bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Students’ test motivation in PISA: the case of Norway
Authors: Hopfenbeck Therese N. , Kjærnsli Marit
Published: March 2016

Do students make their best effort in large‐scale assessment studies such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)? Despite six cycles of PISA surveys from 2000 to 2015, empirical studies regarding students’ test motivation and experience of the tests are sparse. The present study examines students’ test motivation in PISA, and how closely students’ achievement correlates with students’ reported test motivation. A total of 40 students from eight schools that participated in the PISA study in 2006, 2009 and 2012 were interviewed. In addition, questionnaire data from a total of 9400 students who participated in PISA 2009 and 2012 were collected. The findings of this study indicate that students overall were motivated to do their best in the PISA study, despite the fact that these low‐stakes tests have no impact on students’ grades or future school entrance. In contrast to claims in the media, where it has been suggested that Norwegian students are more relaxed towards the PISA test than students in other countries, students report that they are motivated to do their best, but girls report significantly higher test motivation than boys. Despite the policy influence of PISA and the large number of countries participating, very few studies have reported findings from students’ perspectives regarding their test motivation and experience of the test. The present study aims to fill that gap.
The economic value of environmental data: a notional insurance scheme for the European anchovy
Authors: Rincón Margarita María , Mumford John D. , Levontin Polina , Leach Adrian W. , Ruiz Javier
Published: March 2016

Anchovy population dynamics in the Gulf of Cádiz are governed by environmental processes. Sea surface temperature, intense easterly winds, and discharges from the Guadalquivir River have been identified as key factors determining early life stage mortality in this anchovy stock. We have constructed an environment-based recruitment model that simulates the abundance of juveniles under alternative parameters representing plausible biological hypotheses. We are able to evaluate how modelling environment-based recruitment can affect stock assessment and how responding to environmental information can beneﬁt ﬁshery management to allow greater average catch levels through the application of harvest control rules (HCRs) based on environmental conditions. While the environment-based rules generally increase allowable catch levels the variance in catch levels also increases, detracting from the improved value based only on average yield. In addition to changes in revenue, the probability of stock collapse is also reduced by using environmental factors in HCRs. To assess the value of these management systems we simulate a notional insurance scheme, which applies a value to both average yields and uncertainty. The value of the information-driven rules can be determined by comparing the relevant premiums payable for equal levels of insurance cover on revenue within each speciﬁc management regime. We demonstrate the net value of incorporating environmental factors in the management of anchovies in the Gulf of Cádiz despite the increased variability in revenue. This could be an effective method to describe outcomes for both commercial ﬁsheries and ecosystem management policies, and as a guide to management of other species whose dynamics are predictable based on in-season observations.
Protective effects of rosmarinic acid against radiation-induced damage to the hematopoietic system in mice
Authors: Xu Wenqing , Yang Fujun , Zhang Yujie , Shen Xiu
Published: March 2016

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is an ester of caffeic acid and 3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl lactic acid. It is a potent antioxidant that functions by scavenging free radicals. Here, we used a 30-day survival assay to investigate the radioprotective effects of RA. Mice were treated with RA once per day for 10 consecutive days starting at 3 days before gamma irradiation at 7.5 Gy until 7 days post irradiation. Mice treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight (bw) of RA had 30-day survival rates of 89% and 72%, respectively, compared with 32% in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P = 0.0008 and 0.0421, respectively). Spleen colony–forming units (CFU-S), the number of nucleated cells in the bone marrow (BMNC), bone marrow DNA content, and hematological parameters of the peripheral blood were measured to investigate the radioprotective effect of RA on the hematopoietic system. The treatment groups that received RA at 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg bw and whole-body exposure to 5.5 Gy of 137 Cs γ- radiation had significantly higher CFU-S, BMNC and DNA content than the irradiation-only group. Assessment of hematological parameters in the peripheral blood showed that the treatment groups receiving RA at doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg bw had higher white blood cell counts, hemoglobin and platelets than the radiation-only group. These results suggested that the administration of RA promoted the recovery of peripheral blood cells in irradiated mice.
The polarization of HD 189733
Authors: Bott Kimberly , Bailey Jeremy , Kedziora-Chudczer Lucyna , Cotton Daniel V. , Lucas P. W. , Marshall Jonathan P. , Hough J. H.
Published: March 2016

We present linear polarization observations of the exoplanet system HD 189733 made with the HIgh Precision Polarimetric Instrument (HIPPI) on the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT). The observations have higher precision than any previously reported for this object. They do not show the large amplitude polarization variations reported by Berdyugina et al. Our results are consistent with polarization data presented by Wiktorowicz et al. A formal least squares fit of a Rayleigh–Lambert model yields a polarization amplitude of 29.4 ± 15.6 parts per million. We observe a background constant level of polarization of ∼55–70 ppm, which is a little higher than expected for interstellar polarization at the distance of HD 189733.
Teacher Quality and Learning Outcomes in Kindergarten
*
Authors: Araujo M. Caridad , Carneiro Pedro , Cruz-Aguayo Yyannú , Schady Norbert
Published: March 2016

We assigned two cohorts of kindergarten students, totaling more than 24,000 children, to teachers within schools with a rule that is as good as random. We collected data on children at the beginning of the school year and applied 12 tests of math, language, and executive function (EF) at the end of the year. All teachers were filmed teaching for a full day, and the videos were coded using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (or CLASS). We find substantial classroom effects: A 1 standard deviation increase in classroom quality results in 0.11, 0.11, and 0.07 standard deviation higher test scores in language, math, and EF, respectively. Teacher behaviors, as measured by the CLASS, are associated with higher test scores. Parents recognize better teachers, but do not change their behaviors appreciably to take account of differences in teacher quality.
Overproduction of Indole-3-Acetic Acid in Free-Living Rhizobia Induces Transcriptional Changes Resembling Those Occurring in Nodule Bacteroids
Authors: Defez Roberto , Esposito Roberta , Angelini Claudia , Bianco Carmen
Published: March 2016

Free-living bacteria grown under aerobic conditions were used to investigate, by next-generation RNA sequencing analysis, the transcriptional profiles of Sinorhizobium meliloti wild-type 1021 and its derivative, RD64, overproducing the main auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Among the upregulated genes in RD64 cells, we detected the main nitrogen-fixation regulator fixJ, the two intermediate regulators fixK and nifA, and several other genes known to be FixJ targets. The gene coding for the sigma factor RpoH1 and other genes involved in stress response, regulated in a RpoH1-dependent manner in S. meliloti, were also induced in RD64 cells. Under microaerobic condition, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the genes fixJL and nifA were up-regulated in RD64 cells as compared with 1021 cells. This work provided evidence that the overexpression of IAA in S. meliloti free-living cells induced many of the transcriptional changes that normally occur in nitrogen-fixing root nodule.
The Ebb and Flow of Airborne Pathogens: Monitoring and Use in Disease Management Decisions
Authors: Mahaffee Walter F. , Stoll Rob
Published: March 2016

Perhaps the earliest form of monitoring the regional spread of plant disease was a group of growers gathering together at the market and discussing what they see in their crops. This type of reporting continues to this day through regional extension blogs, by crop consultants and more formal scouting of sentential plots in the IPM PIPE network ( http://www.ipmpipe.org/ ). As our knowledge of plant disease epidemiology has increased, we have also increased our ability to detect and monitor the presence of pathogens and use this information to make management decisions in commercial production systems. The advent of phylogenetics, next-generation sequencing, and nucleic acid amplification technologies has allowed for development of sensitive and accurate assays for pathogen inoculum detection and quantification. The application of these tools is beginning to change how we manage diseases with airborne inoculum by allowing for the detection of pathogen movement instead of assuming it and by targeting management strategies to the early phases of the epidemic development when there is the greatest opportunity to reduce the rate of disease development. While there are numerous advantages to using data on inoculum presence to aid management decisions, there are limitations in what the data represent that are often unrecognized. In addition, our understanding of where and how to effectively monitor airborne inoculum is limited. There is a strong need to improve our knowledge of the mechanisms that influence inoculum dispersion across scales as particles move from leaf to leaf, and everything in between.
Spontaneous Effort During Mechanical Ventilation: Maximal Injury With Less Positive End-Expiratory Pressure*
Authors: Yoshida Takeshi , Roldan Rollin , Beraldo Marcelo A. , Torsani Vinicius , Gomes Susimeire , De Santis Roberta R. , Costa Eduardo L. V. , Tucci Mauro R. , Lima Raul G. , Kavanagh Brian P. , Amato Marcelo B. P.
Published: March 2016

Objectives:

We recently described how spontaneous effort during mechanical ventilation can cause “pendelluft,” that is, displacement of gas from nondependent (more recruited) lung to dependent (less recruited) lung during early inspiration. Such transfer depends on the coexistence of more recruited (source) liquid-like lung regions together with less recruited (target) solid-like lung regions. Pendelluft may improve gas exchange, but because of tidal recruitment, it may also contribute to injury. We hypothesize that higher positive end-expiratory pressure levels decrease the propensity to pendelluft and that with lower positive end-expiratory pressure levels, pendelluft is associated with improved gas exchange but increased tidal recruitment.

Design:

Crossover design.

Setting:

University animal research laboratory.

Subjects:

Anesthetized landrace pigs.

Interventions:

Surfactant depletion was achieved by saline lavage in anesthetized pigs, and ventilator-induced lung injury was produced by ventilation with high tidal volume and low positive end-expiratory pressure. Ventilation was continued in each of four conditions: positive end-expiratory pressure (low or optimized positive end-expiratory pressure after recruitment) and spontaneous breathing (present or absent). Tidal recruitment was assessed using dynamic CT and regional ventilation/perfusion using electric impedance tomography. Esophageal pressure was measured using an esophageal balloon manometer.

Measurements and Results:

Among the four conditions, spontaneous breathing at low positive end-expiratory pressure not only caused the largest degree of pendelluft, which was associated with improved ventilation/perfusion matching and oxygenation, but also generated the greatest tidal recruitment. At low positive end-expiratory pressure, paralysis worsened oxygenation but reduced tidal recruitment. Optimized positive end-expiratory pressure decreased the magnitude of spontaneous efforts (measured by esophageal pressure) despite using less sedation, from –5.6 ± 1.3 to –2.0 ± 0.7 cm H2O, while concomitantly reducing pendelluft and tidal recruitment. No pendelluft was observed in the absence of spontaneous effort.

Conclusions:

Spontaneous effort at low positive end-expiratory pressure improved oxygenation but promoted tidal recruitment associated with pendelluft. Optimized positive end-expiratory pressure (set after lung recruitment) may reverse the harmful effects of spontaneous breathing by reducing inspiratory effort, pendelluft, and tidal recruitment.
Unpeeling the Evidence for the Banana Bag: Evidence-Based Recommendations for the Management of Alcohol-Associated Vitamin and Electrolyte Deficiencies in the ICU
Authors: Flannery Alexander H. , Adkins David A. , Cook Aaron M.
Published: March 2016

Objective:

Patients with a chronic alcohol use disorder presenting to the ICU may be deficient in important vitamins and electrolytes and are often prescribed a “banana bag” as a reflexive standard of therapy. The difficulty of diagnosing Wernicke’s encephalopathy in the critical care setting is reviewed. Furthermore, whether the contents and doses of micronutrients and electrolytes in standard banana bags meet the needs of critically ill patients with an alcohol use disorder is assessed based on available evidence.

Data Source:

MEDLINE/PubMed (1966 to June 2015) database search, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and manual selection of bibliographies from selected articles.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Articles relevant to Wernicke’s encephalopathy, vitamin and electrolyte deficiencies in patients with alcohol use disorders, and alcoholic ketoacidosis were selected. Articles were narratively synthesized for this review.

Data Synthesis:

Of these deficiencies, thiamine is the most important for the practicing clinician to assess and prescribe replacement in a timely manner. Based on a pharmacokinetic assessment of thiamine, the banana bag approach likely fails to optimize delivery of thiamine to the central nervous system. Folic acid and magnesium may also merit supplementation although the available data do not allow for as strong a recommendation as for prescribing thiamine in this setting. There is no available evidence supporting the prescription of a multivitamin.

Conclusions:

Based on the published literature, for patients with a chronic alcohol use disorder admitted to the ICU with symptoms that may mimic or mask Wernicke’s encephalopathy, we suggest abandoning the banana bag and utilizing the following formula for routine supplementation during the first day of admission: 200–500 mg IV thiamine every 8 hours, 64 mg/kg magnesium sulfate (approximately 4–5 g for most adult patients), and 400–1,000 μg IV folate. If alcoholic ketoacidosis is suspected, dextrose-containing fluids are recommended over normal saline.
Does Antiarrhythmic Drug During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Improve the One-month Survival: The SOS-KANTO 2012 Study
Authors: Amino Mari , Inokuchi Sadaki , Yoshioka Koichiro , Nakagawa Yoshihide , Ikari Yuji , Funakoshi Hiraku , Hayakawa Katsura , Matsuzaki Masakazu , Sakurai Atsushi , Tahara Yoshio , Yonemoto Naohiro , Nagao Ken , Yaguchi Arino , Morimura Naoto ,   SOS-KANTO 2012 study group
Published: March 2016

Background:

Antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) are often used for fatal ventricular arrhythmias during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, the efficacy of initial AAD administration during CPR in improving long-term prognosis remains unknown. This study retrospectively evaluated the effect of AAD administration during CPR on 1-month prognosis in the SOS-KANTO 2012 study population.

Methods and Results:

Of the 16,164 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases, 1350 shock-refractory patients were included: 747 patients not administered AAD and 603 patients administered AAD. Statistical adjustment for potential selection bias was performed using propensity score matching, yielding 1162 patients of whom 792 patients were matched (396 pairs). The primary outcome was 1-month survival. The secondary outcome was the proportion of patients with favorable neurological outcome at 1 month. Logistic regression with propensity scoring demonstrated an odds ratio (OR) for 1-month survival in the AAD group of 1.92 (P < 0.01), whereas the OR for favorable neurological outcome at 1 month was 1.44 (P = 0.26).

Conclusions:

Significantly greater 1-month survival was observed in the AAD group compared with the non-AAD group. However, the effect of ADD on the likelihood of a favorable neurological outcome remains unclear. The findings of the present study may indicate a requirement for future randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of ADD administration during CPR on long-term prognosis.
Long-term follow-up after LeFort colpocleisis: patient satisfaction, regret rate, and pelvic symptoms
Authors: Song Xiaochen , Zhu Lan , Ding Jing , Xu Tao , Lang Jinghe
Published: March 2016

Objective:

The aim of the study was to evaluate long-term patient satisfaction, regret rate, and pelvic symptoms in older women who underwent LeFort colpocleisis.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of women who underwent LeFort colpocleisis at least 3 years before was conducted. Records were reviewed for participant characteristics, comorbid conditions, and complications. The Patient Global Impression of Change (PGI-C) questionnaire and the Chinese version of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory—short form 20 (PFDI-20) were used to evaluate self-perceived quality of life. Regret was assessed by one additional question: “Do you regret choosing to have vaginal closure surgery for prolapse (Yes/No)?”

Results:

LeFort colpocleisis accounted for 7.3% (42/572) of all the prolapse surgeries. Thirty-five of the women (83.3%) who responded were considered for statistical evaluation. Twenty-nine (82.9%) had at least one comorbid condition. After a median 5-year (range 3-7) follow-up period, no woman had experienced prolapse recurrence requiring a second surgery. No woman regretted having had the surgery. The satisfaction rate was 94.3%, with postoperative overactive bladder syndrome accounting for one “neither satisfied nor dissatisfied” woman and vaginal hematoma for another. Pelvic symptoms improved significantly from baseline (PFDI-20, preoperative 60.5 ± 29.5) to postoperative (14.1 ± 20.0, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

After long-term follow-up, LeFort colpocleisis still had a high satisfaction rate, a low regret rate, and a positive impact on pelvic symptoms.
An Analysis of the Clinical, Endoscopic, and Pathologic Features of Intestinal Tuberculosis
Authors: Gan Hongying , Mely Mely , Zhao Jinfang , Zhu Liangru
Published: March 2016

Goals:

The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the clinical, endoscopic, and pathologic features of intestinal tuberculosis (TB).

Background:

The prevalence of intestinal TB has been increasing in China.

Study:

The clinical, imaging and laboratory examination, endoscopic, and pathologic data of 81 cases of intestinal TB patients were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:

There were 48 male and 33 female cases whose age ranged from 17 to 76 years (mean, 32.4±1.6 y). Fifty-five cases were diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy, and 26 cases by postoperative pathologic examination. The common symptoms were chronic right lower abdominal and periumbilical pain (87.7%), weight loss (80.2%), anemia (64.2%), diarrhea (46.9%), fever (43.2%), diarrhea alternating with constipation (38.3%), and night sweats (30.9%). Purified protein derivative test (51.9%), TB antibody (34.6%), and TB protein chip (40.7%) had lower sensitivity. T-spot test sensitivity was 86.4%. Endoscopic types included ulcerative (52.7%), ulcero-proliferative (27.3%), and proliferative (20.0%) with mucosal hyperemia and edema (87.2%), mucosal erosion (76.4%), patulous ileocecal valve (65.5%), polypoid hyperplasia (58.2%), annular ulcer (52.7%), nodular hyperplasia (45.5%), and luminal stenosis (29.1%). Histopathologic findings were chronic mucosal inflammation (87.3%), ulceration (74.5%), lymphocytic aggregation (69.1%), and granulomatous fusion (58.2%). The presence of caseating granulomas (74.5%) and necrosis (25.5%) was helpful, but not common.

Conclusions:

The clinical symptoms of intestinal TB are nonspecific. The most common anatomic locations for intestinal TB are the ileocecal valve and cecum. The T-spot test has high sensitivity, and it can be used to support the diagnosis of intestinal TB. The typical endoscopic features are circumscribed intestinal ulcers, and histopathologic findings of biopsy specimens can be also useful in making the diagnosis.
Intestinal, Systemic, and Oral Gluten-related Alterations in Patients With Nonceliac Gluten Sensitivity
Authors: Picarelli Antonio , Borghini Raffaele , Di Tola Marco , Marino Mariacatia , Urciuoli Caterina , Isonne Claudia , Puzzono Marta , Porowska Barbara , Rumi Gabriele , Lonardi Silvia , Salemme Marianna , Tiberti Antonio , Rizzo Carmelo , Donato Giuseppe , Villanacci Vincenzo
Published: March 2016

Background:

Nonceliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is an emergent condition, the framework of which is yet unclear, whereas the diagnosis is suggested only by gluten-dependent symptoms after excluding wheat allergy and celiac disease (CD). Our goal was to highlight intestinal, systemic, and oral alterations to clarify the NCGS pathogenesis and identify new diagnostic tools.

Study:

A total of 60 NCGS patients, 20 untreated CD, 20 treated CD, and 20 healthy volunteers were recruited. The differential diagnosis among gluten-related disorders was performed by serological, allergy, and histologic tools. NCGS patients were also subjected to antigliadin antibody (AGA) detection and HLA typing. All participants underwent an oral mucosa patch test for gluten (GOMPT), whereas an oral provocation test (OPT) for gluten was performed in 26 NCGS patients.

Results:

About 6/60 (10%) NCGS patients showed IgG AGA-positive results, whereas 45/60 (75%) patients carried HLA-DQ2 and/or HLA-DQ8 genes. GOMPT showed positive results in 45/60 (75%) NCGS patients, 3/20 (15%) untreated CD patients, 5/20 (25%) treated CD patients, and in no healthy volunteers. No significant difference was found between the severity of symptoms reported by NCGS patients subjected to OPT with gluten-containing croissants and those who underwent OPT with gluten-free croissants.

Conclusions:

GOMPT seems to be a specific tool for NCGS diagnosis, although further investigations are needed to overcome limits due to the small population studied and to contextualize GOMPT false-positive results.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in refractory hydrothorax – a contribution to an unexplored indication
Authors: Campos Sara , Gomes Dário , Sofia Carlos
Published: March 2016

Background and aims

Hepatic hydrothorax is a rare complication of portal hypertension, but may be potentially severe. Although conservative therapy may be effective, it is not without risk and refractory cases are not rare. The portal decompression achieved by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) has shown positive results in the treatment of refractory ascites, and in that sense, the analysis of their value in other complications of portal hypertension becomes relevant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TIPS in patients with refractory hydrothorax.

Methods

This was a retrospective study including patients with refractory hydrothorax undergoing TIPS in a tertiary hospital in the period between 2000 and 2014, and evaluated the following: demographic characteristics, liver disease, and outcomes (efficacy and safety, including complications after TIPS, liver transplantation, 30-day, and 1-year mortality).

Results

Nineteen patients with hydrothorax underwent TIPS; most had previously undergone multiple thoracocentesis and all had hypoalbuminemia. In all, 57.9% of the patients were men, with a mean age 63±9 years, and 84.2% had cirrhosis of alcoholic etiology and a mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-16, Child–Pugh B in 42.1%/Child–Pugh C in 47.4%. TIPS was effective in 73.3% of the cases. Portosystemic encephalopathy was recorded in 66.6% of the cases. Mortality was 25% at 30 days and 42.8% at 1 year with septic complications or progression of liver disease. Two patients underwent liver transplantation. The mean follow-up duration was 704 days (3–3485 days).

Conclusion

TIPS appears to be a relatively efficient method to control hydrothorax, making it a valid option in refractory cases despite the high risk of portosystemic encephalopathy and mortality.
Insulin resistance is associated with esophageal varices in alcoholic liver disease patients
Authors: Degré Delphine , Gustot Thierry , Gerkens Ariane , Boon Nathalie , Schreiber Jonas , Lepida Antonia , Sersté Thomas , Deltenre Pierre , Devière Jacques , Trépo Eric , Moreno Christophe
Published: March 2016

Background and aim

Insulin resistance plays an important role in chronic liver disease, where it has been associated with the progression of fibrosis and correlated with portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients with mixed etiology. However, the impact of insulin resistance in alcoholic liver disease remains mostly unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between insulin resistance, portal hypertension, severity of liver disease, and mortality in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis.

Patients and methods

A total of 106 consecutive alcoholic cirrhotic patients undergoing hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement at Erasme Hospital were included. Insulin resistance was estimated using the homeostatic model assessment-2 index.

Results

The median model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was 15 (9–21) and the mean hepatic venous pressure gradient was16.3±6 mmHg. Twenty-six percent of the patients had compensated cirrhosis. Insulin resistance was significantly associated with portal hypertension in compensated cirrhotic patients and with the presence of esophageal varices, but was not associated with the MELD score and mortality. MELD score was the only independent covariate associated with mortality at 6 (P<0.001) and 12 months (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Insulin resistance is associated with the presence of esophageal varices, suggesting that the presence of insulin resistance could be harmful to alcoholic liver disease patients.
Rapid Inpatient Titration of Intravenous Treprostinil for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Safe and Tolerable
Authors: El-Kersh Karim , Ruf Kathryn M. , Smith J. Shaun
Published: March 2016

There is no standard protocol for intravenous treprostinil dose escalation. In most cases, slow up-titration is performed in the outpatient setting. However, rapid up-titration in an inpatient setting is an alternative that provides opportunity for aggressive treatment of common side effects experienced during dose escalation. In this study, we describe our experience with inpatient rapid up-titration of intravenous treprostinil. This was a single-center, retrospective study in which we reviewed the data of subjects with pulmonary arterial hypertension treated at our center who underwent inpatient rapid up-titration of intravenous treprostinil. Our treprostinil dose escalation protocol included initiation at 2 ng·kg−1·min−1 with subsequent up-titration by 1 ng·kg−1·min−1 every 6 to 8 hours as tolerated by side effects. A total of 16 subjects were identified. Thirteen subjects were treprostinil naive (naive group), and 3 subjects were receiving subcutaneous treprostinil but were hospitalized for further intravenous up-titration of treprostinil dose (nonnaive group). In the naive group, the median maximum dose achieved was 20 ng·kg−1·min−1 with an interquartile range (IQR) of 20–23 ng·kg−1·min−1. The median up-titration interval was 6 days (IQR: 4–9). In the nonnaive group, the median maximum dose achieved was 20 ng·kg−1·min−1 (range: 17–30). The median up-titration interval was 8.5 days (range: 1.5–11). Overall, the median maximum dose achieved was 20 ng·kg−1·min−1 (IQR: 20–23.5), and the median up-titration interval was 6 days (IQR: 4.6–9.25), with no reported significant adverse hemodynamic events. In patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, rapid inpatient titration of intravenous treprostinil is safe and tolerable.
Mutation in Actin γ‐2 Responsible for Megacystis Microcolon Intestinal Hypoperistalsis Syndrome in 4 Chinese Patients
Authors: Lu Wei , Xiao Yongtao , Huang Jianhu , Tao Yijing , Yan Weihui , Lu Lina , Cao Yi , Cai Wei
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to identify the underlying molecular mechanism for the development of megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome in 4 Chinese patients. We found a c.770G>A (p.R257H) mutation in 3 patients, and a c.769C>T (p.R257C) mutation in the fourth patient by using whole‐exome sequencing and targeted Sanger sequencing. The immunohistochemical investigation and transmission electron microscopy revealed an apparent defect of the intestinal smooth muscle, and hypoganglionosis. Our report suggested that R257 variant in the ACTG2 appear to be more frequent in populations of Asian ancestry; mutation of this locus could cause alterations of the intestinal and bladder smooth muscle filaments.
Milk Flow Rates from bottle nipples used after hospital discharge
Authors: Pados Britt Frisk , Park Jinhee , Thoyre Suzanne M. , Estrem Hayley , Nix W. Brant
Published: March 2016

Purpose:

To test the milk flow rates and variability in flow rates of bottle nipples used after hospital discharge.

Study Design and Methods:

Twenty-six nipple types that represented 15 common brands as well as variety in price per nipple and store location sold (e.g., Babies R' Us, Walmart, Dollar Store) were chosen for testing. Ten of each nipple type (n = 260 total) were tested by measuring the amount of infant formula expressed in 1 minute using a breast pump. Mean milk flow rate (mL/min) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated. Flow rates of nipples within brand were compared statistically.

Results:

Milk flow rates varied from 1.68 mL/min for the Avent Natural Newborn Flow to 85.34 mL/min for the Dr. Brown's Standard Y-cut. Variability between nipple types also varied widely, from .03 for the Dr. Brown's Standard Level 3 to .37 for MAM Nipple 1 Slow Flow.

Clinical Implications:

The extreme range of milk flow rates found may be significant for medically fragile infants being discharged home who are continuing to develop oral feeding skills. The name of the nipple does not provide clear information about the flow rate to guide parents in decision making. Variability in flow rates within nipples of the same type may complicate oral feeding for the medically fragile infant who may not be able to adapt easily to change in flow rates. Both flow rate and variability should be considered when guiding parents to a nipple choice.
Communication Predicts Medication Self-Efficacy in Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Carpenter Delesha M. , Blalock Susan J. , Sayner Robyn , Muir Kelly W. , Robin Alan L. , Hartnett Mary Elizabeth , Giangiacomo Annette L. , Tudor Gail E. , Sleath Betsy L.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

Medication self-efficacy, or patients’ confidence that they can perform medication-related behaviors, is associated with better glaucoma medication adherence. Little is known about how to enhance glaucoma patients’ medication self-efficacy. Our purpose is to examine whether patient-provider communication increases glaucoma patients’ medication self-efficacy.

Methods

During an 8-month cohort study of 279 glaucoma patients and 15 providers, two office visits were videotape-recorded, transcribed, and coded for six patient-provider communication behaviors. A validated scale was used at baseline and 8-month follow-up to assess patients’ confidence in overcoming adherence barriers (adherence barriers self-efficacy) and carrying out tasks to use eye drops correctly (eye drop task self-efficacy). We ran two generalized estimating equations to examine whether more frequent patient-provider communication during office visits predicted increased patient adherence barriers self-efficacy and eye drop task self-efficacy at 8-month follow-up.

Results

For each additional topic providers educated about, patients reported an average increase of 0.35 in self-efficacy in overcoming adherence barriers (p < 0.001). Patients also reported an average increase of 1.01 points in eye drop task self-efficacy when providers asked about patients’ views of glaucoma and its treatment versus not (p < 0.001). Patients who asked more medication questions (p < 0.001) and African-American patients (p < 0.05) reported lower adherence barriers self-efficacy by 0.30 and 2.15 points, respectively. Women had a 0.63 lower eye drop task self-efficacy than men (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

When providers educate glaucoma patients and assess patient views about glaucoma and its treatment, patients report higher medication self-efficacy. Providers should be aware that patients who ask more medication questions may have less confidence in their ability to overcome barriers to adherence.
Brief Report: L-Selectin (CD62L) Is Downregulated on CD4+ and CD8+ T Lymphocytes of HIV-1–Infected Individuals Naive for ART
Authors: Vassena Lia , Giuliani Erica , Buonomini Anna R. , Malagnino Vincenzo , Andreoni Massimo , Doria Margherita
Published: March 2016

The expression of L-selectin (CD62L) in HIV-1 infection has not been extensively investigated. Here, we measured CD62L expression on T-cell subsets of HIV-1–infected individuals naive for antiretroviral therapy (ART-naive) or receiving therapy (ART), and seronegative control subjects (HIV-neg). We found reduced frequencies of CD62L+ cells among CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from ART-naive as compared with ART and HIV-neg groups, particularly within naive and central memory subsets. CD62L expression on T cells inversely correlated with viral load and rapidly increased after ART initiation. Plasma sCD62L levels did not correlate with CD62L expression, being higher in all HIV-1–infected individuals as compared with HIV-neg subjects. Finally, CD62L downregulation was found associated with the expression of the CD38 activation marker in CD8+ T cells, but not in CD4+ T cells. We suggest that CD62L downregulation due to unconstrained HIV-1 replication may have important consequences for T-cell circulation and function and for disease progression.
Trends and challenges in the mechanics of complex materials: a view
Authors: Mariano Paolo Maria
Published: March 2016

This article introduces the collection of papers in this issue of thePhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Aand offers a perspective view on the description of the mechanics of material characterized by a prominent influence of small-scale phenomena on the gross mechanical behaviour.
SNP-sites: rapid efficient extraction of SNPs from multi-FASTA alignments
Authors: Page Andrew J. , Taylor Ben , Delaney Aidan J. , Soares Jorge , Seemann Torsten , Keane Jacqueline A. , Harris Simon R.
Published: March 2016

Rapidly decreasing genome sequencing costs have led to a proportionate increase in the number of samples used in prokaryotic population studies. Extracting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from a large whole genome alignment is now a routine task, but existing tools have failed to scale efficiently with the increased size of studies. These tools are slow, memory inefficient and are installed through non-standard procedures. We present SNP-sites which can rapidly extract SNPs from a multi-FASTA alignment using modest resources and can output results in multiple formats for downstream analysis. SNPs can be extracted from a 8.3 GB alignment file (1842 taxa, 22 618 sites) in 267 seconds using 59 MB of RAM and 1 CPU core, making it feasible to run on modest computers. It is easy to install through the Debian and Homebrew package managers, and has been successfully tested on more than 20 operating systems. SNP-sites is implemented in C and is available under the open source license GNU GPL version 3.
Rapid Construction of a Whole-genome Transposon Insertion Collection forShewanella oneidensisby Knockout Sudoku
Authors: Baym Michael , Shaket Lev , Anzai Isao A. , Adesina Oluwakemi , Barstow Buz
Published: March 2016

Whole-genome knockout collections are invaluable for connecting gene sequence to function, yet traditionally they have needed an extraordinary technical effort to construct. Knockout Sudoku is a new method for directing the construction and purification of a curated whole-genome collection of singlegene disruption mutants generated by transposon mutagenesis. Using a simple combinatorial pooling scheme, a highly oversampled collection of transposon mutants can be condensed into a next-generation sequencing library in a single day. The identities of the mutants in the collection are then solved by a predictive algorithm based on Bayesian inference, allowing for rapid curation and validation. Starting from a progenitor collection of 39,918 transposon mutants, we compiled a quality-controlled knockout collection of the electroactive microbeShewanella oneidensisMR–1 containing representatives for 3,667 genes. High-throughput kinetic measurements on this collection provide a comprehensive view of multiple extracellular electron transfer pathways operating in parallel.
Hashtags and handshakes: consumer motives and platform use in brand-consumer interactions
Authors: Hamilton Mitchell , Kaltcheva Velitchka D. , Rohm Andrew J.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The current increase in social media activity related to brand–consumer interactions is progressively influencing the manner in which brands and their customers communicate. Whereas this attention to social media is warranted, researchers and brand managers must also recognize that consumers connect and engage with brands across other communication platforms as well. Accordingly, this study aims to examine brand–consumer interactions taking place across social, online and physical platforms, as well as consumer motives for initiating these brand interactions across various platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mixed-method approach integrating quantitative and qualitative data was used. We administered a written diary to 102 individuals over a two-month period, in which study participants recorded their motivations and platform use in their interactions with a brand. We evaluated latent-class mixture models for complex data and multi-level latent-class mixture models to identify classes of interactions based on participants’ motivations and platform use as well as customer segments based on the identified motives-by-platform classes.

Findings

– The findings reveal ten categories of motives for interacting with brands, including promotions and incentives, timely information, product information, engagement, browsing, purchase, customer service, branded content, entertainment, and personalization/exclusivity. Furthermore, six motives-by-platform interaction classes are identified. The findings suggest three consumer segments differentiated by their motives-by-platform profiles.

Research limitations/implications

– This study adds to past research investigating the motives behind brand–consumer interactions in social media by investigating both social media and non-social media-related interactions, and offering a typology of interaction profiles that considers interaction motives and platform preferences.

Practical implications

– This study illustrates that consumers are driven to interact with brands based upon the ten motive categories. These motives, in turn, are associated with different platform uses. Thus, it is important for brands to adopt ambidexterity across multiple communication platforms.

Originality/value

– This research adds to the understanding of brand–consumer interactions conducted on online and offline communication platforms.
Corporate governance changes, firm strategy and compensation mechanisms in a privatization context
Authors: Cuevas-Rodriguez Gloria , Guerrero-Villegas Jaime , Valle-Cabrera Ramón
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze certain organizational changes that occur after privatization. More specifically, the authors analyze from an agency theory perspective how changes at the corporate governance level (ownership type/structure and board of directors) influence firm strategy, and what implications these issues have for the design of compensation mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology employed in the study can be described as a longitudinal multiple case study approach. A multiple case study enables the comparison of pre- and post-privatization periods in five Spanish companies. This methodology is especially suitable to track the organizational changes occurring in relation to the firms’ internal management.

Findings

– First, the variables that traditionally relate to greater board independence in monitoring do not suffer from variation after privatization. Second, the interests of the firms’ new ownership have an impact on firm strategy after privatization. Finally, compensation system design clearly aligns with firm strategy after privatization.

Research limitations/implications

– The research is based on a multiple case study approach, which limits the scope and generalizability of the findings.

Originality/value

– Whereas research in privatization generally adopts a macroeconomic or political perspective, organizational and managerial implications are current aspects in need of further examination. This research offers a study that integrates three sets of variables (corporate governance, strategy and compensation) that have been rarely analyzed in this context.
Do new ventures benefit from strategic change or persistence? A behavioral perspective
Authors: Batra Safal
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Is change always the best alternative? While large and established firms are believed to benefit from strategic flexibility and change, the purpose of this paper is to argue and empirically prove that firms in emerging economies need to persist with their strategies during their formative years in order to acquire sustainable competitive advantage. The author explores these relationships from a behavioral perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 103 Indian new ventures. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– The findings reveal that persisting with the existing strategies is the most optimal way of surviving and growing in the initial years of a venture operating in the turbulent business environments of emerging economies. Radical shifts in strategic postures can, indeed, be fatal for new firms.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings are based on data from one emerging economy. Further exploration of these relationships in other setups can help in better understanding of the execution of strategic persistence and change.

Practical implications

– Given the frequent changes in the business environment and resource-scarcity of new ventures in emerging economies, firms that persist with their strategies during the formative years are more likely to succeed.

Originality/value

– Limited attempt has been made to integrate strategic and behavioral perspectives in the change literature. In this study, the author brings in the contingent role of founder’s personality to better understand the possible contingencies in the strategic change literature.
Impact of change readiness on commitment to technological change, focal, and discretionary behaviors
Authors: Adil Muhammad Shahnawaz
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Commitment to change (C2C), focal and discretionary behaviors are under-researched areas in the context of developing countries such as Pakistan. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of change readiness on employee’s C2C, focal and discretionary behaviors when controlling for gender, qualification, experience, and marital status. In addition, the goal of this study is to determine whether the three-component model of Herscovitch and Meyer (2002) may also be applied in the private manufacturing companies of Karachi (Pakistan).

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample of 205 fulltime employees having administrative and managerial responsibilities in the manufacturing operations is drawn from the manufacturing companies of Karachi undergoing major technological change. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses are used to evaluate the reliability and validity of the measurement model. Besides, hypotheses are tested using structural equation modeling in AMOS version 22.

Findings

– The standardized estimates of SEM revealed a very good model fit between the structural model and the sample drawn using different modification indices. The results show that appropriateness has significant positive impact on affective C2C and negative impact on continuance C2C when controlling for gender, qualification, and experience. Moreover, affective C2C has significant positive impact on compliance behavior. However, the continuance C2C has significant negative impact and normative C2C has significant positive impact on cooperation when controlling for marital status. The findings may be generalized on other private manufacturing organizations of Karachi.

Originality/value

– This study is one of the first to empirically establish a relationship among change readiness, C2C and active/passive change-related behaviors in the private manufacturing companies of Pakistan. One of the important theoretical contributions of the study is that the three-component model which has been empirically tested in various socio-economic settings in the Western context and in a Pakistani public sector organization may also be employed in the private manufacturing organizations of Pakistan. In particular, with respect to research instrument of “readiness for change” scale, it is also argued that the scale of the fourth dimension (i.e. personally beneficial) needs major revision by adding five to seven Likert-scale items having good content validity and high internal consistency of the measuring scale in the Pakistani context.
Effect of intellectual capital on dynamic capabilities
Authors: Singh Bindu , Rao M K
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of intellectual capital (human, social and organizational capital) on dynamic capabilities (learning, integration, reconfiguration and alliance management).

Design/methodology/approach

– A methodical review of relevant literature and the theory of resource-based view, knowledge-based view and dynamic capability view serves as a starting-point to develop a framework for linking intellectual capital with dynamic capabilities. A total of 241 managers from the public sector banks in India was selected as sample of study and structural equation modelling was applied to provide strong evidence for the hypothesis.

Findings

– The study established a strong effect of intellectual capital dimensions on dynamic capabilities in the surveyed banking firms. Human and social capital had the most profound effect on learning, integration, reconfiguration and alliance management capabilities. As regards to organizational capital, an unexpected negative effect on reconfiguration and alliance management capabilities was observed.

Originality/value

– The study clarifies the role of knowledge for various capability developments. One of the significant contributions is with reference to the linkages of structural aspects of knowledge and dynamic capabilities, a link that can barely be seen in the existing literature. To the author’s knowledge the present study makes a preliminary effort to broaden the concepts appeal in new geographical boundaries and empirical context, thus making an original contribution to the Indian banking industry and strategic management literature, significantly.