bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bile Salt Enterolith: An Unusual Etiology Mimicking Gallstone Ileus
Authors: Ferrari-Light Dana , Shuchleib Ariel , Ricci-Gorbea Joel
Published: December 2018

Primary enterolithiasis is a relatively uncommon but important cause of small bowel obstruction. We present a case of a 69-year-old male with a history of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and asymptomatic duodenal diverticulum diagnosed with small bowel obstruction. CT imaging showed an obstruction distal to the jejunojejunostomy, and surgical intervention was warranted. A 4.5 cm enterolith removed from the distal jejunum was found to contain 100% bile salts, consistent with a primary enterolith. Clinicians should retain a high index of suspicion for enteroliths as a cause of small bowel obstruction, especially if multiple risk factors for enterolith formation are present.
Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes—Location for Prognostic Evaluation
Authors: Peled Michael , Onn Amir , Herbst Roy S.
Published: December 2018

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) are crucial for the success of immunotherapy, and their density can predict prognosis. It has now been shown that computer-based analysis of the spatial organization of TILs adds prognostic value in early-stage non–small cell lung cancer, possibly improving the treatment algorithm to prevent recurrence.

See related article by Corredor et al., p. 1526
Phf6 Loss Enhances HSC Self-Renewal Driving Tumor Initiation and Leukemia Stem Cell Activity in T-ALL
Authors: Wendorff Agnieszka A. , Quinn S. Aidan , Rashkovan Marissa , Madubata Chioma J. , Ambesi-Impiombato Alberto , Litzow Mark R. , Tallman Martin S. , Paietta Elisabeth , Paganin Maddalena , Basso Giuseppe , Gastier-Foster Julie M. , Loh Mignon L. , Rabadan Raul , Van Vlierberghe Pieter , Ferrando Adolfo A.
Published: December 2018

The plant homeodomain 6 gene (PHF6) is frequently mutated in human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL); however, its specific functional role in leukemia development remains to be established. Here, we show that loss of PHF6 is an early mutational event in leukemia transformation. Mechanistically, genetic inactivation of Phf6 in the hematopoietic system enhances hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) long-term self-renewal and hematopoietic recovery after chemotherapy by rendering Phf6 knockout HSCs more quiescent and less prone to stress-induced activation. Consistent with a leukemia-initiating tumor suppressor role, inactivation of Phf6 in hematopoietic progenitors lowers the threshold for the development of NOTCH1-induced T-ALL. Moreover, loss of Phf6 in leukemia lymphoblasts activates a leukemia stem cell transcriptional program and drives enhanced T-ALL leukemia-initiating cell activity. These results implicate Phf6 in the control of HSC homeostasis and long-term self-renewal and support a role for PHF6 loss as a driver of leukemia-initiating cell activity in T-ALL.

Significance:

Phf6 controls HSC homeostasis, leukemia initiation, and T-ALL leukemia-initiating cell self-renewal. These results substantiate a role for PHF6 mutations as early events and drivers of leukemia stem cell activity in the pathogenesis of T-ALL.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 305
Melanoma-Associated Spongiform Scleropathy Adjacent to a Choroidal Nevus
Authors: Schneider Alexander , Pavan Peter R. , Margo Curtis E. , Bajric Jasmina
Published: December 2018

Melanoma-associated spongiform scleropathy contiguous to a choroidal nevus was an incidental finding in a 57-year-old woman whose eye was removed for a separate choroidal-ciliary body melanoma. All previously reported cases of melanoma-associated spongiform scleropathy, except for one, have been found adjacent to posterior uveal melanoma. The mechanism of scleral degeneration in melanoma-associated spongiform scleropathy is unknown. Few cases of posterior uveal nevi have been reported since the description of spongiform scleropathy, making assessment of the specificity of the degeneration to melanoma alone difficult. The presence of melanoma-associated scleropathy adjacent to a choroidal nevus indicates that the condition is not exclusively linked to posterior uveal melanoma.
Perception of Risk for Older Adults: Differences in Evaluations for Self versus Others and across Risk Domains
Authors: Rolison Jonathan J. , Hanoch Yaniv , Freund Alexandra M.
Published: December 2018

Background and Objectives: Proxy decision-making may be flawed by inaccurate perceptions of risk. This may be particularly true when older adults are the targets of the decisions, given the pervasive negative stereotypes about older adults. Methods: In study 1, individuals aged 18- to 87 years (as target persons) as well as one of their close social partners (as informants) reported on the risks they perceived for the target person in various life domains. Study 2 additionally explored potential differences in how people make risky decisions on behalf of younger and older adult targets. Younger (age 18–35 years) and older (age 60–81 years) adults (as target persons of the risk evaluations) as well as informants reported on risk perceptions and the likelihood of risk-taking for health, financial, and social scenarios concerning the target persons. Congruence between self-rated and informant-rated risk perceptions and risk-taking were computed on a dyadic as well as a group level. Results: Informants’ risk perceptions were positively associated with the risks their partners perceived for themselves. Informants and their partners agreed that social risks vary little across adulthood, but they disagreed in terms of recreational, financial, and health risks, and in terms of the decisions they would make. Conclusion: Family members, partners, and close friends are sensitive to vulnerabilities of their social partners, but in some domains and according to their partners’ age they perceive a greater (or smaller) risk than their partners perceive for themselves. In situations requiring surrogate decision-making, people may decide differently from how their social partners would decide for themselves.
Subunit Composition of Ribosome in the yqgF Mutant Is Deficient in pre-16S rRNA Processing of Escherichia coli
Authors: Kurata Tatsuaki  , Nakanishi Shinobu , Hashimoto Masayuki , Taoka Masato , Isobe Toshiaki , Kato Jun-ichi
Published: December 2018

Escherichia coli 16S, 23S, and 5S ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) are transcribed as a single primary transcript, which is subsequently processed into mature rRNAs by several RNases. Three RNases (RNase III, RNase E, and RNase G) were reported to function in processing the 5′-leader of precursor 16S rRNA (pre-16S rRNA). Previously, we showed that a novel essential YqgF is involved in that processing. Here we investigated the ribosome subunits of the yqgFts mutant by LC-MS/MS. The mutant ribosome had decreased copy numbers of ribosome protein S1, suggesting that the yqgF gene enables incorporation of ribosomal protein S1 into ribosome by processing of the 5′-end of pre-16S rRNA. The ribosome protein S1 is essential for translation in E. coli; therefore, our results suggest that YqgF converts the inactive form of newly synthesized ribosome into the active form at the final step of ribosome assembly.
Preoperative Enteral Nutrition and Surgical Outcomes in Adults with Crohn’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rocha Anabela , Bessa Inês , Lago Paula , Santos Marisa D. , Leite Júlio , Castro-Poças Fernando
Published: December 2018

Background and Aim: Enteral nutrition (EN) is applicable to adult Crohn’s disease (CD) in treating malnutrition and in inducing remission – here as a less effective alternative than corticosteroids. The purpose of this review is to determine whether preoperative EN impacts postoperative complications of adult CD, either by means of nutritional or therapeutic effects. Summary: A systematic review of English written full-text research articles published between January 1990 and November 2017, including adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery for complicated CD after EN, was performed. Four studies out of 22 were selected, all of which institutional, retrospective, case-control cohorts, one classified as “good quality” and three as “poor quality,” as rated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The application of inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in a non-intentional absence of studies referring to supplemental EN among those reviewed. The reduced number of heterogeneous eligible studies impeded meta-analysis. In all studies, exclusive EN (EEN) was used and well tolerated, allowing to defer or even avoid surgery altogether, improving patients’ global state. The two studies with the greatest number of patients found preoperative EEN to be an independent factor against infectious and non-infectious complications in 219 patients and against anastomotic leaks or abscesses in 38 patients. Also, in univariate analysis, EEN was found to increase preop­erative immunosuppressant-free intervals and to protect against anastomotic dehiscences, intra-abdominal abscesses, surgical wound infections, ileus, stomas, and reoperations in the largest study; in another study it was related to fewer intra-abdominal septic complications. Key Messages: All reviewed studies are retrospective and, consequently, of limited relevance. Nonetheless, all of them call the attention of the scientific community to the potential benefits of preoperative EEN on postoperative outcomes in adult CD, calling for prospective multi-institutional studies and randomized controlled trials.
Localization of Deep Brain Stimulation Electrode by Image Registration Is Software Dependent: A Comparative Study between Four Widely Used Software Programs
Authors: Engelhardt Julien , Guehl Dominique , Damon-Perrière Nathalie , Branchard Olivier , Burbaud Pierre , Cuny Emmanuel
Published: December 2018

Background: The control of the anatomic position of the active contacts is essential to understand the effects and adapt the settings of the neurostimulation. The localization is commonly assessed by a registration between the preoperative MRI and the postoperative CT scan. However, its accuracy depends on the quality of the registration algorithm and many software programs are available. Objective: To compare the localization of implanted deep brain stimulation (DBS) leads in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) between four registration devices. Methods: The preoperative stereotactic MRI was co-registered and fused with the 3-month postoperative CT scan in 27 patients implanted in the STN for Parkinson’s disease (53 leads). Localizations of the active contacts were calculated in the stereotactic frame space and compared between software programs. Results: The coordinates of the active contacts were different between software programs in the 3 axes (p < 0.001) with a mean vectorial error between the deepest contact locations of 1.17 mm (95% CI 1.09–1.25). Conclusion: We found a small but significant difference in the coordinates calculated on four different devices. These results have to be considered when performing studies comparing active contact locations or when following patients with an implanted DBS lead.
Hox Genes in Reptile Development, Epigenetic Regulation, and Teratogenesis
Authors: Martín-del-Campo Rodolfo , Sifuentes-Romero Itzel , García-Gasca Alejandra
Published: December 2018

Reptiles are ancestral organisms presenting a variety of shapes, from the elongated vertebral column of the snake to the turtle dorsalized ribs or retractile neck. Body plans are specified by a conserved group of homeobox-containing genes (Hox genes), which encode transcription factors important in cell fate and vertebral architecture along the anteroposterior axis during embryonic development; thus, dysregulation of these genes may cause congenital malformations, from mild-sublethal to embryonic-lethal. The genetic pool, maternal transfer, and environmental conditions during egg incubation affect development; environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, oxygen, and pollution may alter gene expression by epigenetic mechanisms. Thus, in this review, we present information regarding Hox genes and development in reptiles, including sex determination and teratogenesis. We also present some evidence of epigenetic regulation of Hox genes and the role of the environment in epigenetic modulation of gene expression. So far, the evidence suggests that the molecular instructions encoded by Hox genes to build a snake, a lizard, or a turtle represent the interplay between genome and epigenome after years of evolution, with occasional environmentally induced molecular mistakes leading to abnormal body shapes.
Impact of Self-Report and eGFR-Based Chronic Kidney Disease on the Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease-Related Complications and Geriatric Syndromes in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Chao Chia-Ter , Lee Yi-Hsuan , Yang Kuen-Cheh , Peng Jen-Kuei , Li Chia-Ming , Chen Shih-I , Han Der-Sheng , Huang Jenq-Wen , COGENT study group
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims: Awareness of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been low among affected patients, particularly the older ones. However, whether such awareness is synonymous with the presence of laboratory-diagnosed CKD among older adults is currently unclear. Methods: We enrolled community-dwelling old adults (≥ 65 years) who received health examinations between 2013 and 2016 from a regional metropolitan hospital. Clinical information and geriatric syndromes including depression, cognitive impairment, fall, quality of life, and visual disturbance were evaluated during the medical interview. We compared the differences in clinical features between those with and without self-reported or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)-based CKD and investigated their influences and interactions on the risk of CKD complications and geriatric syndromes. Results: Among the 2932 enrolled older adults (mean 73.4 ± 7 years), 93 (3%) reported that they had CKD by history, while 306 (10%) had an eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 persisted for over 3 months. The prevalence of hyperlipidemia, body mass index, waist circumference, leukocyte count, and the incidence of fall differed only between those with and without eGFR-based CKD, but not between those with and without self-reported CKD. A synergistic effect was found between self-reported and eGFR-based CKD regarding the CKD complication severity, including malnutrition (albumin), anemia (hemoglobin), dyslipidemia (serum cholesterol), and geriatric syndromes (cognitive and quality of life impairment). Multivariate regression analyses showed that self-reported CKD exhibited better predictive efficacy for lower serum albumin and hemoglobin than eGFR-based CKD, while the latter outperformed the former for predicting lower serum cholesterol and a higher risk of cognitive impairment. Conclusion: Among older adults, self-reported CKD may not be a surrogate for laboratory-diagnosed CKD and has an independent effect on CKD-related complications.
Ecology of Sceloporus gadsdeni (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae) from the central Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico
Authors: Gadsden Héctor , Castañeda Gamaliel , Huitrón-Ramírez Rodolfo A. , ZapataAguilera Sergio A. , Ruíz Sergio , Smith Geoffrey R.
Published: December 2018

Ecology of Sceloporus gadsdeni (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae) from the central Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico. Populations of Sceloporus cyanostictus Axtell and Axtell, 1971 from southwestern Coahuila have been described as a new species, Sceloporus gadsdeni Castañeda-Gaytán and Díaz-Cárdenas, 2017. Sceloporus cyanostictus is listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List due to the decline in its habitat and its limited distribution. The subdivision of S. cyanostictus into two species further reduces the range and population size of each taxon, thereby posing a possible threat to the conservation status of each species. We describe here the sexual dimorphism, growth, age, population structure, sex ratio, density, and thermal ecology of S. gadsdeni to supplement the available information for one these two species. Males are larger than females, and when both sexes reach maturity after 1.1 yr, they have snout–vent lengths of about 60 mm. Population structures in the spring and summer are similar, and differ from those in the fall. The sex ratio is male-biased and varies seasonally. Population density varies from 29 to 124 individuals/ha. Mean body temperature is 32.1°C and mean preferred body temperature is 32.7°C. Sceloporus gadsdeni is a thermoregulator that has high thermal accuracy (db = 0.02) and optimal thermal effciency (E = 0.98) in an environment with suboptimal thermal quality during September. The data suggest that S. gadsdeni is a sexually dimorphic species that has early sexual maturity, relatively slow growth, variable population density, and effective thermoregulation.
Differential responses to forest edges among populations of Oophaga pumilio (Anura: Dendrobatidae) from Panama
Authors: Lawrence J. P.
Published: December 2018

Differential responses to forest edges among populations of Oophaga pumilio (Anura: Dendrobatidae) from Panama. As habitat fragmentation increasingly becomes a prevalent feature in tropical systems, investigating how such novel features affect the distribution of species is of vital importance for understanding species’ ecology and conservation concerns. Species that show interpopulation variation in features that may affect their ecology (i.e., coloration) should be of high priority for elucidating the effects fragmentation may have. It is possible that these features unique to certain populations could promote or constrain the population’s ability to adapt to change. I investigated nine populations of the Strawberry Poison Frog (Oophaga pumilio) throughout the Bocas del Toro archipelago in Panama. By running transects from forest edge into interior forest, I assessed both population density and individual distance from forest edge for each population. One population was signifcantly denser than six of the other eight populations. Three populations showed increased numbers farther from forest edges while six populations showed no variation. This research highlights how reactions to habitat fragmentation may be population specifc, possibly linked to physical traits of individuals within the population. This research suggests that high interpopulation variation should be taken into account when examining species’ reactions to environmental perturbations.
The advertisement call of two species of the Rhinella granulosa group (Anura: Bufonidae)
Authors: Giaretta Ariovaldo Antonio , Haga Isabelle Aquemi , Andrade Felipe Silva de
Published: December 2018

The advertisement call of two species of the Rhinella granulosa group (Anura: Bufonidae). The group of Rhinella granulosa presently harbors 14 species distributed in Central and South America. The advertisement calls of 12 species have been described. Herein, we provide data on the calls of R. granulosa and R. merianae recorded in populations far from locations of previous call descriptions, and we discuss possible causes of differences found. We used recordings of R. granulosa from the interior of Bahia State and recordings of R. merianae from Roraima. For both, calls consist of a long-lasting trill of four-pulsed notes. Rhinella granulosa calls last 3.7–9.6 s, have 121–283 notes, each lasting 19–25 ms released at a rate of 29.2–34.7/s, and with dominant frequency peaking between 2472–2809 Hz. Rhinella merianae calls last 4.0–7.1, have 153–217 notes, each lasting 17–20 ms, released at a rate of 37.7–39.5/s, and with dominant frequency peaking between 2959–3189 Hz. Both species are distinguished from most other species of the R. granulosa species group by the combination of pulse number and dominant frequency. Our data on R. granulosa differed (p < 0.05) in call duration and/or in dominant frequency from specimens from Natal (Rio Grande do Norte state) and Cabaceiras (Paraíba state). Our data on R. merianae appear to differ in dominant frequency from the only call (a single male) known from the Amazon River bank. The differences we found between our data and published call data suggest that further study of calls of additional populations of these species is warranted.
Young Stroke Survivors With No Early Recurrence at High Long‐Term Risk of Adverse Outcomes
Authors: Edwards Jodi D. , Kapral Moira K. , Lindsay M. Patrice , Fang Jiming , Swartz Richard H.
Published: December 2018

Background

Approximately 8% to 21% of strokes affect adults aged <45 years. Although early stroke recurrence conveys the largest risk, long‐term risks for young survivors with no early complications are unclear.

Methods and Results

Longitudinal matched case‐control study (2003–2013). Consecutive patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (young, ≤44 years) discharged from emergency or regional stroke centers in Ontario, Canada, with no death, recurrent stroke/transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, all‐cause hospitalization, or admission to a long‐term or continuing care facility (≤90 days) were matched 10:1 to general population controls on age (±1 year), sex, income, geography, and case date (±50 days). The primary outcome was a composite of death, stroke, myocardial infarction, and long‐term or continuing care facility admission at 1, 3, and 5 years. Absolute event rates for young stroke/transient ischemic attack patients were lower than for older patients at 1 (2.2% versus 9.9%), 3 (4.7% versus 24.6%), and 5 (7.1% versus 37.2%) years. However, piecewise constant hazard modeling revealed that, even after adjustment for vascular comorbidities, young patients showed a 7‐fold increased hazard of the composite outcome compared with young controls at 1 year (hazard ratio, 7.3; 95% CI, 4.0–13.6). Adjusted 5‐year piecewise hazard also remained >5× that of young controls (hazard ratio, 5.2; 95% CI, 2.8–9.4), compared with a 30% increase at 5 years for older patients (hazard ratio, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.3–1.4).

Conclusions

Young stable stroke/transient ischemic attack survivors show a higher long‐term hazard of adverse outcomes compared with matched controls than older patients. Findings support the need for long‐term follow‐up and aggressive risk reduction in young survivors and suggest secondary prevention guidelines for these patients are required.
Three new species of Naddia Fauvel (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) from China
Authors: YANG ZHUO , ZHOU HONG-ZHANG
Published: December 2018

The genus Naddia Fauvel, 1867 belongs to the subtribe Staphylinina (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) and its species occur mainly in the Palaearctic and Oriental Regions. Three new species are described from South China: Naddia hainanensis Yang & Zhou, sp. n. (Hainan), N. mangshanensis Yang & Zhou, sp. n. (Hunan, Guangdong and Fujian), and N. nanlingensis Yang & Zhou, sp. n. (Guangdong). Naddia miniata Fauvel, 1895 is recordered for the first time from the territory of China. Naddia chinensis Bernhauer, 1929 and N. miniata are redescribed. Male aedeagus and other critical characters are illustrated. The type specimens are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IZCAS) and Naturhistorisches Museum Wien (NMW).
A synopsis of the genus Amphipteryx Selys 1853 (Odonata: Amphipterygidae)
Authors: GONZÁLEZ-SORIANO ENRIQUE
Published: December 2018

The Mesoamerican damselfly genus Amphipteryx includes one already described and three more undescribed species: Amphipteryx agrioides, Selys 1853, A. chiapensis (Mexico, Chiapas, 5 mi E Rayón), A. meridionalis (Honduras, 10 mi SW Siguatepeque) and A. nataliae (Verapaz, Guatemala). Here I include keys and diagnostic illustrations of all species.
A new species of scarab beetle, Madecorphnus cuccodoroi (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Orphninae), from northern Madagascar
Authors: FROLOV ANDREY
Published: December 2018

Madecorphnus cuccodoroi Frolov, sp. n. is described from specimens collected in indigenous forest in Amber Mountain National Park, northern Madagascar. The new species differs from the similar species M. peyrierasi Frolov and M. perinetensis Frolov in the shape of the parameres and internal sac armature.
The family Izinkalidae fam. nov. (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Lysianassoidea) in Australian waters
Authors: LOWRY J. K. , STODDART H. E.
Published: December 2018

The new lysianassoid amphipod family Izinkalidae is established and the genus Izinkala is reported from Australian waters for the first time. One new species, Izinkala griffithsi sp. nov., is described.
Cryptofavognathus, a new genus of the family Cryptognathidae Oudemans (Acari: Raphignathoidea), with the description of a new species from Turkey
Authors: DOĞAN SALİH , DÖNEL GÜLDEM
Published: December 2018

A new genus, Cryptofavognathus is proposed for two species, Cryptofavognathus afyonensis (Koç & Akyol, 2004) comb. nov. and C. anatolicus sp. nov. The adult female and male of C. anatolicus sp. nov. collected from moss and a bird’s nest are herein described and figured.
The ant genus Rhopalomastix (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae) in Southeast Asia, with descriptions of four new species from Singapore based on morphology and DNA barcoding
Authors: WANG WENDY Y. , YONG GORDON W.J. , JAITRONG WEEYAWAT
Published: December 2018

The true diversity of the Asian ant genus Rhopalomastix Forel is poorly understood. We use an integrated approach to review the known species and subspecies of Rhopalomastix in Southeast Asia. Based on morphology and supporting DNA evidence, we recognize six species. We raise two subspecies of R. rothneyi Forel to species rank (R. johorensis Wheeler stat. n, R. javana Wheeler stat. n.), synonymize R. janeti Donisthorpe (syn. nov.) with R. johorensis, and describe four new species from Singapore: R. glabricephala sp. n., R. murphyi sp. n., R. striata sp. n., and R. tenebra sp. n. All six species found in Southeast Asia are distinct from each other based on morphology; morphological delimitation of these species is further supported by and congruent with mOTUs generated from objective clustering of short fragment COI barcodes using the best close match criteria. Different castes and sexes of most species are described, including redescriptions of the queen of R. javana and male of R. johorensis. A key to the Southeast Asian species based on the worker caste is also provided. Variation among sympatric and also geographically distant populations, and the possibilities of cryptic species, are discussed.
Not endemic after all: Imparipecten Freeman, 1961 (Diptera: Chironomidae) described from the Neotropical Region
Authors: FUSARI LÍVIA MARIA , DANTAS GALILEU P.S. , HAMADA NEUSA , ANDRADE-SOUZA VANDERLY , LIMA KÁTIA M. , SILVA JANISETE G.
Published: December 2018

Imparipecten, a previously monotypic genus, was considered endemic to Australia. Here, we report Imparipecten from the Neotropical region for the first time and describe Imparipecten sychnacanthus sp. n. from Brazil. The association between larvae and adults was established by sequencing a fragment of one ribosomal gene (28S), two fragments of a nuclear protein-coding gene (CAD1 and CAD4), and one mitochondrial protein-coding gene (COI). We also show the close molecular proximity with Imparipecten pictipes through analyses of genetic distances and Bayesian phylogenetics.
100 Years of Progress in Applied Meteorology. Part III: Additional Applications
Authors: Haupt Sue Ellen , Kosović Branko , McIntosh Scott W. , Chen Fei , Miller Kathleen , Shepherd Marshall , Williams Marcus , Drobot Sheldon
Published: December 2018

Applied meteorology is an important and rapidly growing field. This chapter concludes the three-chapter series of this monograph describing how meteorological information can be used to serve society’s needs while at the same time advancing our understanding of the basics of the science. This chapter continues along the lines of Part II of this series by discussing ways that meteorological and climate information can help to improve the output of the agriculture and food-security sector. It also discusses how agriculture alters climate and its long-term implications. It finally pulls together several of the applications discussed by treating the food–energy–water nexus. The remaining topics of this chapter are those that are advancing rapidly with more opportunities for observation and needs for prediction. The study of space weather is advancing our understanding of how the barrage of particles from other planetary bodies in the solar system impacts Earth’s atmosphere. Our ability to predict wildland fires by coupling atmospheric and fire-behavior models is beginning to impact decision-support systems for firefighters. Last, we examine how artificial intelligence is changing the way we predict, emulate, and optimize our meteorological variables and its potential to amplify our capabilities. Many of these advances are directly due to the rapid increase in observational data and computer power. The applications reviewed in this series of chapters are not comprehensive, but they will whet the reader’s appetite for learning more about how meteorology can make a concrete impact on the world’s population by enhancing access to resources, preserving the environment, and feeding back into a better understanding how the pieces of the environmental system interact.
Sales-Advertising Cross-Elasticities and Advertising Competition
Authors: Clarke Darral G.
Published: December 2018

The measurement of the effect of one brand's advertising on the sales of another brand is accomplished using improved estimation procedures. The interpretation of parameter estimates is enhanced through transformation into sales-advertising elasticities. Normative implications of the model are investigated.
A Comparative Analysis of Attitudinal Predictions of Brand Preference
Authors: Bass Frank M. , Wilkie William L.
Published: December 2018

A comparison of cross-sectional methods of analysis of multi-attribute attitude models indicates striking differences in predictive power. Importance weights do not detract from prediction, and correlations of attitude with preference compare favorably with attitude-affect correlations found in social psychology.
Attitude, Social Influence, Personal Norm, and Intention Interactions as Related to Brand Purchase Behavior
Authors: Bonfield E. H.
Published: December 2018

A field study was conducted providing empirical evidence that variables contained in the Dulany theory popularly adapted by Fishbein are situation bound in their effects on consumer brand purchase intenion and behavior. Six forms of the theory were utilized.
Reappraising Mail Survey Response Rates
Authors: Cox Eli P. , Anderson W. Thomas , Fulcher David G.
Published: December 2018

Numerous studies have evaluated various techniques for increasing response rates in mail questionnaire surveys. This study examines two such techniques (personalized cover letters and follow-up post reminders), but goes beyond the single criterion of response reliability to consider budget and time constraints, as well as minimum sample size requirements for analysis purposes.
Mail Surveys and Response Rates: A Literature Review
Authors: Kanuk Leslie , Berenson Conrad
Published: December 2018

A review of empirical studies concerned with increasing response rates to mail questionnaires reveals the limited evidence upon which most widely accepted techniques are based. The only techniques which seem to be consistently effective in increasing response rates are followup letters and monetary incentives enclosed with the mail questionnaires.
Channel Domination and Countervailing Power in Distributive Channels
Authors: Etgar Michael
Published: December 2018

Three hypotheses are discussed: that the power of a channel leader is a result of his control over some power sources, and of dependency of other channel members upon him, and that such power can be offset by the countervailing power available to the channel members. Results of an empirical study which tested and confirmed these hypotheses in a conventional channel framework are presented. Several implications are derived which pertain to channel management decisions and proper selection of channel control mix.
Cognitive Dissonance and Consumer Behavior: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Cummings William H. , Venkatesan M.
Published: December 2018

Researchers in consumer behavior have attempted to relate attitude change, information seeking, and brand loyalty to the concept of cognitive dissonance. The writers review the consumer behavior literature relating to cognitive dissonance, critique the research, and provide some directions for future research.
Assessing Cluster Analysis Results
Authors: Klastorin T. D.
Published: December 2018

The problem of statistically assessing cluster analysis results is discussed; several measures based on both within-group homogeneity and between-group heterogeneity are defined. Permutation distributions for these measures are defined and expressions are derived for easily calculating the parameters of these distributions. Using these measures and their respective distributions, one can test whether given clusters significantly differ from clusters which are randomly determined.
Effects of Vestibular Rehabilitation on Dizziness and Imbalance
Authors: Horak F. B. , Jones‐Rycewicz C. , Black F. Owen , Shumway‐Cook A.
Published: December 2018

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specific approach to physical therapy aimed at reducing dizziness and imbalance by facilitating central nervous system compensation for peripheral vestibular dysfunction. This article reports preliminary results of studies concerning the relative effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation, general conditioning exercises, and vestibular suppressant medication on dizziness and imbalance in patients with chronic vestibular symptoms of at least 6 months duration. Patients with positional and/or movement‐related dizziness and abnormal posturography were randomly assigned to the three treatment groups. Preliminary results suggest that although all three treatment approaches reduce dizziness, only vestibular rehabilitation also improves balance. This study takes the first step toward determining the efficacy of a specific exercise approach for reducing dizziness and imbalance in patients with chronic peripheral vestibular disorders.
Complications of Secondary Tracheoesophageal Puncture: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Experience
Authors: Mehle Mark E. , Lavertu Pierre , Meeker Susan S. , Tucker Harvey M. , Wood Benjamin G.
Published: December 2018

One hundred forty‐six secondary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) procedures were performed on 132 patients at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in the past 10 years. The complications of these procedures are reviewed, along with assessment of potential risk factors such as irradiation, esophageal/hypopharyngeal stricture, alcoholism, diabetes, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Among the subgroups studied, only stricture dilation was associated with an increased incidence of postsurgical complications. The majority of these, however, were immediate, and were probably related to the esophagoscopy or dilation itself. The incidence of TEP‐related complications in all groups of patients may be higher than previously suspected.
Ventilation Tubes and Prophylactic Antibiotic Eardrops
Authors: Younis Ramzi T. , Lazar Rande H. , Long Thomas E.
Published: December 2018

Insertion of ventilation tubes has successfully remedied chronic otitis media with effusion in millions of children, but the procedure has been complicated by secondary infections and otorrhea in as many as 34% of the cases. Because infection at the time of surgery was suspected as the primary cause of these postoperative complications, short‐term prophylaxis with antibiotic eardrops was proposed for averting secondary infections. To evaluate this hypothesis, we conducted a 6‐month prospective study in which 200 children had bilateral tube insertions. Antibiotic eardrops were administered to patients’ right ears intraoperatively and for 3 days after surgery; left ears received no eardrops and served as controls. The prophylactic strategy did not significantly decrease the incidence of postoperative otorrhea in treated right ears compared with controls.
Macroeconomic Fluctuations in Home Countries and Immigrants’ Well-Being: New Evidence from Down Under
Authors: Nguyen Ha Trong , Duncan Alan S.
Published: December 2018

This article exploits plausibly exogenous changes in macroeconomic conditions across home countries over time and panel individual data to examine the causal impact of home countries’ macroeconomic conditions on immigrants’ well-being in Australia. We present new and robust evidence that immigrants in Australia feel happier when their home countries’ macroeconomic conditions improve, as measured by a higher gross domestic product (GDP) per capita or lower price levels. Controlling for immigrants’ observable and unobservable characteristics, we also find that the positive GDP impact is statistically significant and economically large in size. Furthermore, the GDP and price impact erodes as immigrants age or stay in the host country beyond a certain period of time. Our findings suggest that immigrants in Australia have emotional or altruistic connections to their home countries and appear encouraging for home countries increasingly attempting to convince their diasporas to contribute more to the development of their homelands.
How Do Science Communication Practitioners View Scientists and Audiences in Relation to Public Engagement Activities? A Research Note Concerning the Marine Sciences in Portugal
Authors: Pinto Bruno M. L. , Costa José L. , Cabral Henrique N.
Published: December 2018

This exploratory study is focused on the perceptions of science communication practitioners about the activities of scientists and the audiences of the marine sciences outreach in Portugal. Using the qualitative method of thematic analysis and collecting data through semistructured interviews of 14 practitioners of diverse professions, backgrounds, ages, and stages of career, it was found that the role of marine scientists in this area is traditionally viewed as reduced, but with a slight improvement in the past 5 to 10 years. Despite having a historical connection with and curiosity about the sea, audiences were considered to have a mostly utilitarian interest in the marine sciences. Most practitioners had a view of science communication connected to the knowledge deficit model, with a minority articulating a more dialogical model. Although there are signs of conflict between science communicators and scientists, the proliferation of training opportunities in science communication at the national level, the perceived increase of interest and participation of marine scientists in public communication in the past years, and the consolidation of science communicators as part of the scientific community offer positive prospects for the future of outreach of marine sciences in Portugal.
If it’s Mozart, it must be good? The influence of textual information and age on musical appreciation
Authors: Fischinger Timo , Kaufmann Michaela , Schlotz Wolff
Published: December 2018

In a framing experiment, 170 participants aged 19–80 years were asked to read a description in the fashion of a program note prior to listening (individually via headphones) to a sinfonia by Josef Mysliveček (1737–1781). Divergent versions of this description were created for treatment manipulation, while the participants were not informed about it. Within a 2 × 2 design the descriptions (a) attributed the musical piece to different composers of highly different prominence and prestige. Half of the participant group was informed that they would be listening to the overture to the pastoral opera Ascanio in Alba by Wolfgang Amadé Mozart (1756–1791), whereas the other half was informed correctly. The composers’ names were (b) combined with descriptions that applied either an analytic or expressive writing mode. Subsequently collected ratings for liking and a number of perceived musical characteristics were significantly higher when participants had read the expressive compared with the analytic writing mode. Interestingly, younger adults showed higher liking ratings when the music was attributed to Mozart, whereas no significant differences were found in older adults. In sum, this study supports the notion that being exposed to text information prior to listening to music affects perception and appreciation of musical characteristics.
Motivational Factors Affecting fluctuations of Female Sexual Activity at Menstruation
Authors: Gold Alice Ross , Adams David B.
Published: December 2018

The hypothesis was tested that pre-menstrual and post-menstrual increases in sexual activity are due to anticipation of deprivation and rebound following deprivation (Ford & Beach, 1951). Thirty-five married women completed daily questionnaires about their sexual activity for at least two menstrual cycles. Evidence supported the hypothesis that the post-menstrual peak in intercourse is a rebound phenomenon. There was less evidence to support the hypothesis that a pre-menstrual rise represents anticipation of deprivation. In addition, there was a tendency to increase autosexual activity during periods of sexual abstention, which may represent a compensation phenomenon.
Girls’ and Boys’ Enrollments in Theoretical Math Courses: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Sherman Julia
Published: December 2018

Students ( n = 331) extensively tested in their first year of high school were followed up as seniors to see what courses in theoretical mathematics they had elected. Discriminant analyses for girls and boys were performed on the test scores, postdicting those who elected two, three or four years of theoretical math. Scores included math achievement (Test of Academic Progress), vocabulary (Quick Word Test), and the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitudes Scales. For girls, the standardized weights of the discriminant function were highest for spatial visualization, vocabulary, perceived Usefulness of Mathematics, and Confidence in Learning Mathematics; for boys, Confidence in Learning Mathematics, math achievement, stereotyping Math as a Male Domain and Effectance Motivation in Mathematics were highest in discriminating those who had elected two, three, or four years of theoretical math.
The effects of Actual Behavior Vs. Mere Labelling in attribution of Sex Differences
Authors: Murphy-Berman Virginia , Berman John J. , Smith Cynthia
Published: December 2018

A recurrent problem in interpreting research showing differential reactions to the sexes is that such results may reflect real behavior differences among those observed or differential expectations of those observing. This study used a methodology which allowed these two competing explanations to be tested by assessing whether subjects’ ratings of taped interactants whose gender was ambiguous would be determined mainly by what gender the subjects thought the interactants were or by the interactants’ behavior. The results showed that the causes of the sex differences in assessments differed depending on what type of assessment was being made. Specifically, behavior differences and not observers’ expectations about such differences largely determined observers’ ratings of specific attributes of the interactants, but observers’ expectations and not behavior differences determined observers’ general ratings of masculinity/femininity.
Gender and Sex as determinants of hireability of Applicants for Gender-Typed Jobs
Authors: Francesco Anne Marie , Hakel Milton D.
Published: December 2018

The effects of gender and sex of applicants for gender-typed jobs were investigated in the context of a simulation of a post-interview decision. Student subjects (N = 102) rated eight applicants for one of three gender-typed jobs. Results indicated that, in general, masculine applicants (of both sexes) were preferred over androgynous applicants who were preferred over feminine applicants. For the neutral job, androgynous applicants were preferred over masculine applicants who were preferred over feminine applicants. Male and female students did not differ in their ratings of the applicants. The results were interpreted as indicating raters’ preference for masculine characteristics in any job applicant.
Masculine and Feminine Stereotypes and Adjustment: A Reanalysis
Authors: Gilbert Lucia A. , Waldroop James A. , Deutsch Connie J.
Published: December 2018

Deutsch and Gilbert (1976) used Bern's balance model in a study of self-perceptions of stereotypic masculine and feminine attributes, Rogerian-type conflict, and personal adjustment. Because important conceptual and computational changes have occurred in the measures of psychological masculinity and femininity, a reanalysis of these data was undertaken using Spence and Helmreich's absolute model. The reanalyses demonstrate the advantage of distinguishing between Androgynous and Undifferentiated individuals rather than grouping them together into a single “balanced” category. The new results also differ from those reported earlier in making apparent the influences of both Rogerian-type conflict and one's Real Self-description of masculinity and femininity on personal adjustment.
Healthcare waste management in a Brazilian university public hospital
Authors: Santos Elci de Souza , Gonçalves Karla Magna dos Santos , Mol Marcos Paulo Gomes
Published: December 2018

Some healthcare waste presents hazardousness characteristics and requires specific procedures to ensure the safety management. Waste segregation is an important action to control the risks of each type of waste. Healthcare waste indicators also may improve the waste management system. The aim of this article was to evaluate the healthcare waste management in a Brazilian university hospital, as well as the waste indicators, quantifying and qualifying the waste generation. Weighing of wastes occurred by sampling occurred sampling of seven consecutive days or daily, between 2011 and 2017. General wastes represent more than 55.6% of the total generated, followed by infectious, sharps and chemicals wastes, respectively, 39.1%, 2.9% and 2.4%. The generation rate in 2017 was 4.09 kg bed−1 day−1, including all types of wastes. Non-dangerous wastes represented around 93.3%, including infectious wastes with low potential risks, while dangerous was represented by high infectious risk (1.4%), chemicals (2.4%) and sharps (2.9%). Healthcare waste indicators may favour the risk identification and improve the waste management system, in particular when involving hazardous wastes. Failures in healthcare waste segregation could represent, in addition to the health risks, unnecessary expenses.
Palliative Sedation at Home
Authors: Rosengarten Ora S. , Lamed Yonat , Zisling Timna , Feigin Ayelet , Jacobs Jeremy M.
Published: December 2018

A large number of dying patients receive palliative care at home, and although palliative sedation (PS) may be indicated, literature describing PS at home is scarce. This study is a retrospective description of PS delivered to terminal patients at home from December 2000 to March 2006. A total of 36 patients (with a median age of 65) received home PS. Cancer was the diagnosis for 35 patients, and most patients suffered more than one symptom — most commonly, intractable pain, followed by agitation and existential suffering. Drugs used included midazolam, morphine, haloperidol, fentanyl TTS, and promethazine. Median duration of sedation was three days; median time to symptom control was 24 hours. Good symptom control was achieved in 28 out of 36 patients, and 34 of the patients died at home. In conclusion, PS was a feasible and successful treatment option, improving the care of terminal patients whose preference is to die at home.