bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing the nature of deficits in the ‘Approximate Number System’ in children with persistent Developmental Dyscalculia
Authors: Bugden Stephanie , Ansari Daniel
Published: July 2015

In the present study we examined whether children with Developmental Dyscalculia (DD) exhibit a deficit in the so‐called ‘Approximate Number System’ (ANS). To do so, we examined a group of elementary school children who demonstrated persistent low math achievement over 4 years and compared them to typically developing (TD), aged‐matched controls. The integrity of the ANS was measured using the Panamath (www.panamath.org) non‐symbolic numerical discrimination test. Children with DD demonstrated imprecise ANS acuity indexed by larger Weber fraction (w) compared to TD controls. Given recent findings showing that non‐symbolic numerical discrimination is affected by visual parameters, we went further and investigated whether children performed differently on trials on which number of dots and their overall area were either congruent or incongruent with each other. This analysis revealed that differences in w were only found between DD and TD children on the incongruent trials. In addition, visuo‐spatial working memory strongly predicts individual differences in ANS acuity (w) during the incongruent trials. Thus the purported ANS deficit in DD can be explained by a difficulty in extracting number from an array of dots when area is anti‐correlated with number. These data highlight the role of visuo‐spatial working memory during the extraction process, and demonstrate that close attention needs to be paid to perceptual processes invoked by tasks thought to represent measures of the ANS.
Individual differences in neural mechanisms of selective auditory attention in preschoolers from lower socioeconomic status backgrounds: an event‐related potentials study
Authors: Isbell Elif , Wray Amanda Hampton , Neville Helen J.
Published: July 2015

Selective attention, the ability to enhance the processing of particular input while suppressing the information from other concurrent sources, has been postulated to be a foundational skill for learning and academic achievement. The neural mechanisms of this foundational ability are both vulnerable and enhanceable in children from lower socioeconomic status (SES) families. In the current study, we assessed individual differences in neural mechanisms of this malleable brain function in children from lower SES families. Specifically, we investigated the extent to which individual differences in neural mechanisms of selective auditory attention accounted for variability in nonverbal cognitive abilities in lower SES preschoolers. We recorded event‐related potentials (ERPs) during a dichotic listening task and administered nonverbal IQ tasks to 124 lower SES children (77 females) between the ages of 40 and 67 months. The attention effect, i.e., the difference in ERP mean amplitudes elicited by identical probes embedded in stories when attended versus unattended, was significantly correlated with nonverbal IQ scores. Larger, more positive attention effects over the anterior and central electrode locations were associated with superior nonverbal IQ performance. Our findings provide initial evidence for prominent individual differences in neural indices of selective attention in lower SES children. Furthermore, our results indicate a noteworthy relationship between neural mechanisms of selective attention and nonverbal IQ performance in lower SES preschoolers. These findings provide the basis for future research to identify the factors that contribute to such individual differences in neural mechanisms of selective attention.
Appropriate outcome measurement for children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: McConachie Helen
Published: July 2015

This commentary is on the original article by Kramer et al. on pages 255–261 of this issue.
Reliability of assessing lifestyle and trigger factors in patients with migraine – findings from the PAMINA study
Authors: Zebenholzer K. , Frantal S. , Pablik E. , Lieba‐Samal D. , Salhofer‐Polanyi S. , Wöber‐Bingöl Ç. , Wöber C.
Published: July 2015

Background and purpose

Numerous lifestyle factors are blamed for triggering migraine attacks. The reliability of assessing these factors retrospectively is unknown. Therefore, retrospective and prospective assessments of lifestyle in general and of migraine triggers in particular were compared in patients with migraine.

Methods

At baseline, the patients filled in two questionnaires covering the previous 90 days. Thereafter they kept a prospective 90‐day diary. Questionnaires and diary included the same set of 45 factors. In the first questionnaire the patients assessed their lifestyle, in the second they rated for each factor the likelihood of triggering a migraine attack, and in the diary they recorded the daily presence of these factors irrespective of headache. Five categories were used for comparing frequencies in questionnaire and diary, defining agreement as identical categories in diary and questionnaire, minor disagreement and major disagreement as overestimation or underestimation by one category and two or more categories, respectively.

Results

In all, 327 patients (283 women, age 41.9 ± 12.1 years) who recorded 28 325 patient days were included. Calculating for each factor the percentage of patients with major disagreement the mean proportion was larger for trigger factors than for lifestyle (38.7% ± 6.6% vs. 16.9% ± 6.4%, P < 0.001). The proportion of factors showing major disagreement in more than 20% of the patients was 8.8% for lifestyle but 94.1% for trigger factors (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Comparing questionnaire and diary assessments of lifestyle and trigger factors in patients with migraine shows that questionnaire assessment of lifestyle is reliable, whereas trigger factors are overestimated and/or underestimated in retrospective questionnaires.
Acetazolamide for electrical status epilepticus in slow‐wave sleep
Authors: Fine Anthony L. , Wirrell Elaine C. , Wong‐Kisiel Lily C. , Nickels Katherine C.
Published: July 2015

Electrical status epilepticus in slow‐wave sleep (ESES) is characterized by nearly continuous spike–wave discharges during non–rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. ESES is present in Landau‐Kleffner syndrome (LKS) and continuous spike and wave in slow‐wave sleep (CSWS). Sulthiame has demonstrated reduction in spike–wave index (SWI) in ESES, but is not available in the United States. Acetazolamide (AZM) is readily available and has similar pharmacologic properties. Our aims were to assess the effect of AZM on SWI and clinical response in children with LKS and CSWS. Children with LKS or CSWS treated with AZM at our institution were identified retrospectively. Pre‐ and posttherapy electroencephalography (EEG) studies were evaluated for SWI. Parental and teacher report of clinical improvement was recorded. Six children met criteria for inclusion. Three children (50%) demonstrated complete resolution or SWI <5% after AZM. All children had improvement in clinical seizures and subjective improvement in communication skills and school performance. Five of six children had subjective improvement in hyperactivity and attention. AZM is a potentially effective therapy for children with LKS and CSWS. This study lends to the knowledge of potential therapies that can be used for these disorders, which can be challenging for families and providers.
In Search of Concepts: The Eﬀects of Speculative Demand on Stock Returns
Authors: Gwilym Owain Ap , Hasan Iftekhar , Wang Qingwei , Xie Ru
Published: July 2015

Using a novel proxy of investors' speculative demand constructed from online search interest in investment concepts, we examine how speculative demand aﬀects the returns of Chinese stocks. We find that speculative demand increases following high market returns and predicts subsequent return reversals. Moreover, the speculative demand explains more variation in subsequent returns of A shares (more populated by retail investors) than B shares (less populated by retail investors). Our findings support the recently developed attention theory.
Fatigue limit of induction hardened railway axles
Authors: Fajkoš R. , Zima R. , Strnadel B.
Published: July 2015

A new surface induction hardening technology was designed for the purpose of increasing the resistance of railway wheelsets to fatigue damage. This paper gives a detailed presentation of the technological aspects of induction hardening of axles. The increased fatigue resistance in hardened surfaces compared with standard heat treatment of EA4T steel was verified using tensile test specimens, press‐fitted wheel seat/axle joints at 1:3 scale and press‐fitted wheel/axle joints at actual size. The 70% increase in the fatigue limit of induction hardened EA4T steel specimens compared with material subjected to standard heat treatment clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of this technology.
Value of routine ultrasound in detecting early joint changes in children with haemophilia using the ‘Haemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection with UltraSound’ protocol
Authors: Foppen W. , van der Schaaf I. C. , Fischer K.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Patients with haemophilia tend to bleed in large joints even during prophylactic replacement therapy. Detection of early blood‐induced joint changes may improve monitoring of treatment. The aim of this study was to explore the value of routine ultrasound in detecting early joint abnormalities in children with haemophilia on prophylaxis.

Methods

Sixty‐four joints in 32 children with haemophilia were examined by one operator using the Haemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection with UltraSound protocol during annual multidisciplinary follow‐up. Based on reported bleeding, the joint with the highest risk of blood‐induced joint damage and the contralateral joint were examined. At the same day, clinical function was assessed according to the Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS).

Results

Median age was 11.5 years (range = 5.5–16.4). Out of the 64 examined joints, one ankle was excluded because of previous surgery. Median lifetime joint bleeds/joint was three (interquartile ranges = 1–5). Clinical function of most joints was perfect: only 7/49 joints with reported bleeds scored positive due to swelling, muscle atrophy and/or range of motion loss (HJHS range = 1–2 points). Ultrasound showed abnormalities in 5/49 joints with reported bleeding, and 4/5 showed positive HJHS scores. Ultrasound abnormalities were present in 1/56 joints (1.8%, CI: 0.1–9.6%) without loss of clinical function.

Conclusion

Ultrasound abnormalities were found during routine evaluation of joints in children with haemophilia on prophylaxis. Most joints with ultrasound abnormalities showed low HJHS scores too. Ultrasound could be used to evaluate whether minimal losses of clinical function might be caused by anatomical changes.
‘It's all there in black and white’ – or is it? Consumer perspectives on the proposed Australian Medicine Information Box over‐the‐counter label format
Authors: Tong Vivien , Raynor David K. , Aslani Parisa
Published: July 2015

Background

Over‐the‐counter (OTC) labels help support safe medication use by consumers. In 2012, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) released a consultation paper proposing OTC label standardization to improve label quality via implementation of the Medicine Information Box (MIB) label. However, consumer opinions of the MIB and standardization of OTC labelling remain unexplored.

Objective

To explore consumer perspectives of OTC label standardization and the proposed MIB.

Design

Mock MIB labels were developed by the research team, guided by the TGA consultation paper, and used as interview stimulus material.

Participants and setting

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 38 Australian and 39 UK adult participants. Participant perspectives on OTC label standardization, opinions on the MIB and perceived improvements were explored. All interviews were audio‐recorded with permission, transcribed verbatim, and the content thematically analysed.

Results

Participants expressed a range of opinions towards OTC label standardization, from welcoming standardization to concern that important details may be overlooked. The MIB was generally positively received due to its perceived good information design and ease of navigation. Participants requested reordering of information‐specifically, for the active ingredient to be moved to a less prominent position. Suggested improvements centred on content and design changes, for example colour, pictograms, bolding.

Conclusions

Participants felt positively towards OTC label standardization and saw the MIB as a feasible standardized format to implement for OTC labels. Although they appreciated its good information design, they felt further improvements to its content and design are required to enhance its quality and usability.
Development and psychometric evaluation of a measure to evaluate the quality of integrated care: the Patient Assessment of Integrated Elderly Care
Authors: Uittenbroek Ronald J. , Reijneveld Sijmen A. , Stewart Roy E. , Spoorenberg Sophie L.W. , Kremer Hubertus P.H. , Wynia Klaske
Published: July 2015

Background

Novel population‐based integrated care services are being developed to adequately serve the growing number of elderly people. Suitable, reliable and valid measurement instruments are needed to evaluate the quality of care delivered.

Objective

To develop a measure to evaluate the quality of integrated care from the perspective of elderly people, the Patient Assessment of Integrated Elderly Care (PAIEC), and then to assess its psychometric properties.

Methods/Design

After the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care was adapted to the PAIEC, a cross‐sectional postal‐survey study was performed among 223 elderly people who received integrated elderly care and support. We assessed the factor structure, internal consistency, known groups and divergent validity using robust nonparametric tests.

Results

Mean age of participants was 83 years (standard deviation 4.7), and 69% was female. The original five‐factor model was rejected; a good fit was found for a three‐factor model, when excluding the item on patients' satisfaction with care. The PAIEC and its subscales showed good internal consistency (ordinal alphas > 0.90). Known‐groups validity was supported regarding number of medications, prevalence of chronic conditions and home care received. No differences were found between groups based on sociodemographic aspects. Divergent validity was supported by low correlations (Spearman's rank correlation coefficients < 0.30) between PAIEC scales and measures of quality of life, complexity of care needs and frailty.

Conclusion

The PAIEC seems to have considerable potential as a reliable and valid measurement instrument that evaluates quality of integrated care and support from the perspective of elderly people.
ANTIDUMPING, INTRA‐INDUSTRY TRADE, AND QUALITY REVERSALS
Authors: Moraga‐González José L. , Viaene Jean‐Marie
Published: July 2015

We examine an export game where two (home and foreign) firms produce vertically differentiated products. The foreign firm is more R&D efficient and is based in a larger and richer market. The unique (risk‐dominant) Nash equilibrium exhibits intra‐industry trade, and the foreign producer manufactures a higher‐quality product. When transport costs are low, unilateral dumping by the foreign firm arises; otherwise, reciprocal dumping occurs. For some parameters, a domestic antidumping policy leads to a quality reversal in the international market whereby the home firm becomes the quality leader. This policy is desirable for the implementing country, though world welfare decreases.
Stock Market's Response to Real Output Shocks: Connection Restored but Delayed
Authors: Ülkü Numan , Kuruppuarachchi Duminda
Published: July 2015

We propose a vector autoregression with asymmetric leads model to combine the forward‐looking, contemporaneous, and delayed responses of the stock market to output news. Using this approach, we document that the stock market's connection to real output, shown by Binswanger to have been broken since the early 1980s, has been restored after 1998, however, via a delayed response. Subperiods mainly differ in terms of delayed response, portraying an interesting evolution of market participants' response to macroeconomic information based on the realized persistence of output shocks.
Soil Erosion in Humid Regions: A Review
Authors: Holz Daniel J. , Williard Karl W.J. , Edwards Pamela J. , Schoonover Jon E.
Published: July 2015

Soil erosion has significant implications for land productivity and surface water quality, as sediment is the leading water pollutant worldwide. Here, erosion processes are defined. The dominant factors influencing soil erosion in humid areas are reviewed, with an emphasis on the roles of precipitation, soil moisture, soil porosity, slope steepness and length, vegetation, and soil organisms. Erosion dynamics in forested watersheds are the focus with some examples from agricultural watersheds included as well. Lastly, best management practices for controlling surface erosion are discussed.
The Role of Social Science in Successfully Implementing Watershed Management Strategies
Authors: Floress Kristin , Akamani Kofi , Halvorsen Kathleen E. , Kozich Andrew T. , Davenport Mae
Published: July 2015

Successful watershed management and changes in water quality conditions are dependent upon changes in human behaviors. Those tasked with managing watersheds and other natural resources often assume that people are not acting to protect or restore their resources because they lack the necessary knowledge and understanding. However, individual behaviors are impacted by a variety of social, psychological, institutional, and economic factors that need to be understood for successful implementation of watershed management strategies. This paper provides an introduction to the field of human dimensions of watershed management, an overview of social science concepts that have been found to explain water‐related behaviors, and how social information can be translated into actionable items in a management plan.
Exogenously Applied Plant Growth Regulators Affect Heat‐Stressed Rice Pollens
Authors: Fahad S. , Hussain S. , Saud S. , Khan F. , Hassan S. , Amanullah  , Nasim W. , Arif M. , Wang F. , Huang J.
Published: July 2015

Increasing temperature due to global warming has emerged one of the gravest threats to rice production. This study examined the influence of high temperature and exogenously applied plant growth regulators on pollen fertility, anther dehiscence, pollen germination and metabolites synthesis in pollens of two rice cultivars (IR‐64 and Huanghuazhan (HHZ)). Plants were subjected to high day temperature (HDT), high night temperature (HNT) and control temperature (CT) in controlled growth chambers. Four different combinations of ascorbic acid (Vc), alpha‐tocopherol (Ve), brassinosteroids (Br), methyl jasmonates (MeJA) and triazoles (Tr) were used along with a nothing applied control. Our results depicted that high temperature severely reduced the pollen fertility, anther dehiscence, pollen retention, germination and metabolites synthesis in pollens of both rice cultivars. Nonetheless, exogenous application of various plant growth regulators assuaged the adverse effects of high temperature and Vc + Ve + MeJA + Br was found the best combination than the other treatments for every studied characteristic. The HNT posed more negative effects than the HDT. Variations were also apparent between cultivars and HHZ performed better than IR‐64 under high‐temperature stress, with higher pollen fertility, better anther dehiscence, and greater pollen retention and germination rates. The greater tolerance of HHZ to high temperature was related with the higher synthesis of metabolites in this cultivar.
Preparation of Highly Crystallized Strontium Titanate Powders at Room Temperature
Authors: Yamaguchi Yuki , Kanamaru Yoshihiro , Fukushima Minori , Fujimoto Kenjiro , Ito Shigeru
Published: July 2015

Highly crystallized fine powder of strontium titanate (SrTiO3) was obtained at room temperature simply by leaving a vial containing the powder mixture of Sr(OH)2·8H2O and hydrous titania gel (TiO2·nH2O) for 10 d. Solvent and additive(s) used in the conventional low‐temperature process were not used. The crystallinity judged from the FWHM of X‐ray diffraction peak was comparable to that obtained by a solid‐state reaction. To cause the reaction at room temperature, the titania gel had to contain a considerable amount of H2O (n > 0.97). The reaction is considered to be neutralization of titanic acid [H4TiO4 or Ti(OH)4] and strontium hydroxide (base). Using similar process, highly crystallized BaTiO3 powder was also obtained at 60°C. In comparison with the formation temperature of BaTiO3, tolerance factor in the perovskite structure was important for the room‐temperature synthesis of SrTiO3. SrTiO3 was hardly obtained at room temperature by the addition of saturated strontium hydroxide solution to the hydrous TiO2 gel (n = 1.29). Therefore, the reaction seems to proceed in the hydrous titania gel. This process is characterized by three important points; “no solvent”, “no additional reagents”, and above all, “no heating”.
MnO2 Thin Film Electrodes for Enhanced Reliability of Thin Glass Capacitors
Authors: Akkopru‐Akgun Betul , Trolier‐McKinstry Susan , Lanagan Michael T
Published: July 2015

Many dielectric thin films for energy storage capacitors fail by thermal breakdown events under high‐field drive conditions. The lifetime of the device can be improved under conditions where the current path within the defect regions in dielectrics is eliminated. Self‐healing electrodes were developed by depositing a manganese dioxide (MnO2) thin film between the glass substrate and an aluminum film. For this purpose, thin films of MnO2 on boroaluminosilicate glass were fabricated via chemical solution deposition and heat‐treated at temperatures in the range 500°C–900°C. The α‐MnO2 structure was stabilized by Ba2+ insertion to form the hollandite structure. The phase transition temperature of α‐MnO2 to Mn2O3 is strongly dependent on the Ba concentration, with transition temperatures of 600°C and 675°C with Ba concentrations of [Ba]/[Mn] = 0.04 and 0.1, respectively. The electrical resistivity increased from 4.5 Ω·cm for MnO2 to 105 Ω·cm for Mn2O3. Both dielectric breakdown strength and the associated cleared aluminum electrode area increased with an MnO2 interlayer between Al electrodes and the borosilicate glass. The enhancement in dielectric strength was related with self‐healing. The associated redox reaction between MnO2 and Mn2O3 was also proved by RAMAN spectroscopy following dielectric breakdown.
Atrial Tachycardias After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Manifest Different Waveform Characteristics: Implications for Characterizing Tachycardias
Authors: BIVIANO ANGELO B. , CIACCIO EDWARD J. , FLEITMAN JESSICA , KNOTTS ROBERT , LAWRENCE JOHN , HAYNES NORRISA , CYRILLE NICOLE , HICKEY KATHLEEN , IYER VIVEK , WAN ELAINE , WHANG WILLIAM , GARAN HASAN
Published: July 2015

ECG Waveform Analysis in Atrial Tachycardias

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation patients often manifest atrial tachycardias (AT) with atypical ECG morphologies that preclude accurate localization and mechanism. Diagnostic maneuvers used to define ATs during electrophysiology studies can be limited by tachycardia termination or transformation. Additional methods of characterizing post‐AF ablation ATs are required.

Methods and Results

We evaluated the utility of noninvasive ECG signal analytics in postablation AF patients for the following features: (1) Localization of ATs (i.e., right vs. left atrium), and (2) Identification of common left AT mechanisms (i.e., focal vs. macroreentrant). Atrial waveforms from the surface ECG were used to analyze (1) spectral organization, including dominant amplitude (DA) and mean spectral profile (MP), and (2) temporospatial variability, using temporospatial correlation coefficients.

We studied 94 ATs in 71 patients who had undergone prior pulmonary vein isolation for AF and returned for a second ablation: (1) right atrial cavotricuspid‐isthmus dependent (CTI) ATs (n = 21); (2) left atrial macroreentrant ATs (n = 41) and focal ATs (n = 32). Right CTI ATs manifested higher DAs and lower MPs than left ATs, indicative of greater stability and less complexity in the frequency spectrum. Left macroreentrant ATs possessed higher temporospatial organization than left focal ATs.

Conclusions

Noninvasively recorded atrial waveform signal analyses show that right ATs possess more stable activation properties than left ATs, and left macroreentrant ATs manifest higher temporospatial organization than left focal ATs. Further prospective analyses evaluating the role these novel ECG‐derived tools can play to help localize and identify mechanisms of common ATs in AF ablation patients are warranted.
Usefulness of carotid plaque (sum and maximum of plaque thickness) in combination with intima‐media thickness for the detection of coronary artery disease in asymptomatic patients with diabetes
Authors: Akazawa Shoichi , Tojikubo Masayuki , Nakano Yuko , Nakamura Satoe , Tamai Hidekazu , Yonemoto Koji , Sadasima Eiji , Kawasaki Tomohiro , Koga Nobuhiko
Published: July 2015

Aims/Introduction

The usefulness of markers of carotid plaque, such as sum (PS) and maximum (P‐max) of the plaque thickness, in combination with intima‐media thickness in the common carotid artery (CIMT) for the detection of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) was investigated in patients with type 2 diabetes without known CAD.

Materials and Methods

B‐mode ultrasonographic scanning of the carotid artery and multislice computed tomography coronary angiography were carried out in 332 asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes.

Results

For the presence of obstructive CAD when incorporating PS or P‐max to standard risk factors in a multiple logistic regression model, the classification ability in PS and P‐max increased greatly (area under the curve [AUC] 0.827 vs 0.720 [net reclassification index {NRI} = 0.652, P < 0.01] and AUC 0.820 vs 0.720 [NRI = 0.775, P < 0.01], respectively), and it in CIMT increased slightly (AUC 0.740 vs 0.720, NRI = 0.230, P = 0.041). Furthermore, the classification abilities for a model with interaction terms between PS* or P‐max* and CIMT were statistically larger than those for a model without interaction terms (AUC 0.833 vs 0.827 [NRI = 0.411, P < 0.01] and 0.823 vs 0.820 [NRI = 0.269, P < 0.05], respectively). Partitioning showed the patients in the values of the PS <2.6 mm and CIMT <0.725 mm (100%), or in P‐max <2.1 mm and CIMT <0.725 mm (95.4%), did not have obstructive CAD, whereas those in the values of PS 2.6 mm, presence of hyperlipidemia and CIMT 0.675 mm (84%) or those in the value of P‐max 2.1 mm and body mass index 24 (91.7%) had obstructive CAD.

Conclusions

Although the P‐max and PS in the carotid artery were useful as detectors of CAD, combining them with CIMT provided a much superior first‐line screening method in detecting CAD in asymptomatic patients with diabetes.
Speciation is not necessarily easier in species with sexually monomorphic mating signals
Authors: Noh S. , Henry C. S.
Published: July 2015

Should we have different expectations regarding the likelihood and pace of speciation by sexual selection when considering species with sexually monomorphic mating signals? Two conditions that can facilitate rapid species divergence are Felsenstein's one‐allele mechanism and a genetic architecture that includes a genetic association between signal and preference loci. In sexually monomorphic species, the former can manifest in the form of mate choice based on phenotype matching. The latter can be promoted by selection acting upon genetic loci for divergent signals and preferences expressed simultaneously in each individual, rather than acting separately on signal loci in males and preference loci in females. Both sexes in the Chrysoperla carnea group of green lacewings (Insecta, Neuroptera, Chrysopidae) produce sexually monomorphic species‐specific mating signals. We hybridized the two species C. agilis and C. carnea to test for evidence of these speciation‐facilitating conditions. Hybrid signals were more complex than the parents and we observed a dominant influence of C. carnea. We found a dominant influence of C. agilis on preferences in the form of hybrid discrimination against C. carnea. Preferences in hybrids followed patterns predicting preference loci that determine mate choice rather than a one‐allele mechanism. The genetic association between signal and preference we detected in the segregating hybrid crosses indicates that speciation in these species with sexually monomorphic mating signals can have occurred rapidly. However, we need additional evidence to determine whether such genetic associations form more readily in sexually monomorphic species compared to dimorphic species and consequently facilitate speciation.
Preferences and Actual Treatment of Older Adults at the End of Life. A Mortality Follow‐Back Study
Authors: Pasman H. Roeline W. , Kaspers Pam J. , Deeg Dorly J. H. , Onwuteaka‐Philipsen Bregje D.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To compare actual treatments with preferences for starting or forgoing treatment of older adults at the end of life.

Design

Mortality follow‐back study of relatives of deceased older adults. Preferences and actual treatment were studied for each of four treatments: starting or forgoing resuscitation (do not resuscitate), artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH), antibiotics, and artificial respiration.

Setting

Older adults in the Netherlands.

Participants

Proxies of deceased members (in 2006–2009) of two cohorts representative of the older Dutch population (n = 168) and of people with an advance directive (n = 184).

Measurements

Relationship between preferred and actual treatment.

Results

In most individuals who preferred receiving treatment, this preference was followed (n = 2/2, resuscitation; 23/26, ANH; 33/38, antibiotics; 23/24, AR). In approximately half of the individuals who preferred that a treatment be forgone, the preference was followed (n = 6/13, resuscitation; 11/18, ANH; 3/5, antibiotics), except for artificial respiration (n = 1/8). The majority of people for whom no preference was known received treatment (n = 5/9, resuscitation; 19/33, ANH; 15/20, antibiotics; 8/13, artificial respiration). People with a known preference for receiving a specific treatment had a seven times higher chance of preference being followed than people with a known preference for forgoing that treatment. People with a known preference for forgoing a treatment had a six times higher chance of treatment being forgone than people having no known preference.

Conclusion

Although concordance between preferred and actual treatment is high in older adults who prefer treatment and lower in people who prefer no treatment, making preferences for forgoing treatment known is useful because it increases the chance of treatments being forgone in those who wish so.
Practice‐Based Learning Can Improve Osteoporosis Care
Authors: Hess Brian J. , Johnston Mary M. , Iobst William F. , Lipner Rebecca S.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To examine physician engagement in practice‐based learning using a self‐evaluation module to assess and improve their care of individuals with or at risk of osteoporosis.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Internal medicine and subspecialty clinics.

Participants

Eight hundred fifty U.S. physicians with time‐limited certification in general internal medicine or a subspecialty.

Measurements

Performance rates on 23 process measures and seven practice system domain scores were obtained from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Osteoporosis Practice Improvement Module (PIM), an Internet‐based self‐assessment module that physicians use to improve performance on one targeted measure. Physicians remeasured performance on their targeted measures by conducting another medical chart review.

Results

Variability in performance on measures was found, with observed differences between general internists, geriatricians, and rheumatologists. Some practice system elements were modestly associated with measure performance; the largest association was between providing patient‐centered self‐care support and documentation of calcium intake and vitamin D estimation and counseling (correlation coefficients from 0.20 to 0.28, Ps < .002). For all practice types, the most commonly selected measure targeted for improvement was documentation of vitamin D level (38% of physicians). On average, physicians reported significant and large increases in performance on measures targeted for improvement.

Conclusion

Gaps exist in the quality of osteoporosis care, and physicians can apply practice‐based learning using the ABIM PIM to take action to improve the quality of care.
Frequencies of lymphoid T‐follicular helper cells obtained longitudinally by lymph node fine‐needle aspiration correlate significantly with viral load in SIV‐infected rhesus monkeys
Authors: Klippert Antonina , Stolte‐Leeb Nicole , Neumann Berit , Sauermann Ulrike , Daskalaki Maria , Gawanbacht Ali , Kirchhoff Frank , Stahl‐Hennig Christiane
Published: July 2015

Background

T‐follicular helper (TFH) cells are an important population in lymph nodes (LNs) contributing to the generation of highly specific B cells. For SIV studies in rhesus macaques (RM), analysis of LN is necessary, but restricted due to invasive sampling. We applied the minimally invasive LN fine‐needle aspiration (LN‐FNA) and examined dynamics of TFH cells during SIV infection.

Materials and methods

LN‐FNA and LN resection were carried out on uninfected RM. Lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry. Additionally, cells obtained by LN‐FNA over time from SIV‐infected RM were analyzed.

Results

Percentages of lymphocyte subsets were similar in LN aspirates and whole LNs. Analysis of LN aspirates from SIV‐infected RM demonstrated a decrease of CD4+ T cells, while TFH cell frequencies increased over time and correlated significantly with plasma viral load.

Conclusions

By applying LN‐FNA, we showed that TFH cell expansion in chronic SIV infection is associated with viral load.
Molecular cloning, epigenetic regulation, and functional characterization of Prkd1 gene promoter in dopaminergic cell culture models of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ay Muhammet , Jin Huajun , Harischandra Dilshan S. , Asaithambi Arunkumar , Kanthasamy Arthi , Anantharam Vellareddy , Kanthasamy Anumantha G.
Published: July 2015

We recently identified a compensatory survival role for protein kinase D1 (PKD1) in protecting dopaminergic neurons from oxidative insult. To investigate the molecular mechanism of Prkd1 gene expression, we cloned the 5′‐flanking region (1620‐bp) of the mouse Prkd1 gene. Deletion analyses revealed that the −250/+113 promoter region contains full promoter activity in MN9D dopaminergic neuronal cells. In silico analysis of the Prkd1 promoter uncovered binding sites for key redox transcription factors including Sp1 and NF‐κB. Over‐expression of Sp1, Sp3, and NF‐κB‐p65 proteins stimulated Prkd1 promoter activity. Binding of Sp3 and NF‐κB‐p65 to the Prkd1 promoter was confirmed using chromatin immunoprecipitation. Treatment with the Sp inhibitor mithramycin A significantly attenuated Prkd1 promoter activity and PKD1 mRNA and protein expression. Further mechanistic studies revealed that inhibition of histone deacetylation and DNA methylation up‐regulated PKD1 mRNA expression. Importantly, negative modulation of PKD1 signaling by pharmacological inhibition or shRNA knockdown increased dopaminergic neuronal sensitivity to oxidative damage in a human mesencephalic neuronal cell model. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that Sp1, Sp3, and NF‐κB‐p65 can transactivate the mouse Prkd1 promoter and that epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, are key regulatory events controlling the expression of pro‐survival kinase PKD1 in dopaminergic neuronal cells.

image

Previously, we demonstrated that protein kinase D1 (PKD1) plays a survival role during the early stage of oxidative stress in dopaminergic neuronal cells. Here, we cloned and characterized the mouse Prkd1 gene promoter. Our results suggest that Sp1, Sp3, and NF‐κB‐p65 transactivate the mouse Prkd1 promoter and that histone acetylation and DNA methylation play important roles in regulating Prkd1 expression in neuronal cells.
Treatment with human immunoglobulin G improves the early disease course in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Zschüntzsch Jana , Zhang Yaxin , Klinker Florian , Makosch Gregor , Klinge Lars , Malzahn Dörthe , Brinkmeier Heinrich , Liebetanz David , Schmidt Jens
Published: July 2015

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe hereditary myopathy. Standard treatment by glucocorticosteroids is limited because of numerous side effects. The aim of this study was to test immunomodulation by human immunoglobulin G (IgG) as treatment in the experimental mouse model (mdx) of DMD. 2 g/kg human IgG compared to human albumin was injected intraperitoneally in mdx mice at the age of 3 and 7 weeks. Advanced voluntary wheel running parameters were recorded continuously. At the age of 11 weeks, animals were killed so that blood, diaphragm, and lower limb muscles could be removed for quantitative PCR, histological analysis and ex vivo muscle contraction tests. IgG compared to albumin significantly improved the voluntary running performance and reduced muscle fatigability in an ex vivo muscle contraction test. Upon IgG treatment, serum creatine kinase values were diminished and mRNA expression levels of relevant inflammatory markers were reduced in the diaphragm and limb muscles. Macrophage infiltration and myopathic damage were significantly ameliorated in the quadriceps muscle. Collectively, this study demonstrates that, in the early disease course of mdx mice, human IgG improves the running performance and diminishes myopathic damage and inflammation in the muscle. Therefore, IgG may be a promising approach for treatment of DMD.

image

Two monthly intraperitoneal injections of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) improved the early 11‐week disease phase of mdx mice. Voluntary running was improved and serum levels of creatine kinase were diminished. In the skeletal muscle, myopathic damage was ameliorated and key inflammatory markers such as mRNA expression of SPP1 and infiltration by macrophages were reduced. The study suggests that IgG could be explored as a potential treatment option for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and that pre‐clinical long‐term studies should be helpful.
Inhibiting amyloid β‐protein assembly: Size–activity relationships among grape seed‐derived polyphenols
Authors: Hayden Eric Y. , Yamin Ghiam , Beroukhim Shiela , Chen Benson , Kibalchenko Mikhail , Jiang Lin , Ho Lap , Wang Jun , Pasinetti Giulio M. , Teplow David B.
Published: July 2015

Epidemiological evidence that red wine consumption negatively correlates with risk of Alzheimer's disease has led to experimental studies demonstrating that grape seed extracts inhibit the aggregation and oligomerization of Aβ in vitro and ameliorate neuropathology and behavioral deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The active agent in the extracts is a mixed population of polyphenolic compounds. To evaluate the relative potency of each of these compounds, HPLC was used to fractionate the mixture into monomers, dimers, and oligomers. Each fraction was analyzed for its effect on Aβ conformational dynamics (circular dichroism), oligomerization (zero‐length photochemical cross‐linking), aggregation kinetics (Thioflavin T fluorescence), and morphology (electron microscopy). The relative activities of each fraction were determined on the basis of molar concentration (mol/L) or mass concentration (g/L). When molar concentration, the number concentration of each polyphenolic compound, was considered, the oligomer fraction was the most potent inhibitor of Aβ oligomerization and aggregation. However, when mass concentration, the number concentration of phenolic groups, was considered, monomers were the most potent inhibitors. To understand these ostensibly contradictory results, a model of polyphenol:Aβ complexation was developed. This model, which was found to be consistent with published X‐ray crystallographic studies, offers an explanation for the effects of functional group polyvalency on inhibitor activity. Our data emphasize the importance of an in‐depth understanding of the mechanism(s) underlying ‘concentration dependence’ in inhibitor systems involving polyfunctional agents.

image

Grape seed polyphenolic extracts have been shown to inhibit the aggregation of Aβ in vitro and to ameliorate neuropathology and behavioral deficits in a mouse model of AD. The active agent in the extracts is a mixed population of polyphenolic compounds, including monomers, dimers, and oligomers. We found that monomers were the most potent inhibitors, when the number concentration of phenolic groups was considered. We developed a model of polyphenol:Aβ complexation that offers an explanation for the effects of functional group polyvalency on inhibitor activity. Our data emphasize the importance of an in‐depth understanding of the mechanism(s) underlying ‘concentration dependence’ in inhibitor systems involving polyfunctional agents.
Adult Patients’ Experiences of Nursing Care Dependence
Authors: Piredda Michela , Matarese Maria , Mastroianni Chiara , D'Angelo Daniela , Hammer Marilyn J. , De Marinis Maria Grazia
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Care dependence can be associated with suffering and humiliation. Nurses’ awareness of patients’ perception of care dependence is crucial to enable them in helping the dependent persons. This study aimed to describe adult patients’ experience of nursing care dependence.

Method

A metasynthesis was conducted to integrate qualitative findings from 18 studies published through December 2014 on adult patients’ experiences of care dependency. Procedures included the Johanna Briggs Institute approach for data extraction, quality appraisal, and integration of findings.

Findings

The experience of dependence revealed the concept of the embodied person, particularly in relation to care of the physical body. The relationship between the individual and nurses within the context of care had a major impact for dependent patients. When the care relation was perceived as positive, the experience led to the development of the person in finding new balances in life, but when it was perceived as negative, it increased patient’ suffering.

Conclusions

Care dependence is manifested mostly as bodily dependence and is consistent with its relational nature. The nurse–patient relationship is important to the dependent patients’ experience.

Clinical Relevance

A greater understanding of patients’ experiences of dependence is crucial to enable nurses in improving care and decreasing patient suffering.
Stenting and Adjunctive Delivery of Paclitaxel Via Balloon Coating Versus Durable Polymeric Matrix for De Novo Coronary Lesions: Clinical and Angiographic Results from the Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Żurakowski Aleksander , Buszman Piotr P. , Milewski Krzysztof P. , Janas Adam , Gorycki Bogdan , Kondys Marek , Gąsior Paweł , Michalak Magdalena , Boxberger Michael , Peppas Athanasios , Granada Juan F. , Buszman Paweł E.
Published: July 2015

Background

There is limited comparative clinical data regarding the safety and efficacy profile of paclitaxel delivery via balloon versus stent‐polymer matrix. In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical and angiographic results of two different methods of paclitaxel delivery among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for single de novo coronary lesions.

Methods

A total of 202 patients undergoing PCI due to symptomatic heart disease and at least one significant coronary artery lesion were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter non‐inferiority trial. Eligible patients were randomized to a revascularization with either a paclitaxel eluting stent (PES = Coroflex Please, B.Braun) or a bare metal stent (BMS) followed by a paclitaxel coated balloon (PCB) dilation (BMS = Coroflex + PCB = Sequent Please, B.Braun). Clinical follow‐up was obtained at 9 months in all patients, whereas angiographic in a subset of 94 (46.5%) patients.

Results

The baseline characteristics were well balanced between groups. At 9 months, the primary endpoint of in‐stent late lumen loss in BMS + PCB was comparable and non‐inferior to PES (0.21 ± 0.5 vs. 0.30 ± 0.7 mm, respectively. Pnon‐inf < 0.05). At 9 months, the incidence of MACE (7.0 vs. 6.9%, HR = 1, 95%CI: 0.3–2.8; P = 0.99), comprising the occurrence of myocardial infarction (4.9 vs. 3.0%, HR = 1.62, 95%CI: 0.4–6.5; P = 0.32), target lesion revascularization (6.9 vs. 5.0%, HR = 1.42, 95%CI: 0.4–4.4; p = 0.54) and stent thrombosis (4.9 vs. 3.0%, HR = 2.01, 95%CI: 0.5–7.4; P = 0.74) was comparable between BMS + PCB and PES, respectively. In the BMS + PCB group, thrombosis tended to occur within 30 days (3.9 vs. 1.0%; P = 0.38).

Conclusions

Paclitaxel delivery via drug coated balloon or polymer‐stent matrix achieved comparable angiographic and clinical results among patients with de novo coronary lesions. BMS + PCB revascularization was associated with a higher rate of stent thrombosis when compared to newer generation drug eluting stents, therefore, should be recommended as a bail‐out for PCB alone angioplasty.
Latté Art Influences both the Expected and Rated Value of Milk‐Based Coffee Drinks
Authors: van Doorn George , Colonna‐Dashwood Maxwell , Hudd‐Baillie Reuben , Spence Charles
Published: July 2015

The present study investigated whether consumers’ expectations and perceptions concerning milk‐based coffee drinks would be influenced by: (1) the presence/absence of latté art on the froth of the coffee, and (2) shape‐taste symbolism (i.e., angular versus rounded shapes presented on the froth). An online survey conducted using photographs of cups of coffee revealed that the presence of latté art did indeed influence people's expectations concerning the value of the drink. Follow‐up research revealed that people were willing to pay more for a milk‐based coffee drink that had latté art as compared to a similar drink served without art. In a third experiment, an online survey revealed that an angular shape, relative to a more rounded shape, influenced people's expectations concerning the likability, bitterness and quality of the drink. A final experiment (Experiment 4) revealed that shape influenced people's perception of the quality and estimated price of the coffee. Taken together, the various results reported here demonstrate that the presence of latté art influences how much people expect, and are willing, to pay for a café latté. As such, adding art to, and the type of visual design on, a customer's drink should be considered by those serving café latté as an effective means of increasing value.

Practical Applications

The addition of latté art to milk‐based coffees is an interesting, and somewhat recent, phenomenon. The inclusion of latté art can help baristas differentiate their product from those of others. The results reported here suggest that the addition of latté art influences how much people expect, and are willing to pay for milk‐based coffees. As such, for the cafe owner thinking about how to increase profits, the experiments reported here suggest that people are willing to pay between 11–13% more for coffee with latté art than for those without it.
A child found in extremis
Authors: Zayegh Amir , Gray Charmaine , Oliver Mark , Crawford Nigel
Published: July 2015

See Answer