bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigating through apertures: perceptual judgements and actions of children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
Authors: Wilmut Kate , Du Wenchong , Barnett Anna L.
Published: October 2016

Passing through a narrow gap/aperture involves a perceptual judgement regarding the size of the gap and an action to pass through. Children with DCD are known to have difficulties with perceptual judgements in near space but whether this extends to far space is unknown. Furthermore, in a recent study it was found that adults with DCD do not scale movements when walking through an aperture in the same way as their peers. The current study, therefore, considered perceptual judgements and motor behaviour of children with DCD while looking at or walking through apertures. Twenty‐nine children with DCD and 29 typically developing (TD) children took part. In Experiment 1, participants completed a perceptual task, where they made passability judgements. Children with DCD showed a significantly smaller critical ratio (aperture size at which a participant first rotates the shoulders to pass through) compared to their TD peers. In Experiment 2, participants completed an action task where they walked through the same apertures. Children with DCD showed a significantly larger critical ratio than TD peers when body size alone was accounted for. Taken together these results suggest that perception within a static context is different from that within a dynamic context for children with DCD. However, despite this difference we have demonstrated a clear relationship between perception and action in children with DCD. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/SABXFrAJtF8
Across space and time: infants learn from backward and forward visual statistics
Authors: Tummeltshammer Kristen , Amso Dima , French Robert M. , Kirkham Natasha Z.
Published: October 2016

This study investigates whether infants are sensitive to backward and forward transitional probabilities within temporal and spatial visual streams. Two groups of 8‐month‐old infants were familiarized with an artificial grammar of shapes, comprising backward and forward base pairs (i.e. two shapes linked by strong backward or forward transitional probability) and part‐pairs (i.e. two shapes with weak transitional probabilities in both directions). One group viewed the continuous visual stream as a temporal sequence, while the other group viewed the same stream as a spatial array. Following familiarization, infants looked longer at test trials containing part‐pairs than base pairs, although they had appeared with equal frequency during familiarization. This pattern of looking time was evident for both forward and backward pairs, in both the temporal and spatial conditions. Further, differences in looking time to part‐pairs that were consistent or inconsistent with the predictive direction of the base pairs (forward or backward) indicated that infants were indeed sensitive to direction when presented with temporal sequences, but not when presented with spatial arrays. These results suggest that visual statistical learning is flexible in infancy and depends on the nature of visual input.
Little Bayesians or little Einsteins? Probability and explanatory virtue in children's inferences
Authors: Johnston Angie M. , Johnson Samuel G.B. , Koven Marissa L. , Keil Frank C.
Published: October 2016

Like scientists, children seek ways to explain causal systems in the world. But are children scientists in the strict Bayesian tradition of maximizing posterior probability? Or do they attend to other explanatory considerations, as laypeople and scientists – such as Einstein – do? Four experiments support the latter possibility. In particular, we demonstrate in four experiments that 4‐ to 8‐year‐old children, like adults, have a robust latent scope bias that leads to inferences that do not maximize posterior probability. When faced with two explanations equally consistent with observed data, where one explanation makes an unverified prediction, children consistently preferred the explanation that does not make this prediction (Experiment 1), even if the prior probabilities are identical (Experiment 3). Additional evidence suggests that this latent scope bias may result from the same explanatory strategies used by adults (Experiments 1 and 2), and can be attenuated by strong prior odds (Experiment 4). We argue that children, like adults, rely on ‘explanatory virtues’ in inference – a strategy that often leads to normative responses, but can also lead to systematic error.
Visualization of Twitter Data in the Classroom
Authors: Sigman Betsy Page , Garr William , Pongsajapan Robert , Selvanadin Marie , McWilliams Mindy , Bolling Kristin
Published: October 2016

The expression “big data” is ubiquitous in the business world today, but few undergraduate business students have the opportunity to gain practical experience with how new business analytics tools can be used in decision making. This article describes a set of hands‐on labs that prepare students to incorporate streaming data analysis into group research projects. Splunk is used to help students analyze and visualize streaming social media data. An evaluation of student projects and student survey results show that this practical approach of training students to manipulate and visualize big data was largely successful in achieving instructional goals.
The Impact of Emotions on Student Achievement in Synchronous Hybrid Business and Public Administration Programs: A Longitudinal Test of Control‐Value Theory*
Authors: Butz Nikolaus T. , Stupnisky Robert H. , Pekrun Reinhard , Jensen Jason L. , Harsell Dana M.
Published: October 2016

Synchronous hybrid delivery (simultaneously teaching on‐campus and online students using Web conferencing) is becoming more common in higher education. However, little is known about students’ emotions in these environments. Although often overlooked, emotions are fundamental antecedents of success. This study longitudinally examined the role of students’ emotions (enjoyment, anxiety, and boredom), perceptions of control, value, and success in synchronous hybrid learning environments. In particular, the investigation assessed students’ self‐reported enjoyment, anxiety, and boredom as predictors of their program achievement and successful technology use. Students were recruited from synchronous hybrid MBA and MPA programs. Control‐value theory of emotions was used as the theoretical framework. Paired samples t‐tests revealed that the achievement domain, compared to the technology domain, yielded higher mean scores for control, value, enjoyment, anxiety, and boredom. In addition, mixed ANOVAs indicated an interaction effect in which group means for program boredom were significantly higher for on‐campus students than for online students. Intercorrelations in each domain showed that perceived success was positively related to enjoyment and negatively related to anxiety and boredom. Technology‐related anxiety was also found to fully mediate the positive effect of control on perceived success in using technology.
A recipe for scavenging in vertebrates – the natural history of a behaviour
Authors: Kane Adam , Healy Kevin , Guillerme Thomas , Ruxton Graeme D. , Jackson Andrew L.
Published: October 2016

Despite its prevalence, the importance of scavenging to carnivores is difficult to ascertain in modern day forms and impossible to study directly in extinct species. Yet, there are certain intrinsic and environmental features of a species that push it towards a scavenging lifestyle. These can be thought of as some of the principal parameters in optimal foraging theory namely, encounter rate and handling time. We use these components to highlight the morphologies and environments that would have been conducive to scavenging over geological time by focusing on the dominant vertebrate groups of the land, sea and air. The result is a synthesis on the natural history of scavenging. The features that make up our qualitative scale of scavenging can be applied to any given species and allow us to judge the likely importance of this foraging behaviour.
The minimum wage and the Lithuanian labour market
Authors: Bartkus Algirdas
Published: October 2016

This paper presents a comprehensive and non‐standard labour market analysis based on univariate and multivariate models for wages. The novelty of this paper lies in the use of non‐normalized cointegrating vectors for labour market analysis. Wages are the basis of labour market models, as well as the key factor for employees and employers; therefore, the central analytical axis is a classical wage bargaining process, where one side requires and the other side proposes a certain level of wages. Analysis is divided into two parts: foremost, a careful analysis of Lithuanian wages is conducted and a univariate model for the investigation of interactions between the minimum wage and the rest of the wages is proposed; only after the minimum wage model is drafted can the multivarate model for the whole economy be built up. Briefly, the methodology used in this article can be annotated as a synthesis of sequential theoretical and empirical considerations that combine the results of theoretical macroeconomics with data‐generating patterns and stylized facts. The model is considered as the final one only if macro‐theory preconditions, statistical prerequisites, and stylized real‐world requirements are met and fulfilled. In addition, this article gives an example and a quantitatively, as well as qualitatively, motivated suggestion as to how to incorporate minimum wages into econometric models and puts forward an explanation for why it is necessary to include minimum wage dynamics into labour market analysis. The article is nothing but an empirical case study that demonstrates how many minor details have to be taken into account until a realistic labour market model is built up. Although the paper deals with the labour market, the suitable application of time series methods is the main subject of the analysis.
Low‐cycle fatigue behaviour of ductile closed‐cell aluminium alloy foams
Authors: Linul E. , Şerban D. A. , Marsavina L. , Kovacik J.
Published: October 2016

This work investigates the fatigue response of a class of ductile closed‐cell aluminium alloy foams, known by their commercial name Alulight M8. In order to determine the yield stress of the used foams, preliminary experimental tests were performed, at room temperature, in monotonic compression on cylindrical specimens of 25 mm diameter and 25 mm height, with a loading speed of 10 mm/min. Fatigue tests were performed in uniaxial compression on cylindrical specimens (25 mm × 25 mm) with a stress ratio of R = 0.1, at a frequency of 10 Hz. The peak stress was varied from 110 to 135% of the yield stress in compression. Tested specimens were cut from the same cylindrical bar, and the density of the investigated material was 500 kg/m3 ± 10%, or a total of 18 specimens being investigated. With the gathered experimental data, S–N curve was generated, and the effect of cellular structure (e.g. structure irregularity–the number and the size of cells) being investigated and discussed.
High motivation for exercise is associated with altered chromatin regulators of monoamine receptor gene expression in the striatum of selectively bred mice
Authors: Saul M. C. , Majdak P. , Perez S. , Reilly M. , Garland T. , Rhodes J. S.
Published: October 2016

Although exercise is critical for health, many lack the motivation to exercise, and it is unclear how motivation might be increased. To uncover the molecular underpinnings of increased motivation for exercise, we analyzed the transcriptome of the striatum in four mouse lines selectively bred for high voluntary wheel running and four non‐selected control lines. The striatum was dissected and RNA was extracted and sequenced from four individuals of each line. We found multiple genes and gene systems with strong relationships to both selection and running history over the previous 6 days. Among these genes were Htr1b, a serotonin receptor subunit and Slc38a2, a marker for both glutamatergic and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic signaling. System analysis of the raw results found enrichment of transcriptional regulation and kinase genes. Further, we identified a splice variant affecting the Wnt‐related Golgi signaling gene Tmed5. Using coexpression network analysis, we found a cluster of interrelated coexpression modules with relationships to running behavior. From these modules, we built a network correlated with running that predicts a mechanistic relationship between transcriptional regulation by nucleosome structure and Htr1b expression. The Library of Integrated Network‐Based Cellular Signatures identified the protein kinase C δ inhibitor, rottlerin, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Linifanib and the delta‐opioid receptor antagonist 7‐benzylidenenaltrexone as potential compounds for increasing the motivation to run. Taken together, our findings support a neurobiological framework of exercise motivation where chromatin state leads to differences in dopamine signaling through modulation of both the primary neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA, and by neuromodulators such as serotonin.
Neurobiology of comorbid post‐traumatic stress disorder and alcohol‐use disorder
Authors: Gilpin N. W. , Weiner J. L.
Published: October 2016

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol‐use disorder (AUD) are highly comorbid in humans. Although we have some understanding of the structural and functional brain changes that define each of these disorders, and how those changes contribute to the behavioral symptoms that define them, little is known about the neurobiology of comorbidPTSDandAUD, which may be due in part to a scarcity of adequate animal models for examining this research question. The goal of this review is to summarize the current state‐of‐the‐science on comorbidPTSDandAUD. We summarize epidemiological data documenting the prevalence of this comorbidity, review what is known about the potential neurobiological basis for the frequent co‐occurrence ofPTSDandAUDand discuss successes and failures of past and current treatment strategies. We also review animal models that aim to examine comorbidPTSDandAUD, highlighting where the models parallel the human condition, and we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each model. We conclude by discussing key gaps in our knowledge and strategies for addressing them: in particular, we (1) highlight the need for better animal models of the comorbid condition and better clinical trial design, (2) emphasize the need for examination of subpopulation effects and individual differences and (3) urge cross‐talk between basic and clinical researchers that is reflected in collaborative work with forward and reverse translational impact.
Right choice, right time: Evaluation of an online decision aid for youth depression
Authors: Simmons Magenta B. , Elmes Aurora , McKenzie Joanne E. , Trevena Lyndal , Hetrick Sarah E.
Published: October 2016

Background

Appropriate treatment for youth depression is an important public health priority. Shared decision making has been recommended, yet no decision aids exist to facilitate this.

Objectives

The main objective of this study was to evaluate an online decision aid for youth depression.

Design

An uncontrolled cohort study with pre‐decision, immediately post‐decision and follow‐up measurements.

Setting and Participants

Young people (n=66) aged 12‐25 years with mild, mild‐moderate or moderate‐severe depression were recruited from two enhanced primary care services.

Intervention

Online decision aid with evidence communication, preference elicitation and decision support components.

Main outcome measures

The main outcome measures were ability to make a decision; whether the decision was in line with clinical practice guidelines, personal preferences and values; decisional conflict; perceived involvement; satisfaction with decision; adherence; and depression scores at follow‐up.

Results

After using the decision aid, clients were more likely to make a decision in line with guideline recommendations (93% vs 70%; P=.004), were more able to make a decision (97% vs 79%; P=.022), had significantly reduced decisional conflict (17.8 points lower (95% CI: 13.3‐22.9 points lower) on the Decisional Conflict Scale (range 0‐100)) and felt involved and satisfied with their decision. At follow‐up, clients had significantly reduced depression symptoms (2.7 points lower (95% CI: 1.3‐4.0 points lower) on the Patient Health Questionnaire nine‐item scale (range 0‐27)) and were adherent to 88% (95% CI: 82%‐94%) of treatment courses.

Discussion and Conclusions

A decision aid for youth depression can help ensure evidence‐based, client‐centred care, promoting collaboration in this often difficult to engage population.
The World Health Organization 2016 classification of testicular germ cell tumours: a review and update from the International Society of Urological Pathology Testis Consultation Panel
Authors: Williamson Sean R , Delahunt Brett , Magi‐Galluzzi Cristina , Algaba Ferran , Egevad Lars , Ulbright Thomas M , Tickoo Satish K , Srigley John R , Epstein Jonathan I , Berney Daniel M ,   the Members of the ISUP Testicular Tumour Panel
Published: October 2016

Since the last World Health Organization (WHO) classification scheme for tumours of the urinary tract and male genital organs, there have been a number of advances in the understanding, classification, immunohistochemistry and genetics of testicular germ cell tumours. The updated 2016 draft classification was discussed at an International Society of Urological Pathology Consultation on Testicular and Penile Cancer. This review addresses the main updates to germ cell tumour classification. Major changes include a pathogenetically derived classification using germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) as a new name for the precursor lesion, and the distinction of prepubertal tumours (non‐GCNIS‐derived) from postpubertal‐type tumours (GCNIS‐derived), acknowledging the existence of rare benign prepubertal‐type teratomas in the postpubertal testis. Spermatocytic tumour is adopted as a replacement for spermatocytic seminoma, to avoid potential confusion with the unrelated usual seminoma. The spectrum of trophoblastic tumours arising in the setting of testicular germ cell tumour continues to expand, to include epithelioid and placental site trophoblastic tumours analogous to those of the gynaecological tract. Currently, reporting of anaplasia (seminoma or spermatocytic tumour) or immaturity (teratoma) is not required, as these do not have demonstrable prognostic importance. In contrast, overgrowth of a teratomatous component (somatic‐type malignancy) and sarcomatous change in spermatocytic tumour indicate more aggressive behaviour, and should be reported.
Potassium‐sodium citrate prevents the development of renal microcalculi into symptomatic stones in calcium stone‐forming patients
Authors: Unno Rei , Taguchi Kazumi , Okada Atsushi , Ando Ryosuke , Hamamoto Shuzo , Kubota Yasue , Zuo Li , Tozawa Keiichi , Kohri Kenjiro , Yasui Takahiro
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of potassium‐sodium citrate on the development of computed tomography‐detected renal microcalculi into symptomatic stones in calcium stone‐forming patients.

Methods

Patients (aged 20–80 years) with history of calcium component stones who visited Nagoya City Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, between April 2009 and June 2014 were included. They were retrospectively divided into those who did not receive potassium‐sodium citrate (non‐citrate group, n = 157) and those who did (citrate group, n = 60). For patients in both groups, we evaluated blood and urine biochemistry and sediment, number of computed tomography‐detected microcalculi, number of asymptomatic microcalculi disappearances, and pain events. Observations were made at study initiation and 12 months later.

Results

The citrate group showed a significantly increased urine pH (P < 0.001) and daily citrate excretion (P < 0.001) over the study period. The non‐citrate group showed increased numbers of microcalculi at study completion (P = 0.002); over the same period, the number of microcalculi in the citrate group decreased significantly (P = 0.03). Additionally, multivariable analysis showed more asymptomatic microcalculi disappearances (odds ratio 2.84, 95% confidence interval 1.49–5.39) and fewer pain events (odds ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.16–0.72) in the citrate group than in the non‐citrate group. A sex‐adjusted analysis showed more asymptomatic microcalculi disappearances (odds ratio 3.96, 95% confidence interval 1.57–10.02) and fewer pain events (odds ratio 0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.07–0.70) in women than in men after citrate treatment.

Conclusions

Potassium‐sodium citrate prevents the development of renal microcalculi into symptomatic stones in calcium stone‐forming individuals.
Injury trends from envenoming in Australia, 2000–2013
Authors: Welton R. E. , Williams D. J. , Liew D.
Published: October 2016

Background

Accidental injury is a major public health problem in developed countries with 20 years elapsed since a national overview of venomous bites undertaken in Australia.

Aim

Provide the first contemporary epidemiological insight into venomous injuries based on demographics and geography nationally in Australia in the period 2000–2013.

Methods

An analysis of national hospitalisation and mortality data was undertaken to examine the incidence of injury and death due to envenoming in Australia. Rates were calculated using the intercensal population for all Australian age groups.

Results

Over the study period, deaths occurred due to an anaphylactic event (0.16 per 100 000), snake envenoming (0.13 per 100 000) or box jellyfish envenoming (0.01 per 100 000). Only 44% of cases involving anaphylaxis reached medical care prior to death, compared to 74% of those envenomed by snakes. Over half of all deaths (52%) occurred at home, and 64% of these occurred within a major city or inner regional area, with 48% of work‐related anaphylaxis deaths. Hospital admission rates of 199 per 100 000 persons over the 11 years were caused by contact with wasps or bees (31%), spiders (30%) and snakes (15%), with a predominant age range of 30–44 years.

Conclusions

The greatest burden of injury due to envenoming was caused by arthropods and snakes. Causes of death were led by anaphylaxis subsequent to an arthropod bite or sting, followed by death from snake envenoming. Over half the incidents resulting in death occurred at home, in areas where healthcare is accessible. Operational data routinely collected are informative, with variations of injury incidence between the States and Territories, indicating a need for a more localised approach to the management of this injury.
Do parents and children perceive molar–incisor hypomineralization as an oral health problem?
Authors: Leal Soraya C , Oliveira Tereza Raquel Mourão , Ribeiro Ana Paula Dias
Published: October 2016

Background

Very little is known about how patients perceive molar–incisor hypomineralization (MIH).

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify whether parents and children perceive opacities associated with MIH as an oral health problem.

Design

A case–control study was designed in which 131 children diagnosed with MIH were matched by age, sex, and school to 131 children without MIH. The Child and Parent Questionnaire about Tooth Appearance was used to assess reports from parents, who were interviewed by telephone, and children, who were interviewed on school premises. The Spearman correlation and Wilcoxon and Fisher's exact tests were used to assess the data.

Results

For the first part of the questionnaire, children avoided smiling because of the appearance of their teeth, and mothers seemed to be distressed by the appearance of their children's teeth (P < 0.05). For the second part, children showed dissatisfaction with their ‘tooth alignment’ and ‘tooth discoloration’ compared with the controls, while mothers were not satisfied with their children's tooth discoloration in comparison with controls (P < 0.05). Children and mothers were concerned about tooth discoloration (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Poor agreement was found between the reports of children and their mothers, but both children and mothers in the MIH group perceived MIH opacities negatively in comparison with controls.
On a multiobjective optimal control of a tumor growth model with immune response and drug therapies
Authors: Rocha Ana Maria A.C. , Costa M. Fernanda P. , Fernandes Edite M.G.P.
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we consider a tumor growth mathematical model that includes an immune system and drug therapies. Immuno‐ and chemodrug administration as well as periodic administration of radiation are integrated in the model. We have set an optimal control (OC) problem relative to the model so that the average number of tumor cells and immuno‐ and chemotherapeutic drug administration are simultaneously minimized in a multiobjective context. The external injection of two immunostimulators and a chemotherapeutic drug has been considered as control, and the objective functionals aim to reflect the severity of both types of drug administration. The multiobjective approach to the OC of the tumor growth model provides good‐quality approximate solutions and has shown to be a valuable procedure to identify good trade‐offs between conflicting objectives.
The rescheduling arc routing problem
Authors: Monroy‐Licht Marcela , Amaya Ciro Alberto , Langevin André , Rousseau Louis‐Martin
Published: October 2016

In this paper, the rescheduling arc routing problem is introduced. This is a dynamic routing and scheduling problem that considers adjustments to an initial routing itinerary when one or more vehicle failures occur during the execution stage and the original plan must be modified. We minimize the operational and schedule disruption costs. Formulations based on mixed‐integer programming are presented to compare different policies in the rerouting phase. A solution strategy is developed when both costs are evaluated and it is necessary to find a solution quickly. Computational tests on a large set of instances compare the different decision‐maker policies.
Local and global constraint consistency in personnel rostering
Authors: Smet Pieter , Salassa Fabio , Vanden Berghe Greet
Published: October 2016

Personnel rostering is a challenging combinatorial optimization problem in which shifts are assigned to employees over a scheduling period while subject to organizational, legislative, and personal constraints. Academic models for personnel rostering typically abstractly conceptualize complex real‐world problem characteristics. Often only one isolated scheduling period is considered, contradicting common practice where personnel rostering inherently spans multiple dependent periods. The state of the art offers no systematic approach to address this modeling challenge, and consequently, few models capture the requirements imposed by practice. The present paper introduces the concepts of local and global consistency in constraint evaluation processes and proposes a general methodology to address these challenges in integer programming approaches. The impact of inconsistent constraint evaluation is analyzed in a case study concerning rostering nurses in a hospital ward, of which the data have been made publicly available. The results demonstrate that the proposed methodology approximates the optimal solution.
Development of bullous pemphigoid during the haemodialysis of a young man: case report and literature survey
Authors: Osipowicz Katarzyna , Kalinska‐Bienias Agnieszka , Kowalewski Cezary , Wozniak Katarzyna
Published: October 2016

Haemodialysis is the most frequent form of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in patients with end‐stage renal disorder (ESRD). Patients with ESRD frequently develop skin problems, mainly xerosis, pruritus and hyperpigmentation, as well as bullous diseases, mainly porphyria or pseudoporphyria and, in some cases, bullous pemphigoid (BP). BP is the most common autoimmune sub‐epidermal blistering disease, and it predominantly affects elderly people. Clinically, BP is characterised by generalised pruritic, bullous eruptions and urticaria‐like lesions. Usually, BP is an idiopathic disorder; however, in some cases, underlying internal disorders are present, like diabetes or neurological disorders. Herein, we present a 33‐year‐old man with ESRD, maintained on haemodialysis, who developed BP. There are only six cases with BP provoked by the placement of a fistula for haemodialysis. BP in the current patient was confirmed by direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and indirect immunofluorescence using BIOCHIP. The patient responded promptly to tertracycline and 0·05% clobetasol propionate lesionally. However, the relationship between BP and the fistula for haemodialisys still remains unknown. It is highly likely that the skin injury associated with fistula placement was responsible for the alteration of the basement membrane zone (BMZ) and the stimulation of the immune system, leading to BP development. To explain the real role of fistula placement as a provocative factor in BP, other such cases are required for assessment.
Low‐level stretching accelerates cell migration into a gap
Authors: Toume Samer , Gefen Amit , Weihs Daphne
Published: October 2016

We observed that radially stretching cell monolayers at a low level (3%) increases the rate at which they migrate to close a gap formed by in vitro injury. Wound healing has been shown to accelerate in vivo when deformations are topically applied, for example, by negative pressure wound therapy. However, the direct effect of deformations on cell migration during gap closure is still unknown. Thus, we have evaluated the effect of radially applied, sustained (static) tensile strain on the kinematics of en mass cell migration. Monolayers of murine fibroblasts were cultured on stretchable, linear‐elastic substrates that were subjected to different tensile strains, using a custom‐designed three‐dimensionally printed stretching apparatus. Immediately following stretching, the monolayer was ‘wounded’ at its centre, and cell migration during gap closure was monitored and quantitatively evaluated. We observed a significant increase in normalised migration rates and a reduction of gap closure time with 3% stretching, relative to unstretched controls or 6% stretch. Interestingly, the initial gap area was linearly correlated with the maximum migration rate, especially when stretching was applied. Therefore, small deformations applied to cell monolayers during gap closure enhance en mass cell migration associated with wound healing and can be used to fine‐tune treatment protocols.
Ebola virus disease: caring for patients in Sierra Leone – a qualitative study
Authors: Andertun Sara , Hörnsten Åsa , Hajdarevic Senada
Published: October 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe Norwegian healthcare staffs’ experiences of participating in care of patients with Ebola virus disease in Sierra Leone.

Background

Ebola is one of the most feared viruses known. Ebola virus disease is highly contagious with high mortality. The few qualitative studies made on experiences among healthcare professionals have highlighted problems as lack of protective resources, insufficient personnel and risk of societal stigmatization.

Design

Descriptive study with qualitative approach.

Method

Individual narrative and focus group interviews were obtained during 2015 with eight nurses and one physician who had worked in Ebola care in Sierra Leone. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Result

The analysis resulted in the two themes: ‘Experiencing security by learning to manage risks’; and ‘Developing courage and growth by facing personal fears’. Subthemes were: ‘Relying on safeguard actions’, ‘Managing risk of contagion’, ‘Developing strategies for care despite risks’, ‘Constantly reminded of death’, ‘Successively defeating fears’ and last, ‘Increasing motivation through meaningfulness’. The participants described the reliance on training, organized effort, strict guidelines and equipment. They were respectful of the risk of transmission, made risk assessments, took responsibility, handled risky situations and were reminded of suffering and death.

Conclusion

Despite challenges, the hazardous work with Ebola virus disease patients was experienced as meaningful which was an important motivator. Safe care was central in working with Ebola patients, but the care relation was challenged.
A promoter polymorphism rs2075824 within IMPA2 gene affecting the transcription activity: possible relationship with schizophrenia
Authors: Li Jia , Huang Sheng , Dai Hui‐Rong , Wang Juan , Lin Li‐Hui , Xiao Hui , Peng Xia , Li Fei , Wang Yu‐Ping , Yuan Jian‐Min , Li Li
Published: October 2016

Previous studies with biological and genetic evidence indicate that the myo‐inositol monophosphatase 2 (IMPA2) gene may influence schizophrenia. We performed a genetic association study in Han Chinese cohorts. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms within IMPA2 promoter region (rs971363, rs971362, rs2075824, rs111410794 and rs111610121), as well as one (rs45442994, in intron 1) that was positively associated in another study, were selected for genotyping in 1397 patients with schizophrenia and 1285 mentally healthy controls. Genotype and allele frequencies were assessed by gender stratification. Interestingly, rs2075824 showed a strong association with schizophrenia (P = 4.1 × 10−4), and the T allele was more frequent in cases than controls [P = 5.6 × 10−5, OR (95% CI) = 1.26 (1.13–1.41)]. In vitro promoter assay showed that the transcription activity of the T allele promoter was higher than that of the C allele promoter and the T allele of rs2075824 contributed to risk for schizophrenia. By stratifying males and females, we found a gender‐specific association for IMPA2 and schizophrenia: the T allele of rs2075824 was more frequent in male cases compared with male controls [P = 1.4 × 10−4, OR (95% CI) = 1.33 (1.15–1.55)]. Our data suggest that a promoter polymorphism of IMPA2 possibly contributed to risk for schizophrenia by elevating transcription activity in Han Chinese individuals.
Local population density and group composition influence the signal‐preference relationship in Enchenopa treehoppers (Hemiptera: Membracidae)
Authors: Fowler‐Finn K. D. , Cruz D. C. , Rodríguez R. L.
Published: October 2016

Many animals exhibit social plasticity – changes in phenotype or behaviour in response to experience with conspecifics that change how evolutionary processes like sexual selection play out. Here, we asked whether social plasticity arising from variation in local population density in male advertisement signals and female mate preferences influences the form of sexual selection. We manipulated local density and determined whether this changed how the distribution of male signals overlapped with female preferences – the signal preference relationship. We specifically look at the shape of female mate preference functions, which, when compared to signal distributions, provide hypotheses about the form of sexual selection. We used Enchenopa binotata treehoppers, a group of plant‐feeding insects that exhibit natural variation in local densities across individual host plants, populations, species and years. We measured male signal frequency and female preference functions across the density treatments. We found that male signals varied across local social groups, but not according to local density. By contrast, female preferences varied with local density – favouring higher signal frequencies in denser environments. Thus, local density changes the signal–preference relationship and, consequently, the expected form of sexual selection. We found no influence of sex ratio on the signal–preference relationship. Our findings suggest that plasticity arising from variation in local group density and composition can alter the form of sexual selection with potentially important consequences both for the maintenance of variation and for speciation.
Brain size evolution in pipefishes and seahorses: the role of feeding ecology, life history and sexual selection
Authors: Tsuboi M. , Lim A. C. O. , Ooi B. L. , Yip M. Y. , Chong V. C. , Ahnesjö I. , Kolm N.
Published: October 2016

Brain size varies greatly at all taxonomic levels. Feeding ecology, life history and sexual selection have been proposed as key components in generating contemporary diversity in brain size across vertebrates. Analyses of brain size evolution have, however, been limited to lineages where males predominantly compete for mating and females choose mates. Here, we present the first original data set of brain sizes in pipefishes and seahorses (Syngnathidae) a group in which intense female mating competition occurs in many species. After controlling for the effect of shared ancestry and overall body size, brain size was positively correlated with relative snout length. Moreover, we found that females, on average, had 4.3% heavier brains than males and that polyandrous species demonstrated more pronounced (11.7%) female‐biased brain size dimorphism. Our results suggest that adaptations for feeding on mobile prey items and sexual selection in females are important factors in brain size evolution of pipefishes and seahorses. Most importantly, our study supports the idea that sexual selection plays a major role in brain size evolution, regardless of on which sex sexual selection acts stronger.
The distribution of Athetis lepigone and prediction of its potential distribution based on GARP and MaxEnt
Authors: Wang Y. Q. , Ma J. F. , Li X. Q. , Wang Y. F. , Cao S. , Xie A. T. , Ye S. F. , Dong B. X. , Zhao W. X. , Qin Y. X. , Xia F. , Zheng Z. Y. , Zhu X. M. , Jiang J. Y. , Dong Z. P.
Published: October 2016

Athetis lepigone (Möschler) is a new agronomic pest which has caused serious damages to summer maize in China. In order to effectively monitor it, it is necessary to carry‐out a worldwide investigation on its potential geographical distribution. In this study, we give two ecological niche models, Genetic Algorithm for Rule‐set Production and Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt), to predict the potential geographical distribution of A. lepigone. The results indicate that the suitable areas for A. lepigone are mainly in China (Beijing, Tianjin, central and southern Hebei, northern Jiangsu, Shandong, most of Henan, northern Anhui, central and southern Shanxi, central and southern Shaanxi, small parts of north‐west in Hubei, eastern Gansu, parts of Ningxia, western of Xinjiang and Dandong, and Liaoning) and other Asian countries (South Korea, North Korea and Japan). Parts of Europe (south‐western Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, parts of Austria, western Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, northern Italy, Denmark, western Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, southern Finland and Sweden) are also highly suitable for A. lepigone. In addition, in the states of the USA including Michigan, New York, Chicago, Missouri, Ohio, Illinois and Indiana are also favourable for its occurrence although till now no reports about of this species has been recorded. A jackknife test in MaxEnt showed that the mean temperature of the driest quarter was the most important environmental variable affecting the distribution of this pest.
Chemical and biological stress factors on the activation of nucleopolyhedrovirus infections in covertly infected Spodoptera exigua
Authors: Virto C. , Navarro D. , Tellez M. M. , Murillo R. , Williams T. , Caballero P.
Published: October 2016

Following the consumption of baculovirus occlusion bodies (OBs), insects may succumb to lethal disease, but the survivors can harbour sublethal covert infections and may develop, reproduce and transmit the infection to their offspring. The use of different chemical and biological stressors was examined to determine whether they could be used to activate covert infections in populations of Spodoptera exigua larvae infected by the homologous nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV). Treatment of covertly infected S. exigua second instars with Tinopal UNPA‐GX, hydroxylamine, paraquat, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki crystals, spores or mixtures of crystals + spores, or a heterologous nucleopolyhedrovirus (Chrysodeixis chalcites SNPV) did not result in the activation of SeMNPV covert infections. Similarly, virus treatments involving permissive NPVs did not result in greater mortality in covertly infected insects compared with the virus‐free controls. In contrast, 0.1% copper sulphate, 1% iron (II) sulphate and 1 mg/l sodium selenite treatments resulted in 12–41% lethal polyhedrosis disease in covertly infected larvae. A greenhouse trial using copper sulphate and sodium selenite as activation factors applied to covertly infected S. exigua larvae on sweet pepper plants resulted in very low levels of SeMNPV activation (<3%). These results highlight the important roles of copper, iron and selenium in insect immunity and baculovirus‐induced disease. However, these substances seem unlikely to prove useful for the activation of covert SeMNPV infections in S. exigua larvae under greenhouse conditions.
Home sweet home: evidence for nest‐fidelity in the rocky intertidal fish, the shanny Lipophrys pholis
Authors: Martins J. , Almada F. , Gonçalves A. , Duarte‐Coelho P. , Jorge P. E.
Published: October 2016

The ability to be faithful to a particular area or site was analysed in the shanny Lipophrys pholis. Using passive integrated transponders, adults from a population of L. pholis at Cabo Raso, Portugal, were followed over a period of 3 years. The findings showed that site fidelity is a consistent behaviour during the breeding season with specific breeding males being found only in particular sectors within the area, and in specific nests throughout the years. The fact that, in general, L. pholis individuals were absent from the study area during the non‐breeding season and breeding males were recorded returning to the same nests and sectors for consecutive breeding seasons suggests that they have developed excellent homing abilities. Translocation data corroborate this idea showing that breeding males successfully returned to their nests after a displacement of >100 m. Altogether, these findings highlight the relevance of life‐history traits (e.g. nesting) in the conditioning of site fidelity and homing for this species of rocky intertidal fish, and more importantly, provide evidence for the need of a well‐developed navigational system.
Mycobacteria in aquarium fish: results of a 3‐year survey indicate caution required in handling pet‐shop fish
Authors: Kušar D , Zajc U , Jenčič V , Ocepek M , Higgins J , Žolnir‐Dovč M , Pate M
Published: October 2016

Fish are commonly infected with non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), which should be regarded as potential pathogens when handling aquarium fish and equipment. This study examined 107 aquarium fish from pet shops. Cultivation of the fish samples using different selective media was conducted for identification ofNTM. Isolates were identified using the GenoType Mycobacterium common mycobacteria and additional species assays, sequencing of the 16SrRNAandrpoBgenes, and real‐timePCRassay for identification ofMycobacterium (M.) marinum. Among the investigated fish, 79.4% (85/107) were positive for mycobacteria, with 8.2% (7 of 85) having two mycobacterial species present. Among the positive fish, the common pathogensM. marinum,Mycobacterium fortuitum(M. fortuitumgroup) andMycobacterium chelonaewere identified in approx. 90% of fish and otherNTMspecies in 10%, includingMycobacterium peregrinum/septicum,Mycobacterium gordonae,Mycobacterium arupense,Mycobacterium kansasii,Mycobacterium ulceransandMycobacterium setense. The well‐known human pathogenM. marinumwas present in 10.6% of the positive fish (9 of 85). The species of mycobacteria identified in the study are not only recognized as aquarium fish pathogens, but can also cause pathology in humans. Microbiological and clinical communities should therefore be sensitized to the role ofNTMin infections associated with exposure to aquarium fish.
Efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir‐based interferon‐free therapies for hepatitis C in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Qu Yundong , Guo Ying , Li Tao , Ye Qian , Sun Chao , Wang Lei , Yang Baohua
Published: October 2016

Background and Aim

The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir‐based interferon‐free therapies in liver transplantation recipients with hepatitis C virus infection recurrence.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CENTRAL on the Cochrane Library without time or language limitation. The search strategy used was “sofosbuvir AND transplantation.” Sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12) rate, incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs) and/or adverse events, discontinuation rate with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled with random‐effects model.

Results

Twenty‐two studies (1730 patients) were included for our meta‐analysis. The pooled SVR12 rate was 90.1% (95% CI 86.4–93.4%, I2 = 81.6%). SVR12 rate was higher in patients with mild fibrosis than in patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis (RR = 1.072, 95% CI 1.031–1.115, I2 = 3.6%). For patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1, the pooled SVR12 rate was 91.9% (95% CI 89.2–94.2%, I2 = 53.3%). The pooled SAEs incidence was 8.3% (95% CI 5.6–11.5%, I2 = 78.4%). The pooled discontinuation rate because of adverse events or SAEs was 3.3% (95% CI 1.8–5.2%).

Conclusions

Sofosbuvir‐based interferon‐free therapy is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment strategy for patients with hepatitis C virus infection recurrence after liver transplantation.
Etiology and outcome in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding: Study on 4747 patients in the central region of Iran
Authors: Minakari Mohammad , Badihian Shervin , Jalalpour Pooyan , Sebghatollahi Vahid
Published: October 2016

Background and Aim

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a threatening condition leading to urgent hospitalization. This study aims to investigate etiology and outcome in UGIB patients in Iran.

Methods

Medical records of GIB patients admitted to Alzahra referral hospital (in Isfahan) during 2010–2015 were retrospectively reviewed for demographic data, comorbidities, history of smoking and taking non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), presenting symptoms, endoscopic findings, therapeutic endoscopy, blood products' infusion, surgical intervention, rebleeding, and mortality.

Results

A total of 4747 patients were enrolled in the study (69.2% men, mean age = 55.46 ± 21.98 years). Hematemesis was the most frequent presenting symptom (63.5%). Peptic ulcer (duodenal ulcer in most cases) was seen as the main reason for UGIB (42.4%). Rebleeding (present in 16.5% of patients) was found to be more frequent in patients with older age, presenting sign of hematochezia and hypotension, history of taking NSAIDs and smoking, presence of comorbidities, history of bleeding because of UGI tract neoplasm and esophageal varices, history of needing blood products' infusion, and history of therapeutic endoscopy or surgical intervention (P < 0.005). We found that mortality (5.5% in total) was also higher in the same group of patients that were seen to have a higher tendency for rebleeding (P < 0.005).

Conclusion

Peptic ulcers are the most common cause of UGIB. Comorbidities, hemodynamic instability, high‐risk endoscopic stigmata, history of smoking and taking NSAIDs, gastric and esophageal malignancies, may be important predisposing factors for rebleeding and mortality in patients with UGIB.