bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemistry and Formation of the Beilby Layer During Polishing of Fused Silica Glass
Authors: Suratwala Tayyab , Steele William , Wong Lana , Feit Michael D. , Miller Philip E. , Dylla‐Spears Rebecca , Shen Nan , Desjardin Richard
Published: May 2015

The chemical characteristics and the proposed formation mechanisms of the modified surface layer (called the Beilby layer) on polished fused silica glasses are described. Fused silica glass samples were polished using different slurries, polyurethane pads, and at different rotation rates. The concentration profiles of several key contaminants, such as Ce, K, and H, were measured in the near surface layer of the polished samples using Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS). The penetration of K, originating from KOH used for pH control during polishing, decreased with increase in polishing material removal rate. In contrast, penetration of the Ce and H increased with increase in polishing removal rate. In addition, Ce penetration was largely independent of the other polishing parameters (e.g., particle size distribution and the properties of the polishing pad). The resulting K concentration depth profiles are described using a two‐step diffusion process: (1) steady‐state moving boundary diffusion (due to material removal during polishing) followed by (2) simple diffusion during ambient postpolishing storage. Using known alkali metal diffusion coefficients in fused silica glass, this diffusion model predicts concentration profiles that are consistent with the measured data at various polishing material removal rates. On the other hand, the observed Ce profiles are inconsistent with diffusion based transport. Rather we propose that Ce penetration is governed by the ratio of Ce–O–Si and Si–O–Si hydrolysis rates; where this ratio increases with interface temperature (which increases with polishing material removal rate) resulting in greater Ce penetration into the Beilby layer. Calculated Ce surface concentrations using this mechanism are in good agreement to the observed change in measured Ce surface concentrations with polishing material removal rate. These new insights into the chemistry of the Beilby layer, combined together with details of the single particle removal function during polishing, are used to develop a more detailed and quantitative picture of the polishing process and the formation of the Beilby layer.
The silence of biogeography
Authors: Lomolino Mark V. , Pijanowski Bryan C. , Gasc Amandine
Published: May 2015

Modern biogeography now encompasses an impressive diversity of patterns and phenomena of the geography of nature, providing insights fundamental to understanding the forces influencing the spatial and temporal dynamics of biological diversity. However, rather than praise our discipline for its great breadth of visions, our purpose here is to point out our glaring oversight of a potentially transformative frontier in the geography of nature. A new, emerging area called soundscape ecology, if guided by the principles of biogeography, holds the promise of ‘opening the ears’ of our field and providing fresh perspectives on fundamental problems being addressed by biogeographers.
Factors Affecting Medication Adherence in Children Receiving Outpatient Pharmacotherapy and Parental Adherence
Authors: Nagae Masaharu , Nakane Hideyuki , Honda Sumihisa , Ozawa Hiroki , Hanada Hiroko
Published: May 2015

Problem

Although pharmacotherapy is an effective treatment for many psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents, medication adherence rates among children are low. This study clarifies factors affecting children's medication adherence and the role of parental involvement.

Method

Patients aged 7–17 years with a history of psychotropic medication treatment and their mothers were included in this study. Each mother and child completed self‐administered questionnaires. Thirty mother–child pairs who fully completed the questionnaires were included in the analysis.

Results

Medication adherence was greater in children and mothers when mothers felt that “children's symptoms improved with treatment and medication.” Medication adherence in children and mothers significantly correlated with the child's reported trust in their parent.

Conclusions

The results suggest the need for psychosocial support that considers the influence of mothers on medication adherence in children treated in child psychiatry departments.
Clinical practice in line with evidence? A survey among primary care physiotherapists in western Sweden
Authors: Bernhardsson Susanne , Öberg Birgitta , Johansson Kajsa , Nilsen Per , Larsson Maria E. H.
Published: May 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Evidence‐based practice is becoming increasingly important in primary care physiotherapy. Clinical practice needs to reflect current best evidence and be concordant with evidence‐based clinical guidelines. There is limited knowledge about therapeutic interventions used in primary care physiotherapy in Sweden. The objectives were to examine preferred treatment interventions reported by publicly employed physiotherapists in primary care for three common musculoskeletal disorders (low back pain, neck pain and subacromial pain), the extent to which these interventions were supported by evidence, and associations with demographic variables.

Methods

419 physiotherapists in primary care in western Sweden were surveyed using a validated web‐based questionnaire.

Results

The survey was completed by 271 respondents (65%). Median number of interventions reported was 7 (range 1–16). The most common treatment interventions across the three conditions were advice on posture (reported by 82–94%), advice to stay active (86–92%), and different types of exercise (65–92%). Most of these interventions were supported by evidence. However, interventions with insufficient evidence, such as advice on posture, TENS and aquatic exercise, were also used by 29–96%. Modalities such as laser therapy and ultrasound were sparingly used (<5%), which is in line with evidence. For neck pain, use of evidence‐based interventions was associated with gender and for subacromial pain, with work experience.

Conclusions

Advice and exercise therapy were the interventions most frequently reported across the three diagnoses, illustrating an active treatment strategy. While most reported interventions are supported by evidence, interventions with unclear or no evidence of effect were also used to a high extent.
DNA barcoding and morphological identification of neotropical ichthyoplankton from the Upper Paraná and São Francisco
Authors: Becker R. A. , Sales N. G. , Santos G. M. , Santos G. B. , Carvalho D. C.
Published: May 2015

The identification of fish larvae from two neotropical hydrographic basins using traditional morphological taxonomy and DNA barcoding revealed no conflicting results between the morphological and barcode identification of larvae. A lower rate (25%) of correct morphological identification of eggs as belonging to migratory or non‐migratory species was achieved. Accurate identification of ichthyoplankton by DNA barcoding is an important tool for fish reproductive behaviour studies, correct estimation of biodiversity by detecting eggs from rare species, as well as defining environmental and management strategies for fish conservation in the neotropics.
Decline in Activities of Daily Living After a Visit to a Canadian Emergency Department for Minor Injuries in Independent Older Adults: Are Frail Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment at Greater Risk?
Authors: Provencher Véronique , Sirois Marie‐Josée , Ouellet Marie‐Christine , Camden Stéphanie , Neveu Xavier , Allain‐Boulé Nadine , Emond Marcel ,   the Canadian Emergency Team Initiative on Mobility in Aging
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To compare functional decline in activities of daily living (ADLs) of older adults visiting emergency departments (EDs) for minor injuries according to frailty and cognitive status.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Seven Canadian EDs.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older who were independent in ADLs at baseline were recruited between March 2011 and March 2013 (N = 1,114).

Measurements

The Older American Resources and Services (OARS) questionnaire was completed during the ED visit or within 7 days and 3 and 6 months after a minor injury to ascertain functional decline (≥1‐point drop in ADL score). Participants were considered frail based on the Canadian Study of Health and Aging Clinical Frailty Scale (≥Level 4, vulnerable). Cognitive impairment was defined as performing below cutoffs on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (<23/30) or Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (≤31/50). Four subgroups were created: frail with cognitive impairment, frail without cognitive impairment, nonfrail with cognitive impairment, nonfrail without cognitive impairment. Sociodemographic and health data were also collected.

Results

Information on OARS, frailty, and cognitive impairment were available for 850 at 3 months and 728 at 6 months; 19.9% of participants showed declining function at 3 months and 25.3% at 6 months. After adjusting for age, number of comorbidities, and instrumental activity of daily living disability at baseline, frail participants with cognitive impairment were at significantly greater risk of functional decline at 3 (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) = 1.89; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.38–2.59) and 6 (aRR = 2.09; 95% CI = 1.45–3.00) months than nonfrail participants without cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

Easy‐to‐administer frailty and cognitive screening tools should be included in ED assessments to identify independent older adults at high risk of functional decline after minor injury so that appropriate services may be provided to prevent deterioration in ADLs.
Changes in Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐I and Its Binding Proteins Are Associated with Diabetes Mellitus in Older Adults
Authors: Aneke‐Nash Chino S. , Parrinello Christina M. , Rajpathak Swapnil N. , Rohan Thomas E. , Strotmeyer Elsa S. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Psaty Bruce M. , Bůžková Petra , Kizer Jorge R. , Newman Anne B. , Strickler Howard D. , Kaplan Robert C.
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To determine whether changes in insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) protein levels are greater in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus or worsening glycemia than in normoglycemic individuals over a 9‐year follow‐up period.

Design

Retrospective analysis of a cohort study.

Setting

Participants were recruited from North Carolina, California, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

Participants

Cardiovascular Health Study All Stars participants, a cohort study of community‐dwelling adults aged 65 and older (N = 897).

Measurements

PlasmaIGF‐I,IGFbinding protein (IGFBP)‐1, andIGFBP‐3 levels were assessed and American Diabetes Association cut‐points for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and diabetes mellitus were used to classify participants at baseline (1996–97) and follow‐up (2005–06).

Results

At baseline, mean age was 76.3 ± 3.6, and 18.5% had diabetes mellitus. Participants withIFGalone andIGTplusIFGhad higherIGF‐I levels and lowerIGFBP‐1 levels than those with normoglycemia or diabetes mellitus. The greatest percentage change inIGFlevels occurred in those who had diabetes mellitus at baseline (9‐year changes: −9.3% forIGF‐I, 59.7% forIGFBP‐1, −13.4% forIGFBP‐3), the smallest in individuals who remained normoglycemic at follow‐up (9‐year changes: −3.7% forIGF‐I, 25.6% forIGFBP‐1, −6.4% forIGFBP‐3), and intermediate in those who were normoglycemic but developedIFGat follow‐up.

Conclusion

Degrees of glycemic impairment are associated with varying degrees of change inIGFprotein levels. The changes observed in the diabetes mellitus group have been previously shown to be associated with heart failure, cancer, and noncancer mortality.
Associations between dietary intake and the presence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Georgoulis M. , Kontogianni M. D. , Margariti A. , Tiniakos D. , Fragopoulou E. , Zafiropoulou R. , Papatheodoridis G.
Published: May 2015

Background

Although dietary habits have been associated with the likelihood of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the general population, similar associations in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients have not been explored. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to assess the presence of the MetS and to explore its potential association with dietary habits in a sample of NAFLD patients.

Methods

Seventy‐three adult patients with recent NAFLD diagnosis based on elevated liver enzyme levels and evidence of hepatic steatosis on ultrasound were enrolled. Participants' habitual food consumption was retrospectively assessed through a food frequency questionnaire and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) was assessed via the Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDietScore). The presence of the MetS was defined as the concomitant presence of at least three of its individual components, according to the criteria proposed by a recent joint statement of several major organisations.

Results

The MetS was present in 46.5% of the sample, with increased waist circumference values and decreased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels being the most prevalent disorders (63% and 88.7%, respectively). Consumption of refined grains [odds ratio (OR) = 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.00–1.05] and red meat and products (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.01–1.21) were positively associated with the presence of the MetS, whereas the consumption of whole grains (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.84–0.99) and MedDietScore (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.76–0.99) were negatively associated, after adjusting for participants' age, sex, daily energy intake and time spent in sedentary activities.

Conclusions

Low refined grain and red meat intake, high whole grain intake and high adherence to the MD were associated with lower odds of the MetS in NAFLD patients.
‘Everything's fine, so why does it happen?’ A qualitative investigation of patients' perceptions of noncardiac chest pain
Authors: Webster Rosie , Thompson Andrew R , Norman Paul
Published: May 2015

Aims and objectives

To examine patients' perceptions and experiences of noncardiac chest pain, within the framework of the common sense model.

Background

Patients with noncardiac chest pain have good physical prognosis, but frequently suffer prolonged pain and psychological distress. The common sense model may provide a good framework for examining outcomes in patients with noncardiac chest pain.

Design

Qualitative thematic analysis with semi‐structured interviews.

Methods

In 2010, participants recruited from an emergency department (N = 7) with persistent noncardiac chest pain and distress were interviewed using a semi‐structured schedule, and data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Seven themes were identified; six of which mapped onto core dimensions of the common sense model (identity, cause, timeline, consequences, personal control, treatment control). Contrary to previous research on medically unexplained symptoms, most participants perceived psychological factors to play a causal role in their chest pain. Participants' perceptions largely mapped onto the common sense model, although there was a lack of coherence across dimensions, particularly with regard to cause.

Conclusion

Patients with noncardiac chest pain lack understanding with regard to their condition and may be accepting of psychological causes of their pain.

Relevance to clinical practice

Brief psychological interventions aimed at improving understanding of the causes of noncardiac chest pain and providing techniques for managing pain and stress may be useful for patients with noncardiac chest pain.
Dealing with existential anxiety in exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation: a phenomenological‐hermeneutic study of patients' lived experiences
Authors: Simonÿ Charlotte P , Pedersen Birthe D , Dreyer Pia , Birkelund Regner
Published: May 2015

Aims and objectives

To investigate patients' lived experiences of exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation.

Background

Exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation is used to enable patients with cardiac problems to move forward to lead satisfying lives. However, knowledge of patients' concerns while they follow the current programmes is sparse.

Design

This study, which included nine men and two women with unstable angina pectoris and non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction, used a phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach.

Methods

The patients were followed by field observations during exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation. Focus group interviews were conducted at the programme end, and individual interviews were performed one to two months later. The interpretation comprised three methodological steps: naïve reading, structural analysis, and comprehensive interpretation and discussion.

Findings

Although both physically and psychologically challenged, the patients were encouraged to maintain an active lifestyle. Three themes were identified: anxiety regarding exercise, whereby the patients are initially insecure about how to behave with their diseased hearts; encouragement from training together, whereby the patients support each other in exercising; and growing confidence in the heart, whereby the patients enjoy being physically active.

Conclusions

In exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation, patients' insecurity with respect to their heart disease is revealed as an existential anxiety. Through peer support and a positive physical perception, the patients gain renewed self‐efficacy, helping them to continue their lives in an active and satisfying way.

Relevance to clinical practice

Knowing that patients are confronted with an existential anxiety during exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation is important because it requires specific care. Recognising this anxiety also highlights how participating in the programme can be very demanding, which can help us understand aspects of adherence problems. Of greatest importance is that exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation enables patients to find a new foothold, which comprises enjoying being physically active.
Fatigue two months after myocardial infarction and its relationships with other concurrent symptoms, sleep quality and coping strategies
Authors: Fredriksson‐Larsson Ulla , Alsén Pia , Karlson Björn W , Brink Eva
Published: May 2015

Aims and objectives

To explore fatigue levels two months after myocardial infarction and examine the associations with other concurrent symptoms, sleep quality and coping strategies.

Background

Fatigue has been found to be the most frequent and bothersome symptom after myocardial infarction, influencing health‐related quality of life negatively.

Design

The present study was explorative and cross‐sectional. The focus was on fatigue two months postmyocardial infarction, complemented with a comparative analysis of fatigue dimension levels.

Methods

The sample included 142 persons (mean age 63 years), treated for myocardial infarction, who responded to a questionnaire package measuring fatigue, depression, health complaints (symptoms), sleep quality and coping strategies.

Results

The main results showed that a global fatigue score two months postmyocardial infarction was associated with concurrent symptoms, such as breathlessness and stress, and coping strategies such as change in values, intrusion and isolation. In comparisons of present fatigue dimension levels (general fatigue, physical fatigue, reduced activity and mental fatigue) two months postmyocardial infarction with baseline measurements (first week in hospital), the results showed that levels of fatigue dimensions had decreased. In comparisons with levels of fatigue four months postmyocardial infarction in a reference group, we found lower levels of fatigue two months postmyocardial infarction.

Conclusion

The present findings indicated that postmyocardial infarction fatigue is lowest two months postmyocardial infarction. This may thus be the right time to identify persons experiencing postmyocardial infarction fatigue, as timely fatigue relief support may prevent progression into a state of higher levels of fatigue.

Relevance to clinic practice

Measuring fatigue two months postmyocardial infarction would enable healthcare professionals to identify persons experiencing fatigue and to introduce fatigue relief support. Tailored rehabilitation support should include stress management and breathlessness relief support. If maladaptive use of the coping strategies isolation and intrusion is observed, these strategies could be discussed together with the patient.
Neonatal nurses’ beliefs about almost continuous parent–infant skin‐to‐skin contact in neonatal intensive care
Authors: Mörelius Evalotte , Anderson Gene Cranston
Published: May 2015

Aims and objectives

To describe what nurses believe about almost continuous skin‐to‐skin contact for preterm infants between 320–360 weeks gestation.

Background

Skin‐to‐skin contact a few hours per day has become standard care for preterm infants in most high‐technology neonatal intensive care units. However, few units practice Kangaroo Mother Care which involves almost continuous skin‐to‐skin contact.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

An online questionnaire with open‐ended questions was administered to 129 nurses at three neonatal units. Data were analysed with qualitative content analysis.

Findings

Nurses believed they would lose control because of limited access to the infant and would not be able to provide adequate care. Nurses also believed that mothers practicing almost continuous skin‐to‐skin contact would feel trapped and would experience stress if they could not meet the demands of the method.

Conclusions

Although the nurses can describe several of the documented benefits of almost continuous skin‐to‐skin contact, an underuse continues to exist.

Relevance for clinical practice

Beliefs described by the nurses are important to consider and resolve if the goal is to implement and provide Kangaroo Mother Care.
Do personality states predict momentary task performance? The moderating role of personality variability
Authors: Debusscher Jonas , Hofmans Joeri , De Fruyt Filip
Published: May 2015

We investigated how state neuroticism and state conscientiousness related to momentary task performance and tested whether these relationships were affected by the extent to which a person varies in his level of state neuroticism/conscientiousness across situations. We hypothesized that state neuroticism relates negatively, while state conscientiousness relates positively to momentary task performance. Moreover, for both personality dimensions, we expected the state personality–momentary task performance relationship to be stronger for employees who behave, feel, and think more consistently across situations. These hypotheses were tested using a 10‐day experience sampling study in a large financial institution. Multilevel regression analyses revealed that state neuroticism related negatively and state conscientiousness positively to momentary task performance. Moreover, the relationship between state conscientiousness and momentary task performance was stronger for people lower in situational within‐person conscientiousness variability. From a theoretical point of view, our findings suggest that personality states relate to momentary task performance and that this relationship is stronger for people low in situational within‐person variability. From a practical point of view, they emphasize the importance of taking into account an employee's state personality levels and the variability herein, in addition to assessing his/her overall trait level of personality.

Practitioner points

Apart from the stable between‐person differences in personality (i.e., personality traits), a recruiter should also gain insight into situation‐related fluctuations in the candidate's personality states, which will allow the recruiter to determine how this candidate will perform in these situations.

Recruiters should weigh the information they get from personality assessments differently for people showing low levels of situational within‐person (personality) variability compared to those who are high in situational within‐person (personality) variability.
Interactions Between Risk Taking, Capital, and Reinsurance for Property–Liability Insurance Firms
Authors: Mankaï Selim , Belgacem Aymen
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Financial theory has long recognized the structural relationship between capital and risk. This article posits reinsurance usage as a new endogenous decision variable and analyzes its effect on this decision mix from a sample of U.S. property–liability insurance firms. Empirical results obtained from a simultaneous equation model confirm the mutual interactions among capital, reinsurance and risk taking. Risk taking is positively related to capital, which highlights the effectiveness of regulatory mechanisms and the relevance of the capital buffer hypothesis. Reinsurance is negatively associated with capital, for which it displays a substitutive effect. These results seem to vary with the insurers’ level of capitalization, affiliation with a group, size, and organizational form. Unlike other decision variables, the capital ratio is adjusted to its target level.
Melatonin attenuates impairments of structural hippocampal neuroplasticity in OXYS rats during active progression of Alzheimer's disease‐like pathology
Authors: Stefanova Natalia A. , Maksimova Kseniya Y. , Kiseleva Elena , Rudnitskaya Ekaterina A. , Muraleva Natalia A. , Kolosova Nataliya G.
Published: May 2015

Translational research on Alzheimer's disease (AD) has often focused on reducing the high cerebral levels of amyloid‐β (Aβ) as a key characteristic of AD pathogenesis. There is, however, a growing body of evidence that synaptic dysfunction may be crucial for the development of the most common (sporadic) form of AD. The applicability of melatonin (mainly produced by the pineal gland) to the treatment of AD is actively evaluated, but usually, such studies are based on animal models of early‐onset AD, which is responsible for only ~5% of AD cases. We have shown previously that in OXYS rats (an established model of sporadic AD), accumulation of toxic forms of Aβ in the brain occurs later than does the development of signs of neurodegenerative changes and synaptic failure. In this regard, recently, we uncovered beneficial neuroprotective effects of melatonin (prophylactic dietary supplementation) in OXYS rats. Our aim here was to evaluate, starting at the age of active progression of AD‐like pathology in OXYS rats, the effects of long‐term oral administration of melatonin on the structure of synapses and on neuronal and glial cells of the hippocampus. Melatonin significantly increased hippocampal synaptic density and the number of excitatory synapses, decreased the number of inhibitory synapses, and upregulated pre‐ and postsynaptic proteins (synapsin I and PSD‐95, respectively). Furthermore, melatonin improved the ultrastructure of neuronal and glial cells and reduced glial density. Based on our past and present results, the repair of neuroplasticity by melatonin is a promising strategy against AD.
Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence testing of five commercial formulations of omeprazole in the horse
Authors: Sykes B. W. , Underwood C. , Greer R. , McGowan C. M. , Mills P. C.
Published: May 2015

Omeprazole is widely used in the treatment of equine gastric ulcer syndrome. To date, little is known about the relative pharmacokinetics of the different formulations making comparisons between products difficult. The objectives of the study were to investigate the relative pharmacokinetics of five commercially available formulations of omeprazole in the horse and to test for bioequivalence of four of the formulations using one of the formulations as a reference standard. Twelve matureThoroughbred horses were fasted for 16 h then administered 2 g of each formulation in a cross‐over design. Serial blood samples were collected and plasma omeprazole concentration was determined by ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS). No significant differences were present between three of the formulations and the reference formulation, while the fourth formulation had a lowerCmaxand longerTmaxthan the reference formulation. Bioequivalence against the reference formulation could not be demonstrated for any of the formulations tested. The findings of the study suggested that the method of protection utilised by different formulations of omeprazole (enteric‐coated granules vs. buffering) does not significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of the drug. Further work to establish bioequivalence is needed before direct comparisons can be drawn between different formulations.
Personal Characteristics of MPs and Legislative Behavior in Moral Policymaking
Authors: Baumann Markus , Debus Marc , Müller Jochen
Published: May 2015

Theoretical and empirical models of legislative decision making in parliamentary democracies typically neglect the policy preferences of individual MPs and instead focus on political parties and possible institutional constraints. We argue that MPs actually make judgments and decisions on the basis of their preferences, which are shaped by their personal characteristics. However, given the strength of parties in most parliamentary systems, the impact of personal characteristics on legislative behavior is rarely visible. Therefore, we examine a moral issue. Looking at cosponsorship, parliamentary speeches, and votes in the German Bundestag, we analyze the legislative procedure on the regulation of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in Germany in 2011. We show that the legislative behavior of MPs does not only reflect partisan conflict but is also influenced by the preferences of the constituents and MPs’ own personal characteristics such as: religious denomination, gender, and parental status.
Why So Few (Republican) Women? Explaining the Partisan Imbalance of Women in the U.S. Congress
Authors: Thomsen Danielle M.
Published: May 2015

This article examines why the percentage of Democratic women in Congress has increased dramatically since the 1980s while the percentage of Republican women has barely grown. The central claim is that ideological conformity with the party influences the decision to run for office, and I suggest that partisan polarization has discouraged ideological moderates in the pipeline from pursuing a congressional career. The findings have gendered implications because, first, Republican women in the pipeline have historically been to the left of their male counterparts, and second, there is a dearth of conservative women in the pipeline.
Phenotypic integration in the feeding system of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus)
Authors: Margres Mark J. , Wray Kenneth P. , Seavy Margaret , McGivern James J. , Sanader Dragana , Rokyta Darin R.
Published: May 2015

Selection can vary geographically across environments and temporally over the lifetime of an individual. Unlike geographic contexts, where different selective regimes can act on different alleles, age‐specific selection is constrained to act on the same genome by altering age‐specific expression. Snake venoms are exceptional traits for studying ontogeny because toxin expression variation directly changes the phenotype; relative amounts of venom components determine, in part, venom efficacy. Phenotypic integration is the dependent relationship between different traits that collectively produce a complex phenotype and, in venomous snakes, may include traits as diverse as venom, head shape and fang length. We examined the feeding system of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) across environments and over the lifetime of individuals and used a genotype–phenotype map approach, protein expression data and morphological data to demonstrate that: (i) ontogenetic effects explained more of the variation in toxin expression variation than geographic effects, (ii) both juveniles and adults varied geographically, (iii) toxin expression variation was a result of directional selection and (iv) different venom phenotypes covaried with morphological traits also associated with feeding in temporal (ontogenetic) and geographic (functional) contexts. These data are the first to demonstrate, to our knowledge, phenotypic integration between multiple morphological characters and a biochemical phenotype across populations and age classes. We identified copy number variation as the mechanism driving the difference in the venom phenotype associated with these morphological differences, and the parallel mitochondrial, venom and morphological divergence between northern and southern clades suggests that each clade may warrant classification as a separate evolutionarily significant unit.
Nucleoid organization in the radioresistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Passot Fanny Marie , Nguyen Hong Ha , Dard‐Dascot Cloelia , Thermes Claude , Servant Pascale , Espéli Olivier , Sommer Suzanne
Published: May 2015

Processes favoring the exceptional resistance to genotoxic stress of Deinococcus radiodurans are not yet completely characterized. It was postulated that its nucleoid and chromosome(s) organization could participate in the DNA double strand break repair process. Here, we investigated the organization of chromosome 1 by localization of three chromosomal loci including oriC, Ter and a locus located in its left arm. For this purpose, we used a ParB‐parS system to visualize the position of the loci before and after exposure to γ‐rays. By comparing the number of fluorescent foci with the number of copies of the studied loci present in the cells measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), we demonstrated that the 4–10 copies of chromosome 1 per cell are dispersed within the nucleoid before irradiation, indicating that the chromosome copies are not prealigned. Chromosome segregation is progressive but not co‐ordinated, allowing each locus to be paired with its sister during part of the cell cycle. After irradiation, the nucleoid organization is modified, involving a transient alignment of the loci in the late stage of DNA repair and a delay of segregation of the Ter locus. We discuss how these events can influence DNA double strand break repair.
Cued satiety: How consumer expectations modify responses to ingested nutrients
Authors: Yeomans M. R.
Published: May 2015

Satiety, the suppression of appetite after food consumption, involves a complex integration of cognitive, sensory and post‐ingestive signals generated by the consumed product. A better understanding of how these different signals interact could allow the development of novel products optimised to produce satiety, thereby helping to counteract the effects of obesogenic lifestyles. This report highlights recent studies, conducted largely as part of the BBSRC DRINC initiative, which examined how beliefs about satiety before food ingestion and the sensory experience during ingestion together influence how the consumer responds to food. These studies highlight the integrative nature of satiety and pave the way for updated models of satiety and novel products that should aid consumers' ability to regulate their appetite.
30 g of fibre a day: An achievable recommendation?
Authors: Hooper B. , Spiro A. , Stanner S.
Published: May 2015

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) recently published its draft report on Carbohydrates and Health, in which new recommended intakes for fibre were proposed for children and adults, following an in‐depth review of the scientific evidence base. The recommendation for the adult population of 30 g/day, measured by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists' (AOAC) method, is somewhat higher than current recommendation and, according to intakes reported in the recent National Diet and Nutrition Survey, would require men to increase their fibre intakes by around 50% and women by 75%.

This paper discusses current fibre intakes in the UK and describes the main contributors of fibre to the diet. Simple dietary modelling was carried out to investigate the feasibility of the recommendation by SACN in the context of other nutrient recommendations and food‐based guidelines. This demonstrated that it is possible to consume 30 g of AOAC fibre a day in the context of a healthy diet that meets other dietary recommendations if all meals are based on starchy foods (including mainly wholegrain options and potatoes with their skins), high fibre snacks are selected and the diet is rich in fruit and vegetables (around 8 portions daily).

Barriers to meeting the recommendation are considered, including the negative consumer perceptions of starchy foods and a lack of awareness regarding the health benefits of fibre, particularly those beyond bowel health. Labelling regulations may pose further challenges, as there is not an agreed definition for ‘wholegrain’ and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that there is, as yet, insufficient evidence to warrant an official health claim for dietary fibre (as a general food ingredient).

Although feasible in the context of other dietary guidelines, the required dietary pattern to achieve 30 g of AOAC fibre a day is not reflective of average diets in the UK. Achieving this population recommendation will therefore be a considerable challenge. Co‐operation and collaboration is likely to be required from a number of stakeholders including the food industry, health professionals and regulatory bodies to raise awareness of the benefits of dietary fibre and encourage greater consumption of higher fibre foods. Innovative high fibre ingredients may also be needed to make it easier for consumers to boost their fibre intakes.
A proposed approach to systematically identify and monitor the corporate political activity of the food industry with respect to public health using publicly available information
Authors: Mialon M. , Swinburn B. , Sacks G.
Published: May 2015

Unhealthy diets represent one of the major risk factors for non‐communicable diseases. There is currently a risk that the political influence of the food industry results in public health policies that do not adequately balance public and commercial interests. This paper aims to develop a framework for categorizing the corporate political activity of the food industry with respect to public health and proposes an approach to systematically identify and monitor it. The proposed framework includes six strategies used by the food industry to influence public health policies and outcomes: information and messaging; financial incentive; constituency building; legal; policy substitution; opposition fragmentation and destabilization. The corporate political activity of the food industry could be identified and monitored through publicly available data sourced from the industry itself, governments, the media and other sources. Steps for country‐level monitoring include identification of key food industry actors and related sources of information, followed by systematic data collection and analysis of relevant documents, using the proposed framework as a basis for classification of results. The proposed monitoring approach should be pilot tested in different countries as part of efforts to increase the transparency and accountability of the food industry. This approach has the potential to help redress any imbalance of interests and thereby contribute to the prevention and control of non‐communicable diseases.
The concept of geodesic curvature applied to optical surfaces
Authors: Barbero Sergio
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To propose geodesic curvature as a metric to characterise how an optical surface locally differs from axial symmetry. To derive equations to evaluate geodesic curvatures of arbitrary surfaces expressed in polar coordinates.

Methods

The concept of geodesic curvature is explained in detail as compared to other curvature‐based metrics. Starting with the formula representing a surface as function of polar coordinates, an equation for the geodesic curvature is obtained depending only on first and second radial and first order angular derivatives of the surface function. The potential of the geodesic curvature is illustrated using different surface tests.

Results

Geodesic curvature reveals local axial asymmetries more sharply than other types of curvatures such as normal curvatures.

Conclusion

Geodesic curvature maps could be used to characterise local axial asymmetries for relevant optometry applications such as corneal topography anomalies (keratoconus) or ophthalmic lens metrology.
The development of pediatric anesthesiology and critical care medicine at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital: an interview with Dr. Theodore Striker
Authors: Ahmed Zulfiqar , Samuels Paul J. , Mai Christine L. , Rodriguez Samuel , Iftikhar Ahmed Raza , Yaster Myron
Published: May 2015

Dr. Theodore W. ‘Ted’ Striker (1936–), Professor of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati, has played a pioneering role in the development of pediatric anesthesiology in the United States. As a model educator, clinician, and administrator, he shaped the careers of hundreds of physicians‐in‐training and imbued them with his core values of honesty, integrity, and responsibility.
Evidence‐based Status of Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment for Patients with Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Liu An , Zhang Wei , Sun Miao , Ma Chiyuan , Yan Shigui
Published: May 2015

Purpose

Review the current evidence‐based status of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment for patients with shoulder pain based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to provide a comprehensive analysis and a balanced view of the strengths and weaknesses of this treatment.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and ISI Web of Science were searched up to July 2014, using the Boolean operators as follows: shoulder pain OR painful shoulder AND pulsed radiofrequency). All prospective randomized controlled trials of PRF treatment for patients with shoulder pain were retrieved. No limitation of the language or publication year existed in our analysis.

Results

Five of 114 studies that involved PRF treatment met the inclusion criteria of this review article. These studies compared the clinical outcomes of PRF with those of other treatments such as intra‐articular corticosteroid injection and conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. All the studies reported improvements in passive range of motion (PROM), visual analog scale (VAS), and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) in PRF treatment that persisted for at least 12 weeks. In addition, no complications were reported in all trials.

Conclusion

The use of PRF treatment for patients with shoulder pain was observed to result in good clinical efficacy for at least 12 weeks with no complication reported. However, it is still unclear from the currently available publications whether PRF is superior to other treatment techniques such as intra‐articular corticosteroid and conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A New Treatment for Chronic Pain?
Authors: Sutherland Ainsley M. , Clarke Hance A. , Katz Joel , Katznelson Rita
Published: May 2015

Background and objective

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment providing 100% oxygen at a pressure greater than that at sea level. HBOT is becoming increasingly recognized as a potential treatment modality for a broad range of ailments, including chronic pain. In this narrative review, we discuss the current understanding of pathophysiology of nociceptive, inflammatory and neuropathic pain, and the body of animal studies addressing mechanisms by which HBOT may ameliorate these different types of pain. Finally, we review clinical studies suggesting that HBOT may be useful in treating chronic pain syndromes, including chronic headache, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, and trigeminal neuralgia.

Database and data treatment

A comprehensive search through MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies relating to HBOT and pain was performed using the following keywords: hyperbaric oxygen therapy or hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT), nociceptive pain, inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, HBOT AND pain, HBOT AND headache, HBOT AND fibromyalgia, HBOT AND complex regional pain syndrome, and HBOT AND trigeminal neuralgia.

Results

Twenty‐five studies examining the role of HBOT in animal models of pain and human clinical trials were found and reviewed for this narrative review.

Conclusions

HBOT has been shown to reduce pain using animal models. Early clinical research indicates HBOT may also be useful in modulating human pain; however, further studies are required to determine whether HBOT is a safe and efficacious treatment modality for chronic pain conditions.
The many meanings of gross photosynthesis and their implication for photosynthesis research from leaf to globe
Authors: Wohlfahrt Georg , Gu Lianhong
Published: May 2015

Gross photosynthesis is a key term in plant biology and carbon cycle science, however has been used with different meanings by different communities

We review the history of this term and associated concepts to clarify the terminology and make recommendations about a consistent use of terms in accordance with photosynthetic theory.

We show that a widely used eddy covariance CO2 flux partitioning approach yields estimates which are quantitatively closer to the definition of true photosynthesis despite aiming at estimating apparent photosynthesis.
FERONIA receptor kinase interacts with S‐adenosylmethionine synthetase and suppresses S‐adenosylmethionine production and ethylene biosynthesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Mao Dandan , Yu Feng , Li Jian , Van de poel Bram , Tan Dan , Li Jianglin , Liu Yanqionq , Li Xiushang , Dong Mengqiu , Chen Liangbi , Li Dongping , Luan Sheng
Published: May 2015

Environmental inputs such as stress can modulate plant cell metabolism, but the detailed mechanism remains unclear. We report here that FERONIA (FER), a plasma membrane receptor‐like kinase, may negatively regulate the S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) synthesis by interacting with two S‐adenosylmethionine synthases (SAM1 and SAM2). SAM participates in ethylene, nicotianamine and polyamine biosynthetic pathways and provides the methyl group for protein and DNA methylation reactions. The Arabidopsis fer mutants contained a higher level of SAM and ethylene in plant tissues and displayed a dwarf phenotype. Such phenotype in the fer mutants was mimicked by over‐expressing the S‐adenosylmethionine synthetase in transgenic plants, whereas sam1/2 double mutant showed an opposite phenotype. We propose that FER receptor kinase, in response to environmental stress and plant hormones such as auxin and BR, interacts with SAM synthases and down‐regulates ethylene biosynthesis.