bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling of deep gaps created by giant planets in protoplanetary disks
Authors: Kanagawa Kazuhiro D. , Tanaka Hidekazu , Muto Takayuki , Tanigawa Takayuki
Published: October 2017

A giant planet embedded in a protoplanetary disk creates a gap. This process is important for both theory and observation. Using results of a survey for a wide parameter range with two-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations, we constructed an empirical formula for the gap structure (i.e., the radial surface density distribution), which can reproduce the gap width and depth obtained by two-dimensional simulations. This formula enables us to judge whether an observed gap is likely to be caused by an embedded planet or not. The propagation of waves launched by the planet is closely connected to the gap structure. It makes the gap wider and shallower as compared with the case where an instantaneous wave damping is assumed. The hydrodynamic simulations show that the waves do not decay immediately at the launching point of waves, even when the planet is as massive as Jupiter. Based on the results of hydrodynamic simulations, we also obtained an empirical model of wave propagation and damping in cases of deep gaps. The one-dimensional gap model with our wave propagation model is able to reproduce the gap structures in hydrodynamic simulations well. In the case of a Jupiter-mass planet, we also found that the waves with a smaller wavenumber (e.g., m = 2) are excited and transport the angular momentum to a location far away from the planet. The wave with m = 2 is closely related with a secondary wave launched by a site opposite from the planet.
Terrible Twos or Early Signs of Psychopathology? Developmental Patterns in Early Identified Preschoolers With Cochlear Implants Compared With Hearing Controls
Authors: Netten Anouk P. , Rieffe Carolien , Ketelaar Lizet , Soede Wim , Gadow Kenneth D. , Frijns Johan H. M.
Published: October 2017

Objective:

Cochlear implants (CIs) have dramatically improved the lives of children who are deaf or hard of hearing; however, little is known about its implications for preventing the development of psychiatric symptoms in this at-risk population. This is the first longitudinal study to examine the early manifestation of emotional and behavioral disorders and associated risk and protective factors in early identified preschoolers with CIs compared with hearing peers.

Design:

Participants were 74 children with CIs and 190 hearing controls between ages 1 and 5 years (mean age, 3.8 years). Hearing loss was detected using the Newborn Hearing Screening in The Netherlands and Flanders. Parents completed the Early Childhood Inventory-4, a well-validated measure, to evaluate the symptoms of DSM-IV–defined psychiatric disorders, during three consecutive years. Language scores were derived from each child’s medical notes.

Results:

Children with CIs and hearing controls evidenced comparable levels of disruptive behavior and anxiety/depression (which increased with age in both groups). Greater proficiency in language skills was associated with lower levels of psychopathology. Early CI and longer duration of CI use resulted in better language development. In turn, higher early language skills served as a protective factor against the development of disruptive behavior symptoms.

Conclusions:

This longitudinal study uniquely shows that improvement in language skills mitigates the development of early signs of psychopathology. Early identification of hearing loss and CIs help children improve their language skills.
Peritoneal Involvement Is More Common Than Nodal Involvement in Patients With High-Grade Appendix Tumors Who Are Undergoing Prophylactic Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Authors: Mehta Akash , Mittal Rohin , Chandrakumaran Kandiah , Carr Norman , Dayal Sanjeev , Mohamed Faheez , Moran Brendan , Cecil Tom
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND:

Right hemicolectomy is routinely recommended in patients with histologic findings of high-grade appendix tumors after appendicectomy. Undetected peritoneal disease may be encountered at surgery. In high-grade appendix tumors with disease detected radiologically, complete cytoreduction may not be possible and outcomes poor. For these reasons, we adopted a policy of prophylactic cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to quantify the rates of peritoneal and nodal metastatic disease in patients with high-grade appendix tumors without obvious metastatic disease and to report the long-term outcomes of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in these patients.

DESIGN:

Data regarding peritoneal and nodal metastatic disease were extracted from surgical and histologic records.

SETTINGS:

The study was conducted at a high-volume tertiary referral center for peritoneal malignancy.

PATIENTS:

Patients referred with histologically high-grade appendix tumors at appendicectomy, without detectable metastatic spread, between January 1994 and September 2016 were included

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

A total of 62 patients with high-grade pathology at appendicectomy, without clinical or radiological peritoneal disease, underwent complete cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

RESULTS:

Thirty-five (57%) of 62 patients had peritoneal disease (median peritoneal cancer index 5 (range, 1–28)). Eleven (31%) of 35 had microscopic peritoneal disease. Overall, 23 (37%) of 62 had peritoneal disease beyond the confines of a standard right hemicolectomy. Nine (15%) of 62 had nodal involvement. Mean overall and disease-free survival were 110.9 (95% CI, 94.8–127.0 mo) and 102.1 months (95% CI, 84.3–119.9 mo), with 5-year overall and disease-free survival of 83.2% and 76.0%.

LIMITATIONS:

The retrospective nature limits the interpretation of these results.

CONCLUSIONS:

Complete cytoreduction was achieved in all of the patients, with excellent long-term survival. The incidence of peritoneal spread (57%) compared with nodal involvement (15%) supports cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy as definitive treatment rather than prophylaxis in patients with high-grade appendix tumors, even without radiologically detectable disease. High-grade appendix tumors benefit from early aggressive operative management to deal with potential peritoneal and nodal spread and should be considered for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A360.
Association Among Obesity, Metabolic Health, and the Risk for Colorectal Cancer in the General Population in Korea Using the National Health Insurance Service–National Sample Cohort
Authors: Shin Cheol Min , Han Kyungdo , Lee Dong Ho , Choi Yoon Jin , Kim Nayoung , Park Young Soo , Yoon Hyuk
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND:

In Korea, the incidence of colorectal cancer has increased and obesity is on a rising trend because of a Westernized lifestyle in men.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between metabolic health status, as well as BMI, and the incidence of colorectal cancer.

DESIGN:

This was a prospective cohort study.

SETTINGS:

The study was conducted with the National Health Insurance Service–National Sample Cohort.

PATIENTS:

A total of 408,931 Korean adults without cancer at baseline were followed up until 2013 (mean follow-up, 9 y).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Demographic, anthropometric, and laboratory data at baseline were collected and categorized. The presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia was defined using the criteria of previous studies. The incidence of colorectal cancer was also defined according to the International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision, codes and the claim data on endoscopy with biopsy.

RESULTS:

During the follow-up, 5108 new cases of colorectal cancer occurred. Being underweight (<18.5 kg/m2) reduced the risk for colorectal cancer among women (adjusted HR = 0.646 (95% CI, 0.484–0.863)), whereas high BMI significantly increased the risk in men and in the elderly. Obesity (≥25 kg/m2), diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were identified as risk factors for colorectal cancer in men but not for women. Although metabolically unhealthy nonobese men had a higher risk for colorectal cancer than metabolically healthy nonobese men (adjusted HR = 1.114 (95% CI, 1.004–1.236)), the risk was lower than that in the obese men.

LIMITATIONS:

The study population consisted of people who underwent health examinations, thus there could be selection bias.

CONCLUSIONS:

In Korean adults, obesity contributes to the incidence of colorectal cancer with a sex difference. Nonobese but metabolically unhealthy men are considered to be a high-risk group for colorectal cancer, but obesity itself is more important in colorectal carcinogenesis. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A475.
Bowel Dysfunction Related to Spina Bifida: Keep It Simple
Authors: Brochard Charlène , Peyronnet Benoît , Dariel Anne , Ménard Hélène , Manunta Andréa , Ropert Alain , Neunlist Michel , Bouguen Guillaume , Siproudhis Laurent
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND:

Although care of urological disorders in spina bifida is well established, there is yet no agreement on a standardized approach to bowel dysfunction in this population.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to assess bowel dysfunction using validated instruments and the risk factors in adults with spina bifida.

DESIGN:

A multidisciplinary team prospectively collected patient data, focusing on anorectal and urological symptoms.

SETTINGS:

The study was conducted with data from a French referral center for spina bifida.

PATIENTS:

A total of 228 adults with spina bifida (sex ratio men:women, 92 (40%):136 (60%)) with a median age of 34.7 years (range, 26.8–44.7 y) were assessed.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES:

Factors associated with severe fecal incontinence (Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score ≥9) and severe bowel dysfunction (Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction score ≥14) were assessed in a multivariate analysis model.

RESULTS:

The prevalence rates of severe fecal incontinence and severe bowel dysfunction were 60% (130/217) and 42% (71/168). Bowel dysfunction was the second most common major concern of patients after lower urinary tract dysfunction. Male sex, obesity, urinary incontinence, and a Knowles–Eccersley–Scott symptom constipation score ≥10 were independently associated with severe fecal incontinence. Patients with soft stools had significantly less severe bowel dysfunction. Neither neurologic level nor other neurologic features of spina bifida were associated with severe fecal incontinence or severe bowel dysfunction.

LIMITATIONS:

The recruitment of patients with spina bifida through a national referral center might have resulted in selection bias, and some data were missing especially regarding BMI and Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction score (21% and 26% of missing data).

CONCLUSIONS:

The prevalence rates of severe fecal incontinence and severe bowel dysfunction in adults with spina bifida were high and were adequately perceived by the patients. The present study emphasized the association of bowel dysfunction and fecal incontinence with obesity, urologic disorders, and stool consistency rather than neurologic features. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A394.
Endometriosis-associated Ovarian Cancers
Authors: ANGLESIO MICHAEL S. , YONG PAUL J.
Published: October 2017

Endometriosis-associated cancers include clear cell and endometrioid ovarian carcinoma. A history of endometriosis has long been considered to be a risk factor for later development of these malignancies; however, recent molecular genetic evidence has provided unequivocal evidence that these lesions are in fact the precursors for endometriosis-associated cancers. Herein, we will explore the relationship between endometriosis and ovarian carcinomas, similarities between the premalignant lesions and their cancerous counterparts, and the potential role of mutations and the ovarian microenvironment that may contribute to malignant transformation.
Futuristic Look at Genetic and Birth Defect Diagnoses and Treatments
Authors: GREGG ANTHONY R.
Published: October 2017

One aim of prenatal care is to provide information to prospective parents. The information provided encompasses prenatal care, intrapartum and postpartum care. Learning the genetic constitution of the parents pre-conception or the ongoing pregnancy allows parents to make decisions and set expectations. Offering screening and diagnostic testing has been the main in satisfying the desire for prenatal genetic information. With rapid advances in genomics and genome sequencing, screening during an ongoing pregnancy may become obsolete. Preconception risk will be determined by whole exome sequencing and chromosomal microarray of prospective parents and a number of approaches to alter pregnancy outcome can be considered when genome variations are identified. Therapeutic approaches include mitochondrial transfer and gene editing, two technologies that are in early stages, but showing promise as tools to alter outcomes.
Acute Kidney Injury Due to Systemic Absorption of Antibiotics Impregnated in a Bone Cement Spacer
Authors: Nakasone Trisha S. , Multani Ashrit , Chary Aarthi , Renault Cybele A. , Winslow Dean L.
Published: October 2017

We report a case of acute kidney injury due to systemic absorption of tobramycin, gentamicin, and vancomycin from an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer placed during revision of an infected total knee arthroplasty. The continual systemic antibiotic absorption and resultant nephrotoxicity required spacer removal, with subsequent improvement in renal function.
Evaluation of Intervention Fidelity in a Multisite Clinical Trial in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Morrison Janet D. , Becker Heather , Stuifbergen Alexa K.
Published: October 2017

Background: Careful consideration of intervention fidelity is critical to establishing the validity and reliability of research findings, yet such reports are often lacking in the research literature. It is imperative that intervention fidelity be methodically evaluated and reported to promote the translation of effective interventions into sound evidence-based practice. Purpose: The purpose of this article is to explore strategies used to promote intervention fidelity, incorporating examples from a multisite clinical trial, that illustrate the National Institutes of Health Behavior Change Consortium’s 5 domains for recommended treatment practices: (1) study design, (2) facilitator training, (3) intervention delivery, (4) intervention receipt, and (5) intervention enactment. A multisite randomized clinical trial testing the efficacy of a computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation intervention for adults with multiple sclerosis is used to illustrate strategies promoting intervention fidelity. Methods: Data derived from audiotapes of intervention classes, audits of computer exercises completed by participants, participant class attendance, and goal attainment scaling suggested relatively high fidelity to the intervention protocol. Conclusion: This study illustrates how to report intervention fidelity in the literature guided by best practice strategies, which may serve to promote fidelity monitoring and reporting in future studies.
Assessing Cochlear Implant Outcomes in Older Adults Using HERMES: A National Web-based Database
Authors: Chen Stephanie Y. , Grisel Jedidiah J. , Lam Anne , Golub Justin S.
Published: October 2017

Objective:

Cochlear implant (CI) outcomes research has been largely limited to retrospective or single-institution studies in the United States. The objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of using a novel, national, web-based CI database through evaluating CI outcomes in older adults.

Study Design:

Analysis of a prospective, national, web-based database designed for CI outcome tracking (HERMES; HIPAA-secure, Encrypted, Research Management and Evaluation Solution).

Setting:

Multi-centered at 18 private practice and academic US medical centers.

Patients:

Older (age ≥75, n = 47) or younger (age <75, n = 103) adult CI patients (n = 150 total, n = 160 ears).

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Arizona Biomedical (AzBio), CI usage, postoperative complications.

Results:

Older adults had slightly lower performance on most recent AzBio (56.0%, n = 26, 12.2 ± 6.5 mo postoperatively) compared with younger adults (74.0%, n = 52, 12.6 ± 6.5 mo postoperatively; p < 0.01, Mann–Whitney). However, on multiple regression, age was not a significant predictor of AzBio scores after controlling for sex, hearing loss duration, use, and postoperative follow-up duration. Most recent CI use was similar but significantly different (11.4 h/d in older, n = 24 versus 13.0 in younger, n = 45; p = 0.01). Usage also did not decline over time (p = 0.81 in older versus p = 0.46, in younger). The most common complications were similar (vertigo 25 versus 20%, p = 0.45; tinnitus 4 versus 4%, p = 0.93) in older and younger adults, respectively.

Conclusion:

We demonstrate the feasibility of a novel user-friendly, web-based, national CI database to analyze CI outcomes. Older age was not a significant predictor of AzBio scores after adjusting for multiple factors. Additionally, CI use did not decline over time.
Green neutrophilic inclusions: current understanding and review of literature
Authors: Yang Jay , Gabali Ali
Published: October 2017

Purpose of review

Green cytoplasmic inclusions in neutrophils are an uncommon finding on the peripheral blood smear. A comprehensive review of the literature is presented here with the goal of summarizing knowledge to date and increasing awareness.

Recent findings

A total of 41 cases have been reported in the literature, indicating the rarity of these green neutrophilic inclusions. Clinically, the inclusions have most consistently been associated with elevated transaminases, hepatic failure, and a high early mortality rate. The precise composition of the inclusions has not been confirmed.

Clinicians, hematologists, and laboratory technicians should be educated and have a high level of awareness of green neutrophilic inclusions. A more comprehensive analysis of a larger number of cases will be needed to clarify the true prevalence, associated conditions, biochemical nature, and clinical significance of this unusual finding.
An Innovative Exchange Model for Global and Community Health Nursing Education
Authors: Falleiros de Mello Débora , Larcher Caliri Maria Helena , Villela Mamede Fabiana , Fernandes de Aguiar Tonetto Eliana Maria , Resop Reilly Janet
Published: October 2017

Understanding different cultures is important in the education of nursing students who will become the health care workforce of our future interdependent and globalized societies. International practicum courses help students and nurses understand different cultures. This article describes an innovative approach to nursing education and understanding diverse cultures, in the context of a hybrid course (online course coupled with face-to-face practicum experiences), which enrolled nursing students from opposite hemispheres.
An Exploration of Factors Impacting Preexposure Prophylaxis Eligibility and Access Among Syringe Exchange Users
Authors: Roth Alexis M. , Aumaier Brenna L. , Felsher Marisa A. , Welles Seth L. , Martinez-Donate Ana P. , Chavis Martha , Van Der Pol Barbara
Published: October 2017

Background

In 2015, approximately 50,000 new HIV infections occurred in the United States, 2,400 of which were attributable to injection drug use. Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has the potential to curb HIV acquisition; however, uptake remains low among persons who inject drugs (PWID). The purpose of the study is to describe PrEP eligibility, willingness to use PrEP, and ability to access PrEP among PWID recruited from a pilot program that paired screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections with mobile syringe exchange program (SEP) services.

Methods

Between 2015 and 2016, 138 PWID 18 years or older were recruited from a mobile SEP in Camden, New Jersey. Participants completed a survey assessing sociodemographics and HIV risk and underwent chlamydia and gonorrhea screening. Centers for Disease Control clinical guidelines were used to calculate PrEP eligibility. Differences by sex were examined using inferential statistics.

Results

Most women (95.4%) and men (84.5%) were considered PrEP eligible (P < 0.04). More women than men were willing to take PrEP (88.9% vs. 71.0%; P < 0.02). Participants reported substantial barriers to PrEP including feeling embarrassed (45.0%) or anxious (51.6%) about taking PrEP, nondisclosure to partners (51.4%), limited engagement with health care providers where PrEP might be provided (43.8%), and lacking health insurance (32.9%).

Conclusions

Despite reporting behavior that warrants the use of PrEP to prevent HIV and finding the concept acceptable, PWID face multiple barriers to PrEP access. Without tailored interventions to promote PrEP, uptake will likely remain suboptimal. Packaging PrEP with SEP services could provide a viable option for reaching eligible and interested PWID.
A protocol for non-operative management of uncomplicated appendicitis
Authors: Loftus Tyler J. , Dessaigne Camille G. , Croft Chasen A. , Smith R. Stephen , Efron Philip A. , Moore Frederick A. , Brakenridge Scott C. , Mohr Alicia M. , Jordan Janeen R.
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

We developed a protocol to identify candidates for non-operative management (NOM) of uncomplicated appendicitis. Our objective was to evaluate protocol efficacy with the null hypothesis that clinical outcomes, hospital readmission rates, and hospital charges would be unchanged after protocol implementation.

METHODS

We performed a single-center 4-year propensity score matched retrospective cohort analysis of 406 patients with acute uncomplicated appendicitis. The protocol recommended NOM for patients with modified Alvarado score ≤6 and no appendicolith. Patients admitted before (n = 203) and after (n = 203) protocol implementation were matched by Charlson comorbidity index, duration of symptoms, and modified Alvarado score. Outcomes included operative management, days on antibiotic therapy, length of stay, and hospital charges, as well as readmissions, complications, and mortality within 180 days.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar between groups (age 31 years, ASA class 2.0, Charlson comorbidity index 0.0). Protocol compliance was higher when the protocol recommended appendectomy (97%) rather than NOM (73%, p < 0.001). The incidence of operative management decreased from 99% to 82% after protocol implementation (p < 0.001). In the protocol group, there was a lower incidence of open surgery (4% vs. 10%, p = 0.044) despite a longer interval between admission and surgery (8.6 vs. 7.1 hours, p < 0.001). After protocol implementation, 51 patients had NOM: 18 failed NOM during admission and 6 failed NOM after discharge. Compared to the pre-protocol group, the protocol group had similar length of stay, antibiotic days, and overall complication rates, but more readmissions (6% vs. 1%, p = 0.019) and lower hospital charges for the index admission ($5,630 vs. $6,878, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a protocol to identify candidates for NOM of acute uncomplicated appendicitis was associated with lower rates of open surgery, fewer appendectomies, decreased hospital charges, and no difference in overall complications despite high rates of readmission and failure of NOM.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, level IV.
Fibrinolysis shutdown is associated with a fivefold increase in mortality in trauma patients lacking hypersensitivity to tissue plasminogen activator
Authors: Moore Hunter B. , Moore Ernest E. , Huebner Benjamin R. , Dzieciatkowska Monika , Stettler Gregory R. , Nunns Geoffrey R. , Lawson Peter J. , Ghasabyan Arsen , Chandler James , Banerjee Anirban , Silliman Christopher , Sauaia Angela , Hansen Kirk C.
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Fibrinolysis shutdown (SD) is an independent risk factor for increased mortality in trauma. High levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) directly binding tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) is a proposed mechanism for SD; however, patients with low PAI-1 levels present to the hospital with a rapid TEG (r-TEG) LY30 suggestive SD. We therefore hypothesized that two distinct phenotypes of SD exist, one, which is driven by t-PA inhibition, whereas another is due to an inadequate t-PA release in response to injury.

METHODS

Trauma activations from our Level I center between 2014 and 2016 with blood collected within an hour of injury were analyzed with r-TEG and a modified TEG assay to quantify fibrinolysis sensitivity using exogenous t-PA (t-TEG). Using the existing r-TEG thresholds for SD (<0.9%), physiologic (LY30 0.9–2.9%), and hyperfibrinolysis (LY30 > 2.9%) patients were stratified into phenotypes. A t-TEG LY30 greater than 95th percentile of healthy volunteers (n = 140) was classified as t-PA hypersensitive and used to subdivide phenotypes. A nested cohort had t-PA and PAI-1 activity levels measured in addition to proteomic analysis of additional fibrinolytic regulators.

RESULTS

This study included 398 patients (median New Injury Severity Score, 18), t-PA-Sen was present in 27% of patients. Shutdown had the highest mortality rate (20%) followed by hyperfibinolysis (16%) and physiologic (9% p = 0.020). In the non–t-PA hypersensitive cohort, SD had a fivefold increase in mortality (15%) compared with non-SD patients (3%; p = 0.003) which remained significant after adjusting for Injury Severity Score and age (p = 0.033). Overall t-PA activity (p = 0.002), PAI-1 (p < 0.001), and t-PA/PAI-1 complex levels (p = 0.006) differed between the six phenotypes, and 54% of fibrinolytic regulator proteins analyzed (n = 19) were significantly different.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, acute fibrinolysis SD is not caused by a single etiology, and is clearly associated with PAI-1 activity. The differential phenotypes require an ongoing investigation to identify the optimal resuscitation strategy for these patients.

Level of Evidence

Prognostic, level III.
Cancer and intercellular cooperation
Authors: Bertolaso Marta , Dieli Anna Maria
Published: October 2017

The major transitions approach in evolutionary biology has shown that the intercellular cooperation that characterizes multicellular organisms would never have emerged without some kind of multilevel selection. Relying on this view, the Evolutionary Somatic view of cancer considers cancer as a breakdown of intercellular cooperation and as a loss of the balance between selection processes that take place at different levels of organization (particularly single cell and individual organism). This seems an elegant unifying framework for healthy organism, carcinogenesis, tumour proliferation, metastasis and other phenomena such as ageing. However, the gene-centric version of Darwinian evolution, which is often adopted in cancer research, runs into empirical problems: proto-tumoural and tumoural features in precancerous cells that would undergo ‘natural selection’ have proved hard to demonstrate; cells are radically context-dependent, and some stages of cancer are poorly related to genetic change. Recent perspectives propose that breakdown of intercellular cooperation could depend on ‘fields’ and other higher-level phenomena, and could be even mutations independent. Indeed, the field would be the context, allowing (or preventing) genetic mutations to undergo an intra-organism process analogous to natural selection. The complexities surrounding somatic evolution call for integration between multiple incomplete frameworks for interpreting intercellular cooperation and its pathologies.
Prediction for electronic, vibrational and thermoelectric properties of chalcopyrite AgX(X=In,Ga)Te
2
: PBE + U approach
Authors: Yang Jianhui , Fan Qiang , Cheng Xinlu
Published: October 2017

The electronic, vibrational and thermoelectric transport characteristics of AgInTe
2
and AgGaTe
2
with chalcopyrite structure have been investigated. The electronic structures are calculated using the density-functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) of Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof functional considering the Hubbard-U exchange correlation. The band-gaps of AgInTe
2
and AgGaTe
2
are much larger than previous standard GGA functional results and agree well with the existing experimental data. The effective mass of the hole and the shape of density of states near the edge of the valence band indicate AgInTe
2
and AgGaTe
2
are considerable p-type thermoelectric materials. An analysis of lattice dynamics shows the low thermal conductivities of AgInTe
2
and AgGaTe
2
. The thermoelectric transport properties' dependence on carrier concentration for p-type AgInTe
2
and AgGaTe
2
in a wide range of temperatures has been studied in detail. The results show that p-type AgInTe
2
and AgGaTe
2
at 800 K can achieve the merit values of 0.91 and 1.38 at about 2.12 × 10
20
 cm
−3
and 1.97 × 10
20
 cm
−3
carrier concentrations, respectively. This indicates p-type AgGaTe
2
is a potential thermoelectric material at high temperature.
Bringing ecology blogging into the scientific fold: measuring reach and impact of science community blogs
Authors: Saunders Manu E. , Duffy Meghan A. , Heard Stephen B. , Kosmala Margaret , Leather Simon R. , McGlynn Terrence P. , Ollerton Jeff , Parachnowitsch Amy L.
Published: October 2017

The popularity of science blogging has increased in recent years, but the number of academic scientists who maintain regular blogs is limited. The role and impact of science communication blogs aimed at general audiences is often discussed, but the value of science community blogs aimed at the academic community has largely been overlooked. Here, we focus on our own experiences as bloggers to argue that science community blogs are valuable to the academic community. We use data from our own blogs (
n
 = 7) to illustrate some of the factors influencing reach and impact of science community blogs. We then discuss the value of blogs as a standalone medium, where rapid communication of scholarly ideas, opinions and short observational notes can enhance scientific discourse, and discussion of personal experiences can provide indirect mentorship for junior researchers and scientists from underrepresented groups. Finally, we argue that science community blogs can be treated as a primary source and provide some key points to consider when citing blogs in peer-reviewed literature.
A Novel Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli Genome (strain D3) and Comparative Analysis with Other Uropathogenic and Nonpathogenic Strains
Authors: Nadel Brian B. , Cokus Shawn J. , Morselli Marco , Marinelli Laura J. , Lopez David , Modlin Robert L. , Distefano Joseph , Pellegrini Matteo
Published: October 2017

Background

Bacterial urinary tract infections are extremely prevalent, with half of women having at least one infection at some point in their lives. Most often the causative pathogen is the common gut microbe Escherichia coli. One such E. coli, strain D3, caused a bladder infection in a male adult, and was resistant to multiple antibiotics. We sequenced and assembled the genome of D3, and present it along with a comparative analysis against other pathogenic and nonpathogenic E. Coli strains.

Results

By comparing the predicted proteins of D3 with those from 5 uropathogenic and 7 nonpathogenic E. Coli strains, we generated a list of 38 genes present in most (4-5) pathogenic strains, but absent in all nonpathogenic strains. Among these were 9 proteins of the Pap fimbrial operon, which has previously been associated with cell adherence and the formation of biofilms. Lastly, we analyzed the list of predicted genes uniquely present in D3 compared to all other strains, and identified multiple transposable elements.

Conclusions

The presence of fimbria in most pathogenic E. coli strains, and their absence in nonpathogenic ones, suggests that they play a role in pathogenicity, a notion supported by previous work. We also found that D3-specific genes are strongly enriched with transposases, recombinases, and integrase, suggesting that these mobile elements have been inserted or expanded in D3, relative to other strains in the study.
Individual differences in locomotor function predict the capacity to reduce asymmetry and modify the energetic cost of walking post-stroke
Authors: Sánchez Natalia , Finley James M.
Published: October 2017

Changes in the control of the lower extremities post-stroke lead to persistent biomechanical asymmetries during walking. These asymmetries are associated with an increase in energetic cost, leading to the possibility that reduction of asymmetry can improve economy. However, the influence of asymmetry on economy may depend on the direction and cause of asymmetry. For example, impairments with paretic limb advancement may result in shorter paretic steps while deficits in paretic support or propulsion result in shorter non-paretic steps. Given differences in the underlying impairments responsible for each type of step length asymmetry, the capacity to reduce asymmetry, and the associated changes in energetic cost may not be consistent across this population. Here, we identified factors explaining individual differences in the capacity to voluntarily reduce step length asymmetry and modify energetic cost during walking. Twenty-four individuals post-stroke walked on a treadmill with visual feedback of their step lengths to aid explicit modification of asymmetry. We found that individuals who naturally took longer paretic steps had a greater capacity to reduce asymmetry, and were better able to transfer the effects of training to over-ground walking. In addition, baseline energetic cost was negatively correlated with reductions in cost, such that participants with a more economical gait were more likely to reduce energetic cost by improving symmetry. These results demonstrate that many stroke survivors retain the capacity to voluntarily walk more symmetrically on a treadmill and over-ground. However, whether reductions in asymmetry reduce metabolic cost depends on individual differences in impairments affecting locomotor function.
Evolution-informed forecasting of seasonal influenza A (H3N2)
Authors: Du Xiangjun , King Aaron A. , Woods Robert J. , Pascual Mercedes
Published: October 2017

Inter-pandemic or seasonal influenza exacts an enormous annual burden both in terms of human health and economic impact. Incidence prediction ahead of season remains a challenge largely because of the virus’ antigenic evolution. We propose here a forecasting approach that incorporates evolutionary change into a mechanistic epidemiological model. The proposed models are simple enough that their parameters can be estimated from retrospective surveillance data. These models link amino-acid sequences of hemagglutinin epitopes with a transmission model for seasonal H3N2 influenza, also informed by H1N1 levels. With a monthly time series of H3N2 incidence in the United States over 10 years, we demonstrate the feasibility of prediction ahead of season and an accurate real-time forecast for the 2016/2017 influenza season.

Skillful forecasting of seasonal (H3N2) influenza incidence ahead of the season is shown to be possible by means of a transmission model that explicitly tracks evolutionary change in the virus, integrating information from both epidemiological surveillance and readily available genetic sequences.
Shearing in flow environment promotes evolution of social behavior in microbial populations
Authors: Uppal Gurdip , Can Vural Dervis
Published: October 2017

It is advantageous for microbes to form social aggregates when they commonly benefit from secreting a public good. However, cooperating microbial groups can be evolutionarily unstable, since a cheating strain that does not secrete the public good can reproduce quicker and take over. Here we study the effects of fluid advection patterns on group reproduction as a mechanism to enable or enhance social behavior in microbial populations. We use a realistic advection-diffusion-reaction model to describe microbial growth and mutation in a flow environment. Social groups arise naturally from our model as self-reproducing Turing patterns that can avoid mutant takeovers at steady state. Our central finding is that flow shear enables and promotes social behavior in microbes by limiting the spread of cheating strains. Regions of the flow domain with higher shear admits high cooperativity and large population density, whereas low shear regions are devoid of life due to opportunistic mutations.
Effect of climate variability on crop income and indigenous adaptation strategies of households
Authors: Shumetie Arega , Alemayehu Yismaw Molla
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of climate variability on smallholders’ crop income and the determinants of indigenous adaptation strategies in three districts (Mieso, Goba-koricha and Doba) of West Hararghe Zone of Ethiopia. These three districts are located in high-moisture-stress areas because of crop season rainfall variability.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data collected from 400 sample households were used for identifying factors that affect households’ crop income. The study used ordinary least square (OLS) regression to examine the effect of climate variability. Given this, binary logit model was used to assess smallholders’ adaptation behavior. Finally, the study used multinomial logistic regression to identify determinants of smallholders’ indigenous adaptation strategies.

Findings

The OLS regression result shows that variability in rainfall during the cropping season has a significant and negative effect, and cropland and livestock level have a positive effect on farmers’ crop income. The multinomial logistic regression result reveals that households adopt hybrid crops (maize and sorghum) and dry-sowing adaptation strategies if there is shortage during the cropping season. Variability in rainfall at the time of sowing and the growing are main factors in the area’s crop production. Cropland increment has positive and significant effect on employing each adaptation strategy. The probability of adopting techniques such as water harvesting, hybrid seeds and dry sowing significantly reduces if a household has a large livestock.

Originality/value

The three districts are remote and accessibility is difficult without due support from institutions. Thus, this study was conducted on the basis of the primary data collected by the researchers after securing grant from Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).
Valuing the historical heritage: the case of the Venetian Villas in Italy
Authors: Gabrielli Laura , Farinelli Valeria
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The historic assets are heterogeneous and different to each other, and for this reason, consolidated valuation methodologies do not exist in practice or in the literature. It is, therefore, necessary to dwell on the study of a particular historic building type or category. The assessment process of the valuers of Venetian Villas was explored, focusing on the study of the valuation function construction. The paper investigated if a possible value function, based on the partition of the characteristics, which significantly influence the value, exists and it is generalizable to the whole set of Venetian Villas. The purpose of this paper is to contribute knowledge on the economic valuation of Venetian Villas.

Design/methodology/approach

An application of Hedonic Pricing study to a database of 71 Venetian Villas has been tested. This statistical procedure allowed the authors to discover which results in a percentage of property values can be attributed to the historical characteristics of a building. Using a multiple linear regression and its variables an analysis of residuals and data relating to the variance has been performed.

Findings

This research identifies and proposes, therefore, a valuation approach that can be generalizable to the whole set of Venetian Villas (over 4,000 properties). The models show that the most important variables which influence the value of the villas are: age, internal and external area, maintenance conditions, and author. This model could be used for future valuations of the same type of asset.

Originality/value

The model enables valuers to address better to the property valuation of the Venetian Villas through the valuation functions, which suggest which are the main features which focus in the case of a Venetian Villa valuation and what impact they have on the value asset. The model can be specifically used for valuation reports in the enhancement project of such properties.
Two converging paths: behavioural sciences and social marketing for better policies
Authors: Dessart François J. , van Bavel René
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This commentary argues that social marketing and the application of behavioural sciences to policy constitute two converging paths towards better policies. It highlights points of convergence and divergence between both disciplines and the potential benefits of further embedding social marketing principles and methods within the recent trend of applying behavioural sciences to policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The commentary relies on a review of the behavioural sciences and social marketing literatures and on an analysis of institutional reports reviewing cases of behaviourally informed policies.

Findings

Behavioural sciences are increasingly informing policies to promote societal well-being. Social marketing has seldom been explicitly considered as being part of this phenomenon, although it isde facto. Both disciplines share similar end-goals, inform similar policy applications and are rooted in behavioural analysis. They diverge in their theoretical frameworks, their relative emphasis on behaviour change and the span of interventions they generate. Several benefits of embedding social marketing principles and methods within the current way of applying behavioural sciences to policy are identified.

Practical implications

Scholars applying behavioural sciences to policy are encouraged, when appropriate, to use the insights and methods from social marketing. Social marketing can engage in a dialogue with behavioural sciences to explore how to pilot the convergence of both approaches in practice.

Originality/value

The novelty of this contribution lies in providing the first comparison of the application of behavioural sciences to policy with social marketing, and in using the policy-making cycle framework to map the contributions and complementarities of both disciplines.
Value capturing in Floorball
Authors: Gabrielsson Carl , Dolles Harald
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Floorball is a Swedish sports innovation which emerged and started to be played about 40 years ago. The purpose of this paper is to explore value capturing in this relatively new sport and the various contributions made by different actors towards market development of the sport.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilizes a theoretical framework of value capturing in professional team sports for research. The analysis is based upon 13 semi-structured interviews with representatives from three groups, “players/coaches,” “board members and “manufacturers/retailers.”

Findings

All economic actors within the research framework contribute to various extents to the market development of the sport, yet they all need to cooperate, exemplifying that innovation for market development and value for the sport can only be co-created.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is taken from the Swedish market and may, thus, be considered biased.

Practical implications

All economic actors within the research framework contribute to market development of the sport to various degrees, yet they all need to cooperate, exemplifying that innovation for market development and value for the sport can only be co-created.

Originality/value

This paper provides unique insights into the development of floorball as a “new” sport.
Re-conceptualizing reverse meaning transfer: the moderating influence of meaning type
Authors: Baker III Thomas A. , Byon Kevin K. , Brison Natasha T.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether negative meanings consumers attribute to a corporation transfer to the endorser and to examine the moderating effects of corporate-specific and product-specific negative meanings on an endorser’s credibility.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a protocol designed by Till and Shimp (1998), two experiments were conducted to examine if meaning transfer exists (experiment 1) and if meaning type moderates reverse meaning transfer (experiment 2). A doubly repeated multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to investigate changes in the endorser’s credibility and attitudes toward the brand.

Findings

The results revealed that the negative meanings consumers associated with these corporate crises influence consumer perceptions of the endorser as well as attitude toward the brand.

Research limitations/implications

This finding supports the position that meaning type moderates reverse meaning transfer and may explain variances in the literature on the significance of reverse meaning transfer. Based on these findings, brand crises have a negative effect on the endorser’s credibility.

Practical implications

The results lead the authors to suggest that endorsers as well as marketers should closely scrutinize brand partnerships, as the relationship may positively and negatively influence consumer perceptions of the athlete endorser.

Social implications

Based on the findings from this study, brand managers need to appreciate differences in brand crisis type by tailoring brand image remediation strategies to fit the type(s) of meaning(s) associated with a specific controversy.

Originality/value

The results from the current study add, significantly, to the literature by being the first to evidence that different meanings associated with different types of brand crises produce different attitudes toward the brand.
Prorenin receptor mediates inflammation in renal ischemia
Authors: Quadri Syed S , Culver Silas , Siragy Helmy M
Published: October 2017

We hypothesized that PRR contributes to renal inflammation in the 2‐kidney, 1‐clip (2K1C) renal ischaemia model. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed normal sodium diet. Blood pressure (BP) was obtained on days 0 and 28 after left renal artery clipping that reduced renal blood flow by 40%. Renal expression of TNF‐α, COX‐2, NF‐κB, IL‐1β, MCP‐1 and collagen type I were assessed in sham and 2K1C rats with or without left renal administration of scramble or PRR shRNA. At baseline, there were no differences in BP. Compared to sham, MAP significantly increased in clipped animals (sham 102 ± 1.9 vs 2K1C 131.8 ± 3.09 mmHg, P < .05) and was not influenced by scramble or PRR shRNA treatment. Compared to sham and contra lateral (non‐clipped) kidney, there was upregulation in mRNA and protein expression of PRR (99% and 45%, P < .01), TNF‐α (72% and 50%, P < .05), COX‐2 (72% and 39%, P < .05), p‐NF‐κB (92%, P < .05), MCP‐1 (87%, P < .05) and immunostaining of collagen type I in the clipped kidney. These increases were not influenced by scramble shRNA. Compared to 2K1C and scramble shRNA, PRR shRNA treatment in the clipped kidney significantly reduced the expression of PRR (62% and 57%, P < .01), TNF‐α (51% and 50%, P < .05), COX‐2 (50% and 56%, P < .05), p‐NF‐κB by 68% (P < .05), MCP‐1 by 73% (P < .05) and collagen type I respectively. Ang II was increased in both kidneys and did not change in response to scramble or PRR shRNA treatments. We conclude that PRR mediates renal inflammation in renal ischaemia independent of blood pressure and Ang II.