bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical pharmacist home visits and 30‐day readmissions in Medicare Advantage beneficiaries
Authors: Shcherbakova Natalia , Tereso Gary
Published: December 2015

Rationale, aims & objectives

A variety of transition of care interventions has been evaluated to date to reduce readmissions. No studies evaluated effectiveness of clinical pharmacist's home‐visits to recently discharged Medicare Advantage patients with the goal of preventing subsequent readmissions and urgent care use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of in‐home clinical pharmacist's transition of care program on 30‐day all‐cause readmissions, emergency department (ED) visits, outpatient visits, as well as to assess patient satisfaction with the program.

Methods

The study used retrospective cohort design.

Results

A total of 245 patients were included in the study (mean (SD) age 77.8 (8.7); mean Charlson's Comorbidity Index 5.0 (2.5); 53.5% male). Forty‐seven patients (19.0%) experienced at least one ED visit and twenty‐two patients (9.0%) were readmitted within 30 days. The two groups did not differ on available demographic and clinical characteristics (p > 0.05). There was no difference in 30‐day readmission rates, percent of patients with ≥1 ED visit, ≥1 outpatient physician office visit between the groups (p > 0.05). A total of 78 program participants responded to a satisfaction survey with 95% agreeing the program helped to stay healthy at home.

Conclusion

Multiple medication‐related problems were identified by in‐home pharmacists and the program appeared to be well‐accepted by participants. In this study we did not find that the program had an impact on reduction of inpatient or urgent healthcare use. Further research using a different study design and a larger sample to estimate the program effectiveness is warranted.
How effectively are your patients taking their medicines? A critical review of the Strathclyde Compliance Risk Assessment Tool in relation to the ‘MMAS’ and ‘MARS’
Authors: Alhomoud Faten , Alhomoud Farah , Millar Ian
Published: December 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

A useful assessment tool that can support health care professionals in anticipating elderly patients' care needs regarding additional support in managing their own medicines is essential, but currently lacking. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess whether the 13‐item Strathclyde Compliance Risk Assessment Tool (SCRAT) is an appropriate instrument for identifying community‐dwelling elderly people who may be at risk of medication non‐adherence.

Method

An 8‐week survey was performed from October to November 2009. Patients were ≥65 years old, receiving ≥3 medications and were either using multi‐compartment compliance aids or receiving social care support, or both. The data were collected in 45 face‐to‐face structured interviews using the 13‐item SCRAT, 5‐item Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) and 8‐item Modified Morisky Adherence Scale (MMAS) in sheltered housing complexes in Glasgow, Scotland. Interviews were analysed quantitatively using SPSS version 21 software.

Results

The SCRAT instrument showed substantial inter‐rater reliability (Cohen's kappa of 0.730 for the 13‐item scale). There was a significant strong negative correlation between the 13‐item SCRAT total risk score and 8‐item MMAS (r = −0.654; P = 0.0036), and the 13‐item SCRAT total risk score and 5‐item MARS (r = −0.481; P = 0.0084). The SCRAT instrument showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.853 for the 13‐item scale). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC ± standard error; 95% confidence interval) showed that the SCRAT had good discriminatory capacity and was able to distinguish between adherent and non‐adherent participants on the MARS (0.729 ± 0.17; 0.39, 1.00). The best cut‐off (sensitivity, specificity) was <3 (75%, 45%). In the sub‐analyses, there was a significant difference in total risk score (3 vs. 2, P = 0.011) between users and non‐users of multi‐compartment compliance aids.

Conclusion

The study shows that the 13‐item SCRAT has the potential to be used in identifying elderly participants who may have problems managing their own medicines and it may help to determine the level and type of assistance that patients require to manage their medicines.
Photo‐identification as a simple tool for studying invasive lionfish Pterois volitans populations
Authors: Chaves L. C. T. , Hall J. , Feitosa J. L. L. , Côté I. M.
Published: December 2015

Photo‐tagging, i.e. using a specific software to match colour patterns on photographs, was tested as a means to identify individual Indo‐Pacific Pterois volitans to assist with population and movement studies of this invasive species. The stripe pattern on the flank of adult P. volitans (n = 48) was the most individually distinctive of three body regions tested, leading to correct individual identification on 68 and 82% of tests with a single and two images of the reference individual, respectively. Photo‐tagging is inexpensive, logistically simple and can involve citizen scientists, making it a viable alternative to traditional tagging to provide information on P. volitans distribution, movement patterns and recolonization rates after removals.
Red pitaya betacyanins protects from diet‐induced obesity, liver steatosis and insulin resistance in association with modulation of gut microbiota in mice
Authors: Song Haizhao , Chu Qiang , Yan Fujie , Yang Yunyun , Han Wen , Zheng Xiaodong
Published: December 2015

Background and Aim

Growing evidence indicates that gut microbiota contributes to obesity and its related metabolic disorders. Betacyanins possess free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities, suggesting its potential beneficial effects on metabolic diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the metabolic effect of red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) fruit betacyanins (HPBN) on high‐fat diet‐fed mice and determine whether the beneficial effects of HPBN are associated with the modulation of gut microbiota.

Methods

Thirty‐six male C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups and fed low‐fat diet (LFD), high‐fat diet (HFD), or high‐fat diet plus HPBN of 200 mg/kg for 14 weeks. Sixteen seconds rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the composition of gut microbiota.

Results

Our results indicated that administration of HPBN reduced HFD‐induced body weight gain and visceral obesity and improved hepatic steatosis, adipose hypertrophy, and insulin resistance in mice. Sixteen seconds rRNA sequencing performed on the MiSeq Illumina platform (Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) showed that HPBN supplement not only decreased the proportion of Firmicutes and increased the proportion of Bacteroidetes at the phylum level but also induced a dramatic increase in the relative abundance of Akkermansia at the genus level.

Conclusions

Red pitaya betacyanins protect from diet‐induced obesity and its related metabolic disorders, which is associated with improved inflammatory status and modulation of gut microbiota, especially its ability to decrease the ratio of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes and increase the relative abundance of Akkermansia. The study suggested a clinical implication of HPBN in the management of obesity, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Infectious Disease–Related Emergency Department Visits of Elderly Adults in the United States, 2011–2012
Authors: Goto Tadahiro , Yoshida Kazuki , Tsugawa Yusuke , Camargo Carlos A. , Hasegawa Kohei
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To investigate the frequency of infectious disease (ID)‐related emergency department (ED) visits of elderly adults in the United States.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

Nationwide emergency department sample in 2011–12.

Participants

Individuals in the ED aged 65 and older with a primary diagnosis of an ID.

Measurements

ID‐related ED visits, hospitalizations, hospital‐based mortality.

Results

During 2012, a weighted estimate of 3,123,909 ED visits for IDs was calculated in elderly U.S. adults. This accounted for 13.5% (3.1 million visits) of all ED visits of elderly adults; this burden was higher than that for myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure combined. The rate of ID‐related ED visits was 7,231 per 100,000 elderly adults. The most‐common diagnoses were lower respiratory infections (26.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 25.7–26.6%), urinary tract infections (25.3%, 95% CI = 25.0–25.7%), and septicemia (18.9%, 95% CI = 18.3–19.6%). Of all ID‐related ED visits, 1,786,657 (57.2%, 95% CI = 56.6–57.7%) resulted in hospitalization. The leading cause of hospitalization was septicemia, accounting for 32.2% (95% CI = 31.1–33.3%) of all ID‐related hospitalizations through EDs, followed by lower respiratory infections (27.8%, 95% CI = 27.2–28.4%). Overall, 123,894 individuals (4.0%, 95% CI = 3.8–4.1%) died during their ED visit or hospitalization. Of these, septicemia was the leading cause of mortality (74.7%, 95% CI = 73.8–75.6%), followed by lower respiratory infections (15.2%, 95% CI = 14.6–15.9%). Analysis of the 2011 data gave similar results for the burden of ID‐related ED visits, hospitalizations, and mortality.

Conclusion

Using a nationally representative sample, it was found that the public health burden of IDs in elderly U.S. adults was substantial, as measured by ED visits, subsequent hospitalizations, and hospital‐based mortality.
Depletion of tyrosyl‐DNA phosphodiesterase 1α (MtTdp1α) affects transposon expression in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Sabatini Maria Elisa , Donà Mattia , Leonetti Paola , Minio Andrea , Delledonne Massimo , Carboneral Daniela , Confalonieri Massimo , Giraffa Giorgio , Balestrazzi Alma
Published: December 2015

The role of plant tyrosyl‐DNA phosphodiesterase 1α in genome stability is studied using a Medicago truncatula MtTdp1α‐depleted line. Lack of MtTdp1α results in a 39% reduction of methylated cytosines as compared to control. RNA‐Seq analyses revealed that 11 DNA transposons and 22 retrotransposons were differentially expressed in the Tdp1α‐2a line. Among them all, DNA transposons (MuDR, hAT, DNA3‐11_Mad) and seven retrotransposons (LTR (Long Terminal Repeat)/Gipsy, LTR/Copia, LTR and NonLTR/L1) were down‐regulated, while the 15 retrotransposons were up‐regulated. Results suggest that the occurrence of stress‐responsive cis‐elements as well as changes in the methylation pattern at the LTR promoters might be responsible for the enhanced retrotransposon transcription.
Shifting Nicotiana attenuata's diurnal rhythm does not alter its resistance to the specialist herbivore Manduca sexta
Authors: Herden Jasmin , Meldau Stefan , Kim Sang‐Gyu , Kunert Grit , Joo Youngsung , Baldwin Ian T. , Schuman Meredith C.
Published: December 2015

Arabidopsis thaliana plants are less resistant to attack by the generalist lepidopteran herbivore Trichoplusia ni when plants and herbivores are entrained to opposite, versus identical diurnal cycles and tested under constant conditions. This effect is associated with circadian fluctuations in levels of jasmonic acid, the transcription factor MYC2, and glucosinolate contents in leaves. We tested whether a similar effect could be observed in a different plant–herbivore system: the wild tobacco Nicotiana attenuata and its co‐evolved specialist herbivore, Manduca sexta. We measured larval growth on plants under both constant and diurnal conditions following identical or opposite entrainment, profiled the metabolome of attacked leaf tissue, quantified specific metabolites known to reduce M. sexta growth, and monitored M. sexta feeding activity under all experimental conditions. Entrainment did not consistently affect M. sexta growth or plant defense induction. However, both were reduced under constant dark conditions, as was M. sexta feeding activity. Our data indicate that the response induced by M. sexta in N. attenuata is robust to diurnal cues and independent of plant or herbivore entrainment. We propose that while the patterns of constitutive or general damage‐induced defense may undergo circadian fluctuation, the orchestration of specific induced responses is more complex.
Electrochemical loading of TEM grids used for the study of potential dependent morphology of polyaniline nanofibres
Authors: BHADU GOPALA RAM , PAUL ANIRBAN , PERWEEN MOSARRAT , GUPTA RAJEEV , CHAUDHARI JAYESH C. , SRIVASTAVA DIVESH N.
Published: December 2015

An electrochemical method for loading electroactive materials over the TEM grid is reported. The protocol has been demonstrated using polyaniline as an example. The electroactive polymer was directly deposited over the Au TEM grid, used as working electrode in a 3 electrode electrochemical cell. The undisturbed as‐deposited morphologies under the influence of various counter ions and ex situ electrochemical states have been studied and compared. Contrary to behaviour in bulk the individual polyaniline fibre was found thinner at anodic potentials. The movement of counter ions as a function of the electrochemical state of the polymer was studied using STEM‐EDX elemental mapping.
Quantitative characterization of chitosan in the skin by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopic imaging and ninhydrin assay: application in transdermal sciences
Authors: NAWAZ A. , WONG T.W.
Published: December 2015

The chitosan has been used as the primary excipient in transdermal particulate dosage form design. Its distribution pattern across the epidermis and dermis is not easily accessible through chemical assay and limited to radiolabelled molecules via quantitative autoradiography. This study explored Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy imaging technique with built‐in microscope as the means to examine chitosan molecular distribution over epidermis and dermis with the aid of histology operation. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy skin imaging was conducted using chitosan of varying molecular weights, deacetylation degrees, particle sizes and zeta potentials, obtained via microwave ligation of polymer chains at solution state. Both skin permeation and retention characteristics of chitosan increased with the use of smaller chitosan molecules with reduced acetyl content and size, and increased positive charge density. The ratio of epidermal to dermal chitosan content decreased with the use of these chitosan molecules as their accumulation in dermis (3.90% to 18.22%) was raised to a greater extent than epidermis (0.62% to 1.92%). A larger dermal chitosan accumulation nonetheless did not promote the transdermal polymer passage more than the epidermal chitosan. A small increase in epidermal chitosan content apparently could fluidize the stratum corneum and was more essential to dictate molecular permeation into dermis and systemic circulation. The histology technique aided Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy imaging approach introduces a new dimension to the mechanistic aspect of chitosan in transdermal delivery.
Evaluation of the severity and triggering factors of sensitive scalp in Chinese females
Authors: Ma Li , Guichard Alexandre , Humbert Philippe , Zheng Shuli , Tan Yimei , Yu Lingling , Qin Ou , Wang Xuemin
Published: December 2015

Background

Sensitive scalp which has been recently proposed and assessed by several questionnaires is one of the most cosmetic concerns in sensitive skin syndrome by consumers.

Objective

This study is to investigate the prevalence and factors related to the scalp sensitivity in China.

Methods

Two well‐known questionnaires including four‐grade self‐assessment and 3S, and a new questionnaire we proposed (10Q), were used to evaluate the severity and symptoms of sensitive scalp.

Results

The proportions of sensitive scalp according to self‐assessment and 3S were 35.77% and 57.45%, respectively. Distributions of severity and tendency of proportion along ages were significantly different between the two methods. The 10Q questionnaire which we designed could discriminate different grade of severity of sensitive scalp with superior reliability. Moreover, triggering factors which have significant impacts on the symptoms of sensitive scalp were elucidated by logistic regression analysis, including air dryness, exercises, humidity, heat, and sun.

Conclusion

Questionnaires with more dimensions and details such as 10Q and 3S should be used for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring on sensitive scalp in Chinese female.
Annual report of the Women's Health Care Committee, Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2015
Authors: Wakatsuki Akihiko , Takamatsu Kiyoshi
Published: December 2015

The activity of the Women's Health Care Committee over a two year period up to June 2015 focused upon: (i) management of breast diseases in obstetrics and gynecology; (ii) investigation of lifestyle‐related disease and bone mineral density after gynecologic cancer therapy; (iii) postoperative women's health care; (iv) current surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse among gynecologists in Japan; (v) cesarean indication for pregnant women with active/inactive genital viral lesions; (vi) health care of young female athletes concerned about menstrual cycle abnormalities, stress fractures and premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder; (vii) a training program for women's health care advisers; and (viii) a new edition of the oral contraceptive and low‐dose estrogen‐progestogen guideline. Detailed activities of the eight subcommittees are described in the text.
Frequency and related factors of tubal patency after methotrexate treatment in women with ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Seyedoshohadaei Fariba , Mohammadbeigi Robabeh , Tahmuri Atefe , Ghaderi Ebrahim
Published: December 2015

Aim

Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency. The classic treatment for this condition is surgery but early diagnosis allows for non‐surgical treatment. In recent years, intramuscular methotrexate has been considered, due to easy administration, its less invasive nature and low complications, but there are arguments about its effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate tubal patency after treatment of ectopic pregnancy with methotrexate and related factors.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 80 women with ectopic pregnancy who were admitted to Sanandaj Be'sat Hospital in 2014. Patients who had successful treatment for ectopic pregnancy with single or multiple doses of methotrexate 50 mL/m2 were enrolled. Three to 6 months after treatment, the patients were evaluated for tubal patency by hysterosalpingography. Data were analyzed using spss, t‐tests, χ2‐test and logistic regression.

Results

The tubal patency rate after treatment of ectopic pregnancy with methotrexate was 75% in hysterosalpingography. The average size of the ectopic pregnancy mass of women with open fallopian tubes was 22.5 ± 7.0 mm and for women with closed fallopian tubes it was 34.7 ± 10.0 mm (P = 0.0001). β‐human chorionic gonadotropin levels were 642.1 ± 850.5 in women with open fallopian tubes and 3816.3 ± 4487.3 for women with closed fallopian tubes (P = 0.0001). There was no significant correlation statistically between tubal patency with a history of stillbirth and number of pregnancies (P > 0.5). There was a statistically significant relation between tubal patency and the number of births and also methotrexate dose (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Treatment of ectopic pregnancy with methotrexate is effective for saving tubal patency. Levels of human chorionic gonadotrophin‐β < 1745, the treatment regimen of methotrexate (single or multiple doses) and ectopic pregnancy mass size smaller than 33.5 mm are significant predictors of tubal patency.
Arteriovenous malformation of vein of Galen as a rare non‐hypoxic cause of changes in fetal heart rate pattern during labor
Authors: Biringer Kamil , Zubor Pavol , Kudela Erik , Kolarovszki Branislav , Zibolen Mirko , Danko Jan
Published: December 2015

The aim of this case report is to describe a rare non‐hypoxic cause of pathological changes in fetal heart rate pattern during labor, and to determine management, including a description of important prenatal aspects when pathologic cardiotocographic recording is performed during labor. A fetus with rare arteriovenous malformation of the vein of Galen, which represents less than 1% of all intracranial arteriovenous malformations, was monitored by intrapartum external cardiotocography in the 37 + 5 gestational week. The baby was born by cesarean section because of signs of imminent intrauterine hypoxia on cardiotocography. However, metabolic acidosis was not confirmed in umbilical cord blood sampling. Despite intensive neonatal care management, the newborn died 31 h after delivery because of progressive cardiac decompensation, hypotension and multi‐organ failure. Precise diagnosis of the abovementioned pathology, a pre‐labor plan for delivery and postnatal prognosis assessment can significantly contribute to the avoidance of a misdiagnosis of fetal hypoxia and unnecessary operative delivery with marked medico‐legal consequences.
Role of distinct CD4+T helper subset in pathogenesis of oral lichen planus
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhang Dunfang , Han Qi , Zhao Xin , Zeng Xin , Xu Yi , Sun Zheng , Chen Qianming
Published: December 2015

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory oral mucosal diseases with T‐cell‐mediated immune pathogenesis. In subepithelial and lamina propria of OLP local lesions, the presence of CD4+ T helper (CD4+ Th) cells appeared as the major lymphocytes. These CD4+ T lymphocytes can differentiate into distinct Th cell types such as Th1, Th2, Treg, Th17, Th22, Th9, and Tfh within the context of certain cytokines environment. Growing evidence indicated that Th1/Th2 imbalance may greatly participate into the cytokine network of OLP immunopathology. In addition, Th1/Th2 imbalance can be regulated by the Treg subset and also greatly influenced by the emerging novel CD4+ Th subset Th17. Furthermore, the presence of novel subsets Th22, Th9 and Tfh in OLP patients is yet to be clarified. All these Th subsets and their specific cytokines may play a critical role in determining the character, extent and duration of immune responses in OLP pathogenesis. Therefore, we review the roles of distinct CD4+ Th subsets and their signature cytokines in determining disease severity and susceptibility of OLP and also reveal the novel therapeutic strategies based on T lymphocytes subsets in OLP treatment.
Pastoral Power and Governmentality: From Therapy to Self Help
Authors: Mutch Alistair
Published: December 2015

An examination of the practice of self‐examination in Scottish Presbyterianism shows the value of following the later Foucault in the examination of religion as a social practice. His attention to the influence of pastoral power on governmentality is shown to have been embedded in a Roman Catholic heritage leading to a stress on the confessional. By contrast, an examination of one aspect of Protestant pastoral power indicates the genealogy of practices of self‐help. An historical examination of both the structure of the Scottish church and the diaries of believers indicates the emphasis placed in this tradition on accountability. It also points to the need to reassess Foucault's treatment of Seneca, whose place in the Christian tradition, as exemplified by the Scottish experience, was more important than Foucault allows.
Central Hypothyroidism in Miniature Schnauzers
Authors: Voorbij Annemarie M.W.Y. , Leegwater Peter A.J. , Buijtels Jenny J.C.W.M. , Daminet Sylvie , Kooistra Hans S.
Published: December 2015

Background

Primary hypothyroidism is a common endocrinopathy in dogs. In contrast, central hypothyroidism is rare in this species.

Objectives

The objective of this article is to describe the occurrence and clinical presentation of central hypothyroidism in Miniature Schnauzers. Additionally, the possible role of the thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH)‐releasing hormone receptor (TRHR) gene and theTSHβ (TSHB) gene was investigated.

Animals

Miniature Schnauzers with proven central hypothyroidism, based on scintigraphy, and the results of a 3‐day‐TSH‐stimulation test, or aTSH‐releasing hormone (TRH)‐stimulation test or both, presented to the Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals at Utrecht University or the Department of Medicine and Clinical Biology of Small Animals at Ghent University from 2008 to 2012.

Methods

Retrospective study. Pituitary function tests, thyroid scintigraphy, and computed tomography (CT) of the pituitary area were performed. Gene fragments of affected dogs and controls were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Subsequently, the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences of the products were analyzed.

Results

Central hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 7 Miniature Schnauzers. Three dogs had disproportionate dwarfism and at least one of them had a combined deficiency ofTSHand prolactin. No disease‐causing mutations were found in theTSHBgene and the exons of theTRHRgene of these Schnauzers.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Central hypothyroidism could be underdiagnosed in Miniature Schnauzers with hypothyroidism, especially in those of normal stature. The fact that this rare disorder occurred in 7 dogs from the same breed suggests that central hypothyroidism could have a genetic background in Miniature Schnauzers.
Contributions from Christian ethics and Buddhist philosophy to the management of compassion fatigue in nurses
Authors: Pembroke Neil
Published: December 2015

The aim in the article is to demonstrate how insights from Christian ethics and Buddhist philosophy can make contributions to the management of compassion fatigue. There are already helpful resources available that provide principles, tips, and practical guidelines for self‐care. The approach here is centered on attitudinal, ethical, and philosophical issues. From the Christian tradition, the ethical principle of “equal regard” is employed. Equal regard is the notion that agape (disinterested, universal love) requires of a people that they love others neither more nor less than they love themselves. When the ethical principle that a nurse operates out of in her everyday life is self‐sacrifice, self‐care is much less likely to be set as a personal priority. From the Buddhist tradition, the principle of compassion with equanimity is engaged. The Buddhist ideal is opening oneself to the pain of the other while maintaining calmness or stillness of mind. It is contended that inculcation of this skill means that a nurse can be exposed to suffering without running down their store of compassion.
Impact of food labelling systems on food choices and eating behaviours: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized studies
Authors: Cecchini M. , Warin L.
Published: December 2015

Food labels are considered a crucial component of strategies tackling unhealthy diets and obesity. This study aims at assessing the effectiveness of food labelling in increasing the selection of healthier products and in reducing calorie intake. In addition, this study compares the relative effectiveness of traffic light schemes, Guideline Daily Amount and other food labelling schemes. A comprehensive set of databases were searched to identify randomized studies. Studies reporting homogeneous outcomes were pooled together and analysed through meta‐analyses. Publication bias was evaluated with a funnel plot. Food labelling would increase the amount of people selecting a healthier food product by about 17.95% (confidence interval: +11.24% to +24.66%). Food labelling would also decrease calorie intake/choice by about 3.59% (confidence interval: −8.90% to +1.72%), but results are not statistically significant. Traffic light schemes are marginally more effective in increasing the selection of healthier options. Other food labels and Guideline Daily Amount follow. The available evidence did not allow studying the effects of single labelling schemes on calorie intake/choice. Findings of this study suggest that nutrition labelling may be an effective approach to empowering consumers in choosing healthier products. Interpretive labels, as traffic light labels, may be more effective.
Outlook of energy demand from the transport sector inIndia
Authors: Pal Sarbojit , Singh Siddharth , Wilson Sangeetha Ann , Joshi Madhura
Published: December 2015

India's transport sector has been growing faster than itsGDP, contributing to rising energy demand from the sector. This, coupled with limited domestic production, has led to a rising import dependence of crude oil in particular, which stood at 83.4 per cent in 2013–14. In order to enhanceIndia's energy security and manage demand from the sector, this paper analyses the factors influencing transport activity and the resulting energy demand from the transport sector. The paper also outlines a range of possible scenarios for transport sector demand inIndia till 2030–31 along with the potential energy use under these scenarios.
A new method for estimating locomotion type in large ground birds
Authors: Angst Delphine , Buffetaut Eric , Lecuyer Christophe , Amiot Romain
Published: December 2015

Estimating the locomotion type of fossil ground birds is necessary for a better understanding of their ecology. Until now, only one method has allowed us to estimate the locomotion of fossil ground birds, but its application is complicated in the majority of fossil cases because it requires data from the three bones from the same hindlimb of one individual. Here, we propose a new method using only the maximum length and minimum width of the tarsometatarsus to estimate the locomotion of these fossil birds. This method is easy to apply and better distinguishes the intermediate cases between graviportal (walking) and cursorial (running) birds. This study shows that the species of large ground birds of the families Gastornithidae and Brontornithidae were all graviportal, probably because of their large body mass. More unexpectedly, it also shows that some Phorusrhacidae (e.g. Paraphysornis), usually described as cursorial birds, were in fact graviportal, probably because of their considerable body mass. All these new data about locomotion provide a better understanding of the ecology of fossil ground birds.
Believing in Perceiving: Known Illusions and the Classical Dual‐Component Theory
Authors: Quilty‐Dunn Jake
Published: December 2015

According to a classic but nowadays discarded philosophical theory, perceptual experience is a complex of nonconceptual sensory states and full‐blown propositional beliefs. This classicaldual‐component theoryof experience is often taken to be obsolete. In particular, there seem to be cases in which perceptual experience and belief conflict: cases ofknown illusions, wherein subjects have beliefs contrary to the contents of their experiences. Modern dual‐component theories reject the belief requirement and instead hold that perceptual experience is a complex of nonconceptual sensory states and some other sort of conceptual state. The most popular modern dual‐component theory appeals tosui generispropositional attitudes called ‘perceptual seemings’. This article argues that the classical dual‐component theory has the resources to explain known illusions without giving up the claim that the conceptual components of experience are beliefs. The classical dual‐component view, though often viewed as outdated and implausible, should be regarded as a serious contender in contemporary debates about the nature of perceptual experience.
Recurrent Staphylococcus aureus abscess and fatal pneumococcal septicemia due to IRAK‐4 deficiency
Authors: Shichijo Koichi , Ogose Takeshi , Kubota Mari , Tomimoto Ayumi , Kondo Rieko , Taniguchi Takako , Takahashi Akiyoshi , Nakatsu Tadanori , Urano Yoshio , Watanabe Tsutomu
Published: December 2015

We describe the case of an infant with recurrent episodes of staphylococcal skin abscess and subsequent lethal pneumococcal meningitis/septicemia due to interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase 4 (IRAK‐4) deficiency. In this case, systemic signs of inflammatory response were poor and delayed. Among all other reported cases of IRAK‐4 deficiency, none involved severe viral or fungal disease, and the range of infecting bacteria was narrow.
Cue‐locked lateralized components in a tactile spatial attention task: Evidence for a functional dissociation between ADAN and LSN
Authors: Gherri Elena , Gooray Elena , Forster Bettina
Published: December 2015

ERP studies investigating the control processes responsible for spatial orienting in touch have consistently observed that the anterior directing attention negativity (ADAN) elicited by an attention‐directing cue is followed by a sustained negativity contralateral to the cued hand. Recent evidence suggested that the later negativity, labeled late somatotopic negativity (LSN), might reflect distinct neurocognitive processes from those associated with the ADAN. To investigate the functional meaning of the ADAN and LSN components, we measured ERPs elicited by bilateral tactile cues indicating to covertly shift tactile attention to the left or right hand. Participants performed two spatial attention tasks that differed only for the difficulty of the target/nontarget discrimination at attended locations. The LSN but not the ADAN was sensitive to our experimental manipulation of task difficulty, suggesting that this component might reflect sensory‐specific preparatory processes prior to a forthcoming tactile stimulus.
Near‐natural methods promote restoration of species‐rich grassland vegetation—revisiting a road verge trial after 9 years
Authors: Auestad Inger , Rydgren Knut , Austad Ingvild
Published: December 2015

The present loss of species‐rich grasslands makes it vital to restore these valuable habitat types, including novel habitat variants such as road verges. Due to the lack of knowledge on long‐term outcomes of restoration initiatives, well‐designed studies comparing different restoration methods are needed. In this study, we examined fine‐scale vegetation recovery patterns over 9 years in a field experiment with several near‐natural restoration methods (adding local seed mixtures, transferring hay from local grasslands using hard or light raking, and natural regeneration) in a road verge. We compared this to standard revegetation (hydroseeding species‐poor commercial seed mixtures). We found major temporal changes in vegetation restored by local seed or hay transfer, before it gradually became more similar to the donor grasslands and seed mixtures, which served as references for the experiment. Natural (spontaneous) regeneration with seed dispersal from surroundings gave similar results, whereas areas revegetated using standard methods became more dissimilar to the reference sites during the study period. The main variation in species composition reflected the contrast between local donor grasslands and seed mixtures and the species‐poor early successional grasslands. We conclude that near‐natural methods (hay transfer and seeding) successfully restored species‐rich grassland, including road verges. This study underlines the importance of comparing several treatments over a sufficiently long period to assess their success in restoring species‐rich grassland.
What Kinds of Places Attract and Sustain Amish Populations?
Authors: Anderson Cory , Kenda Loren
Published: December 2015

Abstract

The Amish are one of the fastest growing ethnoreligious groups in rural America. They are not only growing in historic settlements but are also starting new settlements. This study synthesizes and tests hypotheses about Amish migration destinations and settlement sustainability. Specifically, hypotheses address factors related to population, agriculture, and proximity to other Amish. Findings suggest that the locations Amish settle have several defining characteristics including: low population density, nonmetropolitan county designation, context conducive to small‐scale farming (e.g., low farm acreage price, moderately rolling hills), vicinity to a small commercial center, low to negative population growth, and proximity to an existing Amish settlement. Some characteristics are showing increasing flexibility, such as a small‐scale farming context and proximity to a commercial center. Conversely, settling in areas with a growing population or at a distance from another Amish settlement contributes to a higher likelihood of community dissolution.
Managing the Budget: Stock‐Flow Reasoning and the CO2 Accumulation Problem
Authors: Newell Ben R. , Kary Arthur , Moore Chris , Gonzalez Cleotilde
Published: December 2015

The majority of people show persistent poor performance in reasoning about “stock‐flow problems” in the laboratory. An important example is the failure to understand the relationship between the “stock” of CO2 in the atmosphere, the “inflow” via anthropogenic CO2 emissions, and the “outflow” via natural CO2 absorption. This study addresses potential causes of reasoning failures in the CO2 accumulation problem and reports two experiments involving a simple re‐framing of the task as managing an analogous financial (rather than CO2) budget. In Experiment 1 a financial version of the task that required participants to think in terms of controlling debt demonstrated significant improvements compared to a standard CO2 accumulation problem. Experiment 2, in which participants were invited to think about managing savings, suggested that this improvement was fortuitous and coincidental rather than due to a fundamental change in understanding the stock‐flow relationships. The role of graphical information in aiding or abetting stock‐flow reasoning was also explored in both experiments, with the results suggesting that graphs do not always assist understanding. The potential for leveraging the kind of reasoning exhibited in such tasks in an effort to change people's willingness to reduce CO2 emissions is briefly discussed.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus Meningitis: Three Cases and a Review of the Literature
Authors: van Samkar A. , Brouwer M. C. , Schultsz C. , van der Ende A. , van de Beek D.
Published: December 2015

Bacterial meningitis is a disease with a high morbidity and mortality. It may be caused by the zoonotic pathogen Capnocytophaga canimorsus, which is part of the commensal oral flora in dogs and cats. We report three cases of C. canimorsus meningitis in a nationwide cohort study of bacterial meningitis patients and performed a review of the literature. Three episodes of C. canimorsus meningitis were identified in three patients included in a nationwide cohort study from 2006 through 2014. The calculated annual incidence was 0.03 per million adults. When combined with the literature, 33 patients were identified of which 28 were male (85%). The median age was 63 years, and 13 (42%) were immunocompromised, which consisted of alcoholism in 7 (21%). Animal contact could be established in 29 of 30 patients (93%) and consisted of dog bites in 22 of 29 (76%). One patient died (3%) and 8 had neurological sequelae upon discharge (25%), most often hearing loss (n = 6, 19%). Capnocytophaga canimorsus meningitis is associated with dog bites. Although mortality is relatively low, survivors often have neurological sequelae.
Toward understanding the selective anticancer capacity of cold atmospheric plasma—A model based on aquaporins (Review)
Authors: Yan Dayun , Talbot Annie , Nourmohammadi Niki , Sherman Jonathan H. , Cheng Xiaoqian , Keidar Michael
Published: December 2015

Selectively treating tumor cells is the ongoing challenge of modern cancer therapy. Recently, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), a near room-temperature ionized gas, has been demonstrated to exhibit selective anticancer behavior. However, the mechanism governing such selectivity is still largely unknown. In this review, the authors first summarize the progress that has been made applying CAP as a selective tool for cancer treatment. Then, the key role of aquaporins in the H2O2 transmembrane diffusion is discussed. Finally, a novel model, based on the expression of aquaporins, is proposed to explain why cancer cells respond to CAP treatment with a greater rise in reactive oxygen species than homologous normal cells. Cancer cells tend to express more aquaporins on their cytoplasmic membranes, which may cause the H2O2 uptake speed in cancer cells to be faster than in normal cells. As a result, CAP treatment kills cancer cells more easily than normal cells. Our preliminary observations indicated that glioblastoma cells consumed H2O2 much faster than did astrocytes in either the CAP-treated or H2O2-rich media, which supported the selective model based on aquaporins.
Low-kilovolt coherent electron diffractive imaging instrument based on a single-atom electron source
Authors: Lin Chun-Yueh , Chang Wei-Tse , Chen Yi-Sheng , Hwu En-Te , Chang Chia-Seng , Hwang Ing-Shouh , Hsu Wei-Hao
Published: December 2015

In this work, a transmission-type, low-kilovolt coherent electron diffractive imaging instrument was constructed. It comprised a single-atom field emitter, a triple-element electrostatic lens, a sample holder, and a retractable delay line detector to record the diffraction patterns at different positions behind the sample. It was designed to image materials thinner than 3 nm. The authors analyzed the asymmetric triple-element electrostatic lens for focusing the electron beams and achieved a focused beam spot of 87 nm on the sample plane at the electron energy of 2 kV. High-angle coherent diffraction patterns of a suspended graphene sample corresponding to (0.62 Å)−1 were recorded. This work demonstrated the potential of coherent diffractive imaging of thin two-dimensional materials, biological molecules, and nano-objects at a voltage between 1 and 10 kV. The ultimate goal of this instrument is to achieve atomic resolution of these materials with high contrast and little radiation damage.
Rotating saddle trap as Foucault's pendulum
Authors: Kirillov Oleg N. , Levi Mark
Published: December 2015

One of the many surprising results found in the mechanics of rotating systems is the stabilization of a particle in a rapidly rotating planar saddle potential. Besides the counterintuitive stabilization, an unexpected precessional motion is observed. In this note, we show that this precession is due to a Coriolis-like force caused by the rotation of the potential. To our knowledge, this is the first example where such a force arises in an inertial reference frame. We also propose a simple mechanical demonstration of this effect.
Archimedes' floating bodies on a spherical Earth
Authors: Rorres Chris
Published: December 2015

Archimedes was the first to systematically find the centers of gravity of various solid bodies and to apply this concept in determining stable configurations of floating bodies. In this paper, we discuss an error in a proof developed by Archimedes that involves determining whether a uniform, spherical cap will float stably with its base horizontal in a liquid on a spherical Earth. We present a simpler, corrected proof and discuss aspects of his proof regarding a spherical cap that is not uniform.
Formulation of total complex power and energy flows into a discrete system
Authors: Inoue Akira , Tanabe Yosuke
Published: December 2015

By considering total inputs into a discrete system, this letter analytically formulates and summarizes the relationships in the complex-form power and energy flows and the dissipated power and Lagrangian energy of the system. The matrix inverse method to obtain the force/moment necessary for the power/energy flow is shown as an indirect yet analytically exact method. A 2 degree-of-freedom system is employed to analytically validate the derived formulas, followed by a computational confirmation. A finite element plate-beam model is further utilized to computationally confirm the relationships in the complex power and energy flows.
Watermarking of linear frequency modulated pulses using chirplet graphs and stretch processing
Authors: Mobasseri Bijan G. , Nimbagal Anirudh
Published: December 2015

In many underwater acoustics problems such as search and rescue, it is desirable to establish the source of the sonar pings. In this paper a methodology is proposed to watermark sonar pulses prior to transmission by embedding them with a chain of low power chirplets represented by a graph. Watermark detection is formulated using stretch processing where chirplet energies are focused on a single beat frequency only if the graph is traversed along the same path used at the source. The algorithm is tested by simulation in shallow water at varying ranges.
Signaling pathway models as biomarkers: Patient-specific simulations of JNK activity predict the survival of neuroblastoma patients
Authors: Fey Dirk , Halasz Melinda , Dreidax Daniel , Kennedy Sean P. , Hastings Jordan F. , Rauch Nora , Munoz Amaya Garcia , Pilkington Ruth , Fischer Matthias , Westermann Frank , Kolch Walter , Kholodenko Boris N. , Croucher David R.
Published: December 2015

Patient-specific modeling of a cell death–promoting pathway may lead to personalized treatment strategies.
A psoriatic switch
Authors: Frisk Megan
Published: December 2015

Implantable designer cells sense proinflammatory cytokines and produce anti-inflammatory molecules that attenuate psoriasis in mice.
Plants respond to smoke and fungi
Authors: Hines Pamela J.
Published: December 2015

Similar types of receptors enable plant and fungi symbiosis, as well as plant growth after a forest fire.
Guiding vessels in the developing brain
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: December 2015

Communication between neuroepithelial cells and endothelial cells, involving integrins, TGF-β, and neuropilin 1, controls vascular development in the brain.
Neutrophils: Harbingers of metastasis?
Authors: Wong Ian Y.
Published: December 2015

Infiltrating neutrophils release lipid mediators to enhance lung metastasis
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