bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative impact of continent and incontinent urinary diversion on long‐term renal function after radical cystectomy in patients with preoperative chronic kidney disease 2 and chronic kidney disease 3a
Authors: Gershman Boris , Eisenberg Manuel S , Thompson R Houston , Frank Igor , Kaushik Dharam , Tarrell Robert , Thapa Prabin , Boorjian Stephen A
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the differences in estimated glomerular filtration rate decline by urinary diversion type (incontinent diversion vs continent diversion) and preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate among patients undergoing radical cystectomy and urinary diversion.

Methods

We evaluated 1383 patients treated with radical cystectomy between 1980–2006 who had a preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate of 45‐89 mL/min/1.73 m2. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was estimated using Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equations, and patients were stratified by preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate into chronic kidney disease 2 (estimated glomerular filtration rate 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2) and chronic kidney disease 3a (estimated glomerular filtration rate 45–59 mL/min/1.73 m2). Multiple definitions of estimated glomerular filtration rate decline were evaluated: (i) 10‐point decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate; (ii) 20% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate; and (iii) 10% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate. Time to estimated glomerular filtration rate decline was compared using the Kaplan–Meier method stratified by diversion type. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the association of diversion type with estimated glomerular filtration rate decline risk.

Results

In total, 74% (1021/1383) of patients underwent incontinent diversion and 26% (362/1383) underwent continent diversion. Preoperative chronic kidney disease 2 and chronic kidney disease 3a were noted among 59% and 41% of patients who underwent incontinent diversion, versus 74% and 26% with continent diversion. Median follow up after RC was 11.2 years. The rate of estimated glomerular filtration rate decline in patients with incontinent diversion versus continent diversion was similar when stratified by preoperative chronic kidney disease 2 and preoperative chronic kidney disease 3a, regardless of estimated glomerular filtration rate decline definition. On multivariable analysis, continent diversion was not associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate decline for patients with preoperative chronic kidney disease 3a.

Conclusions

The risk of estimated glomerular filtration rate decline over 10 years was not significantly different after incontinent diversion versus continent diversion among patients with preoperative chronic kidney disease 2 or chronic kidney disease 3a. Continent diversion does not appear to confer an independently increased risk of estimated glomerular filtration rate decline in patients with preoperative chronic kidney disease 3a.
Influence of patient education on morbidity caused by ureteral stents
Authors: Abt Dominik , Warzinek Elisabeth , Schmid Hans‐Peter , Haile Sarah Roberta , Engeler Daniel Stephan
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To investigate the influence of patient education on symptoms and problems caused by ureteral stents.

Methods

The German version of the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire was completed by 74 patients with unilateral inserted indwelling stents. Additionally, six self‐developed questions regarding type and quality of patient education on pain, urinary symptoms, hematuria, activities permitted, stent function and overall patient education were answered. Correlations between questionnaires, subscores and single items, and the influence on economic aspects were analyzed.

Results

Adjusting for age, sex, intravesical stent length, stent indwelling time, use of analgesics and an alpha‐blocker, the correlation between the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire and self‐developed questions was –0.40 (95% CI –0.58, –0.19, P < 0.001). The following subscores and items showed a statistically significant correlation with quality of patient education after correction for multiple testing: Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire total score, urinary symptoms subscore, U6, U10, G3, G4 and GQ. No relevant influence of patient education on economic aspects was found.

Conclusion

High‐quality patient education on ureteral stent‐related symptoms is highly advisable, as it has the potential to reduce these symptoms. However, the influence of information on the incidence and extent of potential problems seems to be limited. A much better approach would be to develop better designed devices and more convenient stent‐free procedures.
Autonomy and dependence: a discussion paper on decision‐making in teenagers and young adults undergoing cancer treatment
Authors: Davies Jane , Kelly Daniel , Hannigan Ben
Published: April 2015

Aim

A discussion which aims to explore the diversity of decision‐making during teenage and young adult cancer treatment. The discussion will be related to the concepts of autonomy, dependence and decision‐making in this age group.

Background

The experience of cancer involves a significant series of treatment decisions. However, other non‐treatment decisions also have to be made which can relate to any aspect of everyday life. These decisions occur against the backdrop of young people's disease experience.

Design

Discussion paper.

Data sources

A literature search for the period 1990–2013 was undertaken. This included searching the following databases: Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), SCOPUS, Medline, DARE, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), (Psych Info) and The Cochrane Library.

Implications for nursing

There is a lack of evidence into the experience of everyday decisions made by young people during cancer treatment. This may affect them in the form of unmet needs that nurses, or other professionals, fail to appreciate.

Conclusion

Further exploration of how teenagers and young adults experience the range and process of decision‐making during cancer treatment could be useful in helping to provide effective supportive care for this age group.
Individual migration patterns of Eurasian golden plovers Pluvialis apricaria breeding in Swedish Lapland; examples of cold spell‐induced winter movements
Authors: Machín Paula , Fernández‐Elipe Juan , Flores Manuel , Fox James W. , Aguirre Jose I. , Klaassen Raymond H. G.
Published: April 2015

Tracking studies normally focus on long‐distance migrants, meaning that our understanding about short‐distance migration remains limited. In this study, we present the first individual tracks of the Eurasian golden plover Pluvialis apricaria, a short‐distance migrant, which were tracked from a Scandinavian breeding population using geolocators. In addition, golden plovers are known for their cold spell‐induced winter movements, and this study provides some first individual tracking data on this type of movements. In three cases the plovers spent the winter in NW Europe and in four cases they departed during winter from NW Europe to spend the rest of the winter in Iberia or Morocco (one bird that was tracked during two subsequent migration cycles moved to Iberia in the first winter but remained in NW Europe during the second winter). The four winter departures were associated with a cold spell in NW Europe during which maximum temperatures dropped to freezing. Cold spell‐induced winter movements were notably long and fast. The birds that remained at their NW European wintering site did not experience such cold spell. However, the plovers did not always move in response to freezing temperatures, as demonstrated by the individual that was tracked for a second season, when it experienced four cold spells at its wintering site in NW France without leaving. Little information was obtained about spring migration, but one bird had a prominent counter‐clockwise loop migration pattern through E Europe. Due to their cold spell winter movements, golden plovers exhibit great flexibility in migration patterns, resulting in a notably large spread in final wintering areas.
Phenotypic and genetic variation in longevity of Polish Landrace sows
Authors: Sobczyńska M. , Blicharski T.
Published: April 2015

The influence of some production traits on the longevity of Polish Landrace sows was evaluated using survival analysis. Estimates of genetic parameters were obtained from the sire and animal components in linear and survival methodologies. Comparison between survival and linear models was based on heritabilities and ranking of estimated breeding values of sires. The same data set, 13 031 sows, was used for both methodologies, even in the presence of censored observations. The effects of herd*year and year*season of the first farrowing had the largest influence on the risk of culling of sows. Sows born in spring season (March–May) had a 24% (p < 0.001) lower hazard for removal than those born in winter (December–February). The age at first farrowing had a small but significant effect on culling: the hazard regression coefficient for this trait was 0.002 per day. Sows that had more piglets born alive and fewer stillborn in the first litter had a decreased risk of being culled. Within a contemporary group, slower growing gilts had decreased removal risk. The relative risk ratios show a marginal decreased rate of culling for sows with backfat thickness between 9.5 and 11 mm compared to the leaner sows. Loin depth had no effect on sow longevity. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.09 to 0.38 depending on the model and type of analysis. In survival analysis, all heritabilities for longevity were higher when analysed with sire models (0.21 and 0.38) compared to animal models (0.09 and 0.16). The use of animal or sire models in the linear analysis gave similar heritability estimates (0.12 and 0.10). Correlations between breeding values for sires were moderate and high, with absolute values from 0.51 to 0.99, depending on the model fitted and methodology. A stronger correlations within methodologies (0.83–0.99) than within models with different methodologies (0.51–0.63) were obtained.
Clinical Structural Anatomy of the Inferior Pyramidal Space Reconstructed Within the Cardiac Contour Using Multidetector‐Row Computed Tomography
Authors: MORI SHUMPEI , FUKUZAWA KOJI , TAKAYA TOMOFUMI , TAKAMINE SACHIKO , ITO TATSURO , FUJIWARA SEI , NISHII TATSUYA , KONO ATSUSHI K. , YOSHIDA AKIHIRO , HIRATA KEN‐ICHI
Published: April 2015

Clinical Anatomy of the Inferior Pyramidal Space

Although many studies have described the detailed anatomy of the inferior pyramidal space, it may not be easy for cardiologists who have few chances to study cadaveric hearts to understand the correct morphology of the structure. The inferior pyramidal space is the part of extracardiac fibro‐adipose tissue wedging between the 4 cardiac chambers from the diaphragmatic surface of the heart. Many cardiologists have interests in pericardial adipose tissue, but the inferior pyramidal space seems to have been neglected. A number of important structures, including the coronary sinus, atrioventricular node, atrioventricular nodal artery, membranous septum, muscular atrioventricular sandwich (previously called the “muscular atrioventricular septum”), atrial septum, ventricular septum, aortic valvar complex, mitral valvar attachment, and tricuspid valvar attachment are associated with the inferior pyramidal space. We previously revealed its 3‐dimensional live anatomy using multidetector‐row computed tomography. Moreover, the 3‐dimensional understanding of the anatomy in association with the cardiac contour is important from the viewpoints of clinical cardiac electrophysiology. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate extended findings regarding the clinical structural anatomy of the inferior pyramidal space, which was reconstructed in combination with the cardiac contour using multidetector‐row computed tomography, and discuss the clinical implications of the findings.
A multiple PCR‐LDR assay for identification of two invasive cryptic species of whiteflies Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Wang H. , Guo J. , Qi L. , Li K.
Published: April 2015

The MEAM1 and MED species of the cryptic species complex Bemisia tabaci are important invasive pests that cause tremendous crop losses worldwide. A rapid and highly reliable molecular technique is necessary to identify these species because they are morphologically indistinguishable. Therefore, a multiple polymerase chain reaction coupled with a ligase detection reaction (PCR‐LDR) that was based on polymorphisms in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene of B. tabaci was developed to distinguish the two cryptic species. An assessment of the method indicated that PCR‐LDR provided high specificity and sensitivity in discriminating MEAM1 (SHB) and MED (SHQ) whiteflies. In field tests, PCR‐LDR genotyping was performed in one 96‐well plate to identify 93 individuals collected from 8 districts in the suburbs of Shanghai. Complete concordance was observed between PCR‐LDR and sequencing methods. The method was used to confirm that MEAM1 and MED were found in two districts, but only the MED was found in the other six districts. PCR‐LDR, which is a transplantable platform, provides an alternative method for species identification of B. tabaci at low cost.
Color Difference Thresholds in Dentistry
Authors: Paravina Rade D. , Ghinea Razvan , Herrera Luis J. , Bona Alvaro D. , Igiel Christopher , Linninger Mercedes , Sakai Maiko , Takahashi Hidekazu , Tashkandi Esam , Mar Perez Maria del
Published: April 2015

Purpose

The aim of this prospective multicenter study was to determine 50:50% perceptibility threshold (PT) and 50:50% acceptability threshold (AT) of dental ceramic under simulated clinical settings.

Materials and Methods

The spectral radiance of 63 monochromatic ceramic specimens was determined using a non‐contact spectroradiometer. A total of 60 specimen pairs, divided into 3 sets of 20 specimen pairs (medium to light shades, medium to dark shades, and dark shades), were selected for psychophysical experiment. The coordinating center and seven research sites obtained the Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals prior the beginning of the experiment. Each research site had 25 observers, divided into five groups of five observers: dentists—D, dental students—S, dental auxiliaries—A, dental technicians—T, and lay persons—L. There were 35 observers per group (five observers per group at each site ×7 sites), for a total of 175 observers. Visual color comparisons were performed using a viewing booth. Takagi–Sugeno–Kang (TSK) fuzzy approximation was used for fitting the data points. The 50:50% PT and 50:50% AT were determined in CIELAB and CIEDE2000. The t‐test was used to evaluate the statistical significance in thresholds differences.

Results

The CIELAB 50:50% PT was ΔEab = 1.2, whereas 50:50% AT was ΔEab = 2.7. Corresponding CIEDE2000 (ΔE00) values were 0.8 and 1.8, respectively. 50:50% PT by the observer group revealed differences among groups D, A, T, and L as compared with 50:50% PT for all observers. The 50:50% AT for all observers was statistically different than 50:50% AT in groups T and L.

Conclusion

A 50:50% perceptibility and ATs were significantly different. The same is true for differences between two color difference formulas ΔE00/ΔEab. Observer groups and sites showed high level of statistical difference in all thresholds.

Clinical Significance

Visual color difference thresholds can serve as a quality control tool to guide the selection of esthetic dental materials, evaluate clinical performance, and interpret visual and instrumental findings in clinical dentistry, dental research, and subsequent standardization. The importance of quality control in dentistry is reinforced by increased esthetic demands of patients and dental professionals.
Effect of hunger level and time of day on boldness and aggression in the zebrafish Danio rerio
Authors: Ariyomo T. O. , Watt P. J.
Published: April 2015

The effect of two environmental variables, hunger level (fed or not fed before behavioural assays) and time of day (morning or afternoon), on the boldness and aggressiveness of male and female zebrafish Danio rerio, was tested. The results showed that neither hunger level nor time of testing influenced boldness in males and females, but hunger level significantly affected aggression in females when compared with males.
Relationship between social support and fatigue in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the east of turkey
Authors: Aylaz Rukuye , Karadağ Ezgi , Işik Kevser , Yildirim Melek
Published: April 2015

Aim

This study was planned to assess the levels of fatigue and social support in patients with diabetes and to determine the relationship between fatigue and social support in these patients.

Methods

A descriptive design was used in this research. The study was conducted between March and June 2013 with 300 sampled patients from 1657 studied participants with type 2 diabetes who presented to the diabetes polyclinics of Malatya State Hospital and Inonu University, Turgut Ozal Medical Center. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the Fatigue Severity Scale were used in the study.

Results

When the correlation analysis carried out between fatigue severity and social support in patients with diabetes was examined, a significant relationship was found in the negative direction between fatigue severity and family support (r = −0.145, P < 0.05) as well as overall support (r = −0.132, P < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the Fatigue Severity Scale score and sex, education status, occupation, cohabitation, presence of complications, and hemoglobin A1c (P < 0.05). Family support was significant only with respect to marital status, occupation, and being employed (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

It was seen at the end of this research that social support reduced the level of fatigue in a number of patients with type 2 diabetes. Nurses of diabetes patients should carry out fatigue assessments routinely and reflect these in nursing care plans by also associating them with the social support sources of the patient.
Increased aggressive and affiliative display behavior in intrauterine growth restricted baboons
Authors: Huber Hillary F. , Ford Susan M. , Bartlett Thad Q. , Nathanielsz Peter W.
Published: April 2015

Background

We hypothesized intrauterine growth restricted offspring (IUGR) demonstrate higher rates of aggression and higher dominance ranks than control (CTR) offspring with normal weight at term; if aggressive behavior is advantageous during resource scarcity, developmental programming may lead to an association between aggression and IUGR.

Methods

We studied 22 group‐housed baboons (ages 3–5 years). CTR (male n = 8, female n = 5) mothers ate ad libitum. IUGR (male n = 4, female n = 5) mothers were fed 70% feed eaten by CTR mothers during pregnancy and lactation.

Results

IUGR showed higher rates of aggressive displays (P < 0.01) and friendly displays (P < 0.02). Dominance ranks and physical aggression rates did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

High rates of IUGR aggressive display might reflect developmental programming of behavioral phenotypes enhancing fitness. Friendly displays may reflect reconciliation. Potential mechanisms include neurodevelopment and learning. Exploration of IUGR as a risk factor for behavioral patterns is important for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Recommendations on routine mid‐trimester anomaly scan
Authors: Leung Kwok Yin , Poon Chung Fan , Teotico Angelita R , Hata Toshiyuki , Won HS , Chen Ming , Chittacharoen Apichart , Malhotra Jaideep , Shah PK , Salim Azen ,   Ultrasound Committee, Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the minimal requirements of the routine mid‐trimester anomaly scan in Asian countries after taking into account various factors, including local circumstances, medical practice, guidelines, and availability of experienced sonographers and high‐resolution ultrasound machines, which affect the prenatal detection rate of fetal anomalies. In general, a routine mid‐trimester anomaly scan includes the assessment of the number of fetuses, fetal cardiac activity, size, anatomy, liquor and placental location. The most controversial issue is which fetal structures should at least be examined. We discussed the requirements of a basic routine scan, as well as the optional views, which can be obtained if feasible to improve the detection of fetal, placental or maternal abnormalities. Routine anomaly scan remains a clinical challenge.
Comparisons of Everolimus and Paclitaxel‐Eluting Stents in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: CHEN KANG‐YIN , RHA SEUNG‐WOON , LI YONG‐JIAN , LI GUANG‐PING , OH DONG JOO , JEONG MYUNG HO , KIM YOUNG JO , HUR SEUNG HO , BAE JANG HO , AHN TAE HOON ,   KOREA ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION REGISTRY INVESTIGATORS
Published: April 2015

Background

It has been established that the newer‐generation drug‐eluting stent (DES) everolimus‐eluting stent (EES) is superior to the first‐generation DES paclitaxel‐eluting stent (PES). However, the advantages of EES over PES in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) need to be fully elucidated.

Methods

The present analysis enrolled 2,911 AMI patients receiving PES (n = 1,210) or EES (n = 1,701) in a large‐scale, prospective, multicenter Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (KAMIR). Propensity score matching was used to adjust for baseline biases in clinical and angiographic characteristics, yielding a total of 2,398 patients (1,199 receiving PES and 1,199 receiving EES). Various clinical outcomes at 1 year were compared between the two propensity score matched groups. Target lesion failure (TLF) was defined as the composite of cardiac death, recurrent nonfatal myocardial infarction (Re‐MI), or target lesion revascularization (TLR).

Results

Baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics were comparable between the two groups after propensity score matching. Clinical outcomes of the propensity score matched patients showed that the rates of in‐hospital and 1‐year cardiac and all‐cause death were similar between the two groups. But patients in the EES group had significantly lower incidences of Re‐MI (1.4% vs 2.8%, P = 0.002), TLR (1.2% vs 3.1%, P = 0.001), TLF (6.4% vs 10.2%, P = 0.001), and probable or definite stent thrombosis (0.3% vs 1.8%, P < 0.001) than did those in the PES group.

Conclusions

The present propensity matched analysis suggests that the use of EES in the setting of AMI appears to be superior to PES in reducing TLF, and stent thrombosis.
Bypassing the Emergency Room to Reduce Door‐to‐Balloon Time and Improve Outcomes of ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients: Analysis of Data from 2004–2010 ACSIS Registry
Authors: LUBOVICH ALLA , DOBRECKY‐MERY IDIT , RADZISHEVSKI EUGENY , SAMNIA NEEMER , MATETZKY SHLOMI , NAGLER RAFAEL , ROSENSCHEIN URI
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Our objective was to assess whether bypassing the emergency room (ER) is associated with meaningful reduction in Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Event (MACCE) or mortality in a large cohort of ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) patients.

Background

Prior studies suggest that bypassing the emergency room reduces door‐to‐balloon time (DBT). However, it is not clear whether this translates into reduced mortality.

Methods

We analyzed data of 1,552 consecutive patients with STEMI treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and enrolled in the Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Survey (ACSIS) registry. Thirty percent of patients (n = 459) arrived directly to the Intensive Cardiac Care Unit or catheterization laboratory and 70% (n = 1093) were assessed first in the ER. Our primary end points were DBT, 30‐day MACCE, and 30‐day and 1‐year mortality. Our secondary end points were pre‐discharge ejection fraction less than 40%, in‐hospital pulmonary edema, in‐hospital cardiogenic shock, ST resolution, and duration of hospitalization.

Results

Bypassing the ER was associated with signficantly shorter DBT (59 vs. 97 minutes, P = 0.001). There was no difference in 30‐day MACCE and 30‐day or 1‐year mortality between the 2 study groups. The findings were consistent in multiple subgroups, including women, anterior STEMI, off hours PCI, and patients with pain‐to‐door (PDT) time of less than 120 minutes.

Conclusion

Bypassing the ER is associated with significant shortening of DBT. This reduction, however, is not associated with any change in 30‐day MACCE and 30‐day or 1‐year mortality.
Less is More, or Not? On the Interplay between Bundles of Slack Resources, Firm Performance and Firm Survival
Authors: Paeleman Ine , Vanacker Tom
Published: April 2015

Although a significant body of research has investigated the independent effects of distinct types of slack resources, current theoretical and empirical work does not sufficiently clarify how bundles of slack resources affect firm outcomes. Drawing on the resource constraints literature and the slack literature, we investigate how distinct bundles of financial and human resource slack influence firm performance and survival. Using a sample of 4715 European information and communication technology firms, we show that neither parallel resource abundance (having slack in financial and human resources) nor parallel resource constraints (lacking slack in financial and human resources) are optimal for firm performance and survival. However, firms with selective constraints that combine slack in financial resources with constraints in human resources exhibit superior performance without decreased survival prospects. Taken together, this study extends current research by providing a more nuanced view of the relationships between slack resources, firm performance, and firm survival.
Gastric and masticatory performances in full‐arch immediate loading rehabilitated patients
Authors: Pesce P. , Menini M. , Furnari M. , Pera F. , Tealdo T. , Pera P.
Published: April 2015

Full‐arch immediate loading implant rehabilitations provide patients with compromised dentition an effective treatment to improve their aesthetic and function. Aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the correlation between masticatory ability and gastric emptying rates among these patients. Ten subjects (five men and five women) with compromised dentition were tested in two occasions: before treatment and 30 days after the immediate loading rehabilitation. Masticatory ability was evaluated using the sieves test, and the gastric half emptying time (T1/2) was assessed by means of the 13C‐octanoic acid breath test. A statistically significant increment (P < 0·005) in masticatory ability was found only in reference to the particles smaller than or equal to 4·75 mm, whereas the gastric emptying rate showed a statistically significant reduction between pre‐ and post‐treatment (P = 0·003). A moderate negative correlation (rho = 0·64, P = 0·048) between the percentage change in masticatory ability and the percentage change in gastric emptying rate was evidenced. Patients with compromised dentition rehabilitated with full‐arch immediate implant prostheses present a significant improvement of the gastric process.
Self‐esteem Is Mostly Stable Across Young Adulthood: Evidence from Latent STARTS Models
Authors: Wagner Jenny , Lüdtke Oliver , Trautwein Ulrich
Published: April 2015

How stable is self‐esteem? This long‐standing debate has led to different conclusions across different areas of psychology. Longitudinal data and up‐to‐date statistical models have recently indicated that self‐esteem has stable and autoregressive trait‐like components and state‐like components. We applied latent STARTS models with the goal of replicating previous findings in a longitudinal sample of young adults (N = 4,532; Mage = 19.60, SD = 0.85; 55% female). In addition, we applied multigroup models to extend previous findings on different patterns of stability for men versus women and for people with high versus low levels of depressive symptoms. We found evidence for the general pattern of a major proportion of stable and autoregressive trait variance and a smaller yet substantial amount of state variance in self‐esteem across 10 years. Furthermore, multigroup models suggested substantial differences in the variance components: Females showed more state variability than males. Individuals with higher levels of depressive symptoms showed more state and less autoregressive trait variance in self‐esteem. Results are discussed with respect to the ongoing trait–state debate and possible implications of the group differences that we found in the stability of self‐esteem.
Impact of Packaging Characteristics on Consumer Purchase Intention: Instant Coffee in Refill Packs and Glass Jars
Authors: Kobayashi Marcela Lika , Benassi Marta de Toledo
Published: April 2015

The study of food packaging is important as packaging represents the first contact between consumer and product. Attributes of interest in the study of instant coffee were initially determined by a focus group study. Subsequently, eight images of instant coffee packages were developed for the quantitative study, separately, for glass jars and refill packs (24−1 design, eight images, each). The package images were evaluated by a total of 206 coffee consumers for purchase intention. Two main groups of consumers were formed and characterized for each study in the conjoint analysis. For refill packs, purchase intention increased with the presence of photo depicting coffee cup with foam and coffee beans and additional information; for glass jars, lower price and shape. Brand was not emphasized as impacting in purchase intent of instant coffees, a positive finding for manufacturers of lesser known brands: improving packaging attributes may encourage product sales.

Practical Applications

These results are relevant to sensory scientists and instant coffee manufacturers interested in how packaging characteristics can impact on the purchase intention by consumers. Although coffee represents a significant source of income worldwide, there is less information in the literature about the effect of nonsensory parameters, such as packaging characteristics, in consumers' acceptance and purchase of instant coffee. The study showed that brand was less important than price and packaging attributes, such as additional information, adequate illustration (for refill packs) and package shape (for glass jars). Therefore, these results should hopefully help coffee manufacturers develop their packages and improve their sales, mainly those of lesser known brands, new brands or brands less associated with instant coffee.
Effect of probiotics on enrofloxacin disposition in gastrointestinal tract of poultry
Authors: Pavlova I. , Danova S. , Naidenski H. , Tropcheva R. , Milanova A.
Published: April 2015

Probiotics are routinely used in poultry husbandry due to health benefit on the host. The gut microbiota is now recognized to exert an important influence on the absorption and pharmacokinetics of many compounds. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of candidate probiotics belonging to the speciesLactobacillus brevis,L. plantarumandL. bulgaricuson pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin in healthy chickens. The probiotic administration leads to higher degree of metabolism of enrofloxacin to ciprofloxacin in liver. The antibacterial drug was significantly faster absorbed (kabof 0.61 ± 0.54 h−1andTmax7.81 ± 3.52 h) at lower concentrations (Cmaxof 1.34 ± 0.18 μg·g−1) during the first 24 h of treatment in the probiotic's group. The values of kab,Tmax, andCmaxfor the group, treated solely with enrofloxacin, were 0.10 ± 0.065 h−1, 15.42 ± 3.07 h, and 1.61 ± 0.24 μg·g−1, respectively. A significantly higher concentration of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin in the liver was observed in the group with the probiotic treatment. Disposition of both drugs was not significantly changed in the duodenum and in the jejunum. The selected dose is appropriate for treatment of infections caused by pathogens withMIC < 0.06 μg·mL−1irrespective of antibiotic administration alone or in combination with probiotics.
The role of life‐history traits, selective pressure and hydrographic boundaries in shaping the genetic structure of the transparent goby, Aphia minuta
Authors: Ruggeri Paolo , Splendiani Andrea , Giovannotti Massimo , Fioravanti Tatiana , Occhipinti Giulia , Nisi Cerioni Paola , Caputo Barucchi Vincenzo
Published: April 2015

The transparent goby (Aphia minuta) is a small progenetic goby that displays a short life cycle with early reproductive maturity and represents a valuable fishery resource harvested by artisanal fleets in most part of its distributional range. This study aimed to define the genetic variability in A. minuta at five sampling sites within the Mediterranean Sea and one in the Atlantic Ocean through the analysis of 11 nuclear microsatellite loci. The results revealed that several genetic diversity estimators (expected and observed heterozygosities, mean number of alleles and allelic richness) were lower in the Atlantic Ocean than in the Mediterranean Sea, suggesting the role of past or current demographic events in shaping this pattern. The genetic structure was investigated using both classical genetic differentiation descriptors and Bayesian approaches, and by defining the current and past migration rates. The results obtained revealed a pronounced genetic structure within the Mediterranean Sea and suggest a very low current migration rate. The pattern of historical migration suggests the possible role of hydrographic boundaries in shaping the genetic structure detected in this species. In addition, the identification of loci under selection suggests the possible implication of selective pressures that are acting on genes connected with the peculiar life cycle of this gobiid fish.
Looks can be deceiving: recent insights into the mechanism of protein secretion by the autotransporter pathway
Authors: Bernstein Harris D.
Published: April 2015

Autotransporters are a large superfamily of cell surface proteins produced by Gram‐negative bacteria that consist of an N‐terminal extracellular domain (‘passenger domain’) and a C‐terminal β‐barrel domain that resides in the outer membrane (OM). Although it was originally proposed that the passenger domain is translocated across the OM through a channel formed exclusively by the covalently linked β‐barrel domain, this idea has been strongly challenged by a variety of observations. Recent experimental results have suggested a new model in which both the translocation of the passenger domain and the membrane integration of the β‐barrel domain are facilitated by the Bam complex, a highly conserved heteroligomer that plays a general role in OM protein assembly. Other factors, including periplasmic chaperones and inner membrane proteins, have also recently been implicated in the biogenesis of at least some members of the autotransporter superfamily. New results have raised intriguing questions about the energetics of the secretion reaction and the relationship between the assembly of autotransporters and the assembly of other classes of OM proteins. Concomitantly, new mechanistic and structural insights have expanded the utility of the autotransporter pathway for the surface display of heterologous peptides and proteins of interest.
Multi‐triazole‐resistant Aspergillus fumigatus infections in Australia
Authors: Kidd Sarah E. , Goeman Emma , Meis Jacques F. , Slavin Monica A. , Verweij Paul E.
Published: April 2015

The emergence of triazole resistance, including multi‐triazole‐resistant Aspergillus fumigatus is being reported around the world, but there has been little evidence of this problem to date in Australia. Here we describe a retrospective search of antifungal susceptibility results of all Australian clinical A. fumigatus isolates referred to the National Mycology Reference Centre, Adelaide, Australia between 2000 and 2013, yielding 13 isolates with elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations to itraconazole, posaconazole and/or voriconazole. Four isolates were found to be Aspergillus lentulus, a closely related, morphologically similar species known to have reduced susceptibility to triazoles. Analysis of the cyp51A gene of nine confirmed A. fumigatus isolates revealed two carrying the TR34/L98H mutation, one apparently locally acquired in 2004, and the other probably acquired abroad in 2012. Four isolates possessed the G54R, F46Y, Y431S and G448S mutations, respectively, whereas three isolates did not possess known cyp51A resistance mutations, raising the possibility of other, undetected resistance mechanisms. Routine antifungal susceptibility testing is definitively recommended in patients on long term and sub‐therapeutic triazole therapy with breakthrough Aspergillus infection and recommended for all clinically relevant A. fumigatus isolates.
Antimalarial drug resistance in Africa: key lessons for the future
Authors: Takala‐Harrison Shannon , Laufer Miriam K.
Published: April 2015

Drug‐resistant parasites repeatedly arise as a result of widespread use of antimalarial drugs and have contributed significantly to the failure to control and eradicate malaria throughout the world. In this review, we describe the spread of resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine, two old drugs that are no longer used owing to high rates of resistance, and examine the effect of the removal of drug pressure on the survival of resistant parasites. Artemisinin‐resistant malaria is now emerging in Southeast Asia in a unique and unexpected pattern. We will review the most recent genomic and clinical data to help predict the behavior of resistance to new antimalarial medications and inform strategies to prevent the spread of drug‐resistant malaria in Africa in the future.
Neighborhood: A Conceptual Analysis
Authors: Milbrath Gwyneth R. , DeGuzman Pamela B.
Published: April 2015

Researchers interested in measuring neighborhood‐level effects should understand how “neighborhood” is defined within nursing sciences and other sciences, and the inherent strengths and weaknesses of current research methodologies. This concept analysis provides clarity around the concept of neighborhood within the context of health, analyzes the current state of development of the neighborhood concept, and proposes areas for future nursing research. Using the Rodger's Method of analysis, the concept of neighborhood within nursing and public health research is described based on existing literature. The concept's attributes, related concepts, antecedents, and consequences are given from the literature. Comparisons of the use of neighborhood are made between nursing, public health, sociology, and other sciences. The evolution of the concept of neighborhood throughout history is described, and important implications for future research are discussed.
Getting Real or Staying Positive:LegalRealism(s),LegalPositivism and the Prospects of Naturalism in Jurisprudence
Authors: Holtermann Jakob v. H.
Published: April 2015

The relationship betweenLegalRealism andLegalPositivism has been a recurrent source of debate. The question has been further complicated by the related difficulty of assessing the internal relationship between the two main original strands ofLegalRealism:American andScandinavian. This paper suggests consideringAmerican andScandinavianRealism as instantiations offorward‐lookingandbackward‐looking rule skepticismrespectively. This distinction brings into sharp relief not only the fundamentally different relationship between each of these twoRealist schools andLegalPositivism but also their equally different potentials as starting points for naturalizing jurisprudence.
Does Empirical Legal Studies Shed more Heat than Light? The Case of Civil Damage Awards
Authors: Rachlinski Jeffrey J.
Published: April 2015

Empirical investigation of legal systems is emerging as a leading trend in both the social sciences and the legal academy in the early twenty‐first century. Law reviews are now filled with studies reporting empirical data. Because empirical investigation of law commonly seeks to inform contentious social and political debates, however, its research often fuels more debate than it resolves. Partisans on both sides of contentious issues now cite the same body of research to support their reform efforts. However, social science research on law is not a useless undertaking, as it can sharpen debate. But the hope that the new empirical legal studies movement will become a neutral source of information for policy makers is unlikely to be realized.
Monetary Policy Under Commodity Price Fluctuations
Authors: Chang Roberto
Published: April 2015

This paper discusses monetary policy in a New Keynesian open economy subject to commodity price fluctuations. We review theoretical results that imply that stabilizing the producer price index (PPI) is optimal only under special circumstances. In a calibrated version of the model, PPI targeting is compared against a policy that stabilizes a forecast of the consumer price index. The results depend on model specifics, especially elasticities of substitution and the structure of international asset markets.
Structural Breaks and Convergence in the Regions of Peru: 1970–2010
Authors: Delgado Augusto , Rodríguez Gabriel
Published: April 2015

The aim of this paper is the analysis of stochastic and β‐convergence in the relative regional per capita outputs using different unit root tests both with and without structural breaks and using a further test that is robust to the presence of I(0) or I(1) errors. It allows robust inference on the estimates of the initial per capita output (intercepts) and the respective growth rates (slopes). The results of the application of unit root tests without structural breaks show the absence of stochastic convergence. However, by incorporating the presence of endogenous breaks, the results are reversed for all regions. In the case of β‐convergence, the results of the robust test WRQF show that all regions have a structural break at some point during the period 1970–2010. We find different behavior for different regions. There is a catching‐up process and a lagging‐behind process for different groups of regions towards more negative or more positive paths.
Fire‐sale FDI? The Impact of Financial Crises on Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Stoddard Olga , Noy Ilan
Published: April 2015

We analyze the evolution of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to developing and emerging countries around financial crises. We empirically examine the Fire‐Sale FDI hypothesis and describe the pattern of FDI inflows surrounding financial crises. We also add a more granular detail about the types of financial crises and their potentially differential effects on FDI. We distinguish between mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and greenfield investment, as well as between horizontal (tariff jumping) and vertical (integrating production stages) FDI. We find that financial crises have a strong negative effect on inward FDI in our sample. Crises are also shown to reduce the value of horizontal and vertical FDI. We do not find empirical evidence of fire‐sale FDI; on the contrary, financial crises are shown to affect FDI flows and M&A activity negatively.
Political Economy of Altering Trade Restrictions in Response to Commodity Price Spikes
Authors: Thennakoon Jayanthi
Published: April 2015

A model is developed to explain trade policy interventions in response to commodity price spikes. The model predicts that government preferences for averting losses for domestic interest groups lead to changes in trade distortions. In particular, trade interventions in response to downward price spikes are predicted, which is consistent with the proposal for a Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) in the World Trade Organization (WTO). Higher tariffs are likely in a noncooperative setting, and higher export subsidies will emerge in response. An efficient cooperative trade policy can be achieved in a repeated game setting and with possible involvement of the WTO.
Reduced Number of CD8+ Cells in Tonsillar Germinal Centres in Children with the Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis and Cervical Adenitis Syndrome
Authors: Førsvoll J. , Janssen E. A. M. , Møller I. , Wathne N. , Skaland I. , Klos J. , Kristoffersen E. K. , Øymar K.
Published: April 2015

The syndrome of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) is an autoinflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology. Tonsillectomy may cause a prompt resolution of the syndrome. The aim was to study the histologic and immunological aspects of the palatine tonsils in PFAPA, to help understand the pathophysiology of the syndrome. Tonsils from children with PFAPA (n = 11) and children with tonsillar hypertrophy (n = 16) were evaluated histologically after haematoxylin and eosin staining. The number of different cell types was identified immunohistochemically by cluster of differentiation (CD) markers: CD3 (T cells), CD4 (T helper cells), CD8 (cytotoxic T cells), CD15 (neutrophils), CD20 (B cells), CD45 (all leucocytes), CD57 (NK cells) and CD163 (monocytes and macrophages). Tonsils from children with PFAPA showed reactive lymphoid hyperplasia dominated by well‐developed germinal centres with many tingible body macrophages. The histologic findings were unspecific, and a similar morphologic appearance was also found in the tonsils from controls. The number of CD8+ cells in germinal centres differed between children with PFAPA [median 9 cells (quartiles: 5, 15)] and controls [18 cells (12, 33) (P = 0.001)] and between children with PFAPA with (median 14 cells; 9, 16) and without (4 cells; 3, 8) aphthous stomatitis (P = 0.015). For the other cell types, no differences in germinal centres were found between children with PFAPA and controls. In conclusion, a lower number of CD8+ cells were found in germinal centres of tonsils in children with PFAPA compared to controls, which may be a feature linked to the aetiology of the syndrome.
Coleman integration for even-degree models of hyperelliptic curves
Authors: Balakrishnan Jennifer S.
Published: April 2015

The Coleman integral is a $p$-adic line integral that encapsulates various quantities of number theoretic interest. Building on the work of Harrison [J. Symbolic Comput. 47 (2012) no. 1, 89–101], we extend the Coleman integration algorithms in Balakrishnan et al. [Algorithmic number theory, Lecture Notes in Computer Science 6197 (Springer, 2010) 16–31] and Balakrishnan [ANTS-X: Proceedings of the Tenth Algorithmic Number Theory Symposium, Open Book Series 1 (Mathematical Sciences Publishers, 2013) 41–61] to even-degree models of hyperelliptic curves. We illustrate our methods with numerical examples computed in Sage.