bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periodontal maintenance following active specialist treatment: Should patients stay put or return to primary dental care for continuing care? A comparison of outcomes based on the literature
Authors: Leavy PG , Robertson DP
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To review the evidence for the efficacy of periodontal maintenance (PM) carried out in primary dental care (PDC) compared to the specialist setting for patients previously treated in a specialist setting for chronic (ChP) or aggressive (AgP) periodontitis.

Methods

A focused PICO question and search protocol were developed. Online databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, WEB OF SCIENCE™ and COCHRANE LIBRARY were searched along with specialist journals in the subject area of periodontal research. Selection criteria included studies that investigated delivery of PM in both specialist and PDC settings for patients with ChP or AgP over a minimum 12 months. We looked for studies that reported changes in clinical attachment levels (CAL), tooth loss, pocket probing depths (PPDs) and bleeding on probing (BoP) as outcome measures.

Results

Eight cohort studies were chosen for inclusion. There was considerable heterogeneity found between the eight studies, which did not allow for quantitative (meta) analysis and statistical testing of differences between groups. Clinical attachment levels remained relatively stable in patients who received specialist PM with mean changes of −0.42 mm to +0.2 mm, while for those enrolled in PDC‐based PM for periods >12 months, mean CAL losses were between −0.13 mm and −2.80 mm. PPD reduction for those subjects receiving specialist PM was between 0.05 and 1.8 mm for five studies but two cohorts experienced increases of 0.32 and 0.80 mm, respectively. Increases of up to 2.90 mm (range: −0.1 to +2.90) and a higher proportion of deeper pockets were noted among PDC PM cohorts. Higher rates of BoP among those in receipt of PDC PM were reported in half of all studies. There were insufficient long‐term data to make any firm conclusions about the effect of the delivery of PM on tooth loss.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of the data available, it appears that specialist PM is effective in sustaining periodontal stability following active specialist intervention. There is limited evidence that PDC provides the same level of care; however, the limited comparative data available suggest that outcomes could be slightly worse in PDC.
Longitudinal patterns in objective physical activity and sedentary time in a multi‐ethnic sample of children from the UK
Authors: Smith L. , Aggio D. , Hamer M.
Published: May 2017

Background

Children of South Asian decent born in the UK display lower levels of physical activity than British Caucasians although no longitudinal data are available.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate change in activity levels over 1 year in a diverse ethnic sample of children residing in London, UK.

Methods

Children were categorized into ethnic groups (Caucasian/mixed, Black, South Asian). At baseline and 1‐year follow‐up, children's objective physical activity was monitored (Actigraph accelerometer) for at least 1 day. Mixed models were employed to investigate differences in change in activity levels between ethnic groups.

Results

A total of 281 children were included in the analyses. South Asians had a significantly greater increase in time spent sedentary at follow‐up than those of a Caucasian/mixed ethnicity (B [ratio sedentary/wear time] = 0.024; 95% confidence interval 0.003, 0.046). South Asian children recorded lower moderate to vigorous physical activity at baseline (B = −6.5, 95% confidence interval, −11.1, −1.9 min d−1, p = 0.006) although levels remained relatively stable over follow‐up and changes did not differ across ethnic group.

Conclusions

In a diverse ethnic sample of children from inner city London, those of a South Asian ethnicity exhibited a significantly greater increase in sedentary time over a period of 12 months in comparison with Caucasian/mixed and Black children.
CD40‐mediated signalling influences trafficking, T‐cell receptor expression, and T‐cell pathogenesis, in the NOD model of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Vaitaitis Gisela M. , Waid Dan M. , Yussman Martin G. , Wagner David H.
Published: May 2017

CD40 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The mechanism of action, however, is undetermined, probably because CD40 expression has been grossly underestimated. CD40 is expressed on numerous cell types that now include T cells and pancreatic β cells. CD40+ CD4+ cells [T helper type 40 (TH40)] prove highly pathogenic in NOD mice and in translational human T1D studies. We generated BDC2.5.CD40−/− and re‐derived NOD.CD154−/− mice to better understand the CD40 mechanism of action. Fully functional CD40 expression is required not only for T1D development but also for insulitis. In NOD mice, TH40 cell expansion in pancreatic lymph nodes occurs before insulitis and demonstrates an activated phenotype compared with conventional CD4+ cells, apparently regardless of antigen specificity. TH40 T‐cell receptor (TCR) usage demonstrates increases in several Vα and Vβ species, particularly Vα3.2+ that arise early and are sustained throughout disease development. TH40 cells isolated from diabetic pancreas demonstrate a relatively broad TCR repertoire rather than restricted clonal expansions. The expansion of the Vα/Vβ species associated with diabetes depends upon CD40 signalling; NOD.CD154−/− mice do not expand the same TCR species. Finally, CD40‐mediated signals significantly increase pro‐inflammatory Th1‐ and Th17‐associated cytokines whereas CD28 co‐stimulus alternatively promotes regulatory cytokines.
Vulnerabilities to housing bubbles: Evidence from linkages between housing prices and income fundamentals
Authors: Huang MeiChi
Published: May 2017

This paper investigates US state‐level housing markets by examining three signs of vulnerabilities to housing bubbles: negative or insignificant co‐movements between housing prices and income fundamentals, high housing‐price persistence, and boom–bust regime‐switching phenomena. The study effectively mitigates potential estimation bias by estimating income growth using three explanatory variables for housing markets: the stock price, the federal funds, rate and non‐farm‐employment growth. The moving‐average thresholds track housing boom–bust regime shifts from a forward‐looking perspective. Although only California displays high housing‐bubble vulnerability in all dimensions analysed, all selected states show signs of housing‐bubble vulnerabilities because income fundamentals lack explanatory power for housing price dynamics. The results suggest that the US government had difficulties in stabilizing the housing market during the period 1976–2010.
The influence of monetary policy on bank profitability
Authors: Borio Claudio , Gambacorta Leonardo , Hofmann Boris
Published: May 2017

This paper investigates how monetary policy affects bank profitability. We use data for 109 large international banks headquartered in 14 major advanced economies for the period 1995–2012. Overall, we find a positive relationship between the level of short‐term rates and the slope of the yield curve (the ‘interest rate structure’, for short), on the one hand, and bank profitability – return on assets – on the other. This suggests that the positive impact of the interest rate structure on net interest income dominates the negative one on loan loss provisions and on non‐interest income. We also find that the effect is stronger when the interest rate level is lower and the slope less steep, that is, when non‐linearities are present. All this suggests that, over time, unusually low interest rates and an unusually flat term structure erode bank profitability.
Public Pedagogy and Social Justice in Arts Education
Authors: Hochtritt Lisa , Ahlschwede Willa , Halsey‐Dutton Bonnie , Fiesel Laura Mychal , Chevalier Liz , Miller Taylor , Farrar Chelsea
Published: May 2017

In this article we explore examples of public pedagogical actions and interventions, reading them through a social justice education framework lens. In our discussion we start with definitions of social justice, public pedagogy and case study methodologies. Then, we look at a variety of international examples to highlight the pervasiveness of public pedagogical opportunities in visual culture that include a festival, an individual, a citywide symposium, an online community, a cultural group and a museum exhibition. They are divided into three categories based on social justice principles suggested by Ayers et al. and later interpreted by Dewhurst: (1) Public pedagogy and social justice is rooted in people's experiences: Fiesta del Señor de Choquekillka: Ollantaytambo, Peru and Janet Weight Reed – an artist's public pedagogy utilising social media; (2) Public pedagogy and social justice is a process of reflection and action together: Ideas City Festival and the Vlogbrothers; (3) Public pedagogy and social justice seeks to dismantle systems of inequality to create a more humane society: CULTURUNNERS and sh[OUT]: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex art and culture. It is our hope that in looking more closely at these international examples of public pedagogy and social justice education that the power of such alternative sites of learning is apparent and encourages further interventions and investigations in such spaces of inquiry.
Using phylogenies to trace the geographical signal of diversification
Authors: Abellán Pedro , Ribera Ignacio
Published: May 2017

Aim

Current geographical distributions in conjunction with species‐level phylogenies have been viewed as offering an enormous potential for investigating the causes of speciation. However, many authors have concluded that species ranges are too dynamic to retain the historical signal of the speciation processes. We develop an approach to explore the extent to which range changes have erased the geographical signal of speciation in the current distribution of species lineages, and whether phylogenetic relationships among species and their current distributions can provide information regarding the geography of diversification. As case studies we used different lineages of aquatic Coleoptera.

Location

Western Palaearctic.

Methods

We first assessed the persistence of a geographical signal in the current distribution of a clade from the association between evolutionary relationships and geography using Mantel tests. We then tested two potential scenarios of diversification using bivariate plots of the geographical distance between the centroids of the species ranges and phylogenetic distances, and an assessment of the match between the observed geographical distribution and the phylogenetic topology. We used as a study system a set of 10 monophyletic lineages of water beetles with different ecological characteristics (either standing water, running water or a mixture of both habitat types).

Results

Our results point to a common pattern of geographically conserved ranges where current species seem to have originated through range fragmentation of formerly more widespread species. Exclusive standing water clades showed a much weaker signal, as expected from their higher mobility, which erases the geographical signal at much shorter temporal scales.

Main conclusions

Overall, our findings show that for at least some lineages it is possible to obtain strong evidence of stasis of the geographical ranges of species, as well as information regarding the diversification process, through the study of their current distributions and phylogenetic relationships.
Unknown Intracardiac Electrogram
Authors: PRYSTOWSKY ERIC N.
Published: May 2017

Watch a video presentation of this article.

For additional educational resources, please visit Medtronic Academy .
Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of a New Hypotrich Ciliate, Pseudourostyla guizhouensis sp. nov. from Southern China, with Notes on a Chinese Population of Hemicycliostyla franzi (Foissner, 1987) Paiva et al., 2012 (Ciliophora, Hypotricha)
Authors: Li Yanbo , Lyu Zhao , Warren Alan , Zhou Kexin , Li Fengchao , Chen Xumiao
Published: May 2017

The morphology and molecular phylogeny of a soil hypotrich ciliate, Pseudourostyla guizhouensis sp. nov., collected from southern China, were investigated. Pseudourostyla guizhouensis sp. nov. has an elongate elliptical body measuring 180–310 × 65–85 μm in vivo; invariably two right and three or four left marginal rows; six or seven dorsal kineties; adoral zone consisting of 57–70 membranelles; 12–16 frontal cirri, one buccal cirrus, 13–20 midventral pairs, two frontoterminal cirri, two pretransverse cirri, and five to seven transverse cirri. Morphogenesis during physiological regeneration indicates that the marginal rows of each side originate from a common anlage that differentiates into several rows. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on SSU rDNA sequence data reveals that P. guizhouensis sp. nov. clusters with the type species P. cristata (Jerka‐Dziadosz, 1964) Borror, 1972 and that the genus Pseudourostyla is monophyletic. The morphological characters of another soil hypotrich ciliate, Hemicycliostyla franzi (Foissner, 1987) Paiva et al., 2012, are also described based on a Chinese (Guizhou) population.
Effect of Spironolactone on Exercise Tolerance and Arterial Function in Older Adults with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Upadhya Bharathi , Hundley William G. , Brubaker Peter H. , Morgan Timothy M. , Stewart Kathryn P. , Kitzman Dalane W.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of an aldosterone antagonist on exercise intolerance in older adults with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Design

Randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind trial.

Setting

Academic medical center, Winston‐Salem, North Carolina.

Participants

Older adults (N = 80, aged 71 ± 1; 80% female) with stable compensated HFpEF and controlled blood pressure (BP).

Measurements

Participants were randomized into a 9‐month treatment of spironolactone 25 mg/d vs placebo. Assessments were peak exercise oxygen consumption (VO2), 6‐minute walk test, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, Doppler echocardiography, and vascular ultrasound.

Results

Seventy‐one participants completed the trial: 37 in the spironolactone group and 34 in the placebo group. Adherence according to pill count was excellent (spironolactone 95%, placebo 97%). Mean spironolactone dose was 24.3 ± 2.9 mg/d and was well tolerated. Spironolactone significantly reduced systolic and diastolic BP at rest and peak exercise. At 9‐month follow‐up, baseline‐adjusted peak VO2, the primary outcome, was 13.5 ± 0.3 mL/kg per minute in the spironolactone group versus 13.9 ± 0.3 mL/kg per minute in the placebo group (adjusted mean difference −0.4 mL/kg per minute; 95% confidence interval = −1.1–0.4 mL/kg per minute; P = .38). The 95% confidence intervals of spironolactone's effect on peak VO2 (−8.2% to 3.2%) excluded a clinically significant beneficial effect. There were also no significant differences in 6‐minute walk distance, arterial stiffness, left ventricular (LV) mass, LV mass/end‐diastolic volume, or MLHFQ score.

Conclusion

In older adults with stable compensated HFpEF, 9 months of spironolactone 25 mg/d was well tolerated and reduced BP but did not improve exercise capacity, quality of life, LV mass, or arterial stiffness.
The Rise and Decline ofLa Yuma: Global Symbols, Local Meanings, and Remittance Circuits in Post‐Soviet Cuba
Authors: Ryer Paul
Published: May 2017

Examinando las transformaciones actuales de la sociedad cubana tras la desapariciόn de la Uniόn Soviética, este artículo explora el término popular cubano “La Yuma,” y las mutaciones semióticas de sus más deseados bienes, marcas y símbolos durante los últimos veinte años. Mi propuesta es que, en vez de apuntar simplemente a una política contrarrevolucionaria, bienes tales como prendas de ropa con la bandera estadounidense, o tenis de la marca Nike, indican principalmente la emergencia de lo que yo llamo “circuitos de remesas” entre la Cuba post‐soviética y sus comunidades en la diáspora, en vez de denotar sencillamente una posición política de resistencia al estado revolucionario, tal y como se asume con frecuencia. Una mirada integradora, que busque comprender a la vez los movimientos de personas, sus marcas preferidas, y los significados locales de símbolos globales, contribuirá a enriquecer etnográficamente la comprensión teórica de la Cuba contemporánea en campos tales como los estudios (post) socialistas, caribeños, transnacionales, y globales, en un amplio sentido.
Student‐Perceived Mothers’ and Fathers’ Beliefs, Mathematics and English Motivations, and Career Choices
Authors: Lazarides Rebecca , Watt Helen M. G.
Published: May 2017

According to Eccles and Jacobs' (1986) parent socialization model, parents’ gendered ability and value beliefs influence girls’ and boys’ interpretations of those beliefs, and hence students’ domain‐specific valuing of tasks and competence beliefs and subsequent career plans. Studies have rarely analyzed how both student‐perceived mothers’ and fathers’ beliefs affect girls’ and boys’ task values, success expectancies, and career plans across domains. This study analyzed survey data of 459 students (262 boys) assessed through Grades 9, 10, and 11 from three coeducational secondary schools in Sydney, Australia. Longitudinal structural equation models revealed gendered value transmission pathways for girls in mathematics. Although mathematics test scores did not vary statistically significantly, girls reported statistically significantly lower mothers’ ability beliefs for them in mathematics than boys at Time 1, which led to their statistically significantly lower mathematics intrinsic value at Time 2 and mathematics‐related career plans at Time 3. Such gendered pathways did not occur in English. Matched same‐gender effects and gendered pathways in parent socialization processes were evident; perceived mothers’ value beliefs were more strongly related to girls’ than boys’ importance values in English. Student‐perceived fathers’ ability beliefs positively predicted boys’, not girls’, importance value in mathematics. Implications for educational practice emphasize the need to target girls’ and boys’ interest when aiming to enhance their mathematical career motivations.
Effects of carrot pomace powder and a mixture of pectin and xanthan on the quality of gluten‐free batter and cakes
Authors: Majzoobi Mahsa , Vosooghi Poor Zahra , Mesbahi Gholamreza , Jamalian Jalal , Farahnaky Asgar
Published: May 2017

Carrot pomace powder (CPP) is a valuable by‐product of carrot processing containing nutrients and fiber and can be utilized for enrichment of gluten‐free products. The main purpose of this study was to determine the effects of various levels of CPP (0, 10, 20, and 30%) and a mixture of hydrocolloids (HC) including pectin and xanthan (1.5% of each) on the quality of batter and gluten‐free cakes. With increasing the level of CPP and inclusion of HC the viscosity of the batter increased significantly from 87 mPa s for the control to >7000 mPa s for 30%CCP + HC sample. The density of the control batter was 1.2 g/cm3 which reduced significantly to 0.899 g/cm3 for HC sample. The pH of the cake reduced from 7.23 to 6.78 with addition of CPP but increased slightly with inclusion of HC. The density of the cake reduced from 0.510 g/cm3 for the control to 0.395 g/cm3 for 20%CCP + C sample. The texture of the cakes became softer, more springy and chewable with addition of CPP, CPP + HC, and HC. The control sample had the lowest uniformity index (0.178) which improved with addition of CPP and CPP + HC and a highly uniform cake with a uniformity index of 0.045 was obtained for the 30%CCP + HC cake. Addition of CPP increased the dark color of the cakes while inclusion of HC had no effect on the appearance of the cake and color. It was concluded that inclusion of maximum 30%CCP and 20%CPP + HC promoted the quality and sensory attributes of gluten‐free cakes.

Practical applications

Although different types of gluten‐free products are available in the market, most of them contain insufficient amount of fiber and nutrients. Despite popularity, gluten‐free cakes are poor in fiber and nutrient contents. Therefore, improving the nutritional value of these products has received an increasing attention by the food industry. Carrot pomace powder (CPP) is an available source of fiber and nutrients and hence can be utilized for enrichment of gluten‐free products. This study showed that the inclusion of up to 30% CPP or 20% CPP with a mixture of xanthan and pectin (3%, 1:1) improved the quality and sensory attributes of the cakes. Industrial implications of this study may lead to new product development and improved marketing due to the enhancement of quality, sensory attributes, and nutritional value of the products.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic evaluation of marbofloxacin as a single injection for Pasteurellaceae respiratory infections in cattle using population pharmacokinetics and Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Paulin A. , Schneider M. , Dron F. , Woehrle F.
Published: May 2017

Population pharmacokinetic of marbofloxacin was investigated with 52 plasma concentration–time profiles obtained after intramuscular administration of Forcyl® in cattle. Animal's status, pre‐ruminant, ruminant, or dairy cow, was retained as a relevant covariate for clearance. Monte Carlo simulations were performed using a stratification by status, and 1000 virtual disposition curves were generated in each bovine subpopulation for the recommended dosage regimen of 10 mg/kg as a single injection. The probability of target attainment (PTA) of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) ratios associated with clinical efficacy and prevention of resistance was determined in each simulated subpopulation. The cumulative fraction of response (CFR) of animals achieving a PK/PD ratio predictive of positive clinical outcome was then calculated for the simulated dosage regimen, taking into account the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) distribution of Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica, and Histophilus somni. When considering a ratio of AUC0‐24 hr/MIC (area under the curve/minimum inhibitory concentration) greater than 125 hr, CFRs ranging from 85% to 100% against the three Pasteurellaceae in each bovine subpopulation were achieved. The PTA of the PK/PD threshold reflecting the prevention of resistances was greater than 90% up to MPC (mutant prevention concentration) values of 1 μg/ml in pre‐ruminants and ruminants and 0.5 μg/ml in dairy cows.
Income Inequality in Mexico, 2004–2014
Authors: del Castillo Negrete Rovira Miguel
Published: May 2017

Most inequality researchers in Mexico have concluded that although income inequality is very high, there is a downward trend in this inequality. They have come to this conclusion because they have used official income figures from household surveys without making any correction. In contrast, this study proposes an adjustment to income data from household income and expenditure surveys, based on national accounts. Adjusted figures show that inequality is high and increasing, due to public policies implemented since the mid‐1980s. Therefore, we must dare to think differently and change the economic course of the country.
Comparative Analysis of the Developmental Strategy of Aerospace Industry in Brazil, Canada, and Mexico: Public‐Policy Implications
Authors: Flores Saidi , Villarreal Amado
Published: May 2017

The aerospace industry is considered strategic not only for national‐security reasons but also for economic reasons. This article compares public policies implemented by Brazil and Canada to promote the industry's technological transfer with those used by Mexico. The results indicate that Brazil and Canada implemented four common strategies, establishing public research centers, creating international alliances for production and coproduction, implementing a policy of offsets, and creating industrial links between foreign businesses and domestic small and medium‐sized businesses (SMEs). Mexico used some of these strategies, albeit with some shortcomings, in line with the stage of maturity of the industry.
Towards a More Realistic Estimate of the Income Distribution in Mexico
Authors: Bustos Alfredo , Leyva Gerardo
Published: May 2017

Accurate estimations of income distributions from survey data and other sources have proven elusive. This article presents an approximation to an income distribution in Mexico for 2012, using three data sources, household‐survey data, SNA figures, and tax records. It also considers derived measures such as Gini coefficients. Constrained Maximum Pseudo‐likelihood (CMPL) estimation is used to obtain an income distribution that reconciles all three data sources under different conditions, and results show remarkable stability.
Use of a new end‐stage kidney disease risk calculator in the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guideline to evaluate the impact of different living kidney donor candidate assessments
Authors: Lee Darren , Manzoor Momena , Harley Geoff , Whitlam John , Cook Natasha , Choy Suet‐wan , Sandiford Megan , Gibson Charlotte , McMahon Lawrence P , Roberts Matthew A
Published: May 2017

Aim

The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guideline recommends the incorporation of a new risk calculator that quantifies the end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) risk based on a composite profile of risk factors in living kidney donor candidates (LKDC). We compared the ESKD risk estimates in previously declined versus accepted LKDC to evaluate the predictive capacity and potential impact of this tool.

Methods

Baseline 15 year and lifetime ESKD risk estimates without donation were calculated using the risk calculator for LKDC assessed from two centres between 2007 and 2015. LKDC suitability based on the proposed KDIGO and the existing Caring for Australasians with Renal Impairment national guidelines was compared.

Results

Median 15 year ESKD risk was 0.14% (IQR 0.09–0.31%) in declined LKDC (n=59) versus 0.10% (0.07–0.14%) in accepted LKDC (n=89) (P<0.001). Lifetime risk was similar: 0.39% (0.23–0.80%) versus 0.35% (0.22–0.56%), respectively; however, declined LKDC had a higher 98% risk percentile value (8.19% vs 1.02%) and were more likely to exceed a 1% ESKD risk threshold (15% vs 1%; P<0.01). The calculator captured reasons for declining donation in only 39% of LKDC; 46.9% of LKDC with Caring for Australasians with Renal Impairment contraindications were reclassified as having an acceptable (≤1%) lifetime risk and no KDIGO contraindications, primarily related to a lower pre‐donation glomerular filtration rate or controlled hypertension with obesity.

Conclusion

Declined LKDC had a higher 15 year but similar lifetime ESKD risk. However, the calculator successfully differentiated declined LKDC with a lifetime risk >1%. This risk calculator appears to complement but not replace clinical evaluation.
Assessing the relationship between greenspace and academic achievement in urban New Zealand primary schools
Authors: Beere Paul , Kingham Simon
Published: May 2017

Greenspace can have a significant positive effect on improved concentration duration, behaviour in the classroom, and educational and social development for school‐aged children. This paper uses Geographical Information Systems to explore academic achievement and greenspace in New Zealand. Using multivariate linear regression, the association between greenspace exposure and the percentage of children achieving above academic attainment expectations was examined, controlling for gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Socioeconomic status was the most significant predictor of academic achievement. Weak associations between greenspace, academic achievement, gender, and ethnicity were observed. Unexpectedly, academic achievement negatively correlated with greenspace.
Distortionary effect of trading activity in NYMEX crude oil futures market: post crisis
Authors: Naderian Mohammad Amin , Javan Afshin
Published: May 2017

In light of the ongoing growth in hedge fund and investment bank exposure in the NYMEX WTI crude oil futures market since the global financial crisis, we have applied linear causality tests to identify if each individual trader group in the disaggregated commitment of trader's report have prior destabilising effect on market return (the rate of change in crude oil prices), price volatility and the futures‐spot spread in the period 2009–2015. Consistent with the CFTC's disaggregated classification system, the trader groups considered are physical participants, swap dealers and money managers. In order to capture the nonlinear causality relationship, the Diks and Panchenko (Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, 2006, 30, 1647) non‐parametric causality approach has also been utilised. Test results demonstrate that changes in the net positions of physical participants has both linear and nonlinear positive causality on expected market return, as well as feedback loops. Change in swap dealers net position, however, only have linear bidirectional causality with market return and futures‐spot spread, with unidirectional Granger causality with price volatility. While money managers were not price trend followers, they have preceding influence on market risk and return dynamics. It can be concluded that swap dealers and money managers have distortionary effect on market return, price volatility and the futures‐spot spread. Instead, Physical participants distortionary effect is restricted to market return.
Energy consumption, human capital investment and economic growth in South Africa: a vector error correction model analysis
Authors: Ilesanmi Kehinde Damilola , Tewari Devi Datt
Published: May 2017

This paper investigates the dynamic causal relationship between energy consumption, human capital investment and economic growth in South Africa for the period 1960–2015 within the vector error correction model (VECM) framework. It was revealed that there is cointegration among the variables. The causality test result reveals that there exists a long‐run bi‐directional relationship between economic growth and energy consumption. While on the other hand, a long‐run unidirectional causal relationship was discovered running from economic growth and energy consumption to social and economic infrastructure investment. This justifies the government's massive investment in the energy sector which is aimed at meeting the increasing energy demand. However, the lack of feedback from social infrastructural investment may imply that the focus social infrastructure investment is not adequate to granger cause growth or due to high inequality and unemployment in the country which will require more investment attention for it to significantly affect growth. The government, therefore, should give priority to the provision of both social and economic infrastructure investment and implementation of policies that are aimed at human capital development through public empowerment so that they can support the economy instead of depending on the government.
Oil price volatility effect on infrastructure spending in Nigeria
Authors: Akinleye Simeon Oludiran
Published: May 2017

This study examined the effect of oil price volatility on infrastructure spending in Nigeria, using time series data from 1960 to 2012. The data were analysed using cointegration, variance decomposition and impulse response functions to determine the effect of oil price volatility on infrastructure spending in Nigeria. The trend analysis shows that both oil price and government spending on infrastructure fluctuate together. The impulse response showed that the impact of crude oil price shock is substantial in the short run but remain stable and high in the long run which implies that the effect of crude oil price volatility could persist into the future. From these results, the empirical findings suggest that effort should be made by government to seek alternative means of financing infrastructure as oil price is unpredictable.
Older people's experiences of falling and perceived risk of falls in the community: A narrative synthesis of qualitative research
Authors: Gardiner Siobhan , Glogowska Margaret , Stoddart Catherine , Pendlebury Sarah , Lasserson Daniel , Jackson Debra
Published: May 2017

Aim

To examine qualitative research exploring older people's experiences of falling and the perceived risk of falling in the community. This will contribute new insights into how falling is perceived by the older community.

Background

Falls are a major problem for older people and healthcare services across the world. Accidental falls in the community are a persistent problem that is generally recognised as an intrinsic risk of ageing. This review provides a new synthesis of evidence that considers older people's perception of falls in the community as new insights are needed if the increasing problems of falls are to be addressed.

Design

Synthesis of the qualitative literature employing Noblit and Hare's method of reciprocal translation. CINAHL, Medline, EMBASE, PsychINFO and BNI were searched 1999–2015.

Methods

Noblit and Hare's method of reciprocal translations was used to conceive this meta‐ethnographic synthesis. The ENTREQ statement was employed as a tool for reporting the synthesis of qualitative research. The PRISMA statement was used for reporting the different phase of the literature search, and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative research checklist was used as an appraisal framework.

Results

Eleven papers fit the inclusion criteria and revealed a series of themes. These were falls as a threat to personal identity, falls as a threat to independence, falls as a threat to social interaction and carefulness as a protective strategy.

Conclusion

Many older people reject the label of “at risk of falling” because of the perceived implication of dependency and incompetence. To be considered “at risk” of falling is perceived as threatening the identity of individuals who are comfortable maintaining their own independence. However, there are also those who accept the risk of falling and in doing so choose carefulness as a personal strategy to manage the risk. For the majority of older people, maintaining independence is the key motivator influencing their actions. Independence to pursue social interaction safeguards against loss of identity, social isolation and negative feelings of dependency. Falling in the community is a problem that persists, despite intervention of local health teams. This article contributes to a body of evidence on older people's experience of falling in the community with the aim of providing new insights for nurses as they approach the issues with patients.

Implications for practice

Management of falls risk improves through constructive, proactive health behaviour. Promoting a positive attitude towards living well encourages older people to engage in healthy, risk reducing behaviours. Older people reject the designation of “at risk of falling” due to a perceived association with dependency and incompetence. The negative association is a barrier to engaging at‐risk populations with fall prevention interventions.
Incidence of deep fascial space infections following lower third molar removal
Authors: O'Connor N. , Besi E. , Lopes V. , Malden N.
Published: May 2017

Aim

The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of systemic infection in the deep fascial spaces after a third molar extraction of the neck.

Material and methods

This article presents a retrospective study of 723 cases of third molar extractions under the care of Edinburgh Dental Institute over a 1 year period (July 2012 to the end of June 2013) and investigates the incidence of systemic infection in the deep fascial spaces of the neck.

Results and conclusions

Four (0.5%) out of the 723 cases acquired a deep fascial space infection and required hospitalisation and further treatment. No correlation saw between the development of a deep cervical space infection and age, gender, smoking status, predisposing medical history, difficulty of extraction or experience of operator. Patients are now informed of the low risk of post‐operative deep fascial space infection following lower third molar removal. But there is a need for prospective studies, which would provide reliable and accurate information on the true incidence of this significant post‐operative complication.
Percutaneous exposure incidents: a review of practice and awareness of current protocols at a Dental Faculty
Authors: Siddiqi A , K Niazi M.I. , De Silva H. , Firth N. , Konthasingha P. , Zafar S.
Published: May 2017

Background

Research has shown that dental care providers (DCPs) and students are among the most vulnerable to accidental exposure to blood‐borne pathogens (BBPs). An exposure to BBPs can have detrimental effects on a DCP's professional and personal life.

Objectives

The aim of this study to study the prevalence and risk factors of sharps and needlestick injuries (NSIs) sustained by the staff and undergraduate dental students at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago.

Method

A cross‐sectional survey among students (fourth & fifth year dental students, postgraduate students), staff (academic/clinical) and dental assistants was performed using a self‐administered questionnaire to collect information pertaining to needlestick and sharps injuries during February 2012–November 2013. Data were tabulated in MS Excel® and analysed using SPSS statistical software®.

Results

Of the 350 questionnaires distributed, 234 participants completed the questionnaire. Seventy participants (29.9%) reported percutaneous injury. Most exposures occurred among undergraduate dental students (70%), followed by postgraduate students, academic staff (18.6%) and dental assistants (11.4%). Prevalence of under‐reporting was noted around 32.8%. Needlestick was the most frequent (34.8%) while injury from surgical bur and scaler tips were reported at 25 (28.1%) and 19 (21.3%) respectively. Only three participants (4.28%) took the post‐exposure prophylaxis after an incident.

Conclusion

Percutaneous exposure incidents continue to occur in healthcare settings in spite of emphasis on improved work practices and use of safety devices. Improvements are required in the use of safe‐practice and in developing a culture of more comprehensive reporting and adopting post‐exposure prophylaxis when required. Students new to the clinical environment need structured training and education before starting their clinical work to minimise accidental needlestick and sharps injuries.
The first transepidermal transplantation of non‐cultured epidermal suspension using a dermarolling system in vitiligo: A sequential histological and clinical study
Authors: Benzekri Laila , Gauthier Yvon
Published: May 2017

The current methods for melanocyte delivery to depigmented skin are invasive and often require sophisticated approaches. Here, we describe a promising simple and minimally invasive technique based on the dermarolling system. The technique involves preparation of a keratinocyte/melanocyte suspension prepared by trypsinization from a non‐lesioned part of a patient's scalp skin and transepidermal delivery using a dermaroller equipped with 0.2‐mm needles. Dermarolling leads to epidermal microinjuries without, however, causing pain or inflammation. The technique was applied to facial depigmented areas of five patients with stable vitiligo that were resistant to conventional UV/tacrolimus treatment. The efficacy of cell delivery was analysed histologically on punch biopsies, and repigmentation was evaluated photographically and by clinical assessment. We found that the transplanted keratinocytes rapidly degenerated, leading to keratinization, but melanocytes survived and integrated appropriately into the basal layer of the epidermis, leading to excellent repigmentation after 6 months in three cases and mild repigmentation in two cases. Although based on a small number of patients, we anticipate this technique to become a valid addition to the arsenal of therapeutic approaches to repigmentation in depigmenting disorders.
Carcinoma ex basal cell adenoma of the parotid gland: A report of an extremely rare case
Authors: Kusafuka Kimihide , Kawasaki Takuya , Nakajima Takashi , Sugino Takashi
Published: May 2017

Malignant non‐basaloid tumors that arise from basal cell adenoma (BCA) are extremely rare. The patient was a 72‐year‐old Japanese male, who had noticed swelling of the left parotid region 21 years ago. A superficial lobectomy was performed. About 60% of the tumor was made up of cribriform and trabecular tissue composed of basaloid cells, which exhibited mild atypia and nuclear expression of β‐catenin. This portion of the tumor was considered to be a BCA. In the other part of the tumor, the proliferation of large eosinophilic atypical cells, most of which formed intraductal structures, was observed. These tumor cells displayed cellular atypia, and some of them formed Roman bridge structures or contributed to intracapsular invasion. Immunohistochemically, these cells were positive for cytokeratin 7, gross cystic disease fluid proten‐15 (GCDFP‐15), androgen receptor (AR), and mammaglobin (MMG) and exhibited a high Ki‐67 labeling index. So, this portion of the tumor was considered to be a salivary duct carcinoma (SDC). The tumor's final diagnosis was SDC ex BCA (intracapsular type), which is extremely rare. GCDFP‐15, AR, MMG, and Ki‐67 are useful immunohistochemical markers for diagnosing SDC ex BCA.
Genetic validation of historical plant pathology records – a case study based on the fungal genus Phoma from the ICMP culture collection
Authors: Johnston P. R. , Park D. , Ho W. W. H. , Alexander B. J. R.
Published: May 2017

Fungal taxonomy and classification, and fungal identification tools, are increasingly based on DNA sequencing technologies. In contrast, many historical records of fungi are based on morphologically identified specimens. Scientific collections of specimens or living cultures provide a resource to enable these early records to be genetically validated using modern techniques. This project uses a set of cultures deposited prior to 2008 in the International Collection of Microorganisms from Plants (ICMP) culture collection as Phoma, a genus of high biosecurity importance that is notoriously difficult to identify accurately using morphological characters. Of the 265 cultures sequenced, 23% had been misidentified. These misidentifications mean that six species previously thought to be present in New Zealand probably do not occur there. Fifty specimens had not previously been identified to species level; amongst these were eight species newly reported from New Zealand. Genetic validation projects such as this, using existing scientific collections, are essential for maintaining a robust global biosecurity system.
Overexpression of the rubisco activase gene improves growth and low temperature and weak light tolerance in Cucumis sativus
Authors: Bi Huangai , Liu Peipei , Jiang Zhensheng , Ai Xizhen
Published: May 2017

Rubisco activase (RCA) is an important enzyme that can catalyze the carboxylation and oxygenation activities of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), which is involved in the photosynthetic carbon reduction cycle. Here, we studied the effects of changes in RCA activity on photosynthesis, growth and development, as well as the low temperature and weak light tolerance of RCA overexpressing transgenic cucumber (Cucumis sativus) plants. CsRCA overexpression increased the plant height, leaf area and dry matter, and decreased the root/top ratio in transgenic cucumber plants compared with the wild‐type (WT) plants. Low temperature and low light stress led to decreases in the CsRCA expression and protein levels, the photosynthetic rate (Pn) and the stomatal conductance (Gs), but an increase in the intercellular CO2 (Ci) concentration in cucumber leaves. The actual photochemical efficiency and maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II in cucumber seedlings also declined, but the initial fluorescence increased during low temperature and weak light stress. Transgenic plants showed a lower decrease in the CsRCA expression level and actual and maximal photochemical efficiencies, as well as increases in the Ci and initial fluorescence relative to the WT plants. Low temperature and low light stress resulted in a significant increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) content; however, this increase was reduced in transgenic plants compared with that in WT plants. Thus, the overexpression of CsRCA may promote the growth and low temperature and low light tolerance of cucumber plants in solar greenhouses.
The Historical Presidency: Lyndon Johnson and Disaster Politics
Authors: Davies Gareth
Published: May 2017

The federal government is now the lead responder when a major natural disaster strikes and the president frequently visits the scene, performing the role of consoler in chief. Both of these developments are relatively recent: before the 1960s, disaster response was dominated by subnational governments and the Red Cross, while the federal role was discharged mostly by mid‐level bureaucrats. This article argues that the Johnson presidency was a decisive turning point in terms of the first development and that Johnson also broke new ground by making a regular habit of visiting disaster scenes. However, it attributes the latter pattern more to LBJ's unique political approach than to external pressure, arguing that the expectation that presidents will provide emotional support to disaster victims has developed more recently.
Comparison of two methods of seminal plasma removal on buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) sperm cryopreservation
Authors: Albuquerque RS , Morais R , Reis AN , Miranda MS , Dias EAR , Monteiro FM , Paz CCP , Nichi M , Kawai GKV , Della'Aqua CPF , Papa FO , Viana RB , Gimenes LU
Published: May 2017

Contents

Cryopreservation causes damage to spermatozoa, and methods minimizing this damage are therefore needed. Although much discussed, seminal plasma removal has become an alternative to improve sperm quality and viability after freezing and has been applied to different species in attempt to obtain good results. The objective of this study was to evaluate semen quality in buffaloes submitted to two methods for seminal plasma removal (filtration and centrifugation). Semen samples were collected from seven Murrah buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis) once a week for 8 weeks. Each ejaculate was divided into three groups: control (presence of seminal plasma), centrifugation and filtration. Sperm kinetics was evaluated with the computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. Plasmalemma and acrosomal membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by flow cytometry, and lipid peroxidation was evaluated by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. Seminal plasma removal did not improve sperm kinetics compared to the control group. Centrifugation increased the number of cells with damaged acrosomal membranes (0.77 ± 0.05) and filtration caused greater plasmalemma and acrosomal membrane damage (22.18 ± 1.07). No difference in the mitochondrial membrane potential was observed between groups. In contrast, ROS production was higher in the centrifugation group compared to the control and filtration groups, although no differences in TBARS formation were detected. In conclusion, seminal plasma removal did not improve the quality of thawed buffalo semen compared to control in terms of sperm kinetics, membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential or lipid peroxidation.