bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral Refraction, Peripheral Eye Length, and Retinal Shape in Myopia
Authors: Verkicharla Pavan K. , Suheimat Marwan , Schmid Katrina L. , Atchison David A.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

To investigate how peripheral refraction and peripheral eye length are related to retinal shape.

Methods

Relative peripheral refraction (RPR) and relative peripheral eye length (RPEL) were determined in 36 young adults (M+0.75D to −5.25D) along horizontal and vertical visual field meridians out to ±35° and ±30°, respectively. Retinal shape was determined in terms of vertex radius of curvatureRv, asphericityQ, and equivalent radius of curvatureREqusing a partial coherence interferometry method involving peripheral eye lengths and model eye raytracing. Second-order polynomial fits were applied to RPR and RPEL as functions of visual field position. Linear regressions were determined for the fits’ second order coefficients and for retinal shape estimates as functions of central spherical refraction. Linear regressions investigated relationships of RPR and RPEL with retinal shape estimates.

Results

Peripheral refraction, peripheral eye lengths, and retinal shapes were significantly affected by meridian and refraction. More positive (hyperopic) relative peripheral refraction, more negative RPELs, and steeper retinas were found along the horizontal than along the vertical meridian and in myopes than in emmetropes. RPR and RPEL, as represented by their second-order fit coefficients, correlated significantly with retinal shape represented byREq.

Conclusions

Effects of meridian and refraction on RPR and RPEL patterns are consistent with effects on retinal shape. Patterns derived from one of these predict the others: more positive (hyperopic) RPR predicts more negative RPEL and steeper retinas, more negative RPEL predicts more positive relative peripheral refraction and steeper retinas, and steeper retinas derived from peripheral eye lengths predict more positive RPR.
Donor-Derived Hepatic Neuroendocrine Tumor: Pause Before Proceeding With Liver Retransplantation
Authors: Al-Azzawi Yasir , Stein Lance L. , Shrestha Roshan , Bhasin Devina , Citron Steven J. , Rubin Raymond A.
Published: June 2016

Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are rare but the age-adjusted incidence in the United States has increased, possibly due to improved radiographic and endoscopic detection. In advanced NET, hepatic metastases are common. Orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) is currently considered an acceptable therapy for selected patients with limited hepatic disease or liver metastases where complete resection is thought to have curative intent. The development of NET of donor origin is very uncommon after organ transplant, and it is unclear if the same treatment strategies applied to hepatic NET would also be efficacious after OLT. Here, we describe a unique case of an OLT recipient with a donor-derived NET that was treated with redo OLT as the primary therapy. The donor-derived NET recurred in the recipient's second liver allograft suggesting an extrahepatic reservoir. This case describes the natural history of such a rare event. Here, we highlight the treatment options for hepatic NET and challenge the role of OLT for a donor-derived hepatic NET.
Optimizing Porcine Islet Isolation to Markedly Reduce Enzyme Consumption Without Sacrificing Islet Yield or Function
Authors: Holdcraft Robert W. , Green Michael L. , Breite Andrew G. , Circle Lisa , Meyer Eric D. , Adkins Hollie , Harbeck Steven G. , Smith Barry H. , Gazda Lawrence S.
Published: June 2016

Background

Human allogeneic islet transplantation for treatment of type 1 diabetes provides numerous clinical benefits, such as fewer episodes of hypoglycemic unawareness and tighter control of blood glucose levels. Availability of human pancreas for clinical and research use, however, is severely limited. Porcine pancreas offers an abundant source of tissue for optimization of islet isolation methodology and future clinical transplantation, thereby increasing patient access to this potentially lifesaving procedure.

Methods

Porcine islet isolations were performed using varying amounts of collagenase (7.5, 3.75, or 2.5 Wunsch units per gram tissue) and neutral protease activity (12 000, 6000, or 4000 neutral protease units per gram tissue) and perfusion volumes (1.7 or 0.85 mL/g tissue) to assess their effects on isolation outcomes. Retention of dissociative enzymes within the pancreas during perfusion and digestion was evaluated, along with distribution of the perfusion solution within the tissue.

Results

Reducing enzyme usage by as much as 67% and perfusion volume by 50% led to equally successful islet isolation outcomes when compared with the control group (48 ± 7% of tissue digested and 1088 ± 299 islet equivalents per gram of pancreas vs 47 ± 11% and 1080 ± 512, respectively). Using margin-marking dye in the perfusion solution to visualize enzyme distribution demonstrated that increasing perfusion volume did not improve tissue infiltration.

Conclusions

Current protocols for porcine islet isolation consume excessive amounts of dissociative enzymes, elevating cost and limiting research and development. These data demonstrate that islet isolation protocols can be optimized to significantly reduce enzyme usage while maintaining yield and function and thus accelerating progress toward clinical application.
Continuous dopaminergic stimulation therapy for Parkinson's disease – recent advances
Authors: Timpka Jonathan , Mundt-Petersen Ulrika , Odin Per
Published: June 2016

Purpose of review

We aim to review the most interesting recent advances on the clinical aspects of continuous dopaminergic stimulation in Parkinson's disease.

Recent findings

Several large, open-label studies have presented data that are in line with the randomized controlled trial on L-dopa-carbidopa intestinal gel infusion, which shows that a continuous drug delivery can improve motor fluctuations and dyskinesia in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, new extended-release formulations of L-dopa aim to stabilize plasma concentrations and thus reduce the degree of motor complications – despite a reduced number of daily doses. Transdermal rotigotine has been shown to be effective for specific subgroups of patients, although the general effect on nonmotor symptoms is still unclear. New products for L-dopa infusion are also at different stages of development, but the routes of administration are widely different: intrajejunal, subcutaneous, and oral.

The understanding of the mechanisms behind the complications of long-term L-dopa treatment is still not complete, but therapies aiming for continuous dopaminergic stimulation are already widely used in clinical practice and the evidence strength is improving. However, there is still an urgent need for both less invasive and less costly options in order to increase access to these therapies.
Electromyographic Findings in Gracilis Muscle Grafts Used to Augment Elbow Flexion in Traumatic Brachial Plexopathy
Authors: Kazamel Mohamed , Sorenson Eric J.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Gracilis muscle graft transplantation is one of the last resort surgical options to restore elbow flexion in patients with chronic traumatic upper-trunk brachial plexopathies.

Methods:

We retrospectively identified 34 patients who underwent surgeries between 1997 and 2014, and had postoperative follow-up for at least 12 months. Demographic, clinical, and electromyographic preoperative and postoperative data were analyzed.

Results:

The median age of injury was 30 years old. Most subjects had a complete loss of elbow flexion preoperatively (n = 28, 82.4%). Median time from injury to surgery was 20 months (range = 3–226 months). It did not correlate with the time to reinnervation on EMG (r = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.007–0.62) or with the time improvement in muscle strength (r = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.007–0.62). The mean postoperative follow-up interval was 22.35 months. During that period, 32 of 34 (94%) patients achieved reinnervation. Median times from surgery to graft innervation and to any improvement in elbow flexor muscle power were the same (8.5 months) with overlapping time to event curves.

Conclusion:

Despite the long-standing and complete loss of elbow flexion in most of our patients, gracilis transfer surgeries have helped most of them to achieve reinnervation and start to regain function. Electromyography is a helpful tool, which along with the clinical examination, can predict postoperative improvement.
Pleural empyema due to Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis in an immunocompetent elderly patient: a case report
Authors: Xaplanteri Panagiota , Assimakopoulos Stelios F. , Karachalios Kostis , Siagris Dimitrios , Lekkou Alexandra , Anastassiou Evangelos D. , Spiliopoulou Iris , Gogos Charalambos , Kolonitsiou Fevronia
Published: June 2016

Introduction:

Pleural empyema as a focal infection due to Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis is rare and most commonly described among immunosuppressed patients or patients who suffer from sickle cell anaemia and lung malignancies.

Case presentation:

Here, we present an 81-year-old immunocompetent Greek woman with bacteraemia and pleural empyema due to Salmonella Enteritidis without any gastrointestinal symptoms.

Conclusion:

In our case, we suggest that patient’s pleural effusion secondary to heart failure was complicated by empyema and that focal intravascular infection was the cause of bacteraemia.
NGMASTER: in SilicoMulti-Antigen Sequence Typing forNeisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Kwong Jason C , Gonçalves da Silva Anders , Dyet Kristin , Williamson Deborah A , Stinear Timothy P , Howden Benjamin P , Seemann Torsten
Published: June 2016

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) provides the highest resolution analysis for comparison of bacterial isolates in public health microbiology. However, although increasingly being used routinely for some pathogens such asListeria monocytogenesandSalmonella enterica, the use of WGS is still limited for other organisms, such asNeisseria gonorrhoeae. Multi-antigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) is the most widely performed typing method for epidemiologic surveillance of gonorrhoea. Here, we presentNGMASTER– a command-line software tool for performingin silicoNG-MAST on assembled genome data.NGMASTERrapidly and accurately determined the NG-MAST of 630 assembled genomes, facilitating comparisons between WGS and previously published gonorrhoea epidemiological studies. The source code and user documentation are available athttps://github.com/MDU-PHL/ngmaster.
Theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation to the prefrontal or parietal cortex does not impair metacognitive visual awareness
Authors: Bor Daniel , Schwartzman David J. , Barrett Adam B. , Seth Anil K.
Published: June 2016

Neuroimaging studies commonly associate dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and posterior parietal cortex with conscious perception. However, such studies only investigate correlation, rather than causation. In addition, many studies conflate objective performance with subjective awareness. In an influential recent paper, Rounis and colleagues addressed these issues by showing that theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (tbs-TMS) applied to the DLPFC impaired metacognitive (subjective) awareness for a perceptual task, while objective performance was kept constant. We attempted to replicate this finding, with minor modifications, including an active tbs-TMS control site. Using a between-subjects design for both DLPFC and posterior parietal cortices, we found no evidence of a tbs-TMS-induced metacognitive impairment. In a second experiment, we devised a highly rigorous within-subjects tbs-TMS design for DLPFC, but again failed to find any evidence of metacognitive impairment. One crucial difference between our results and the Rounis study is our strict exclusion of data deemed unsuitable for a signal detection theory analysis. Indeed, when we included this unstable data, a significant, though invalid, metacognitive impairment was found. These results cast doubt on previous findings relating metacognitive awareness to DLPFC, and inform the current debate concerning whether or not prefrontal regions are preferentially implicated in conscious perception.
2,4-Dichloro-N-{[1-(2,4-dichlorobenzoyl)piperidin-4-yl]methyl}benzamide
Authors: Gomathi S. , Reuben Jonathan D. , Dravida Thendral E. R. A. , Revathi B. K. , Usha G.
Published: June 2016

In the title compound, C20H18Cl4N2O2, the piperdine ring adopts a chair conformation. The dihedral angles between its mean plane and the two benzene rings are 45.5 (3) and 28.0 (3)°, while the benzene rings are inclined to one another by 54.5 (3)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along thea-axis direction. Neighbouring chains are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming double-stranded chains along [100].
Sorry seems to be the hardest word: consumer reactions to self-attributions by firms apologizing for a brand crisis
Authors: Yuan Denghua , Cui Geng , Lai Lei
Published: June 2016

Purpose

When apologizing for a brand crisis, self-attribution by a business inevitably affects consumer attitude and behavior. The purpose of this study is to draw from the dissonance-attribution model and investigate the effect of self-attribution in apologies on consumers’ brand attitude.

Design/methodology/approach

This study includes two scenario-based experiments of 2 × 2 design.

Findings

In the first experiment on product failure, the results show that internal attribution generates significant change in brand attitude in a positive direction, while external attribution leads to negative change in brand attitude. Dispositional attribution leads to significantly more positive brand attitude than situational attribution. Internal/dispositional attribution produces significantly more positive effect on consumer attitude than the other three types of attribution. Moreover, perceived risk is found to mediate the relationship between attributions and brand attitude, and such mediating effect is moderated by consumers’ corporate associations. However, in the second experiment on moral crisis, the mediating and moderating effects are not significant.

Practical implications

Clearly, how a company apologizes for a product crisis makes a big difference in the effectiveness of recovery strategies to restore consumer confidence. Sincere apologies based on internal/dispositional attribution are more effective to re-gain the respect of consumers and win them back.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine consumer reactions to self-attributions by marketers apologizing for a brand crisis and the combined effect of self-attributions along the horizontal dimension (internal versus external attribution) and the vertical dimension (dispositional versus situational attribution).
Management of Hypertension in Primary Care Safety‐Net Clinics in the United States: A Comparison of Community Health Centers and Private Physicians' Offices
Authors: Fontil Valy , Bibbins‐Domingo Kirsten , Nguyen Oanh Kieu , Guzman David , Goldman Lauren Elizabeth
Published: June 2016

Objective

To examine adherence to guideline‐concordant hypertension treatment practices at community health centers (CHCs) compared with private physicians' offices.

Data Sources/Study Setting

National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2006 to 2010.

Study Design

We examined four guideline‐concordant treatment practices: initiation of a new medication for uncontrolled hypertension, use of fixed‐dose combination drugs for patients on multiple antihypertensive medications, use of thiazide diuretics among patients with uncontrolled hypertension on ≥3 antihypertensive medications, and use of aldosterone antagonist for resistant hypertension, comparing use at CHC with private physicians' offices overall and by payer group.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We identified visits of nonpregnant adults with hypertension at CHCs and private physicians' offices.

Principal Findings

Medicaid patients at CHCs were as likely as privately insured individuals to receive a new medication for uncontrolled hypertension (AOR 1.0, 95 percent CI: 0.6–1.9), whereas Medicaid patients at private physicians' offices were less likely to receive a new medication (AOR 0.3, 95 percent CI: 0.1–0.6). Use of fixed‐dose combination drugs was lower at CHCs (AOR 0.6, 95 percent CI: 0.4–0.9). Thiazide use for patients was similar in both settings (AOR 0.8, 95 percent CI: 0.4–1.7). Use of aldosterone antagonists was too rare (2.1 percent at CHCs and 1.5 percent at private clinics) to allow for statistically reliable comparisons.

Conclusions

Increasing physician use of fixed‐dose combination drugs may be particularly helpful in improving hypertension control at CHCs where there are higher rates of uncontrolled hypertension.
Confronting Health Inequalities in the BRICS: Political Institutions, Foreign Policy Aspirations and State‐civil Societal Relationships
Authors: Gómez Eduardo J.
Published: June 2016

The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) have emerged as potentially robust economies with considerable international influence. Nevertheless, essentially all of these nations have fallen short of simultaneously developing strong economies and health care systems, contributing to the emergence of health care inequalities, such as inadequate access to medicine, health care treatment and out‐of‐pocket spending. This is puzzling considering that most of these nations’ economies burgeoned during the 1990s and early‐2000s, thus potentially providing additional revenue for health care spending, while constitutional guarantees of universal access to health care and the presence of democratic electoral institutions in most nations should have incentivized governments to successfully address these inequality issues. Nevertheless, with the exception of South Africa, this study finds that waning political commitment to health care spending, increased foreign aid commitments and tenuous state‐civil societal relationships accounted for these ongoing inequality challenges.
Smartphone patient monitoring post‐laser resurfacing
Authors: Chee Shien‐Ning , Lowe Patricia , Lim Adrian
Published: June 2016

Background/Objectives

Patients should be monitored post‐laser resurfacing for reassurance and the early detection of adverse events. Smartphone monitoring in the post‐laser resurfacing setting is an efficient and convenient tool that is well accepted by patients and dermatologists. The objective was to identify the benefits and barriers of, and patient attitudes towards, smartphone monitoring in the post‐laser resurfacing setting.

Methods

A retrospective audit of 123 laser resurfacing patients was undertaken to determine the characteristics of this population. A web‐based survey was used to determine patients' attitudes towards smartphone monitoring.

Results

The commonest indications for laser resurfacing were acne scarring and photoageing rejuvenation. 88% of patients either had no adverse outcomes or expected post‐laser resurfacing side‐effects such as erythema. 12% developed adverse effects requiring intervention. The survey showed that all patients who had used the smartphone monitoring service felt it was a positive initiative for post‐laser patients. Of note, most patients not using the smartphone review service were simply unaware of its existence. Biases may have been introduced as staff were less likely to promote the review service to patients undergoing lower intensity procedures.

Conclusions

Smartphone monitoring post‐laser resurfacing is an efficient and convenient alternative to face‐to‐face review for both patients and dermatologists. As technology improves and patients' expectations increase we expect more patients will request teledermatology reviews in order to easily and rapidly access medical advice.
Outcomes of halo immobilization in the management of subaxial cervical facet fractures
Authors: Sime David , Gabbe Belinda , Liew Susan
Published: June 2016

Background

Spinal injury causes a significant burden on patients, families and health services. Cervical facet fractures are uncommon, and there is a paucity of functional and health‐related quality‐of‐life data in patients who are managed non‐operatively for this injury.

Methods

Victorian State Trauma Registry patients managed in a halothoracic brace for cervical facet injuries from August 2006 to June 2013 were included. Health status (12‐item Short‐Form health survey), function (Glasgow Outcome Scale‐Extended), pain and return to work outcomes were assessed at 6, 12 and 24 months post‐injury. Subgroup analysis was performed for age, sex, comorbidity, compensable status, Injury Severity Score (ISS) and education.

Results

Outcome data were available for 54 patients, with road trauma being the most common mechanism (69%), followed by a fall from height (18%). Overall, good 24‐month function was achieved in 35% of patients, and 51% and 77% of patients reported good physical and mental health status, respectively. Ongoing moderate–severe neck pain was present in 19% of patients. Poorer function was associated with compensable status (P = 0.05), an ISS > 12 (P = 0.001) and a lower level of education (P = 0.04). Poorer physical health status was associated with age ≥50 (P = 0.05), pre‐existing comorbidities, an ISS > 12 (P = 0.04) and a lower level of education (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Although many patients achieved good function and health status by 24 months, neck pain remains prevalent. A number of demographic factors were associated with a poorer outcome. This understanding helps to inform prognosis when managing this injury.
Integrated reporting: an international overview
Authors: Vaz Natalia , Fernandez‐Feijoo Belen , Ruiz Silvia
Published: June 2016

This article analyses the determinants associated with the use of the Integrated Report (IR) as a corporate reporting model for sustainability information. IRs provide information regarding the use and interdependence of different company resources. The previous literature has identified determinants behind the presentation of IRs at the country level (legal system, investor protection, economic development, cultural characteristics) as well as at the company level (size, industry, verification of the sustainability report). Our work contributes to the literature by using a novel statistical approach that addresses the likelihood of the non‐independence of data: companies in the same country are more similar to one another than are companies from different countries. Our results confirm significant inter‐country variance, which may be partially explained by the existence of specific regulations and the individualism vs. collectivism dimension. Although we confirm the effect of company‐level determinants, our results do not support the role of specific variables tested as determinants.
Cytomegalovirus‐negative kidney transplant recipients are at an increased risk for malignancy after kidney transplantation
Authors: Rozen‐Zvi Benaya , Lichtenberg Shelly , Green Hefziba , Cohen Ori , Chagnac Avry , Mor Eytan , Rahamimov Ruth
Published: June 2016

Background

The effect of cytomegalovirus (CMV) serology status on malignancy risk in kidney transplanted patients is not clear yet.

Methods

In a nested case–control study, CMV serology status was compared between patients with a malignancy and 2:1 matched control patients without a malignancy. In a cohort study, the hazard of malignancy was compared between patients that were CMV‐negative but had a CMV‐positive donor and other patients, using Cox analysis.

Results

Fifty‐two of 599 patients transplanted in our center between 2001 and 2014 developed a malignancy. Nine (17.3%) of the 52 patients that developed cancer were CMV‐negative but had a‐CMV‐positive donor compared with 6 (5.8%) of the 104 matched control patients (odd ratio 3.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–10.2, P=.021). By univariate Cox model, there was a trend toward increased cancer risk in CMV‐negative patients with a positive donor (hazard ratio [HR] 1.95, 95% CI 0.95–4.0, P=.07), but after adjusting for multiple covariates, CMV‐negative status was significantly associated with increased risk of cancer (HR 2.55, 95% CI 1.23–5.26; P=.012).

Conclusions

CMV‐negative patients that had a CMV‐positive donor were found to have a higher risk of malignancy after kidney transplantation.
N‐dimensional hypervolumes to study stability of complex ecosystems
Authors: Barros Ceres , Thuiller Wilfried , Georges Damien , Boulangeat Isabelle , Münkemüller Tamara
Published: June 2016

Although our knowledge on the stabilising role of biodiversity and on how it is affected by perturbations has greatly improved, we still lack a comprehensive view on ecosystem stability that is transversal to different habitats and perturbations. Hence, we propose a framework that takes advantage of the multiplicity of components of an ecosystem and their contribution to stability. Ecosystem components can range from species or functional groups, to different functional traits, or even the cover of different habitats in a landscape mosaic. We make use of n‐dimensional hypervolumes to define ecosystem states and assess how much they shift after environmental changes have occurred. We demonstrate the value of this framework with a study case on the effects of environmental change on Alpine ecosystems. Our results highlight the importance of a multidimensional approach when studying ecosystem stability and show that our framework is flexible enough to be applied to different types of ecosystem components, which can have important implications for the study of ecosystem stability and transient dynamics.
Relative male and female contributions to the supercooling point of their offspring in Microvelia reticulata (Heteroptera: Veliidae)
Authors: Ditrich Tomáš , Boukal David S.
Published: June 2016

Cold hardiness is a key life history trait in temperate and polar ectothermic species, as it affects survival during overwintering, but its evolution is poorly understood. While many studies of cold hardiness in insects have shown differences between species, populations or developmental stages, data on the relative contribution of individual genotypes to cold hardiness are scarce and mainly limited to drosophilid fly species. We used a sib‐analysis (paternal half‐sib/full‐sib breeding design) to estimate the relative contributions of parental generation to the supercooling point (SCP) of the offspring of a heteropteran non‐model insect species, Microvelia reticulata (Heteroptera: Gerromorpha: Veliidae). We found that parent identity affected significantly SCP values of their offspring. Magnitudes of estimated sire and dam variance components were similar but the distributions of individual contributions to SCP differed between sires and dams, which points to sex‐specific genetic or parental effects on SCP in this species. The animal model failed to find a realistic estimate of heritability (h2) of SCP, suggesting that the underlying genetics of SCP in M. reticulata can not be characterized by purely additive effects.
Fatigue crack growth prediction in nuclear piping using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Rastogi R. , Ghosh S. , Ghosh A. K. , Vaze K. K. , Singh P. K.
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we present and demonstrate a methodology to improve probabilistic fatigue crack growth (FCG) predictions by using the concept of Bayesian updating using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations. The methodology is demonstrated on a cracked pipe undergoing fatigue loading. Initial estimates of the FCG rate are made using the Paris law. The prior probability distributions of the Paris law parameters are taken from the tests on specimen made of the same material as that of pipe. Measured data on crack depth over number of loading cycles are used to update the prior distribution using the Markov chain Monte Carlo. The confidence interval on the predicted FCG rate is also estimated. In actual piping placed in a plant, the measured data can be considered equivalent to the data received from in‐service inspection. It is shown that the proposed methodology improves the fatigue life prediction. The number of observations used for updating is found to leave a significant effect on the accuracy of the updated prediction.
Mcm3 replicative helicase mutation impairs neuroblast proliferation and memory in Drosophila
Authors: Blumröder R. , Glunz A. , Dunkelberger B. S. , Serway C. N. , Berger C. , Mentzel B. , de Belle J. S. , Raabe T.
Published: June 2016

In the developing Drosophila brain, a small number of neural progenitor cells (neuroblasts) generate in a co‐ordinated manner a high variety of neuronal cells by integration of temporal, spatial and cell‐intrinsic information. In this study, we performed the molecular and phenotypic characterization of a structural brain mutant called small mushroom bodies (smu), which was isolated in a screen for mutants with altered brain structure. Focusing on the mushroom body neuroblast lineages we show that failure of neuroblasts to generate the normal number of mushroom body neurons (Kenyon cells) is the major cause of the smu phenotype. In particular, the premature loss of mushroom body neuroblasts caused a pronounced effect on the number of late‐born Kenyon cells. Neuroblasts showed no obvious defects in processes controlling asymmetric cell division, but generated less ganglion mother cells. Cloning of smu uncovered a single amino acid substitution in an evolutionarily conserved protein interaction domain of the Minichromosome maintenance 3 (Mcm3) protein. Mcm3 is part of the multimeric Cdc45/Mcm/GINS (CMG) complex, which functions as a helicase during DNA replication. We propose that at least in the case of mushroom body neuroblasts, timely replication is not only required for continuous proliferation but also for their survival. The absence of Kenyon cells in smu reduced learning and early phases of conditioned olfactory memory. Corresponding to the absence of late‐born Kenyon cells projecting to α′/β′ and α/β lobes, smu is profoundly defective in later phases of persistent memory.
The Health and Libraries of Public Use Retrospective Study (HeLPURS)
Authors: Zager Sam , Haskins Amy , Maland Katherine , Holt Christina
Published: June 2016

Background

Public libraries may promote health through literacy, education and social connections.

Objective

To conduct the first broad‐based, quantitative exploration of health and public library patronage.

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional study. All 2925 adult patients at a general practice clinic living in a small north‐eastern U.S. city were invited by mail to participate; 243 consented. Clinical variables from the medical records were combined with library usage variables from the public library patron database. The authors analysed how patient health characteristics were associated with library cardholding, average card use or recency of use.

Results

Approximately 72% of participants held a library card; 40% of these had used it within the last month. Library cardholding was not associated with patient characteristics. Higher average card use was associated with pregnancy, having youth at home and depression severity. Lack of recent library usage was associated with current smoking (P = 0.01) and drug use (P = 0.01). Among ever‐smokers, moderate/high card use and card use within six months were both associated with over two times the odds of quitting smoking.

Conclusions

Public libraries and health appear to intersect around substance abuse and depression–anxiety disorders. Moderate or higher use of public libraries is strongly associated with tobacco cessation.
Validity of longitudinal sections for determining the apical constriction
Authors: Schell S. , Judenhofer M. S. , Mannheim J. G. , Hülber‐J M. , Löst C. , Pichler B. J. , ElAyouti A.
Published: June 2016

Aim

To validate the use of longitudinal sections against cross sections using micro‐CT for disclosing the topography and location of the apical constriction.

Methodology

Seventy extracted human teeth with 117 completely developed roots were micro‐CT scanned and reconstructed at a voxel size of 27 μm. The 3DSlicer program was used to navigate the longitudinal sections parallel to the long axis of the canal and also to rotate and tilt the views. Each root canal was evaluated in both mesio‐distal and bucco‐lingual planes. Constriction topographies were identified as described in the literature. In each canal, the number of different topographies detected was recorded. Further, serial cross‐sectional analysis of the apical portion of the canal was performed. Reconstructed plots of canal areas were assessed to locate the constriction and determine its form. A descriptive analysis of both longitudinal and cross section methods was conducted. In each canal, the frequency of constriction forms was calculated in the mesio‐distal or bucco‐lingual aspects and the 99% confidence interval was computed.

Results

When both aspects of the longitudinal sections were pooled, all root canals had two or more topographies and consequently different locations of the apical constriction. In contrast, cross‐sectional analysis constantly yielded one constriction form per canal.

Conclusion

Compared to cross‐sectional analysis, longitudinal sections of the root canal conveyed inconsistent results regarding the topography and the location of the apical constriction.
With the best of intentions: a large sample test of the intention‐behaviour gap in pro‐environmental consumer behaviour
Authors: Grimmer Martin , Miles Morgan P.
Published: June 2016

Many consumers intend to make pro‐environmental purchases; however, this is not always what occurs. A gap exists between consumer intentions to purchase environmentally friendly products and their actual purchase behaviour. The current study uses a large sample of Australian consumers (N = 772) to test Carrington, Neville and Whitwell's (2010) conceptual model of the intention‐behaviour gap. Responses showed that implementation intentions mediated the relationship between intention and pro‐environmental consumer behaviour. Behavioural control and environmental involvement were found to moderate the relationship between implementation intentions and behaviour. Shopping context was found to moderate the relationship between intention and implementation intentions. The findings have theoretical implications for furthering understanding of pro‐environmental consumer behaviour, and practical implications regarding how to generate socially beneficial behaviours.
Person‐centredness in the community care of older people: A literature‐based concept synthesis
Authors: Wilberforce Mark , Challis David , Davies Linda , Kelly Michael P. , Roberts Chris , Clarkson Paul
Published: June 2016

‘Person‐centredness’ is a ubiquitous term, employed in modern care services to signify policies and practices that attend to the uniqueness of each individual user. Despite being highly regarded in older adult community care services, there is much ambiguity over its precise meaning. Existing reviews of person‐centredness and its attributes have tended to focus on the medico‐nursing literature, neglecting other interpretations, such as those relevant to community social care. A new literature‐based concept synthesis reported here identified 12 common attributes within the broad themes of ‘understanding the person’, ‘engagement in decision‐making’ and ‘promoting the care relationship’. The review also contrasts how these attributes are applied across different interpretations of person‐centredness. The article argues that not all attributes necessarily pull in the same direction, and that older adults may require them to be delivered in different ways than they are to younger people. Thus, a ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ approach should be discouraged in community care.

Key Practitioner Message: • ‘Person‐centredness’ is open to multiple interpretations, causing difficulties for services trying to gauge performance and quality; • Three themes are central to person‐centred services: ‘understanding the person’, ‘engagement in decision‐making’ and ‘promoting the care relationship’; • A ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ approach to applying person‐centredness is to be discouraged.
Measuring Access to Family Planning: Conceptual Frameworks and DHS Data
Authors: Choi Yoonjoung , Fabic Madeleine Short , Adetunji Jacob
Published: June 2016

Expanding access to family planning (FP) is a driving aim of global and national FP efforts. The definition and measurement of access, however, remain nebulous, largely due to complexity. This article aims to bring clarity to the measurement of FP access. First, we synthesize key access elements for measurement by reviewing three well‐known frameworks. We then assess the extent to which the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS)—a widely used data source for FP programs and research—has information to measure these elements. We finally examine barriers to access by element, using the latest DHS data from four countries in sub‐Saharan Africa. We discuss opportunities and limitations in the measurement of access, the importance of careful interpretation of data from population‐based surveys, and recommendations for collecting and using data to better measure access.
Potassium–Sodium Niobate‐Based Lead‐Free Piezoelectric Ceramic Coatings by Thermal Spray Process
Authors: Chen Shuting , Tan Chee Kiang Ivan , Yao Kui
Published: June 2016

Potassium–sodium niobate (KNN)‐based piezoelectric ceramic coatings with single perovskite phase and dense morphology were obtained by thermal spray processing. The structure, morphology, and properties of the coatings deposited at different conditions were investigated, and excellent piezoelectric performance properties were demonstrated. The piezoelectric coefficient observed in the KNN‐based coatings in this study is about one order of magnitude higher than other thermal sprayed lead‐free piezoelectric coatings as reported in literature. With analyses on the differences in the characteristics between KNN and lead zirconate titanate (PZT) compositions and the reaction mechanisms of thermal spray and ceramic synthesis, the reasons for the successful formation of single‐phase perovskite structure with high crystallinity in the thermal sprayed KNN‐based coatings while not in PZT are explained.
Schizophrenia and the estranged self
Authors: Fernández Jordi , Bliss Suzanne
Published: June 2016

How does schizophrenia affect a subject's sense of self? In this paper, we discuss the experience of alienation of mental states and actions that can take place in schizophrenia. We begin by highlighting this experience in delusions of thought insertion and delusions of made feelings, impulses and actions. Next, we offer a proposal about the nature of this experience by utilizing some of the current philosophical research on self‐knowledge. The proposal is that the experience of thoughts, feelings, impulses and actions as not being one's own is the experience of regarding those states as not being responsive to reasons. Then, we put forward a hypothesis about why schizophrenia can lead to this experience by drawing on the psychiatric literature on the disorder. The hypothesis is that subjects who suffer the four delusions are unable to regard some of their thoughts, feelings, impulses and actions as being responsive to reasons because they suffer from a tendency to focus their attention on their own perceptual experiences, as opposed to focusing it on the world. The lesson to draw from the alienation of mental states and actions caused by schizophrenia will be, finally, that two separate components normally make up our sense of self; two components that turn out to be dissociated in the four schizophrenic delusions discussed. These are, on the one hand, the self as the bearer, or host, of mental states and actions and, on the other hand, the self as the owner and agent, respectively, of those mental states and actions.
The Family System and Depressive Symptoms during the College Years: Triangulation, Parental Differential Treatment, and Sibling Warmth as Predictors
Authors: Ponappa Sujata , Bartle‐Haring Suzanne , Holowacz Eugene , Ferriby Megan
Published: June 2016

Guided by Bowen theory, we investigated the relationships between parent–child triangulation, parental differential treatment (PDT), sibling warmth, and individual depressive symptoms in a sample of 77 sibling dyads, aged 18–25 years, recruited through undergraduate classes at a U.S. public University. Results of the actor–partner interdependence models suggested that being triangulated into parental conflict was positively related to both siblings’ perception of PDT; however, as one sibling felt triangulated, the other perceived reduced levels of PDT. For both siblings, the perception of higher levels of PDT was related to decreased sibling warmth and higher sibling warmth was associated with fewer depressive symptoms. The implications of these findings for research and the treatment of depression in the college‐aged population are discussed.
Factors influencing alopecia and hair cortisol in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Lutz Corrine K. , Coleman Kris , Worlein Julie M. , Kroeker Rose , Menard Mark T. , Rosenberg Kendra , Meyer Jerrold S. , Novak Melinda A.
Published: June 2016

Background

Alopecia can occur in captive non‐human primates, but its etiology is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to assess alopecia and hair cortisol in rhesus monkeys and to identify the potential risk factors.

Methods

Subjects were 117 rhesus monkeys at two National Primate Research Centers. Photographs and hair samples were obtained during routine physicals. Photographs were analyzed using Image J software to calculate hair loss, and hair samples were assayed for cortisol.

Results

Age, days singly housed, and their interactions contributed to the alopecia model for both facilities. Sex and location changes contributed to the hair cortisol model for Facility 1; sedations contributed for Facility 2. Alopecia and hair cortisol were associated at Facility 1.

Conclusions

Captive management practices can affect alopecia and hair cortisol. However, there are facility differences in the relationship between alopecia and hair cortisol and in the effect of intrinsic variables and management procedures.
Stent Coating Integrity of Durable and Biodegradable Coated Drug Eluting Stents
Authors: Yazdani Saami K. , Sheehy Alexander , Pacetti Stephen , Rittlemeyer Brandon , Kolodgie Frank D. , Virmani Renu
Published: June 2016

Background

Coatings consisting of a polymer and drug are widely used in drug‐eluting stents (DES) and are essential in providing programmable drug release kinetics. Among other factors, stent coating technologies can influence blood compatibility, affect acute and sub‐acute healing, and potentially trigger a chronic inflammatory response.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the short‐term (7 and 28 days) and long‐term (90 and 180 days) coating integrity of the Xience Prime Everolimus‐Eluting Stent (EES), Resolute Zotarolimus‐Eluting Stent (ZES), Taxus Paclitaxel‐Eluting Stent (PES), and Nobori Biolimus A9‐Eluting Stent (BES) in a rabbit ilio‐femoral stent model.

Methods and Results

Stented arteries (n = 48) were harvested and the tissue surrounding the implanted stents digested away with an enzymatic solution. Results demonstrated that the majority of struts of EES were without any coating defects with a few struts showing minor defects. Similarly, for the ZES, most of the struts were without coating defects at all time points except at 180 days. The majority of PES demonstrated mostly webbing and uneven coating. In the BES group, the majority of strut coating showed polymer cracking.

Conclusion

Overall, the EES and ZES had fewer coating defects than the PES and BES. Coating defects, however increase over time for the ZES, whereas the percent of coating irregularities remained constant for the EES. These results provide, for the first time, a comparison of the long‐term durability of these drug‐eluting stent coatings in vivo.
The moon cycle effect on the activity patterns of ocelots and their prey
Authors: Pratas‐Santiago L. P. , Gonçalves A. L. S. , da Maia Soares A. M. V. , Spironello W. R.
Published: June 2016

The time of the activity may be changed throughout the circadian cycle to increase the fitness of species and allow their co‐existence. The goal of this paper was to test whether the activity patterns of ocelots Leopardus pardalis are synchronized with those of their potential prey, and assess the effect of the moon cycle on this predator–prey relationship, through camera‐trapping. Activity levels of ocelots and potential prey have been assessed across circadian and moon cycles and the temporal overlap between them was calculated for each moon phase. Ocelots have shown to be nocturnal and the number of their records has been constant across the moon cycle, and their activity patterns overlapped those of their nocturnal prey significantly more than remaining species', during full moon. These findings suggest that ocelots switch the type of prey (diurnal or nocturnal) they hunt in different moon phases and display higher hunting success in full moon nights.
Seedling growth responses to phosphorus reflect adult distribution patterns of tropical trees
Authors: Zalamea Paul‐Camilo , Turner Benjamin L. , Winter Klaus , Jones F. Andrew , Sarmiento Carolina , Dalling James W.
Published: June 2016

Soils influence tropical forest composition at regional scales. In Panama, data on tree communities and underlying soils indicate that species frequently show distributional associations to soil phosphorus. To understand how these associations arise, we combined a pot experiment to measure seedling responses of 15 pioneer species to phosphorus addition with an analysis of the phylogenetic structure of phosphorus associations of the entire tree community.

Growth responses of pioneers to phosphorus addition revealed a clear tradeoff: species from high‐phosphorus sites grew fastest in the phosphorus‐addition treatment, while species from low‐phosphorus sites grew fastest in the low‐phosphorus treatment. Traits associated with growth performance remain unclear: biomass allocation, phosphatase activity and phosphorus‐use efficiency did not correlate with phosphorus associations; however, phosphatase activity was most strongly down‐regulated in response to phosphorus addition in species from high‐phosphorus sites.

Phylogenetic analysis indicated that pioneers occur more frequently in clades where phosphorus associations are overdispersed as compared with the overall tree community, suggesting that selection on phosphorus acquisition and use may be strongest for pioneer species with high phosphorus demand.

Our results show that phosphorus‐dependent growth rates provide an additional explanation for the regional distribution of tree species in Panama, and possibly elsewhere.
DESIGNING RESILIENT INSTITUTIONS FOR TRANSBOUNDARY CRISIS MANAGEMENT: A TIME FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Authors: BOIN ARJEN , LODGE MARTIN
Published: June 2016

Crises and disasters feature high on political and public agendas around the world. Practitioners wrestle with the challenge to provide protection while maintaining legitimacy. They pine for insights that lie at the heart of public administration: designing effective institutions and preserving transparency; enabling and empowering citizens without undermining a coordinated response; balancing long‐term risks against short‐term needs; bridging the divide between theory and practice, and between the public and private sectors. But in the debates about designing institutions that protect against transboundary threats and critical infrastructure failures, the public administration community is strangely absent. It has parked itself on the sideline, concerning itself with the routine processes of governance. In this article, we argue that the time has come for public administration scholars to incorporate crisis and disaster management into the main research agendas of the field.