bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Group Decision Rules Affect Trust? A Laboratory Experiment on Group Decision Rules and Trust
Authors: Nielsen Julie Hassing
Published: December 2015

Enhanced participation has been prescribed as the way forward for improving democratic decision making while generating positive attributes like trust. Yet we do not know the extent to which rules affect the outcome of decision making. This article investigates how different group decision rules affect group trust by testing three ideal types of decision rules (i.e., a Unilateral rule, a Representative rule and a ‘Non‐rule’) in a laboratory experiment. The article shows significant differences between the three decision rules on trust after deliberation. Interestingly, however, it finds that the Representative rule yields more trust than the Non‐rule and also significantly more trust than the Unilateral rule, when analysing the results at group level. These findings challenge the theoretical understanding by, for example, deliberative normative theorists that more inclusive, consensual and non‐hierarchical decision‐making procedures enhance trust vis‐à‐vis other more hierarchical decision‐making procedures.
‘I don't consider a cup performance; I consider it a test’: masculinity and the medicalisation of infertility
Authors: Bell Ann V.
Published: December 2015

Researchers have deemed medicalisation a ‘gendered’ theory, yet the incorporation of men and masculinity in medicalisation literature is sparse. Recently, however, medicalisation scholarship has begun studying men. This burgeoning literature heavily emphasises sexuality and is beginning to focus on medicalised masculinities in which traits associated with masculinity are deemed a health risk. Such research has demonstrated how masculinities shape men's lived experiences of health, but how does health itself shape masculinity? I explore this question using the case of infertility. Through thirty in‐depth interviews, I find that men use medicine as a way to achieve rather than diminish their sense of masculinity in the feminised context of reproduction. By perpetuating the stereotype that infertility is a woman's problem, the medical establishment has caused men to not necessarily see themselves as infertile. Additionally, even if men do claim the infertility status, they do not perceive it as negative. The legitimating effects of medicalisation objectify the ailment and separate its connection with sexuality. In centring men's voices, the study not only reveals men as active players in the reproductive process, but also incorporates them into understandings of medicalisation.
Reconsidering The Price–Income Relationship Across Countries
Authors: Fujii Eiji
Published: December 2015

This study reconsiders the well‐known cross‐country positive association between prices and income by focusing on heterogeneity between the inter‐developed‐country and inter‐developing‐country relationships. Empirical results suggest that developed and developing countries exhibit the positive price–income association for different reasons. Specifically, we find only for the inter‐developed‐country case that the positive price–income association is attributable, at least partly, to the Balassa–Samuelson productivity differential effect. The idiosyncrasy of the inter‐developing‐country relationship is not dissolved by controlling for the effects of a variety of real and financial variables. The findings cast some doubt on the conventional explanation for the cross‐country price–income relationship.
Bowley Duopoly Under Vertical Relations
Authors: Wako Tohru , Ohta Hiroshi
Published: December 2015

Compared to the well‐known oligopoly models such as those of Cournot, the so‐called Bowley duopoly is less known, and almost ignored in the literature. This neglect reflects the assumption that as a leader–leader model incorporating apparent excess rivalry it is presumably untenable, at least in theory. However, it is, in fact, observable in practice. Furthermore, the predicted excess competition is not only observable empirically but also accountable theoretically. We show how excess competition emerges when an upstream monopolist offers the downstream retailers a compensated game in which each acts as a leader. The outcome is not only stable but also benefits all involved actors, including consumers under vertically‐related markets, such as those presided over by a monopolist producer. This result of emergent stability shows that the Bowley duopoly should be considered alongside other oligopoly models.
Improved Geometric Model of Extensional Fault‐bend Folding
Authors: Xiaoli ZHENG , Guangyu HE , Senqing HU , Zewei YAO , Hui WANG , Lu LIN
Published: December 2015

Extensional fault‐bend folds, also called rollovers, are one of the most common structures in extensional settings. Numerous studies have shown that oblique simple shear is the most appropriate mechanism for quantitative modeling of geometric relations between normal faults and the strata in their hanging walls. However, the oblique simple shear has a rather serious issue derived from the shear direction, particularly above convex bends. We use geometric and experimental methods to study the deformation of extensional fault–bend folds on convex bends. The results indicate that whether the fault bends are concave or convex, the shear direction of the hanging wall dips toward the main fault. On this basis, we improve the previous geometric model by changing the shear direction above the convex bends. To illustrate basin history, our model highlights the importance of the outer limit of folding instead of the growth axial. Moreover, we propose a new expression for the expansion index that is applicable to the condition of no deposition on the footwall. This model is validated by modeling a natural structure of the East China Sea Basin.
Study on the Crystal of Daomanite
Authors: Zuxiang YU , Hanggen WANG
Published: December 2015

It was not possible to carry out a complete analyses of crystal, as the experiment by Ding and Shi et al. It's analysis precisionR=0.25 or more big than this, which value are not satisfied for single crystal study, but we through many test and found the best: [R(int)=14.5%]. The final full‐matix least‐squares refinement onF2converged toR1=0.0791 and wR2=0.1864 for 704 observed reflections [I32s(I)]. Daomanite is orthorhombic system, space groupCmc21a=3.7520(8))Å,b=15.844 (4) Å,c=5.8516(12) Å, α=β=γ=90°.V=347.86(14)Å3,Z=4. Daomanite chemical formula is CuPtAsS2. Idealized composition Me+M2+M2+S2=CuS·PtAsS. There is no other similar mineral in the world.
Types and Characteristics of the Lower Silurian Shale Gas Reservoirs in and Around the Sichuan Basin
Authors: Haikuan NIE , Jinchuan ZHANG , Shengling JIANG
Published: December 2015

This study analyzed the characteristics and types of the Lower Silurian shale gas reservoirs in and around Sichuan Basin through field observations, slices, Ar‐ion‐beam milling, scanning electron microscopy, and x‐ray diffraction analysis of 25 black shale outcrops and samples. Two main types of shale gas reservoirs were determined, i.e., fractures and pores. Fractures were classified into five categories, i.e., giant, large, medium, small, and micro, according to the features of the shale gas reservoirs, effect of fracture on gas accumulation, and fracture nature. Pore types include organic matter pores, mineral pores (mineral surface, intraparticle, interparticle, and corrosional pore), and nanofractures. The various fracture types, fracture scales, pore types, and pore sizes exert different controls over the gas storage and production capacity. Pores serve as a reservoir for gas storage and, the gas storage capacity can be determined using pores; fractures serve as pathways for gas migration, and gas production capacity can be determined using them.
Relationship between Geological Structures and Hydrocarbon Enrichment of Different Depressions in the Bohai Bay Basin
Authors: Youlu JIANG , Hua LIU , Guoqi SONG , Yongshi WANG , Pei LIU , Xueying LÜ
Published: December 2015

The Bohai Bay Basin contains many depressions with varying degrees of hydrocarbon enrichment associated with the geological structures of different depressions. This study discussed the relationship between the geological structures and hydrocarbon enrichment of the depressions in the Bohai Bay Basin. Based on the Paleogene strata distribution and the length to width ratio of different depressions, their geological structures are divided into three types in plan‐view: open (length/width < 2), narrow (length/width > 4) and transitional types (length/width 2–4). In cross section, the geological structures can be divided into dustpan I, dustpan II and double‐faulted types. Based on tectonic evolution and sedimentary characteristics, the depressions are classified into early‐formed, inherited and late‐formed categories. Generally, narrow depressions are mainly located in the northeast and southwest of the Bohai Bay Basin, while open depressions are dominantly distributed in the central area of the basin; late‐formed depressions are mainly around the Bohai sea area, and early‐formed depressions are mostly located in the periphery of the basin. Geological structures of the depressions control the formation of the source, reservoir and cap rocks as well as hydrocarbon accumulation setting, and further influence the pay zones and oil‐bearing sequence. In detail, dustpan II and double‐faulted depressions mainly have A‐type sags, which often possess better hydrocarbon generation conditions than dustpan I ones; hydrocarbons in open dustpan II depressions tend to accumulate in the central uplift areas or buried hill, while those in narrow dustpan I depressions always accumulate in gentle slope belts. The oil‐bearing sequence for different evolutional depressions corresponds well with the sedimentary strata of the main development stages of depressions. In early‐formed depressions, hydrocarbons are mainly enriched in deeply buried reservoirs, while in late‐formed depressions hydrocarbons are abundant in the relatively shallow traps. In summary, most inherited and late‐formed dustpan II depressions are enriched in hydrocarbons due to their extensive source rocks and good source–reservoir–seal assemblages, whereas dustpan I and early‐formed depressions are relatively poor in hydrocarbons.
Formation and Evolution of a Paleosol across the Lower Silurian‐Lower Permian Boundary in Zunyi District, Northern Guizhou, China and Its Paleoenvironment and Paleoclimate Implications
Authors: Xiaohui XIONG , Jiafei XIAO , Ruizhong HU , Jian WANG , Yi WANG , Xinsong WANG , Qi DENG
Published: December 2015

This paper presents a set of bulk geochemical and mineralogical data from a paleoweathering profile located in Zunyi District, Northern Guizhou, China. It was formed at the top of the Hanjiadian Formation of the Lower Silurian. A truncated, argillic, gleyed, kryptic paleospodosol is recognized in the paleoweathering profile. Ratios of immobile elements (Ti/Zr, Ti/Al) and their binary (e.g., Nb vs. Zr/TiO2 and Th/Sc vs. Zr/Sc), triangular diagrams (La‐Th‐Sc, Th‐Sc‐Zr/10, Zr‐Cr‐Ga) reflect that the Gaojiayan paleosol is the product of in‐situ weathering of gray‐green silty mudstone of the underlying Hanjiadian Formation. Mass balance calculations indicate K enrichment and Na enrichment in the upper and lower portions of paleosol, respectively. These findings both are the results of transgression, which brings substantial concentrations of such elements as K, Na, and Sr. In particular, K enrichment is achieved by the illitization of kaolinite. The biological processes of terrestrial vascular plants also enhance K concentration, especially at the top of the paleosol. Na enrichment is a consequence of albitization and/or adsorption by clay minerals through cation exchange. The mass distributions and relative mass changes of rare earth elements (REEs) in the studied profile display characteristics of vertical zonation. Three peaks in total REEs content are observed, indicating two paleoclimatic or paleoenvironmental changes. Mineralogical characteristics indicate that the paleoclimate changed first from warm and humid to cold and dry and later, to dry and lightly warmer. The corresponding soil environment varies from weakly acidic to strongly alkaline and later, to weakly acidic. Mass translocation characteristics of REEs and several transition metals suggest that the Gaojiayan paleosol may have undergone top erosion.
The Impact of the Linked Factors of Provenance, Tectonics and Climate on Potash Formation: An Example from the Potash Deposits of Lop Nur Depression in Tarim Basin, Xinjiang, Western China
Authors: Chenglin LIU , Pengcheng JIAO , Fenglin LÜ , Yongzhi WANG , Xiaohong SUN , Hua ZHANG , Licheng WANG , Fojun YAO
Published: December 2015

Potash deposits commonly accumulate in highly restricted settings at the final stage of brine evaporation. This does not mean that potash deposits are formed simply as a result of the evaporation concentration of seawater or lake water, but rather as a coupling result of particular provenance, tectonics and climate activities. In this paper, we focus on the formative mechanism of the potash deposits of Lop Nur depression in Tarim Basin to interpret the detailed coupling mechanism among provenance, tectonics and climate. In terms of the provenance of Lop Nur Lake, the water of the Tarim River which displays “potassium‐rich” characteristics play an important role. In addition, the Pliocene and Lower‐Middle Pleistocene clastic beds surrounding Lop Nur Lake host a certain amount of soluble potassium and thus serves as “source beds” for potash formation. During the late Pliocene, the Lop Nur region has declined and evolved into a great lake from the previous piedmont and diluvial fan area. Since the mid Pleistocene, the great‐united Lop Nur Lake has been separated and has generated a chain system consisting of Taitema Lake, Big Ear Lake and Luobei Lake which has turned into the deepest sag in Lop Nur Lake. Dry climate in Lop Nur region has increased since the Pliocene, and became extreme at the late Pleistocene. The study implies that potash formation in Lop Nur Lake depends on the optimal combination of extreme components of provenance, tectonics and climate during a shorter‐term period. The optimal patterns of three factors are generally characterized by the long‐term accumulation and preliminary enrichment of potassium, the occurrence of the deepest sub‐depression and the appearance of an extremely arid climate in Lop Nur region. These factors have been interacting synergistically since the forming of the saline lake and in the later stages strong “vapor extraction” caused by extremely arid climate is needed to trigger large scale mineralization of potash deposits.
THE FINANCE INDUSTRY: WHAT'S IT FOR?
Authors: Pitt‐Watson David
Published: December 2015

Every business leader asks themselves about the purpose of their organisation. Extending this, David Pitt‐Watson examines the point of the finance industry
FROM BRAGS TO RICHES
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: December 2015

Does bragging enhance or hinder how you are perceived? New research by Jonathan Berman provides some surprising conclusions
SMALL DATA
Authors: Atkinson Dan
Published: December 2015

The numbers behind the crises
SUPERPOWERS IN CONFLICT?
Authors: Yueh Linda , Portes Richard
Published: December 2015

High‐level politics aside, is it business as usual for US and China trade? Linda Yueh and Richard Portes report
LEADERSHIP IN CRISIS
Authors: Gwyther Matthew
Published: December 2015

From scandals to stress‐related illness to strikes, Matthew Gwyther looks at the challenges of being a modern business leader
CHANDELIER SUPERNOVA
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: December 2015

Nadja Swarovski has breathed dynamic life into the family company, taking it from crystal animals to glittering high fashion
Phenyl 2‐pyridyl ketoxime induces cellular senescence‐like alterations via nitric oxide production in human diploid fibroblasts
Authors: Yang Kyeong Eun , Jang Hyun‐Jin , Hwang In‐Hu , Chung Young‐Ho , Choi Jong‐Soon , Lee Tae‐Hoon , Chung Yun‐Jo , Lee Min‐Seung , Lee Mi Young , Yeo Eui‐Ju , Jang Ik‐Soon
Published: December 2015

Phenyl‐2‐pyridyl ketoxime (PPKO) was found to be one of the small molecules enriched in the extracellular matrix of near‐senescent human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs). Treatment of youngHDFs withPPKOreduced the viability of youngHDFs in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner and resulted in senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) staining and G2/M cell cycle arrest. In addition, the levels of some senescence‐associated proteins, such as phosphorylatedERK1/2, caveolin‐1, p53, p16ink4a, and p21waf1, were elevated inPPKO‐treated cells. To monitor the effect ofPPKOon cell stress responses, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was examined by flow cytometry. AfterPPKOtreatment,ROSlevels transiently increased at 30 min but then returned to baseline at 60 min. The levels of some antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, peroxiredoxinIIand glutathione peroxidase I, were transiently induced byPPKOtreatment.SOD IIlevels increased gradually, whereas theSODI andIIIlevels were biphasic during the experimental periods afterPPKOtreatment. Cellular senescence induced byPPKOwas suppressed by chemical antioxidants, such as N‐acetylcysteine, 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxy, and L‐buthionine‐(S,R)‐sulfoximine. Furthermore,PPKOincreased nitric oxide (NO) production via inducibleNOsynthase (iNOS) inHDFs. In the presence ofNOSinhibitors, such as L‐NG‐nitroarginine methyl ester and L‐NG‐monomethylarginine,PPKO‐induced transientNOproduction andSA‐β‐gal staining were abrogated. Taken together, these results suggest thatPPKOinduces cellular senescence in association with transientROSandNOproduction and the subsequent induction of senescence‐associated proteins.
Prazosin for Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Comorbid Alcohol Dependence: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Petrakis Ismene L. , Desai Nitigna , Gueorguieva Ralitza , Arias Albert , O'Brien Erin , Jane J. Serrita , Sevarino Kevin , Southwick Steven , Ralevski Elizabeth
Published: December 2015

Background

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an important and timely clinical issue particularly for combat veterans. Few pharmacologic options are available to treat PTSD, particularly among military personnel, and they are not based on rational neurobiology. The evidence for noradrenergic dysregulation in PTSD is strong, and the alpha‐adrenergic agonist prazosin is one of the most promising medications to treat sleep disturbances associated with PTSD as well as PTSD symptoms among both veterans and civilians. Evidence also implicates noradrenergic dysregulation in the pathophysiology of alcohol dependence (AD); prazosin also may have efficacy in treating this disorder. The use of prazosin represents a rational and compelling approach for the treatment of PTSD and comorbid AD. Given the high rates of comorbid AD in trauma survivors with PTSD, and the enormous impact that these comorbid disorders have on psychosocial function and well‐being, finding effective treatments for this population is of high clinical importance.

Methods

Ninety‐six veterans with PTSD and comorbid AD were randomized to receive prazosin (16 mg) or placebo in an outpatient, randomized, double‐blind, clinical trial for 13 weeks. Main outcomes included symptoms of PTSD, sleep disturbances, and alcohol use.

Results

Symptoms of PTSD improved over time, but contrary to the hypothesis, there was no medication effect on PTSD symptoms, or on sleep. Alcohol consumption also decreased over time, but there were no significant differences in outcomes between medication groups.

Conclusions

Prazosin was not effective in treating PTSD symptoms, improving sleep, or reducing alcohol consumption overall in this dually diagnosed group. This does not support the use of prazosin in an actively drinking population and suggests that the presence of a comorbid condition affects the efficacy of this medication. This study highlights the importance of conducting clinical trials in “real‐world” patients, as results may vary based on comorbid conditions.
Chronic Intracerebroventricular Infusion of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein‐1 Leads to a Persistent Increase in Sweetened Ethanol Consumption During Operant Self‐Administration But Does Not Influence Sucrose Consumption in Long‐Evans Rats
Authors: Valenta John P. , Gonzales Rueben A.
Published: December 2015

Background

Among the evidence implicating neuroimmune signaling in alcohol use disorders are increased levels of the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) in the brains of human alcoholics and animal models of alcohol abuse. However, it is not known whether neuroimmune signaling can directly increase ethanol (EtOH) consumption, and whether MCP‐1 is involved in that mechanism. We designed experiments to determine whether MCP‐1 signaling itself is sufficient to accelerate or increase EtOH consumption. Our hypothesis was that increasing MCP‐1 signaling by directly infusing it into the brain would increase operant EtOH self‐administration.

Methods

We implanted osmotic minipumps to chronically infuse either one of several doses of MCP‐1 or vehicle into the cerebral ventricles (intracerebroventricular) of Long‐Evans rats and then tested them in the operant self‐administration of a sweetened EtOH solution for 8 weeks.

Results

There was a significant interaction between dose of MCP‐1 and sweetened EtOH consumed across the first 4 weeks (while pumps were flowing) and across the 8‐week experiment. Animals receiving the highest dose of MCP‐1 (2 μg/d) were the highest consumers of EtOH during weeks 3 through 8. MCP‐1 did not influence the acquisition of self‐administration (measured across the first 5 days), the motivation to consume EtOH (time to lever press or progressive ratio), withdrawal‐induced anxiety, or the consumption of sucrose alone.

Conclusions

We provide novel evidence that neuroimmune signaling can directly increase chronic operant EtOH self‐administration, and that this increase persists beyond the administration of the cytokine. These data suggest that EtOH‐induced increases in MCP‐1, or increases in MCP‐1 due to various other neuroimmune mechanisms, may further promote EtOH consumption. Continued research into this mechanism, particularly using models of alcohol dependence, will help determine whether targeting MCP‐1 signaling has therapeutic potential in the treatment of alcohol use disorders.
Immigration Attitudes and Support for the Welfare State in the American Mass Public
Authors: Garand James C. , Xu Ping , Davis Belinda C.
Published: December 2015

In this article, we explore the relationship between Americans’ attitudes toward immigrants and immigration and their attitudes toward welfare. Using data from the Cumulative American National Election Study from 1992 to 2012, we find ample evidence of the influence of immigration attitudes on both individuals’ attitudes toward welfare recipients and their attitudes toward increased welfare spending. These immigration effects persist even in the face of statistical controls for attitudes toward African Americans and attitudes toward the poor; indeed, in our models, the magnitude of the effects of immigration attitudes surpasses the magnitude of effects of attitudes toward blacks. Further, our findings of immigration effects withstand a range of robustness tests. Our results point to the possible “immigrationalization” of Americans’ welfare attitudes and provide strong evidence that how Americans think about immigration and immigrants is a major factor in how they think about welfare.
Do Constitutional Rights Make a Difference?
Authors: Chilton Adam S. , Versteeg Mila
Published: December 2015

Although the question of whether constitutional rights matter is of great theoretical and practical importance, little is known about whether constitutional rights impact government behavior. In this article, we test the effectiveness of six political rights. We hypothesize that a difference exists between organizational rights—most notably, the rights to unionize and form political parties—and individual rights. Specifically, we suggest that organizational rights increase de facto rights protection because they create organizations with the incentives and means to protect the underlying right, which renders these rights self‐enforcing. Such organizations are not necessarily present to protect individual rights, which could make individual rights less effective. We test our theory using a variety of statistical methods on a data set of constitutional rights for 186 countries. The results support our theory: Organizational rights are associated with increased de facto rights protection, while individual rights are not.
Promoting the uptake of preventative Aboriginal child health policy in Western Australia
Authors: Bradshaw Sue , Hellwig Leonie , Peate Diann , Wilson Anne
Published: December 2015

Problem

Australian Aboriginal children are over‐represented on all negative health indicators compared with non‐Aboriginal children.Contributing factors to the disparity include the impact of historical events, racism and social determinants of health.

Despite the benefits of child health checks, offered through the Medicare Benefit Schedule and community health services, uptake of these is low.

Design

In 2012, Western Australia Health implemented the Enhanced Aboriginal Child Health Schedule (EACHS) policy to address specific health needs of Aboriginal children. The Aboriginal Child Heath Project (the Project), was a five‐year initiative funded through the Council of Australian Governments. Project staff promoted the profile of preventative child health and the uptake of the EACHS policy across the state by agencies operating in the sector.

Setting

Western Australia.

Key measurements for improvement

Reach of the implementation workshop was measured by the number of staff attending policy implementation and the total number for agencies represented. One measure of impact was the number of agencies requesting the EACHS policy who adapted or adopted it to deliver evidence based comprehensive child health programs.

Strategies for change

The Project offered policy implementation workshops to health staff delivering services to young Aboriginal children. In addition to the evidence‐based policy, a suite of resources were made available to support service delivery.

Effects of change

The EACHS is a framework used by agencies to deliver consistent care and support governance when providing child health services to Aboriginal families across Western Australia.

Lessons learnt

Providing a policy that was consistent with identified service strengths allowed agencies to individually build their capacity to deliver child health checks, using existing resources, at their own pace.
Continuity of midwifery care for rural women through caseload group practice: Delivering for almost 20 years
Authors: Haines Helen M. , Baker Janet , Marshall Diana
Published: December 2015

Objective

To describe the clinical outcomes and sustainability factors of a long‐standing midwifery led caseload model of rural maternity care.

Design

Retrospective clinical audit from 1998 to 2011 and autoethnographic narrative of the midwifery program told by the longest serving midwives under three key themes relating to sustainable practice.

Setting

Regional Health Service with annual birth rate of 500. Maternity care is provided by either public antenatal clinic/GP shared care or midwife‐led care.

Participants

Women attending a rural caseload midwifery group practice between the period 1998–2011 and midwives working in the same group practice during that period.

Main outcome measures

Antenatal attendance, maternal mortality, infant morbidity and mortality, mode of birth, known midwife at birth, initiation of breastfeeding.

Results

There were 1674 births between 1998 and 2011. Clinical outcomes for women and infants closely reflected national maternity indicator data. The group practice midwives attribute sustainability of the program to the enjoyment of flexibility in their working environment, to establishing trust amongst themselves, the women they care for, and with the obstetricians, GPs and health service executives. The rigorous application of midwifery principles including robust clinical governance have been hallmarks of success.

Conclusion

This caseload midwifery group practice is a safe, satisfying and sustainable model of maternity care in a rural setting. Clinical outcomes are similar to standard care. Success can be attributed to strong leadership across all levels of policy, health service management and, most importantly, the rural midwives providing the service.
Previously inactive rural adults’ experiences of commencing and maintaining a walking routine following participation in a walking intervention
Authors: Seekamp Sarah , Dollman James , Gilbert‐Hunt Susan
Published: December 2015

Objective

This study aimed to richly describe previously inactive Riverland adults’ experiences of commencing and maintaining a walking routine following participation in a walking intervention.

Design

Qualitative description using semi‐structured in‐depth interviews and thematic analysis.

Setting

Riverland, South Australia.

Participants

Nine adults (four men and five women) aged between 40 and 65 years.

Intervention

Six‐week walking intervention included issuing of pedometers, setting goals, completing logs and weekly emails to remind participants to wear their pedometers, recording of steps and provision of strategies for increasing daily steps.

Main outcome measures

Rich description of participants’ experiences represented by four themes and a number of subthemes, supported by direct quotes.

Results

Four themes: taking care of me through my walk, pedometers and accountability as motivators, fitting walking in and commencing and maintaining a walking routine.

Conclusions

The participants’ experience of commencing a walking routine differed from maintaining a walking routine. Future attempts to support maintenance of a walking routine may be strengthened through identifying and including ways to provide accountability for walking to others beyond the intervention as well as strategies that support the integration of walking into every activity. Furthermore, future walking interventions should enable participants to tailor their walks to their own preferences and mental health benefits of walking should be promoted at least as much as the physical benefits.
Histologic differences between primary high myopia and secondary high myopia due to congenital glaucoma
Authors: Jonas Jost B. , Holbach Leonard , Panda‐Jonas Songhomitra
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To search for histomorphometric differences between eyes with primary high myopia (PHM) or secondary high axial myopia (SHM) caused by congenital glaucoma, and non‐highly myopic eyes (NHM).

Methods

Histologic anterior–posterior sections were histomorphometrically examined.

Results

The investigation included 58 human globes (mean age: 61.5 ± 18.5 years; axial length: 27.3 ± 4.0 mm; range: 21.0–39.0 mm). Bruch's membrane thickness was thinner in SHM than in PHM (posterior pole: p = 0.007; parapapillary region: p = 0.007); midpoint posterior pole/equator = 0.05) and thinner in SHM than in NHM (all p < 0.04), while PHM and NHM did not differ (all p > 0.50). Choroidal thickness did not differ (all p ≥ 0.40) at any measurement location between SHM and PHM, and was thinner (p < 0.05) in both myopic groups than in NHM. Posterior sclera was thinner (p < 0.001) in both myopic groups than in NHM, with no significant difference between both myopic groups. Pars plana scleral thickness was thinner (p = 0.02) in SHM than in PHM after adjusting for axial length. Scleral volume (p = 0.41) and choroidal volume (p = 0.74) did not differ between any of the groups.

Conclusions

Thinning of Bruch's membrane overall is typical for SHM while eyes with PHM have a normal Bruch's membrane thickness. It may point to Bruch's membrane as an active part in the process of emmetropization/myopization. SHM in contrast to PHM showed scleral thinning in the pars plana region suggesting that the process of emmetropization/myopization takes place posterior to the pars plana. Both SHM and PHM unspecifically showed an axial length associated with thinning of choroid and posterior sclera, while both myopic groups did not differ with NHM in choroidal and scleral volume.
Recommending peers for learning: Matching on dissimilarity in interpretations to provoke breakdown
Authors: Rajagopal Kamakshi , van Bruggen Jan M. , Sloep Peter B.
Published: December 2015

People recommenders are a widespread feature of social networking sites and educational social learning platforms alike. However, when these systems are used to extend learners' Personal Learning Networks, they often fall short of providing recommendations of learning value to their users. This paper proposes a design of a people recommender based on content‐based user profiles, and a matching method based on dissimilarity therein. It presents the results of an experiment conducted with curators of the content curation site Scoop.it!, where curators rated personalized recommendations for contacts. The study showed that matching dissimilarity of interpretations of shared interests is more successful in providing positive experiences of breakdown for the curator than is matching on similarity. The main conclusion of this paper is that people recommenders should aim to trigger constructive experiences of breakdown for their users, as the prospect and potential of such experiences encourage learners to connect to their recommended peers.
Treatment of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with secondary central nervous system involvement: encouraging efficacy using CNS‐penetrating R‐IDARAM chemotherapy
Authors: Maciocia Paul , Badat Mohsin , Cheesman Simon , D'Sa Shirley , Joshi Rahul , Lambert Jonathan , Mohamedbhai Sajir , Pule Martin , Linch David , Ardeshna Kirit
Published: December 2015

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with secondary involvement of the central nervous system (SCNS‐DLBCL) is a rare condition carrying a poor prognosis. No optimal therapeutic regimen has been identified. We retrospectively analysed 23 patients with SCNS‐DLBCL treated with R‐IDARAM (rituximab 375 mg/m2 IV day 1; methotrexate 12·5 mg by intrathecal injection day 1; idarubicin 10 mg/m2/day IV days 1 and 2; dexamethasone 100 mg/day IV infusion over 12 h days 1–3; cytosine arabinoside 1000 mg/m2/day IV over 1 h days 1 and 2; and methotrexate 2000 mg/m2 IV over 2 h day 3. Ten out of 23 (44%) patients had CNS involvement at initial presentation (‘new disease’), 10/23 (44%) had relapsed disease and 3/23 (13%) had primary refractory disease. 14/23 (61%) of patients responded ‐ 6 (26%) complete response, 8 (35%) partial response. Grade 3–4 haematological toxicity was seen in all cycles, with no grade 3–4 or long‐term neurological toxicity. Median follow‐up for surviving patients was 49 months. At 2 years, estimated progression‐free survival (PFS) was 39% and overall survival (OS) was 52%. Encouraging outcomes were reported in patients with new disease, with 5‐year estimated PFS of 50% and OS 75%. R‐IDARAM is a well‐tolerated regimen with encouraging efficacy in patients with SCNS‐DLBCL, although patients with relapsed or refractory disease continue to fare poorly.
Chronic and recurrent benign lymphadenopathy without constitutional symptoms associated with human herpesvirus‐6B reactivation
Authors: Forghieri Fabio , Luppi Mario , Barozzi Patrizia , Riva Giovanni , Morselli Monica , Bigliardi Sara , Quadrelli Chiara , Vallerini Daniela , Maccaferri Monica , Coluccio Valeria , Paolini Ambra , Colaci Elisabetta , Bonacorsi Goretta , Maiorana Antonino , Tagliazucchi Sara , Rumpianesi Fabio , Mattioli Francesco , Presutti Livio , Gelmini Roberta , Cermelli Claudio , Rossi Giulio , Comoli Patrizia , Marasca Roberto , Narni Franco , Potenza Leonardo
Published: December 2015

Chronic/recurrent behaviour may be encountered in some distinct atypical or malignant lymphoproliferations, while recurrences are not generally observed in reactive/benign lymphadenopathies. We retrospectively analysed a consecutive series of 486 human immunodeficiency virus‐negative adults, who underwent lymphadenectomy. Neoplastic and benign/reactive histopathological pictures were documented in 299 (61·5%) and 187 (38·5%) cases, respectively. Of note, seven of the 111 (6·3%) patients with benign lymphadenopathy without well‐defined aetiology, showed chronic/recurrent behaviour, without constitutional symptoms. Enlarged lymph nodes were round in shape and hypoechoic, mimicking lymphoma. Reactive follicular hyperplasia and paracortical expansion were observed. Human herpesvirus (HHV)‐6B positive staining in follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) was documented in all seven patients. Serological, molecular and immunological examinations suggested HHV‐6B reactivation. Among the remaining 104 cases with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia in the absence of well‐known aetiology and without recurrences, positivity for HHV‐6B on FDCs was found in three cases, whereas in seven further patients, a scanty positivity was documented in rare, scattered cells in inter‐follicular regions. Immunohistochemistry for HHV‐6A and HHV‐6B was invariably negative on 134 lymph nodes, with either benign pictures with known aetiology or malignant lymphoproliferative disorders, tested as further controls. Future studies are warranted to investigate a potential association between HHV‐6B reactivation and chronic/recurrent benign lymphadenopathy.
Induction of endothelium‐dependent constriction of mesenteric arteries in endotoxemic hypotensive shock
Authors: Tseng Tzu‐Ling , Chen Mei‐Fang , Liu Chin‐Hung , Pang Cheng‐Yoong , Hsu Yung‐Hsiang , Lee Tony J F
Published: December 2015

Background and Purpose

Effective management of hypotension refractory to vasoconstrictors in severe sepsis is limited. A new strategy to ameliorate endotoxemic hypotension by inducing endothelium‐dependent constriction of large arteries was assessed.

Experimental Approach

Endotoxemia in rats was induced by injection of LPS (10 mg·kg−1, i.v.). Haemodynamics were measured in vivo, reactivity of isolated mesenteric arteries by myography and expression of proteins and enzyme activities by immunohistochemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology.

Key ResultS

Six hours after LPS, the hypotension was promptly reversed following injection (i.v. or i.p.) of oroxylin‐A (OroA) . In isolated LPS‐treated but not normal mesenteric arteries, OroA (1–10 μM) induced endothelium‐dependent, sustained constriction, blocked by endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) receptor antagonists. OroA further enhanced LPS‐induced expression of endothelin‐converting enzyme, ET‐1 mRNA and proteins and ET‐1 release, OroA also enhanced phosphorylation of Rho‐associated protein kinase (ROCK) and reversed LPS‐induced suppression of RhoA activities in smooth muscle of arteries with endothelium. Activated‐ phosphorylation of smooth muscle ROCK was blocked by ET‐1‐receptor antagonists and ROCK inhibitors. Moreover, OroA post‐treatment suppressed, via inhibiting NF‐κB activation, inducible NOS expression and circulating NO.

Conclusions and Implications

Reversal of endotoxemic hypotensive by OroA was due to release of endothelial ET‐1, upregulated by LPS, from mesenteric arteries, inducing prompt and sustained vasoconstriction via activation of vascular smooth muscle RhoA / ROCK‐pathway. In late endotoxemia, OroA‐induced vasoconstriction was partly due to decreased circulating NO. Activation of endothelium‐dependent constriction in large resistance arteries and suppression of systemic inflammation offer new strategies for acute management of endotoxemic hypotensive shock.
Evaluation of Natural and Synthetic 1,4‐naphthoquinones as Inhibitors of Monoamine Oxidase
Authors: Mostert Samantha , Petzer Anél , Petzer Jacobus P.
Published: December 2015

Previous reports have documented that 1,4‐naphthoquinones act as inhibitors of the monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes. In particular, fractionation of the extracts of cured tobacco leafs has led to the characterization of 2,3,6‐trimethyl‐1,4‐naphthoquinone, a non‐selective MAO inhibitor. To derive structure–activity relationships for MAO inhibition by the 1,4‐naphthoquinone class of compounds, this study investigates the human MAO inhibitory activities of fourteen structurally diverse 1,4‐naphthoquinones of natural and synthetic origin. Of these, 5,8‐dihydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone was found to be the most potent inhibitor with an IC50 value of 0.860 μm for the inhibition of MAO‐B. A related compound, shikonin, inhibits both the MAO‐A and MAO‐B isoforms with IC50 values of 1.50 and 1.01 μm, respectively. It is further shown that MAO‐A and MAO‐B inhibition by these compounds is reversible by dialysis. In this respect, kinetic analysis suggests that the modes of MAO inhibition are competitive. This study contributes to the discovery of novel MAO inhibitors, which may be useful in the treatment for disorders such as Parkinson's disease, depressive illness, congestive heart failure and cancer.
Multilevel Differences in Spontaneous Social Attention in Toddlers With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Chawarska Katarzyna , Ye Saier , Shic Frederick , Chen Lisha
Published: December 2015

This study examined the latent structure of spontaneous social attention in 11‐ to 26‐month‐olds with autism spectrum disorder (ASD, n = 90) and typically developing (n = 79) controls. Application of the joint and individual variance explained decomposition technique revealed that attention was driven by a condition‐independent tuning into the dynamic social scenes construct and context‐specific constructs capturing selection of the most relevant social features for processing. Gaze behavior in ASD is characterized by a limited tuning into the social scenes and by a selection of atypical targets for processing. While the former may be due to early disruption of the reward circuitry leading to limited appreciation of the behavioral relevance of social information, the latter may represent secondary deficits reflecting limited knowledge about social partners.
Human memory CD4+ T cell response to the major dog allergen Can f 5, prostatic kallikrein
Authors: Kailaanmäki A. , Kinnunen T. , Rönkä A. , Rytkönen‐Nissinen M. , Lidholm J. , Mattsson L. , Randell J. , Virtanen T.
Published: December 2015

Background

Human CD4+ T cell responses to important animal allergens are still insufficiently understood.

Objective

To comprehensively characterize in vitro and ex vivo the peripheral blood memory CD4+ T cell responses of subjects with and without allergy to the major dog allergen Can f 5, the only known animal allergen in the kallikrein family of proteins.

Methods

Can f 5‐specific memory CD4+ T cell lines (TCLs) were established from the peripheral blood of 12 subjects with and 12 subjects without allergy to Can f 5 and characterized for their functional and phenotypic properties. The results were evaluated with those obtained ex vivo with a novel CD154 enrichment method. The epitopes recognized by the Can f 5‐specific TCLs were determined with 72 overlapping 16‐mer peptides covering the sequence of the allergen.

Results

Can f 5‐specific TCLs were obtained at about tenfold higher frequency from allergic than from non‐allergic subjects. Functionally, the TCLs of allergic subjects displayed a Th2‐biased cytokine phenotype and increased T cell receptor avidity, whereas the TCLs of non‐allergic subjects displayed a Th1‐/Th0‐biased cytokine phenotype and lower TCR avidity. The higher frequency and the Th2 phenotype of Can f 5‐specific memory CD4+ T cells in allergic subjects were confirmed by the CD154 enrichment method ex vivo. Six distinct T cell epitope regions of Can f 5 were predominantly recognized by the TCLs from allergic subjects.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Can f 5‐specific memory CD4+ T cell responses differ considerably between subjects with and without allergy, as assessed by both in vitro and ex vivo approaches. Peptides containing the dominant T cell epitopes of Can f 5 can be employed for developing peptide‐based immunotherapy for dog allergy.
Cyclooxygenase 2: its regulation, role and impact in airway inflammation
Authors: Rumzhum N. N. , Ammit A. J.
Published: December 2015

Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2: official gene symbol – PTGS2) has long been regarded as playing a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation in respiratory diseases including asthma. COX‐2 can be rapidly and robustly expressed in response to a diverse range of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and mediators. Thus, increased levels of COX‐2 protein and prostanoid metabolites serve as key contributors to pathobiology in respiratory diseases typified by dysregulated inflammation. But COX‐2 products may not be all bad: prostanoids can exert anti‐inflammatory/bronchoprotective functions in airways in addition to their pro‐inflammatory actions. Herein, we outline COX‐2 regulation and review the diverse stimuli known to induce COX‐2 in the context of airway inflammation. We discuss some of the positive and negative effects that COX‐2/prostanoids can exert in in vitro and in vivo models of airway inflammation, and suggest that inhibiting COX‐2 expression to repress airway inflammation may be too blunt an approach; because although it might reduce the unwanted effects of COX‐2 activation, it may also negate the positive effects. Evidence suggests that prostanoids produced via COX‐2 upregulation show diverse actions (and herein we focus on prostaglandin E2 as a key example); these can be either beneficial or deleterious and their impact on respiratory disease can be dictated by local concentration and specific interaction with individual receptors. We propose that understanding the regulation of COX‐2 expression and associated receptor‐mediated functional outcomes may reveal number of critical steps amenable to pharmacological intervention. These may prove invaluable in our quest towards future development of novel anti‐inflammatory pharmacotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of airway diseases.
Effect of postoperative proton pump inhibitor therapy on voice outcomes following phonomicrosurgery for vocal fold polyp: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Lee Y.C. , Na S.Y. , Kim H.J. , Yang C.W. , Kim S.I. , Byun Y.S. , Jung A.R. , Ryu I.Y. , Eun Y.G.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To determine the effect of a postoperative proton pump inhibitor (PPI) on voice outcomes after phonomicrosurgery in patients with vocal fold polyp.

Study Design

This is a prospective, randomized controlled study.

Settings

This study was carried out in a tertiary care referral medical centre.

Participants

A total of 48 patients underwent phonomicrosurgery for vocal fold polyps. After surgery, patients were randomized to the PPI group (lansoprazole 15 mg twice daily for 2 months) and the non‐PPI group.

Main outcome measures

Voice handicap index (VHI) and perceptual and acoustic voice analysis were evaluated at baseline and 2 months after surgery.

Results

Among 48 enrolled patients, a total of 42 patients [non‐PPI group (n = 23), PPI group (n = 19)] completed the study. The VHI, perceptual and most acoustic parameters significantly improved in both groups after surgery. However, there was no significant difference in the per cent of change in those parameters.

Conclusion

Postoperative PPI treatment did not significantly influence voice outcomes after phonomicrosurgery in patients with vocal fold polyp.