bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computer classes for older people: motivations and outcomes
Authors: Zaidman Sebastian , Tinker Anthea
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– A “digital divide” exists between older and younger people in terms of computer use and older people’s uptake of computer training programmes in the UK remains low. The purpose of this paper is to identify the motivations and outcomes of computer classes for some older people and the contributory factors.

Design/methodology/approach

– One-to-one qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants at a computer class in a London community centre. Using a topic guide, interview transcripts underwent thematic analysis. The theoretical perspective of “ageing in place” (the ability to stay in one’s own home in later life) was used when interpreting the findings.

Findings

– Participants had been motivated to attend the class initially to gain computer skills. Initial motivation was influenced by the death of a spouse and the desire to remain mentally active. The main outcome by the class was acquisition of computer skills. Psychological and social benefits were also reported, the latter constituting motivation for continued attendance. Computer ownership and gender differences in preferred teaching style influenced class outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

– Although this was a small sample comprising older people solely from one community, participant backgrounds varied and the findings suggest that further research with a larger, more culturally heterogeneous sample would be valuable.

Originality/value

– Computer classes benefit older people wishing to learn computer skills which may facilitate “ageing in place”. There has been little research in this area.
Sensor e-textiles: person centered co-design for people with late stage dementia
Authors: Treadaway Cathy , Kenning Gail
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present design research investigating the development of sensory textiles with embedded electronics to support the wellbeing of people with late stage dementia in residential care.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research presented is qualitative and uses a mixed method approach informed by grounded practical theory and positive design methodologies. It uses an inclusive and participatory co-design process involving people with dementia and their families with an interdisciplinary team of experts.

Findings

– Both the co-design process and the artefacts developed have been beneficial in supporting wellbeing. The textile artefacts have been found to soothe, distract and comfort people with dementia. They have also been shown to facilitate in the moment conversational bridges between family members and carers with persons with dementia.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings are based on a small cohort of participants, observational reports and descriptive accounts from family members and carers.

Practical implications

– The paper proposes ways in which simple hand-crafted textiles can be used beneficially to support the wellbeing of people with late stage dementia. It provides examples of how technology can be used to personalise and extend the sensory properties of the artefacts created.

Social implications

– It promotes an inclusive co-design methodology involving care professionals, carers and people with dementia with designers and technologists.

Originality/value

– The paper describes new ways of extending sensory properties of textiles through the integration of technology.
Rapid and simple identification of Beijing genotype strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assay
Authors: Nagai Yuhki , Iwade Yoshito , Nakano Manabu , Akachi Shigehiro , Kobayashi Takashi , Nishinaka Takamichi
Published: May 2016

Beijing genotype strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are geographically widespread and pose a notorious public health problem, these strains causing outbreaks of multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (TB); some studies have reported an association with drug resistance. Because the prevalence of Beijing strain has a substantial impact on TB control programs, the availability of a rapid and reliable method for detecting these strains is important for epidemiological monitoring of their circulation. The main methods currently used to identify Beijing genotype strains are IS6110 DNA fingerprinting, spoligotyping and PCR to detect specific deletions such as region of difference (RD)207. More recently, multiplex PCR assay using a Beijing‐specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been developed for detecting Beijing lineage strains. However, these methods are time‐consuming and technically demanding. In the present study, a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay that allows specific identification of Beijing genotype strain was developed. This Beijing genotype strain‐identifying LAMP assay was performed 214 clinical isolates and the results compared with those of conventional PCR that targeted RD207 and Rv0679c‐targreting multiplex PCR for Beijing lineage identification. LAMP assay showed 100% sensitivity and specificity compared with RD207‐PCR. Furthermore, the sensitivity and specificity were 99.3% and 100%, respectively, compared with Rv0679c‐multiplex PCR. This LAMP assay could be used routinely in local laboratories to monitor the prevalence of the Beijing genotype strain and thereby used to help control the spread of these potentially highly virulent and drug resistant strains.
Searching for prey in a three‐dimensional environment: hierarchical movements enhance foraging success in northern elephant seals
Authors: Adachi Taiki , Costa Daniel P. , Robinson Patrick W. , Peterson Sarah H. , Yamamichi Masato , Naito Yasuhiko , Takahashi Akinori
Published: May 2016

Foraging theory predicts that predators adjust their movements according to the spatial distribution of prey. Since prey is often patchily distributed, area‐restricted search (ARS) behaviour, characterized by sinuous search paths of predators with increased turning frequency, should be effective in foraging.

However, it remains unclear whether ARS behaviour actually enhances foraging success in free‐ranging animals, especially in marine animals that forage in a three‐dimensional (3D) environment.

Here, we reconstructed 3D dive paths of a highly pelagic marine predator, the northern elephant seal (n = 3), with multisensor data loggers that recorded depth, tri‐axis acceleration, tri‐axis magnetism and swim speed. We identified spatial scales of volume‐restricted search (VRS, termed for 3D ARS) behaviour using spherical first‐passage time analysis on 3D dive paths, accompanied with quantifying feeding rates in VRS by using mandible accelerometers that recorded feeding events.

Seals exhibited VRS behaviour at two spatial scales (radius of spheres): small‐VRS (8–10 m) and large‐VRS (17–19 m). Most feeding events occurred in VRS zones (78 and 86% for small and large‐VRS, respectively), although VRS accounted for a small proportion of bottom phase of dives in distance travelled. This suggests a strong link between VRS behaviour and foraging success.

There was a hierarchical structure to the VRS; most small‐VRS (95%) were nested within large‐VRS (i.e. nested VRS). Importantly, nested VRS had significantly higher feeding rates than non‐nested VRS, because nested VRS contained small‐ and large‐VRS with higher and lower feeding rates, respectively. These results suggest that seals forage on mesopelagic prey in a hierarchical patch system where high‐density patches at small scales are nested within low‐density patches at larger scales.

We demonstrated that seals employed scale‐dependent, hierarchical 3D movements and that underwater fine‐scale sinuous movements (i.e. VRS) were strongly linked to higher foraging success, particularly within nested VRS zones. We suggest that seals enhanced foraging success by employing hierarchical movements that possibly reflect the hierarchical property of prey distribution. Although recent studies advocate that optimal searching behaviour would be scale‐independent (e.g. Lévy walk), our study suggests that scale‐dependent processes are important components of successful foraging behaviour.
Limited scope for plasticity to increase upper thermal limits
Authors: van Heerwaarden Belinda , Kellermann Vanessa , Sgrò Carla M.
Published: May 2016

Increases in average temperature and the frequency of extreme temperature events are likely to pose a major risk to species already close to their upper physiological thermal limits. The extent to which thermal phenotypic plasticity can buffer these changes and whether plasticity is constrained by basal tolerance levels remains unknown.

We examined the effect of developmental temperature under both constant and fluctuating thermal regimes (developmental acclimation), as well as short‐term heat hardening, on upper thermal limits (CTmax) in a tropical and temperate population of Drosophila melanogaster.

We found evidence for thermal plasticity in response to both developmental acclimation and hardening treatments; CTmax increased at warmer developmental temperatures and with a prior heat hardening treatment. However, hardening and acclimation responses were small, improving CTmax by a maximum of 1·01 °C. These results imply that overheating risk will only be minimally reduced by plasticity.

We observed significant associations between developmental temperature and both basal CTmax and hardening capacity (a measure of the extent of the plastic response). Basal CTmax increased, while hardening capacity decreased, with increasing developmental acclimation temperature. This indicates that increases in basal heat resistance at warmer temperatures may come at the cost of a reduced capacity to harden.

While plasticity in CTmax is evident in both populations of D. melanogaster we studied, plastic increases in upper thermal limits, particularly at warmer temperatures, may not be sufficient to keep pace with temperature increases predicted under climate change.

A lay summary is available for this article.
A dual‐porosity scheme for fluid/solid substitution
Authors: Glubokovskikh Stanislav , Gurevich Boris , Saxena Nishank
Published: May 2016

Estimating the impact of solid pore fill on effective elastic properties of rocks is important for a number of applications such as seismic monitoring of production of heavy oil or gas hydrates. We develop a simple model relating effective seismic properties of a rock saturated with a liquid, solid, or viscoelastic pore fill, which is assumed to be much softer than the constituent minerals. A key feature of the model is division of porosity into stiff matrix pores and compliant crack‐like pores because the presence of a solid material in thin voids stiffens the rock to a much greater extent than its presence in stiff pores. We approximate a typical compliant pore as a plane circular interlayer surrounded by empty pores. The effect of saturation of the stiff pores is then taken into account using generalized Gassmann's equations. The proposed model provides a good fit to measurements of the shear stiffness and loss factor of the Uvalde heavy‐oil rock at different temperatures and frequencies. When the pore fill is solid, the predictions of the scheme are close to the predictions of the solid squirt model recently proposed by Saxena and Mavko. At the same time, the present scheme also gives a continuous transition to the classic Gassmann's equations for a liquid pore fill at low frequencies and the squirt theory at high frequencies.
Regeneration: an overlooked aspect of trait‐based plant community assembly models
Authors: Larson Julie E. , Funk Jennifer L.
Published: May 2016

Despite the disproportionate influence that propagule production, dispersal, seed‐to‐seedling recruitment and vegetative reproduction can have on plant population and community dynamics, progress has been slow in the directed collection of regeneration traits to inform community assembly outcomes.

While seed mass is globally available and linked to growth and reproductive output, there are limits to its explanatory ability. In this essay, we call for expanded efforts to integrate a more diverse set of regeneration traits into community assembly models.

First, we extend an existing community assembly framework to conceptualize regeneration as a series of transitional processes whose outcomes are influenced by abiotic filters, biotic interactions and species traits. We then briefly review the literature, highlighting filters and traits of demonstrated or theorized importance for each transition. Finally, we place regeneration in the context of existing and emerging modelling approaches in trait‐based community assembly, summarizing key areas of progress needed to integrate regeneration traits into these efforts.

Synthesis. By incorporating influential regeneration traits into empirical studies and global data bases, we can begin to disentangle regenerative mechanisms underlying community assembly outcomes and enhance rapidly developing models of species’ abundances, distributions and responses to environmental change.
World Commodity Prices and Domestic Retail Food Price Inflation: Some Insights from the UK
Authors: Davidson James , Halunga Andreea , Lloyd Tim , McCorriston Steve , Morgan Wyn
Published: May 2016

We focus on two aspects of the links between world commodity prices and retail food price inflation: first, the effects of exchange rates and other input costs, and second; the effects of the duration of shocks on world commodity markets, not just the magnitude of price spikes (the latter often commanding most attention). The UK offers a natural and rather unexplored setting for the analysis. Applying time series methods to a sample of 259 monthly observations over the 1990(9)–2012(3) period we find substantial and significant long‐term partial elasticities for domestic food price inflation with respect to world food commodity prices, the exchange rate and oil prices (the latter indirectly via a relationship with world food commodity prices). Domestic demand pressures and food chain costs are found to be less substantial and significant over our data period. Interactions between the main driving variables in the system tend to moderate rather than exacerbate these partial effects. Furthermore, the persistence of shocks to these variables markedly affects their effects on domestic food prices.
Generic skills in accounting: perspectives of Chinese postgraduate students
Authors: Smith Bernadette , Maguire William , Han Helen Haijuan
Published: May 2016

This study examines Chinese accounting students’ perceptions of skills required for a professional accounting position in Australia and of the emphasis placed on skills during their postgraduate Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) course. The study is motivated by concerns about international students’ inadequate generic skills and their difficulty in securing professional employment. We find that Chinese students perceive ‘communication skills’ to be the most important for their professional employment in Australia, but at the same time they tend to overemphasise technical skills and underemphasise other desirable generic skills.
BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and peripheral protein levels in pediatric bipolar disorder and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Zeni C. P. , Tramontina S. , Aguiar B. W. , Salatino‐Oliveira A. , Pheula G. F. , Sharma A. , Stertz L. , Moreira Maia C. R. , Hutz M. , Kapczinski F. P. , Rohde L. A.
Published: May 2016

Objective

Frontiers between pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not well defined. Few studies have addressed potentially different neurobiological factors between the two disorders. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been increasingly recognized for its etiologic and prognostic role in adult bipolar disorder (BD) studies. This study aimed to examine the BDNF gene polymorphism and potential alterations in BDNF serum levels in the pediatric ADHD patients with or without comorbid BD illness.

Method

We assessed the non‐synonymous single‐nucleotide polymorphism in the BDNF gene (rs6265/Val66Met) and its serum levels in children and adolescents with BD comorbid with ADHD (BD + ADHD) and ADHD alone. Children and adolescents were assessed for psychiatric diagnoses using the Kiddie‐Sads‐Present and Lifetime Version (K‐SADS‐PL).

Results

Using Analysis of covariance (ancova) we detected a significant group effect (patients with BD + ADHD had higher serum levels than those with ADHD – F80,3 = 8.73, P = 0.005).

Conclusion

Although the Val66Met polymorphism at the BDNF gene does not seem to play a significant role in children and adolescents with BD or ADHD, BDNF serum levels deserve further attention in future research on neurobiological aspects of BD and ADHD.
Neutrophil elastase in amniotic fluid as a predictor of preterm birth after emergent cervical cerclage
Authors: Hatakeyama Yuko , Miura Hiroshi , Sato Akira , Onodera Yohei , Sato Naoki , Shimizu Dai , Kumazawa Yukiyo , Sanada Hiroyuki , Hirano Hideto , Terada Yukihiro
Published: May 2016

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate neutrophil elastase (NE) in amniotic fluid as a potential marker for predicting pregnancy continuation.

Material and methods

We enrolled 34 pregnant women with bulging fetal membrane during the second trimester who underwent emergent cerclage after confirming the absence of intrauterine infection (amniotic fluid glucose ≥15 mg/dL). Amniotic fluid NE levels were compared between women who completed and did not complete 30, 34, and 36 weeks of gestation, and the optimal cut‐off value for predicting pregnancy continuation was estimated. Moreover, the differences in the duration of continued pregnancy were compared between women with NE levels above and below the optimal cut‐off value.

Results

The optimal cut‐off value for NE in amniotic fluid that predicted pregnancy continuation beyond 30, 34, and 36 weeks of gestation was 180 ng/mL; this cut‐off value had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 84.0, 77.8, 91.3, and 63.7% beyond 30 weeks of gestation; 87.5, 80.0, 91.5, and 72.3% beyond 34 weeks of gestation; and 85.0, 71.4, 80.9, and 76.9% beyond 36 weeks of gestation, respectively. The duration of continued pregnancy from emergent cerclage to delivery was significantly longer in women with amniotic fluid NE <180 ng/mL (95.1 ± 5.4 days) than in women with amniotic fluid NE ≥180 ng/mL (44.8 ± 14.3 days).

Conclusion

The NE levels in amniotic fluid may serve as a useful marker for predicting the duration of continued pregnancy after cervical cerclage.
Laparoscopically resected obturator nerve schwannoma: A case report
Authors: Takahashi Hiroki , Hara Masayasu , Tsuboi Ken , Sagawa Hiroyuki , Ishiguro Hideyuki , Matsuo Yoichi , Takeyama Hiromitsu
Published: May 2016

Obturator nerve schwannomas are very rare. To date, only nine cases have been reported in the English‐language literature; none of these were diagnosed preoperatively. A 68‐year‐old woman was admitted with left lower abdominal pain. CT and MRI revealed a mass 30 mm in diameter in the left obturator fossa, suggesting a retroperitoneal tumor. Because CT and MRI revealed clear continuity with the left obturator nerve, this case was diagnosed as an obturator nerve schwannoma. Tumor enucleation was performed by laparoscopy. On histopathological examination, this case was diagnosed as a benign obturator nerve schwannoma. Postoperatively, the patient developed weakness of the adductor muscle but recovered within 6 months with rehabilitation therapy. Preoperative diagnosis of obturator nerve schwannomas is quite difficult, but careful inspection of CT and MRI is important to identify the original nerve of schwannoma preoperatively. Accordingly, laparoscopic resection is a good treatment option.
Efficacy and safety of darbepoetin alpha in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Park Sophie , Fenaux Pierre , Greenberg Peter , Mehta Bhakti , Callaghan Fiona , Kim Christopher , Tomita Dianne , Xu Hairong
Published: May 2016

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to estimate the efficacy of darbepoetin alpha (DA) for treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)‐related anaemia. Eligible studies were prospective, interventional, and reported World Health Organization, French‐American‐British, or International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) criteria. Outcomes included erythroid response rate (primary); haemoglobin response; change in haemoglobin, transfusion status, and quality‐of‐life (QoL); and safety. Ten studies (N = 647) were analysed. Erythroid response rate range was 38–72%; median response duration range was 12–51+ months. Patients with erythropoietin (EPO) <100 iu/l had 35% [95% confidence interval (CI): 22–48%; P < 0·001) better response than patients with EPO >100 iu/l. Erythropoesis‐stimulating agent (ESA)‐naïve patients had 17% (95% CI: 3–32%; P = 0·022) greater response rate than those previously treated with ESA. Nonetheless, previously treated patients had response rates of 25–75%. Higher baseline haemoglobin levels, higher dose, transfusion‐independence and low‐risk IPSS status were reported by several studies to be associated with better response. QoL, transfusion rates and haemoglobin levels improved with treatment. Hypertension, thromboembolism and progression to acute myeloid leukaemia were reported in 2%, 1% and 1% of patients, respectively. This meta‐analysis suggests that DA treatment can be useful for improving erythroid response in MDS patients with anaemia, even among patients previously treated with ESA.
Extrafloral nectar increases seed removal by ants in Turnera ulmifolia
Authors: Dutton Emily M. , Shore Joel S. , Frederickson Megan E.
Published: May 2016

To investigate whether extrafloral nectar (EFN) increases seed dispersal in Turnera ulmifolia, we measured seed removal on plants with and without EFN. Plants producing EFN had more seeds removed than control plants, suggesting that EFN does play a role in seed dispersal. This is a novel function of EFN.
Biomechanical comparison of a novel engine‐driven ridge spreader and conventional ridge splitting techniques
Authors: Jung Gyu‐Un , Kim Jun Hwan , Lim Nam Hun , Yoon Gil Ho , Han Ji‐Young
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Ridge splitting techniques are used for horizontal ridge augmentation in implant dentistry. Recently, a novel engine‐driven ridge splitting technique was introduced. This study compared the mechanical forces produced by conventional and engine‐driven ridge splitting techniques in porcine mandibles.

Material and methods

In 33 pigs, mandibular premolar areas were selected for the ridge splitting procedures, designed as a randomized split‐mouth study. The conventional group underwent a chisel‐and‐mallet procedure (control group, n = 20), and percussive impulse (Newton second, Ns) was measured using a sensor attached to the mallet. In the engine‐driven ridge spreader group (test group, n = 23), a load cell was used to measure torque values (Newton centimeter, Ncm). Horizontal acceleration generated during procedures (control group, n = 10 and test group, n = 10) was compared between the groups.

Results

After ridge splitting, the alveolar crest width was significantly increased both in the control (1.23 ± 0.45 mm) and test (0.98 ± 0.41 mm) groups with no significant differences between the groups. The average impulse of the control group was 4.74 ± 1.05 Ns. Torque generated by rotation in the test group was 9.07 ± 2.15 Ncm. Horizontal acceleration was significantly less in the test group (0.82 ± 1.05 g) than the control group (64.07 ± 42.62 g) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Narrow edentulous ridges can be expanded by novel engine‐driven ridge spreaders. Within the limits of this study, the results suggested that an engine‐driven ridge splitting technique may be less traumatic and less invasive than a conventional ridge splitting technique.
Accounting for adaptive capacity and uncertainty in assessments of species’ climate‐change vulnerability
Authors: Wade Alisa A. , Hand Brian K. , Kovach Ryan P. , Luikart Gordon , Whited Diane C. , Muhlfeld Clint C.
Published: May 2016

Climate‐change vulnerability assessments (CCVAs) are valuable tools for assessing species’ vulnerability to climatic changes, yet failure to include measures of adaptive capacity and to account for sources of uncertainty may limit their effectiveness. We took a more comprehensive approach that incorporates exposure, sensitivity, and capacity to adapt to climate change. We applied our approach to anadromous steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and nonanadromous bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), threatened salmonids within the Columbia River Basin (U.S.A.). We quantified exposure on the basis of scenarios of future stream temperature and flow, and we represented sensitivity and capacity to adapt to climate change with metrics of habitat quality, demographic condition, and genetic diversity. Both species were found to be highly vulnerable to climate change at low elevations and in their southernmost habitats. However, vulnerability rankings varied widely depending on the factors (climate, habitat, demographic, and genetic) included in the CCVA and often differed for the 2 species at locations where they were sympatric. Our findings illustrate that CCVA results are highly sensitive to data inputs and that spatial differences can complicate multispecies conservation. Based on our results, we suggest that CCVAs be considered within a broader conceptual and computational framework and be used to refine hypotheses, guide research, and compare plausible scenarios of species’ vulnerability to climate change.
Cell Churches and Stem Cell Marketing in South Korea and the United States
Authors: Sipp Douglas
Published: May 2016

The commercial provision of putative stem cell‐based medical interventions in the absence of conclusive evidence of safety and efficacy has formed the basis of an unregulated industry for more than a decade. Many clinics offering such supposed stem cell treatments include statements about the ‘ethical’ nature of somatic (often colloquially referred to as ‘adult’ stem cells) stem cells, in specific contrast to human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), which have been the subject of intensive political, legal, and religious controversy since their first derivation in 1998. Christian groups—both Roman Catholic and evangelical Protestant—in many countries have explicitly promoted the medical potential and current‐day successes in the clinical application of somatic stem cells, lending indirect support to the activities of businesses marketing stem cells ahead of evidence. In this article, I make a preliminary examination of how the structures and belief systems of certain churches in South Korea and the United States, both of which are home to significant stem cell marketing industries, has complemented other factors, including national biomedical funding initiatives, international economic rivalries, permissive legal structures, which have lent impetus to a problematic and often exploitative sector of biomedical commerce.
Descriptive epidemiology of veterinary events in flat racing Thoroughbreds in Great Britain (2000 to 2013)
Authors: Rosanowski S. M. , Chang Y. M. , Stirk A. J. , Verheyen K. L. P.
Published: May 2016

Background

To date, no large scale studies have reported race‐day events requiring veterinary attention in British Thoroughbreds racing on the flat. Quantifying and describing common injuries and health conditions affecting racehorses will enable targeted risk factor analysis aimed at reducing their occurrence.

Objective

To describe the type and incidence of race‐day veterinary events experienced by Thoroughbred racehorses participating in flat racing in theUK.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study (2000 to 2013).

Methods

Veterinary events recorded by race‐day veterinarians were retrieved and linked to race start data. Race‐day veterinary events were described by type, location and anatomical structure(s) affected and whether the outcome was fatal or not. Incidence per 1000 starts was calculated, both overall and by year. Stratified incidence rates were calculated for selected event categories by specific course‐ and horse‐level variables.

Results

There were 7993 events experienced by 6727 horses, with an incidence of 9.37 events per 1000 starts. Soft tissue injuries other than tendon and ligament injuries were the most commonly occurring veterinary events (24.1%), followed by gait observations (21.2%) and respiratory conditions (21.2%). In total, 13.8% of events were bone injuries. The incidence of fatality (n = 628) was 0.76 per 1000 starts. Most (485/628, 77.2%) fatal events were bone injuries, 64 were due to cardiac conditions and 54 due to tendon and ligament injuries. All‐weather tracks had a higher incidence of veterinary events and fatalities than turf tracks. Firmer (turf) or faster (all‐weather) going were associated with a higher incidence of all veterinary events.

Main limitations

Events were based on presumptive, rather than definitive, veterinary diagnosis.

Conclusion

The most common events experienced by racehorses on race‐day were relatively minor and not career‐ending. Although more severe bone, joint, tendon and ligament injuries were less common, they had a greater impact on whether the outcome of the event was fatal.
Myths About Foreign Language Learning and Learning Disabilities
Authors: Sparks Richard L.
Published: May 2016

Conventional wisdom in education has suggested that students who are classified as learning disabled (LD) will exhibit inordinate difficulties learning a foreign language (FL). Even when not explicitly stated, the notion that those classified as LD have a disability for FL learning is implied. However, while beliefs about this purported disability have been supported by anecdotes, personal opinions, and case studies, the beliefs themselves have not been supported by empirical evidence. Advocates of a disability for FL learning have ignored the empirical evidence, which substantiates that there is, in fact, not a special relationship between FL learning and LDs, nor is there a unique disability for FL learning. This article cites several myths about LDs and FLs and examines the evidence that falsifies each of the myths.
Cognitive flexibility deficits in a mouse model for the absence of full‐length dystrophin
Authors: Remmelink E. , Aartsma‐Rus A. , Smit A. B. , Verhage M. , Loos M. , van Putten M.
Published: May 2016

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle‐wasting disorder, caused by mutations in the DMD gene and the resulting lack of dystrophin. The DMD gene has seven promoters, giving rise to multiple full‐length and shorter isoforms. Besides the expression of dystrophin in muscles, the majority of dystrophin isoforms is expressed in brain and dystrophinopathy can lead to cognitive deficits, including intellectual impairments and deficits in executive function. In contrast to the muscle pathology, the impact of the lack of dystrophin on the brain is not very well studied. Here, we study the behavioral consequences of a lack of full‐length dystrophin isoforms in mdx mice, particularly with regard to domains of executive functions and anxiety. We observed a deficit in cognitive flexibility in mdx mice in the absence of motor dysfunction or general learning impairments using two independent behavioral tests. In addition, increased anxiety was observed, but its expression depended on the context. Overall, these results suggest that the absence of full‐length dystrophin in mice has specific behavioral effects that compare well to deficits observed in DMD patients.
Combination of body mass‐based resistance training and high‐intensity walking can improve both muscle size and O2 peak in untrained older women
Authors: Ozaki Hayao , Kitada Tomoharu , Nakagata Takashi , Naito Hisashi
Published: May 2016

Aim

Here, we aimed to compare the effect of a combination of body mass‐based resistance exercise and moderate‐intensity (55% peak oxygen uptake [
O2peak]) walking or high‐intensity (75%
O2peak) walking on muscle size and
O2 peak in untrained older women.

Methods

A total of 12 untrained older women (mean age 60 ± 2 years) were randomly assigned to either a moderate‐intensity aerobic training group (n = 6) or high‐intensity aerobic training group (n = 6). Both groups carried out body‐mass based (lower body) resistance exercises (2 sets of 10 repetitions) on 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Between these exercises, the participants in the moderate‐intensity aerobic training group walked at a previously determined speed equivalent to 55%
O2peak, whereas those in the high‐intensity aerobic training group walked at a speed equivalent to 75%
O2peak.

Results

Muscle thickness of the anterior aspect of the thigh and maximal isokinetic knee extension strength significantly increased in both groups (P < 0.01); these relative changes were negatively correlated with the absolute muscle thickness of the anterior aspect of the thigh value and the relative value of maximal knee strength to body mass at pre‐intervention, respectively. A significant group × time interaction was noted for
O2peak (P < 0.05), which increased only in the high‐intensity aerobic training group.

Conclusions

Body mass‐based resistance training significantly induced muscle hypertrophy in untrained older women. In particular, lower muscle thickness before intervention was associated with greater training‐induced growth. Furthermore,
O2peak can be increased by combined circuit training involving low‐load resistance exercise and walking, particularly when a relatively high intensity of walking is maintained. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 779–784.
Factor VIII assay variability in postinfusion samples containing full length and B‐domain deleted FVIII
Authors: Kitchen S. , Jennings I. , Makris M. , Kitchen D. P. , Woods T. A. L. , Walker I. D.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Although the variability in factor VIII (FVIII):C measurement is well recognized, this has not been widely reported for post‐FVIII infusion samples.

Aim/Methods

Three samples from haemophilia A patients were distributed in a UK National External Quality Assessment Scheme survey, each after treatment with either ReFacto AF, Kogenate FS or Advate. Fifty‐two UK haemophilia centres performed FVIII assays using one‐stage (n = 46) and chromogenic (n = 10) assays. Centres calibrated assays with the local plasma standard and with ReFacto AF laboratory standard for the ReFacto AF sample.

Results/Conclusions

Chromogenic assays gave significantly higher results than one‐stage assays (P < 0.0001, 32% difference) in the post‐Kogenate sample but not in the post‐ReFacto AF (11% higher by chromogenic assay, ns) or post‐Advate samples (3% lower by chromogenic, ns) when assays were calibrated with plasma standards. Twenty centres used all Instrumentation Laboratory (IL)‐activated partial thromboplastin time reagents (Synthasil)/IL deficient plasma/reference plasma) in the one‐stage assay and 15 used all Siemens reagents (Actin FS/Siemens deficient plasma/reference plasma); this made a significant difference to results post‐ReFacto AF (41% higher by IL reagents, P < 0.0001) and Advate (39% higher by IL reagents, P < 0.0001), but not Kogenate (7% higher by IL, ns) when calibrated with plasma standards. Differences between results obtained with different one‐stage assay reagents for monitoring Advate have implications for dosing patients. Furthermore, there was considerable inter‐laboratory variation as indicated by CVs in the range 15–26% for chromogenic assay and 12–19% for one‐stage assay results. This study suggests that external quality assessment schemes should offer participation in post‐FVIII infusion schemes where haemophilic patients are monitored.
A randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of a 67% sodium bicarbonate toothpaste on gingivitis
Authors: Lomax A , Patel S , Wang N , Kakar K , Kakar A , Bosma ML
Published: May 2016

Introduction

In previous studies, toothpastes with high levels of sodium bicarbonate (>50%) have reduced gingival inflammation and oral malodour. This study compared the effects of brushing for 6 weeks with 67% (test group) or 0% (control group) sodium bicarbonate toothpaste on gingival health.

Methods

This was a single‐centre, single examiner‐blind, randomized, controlled, two‐treatment, parallel‐group study. Eligible subjects (≥18 years) had ≥20 gradable teeth, mild‐to‐moderate gingivitis, a positive response to bleeding on brushing and ≥20 bleeding sites.

The primary objective was to compare the number of bleeding sites following twice‐daily use of 67% sodium bicarbonate toothpaste or 0% sodium bicarbonate toothpaste after 6 weeks. Secondary endpoints included Modified Gingival Index (MGI), Bleeding Index (BI) and volatile sulphur compounds (VSC), assessed after 6 weeks. Safety was assessed by treatment‐emergent oral soft tissue abnormalities and adverse events.

Results

Of 148 patients randomized (74 to each treatment), 66 (89.2%) completed the study in the test group, compared with 69 (93.2%) in the control group.

Compared with the control group, the test group had a significant reduction in the number of bleeding sites at Week 6 (absolute difference – 11.0 [−14.0, −8.0], P < 0.0001; relative difference – 25.4%), together with significant reductions in MGI and BI (both P < 0.0001). Although the median reductions from baseline for VSC were numerically greater in the test group, the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.9701).

Conclusions

This 67% sodium bicarbonate toothpaste provided statistically significant improvements in gingival health and bleeding after 6 weeks of use.
Who is behind the sustainable purchase? The sustainable consumer profile in grocery shopping in Spain
Authors: Carrero Isabel , Redondo Raquel , Fabra Maria Eugenia
Published: May 2016

Studies of sustainable consumer profiles are mainly label‐specific and focus on Organic or Fair Trade labels. As a result, when the sustainable consumer is defined, there is a sense that only one profile exists. If each label has a different positioning strategy and has different requirements, the buyers of these products may also be different. Through the use of consumer panel data, this paper aims to deepen the understanding of the household demographic profiles of consumers of sustainable brands in order to discover if there is a single sustainable consumer profile or whether there is diversity associated with different labels. This study reveals profile differences and these provide better understanding of the complexities of sustainable consumption. It reveals that the profiles of sustainable buyers are not the same across all labels and this should be taken into account by awarding institutions when designing and evaluating their positioning strategies.
Local and/or organic: a study on consumer preferences for organic food and food from different origins
Authors: Hempel Corinna , Hamm Ulrich
Published: May 2016

This paper gives a deeper insight into consumer preferences for different food products of varying place of origin (i.e. local, Germany, neighboring country, non‐EU country) and production practices (i.e. organic vs. non‐organic). Consumer surveys combined with choice experiments were conducted with 641 consumers in eight German regions. Mixed logit models were estimated to draw conclusions on consumers’ preferences for different product attributes. The Stimulus‐Organism‐Response model was applied to theoretically frame the key findings. Results reveal that consumers prefer locally produced food to organic food. However, conclusions on consumers’ preferences should not be generalized as they vary depending on product type and consumers’ place of residence. When looking at the willingness‐to‐pay estimates for ‘organic’ and ‘local’ while distinguishing among consumers from different regions of Germany, results indicate that consumers living in rural areas and consumers living in the eastern part of Germany are less willing to pay a premium for organic products than urban consumers and consumers from other parts of Germany. As preferences for origin attributes and organic production vary between different food products and in different regions of Germany, market actors should design marketing activities accordingly. This study adds to the international research on consumers’ preferences for organic and/or local food. The results provide better insights into preference structures, as more than one product has been included and surveys were conducted in different regions across Germany.
Dual Band Resonance in Tetragonal BaTiO3/NBR Composites for Microwave Absorption Applications
Authors: Saini Lokesh , Janu Yojana , Patra Manoj Kumar , Jani Raj Kumar , Gupta Goutam Kumar , Dixit Ambesh , Vadera Sampat Raj
Published: May 2016

Tetragonal BaTiO3 bulk samples are prepared using the solid‐state route in conjunction with intermediate high‐temperature annealing steps. The (002) and (200) X‐ray diffraction peaks near 2Ɵ~45° and 310, 520, and 720 cm−1 characteristic vibrational modes in Raman spectroscopic measurements confirm the tetragonal crystallographic structure of BaTIO3 bulk samples. The 1100°C annealed BaTiO3 sample showed optimal tetragonality ~1.016 and the same is used for BaTiO3–acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) composites at different BaTiO3 loading fractions in parts per hundred (PHR). These BaTiO3/NBR composite systems exhibit dual band microwave resonance, widening the operating window for microwave absorption applications. Eighty PHR BaTiO3/NBR composite exhibits microwave reflection losses (RL) at 9.5 and 16.5 GHz with ~−9 and ~−18 dB reflection losses, respectively. The onset of dual band is attributed to the ferroelectric‐induced dipolar relaxation at 9.5 GHz and its second‐order resonance at 16.5 GHz in such composite systems.
A Facile Route to BaSiF6:Mn4+ Phosphor with Intense Red Emission and Its Humidity Stability
Authors: Pan Yuexiao , Chen Zhen , Jiang Xianyu , Huang Shaoming , Wu Mingmei
Published: May 2016

Red phosphor BaSiF6:Mn4+ has been synthesized by a hydrothermal method at 120°C for 24 h, in which either Si or SiO2 is used as silicon source. HF as weak acid performs a complex agent for the formation of anion groups [SiF6]2− and [MnF6]2−. The luminescence properties of undoped BaSiF6 have been firstly observed. The dependence of luminescence intensities of BaSiF6:Mn4+ on the concentrations of HF and KMnO4 in precursory solution has been investigated. The as‐prepared BaSiF6:Mn4+ exhibits high chemical stability even in deionized water.
Microstructure and Composition of Primary and Recycled Single Grains of YBCO, GdBCO‐Ag, and SmBCO‐Ag Bulk Superconductors
Authors: Congreve Jasmin V. J. , Shi Yunhua H. , Dennis Antony R. , Durrell John H. , Cardwell David A.
Published: May 2016

The widespread use of single grain RE‐Ba‐Cu‐O [(RE)BCO] bulk superconductors, where RE is typically Sm, Gd, or Y, is, in part, limited by the relatively high costs of precursor powders and the low success rate of the manufacturing process. Both these problems can be addressed by recycling primary‐processed grains in which the initial growth process has failed in some way. Key to the use of recycled grains in practical applications is an assurance that their properties and performance are not inferior to those of primary grown grains. In this work, we describe the differences between the growth process, microstructure, and properties of primary and recycled (RE)BCO single grains. We observe that the mechanism of growth is the same for both primary and recycled single grain samples in all three RE‐based systems investigated. In the recycling process additional liquid‐rich phase powder is provided beneath a failed sample, whereby this liquid phase infiltrates upwards and contributes a sufficient concentration of additional RE species at the growth front to enable samples to grow relatively easily in the form of single grains by producing a more uniform composition at the growth front, which leads directly to an increased tolerance to the presence of Ag and Ce‐rich agglomerates. Importantly, we observe that the recycled samples have a much more uniform composition, and therefore exhibit more uniform superconducting properties, than single grain samples fabricated by a primary grown process.
A New Heterotrophic Cryptomonad: Hemiarma marina n. g., n. sp.
Authors: Shiratori Takashi , Ishida Ken‐ichiro
Published: May 2016

We report a new heterotrophic cryptomonad Hemiarma marina n. g., n. sp. that was collected from a seaweed sample from the Republic of Palau. In our molecular phylogenetic analyses using the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene, H. marina formed a clade with two marine environmental sequences, and the clade was placed as a sister lineage of the freshwater cryptomonad environmental clade CRY1. Alternatively, in the concatenated large and small subunit ribosomal RNA gene phylogeny, H. marina was placed as a sister lineage of Goniomonas. Light and electron microscopic observations showed that H. marina shares several ultrastructural features with cryptomonads, such as flattened mitochondrial cristae, a periplast cell covering, and ejectisomes that consist of two coiled ribbon structures. On the other hand, H. marina exhibited unique behaviors, such as attaching to substrates with its posterior flagellum and displaying a jumping motion. H. marina also had unique periplast arrangement and flagellar transitional region. On the basis of both molecular and morphological information, we concluded that H. marina should be treated as new genus and species of cryptomonads.
Community Structure of Tintinnid Ciliates of the Microzooplankton in the South West Pacific Ocean: Comparison of a High Primary Productivity with a Typical Oligotrophic Site
Authors: Dolan John R. , Gimenez Audrey , Cornet‐Barthaux Veronique , de Verneil Alain
Published: May 2016

Transient ‘hot spots’ of phytoplankton productivity occur in the generally oligotrophic Southern Pacific Ocean and we hypothesized that the population structure of tintinnid ciliates, planktonic grazers, would differ from that of a typical oligotrophic sites. Samples were collected over a 1‐wk period at each of two sites between Fiji and Tahiti: one of elevated chlorophyll a concentrations and primary productivity with an abundance of N‐fixing cyanobacteria Trichodesmium, and a distant oligotrophic site. Tintinnid abundance differed between the sites by a factor of 2. A single species (Favella sp.), absent from the oligotrophic site, highly dominated the ‘hot spot’ site. However, total species richness was identical (71 spp.) as well as short‐term temporal variability (2–4 d). At both sites, species abundance distributions most closely fit a log‐series or log‐normal distribution and the abundance distributions of ecological types, forms of distinct lorica oral diameter, were the typical geometric. Morphological diversity was only slightly lower at the high productivity site. We found that communities of these plankton grazers in ‘hot spots’ of phytoplankton productivity in oligotrophic systems, although harboring different species, differ little from surrounding oligotrophic areas in community structure.