bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term, low‐dose exposure to microcystin toxin does not increase the risk of liver tumor development or growth in mice
Authors: Labine Meaghan , Minuk Gerald Y. 
Published: July 2014

AimCyanotoxins are biological toxins produced by cyanobacteria (blue green algae) that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of liver tumors. Based on acute toxicity studies, the World Health Organization has designated 1.0 μg/L of cyanotoxin‐contaminated drinking water as the safe allowable limit for daily oral consumption. The aim of this study was to determine whether long‐term exposure to this concentration of cyanotoxins is capable of initiating or promoting the growth of liver tumors.MethodsIn the present study, four groups of adult, male CD‐1 mice (n = 20/group) were exposed to either drinking water alone (water group), drinking water containing 1.0 μg/L of microcystin‐LR (MC‐LR group), MC‐LR plus the tumor promoter thioacetamide (MC‐LR/TAA group) or thioacetamide alone (TAA group). Following 28 weeks of exposure, mice were killed and the livers examined for tumor number and size.ResultsNo tumors were present in the water or MC‐LR alone groups while five mice in the MC‐LR/TAA group and four in the TAA alone group developed liver tumors. The mean size of the tumors in the MC‐LR/TAA and TAA alone groups were similar as were the results of Ki‐67 staining, number of atypical mitoses and liver cancer gene expression profiles. In vitro MC‐LR (0.1–1000 μg/L) exposure did not induce malignant transformation of WB‐F344 hepatic stem cells or increase the proliferative activity or invasiveness of PLC/PRF/5 malignant hepatocytes.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that long‐term, low dose cyanotoxin exposure is unlikely to result in liver tumor development or enhance existing tumor growth.
The Role of Higher Education within Broader Skills Policies, a Comparison of Emerging Scottish and English Approaches
Authors: Keep Ewart 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis article explores the important role played by higher education in broader skills and economic development policies in England and Scotland. It places the often divergent policy experiments and structural developments in these two countries' higher education systems within an international policy context and explains why England and Scotland are often tackling common problems and challenges in different ways. Scotland's retention of a centralised funding system for higher education, its enthusiasm for a closer integration of higher education with other forms of skills creation and its emphasis on skills utilisation are all leading to greater divergence from England.
The Role of Work Experience in the Future Employability of Higher Education Graduates
Authors: Helyer Ruth , Lee Dionne 
Published: July 2014

AbstractMany new graduates are finding it difficult to obtain graduate‐level work and impossible to break into the sectors they were aiming at. In order to address this, higher education institutions are examining the methods they use to enhance student employability and deploying various measures to grow and strengthen this activity, with an increasing focus on providing work experience. One popular way of doing this is via internships (placements). This paper examines the context in which work experience has come to the fore as an approach to enhancing employability by interrogating recent research and policy related to this agenda. Employability is presented as an on‐going debate that cannot be viewed as a finite entity but must move and develop with the market, society and the global situation. In addition the paper closely examines a graduate internship programme in a university in North East England. Comparing and contrasting findings from this scheme, with other examples of experiential learning through work experience, provides some evidence to suggest the value of internships and furthermore supports some formative ideas about how internships might be developed to best serve those taking part in them: interns; employers and universities.
Benign Neoplasm of the Heart Increases the Risk of First Ischemic Stroke: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Lai Ming-May , Li Tsai-Chung , Lin Cheng-Li , Sung Fung-Chang , Lin Cheng-Chieh , Liu Chiu-Shong , Kao Chia-Hung 
Published: July 2014

Objective: The study aims to investigate the incidence of first ischemic stroke in patients with benign cardiac tumors who did or did not undergo operations. Methods: We used the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan to conduct the research. The exposure cohort comprised 587 adult patients with benign cardiac tumors. Each patient was randomly frequency matched by age, index month, and index year with 10 participants from the general population who exhibited no history of benign cardiac tumors before the index date (control group). Cox's proportion hazard regression analyses were conducted to determine the relation between benign cardiac tumors and the risk of ischemic stroke. Results: Based on clinical diagnoses, the prevalence of benign cardiac tumors was 0·004%. Patients with benign cardiac tumors exhibited an increased risk of first ischemic stroke [adjusted hazard ratio: 1·77; (95% confidence interval, 1·20–2·63)], particularly at young ages (adjusted hazard ratio: 22·9, 95% confidence interval: 4·17–126·0). We observed no significant difference in the risk of ischemic stroke between men with and without benign cardiac tumors (adjusted hazard ratio: 1·29, 95% confidence interval: 0·63–2·63). Among patients with benign cardiac tumors, the adjusted hazard ratio of first ischemic stroke was 0·48 (95% confidence interval: 0·23–1·04) in the operation group compared with the nonoperation group. Conclusion: Younger patients (<50 years) with benign cardiac tumors exhibit an increased risk of first ischemic stroke.
Is the presence of varicocele associated with static and dynamic components of benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms in elderly men?
Authors: Otunctemur Alper , Ozbek Emin , Besiroglu Huseyin , Dursun Murat , Sahin Suleyman , Koklu Ismail , Erkoc Mustafa , Danis Eyyup , Bozkurt Muammer , Gurbuz Ahmet 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo evaluate the relationship between varicocele and benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms in patients over the age of 40 years.MethodsA total of 1040 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated for prostate volume, testicular volume, testicular consistency, total testosterone, total prostate‐specific antigen and body mass index. A questionnaire including International Prostate Symptom Score and a uroflow test were also carried out. The presence and grade of varicocele was determined in each patient by physical examination.ResultsVaricocele was found bilaterally in 22.3% and unilaterally in 25.7% of the patients. There was no difference in terms of age and body mass index distribution between subgroups. When grouping patients for varicocele laterality, total testosterone (P = 0.04), prostate volume (P = 0.009) and total prostate‐specific antigen (P = 0.02) level were significantly different. Similarly, these parameters were significant between patients with grade 1, 2 and 3 varicocele. Total testosterone level (P = 0.02) and prostate volume (P = 0.035) were found to be significantly different when patients were grouped according to testicular size. A positive correlation was found between testosterone level and prostate volume (P = 0.004; r2 = 0.084).ConclusionsBilateral and/or higher‐grade varicocele is associated with lower prostate volume and testosterone levels, as well as lower prostate‐specific antigen levels. However, it is not associated with dynamic components of benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms in patients over the age of 40 years.
Telehealth: experience of the first 120 consultations delivered from a new Refugee Telehealth clinic
Authors: Schulz T. R. , Richards M. , Gasko H. , Lohrey J. , Hibbert M. E. , Biggs B.‐A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn 2011, the Australian Government introduced Medicare item numbers for telehealth consultations. This is a rapidly expanding method of healthcare provision.AimsWe assessed the demographic and disease profile of refugee patients attending a new telehealth clinic, and calculated the patient travel avoided. We examined technical challenges and assessed the performance of two videoconferencing solutions using different bandwidth and latencies.MethodsWe audited the first 120 patients attending the telehealth clinic. During consultations, the patient was with the general practitioner (GP) and linked by internet videoconference using VIDYO, GoToMeeting or Skype, to the specialist at a tertiary referral hospital. Travel avoided was calculated and technical problems were assessed by the participating specialist. Bandwidth and latency variations were examined within a university broadband testing facility.ResultsThe two most frequently managed conditions were hepatitis C and latent tuberculosis. Twenty‐nine different GP were included and 42 consultations required an interpreter. Nearly 500 km of travel and 127 kg of CO2 production was avoided per consultation. Technical issues were faced in 25% of consultations, most frequently sound problems and connections dropping out. A bandwidth of at least 512 kbps and latency of no more than 300 ms was necessary to conduct an adequate multipoint videoconference.ConclusionsTelehealth using videoconferencing adds a new component to care of refugee and immigrant patients settling in regional areas. Telehealth will be improved by changes to improve simplicity and standardisation of videoconferencing, but requires ongoing Medicare funding to allow sufficient administrative support.
Corporation-based Parties: The Present and Future of Business Politics in Latin America
Authors: Barndt William T. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThroughout Latin America, particular business conglomerates have begun to sponsor their own political parties, building those parties on their own corporate assets. These “corporation-based parties” represent a new wave of highly particularized conservative representation in the region. Indeed, corporation-based parties have become a regular—though largely unrecognized—feature of contemporary Latin American party systems. This article develops a theory of how and why particular business conglomerates sponsor their own parties, provides substantial evidence for the existence of corporation-based parties across much of Latin America, and uses a case study of a party built on a Panamanian supermarket chain to demonstrate how such parties are organized. In closing, it discusses the possible future for these parties in the region.
The Explosive Combination of Inefficient Local Bureaucracies and Mining Production: Evidence from Localized Societal Protests in Peru
Authors: Ponce Aldo F. , McClintock Cynthia 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAlthough numerous scholars have analyzed the effects of natural resource extraction at the national level, few have explored it systematically at the local level. Focusing on Peru, where both mining production and local social protests have greatly increased in recent years and where a new tax has required mining companies to transfer revenue to subnational governments, this study explores the resource curse at the local level. In particular, why do protests arise mostly in the areas of natural resource extraction? Employing subnational data for Peru for the period 2004–9 and LAPOP survey data from 2010, the research confirms previous findings that social conflict is provoked by both the negative externalities of mining and the revenues from the new tax. The article further demonstrates that local bureaucratic capacity is a significant independent variable. Greater subnational bureaucratic capacity can ameliorate the pernicious societal effects of a local resource curse.
Measuring employment vulnerability in Europe
Authors: BAZILLIER Rémi , BOBOC Cristina , CALAVREZO Oana 
Published: July 2014

AbstractTwo of the most notable trends in labour markets in Europe are the rise in the number of atypical job contracts (e.g. fixed‐term contracts and temporary work) and the increase in job turnover. The concept of “employment vulnerability” can be used to describe these trends, which weaken the employer–employee relationship. In this article, the authors measure this employment vulnerability, for individual European countries, by creating two indices – an “employer‐related vulnerability index” and a “job‐related vulnerability index” – which are then aggregated to form an overall employment vulnerability index.
Novel Hybrid Nanorod Carriers of Fluorescent Hydroxyapatite Shelled with Mesoporous Silica Effective for Drug Delivery and Cell Imaging
Authors: Singh Rajendra K. , Kim Tae‐Hyun , Patel Kapil D. , Mahapatra Chinmaya , Dashnyam Khandmaa , Kang Min Sil , Kim Hae‐Won 
Published: July 2014

Development of biocompatible multifunctional nanocarriers is necessary for the success of theranostics. Here, we report a novel hybrid nanorod with self‐fluorescent property, high drug loading capacity, and good biocompatibility. Fluorescent hydroxyapatite (fHA) nanorod was ensheathed with mesoporous silica (mSi). The mSi shell was uniformly layered and was tunable in thickness (10–30 nm) over the fHA nanorod. Highly mesoporous structure of mSi shell facilitated the loading of a large quantity of biological molecules, as confirmed with fluorescein isothiocynate; ~1% loading for fHA increased to ~10% loading for fHA@mSi. The self‐fluorescent property of the fHA resulting from CO2.− radicals was well preserved in the fHA@mSi hybrid, as analyzed by photoluminescence and electron paramagnetic resonance property. Cellular toxicity of the fHA@mSi hybrid nanorod showed favorable cell viability (>90% viability of control) up to a concentration of ~40 μg/mL. Intracellular uptake rate of the hybrid nanorod was as high as 80–90%, as analyzed by fluorescent‐assisted cell sorter. Results demonstrate the newly developed fHA@mSi nanocarriers have great potential for the effective loading of therapeutic molecules and delivery within intracellular compartments in concert with a capacity for in situ imaging.
Atom Probe Tomography of Yttrium‐Doped Barium–Cerium–Zirconium Oxide with NiO Addition
Authors: Diercks David R. , Gorman Brian P. , Manerbino Anthony , Coors Grover 
Published: July 2014

The perovskite ceramic BaCe0.2Zr0.7Y0.1O3‐δ (BCZY27) with a small addition of NiO has previously been shown to densify at a reasonable sintering temperature while maintaining high protonic conductivity. However, some questions remain regarding the role, location, and resulting phase of the NiO addition. Transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography (APT) were used to analyze BCZY27 specimens before and after use as a hydrogen separation membrane. The effects of electrolyte operation on the local chemistry were explored. Grain boundaries were specifically targeted due to their higher energies and importance for overall conductivity. The compositions measured by APT were found to be dependent on the laser energy used for analysis, but conditions were found which gave results reasonably consistent with x‐ray fluorescence results. Specimens before and after electrolytic use showed no measureable difference in the local chemistry. Most grain boundaries exhibited little compositional variation from the bulk material, with only a slight increase in yttrium being apparent. A few grain boundaries had particles 2–15 nm in diameter, which were found by APT to be NiO.
High‐Temperature Properties and Ferroelastic Phase Transitions in Rare‐Earth Niobates (LnNbO4)
Authors: Sarin Pankaj , Hughes Robert W. , Lowry Daniel R. , Apostolov Zlatomir D. , Kriven Waltraud M. 
Published: July 2014

Phase transition and high‐temperature properties of rare‐earth niobates (LnNbO4, where Ln = La, Dy and Y) were studied in situ at high temperatures using powder X‐ray diffraction and thermal analysis methods. These materials undergo a reversible, pure ferroelastic phase transition from a monoclinic (S.G. I2/a) phase at low temperatures to a tetragonal (S.G. I41/a) phase at high temperatures. While the size of the rare‐earth cation is identified as the key parameter, which determines the transition temperature in these materials, it is the niobium cation which defines the mechanism. Based on detailed crystallographic analysis, it was concluded that only distortion of the NbO4 tetrahedra is associated with the ferroelastic transition in the rare‐earth niobates, and no change in coordination of Nb5+ cation. The distorted NbO4 tetrahedron, it is proposed, is energetically more stable than a regular tetrahedron (in tetragonal symmetry) due to decrease in the average Nb–O bond distance. The distortion is affected by the movement of Nb5+ cation along the monoclinic b‐axis (tetragonal c‐axis before transition), and is in opposite directions in alternate layers parallel to the (010). The net effect on transition is a shear parallel to the monoclinic [100] and a contraction along the monoclinic b‐axis. In addition, anisotropic thermal expansion properties and specific heat capacity changes accompanying the transition in the studied rare‐earth niobate systems are also discussed.
Chemical Bulk Diffusion Coefficient of a La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ Cathode for Intermediate‐Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Fu Yen‐Pei , Hsieh Min‐Yen 
Published: July 2014

In the first part of this study, the characteristics of a La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ cathode are described, including its chemical bulk diffusion coefficient (Dchem), and electrical conductivity relaxation experiments are performed to obtain experimental Dchem measurements of this cathode. The second part of this study describes two methods to improve the single‐cell performance of solid oxide fuel cells. One method uses a composite cathode, i.e., a mix of 30 wt% electrolyte and 70 wt% cathode; the other method uses an electrolyte‐infiltrated cathode, i.e., an active ionic‐conductive electrolyte with nano‐sized particles is deposited onto a porous cathode surface using the infiltration method. In this work, 0.2M Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 (SDC)‐infiltrated La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ exhibits a maximum peak power density of 1221 mW/cm2 at an operating temperature of 700°C with a thick‐film SDC electrolyte (30 μm), a NiO + SDC anode (1 mm) and a La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ cathode (10 μm). The enhancement in electrochemical performances using the electrolyte‐infiltrated cathode is attributed to the creation of electrolyte/cathode phase boundaries, which considerably increases the number of electrochemical sites available for the oxygen reduction reaction.
Covered in stigma? The impact of differing levels of Islamic head‐covering on explicit and implicit biases toward Muslim women
Authors: Everett Jim A.C. , Schellhaas Fabian M.H. , Earp Brian D. , Ando Victoria , Memarzia Jessica , Parise Cesare V. , Fell Benjamin , Hewstone Miles 
Published: July 2014

AbstractGiven the prominence of Muslim veils—in particular the hijab and full‐face veil—in public discourse concerning the place of Muslims in Western society, we examined their impact on non‐Muslims’ responses at both explicit and implicit levels. Results revealed that responses were more negative toward any veil compared with no veil, and more negative toward the full‐face veil relative to the hijab: for emotions felt toward veiled women (Study 1), for non‐affective attitudinal responses (Study 2), and for implicit negative attitudes revealed through response latency measures (Studies 3a and 3b). Finally, we manipulated the perceived reasons for wearing a veil, finding that exposure to positive reasons for wearing a veil led to better predicted and imagined contact (Study 4). Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
The greatest magic of Harry Potter: Reducing prejudice
Authors: Vezzali Loris , Stathi Sofia , Giovannini Dino , Capozza Dora , Trifiletti Elena 
Published: July 2014

AbstractRecent research shows that extended contact via story reading is a powerful strategy to improve out‐group attitudes. We conducted three studies to test whether extended contact through reading the popular best‐selling books of Harry Potter improves attitudes toward stigmatized groups (immigrants, homosexuals, refugees). Results from one experimental intervention with elementary school children and from two cross‐sectional studies with high school and university students (in Italy and United Kingdom) supported our main hypothesis. Identification with the main character (i.e., Harry Potter) and disidentification from the negative character (i.e., Voldemort) moderated the effect. Perspective taking emerged as the process allowing attitude improvement. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed in the context of extended intergroup contact and social cognitive theory.
Effects of heterosexuals' direct and extended friendships with sexual minorities on their attitudes and behaviors: intergroup anxiety and attitude strength as mediators and moderators
Authors: Mereish Ethan , Poteat V. Paul 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe tested processes by which heterosexuals' direct and extended friendships with lesbian and gay individuals predicted homophobic and affirming behaviors toward lesbian and gay individuals. Results demonstrated that friendships predicted less homophobic behaviors and more affirming behaviors, mediated through reduced intergroup anxiety and sexual prejudice. Further, the strength with which individuals held their prejudiced attitudes moderated the extent to which these attitudes predicted affirming behaviors. Less prejudiced attitudes only predicted affirming behaviors when these attitudes were strongly held; in contrast, prejudiced attitudes predicted homophobic behavior regardless of how strongly these attitudes were held.
Patterns of tree species composition across tropical African forests
Authors: Fayolle Adeline , Swaine Michael D. , Bastin Jean‐François , Bourland Nils , Comiskey James A. , Dauby Gilles , Doucet Jean‐Louis , Gillet Jean‐François , Gourlet‐Fleury Sylvie , Hardy Olivier J. , Kirunda Ben , Kouamé François N. , Plumptre Andrew J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimIn this study we identified large‐scale variation in tree species composition across tropical African forests and determined the underlying environmental and historical factors.LocationTropical forests from Senegal to Mozambique.MethodsDistribution data were gathered for 1175 tree species in 455 sample sites scattered across tropical Africa, including all types of tropical forests (wet, moist, dry, and lowland to moderate elevation montane forests). The value of elevation and 19 climatic variables extracted from the BIOCLIM data set were assigned to each sample site. We determined the variation in species composition using correspondence analysis and identified the environmental correlates. We defined floristic clusters according to species composition and identified the characteristic species using indicator analysis.ResultsWe identified a major floristic discontinuity located at the Albertine rift that separated the dry, moist and wet forests of West and Central Africa (the entire Guineo‐Congolian Region) from the upland and coastal forests of East Africa. Except for the Albertine Rift, we found no evidence to support the other proposed floristic discontinuities (Dahomey Gap etc.). We detected two main environmental gradients across tropical African forests. The rainfall gradient was strongly correlated with the variation in tree species composition in West and Central Africa. The elevation/temperature gradient highlighted the major floristic differences within East Africa and between East Africa and the Guineo‐Congolian Region, the latter being most probably due to the geological disruption and associated climatic history of the East African uplift.Main conclusionsWe found floristic evidence for three main biogeographical regions across the tropical African forests, and described six floristic clusters with particular environmental conditions within these regions: Coastal and Upland for East Africa, Dry and Wet‐Moist for West Africa, and Moist and Wet for Central Africa.