLOMGREN MAGNUS
Published: December 2015

Few political parties are willing to lead the public debate on how the European Union should develop and parties rarely publicly discuss issues on the EU agenda. This is probably one of the most important democratic problems in the contemporary EU. When and why parties are willing (or not willing) to discuss European cooperation is therefore an essential issue in which political science should engage. Previous research has shown that parties that are internally divided on EU issues downplay these issues in order to avoid internal disputes. At the same time, parties that have severe intraparty conflicts over the issue are unable to contain the debate. Thus, parties that are unified in their position on EU issues and parties that are heavily split speak about the EU, but others do not. Also, earlier research has shown that political parties downplay issues in response to internal divisions among their supporters. It is argued in this article that the focus should not be solely on intraparty conflict or whether or not a party's voters are hesitant or disunited, but rather on how these factors interact in order to better understand how parties act strategically regarding EU issues. Using a new dataset that relies on quantitative content analysis of quality newspapers during the national election campaigns in the period 1983–2010 in France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Sweden, it is found that parties that have a high degree of internal dissent on European issues, while at the same time having an equally divided electorate, are the parties that are most present in the public debate. Hence, it is the interaction between these two important factors that explains much of the variation in the amount of attention paid to European issues in national election campaigns.
Presenting Food Science Effectively
Authors: Winter Carl K.
Published: December 2015

While the need to present food science information effectively is viewed as a critical competency for food scientists by the Institute of Food Technologists, most food scientists may not receive adequate training in this area. Effective presentations combine both scientific content and delivery mechanisms that demonstrate presenter enthusiasm for the topic and generate audience interest. This paper provides food science presentation “best practices” based upon the results of the author's 10 y of experience teaching communication skills to 1st‐year graduate students. Topics include development of a “Presentation Inventory” that encourages presenters to consider why they are presenting, who they are presenting to, what information they plan to present, and how they plan to present the information. More specific sections of the paper address presentation introductions and conclusions, developing visual aids, responding to audience questions, flow, pacing, and time management, technological competency, and tips on how to practice a presentation. Such information should be applicable to all types of food science practitioners including undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, teaching and research academics, and government, industrial, and consulting food scientists. An awareness of such “best practices” among presenters of food science information can help raise the bar to improve the quality of contemporary food science presentations.
Mechanically Assisted Total Cavopulmonary Connection With an Axial Flow Pump: Computational and In Vivo Study
Authors: Gandolfo Fabrizio , Brancaccio Gianluca , Donatiello Salvatore , Filippelli Sergio , Perri Gianluigi , Iannace Enrico , D'Amario Domenico , Testa Giuseppina , D'Avenio Giuseppe , Grigioni Mauro , Amodeo Antonio
Published: December 2015

A relevant number of patients undergoing total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) experience heart failure (HF). Heart transplant is then the final option when all other treatments fail. The axial flow blood pumps are now the state of the art; however, there is little experience in low‐pressure circuits, such as support of the right ventricle or even a TCPC circulation. A new T‐shaped model of mechanically assisted TCPC using the “Jarvik Child 2000” axial pump, (flow rates between 1 and 3 L/m in a range of 5000–9000 rpm) was designed, simulated numerically, and then tested in animals. Eight sheep (42–45 kg) were studied: two pilot studies, four pump‐supported (PS) TCPC for 3 h, and two not pump‐supported (NPS) TCPC. In the PS, the axial pump was set to maintain the baseline cardiac output (CO). Pressures, CO, systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance, lactate levels, and blood gases were recorded for 3 h. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study allows us to set the feasible operating condition and the safety margins to minimize the venous collapse risk. In the NPS animals, a circulatory deterioration, with increasing lactate level, occurred rapidly. In the PS animals, there was a stable cardiac index of 2.7 ± 1.4 L/min/m2, central venous pressure of 12.3 ± 1 mm Hg, and a mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) of 18.1 ± 6 after 3 h of support up to 9000 rpm. systemic vascular resistance (SVR), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), blood gasses, and arterial lactate levels remained stable to baseline values. No caval collapse occurred. A new pediatric axial flow pump provides normal CO and physiologic stability in a new T‐shaped model of TCPC in sheep, in vivo. CFD and in vivo data showed that this experimental arrangement will allow us to evaluate the potential for mechanical support in patients with Fontan failure avoiding major adverse events.
The Impact of Improvements in Institutional Oversight on IFRS Accrual Quality in Europe
Authors: Kabir Humayun , Laswad Fawzi
Published: December 2015

This study examines the impact of improvements in institutional oversight specifically for compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards on accrual quality in Europe. The sample comprises 9339 firm‐year observations from a treatment sample of three European countries that had either non‐existent or relatively weak institutional oversight systems at the start of the sample period 2006–2010 but improved oversight systems thereafter, and a benchmark sample of six other European countries that had institutional oversight systems from the start of this sample period. After controlling for legal system, rule of law and other variables, we find incremental improvement in accrual quality in the treatment sample relative to the benchmark sample from the pre‐enforcement period 2006–2007 to the enforcement period 2008–2010. The results suggest that institutional oversight has an incrementally positive impact on accrual quality over and above that attributable to legal system, rule of law and other variables. The results are robust to different measures of accrual quality, alternative enforcement proxy and alternative samples.
Multilevel Approach to Sustainability Report Assurance Decisions
Authors: Fernandez‐Feijoo Belen , Romero Silvia , Ruiz Silvia
Published: December 2015

Using generalised linear mixed models as a statistical tool, this paper analyses the factors that explain the decision of a company to assure their sustainability report and of the choice of a Big 4 auditor as assuror. Specifically, we investigate the variables that affect the two dependent variables, existence of assurance and the profile of the assuror, at two different levels: the characteristics of the reporting company, and the country in which the company is located. Previous literature has explained this relationship as the result of linear regression models, considering only the fixed effects of the factors. Taking into account random effects, we are able to arrive at more precise conclusions on the effect of country (legal tradition and European membership) and company variables (size, public or non‐public, industry and integrated reporting), on the existence of assurance and the profile of the assuror.
Intentions Toward Physical Activity and Resting Behavior in Pregnant Women: Using the Theory of Planned Behavior Framework in a Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Newham James J. , Allan Carly , Leahy‐Warren Patricia , Carrick‐Sen Debbie , Alderdice Fiona
Published: December 2015

Background

Pregnant women are recommended to 1) perform daily moderate‐intensity physical activity and 2) limit the amount of sedentary time. Many women do not meet these recommendations. Reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behavior may result from women actively intending to rest during pregnancy. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) has been used to assess attitudes (e.g., positive/negative beliefs), subjective norms (e.g., perception of others' views), perceived behavioral control (PBC) (e.g., self‐efficacy), and intention toward exercising while pregnant but has not been applied to aspects pertaining to resting during pregnancy.

Methods

Pregnant women (n = 345) completed a cross‐sectional questionnaire that included two TPB Questionnaires where the target behaviors were 1) being physically active and 2) resting. Bootstrapped paired t tests, ANOVA, and linear hierarchal regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of intentions and whether intentions toward the two behaviors varied at different stages of pregnancy.

Results

As women progressed in their pregnancy, their attitude, PBC, and intention toward being physically active all significantly declined. A positive attitude, subjective norms, and intention toward resting all significantly increased with the advancing trimester. Self‐reported health conditions predicted lower intention for physical activity but not for resting.

Discussion

The significantly inverse relationship between physical activity and resting across time suggests that women feel they should focus on one behavior at the expense of the other. Finding that women generally do not perceive these behaviors as mutually compatible has implications in strategizing as to how to encourage women to be active during pregnancy.
Emotional contagion of anger is automatic: An evolutionary explanation
Authors: Kelly Janice R. , Iannone Nicole E. , McCarty Megan K.
Published: December 2015

Emotional contagion – the transfer of emotions between people – is thought to occur automatically. We test the prediction, based on evolutionary psychology, that negative, threat‐related emotions transfer more automatically than positive emotions. We introduce a new paradigm for investigating emotional contagion where participants are exposed to videos of faces that morph from neutral to angry or happy expressions. Participants watched these videos under high or low cognitive load. Participants reported more happiness in the happy condition than the anger condition and more anger in the anger condition than the happy condition, supporting our new paradigm. Participants in the happy condition were significantly happier under low compared with high load. Participants were equally angry in high and low load conditions.
Approaches Used to Evaluate the Social Impacts of Protected Areas
Authors: de Lange Emiel , Woodhouse Emily , Milner‐Gulland E.J.
Published: December 2015

Protected areas are a key strategy in conserving biodiversity, and there is a pressing need to evaluate their social impacts. Though the social impacts of development interventions are widely assessed, the conservation literature is limited and methodological guidance is lacking. Using a systematic literature search, which found 95 relevant studies, we assessed the methods used to evaluate the social impacts of protected areas. Mixed methods were used by more than half of the studies. Almost all studies reported material aspects of wellbeing, particularly income; other aspects were included in around half of studies. The majority of studies provided a snapshot, with only one employing a before‐after‐control‐intervention design. Half of studies reported respondent perceptions of impacts, while impact was attributed from researcher inference in 1/3 of cases. Although the number of such studies is increasing rapidly, there has been little change in the approaches used over the last 15 years, or in the authorship of studies, which is predominantly academics. Recent improvements in understanding of best practice in social impact evaluation need to be translated into practice if a true picture of the effects of conservation on local people is to be obtained.
HIV testing and sero‐prevalence among methamphetamine users seeking substance abuse treatment in Cape Town
Authors: Gouse Hetta , Joska John A. , Lion Ryan R. , Watt Melissa H. , Burnhams Warren , Carrico Adam W. , Meade Christina S.
Published: December 2015

Introduction and Aims

Methamphetamine use is highly prevalent in parts of South Africa, and there is concern this will contribute to the country's substantial HIV epidemic. We examined the feasibility of implementing routine HIV testing at a community‐based substance abuse treatment centre in Cape Town and determined the HIV sero‐prevalence among methamphetamine users seeking treatment at this site.

Design and Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 293 participants completed measures of demographics, substance use and HIV treatment. HIV sero‐prevalence was determined by a rapid finger‐prick HIV test, and prior HIV diagnosis was confirmed via clinic records.

Results

The majority of participants were male and self‐identified as ‘Coloured’, with a mean age of 28 years. The HIV sero‐prevalence was 3.8%. Of the 11 participants who tested HIV positive, four were newly diagnosed. HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative participants were comparable on demographic and substance use factors. Uptake of HIV testing among all clients at the drug treatment centre increased from <5% prior to study initiation to 89% after study completion. Measures implemented to ensure high rates of HIV testing were regarded as sustainable.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our study suggests that integrating routine HIV testing into substance abuse treatment is feasible in a community‐based health centre. The low HIV prevalence among this sample of treatment‐seeking methamphetamine users highlights the potential benefits of supporting expanded efforts to optimise HIV prevention with this young adult population. [Gouse H, Joska JA, Lion RR, Watt MH, Burnhams W, Carrico AW, Meade CS. HIV testing and sero‐prevalence among methamphetamine users seeking substance abuse treatment in Cape Town. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:580–583]
Systematic analyses of murine masculinization processes based on genital sex differentiation parameters
Authors: Suzuki Hiroko , Suzuki Kentaro , Yamada Gen
Published: December 2015

Murine reproductive tissues of the external genitalia and perineum develop with remarkably distinctive characteristics in males and females. Although many researches on such mouse organ development have been reported, there are still limited parameters that evaluate the developmental sexual differences of external genitalia and perineum. Furthermore, elucidation of the recent developmental signals for the external genitalia and perineum requires up‐to‐date knowledge of gene functions in reproductive science. To promote researches on reproductive organ formation, establishment of parameters for the androgen‐mediated formation of external genitalia and perineum is essential. In this study, we propose genital sex differentiation parameters (GSDP), a set of developmental parameters based on systematic three‐dimensional tissue reconstruction and cumulative histological analyses. We define the sexual differences of external genitalia and perineum by GSDP through analyzing mouse models, androgen inhibitor‐induced feminization experiments and Mafb mutant mouse with defective urethral differentiation. The urethral parameters displayed prominent reduction by the androgen inhibitor (finasteride) treatment. However, genital tubercle (GT) size parameters were not affected by such treatment. These results indicated that sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone was different between embryonic GT size and urethral formation. Furthermore, we evaluated the extent of urethral defects of Mafb mutant mice by GSDP. Thus, GSDP is a set of useful parameters to define the sexual differences during external genitalia and perineum development.
Intra‐industry trade: A Krugman–Ricardo Model and Data
Authors: Soo Kwok Tong
Published: December 2015

This paper develops a model of international trade with a continuum of countries and sectors, which combines Ricardian comparative advantage and increasing returns to scale. Trade consists of both inter‐ and intra‐industry trade. The model predicts that the trade‐weighted Grubel–Lloyd index of intra‐industry trade is positively related to the number of exported sectors, and is negatively related to the number of imported sectors. Empirical evidence from a panel of countries using the UN Comtrade database supports these predictions, and the model fits the data better for non‐OECD than for OECD countries.
Increasing the yield of atrial fibrillation detection in cryptogenic stroke using risk factor stratification: a more satisfying approach
Authors: Miller D. J.
Published: December 2015

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Extracellular superoxide dismutase deficiency impairs wound healing in advanced age by reducing neovascularization and fibroblast function
Authors: Fujiwara Toshihiro , Duscher Dominik , Rustad Kristine C. , Kosaraju Revanth , Rodrigues Melanie , Whittam Alexander J. , Januszyk Michael , Maan Zeshaan N. , Gurtner Geoffrey C.
Published: December 2015

Advanced age is characterized by impairments in wound healing, and evidence is accumulating that this may be due in part to a concomitant increase in oxidative stress. Extended exposure to reactive oxygen species (ROS) is thought to lead to cellular dysfunction and organismal death via the destructive oxidation of intra‐cellular proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD/SOD3) is a prime antioxidant enzyme in the extracellular space that eliminates ROS. Here, we demonstrate that reduced SOD3 levels contribute to healing impairments in aged mice. These impairments include delayed wound closure, reduced neovascularization, impaired fibroblast proliferation and increased neutrophil recruitment. We further establish that SOD3 KO and aged fibroblasts both display reduced production of TGF‐β1, leading to decreased differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Taken together, these results suggest that wound healing impairments in ageing are associated with increased levels of ROS, decreased SOD3 expression and impaired extracellular oxidative stress regulation. Our results identify SOD3 as a possible target to correct age‐related cellular dysfunction in wound healing.
Comparison of morphologic criteria for actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma using in vivo multiphoton tomography
Authors: Klemp Marisa , Meinke Martina C. , Weinigel Martin , Röwert‐Huber Hans‐Joachim , König Karsten , Ulrich Martina , Lademann Juergen , Darvin Maxim E.
Published: December 2015

The routine diagnostic procedure of actinic keratosis (AK) and invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a histological examination after taking a biopsy. In the past decades, non‐invasive optical methods for skin examination have been developed. Patients with clinical diagnosis of AK or SCC were examined. The morphological criteria were determined for healthy, AK and SCC skin and compared for statistically significant differences. In this study, the applicability of multiphoton tomography (MPT) as an in vivo diagnostic tool for AK and SCC was evaluated. Changes in the morphology of the keratinocytes such as broadened epidermis, large intercellular spaces, enlarged nucleus and a large variance in cell shape could easily be recognized. The cell nuclei of AK and SCC were significantly larger compared to healthy skin cells in all cell layers. The nucleus–cytoplasm ratio was also significantly higher for AK and SCC than for the healthy skin cells. It was even higher in SCC compared to spinous and basal cell layer of AK. The cell density in AK and SCC was significantly lower than in the basal and spinous cell layers of healthy skin. In SCC, the cell density was significantly lower than in AK. Concerning the intercellular spaces, significant differences were found for AK and healthy skin in spinous and basal cell layer and for SCC compared to AK and healthy skin. In this study, MPT proved to be a valuable non‐invasive imaging method for in vivo detection and discrimination of AK and SCC from healthy skin.
Maternal IL‐6 can cause T‐cell‐mediated juvenile alopecia by non‐scarring follicular dystrophy in mice
Authors: Smith Stephen E. P. , Maus Rachel L. G. , Davis Tessa R. , Sundberg John P. , Gil Diana , Schrum Adam G.
Published: December 2015

Aiming to decipher immunological mechanisms of the autoimmune disorder alopecia areata (AA), we hypothesized that interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) might be associated with juvenile‐onset AA, for which there is currently no experimental model. Upon intramuscular transgenesis to overexpress IL‐6 in pregnant female C57BL/6 (B6) mice, we found that the offspring displayed an initial normal and complete juvenile hair growth cycle, but developed alopecia around postnatal day 18. This alopecia was patchy and reversible (non‐scarring) and was associated with upregulation of Ulbp1 expression, the only mouse homolog of the human AA‐associated ULBP3 gene. Alopecia was also associated with inflammatory infiltration of hair follicles by lymphocytes, including alpha‐beta T cells, which contributed to surface hair loss. Despite these apparently shared traits with AA, lesions were dominated by follicular dystrophy that was atypical of human AA disease, sharing some traits consistent with B6 alopecia and dermatitis. Additionally, juvenile‐onset alopecia was followed by complete, spontaneous recovery of surface hair, without recurrence of hair loss. Prolonging exposure to IL‐6 prolonged the time to recovery, but once recovered, repeating high‐dose IL‐6 exposure de novo did not re‐induce alopecia. These data suggest that although substantial molecular and cellular pathways may be shared, functionally similar alopecia disorders can occur via distinct pathological mechanisms.
NFKB1: a suppressor of inflammation, ageing and cancer
Authors: Cartwright Tyrell , Perkins Neil D. , L. Wilson Caroline
Published: December 2015

The pleiotropic consequences of nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B‐cells (NF‐κB) pathway activation result from the combinatorial effects of the five subunits that form the homo‐ and heterodimeric NF‐κB complexes. Although biochemical and gene knockout studies have demonstrated overlapping and distinct functions for these proteins, much is still not known about the mechanisms determining context‐dependent functions, the formation of different dimer complexes and transcriptional control in response to diverse stimuli. Here we discuss recent results that reveal that the nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B‐cells 1 (NFKB1) (p105/p50) subunit is an important regulator of NF‐κB activity in vivo. These effects are not restricted to being a dimer partner for other NF‐κB subunits. Rather p50 homodimers have a critical role as suppressors of the NF‐κB response, while the p105 precursor has a variety of NF‐κB‐independent functions. The importance of Nfkb1 function can be seen in mouse models, where Nfkb1−/− mice display increased inflammation and susceptibility to certain forms of DNA damage, leading to cancer, and a rapid ageing phenotype. In humans, low expression of Kip1 ubiquitination‐promoting complex 1 (KPC1), a ubiquitin ligase required for p105 to p50 processing, was shown to correlate with a reduction in p50 and glioblastoma incidence. Therefore, while the majority of research in this field has focused on the upstream signalling pathways leading to NF‐κB activation or the function of other NF‐κB subunits, such as RelA (p65), these data demonstrate a critical role for NFKB1, potentially revealing new strategies for targeting this pathway in inflammatory diseases and cancer.
Association between levels of urinary heavy metals and increased risk of urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Chang Chao‐Hsiang , Liu Chiu‐Shong , Liu Huei‐Ju , Huang Chi‐Ping , Huang Chao‐Yuan , Hsu Hui‐Tsung , Liou Saou‐Hsing , Chung Chi‐Jung
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To evaluate possible sources of exposure to heavy metals in the general population, and to determine the association between urinary heavy metals and urothelial carcinoma risk.

Methods

We recruited 205 patients with urothelial carcinoma and 406 control participants for a case–control study between June 2011 and December 2013. The control participants were frequency‐matched with cases according to sex and age. We measured the urinary levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel and lead by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We collected environmental exposure‐related information through questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression and 95% confidence intervals were applied to estimate the urothelial carcinoma risk and potential effects of urothelial carcinoma‐related risk factors on the levels of urinary heavy metals.

Results

Patients with urothelial carcinoma showed higher urinary levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel and lead than the controls. After considering other potential risk factors, a significantly increased risk for urothelial carcinoma was observed in patients with increased urinary levels of cadmium, chromium, nickel and lead. Smokers showed a high urinary cadmium level. In addition to cadmium, a high urinary lead level was associated with cumulative cigarette smoking and herbal medicine use.

Conclusion

Environmental factors might contribute to higher urinary levels of heavy metals and ultimately result in urothelial carcinoma carcinogenesis. These findings can promote proper environmental surveillance of exposure to heavy metals in the general population.
Mortality and sexuality after diagnosis of penile cancer: a participative study
Authors: Branney Peter , Witty Karl , Braybrook Debbie , Bullen Kate , White Alan , Eardley Ian
Published: December 2015

Survival for penile cancer is high but treatment can have a long‐term detrimental effect on urological function and quality of life. Owing to its rarity, it is difficult to include men with penile cancer in research about their condition. The aim of this study was to identify aspects of their diagnosis and treatment that they would want explored in penile cancer research. The study employed a participative, mixed qualitative methods design; it utilized focus groups and patient‐conducted interviews, combined into a 1 day ‘pilot workshop’. The data were analysed using framework analysis. ‘Early signs and seeking help’, ‘disclosure of a ‘personal’ cancer’ and ‘urological (dys)function’ emerged as three key themes. Men with penile cancer want research about their condition to explore early signs and helping seeking, disclosure of a ‘personal’ cancer and urological (dys)function. Research could use methodologies that include consideration of the chronological narrative of the experiences of men with penile cancer, which could be applied in clinical practice by integrating opportunities to explore specific aspects of their experiences at appropriate times along the care pathway.
Tablet use in schools: a critical review of the evidence for learning outcomes
Authors: Haßler B. , Major L. , Hennessy S.
Published: December 2015

The increased popularity of tablets in general has led to uptake in education. We critically review the literature reporting use of tablets by primary and secondary school children across the curriculum, with a particular emphasis on learning outcomes. The systematic review methodology was used, and our literature search resulted in 33 relevant studies meeting the inclusion criteria. A total of 23 met the minimum quality criteria and were examined in detail (16 reporting positive learning outcomes, 5 no difference and 2 negative learning outcomes). Explanations underlying these observations were analysed, and factors contributing to successful uses of tablets are discussed. While we hypothesize how tablets can viably support children in completing a variety of learning tasks (across a range of contexts and academic subjects), the fragmented nature of the current knowledge base, and the scarcity of rigorous studies, makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions. The generalizability of evidence is limited, and detailed explanations as to how, or why, using tablets within certain activities can improve learning remain elusive. We recommend that future research moves beyond exploration towards systematic and in‐depth investigations building on the existing findings documented here.
Editorial: Distinguishing between the challenges posed by surface and deep forms of heterogeneity to diagnostic systems: do we need a new approach to subtyping of child and adolescent psychiatric disorders.
Authors: Sonuga‐Barke Edmund J. S.
Published: December 2015

Diagnostic formulations attempt to impose order on the messy reality of psychopathological phenomena. By doing this, so their advocates argue, they provide both the platform necessary for systematic scientific study, and, crucially, the bridge of shared terms and concepts vital if psychiatric science is to be truly translational; where scientific endeavour is guided by clinical priorities and, in‐turn, scientific findings innovate clinical practice. The diagnostic schemes we currently work with, taking DSM‐5 as the obvious case, are the product of an interesting historical process of ongoing revision – at the same time pragmatic and scientific. On the one hand, it is a process both anchored firmly in historical precedent and constrained by the practical needs of clinicians, patients and health insurance companies. On the other hand, it is a process open to new empirical data about how to best cluster symptomatic expressions and differentiate clinical presentations – so that over historical time diagnostic categories achieve an increasingly accurate mapping of the taxonomy (i.e., underlying structure), and related pathophysiology, of psychiatric phenomenon. Resolving the inevitable tensions that arise when trying to reconcile these pragmatic (economic and professional) and scientific priorities has proved to be both challenging and contentious. The study of heterogeneity as exemplified by the articles highlighted in this editorial indicate a range of different approaches that can be effectively used to refine psychiatric taxonomies by incorporating developmental and pathophysiological data to help identify new putative subtypes of potential therapeutic significance.
Career Concerns and Product Market Competition
Authors: Feriozzi Fabio
Published: December 2015

This paper studies the effect of increased competition in the product market on managerial incentives. I propose a simple model of career concerns where firms are willing to pay for managerial talent to reduce production costs, but also to subtract talented executives from competitors. This second effect is privately valuable to firms, but is socially wasteful. As a result, equilibrium pay for talent can be inefficiently high and career concerns too strong. Explicit incentive contracts do not solve the problem, but equilibrium pay is reduced if managerial skills have firm‐specific components, or if firms are heterogeneous. In this second case, managers are efficiently assigned to firms, but equilibrium pay reflects the profitability of talent outside the efficient allocation. The effect of increased competition is ambiguous in general, and depends on the profit sensitivity to cost reductions. This ambiguity is illustrated in two examples of commonly used models of imperfect competition.
Strategic and Natural Risk in Entrepreneurship: An Experimental Study
Authors: Morgan John , Orzen Henrik , Sefton Martin , Sisak Dana
Published: December 2015

We report on the results of experiments where participants choose between entrepreneurship and an outside option. Entrepreneurs enter a market and then make investment decisions to capture value. Payoffs depend on both strategic risk (i.e., the investments of other entrepreneurs) and natural risk (i.e., luck). Absent natural risk, participants endogenously sort themselves into entrepreneurial and safe types, and returns from the two paths converge. Adding natural risk fundamentally changes these conclusions: Here we observe excessive entry and excessive investment so that entrepreneurs earn systematically less than the outside option. These payoff differences persist even after many repetitions of the task. With a risky outside option, entry further increases and about one‐third of entrepreneurs adopt a passive strategy, investing little or nothing. Finally, we examine an environment where an individual must become an entrepreneur but chooses the stakes over which she will compete. Due to under‐entry and under‐investment in the high stakes setting, the returns gap grows to over 15 percentage points. A two‐factor model incorporating loss aversion and love of winning can rationalize these returns patterns.
Insights into the Regulation of mRNA Processing of Polycistronic Transcripts Mediated by DRBD4/PTB2, a Trypanosome Homolog of the Polypyrimidine Tract‐Binding Protein
Authors: De Gaudenzi Javier G. , Jäger Adriana V. , Izcovich Ronan , Campo Vanina A.
Published: December 2015

Trypanosomes regulate gene expression mostly by posttranscriptional mechanisms, including control of mRNA turnover and translation efficiency. This regulation is carried out via certain elements located at the 3′‐untranslated regions of mRNAs, which are recognized by RNA‐binding proteins. In trypanosomes, trans‐splicing is of central importance to control mRNA maturation. We have previously shown that TcDRBD4/PTB2, a trypanosome homolog of the human polypyrimidine tract‐binding protein splicing regulator, interacts with the intergenic region of one specific dicistronic transcript, referred to as TcUBP (and encoding for TcUBP1 and TcUBP2, two closely kinetoplastid‐specific proteins). In this work, a survey of TcUBP RNA processing revealed certain TcDRBD4/PTB2‐regulatory elements within its intercistronic region, which are likely to influence the trans‐splicing rate of monocistronic‐derived transcripts. Furthermore, TcDRBD4/PTB2 overexpression in epimastigote cells notably decreased both UBP1 and UBP2 protein expression. This type of posttranscriptional gene regulatory mechanism could be extended to other transcripts as well, as we identified several other RNA precursor molecules that specifically bind to TcDRBD4/PTB2. Altogether, these findings support a model in which TcDRBD4/PTB2‐containing ribonucleoprotein complexes can prevent trans‐splicing. This could represent another stage of gene expression regulation mediated by the masking of trans‐splicing/polyadenylation signals.
Phylogeny of the Highly Divergent Echinosteliales (Amoebozoa)
Authors: Kretzschmar Martin , Kuhnt Andreas , Bonkowski Michael , Fiore‐Donno Anna Maria
Published: December 2015

Myxomycetes or plasmodial slime molds are widespread and very common soil amoebae with the ability to form macroscopic fruiting bodies. Even if their phylogenetic position as a monophyletic group in Amoebozoa is well established, their internal relationships are still not entirely resolved. At the base of the most intensively studied dark‐spored clade lies the order Echinosteliales, whose highly divergent small subunit ribosomal (18S) RNA genes represent a challenge for phylogenetic reconstructions. This is because they are characterized by unusually long variable helices of unknown secondary structure and a high inter‐ and infraspecific divergence. Current classification recognizes two families: the monogeneric Echinosteliaceae and the Clastodermataceae with the genera Barbeyella and Clastoderma. To better resolve the phylogeny of the Echinosteliales, we obtained three new small subunit ribosomal (18S) RNA gene sequences of Clastoderma and Echinostelium corynophorum. Our phylogenetic analyses suggested the polyphyly of the family Clastodermataceae, as Barbeyella was more closely related to Echinostelium arboreum than to Clastoderma, while Clastoderma debaryanum was the earliest branching clade in Echinosteliales. We also found that E. corynophorum was the closest relative of the enigmatic Semimorula liquescens, a stalkless‐modified Echinosteliales. We discuss possible evolutionary pathways in dark‐spored Myxomycetes and propose a taxonomic update.
Two new species of Hyphessobrycon (Characiformes: Characidae) from the headwaters of the Tapajós and Xingu River basins, Pará, Brazil
Authors: Teixeira T. F. , Netto‐Ferreira A. L. , Birindelli J. L. O. , Sousa L. M.
Published: December 2015

Two new species of Hyphessobrycon are described from the headwaters of the Tapajós and Xingu River basins, Pará, Brazil. Both new species can be distinguished from congeners by the presence of a vertically elongate humeral blotch, a conspicuous round to vertically oblong caudal‐peduncle blotch not extending onto the distal portions of the middle caudal‐fin rays, a conspicuous blotch on the central portion of the third infraorbital immediately ventral to the eye, the lack of a conspicuous longitudinal stripe and the lack of sexual dimorphism in the extension of the caudal‐peduncle blotch. Hyphessobrycon delimai n. sp. can be distinguished from Hyphessobrycon krenakore n. sp. by the extent of the caudal‐peduncle blotch which extends across most of the caudal‐peduncle depth (v. restricted to the middle portion of the caudal peduncle), the presence of dark chromatophores uniformly scattered along the length of the interradial membranes of the dorsal, anal and caudal fins (v. concentrated on the distal one‐half or one‐fourth of the interradial membranes) and the absence of small bony processes on the pelvic and anal fins of mature males (v. small bony processes present).
MONITORING IN SMALL BUSINESS LENDING: HOW TO OBSERVE THE UNOBSERVABLE
Authors: Sampagnaro Gabriele , Meles Antonio , Verdoliva Vincenzo
Published: December 2015

In this article we investigate the determining factors of bank monitoring in small business lending. Unlike previous studies that rely on proxies of a bank's monitoring effort, we use a large and unique data set that includes the number of monitoring contacts per year between a European bank and a large number of small firms from 2009 to 2012. Our main results highlight that the frequency of a bank's monitoring effort is negatively related to the firm's reputation and the strength of the bank–firm relationship, and positively related to the bank–borrower proximity and the borrower's credit risk level.
Building Energy Management Systems: Global Potentials and Environmental Implications of Deployment
Authors: Beucker Severin , Bergesen Joseph D. , Gibon Thomas
Published: December 2015

One of the key drivers that influence building energy consumption is the demand for space heating. Particularly in countries with cold climates and a large stock of residential buildings with central heating, building energy management systems (BEMS) are an option to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These systems can be combined with existing space heating technologies and other efficiency measures, such as building insulation. They are ideal for retrofitting purposes owing to their low up‐front costs. A prospective life cycle assessment model is used to analyze the environmental impacts of the technology today, in 2030, and in 2050. This allows for a first‐ever, order‐of‐magnitude assessment of the environmental impacts of BEMS over their life cycle. The assessment is based on manufacturer information and generic life cycle inventory data for electronic components. Future impacts are based on changes in electricity generation following the International Energy Agency's 2 degree and 6 degree scenarios, and are used to assess the contribution of BEMS to global energy and GHG saving goals. Results show substantially lower life cycle GHG emissions and higher savings of environmental impacts per kilowatt‐hour of heating when compared to natural gas or electric heating. Potential net emissions savings range from approximately 0.4 kilograms carbon dioxide equivalent (kg CO2‐eq) when avoiding natural gas heating to over 1 kg CO2‐eq when avoiding electric heating in regions with GHG‐intensive electricity generation. At present, BEMS can avoid at least 40 times the GHG emissions that they require for production and use, when deployed in regions with cold climates.
Are electrophysiological criteria useful in distinguishing childhood demyelinating neuropathies?
Authors: Potulska‐Chromik Anna , Ryniewicz Barbara , Aragon‐Gawinska Karolina , Kabzinska Dagmara , Seroka Andrzej , Lipowska Marta , Kaminska Anna M. , Kostera‐Pruszczyk Anna
Published: December 2015

Childhood chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) needs to
be differentiated from hereditary neuropathy. We aimed to validate existing CIDP nerve conduction study (NCS) criteria in a group of children with demyelinating neuropathies of chronic or subacute onset. Retrospective analysis of clinical and NCS results in 18 children with CIDP, 7 with hereditary neuropathy with pressure palsy (HNPP), and 24 with Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth 1a (CMT1a). AAN and EFNS electrodiagnostic CIDP criteria were fulfilled in 17 of 18 CIDP, 3 of 7 HNPP, and 23 of 24 CMT1a patients. A distal compound muscle action potential (dCMAP) of >9 ms was observed in 14 of 18 CIDP patients but not in any patients with HNPP. Abnormal median/normal sural SNAP (AMNS) and a 10 m/s difference between conduction velocities (CV) of two corresponding nerves were not observed in any CMT1a patients. NCS in CMT1a, HNPP, and CIDP reflect demyelination. dCMAP duration, sensory AMNS, and a 10 m/s CV difference parameter are most useful in the differential diagnosis of pediatric CIDP.
Declined hTERT expression of peripheral blood CD4+ T cells in oral lichen planus correlated with clinical parameter
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wei Ming‐hui , Lu Rui , Du Ge‐fei , Zhou Gang
Published: December 2015

Background

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic, T‐cell‐mediated inflammatory autoimmune disease. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), a catalytic subunit bearing the enzymatic activity of telomerase, may have a unique function in regulating the activation, proliferation, and function of T lymphocytes. The goal of this study was to investigate the expression of hTERT in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from patients with OLP and its correlation with clinical parameter.

Methods

The disease severity of OLP was assessed by RAE (reticular, atrophic, erosive) scoring system. Expressions of hTERT in CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells isolated from peripheral blood of patients with OLP were detected by real‐time PCR, and their correlations with clinical features were analyzed.

Results

hTERT mRNA levels in CD4+ T cells of OLP were significantly lower than that of controls, while the levels in CD8+ T cells showed no statistical difference. The expression of hTERT in CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells was neither associated with disease severity nor gender. CD4+ T cells of OLP patients with the age ≤50 had markedly decreased hTERT levels compared with controls, but CD8+ T cells did not.

Conclusions

A divergent hTERT pattern between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was implicated in OLP. Decreased hTERT in CD4+ T cells might be responsible for the immune dysfunction in OLP.