bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity and biogeography of a species‐rich ant fauna of the Australian seasonal tropics
Authors: Andersen Alan N. , Hoffmann Benjamin D. , Oberprieler Stefanie
Published: September 2016

Although ants are an ecologically dominant and extensively studied faunal group throughout the tropics, there is a poor understanding of tropical ant diversity and distribution at large spatial scales. Here we use a collection developed from 3 decades of ant surveys to present the first analysis of ant diversity and biogeography of a large tropical region. Our objective was to document the species richness, composition, and biogeographic distributions of the ant fauna of the 400 000 km2 “Top End” of Australia's Northern Territory. The known Top End ant fauna comprises 901 native species from 59 genera. The richest genera are Pheidole (90 species), Melophorus (83), Monomorium (83), Camponotus (71), Meranoplus (63), Polyrhachis (57), Rhytidoponera (50), Tetramorium (43), Cerapachys (32), and Iridomyrmex (31). The fauna is the center of diverse radiations within species‐groups of genera such as Meranoplus, Rhytidoponera, and Leptogenys. It also includes IndoMalayan species that have likely bypassed the normal dispersal route into Australia through Cape York Peninsula in North Queensland. Faunistic similarity with other regions of far northern Australia is associated more with rainfall than with geographic proximity. Most (60%) of Top End ant species have not been recorded elsewhere, and, despite uncertainties relating to species delimitation and sampling intensity, this appears to be a credible estimate of the level of endemism. Such exceptionally high endemism can be attributed to the Top End's geographic isolation from other regions of northern Australia with comparably high rainfall.
Employee assistance programs in Australia: the perspectives of organisational leaders across sectors
Authors: Joseph Beulah , Walker Arlene
Published: September 2016

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) are employee services that assist in managing a range of issues. This paper posits that in order to ascertain the effectiveness of EAPs, it is critical to identify their purpose and how EAPs are embedded and utilised in organisations to inform evaluations of the programs. A qualitative study investigating how and why EAPs are used in organisations was undertaken. Participants were organisational leaders (3 males, 13 females) representing major industries in Australia. Semi‐structured interviews were used to collect data and thematic analysis delineated two categories and eight themes. These highlighted that participants primarily used external program providers and considered EAPs to be a vital resource of support for staff, a cost‐effective mechanism for managing risk and developing staff, and industry expectation. Participants differed on their perspectives of how to position EAPs in organisations and what should be offered as core services of EAPs.
Zymomonas mobilis as a model system for production of biofuels and biochemicals
Authors: Yang Shihui , Fei Qiang , Zhang Yaoping , Contreras Lydia M. , Utturkar Sagar M. , Brown Steven D. , Himmel Michael E. , Zhang Min
Published: September 2016

Zymomonas mobilis is a natural ethanologen with many desirable industrial biocatalyst characteristics. In this review, we will discuss work to develop Z. mobilis as a model system for biofuel production from the perspectives of substrate utilization, development for industrial robustness, potential product spectrum, strain evaluation and fermentation strategies. This review also encompasses perspectives related to classical genetic tools and emerging technologies in this context.
Prospective Investigation of a Novel Ultrasound‐assisted Lumbar Puncture Technique on Infants in the Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Gorn Michael , Kunkov Sergey , Crain Ellen F.
Published: September 2016

Objective

The objective was to describe a novel ultrasound‐assisted lumbar puncture (UALP) technique and to compare it to standard lumbar puncture (SLP) technique in infants.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, controlled study in infants 60 days old and younger undergoing a lumbar puncture (LP) in a pediatric emergency department. Patients with a spinal anomaly or ventriculoperitoneal shunt were excluded. Eligible infants were randomized to UALP or SLP. A spinal sonogram was performed on all patients by an investigator not involved in performing the LP. Spinal landmarks and maximum safe depth were identified for the UALP providers. Providers in the SLP group were blinded to sonographic measurements. A successful LP was defined as the collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with a red blood cell count of less than 10,000 cells/mm3. Statistical analysis included chi‐square, Mann‐Whitney U‐test, and number needed to treat (NNT).

Results

Forty‐three patients were enrolled, 21 in the UALP group and 22 in the SLP group. Prematurity, weight, length, provider experience, anesthesia use, stylet technique, and number of attempts were similar between groups. The median age in the UALP group was 38 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 33 days) versus 45 days (IQR = 19 days) in the SLP group (p = 0.02). CSF was obtained in all UALP subjects (100%) versus in 18 of 22 (82%) in the SLP group (p = 0.04); 20 (95%) UALP subjects versus 15 (68%) SLP subjects met our definition of success (p = 0.023). The odds ratio of successful LP using UALP technique was 9.33 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.034 to 84.026) and the NNT was 3.7 (95% CI = 2.02 to 24.18).

Conclusion

The UALP technique increases the rate of a successful LP in infants compared to standard technique.
AO pelvic fracture classification: can an educational package improve orthopaedic registrar performance?
Authors: Au John , Perriman Diana M. , Bolton Claire , Abbott Liz , Neeman Teresa , Smith Paul N.
Published: September 2016

Background

The unstable pelvic fracture has been described as the ‘killing fracture’ because of the risk of significant vascular compromise. The ability to correctly classify pelvic fractures may therefore be crucial in optimizing patient outcomes. Pelvic fracture classification is difficult and previous research has indicated that ability is suboptimal in orthopaedic registrars. The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of an educational package in improving orthopaedic registrars’ ability to classify pelvic fractures.

Methods

A total of 35 orthopaedic registrars were recruited in this classification study. An educational package was used to introduce the AO classification of pelvic fractures and teach the registrars how to classify pelvic fractures using pelvic X‐rays and computed tomography scans. A classification test assessed their classification ability before and after using the educational package. A third test was performed 2 weeks after the second to assess the stability of learning.

Results

The mean score at baseline of 8.4 ± 0.46 increased to 10.5 ± 0.48 after using the educational package, and this was maintained in the follow‐up test (10.7 ± 0.54 (F(2,52) = 15.5, P < 0.001)). The proportion of registrars achieving a satisfactory score increased from 46% (16/35) to 77% (23/30) after training, and 90% (19/21) at follow‐up (χ2(2) = 6.74, P = 0.035).

Conclusion

The reliability with which orthopaedic registrars classified pelvic fractures was improved using an educational package. An educational package on pelvic fracture classification may prove to be a valuable addition to the orthopaedic training programme.
Feasibility and utility of portable ultrasound during retrieval of sick term and late preterm infants
Authors: Browning Carmo Kathryn , Lutz Tracey , Berry Andrew , Kluckow Martin , Evans Nick
Published: September 2016

Aim

To determine the role of clinician performed ultrasound (CPU) during the retrieval and transport of critically ill term and near term newborns.

Methods

A neonatologist with portable ultrasound accompanied a sample of newborn retrievals to perform cardiac and cerebral ultrasound before and after transportation.

Results

A total of fifty‐five babies were studied. Median birthweight: 3350 g (2220–5030 g). CPU led to a change in the planned receiving hospital in ten babies. Eleven babies were suspected congenital heart disease (CHD) prior to retrieval: eight confirmed CHD by CPU and three normal structure. One transported to a children's hospital for cardiology review was confirmed as having normal structure; one to a perinatal hospital where normal structure was confirmed and one baby died at the referring hospital and postmortem confirmed normal structure. In five babies with clinical pulmonary hypertension, CPU revealed unsuspected CHD. The destination was changed to a paediatric cardiology centre, avoiding a second retrieval. Eleven babies had evidence of haemodynamic compromise allowing targeting of inotropes.

Conclusion

This is the first study of CPU during retrieval of high‐risk infants. Ultrasound in retrieval is feasible, allows accurate triage of babies to cardiac centres and may allow more accurate targeting of fluid and inotrope support.
Predictors of response to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus peginterferon alfa‐2a combination therapy for chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Marcellin P. , Ahn S. H. , Chuang W.‐L. , Hui A. J. , Tabak F. , Mehta R. , Petersen J. , Lee C.‐M. , Ma X. , Caruntu F. A. , Tak W. Y. , Elkhashab M. , Lin L. , Wu G. , Martins E. B , Charuworn P. , Yee L. J. , Lim S. G. , Foster G. R. , Fung S. , Morano L. , Samuel D. , Agarwal K. , Idilman R. , Strasser S. I. , Buti M. , Gaeta G. B. , Papatheodoridis G. , Flisiak R. , Chan H. L. Y.
Published: September 2016

Background

In patients with chronic hepatitis B, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) plus pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) for 48‐weeks results in higher rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss than either monotherapy.

Aim

To identify baseline and on‐treatment factors associated with HBsAg loss at Week 72 and provide a model for predicting HBsAg loss in patients receiving combination therapy for 48 weeks.

Methods

A secondary analysis of data from an open‐label study where patients were randomised to TDF (300 mg/day, oral) plus PEG‐IFN (PI, 180 μg/week, subcutaneous) for 48 weeks (TDF/PI‐48w); TDF plus PEG‐IFN for 16 weeks, TDF for 32 weeks (TDF/PI‐16w+TDF‐32w); TDF for 120 weeks (TDF‐120w) or PEG‐IFN for 48 weeks (PI‐48w). Logistic regression methods were used to identify models that best predicted HBsAg loss at Week 72.

Results

Rates of HBsAg loss at Week 72 were significantly higher in the TDF/PI‐48w group (6.5%) than in the TDF/PI‐16w+TDF‐32w (0.5%), TDF‐120w (0%) and PI‐48w (2.2%) groups (P = 0.09). The only baseline factor associated with response was genotype A. HBsAg decline at Week 12 or 24 of treatment was associated with HBsAg loss at Week 72 (P < 0.001). HBsAg decline >3.5 log10 IU/mL at Week 24 in the TDF/PI‐48w group resulted in a positive predictive value of 85% and a negative predictive value of 99% for HBsAg loss at Week 72.

Conclusions

HBsAg decline at Week 24 of TDF plus PEG‐IFN combination therapy may identify patients who, after completing 48 weeks of treatment, have a better chance of achieving HBsAg loss at Week 72.
Long‐term outcomes of high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy for intermediate‐ and high‐risk prostate cancer with a median follow‐up of 10 years
Authors: Yaxley John W. , Lah Kevin , Yaxley Julian P. , Gardiner Robert A. , Samaratunga Hema , MacKean James
Published: September 2016

Objective

To evaluate the long‐term outcomes of high‐dose‐rate (HDR) brachytherapy for patients with intermediate‐ and high‐risk prostate cancer.

Subjects and Methods

We retrospectively analysed a prospective longitudinal cohort database including a single‐surgeon series of 507 consecutive men treated with external beam radiotherapy and an HDR prostate brachytherapy boost between August 2000 and December 2009. The risk factors used were based on the D'Amico classification. We measured the incidence of no biochemical evidence of disease (bNED) based on the Phoenix definition of failure (nadir PSA + 2 ng/mL). We also reviewed the incidence of urethral stricture in this cohort.

Results

With minimum and median follow‐ups of 6 and 10.3 years, respectively, the bNED rates for men with intermediate‐ and high risk disease were 93.3% and 74.2%, respectively, at 5 years and 86.9% and 56.1%, respectively, at 10 years. The 10‐year bNED rate for men with only one intermediate‐risk factor was 94%, whereas for patients with all three high‐risk factors it was 39.5%. The overall urethral stricture rate was 13.6%. Before 2005, the urethral stricture rate was 28.9% and after January 2005 it was 4.2%. For the 271 men with a minimum follow‐up of 10 years the actuarial 10‐year prostate cancer‐specific survival rate was 90.8% and the actuarial overall survival rate was 86.7%.

Conclusions

For men with intermediate‐ or high‐risk prostate cancer features, who are considered not suitable for, or wish to avoid a radical prostatectomy, HDR prostate brachytherapy remains an appropriate treatment option. From December 2004, prevention strategies decreased the risk of post‐brachytherapy urethral strictures.
Health and social care practitioners’ experiences of assessing mental capacity in a community learning disability team
Authors: Ratcliff Daniel , Chapman Melanie
Published: September 2016

Accessible summary

The Mental Capacity Act says when and how to assess someone's ability to make a decision and how best to support them to do this.

Eight workers in community learning disability teams were interviewed about their experiences of assessing people's ability to make decisions.

The workers said that there were a number of areas that they felt were important and which helped them to do good assessments. They also said there were some things that they found difficult.

We suggest some changes that could be made to help workers when assessing people's ability to make decisions.

It is important to help people make decisions for themselves where they can and to help them when they cannot.

Background: The study explored experiences of health and social care practitioners within a community learning disability team in undertaking mental capacity assessments with people with learning disabilities.

Materials and Methods: Eight practitioners were interviewed using a semi‐structured interview schedule.

Results: The information gained was analysed using thematic network analysis. Twelve basic themes emerged which fit into five organising themes labelled: ‘systemic barriers to assessment’; ‘capacity assessing as a process’; ‘person‐specific challenges’; ‘protective practices’; and ‘protection of a fundamental human right’. A global theme, ‘freedom of action versus restrictions on action’, was identified.

Conclusions: The themes highlighted that there were a range of organisational, systemic and person‐specific factors that impacted on the perceived quality of and assessors’ confidence in their assessments of mental capacity. Furthermore, these factors appeared to create a range of tensions for assessors increasing the likelihood of cognitive dissonance. Practice implications surround maintaining knowledge, ensuring adequate skills in the practical application of knowledge and reducing organisational barriers.
The nature and rate of behaviour that challenges in individuals with intellectual disabilities who have hearing impairments/deafness (a longitudinal prospective cohort survey)
Authors: Buskermolen Willem Meindert , Hoekman Joop , Aldenkamp Albert Pierre
Published: September 2016

Accessible summary

Behaviour that challenges among people with both an intellectual disability and hearing impairment or deafness is common. The aim of our study was to identify factors influencing behaviour (that challenges).

We used the Individual Behaviour and Observation Rating Scale to observe and rate behaviour during a period of one year. In this article, we focus on possible relationships between internal factors and behaviour that challenges.

We found that social independence, delay of communication and comorbidity of an autism spectrum disorder are possible important risk factors in developing behaviour that challenges.

This is important because in clinical practice, we should focus on daily care. Training should be aimed at stimulating social independence and communication skills. Individual training programmes aimed at these skills are therefore essential.

Background: In this article, we describe our study of the prevalence of behaviour that challenges and which internal factors are related to behaviour that challenges in 21 people (fourteen are male, seven are female, varying in age from 12.4 to 42 years; mean 26.6, SD 7.27) with intellectual disabilities who have hearing impairments.

Materials and Methods: Data were obtained by recording behaviour on a daily basis during one year using the ‘Individual Behaviour Observation and Rating Scale’ that was developed especially for this study.

Results: It was found that 100% of the participants in this study showed behaviour that challenges, although this was not observed every day in each participant. Prevalence rates during a year varied from 1.8% to 77.3%. On average, the prevalence rate was 28.9%. We found a significantly negative correlation between behaviour that challenges and delay of communication as well as the level of social independence. We also found that in people with autism spectrum disorder, the prevalence of behaviour that challenges was significantly higher than in people without autism spectrum disorder. The level of intellectual disability as well as the level of hearing impairments was not related to the prevalence of behaviour that challenges.

Conclusion: Because there are several patterns of increasing and decreasing behaviour that challenges throughout the day, it is not possible to draw one conclusion on this issue for the whole group. However, where certain individual patterns can be recognised, it is possible to make individual plans for the clients. This could mean an improvement in daily care and as a result an improvement in the quality of life for people with intellectual disability who have hearing impairments. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.
Selective targeting of CREB‐binding protein/β‐catenin inhibits growth of and extracellular matrix remodelling by airway smooth muscle
Authors: Koopmans Tim , Crutzen Stijn , Menzen Mark H , Halayko Andrew J , Hackett Tillie‐Louise , Knight Darryl A , Gosens Reinoud
Published: September 2016

Background and Purpose

Asthma is a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory disease, characterized by the development of structural changes (airway remodelling). β‐catenin, a transcriptional co‐activator, is fundamentally involved in airway smooth muscle growth and may be a potential target in the treatment of airway smooth muscle remodelling.

Experimental Approach

We assessed the ability of small‐molecule compounds that selectively target β‐catenin breakdown or its interactions with transcriptional co‐activators to inhibit airway smooth muscle remodelling in vitro and in vivo.

Key Results

ICG‐001, a small‐molecule compound that inhibits the β‐catenin/CREB‐binding protein (CBP) interaction, strongly and dose‐dependently inhibited serum‐induced smooth muscle growth and TGFβ1‐induced production of extracellular matrix components in vitro. Inhibition of β‐catenin/p300 interactions using IQ‐1 or inhibition of tankyrase 1/2 using XAV‐939 had considerably less effect. In a mouse model of allergic asthma, β‐catenin expression in the smooth muscle layer was found to be unaltered in control versus ovalbumin‐treated animals, a pattern that was found to be similar in smooth muscle within biopsies taken from asthmatic and non‐asthmatic donors. However, β‐catenin target gene expression was highly increased in response to ovalbumin; this effect was prevented by topical treatment with ICG‐001. Interestingly, ICG‐001 dose‐dependently reduced airway smooth thickness after repeated ovalbumin challenge, but had no effect on the deposition of collagen around the airways, mucus secretion or eosinophil infiltration.

Conclusions and Implications

Together, our findings highlight the importance of β‐catenin/CBP signalling in the airways and suggest ICG‐001 may be a new therapeutic approach to treat airway smooth muscle remodelling in asthma.
Organizational Variables for Developing Collective Creativity in Business: A Case from an Italian Fashion Design Company
Authors: Cirella Stefano
Published: September 2016

The goal of this article is to propose a theoretical framework for collective creativity within an organizational design perspective and to help clarify this concept and how collective creativity can be purposefully managed. In particular, this study identifies relevant organizational variables for enhancing collective creativity and examines the relationship between collective creativity and organizational performance. The research draws upon a survey developed in the context of an in‐depth collaborative research study with an Italian fashion design company. As the theory on collective creativity is quite dispersed, the first part of the article attempts to define collective creativity and integrate different theoretical perspectives. Then, method and empirical findings are described. In the last part, the discussion illustrates why it is important for researchers and practitioners to be aware of the concept of collective creativity and its purposeful management.
The selection process can improve the outcome in locally advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer: activity and results of a dedicated multidisciplinary colorectal cancer centre
Authors: Kontovounisios C. , Tan E. , Pawa N. , Brown G. , Tait D. , Cunningham D. , Rasheed S. , Tekkis P.
Published: September 2016

Aim

There is wide disparity in the care of patients with multivisceral involvement of rectal cancer. The results are presented of treatment of advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer from a centre where a dedicated multidisciplinary team (MDT) is central to the management.

Method

All consecutive MDT referrals between 2010 and 2014 were examined. Analysis was undertaken of the referral pathway, site, selection process, management decision, R0 resection rate, mortality/morbidity/Clavien–Dindo (CD) classification of morbidity, length of stay (LOS) and improvement of quality of life.

Results

There were 954 referrals. These included locally advanced primary rectal cancer (LAPRC b‐TME) (39.0%), rectal recurrence (RR) (22.0%), locally advanced primary colon cancer (LAPCC T3c/d‐T4) (21.1%), colon cancer recurrence (CR) (12.4%), locally advanced primary anal cancer (LAPAC‐failure of CRT/T3c/d‐T4) (3.0%) and anal cancer recurrence (AR) (2.2%). Among these patients 271 operations were performed, 212 primary and 59 for recurrence. These included 16 sacrectomies, 134 total pelvic exenterations and 121 other multi‐visceral exenterative procedures. An R0 resection (no microscopic margin involvement) was achieved in 94.4% and R1 (microscopic margin involvement) in 5.1%. In LAPRC b‐TME the R0 rate was 96.1% and for RR it was 79%. The LOS varied from 13.3 to 19.9 days. RR operations had the highest morbidity (CD 1–2, 33.3%) and LAPRC operations had the highest rate of CD 3–4 complications (18.4%). Most (39.6%) of the referred patients were from other UK hospitals.

Conclusion

Advanced colorectal cancer can be successfully treated in a dedicated referral centre, achieving R0 resection in over 90% with low morbidity and mortality. Implementation of a standardized referral pathway is encouraged.
Factors Affecting the Outlook for Medium‐term to Long‐term Growth in China
Authors: Lin Justin Yifu , Wan Guanghua , Morgan Peter J.
Published: September 2016

China achieved average GDP growth of nearly 10 percent over the period 1978–2015. However, how long can such high levels of growth be sustained, especially when per capita GDP levels have reached middle‐income status, and the normal tendency of economies is to slow down as they mature? This paper reviews the recent literature on the determinants and outlook for real GDP growth in China and addresses some of the key issues, including identifying supply‐side factors that can support continued strong growth under favorable conditions, as well as risk factors that might cause growth to fall short. The paper reviews supply‐side determinants of growth using a growth accounting framework, and also assesses major demand‐side factors driving potential growth, including exports, capital formation and household consumption.
Edaphic properties enable facilitative and competitive interactions resulting in fairy circle formation
Authors: Cramer Michael D. , Barger Nichole N. , Tschinkel Walter R.
Published: September 2016

Millions of generally regularly spaced, roughly circular barren patches called fairy circles occur in a narrow band ca 100 km inland of the south‐west African coast. These generally have conspicuously taller peripheral grasses in a shorter grass matrix. The origins of these fairy circles are controversial, but one possibility is that they are self‐organizing emergent vegetation patterns that are the consequence of interplay between positive (facilitative) and negative (competitive) interactions between grasses. We hypothesized that the coarse textured sand on which fairy circles occur creates a hydraulically and nutritionally connected landscape, in which neighbouring fairy circles competitively influence each other over several metres, while providing opportunity for focusing of resources around the peripheral grasses. To test our hypotheses we conducted three main groups of analyses: 1) we measured grass biomass to assess facilitative and competitive effects of the component grasses; 2) across a region with fairy circles we measured the size and density of fairy circles and correlated that with water infiltration rates into soil; 3) we measured the capacity of soil to conduct water pulses and 15N tracers. We found evidence of facilitative interactions in the periphery of the fairy circles and competitive suppression of the matrix grass proximal to the periphery. Across the region, fairy circle size was positively correlated with soil infiltration rates and negatively with precipitation. This suggests that fairy circles emerge in soils with high capacity for water flux that enables landscape hydraulic connectivity. Water‐ and 15N‐pulse experiments showed that edaphic resources were highly mobile, moving up to 7.5 m over a period of 1–3 weeks. We concluded that the evidence is consistent with an emergent vegetation pattern explanation for the origins of fairy circles and that the circles are more closely associated with a highly connective edaphic environment, rather than with particular biota.
Examining the durability of a hybrid, remote and computer‐based cognitive remediation intervention for adolescents with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Mariano Margaret A. , Tang Kerri , Kurtz Matthew , Kates Wendy R.
Published: September 2016

Aim

Schizophrenia and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) share similar patterns of cognitive deficits. Up to 30% of those with 22q11DS develop schizophrenia during early adulthood. As cognitive decline has recently been found to predict onset of psychosis in adolescents with 22q11DS, early interventions such as cognitive remediation (CR) during adolescence are warranted. This paper investigates the durability of a remote, computerized, CR programme for youth with 22q11DS. Our aim was to determine if the positive effects of CR persisted 6 months beyond intervention completion.

Methods

A longitudinal design with 21 participants serving as their own controls was used. Youth were seen for neurocognitive assessments at pre‐treatment, after the targeted 8‐month intervention, at post‐treatment, and 6 months after for follow‐up. During the intervention, cognitive coaches met remotely with participants for CR via video conferencing three times a week, and offered task‐specific strategies. To determine if intervention improvements held across the 6‐month follow‐up period, neurocognitive measures were statistically examined with repeated measures analysis of variances from pre‐treatment through follow‐up.

Results

Our CR intervention proved durable. Post‐treatment improvements comprising cognitive flexibility, executive function, reaction time and working memory were maintained over the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Results confirm previous research regarding the durability of CR treatment and extend these findings to youth with 22q11DS. The present study may serve to inform early intervention efforts focused on cognitive and functionally relevant rehabilitation goals for youth with 22q11DS and suggests that 22q11DS can potentially serve as a suitable model for examining the trajectory preceding psychosis.
Gene‐environment interaction between the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism, psychosocial stress and dietary intake in early psychosis
Authors: Gattere Giulia , Stojanovic‐Pérez Alexander , Monseny Rosa , Martorell Lourdes , Ortega Laura , Montalvo Itziar , Solé Montse , Algora María José , Cabezas Ángel , Reynolds Rebecca M. , Vilella Elisabet , Labad Javier
Published: September 2016

Aim

The brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a major participant in the regulation of food intake and may play a role in the regulation of the stress response. We aimed to investigate whether there is a gene‐environment interaction in the relationship between stress and BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in relation to dietary patterns in a sample of subjects with early psychosis.

Methods

We studied 124 early psychotic disorder (PD) patients, 36 At‐Risk Mental States (ARMS) and 62 healthy subjects (HS). Dietary patterns were examined by a dietician. Physical activity, life stress and perceived stress were assessed by validated questionnaires. BDNF Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265) was genotyped. A gene‐environment interaction was tested with multiple linear regression analysis while adjusting for covariates.

Results

Perceived stress was not associated with calorie intake in HS. In ARMS subjects, Met‐carriers who presented low‐perceived stress were associated with increased caloric intake. Conversely, those who presented high‐perceived stress were associated with reduced caloric intake. In PD, perceived stress was neither associated with increased calorie intake without an effect by BDNF genotype nor a gene‐environment interaction. Perceived stress was associated with food craving in PD patients, independent of genotype, and in ARMS or HS who were Val homozygous.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the common Val66Met polymorphism of the BDNF gene may modulate the relationship between life stress and calorie intake in subjects at risk for psychosis.
Revision for the swordtail cricket genus Homoeoxipha (Grylloidea: Trigonidiidae: Trigonidiinae) from China
Authors: Ma Libin , Liu Yang , Zhang Yalin
Published: September 2016

Species of Homoeoxipha are very small and always live on leaves of shrubs and grasses. This genus contains ten species worldwide and is distributed across five zoological regions, from Africa to New Guinea. Homoeoxipha lycoides is the type species of this genus and possesses the characteristic coloration for the genus. These coloration features resulted in some synonyms and disputes over species, because most Homoeoxipha species are ornamented with a similar coloration pattern. We compared and documented the differences between H. lycoides and its relatives in China. A new important character, the epiphallic transversal suture, is used to distinguish them. Based on this work, all of the Chinese species, H. lycoides, H. obliterata and H. nigripes, and one new species, H. eurylobus, with similar coloration to H. lycoides, are described and illustrated.
Fibre digestibility and its relationships with chemical and morphological traits in thirty‐two sugarcane varieties
Authors: Daniel J. L. P. , Jacovaci F. A. , Junges D. , Santos M. C. , Lima J. R. , Anjos I. A. , Landell M. G. A. , Huhtanen P. , Nussio L. G.
Published: September 2016

The objectives of this study were to determine the range of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility across sugarcane varieties and predict dry‐matter (DM) and NDF digestibility based on morphological and chemical composition. Whole plants of thirty‐two commercial varieties were collected after 12 months regrowth (second cut) and evaluated for morphological traits, chemical composition, in situ digestibility of NDF (NDFD) and of DM (DMD), in vitro NDFD (IVNDFD) and gas production dynamics from isolated NDF. The content of NDF ranged from 404 to 547 g kg−1 DM, DMD was between 593 and 739 g kg−1 and NDFD varied from 270 to 363 g kg−1. Cluster and discriminant analyses for NDFD agglomerated sugarcane genotypes into three groups (high, medium and low NDFD). The contents of NDF and lignin were the best univariate predictors of sugarcane DMD and NDFD respectively. Therefore, associating NDF and lignin improved the accuracy of DMD prediction. Associating lignin concentration with the number of dry leaves and stalk length significantly improved the goodness of fit of NDFD prediction. Contrary to expectations, silicon concentration was not related to NDFD. The principal component analysis patterned the content of neutral detergent solubles, NDFD and variables related to DM yield in different components. Hence, these characteristics would coexist in the same variety. Based on Lucas test and kinetics of gas production from NDF, sugarcane potentially digestible NDF (pdNDF) can be considered almost uniform (pdNDF digestibility = 677 g kg−1). In conclusion, associating chemical composition and morphological traits can successfully improve the screening of sugarcane genotypes for animal nutrition.
A novel method for soft tissue retraction during periapical surgery using 3D technology: a case report
Authors: Patel S. , Aldowaisan A. , Dawood A.
Published: September 2016

Aim

This case report describes a new approach to isolation and soft tissue retraction during endodontic surgery using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT), computer‐aided design (CAD) and three‐dimensional (3D) printing.

A 53‐year‐old patient presented for endodontic treatment of her maxillary left central incisor. It was decided to treat this tooth with a microsurgical approach. The data from the diagnostic CBCT scan were also used to make a physical model of the operative site, and CAD software was used to design a soft tissue retractor to be used during the patient's surgery. A custom retractor was then fabricated using a 3D printer. The custom‐made retractor enhanced visualization and soft tissue handling during the patient's surgery. The patient was asymptomatic at a 1‐year review. No abnormalities were detected during her clinical examination, and radiographic examination revealed complete healing of the surgical site.

Key learning points

The significance of proper soft tissue retraction in periapical microsurgery is underemphasized.

Geometric data from CBCT scans may be harvested for a variety of uses, adding value to the examination.

3D printing is a promising technology that may potentially have many uses in endodontic surgery.
Variance Estimation of Imputed Estimators of Change for Repeated Rotating Surveys
Authors: Berger Yves G. , Escobar Emilio L.
Published: September 2016

A common problem in survey sampling is to compare two cross‐sectional estimates for the same study variable taken from two different waves or occasions. These cross‐sectional estimates often include imputed values to compensate for item non‐response. The estimation of the sampling variance of the estimator of change is useful to judge whether the observed change is statistically significant. Estimating the variance of a change is not straightforward because of the rotation in repeated surveys and imputation. We propose using a multivariate linear regression approach and show how it can be used to accommodate the effect of rotation and imputation. The regression approach gives a design‐consistent estimation of the variance of change when the sampling fraction is small. We illustrate the proposed approach using random hot‐deck imputation, although the proposed estimator can be implemented with other imputation techniques.
Characterization of the Polishing‐Induced Contamination of Fused Silica Optics
Authors: Pfiffer Mathilde , Longuet Jean‐Louis , Labrugère Christine , Fargin Evelyne , Bousquet Bruno , Dussauze Marc , Lambert Sébastien , Cormont Philippe , Néauport Jérôme
Published: September 2016

In this work, the polishing‐induced contamination layer at the fused silica optics surface was studied with various interface analysis techniques: Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS), Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA), X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Inductively Coupled Plasma—Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP‐OES). Samples were prepared using an MRF polishing machine and cerium‐based slurry. The cerium and iron penetration and concentration were measured in the surface out of defects. Cerium is embedded at the surface in a 60 nm layer and concentrated at 1200 ppmw in this layer while iron concentration falls down at 30 nm. Spatial distribution and homogeneity of the pollution were also studied in the scratches and bevel using SIMS and EPMA techniques. We saw evidence that surface defects, such as scratches, are specific places that hold the pollutants. This overconcentration is also observed in the chamfer. These new insights into the polishing‐induced contamination of fused silica optics and it repartition have been obtained using various characterization methods. Advantages and disadvantages of each one are discussed.
Preschool Children, Painting and Palimpsest: Collaboration as Pedagogy, Practice and Learning
Authors: Cutcher Alexandra , Boyd Wendy
Published: September 2016

This article describes a small, collaborative, arts‐based research project conducted in two rural early childhood centres in regional Australia, where the children made large‐scale collaborative paintings in partnership with teachers and researchers. Observation of young children's artistic practices, in order to inform the development of pre‐service curriculum and pedagogy was a central aim of the project. The findings are framed with respect to pedagogy, practice and learning: the pedagogy that supports children's artmaking; the benefits of learning in and through the arts, and the notion of collective practice in early childhood settings. Findings suggest that collaborative and intergenerational artmaking in early childhood settings enable powerful learning opportunities. A combination of establishing a rich art environment, applying constraints, yet allowing for children's agency can create a rich and engaging art education, which is vital in any setting if children are to develop their aesthetic awareness, artistic skills, and critical, abstract, imaginative, collaborative and creative thinking. The role of the proactive art educator in children's development is crucial, which has implications for teacher preparation and in‐service professional development. These project findings also have implications for ecologies of learning and communities of practice from early childhood to higher education.
Potential constitutional constraints on the regulation of flood plain development: three case studies
Authors: Tarlock D. , Albrecht J.
Published: September 2016

The decision to allow intensive urbanisation in flood plains is a classic case of moral hazard. Urbanisation increases the risk that floods will damage property in the flood plain to the detriment of individual owners and other property owners. Efforts to control flood plain development collide with the two dominant theories of property rights. Property rights can either be characterised as prepolitical (John Locke) or a creation of the state (Thomas Hobbes). In either case, the Western liberal tradition prefers private property or places a burden on the state to justify regulation. Thus, flood plain property owners who are subject to severe restrictions will invoke the constitutional clause of property rights to invalidate any regulation. This article examines three constitutional regimes that offer a high, medium, and low proportion to property, United States, Germany, and Canada, to examine the impact of these regimes on flood plain regulation.
QTL editing confers opposing yield performance in different rice varieties
Authors: Shen Lan , Wang Chun , Fu Yaping , Wang Junjie , Liu Qing , Zhang Xiaoming , Yan Changjie , Qian Qian , Wang Kejian
Published: September 2016

Grain yield is one of the most important and complex trait for genetic improvement in crops; it is known to be controlled by a number of genes known as quantitative trait loci (QTLs). In the past decade, many yield‐contributing QTLs have been identified in crops. However, it remains unclear whether those QTLs confer the same yield performance in different genetic backgrounds. Here, we performed CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated QTL editing in five widely‐cultivated rice varieties and revealed that the same QTL can have diverse, even opposing, effects on grain yield in different genetic backgrounds.
The CARD Act and Young Borrowers: The Effects and the Affected
Authors: DEBBAUT PETER , GHENT ANDRA , KUDLYAK MARIANNA
Published: September 2016

We study a new law that restricts credit to individuals under age 21. We first use a difference‐in‐difference approach to estimate the effect of the law on credit card availability. Following the passage of the law, individuals under age 21 are 8 percentage points (15%) less likely to have a credit card, have fewer cards, and, conditional on having a card at all, are 35% more likely to have a cosigned card. We then use data from before the passage of the law to identify the characteristics of those individuals most likely to be affected by the Act.
Like Father Like Sons? The Cost of Sovereign Defaults in Reduced Credit to the Private Sector
Authors: ESTEVES RUI , TOVAR JALLES JOÃO
Published: September 2016

We investigate the impact of sovereign defaults on the ability of the corporate sector in emerging nations to finance itself abroad. We test the hypothesis that sovereign defaults have a negative spillover onto the private sector through credit rationing. We explore a novel data set covering the majority of corporates in emerging nations that received foreign capital between 1880 and 1913. Results confirm that credit rationing existed, was very large, and persisted long beyond the default settlement. The private sector paid a severe cost for their governments’ debt intolerance, with negative implications for their growth.
Immunohistochemical analysis of myofibroblasts, TGF‐β1, and IFN‐γ in epithelial odontogenic lesions
Authors: Santos Pedro Paulo de Andrade , Nonaka Cassiano Francisco Weege , Freitas Roseana de Almeida , Pereira Pinto Leão , Souza Lélia Batista de
Published: September 2016

Aim

To investigate the presence of myofibroblasts (MFBs) in epithelial odontogenic lesions by immunohistochemistry and to correlate the findings with tumor aggressiveness, as well as to analyze the expression of TGF‐β1 and IFN‐γ during the differentiation of these cells.

Methods and Results

Twenty solid ameloblastomas (SAs), 10 unicystic ameloblastomas (UAs), 20 keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOTs), and 20 adenomatoid odontogenic tumors (AOTs) were selected. For evaluation of the presence of MFBs, anti‐α‐SMA‐immunoreactive cells were quantified in connective tissue near the epithelium. The expression of TGF‐β1 and IFN‐γ was evaluated in epithelial and connective tissue by determining the percentage of immunoreactive cells. A higher concentration of MFBs was observed in SAs (mean of 30.55), followed by KCOTs (22.50), UAs (20.80), and AOTs (19.15) (P = 0.001). There was no significant correlation between the immunoexpression of TGF‐β1 or IFN‐γ and the number of MFBs (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The larger number of MFBs suggests that these cells are one of the factors responsible for the more aggressive biological behavior of these lesions. The lack of correlation between the number of MFBs and immunoexpression of TGF‐β1 and IFN‐γ indicates that these proteins are not involved in the differentiation of this type of contractile cell in the lesions studied and that only the use of immunohistochemistry to establish such a correlation is a limiting factor.
Medication Adherence After Renal Transplantation—a Review of the Literature
Authors: Rebafka Anne
Published: September 2016

Background

Whether or not patients follow the advice given by their healthcare professional is commonly referred to as adherence. In the case of kidney transplantation, transplant recipients need to take immunosuppressive drugs on a regular basis to prevent rejection of their transplant. However, medication adherence can be problematic for many patients.

Objectives

This critical appraisal of evidence aimed to gain insights into factors contributing to adherence and non‐adherence in recipients of kidney transplants, and to explore patients’ perceptions regarding adherence to immunosuppression.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed using Medline, PsycInfo, the Joanna Briggs Institute, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library. Included were primary research studies or reviews of primary research, independent of their research paradigms, on adult kidney or kidney/pancreas transplant recipients published in English or German. Children or adolescents were not considered. No time‐frame was applied

Results

Fifty‐two papers were included in the review. All extracted findings of included papers were organised according to the five factors influencing medication‐taking behaviour as defined by the World Health Organisation: social and economic factors; therapy‐related factors; patient‐related factors; condition‐related factors; healthcare team and system‐related factors.

Conclusion

Reasons for non‐adherence after kidney transplantations are diverse. Attention is attracted by the fact that potentially modifiable factors such as social support, experiences on dialysis, side effects, features of the treatment regimen, intentions and beliefs, forgetfulness and mental health issues play a greater role than other factors in the development of medication non‐adherence. Factors not related to patient characteristics seem to be under researched.
Poetry and Atomism in the Civil War and Restoration
Authors: Gorman Cassandra
Published: September 2016

Poetry was a great communicator of natural philosophical ideas in 17th‐century England, and the writing and reading of it substantially increased the numbers of the audience engaging with and contributing to scientific knowledge. This was especially the case with atomism, a philosophical theory with poetical roots in the work of Lucretius, which considered the existence of unfathomable particles that could only be described by what they were not – invisible indivisibles – or by what they could be likened to. Atomism captured the popular literary imagination. In this article, I address some of the many ways in which the ‘atom’ assumed greater philosophical, political and theological significance through its appearances in poetry from the Civil War to the Restoration, and I consider the shape of recent critical interest in atomism and imaginative literature, especially in the reception of Lucretius. While the negative connotations of atomic imagery have long been discussed by critics, I argue that the field should move forward by drawing out the equally diverse, yet largely untold, ways in which atomism assumed metaphysical and spiritual significance in 17th‐century poetry.