bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity assessment of sea lice to chemotherapeutants: Current bioassays and best practices
Authors: Marín S L , Mancilla J , Hausdorf M A , Bouchard D , Tudor M S , Kane F
Published: December 2017

Traditional bioassays are still necessary to test sensitivity of sea lice species to chemotherapeutants, but the methodology applied by the different scientists has varied over time in respect to that proposed in “Sea lice resistance to chemotherapeutants: A handbook in resistance management” (2006). These divergences motivated the organization of a workshop during the Sea Lice 2016 conference “Standardization of traditional bioassay process by sharing best practices.” There was an agreement by the attendants to update the handbook. The objective of this article is to provide a baseline analysis of the methodology for traditional bioassays and to identify procedures that need to be addressed to standardize the protocol. The methodology was divided into the following steps: bioassay design; material and equipment; sea lice collection, transportation and laboratory reception; preparation of dilution; parasite exposure; response evaluation; data analysis; and reporting. Information from the presentations of the workshop, and also from other studies, allowed for the identification of procedures inside a given step that need to be standardized as they were reported to be performed differently by the different working groups. Bioassay design and response evaluation were the targeted steps where more procedures need to be analysed and agreed upon.
Effect of ohmic heating on fundamental properties of protein in soybean milk
Authors: Li Xuerui , Ye Changwen , Tian Yan , Pan Siyi , Wang Lufeng
Published: December 2017

The structure and functional properties of heated soybean milk protein were measured and compared between ohmic heating (17, 23, 30, and 37 V/cm) and common resistance wire heating. The results showed that the number of free amino groups increased by 14%; total sulfhydryl content and surface hydrophobicity decreased; the protein structure was not significantly changed; functional properties and foaming activity were reduced by 10, 15, 35, and 40% for the different voltage ohmic heating; foam stability was reduced by 28.3, 12.9, 18.3, and 8.3%, respectively; the EAI of ohmic heating increased by 38%, whereas the ESI decreased by 65%. Soybean protein has been reported to be denaturalized in traditional heating. As a resistor, in situ vibration was conducted inside the molecule when it is heated via electricity. It can be assumed that ohmic heating is conducive to the improvement of functional properties, digestion, and absorption of soybean milk protein.

Practical applications

This study explored effects of voltage ranges on soybean milk quality and structure and functional properties. After ohmic heating treatment, the structure and functional properties of protein in soybean milk greatly changed relative to traditional heating treatment. The application of ohmic heating for soybean milk was found very successful in reducing heating time and producing nutrient products. The same goes for the other fruit and vegetable products, it is of great directive significance to ohmic heating processing industry for them.
Multipoint scanning dual‐detection confocal microscopy for fast 3D volumetric measurement
Authors: LEE D. , GWEON D.‐G. , YOO H.
Published: December 2017

We propose a multipoint scanning dual‐detection confocal microscopy (MS‐DDCM) system for fast 3D volumetric measurements. Unlike conventional confocal microscopy, MS‐DDCM can accomplish surface profiling without axial scanning. Also, to rapidly obtain 2D images, the MS‐DDCM employs a multipoint scanning technique, with a digital micromirror device used to produce arrays of effective pinholes, which are then scanned. The MS‐DDCM is composed of two CCDs: one collects the conjugate images and the other collects nonconjugate images. The ratio of the axial response curves, measured by the two detectors, provides a linear relationship between the height of the sample surface and the ratio of the intensity signals. Furthermore, the difference between the two images results in enhanced contrast. The normalising effect of the MS‐DDCM provides accurate sample heights, even when the reflectance distribution of the surface varies. Experimental results confirmed that the MS‐DDCM achieved high‐speed surface profiling with improved image contrast capability.
Homeowner Borrowing and Housing Collateral: New Evidence from Expiring Price Controls
Authors: DEFUSCO ANTHONY A.
Published: December 2017

I empirically analyze how changes in access to housing collateral affect homeowner borrowing behavior. To isolate the role of collateral constraints from that of wealth effects, I exploit the fully anticipated expiration of resale price controls on owner‐occupied housing in Montgomery County, Maryland. I estimate a marginal propensity to borrow out of housing collateral that ranges between $0.04 and $0.13 and is correlated with homeowners' initial leverage. Additional analysis of residential investment and ex‐post loan performance indicates that some of the extracted funds generated new expenditures. These results suggest a potentially important role for collateral constraints in driving household expenditures.
Payment Evasion
Authors: Buehler Stefan , Halbheer Daniel , Lechner Michael
Published: December 2017

This paper shows that a firm can use the purchase price and the fine imposed on detected payment evaders to discriminate between unobservable consumer types. Assuming that consumers self‐select into regular buyers and payment evaders, we show that the firm typically engages in second‐degree price discrimination in which the purchase price exceeds the expected fine. In addition, we find that higher fines do not necessarily reduce payment evasion. We illustrate with data from fare dodging on public transportation.
Digging Deep to Compete: Vertical Integration, Product Market Competition and Prices
Authors: McGowan Danny
Published: December 2017

This article establishes a causal effect of product market competition on vertical integration. I exploit a hitherto unexplored natural experiment in the U.S. coal mining industry and a unique mine‐level organizational data set. Following an exogenous increase in product market competition, the incidence of vertical integration fell by 33% within the treatment group relative to the counterfactual. I find novel evidence that transition to the lower degree of vertical integration is driven by competition's reducing market prices by 32% which decreased the incentive to conduct vertical mergers. I discuss several possible interpretations of these changes.
Survey for the presence of a vitronectin–like protein in micro‐ and macroalgae and cyanobacteria
Authors: Field Lacey M. , Fagerberg Wayne R. , Böttger S. Anne
Published: December 2017

Vitronectin (Vn) is a glycoprotein that serves a wide variety of roles in multicellular organisms. It was first identified in multicellular animals but has also been isolated from land plants and some algae, where it appears to serve as an extracellular adhesive molecule. In order to further elucidate presence and localization of a Vn–like protein and its potential role in algae, we surveyed different morphological regions of 24 species of macro‐ and microalgae and three species of cyanobacteria for the presence of a Vn–like protein. Vn–like proteins were not detected in any of the species of cyanobacteria, microalgae or Rhodophyta investigated. They were detected in several species of the Phaeophyceae and Chlorophyta where their localization was limited to the holdfast and rhizoids of these organisms, respectively. Detection of a Vn–like protein (between 0.0125 and 0.097 μg · μL−1 protein extract) was therefore limited to locations associated with substrate attachment.
IMBES Pre‐Conference: Using Insight From Research to Improve Education
Authors: Commissar Lia , Brookman‐Byrne Annie
Published: December 2017

In September 2016, the International Mind, Brain, and Education Society (IMBES) biennial conference took place in Toronto, Canada. The pre‐conference (organized by the Wellcome Trust) was designed to share new findings, lessons learned, and inspirational innovation within the field, and to encourage the community to not only identify current challenges, but to start planning potential ways to address them. This article provides a brief summary of the discussions from the day, and suggests steps that members of the community, conference organizers, and funders can take in helping to move the field forward. Finally, it outlines new work Wellcome has commissioned since the conference in response to some of the challenges defined on the day.
Revisiting ‘the Nature of Protestantism’: Justification by Faith Five Hundred Years On
Authors: Zahl Simeon
Published: December 2017

This article builds on contemporary debates about the doctrine of justification by faith alone to revisit the old question of the “nature of Protestantism”. Traditionally a core feature of Protestant theology, the doctrine of sola fide has been under assault for the past forty years, including within Protestant theology. This essay begins by showing that the major contemporary critique that sola fide bases salvation on a “legal fiction” misses the way that early Reformers like Luther and Melanchthon understood the doctrine very substantially in terms of its pastoral power to “console” consciences. Attending to the theme of “consolation” reveals a psychological and affective realism close to the heart of the doctrine of justification by faith alone as it was originally understood. This article then shows that traditional Protestant critiques of the reliability of external mechanisms and instruments in the mediation of grace were shaped by the same orientation to psychological and affective factors that are evident in the doctrine of justification. Together, these observations suggest that “the nature of Protestantism” may be usefully understood in terms of a foundational prioritization of psychological and affective considerations over metaphysical considerations in theology.
Precise editing of CLAVATA genes in Brassica napus L. regulates multilocular silique development
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhu Kaiyu , Li Huailin , Han Shaoqing , Meng Qingwei , Khan Shahid Ullah , Fan Chuchuan , Xie Kabin , Zhou Yongming
Published: December 2017

Multilocular silique is a desirable agricultural trait with great potential for the development of high‐yield varieties of Brassica. To date, no spontaneous or induced multilocular mutants have been reported in Brassica napus, which likely reflects its allotetraploid nature and the extremely low probability of the simultaneous random mutagenesis of multiple gene copies with functional redundancy. Here, we present evidence for the efficient knockout of rapeseed homologues of CLAVATA3 (CLV3) for a secreted peptide and its related receptors CLV1 and CLV2 in the CLV signalling pathway using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and achieved stable transmission of the mutations across three generations. Each BnCLV gene has two copies located in two subgenomes. The multilocular phenotype can be recovered only in knockout mutations of both copies of each BnCLV gene, illustrating that the simultaneous alteration of multiple gene copies by CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis has great potential in generating agronomically important mutations in rapeseed. The mutagenesis efficiency varied widely from 0% to 48.65% in T0 with different single‐guide RNAs (sgRNAs), indicating that the appropriate selection of the sgRNA is important for effectively generating indels in rapeseed. The double mutation of BnCLV3 produced more leaves and multilocular siliques with a significantly higher number of seeds per silique and a higher seed weight than the wild‐type and single mutant plants, potentially contributing to increased seed production. We also assessed the efficiency of the horizontal transfer of Cas9/gRNA cassettes by pollination. Our findings reveal the potential for plant breeding strategies to improve yield traits in currently cultivated rapeseed varieties.
Charges and resource utilization for pediatric heart transplantation across a positive virtual and/or cytotoxicity crossmatch
Authors: West Shawn C. , Webber Steven A. , Zeevi Adriana , Miller Susan A. , Morell Victor O. , Feingold Brian
Published: December 2017

There is growing acceptance of transplantation across a positive crossmatch for highly allosensitized pediatric HT candidates. While survival may be similar to patients transplanted across a negative crossmatch, costs are unknown. Among 60 HT recipients at our center from 5/07 to 6/12, we analyzed hospital charges and length of stay from the day of HT to discharge and through the first year after transplant. Median age at HT was 6.2 years (15 days‐20.5 years). Charges in the first year post‐HT were greater for crossmatch‐positive patients ($907 678 vs $549 754; P = .017), with a trend toward higher charges for the HT hospitalization ($537 640 vs $407 374; P = .07). Plasmapheresis was more common in crossmatch‐positive patients during the HT hospitalization (80% vs 4%, P < .001). In the first year after HT, crossmatch‐positive patients had a greater number of endomyocardial biopsies (10 vs 7.5, P = .03) and episodes of treated rejection (2 vs 0, P = .004). Pediatric HT across a positive crossmatch is associated with higher first‐year costs, including increased use of plasmapheresis and care around an increased number of rejections. These novel data will help inform decision and policymaking regarding care practices for the growing population of highly sensitized pediatric HT candidates.
Biogenic Hierarchical MIL‐125/TiO2@SiO2 Derived from Rice Husk and Enhanced Photocatalytic Properties for Dye Degradation
Authors: Zhaohui Huang , Hui Chen , Lei Zhao , Xuan He , Weixin Li , Wei Fang , Guanghui Wang
Published: December 2017

The hierarchical porous heterostructured MIL‐125/TiO2@SiO2 composites are successfully obtained by biogenic‐templated method using rice husk both as biomorphic. The products are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, N2‐adsorption‐desorption analysis, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results reveal that MIL‐125/TiO2@SiO2 possesses a hierarchical porous structure in scale from micrometer to nanometer with high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area (385.7–902.7 m2 g−1). The photocatalytic mechanism was discussed in detail. Meanwhile, the activity of MIL‐125/TiO2@SiO2 for the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B in aqueous medium is significantly higher than that of P25. The current work provides some concept and methods in the development of MOF‐based photocatalysts.
Synthesis of AgCl/Ag3PO4 Composite Photocatalysts and Study on Photodegradation Activity Based on a Continuous Reactor
Authors: Zhao Xiaofei , Song Limin , Zhang Shujuan
Published: December 2017

Novel AgCl/Ag3PO4 photocatalysts were synthesized by a simple precipitation method, in which AgCl was coated onto Ag3PO4 particles, as uncovered by X‐ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy and ultraviolet–visible spectrometry. Different from previous research on photocatalytic degradation, we studied the performance of methyl orange photodegradation on a small continuous flow reactor. The highest degradation activity of 97% was achieved by the 2 wt.% AgCl/Ag3PO4 after 8 min of visible light irradiation, while pure Ag3PO4 degraded only 71% methyl orange under same conditions. The degradation rate constant of the 2 wt.% AgCl/Ag3PO4 was 1.36 times higher than that of pure Ag3PO4. The AgCl/Ag3PO4 maintained high photocatalytic activity after five cycles, without any significant decrease.
Photobiomodulation in the Metabolism of Lipopolysaccharides‐exposed Epithelial Cells and Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Pansani Taisa Nogueira , Basso Fernanda Gonçalves , Soares Diana Gabriela , Turrioni Ana Paula da Silveira , Hebling Josimeri , de Souza Costa Carlos Alberto
Published: December 2017

This study assessed the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) to cells previously exposed to lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and epithelial cells (HaCaT) were seeded in wells of 24‐well plates containing complete culture medium (DMEM). After 24 h, the DMEM was replaced by serum‐free DMEM, and cells were exposed to LPS of Escherichia coli (E. coli) (10 μg mL−1) for 24, 48, and 72 h. The cells were subjected to specific parameters of phototherapy (PT) (LASERTable—InGaAsP—780 ± 3 nm, 25 mW, 3 J cm−2). Cell proliferation (alamarBlue®), viability (Trypan Blue) and synthesis of CCL2 (ELISA) were evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed by the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney test (α = 5%). Proliferation and viability of both cell lines decreased after LPS treatment at 48 and 72 h. Enhanced synthesis of CCL2 by gingival fibroblasts occurred at 24 h, while epithelial cells increased synthesis of this chemokine at 48 and 72 h. PBM enhanced cell proliferation and viability in a time‐dependent manner for both cell lines exposed or not to LPS, while synthesis of CCL2 by cells exposed to PT decreased over time. PBM caused biomodulatory effects on gingival fibroblasts and epithelial cells previously treated with LPS. These effects may decrease tissue inflammatory response and accelerate wound healing of oral mucosal tissue.
Demodex canis targets TLRs to evade host immunity and induce canine demodicosis
Authors: Kumari P. , Nigam R. , Choudhury S. , Singh S. K. , Yadav B. , Kumar D. , Garg S. K.
Published: December 2017

Widespread incidence of Demodex mites throughout the mammalian class and occasional serious and fatal outcomes in dogs warrant an insight into the host‐parasite interface especially. Therefore, this study was aimed to unravel the interplay between innate immune response and canine demodicosis. The dogs diagnosed to have natural clinical demodicosis were allocated into two groups; dogs with localized demodicosis (LD) and with generalized demodicosis (GD). The expression of toll‐like receptors (TLRs) 2, 4 and 6 genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of these dogs was quantified by real‐time PCR. Significantly increased TLR2 gene expression, while significantly diminished TLR4 and TLR6 gene expressions were observed in demodicosed dogs (LD and GD) as compared with the healthy ones. Even the expression of TLR2 gene was found to differ significantly between the dogs with LD and GD. Therefore, it can be inferred that clinical demodicosis in dogs is coupled with an up‐regulation of TLR2 and down‐regulation of TLR4 and TLR6 gene expressions. Overexpression of TLR2 gene might be responsible for Demodex‐induced clinical manifestations, while TLR4 and TLR6 gene down‐regulations could be the paramount strategy of Demodex mites to elude the host‐immune interface.
Data Science Applications in Indian Agriculture
Authors: Devalkar Sripad K. , Seshadri Sridhar , Ghosh Chitrabhanu , Mathias Allen
Published: December 2017

Agricultural supply chains in the developing world face the daunting task of feeding a growing population in the coming decades. Along with the provision of food, sustaining livelihoods, enhancing nutrition and the ability to cope with rapid changes in the environment and marketplaces are equally important to millions of small farmers. Data science can help in many ways. In this article, we outline the beginnings of data science applications in Indian agriculture. We cover various initiatives such as data collection, visualization and information dissemination, and applications of algorithmic data analysis techniques for decision support. We describe one application under development that provides timely price information to farmers, traders, and policy makers.
What Do We Know about Risk Factors for Fetal Growth Restriction in Africa at the Time of Sustainable Development Goals? A Scoping Review
Authors: Accrombessi Manfred , Zeitlin Jennifer , Massougbodji Achille , Cot Michel , Briand Valérie
Published: December 2017

Background

The reduction in the under‐5 year mortality rate to at least as low as 25 per 1000 livebirths by 2030 has been implemented as one of the new Sustainable Development Goals. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is one of the most important determinants of infant mortality in developing countries. In this review, we assess the extent of the literature and summarize its findings on the main preventable factors of FGR in Africa.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Five bibliographic databases and grey literature were used to identify studies assessing at least one risk factor for FGR. Aggregate risk estimates for the main factors associated with FGR were calculated.

Results

Forty‐five of a total of 671 articles were selected for the review. The prevalence of FGR varied between 2.6 and 59.2% according to both the African region and the definition of FGR. The main preventable factors reported were a low maternal nutritional status (aggrerate odds ratio [OR]: 2.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.59, 3.25), HIV infection (aOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.38, 2.50), malaria (aOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.04, 3.66), and gestational hypertension (aOR 2.61, 95% CI 2.42, 2.82).

Conclusion

FGR is, to a large extent, preventable through existing efficacious interventions dedicated to malaria, HIV and nutrition. Further studies are still needed to assess the influence of risk factors most commonly documented in high‐income countries. Improving research on FGR in Africa requires a consensual and standardized definition of FGR—for a higher comparability—between studies and settings.
A Brief Argument For Consciousness Without Access
Authors: D'Aloisio‐Montilla Nicholas
Published: December 2017

This paper proposes a new argument in favour of the claim that phenomenal consciousness overflows – that is, has a far higher capacity than – cognitive access. It shows that opponents of overflow implicate a necessary role for visual imagery in the change detection paradigm. However, empirical evidence suggests that there is no correlation between visual imagery abilities and performance in this paradigm. Since the use of imagery is not implicated in the performance strategy of subjects, we find a new argument for consciousness without access.
Effects of landscape setting on oyster reef structure and function largely persist more than a decade post‐restoration
Authors: Ziegler Shelby L. , Grabowski Jonathan H. , Baillie Christopher J. , Fodrie F. J.
Published: December 2017

Long‐term monitoring is vital to understanding the efficacy of restoration approaches and how restoration may enhance ecosystem functions. We revisited restored oyster reefs 13 years post‐restoration and quantified the resident and transient fauna that utilize restored reefs in three differing landscape contexts: on mudflats isolated from vegetated habitat, along the edge of salt marsh, and in between seagrass and salt marsh habitat. Differences observed 1–2 years post‐restoration in reef development and associated fauna within reefs restored on mudflats versus adjacent to seagrass/salt marsh and salt marsh‐only habitats persisted more than 10 years post‐restoration. Reefs constructed on open mudflat habitats had the highest densities of oysters and resident invertebrates compared to those in other landscape contexts, although all restored reefs continued to enhance local densities of invertebrate taxa (e.g. bivalves, gastropods, decapods, polychaetes, etc.). Catch rates of juvenile fishes were enhanced on restored reefs relative to controls, but to a lesser extent than directly post‐restoration, potentially because the reefs have grown vertically within the intertidal and out of the preferred inundation regime of small juvenile fishes. Reef presence and landscape setting did not augment the catch rates of piscivorous fishes in passive gill nets, similar to initial findings; however, hook‐and‐line catch rates were greater on restored reefs than non‐reef controls. We conclude that ecosystem functions and associated services provided by restored habitats can vary both spatially and temporally; therefore, a better understanding of how service delivery varies among landscape setting and over time should enhance efforts to model these processes and restoration decision‐making.
Functional flows: an environmental flow regime benefits riparian cottonwoods along the Waterton River, Alberta
Authors: Foster Stephen G. , Mahoney John M. , Rood Stewart B.
Published: December 2017

With drainage from the Waterton‐Glacier International Peace Park, the Waterton River was dammed in 1964 to trap spring flow and permit offstream diversion for irrigation. Field observations in the 1980s indicated some decrepit riparian woodlands suggesting drought stress of the black and narrowleaf cottonwoods (Populus trichocarpa, P. angustifolia) due to insufficient in‐stream flows. Subsequently, an environmental flow regime commenced in 1991 and provided “functional flows,” deliberately regulating in‐stream flow components intended to restore ecological processes and particularly (1) an increase of the minimum flow from 0.93 to 2.27 m3/s (mean discharge 21.9 m3/s) and (2) flow ramping, gradual recession after the spring peak. This study investigated the historic flow patterns and the growth, population age structure, and spatial distributions of riparian cottonwoods along the free‐flowing upstream and regulated downstream reaches over four dam operations intervals: the free‐flowing pre‐dam condition; the initial dammed interval to the mid‐1970s; a post‐dam and drought interval in the 1980s; and with the environmental flow regime. Analyses of sapling, shrub‐, and tree‐sized cottonwoods included tree ring analyses to determine ages and growth patterns, and distributions were assessed relative to streamside elevations and sediment textures. These indicated that there has been progressive cottonwood colonization after damming but the colonization band dropped in elevation with the reduced flow regime and the future woodlands could become narrower. The tree ring analyses indicated that the growth of established trees benefited from the functional flows and the increase in minimum flow was probably particularly beneficial to the riparian cottonwoods.
Co‐morbidity and mortality among patients with interstitial lung diseases: A population‐based study
Authors: Hilberg Ole , Bendstrup Elisabeth , Løkke Anders , Ibsen Rikke , Fløe Andreas , Hyldgaard Charlotte
Published: December 2017

Background and objective

Co‐morbidities are frequent among patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILD). The objective of this study was to investigate their impact on mortality.

Methods

We used the Danish National Patient Registry (DNPR) to identify all patients with a first‐time diagnosis of ILD between 1998 and 2010. Patients with ILD were matched 1:4 with controls from the background population. The burden of co‐morbidity was assessed using the Deyo–Charlson co‐morbidity score (DCcs). Mortality risks were assessed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves, and hazard rate ratios (HRR) for death were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

We identified 10 629 patients with ILD with a corresponding incidence estimate of ILD in Denmark of 17.6 per 100 000 inhabitants (95% CI: 16.5–18.7). Mean age was 72 years and 45.6% of the patients were females. Co‐morbidity (DCcs ≥ 1) was present in 30% of the ILD patients and 12% of the controls (P < 0.001). The 5‐year survival was 56.0% (95% CI: 54.6–56.6) among ILD patients and 84.0% (95% CI: 83.7–84.4) among controls. HRR for death among patients with ILD was 3.82 for males (95% CI: 3.63–4.02) and 3.85 for females (95% CI: 3.62–4.09) with matched controls as reference. Decreasing survival was seen with increasing DCcs for both groups. The 5‐year survival for DCcs = 0 was 61% for ILD and 87% for controls compared with 41% versus 58% for DCcs = 2.

Conclusion

Survival was impaired for patients with ILD for all levels of the DCcs, although increasing burden of co‐morbidity tended to close the mortality gap.
Patterns of use of long‐acting bronchodilators in patients with COPD: A nationwide follow‐up study of new users in New Zealand
Authors: Parkin Lianne , Barson David , Zeng Jiaxu , Horsburgh Simon , Sharples Katrina , Dummer Jack
Published: December 2017

Background and objective

While several studies have found that prescribing practices do not conform to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment guidelines, none have examined longitudinal patterns of use of long‐acting beta2‐agonist (LABA) and long‐acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) therapy across an entire country. We undertook a nationwide follow‐up study to describe treatment patterns in new users of long‐acting bronchodilators.

Methods

National health and pharmaceutical dispensing data were used to identify patients aged ≥45 years who initiated LABA and/or LAMA therapy for COPD between 1 February 2006 and 31 December 2013. Dispensings of LABAs, LAMAs and inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) were aggregated into episodes of use of therapeutic regimens. Kaplan–Meier curves, sunburst plots and sequence index plots were generated to summarize, respectively, the duration of the first regimen, the sequences in which unique regimens were used and the patterns of use and non‐use during follow‐up.

Results

The study cohort included 83 435 patients with 290 400 person‐years of follow‐up. The most commonly initiated regimen was a LABA with an ICS. ICS use was inconsistent with international guidelines: over‐ and under‐treatment occurred in patients with infrequent and frequent exacerbations, respectively, and ICS monotherapy was common. The median duration of the first regimen was 46 days. Many patients used multiple regimens over time and periods of non‐use were common.

Conclusion

In this nationwide study, patterns of use of LABAs, LAMAs and ICSs were complex and often did not comply with treatment guidelines. Further work is required to address the discrepancy between guidelines and prescribing practices.
Ask Not What Your Mentor Can Do for You…: The Role of Reciprocal Exchange in Maintaining Student–Teacher Mentorships
Authors: Ferguson Sherelle
Published: December 2017

Mentoring relationships between adolescents and adults are an important source of social capital that facilitates young people's academic and social development. Studies show that close relationships with teachers especially benefit socioeconomically disadvantaged adolescents, yet little is known about teacher‐mentors’ perspectives on mentorship. This study draws on in‐depth interviews with teachers in low‐income high schools and ethnographic observations to examine the dynamics that sustain student–teacher mentoring relationships. I engage social exchange frameworks to show that reciprocal exchanges that generated intangible rewards for teachers, such as gratitude and purpose, helped maintain mentorships. I find that teachers’ motivations to invest in students were contingent on the strength of the relationship. Teachers withdrew assistance when they perceived that relationships became nonreciprocal. The context in which teachers interacted with mentees and the form of support they had given also influenced their evaluations of reciprocity. These findings contribute to a growing body of literature on relationships that challenge strict divisions between the function of strong and weak ties. Further, these findings contribute to social capital literature by showing that once accessed, social capital does not lie latent as network ties maintain the same willingness to help. In actuality, resourceful ties must be maintained.
A signaling perspective on bureaucratic encounters: How public officials interpret signals and cues
Authors: Raaphorst Nadine , Van de Walle Steven
Published: December 2017

This article provides scholars studying frontline judgements an analytical framework—the signaling perspective—that could be used to examine how street‐level bureaucrats evaluate unobservable citizen‐client properties. It proposes to look not only at the kind of signals and cues officials gather, but also at the interpretive frames used to make sense of them. This offers a valuable contribution to the street‐level bureaucracy literature, which largely focuses on explaining discretionary decision making by looking at the influence of officials' personal preferences or client characteristics, but less on officials' interpretive frameworks to make sense of client characteristics. The analytical framework is illustrated by applying it to existing literature on trustworthiness judgements of social workers and police officers. Different interpretive frames were found from which frontline officials interpret citizen characteristics as signals. The article concludes by offering several avenues for future research.
Building an ACT‐R Reader for Eye‐Tracking Corpus Data
Authors: Dotlačil Jakub
Published: December 2017

Cognitive architectures have often been applied to data from individual experiments. In this paper, I develop an ACT‐R reader that can model a much larger set of data, eye‐tracking corpus data. It is shown that the resulting model has a good fit to the data for the considered low‐level processes. Unlike previous related works (most prominently, Engelmann, Vasishth, Engbert & Kliegl, ), the model achieves the fit by estimating free parameters of ACT‐R using Bayesian estimation and Markov‐Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques, rather than by relying on the mix of manual selection + default values. The method used in the paper is generalizable beyond this particular model and data set and could be used on other ACT‐R models.
Blood use in hematologic malignancies: a nationwide overview in Sweden between 2000 and 2010
Authors: Zhao Jingcheng , Rydén Jenny , Wikman Agneta , Norda Rut , Stanworth Simon J. , Hjalgrim Henrik , Edgren Gustaf
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Patients with hematologic malignancies receive large numbers of blood transfusions, and transfusion practices for this patient group are increasingly being scrutinized by randomized controlled trials. However, no studies so far have presented current transfusion statistics on a population level for this patient group.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted that was based on the Scandinavian Donations and Transfusions Database (SCANDAT2), which includes data on all blood donations and transfusions in Sweden and Denmark since the 1960s. Incident cases of hematologic malignancies were identified in the Swedish Cancer Register between 2000 and 2010. Cases were divided into nine patient groups based on diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 28,693 patients were included in the cohort. Overall, the transfusion pattern varied depending on diagnosis and age. Patients with aggressive and acute diagnoses generally received more transfusions with immediate decline in transfusion incidence after diagnosis, whereas chronic diagnoses generally maintained more stable, but lower, transfusion incidence. In general, patients with leukemia received more transfusions than patients with lymphoma, and patients with acute leukemia as well as patients that had undergone allogeneic stem cell transplantations received the most transfusions. Within 2 years after diagnosis, patients with acute myeloid leukemia diagnosed at ages 0 to 65 years received on average between 30 to 40 red blood cell transfusions and platelet transfusions, respectively, corresponding to direct material costs close to 200,000 SEK (23,809 USD).

CONCLUSION

Results from this population‐based overview of blood use in hematologic malignancies showed high variability depending on diagnosis and age.
Blood donor deferral for men who have sex with men: still room to move
Authors: Haire Bridget , Whitford Kate , Kaldor John M.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Like a number of other countries, Australia mandates that a man who has had sex with men is deferred from donation until 12 months has elapsed since the sexual activity. This review examined whether this deferral period is justified by current evidence.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Databases (Medline, EMBASE, Scopus) were searched using terms “blood donation” and “gay” or “MSM” and “HIV risk” from the mid‐1980s to the present to investigate the history of donor deferral policy and its rationale in Australia.

RESULTS

Gay and bisexual men in Australia face a higher risk of human immunodeficiency virus and other blood‐borne viruses (BBVs) than other populations. All blood donations, however, are tested for BBVs, and with current testing technologies the window period during which infection may be present but not detected is now less than 1 week. While there is a moral imperative to maintain blood safety, there is also a moral imperative to ensure that differential treatment of population groups with regard to donation eligibility is scientifically justified. Potential social harms that may flow from a dissonance between deferral policy and its evidence base include loss of trust and increased nonadherence to policy.

CONCLUSIONS

A 12‐month deferral for gay and bisexual men exceeds what is required to maintain blood safety. This disparity potentially causes social harm without any additional benefit to public health. Reducing the deferral period to 3 months will not increase health risk to recipients and may have the social benefit of increasing inclusiveness.
Rebamipide suppresses TNF‐α production and macrophage infiltration in the conjunctiva
Authors: Tajima Kazuki , Hattori Takaaki , Takahashi Hiroki , Katahira Haruki , Narimatsu Akitomo , Kumakura Shigeto , Goto Hiroshi
Published: December 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the anti‐inflammatory effect of rebamipide during corneal epithelial wound healing using a mouse wound repair model.

Methods

A 2‐mm circular disc of the central cornea was demarcated in the right eye of C57BL/6 mice and the epithelium removed. Rebamipide 2% eyedrop was instilled onto the wounded eye 5 times a day (n = 26). Phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) was used in the control group (n = 26). Corneal and conjunctival IL‐1β and TNF‐α levels were measured at 6 h and 24 h postinjury by ELISA. The wounded area was evaluated by fluorescein staining at 24 h postinjury. Macrophage infiltration was assessed immunohistochemically, and TNF‐α secretion from macrophages was examined in vitro.

Results

Conjunctival IL‐1β and corneal IL‐1β levels were not significantly different between PBS‐treated and rebamipide‐treated groups. However, conjunctival TNF‐α level was significantly lower in the rebamipide‐treated group compared with the PBS‐treated group. Macrophage migration into the conjunctiva, but not into the cornea, was suppressed by rebamipide treatment. In addition, TNF‐α secretion from cultured macrophages was suppressed by rebamipide in a concentration‐dependent manner. Rebamipide treatment significantly accelerated corneal epithelial wound healing at 24 h postinjury.

Conclusions

In a mouse corneal epithelial wound model, rebamipide suppressed TNF‐α secretion and macrophage infiltration in the conjunctiva, which might have contributed to accelerated corneal epithelial wound healing in the first 24 h following injury.
Optic neuritis in dogs: 96 cases (1983‐2016)
Authors: Smith Sara M. , Westermeyer Hans D. , Mariani Christopher L. , Gilger Brian C. , Davidson Michael G.
Published: December 2017

Objective

To characterize ocular and neurologic findings, causes, and treatment outcomes of dogs with optic neuritis.

Procedure

Medical records from dogs with a diagnosis of optic neuritis at North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Hospital between 1983 and 2016 were reviewed.

Results

Ninety‐six cases (20 unilateral, 76 bilateral), comprised of 38 males and 58 females with a mean age of 6.1 ± 3.0 years (range 0.5‐13), were identified. Seventy‐four cases were presented for vision loss, and 42 had other concurrent neurologic abnormalities. Funduscopic findings included optic nerve head elevation (n = 92), peripapillary retinal edema or separation (n = 37), retinal hemorrhage or dilation of retinal vasculature (n = 23), and multiple inflammatory foci in the peripapillary region (n = 13). Retrobulbar optic neuritis was diagnosed in four cases. The final diagnoses included the following: multifocal meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology (MUE,n = 35), isolated optic neuritis (I‐ON,n = 42), neoplasia (n = 10), microbial infection (n = 6), orbital inflammation (n = 2), and suspected ivermectin toxicosis (n = 1). Dogs with I‐ONwere more commonly male, and medium‐to‐large breed, when compared to dogs withMUE. Follow‐up was available in 72 cases, 50 of which remained blind, 10 had partial visual improvement, and 12 were assessed as having normal vision in the affected eye(s).

Conclusion

Optic neuritis was most commonly associated with multifocalMUEor was isolated as the sole neurologic finding, with a similar incidence between the two groups. Findings suggest that a clinical syndrome of isolated optic neuritis, distinct from multifocalMUE, occurs in dogs.
Low Energy Availability Is Difficult to Assess but Outcomes Have Large Impact on Bone Injury Rates in Elite Distance Athletes
Authors: Heikura Ida A. , Uusitalo Arja L.T. , Stellingwerff Trent , Bergland Dan , Mero Antti A. , Burke Louise M.
Published: December 2017

We aimed to (a) report energy availability (EA), metabolic/reproductive function, bone mineral density, and injury/illness rates in national/world-class female and male distance athletes and (b) investigate the robustness of various diagnostic criteria from the Female Athlete Triad (Triad), Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire, and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) tools to identify risks associated with low EA. Athletes were distinguished according to benchmarks of reproductive function (amenorrheic [n = 13] vs. eumenorrheic [n = 22], low [lowest quartile of reference range; n = 10] versus normal testosterone [n = 14]), and EA calculated from 7-day food and training diaries (< or >30 kcal·kg−1 fat-free mass·day−1). Sex hormones (p < .001), triiodothyronine (p < .05), and bone mineral density (females, p < .05) were significantly lower in amenorrheic (37%) and low testosterone (40%; 15.1 ± 3.0 nmol/L) athletes, and bone injuries were ∼4.5-fold more prevalent in amenorrheic (effect size = 0.85, large) and low testosterone (effect size = 0.52, moderate) groups compared with others. Categorization of females and males using Triad or RED-S tools revealed that higher risk groups had significantly lower triiodothyronine (female and male Triad and RED-S: p < .05) and higher number of all-time fractures (male Triad: p < .001; male RED-S and female Triad: p < .01) as well as nonsignificant but markedly (up to 10-fold) higher number of training days lost to bone injuries during the preceding year. Based on the cross-sectional analysis, current reproductive function (questionnaires/blood hormone concentrations) appears to provide a more objective and accurate marker of optimal energy for health than the more error-prone and time-consuming dietary and training estimation of EA. This study also offers novel findings that athlete health is associated with EA indices.
The Effect of Small-Sided Game Formats on Physical and Technical Performance in Wheelchair Basketball
Authors: Mason Barry S. , van der Slikke Rienk M.A. , Hutchinson Michael J. , Berger Monique A.M. , Goosey-Tolfrey Victoria L.
Published: December 2017

Purpose: To examine the effects of different small-sided games (SSGs) on physical and technical aspects of performance in wheelchair basketball (WB) players. Design: Observational cohort study. Methods: Fifteen highly trained WB players participated in a single 5v5 (24-s shot clock) match and three 3v3 SSGs (18-s shot clock) on a (1) full court, (2) half-court, and (3) modified-length court. During all formats, players’ activity profiles were monitored using an indoor tracking system and inertial measurement units. Physiological responses were monitored via heart rate and rating of perceived exertion. Technical performance, that is, ball handling, was monitored using video analysis. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and effect sizes (ESs) were calculated to determine the statistical significance and magnitude of any differences between game formats. Results: Players covered less distance and reached lower peak speeds during half-court (P ≤ .0005; ES ≥ very large) compared with all other formats. Greater distances were covered, and more time was spent performing moderate- and high-speed activity (P ≤ .008; ES ≥ moderate) during full court compared with all other formats. Game format had little bearing on physiological responses, and the only differences in technical performance observed were in relation to 5v5. Players spent more time in possession, took more shots, and performed more rebounds in all 3v3 formats compared with 5v5 (P ≤ .028; ES ≥ moderate). Conclusions: Court dimensions affect the activity profiles of WB players during 3v3 SSGs yet had little bearing on technical performance when time pressures (shot clocks) were constant. These findings have important implications for coaches to understand which SSG format may be most suitable for physically and technically preparing WB players.
Acting One’s Age in Physical Exercise: Do Perceived Age Norms Explain Autonomous Motivation Among Older Adults?
Authors: Pelssers Johan , Hurkmans Emalie , Scheerder Jeroen , Vanbeselaere Norbert , Vos Steven , Smits Tim , Boen Filip
Published: December 2017

Background: The social identity approach proposes that the more older adults identify with the social group of “older adults,” the more they will conform to what they perceive as being normative exercising for their group. However, so far, it remains unclear why older adults adhere to these norms. Objective: This study evaluated whether perceived exercise norms are associated with higher levels of autonomous motivation according to the self-determination theory and actual exercise participation. Methods: A cross-sectional survey, either by regular mail or online, was conducted among 409 older adults in Flanders (Belgium). Results: Our analyses revealed that older adults who perceived more positive older adult norms for exercising were more autonomously motivated to exercise. In explaining 24% of their exercise motivation, older adults’ perceptions of the exercise norms for older adults predicted 6% of their exercise participation. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that social identity approach and self-determination theory can be meaningfully integrated.
Sedentary Behavior in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis Before and After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review
Authors: Frimpong Emmanuel , McVeigh Joanne A. , Meiring Rebecca M.
Published: December 2017

Objective:The objective of this systematic review is to integrate the available evidence on changes in sedentary behavior (SB) in patients with knee osteoarthritis after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods:A systematic literature search from January 2002 to October 31, 2017, was performed for studies assessing objectively and/or subjectively measured SB following TKA. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network Methodology appraisal tool was used to critically appraise the methodological quality of the included studies.Results:Ten studies reporting on SB with a total of 1,028 participants were included in the review. Three studies reported changes in SB with two showing a reduction in SB and one (with high risk of bias) an increase in SB after TKA. Seven studies showed no change in SB following TKA.Conclusion:Currently, there is insufficient evidence which suggests that SB time improves following TKA. Detailed assessments of SB after TKA are needed.