bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data-driven Modeling of Thrombus Size and Shape in Aortic Dissections: Role of Hemodynamics
Authors: Yazdani Alireza , Li He , Bersi Matthew R. , Di Achille Paolo , Insley Joseph , Humphrey Jay D. , Karniadakis George Em
Published: September 2017

Aortic dissection is a pathology that manifests due to micro-structural defects in the aortic wall. Blood enters the damaged wall through an intimal tear, thereby creating a so-calledfalse lumenand exposing the blood to thrombogenic intramural constituents such as collagen. The natural history of this acute vascular injury thus depends, in part, on thrombus formation, maturation, and possible healing within the false lumen. A key question is: Why do some false lumens thrombose completely while other thrombose partially or little at all? An ability to predict the location and extent of thrombus in subjects with dissection could contribute significantly to clinical decision-making, including interventional design. We develop, for the first time, a data-drivenparticle-continuummodel for thrombus formation in a murine model of aortic dissection. In the proposed model, we simulate a final-value problem in lieu of the original initial-value problem with significantly fewer particles that may grow in size upon activation, representing the local concentration of blood-borne species. Numerical results confirm that geometry and local hemodynamics play significant roles in the acute progression of thrombus. Despite geometrical differences between murine and human dissections, mouse models can provide considerable insight and have gained in popularity owing to their reproducibility. Our results for three classes of geometrically different false lumens show that thrombus forms and extends to a greater extent in regions with lower bulk shear rates. Dense thrombi are less likely to form in high-shear zones and in the presence of strong vortices. The present data-driven study suggests that the proposed model is robust and can be employed to assess thrombus formation in human aortic dissections.
A zombieLIFgene in elephants is up-regulated by TP53 to induce apoptosis in response to DNA damage
Authors: Vazquez Juan Manuel , Sulak Michael , Chigurupati Sravanthi , Lynch Vincent J.
Published: September 2017

Large bodied organisms have more cells that can potentially turn cancerous than smallbodied organisms with fewer cells, imposing an increased risk of developing cancer. This expectation predicts a positive correlation between body size and cancer risk, however, there is no correlation between body size and cancer risk across species (‘Peto’s Paradox’). Here we show that elephants and their extinct relatives (Proboscideans) may have resolved Peto’s Paradox in part through re-functionalizing aleukemia inhibitory factorpseudogene (LIF6) with pro-apoptotic functions. TheLIF6gene is transcriptionally up-regulated by TP53 in response to DNA damage, and translocates to the mitochondria where it induces apoptosis. Phylogenetic analyses of living and extinct ProboscideanLIF6genes indicates its TP53 response element evolved coincident with the evolution of large body sizes in the Proboscidean stem-lineage. These results suggest that re-functionalizing of a pro-apoptotic LIF pseudogene may have been permissive (though not sufficient) for the evolution of large body sizes in Proboscideans.
Towards a neuro-computational account of prism adaptation
Authors: Petitet Pierre , O’Reilly Jill X. , O’Shea Jacinta
Published: September 2017

Prism adaptation has a long history as an experimental paradigm used to investigate the functional and neural processes that underlie sensorimotor control. In the neuropsychology literature, functional explanations of prism adaptation are typically framed within a traditional cognitive psychology ‘box-and-arrow’ framework that distinguishes putative component functions thought to give rise to behaviour (i.e. ‘strategic control’ versus ‘spatial realignment’). However, this kind of theoretical framework lacks precision and explanatory power. Here, we advocate for a computational framework that offers several advantages: 1) analgorithmicexplanatory account of the computations and operations that drive behaviour; 2) expressed in quantitative mathematical terms; 3) embedded within a principled theoretical framework (Bayesian decision theory, state-space modelling); 4) that offers a means to generate and test quantitative behavioural predictions. This computational framework offers a route toward mechanistic explanations of prism adaptation behaviour. Thus it constitutes a conceptual advance compared to the traditional theoretical framework. In this paper, we illustrate how Bayesian decision theory and state-space models offer principled explanations for a range of behavioural phenomena in the field of prism adaptation (e.g. visual capture, magnitude of visual versus proprioceptive realignment, spontaneous recovery and dynamics of adaptation memory). We argue that this explanatory framework offers to advance understanding of the functional and neural mechanisms that implement prism adaptation behaviour, by enabling quantitative tests of hypotheses that go beyond mere descriptive mapping claims that ‘brain area X is (somehow)involvedin psychological process Y’.
Incentive value and spatial certainty combine additively to determine visual priorities
Authors: Garner K.G. , Bowman H. , Raymond J.E.
Published: September 2017

How does the brain combine information predictive of the value of a visually guided task (incentive value) with information predictive of where task relevant stimuli may occur (spatial certainty)? Human behavioural evidence indicates that these two predictions may be combined additively to bias visual selection (additive hypothesis), whereas neuroeconomic studies posit that they may be multiplicatively combined (expected value hypothesis). We sought to adjudicate between these two alternatives. Participants viewed two coloured placeholders that specified the potential value of correctly identifying an imminent letter target if it appeared in that placeholder. Then, prior to the target’s presentation, an endogenous spatial cue was presented indicating the target’s more likely location. Spatial cues were parametrically manipulated with regards to the information gained (in bits). Across two experiments, performance was better for targets appearing in high versus low value placeholders and better when targets appeared in validly cued locations. Interestingly, as shown with a Bayesian model selection approach, these effects did not interact, clearly supporting the additive hypothesis. Even when conditions were adjusted to increase the optimality of a multiplicative operation, support for it remained. These findings refute recent theories that expected value computations are the singular mechanism driving the deployment of endogenous spatial attention. Instead, incentive value and spatial certainty seem to act independently to influence visual selection.
Obtaining 3D Super-resolution Information from 2D Super-resolution Images through a 2D-to-3D Transformation Algorithm
Authors: Ruba Andrew , Luo Wangxi , Kelich Joseph , Yang Weidong
Published: September 2017

Currently, it is highly desirable but still challenging to obtain three-dimensional (3D) superresolution information of structures in fixed specimens as well as dynamic processes in live cells with a high spatiotemporal resolution. Here we introduce an approach, without using 3D superresolution microscopy or real-time 3D particle tracking, to achieve 3D sub-diffraction-limited information with a spatial resolution of ≤ 1 nm. This is a post-localization analysis that transforms 2D super-resolution images or 2D single-molecule localization distributions into their corresponding 3D spatial probability information. The method has been successfully applied to obtain structural and functional information for 25-300 nm sub-cellular organelles that have rotational symmetry. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive analysis of this method by using experimental data and computational simulations.
Structural changes of relaxor ferroelectric Sr0.52Ba0.48Nb2O6(SBN52) on quenching and reheating
Authors: Graetsch Heribert A.
Published: September 2017

Quenching of Sr0.52Ba0.48Nb2O6(SBN52) from temperatures above 700°C causes small modifications in the strontium distribution over the large cation sites (Me1 and Me2), changed off-centre shifts of the Nb atoms and slightly increased modulation amplitudes. The higher disorder of cation incorporation can explain the enhanced ferroelectric properties. The quenched structural disorder can be healed by reheating followed by slow cooling. A change of the modulation dimension on quenching such as for CaxBa1−xNb2O6(CBN) mixed crystals was not observed.
Incommensurately modulated structure of morpholinium tetrafluoroborate and configurationalversuschemical entropies at the incommensurate and lock-in phase transitions
Authors: Noohinejad Leila , van Smaalen Sander , Petříček Václav , Schönleber Andreas
Published: September 2017

Morpholinium tetrafluoroborate, [C4H10NO]+[BF4]−, belongs to a class of ferroelectric compoundsABX4. However, [C4H10NO]+[BF4]−does not develop ferroelectric properties because the incommensurate phase belowTc,I= 153 K is centrosymmetric with superspace groupPnam(σ100)00sand σ1= 0.42193 (12) atT= 130 K; the threefold superstructure belowTc,II= 117–118 K possesses the acentric but non-ferroelectric space groupP212121. At ambient conditions, [C4H10NO]+[BF4]−comprises orientationally disordered [BF4]−anions accommodated in cavities between four morpholinium cations. A structure model for the incommensurately modulated phase, which involves modulated orientational ordering of [BF4]−together with modulated distortions and displacements of the morpholinium ions is reported. A mechanism is proposed for the phase transitions, whereby at low temperatures morpholinium cations are shaped around the tetrafluoroborate anion in order to optimize the interactions with one orientation of this anion and, thus, forcing [BF4]−into this orientation. This mechanism is essentially different from a pure order–disorder phase transition. It is supported by consideration of the transition entropy. The difference in configurational entropy between the disordered and incommensurate phases has been computed from the structure models. It is shown to be much smaller than the experimental transition entropy reported by Owczareket al.[Chem. Phys.(2011),381, 11–20]. These features show that the order–disorder contribution is only a minor contribution to the transition entropy and that other factors, such as conformational changes, play a larger role in the phase transitions.
News media coverage and initial public offerings in Germany: explaining flotation performance
Authors: Strauß Nadine , van der Meer Toni G.L.A.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships of news media coverage and the performance of initial public offerings (IPOs) in Germany. The aim is to find out how media attention, media sentiment, corporate information, and recency of news are related to the flotation performance of firms that go public.

Design/methodology/approach

50 IPOs that went public in Germany between January 2011 and December 2015 were investigated. In total, 3,644 German speaking articles dealing with the IPOs were manually analyzed. Hierarchical OLS regressions were performed to find out how news media variables relate with the flotation performance of German IPOs (cf. underpricing, share price percentage gain after second day of trading). It was furthermore distinguished between news media coverage six days prior to the IPO and coverage on the day of the IPO itself.

Findings

While more media attention devoted to the IPOs on the day of their flotation might lead to a share price percentage gain after the second day of trading, negativity in the news media and information about new products and products of the IPO firm might be negatively related with their flotation performance. However, information about the strategy change of the IPO firms seems to be positively related with the underpricing of IPOs. Furthermore, news media coverage on the day of the IPO itself seems to be more influential for the flotation performance with regard to negative sentiment and information about new products.

Practical implications

Financial communication professionals should manage media representations of IPO firms before and on the day of the IPO itself. In this vein, negative media coverage should be prevented and information about new products and products of the IPO firm should be considered with caution. Instead, talking about the strategy of the IPO firm might be advantageous for the flotation performance.

Originality/value

This study evolved from a lack of empirical research on the interrelationships between news media and stock market prices in communication science, particularly with regard to IPOs. The study contributes to previous research in paying attention to corporate information and the recency of news when trying to explain IPO performances. The findings of this study provide implications for strategic financial communication and the role of managing news media of firms that go public.
Quality reporting of corporate philanthropy
Authors: Valor Carmen , Zasuwa Grzegorz
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to outline a framework for corporate philanthropy (CP) reporting that could help differentiate between symbolic and substantive reporting; and second, to test whether the reporting practices of large corporate donors are symbolic or substantive.

Design/methodology/approach

First, to construct a framework for CP reporting, the authors draw from research on corporate social responsibility communication, CP and reputational capital-building. Second, the philanthropy disclosures found in non-financial reports of the largest donors from the list of Fortune 100 corporations were examined using content analysis.

Findings

The theoretical framework identifies key ingredients of disclosure quality such as goals, causes, support, partners and impacts. The empirical findings show that disclosures regarding CP are more symbolic than meaningful. The largest donors provide descriptive information regarding the CP plan that primarily focuses on projects and causes. However, they fail to provide an explicit account of their decisions and the results of their philanthropic activities.

Research limitations/implications

The framework could also be applied with small changes to other communication outlets including social media and corporate websites.

Originality/value

This paper addresses an important gap in non-financial reporting research: the lack of a CP accounting model. To the authors’ knowledge, the framework developed in this paper represents the first conceptualization of the quality of CP disclosure that may enable scholars to differentiate symbolic from substantive CP and in this way advances the debate on CP communication. This framework can also help companies sincerely engaged in philanthropy to benefit from these activities.
Gender, feminization and the MBA: a review of the contribution of Ruth Simpson
Authors: Ituma Afam
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Ruth Simpson is a leading scholar in management education. This paper aims to provide a succinct summary of her voluminous work on management education, with a particular focus on her work on the relevance and benefit of the Master in Business Administration (MBA) degree, which is generally considered the flagship of business and management education.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is a review that introduces the central themes underpinning the work of Ruth Simpson on the MBA.

Findings

The paper elevates the understanding of the skills development and related outcomes from the MBA.

Research limitations/implications

The works reviewed have implications on how to align the MBA curriculum to meet contemporary business requirements in a fast-changing world.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the key findings of Ruth Simpson’s research on the MBA and her scholarly contribution in this area. The paper also generates insights that are anticipated to stimulate management educators to further extend the field and carry it forward in the coming years.
Barriers to seeking help among abused Iranian women
Authors: Taherkhani Sakineh , Negarandeh Reza , Simbar Masoumeh , Ahmadi Fazlollah
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify barriers to seeking help among abused Iranian women.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research was carried out using content analysis approach. The participants were 24 married women who were selected from health care centers, recreational centers, and two universities in Tehran, Iran. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data.

Findings

During data analysis, four themes emerged that explained barriers to seeking help in the participants: “fear of negative consequences of help-seeking,” “lack of resources,” “beliefs and attitudes,” and “indirect experiences of not being supported.”

Originality/value

This study has practice and policy implications for promoting help-seeking among abused women. Based on the results, to promote help-seeking, intervention plans must focus on empowering women to improve their education and employment, eliminating attitudes and beliefs hindering help-seeking, and fortifying formal and informal support systems for abused women.
Accounting for the Gender Technology Gap Amongst Smallholder Rice Farmers in Northern Ghana
Authors: Owusu Victor , Donkor Emmanuel , Owusu‐Sekyere Enoch
Published: September 2017

Narrowing the gender technology gap in agricultural production has become a critical policy issue in sub‐Saharan Africa. A better understanding of the gender technology gap is essential for policy formulation and programme planning to ensure equity in resource allocation, and household‐level food security in low and middle income countries, such as Ghana. We employ a metafrontier approach to analyse the differences in the efficiency of male and female farmers, recognising the endogeneity of some of the variables in the inefficiency effects model, in particular the credit constraints of the rice farmers under study. Our findings show that while the rice farms themselves are very similar, average yields for male managed farms tend to be significantly higher than female managed farms reflecting higher seeding and fertiliser application rates on male managed farms. However, there is no significant difference between the genders in either land used for rice or total output per farm household. We find some evidence that relative to the metafrontier, male managed farms are less efficient than female managed farms. The results further show gender technology gap amongst the smallholder rice farmers with females’ technology gap ratio being significantly greater than that of males, with females operating on a production frontier closer to the metafrontier. Policies that provide females more access to productive resources and other agricultural services could assist in the generation of relatively higher output.
Vitellogenin expression in the oilseed rape pest Meligethes aeneus
Authors: Kaiser Caroline , Lazaridou Christina , Vagn Jensen Karl‐Martin , Labouriau Rodrigo , Kristensen Michael
Published: September 2017

When investigating insecticide resistance of pest insects, for example, the pollen beetle Meligethes aeneus, it is relevant to differentiate toxicological and molecular genetic data between male and female specimens. A molecular sex determination method would allow resistance testing to be run without prior sorting of the samples. A one‐step quantitative RT‐PCR method for quantification of the yolk protein vitellogenin expression in the pollen beetle was established. The expression level of vitellogenin relative to tubulin was determined. Pollen beetles were tested at different time points during their development to determine if vitellogenin is a reliable molecular marker for detection of sexually mature females. The differentiation between females and males by relative expression of vitellogenin to tubulin is conditional regarding the life cycle. Sexually mature females and males could easily be distinguished, whereas immature specimens could not be seperated. Vitellogenin expression is a successful marker for identification of sexually mature pollen beetles. Females from the spring populations showed vitellogenin expression when the temperature was above 10.2°C. Further, detailed observations of vitellogenin throughout the spring indicated a strong relationship between daily temperatures and vitellogenin expression, which is an indicator of oviposition ability.
Hypothenar hammer syndrome in an office worker
Authors: Zhang Fan , Weerakkody Yuranga , Tosenovsky Patrik
Published: September 2017

Hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) is an uncommon cause of unilateral Raynaud's phenomenon, splinter haemorrhages and hypothenar weakness. The typical patient is a male blue‐collar worker who uses their hypothenar eminence to hammer objects as part of their work. The distal ulnar artery beyond Guyon's canal is superficial and vulnerable to blunt trauma. CTA and MRA are common initial investigations and can suggest the diagnosis. DSA is the gold standard imaging modality and offers therapeutic opportunities. Management is controversial, but unless there is critical digital ischaemia, conservative treatment is first line.
Retention rates of adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab as first‐line biotherapy agent for rheumatoid arthritis patients in daily practice ‐ Auvergne experience
Authors: Soubrier Martin , Pereira Bruno , Frayssac Thomas , Fan Angelique , Couderc Marion , Malochet‐Guinamand Sandrine , Mathieu Sylvain , Tatar Zuzana , Tournadre Anne , Dubost Jean‐Jacques
Published: September 2017

Objective

To compare, in real‐life conditions, the retention rates of anti‐tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) treatment (etanercept [ETN], adalimumab [ADA] and infliximab [IFX]) initiated as first‐line biotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to evaluate, in case of failure, the switch to another anti‐TNF or a non‐anti‐TNF biological.

Methods

Monocentric retrospective cohort including all patients with RA starting a first anti‐TNF between 2001 and 2015.

Results

Among the 346 patients analyzed, 201 received ETN, 82 ADA and 63 IFX. The first anti‐TNF was interrupted in 151 cases. The retention rates were 82.8%, 67.6%, 46.5%, 28.1% and 22.5% at 1, 2, 5, 10 and 15 years, respectively, with a median retention duration of 52.8 (18.9–136.2) months (ETN: 59.3 [19.1–NA), ADA: 79.9 [19.3–136.2] and IFX: 37.2 [17.5–134.5], P = 0.49). The predictive factors of discontinuation were active RA (Disease Activity Score of 28 joints – C‐reactive protein [DAS28‐CRP] hazards ratio [HR]: 1.22 [1.03–1.45]), inflammatory syndrome (erythrocyte sedimentation rate HR: 1.01 [1.0–1.02]; CRP HR: 1.00 [1.00–1.01]), absence of methotrexate treatment (HR: 0.60 [0.43–0.83]), and corticosteroid use (HR: 1.91 [1.31–2.78]). The patients who switched to another anti‐TNF treatment had an inferior retention than those who switched to a non‐anti‐TNF treatment (HR: 0.39 [0.17–0.87], P = 0.02).

Conclusion

In real life, there was no difference in retention among the three anti‐TNF agents, and 25% of patients continued them at 15 years. After failure of an anti‐TNF, the switch to a non‐anti‐TNF biotherapy showed better retention.
The impact of fatigue on the non‐technical skills performance of critical care air ambulance clinicians
Authors: Myers J. A. , Powell D. M. C. , Aldington S. , Sim D. , Psirides A. , Hathaway K. , Haney M. F.
Published: September 2017

Background

The relationship between fatigue‐related risk and impaired clinical performance is not entirely clear. Non‐technical factors represent an important component of clinical performance and may be sensitive to the effects of fatigue. The hypothesis was that the sum score of overall non‐technical performance is degraded by fatigue.

Methods

Nineteen physicians undertook two different simulated air ambulance missions, once when rested, and once when fatigued (randomised crossover design). Trained assessors blinded to participants’ fatigue status performed detailed structured assessments based on expected behaviours in four non‐technical skills domains: teamwork, situational awareness, task management, and decision making. Participants also provided self‐ratings of their performance. The primary endpoint was the sum score of overall non‐technical performance.

Results

The main finding, the overall non‐technical skills performance rating of the clinicians, was better in rested than fatigued states (mean difference with 95% CI, 2.8 [2.2–3.4]). The findings remained consistent across individual non‐technical skills domains; also when controlling for an order effect and examining the impact of a number of possible covariates. There was no difference in self‐ratings of clinical performance between rested and fatigued states.

Conclusion

Non‐technical performance of critical care air transfer clinicians is degraded when they are fatigued. Fatigued clinicians may fail to recognise the degree to which their performance is compromised. These findings represent risk to clinical care quality and patient safety in the dynamic and isolated environment of air ambulance transfer.
α6 subunit‐containing nicotinic receptors mediate low‐dose ethanol effects on ventral tegmental area neurons and ethanol reward
Authors: Steffensen Scott C. , Shin Samuel I. , Nelson Ashley C. , Pistorius Stephanie S. , Williams Stephanie B. , Woodward Taylor J. , Park Hyun Jung , Friend Lindsey , Gao Ming , Gao Fenfei , Taylor Devin H. , Foster Olive M. , Edwards Jeffrey G. , Sudweeks Sterling N. , Buhlman Lori M. , Michael McIntosh J. , Wu Jie
Published: September 2017

Dopamine (DA) neuron excitability is regulated by inhibitory GABAergic synaptic transmission and modulated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of α6 subunit‐containing nAChRs (α6*‐nAChRs) in acute ethanol effects on ventral tegmental area (VTA) GABA and DA neurons. α6*‐nAChRs were visualized on GABA terminals on VTA GABA neurons, and α6*‐nAChR transcripts were expressed in most DA neurons, but only a minority of VTA GABA neurons from GAD67 GFP mice. Low concentrations of ethanol (1–10 mM) enhanced GABAA receptor (GABAAR)‐mediated spontaneous and evoked inhibition with blockade by selective α6*‐nAChR antagonist α‐conotoxins (α‐Ctxs) and lowered sensitivity in α6 knock‐out (KO) mice. Ethanol suppression of VTA GABA neuron firing rate in wild‐type mice in vivo was significantly reduced in α6 KO mice. Ethanol (5–100 mM) had no effect on optically evoked GABAAR‐mediated inhibition of DA neurons, and ethanol enhancement of VTA DA neuron firing rate at high concentrations was not affected by α‐Ctxs. Ethanol conditioned place preference was reduced in α6 KO mice compared with wild‐type controls. Taken together, these studies indicate that relatively low concentrations of ethanol act through α6*‐nAChRs on GABA terminals to enhance GABA release onto VTA GABA neurons, in turn to reduce GABA neuron firing, which may lead to VTA DA neuron disinhibition, suggesting a possible mechanism of action of alcohol and nicotine co‐abuse.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms for DNA typing in the domestic horse
Authors: Holl H. M. , Vanhnasy J. , Everts R. E. , Hoefs‐Martin K. , Cook D. , Brooks S. A. , Carpenter M. L. , Bustamante C. D. , Lafayette C.
Published: September 2017

Genetic markers are important resources for individual identification and parentage assessment. Although short tandem repeats (STRs) have been the traditional DNA marker, technological advances have led to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) becoming an attractive alternative. SNPs can be highly multiplexed and automatically scored, which allows for easier standardization and sharing among laboratories. Equine parentage is currently assessed using STRs. We obtained a publicly available SNP dataset of 729 horses representing 32 diverse breeds. A proposed set of 101 SNPs was analyzed for DNA typing suitability. The overall minor allele frequency of the panel was 0.376 (range 0.304–0.419), with per breed probability of identities ranging from 5.6 × 10−35 to 1.86 × 10−42. When one parent was available, exclusion probabilities ranged from 0.9998 to 0.999996, although when both parents were available, all breeds had exclusion probabilities greater than 0.9999999. A set of 388 horses from 35 breeds was genotyped to evaluate marker performance on known families. The set included 107 parent–offspring pairs and 101 full trios. No horses shared identical genotypes across all markers, indicating that the selected set was sufficient for individual identification. All pairwise comparisons were classified using ISAG rules, with one or two excluding markers considered an accepted parent–offspring pair, two or three excluding markers considered doubtful and four or more excluding markers rejecting parentage. The panel had an overall accuracy of 99.9% for identifying true parent–offspring pairs. Our developed marker set is both present on current generation SNP chips and can be highly multiplexed in standalone panels and thus is a promising resource for SNP‐based DNA typing.
Renal function monitoring in heart failure – what is the optimal frequency? A narrative review
Authors: Al‐Naher Ahmed , Wright David , Devonald Mark Alexander John , Pirmohamed Munir
Published: September 2017

The second most common cause of hospitalization due to adverse drug reactions in the UK is renal dysfunction due to diuretics, particularly in patients with heart failure, where diuretic therapy is a mainstay of treatment regimens. Therefore, the optimal frequency for monitoring renal function in these patients is an important consideration for preventing renal failure and hospitalization. This review looks at the current evidence for optimal monitoring practices of renal function in patients with heart failure according to national and international guidelines on the management of heart failure (AHA/NICE/ESC/SIGN). Current guidance of renal function monitoring is in large part based on expert opinion, with a lack of clinical studies that have specifically evaluated the optimal frequency of renal function monitoring in patients with heart failure. Furthermore, there is variability between guidelines, and recommendations are typically nonspecific. Safer prescribing of diuretics in combination with other antiheart failure treatments requires better evidence for frequency of renal function monitoring. We suggest developing more personalized monitoring rather than from the current medication‐based guidance. Such flexible clinical guidelines could be implemented using intelligent clinical decision support systems. Personalized renal function monitoring would be more effective in preventing renal decline, rather than reacting to it.
Balancing bioethics by sensing the aesthetic
Authors: Macneill Paul
Published: September 2017

This article is critical of “bioethics” as it is widely understood and taught, noting in particular an emphasis given to philosophical justification, reason and rationality. It is proposed that “balancing” bioethics be achieved by giving greater weight to practice and the aesthetic: defined in terms of sensory perception, emotion and feeling. Each of those three elements is elaborated as a non‐cognitive capacity and, when taken together, comprise aesthetic sensitivity and responsiveness. This is to recognise the aesthetic as a productive element in bioethics as practice. Contributions from the philosophy of art and aesthetics are drawn into the discussion to bring depth to an understanding of “the aesthetic”. This approach is buttressed by philosophers – including Foucault and 18th century German philosophers (in particular Kant) – who recognized a link between ethics and aesthetics. The article aims to give substance to a claim that bioethics necessarily comprises a cognitive component, relating to reason, and a non‐cognitive component that draws on aesthetic sensibility and relates to practice. A number of advantages of bioethics, understood to explicitly acknowledge the aesthetic, are proffered.

Having defined bioethics in conventional terms, there is discussion of the extent to which other approaches to bioethics (including casuistry, virtue ethics, and narrative ethics) recognize aesthetic sensitivity in their practice. It is apparent that they do so to varying extents although not always explicitly. By examining this aspect of applied ethics, the paper aims to draw attention to aesthetic sensitivity and responsiveness as integral to ethical and effective health care.
Merging arts and bioethics: An interdisciplinary experiment in cultural and scientific mediation
Authors: Couture Vincent , Bélisle‐Pipon Jean‐Christophe , Cloutier Marianne , Barnabé Catherine
Published: September 2017

How to engage the public in a reflection on the most pressing ethical issues of our time? What if part of the solution lies in adopting an interdisciplinary and collaborative strategy to shed light on critical issues in bioethics? An example is Art + Bioéthique, an innovative project that brought together bioethicists, art historians and artists with the aim of expressing bioethics through arts in order to convey the “sensitive” aspect of many health ethics issues. The aim of this project was threefold: 1) to identify and characterize mechanisms for the meeting of arts and bioethics; 2) to experiment with and co‐construct a dialogue between arts and bioethics; and 3) to initiate a public discussion on bioethical issues through the blending of arts and bioethics. In connection with an exhibition held in March 2016 at the Espace Projet, a non‐profit art space in Montréal (Canada), the project developed a platform that combined artworks, essays and cultural & scientific mediation activities related to the work of six duos of young bioethics researchers and emerging artists. Each duo worked on a variety of issues, such as the social inclusion of disabled people, the challenges of practical applications of nanomedicine and regenerative medicine, and a holistic approach to contemporary diseases. This project, which succeeded in stimulating an interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration between bioethics and arts, is an example of an innovative approach to knowledge transfer that can move bioethics reflection into the public space.
Consequences of Individual Differences in Children's Formal Understanding of Mathematical Equivalence
Authors: McNeil Nicole M. , Hornburg Caroline Byrd , Devlin Brianna L. , Carrazza Cristina , McKeever Mary O.
Published: September 2017

Experts claim that individual differences in children's formal understanding of mathematical equivalence have consequences for mathematics achievement; however, evidence is lacking. A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted with a diverse sample of 112 children from a midsized city in the Midwestern United States (Mage [second grade] = 8:1). As hypothesized, understanding of mathematical equivalence in second grade predicted mathematics achievement in third grade, even after controlling for second‐grade mathematics achievement, IQ, gender, and socioeconomic status. Most children exhibited poor understanding of mathematical equivalence, but results provide clues about which children are on the path to constructing an understanding and which may need extra support to overcome their misconceptions. Findings suggest that mathematical equivalence may deserve more attention from educators.
The tangled cases of Deinogalerix (Late Miocene endemic erinaceid of Gargano) and Galericini (Eulipotyphla, Erinaceidae): a cladistic perspective
Authors: Borrani Antonio , Savorelli Andrea , Masini Federico , Mazza Paul P. A.
Published: September 2017

The Late Miocene giant erinaceid Deinogalerix from Scontrone and Gargano (Italy) is associated with many other vertebrates in deposits of a past island, the “Abruzzo‐Apulia Platform”. At Gargano, Deinogalerix is accompanied by the moderately endemized Galericini Apulogalerix. This first extensive cladistic analysis is aimed at defining the relationships of Deinogalerix with characteristic members of the tribe Galericini. The analysis was performed on a matrix of 30 characters and 19 taxa and identified some smaller clades, nested within three major ones. The latter include: (i) a pentatomy of Galerix species, (ii) a polytomy of “transitional” Galerix–Parasorex species and (iii) a large clade with Parasorex, Schizogalerix and Gargano representatives. Galerix and Parasorex proved to be paraphyletic and Schizogalerix monophyletic. Based on the results of the analysis, Deinogalerix and Apulogalerix have distinct origins, which supports an asynchronous colonization of the island. The line of Deinogalerix possibly stemmed from some eastern species transitional between Galerix and Parasorex around Mammal Neogene (MN) zone 2. Conversely, the line of Apulogalerix originated from a primitive Parasorex ibericus, or a close relative, around MN 9–10. Another important result was detecting an impressive early Miocene (MN 2?) radiation of Galericini. Moreover, Schizogalerix and Parasorex originated from eastern Galericini morphologically transitional between Galerix and Parasorex.
The “resort effect”: Can tourist islands act as refuges for coral reef species?
Authors: Moritz Charlotte , Ducarme Frédéric , Sweet Michael J. , Fox Michael D. , Zgliczynski Brian , Ibrahim Nizam , Basheer Ahmed , Furby Kathryn A. , Caldwell Zachary R. , Pisapia Chiara , Grimsditch Gabriel , Abdulla Ameer
Published: September 2017

Aim

There is global consensus that marine protected areas offer a plethora of benefits to the biodiversity within and around them. Nevertheless, many organisms threatened by human impacts also find shelter in unexpected or informally protected places. For coral reef organisms, refuges can be tourist resorts implementing local environment‐friendly bottom‐up management strategies. We used the coral reef ecosystem as a model to test whether such practices have positive effects on the biodiversity associated with de facto protected areas.

Location

North Ari Atoll, Maldives.

Methods

We modelled the effects of the environment and three human management regimes (tourist resorts, uninhabited and local community islands) on the abundance and diversity of echinoderms and commercially important fish species, the per cent cover of reef benthic organisms (corals, calcareous coralline algae, turf and macroalgae) and the proportion of coral disease. We used multivariate techniques to assess the differences between reef components among the management regimes.

Results

Reefs varied between the management regimes. A positive “resort effect” was found on sessile benthic organisms, with good coral cover and significantly less algae at resort islands. Corals were larger and had fewer diseases in uninhabited islands. Minor “resort effect” was detected on motile species represented by commercial fish and echinoderms.

Main conclusions

In countries where natural biodiversity strongly sustains the tourist sector and where local populations rely on natural resources, a balance between tourism development, local extraction practices and biodiversity conservation is necessary. The presence of eco‐friendly managed resorts, which practices would need to be certified on the long term, is beneficial to protect certain organisms. House reefs around resorts could therefore provide areas adding to existing marine protected areas, while marine protection efforts in local community islands should focus on improving fishing management.
Dimensions of biodiversity loss: Spatial mismatch in land‐use impacts on species, functional and phylogenetic diversity of European bees
Authors: De Palma Adriana , Kuhlmann Michael , Bugter Rob , Ferrier Simon , Hoskins Andrew J. , Potts Simon G. , Roberts Stuart P.M. , Schweiger Oliver , Purvis Andy
Published: September 2017

Aim

Agricultural intensification and urbanization are important drivers of biodiversity change in Europe. Different aspects of bee community diversity vary in their sensitivity to these pressures, as well as independently influencing ecosystem service provision (pollination). To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of human impacts on bee diversity across Europe, we assess multiple, complementary indices of diversity.

Location

One Thousand four hundred and forty six sites across Europe.

Methods

We collated data on bee occurrence and abundance from the published literature and supplemented them with the PREDICTS database. Using Rao's Quadratic Entropy, we assessed how species, functional and phylogenetic diversity of 1,446 bee communities respond to land‐use characteristics including land‐use class, cropland intensity, human population density and distance to roads. We combined these models with statistically downscaled estimates of land use in 2005 to estimate and map—at a scale of approximately 1 km2—the losses in diversity relative to semi‐natural/natural baseline (the predicted diversity of an uninhabited grid square, consisting only of semi‐natural/natural vegetation).

Results

We show that—relative to the predicted local diversity in uninhabited semi‐natural/natural habitat—half of all EU27 countries have lost over 10% of their average local species diversity and two‐thirds of countries have lost over 5% of their average local functional and phylogenetic diversity. All diversity measures were generally lower in pasture and higher‐intensity cropland than in semi‐natural/natural vegetation, but facets of diversity showed less consistent responses to human population density. These differences have led to marked spatial mismatches in losses: losses in phylogenetic diversity were in some areas almost 20 percentage points (pp.) more severe than losses in species diversity, but in other areas losses were almost 40 pp. less severe.

Main conclusions

These results highlight the importance of exploring multiple measures of diversity when prioritizing and evaluating conservation actions, as species‐diverse assemblages may be phylogenetically and functionally impoverished, potentially threatening pollination service provision.
Do children understand fraction addition?
Authors: Braithwaite David W. , Tian Jing , Siegler Robert S.
Published: September 2017

Many children fail to master fraction arithmetic even after years of instruction. A recent theory of fraction arithmetic (Braithwaite, Pyke, & Siegler, 2017) hypothesized that this poor learning of fraction arithmetic procedures reflects poor conceptual understanding of them. To test this hypothesis, we performed three experiments examining fourth to eighth graders' estimates of fraction sums. We found that roughly half of estimates of sums were smaller than the same child's estimate of one of the two addends in the problem. Moreover, children's estimates of fraction sums were no more accurate than if they had estimated each sum as the average of the smallest and largest possible response. This weak performance could not be attributed to poor mastery of arithmetic procedures, poor knowledge of individual fraction magnitudes, or general inability to estimate sums. These results suggest that a major source of difficulty in this domain is that many children's learning of fraction arithmetic procedures develops unconstrained by conceptual understanding of the procedures. Implications for education are discussed.
Helping parents identify their child's swallowing, feeding, and nutrition
Authors: Sheppard Justine Joan
Published: September 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Benfer et al. on pages 1181–1187 of this issue.
Native insect herbivory overwhelms context dependence to limit complex invasion dynamics of exotic weeds
Authors: Schultz Emily L. , Eckberg James O. , Berg Sergey S. , Louda Svata M. , Miller Tom E. X.
Published: September 2017

Understanding the role of consumers in density‐dependent plant population dynamics is a long‐standing goal in ecology. However, the generality of herbivory effects across heterogeneous landscapes is poorly understood due to the pervasive influence of context‐dependence. We tested effects of native insect herbivory on the population dynamics of an exotic thistle, Cirsium vulgare, in a field experiment replicated across eight sites in eastern Nebraska. Using hierarchical Bayesian analysis and density‐dependent population models, we found potential for explosive low‐density population growth (λ > 5) and complex density fluctuations under herbivore exclusion. However, herbivore access drove population decline (λ < 1), suppressing complex fluctuations. While plant–herbivore interaction outcomes are famously context‐dependent, we demonstrated that herbivores suppress potentially invasive populations throughout our study region, and this qualitative outcome is insensitive to environmental context. Our novel use of Bayesian demographic modelling shows that native insect herbivores consistently prevent hard‐to‐predict fluctuations of weeds in environments otherwise susceptible to invasion.
The mushroom body D1 dopamine receptor controls innate courtship drive
Authors: Lim J. , Fernandez A. I. , Hinojos S. J. , Aranda G. P. , James J. , Seong C.‐S. , Han K.‐A.
Published: September 2017

Mating is critical for species survival and is profoundly regulated by neuromodulators and neurohormones to accommodate internal states and external factors. To identify the underlying neuromodulatory mechanisms, we investigated the roles of dopamine receptors in various aspects of courtship behavior in Drosophila. Here, we report that the D1 dopamine receptor dDA1 regulates courtship drive in naïve males. The wild‐type naïve males actively courted females regardless their appearance or mating status. On the contrary, the dDA1 mutant (dumb) males exhibited substantially reduced courtship toward less appealing females including decapitated, leg‐less and mated females. The dumb male's reduced courtship activity was due to delay in courtship initiation and prolonged intervals between courtship bouts. The dampened courtship drive of dumb males was rescued by reinstated dDA1 expression in the mushroom body α/β and γ neurons but not α/β or γ neurons alone, which is distinct from the previously characterized dDA1 functions in experience‐dependent courtship or other learning and memory processes. We also found that the dopamine receptors dDA1, DAMB and dD2R are dispensable for associative memory formation and short‐term memory of conditioned courtship, thus courtship motivation and associative courtship learning and memory are regulated by distinct neuromodulatory mechanisms. Taken together, our study narrows the gap in the knowledge of the mechanism that dopamine regulates male courtship behavior.