bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enthalpies of formation in the scandia‐zirconia system
Authors: Grosso Robson L. , Muccillo Eliana N. S. , Castro Ricardo H. R.
Published: April 2017

The scandia‐zirconia (ScZ) solid solutions have been attracting attention from the communities interested in solid‐oxide fuel cells because they possess the highest ionic conductivity among zirconia‐based materials. However, this system shows a relatively large number of polymorphs with lack of thermodynamic data to enable comprehensive phase control for property optimization. In this work, the enthalpy of formation of the ScZ system within the range 0–20 mol% Sc2O3 is determined by combining the surface energy values with enthalpy of drop solution data obtained from high‐temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry. The heats of formation, a key data for understanding phase stability, for five polymorphs: monoclinic (m), tetragonal (t), cubic (c), and rhombohedral (β and γ) are reported for the first time.
Modeling the combined effect of NaCl and pH against Cronobacter spp. using response surface methodology
Authors: Al‐Nabulsi Anas A. , Osaili Tareq M. , Mahmoud Kamel Z. , Ayyash Mutamed M. , Olaimat Amin N. , Shaker Reyad R. , Holley Richard A.
Published: April 2017

The growth response of Cronobacter spp. to different levels of NaCl and pH was investigated using response surface methodology. Brain heart infusion (BHI) broth containing 0 to 10% (w/v) NaCl at pH values of 4.5 to 8.0 was inoculated with a cocktail of 5 Cronobacter spp. The mixtures were incubated at 37°C and were sampled at intervals of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hr. Cronobacter spp. were recovered on tryptose soy agar and response surface methodology was employed to investigate the effect of NaCl, pH or their combination on growth and viability. At pH ≤ 5.0, the viability of Cronobacter spp.was reduced below the detection limit after 4 h. In addition, ≥6% NaCl significantly affected Cronobacter spp. growth. However, the interactive effects of pH at 5.5 and 2 to 4% NaCl reduced Cronobacter growth. The response surface analysis indicated that combining NaCl with pH would cause a significantly greater reduction in Cronobacter viability than would be caused by each factor alone. These results showed that Cronobacter may be controlled in food products by concentrations of NaCl ≤4% at pH values ≤5.5.

Practical applications

Cronobacter spp. have been isolated from a wide range of foods including cheese, meat, grains, herbs, spices, fermented bread, tofu, infant foods, and fermented beverages Cronobacter spp. have a remarkable ability to survive under a variety of environmental stresses including those involving low water activity (aw), acidic pH, osmotic challenge, and mild heating. In the current study, the results showed that the growth of Cronobacter in food products could be controlled by the combined effect of NaCl and pH at concentrations of NaCl ≤ 4% at pH values ≤ 5.5.
Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm bleeding one decade after caesarean section: A case report
Authors: Johannesson Liza , Mason Jennifer , Oehler Martin K.
Published: April 2017

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm (UAP) can cause severe secondary post‐partum hemorrhage. The lag time between the triggering event and the manifestation of UAP reportedly usually occurs within a couple of weeks. In this case report, a 46‐year‐old woman with no significant comorbidities presented with a one‐month history of increasing lower abdominal pain. She had previously undergone two cesarean sections (14 and 10 years earlier). A computed tomography angiogram revealed a left UAP. The patient was successfully treated by selective embolization and had an uneventful recovery. In our case, the time period between the cesarean section and presentation was approximately 10 years with no other potential causative factors. This case highlights that UAP should be included as a differential diagnosis in all female patients presenting with pelvic pain and pelvic bleeding. More specifically, UAP should be considered after a previous history of cesarean section, as a delayed diagnosis can result in serious morbidity and even mortality.
Use of fondaparinux for thromboprophylaxis in an unfractionated heparin‐intolerant pregnant woman with thrombotic predisposition
Authors: Haruta Shoji , Maruta Kana , Nakajima Yoshiyuki , Masaoka Naoki
Published: April 2017

A 34‐year‐old primigravida who had undergone thrombectomy for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in her leg and exhibited low protein S activity, indicating predisposition to thrombosis, developed DVT of the leg. No pulmonary embolism was detected. After anticoagulant therapy with unfractionated heparin was discontinued because of liver dysfunction, danaparoid treatment was administered in hospital. The patient had a normal delivery after 39 weeks' gestation with no recurrence of thrombosis. During her second pregnancy four years later, she gave herself fondaparinux injections. She delivered normally after 38 weeks' gestation without experiencing DVT. Fondaparinux may be a useful anticoagulant for heparin‐intolerant pregnant women.
Effectiveness of paracetamol versus ibuprofen administration in febrile children: A systematic literature review
Authors: Narayan Kaajal , Cooper Simon , Morphet Julia , Innes Kelli
Published: April 2017

Aim

The use of antipyretics to manage the febrile child is becoming increasingly popular. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are the most commonly used interventions to manage fever in children; however, there have been no comparative analyses. The aim of the study is to evaluate the evidence comparing paracetamol to ibuprofen in the treatment of fever in children.

Methods

A systematic review of randomised controlled trials investigating the administration of oral paracetamol and ibuprofen to reduce fever in children. Children aged 1 month to 12 years with a temperature between 37.5 and 41°C were included. A total of 3023 papers were identified. After removal of duplications, application of inclusion criteria and screening, eight papers were subjected to critical appraisal and included in this study.

Results

Six of the studies identified that ibuprofen was slightly, but not significantly, better at reducing fever in children than paracetamol. Dosage variances and route of temperature measurement ranged between studies, limiting the comparability of studies. While ibuprofen was reported to be marginally more effective at reducing fever and fever associated discomfort in children, there is insufficient data to conclude that ibuprofen is superior to paracetamol.

Conclusion

There is little evidence supporting the superior efficacy of paracetamol or ibuprofen in the treatment of fever in children with indications that both drugs are equally effective.
Bis(phenylimidazoselenazolyl) diselenide elicits antinociceptive effect by modulating myeloperoxidase activity, NOx and NFkB levels in the collagen-induced arthritis mouse model
Authors: Chagas Pietro M , Fulco Bruna C W , Sari Marcel H M , Roehrs Juliano A , Nogueira Cristina W
Published: April 2017

Bis(phenylimidazoselenazolyl) diselenide (BPIS) is an organoselenium with acute antinociceptive and antioxidant properties.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate BPIS effect on a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in mice.

Methods

Protocol of exposure consisted in arthritis induction by chicken collagen type II on day 0 with booster injection on day 21. On day 60 after collagen injection, incidence of mechanic allodynia (Von Frey test) or thermal hyperalgesia (hot plate test) was evaluated. During following 5 days, mice were treated with BPIS (0.1–1 mg/kg; p.o.; daily) or vehicle. On day 65, mice were killed, and paws and spinal cord were removed for analyses.

Key findings

Mice submitted to CIA model developed both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, which were reversed by BPIS at the highest dose. In paw, BPIS reversed the increase in myeloperoxidase activity in the CIA group. In the spinal cord, BPIS decreased NOx and NFkB levels increased in the CIA group. BPIS-treated animals had lower cyclooxygenase-2 levels in the spinal cord.

Conclusions

The myeloperoxidase activity in paw and NOx and NFkB levels in spinal cord are related to antinociceptive properties of BPIS in CIA model.
Parametric Spectral Discrimination
Authors: Grant Andrew J. , Quinn Barry G.
Published: April 2017

This article is concerned with determining whether two independent time series have been generated by underlying stochastic processes with the same spectral shape. There are many methods that do so using the periodogram. Alternative approaches test for the equality of a finite number of autocovariances or autocorrelations. Non‐parametric methods usually have low power when compared with parametric methods. The parametric approach we introduce fits autoregressions to the two time series and tests whether the model parameters are equal using a likelihood ratio test. The test performs well when the time series are from autoregressions. However, problems arise when this is not the case. A modification to the test is proposed, which fits fixed order autoregressions. Simulations show that the modified test performs well even when the two time series are not from autoregressive processes. The parametric approach is shown to outperform non‐parametric alternatives in a power study.
Neurobiological bases of reading disorder Part I: Etiological investigations
Authors: Xia Zhichao , Hancock Roeland , Hoeft Fumiko
Published: April 2017

While many studies have focused on identifying the neural and behavioral characteristics of decoding‐based reading disorder (RD, aka developmental dyslexia), the etiology of RD remains largely unknown and understudied. Because the brain plays an intermediate role between genetic factors and behavioral outcomes, it is promising to address causality from a neural perspective. In the current study, Part I of the two‐part review, we discuss neuroimaging approaches to addressing the causality issue and review the results of studies that have employed these approaches. We assume that if a neural signature were associated with RD etiology, it would (a) manifest across comparisons in different languages, (b) be experience independent and appear in comparisons between RD and reading‐matched controls, (c) be present both pre‐ and post‐intervention, (d) be found in at‐risk, pre‐reading children, and (e) be associated with genetic risk. We discuss each of these five characteristics in turn and summarize the studies that have examined each of them. The available literature provides evidence that anomalies in left temporo‐parietal cortex, and possibly occipito‐temporal cortex, may be closely related to the etiology of RD. Improved understanding of the etiology of RD can help improve the accuracy of early detection and enable targeted intervention of cognitive processes that are amenable to change, leading to improved outcomes in at‐risk or affected populations.
Reliability and Validity of the Persian Language Version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire ‐ Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ‐MLUTS)
Authors: POURMOMENY Abbas Ali , GHANEI Behnaz , ALIZADEH Farshid
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Assessment instruments are essential for research, allowing diagnosis and evaluating treatment outcomes in subjects with lower urinary tract disorders of both genders. The purpose of this study was to translate the Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (MLUTS) Questionnaire and determine its psychometric properties in Persian subjects.

Methods

After getting permission from the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire (ICIQ) web site, the forward and backward translation of the MLUTS questionnaire were carried out by researcher team. The content/face validity, construct validity and reliability were assessed in a sample of MLUTS Iranian patients by measuring with the Cronbach's alpha test.

Results

In total, 121 male patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 60.5 years. Cronbach alpha value was 0.757, consecrated the internal consistency of the form (r > 0.7). The internal consistency of each question was examined separately and found to be over 0.7. For the evaluation of reliability test‐retest was done, the test was administered to 20% of the patients for a second time with an interval of 1–2 weeks. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) score was 0.901. The Correlation coefficient between the MLUTS and International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) was 0.879.

Conclusions

ICIQ‐MLUTS is a robust instrument, which can be used for evaluating male LUTS in Persian patients. We believe that the Persian version of the MLUTS is an important tool for research and clinical setting.
Comparisons of the Clinical Outcomes and Urodynamic Effects of Mirabegron versus Tolterodine Treatment for Female Overactive Bladder Syndrome: A Subgroup Analysis of a Controlled, Randomised, Prospective Study
Authors: HSIAO Sheng‐Mou , CHANG Ting‐Chen , CHEN Chi‐Hau , WU Wen‐Yih , LIN Ho‐Hsiung
Published: April 2017

Objectives

The impact of mirabegron on clinical outcome and urodynamic parameters may be important for clinical practice. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes and urodynamic effects of mirabegron (Betmiga 50 mg) versus tolterodine (Detrusitol ER 4 mg) treatment for women with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB).

Methods

Women with OAB were randomized to receive 12 weeks of mirabegron 50 mg, tolterodine extended‐release 4 mg or placebo treatment. The clinical outcomes and urodynamic effects were compared between the subgroups.

Results

Thirty‐three women completed 12 weeks of mirabegron (n = 12), tolterodine (n = 12) or placebo (n = 9) treatment. A significant increase in the volumes at strong desire to void and a decrease in the daytime frequency episodes were identified in the mirabegron and tolterodine groups (all P < 0.05). Nonetheless, a decrease in the total voided volume was identified following mirabegron treatment but not tolterodine (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Mirabegron and tolterodine exhibit similar changes in the urodynamics and bladder diary parameters. However, mirabegron may decrease the total voided volume. These findings may serve as an initial guide or assist in consultations regarding the treatment of OAB patients with mirabegron.
Differential gene expression in narrow‐ and broad‐headed European glass eels (Anguilla anguilla) points to a transcriptomic link of head shape dimorphism with growth rate and chemotaxis
Authors: De Meyer J. , Maes G.E. , Dirks R.P. , Adriaens D.
Published: April 2017

One of the major challenges in evolutionary biology is to understand the mechanisms underlying morphological dimorphism and plasticity, including the genomic basis of traits and links to ecology. At the yellow eel stage of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), two morphotypes are found: broad‐ and narrow‐heads. This dimorphism has been linked to dietary differences, with broad‐heads feeding on harder, larger prey than narrow‐heads. However, recent research showed that both morphotypes could be distinguished at the glass eel stage, the nonfeeding predecessor of the yellow eel stage, implying that nondietary factors play a role in the development of this head shape dimorphism. Here, we used transcriptome profiling (RNAseq) to identify differentially expressed genes between broad‐ and narrow‐headed glass eels. We found 260 significantly differentially expressed genes between the morphotypes, of which most were related to defence and immune responses. Interestingly, two genes involved in growth (soma and igf2) were significantly upregulated in narrow‐heads, while nine genes involved in chemotaxis showed significant differential expression. Thus, we found support for the observation that head shape is associated with somatic growth, with fast‐growing eels developing a narrower head. Additionally, observations in the wild have shown that slow‐growers prefer freshwater, while fast‐growers prefer brackish water. The differential expression of genes involved in chemotaxis seems to indicate that glass eel growth rate and habitat choice are linked. We hypothesize that two levels of segregation could take place in the European eel: first according to habitat choice and second according to feeding preference.
Tabula rasa in the Patagonian Channels? The phylogeography of Oreobolus obtusangulus (Cyperaceae)
Authors: Pfanzelt Simon , Albach Dirk C. , von Hagen Klaus Bernhard
Published: April 2017

The extent of the Pleistocene glaciations in the Patagonian Channel region (southwesternmost South America) and their impact on the vegetation there are largely unknown. Whether the regional flora was wiped out completely (tabula rasa) or survived in ice‐free pockets (in situ survival) is still an open question. The molecular imprint of either scenario should still be visible in extant populations. Therefore, DNA sequence data of Oreobolus obtusangulus Gaudich. (Cyperaceae) were analysed. This species is an abundant constituent of Patagonian cushion peat bogs, one of the Patagonian Channel region's major vegetation types. Three hundred and eighty‐four individuals from 48 populations were sequenced for two chloroplast (ycf3‐psaA and trnQUUG‐psbK intergenic spacers) and 14 nuclear loci containing simple sequence repeats (SSRs; microsatellites). Phylogenetic reconstructions and the geographic distribution of genetic diversity revealed that the species was split into three main lineages whose general distributions comprise three separate major regions, that is, south‐central Chile, Fuego‐Patagonia and the East Patagonian Andes, which probably constitute glacial refugia. Postglacial migration fronts formed a suture zone with high levels of genetic diversity in the Northwest Patagonian Andes, where remnants of a supposedly ancestral lineage were also found to be locally restricted to a single population (Huinay). The heavily glaciated Patagonian Channels were likely recolonized from the northwest, and partly from the south. Although the westernmost Patagonian Channel population (Estero Bachem) harboured private SSR alleles (singletons) and showed slightly elevated genetic diversity, it remained unclear whether this population actually survived in situ. This study helps fill a major gap in reconstructing the Pleistocene vegetation history of West and Andean Patagonia.
Insights into deep‐sea adaptations and host–symbiont interactions: A comparative transcriptome study on Bathymodiolus mussels and their coastal relatives
Authors: Zheng Ping , Wang Minxiao , Li Chaolun , Sun Xiaoqing , Wang Xiaocheng , Sun Yan , Sun Song
Published: April 2017

Mussels (Bivalve: Mytilidae) have adapted to various habitats, from fresh water to the deep sea. To understand their adaptive characteristics in different habitats, particularly in the bathymodiolin mussels in deep‐sea chemosynthetic ecosystems, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis between deep‐sea bathymodiolin mussels and their shallow‐water relatives. A number of gene families related to stress responses were shared across all mussels, without specific or significantly expanded families in deep‐sea species, indicating that all mussels are capable of adapting to diverse harsh environments, but that different members of the same gene family may be preferentially utilized by different species. One of the most extraordinary trait of bathymodiolin mussels is their endosymbiosis. Lineage‐specific and positively selected TLRs and highly expressed C1QDC proteins were identified in the gills of the bathymodiolins, suggesting their possible functions in symbiont recognition. However, pattern recognition receptors of the bathymodiolins were globally reduced, facilitating the invasion and maintenance of the symbionts obtained by either endocytosis or phagocytosis. Additionally, various transporters were positively selected or more highly expressed in the deep‐sea mussels, indicating a means by which necessary materials could be provided for the symbionts. Key genes supporting lysosomal activity were also positively selected or more highly expressed in the deep‐sea mussels, suggesting that nutrition fixed by the symbionts can be absorbed in a “farming” way wherein the symbionts are digested by lysosomes. Regulation of key physiological processes including lysosome activity, apoptosis and immune reactions is needed to maintain a stable host–symbiont relationship, but the mechanisms are still unclear.
The Legitimacy of Pseudo‐Expert Discourse in the Public Sphere
Authors: Sorial Sarah
Published: April 2017

This article examines the role of expertise in public debate, specifically the ways in which expertise can be mimicked and deployed as “pseudo‐expert discourse” to generate legitimacy for views that have otherwise been discredited. The article argues that pseudo‐expert discourse having a clear public health or safety impact should be regulated. There have been some attempts to legally regulate this speech through various means; however, these attempts at regulation have been met with fierce resistance, because of free‐speech concerns. The article suggests that these appeals to free speech in the context of pseudo‐expert discourse are both misguided and misplaced. Moreover, because speakers with the relevant expertise or perceived expertise are able to secure uptake of their views, they have a moral responsibility to not deceive or mislead audiences, and may also have various legal responsibilities.
Fanciful Examples
Authors: Stoner Ian , Swartwood Jason
Published: April 2017

This article defends the use of fanciful examples within the method of wide reflective equilibrium. First, it characterizes the general persuasive role of described cases within that method. Second, it suggests three criteria any example must meet in order to succeed in this persuasive role; fancifulness has little or nothing to do with whether an example is able to meet these criteria. Third, it discusses several general objections to fanciful examples and concludes that they are objections to the abuse of described cases; they identify no special problem with fanciful examples.
Why Not Open the Black Box of Journal Editing in Philosophy? Make Peer Reviews of Published Papers Available
Authors: Schaffalitzky de Muckadell Caroline , Petersen Esben Nedenskov
Published: April 2017

Despite general agreement within philosophy that peer review is indispensable, its fairness and reliability is often questioned. This article suggests that such worries can to a large extent be met by adopting the practice that reviews as well as earlier versions of papers are made publicly available when the final version of a paper is published. This suggestion combines the advantages of transparency with the merits of anonymity of reviewers. While there are obstacles to this suggestion, the article argues that it would be worthwhile to implement it because it can help map patterns of conduct and secure confidence in the fairness and reliability of review procedures and journal editing within philosophy.
Predictors of health‐related quality of life among industrial workers: A descriptive correlational study
Authors: Malak Malakeh Z.
Published: April 2017

Assessment and evaluation of the health‐related quality of life of industrial workers is an important research focus. This descriptive correlational study identifies the predictors of health‐related quality of life using a random sampling of industrial workers (n = 640) from construction factories in Amman Governorate in Jordan using demographic characteristics, a health and work‐related factors questionnaire, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life‐Brief scale. Results showed that industrial workers had good physical health but a poor working environment. There was a statistically significant relationship between educational level, conflict between work and individual life and work and social life, working hours, and workload, and all domains of health‐related quality of life. Overall, educational level was the main predictor for all domains of health‐related quality of life. Such results confirm the need to develop appropriate interventions and strategies to improve workers' health‐related quality of life. Furthermore, developing an integrated approach among policymakers, employers, and work organizations to enhance industrial workers' occupational health programs could be effective.
Review of nutrition guidelines relevant for adolescents in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Lassi Zohra S. , Mansoor Tarab , Salam Rehana A. , Bhutta Shereen Z. , Das Jai K. , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: April 2017

The economic and social well‐being of any country will one day depend on its current adolescent population. To provide a good foundation for healthy adolescent development, healthy diet, along with physical activity and adequate nutrients, is necessary. Therefore, addressing the nutrition needs of adolescents could be an important step toward breaking the vicious cycle of intergenerational malnutrition, chronic diseases, and poverty. These problems could be addressed with timely recognition and appropriately delivered interventions. Our aim here is to review the existing guidelines on various aspects of nutrition interventions for adolescents and young women. We review all of the major existing guidelines on adolescent nutrition. We were able to find 18 guideline bodies that covered some form of nutritional advice in guidelines that targeted adolescents. Although the guidelines that focus specifically on this age group are limited in scope, we also extrapolated recommendations from guidelines focused on adults, women of reproductive age, and pregnant women, which were based on evidence that included populations of adolescent girls. We were able to extract and synthesize specific directives for nutrition in adolescents, macro‐ and micronutrient supplementation, exercise, obesity, and nutrition during preconception, pregnancy, and the postconception period.
On the Identification of Interdependence and Contagion of Financial Crises
Authors: Bacchiocchi Emanuele
Published: April 2017

In this paper we propose a new framework for modelling heteroskedastic structural vector autoregressions. The identification of the structural parameters is obtained by exploiting the heteroskedasticity in the data naturally arising during crisis periods. More precisely, we provide identification conditions when heteroskedasticity and traditional restrictions on the parameters are jointly considered. Although the framework is general enough to find potential applications in many empirical economic fields, it proves to be well suited for distinguishing between interdependence and contagion in the literature related to the transmission of financial crises. This methodology is used to investigate the relationships between sovereign bond yields for some highly indebted EU countries.
Interactive effects of productivity and predation on zooplankton diversity
Authors: Asgari Mitra , Steiner Christopher F.
Published: April 2017

Recent studies suggest the necessity of understanding the interactive effects of predation and productivity on species coexistence and prey diversity. Models predict that coexistence of prey species with different competitive abilities can be achieved if inferior resource competitors are less susceptible to predation and if productivity and/or predation pressure are at intermediate levels. Hence, predator effects on prey diversity are predicted to be highly context dependent: enhancing diversity from low to intermediate levels of productivity or predation and reducing diversity of prey at high levels of productivity or predation. While several studies have examined the interactive effects of herbivory and productivity on primary producer diversity, experimental studies of such effects in predator‐prey systems are rare. We tested these predictions using an aquatic field mesocosm experiment in which initial density of the zooplankton predator Notonecta undulata and productivity were manipulated to test their interactive effects on diversity of seven zooplankton, cladoceran species that were common in surrounding ponds. Two productivity levels were imposed via phosphorus enrichment at levels comparable to low and intermediate levels found within neighboring natural ponds. We used open systems to allow for natural dispersal and behaviorally‐mediated numerical responses by the flight‐capable predator. Effects of predators on zooplankton diversity depended on productivity level. At low and high productivity, prey species richness declined while at high productivity it showed a unimodal relationship with increasing the predator density. Effects of treatments were weaker when using Pielou's evenness index or the inverse Simpson index as measures of prey diversity. Our findings are generally consistent with model predictions in which predators can facilitate prey coexistence and diversity at intermediate levels of productivity and predation intensity. Our work also shows that the functional form of the relationship between prey diversity and predation intensity can be complex and highly dependent on environmental context.
Avoiding erroneous citations in ecological research: read before you apply
Authors: Šigut Martin , Šigutová Hana , Pyszko Petr , Dolný Aleš , Drozdová Michaela , Drozd Pavel
Published: April 2017

The Shannon–Wiener index is a popular nonparametric metric widely used in ecological research as a measure of species diversity. We used the Web of Science database to examine cases where papers published from 1990 to 2015 mislabelled this index. We provide detailed insights into causes potentially affecting use of the wrong name ‘Weaver’ instead of the correct ‘Wiener’. Basic science serves as a fundamental information source for applied research, so we emphasize the effect of the type of research (applied or basic) on the incidence of the error. Biological research, especially applied studies, increasingly uses indices, even though some researchers have strongly criticized their use. Applied research papers had a higher frequency of the wrong index name than did basic research papers. The mislabeling frequency decreased in both categories over the 25‐year period, although the decrease lagged in applied research. Moreover, the index use and mistake proportion differed by region and authors’ countries of origin. Our study also provides insight into citation culture, and results suggest that almost 50% of authors have not actually read their cited sources. Applied research scientists in particular should be more cautious during manuscript preparation, carefully select sources from basic research, and read theoretical background articles before they apply the theories to their research. Moreover, theoretical ecologists should liaise with applied researchers and present their research for the broader scientific community. Researchers should point out known, often‐repeated errors and phenomena not only in specialized books and journals but also in widely used and fundamental literature.
Transesophageal and invasive electrophysiologic evaluation in children with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White pattern
Authors: Koca Serhat , Pac Feyza Aysenur , Kavurt Ahmet Vedat , Cay Serkan , Mihcioglu Ajda , Aras Dursun , Topaloglu Serkan
Published: April 2017

Background

Risk stratification for Wolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) pattern either by noninvasive or invasive tests is important to determine whether an ablation is necessary or not. The aim was to compare noninvasive tests and invasive studies in a pediatric WPW population.

Methods

A total of 71 WPW patients (median age 14 years [interquartile range, 11–16 years]; 43 male) underwent Holter monitoring, exercise stress test (EST), and transesophageal electrophysiological study (TEEPS). In the case of a ≤270‐ms effective refractory period of accessory pathway or induction of supraventricular tachycardia using TEEPS, patients were classified as high risk and underwent invasive electrophysiological study (EPS).

Results

Nine of 23 patients with low risk by Holter and eight of 26 patients with low risk by EST had high risk in TEEPS. Risky TEEPS results were detected in 42 of 71 patients and those patients underwent EPS. High‐risk characteristic in EPS was detected in seven of nine patients with low risk by Holter and in seven of eight with low risk by EST. Both tests yielded moderate specificity (52–69%) and negative predictive value (61–69%) according to TEEPS.

Conclusion

Holter and EST have low predictive value in WPW risk stratification. However, TEEPS and EPS are extremely valuable in WPW risk stratification. TEEPS may reveal important and useful results for WPW risk determination, especially in small children not having undergone EPS in order to avoid its complications.
Atrial undersensing secondary to quiet timer blanking in pediatric and congenital heart disease patients
Authors: von Alvensleben Johannes C. , Schaffer Michael , Brateng Caitlin , Collins Kathryn K.
Published: April 2017

Background

Atrial undersensing despite normal atrial lead parameters and high amplitude electrograms has been described in adult patients as a consequence of atrial amplifier saturation. Repetitive inputs cause amplifier ringing and undersensing occurs as a consequence of quiet timer blanking. High amplitude ventricular electrograms can also result in atrial blanking secondary to cross‐chamber effect. This has not been described in pediatric patients or epicardial pacing systems and specific risk factors are not known. We describe five cases of atrial undersensing in pediatric and congenital heart disease patients with epicardial dual‐chamber systems and high ventricular lead outputs.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients with dual‐chamber pacing systems cared for at the Heart Institute at Children's Hospital Colorado.

Results

Five cases of atrial undersensing with normal atrial lead parameters were found. All were epicardial systems with acceptable lead parameters at implantation and Medtronic (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) generators with unipolar leads. Ventricular pacing outputs were elevated at presentation, median 5.5 V (5–7.5). Presenting symptoms were exercise intolerance (four) and detection on routine monitoring (one). Successful interventions included reduction in ventricular lead pacing output (one), programming of rate response (two), and implantation of an alternative generator manufacturer (two).

Conclusion

Atrial undersensing secondary to amplifier ringing and quiet timer blanking is an uncommon presentation but may be clinically important in patients with unipolar epicardial atrial leads and high pacing outputs from ventricular leads.
Continuum Electrostatic Calculation on Bovine Rhodopsin: Protonation and the Effect of the Membrane Potential
Authors: Bombarda Elisa , Ullmann G. Matthias
Published: April 2017

In this work, we calculate the protonation probabilities of titratable residues of bovine rhodopsin using the Poisson–Boltzmann equation. We also consider the influence of the membrane potential. Our results indicate that at physiological pH, the titratable groups directly involved in photosensing, namely Glu113, Glu181 and the retinal Schiff base, are charged. In contrast, the residues Asp83, Glu122 and His211, which are buried in the membrane, are uncharged. However, as these later residues are localized in the middle of the membrane, they are exposed to the membrane potential more strongly, which may have important functional implications. Despite of their large distance, Asp83 and Glu122 interact relatively strongly. As these two residues are in contact with opposite sides of the membrane, the membrane potential has different effects on them, which allows an enhancement of the membrane potential signal. An analysis of the different contributions to the protonation energy indicates that conformational changes that reduce the desolvation penalty of Asp83, Glu122 and His211 may lead to a complex protonation pattern change that allows an influence of the membrane potential on the function of rhodopsin. The high degree of evolutionary conservation of these three buried residues supports the idea of their functional importance. Our results are in‐line with many experimental findings and lead to new ideas that can be experimentally tested.
Product–service innovation and performance: the role of collaborative partnerships and R&D intensity
Authors: Bustinza Oscar F. , Gomes Emanuel , Vendrell‐Herrero Ferran , Baines Tim
Published: April 2017

Treating the intersection of the strategic partnerships, R&D intensity and servitisation literatures, this study explores empirically whether external collaborative service development and provision and industrial R&D intensity help to unpack the complex relation between product–service innovation (servitisation) and performance. We argue that manufacturing firms implementing services benefit from strategic partnerships with Knowledge‐Intensive Business Service (KIBS) firms. KIBS partnering provides opportunities for downsizing, externalising risks and sharing knowledge. Additionally, manufacturers in R&D‐intensive industries are more likely to benefit from implementing service provision than firms in other sectors because of industry dynamics and reduced customer uncertainty. The study surveys executives in 370 large manufacturers worldwide. Results reinforce the importance of concentric strategic partnerships to successful product–service innovation in high R&D industries.
Three‐Stage Decision‐Making Model under Restricted Conditions for Emergency Response to Ships Not under Control
Authors: Wu Bing , Yan Xinping , Wang Yang , Zhang Di , Guedes Soares C.
Published: April 2017

A ship that is not under control (NUC) is a typical incident that poses serious problems when in confined waters close to shore. The emergency response to NUC ships is to select the best risk control options, which is a challenge in restricted conditions (e.g., time limitation, resource constraint, and information asymmetry), particularly in inland waterway transportation. To enable a quick and effective response, this article develops a three‐stage decision‐making framework for NUC ship handling. The core of this method is (1) to propose feasible options for each involved entity (e.g., maritime safety administration, NUC ship, and ships passing by) under resource constraint in the first stage, (2) to select the most feasible options by comparing the similarity of the new case and existing cases in the second stage, and (3) to make decisions considering the cooperation between the involved organizations by using a developed Bayesian network in the third stage. Consequently, this work provides a useful tool to achieve well‐organized management of NUC ships.
A Bayesian Belief Network Model Assessing the Risk to Wastewater Workers of Contracting Ebola Virus Disease During an Outbreak
Authors: Zabinski Joseph W. , Pieper Kelsey J. , Gibson Jacqueline MacDonald
Published: April 2017

During an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD), hospitals’ connections to municipal wastewater systems may provide a path for patient waste bearing infectious viral particles to pass from the hospital into the wastewater treatment system, potentially posing risks to sewer and wastewater workers. To quantify these risks, we developed a Bayesian belief network model incorporating data on virus behavior and survival along with structural characteristics of hospitals and wastewater treatment systems. We applied the model to assess risks under several different scenarios of workers’ exposure to wastewater for a wastewater system typical of a mid‐sized U.S. city. The model calculates a median daily risk of developing EVD of approximately 6.1×10−12 (90% confidence interval: 1.0×10−12 to 5.4×10−9; mean 1.8×10−6) when no prior exposure conditions are specified. Under a worst‐case scenario in which a worker stationed in the sewer adjacent to the hospital accidentally ingests several drops (0.35 mL) of wastewater, median risk is 5.8×10−4 (90% CI: 8.8×10−7 to 9.5×10−2; mean 3.2×10−2) . Disinfection of patient waste with peracetic acid for 15 minutes prior to flushing decreases the estimated median risk to 3.8×10−7 (90% CI: 4.1×10−9 to 8.6×10−5; mean 2.9×10−5). The results suggest that requiring hospitals to disinfect EVD patient waste prior to flushing may be advisable. The modeling framework can provide insight into managing patient waste during future outbreaks of highly virulent infectious pathogens.
For Refugees, the Road to Employment in the United States Is Paved With Workable Uncertainties and Controversies
Authors: Koyama Jill
Published: April 2017

Drawing on data—including survey responses, interviews, documents, and participant observation—collected during a 26‐month ethnography of refugees in a northeastern U.S. city, I examine how recently arrived refugees create and access new employment opportunities. I utilize actor‐network theory (ANT) to examine refugees' linkages as emerging, temporal, and fluid. I empirically trace the drawing together of, and interaction among, individual refugees, formal organizations, new cultural ideas, and a myriad of material objects. I examine the connections between the uncertainties about actors, action, and agency that point to the need to understand society as sociomaterial networks. I analyze the controversies that are deployed in an emerging assemblage as the refugees entered the paid workforce in the United States. I am guided by a broad question: How are meaning, knowledge, and facts that come to make up a network actually made, maintained, remade, and, sometimes, undone? I demonstrate that putting assemblage to work offers insights into the ways in which heterogeneous elements come together in often unanticipated ways to create stable, even if temporary, employment networks for refugees in the United States.
Academic and private practice partnerships in veterinary radiology residency training
Authors: Fischetti Anthony J. , Shiroma Jon T. , Poteet Brian A.
Published: April 2017

As veterinary radiologists devote greater time to telemedicine consultation, residency training must evolve to reflect the skills of these services. The contribution of private practice/consultant radiologists to residency training has traditionally been minimal but academic and private practice partnerships in education and research can provide the framework for a well‐rounded residency. These partnerships can also lessen the impact of workforce shortages in academia and provide financial compensation to academicians through external consultation. The purpose of this commentary is to review existing collaborative interactions between academic and private practice veterinary radiologists; with a focus on ways to sustain, improve, and cautiously increase the number of veterinary radiology training programs.
Inhibition of TGF‐β signaling promotes expansion of human epidermal keratinocytes in feeder cell co‐culture
Authors: Suzuki Daisuke , Pinto Filipa , Senoo Makoto
Published: April 2017

Cultured epidermal autografts have been used worldwide since 1981 for patients with extensive third‐degree burn wounds and limited skin donor sites. Despite significant progress in techniques toward improving clinical outcome of skin grafts, the long in vitro preparation time of cultured autografts has remained a major factor limiting its widespread use. Here, we show that pharmacological inhibition of TGF‐β signaling promotes the expansion of human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) with high proliferative potential in co‐cultures with both murine 3T3‐J2 cells and human feeder cells, including dermal fibroblasts and preadipocytes. In contrast, TGF‐β signaling inhibition does not enhance the growth of HEKs in a serum‐ and feeder‐free condition, an alternative approach to propagate HEKs for subsequent autograft production. Our results have important implications for the use of TGF‐β signaling inhibition as a viable therapeutic strategy for improving Green's methodology and for more efficient production of customized skin autografts with human feeder cells.
Artist-Teachers' In-action Mental Models While Teaching Visual Arts
Authors: Russo-Zimet Gila
Published: April 2017

Studies have examined the assumption that teachers have previous perceptions, beliefs and knowledge about learning (Cochran-Smith & Villegas, 2015).This study presented the In-Action Mental Model of twenty leading artist-teachers while teaching Visual Arts in three Israeli art institutions of higher Education. Data was collected in two stages: videotaping of art lessons and stimulated recall interviews.Data was analyzed in three steps: Three artists-teachers' data was analyzed and based on the results, explicit (behavioral) and implicit (mental models) categories were built. In the second step, all the categories were analyzed in accordance to the three teachers' data. In the third step, data collected only from the artist-teacher that used different lesson patterns in the same lesson was analyzed.The teacher's mental model is influenced by the subject matter – visual arts. As evidence, the general mental model (Mevorach & Strauss, 2012) does not include all the components of the in-action mental model of teachers teaching visual arts. The characteristics of various types of subject matters may contribute to the understanding of the in-action mental model of teaching, and understand how these subject matters influence the in-action mental model, and the Teaching Model as a whole.
A Critical Question: Can we Trust Smartphone Survey Data?
Authors: Tuncer Murat
Published: April 2017

The main aim of this study is to determine whether a significant difference exits among data collection with printed materials and with smart phones. The research was conducted with 282 teacher candidates who take pedagogical formation training. Three data collection tools were used throughout the study. As the results of the current research, no significant differences were obtained among attitude scores towards teaching profession with regard to common effect of application method and faculty variables. However, significant differences in participant opinions were determined among different application methods (smartphone and printed) of Metacognitive Thinking Skills and Information Literacy Scales. In addition, no significant difference was found among opinions towards Metacognitive Thinking Skills and Information Literacy Scales with regard to common effect of application method and faculty variables. Based on these research findings, it is not recommended to distribute survey items containing technical information or some complex expressions via smartphones. Relations among the questionnaire content and the department of education confirm this situation.