bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Thinking that somebody's going to delay [a tonsillectomy] for one to two years is quite horrifying really’: a qualitative feasibility study for the NAtional Trial of Tonsillectomy IN Adults (NATTINA Part 2)
Authors: McSweeney L.A. , O'Hara J.T. , Rousseau N.S. , Stocken D.D. , Sullivan F. , Vale L. , Wilkes S. , Wilson J.A. , Haighton C.A.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Level one evidence on the value of adult tonsillectomy versus non‐surgical management remains scarce. Before embarking on a costly national randomised controlled trial, it is essential to establish its feasibility.

Design

Feasibility study with in‐depth qualitative and cognitive interviews.

Setting

ENT staff and patients were recruited from nine hospital centres across England and Scotland.

Participants

Patients who were referred for tonsillectomy (n = 15), a convenience sample of general practitioners (n = 11) and ear, nose and throat staff (n = 22).

Main outcome measures

To ascertain whether ear, nose and throat staff would be willing to randomise patients to the treatment arms.

To assess general practitioners’ willingness to refer patients to the NAtional Trial of Tonsillectomy IN Adults (NATTINA) centres.

To assess patients’ willingness to be randomised and the acceptability of the deferred surgery treatment arm.

To ascertain whether the study could progress to the pilot trial stage.

Results

Ear, nose and throat staff and general practitioners were willing to randomise patients to the proposed NATTINA. Not all ENT staff were in equipoise concerning the treatment pathways. Patients were reluctant to be randomised into the deferred surgery group if they had already waited a substantial time before being referred.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the NATTINA may not be feasible. Proposed methods could not be realistically assessed without a pilot trial. Due to the importance of the question, as evidenced by NATTINA clinicians, and strong support from ENT staff, the pilot trial proceeded, with modifications.
Multi‐bi Aid in European Development Assistance: The Role of Capacity Constraints and Member State Politics
Authors: Michaelowa Katharina , Reinsberg Bernhard , Schneider Christina
Published: October 2016

We analyse the patterns of multi‐bi aid in the European Union. Using newly available multi‐bi aid data and a large number of staff interviews at the European Commission, the World Bank and bilateral donors, we draw three conclusions. First, the Commission's capacity constraints and lack of specific expertise have prevented it from becoming an important host of trust funds like other international development organizations. Second, the same capacity constraints can generally explain its extensive participation in trust funds at other international development organizations. In the case of large global funds, however, Commission participation often reflects the outcome of member state politics. Third, once the Commission delegates its aid to multilateral agencies, it does not impose strong substantive earmarking, but requires a high level of legal and administrative controls.
ENDOWMENTS, PERCEIVED SIMILARITY, AND DICTATOR GIVING
Authors: Goerg Sebastian J. , Johnson David B. , Rogers Jonathan D.
Published: October 2016

A common assumption of money is that it is fungible. An implication of this assumption is that the source of money does not affect economic decision making. We find evidence contradicting this fungibility assumption. Specifically, we explore how the perception of an endowment source influences amounts sent in a dictator game. We find perceived similarity to the endowment provider to be negatively correlated with dictator offers. Dictators who consider themselves relatively more similar to their endowment provider send significantly smaller amounts to their partners. Our results demonstrate that economic decision making can be influenced by the provider of income shocks. (JEL C78, C91, C99, D31, D64, D74)
Mammalian autophagy and the plasma membrane
Authors: Pavel Mariana , Rubinsztein David C.
Published: October 2016

Autophagy (literally ‘self‐eating’) is an evolutionarily conserved degradation process where cytoplasmic components are engulfed by vesicles called autophagosomes, which are then delivered to lysosomes, where their contents are degraded. Under stress conditions, such as starvation or oxidative stress, autophagy is upregulated in order to degrade macromolecules and restore the nutrient balance. The source of membranes that participate in the initial formation of phagophores is still incompletely understood and many intracellular structures have been shown to act as lipid donors, including the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, nucleus, mitochondria and the plasma membrane. Here, we focus on the contributions of the plasma membrane to autophagosome biogenesis governed by ATG16L1 and ATG9A trafficking, and summarize the physiological and pathological implications of this macroautophagy route, from development and stem cell fate to neurodegeneration and cancer.
Heparanase regulation of cancer, autophagy and inflammation: new mechanisms and targets for therapy
Authors: Sanderson Ralph D. , Elkin Michael , Rapraeger Alan C. , Ilan Neta , Vlodavsky Israel
Published: October 2016

Because of its impact on multiple biological pathways, heparanase has emerged as a major regulator of cancer, inflammation and other disease processes. Heparanase accomplishes this by degrading heparan sulfate which regulates the abundance and location of heparin‐binding growth factors thereby influencing multiple signaling pathways that control gene expression, syndecan shedding and cell behavior. In addition, heparanase can act via nonenzymatic mechanisms that directly activate signaling at the cell surface. Clinical trials testing heparanase inhibitors as anticancer therapeutics are showing early signs of efficacy in patients further emphasizing the biological importance of this enzyme. This review focuses on recent developments in the field of heparanase regulation of cancer and inflammation, including the impact of heparanase on exosomes and autophagy, and novel mechanisms whereby heparanase regulates tumor metastasis, angiogenesis and chemoresistance. In addition, the ongoing development of heparanase inhibitors and their potential for treating cancer and inflammation are discussed.
Nitrogen processing by grazers in a headwater stream: riparian connections
Authors: Hill Walter R. , Griffiths Natalie A.
Published: October 2016

Primary consumers play important roles in the cycling of nutrients in headwater streams, storing assimilated nutrients in growing tissue and recycling them through excretion. Although environmental conditions in most headwater streams and their surrounding terrestrial ecosystems vary considerably over the course of a year, relatively little is known about the effects of seasonality on consumer nutrient recycling these streams. In this study, we measured nitrogen accumulated through growth and excreted by the grazing snail Elimia clavaeformis (Pleuroceridae) over the course of 12 months in Walker Branch, identifying close connections between in‐stream nitrogen processing and seasonal changes in the surrounding forest.

Nitrogen processing rates were positively correlated with ecosystem respiration, which was driven by leaf phenology on streamside trees. Snail nitrogen assimilation, growth and excretion were relatively high in spring before leaf emergence, low in summer when canopy shade was extensive and high again in autumn after leaf‐fall. During the time that snails grazed primarily on epilithon (winter, spring and summer), growth and excretion rates followed changes in light and epilithon biomass. In autumn, when snails primarily grazed fallen leaves, leaf‐associated microbes provided large subsidies of nitrogen for the snails. Nitrogen accumulation in snail biomass was greater in the 2 months following leaf‐fall than at any other time of the year.

Snails were less important as nitrogen sinks than as sources of recycled nitrogen in Walker Branch. Over the course of the year, snails excreted approximately 12 times more nitrogen than they accumulated in biomass. Nitrogen accrued during growth in spring was subsequently lost in summer when primary production declined and snails underwent tissue loss. Catabolic losses represented >40% of the nitrogen excreted by the snails in summer. Net nitrogen growth efficiency (growth/assimilation), which varied with food availability, was only 8% for the entire year. Neither growth nor excretion was positively correlated with nitrogen concentrations in grazing substrata.

Snails achieved high standing crops and were significant contributors to nitrogen spiralling in Walker Branch. On an areal basis, nitrogen in snail biomass (mgN m−2) was two to five times greater than that in epilithon biomass, depending on the season. Snails assimilated and excreted up to 50% of the nitrogen initially taken up by autotrophs and leaf microbes, and they were likely to have additional effects on nitrogen spiraling through egestion and the cropping of assimilative biomass. Primary consumers like Elimia are important catalysts of nutrient movement through headwater streams, decreasing residence times and facilitating fluxes to downstream waters.
Multi‐wavelength Pulse Amplitude Modulated fluorometry (Phyto‐PAM) reveals differential effects of ultraviolet radiation on the photosynthetic physiology of phytoplankton pigment groups
Authors: Beecraft Laura , Watson Sue B. , Smith Ralph E. H.
Published: October 2016

The effects of UV‐B, UV‐A and PAR on the photochemistry of phytoplankton from Hamilton Harbour, Lake Ontario, were measured to assess how well a multi‐wavelength Pulse Amplitude Modulated fluorometer (Phyto‐PAM) could discriminate among different pigment groups and to test whether bloom‐forming cyanobacteria in this embayment have comparatively high resistance to sunlight stress.

Estimates of abundance for the three groups (blues, greens and browns) identified by the Phyto‐PAM generally agreed with microscope counts, but the maximum quantum efficiency of photochemistry (Fv:Fm) was usually quantified only for the dominant group.

In acute exposure experiments, the average inhibition of Fv:Fm by PAR, UV‐A and UV‐B was <10, 30 and 60% respectively. More inhibition was observed in the cyanobacteria compared to the eukaryotic phytoplankton, due to higher rates of photosystem damage rather than lower rates of recovery based on the Kok model for photoinhibition. Both Fv:Fm and photosynthetic carbon incorporation showed similar patterns of inhibition.

Based on Fv:Fm our results showed no evidence that cyanobacteria are more resistant to UVR stress compared to other groups, however, their success as bloom‐forming species suggests they must have other mechanisms to tolerate if not thrive under high irradiance conditions. These results demonstrate both the utility and limitations of the Phyto‐PAM for the assessment of group‐specific abundance and physiological responses in a natural community: general seasonal and inter‐group variation can be captured, but improved resolution of less abundant groups would enhance its application.
Beating Heart Validation of Safety and Efficacy of a Percutaneous Pericardiotomy Tool
Authors: KILLU AMMAR M. , NAKSUK NIYADA , DESIMONE CHRISTOPHER V. , GABA PRAKRITI , SUDDENDORF SCOTT , POWERS JOANNE , LADEWIG DOROTHY J. , LERMAN LILACH O. , BORLAUG BARRY A. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J.
Published: October 2016

Percutaneous Pericardiotomy Tool

Introduction

Epicardial procedures frequently require pericardial manipulation. We aimed to develop a nonsurgical percutaneous pericardial modification tool that may (1) facilitate epicardial‐based procedures by enabling adhesiolysis or (2) attenuate the myocardial constraining effect of the pericardium.

Methods

Three novel devices were developed to enable pericardiotomy, all of which can be deployed in over‐the‐wire fashion following percutaneous epicardial access. The grasper permits us to seize the pericardial membrane providing leverage for incision. The scissors enables anterograde cutting maneuvers. The reverse‐slitter allows retrograde incisions; in addition, this device has a deflectable tip that increases the potential cutting area. We optimized these tools for safety by including electrodes to test for phrenic nerve stimulation as well as myocardial stimulation to determine directionality of the cutting devices. The base of the scissors and reverse‐slitter are also blunt ensuring that the cutting element is always away from the myocardium.

Results

Following 5 nonbeating heart bench test experiments for prototype development, 11 animal (9 canine, 2 swine) studies were performed. Of these 2 were proof‐of‐concept open chest studies; the remaining 9 were entirely closed‐chest, percutaneous procedures allowing for remodification of the prototypes. The tools successfully permitted incision of the pericardium in all studies. Hemodynamic measurements were assessed postincision and showed no compromise of systolic function. No coronary artery or phrenic nerve damage was seen in any study.

Conclusion

Percutaneous pericardiotomy is feasible and appears to be safe. It may provide leverage in epicardial‐based procedures and offer treatment options in disease processes characterized by pericardial restraint.
Diversity of Rice yellow mottle virus in Benin and Togo and Screening for Resistant Accessions
Authors: Oludare Aderonke , Tossou Hospice Tamegnon , Kini Kossi , Silué Drissa
Published: October 2016

Surveys were conducted in rice fields in Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, Nigeria, Togo and Niger to assess the importance of Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV). Diseased leaf samples were collected. In Togo, surveys were made mainly in the southern part of the country, and in Benin, all areas where rice is grown were covered. Leaf samples were serologically confirmed by ACP ELISA as bearing RYMV, propagated and all conserved. One hundred and forty‐eight (148) Beninese and 27 Togolese strains were serotyped. They were also phenotyped on three susceptible accessions including IR 64, four resistant lines with known alleles on RYMV 1 gene namely TOG 5681 (rymv 1‐3), TOG 5672 (rymv 1‐4 and RYMV 2), TOG 5674 (rymv 1.5) and Gigante (rymv 1‐2). RYMV spots with 9–100% incidences were identified. Serotyping by triple antibody sandwich (TAS) ELISA indicated that two main groups S1 and S2 coexisted in Benin with S1 being prevalent. In Togo, 26 strains were S1 and only one was S2. Phenotyping of the 148 Beninese and 27 Togolese indicated that they all attacked the three susceptible accessions, while TOG 5681 (rymv 1‐3), TOG 5672 (rymv 1‐4 and RYMV 2), TOG 5674 (rymv 1‐5) and Gigante (rymv 1‐2) remained symptomless. The use of the genes/alleles above in these countries against the disease is discussed. Three representative Beninese strains were selected to screen 48 accessions for disease resistance. Nine accessions were as susceptible as IR 64 to all strains while six (NERICA 9, NERICA 12, NERICA 13, TOG 7291, WAB56‐50, CG 14 and Moroberekan) were very resistant. Susceptibility of the six ARICA and resistance of some NERICA lines could be explained by the fact that one or both parental lines were, respectively, susceptible or resistant to the strains.
Application of Soil‐borne Actinomycetes for Biological Control against Fusarium Wilt of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) caused by Fusarium solani fsp pisi
Authors: Soltanzadeh Mahboobeh , Soltani Nejad Meysam , Shahidi Bonjar Gholam Hosein
Published: October 2016

Black root rot, caused by Fusarium solani f.sp. pisi, is a devastating soil‐borne disease in chickpea in Iran with no effective control measures. With the aim of finding applicable biocontrol agents to alleviate the malady, isolates of Actinomycetes isolated from soil and their antagonistic effect against F. solani f.sp. pisi were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. More than 100 Actinomycetes isolates were screened for their antifungal activities against the pathogen. The most active isolates were evaluated in greenhouse for their biocontrol performance. Based on the results of dual cultures in screening evaluations, the size of inhibition zone of fungal growth, and the most effective antagonist isolates (S3, S12 and S40) were selected for further studies. Identity of active isolates was determined, in this regard, 16S rDNA of isolates were amplified using universal bacterial primers FD1 and RP2. The PCR products were purified and sequenced. Sequence analysis of 16S rDNA was then performed using NCBI BLAST method. Comparison of the near full length 16S rRNA sequence of isolates to GenBank sequences demonstrated that isolates S3 and S12 were most similar to Streptomyces antibioticus, while isolate S40 was most similar to Streptomyces peruviensis. Biocontrol studies of these isolates in control of the disease in greenhouse significantly decreased the disease severity. Actinomycetes isolate S12 demonstrated the greatest effect in reducing disease than the other two. Results of this research are at preliminary stage for developing biocontrol agents. These data can be utilized as a platform for future studies with the aim of commercializing these biocontrol products and hoping to step towards sustainable agriculture.
Occurrence and Characterization of a 16SrII‐D Subgroup Phytoplasma Associated with Parsley Witches’ Broom Disease in Iran
Authors: Salehi Mohammad , Esmailzadeh Hosseini Seyyed Alireza , Salehi Elham , Bertaccini Assunta
Published: October 2016

During 2010–2013 surveys for the presence of phytoplasma diseases in Yazd province (Iran), a parsley witches’ broom (PrWB) disease was observed. Characteristic symptoms were excessive development of short spindly shoots from crown buds, little leaf, yellowing, witches’ broom, stunting, flower virescence and phyllody. The disease causative agent was dodder transmitted from symptomatic parsley to periwinkle and from periwinkle to periwinkle by grafting inducing phytoplasma‐type symptoms. Expected length DNA fragments of nearly 1800 and 1250 bp were, respectively, amplified from naturally infected parsley and experimentally inoculated periwinkle plants in direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using phytoplasma primer pair P1/P7 or nested PCR using the same primer pair followed by R16F2n/R16R2 primers. Restriction fragment length polymorphism and phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the phytoplasma associated with PrWB disease in Yazd province belong to 16SrII‐D phytoplasma subgroup. This is the first report of association of a 16SrII‐related phytoplasma with PrWB disease in Iran.
VdSho1 Regulates Growth, Oxidant Adaptation and Virulence in Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Qi Xueyin , Zhou Shuai , Shang Xiaoguang , Wang Xinyu
Published: October 2016

Verticillium dahliae infection leads to Verticillium wilt in cotton and other dicotyledon crops. To reduce the loss of economic crops, more attention has been focused on the key genes involved in pathogenicity of this soil‐borne plant fungal pathogen. Sho1 encodes a conserved tetraspan transmembrane protein which is a key element of the two upstream branches of the HOG‐MAPK pathway in fungi. Sho1 is required for full virulence in a wide variety of pathogenic fungi. In this study, sho1 mutant in V. dahliae (designated ΔVdsho1) was generated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transformation. ΔVdsho1 strain was highly sensitive to menadione (at concentration of 120 μm) and hydrogen peroxide (at concentration of 250 μm), displayed delayed spore germination and reduced spore production compared with the wild type and the complemented strains. During infection of host cotton plants, ΔVdsho1 exhibited impaired ability of root attachment and invasive growth. Results from the present work suggest that VdSho1 controls external sensing, virulence and multiple growth‐related traits in V. dahliae and might serve as a potential target for control of Verticillium wilt.
Retention strategies for health disparities preventive trials: findings from the Early Childhood Caries Collaborating Centers
Authors: Garcia Raul I. , Tiwari Tamanna , Ramos‐Gomez Francisco , Heaton Brenda , Orozco Mario , Rasmussen Margaret , Braun Patricia , Henshaw Michelle , Borrelli Belinda , Albino Judith , Diamond Courtney , Gebel Christina , Batliner Terrence S. , Barker Judith C. , Gregorich Steven , Gansky Stuart A.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To identify successful strategies for retention of participants in multiyear, community‐based randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aiming to reduce early childhood caries in health disparities populations from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds and across diverse geographic settings.

Methods

Four RCTs conducted by the Early Childhood Caries Collaborating Centers (EC4), an initiative of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, systematically collected information on the success of various strategies implemented to promote participant retention in each RCT. The observational findings from this case series of four RCTs were tabulated and the strategies rated by study staff.

Results

Participant retention at 12 months of follow‐up ranged from 52.8 percent to 91.7 percent, and at 24 months ranged from 53.6 percent to 85.9, across the four RCTs. For the three RCTs that had a 36‐month follow‐up, retention ranged from 53.6 percent to 85.1 percent. Effectiveness of different participant retention strategies varied widely across the RCTs.

Conclusions

Findings from this case series study may help to guide the design of future RCTs to maximize retention of study participants and yield needed data on effective interventions to reduce oral health disparities.
Family Caregivers of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Experiences with Medicaid Managed Care Long‐Term Services and Supports in the United States
Authors: Williamson Heather J. , Perkins Elizabeth A. , Acosta Annie , Fitzgerald Maureen , Agrawal Jui , Massey Oliver T.
Published: October 2016

A majority of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities need the support of a family caregiver. In the USA, more states are transitioning to a managed care model to provide long‐term services and supports (LTSS) and family caregivers are vital partners in the successful management of LTSS. This study's purpose is to illustrate the lived experience of receiving LTSS in a managed care model from the family caregiver perspective. In‐depth semi‐structured interviews were completed with 16 caregivers in four states with Medicaid managed LTSS (MLTSS). The themes include the importance of the family caregiver as supported and active partners in the provision of MLTSS, the family caregiver experiences with care coordination and access to services in MLTSS, and the family caregivers’ overall impression of MLTSS. Results indicate caregiver advocacy is critical to coordinating needed MLTSS and family support services help caregiver's maintain their vital role in the MLTSS system. Access to services and care coordination in MTLSS varies depending on state of residence. Some caregivers experienced less flexibility in the provision of services and supports and limited access to services making it more complicated for them to feel supported in their caregiving role. Care coordination in MLTSS was largely seen as paperwork processing function. Family caregivers can provide a wealth of knowledge from lived experiences on best practices for MLTSS. Given the move to more home and community‐based services, the role of the family caregiver as an active partners in MLTSS will remain the reality for many individuals with IDD. Family caregivers are a key component in MLTSS and more needs to be done to encourage their involvement in the design and oversight of MLTSS. More research is needed to explore best practices for effective stakeholder engagement in the provision of MLTSS.
On the Consistency of Bootstrap Testing for a Parameter on the Boundary of the Parameter Space
Authors: Cavaliere Giuseppe , Nielsen Heino Bohn , Rahbek Anders
Published: October 2016

It is well known that with a parameter on the boundary of the parameter space, such as in the classic cases of testing for a zero location parameter or no autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (ARCH) effects, the classic nonparametric bootstrap – based on unrestricted parameter estimates – leads to inconsistent testing. In contrast, we show here that for the two aforementioned cases, a nonparametric bootstrap test based on parameter estimates obtained under the null – referred to as ‘restricted bootstrap’ – is indeed consistent. While the restricted bootstrap is simple to implement in practice, novel theoretical arguments are required in order to establish consistency. In particular, since the bootstrap is analysed both under the null hypothesis and under the alternative, non‐standard asymptotic expansions are required to deal with parameters on the boundary. Detailed proofs of the asymptotic validity of the restricted bootstrap are given and, for the leading case of testing for no ARCH, a Monte Carlo study demonstrates that the bootstrap quasi‐likelihood ratio statistic performs extremely well in terms of empirical size and power for even remarkably small samples, outperforming the standard and bootstrap Lagrange multiplier tests as well as the asymptotic quasi‐likelihood ratio test.
Mothers' understanding of the term ‘exclusive breastfeeding’: a systematic review
Authors: Still Ruth , Marais Debbie , Hollis Jenna Louise
Published: October 2016

There is a lack of knowledge and understanding of the term exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among health professionals. The purpose of this review was to examine the best available literature on mothers' understanding of the term EBF. A systematic search of eight electronic databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, CDSR, CENTRAL, Cab Abstracts, Scopus and African Index Medicus) was conducted (Protocol registration in PROSPERO: CRD42015019402). All study designs were eligible for inclusion. Studies were included if they: (1) involved mothers aged 18 years or older; (2) assessed mothers' knowledge/understanding/awareness of the term ‘EBF’; (3) used the 1991 WHO definition of EBF and (4) were published between 1988 and 2015. Two reviewers retrieved articles, assessed study quality and performed data extraction. Of the 1700 articles identified, 21 articles met the inclusion criteria. Quantitative findings were pooled to calculate a proportion rate of 70.9% of mothers who could correctly define EBF, although the range varied between 3.1 and 100%. Qualitative findings revealed three themes: (1) EBF was understood by mothers as not mixing two milks; (2) the term ‘exclusive’ in EBF was incorrectly understood as not giving breast milk and (3) mothers believing that water can be given while exclusively breastfeeding. Research investigating aspects of self‐reported EBF may consequently be unreliable. A standardised tool to assess mothers' knowledge of EBF could provide more accurate data. Public health campaigns should emphasise EBF to target mothers, while addressing the education of health professionals to ensure that they do not provide conflicting advice.
Opsins have evolved under the permanent heterozygote model: insights from phylotranscriptomics of Odonata
Authors: Suvorov Anton , Jensen Nicholas O. , Sharkey Camilla R. , Fujimoto M. Stanley , Bodily Paul , Wightman Haley M. Cahill , Ogden T. Heath , Clement Mark J. , Bybee Seth M.
Published: October 2016

Gene duplication plays a central role in adaptation to novel environments by providing new genetic material for functional divergence and evolution of biological complexity. Several evolutionary models have been proposed for gene duplication to explain how new gene copies are preserved by natural selection, but these models have rarely been tested using empirical data. Opsin proteins, when combined with a chromophore, form a photopigment that is responsible for the absorption of light, the first step in the phototransduction cascade. Adaptive gene duplications have occurred many times within the animal opsins’ gene family, leading to novel wavelength sensitivities. Consequently, opsins are an attractive choice for the study of gene duplication evolutionary models. Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) have the largest opsin repertoire of any insect currently known. Additionally, there is tremendous variation in opsin copy number between species, particularly in the long‐wavelength‐sensitive (LWS) class. Using comprehensive phylotranscriptomic and statistical approaches, we tested various evolutionary models of gene duplication. Our results suggest that both the blue‐sensitive (BS) and LWS opsin classes were subjected to strong positive selection that greatly weakens after multiple duplication events, a pattern that is consistent with the permanent heterozygote model. Due to the immense interspecific variation and duplicability potential of opsin genes among odonates, they represent a unique model system to test hypotheses regarding opsin gene duplication and diversification at the molecular level.
Good relations with technology: Empirical ethics and aesthetics in care
Authors: Pols Jeannette
Published: October 2016

This article is a written version of the lecture for the IPONS conference in Stockholm. The article starts from the claim that there is no such thing as technology, only different variations of technologies. These technologies, plural, all have their specific workings that we can only learn about by studying these empirically, by analysing the relations between people and their technologies. These relations are always unpredictable, as it is not given beforehand what values the participants pursue. Studying and understanding the workings of healthcare technology is a crucial task for nursing studies, as nurses are often key actors in making these devices work. The article hands the reader some tools to engage in the study of technologies in practice, using an empirical ethics approach.
Acceptability of mHealth Technology for Self‐Monitoring Eating and Activity among Rural Men
Authors: Eisenhauer Christine M. , Hageman Patricia A. , Rowland Sheri , Becker Betsy J. , Barnason Susan A. , Pullen Carol H.
Published: October 2016

Objective

To examine rural men's use and perceptions of mobile and wireless devices to self‐monitor eating and physical activity (mHealth).

Design and Sample

Men in this 3‐week pilot study used FitBit One® to log daily food intake and monitor activity. A companion application (app) allowed activity monitoring of fellow participants. Health‐related text messages were received 1–3 times daily. A purposive sample of 12 rural men (ages 40–67) was recruited by community leaders.

Measures

(1) baseline heart rate, blood pressure, and BMI, (2) FitBit One® usage, (3) investigator‐generated surveys on acceptability of mHealth, and (4) focus group on experience with mHealth.

Results

Men were overweight (n = 3) or obese (n = 9) and 9 of 12 were hypertensive. Nine of twelve wore FitBit One® all 21 days. Eleven of 12 men logged food, with 9 of 12 doing this at least 15 of 21 days. Self‐monitoring and daily text messaging increased awareness of energy intake and output. Companion app's food log needed targeting for rural foods. Rotating seasons (occupational, religious, recreational) and weak cellular signals created contextual barriers to self‐monitoring eating and activity.

Conclusions

FitBit One® and text messaging were perceived as useful among the rural men, while the companion apps require adaptation to reflect dietary norms.
Determination of the normal reference interval for anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) in bitches and use of AMH as a potential predictor of litter size
Authors: Hollinshead FK , Walker C , Hanlon DW
Published: October 2016

Contents

Anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a reliable endocrine marker of ovarian reserve in many species with extensive literature in both humans and cattle. However, there are no known hormonal predictors of ovarian reserve and potential reproductive performance in the bitch. A prospective cohort study was performed involving 155 intact bitches of various ages (range 1.2–7.6 years) and breeds that were presented for routine breeding management over a one‐year period. All bitches were artificially inseminated with frozen or fresh semen using the transcervical insemination (TCI) technique. AMH concentrations were measured using a commercially available canine AMH ELISA (Ansh Labs®, Texas, USA), which we validated prior to performing the study. The reference interval (RI) for AMH for all bitches in the study, regardless of body weight, was 2.9–21.1 ng/ml. There was a significant effect of bitch size and age on AMH concentrations. The RI for giant breeds was significantly (p < .01) lower (1.75–15.6 ng/ml) than small‐sized (5.6–24.2 ng/ml), medium‐sized (4.3–23.7 ng/ml) and large‐sized (4.3–21.0 ng/ml) bitches. The mean AMH concentration in bitches less than 4 years of age was 12.4 ng/ml, whereas the mean AMH concentration in bitches older than 4 years of age was 10.5 ng/ml (p < .05). For each additional year of age above 1 year of age, AMH concentrations fell by 0.5 ng/ml. There was no effect of AMH concentration on the whelping rate. Smaller breeds had smaller litters (and higher AMH concentrations), but within each breed size category, bitches with higher AMH concentrations had significantly larger litter sizes (p < .01). For each 1 ng/ml increase in AMH, litter size increased by 0.3 pups/litter. In conclusion, we determined a normal reference interval for AMH in bitches based on body weight using a canine‐specific assay. In agreement with findings in humans and other species, we found that there is a decline in AMH concentrations with advancing age in bitches. Finally, the significant positive correlation between AMH concentrations and litter size indicates that AMH may be a useful management tool for the selection of bitches in breeding programmes.
Freeze‐dried spermatozoa: A future tool?
Authors: Olaciregui M , Gil L
Published: October 2016

Contents

Cryopreservation has been routinely used to preserve sperm of human and different animal species. However, frozen sperm storage for a long time brings many inconveniences because of liquid nitrogen. Many attempts have been made to overcome the disadvantages of the current cryopreservation method. Freeze‐drying has been proposed as alternative method for sperm preservation to achieve the ability to store sperm doses indefinitely at ambient temperature or in ordinary refrigerators. At present, it has been reported successfully sperm freeze‐drying on many animal species including canine and feline. It is well known that during freeze‐drying process, sperm DNA could be damaged, but if suitable protection is provided, the sperm nucleus could preserve the ability to activate the oocyte and embryos could be generated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Many factors influence the freeze‐drying efficacy, so current researches have been conducted to find strategies to control these factors to maintain the sperm DNA integrity. This review describes the latest method of sperm freeze‐drying for practical application in preserving and transporting genetic resources. In addition, the approaches to improve the efficiency of the technique were studied. We demonstrated that the DNA integrity of freeze‐dried dog sperm is affected by the composition of the freeze‐drying solution as well as the temperature and period of storage. Further studies are necessary to refine freeze‐drying protocol in order to protect the DNA and maintain the sperm functionality and obtain offspring from freeze‐dried sperm.
Hazard Characteristics and Patterns of Environmental Injustice: Household‐Level Determinants of Environmental Risk in Miami, Florida
Authors: Grineski Sara E. , Collins Timothy W. , Chakraborty Jayajit , Montgomery Marilyn
Published: October 2016

Limited systematic comparative knowledge exists about patterns of environmental injustices in exposure to varied natural and technological hazards. To address this gap, we examine how hazard characteristics (i.e., punctuated event/suddenness of onset, frequency/magnitude, and divisibility) influence relationships between race/ethnicity, nativity, socioeconomic status (SES), older age, housing tenure, and residential hazard exposure. Sociodemographic data come from a random sample survey of 602 residents of the tricounty Miami Metropolitan Statistical Area (Florida). Hazard exposure was measured using spatial data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Air Toxics Assessment, and the Emergency Response Notification System. We specified generalized estimating equations (GEEs)—which account for sociospatial clustering—predicting 100‐year flood risk, acute chemical accidental releases, and chronic cancer risk from air toxics from all and on‐road mobile sources. We found that for punctuated, sudden onset events, some socially advantaged people were significantly at risk. Racial/ethnic minority variables were significant predictors of greater exposure to the three technological hazards, while higher SES was associated with 100‐year flood risk exposure. Black and foreign‐born Hispanic residents, and white and U.S.‐born Hispanic residents, shared nearly identical risk profiles. Results demonstrate the complexities found in human‐hazard associations and the roles of hazard characteristics in shaping disparate risk patterns.
A Second-Order Semiparametric Method for Survival Analysis, With Application to An Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Clinical Trial Study
Authors: Jiang Fei , Ma Yanyuan , Jack Lee J.
Published: October 2016

Motivated by the recent acquired immune deficiency syndrome clinical trial study A5175, we propose a semiparametric framework to describe time-to-event data, where only the dependence of the mean and variance of the time on the covariates are specified through a restricted moment model. We use a second-order semiparametric efficient score combined with a non-parametric imputation device for estimation. Compared with an imputed weighted least squares method, the approach proposed improves the efficiency of the parameter estimation whenever the third moment of the error distribution is non-zero. We compare the method with a parametric survival regression method in the A5175 study data analysis. In the data analysis, the method proposed shows a better fit to the data with smaller mean-squared residuals. In summary, this work provides a semiparametric framework in modelling and estimation of survival data. The framework has wide applications in data analysis.
A Study of Student Engagement in Project‐Based Learning Across Multiple Approaches to STEM Education Programs
Authors: Hall Alfred , Miro Danielle
Published: October 2016

Objective: In this study, we investigated the implementation of project‐based learning (PBL) activities in four secondary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education settings to examine the impact of inquiry based instructional practices on student learning. Method: Direct classroom observations were conducted during the 2013–2014 school year in STEM Traditional Courses, a STEM Platform School, an Engineering Optional Program (EOP), and a Virtual STEM Academy (VSA) to measure teacher instructional practices (School Observation Measure) and student engagement (The Rubric for Student‐Centered Activities). Results: The four approaches to STEM education showed significant differences in their implementation of PBL, with the EOP and VSA having higher incidences of PBL activities. Additionally, higher‐level questioning strategies, higher‐order instructional feedback, and integration of STEM subject areas was absent or rarely observed. Conclusions: Components of PBL are missing in STEM education, in traditional and non‐traditional STEM courses. In‐service teachers may benefit from professional development that enhances their understanding of PBL activities to maximize student learning opportunities.
An Approach for Assessing Turbulent Flow Damage to Blood in Medical Devices
Authors: Ozturk Mesude , Papavassiliou Dimitrios V. , O'Rear Edgar A.
Published: October 2016

In this work, contributing factors for red blood cell (RBC) damage in turbulence are investigated by simulating jet flow experiments. Results show that dissipative eddies comparable or smaller in size to the red blood cells cause hemolysis and that hemolysis corresponds to the number and, more importantly, the surface area of eddies that are associated with Kolmogorov length scale (KLS) smaller than about 10 μm. The size distribution of Kolmogorov scale eddies is used to define a turbulent flow extensive property with eddies serving as a means to assess the turbulence effectiveness in damaging cells, and a new hemolysis model is proposed. This empirical model is in agreement with hemolysis results for well-defined systems that exhibit different exposure times and flow conditions, in Couette flow viscometer, capillary tube, and jet flow experiments.
Multidirectional In Vivo Characterization of Skin Using Wiener Nonlinear Stochastic System Identification Techniques
Authors: Parker Matthew D. , Jones Lynette A. , Hunter Ian W. , Taberner A. J. , Nash M. P. , Nielsen P. M. F.
Published: October 2016

A triaxial force-sensitive microrobot was developed to dynamically perturb skin in multiple deformation modes, in vivo. Wiener static nonlinear identification was used to extract the linear dynamics and static nonlinearity of the force–displacement behavior of skin. Stochastic input forces were applied to the volar forearm and thenar eminence of the hand, producing probe tip perturbations in indentation and tangential extension. Wiener static nonlinear approaches reproduced the resulting displacements with variances accounted for (VAF) ranging 94–97%, indicating a good fit to the data. These approaches provided VAF improvements of 0.1–3.4% over linear models. Thenar eminence stiffness measures were approximately twice those measured on the forearm. Damping was shown to be significantly higher on the palm, whereas the perturbed mass typically was lower. Coefficients of variation (CVs) for nonlinear parameters were assessed within and across individuals. Individual CVs ranged from 2% to 11% for indentation and from 2% to 19% for extension. Stochastic perturbations with incrementally increasing mean amplitudes were applied to the same test areas. Differences between full-scale and incremental reduced-scale perturbations were investigated. Different incremental preloading schemes were investigated. However, no significant difference in parameters was found between different incremental preloading schemes. Incremental schemes provided depth-dependent estimates of stiffness and damping, ranging from 300 N/m and 2 Ns/m, respectively, at the surface to 5 kN/m and 50 Ns/m at greater depths. The device and techniques used in this research have potential applications in areas, such as evaluating skincare products, assessing skin hydration, or analyzing wound healing.
Selective targeting of mutant adenomatous polyposis coli (
APC
) in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Lu , Theodoropoulos Panayotis C. , Eskiocak Ugur , Wang Wentian , Moon Young-Ah , Posner Bruce , Williams Noelle S. , Wright Woodring E. , Kim Sang Bum , Nijhawan Deepak , De Brabander Jef K. , Shay Jerry W.
Published: October 2016

A small molecule specifically kills cancer cells with APC truncations and spares cells with wild-type APC.
Autoimmune manifestations in aged mice arise from early-life immune dysregulation
Authors: Mahmoud Tamer I. , Wang Jingya , Karnell Jodi L. , Wang Qiming , Wang Shu , Naiman Brian , Gross Phillip , Brohawn Philip Z. , Morehouse Chris , Aoyama Jordan , Wasserfall Clive , Carter Laura , Atkinson Mark A. , Serreze David V. , Braley-Mullen Helen , Mustelin Tomas , Kolbeck Roland , Herbst Ronald , Ettinger Rachel
Published: October 2016

Autoimmune manifestations are driven by peripheral immune dysregulation in early life and are prevented by prophylactic targeting of the CD40/CD40L pathway.
Cancer cells induce metastasis-supporting neutrophil extracellular DNA traps
Authors: Park Juwon , Wysocki Robert W. , Amoozgar Zohreh , Maiorino Laura , Fein Miriam R. , Jorns Julie , Schott Anne F. , Kinugasa-Katayama Yumi , Lee Youngseok , Won Nam Hee , Nakasone Elizabeth S. , Hearn Stephen A. , Küttner Victoria , Qiu Jing , Almeida Ana S. , Perurena Naiara , Kessenbrock Kai , Goldberg Michael S. , Egeblad Mikala
Published: October 2016

Treatment with DNase I–coated nanoparticles prevents metastasis by targeting neutrophil extracellular traps induced by cancer cells in a mouse model.
Lather, rinse, repeat for giant results
Authors: Castro Cesar M.
Published: October 2016

Reusable giant magnetoresistive nanosensors with in situ

synthesized peptides offer high-throughput and sensitive detection of autoantibodies.
The inflammasome keeps on breaking your heart
Authors: Moore Daniel J.
Published: October 2016

A polymorphism that potentiates inflammasome activation results in a more aggressive course of Kawasaki disease in children.
Challenges in reducing group B Streptococcus disease in African settings
Authors: Nishihara Yo , Dangor Ziyaad , French Neil , Madhi Shabir , Heyderman Robert
Published: October 2016

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis in high-income settings and is associated with high rates of neonatal mortality and morbidity. There is now increasing evidence to suggest that there is a high GBS disease burden in resource-limited countries, and it is therefore critically important to identify suitable and practical preventive strategies. In Europe and North America, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) has led to a dramatic reduction of early-onset GBS disease. However, the methods for identifying pregnant women who should receive IAP and how to reduce late-onset GBS disease are not without controversy and are challenging for most sub-Saharan African countries. GBS vaccines are approaching phase III trials but are still under development. This review aims to explore the current evidence related to strategies for reducing invasive GBS disease in an African setting, the development of a GBS vaccine and whether preventative measures against GBS disease can be practically implemented.
Sudden-onset monocular blindness following orbito-zygomatic craniotomy for a ruptured intracranial aneurysm
Authors: Mukherjee Soumya , Thakur Bhaskar , Tolias Christos
Published: October 2016

We report the first case of sudden-onset ipsilateral blindness following orbito-zygomatic craniotomy and clipping of a ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm. CT showed no new intracranial or intraorbital pathology. Visual evoked potentials testing, electroretinography and diffuse flash stimulation all indicated loss of right optic nerve function. Although the patient made an excellent neurological recovery, complete right-sided monocular blindness persisted at 6-month follow-up. We postulate that external pressure on the eyeball, resulting in posterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, was the primary cause of our patient's blindness. This has been hypothesised in the 3 previously published cases of blindness following pterional or frontal craniotomy for aneurysm repair. Intraoperatively, the surgeon must avoid unnecessary pressure on the eyeballs and handle the optic nerves with the utmost care. Incomplete understanding of the mechanisms of sudden visual loss postcraniotomy may result in under-reporting of this adverse event. Nevertheless, its seriousness warrants discussion during consent.