bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Quality and Patient Experience within Medicare Plans Generalize across Measures and Racial/Ethnic Groups?
Authors: Weech‐Maldonado Robert , Elliott Marc N. , Adams John L. , Haviland Amelia M. , Klein David J. , Hambarsoomian Katrin , Edwards Carol , Dembosky Jacob W. , Gaillot Sarah
Published: March 2015

Objective

To examine how similar racial/ethnic disparities in clinical quality (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set [HEDIS]) and patient experience (Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems [CAHPS]) measures are for different measures within Medicare Advantage (MA) plans.

Data Sources/Study Setting

5.7 million/492,495 MA beneficiaries with 2008–2009 HEDIS/CAHPS data.

Study Design

Binomial (HEDIS) and linear (CAHPS) hierarchical mixed models generated contract estimates for HEDIS/CAHPS measures for Hispanics, blacks, Asian‐Pacific Islanders, and whites. We examine the correlation of within‐plan disparities for HEDIS and CAHPS measures across measures.

Principal Findings

Plans with disparities for a given minority group (vs. whites) for a particular measure have a moderate tendency for similar disparities for other measures of the same type (mean r = 0.51/.21 and 53/34 percent positive and statistically significant for CAHPS/HEDIS). This pattern holds to a lesser extent for correlations of CAHPS disparities and HEDIS disparities (mean r = 0.05/0.14/0.23 and 4.4/5.6/4.4 percent) positive and statistically significant for blacks/Hispanics/API.

Conclusions

Similarities in CAHPS and HEDIS disparities across measures might reflect common structural factors, such as language services or provider incentives, affecting several measures simultaneously. Health plan structural changes might reduce disparities across multiple measures.
Elemental Analysis of Variably Contaminated Cremains Using X‐ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
Authors: Gilpin Megan , Christensen Angi M.
Published: March 2015

Analyzing and identifying skeletal remains becomes increasingly difficult when remains have been cremated, especially in cases where the cremated material may have been intentionally contaminated with nonskeletal material. This study examined the potential of X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) to detect the presence of nonskeletal contaminants in samples of cremains. Eleven samples of cremains were variably combined with concrete mix and analyzed using XRF. Photon counts of elements in each sample were analyzed, and the coefficient of determination (R2) using unweighted linear regression as a function of percent cremains was calculated. Results showed that with changes in the proportion of skeletal material and contaminant, there were significant (R2 > 0.90) changes in detected levels of phosphorus, potassium, zinc, aluminum, and sulfur. The use of XRF is concluded to be a valid approach in the identification of the presence of nonskeletal material in potentially contaminated cremains.
Multilevel Quantile Function Modeling with Application to Birth Outcomes
Authors: Smith Luke B. , Reich Brian J. , Herring Amy H. , Langlois Peter H. , Fuentes Montserrat
Published: March 2015

Infants born preterm or small for gestational age have elevated rates of morbidity and mortality. Using birth certificate records in Texas from 2002 to 2004 and Environmental Protection Agency air pollution estimates, we relate the quantile functions of birth weight and gestational age to ozone exposure and multiple predictors, including parental age, race, and education level. We introduce a semi-parametric Bayesian quantile approach that models the full quantile function rather than just a few quantile levels. Our multilevel quantile function model establishes relationships between birth weight and the predictors separately for each week of gestational age and between gestational age and the predictors separately across Texas Public Health Regions. We permit these relationships to vary nonlinearly across gestational age, spatial domain and quantile level and we unite them in a hierarchical model via a basis expansion on the regression coefficients that preserves interpretability. Very low birth weight is a primary concern, so we leverage extreme value theory to supplement our model in the tail of the distribution. Gestational ages are recorded in completed weeks of gestation (integer-valued), so we present methodology for modeling quantile functions of discrete response data. In a simulation study we show that pooling information across gestational age and quantile level substantially reduces MSE of predictor effects. We find that ozone is negatively associated with the lower tail of gestational age in south Texas and across the distribution of birth weight for high gestational ages. Our methods are available in the R package BSquare.
Multivariate longitudinal data analysis with mixed effects hidden Markov models
Authors: Raffa Jesse D. , Dubin Joel A.
Published: March 2015

Multiple longitudinal responses are often collected as a means to capture relevant features of the true outcome of interest, which is often hidden and not directly measurable. We outline an approach which models these multivariate longitudinal responses as generated from a hidden disease process. We propose a class of models which uses a hidden Markov model with separate but correlated random effects between multiple longitudinal responses. This approach was motivated by a smoking cessation clinical trial, where a bivariate longitudinal response involving both a continuous and a binomial response was collected for each participant to monitor smoking behavior. A Bayesian method using Markov chain Monte Carlo is used. Comparison of separate univariate response models to the bivariate response models was undertaken. Our methods are demonstrated on the smoking cessation clinical trial dataset, and properties of our approach are examined through extensive simulation studies.
Bayesian path specific frailty models for multi‐state survival data with applications
Authors: de Castro Mário , Chen Ming‐Hui , Zhang Yuanye
Published: March 2015

Multi‐state models can be viewed as generalizations of both the standard and competing risks models for survival data. Models for multi‐state data have been the theme of many recent published works. Motivated by bone marrow transplant data, we propose a Bayesian model using the gap times between two successive events in a path of events experienced by a subject. Path specific frailties are introduced to capture the dependence structure of the gap times in the paths with two or more states. Under improper prior distributions for the parameters, we establish propriety of the posterior distribution. An efficient Gibbs sampling algorithm is developed for drawing samples from the posterior distribution. An extensive simulation study is carried out to examine the empirical performance of the proposed approach. A bone marrow transplant data set is analyzed in detail to further demonstrate the proposed methodology.
Voluntary Running Attenuates Memory Loss, Decreases Neuropathological Changes and Induces Neurogenesis in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Tapia‐Rojas Cheril , Aranguiz Florencia , Varela‐Nallar Lorena , Inestrosa Nibaldo C.
Published: March 2015

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of memory and cognitive abilities, and the appearance of amyloid plaques composed of the amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles formed of tau protein. It has been suggested that exercise might ameliorate the disease; here, we evaluated the effect of voluntary running on several aspects of AD including amyloid deposition, tau phosphorylation, inflammatory reaction, neurogenesis and spatial memory in the double transgenic APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mouse model of AD. We report that voluntary wheel running for 10 weeks decreased Aβ burden, Thioflavin‐S‐positive plaques and Aβ oligomers in the hippocampus. In addition, runner APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice showed fewer phosphorylated tau protein and decreased astrogliosis evidenced by lower staining of GFAP. Further, runner APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice showed increased number of neurons in the hippocampus and exhibited increased cell proliferation and generation of cells positive for the immature neuronal protein doublecortin, indicating that running increased neurogenesis. Finally, runner APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice showed improved spatial memory performance in the Morris water maze. Altogether, our findings indicate that in APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice, voluntary running reduced all the neuropathological hallmarks of AD studied, reduced neuronal loss, increased hippocampal neurogenesis and reduced spatial memory loss. These findings support that voluntary exercise might have therapeutic value on AD.
Treatment of idiopathic oligozoospermia with recombinant human follicle‐stimulating hormone: a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical study in Chinese population
Authors: Ding Yin‐man , Zhang Xin‐ji , Li Jing‐Ping , Chen San‐san , Zhang Ren‐tao , Tan Wan‐long , Shi Xiao‐Jun
Published: March 2015

Objective

Follicle‐stimulating hormone plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with FSH in Chinese infertility population.

Design

Prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical study.

Patients

A total of 354 men affected by idiopathic oligozoospermia from three medical centres.

Measurements

This study contained three parts: (i) treatment with different doses of rhFSH (50 IU, 100 IU, 200 IU and 300 IU); (ii) the efficacy of rhFSH at different periods (2, 3, 4, 5 months); (iii) FSH treatment in patients with different levels of inhibin B (normal‐level group, low‐level group and high‐level group). Semen parameters were evaluated in all subjects. The patients who had not reached spontaneous pregnancy underwent assisted reproductive techniques.

Results

Sperm number was significantly increased after treatment with FSH at doses of at least 200 IU, and the improvement was observed beginning at the third month. The significant improvement in both morphology and forward motility was observed beginning at the fifth month. Moreover, 300 IU rhFSH administration for 5 months could significantly improve the spontaneous pregnancy rate (12/40) and ART pregnancy rate (14/28), while the rates for placebo group were two of twenty‐nine and five of twenty‐seven, respectively. The seminal parameters (total sperm count, sperm concentration, forward motility and morphology) were significantly improved in the normal‐ and low‐level inhibin B groups, but no significant variation was observed in the high‐level group at the end of the study.

Conclusions

The efficacy of FSH treatment was associated with the dose of FSH and duration of treatment, and FSH therapy was more effective in patients with normal level and low level of inhibin B.
Is it ‘fair'? Representation of children, young people and parents in an adversarial court system
Authors: Thomson Lorraine , McArthur Morag , Camilleri Peter
Published: March 2015

Children's Courts in Australia are important parts of the systems which protect children and deal with young people who offend. They make decisions about the best interests of these vulnerable children and young people and require that children are represented in court. The paper reports on views of 46 stakeholders about quality of and access to representation in the care jurisdiction of the Childrens Court in Australian Capital Territory. Most stakeholders were adamant that for all parties to receive as fair a hearing as possible, they needed representation. There were a range of views about the quality of representation and about what quality representation looks like in an adversarial system of decision‐making.
Esthetic, clinical and patient‐centered outcomes of immediately placed implants (Type 1) and early placed implants (Type 2): preliminary 3‐month results of an ongoing randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Huynh‐Ba Guy , Meister David J. , Hoders Ashley B. , Mealey Brian L. , Mills Michael P. , Oates Thomas W. , Cochran David L. , Prihoda Thomas J. , McMahan C. Alex
Published: March 2015

Aim

The objective of the study was to compare (i) esthetic, (ii) clinical and (iii) patient‐centered outcomes following immediate (Type 1) and early implant placement (Type 2).

Material and methods

Thirty‐eight subjects needing a single extraction (premolar to premolar) were randomly allocated to Type 1 or Type 2 implant placement. Three months following permanent crown insertion, evaluation of (i) esthetic outcomes using soft tissue positions, and the pink and white esthetic scores (PES/WES), (ii) clinical performance using probing pocket depth (PPD), modified plaque index (mPI) and modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI) around each implant and (iii) patient satisfaction by means of a questionnaire using a visual analogue scale (VAS) was performed.

Results

Thirty‐two patients completed the 3‐month follow‐up examination (Type 1, n = 17; Type 2, n = 15) with a 100% implant survival rate. Type 1 implants lost 0.54 ± 0.18 mm of mid‐facial soft tissue height, while Type 2 implants lost 0.47 ± 0.31 mm (P > 0.05). The papillae height on the mesial and distal was reduced about 1 mm following both procedures. The PES/WES following Type 1 implant placement amounted to 13.7 ± 0.6 and 12.5 ± 0.7 in the Type 2 group (P > 0.05). PPD, mPI and mSBI were low in both groups (P > 0.05). Patient‐centered outcomes failed to demonstrate any statistical difference between the two cohorts.

Conclusion

Three months following final crown delivery, there were no significant differences in esthetic, clinical and patient‐centered outcomes following Type 1 and Type 2 implant placement. On the short term, one may achieve good optimal esthetic and clinical results irrespective of these two placement protocols. These results need to be confirmed on the long term.
Faecal incontinence in men referred for specialty care: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cohan J. N. , Chou A. B. , Varma M. G.
Published: March 2015

Aim

Little is known about men with faecal incontinence. We compared clinical findings and quality of life in a large cohort of men and women with faecal incontinence to guide its evaluation and treatment in men.

Method

We analysed men and women presenting to a tertiary referral centre with faecal incontinence between 2005 and 2013. Demographics, physical examination, anorectal physiology testing, symptom severity (Fecal Incontinence Severity Index) and quality of life (Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale) were recorded. We determined differences between men and women and analysed the association between gender and quality of life.

Results

Data were obtained from 144 men and 897 women. Men with faecal incontinence were slightly younger than women (55.3 vs 57.6 years, P = 0.001), more likely to report coexisting constipation (P = 0.004) and more likely to have normal internal and external sphincter function on physical examination (both P < 0.001). Anorectal physiology testing revealed fewer sphincter defects (P < 0.05) and less pudendal neuropathy (P < 0.05) in men compared with women. Although symptom severity and overall quality of life were similar, men had improved coping and less embarrassment compared with women after we adjusted for important clinical factors.

Conclusion

Men with faecal incontinence presenting to a tertiary referral centre are more likely than women to have a mixed presentation characterized by constipation and less sphincter dysfunction. They exhibited better coping and less embarrassment than women. These findings should be taken into consideration when evaluating and treating men with faecal incontinence.
Interactive computer play – what happens when the game is over?
Authors: Karlsson Petra
Published: March 2015

This commentary is on the original article by James et al. on pages 530–538 in this issue.
Drug‐induced EEG pattern predicts effectiveness of ketamine in treating refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Basha Maysaa M. , Alqallaf Abdulradha , Shah Aashit K.
Published: March 2015

Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) can lack overt clinical manifestation and is usually treated with continuous infusion of intravenous anesthetic drugs (IVADs), where the use of continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) is imperative. Ketamine has recently been shown to be effective in the treatment of RSE. We retrospectively review a cohort of 11 patients receiving ketamine as part of their treatment regimen for RSE. We report on the presence of a characteristic EEG rhythm consisting of a generalized archiform theta to beta rhythms (7–20 Hz) appearing after ketamine administration. This pattern was seen in five patients, four of whom achieved successful resolution of RSE. Ketamine‐induced EEG pattern may serve as a biomarker predictive of successful treatment outcome in RSE.
Effects of chronic administration of valproic acid to epileptic patients on coagulation tests and primary hemostasis
Authors: Zighetti Maddalena L. , Fontana Gessica , Lussana Federico , Chiesa Valentina , Vignoli Aglaia , Canevini Maria Paola , Cattaneo Marco
Published: March 2015

Valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug that has been associated with impaired hemostasis and increased risk for postsurgical bleeding. However, the published reports provide controversial results. We measured parameters of primary hemostasis in VPA‐treated patients with epilepsy, focusing on adenosine nucleotide–dependent platelet responses, which play a central role in primary hemostasis. We enrolled 20 cases (epileptic patients receiving treatment with VPA) and 20 controls (12 epileptic patients receiving treatment with drugs different from VPA and 8 healthy subjects). Measurements included prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), platelet count, platelet function analyzer (PFA)‐100 closure times, plasma von Willebrand factor levels, platelet content of ADP, ATP, and serotonin (all stored in platelet dense granules), and platelet shape change and aggregation induced by ADP and other platelet agonists, including the ATP analog α,β‐methylene‐ATP. The plasma concentration of VPA was in the therapeutic range in 17 patients and slightly above the upper limit in 3 patients. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the studied parameters in cases versus controls. Our thorough controlled study failed to show that chronic treatment with VPA induces significant abnormalities of coagulation and primary hemostasis. Therefore, VPA, when present in the circulation in the therapeutic range, does not impair hemostasis.
Effects of climate change and management on net climate impacts of production and utilization of energy biomass in Norway spruce with stable age‐class distribution
Authors: Torssonen Piritta , Kilpeläinen Antti , Strandman Harri , Kellomäki Seppo , Jylhä Kirsti , Asikainen Antti , Peltola Heli
Published: March 2015

We studied the effects of climate change and forest management scenarios on net climate impacts (radiative forcing) of production and utilization of energy biomass, in a Norway spruce forest area over an 80‐year simulation period in Finnish boreal conditions. A stable age‐class distribution was used in model‐based analyses to identify purely the management effects under the current and changing climate (SRES B1 and A2 scenarios). The radiative forcing was calculated based on an integrated use of forest ecosystem model simulations and a life cycle assessment (LCA) tool. In this work, forest‐based energy was used to substitute coal, and current forest management (baseline management) was used as a reference management. In alternative management scenarios, the stocking was maintained 20% higher in thinning compared to the baseline management, and nitrogen fertilization was applied. Intensity of energy biomass harvest (e.g. logging residues, coarse roots and stumps) was varied in the final felling of the stands at the age of 80 years. Also, the economic profitability (NPV, 3% interest rate) of integrated production of timber and energy biomass was calculated for each management scenario. Our results showed that compared to the baseline management, climate benefits could be increased by maintaining higher stocking in thinning over rotation, using nitrogen fertilization and harvesting logging residues, stumps and coarse roots in the final felling. Under the gradually changing climate (in both SRES B1 and A2), the climate benefits were lower compared to the current climate. Trade‐offs between NPV and net climate impacts also existed.
Does Tourism Affect House Prices? Evidence from Italy
Authors: Biagi Bianca , Brandano Maria G. , Lambiri Dionysia
Published: March 2015

The purpose of the present work is to analyze whether—and to what extent—tourism activity affects urban house price dynamics in Italy. Using a system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM‐SYS) approach and after controlling for socioeconomic characteristics of the local housing markets as well as amenities and disamenities, we test for the effect of tourism by employing a composite index that enables us to capture the complexity of the tourism market. Data consist of yearly observations on the average house prices of 103 Italian cities over the period of 1996–2007. The results confirmed by several robustness checks demonstrate that tourism activity positively affects house prices. In addition, this work provides several first hints that this relationship might not be the same for all types of cities; hence, further developments of the present work should proceed in the direction of searching for different potential regimes through the use of mixture models.
Vision and Migraine
Authors: Vincent Maurice B.
Published: March 2015

Background

Migraine, a common brain disorder, disrupts vision more than any other motor or sensory function. The possible visual aura symptoms vary from occasional small flashes of light to complex visual hallucinations, the stereotyped teichopsia being the most typical pattern. It is unclear as to why aura occurs serendipitously, sometimes preceding, but also occurring after the headache, and why aura can present with multiple phenotypes.

Methods

To better understand the nature of visual disturbances in migraine, 4 aspects must be considered: What are the visual perceptions in migraine; why vision is affected in migraine; the role of cortical spreading depression (CSD); how does vision could affect migraine. Evidence supporting each of these topics is reviewed.

Results

CSD travels at a similar pace as the march of symptoms in the visual field. Functional neuroimaging studies show spreading changes compatible with CSD regardless of aura. Computerized models reproducing the CSD march on the visual cortex predict a sensory experience compatible with naturally occurring visual auras. Rather than spreading in all directions, these models suggest that CSD moves preferentially in one direction. Migraine‐preventive drugs increase the CSD threshold and reduce CSD velocity. Blind migraineurs may present atypical visual aura, with more colors, shorter duration, different shapes, and atypical symptoms, such as auditory experiences.

Conclusions

CSD is the underlying phenomenon in migraine with and without aura. In migraine without aura, CSD probably does not run over silent areas of the cortex, but rather does not reach symptomatology threshold. Normal vision is important in migraine, as lack of sight may change the visual experience during migraine aura, probably due to cortical reorganization and changes in local susceptibility to CSD.
High juvenile mortality during migration in a declining population of a long‐distance migratory raptor
Authors: Oppel Steffen , Dobrev Vladimir , Arkumarev Volen , Saravia Victoria , Bounas Anastasios , Kret Elzbieta , Velevski Metodija , Stoychev Stoycho , Nikolov Stoyan C.
Published: March 2015

Many populations of long‐distance migrants are declining and there is increasing evidence that declines may be caused by factors operating outside the breeding season. Among the four vulture species breeding in the western Palaearctic, the species showing the steepest population decline, the Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus, is a long‐distance migrant wintering in Africa. However, the flyways and wintering areas of the species are only known for some populations, and without knowledge of where mortality occurs, effective conservation management is not possible. We tracked 19 juvenile Egyptian Vultures from the declining breeding population on the Balkan Peninsula between 2010 and 2014 to estimate survival and identify important migratory routes and wintering areas for this species. Mortality during the first autumn migration was high (monthly survival probability 0.75) but mortality during migration was exclusively associated with suboptimal navigation. All birds from western breeding areas and three birds from central and eastern breeding areas attempted to fly south over the Mediterranean Sea, but only one in 10 birds survived this route, probably due to stronger tailwind. All eight birds using the migratory route via Turkey and the Middle East successfully completed their first autumn migration. Of 14 individual and environmental variables examined to explain why juvenile birds did or did not successfully complete their first migration, the natal origin of the bird was the most influential. We speculate that in a declining population with fewer experienced adults, an increasing proportion of juvenile birds are forced to migrate without conspecific guidance, leading to high mortality as a consequence of following sub‐optimal migratory routes. Juvenile Egyptian Vultures wintered across a vast range of the Sahel and eastern Africa, and had large movement ranges with core use areas at intermediate elevations in savannah, cropland or desert. Two birds were shot in Africa, where several significant threats exist for vultures at continental scales. Given the broad distribution of the birds and threats, effective conservation in Africa will be challenging and will require long‐term investment. We recommend that in the short term, more efficient conservation could target narrow migration corridors in southern Turkey and the Middle East, and known congregation sites in African wintering areas.
Objective sleep of older primiparous Japanese women during the first 4 months postpartum: An actigraphic study
Authors: Iwata Hiroko , Mori Emi , Tsuchiya Miyako , Sakajo Akiko , Saeki Akiko , Maehara Kunie , Ozawa Harumi , Morita Akiko , Maekawa Tomoko
Published: March 2015

This longitudinal study was designed to examine objective sleep parameters of older primiparous Japanese women during the first 4 months postpartum using actigraphy. The participants were 18 older primiparae (Mean (SD) = 37.06 (2.62) years, range 35–44 years) who gave birth to healthy neonates at one of three urban Japanese hospitals. Objective sleep quality was measured using actigraphy for 48 h at 1, 2 and 4 months postpartum. The Friedman test was used to test for differences in sleep parameters across time. Sleep duration (SMIN) increased significantly from 2 months (Mean (M) = 301.94 min) to 4 months (M = 372.78 min). Sleep efficiency (SE) increased significantly from 1 month (73.52%) to 2 (86.66%) and 4 months (89.05%). Waking after sleep onset (WASO) decreased significantly from 1 month (M = 114.64 min) to 2 (M = 40.18 min) and 4 months (M = 38.36 min) and long waking episodes (LWEP) significantly decreased from 1 month (4.67) to 2 (2.69) and 4 months (3.12). Persistent postpartum sleep problems can be a sign of postpartum depression as well as health problems among infants.
Caring for women globally: Psychometric testing of two instruments translated into five languages for use in cardiovascular recovery
Authors: Gonzales Lucia , Koci Anne , Gee Rose Mary , Noji Ariko , Glaser Dale , Marsh Allison K , Marsh Kathy K , Altman Amara Michella , Al Salmi Nasser , Al Sabei Sulaiman
Published: March 2015

Among women, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. After experiencing an acute cardiovascular event, a woman's physical health, the prevalence of morbidities, likelihood of being treated with coronary artery bypass graft surgery, likelihood for referral for cardiac rehabilitation are less favourable than men. The social support resources of marginality and religiousness are associated with physical and mental health outcomes following cardiovascular crises. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the translated versions (Japanese, Ukrainian, Tagalog, Hispanic and Arabic) of the Koci Marginality Index and the Duke University Religion Index among 282 women (aged 35–92 years) representing seven cultures. Results showed that reliability and validity were strong (coefficient alpha of 0.79 and 0.84). Understanding a woman's social isolation and whether she has a connection to religious groups assists health‐care professionals to identify a woman's social support resources during recovery following acute cardiovascular episodes.
Clinical competency in child maltreatment for community nurses in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Yi‐Wen , Huang Joh‐Jong , Lu Tsung‐Hsueh , Feng Jui‐Ying
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to examine aspects of competency in child abuse among community nurses in Taiwan. A sample of 650 community nurses were recruited from public health centres (PHC) and outpatient clinics in Southern Taiwan. A structured questionnaire with five subscales, knowledge, skills, empowerment, team collaboration and self‐reflection was developed and used for data collection. A total of 588 questionnaires were returned and used for analysis. Nearly 20% of community nurses reported having an acquaintance with a maltreatment history. Only 4.6% had experience of reporting a case of child abuse. Most nurses reported strong skills and abilities (empowerment, team collaboration and self‐reflection). Outpatient clinic nurses scored higher in four subscales than the PHC nurses. Nurses who had a history as a victim or had reporting experience claimed better clinical competency. Unfortunately, community nurses had limited knowledge in child abuse. The findings support the development of continuing education programmes on child abuse for community nurses.
The Behaviour Problems Inventory‐Short Form: Reliability and Factorial Validity in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Mascitelli Andréa N. , Rojahn Johannes , Nicolaides Vias C. , Moore Linda , Hastings Richard P. , Christian‐Jones Ceri
Published: March 2015

Background

The Behaviour Problems Inventory‐Short Form (BPI‐S) is a spin‐off of the BPI‐01 that was empirically developed from a large BPI‐01 data set. In this study, the reliability and factorial validity of the BPI‐S was investigated for the first time on newly collected data from adults with intellectual disabilities.

Methods

The sample consisted of 232 adults with intellectual disabilities who represented all levels of intellectual functioning. They were recruited at several day programs in the USA (n = 148) and the UK (n = 84).

Results

We found acceptable reliability in terms of internal consistency, inter‐rater agreement and test–retest reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis validated the three BPI‐S subscale structure.

Conclusions

We corroborated the factor structure underly‐ing the three subscales and found the BPI‐S to have adequate to good psychometric properties in a newly collected sample of adults with intellectual disabilities.
Ageing and reproduction: antioxidant supplementation alleviates telomere loss in wild birds
Authors: Badás E. P. , Martínez J. , Rivero de Aguilar Cachafeiro J. , Miranda F. , Figuerola J. , Merino S.
Published: March 2015

Reproduction is inherently costly. Environmental stressors, such as infection and limited food resources, can compromise investment at each breeding attempt. For example, recent data on captive birds showed that increased reproductive effort accelerates ageing. However, the effects of nutritional status and infection on ageing remain unknown. Telomeres function as protective caps at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, and changes in telomere length is a commonly used proxy for ageing. To partially address the mechanisms of ageing following reproduction, we supplemented, medicated or administered a combined treatment to wild blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) breeding in central Spain during 2012. The nutritional supplement consisted of two different antioxidants, whereas the medication was an antimalarial treatment against blood parasites. We evaluated the effect of these manipulations on reproductive success and parasite loads in the first breeding season, and on changes in telomere length between two consecutive breeding seasons. Supplemented birds showed no reduction in blood parasite infections in 2012, although they exhibited higher body mass and fledging success. The antimalarial drugs reduced infections by several parasite species, but this had no effect on fitness parameters. In the following season, telomeres from supplemented birds had shortened less. Altogether, we found that supplementation with antioxidants provided fitness benefits in the short term and reduced telomere loss a year following treatment. Our results provide indirect empirical support for accelerated telomere loss as a cost of reproduction.
Tau regulates the localization and function of End‐binding proteins 1 and 3 in developing neuronal cells
Authors: Sayas Carmen Laura , Tortosa Elena , Bollati Flavia , Ramírez‐Ríos Sacnicte , Arnal Isabelle , Avila Jesús
Published: March 2015

The axonal microtubule‐associated protein tau is a well‐known regulator of microtubule stability in neurons. However, the putative interplay between tau and End‐binding proteins 1 and 3 (EB1/3), the core microtubule plus‐end tracking proteins, has not been elucidated yet. Here, we show that a cross‐talk between tau and EB1/3 exists in developing neuronal cells. Tau and EBs partially colocalize at extending neurites of N1E‐115 neuroblastoma cells and axons of primary hippocampal neurons, as shown by confocal immunofluorescence analyses. Tau down‐regulation leads to a reduction of EB1/3 comet length, as observed in shRNA‐stably depleted neuroblastoma cells and TAU−/− neurons. EB1/3 localization depends on the expression levels and localization of tau protein. Over‐expression of tau at high levels induces EBs relocalization to microtubule bundles at extending neurites of N1E‐115 cells. In differentiating primary neurons, tau is required for the proper accumulation of EBs at stretches of microtubule bundles at the medial and distal regions of the axon. Tau interacts with EB proteins, as shown by immunoprecipitation in different non‐neuronal and neuronal cells and in whole brain lysates. A tau/EB1 direct interaction was corroborated by in vitro pull‐down assays. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching assays performed in neuroblastoma cells confirmed that tau modulates EB3 cellular mobility. In summary, we provide evidence of a new function of tau as a direct regulator of EB proteins in developing neuronal cells. This cross‐talk between a classical microtubule‐associated protein and a core microtubule plus‐end tracking protein may contribute to the fine‐tuned regulation of microtubule dynamics and stability during neuronal differentiation.

image

We describe here a novel function for tau as a direct regulator of End binding (EB) proteins in differentiating neuronal cells. EB1/3 cellular mobility and localization in extending neurites and axons is modulated by tau levels and localization. We provide new evidence of the interplay between classical microtubule‐associated proteins (MAPs) and “core” microtubule plus‐end tracking proteins (+TIPs) during neuronal development.
Immediate loading short implants inserted on low bone quantity for the rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla using an All‐on‐4 design
Authors: Maló P. , de Araújo Nobre M. A. , Lopes A. V. , Rodrigues R.
Published: March 2015

More studies evaluating the outcome of short‐length dental implants in immediate loading are needed. To evaluate the use of short‐length tapered implants in immediate loading for complete edentulous maxillae rehabilitations using an All‐on‐4 design. This retrospective clinical study included a cohort of 43 patients with 172 implants (74 short‐length implants) inserted in low bone quantity. The patients were followed between 4 months and 6 years (average = 3 years). Outcome measures were implant survival, marginal bone remodelling, biological and mechanical complications. Two patients with four short‐length implants were lost to follow‐up during the first year. Three short and three long implants failed in four patients, rendering an overall cumulative survival rate implant and patient level, respectively, of 95·7% and 95·1% for short implants, 100% for regular implants and 96·6% and 95·2% for long implants. The average marginal bone remodelling at 1 and 3 years was 0·97 and 1·25 mm for the short implants, 0·82 and 0·87 mm for regular implants and 0·87 and 0·98 mm for long implants. Three patients presented 4 short‐length implants with peri‐implant pockets (3 implants in 2 patients were pseudo‐pockets). Mechanical complications were registered in 13 patients (7 provisional prostheses fractures and 6 abutment screw loosening). All complications were treated successfully. Within the limitations of this clinical study, the short‐term outcome of fixed prosthetic complete edentulous maxillae rehabilitations supported by short‐length implants inserted in low bone quantity areas is viable. Long‐term clinical studies are necessary for evaluating the outcome of these implants.
Physicians' attitudes toward medical screening in a dental setting
Authors: Greenberg Barbara L. , Thomas Pauline A. , Glick Michael , Kantor Mel L.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

We assessed primary care physicians' attitudes toward medical screening in a dental setting.

Methods

A 5‐point Likert scale (1 = very important/willing, 5 = very unimportant/unwilling) survey was mailed to a nationwide sample of primary care physicians in the United States. Descriptive statistics were used for all questions, and the Friedman nonparametric analysis of variance was used for multipart questions.

Results

Of 1,508 respondents, the majority felt it was valuable for dentists to conduct screening for cardiovascular disease (61 percent), hypertension (77 percent), diabetes mellitus (71 percent), and HIV infection (64 percent). Respondents were willing to discuss results with the dentist (76 percent), accept patient referrals (89 percent), and felt it was unimportant that the medical referral came from a dentist rather than a physician (52 percent). The most important consideration was patient willingness (mean rank 2.55), and the least important was duplication of roles (mean rank 3.52). Level of dentist's training was significantly (P < 0.05) more important than duplication of roles and reimbursement (mean ranks 2.84, 3.52, and 3.14, respectively), and significantly less important than patient willingness (mean rank 2.55).

Conclusions

Primary care physicians considered chairside medical screening in a dental setting to be valuable and worthwhile.
Mating type‐dependent partner sensing as mediated by VEL1 in Trichoderma reesei
Authors: Bazafkan Hoda , Dattenböck Christoph , Böhmdorfer Stefan , Tisch Doris , Stappler Eva , Schmoll Monika
Published: March 2015

Sexual development in the filamentous model ascomycete Trichoderma reesei (syn. Hypocrea jecorina) was described only a few years ago. In this study, we show a novel role for VELVET in fungi, which links light response, development and secondary metabolism. Vel1 is required for mating in darkness, normal growth and conidiation. In light, vel1 was dispensable for male fertility but essential for female fertility in both mating types. VEL1 impacted regulation of the pheromone system (hpr1, hpr2, hpp1, ppg1) in a mating type‐dependent manner and depending on the mating partner of a given strain. These partner effects only occurred for hpp1 and hpr2, the pheromone precursor and receptor genes associated with the MAT1‐2 mating type and for the mating type gene mat1‐2‐1. Analysis of secondary metabolite patterns secreted by wild type and mutants under asexual and sexual conditions revealed that even in the wild type, the patterns change upon encounter of a mating partner, with again distinct differences for wild type and vel1 mutants. Hence, T. reesei applies a language of pheromones and secondary metabolites to communicate with mating partners and that this communication is at least in part mediated by VEL1.
DNABII proteins play a central role in UPEC biofilm structure
Authors: Devaraj Aishwarya , Justice Sheryl S. , Bakaletz Lauren O. , Goodman Steven D.
Published: March 2015

Most chronic and recurrent bacterial infections involve a biofilm component, the foundation of which is the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is a conserved and key component of the EPS of pathogenic biofilms. The DNABII protein family includes integration host factor (IHF) and histone‐like protein (HU); both are present in the extracellular milieu. We have shown previously that the DNABII proteins are often found in association with eDNA and are critical for the structural integrity of bacterial communities that utilize eDNA as a matrix component. Here, we demonstrate that uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strain UTI89 incorporates eDNA within its biofilm matrix and that the DNABII proteins are not only important for biofilm growth, but are limiting; exogenous addition of these proteins promotes biofilm formation that is dependent on eDNA. In addition, we show that both subunits of IHF, yet only one subunit of HU (HupB), are critical for UPEC biofilm development. We discuss the roles of these proteins in context of the UPEC EPS.
Does response selection contribute to inhibition of return?
Authors: Wascher Edmund , Schneider Daniel , Hoffmann Sven
Published: March 2015

Inhibition of return (IOR) means delayed responses for targets at a cued compared to targets at an uncued location. It is assumed to reflect delayed reallocation of attention toward a previously attended location. Besides an attentional mechanism, IOR could also be due to a cue‐evoked inhibition to respond toward a cued target. In the present study, IOR with simple, compatible, and incompatible choice responses was compared and tracked by means of event‐related EEG activity. IOR was amplified with simple responses but did not differ between compatible and incompatible responses. Attention‐related ERP correlates were constant across cue target onset asynchronies as were, in part, behavioral effects. Early, rather sensory ERP components varied with time, reflecting sensory or attentional interaction of cue and target processing. None of these effects varied with response requirements, indicating that response selection does not contribute to IOR in manual choice response tasks.
Interorganizational innovation across geographic and cognitive boundaries: does firm size matter?
Authors: Dooley Lawrence , Kenny Breda , Cronin Michael
Published: March 2015

A key trend of recent literature is the increased use of interorganizational relationships to achieve organizational objectives. While the phenomenon of collaborative innovation has attracted significant academic interest in recent years, little research has been undertaken to examine how widespread the collaborative phenomenon is relative to organizational size or the diversity of partner organizations being leveraged for collaborative innovation activity. Consequently, this paper seeks to address two research questions. Firstly, the extent to which collaborative innovation is occurring within different sized firms that are research and development active, and secondly, are these different sized firms engaging in collaborative innovation activities with different types of partner organization. The results support earlier studies regarding the increasing practice by industry leveraging interorganizational collaborations in order to support innovation. Findings highlight that large‐scale firms are more active than SMEs in leveraging external resources for innovation and that small‐sized firms are the firm category least active in the practice. In addition, findings indicate that when small and medium‐ sized enterprises (SMEs) are collaborating, they leverage both vertical and horizontal partner linkages but that the sector is constrained by geographic distance in terms of the diversity of its collaborating partners.
Income and Fiscal Incidence by Age and Gender: Some Evidence fromNewZealand
Authors: Aziz Omar , Gemmell Norman , Laws Athene
Published: March 2015

With many fiscal policies likely to have quite different age/gender incidences, this paper examines age and gender dimensions of income distribution and fiscal incidence inNewZealand usingHouseholdEconomicSurvey data for 2010. Applying, and testing, an intra‐household income sharing rule, our evidence suggests strong life‐cycle and gender aspects to fiscal incidence. Net tax liabilities are found to be low and negative, at younger and older ages but positive during much of the “working age.” Notwithstanding considerable within‐gender heterogeneity, women are found on average to have systematically and persistently lower net fiscal liabilities than men, especially at older ages.
Understanding New Resource Projects
Authors: Clements Kenneth W. , Si Jiawei , Simpson Thomas
Published: March 2015

The surge in new resource projects has been a prominent feature of the recent strong performance of the Australian economy, with mining and energy investment accounting for almost one‐half of all private investment. Although the current round of resource investment has now peaked, as swings in the resource sector tend to repeat themselves, there is an ongoing need to carefully understand the available information sources. We use a specially developed panel of matched projects from three widely followed, but under‐researched, sources to analyze cost inflation, the biases, the degree of independence, and timeliness of each source. This information is of use to policy makers who have to closely monitor these developments, analysts following the resources sector, and project proponents wanting to know something about the typical cost profile of a project.
Productivity Trends in Advanced Countries between 1890 and 2012
Authors: Bergeaud Antonin , Cette Gilbert , Lecat Rémy
Published: March 2015

In order to examine productivity waves and convergence processes, we study productivity trends, trend breaks, and levels for 13 advanced countries between 1890 and 2012. We highlight two productivity waves, a big one following the second industrial revolution and a smaller one following the ICT revolution. The convergence process has been erratic, halted by inappropriate institutions, technology shocks, financial crises, and above all wars, which led to major productivity level leaps, downwards for countries experiencing war on their soil, and upwards for other countries. Productivity trend breaks have been identified following wars, global financial crises, global supply shocks, and major policy changes. The upward trend break for the U.S. in the mid‐1990s has been confirmed, as has the downward trend break for the euro area in the same period.