bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical geography as an international discipline 1975–2015: responses
Authors: Cameron Laura , Forsyth Isla , Yamamura Aki , Novaes André Reyes
Published: February 2016

This commentary is a compilation of four responses to a paper by Alan R. H. Baker on the internationalisation of historical geography, originally given during the plenary session of the 2015 International Conference of Historical Geographers, and published in The Geographical Journal (Baker 2015). The oral versions of these (international) responses were presented by Laura Cameron (Canada), Isla Forsyth (UK), Aki Yamamura (Japan) and André Reyes Novaes (Brazil); Mona Domosh (USA) also contributed to the oral session.
Vulnerability of the unbanked: evidence from a developing country
Authors: Kamran Sohail , Uusitalo Outi
Published: February 2016

Financial exclusion is an apparent phenomenon globally, the majority of people without bank accounts living in the developing countries. Those who lack access to financial services could experience vulnerability. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to unfold the vulnerability of the low‐income unbanked consumers in a Pakistani context. Qualitative data were gathered from low‐income unbanked consumers through in‐depth interviews. The findings suggest that unbanked consumers are vulnerable in many ways. The participants faced several negative consequences due to their financial exclusion, which resulted into their personal, economic and social detriment. Based on our study findings, we provide managerial and public policy implications for the well‐being of the low‐income unbanked consumers. Lastly, study limitations and future study guidelines are discussed.
Consumer satisfaction in retail stores: theory and implications
Authors: Paul Justin , Sankaranarayanan Koloth G. , Mekoth Nandakumar
Published: February 2016

The substitution of small retail stores by the large stores has been a topic of debate among academics, practitioners, retailers and general public, especially in the context of foreign firms entering emerging markets such as China and India. The purpose of this research is to find out the determinants of consumer satisfaction in small and large retail stores in an emerging market, with a sample from India. Data were collected using a 39‐item structured questionnaire developed by the authors. The sample consists of 225 consumers who shop at retail outlets (Convenience sample of 125 consumers from small and 100 consumers from large stores respectively). Exploratory factor analysis grouped the 39 variables into 14 factors. Further, regression analysis revealed that six of the factors (Social desirability, staff friendliness, shopping economy, shopping ambience, family shopping and deal proneness) were major predictors of consumer satisfaction as they were found to be significant at 5% level. The significance of factors such as social desirability and staff friendliness imply that many consumers prefer those typical features of small stores, which in turn results in the likely coexistence of small retail formats in spite of the entry and proliferation of large retail stores from different countries. We posit three theoretical propositions to stimulate further research in this area.
Self‐esteem outcomes over a summer camp for obese youth
Authors: McGregor S. , McKenna J. , Gately P. , Hill A. J.
Published: February 2016

Background and objectives

Variation in the existing literature on the psychosocial benefits of weight loss in obese youth results, in part, from methodological limitations and modest weight loss. Accordingly, this research assessed perceived self‐competence and low self‐esteem during an intensive weight loss programme in a large sample of obese youth and related these to starting weight, gender and weight loss.

Methods

Over 4 years, 303 obese male and female adolescents (body mass index [BMI] 34.3 kg m−2, BMI standard deviation score 2.99; 14.7 years) attended a residential weight loss camp for a mean duration of 31 d. Outcome variables included dimensional self‐esteem (Harter) and weight change over the camp.

Results

At the start of camp, obese youth scored highest on social acceptance and lowest on physical appearance and athletic competence. Global self‐worth and most domains of self‐competence improved significantly over the intervention. The proportion with low global self‐worth reduced from 35% to 16%, but there was little change in the proportion reporting high self‐competence (23%). Mean weight loss was −5.5 kg (BMI standard deviation scores −0.25) with boys and those heaviest at the start losing most. Weight loss was significantly correlated with improved physical appearance (r = 0.13) and athletic competence (r = 0.19), but not global self‐worth.

Conclusions

This intensive weight loss intervention yielded significant psychological benefit, especially in self‐competence and among individuals achieving most weight loss. The weak association with weight loss suggests the influence of other contributing environmental or social features that should be the focus of further research.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of energy and macronutrient intake responses to physical activity interventions in children and adolescents with obesity
Authors: Schwartz C. , King N. A. , Perreira B. , Blundell J. E. , Thivel D.
Published: February 2016

Background

The effects of regular physical activity on energy intake in obese adolescents are unknown.

Objective

The objective is to determine how physical activity interventions affect energy and macronutrient intake in overweight/obese youth.

Data sources

Databases were searched from December 2014 to December 2015 for studies that measured energy and/or macronutrient consumption in response to physical activity intervention in overweight/obese youth.

Data selection

The review comprises primary source articles published in English in peer‐reviewed journals. Articles that presented data on energy and/or macronutrient intake before and after a physical activity intervention (without dietary restriction) in overweight or obese children and teenagers (up to 18 years old) were included. Of the initial 307 references found, nine were included.

Results

The nine included studies analysed the effect of 15 different physical activity interventions. Nine showed a decrease and six unchanged energy intakes. The effect size for total energy intake ranged from −2.108 to −0.207 (n = 14). Results of the meta‐analysis revealed a mean effect of physical intervention to reduce intake of −1.003 (95% confidence interval = −1.261 to −0.745, p < 0.001). Results for heterogeneity among these studies were I2 = 67.421; Q = 39.903; df = 13, p < 0.001. The mean energy intake reduction was −323 ± 286 kcal. Macronutrient intake was assessed in 11 interventions. Protein intake was found decreased in five (reduction of −26.8 ± 19.2 g), seven reported fat decrease (reduction of −26.4 ± 17.8 g) and five a decrease in CHO (reduction of −72.5 ± 22.8 g). The meta‐analysis revealed significant decreases of each macronutrient (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Structured physical activity interventions favour decreased daily energy intake in obese adolescents.
The development and psychometric validation of the self‐efficacy and performance in self‐management support (SEPSS) Instrument
Authors: Duprez Veerle , Van Hooft Susanne M. , Dwarswaard Jolanda , van Staa AnneLoes , Van Hecke Ann , Strating Mathilde M.H.
Published: February 2016

Aim

To develop and psychometrically test the self‐efficacy and performance in self‐management support (SEPSS) instrument.

Background

Facilitating persons with a chronic condition to take an active role in the management of their condition, implicates that nurses acquire new competencies. An instrument that can validly and reliably measure nurses’ performance and their perceived capacity to perform self‐management support is needed to evaluate current practice and training in self‐management support.

Design

Instrument development and psychometric testing of the content and construct validity, factor structure and reliability.

Methods

A literature review and expert consultation (N = 17) identified the content. The items were structured according to the Five‐A's model and an overarching category of ‘overall’ competencies. The initial instrument was tested in a sample of 472 nurses and 51 nursing students from Belgium and the Netherlands, between June 2014–January 2015.

Results

Confirmatory factor analyses revealed satisfactory fit indices for the six‐factor structure. Discriminating power was demonstrated for subgroups. The overall internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was high both for the self‐efficacy and the performance items. The test–retest intra‐class correlation coefficients were good.

Conclusion

The SEPSS instrument is a 36‐item, Likert‐scaled self‐reporting instrument with good content and construct validity, and good internal consistency reliability and good test–retest reliability. Therefore, it is a promising instrument to measure self‐efficacy and performance with regard to self‐management support.
Exploring faecal incontinence in nursing home patients: a cross‐sectional study of prevalence and associations derived from the Residents Assessment Instrument for Long‐Term Care Facilities
Authors: Blekken Lene Elisabeth , Vinsnes Anne Guttormsen , Gjeilo Kari Hanne , Norton Christine , Mørkved Siv , Salvesen Øyvind , Nakrem Sigrid
Published: February 2016

Aim

To explore prevalence and associations of faecal incontinence among nursing home patients, to examine the effect of clustering of observations and to study the variation in faecal incontinence rates on both the level of nursing home units and individual patients.

Background

Faecal incontinence affects 40‐55% of the patients in nursing homes and is associated with increased risk of morbidity and reduced quality of life. There is a lack of studies investigating faecal incontinence with validated instruments. More studies need to include models of analyses that allow for clustering of observations.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

Data on 261 patients from 20 nursing home units were collected during September–October 2014. The Norwegian version of the Resident Assessment Instrument for Long‐Term Care Facilities was used. Mixed effect models were conducted.

Results

Prevalence of faecal incontinence was 42·1% or 54% depending on the frequency labelling chosen. The effect of clustering by nursing home unit was not statistically significant. Most of the variation in faecal incontinence rates was explained by differences in patient characteristics, the most important being deficiencies in activities of daily living, cognitive impairment, diarrhoea and not participating in activities.

Conclusion

Nursing home patients should be offered individualized assessment and continence care matching their patient characteristics. The Resident Assessment Instrument for Long‐Term Care Facilities is a useful instrument because of its’ combination of a comprehensive range of individual items and scales allowing for comparison of immediate or long‐term change in patients status. Studies evaluating interventions targeting faecal incontinence are warranted.
Effectiveness of advanced practice nurse‐led telehealth on readmissions and health‐related outcomes among patients with post‐acute myocardial infarction: ALTRA Study Protocol
Authors: Koh Karen Wei Ling , Wang Wenru , Richards A. Mark , Chan Mark Y. , Cheng Karis Kin Fong
Published: February 2016

Aim

To develop and examine the effectiveness of an advanced practice nurse‐led telehealth rehabilitative programme as a transitional nursing therapeutic on readmission rates and health‐related outcomes among patients with acute myocardial infarction postdischarge.

Background

Patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction are experiencing an increasing trend of frequent readmissions. This implicates both the effectiveness of healthcare services and patient's quality of life. Advanced Practice Nurse‐led telehealth rehabilitative programme has yet to be explored as a strategy to minimize preventable readmissions and improve patient's self‐efficacy so as to enhance quality of life after a heart attack.

Design

Randomized controlled trial with repeated measures.

Methodology

A consecutive sampling of 172 patients with acute myocardial infarction will be recruited from a tertiary acute hospital in Singapore. Participants will be randomized into two groups. The experimental group (ALTRA) will receive Advanced Practice Nurse‐led telehealth rehabilitative programme on discharge. The control group will receive only standard follow‐up care. The outcome measures include readmissions, cardiac self‐efficacy, cardiovascular risk factors, quality of life, anxiety and depression. The data will be collected at the baseline, 1 and 6 month postdischarge. A postprogramme evaluation will be conducted among the participants to assess its acceptability, strengths and weakness.

Discussion

ALTRA aims to engage and support patients with acute myocardial infarction by increasing self‐care management through education and telehealth contacts with Advanced Practices Nurses. This provides a smoother transition of illness to health and ultimately, reduces preventable costly readmissions.

Trial registration

The study has been registered with clinicaltrials.gov. The trial registration number is NCT02483494.
Wayfinding in ageing and Alzheimer's disease within a virtual senior residence: study protocol
Authors: Davis Rebecca , Ohman Jennifer
Published: February 2016

Aim

To report a study protocol that examines the impact of adding salient cues in a virtual reality simulation of a senior residential building on wayfinding for older adults with and without Alzheimer's disease.

Background

An early symptom of Alzheimer's disease is the inability to find one's way (wayfinding). Senior residential environments are especially difficult for wayfinding. Salient cues may be able to help persons with Alzheimer's disease find their way more effectively so they can maintain independence.

Design

A repeated measures, within and between subjects design.

Methods

This study was funded by the National Institutes of Health (August 2012). Older adults (N = 40) with normal cognition and older adults with early stage Alzheimer's disease/mild cognitive impairment (N = 40) will try to find their way to a location repeatedly in a virtual reality simulation of senior residence. There are two environments: standard (no cues) and salient (multiple cues). Outcome measures include how often and how quickly participants find the target location in each cue condition.

Conclusion

The results of this study have the potential to provide evidence for ways to make the environment more supportive for wayfinding for older adults with Alzheimer's disease. This study is registered at Trialmatch.alz.org (Identifier 260425‐5).
Arguing for a New Form of Taxation: Lifetime Hourly Averaging
Authors: Bamford Douglas
Published: February 2016

This article presents an argument for a new form of tax calculation. Firstly it is argued that Hypothetical Insurance is the best method to determine the correct type of distributive policies and the precise amounts that should be redistributed. Hourly averaging is then presented as a new candidate policy for both assisting the less economically fortunate and taxing the more economically fortunate. The article then argues that hourly averaging compares favourably against rival policies as a hypothetical insurance choice.
Survival to independence in relation to pre‐fledging development and latitude in songbirds across the globe
Authors: Remeš Vladimír , Matysioková Beata
Published: February 2016

Species differ strongly in their life histories, including the probability of survival. Annual adult survival was investigated extensively in the past, whereas juvenile survival, and especially survival to independence, received much less attention. Yet, they are critical for our understanding of population demography and life‐history evolution. We investigated post‐fledging survival to independence (i.e. survival upon leaving the nest until nutritional independence) in 74 species of passerine birds worldwide based on 100 population level estimates extracted from published literature. Our comparative analyses revealed that survival to independence increased with the length of nestling period and relative fledging mass (ratio of fledging mass to adult body mass). At the same time, species with higher nest predation rates had shorter nestling periods and lower relative fledging mass. Thus, we identify an important trade‐off in life history strategies: staying longer in the nest may improve post‐fledging survival due to enhanced flight ability and sensory functions, but at the cost of a longer exposure to nest predators and increased mortality due to nest predation. Additionally, post‐fledging survival to independence did not differ between species from the northern temperate zone vs species from the tropics and southern hemisphere. However, analyses of post‐fledging survival curves suggest that 1) daily survival rates are not constant and improve quickly upon leaving the nest, and 2) species in the tropics and southern hemisphere have higher daily post‐fledging survival rates than northern temperate species. Nevertheless, due to the accumulation of mortality risk during their much longer periods of post‐fledging care, overall survival until independence is comparable across latitudes. Obtaining high‐quality demographic data across latitudes to evaluate the generality of these findings and mechanisms underlying them should be a research priority.
Individual variation in winter supplementary food consumption and its consequences for reproduction in wild birds
Authors: Crates Ross A. , Firth Josh A. , Farine Damien R. , Garroway Colin J. , Kidd Lindall R. , Aplin Lucy M. , Radersma Reinder , Milligan Nicole D. , Voelkl Bernhard , Culina Antica , Verhelst Brecht L. , Hinde Camilla A. , Sheldon Ben C.
Published: February 2016

The provision of wild birds with supplementary food has increased substantially over recent decades. While it is assumed that provisioning birds is beneficial, supplementary feeding can have detrimental ‘carry‐over’ effects on reproductive traits. Due to difficulties in monitoring individual feeding behaviour, assessing how individuals within a population vary in their exploitation of supplementary food resources has been limited. Quantifying individual consumption of supplementary food is necessary to understand the operation of carry‐over effects at the individual level. We used Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and automated feeders to estimate individual consumption of supplementary winter food in a large wild population of great titsParus majorand blue titsCyanistes caeruleus. Using these data, we identified demographic factors that explained individual variation in levels of supplementary food consumption. We also tested for carry‐over effects of supplementary food consumption on recruitment, reproductive success and a measure of survival. Individual variation in consumption of supplementary food was explained by differences between species, ages, sexes and years. Individuals were consistent across time in their usage of supplementary resources. We found no strong evidence that the extent of supplementary food consumption directly influenced subsequent fitness parameters. Such effects may instead result from supplementary food influencing population demographics by enhancing the survival and subsequent breeding of less competitive individuals, which reduce average breeding parameters and increase density‐dependent competition. Carry‐over effects of supplementary feeding are not universal and may depend upon the temporal availability of the food provided. Our study demonstrates how RFID systems can be used to examine individual‐level behaviour with minimal effects on fitness.
Characterization of the gut microbiota of migratory passerines during stopover along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Lewis William B. , Moore Frank R. , Wang Shiao
Published: February 2016

Although the gut microbiota is known to provide many beneficial functions to animal hosts, such as aiding in digestion, fat metabolism, and immune function, relatively little is known about the gut microbiota of passerines. Gut microbes may have both beneficial and detrimental impacts on the fitness of migratory passerines; however physiological and morphological changes associated with prolonged migratory flight may cause disruptions of the stable microbiota and potentially a loss of function. Fecal samples were collected from Swainson's thrushes Catharus ustulatus and gray catbirds Dumetella carolinensis immediately after crossing the Gulf of Mexico during spring migration and before crossing during fall, and microbiota communities were analyzed using next‐generation sequencing. Microbiota communities were generally dominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, with potential pathogens as well as potentially beneficial bacteria identified in all birds. Energetic condition of migrants was not significantly related to overall microbiota community structure though it cannot be conclusively stated that migratory flight does not impact the microbiota. Spring and fall migrants showed clear differences in microbiota communities, indicating that environmental factors influence the gut microbiota of these species more than host genetics.
Image Integration to Guide Catheter Ablation in Scar‐Related Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: YAMASHITA SEIGO , SACHER FRÉDÉRIC , MAHIDA SAAGAR , BERTE BENJAMIN , LIM HAN S. , KOMATSU YUKI , AMRAOUI SANA , DENIS ARNAUD , DERVAL NICOLAS , LAURENT FRANÇOIS , SERMESANT MAXIME , MONTAUDON MICHEL , HOCINI MÉLÈZE , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL , JAÏS PIERRE , COCHET HUBERT
Published: February 2016

Image Integration‐Guided VT Ablation

Background

Although multi‐detector computed tomography (MDCT) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can assess the structural substrate of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), non‐ICM (NICM), and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), the usefulness of systematic image integration during VT ablation remains undetermined.

Methods and Results

A total of 116 consecutive patients (67 ICM; 30 NICM; 19 ARVC) underwent VT ablation with image integration (MDCT 91%; CMR 30%; both 22%). Substrate was defined as wall thinning on MDCT and late gadolinium‐enhancement on CMR in ICM/NICM, and as myocardial hypo‐attenuation on MDCT in ARVC. This substrate was compared to mapping and ablation results with the endpoint of complete elimination of local abnormal ventricular activity (LAVA), and the impact of image integration on procedural management was analyzed. Imaging‐derived substrate identified 89% of critical VT isthmuses and 85% of LAVA, and was more efficient in identifying LAVA in ICM and ARVC than in NICM (90% and 90% vs. 72%, P < 0.0001), and when defined from CMR than MDCT (ICM: 92% vs. 88%, P = 0.026, NICM: 88% vs. 72%, P < 0.001). Image integration motivated additional mapping and epicardial access in 57% and 33% of patients. Coronary and phrenic nerve integration modified epicardial ablation strategy in 43% of patients. The impact of image integration on procedural management was higher in ARVC/NICM than in ICM (P < 0.01), and higher in case of epicardial approach (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Image integration is feasible in large series of patients, provides information on VT substrate, and impacts procedural management, particularly in ARVC/NICM, and in case of epicardial approach.
3D spheroid culture enhances survival and therapeutic capacities of MSCs injected into ischemic kidney
Authors: Xu Yong , Shi Taoping , Xu Axiang , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2016

Three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture has been reported to increase the therapeutic potentials of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of 3D spheroids of human adipose‐derived MSCs for acute kidney injury (AKI). In vitro studies indicated that 3D spheroids of MSCs produced higher levels of extracellular matrix proteins (including collagen I, fibronectin and laminin), and exhibited stronger anti‐apoptotic and anti‐oxidative capacities than two‐dimensional (2D) cultured cells. Furthermore, 3D culture increased the paracrine secretion of cytokines by MSCs, including angiogenic factors (VEGF and basic fibroblast growth factor), anti‐apoptotic factors (epidermal growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor), the anti‐oxidative factor insulin‐like growth factor and the anti‐inflammatory protein tumour necrosis factor‐alpha stimulated gene/protein 6. Consistent with in vitro experiments, 3D spheroids of MSCs showed enhanced survival and paracrine effects in vivo. More importantly, when injected into the kidney of model rats with ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R)‐induced AKI, 3D spheroids were more beneficial in protecting the I/R kidney against apoptosis, reducing tissue damage, promoting vascularization and ameliorating renal function compared with 2D cultured cells. Therefore, the 3D culture strategy improved the therapeutic effects of MSCs, and might be promising for AKI treatment.
Skeletal ligament healing using the recombinant human amelogenin protein
Authors: Hanhan Salem , Ejzenberg Ayala , Goren Koby , Saba Faris , Suki Yarden , Sharon Shay , Shilo Dekel , Waxman Jacob , Spitzer Elad , Shahar Ron , Atkins Ayelet , Liebergall Meir , Blumenfeld Anat , Deutsch Dan , Haze Amir
Published: February 2016

Injuries to ligaments are common, painful and debilitating, causing joint instability and impaired protective proprioception sensation around the joint. Healing of torn ligaments usually fails to take place, and surgical replacement or reconstruction is required. Previously, we showed that in vivo application of the recombinant human amelogenin protein (rHAM+) resulted in enhanced healing of the tooth‐supporting tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether amelogenin might also enhance repair of skeletal ligaments. The rat knee medial collateral ligament (MCL) was chosen to prove the concept. Full thickness tear was created and various concentrations of rHAM+, dissolved in propylene glycol alginate (PGA) carrier, were applied to the transected MCL. 12 weeks after transection, the mechanical properties, structure and composition of transected ligaments treated with 0.5 μg/μl rHAM+ were similar to the normal un‐transected ligaments, and were much stronger, stiffer and organized than control ligaments, treated with PGA only. Furthermore, the proprioceptive free nerve endings, in the 0.5 μg/μl rHAM+ treated group, were parallel to the collagen fibres similar to their arrangement in normal ligament, while in the control ligaments the free nerve endings were entrapped in the scar tissue at different directions, not parallel to the axis of the force. Four days after transection, treatment with 0.5 μg/μl rHAM+ increased the amount of cells expressing mesenchymal stem cell markers at the injured site. In conclusion application of rHAM+ dose dependently induced mechanical, structural and sensory healing of torn skeletal ligament. Initially the process involved recruitment and proliferation of cells expressing mesenchymal stem cell markers.
New protein–protein interactions of mitochondrial connexin 43 in mouse heart
Authors: Denuc Amanda , Núñez Estefanía , Calvo Enrique , Loureiro Marta , Miro‐Casas Elisabet , Guarás Adela , Vázquez Jesús , Garcia‐Dorado David
Published: February 2016

Connexin 43 (Cx43), the gap junction protein involved in cell‐to‐cell coupling in the heart, is also present in the subsarcolemmal fraction of cardiomyocyte mitochondria. It has been described to regulate mitochondrial potassium influx and respiration and to be important for ischaemic preconditioning protection, although the molecular effectors involved are not fully characterized. In this study, we looked for potential partners of mitochondrial Cx43 in an attempt to identify new molecular pathways for cardioprotection. Mass spectrometry analysis of native immunoprecipitated mitochondrial extracts showed that Cx43 interacts with several proteins related with mitochondrial function and metabolism. Among them, we selected for further analysis only those present in the subsarcolemmal mitochondrial fraction and known to be related with the respiratory chain. Apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) and the beta‐subunit of the electron‐transfer protein (ETFB), two proteins unrelated to date with Cx43, fulfilled these conditions, and their interaction with Cx43 was proven by direct and reverse co‐immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, a previously unknown molecular interaction between AIF and ETFB was established, and protein content and sub‐cellular localization appeared to be independent from the presence of Cx43. Our results identify new protein–protein interactions between AIF‐Cx43, ETFB‐Cx43 and AIF‐ETFB as possible players in the regulation of the mitochondrial redox state.
The role of topical dermocosmetics in acne vulgaris
Authors: Araviiskaia E. , Dréno B.
Published: February 2016

Acne is a common chronic inflammatory disease and treatment modalities based on acne severity are well established. The role of dermocosmetics in dermatology, and in particular acne, is becoming more important as more research elucidates the mechanisms of action of products in the pathogenesis of acne. Dermocosmetics have the potential to be used as monotherapy or in combination with medical treatment. Therefore, it has become important for dermatologists to understand dermocosmetics to effectively and appropriately advise patients on their use. The objective of this review was to provide new insights into the role of traditional and novel ingredients in dermocosmetics for the treatment of acne, based on the authors’ objective assessment of the published literature. The type of products discussed include: those which have a sebostatic effect, such as topical antioxidants and niacinamide; agents targeting abnormal keratinization, such as salicylic acid, lipo‐hydroxy acid, alpha‐hydroxy acids, retinol‐based products and linoleic acid; agents targeting Propionibacterium acnes, such as lauric acid; and anti‐inflammatory agents such as nicotinamide, alpha‐linolenic acid and zinc salts. Despite the scientific advances in understanding these cosmetic ingredients, there still remains a lack of rigorous controlled studies in this area.
Directional mitochondrial introgression and character displacement due to reproductive interference in two closely related Pterostichus ground beetle species
Authors: Kosuda S. , Sasakawa K. , Ikeda H.
Published: February 2016

Reproductive interference due to interspecific hybridization can lead to character displacement among related species with overlapping ranges. However, no studies have examined which reproductive traits are most important in reducing reproductive interference. We conducted molecular analyses of two nuclear genes (28S and Wingless) and a mitochondrial gene (COI) from two closely related ground beetle species, Pterostichus thunbergi and Pterostichus habui (Coleoptera: Carabidae), with overlapping distributions. In addition, we examined four reproductive traits (body size, organ morphologies of intromittent and non‐intromittent male genital organs, and female reproductive period) in sympatric and allopatric habitats. We compared male genital morphology using geometric morphometric analysis. The species determined by morphology were classified into separate groups based on the phylogenetic tree constructed by the nuclear gene (Wingless). However, according to the mitochondrial genes examined, P. thunbergi was not monophyletic, whereas at the sympatric sites, these species formed a monophyletic clade. This incongruence suggests that interspecific hybridization and subsequent mitochondrial introgression from P. habui to P. thunbergi have occurred. Concerning genital morphology, both of the intromittent and nonintromittent organs of P. thunbergi differed more from P. habui at the sympatric sites than between allopatric sites, suggesting reproductive character displacement. Pterostichus thunbergi, which likely arrived in P. habui habitat in small numbers, would have experienced stronger selection pressures than P. habui.
Variation in pre‐treatment count lead time and its effect on baseline estimates of cage‐level sea lice abundance
Authors: Gautam R , Boerlage A S , Vanderstichel R , Revie C W , Hammell K L
Published: February 2016

Treatment efficacy studies typically use pre‐treatment sea lice abundance as the baseline. However, the pre‐treatment counting window often varies from the day of treatment to several days before treatment. We assessed the effect of lead time on baseline estimates, using historical data (2010–14) from a sea lice data management programme (Fish‐iTrends). Data were aggregated at the cage level for three life stages: (i) chalimus, (ii) pre‐adult and adult male and (iii) adult female. Sea lice counts were log‐transformed, and mean counts by lead time relative to treatment day were computed and compared separately for each life stage, using linear mixed models. There were 1,658 observations (treatment events) from 56 sites in 5 Bay Management Areas. Our study showed that lead time had a significant effect on the estimated sea lice abundance, which was moderated by season. During the late summer and autumn periods, counting on the day of treatment gave significantly higher values than other days and would be a more appropriate baseline estimate, while during spring and early summer abundance estimates were comparable among counts within 5 days of treatment. A season‐based lead time window may be most appropriate when estimating baseline sea lice levels.
Hospitalisation in adults with intellectual disabilities compared with the general population in Norway
Authors: Skorpen S. , Nicolaisen M. , Langballe E. M.
Published: February 2016

Background

Previous studies have found that adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) are hospitalised more often than the general population (GP). This study investigates hospital discharge rates and main diagnostic causes for hospitalisation among administratively defined people with ID compared with the GP in Norway.

Method

Data from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Service was combined with data from the Norwegian Patient Register (Ntotal = 1 764 072 and NID = 7573) for the period 2008–2011. Data from a Norwegian patient report generator and Statistics Norway are also analysed.

Results

During the study period, 11% of people with ID and 11.5% of the GP were admitted to hospitals. The length of the average hospital stay was just over 4 days for both groups. Among those who were hospitalised, the majority were only admitted to hospital once during the study period: ID 66% and GP 70%. People with ID were admitted somewhat more often than people in the GP. Contrary to the GP, adults with ID were more frequently hospitalised at a younger age and less frequently at old age. The most common International Classification of Diseases diagnostic group for hospitalisation among people with ID is injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes, whereas for the GP, it is diseases of the circulatory system.

Conclusion

This study finds that the proportion of people being hospitalised per year is statistically, but only slightly, different among adult people with ID and the GP. The results must be interpreted in light of the organisation of the health care system in Norway.
Evaluation of whole cell fixation methods for the analysis of nanoscale surface features of Yersinia pestis KIM
Authors: WANG C. , STANCIU C.E. , EHRHARDT C.J. , YADAVALLI V.K.
Published: February 2016

Manipulation of viable Yersinia pestis (etiologic agent of plague) in the laboratory usually necessitates elevated biosafety and biocontainment procedures, even with avirulent or vaccine strains. To facilitate downstream biochemical or physical analyses in a Biosafety Level 1 laboratory environment, effective inactivation without affecting its intrinsic properties is critical. Here, we report on the morphological and biochemical changes to Y. pestis surfaces following four different fixation methods that render the cells nonviable. The results, obtained at the single cell level, demonstrate that methanol inactivation is best able to preserve bacterial morphology and bioactivity, enabling subsequent analysis. This nanoscale evaluation of the effects of inactivation on cell morphology and surface bioactivity may provide a crucial preparatory approach to study virulent pathogens in the lab setting using high‐resolution microscopic techniques such as atomic force microscopy.
Atypical speech lateralization in adults with developmental coordination disorder demonstrated using functional transcranial Doppler ultrasound
Authors: Hodgson Jessica C. , Hudson John M.
Published: February 2016

Research using clinical populations to explore the relationship between hemispheric speech lateralization and handedness has focused on individuals with speech and language disorders, such as dyslexia or specific language impairment (SLI). Such work reveals atypical patterns of cerebral lateralization and handedness in these groups compared to controls. There are few studies that examine this relationship in people with motor coordination impairments but without speech or reading deficits, which is a surprising omission given the prevalence of theories suggesting a common neural network underlying both functions. We use an emerging imaging technique in cognitive neuroscience; functional transcranial Doppler (fTCD) ultrasound, to assess whether individuals with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) display reduced left‐hemisphere lateralization for speech production compared to control participants. Twelve adult control participants and 12 adults with DCD, but no other developmental/cognitive impairments, performed a word‐generation task whilst undergoing fTCD imaging to establish a hemispheric lateralization index for speech production. All participants also completed an electronic peg‐moving task to determine hand skill. As predicted, the DCD group showed a significantly reduced left lateralization pattern for the speech production task compared to controls. Performance on the motor skill task showed a clear preference for the dominant hand across both groups; however, the DCD group mean movement times were significantly higher for the non‐dominant hand. This is the first study of its kind to assess hand skill and speech lateralization in DCD. The results reveal a reduced leftwards asymmetry for speech and a slower motor performance. This fits alongside previous work showing atypical cerebral lateralization in DCD for other cognitive processes (e.g., executive function and short‐term memory) and thus speaks to debates on theories of the links between motor control and language production.
Jats, Khaps and Riots: Communal Politics and the Bharatiya Kisan Union in Northern India
Authors: Ramakumar R.
Published: February 2016

Contrary to the general view that communal riots in India are urban‐centred, the rural areas of Muzaffarnagar in the state of Uttar Pradesh were the site of a major communal riot in September 2013. The majority of victims in the riot were Muslim labourers from the lower‐caste groups, and the alleged perpetrators were members of the relatively prosperous Hindu Jat households. This paper deals with how the leadership and membership of a ‘new farmers’ movement’ – the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) – actively internalized, and helped entrench, a communal discourse that preceded the riots. It argues that the reasons for why the identity of a ‘Hindu’ prevailed over the class‐neutral identity of a ‘farmer’ during the riots can be traced to the ways in which the BKU has historically sought to culturally construct the identity of a ‘farmer’. The political intermediation of the traditional institution of khaps is highlighted as central to this process. Khaps played a major role in spreading and sustaining a communal discourse and preparing the ground for the Muzaffarnagar riots of 2013.
Kicking Off Social Entrepreneurship: How A Sustainability Orientation Influences Crowdfunding Success
Authors: Calic Goran , Mosakowski Elaine
Published: February 2016

Research generally suggests that, relative to commercial entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs stand at a disadvantage at acquiring resources through traditional financial institutions. Yet interest in social entrepreneurship appears to be at an all‐time high. The current paper advances the argument that an innovative institutional form – crowdfunding – has emerged to address the needs of social entrepreneurs and other entrepreneurs with limited access to traditional sources of capital. To examine this, we study whether and how a sustainability orientation affects entrepreneurs’ ability to acquire financial resources through crowdfunding and hypothesize that a venture's sustainability orientation will enhance its fundraising capability. We also suggest that project legitimacy and creativity mediate the relationship between a sustainability orientation and funding success. Our analysis produces two key findings: 1) a sustainability orientation positively affects funding success of crowdfunding projects, and 2) this relationship is partially mediated by project creativity and third party endorsements.
Atherosclerotic Carotid Plaque Composition: A 3T and 7T MRI‐Histology Correlation Study
Authors: Lopez Gonzalez M.R. , Foo S.Y. , Holmes W.M. , Stewart W. , Muir K.W. , Condon B. , Welch G. , Forbes K.P.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque composition may influence plaque stability and risk of thromboembolic events, and noninvasive plaque imaging may therefore permit risk stratification for clinical management. Plaque composition was compared using noninvasive in vivo (3T) and ex vivo (7T) MRI and histopathological examination.

METHODS

Thirty‐three endarterectomy cross‐sections, from 13 patients, were studied. The data sets consisted of in vivo 3T MRI, ex vivo 7T MRI, and histopathology. Semiautomated segmentation methods were used to measure areas of different plaque components. Bland‐Altman plots and mean difference with 95% confidence interval were carried out.

RESULTS

There was general quantitative agreement between areas derived from semiautomated segmentation of MRI data and histology measurements. The mean differences and 95% confidence bounds in the relative to total plaque area between 3T versus Histology were: fibrous tissue 4.99%(–4.56 to 14.56), lipid‐rich/necrotic core (LR/NC) with hemorrhage –1.81%(–14.11 to 10.48), LR/NC without hemorrhage –2.43%(–13.04 to 8.17), and calcification –3.18%(–11.55 to 5.18). The mean differences and 95% confidence bounds in the relative to total plaque area between 7T and histology were: fibrous tissue 3.17%(–3.17 to 9.52), LR/NC with hemorrhage –0.55%(–9.06 to 7.95), LR/NC without hemorrhage –12.62%(–19.8 to –5.45), and calcification –2.43%(–9.97 to 4.73).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that semiautomated segmentation of 3T/7T MRI techniques can help to determine atherosclerotic plaque composition. In particular, the high resolution of ex vivo 7T data was able to highlight greater detail in the atherosclerotic plaque composition. High‐field MRI may therefore have advantages for in vivo carotid plaque MRI.
In Vitro Assessment of the Abrasion Resistance of Two Types of Artificial Teeth Submitted to Brushing
Authors: Policastro Vivian Barnabé , Giro Gabriela , Leite Andressa Rosa Perin , Mendoza‐Marin Danny Omar , Paleari André Gustavo , Compagnoni Marco Antonio , Pero Ana Carolina
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To assess the effect of brushing with different solutions on the abrasion resistance of two types of acrylic resin teeth.

Materials and Methods

Maxillary premolars from two types of acrylic teeth (Biotone and Biotone IPN) were divided into six groups (n = 12), according to the solution used during brushing: distilled water (control), coconut soap, or dentifrice. A mechanical brushing machine was used to simulate approximately 1 year of brushing (11,000 strokes). The weight loss (WL) of teeth was obtained from the difference between the initial (IW) and final weight (FW) of each specimen, and the mean of percentage of weight loss (PWL) was calculated for each group. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal‐Wallis test, followed by Bonferroni's post‐test comparison (α = 0.05).

Results

A statistically significant difference was found for the factor solution (p < 0.001). Brushing using dentifrice caused the highest values of weight loss (–0.50%), in comparison with the groups brushed with coconut soap (0.00%) or distilled water (0.00%).

Conclusions

For both types of artificial teeth, brushing with dentifrice produced higher abrasion than brushing with coconut soap or water.
Reliability and Failure Modes of a Hybrid Ceramic Abutment Prototype
Authors: Silva Nelson RFA , Teixeira Hellen S. , Silveira Lucas M. , Bonfante Estevam A. , Coelho Paulo G. , Thompson Van P.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

A ceramic and metal abutment prototype was fatigue tested to determine the probability of survival at various loads.

Materials and Methods

Lithium disilicate CAD‐milled abutments (n = 24) were cemented to titanium sleeve inserts and then screw attached to titanium fixtures. The assembly was then embedded at a 30° angle in polymethylmethacrylate. Each (n = 24) was restored with a resin‐cemented machined lithium disilicate all‐ceramic central incisor crown. Single load (lingual‐incisal contact) to failure was determined for three specimens. Fatigue testing (n = 21) was conducted employing the step‐stress method with lingual mouth motion loading. Failures were recorded, and reliability calculations were performed using proprietary software. Probability Weibull curves were calculated with 90% confidence bounds. Fracture modes were classified with a stereomicroscope, and representative samples imaged with scanning electron microscopy.

Results

Fatigue results indicated that the limiting factor in the current design is the fatigue strength of the abutment screw, where screw fracture often leads to failure of the abutment metal sleeve and/or cracking in the implant fixture. Reliability for completion of a mission at 200 N load for 50K cycles was 0.38 (0.52% to 0.25 90% CI) and for 100K cycles was only 0.12 (0.26 to 0.05)—only 12% predicted to survive. These results are similar to those from previous studies on metal to metal abutment/fixture systems where screw failure is a limitation. No ceramic crown or ceramic abutment initiated fractures occurred, supporting the research hypothesis. The limiting factor in performance was the screw failure in the metal‐to‐metal connection between the prototyped abutment and the fixture, indicating that this configuration should function clinically with no abutment ceramic complications.

Conclusion

The combined ceramic with titanium sleeve abutment prototype performance was limited by the fatigue degradation of the abutment screw. In fatigue, no ceramic crown or ceramic abutment components failed, supporting the research hypothesis with a reliability similar to that of all‐metal abutment fixture systems. A lithium disilcate abutment with a Ti alloy sleeve in combination with an all‐ceramic crown should be expected to function clinically in a satisfactory manner.