bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Butterflies and day-flying moths in a fragmented urban landscape, south-west Western Australia: patterns of species richness
Authors: R. Williams Matthew
Published: May 2016

Surveys of butterflies and day-flying moths were conducted at 46 bushland remnants in the Swan Coastal Plain,
Western Australia, between 2001 and 2005. A total of 17 075 individuals was recorded, representing 35 butterfly and
5 day-flying moth species. Individual site species richness varied between one and 27 species. Two main groups of
taxa were identified: (i) species that are reliant on remnant native vegetation for breeding and are entirely or
predominantly restricted to remnant bushland (resident species or urban avoiders, 27 taxa); and (ii) species that now
breed primarily on introduced plants and disperse readily through the urban matrix, but which also visit remnant bushland
and sometimes breed there (non-resident species or urban adapters, 13 taxa). Estimated species detectability varied
widely between species and seasonally, but for most taxa was consistent across the three years of the study. Peak
detectability was strongly related to observed abundance, something that is well known (intuitively), but has rarely been
demonstrated (quantitatively). Only one listed endangered species was recorded, the Graceful Sun-moth Synemon
gratiosa which was observed in low numbers at six sites. Several species were encountered less frequently, although
these have populations outside the region. Few of the surveyed remnants were considered to have an intact butterfly
fauna; it is inferred that the majority had lost some or all of their original resident species. The reliance of many species
on specific host plants, and the ability of some to adapt to introduced weeds, are important factors in their persistence
within remnants. These bushland remnants are effectively habitat islands for butterflies and day-flying moths, and the
few remaining species-rich bushlands are therefore of regional importance for conservation of this group. This paper
serves as a baseline study against which to monitor any future changes to the butterfly fauna of these remnants.
Damage mechanics based model for low-rise infilled RC frames incorporating neural networks
Authors: Abou El-Ftooh Khalid , Atta Ahmed , Seleemah Ayman Ahmed , Taher Salah El-Din Fahmy
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Separately, nonlinear finite element analysis, artificial neural networks (ANNs) and continuous damage mechanics (CDM) attracted many investigators to model masonry infilled frames. The purpose of this paper is to pursue four phases to develop a versatile model for partially and fully low-rise infilled RC frames using these tools.

Design/methodology/approach

– The first phase included the study of the behavior of 1,620 low-rise infilled reinforced concrete frames using macro-scale nonlinear pushover finite element analysis. The approach helped to explore the effects of imposing different masonry infill distributions for one of the typical models of school buildings in Egypt. The outputs of this phase were used in the second phase for the development of an ANN model where input neurons included number of stories, continuity conditions, frame geometry, infill distribution and properties of RC sections. The third phase included the employment of the notions of CDM on the structural scale. Monitoring frames’ stiffness degradation allowed for damage variables identification. In the fourth phase, the simpler equivalent static lateral load (ESLL) for elastic analysis was employed in conjunction with ANN and CDM to obtain the capacity curves for partially and fully low-rise infilled RC frames.

Findings

– The obtained capacity curves were compared with the nonlinear finite element results. The close agreement of all curves indicated how rigorous, yet simple, the suggested solution procedure is.

Social implications

– The study is concerned with an important type of service buildings. These are the school buildings of Egypt.

Originality/value

– The paper presents a combination of four phases that include FE analysis, ANNs, ESLL, and CDM to obtain the capacity curves for partially and fully low-rise infilled RC frames. Such a combination of approaches in tackling a practical problem related to service buildings is innovative and deserves research interest.
Parallel computations in nonlinear solid mechanics using adaptive finite element and meshless methods
Authors: Ullah Zahur , Coombs Will , Augarde C
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– A variety of meshless methods have been developed in the last 20 years with an intention to solve practical engineering problems, but are limited to small academic problems due to associated high computational cost as compared to the standard finite element methods (FEM). The purpose of this paper is to develop an efficient and accurate algorithms based on meshless methods for the solution of problems involving both material and geometrical nonlinearities.

Design/methodology/approach

– A parallel two-dimensional linear elastic computer code is presented for a maximum entropy basis functions based meshless method. The two-dimensional algorithm is subsequently extended to three-dimensional adaptive nonlinear and three-dimensional parallel nonlinear adaptively coupled finite element, meshless method cases. The Prandtl-Reuss constitutive model is used to model elasto-plasticity and total Lagrangian formulations are used to model finite deformation. Furthermore, Zienkiewicz and Zhu and Chung and Belytschko error estimation procedure are used in the FE and meshless regions of the problem domain, respectively. The message passing interface library and open-source software packages, METIS and MUltifrontal Massively Parallel Solver are used for the high performance computation.

Findings

– Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the correct implementation and performance of the parallel algorithms. The agreement between the numerical and analytical results in the case of linear elastic example is excellent. For the nonlinear problems load-displacement curve are compared with the reference FEM and found in a very good agreement. As compared to the FEM, no volumetric locking was observed in the case of meshless method. Furthermore, it is shown that increasing the number of processors up to a given number improve the performance of parallel algorithms in term of simulation time, speedup and efficiency.

Originality/value

– Problems involving both material and geometrical nonlinearities are of practical importance in many engineering applications, e.g. geomechanics, metal forming and biomechanics. A family of parallel algorithms has been developed in this paper for these problems using adaptively coupled finite element, meshless method (based on maximum entropy basis functions) for distributed memory computer architectures.
Thermo-physiological properties of 3D spacer knitted fabrics
Authors: Mishra Rajesh , Veerakumar Arumugam , Militky Jiri
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate effect of material properties in 3D knitted fabrics on thermo-physiological comfort.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the present study six different spacer fabrics were developed. Among these six fabrics, it was classified into two groups for convenient analysis of results, the first group has been developed using polyester/polypropylene blend with three different proportion and second group with polyester/polypropylene/lycra blend having another three different composition. As a spacer yarn, three different types of 88 dtex polyester monofilament yarn and polyester multifilament yarns (167 dtex and 14.5 tex) were used and 14.5 tex polypropylene and 44 dtex lycra multifilament yarns were also used for the face and back side of the spacer fabrics (Table I). These fabrics were developed in Syntax Pvt Ltd Czech Republic.

Findings

– The main influence on the water vapour permeability of warp knitted spacer fabrics is the kind of raw material, i.e. fibre wetting and wicking. Also there is no correlation between air permeability and water vapour permeability. It is found that both air permeability and thermal conductivity are closely related to the fabric density. It is also found that the fabric characteristics of spacer fabric show a very significant effect on the air permeability, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of spacer fabric. Therefore, selection of spacer fabric for winter clothing according to its fabric characteristics.

Practical implications

– The main objective of the present study is to produce spacer knitted 3D fabrics suitable for defined climatic conditions to be used as clothing or in sports goods.

Originality/value

– New 3D knitted spacer fabrics can be produced with improved comfort properties.
Do Bangladeshi migrants favourably self-select and sort across destinations?
Authors: Shamsuddin Mrittika
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether migrants from Bangladesh choose the destination that offers them the highest earnings and whether the relative stock of the skilled migrants in a destination increases with the earnings differences between the skilled and the unskilled.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a nationally representative sample of both stayers and migrants from Bangladesh to all destinations and correcting for self-selection bias in earnings using a semi-parametric method developed by Dahl (2002), the author tests whether selection and sorting of Bangladeshi migrants depend on cross-country differences in the rewards to skills as suggested by the Roy (1951) model of comparative advantage.

Findings

– Migrants from Bangladesh not only choose the destinations that offer the highest earnings but also the destination that offers the highest earnings relative to the skill level of the migrants.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to the unavailability of data on recruiting agencies, we cannot investigate the role played by recruiting agencies in the migrant’s decision.

Social implications

– Policy-makers in both the sending and destination countries need to know how migrants choose their destinations in order to formulate effective and welfare-enhancing migration policies.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first to study how skill composition and earnings shape migration from Bangladesh using micro-level data. It is also the first to study sorting behavior of migrants from any South Asian countries.
The incidence and wage effects of overeducation using the vertical and horizontal mismatch in skills
Authors: Pecoraro Marco
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose an improved concept of educational mismatch that combines a statistical measure of over- and undereducation with the worker’s self-assessment of skill utilization. The novelty of this measurement approach consists in identifying the vertical and horizontal nature of skills mismatch, that is, a mismatch in which skills are either over/underutilized or not utilized.

Design/methodology/approach

– Cross-sectional data from the Swiss Household Panel survey for the years 1999 and 2004 are used to determine the true extent of educational mismatch among workers. Moroever, different versions of the Duncan and Hoffman wage equation are estimated depending on whether basic or alternative measures of educational mismatch are included.

Findings

– The empirical analyses provide the following results: first, at least two-third of the statistically defined overeducated workers perceive their skills as adequate for the job they hold and are then apparently overeducated; second, overeducated workers whose skills are not related to the job do not receive any payoff to years of surplus education; and third, apparently overeducated workers have similar wage returns compared to others with the same schooling level but who are statistically matched. All in all, these findings confirm that most of those overeducated according to the statistical measure have unobserved skills that allow them to work in a job for which they are well-matched.

Originality/value

– The paper indicates the need to consider both vertical and horizontal skill mismatches when measuring educational mismatch in the labour market. In that way, it is possible to account for worker heterogeneity in skills whose omission may generate biased estimates of the incidence and wage effects of over- and undereducation.
Preservice teachers’ professional identity development and the role of mentor teachers
Authors: Izadinia Mahsa
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine changes in eight preservice teachers’ professional identity and the factors contributing to such changes during a four-week block practicum.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative case study design was used and the data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with preservice teachers and their mentors, reflective journals and observation checklists. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data.

Findings

– The findings showed high levels of confidence and development of teacher voice by the end of their four-week block practicum. The findings also suggested that positive mentoring relationships contributed to changes in the preservice teachers’ teacher identity.

Research limitations/implications

– Despite focussing on a relatively small number of preservice secondary teachers during the first four-week practicum of a single teacher education program at a Western Australian University, this research highlights the need to maintain constructive mentoring relationships with preservice teachers to provide positive influences on their professional identity. In order to facilitate this, preservice teacher education programs should provide thorough training for mentor teachers.

Originality/value

– This work highlighted the crucial role of mentor teachers in creating positive impacts on preservice teachers’ professional identity, such as development of their confidence and teacher voice. This paper provides useful insights for researchers, mentor teachers, and preservice teacher education policy developers.
Performance of adaptive np-chart with estimated parameter
Authors: Hashemian S. Mohammad , Noorossana Rassoul , Keyvandarian Ali , Shekary A. Maryam
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to compare the performances of np-VP control chart with estimated parameter to the np-VP control chart with known parameter using average time-to-signal (ATS), standard deviation of the time-to-signal (SDTS), and average number of observations to signal (ANOS) as performance measures.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach used in this study is probabilistic in which the expected values of performance measures are calculated using probabilities of different estimators used to estimate process parameter.

Findings

– Numerical results indicate different performances for the np-VP control chart in known and estimated parameter cases. It is obvious that when process parameter is not known and is estimated using Phase I data, the chart does not perform as user expects. To tackle this issue, optimal Phase I estimation scenarios are recommended to obtain the best performance from the chart in the parameter estimation case in terms of performance measures.

Practical implications

– This research adds to the body of knowledge in quality control of process monitoring systems. This paper may be of particular interest to practitioners of quality systems in factories where products are monitored to reduce the number of defectives and np chart parameter needs to be estimated.

Originality/value

– The originality of this paper lies within the context in which an adaptive np control chart is studied and the process parameter unlike previous studies is assumed unknown. Although other types of control charts have been studied when process parameter is unknown but this is the first time that adaptive np chart performance with estimated process parameter is studied.
Promises kept? A meta-analysis of gang membership prevention programs
Authors: Wong Jennifer S. , Gravel Jason , Bouchard Martin , Descormiers Karine , Morselli Carlo
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the effects of gang prevention programs on gang membership.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors conducted a systematic literature review across 19 bibliographic databases and a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of these strategies.

Findings

– The database search resulted in 3,850 hits. Of the 162 studies that were screened in full, six involved a prevention program with outcomes commensurate for meta-analysis. Pooled log odds ratios indicate a significant, positive effect of gang prevention programs at reducing gang membership; however, sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the results are driven by the effects of a single study.

Originality/value

– Despite the small sample size, the current study presents the best available evidence regarding the effectiveness of gang membership prevention programs. There is a critical need in the field of gang control for rigorous evaluation of prevention strategies.
Problematising qualitative research in organisations
Authors: Hayes Liz , Hopkinson Clare , Taylor Alan Gordon
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the authors’ multiple subjectivities, in research and in practice which are ever shifting in context with each other. The authors present richness of understanding which can be revealed when researchers eschew consensus, certainty and easy solutions. The authors aim to show that plurality of ontological and epistemological approaches combined with diversity in understanding and subjective experience is necessary in qualitative research in organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors take a playful and incomplete narrative approach in their critical reflection on the subjectivities being silenced or ignored in organisations and in academia. The authors present an unsettling and ambiguous read but the aim is to question the formulaic, linear, simplistic solutions and structures evident in organisations and academia that silence uncertainty, emotions, voice and creativity through standardisation and the rhetoric of collaboration for performance enhancement. This process the authors have termed philosophical violence.

Findings

– The authors identify philosophical violence as a dominant theme in qualitative research, in organisational practice and within academia. In contrast, the authors’ embodied subjectivities preclude the reaching agreement or consensus too quickly, or indeed, at all. The authors’ embodied struggles add to the understanding of ambiguity, difference, critical reflexivity and understanding, providing richness and accommodating diversity and paradox in the inquiries in the organisations.

Originality/value

– The authors show the struggles as hopeful and the non-collaborative collaboration as a resource from which the authors can individually and jointly develop new understandings of working and thus survive the philosophical violence found in organisations and in research. Honouring subjectivities is essential for rich qualitative research in organisations.
Performance of the Pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale Score in the Evaluation of Children With Blunt Head Trauma
Authors: Borgialli Dominic A. , Mahajan Prashant , Hoyle John D. , Powell Elizabeth C. , Nadel Frances M. , Tunik Michael G. , Foerster Adele , Dong Lydia , Miskin Michelle , Dayan Peter S. , Holmes James F. , Kuppermann Nathan ,   the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN)
Published: May 2016

Objective

The objective was to compare the accuracy of the pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score in preverbal children to the standard GCS score in older children for identifying those with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) after blunt head trauma.

Methods

This was a planned secondary analysis of a large prospective observational multicenter cohort study of children with blunt head trauma. Clinical data were recorded onto case report forms before computed tomography (CT) results or clinical outcomes were known. The total and component GCS scores were assigned by the physician at initial emergency department evaluation. The pediatric GCS was used for children <2 years old and the standard GCS for those ≥2 years old. Outcomes were TBI visible on CT and clinically important TBI (ciTBI), defined as death from TBI, neurosurgery, intubation for more than 24 hours for the head injury, or hospitalization for 2 or more nights for the head injury in association with TBI on CT. We compared the areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves between age cohorts for the association of GCS and the TBI outcomes.

Results

We enrolled 42,041 patients, of whom 10,499 (25.0%) were <2 years old. Among patients <2 years, 313/3,329 (9.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.4% to 10.4%) of those imaged had TBIs on CT and 146/10,499 (1.4%, 95% CI = 1.2% to 1.6%) had ciTBIs. In patients ≥2 years, 773/11,977 (6.5%, 95% CI = 6.0% to 6.9%) of those imaged had TBIs on CT and 572/31,542 (1.8%, 95% CI = 1.7% to 2.0%) had ciTBIs. For the pediatric GCS in children <2 years old, the area under the ROC curve was 0.61 (95% CI = 0.59 to 0.64) for TBI on CT and 0.77 (95% CI = 0.73 to 0.81) for ciTBI. For the standard GCS in older children, the area under the ROC curve was 0.71 (95% CI = 0.70 to 0.73) for TBI on CT scan and 0.81 (95% CI = 0.79 to 0.83) for ciTBI.

Conclusions

The pediatric GCS for preverbal children was somewhat less accurate than the standard GCS for older children in identifying those with TBI on CT. However, the pediatric GCS for preverbal children and the standard GCS for older children were equally accurate for identifying ciTBI.
Pigeon pea refuge crops are likely to provide patchy delivery of Helicoverpa (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) within Bt cotton production regions in eastern Australia
Authors: Baker Geoff H. , Parry Hazel , Tann Colin R.
Published: May 2016

Refuge crops, in particular pigeon pea and conventional (non‐Bt) cotton, are mandatory components within the Bt resistance management strategy for Helicoverpa pests in Bt cotton production systems in eastern Australia. These refuge crops are expected to produce large numbers of Bt‐susceptible moths, some of which will mate with the relatively few resistant moths emerging from Bt cotton, thus reducing the likelihood of Bt resistance developing. The spatial and temporal variability in Helicoverpa production in pigeon pea refuge crops within the St George Irrigation Area in southern Queensland was measured in this study, and the likely dispersal of moths produced in such refuges to Bt cotton crops throughout the local landscape was modelled. The attractiveness of pigeon pea for Helicoverpa oviposition and the resultant abundance of eggs on plants and pupae in the soil were highly variable between refuge crops within and between seasons. A simulation model was developed to explore the effects of random and wind‐biased assumptions on moth movements within the landscape. The model was initialised using data on the abundance of either live pupae or remains of pupal cases in the soil as surrogates for moth production within refuges. The results of the model suggested that delivery of moths from refuges to Bt cotton crops throughout the St George landscape would be patchy, with some areas thus more likely to be exposed to the threat of Bt resistance development than others. A reduction in refuge area requirements, such as recently proposed as a change to the Bt resistance management guidelines, appears likely to exacerbate such risk.
Genetic antimicrobial susceptibility testing in Gram‐negative sepsis – impact on time to results in a routine laboratory
Authors: Kommedal Øyvind , Aasen Johanne Lind , Lindemann Paul Christoffer
Published: May 2016

Diagnostic testing of positive blood cultures is among the most critical tasks performed by clinical microbiology laboratories, and the total analysis time from sampling to results should be kept as short as possible. By providing identification of pelleted bacteria directly from positive blood‐cultures, MALDI‐TOF MS opens for relatively low‐complex species‐adjusted genetic susceptibility testing from the same bacterial pellet. In our lab routine, we prospectively evaluated a rapid in‐house real‐time PCR targeting the most common aminoglycoside and cephalosporin resistance genes in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae and measured time to preliminary susceptibility reporting for 138 samples. The results were compared to direct phenotypic susceptibility testing with interpretation after 6 h and overnight incubation respectively. Results from the genetic susceptibility testing were available for 69.5% (96/138) of the positive blood cultures within 24 h after sample collection. No phenotypic susceptibility results were available at this time. Compared to overnight direct susceptibility testing, the average time from sample collection to preliminary susceptibility reporting was reduced with 43%, from 45 h and 5 min to 25 h and 44 min, providing an earlier adjustment of antimicrobial therapy for 12 patients. Minor logistic adjustments have the potential to save yet another 4 h.
The impact of langerin (CD207)+ dendritic cells and FOXP3+ Treg cells in the small bowel mucosa of children with celiac disease and atopic dermatitis in comparison to children with functional gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Vorobjova Tamara , Ress Krista , Luts Katrin , Uibo Oivi , Uibo Raivo
Published: May 2016

In the present study we aimed to evaluate the impact of langerin (CD207)+ dendritic cells (DCs) and FOXP3+ Treg cells in the intestinal mucosa of children with celiac disease (CD) and atopic dermatitis (AD) in comparison to children with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGD). Seventy‐five children (37 male, mean age 8.4 ± 4.8 years), who randomly underwent small bowel biopsy, were studied. The CD was diagnosed in 14 children, including five persons with concomitant AD (all positive for anti‐tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies and with small bowel atrophy). Normal small bowel mucosa was found in eight patients with AD and in 53 patients with FGD. The sera of all patients were tested for total and specific IgE antibodies to food allergen panels. Staining for CD11c+, langerin (CD207+) DCs, CD4+, and FOXP3+ Treg cells was performed on paraffin‐embedded sections of bioptates using immunohistochemistry. The density of CD11c+ DCs, CD4+, and FOXP3+ Treg cells was higher in the CD patients compared to the AD and FGD patients (p = 0.02; p = 0.001). In AD, significantly higher density of CD11c+ DCs was detected in patients positive for specific IgE to food allergen panels (p = 0.02). The FGD patients with elevated total IgE had increased density of langerin (CD207)+ DCs compared to the patients with normal total IgE levels (p = 0.01). The increased density of FOXP3+ Treg cells, CD4+, cells and CD11c+ DCs was associated with CD but not with AD. The elevated level of total IgE or specific IgE to food allergens was associated with more pronounced expression of DCs, indicating a possible link between the presence of these cells in small bowel mucosa with elevated level of serum IgE.
Gelsolin amyloid angiopathy causes severe disruption of the arterial wall
Authors: Koskelainen Susanna , Pihlamaa Tiia , Suominen Sinikka , Zhao Fang , Salo Tuula , Risteli Juha , Baumann Marc , Kalimo Hannu , Kiuru‐Enari Sari
Published: May 2016

Hereditary gelsolin amyloidosis (HGA) is a dominantly inherited systemic disease reported worldwide. HGA is characterized by ophthalmological, neurological, and dermatological manifestations. AGel amyloid accumulates at basal lamina of epithelial and muscle cells, thus amyloid angiopathy is encountered in nearly every organ. HGA patients have cardiovascular, hemorrhagic, and potentially vascularly induced neurological problems. To clarify pathomechanisms of AGel angiopathy, we performed histological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic analyses on facial temporal artery branches from 8 HGA patients and 13 control subjects. We demonstrate major pathological changes in arteries: disruption of the tunica media, disorganization of vascular smooth muscle cells, and accumulation of AGel fibrils in arterial walls, where they associate with the lamina elastica interna, which becomes fragmented and diminished. We also provide evidence of abnormal accumulation and localization of collagen types I and III and an increase of collagen type I degradation product in the tunica media. Vascular smooth muscle cells appear to be morphologically and semi‐quantitatively normal, only their basal lamina is often thickened. In conclusion, angiopathy in HGA results in severe disruption of arterial walls, characterized by prominent AGel deposition, collagen derangement and severe elastolysis, and it may be responsible for several, particularly hemorrhagic, disease manifestations in HGA.
NESTING VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL DIFFERENTIATION IN TWO‐SIDED MARKETS
Authors: Ribeiro Vitor Miguel , Correia‐da‐Silva João , Resende Joana
Published: May 2016

We merge the two‐sided markets duopoly model of Armstrong (2006) with the nested vertical and horizontal differentiation model of Gabszewicz and Wauthy (2012), which consists of a linear city with different consumer densities on the left and on the right side of the city. In equilibrium, the high‐quality platform sells at a higher price and captures a greater market share than the low‐quality platform, despite the indifferent consumer being closer to the high‐quality platform. The difference between market shares is lower than socially optimal. A perturbation that introduces a negligible difference between the consumer density on the left and on the right side of the city may disrupt existence of equilibrium in the model of Armstrong (2006).
CASH INCENTIVES AND UNHEALTHY FOOD CONSUMPTION
Authors: Flores Miguel , Rivas Javier
Published: May 2016

This paper studies the effectiveness of taxes, subsidies and cash incentives in reducing unhealthy food consumption. Using an inter‐temporal rational choice model with habit, we calibrate and simulate the effect of those policies to US and UK data. Our findings suggest that cash incentives may be the most effective policy in reducing unhealthy food consumption. However, when comparing the reduction in costs for the social security system with the implementation costs, cash incentives can lead to significant monetary losses. Taxes are relatively ineffective in reducing unhealthy food consumption. Finally, subsidies have the best balance between effectiveness and monetary benefits to society.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel quinoline‐based carboxylic hydrazides as anti‐tubercular agents
Authors: Chander Subhash , Ashok Penta , Cappoen Davie , Cos Paul , Murugesan Sankaranarayanan
Published: May 2016

In this study, seventeen novel quinoline‐based carboxylic hydrazides were designed as potential anti‐tubercular agents using molecular hybridization approach and evaluated in‐silico for drug‐likeness behavior. The compounds were synthesized, purified, and characterized using spectral techniques (like FTIR, 1H NMR, and Mass). The in‐vitro anti‐tubercular activity (against Mycobacterium tuberculosisH37Ra) and cytotoxicity against human lung fibroblast cells were studied. Among the tested hydrazides, four compounds (6h, 6j, 6l, and 6m) exhibited significant anti‐tubercular activity with MIC values below 20 μg/mL. The two most potent compounds of the series, 6j and 6m exhibited MIC values 7.70 and 7.13 μg/mL, respectively, against M. tuberculosis with selectivity index >26. Structure–activity relationship studies were performed for the tested compounds in order to explore the effect of substitution pattern on the anti‐tubercular activity of the synthesized compounds.
Siblings of children with complex care needs: their perspectives and experiences of participating in everyday life
Authors: Woodgate R. L. , Edwards M. , Ripat J. D. , Rempel G. , Johnson S. F.
Published: May 2016

Background

Participating in everyday life is essential to the healthy development and emotional well‐being of children. However, little is known about siblings of children with complex care needs (CCN), and their perspectives and experiences of participating in everyday life. The aim of this paper is to present research findings that add to our understanding of how siblings of children with CCN view and experience participation in everyday life.

Methods

To arrive at a detailed and accurate understanding of the siblings' perspectives and experiences, we used the qualitative research design of ethnography. Sixteen siblings (seven brothers, nine sisters) of children with CCN were recruited. The siblings ranged in age between 7 and 25 years, with a mean age of 14 years. All siblings took part in opened‐ended interviews and completed ecomaps to describe how they participate. Five siblings also took part in the photovoice method. Analysis involved several iterative steps, congruent with ethnography.

Results

Four main themes emerged as follows: (1) participation is about being part of a group; (2) it feels good; (3) I love my sibling but…; and (4) promoting participation. Siblings of children with CCN identified challenges to participation and also described ways that they participate that relate to the care of their sibling.

Conclusions

Siblings prioritized the relationship with their sisters and brothers with CCN in their life, and a great deal of their participation was chosen with their sibling in mind. Sibling‐to‐sibling relationships were distinct and meaningful and, as a result, participation was always done mindfully and with the family needs at the forefront. Nonetheless, clinicians caring for children with CCN must keep in mind the challenges that siblings of children with CCN experience and provide strategies to siblings that will help to promote their participation in everyday life.
The log TSH–free T4 relationship in a community‐based cohort is nonlinear and is influenced by age, smoking and thyroid peroxidase antibody status
Authors: Brown Suzanne J. , Bremner Alexandra P. , Hadlow Narelle C. , Feddema Peter , Leedman Peter J , O'Leary Peter C. , Walsh John P.
Published: May 2016

Background

The TSH–T4 relationship was thought to be inverse log‐linear, but recent cross‐sectional studies of selected populations report a complex, nonlinear relationship. The TSH–T4 relationship has not been evaluated in an unselected, community‐based cohort, and there are limited data regarding clinical factors which affect it.

Objective

To analyse the TSH–free T4 relationship in a community‐based cohort.

Design, participants and methods

In a cross‐sectional, retrospective study, we analysed serum TSH and free T4 concentrations from 4427 participants (55% female) in the 1994 Busselton Health Study who were not taking thyroxine. Simple linear, segmented‐linear and nonlinear regression models of log10TSH on free T4 were compared for goodness of fit.

Results

All 5 log TSH–free T4 models tested (separate lines, segmented conterminal line, quartic, error function, double‐sigmoid curve) fitted significantly better than a simple linear model (each P < 0·01 by Vuong test). Ranking by Akaike information criterion indicated that the segmented conterminal line and double‐sigmoid models provided best fit, followed by the error function, quartic and separate lines models. From multiple regression analysis, age tertile, current smoking and TPOAb status each significantly influenced the TSH–free T4 relationship, whereas BMI category and diabetes did not. A sex difference in the TSH–free T4 relationship was apparent only in the lower part of the free T4 reference range.

Conclusion

In a community‐based setting, the relationship between log TSH and free T4 is complex, nonlinear and influenced by age, smoking and TPOAb status.
miR‐30c and semaphorin 3A determine adult neurogenesis by regulating proliferation and differentiation of stem cells in the subventricular zones of mouse
Authors: Sun Tingting , Li Weiyun , Ling Shucai
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Mechanisms that regulate proliferation of adult neural stem cells are largely unknown. Here, we have investigated the role of microR‐30c (miR‐30c) and its target, semaphoring 3A (sema3A), in regulating adult neurogenesis and mechanisms underlying this process.

Materials and methods

In situ hybridization, immunofluorescence and quantitative real‐time PCR were used to assess complementary expression patterns of miR‐30c and sema3A in mice. Effects of miR‐30c in the subventricular zone (SVZ) were examined by stereotaxic injection of up‐ and down‐regulating lentiviruses. 5′‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine labelling was performed to investigate effects of miR‐30c and sema3A on adult neurogenesis. Real‐time cell assays, morphological analysis and cell cycle measurements were used to reveal the mechanisms by which miR‐30c and sema3A regulate adult neurogenesis.

Results

Expression of miR‐30c negatively correlated with that of sema3A in neurons, and levels of miR‐30c and sema3A correlated positively with numbers of newborn cells in the SVZ and rostral migration stream. miR‐30c and sema3A affected adult neurogenesis by regulating proliferation and differentiation, as well as cycles of stem cells in the SVZ.

Conclusions

miR‐30c and sema3A regulate adult neurogenesis by controlling proliferation and differentiation of stem cells in the SVZ. This finding reveals a novel regulatory mechanism of adult neurogenesis.
Sodium trimetaphosphate enhances the effect of 250 p.p.m. fluoride toothpaste against enamel demineralization in vitro
Authors: Missel Emilene M. C. , Cunha Robson F. , Vieira Ana E. M. , Cruz Nathália V. S. , Castilho Flavia C. N. , Delbem Alberto C. B.
Published: May 2016

This in vitro study investigated the effect of sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP), added to toothpaste containing 250 p.p.m. fluoride, on enamel demineralization. Bovine enamel blocks (n = 96) were subjected to five pH cycles over a 7‐d period and treatment with suspensions of toothpastes containing 0, 250, 500, and 1,100 p.p.m. fluoride (as sodium fluoride), as well as with 250 p.p.m. fluoride containing TMP at 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 3.0%. Treatment with toothpaste suspensions was performed under agitation twice a day, for 1 min. Surface and cross‐sectional hardness, and fluoride firmly bound to enamel, were quantified. Data were subjected to one‐way anova, followed by Tukey's test. Low‐fluoride toothpastes containing TMP at 0.25–1.0% resulted in enamel mineral loss similar to that seen for the toothpaste containing 1,100 p.p.m. fluoride. Also, the addition of TMP to the toothpaste containing 250 p.p.m. fluoride promoted enamel fluoride concentrations similar to those obtained for the 500 p.p.m. fluoride group. The toothpaste containing 250 p.p.m. fluoride and 0.25% TMP led to the lowest mineral loss among all groups. It was concluded that the addition of as little as 0.25% TMP to a toothpaste containing 250 p.p.m. fluoride can reduce enamel demineralization to levels similar to those seen for a conventional toothpaste containing 1,100 p.p.m. fluoride, in vitro.
Living Language: Self‐Assessment, Oral Production, and Domestic Immersion
Authors: Dolosic Haley N. , Brantmeier Cindy , Strube Michael , Hogrebe Mark C.
Published: May 2016

With 24 adolescent students enrolled in a French language summer camp, the present study examines the relationship between self‐assessment and oral production in French, interpreting results through a framework of individual learning variables. Participants were surrounded by French inside and outside the classroom. Self‐assessment was measured through a criterion‐referenced self‐assessment questionnaire (Brantmeier, Vanderplank, & Strube, 2012). Oral production was examined with a structured oral interview that involved recording students for four minutes while they described four images (Llanes & Muñoz, 2009). The recording was coded on measures including words per minute, silent pauses per minute, and longest fluent run (Llanes & Muñoz, 2009). Findings demonstrated significant improvement in oral production. Self‐assessment measures and performance on posttest measures for oral production were significantly correlated. Upon arrival at camp this was not true, which may indicate that students who were unable to assess their French abilities at the beginning of camp were better able to assess their abilities following the program. Results have strong pedagogical implications, as self‐assessment may serve as a metacognitive tool for students to learn to self‐diagnose strengths and weaknesses, which may help instructors account for individual learner differences. Implications suggest that self‐assessing such strengths and weaknesses may be easier after a multitude of real‐world and need‐based interactions.
Perceptions about traditional and novel methods to learn about postoperative pain management: a qualitative study
Authors: Ingadottir Brynja , Blondal Katrin , Jaarsma Tiny , Thylen Ingela
Published: May 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of surgical patients about traditional and novel methods to learn about postoperative pain management.

Background

Patient education is an important part of postoperative care. Contemporary technology offers new ways for patients to learn about self‐care, although face‐to‐face discussions and brochures are the most common methods of delivering education in nursing practice.

Design

A qualitative design with a vignette and semi‐structured interviews used for data collection.

Methods

A purposeful sample of 13 postsurgical patients, who had been discharged from hospital, was recruited during 2013–2014. The patients were given a vignette about anticipated hospital discharge after surgery with four different options for communication (face‐to‐face, brochure, website, serious game) to learn about postoperative pain management. They were asked to rank their preferred method of learning and thereafter to reflect on their choices. Data were analysed using an inductive content analysis approach.

Findings

Patients preferred face‐to‐face education with a nurse, followed by brochures and websites, while games were least preferred. Two categories, each with two sub‐categories, emerged from the data. These conceptualized the factors affecting patients’ perceptions: (1) ‘Trusting the source’, sub‐categorized into ‘Being familiar with the method’ and ‘Having own prejudgments’; and (2) ‘Being motivated to learn’ sub‐categorized into ‘Managing an impaired cognition’ and ‘Aspiring for increased knowledge’.

Conclusion

To implement successfully novel educational methods into postoperative care, healthcare professionals need to be aware of the factors influencing patients’ perceptions about how to learn, such as trust and motivation.
Systematic review of self‐management in patients with schizophrenia: psychometric assessment of tools, levels of self‐management and associated factors
Authors: van Schie Dayenne , Castelein Stynke , van der Bijl Jaap , Meijburg Robert , Stringer Barbara , van Meijel Berno
Published: May 2016

Aims

The aim of this study was to provide an overview of existing knowledge about self‐management assessment tools used in patients with schizophrenia, and levels of self‐management and associated factors in these patients.

Background

Self‐management empowers patients with chronic conditions to manage their illness and psychosocial consequences. With respect to patients with schizophrenia, knowledge concerning self‐management is scarce. A systematic review of existing literature focusing on self‐management in these patients may contribute to further research programming and practice development.

Design

A systematic review of the literature.

Data sources

A systematic literature search was conducted in March 2015 in Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL.

Review methods

Twelve articles were included. Data were extracted and categorized following the objectives of this review: (1) self‐management assessment tools and their psychometric properties; (2) level of self‐management; and (3) factors associated with self‐management in patients with schizophrenia.

Results

The PIH scale, the PAM‐MH and the IMR scale were used to assess self‐management. The overall psychometric quality of these instruments showed to be fair to poor. The level of self‐management in patients with schizophrenia is comparable with other mental health conditions, higher than general population and lower than patients with physical health conditions. Several factors (e.g. sense of coherence, recovery and hope) were found to be associated.

Conclusion

Further efforts are needed to increase the methodological quality of psychometric research on self‐management assessment tools. More insight in the level of self‐management and associated factors may enhance the development of future interventions.
A specific plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 antagonist derived from inactivated urokinase
Authors: Gong Lihu , Proulle Valerie , Fang Chao , Hong Zebin , Lin Zhonghui , Liu Min , Xue Guangpu , Yuan Cai , Lin Lin , Furie Barbara , Flaumenhaft Robert , Andreasen Peter , Furie Bruce , Huang Mingdong
Published: May 2016

Fibrinolysis is a process responsible for the dissolution of formed thrombi to re‐establish blood flow after thrombus formation. Plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) inhibits urokinase‐type and tissue‐type plasminogen activator (uPA and tPA) and is the major negative regulator of fibrinolysis. Inhibition of PAI‐1 activity prevents thrombosis and accelerates fibrinolysis. However, a specific antagonist of PAI‐1 is currently unavailable for therapeutic use. We screened a panel of uPA variants with mutations at and near the active site to maximize their binding to PAI‐1 and identified a potent PAI‐1 antagonist, PAItrap. PAItrap is the serine protease domain of urokinase containing active‐site mutation (S195A) and four additional mutations (G37bR–R217L–C122A–N145Q). PAItrap inhibits human recombinant PAI‐1 with high potency (Kd = 0.15 nM) and high specificity. In vitro using human plasma, PAItrap showed significant thrombolytic activity by inhibiting endogenous PAI‐1. In addition, PAItrap inhibits both human and murine PAI‐1, allowing the evaluation in murine models. In vivo, using a laser‐induced thrombosis mouse model in which thrombus formation and fibrinolysis are monitored by intravital microscopy, PAItrap reduced fibrin generation and inhibited platelet accumulation following vascular injury. Therefore, this work demonstrates the feasibility to generate PAI‐1 inhibitors using inactivated urokinase.