bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
California forests show early indications of both range shifts and local persistence under climate change
Authors: Serra‐Diaz Josep M. , Franklin Janet , Dillon Whalen W. , Syphard Alexandra D. , Davis Frank W. , Meentemeyer Ross K.
Published: October 2015

Aim

Forest regeneration data provide an early signal of the persistence and migration of tree species, so we investigated whether species shifts due to climate change exhibit a common signal of response or whether changes vary by species.

Location

California Floristic Province, United States; mediterranean biome.

Methods

We related Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data from 2000−07 for 13 tree species to high‐resolution climate and geographical data. Using methods from invasion ecology, we derived indices of species‐specific regeneration overlap and central tendency change (range‐wide global indicators) based on kernel density estimation of presence and absence of regeneration. We then built regeneration surfaces to identify areas of occurrence of high regeneration (regeneration hotspots, local indicators) in both geographical and climate space for 13 common tree species.

Results

Differences between presence and absence of regeneration in forests varied in magnitude across species, with little evidence that tree regeneration is shifting to higher latitudes and elevations, the expected geographical fingerprint of climate change. We also identified potential topographic mediators of regeneration dynamics. Multiple regeneration hotspots were found for many species, suggesting the influence of non‐climatic factors on regeneration. Differences between the presence and absence of regeneration in geographic and climate spaces were not always congruent, suggesting that shifting climate space and range area are not entirely coupled.

Main conclusions

The distributions of regeneration in Californian forests show diverse signals, not always tracking the higher latitudinal–elevation fingerprint of climate change. Local regeneration hotspots are common in our analysis, suggesting spatially varying persistence of forest linked to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Our results emphasize that projections of tree range shifts in the context of climate change should consider the variation of regeneration drivers within species ranges, beyond the overall climate signal.
Interdisciplinary intervention reduced the risk of being persistently depressive among older patients with hip fracture
Authors: Tseng Ming‐Yueh , Shyu Yea‐Ing L , Liang Jersey , Tsai Wen‐Che
Published: October 2015

Aim

To assess the effects of an interdisciplinary intervention on the trajectories of depressive symptoms among older patients during 2 years after hip fracture surgery.

Methods

A secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial that contrasted usual care with an interdisciplinary program. Whereas usual care (n = 77) entailed only in‐hospital rehabilitation and occasional discharge planning, the interdisciplinary program (n = 76) consisted of geriatric consultation, in‐hospital rehabilitation, discharge planning and rehabilitation at home for 3 months after hospitalization. Depressive symptoms were assessed by using the Chinese version of the Geriatric Depression Scale short‐form, before discharge, and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after discharge. Covariates included demographic attributes, pre‐fracture performance of activities of daily living (Chinese Barthel Index) and cognitive functioning (Mini‐Mental State Examination).

Results

Changes in depressive symptoms can be characterized by three trajectory groups, including a non‐depressive group (n = 58, 37.8%), a marginally depressive group (n = 46, 30.7%) and a persistently depressive group (n = 49, 31.5%). Relative to those who received usual care, participants in the interdisciplinary program had a significantly lower risk of being in the persistently depressive group (odds ratio 0.23, P < 0.05). In addition, women and those physically and cognitively more impaired were more likely to be in the marginally and persistently depressive groups.

Conclusions

Our interdisciplinary intervention reduced older persons' likelihood of having persistent depressive symptoms after hip fracture surgery. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1145–1152.
Can Transnational Feminist Solidarity Accommodate Nationalism? Reflections from the Case Study of Korean “Comfort Women”
Authors: Herr Ranjoo Seodu
Published: October 2015

This article aims to refute the “incompatibility thesis” that nationalism is incompatible with transnational feminist solidarity, as it fosters exclusionary practices, xenophobia, and racism among feminists with conflicting nationalist aspirations. I examine the plausibility of the incompatibility thesis by focusing on the controversy regarding just reparation for Second World War “comfort women,” which is still unresolved. The Korean Council at the center of this controversy, which advocates for the rights of Korean former comfort women, has been criticized for its strident nationalism and held responsible for the stalemate. Consequently, the case of comfort women has been thought to exemplify the incompatibility thesis. I argue against this common feminist perception in three ways: first, those who subscribe to the incompatibility thesis have misinterpreted facts surrounding the issue; second, the Korean Council's nationalism is a version of “polycentric nationalism,” which avoids the problems of essentialist nationalism at the center of feminist concerns; and, third, transnational feminist solidarity is predicated on the idea of oppressed/marginalized women's epistemic privilege and enjoins that feminists respect oppressed/marginalized women's epistemic privilege. To the extent that oppressed/marginalized women's voices are expressed in nationalist terms, I argue that feminists committed to transnational feminist solidarity must accommodate their nationalism.
A matching model of endogenous growth and underground firms
Authors: Lisi Gaetano , Pugno Maurizio
Published: October 2015

Economic growth and unemployment exhibit an ambiguous relationship, according to empirical studies. This ambiguity can be investigated by observing the role of the underground economy in shaping the productivity of firms. Indeed, unemployment may be absorbed by underground firms, which adopt backward technology, at the cost of reduced economic growth. Alternatively, unemployment diminishes because productivity grows by employing workers who prefer to become skilled, and thus not to work in underground firms. This paper develops these arguments by using a matching model with underground firms and heterogeneous entrepreneurial ability, and by assuming skills‐driven growth. Economic growth thus becomes endogenous, and both the underground sector and unemployment become persistent. The main result is that, under conditions of strict monitoring of the regularity of firms, the underground economy is squeezed, unemployment is reduced, and growth is high, whereas in the case of lax monitoring, the underground economy expands, unemployment is absorbed, and growth is low.
Recycling waste and endogenous fluctuations in an OLG model
Authors: Fodha Mouez , Magris Francesco
Published: October 2015

We study an overlapping generations model composed of two productive sectors: the first produces a virgin good and the second recycles a good from a previous period. When the profit of the recycling sector is in its increasing region, endogenous fluctuations emerge through a flip bifurcation when leisure and consumption are complementary. Conversely, when profit is in its decreasing region, deterministic cycles emerge also under the gross substitutability assumption. The steady state becomes indeterminate through a flip or a Hopf bifurcation, provided leisure and consumption are complements. We also study the social optimum and the altruistic market economy.
Uric acid, carotid intima‐media thickness and body composition in prepubertal children
Authors: Bassols J. , Martínez‐Calcerrada J. M. , Prats‐Puig A. , Carreras‐Badosa G. , Díaz‐Roldán F. , Osiniri I. , Riera‐Pérez E. , de Zegher F. , Ibáñez L. , López‐Bermejo A.
Published: October 2015

Background

Increased uric acid is an independent biomarker for cardiovascular disease in obese adolescents and adults.

Objective

We investigated whether uric acid relates to carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) in prepubertal children, and whether body mass index (BMI) and preperitoneal fat modulate this association.

Methods

359 asymptomatic prepubertal Caucasian children were stratified according to BMI categories (171 with BMI‐SDS < 0; 188 with BMI‐SDS ≥ 0) and according to preperitoneal fat levels (180 with preperitoneal fat <50th centile; 179 with preperitoneal fat >50th centile). Uric acid levels, insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance; HOMA‐IR), C‐reactive protein (CRP), triacylglycerol (TG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), abdominal fat and cIMT (both by ultrasound) were assessed.

Results

Uric acid was associated with several cardiovascular risk factors, namely higher HOMA‐IR, CRP, TG, BMI, waist, SBP, preperitoneal fat and cIMT (all P < 0.001 to P < 0.0001). Significant BMI and preperitoneal fat interactions were documented in the relationship between uric acid and cIMT (both P < 0.05), as uric acid was preferentially related to cIMT in heavier children (β = 0.247, P < 0.001, r2 = 9.1%) and in children with more preperitoneal fat (β = 0.263, P < 0.0001, r2 = 11.9%).

Conclusions

Serum uric acid is associated with cIMT in asymptomatic prepubertal children. Both higher BMI and preperitoneal fat aggravate the potential risk of atherosclerotic disease imposed by higher concentrations of uric acid.
‘Thin people … they're healthy’: young children's understanding of body weight change
Authors: Baxter S. L. , Collins S. C. , Hill A. J.
Published: October 2015

Background

While research has investigated negative stereotyping of fat body shapes, little has focused on young children's understanding of the mechanisms, motivations and consequences of weight change.

Objectives

To investigate children's understanding of how weight change is achieved, people's motivation for weight change, and the consequences of weight loss or weight gain.

Methods

One hundred children (mean age 5.2, 38 girls) read a book in which one of the main characters (male/female according to the child's sex) was either healthy weight or overweight. Afterwards, this character was described as gaining or losing weight, and drawings which depicted the child in the story as either healthy weight or overweight were presented to the child and discussed. An audio‐recorded semi‐structured interview followed and transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Nearly all children described the weight/shape change and attributed this to food more frequently than exercise. Weight loss was viewed positively and both motivations and consequences grouped under two master themes (physical and social reasons). No clear gender differences were observed in these responses.

Conclusions

Talking with 5‐year‐olds showed them to be observant and knowledgeable, especially about motivations for and consequences of weight change. For those working to improve children's health literacy, this suggests receptiveness to early and fact‐based education.
Controlling the cytokine storm in severe bacterial diarrhoea with an oral Toll‐like receptor 4 antagonist
Authors: Islam Dilara , Lombardini Eric , Ruamsap Nattaya , Imerbsin Rawiwan , Khantapura Patchariya , Teo Ian , Neesanant Pimmnapar , Gonwong Siriphan , Yongvanitchit Kosol , Swierczewski Brett E. , Mason Carl J. , Shaunak Sunil
Published: October 2015

Shigella dysenteriae causes the most severe of all infectious diarrhoeas and colitis. We infected rhesus macaques orally and also treated them orally with a small and non‐absorbable polypropyletherimine dendrimer glucosamine that is a Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR4) antagonist. Antibiotics were not given for this life‐threatening infection. Six days later, the clinical score for diarrhoea, mucus and blood was 54% lower, colon interleukin‐8 and interleukin‐6 were both 77% lower, and colon neutrophil infiltration was 75% less. Strikingly, vasculitis did not occur and tissue fibrin thrombi were reduced by 67%. There was no clinical toxicity or adverse effect of dendrimer glucosamine on systemic immunity. This is the first report in non‐human primates of the therapeutic efficacy of a small and orally bioavailable TLR antagonist in severe infection. Our results show that an oral TLR4 antagonist can enable controlled resolution of the infection‐related‐inflammatory response and can also prevent neutrophil‐mediated gut wall necrosis in severe infectious diarrhoeas.
Information Asymmetry and Quarterly Disclosure Decisions by Firms: Evidence From the Tokyo Stock Exchange
Authors: Kubota Keiichi , Takehara Hitoshi
Published: October 2015

This study investigates whether the new quarterly disclosure reporting requirement issued by the Tokyo Stock Exchange was related to the reduction of the degree of private information‐based trade and the liquidity of listed stocks in Japan, or as a reverse causality, helped dichotomize good firms and bad firms as a separating signaling equilibrium. We use the probability of asymmetric information‐based trade (Adjusted PIN) as a measure of information asymmetry and the probability of symmetric order‐flow shock (PSOS) as a measure of market illiquidity. We use a sample of public firms from 2002 to 2007 that chose to either disclose or not disclose quarterly financial reports. We find that the disclosing firms had lower information asymmetry (Adjusted PIN), lower symmetric order‐flow shocks (PSOS), and lower private information‐based trade (PIN). When we conduct further difference‐in‐differences tests, we find that the firms with lower information asymmetry and higher liquidity had a higher tendency to disclose their financial statements and vice versa. Thus, the new disclosure requirement did not necessarily improve the information asymmetry and liquidity of firms, but instead helped good and bad firms form a case for a separating signaling equilibrium.
Understanding the relationship between breastfeeding and postnatal depression: the role of pain and physical difficulties
Authors: Brown Amy , Rance Jaynie , Bennett Paul
Published: October 2015

Aims

To examine the relationship between specific reasons for stopping breastfeeding and depressive symptoms in the postnatal period.

Background

Difficulty breastfeeding has been connected to postnatal depression although it is unclear whether difficulty breastfeeding precedes or succeeds a diagnosis. However, the concept of ‘breastfeeding difficulty’ is wide and includes biological, psychological and social factors.

Design

A cross‐sectional self‐report survey.

Methods

Data were collected between December 2012 and February 2013. 217 women with an infant aged 0‐6 months who had started breastfeeding at birth but had stopped before 6 months old completed a questionnaire examining breastfeeding duration and reasons for stopping breastfeeding. They further completed a copy of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

Results

A short breastfeeding duration and multiple reasons for stopping breastfeeding were associated with higher depression score. However, in a regression analysis only the specific reasons of stopping breastfeeding for physical difficulty and pain remained predictive of depression score.

Conclusions

Understanding women's specific reasons for stopping breastfeeding rather than breastfeeding duration is critical in understanding women's breastfeeding experience and providing women with emotional support. Issues with pain and physical breastfeeding were most indicative of postnatal depression in comparison to psychosocial reasons highlighting the importance of spending time with new mothers to help them with issues such as latch.
Marriage, Separation and Beyond: A Longitudinal Study of Families of Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in a Norwegian Context
Authors: Tøssebro Jan , Wendelborg Christian
Published: October 2015

Background

This study addresses family structure in families raising a child with disabilities in Norway. The aims are to add to the literature on termination of parental relationships and to explore family research topics that are rarely discussed in disability research, such as cohabitation versus marriage and repartnering.

Methods

Longitudinal survey data on families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities who were born 1993–1995 were compared with register data on all families of same‐aged children (five waves 1999–2012).

Results

Parents of children with disabilities had slightly lower termination rates and formalized their partnerships earlier. Furthermore, the rate of repartnering among divorced/separated mothers of young children with disabilities was similar to that of other mothers but decreases later in the child's life course.

Conclusions

Results support the view that findings diverge and are most likely dependent on context.
Gait Analysis in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Living in a Residential Facility
Authors: Salb Johannes , Lindemann Ulrich , Woodward Carol , Almutaseb Sanaa , Becker Clemens , Sieber Cornel , Freiberger Ellen
Published: October 2015

Background

Mobility limitations are of particular interest in people with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this study was to present feasibility and mean values of gait parameters in people with intellectual disability and it was hypothesized that several trials would be necessary to gain stable values for this cohort.

Material and Methods

Thirty‐two adults with intellectual disability living in a residential facility were asked to do four walks in both normal and fast speed conditions over an instrumented walkway. Mean values of gait parameters were calculated over two different trial combinations, with TC1&2 representing the mean value of trials 1 and 2, and TC1‐4 representing the mean over all four trials.

Results

All participants (Mage = 59.6 years; SD = 16.71) successfully performed the protocol. Gait parameters remained constant over all trials. No significant differences were found between the trial combination TC1&2 and trial combination TC1–4.

Conclusion

Gait analysis was found to be feasible in people with intellectual disability. Overall, the present authors recommend performing two trials and to calculate the means of gait parameters over these two trials to gain stable values.
Changes in different parameters, lymphocyte proliferation and hematopoietic progenitor colony formation in EAE mice treated with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein
Authors: Doronin Vasilii B. , Parkhomenko Taisiya A. , Korablev Alexey , Toporkova Ludmila B. , Lopatnikova Julia A. , Alshevskaja Alina A. , Sennikov Sergei V. , Buneva Valentina N. , Budde Thomas , Meuth Sven G. , Orlovskaya Irina A. , Popova Nelly A. , Nevinsky Georgy A.
Published: October 2015

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is an antigen of the myelin sheath, which may trigger immune cell responses and the production of auto‐antibodies in multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we used MOG35‐55‐induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of human MS, to assess the production of catalytically active immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies or abzymes which have been shown to be present in sera of patients with several autoimmune diseases. Here, we show that IgGs from the sera of control C57BL/6 mice are catalytically inactive. During development of EAE, a specific reorganization of the immune system of mice occurred leading to a condition which was associated with the generation of catalytically active IgGs hydrolysing DNA, myelin basic protein (MBP) and MOG which was associated with increased proteinuria, changes in differentiation of mice bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and an increase in proliferation of lymphocytes in bone marrow, spleen and thymus as well as a significant suppression of cell apoptosis in these organs. The strongest alterations were found in the early disease phase (18–24 days after immunization) and were less pronounced in later EAE stages (40 days after EAE induction). We conclude that a significant increase in DNase and proteolytic activities of antibodies may be considered the earliest statistically significant marker of MOG‐induced EAE in mice. The possible differences in immune system reorganizations during preclinical phases of the disease, acute and late EAE, leading to production of different auto‐antibodies and abzymes as well other changes are discussed.
‘Now I use words like asymmetry and unstable’: nurses' experiences in using a standardized assessment for motor performance within routine child health care
Authors: Johansen Kine , Lucas Steven , Bokström Pär , Persson Kristina , Sonnander Karin , Magnusson Margaretha , Sarkadi Anna
Published: October 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

There is an increasing recognition that early intervention is important for children with motor disorders. The use of standardized assessment methods within the Swedish Child Health Services (CHS) may improve early identification of these children and thereby their development and quality of care. Given the key role of nurses within the CHS, we explored their experiences of using a structured assessment of motor performance (SOMP‐I) in a clinical setting, and investigated possible barriers and facilitators for implementation of the method within the CHS.

Methods

The study was conducted in 2013 in Uppsala County, Sweden. Ten child health nurses participated in two focus group interviews, which were analysed using systematic text condensation.

Results

The analysis yielded three themes: (1) increased knowledge and professional pride – nurses described their desire to provide high‐quality care for which SOMP‐I was a useful tool; (2) improved parent–provider relationship – nurses felt that using SOMP‐I involved both the parents and their infant to a greater extent than routine care; and (3) conditions for further implementation – nurses described that the time and effort needed to master new skills must be considered and practical barriers, such as lack of examination space, resource constraints and difficulties in documenting the assessment must be addressed before implementing the SOMP‐I method in routine care.

Conclusion

Child health nurses felt that the SOMP‐I method fitted well with their professional role and increased the quality of care provided. However, significant barriers to implementing SOMP‐I into routine child health care were described.
Evaluation of a protocol‐based intervention to promote timely switching from intravenous to oral paracetamol for post‐operative pain management: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Sabry Nirmeen , Dawoud Dalia , Alansary Adel , Hounsome Natalia , Baines Darrin
Published: October 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Timely switching from intravenous to oral therapy ensures optimized treatment and efficient use of health care resources. Intravenous (IV) paracetamol is widely used for post‐operative pain management but not always switched to the oral form in a timely manner, leading to unnecessary increase in expenditure. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a multifaceted intervention to promote timely switching from the IV to oral form in the post‐operative setting.

Methods

An evidence‐based prescribing protocol was designed and implemented by the clinical pharmacy team in a single district general hospital in Egypt. The protocol specified the criteria for appropriate prescribing of IV paracetamol. Doctors were provided with information and educational sessions prior to implementation. A prospective, quasi‐experimental study was undertaken to evaluate its impact on IV paracetamol utilization and costs. Data on monthly utilization and costs were recorded for 12 months before and after implementation (January 2012 to December 2013). Data were analysed using interrupted time series analysis.

Results

Prior to implementation, in 2012, total spending on IV paracetamol was 674 154.00 Egyptian Pounds (L.E.) ($23 668.00). There was a non‐significant (P > 0.05) downward trend in utilization (−32 ampoules per month) and costs [reduction of 632 L.E. ($222) per month]. Following implementation, immediate decrease in utilization and costs (P < 0.05) and a trend change over the follow‐up period were observed. Average monthly reduction was 26% (95% CI: 24% to 28%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

A multifaceted, protocol‐based intervention to ensure timely switching from IV‐to‐oral paracetamol achieved significant reduction in utilization and cost of IV paracetamol in the first 5 months of its implementation.
Evaluation of a Starch‐Based Edible Film as Carrier of Adiantum Capillus‐Veneris Extract to Improve the Shelf Life of Fresh‐Cut Pears
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Zahabi Nafiseh , Rezaee Zahra , Maherani Zeynab , Boghori Parvin , Keshavarz Zahra
Published: October 2015

The use of edible films could be considered as a good alternative for application of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents in the food industry. In this study, the effect of Adiantum capillus‐veneris extract, which has been incorporated into fresh‐cut pear starch films, on the microbial growth and antioxidant status of fresh‐cut pears was investigated. The films with various extract concentrations (0.0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 % v/v) were evaluated regarding their thickness, moisture content, transparency, antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Moisture content and transparency properties of films have been affected significantly (P < 0.05) by all of the examined concentrations of the extracts; in addition, the extracts increased the antioxidant capacity of films which was prepared from starch. No significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed for the thickness among the films with different extract concentrations. The films with various extract concentrations showed inhibition zones against Escherichia coli O157 : H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus. Fresh‐cut pears were positively affected by the coating treatment, increasing their antioxidant status and decreasing bacterial and fungal contamination. These results demonstrated that the development of an edible film formulated with A. capillus‐veneris extract can be applicable to preserve fresh‐cut pear quality.

Practical Applications

The incorporation of natural additives such as herb extract into food matrices can be achieved through the use of edible films. Such films may function as an encapsulation or to deliver additives to food. Thus, they are a good alternative for incorporating protective antimicrobial and antioxidant agents onto the surface of food.
Three‐dimensional optical transfer function in differential confocal microscopy
Authors: TAN J. , WANG H. , LI M. , LIU J.
Published: October 2015

To reveal the fundamental characteristics of differential confocal microscopy (DCM), its imaging properties were analysed by studying the 3D optical transfer function (OTF). The zero transfer at zero frequency along the axial direction in DCM, which has not been well understood and is considerably different from the transfer behaviour in conventional confocal microscopy (CM), was elucidated. The integral expressions of the OTFs for CM and DCM and the subsequent simulation results showed that DCMs have higher transfer capability than CM in the axial direction at medium and high frequencies. Conventionally, the relative optimal defocusing amount in DCMs are determined through calculations of the gradient of the point spread functions in the spatial domain. In contrast, in this study, the OTF performances were compared and the optimal defocusing amount was found to be between 5 and 7.
The validity of ipsative and quasi‐ipsative forced‐choice personality inventories for different occupational groups: A comprehensive meta‐analysis
Authors: Salgado Jesús F. , Anderson Neil , Tauriz Gabriel
Published: October 2015

A comprehensive meta‐analysis of two types of forced‐choice (FC) personality inventories (ipsative and quasi‐ipsative) across nine occupational groups (Clerical, Customer Service, Health Care, Managerial, Military, Police, Sales, Skilled Manual, and Supervisory) is reported. Quasi‐ipsative measures showed substantially higher operational validity coefficients and validity generalization across all occupations than ipsative measures. Results also showed that, compared with the findings of previous meta‐analyses, quasi‐ipsative personality inventories are better predictors of job performance than previously thought and that operational validities for ipsative measures are notably congruent with past findings. We conclude that quasi‐ipsative scale formats are superior for predicting job performance for all occupational groups. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings for personnel selection are discussed in .

Practitioner points

Personality inventories have been widely used in personnel selection, but it was thought that their predictive validity was small. We found that they are substantially more valid than was previously thought.

The traditional opinion among researchers in I/O psychology is that single‐stimulus personality inventories (e.g., normative Likert‐type scales) have superior predictive validity to FC personality questionnaires (e.g., ipsative inventories), but our research findings suggest that this is not true for quasi‐ipsative inventories.

In comparison with ipsative and normative personality inventories, quasi‐ipsative personality inventories showed higher predictive validity regardless of occupational group.

Based on our results, we recommend the use of quasi‐ipsative FC personality measures in personnel selection decisions regardless of the occupation group being recruited for.
A novel prediction model for human papillomavirus‐associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma using p16 and subcellular β‐catenin expression
Authors: Qian Guoqing , Hu Zhongliang , Xu Hong , Müller Susan , Wang Dongsheng , Zhang Hongzheng , Kim Sungjin , Chen Zhengjia , Saba Nabil F. , Shin Dong M. , Wang Andrew Y. , Chen Zhuo Georgia
Published: October 2015

Background

p16 overexpression is a highly sensitive yet moderately specific biomarker for predicting human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Nuclear β‐catenin translocation has been linked to HPV‐positive OPSCC. However, whether the strategy of combining β‐catenin with p16 can better predict HPV‐associated OPSCC remains unknown.

Methods

We evaluated the expression of p16 and β‐catenin (nuclear and membrane) by immunohistochemistry staining in 101 OPSCC tissues and HPV status by HPV DNA in situ hybridization. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate single or multiple biomarkers for HPV prediction. The prediction power, sensitivity, and specificity were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses.

Results

Our data showed that upon univariate analysis, p16 and nuclear β‐catenin were positively correlated with HPV status, while membrane β‐catenin was inversely correlated with HPV status (P < 0.01). p16 showed the highest HPV predictive power, with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9074 compared to 0.6762 for nuclear β‐catenin and 0.7635 for membrane β‐catenin, respectively, indicating differential accuracies for HPV prediction. Multivariable analysis showed that p16 was significantly correlated with HPV, while nuclear and membrane β‐catenin showed marginal significance. The three‐biomarker model was similarly sensitive (98.9% vs. 100%) but more specific (88.9% vs. 81%) than p16 alone, which also showed a good predictive value for overall (P = 0.0002) survival and disease‐free (P = 0.0158) survival.

Conclusion

Our study suggests a novel model of combining p16 and subcellular β‐catenin for prediction of HPV‐associatred OPSCC, and this finding deserves further validation.
Examining Flood Insurance Claims in the United States: Six Key Findings
Authors: Kousky Carolyn , Michel‐Kerjan Erwann
Published: October 2015

We undertake the first large‐scale analysis of flood insurance claims in the United States, analyzing over 1 million claims from the federally managed National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) over the period 1978–2012. Using fixed effects regressions and other statistical analyses, we test several hypotheses about the nature and drivers of flood claims (e.g., the impact of flood zone, characteristics of the house, individual and collective mitigation, and repetitive loss properties), as well as uncover quantitative relationships on the determinants of claims payments. We also examine how claims are distributed across time and space. Our findings, several surprising, provide a quantitative basis for exploring the challenges associated with low insurance demand and also can contribute to more informed policy decisions regarding reform of the NFIP, as well as flood insurance markets around the world.
Protecting Autonomy, Protecting Relatedness: Appraisal Patterns of Daily Anger and Shame in theUnitedStates andJapan
Authors: Boiger Michael , Uchida Yukiko , Norasakkunkit Vinai , Mesquita Batja
Published: October 2015

The present study tested the idea thatU.S. and Japanese participants appraise anger and shame situations in line with the American concern for autonomy and the Japanese concern for relatedness, respectively. Sixty‐fiveU.S. and 72Japanese students participated in a 7‐day diary study of anger and shame. Each day, participants reported their most important anger and shame incident and indicated whether they themselves or others were to be blamed (anger appraisals), and whether they focused on themselves or the opinion of others (shame appraisals). They also indicated whether they had experienced anger toward someone close or distant and whether their shame was publicly seen or privately felt. In line with theJapanese concern for protecting relatedness, Japanese compared toU.S. participants blamed themselves relatively more than others during anger situations with close others and focused on others rather than themselves during shame episodes that were publicly seen. Underlining theU.S. concern for protecting autonomy, Americans blamed others more than themselves during anger situations and focused more on themselves than others during shame situations.
Indications, outcome and complications with axial pattern skin flaps in dogs and cats: 73 cases
Authors: Field E. J. , Kelly G. , Pleuvry D. , Demetriou J. , Baines S. J.
Published: October 2015

OBJECTIVE

To determine the indications, frequency of complications and long term outcome associated with axial pattern flaps used to repair wound defects in dogs and cats.

METHODS

Medical records from two independent referral centres for dogs and cats undergoing wound repair with an axial pattern flap were reviewed.

RESULTS

Seventy‐three animals were included, 49 dogs: 24 cats. Indications for axial pattern flaps were chronic wounds (43/73; 59%) and closure following tumour resection (30/73; 41%). Axial pattern flaps used were: thoracodorsal, caudal superficial epigastric, reverse saphenous conduit, superficial brachial, deep circumflex iliac, superficial cervical, caudal auricular, lateral thoracic, cranial superficial epigastric, genicular and superficial temporal. Postoperative complications occurred in 64 patients (89%) and 8 patients (11%) had no complications. Complications were: dehiscence, swelling of the flap, necrosis, infection, discharge and seroma. Flap outcome was excellent in 16 patients (23%), good in 29 (41%), fair in 21 (30%) and poor in 5 (7%).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

There is a high complication rate associated with axial pattern flaps but these are usually easily managed and long term outcome is excellent, in either species.
Evaluation of owner experiences and adherence to home‐cooked diet recipes for dogs
Authors: Johnson L. N. , Linder D. E. , Heinze C. R. , Kehs R. L. , Freeman L. M.
Published: October 2015

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate owner experiences and adherence to home‐cooked diet recipes for dogs.

METHODS

Clients of a veterinary teaching hospital clinical nutrition service who had a home‐cooked diet recipe formulated for their dogs between March 2011 and December 2013 were given a survey by email, postal mail and telephone. Survey questions addressed motivations, positive and negative aspects of feeding home‐cooked diets and current feeding practices. Responses were compared to animals’ medical records to determine adherence.

RESULTS

Of the 93 owners who were contacted, 53 (57%) completed the survey. Of the 53 respondents, 43 owners (81%) reported that they were still feeding an home‐cooked diet or had fed an home‐cooked diet until the time of their dogs’ deaths. The most common motivation for feeding a home‐cooked diet was suitability for specific medical needs. Of the 30 surveys that included a complete diet history, only four (13%) demonstrated exact adherence to home‐cooked diet recipes.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Most respondents liked and continued to feed a home‐cooked diet, but few owners adhered to prescribed recipes and many dogs required recipe modifications. It is important to counsel dog owners about benefits and drawbacks of feeding home‐cooked diets, importance of recipe adherence and necessity for follow‐up after diet formulation with a board‐certified veterinary nutritionist.
Responsiveness of performance and morphological traits to experimental submergence predicts field distribution pattern of wetland plants
Authors: Luo Fang‐Li , Huang Lin , Lei Ting , Xue Wei , Li Hong‐Li , Yu Fei‐Hai , Cornelissen Johannes H. C.
Published: October 2015

Question

Plant trait mean values and trait responsiveness to different environmental regimes are both important determinants of plant field distribution, but the degree to which plant trait means vs trait responsiveness predict plant distribution has rarely been compared quantitatively. Because hydrological regime is a key determinant of wetland plant distribution, we hypothesized that both plant trait means and trait responsiveness to experimental submergence could predict plant adaptation to a wet or a dry part of hydrological gradients in wetlands.

Location

Beijing, China.

Methods

We measured mean values for 14 plant traits by growing 30 wetland species both on land (control) and partially submerged in a greenhouse, and calculated log response ratios (LnRRs) of these traits to submergence. A distribution pattern index of wetland plants along the moisture gradient (from the zone furthest from the wetland waterline to that nearest to the waterline) was developed based on plant survey data in 3988 field plots in 24 wetlands in Beijing, China.

Results

LnRRs of performance traits (shoot biomass, root biomass, plant height and total root length; R2 = 0.249, P = 0.005) and one out of five morphological traits (i.e. shoot elongation capacity; R2 = 0.194, P = 0.015) between partially submerged and control treatments could predict the distribution pattern of the 30 wetland plant species. In contrast, means of plant traits in either control or submergence could not predict species distribution. The trait LnRRs, increasing from very negative to very positive, corresponded positively with the distribution, ranging from the zone furthest from the wetland waterline to that nearest to the waterline. Surprisingly, physiological trait LnRRs that had been expected to underpin performance trait LnRRs did not themselves predict the distribution pattern of these species. Analyses at the level of multivariate trait groups (based on PCA) showed that species LnRRs of the morphological trait group were positively correlated with LnRRs of the performance trait group.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that screening wetland plant species for performance and morphological trait LnRRs under experimentally flooded conditions is an effective approach to understand and predict their distribution pattern along moisture gradients in the field.
The Effects of Election Proximity on Participatory Shirking: The Staggered‐Term Chamber as a Laboratory
Authors: Fukumoto Kentaro , Matsuo Akitaka
Published: October 2015

This study discusses a downside of electoral pressure. As elections approach, legislators reduce their effort in legislative activities, albeit while increasing their efficiency. To show this, we propose a new, natural experimental design exploiting staggered legislative election calendars to identify the effect of approaching elections. Two‐way natural blocking improves the balance of pretreatments and an instrumental variable approach addresses noncompliance by retirees. Our analysis of the Japanese House of Councillors demonstrates that legislators up for election show up in the chamber less often than those not facing election; however, when they do show up and speak, they tend to speak longer.
Expression and diversification analysis reveals transposable elements play important roles in the origin of Lycopersicon‐specific lncRNAs in tomato
Authors: Wang Xin , Ai Guo , Zhang Chunli , Cui Long , Wang Jiafa , Li Hanxia , Zhang Junhong , Ye Zhibiao
Published: October 2015

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate gene expression and biological processes. With the development of high‐throughput RNA sequencing technology, lncRNAs have been extensively studied in recent years. Nevertheless, the expression and evolution of lncRNAs in plants remain poorly understood.

Here, we identified 413 and 709 multi‐exon noncoding transcripts from 353 and 595 loci of the cultivar tomato Heinz1706 and its wild relative LA1589, respectively. Systematic comparison of the sequence and expression of lncRNAs showed that they are poorly conserved in Solanaceae, with only < 0.4% lncRNAs present in all sequenced genomes of tomato and potato. Sequence analysis of Lycopersicon‐specific lncRNA loci in Solanum lycopersicum and S. pennellii showed that the origins of these molecules are associated with transposable elements (TEs).

LncRNA‐314, a fruit‐specific lncRNA expressed in S. lycopersicum and S. pimpinellifolium, but not in S. pennellii, originated through two evolutionary events: speciation of S. pennellii resulted in insertion of a long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposon into chromosome 10 and contributed to most of the transcribed region of lncRNA‐314; and a large deletion in Lycopersicon generated the promoter region and part of the transcribed region of lncRNA‐314.

These results provide novel insights into the evolution of lncRNAs in plants.
Pediatric investigation plans for specific immunotherapy: Questionable contributions to childhood health
Authors: Rose Klaus , Kopp Matthias Volkmar
Published: October 2015

Allergen‐specific immunotherapy (SIT) is the only disease‐modifying treatment for children, adolescents, and adults with allergic diseases. The EU has a combined system of national and EU‐wide marketing authorization for all medicines. Germany introduced a new therapy allergen ordinance in 2008. Allergen products manufacturers had to apply for marketing authorization application for the major allergen groups (grass group, birch group, mites group, bee/wasp venom). Due to the EU pediatric regulation, in force since 2007, manufacturers had also to submit a pediatric investigation plan (PIP) for each allergen product. We investigated the allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) standard PIP, developed jointly by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the German Paul Ehrlich Institut (PEI). We analyzed the 118 EMA PIP decisions, looked for SIT trials in children in www.clinicaltrials.gov, and further analyzed EMA/EU justifications. The PIPs request a 1‐year dose‐finding study in adults, a 5‐year placebo‐controlled (PC) efficacy & safety (E&S) study in adults, and a 5‐year PC E&S study in children. Fifty‐eight PIP development programs will have to be performed until 2031. But children benefit even more from SIT for ARC than adults. There is no convincing medical/scientific justification for PC E&S studies in children in the relevant EMA documents. The PIP requirement to withhold effective treatment to thousands of children in the placebo group over a 5‐year period raises profound concerns. The EMA justifications are formalistic and lack scientific foundation. A critical academic review of the ARC PIPs and the entire PIP system is urgently needed.
Perioperative care of infants with pyloric stenosis
Authors: Kamata Mineto , Cartabuke Richard S. , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: October 2015

Pyloric stenosis (PS) is one of the most common surgical conditions affecting neonates and young infants. The definitive treatment for PS is surgical pyloromyotomy, either open or laparoscopic. However, surgical intervention should never be considered urgent or emergent. More importantly, emergent medical intervention may be required to correct intravascular volume depletion and electrolyte disturbances. Given advancements in surgical and perioperative care, morbidity and mortality from PS should be limited. However, either may occur related to poor preoperative resuscitation, anesthetic management difficulties, or postoperative complications. The following manuscript reviews the current evidence‐based medicine regarding the perioperative care of infants with PS with focus on the preoperative assessment and correction of metabolic abnormalities, intraoperative care including airway management (particularly debate related to rapid sequence intubation), maintenance anesthetic techniques, and techniques for postoperative pain management. Additionally, reports of applications of regional anesthesia for either postoperative pain control or as an alternative to general anesthesia are discussed. Management recommendations are provided whenever possible.
Comparative study of the structure of chromosome 1R derived from Secale montanum and Secale cereale
Authors: Li Jianjian , Gyawali Yadav Prasad , Zhou Ruonan , Stein Nils , Nasuda Shuhei , Endo Takashi R.
Published: October 2015

We produced 15 dissection lines of common wheat carrying segments of chromosome 1R of wild rye (Secale montanum) (1Rm) by the gametocidal system. Using the 1Rm dissection lines and previously established 24 dissection lines of chromosome 1R from cultivated rye (Secale cereale cv. ‘Imperial’) (1Ri), we conducted cytological mapping of 97 markers that were amplified in the 1Ri addition line. Sixty‐eight of the 97 markers were amplified in the 1Rm addition line. To reveal what structural differentiation occurred in chromosome 1R during domestication, we compared the cytological map of chromosome 1Ri with that of chromosome 1Rm, and also with the previously published cytological map of chromosome 1R from wheat cultivar ‘Burgas 2’ (1RB). There was one discrepancy in marker order in the satellite region between chromosomes 1Ri and 1RB, while there were four discrepancies in marker order between chromosomes 1Ri and 1Rm. These results suggested that during the domestication of rye, some intrachromosomal rearrangements had occurred in chromosome 1R, although this chromosome is regarded as the most stable chromosome in the rye genome.
Presidential Rhetoric and Supreme Court Decisions
Authors: Eshbaugh‐Soha Matthew , Collins Paul M.
Published: October 2015

Despite the centrality of speeches to the American presidency, no research has specifically investigated the frequency of presidential public commentary about Supreme Court decisions. We do so and also examine why presidents discuss Supreme Court cases in their public comments from the Eisenhower to Obama administrations. Our empirical findings support our theoretical expectations in two primary ways. First, presidents speak most frequently after cases have been decided. Second, the monthly volume of presidential remarks on Court cases is shaped to varying degrees by presidents’ desires to bolster their reelections, policy goals, and historical legacies. By shedding new light on why presidents comment publicly on Supreme Court cases, this research contributes to our understanding of presidential speechmaking, executive–judicial branch interactions, and how norms and institutions shape the behavior of political actors.