bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple ways to calculate stable isotope discrimination factors and convert between tissue types
Authors: Greer Amanda L. , Horton Travis W. , Nelson Ximena J.
Published: June 2015

Traditional methods to determine stable isotope discrimination factors (Δ) between an animal's diet and tissue(s) are costly and time‐consuming. Consequently, data are only available for relatively few species and are completely absent from some orders, including parrots (Order: Psittaciformes).

We present simple and cost‐effective methodologies for establishing discrimination factors and converting between tissue types. We investigated Δ13Cdiet‐feather and Δ15Ndiet‐feather values for the kea parrot Nestor notabilis by comparing the isotope values from feathers of a population held under their regular conditions at a local zoo, with the δ13C and δ15N values from their weekly diet of >30 food items. We mathematically controlled for dietary elemental concentration, and the potential impacts of metabolic routing, the exclusive consumption of preferred foods and the large‐scale consumption of self‐sourced plants and invertebrates, resulting in Δ13Cdiet‐feather = 4·00‰ ± 0·03 and Δ15Ndiet‐feather = 3·10‰ ± 0·20.

We also determined regression equations for predicting feather δ13C and δ15N values from whole blood values by sampling simultaneously grown feathers and blood from wild kea nestlings. These are the first feather–blood discrimination equations determined for terrestrial birds in the wild. Our δ13C feather–blood discrimination equation was similar to an equation developed for use across marine birds; however, the δ15N feather–blood discrimination equation for marine birds consistently underestimated kea feather δ15N values.

These methodologies, while developed for use in birds, can easily be applied to other animal classes given the appropriate selection of tissues.
Sleep disturbances are associated with reduced health‐related quality of life in patients with substance use disorders
Authors: Magnée Ellis H. B. , de Weert‐van Oene Gerdien H. , Wijdeveld Toon A. G. M. , Coenen Anton M. L. , de Jong Cor A. J.
Published: June 2015

Background and Objectives

Sleep problems and substance use are strongly linked. Sleep problems play a role in the etiology of substance use, but also may be a result of it. After detoxification, sleep problems may worsen leading to relapse. Nowadays, most substance dependence treatment programs aim at recovery rather than total abstinence, and in that view health‐related quality of life (HRQL) is a relevant construct. This article describes the association between self‐perceived sleep problems and HRQL in a naturalistic population of polydrug‐using inpatients.

Methods

At the start of treatment, 388 polydrug‐using inpatients completed questionnaires concerning their sleep quality and HRQL. Three categories were established based on reported sleep problems: patients without sleep problems (21.6%), those with clinically relevant sleep problems (34.5%), and patients with sleep disorders (43.8%).

Results

Mean grades for quality of sleep were M = 7.3 (sd 1.7), M = 6.6 (sd 1.7) and M = 5.3 (sd 1.9) for the three categories, respectively. In addition, patients in the disorder category perceived a lower HRQL than those in the other categories. In the explanation of HRQL, both sleep problems and sleep disorders added significantly to the model when controlling for baseline characteristics.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our findings stress the need for clinicians to pay attention to the quality of sleep of recovering polydrug users, since this may play an important role in the recovery process. Monitoring sleep during treatment is advocated. This study adds to the knowledge about the way HRQL and sleep are related in a naturalistic sample of substance‐dependent patients. (Am J Addict 2015;24:515–522)
Viral Infection‐Induced Differential Expression of LncRNAs Associated with Collagen in Mouse Placentas and Amniotic Sacs
Authors: Pan Jing , Mor Gil , Ju Weina , Zhong Julia , Luo Xiucui , Aldo Paulomi Bole , Zhong Mei , Yu Yanhong , Jenkins Edmund C. , Brown William T. , Zhong Nanbert
Published: June 2015

Problem

We have previously determined that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are differentially expressed in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and hypothesized that the collagenolysis ubiquitin–proteasome system may be activated by infection and inflammation. However, direct evidence of the involvement of lncRNAs in transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of the infection‐triggered alteration of collagen is lacking.

Method of study

A previously developed mouse model with MHV68 viral infection was assessed to determine whether viral infection may induce differential expression of lncRNAs in mouse placentas and amniotic sacs.

Results

Differential expression of lncRNAs that are associated with collagen was found in HMV68 viral‐infected, compared to non‐infected, mouse placentas and amniotic sacs. Differential expression of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of collagen was also documented.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate, for the first time, that viral infection may induce the differential expression of lncRNAs that are associated with collagen. Based on this finding, we propose that lncRNA may have involved in regulating of infection‐induced collagen transcription.
The Impact of Recession on the Value‐relevance of Accounting Information
Authors: Kane Gregory D. , Leece Ryan D. , Richardson Frederick M. , Velury Uma
Published: June 2015

The Global Financial Crisis of 2007–2008, and the subsequent global economic downturn, has heightened the need for research on whether the value‐relevance of accounting information is impacted by periods of macroeconomic decline. In this study, we examine whether the occurrence of a recession impacts the value‐relevance of two key accounting constructs: book value of equity and earnings. Consistent with our priors, we find that controlling for recession significantly increases the value‐relevance of both the book value of equity and earnings. Our findings indicate the importance of controlling for recession in value‐relevance studies. Sample periods that include recession events, and that do not incorporate such conditioning, may be mis‐specified, with results difficult, if not impossible, to interpret.
The Political Economy of Convergence: The Case of IFRS for SMEs
Authors: Susela Devi S. , Helen Samujh R.
Published: June 2015

This paper contributes to the discussion on the International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium‐sized Enterprises (IFRS for SMEs) in the academic literature by examining the political economy of convergence, and illuminating the processes used by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to achieve convergence and participation by developing economies. The IFRS for SMEs was developed to facilitate implementation of a two‐tier reporting regime in the developing economies. Since 2000, progress towards issuance of the IFRS for SMEs has been hindered by a lack of active engagement by SMEs and academics from developing economies. It is found that (1) a lack of grounded studies and empirical knowledge on SME users’ needs impeded the development of the IFRS for SMEs; (2) the capital market assumption adopted for the IFRS is clearly inappropriate; and (3) the under‐representation of developing economies in international standard setting remains an issue. It is recommended that the IASB ascertains the users of SME reports and their needs and then develops a coherent conceptual framework for SMEs (particularly those from developing economies). The IASB needs to take into consideration the needs, culture and regulatory infrastructures of the developing economies, the political agendas of the standard‐setting stakeholders, and barriers to implementation.
Are User Perceptions of Chairman Addresses Managed through Syntactical Complexity and Rationalisation?
Authors: Bayerlein Leopold , Davidson Paul
Published: June 2015

This study assesses whether or not the preparers of chairman addresses of large listed Australian firms manage user perceptions through the syntactical complexity of the provided information and/or the rationalisation of unwanted information. It applies an innovative assessment approach for the rationalisation of unwanted information. The study analyses the chairman addresses of 87 firms included in the Standard & Poor's ASX200 index using the Flesch readability formula, as well as the relative occurrence frequency of sentences with particular connotations within each analysed report. The findings of this study demonstrate that although the comprehension difficulty of chairman addresses is generally high, preparers do not attempt to manage user perceptions through syntactical complexity or rationalisation. Specifically, the study finds no evidence that chairman addresses that contain predominantly negative news are more difficult to comprehend than chairman addresses that contain predominantly positive news. Furthermore, it is concluded that preparers do not use rationalisations to manage user perceptions. Prior literature has thus far failed to investigate the rationalisation of information as a potential perception management tool and no other recent contribution to the literature has investigated the syntactical complexity of Australian chairman addresses that contain predominantly positive or negative news. This study aims to fill that gap.
Confusion over Accounting Conservatism: A Critical Review
Authors: Xie Yuying
Published: June 2015

Accounting conservatism is a long‐standing and the most influential convention in preparing financial statements. Surprisingly then, there is considerable debate regarding conservatism among standard setters and researchers. This paper reviews the recent literature on accounting conservatism and shows that the existing controversy surrounding conservatism stems partly from confusion over definitions and measures of accounting conservatism. This paper aims to address several common misconceptions about accounting conservatism and suggests directions for future research.
Financing SME Growth: The Role of the National Stock Exchange of Australia and Business Advisors
Authors: Dwyer Bruce , Kotey Bernice
Published: June 2015

Lack of access to finance presents a major setback to the development of the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector in Australia. Demand and supply of finance to the sector entails more complex issues than apply to large firms. SMEs have a pecking order of preference for finance; they prefer internal equity to debt and debt to external equity. Nonetheless, a significant number of growing SMEs require external equity. Using the grounded theory method, interviews with six owners and 13 accounting and legal advisors indicate entrenched lack of knowledge about initial public offering (IPO) and the National Stock Exchange of Australia (NSX) among SME owners and their advisors. The study finds that the NSX's poor performance is attributable to lack of visibility, low listings, lack of underwriters, thin trading, inefficient processes and poor location. The NSX is entrenched in a vicious cycle of poor performance that threatens its viability. It is unable to attract sufficient listings to generate the income required for effective operation. Greater exposure of small business advisors to the IPO process should increase demand for public equity through the NSX.
Diversification of External Accountants Serving Small and Medium‐sized Enterprises: Evidence from Belgium
Authors: Sarens Gerrit , Everaert Patricia , Verplancke Frederik , De Beelde Ignace
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study is: (1) to discover which services are offered by external accountants serving small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs); (2) to study the factors that are associated with the degree of diversification of the services offered by these accountants; and (3) to investigate if there are differences between self‐employed accountants and accounting firms on the previous two points. This study has some interesting conclusions: (1) the heterogeneity of internal staff is not significantly associated with the degree of diversification; (2) a homogeneous internal staff with an accounting background is particularly important for accounting firms that diversify their services in the accounting and tax area; (3) collaboration with other service providers is an important factor associated with more diversification of the services; (4) marketing is only important for self‐employed accountants; (5) accounting firms offer fewer non‐accounting‐related services if they serve more micro clients (fewer than 10 employees), whereas self‐employed accountants offer more accounting and tax services if they serve more micro clients (fewer than 10 employees); and (6) accounting firms that diversify in accounting and tax services mainly serve more micro clients (fewer than 10 employees), whereas accounting firms that diversify in non‐accounting areas serve more larger clients (more than 10 employees).
A review of the use of direct seeding and seedling plantings in restoration: what do we know and where should we go?
Authors: Palma Ana Cristina , Laurance Susan G.W.
Published: June 2015

Questions

To select the best method to restore an ecosystem requires an understanding of the various outcomes commonly achieved through different restoration techniques. What method results in the most timely and cost‐effective means of reinstating biodiversity and restoring ecosystem functions and services?

Methods

We explored the efficacy and costs of two re‐vegetation techniques commonly used in ecosystem restoration: direct seeding and planting of seedlings. Our analysis focused on 120 scientific peer‐reviewed publications reporting on experiments using seeds or seedlings, and encompassed a range of ecosystems such as wetlands, savannas and forests. We examined current restoration issues, including species diversity, survival, species selection, costs and how future climate change may influence restoration efforts.

Results

Direct seeding experiments used more species than seedling studies, yet showed lower survivorship. Species availability is the major constraint in the selection of which species were used, regardless of the approach employed. Although costs are extremely important when planning a restoration project, few published findings report on the economic aspects of ecosystem restoration. Further, we did not find any study addressing the impacts of global climate change on restoration programmes or how studies should consider future shifts in the environment.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the need for restoration experiments to explore more species. Restoration efforts are in need of detailed reporting that includes time frames and costs. We need to consider future climate scenarios that will affect ecosystem restoration efforts.
A comparative framework for broad‐scale plot‐based vegetation classification
Authors: De Cáceres Miquel , Chytrý Milan , Agrillo Emiliano , Attorre Fabio , Botta‐Dukát Zoltán , Capelo Jorge , Czúcz Bálint , Dengler Jürgen , Ewald Jörg , Faber‐Langendoen Don , Feoli Enrico , Franklin Scott B. , Gavilán Rosario , Gillet François , Jansen Florian , Jiménez‐Alfaro Borja , Krestov Pavel , Landucci Flavia , Lengyel Attila , Loidi Javier , Mucina Ladislav , Peet Robert K. , Roberts David W. , Roleček Jan , Schaminée Joop H.J. , Schmidtlein Sebastian , Theurillat Jean‐Paul , Tichý Lubomír , Walker Donald A. , Wildi Otto , Willner Wolfgang , Wiser Susan K.
Published: June 2015

Aims

Classification of vegetation is an essential tool to describe, understand, predict and manage biodiversity. Given the multiplicity of approaches to classify vegetation, it is important to develop international consensus around a set of general guidelines and purpose‐specific standard protocols. Before these goals can be achieved, however, it is necessary to identify and understand the different choices that are made during the process of classifying vegetation. This paper presents a framework to facilitate comparisons between broad‐scale plot‐based classification approaches.

Results

Our framework is based on the distinction of four structural elements (plot record, vegetation type, consistent classification section and classification system) and two procedural elements (classification protocol and classification approach). For each element we describe essential properties that can be used for comparisons. We also review alternative choices regarding critical decisions of classification approaches; with a special focus on the procedures used to define vegetation types from plot records. We illustrate our comparative framework by applying it to different broad‐scale classification approaches.

Conclusions

Our framework will be useful for understanding and comparing plot‐based vegetation classification approaches, as well as for integrating classification systems and their sections.
Drug Metabolism – From In Vitro to In Vivo, From Simple to Complex
Authors: Pelkonen Olavi
Published: June 2015

Drug metabolism is the crucial part of pharmaco‐ and toxicokinetics and consequently is associated with both desirable and adverse effects of most xenobiotics, compounds foreign to the body. This minireview follows some advances of the field over the last 50 years or so through the experiences and work of one scientist. Thus, this minireview represents a rather personal view of research in one research field. Drug metabolism is affected and controlled by a huge number of factors and conditions such as individual development, species differences, drug–drug interactions and various environmental, host and genetic factors working via a variable set of regulatory mechanisms. All these different factors create wide individual, population and species variability with obvious repercussions to clinical drug therapy and chemical risk assessment. This minireview also provides glimpses to methodological developments over recent decades and ends up presenting a few promising approaches and techniques such as various omics and high‐content and high‐throughput techniques feeding huge amounts of data to computational integration and modelling, which constitute the basis for systems or network pharmacology and toxicology.
Dose‐dependent effect of androgen deprivation therapy for localized prostate cancer on adverse cardiac events
Authors: Schmid Marianne , Sammon Jesse D. , Reznor Gally , Kapoor Victor , Speed Jacqueline M. , Abdollah Firas A. , Sood Akshay , Chun Felix K.‐H. , Kibel Adam S. , Menon Mani , Fisch Margit , Sun Maxine , Trinh Quoc‐Dien
Published: June 2015

Objectives

To investigate the dose‐dependent effect of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on adverse cardiac events in elderly men with non‐metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) stratified according to life expectancy.

Patients and Methods

A total of 50 384 men diagnosed with localized PCa between 1992 and 2007 were identified within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry areas. We compared those who received ADT within 2 years of PCa diagnosis with those who did not, calculated as monthly equivalent doses of GnRH agonists (<8, ≥8 doses), or orchiectomy. Men were further stratified according to life expectancy (<5 years, 5–10 years and >10 years). Adjusted Cox hazard models assessed the risk of new‐onset coronary heart disease (CHD), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), sudden cardiac death (SCD) and cardiac‐related interventions, as well as any of these events.

Results

Overall, patients receiving GnRH agonists were more likely to experience a cardiac event, with the most pronounced effect among those receiving ≥8 doses (hazard ratio [HR] <8 doses: 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–1.16, and HR ≥8 doses: 1.18, 95% CI 1.14–1.22; both P < 0.001). The effect of prolonged (≥8 doses) GnRH agonist use on cardiac events was sustained across all strata of life expectancy; however, there was no effect among men with a life expectancy of <5 years and when use of GnRH agonists was limited to <8 doses (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.67–1.46; P = 0.964). The use of GnRH agonists was associated with a higher risk of CHD (HR <8 doses: 1.13, 95% CI 1.09–1.17 and HR ≥8 doses: 1.17, 95% CI 1.13–1.21; both P < 0.001). Conversely, the use of GnRH was generally not associated with an increased risk of AMI or SCD, except for men who received ≥8 doses of GnRH agonists and had a life expectancy of ≥5 years, who were at a significantly higher risk of SCD (HR for life expectancy 5–10 years: 1.19, 95% CI 1.06–1.33; P = 0.003 and HR for life expectancy >10 years: 1.16, 95% CI 1.04–1.29; P = 0.006). Finally, orchiectomy was not associated with overall cardiac events, AMI or SCD, and was protective with regard to cardiac‐related interventions (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.68–0.90, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Exposure to ADT with GnRH agonists is associated with an increased risk of cardiac events in elderly men with localized PCa and a decent life expectancy. Clinicians should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of ADT in patients with a prolonged life expectancy. Routine screening and lifestyle interventions are warranted in at‐risk subpopulations treated with ADT.
Assessing the impact of mass media public health campaigns. Be Clear on Cancer ‘blood in pee’: a case in point
Authors: Hughes‐Hallett Archie , Browne Daisy , Mensah Elsie , Vale Justin , Mayer Erik
Published: June 2015

Objectives

To assess the impact on suspected cancer referral burden and new cancer diagnosis of Public Health England's recent Be Clear on Cancer ‘blood in pee’ mass media campaign.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study design was used. For two distinct time periods, August 2012 to May 2013 and August 2013 to May 2014, all referrals of patients deemed to be at risk of urological cancer by the referring primary healthcare physician to Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust were screened. Data were collected on age and sex and whether the referral was for visible haematuria, non‐visible haematuria or other suspected urological cancer. In addition to referral data, hospital episode data for all new renal cell (RCC) and upper and lower tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), as well as testicular and prostate cancer diagnoses for the same time periods were obtained.

Results

Over the campaign period and the subsequent 3 months, the number of haematuria referrals increased by 92% (P = 0.013) when compared with the same period a year earlier. This increase in referrals was not associated with a significant corresponding rise in cancer diagnosis; instead changes of 26.8% (P = 0.56) and −3.3% (P = 0.84) were seen in RCC and TCC, respectively.

Conclusions

This study has shown that the Be Clear on Cancer ‘blood in pee’ mass media campaign significantly increased the number of new suspected cancer referrals, but there was no significant change in the diagnosis of target cancers across a large catchment. Mass media campaigns are expensive, require significant planning and appropriate implementation and, while the findings of this study do not challenge their fundamental objective, more work needs to be done to understand why no significant change in target cancers was observed. Further consideration should also be given to the increased referral burden that results from these campaigns, such that pre‐emptive strategies, including educational and process mapping, across primary and secondary care can be implemented.
Guided bone regeneration of peri‐implant defects with particulated and block xenogenic bone substitutes
Authors: Benic Goran I. , Thoma Daniel S. , Muñoz Fernando , Sanz Martin Ignacio , Jung Ronald E. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F.
Published: June 2015

Aim

To test whether an equine bone substitute block used for guided bone regeneration (GBR) of peri‐implant defects renders different results from bovine block or particulated bone substitutes regarding the dimensions of the augmented ridge and the amount of new bone.

Material and methods

Mandibular premolars and molars were extracted in eight dogs. After 4 months, four semi‐saddle bone defects were created in each mandible and one titanium implant was inserted into every site. Bone augmentation by GBR was attempted using the following randomly assigned modalities: (i) particulated deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) + a collagen membrane (CM), (ii) block DBBM + CM, (iii) equine bone substitute block + CM, and (iv) empty controls. After 4 months, one central and two lateral sections of each site were prepared. Descriptive histological and histomorphometrical assessments were performed evaluating the augmented area (AA) within the former bone defect, the area of mineralized tissue (MT), non‐mineralized tissue (NMT), and residual bone substitute (BS) within AA, the horizontal thicknesses of the augmented region (HTaugm) and of the mucosa (HTmucosa).

Results

At the central sections, AA measured 11.2 ± 3.3 mm2 for the equine block, 9.5 ± 2.6 mm2 for DBBM block, 7.9 ± 4.8 mm2 for particulated DBBM, and 2.4 ± 2.1 mm2 for the empty control. All GBR groups rendered significantly higher values of AA in comparison with control (P ≤ 0.05). The differences in AA between GBR groups did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). The equine block rendered the highest values in HTaugm, although only the differences between equine block and control as well as equine block and DBBM block were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). With respect to HTmucosa, all GBR groups reached significantly higher values compared to control (P ≤ 0.05). The equine block revealed the most pronounced signs of graft degradation.

Conclusions

Guided bone regeneration lead to higher ridge dimensions and thicker covering mucosa than empty controls. The equine block with CM resulted in the most favorable outcomes regarding the maintenance of ridge contour. There were no significant differences regarding amount of new bone between GBR treatments.
The effect of zirconia or titanium as abutment material on soft peri‐implant tissues: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Linkevicius Tomas , Vaitelis Julius
Published: June 2015

Aim

The objective of this review was to analyze research with regard to the effect of zirconia or titanium as abutment material on soft peri‐implant tissues.

Methods

Clinical studies were selected via electronic and hand searches in English language journals until December 1, 2014. Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and prospective controlled clinical trials (CCTs) showing direct comparison between zirconia (Zr) and titanium (Ti) abutments in the same patient were considered. The outcome measures were (1) soft tissue color, (2) soft tissue recession, (3) peri‐implant probing, (4) bleeding on probing, (5) esthetic indexes, (6) patient‐reported outcome, (7) marginal bone level, and (8) biological complications.

Results

Nine relevant studies (11 papers) were identified: 4 RCTs and 5 CCTs. Due to heterogeneity in the study design, statistical methods, and reported results, a meta‐analysis of the data was feasible only for soft tissue color. The outcome was found to be significantly superior for Zr abutments. For the other outcome measures, a qualitative analysis of the selected articles was performed. The studies did not show any statistically significant differences between Zr and Ti abutments on soft tissue recession, probing depths, bleeding on probing, marginal bone level, and patient‐reported outcome. One study reported significantly higher pink esthetic score (PES) scores at Zr implants with Zr abutments, compared to metal implants and Ti abutments.

Conclusion

Overall, the research does not support any obvious advantage of Ti or Zr abutments over each other. However, there is a significant tendency in Zr abutments evoking better color response of peri‐implant mucosa and superior esthetic outcome measured by PES score.
The Bonebridge Bone Conduction Hearing Implant: indication criteria, surgery and a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Sprinzl G.M. , Wolf‐Magele A.
Published: June 2015

Background

Hearing aids and implants employing bone conduction (BC) stimulation have a long tradition in the treatment of conductive or mixed hearing loss, with their indications being extended in the 2000s to include single‐sided deafness (SSD). Existing percutaneous bone conduction implants (BCI) provide significant audiological gain but are associated with a high rate of complications. This has led to the development of passive transcutaneous BCIs; however, audiological benefit may be compromised. An active transcutaneous BCI, the Bonebridge, was recently introduced and first implanted in 2011 as part of a clinical trial.

Objective of review

To introduce and assess the safety and effectiveness of the Bonebridge for individuals with conductive or mixed hearing loss, and SSD.

Type of review

Systematic review.

Search strategy

The Cochrane Library, PubMed and OVIDSP (MEDLINE) and EMBASE were searched to identify papers on the Bonebridge published as of June 2014. No exclusion criteria were set on publication language, study design or reported outcomes. The literature found was supplemented by presentations from relevant conferences.

Evaluation method

Study selection, data extraction and study quality assessment were carried out by a single reviewer with any uncertainties resolved with consulting a second reviewer. Studies were synthesised narratively and results were tabulated.

Results

A total of 29 studies, 17 published and 12 presentations, were identified. The highest quality evidence was from three single‐arm trials. In those assessing the safety of implantation, 6 of 117 patients experienced a minor adverse event with superficial revision surgery being required in one case. Studies demonstrated improved hearing thresholds and speech recognition with the Bonebridge when compared to no aiding in adults and children with either type of hearing loss. This was reflected in high device satisfaction rates. Data collected in the second year of device use further suggest the benefit to remain constant.

Conclusion

The transcutaneous BCI system Bonebridge provides a valuable and stable audiological benefit to patients suffering from conductive or mixed hearing loss and SSD. With its active transcutaneous design, the Bonebridge offers a lower complication rate to percutaneous systems and higher and more reliable hearing gain compared to other transcutaneous or percutaneous systems. Moreover, the fast activation of the implant system enables the recipient of the system to benefit in a short time frame postoperatively from the intervention.
Small on the left, large on the right: numbers orient visual attention onto space in preverbal infants
Authors: Bulf Hermann , de Hevia Maria Dolores , Macchi Cassia Viola
Published: June 2015

Numbers are represented as ordered magnitudes along a spatially oriented number line. While culture and formal education modulate the direction of this number–space mapping, it is a matter of debate whether its emergence is entirely driven by cultural experience. By registering 8–9‐month‐old infants’ eye movements, this study shows that numerical cues are critical in orienting infants’ visual attention towards a peripheral region of space that is congruent with the number's relative position on a left‐to‐right oriented representational continuum. This finding provides the first direct evidence that, in humans, the association between numbers and oriented spatial codes occurs before the acquisition of symbols or exposure to formal education, suggesting that the number line is not merely a product of human invention.
Electrophysiological correlates of observational learning in children
Authors: Rodriguez Buritica Julia M. , Eppinger Ben , Schuck Nicolas W. , Heekeren Hauke R. , Li Shu‐Chen
Published: June 2015

Observational learning is an important mechanism for cognitive and social development. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying observational learning in children are not well understood. In this study, we used a probabilistic reward‐based observational learning paradigm to compare behavioral and electrophysiological markers of individual and observational reinforcement learning in 8‐ to 10‐year‐old children. Specifically, we manipulated the amount of observable information as well as children's similarity in age to the observed person (same‐aged child vs. adult) to examine the effects of similarity in age on the integration of observed information in children. We show that the feedback‐related negativity (FRN) during individual reinforcement learning reflects the valence of outcomes of own actions. Furthermore, we found that the feedback‐related negativity during observational reinforcement learning (oFRN) showed a similar distinction between outcome valences of observed actions. This suggests that the oFRN can serve as a measure of observational learning in middle childhood. Moreover, during observational learning children profited from the additional social information and imitated the choices of their own peers more than those of adults, indicating that children have a tendency to conform more with similar others (e.g. their own peers) compared to dissimilar others (adults). Taken together, our results show that children can benefit from integrating observable information and that oFRN may serve as a measure of observational learning in children.
Child‐directed teaching and social learning at 18 months of age: evidence from Yucatec Mayan andUSinfants
Authors: Shneidman Laura , Gaskins Suzanne , Woodward Amanda
Published: June 2015

In several previous studies, 18‐month‐old infants who were directly addressed demonstrated more robust imitative behaviors than infants who simply observed another's actions, leading theorists to suggest that child‐directed interactions carried unique informational value. However, these data came exclusively from cultural communities where direct teaching is commonplace, raising the possibility that the findings reflect regularities in infants' social experiences rather than responses to innate or a priori learning mechanisms. The current studies consider infants' imitative learning from child‐directed teaching and observed interaction in two cultural communities, a Yucatec Mayan village where infants have been described as experiencing relatively limited direct instruction (Study 1) and aUScity where infants are regularly directly engaged (Study 2). Eighteen‐month‐old infants from each community participated in a within‐subjects study design where they were directly taught to use novel objects on one day and observed actors using different objects on another day. Mayan infants showed relative increases in imitative behaviors on their second visit to the lab as compared to their first visit, but there was no effect of condition.USinfants showed no difference in imitative behavior in the child‐directed vs. observed conditions; however, infants who were directly addressed on their first visit showed significantly higher overall imitation rates than infants who observed on their first visit. Together, these findings call into question the idea that child‐directed teaching holds automatic or universal informational value.
A rewilding agenda for Europe: creating a network of experimental reserves
Authors: Jepson Paul
Published: June 2015

In the context of aging European conservation institutions rewilding has emerged as a popular and scientific expression of new directions in ecology and conservation management associated with the restoration of ecosystem function through reassembly of trophic levels involving the reintroduction of large mammals. It introduces a radical new natural archetype that evokes a positive environmentalism. The Oostvaardersplassen experiment in the Netherlands demonstrates the agency of rewilding for nature development and engaging diverse publics in debates on what is natural and the future of conservation policy. If conservation is to retain its cultural and policy visibility and influence in a 21st century multi‐cultural Europe, our conservation institutions and the natures we value must adapt. In this forum I frame rewilding as an asset for institutional adaptation that is being constrained by substantive institutional and societal resistance. I argue the need for strategic investment in a European network of experimental rewilding sites. These would bring rewilding into densely populated areas, develop the science and practice of ecosystem restoration, and promote public debate on nature conservation futures. The ‘Fitness check’ of European nature conservation legislation mandated in 2014 is a case of high politics. In this situation, compromise and negotiation is inevitable and the environmental lobby needs something to advocate as well as defend. A rewilding agenda could fulfil this need.
Successful treatment of mast cell activation syndrome with sunitinib
Authors: Afrin Lawrence B. , Cichocki Frank M. , Patel Kamal , Molderings Gerhard J.
Published: June 2015

Mast cell (MC) activation syndrome (MCAS) is a recently recognized, likely prevalent collection of heterogeneous illnesses of inappropriate MC activation with little to no MC neoplasia likely driven by heterogeneous patterns of constitutively activating mutations in MC regulatory elements including various tyrosine kinases (TKs, dominantly KIT). MCAS typically presents as chronic multisystem polymorbidity of generally inflammatory ± allergic theme. As with indolent systemic mastocytosis (SM), treatment of MCAS focuses more against MC mediators than MC neoplasia, but some cases prove refractory even to the TK inhibitor (TKI) imatinib reported useful both in uncommon SM cases not bearing SM's usual imatinib‐resistant KIT‐D816V mutation and in some cases of MCAS (which rarely bears KIT‐D816V). Most allergy is principally a MC activation phenomenon and sunitinib is a multitargeted TKI shown helpful in controlling a murine model of oral allergy syndrome. We present the first report of use of sunitinib in life‐threatening MCAS refractory to multiple agents including imatinib achieving immediate, complete, sustained, non‐toxic remission suggesting a new option for treatment of aggressive MC disease.
G6PD deficiency and absence of α‐thalassemia increase the risk for cerebral vasculopathy in children with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Joly Philippe , Garnier Nathalie , Kebaili Kamila , Renoux Céline , Dony Arthur , Cheikh Nathalie , Renard Cécile , Ceraulo Antony , Cuzzubbo Daniela , Pondarré Corinne , Martin Cyril , Pialoux Vincent , Francina Alain , Bertrand Yves , Connes Philippe
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to test the association between hematological/genetic factors and cerebral vasculopathy in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA). A group with cerebral vasculopathy (VASC) was composed of children who had stroke (n = 6), silent infarct (n = 11), or an abnormal transcranial Doppler (n = 5). Eighty‐four patients had neither positive history of stroke or silent infarct, nor abnormal transcranial Doppler (NORM group). An intermediate group (COND; n = 15) was composed of SCA children with a conditional transcranial Doppler. Biological analyses were performed on samples obtained at steady state and before the beginning of any chronic treatment. The comparisons of the three groups demonstrated a protective effect of α‐thalassemia against cerebral vasculopathy through its effects on hemoglobin and reticulocyte levels. Moreover, we observed higher frequency of G6PD deficiency in the VASC group compared with the other groups. Our study confirms the key role of α‐thalassemia and G6PD status in the pathophysiology of cerebral vasculopathy in SCA children.
Ubiquitin: a potential cerebrospinal fluid progression marker in Huntington's disease
Authors: Vinther‐Jensen T. , Simonsen A. H. , Budtz‐Jørgensen E. , Hjermind L. E. , Nielsen J. E.
Published: June 2015

Background

Finding early and dynamic biomarkers in Huntington's disease is a key to understanding the early pathology of Huntington's disease and potentially to tracking disease progression. This would benefit the future evaluation of potential neuroprotective and disease‐modifying therapies, as well as aid in identifying an optimal time point for initiating a potential therapeutic intervention.

Methods

This explorative proteomics study evaluated cerebrospinal fluid from 94 Huntington's disease gene‐expansion carriers (39 premanifest and 55 manifest) and 27 Huntington's disease gene‐expansion negative individuals using surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (SELDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry. Differences in peak intensity from SELDI‐TOF spectra were evaluated.

Results

Levels of 10 peaks were statistically significantly different between manifest gene‐expansion carriers and controls. One of them identified as ubiquitin was shown to be dependent on the Unified Huntington Disease Rating Scale Total Functional Capacity, a pseudo‐measure of disease severity (P = 0.001), and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (0.04) in manifest and CAG−age product score (P = 0.019) in all gene‐expansion carriers.

Conclusions and relevance

Multiple studies have shown that the ubiquitin‐proteasome system is involved in Huntington's disease pathogenesis and understanding of this involvement may have therapeutic potential in humans. This is the first study on cerebrospinal fluid to confirm the involvement of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system in Huntington's disease. Furthermore it is shown that ubiquitin increases with disease progression and CAG−age product score and therefore may have the potential as a Huntington's disease progression marker, also prior to motor onset.
Motor complications in an incident Parkinson's disease cohort
Authors: Scott N. W. , Macleod A. D. , Counsell C. E.
Published: June 2015

Background and purpose

Levodopa treatment in Parkinson's disease (PD) causes motor fluctuations and dyskinesias, but few data describe their development or severity in unselected incident cohorts.

Methods

Demographic, clinical, treatment, smoking, caffeine and alcohol data from 183 people with PD were gathered from the Parkinsonism Incidence in Northeast Scotland (PINE) study, a community‐based, incident cohort. With Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression modelling the development, and severity, of dyskinesias and motor fluctuations and which factors independently influenced their onset were assessed.

Results

After a mean follow‐up of 59 months, 39 patients (21.3%) developed motor fluctuations and 52 (28.4%) developed dyskinesias. Kaplan–Meier estimates of the probability of motor fluctuations and dyskinesias after 5 years of dopaminergic treatment were 29.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 21.5%–38.8%] and 37.0% (95% CI 28.5%–47.1%) respectively. 19.8% developed motor fluctuations requiring treatment changes but only 4.0% (95% CI 1.5%–10.4%) developed dyskinesias requiring treatment changes by 5 years. Cumulative levodopa dose [hazard ratio (HR) 1.38 (95% CI 1.19–1.60)], female sex [HR 2.41 (1.19–4.89)] and younger age at diagnosis [HR 1.08 (1.04–1.11)] were independently associated with development of motor fluctuations. Cumulative levodopa dose [HR 1.23 (1.08–1.40)] and female sex [HR 2.51 (1.40–4.51)] were independently associated with dyskinesias. In exploratory analyses, moderate caffeine exposure was associated with fewer motor fluctuations, longer symptom duration with more dyskinesias, and tremor at diagnosis with higher rates of both complications.

Conclusions

In this community‐based incident PD cohort, severe dyskinesias were rare. Cumulative levodopa dose was the strongest predictor of both dyskinesias and motor fluctuations.
In‐hospital costs in patients with seizures and epilepsy after stroke
Authors: Guekht Alla , Mizinova Maria , Ershov Andrey , Guz Denis , Kaimovsky Igor , Messina Paolo , Beghi Ettore
Published: June 2015

Objectives

To verify the net effect of seizures after stroke on the use of in‐hospital health care resources.

Methods

Consecutive patients with first‐ever stroke were admitted to the stroke unit of a Moscow hospital and followed prospectively until death or discharge. Each patient experiencing seizures was matched for age, sex, stroke type, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission, and stroke risk factors to 2+ patients with no seizures, as controls. Resources consumed included length of hospital stay, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), diagnostic tests, medical consultations and treatments. Cost estimates were based on the Russian National Health Service perspective.

Results

The sample comprised 30 patients with in‐hospital seizures and 70 matched controls. Patients dying in hospital were 15 of 30 (50%) versus 4 of 70 (5.7%) (p < 0.001). The overall cost of hospital stay was only slightly (nonsignificantly) higher in patients with seizures, but the cost was significantly higher in patients who died than in patients who were discharged alive. Compared to the controls, patients with seizures spent more intensive care unit (ICU) days and required more computed tomography (CT) scans, x‐rays, endoscopies, and specialist consultations, causing higher in‐hospital costs.

Significance

In patients with first‐ever stroke, seizures per se do not increase the overall in‐hospital costs. However, the higher than expected mortality in patients with seizures is associated with additional hospital costs.
Clinically significant, nontraumatic, degenerative joint disease of the temporomandibular joints in a horse
Authors: Smyth T. , Allen A. L. , Carmalt J. L.
Published: June 2015

Horses with degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) have been reported infrequently, with the majority of cases describing the disease as a consequence of an earlier traumatic event. A case of clinically significant TMJ‐DJD due to a nontraumatic event has not been published. This retrospective case report describes a case of bilateral, DJD of the TMJ. Case management, subsequent review and interpretation of the clinical records, tangential radiographic views of each TMJ, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the head, and post mortem histological examination of the TMJs were performed. The horse exhibited both quidding and a ‘clicking’ sound during mastication; episodes of intermittent colic were also prevalent in the horse's history. Computed tomography illustrated bilateral mineralisation of the rostral aspect of both intra‐articular discs. Treatment, by intra‐articular injection of corticosteroid, resulted in temporary resolution of both the quidding and the ‘clicking’ sound, as well as the recurrent episodes of colic. Repeated treatment over time was required. Ultimately the horse was subjected to euthanasia for reasons other than disease of the TMJ. The development of TMJ‐DJD may not be confined to traumatic events. Age‐related degeneration of this joint may occur and manifest through quidding and abnormal sounds noted during mastication.
Rigidity versus flexibility: the dilemma of understanding protein thermal stability
Authors: Karshikoff Andrey , Nilsson Lennart , Ladenstein Rudolf
Published: June 2015

The role of fluctuations in protein thermostability has recently received considerable attention. In the current literature a dualistic picture can be found: thermostability seems to be associated with enhanced rigidity of the protein scaffold in parallel with the reduction of flexible parts of the structure. In contradiction to such arguments it has been shown by experimental studies and computer simulation that thermal tolerance of a protein is not necessarily correlated with the suppression of internal fluctuations and mobility. Both concepts, rigidity and flexibility, are derived from mechanical engineering and represent temporally insensitive features describing static properties, neglecting that relative motion at certain time scales is possible in structurally stable regions of a protein. This suggests that a strict separation of rigid and flexible parts of a protein molecule does not describe the reality correctly. In this work the concepts of mobility/flexibility versus rigidity will be critically reconsidered by taking into account molecular dynamics calculations of heat capacity and conformational entropy, salt bridge networks, electrostatic interactions in folded and unfolded states, and the emerging picture of protein thermostability in view of recently developed network theories. Last, but not least, the influence of high temperature on the active site and activity of enzymes will be considered.