bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Categorizing sentiment and its impact on REIT returns
Authors: Huerta Daniel , Jackson Dave O. , Ngo Thanh
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reexamine the impact of investor sentiment on real estate investment trust (REIT) returns using direct, survey-based measures of sentiment to categorize sentiment from institutional and individual investors.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors provide a framework in which sentiment is classified into individual and institutional investor sentiment under the assumption that investors, depending on sophistication, react differently to the same set of information and will influence REIT prices differently. The authors employ a methodology that uses panel regression analyses and divides the sample of REITs into size and performance portfolios.

Findings

– The regression results suggest that institutional investor sentiment is positively and significantly related to REIT returns contemporaneously for multiple sample specifications. These results are consistent with high levels of institutional ownership in REITs. Results also suggest that individual investor sentiment only influences small capitalization and low-αportfolios.

Originality/value

– The findings provide more evidence on the influence of investor sentiment on security pricing even for highly regulated sectors such as the REIT industry. Investors may use changes in sentiment as signals for portfolio rebalancing and capital allocations.
Piecewise‐continuous velocity inversion
Authors: Koren Zvi , Ravve Igor
Published: September 2015

We suggest a new method to determine the piecewise‐continuous vertical distribution of instantaneous velocities within sediment layers, using different order time‐domain effective velocities on their top and bottom points. We demonstrate our method using a synthetic model that consists of different compacted sediment layers characterized by monotonously increasing velocity, combined with hard rock layers, such as salt or basalt, characterized by constant fast velocities, and low velocity layers, such as gas pockets. We first show that, by using only the root‐mean‐square velocities and the corresponding vertical travel times (computed from the original instantaneous velocity in depth) as input for a Dix‐type inversion, many different vertical distributions of the instantaneous velocities can be obtained (inverted). Some geological constraints, such as limiting the values of the inverted vertical velocity gradients, should be applied in order to obtain more geologically plausible velocity profiles. In order to limit the non‐uniqueness of the inverted velocities, additional information should be added. We have derived three different inversion solutions that yield the correct instantaneous velocity, avoiding any a priori geological constraints. The additional data at the interface points contain either the average velocities (or depths) or the fourth‐order average velocities, or both. Practically, average velocities can be obtained from nearby wells, whereas the fourth‐order average velocity can be estimated from the quartic moveout term during velocity analysis. Along with the three different types of input, we consider two types of vertical velocity models within each interval: distribution with a constant velocity gradient and an exponential asymptotically bounded velocity model, which is in particular important for modelling thick layers. It has been shown that, in the case of thin intervals, both models lead to similar results. The method allows us to establish the instantaneous velocities at the top and bottom interfaces, where the velocity profile inside the intervals is given by either the linear or the exponential asymptotically bounded velocity models. Since the velocity parameters of each interval are independently inverted, discontinuities of the instantaneous velocity at the interfaces occur naturally. The improved accuracy of the inverted instantaneous velocities is particularly important for accurate time‐to‐depth conversion.
Seasonal time constraints reduce genetic variation in life‐history traits along a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Sniegula Szymon , Golab Maria J. , Drobniak Szymon M. , Johansson Frank
Published: September 2015

Time constraints cause strong selection on life‐history traits, because populations need to complete their life cycles within a shorter time. We therefore expect lower genetic variation in these traits in high‐ than in low‐latitude populations, since the former are more time‐constrained.

The aim was to estimate life‐history traits and their genetic variation in an obligately univoltine damselfly along a latitudinal gradient of 2730 km.

Populations were grown in the laboratory at temperatures and photoperiods simulating those at their place of origin. In a complementary experiment, individuals from the same families were grown in constant temperature and photoperiod that mimicked average conditions across the latitude.

Development time and size was faster and smaller, respectively, and growth rate was higher at northern latitudes. Additive genetic variance was very low for life‐history traits, and estimates for egg development time and larval growth rate showed significant decreases towards northern latitudes. The expression of genetic effects in life‐history traits differed considerably when individuals were grown in constant rather than simulated and naturally variable conditions.

Our results support strong selection by time constraints. They also highlight the importance of growing organisms in their native environment for correct estimates of genetic variance at their place of origin. Our results also suggest that the evolutionary potential of life‐history traits is very low at northern compared to southern latitudes, but that changes in climate could alter this pattern.
Single‐institution review of managing dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Authors: Tan Yu Guang , Chia Claramae S. , Loh Wei Liang , Teo Melissa Ching Ching
Published: September 2015

Background

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare locally advanced soft‐tissue tumour that is often misdiagnosed at presentation, resulting in inadequate initial resection, requiring multiple resections and reconstructive procedures. We reviewed our experience and treatment outcomes with this tumour and propose a treatment strategy.

Methods

A retrospective study on 25 patients with 26 lesions treated from 1997 to 2013 was conducted.

Results

The median age of presentation was 44 years old and the median lesion size was 3.0 cm. The median number of resections required to achieve clear margins was 2. Eight per cent of lesions in the head and neck required a second surgery, significantly more than other regions (P = 0.004). Five patients had frozen section performed that allowed immediate re‐resection in all to obtain clear margins in 80% when final histology returned. Fourteen patients (56%) required reconstruction following wide excision, five of whom had DFSP in the head and neck. Four patients developed a local recurrence and had a repeat wide excision. The median time to recurrence was 11.3 months. Median follow‐up time was 29.8 months.

Conclusion

Wide local excision with 2‐cm gross margins remains the mainstay of treatment. Lesions in the head and neck region tend to have smaller margins and a greater likelihood of positive margins. We propose that the initial resection must be aggressive, even if a flap is necessitated. Frozen section histology with immediate re‐resection reduces the need for repeat surgeries. Primary closure is ideal; but in areas where complex reconstruction is required, it is prudent to delay until final histology has cleared the margins.
Comparing growth charts demonstrated significant deviations between the interpretation of postnatal growth patterns in very preterm infants
Authors: Neubauer Vera , Fuchs Teresa , Griesmaier Elke , Pupp‐Peglow Ulrike , Kiechl‐Kohlendorfer Ursula
Published: September 2015

Aim

This study compared postnatal growth patterns calculated using different reference data in a large cohort of very preterm infants.

Methods

The weight, length and head circumference of 551 very preterm infants born in the Tyrol, Austria, between 2003 and 2011, were obtained at birth, discharge and the corrected ages of three, 12 and 24 months. Growth data are presented as Z‐scores in relation to four reference populations:LMSgrowth by Pan et al., Fenton preterm growth charts, the Euro‐Growth Study Group and the World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro programme.

Results

We observed significant differences in mean weight Z‐scores using the four reference populations, with theWHOdata being the highest. The mean head circumference Z‐scores also differed significantly at all time points. We observed a pronounced gap in the microcephaly rate, which was 10 times higher at the age of 24 months if the Pan data were used instead of theWHOdata.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed significant deviations between the interpretation of postnatal growth depending on the reference data used, with the most striking differences seen in head circumference. The choice of reference data, and particularly the conclusions drawn from the data, must be interpreted with utmost care.
Social and psychological creativity in gay male midlife identity management
Authors: Hajek Christopher
Published: September 2015

This study utilizes a qualitative thematic analysis methodology and a social identity theory framework to explore ways in which early midlife gay men report enhancing their social identities through social and psychological creativity. Face‐to‐face, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with forty early midlife gay men (aged 40–53) in four US cities. Men discussed the collective and individual essences of their age and gay identities, including attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours that they embraced to self‐enhance at midlife. These discussions emphasized differences from the younger gay outgroup, often in the context of intergenerational interaction. Identified were three strategies (and seven substrategies) that summarized the ways that interviewees constructed their identities in the interest of self‐enhancement, specifically in the context of intergenerational comparisons with younger gay men. These strategies may be considered as extensions to social creativity strategies presented in Tajfel and Turner's (Psychology of intergroup relations. Chicago, IL: Nelson, 1986: 7) social identity theory.
An anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) investigation of the till fabric of drumlins: support for an accretionary origin
Authors: Hopkins Nathan R. , Evenson Edward B. , Kodama Kenneth P. , Kozlowski Andrew
Published: September 2015

This paper describes the results of a spatially dense anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) till fabric study of a single drumlin in the Weedsport Drumlin Field, New York State, USA. AMS till fabrics provide a robust, quantitative and unbiased approach to assess subglacial till kinematics and infer ice‐flow dynamics. The drumlin selected for this detailed investigation was systematically sampled at 18 locations to evaluate the patterns of ice flow and associated till kinematics within a drumlin and to test erosional vs. depositional models for its formation. AMS till fabric analysis yielded strong fabrics that increase in strength towards the drumlin crest, indicating that bed deformation occurred during till deposition and that deformation within the drumlin was greater than that in the interdrumlin low. Fabric orientations reveal drumlin convergent, divergent and parallel ice‐flow paths that illustrate a complex interaction between ice flow and the drumlin form; fabric strength and shape reveal systematic differences in bed deformation between the interdrumlin and drumlin regions. These observations are inconsistent with purely erosional models of drumlin genesis; instead, these observations are more consistent with syndepositional streamlining of till transported, probably locally as a deforming bed, from the interdrumlin low towards the drumlin locality.
Identifying risk factors for child neglect in rural areas of western China
Authors: Li Q. , Zhong Y. , Chen K. , Zhong Z. , Pan J.
Published: September 2015

Background

Children who are neglected can experience serious and lifelong consequences. Earlier identification of children at risk for child neglect might reduce the individual, medical and societal costs.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey using multi‐stage stratified cluster random sampling was conducted in Shaanxi and Chongqing from September 2012 to April 2013. The child neglect was measured by scale on child neglect in Rural China. The neglect rates between groups were compared with a chi‐squared test. Factors possibly associated with neglect were analysed with binary logistic regression. All analyses were conducted in 2014.

Results

A total of 4131 eligible participants (2094 boys and 2037 girls) from 21 schools were recruited. The overall prevalence of child neglect was 55.50%. Significant differences were found between children of Han nationality (53.07%) and children of minorities (68.76%) (P < 0.01); un‐left‐behind children (49.10%) and left‐behind children (61.65%) (P < 0.01); first‐born children (52.90%) and non‐first‐born children (59.04%) (P < 0.01); and children from one‐child families (47.87%) and children from multi‐child families (58.20%) (P < 0.01). Protective factors included one‐child families, being a girl and having a father with higher education. However, factors such as being left behind; being from a minority, step family or one‐parent family; or having a mother who rarely returns home placed children at increased risk of neglect.

Conclusions

The neglect rate of school‐aged children in rural areas of western China is much higher than that in urban areas and eastern China. Children belonging to minorities, step families and multi‐child families, whose mother seldom goes home, are at a higher risk of being neglected. The left‐behind children deserve more attention from government and researchers.
Evidence for a mechanism to lower glutamate levels in fetal hypoxia–ischemia caused by asphyxia
Authors: Johnston Michael V
Published: September 2015

This commentary is on the original article by Pérez‐Mato et al. on pages 57–62 of this issue.
Heritability of young‐ and old‐onset ischaemic stroke
Authors: Bluher A. , Devan W. J. , Holliday E. G. , Nalls M. , Parolo S. , Bione S. , Giese A.‐K. , Boncoraglio G. B. , Maguire J. M. , Müller‐Nurasyid M. , Gieger C. , Meschia J. F. , Rosand J. , Rolfs A. , Kittner S. J. , Mitchell B. D. , O'Connell J. R. , Cheng Y.‐C.
Published: September 2015

Background and purpose

Although the genetic contribution to stroke risk is well known, it remains unclear if young‐onset stroke has a stronger genetic contribution than old‐onset stroke. This study aims to compare the heritability of ischaemic stroke risk between young and old, using common genetic variants from whole‐genome array data in population‐based samples.

Methods

This analysis included 4050 ischaemic stroke cases and 5765 controls from six study populations of European ancestry; 47% of cases were young‐onset stroke (age < 55 years). To quantify the heritability for stroke risk in these unrelated individuals, the pairwise genetic relatedness was estimated between individuals based on their whole‐genome array data using a mixed linear model. Heritability was estimated separately for young‐onset stroke and old‐onset stroke (age ≥ 55 years).

Results

Heritabilities for young‐onset stroke and old‐onset stroke were estimated at 42% (±8%, P < 0.001) and 34% (±10%, P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the genetic contribution to the risk of stroke may be higher in young‐onset ischaemic stroke, although the difference was not statistically significant.
How seed traits predict floating times: a biophysical process model for hydrochorous seed transport behaviour in fluvial systems
Authors: Carthey Alexandra J. R. , Fryirs Kirstie A. , Ralph Timothy J. , Bu Haiyan , Leishman Michelle R.
Published: September 2015

Many plants disperse their seeds in waterbodies via hydrochoric transport. Despite a growing body of research into hydrochory, little is known about the fundamental seed traits that determine floatation ability or hydrochoric transport behaviour more generally. Seeds are transported in fluvial systems in one of three phases: surface transport, within the flow or incorporated in bedload. Seeds are often categorised as buoyant or non‐buoyant based on density, with little consideration of the morphological traits that determine how long seeds spend in each transport phase.

We investigated the seed traits that best predict time spent floating under laboratory conditions, using sixty species of riparian plants from south‐eastern Australia. We measured and calculated key physical attributes (length, width, volume, surface area, mass, density, sphericity, roundness and shape category) and categorised seeds according to their primary dispersal modes (water/wind, vertebrate, adhesion, ants and unassisted).

We used Cox's proportional hazards modelling to reveal that seed density and volume : surface area ratio were the physical traits that best predicted time spent floating. Volume : surface area ratio represents both seed size and shape, as it increases with size and sphericity. Our results showed that denser, larger and/or more spherical seeds (i.e. higher volume : surface area ratio) were poor floaters. They are therefore more likely to be transported in subsurface flow or as bedload.

We combined our data with geomorphic models of sediment transport in flow to develop a biophysical process model of how hydrological forces and seed physical traits determine hydrochorous seed transport behaviour in rivers. The model describes how surface tension, buoyancy and flow velocity act on seed density and volume : surface area ratio to characterise time spent floating. We extrapolate from our data to conceptualise how these traits predict transitions between surface, subsurface and bedload transport. Hydrochoric seed transport behaviour and deposition are both threshold‐driven and multidirectional.

Our process model is likely to be applicable across a range of different seed types in a range of rivers. It substantially increases our understanding of hydrochoric processes in rivers, lakes and lotic wetlands and will help illuminate the links between seed traits, hydrochoric transport and patterns of riparian vegetation and species composition.
DNA methylation in imprinted genesIGF2andGNASXLis associated with prenatal maternal stress
Authors: Vangeel E. B. , Izzi B. , Hompes T. , Vansteelandt K. , Lambrechts D. , Freson K. , Claes S.
Published: September 2015

Epigenetic regulation of imprinted genes during embryonic development is influenced by the prenatal environment. Our aim was to examine the effect of maternal emotional stress and cortisol levels during pregnancy on methylation of imprinted genes, insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and guanine nucleotide‐binding protein, alpha stimulating extra‐large (GNASXL), using umbilical cord bloodDNA. Maternal depressed mood (Edinburgh Depression Scale;EDS), pregnancy‐related anxiety questionnaire (PRAQ) and cortisol day profiles were assessed throughout pregnancy. At birth, a cord blood sample (n= 80) was taken to studyDNAmethylation ofIGF2DMR0(differentially methylated region),IGF2anti‐sense (IGF2AS) andGNASXLusing SequenomEpiTYPER. Linear mixed models were used to examine the relationship betweenDNAmethylation and maternal stress, while correcting for confounders. We also studied the association ofDNAmethylation with the child ponderal index at birth. We found a cytosine–guanine dinucleotide (CpG)‐specific association ofPRAQsubscales withIGF2 DMR0(CpG5,P< 0.0001) andGNASXL(CpG11,P= 0.0003), whileIGF2ASwas associated with maternalEDSscores (CpG33,P= 0.0003) and cortisol levels (CpG33,P= 0.0006;CpG37‐38,P= 0.0005). However, there was no association of methylation with ponderal index at birth. In conclusion, maternal stress during pregnancy, as defined by cortisol measurements,EDSandPRAQscores, is associated withDNAmethylation of imprinted genesIGF2andGNASXL. Our results provide further evidence that prenatal adversity can influence imprinted gene methylation, although future studies are needed to unravel the exact mechanisms.
Evolution of the transport properties of fractures subject to thermally and mechanically activated mineral alteration and redistribution
Authors: Faoro I. , Elsworth D. , Candela T.
Published: September 2015

Strong feedbacks link temperature (T), hydrologic flow (H), mechanical deformation (M), and chemical alteration (C) in fractured rock. These processes are interconnected as one process affects the initiation and progress of another. Dissolution and precipitation of minerals are affected by temperature and stress, and can result in significant changes in permeability and solute transport characteristics. Understanding these couplings is important for oil, gas, and geothermal reservoir engineering, for CO2 sequestration, and for waste disposal in underground repositories and reservoirs. To experimentally investigate the interactions between THMC processes in a naturally stressed fracture, we report on heated (25°C up to 150°C) flow‐through experiments on fractured core samples of Westerly granite. These experiments examine the influence of thermally and mechanically activated dissolution of minerals on the mechanical (stress/strain) and transport (permeability) responses of fractures. The evolutions of the permeability and relative hydraulic aperture of the fracture are recorded as thermal and stress conditions' change during the experiments. Furthermore, the efflux of dissolved mineral mass is measured periodically and provides a record of the net mass removal, which is correlated with observed changes in relative hydraulic fracture aperture. During the experiments, a significant variation of the effluent fluid chemistry is observed and the fracture shows large changes in permeability to the changing conditions both in stress and in temperature. We argue that at low temperature and high stresses, mechanical crushing of the asperities and the production of gouge explain the permeability decrease although most of the permeability is recoverable as the stress is released. While at high temperature, the permeability changes are governed by mechanical deformation as well as chemical processes, in particular, we infer dissolution of minerals adjacent to the fracture and precipitation of kaolinite.
The Frequent Unusual Headache Syndromes: A Proposed Classification Based on Lifetime Prevalence
Authors: Valença Marcelo M. , de Oliveira Daniella A.
Published: September 2015

Background

There is no agreement on a single cutoff point or prevalence for regarding a given disease as rare. The concept of what is a rare headache disorder is even less clear and the spectrum from a very frequent, frequent, occasional to rare headache syndrome is yet to be established.

Objective

An attempt has been made to estimate the lifetime prevalence of each of the headache subtypes classified in the ICHD‐II.

Method

Using the ICHD‐II, 199 different headache subtypes were identified. The following classification was made according to the estimated lifetime prevalence of each headache disorder: very frequent (prevalence >10%); frequent (between 1 and 10%); occasional (between 0.07 and 1%); and unusual or rare (<0.07%).

Results

One hundred and fifty‐four of 199 (77%) were categorized as unusual headache disorders, 7/199 (4%) as very frequent, 9/199 (5%) as frequent, and 29/199 (15%) as occasional forms of headache disorder.

Conclusion

The unusual headache syndromes do not appear to be as infrequent in clinical practice as has been generally believed. About three‐fourths of the classified headache disorders found in the ICHD‐II can be considered as rare. This narrative review article may be regarded as an introduction to the concept of unusual headaches and a proposed classification of all headaches (at least those listed in the ICHD‐II).
Solid cell nests of the thyroid gland: morphological, immunohistochemical and genetic features
Authors: Manzoni Marco , Roversi Gaia , Di Bella Camillo , Pincelli Angela I , Cimino Vincenzo , Perotti Mario , Garancini Mattia , Pagni Fabio
Published: September 2015

Aims

The correct identification of solid cell nests (SCNs) is an important issue in thyroid pathology because of the spectrum of differential diagnoses of this type of lesion.

Methods and results

Ten cases of 295 consecutive thyroidectomies showed the presence of SCNs at histological examination. The identification of the exact SCN type required the distinction of the cystic and solid pattern; SCNs were usually composed of a mixture of main cells (MCs) and C‐cells (CCs). The immunohistochemical calcitonin stain identified CCs easily, both inside SCNs and dispersed in islets at the periphery. For the characterization of MCs, we added the utility of p40 to p63. The use of thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1) helped in their identification, as MCs did not react with this marker; the combination of TTF‐1 and p40 or p63 IHC stains was useful for the characterization of cystic SCNs of both types 3 and 4. The negativity of mouse monoclonal mesothelioma antibody (HMBE‐1) and a very low proliferative index (MIB‐1) supported the diagnosis. [Correction added on 23 November 2015, after online publication: MIB‐1 was incorrectly defined, the expanded form was deleted.] We discourage the use of galectin‐3 (Gal‐3) and cytokeratin‐19 (CK‐19), as they have an important overlap with papillary thyroid carcinoma. The complete absence of any B‐Raf proto‐oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) mutations is an additional fundamental finding.

Conclusions

We reviewed the most relevant morphological and immunohistochemical features of SCNs and have provided a genetic analysis of the BRAF gene because of its expanding use in thyroid pathology.
Abnormal neutrophil scattergram obtained using Pentra MS CRP in the patients with myelodysplastic syndrome showing dysgranulopoiesis
Authors: Inaba T. , Ishizuka K. , Yuasa S. , Mishima N. , Ogura K. , Saito K. , Kohno T. , Fujitomo Y. , Nakanishi M. , Fujita N.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Pentra MS CRP is an automated hematology analyzer capable of cytochemistry using Chlorazol black E, a lipid‐staining agent, for white blood cell (WBC) differentials. Pentra MS CRP displays a WBC scattergram according to the cell volume obtained using flow impedance and light absorbance reflecting the Chlorazol black E (CBE)‐positive lipid content.

Method

Neutrophil scattergrams obtained using Pentra MS CRP were compared between 5 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and normal controls. Sudan black B (SBB)‐staining patterns of peripheral blood neutrophils were subdivided into four types (types I, II, III, and VI) based on their staining intensity and scored by counting 200 cells. Such SBB scores were also compared between the two groups.

Results

Neutrophil scattergrams deviated downward in the MDS group, suggesting the decreased CBE positivity that seemed reflect the reduction of the lipid content in dysplastic neutrophils. SBB scores determined in this study were also decreased in the MDS group when compared with those in normal controls.

Conclusion

Pentra MS CRP might rapidly generate useful information on dysplastic neutrophils in patients with MDS based on its cytochemistry for WBC differentials during routine laboratory hematology.
‘I don't want to be here but I feel safe’: Referral and admission to a child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient unit: The young person's perspective
Authors: Salamone‐Violi Gigetta M.L. , Chur‐Hansen Anna , Winefield Helen R.
Published: September 2015

Early and appropriate intervention can assist children and young people manage their mental illness and prevent it becoming a long‐term condition. However, satisfaction with mental health services can influence the level of engagement individuals are willing to participate in beyond the time of the initial contact or hospitalization. A qualitative design was used to identify and understand the experiences of the admission process for young people referred to the sole psychiatric inpatient unit in one Australian state for children up to the age of 18 years. Eleven young people participated in semistructured interviews that were audiotaped, transcribed, and coded. Interview data were examined through thematic analysis. Satisfaction with the inpatient experience was influenced by whether or not young people experienced a sense of connection with staff or other patients on the ward. The ability of nursing staff in identifying and catering to the individual needs of young people in their care facilitated feelings of safety, security, and acceptance, and contributed to the young person's desire to remain engaged in treatment post‐discharge. This research supports the shift towards perceiving patient satisfaction as a separate entity from service delivery and quality, with some participants able to voice dissatisfaction about the lack of services, while reporting overall satisfaction with the inpatient experience.
Reproduction and population parameters of the Nearctic predator Geocoris punctipes at constant and varying temperature regimes
Authors: Bueno V. H. P. , Calixto A. M. , Montes F. C. , van Lenteren J. C.
Published: September 2015

The heteropteran predator Geocoris punctipes (Say) has been used in augmentative biological control since 2000 to control Lepidoptera. However, surprisingly, few data are available about the influence of temperature on its population development, which is of key importance to plan the number and moment of releases to obtain sufficient pest reduction. The objective of this study was to evaluate daily and total fecundity, longevity and life table parameters (mx, lx, rm, R, λ, T and TD) of G. punctipes at constant (16.8°C, 21.5°C, 24.5°C and 28.3°C) and corresponding varying (day/night) (21/11°C, 24/18°C, 27/21°C and 30/26°C) temperatures. Pairs of adult predators aged 24 h and originating from nymphs exposed to the same temperature regimes were kept at the above‐mentioned temperature regimes in Petri dishes containing Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) eggs and an oviposition substrate. Tests were conducted in climatic chambers at the different temperature regimes and a RH 70 ± 10% and a 14L: 10D photoperiod. Reproduction, longevity and life table parameters were significantly affected by temperature, with clear differences between treatments at low (16.8°C, 21/11°C, 21.5°C, 24/18°C) or a high (24.5°C, 27/21°C, 28.3°C, 30/26°C) temperature regimes. Highest reproduction and fastest population growth of G. punctipes took place at average temperatures ranging from 24.5°C to 30°C, and neither reproduction nor population growth was negatively influenced by varying temperatures at any of the temperature regimes.
High Prevalence and Widespread Distribution of Zoonotic Enterocytozoon bieneusi Genotypes in Swine in Northeast China: Implications for Public Health
Authors: Wan Qiang , Lin Yongchao , Mao Yixian , Yang Yuqi , Li Qiao , Zhang Siwen , Jiang Yanxue , Tao Wei , Li Wei
Published: September 2015

This study analyzed 563 fecal specimens of asymptomatic pigs from five cities of northeast China for the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Enterocytozoon bieneusi. The parasite was detected in 267 of 563 (47.4%) pigs by nested PCR of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS). The differences in prevalence between preweaned (58.0%, 94/162) and growing pigs (39.6%, 114/288) and between weaned (52.2%, 59/113) and growing pigs are significant (p < 0.05). Genotypic typing and phylogenetic analysis facilitated identification of six human‐pathogenic genotypes EbpC, O, CS‐4, EbpA, Henan‐IV, and PigEBITS5 and six potentially zoonotic genotypes EbpB, CC‐1, CS‐1, CS‐3, CHN7, and CS‐10. Genotypes CS‐4 (32/35) and EbpC (3/35) from Harbin and Henan‐IV (5/64) from Qiqihar determined in pigs herein represented the main causative agents of human microsporidiosis in Harbin. The most dominant genotype EbpC found in pigs from Daqing (35/65) and Qiqihar (a close neighbor to Daqing) (47/64) contributed significantly to human infections in Daqing. Genotype EbpC was also a leading E. bieneusi pathogen in humans, drinking water, and wastewater in central China. This study provided robust evidence that pigs could be an outstanding source of human microsporidiosis and water contamination in China.
Yeasts From Xerophilic Environments Reveal Antimicrobial Action Against Fruit Pathogenic Molds
Authors: Oro Lucia , Ciani Maurizio , Comitini Francesca
Published: September 2015

In the present study, we investigated the occurrence of yeast flora in a xerophilic environment, the desert region of Namibia, with the aim to isolate the yeast strains with antimicrobial activity toward plant pathogen molds. Using traditional culture‐dependent methods, a total of 44 yeast strains belonging to 6 genera and 12 species were isolated. The yeast isolated from red berry samples revealed the widest biodiversity, while only Cryptococcus albidus strains were isolated from desert melon and leaf samples. A wide antimicrobial activity toward pathogenic molds was observed in vitro tests for the yeasts belonging to Aureobasidium pullulans (strains F32 and F60), C. albidus (S14) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (RB24). This behavior was confirmed in vivo tests, where A. pullulans F32 and F60 completely counteracted Penicillium digitatum decay in lemon and orange, respectively, while C. albidus S14 showed a similar strong antimicrobial effect in both fruits. S. cerevisiae strain RB24 exhibited a widespread inhibitory activity against Monilinia fructicola on cherries.

Practical Applications

To the best of our knowledge, the antimicrobial activity exhibited by selected yeasts from xerophilic environment could be used as a biological practice in postharvest as an alternative biotechnological approach to reduce the use of synthetic fungicides. Indeed, the biological control using antagonistic yeasts offers an alternative approach to combat pathogen molds on fruits and vegetables.
Early identification and management of the unstable adult patient in the emergency department
Authors: Hudson Paul , Ekholm Jodie , Johnson Maree , Langdon Rachel
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectives

The focus of this research was to standardise an emergency observation chart, the Adult Emergency Department Flow Chart, which incorporates elements designed to allow clinicians to more readily recognise the trends of patient deterioration.

Background

Patients present to the Emergency Department with some form of instability. Core skills and principles of Emergency Department care are to rapidly and continually assess the clinical condition of the patient, prioritise their care and treat accordingly. Often, however, deterioration of these patients is missed. The incidence of missed deterioration is set within a background of increasing presentations to Emergency Departments, greater complexity of the patient health status, longer length of stay within the Emergency Department and an ageing population.

Design

This quantitative research study comprised a retrospective medical record audit. Only those records containing notes relating to an Emergency Department admission were included.

Methods

An online data collection tool based on the Adult Emergency Department Flow Chart was developed. A total of 181 medical records were reviewed: 80 during the pre‐implementation audit and 101 during the post‐implementation audit.

Results

The Adult Emergency Department Flow Chart enabled clinicians to better identify deteriorating patients, with a higher number of abnormal vital signs being identified at the post‐implementation audit. Identification of pain also dramatically increased at the post‐implementation audit. Documentation of notification to Medical Officers also increased, as did documentation of the number of patients receiving medication to help treat the abnormal vital sign.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Adult Emergency Department Flow Chart facilitated the essential role of nurses in the identification, documentation and monitoring of the unstable or deteriorating patient in the Emergency Department. Further research is required with larger samples to determine the impact of the Adult Emergency Department Flow Chart on the timely management of abnormal vital signs.

Relevance to clinical practice

The Adult Emergency Flow Chart provides a valuable tool for the early identification and subsequent management of an unstable / deteriorating adult in the emergency department, particularly for clinicians with limited experience.
Discrepancy between self‐assessments and standardised tests of vision and hearing abilities in older people living at home: an ROC curve analysis
Authors: Haanes Gro Gade , Kirkevold Marit , Hofoss Dag , Eilertsen Grethe
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectives

To determine whether there is consistency between self‐assessments and standardised tests of vision and hearing abilities in older people.

Background

Home‐based detection of vision and hearing impairments in older people are generally based on self‐assessments of vision and hearing abilities.

Design

Cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Methods

Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to compare self‐assessments of vision and hearing abilities with a gold‐standard test. The vision and hearing abilities of 93 people aged ≥80 years in the home‐care setting were screened with a LogMAR chart, a pure‐tone audiometer, and a self‐assessment screen.

Results

Comparison of findings using the cut‐off points on the self‐assessment scale with those of the gold‐standard tests yielded 40 false negatives for vision and 18 false negatives for hearing, indicating that a significant proportion of older people report their vision and hearing abilities as being good when standardised tests indicate that they are not. Alternative cut‐off points on the self‐assessment scale were tested, but no cut‐off point was found to provide a sound basis for identifying vision and hearing impairments.

Conclusion

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for self‐assessment of vision was 69%, indicating that the self‐assessment questions constituted a poor test. It appears that results from self‐assessments cannot be relied upon to accurately identify visual acuity. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the self‐assessment of hearing was 73%, which may therefore be considered a “fair” test. However, self‐assessment of hearing is still insufficient for detecting hearing impairment.

Relevance to clinical practice

Vision and hearing abilities are crucially important to managing daily living. In addition to treatments for suppressing the further development of existing diseases, standardised tests could be a good starting point for health prevention and promotion. Nurses should apply standardised tests to detect sensory impairments in older people.
The protective effect of γ‐aminobutyric acid on the development of immune function in chickens under heat stress
Authors: Tang J. , Chen Z.
Published: September 2015

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the development of immune function in chicks under heat stress (HS). One‐day‐old male Wenchang chicks were randomly divided into control (CK), HS and GABA+HS groups. The GABA+HS group was fed with 0.2 ml GABA solution (50 mg/kg) daily by oral gavage. The HS and GABA+HS groups were placed in 40 ± 0.5 °C environment for 2 h heat treatment from 13:00 each day. Blood samples were routinely taken at 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days respectively, and the contents of T and B lymphocyte subsets in the blood and tissue were analysed by flow cytometry after FITC/PE double staining; the plasma levels of interleukin (IL)‐2, immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgG and IgM were determined using ELISA. The thymus and the bursa of fabricius were also collected to analyse for organ index and observe for the changes in tissue microstructure. In addition, the chicks received primary and secondary immunizations with attenuated Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine (LaSota strain) at 7 and 28 days respectively; conventional hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay was performed to monitor the titre changes in plasma antibody against ND virus in the birds. Our results indicated that the indices of both thymus and bursa of fabricius, the intactness of tissue structure and development, the plasma levels of IL‐2, IgA, IgG and IgM, the titres of ND antibody, and the levels of B and T lymphocyte subsets in HS group were all significantly lower than those in CK group (p < 0.05). However, all above indices were significantly improved in GABA+HS group compared with those in HS group (p < 0.05). These results demonstrated that while HS seriously affected the development of immune function in Wenchang chicks, GABA effectively alleviated the damages of HS to the development of immune function in chicks.
Effects of thermo‐resistant non‐starch polysaccharide degrading multi‐enzyme on growth performance, meat quality, relative weights of body organs and blood profile in broiler chickens
Authors: Mohammadi Gheisar M. , Hosseindoust A. , Kim I. H.
Published: September 2015

This research was conducted to study the performance and carcass parameters of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with heat‐treated non‐starch polysaccharide degrading enzyme. A total of 432 one‐day old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allocated to five treatments: (i) CON (basal diet), (ii) E1: CON + 0.05% multi‐enzyme, (iii) E2: CON + 0.1% multi‐enzyme, (iv) E3: CON + 0.05% thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme and (v) E4: CON + 0.1% thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme, each treatment consisted of six replications and 12 chickens in each replication. The chickens were housed in three floor battery cages during 28‐day experimental period. On days 1–7, gain in body weight (BWG) improved by feeding the diets supplemented with thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme. On days 7–21 and 1–28, chickens fed the diets containing thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme showed improved (p < 0.05) BWG and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to CON group. Supplementing the diets with multi‐enzyme or thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme affected the percentage of drip loss on d 1 (p < 0.05). Drip loss percentage on days 3 and 5 and also meat colour were not affected significantly. Supplementing the diets with multi‐enzyme or thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme did not affect the relative weights of organs but compared to CON group, relative weight of breast muscle increased and abdominal fat decreased (p < 0.05). Among measured blood constituents, chickens fed supplemented diets with thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme showed higher (p < 0.05) IgG. Counts of red and white blood cells and lymphocyte percentage were not affected. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that supplementing pelleted diets with thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme improved performance of broiler chickens.
Analyzing Rural Versus Urban Differences in Career Dissatisfaction and Plans to Leave Among Pennsylvanian Physicians
Authors: Vick Brandon
Published: September 2015

Purpose

This study estimates whether physicians in rural Pennsylvania have higher odds of career dissatisfaction and plans to leave patient care in the next 6 years, compared to their urban counterparts. Rural‐urban differences were estimated across specific subgroups of physicians (gender, race, and specialty) and with regard to specific sources of career dissatisfaction.

Methods

The 2012 Pennsylvania Health Workforce Survey of Physicians allowed for analysis of 17,444 physicians younger than 55 years old actively practicing patient care. Multivariate, logistic regression was performed to estimate the associations with 2 outcome areas: career dissatisfaction and plans to leave patient care in the next 6 years. Controls included rural setting, age, sex, race, work hours, specialty, and practice characteristics.

Results

Over 12% of under‐55 physicians are dissatisfied with their careers and over 18% report plans to leave patient care in the next 6 years. Rural physicians in Pennsylvania have 18.6% higher odds of reporting career dissatisfaction and 29.5% higher odds of leaving patient care in the next 6 years (P < .01 for each) versus their urban counterparts.

Conclusions

Rates of dissatisfaction and potential attrition among younger physicians are not insignificant, with a stronger association with rural practice. Given the large number of rural health shortage areas, better understanding this association is important to health care providers and policy makers. Regression results suggest that higher rural odds are related more to physician work (ie, stress, practice demands, and lack of autonomy) and family situations and less related to income concerns.
NREM‐related parasomnias in Machado–Joseph disease: clinical and polysomnographic evaluation
Authors: Silva Giselle Melo Fontes , Pedroso José Luiz , Dos Santos Diogo Fernandes , Braga‐Neto Pedro , Do Prado Lucila Bizari Fernandes , De Carvalho Luciane Bizari Coin , Barsottini Orlando G. P. , Do Prado Gilmar Fernandes
Published: September 2015

Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) are autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorders that affect the cerebellum and its connections, and have a marked clinical and genetic variability. Machado–Joseph disease (MJD) or spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3)—MJD/SCA3—is the most common SCA worldwide. MJD/SCA3 is characterized classically by progressive ataxia and variable other motor and non‐motor symptoms. Sleep disorders are common, and include rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder (RBD), restless legs syndrome (RLS), insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, excessive fragmentary myoclonus and sleep apnea. This study aims to focus upon determining the presence or not of non‐REM (NREM)‐related parasomnias in MJD/SCA 3, using data from polysomnography (PSG) and clinical evaluation. Forty‐seven patients with clinical and genetic diagnosis of MJD/SCA3 and 47 control subjects were evaluated clinically and by polysomnography. MJD/SCA3 patients had a higher frequency of arousals from slow wave sleep (P < 0.001), parasomnia complaints (confusional arousal/sleep terrors, P = 0.001; RBD, P < 0.001; and nightmares, P < 0.001), REM sleep without atonia (P < 0.001), periodic limb movements of sleep index (PLMSi) (P < 0.001), percentage of N3 sleep (P < 0.001) and percentage of N1 sleep (P < 0.001). These data show that NREM‐related parasomnias must be included in the spectrum of sleep disorders in MJD/SCA3 patients.
A new discovery of parautochthonous moldavites in southwestern Poland, Central Europe
Authors: Brachaniec Tomasz , Szopa Krzysztof , Karwowski Łukasz
Published: September 2015

Moldavites represent tektites derived from the Ries impact structure (~24 km diameter, ~15 Myr old) in southern Germany. Two new localities with parautochthonous moldavites in southwestern Poland were found. In these localities, fluvial sediments of the so‐called Gozdnicka formation host the moldavites. Characteristic tektite features, especially bubbles and inclusions of lechatelierite, are reported. The moldavites' size distribution and their abraded shapes indicate that they were redeposited from the nearby Lusatia substrewn field.