bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Federal dynamics in times of economic and financial crisis
Authors: Braun Dietmar , Trein Philipp 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe global economic and financial crisis is a challenge for all governments, but particularly for federal states because divided and/or shared territorial powers make federations susceptible to coordination problems in fiscal policy making. This article explores the effects of the ongoing crisis on federal relations. Three kinds of problems that may become the cause of federal tensions and conflicts are evoked: opportunism of subgovernments, centralisation and erosion of solidarity among members of the federation. Our analysis of fiscal policies and federal conflicts of 11 federations between 2007 and the present reveals three kinds of coordination problems: shirking in the use of federal government grants, rent‐seeking in equalisation payments, and over‐borrowing and over‐spending. Our results show that shirking remained limited to few cases and occurred only in the first part of the crisis. However, rent‐seeking and over‐borrowing and over‐spending led to a reduction of solidarity among subgovernments and to increased regulation of the fiscal discretion of the members of the federation. Subsequently, tensions in federal relations increased – although only in one case did this challenged the federal order.
Glucosinolates in oilseed rape: secondary metabolites that influence interactions with herbivores and their natural enemies
Authors: Bruce T.J.A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractGlucosinolates are sulphur‐containing secondary metabolites characteristic of Brassicaceous plants. Glucosinolate breakdown products, which include isothiocyanates, are released following tissue damage when hydrolytic enzymes act on them. The isothiocyanates have toxic effects on generalist herbivores when they attempt to feed on oilseed rape, Brassica napus, and also function as repellents. However, specialist herbivores such as Brevicoryne brassicae aphids, flea beetles, Psylliodes chrysocephala and the Lepidopteran pest, Pieris rapae, are adapted to the presence of glucosinolates and thrive on plants containing them. They may do this by avoiding tissue damage to prevent the formation of isothiocyanates or by metabolising or tolerating glucosinolates. For many specialist herbivores, the isothiocyanates function as attractants and glucosinolates can even be sequestered for defence against predatory insects. Thus, these herbivores have evolved resistance to host‐plant secondary metabolites and this type of evolutionary history may have given some insects an enhanced ability to adapt to xenobiotics. In an agricultural context, this may make pests better able to evolve resistance to artificially applied pesticides. The effect of increased glucosinolate content in making oilseed rape cultivars more susceptible to specialist pests was highlighted in a seminal article in the Annals of Applied Biology in 1995. This review of the literature considers developments in this area since then.
Familial Himalayan P Wave and Left Ventricular Hypertrabeculation/Noncompaction
Authors: Stöllberger Claudia , Avanzini Marion , Siostrzonek Peter , Kühn Peter , Winkler Walther‐Benedikt , Finsterer Josef 
Published: April 2014

Background“Himalayan P waves,” are reported in congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathies.MethodsWe report a family with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Himalayan P waves, extensive focal right atrial wall thickening and left ventricular hypertrabeculation/noncompaction (LVHT).ResultsThe father received a pacemaker and underwent heart transplantation because of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. His daughters showed Himalayan P waves and right atrial wall thickening. LVHT was diagnosed in sister A at age 23 years and developed in sister B between 42 and 46 years. In sister A the heart rate continuously declined. She refused implantation of a pacemaker and died with 49 years. Sister B, suffers from bradycardia.ConclusionsHimalayan P waves are due to focal right atrial wall thickening, may be familially and associated with LVHT.
DeVillar, Robert A et al ed (2013) Transforming educationPeter Lang (New York & Bern) isbn 978‐1‐4331‐2037‐4 280 pp £25 (paper & e‐book; boards £96) http://www.peterlang.com/download/datasheet/77946/datasheet_312038.pdf
Authors: Laborda Jesús García 
Published: April 2014

SummaryThis book looks at how key areas of education are currently being revised all over the world—thus leading the reader to understand the new paradigms of the early 21st century. It is a welcome volume that is a must for those genuinely interested in observing how education evolves internationally. If the content of this book could be relevant to you, I recommend that you arrange to borrow a copy for a while in order to decide.Jesús García Laborda
Erstad, Ola (2013) Digital learning livesPeter Lang (New York & Bern) isbn 978‐1‐4331‐1163‐1 280 pp € 30.75 (paper and e‐book) http://www.peterlang.com/index.cfm?event=cmp.ccc.seitenstruktur.detailseiten&seitentyp=produkt&pk=78334&cid=448
Authors: Liu Gi‐Zen 
Published: April 2014

SummaryDigital learning lives aims to describe a set of practices in school education and beyond that are well developed and based on digital technology. With rich examples from our digital lives, the author shows that digital natives should be able to go beyond spaces and places with which they are familiar. People closely interested in broadening the scope of digital learning and creativity should think of buying this.Gi‐Zen Liu
Goodfellow, Robin & Lea, Mary R ed (2013) Literacy in the digital universityRoutledge (New York & London) isbn 978‐0‐415‐53797‐1 213 pp £24.99 http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415537971/
Authors: Cannell Pete 
Published: April 2014

SummaryThis book brings together practice and theory from the interface between academic and digital literacy, learning and teaching, and learning technologies. It argues for the importance of digital literacy at the heart of approaches to learning and teaching in the modern university. It is highly recommended for teachers, educational developers, practitioners in learning technology, and policy makers in higher education. Indeed, if this book's content is likely to be relevant to you, I recommend you buy a copy for yourself.Pete Cannell
Food groups and weight gain in Japanese men
Authors: Ibe Y. , Takahashi Y. , Sone H. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryIdentifying subjects at high risk of weight gain according to consumption of food groups is important for individualizing nutritional education, but prospective studies of this issue have been few. We determined whether intake of specific food groups could predict future weight gain. We evaluated data from health checkups on 1236 Japanese men aged 28 to 87 years in 2005 and 2006. Dietary intake was assessed by a 24‐h dietary recall at baseline. Weight change was measured after 1 year. Weight increased in 44.7% (n = 553) of participants. Multivariate regression analysis involving many food groups showed a significant association between sugar intake and weight gain after adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), total energy intake, alcohol, smoking and regular physical exercise (β = 0.22, P = 0.04). The effect of intake of ‘fats and oils’ was significant when adjusted for age and BMI, however, it became insignificant after adjustment for age, BMI and total energy intake. Intake of sugar, which was evaluated as a food group, was predictive of subsequent weight gain among Japanese men, even after adjustment for many confounders. This corroborates the evidence so far concerning the links between sugar intake and weight gain. Further long‐term research is required to give robust recommendation to the public.
Frequency of Class I and II HLA alleles in patients with lung cancer according to chemotherapy response and 5‐year survival
Authors: Araz Omer , Ucar Elif Yilmazel , Meral Mehmet , Yalcin Aslıhan , Acemoglu Hamit , Dogan Hasan , Karaman Adem , Aydin Yener , Gorguner Metin , Akgun Metin 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIntroductionLung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the world, and the most common type is non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). At present, surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are the main treatments for patients with NSCLC, but unfortunately outcome remains unsatisfactory.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine whether Class I and II histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles are related with response to chemotherapy and survival of lung cancer.MethodsA total of 65 NSCLC patients (56 men and 9 women, mean age 58.4 ± 11 years) were included in the study. Patient groups were compared with a control group of 88 unrelated healthy kidney or bone marrow donors in order to clearly identify susceptible and protective HLA alleles in lung cancer. Target lesions and tumor response were assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors (RECIST) guidelines. Results were classified into two groups: complete–partial response and stable–progressive disease.ResultsWe found that expression of HLA‐A32, HLA‐B41, HLA‐B57, HLA‐DRB1*13, and HLA‐DQ5 were more frequent in the complete and partial response groups to chemotherapy than in the control group. The frequency of HLA‐A11, HLA‐A29, HLA‐BW6, HLA‐CW3, HLA‐DR1*1, and HLA‐DRB1*3 were determined to be higher in the stable and progressive disease groups taking chemotherapy than in the control group. Additionally, expressions of HLA‐A2 and HLA‐B49 were statistically related with 5‐year survival.ConclusionOur results suggested that expressions of HLA‐BW6 and HLA‐DRB1*13 alleles may be predictable markers for response to chemotherapy in lung cancer patients.
Biomedicine, Public Health, and Citizenship in the Advent of Antiretrovirals in Botswana
Authors: Chabrol Fanny 
Published: April 2014

AbstractOften celebrated as a model of development in Africa, Botswana nonetheless endured a severe HIV epidemic. This article describes the singularity of the Botswana experience in facing AIDS and creating the widest possible access to antiretroviral medications for its citizens. Through exploration of different sets of actors and the construction of their ethics of treatment, it is possible to examine how free and universal access was created within the national antiretroviral program. This article underscores the importance of the site and the local dynamics in the advent of an ethics of access to treatment for Botswana citizens. At the intersection of national citizenship, pharmaceutical philanthropy, and biomedical collaborations, Botswana is an exemplary case (one of the first and unique in its kind) of global health programs for access to drugs in which patients' rights are tied to science and pharmaceutical development. As such it also bears some limitations and concerns over its sustainability.
Impact of injection speed and volume on perceived pain during subcutaneous injections into the abdomen and thigh: a single‐centre, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Heise T. , Nosek L. , Dellweg S. , Zijlstra E. , Præstmark K. A. , Kildegaard J. , Nielsen G. , Sparre T. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to assess pain associated with subcutaneous injection into the abdomen and thigh of different combinations of injection speeds and volumes.MethodsThe study was a single‐centre, one‐visit, double‐blinded, randomized controlled trial in 82 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes receiving daily injections of insulin or glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) agonists. Participants received 17 subcutaneous injections (12 in abdomen, 5 in thigh) of saline at different injection speeds (150, 300 and 450 µl/s), with different volumes (400, 800, 1200 and 1600 µl), and two needle insertions without any injection. Pain was evaluated on a 100‐mm visual analogue scale (VAS) (0 mm no pain, 100 mm worst pain) and on a yes/no scale for pain acceptability.ResultsInjection speed had no impact on injection pain (p = 0.833). Injection of larger volumes caused significantly more pain [VAS least square mean differences 1600 vs. 400 µl, 7·2 mm (95% confidence interval – CI; 4.6–9.7; p < 0.0001); 1600 vs. 800 µl, 7.2 mm (4.4–10.0; p < 0.0001); 1200 vs. 400 µl, 3.5 mm (0.4–6.6; p = 0.025) and 1200 vs. 800 µl, 3.6 mm (0.4–6.7; p = 0.027)]. Significantly more pain occurred in the thigh versus the abdomen [9.0 mm (6.7–11.3; p < 0.0001)].ConclusionsInjection speed had no effect on injection pain, whereas higher injection volumes caused more pain. The results of this study may be of value for guiding patients to use the appropriate injection site and technique to reduce their injection pain. Furthermore, these findings may have important implications for the development of new injection devices and drug formulations for clinical practice.
Development of the gregarious ectoparasitoid Nasonia vitripennis using five species of necrophagous flies as hosts and at various developmental temperatures
Authors: Rivers David B. , Losinger Michael 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe utility of five species of necrophagous flies (Diptera) as pupal hosts for Nasonia vitripennis (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) was examined by comparing incidences of parasitism, fecundity, and several features of wasp development at three rearing temperatures. Species differences in host suitability were evident in all life history features examined, with the highest incidences of parasitism, largest clutches and adult body sizes, and shortest periods of development occurring when the sarcophagid Sarcophaga bullata Parker served as hosts, regardless of temperature in which the wasps developed. Puparia of the calliphorids Lucilia illustris Meigen, Phormia regina Meigen, and Protophormia terraenovae Robineau‐Desvoidy were also accepted as hosts by the female parasitoids, albeit not equally so, and each yielded large, female‐biased broods. By contrast, pupae of the calliphorid Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) were not well suited to serve as an oviposition site or support the development of N. vitripennis. When successful parasitism did occur on any host species, duration of parasitoid development increased, adult body sizes were truncated, male‐biased sex ratios were produced, and mortality from egg hatch to adult emergence elevated with increasing rearing temperature. Unlike with the four other fly species, C. rufifacies did not yield any adult parasitoids when the rearing temperature was 35 °C. The results argue that developmental data determined for this wasp derived from a single host species is not sufficient for applying to all scenarios in which wasp development is necessary to estimate a postmortem interval or periods of insect activity.
PORT (Programme of Recognition and Therapy): the first Polish recognition and treatment programme for patients with an at‐risk mental state
Authors: Kotlicka‐Antczak Magdalena , Pawełczyk Tomasz , Rabe‐Jabłońska Jolanta , Pawełczyk Agnieszka 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimTo present the activities of the first early intervention centre in Poland and the Programme of Recognition and Therapy (PORT) run by the centre.MethodsAn overview of the admission process, diagnostic procedures and therapeutic interventions offered to individuals with an at‐risk mental state.ResultsThe PORT programme, developed in 2010, included 81 individuals, aged 15–29 years so far. The diagnostic procedures consists of evaluation of symptoms with the use of the Comprehensive Assessment of At‐Risk Mental State (CAARMS), assessment of premorbid and current personality traits and the evaluation of cognitive functions. Therapeutic interventions include cognitive behavioural therapy, diet supplementation with omega‐3 fatty acids and pharmacological treatment. Overall rate of conversion into psychosis within the years 2010–2103 was 18.5%. The programme has also been a source of research in the field of early psychosis.ConclusionsThe PORT programme enables young people with an ARMS an easy access to the specialized service offering treatment tailored to their specific needs.
Patterns of climate‐induced density shifts of species: poleward shifts faster in northern boreal birds than in southern birds
Authors: Virkkala Raimo , Lehikoinen Aleksi 
Published: April 2014

AbstractClimate change has been shown to cause poleward range shifts of species. These shifts are typically demonstrated using presence–absence data, which can mask the potential changes in the abundance of species. Moreover, changes in the mean centre of weighted density of species are seldom examined, and comparisons between these two methods are even rarer. Here, we studied the change in the mean weighted latitude of density (MWLD) of 94 bird species inFinland, northernEurope, using data covering a north–south gradient of over 1000 km from the 1970s to the 2010s. TheMWLDshifted northward on average 1.26 km yr−1, and this shift was significantly stronger in northern species compared to southern species. These shifts can be related to climate warming during the study period, because the annual temperature had increased more in northernFinland (by 1.7 °C) than in southernFinland (by 1.4 °C), although direct causal links cannot be shown. Density shifts of species distributed over the whole country did not differ from shifts in species situated on the edge of the species range in southern and northern species. This means that density shifts occur both in the core and on the edge of species distribution. The species‐specific comparison ofMWLDvalues with corresponding changes in the mean weighted latitude using presence–absence atlas data (MWL) revealed that theMWLDmoved more slowly than theMWLin the atlas data in the southern species examined, but more rapidly in the northern species. Our findings highlight that population densities are also moving rapidly towards the poles and the use of presence–absence data can mask the shift of population densities. We encourage use of abundance data in studies considering the effects of climate change on biodiversity.
Development and psychometric evaluation of a novel tool for assessing patient perception and preference for haemophilia treatment (HaemoPREF)
Authors: Teal S. , Brohan E. , Hettema Y. , Humphrey L. , Willgoss T. , Hudgens S. , Westfeld M. , Cappelleri J. C. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryProphylactic use of treatment is important for good outcomes in haemophilia, yet adherence can be suboptimal. To better understand the relationship between treatment adherence and patients' beliefs about treatment there is a need to quantify patients' treatment attitudes. The aim of this study was to develop a brief, clinically relevant, patient‐reported outcome (PRO) to measure ease of use and patients' preference for haemophilia treatment. A 40‐item questionnaire was completed by male adults with haemophilia A from Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. Robust statistical methods for item evaluation including item‐level statistics, dimensionality analyses and input from clinical and outcomes experts were used to inform item reduction. Retained items were subjected to psychometric evaluation including exploratory factor analysis (EFA), known‐groups validity and internal consistency reliability. 273 patients completed the questionnaire. Of the 40 items, 28 items were flagged for possible deletion based on item‐level statistics, three of which were retained due to clinical relevance. Two items had acceptable statistical performance but were deleted based on low clinical relevance. A total of 13 items were retained. EFA produced a conceptually defined 5‐factor solution. The survey had acceptable known‐groups validity and internal consistency. Refinements were made to wording and scoring, and one new item was added to assess general ease of use, resulting in a 14‐item questionnaire – the HaemoPREF. Preliminary measurement properties of the HaemoPREF support the instrument to evaluate patient perception and preference for haemophilia treatment. Further psychometric evaluation is required to examine and confirm the measurement properties of the scale.
Potential impact of joint association of alanine aminotransferase and gamma‐glutamyltransferase on insulin resistance in Japan: The Toranomon Hospital Health Management Center Study 19 (TOPICS 19)
Authors: Arase Yasuji , Heianza Yoriko , Hara Shigeko , Ohmoto‐Sekine Yuki , Amakawa Kazuhisa , Tsuji Hiroshi , Ogawa Kyoko , Saito Kazumi , Kodama Satoru , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu , Kobayashi Tetsuro , Sone Hirohito 
Published: April 2014

AimTo investigate the potential impact of joint association of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) on insulin resistance and β‐cell dysfunction in healthy Japanese individuals with a normal range of liver enzymes.MethodsThis study included 1010 individuals (545 men and 465 women) aged 20–89 years who underwent an oral glucose tolerance test for health screening. Participants were divided into four groups on the basis of median values for ALT and GGT: (i) both ALT and GGT low (both‐low); (ii) ALT high and GGT low (ALT‐high); (iii) ALT low and GGT high (GGT‐high); and (iv) both ALT and GGT high (both‐high). Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between liver enzyme and insulin dynamics, such as Homeostasis Model of Assessment – Insulin Resistance (HOMA‐IR) and insulinogenic index (IGI). The insulin resistance was defined when HOMA‐IR was 2.5 or more. IGI of less than 0.4 was considered to be decreased early‐phase insulin secretion.ResultsMean values of HOMA‐IR in men was 1.5 in the both‐low group, 1.8 in ALT‐high, 1.8 in GGT‐high and 2.8 in both‐high. The mean HOMA‐IR in women was 1.3 in the both‐low group, 1.3 in ALT‐high, 1.6 in GGT‐high and 2.0 in both‐high. HOMA‐IR in the both‐high group was significantly higher than that in the both‐low group regardless of the difference of sex. Multivariate analysis showed that insulin resistance occurred when the patient had high liver enzymes.ConclusionCombining the two liver function markers would be effective for identifying individuals with insulin resistance.
Patients' valuation of the prescribing nurse in primary care: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Gerard Karen , Tinelli Michela , Latter Sue , Smith Alesha , Blenkinsopp Alison 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundRecently, primary care in the United Kingdom has undergone substantial changes in skill mix. Non‐medical prescribing was introduced to improve patient access to medicines, make better use of different health practitioners' skills and increase patient choice. There is little evidence about value‐based patient preferences for ‘prescribing nurse’ in a general practice setting.ObjectiveTo quantify value‐based patient preferences for the profession of prescriber and other factors that influence choice of consultation for managing a minor illness.DesignDiscrete choice experiment patient survey.Setting and participantsFive general practices in England with non‐medical prescribing services, questionnaires completed by 451 patients.Main outcome measureStated choice of consultation.Main resultsThere was a strong general preference for consulting ‘own doctor’ for minor illness. However, a consultation with a nurse prescriber with positive patient‐focused attributes can be more acceptable to patients than a consultation provided by a doctor. Attributes ‘professional's attention to Patients' views’ and extent of ‘help offered’ were pivotal. Past experience influenced preference.Discussion and conclusionRespondents demonstrated valid preferences. Preferences for consulting a doctor remained strong, but many were happy to consult with a nurse if other aspects of the consultation were improved. Findings show who to consult is not the only valued factor in choice of consultation for minor illness. The ‘prescribing nurse’ role has potential to offer consultation styles that patients value. Within the study's limitations, these findings can inform delivery of primary care to enhance patient experience and substitute appropriate nurse prescribing consultations for medical prescribing consultations.