bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The behavioural response of Great Tits to novel environment and handling is affected by the DRD4 gene
Authors: Timm Killu , Mägi Marko , Telve Kaisa , Tilgar Vallo
Published: April 2018

Studies have provided inconsistent evidence regarding the effects on behaviour of nucleotide polymorphism at the DRD4 gene. For instance, the DRD4 gene affects exploratory behaviour in some bird species and populations but not in others. Our earlier experiment with a wild Great Tit Parus major population revealed an important impact of the DRD4 gene on behavioural variation during the breeding season. The aim of this study was to clarify these results by measuring individual behavioural differences (exploration and anxiety) in Great Tits under controlled conditions before the beginning of egg‐laying in order to exclude the potential impacts of breeding (egg‐laying, motivation to feed nestlings, the potential effect of a partner) and the natural environment (e.g. the presence of predators). Birds were caught from their natural habitat and their behaviour was tested in a trial room the following morning. Individuals with the CT heterozygous genotype (SNP830) performed more actively in different contexts (visiting a novel object in the trial room and vocal behaviour during handling) compared with homozygotes, and the relationships were consistent in males and females. In light of the results from our previous study (heterozygous males, but not females, had a shorter latency to feed nestlings than CC homozygotes), we conclude that the same DRD4 gene variants affect behavioural responses in a controlled environment and wild contexts in the same directions, but that these relationships are not sex‐specific under standardized conditions.
Evaluation of high‐fat high‐fructose diet treatment in factor VIII (coagulation factor)‐deficient mouse model
Authors: Mishra Alaknanda , Arindkar Shailendra , Sahay Preeti , Kumar Jerald Mahesh , Upadhyay Pramod K. , Majumdar Subeer S. , Nagarajan Perumal
Published: April 2018

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)‐like conditions enhance the production and action of clotting factors in humans. However, studies examining the effect of NAFLD due to high‐fat high‐fructose (HFHF) diet in factor VIII‐deficient (haemophilia A) animals or patients have not been reported previously. In this study, we investigated the individual role of factor VIII in the progression of diet‐induced NAFLD in the factor 8−/− (F8−/−) mouse model system and its consequences on the haemophilic status of the mice. The F8−/− mice were fed with HFHF diet for 14 weeks. Physiological, biochemical, haematological, molecular, pathological, and immune histochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of this diet. The F8−/− mice developed hepatic steatosis after 14 weeks HFHF diet and displayed lower energy metabolism, higher myeloid cell infiltration in the liver, decreased platelet count, upregulated de novo fatty acid synthesis, lipid accumulation, and collagen deposition. This study helps to understand the role of factor VIII in NAFLD pathogenesis and to analyse the severity and consequences of steatosis in haemophilic patients as compared to normal population. This study suggests that haemophilic animals (F8−/− mice) are highly prone to hepatic steatosis and thrombocytopenia.
Poverty alleviation, coverage and fiscal sustainability: Investigating the effect of a new social pension in Hong Kong
Authors: Kühner Stefan , Chou Kee‐Lee
Published: April 2018

This article synthesises the characteristics of social pensions across Asia and evaluates the effect of a new social pension in the Hong Kong SAR, the Old Age Living Allowance (OALA), on poverty alleviation, coverage rates and fiscal sustainability. We found that the effectiveness of the OALA in reducing old‐age poverty was limited, although it has led to an increase of retirement pension coverage by 6%. The OALA is projected to face substantial cost increases in the medium and longer term. Increasing the level of OALA benefits would be a direct means to enhance its poverty alleviation effect but may potentially be hampered by concerns about the fiscal sustainability of such changes. More obfuscated alternatives for Hong Kong policy makers to affect old‐age poverty alleviation include adjusting the indexing rules of benefit level payments and the eligibility criteria to reduce the stigma attached to the current policy choices.
Major venom proteins of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta: insights into possible pheromone‐binding function from mass spectrometric analysis
Authors: Das T. , Alabi I. , Colley M. , Yan F. , Griffith W. , Bach S. , Weintraub S. T. , Renthal R.
Published: April 2018

Proteins in the venom of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta have been suggested to function in pheromone binding. Venom from queens and workers contains different isoforms of these proteins, consistent with the differing pheromones they secrete, but questions remain about the venom protein composition and glandular source. We found that the queen venom contains a previously uncharacterized pheromone‐binding protein paralogue known as Sol i 2X1. Using imaging mass spectrometry, we located the main venom proteins in the poison sac, implying that pheromones might have to compete with venom alkaloids for binding. Using the known structure of the worker venom protein Sol i 2w, we generated three‐dimensional homology models of the worker venom protein Sol i 4.02, and of the two main venom proteins in queens and female alates, Sol i 2q and Sol i 2X1. Surprisingly, the models show that the proteins have relatively small internal hydrophobic binding pockets that are blocked by about 10 amino acids of the C‐terminal region. For these proteins to function as carriers of hydrophobic ligands, a conformational change would be required to displace the C‐terminal region, somewhat like the mechanism known to occur in the silk moth pheromone‐binding protein.
An overview on the identification of MAIT cell antigens
Authors: Kjer‐Nielsen Lars , Corbett Alexandra J , Chen Zhenjun , Liu Ligong , Mak Jeffrey YW , Godfrey Dale I , Rossjohn Jamie , Fairlie David P , McCluskey James , Eckle Sidonia BG
Published: April 2018

Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are restricted by the monomorphic MHC class I‐like molecule, MHC‐related protein‐1 (MR1). Until 2012, the origin of the MAIT cell antigens (Ags) was unknown, although it was established that MAIT cells could be activated by a broad range of bacteria and yeasts, possibly suggesting a conserved Ag. Using a combination of protein chemistry, mass spectrometry, cellular biology, structural biology and small molecule chemistry, we discovered MR1 ligands derived from folic acid (vitamin B9) and from an intermediate in the microbial biosynthesis of riboflavin (vitamin B2). While the folate derivative 6‐formylpterin generally inhibited MAIT cell activation, two riboflavin pathway derivatives, 5‐(2‐oxopropylideneamino)‐6‐D‐ribitylaminouracil and 5‐(2‐oxoethylideneamino)‐6‐D‐ribitylaminouracil, were potent MAIT cell agonists. Other intermediates and derivatives of riboflavin synthesis displayed weak or no MAIT cell activation. Collectively, these studies revealed that in addition to peptide and lipid‐based Ags, small molecule natural product metabolites are also ligands that can activate T cells expressing αβ T‐cell receptors, and here we recount this discovery.
Strangers in the dark: behavioral and biochemical evidence for trail pheromones in Hawaiian tree snails
Authors: Holland Brenden S. , Gousy‐Leblanc Marianne , Yew Joanne Y.
Published: April 2018

The importance of pheromones in insect and mammal social systems is well documented, but few studies have addressed the role of pheromones in land snail behavior. In this investigation, we used a series of behavioral trials and direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (MS) to test the hypothesis that land snails use mucous trails in orientation and chemical communication. We worked with six endemic Hawaiian land snail species in four genera, three subfamilies, and two families. We tested conspecific trail following in five of these species, and trail following occurred at a statistically significant frequency for each of the species tested (n=181, p‐values ranged <0.0001–0.0494). Percentage of conspecific trials that showed trail following ranged 66.7–94.1%. None of the interspecific tests revealed evidence of trail following among species (n=105, with p‐values of 0.0577–0.5000). Juvenile achatinelline snails did not follow trails of conspecific juveniles (n=30, p=0.5722) or adults (n=30, p=0.4278), nor did adults follow juvenile trails (n=30, p=0.5722). ComparativeMSanalysis of adult and juvenile trails showed distinct chemical signatures in the two groups. Signals corresponding to medium‐ and long‐chain fatty acids and other unidentified small molecules were present in adult but not in juvenile trails. Considered together, these results support the hypotheses that trail following could serve an important social and reproductive function. This discovery provides evidence for the presence of an ephemeral tree snail pheromone, which could have important implications for the conservation of these increasingly rare and threatened species.
The effects of Facebook and WhatsApp on success in English vocabulary instruction
Authors: Çetinkaya Levent , Sütçü Selim Soner
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of Facebook and WhatsApp on success in English vocabulary instruction and the learners' opinions about the implementation process. In the study, mixed method model, which combines both quantitative and qualitative data, was used. The success of the students in Facebook, WhatsApp, and control group showed a significant difference between the pretest and posttest, meaning that the learning environments had different effects on the increase of success of students. The analysis revealed that the difference in the mean scores of the students in WhatsApp, Facebook, and control group was significant, and WhatsApp has been more effective in the increase of the success. Although more increase in the mean scores of Facebook group was observed compared with control group, this increase was not found significant. Furthermore, students expressed their willingness to go on the practice not only in their present course, but also in their other courses as well. They also opined positive opinions that learning could also take place unconsciously. However, a few students reacted negatively against the unnecessary messages and the timing of some messages. The results indicated that, compared with Facebook, WhatsApp is more effective in teaching vocabulary.
Enhancing multimodal learning through personalized gesture recognition
Authors: Junokas M.J. , Lindgren R. , Kang J. , Morphew J.W.
Published: April 2018

Gestural recognition systems are important tools for leveraging movement‐based interactions in multimodal learning environments but personalizing these interactions has proven difficult. We offer an adaptable model that uses multimodal analytics, enabling students to define their physical interactions with computer‐assisted learning environments. We argue that these interactions are foundational to developing stronger connections between students' physical actions and digital representations within a multimodal space. Our model uses real time learning analytics for gesture recognition, training a hierarchical hidden‐Markov model with a “one‐shot” construct, learning from user‐defined gestures, and accessing 3 different modes of data: skeleton positions, kinematics features, and internal model parameters. Through an empirical comparison with a “pretrained” model, we show that our model can achieve a higher recognition accuracy in repeatability and recall tasks. This suggests that our approach is a promising way to create productive experiences with gesture‐based educational simulations, promoting personalized interfaces, and analytics of multimodal learning scenarios.
Long‐term single‐center comparison of ICD lead survival: Evidence for premature Linox lead failure
Authors: O'Connor Matthew , Hooks Darren , Webber Matthew , Shi Bijia , Morrison Stephanie , Harding Scott , Larsen Peter
Published: April 2018

Introduction

ICD lead failure is a potential source of significant morbidity and mortality. This study investigates the survival rates of Sprint Quattro, Endotak Reliance, and Linox ICD leads.

Methods and results

A retrospective cohort study of all patients with an ICD implanted between January 2007 and December 2012 from the Wellington Hospital region, New Zealand, a tertiary referral center. Lead and patient details were established by review of clinical notes and the PaceArt Optima database. We analyzed a total of 287 implants using Sprint Quattro (n  =  92), Endotak Reliance (n  =  37), Linox (n  =  151), Riata (n  =  4), and Sprint Fidelis (n  =  2) leads. Median follow‐up was 61.6 (26.0–81.6) months for Sprint Quattro leads, 66.7 (53.3–88.8) months for Linox leads, and 82.9 (45.9–107.4) months for Endotak Reliance leads. There were 20 cases of lead failure of which 19 were in Linox leads. The 4‐, 6‐, and 8‐year survival for Linox leads was 97% (92.6–99.1), 93% (85.5–96.5), and 76% (62.3–85.5), respectively. The predominant abnormality was detection of nonphysiological electrical signals. Linox lead failure was associated with a younger age of patient (49.2 vs. 57.7 years, P  =  0.007).

Conclusions

The 7‐year survival of Linox leads was significantly worse than shown in Biotronik surveillance reports, but in line with other single‐center studies from around the world.
Renovascular hypertension associated with JAK2 V617F positive myeloproliferative neoplasms treated with angioplasty: 2 cases and literature review
Authors: Mishima Eikan , Suzuki Takehiro , Takeuchi Yoichi , Seiji Kazumasa , Fukuhara Noriko , Takase Kei , Harigae Hideo , Abe Takaaki , Ito Sadayoshi
Published: April 2018

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) with Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) mutation are associated with a high risk for occlusive vascular diseases. We report 2 cases of renovascular hypertension associated with JAK2 V617F mutation‐positive MPNs and provide a literature review. In Case 1, a 63‐year‐old woman had resistant hypertension, massive proteinuria, and erythrocytosis. Evaluations revealed right renal artery stenosis causing renovascular hypertension and polycythemia vera with JAK2 V617F mutation. Renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors and subsequent angioplasty controlled the blood pressure and the proteinuria resolved. In Case 2, a 74‐year‐old woman had resistant hypertension and thrombocytosis. Evaluations confirmed left renal artery stenosis and essential thrombocythemia with JAK2 V617F. Angioplasty cured the hypertension. A literature review of 18 cases revealed the following as the most common characteristics of MPN‐associated renovascular hypertension: manifests primarily in women; is associated with untreated polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia, concomitant leukocytosis, and JAK2 mutation positivity; and is responsive to angioplasty. This report demonstrates that JAK2 mutation‐positive MPNs are a less common but important underlying cause of adult renovascular hypertension.
Of lamp posts, keys, and fabled drunkards: A perspectival tale of 4 guidelines
Authors: Greenhalgh Trisha
Published: April 2018

Background

Evidence‐based medicine is the application of research findings to inform individual clinical decisions. There is a tension—both philosophical and practical—between the average result from a population study and the circumstances and needs of an individual patient. This personal account of “evidence‐based” trauma care illustrates and explores this tension.

The case

The author, a keen athlete, describes her experience of a high‐impact cycle accident that led to limb fractures (which were diagnosed and treated according to evidence‐based guidelines) and also an occult injury to the cervical spine (which was not diagnosed at the time). Some evidence‐based guidelines are reviewed and applied to the case.

The clinical record described the cycle accident as a “fall.” Initial assessment directed the clinicians' gaze to the obvious injuries, whose treatment was straightforward. On admission, the patient (aged 55 years at the time) was offered “falls prevention” via a guideline‐based checklist. Several months later, neurological sequelae indicated possible damage to the cervical spine. But the NICE Guideline recommending cervical spine imaging in cases of high‐impact trauma had not been considered—perhaps because the clinical narrative had been prematurely assigned to the script of “older person with fall.” Furthermore, the author, who was (appropriately) treated with neurosurgery, was surprised at the response of clinical colleagues, based on application of an irrelevant section of a guideline, that her cervical discectomy was “nonevidence based.” Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs for postoperative pain were indicated in this patient even though they were not recommended for the average patient.

Conclusion

As Sir John Grimley Evans' warned, we should avoid using evidence‐based guidelines in the manner of the fabled drunkard who searched under the lamp post for his key because that was where the light was, even though he knew he had lost his key somewhere else.
Opioid Prescriptions in Older Medicare Beneficiaries After the 2014 Federal Rescheduling of Hydrocodone Products
Authors: Kuo Yong‐Fang , Raji Mukaila A. , Liaw Victor , Baillargeon Jacques , Goodwin James S.
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To examine how an October 2014 Drug Enforcement Administration policy reclassified hydrocodone product from schedule III to II has affected older adults, who are among the largest consumers of prescription opioids in the United States.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

United States.

Participants

A 20% sample of Medicare Part D beneficiaries aged 65 and older from 2013 through 2015 (> 2,500,000 beneficiaries each year)

Measurements

From January 2013 to December 2015, we calculated the monthly prevalence of opioid prescriptions and the prevalence of individuals who received prescriptions for a 90‐day supply or longer (prolonged), as well as hospitalizations related to opioid toxicity in 2013 and 2015.

Results

From 2013 to 2015, the proportion of Medicare Part D enrollees who received a hydrocodone prescription in a year decreased from 21.9% to 18.3%. Monthly rates for hydrocodone prescriptions declined significantly in 2014. The risk of receiving prolonged opioid prescriptions decreased by approximately 7% in the multivariable analyses comparing 2015 to 2013 (prevalence ratio=0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.93–0.94). Medicare enrollees with an original entitlement because of disability or with Medicaid eligibility had smaller decreases in prolonged prescriptions and, unexpectedly, small increases in high‐dose prescriptions. Opioid‐related hospitalizations did not change significantly, but opioid‐related hospitalizations without a documented opioid prescription increased (odds ratio=1.24, 95% CI=1.03–1.50).

Conclusion

The 2014 change in hydrocodone from schedule III to schedule II was associated with modest decreases in rates of opioid use in the elderly. The unexpected increase in opioid‐related hospitalizations without documented opioid prescriptions may represent an increase in illegal use.
Differences Between Skilled Nursing Facilities in Risk of Subsequent Long‐Term Care Placement
Authors: Goodwin James S. , Li Shuang , Middleton Addie , Ottenbacher Kenneth , Kuo Yong‐Fang
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To determine how the risk of subsequent long‐term care (LTC) placement varies between skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and the SNF characteristics associated with this risk.

Design

Population‐based national cohort study with participants nested in SNFs and hospitals in a cross‐classified multilevel model.

Setting

SNFs (N=6,680).

Participants

Fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries (N=552,414) discharged from a hospital to a SNF in 2013.

Measurements

Participant characteristics from Medicare data and the Minimum Data Set. SNF characteristics from Medicare and Nursing Home Compare. Outcome was a stay of 90 days or longer in a LTC nursing home within 6 months of SNF admission.

Results

Within 6 months of SNF admission, 10.4% of participants resided in LTC. After adjustments for participant characteristics, the SNF where a participant received care explained 7.9% of the variance in risk of LTC, whereas the prior hospital explained 1.0%. Individuals in SNFs with excellent quality ratings had 22% lower odds of transitioning to LTC than those in SNFs with poor ratings (odds ratio=0.78, 95% confidence interval=0.74–0.84). Variation between SNFs and associations with quality markers were greater in sensitivity analyses limited to individuals least likely to require LTC. Results were essentially the same in a number of other sensitivity analyses designed to reduce potential confounding.

Conclusion

Risk of subsequent LTC placement, an important and negatively viewed outcome for older adults, varies substantially between SNFs. Individuals in higher‐quality SNFs are at lower risk.
The 3rd World Conference on Kisspeptin, “Kisspeptin 2017: Brain and Beyond”: Unresolved questions, challenges and future directions for the field
Authors: Lehman M. N. , Coolen L. M. , Steiner R. A. , Neal‐Perry G. , Wang L. , Moenter S. M. , Moore A. M. , Goodman R. L. , Yeo S.‐H. , Padilla S. L. , Kauffman A. S. , Garcia J. , Kelly M. J. , Clarkson J. , Radovick S. , Babwah A. V. , Leon S. , Tena‐Sempere M. , Comninos A. N. , Seminara S. , Dhillo W. S. , Levine J. , Terasawa E. , Negron A. , Navarro V. M. , Herbison A. E.
Published: April 2018

The 3rd World Conference on Kisspeptin, “Kisspeptin 2017: Brain and Beyond” was held on 30‐31 March at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida, providing an international forum for multidisciplinary scientists to meet and share cutting‐edge research on kisspeptin biology and its relevance to human health and disease. The meeting built upon previous world conferences focused on the role of kisspeptin and associated peptides in the control of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion and reproduction. Based on recent discoveries, the scope of this meeting was expanded to include functions of kisspeptin and related peptides in other physiological systems, including energy homeostasis, pregnancy, ovarian and uterine function, and thermoregulation. In addition, discussions addressed the translation of basic knowledge of kisspeptin biology to the treatment of disease, with the goal of seeking consensus about the best approaches to improve human health. The 2‐day meeting featured a nontraditional structure, with each day starting with poster sessions followed by lunch discussions and facilitated large‐group sessions with short presentations to maximise the exchange of new, unpublished data. Topics were identified by a survey prior to the meeting, and focused on major unresolved questions, important controversies and future directions in the field. Finally, career development activities provided mentoring for trainees and junior investigators, as well as networking opportunities for those individuals with established researchers in the field. Overall, the meeting was rated as a success by attendees and covered a wide range of lively and provocative discussion topics on the changing nature of the field of “kisspeptinology” and its future.
Exercise training abrogates age‐dependent loss of hypothalamic oxytocinergic circuitry and maintains high parasympathetic activity
Authors: Santos C. R. , Ruggeri A. , Ceroni A. , Michelini L. C.
Published: April 2018

Neuroanatomical studies associating neuronal tract tracing and immunohistochemistry identified reciprocal (ascending noradrenergic/descending oxytocinergic; OTergic) connections between brainstem cardiovascular nuclei and the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN). Previous functional studies indicated that exercise training (T) augmented the expression/activity of the OTergic pathway and improved the autonomic control of the heart. Knowing that ageing is associated with autonomic dysfunction and also that sinoaortic denervation blocked T‐induced beneficial effects, we hypothesised that T was able to reduce age‐dependent impairment by improving the afferent signalling to PVN and augmenting OTergic modulation of cardiovascular control. We evaluated the combined effects of T and age on plastic remodelling of ascending dopamine β‐hydroxylase (DBH)+ and descending oxytocin (OT)+ pathways and correlated them with cardiovascular parameters. Male Wistar rats were submitted to T or kept sedentary for 8 weeks. After evaluating arterial pressure, heart rate (HR), their variabilities and spectral components in conscious rats at rest, brains were harvested to analyse the plastic remodelling of brain autonomic nuclei (immunofluorescence + confocal microscopy). The density of DBH+ neurones within the nucleus of solitary tract (NTS) and caudal ventrolateral medulla, the number of DBH+ terminals overlapping OT+ neurones in PVN preautonomic nuclei, as well as the density of OT+ neurones and their projections to the NTS and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, were markedly reduced in sedentary rats during 8 weeks of inactivity. By contrast, these effects were completely blocked by T and reversed to a large augmentation of DBH+ and OT+ densities in both cell bodies and terminals within autonomic nuclei and target areas. All plastic changes observed correlated positively with parasympathetic activity to the heart (high frequency pulse interval, but not with low frequency pulse interval) and negatively with resting HR. Data indicate that T, by increasing beneficial neuroplastic adaptive changes within the brainstem‐PVN reciprocal network, abrogates age‐dependent deleterious remodelling and augments parasympathetic modulation of the heart, therefore improving autonomic function.
Toward Financial Capability—Empowering the Young
Authors: Luukkanen Laura , Uusitalo Outi
Published: April 2018

The importance of enhancing financial capability is widely recognized. However, the learning outcomes from educational programs directed at young people are mixed, indicating that we may not yet have discovered the best practices. Previous studies have established that merely providing information is not the most effective way to help consumers. This study examines empowerment thinking through the dimensions of financial empowerment as a top‐down and bottom‐up approach. The article highlights two routes toward empowerment, context change, and cognition change, and their roles and potential in improving financial capability among the young. This study suggests a novel framework for promoting financial capability that is based on the dimensions of empowerment and offers tools for increasing financial capability. The study employs data from focus groups and interviews to illustrate the possible strengths and problems of empowering young people in the Finnish context.
Financial Decisions and Financial Capabilities in the Andean Region
Authors: Roa María José , Garrón Ignacio , Barboza Jonathan
Published: April 2018

This paper analyzes the importance of numerical abilities, conscientiousness, and financial literacy for individuals' financial decision making and participation in formal financial markets. Our analysis is based on the Financial Capabilities Survey, which was applied in four countries of the Andean Region: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The empirical analysis underlines the centrality of numerical abilities, different subfacets of conscientiousness (propensity to plan, perseverance, and scrupulosity), and financial literacy in developing a propensity to save and borrow, and in participating in the formal financial sector.
Understanding the Racial/Ethnic Gap in Bank Account Ownership among Older Adults
Authors: Blanco Luisa R. , Angrisani Marco , Aguila Emma , Leng Mei
Published: April 2018

The observed racial/ethnic gap in bank account ownership among older adults is substantial. We investigate socioeconomic, cognitive, and cultural barriers underling it. As additional potential barriers are accounted for, the residual gaps in financial inclusion with respect to Whites are reduced by 19% for blacks and 46% for Hispanics. We find that citizenship and “taste for privacy” play a limited role for both minority groups, while real asset ownership, health, cognitive ability, and cultural hurdles contribute substantially to the gap. For Hispanics, language barriers explain most of the gap, while neighborhood‐level socioeconomic characteristics are more salient for blacks. We also examine how the racial/ethnic composition of couples influences financial decisions. We estimate a significantly smaller residual gap between “mixed” and white couples than between minority and white couples. We provide empirical evidence suggesting that, other things equal, mixed couples are less concerned with the cultural/psychological barriers facing minority couples.
Absence of human skin irritation and allergenic potential after repeated patch applications of a lamellar moisturizer
Authors: Nisbet Stephanie J
Published: April 2018

Background

New cosmetic products should undergo clinical evaluation for skin sensitization potential.

Objectives

To assess the irritation and sensitization potential of a moisturizer containing lamellar structured lipids after repeated patch application in humans, using human repeated insult patch test methodology.

Methods

This 6‐week, single‐center, open‐label study compared a lamellar moisturizer with negative saline control in human subjects aged 18‐70 years and skin phototype (Fitzpatrick) classification I–IV. During an initial induction phase, semi‐occlusive multi‐test patches were applied to the skin of participants’ backs three times per week for 3 consecutive weeks; clinical assessments were performed per International Contact Dermatitis Research Group criteria. Participants subsequently underwent a challenge phase, where a new patch was applied to a contact‐naïve area of the skin to assess sensitization to the moisturizer.

Results

The study commenced with 233 voluntary participants, 214 of whom completed the study and underwent the final dermatological assessment. Most participants (232/233; 99.6%) demonstrated negative patch test results. One participant had a positive reaction at the lamellar moisturizer application site, with visible erythema and edema (classified as an adverse event [AE]); however, this reaction was observed 24 hours after a reaction to another product in the patch test panel (a prototype cleanser). Importantly, no skin reactions were detected during the challenge phase. Two participants had AEs of mild contact dermatitis in the area of patch adhesive application during the induction phase. No serious AEs occurred during the study.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the lamellar moisturizer has low irritant and allergenic potential.
Oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in rural Haiti: a 40‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Katz Ralph V. , Prophete Samuel E. , Lafontant Christina , Gebrian Bette , Bourdeau Louis C. , Joseph JR Ernst , Lafontant Gladys J. , St. Jean H. Ludwig , Rundberg Paul E.
Published: April 2018

This paper reports the changed findings over a 40‐year period on oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of a very remote and rural population living the Jeremie region of Haiti. The far‐sighted investigators of that original 1970 survey stated in their published 1972 paper that our “…findings are descriptive, but have to be accepted tentatively rather than definitively because time was short, transportation was difficult, and the small sample that had to be used could not random.” They further insightfully stated their hopes that their “…results may be regarded as an anthropological cultural baseline from which to review further findings concerning Haitian dental beliefs.” The two follow‐up surveys in 1997 and 2010 using the same exact KAP questionnaire on the same population of rural Haitians living in the Jeremie region fulfilled the extraordinary vision of those two initial investigators, Dr. Wesley Young (a nationally renowned U.S. public health dental academician) and Paul Rundberg (then a dental student at the University of Kentucky).
Rural‐Urban Differences in Costs of End‐of‐Life Care for the Last 6 Months of Life Among Patients with Breast, Lung, or Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Crouch Elizabeth , Eberth Jan M. , Probst Janice C. , Bennett Kevin , Adams Swann A.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine rural‐urban differences in utilization and expenditures in the last 6 months of life for patients with breast, lung, or colorectal cancer.

Methods

The study used a 5% sample of the 2013 Medicare Research Identifiable Files to study utilization and expenditures for beneficiaries with breast, lung, or colorectal cancer during the last 6 months before death (n = 6,214). End of life expenditures were calculated as the sum of total Medicare expenditures for inpatient, outpatient, physician, home health, hospice, and skilled nursing facility costs during the last 6 months of life.

Findings

For each type of cancer, total Medicare expenditures in the last 6 months of life were lower for rural decedents compared to their urban counterparts. During the last 6 months of life, median Medicare expenditures were lower for rural decedents for breast cancer ($21,839 vs $25,698), lung cancer ($22,814 vs $27,635), and colorectal cancer ($24,156 vs $28,035; all differences significant atP< .05). In adjusted models, care for rural decedents was less costly than urban decedents for breast, lung, and colorectal cancer, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that Medicare expenditures are lower for rural beneficiaries with each type of cancer than urban beneficiaries, even after adjusting for age, gender, race, dual eligibility, region, chronic conditions, and type of service utilization. The findings from this study can be useful for policymakers in developing programs and resource allocation decisions that impact rural beneficiaries.
Rural Health Networks: How Network Analysis Can Inform Patient Care and Organizational Collaboration in a Rural Breast Cancer Screening Network
Authors: Prusaczyk Beth , Maki Julia , Luke Douglas A. , Lobb Rebecca
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Rural health networks have the potential to improve health care quality and access. Despite this, the use of network analysis to study rural health networks is limited. The purpose of this study was to use network analysis to understand how a network of rural breast cancer care providers deliver services and to demonstrate the value of this methodology in this research area.

Methods

Leaders at 47 Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics across 10 adjacent rural counties were asked where they refer patients for mammograms or breast biopsies. These clinics and the 22 referral providers that respondents named comprised the network. The network was analyzed graphically and statistically with exponential random graph modeling.

Findings

Most (96%, n = 45) of the clinics and referral sites (95%, n = 21) are connected to each other. Two clinics of the same type were 62% less likely to refer patients to the same providers as 2 clinics of different types (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.29‐0.50). Clinics in the same county have approximately 8 times higher odds of referring patients to the same providers compared to clinics in different counties (OR = 7.80, CI = 4.57‐13.31).

Conclusions

This study found that geographic location of resources is an important factor in rural health care providers’ referral decisions and demonstrated the usefulness of network analysis for understanding rural health networks. These results can be used to guide delivery of patient care and strengthen the network by building resources that take location into account.
Materialism, emergentism, and social structure: A response to Wendt's Quantum Mind
Authors: Porpora Douglas V.
Published: April 2018

This paper is a response to the new book by Alexander Wendt (2015) entitled Quantum Mind. The paper commends Wendt on the book's contribution to our understanding, particularly of quantum mechanics, panpsychism, and externalism in the philosophy of mind. At the same time, it takes issue with Wendt's overall thesis, particularly as it relates to materialism, emergentism, and social structure.
Sentence Processing in Spanish as a Heritage Language: A Self‐Paced Reading Study of Relative Clause Attachment
Authors: Jegerski Jill
Published: April 2018

Heritage Spanish is often influenced by English, and previous research on late Spanish‐English bilinguals suggests that their relative clause attachment preferences in Spanish are affected by English exposure. Nevertheless, recent work with heritage speakers has revealed that early (high‐proficiency) Spanish‐English bilinguals demonstrate a monolingual‐like high‐attachment preference in Spanish. Offline data from this self‐paced reading study showed the same preference for bilinguals of intermediate proficiency in a meaning‐oriented rather than a metalinguistic task. However, unlike in previous research, a group of late bilinguals also showed high‐attachment preference, possibly because of insufficient exposure to English. Online data showed no effects for either bilingual group and a nonsignificant numerical trend toward high attachment for a monolingual group. Thus, even moderately proficient heritage speakers seem to be adept at managing interaction between two language systems, so it appears not to affect their interpretation of relative clauses.
Dynamic Privatization Policy
Authors: Sato Susumu , Matsumura Toshihiro
Published: April 2018

This study formulates a two‐period model of mixed oligopoly in which the government privatizes a state‐owned public firm over multiple periods. We introduce the shadow cost of public funding (i.e., the excess burden of taxation). The government is concerned about both the total surplus and the revenue obtained from the privatization of the public firm. We find that the government may or may not increase the degree of privatization over time depending on the competitiveness of the product market and nationality of private competitors. The government increases the degree of privatization over time if the product market is competitive and the foreign ownership share in private firms is low. Although it adjusts its privatization policy over time, this harms welfare. In addition, this distortion in the ex post incentive leads to too low a degree of privatization in the first period.
Chondritic ingredients: II. Reconstructing early solar system history via refractory lithophile trace elements in individual objects of the Leoville CV3 chondrite
Authors: Patzer Andrea , Hezel Dominik C. , Bendel Verena , Pack Andreas
Published: April 2018

We performed a LA‐ICP‐MS study of refractory lithophile trace elements in 32 individual objects selected from a single section of the reduced CV3 chondrite Leoville. Ingredients sampled include ferromagnesian type I and II chondrules, Al‐rich chondrules (ARCs), calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs), a single amoeboid olivine aggregate (AOA), and matrix. The majority of rare earth element (REE) signatures identified are either of the category “group II” or they are relatively flat, i.e., more or less unfractionated. Data derived for bulk Leoville exhibit characteristics of the group II pattern. The bulk REE inventory is essentially governed by those of CAIs (group II), ARCs (flat or group II), type I chondrules (about 90% flat, 10% group II), and matrix (group II). Leoville matrix also shows a superimposed positive Eu anomaly. The excess in Eu is possibly due to terrestrial weathering. The group II pattern, however, testifies to volatility‐controlled fractional condensation from a residual gas of solar composition at still relatively high temperature. In principle, this signature (group II) is omnipresent in all types of constituents, suggesting that the original REE carrier of all components was CAI‐like dust. In addition, single‐element anomalies occasionally superimposing the group II signature reveal specific changes in redox conditions. We also determined the bulk chemical composition of all objects studied. For Mg/Si, Mg/Fe, and Al/Ca, Leoville's main ingredients—type I chondrules and matrix—display a complementary relationship. Both components probably formed successively in the same source region.
Rapid effects of terrestrial alteration on highly siderophile elements in the Sutter's Mill meteorite
Authors: Walker Richard J. , Yin Qing‐Zhu , Heck Philipp R.
Published: April 2018

The 187Re‐187Os isotopic systematics of many bulk chondrites plot well beyond analytical uncertainties of a primordial isochron. Limited variations in 187Os/188Os, coupled with large variations in Re/Os ratios among chondrites, suggest that this apparently open‐system behavior is a result of the comparatively recent gain or loss of Re and/or Os. In order to assess whether or not rapid alteration in the terrestrial environment could be responsible for open‐system behavior in chondrites, four pieces of the Sutter's Mill meteorite were examined for Os isotopic systematics and abundances of highly siderophile elements. Pieces SM1 and SM2 were collected prior to a rain event, within 2 days of the fall. Pieces SM51 and SM53 were collected after a rain event. There are significant but minor relative and absolute variations in the abundances of the highly siderophile elements, as well as 187Os/188Os among the four pieces. Rhenium‐Os isotopic data for SM1 and SM2 plot within analytical uncertainties of a primordial isochron, while powders made from SM51 and SM53 do not. These results suggest that interactions with rain caused some redistribution of Re, and to a lesser extent Os, within small pieces of the meteorite. Thus, Re‐Os isotopic systematics of <dm‐size pieces of chondrites must be considered susceptible to modification after only a short time on the surface, where exposed to rain.
How Should I Use My E‐Reader? An Exploration of the Circumstances Under Which Electronic Presentation of Text Results in Good Comprehension
Authors: Margolin Sara J. , Snyder Natasha , Thamboo Pradeep
Published: April 2018

The present research aimed to determine the circumstances under which comprehension between paper and e‐readers is comparable and what role working memory plays in successful comprehension of text presented in these formats. Narrative and expository texts were presented in electronic and paper formats to determine whether readers glean different information for these text types via different presentation formats. Results indicated that comprehension for paper and electronic formats may not be equivalent. Although comprehension of thematic information presented via e‐reader was better than when reading for detail (as in expository passages), it did not lead to comprehension as successfully as printed text. In addition, removing working memory led to the disappearance of the effects of presentation method and the type of questions, suggesting that it was important for individual differences in use of the e‐reader device. Implications for the appropriate use of e‐readers are discussed.
Ghanaian parents' perceptions of pre and postnatal nutrient supplements and their effects
Authors: Adams Katherine P. , Okronipa Harriet , Adu‐Afarwuah Seth , Arimond Mary , Kumordzie Sika , Oaks Brietta M. , Ocansey Maku E. , Young Rebecca R. , Vosti Stephen A. , Dewey Kathryn G.
Published: April 2018

Small‐quantity lipid‐based nutrient supplements (SQ‐LNS) have been studied in efficacy and effectiveness trials, but little is known about how parents perceive the products and their effects. In a randomised trial in Ghana, efficacy of SQ‐LNS provided to women during pregnancy and the first 6 months postpartum and to their children from 6 to 18 months of age was assessed by comparison with iron‐folic acid (IFA) capsules and multiple micronutrient (MMN) capsules provided to women. In a follow‐up study conducted when the index children from the original trial were between 4 and 6 years of age, we used survey‐based methods to assess retrospective and current parental perceptions of nutrient supplements generally and of SQ‐LNS and their effects compared with perceptions IFA and MMN capsules. Most parents perceived that the assigned supplements (SQ‐LNS, IFA, or MMN) positively impacted the mother during pregnancy (approximately 89% of both mothers and fathers) and during lactation (84% of mothers and 86% of fathers). Almost all (≥90%) of mothers and fathers perceived that the assigned supplement positively impacted the index child and expected continued positive impacts on the child's health and human capital into the future. A smaller percentage of parents perceived negative impacts of the supplements (7%–17% of mothers and 4%–12% of fathers). Perceptions of positive impacts and of negative impacts did not differ by intervention group. The results suggest that similar populations would likely be receptive to programs to deliver SQ‐LNS or micronutrient capsules.
Importance of coverage and quality for impact of nutrition interventions delivered through an existing health programme in Bangladesh
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Hong , Frongillo Edward A. , Sanghvi Tina , Kim Sunny S. , Alayon Silvia , Tran Lan Mai , Mahmud Zeba , Aktar Bachera , Menon Purnima
Published: April 2018

Understanding implementation of interventions is critical to illuminate if, how, and why the interventions achieve impact. Alive & Thrive integrated a nutrition intervention into an existing maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH) programme in Bangladesh, documenting improvements in women's micronutrient supplement intake and dietary diversity. Here, we examined how well the nutrition intervention was implemented and which elements of implementation explained intervention impact. Survey data were collected in 2015 and 2016 from frontline health workers (FLW) and households in areas randomized to nutrition‐focused MNCH (intensified interpersonal counselling, community mobilization, distribution of free micronutrient supplements, and weight‐gain monitoring) or standard MNCH (antenatal care with standard nutrition counselling). Seven intervention elements were measured: time commitment, training quality, knowledge, coverage, counselling quality, supervision, and incentives. Multiple regression was used to derive difference‐in‐differences (DID) estimates. Using village‐level endline data, path analysis was used to determine which elements most explained intervention impacts. FLWs in both areas were highly committed and well supervised. Coverage was high (>90%) for counselling, supplement provision, and weight‐gain monitoring. Improvements were significantly greater for nutrition‐focused MNCH, versus standard MNCH, for training quality (DID: 2.42 points of 10), knowledge (DID: 1.20 points), delivery coverage (DID: 4.16 points), and counselling quality (DID: 1.60 points). Impact was substantially explained by coverage and delivery quality. In conclusion, integration nutrition intervention into the MNCH programme was feasible and well‐implemented. Although differences in coverage and counselling quality most explained impacts, all intervention elements—particularly FLW training and performance—were likely important to achieving impact.