bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recombination, chromosome number and eusociality in the Hymenoptera
Authors: Ross L. , Blackmon H. , Lorite P. , Gokhman V. E. , Hardy N. B.
Published: November 2014

Extraordinarily high rates of recombination have been observed in some eusocial species. The most popular explanation is that increased recombination increases genetic variation among workers, which in turn increases colony performance, for example by increasing parasite resistance. However, support for the generality of higher recombination rates among eusocial organisms remains weak, due to low sample size and a lack of phylogenetic independence of observations. Recombination rate, although difficult to measure directly, is correlated with chromosome number. As predicted, several authors have noted that chromosome numbers are higher among the eusocial species of Hymenoptera (ants, bees and wasps). Here, we present a formal comparative analysis of karyotype data from 1567 species of Hymenoptera. Contrary to earlier studies, we find no evidence for an absolute difference between chromosome number in eusocial and solitary species of Hymenoptera. However, we find support for an increased rate of chromosome number change in eusocial taxa. We show that among eusocial taxa colony size is able to explain some of the variation in chromosome number: intermediate‐sized colonies have more chromosomes than those that are either very small or very large. However, we were unable to detect effects of a number of other colony characteristics predicted to affect recombination rate – including colony relatedness and caste number. Taken together, our results support the view that a eusocial lifestyle has led to variable selection pressure for increased recombination rates, but that identifying the factors contributing to this variable selection will require further theoretical and empirical effort.
Nosology, ontology and promiscuous realism
Authors: Binney Nicholas
Published: November 2014

Medics may consider worrying about their metaphysics and ontology to be a waste of time. I will argue here that this is not the case. Promiscuous realism is a metaphysical position which holds that multiple, equally valid, classification schemes should be applied to objects (such as patients) to capture different aspects of their complex and heterogeneous nature. As medics at the bedside may need to capture different aspects of their patients' problems, they may need to use multiple classification schemes (multiple nosologies), and thus consider adopting a different metaphysics to the one commonly in use.
Measuring the Youth Bullying Experience: A Systematic Review of the Psychometric Properties of Available Instruments
Authors: Vessey Judith , Strout Tania D. , DiFazio Rachel L. , Walker Allison
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND

Bullying is a significant problem in schools and measuring this concept remains problematic. The purposes of this study were to (1) identify the published self‐report measures developed to assess youth bullying; (2) evaluate their psychometric properties and instrument characteristics; and (3) evaluate the quality of identified psychometric papers evaluating youth bullying measures.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was conducted using 4 electronic databases. Data extraction and appraisal of identified instruments were completed using a standardized method and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

RESULTS

Thirty‐one articles describing 27 self‐report instruments were evaluated in our analysis. Quality assessments ranged from 18% to 91%, with 6 papers reaching or exceeding a quality score of 75%. Limited evidence supporting the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of existing youth bullying measures was identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence supporting the psychometric soundness of the instruments identified was limited. Many measures were in early development and additional evaluation is necessary to validate their psychometric properties. A pool of instruments possesses acceptable initial psychometric dependability for selected assessment purposes. These findings have significant implications for assessing youth bullying and designing and evaluating school‐based interventions.
Using a Participatory Approach to the Development of a School‐Based Physical Activity Policy in an Indigenous Community
Authors: Hogan Lindsay , Bengoechea Enrique García , Salsberg Jon , Jacobs Judi , King Morrison , Macaulay Ann C.
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND

This study is part of a larger community‐based participatory research (CBPR) project to develop, implement, and evaluate the physical activity component of a school‐based wellness policy. The policy intervention is being carried out by community stakeholders and academic researchers within the Kahnawake Schools Diabetes Prevention Project, a well‐established health promotion organization in the Indigenous community of Kahnawake, Quebec.

METHODS

We explored how a group of stakeholders develop a school physical activity policy in a participatory manner, and examined factors serving as facilitators and barriers to the development process. This case study was guided by an interpretive description approach and draws upon data from documentary analysis and participant observation.

RESULTS

A CBPR approach allowed academic researchers and community stakeholders to codevelop a physical activity policy that is both evidence‐based and contextually appropriate. The development process was influenced by a variety of barriers and facilitators including working within existing structures, securing appropriate stakeholders, and school contextual factors.

CONCLUSIONS

This research offers a process framework that others developing school‐based wellness policies may use with appropriate modifications based on local environments.
Work that –s!: Drag queens, gender, identity, and traditional Newfoundland English
Authors: Childs Becky , Van Herk Gerard
Published: November 2014

Making use of three data sets of Newfoundland English, this paper uncovers the linguistic and social motivations and strategies used by young speakers to reclaim and re‐shape a traditional, local, relic language feature (verbal –s attachment, as inI goes). While each group that we discuss (young females, drag queens, and a sample of the Newfoundland population) is differently situated with respect to the broader local culture (i.e. they each have their own social identities), similarities and parallels in the reclamation and use of verbal –s indicate important processes that occur in the enregisterment and reappropriation of a salient, traditional linguistic form. Results indicate that the local social and linguistic reconstruction of a speech feature can change a path of decline and prove fertile ground for creating a unique identity that moves toward the global while still motioning to the past of a community.
Panel Conditioning: Effect of Participation Frequency on Overall Acceptance Scores from Consumer Panels
Authors: Bastian Mauresa , Eggett Dennis L. , Jefferies Laura K.
Published: November 2014

Research subjects who participate frequently in some survey types are known to provide responses that differ from subjects who participate less frequently. The supposed learning or training that occurs from repeated survey involvement is known as panel conditioning. Consumer scoring of overall acceptance of a wide variety of food categories was collected from consumer panels conducted in a central location facility. Data spanning 11 years were analyzed to determine evidence of panel conditioning by measuring the effect of participation frequency on mean consumer scoring among frequent, moderate and infrequent participants. Participation frequency was determined by panelists' number of previous panel visits within specific time intervals. Practical significance and occurrence of panel conditioning, defined as mean scoring differences of ≥0.50 on a discrete 9‐point scale hedonic point, were examined. Results indicate that for overall acceptance, in general, mean scoring differences were not practically significant and did not signify occurrence of panel conditioning.

Practical Applications

Studies relating panel conditioning to online panels/surveys have been conducted; however, little research relates panel conditioning to food sensory evaluation conducted at a central location. If panel conditioning occurs in food sensory evaluation, frequently participating panelists may score differently than infrequently participating panelists and provide unrepresentative data. Thus, food sensory laboratories may need to continually monitor the participation frequency of current panelists. If panel conditioning does not occur, regardless of panelists' participation frequency, and does not result in scoring differences in food sensory evaluation, then this monitoring process would be unnecessary. There would be no concern in reusing qualified panelists and they would not have to be eliminated from panel participation due to recent or frequent previous panel participation.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation as an Additional Treatment for Women Suffering from Therapy-Resistant Provoked Vestibulodynia: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Vallinga Marleen S. , Spoelstra Symen K. , Hemel Inge L.M. , van de Wiel Harry B.M. , Weijmar Schultz Willibrord C.M.
Published: November 2014

Introduction

The current approach to women with provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) comprises a multidimensional, multidisciplinary therapeutic protocol. As PVD is considered to be a chronic pain disorder, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can be used as an additional therapy for women with otherwise therapy-resistant PVD.

Aims

The aims of this study were to evaluate whether TENS has a beneficial effect on vulvar pain, sexual functioning, and sexually-related personal distress in women with therapy-resistant PVD and to assess the effect of TENS on the need for vestibulectomy.

Methods

A longitudinal prospective follow-up study was performed on women with therapy-resistant PVD who received additional domiciliary TENS. Self-report questionnaires and visual analog scales (VASs) were completed at baseline (T1), post-TENS (T2), and follow-up (T3).

Main Outcome Measures

Vulvar pain, sexual functioning, and sexually-related personal distress were the main outcome measures.

Results

Thirty-nine women with therapy-resistant PVD were included. Mean age was 27 ± 5.6 years (range: 19 to 41); mean duration between TENS and T3 follow-up was 10.1 ± 10.7 months (range: 2 to 32). Vulvar pain VAS scores directly post-TENS (median 3.4) and at follow-up (median 3.2) were significantly (P < 0.01) lower than at baseline (median 8.0). Post-TENS, sexual functioning scores on the Female Sexual Functioning Index questionnaire had improved significantly (P = 0.2); these scores remained stable at follow-up. Sexually-related personal distress scores had improved significantly post-TENS (P = 0.01). Only 4% of the women who received TENS needed to undergo vestibulectomy vs. 23% in our previous patient population.

Conclusion

The addition of self-administered TENS to multidimensional treatment significantly reduced the level of vulvar pain and the need for vestibulectomy. The long-term effect was stable. These results not only support our hypothesis that TENS constitutes a feasible and beneficial addition to multidimensional treatment for therapy-resistant PVD, but also the notion that PVD can be considered as a chronic pain syndrome.
Nfu facilitates the maturation of iron‐sulfur proteins and participates in virulence in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Mashruwala Ameya A. , Pang Yun Y. , Rosario‐Cruz Zuelay , Chahal Harsimranjit K. , Benson Meredith A. , Mike Laura A. , Skaar Eric P. , Torres Victor J. , Nauseef William M. , Boyd Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2014

The acquisition and metabolism of iron (Fe) by the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus is critical for disease progression. S. aureus requires Fe to synthesize inorganic cofactors called iron‐sulfur (Fe‐S) clusters, which are required for functional Fe‐S proteins. In this study we investigated the mechanisms utilized by S. aureus to metabolize Fe‐S clusters. We identified that S. aureus utilizes the Suf biosynthetic system to synthesize Fe‐S clusters and we provide genetic evidence suggesting that the sufU and sufB gene products are essential. Additional biochemical and genetic analyses identified Nfu as an Fe‐S cluster carrier, which aids in the maturation of Fe‐S proteins. We find that deletion of the nfu gene negatively impacts staphylococcal physiology and pathogenicity. A nfu mutant accumulates both increased intracellular non‐incorporated Fe and endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in DNA damage. In addition, a strain lacking Nfu is sensitive to exogenously supplied ROS and reactive nitrogen species. Congruous with ex vivo findings, a nfu mutant strain is more susceptible to oxidative killing by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and displays decreased tissue colonization in a murine model of infection. We conclude that Nfu is necessary for staphylococcal pathogenesis and establish Fe‐S cluster metabolism as an attractive antimicrobial target.
Climate change and long‐term fire management impacts on Australian savannas
Authors: Scheiter Simon , Higgins Steven I. , Beringer Jason , Hutley Lindsay B.
Published: November 2014

Tropical savannas cover a large proportion of the Earth's land surface and many people are dependent on the ecosystem services that savannas supply. Their sustainable management is crucial. Owing to the complexity of savanna vegetation dynamics, climate change and land use impacts on savannas are highly uncertain.

We used a dynamic vegetation model, the adaptive dynamic global vegetation model (aDGVM), to project how climate change and fire management might influence future vegetation in northern Australian savannas.

Under future climate conditions, vegetation can store more carbon than under ambient conditions. Changes in rainfall seasonality influence future carbon storage but do not turn vegetation into a carbon source, suggesting that CO2 fertilization is the main driver of vegetation change. The application of prescribed fires with varying return intervals and burning season influences vegetation and fire impacts. Carbon sequestration is maximized with early dry season fires and long fire return intervals, while grass productivity is maximized with late dry season fires and intermediate fire return intervals.

The study has implications for management policy across Australian savannas because it identifies how fire management strategies may influence grazing yield, carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions. This knowledge is crucial to maintaining important ecosystem services of Australian savannas.
Cohen's d Corrected for Case IV Range Restriction: A More Accurate Procedure for Evaluating Subgroup Differences in Organizational Research
Authors: Li Johnson Ching‐Hong
Published: November 2014

Organizational and staffing researchers are often interested in evaluating whether subgroup differences exist (e.g., between Caucasian and African‐American individuals) on predictors of job performance. To investigate subgroup differences, researchers often will collect data from current employees to make inferences about subgroup differences among job applicants. However, the magnitude of subgroup differences (i.e., Cohen's d) within incumbent samples may be different (i.e., smaller) than the magnitude of subgroup differences in applicant samples because selection of applicants typically reduces the variance of scores on the predictors (i.e., because lower scoring applicants are not selected). If researchers seek to generalize a d value in an incumbent sample to the applicant population, they may use Bobko, Roth, and Bobko's (correcting the effect size of d for range restriction and unreliability, 2001) Case II or III correction. By extension, Hunter, Schmidt, and Le (implications of direct and indirect range restriction for meta‐analysis methods and findings, 2006) have proposed a Case IV correction, which is more realistic than Bobko et al.'s approach. Therefore, this paper develops a Case IV correction for d (i.e., dc4). The simulation results showed that the dc4 was generally accurate across 6,000 simulation conditions. Moreover, 2 published datasets were reanalyzed to show the influence of the Case IV correction on d. In addition, implications and future directions of the dc4 are discussed.
Quality of life and metrics of achievement in long‐term adult survivors of pediatric heart transplant
Authors: Hollander Seth A. , Chen Sharon , Luikart Helen , Burge Mary , Hollander Amanda M. , Rosenthal David N. , Maeda Katsuhide , Hunt Sharon A. , Bernstein Daniel
Published: November 2014

Many children who undergo heart transplantation will survive into adulthood. We sought to examine the QOL and capacity for achievement in long‐term adult survivors of pediatric heart transplantation. Adults >18 yr of age who received transplants as children (≤18 yr old) and had survived for at least 10 yr post‐transplant completed two self‐report questionnaires: (i) Ferrans & Powers QLI, in which life satisfaction is reported as an overall score and in four subscale domains and is then indexed from 0 (very dissatisfied) to 1 (very satisfied); and (ii) a “Metrics of Life Achievement” questionnaire regarding income, education, relationships, housing status, and access to health care. A total of 20 subjects completed the survey. The overall mean QLI score was 0.77 ± 0.16. Subjects were most satisfied in the family domain (0.84 ± 0.21) and least satisfied in the psychological/spiritual domain (0.7 ± 0.28). Satisfaction in the domains of health/functioning and socioeconomic were intermediate at 0.78 and 0.76, respectively. Most respondents had graduated from high school, reported a median annual income >$50 000/yr, and lived independently. Adult survivors of pediatric heart transplant report a good QOL and demonstrate the ability to obtain an education, work, and live independently.
Using an interactive water bottle to target fluid adherence in pediatric kidney transplant recipients: A pilot study
Authors: Kullgren Kristin A. , Scholl Penny , Kidwell Kelley M. , Hmiel S. Paul
Published: November 2014

Hydration is important post‐renal transplant to maintain adequate renal perfusion and graft function. Adherence to fluid recommendations is challenging given barriers to staying hydrated. There are no studies of adherence to fluid intake recommendations following pediatric renal transplant. Through this pilot study, we sought to determine whether the use of a commercially available interactive water bottle would lead to better adherence to recommended fluid intake and improved kidney functioning post‐transplant relative to standard of care. Participants included 32 youth ages 7–19 ≥1 month post‐kidney transplant randomized to the intervention (HydraCoach® water bottle) or standard education control group. Laboratory records were reviewed for serum chemistries (Na, BUN, creatinine) at baseline and one‐month follow‐up, and participants recorded daily fluid intake for 28 days. Those in the intervention group were significantly more likely to meet or exceed their fluid target, but this did not translate into better kidney functioning. Participants in the intervention group largely reported satisfaction with the water bottle and were likely to continue its use. While an interactive water bottle providing real‐time feedback may be a promising intervention to help pediatric kidney transplant patients meet fluid goals, it did not appear to impact kidney function.
The Specificity of the Interpersonal‐Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behavior for Identifying Suicidal Ideation in an Online Sample
Authors: Batterham Philip J. , Calear Alison L. , van Spijker Bregje A. J.
Published: November 2014

The interpersonal‐psychological theory of suicidal behavior suggests that the combination of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness predicts suicidal ideation. However, the specificity of this prediction to suicidal ideation has not been tested. This study examined whether these constructs were consistently associated with different characteristics of suicidal ideation, and whether they were associated with mental health problems more broadly, in an online sample of 1,352 Australian adults. Findings indicated that the interaction between perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness was associated only with suicidal ideation and consistent across multiple characteristics of ideation. The study broadly supported the specificity of the IPTS.
Cheap Imports and the Loss of US Manufacturing Jobs
Authors: Kemeny Thomas , Rigby David , Cooke Abigail
Published: November 2014

This study examines the role of international trade and specifically imports from low‐wage countries, in determining patterns of job loss in U.S. manufacturing industries between 1992 and 2007. Motivated by intuitions from factor‐proportions‐inspired work on offshoring and heterogeneous firms in trade, we build industry‐level measures of import competition. Combining worker data from the Longitudinal Employer‐Household Dynamics data set, detailed establishment information from the Census of Manufactures and transaction‐level trade data, we find that rising import competition from China and other developing economies increases the likelihood of job loss among manufacturing workers with less than a high school degree; it is not significantly related to job losses for workers with at least a college degree.
Impact of Conyza bonariensis density and establishment period on soyabean grain yield, yield components and economic threshold
Authors: Trezzi M M , Vidal R A , Patel F , Miotto E , Debastiani F , Balbinot A A , Mosquen R
Published: November 2014

Conyza spp. have become a major weed around the world, mainly because of weed resistance issues. The objective of this work was to test the hypothesis that the soyabean crop yield is dependent on the density of Conyza bonariensis and on the timing of weed establishment in relation to the crop sowing date. It was also theorised that these variables affect soyabean crop yield components and the economic threshold of C. bonariensis on soyabean. Field experiments were conducted during 2010 and 2011 using a randomised complete block design. In each experiment, several densities (0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96 and 192 plants m−2) of C. bonariensis were established in soyabean fields. Conyza bonariensis establishment dates varied considerably between the experiments [81, 38 and 0 days before soyabean sowing (DBSS)]. Conyza bonariensis plants were first cultivated in a glasshouse and then transplanted to the field at the three‐leaf growth stage. At the lower densities, each C. bonariensis plant decreased soyabean yield by 36%, 12% and 1.0%, when established at 81, 38 and 0 DBSS respectively. The economic thresholds based on sensitivity analysis were below 0.5 plant m−2 when C. bonariensis was introduced at 81 and 38 DBSS; in contrast, they were between 2 and 4 plants m−2 when the weed was established at the crop sowing time. The results emphasise the importance of proper C. bonariensis management prior to soyabean sowing and highlight the need for residual herbicides to avoid grain yield losses.
Combining a weed traits database with a population dynamics model predicts shifts in weed communities
Authors: Storkey J , Holst N , Bøjer O Q , Bigongiali F , Bocci G , Colbach N , Dorner Z , Riemens M M , Sartorato I , Sønderskov M , Verschwele A
Published: November 2014

A functional approach to predicting shifts in weed floras in response to management or environmental change requires the combination of data on weed traits with analytical frameworks that capture the filtering effect of selection pressures on traits. A weed traits database (WTDB) was designed, populated and analysed, initially using data for 19 common European weeds, to begin to consolidate trait data in a single repository. The initial choice of traits was driven by the requirements of empirical models of weed population dynamics to identify correlations between traits and model parameters. These relationships were used to build a generic model, operating at the level of functional traits, to simulate the impact of increasing herbicide and fertiliser use on virtual weeds along gradients of seed weight and maximum height. The model generated ‘fitness contours’ (defined as population growth rates) within this trait space in different scenarios, onto which two sets of weed species, defined as common or declining in the UK, were mapped. The effect of increasing inputs on the weed flora was successfully simulated; 77% of common species were predicted to have stable or increasing populations under high fertiliser and herbicide use, in contrast with only 29% of the species that have declined. Future development of the WTDB will aim to increase the number of species covered, incorporate a wider range of traits and analyse intraspecific variability under contrasting management and environments.
Characteristics of electron emission of Al-Al2O3-Ti/Au diode with a new double-layer insulator
Authors: Hu Yihua , Zhang Xiaoning , Xue Tao , Liu Chunliang
Published: November 2014

Conventional metal-insulator-metal (MIM) diodes based on aluminum barrier type anodic oxide films (BAOF) have been shown to exhibit an attractive longevity of electron emission while suffering from low emission efficiency and emission fluctuation. In this paper, a new double-layer insulator structure of BAOF combined by porous type anodic oxide films (PAOF) is introduced into MIM diodes. A comparison of emission performance of MIM diodes with different BAOF thickness is made, identifying the interaction of the components of the new insulator. The MIM diodes appear to have larger emission efficiency with the presence of PAOF layer and have a longer functional lifetime with the presence of BAOF layer. The voltage-controlled negative resistance is alleviated when the BAOF thickness is decreased, and is eliminated after a rapid thermal oxidation on the new double-layer insulator. An emission efficiency of more than 17% has been achieved via MIM diode with this new reciprocal insulator structure.
Negative gate-bias instability of ZnO thin-film transistors studied by current–voltage and capacitance–voltage analyses
Authors: Liu Yurong , Mo Shufeng , Yao Ruohe , Lai Pui To
Published: November 2014

Effects of negative gate-bias stress on the electrical properties of ZnO thin-film transistors (TFTs) are investigated. Under negative gate-bias stress, the ZnO TFTs exhibit higher carrier mobility, larger OFF-state current, and a negative shift in threshold voltage with no significant change in subthreshold slope. The time dependence of threshold-voltage shift on various bias stress conditions can be described by a logarithmic equation. Based on the analysis of hysteresis behaviors in current–voltage and capacitance–voltage characteristics before and after the negative gate-bias stress, it can be clarified that the threshold-voltage shift is predominantly attributed to the trapping of positive charge carriers in the defect states at the gate-dielectric/channel interface or in the dielectric during the negative gate-bias stress.
Image simulation and a model of noise power spectra across a range of mammographic beam qualities
Authors: Mackenzie Alistair , Dance David R. , Diaz Oliver , Young Kenneth C.
Published: November 2014

Purpose:

The aim of this work is to create a model to predict the noise power spectra (NPS) for a range of mammographic radiographic factors. The noise model was necessary to degrade images acquired on one system to match the image quality of different systems for a range of beam qualities.

Methods:

Five detectors and x‐ray systems [Hologic Selenia (ASEh), Carestream computed radiography CR900 (CRc), GE Essential (CSI), Carestream NIP (NIPc), and Siemens Inspiration (ASEs)] were characterized for this study. The signal transfer property was measured as the pixel value against absorbed energy per unit area (E) at a reference beam quality of 28 kV, Mo/Mo or 29 kV, W/Rh with 45 mm polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) at the tube head. The contributions of the three noise sources (electronic, quantum, and structure) to the NPS were calculated by fitting a quadratic at each spatial frequency of the NPS against E. A quantum noise correction factor which was dependent on beam quality was quantified using a set of images acquired over a range of radiographic factors with different thicknesses of PMMA. The noise model was tested for images acquired at 26 kV, Mo/Mo with 20 mm PMMA and 34 kV, Mo/Rh with 70 mm PMMA for three detectors (ASEh, CRc, and CSI) over a range of exposures. The NPS were modeled with and without the noise correction factor and compared with the measured NPS. A previous method for adapting an image to appear as if acquired on a different system was modified to allow the reference beam quality to be different from the beam quality of the image. The method was validated by adapting the ASEh flat field images with two thicknesses of PMMA (20 and 70 mm) to appear with the imaging characteristics of the CSI and CRc systems.

Results:

The quantum noise correction factor rises with higher beam qualities, except for CR systems at high spatial frequencies, where a flat response was found against mean photon energy. This is due to the dominance of secondary quantum noise in CR. The use of the quantum noise correction factor reduced the difference from the model to the real NPS to generally within 4%. The use of the quantum noise correction improved the conversion of ASEh image to CRc image but had no difference for the conversion to CSI images.

Conclusions:

A practical method for estimating the NPS at any dose and over a range of beam qualities for mammography has been demonstrated. The noise model was incorporated into a methodology for converting an image to appear as if acquired on a different detector. The method can now be extended to work for a wide range of beam qualities and can be applied to the conversion of mammograms.
Characterization of energy response for photon‐counting detectors using x‐ray fluorescence
Authors: Ding Huanjun , Cho Hyo‐Min , Barber William C. , Iwanczyk Jan S. , Molloi Sabee
Published: November 2014

Purpose:

To investigate the feasibility of characterizing a Si strip photon‐counting detector using x‐ray fluorescence.

Methods:

X‐ray fluorescence was generated by using a pencil beam from a tungsten anode x‐ray tube with 2 mm Al filtration. Spectra were acquired at 90° from the primary beam direction with an energy‐resolved photon‐counting detector based on an edge illuminated Si strip detector. The distances from the source to target and the target to detector were approximately 19 and 11 cm, respectively. Four different materials, containing silver (Ag), iodine (I), barium (Ba), and gadolinium (Gd), were placed in small plastic containers with a diameter of approximately 0.7 cm for x‐ray fluorescence measurements. Linear regression analysis was performed to derive the gain and offset values for the correlation between the measured fluorescence peak center and the known fluorescence energies. The energy resolutions and charge‐sharing fractions were also obtained from analytical fittings of the recorded fluorescence spectra. An analytical model, which employed four parameters that can be determined from the fluorescence calibration, was used to estimate the detector response function.

Results:

Strong fluorescence signals of all four target materials were recorded with the investigated geometry for the Si strip detector. The average gain and offset of all pixels for detector energy calibration were determined to be 6.95 mV/keV and −66.33 mV, respectively. The detector's energy resolution remained at approximately 2.7 keV for low energies, and increased slightly at 45 keV. The average charge‐sharing fraction was estimated to be 36% within the investigated energy range of 20–45 keV. The simulated detector output based on the proposed response function agreed well with the experimental measurement.

Conclusions:

The performance of a spectral imaging system using energy‐resolved photon‐counting detectors is very dependent on the energy calibration of the detector. The proposed x‐ray fluorescence technique offers an accurate and efficient way to calibrate the energy response of a photon‐counting detector.
A multifunctional bispecific antibody protects against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: DiGiandomenico Antonio , Keller Ashley E. , Gao Cuihua , Rainey Godfrey J. , Warrener Paul , Camara Mareia M. , Bonnell Jessica , Fleming Ryan , Bezabeh Binyam , Dimasi Nazzareno , Sellman Bret R. , Hilliard Jamese , Guenther Caitlin M. , Datta Vivekananda , Zhao Wei , Gao Changshou , Yu Xiang-Qing , Suzich JoAnn A. , Stover C. Kendall
Published: November 2014

A new antibody platform combining anti-Psl and anti-PcrV activities provides enhanced protection and acts synergistically with antibiotics against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
.
Prevention of preterm birth: Harnessing science to address the global epidemic
Authors: Rubens Craig E. , Sadovsky Yoel , Muglia Louis , Gravett Michael G. , Lackritz Eve , Gravett Courtney
Published: November 2014

This review summarizes the state of research on the causes of preterm birth, potential targets for prevention, and translational challenges and opportunities.
Bartonella chomelii Is the Most Frequent Species Infecting Cattle Grazing in Communal Mountain Pastures in Spain
Authors: Antequera-Gómez M. L. , Lozano-Almendral L. , Barandika J. F. , González-Martín-Niño R. M. , Rodríguez-Moreno I. , García-Pérez A. L. , Gil H.
Published: November 2014

The presence of
Bartonella
spp. was investigated in domestic ungulates grazing in communal pastures from a mountain area in northern Spain, where 18.3% (17/93) of cattle were found to be positive by PCR combined with a reverse line blot (PCR/RLB), whereas sheep (
n
= 133) or horses (
n
= 91) were found not to be infected by this pathogen.
Bartonella
infection was significantly associated with age, since older animals showed a higher prevalence than heifers and calves. In contrast to other studies,
B. chomelii
was the most frequent species found in cattle (14/17), while
B. bovis
was detected in only three animals. Moreover, 18
B. chomelii
isolates and one
B. bovis
isolate were obtained from nine animals. Afterwards,
B. chomelii
isolates were characterized by a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) method which was adapted in this study. This method presented a high discrimination power, identifying nine different sequence types (STs). This characterization also showed the presence of different STs simultaneously in the same host and that STs had switched over time in one of the animals. In addition,
B. chomelii
STs seem to group phylogenetically in two different lineages. The only
B. bovis
isolate was characterized with a previously described MLST method. This isolate corresponded to a new ST which is located in lineage I, where the
B. bovis
strains infecting
Bos taurus
subsp.
taurus
are grouped. Further studies on the dynamics of
Bartonella
infection in cattle and the potential ectoparasites involved in the transmission of this microorganism should be performed, improving knowledge about the interaction of
Bartonella
spp. and domestic ungulates.
Tongue-tie and frenotomy in infants with breastfeeding difficulties: achieving a balance
Authors: Power R F , Murphy J F
Published: November 2014

Aims

Currently there is debate on how best to manage young infants with tongue-tie who have breastfeeding problems. One of the challenges is the subjectivity of the outcome variables used to assess efficacy of tongue-tie division. This structured review documents how the argument has evolved. It proposes how best to assess, inform and manage mothers and their babies who present with tongue-tie related breastfeeding problems.

Methods

Databases were searched for relevant papers including Pubmed, Medline, and the Cochrane Library. Professionals in the field were personally contacted regarding the provision of additional data. Inclusion criteria were: infants less than 3 months old with tongue-tie and/or feeding problems. The exclusion criteria were infants with oral anomalies and neuromuscular disorders.

Results

There is wide variation in prevalence rates reported in different series, from 0.02 to 10.7%. The most comprehensive clinical assessment is the Hazelbaker Assessment Tool for lingual frenulum function. The most recently published systematic review of the effect of tongue-tie release on breastfeeding concludes that there were a limited number of studies with quality evidence. There have been 316 infants enrolled in frenotomy RCTs across five studies. No major complications from surgical division were reported. The complications of frenotomy may be minimised with a check list before embarking on the procedure.

Conclusions

Good assessment and selection are important because 50% of breastfeeding babies with ankyloglossia will not encounter any problems. We recommend 2 to 3 weeks as reasonable timing for intervention. Frenotomy appears to improve breastfeeding in infants with tongue-tie, but the placebo effect is difficult to quantify. Complications are rare, but it is important that it is carried out by a trained professional.
How context affects electronic health record-based test result follow-up: a mixed-methods evaluation
Authors: Menon Shailaja , Smith Michael W , Sittig Dean F , Petersen Nancy J , Hysong Sylvia J , Espadas Donna , Modi Varsha , Singh Hardeep
Published: November 2014

Objectives

Electronic health record (EHR)-based alerts can facilitate transmission of test results to healthcare providers, helping ensure timely and appropriate follow-up. However, failure to follow-up on abnormal test results (missed test results) persists in EHR-enabled healthcare settings. We aimed to identify contextual factors associated with facility-level variation in missed test results within the Veterans Affairs (VA) health system.

Design, setting and participants

Based on a previous survey, we categorised VA facilities according to primary care providers’ (PCPs’) perceptions of low (n=20) versus high (n=20) risk of missed test results. We interviewed facility representatives to collect data on several contextual factors derived from a sociotechnical conceptual model of safe and effective EHR use. We compared these factors between facilities categorised as low and high perceived risk, adjusting for structural characteristics.

Results

Facilities with low perceived risk were significantly more likely to use specific strategies to prevent alerts from being lost to follow-up (p=0.0114). Qualitative analysis identified three high-risk scenarios for missed test results: alerts on tests ordered by trainees, alerts ‘handed off’ to another covering clinician (surrogate clinician), and alerts on patients not assigned in the EHR to a PCP. Test result management policies and procedures to address these high-risk situations varied considerably across facilities.

Conclusions

Our study identified several scenarios that pose a higher risk for missed test results in EHR-based healthcare systems. In addition to implementing provider-level strategies to prevent missed test results, healthcare organisations should consider implementing monitoring systems to track missed test results.
Low dose thiopurine and allopurinol co-therapy results in significant cost savings at a district general hospital
Authors: Dharmasiri Suranga , Dewhurst Hannah , Johnson Heather , Weaver Sean , McLaughlin Simon
Published: November 2014

Background

Thiopurines are widely used for maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease (CD). Published data report >50% of patients stop thiopurines due to therapeutic failure, hepatitis or side effects. In this situation, many UK clinicians start biologics in CD patients. This has significant cost implications. An alternative strategy is low dose thiopurine and allopurinol (LDTA) co-therapy. We report the annual cost savings from adopting this strategy at our centre.

Methods

Patients with CD treated with LDTA in preference to biological therapy were identified using a prospective local inflammatory bowel disease database. The annual drug cost of treatment with LDTA compared with biologic therapy was calculated. Cost of attending the day unit for an infusion was not included.

Results

26 patients with CD who failed standard dose thiopurine and were treated with LDTA were identified over a 12-month period and followed up for 1 year. 12 patients failed LDTA and progressed to biological therapy. The remaining 14 patients entered sustained clinical remission on LDTA. The cost savings achieved using the LDTA strategy in this group of patients was £146 413 per year with an average saving of £10 458 per patient per year.

Conclusions

This study has identified a significant annual cost savings with this treatment strategy through the prevention of escalation to biologics. These cost savings are likely to be even more significant in the long term since a significant proportion of patients treated with biological therapy require dose escalation. We believe adopting this strategy more widely could lead to significant healthcare savings.
Effectiveness of a brief primary care intervention to reduce passive smoking in babies: a cluster randomised clinical trial
Authors: Cuelva Guadalupe Ortega , Peña Carmen Cabezas , Ortega Jesús Almeda , Zafra Marc Saez , Moreno Jose L Ballvé , Esteban Jose A Pascual , Cuesta Cristina Castellà , Martín-Cantera Carlos , Cerezuela Esteve Saltó , Pou Rosa M Casademont , Alvarez Estela Díaz , Fernandez Joan Lozano , Jordán Concepció Morera , Trillo Araceli Valverde , Pérez-Ortuño Raúl , Ponce Lourdes Rofes , Checa Mireia Jané ,   The BIBE study group
Published: November 2014

Background

Tobacco smoke pollution (TSP) has major negative effects on infant health. Our objectives were to determine the effectiveness of a brief primary care intervention directed at parents who smoke in reducing babies’ TSP exposure, and to establish variables related to greater exposure.

Method

A multicentre, open, cluster-randomised clinical trial in Catalonia. The 83 participating primary health paediatric teams of the Catalan Health Service recruited 1101 babies whose parents were smokers. The intervention group (IG) received a brief TSP intervention; the control group (CG) received the usual care. Outcomes were measured by parents’ reported strategies to avoid TSP exposure. Baseline clinical data and characteristics of each baby's TSP exposure were collected, along with infant hair samples and parents’ tobacco use and related attitudes/behaviours. At 3-month and 6-month follow-up, behavioural changes to avoid TSP exposure were recorded; the association between reported parental behaviours and nicotine concentration in infant hair samples was tested in a random sample of 253 babies at baseline and 6 months.

Results

During follow-up, TSP-avoidance strategies improved more in the IG than in the CG: 35.4% and 26.9% ( p=0.006) at home, and 62.2% and 53.1% in cars (p=0.008). Logistic regression showed adjusted ORs for appropriate measures in the IG versus CG of 1.59 (95% CI 1.21 to 2.09) at home and 1.30 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.75) in cars. Hair samples showed that 78.7% of the babies tested were exposed. Reduced nicotine concentration was associated with improved implementation of effective strategies reported by parents at home (p=0.029) and in cars (p=0.014).

Conclusions

The intervention produced behavioural changes to avoid TSP exposure in babies. The proportion of babies with nicotine (>=1ng/mg) in hair samples at baseline is a concern.

Trial registration number

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier:NCT00788996.
Carotid stenting and intracranial thrombectomy for treatment of acute stroke due to tandem occlusions with aggressive antiplatelet therapy may be associated with a high incidence of intracranial hemorrhage
Authors: Heck Donald V , Brown Morry D
Published: November 2014

Background

Acute stroke from tandem extracranial carotid artery and intracranial large vessel occlusion poses challenges for emergency endovascular treatment. Establishing and maintaining patency of the carotid artery and avoiding intracranial hemorrhage are competing concerns.

Methods

Twenty-three consecutive cases of emergency carotid stenting followed by mechanical thrombectomy identified by retrospective review of the endovascular ischemic stroke database maintained prospectively at our institution since January 2011 form the basis for this report. No cases were lost to follow-up.

Results

Patients were selected with CT angiography or MR angiography and diffusion weighted imaging. Carotid stenting was successful in all cases, and establishment of Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia 2A, 2B or 3 flow was successful in 21/23 (91%). 12/23 (52%) patients achieved a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2 at 90 days. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH) occurred in 5/23 patients (22%). Of 13 patients receiving an intravenous loading dose of abciximab during the procedure, 4/13 had SICH (31%) compared with 1/10 (10%) of those who did not. Of seven patients who received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator prior to the procedure, none had SICH. 90-day mortality was 9/23 (39%). All patients who had SICH were above the median age.

Conclusions

Primary stenting of the extracranial carotid artery combined with intracranial mechanical thrombectomy can be an effective treatment for tandem occlusions, can be performed with a high rate of technical success, and can achieve good clinical outcomes in selected patients. However, the incidence of SICH may be higher than in other patient populations and may be associated with the use of abciximab and advanced patient age.
Career paths of tradespeople in the construction industry
Authors: Gerami Seresht Nima , Fayek Aminah Robinson
Published: November 2014

Skilled labour shortages have been projected for Alberta’s construction industry. As the career paths tradespeople follow significantly affect future supplies of skilled labour, this study explored the career paths of tradespeople in the provincial construction industry. Three major characteristics of the career paths of tradespeople were analyzed: first industry career stage, number of years spent in each stage, and number of projects worked on during each stage. Sector-based comparisons discovered that tradespeople in the industrial/pipeline sector progressed more quickly through some career stages. Analysis also revealed that in general, switching industry sectors during a career stage lengthens the duration of that stage. We also explored which factors affect construction tradespeople’s career paths using a chi-square correlation test. Intergenerational differences were observed; a correlation between educational level and highest industry career stage was detected. Study findings will support the development of labour projections, educational programming, and human resources strategies.