bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D printing: an emerging technology for sensor fabrication
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This study aims to provide a technical insight into sensors fabricated by three-dimensional (3D) printing methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction to 3D printing, this article first discusses printed sensors for strain and allied variables, based on a diverse range of principles and materials. It then considers ultrasonic and acoustic sensor developments and provides details of a sensor based on 3D printed electronic components for monitoring food quality in real-time. Finally, brief concluding comments are drawn.

Findings

Several variants of the 3D printing technique have been used in the fabrication of a range of sensors based on many different operating principles. These exhibit good performance and sometimes unique characteristics. A key benefit is the ability to overcome the limitations of conventional manufacturing techniques by creating complex shapes from a wide range of sensing materials.

Originality/value

3D printing is a new and potentially important sensor fabrication technology, and this article provides details of a range of recently reported developments.
Efficacy and safety of superficial cryotherapy for alopecia areata: A retrospective, comprehensive review of 353 cases over 22 years
Authors: Jun Myungsoo , Lee Noo Ri , Lee Won‐Soo
Published: October 2016

Alopecia areata (AA) affects anagen hair follicles, resulting in non‐scarring hair loss. Since introduced by Huang et al., superficial cryotherapy has been accepted as a considerable primary therapeutic modality for AA. The aim of this study was to objectively clarify the therapeutic efficacy and safety of superficial hypothermic cryotherapy for treatment of AA. Medical records of 353 patients from 1993 to 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the response to the superficial cryotherapy, patients were categorized into four groups: “marked”, “partial”, “poor” and “no recovery”. The marked and partial recovery groups were considered as responders. The proportions of the responders among patient subgroups which were defined by various patients, disease, and treatment factors were compared. Of the patients, 60.9% were classified as responders after 3 months of superficial hypothermic cryotherapy. The proportion of the responders were higher when the treatment interval was 2 weeks or less and in the incipient disease stage, with statistical significance. No severe side‐effects other than mild pain and pruritus were reported. In conclusion, superficial cryotherapy is an effective and safe therapeutic modality for AA. Especially when the treatment interval is 2 weeks or less and in the first occurrence of the disease, the therapeutic outcome is superior.
Scanning anisotropy parameters in horizontal transversely isotropic media
Authors: Masmoudi Nabil , Stovas Alexey , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: October 2016

The horizontal transversely isotropic model, with arbitrary symmetry axis orientation, is the simplest effective representative that explains the azimuthal behaviour of seismic data. Estimating the anisotropy parameters of this model is important in reservoir characterisation, specifically in terms of fracture delineation. We propose a travel‐time‐based approach to estimate the anellipticity parameter η and the symmetry axis azimuth ϕ of a horizontal transversely isotropic medium, given an inhomogeneous elliptic background model (which might be obtained from velocity analysis and well velocities). This is accomplished through a Taylor's series expansion of the travel‐time solution (of the eikonal equation) as a function of parameter η and azimuth angle ϕ. The accuracy of the travel time expansion is enhanced by the use of Shanks transform. This results in an accurate approximation of the solution of the non‐linear eikonal equation and provides a mechanism to scan simultaneously for the best fitting effective parameters η and ϕ, without the need for repetitive modelling of travel times. The analysis of the travel time sensitivity to parameters η and ϕ reveals that travel times are more sensitive to η than to the symmetry axis azimuth ϕ. Thus, η is better constrained from travel times than the azimuth. Moreover, the two‐parameter scan in the homogeneous case shows that errors in the background model affect the estimation of η and ϕ differently. While a gradual increase in errors in the background model leads to increasing errors in η, inaccuracies in ϕ, on the other hand, depend on the background model errors. We also propose a layer‐stripping method valid for a stack of arbitrary oriented symmetry axis horizontal transversely isotropic layers to convert the effective parameters to the interval layer values.
Novel microsatellite markers for Dalechampia scandens (Euphorbiaceae) and closely related taxa: application to studying a species complex
Authors: Falahati‐Anbaran Mohsen , Stenøien Hans K. , Bolstad Geir H. , Hansen Thomas F. , Pérez‐Barrales Rocío , Armbruster W Scott , Pélabon Christophe
Published: October 2016

We developed novel microsatellite markers for
D

alechampia scandens L. (Euphorbiaceae). The target plants belong to a distinct, but undescribed, species in the
D

. scandens species complex, characterized by small resin‐producing glands. In total, 110 alleles over 36 novel markers were identified across 39 individuals from three populations. The number of alleles varied from one to seven, with an average of 3.06 ± 0.26 alleles per locus. The developed markers, along with previously developed ones for a large‐glanded
D

. scandens species, were tested for amplification in 11 additional species of the genus
D

alechampia. Four markers did not produce any detectable allele in 37 individuals from two populations of the large‐glanded species. Average expected heterozygosity across all small‐ and large‐glanded specific loci was 0.36 and 0.15, for the small and large glanded populations, respectively. Cross‐species amplification showed that 89% of all markers were successfully amplified in at least one of the 11 other
D

alechampia species. These microsatellite markers may be useful for detecting undescribed species in the
D

. scandens species complex, and can be used for comparative analyses of genetic structure, mating system and phylogeography of other
D

alechampia species.
Calling Iranian learners of L2 English: effect of gloss type on lexical retention and reading performance under different learning conditions
Authors: Sadeghi Karim , Khezrlou Sima , Modirkhameneh Sima
Published: October 2016

This study sought to compare how three different gloss types (text–picture, text–audio and text–picture–audio) affected English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition. The study also compared how results on comprehension and vocabulary acquisition differed across three learning conditions (i.e., incidental, intentional and explicit instruction). A between‐groups design was employed with four groups (N = 135) of Iranian university learners of L2 English. The participants (with upper‐intermediate proficiency level) read English texts. Written recall and multiple‐choice questions were used to measure reading comprehension; vocabulary knowledge scale (VKS) and contextualized vocabulary knowledge test (CVKT) were used to assess vocabulary acquisition. Results of statistical analyses revealed that while the text–picture–audio gloss type consistently resulted in better vocabulary learning and reading comprehension, the learning conditions varied in terms of their immediate and delayed effect on vocabulary and reading scores. This study suggests that learner performances across gloss types are condition specific and provides both pedagogical and theoretical implications.

What is already known about this topic

Electronic glosses foster reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition.

There are different positions about the effectiveness of form focused instruction in grammar, with the focus on forms approach having a higher acceptable rate in SLA. But, this issue has been rarely researched in vocabulary acquisition.

What this paper adds

This study supports the complementary nature of dual annotations in vocabulary learning and reading comprehension.

This study extends the issue of form focused instruction to vocabulary learning by comparing the incidental, intentional and incidental–intentional learning orientations.

This study evaluates the interaction between the multiple gloss types and the learning orientations.

Implications for theory, policy or practice

This study provides both pedagogical and theoretical implications.
Vitamin D, pre‐eclampsia, and preterm birth among pregnancies at high risk for pre‐eclampsia: an analysis of data from a low‐dose aspirin trial
Authors: Gernand AD , Simhan HN , Baca KM , Caritis S , Bodnar LM
Published: October 2016

Objective

To examine the relation between maternal vitamin D status and risk of pre‐eclampsia and preterm birth in women at high risk for pre‐eclampsia.

Design

Analysis of prospectively collected data and blood samples from a trial of prenatal low‐dose aspirin.

Setting

Thirteen sites across the USA.

Population

Women at high risk for pre‐eclampsia.

Methods

We measured 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in stored maternal serum samples drawn at 12–26 weeks’ gestation (n = 822). We used mixed effects models to examine the association between 25(OH)D and risk of pre‐eclampsia and preterm birth, controlling for confounders including prepregnancy BMI and race.

Main outcome measures

Pre‐eclampsia and preterm birth.

Results

Twelve percent of women were vitamin D deficient [25(OH)D <30 nmol/l]. Women with 25(OH)D <30 versus ≥75 nmol/l had a 2.4‐fold (95% CI 1.0–5.6) higher risk of early‐onset pre‐eclampsia (<35 weeks’ gestation) after confounder adjustment. Women with 25(OH)D <50 nmol/l had a 1.8‐fold (95% CI 1.0–3.2) increased risk of preterm birth at <35 weeks compared with women who had 25(OH)D ≥75 nmol/l, which was driven by indicated preterm births at <35 weeks’ gestation [25(OH)D <50 versus ≥75 nmol/l adjusted RR 2.5 (95% CI 1.1–5.8)]. There was no association between vitamin D status and pre‐eclampsia or preterm birth at <37 weeks.

Conclusion

Maternal vitamin D status in the second trimester was inversely associated with risk of early‐onset pre‐eclampsia and preterm birth at <35 weeks in women at high risk for pre‐eclampsia.

Tweetable abstract

Vitamin D is inversely related to risk of pre‐eclampsia and preterm birth at <35 weeks in high‐risk pregnancies.
Architectures of oppression: Perceptions of individuals with Asperger's syndrome in the Republic of Armenia
Authors: Hallett Fiona , Allan David
Published: October 2016

This paper presents a phenomenographic analysis of perceptions of individuals with Asperger's syndrome in the Republic of Armenia. The primary objective was to apply and develop existing theory in a unique national context and across a broader respondent group than in previous studies. As such, the research compares and contrasts the views expressed by individuals with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEN/D), the parents of individuals with SEN/D and lay members of the public. Social comparison models developed by Hedley and Young (2006), Huws and Jones (2015) and Locke (2014) are utilised as lenses through which to analyse the conceptions, attitudes and beliefs of each respondent group. The particular social, cultural and political history of Armenia offers an insight into the challenges of, and opportunities for, autism research in the former Soviet Union.
Housing Preferences of Asian and Hispanic/Latino Immigrants in the United States: A Melting Pot or Salad Bowl
Authors: Wu Yi , Sah Vivek , Tidwell Alan
Published: October 2016

Several factors affecting household formations of first‐ and second‐generation Asian and Hispanic/Latino immigrants are identified, including contextual social interaction effects. Using household data from the American Housing Survey and Public Use Micro‐data Sample, we find that first‐generation Asian and Hispanic/Latino immigrants are more likely to live in coresidence households; and this is influenced by immigrant gender, age, education, income, employment and density. Education and income are inversely related to coresiding, while higher immigrant density increases the propensity to coreside. Contextual effects reveal that neighborhoods with a relatively large Caucasian average household size increase coresidence behavior among immigrants; and the income of Caucasians living in the area is inversely related to immigrant coresiding behavior. Second‐generation Asian immigrants are more likely to live independently, while second‐generation Hispanic/Latino immigrants have a higher propensity to coreside; however, they are influenced contextually by geographic household and income patterns. We further specify findings by considering local housing price, the fusion of immigrants in the United States, agglomeration of immigrants in central city and a comparison between immigrants in United States and similarly aged natives in China. Our results are robust to potential sample‐selection bias and social interaction boundary selection bias.
End‐of‐life issues: Withdrawal and withholding of life‐sustaining healthcare in the emergency department: A comparison between emergency physicians and emergency registrars: A sub‐study
Authors: Richardson Philip G , Greenslade Jaimi , Isoardi Jonathon , Davey Michael , Gillett Mark , Tucker Alicia , Klim Sharon , Kelly Anne‐Maree , Abdelmahmoud Ibrahim
Published: October 2016

Objective

We investigated and compared the importance of the considerations and discussions when withdrawing and withholding life‐sustaining healthcare between emergency physicians (EP) and emergency registrars (ER).

Methods

This was a sub‐study of a prospective cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based case series conducted in six EDs. Primary outcomes were, which of the discussion and considerations, were rated most important by EP and ER in the decision‐making process.

Results

We studied responses relating to the care of 320 patients, of which 49.4% were women and the median age was 83 (interquartile range [IQR] 72–88). EP and ER were sole decision‐makers in 185 (39.7%) and 135 (30.0%) of cases, respectively. Treatment was withdrawn or withheld in 72.0 and 90.6% of all deaths by EP and ER, respectively (P < 0.001). EP and ER provided full treatment in 88 (34%) and 19 (12.7%) of cases, respectively (P < 0.05). The consideration rated most important was prognosis: 165 (90.2%, confidence interval: 85.0–93.7) and 121 (90.3%, confidence interval: 84.1–94.2) for EP and ER, respectively. ER rated co‐morbidities and age more important than did EP (P < 0.05). Both rated discussions with family as very important. EP and ER referred 6.0% versus 11.9% patients to palliative care services, respectively. The proportion of patients taking longer than 24 h to die was higher for ER compared with that for EP (14.1% vs 4.9%, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

We found that ER were more likely to withdraw/withhold life‐sustaining healthcare, provide partial treatment, rate different considerations as important and their patients took longer to die than that of EP. Focused education and training might improve decision‐making consistency between physicians and training registrars.
Temporal and Spatial Trends in Nutrient and Sediment Loading to Lake Tahoe, California‐Nevada, USA
Authors: Coats Robert , Lewis Jack , Alvarez Nancy , Arneson Patricia
Published: October 2016

Since 1980, the Lake Tahoe Interagency Monitoring Program (LTIMP) has provided stream‐discharge and water quality data—nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and suspended sediment—at more than 20 stations in Lake Tahoe Basin streams. To characterize the temporal and spatial patterns in nutrient and sediment loading to the lake, and improve the usefulness of the program and the existing database, we have (1) identified and corrected for sources of bias in the water quality database; (2) generated synthetic datasets for sediments and nutrients, and resampled to compare the accuracy and precision of different load calculation models; (3) using the best models, recalculated total annual loads over the period of record; (4) regressed total loads against total annual and annual maximum daily discharge, and tested for time trends in the residuals; (5) compared loads for different forms of N and P; and (6) tested constituent loads against land use‐land cover (LULC) variables using multiple regression. The results show (1) N and P loads are dominated by organic N and particulate P; (2) there are significant long‐term downward trends in some constituent loads of some streams; and (3) anthropogenic impervious surface is the most important LULC variable influencing water quality in basin streams. Many of our recommendations for changes in water quality monitoring and load calculation methods have been adopted by the LTIMP.
Short sleep duration and longer daytime napping are associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in Chinese adults
Authors: Peng Kui , Lin Lin , Wang Zhengyi , Ding Lin , Huang Ya , Wang Po , Xu Yu , Lu Jieli , Xu Min , Bi Yufang , Wang Weiqing , Chen Yuhong , Ning Guang
Published: October 2016

Background

Epidemiologic studies have reported conflicting results on the relationship between short sleep duration and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). There are no previous studies investigating the effect of daytime napping on NAFLD. In the present study we examined the associations between NAFLD and both nightly sleep duration and daytime napping in a middle‐aged and elderly Chinese population.

Methods

This cross‐sectional community‐based population study was performed on 8559 individuals aged ≥40 years. Sleep duration and the duration of daytime napping were self‐reported using a standardized questionnaire; NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasonography.

Results

In this study sample, the overall prevalence of NAFLD was 30.4%. There was an inverse association between sleep duration and the risk of prevalent NAFLD. In multivariate analysis, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of prevalent NAFLD for decreasing sleep duration categories (≥9, 8.1–9, 7.1–8, 6.1–7, and ≤6.1 h) were 1.00 (reference), 1.38 (1.13–1.70), 1.32 (1.08–1.61), 1.29 (1.04–1.60), and 1.66 (1.28–2.15), respectively (P
trend = 0.0073). Compared with participants without a daytime napping habit, nap takers with a longer nap duration (>0.5 h) had an increased risk of prevalent NAFLD (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.06–1.41). The associations of sleep duration and daytime napping duration with NAFLD were generally consistent across different categories of age and obesity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance status.

Conclusions

Short sleep duration and longer daytime napping were associated with an increased risk of prevalent NAFLD in a middle‐aged and elderly Chinese population.
Inter‐scan and inter‐observer tumour volume delineation variability on cone beam computed tomography in patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy for early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Hou Ying , Lee Stephanie , Agrawal Vishesh , Romano John , Baldini Elizabeth H , Chen Aileen B , Kozono David E , Killoran Joseph H , Wagar Matthew , Hacker Fred L , Aerts Hugo JWL , Lewis John H , Mak Raymond H
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Quantification of volume changes on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) during lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may provide a useful radiological marker for radiation response and for adaptive treatment planning. This study quantifies inter‐scan and inter‐observer variability in tumour volume delineation on CBCT.

Methods

Three clinicians independently contoured the primary gross tumour volume (GTV) manually on CBCTs taken immediately before SBRT treatment (pre) and after the same SBRT treatment (post) for 19 NSCLC patients. Relative volume differences (RVD) were calculated between the pre‐ and post‐CBCTs for a given treatment and between any two of three observers for a given CBCT. Coefficient of variation (CV) was used to quantitatively measure and compare the extent of variability.

Results

Inter‐observer variability had a significantly higher CV of 0.15 ± 0.13 compared to inter‐scan CV of 0.03 ± 0.04 with P < 0.0001. The greatest variability was observed with tumours (<2 cm in diameter) versus larger tumours with 95% limit of agreement (LOA) (Mean ± Standard Deviation) of 1.90% ± 19.55% vs. −0.97% ± 12.26% for inter‐scan RVD and 29.99% ± 73.84% vs. 9.37% ± 29.95% for inter‐observer RVD respectively.

Conclusions

Inter‐observer variability was greater than inter‐scan variability for tumour volume delineation on CBCT with greatest variability for small tumours (<2 cm in diameter). LOA for inter‐scan variability (~12%) helps defines a threshold for clinically meaningful tumour volume change during SBRT treatment for tumours with diameter greater than 2 cm, with larger thresholds needed for smaller tumours.
Growth of magnetotactic sulfate‐reducing bacteria in oxygen concentration gradient medium
Authors: Lefèvre Christopher T. , Howse Paul A. , Schmidt Marian L. , Sabaty Monique , Menguy Nicolas , Luther George W. , Bazylinski Dennis A.
Published: October 2016

Although dissimilatory sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) are generally described as strictly anaerobic organisms with regard to growth, several reports have shown that some SRB, particularly Desulfovibrio species, are quite resistant to O2. For example, SRB remain viable in many aerobic environments while some even reduce O2 to H2O. However, reproducible aerobic growth of SRB has not been unequivocally documented. Desulfovibrio magneticus is a SRB that is also a magnetotactic bacterium (MTB). MTB biomineralize magnetosomes which are intracellular, membrane‐bounded, magnetic iron mineral crystals. The ability of D. magneticus to grow aerobically in several different media under air where an O2 concentration gradient formed, or under O2‐free N2 gas was tested. Under air, cells grew as a microaerophilic band of cells at the oxic–anoxic interface in media lacking sulfate. These results show that D. magneticus is capable of aerobic growth with O2 as a terminal electron acceptor. This is the first report of consistent, reproducible aerobic growth of SRB. This finding is critical in determining important ecological roles SRB play in the environment. Interestingly, the crystal structure of the magnetite crystals of D. magneticus grown under microaerobic conditions showed significant differences compared with those produced anaerobically providing more evidence that environmental parameters influence magnetosome formation.
Comparative study of three‐dimensional versus two‐dimensional video‐assisted thoracoscopic two‐port lobectomy
Authors: Jiao Peng , Wu Qing‐jun , Sun Yao‐guang , Ma Chao , Tian Wen‐xin , Yu Han‐bo , Tong Hong‐feng
Published: October 2016

Background

The advantages and disadvantages of three‐dimensional (3D) and two‐dimensional (2D) two‐port video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy and systematic dissection of mediastinal lymph nodes for lung cancer were investigated.

Methods

Between December 2013 and July 2015 at Beijing Hospital, 191 patients underwent lobectomy and systematic dissection of mediastinal lymph nodes for lung cancer. After applying the study criteria, a total of 165 patients were included and allocated to 3D (n = 76) and 2D (n = 89) groups. Variables of the study design, including duration of surgery, volume of intraoperative bleeding, numbers and groups of lymph nodes dissected, drainage volume after surgery, duration of drainage tube insertion, hospitalization time after surgery, hospitalization costs, and complications, were recorded and analyzed. Intergroup differences for all data were compared and statistically analyzed.

Results

No statistical difference was found between the two groups with respect to duration of surgery, volume of intraoperative bleeding, drainage volume after surgery, duration of drainage tube insertion, hospitalization time after surgery, hospitalization costs, and complications (
P
 > 0.05). Additionally, there was no significant difference in the numbers and groups of all lymph nodes or N
2 lymph nodes resected (
P
 > 0.05).

Conclusion

Lobectomy with systematic lymph node dissection can be undertaken with two ports using a 3D thoracoscope, and presents similar results to the use of a traditional 2D thoracoscope, at no greater hospitalization cost but with better operational perception and sensitivity during surgery. Two‐port lobectomy with systematic lymph node dissection using a 3D thoracoscope is a safe and effective surgical process for lung cancer treatment.
Antibiotics in the first year of life and subsequent neurocognitive outcomes
Authors: Slykerman Rebecca F. , Thompson John , Waldie Karen E. , Murphy Rinki , Wall Clare , Mitchell Edwin A.
Published: October 2016

Aim

There may be a link between disruption to the gut microbiota in early life and later neurocognitive outcomes. We hypothesised that antibiotic use in early life is associated with a detrimental effect on later neurocognitive outcomes.

Methods

Eight hundred and seventy‐one European mothers and their children enrolled in the Auckland Birthweight Collaborative Study at birth. Information on antibiotic use during the first year of life and between 12 months and three‐and‐a‐half years of age was gathered via maternal interview. Intelligence test scores and measures of behavioural difficulties were obtained when children were three‐and‐a‐half years, seven years and 11 years of age.

Results

Antibiotic use in the first year of life was reported in 70% of the 526 children with antibiotic data assessed at age three‐and‐a‐half years. Those who had received antibiotics had more behavioural difficulties and more symptoms of depression at follow‐up. Results were consistent across all standardised psychologist administered tests, as well as parent rated, teacher rated and self‐report measures.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates an association between antibiotic use in the first year of life and subsequent neurocognitive outcomes in childhood. If confirmed by further research, these findings could have implications for the use of antibiotics for minor illnesses in infancy.
Parents' Experiences During the Family Reunification Process: A Chinese Context
Authors: Wong Mooly Mei‐Ching
Published: October 2016

Family reunification is always an integral part of a permanency plan and is a preferable outcome for children in care. However, reunification is not straightforward, involving many subsequent negotiations between parents, children, and social workers, sparking various emotions and struggles among the involved parties. Current research on parental experiences of family reunification is predominantly of a cross‐sectional nature, and rarely reflects the parents' experience throughout the process. This paper reports the results of a qualitative panel study aimed at exploring the experiences Chinese parents have during the process of children returning home from care. Seven parents were recruited. Data was collected at three time points and informants narrated their experiences from both a retrospective and prospective perspective. The findings showed that all parents struggled to become competent caregivers. Three salient themes were identified: inferiority, adjustment, and challenge. The parents' experiences revealed the prevalence of stigmatization among social work professions toward parents. This study recommends re‐focusing the policy direction and intervention strategies of out‐of‐home care from family coercion to family support.
Netazepide, a gastrin/cholecystokinin‐2 receptor antagonist, can eradicate gastric neuroendocrine tumours in patients with autoimmune chronic atrophic gastritis
Authors: Boyce Malcolm , Moore Andrew R. , Sagatun Liv , Parsons Bryony N. , Varro Andrea , Campbell Fiona , Fossmark Reidar , Waldum Helge L. , Pritchard D. Mark
Published: October 2016

Aims

Netazepide, a gastrin/cholecystokinin 2 receptor antagonist, once daily for 12 weeks reduced the number of tumours and size of the largest one in 16 patients with autoimmune chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), achlorhydria, hypergastrinaemia and multiple gastric neuroendocrine tumours (type 1 gastric NETs), and normalized circulating chromogranin A (CgA) produced by enterochromaffin‐like cells, the source of the tumours. The aim was to assess whether longer‐term netazepide treatment can eradicate type 1 gastric NETs.

Methods

After a mean 14 months off netazepide, 13 of the 16 patients took it for another 52 weeks. Assessments were: gastroscopy; gene‐transcript expression in corpus biopsies using quantitative polymerase chain reaction; blood CgA and gastrin concentrations; and safety assessments.

Results

While off‐treatment, the number of tumours, the size of the largest one, and CgA all increased again. Netazepide for 52 weeks: cleared all tumours in 5 patients; cleared all but one tumour in one patient; reduced the number of tumours and size of the largest one in the other patients; normalized CgA in all patients; and reduced mRNA abundances of CgA and histidine decarboxylase in biopsies. Gastrin did not increase further, confirming that the patients had achlorhydria. Netazepide was safe and well tolerated.

Conclusions

A gastrin/cholecystokinin 2 receptor antagonist is a potential medical and targeted treatment for type 1 gastric NETs, and an alternative to regular gastroscopy or surgery. Treatment should be continuous because the tumours will regrow if it is stopped. Progress can be monitored by CgA in blood or biomarkers in mucosal biopsies.
Not your average bigot: The better‐than‐average effect and defensive responding to Implicit Association Test feedback
Authors: Howell Jennifer L. , Ratliff Kate A.
Published: October 2016

A robust body of literature on the better‐than‐average effect suggests that people believe that they are better than the average others across a variety of domains. In two studies, we examined whether these better‐than‐average beliefs occur for bias related to stereotyping and prejudice. Moreover, we investigated the hypothesis that better‐than‐average beliefs will predict defensive responding to feedback indicating personal bias (e.g., preferences for majority groups, societally endorsed stereotypes). Specifically, we examined defensive responses to implicit attitude feedback. Study 1 examined this prediction using archival analysis of two large, online samples of participants completing a Weight‐related Implicit Association Test (IAT). Study 2 conceptually replicated Study 1 using nine different, randomly assigned IATs and additional measures of defensiveness. In both studies, people generally believed that they were less biased than others. Moreover, people responded defensively to feedback indicating they were biased. This effect was moderated by better‐than‐average beliefs such that feedback indicating societally consistent bias was related to defensiveness most (and sometimes only) when people believed they were better than average initially. This work represents the first foray into examining the possible moderating role of social‐comparative beliefs in predicting responses to implicit attitude feedback and spurs several important avenues for future research.
Is there a Common Path that could have Conditioned the Degree of Welfare State Development in Latin America and the Caribbean?
Authors: CRUZ‐MARTINEZ GIBRAN
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this paper is to re‐examine from a multidimensional perspective the possible existence of a single path that could have conditioned the degree of welfare state development (WSD) in Latin America. Economic/industrial development, trade‐openness, democracy and the strength of leftist parties‐labour movement are used as explanatory variables in the qualitative comparative analysis. In contrast to previous findings, this paper shows that there is no evidence of a common path followed by countries with a relatively high/medium WSD. Nevertheless, countries that experienced a low economic/industrial development combined with a low democratic experience were conditioned to have low WSD.
Intermediate monocytes are increased in enthesitis-related arthritis, a category of juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Gaur P , Myles A , Misra R , Aggarwal A
Published: October 2016

Microarray of peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid mononuclear cells (PBMC, SFMC) of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis–enthesitis-related arthritis (JIA-ERA) has shown the involvement of monocytes. On the basis of CD14 and CD16 expression, monocytes are classified as classical, intermediate and non-classical. In response to Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation, intermediate monocytes produce proinflammatory cytokines and play a role in inflammatory diseases. Therefore, we have studied the microarray profile of monocytes, the frequency of their subsets and cytokine production. Monocyte-specific microarray analysis was performed in six healthy controls' PBMC and six patients' PBMC and SFMC using Illumina chips WG12. Monocyte subsets were assessed in 46 patients with JIA-ERA and 17 healthy controls and 17 disease controls by flow cytometry. Interleukin (IL)−23 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) levels were measured in culture supernatants of eight controls and seven patients' PBMC/SFMC with/without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Cytokine-producing intermediate monocytes were assessed by flow cytometry. Genes related to antigen presentation, cytokine signalling and TLR pathway were regulated differentially in PB and synovial monocytes of patients with JIA-ERA. Key genes of intermediate monocytes, such as CLEC10A and MARCO, were expressed three- to fourfold more in JIA-ERA. In PB, the frequency of intermediate monocytes was significantly higher in JIA-ERA (4·90% ± 3·5) compared to controls (1·8% ± 1·06; P < 0·001). Patients' synovial cells also had more intermediate monocytes compared to PB (11·25% ± 11·32, 5·9% ± 4·8; P = 0.004). Intermediate monocytes are the major producers of IL-23. Thus, intermediate monocytes may play an important role in JIA-ERA, possibly by producing cytokines, and contribute to joint inflammation.
The contribution of policy, law, management, research, and advocacy failings to the recent extinctions of three Australian vertebrate species
Authors: Woinarski John C.Z. , Garnett Stephen T. , Legge Sarah M. , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: October 2016

Extinctions typically have ecological drivers, such as habitat loss. However, extinction events are also influenced by policy and management settings that may be antithetical to biodiversity conservation, inadequate to prevent extinction, insufficiently resourced, or poorly implemented. Three endemic Australian vertebrate species—the Christmas Island pipistrelle (Pipistrellus murrayi), Bramble Cay melomys (Melomys rubicola), and Christmas Island forest skink (Emoia nativitatis)—became extinct from 2009 to 2014. All 3 extinctions were predictable and probably preventable. We sought to identify the policy, management, research, and other shortcomings that contributed to their extinctions or failed to prevent them. These included a lack within national environmental legislation and policy of explicit commitment to the prevention of avoidable extinctions, lack of explicit accountability, inadequate resources for conservation (particularly for species not considered charismatic or not of high taxonomic distinctiveness), inadequate biosecurity, a slow and inadequate process for listing species as threatened, recovery planning that failed to consider the need for emergency response, inability of researchers to identify major threatening factors, lack of public engagement and involvement in conservation decisions, and limited advocacy. From these 3 cases, we recommend: environmental policy explicitly seeks to prevent extinction of any species and provides a clear chain of accountability and an explicit requirement for public inquiry following any extinction; implementation of a timely and comprehensive process for listing species as threatened and for recovery planning; reservation alone not be assumed sufficient to maintain species; enhancement of biosecurity measures; allocation of sufficient resources to undertake actions necessary to prevent extinction; monitoring be considered a pivotal component of the conservation response; research provides timely identification of factors responsible for decline and of the risk of extinction; effective dissemination of research results; advocacy by an informed public for the recovery of threatened species; and public involvement in governance of the recovery process. These recommendations should be applicable broadly to reduce the likelihood and incidence of extinctions.
Rehabilitative and therapeutic neuroarchitecture
Authors: Dan Bernard
Published: October 2016

Video Podcast: https://youtu.be/hntER566k24
Addition of a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, sitagliptin, to ongoing therapy with the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist liraglutide: A randomized controlled trial in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nauck Michael A. , Kahle Melanie , Baranov Oleg , Deacon Carolyn F. , Holst Jens J.
Published: October 2016

Aim

To determine whether the addition of sitagliptin to pre‐existing therapy with liraglutide changes glycaemic excursions after a mixed meal.

Methods

A total of 16 patients with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin and liraglutide (1.2 mg/d for ≥2 weeks) were randomized (sealed envelopes), within a cross‐over design, to be studied on two occasions, after an overnight fast, with (1) sitagliptin (100 mg orally) and (2) placebo (patients and care givers blinded) administered 60 minutes before a mixed meal, or vice versa. Glucose excursions (incremental area under the curve [AUC]; primary endpoint) and insulin, C‐peptide, glucagon and incretin concentrations were measured. The study setting was a metabolic study unit at a specialized diabetes hospital.

Results

All 16 patients completed the study and were analysed. Glucose (AUCglucose
319 ± 30 [placebo] vs 315 ± 18 mmol.L‐1.min‐1 [sitagliptin], Δ 7 [95% confidence interval −50 to 63] mmol.L‐1.min‐1), insulin, C‐peptide and glucagon concentrations were not affected significantly by sitagliptin treatment (
P
= .60‐1.00). Intact glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) concentrations were augmented by sitagliptin, by 78.4% and 90.2%, respectively (both
P
< .0001). The influence of sitagliptin treatment on incretin plasma concentrations was similar to previously published results obtained in patients with type 2 diabetes on metformin treatment only.

Conclusions

Sitagliptin, in patients already treated with a GLP‐1 receptor agonist (liraglutide), increased intact GLP‐1 and GIP concentrations, but with marginal, non‐significant effects on glycaemic control. GLP‐1 receptors have probably been maximally stimulated by liraglutide. Our findings do not support combination treatment with GLP‐1 receptor agonists and DPP‐4 inhibitors, but longer‐term trials are needed to support clinical recommendations.
The wound healing trajectory and predictors with combined electric stimulation and conventional care: one outpatient wound care clinic's experience
Authors: Zhou Kehua , Schenk Ronald , Brogan Michael S.
Published: October 2016

Background

Electric stimulation (E‐stim) has been found to be an effective treatment in improving wound healing rates. However, the wound healing trajectory and its related predictors for complete wound closure (CWC) have not been reported with E‐stim treatment.

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective study. Data on 159 patients treated at an outpatient wound clinic utilizing combined intervention of E‐stim and conventional care were included. The Kaplan–Meier healing curve together with linear regression models depicted the percentage of patients with CWC against time.

Results

With 100, 112 and 140 days of treatment, the percentages of patients with CWC were 59·12%, 61·01% and 65·41%, respectively. Linear regression models predicted that all patients would achieve CWC by 21·55, 22·26 and 24·80 weeks, respectively. The speed for the increase in the number and percentage of patients with CWC peaked between 50–75 days of treatment. To optimize timely healing, referral to other treatment facilities or change of treatment protocol is warranted around the peak time. With the combined intervention of E‐stim and conventional care, positive predictors for CWC included a shorter wound duration at initial evaluation (P = 0·005, OR = 3·10), better compliance with appointments (P = 0·007, OR = 3·38) and the diagnosis of venous leg ulcer (P = 0·001, OR = 3·88).

Conclusions

This study provided preliminary data on wound healing trajectory and predictors with combined E‐stim and conventional care. E‐stim seemed to expedite wound healing; however, further research studies are needed.
Avoidance of parasitoid attack is associated with the spatial use within a leaf by a lepidopteran leafminer
Authors: Ayabe Yoshiko , Hijii Naoki
Published: October 2016

In prey‐predator systems, top‐down effects can be a powerful determinant for spatial distributions of prey through their search for enemy‐free space. Leafminers live and eat within leaves, making feeding tracks called mines, and mine conspicuousness exposes them to a high risk of parasitism. Those lepidopteran leafminers that use lower leaf surfaces as mining sites show wide evolutionary radiation. We hypothesized that leafminers making mines on the lower surface are less often detected by parasitoids and thus have a selective advantage in avoiding parasitism compared to those on the upper surface. To investigate the adaptiveness of lower‐surface mining, we examined the relationship between parasitism and within‐leaf mine distribution for 3 years using a field population of the leafminer Phyllocnistis spec. (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae, Phyllocnistinae), which prefers the lower surface of leaves of the Japanese privet, Ligustrum japonicum Thunb. (Oleaceae). Parasitoid attack was more frequent in the upper‐surface mines than in the lower‐surface mines and on leaves with upper‐surface mines than on leaves with only lower‐surface mines. When both surfaces were mined, leafminers on the lower surface could avoid parasitism. Upper‐surface mines were attacked by more parasitoid species as compared to lower‐surface mines. Although the results demonstrated that mining on the lower surface was advantageous in avoiding parasitism, the vulnerability of lower‐surface mines to parasitism varied depending on their abundance. When many lower‐surface mines were present, lower‐surface mines suffered a higher parasitism rate than upper‐surface mines, probably because parasitoids formed search images for and concentrated on lower‐surface mines. This study suggests that the preferential use of the lower leaf surface by leafminers is in part attributed to interactions with parasitoids.
Furnished female burial in seventh‐century England: gender and sacral authority in the Conversion Period
Authors: Hamerow Helena
Published: October 2016

A new, refined chronology for graves and grave‐goods in Anglo‐Saxon England has revealed a marked increase in well‐furnished female burials beginning in the second quarter of the seventh century. The present study considers what gave rise to this phenomenon and concludes that the small number of royal nuns and abbesses who figure so prominently in written accounts of the Conversion were part of a wider, undocumented change in the role of women that began several decades before the founding of the first female houses. It is argued that these well‐furnished graves reflect a new investment in the commemoration of females who came to represent their family's interests in newly acquired estates and whose importance was enhanced by their ability to confer supernatural legitimacy onto dynastic claims.
Benefits of gene flow are mediated by individual variability in self‐compatibility in small isolated populations of an endemic plant species
Authors: Frye Christopher T. , Neel Maile C.
Published: October 2016

Many rare and endemic species experience increased rates of self‐fertilization and mating among close relatives as a consequence of existing in small populations within isolated habitat patches. Variability in self‐compatibility among individuals within populations may reflect adaptation to local demography and genetic architecture, inbreeding, or drift. We use experimental hand‐pollinations under natural field conditions to assess the effects of gene flow in 21 populations of the central Appalachian endemic Trifolium virginicum that varied in population size and degree of isolation. We quantified the effects of distance from pollen source on pollination success and fruit set. Rates of self‐compatibility varied dramatically among maternal plants, ranging from 0% to 100%. This variation was unrelated to population size or degree of isolation. Nearly continuous variation in the success of selfing and near‐cross‐matings via hand pollination suggests that T. virginicum expresses pseudo‐self‐fertility, whereby plants carrying the same S‐allele mate successfully by altering the self‐incompatibility reaction. However, outcrossing among populations produced significantly higher fruit set than within populations, an indication of drift load. These results are consistent with strong selection acting to break down self‐incompatibility in these small populations and/or early‐acting inbreeding depression expressed upon selfing.
Resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cry2Ab and survival on single‐toxin and pyramided cotton in cotton bollworm from China
Authors: Liu Laipan , Gao Meijing , Yang Song , Liu Shaoyan , Wu Yidong , Carrière Yves , Yang Yihua
Published: October 2016

Evolution of Helicoverpa armigera resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton producing Cry1Ac is progressing in northern China, and replacement of Cry1Ac cotton by pyramided Bt cotton has been considered to counter such resistance. Here, we investigated four of the eight conditions underlying success of the refuge strategy for delaying resistance to Cry1Ac+Cry2Ab cotton, a pyramid that has been used extensively against H. armigera outside China. Laboratory bioassays of a Cry2Ab‐selected strain (An2Ab) and a related unselected strain (An) reveal that resistance to Cry2Ab (130‐fold) was nearly dominant, autosomally inherited, and controlled by more than one locus. Strong cross‐resistance occurred between Cry2Ab and Cry2Aa (81‐fold). Weaker cross‐resistance (18‐ to 22‐fold) between Cry2Ab and Cry1A toxins was also present and significantly increased survival of An2Ab relative to An on cotton cultivars producing the fusion protein Cry1Ac/Cry1Ab or Cry1Ac. Survival on Cry1Ac+Cry2Ab cotton was also significantly higher in An2Ab than in An, showing that redundant killing on this pyramid was incomplete. Survival on non‐Bt cotton did not differ significantly between An2Ab and An, indicating an absence of fitness costs affecting this trait. These results indicate that a switch to three‐toxin pyramided cotton could be valuable for increasing durability of Bt cotton in China.