bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The fascinating facets of plant selenium accumulation – biochemistry, physiology, evolution and ecology
Authors: Schiavon Michela , Pilon‐Smits Elizabeth A. H.
Published: December 2016

The importance of selenium (Se) for medicine, industry and the environment is increasingly apparent. Se is essential for many species, including humans, but toxic at elevated concentrations. Plant Se accumulation and volatilization may be applied in crop biofortification and phytoremediation. Topics covered here include beneficial and toxic effects of Se on plants, mechanisms of Se accumulation and tolerance in plants and algae, Se hyperaccumulation, and ecological and evolutionary aspects of these processes. Plant species differ in the concentration and forms of Se accumulated, Se partitioning at the whole‐plant and tissue levels, and the capacity to distinguish Se from sulfur. Mechanisms of Se hyperaccumulation and its adaptive significance appear to involve constitutive up‐regulation of sulfate/selenate uptake and assimilation, associated with elevated concentrations of defense‐related hormones. Hyperaccumulation has evolved independently in at least three plant families, probably as an elemental defense mechanism and perhaps mediating elemental allelopathy. Elevated plant Se protects plants from generalist herbivores and pathogens, but also gives rise to the evolution of Se‐resistant specialists. Plant Se accumulation affects ecological interactions with herbivores, pollinators, neighboring plants, and microbes. Hyperaccumulation tends to negatively affect Se‐sensitive ecological partners while facilitating Se‐resistant partners, potentially affecting species composition and Se cycling in seleniferous ecosystems.

Contents

Summary
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I.
Introduction
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II.
Biochemistry and physiology of plant Se uptake, metabolism and tolerance
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III.
Evolutionary aspects of plant Se (hyper)accumulation
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IV.
Ecological aspects of plant Se (hyper)accumulation
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V.
Future prospects
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Acknowledgements
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References
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Plant grafting: how genetic exchange promotes vascular reconnection
Authors: Wang Jing , Jiang Libo , Wu Rongling
Published: December 2016

Grafting has been widely used to improve horticultural traits. It has also served increasingly as a tool to investigate the long‐distance transport of molecules that is an essential part for key biological processes. Many studies have revealed the molecular mechanisms of graft‐induced phenotypic variation in anatomy, morphology and production. Here, we review the phenomena and their underlying mechanisms by which macromolecules, including RNA, protein, and even DNA, are transported between scions and rootstocks via vascular tissues. We further propose a conceptual framework that characterizes and quantifies the driving mechanisms of scion–rootstock interactions toward vascular reconnection and regeneration.
Incomplete and incorrect epinephrine auto‐injector training to food‐allergic patients by pharmacists in the Netherlands
Authors: Saleh‐Langenberg J. , de Vries S. , Bak E. , Kollen B. J. , Flokstra‐de Blok B. M. J. , Dubois A. E. J.
Published: December 2016

Background

Successful treatment of anaphylaxis in the community relies on early and correct use of epinephrine auto‐injectors (EAI). In the Netherlands, pharmacists supply EAIs to patients and have a crucial role in instructing patients in how and when to use EAI. However, there are currently no data in Europe on the quality of such instruction provided by pharmacists. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding food allergy among pharmacists in the Netherlands and to investigate the quality of EAI instructions and demonstrations to patients by pharmacists.

Methods

Pharmacists were asked to complete an online questionnaire. Quality of instructions and demonstration accuracy were assessed in mystery guest visits to randomly selected pharmacies. For the statistical analysis, descriptive methods were used.

Results

In total, 25 of 115 questionnaires were completed. Only two (8%) respondents gave correct answers concerning the proper EAI demonstration. Twenty‐one (84%) respondents thought that the provision of instructions was the responsibility of pharmacists. In total, ten pharmacies were included in simulated patient visits. Five of them (50%) demonstrated the EAI. None of them demonstrated the EAI use correctly.

Conclusion

Food‐allergic patients at high risk for anaphylaxis who receive their EAI from a community pharmacy are often not instructed on how to use an EAI or receive incorrect instructions. Pharmacists show considerable gaps in knowledge about food allergy and its management. These data suggest that opportunities exist to improve the quality of care provided by pharmacies to high‐risk food‐allergic patients.
Parental perception of their child's quality of life in children with non‐immunoglobulin‐E‐mediated gastrointestinal allergies
Authors: Foong R. X. , Meyer R. , Godwin H. , Dziubak R. , Lozinsky A. C. , Reeve K. , Knibb R. , Shah N.
Published: December 2016

Background

Food allergy can have a significant impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Parental proxy questionnaires are commonly used when children are too young to complete questionnaires themselves. Little data are available on HRQoL in children with non‐IgE‐mediated gastrointestinal food allergy (GIFA). The aim of this study was to evaluate HRQoL in these children by parent proxy.

Methods

A cross‐sectional questionnaire study was conducted with children aged 2–16 years with confirmed GIFA. Parents of these children completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™) and the family impact module of the PedsQL. The PedsQL scores were compared to two published cohorts: functional abdominal pain (FAP) and IgE‐mediated food allergy.

Results

Fifty‐two parents of children with GIFA completed the PedsQL™ parent proxy. The GIFA cohort had significantly better overall HRQoL compared with the FAP cohort, but lower emotional functioning scores. The GIFA cohort also had poorer physical QoL compared with the IgE cohort (all p < 0.05). The more foods excluded, comorbidity of nasal congestion, abdominal pain, back arching, the persistence of flatus and gastrointestinal symptom severity after elimination diet were related to poorer QoL in this non‐IgE cohort. Regression analyses showed that number of foods and nasal congestion significantly predicted total QoL score as perceived by parents.

Conclusions

This study has shown that different areas of HRQoL of children with GIFA are affected compared with children with FAP or IgE‐mediated food allergy, highlighting the need for a specific GIFA HRQoL questionnaire to better understand the impact on these children.
Retrospective Study of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Children
Authors: Tull Rechelle , Ahn Christine , Daniel Alyssa , Yosipovitch Gil , Strowd Lindsay C.
Published: December 2016

Background/Objectives

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a lethal tick‐borne illness, is prevalent in the south central United States. Children younger than 10 years old have the greatest risk of fatal outcome from RMSF. The objective of the current study was to review pediatric cases of RMSF seen in the dermatology consult service and to evaluate dermatology's role in the diagnosis and management of this disease.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of inpatient dermatology consultations at a tertiary care center in North Carolina from 2001 to 2011. Data collected included patient demographic characteristics, symptoms, pre‐ and postconsultation diagnoses, diagnostic procedures, length of hospital stay, and outcome.

Results

A total of 3,912 consultations were conducted in the dermatology service over 10 years. Six patients with RMSF, ranging in age from 22 months to 10 years (mean 5.1 years), were evaluated during April, May, and June. All preconsultation diagnoses included RMSF in the differential diagnosis. All patients underwent skin biopsies, and a culture was obtained in one case. Fifty percent of patients died within 4 days of hospitalization.

Conclusions

Variables associated with mortality from RMSF are delayed diagnosis and initiation of antirickettsial therapy. Physicians should consider RMSF in children presenting with fever and rash during the summer months. Dermatology consultation is useful in evaluating patients with suspicious clinical features of RMSF with skin findings.
Repair of (6‐4) Lesions in DNA by (6‐4) Photolyase: 20 Years of Quest for the Photoreaction Mechanism
Authors: Yamamoto Junpei , Plaza Pascal , Brettel Klaus
Published: December 2016

Exposure of DNA to ultraviolet (UV) light from the Sun or from other sources causes the formation of harmful and carcinogenic crosslinks between adjacent pyrimidine nucleobases, namely cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and pyrimidine(6–4)pyrimidone photoproducts. Nature has developed unique flavoenzymes, called DNA photolyases, that utilize blue light, that is photons of lower energy than those of the damaging light, to repair these lesions. In this review, we focus on the chemically challenging repair of the (6–4) photoproducts by (6–4) photolyase and describe the major events along the quest for the reaction mechanisms, over the 20 years since the discovery of (6‐4) photolyase.
Home‐based telerehabilitation via real‐time videoconferencing improves endurance exercise capacity in patients with COPD: The randomized controlled TeleR Study
Authors: Tsai Ling Ling Y. , McNamara Renae J. , Moddel Chloe , Alison Jennifer A. , McKenzie David K. , McKeough Zoe J.
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Telerehabilitation has the potential to increase access to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for patients with COPD who have difficulty accessing centre‐based PR due to poor mobility, lack of transport and cost of travel. We aimed to determine the effect of supervised, home‐based, real‐time videoconferencing telerehabilitation on exercise capacity, self‐efficacy, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and physical activity in patients with COPD compared with usual care without exercise training.

Methods

Patients with COPD were randomized to either a supervised home‐based telerehabilitation group (TG) that received exercise training three times a week for 8 weeks or a control group (CG) that received usual care without exercise training. Outcomes were measured at baseline and following the intervention.

Results

Thirty‐six out of 37 participants (mean ± SD age = 74 ± 8 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1
) = 64 ± 21% predicted) completed the study. Compared with the CG, the TG showed a statistically significant increase in endurance shuttle walk test time (mean difference = 340 s (95% CI: 153–526, P < 0.001)), an increase in self‐efficacy (mean difference = 8 points (95% CI: 2–14, P < 0.007)), a trend towards a statistically significant increase in the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire total score (mean difference = 8 points (95% CI: −1 to 16, P = 0.07)) and no difference in physical activity (mean difference = 475 steps per day (95% CI: −200 to 1151, P = 0.16)).

Conclusion

This study showed that telerehabilitation improved endurance exercise capacity and self‐efficacy in patients with COPD when compared with usual care.
Impaired Akt Phosphorylation in Monocytes of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kuuliala K. , Kuuliala A. , Hämäläinen M. , Koivuniemi R. , Kautiainen H. , Moilanen E. , Repo H. , Leirisalo‐Repo M.
Published: December 2016

It has been proposed that the Akt kinase pathway provides a regulatory mechanism to limit the inflammatory response. We examined the activation of Akt upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in monocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and correlated it with disease activity. Twelve subjects with recent‐onset, DMARD‐naïve RA, thirteen patients with chronic, DMARD therapy–non‐responding RA and 27 healthy volunteers provided whole blood samples for phosphospecific flow cytometric measurement of unstimulated and LPS‐stimulated Akt phosphorylation at serine 473 in monocytes, determined in relative fluorescence units (RFU). Activation capability, that is responsiveness of monocytes, was determined as the difference between stimulated and unstimulated samples and compared between groups using Mann–Whitney test. CRP and ESR, swollen and tender joint counts, patients’ global assessment of disease activity, DAS28 score and plasma IL‐6 determined by ELISA were correlated with Akt activation using Spearman method. Median (interquartile range) Akt activation capability was significantly lower in DMARD‐naïve (379 RFU [285, 432], P = 0.016) and even lower in DMARD‐non‐responding RA (258 RFU [213, 338], P < 0.001), compared to healthy controls (505 RFU[408, 639]) and showed a negative correlation with swollen joint count (r = −0.48, CI −0.78 to −0.05, P = 0.014), CRP (r = −0.42, CI −0.80 to −0.02, P = 0.039) and plasma IL‐6 levels (r = −0.44, CI −0.65 to −0.17, P = 0.001). In conclusion, Akt activation capability of monocytes is low in early untreated RA and even lower in chronic, DMARD‐non‐responding RA, suggesting a role for Akt pathway in the pathogenesis of RA.
Mortality and clinical outcomes in children treated with antiretroviral therapy in four African vertical programmes during the first decade of paediatric HIV care, 2001–2010
Authors: Ben‐Farhat Jihane , Schramm Birgit , Nicolay Nathalie , Wanjala Stephen , Szumilin Elisabeth , Balkan Suna , Pujades‐Rodríguez Mar
Published: December 2016

Objective

To assess mortality and clinical outcomes in children treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) in four African vertical programmes between 2001 and 2010.

Methods

Cohort analysis of data from HIV‐infected children (<15 years old) initiating ART in four sub‐Saharan HIV programmes in Kenya, Uganda and Malawi, between December 2001 and December 2010. Rates of mortality, programme attrition and first‐line clinico‐immunological failure were calculated by age group (<2, 2–4 and 5–14 years), 1 or 2 years after ART initiation, and risk factors were examined.

Results

A total of 3949 children, 22.7% aged <2 years, 32.2% 2–4 years and 45.1% 5–14 years, were included. At ART initiation, 60.8% had clinical stage 3 or 4, and 46.5% severe immunosuppression. Overall mortality, attrition and 1‐year failure rates were 5.1, 10.8 and 9.0 per 100 person‐years, respectively. Immunosuppression, stage 3 or 4, and underweight were associated with increased rates of mortality, attrition and treatment failure. Adjusted estimates showed lower mortality hazard ratios (HR) among children aged 2–4 years (HR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.42–0.77 than children aged 5–14 years). One‐year treatment failure incidence rate ratios (IRR) were similar regardless of age (IRR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.67–1.25 for <2 years; 1.01, 95% CI 0.83–1.23 for 2–4 years, vs. 5–14 years).

Conclusions

Good treatment outcomes were achieved during the first decade of HIV paediatric care despite the late start of therapy. Encouraging early HIV infant diagnosis in and outside prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission programmes, and linkage to care services for early ART initiation, is needed to reduce mortality and delay treatment failure.
Inappropriate prescription of cough remedies among children hospitalised with respiratory illness over the period 2002–2015 in Kenya
Authors: Maina Michuki , Akech Samuel , Mwaniki Paul , Gachau Susan , Ogero Morris , Julius Thomas , Ayieko Phillip , Irimu Grace , English Mike
Published: December 2016

Objective

To examine trends in prescription of cough medicines over the period 2002–2015 in children aged 1 month to 12 years admitted to Kenyan hospitals with cough, difficulty breathing or diagnosed with a respiratory tract infection.

Methods

We reviewed hospitalisation records of children included in four studies providing cross‐sectional prevalence estimates from government hospitals for six time periods between 2002 and 2015. Children with an atopic illness were excluded. Amongst eligible children, we determined the proportion prescribed any adjuvant medication for cough. Active ingredients in these medicines were often multiple and were classified into five categories: antihistamines, antitussives, mucolytics/expectorants, decongestants and bronchodilators. From late 2006, guidelines discouraging cough medicine use have been widely disseminated and in 2009 national directives to decrease cough medicine use were issued.

Results

Across the studies, 17 963 children were eligible. Their median age and length of hospital stay were comparable. The proportion of children who received cough medicines shrank across the surveys: approximately 6% [95% CI: 5.4, 6.6] of children had a prescription in 2015 vs. 40% [95% CI: 35.5, 45.6] in 2002. The most common active ingredients were antihistamines and bronchodilators. The relative proportion that included antihistamines has increased over time.

Conclusions

There has been an overall decline in the use of cough medicines among hospitalised children over time. This decline has been associated with educational, policy and mass media interventions.
KONSEP, KUNCI DAN SUMBER PERSONALITI MENURUT PERSPEKTIF ISLAM
Authors: Md Nawi Nurul Hudani , Othman Baharudin
Published: December 2016

Pembentukan akhlak mulia sangat penting bagi mewujudkan personaliti yang kukuh berlunaskan syariat Islam. Memandangkan setiap manusia mempunyai sifat dan tingkah laku personaliti yang berbeza maka, adalah perlu untuk kita menghalusi seterusnya meneliti isu berkaitan personaliti manusia yang syumul. Sehubungan itu, kertas kerja ini membincangkan konsep, kunci dan sumber personaliti menurut perspektif Islam. Kecetekan dan kurang pemahaman berkaitan trait personaliti sehingga menjadikan trait tersebut amalan rutin yang jengkel dalam diri setiap individu telah mengakibatkan wujudnya pelbagai masalah hubungan dan interaksi dalam konteks kehidupan seharian. Oleh itu, keupayaan dalam mempraktikkan trait personaliti yang konsisten berdasarkan lunas Islam adalah menjadi petanda aras pada suatu penghasilan kerja yang positif. Malah dengan memahami konsep personaliti berpandukan perspektif Islam, kita dapat menikmati kehidupan di dunia dengan lebih baik selain menjadikan hubungan dengan Allah SWT  semakin rapat, kuat dan kukuh untuk menuju ke alam yang hakiki nanti.
Laminar Heat Transfer Behavior of a Phase Change Material Fluid in Microchannels With Staggered Pins
Authors: Kondle Satyanarayana , Alvarado Jorge L. , Marsh Charles
Published: December 2016

Microchannels have been studied extensively for a variety of heat transfer applications including electronic cooling. Many configurations of microchannels have been studied and compared for their effectiveness in terms of heat removal. Recently, the use of staggered pins in microchannels has gained considerable traction, since they can promote internal flow fluctuations that enhance internal heat transfer. Furthermore, staggered pins in microchannels have shown higher heat removal characteristics because of the continuous breaking and formation of the heat transfer fluid boundary layer. However, they also exhibit higher pressure drop because the pins act as flow obstructions. This paper presents numerical results of two characteristic staggered 100-μm pins (square and circular) in microchannels. The heat transfer performance of a single phase fluid (SPF) in microchannels with staggered pins, and the corresponding pressure drop characteristics are presented. Furthermore, a phase change material (PCM, n-eicosane) fluid was also considered by implementing the effective specific heat capacity model approach to account for the corresponding phase change process of PCM fluid. Comparisons of the heat transfer characteristics of single phase fluid and PCM fluid are presented for two different pin geometries and three different Reynolds numbers. Circular pins were found to be more effective in terms of heat transfer by exhibiting higher Nusselt number. Microchannels with circular pins were also found to have lower pressure drop compared to the square-pin microchannels.
Implementation of Reversing Control on a Doubly Articulated Vehicle
Authors: Rimmer Amy J. , Cebon David
Published: December 2016

The problem of reversing vehicles with two trailers could be solved with a semi-autonomous assistance system for automatically steering the vehicle. In the literature found, no controllers have been implemented on a full-size vehicle with two trailers. In this paper, two simple path-tracking controllers are presented for automating the reversing of a “B-double” vehicle, consisting of a tractor and two trailers. One of the controllers is a heuristic “preview point” controller; the other uses a state feedback approach. The controllers steer the wheels on the front axle so as to stabilize the vehicle in reverse and control the path of the rearmost axle to follow a prescribed path. A tuning strategy is outlined where both controllers are tuned using the linear quadratic regulator and have the same closed-loop poles. The two controllers are implemented on a full-size B-double test vehicle. Experimental results are discussed, and the controller performances are evaluated against criteria. With the state feedback controller, the test vehicle was able to track target paths, consisting of a roundabout and a lane change, to within 50 mm.
An Improved Model Including Length Scale Anisotropy for the Pressure Strain Correlation of Turbulence
Authors: Panda J. P. , Warrior H. V. , Maity S. , Mitra A. , Sasmal K.
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we consider the evolution of decaying homogeneous anisotropic turbulence without mean velocity gradients, where only the slow pressure rate of strain is nonzero. A higher degree nonlinear return-to-isotropy model has been developed for the slow pressure–strain correlation, considering anisotropies in Reynolds stress, dissipation rate, and length scale tensor. Assumption of single length scale across the flow is not sufficient, from which stems the introduction of length scale anisotropy tensor, which has been assumed to be a linear function of Reynolds stress and dissipation tensor. The present model with anisotropy in length scale shows better agreement with well-accepted experimental results and an improvement over the Sarkar and Speziale (SS) quadratic model.
A Plane Stress Model to Predict Angular Distortion in Single Pass Butt Welded Plates With Weld Reinforcement
Authors: Wang Junqiang , Han Jianmin , Domblesky Joseph P. , Li Zhiqiang , Zhao Yingxin , Sun Luyi
Published: December 2016

While coupled three-dimensional (3D) nonisothermal finite-element (FE) models can be used to predict distortion in weldments, computational costs remain high, and the development of alternate FE-based engineering approaches remains an important topic. In the present study, a plane stress model is proposed for analyzing angular distortion in butt-welded plates having appreciable levels of weld reinforcement. The approach is based on an analysis of contractile shrinkage forces and only requires knowledge of the plastic zone geometry to develop the input data needed for an isothermal linear elastic FE model. Results show that the proposed method significantly reduces the computational time and provides acceptable accuracy when plane stress conditions are satisfied. The effect of weld reinforcement was also analyzed using the method. The results indicate that the contraction force from the bead is dominant, and that the primary effect of the crown is to increase eccentricity of the in-plane contraction force. A steel liner from a nuclear plant cooling tower was also analyzed to demonstrate the method. The results showed that the model was able to predict the distortion pattern and demonstrated fair accuracy.
Averaging Trials Versus Averaging Trial Peaks: Impact on Study Outcomes
Authors: Dames Kevin D. , Smith Jeremy D. , Heise Gary D.
Published: December 2016

Gait data are commonly presented as an average of many trials or as an average across participants. Discrete data points (eg, maxima or minima) are identified and used as dependent variables in subsequent statistical analyses. However, the approach used for obtaining average data from multiple trials is inconsistent and unclear in the biomechanics literature. This study compared the statistical outcomes of averaging peaks from multiple trials versus identifying a single peak from an average profile. A series of paired-samples t tests were used to determine whether there were differences in average dependent variables from these 2 methods. Identifying a peak value from the average profile resulted in significantly smaller magnitudes of dependent variables than when peaks from multiple trials were averaged. Disagreement between the 2 methods was due to temporal differences in trial peak locations. Sine curves generated in MATLAB confirmed this misrepresentation of trial peaks in the average profile when a phase shift was introduced. Based on these results, averaging individual trial peaks represents the actual data better than choosing a peak from an average trial profile.
The Theory of Planned Behavior and Physical Activity Change: Outcomes of the Aging Well and Healthily Intervention Program for Older Adults
Authors: Stolte Elske , Hopman-Rock Marijke , Aartsen Marja J. , van Tilburg Theo G. , Chorus Astrid
Published: December 2016

The predictive value of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on intention and physical activity (PA) over time was examined. Data from the Aging Well and Healthily intervention program (targeting perceived behavioral control and attitude, not subjective norm) were analyzed, including pretest (T0), posttest (T1, except subjective norm) and 4–6 months follow-up (T2, PA outcomes only) (N = 387, M age 72 years). Structural equation modeling was used to test a TPB model. PA was measured subjectively using the Voorrips sports subscale (T0 and T2), items measured perceived increase in PA (T1), and adherence to exercises (T1 and T2). Model fit was good. The TPB explained variation in intention well (R2 .54–.60) and some PA behavior (R2 .13–.16). The intervention successfully got participants to exercise independent of the measured TPB concepts. More TPB studies in the context of interventions are needed.
Effects of a Short-Term Conditioning Intervention on Knee Flexor Sensorimotor and Neuromuscular Performance in Men
Authors: Peer Maria Angelika , Gleeson Nigel
Published: December 2016

Context: Long-term conditioning programs for enhanced sensorimotor performance have been causally linked to reduced risk of serious ligamentous injury. However, the efficacy of brief, short-term conditioning interventions has not been established. Objective: To assess the effects of short-term sensorimotor conditioning on the knee flexors. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: University research laboratory. Participants: 23 males randomly assigned to conditioning (n = 12; age: 20.5 ± 1.8 y; height: 1.80 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 74.3 ± 6.0 kg [mean ± SD]) and no-conditioning control (n = 11; age: 20.6 ± 1.9 y; height: 1.79 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 73.6 ± 6.3 kg) groups. Intervention: Sensorimotor conditioning of the nondominant leg (4 sessions/wk; 3 wk). Main Outcome Measures: Sensorimotor (blind force and limb-position-replication errors) and neuromuscular (peak force, electromechanical delay [volitional and magnetically evoked]) performance of the knee flexors of both legs were assessed. The contralateral limb and an antecedent period of no conditioning were controls. Results: The conditioned leg showed decreased force error to 3.8% (3.8 ± 6.9% vs 6.3 ± 3.7% [mean ± SD], post- vs preconditioning, respectively; F1,21 = 5.4; P = .04) and a trend toward decreased positional error to 2.0% (2.0 ± 6.9% vs 4.7 ± 7.7%, post- vs preconditioning; F1,21 = 2.7; P = .06). Performances were not altered in the control conditions. Modest improvements were noted for volitional electromechanical delay following conditioning (39.8 ± 4.3 ms vs 42.3 ± 5.2 ms [F1,21 = 7.2; P = .01]), but peak force (overall, 202 ± 78 N) and magnetically evoked electromechanical delay (24.7 ± 4.2 ms) were not influenced. Conclusion: Short-term conditioning offered improved sensorimotor performance and positively affected neuromuscular determinants of knee flexor performance in men.
Improvement of Elite Female Athletes’ Physical Performance With a 3-Week Unexpected Disturbance Program
Authors: Teichmann Jorg , Suwarganda Edin K. , Beaven C. Martyn , Hébert-Losier Kim , Lee Jin Wei , Tenllado Vallejo Florencio , Lew Philip Chun Foong , Aziz Ramlan Abdul , Kian Yeo Wee , Schmidtbleicher Dietmar
Published: December 2016

Context: Sensorimotor training is commonly used in a rehabilitative setting; however, the effectiveness of an unexpected disturbance program (UDP) to enhance performance measures in uninjured elite athletes is unknown. Objective: To assess the impact of a 3-wk UDP program on strength, power, and proprioceptive measures. Design: Matched-group, pre-post design. Setting: National sport institute. Participants: 21 international-level female field hockey athletes. Intervention: Two 45-min UDP sessions were incorporated into each week of a 3-wk training program (total 6 sessions). Main Outcome Measures: 1-repetition-maximum strength, lower-limb power, 20-m running speed, and proprioception tests were performed before and after the experimental period. Results: Substantial improvements in running sprint speed at 5-m (4.4 ± 2.6%; effect size [ES]: 0.88), 10-m (2.1 ± 1.9%; ES: 0.51), and 20-m (1.0 ± 1.6%; ES: 0.23) were observed in the UDP group. Squat-jump performance was also clearly enhanced when compared to the control group (3.1 ± 6.1%; ES: 0.23). Small but clear improvements in maximal strength were observed in both groups. Conclusions: A 3-wk UDP can elicit clear enhancements in running sprint speed and concentric-only jump performance. These improvements are suggestive of enhanced explosive strength and are particularly notable given the elite training status of the cohort and relatively short duration of the intervention. Thus, the authors would reiterate the statement by Gruber et al (2004) that sensorimotor training is a “highly efficient” modality for improving explosive strength.
On the determination of Ω − Ω scattering amplitudes from finite volume spectra
Authors: Li Ning , Wu Ya-Jie
Published: December 2016

The elastic scattering phase shifts to the two-particle energy levels in a finite cubic box is related by the Lüscher’s formula. In this paper, based on the nonrelativistic quantum mechanics model which is usually assumed to be the low energy scattering case in lattice simulations, we confirmed the generalized Lüscher’s formula for the case of two-particle scattering with arbitrary spin in Ref. 1. In particular, Lüscher’s formula is synthesized for two-spin-3/2-particle scattering, i.e. [Formula: see text] scattering on lattice that may help us study the promising dibaryon states.
THE IMPACTS OF CORRUPTION ON FIRM PERFORMANCE: SOME LESSONS FROM 40 AFRICAN COUNTRIES
Authors: WILLIAMS COLIN C. , KEDIR ABBI M.
Published: December 2016

The current evidence-base regarding the impacts of corruption on firm performance is based largely on studies of individual countries and contains mixed results. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to achieve a better insight into this relationship by reporting the results of a firm-level analysis of the impacts of corruption on firm performance using World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES) data across 40 African countries. The clear result is that corruption significantly enhances rather than harms annual sales, employment and productivity growth rates. The outcome is to re-theorize participation in acts of corruption as beneficial for the individual firms engaged in such activity, while recognizing the wider evidence that this is not an optimal strategy at the aggregate country level. The outcome will be to advance knowledge about how corruption needs to be tackled. To eliminate corruption, it is shown here to be necessary for public authorities to recognize that corruption is an efficient strategy at the firm level and to adopt measures to alter the cost/benefit ratio confronting individual enterprises, and at the same time, to address the country-level formal institutional deficiencies that characterize many developing countries and result in the prevalence of corruption.
Attitudes Regarding Participation in a Diabetes Screening Test among an Assyrian Immigrant Population in Sweden
Authors: Andersson Susanne , Karlsson Veronika , Bennet Louise , Fellbrant Klas , Hellgren Margareta
Published: December 2016

Immigrants from the Middle East have higher prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared with native Swedes. The aim of the study was to describe and understand health beliefs in relation to T2D as well as attitudes regarding participation in a screening process in a local group of Assyrian immigrants living in Sweden. A qualitative and quantitative method was chosen in which 43 individuals participated in a health check-up and 13 agreed to be interviewed. Interviews were conducted, anthropometric measurements and blood tests were collected, and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. In total, 13 of the 43 participants were diagnosed with impaired glucose metabolism, 4 of these 13 had TD2. The interviewed participants perceived that screening was an opportunity to discover more about their health and to care for themselves and their families. Nevertheless, they were not necessarily committed to taking action as a consequence of the screening. Instead, they professed that their health was not solely in their own hands and that they felt safe that God would provide for them. Assyrians’ background and religion affect their health beliefs and willingness to participate in screening for TD2.
Pricing Strategy versus Heterogeneous Shopping Behavior under Market Price Dispersion
Authors: Álvarez Francisco , Rey José-Manuel , Sanchis Raúl G.
Published: December 2016

We consider the ubiquitous problem of a seller competing in a market of a product with dispersed prices and having limited information about both his competitors’ prices and the shopping behavior of his potential customers. Given the distribution of market prices, the distribution of consumers’ shopping behavior, and the seller’s cost as inputs, we find the computational solution for the pricing strategy that maximizes his expected profits. We analyze the seller’s solution with respect to different exogenous perturbations of parametric and functional inputs. For that purpose, we produce synthetic price data using the family of Generalized Error Distributions that includes normal and quasiuniform distributions as particular cases, and we also generate consumers’ shopping data from different behavioral assumptions. Our analysis shows that, beyond price mean and dispersion, the shape of the price distribution plays a significant role in the seller’s pricing solution. We focus on the seller’s response to an increasing diversity in consumers’ shopping behavior. We show that increasing heterogeneity in the shopping distribution typically lowers seller’s prices and expected profits.
Effects of a New Eyelid Shampoo on Lid Hygiene and Eyelash Length in Patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Comparative Open Study
Authors: Kobayashi Asuka , Ide Takeshi , Fukumoto Teruki , Miki Emiko , Tsubota Kazuo , Toda Ikuko
Published: December 2016

Purpose. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) can lead to abnormalities in the composition and function of tear film, resulting in dry eye. Eyelid hygiene is a key to management of MGD. We tested a novel eyelid shampoo (Eye Shampoo Long, ESL) for its ability to maintain lid hygiene. This shampoo is nonirritating and can potentially lengthen eyelashes. This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ESL in the treatment of MGD and its effects on eyelash length. Methods. Ten patients with MGD and 10 healthy subjects without MGD applied ESL twice daily for 8 weeks. Patients were examined for lid margin and dry eye before and after the trial. Subjective symptoms were evaluated. Eyelash length was measured at baseline and at the end of the trial. Results. In the MGD group, significant improvements were observed in subjective symptoms obstruction of the meibomian orifice, secretion of meibum, eyelashes contamination, eyelid margin foam, and SPK. Eyelash length became significantly longer. Conclusions. Maintaining eyelid hygiene using ESL improved the eyelid margins and symptoms of dry eye in MGD patients and increased eyelash length. These findings are promising and warrant confirmation in a larger randomized controlled study.
Global Dynamics for a Novel Differential Infectivity Epidemic Model with Stage Structure
Authors: Jin Yunguo
Published: December 2016

A novel differential infectivity epidemic model with stage structure is formulated and studied. Under biological motivation, the stability of equilibria is investigated by the global Lyapunov functions. Some novel techniques are applied to the global dynamics analysis for the differential infectivity epidemic model. Uniform persistence and the sharp threshold dynamics are established; that is, the reproduction number determines the global dynamics of the system. Finally, numerical simulations are given to illustrate the main theoretical results.
Endobronchial Valves for Endoscopic Lung Volume Reduction: Best Practice Recommendations from Expert Panel on Endoscopic Lung Volume Reduction
Authors: Slebos Dirk-Jan , Shah Pallav L. , Herth Felix J.F. , Valipour Arschang
Published: December 2016

Endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) is being adopted as a treatment option for carefully selected patients suffering from severe emphysema. ELVR with the one-way endobronchial Zephyr valves (EBV) has been demonstrated to improve pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in patients with both heterogeneous and homogenous emphysema without collateral ventilation. In this “expert best practices” review, we will highlight the practical aspects of this therapy. Key selection criteria for ELVR are hyperinflation with a residual volume >175% of predicted, forced expiratory volume <50% of predicted, and a 6-min walking distance >100 m. Patients with repeated infectious complications, severe bronchiectasis, and those with unstable cardiovascular comorbidities should be excluded from EBV treatment. The procedure may be performed with either conscious sedation or general anesthesia and positive pressure mechanical ventilation using a flexible endotracheal tube or a rigid bronchoscope. Chartis and EBV placement should be performed in 1 procedure when possible. The sequence of valve placement should be orchestrated to avoid obstruction and delivery of subsequent valves. If atelectasis has not occurred by 1 month after procedure, evaluate valve position on CT and consider replacing the valves that are not optimally positioned. Pneumothorax is a common complication and typically occurs in the first 2 days following treatment. A management algorithm for pneumothorax has been previously published. Long-term sequelae from EBV therapy do occur but are easily manageable.
How Much Nutrition for How Much Growth?
Authors: Hermanussen Michael , Wit Jan M.
Published: December 2016

Background/Aims: Increasing agreement exists about the use of length-for-age as the indicator of choice in monitoring the long-term impact of chronic nutritional deficiency. Yet, already shortly after World War I, a causal link between nutrition and growth was questioned. Also, modern meta-analyses of controlled nutrition intervention studies show that the net effect of nutrition on body height is small. Broad evidence obtained from historic observations on human starvation made since the 19th century questions an obligatory association between nutrition and growth. Many additional explanations for the apparent shortness of people from developing countries have been published since, focusing on genetic factors, environment, economy, epigenetics, and, recently, psychosocial factors, such as strategic growth adjustments suggesting stature to be a social signal. Conclusion: The marked variability in average population height of up to 20 cm within a few generations complicates the use of normative growth charts, even though they have been widely propagated. We support the concept of local growth references, for example using the “Synthetic Growth References” methodology. These references combine local growth information obtained from a given population of interest and common features of human population growth, with LMS values for height, weight, and BMI from birth to maturity.
Revaluation of the Glossopterids from the Lower Permian of Cambaí Grande Outcrop, Paraná Basin, RS
Authors: Tybusch Graciela Pereira , Iannuzzi Roberto , Bernardes-de-Oliveira Mary Elizabeth Cerruti , Lopes Ricardo da Cunha
Published: December 2016

The Cambaí Grande Outcrop, located in the municipality of São Gabriel of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, southernmost Brazil, is characterized by the occurrence of an exclusive fossil assemblage composed of marine invertebrate shells associated with some plant remains of elements from the “Glossopteris Flora”. The main goal of this work is to reevaluate the “Cambaí Grande Flora” as well as section reanalysis. Therefore, the authors reviewed the existing paleobotanical material deposited at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) and Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS) and redescribed the outcrop section. The outcrop sequence is 60 m thick and is divided into two well defined sections (both upper and lower). The studied plants were found in the basal part of the upper section. Besides the paleobotanical contents like Gangamopteris, Samaropsis, Cordaicarpus, Cordaites, unidentified remains of algal filaments and a cone of gymnosperm previously recorded by several authors and not properly understood thus far have been analyzed. This study confirmed for the first time the presence of Glossopteris-type leaves and the Indian species Gangamopteris cyclopteroides Feistmantel in the Cambaí Grande flora which increases the possibility of a correlation of this plant assemblage with that of the Rio Bonito Formation, Brazil, and those of the younger horizons of India.
Neural Correlates of the False Consensus Effect: Evidence for Motivated Projection and Regulatory Restraint
Authors: Welborn B. Locke , Gunter Benjamin C. , Vezich I. Stephanie , Lieberman Matthew D.
Published: December 2016

The false consensus effect (FCE), the tendency to project our attitudes and opinions on to others, is a pervasive bias in social reasoning with a range of ramifications for individuals and society. Research in social psychology has suggested that numerous factors (anchoring and adjustment, accessibility, motivated projection, etc.) may contribute to the FCE. In this study, we examine the neural correlates of the FCE and provide evidence that motivated projection plays a significant role. Activity in reward regions (ventromedial pFC and bilateral nucleus accumbens) during consensus estimation was positively associated with bias, whereas activity in right ventrolateral pFC (implicated in emotion regulation) was inversely associated with bias. Activity in reward and regulatory regions accounted for half of the total variation in consensus bias across participants (R2 = .503). This research complements models of the FCE in social psychology, providing a glimpse into the neural mechanisms underlying this important phenomenon.
When Do-Gooders Do Harm: Accountability of the United Nations toward Third Parties in Peace Operations
Authors: Chang Kevin C.
Published: December 2016

The United Nations’ mandate in a peace operation can be multi-dimensional, ranging from ceasefire monitoring to investigating human rights abuses to post-conflict stabilisation and recovery. The exercise of wide-ranging powers comes with risks of failure and unintended consequences. Like any organisation, the un is subject to flaws in decision-making that may result in harmful impact to the local population. Until recent times, international lawyers have paid scant attention to the un’s potential to inflict harm in the pursuit of its noble aims. The expansion of the un’s role over the decades has given rise to greater awareness of its accountability gap under international and municipal laws. The organisation’s response to recent claims from third parties illustrates the challenges that lie before victims in attaining accountability in a manner consistent with international human rights standards. This article examines the multifarious questions of accountability of the un toward third parties in peace operations. It argues that greater accountability is most practically achieved not through attempts to close gaps in international law, but through giving effect to existing mechanisms by applying a balancing approach to immunity and strengthening internal oversight and redress mechanisms.
The female abdomen and genitalia of Syrphidae (Diptera)
Authors: Miranda Gil Felipe Gonçalves , Moran Kevin
Published: December 2016

The female abdomen of Syrphidae was studied based on a sample from all currently recognized tribes, except Spheginobacchini. All characters found were compared with previous literature on Syrphidae female abdomen and some were proposed as diagnostic for the taxa. The condition of the postabdomen distinguishes Pipizinae from the Syrphinae. Presence of sclerotized areas on the intersegmental membrane appears characteristic of the Rhingiini. Tergite and sternite 6 had unique characteristics only found in Cerioidini, and sternite 8 had a condition only found in Cerioidini and Callicerini. Notiocheilosia (Callicerini) seems more similar to Nausigaster (Eumerini). Characters present in both the Eristalini and Sericomyiini are presented. The condition of the epiproct, and of its apodemes, proved diagnostic for Microdontini, Volucellini and some Syrphini plus the Paragini. Bacchini sensu lato and Toxomerini were also distinct. The Milesiini still need to be sampled more broadly to ascertain about its relationships with other tribes and within.
Les indices acoustiques et perceptifs des questions totales en mandarin parlé de Taïwan
Authors: Yueh-chin Chang
Published: December 2016

This study confirms previous acoustic findings that yes-no questions and declarative questions have a higher register than declarative sentences. However, our perception tests show that in the formation of Mandarin questions intonation is not as important as in French. For yes-no questions with question particles, the question particles play the main role. The subjects perceived the yes-no questions without particles and the declarative questions as showing surprise on the part of the speaker, or as surprised questions. The study suggests that in Mandarin, question intonation and surprise intonation are one and the same.
De l’iconicité en japonais : suffixes en r+voyelle et réduplication
Authors: Labrune Laurence
Published: December 2016

The aim of this paper is to show that Yamato Japanese exhibits a morpholexical class of words consisting of a r + vowel suffix, which represent the same linguistic values as reduplicated words. It is argued that both reduplication and -rV suffixation are the result of an iconic lengthening operation prosodically specified but melodically unspecified. Segmental specification is provided either by copying segmental material from the base (reduplication) or by default ( -rV suffixation). The choice of r as the surfacing consonant is accounted for by its unmarked and underspecified status in the phonology of Japanese.
Left-headed feet and phrasal stress in Chinese
Authors: Duanmu San
Published: December 2016

This is a rejoinder to F. Dell's review of the analysis of stress proposed in Duanmu (2000), see pp. 33-63 in this issue. In his book, Duanmu proposes that Standard Chinese has left-headed feet. In addition, in compounds and phrases, stress is assigned to the syntactic non-head. F. Dell raises a number of questions for Duanmu's analysis. In the present article, Duanmu explains how the questions can be addressed. He also offers some new evidence and argues that the analysis with left-headed feet remains the simplest theory.