bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lean psoas area does not correlate with clinical outcomes in moderately to severely injured older people
Authors: Couch Andrew P , Ho Kelvin , Darwood Rosie , Hsu Jeremy M
Published: November 2017

Objective

Frailty has been associated with worse outcomes in older trauma patients. Specifically, the utility of lean cross‐sectional psoas muscle area (LPA) was examined as a potentially simple objective measure of frailty.

Methods

Five hundred and fifty‐four patients over the age of 65 were admitted with trauma between 2011 and 2014. Two hundred and twenty‐five of these had adequate computed tomography imaging available for analysis. Cross‐sectional area of the psoas muscle at the inferior endplate of L4 was quantified.

Results

Multivariate regression analysis showed no significant correlation between LPA and outcomes of mortality (P = 0.82) or inpatient complications (P = 0.22). Injury Severity Score (ISS) had a strong association with both mortality (odds ratio (OR) 9.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.9–30.9) and inpatient complications (OR 9.9; 95% CI 3.5–27.7). Age also had an association with mortality (OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.03–1.16) and inpatient complications (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01–1.12).

Conclusion

Lean psoas area was not an independent predictor of mortality or complications in a cohort of injured older patients.
Seed dispersal effectiveness of the western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in Gabon
Authors: Haurez Barbara , Tagg Nikki , Petre Charles‐Albert , Brostaux Yves , Boubady Armand , Doucet Jean‐Louis
Published: November 2017

The quantitative and qualitative aspects of seed dispersal by the western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) were investigated in Gabon. Fresh faeces were collected and washed to identify and count the seeds. Seed germinability after gut passage was estimated with trials in a nursery at the study site. To assess the impact of gut passage on germination success and delay, comparative trials were run with four treatments: (i) gut passed seeds cleaned of faeces, (ii) gut passed seeds within a faecal matrix, (iii) seeds from fresh fruits surrounded by pulp, and (iv) seeds from fresh fruits cleaned of pulp. The analysis of 180 faecal units resulted in the identification of 58 species of seed. Germination trials were realized for 55 species and the mean germination success reached 46%. The impact of gut passage was investigated for Santiria trimera and Chrysophyllum lacourtianum; both species displayed higher germination success after ingestion. This study shows that gorillas effectively disperse seeds of numerous plant species, many of which provide timber or nontimber forest products or are typical of Gabonese forests. Considering the high‐quality of gorilla deposition sites, gorillas is thought to play a unique role in the dynamics of Central African forest.
Influence of differently managed bush‐encroached sites on the large herbivore distribution in the Namibian Savannah
Authors: Schwarz Kathrin , Finckh Manfred , Stolter Caroline
Published: November 2017

Bush encroachment is reported from savannah regions worldwide. Different management strategies are used to rehabilitate these areas. In this context, the mutual interaction between vegetation and large herbivore's distribution is evident. We studied effects of land management on vegetation structure in regard to encroaching species and the subsequent habitat use of two grazing (oryx, Oryx gazella L.; common warthog, Phacochoerus africanusGmelin) and one browsing (greater kudu, Tragelaphus strepsicerosPallas) herbivore species. We assumed that (i) cleared areas will be favoured by grazers and (ii) noncleared areas will be favoured by browsers. Specifically, we asked: Which factors determine the habitat use of these different feeding guilds? Consistently with our expectations, we found that warthog favoured sites with high grass cover. For oryx, surprisingly shrubs with a height of 80–150 cm influenced their distribution positively, whereas for kudu, only the interaction of site and grass cover was significant in our models. However, this was related to the occurrence of shrubs of 80–150 cm height. We conclude that the management of encroachers, resulting in differences in vegetation, did not influence herbivore distribution as expected. Other factors like human impact and vegetation cover among others are discussed as additional drivers of habitat use.
Conservation and human livelihoods at the crossroads: Local needs and knowledge in the management of Arabuko Sokoke Forest
Authors: Chiawo David O. , Kombe Wellington N. , Craig Adrian J.F.K.
Published: November 2017

Arabuko Sokoke Forest is the largest remaining single block of indigenous dry coastal tropical forest in Eastern Africa. Households within a 5 km buffer zone depend heavily on the forest for their livelihood needs, and the pressure on forest resources is on the increase. In May 2015, 109 households were interviewed on resources they obtain from the forest, in terms of the self‐reported level of monthly income. We found household income and farm size significantly positively correlated with benefits from the forest, highlighting the possible influence of household wealth in exploiting forest resources. A large proportion of households (32%) had limited knowledge of local birds, while human–bird conflict was reported by 44% of the households. While many households were keen to participate in conservation projects that maintain the forest, 44% had no knowledge of the forest management plan, and 60% of those interviewed had no idea of how forest zones were designated for particular activities. Drivers for local community participation in conservation projects appear to be sustainable income and fulfilment of basic household needs.
Physiological responses to folivory and phytopathogens in a riparian tree, Brabejum stellatifolium, native to the fynbos biome of South Africa
Authors: Maoela Malebajoa A. , Esler Karen J. , Roets Francois , Jacobs Shayne M.
Published: November 2017

The canopies of many tree species sustain a large diversity of folivorous arthropods and phytopathogenic fungi. These organisms are thought to influence overall tree and stand productivity. Leaf diseases caused by Phyllosticta owaniana and Periconiella velutina, phytopathogenic fungi commonly found on the native riparian tree Brabejum stellatifolium (wild almond), like any other leaf disease, can potentially reduce a plant's photosynthetic efficiency. In addition to these two phytopathogens, the weevils Setapion provinciale and Setapion quantillum are abundant in wild almond canopies. Despite their pervasive occurrence, the impacts of these phytopathogens and arthropods on host tree leaf physiology have not been examined. The gas exchange response of wild almond leaves to phytopathogens and folivore damage was assessed. Leaf nitrogen, phosphorus and water content were also determined. Declines in photosynthetic rates and other physiological parameters were associated with increasing damage severity by weevils and phytopathogens in leaves of B. stellatifolium. Nitrogen and phosphorus contents were negatively associated with disease severity. Water and phosphorus contents were also negatively correlated with increased weevil damage, while nitrogen content was positively correlated with it. The observed responses of B. stellatifolium metabolic functioning to fungal pathogen and folivory indicate a possibility of suppressed wild populations of wild almond.
Antipredator behaviour of African ungulates around human settlements
Authors: Yamashita Thomas , Gaynor Kaitlyn M. , Kioko John , Brashares Justin , Kiffner Christian
Published: November 2017

As human populations grow and come into more frequent contact with wildlife, it is important to understand how anthropogenic disturbance alters wildlife behaviour. Using fine‐scale spatial analyses, we examined how proximity to human settlements affects antipredator responses of ungulates. We studied seven common ungulate species (Kirk's dik‐dik, Thomson's gazelle, impala, common warthog, common wildebeest, common zebra and Masai giraffe) in the Tarangire–Manyara ecosystem in northern Tanzania. In zebra and giraffe, flight responses to humans were significantly more likely when closer to settlements; however, there was a weak relationship between flight responses and distance to settlement in all other species. While there was largely a weak relationship between proximity to human settlements, the distribution of settlements in the landscape appears to affect wildlife behaviour, suggesting that animals perceive and respond to spatial variation in risk exerted by humans.
Accuracy assessment of MODIS active fire products in southern African savannah woodlands
Authors: Masocha Mhosisi , Dube Timothy , Mpofu Ndumezulu T. , Chimunhu Silvester
Published: November 2017

Satellite remote sensing offers a cost‐effective method for monitoring fire occurrence in savannah systems, for proper fire management. However, the ability of satellite fire products to detect active fire is known to vary depending on the terrestrial ecosystems and sensor characteristics. In this study, the overall accuracy, kappa coefficient of agreement and true skill statistic (TSS) were used to assess the accuracy of two MODIS fire products (MOD14A1 and MCD14ML) to detect active fire at two savannah woodland sites dominated by Baikiaea plurijuga and Brachystegia spiciformis in Zimbabwe. In both sites, MOD14A1 with a coarse spatial resolution of 1 km had a poor index of agreement with ground fire data (kappa = 0, TSS = 0 and overall accuracy ≤ 0.4). By contrast, a moderate to strong agreement between MCD14ML and active fires measured on the ground was observed at both study sites (overall accuracy ≥ 0.7, kappa ≥ 0.6 and TSS ≥ 0.6; Table ). It was therefore concluded that MCD14ML, with a spatial resolution of 375 m, is a more suitable product for detecting active fires in both Baikiaea plurijuga and Brachystegia‐dominated savannah woodlands of southern Africa compared to MOD14A1.
Market Reaction to Macroeconomic News: The Role of Investor Sentiment
Authors: Chen Hung‐Kun , Lien Chen‐Ting
Published: November 2017

This paper demonstrates that risk is unlikely to be the only factor explaining the excess return difference between macroeconomic announcement days and other trading days. We argue that investor sentiment may affect the return on the prescheduled macroeconomic news release. We find that the return on macroeconomic announcement days is much higher than the return on other days, especially when changes in investor sentiment are higher. The impact of investor sentiment on the macroeconomic announcement effect is greater when investor sentiment is higher. Our results remain valid using different investor sentiment measures and testing for heteroscedasticity in stock returns.
Outcomes in women undergoing robotic‐assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy compared to conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy at a tertiary hospital in Western Australia
Authors: Rajadurai Vinita A. , Tan Jason , Salfinger Stuart G. , Cohen Paul A.
Published: November 2017

Background

Robotic‐assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy (RALH) is associated with improved outcomes compared to open surgery in patients with endometrial cancer but data are conflicting when comparing RALH to conventional total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). In October 2014, a RALH program was established in Perth, Western Australia.

Aim

To compare outcomes in patients undergoing RALH with a matched cohort undergoing TLH.

Materials and methods

A retrospective matched cohort study compared outcomes in 45 patients who underwent RALH with 45 controls who were patients treated with TLH.

Results

Mean operating time was longer in the RALH group compared to controls (75.42 min vs 53.18 min, mean difference 22.24 min, P < 0.001, 95% Cl, 11.07–33.42). No differences were observed in mean pain scores (RALH 1.47 vs TLH 1.84 P = 0.31), mean parenteral and oral opioid use (RALH 14.3 mg and 42.4 mg vs TLH 17.5 mg and 52.57 mg, P = 0.42 and 0.42, respectively), and mean length of stay (RALH 1.51 vs TLH 1.67 days, P = 0.49). Two patients in the RALH group and one patient in the TLH group sustained iatrogenic bladder injuries (P = 0.62).

Conclusion

The establishment of the RALH program at our institution appeared to be associated with equivalent morbidity, post‐operative pain, opioid use and length of stay compared to conventional laparoscopy. A surgical learning curve for RALH was observed. Well‐designed prospective studies are needed to further evaluate short‐ and long‐term patient function, morbidity, quality of life and oncologic outcomes.
Effect of secondary penicillin prophylaxis on valvular changes in patients with rheumatic heart disease in Far North Queensland
Authors: Haran Shankar , Crane Natalie , Kazi Saniya , Axford‐Haines Louise , White Andrew
Published: November 2017

Objective

To determine the effect of secondary penicillin prophylaxis on echocardiographic diagnosed valvular changes in patients with rheumatic heart disease or history of acute rheumatic fever in the Townsville Health district.

Design

Patients with known were identified from the North Queensland register, serial echocardiogram results and number of secondary penicillin prophylaxis doses received in 2014 were collated. Descriptive statistics were utilised.

Setting

Townsville Hospital and outreach clinics within the Townsville Health catchment zone.

Participants

All patients diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease between 2010 and October 2013 who had serial echocardiograms prior to and post commencement of secondary penicillin prophylaxis were included. All patients were of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.

Main outcome measure

Progression of echocardiographic valvular changes and association with secondary penicillin prophylaxis compliance. Compliance with secondary penicillin prophylaxis among the study population was a secondary outcome measure.

Results

Twenty‐three patients were recruited. Only those patients who were compliant with secondary penicillin prophylaxis had any improvement in valvular changes on echocardiogram. Four of six patients without any baseline valvular involvement developed new valvular changes. Seventy percent of patients received >75% of secondary penicillin prophylaxis doses.

Conclusions

This small study of patients in Townsville suggests that with good secondary penicillin prophylaxis compliance there is regression of some cardiac lesions over time in people with rheumatic heart disease. Furthermore the natural history of acute rheumatic fever in the Indigenous population is progressive requiring strict adherence to secondary penicillin prophylaxis. Prospective studies or use of data from the nationwide RHD register and standardised reporting of cardiac echocardiograms will provide more robust evidence.
Time to delivery: Transfers for threatened preterm labour and prelabour rupture of membranes in Western Australia
Authors: Hollingworth Jade , Pietsch Rachel , Epee‐Bekima Mathias , Nathan Elizabeth
Published: November 2017

Objective

To describe the outcomes of patients transferred to King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) with signs of labour at preterm gestations.

Design

A retrospective observational study of the 69 cases transferred to KEMH during 2015.

Setting

Patient transfers from all locations across Western Australia (WA) to the sole tertiary perinatal centre in Perth.

Participants

Pregnant women within WA with threatened or actual preterm labour (PTL) or preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) between 23 and 32 weeks gestation.

Main outcome measures

The occurrence of delivery during the admission and time‐to‐delivery as well as length of admission and association between clinical factors and time‐to‐delivery.

Results

The percentage of the study population delivered during the admission following transfer was 72.5%. Eighty‐six per cent of those who delivered did so within 72 hours of transfer. The median time from transfer to delivery was 1 day. Sixty‐three per cent of those who did not deliver during the admission progressed to 36 weeks gestation. Patients transferred with PPROM were less likely to deliver during the admission compared to those with uterine activity (50% versus 19.6%, P = 0.007) and nulliparas were more likely to deliver (93.5% versus 55.3%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The majority of women transferred with signs of PTL progress to delivery during the same admission with the highest risk of delivery being the first 72 hours following transfer. If the pregnancy is ongoing at 72 hours, there is a reasonable chance of progression to late preterm gestation supporting the return of woman to their place of origin for antenatal care following discharge.
Screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip in a rural health district: An analysis of practice
Authors: Wright Suzanne , Cotterell Elizabeth , Schmidt David
Published: November 2017

Objective

To describe hip dysplasia screening practices in a local rural health district.

Design

Cross‐sectional study of hospital birth records, local physiotherapy records, public community health electronic medical record (Community Health Information Management Enterprise database) and a survey of local clinicians who work with infants and children.

Setting

Three rural public hospitals and community health centres in a New South Wales health district.

Participants

Birth records (n = 196) from March 2012 to May 2012; attendance at child and family nurse checks (n = 788) May 2013–April 2014; 13 cases of managed developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) 2012 and local clinicians (n = 49).

Results

At birth, the majority of infants (91%, 179/196) had documented hip screening. Community health records show this dropped to 75% (587/788) at 1–4 weeks and 29% (227/788) at 6–8 weeks. A survey of local clinicians (54% response rate; 49/91) revealed most (78%) screen for DDH and less than half (43%) use guidelines. Almost all (97%) clinicians reported screening for DDH at 6–8 weeks of age. Only 51% of clinicians reported having specific training for DDH screening and 76% would like further training. The rate of late DDH requiring management in 2012 was 0.87% (7/806) and the rate of late DDH requiring surgery was 0.25% (2/806).

Conclusion

DDH screening practices are well established at birth in the rural health district. There is variability in DDH screening practices beyond 8 weeks of age. Clinicians report variations in their knowledge and training. Training in DDH screening and hip screening prompts added to the personal health record might improve rates of DDH screening beyond 8 weeks of age.
Oral tolerance modulates the skin transcriptome in mice with induced atopic dermatitis
Authors: Baek J. O. , Lee J. R. , Roh J. Y. , Jung Y.
Published: November 2017

Defective gut immune reactions have been implicated in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD), whereas oral tolerance (OT), that is, the immune unresponsiveness induced by oral antigen administration, protects mice against AD. To investigate this protective role of OT, the transcriptomic profiles of skin were obtained by RNA sequencing from mice that were epicutaneously sensitized, orally tolerized prior to epicutaneous sensitization, or neither (control). Oral tolerance inhibited the upregulation of keratin‐ and allergic inflammation‐associated genes that occurred in the epicutaneously sensitized group. Compared to the controls, mice that were orally tolerized and epicutaneously sensitized showed an upregulation of genes that regulate inflammation or keratinocyte differentiation. Knocking down two of those genes, SCGB1A1 and TSC22D3, upregulated Th2 inflammatory mediators and downregulated a cornified cell envelope‐related gene. Based on our findings, OT may protect skin against allergic inflammation by promoting the expression of genes that regulate Th2 inflammatory responses and skin barrier function.
Analysis of the spatio‐temporal parameters of gaits in Dasypus novemcinctus (Xenarthra: Dasypodidae)
Authors: Costa Fabiana R. , Clerici Giannina P. , Lobo‐Ribeiro Leonardo , Rosa Patrícia S. , Rocha‐Barbosa Oscar
Published: November 2017

Armadillos comprise a particular group of armoured animals whose functional morphology of locomotion remains unclear. For the first time, the kinematic patterns of Dasypus novemcinctus are analysed. Eight specimens of nine‐banded armadillos were studied at a research institute in São Paulo State, Brazil. The individuals were induced to cross a horizontal corridor and each gait performed during the time each of them was kept inside this structure was recorded to a detailed analysis posteriorly performed in a computer program. Four parameters regarding speed range were considered: stride frequency (Hz) (1/stride period), stride length (m), speed (ms−1) and duty factor (%). A total of 89 strides have been analysed among symmetrical (60.6%) and asymmetrical gaits (39.4%), and six footfall patterns were here reported as follows: lateral sequences (symmetrical), transverse gallop, canter, bound, half‐bound and crutch walk (asymmetrical). This kind of analysis implements our knowledge on the locomotory aspects of these animals, hence contributing to the improvement of our knowledge on this still poorly known group.
A human microdose study of the antimalarial drug GSK3191607 in healthy volunteers
Authors: Okour Malek , Derimanov Geo , Barnett Rodger , Fernandez Esther , Ferrer Santiago , Gresham Stephanie , Hossain Mohammad , Gamo Francisco‐Javier , Koh Gavin , Pereira Adrian , Rolfe Katie , Wong Deborah , Young Graeme , Rami Harshad , Haselden John
Published: November 2017

Aims

GSK3191607, a novel inhibitor of the Plasmodium falciparum ATP4 (PfATP4) pathway, is being considered for development in humans. However, a key problem encountered during the preclinical evaluation of the compound was its inconsistent pharmacokinetic (PK) profile across preclinical species (mouse, rat and dog), which prevented reliable prediction of PK parameters in humans and precluded a well‐founded assessment of the potential for clinical development of the compound. Therefore, an open‐label microdose (100 μg, six subjects) first time in humans study was conducted to assess the human PK of GSK3191607 following intravenous administration of [14C]‐GSK3191607.

Methods

A human microdose study was conducted to investigate the clinical PK of GSK3191607 and enable a Go/No Go decision on further progression of the compound. The PK disposition parameters estimated from the microdose study, combined with preclinical in vitro and in vivo pharmacodynamic parameters, were all used to estimate the potential efficacy of various oral dosing regimens in humans.

Results

The PK profile, based on the microdose data, demonstrated a half‐life (~17 h) similar to other antimalarial compounds currently in clinical development. However, combining the microdose data with the pharmacodynamic data provided results that do not support further clinical development of the compound for a single dose cure.

Conclusions

The information generated by this study provides a basis for predicting the expected oral PK profiles of GSK3191607 in man and supports decisions on the future clinical development of the compound.
Grade‐related differences in strategy use in multidigit division in two instructional settings
Authors: Hickendorff Marian , Torbeyns Joke , Verschaffel Lieven
Published: November 2017

We aimed to investigate upper elementary children's strategy use in the domain of multidigit division in two instructional settings: the Netherlands and Flanders (Belgium). A cross‐sectional sample of 119 Dutch and 122 Flemish fourth to sixth graders solved a varied set of multidigit division problems. With latent class analysis, three distinct strategy profiles were identified: children consistently using number‐based strategies, children combining the use of column‐based and number‐based strategies, and children combining the use of digit‐based and number‐based strategies. The relation between children's strategy profiles and their instructional setting (country) and grade were generally in line with instructional differences, but large individual differences remained. Furthermore, Dutch children more frequently made adaptive strategy choices and realistic solutions than their Flemish peers. These results complement and refine previous findings on children's strategy use in relation to mathematics instruction.

Statement of contribution

What is already known?

Mathematics education reform emphasizes variety, adaptivity, and insight in arithmetic strategies.

Countries have different instructional trajectories for multidigit division.

Mixed results on the impact of instruction on children's strategy use in multidigit division.

What does this study add?

Latent class analysis identified three meaningful strategy profiles in children from grades 4–6.

These strategy profiles substantially differed between children.

Dutch and Flemish children's strategy use is related to their instructional trajectory.
Big Data and data science: A critical review of issues for educational research
Authors: Daniel Ben Kei
Published: November 2017

Big Data refers to large and disparate volumes of data generated by people, applications and machines. It is gaining increasing attention from a variety of domains, including education. What are the challenges of engaging with Big Data research in education? This paper identifies a wide range of critical issues that researchers need to consider when working with Big Data in education. The issues identified include diversity in the conception and meaning of Big Data in education, ontological, epistemological disparity, technical challenges, ethics and privacy, digital divide and digital dividend, lack of expertise and academic development opportunities to prepare educational researchers to leverage opportunities afforded by Big Data. The goal of this paper is to raise awareness on these issues and initiate a dialogue. The paper was inspired partly by insights drawn from the literature but mostly informed by experience researching into Big Data in education.
Safeguards against Opportunism in Freelance Contracting on the Internet
Authors: Shevchuk Andrey , Strebkov Denis
Published: November 2017

Based on a large sample of 5,756 Russian‐speaking freelancers from an international online labour market, this study provides rare quantitative evidence of the external labour market where freelancers act under constant threat of client‐side opportunism. We explore how the formalization of agreements, social embeddedness and mode of communication are associated with the incidence of opportunism and further possibilities of resolving problems caused by agreement violations. Social ties and face‐to‐face contact appear to be better safeguards against opportunism in freelance contracting, which is largely informal. The study has important implications for the debates about non‐standard work, online labour markets and job quality in the new economy.
For whom we forgive matters: relationship focus magnifies, but self‐focus buffers against the negative effects of forgiving an exploitative partner
Authors: Gabriels Jordan Brian , Strelan Peter
Published: November 2017

Increasingly, studies indicate that victims experience negative outcomes after forgiving offenders who present an exploitation risk. However, we demonstrate that the link between exploitation risk and forgiveness‐related outcomes is dependent upon a victim's focus of forgiving. Two studies, the first employing a prospective design (N = 110) and the second an experimental scenario method (N = 261), replicate previous research on the negative effects of exploitation risk and also test two new hypotheses. First, we found that forgiving explicitly for the sake of a relationship is associated with greater distress, relative to deciding to forgive for the sake of the self. Second, we found that relationship‐focussed forgiveness magnified the distress caused by exploitation risk, whereas self‐focussed forgiveness, relative to relationship‐focussed forgiveness, provides a buffer against it. In short, these findings demonstrate that for whom we forgive matters. We discuss theoretical and practical implications for understanding when forgiving is costly.
Organizational culture and radical innovation: Does innovative behavior mediate this relationship?
Authors: Naranjo‐Valencia Julia C. , Jimenez‐Jimenez Daniel , Sanz‐Valle Raquel
Published: November 2017

Product innovation, in particular radical product innovation, is considered to have a positive effect on company success. As a consequence, there is growing interest in the literature on how to foster radical product innovation. Organizational culture is frequently cited as an antecedent. The underlying assumption is that the culture facilitates radical innovation by encouraging employees' innovative behavior. However, empirical research on the mediating role of employees' innovative behavior in the relation between organizational culture and radical product innovation is scarce. The purpose of this paper is to analyze this mediating role using a sample of Spanish firms. Findings show that adhocracy and market cultures are positively related with the degree of radicalness of product innovation and that employees' innovative behavior mediates that relation, but only in the case of the adhocracy culture.
Studying creativity training programs: A methodological analysis
Authors: Valgeirsdottir Dagny , Onarheim Balder
Published: November 2017

Throughout decades of creativity research, a range of creativity training programs have been developed, tested, and analyzed. In 2004 Scott and colleagues published a meta‐analysis of all creativity training programs to date, and the review presented here sat out to identify and analyze studies published since the seminal 2004 review. Focusing on quantitative studies of creativity training programs for adults, our systematic review resulted in 22 publications. All studies were analyzed, but comparing the reported effectiveness of training across studies proved difficult due to methodological inconsistencies, variations in reporting of results as well as types of measures used. Thus a consensus for future studies is called for to answer the question: Which elements make one creativity training program more effective than another? This is a question of equal relevance to academia and industry, as creativity training is a tool that can contribute to enhancement of organizational creativity and subsequently innovation. However, to answer the question, future studies of creativity training programs need to be carefully designed to contribute to a more transparent landscape. Thus this paper proposes a methodological research standard consisting of three criteria, to which researchers can look when designing future studies of the effectiveness of creativity training.
DNA replication stress and cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Kitao Hiroyuki , Iimori Makoto , Kataoka Yuki , Wakasa Takeshi , Tokunaga Eriko , Saeki Hiroshi , Oki Eiji , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: November 2017

DNA replication is one of the fundamental biological processes in which dysregulation can cause genome instability. This instability is one of the hallmarks of cancer and confers genetic diversity during tumorigenesis. Numerous experimental and clinical studies have indicated that most tumors have experienced and overcome the stresses caused by the perturbation of DNA replication, which is also referred to as DNA replication stress (DRS). When we consider therapeutic approaches for tumors, it is important to exploit the differences in DRS between tumor and normal cells. In this review, we introduce the current understanding of DRS in tumors and discuss the underlying mechanism of cancer therapy from the aspect of DRS.
Proliferation genes in lung development associated with the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma but not squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Ping , Zhang Lei , Yu Xuexin , Tong Run , Di Xuebing , Mao Yousheng , Gao Yanning , Zhang Kaitai , Feng Lin , Cheng Shujun
Published: November 2017

There are many similarities between embryonic development and tumorigenesis, and gene expression profiles show that certain correlations exist between the gene signature during development and the clinical phenotypes of different cancers. Our group previously reported the gene expression profiles of human lung development, and the expression of one group of proliferation‐related genes (PTN1 genes) steadily decreased during lung development. Here, we examined the prognostic value of PTN1 genes in 5 independent lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) and 5 lung independent squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) microarray datasets and found that the expression levels of PTN1 genes were associated with survival in lung ADC but not lung SCC. All of the lung ADC datasets contained a set of highly correlated genes from PTN1 genes, but the lung SCC datasets had no similar set of genes. We identified 63 unique core genes from the PTN1 genes in the 5 lung ADC datasets: 17 of these core genes appeared in at least 4 of the lung ADC datasets, and the 17 corresponding proteins clearly interacted more strongly with each other in lung ADC than in lung SCC. Moreover, 16 of the 17 core genes play major roles in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. These data indicate that proliferation‐related genes in lung development have a significant prognostic value for lung ADC; the synergistic effects of the 17 core genes play an important role in lung ADC prognosis. These genes may have significant clinical implications for the treatment and prognosis of lung ADC.
Understanding frames: A qualitative study of young people's experiences of using standing frames as part of postural management for cerebral palsy
Authors: Goodwin J. , Lecouturier J. , Crombie S. , Smith J. , Basu A. , Colver A. , Kolehmainen N. , Parr J. R. , Howel D. , McColl E. , Roberts A. , Miller K. , Cadwgan J.
Published: November 2017

Background

Consensus opinion supports standing frame use as part of postural management for nonambulant young people with cerebral palsy. Although the rationale for standing frame use and the associated challenges have been described, little attention has been given to the users' experiences. The aim of the current study was to explore young people's positive and negative experiences, and attitudes regarding standing frame use.

Methods

Framework analysis informed an open exploration of young people's opinions of standing frames. Using semistructured interviews, 12 young people with cerebral palsy (6 female) were interviewed, providing the data set for transcription and thematic analysis.

Findings

The first theme “attitudes to standing frames” describes the young people's understanding of why they use standing frames. Although standing frames can be painful, some young people believe they should be endured to improve their body structure and function. There were mixed views about the impact standing frames have socially, with some young people feeling excluded from their peers, and others feeling as though standing frames helped them “fit in.” Some young people are not offered a choice about how and when they use their standing frame. The second theme “challenges of standing frame use” highlights the issues with standing frame use such as manual handling, interference from siblings, and the lack of aesthetically pleasing standing frame designs.

Conclusions

Young people report benefits related to choice, pain relief, and participation but can also cause pain, discomfort, and reduced independence and participation. Healthcare professionals should have open, informative conversations about potential benefits and challenges of standing frames on all aspects of the young people's lives, including participation and activity.
Early socioeconomic conditions and severe tooth loss in middle‐aged Costa Ricans
Authors: Fantin Romain , Delpierre Cyrille , Kelly‐Irving Michelle , Barboza Solís Cristina
Published: November 2017

Objective

A wide literature shows a strong social gradient in tooth loss according to income, education and occupation, in both developed and developing countries. It has been shown associations between tooth loss and parental education and occupation, independently of adult conditions. To explore the role of early socioeconomic circumstances on tooth loss, we used a lifecourse model. We analysed the direct and indirect links between early socioeconomic conditions and severe adult tooth loss.

Methods

We used the Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study 1945‐1955 Retirement Cohort, a nationally representative longitudinal survey of Costa Rican residents born between 1945 and 1955. We used imputed data on 2796 individuals. Principal component analyses were run to integrate measures approaching the material circumstances during childhood and adulthood. We additionally examined the role of adult health behaviours and education level as potential mediators in the multivariable regression.

Results

Early socioeconomic conditions were found strongly associated with severe tooth loss; 72.4% of the people who experienced the most deprived socioeconomic conditions during childhood (quartile 1) had severe tooth loss at the time of the interview; vs 43.3% in quartile 4 (most advantaged). This link diminished after adjustment for adult mediators. However, it remained a significant determinant of severe tooth loss in the final model.

Conclusion

The lifecourse model allowed to highlight that early socioeconomic conditions could have long‐term consequences on severe tooth loss in middle ages via both direct and indirect mechanisms.
Utilization of community health workers in Canada's Children's Oral Health Initiative for indigenous communities
Authors: Mathu‐Muju Kavita R. , Kong Xiaoli , Brancato Candace , McLeod James , Bush Heather M.
Published: November 2017

Objective

The Children's Oral Health Initiative (COHI) is a federally funded community‐based preventive dental programme implemented in geographically remote Canadian Indigenous communities. The study investigated the effect of the availability of local community health workers (COHI Aides) on access to the programme's preventive dental services for children.

Methods

Twenty‐five communities were continuously enrolled in the COHI during the 7‐year study period. Communities were categorized as having uninterrupted (all 7 years), intermittent (≥4 years) or sporadic (<4 years) service from a community health worker. Four outcome variables measured longitudinal changes in access to preventive dental services: (i) the number of enrolments; (ii) the number of enrolled children with multiple fluoride varnishes delivered; (iii) the number of enrolled children with sealants placed; and (iv) the number of enrolled children receiving ART.

Results

The general longitudinal trend for programme enrolment and each of the preventive dental service delivery outcomes was similar. Children in communities with uninterrupted service tended to have the highest rates of enrolment and service delivery, which remained constant over time. Children in communities with sporadic service tended to have persistently low rates of enrolment and service delivery over the study period.

Conclusions

Community health workers were beneficial in promoting programme enrolment, as well as facilitating and augmenting the delivery of preventive dental services.
The COL5A3 and MMP9 genes interact in eczema susceptibility
Authors: Margaritte‐Jeannin P. , Babron M.‐C. , Laprise C. , Lavielle N. , Sarnowski C. , Brossard M. , Moffatt M. , Gagné‐Ouellet V. , Etcheto A. , Lathrop M. , Just J. , Cookson W. O. , Bouzigon E. , Demenais F. , Dizier M.‐H.
Published: November 2017

Background

Genetic studies of eczema have identified many genes, which explain only 14% of the heritability. Missing heritability may be partly due to ignored gene–gene (G‐G) interactions.

Objective

Our aim was to detect new interacting genes involved in eczema.

Methods

The search for G‐G interaction in eczema was conducted using a two‐step approach, which included as a first step, a biological selection of genes, which are involved either in the skin or epidermis development or in the collagen metabolism, and as a second step, an interaction analysis of the selected genes. Analyses were carried out at both SNP and gene levels in three asthma‐ascertained family samples: the discovery dataset of 388 EGEA (Epidemiological study on the Genetics and Environment of Asthma) families and the two replication datasets of 253 SLSJ (Saguenay–Lac‐Saint‐Jean) families and 207 MRCA (Medical Research Council) families.

Results

One pair of SNPs, rs2287807 in COL5A3 and rs17576 in MMP9, that were detected in EGEA at P ≤ 10−5 showed significant interaction by meta‐analysis of EGEA, SLSJ and MRCA samples (P = 1.1 × 10−8 under the significant threshold of 10−7). Gene‐based analysis confirmed strong interaction between COL5A3 and MMP9 (P = 4 × 10−8 under the significant threshold of 4 × 10−6) by meta‐analysis of the three datasets. When stratifying the data on asthma, this interaction remained in both groups of asthmatic and non‐asthmatic subjects.

Conclusion

This study identified significant interaction between two new genes, COL5A3 and MMP9, which may be accounted for by a degradation of COL5A3 by MMP9 influencing eczema susceptibility. Further confirmation of this interaction as well as functional studies is needed to better understand the role of these genes in eczema.
Modeling multiple interactions with a Markov random field in query expansion for session search
Authors: Li Jingfei , Zhao Xiaozhao , Zhang Peng , Song Dawei
Published: November 2017

How to automatically understand and answer users' questions (eg, queries issued to a search engine) expressed with natural language has become an important yet difficult problem across the research fields of information retrieval and artificial intelligence. In a typical interactive Web search scenario, namely, session search, to obtain relevant information, the user usually interacts with the search engine for several rounds in the forms of, eg, query reformulations, clicks, and skips. These interactions are usually mixed and intertwined with each other in a complex way. For the ideal goal, an intelligent search engine can be seen as an artificial intelligence agent that is able to infer what information the user needs from these interactions. However, there still exists a big gap between the current state of the art and this goal. In this paper, in order to bridge the gap, we propose a Markov random field–based approach to capture dependence relations among interactions, queries, and clicked documents for automatic query expansion (as a way of inferring the information needs of the user). An extensive empirical evaluation is conducted on large‐scale web search data sets, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed models.
Preparation of reactive nanoscale carbon black dispersion for pad coloration of cotton fabric
Authors: Xu Cuiling , Zhang Liping , Xu Dan , Li Min , Zhang Yi , Fu Shaohai
Published: November 2017

A reactive dispersant (SMA–ESA) was synthesised from poly(styrene‐alt‐maleic anhydride) (SMA) and 4‐(beta‐sulfatoethylsulfonyl)aniline (ESA), and its dispersing ability for carbon black (CB) was investigated. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and 1H–nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies showed that an amidation reaction took place between ESA and SMA. The optimal preparation conditions for reactive nanoscale CB dispersion were a mole ratio of ESA to SMA of 4:3, with a mass ratio of SMA–ESA and CB at 3%, sonication time 20 min, and pH 8. The reactive nanoscale CB dispersion prepared under optimal conditions showed excellent stability and small mean particle size. A cotton fabric coloured with reactive nanoscale CB dispersion could obtain a high K/S value, and excellent rubbing and washing fastness.
Violent crime redistribution in a city following a substantial increase in the number of off‐sale alcohol outlets: A Bayesian analysis
Authors: Gorman Dennis M. , Ponicki William R. , Zheng Qi , Han Daikwon , Gruenewald Paul J. , Gaidus Andrew J.
Published: November 2017

Introduction and Aims

This study examined whether the introduction of a large number of off‐premise alcohol outlets into a city over a brief period of time could affect rates of violent crime.

Design and Methods

The study analysed annual counts of violent crime across 172 US Census block groups in Lubbock, Texas from 2006 through 2011. Spatial Poisson models related annual violent crime counts within each block group to off‐premise and on‐premise alcohol outlets active during this time period as well as neighbourhood socio‐demographic characteristics. The effects of alcohol outlets were assessed both within block groups and across adjacent block groups.

Results

On‐premise outlets had a small, significant positive association with violence within a given block group. A similar well‐supported local effect for off‐premise outlets was not found. However, the spatially lagged effect for off‐sale premises was well‐supported, indicating that greater densities of these outlets were related to greater rates of violent crime in adjacent areas.

Discussion and Conclusions

While these analyses confirmed a previous time‐series analysis in finding no city‐wide effect of the increase in off‐premise outlets, they do suggest that such outlets in a local area may be related to violence in nearby geographic areas. They indicate the importance of examining neighbourhood‐specific effects of alcohol outlets on violence in addition to the city‐wide effects. They also present further evidence supporting the need to examine the differential effects of on‐sale and off‐sale premises.
Alcohol taxes’ contribution to prices in high and middle‐income countries: Data from the International Alcohol Control Study
Authors: Wall Martin , Casswell Sally , Callinan Sarah , Chaiyasong Surasak , Viet Cuong Pham , Gray‐Phillip Gaile , Parry Charles D. H.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Taxation is increasingly being used as an effective means of influencing behaviour in relation to harmful products. In this paper we use data from six participating countries of the International Alcohol Control Study to examine and evaluate their comparative prices and tax regimes.

Methods

We calculate taxes and prices for three high‐income and three middle‐income countries. The data are drawn from the International Alcohol Control survey and from the Alcohol Environment Protocol. Tax systems are described and then the rates of tax on key products presented. Comparisons are made using the Purchasing Power Parity rates. The price and purchase data from each country's International Alcohol Control survey is then used to calculate the mean percentage of retail price paid in tax weighted by actual consumption.

Results

Both ad valorem and specific per unit of alcohol taxation systems are represented among the six countries. The prices differ widely between countries even though presented in terms of Purchasing Power Parity. The percentage of tax in the final price also varies widely but is much lower than the 75% set by the World Health Organization as a goal for tobacco tax.

Conclusion

There is considerable variation in tax systems and prices across countries. There is scope to increase taxation and this analysis provides comparable data, including the percentage of tax in final price, from some middle and high‐income countries for consideration in policy discussion.