bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A carboniferous chondrichthyan assemblage from residues within a Triassic karst system at Cromhall quarry, Gloucestershire, England
Authors: BEHAN CLAIRE , WALKEN GORDON , CUNY GILLES
Published: March 2015

Abstract.  Sixteen different Lower Carboniferous (Tournaisian Courceyan to Chadian age, Mississippian) chondrichthyan teeth types have been extracted from Triassic erosional/aeolian fills in shallow karst systems found in the limestone quarry at Cromhall, Gloucestershire, England. These Carboniferous teeth have been found within a much larger assemblage of disarticulated bones and teeth belonging to small late Triassic terrestrial reptiles, for which Cromhall quarry is famous. The Carboniferous teeth are derived fossils, released during subaerial dissolution of the surrounding limestones. Owing to low specimen numbers and uncertainty of intraspecific character, 10 types of teeth are left in open nomenclature, although it is likely they represent new taxa. They belong to Jalodus, Ctenacanthiformes, Protacrodus, Orodus, Chomatodus, Petalodontidae, Euchondrocephali?, Helodus and Psephodus. A new genus and species, Cromhallia parvunda, of indeterminate phylogenetic relationships, is also erected. The assemblage includes also an identified suite comprising Thrinacodus ferox, Bransonella cf. nebraskensis and Stethacanthus cf. altonensis. The identification of all fish teeth found in the Cromhall assemblages as derived fossils from the Carboniferous removes any ambiguity regarding the fully terrestrial nature of the late Triassic fauna preserved in the residue‐bearing karst systems.
Internal Migration and Development: Comparing Migration Intensities Around the World
Authors: Bell Martin , Charles‐Edwards Elin , Ueffing Philipp , Stillwell John , Kupiszewski Marek , Kupiszewska Dorota
Published: March 2015

Migration is the principal demographic process shaping patterns of human settlement, and it serves an essential role in human development. While progress has been made in measuring international migration, internal migration statistics are as yet poorly developed in many countries. This article draws on a repository of data established under the IMAGE (Internal Migration Around the GlobE) project to address this deficit by constructing the first comprehensive league table of internal migration intensities for countries around the world. We review previous work, outline the major impediments to making reliable comparisons, and set out a methodology that combines a novel estimation procedure with a flexible spatial aggregation facility. We present the results in the form of league tables of aggregate crude migration intensities that capture all changes of address over one‐year or five‐year intervals for 96 countries, representing four‐fifths of the global population. Explanation for the observed differences has been sought, inter alia, in historical, structural, cultural, and economic forces. We examine the links between development and migration intensity through simple correlations using a range of demographic, economic, and social variables. Results reveal clear associations between internal migration intensities and selected indicators of national development.
Slum Definitions in Urban India: Implications for the Measurement of Health Inequalities
Authors: Nolan Laura B.
Published: March 2015

Half the population of low‐ and middle‐income countries will live in urban areas by 2030, and poverty and inequality in these contexts are rising. Slum‐dwelling is one way in which to conceptualize and characterize urban deprivation, but there are many definitions of what constitutes a slum. This article presents four different slum definitions used in India, demonstrating that assessments of both the distribution and extent of urban deprivation depend on the way in which it is characterized, as does slum‐dwelling's association with common child health indicators. Using data from India's National Family and Health Survey from 2005–06, two indicators of slum dwelling embedded in the survey and two constructed from the household questionnaire are compared using descriptive statistics and linear regression models of height‐ and weight‐for‐age z‐scores. The results highlight discrepancies between international and local slum definitions, and underscore the importance of improving empirical representations of the dynamism of slum and city residents.
Childbearing within Marriage and Consensual Union in Latin America, 1980–2010
Authors: Laplante Benoît , Castro‐Martín Teresa , Cortina Clara , Martín‐García Teresa
Published: March 2015

This article compares the fertility patterns of women in consensual union and marriage in 13 Latin American countries, using census microdata from the four most recent census rounds and a methodological approach that combines the own‐children method and Poisson regression. Results show that in all these countries, fertility is slightly higher within consensual union than marriage and that the age pattern of fertility is very similar in marital and non‐marital unions. Further analyses show that over the period considered, childbearing within a consensual union has changed from rare to increasingly common, although not yet mainstream, for highly educated women in most countries examined. Results show that in Latin America, at least since the 1980s, women's childbearing patterns depend on their age and on their being in a conjugal relationship, but not on the legal nature of this relationship. The similarities in reproductive behavior between marital and non‐marital unions are not confined to the socially disadvantaged groups, but apply as well to the better off.
Rare Earth Element and Trace Element Features of Gold‐bearing Pyrite in the Jinshan Gold Deposit, Jiangxi Province
Authors: MAO Guangzhou , HUA Renmin , GAO Jianfeng , ZHAO Kuidong , LONG Guangming , LU Huijuan , YAO Junming
Published: March 2015

Jinshan gold deposit is located in northeastern Jiangxi, South China, which is related to the ductile shear zone. It has a gold reserve of more than 200 tons, with 80% of gold occurring in pyrite. The σREE of gold‐bearing pyrite is as higher as 171.664 ppm on average, with relatively higher light rare earth elements (LREE; 159.556 ppm) and lower HREE (12.108 ppm). The σLREE/σHREE ratio is 12.612 and (La/Yb)N is 11.765. These indicate that pyrite is rich in LREE. The (La/Sm)N ratio is 3.758 and that of (Gd/Yb)N is 1.695. These are obvious LREE fractionations. The rare earth element (REE) distribution patterns show obvious Eu anomaly with average δEu values of 0.664, and δCe anomalies of 1.044. REE characteristics are similar to those of wall rocks (regional metamorphic rocks), but different from those of the Dexing granodiorite porphyry and Damaoshan biotite granite. These features indicate that the ore‐forming materials in the Jinshan gold deposit derived from the wall rocks, and the ore‐forming fluids derived from metamorphic water. The Co/Ni ratio (average value 0.38) of pyrite suggests that the Jinshan gold deposit formed under a medium–low temperature. It is inferred from the values of high‐field strength elements, LREE, Hf/Sm, Nb/La, and Th/La of the pyrite that the ore‐forming fluids of the Jinshan gold deposit derived from metamorphic water with Cl>F.
Formation Mechanism of Maceral and Mineral Compositions of the “Barkinite” Liptobiolith from the Jinshan Mine, Anhui Province, China
Authors: SUN Yuzhuang , ZHAO Cunliang , LIN Mingyue , JIN Kankun , DING Shuli
Published: March 2015

In order to study the accumulation mechanism of “barkinite”, eight Late Permian channel benches (approximately 15‐cm across and 10‐cm deep) were taken from the Jinshan Mine, Anhui Province, China. The samples were analyzed by microscopical and geochemical methods. The microscopical observations indicate that the occurrence modes of “barkinite” in this area are different from those in other areas of China. The ratios of structureless “barkinite” are much higher in the Jinshan Mine, probably due to the flow‐water and marine influenced environments. Furthermore, vitrinite macerals also show a strong fluorescence. The vitrinite fluorescence characteristics have not been observed in the Permian “barkinite” coals from northern China. The composition and variation of minerals in the column section also showed that the swamps in the study area were seriously influenced by seawater in the early and late stage during the peat accumulation.
Morphology and Histology of Lattice‐like Ossified Epaxial Tendons in Psittacosaurus (Dinosauria: Ceratopsia)
Authors: ZHOU Chang‐Fu , GAO Ke‐Qin , FOX Richard C.
Published: March 2015

Epaxial tendons play an important role in the study of the musculoskeletal system and locomotory style of dinosaurs. Although the ossified epaxial tendon lattice is fairly well known in Iguanodontoidea, only recently has knowledge of this complex been extended to ceratopsians. This study concerns the gross morphology and microstructure of the tendon lattice in Psittacosaurus, a basal ceratopsian. As in the neoceratopsian Chasmosaurus, the ossified tendons of Psittacosaurus form a three‐layered, lattice‐like structure. The microstructure of the tendons in large psittacosaur individuals retains an early stage of ossification, as in juvenile birds and nestling hadrosaurs, suggesting a slow developmental rate of ossification of the tendons in psittacosaur ontogeny. Comparative study indicates that a lattice‐like arrangement of three‐layered epaxial tendons is widely distributed in Cerapoda. This pattern also extends to Ankylosauria, implying a similar pattern of the epaxial muscles through the ornithischian clade. In addition, comparison with crocodiles implies that the different morphology of ossified tendons in dinosaurs may be associated with adaptive aspects of their paleobiology, not simply a side effect of skeletal ossification. In contrast to the short tendons in quadrupedal Chasmosaurus and Protoceratops, the elongated tendons in Psittacosaurus may be related to the bipedal locomotion characteristic of this taxon.
Outlines of New Global Geochemical Mapping Program
Authors: XIE Xuejing , YAO Wensheng
Published: March 2015

Since 1988, great efforts and enthusiasm had been paid by applied geochemists in the implementation of global geochemical mapping through the International Geological Correlation Program's Projects 259 and 360, and the Task Group on ‘Global Geochemical Baselines’ established by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), in collaboration with the International Association of Geochemistry (IAGC). But how to use extremely low‐density sampling to obtain a global picture of the distribution of most elements in the periodic table in a reasonably short time is still a great challenge faced by the applied geochemistry community. It will depend on the continuous development of new mapping concept, and the advisable and courageous innovation of methodology for searching other suitable sample media and sampling layout. Based on the encouragement results obtained from the representativeness study of delta sediments conducted at the mouth of Yangtze River, and at the mouths of its four major tributary, it is expected to broadly apply the geochemical fractal self‐similarity nature to main rivers and their estuaries with catchments up to hundreds of thousands or over a million square kilometers in the world. With this new mapping concept, a new outlines of a Global Geochemical Mapping Program was advanced and the establishment of an International Research Center of Global Geochemical Mapping was also suggested to facilitate the programs implementations.
Fukuititan nipponensis, A New Titanosauriform Sauropod from the Early Cretaceous Tetori Group of Fukui Prefecture, Japan
Authors: AZUMA Yoichi , SHIBATA Masateru
Published: March 2015

A titanosauriform dinosaur: Fukuititan nipponensis gen. et sp. nov. is erected based on the incomplete skeleton. It is characterized by elongated asymmetric tooth crown with a weak or absent labial groove and without lingual concavity; stalk‐like epipophysis of cervical vertebra; the transverse width of the proximal end of the humerus approximately 32% of the humerus length; metacarpal longer, approximately 48% of the radius and the distal end of the ischia slightly expanded. It represents the first relatively complete titanosauriform skeleton found from Japan. The discovery of Fukuititan indicates that the diversity and geographical distribution of Titanosauriformes are much higher than the previous thought.
The Duty to Take Rescue Precautions
Authors: Rulli Tina , Wendler David
Published: March 2015

There is much philosophical literature on the duty to rescue. Individuals who encounter and could save, at relatively little cost to themselves, a person at risk of losing life or limb are morally obligated to do so. Yet little has been said about the other side of the issue. There are cases in which the need for rescue could have been reasonably avoided by the rescuee. We argue for a duty to take rescue precautions, providing an account of the circumstances in which it arises. This novel duty has important implications for public policy. We apply it to the situation of some of the uninsured in the United States. Given the US clinician's duty to provide emergency care to all people regardless of ability to pay, some of the uninsured have a moral duty to purchase health insurance. We defend the duty against objections, including the possibility that a right to rescue can be waived, thus undermining a duty to take rescue precautions, that the duty of many professionals is voluntarily incurred, and that a distinction between actively assumed and passively assumed risks matters morally.
Breeding season weather determines long‐tailed tit reproductive success through impacts on recruitment
Authors: Gullett Philippa R. , Hatchwell Ben J. , Robinson Robert A. , Evans Karl L.
Published: March 2015

Productivity is a key demographic trait that can be influenced by climate change, but there are substantial gaps in our understanding of the impact of weather on productivity and recruitment in birds. Weather is known to influence reproductive success in numerous species, although such effects have not been reported in all studies, perhaps because they are masked by high nest predation rates or buffered by density dependence. Here, we use a 19‐yr study of a population of individually marked long‐tailed tits Aegithalos caudatus to quantify the impacts of weather on productivity in the nest (from eggs to fledging) and subsequent recruitment, while taking nest predation rates and density dependence into account. We find that weather has negligible effects on clutch size, hatching success, brood size, probability of fledging and number of fledglings. Annual variation in nest predation rates is a strong predictor of productivity, but we find no evidence that the magnitude of nest predation is determined by weather. Recruitment was strongly associated with breeding season weather, even when taking density dependence effects into account. This contrasts with the conventional view that first year survival of temperate passerines is primarily determined by winter weather. Recruitment was reduced when March temperatures were high, perhaps caused by earlier peaks in caterpillar abundance and thus reduced food availability at the time of fledging. Recruitment increased following high May temperatures, perhaps due to an improved thermo‐regulatory environment for young fledglings. These opposing effects of warm March and May temperatures highlight the importance of considering asymmetrical rates of warming in different months when predicting climate change impacts.
Food availability modulates the effects of maternal antibodies on growth and immunity in young feral pigeons
Authors: Ismail A. , Jacquin L. , Haussy C. , Perret S. , Gasparini J.
Published: March 2015

It is now widely acknowledged that mothers can transfer their own immune experience to their progeny through the allocation of specific maternal antibodies (hereafter referred as MatAb) that can shape offspring phenotype and affect their fitness. However, the importance of environmental variability in modulating the effects of MatAb on offspring traits is still elusive. Using an experimental approach, we investigated how food availability interacted with MatAb to solve the trade‐off between humoral immunity and growth in young feral pigeonsColumba livia. Results show that the inhibitory effect of MatAb on the humoral response of chicks was detected regardless of the food treatment. In addition, body mass growth was higher in chicks receiving lower amounts of maternal antibodies but only in chicks of the ad libitum food treatment. This contradicts previous studies and suggests that the transfer of MatAb could entail some costs for chicks and reduce their growth. Taken together these results reinforce the idea that the maternal antibodies play a central role in shaping offspring life‐history traits but that their adaptive value is highly dependent on the environmental context in which they are transmitted by the mother.
Robust Prioritization of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Using the VIKOR Method with Objective Weights
Authors: Kim Yeonjoo , Chung Eun‐Sung
Published: March 2015

This study proposes a robust prioritization framework for climate change adaptation strategies under uncertain climate change scenarios, using the VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method, a multi‐criteria decision‐making approach, together with the Shannon entropy‐based weights. The VIKOR method allows us to find a compromise solution between two decision strategies of maximizing group utility and minimizing individual regret, and the Shannon entropy is used to determine objective weights among multiple climate change scenarios. The proposed methodology was applied to the problem of selecting locations of subwatersheds for reusing treated wastewater (TWW) in a Korean urban watershed. Selected based on the sustainability concept, hydro‐environmental and socioeconomic indicators were used to evaluate the sustainability of TWW reuse under multiple climate change scenarios, using the hydrologic simulation model results and statistical data. Finally, sustainability scores under multiple scenarios were aggregated using the VIKOR together with the Shannon entropy‐based weights for the robust prioritization of adaptation strategies. According to the different levels of regret aversion or affinity, our results for water quality showed different sets of adaptation strategies as the best options, suggesting that our framework would help stakeholders seeking the robust options considering both the utility and regret.
Genetic analysis of river, swamp and hybrid buffaloes of north‐east India throw new light on phylogeography of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Mishra B.P. , Dubey P.K. , Prakash B. , Kathiravan P. , Goyal S. , Sadana D.K. , Das G.C. , Goswami R.N. , Bhasin V. , Joshi B.K. , Kataria R.S.
Published: March 2015

This study analysed buffaloes from north‐east India and compared their nuclear and mitochondrial DNA variations with buffaloes of mainland India, China, Mediterranean and South‐East Asia. Microsatellite genotypes of 338 buffaloes including 210 from six north‐east Indian buffalo populations and three mainland Indian breeds were analysed to evaluate their genetic structure and evolutionary relationships. Phylogenetic analysis and multidimensional scaling plot of pairwise FST revealed the clustering of all swamp‐type buffaloes of north‐east India with Lower Assamese (significantly hybrid type) buffaloes in one plane and all the mainland river buffaloes in another plane while the upper Assamese buffaloes being distinct from both these clusters. Analysis of mtDNA D‐loop region of 530‐bp length was performed on 345 sequences belonging to 23 buffalo populations from various geographical regions to establish the phylogeography of Indian water buffalo. The swamp buffaloes of north‐east India clustered with both the lineages of Chinese swamp buffalo. Multidimensional scaling display of pairwise FST derived from mitochondrial DNA data showed clustering of upper Assamese, Chilika and Mediterranean buffaloes distinctly from all the other Indian buffalo populations. Median‐joining network analysis further confirmed the distinctness and ancestral nature of these buffaloes. The study revealed north‐east region of India forming part of the wider hybrid zone of water buffalo that may probably extend from north‐east India to South‐East Asia.
The effect of including genomic relationships in the estimation of genetic parameters of functional traits in pigs
Authors: Aasmundstad T. , Andersen‐Ranberg I. , Nordbø Ø. , Meuwissen T. , Vangen O. , Grindflek E.
Published: March 2015

The term functionality in animal breeding is used for traits that increase the efficiency of production by lowering the input cost, such as animal health and leg weakness related to longevity. The main objective of the study was to investigate the impact of genomic information, in a multivariate variance component analysis, on some of these traits. In addition, the effect of the inclusion was studied by testing the model's prediction ability based on best linear unbiased estimates for fixed and random effects. The material in this study consists of phenotypes from 76 683 animals, of which 4933 animals are genotyped. The heritabilities for front leg conformation, stayability, osteochondrosis and arched back, estimated using the traditional pedigree, were found to be between 0.12 and 0.29. When using the combined genomic and pedigree relationship matrix, the heritabilities were between 0.14 and 0.36. The results show that the combined relationship matrix can be used for the estimation of (co)variance components, and that the predictive ability of the model in this study marginally increases with the inclusion of genomic information.
Tat‐antioxidant 1 protects against stress‐induced hippocampal HT‐22 cells death and attenuate ischaemic insult in animal model
Authors: Kim So Mi , Hwang In Koo , Yoo Dae Young , Eum Won Sik , Kim Dae Won , Shin Min Jea , Ahn Eun Hee , Jo Hyo Sang , Ryu Eun Ji , Yong Ji In , Cho Sung‐Woo , Kwon Oh‐Shin , Lee Keun Wook , Cho Yoon Shin , Han Kyu Hyung , Park Jinseu , Choi Soo Young
Published: March 2015

Oxidative stress‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) are responsible for various neuronal diseases. Antioxidant 1 (Atox1) regulates copper homoeostasis and promotes cellular antioxidant defence against toxins generated by ROS. The roles of Atox1 protein in ischaemia, however, remain unclear. In this study, we generated a protein transduction domain fused Tat‐Atox1 and examined the roles of Tat‐Atox1 in oxidative stress‐induced hippocampal HT‐22 cell death and an ischaemic injury animal model. Tat‐Atox1 effectively transduced into HT‐22 cells and it protected cells against the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced toxicity including increasing of ROS levels and DNA fragmentation. At the same time, Tat‐Atox1 regulated cellular survival signalling such as p53, Bad/Bcl‐2, Akt and mitogen‐activate protein kinases (MAPKs). In the animal ischaemia model, transduced Tat‐Atox1 protected against neuronal cell death in the hippocampal CA1 region. In addition, Tat‐Atox1 significantly decreased the activation of astrocytes and microglia as well as lipid peroxidation in the CA1 region after ischaemic insult. Taken together, these results indicate that transduced Tat‐Atox1 protects against oxidative stress‐induced HT‐22 cell death and against neuronal damage in animal ischaemia model. Therefore, we suggest that Tat‐Atox1 has potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of oxidative stress‐induced ischaemic damage.
The importance (or lack thereof) of niche divergence to the maintenance of a northern species complex: the case of the long‐toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum Baird)
Authors: Lee‐Yaw J. A. , Irwin D. E.
Published: March 2015

The relative importance of ecological vs. nonecological factors for the origin and maintenance of species is an open question in evolutionary biology. Young lineages – such as the distinct genetic groups that make up the ranges of many northern species – represent an opportunity to study the importance of ecological divergence during the early stages of diversification. Yet, few studies have examined the extent of niche divergence between lineages in previously glaciated regions and the role of ecology in maintaining the contact zones between them. In this study, we used tests of niche overlap in combination with ecological niche models to explore the extent of niche divergence between lineages of the long‐toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum Baird) species complex and to determine whether contact zones correspond to (divergent) niche limits. We found limited evidence for niche divergence between the different long‐toed salamander lineages, substantial overlap in the predicted distribution of suitable climatic space for all lineages and range limits that are independent of niche limits. These results raise questions as to the importance of ecological divergence to the development of this widespread species complex and highlight the potential for non‐ecological factors to play a more important role in the maintenance of northern taxa.
Antifungal Effects of Ozonated Water on Aspergillus parasiticus: A New Approach to Prevent Wheat Contamination
Authors: Mohammadi Kouchesfahani M. , Alimohammadi M. , Jahed Khaniki G. , Nabizadeh Nodehi R. , Aghamohseni Z. , Moazeni M. , Rezaie S.
Published: March 2015

In Iran, wheat is one of the most important sources of diet. Unfortunately, it is vulnerable to contamination with fungi consisting of aflatoxigenic moulds. Since 1997, ozone has been recognized as an effective oxidant and disinfection agent. This study demonstrates the benefits derived from ozone in the inhibition of Aspergillus parasiticus growth and aflatoxin production in wheat. Wheat samples inoculated with A. parasiticus spore suspensions (10,102 and 104 spores/g of wheat) were treated with ozonated water at various concentrations of 0, 1, 2, 2.5 mg ozone/L at different temperatures. Fungal mycelium was weighed to evaluate the effect of ozone on A. parasiticus growth. Moreover, the rate of aflatoxin production was determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Our results indicated that ozonated water can inhibit A. parasiticus growth as well as the accumulation of aflatoxins effectively. The best result was obtained when samples were treated with 2.5 mg/L of ozonated water and at fungal spore concentrations of 10 and 102 for inhibition of fungal growth and aflatoxin production, respectively (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the usage of ozonated water during wheat tempering is a promising strategy for inhibition of A. parasiticus growth and for reducing aflatoxin production.

Practical Application

The high incidence rate of cereal contamination by mycotoxins has been reported worldwide. Because of the carcinogenic effects of aflatoxins, various methods are used for inhibition of fungal growth and aflatoxin production. In contrast to different methods, which production of unfavorable residues is a problem, ozone decomposes to molecular oxygen rapidly and leaves no unwanted residue. Ozone is a safe, powerful disinfectant that is particularly suited for the food industry because of its ability to control biological growth of unwanted organisms without adding chemical by‐products to the food being treated. Our findings indicated that usage of ozonated water instead of water in wheat tempering stage can possibly functioned as a method for inhibition of Aspergillus parasiticus growth and aflatoxins production in wheat and can play an important role in decreasing of cereal wastes and increasing of food safety.
Diet Soda Intake Is Associated with Long‐Term Increases in Waist Circumference in a Biethnic Cohort of Older Adults: The San Antonio Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Fowler Sharon P.G. , Williams Ken , Hazuda Helen P.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To examine the relationship between diet soda (DS) intake (DSI) and long‐term waist circumference (WC) change (ΔWC) in the biethnic San Antonio Longitudinal Study of Aging (SALSA).

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

San Antonio, Texas, neighborhoods.

Participants

SALSA examined 749 Mexican‐American and European‐American individuals aged 65 and older at baseline (baseline, 1992–96); 474 (79.1%) survivors completed follow‐up 1 (FU1, 2000–01), 413 (73.4%) completed FU2 (2001–03), and 375 (71.0%) completed FU3 (2003–04). Participants completed a mean of 2.64 follow‐up intervals, for 9.4 total follow‐up years.

Measurements

DSI, WC, height, and weight were measured at outset and at the conclusion of each interval: baseline, FU1, FU2, and FU3.

Results

Adjusted for initial WC, demographic characteristics, physical activity, diabetes mellitus, and smoking, mean interval ΔWC of DS users (2.11 cm, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.45–2.76 cm) was almost triple that of nonusers (0.77 cm, 95% CI = 0.29–1.23 cm) (P < .001). Adjusted interval ΔWCs were 0.77 cm (95% CI = 0.29–1.23 cm) for nonusers, 1.76 cm (95% CI = 0.96–2.57 cm) for occasional users, and 3.04 cm (95% CI = 1.82–4.26 cm) for daily users (P = .002 for trend). This translates to ΔWCs of 0.80 inches for nonusers, 1.83 inches for occasional users, and 3.16 for daily users over the total SALSA follow‐up. In subanalyses stratified for selected covariates, ΔWC point estimates were consistently higher in DS users.

Conclusion

In a striking dose‐response relationship, increasing DSI was associated with escalating abdominal obesity, a potential pathway for cardiometabolic risk in this aging population.
Effects of a partnership support program for couples undergoing fertility treatment
Authors: Asazawa Kyoko
Published: March 2015

Aim

The study's purpose was to examine the effects of providing a partnership support program. It was designed to improve Japanese couples' partnership, maintain quality of life, decrease psychological distress, and improve marital relationship satisfaction while they underwent infertility treatment that included the possibility of using assisted reproductive technology.

Methods

This quasi‐experimental study with a two‐group pretest–post‐test design used purposive sampling and non‐random assignment of 318 consenting Japanese patients from previous phases of assisted reproductive technology fertility treatment who were patients from a fertility clinic in Tokyo, Japan. The intervention group of 152 patients (76 couples) participated in the partnership support program. The comparison group of 166 patients (83 couples) received usual care. Recruitment was age matched. The program provided information and used a participatory–interactive approach to enhance understanding and cooperation in couples undergoing fertility treatment. The main outcome measures were: “partnership”, FertiQoL, Quality Marriage Index, and “psychological distress”.

Results

There were 311 participants (intervention group n = 148; comparison group, n = 163). The intervention group showed significant improvement in the couples' partnerships and a significant decrease in women's psychological distress using subgroup analysis.

Conclusion

The partnership support program provided effective improvement in partnership for the couples, and reduced psychological distress for the women; however, it had less impact for the men. The program was not effective in improving couples' overall quality of life (QOL); however, it was effective in improving the “mind–body” aspects of the QOL subscale.
Systematic review of the predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors which influence nursing administration of opioids in the postoperative period
Authors: Yin Hai‐Hui , Tse Mimi M. Y. , Wong Frances K. Y.
Published: March 2015

Aim

To provide an overview of the administration of opioid analgesics by nurses when prescription is on an “as‐needed” basis for postoperative pain, and to identify the important factors that determine the decisions of nurses, by using the framework of predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling causes in educational diagnosis and evaluation.

Methods

Multiple databases were searched for the period from 2000–2012. Out of a total of 1755 citations and 148 abstracts retrieved, 39 studies met the criteria for inclusion. Studies were considered eligible for review if they focused on situations or factors influencing a nurse's performance in pain assessment and the administration of opioid analgesics in postoperative pain management.

Results

The topics of the descriptive and qualitative studies presented four themes: (i) nurses' knowledge and attitudes about pain management; (ii) the situation of nurses' work practices in administrating range orders for opioid analgesics; (iii) factors that influenced nurses' work practices; and (iv) perceived barriers to effective pain management from the nurse's perspective. The experimental studies investigated the effects of different approaches in nurses' pain management practices in postoperative settings and their outcomes for patients.

Conclusion

A knowledge deficit was observed to be the reason in most cases for a nurse's failure to administrate adequate analgesics for postoperative pain relief. Pain‐related education for nurses is the cornerstone to improve pain management. The integration of enabling and reinforcing factors will help nurses to develop the ability to make the decision to engage in a comprehensive intervention to improve pain management and patient outcomes.
Why Female College Students Risk Pregnancy: I Just Wasn't Thinking
Authors: James‐Hawkins Laurie
Published: March 2015

Introduction

To explore the meaning or meanings of “I just wasn't thinking” as a reason for contraceptive risk‐taking among women and to illuminate what this phrase actually means when used by women as an explanation for contraceptive risk‐taking.

Methods

Forty‐five in‐depth semistructured interviews were conducted with sexually active women on a college campus. Interviews were transcribed and coded thematically using NVivo 10.

Results

“I just wasn't thinking” has multiple meanings. Major themes in women's explanations of the meaning were: 1) They pushed it to the back of their minds, that they did not think they would get pregnant; 2) they did not think about it due to impairment resulting from alcohol use; 3) they would deal with the possibility of pregnancy later; and 4) they did not think about contraception or pregnancy at all. Most of these responses were based on erroneous risk calculations that led the women to believe they were not likely to experience a pregnancy.

Discussion

Reasons women give for noncontraceptive use may have deeper meanings. It is important for both clinicians and researchers to think about possible underlying meanings and to acknowledge that they may be different than the face value of the statement. In the future, clinical questioning of women about noncontraceptive use and research into reasons for noncontraceptive use should take into account the variability of just not thinking and include appropriate follow‐up questions to clarify its meaning.
Critical Congenital Heart Disease Screening Practices Among Licensed Midwives in Washington State
Authors: Evers Patrick D. , Vernon Margaret M. , Schultz Amy H.
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Since 2011, pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) has been recommended for newborns. Initial implementation guidelines focused on in‐hospital births. Recent publications affirm the importance of universal screening, including for out‐of‐hospital births. No published data describe CCHD screening rates for out‐of‐hospital births.

Methods

Licensed midwives in Washington state were surveyed regarding their current CCHD screening practices, volume of births attended annually, and typical newborn follow‐up practices. For those who indicated they were screening, additional information was obtained about equipment used, timing of screening, and rationale for voluntarily initiating screening. For those who indicated that they were not screening, information regarding barriers to implementation was solicited.

Results

Of the 61 midwives in our sample, 98% indicated they were aware of published guidelines recommending universal newborn screening for CCHD utilizing pulse oximetry. Furthermore, 52% indicated that they were screening for CCHD currently. Ten percent stated they do not intend to screen, whereas the remaining respondents indicated that they plan to screen in the future. The primary barriers to screening were the cost of pulse oximetry equipment and inadequate training in screening technique and interpretation.

Conclusion

Although voluntary implementation of CCHD screening by licensed midwives in Washington is increasing, it lags behind the implementation rates reported for in‐hospital births.
Parameter Uncertainty and Residual Estimation Risk
Authors: Bignozzi Valeria , Tsanakas Andreas
Published: March 2015

The notion of residual estimation risk is introduced to quantify the impact of parameter uncertainty on capital adequacy, for a given risk measure and capital estimation procedure. Residual risk equals the risk measure applied to the difference between a random loss and the corresponding capital estimator. Modified estimation procedures are proposed, based on parametric bootstrapping and predictive distributions, which compensate the impact of parameter uncertainty and lead to higher capital requirements. In the particular case of location‐scale families, the analysis simplifies and a capital estimator can always be found that leads to a residual risk of exactly zero.
Microscopic impactor debris in the soil around Kamil crater (Egypt): Inventory, distribution, total mass, and implications for the impact scenario
Authors: Folco Luigi , D'Orazio Massimo , Fazio Agnese , Cordier Carole , Zeoli Antonio , van Ginneken Matthias , El‐Barkooky Ahmed
Published: March 2015

We report on the microscopic impactor debris around Kamil crater (45 m in diameter, Egypt) collected during our 2010 geophysical expedition. The hypervelocity impact of Gebel Kamil (Ni‐rich ataxite) on a sandstone target produced a downrange ejecta curtain of microscopic impactor debris due SE–SW of the crater (extending ~300,000 m2, up to ~400 m from the crater), in agreement with previous determination of the impactor trajectory. The microscopic impactor debris include vesicular masses, spherules, and coatings of dark impact melt glass which is a mixture of impactor and target materials (Si‐, Fe‐, and Al‐rich glass), plus Fe‐Ni oxide spherules and mini shrapnel, documenting that these products can be found in craters as small as few tens of meters in diameter. The estimated mass of the microscopic impactor debris (<290 kg) derived from Ni concentrations in the soil is a small fraction of the total impactor mass (~10 t) in the form of macroscopic shrapnel. That Kamil crater was generated by a relatively small impactor is consistent with literature estimates of its pre‐atmospheric mass (>20 t, likely 50–60 t).
A search for shocked quartz grains in the Allerød‐Younger Dryas boundary layer
Authors: Van Hoesel Annelies , Hoek Wim Z. , Pennock Gillian M. , Kaiser Knut , Plümper Oliver , Jankowski Michal , Hamers Maartje F. , Schlaak Norbert , Küster Mathias , Andronikov Alexander V. , Drury Martyn R.
Published: March 2015

The Younger Dryas impact hypothesis suggests that multiple airbursts or extraterrestrial impacts occurring at the end of the Allerød interstadial resulted in the Younger Dryas cold period. So far, no reproducible, diagnostic evidence has, however, been reported. Quartz grains containing planar deformation features (known as shocked quartz grains), are considered a reliable indicator for the occurrence of an extraterrestrial impact when found in a geological setting. Although alleged shocked quartz grains have been reported at a possible Allerød‐Younger Dryas boundary layer in Venezuela, the identification of shocked quartz in this layer is ambiguous. To test whether shocked quartz is indeed present in the proposed impact layer, we investigated the quartz fraction of multiple Allerød‐Younger Dryas boundary layers from Europe and North America, where proposed impact markers have been reported. Grains were analyzed using a combination of light and electron microscopy techniques. All samples contained a variable amount of quartz grains with (sub)planar microstructures, often tectonic deformation lamellae. A total of one quartz grain containing planar deformation features was found in our samples. This shocked quartz grain comes from the Usselo palaeosol at Geldrop Aalsterhut, the Netherlands. Scanning electron microscopy cathodoluminescence imaging and transmission electron microscopy imaging, however, show that the planar deformation features in this grain are healed and thus likely to be older than the Allerød‐Younger Dryas boundary. We suggest that this grain was possibly eroded from an older crater or distal ejecta layer and later redeposited in the European sandbelt. The single shocked quartz grain at this moment thus cannot be used to support the Younger Dryas impact hypothesis.
Wolf's Isotopic Response: Varicella Within a Prior Immunization Reaction Site
Authors: Wu Sam , McShane Diana B. , Burkhart Craig N. , Morrell Dean S.
Published: March 2015

Wolf's isotopic response describes the occurrence of a dermatologic condition at the site of a prior healed unrelated condition. Our report details a case of varicella occurring as a secondary condition at the site of a prior immunization reaction; herpesvirus infection has not been reported as a secondary condition in cases of Wolf's isotopic response before. Current hypotheses favor the involvement of neurohormonal modulation of local immunity in response to various forms of injury as a model for explaining these phenomena.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Triethanolamine in a Child
Authors: Milanesi Nicola , Berti Samantha , Gola Massimo
Published: March 2015

Triethanolamine is used as an emulsifier in many cosmetics and in topical medications, yet the occurrence of contact dermatitis to cosmetics containing triethanolamine is rare in childhood. Our case highlights how young age should not be a deterrent to investigation and demonstrates the importance of patch testing with selected allergens.
Cutaneous Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma on the Sole of a Child
Authors: Carranza‐Romero Carmen , Molina‐Ruiz Ana Maria , Perna Monroy Cristian , Cuevas Santos Jesús , Requena Luis
Published: March 2015

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) has been considered to be a low‐grade malignant vascular neoplasm, although follow‐up of recent series has demonstrated that EHE involving the skin and soft tissues should be better regarded as a fully malignant vascular tumor since it has more metastatic potential than previously thought. We report a case of an EHE involving the left sole of 6‐year‐old boy, the youngest patient with cutaneous EHE described to date. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated a lymphatic endothelial line of differentiation for neoplastic cells. Cutaneous EHE is rare in childhood, with only five previously described cases.
Improving the Dermatologic Care of Individuals with Autism: A Review of Relevant Issues and a Perspective
Authors: Oza Vikash S. , Marco Elysa , Frieden Ilona J.
Published: March 2015

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that effects verbal and nonverbal communication and social cognition and often presents with altered sensory processing, stereotyped behavior, and restricted interests. The prevalence of this diagnosis has increased markedly over the past two decades. Dermatologists undoubtedly will be evaluating and managing more patients with this diagnosis, but there has been little written regarding the dermatologic care of patients with ASD. Difficulties with communication and sensory processing create significant challenges in clinical evaluation and management. Individuals with ASD are also at higher risk for certain dermatologic conditions. This review is intended to build an awareness of the complexity of caring for individuals with ASD and discuss strategies that can help improve the dermatologic care of these patients.
Suplatast Tosilate for Treating Cutaneous Mastocytosis
Authors: Yasudo Hiroki , Ando Tomoaki , Hiwatari Mitsuteru , Oka Akira
Published: March 2015

Pediatric cutaneous mastocytosis is a rare disease caused by mast cell hyperplasia. We report the case of an infant diagnosed as cutaneous mastocytosis and seasonal allergies. The wheals, flushing, and pruritus of the mastocytosis were unresponsive to combination therapy with an antihistamine, a mast cell stabilizer (sodium cromoglycate), and a leukotriene antagonist. Addition of suplatast tosilate as a treatment for the seasonal allergy also dramatically improved his cutaneous symptoms and signs. Further trials of suplatast tosilate in selected cases of cutaneous mastocytosis are warranted.
A Case of Loose Anagen Syndrome in an African American Girl
Authors: Agi Crystal , Cohen Bernard
Published: March 2015

We present the case of 7‐year‐old African American girl with loose anagen syndrome. Although this is a common cause of hair loss in Caucasian children, and there have been reports of cases occurring in dark‐skinned children of North African and Middle Eastern descent, to our knowledge there have been no cases reported in black children of sub‐Saharan African ancestry. We present this case to broaden the differential diagnosis of hair loss in African Americans.
Gravitational Erythema
Authors: Rahmatulla Seher , Scharrer Krisztina , Schofield Julia , Hussain Khalid , Hepburn Neill
Published: March 2015

We report a case of gravitational erythema in a 13‐year‐old boy who presented with a blotchy erythematous rash affecting his arms when hanging down and legs and lower abdomen on standing. The cutaneous symptoms in the upper limbs would resolve rapidly on elevation of the arms, whereas the lower limb rash would disappear on lying flat. Although this is a benign condition, no effective treatment has previously been reported. Our patient was managed with compression stockings, which provided some symptomatic benefit.
Isothiazolinones: Sensitizers Not to Miss in Children
Authors: Quenan Sandrine , Piletta Pierre , Calza Anne‐Marie
Published: March 2015

Isothiazolinone is known to be a sensitizer and a frequent cause of contact dermatitis in adults. Cases of contact dermatitis have also recently been reported in children. Derivatives of isothiazolinone, such as methylisothiazolinone (MI) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), are commonly used in the care products of babies and children. This allergen should not be missed.
Extensive Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation in a Child with Aplasia Cutis Congenita
Authors: Gómez María , Chiesura Vilma , Noguera‐Morel Lucero , Hernández‐Martín Angela , García‐Peñas Juan José , Torrelo Antonio
Published: March 2015

We report on a child with multiple lesions of membranous aplasia cutis congenita of the scalp since birth who developed an extensive intracranial arteriovenous malformation several years later. Even in the absence of other clues to suggest intracranial anomalies, children with multiple scalp defects should be carefully surveyed and followed up in the long term.