bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canards in a minimal piecewise-linear square-wave burster
Authors: Desroches M. , Fernández-García S. , Krupa M.
Published: July 2016

We construct a piecewise-linear (PWL) approximation of the Hindmarsh-Rose (HR) neuron model that is minimal, in the sense that the vector field has the least number of linearity zones, in order to reproduce all the dynamics present in the original HR model with classical parameter values. This includes square-wave bursting and also special trajectories called canards, which possess long repelling segments and organise the transitions between stable bursting patterns with n and n + 1 spikes, also referred to as spike-adding canard explosions. We propose a first approximation of the smooth HR model, using a continuous PWL system, and show that its fast subsystem cannot possess a homoclinic bifurcation, which is necessary to obtain proper square-wave bursting. We then relax the assumption of continuity of the vector field across all zones, and we show that we can obtain a homoclinic bifurcation in the fast subsystem. We use the recently developed canard theory for PWL systems in order to reproduce the spike-adding canard explosion feature of the HR model as studied, e.g., in Desroches et al., Chaos 23(4), 046106 (2013).
Low frequency noise in two-dimensional lateral GaN/AlGaN Schottky diodes
Authors: Cywiński G. , Szkudlarek K. , Kruszewski P. , Yahniuk I. , Yatsunenko S. , Muzioł G. , Skierbiszewski C. , Knap W. , Rumyantsev S. L.
Published: July 2016

Schottky diodes with Ni/Au contact to the side of the two dimensional channel in GaN/AlGaN system were fabricated and studied. This kind of lateral heterodimensional diodes demonstrated the ideality factor n = 1.2–1.25 and apparent barrier height φb = (0.59–0.63) eV. The noise measurements within the frequencies range from 1 Hz to 50 kHz showed that the diodes demonstrated the superposition of 1/f and generation recombination noise. In spite of extremely small area of lateral Schottky diodes, the amplitude of noise was similar or even smaller than that for AlGaN and GaN Schottky diodes with the regular contact. This makes GaN-based lateral Schottky diodes to be very promising devices for RF and terahertz applications.
Properties of slow traps of ALD Al2O3/GeOx/Ge nMOSFETs with plasma post oxidation
Authors: Ke M. , Yu X. , Chang C. , Takenaka M. , Takagi S.
Published: July 2016

The realization of Ge gate stacks with a small amount of slow trap density as well as thin equivalent oxide thickness and low interface state density (Dit) is a crucial issue for Ge CMOS. In this study, we examine the properties of slow traps, particularly the location of slow traps, of Al2O3/GeOx/n-Ge and HfO2/Al2O3/GeOx/n-Ge MOS interfaces with changing the process and structural parameters, formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Al2O3 and HfO2/Al2O3 combined with plasma post oxidation. It is found that the slow traps can locate in the GeOx interfacial layer, not in the ALD Al2O3 layer. Furthermore, we study the time dependence of channel currents in the Ge n-MOSFETs with 5-nm-thick Al2O3/GeOx/Ge gate stacks, with changing the thickness of GeOx, in order to further clarify the position of slow traps. The time dependence of the current drift and the effective time constant of slow traps do not change among the MOSFETs with the different thickness GeOx, demonstrating that the slow traps mainly exist near the interfaces between Ge and GeOx.
Effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in air and under vacuum on low-k dielectrics
Authors: Choudhury F. A. , Ryan E. T. , Nguyen H. M. , Nishi Y. , Shohet J. L.
Published: July 2016

This work addresses the effect of ultraviolet radiation of wavelengths longer than 250 nm on Si-CH3 bonds in porous low-k dielectrics. Porous low-k films (k = 2.3) were exposed to 4.9 eV (254 nm) ultraviolet (UV) radiation in both air and vacuum for one hour. Using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, the chemical structures of the dielectric films were analyzed before and after the UV exposure. UV irradiation in air led to Si-CH3 bond depletion in the low-k material and made the films hydrophilic. However, no change in Si-CH3 bond concentration was observed when the same samples were exposed to UV under vacuum with a similar fluence. These results indicate that UV exposures in vacuum with wavelengths longer than ∼250 nm do not result in Si-CH3 depletion in low-k films. However, if the irradiation takes place in air, the UV irradiation removes Si-CH3 although direct photolysis of air species does not occur above ∼242nm. We propose that photons along with molecular oxygen and, water, synergistically demethylate the low-k films.
Ordered Toroid Structures of Nanoparticles in Self-attractive Semiflexible Polymer/Nanoparticle Composites
Authors: Yang Zhi-yong , Chai Ai-hua , Li Ping , Yang Yong-fu
Published: July 2016

By employing dynamic Monte Carlo simulations, we investigate a coil-to-toroid transition of self-attractive semiflexible polymers and the spatial distributions of nanoparticles in self-attractive semiflexible polymer/nanoparticle composites. The conformation of self-attractive semiflexible polymers depends on bending energy and self-attractive interactions between monomers in polymer chains. A three-stage process of toroid formation for self-attractive semiflexible chains is shown: several isolated toroids, a loose toroid structure, and a compact toroid structure. Utilizing the compact toroid conformations of self-attractive semiflexible chains, we can control effectively the spatial distributions of nanoparticles in self-attractive semiflexible polymer nanocomposites, and an unconventional toroid structure of nanoparticles is observed.
Barriers and challenges affecting the contemporary church's engagement in health promotion
Authors: Ayton Darshini , Manderson Lenore , Smith Ben J.
Published: July 2016

Issue addressed

Christian churches have historically undertaken welfare and community service activities to practise faith and increase their relevance to communities. However, the church in Australia has received little attention from health promotion practitioners and researchers. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore the barriers and challenges that affect church engagement in health promotion to assist practitioners' understanding of the potential for these civil society organisations to play a role in health promotion programs and partnerships.

Methods

The research was based on interviews with five directors of church‐affiliated organisations and with the church leaders (ministers, pastors, priests) of 30 churches in urban and rural Victoria. Analysis was iterative using open, axial and thematic coding.

Results

The challenges to church involvement in health promotion, as articulated by church leaders, fell under the themes of the social context of churches and the attributes of congregations. Major issues raised were perceived relevance, mistrust, contested agendas, discordant values within congregations, and risk management.

Conclusion

Although churches may take a different stance to health promotion agencies on a range of social and health issues, many have experience addressing social disadvantage and are prepared to commit resources to meet the needs of people outside their congregations. However, several factors inhibit the engagement of churches in health promotion including perceived irrelevance and community mistrust, agendas of conversion and values that conflict with health promotion.

So what?

Churches have a history of addressing social determinants of health such as housing, employment and food security. Deeper understanding of the challenges and barriers church leaders experience in undertaking health promotion work will facilitate more realistic and effective engagement by practitioners with these organisations.
Process evaluation of the Albany Physical Activity and Nutrition (APAN) program, a home‐based intervention for metabolic syndrome and associated chronic disease risk in rural Australian adults
Authors: Blackford Krysten , Lee Andy , James Anthony P. , Waddell Tracy , Hills Andrew P. , Anderson Annie S. , Howat Peter , Jancey Jonine
Published: July 2016

Issue addressed

The Albany Physical Activity and Nutrition (APAN) study investigated the effects of the APAN program, a home‐based intervention on dietary and physical activity behaviours and chronic disease risk for rural Australian adults. This paper reports on the process evaluation to gain insight into the link between intervention elements and outcomes.

Methods

The APAN program comprised resources to improve participants' diet and physical activity. Printed and online resources were provided to participants, complemented by motivational interviews via telephone. Process evaluation used mixed‐methods, with a sample of 201 intervention participants residing in a disadvantaged rural area. Participants were aged 50 to 69 years with, or at risk of, metabolic syndrome. Quantitative data were collected using an online survey (n = 73); qualitative data were collected via telephone exit interviews with intervention completers (n = 8) and non‐completers (n = 8), and recruitment notes recorded by research assistants.

Results

The attrition rate of the program was 18%; major reasons for withdrawal were health and personal issues and a loss of interest. The majority of participants found the printed resources useful, attractive, and suitable to their age group. The website was the least preferred resource. Reasons for completing the program included the desired health benefits, wanting to honour the commitment, and wanting to assist with research.

Conclusions

Carefully planned recruitment will reduce the burden on resources and improve uptake. Understanding reasons for attrition such as family or personal barriers and health issues will assist practitioners to support participants overcome these barriers. Given participants' preference for printed resources, and the known effectiveness of these in combination with other strategies, investigating methods to encourage use of telephone and online support should be a priority.

So what?

This process evaluation provided an overview of recruitment challenges and preferred intervention components. It is desirable that future work determines the most effective intervention components for rural adults at risk of chronic disease.
Getting over the shock: taking action on Indigenous maternal smoking
Authors: Gould Gillian S. , Cadet-James Yvonne , Clough Alan R.
Published: July 2016

Smoking rates are slow to decline among pregnant Indigenous women. One in two pregnant Indigenous Australian women is a tobacco smoker compared with one in eight in the non-Indigenous population. The National Close the Gap strategy ambitiously aims to reduce Indigenous smoking prevalence to half by 2018, but this goal is unlikely to be achieved. Evidence is growing to better inform targeted strategies for Indigenous pregnant women based on national and international studies. It is proposed to be an appropriate time to refine translational approaches for anti-tobacco messages and cessation support in this population, rather than waiting for further empirical research before making these essential changes. Systemic barriers to Indigenous pregnant women receiving equitable primary health care have been identified, are remediable, and urgently require addressing. These barriers include: (1) lack of subsidised access to suitable oral forms of nicotine replacement therapy; (2) lack of clinician training in the complex area of management of maternal Indigenous smoking; and (3) lack of targeted health promotion programs addressing the psychosocial challenges that Indigenous women face. In the interim, translational strategies to target tobacco control and cessation in pregnant Indigenous women need to be based on current evidence.
Some implications of English spelling for morphological processing
Authors: Aronoff Mark , Berg Kristian , Heyer Vera
Published: July 2016

In alphabetic writing systems, the most consistent correspondences hold between written and spoken segments. Although English spelling uses the Roman alphabet and is thus largely phonographic, it also encodes non-phonological distinctions such as those among homophonic words (e.g., pair, pare, pear). We review evidence that English spelling is to some extent morphographic at the level of suffixes: some suffixes (e.g. -s and -ed) have a single constant spelling (‹-s› and ‹ed›), despite the fact that they vary in phonological realization (-s is realized as [z], [s], or [əz], depending on the preceding segment); while other suffixes (e.g. ‑ic) are spelled differently from homophonous word-final phonological sequences (e.g. ‹relic› vs. ‹relick›). We explore the implications of our research for psycholinguistic findings on morphological processing of written English, with a special focus on ‘affix stripping’ processes. Psycholinguistic research has largely assumed the straightforward linguistic validity of morphographic spelling, without appreciating either its typologically unusual nature or the subtle and complex relation that it bears to morphology, phonology, and semantics.
Covert morphological structure and the processing of zero-derived words
Authors: Darby Jeannique , Lahiri Aditi
Published: July 2016

English makes use of a wide-spread pattern of word class alternation known as ‘zero-derivation.’ This involves pairs of homophonous forms which are semantically related, yet differ in part-of-speech (e.g. a knot vs. to knot). Many theories have been proposed to describe the relationship between these forms, with some proposing that to knot is covertly derived from a knot in the same way as government is from govern; an alternative view is that these pairs are instead two forms of a single lexeme with no inherent word class. We explore these claims in the context of morphological processing, using three delayed priming lexical decision tasks. The results suggest that some pairs are in a covert derivational relationship, in which the derived form is morphologically more complex than the base. However, not all such pairs are related this way, as some instead behave like inflectional relatives belonging to a single, underspecified lexical entry. Together, the experiments offer support for a mixed model, in which the grammar distinguishes between different kinds of zero-related pairs based on their underlying morphological relationships – a covert distinction to which morphological processing may be sensitive.
Narrazione dell’abbandono tra letteratura e cinema
Authors: Colonna Dahlman Roberta
Published: July 2016

This paper aims at offering a comparative analysis of the narrator in the novelI giorni dell’abbandono(2002) by the Italian writer Elena Ferrante, and the narrator in the cinematographic version of the same workI giorni dell’abbandono(2005), directed by Roberto Faenza. The paper focuses on some narrative properties that emerge in Elena Ferrante’s novel and compares the literary narrator to the cinematographic narrator in Roberto Faenza’s movie. Furthermore, the paper discusses different narrative strategies as used in these two different media, literary text and cinematographic work.
Urinary excretion ratio of xanthurenic acid/kynurenic acid as a functional biomarker of niacin nutritional status
Authors: Shibata Katsumi , Yamazaki Marika , Matsuyama Yukiyo
Published: July 2016

The present study was conducted to survey functional biomarkers for evaluation of niacin nutritional status. Over 500 enzymes require niacin as a coenzyme. Of these, we chose the tryptophan degradation pathway. To create niacin-deficient animals, quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase-knock out mice were used in the present study because wild type mice can synthesize nicotinamide from tryptophan. When the mice were made niacin-deficient, the urinary excretion of xanthurenic acid (XA) was extremely low compared with control mice; however, it increased according to the recovery of niacin nutritional status. The urinary excretion of kynurenic acid (KA) was the reverse of XA. Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase, which needs NADPH, was thought to be suppressed by niacin deficiency. Thus, we calculated the urinary excretion ratio of XA:KA as a functional biomarker of niacin nutrition. The ratio increased according to recovering niacin nutritional status. Low values equate with low niacin nutritional status.
An improved glucose transport assay system for isolated mouse skeletal muscle tissues
Authors: Inagaki Akiko , Maruo Kanoko , Furuichi Yasuro , Miyatake Shouta , Tamura Kotaro , Fujii Nobuharu L , Manabe Yasuko
Published: July 2016

There is a growing demand for a system in the field of sarcopenia and diabetes research that could be used to evaluate the effects of functional food ingredients that enhance muscle mass/contractile force or muscle glucose uptake. In this study, we developed a new type of in vitro muscle incubation system that systemizes an apparatus for muscle incubation, using an electrode, a transducer, an incubator, and a pulse generator in a compact design. The new system enables us to analyze the muscle force stimulated by the electric pulses and glucose uptake during contraction and it may thus be a useful tool for analyzing the metabolic changes that occur during muscle contraction. The system may also contribute to the assessments of new food ingredients that act directly on skeletal muscle in the treatment of sarcopenia and diabetes.
Cortactin enhances exosome secretion without altering cargo
Authors: Gangoda Lahiru , Mathivanan Suresh
Published: July 2016

The role of cortactin, a regulator of late endosomal trafficking, in the biogenesis and secretion of exosomes is poorly understood. In this issue, Sinha et al. (2016. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201601025) elucidate the role of cortactin as a positive regulator of late endosomal docking and exosome secretion.
The impact of trade credit use on firm profitability: empirical evidence from Sweden
Authors: Yazdanfar Darush , Öhman Peter
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of trade credit as a funding source on profitability among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

– A large cross-sectional panel data set covering 15,897 Swedish SMEs in five industry sectors from 2009 to 2012 was analysed using several statistical techniques.

Findings

– The study provides empirical evidence that the use of trade credit significantly and negatively affects firm profitability, indicating that SMEs with lower accounts payable are more profitable. Furthermore, liquidity level and firm size are positively related to profitability, while firm age is negatively related to profitability.

Practical implications

– If firms rely, or are forced to rely, too heavily on accounts payable as a funding source, their long-term profitability could be jeopardized. An efficient financing policy should make the costs related to the use of trade credit more transparent. Thus, firm managers could explicitly use trade credit agreements with their suppliers to control the costs related to this particular financial source.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to focus on the impact of trade credit on profitability in the Swedish context, where SMEs are encouraged to use trade credit as a funding source. In addition, the study is based on an extensive sample of SMEs across several industry sectors.
Factors influencing public transport passengers’ satisfaction: a new model
Authors: Sumaedi Sik , Bakti I Gede Mahatma Yuda , Rakhmawati Tri , Astrini Nidya J , Widianti Tri , Yarmen Medi
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the simultaneous effect of perceived value, image, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness on passengers’ satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical data were collected through survey. The respondents of the survey are 292 public transport passengers in Jakarta, Indonesia. Multiple regressions analysis was performed to test the conceptual model and the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

– The findings showed that public transport passengers’ satisfaction is influenced by perceived value, perceived usefulness and image while perceived ease of use does not affect public transport passengers’ satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors performed the survey only at Jakarta using convenience sampling method. Hence, the research results may not be generalized to other contexts. Given this, in order to test the stability of the findings in other contexts, a replication research is important to be performed in the future.

Practical implications

– Public transport service managers need to pay attention to perceived value, perceived usefulness and image in order to ensure public transport passengers’ satisfaction.

Originality/value

– This study is believed to be the first to develop and test public transport passengers’ satisfaction model that integrated perceived value, image, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness.
Polymorphisms of 20 regulatory proteins between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis
Authors: Bigi María M. , Blanco Federico Carlos , Araújo Flabio R. , Thacker Tyler C. , Zumárraga Martín J. , Cataldi Angel A. , Soria Marcelo A. , Bigi Fabiana
Published: July 2016

Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis are responsible for tuberculosis in humans and animals, respectively. Both species are closely related and belong to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC). M. tuberculosis is the most ancient species from which M. bovis and other members of the MTC evolved. The genome of M. bovis is over >99.95% identical to that of M. tuberculosis but with seven deletions ranging in size from 1 to 12.7 kb. In addition, 1200 single nucleotide mutations in coding regions distinguish M. bovis from M. tuberculosis. In the present study, we assessed 75 M. tuberculosis genomes and 23 M. bovis genomes to identify non‐synonymous mutations in 202 coding sequences of regulatory genes between both species. We identified species‐specific variants in 20 regulatory proteins and confirmed differential expression of hypoxia‐related genes between M. bovis and M. tuberculosis.
Immune response in irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review of systemic and mucosal inflammatory mediators
Authors: Martin‐Viñas Juan J , Quigley Eamonn M M
Published: July 2016

Objective

To systematically review the available data on cytokine and immune cells in the peripheral blood and mucosal biopsy samples from patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods

From a review of the literature, data on cytokines and immune cells that had been assayed in at least three independent studies were collated and trends examined.

Results

Levels of interleukin (IL)‐10 tended to be decreased and those of IL‐6, IL‐8, tumor necrosis factor‐α and IL‐1β increased in the systemic circulation in IBS, while in the mucosa, IL‐10 was decreased and IL‐8, mast cells, enterochromaffin cells and CD3+ T lymphocytes were increased. However, these findings were not consistent across all studies and, in some instances, were limited to certain IBS sub‐populations.

Conclusions

The interpretation of this literature is limited by several factors, such as the intrinsic heterogeneity of IBS and a lack of standardization in study design. While a number of intriguing immunological observations have been made in IBS, more work is needed before a compelling case can be made for a role for immune‐mediated events in the etiology of IBS.
A specific and widespread association between deep‐sea Bathymodiolus mussels and a novel family of Epsilonproteobacteria
Authors: Assié Adrien , Borowski Christian , van der Heijden Karina , Raggi Luciana , Geier Benedikt , Leisch Nikolaus , Schimak Mario P , Dubilier Nicole , Petersen Jillian M
Published: July 2016

Bathymodiolus mussels dominate animal communities at many hydrothermal vents and cold seeps. Essential to the mussels’ ecological and evolutionary success is their association with symbiotic methane‐ and sulfur‐oxidizing gammaproteobacteria, which provide them with nutrition. In addition to these well‐known gammaproteobacterial endosymbionts, we found epsilonproteobacterial sequences in metatranscriptomes, metagenomes and 16S rRNA clone libraries as well as by polymerase chain reaction screening of Bathymodiolus species sampled from vents and seeps around the world. These epsilonproteobacterial sequences were closely related, indicating that the association is highly specific. The Bathymodiolus‐associated epsilonproteobacterial 16S rRNA sequences were at most 87.6% identical to the closest cultured relative, and 91.2% identical to the closest sequences in public databases. This clade therefore represents a novel family within the Epsilonproteobacteria. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and transmission electron microscopy showed that the bacteria are filamentous epibionts associated with the gill epithelia in two Bathymodiolus species. In animals that host highly specific symbioses with one or a few types of endosymbionts, other less‐abundant members of the microbiota can be easily overlooked. Our work highlights how widespread and specific associations with less‐abundant microbes can be. Possibly, these microbes play an important role in the survival and health of their animal hosts.
Mapping Averaged Pairwise Information (MAPI): a new exploratory tool to uncover spatial structure
Authors: Piry Sylvain , Chapuis Marie‐Pierre , Gauffre Bertrand , Papaïx Julien , Cruaud Astrid , Berthier Karine
Published: July 2016

Visualisation of spatial networks based on pairwise metrics such as (dis)similarity coefficients provides direct information on spatial organisation of biological systems. However, for large networks, graphical representations are often unreadable as nodes (samples), and edges (links between samples) strongly overlap. We present a new method, MAPI, allowing translation from spatial networks to variation surfaces.

MAPI relies on (i) a spatial network in which samples are linked by ellipses and (ii) a grid of hexagonal cells encompassing the study area. Pairwise metric values are attributed to ellipses and averaged within the cells they intersect. The resulting surface of variation can be displayed as a colour map in Geographical Information System (GIS), along with other relevant layers, such as land cover. The method also allows the identification of significant discontinuities in grid cell values through a nonparametric randomisation procedure.

The interest of MAPI is here demonstrated in the field of spatial and landscape genetics. Using simulated test data sets, as well as observed data from three biological models, we show that MAPI is (i) relatively insensitive to confounding effects resulting from isolation by distance (i.e. over‐structuring), (ii) efficient in detecting barriers when they are not too permeable to gene flow and, (iii) useful to explore relationships between spatial genetic patterns and landscape features.

MAPI is freely provided as a PostgreSQL/PostGIS data base extension allowing easy interaction with GIS or the r software and other programming languages. Although developed for spatial and landscape genetics, the method can also be useful to visualise spatial organisation from other kinds of data from which pairwise metrics can be computed.
Reasons for Hospitalization Among Emergency Department Patients With Syncope
Authors: Cook Olivia G. , Mukarram Muhammad A. , Rahman Omair M. , Kim Soo‐Min , Arcot Kirtana , Thavorn Kednapa , Taljaard Monica , Sivilotti Marco L. A. , Rowe Brian H. , Thiruganasambandamoorthy Venkatesh
Published: July 2016

Background

Variations in syncope management exist. Our objective was to identify the reasons for consultations and hospitalizations and outcomes among emergency department (ED) syncope patients.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study to enroll adult syncope patients at five EDs. We collected baseline characteristics, reasons for consultation and hospitalization, and hospital length of stay. Adjudicated 30‐day serious adverse events (SAEs) including death, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, structural heart disease, pulmonary embolism, significant hemorrhage, and procedural intervention. We used descriptive analysis.

Results

From 4,064 enrolled patients (mean ± SD age = 53.1 ± 23.2 years; 55.9% female), 3,255 (80.1%) were discharged directly by the ED physician. Of those with no SAEs identified in the ED (n = 600), 42.8% of referrals and 46.5% of hospitalizations were for suspected arrhythmias, and 71.2% of patients hospitalized for arrhythmias had no cause identified. SAEs among groups were 9.7% in total, 2.5% discharged by ED physician, 3.4% discharged by consultant, 21.7% as inpatient, and 4.8% following discharge from hospital. The median hospital length of stay for suspected arrhythmias was 5 days (interquartile range = 3 to 8 days).

Conclusion

Cardiac syncope, particularly suspected arrhythmia, was the major reason for ED referrals and hospitalization. The majority of patients hospitalized for cardiac monitoring had no identified cause. An important number of patients suffered SAEs, particularly arrhythmias, outside the hospital. Development of a risk‐stratification tool and out‐of‐hospital cardiac monitoring strategy should improve patient safety and save substantial resources.
Changes in newspaper coverage of mental illness from 2008 to 2014 in England
Authors: Rhydderch D. , Krooupa A.‐M. , Shefer G. , Goulden R. , Williams P. , Thornicroft A. , Rose D. , Thornicroft G. , Henderson C.
Published: July 2016

Objective

This study evaluates English newspaper coverage of mental health topics between 2008 and 2014 to provide context for the concomitant improvement in public attitudes and seek evidence for changes in coverage.

Method

Articles in 27 newspapers were retrieved using keyword searches on two randomly chosen days each month in 2008–2014, excluding 2012 due to restricted resources. Content analysis used a structured coding framework. Univariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of each hypothesised element occurring each year compared to 2008.

Results

There was a substantial increase in the number of articles covering mental health between 2008 and 2014. We found an increase in the proportion of antistigmatising articles which approached significance at P < 0.05 (OR = 1.21, P = 0.056). The decrease in stigmatising articles was not statistically significant (OR = 0.90, P = 0.312). There was a significant decrease in the proportion of articles featuring the stigmatising elements ‘danger to others’ and ‘personal responsibility’, and an increase in ‘hopeless victim’. There was a significant proportionate increase in articles featuring the antistigmatising elements ‘injustice’ and ‘stigma’, but a decrease in ‘sympathetic portrayal of people with mental illness’.

Conclusion

We found a decrease in articles promoting ideas about dangerousness or mental illness being self‐inflicted, but an increase in articles portraying people as incapable. Yet, these findings were not consistent over time.
The role of transformative leadership, ICT‐infrastructure and learning climate in teachers' use of digital learning materials during their classes
Authors: Vermeulen Marjan , Kreijns Karel , van Buuren Hans , Van Acker Frederik
Published: July 2016

This study investigated whether school organizational variables (ie, transformative leadership (TL), ICT‐infrastructure (technical and social) and organizational learning climate were related to teachers' dispositional variables (ie, attitude, perceived norm and perceived behavior control [PBC]). The direct and indirect influences of the organizational variables on teachers' intention and use of digital learning materials (DLMs) were also investigated. A longitudinal design was used with three measurements spread out over four years. A total number of 544 randomly selected teachers from the Dutch primary, secondary and vocational education responded to all questionnaires. Model fit was tested using structural equation modeling. All dispositional variables predicted the use of DLMs, mediated by teachers' intention. TL had direct and indirect relationships via ICT‐infrastructure and learning climate with attitude, perceived norm and PBC. The longitudinal design proved the chronological effect of TL on learning climate and the dispositional variables. However, not all TL dimensions had relationships with ICT‐infrastructure (only TL‐vision and TL‐intellectual stimulation) and with learning climate (only TL‐intellectual stimulation). For educational practice, the results indicated that leadership can promote teachers' use of DLMs directly and by supporting a school wide learning climate under the condition that an ICT‐infrastructure exists.
Arranging Objects in Space: Measuring Task‐Relevant Organizational Behaviors During Goal Pursuit
Authors: Solman Grayden J. F. , Kingstone Alan
Published: July 2016

Human behavior unfolds primarily in built environments, where the arrangement of objects is a result of ongoing human decisions and actions, yet these organizational decisions have received limited experimental study. In two experiments, we introduce a novel paradigm designed to explore how individuals organize task‐relevant objects in space. Participants completed goals by locating and accessing sequences of objects in a computer‐based task, and they were free to rearrange the positions of objects at any time. We measure a variety of organization changes and evaluate how these measures relate to individual differences in performance. In Experiment 1, we show that with weak structure in task demands, changes in object positions that arise through performance of the task lead to improved order, characterized predominantly by a centralization of frequently used items and a peripheralization of infrequently used objects. In Experiment 2, with increased task structure, we observe more refined organizational tendencies, with selective contraction and clustering of interrelated task‐relevant objects. We further demonstrate that these more selective organization behaviors are reliably associated with individual differences in task performance. Collectively, these two studies reveal properties of space and of task demands that support and facilitate effective organization of the environment in support of ongoing behavior.
Macroeconomic Rebalancing in China and the G20
Authors: Frieden Jeffry A.
Published: July 2016

The principal challenge facing the world economy is the risk of recurrent financial crises. Global macroeconomic imbalances create the conditions for boom‐and‐bust cycles that are extremely costly for the countries that experience them, and that can affect other nations and the entire world economy as well. The G20 recognizes the importance of these trends, and has committed itself to cooperative measures to reduce imbalances. However, progress has been limited and halting. There are major political obstacles to global macroeconomic policy cooperation, both within countries and among countries. China's attempts to rebalance its economy are crucial to broader international financial stability. Its G20 presidency gives China the opportunity to demonstrate that it is willing and able to advance its cooperation with economic partners, and to help lead the rest of the world in this direction.
Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: The Role for the G20 from China's Perspective
Authors: Li Xiaoyun , Zhou Taidong
Published: July 2016

Development became a G20 priority under the Korean presidency in 2010 and has remained central to global summitry ever since. Although the G20 has formally involved itself in the post‐2015 process following the St. Petersburg Summit in 2013 and emphasized the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a core priority under Turkey's presidency in 2015, the UN remains the main channel for global negotiations and discussions of the post‐2015 development agenda up to its approval and adoption in September 2015 and will continue to play the leading role in the follow‐up implementation and tracking of SDGs. The present paper argues that as the SDGs come to dominate the agenda and action of donors and issues of financing take central stage, the G20 can play an important role in facilitating the implementation of the SDGs due to its various strengths, although it also faces serious challenges. The paper also points out that as the 2016 G20 chair, China can make great contributions in advancing the implementation of the SDGs both domestically and internationally.
Dilemmas in international research and the value of practical wisdom
Authors: Jarvis Kimberly
Published: July 2016

When conducting research in an international setting, in a country different than that of the researcher, unpredictable circumstances can arise. A study conducted by a novice North American researcher with a vulnerable population in northern Ghana highlights these happenings with an emphasis placed on the ethical challenges encountered. An illustration from the research is used to highlight an ethical dilemma while in the field, and how utilizing a moral decision‐making framework can assist in making choices about a participant's right to autonomy, privacy, and confidentiality during the research process. Moral frameworks, however, can never be enough to solve a dilemma since guidelines only describe what to aim for and not how to interpret or use them. Researchers must therefore strive to move beyond these frameworks to employ practical wisdom or phronesis so to combine the right thing to do with the skill required to figure out what the right choice is. The skill of practical wisdom must be acquired because without it international researchers indecisively fumble around with good intentions, often leaving a situation in worse shape than they found it.
Urinary incontinence as a predictor of death after new‐onset stroke: a meta‐analysis
Authors: John G. , Bardini C. , Mégevand P. , Combescure C. , Dällenbach P.
Published: July 2016

Background and purpose

Urinary incontinence (UI) could be an indicator of increased mortality after new‐onset stroke. The aim of the present meta‐analysis was to characterize this association.

Methods

A systematic search retrieved all studies exploring the post‐stroke period and comparing death among patients suffering from UI with those without UI. Hazard ratios (HRs) were extracted or estimated from the published proportion of deaths. Various meta‐analyses pooled unadjusted HRs, HRs adjusted for confounders and HRs stratified by subgroups of strokes (ischaemic or haemorrhagic), using models with random effects. Heterogeneity was explored through stratification of studies and meta‐regression of predefined parameters.

Results

The meta‐analysis included 24 studies. UI increased the mortality among the general stroke patients in pooled unadjusted (HR, 5.1; 95% CI, 3.9–6.7) and adjusted (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.8–2.7) analyses. This association was also found among ischaemic (HR, 8.5; 95% CI, 4.6–15.7) and haemorrhagic (HR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.4–11.3) subgroups of strokes. Studies including indwelling catheters, published more than 10 years ago or with the highest quality on the selection criteria of the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment scale were associated with a greater effect of UI on mortality. Funnel plots showed a clear asymmetry for adjusted associations. After correcting for this potential publication bias, the pooled HRs still demonstrated a positive association between UI and mortality.

Conclusions

Urinary incontinence indicates high risk of death after a new‐onset stroke. Validity of the analyses on adjusted models is limited by an obvious publication bias.
Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on motor recovery and motor cortex excitability in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Du J. , Tian L. , Liu W. , Hu J. , Xu G. , Ma M. , Fan X. , Ye R. , Jiang Y. , Yin Q. , Zhu W. , Xiong Y. , Yang F. , Liu X.
Published: July 2016

Background and purpose

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) changes the excitability of the motor cortex and thereby has the potential to enhance motor recovery after stroke. This randomized, sham‐controlled, double‐blind study was to compare the effects of high‐frequency versus low‐frequency rTMS on motor recovery during the early phase of stroke and to identify the neurophysiological correlates of motor improvements.

Methods

A total of 69 first‐ever ischemic stroke patients with motor deficits were randomly allocated to receive five daily sessions of 3‐Hz ipsilesional rTMS, 1‐Hz contralesional rTMS or sham rTMS in addition to standard physical therapy. Outcome measures included motor deficits, neurological scores and cortical excitability, which were assessed at baseline, after the intervention and at 3‐month follow‐up.

Results

The rTMS groups manifested greater motor improvements than the control group, which were sustained for at least 3 months after the end of the treatment sessions. 1‐Hz rTMS over the unaffected hemisphere produced more profound effects than 3‐Hz rTMS in facilitating upper limb motor performance. There was a significant correlation between motor function improvement and motor cortex excitability change in the affected hemisphere.

Conclusions

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is a beneficial neurorehabilitative strategy for enhancing motor recovery in the acute and subacute phase after stroke.
Induced community tolerance of periphyton towards combined salt and toxic stress
Authors: Schmitt‐Jansen Mechthild , Bley Lisa‐Marie , Krumbiegel Marie‐Luise , Rotter Stefanie
Published: July 2016

Aquatic ecosystems are exposed to multiple stressors requiring better integration of distinct disciplines such as ecotoxicology and ecology. Stressors select for increasing community tolerance which can be evidenced by the concept of ‘pollution‐induced community tolerance’ (PICT). However, for analysing combined stressor effects on community tolerance, suitable metabolic tests are needed.

Salinisation and toxic exposure often co‐occur in aquatic systems. We aimed to develop a metabolic test to quantify salt tolerance by using proline as an indicator. This method was applied in microcosms, exposing periphyton to salt and an herbicide, individually and in combination.

Proline was a suitable marker for salt stress in periphyton. Long‐term exposure to single stressors resulted in toxicant‐ and salt‐induced community tolerance, but not in co‐tolerances between the stressors. Induction ratios of proline suggest that proline may have different protective functions in organisms depending on stressor quality and resulting in contrasting tolerance patterns in periphyton.

Biochemical markers provide a set of metabolic tests needed for a broader application of the PICT approach in ecology and ecotoxicology, especially for analysing combined stress. Induced community tolerance may therewith improve ecological relevance in environmental risk assessment of toxicants.
Comparing microscopic counts and pigment analyses in 46 phytoplankton communities from lakes of different trophic state
Authors: Schlüter Louise , Behl Stephan , Striebel Maren , Stibor Herwig
Published: July 2016

Comparison between algal pigment analyses using HPLC and subsequent CHEMTAX analysis with microscopic counts from different lakes ranging from ultra‐oligotrophic to eutrophic allowed testing of pigment:chlorophyll a ratios for lakes of different trophic conditions. Microscopic counts and pigment analyses were positively correlated for all groups except for the chrysophytes.

When examining the oligotrophic lakes only, microscopic analyses and pigment analyses of chrysophytes were positively correlated, which showed that the oligotrophic pigment ratios were well suited for determining the abundance of the chrysophytes in oligotrophic lakes. In the eutrophic lakes, where chrysophytes constituted less than 10% of the biomass, the weak correlation was most likely related to counting inaccuracies.

Chrysophytes, generally indicative of oligotrophic conditions, were three times more abundant in the oligotrophic lakes. They constituted 28% of the total phytoplankton biomass as chlorophyll a measured by the pigment method and 26% of the total phytoplankton biomass measured as biovolume by microscopy. In mesotrophic/eutrophic lakes, chrysophytes constituted only 9% (pigment method) and 8% (microscopy).

Similarity analyses comparing the results of these two methods on functional group level documented the high accuracy of the pigment method in detecting all the functional groups present.

The results of the pigment analyses showed a more even composition of phytoplankton groups than found by microscopy, where often one or two of the less abundant groups were absent or only sporadically present. The Shannon's diversity index, H’, for functional groups determined from results of the pigment method were higher than the H’ values based on microscopic counts, confirming a more continuous composition of the phytoplankton groups when detected by the pigment method. The pigment method was found to be a useful alternative, which supplemented microscopic counts.
Exposure to elevatedpCO2alters post‐treatment diel movement patterns of largemouth bass over short time scales
Authors: Hasler Caleb T. , Midway Stephen R. , Jeffrey Jennifer D. , Tix John A. , Sullivan Cody , Suski Cory D.
Published: July 2016

Studies with marine fishes indicate that exposure to elevated partial pressures of CO2(pCO2) related to climate change have negative consequences for fish behaviour. Freshwater fishes may experience similar increases inpCO2due to a number of different mechanisms, but there is a paucity of information on how freshwater fishes may respond to exposure to elevatedpCO2.

To define the effects of elevatedpCO2on a free‐swimming freshwater fish, 19 adult largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were tagged with acoustic transmitters, held in water withpCO2levels of either ˜10 000 μatm or ambientpCO2(<100 μatm) for 5 days and released into a naturalised, earthen‐bottom pond outfitted with an acoustic telemetry array.

Findings indicate that largemouth bass not exposed to elevated levels ofpCO2decreased movement over 35% during the daylight periods; however, fish exposed to elevated levels ofpCO2did not exhibit this pattern. This difference in diel movement patterns between fish exposed to elevatedpCO2and fish not exposed was not detectable after 11 days.

Changes in home range size and daily distance travelled were not observed. However, based on an assessment of position estimates after the completion of the telemetry monitoring portion of the study, space use differed for fish exposed to elevatedpCO2.

Exposure to elevatedpCO2therefore can have consequences for some movement behaviours of freshwater fish and this may influence a variety of ecological processes including energetics, foraging and predator–prey dynamics. CO2‐induced alterations to behaviour should recover upon a return to ambient water.