bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Accuracy of MRI for Assessment of T Category and Circumferential Resection Margin Involvement in Patients With Rectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Ge , Cai Yu-zhe , Xu Guo-hui
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND:

The prognosis of rectal cancer is directly related to the stage of the tumor at diagnosis. Accurate preoperative staging is essential for selecting patients to receive optimal treatment.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of MRI in tumor staging and circumferential resection margin involvement in rectal cancer.

DATA SOURCES:

A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science database.

STUDY SELECTION:

Original articles from 2000 to 2016 on the diagnostic performance of MRI in the staging of rectal cancer and/or assessment of mesorectal fascia status were eligible.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Pooled diagnostic statistics including sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio were calculated for invasion of muscularis propria, perirectal tissue, and adjacent organs and for circumferential resection margin involvement through bivariate random-effects modeling. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves were fitted, and areas under summary receiver operating characteristic curves were counted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of MRI for each outcome.

RESULTS:

Thirty-five studies were eligible for this meta-analysis. Preoperative MRI revealed the highest sensitivity of 0.97 (95% CI, 0.96–0.98) and specificity of 0.97 (95% CI, 0.96–0.98) for muscularis propria invasion and adjacent organ invasion. Areas under summary receiver operating characteristic curves indicated good diagnostic accuracy for each outcome, with the highest of 0.9515 for the assessment of adjacent organ invasion. Significant heterogeneity existed among studies. There was no notable publication bias for each outcome.

LIMITATIONS:

This meta-analysis revealed relatively high diagnostic accuracy for preoperative MRI, although significant heterogeneity existed. Therefore, exploration should be focused on standardized interpretation criteria and optimal MRI protocols for future studies.

CONCLUSIONS:

MRI showed relatively high diagnostic accuracy for preoperative T staging and circumferential resection margin assessment and should be reliable for clinical decision making.
Clinical Significance of 2 Deep Posterior Perianal Spaces to Complex Cryptoglandular Fistulas
Authors: Zhang Heng , Zhou Zhi-yang , Hu Bang , Liu De-chao , Peng Hui , Xie Shang-kui , Su Dan , Ren Dong-lin
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND:

Confusion exists regarding the clinical significance of the deep posterior intersphincteric space and deep postanal space to complex perianal fistulas.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical significance of the 2 deep posterior perianal spaces and to describe in detail the courses of posterior complex cryptoglandular fistula extensions.

DESIGN:

This was a retrospective study. MRI-based characteristics of selected perianal fistulas were independently evaluated by examiners who focused on lesions in these 2 spaces and were blinded to each other’s findings.

SETTINGS:

This study was conducted in the colorectal surgery and radiology departments of a large university teaching hospital in China.

PATIENTS:

Included in the study were patients who underwent pelvic MRI for posterior perianal fistula between October 2012 and December 2014.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

The occurrence rates of these 2 deep perianal space lesions in posterior cryptoglandular fistulas were determined.

RESULTS:

A total of 513 primary posterior cryptoglandular fistulas were identified in 508 patients, including 167 deep posterior intersphincteric space lesions (32.6%) and 23 deep postanal space lesions (4.5%). Of those, 173 fistulas (33.7%) were evaluated as complex. The former and latter spaces were involved in 79.2% (137/173) and 13.3% (23/173) of posterior complex fistulas. Compared with deep postanal space lesions, deep posterior intersphincteric space lesions were more common in cases with high transsphincteric or suprasphincteric fistulas (80.1% vs 15.8%), synchronous multiple transsphincteric fistulas (82.4% vs 20.6%), horseshoe-like fistulas (85.5% vs 14.5%), and supralevator fistulas (93.5% vs 16.1%). Similar incidences were also seen in cases with ischioanal-involved horseshoe-like fistulas (75.0% vs 25.0%).

LIMITATIONS:

This study was limited by its retrospective nature.

CONCLUSIONS:

The deep posterior intersphincteric space is more likely than the deep postanal space to be involved in complex cryptoglandular fistulas and is likely to play a more important role in the management of complex cryptoglandular fistulas.
Impact of the Specific Extraction-Site Location on the Risk of Incisional Hernia After Laparoscopic Colorectal Resection
Authors: Benlice Cigdem , Stocchi Luca , Costedio Meagan M. , Gorgun Emre , Kessler Hermann
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND:

The impact of the specific incision used for specimen extraction during laparoscopic colorectal surgery on incisional hernia rates relative to other contributing factors remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to assess the relationship between extraction-site location and incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

DESIGN:

This was a retrospective cohort study (January 2000 through December 2011).

SETTINGS:

The study was conducted at a high-volume, specialized colorectal surgery department.

PATIENTS:

All of the patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal resection were identified from our prospectively maintained institutional database.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Extraction-site and port-site incisional hernias clinically detected by physician or detected on CT scan were collected. Converted cases, defined as the use of a midline incision to perform the operation, were kept in the intent-to-treat analysis. Specific extraction-site groups were compared, and other relevant factors associated with incisional hernia rates were also evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS:

A total of 2148 patients (54.0% with abdominal and 46.0% with pelvic operations) with a mean age of 51.7 ± 18.2 years (52% women) were reviewed. Used extraction sites were infraumbilical midline (23.7%), stoma site/right or left lower quadrant (15%), periumbilical midline (22.5%), and Pfannenstiel (29.6%) and midline converted (9.2%). Overall crude extraction site incisional hernia rate during a mean follow-up of 5.9 ± 3.0 years was 7.2% (n = 155). Extraction-site incisional hernia crude rates were highest after periumbilical midline (12.6%) and a midline incision used for conversion to open surgery (12.0%). Independent factors associated with extraction-site incisional hernia were any extraction sites compared with Pfannenstiel (periumbilical midline HR = 12.7; midline converted HR = 13.1; stoma site HR = 28.4; p < 0.001 for each), increased BMI (HR = 1.23; p = 0.002), synchronous port-site hernias (HR = 3.66; p < 0.001), and postoperative superficial surgical-site infection (HR = 2.11; p < 0.001).

LIMITATIONS:

This study was limited by its retrospective nature, incisional hernia diagnoses based on clinical examination, and heterogeneous surgical population.

CONCLUSIONS:

Preferential extraction sites to minimize incisional hernia rates should be Pfannenstiel or incisions off the midline. Midline incisions should be avoided when possible.
Resistance Exercise in Pregnancy and Outcome
Authors: BARAKAT RUBEN , PERALES MARIA
Published: July 2016

As the health benefits of exercise are increasingly recognized, the traditional advice to rest during pregnancy has changed toward a more healthy and active pregnancy, therefore different forms of exercise have been integrated into the life of the pregnant woman. Although the benefits of using a combination of resistance and aerobic exercises are not yet determined, studies about resistance and strengthen training programs are few although no adverse outcomes were reported.
The Psychopharmacology Algorithm Project at the Harvard South Shore Program: An Algorithm for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Abejuela Harmony Raylen , Osser David N.
Published: July 2016

This revision of previous algorithms for the pharmacotherapy of generalized anxiety disorder was developed by the Psychopharmacology Algorithm Project at the Harvard South Shore Program. Algorithms from 1999 and 2010 and associated references were reevaluated. Newer studies and reviews published from 2008–14 were obtained from PubMed and analyzed with a focus on their potential to justify changes in the recommendations. Exceptions to the main algorithm for special patient populations, such as women of childbearing potential, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with common medical and psychiatric comorbidities, were considered. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are still the basic first-line medication. Early alternatives include duloxetine, buspirone, hydroxyzine, pregabalin, or bupropion, in that order. If response is inadequate, then the second recommendation is to try a different SSRI. Additional alternatives now include benzodiazepines, venlafaxine, kava, and agomelatine. If the response to the second SSRI is unsatisfactory, then the recommendation is to try a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Other alternatives to SSRIs and SNRIs for treatment-resistant or treatment-intolerant patients include tricyclic antidepressants, second-generation antipsychotics, and valproate. This revision of the GAD algorithm responds to issues raised by new treatments under development (such as pregabalin) and organizes the evidence systematically for practical clinical application.
Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of Six Myths About Dissociative Identity Disorder
Authors: Brand Bethany L. , Sar Vedat , Stavropoulos Pam , Krüger Christa , Korzekwa Marilyn , Martínez-Taboas Alfonso , Middleton Warwick
Published: July 2016

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a complex, posttraumatic, developmental disorder for which we now, after four decades of research, have an authoritative research base, but a number of misconceptualizations and myths about the disorder remain, compromising both patient care and research. This article examines the empirical literature pertaining to recurrently expressed beliefs regarding DID: (1) belief that DID is a fad, (2) belief that DID is primarily diagnosed in North America by DID experts who overdiagnose the disorder, (3) belief that DID is rare, (4) belief that DID is an iatrogenic, rather than trauma-based, disorder, (5) belief that DID is the same entity as borderline personality disorder, and (6) belief that DID treatment is harmful to patients. The absence of research to substantiate these beliefs, as well as the existence of a body of research that refutes them, confirms their mythical status. Clinicians who accept these myths as facts are unlikely to carefully assess for dissociation. Accurate diagnoses are critical for appropriate treatment planning. If DID is not targeted in treatment, it does not appear to resolve. The myths we have highlighted may also impede research about DID. The cost of ignorance about DID is high not only for individual patients but for the whole support system in which they reside. Empirically derived knowledge about DID has replaced outdated myths. Vigorous dissemination of the knowledge base about this complex disorder is warranted.
Negative Consequences of Family Caregiving for Veterans With PTSD and Dementia
Authors: Pinciotti Caitlin M. , Bass David M. , McCarthy Catherine A. , Judge Katherine S. , Wilson Nancy L. , Morgan Robert O. , Snow A. Lynn , Kunik Mark E.
Published: July 2016

Recent research shows veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are twice as likely as other veterans to develop dementia. However, no studies to date have examined the impact of co-existing PTSD and dementia on family caregivers, who provide the majority of care to these veterans. Using the Stress Process Model, the current investigation explored the similarities and differences in psychosocial, health, and service use outcomes among caregivers assisting veterans with PTSD and dementia compared with caregivers assisting veterans with dementia only. Caregivers of veterans with PTSD and dementia indicated that their relative exhibited more difficult behavior symptoms and used more community services. These caregivers also reported more difficulties understanding veterans’ memory problems and more physical strain. Together, results suggested caregivers of veterans with both PTSD and dementia were at greater risk of negative caregiving consequences. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Comparison of Differing Clinical Schedules for Nursing Students
Authors: Reising Deanna L. , Fickenscher Rachel , Satrom Anna
Published: July 2016

Maximizing student clinical schedules involves a range of nurse educator activities including scheduling, placement, and learning activity construction. The purpose of this study was to compare opportunities for students to develop their psychomotor skills on the clinical unit and perceptions of clinical experiences across 6-hour day, 6-hour evening, and 12-hour day schedules in an acute care setting. The main finding was that 12-hour schedules provided an overall significantly higher rate of skill opportunities than either of the other 6-hour schedules.
Incidentally Detected Lithopedion in an 87-Year-Old Lady
Authors: Gürler Ahmet Selçuk , Daş Taner , Gitmiş Gökhan , Apaydin Nedim , Kara Erdoğan , Özdemirel Rifat Özgür , Çelik Safa , Özdeş Emel , Sezer Yiğit
Published: July 2016

A lithopedion is a rare complication of pregnancy that occurs when a fetus in an intraabdominal location dies, and it is too large to be reabsorbed by the body. The case was an 87-year-old woman, and she was transferred to the morgue department in April 2014 to determine the cause of death. During autopsy, an intraabdominally located calcified dead fetus and a 12-cm diameter calcified cyst in the right ovary were incidentally detected. It was aged 25 to 29 weeks (according to femur and humerus measurements) with a size of 12.5 × 8 × 5 cm and a weight of 227 g. According to investigation reports, her husband died in 1990, and she had 3 deliveries, the most recent of which was in 1946. Because the menopause age of the case was not exactly known, the retention time of the lithopedion was supposed to be 24 to 68 years according to the date of the most recent pregnancy and the date of her spouse's death. It is the first case that has been incidentally detected and identified during an autopsy in Turkey and also one of the oldest cases in the literature.
Comparison of Antibodies for Immunohistochemistry-based Detection of HER3 in Breast Cancer
Authors: Luhtala Satu , Staff Synnöve , Barok Mark , Tanner Minna , Isola Jorma
Published: July 2016

Background:

Growth factor receptor HER3 (ErbB3) lacks standardized immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based methods for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. We compared 4 different anti-HER3 antibodies to explain the differences found in the staining results reported in the literature.

Materials and Methods:

Four commercial HER3 antibodies were tested on FFPE samples including mouse monoclonal antibody clones, DAK-H3-IC and RTJ1, rabbit monoclonal antibody clone SP71, and rabbit polyclonal antibody (SAB4500793). Membranous and cytoplasmic staining patterns were analyzed and scored as 0, 1+, or 2+ according to the intensity of the staining and completeness of membranous and cytoplasmic staining. A large collection of HER2-amplified breast cancers (n=177) was stained with the best performing HER3 antibody. The breast cancer cell line, MDA-453, and human prostate tissue were used as positive controls. IHC results were confirmed by analysis of flow cytometry performed on breast cancer cell lines. Staining results of FFPE samples were compared with samples fixed with an epitope-sensitive fixative (PAXgene).

Results:

Clear circumferential cell membrane staining was found only with the HER3 antibody clone DAK-H3-IC. Other antibodies (RTJ1, SP71, and polyclonal) yielded uncertain and nonreproducible staining results. In addition to cell membrane staining, DAK-H3-IC was also localized to the cytoplasm, but no nuclear staining was observed. In HER2-amplified breast cancers, 80% of samples were classified as 1+ or 2+ according to the HER3 staining on the cell membrane. The results from FFPE cell line samples were comparable to those obtained from unfixed cells in flow cytometry. IHC conducted on FFPE samples and on PAXgene-fixed samples showed equivalent results.

Conclusions:

We conclude that IHC with the monoclonal antibody, DAK-H3-IC, on FFPE samples is a reliable staining method for use in translational research. Assessment of membranous HER3 expression may be clinically relevant in selecting patients who may most benefit from pertuzumab or other novel anti-HER3 therapies.
Ki67 Scoring in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors By a New Method
Authors: Öztürk Sari Şule , Taşkin Orhun Çiğ , Yegen Gülçin , Özlük Yasemin , Güllüoğlu Mine
Published: July 2016

Ki67 scoring is required for the grading of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Ongoing debate exists about the best scoring method in terms of accuracy and practicality. Manual counting of cells in camera-captured/printed images is a widely used and accepted method and considered the most reliable one among the manual methods. It requires counting 500 to 2000 cells to determine the Ki67 score accurately and it is time and energy consuming. We investigated the possibility of achieving the same results by counting only a particular fraction of tumor cells in a printed image in a series of 45 (24 grade 1 and 21 grade 2) pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. After counting Ki67-positive tumor cells in the whole image, the tumor cells were counted within one-tenth of the same image with the aid of a previously prepared grid on an acetate sheet. The cell number obtained was multiplied by 10 to estimate the total cell count and the Ki67 score was calculated. The agreement between the results of the acetate grid and conventional whole-image counting method was assessed. Near-perfect agreement was achieved regarding the total cell count and Ki67 score. The agreement on tumor grade between the two methods was perfect. The time spent on the process was significantly less than that spent on the conventional method. Although it needs to be validated in a larger series, the acetate grid method might be considered an alternative method for Ki67 scoring in neuroendocrine tumors.
Preparation With Web-Based Observational Practice Improves Efficiency of Simulation-Based Mastery Learning
Authors: Cheung Jeffrey J.H. , Koh Jansen , Brett Clare , Bägli Darius J. , Kapralos Bill , Dubrowski Adam
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Our current understanding of what results in effective simulation-based training is restricted to the physical practice and debriefing stages, with little attention paid to the earliest stage: how learners are prepared for these experiences. This study explored the utility of Web-based observational practice (OP) —featuring combinations of reading materials (RMs), OP, and collaboration— to prepare novice medical students for a simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) workshop in central venous catheterization.

Methods

Thirty medical students were randomized into the following 3 groups differing in their preparatory materials for a SBML workshop in central venous catheterization: a control group with RMs only, a group with Web-based groups including individual OP, and collaborative OP (COP) groups in addition to RM. Preparation occurred 1 week before the SBML workshop, followed by a retention test 1-week afterward. The impact on the learning efficiency was measured by time to completion (TTC) of the SBML workshop. Web site preparation behavior data were also collected.

Results

Web-based groups demonstrated significantly lower TTC when compared with the RM group, (P = 0.038, d = 0.74). Although no differences were found between any group performances at retention, the COP group spent significantly more time and produced more elaborate answers, than the OP group on an OP activity during preparation.

Discussion

When preparing for SBML, Web-based OP is superior to reading materials alone; however, COP may be an important motivational factor to increase learner engagement with instructional materials. Taken together, Web-based preparation and, specifically, OP may be an important consideration in optimizing simulation instructional design.
Simulated Disaster Day
Authors: Livingston Laura L. , West Courtney A. , Livingston Jerry L. , Landry Karen A. , Watzak Bree C. , Graham Lori L.
Published: July 2016

Summary Statement

Disaster Day is a simulation event that began in the College of Nursing and has increased exponentially in size and popularity for the last 8 years. The evolution has been the direct result of reflective practice and dedicated leadership in the form of students, faculty, and administration. Its development and expansion into a robust interprofessional education activity are noteworthy because it gives health care professions students an opportunity to work in teams to provide care in a disaster setting. The “authentic” learning situation has enhanced student knowledge of roles and responsibilities and seems to increase collaborative efforts with other disciplines. The lessons learned and modifications made in our Disaster Day planning, implementation, and evaluation processes are shared in an effort to facilitate best practices for other institutions interested in a similar activity.
Goats display audience-dependent human-directed gazing behaviour in a problem-solving task
Authors: Nawroth Christian , Brett Jemma M. , McElligott Alan G.
Published: July 2016

Domestication is an important factor driving changes in animal cognition and behaviour. In particular, the capacity of dogs to communicate in a referential and intentional way with humans is considered a key outcome of how domestication as a companion animal shaped the canid brain. However, the lack of comparison with other domestic animals makes general conclusions about how domestication has affected these important cognitive features difficult. We investigated human-directed behaviour in an ‘unsolvable problem’ task in a domestic, but non-companion species: goats. During the test, goats experienced a forward-facing or an away-facing person. They gazed towards the forward-facing person earlier and for longer and showed more gaze alternations and a lower latency until the first gaze alternation when the person was forward-facing. Our results provide strong evidence for audience-dependent human-directed visual orienting behaviour in a species that was domesticated primarily for production, and show similarities with the referential and intentional communicative behaviour exhibited by domestic companion animals such as dogs and horses. This indicates that domestication has a much broader impact on heterospecific communication than previously believed.
Personality composition alters the transmission of cuticular bacteria in social groups
Authors: Keiser Carl N. , Howell Kimberly A. , Pinter-Wollman Noa , Pruitt Jonathan N.
Published: July 2016

The initial stages of a disease outbreak can determine the magnitude of the ensuing epidemic. Though rarely tested in unison, two factors with important consequences for the transmission dynamics of infectious agents are the collective traits of the susceptible population and the individual traits of the index case (i.e. ‘patient zero’). Here, we test whether the personality composition of a social group can explain horizontal transmission dynamics of cuticular bacteria using the social spider
Stegodyphus dumicola
. We exposed focal spiders of known behavioural phenotypes with a GFP-transformed cuticular bacterium (
Pantoea
sp.) and placed them in groups of 10 susceptible individuals (i.e. those with no experience with this bacterium). We measured bacterial transmission to groups composed of either all shy spiders, 10% bold spiders or 40% bold spiders. We found that colonies with 40% bold spiders experienced over twice the incidence of transmission compared to colonies with just 10% bold individuals after only 24 h of interaction. Colonies of all shy spiders experienced an intermediate degree of transmission. Interestingly, we did not detect an effect of the traits of the index case on transmission. These data suggest that the phenotypic composition of the susceptible population can have a greater influence on the degree of early transmission events than the traits of the index case.
Variation in the circularly polarized light reflection ofLomaptera(Scarabaeidae) beetles
Authors: Carter I. E. , Weir K. , McCall M. W. , Parker A. R.
Published: July 2016

An extended spectroscopic study on the left-through-left circularly polarized reflection spectra of a large number of beetles from the Australasian Scrabaeidae:Cetoniinae of theLomapteragenus was undertaken. We have obtained a five-category spectral classification. The principal spectral features, which even within the genus range from blue to infrared, are related to structural chirality in the beetle shells. The detailed features of each spectral classification are related to different structural perturbations of the helix, including various pitch values and abrupt twist defects. These spectral characteristics and associated shell structures are confirmed on the basis of simple modelling. An important conclusion from our study is that the simple helical structure resulting in a single symmetric Bragg peak is not the dominant spectral type. Rather the reality is a rich tapestry of spectral types. One intriguing specimen is identified via a scanning electron micrograph to consist of a double interstitial helix leading to a particular double-peak spectrum.
Charles Hutton and the ‘Dissensions’ of 1783–84: scientific networking and its failures
Authors: Wardhaugh Benjamin Sutherland
Published: July 2016

This paper proposes a fresh look at the ‘Dissensions’ that held up scientific business at the Royal Society during the spring of 1784. It focuses attention on the career and personal networks of Charles Hutton, whose dismissal from the role of Foreign Secretary ignited the row. It shows that the incident had no single cause but was the outcome of several factors that made Hutton intolerable to Joseph Banks, President of the Society, and of several factors that made Banks unpopular as President among a group of about 40 otherwise rather disparate Fellows.
Nrf2 signalling and autophagy are involved in diabetes mellitus-induced defects in the development of mouse placenta
Authors: He Mei-yao , Wang Guang , Han Sha-sha , Jin Ya , Li He , Wu Xia , Ma Zheng-lai , cheng Xin , Tang Xiuwen , Yang Xuesong , Liu Guo-sheng
Published: July 2016

It is widely accepted that diabetes mellitus impairs placental development, but the mechanism by which the disease operates to impair development remains controversial. In this study, we demonstrated that pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM)-induced defects in placental development in mice are mainly characterized by the changes of morphological structure of placenta. The alteration of differentiation-related gene expressions in trophoblast cells rather than cell proliferation/apoptosis is responsible for the phenotypes found in mouse placenta. Meanwhile, excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and activated nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signalling were observed in the placenta of mice suffering from PGDM. Using BeWo cells, we also demonstrated that excess ROS was produced and Nrf2 signalling molecules were activated in settings characterized by a high concentration of glucose. More interestingly, differentiation-related gene expressions in trophoblast cells were altered when endogenous Nrf2 expression is manipulated by transfecting Nrf2-wt or Nrf2-shRNA. In addition, PGDM interferes with autophagy in both mouse placenta and BeWo cells, implying that autophagy is also involved, directly or indirectly, in PGDM-induced placental phenotypes. Therefore, we revealed that dysfunctional oxidative stress-activated Nrf2 signalling and autophagy are probably responsible for PGDM-induced defects in the placental development of mice. The mechanism was through the interference with differentiation-related gene expression in trophoblast cells.
Pupil dilation as an index of preferred mutual gaze duration
Authors: Binetti Nicola , Harrison Charlotte , Coutrot Antoine , Johnston Alan , Mareschal Isabelle
Published: July 2016

Most animals look at each other to signal threat or interest. In humans, this social interaction is usually punctuated with brief periods of mutual eye contact. Deviations from this pattern of gazing behaviour generally make us feel uncomfortable and are a defining characteristic of clinical conditions such as autism or schizophrenia, yet it is unclear what constitutes normal eye contact. Here, we measured, across a wide range of ages, cultures and personality types, the period of direct gaze that feels comfortable and examined whether autonomic factors linked to arousal were indicative of people's preferred amount of eye contact. Surprisingly, we find that preferred period of gaze duration is not dependent on fundamental characteristics such as gender, personality traits or attractiveness. However, we do find that subtle pupillary changes, indicative of physiological arousal, correlate with the amount of eye contact people find comfortable. Specifically, people preferring longer durations of eye contact display faster increases in pupil size when viewing another person than those preferring shorter durations. These results reveal that a person's preferred duration of eye contact is signalled by physiological indices (pupil dilation) beyond volitional control that may play a modulatory role in gaze behaviour.
Mating success and body condition not related to foraging specializations in male fur seals
Authors: Kernaléguen L. , Cherel Y. , Guinet C. , Arnould J. P. Y.
Published: July 2016

Individual specialization is widespread among wild populations. While its fitness consequences are central in predicting the ecological and evolutionary trajectories of populations, they remain poorly understood. Long-term individual foraging specializations occur in male Antarctic (
Arctocephalus gazella
) and Australian (
A. pusillus doriferus
) fur seals. Strong selective pressure is expected in these highly dimorphic and polygynous species, raising the question of the fitness payoffs associated with different foraging strategies. We investigated the relationship between individual isotopic niche (a proxy of foraging specialization), body size and condition, and an index of reproductive success (harem size) in territorial males. Individuals varied greatly in their skin and fur isotopic values reflecting a range of foraging strategies within the two populations. However, in both species, isotopic niche was not correlated to body size, condition or mating success (
R
2
/
ρ
 < 0.06). Furthermore, no foraging niche was predominant in either species, which would have indicated a substantial long-term fitness benefit of a particular strategy via a higher survival rate. These results suggest that the fitness consequences of a foraging strategy depend not only on the quality of prey and feeding habitat but also on an individual's hunting efficiency and skills.
Superalgebraically convergent smoothly windowed lattice sums for doubly periodic Green functions in three-dimensional space
Authors: Bruno Oscar P. , Shipman Stephen P. , Turc Catalin , Venakides Stephanos
Published: July 2016

This work, part I in a two-part series, presents: (i) a simple and highly efficient algorithm for evaluation of quasi-periodic Green functions, as well as (ii) an associated boundary-integral equation method for the numerical solution of problems of scattering of waves by doubly periodic arrays of scatterers in three-dimensional space. Except for certain ‘Wood frequencies’ at which the quasi-periodic Green function ceases to exist, the proposed approach, which is based on smooth windowing functions, gives rise to tapered lattice sums which converge superalgebraically fast to the Green function—that is, faster than any power of the number of terms used. This is in sharp contrast to the extremely slow convergence exhibited by the lattice sums in the absence of smooth windowing. (The Wood-frequency problem is treated in part II.) This paper establishes rigorously the superalgebraic convergence of the windowed lattice sums. A variety of numerical results demonstrate the practical efficiency of the proposed approach.
The anti-predator role of within-nest emergence synchrony in sea turtle hatchlings
Authors: Santos Robson G. , Pinheiro Hudson Tercio , Martins Agnaldo Silva , Riul Pablo , Bruno Soraya Christina , Janzen Fredric J. , Ioannou Christos C.
Published: July 2016

Group formation is a common behaviour among prey species. In egg-laying animals, despite the various factors that promote intra-clutch variation leading to asynchronous hatching and emergence from nests, synchronous hatching and emergence occurs in many taxa. This synchrony may be adaptive by reducing predation risk, but few data are available in any natural system, even for iconic examples of the anti-predator function of group formation. Here, we show for the first time that increased group size (number of hatchlings emerging together from a nest) reduces green turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchling predation. This effect was only observed earlier in the night when predation pressure was greatest, indicated by the greatest predator abundance and a small proportion of predators preoccupied with consuming captured prey. Further analysis revealed that the effect of time of day was due to the number of hatchlings already killed in an evening; this, along with the apparent lack of other anti-predatory mechanisms for grouping, suggests that synchronous emergence from a nest appears to swamp predators, resulting in an attack abatement effect. Using a system with relatively pristine conditions for turtle hatchlings and their predators provides a more realistic environmental context within which intra-nest synchronous emergence has evolved.
Functional analysis of the first complete genome sequence of a multidrug resistant sequence type 2 Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Lee Jean Y. H. , Monk Ian R. , Pidot Sacha J. , Singh Siddarth , Chua Kyra Y. L. , Seemann Torsten , Stinear Timothy P. , Howden Benjamin P.
Published: July 2016

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a significant opportunistic pathogen of humans. The ST2 lineage is frequently multidrug-resistant and accounts for most of the clinical disease worldwide. However, there are no publically available, closed ST2 genomes and pathogenesis studies have not focused on these strains. We report the complete genome and methylome of BPH0662, a multidrug-resistant, hospital-adapted, ST2 S. epidermidis, and describe the correlation between resistome and phenotype, as well as demonstrate its relationship to publically available, international ST2 isolates. Furthermore, we delineate the methylome determined by the two type I restriction modification systems present in BPH0662 through heterologous expression in Escherichia coli, allowing the assignment of each system to its corresponding target recognition motif. As the first, to our knowledge, complete ST2 S. epidermidis genome, BPH0662 provides a valuable reference for future genomic studies of this clinically relevant lineage. Defining the methylome and the construction of these E. coli hosts provides the foundation for the development of molecular tools to bypass restriction modification systems in this lineage that has hitherto proven intractable.
Potent Protection Against H5N1 and H7N9 Influenza via Childhood Hemagglutinin Imprinting
Authors: Gostic Katelyn M. , Ambrose Monique , Worobey Michae , Lloyd-Smith James O.
Published: July 2016

Two zoonotic influenza A viruses (IAV) of global concern, H5N1 and H7N9, exhibit puzzling differences in age distribution of human cases. Previous explanations cannot fully account for these patterns. We analyze data from all known human cases of H5N1 and H7N9 and show that an individual’s first IAV infection confers lifelong protection against severe disease from novel hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes of the same phylogenetic group. Statistical modeling reveals protective HA imprinting to be the crucial explanatory factor, providing 75% protection against severe infection and 80% protection against death for both H5N1 and H7N9. Our results enable us to predict age distributions of severe disease for future pandemics and to demonstrate that a novel strain’s pandemic potential increases yearly when a group-mismatched HA subtype dominates seasonal influenza circulation. These findings open new frontiers for rational pandemic risk assessment.
A simple proposal for the publication of journal citation distributions
Authors: Larivière Vincent , Kiermer Véronique , MacCallum Catriona J. , McNutt Marcia , Patterson Mark , Pulverer Bernd , Swaminathan Sowmya , Taylor Stuart , Curry Stephen
Published: July 2016

Although the Journal Impact Factor (JIF) is widely acknowledged to be a poor indicator of the quality of individual papers, it is used routinely to evaluate research and researchers. Here, we present a simple method for generating the citation distributions that underlie JIFs. Application of this straightforward protocol reveals the full extent of the skew of these distributions and the variation in citations received by published papers that is characteristic of all scientific journals. Although there are differences among journals across the spectrum of JIFs, the citation distributions overlap extensively, demonstrating that the citation performance of individual papers cannot be inferred from the JIF. We propose that this methodology be adopted by all journals as a move to greater transparency, one that should help to refocus attention on individual pieces of work and counter the inappropriate usage of JIFs during the process of research assessment.
Sub-millisecond optogenetic control of neuronal firing with two-photon holographic photoactivation of Chronos
Authors: Ronzitti E. , Conti R. , Papagiakoumou E. , Tanese D. , Zampini V. , Chaigneau E. , Foust A.J. , Klapoetke N. , Boyden E.S. , Emiliani V.
Published: July 2016

Optogenetic neuronal network manipulation promises to at last unravel a long-standing mystery in neuroscience: how does microcircuit activity causally relate to behavioral and pathological states? The challenge to evoke spikes with high spatial and temporal complexity necessitates further joint development of light-delivery approaches and custom opsins. Two-photon scanning and parallel illumination strategies applied to ChR2- and C1V1-expressing neurons demonstrated reliable, in-depth generation of action potentials bothin-vitroandin-vivo, but thus far lack the temporal precision necessary to induce precisely timed spiking events. Here, we show that efficient current integration enabled by two-photon holographic amplified laser illumination of Chronos, a highly light-sensitive and fast opsin, can evoke spikes with submillisecond precision and repeated firing up to 100 Hz. These results pave the way for optogenetic manipulation with the spatial and temporal sophistication necessary to mimic natural microcircuit activity.
Bragg–Laue X-ray dynamical diffraction on perfect and deformed lateral crystalline structures
Authors: Punegov Vasily I. , Kolosov Sergey I. , Pavlov Konstantin M.
Published: July 2016

The new dynamical diffraction approach to X-ray diffraction on lateral crystalline structures has been developed to investigate the angular and spatial distribution of wavefields in the case of the Bragg–Laue geometry in non-perfect lateral structures. This approach allows one to calculate reciprocal space maps for deformed lateral crystals having rectangular cross sections for both the transmitted and reflected wavefields. Numerical modelling is performed for crystals with different lateral sizes, thicknesses and deformations. The approach can be used in coherent diffraction imaging to simulate Fraunhofer diffraction patterns produced by relatively large deformed crystals.
The orientation relationships of nanobelt-like Si2Hf precipitates in an Al–Si–Mg–Hf alloy
Authors: Wang Xueli , Huang Huilan , Gu Xinfu , Li Yanjun , Jia Zhihong , Liu Qing
Published: July 2016

The orientation relationships (ORs) between the Al matrix and Si2Hf precipitates with an orthorhombic structure in an Al–Si–Mg–Hf alloy after heat treatment at 833 K for 20 h were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Four ORs are identified as (100)Al||(010)p, (0\overline {1}1)Al||(101)pand [011]Al||[\overline {1}01]p; (11\overline {1})Al||(010)pand [011]Al||[\overline {1}01]p; (12\overline {1})Al||(010)p, (101)Al||(100)pand [1\overline {11}]Al||[001]p; (\overline {11}1)Al||(010)pand [112]Al||[\overline {1}01]p. The habit planes of these four ORs are rationalized by the fraction of good atomic matching sites at the interface. In addition, the formation of Si2Hf precipitates with a nanobelt-like morphology is interpreted on the basis of the near-coincident site lattice distribution.
Autism research dynamic through ontology-based text mining
Authors: Macedoni Luksic Marta , Urbancic Tanja , Petric Ingrid , Cestnik Bojan
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The increase of prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been accompanied by much new research. The amount and the speed of growth of scientific information available online have strongly influenced the way of work in the research community which calls for new methods and tools to support it. The purpose of this paper is to present ontology-based text mining in the field of autism trend analysis that may help to understand the broader picture of the disorder since its discovery.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data sets consisted of abstracts of more than 18,000 articles on ASD published from 1943 to the end of 2012 found in MEDLINE and of the documents’ titles for all those articles where the abstracts were not available.

Findings

– In this way, the authors demonstrated a steeper exponential curve of ASD publications compared with all publications in MEDLINE. In addition, the main research topics over time were identified using the “open discovery” approach. Finally, the relationship between a priori setting up research topics including communication, genetics, environmental risk factors, vaccination and adulthood were revealed.

Originality/value

– Using ontology-based text mining the authors were able to identify the main research topics in the field of autism during the time, as well as to show the dynamics of some research topics as a priori setting up. The computerised methodology that was used allowed the authors to analyse a much larger quantity of information, saving time and manual work.
How useful are the Adult Asperger Assessment and AQ-10 within an adult clinical population of all intellectual abilities?
Authors: Kenny Hayley , Stansfield Alison Jane
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The Adult Asperger Assessment (AAA) was designed to be a screening tool to identify adults with Asperger syndrome and/or high-functioning autism. The AAA includes three questionnaires; the Autism Quotient (AQ), the Empathy Quotient (EQ) and the Relatives Questionnaire (RQ). The Autism Quotient-10 (AQ-10) was designed to be a “red flag” for healthcare professionals considering referral for ASD assessment. The purpose of this paper is to determine the usefulness of the AAA and AQ-10 as part of an adult autism diagnostic pathway that includes patients of all intellectual ability.

Design/methodology/approach

– Results were obtained for all patients who had received a clinical decision at Leeds Autism Diagnostic Service, which is a service that assesses patients of all intellectual ability, during 2015, n=214. Of these 132 were included in the analysis, 77 patients were excluded for not completing the AAA and four were excluded for not receiving a clinical decision.

Findings

– Results suggest that patients diagnosed with ASD without intellectual disabilities score on average 35 on the AQ, 17 on the EQ and 20 on the RQ. Those not diagnosed with ASD score on average 33 on the AQ, 22 on the EQ and 15 on the RQ. Patients with intellectual disabilities, scores are lower on the AQ, and higher on the EQ and RQ than those without intellectual disabilities. These results are the same regardless of diagnosis of ASD. The RQ is the only questionnaire to result in a significant difference between those diagnosed and not diagnosed. Results suggest that the AQ-10 is not useful in this clinical population.

Research limitations/implications

– This study was undertaken as part of a service development improvement process. The specific demographics of this clinical population may have influenced the findings. The process will need to be repeated to ensure that the results are consistent across time and increased sample size. The population of patients with an intellectual disability is small, further studies into the use of the AAA or the design of other intellectual disability specific screening tools should be pursued. It is of note that the AAA was never intended for use within an intellectual disability population.

Originality/value

– This is an original paper as it will be the first to consider the usefulness of each of the aspects of the AAA collectively. It will be the first to assess: the AQ-10 alongside the AAA, the usefulness of the AAA regardless of intellectual ability and the usefulness of the AAA within a clinical population by using the diagnostic outcome as the benchmark of the usefulness of the AAA scores. This paper will only be discussing the scores generated by the AAA, and the correlation of these scores with a diagnosis.
Autistic spectrum disorders, personality disorder and offending in a transgender patient: clinical considerations, diagnostic challenges and treatment responses
Authors: Baker Philip , Shweikh Eman
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The case of a woman with a history of offending and prolonged imprisonment is given. The purpose of this paper is to explore the complex interplay between diagnoses of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), personality disorder and gender dysphoria. A discussion on useful and less useful treatment approaches follows, given the unusual and complex clinical presentation.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a case report with a summary of the background to this under-researched area.

Findings

– The way in which the diagnostic picture clarified over time is explained. The difficulties in accurately diagnosing are put forward and strategies to address this are suggested. Successful treatment of unusual clinical problems may require highly individualised care within generic services.

Originality/value

– The authors know of no similar case reports in the published literature. The clinical associations between ASDs, personality disorders and gender dysphoria, in forensic mental health populations, appears to be unexplored in the literature.