bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘It makes a difference, coming here’: A qualitative exploration of clinic attendance among young adults with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hynes Lisa , Byrne Molly , Casey Dympna , Dinneen Sean F. , O'Hara Mary Clare
Published: June 2015

Objective

Young adulthood is a time of significant challenges and risks for people with type 1 diabetes. Poor outpatient clinic attendance is common among young adults with type 1 diabetes. The aim of this qualitative study was to develop a theory explaining attendance at a hospital‐based diabetes clinic.

Design

Using a grounded theory methodology, data were collected through semi‐structured qualitative interviews.

Method

Twenty‐nine people (21 young adults with type 1 diabetes and eight service providers) from one hospital‐based diabetes clinic were interviewed. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and analysed according to grounded theory methodology.

Results

Relationships between young adults and service providers is the core category of this theory. Collaborative relationships between young adults and service providers increased the perceived value of attendance and reduced the vulnerability of young adults to the barriers within the existing service, such as meeting unfamiliar service providers. Relationships between young adults and service providers were developed following opportunities for contact (e.g., structured education programme or crisis of diabetes), and facilitated engagement with the service and further attendance. Barriers to clinic attendance included young adults’ negative perceptions of their diabetes self‐management and a lack of value associated with attending.

Conclusion

The diabetes clinic was described as an important and valued resource by young adults and service providers. Collaborative relationships between young adults and service providers enhanced service provision in this study. According to the results of this study, clinic attendance may be improved by increasing opportunities for relationship development between service providers and young adults.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Attendance by young adults at hospital‐based diabetes clinics is important to support self‐management.

Young adults with type 1 diabetes are at risk of clinic non‐attendance.

What does this study add?

This study presents an explanatory theory of clinic attendance among young adults with type 1 diabetes.

According to this theory:

Barriers within existing models of service delivery prevent collaboration and may contribute to non‐attendance.

Relationships between service users and providers can establish or maintain regular clinic attendance by fostering the engagement of young adults with diabetes clinics.
Experimental design and analysis and their reporting: new guidance for publication in BJP
Authors: Curtis Michael J , Bond Richard A , Spina Domenico , Ahluwalia Amrita , Alexander Stephen P A , Giembycz Mark A , Gilchrist Annette , Hoyer Daniel , Insel Paul A , Izzo Angelo A , Lawrence Andrew J , MacEwan David J , Moon Lawrence D F , Wonnacott Sue , Weston Arthur H , McGrath John C
Published: June 2015

Linked Editorials

This Editorial is part of a series. To view the other Editorials in this series, visit: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12956/abstract; http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12954/abstract; http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12955/abstract and http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.13112/abstract
The views of parents who experience intergenerational poverty on parenting and play: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Smith R. L. , Stagnitti K. , Lewis A. J. , Pépin G.
Published: June 2015

Background

There is minimal literature on how parents experiencing intergenerational poverty view their role as parents and the value they place on children's play. The objective of this study was to examine how these parents view their parenting role and their beliefs about children's play.

Methods

Thirteen mothers of preschool‐aged children who experienced intergenerational poverty were recruited to the study. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted and were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Results

Parents described their role as guiding their children to become ‘good’ people, to teach them skills and provide a routine within the home. There were two disconnections in the data including the view that whilst parenting was hard and lonely, it was also a private matter and participants preferred not to seek support. A second disconnection was in terms of their beliefs about play. Parents believed that whilst play was valuable to their child's development, it was not their role to play with children. However, if parents did play with their child, they noticed positive changes in their child's behaviour.

Conclusion

The views of parents who experienced intergenerational poverty were similar to other reported findings in parenting studies. However, the current sample differed on not seeking help for support as well as not seeing their role as playing with their children, even though occasions of joining their child in play were associated with a positive change in their relationship with their child. This has implications for communicating about parenting issues with parents who have experienced intergenerational poverty.
Reconsidering Corporate Ratings
Authors: Hassani Bertrand , Zhao Xin
Published: June 2015

In this paper, a new corporate ratings methodology is proposed. The information from the annually accounting ratios and the daily credit derivative spreads are combined through a two‐steps approach to calibrate the credit risk of the corporations. To test the performance of the proposed rating methodology, an empirical analysis is carried out on a sample of 197 public traded corporations with credit ratings from the big‐three credit rating agencies. The ratings generated from the presented approach perform better than the ratings from the external agencies as it is more representative of companies’ credit quality over time. This rating method provides an approach to integrate the long term and short term information of corporate credibility.
Anesthetic effects of isoflurane on the tonotopic map and neuronal population activity in the rat auditory cortex
Authors: Noda Takahiro , Takahashi Hirokazu
Published: June 2015

Since its discovery nearly four decades ago, sequential microelectrode mapping using hundreds of recording sites has been able to reveal a precise tonotopic organization of the auditory cortex. Despite concerns regarding the effects that anesthesia might have on neuronal responses to tones, anesthesia was essential for these experiments because such dense mapping was elaborate and time‐consuming. Here, taking an ‘all‐at‐once’ approach, we investigated how isoflurane modifies spatiotemporal activities by using a dense microelectrode array. The array covered the entire auditory cortex in rats, including the core and belt cortices. By comparing neuronal activity in the awake state with activity under isoflurane anesthesia, we made four observations. First, isoflurane anesthesia did not modify the tonotopic topography within the auditory cortex. Second, in terms of general response properties, isoflurane anesthesia decreased the number of active single units and increased their response onset latency. Third, in terms of tuning properties, isoflurane anesthesia shifted the response threshold without changing the shape of the frequency response area and decreased the response quality. Fourth, in terms of population activities, isoflurane anesthesia increased the noise correlations in discharges and phase synchrony in local field potential (LFP) oscillations, suggesting that the anesthesia made neuronal activities redundant at both single‐unit and LFP levels. Thus, while isoflurane anesthesia had little effect on the tonotopic topography, its profound effects on neuronal activities decreased the encoding capacity of the auditory cortex.
Hippocampal interplay with the nucleus accumbens is critical for decisions about time
Authors: Abela Andrew R. , Duan Yiran , Chudasama Yogita
Published: June 2015

Human cognition depends upon the capacity to make decisions in the present that bear upon outcomes in the future. The nucleus accumbens, a recipient of direct projections from both the hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex, is known to contribute to these aspects of decision‐making. Here we demonstrate that interaction of the nucleus accumbens with the hippocampus, but not the orbitofrontal cortex, is critical in shaping decisions that involve time trade‐offs. Compared with controls, rats with a disrupted hippocampal–accumbens interaction were strongly biased toward choosing stimuli that led to small and immediate food rewards over large and delayed ones. We show that this pattern of behavior cannot be ascribed to the impaired representation of stimulus value, the incapacity to wait, or a general disruption of decision‐making. These results identify a hippocampal–accumbens circuit that may underlie a range of problems in which daily decisions are marked by a shift toward immediate gratification.
Fractional anisotropy in the substantia nigra in Parkinson's disease: a complex picture
Authors: Lenfeldt N. , Larsson A. , Nyberg L. , Birgander R. , Forsgren L.
Published: June 2015

Background and purpose

This study employs magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion tensor imaging to compare diffusion measures in the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with healthy controls using longitudinal data.

Methods

One‐hundred and twenty‐two patients and 34 controls were included at baseline. The MRI investigations were repeated after 1, 3 and 5 years. The diffusion measures were quantified using fractional anisotropy and mean, radial and axial diffusion (FA, MD, RD, AD). Regions of interest included the anterior, middle and posterior substantia nigra (SN), but also other areas. Linear models were used to test for the effect of disease and hemispheric lateralization. The P value was set at 0.05 (Bonferroni corrected).

Results

Fractional anisotropy and AD were increased in the three nigral subareas in PD (P < 0.01), but MD and RD were unaltered. The right SN had higher FA than the left in all subareas (P < 0.01). MD and AD were increased in the right anterior part (P < 0.04), whereas MD and RD were decreased in the right middle and posterior parts (P < 0.001). The left middle cerebellar peduncle had increased FA and AD (P < 0.001) and decreased MD and RD (P < 0.01) compared to the right. Diffusion measures did not progress over time and side differences were not related to disease or lateralization of symptoms.

Conclusions

Increased FA in the SN in PD indicates gliosis and inflammation in the nuclei, but possibly also intrusion of surrounding fibres into the shrinking structure. The hemispheric side differences of diffusion might reflect natural lateralization of connectivity, but their relation to PD must be studied further.
Sudden unexplained death in childhood: A comparison of cases with and without a febrile seizure history
Authors: Hesdorffer Dale C. , Crandall Laura A. , Friedman Daniel , Devinsky Orrin
Published: June 2015

Objective

We considered whether a subset of children with sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC) and a history of febrile seizures (FS) may parallel those in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The prevalence of a history of FS was examined, and factors that may distinguish SUDC cases with and without FS were described.

Methods

Characteristics were assessed in 123 consecutive children with SUDC reported to the SUDC program (4/1/11‐3/31/14) by their parents. Parental interview covered the decedent's medical history, circumstances of death, environmental factors, cause of death, and family medical history. Features of SUDC cases were compared by FS history.

Results

Overall, 31.7% of SUDC cases had a history of FS, among which 74.4% had simple FS. Compared to those without a history of FS, a history of FS was associated with a greater median age at death (p = 0.03) and death during the weekdays (p = 0.02). Terminal fever was similar in those with and without FS. The median time from FS to death was 6.0 months (interquartile range [IQR] 3.0–10.0). In all SUDC cases, prone position at death, death during sleep, and unwitnessed deaths predominated.

Significance

There are parallels among SUDC, sudden infant deaths, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) with regard to prone position, unwitnessed deaths mostly during sleep, and male predominance. In children with SUDC and a history of FS, terminal fever may increase the risk for an unwitnessed terminal seizure. The greater than expected prevalence of a FS history and the proportion with terminal fever or illness in this cohort suggests that some SUDC deaths may be seizure related and therefore have potential commonalities with SUDEP.
Identification of pests and pathogens recorded in Europe with relation to fruit imports
Authors: Steffen K. , Grousset F. , Schrader G. , Petter F. , Suffert M.
Published: June 2015

Within the framework of the EU project DROPSA (‘Strategies to develop effective, innovative and practical approaches to protect major European fruit crops from pests and pathogens’), a review on pests (including pathogens) that have fruit species as their host plants was conducted. The focus was on pests that have been introduced into Europe or were found in the fruit trade during the last 10–15 years. Among the 387 recorded pests, the following groups were identified: 1. fruit and vinegar flies, 2. scale insects, 3. fungi, 4. plant viruses, 5. bacteria, 6. pests of unknown risk, 7. tropical fruit pests, 8. pests that had an unexpected change of hosts, 9. fruit pests not likely to be transported on fruit and 10. ‘hitchhikers’ (non‐fruit pests intercepted on fruit/fruit plants, fruit pests intercepted on other commodities than fruit). The large number of pests identified, from different taxonomic groups and origins, shows that fruit are an important pathway for pests, threatening fruit production in Europe.
Effects of transport, fasting and anaesthesia on the faecal microbiota of healthy adult horses
Authors: Schoster A. , Mosing M. , Jalali M. , Staempfli H. R. , Weese J. S.
Published: June 2015

Reasons for performing study

The intestinal microbiota is important for health and disease. Factors that disturb the equine intestinal microbiota need further investigation.

Objectives

To determine the effects of transport, fasting and anaesthesia on the faecal microbiota of healthy adult horses using next‐generation sequencing.

Study design

Experimental trial.

Methods

Faecal samples were taken from 8 horses at baseline, after transport, 12 h of fasting and 24, 48 and 72 h after a 6 h anaesthesia. Next generation sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was used to assess the microbial composition of faeces. Alpha diversity, phylogenetic structures and beta diversity were assessed.

Results

There were significant changes in the relative abundances of phyla, classes, orders and families after transport, fasting and anaesthesia. Most notably horses had a significantly lower abundance of Clostridiales after transport compared with baseline (P = 0.03) and a decreased abundance of Rickettsiales after fasting (P = 0.024). Alpha diversity was not significantly different between time points (all P>0.21). When parsimony analysis was applied, anaesthesia had a significant effect on community membership and structure (Jaccard index and Yue and Clayton index both P = 0.02).

Conclusions

There was some effect of transport, fasting and anaesthesia on the composition and structure of the microbiota of healthy horses. This indicates these are potentially stress factors for the equine intestinal microbiota. Further investigation is required to look at the potential impact of changes in the microbiota on the development of disease in the post anaesthetic period.
Deficiency of the parathyroid hormone‐related peptide nuclear localization and carboxyl terminal sequences leads to premature skin ageing partially mediated by the upregulation of p27
Authors: Jiang Minyue , Chen Guangpei , Lu Na , Zhang Yongjie , Jin Shulei , Karaplis Andrew , Goltzman David , Miao Dengshun
Published: June 2015

We previously reported that deficiency of the PTHrP nuclear localization sequence (NLS) and C‐terminus in PTHrP knockin (PTHrP KI) mice resulted in premature ageing of skin. P27, a cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor, was upregulated in PTHrP KI mice and acted as a downstream target of the PTHrP NLS to regulate the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. To determine the effects of p27 deficiency on premature skin ageing of PTHrP KI mice, we compared the skin phenotypes of PTHrP KI mice to those of p27 knockout (p27−/−) mice and to those of double homozygous p27‐deficient and PTHrP KI (p27−/−PTHrP KI) mice at 2 weeks age. Compared with wild‐type littermates, PTHrP KI mice displayed thinner skin and decreased subcutaneous fat and collagen fibres, decreased skin cell proliferation and increased apoptosis, higher expression of p27, p19 and p53 and lower expression of cyclin E and CDK2, and increased reactive oxygen species levels and decreased antioxidant capacity. Deficiency of p27 in the PTHrP KI mice at least in part corrected the skin premature ageing phenotype resulting in thicker skin and increased subcutaneous fat and collagen. These alternations were associated with higher expression of CDK2 and cyclin E, lower expression of p19 and p53, and enhanced antioxidant capacity with increased skin cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. Our results indicate that the NLS and C‐terminus of PTHrP play a critical role in preventing skin from premature ageing that is partially mediated by p27.
Global‐scale mapping of changes in ecosystem functioning from earth observation‐based trends in total and recurrent vegetation
Authors: Fensholt Rasmus , Horion Stéphanie , Tagesson Torbern , Ehammer Andrea , Ivits Eva , Rasmussen Kjeld
Published: June 2015

Aim

To evaluate trend analysis of earth observation (EO) dense time series as a new way of describing and mapping changes in ecosystem functioning at regional to global scales. Spatio‐temporal patterns of change covering 1982–2011 are discussed in the context of changes in land use and land cover (LULCC).

Location

Global.

Methods

This study takes advantage of the different phenological cycles of recurrent vegetation (herbaceous vegetation) and persistent vegetation (woody/shrub cover) in combining trend analyses of global‐scale vegetation based on different annual/seasonal normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) metrics. Spatial patterns of combined vegetation trends derived from the Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies NDVI are analysed using land‐cover information (GLC2000).

Results

The direction of change in annual and seasonal NDVI metrics is similar for most global terrestrial ecosystems, but areas of diverging trends were also observed for certain regions across the globe. These areas are shown to be dominated by land‐cover classes of deciduous forest in tropical/subtropical areas. Areas of observed change are found in dry deciduous forest in South America and central southern Africa and are in accordance with studies of hotspot LULCC areas conducted at local and regional scales. The results show that dense time series of EO data can be used to map large‐scale changes in ecosystem functional type that are due to forest cover dynamics, including forest degradation, deforestation/reforestation and bush encroachment.

Main conclusions

We show that areas characterized by changes in ecosystem functioning governed by LULCC at regional and global scales can be mapped from dense time series of global EO data. The patterns of diverging NDVI metric trends can be used as a reference in evaluating the impacts of environmental changes related to LULCC and the approach may be used to detect changes in ecosystem functioning over time.
Increased frequency of double and triple heterozygous gene variants in children with intrahepatic cholestasis
Authors: Goldschmidt Monique L. , Mourya Reena , Connor Jessica , Dexheimer Phillip , Karns Rebekah , Miethke Alexander , Sheridan Rachel , Zhang Kejian , Bezerra Jorge A.
Published: June 2015

Aim

Single gene mutations cause syndromes of intrahepatic cholestasis, but previous multi‐gene mutation screening in children with idiopathic cholestasis failed to fulfill diagnostic criteria in approximately two‐thirds of children. In adults with fibrosing cholestatic disease, heterozygous ABCB4 mutations were present in 34% of patients. Here, we hypothesized that children with idiopathic cholestasis have a higher frequency of heterozygous non‐synonymous gene sequence variants.

Methods

We analyzed the frequency and types of variants in 717 children in whom high‐throughput sequencing of the genes SERPINA1, JAG1, ATP8B1, ABCB11 and ABCB4 was performed as part of an evaluation for idiopathic intrahepatic cholestasis cholestasis. The frequency of non‐synonymous variants (NSV) was compared with those of 1092 control subjects enrolled in the 1000 Genome Project.

Results

The frequency of NSV in single genes was similar between disease (25%) and controls (26%, P = 0.518). In contrast, double or triple NSV in two or more genes were more frequent in disease (n = 7%) than controls (n = 4.7%, P = 0.028). Detailed review of clinical and laboratory information in a subgroup of double or triple heterozygous patients revealed variable γ‐glutamyltransferase levels and severity of pruritus, with liver biopsies showing stage 2–3 fibrosis.

Conclusion

Children with idiopathic intrahepatic cholestasis have a higher frequency of double or triple NSV in SERPINA1, JAG1, ATPB1, ABCB11 or ABCB4. These findings raise the potential role for gene–gene relationships in determining the phenotype of cholestatic liver disease in children.
Self‐care management programme for older adults with diabetes: An integrative literature review
Authors: Tan Cherry Chay Lee , Cheng Karis Kin Fong , Wang Wenru
Published: June 2015

This paper summarizes evidence on effectiveness of diabetes self‐care interventions for older adults with diabetes, and identifies factors influencing self‐care behaviours. The search for articles published from 2002 to 2012 was done using electronic databases, namely, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO and PubMed. Search terms include diabetes, self‐management, self‐care, barriers and intervention. Out of 261 articles screened, 21 were selected for review. Findings revealed that interventions using concepts of self‐efficacy, self‐determination and proactive coping, and interventions incorporating information technology were effective in influencing diabetes self‐care behaviours with improved health outcomes. Psychosocial factors influencing self‐care include motivation, socioeconomic status, literacy, knowledge, social and health‐care providers' support, and particularly for older adults, the key factors were their self‐efficacy, motor skill and literacy in self‐care activities. This review provides important insight for nurse practitioners to address psychosocial issues in developing self‐care management programmes for older adults with diabetes.
Niche availability in space and time: migration in Sylvia warblers
Authors: Laube Irina , Graham Catherine H. , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin
Published: June 2015

Aim

The ecological niche of a species is dynamic at a variety of spatial and temporal scales; embracing this complexity is required for accurate assessment of species' niche requirements and to forecast how species will respond to novel and dynamic climates. In the context of recent advances in species distribution modelling, however, both the environment and the ecological niche of a species have often been treated and quantified as static entities. Here, our aim was to explore how species' realized niches and geographical ranges are dynamically shaped by the decoupled spatio‐temporal availability of different environmental conditions, using the migration of Sylvia warblers as an example.

Location

Palaearctic, Afrotropical and Indo‐Malay ecozones.

Methods

We used a species distribution modelling approach to evaluate the niche characteristics of Sylvia warblers under their actual migration strategies as well as null models assuming resident behaviour. We focused on climate and land cover as niche dimensions, taking into account the spatial availability of environmental conditions during the peak breeding and non‐breeding season for each Sylvia species.

Results

Migration did not increase the overlap between breeding and non‐breeding niches compared with breeding and non‐breeding niche overlap in resident null models. Sylvia warblers did not compensate for the costs of a longer migratory journey by tracking their climatic niche or land‐cover niche more closely. Instead, Sylvia warblers migrated further than the closest available area with suitable climate and land cover.

Main conclusions

Climatic niche tracking is unlikely to be the main driver of migration in Sylvia warblers. We suggest that taking dynamic environments into account and comparing actual niche characteristics to those resulting from alternative possible range dynamics enhances our understanding of the drivers behind organisms' movements and distributions.
Nicotine administration in the wake‐promoting basal forebrain attenuates sleep‐promoting effects of alcohol
Authors: Sharma Rishi , Lodhi Shafi , Sahota Pradeep , Thakkar Mahesh M.
Published: June 2015

Nicotine and alcohol co‐abuse is highly prevalent, although the underlying causes are unclear. It has been suggested that nicotine enhances pleasurable effects of alcohol while reducing aversive effects. Recently, we reported that nicotine acts via the basal forebrain (BF) to activate nucleus accumbens and increase alcohol consumption. Does nicotine suppress alcohol‐induced aversive effects via the BF? We hypothesized that nicotine may act via the BF to suppress sleep‐promoting effects of alcohol. To test this hypothesis, adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were implanted with sleep‐recording electrodes and bilateral guides targeted toward the BF. Nicotine (75 pmol/500 nL/side) or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF; 500 nL/side) was microinjected into the BF followed by intragastric alcohol (ACSF + EtOH and NiC + EtOH groups; 3 g/kg) or water (NiC + W and ACSF + W groups; 10 mL/kg) administration. On completion, rats were killed and processed to localize injection sites in the BF. The statistical analysis revealed a significant effect of treatment on sleep‐wakefulness. While rats exposed to alcohol (ACSF + EtOH) displayed strong sleep promotion, nicotine pre‐treatment in the BF (NiC + EtOH) attenuated alcohol‐induced sleep and normalized sleep‐wakefulness. These results suggest that nicotine acts via the BF to suppress the aversive, sleep‐promoting effects of alcohol, further supporting the role of BF in alcohol‐nicotine co‐use.

image

Alcohol and nicotine are highly co‐abused. The underlying mechanism is unclear. One reason why people use nicotine, a stimulant, with alcohol is to enhance recreational/pleasurable sensations while suppressing alcohol's aversive effects such as sleepiness. We have previously observed that nicotine acts via wake‐promoting basal forebrain to increase alcohol consumption and activate nucleus accumbens, the pleasure center. Here, we demonstrate that nicotine acts via the basal forebrain to suppress sleep‐promoting effects of alcohol further implicating the basal forebrain as a key substrate in nicotine alcohol co‐use.
Evaluation of and selection criteria for drought resistance in Chinese semiwinter rapeseed varieties at different developmental stages
Authors: Huang Qian , Zhao Yongguo , Liu Chunqing , Zou Xiling , Cheng Yong , Fu Guiping , Xu Jingsong , Zhang Xuekun , Lu Guangyuan
Published: June 2015

The impacts of water deficit imposed at either the germination stage or the reproductive stage on biological traits of 37 semiwinter rapeseed varieties were analysed. The osmotic stress induced by 14% polyethylene glycol had a substantial impact on seed germination and caused significant reductions in plant growth and seed vigour. Relative water content was identified as a good indicator for early screening of drought resistance. At the reproductive stage, seed yield, 1000‐seed weight, height of the first branch, plant height and number of pods per plant were all markedly reduced under the exceptionally long and severe drought condition. Two of the top three resistant genotypes at the germination stage were also shown to be resistant based on the drought susceptibility index for seed yield. Phenotypic correlation and path analyses were employed to rank the relative importance of other agronomic traits with regard to seed yield. The important contributors to seed yield under drought conditions, in descending order, were as follows: 1000‐seed weight, days to maturity, number of pods per plant and plant height.
A case of intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm of pancreas with severe calcification, a potential pitfall in diagnostic imaging
Authors: Takayama Shouichi , Maeda Tamaki , Nishihara Masayoshi , Kanazawa Akifumi , Chong Hyon Su , Oka Hiroshi , Hirota Seiichi , Ishikawa Osamu
Published: June 2015

We experienced a case of intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasms (ITPN) of the pancreas with severe calcification, which complicated image diagnosis. A pancreas head tumor was detected in a Japanese female in her 50s. Early enhancement by contrast‐enhanced CT and coarse calcification suggested a neuroendocrine tumor, although the obstruction and dilation of the main pancreatic duct appeared to be an intraductal tumor. An endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration biopsy specimen revealed adenocarcinoma tissue. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed, and the patient has been well without evidence of recurrence for over 10 months. Pathological examination on the resected specimen revealed that the tumor showed papillary and tubulo‐cribriform growth patterns. Together with typical immunohistochemical results, the final diagnosis of ITPN was made. Characteristically, this case showed extensive calcification of both psammoma body‐type and non psammoma body‐type with foamy macrophage aggregation. This is the first report of ITPN with two types of calcification and macrophage. Since calcification might be one of the characteristic histological findings in ITPN as shown in our case, the possibility of ITPN should be also considered when calcification is detected in pancreatic lesions by various imaging modalities.
A Closer Look at Eyespot Effects on Voter Turnout: Reply to Matland and Murray
Authors: Panagopoulos Costas
Published: June 2015

Implicit social pressure, applied via exposure to eyespots in nonpartisan, direct‐mail blandishments to vote, has been shown using randomized field experiments to raise turnout in elections. Similar eyespot effects have been observed across a wide range of prosocial behaviors. A series of recent replications conducted by Matland and Murray (2015) have failed to consistently produce statistically significant eyespot effects on voter turnout, however, leading the authors to conclude the effects observed in previous research were likely illusory. In this article, I rebut this claim, arguing that an alternative, more circumspect interpretation of the authors’ key results points to a different conclusion that supports the notion that eyespots likely stimulate voting, especially when taken together with previous findings.
The Association of Infant Growth Patterns with Adiposity in Adolescence: Prospective Observations from Hong Kong's ‘Children of 1997’ Birth Cohort
Authors: Hui L. L. , Wong M. Y. , Leung G. M. , Schooling C. M.
Published: June 2015

Background

The role of infant growth in adiposity remains unclear.

Methods

We used multivariable linear regression, with inverse probability weighting and multiple imputation to account for loss to follow‐up, in a population‐representative Chinese birth cohort, ‘Children of 1997’ in Hong Kong, to examine, in terms births, the adjusted association of infant (birth to 12 months) weight growth trajectories with body mass index (BMI) (n = 6861, 88% follow‐up), waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR), and waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) (n = 5398, 69% follow‐up) at ∼14 years.

Results

Infant weight growth trajectories had graded associations with adolescent BMI and WHtR but not with WHR, such that compared with adolescents born light with slow infant growth, adolescents born heavy with fast infant growth had higher BMI z‐score [0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49, 0.70], higher WHtR z‐score (0.17, 95% CI 0.08, 0.26) but similar WHR z‐score (−0.02, 95% CI −0.11, 0.08), adjusted for sex, gestational age, parental education, parental BMI, parental height, and parental place of birth.

Conclusions

Varying associations of infant growth with different adiposity measures suggest a complex role of infant growth in long‐term health, perhaps because infant growth, or its underlying drivers, influences build and body composition as well as adiposity.
Leveraging the benefits of exploratory learning and exploitative learning in NPD: the role of innovation field orientation
Authors: Li Ci‐Rong , Yeh Ching‐Hsuan
Published: June 2015

Scholars have increasingly noted that firm‐level capabilities may be crucial for resolving the dilemmas resulting from either high exploratory or high exploitative learning. However, our current understanding of this issue remains limited. Innovation field orientation is a firm‐level capability to strategically structure dispersed innovation efforts and reconfigure resources on them, and may help a firm leverage the benefits of distinctive learning strategies. Based on this idea, this paper investigates innovation field orientation and examines how its capacities (the specification, establishment of focus areas, and stimulation of synergies) influence the performance of high exploratory/exploitative learning. Our findings suggest that the capacities of innovation field orientation moderate the effects of exploratory and exploitative learning on new product program performance, and clarify how innovation field orientation enables organization to leverage the benefits of high exploratory/exploitative learning and address their disadvantages.
Regulation of B Cell to Plasma Cell Transition within the Follicular B Cell Response
Authors: Nera K.‐P. , Kyläniemi M. K. , Lassila O.
Published: June 2015

Persistent humoral immunity depends on the follicular B cell response and on the generation of somatically mutated high‐affinity plasma cells and memory B cells. Upon activation by an antigen, cognately activated follicular B cells and follicular T helper (TFH) cells initiate germinal centre (GC) reaction during which high‐affinity effector cells are generated. The differentiation of activated follicular B cells into plasma cells and memory B cells is guided by complex selection events, both at the cellular and molecular level. The transition of B cell into a plasma cell during the GC response involves alterations in the microenvironment and developmental state of the cell, which are guided by cell‐extrinsic signals. The developmental cell fate decisions in response to these signals are coordinated by cell‐intrinsic gene regulatory network functioning at epigenetic, transcriptional and post‐transcriptional levels.
Lysosome‐Related Effector Vesicles in T Lymphocytes and NK Cells
Authors: Lettau M. , Kabelitz D. , Janssen O.
Published: June 2015

Lysosome‐related secretory organelles combine metabolic functions of conventional lysosomes with an inducible secretory potential. Specialized variants of such bi‐functional organelles are present in several haematopoietic cell types that store, mobilize and/or secrete effector proteins, for example in mast cells, macrophages or cytotoxic effector cells. In the case of T lymphocytes and NK cells, it was believed that secretory lysosomes serve as a common storage and transport compartment for the most relevant cytotoxic effector proteins including FasL, perforin, granzymes and granulysin. However, recent observations suggest that cytotoxic effector cells might be able to mobilize two distinct lysosomal entities in order to react to differential stimulation with either FasL surface appearance or degranulation‐associated release of perforin and granzymes. This assumption is supported by the proteomic characterization of enriched organelles from T and NK cells. FasL‐associated light lysosomes biochemically segregate from morphologically distinct heavy lysosomes that preferentially contain granzymes, perforin and mature granulysin. Here, we briefly summarize the current knowledge about cargo proteins that are stored and transported in secretory vesicles and how these vesicles might be generated and mobilized. In addition, we describe common features and major differences of the two distinct effector organelles and discuss how these observations might expand existing models of cytotoxic effector function.
Golden retriever cystic uveal disease: a longitudinal study of iridociliary cysts, pigmentary uveitis, and pigmentary/cystic glaucoma over a decade in western Canada
Authors: Holly Vanessa L. , Sandmeyer Lynne S. , Bauer Bianca S. , Verges Linda , Grahn Bruce H.
Published: June 2015

Objectives

To determine the incidence of iridociliary cysts, pigmentary uveitis (PU)/pigmentary cystic glaucoma (PCG) in golden retriever dogs in western Canada, the progression of iridociliary cysts toPU/PCG, and a mode of inheritance for this disorder.

Animal studied

A total of 830 golden retriever dogs from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba from 2004 to 2014 were studied.

Procedure

Data were compiled from Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) or Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) records (n = 630) and clinical consultations (n = 200) for a retrospective assessment of iridociliary cysts,PU, andPCG.

Results

Total incidence of iridociliary cysts andPUfromCERF/OFAdata were 4.8% (n = 30/630) and 5.9% (n = 37/630), respectively. Incidence ofPUincreased with ages >4 years (12.7%,n = 32/251). Dogs diagnosed with thin‐walled, attached iridociliary cysts had a high risk of being diagnosed withPUorPCGupon re‐examination (56.5%,n = 13/23). No dogs diagnosed with thick‐walled, anterior chamber cysts (n = 7) developedPUorPCGwithin the time frame of the study. Data from clinical consultations confirmed thatPUcarried a poor prognosis for the affected eyes as 44.9% (n = 22/49) of dogs progressed toPCG.PU‐ andPCG‐affected dogs followed a familial pattern and there was an association with thin‐walled iridociliary cysts. Pedigree analysis suggested an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with partial penetrance.

Conclusions

Thin‐walled iridociliary cysts are associated withPUandPCG. All breeding golden retriever dogs should be examined annually by an ophthalmologist. The incidence of this disorder is higher in western Canada than previous reports in North America.
Epidemiology of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease Diagnosis in Dogs Attending Primary‐Care Veterinary Practices in England
Authors: Taylor‐Brown Frances E. , Meeson Richard L. , Brodbelt Dave C. , Church David B. , McGreevy Paul D. , Thomson Peter C. , O'Neill Dan G.
Published: June 2015

Objective

To estimate the prevalence and risk factors for a diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease in dogs and to describe the management of such cases attending primary‐care veterinary practices.

Study design

Historical cohort with a nested case–control study.

Sample population

Nine hundred and fifty‐three dogs diagnosed with CCL disease from 171,522 dogs attending 97 primary‐care practices in England.

Methods

Medical records of dogs attending practices participating in the VetCompass project that met selection criteria were assessed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression methods were used to evaluate association of possible risk factors with diagnosis of CCL disease.

Results

The prevalence of CCL disease diagnosis was estimated at 0.56% (95% confidence interval 0.52–0.59). Compared with crossbred dogs, Rottweilers, West Highland White Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers showed increased odds of CCL disease diagnosis while Cocker Spaniels showed reduced odds. Increasing bodyweight within breeds was associated with increased odds of diagnosis. Dogs aged over 3 years had increased odds of diagnosis compared with dogs aged less than 3 years. Neutered females had 2.1 times the odds of diagnosis compared with entire females. Insured dogs had 4 times the odds of diagnosis compared with uninsured dogs. Two‐thirds of cases were managed surgically, with insured and heavier dogs more frequently undergoing surgery. Overall, 21% of cases were referred, with referral more frequent in heavier and insured dogs. Referred dogs more frequently had surgery and an osteotomy procedure.

Conclusion

Breed predispositions and demographic factors associated with diagnosis and case management of CCL disease in dogs identified in this study can be used to help direct future research and management strategies.
Minimum-Time Eigenaxis Rotation Maneuvers for a Spacecraft With Three Axis Reaction Wheels
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Zhao Guowei , Huang Hai
Published: June 2015

This paper proposes a planning method of the theoretically fastest slew path, and correspondingly, an analytical open-loop control law for the minimum-time eigenaxis rotation of spacecraft with three reaction wheels. The path planning and the control law are based on the angular momentum conservation of the spacecraft system. Then, a control scheme is also proposed to correct the maneuver error caused by model uncertainties. The control law and control scheme are verified in numerical simulation cases. The results show that the control law would realize the fastest slew path for an eigenaxis rotation, and the control scheme is feasible in shortening the slew time.
Effect of Slip on Circulation Inside a Droplet
Authors: Thalakkottor Joseph J. , Mohseni Kamran
Published: June 2015

Internal recirculation in a moving droplet, enforced by the presence of fluid–fluid interfaces, plays an important role in several droplet-based microfluidic devices as it could enhance mixing, heat transfer, and chemical reaction. The effect of slip on droplet circulation is studied for two canonical steady-state problems: two-phase Couette, boundary-driven, and Poiseuille, pressure/body force-driven, flows. A simple model is established to estimate the circulation in a droplet and capture the effect of slip and aspect ratio on the droplet circulation. The circulation in a droplet is shown to decrease with increasing slip length in the case of a boundary-driven flow, while for a body force-driven flow it is independent of slip length. Scaling parameters for circulation and slip length are identified from the circulation model. The model is validated using continuum and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The effect of slip at the fluid–fluid interface on circulation is also briefly discussed. The results suggest that active manipulation of velocity slip, e.g., through actuation of hydrophobicity, could be employed to control droplet circulation and consequently its mixing rate.
Nanostructured Aluminum Oxide Black Coating: Electrochemical, Mechanical, and Optical Characterizations
Authors: Awad Ahmed M. , Shaffei Maha F. , Hussein Hala S.
Published: June 2015

Nanoporous anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) template is continuously investigated since it is vital for producing a variety of promised nanomaterial. In this study, two steps anodization of aluminum working electrode was carried out in H2SO4 under control of temperature at 17 °C and revolution rate 150 rpm using thermostatic cooling system and revolution control mechanical stirrer, respectively. Different times 15 mins, 30 mins, and 45 mins of first anodization were used and followed by electrolytic detachment for 1 min. Then, second anodization was applied for 10 mins, 20 mins, 30 mins, and 40 mins. Each sample of the prepared nanoporous AAO was used as working electrode into the electrolytic coloring cell containing coloring salt solution of 40 g/l CuSO4. Copper ions were deposited into the porous layer by AC current with gentle agitation using magnetic stirrer. The surface was characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscope device (FESEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), microhardness, corrosion resistance, and optical characteristics. The optical characteristics and reflectivity measurements revealed that the prepared selective coating is promised for solar heating systems and solar water heaters (SWH).
Porous Medium Modeling of Combined Effects of Cell Migration and Anisotropicity of Stratum Corneum on Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Narasimhan Arunn , Joseph Ajith
Published: June 2015

A numerical model for transdermal drug delivery (TDD) has been developed by treating skin as a composite, dynamic, porous medium. Governing unsteady mass transport equations in porous medium was solved for different cases for up to a period of drug-patch application of 10 hrs. The effects of cell migration and anisotropic diffusive properties of stratum corneum (SC) on TDD are analyzed. Each of the above factors and their combination are found to significantly affect TDD. The cell migration in SC decreases the predicted amount of drug considerably. Their combined effect in TDD helped in identifying four distinct regimes of pharmacological as well as engineering importance within the domain.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Orientation Effects During Tension, Compression, and Bending Deformations of Magnesium Nanocrystals
Authors: Fan Haidong , El-Awady Jaafar A.
Published: June 2015

The deformation modes in magnesium nanocrystals during uniaxial tension, uniaxial compression, and pure bending are investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at room temperature. For each loading condition, the crystal orientation effects are studied by increasing the crystal c-axis orientation angle θ relative to the loading direction from 0 deg to 90 deg by a 15 deg increment. The simulation results reveal a number of different deformation modes and an obvious tension–compression asymmetry in magnesium nanocrystals. As the c-axis is rotated away from the tension loading direction, the deformation mode at yielding changes from tension twinning (θ ≤ 45 deg) to compression twinning (θ > 45 deg). For compression loading, yielding is dominated by only dislocation slip on the pyramidal (θ < 15 deg), basal (15 deg < θ < 60 deg) and prismatic (θ > 60 deg) planes. The nucleation stress in general decreases with increasing θ for both uniaxial tension and uniaxial compression loadings. For pure bending simulations, the yielding is mostly controlled by the weaker deformation mode between the compressive and tensile sides. The bending nucleation stress also decreases as the c-axis deviates away from the loading direction.