bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wellbeing Inequality and Preference Heterogeneity
Authors: Decancq Koen , Fleurbaey Marc , Schokkaert Erik
Published: March 2017

Standard measures of multidimensional inequality (implicitly) assume common preferences for all individuals, and hence are not sensitive to preference heterogeneity among members of society. In this paper, we measure the inequality of the distribution of equivalent incomes, which is a preference‐sensitive multidimensional wellbeing measure. To quantify the contribution of preference heterogeneity to wellbeing inequality, we use a decomposition method that calculates wellbeing inequality in different counterfactual distributions. We focus on four sources of wellbeing inequality: the correlation between outcomes and preferences, the preference heterogeneity, the correlation between the outcome dimensions, and the inequality within each of the outcome dimensions. We find that preference heterogeneity accounts for a considerable part of overall wellbeing inequality in Russia for the period 1995–2005.
Right ventricular free‐wall longitudinal speckle tracking strain in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension under specific treatment
Authors: Kemal Hatice S. , Kayikcioglu Meral , Kultursay Hakan , Vuran Ozcan , Nalbantgil Sanem , Mogulkoc Nesrin , Can Levent
Published: March 2017

Background

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a major determinant of outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), although the optimal measure of RV function is poorly defined. We evaluated the utility of RV free‐wall speckle tracking strain as an assessment tool for RV function in patients with PAH who are already under specific treatment compared with conventional echocardiographic parameters and investigated the relationship of RV free‐wall strain with clinical hemodynamic parameters of RV performance.

Methods

Right ventricular free‐wall strain was evaluated in 92 patients (Group‐1 and Group‐4 pulmonary hypertension) who were on PAH‐specific treatment for at least 3 months. Right atrial (RA) area, RV FAC, TAPSE, tricuspid S, functional class, 6‐minute walking distance, and NT‐proBNP were studied. The mean duration of follow‐up was 222±133 days.

Results

All patients were under PAH‐specific treatment, and mean RV free‐wall strain was −13.16±6.3%. RV free‐wall strain correlated well with functional class (r=.312, P=.01), NT‐proBNP (r=.423, P=.0001), RA area (r=.427, P=.0001), FAC (r=−.637, P=.0001), TAPSE (r=−.524, P=.0001), tricuspid S (r=−.450, P=.0001), 6‐minute walking distance (r=−.333, P=.002). RV free‐wall strain significantly correlated with all follow‐up adverse events, death, and clinical right heart failure (RHF) (P=.04, P=.03, P=.02, respectively). According to the receiver operator characteristic analysis, the cutoff value for RV free‐wall strain for the development of clinical RHF was −12.5% (sensitivity: 71%, specificity: 67%) and for all cardiovascular adverse events (death included) was −12.5% (sensitivity: 54%, specificity: 64%).

Conclusion

Assessment of RV free‐wall strain is a feasible, easy‐to‐perform method and may be used as a predictor of RHF, clinical deterioration, and mortality in patients already under PAH‐specific treatment.
Changes in myocardial deformation after transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement
Authors: Garg Vinisha , Ho Jonathan K. , Vorobiof Gabriel
Published: March 2017

Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has emerged as a novel angle‐independent modality in assessing myocardial velocity, deformation, and strain. Its role in assessing change before and after aortic valve replacement in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) has recently generated interest. This review summarizes the practical utility and clinical implications of myocardial deformation by STE after surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Overall, atrial strain and ventricular strain as measured by STE improve after surgical and transcatheter aortic intervention in short‐ and long‐term follow‐up with evidence of a more pronounced acute improvement in patients who undergo TAVR. STE assessment of strain, particularly global longitudinal strain, can detect subtle changes in myocardial systolic function prior to conventional variables such as left ventricular ejection fraction and is clinically useful in predicting mortality and symptom development in patients with AS. This underscores the emerging role of STE in monitoring post‐procedural improvements in cardiac function as well as the potential value in guiding optimal timing of AS intervention.
Significant increase of flow kinetic energy in “nonresponders” patients to cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Cimino Sara , Palombizio Dino , Cicogna Francesco , Cantisani Donatella , Reali Manuela , Filomena Domenico , Petronilli Valentina , Iacoboni Carlo , Agati Luciano
Published: March 2017

Backgrounds

It's still unclear if different patterns of intraventricular flow dynamics may be detected in patients nonresponders to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) as compared to responders ones. Aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of left ventricular (LV) flow dynamics 6‐months after CRT to identify Echo‐particle imaging velocity (PIV) patterns were more frequently detected in nonresponders patients.

Methods

Thirty‐two patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, undergoing CRT, were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent 2D and 3D echo and fluid dynamics assessment 6 months after CRT, during active CRT (CRT‐ON) and during a temporarily discontinued state (CRT‐OFF). LV volumes systolic and diastolic volumes (LVESV and LVEDV), ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS), systolic dyssynchrony index (SDI), and several geometrical and functional Echo‐PIV‐derived parameters were calculated. Patients were divided in two groups: “responders” to CRT (decrease in LVESV>15% 6 months after CRT) and “nonresponders.”

Results

During CRT‐OFF, LVEF, GLS were lower, while SDI and LVESV were higher in nonresponders group (P=.030, P=.051, P=.035, and P=.025, respectively). Energy dissipation, vortex area, and vorticity fluctuation were higher in “nonresponders” patients during CRT‐OFF (P=.038, P=.054, and P=.035, respectively). During CRT‐ON, energy dissipation, vortex area, and vorticity fluctuation further increase in nonresponders patients (P=.020, P=.038, and P=.030, respectively) with a concomitant worsening of SDI (P=.045).

Conclusion

Our data show a significant worsening in flow‐derived parameters in CRT “nonresponders” patients as compared with responders. Further larger longitudinal studies are necessary to assess whether these more chaotic intraventricular flow‐patterns may contribute to a persistent adverse remodeling observed in this subset of patients.
A 3000 year record of Caribbean reef urchin communities reveals causes and consequences of long‐term decline in Diadema antillarum
Authors: Cramer Katie L. , O’Dea Aaron , Carpenter Carolina , Norris Richard D.
Published: March 2017

Urchins are the last abundant grazers of macroalgae on most Caribbean reefs following the historical overexploitation of herbivorous fishes. The long‐spined urchin Diadema antillarum was particularly effective at controlling macroalgae and facilitating coral dominance on Caribbean reefs until its ecological extinction from a catastrophic disease epidemic in the early 1980s. Despite their important role in the structure and functioning of Caribbean reef ecosystems, the natural dynamics of Caribbean reef urchin communities are poorly known due to the paucity of ecological survey data prior to large‐scale human disturbances and the Diadema dieoff. To help resolve the baseline abundances and ecological roles of common urchin taxa, we track changes in urchin abundance and composition over the past 3000 yr from analysis of subfossil urchin spines preserved in reef matrix cores collected in Caribbean Panama. Echinometra consistently dominated the subfossil spine assemblage, while Diadema was consistently rare in the subfossil record in this region. Rather than increasing during a period of heightened human exploitation of their fish competitors and predators, Diadema began declining over a millennium ago. Convergent cross mapping (CCM) causality analyses reveal that Diadema abundance is causally related to coral community composition. Diadema is negatively affected by Acropora cervicornis dominance, likely due to the tight association between this coral and the threespot damselfish, an effective Diadema competitor. Conversely, Diadema positively affects the abundance of the coral Madracis mirabilis, possibly via its control of macroalgae. Causal relationships were not detected among abundances of individual urchin taxa, indicating that inter‐specific echinoid competition is not a factor limiting Diadema recovery. Our detailed record of prehistorical and historical urchin community dynamics suggests that the failure of Diadema to recover over 30 yr after its mass mortality event may be due in part to the prey release of damselfish following the long‐term overfishing of piscivorous fishes.
PaleoView: a tool for generating continuous climate projections spanning the last 21 000 years at regional and global scales
Authors: Fordham Damien A. , Saltré Frédérik , Haythorne Sean , Wigley Tom M. L. , Otto‐Bliesner Bette L. , Chan Ka Ching , Brook Barry W.
Published: March 2017

It has been difficult to access projections of global‐scale climate change with high temporal resolution spaning the late Pleistocene and Holocene. This has limited our ability to discern how climate fluctuations have affected species’ range dynamics and extinction processes, turn‐over in ecological communities and changes in genetic diversity. PaleoView is a new freeware tool, which provides a comprehensive but easy‐to‐use way to generate and view paleoclimate data at temporal and spatial resolutions suitable for detecting biotic responses to major climate shifts since the last glacial maximum. Regional to global scale simulations of temperature, precipitation, humidity and mean sea level pressure can be generated from PaleoView as gridded or time series data at time intervals as short as a decade for any period during the last 21 000 yr. They can be viewed using a built‐in geographical user interface or saved as data files. Modelled climate reconstructions are based on daily simulation output from the Community Climate System Model ver. 3 (CCSM3). This global coupled atmosphere–ocean–sea ice–land general circulation model accurately reproduces major climatic features associated with the most recent deglaciation event, and predicts present‐day patterns of climate conditions with verified hindcast skill. By providing a portal for readily accessing climate reconstructions at high temporal resolutions, PaleoView can help to better establish the consequences of past climate fluctuations on macro‐ecological patterns of biological and genetic diversity.
Host community similarity and geography shape the diversity and distribution of haemosporidian parasites in Amazonian birds
Authors: Fecchio A. , Pinheiro R. , Felix G. , Faria I. P. , Pinho J. B. , Lacorte G. A. , Braga E. M. , Farias I. P. , Aleixo A. , Tkach V. V. , Collins M. D. , Bell J. A. , Weckstein J. D.
Published: March 2017

Identifying the mechanisms driving the distribution and diversity of parasitic organisms and characterizing the structure of parasite assemblages are critical to understanding host–parasite evolution, community dynamics, and disease transmission risk. Haemosporidian parasites of the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus are a diverse and cosmopolitan group of bird pathogens. Despite their global distribution, the ecological and historical factors shaping the diversity and distribution of these protozoan parasites across avian communities and geographic regions remain unclear. Here we used a region of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene to characterize the diversity, biogeographical patterns, and phylogenetic relationships of Plasmodium and Haemoproteus infecting Amazonian birds. Specifically, we asked whether, and how, host community similarity and geography (latitude and area of endemism) structure parasite assemblages across 15 avian communities in the Amazon Basin. We identified 265 lineages of haemosporidians recovered from 2661 sampled birds from 330 species. Infection prevalence varied widely among host species, avian communities, areas of endemism, and latitude. Composition analysis demonstrated that both malarial parasites and host communities differed across areas of endemism and as a function of latitude. Thus, areas with similar avian community composition were similar in their parasite communities. Our analyses, within a regional biogeographic context, imply that host switching is the main event promoting diversification in malarial parasites. Although dispersal of haemosporidian parasites was constrained across six areas of endemism, these pathogens are not dispersal‐limited among communities within the same area of endemism. Our findings indicate that the distribution of malarial parasites in Amazonian birds is largely dependent on local ecological conditions and host evolutionary relationships.
Risky business: Institutions vs. social networks in FDI
Authors: Pandya Sonal , Leblang David
Published: March 2017

Political economy scholarship on foreign direct investment (FDI) emphasizes variation in host country political risk but overlooks variation in investors' sensitivity to political risk. We show that relational contracting, relationship‐based contract enforcement, is more efficient for high‐risk, human capital‐intensive activities for which the costs of writing legally enforceable contracts are prohibitive. We disaggregate FDI into two distinct varieties: mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and venture capital (VC). We propose that VC flows are less sensitive to host institutions but correlate strongly with skilled migrant networks that monitor compliance and impose reputational costs. Our empirical analysis of dyadic VC and M&A flows covers over 100 countries during 1980–2009. We address other mechanisms through which migrant networks facilitate FDI and verify our results hold at the country‐industry level. These findings suggest that relational contracting facilitates global integration of dynamic, knowledge‐intensive industries even when formal institutions are weak.
Interactional Challenges and Researcher Reflexivity: Mapping and Analysing Conversational Space
Authors: Reissner Stefanie C.
Published: March 2017

This paper argues that a combination of visual and textual information can help researchers engage critically with their interviewing practice, identify interactional challenges and advance their reflexivity. It proposes a mapping and analysis of conversational space in qualitative interviews based on the length of speech sequences and the speed by which these move from one party to the other. Such verbal exchanges are represented visually in a conversational space map (CSM) allowing researchers to identify moments for further textual analysis and explore their interviewing practice and wider research context. It sensitises researchers to their preferred patterns of verbal interaction and the effect of these on the continuing interview, enabling them to engage more meaningfully with research participants. The process proposed here may be particularly valuable for doctoral training and supervision as well as for research teams.
Conservative Accounting, IFRS Convergence and Cash Dividend Payments: Evidence from China
Authors: Bradford William , Chen Chao , Zhu Song
Published: March 2017

We investigate the governance role of conservative accounting in mitigating the creditor–stockholder conflict by affecting firms’ dividend policies, and how the convergence to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) affects the governance role of conservative accounting as it relates to dividend policy. We analyze data on Chinese listed firms from 2000 through 2011. The use of conservative accounting reduced cash dividend payouts, thereby playing a governance role by mitigating the firm's creditor–stockholder agency conflict. However, China's convergence to IFRS reduced the governance role of conservative accounting on dividend policy by reducing the accounting conservatism of listed firms in China.
Effect of slide burnishing basic parameters on fatigue performance of 2024‐Т3 high‐strength aluminium alloy
Authors: Maximov J. T. , Anchev A. P. , Dunchev V. P. , Ganev N. , Duncheva G. V. , Selimov K. F.
Published: March 2017

The effect of slide burnishing (SB) on the high‐cycle fatigue (HCF) performance of 2024‐T3 high‐strength aluminium alloy has been studied. After SB with optimum basic process parameters under ‘minimum roughness’ criterion, the 107 cycle fatigue strength increases with 25% – from 180 to 225 MPa, fatigue life is increased more than 50 times, and the roughness obtained reaches up to Ra = 0.05 μm. Further, various combinations of burnishing force and deforming element radius have been applied to reach maximum HCF performance despite roughness obtained. It has been established that with the optimum combination under ‘maximum HCF performance’ criterion, 107 cycle fatigue strength increases with 44% – from 180 to  260 MPa as the roughness obtained is Ra = 0.25 μm. This significant enhancement in the HCF performance is due to introduced beneficial residual compressive stresses. They shift the fatigue crack initiation site from surface to subsurface layers and, as a result, the nucleation and propagation of the first‐mode fatigue cracks are retarded. In order to establish the fatigue limit (based on 2  ×  108 cycles), a combined approach, based on limited Wöhler's curve and Locati's method, has been applied. The fatigue limit of 2024‐T3 high‐strength aluminium alloy can be increased up to 250 MPa using SB with optimal basic parameters under ‘maximum HCF performance’ criterion.
Analyst Forecast Accuracy and Media Independence
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Bon , Li Liuchuang , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2017

Using a large international sample of 47,307 firm‐years from 52 countries, we investigate the impact of media independence on the forecast quality of financial analysts. We find that analyst forecast errors are positively associated with the extent of a country's state media ownership and its lack of freedom of the press. We also find that financial analysts with more inaccurate forecasts disappear from the institutional broker's estimate system more quickly in countries with more independent media.
Evaluation of Hydraulic Properties of Aquitards Using Earthquake‐Triggered Groundwater Variation
Authors: Wang Shih‐Jung , Hsu Kuo‐Chin , Wang Chein‐Lee , Lai Wen‐Chi , Hsu Liang‐Tzu
Published: March 2017

The hydraulic properties of aquitards are not easily obtained because monitoring wells are usually installed in aquifers for groundwater resources management. Earthquake‐induced crust stress (strain) triggers groundwater level variations over a short period of time in a large area. These groundwater anomalies can be used to investigate aquifer systems. This study uses a poroelastic model to fit the postseismic variations of groundwater level triggered by the Chi‐Chi earthquake to evaluate the hydraulic properties of aquitards in the Jhoushuei River alluvial fan (JRAF), Taiwan. Six of the adopted eight wells with depths of 70 to 130 m showed good agreement with the recovery theory. The mean hydraulic conductivities (K) of the aquifers for the eight wells are 1.62 × 10−4 to 9.06 × 10−4 m/s, and the thicknesses are 18.8 to 46.1 m. The thicknesses of the aquitards are 11.3 to 42.0 m. Under the isotropic assumption for K, the estimated values of K for the aquitards are 3.0 × 10−8 to 2.1 × 10−6 m/s, corresponding to a silty medium. The results match the values obtained for the geological material of the drilling core and those reported in previous studies. The estimated values were combined with those given in previous studies to determine the distribution of K in the first two aquitards in the JRAF. The distribution patterns of the aquitards reflect the sedimentary environments and fit the geological material. The proposed technique can be used to evaluate the K value of aquitards using inverse methods. The inversion results can be used in hydrogeological analyses, contaminant modeling, and subsidence evaluation.
Association between afebrile status and in‐hospital mortality among adult chronic hemodialysis patients with bacteremia
Authors: Kim Wonhak , Kim So Mi , Yu Hoon , Jang Mun , Baek Seung Don , Kim Soon Bae
Published: March 2017

Aim: We aimed to compare the in‐hospital mortality between febrile and afebrile chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients with bacteremia and analyze the blood culture positive rate according to the C‐reactive protein (CRP) level.

Methods: We collected data from 2006 to 2014. One hundred ninety bacteremic events were assigned to the “febrile group” (n = 162) and “afebrile group” (n = 28) based on the presence of fever. Fever was defined as a tympanic temperature >37.5°C or axillary temperature >37.0°C.

Results: In‐hospital mortality (41.4% vs. 6.1%) was higher; and the interval between admission and blood culture was longer (3 vs. 1 h) in the afebrile group than in the febrile group. The mean reason for blood culture in the afebrile group was a high CRP level.

Conclusions: An afebrile status in HD patients with bacteremia is associated with higher in‐hospital mortality. Blood culture and empirical antibiotic administration, irrespective of the fever status, should be considered in HD patients with a CRP ≥ 5 mg/dL.
Patients’ views on their decision making during inpatient rehabilitation after newly acquired spinal cord injury—A qualitative interview‐based study
Authors: Scheel‐Sailer Anke , Post Marcel W. , Michel Franz , Weidmann‐Hügle Tatjana , Baumann Hölzle Ruth
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Involving patients in decision making is a legal requirement in many countries, associated with better rehabilitation outcomes, but not easily accomplished during initial inpatient rehabilitation after severe trauma. Providing medical treatment according to the principles of shared decision making is challenging as a point in case for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Objectives

The aim of this study was to retrospectively explore the patients’ views on their participation in decision making during their first inpatient rehabilitation after onset of SCI, in order to optimize treatment concepts.

Methods

A total of 22 participants with SCI were interviewed in‐depth using a semi‐structured interview scheme between 6 months and 35 years post‐onset. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed with the Mayring method for qualitative content analysis.

Results

Participants experienced a substantially reduced ability to participate in decision making during the early phase after SCI. They perceived physical, psychological and environmental factors to have impacted upon this ability. Patients mentioned regaining their ability to make decisions was an important goal during their first rehabilitation. Receiving adequate information in an understandable and personalized way was a prerequisite to achieve this goal. Other important factors included medical and psychological condition, personal engagement, time and dialogue with peers.

Conclusion

During the initial rehabilitation of patients with SCI, professionals need to deal with the discrepancy between the obligation to respect a patient's autonomy and their diminished ability for decision making.
Exploring the role of the dental hygienist in reducing oral health disparities in Canada: A qualitative study
Authors: Farmer J , Peressini S , Lawrence HP
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Reducing oral health disparities has been an ongoing challenge in Canada with the largest burden of oral disease exhibited in vulnerable populations, including Aboriginal people, the elderly, rural and remote residents, and newcomers. Dental hygienists are a unique set of professionals who work with and within communities, who have the potential to act as key change agents for improving the oral health of these populations. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore, from the dental hygiene perspective, the role of dental hygienists in reducing oral health disparities in Canada.

Methods

Dental hygienists and key informants in dental hygiene were recruited, using purposeful and theoretical sampling, to participate in a non‐directed, semi‐structured one‐on‐one in‐depth telephone interview using Skype and Call Recorder software. Corbin and Strauss's grounded theory methodology was employed with open, axial, and selective coding analysed on N‐Vivo Qualitative software.

Results

The resulting theoretical framework outlines strategies proposed by participants to address oral health disparities; these included alternate delivery models, interprofessional collaboration, and increased scope of practice. Participants identified variation in dental care across Canada, public perceptions of oral health and dental hygiene practice, and lack of applied research on effective oral health interventions as challenges to implementing these strategies.

Conclusion

The research confirmed the important role played by dental hygienists in reducing oral health disparities in Canada. However, due to the fragmentation of dental hygiene practice across Canada, a unified voice and cohesive action plan is needed in order for the profession to fully embrace their role.
Synthesis of carbon nanotube (CNT)‐BiFeO3 and (CNT)‐Bi2Fe4O9 nanocomposites and its enhanced photocatalytic properties
Authors: Datta Arkaprava , Chakraborty Subhabrata , Mukherjee Soumya , Mukherjee Siddhartha
Published: March 2017

Pure and carbon nanotube (CNT) attached BiFeO3 and Bi2Fe4O9 were prepared via hydrothermal route at fixed temperature, with time and mineralizer as variants. Phase purity of products was determined through X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies. FESEM analyses revealed that synthesized materials exhibited various morphologies, depending on the mineralizer being employed in the synthesis. Optical band gap measurements have been carried out using UV‐Vis spectroscopy analyses. The attachment of CNT reduces the bandgap, and consequently enhances photocatalytic activity due to the electron transfer from BiFeO3 to CNT. The pseudo‐first order model of reaction kinetics has been used successfully to study the associated mechanism.
A computational and experimental study on the effective properties of Al2O3‐Ni composites
Authors: Akhtar Syed Sohail , Siddiqui Muhammad Usama , Kabeer Raza , Hakeem Abbas , Kareem Lemboye , Arif Abul Fazal
Published: March 2017

It has been demonstrated that effective medium approximation and mean field homogenization technique is a useful computational tool to predict the effective thermal and structural properties of alumina‐nickel (Al2O3‐Ni) composites. Nickel particle size and volume fraction, thermal interface resistance and porosity are found significant factors that affect thermal conductivity, elastoplastic behavior, elastic modulus and thermal expansion coefficient of Al2O3‐Ni composite. To complement the computational design, Al2O3‐Ni composite samples with designed range of volume fractions and nickel particle size are developed using spark plasma sintering process and properties are measured for model verification.
Learning from Nature: Using bioinspired approaches and natural materials to make porous bioceramics
Authors: Baino Francesco , Ferraris Monica
Published: March 2017

Learning from Nature is a humble and smart approach to fabricate implantable biomaterials with complex hierarchies and porous microstructures which can effectively mimic the natural tissues that they have to replace and regenerate. Biological structures such as corals, marine sponges, wood, and vegetal products can be used as sacrificial templates to produce porous bioceramics that inherit the natural morphology and multiscale porous organization. This review gives a picture of bioinspired ceramics for medical applications and highlights the technological and industrial challenges associated with this attractive and fascinating field of research.
Dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the sol‐gel–derived Zr‐doped Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 polycrystalline ceramic systems
Authors: Mahmood Asad , Naeem Abdul , Iqbal Yaseen , Ullah Asad
Published: March 2017

Ba0.7Sr0.3ZrxTi1−xO3 (BSZT; where x=0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.1) ceramics were processed through a sol‐gel method at 1450°C for 6 h. All the samples showed a diffuse phase transition which might be due to the presence of polar nanoregions, those associated with the composition inhomogeneity in the BSZT ceramics. The sample with x=0.02 exhibited a dielectric constant (ɛ=23714) which successively decreased with increasing x up to 8569 for the sample with x=0.1 around Tc measured at 10 kHz. Ceramic samples showed a ferroelectric hysteresis behavior similar to relaxor materials.
The use of CellaVision™ DM96 in the verification of the presence of blasts in samples flagged by the Sysmex XE‐5000
Authors: Eilertsen H. , Henriksson C. E. , Hagve T.‐A.
Published: March 2017

Introduction

The CellaVision™DM96 is a digital pattern recognition system that classifies white blood cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the CellaVision preclassification feature, without a subsequent re‐classification, was a sufficient approach to follow up flags reported by Sysmex XE‐5000.

Methods

Pairs of blood smears from 400 samples reported with suspect flags were examined using conventional microscopy and the CellaVision features. The effect of pre‐ vs. re‐classification, and intersmear and between‐technologist variation, on blast counts was assessed using generalized linear mixed models (GLMM).

Results

The GLMM analysis showed a significant difference between the blast counts of preclassification vs. re‐classification (P = 0.009). The analysis showed no significant difference between duplicate smears (P = 0.621) or between technologists (P = 0.542). Preclassification showed blasts in 105 samples (26%), where the re‐classification feature did not detect any blasts. Not a single sample that was re‐classified as positive for blasts was preclassified as negative. Compared to manual microscopy, the sensitivity and specificity of the preclassification feature were 0.83 and 0.66, respectively.

Conclusion

The preclassification feature alone is sufficient to verify the absence of blasts in flagged samples. When the preclassification feature detects blasts, the finding has to be verified or reclassified by an experienced technologist. However, the use of CellaVision™DM96 in the follow‐up of blast reports has to be questioned due to the finding of false‐negative samples in the preclassification feature, but also after re‐classification, compared to manual slide review.
What can community pharmacy learn from the experiences of transition to practice for novice doctors and nurses? A narrative review
Authors: Magola Esnath , Willis Sarah C , Schafheutle Ellen I
Published: March 2017

Objectives

In the absence of literature reporting the transition experiences of novice community pharmacists, peer-reviewed evidence on the transition experiences of novice doctors and nurses was identified and reviewed. Specific objectives included identifying the challenges to transition and their perceived impact, before considering the implications for novice community pharmacists.

Methods

The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and ScienceDirect were searched for full peer-reviewed original research papers published 1990–March 2015, reporting the transition experiences of novice doctors and nurses. A narrative review following coding of themes was undertaken to synthesise findings with transferability.

Key findings

Twenty-five papers using qualitative and quantitative methods were retrieved from nursing (18) and medicine (6). Challenges were categorised into three themes: personal experiences (where acquiring professional accountability, failing to meet expectations, and emotional, cognitive and physical demands of the job heightened stress), social experiences (where support and acceptance at work were hindered by organisational culture, hierarchy or interpersonal conflict) and challenges from job-related experiences (high workloads, task complexity, staffing, rotations and shift patterns). Challenging transitions were perceived by novice practitioners and their peers as impeding learning, impairing performance and having negative implications for patient care.

Conclusions

While some of these findings may be transferable to community pharmacy settings, contextual differences exist: relative isolation from professional peers, commercially driven private-sector settings, full and immediate acquisition of professional accountability and the lack of clinical career pathways or formalised support. Given these differences, is it appropriate that ‘day-one’ community pharmacists are fully and immediately accountable? Empirical research exploring transition to practice in the community pharmacy setting is needed.
The role of catastrophizing in vulvovaginal pain: Impact on pain and partner responses over time
Authors: Flink Ida K. , Engman Linnéa , Thomtén Johanna , Linton Steven J.
Published: March 2017

The aim of this prospective study was to explore the role of catastrophizing in vulvovaginal pain. The study entails two research questions. The first question was whether catastrophizing predicts the occurrence of vulvovaginal pain. The second question focused on exploring the links between catastrophizing, partner responses and pain. Five hundred and ten women filled out questionnaires at two measurement points, 10 months apart. The women were divided into three groups based on levels of catastrophizing. To study the first research question, the groups were used as predictors of pain at follow‐up. To study the second research question, the groups were compared regarding their perceived solicitous partner responses. Subsequently, two mediation models were tested to explore whether catastrophizing mediated the relationship between solicitous partner responses and pain, cross‐sectionally and longitudinally. Baseline levels of catastrophizing distinguished between pain and no pain 10 months later. High catastrophizers reported higher levels of solicitous partner responses than low catastrophizers. The mediation analyses revealed catastrophizing as a significant mediator between solicitous partner responses and pain, cross‐sectionally and over time. The findings support catastrophizing as being an important factor in women with vulvovaginal pain, cross‐sectionally and over time.
Early detection of dementia in people with an intellectual disability – A German pilot study
Authors: Kuske Bettina , Wolff Christian , Gövert Uwe , Müller Sandra Verena
Published: March 2017

Background

This study investigated the application of a newly developed neuropsychological assessment, the Wolfenbütteler Dementia Test for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (WDTIM) in combination with the Dementia Screening Questionnaire for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (DSQIID).

Methods

The instruments were evaluated in a prospective 2‐year follow‐up study. A total of 102 people with an intellectual disability were assessed at 6‐month intervals. Data were analysed using qualitative and statistical analyses.

Results

Four groups of individuals emerged from the analysis: (1) confirmed suspicion, (2) no suspicion, (3) questionable suspicion and (4) early suspicion. Significant differences were found between groups 1 and 2. The WDTIM could be administered to 90%–100% of all participants exhibiting mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disability and to 50% with severe intellectual disability .

Conclusions

The WDTIM was shown to have good applicability to people with mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disability and to be appropriate for detecting cognitive changes. Using the two instruments in combination achieved greater accuracy in reinforcing a dementia suspicion than did using the DSQIID alone.
“With a Touch of a Button”: Staff perceptions on integrating technology in an Irish service provider for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Clifford Simplican Stacy , Shivers Carolyn , Chen June , Leader Geraldine
Published: March 2017

Background

People with intellectual disabilities continue to underutilize technology, in part due to insufficient training. Because support staff professionals provide instructional support, how they perceive integrating new technologies is important for people with intellectual disabilities.

Method

The authors conducted a sequential mixed‐methods exploratory study (quan→QUAL) including quantitative data from online surveys completed by 46 staff members and qualitative data from five focus groups attended by 39 staff members.

Results

Quantitative results show strong support for diverse technologies. In contrast, qualitative results suggest that staff members’ support of technology decreases when they perceive that technology may jeopardize service users’ safety or independence.

Conclusions

Although staff members identified increasing independence as the main reason to use new technologies with service users, they also worried that technologies used to increase the social inclusion of service users may pose undue risk and thus may limit their embrace of technology.
Paradoxical gain‐of‐function mutant of the G‐protein‐coupled receptor PROKR2 promotes early puberty
Authors: Fukami Maki , Suzuki Erina , Izumi Yoko , Torii Tomohiro , Narumi Satoshi , Igarashi Maki , Miyado Mami , Katsumi Momori , Fujisawa Yasuko , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Hata Kenichiro , Umezawa Akihiro , Matsubara Yoichi , Yamauchi Junji , Ogata Tsutomu
Published: March 2017

The human genome encodes ~750 G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), including prokineticin receptor 2 (PROKR2) involved in the regulation of sexual maturation. Previously reported pathogenic gain‐of‐function mutations of GPCR genes invariably encoded aberrant receptors with excessive signal transduction activity. Although in vitro assays demonstrated that an artificially created inactive mutant of PROKR2 exerted paradoxical gain‐of‐function effects when co‐transfected with wild‐type proteins, such a phenomenon has not been observed in vivo. Here, we report a heterozygous frameshift mutation of PROKR2 identified in a 3.5‐year‐old girl with central precocious puberty. The mutant mRNA escaped nonsense‐mediated decay and generated a GPCR lacking two transmembrane domains and the carboxyl‐terminal tail. The mutant protein had no in vitro signal transduction activity; however, cells co‐expressing the mutant and wild‐type PROKR2 exhibited markedly exaggerated ligand‐induced Ca2+ responses. The results indicate that certain inactive PROKR2 mutants can cause early puberty by enhancing the functional property of coexisting wild‐type proteins. Considering the structural similarity among GPCRs, this paradoxical gain‐of‐function mechanism may underlie various human disorders.
Evaluation of Surface Roughness Characteristics Using Atomic Force Microscopy and Inspection of Microhardness Following Resin Infiltration with Icon®
Authors: Gurdogan Elif Beril , Ozdemir‐Ozenen Didem , Sandalli Nuket
Published: March 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness via atomic force microscopy (AFM) as well as to evaluate the microhardness values of Icon® in comparison with sound and demineralized enamel in a large subject group.

Materials and Methods

Enamel samples were prepared from sound bovine incisors and randomly allocated into either AFM (n = 60) or microhardness (n = 60) groups. The AFM group was divided into control (n = 30) and Icon® (n = 30) subgroups. The microhardness group was also divided into three subgroups: control (n = 20), demineralization (n = 20) and Icon® (n = 20) groups. The demineralization and Icon® subgroups were subjected to a demineralizing solution (pH: 4, 2 hours). Following the formation of shallow white spot lesions and application of the infiltrant, each sample was examined according to its parameter.

Results

AFM images suggested that Icon® had a significantly rougher surface than the control group. When the AFM results were evaluated numerically, it was evident that the Icon® group possessed statistically higher Sa, Sq, mean height, and maximum deviation values compared to the control group. The mean Vickers hardness values of all groups were determined to be significantly different from one another. Hardness values in the demineralization group were determined to be significantly lower than the control and Icon® groups. No statistically significant difference was observed between mean Vickers hardness values for the contol and Icon® groups.

Conclusions

The present in vitro study shows that more studies are required to improve the surface quality of this infiltrant material.

Clinical Significance

The present in vitro study shows that the resin infiltration technique results in increased microhardness of demineralized enamel. However, it was observed that the infiltrant material creates a significantly rougher surface compared to healthy, untreated enamel. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:201–208, 2017)
The Cytotoxic Effects of Camptothecin and Mastoparan on the Unicellular Green Alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Voigt Jürgen , Morawski Markus , Wöstemeyer Johannes
Published: March 2017

We have recently reported that protease inhibitors affecting the activity of the proteasome cause necrotic cell death in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii instead of inducing apoptosis as shown for some mammalian cell lines. Therefore, we have studied other well‐known inducers of apoptosis in mammalian cells for their effects on C. reinhardtii cells. Mastoparan caused rapid cell death without a prominent lag‐phase under all growth conditions, whereas the cytotoxic effect of the topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin exclusively occurred during the cell‐division phase. Essentially no differences between wall‐deficient and wild‐type cells were observed with respect to dose‐response and time‐course of camptothecin and mastoparan. In cultures of the wall‐deficient strain, cell death was accompanied by swelling and subsequent disruption of the cells, established markers of necrosis. In case of the wild‐type strain, camptothecin and mastoparan caused accumulation of apparently intact, but dead cells instead of cell debris due to the presence of the wall. Both in cultures of the wall‐deficient and the wild‐type strains, cell death was accompanied by an increase of the protein concentration in the culture medium indicating a lytic process like necrosis. Taking together, we have severe doubts on the existence of an apoptotic program in case of C. reinhardtii.
UniEuk: Time to Speak a Common Language in Protistology!
Authors: Berney Cédric , Ciuprina Andreea , Bender Sara , Brodie Juliet , Edgcomb Virginia , Kim Eunsoo , Rajan Jeena , Parfrey Laura Wegener , Adl Sina , Audic Stéphane , Bass David , Caron David A. , Cochrane Guy , Czech Lucas , Dunthorn Micah , Geisen Stefan , Glöckner Frank Oliver , Mahé Frédéric , Quast Christian , Kaye Jonathan Z. , Simpson Alastair G. B. , Stamatakis Alexandros , del Campo Javier , Yilmaz Pelin , de Vargas Colomban
Published: March 2017

Universal taxonomic frameworks have been critical tools to structure the fields of botany, zoology, mycology, and bacteriology as well as their large research communities. Animals, plants, and fungi have relatively solid, stable morpho‐taxonomies built over the last three centuries, while bacteria have been classified for the last three decades under a coherent molecular taxonomic framework. By contrast, no such common language exists for microbial eukaryotes, even though environmental ‘‐omics’ surveys suggest that protists make up most of the organismal and genetic complexity of our planet's ecosystems! With the current deluge of eukaryotic meta‐omics data, we urgently need to build up a universal eukaryotic taxonomy bridging the protist ‐omics age to the fragile, centuries‐old body of classical knowledge that has effectively linked protist taxa to morphological, physiological, and ecological information. UniEuk is an open, inclusive, community‐based and expert‐driven international initiative to build a flexible, adaptive universal taxonomic framework for eukaryotes. It unites three complementary modules, EukRef, EukBank, and EukMap, which use phylogenetic markers, environmental metabarcoding surveys, and expert knowledge to inform the taxonomic framework. The UniEuk taxonomy is directly implemented in the European Nucleotide Archive at EMBL‐EBI, ensuring its broad use and long‐term preservation as a reference taxonomy for eukaryotes.
Effect of thermal pretreatments on physical, phytochemical, and antioxidant properties of black rice pasta
Authors: Laishram Basantarani , Das Amit Baran
Published: March 2017

The effect of various pretreatment methods, such as conventional, sous‐vide, and microwave, on water absorption, solubility, cooking characteristics, and phytochemical properties of black rice pasta was investigated. Water adsorption index and water solubility index of pretreated pasta sample were significantly increased with an increase in temperature or microwave radiation. The cooking yield of conventional (240.75–305.95%) and sous‐vide (252.48–354.31%) pretreated pasta showed a significant increase with increasing temperature. Whereas, in microwave pretreatment, cooking yield (304.45–255.34%) was decreased with the increase in microwave radiation. The cooking losses of pretreated pasta showed an increasing pattern with an increase in temperature or microwave radiation. The pasting properties in terms of the peak, holding, final, breakdown, and setback viscosity were decreased. The degradation of anthocyanin and phenolic contents was higher in the sous‐vide and microwave treated pasta than the conventionally treated sample. The conventional treatment also led to the highest 2,2‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl hydrate scavenging activity than other pretreatment methods. The study provides valuable insight to understanding and predicting the changes that occur during processing of black rice pasta.

Practical applications

Pasta is one of the most common foods, preferred worldwide for its usefulness, easy cooking, and good nutritional qualities. While traditional pasta is manufactured from only durum semolina, it can be developed using non‐durum ingredients with known functionalities as a functional food. In this study, black rice was used as a source of bioactive compounds in pasta. Moreover, the effect of pretreatment on functional and cooking quality of pasta indeed needs to know. This study also provides the basic information on pretreatment effect on pasta to the food industry.