bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postpartum obstetric red cell transfusion practice: A retrospective study in a tertiary obstetric centre
Authors: Stephens Benjamin , Sethna Farah , Crispin Philip
Published: August 2017

Background

Traditional management of anaemia due to postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) has relied upon salvage therapy with red cell transfusion. Recently published guidance recommends a change in approach toward holistic patient blood management.

Aims

To determine whether postpartum red cell transfusion practices are consistent with best practice and to identify opportunities for improvement.

Materials and methods

A retrospective audit of postpartum red cell transfusions was conducted at a tertiary level obstetrics unit. Relevant clinical and laboratory data were collected for all cases of postpartum red cell transfusions and PPH. Clinical decision making and appropriateness of transfusions were evaluated.

Results

Among the 3235 women who delivered in 2013, 110 (3.4%) received a postpartum red cell transfusion. About 101 of the transfusions were associated with primary PPH. Overall PPH complicated 460 (14.2%) deliveries. Antenatal anaemia was identified as a major correctable risk factor for transfusion in women who experienced PPH (odds ratio 6.55, 95% CI: 3.17–13.6). Volume of blood loss and the aetiology of PPH were additional risk factors for transfusion. Transfusion was associated with lower birth weight and increased maternal length of stay. Transfusion triggers were more likely to be appropriate when transfusion took place in the operating theatre, within 12 h of delivery and when prescribed by anaesthetists. Post‐transfusion Hb levels were uniformly above target for all women transfused.

Conclusions

A significant number of red cell transfusions were outside the recommendations of the new guidelines. Maximising red cell mass during pregnancy and improving transfusion practices were identified as opportunities for future improvement.
Letter: non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and polycystic ovary syndrome—evidence for low vitamin D status contributing to the link
Authors: Pang Q. , Zhou L. , Jin H. , Man Z. R. , Liu H. C.
Published: August 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Kim JJ et al and Kim D and Yim JY paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14058.
Letter: a potassium‐competitive acid blocker vs a proton pump inhibitor for healing endoscopic submucosal dissection‐induced artificial ulcers after treatment of gastric neoplasms
Authors: Ban H. , Sugimoto M. , Otsuka T. , Murata M. , Nakata T. , Hasegawa H. , Fukuda M. , Inatomi O. , Bamba S. , Kushima R. , Andoh A.
Published: August 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Kagawa et al and Iwamuro and Inaba papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14213 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13747.
Editorial: depression in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease means we have failed to provide early, effective, psychosocial care
Authors: Keefer L.
Published: August 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Alexakis and Kumar and Alexakis papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14171 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14223.
Genetics of dispersal
Authors: Saastamoinen Marjo , Bocedi Greta , Cote Julien , Legrand Delphine , Guillaume Frédéric , Wheat Christopher W. , Fronhofer Emanuel A. , Garcia Cristina , Henry Roslyn , Husby Arild , Baguette Michel , Bonte Dries , Coulon Aurélie , Kokko Hanna , Matthysen Erik , Niitepõld Kristjan , Nonaka Etsuko , Stevens Virginie M. , Travis Justin M. J. , Donohue Kathleen , Bullock James M. , del Mar Delgado Maria
Published: August 2017

Dispersal is a process of central importance for the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of populations and communities, because of its diverse consequences for gene flow and demography. It is subject to evolutionary change, which begs the question, what is the genetic basis of this potentially complex trait? To address this question, we (i) review the empirical literature on the genetic basis of dispersal, (ii) explore how theoretical investigations of the evolution of dispersal have represented the genetics of dispersal, and (iii) discuss how the genetic basis of dispersal influences theoretical predictions of the evolution of dispersal and potential consequences.

Dispersal has a detectable genetic basis in many organisms, from bacteria to plants and animals. Generally, there is evidence for significant genetic variation for dispersal or dispersal‐related phenotypes or evidence for the micro‐evolution of dispersal in natural populations. Dispersal is typically the outcome of several interacting traits, and this complexity is reflected in its genetic architecture: while some genes of moderate to large effect can influence certain aspects of dispersal, dispersal traits are typically polygenic. Correlations among dispersal traits as well as between dispersal traits and other traits under selection are common, and the genetic basis of dispersal can be highly environment‐dependent.

By contrast, models have historically considered a highly simplified genetic architecture of dispersal. It is only recently that models have started to consider multiple loci influencing dispersal, as well as non‐additive effects such as dominance and epistasis, showing that the genetic basis of dispersal can influence evolutionary rates and outcomes, especially under non‐equilibrium conditions. For example, the number of loci controlling dispersal can influence projected rates of dispersal evolution during range shifts and corresponding demographic impacts. Incorporating more realism in the genetic architecture of dispersal is thus necessary to enable models to move beyond the purely theoretical towards making more useful predictions of evolutionary and ecological dynamics under current and future environmental conditions. To inform these advances, empirical studies need to answer outstanding questions concerning whether specific genes underlie dispersal variation, the genetic architecture of context‐dependent dispersal phenotypes and behaviours, and correlations among dispersal and other traits.
The Roles of Parental Support and Family Stress in Adolescent Sleep
Authors: Tsai Kim M. , Dahl Ronald E. , Irwin Michael R. , Bower Julienne E. , McCreath Heather , Seeman Teresa E. , Almeida David M. , Fuligni Andrew J.
Published: August 2017

The current study examines the association between parental support and adolescent sleep under varying levels of family stress. Participants included 316 adolescents (Mage = 16.40 years, 43% male) and their parents (Mage = 45.67 years, 91% mothers) from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Both adolescents and parents completed questionnaires and adolescents wore wrist actigraphs and completed self‐reports on their sleep for 7 consecutive days. Results indicated that under contexts of family stress, more parental support was linked to longer sleep duration, less sleep variability, and less time spent awake during the night. Findings suggest that under contexts of family stress, cohesive family relationships may provide a sense of stability and security that is necessary for healthful sleep.
Fishing‐gear restrictions and biomass gains for coral reef fishes in marine protected areas
Authors: Campbell Stuart J. , Edgar Graham J. , Stuart‐Smith Rick D. , Soler German , Bates Amanda E.
Published: August 2017

Considerable empirical evidence supports recovery of reef fish populations with fishery closures. In countries where full exclusion of people from fishing may be perceived as inequitable, fishing‐gear restrictions on nonselective and destructive gears may offer socially relevant management alternatives to build recovery of fish biomass. Even so, few researchers have statistically compared the responses of tropical reef fisheries to alternative management strategies. We tested for the effects of fishery closures and fishing gear restrictions on tropical reef fish biomass at the community and family level. We conducted 1,396 underwater surveys at 617 unique sites across a spatial hierarchy within 22 global marine ecoregions that represented 5 realms. We compared total biomass across local fish assemblages and among 20 families of reef fishes inside marine protected areas (MPAs) with different fishing restrictions: no‐take, hook‐and‐line fishing only, several fishing gears allowed, and sites open to all fishing gears. We included a further category representing remote sites, where fishing pressure is low. As expected, full fishery closures, (i.e., no‐take zones) most benefited community‐ and family‐level fish biomass in comparison with restrictions on fishing gears and openly fished sites. Although biomass responses to fishery closures were highly variable across families, some fishery targets (e.g., Carcharhinidae and Lutjanidae) responded positively to multiple restrictions on fishing gears (i.e., where gears other than hook and line were not permitted). Remoteness also positively affected the response of community‐level fish biomass and many fish families. Our findings provide strong support for the role of fishing restrictions in building recovery of fish biomass and indicate important interactions among fishing‐gear types that affect biomass of a diverse set of reef fish families.
Feasibility, symptoms, adverse effects, and complications associated with noninvasive assessment of coronary flow velocity reserve in women with suspected or known coronary artery disease
Authors: Montisci Roberta , Ruscazio Massimo , Marchetti Maria Francesca , Tuveri Francesca , Cacace Cristina , Congia Michela , Zedda Norma , Meloni Luigi
Published: August 2017

Background

Microvascular coronary impairment, defined as reduced coronary flow reserve, represents the predominant etiologic mechanism of ischemia in women with chest pain and no obstructive coronary artery disease. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a noninvasive method for assessing coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). The purpose of this investigation was to define the safety profile, feasibility, adverse events, and rate of complications of the test in women with suspected CAD.

Methods

We evaluated CFVR in LAD with TTE during adenosine infusion in 1455 women aged 66.4±11.9 years.

Results

A complete CFVR study was achieved in 1429 pts (feasibility 98.2%), the test being performed also in the early phase of acute coronary syndrome and on obese patients. Minor symptoms or adverse effects occurred in 43.7% of patients not requiring test termination: hyperpnea (16.7%), flushing (9.4%), atypical chest pain (9.9%), headache (6.6%), minor arrhythmias (2.9%), chest pain with EKG changes (1.5%) were the symptoms reported. No major complications were observed.

Conclusions

Noninvasive assessment of CFVR in LAD by TTE is a very feasible method with very low incidence of adverse events and complications in women with suspected or known CAD. It is safe and can be used when evaluating female patients with atherosclerotic LAD disease or with coronary microvascular impairment.
Creating an innovative youth mental health service in the United Kingdom: The Norfolk Youth Service
Authors: Wilson Jon , Clarke Tim , Lower Rebecca , Ugochukwu Uju , Maxwell Sarah , Hodgekins Jo , Wheeler Karen , Goff Andy , Mack Robert , Horne Rebecca , Fowler David
Published: August 2017

Young people attempting to access mental health services in the United Kingdom often find traditional models of care outdated, rigid, inaccessible and unappealing. Policy recommendations, research and service user opinion suggest that reform is needed to reflect the changing needs of young people. There is significant motivation in the United Kingdom to transform mental health services for young people, and this paper aims to describe the rationale, development and implementation of a novel youth mental health service in the United Kingdom, the Norfolk Youth Service. The Norfolk Youth Service model is described as a service model case study. The service rationale, national and local drivers, principles, aims, model, research priorities and future directions are reported. The Norfolk Youth Service is an innovative example of mental health transformation in the United Kingdom, comprising a pragmatic, assertive and “youth‐friendly” service for young people aged 14 to 25 that transcends traditional service boundaries. The service was developed in collaboration with young people and partnership agencies and is based on an engaging and inclusive ethos. The service is a social‐recovery oriented, evidence‐based and aims to satisfy recent policy guidance. The redesign and transformation of youth mental health services in the United Kingdom is long overdue. The Norfolk Youth Service represents an example of reform that aims to meet the developmental and transitional needs of young people at the same time as remaining youth‐oriented.
Updated meta‐analysis of CMYA5 rs3828611 and rs4704591 with schizophrenia in Asian populations
Authors: Hoya Satoshi , Watanabe Yuichiro , Shibuya Masako , Someya Toshiyuki
Published: August 2017

Aim

Two single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, rs3828611 and rs4704591, in the cardiomyopathy‐associated protein 5 (CMYA5) gene have been extensively investigated for associations with schizophrenia in Asian populations, but with conflicting results. To assess the collective evidence across individual studies, we conducted an updated meta‐analysis.

Methods

We performed a random‐effect model meta‐analysis of the associations of rs3828611 and rs4704591 with schizophrenia using seven case–control samples from Asian populations (8074 patients and 8139 controls).

Results

The meta‐analysis indicated that rs3828611 and rs4704591 were not significantly associated with schizophrenia (odds ratios [OR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.85–1.01 and OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.93–1.05, respectively).

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis did not provide evidence supporting a contribution of CMYA5 rs3828611 and rs4704591 to schizophrenia susceptibility in Asian populations.
Preoperative medication use and its association with postoperative length of hospital stay in surgical oncology patients receiving comprehensive geriatric assessment
Authors: Jeong Young Mi , Lee Kyung Eun , Lee Eun Sook , Kim Kwang Ill , Chung Jee Eun , Lee Byung Koo , Gwak Hye Sun
Published: August 2017

Aim

The present study aimed to investigate whether preoperative medication use is associated with postoperative length of hospital stay in older adults undergoing cancer surgery.

Methods

Patients aged ≥65 years who were scheduled for cancer surgery and presented for preoperative comprehensive geriatric assessment were included in the present study. Cognitive function evaluation and preoperative medication review were carried out, as well as baseline characteristics of participants collected from electronic medical records. The primary efficacy variable was the postoperative length of stay (LOS) in hospital.

Results

A total of 475 cancer patients were included for the analysis. Baseline characteristics of participants including older age, lower body mass index (BMI) and male sex were associated with longer postoperative stay. Among the clinical variables, cancer type, number of medications, potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) and delirium‐inducing medication were found as statistically significant factors for postoperative LOS. In multivariate analysis, variables independently associated with postoperative LOS were cancer type, PIM use, BMI, and the number of medications after controlling for age, BMI, sex, cancer type, the number of medications, PIM, and delirium‐inducing medication. In subgroup analysis of gastrointestinal cancer, multiple linear regression analysis showed that PIM use and BMI were significantly associated with LOS after adjustment for age, sex, and number of medication.

Conclusions

The present study supports the impact of medication use on postoperative LOS in geriatric oncology patients. The results add a further aspect to medication optimization in older patients undergoing cancer surgery. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 12–19.
PERSEPT 1: a phase 3 trial of activated eptacog beta for on‐demand treatment of haemophilia inhibitor‐related bleeding
Authors: Wang M. , Lawrence J. B. , Quon D. V. , Ducore J. , Simpson M. L. , Boggio L. N. , Mitchell I. S. , Yuan G. , Alexander W. A. , Schved J.‐F.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Haemophilia A or B patients with inhibitors have been treated with FVIIa‐containing bypassing agents for over 20 years. However, due to uncertainty regarding dose response and thrombotic risk, the use of a gradual, titrated, minimal dosing strategy remains prevalent, potentially hampering early haemostasis.

Aim

Evaluate the dose‐dependent efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of activated eptacog beta (rhFVIIa), a new recombinant inhibitor bypassing agent for the treatment of bleeding episodes (BEs).

Methods

A Phase 3, randomized, cross‐over study of initial dose regimens (IDRs) in 27 bleeding congenital haemophilia A or B subjects with inhibitors was conducted to evaluate on‐demand treatment of mild/moderate BEs. Intravenous 75 μg/kg or 225 μg/kg initial doses with 75 μg/kg subsequent doses by schedule were administered until clinical response.

Results

The primary endpoint was sustained clinical response within 12 hours, determined by a composite of objective and pain measures. In the 75 μg/kg IDR, 84.9% (95% CI; 74.0%, 95.7%) of mild/moderate BEs at 12 hours were successfully treated compared to 93.2% (95% CI; 88.1%, 98.3%) treated in the 225 μg/kg IDR. Efficacy between the IDRs was statistically different (P<.020) in mild/moderate bleeding episodes. Both IDRs were well tolerated with no detectable immunogenic or thrombotic responses to rhFVIIa or host cell proteins.

Conclusion

The dose‐dependent efficacy seen in this study supports individualizing the initial dose of eptacog beta to optimize clinical response. By reducing uncertainty, the PERSEPT 1 results should increase the adoption of early haemostasis as a treatment goal for clinicians who treat haemorrhage in the inhibitor population.
Criterion‐related validity of a Big Five general factor of personality from the TIPI to the IPIP
Authors: Burns Gary N. , Morris Megan B. , Periard David A. , LaHuis David , Flannery Nicholas M. , Carretta Thomas R. , Roebke Mark
Published: August 2017

The criterion validity of a general factor of personality (GFP) extracted from personality scales of various lengths was explored in relation to organizational behavior and subjective well‐being with 288 employed students. Results indicated that GFPs extracted from as few as 10 items were significantly related to organizational outcomes. The relationship between GFP scores and outcomes generally increased with the length of the underlying scales, but these differences were reduced when correcting for reliability. Additionally, in over 60% of the analyses the GFPs exhibited higher correlations with specific outcomes compared to specific Big Five scores; this was true of 100% of the analyses using a broad, composite criterion. These results highlight the potential utility of the GFP as a screening tool when extracted from Big Five inventories from 10 to 100 items.
Rater training: Understanding effects of training content, practice ratings, and feedback
Authors: Hauenstein Neil M. A. , McCusker Maureen E.
Published: August 2017

Despite the popularity of frame‐of‐reference training (FORT), it is not clear how different structural elements of FORT work in concert to improve rating accuracy. Furthermore, past rater training studies have lacked rigorous control groups leading to low thresholds for showing improvements in rating accuracy due to FORT. The current study allowed for the isolation of components of rater training that increase rating accuracy when compared to a rigorously designed control group. Results indicated that repeated rendering of practice ratings improve rating accuracy and this practice effect was amplified by practice rating feedback. Although accuracy‐based training content improved interrater agreement, it did not contribute to improvements rating accuracy over and above the control group. We discuss the implications of the findings in relation to best practices for designing rater training programs.
Faking under a nonlinear relationship between personality assessment scores and job performance
Authors: Lee HyeSun , Smith Weldon Z. , Geisinger Kurt F.
Published: August 2017

This study investigated whether faking in personality assessments affects the prediction of job performance and consequences of selection decisions when a nonlinear relationship was assumed between personality scores and job performance. It was also examined whether a selection strategy suggested for nonlinear relationships reduces the adverse impact of faking on consequences of selection decisions. The findings from the item response theory‐based simulations indicated that the prediction of job performance was affected by faking, whereas selection accuracy was not substantially affected by faking. The improvement in selection accuracy due to the strategy suggested for a nonlinear relationship was not noticeable. However, the suggested strategy reduced adverse impacts of faking on the estimation of selected applicants' performance scores.
Comparing applicants and incumbents: Effects of response distortion on mean scores and validity of personality measures
Authors: Jeong Ye Ra , Christiansen Neil D. , Robie Chet , Kung Mei‐Chuan , Kinney Ted B.
Published: August 2017

This study examined the negative effect of likely applicant distortion on mean scores and validity of personality measures. The personality test scores and performance ratings of applicants were directly compared to those of incumbents with the same occupation in four different samples. The results showed that applicant mean scores were higher and validity coefficients were lower than for incumbents.
MicroRNAs are differentially abundant during Aedes albopictus diapause maintenance but not diapause induction
Authors: Batz Z. A. , Goff A. C. , Armbruster P. A.
Published: August 2017

Diapause is a programmed dormancy that allows organisms to tolerate predictable periods of unfavourable conditions by temporarily halting development and reducing metabolism. Diapause is widespread amongst insects and is crucial for allowing organisms to coordinate their growth and reproduction with favourable environmental conditions. Although the adaptive significance of diapause is well understood, the molecular mechanisms underpinning diapause remain unresolved. We performed high‐throughput sequencing to investigate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the diapause of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus. We first investigated miRNAs in diapause induction by characterizing maternally provisioned miRNAs in mature oocytes of Ae. albopictus under diapause‐inducing and diapause‐averting conditions. Second, we investigated miRNAs in diapause maintenance by characterizing miRNAs in diapause and nondiapause pharate larvae. We identified 162 miRNAs, 152 previously known and 10 putatively novel. We identified no differentially abundant miRNAs in mature oocytes and seven differentially abundant miRNAs in pharate larvae. The predicted targets of differentially abundant miRNAs include genes affecting several processes related to diapause maintenance including ecdysone regulation, immune response, lipid metabolism and regulation of development. Our results suggest that Ae. albopictus does not maternally provision a unique set of miRNAs during diapause induction but miRNAs are a component of diapause maintenance in this species.
Riders in the sky (islands): Using a mega‐phylogenetic approach to understand plant species distribution and coexistence at the altitudinal limits of angiosperm plant life
Authors: Marx Hannah E. , Dentant Cédric , Renaud Julien , Delunel Romain , Tank David C. , Lavergne Sébastien
Published: August 2017

Aim

Plants occurring on high‐alpine summits are generally expected to persist due to adaptations to extreme selective forces caused by the harshest climates where angiosperm life is known to thrive. We assessed the relative effects of this strong environmental filter and of other historical and stochastic factors driving plant community structure in very high‐alpine conditions.

Location

European Alps, Écrins National Park, France.

Methods

Using species occurrence data collected from floristic surveys on 15 summits (2,791–4,102 m a.s.l.) throughout the Écrins range, along with existing molecular sequence data obtained from GenBank, we used a mega‐phylogenetic approach to evaluate the phylogenetic structure of high‐alpine plant species assemblages. We used three nested species pools and two null models to address the importance of species‐specific and species‐neutral processes for driving coexistence.

Results

Compared with the entire species pool of the study region, alpine summits exhibited a strong signal of phylogenetic clustering. Restricting statistical sampling to environmentally and historically defined species pools reduced the significance of this pattern. However, we could not reject a model that explicitly incorporates neutral colonization and local extinction in shaping community structure for dominant plant orders. Between summits, phylogenetic turnover was generally lower than expected. Environmental drivers did not explain overall phylogenetic patterns, but we found significant geographical and climatic structure in phylogenetic diversity at finer taxonomic scales.

Main conclusions

Although we found evidence for strong phylogenetic clustering within alpine summits, we were not able to reject models of species‐neutral processes to explain patterns of floristic diversity. Our results suggest that plant community structure in high‐alpine regions can also be shaped by neutral processes, and not through the sole action of environmental selection as traditionally assumed for harsh and stressful environments.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis by Leishmania infantum: behind granulomatous lesions of unknown aetiology
Authors: Merino‐Espinosa G. , Corpas‐López V. , Díaz‐Sáez V. , Morillas‐Márquez F. , Tercedor‐Sánchez J. , Azaña‐Defez J.M. , López‐Hidalgo J. , Aneiros‐Fernández J. , Martín‐Sánchez J.
Published: August 2017

Background

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is underestimated in Spain as in other European countries due to the polymorphism of its clinical manifestations and histopathological features discouraging doctors from suspecting leishmaniasis. Mucosal manifestations (ML) are misdiagnosed due to the fact that they often mimic cancer.

Objectives

Given that leishmaniasis may be masked as different granulomatous diseases in Leishmania infantum endemic areas, the aim of this study was to verify this misdiagnosing and contributes to the improvement of CL/ML diagnosis.

Methods

A retrospective study involving formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue biopsies with histopathological features of granulomatous lesions of unknown origin (GLUO) detected in 17 patients. This study included 13 patients with CL that was used as positive controls, nine patients with other confirmed diseases used as negative controls and seven patients with histological features suggestive of CL or ML without confirmation. Molecular analysis was blindly performed using two different PCR techniques.

Results

The PCR detected 15 CL cases in which the diagnosis was neither clinically nor histologically suspected. Leishmaniasis was confirmed in seven suspected patients in whom the classical techniques failed to detect the parasite. L. infantum was identified in all cases. A systematic review of CL cases in GLUO patients from European countries identified 45 reported cases.

Conclusions

In L. infantum endemic areas, a high percentage of GLUO are due to Leishmania infection. The main consequences are delayed diagnosis and underestimation of the real incidence. PCR performed on paraffin‐embedded tissue proved to be a reliable tool for diagnosis of CL/ML and must be performed routinely in any granulomatous dermatitis, even when the morphological features are no stereotypical of leishmaniasis.
Significant range extensions for two fish species at Pitcairn Island, South Pacific
Authors: Duffy H. J. , Letessier T. B. , Irving R. A.
Published: August 2017

A baited videographic survey at Pitcairn Island has significantly extended the known range for two reef‐fish species: blue‐lined triggerfish Xanthichthys caeruleolineatus and greater amberjack Seriola dumerili, with an additional minor extension noted for giant trevally Caranx ignobilis. This highlights the importance of further research in this remote, poorly studied island group and provides evidence supplementing the understanding of oceanographic patterns in the South Pacific.
Reproductive biology of the tarpon snook Centropomus pectinatus (Perciformes, Centropomidae) in estuarine waters in the south‐western Atlantic
Authors: Freitas M. O. , Abilhoa V.
Published: August 2017

The reproductive biology of Centropomus pectinatus is described from an artisanal fish landings collaborative monitoring programme between May 2012 and April 2013 in estuarine waters in north‐eastern Brazil. The total length (LT) at which 50% are mature was 24 cm, corresponding to 37·7% of the maximum recorded LT. Gonado‐somatic indices were variable, but highest values were in June and August 2012. Length‐frequency distributions showed male dominance in smaller length classes (15–30 cm) and females in larger length classes (>30 cm).
Skeletal ontogeny of the vertebral column and of the fins in shi drum Umbrina cirrosa (Teleostei: Perciformes: Sciaenidae), a new candidate species for aquaculture
Authors: Neofytou M. , Sfakianakis D. G. , Koumoundouros G. , Mylonas C. C. , Kentouri M.
Published: August 2017

The osteological development of the vertebral column and fins in shi drum Umbrina cirrosa was studied in order to improve knowledge for its introduction in Mediterranean aquaculture. The osteological development was studied in 171 individuals, of total length (LT) from 2·7 to 30·2 mm that were reared under the mesocosm technique. Vertebral ontogeny starts at 3·4 and 4·0 mm LT, with the formation of the first cartilaginous neural and haemal arches, and spines, respectively, and is completed with the full attainment of epicentrals (12·5 mm LT). The formation of vertebral centra occurs between 4·1 and 7·4 mm LT. Pectoral supports are the first fin elements to develop (3·0 mm LT), followed by those of the caudal fin (3·8 mm LT), pelvic fin (3·9 mm LT) and finally by those of the dorsal and anal fins (4·5 mm LT). The caudal fin is the first to develop fin rays and attain the full count of principal fin rays (4·5–6·8 mm LT), but the last to be fully completed with the formation of procurrent fin rays (6·9–17·5 mm LT). The next fins starting to present rays are the dorsal (5·3 mm LT) and the pectoral fins (5·6 mm LT), while the anal and pelvic fins are the last (5·7 mm LT). Following the caudal principal fin rays (6·8 mm LT), the dorsal, anal (6·9 mm LT), pelvic (7·4 mm LT) and pectoral fins (9·8 mm LT) are the next with fully completed ray counts. Aggregation of qualitative changes, such as the appearance of cartilages, the beginning and the complement of the ossification process and the full complement of elements in U. cirrosa were measured as cumulative frequency counts. These measurements reveal three ontogenetic intervals: one very developmentally active period during early life stages (from 3 to 5·9 mm LT), a second slower developmental period (from 6·0 to 8·9 mm LT) and finally a period of ontogeny more focused on structure refinement up to metamorphosis and settlement (>9·0 mm LT).
Species richness in the African pike genus Hepsetus: a perfect match between genetics and morphology
Authors: Decru E. , Vreven E. , De Gelas K. , Verheyen E. , Snoeks J.
Published: August 2017

In this study, morphological differences were found that corroborate earlier results that showed the existence of six species within the previously monospecific African pike genus Hepsetus. Additional genetic data (coI, mtDNA and rag1, nDNA) confirm the morphology‐based species delineations. Deep genetic divergences imply a relatively old age for diversification within the genus. An identification key for the six species is provided in the present study.
The Dock on Trial: Courtroom Design and the Presumption of Innocence
Authors: Rossner Meredith , Tait David , McKimmie Blake , Sarre Rick
Published: August 2017

This article examines the place of the criminal dock in courtroom design. Challenges to the use of the dock have been based upon the inability of the defendants to hear effectively, to communicate with counsel, to maintain their dignity, and to benefit from the presumption of innocence. Increasingly courts are incorporating secure docks, where defendants are partially or completely surrounded by glass (or in some countries, metal bars). To what extent do these changes and modifications undermine the right to the presumption of innocence? We present the results of an experimental mock jury study that was designed to test whether the placement of the accused influences jurors’ perceptions. We find that jurors are more likely to convict defendants when they are located in a traditional dock or a secure dock, compared to sitting next to their counsel at the bar table. We conclude by discussing the implications for trial procedures, counsel communications, and courtroom design.
Efficacious Holidays: The Therapeutic Dimensions of Pleasure and Discipline in Czech Respiratory Spas
Authors: Trnka Susanna
Published: August 2017

As evidence‐based medicine has increasingly become the standard for assessing the efficacy of health care, the Czech Republic finds itself in a dilemma, with centuries of sanatorium‐style spa treatments resisting easy categorization. Despite some critics’ contentions that spas are “pointless holidays” and reductions in government funding of health spas, in 2014 Czech courts affirmed every Czech citizen's right to spa treatments if their health status merits it. Drawing on research in two children's respiratory spas, this article considers the experiences of patients aged 2–15 and their accompanying parents or guardians (mainly mothers) to suggest that in addition to the range of therapeutic procedures highlighted within spa cures, more amorphous aspects—such as pleasure and discipline—may be just as central to spas’ successes. Indeed, as some spa physicians contend, spas may be considered a “package deal,” to which EBM criteria is not easily applied.
Scheduling Optimization of Linear Schedule with Constraint Programming
Authors: Tang Yuanjie , Liu Rengkui , Wang Futian , Sun Quanxin , Kandil Amr A.
Published: August 2017

In recent decades, construction project scheduling optimization has received extensive attention from the research community. However, the most commonly used scheduling approach, the critical path method, is often inapplicable to transportation‐type linear projects. Recently, the linear scheduling method (LSM) has demonstrated many advantages for such projects and has become a popular research subject. As a relatively novel scheduling method, LSM requires further improvement, as there are restrictions associated with the scheduling/optimization of linear projects. By analyzing results from previous studies, we propose a unique three‐element mode, a description method for LSM's logical relationships and constraints system. An LSM‐based scheduling optimization model based on constraint satisfaction problems and constraint programming is then proposed that could be used in classical scheduling optimization problems with flexibility, practicability, and solution superiority. The proposed model is verified using three practical transportation construction projects. Verification under six optimization scenarios demonstrates the advantages of our approach.
Practice activities of privately‐practicing nurse practitioners: Results from an Australian survey
Authors: Currie Jane , Chiarella Mary , Buckley Thomas
Published: August 2017

To facilitate expansion of privately‐practicing nurse practitioners in community and primary care settings, a legislative amendment in 2010 made privately‐practicing nurse practitioners eligible to provide services subsidised through the Medicare Benefits Schedule and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. To evaluate their practice activities, a national survey of privately‐practicing nurse practitioners in Australia was conducted, and data analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis (n = 73). As part of their role, 96% (n = 70) participants reported undertaking direct patient care, 95% (n = 69) patient education and health promotion, 95% (n = 69) prescribed medications, 92% (n = 67) referred patients for diagnostic investigations, and 88% (n = 64) reported making a diagnosis. Over 50% of participants saw up to 15 patients daily, and 80% (n = 58) treated the same patients on a regular basis. Of the participants, 59% (n = 43) perceived that they worked to their full scope of practice. The mainstay of privately‐practicing nurse practitioner services is provision of direct patient care in community and primary healthcare settings, suggesting they have emerging potential in addressing the ever‐increasing demand for healthcare in Australia.
Influence of food on the gastric motor effect of the Kampo medicine rikkunshito in rat
Authors: Nahata M. , Mizuhara Y. , Sadakane C. , Watanabe J. , Fujitsuka N. , Hattori T.
Published: August 2017

Background

Rikkunshito, one of the Kampo medicines, is widely prescribed as a remedy for various upper gastrointestinal syndromes. The effect of rikkunshito is related to endogenous ghrelin and its active ingredient atractylodin enhances ghrelin receptor signaling. Kampo medicines are traditionally administered before or between meals; however, no definitive benefit of the timing of administration has been proven yet. To clarify the influence of food on the pharmacological action of rikkunshito, we investigated the gastric motor activity and pharmacokinetic profiles of atractylodin after the administration of rikkunshito in fasted and fed rats.

Methods

Phase III‐like contractions in the gastric antrum after an injection of ghrelin were measured using a strain gauge force transducer. Rikkunshito was administered to rats during fasting or after a nutrient test meal. Ghrelin was injected 30 minutes later and gastric motility was evaluated. Furthermore, after rikkunshito administration, the pharmacokinetic profiles of atractylodin in the plasma and brain of fasted and free‐fed rats were assessed.

Key Results

Rikkunshito administration potentiated ghrelin‐induced phase III‐like contractions under fasting conditions. This effect was attenuated in animals fed a test meal. Atractylodin was detected pharmacokinetically in the plasma and brain after rikkunshito administration in rats, and free‐fed rats exhibited a decreased maximum concentration of plasma atractylodin and a delayed time to reach the maximum concentration.

Conclusions & Inferences

We show that the pharmacological action of rikkunshito is influenced by food in rats. The efficacy of rikkunshito may be associated with decreased absorption of its active ingredient atractylodin when food is in the stomach.
Mosaics often outperform pyramids: insights from a model comparing strategies for the deployment of plant resistance genes against viruses in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Djidjou‐Demasse Ramses , Moury Benoît , Fabre Frédéric
Published: August 2017

The breakdown of plant virus resistance genes is a major issue in agriculture. We investigated whether a set of resistance genes would last longer when stacked into a single plant cultivar (pyramiding) or when deployed individually in regional mosaics (mosaic strategy).

We modeled the genetic and epidemiological processes shaping the demogenetic dynamics of viruses under a multilocus gene‐for‐gene system, from the plant to landscape scales. The landscape consisted of many fields, was subject to seasonality, and of a reservoir hosting viruses year‐round.

Strategy performance depended principally on the fitness costs of adaptive mutations, epidemic intensity before resistance deployment and landscape connectivity. Mosaics were at least as good as pyramiding strategies in most production situations tested. Pyramiding strategies performed better only with slowly changing virus reservoir dynamics. Mosaics are more versatile than pyramiding strategies, and we found that deploying a mosaic of three to five resistance genes generally provided effective disease control, unless the epidemics were driven mostly by within‐field infections.

We considered the epidemiological and evolutionary mechanisms underlying the greater versatility of mosaics in our case study, with a view to providing breeders and growers with guidance as to the most appropriate deployment strategy.
Geological and Geochemical Investigation of Three Ophiolite‐Hosted Manganese Prospects, Southeast of Birjand, South Khorasan, East of Iran
Authors: Barghi Behnaz , Calagari Ali Asghar , Zarrinkoub Mohammad Hossein , Simmonds Vartan
Published: August 2017

The studied ophiolite‐hosted manganese prospects are located in southeast of Birjand, South Khorasan, in the east of Iran. The manganese ores within the ophiolitic sequence in this region occur as small discrete patches, associated with radiolarian chert and shale. Manganese ores in the host rocks are recognizable as three distinct syngenetic, diagenetic, and epigenetic features. The syngenetic manganese ores occurred as bands associated with light‐red radiolarian chert. The diagenetic Mn ores occurred as lenses accompanied by dark‐red to brown radiolarian chert. The epigenetic Mn ores occurred as veins/veinlets within the green radiolarian shale. The major manganese ore minerals are pyrolusite, braunite, bixbyite, ramsdellite, and romanechite showing replacement, colloidal, and brecciated textures. The high mean values of Mn/Fe (15.32) and Si/Al (15.65), and the low mean concentration values of trace elements, such as Cu (85.9 ppm), Ni (249.9 ppm), and Zn (149 ppm), as well as the high concentration values of Si, Fe, Mn, Ba, Zn, Sr, and As in the studied manganese ores furnished sufficient evidence to postulate that the sea‐floor Mn‐rich hydrothermal exhalatives were chiefly responsible for the ore formation, and the hydrogenous processes had negligible role in generation of the ores. The further geological and geochemical evidence also revealed that the ores deposited on the upper parts of the ophiolitic sequence by submarine exhalatives. The intense hydrothermal activities caused leaching of elements such as Mn, Fe, Si, Ba, As and Sr from the basaltic lavas (spilites). After debouching of the sea‐floor exhalatives, these elements entered the sedimentary basin. The redox conditions were responsible for separation of Fe from Mn.
Detection of a novel HLA‐DRB1*12 variant, HLA‐DRB1*12:67, in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang K. L. , Lin P. Y.
Published: August 2017

One nucleotide substitution at residue 266 of HLA‐DRB1*12:02:01:01 results in a new allele, HLA‐DRB1*12:67.
The exchange rate susceptibility of European core industries, 1995–2010
Authors: Leuwer David , Süssmuth Bernd
Published: August 2017

This study investigates reactions to real exchange rate changes in the German, French and UK automobile and mechanical engineering sectors using monthly data from 1995 to 2010. Our findings indicate that EUR/US$ appreciations hamper exports, but do not necessarily imply an aggravated business climate or export order‐book assessment. This does not apply to the GBP/US$ and corresponding time series for the UK. First and foremost, our fixed coefficient and time‐varying parameter VAR model estimates confirm the extraordinary role of the German key sectors, while currency union membership seems to play a minor role at best. Overall, the exchange rate susceptibility is less profound than claimed by lobbies and held as popular belief.
Retinal detachment and glaucoma in the Boston Terrier and Shih Tzu following phacoemulsification (135 patients): 2000–2014
Authors: Foote Braidee C. , Pederson Samantha L. , Welihozkiy Anja , Stine Jessica M. , Carastro Susan M. , Andrew Stacy E. , Michau Tammy M.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To report the cumulative incidence of retinal detachment (RD) and glaucoma following phacoemulsification in Boston Terriers and Shih Tzu in the southeastern United States over a 14‐year period and investigate the potential predisposing risk factors.

Methods

Medical records of 83 Shih Tzu and 52 Boston Terriers that underwent phacoemulsification between 2000 and 2014, with or without intraocular lens placement, were reviewed. For a comparison population, phacoemulsification data from 45 Labrador Retrievers, 73 Schnauzers, and 159 Bichon Frises were evaluated. Information collected included signalment, concurrent systemic diseases, preoperative findings, surgical details, postoperative complications, and duration of follow‐up. Percentages of patients to developRDand glaucoma were assessed, as well as potential risk factors. Minimum of 3 months of follow‐up after surgery was required for inclusion.

Results

Retinal detachment occurred in 7.7% (7/91 eyes) and 8.9% (11/123 eyes) and glaucoma occurred in 38.0% (35/91 eyes) and 29.3% (36/123 eyes) of Boston Terriers and Shih Tzu, respectively. Mean follow‐up time was 804 days. Neither Boston Terriers nor Shih Tzu were at increased risk forRDor glaucoma when compared to the other breeds, and no significant risk factors for either breed were identified in the final multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

The cumulative incidence ofRDin Boston Terrier and Shih Tzu reported here was in agreement with previously reported nonbreed specific percentages (2.7–8.4%). The cumulative incidence of glaucoma in this population of Boston Terriers and Shih Tzu was higher than previously reported nonbreed specific percentages (5.1–18.8%).
Development of the Dual Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Naccache Gabriel , Paraschivoiu Marius
Published: August 2017

Small vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are good candidates to extract energy from wind in urban areas because they are easy to install, service, and do not generate much noise; however, the efficiency of small turbines is low. Here-in a new turbine, with high efficiency, is proposed. The novel design is based on the classical H-Darrieus VAWT. VAWTs produce the highest power when the blade chord is perpendicular to the incoming wind direction. The basic idea behind the proposed turbine is to extend that said region of maximum power by having the blades continue straight instead of following a circular path. This motion can be performed if the blades turn along two axes; hence, it was named dual vertical axis wind turbine (D-VAWT). The analysis of this new turbine is done through the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) simulations. While 2D is used to validate the methodology, 3D is used to get an accurate estimate of the turbine performance. The analysis of a single blade is performed and the turbine shows that a power coefficient of 0.4 can be achieved, reaching performance levels high enough to compete with the most efficient VAWTs. The D-VAWT is still far from full optimization, but the analysis presented here shows the hidden potential and serves as proof of concept.