bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deciphering the virus‐to‐prokaryote ratio (VPR): insights into virus–host relationships in a variety of ecosystems
Authors: Parikka Kaarle J. , Le Romancer Marc , Wauters Nina , Jacquet Stéphan
Published: April 2016

The discovery of the numerical importance of viruses in a variety of (aquatic) ecosystems has changed our perception of their importance in microbial processes. Bacteria and Archaea undoubtedly represent the most abundant cellular life forms on Earth and past estimates of viral numbers (represented mainly by viruses infecting prokaryotes) have indicated abundances at least one order of magnitude higher than that of their cellular hosts. Such dominance has been reflected most often by the virus‐to‐prokaryote ratio (VPR), proposed as a proxy for the relationship between viral and prokaryotic communities. VPR values have been discussed in the literature to express viral numerical dominance (or absence of it) over their cellular hosts, but the ecological meaning and interpretation of this ratio has remained somewhat nebulous or contradictory. We gathered data from 210 publications (and additional unpublished data) on viral ecology with the aim of exploring VPR. The results are presented in three parts: the first consists of an overview of the minimal, maximal and calculated average VPR values in an extensive variety of different environments. Results indicate that VPR values fluctuate over six orders of magnitude, with variations observed within each ecosystem. The second part investigates the relationship between VPR and other indices, in order to assess whether VPR can provide insights into virus–host relationships. A positive relationship was found between VPR and viral abundance (VA), frequency of visibly infected cells (FVIC), burst size (BS), frequency of lysogenic cells (FLC) and chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentration. An inverse relationship was detected between VPR and prokaryotic abundance (PA) (in sediments), prokaryotic production (PP) and virus–host contact rates (VCR) as well as salinity and temperature. No significant relationship was found between VPR and viral production (VP), fraction of mortality from viral lysis (FMVL), viral decay rate (VDR), viral turnover (VT) or depth. Finally, we summarize our results by proposing two scenarios in two contrasting environments, based on current theories on viral ecology as well as the present results. We conclude that since VPR fluctuates in every habitat for different reasons, as it is linked to a multitude of factors related to virus–host dynamics, extreme caution should be used when inferring relationships between viruses and their hosts. Furthermore, we posit that the VPR is only useful in specific, controlled conditions, e.g. for the monitoring of fluctuations in viral and host abundance over time.
Mental health provision in schools: priority, facilitators and barriers in 10 European countries
Authors: Patalay Praveetha , Giese Laura , Stanković Miloš , Curtin Catriona , Moltrecht Bettina , Gondek Dawid
Published: April 2016

Background

Although schools are a key setting for the provision of mental health support for young people, little is known about the facilitators and barriers for providing such support. This study aimed to collect information from schools in 10 European countries regarding the priority given to mental health support for students, existence of a mental health‐related school policy, links with relevant external agencies, schools’ perceptions on whether they are providing sufficient mental health support and the barriers to provision of mental health support.

Methods

Data from 1346 schools were collected in France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and Ukraine through an online survey.

Results

Around 3% of the surveyed schools indicated that mental health provision was not a priority, compared to 47% indicating that it was a high/essential priority. More than half the surveyed schools did not implement a school policy regarding mental health. Half the surveyed schools reported not providing sufficient support with the key barriers identified including limited staff capacity, funding, access to specialists and lack of national policy and less than a third of schools reported good or excellent links with local mental health services. However, the responses varied by country with 8–19% between‐country variation across the study outcomes. Secondary schools reported significantly better links with agencies, were more likely to have a school policy and were less likely to indicate having sufficient existing support compared to primary schools. Privately funded schools reported that mental health support was a higher priority and identified less barriers to provision compared to publicly funded schools.

Conclusions

This study provides an up‐to‐date and cross‐country insight into schools’ perceptions regarding priority given to mental health support and the barriers they face in providing sufficient mental health and wellbeing support for their students. The cross‐country comparisons allow for a better understanding of the relationships between policy, practice and implementation and provide a platform for shared experiences and learning.
Utility of KRAS mutation detection using circulating cell‐free DNA from patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Yamada Takeshi , Iwai Takuma , Takahashi Goro , Kan Hayato , Koizumi Michihiro , Matsuda Akihisa , Shinji Seiichi , Yamagishi Aya , Yokoyama Yasuyuki , Tatsuguchi Atsushi , Kawagoe Tatsuro , Kitano Shiro , Nakayama Masato , Matsumoto Satoshi , Uchida Eiji
Published: April 2016

In this study, we evaluated the clinical utility of detecting KRAS mutations in circulating cell‐free (ccf)DNA of metastatic colorectal cancer patients. We prospectively recruited 94 metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Circulating cell‐free DNA was extracted from plasma samples and analyzed for the presence of seven KRAS point mutations. Using the Invader Plus assay with peptide nucleic acid clamping method and digital PCR, KRAS mutations were detected in the ccfDNA in 35 of 39 patients previously determined to have primary tumors containing KRAS mutations using the Luminex method, and in 5 of 55 patients with tumors containing wild‐type KRAS. Curative resection was undertaken in 7 of 34 patients with primary and ccfDNA KRAS mutations, resulting in the disappearance of the mutation from the cell‐free DNA in five of seven patients. Three of these patients had tumor recurrence and KRAS mutations in their ccfDNA reappeared. Epidermal growth factor receptor blockade was administered to 24 of the KRAS tumor wild‐type patients. Of the 24 patients with wild‐type KRAS in their primary tumors, three patients had KRAS mutations in their ccfDNA and did not respond to treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) blockade. We also detected a new KRAS mutation in five patients during chemotherapy with EGFR blockade, before disease progression was detectable with imaging. The detection of KRAS mutations in ccfDNA is an attractive approach for predicting both treatment response and acquired resistance to EGFR blockade, and for detecting disease recurrence.
The complement receptor 3 (CD11b/CD18) agonist Leukadherin-1 suppresses human innate inflammatory signalling
Authors: Roberts A L , Fürnrohr B G , Vyse T J , Rhodes B
Published: April 2016

Complement receptor 3 (CR3, CD11b/CD18) is a multi-functional receptor expressed predominantly on myeloid and natural killer (NK) cells. The R77H variant of CD11b, encoded by the ITGAM rs1143679 polymorphism, is associated robustly with development of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and impairs CR3 function, including its regulatory role on monocyte immune signalling. The role of CR3 in NK cell function is unknown. Leukadherin-1 is a specific small-molecule CR3 agonist that has shown therapeutic promise in animal models of vascular injury and inflammation. We show that Leukadherin-1 pretreatment reduces secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β by monokine-stimulated NK cells. It was associated with a reduction in phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription (pSTAT)-5 following interleukin (IL)-12 + IL-15 stimulation (P < 0·02) and increased IL-10 secretion following IL-12 + IL-18 stimulation (P < 0·001). Leukadherin-1 pretreatment also reduces secretion of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF by Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 and TLR-7/8-stimulated monocytes (P < 0·01 for all). The R77H variant did not affect NK cell response to Leukadherin-1 using ex-vivo cells from homozygous donors; nor did the variant influence CR3 expression by these cell types, in contrast to a recent report. These data extend our understanding of CR3 biology by demonstrating that activation potently modifies innate immune inflammatory signalling, including a previously undocumented role in NK cell function. We discuss the potential relevance of this to the pathogenesis of SLE. Leukadherin-1 appears to mediate its anti-inflammatory effect irrespective of the SLE-risk genotype of CR3, providing further evidence to support its evaluation of Leukadherin-1 as a potential therapeutic for autoimmune disease.
Introduction to Special Issue Colonialism, Law, and the City: The Politics of Urban Indigeneity
Authors: GAGNÉ NATACHA , TRÉPIED BENOÎT
Published: April 2016

Video Abstract:https://youtu.be/RKa_9TQNONk
Outcomes in endoscopic sinus surgery: olfaction, nose scale and quality of life in a prospective cohort study
Authors: Andrews P.J. , Poirrier A.‐L. , Lund V.J. , Choi D.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To determine the efficacy of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on olfactory function in chronic rhinosinusitis patients with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) and to compare the nasal obstruction and symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale before and after surgery.

Design

A prospective cohort study

Setting

Royal National Throat and Nose and Ear Hospital, London UK.

Participants

One hundred and thirteen patients with CRS; 60 CRSwNP and 53 CRSsNP.

Outcome measurements

Olfaction was measured using both the University of Pennsylvania Smell Investigation Test (UPSIT) and the ‘sense of smell’ visual analogue scale (VAS). The NOSE scale, the sinonasal outcome test (SNOT 22) and the Lund–Kennedy (LK) surgeon reported scores were also measured pre‐ and postoperatively at 6 months.

Results

The UPSIT psychophysical measurement significantly improved following ESS in the CRSwNP subgroup as did the patients perceived VAS sense of smell. However, in the CRSsNP subgroup, the improved VAS and UPSIT measurements were not significant. The NOSE, SNOT 22 and LK scores all improved significantly. The olfactory improvement as measured by the UPSIT correlated to the SNOT‐22, but a correlation between the NOSE score and UPSIT was not found.

Conclusions

Endoscopic sinus surgery significantly improved the patient's perceived and measured sense of smell in the CRSwNP subgroup which is the most surgically responsive CRS subgroup. Additionally, improved olfaction in the CRSwNP subgroup is most likely to improve the patient's quality of life. Endoscopic sinus surgery significantly improved the NOSE scale in both CRS subgroups at 6 months following surgery.
Endocan: a novel predictor of endothelial dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Kanbay Asiye , Ceylan Erkan , Köseoğlu Handan İnönü , Çalışkan Mustafa , Takir Mumtaz , Tulu Selcan , Telci Çaklılı Ozge , Köstek Osman , Erek Aybala , Afsar Baris
Published: April 2016

Background and Aims

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is an independent risk factor for endothelial dysfunction and cardiometabolic diseases. Plasma endocan levels are elevated in a large number of diseases, and is a novel surrogate endothelial cell dysfunction marker. We aimed to assess the role of serum endocan level as a potential mechanism of endothelial dysfunction in OSA patients.

Materials and Methods

This was a cohort study in which patients who had undergone a sleep study for diagnosis of OSA were recruited. Included patients were grouped according to apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) as mild, moderate and severe OSA. Patients with AHI < 5 served as control group. Endothelial function was evaluated with flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD). Plasma endocan level was measured for all patients.

Results

One hundred twenty eight OSA patients included (15 controls, 22 with mild, 22 with moderate and 69 with severe OSA). The mean age was 51.6 ± 11.9 years and 43.8% (56/128) of the study population was female. As expected, the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease increased as the severity of OSA increased. Endocan levels were significantly higher and FMD measurements were lower in patients with OSA compared to healthy controls. There was a positive correlation between AHI and serum endocan levels (rho = 0.826, P < 0.0001) and there was a negative correlation between AHI and FMD (rho = −0.686, P < 0.0001) In addition, we observed a strong negative correlation between serum endocan level and FMD (rho = −0.613, P < 0.0001). In linear regression analysis AHI was independently related both with endocan (P < 0.0001) and FMD (P = 0.011).

Conclusion

Serum endocan level is strongly associated with the severity of OSA and endothelial dysfunction. Endocan might be a useful early novel marker for premature vascular endothelial system damage in OSA patients.
Patient‐reported outcome measures in children with chronic health conditions: terminology and utility
Authors: Ronen Gabriel M
Published: April 2016

This commentary is on the original article by Olivieri et al. on pages 957–964 of this issue.
Migraine with atypical aura: is there a role for cerebral perfusion studies?
Authors: Abu‐Arafeh Ishaq
Published: April 2016

This commentary is on the original article by Boulouis et al. on pages 965–969 of this issue.
Isolated Cleft of the Posterior Mitral Valve Leaflet: The Value of 3DTEE in the Evaluation of Mitral Valve Anatomy
Authors: Guerreiro Cláudio , Fonseca Conceição , Ribeiro José , Fontes‐Carvalho Ricardo
Published: April 2016

Mini‐Abstract

We report a case of a 65‐year‐old woman with chronic primary mitral regurgitation diagnosed 10 years prior to our evaluation. We performed a 3D transesophageal echocardiography that showed an isolated cleft within the P2 segment of the posterior leaflet associated with severe mitral regurgitation. This is a rare congenital cause of mitral regurgitation, and it may occur in isolation or with associated congenital heart defects. The slitlike appearance of the leaflet can be difficult to assess by 2DTTE or even TEE. Real time 3DTEE provides superior diagnostic accuracy in the identification of scallop‐specific anatomy.
Community functional trait composition at the continental scale: the effects of non‐ecological processes
Authors: Lawing A. Michelle , Eronen Jussi T. , Blois Jessica L. , Graham Catherine H. , Polly P. David
Published: April 2016

Ecological communities and their response to environmental gradients are increasingly being described by measures of trait composition at the community level – the trait‐based approach. Whether ecological or non‐ecological processes influence trait composition between communities has been debated. Understanding the processes that influence trait composition is important for reconstructing paleoenvironmental conditions from fossil deposits and for understanding changes in community functionality through time. Here, we assess the influence of ecological and non‐ecological processes on the distribution of traits within North American mammals. We found that non‐ecological processes including historical contingency, spatial autocorrelation, and evolutionary history do not influence trait composition; however, the variance in trait composition is highly explained by climate gradients. Our results suggest that habitat breadth, terrestriality, diet breadth, and reproductive traits are strong candidates as proxies for measuring functional aspects of environments in the past and present.
Mimicry for all modalities
Authors: Dalziell Anastasia H. , Welbergen Justin A.
Published: April 2016

Mimicry is a canonical example of adaptive signal design. In principle, what constitutes mimicry is independent of the taxonomic identity of the mimic, the ecological context in which it operates, and the sensory modality through which it is expressed. However, in practice the study of mimicry is inconsistent across research fields, with theoretical and empirical advances often failing to cross taxonomic and sensory divides. We propose a novel conceptual framework whereby mimicry evolves if a receiver perceives the similarity between a mimic and a model and as a result confers a selective benefit onto the mimic. Here, misidentification and/or deception are no longer formal requirements, and mimicry can evolve irrespective of the underlying proximate mechanisms. The centrality of receiver perception in this framework enables us to formally distinguish mimicry from perceptual exploitation and integrate mimicry and multicomponent signalling theory for the first time. In addition, it resolves inconsistencies in our understanding of the role of learning in mimicry evolution, and shows that imperfect mimicry is expected to be the norm. Mimicry remains a key model for understanding signal evolution and cognition, and we recommend the adoption of a unified approach to stimulate future interdisciplinary developments in this fascinating area of research.
Expanding the concept of sustainable seafood using Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Ziegler Friederike , Hornborg Sara , Green Bridget S , Eigaard Ole Ritzau , Farmery Anna K , Hammar Linus , Hartmann Klaas , Molander Sverker , Parker Robert W R , Skontorp Hognes Erik , Vázquez‐Rowe Ian , Smith Anthony D M
Published: April 2016

Fisheries management and sustainability assessment of fisheries more generally have recently expanded their scope from single‐species stock assessment to ecosystem‐based approaches, aiming to incorporate economic, social and local environmental impacts, while still excluding global‐scale environmental impacts. In parallel, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has emerged as a widely used and recommended framework to assess environmental impacts of products, including global‐scale impacts. For over a decade, LCA has been applied to seafood supply chains, leading to new insights into the environmental impact of seafood products.

We present insights from seafood LCA research with particular focus on evaluating fisheries management, which strongly influences the environmental impact of seafood products. Further, we suggest tangible ways in which LCA could be taken up in management. By identifying trade‐offs, LCA can be a useful decision support tool and avoids problem shifting from one concern (or activity) to another. The integrated, product‐based and quantitative perspective brought by LCA could complement existing tools. One example is to follow up fuel use of fishing, as the production and combustion of fuel used dominates overall results for various types of environmental impacts of seafood products, and is also often linked to biological impacts of fishing. Reducing the fuel use of fisheries is therefore effective to reduce overall impacts. Allocating fishing rights based on environmental performance could likewise facilitate the transition to low‐impact fisheries. Taking these steps in an open dialogue between fishers, managers, industry, NGOs and consumers would enable more targeted progress towards sustainable fisheries.
Divergent transcription and epigenetic directionality of human promoters
Authors: Lacadie Scott A. , Ibrahim Mahmoud M. , Gokhale Sucheta A. , Ohler Uwe
Published: April 2016

Genome‐wide datasets measuring nascent RNA have revealed that active human promoters frequently display divergent transcription, generating a stable mRNA in the forward direction toward the gene and a typically unstable one in the reverse direction away from the gene. Recent work has shown that these transcripts originate from two distinct core promoters within a single nucleosome‐free region (NFR). Different levels of forward and reverse activity lead to a wide range of directionality for promoter NFRs. Importantly, directionality is also reflected in the epigenetic modifications of nucleosomes immediately adjacent to the NFR. Here, we review the current literature pertaining to divergent transcription from promoter NFRs and its association with combinatorial histone post‐translational modifications, or chromatin states, on upstream and downstream nucleosomes. Finally, we discuss several models to interpret the directionality of promoter chromatin states.
Forage quality of leaf fodder from the main woody species in Iceland and its potential use for livestock in the past and present
Authors: Hejcman M. , Hejcmanová P. , Pavlů V. , Thorhallsdottir A. G.
Published: April 2016

Woody species played, and in many Nordic regions still play, a very important role in livestock feeding. However, forage quality (contents of macroelements and fibre fractions) of the leaves of common woody species is often inadequate. The aim of our study was to determine forage quality of leaves of Betula nana, Betula pubescens, Salix lanata, Salix phylicifolia and Sorbus aucuparia from Iceland and to compare it with the forage quality of the common native grass Deschampsia cespitosa and the introduced grass Alopecurus pratensis used by contemporary Icelandic farmers for forage production. Samples were collected at four localities in Iceland in late June 2013 and analysed for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), neutral and acid‐detergent fibre and lignin concentration. Analyses were compared with the optimum range for cattle and sheep nutrition. The nutritive value of leaves of the Icelandic woody species was relatively high, and analysis showed their nutritive content satisfied both cattle and sheep nutrient requirements for N, P, K, Ca and Mg, but the relatively high content of indigestible lignin in all woody species could cause problems for livestock metabolism. Grasses were characterized by lower P, Ca and Mg, but substantially higher K concentrations, and higher N:P and K:(Mg + Ca) ratios. The forage quality of leaves of woody species increased in the order B. nana < B. pubescens < S. phylicifolia < S. aucuparia < S. lanata. Results are discussed in relation to use of leaf fodder in the past, when woody species, particularly Salix spp., are likely to have played an important role in livestock feeding.
Seed rate and nitrogen application effects on production and brix value of forage sorghum cultivars
Authors: Sher Ahmad , Hassan Fayyaz‐Ul , Ali Hakoomat , Hassan Waseem
Published: April 2016

Field experiments were carried out during two consecutive years at the National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, with the hypothesis that seed rate and nitrogen (N) application improves plant morphology, yield production and brix value of forage sorghum cultivars. Twenty‐seven treatment combinations comprising three sorghum cultivars, namely, ‘JS–2002,’ ‘Chakwal sorghum’ and ‘JS–263’ were sown with three seed rates (75, 100 and 125 kg ha−1) and three N levels (0, 60 and 120 kg ha−1). Experiments were laid out in randomized complete block design with split–split plot arrangement in triplicate. Seed rate changed the plant morphology, yield traits and brix value variably. Increasing N application (0–120 kg ha−1) had a positive impact on growth and yield traits except brix value. Results revealed that ‘JS–2002’ surpassed the other two cultivars for plant height, number of leaves, leaf area per plant, leaf to stem ratio, green forage yield and dry biomass yield, dry matter content and brix value at given developmental stages at seed rate of 125 kg ha−1 with applied N level of 120 kg ha−1, during both the years. The highest N application (120 kg ha−1) in ‘JS–2002’ gave an increase of 45% forage yield as compared to control.
Characterizing Heterogeneity in Infiltration Rates During Managed Aquifer Recharge
Authors: Mawer Chloe , Parsekian Andrew , Pidlisecky Adam , Knight Rosemary
Published: April 2016

Infiltration rate is the key parameter that describes how water moves from the surface into a groundwater aquifer during managed aquifer recharge (MAR). Characterization of infiltration rate heterogeneity in space and time is valuable information for MAR system operation. In this study, we utilized fiber optic distributed temperature sensing (FO‐DTS) observations and the phase shift of the diurnal temperature signal between two vertically co‐located fiber optic cables to characterize infiltration rate spatially and temporally in a MAR basin. The FO‐DTS measurements revealed spatial heterogeneity of infiltration rate: approximately 78% of the recharge water infiltrated through 50% of the pond bottom on average. We also introduced a metric for quantifying how the infiltration rate in a recharge pond changes over time, which enables FO‐DTS to be used as a method for monitoring MAR and informing maintenance decisions. By monitoring this metric, we found high‐spatial variability in how rapidly infiltration rate changed during the test period. We attributed this variability to biological pore clogging and found a relationship between high initial infiltration rate and the most rapid pore clogging. We found a strong relationship (R2 = 0.8) between observed maximum infiltration rates and electrical resistivity measurements from electrical resistivity tomography data taken in the same basin when dry. This result shows that the combined acquisition of DTS and ERT data can improve the design and operation of a MAR pond significantly by providing the critical information needed about spatial variability in parameters controlling infiltration rates.
Evaluation of parental awareness regarding their child's oral hygiene
Authors: Shaghaghian S , Savadi N , Amin M
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To determine parental awareness about their child's oral hygiene and its associated factors.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 396 parents and their 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children were selected by randomized cluster sampling from Shiraz kindergartens in 2013. Parents completed a questionnaire on their perception of their child's oral hygiene. The children received a dental examination, and their dental cleaning status was determined using Simplified Debris Index. Parental awareness was determined by comparing parents' perception of their child's oral hygiene with the results of the dental examination. Associations between demographic factors and parental awareness were evaluated.

Results

Sixty per cent of the parents were aware of their child's teeth cleaning status. Higher percentage of parents with university degree (P < 0.001) and parents whose child did not have a previous dental visit (P < 0.001) were aware. Also, more aware mothers were employed compared with homemakers (P = 0.002). Children of aware parents had lower dmft (P < 0.001) and better oral hygiene (P = 0.001) than those of unaware parents. Parents who perceived overall oral health status of their child as good (P < 0.001) as well as those who believed that their child did not have any cavities (P < 0.001) were more likely to be aware of their child's teeth cleaning than those who perceived otherwise.

Conclusion

Many parents were not aware of their child's oral hygiene. Educational interventions should be provided to young families to increase parental knowledge and skills that help them recognize their child's dental needs. The interventions are more necessary for low socioeconomic parents and for the parents of children with poor oral hygiene.
The Living Wage – Policy And Practice
Authors: Prowse Peter , Fells Ray
Published: April 2016

A recent development in addressing the longstanding problem of low pay in the United Kingdom has been the emergence of a social campaign for a ‘living wage’. Using a case study approach this article explores an employer's decision to pay the living wage that, in turn, provided both challenges and opportunities for the unions in their dealings with contractors.
Patients' knowledge of and participation in preventing pressure ulcers– an intervention study
Authors: Schoeps Lena N , Tallberg Anna‐Britta , Gunningberg Lena
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate a patient information pamphlet on pressure ulcer (PU) prevention using a descriptive, comparative pre‐ and post‐test study design. The patient information pamphlet ‘How can you help to stop pressure ulcers?’ developed by the European PU Advisory Panel in 2012 was implemented in two surgical wards in a university hospital. A total of 61 patients answered pre‐ and post‐test questionnaires. Patients assessed their knowledge of the risks, causes and ways to prevent PUs significantly higher after the intervention than before. Twenty‐eight patients (46%) reported that they had participated in PU prevention during the last 24 hours. The patients assessed the content of the PU pamphlet as useful, its language as quite easy to understand and its layout as good. Patients with a PU pamphlet during their hospital stay were more knowledgeable about and more active in their own care. It is important that nurses invite patients to be active partners in preventing PUs but also that they identify patients who need to have a more passive role. The PU pamphlet could be updated to increase its comprehensibility, meaningfulness and manageability for patients.
Risk Management—the Revealing Hand
Authors: Kaplan Robert S. , Mikes Anette
Published: April 2016

Many believe that the recent emphasis on enterprise risk management function is misguided, especially after the failure of sophisticated quantitative risk models during the global financial crisis. One concern is that top‐down risk management will inhibit innovation and entrepreneurial activities. The authors disagree and argue that risk management should function as a “revealing hand” that identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks in a cost‐efficient way. In so doing, risk management can add value by allowing companies to take on riskier projects and strategies.

But to avoid problems encountered in the past, particularly during the recent crisis, risk managers must overcome deep‐seated individual and organizational biases that prevent managers and employees from thinking clearly and analytically about their risk exposures. In this paper, the authors draw lessons from seven case studies about the ways that a corporate risk management function can foster highly interactive dialogues to identify and prioritize risks, help to allocate resources to mitigate such risks, and bring clarity to the value trade‐offs and moral dilemmas that often must be addressed in decisions to manage risks.

Developing an effective risk management system requires, first, an agreement about a company's objectives, values, and priorities; second, a clear formulation and communication of the firm's “risk appetite”; and, third, continuous monitoring of a firm's risk‐taking behavior against its declared risk limits. Quantitative risk models should not be the sole—or even the most important—basis for decision‐making. They cannot replace management judgment and are best used to trigger in‐depth discussions among managers and employees about the most important risks faced by the firm and the best ways to respond to them.
Derivatives: Understanding Their Usefulness and Their Role in the Financial Crisis
Authors: Tuckman Bruce
Published: April 2016

This article makes two main arguments that are intended to guide policymakers and regulators of financial markets: (1) when used properly, derivatives are enormously useful to companies in managing business risks; and (2) neither derivatives nor derivatives‐related products played significant roles in causing or exacerbating the financial crisis of 2007–2009.

The author begins by illustrating the corporate use of derivatives with a detailed example of how a large brewer uses both exchange‐traded wheat futures and over‐the‐counter aluminum swaps to hedge the risks of higher wheat and aluminum prices. In the process, the value of much‐maligned OTC derivatives, and the role of financial intermediaries in facilitating their use, are clearly demonstrated.

The second part of the article refutes the popular claims, widely expressed in the media and on Capitol Hill, that derivatives were at the heart of the financial crisis. Losses and failures during the crisis are shown to have resulted primarily from excessive non‐derivative leverage and from investments in non‐derivative mortgage products that fell dramatically in value. The only significant exception involved the insurance company AIG, whose failure and bailout are attributable not only to large losses on credit default swaps, but to comparable losses on non‐derivative mortgage products. Moreover, by the time AIG failed, many other large financial institutions had already either failed or experienced large losses. What's more, and all but forgotten during the controversy, some large banks were able to reduce risk by hedging with those derivatives.
Three Approaches to Risk Management—and How and Why Swedish Companies Use Them
Authors: Amberg Niklas , Friberg Richard
Published: April 2016

Companies can manage risk by using derivatives or through operational hedging. But there is a third possibility: to leave their operating cash flows unhedged while ensuring that the firm has access to external finance in adverse states of the world. This article reports the findings of a recent survey of over 800 Swedish companies that aims to shed light on the relative importance of these three risk management methods, as well as how they interact in corporate risk management programs.

The results show that risk management practices aimed at ensuring access to external finance are the main method used by the largest number of companies, followed by operational hedging methods and financial hedging with derivatives. Large companies hedge using both operational methods and derivatives, whereas small firms are less likely to use derivatives but nevertheless attach great importance to the other two ways of managing risk. Even among the largest companies, operational hedging tends to deemed more important than hedging with derivatives—a finding that, although perhaps a surprise to financial professionals, underscores the authors’ finding that operational and derivative‐based hedges function as complements rather than substitutes. Indeed, the authors report that the most financially sophisticated companies tend to use all three of these common forms of risk management.
The Beliefs of Central Bankers About Inflation and the Business Cycle—and Some Reasons to Question the Faith
Authors: Kantor Brian
Published: April 2016

Although the U.S. Fed has recently created trillions of dollars through its purchases of Treasury Bonds and other securities, this has not had the usual inflationary consequences. The lesson from this experience is that inflation results from an increase in the supply of money over and above the demand to hold money. And this in turn implies that to be effective, any forecasting model of inflation, whether run inside or outside the Fed, must be provided with accurate estimates of the demand for as well as the supply of money, which is a formidable task given the extraordinary stock of excess over required cash reserves now held by U.S. banks.

Unlike the approach of the U.S. Fed, the monetary policy of South Africa's Reserve Bank does not appear to distinguish between the more or less temporary effects of supply‐side shocks on inflation, such as those stemming from a weakening of the currency, from changes in the relatively permanent demand‐side forces that drive prices higher or lower. Instead of ignoring such supply‐side shocks, as Fed Chair Yellen has counselled the Fed to do, the Resbank has reacted to higher prices of whatever provenance in the same way, raising or lowering interest rates accordingly. This has made its policies highly pro‐cyclical in an economy subject to dramatic exchange rate shocks that are independent of monetary policy settings.

But if the U.S. Fed has been right to ignore the effects of its policies on changes in the U.S. dollar, it has introduced another source of uncertainty. By postulating that only unexpected inflation is capable of stimulating economic activity, the Fed model makes a strong case for the benefits of highly consistent and predictable, central bank‐influenced expectations of low inflation in maintaining economic growth and employment. But for all the wisdom of this policy, the Fed also appears to persist in believing in its own ability to engineer inflation surprises, with the intent of managing the business cycle. Experience tells us that such attempts at fine‐tuning are almost certain to prove not only futile, but also incompatible with the Fed's own goals of predictable policy actions and reactions. These contradictions about the role that expectations and Fed‐watching play in the economy lead toward a different policy prescription: namely, reliance upon monetary policy rules rather than policy discretion to minimize inflation and other surprises.
Ontogenetic thermal tolerance and performance of ectotherms at variable temperatures
Authors: Cavieres G. , Bogdanovich J. M. , Bozinovic F.
Published: April 2016

Early experience and environmental conditions during ontogeny may affect organismal structure, physiology and fitness. Here, we assessed the effect of developmental acclimation to environmental thermal variability on walking speed inDrosophila melanogasteradults. Our results showed a shift in the performance curve to the right. Thus, upper and lower thermal limits exhibited developmental plasticity. Additionally, in constant and variable climatic scenarios, flies shifted to the right the optimum temperature but the maximum performance decreased only in flies reared on high temperatures and high thermal variability. Overall, we showed that environmental cues during ontogeny might help to construct phenotypic variation, which supports the hypothesis of ontogenetic dependence of thermal tolerances.
KRAS mutation analysis by next‐generation sequencing in endoscopic ultrasound‐guided sampling for solid liver masses
Authors: Choi Hyun Jong , Moon Jong Ho , Kim Hee Kyung , Lee Yun Nah , Lee Tae Hoon , Cha Sang‐Woo , Cho Young Deok , Park Sang‐Heum
Published: April 2016

Background and Aim

KRAS mutation analysis may provide ancillary diagnostic yield in an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided histopathological evaluation. We evaluated the clinical impact of KRAS mutation analysis with cytological and histological evaluations in EUS‐guided tissue sampling, using a core biopsy needle for solid liver masses.

Methods

EUS‐guided fine needle biopsy (EUS‐FNB) using a core biopsy needle was performed in patients with primary or metastatic liver masses that were suspected malignancies. KRAS mutations were analyzed in all specimens obtained. The peptide nucleic acid (PNA)‐mediated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) clamping method was compared with a next‐generation sequencing (NGS) method for detecting KRAS mutations.

Results

EUS‐FNB with a core biopsy needle was performed in 28 patients with solid liver masses located in the liver's left lobe. The diagnostic accuracies for malignancy of on‐site cytology, cytology using Papanicolaou staining, and histology including immunohistochemical stains were 82.1%, 85.7%, and 89.3%, respectively. KRAS gene mutations were observed in 14.3% of patients by the PNA‐PCR clamping method. The NGS method detected more KRAS mutations than the PNA‐PCR clamping method: in 25% of patients. Adding the results of KRAS mutation analysis to the cytohistopathological evaluation, the overall diagnostic accuracy of EUS‐guided tissue sampling was 96.4%.

Conclusions

EUS‐guided tissue sampling for solid liver masses in the left lobe provided high diagnostic accuracy from cytological and histological evaluations. KRAS mutation analysis provided additional diagnostic yield in patients with inconclusive cytohistopathological results from EUS‐guided tissue sampling. The NGS method detected additional KRAS mutations in patients with negative PNA‐mediated PCR clamping test results.
The Natural History of Changes in Preferences for Life‐Sustaining Treatments and Implications for Inpatient Mortality in Younger and Older Hospitalized Adults
Authors: Kim Yan S. , Escobar Gabriel J. , Halpern Scott D. , Greene John D. , Kipnis Patricia , Liu Vincent
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To compare changes in preferences for life‐sustaining treatments (LSTs) and subsequent mortality of younger and older inpatients.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC).

Participants

Individuals hospitalized at 21 KPNC hospitals between 2008 and 2012 (N = 227,525).

Measurements

Participants were divided according to age (<65, 65–84, ≥85). The effect of age on adding new and reversing prior LST limitations was evaluated. Survival to inpatient discharge was compared according to age group after adding new LST limitations.

Results

At admission, 18,254 (54.2%) of those aged 85 and older, 18,349 (20.8%) of those aged 65 to 84, and 3,258 (3.1%) of those younger than 65 had requested that the use of LST be limited. Of the 187,664 participants who initially did not request limitations on the use of LST, 15,932 (8.5%) had new LST limitations added; of the 39,861 admitted with LST limitations, 3,017 (7.6%) had these reversed. New limitations were more likely to be seen in older participants (aged 65–84, odds ratio (OR) = 2.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.16–2.39; aged ≥85, OR = 6.43, 95% CI = 6.05–6.84), and reversals of prior limitations were less likely to be seen in older individuals (aged 65–84, OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.65–0.83; aged ≥85, OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.41–0.53) than in those younger than 65. Survival rates to inpatient discharge were 71.7% of subjects aged 85 and older who added new limitations, 57.2% of those aged 65 to 84, and 43.4% of those younger than 65 (P < .001).

Conclusion

Changes in preferences for LSTs were common in hospitalized individuals. Age was an important determinant of likelihood of adding new or reversing prior LST limitations. Of subjects who added LST limitations, those who were older were more likely than those who were younger to survive to hospital discharge.
Unfair Equality: The Cultural Challenges of an Imported Interior Design Curriculum
Authors: Fathallah Rim
Published: April 2016

As our planet slowly turns into a global village where interconnectedness is inevitable, education finds itself in a very competitive market to attract and produce the fittest graduates who can survive in today's economic political setting. This competition has brought international educational delivery into developing countries. Recognizing such a reality, this research aims to explore the success level of educational borrowing from the West in serving its intended purpose of an accelerated advancement for developing countries. Does this import place developing countries’ students as peers on even grounds with students from developed countries? More specifically this study seeks to highlight whether an imported interior design curriculum internationally relocated presents more equal opportunities for quality education to students in the Middle East. The question is investigated by following students receiving an international interior design education in their own country in the Middle East and questioning their experience and its alignment with the educational culture that they bring with them from the secondary level as well as the alignment with the local interior design culture of that country. Both the gathered data and the literature review support that culture is a key feature influential in education as well as in interior design, a factor so powerful that it may cause the failure of the educational transfer and thus challenge the fairness of the equality in education that was originally sought when the program was borrowed in the first place.
Dynamic Product Diversity
Authors: Caminal Ramon
Published: April 2016

This paper examines the frequency of new product introductions in monopoly markets where demand is subject to temporary satiation. Consumers' taste for diversity is satisfied over time as new varieties are introduced to the market. If two varieties are introduced in consecutive periods then they become imperfect substitutes and the firm has an incentive to raise prices and sell each one to consumers with higher valuations (better preference matching). Higher frequency can also generate market expansion. However, under strong temporary satiation, better preference matching may dominate and the frequency of new product introductions may become socially excessive.
Development of Teeth Probe for Analysis of Correlation between Mechanical and Sensory Properties of Apples
Authors: Park Dong‐June , Chun Yong‐Gi , Lee Sang‐Hoon , Lee Seung‐Ju , Kim Bum‐Keun
Published: April 2016

Measurement of textural properties using simple mechanical probe is difficult to describe subjective sensory of intrinsic during the human biting. The aims of this study are to measure mechanical properties with teeth probe which was developed to simulate human teeth with upper and lower jaws, using a texture analyzer and detected acoustics with a connected acoustic emission detector, simultaneously to enhance the correlation between sensory and textural evaluations of apples. With the teeth probe, relatively high correlations between textural and acoustic properties were seen compared to those using the blade and upper teeth probes, in which crispness had high correlation with sweetness (R2 = 0.96), juiciness (R2 = 0.98), and overall texture (R2 = 0.97). These results demonstrate the reliability of a combination of mechanical and acoustic systems equipped with a teeth probe for texture analysis of apples and the potential for extension to other foods.

Practical Applications

Teeth probe was developed and utilized to determine the correlation between sensory and textural evaluations of apples and establish a reliable method for analysis of food properties. Principal component analysis (PCA) analysis of the sensory and textural attributes revealed high correlations between the mechanical and acoustic properties in all groups of apples. These results demonstrate the reliability of our teeth probe using combined mechanical and acoustic measurements for texture analysis of apples.
Symbiodinium population genetics: testing for species boundaries and analysing samples with mixed genotypes
Authors: Wham Drew C. , LaJeunesse Todd C.
Published: April 2016

Population genetic markers are increasingly being used to study the diversity, ecology and evolution of Symbiodinium, a group of eukaryotic microbes that are often mutualistic with reef‐building corals. Population genetic markers can resolve individual clones, or strains, from samples of host tissue; however, samples may comprise different species that may confound interpretations of gene flow and genetic structure. Here, we propose a method for resolving species from population genetic data using tests for genetic recombination. Assigning individuals to genetically recombining populations prior to further analyses avoids critical errors in the interpretation of gene flow and dispersal. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach, we first apply this method to a simulated data set. We then use the method to resolve two species of host generalist Symbiodinium that commonly co‐occur in reef‐building corals collected from Indo‐West Pacific reefs. We demonstrate that the method is robust even when some hosts contain genotypes from two distinct species. Finally, we examine population genetic data sets from two recently published papers in Molecular Ecology. We show that each strongly supports a two species interpretation, which significantly changes the original conclusions presented in these studies. When combined with available phylogenetic and ecological evidence, the use of population genetic data offers a robust method for unambiguously delimiting morphologically cryptic species.