bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pericallosal Aneurysms: Effectiveness of Endovascular Management
Authors: Bonadio Lucas , Mello Luis , Boer Vitor , Haas Leandro , Bernardes Celso , De Lara Danielle , Cabral Filipe , Peres Gabriel , Lindner Stephanie
Published: February 2017

Objective Clarify the safety and efficacy of the endovascular treatment of distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms, reporting outcomes of the aneurysms coiled in our service were compared with series of microsurgical treatment. The impact of embolization on ruptured or unruptured aneurysms remains controversial according to the current data, considering aneurysm from this topography should be aggressively treated due to their high incidence of rupture, currently there is a tend to prefer endovascular treatment.

Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study with 1092 patients admitted with cerebral aneurysm from October 2005 to March 2015 in our service. There were 31 cases of DACA aneurysms treated with the endovascular technique. These were compared with same topography aneurysms underwent to clipping.

Results A total of 21 (67%) of 31 cases presented with ruptured aneurysms, 13 (59%) suffered clinical or radiological vasospasms, with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores of 3–5 in 7 patients (31%), and 4 deaths (mRS 6), reaching 92% of occlusion at one year.

Conclusion Endovascular approach is associated with high angiographic occlusion rates and security.
Ein internationaler Vergleich zu Public Reporting über die Qualität von Krankenhäusern: Wo stehen wir und was können wir lernen?
Authors: Emmert Martin , Becker Sandra , Sander Uwe
Published: February 2017

Zielsetzung Public Reporting (PR) über die Versorgungsqualität von Krankenhäusern hat in Deutschland eine relativ junge Tradition.
Im Rahmen des Beitrages erfolgt ein Vergleich von deutschen PR-Instrumenten mit solchen aus Ländern mit einer umfassenderen
PR-Tradition (USA, England) und die Ableitung von Handlungsempfehlungen für das PR in Deutschland.

Methodik 1. Systematische Internetrecherche zur Identifizierung von Report Cards. 2. Analyse der Report Cards hinsichtlich
bestimmter Ein- und Ausschlusskriterien. 3. Literaturbasierte Erstellung eines Analyserasters zur Beschreibung der Report Cards. 4.
Analyse der Report Cards und Datenerhebung. 5. Auswertung der Ergebnisse und Ableitung von Handlungsempfehlungen.

Ergebnisse Es wurden 186 Report Cards eingeschlossen, die meisten aus den USA (N=112), gefolgt von Deutschland (N=39) und England
(N=35). Informationen zur Strukturqualität sind auf 93,5 % aller Report Cards zu finden, solche zur Prozess- (42,5 %) und
Ergebnisqualität (43,5 %) seltener. Über die Patientenerfahrung wird auf nahezu jeder zweiten Report Card berichtet (46,2 %). Rund ein
Drittel aller Report Cards zeigt Ergebnisse von offline durchgeführten Befragungen und eine online Bewertung von Krankenhäusern
ermöglicht nahezu jede sechste Report Card (15,6 %). Ca. 37 % aller Report Cards zeigen Informationen zu bestimmten Krankheiten und
medizinischen Prozeduren sowie 29 % zu medizinischen Fachgebieten. Composite Measures finden sich überwiegend auf US Report
Cards.

Diskussion Bezüglich der Menge und Breite an Qualitätsinformationen kann Report Cards in Deutschland ein gutes Gesamtergebnis
zugesprochen werden. Mögliche Weiterentwicklungen beziehen sich auf die Verwendung von Composite Measures, eine Ausweitung der
Darstellung medizinsicher Leistungsbereiche, die einheitliche Verwendung von Instrumenten zur Qualitätsmessung sowie den Ausbau an
Information über einzelne Klinikärzte.
Imaging of rotational wave-function in photodissociation of rovibrationally excited HCl molecules
Authors: Grygoryeva K. , Rakovský J. , Votava O. , Fárník M.
Published: February 2017

We demonstrate a visualization of quantum mechanical phenomena with the velocity map imaging (VMI) technique, combining vibrationally mediated photodissociation (VMP) of a simple diatomic HCl with the VMI of its H-photofragments. Free HCl molecules were excited by a pump infrared (IR) laser pulse to particular rotational J levels of the v = 2 vibrational state, and subsequently a probe ultraviolet laser photodissociated the molecule at a fixed wavelength of 243.07 nm where also the H-fragments were ionized. The molecule was aligned by the IR excitation with respect to the IR laser polarization, and this alignment was reflected in the angular distribution of the H-photofragments. In particular, the highest degree of molecular alignment was achieved for the J=1←0 transition, which exclusively led to the population of a single rotational state with M = 0. The obtained images were analyzed for further details of the VMP dynamics, and different J states were studied as well. Additionally, we investigated the dynamic evolution of the excited states by changing the pump-probe laser pulse delay; the corresponding images reflected dephasing due to a coupling between the molecular angular momentum and nuclear spin. Our measurements confirmed previous observation using the time-of-flight technique by Sofikitis et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 127, 144307 (2007)]. We observed a partial recovery of the originally excited state after 60 ns in agreement with the previous observation.
Nematic-like stable glasses without equilibrium liquid crystal phases
Authors: Gómez Jaritza , Gujral Ankit , Huang Chengbin , Bishop Camille , Yu Lian , Ediger M. D.
Published: February 2017

We report the thermal and structural properties of glasses of posaconazole, a rod-like molecule, prepared using physical vapor deposition (PVD). PVD glasses of posaconazole can show substantial molecular orientation depending upon the choice of substrate temperature, Tsubstrate, during deposition. Ellipsometry and IR measurements indicate that glasses prepared at Tsubstrate very near the glass transition temperature (Tg) are highly ordered. For these posaconazole glasses, the orientation order parameter is similar to that observed in macroscopically aligned nematic liquid crystals, indicating that the molecules are mostly parallel to one another and perpendicular to the interface. To our knowledge, these are the most anisotropic glasses ever prepared by PVD from a molecule that does not form equilibrium liquid crystal phases. These results are consistent with a previously proposed mechanism in which molecular orientation in PVD glasses is inherited from the orientation present at the free surface of the equilibrium liquid. This mechanism suggests that molecular orientation at the surface of the equilibrium liquid of posaconazole is nematic-like. Posaconazole glasses can show very high kinetic stability; the isothermal transformation of a 400 nm glass into the supercooled liquid occurs via a propagating front that originates at the free surface and requires ∼105 times the structural relaxation time of the liquid (τα). We also studied the kinetic stability of PVD glasses of itraconazole, which is a structurally similar molecule with equilibrium liquid crystal phases. While itraconazole glasses can be even more anisotropic than posaconazole glasses, they exhibit lower kinetic stability.
Unexpected impact of irreversible adsorption on thermal expansion: Adsorbed layers are not that dead
Authors: Braatz Marie-Luise , Infantas Meléndez Leslie , Sferrazza Michele , Napolitano Simone
Published: February 2017

We investigated the impact of irreversible adsorption on the mechanisms of thermal expansion of 1D confined polymer layers. For spincoated films (polystyrene on aluminum) of constant thickness, the thermal expansion coefficient of the melt drops upon annealing following the kinetics of irreversible adsorption of the chains onto the supporting substrate, while the thermal expansion of the glass is annealing invariant. These perturbations are explained in terms of the reduction in free volume content, upon immobilization of monomers onto the substrate. To shed more light on this phenomenon, we performed an extensive investigation of the thermal expansion of irreversibly adsorbed layers of polystyrene on silicon oxide. We verified that, contrarily to recent speculations, these films cannot be modeled as dead layers – immobilized slabs lacking of segmental relaxation. On the contrary, thin adsorbed layers show an increase in thermal expansion with respect to the bulk, due to packing frustration. Immobilization plays a role only when the thickness of the adsorbed layers overcomes ∼10 nm. Finally, we show that for adsorbed layers the difference in thermal expansion between the melt and the glass is sufficiently high to investigate the glass transition down to 3 nm. Owing to this unique feature, not shared by spincoated films, adsorbed layers are the perfect candidate to study the properties of extremely thin polymer films.
Nonadditive three-body potential and third to eighth virial coefficients of carbon dioxide
Authors: Hellmann Robert
Published: February 2017

A new nonadditive three-body interaction potential for carbon dioxide was determined from supermolecular ab initio calculations up to the coupled cluster with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)] level of theory for 9401 configurations. A physically motivated analytical function with terms for describing nonadditive dispersion, induction, and exchange contributions was fitted to the calculated nonadditive three-body interaction energies. For the 7996 configurations with a total interaction energy of less than 3000 K, the mean absolute error of the analytical function is 0.32 K. The new nonadditive three-body potential was applied together with a previously published pair potential [R. Hellmann, Chem. Phys. Lett. 613, 133 (2014)] to calculate the third to seventh virial coefficients of CO2 at subcritical and supercritical temperatures up to 2000 K. The eighth virial coefficient was also calculated, but using only the pair potential and only at temperatures from 600 K to 2000 K because of the enormous computational costs. A simple analytical function was fitted individually to the calculated values of each virial coefficient, including previously determined values of the second virial coefficient, to obtain an analytical virial equation of state (VEOS). For densities at which the VEOS is converged, the agreement in pressure with the reference EOS of Span and Wagner [J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data 25, 1509 (1996)] is mostly within ±0.5%. However, for temperatures above about 700 K, much larger deviations occur at higher densities, which we ascribe mainly to deficiencies of the reference EOS due to the lack of accurate data for these experimentally difficult conditions.
Impact of doping and diameter on the electrical properties of GaSb nanowires
Authors: Babadi Aein S. , Svensson Johannes , Lind Erik , Wernersson Lars-Erik
Published: February 2017

The effect of doping and diameter on the electrical properties of vapor-liquid-solid grown GaSb nanowires was characterized using long channel back-gated lateral transistors and top-gated devices. The measurements showed that increasing the doping concentration significantly increases the conductivity while reducing the control over the channel potential and shifting the threshold voltage, as expected. The highest average mobility was 85 cm2/V·s measured for an unintentionally doped GaSb nanowire with a diameter of 45 nm, whereas medium doped nanowires with large diameters (81 nm) showed a value of 153 cm2/V·s. The mobility is found to be independent of nanowire diameter in the range of 36 nm–68 nm, while the resistivity is strongly reduced with increasing diameter attributed to the surface depletion of charge carriers. The data are in good agreement with an analytical calculation of the depletion depth. A high transconductance was achieved by scaling down the channel length to 200 nm, reaching a maximum value of 80 μS/μm for a top-gated GaSb nanowires transistor with an ON-resistance of 26 kΩ corresponding to 3.9 Ω.mm. The lowest contact resistance obtained was 0.35 Ω·mm for transistors with the highest doping concentration.
The limit of time resolution in frequency modulation atomic force microscopy by a pump-probe approach
Authors: Schumacher Zeno , Spielhofer Andreas , Miyahara Yoichi , Grutter Peter
Published: February 2017

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) routinely achieves structural information in the sub-nm length scale. Measuring time resolved properties on this length scale to understand kinetics at the nm scale remains an elusive goal. We present a general analysis of the lower limit for time resolution in AFM. Our finding suggests that the time resolution in AFM is ultimately limited by the well-known thermal limit of AFM and not as often proposed by the mechanical response time of the force sensing cantilever. We demonstrate a general pump-probe approach using the cantilever as a detector responding to the averaged signal. This method can be applied to any excitation signal such as electrical, thermal, magnetic or optical. Experimental implementation of this method allows us to measure a photocarrier decay time of ∼1 ps in low temperature grown GaAs using a cantilever with a resonant frequency of 280 kHz.
Citizen observers chart Arctic change
Authors: Smart Ashley G.
Published: February 2017

Researchers are increasingly partnering with local residents to obtain climate and environmental data. But the endeavor calls for interpersonal savvy.
Gene polymorphism linked to increased asthma and IBD risk alters gasdermin-B structure, a sulfatide and phosphoinositide binding protein
Authors: Chao Kinlin L. , Kulakova Liudmila , Herzberg Osnat
Published: February 2017

Significance

The exact function of gasdermin-B, a protein involved in epithelial cell development, is unknown. We provide insights into gasdermin-B function and how it may contribute to cancer progression and genetic susceptibility to asthma and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In contrast to other gasdermins, which bind phosphoinositides and cardiolipin only upon cleavage between their N- and C-terminal domains, intact gasdermin-B binds phosphoinositides and, uniquely, sulfatide, a component of the apical membrane of epithelial cells. Polymorphism residues in the C-terminal domain, associated with asthma and IBD, induce structural changes that may affect protein activity. Components of the apical plasma membrane maintain the cell barrier integrity; thus, aberrant sulfatide levels due to changes in the cellular gasdermin-B concentration or activity could affect disease risk.
Carbonic anhydrase-related protein CA10 is an evolutionarily conserved pan-neurexin ligand
Authors: Sterky Fredrik H. , Trotter Justin H. , Lee Sung-Jin , Recktenwald Christian V. , Du Xiao , Zhou Bo , Zhou Peng , Schwenk Jochen , Fakler Bernd , Südhof Thomas C.
Published: February 2017

Significance

Interactions between transsynaptic cell-adhesion molecules enable formation of trillions of synaptic connections that wire neurons into vast functional circuits. Neurexins are presynaptic cell-adhesion molecules that bind to diverse postsynaptic ligands, and are genetically linked to neuropsychiatric disorders. Here we show that CA10, a secreted, catalytically inactive carbonic-anhydrase homolog, binds in a
cis
configuration to all neurexins, including Nrxn1γ. In cultured neurons, CA10 enhances surface transport of neurexins, indicating that the neurexin–CA10 complex assembles in the secretory pathway. Our results suggest that neurexins bind to a larger repertoire of
trans
and
cis
ligands than previously envisioned to mediate multifarious synaptic interactions with diverse functions.
Mechanisms creating transient and sustained photoresponses in mammalian retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Zhao Xiwu , Reifler Aaron N. , Schroeder Melanie M. , Jaeckel Elizabeth R. , Chervenak Andrew P. , Wong Kwoon Y.
Published: February 2017

Retinal neurons use sustained and transient light responses to encode visual stimuli of different frequency ranges, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In particular, although earlier studies in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) proposed seven potential mechanisms, all seven have since been disputed, and it remains unknown whether different RGC types use different mechanisms or how many mechanisms are used by each type. Here, we conduct a comprehensive survey in mice and rats of 12 candidate mechanisms that could conceivably produce tonic rod/cone-driven ON responses in intrinsically photosensitive RGCs (ipRGCs) and transient ON responses in three types of direction-selective RGCs (TRHR+, Hoxd10+ ON, and Hoxd10+ ON-OFF cells). We find that the tonic kinetics of ipRGCs arises from their substantially above-threshold resting potentials, input from sustained ON bipolar cells, absence of amacrine cell inhibition of presynaptic ON bipolar cells, and mGluR7-mediated maintenance of light-evoked glutamatergic input. All three types of direction-selective RGCs receive input from transient ON bipolar cells, and each type uses additional strategies to promote photoresponse transience: presynaptic inhibition and dopaminergic modulation for TRHR+ cells, center/surround antagonism and relatively negative resting potentials for Hoxd10+ ON cells, and presynaptic inhibition for Hoxd10+ ON-OFF cells. We find that the sustained nature of ipRGCs’ rod/cone-driven responses depends neither on melanopsin nor on N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, whereas the transience of the direction-selective cells’ responses is influenced neither by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)/kainate receptor desensitization nor by glutamate uptake. For all cells, we further rule out spike frequency adaptation and intracellular Ca2+ as determinants of photoresponse kinetics. In conclusion, different RGC types use diverse mechanisms to produce sustained or transient light responses. Parenthetically, we find evidence in both mice and rats that the kinetics of light-induced mGluR6 deactivation determines whether an ON bipolar cell responds tonically or transiently to light.
C3G shows regulated nucleocytoplasmic exchange and represses histone modifications associated with euchromatin
Authors: Shakyawar Dhruv Kumar , Dayma Kunal , Ramadhas Anesh , Varalakshmi Chavvakula , Radha Vegesna
Published: February 2017

C3G (RapGEF1) is a ubiquitously expressed guanine nucleotide exchange factor that functions in signaling pathways regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and actin reorganization. It is essential for differentiation and early embryonic development in mice. Overexpressed C3G shows predominant cytoplasmic localization, but endogenous C3G is a component of nuclear fractions in a variety of cell types. Coexpression of importin-α and inhibition of nuclear export by leptomycin B resulted in predominant nuclear localization of C3G. Functional NLSs, NES, and GSK3-β–dependent phosphorylation regulate its dynamic nuclear localization. C3G translocates to the nucleus in response to myogenic differentiation and sublethal dose of cisplatin. C3G is associated with chromatin and nuclear matrix fractions. Cells with C3G localized in the nucleus showed peripheralization of heterochromatin and reduced histone modifications associated with euchromatin. Short hairpin RNA–mediated depletion of C3G in epithelial cells resulted in reduced expression of CDK inhibitors and the histone demethylase KDM5A. Myoblast clones with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of C3G failed to show repression of histone marks and did not show up-regulation of myosin heavy chain and myotube formation when grown in differentiation medium. Our results document regulated nucleocytoplasmic exchange of C3G in response to physiological stimuli and provide insights into nuclear functions for C3G.
Genetic Changes Associated with the Evolution of Adaptedness in Cultivated Plants and Their Wild Progenitors
Authors: Allard R. W.
Published: February 2017

The results of long-term studies of changes in adaptedness in a number of experimental populations of annual plants are summarized. Measurements made of quantitative traits showed that cumulative increases in reproductive capacity continued in these experimental populations for more than 50 generations. Highly significant allelic frequency changes also occurred for marker loci governing morphological variants, disease resistance, allozymes, and rDNA restriction fragments. Individual effects of the marker loci on quantitative traits were determined by extensive progeny testing of selfed families descended from single plants isolated from various generations of the experimental populations. Comparisons between homozygotes and heterozygotes of marker loci for quantitative trait expression revealed that all the marker loci studied had statistically significant additive effects on several to many quantitative traits; thus, each Mendelian locus, in addition to being a locus for its discrete descriptive effect, was also a locus for several quantitative traits. Consistent associations were found between superior reproductive capacity (e.g., larger numbers of kernels per plant) and the alleles of marker loci that Increased in frequency over generations; no other quantitative traits measured were clearly and consistently associated with alleles that increased in frequency. Multilocus analyses based on canonical correlation, log linear, and cluster analysis procedures showed that highly significant associations developed in early generations among alleles of different loci in all the predominantly selfing populations studied. Dynamic changes featuring amalgamations of alleles into fewer clusters involving larger numbers of loci continued into the late generations. Patterns of ecogenetic differentiation that developed under predominant selling were found to be fine-scaled overlays of environmental heterogeneity. The picture of evolutionary change that emerges is one in which the incorporation of Increasing numbers of favorably interacting alleles into large synergistic complexes was accompanied in inbreeding populations by increases in adaptedness to the local environment and also by striking ecogenetic differentiation among local populations that occupy unlike habitats, including differentiation between cultivated plants and their wild progenitors. Selfing appears to promote the development and maintenance of adaptedness within populations and at the same time to facilitate the development of spatial differentiation by retarding gene flow between populations. Patterns of adaptive change in outbreeding populations, although similar to those of inbreeders in most particulars, featured less distinct multilocus structural organization within, as well as much less distinct ecogeographical differentiation among, populations.
Radiation Dosimetry by Photo-Acoustic Spectrometry
Authors: Biró T. , Diószeghy T. , Kelemen A. , Lörincz A.
Published: February 2017

Photo-acoustics, or, in general, particle acoustics (PA) offers new potentials in various fields of radiation dosimetry. As a spectrometric method it can be used to obtain new information on material properties for a wide range of dosimetric materials including opaque and powdered samples, and to measure dose by absorption spectrometry. On the other hand, as a calorimetric method, it can be used as a direct means of measuring the absorbed dose rate of pulsed or chopped radiation beams of any kind of energetic particles. The PA spectroscopy (PAS) response of powdered LiF (TLD-100) that had been exposed to 60Co gamma rays was investigated and it was found that the absorption peaks at 380 and 444 nm provided a means for measuring absorbed dose in the 0.003-1 MGy range. PA signals generated by 4 to 5 MeV electrons from a linac were detected and the energy deposition profiles in Al, Cu and Fe were measured.
Varicella zoster virus meningitis under ustekinumab because of plaque psoriasis
Authors: Stöllberger Claudia , Finsterer Josef
Published: February 2017

Ustekinumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to the shared p40 subunit of interleukin (IL)‐12 and IL‐23, is approved in the USA and Europe for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. There are concerns that biologic treatments like ustekinumab may lead to an increased rate of infections. We report a 77‐year‐old woman who developed varicella zoster virus meningitis 8 weeks after initiation of ustekinumab therapy because of plaque psoriasis. She presented clinically with sudden onset of fatigue, vertigo, nausea and epileptic seizures. Investigations of the cerebrospinal fluid revealed 522/3 cells, lactate 2.9 mmol/L, protein 232 mg/dL and 2.4 × 103 varicella zoster virus. After 3 weeks of therapy with acyclovir she recovered. We conclude that infection by varicella zoster virus has to be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with newly developing neurological or psychiatric abnormalities under immunosuppressive therapy.
Macromolecular Antioxidants and Dietary Fiber in Edible Seaweeds
Authors: Sanz‐Pintos Nerea , Pérez‐Jiménez Jara , Buschmann Alejandro H. , Vergara‐Salinas José Rodrigo , Pérez‐Correa José Ricardo , Saura‐Calixto Fulgencio
Published: February 2017

Seaweeds are rich in different bioactive compounds with potential uses in drugs, cosmetics and the food industry. The objective of this study was to analyze macromolecular antioxidants or nonextractable polyphenols, in several edible seaweed species collected in Chile (Gracilaria chilensis, Callophyllis concepcionensis, Macrocystis pyrifera, Scytosyphon lomentaria, Ulva sp. and Enteromorpha compressa), including their 1st HPLC characterization. Macromolecular antioxidants are commonly ignored in studies of bioactive compounds. They are associated with insoluble dietary fiber and exhibit significant biological activity, with specific features that are different from those of both dietary fiber and extractable polyphenols. We also evaluated extractable polyphenols and dietary fiber, given their relationship with macromolecular antioxidants. Our results show that macromolecular antioxidants are a major polyphenol fraction (averaging 42% to total polyphenol content), with hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids and flavonols being the main constituents. This fraction also showed remarkable antioxidant capacity, as determined by 2 complementary assays. The dietary fiber content was over 50% of dry weight, with some samples exhibiting the target proportionality between soluble and insoluble dietary fiber for adequate nutrition. Overall, our data show that seaweed could be an important source of commonly ignored macromolecular antioxidants.
Does apical negative pressure prevent the apical extrusion of debris and irrigant compared with conventional irrigation? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Romualdo Priscilla Coutinho , de Oliveira Katharina Morant Holanda , Nemezio Mariana Alencar , Küchler Erika Calvano , Silva Raquel Assed Bezerra , Nelson‐Filho Paulo , Silva Lea Assed Bezerra
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate if apical negative pressure (ANP) irrigation prevents the apical extrusion of debris and irrigant compared with conventional needle irrigation through a systematic review and meta‐analysis. A computer search of dental literature was performed using four different databases. A combination of the terms ‘apical negative pressure’, ‘endovac’, ‘apical extrusion’, ‘extrusion’ and ‘endodontics’ was used. Studies that used extracted human teeth with a mature apex and that evaluated the apical extrusion of debris and/or irrigating solution were included. After an evaluation of the full studies according to the eligibility criteria, eight studies were critically analysed and subjected to quality assessment and risk of bias. Only four studies that evaluated extrusion of irrigant were considered as having high methodological quality and were subjected to a meta‐analysis. Studies evaluating extrusion of debris did not have sufficient methodological quality to be subjected to the meta‐analysis. The forest plot indicated that ANP irrigation prevents the risk of irrigant extrusion compared with conventional irrigation (OR 0.07 [95%CI 0.02–0.20]; P < 0.00001). This systematic review and meta‐analysis showed that ANP prevents the apical extrusion of irrigant. There is no evidence if this type of irrigation prevents the extrusion of debris.
Lipopolysaccharide induced vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation: A new potential therapeutic target for proliferative vascular diseases
Authors: Jiang Dehua , Yang Yu , Li Dongye
Published: February 2017

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation is involved in vascular atherosclerosis and restenosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) promotes VSMCs proliferation, but the signalling pathways which are involved are not completely understood. The purpose of this review was to summarize the existing knowledge of the role and molecular mechanisms involved in controlling VSMCs proliferation stimulated by LPS and mediated by toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling pathways. Moreover, the potential inhibitors of TLR4 signalling for VSMCs proliferation in proliferative vascular diseases are discussed.
Light public–private partnerships in the water supply sector: Malawi and other case studies from sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Marson Marta , Maggi Elena
Published: February 2017

The article analyzes light forms of Public–Private Partnership (PPP), namely management and service contracts, in the water supply sector of sub‐Saharan Africa, based on original research in Malawi and on a review of five additional case studies. We refer to information asymmetries and contract theory to explain the observed performances of the PPPs. The article considers the incentives to engage in the partnership and to commit effort, together with the challenges which can prevent effort from translating into actual results. The study concludes that some problems encountered by light PPP experiences are intrinsic to their incentive structure and discusses the policy implications of light PPPs promotion in the context of the Aid Effectiveness debate.
Serial Crowdfunding, Social Capital, and Project Success
Authors: Butticè Vincenzo , Colombo Massimo G. , Wright Mike
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we focus attention on serial crowdfunders, that is, entrepreneurs who repeatedly turn to crowdfunding to finance their projects. We argue that serial crowdfunders take advantage of the social contacts with those that backed their previous campaigns. This internal social capital developed within the platform, which is not available to “normal” serial entrepreneurs, makes serial crowdfunders’ campaigns more successful than those launched by novice crowdfunders. However, this type of social capital is a substitute for the internal social capital built by backing other campaigns, and has a limited lifespan. Econometric results on a sample of 31,389 Kickstarter campaigns confirm our contentions. Implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed.
Estimating Pesticide Attenuation From Water Dating and the Ratio of Metabolite to Parent Compound
Authors: Farlin Julien , Bayerle Michael , Pittois Denis , Gallé Tom
Published: February 2017

Although pesticides are primarily degraded in the topsoil, significant attenuation can be expected in groundwater systems where the transit time of pesticides usually are orders of magnitude longer than in the soil. Because degradation and transport processes in the subsurface take place at time scales of months to years or even decades, direct measurements of natural attenuation are hampered by practical and logistical limitations (for instance the limited duration of sampling or a correct estimation of the pesticide flux into groundwater). Indirect methods such as measuring the changes in the ratio of degradation product to parent compound as a function of transit time in the aquifer, along a flow line provide a possible alternative. This paper presents a simple mathematical formulation of the relationship between transit time in the subsurface and changes in that ratio, and allows estimating the transformation rate of both parent compound and degradation product. The applicability of the method is illustrated in a case study investigating atrazine attenuation in a fractured sandstone aquifer.
The phylogeny of the world's bulbuls (Pycnonotidae) inferred using a supermatrix approach
Authors: Shakya Subir B. , Sheldon Frederick H.
Published: February 2017

The bulbuls comprise an ecologically important group of frugivorous, seed‐dispersing birds found in Asia and Africa. Although several studies have examined the phylogenetic relationships of subsets of bulbul species, a comprehensive phylogeny of the family Pycnonotidae has hitherto been lacking. We used publicly available sequences generated from previous phylogenetic studies, augmented by new sequences from several unstudied taxa, to create a supermatrix from which to infer the phylogeny of the family. In all, we compared 121 of the 130 bulbul species. Our tree supports the monophyly of the family and comprises an exclusively African and a predominantly Asian clade. Several genera were found not to be monophyletic and we suggest taxonomic changes to provide a more accurate classification based on phylogeny.
Regaining ownership and restoring belongingness: impact of family group conferences in coercive psychiatry
Authors: Meijer Ellen , Schout Gert , de Jong Gideon , Abma Tineke
Published: February 2017

Aim

This study examined the impact of family group conferences on coercive treatment in adult psychiatry.

Background

Coercive treatment in psychiatry infringes the fundamental rights of clients, including the right to control their lives. A promising intervention is the family group conferences, which has the potential to prevent crises through the integration of the expertise of informal and professional networks.

Design

A responsive evaluation, including qualitative and quantitative methods, was deployed to study the process leading up to the FGC, the proceedings and the impact of the conference.

Method

From 2013–2015, 41 family group conferences were studied in three regions in the Netherlands. The impact of every conference was examined with scales (ranging from 0–10) during interviews with attendees (clients, family members, friends, mental health professionals and family group conferences coordinators) who reflected on three outcome measures: belongingness, ownership and coercion.

Results

After the family group conferences, respondents indicated a slight reduction in their experience of coercive treatment. They also mentioned an increase in ownership and belongingness.

Conclusion

Family group conferences seems a promising intervention to reduce coercion in psychiatry. It helps to regain ownership and restores belongingness. If mental health professionals take a more active role in the pursuit of a family group conferences and reinforce the plans with their expertise, they can strengthen the impact even further.
Diversification in arid mountains: biogeography and cryptic diversity of Pristurus rupestris rupestris in Arabia
Authors: Garcia‐Porta Joan , Simó‐Riudalbas Marc , Robinson Michael , Carranza Salvador
Published: February 2017

Aim

To understand the patterns of genetic, geographical and morphological diversification in the Arabian gecko subspecies Pristurus rupestris rupestris, and to discuss the various processes that generate and shape diversity in arid mountain ranges.

Location

Hajar Mountains, south‐eastern Arabian Peninsula.

Methods

We sampled 466 individuals across the entire range of P. r. rupestris in the Hajar Mountains and sequenced one mitochondrial gene for all the samples, and one extra mitochondrial and four nuclear genes for a subset of 75 specimens. A total of 155 individuals were characterized morphologically. Multilocus coalescent‐based methods were used for species delimitation, for phylogenetic inference of species trees and to investigate the diversification dynamics. Multivariate statistics were used to analyse morphological data.

Results

Our molecular methods revealed 14 candidate species hidden within the subspecies P. r. rupestris. Diversification started c. 15 Ma, but most of the lineages have evolved in the last 7 Ma of the mountains’ orogeny, producing a mosaic of allopatric taxa. Secondary interchange has occurred between high and low elevation lineages, and along the mountain chain between unrelated lineages formerly separated by mountain blocks. Morphological variation between the 14 candidate species is slight, but a high elevation robust morphotype is identified.

Main conclusions

Our results support the notion that mountain ranges constitute important centres of diversification in arid regions, and also act as ‘species pumps’ into surrounding areas. We also demonstrate that arid mountains may constitute important reservoirs of cryptic diversity, even in common and widespread species. This, and previous evidence, suggest that the Hajar Mountains are a biological hotspot and an important reservoir of diversity. We therefore suggest that these mountains should be a priority focal point for conservation in Arabia.
Punishment Motives for Small and Big Lies
Authors: Eisenkopf Gerald , Gurtoviy Ruslan , Utikal Verena
Published: February 2017

Corporate fraud typically involves deceptive financial statements that are harmful for some stakeholders. We analyze how preferences for honesty and economic fairness shape the punishment of such untruthful statements. Our laboratory experiment disentangles the crucial confound that, for deceptive financial statements, larger deviations from the truth imply both a stronger violation of the honesty norm and an increase in economic harm. Our study measures how people punish increased dishonesty controlling for the corresponding economic harm. We find that punishment increases with the size of the lie. This behavioral pattern is driven by people who are honest themselves. Our results suggest that popular demand for punitive measures in case of financial scandals reflects a genuine interest in the enforcement of social norms.
Assessment of Dentally Related Function in Individuals with Cognitive Impairment: The Dental Activities Test
Authors: Chen Xi , Zimmerman Sheryl , Potter Guy G. , Sloane Philip D. , Cohen Lauren W. , Reed David
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To develop and validate the Dental Activities Test (DAT), a clinical tool for measuring dentally related function in cognitively impaired older adults.

Design

Cross‐sectional study design.

Setting

Three assisted living residences in North Carolina.

Participants

Assisted living residents with normal to impaired cognition aged 50 and older; not blind, deaf, or severely physically disabled; and English speaking (N = 90).

Measurements

Items for the DAT were developed based on focus group discussions, literature review, and clinical relevance. Cronbach alpha, interrater reliability, and test–retest reliability were examined, and construct validity was assessed in relation to correlations with cognitive and functional assessments. Correlations between the DAT and oral health measures were also analyzed to evaluate the concurrent validity of the DAT.

Results

The DAT has excellent internal consistency reliability (Cronbach alpha 0.90), test‐retest reliability (correlation coefficient (r) = 0.84), and interrater reliability (r = 0.90). In terms of construct validity, higher DAT scores were significantly associated with better cognitive function, as well as better activity of daily living and instrumental activity of daily living function. Finally, the DAT was significantly associated with oral hygiene and gingival health.

Conclusion

The DAT is a reliable and valid instrument to measure dentally‐related function in older adults with cognitive impairment.
Participation in paediatric perioperative care: ‘what it means for parents’
Authors: Sjöberg Carina , Svedberg Petra , Nygren Jens M , Carlsson Ing‐Marie
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore what it means for parents to participate in their children's paediatric perioperative care.

Background

Allowing parents to participate in paediatric perioperative care can make a major difference for children in terms of their well‐being, a decreased need for painkillers, fewer sleeping disorders and a more positive experience for both parties. The nurse anaesthetist should have a holistic view and develop a shared vision for the child, the parents and for themselves to perform successful paediatric perioperative care.

Design

Descriptive qualitative study.

Methods

The study was conducted in 2014. Data were collected in 20 narrative interviews with 15 mothers and five fathers who had experience of participating in their child's paediatric perioperative day surgery. The analysis was carried out with qualitative content analysis to describe the variations, differences and similarities in the experiences.

Results

The analysis revealed a main category that describes that parental participation in the context of paediatric perioperative care in day surgery meant ‘having strength to participate despite an increased vulnerability’. Three generic categories with additional subcategories explained what was essential for the parents to be able to preserve this strength and participate in their child's care despite their increased vulnerability. The generic categories were named, ‘gaining information about what will happen’, ‘being seen as a resource’ and ‘gaining access to the environment’.

Conclusion

Efforts should be made to improve parents’ roles and opportunities to participate in paediatric perioperative care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurse anaesthetists have a crucial role in enabling parents’ participation and need knowledge to develop strategies and nursing interventions that meet parents’ needs.
Nursing actions that create a sense of good nursing care in patients with wet age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Emsfors Åsa , Christensson Lennart , Elgán Carina
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectives

To identify and describe nursing actions performed by nurses that create a sense of good nursing care in patients with wet age‐related macular degeneration.

Background

People who suffer from wet age‐related macular degeneration risk central vision loss. Treatment with antivascular endothelial growth factor is the only available option at present that preserves vision and no definitive cure currently exists. Patients feel that they are compelled to accept this treatment because they might otherwise become blind.

Design

An explorative and descriptive design based on the critical incident technique was used.

Method

Interviews with 16 Swedish patients who all had received intravitreal treatment for wet age‐related macular degeneration.

Results

Two main areas of good nursing care were identified: ‘Being perceived as an individual’ and ‘Being empowered’. The first area was divided into two categories: being respectful and being engaged. Being respectful was observed when nurses had a benevolent attitude towards their patients and answered questions kindly and politely. Patients saw themselves as individuals when nurses were available for conversation and focused on them. The second area was divided into two categories: encouraging participation and creating confidence. Encouraging participation refers to when nurses provided information continuously. Nurses instilled confidence and trust in their patients by keeping promises and by being honest.

Conclusions

A respectful interaction between patients and caregivers is necessary for patients to obtain beneficial health care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Patient interviews revealed important information about nursing actions that created a sense of good nursing care in patients with wet age‐related macular degeneration. Nurses acknowledged people as individuals and created trust by building partnerships and sharing decision‐making. To address each patient's concerns, nurses need to prioritise each patient's narrative and participation by documenting agreements in their medical record.
Anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor limbic encephalitis associated with mature cystic teratoma of the fallopian tube
Authors: Hattori Yukio , Yamashita Yoriko , Mizuno Masayuki , Katano Kinue , Sugiura‐Ogasawara Mayumi , Matsukawa Noriyuki
Published: February 2017

Anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) limbic encephalitis is the most common form of paraneoplastic encephalitis that is associated with teratomas. Because tumor removal leads to better clinical outcomes, it is essential to reveal the location of the teratomas. This is the first reported case of anti‐NMDAR encephalitis associated with teratoma of the fallopian tube. Salpingo‐oophorectomy improved neurological symptoms and immunohistochemical examinations indicated the expression of NMDAR on neuroglial cells within the fallopian tube teratoma. Teratomas of the fallopian tube cause anti‐NMDAR encephalitis; the imaging analysis and exploratory laparoscopies of the fallopian tube as well as of the ovary should be considered. Surgical removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries with a normal appearance should be considered for patients in whom immunotherapy is not effective.
Introduction of management protocol for early‐onset severe pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Sakae Chieko , Sato Yukiyasu , Kanbayashi Shota , Taga Atsuko , Emoto Ikuko , Maruyama Shunsuke , Mise Hiroko , Kim Tomoko
Published: February 2017

Aim

This quality Improvement study evaluated the applicability of our protocol for early‐onset severe pre‐eclampsia, prepared in April 2013.

Methods

We collected data from all women with early‐onset severe pre‐eclampsia treated at our hospital between March 2008 and August 2015. Neonatal and maternal outcomes were compared between protocol‐based (n = 17) and non‐protocol‐based management groups (n = 28).

Results

The latency period was significantly longer in the protocol‐based than in the non‐protocol‐based group (21.9 ± 3.7 vs 11.0 ± 2.9 days). Gestational age at delivery was significantly more advanced in the protocol‐based than in the non‐protocol‐based group (31.4 ± 0.6 vs 29.8 ± 0.4 weeks). Serious neonatal complications were significantly less prevalent in the protocol‐based than in the non‐protocol‐based group (26% vs 79%). Among the protocol components, magnesium sulfate use was the only independent factor contributing to the absence of serious neonatal complications. The percentages of women exhibiting persistent proteinuria or hypertension at one, two and three months post‐partum were similar between the groups.

Conclusions

Strict adherence to our protocol improved neonatal outcomes without affecting maternal prognosis. Routine use of magnesium sulfate could be the most important component of the protocol.
Mapping Religious Change in Latin America
Authors: Somma Nicolás M. , Bargsted Matías A. , Valenzuela Eduardo
Published: February 2017

Using Latinobarometer survey data, we study the evolution of religious identities among the adult populations of 17 Latin American countries between 1996 and 2013. We find several interesting patterns. First, the current religious landscape is highly dynamic and is becoming increasingly pluralist among a majority of countries. Changes derive not only from the growth of Evangelicals, as commonly assumed, but also from the sharp rise in irreligious individuals. Second, religious change cannot be convincingly explained by important theories such as secularization, religious economies, and anomie. However, the predictions derived from anomie theory seem more useful for understanding Evangelical growth. Finally, our cohort analysis indicates that aggregate religious change largely results from individual-level change across time—religious conversion and apostasy—rather than from generational replacement. Still, there are interesting variations across countries in that respect.