bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ON FRUITFUL AND FUTILE TESTS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SEARCH AND PRICE DISPERSION
Authors: Sherman Joshua , Weiss Avi
Published: April 2017

We exploit cross‐sectional and temporal differences in search intensity in order to examine the relationship between search costs and price dispersion using a hand‐collected panel data set from Jerusalem's Shuk Mahane Yehuda outdoor market. We present empirical evidence that price dispersion increases with the cost of search using several different measures of price dispersion; however, our interpretation of this finding is sensitive to the search proxy in question. We also address several acute difficulties facing empiricists seeking to test theoretical price‐dispersion models in which consumers are heterogeneous in their search behavior. (JEL L11, L13)
Environmental correlates of the Late Quaternary regional extinctions of large and small Palaearctic mammals
Authors: Řičánková Věra Pavelková , Horsák Michal , Hais Martin , Robovský Jan , Chytrý Milan
Published: April 2017

Most studies of mammal extinctions during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition explore the relative effects of climate change vs human impacts on these extinctions, but the relative importance of the different environmental factors involved remains poorly understood. Moreover, these studies are strongly biased towards megafauna, which may have been more influenced by human hunting than species of small body size. We examined the potential environmental causes of Pleistocene–Holocene mammal extinctions by linking regional environmental characteristics with the regional extinction rates of large and small mammals in 14 Palaearctic regions. We found that regional extinction rates were larger for megafauna, but extinction patterns across regions were similar for both size groups, emphasizing the importance of environmental change as an extinction factor as opposed to hunting. Still, the bias towards megafauna extinctions was larger in southern Europe and smaller in central Eurasia. The loss of suitable habitats, low macroclimatic heterogeneity within regions and an increase in precipitation were identified as the strongest predictors of regional extinction rates. Suitable habitats for many species of the Last Glacial fauna were grassland and desert, but not tundra or forest. The low‐extinction regions identified in central Eurasia are characterized by the continuous presence of grasslands and deserts until the present. In contrast, forest expansion associated with an increase in precipitation and temperature was likely the main factor causing habitat loss in the high‐extinction regions. The shift of grassland into tundra also contributed to the loss of suitable habitats in northern Eurasia. Habitat loss was more strongly related to the extinctions of megafauna than of small mammals. Ungulate species with low tolerance to deep snow were more likely to go regionally extinct. Thus, the increase in precipitation at the Pleistocene–Holocene transition may have also directly contributed to the extinctions by creating deep snow cover which decreases forage availability in winter.
Host plant exodus and larval wandering behaviour in a butterfly: diapause generation larvae wander for longer periods than do non‐diapause generation larvae
Authors: WIKLUND CHRISTER , STEFANESCU CONSTANTÍ , FRIBERG MAGNE
Published: April 2017

1. Prior to pupation, lepidopteran larvae enter a wandering phase lasting up to 30 h before choosing a pupation site. Because stillness is important for concealment, this behaviour calls for an adaptive explanation.

2. The explanation most likely relates to the need to find a suitable pupation substrate, especially in terms of shelter from predation, and given that many predators and parasitoids use host plants as prey‐location cues, mortality probably decreases with distance from the host plant. Hence, remaining on the host includes a long‐term risk, while moving away from the host introduces an increased risk during locomotion.

3. Bivoltine species that overwinter in the pupal stage produce two kinds of pupae; non‐diapausing pupae from which adults emerge after 1–2 weeks, or diapausing pupae that overwinter with adults emerging after 8–10 months.

4. Given the hypothesis of distance‐from‐host‐plant‐related predation, this should select for phenotypic plasticity with larvae in the diapausing generation having a longer wandering phase than larvae under direct development, if there is a trade‐off between mortality during the wandering phase and accumulated mortality during winter.

5. Here this prediction is tested by studying the duration of the wandering period in larvae of the partially bivoltine swallowtail butterfly, Papilio machaon, under both developmental pathways.

6. The results are in agreement with the predictions and show that the larval wandering phase is approximately twice as long under diapause development. The authors suggest that the longer duration of the wandering phase in the diapause generation is a general phenomenon in Lepidoptera.
Temperature and rainfall interact to control carbon cycling in tropical forests
Authors: Taylor Philip G. , Cleveland Cory C. , Wieder William R. , Sullivan Benjamin W. , Doughty Christopher E. , Dobrowski Solomon Z. , Townsend Alan R.
Published: April 2017

Tropical forests dominate global terrestrial carbon (C) exchange, and recent droughts in the Amazon Basin have contributed to short‐term declines in terrestrial carbon dioxide uptake and storage. However, the effects of longer‐term climate variability on tropical forest carbon dynamics are still not well understood. We synthesised field data from more than 150 tropical forest sites to explore how climate regulates tropical forest aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) and organic matter decomposition, and combined those data with two existing databases to explore climate – C relationships globally. While previous analyses have focused on the effects of either temperature or rainfall on ANPP, our results highlight the importance of interactions between temperature and rainfall on the C cycle. In cool forests (< 20 °C), high rainfall slowed rates of C cycling, but in warm tropical forests (> 20 °C) it consistently enhanced both ANPP and decomposition. At the global scale, our analysis showed an increase in ANPP with rainfall in relatively warm sites, inconsistent with declines in ANPP with rainfall reported previously. Overall, our results alter our understanding of climate – C cycle relationships, with high precipitation accelerating rates of C exchange with the atmosphere in the most productive biome on earth.
Radiation hardening of silica glass through fictive temperature reduction
Authors: Lancry Matthieu , Babu B. Hari , Ollier Nadège , Poumellec Bertrand
Published: April 2017

The aim of this article was to report the effects of γ‐radiation on type‐I Infrasil silica glass with different fictive temperatures, Tf, for harsh environment applications. Radiation‐induced attenuation in the visible range is found to be much lower in low fictive temperature samples. Photoluminescence experiments show that glasses with higher fictive temperatures have a higher nonbridging oxygen hole centers defect concentration generated by irradiation. In addition, electron paramagnetic resonance studies reveal higher E’ point defects, AlOHC, and hydrogen(II) defects in high Tf samples. In general, we find that the γ‐radiation “hardness” of Infrasil301 silica glass becomes significantly higher with decreasing fictive temperature.
Usage and understanding of food labels among Lebanese shoppers
Authors: Hassan Hussein F. , Dimassi Hani
Published: April 2017

Food labelling is a population‐based approach to health education that enables consumers to make better choices by providing information at the point of purchase. This study aimed to assess the food label usage and understanding and factors affecting them among Lebanese supermarket shoppers. A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 748 supermarket shoppers in Lebanon between December 2013 and February 2014 using a pre‐coded structured questionnaire. About 29.3 of the shoppers check the food labels every time they buy a food product and 15.7% never do it. Shoppers who do not read food labels identified the long time needed in reading them as top reason (34.9%), while 9.8% answered that they do not understand them. About 55.4%of the surveyed shoppers read the food labels at the supermarkets. About 44.4% of participants agreed that reading food labels is very important, while 30.3% read the food labels depending on the purchased product. Then 19.4% of participants complained that food labels contain too much information and 13.8% claimed that food labels are difficult to understand. About 60.3% think that food labels have helped people in changing their eating habits, while health and nutrition claims affected the product selection among 59.8% of participants. The food label knowledge score average was 63.1%. Older, obese shoppers having kids, suffering from chronic illness or allergies, following a specific diet and residing in big cities scored significantly (p < .05) higher. The low knowledge score necessitates the nutrition education on how to read and use the food labels. Groceries would be the perfect place to reach out mass consumers.
Study of the microwave dielectric properties of (La1−xSmx)NbO4 (x=0‐0.10) ceramics via bond valence and packing fraction
Authors: Xiao Mi , Gu Qingqing , Zhou Ziqi , Zhang Ping
Published: April 2017

The (La1−xSmx)NbO4 (x=0‐0.10) ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid‐state reaction method. The microstructure and the microwave dielectric properties were discussed in detail. The X‐ray diffraction patterns of (La1−xSmx)NbO4 (x=0‐0.10) showed that only a single monoclinic fergusonite structure of LaNbO4 could be found. The dielectric constant (εr) was affected by the dielectric polarizabilities and the B‐site bond valence. The variation trend of Q×f0 was in accordance with packing fraction. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) had a close relationship with the B‐site bond valence, which was determined by the bond strength and bond length. When sintered at 1325°C for 4 hours, the (La1−xSmx)NbO4 ceramics with x=0.08 exhibited enhanced microwave dielectric properties: εr=19.37, Q×f0=62203 GHz and τf=2.57 ppm/°C. In addition, we made an overview about the ceramics that possess the same packing fraction and bond valence relationships, the results show that this structure‐property relationship has a wide applicability.
Tax avoidance and ex ante cost of capital
Authors: Cook Kirsten A. , Moser William J. , Omer Thomas C.
Published: April 2017

This study examines the association between tax avoidance and ex ante cost of equity capital. Based on prior research, we develop two proxies for investors’ expectations of tax avoidance and explore whether deviations from those expectations result in higher ex ante cost of equity capital. We find that the ex ante cost of equity capital increases with tax avoidance that is either below or above investor expectations and that the increase is larger for tax avoidance that exceeds investors’ expectations. We then examine whether firms that alter their future tax avoidance exhibit a lowering of their ex ante cost of equity capital and find that tax avoidance decreases (increases) from the prior year for firms that were above (below) investors’ expectations in the prior year. These results are consistent with the trade‐off suggested by the Scholes and Wolfson framework and reinforce the notion that balancing tax benefits and non‐tax costs is an important feature of firms’ tax planning.
Sex‐dependent implications of primary productivity and conspecific density on geographical body size variation in a newt: disentangling local, large scale and genetic factors
Authors: Peñalver‐Alcázar Miguel , Martínez‐Solano Iñigo , Sequeira Fernando , Aragón Pedro
Published: April 2017

Aim

Geographical body size variation has interested biologists since the 19th century. However, there is no consensus regarding the mechanisms involved, especially in amphibians. At the intraspecific level, different approximations and hypotheses have addressed this problem, but no study has integrated information at different spatio‐temporal ecological and (phylo)genetic scales whilst considering differences between sexes. We investigated the mechanisms involved in geographical body size variation in the Iberian newt (Lissotriton boscai), accounting for the main hypotheses potentially explaining variation in this phenotypic trait in amphibians.

Location

Iberian Peninsula.

Methods

We used a novel multivariate technique (partial least squares regression) that accounts for interdependence amongst variables whilst allowing for the inclusion of multiple local and macroscale predictors. We considered intraspecific genetic differentiation including information from the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes in populations representative of the species’ distribution. We addressed causal hypotheses of heat conservation, temperature‐related development, water and food availability, seasonality, competition and predation.

Results

Annual primary productivity and intraspecific competition were of greatest relevance to explain body size variation in females, whilst seasonality of primary productivity was more important in males. Differences between sexes are interpreted based on previous experiments on the behavioural ecology of this species.

Main conclusions

This study shows that sex‐dependent implications of competition for food drive geographical body size variation in an urodele amphibian, supporting the density‐resource hypothesis. Our results suggest that food availability, conspecific density and competition are important in explaining intraspecific body size variation in amphibians. This study highlights how selecting model species with an experimental background can help interpret geographical variation in phenotypic traits. We emphasize the value of simultaneously considering alternative hypotheses of phenotypic variation at different ecological and (phylo)genetic spatio‐temporal scales in revealing potentially hidden relationships.
Predicting the difficulty of a transvenous lead extraction procedure: Validation of the LED index
Authors: Bontempi Luca , Vassanelli Francesca , Cerini Manuel , Inama Lorenza , Salghetti Francesca , Giacopelli Daniele , Gargaro Alessio , Raweh Abdallah , Curnis Antonio
Published: April 2017

Introduction

A lead extraction difficulty (LED) score was proposed to predict the difficult transvenous lead extraction (TLE) procedures, defined by means of the fluoroscopy time. The aim of this study was to validate the estimation model based on the LED index above 10 on an independent data set of TLE cases.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing TLE between January 2014 and January 2016 were included in this analysis. The fluoroscopy time related to the leads removal was dichotomized as above or below its 90th percentile (PCTL).

Results

In total, 446 permanent leads were removed during 233 TLE procedures. Complete procedural success was achieved in 232 (99.1%) patients. The LED index resulted >10 in 83(35.6%) procedures. Among these cases, 20 had fluoroscopy time above the 90th PCTL (23.3 minutes) and were classified as true positive. Over the 150 procedures with LED score <10, 147 were classified as true negative, and only 3 resulted false negative. The sensitivity, the specificity, and the negative predictive value of the LED index in predicting complex cases resulted 86.9 (confidence interval [CI] 66.4–97.2)%, 70.0 (CI 63.3–76.1)%, and 98.0 (CI 94.3–99.6)%, respectively. The multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed a 12% increased risk of high fluoroscopy for each additional point of the LED score (OR 1.12, CI 1.05–1.21, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The validation of the estimation model based on the LED index <10 confirmed its high efficacy in predicting simple TLE procedures.
Genomewide differential expression profiling of long non‐coding RNAs in androgenetic alopecia in a Chinese male population
Authors: Bao L. , Yu A. , Luo Y. , Tian T. , Dong Y. , Zong H. , Chen H. , Gao X. , Xu X. , Li Y.
Published: April 2017

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), or male pattern baldness (MPB), is the most common form of hair loss in males. A combination of genetic and androgen causes have been suggested as factors that contribute to the development of AGA. However, the specific molecular mechanisms that underly AGA remain largely unknown. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a new class of regulatory non‐coding RNAs that are longer than 200 nucleotides, have been shown to play important roles in a number of cellular processes, including transcription, chromosome remodelling and post‐transcriptional processing. The dysregulation of lncRNAs is associated with many forms of diseases, but it remains unknown whether lncRNAs are associated with AGA.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify AGA‐associated lncRNAs and predict the potential roles of these lncRNAs in AGA.

Methods

A genomewide microarray was used to identify lncRNAs that are differentially expressed between AGA and adjacent normal tissues. Real‐time qRT‐PCR was used to validate the microarray data.

Results

A large number of lncRNAs were differentially expressed (fold change >2.4) between AGA and adjacent normal tissues. Of these, 770 were upregulated and 1373 were downregulated. Moreover, pathway analysis revealed that 53 functional pathways were associated with the upregulated transcripts, while 11 pathways were associated with the downregulated transcripts.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate AGA‐associated lncRNAs. lncRNA profiles are altered in AGA, and these lncRNAs and their target genes may serve as novel candidates for preventing and treating AGA.
Secondary compounds from exotic tree plantations change female mating preferences in the palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus)
Authors: Iglesias‐Carrasco M. , Head M. L. , Jennions M. D. , Cabido C.
Published: April 2017

Selection can favour phenotypic plasticity in mate choice in response to environmental factors that alter the costs and benefits of being choosy, or of choosing specific mates. Human‐induced environmental change could alter sexual selection by affecting the costs of mate choice, or by impairing the ability of individuals to identify preferred mates. For example, variation in mate choice could be driven by environmentally induced differences in body condition (e.g. health) that change the cost of choosiness, or by environmental effects on the ability to detect or discriminate sexual signals. We teased apart these possibilities experimentally, by comparing female mate choice in the palmate newt Lissotriton helveticus between environments that mimic water from either native oak forests or exotic eucalypt plantations. In laboratory two‐choice mate trials in clean water, females with prolonged exposure (21 days) to waterborne chemicals leached from eucalypt leaves did not preferentially associate with the male with a stronger immune response, but females exposed to water with chemicals from oak leaves did. In contrast, female choice was unaffected by the immediate presence or absence of eucalypt leachates during mate choice (using only females previously held in oak‐treated water). The habitat‐related change in female choice we observed is likely to be driven by effects of eucalypt leachates on female physiology, rather than immediate inhibition of pheromone transmission or blocking of pheromone reception.
Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy for Parents Raising a Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lee Nicholas A. , Furrow James L. , Bradley Brent A.
Published: April 2017

Many couples raising children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are often resilient in confronting unique parental demands, while others experience greater risk for relational distress. Research has shown that Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) is efficacious with couples raising chronically ill children and relevant to the relational demands of parents of children diagnosed with an ASD. This pilot study tested the effectiveness of EFT with seven couples presenting with moderate to severe distress, who were also parents of a child diagnosed with an ASD. Results demonstrated significant decreases in marital distress at posttreatment and 6‐month follow‐up. The study also identified several unique themes associated with couple distress and the parenting experiences of this population.
Fibroblast Growth Factor‐23 Concentration in Dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Harjes L.M. , Parker V.J. , Dembek K. , Young G.S. , Giovaninni L.H. , Kogika M.M. , Chew D.J. , Toribio R.E.
Published: April 2017

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hyperphosphatemia, decreased vitamin D metabolite concentrations, and hyperparathyroidism. This syndrome is known asCKD‐mineral bone disorder (CKD‐MBD). Recently, it has been shown that an increase in fibroblast growth factor‐23 (FGF‐23) concentration is an early biomarker ofCKDin people. It is an independent risk factor for both progression of renal disease and survival time in humans and cats withCKD. Information aboutFGF‐23 in healthy dogs and those withCKDis lacking.

Objectives

To measureFGF‐23 concentration in dogs with different stages ofCKDand determine its association with factors involved inCKD‐MBD, including serum phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. A secondary aim was to validate anELISAfor measurement of plasmaFGF‐23 concentration in dogs.

Animals

Thirty‐two client‐owned dogs with naturally occurringCKDand 10 healthy control dogs.

Methods

Prospective cross‐sectional study. AnFGF‐23ELISAwas used to measure plasmaFGF‐23 concentration in dogs and their association with serum creatinine, phosphorus, calcium, andPTHconcentrations.

Results

PlasmaFGF‐23 concentrations increased with severity ofCKDand were significantly different betweenIRISstages 1 and 2 versus stages 3 and 4 (P< .0001). Increases inFGF‐23 concentrations were more frequent than hyperparathyroidism or hyperphosphatemia in this cohort. Serum creatinine and phosphorus concentrations were the strongest independent predictors ofFGF‐23 concentration.

Conclusions and clinical importance

PlasmaFGF‐23 concentrations increase in dogs withCKDas disease progresses. PlasmaFGF‐23 concentrations appear to be useful for further study of the pathophysiology ofCKD‐MBDin dogs.
The roles of valuation and reward processing in cognitive function and psychiatric disorders
Authors: Hélie Sébastien , Shamloo Farzin , Novak Keisha , Foti Dan
Published: April 2017

In neuroeconomics, valuation refers to the process of assigning values to states and actions on the basis of the animal's current representation of the environment, while reward processing corresponds to processing the feedback received from the environment to update the values of states and actions. In this article, we review the brain circuits associated with valuation and reward processing and argue that these are fundamental processes critical to many cognitive functions. Specifically, we focus on the role of valuation and reward processing in attention, memory, decision making, and learning. Next, the extant neuroimaging literature on a number of psychiatric disorders is reviewed (i.e., addiction, pathological gambling, schizophrenia, and mood disorders), and an argument is made that associated deficits in cognitive functions can be explained in terms of abnormal valuation and reward processing. The review concludes with the impact of this framework in clinical settings and prescriptions for future research, in particular with regard to the conversions of qualitatively different valuation systems into a system of common currency.
Claudin‐targeted drug development using anti‐claudin monoclonal antibodies to treat hepatitis and cancer
Authors: Hashimoto Yosuke , Fukasawa Masayoshi , Kuniyasu Hiroki , Yagi Kiyohito , Kondoh Masuo
Published: April 2017

The 27‐member family of tetraspan membrane proteins known as claudins (CLDNs) is a major component of tight junctions. A series of studies elucidating the relationship between CLDNs and various pathological conditions has provided new insights into drug development. For instance, CLDN‐1 may be a potent target for epidermal absorption of drugs and for treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. CLDN‐4 may be a target for treating cancer. Because CLDNs are also expressed in various normal tissues, safety and efficacy evaluations are critical for translational research. We previously developed several anti‐CLDN antibodies and have established proof of concept for CLDN‐targeted drug development using these reagents. Here, we provide an overview of CLDN‐1 as a target for improving epidermal drug absorption and preventing HCV infection and of CLDN‐4 as a target for anticancer therapeutics.
Effects of risk factors on periodontal disease defined by calibrated community periodontal index and loss of attachment scores
Authors: Su C‐W , Yen AM‐F , Lai H , Lee Y , Chen H‐H , Chen SL‐S
Published: April 2017

Objectives

We evaluated whether and how the effects of risk factors on periodontal disease (PD) were modified by measurement errors using community periodontal index (CPI) and loss attachment (LA) in the community‐based survey.

Methods

A pilot validation study was performed to estimate the rates of false negative and false positive for both CPI and LA in 31 subjects from different regions using measurements from 12 well‐trained dentists and a senior periodontist as a gold standard. Afterward, a Taiwanese nationwide survey was conducted by enrolling 3,860 participants to estimate the effect of each risk factor on PD calibrated with both sensitivity and specificity of two indices.

Results

The values obtained for the sensitivity to false‐positive ratio for CPI ranged widely from 1.12 to 7.71, indicating regional variation in both errors. The calibrated adjusted odds ratio for smoking vs non‐smoking was higher than the uncalibrated odds ratio for PD defined by CPI (2.75 (2.01, 3.77) vs 2.02 (1.63, 2.52)) and LA (3.85 (2.44, 6.13) vs 1.93 (1.47, 2.54)) scores. Similar underestimation was noted for other risk factors.

Conclusion

The effects of risk factors on PD measured using CPI and LA in a large population‐based survey were underestimated without correcting for measurement errors.
Assessing the survival impact of perioperative opioid consumption in children and adolescents undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: Owusu‐Agyemang Pascal , Hayes‐Jordan Andrea , Van Meter Antoinette , Williams Uduak U. , Zavala Acsa M. , Kapoor Ravish , Popovich Shannon M. , Rebello Elizabeth , Feng Lei , Cata Juan P.
Published: April 2017

Background

Several studies in adult patients have suggested an unfavorable association between opioid consumption and cancer progression.

Aims

This study investigated the impact of opioid consumption on the survival of children and adolescents undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients <19 years who had undergone cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy was performed. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to identify factors associated with recurrence‐free survival and overall survival.

Results

Seventy‐five patients were identified. Median age was 11.6 years (range, 1.8–18.9), and 43% was female. Median perioperative opioid consumption was 18.9 morphine dose equivalents per kilogram (range, 0.6–339.6). There was no statistically significant association between opioid consumption and recurrence‐free survival [hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, (0.99–1.02), P = 0.55] or overall survival [hazard ratio 1.01; 95% confidence interval (0.99–1.03), P = 0.22]. Independent prognostic factors associated with poor survival included incomplete cytoreduction and extra‐abdominal disease.

Conclusion

In this retrospective study of children and adolescents who had undergone cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, there was no statistically significant association between opioid consumption and recurrence‐free survival or overall survival.
The provision of pediatric cardiac anesthesia services in Germany: current status of structural and personnel organization
Authors: Baehner Torsten , Dewald Oliver , Heinze Ingo , Mueller Matthias , Schindler Ehrenfried , Schirmer Uwe , Baumgarten Georg , Hoeft Andreas , Ellerkmann Richard K
Published: April 2017

Background

Anesthesia for pediatric cardiac surgery requires a high level of expert knowledge. There are currently no recommendations and standards for anesthetic management for congenital cardiac surgery in Germany.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to assess the current status of structural and personnel anesthetic standards at pediatric cardiac surgery centers in Germany.

Methods

All cardiac surgical centers in Germany were reviewed for an active program for congenital heart surgery. Centers with an active program were invited to respond to an online survey. The questionnaire containing 55 items in 16 categories assessed current practice in pediatric cardiac anesthesia.

Results

An active program for pediatric cardiac surgery was identified at 27 centers. The response rate to the survey was 96.3%. A specialized group of anesthesiologists for pediatric cardiac anesthesia was reported from 26 centers (92.3%). The mean size of this group was 4.8 anesthesiologists per center. However, the annual case load of centers and relative annual case load per specialized anesthesiologist varied considerably between 12.5 and 250. Nonanesthesiologists performed sedation and general anesthesia for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions outside the operating theater in children with congenital heart diseases in 24 centers (77%). Although special equipment, for example, pediatric TEE, near‐infrared spectroscopy, and devices for mechanical auto transfusion were available in most centers, their routine use was not always part of standard operating procedures. The proposal for mean adequate training in pediatric cardiac anesthesia as estimated by the participating centers was 10.8 months.

Conclusion

The present study represents the current structural situation for anesthesia at German pediatric cardiac surgery centers.
Keratoacanthoma‐Like Growths of Incontinentia Pigmenti Successfully Treated with Intralesional Methotrexate
Authors: Barros Brittany , Helm Klaus , Zaenglein Andrea , Seiverling Elizabeth
Published: April 2017

We report the case of a 17‐year‐old girl with incontinentia pigmenti who developed multiple large hyperkeratotic tumors within Blaschkoid hyperpigmented patches on her left leg. Biopsy demonstrated an endoexophytic nodule with irregular invaginations of keratinizing squamous epithelium and a central keratin‐filled crater, consistent with keratoacanthoma‐like lesions of incontinentia pigmenti. The tumors were successfully treated with intralesional methotrexate.
Exercise capacity following pediatric heart transplantation: A systematic review
Authors: Peterson Sara , Su Jennifer A. , Szmuszkovicz Jacqueline R. , Johnson Robert , Sargent Barbara
Published: April 2017

Pediatric HTs account for 13% of all HTs with >60% of recipients surviving at least 10 years post‐HT. The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize the literature on exercise capacity of pediatric HT recipients to improve understanding of the mechanisms that may explain the decreased exercise capacity. Six databases were searched for studies that compared the exercise capacity of HT recipients ≤21 years old with a control group or normative data. Sixteen studies were included. Pediatric HT recipients, as compared to controls or normative data, exhibit significantly higher resting HR, and at peak exercise exhibit significantly decreased HR, VO2, power, work, minute ventilation, and exercise duration. Peak VO2 appears to improve within the first 2.5 years post‐HT; peak work remains constant; and there is inconclusive evidence that peak HR, HR recovery, and HR reserve improve with time since HT. These results are discussed in the context of the mechanisms that may explain the impaired exercise capacity of pediatric HT recipients, including chronotropic incompetence, graft dysfunction, side effects of immunosuppression therapy, and deconditioning. In addition, the limited literature on rehabilitation after pediatric HT is summarized.
Sex‐linked inheritance of diapause induction in the butterfly Pieris napi
Authors: Pruisscher Peter , Larsdotter‐Mellström Helena , Stefanescu Constantí , Nylin Sören , Wheat Christopher W. , Gotthard Karl
Published: April 2017

Many temperate insects survive harsh environmental conditions, such as winter, by entering a state of developmental arrest. This diapause state is predominantly induced by photoperiod. The photoperiod varies with latitude and has led to local adaptation in the photoperiodic induction of diapause in many insects. To understand the rapid evolution of the photoperiodic threshold, it is important to investigate and understand the underlying genetic mechanisms. In the present study, the genetic basis of photoperiodic diapause induction is investigated in the green‐veined white butterfly Pieris napi (Lepidoptera, Pieridae) by assaying diapause induction in a range of conditions for a Swedish and Spanish population. Furthermore, the inheritance of diapause induction is assessed in reciprocal F1 hybrids and backcrosses between the two populations. The southern population shows a clear photoperiodic threshold determining diapause or direct development, whereas the northern populations show a high incidence of diapause, regardless of photoperiod. The hybrid crosses reveal that the inheritance of diapause induction is strongly sex‐linked, and that diapause incidence in the genetic crosses is highly dependent on photoperiod. This emphasizes the importance of assaying a range of conditions in diapause inheritance studies. The results indicate a strongly heritable diapause induction with a major component on the Z‐chromosome, as well as a minor effect of the autosomal background.
Terms of trade volatility, government spending cyclicality, and economic growth
Authors: Brueckner Markus , Carneiro Francisco
Published: April 2017

This paper presents estimates of the effects that terms of trade volatility has on real gross domestic product (GDP) per capita growth. Based on 5‐year nonoverlapping panel data comprising 175 countries during 1980 to 2010, the paper finds that terms of trade volatility has significant negative effects on economic growth in countries with procyclical government spending. In countries where government spending is countercyclical, terms of trade volatility has no significant effect on growth. Conditional on the mediating role of government spending cyclicality, the GDP share of domestic credit to the private sector has no significant effect on the relationship between growth and terms of trade volatility.
Cardiorespiratory fitness and health‐related quality of life in women at risk for gestational diabetes
Authors: Engberg E. , Tikkanen H. O. , Koponen A. , Hägglund H. , Kukkonen‐Harjula K. , Tiitinen A. , Peltonen J. E. , Pöyhönen‐Alho M.
Published: April 2017

This study examined the associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and leisure‐time physical activity (LTPA) with health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in women at risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The participants were 39 women planning pregnancy with a history of GDM and/or BMI >29 kg/m2. We assessed CRF by measuring maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) during incremental cycle ergometer exercise until voluntary fatigue. LTPA was self‐reported, and HRQoL assessed with the SF‐36 Health Survey (SF‐36). The mean (SD) VO2max was 27 (6) mL·kg−1·min−1, and the mean LTPA was 2.6 (1.7) h/wk. After controlling for BMI, VO2max was positively associated with the SF‐36 General Health scale (β 1.27, 95% CI: 0.09, 2.44, P=.035) and the Physical Component Summary (β 0.48, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.82, P=.007). The General Health scale (P=.023) and the Physical Component Summary (P=.011) differed even between those with very poor and poor CRF. After controlling for BMI, LTPA was positively associated with the SF‐36 Physical Functioning scale (rs=.34, P=.039), the General Health scale (β 3.74, 95% CI: 0.64, 6.84, P=.020), and the Physical Component Summary (β 1.13 95% CI: 0.19, 2.06, P=.020). To conclude, CRF and LTPA were positively associated with perceived general health and physical well‐being in women planning pregnancy and at risk for GDM. Even a slightly better CRF would be beneficial for well‐being among women with low levels of CRF.
Colombian Criminals, Moral Whites: Reproducing and Resonating Hierarchy in U.S. Film
Authors: Smith Justin M. , Huber Carl
Published: April 2017

In this project, we analyze the representations of Colombian and white characters in U.S. feature films. As a pervasive form of storytelling, films serve an elemental source of analysis for their role in reproducing social realities and resonating with public consciousness. Here, the specific focus upon the representation of race, racial hierarchy, gender, and nationalism produced nuanced observations that expand on sociological understandings of racism in film. Past research on representations of race in media has shown the use of binary oppositions in making difference. We find the use of binary opposition via persistent themes of criminalization of Colombia and Colombian characters alongside the prevalence of white male heroes and white morality. The importance of these cultural representations is placed within the social and political contexts of U.S.–Colombia relations and racial transitions within the United States.
Interferon λ3 gene (IL28B) is associated with spontaneous or treatment‐induced viral clearance in hepatitis C virus–infected multitransfused patients with thalassemia
Authors: Biswas Aritra , Firdaus Rushna , Gupta Debanjali , Ghosh Monika , Saha Kallol , Chowdhury Prosanto , Bhattacharyya Maitreyee , Sadhukhan Provash C.
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major posttransfusion infection in multitransfused individuals in India with thalassemia major. To our knowledge, this study is the first conducted to correlate and comprehend the effects of the host interleukin (IL)28B gene polymorphism at loci rs12979860 and rs8099917 in spontaneous or interferon (IFN)‐induced treatment response in the HCV‐seroreactive individuals with thalassemia major.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 557 HCV‐seroreactive individuals with thalassemia were processed for HCV viral genotyping and host IL28B single‐nucleotide polymorphism analysis at loci rs12979860 and rs8099917.

RESULTS

Of 557 individuals, 70.92% were found to be HCV RNA positive with Genotype 3 (95.18%) as predominant strain. A favorable CC allele at locus rs2979860 and TT allele at rs8099917 were 75.31 and 77.16%, respectively, which was strongly associated with spontaneous clearance of infection (p < 0.05). Of 85 IFN‐treated cases, 56 achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) whereas 27 were relapsed cases. Among these patients who achieved SVR, a favorable CC/TT allele at rs12979860/rs8099917 was found to be predominant with 76.79 and 66.07%, respectively, whereas in the case of relapsed patients, unfavorable CT (55.56%) and TG (59.26%) alleles were found to be predominant. Additionally, low serum ferritin level was significantly associated with SVR.

CONCLUSION

CC at rs12979860 and TT at rs8099917 was strongly associated with spontaneous clearance and SVR in the population with thalassemia. Low age group and low serum ferritin level are important cofactors. This allelic pattern will aid clinicians in making an informed decision about prognosis and therapeutic management.
The effectiveness of riboflavin and ultraviolet light pathogen reduction technology in eliminating Trypanosoma cruzi from leukoreduced whole blood
Authors: Jimenez‐Marco Teresa , Cancino‐Faure Beatriz , Girona‐Llobera Enrique , Alcover M. Magdalena , Riera Cristina , Fisa Roser
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

The parasitic Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, which is mainly transmitted by insect vectors. Other infection routes, both in endemic and in nonendemic areas, include organ and marrow transplantation, congenital transmission, and blood transfusion. Asymptomatic chronic chagasic individuals may have a low and transient parasitemia in peripheral blood and, consequently, they can unknowingly transmit the disease via blood transfusion. Riboflavin and ultraviolet (UV) light pathogen reduction is a method to reduce pathogen transfusion transmission risk based on damage to the pathogen nucleic acids.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this study, we tested the effectiveness of this technology for the elimination of T. cruzi parasites in artificially contaminated whole blood units (WBUs) and thus for decreasing the risk of T. cruzi transfusion transmission. The contaminated WBUs were leukoreduced by filtration and treated with riboflavin and UV light. The level of pathogen reduction was quantified by a real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and a real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) as a viability assay.

RESULTS

The RNA (cDNA) quantification of the parasites showed a more than 99% reduction of viable T. cruzi parasites after leukoreduction and a complete reduction (100%) after the riboflavin and UV light treatment.

CONCLUSION

Riboflavin and UV light treatment and leukoreduction used in conjunction appears to eliminate significant amounts of viable T. cruzi in whole blood. Both strategies could complement other blood bank measures already implemented to prevent the transmission of T. cruzi via blood transfusion.
Geographical differences in survival of dogs with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma treated with aCHOPbased chemotherapy protocol
Authors: Wilson‐Robles H. , Budke C. M. , Miller T. , Dervisis N. , Novosad A. , Wright Z. , Thamm D. H. , Vickery K. , Burgess K. , Childress M. , Lori J. , Saba C. , Rau S. , Silver M. , Post G. , Reeds K. , Gillings S. , Schleis S. , Stein T. , Brugmann B. , DeRegis C. , Smrkovski O. , Lawrence J. , Laver T.
Published: April 2017

Background

In humans geographical differences in the incidence and presentation of various cancers have been reported. However, much of this information has not been collected in veterinary oncology.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to determine if a geographic difference in progression free survival exists for dogs with lymphoma treated within the US.

Materials and Methods

Medical records of 775 cases of canine lymphoma from 3 US regions (west, south and north), treated with CHOP chemotherapy, were retrospectively evaluated. Cases were collected from referral institutions and were required to have received at least one doxorubicin treatment and have follow up information regarding time to progression.

Results

Significant differences in sex (p= 0.05), weight (p= 0.049), stage (p< 0.001), immunophenotype (p= <0.001), and number of doxorubicin doses (p= 0.001) were seen between regions. Upon univariate analysis, progression free survival (PFS) differed by region (p= 0.006), stage (p= 0.009), sub‐stage (p= 0.0005), and immunophenotype (p= 0.001). A multivariable Cox regression model showed that dogs in the western region had a significantly shorter PFS when compared to the south and east.

Conclusion

PFS was significantly affected by stage, sub‐stage and phenotype.
Efficacy of dacarbazine as a rescue agent for histiocytic sarcoma in dogs
Authors: Kezer K. A. , Barber L. G. , Jennings S. H.
Published: April 2017

Background

Canine histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is an aggressive neoplasm that is generally associated with a poor prognosis. CCNU is considered first‐line medical therapy, although the majority of dogs ultimately develop progressive disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dacarbazine as a rescue agent for HS.

Materials and Methods

Medical records of dogs diagnosed with HS that received at least one dose of dacarbazine were reviewed. Information collected and analyzed included signalment, disease distribution, treatment history, dacarbazine treatments (including dose, interval and total number of cycles), adverse events, and response to treatment.

Results

Seventeen dogs were included, all of which had disseminated or metastatic disease and had received prior treatment with CCNU. Three dogs achieved partial remission for an overall response rate of 17.6%. The overall median event‐free survival (EFS) was 21 days. For dogs that experienced an objective response, the EFS was 70 days. Toxicity secondary to dacarbazine was generally mild and self‐limiting.

Conclusion

In the setting of advanced disease, dacarbazine appears to have modest activity against HS and warrants further investigation.
Treatment for third-order nonlinear differential equations based on the Adomian decomposition method
Authors: Lv Xueqin , Gao Jianfang
Published: April 2017

The Adomian decomposition method (ADM) is an efficient method for solving linear and nonlinear ordinary differential equations, differential algebraic equations, partial differential equations, stochastic differential equations, and integral equations. Based on the ADM, a new analytical and numerical treatment is introduced in this research for third-order boundary-value problems. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified by numerical examples.
Structural characterization of the silk of two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Doğan Salih , Çağlar Mustafa , Çağlar Bülent , Çırak Çağrı , Zeytun Erhan
Published: April 2017

The present investigation was undertaken to obtain information about the structural and morphological properties of the silk of two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) by means of the atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrophotometer (EDX) and attenuated total reflection Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) techniques. AFM images show that the shapes of silken threads produced by both female and male mites are similar and have non-uniform cylindrical structure. In general, the appearance of silks produced by female mites is smoother than those of the male mites. In addition, it is determined that the silk threads produced by both female and male individuals have single and double stranded structure. There were differences in the thread dimensions of female and male which could depend on the body size of the mites. However, there is no statistically significant correlation between the body size of the mites and their thread dimensions. The silk material was found to consist predominantly of C, N and O elements and minor fractions of Al, P, Cl and K. The ATR-FTIR spectrum of the silk of two-spotted spider mite exhibited characteristic vibrational modes originating from amid groups, which were attributed to random coil and β-sheet molecular conformation in the protein structure of the silk of two-spotted spider mite. Understanding the features of the two-spotted spider mite silks may be of practical importance for the future studies related to biomaterial and material science.
Pneumatic dental extractions: an unusual cause of extensive cervical surgical emphysema
Authors: Thompson Christopher , Gohil Rohit
Published: April 2017

A 50-year-old fit and well man presented to the Accident and Emergency Department in a tertiary centre following lower molar extraction, complaining of voice hoarseness with neck and facial swelling. Clinical examination along with plain film radiography revealed pneumomediastinum and extensive cervical surgical emphysema. He was subsequently admitted for observation and managed conservatively under the ENT team with input from the maxillofacial and anaesthetic teams. With supportive treatment only, the emphysema resolved and he remained well up until discharge.