bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial Channels, Property Rights and Poverty: A Sub‐Saharan African Perspective
Authors: Singh Raju Jan , Huang Yifei
Published: May 2016

Studies on the link between financial development and poverty have been inconclusive. Some claim that deeper financial sectors should improve the allocation of capital by allowing entrepreneurs greater access to finance, which should particularly favour the poor. Others argue that improvements in the financial system primarily benefit the rich and politically connected. The literature has also been ambiguous about the channels through which finance may be associated with lower poverty (deposits vs. credit). Looking at a sample of 37 countries in sub‐Saharan Africa from 1992 through 2006, the paper suggests that financial deepening is associated with lower poverty through different channels depending on the strength of property rights. In the absence of well‐defined and enforced property rights, wider access to saving and risk‐sharing instruments is accompanied by a reduction in poverty. Only once property rights grow stronger, is credit associated with lower poverty.
Novel outcome measures for Charcot−Marie−Tooth disease: validation and reliability of the 6‐min walk test and StepWatch™ Activity Monitor and identification of the walking features related to higher quality of life
Authors: Padua L. , Pazzaglia C. , Pareyson D. , Schenone A. , Aiello A. , Fabrizi G. M. , Cavallaro T. , Santoro L. , Manganelli F. , Gemignani F. , Vitetta F. , Quattrone A. , Mazzeo A. , Russo M. , Vita G. ,   the CMT‐TRIAAL Group
Published: May 2016

Background and purpose

Charcot−Marie−Tooth (CMT) disease is the most common inherited neuropathy, but therapeutic options have been limited to symptom management. Past pharmacological trials have failed, possibly due to insensitive outcome measures (OMs). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the 6‐min walk test (6MWT) and StepWatch™ Activity Monitoring (SAM) with other previously validated OMs in CMT disease.

Methods

A prospective multicenter study was performed, consecutively enrolling 168 CMT patients (104 with CMT1A, 27 with CMT1B, 37 with X‐linked CMT) from Italian centers specializing in CMT care.

Results

Statistical analysis showed that the 6MWT was highly related with all previously used OMs. Some, but not all, SAM parameters were related to commonly used OMs but may provide more information about quality of life.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrated the validity and reliability of the 6MWT and SAM as OMs for CMT. Moreover, SAM provides data that correlate better with quality of life measures, making it useful in future rehabilitation trials.
Biochar alters the soil microbiome and soil function: results of next‐generation amplicon sequencing across Europe
Authors: Jenkins Joseph R. , Viger Maud , Arnold Elizabeth C. , Harris Zoe M. , Ventura Maurizio , Miglietta Franco , Girardin Cyril , Edwards Richard J. , Rumpel Cornelia , Fornasier Flavio , Zavalloni Costanza , Tonon Giustino , Alberti Giorgio , Taylor Gail
Published: May 2016

Wide‐scale application of biochar to soil has been suggested as a mechanism to offset increases inCO2emissions through the long‐term sequestration of a carbon rich and inert substance to the soil, but the implications of this for soil diversity and function remain to be determined. Biochar is capable of inducing changes in soil bacterial communities, but the exact impacts of its application are poorly understood. Using three European sites [UK SRC, short rotation coppice, French grassland (FR) and ItalianSRF, short rotation forestry (IT)] treated with identical biochar applications, we undertook 16S andITSampliconDNAsequencing. In addition, we carried out assessments of community change over time and N and P mobilization in theUK. Significant changes in bacterial and community structure occurred due to treatment, although the nature of the changes varied by site.STAMPdifferential abundance analysis showed enrichment ofGemmatimonadeteandAcidobacteriainUKbiochar plots 1 year after application, whilst control plots exhibited enrichedGemmataceae, IsosphaeraceaeandKoribacteraceae. Increased mobility of ammonium and phosphates was also detected after 1 year, coupled with a shift from acid to alkaline phosphomonoesterase activity, which may suggest an ecological and functional shift towards a more copiotrophic ecology. Italy also exhibited enrichments, in both theProteobacteria(driven by an increase in the orderRhizobiales) and theGemmatimonadetes. No significant change in the abundance of individual taxa was noted inFR, although a small significant change in unweightedUNIFRACoccurred, indicating variation in the identities of taxa present due to treatment. Fungalβdiversity was affected by treatment inITandFR, but was unaffected inUKsamples. The effects of time and site were greater than that of biochar application inUKsamples. Overall, this report gives a tantalizing view of the soil microbiome at several sites across Europe and suggests that although application of biochar has significant effects on microbial communities, these may be small compared with the highly variable soil microbiome that is found in different soils and changes with time.
Social Interaction Promotes Risk Taking in a Stag Hunt Game
Authors: Bolton Gary E. , Feldhaus Christoph , Ockenfels Axel
Published: May 2016

We demonstrate that people are more willing to take risks in a stag hunt game when the agent of uncertainty is another person, thereby promoting cooperation. Recent social cognition research suggests an explanation for this pattern, which is based on the idea that games that align interests between subjects activate a trust mindset.
“Tell It Like It Is”: Decision Making, Groupthink, and Decisiveness among U.S. Federal Subcabinet Executives
Authors: Kelman Steven , Sanders Ronald , Pandit Gayatri
Published: May 2016

In addition to difficulties gathering and evaluating complete information, cognitive limitations and biases preclude individuals from making fully value‐maximizing choices when making decisions. It has been suggested that, done properly, involving advisors can compensate for individual‐level limitations. However, the “groupthink” tradition has highlighted ways group‐aided decision making can fail to live up to its potential. Out of this literature has emerged a paradigm Janis calls “vigilant problem‐solving.” For this article, we interviewed 20 heads of subcabinet‐level organizations in the U.S. federal government, asking questions about how they made important decisions. Ten were nominated by “good‐government” experts, 10 chosen at random. We wanted to see whether there were differences in how members of those two groups made decisions, specifically, to what extent executives in the two categories used a “vigilant” process. We found, however, that similarities between the two groups overwhelmed differences: As best as we were able to measure, decision making by U.S. subcabinet executives tracks vigilant decision making recommendations fairly closely. The similarity reflects a common style of senior‐level decision making, which we theorize grows out of government bureaucracy's methodical culture. We did, however, develop evidence for a difference between outstanding executives and others on another dimension of decision making style. Outstanding executives valued decision making decisiveness—“bias for action”—more than the comparison group. Perhaps, then, what distinguishes outstanding executives from others is not vigilance but decisiveness. Contrary to the implications of the groupthink literature, the danger in government may be “paralysis by analysis” as much or more than groupthink.
Providing patient information and education in practice: the role of the health librarian
Authors: Truccolo Ivana
Published: May 2016

In this article, guest writer Ivana Truccolo presents an overview of her work at the Scientific and Patient Library of a Cancer Comprehensive Centre in Italy coordinating the patient education process. She discusses the historical evolution of the concept of patient education and how this has run alongside the role of the health librarian in the provision of consumer health information. Details are provided about various patient education programmes in place at the Centre. In particular, various activities are discussed including patient education classes, the development of patient education handouts and a narrative medicine programme which includes a literary competition. The article concludes with a specific outline of the role the health librarian can play in the provision of consumer health information and patient education.

H.S.
A global survey of HIV‐positive people's attitudes towards cure research
Authors: Simmons R , Kall M , Collins S , Cairns G , Taylor S , Nelson M , Fidler S , Porter K , Fox J ,   the Collaborative HIV Eradication of viral Reservoirs (CHERUB) Survey collaboration
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Involvement of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the design of HIV cure studies is important, given the potential risks to participants. We present results of an international survey of PLHIV to define these issues and inform cure research.

Methods

PLHIV were recruited in June−November 2014 through HIV websites, advocacy forums, social media and 12 UK HIV clinics. The survey included questions concerning demographics, HIV disease history, the desirability of types of cure and the patient's willingness to accept potential toxicity and treatment interruption (TI). We examined factors associated with TI and willingness to accept substantial risks.

Results

A total of 982 PLHIV completed the survey; 87% were male, 79% white and 81% men who have sex with men (MSM). Fifty‐one per cent were aged 25–44 years and 69% were UK residents. The median time since diagnosis was 7 years [interquartile range (IQR) 2–17 years]. Eighty‐eight per cent were receiving antiretrovirals (91% reported undetectable viral load). Health/wellbeing improvements (96%) and an inability to transmit HIV (90%) were more desirable cure characteristics than testing HIV‐negative (69%). Ninety‐five per cent were interested in participating in cure studies, and 59% were willing to accept substantial risks. PLHIV with a low CD4 count [201–350 cells/μL vs. ≥ 350 cells/μL; odds ratio (OR) 2.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–4.00] were more likely to accept risks, whereas those with limited knowledge of HIV treatments vs. excellent/good knowledge and those aged ≥ 65 years vs. 45–64 years were less likely to accept risks [OR 0.58 (95% CI 0.37–0.90) and OR 0.18 (95% CI 0.07–0.45), respectively]. TI was acceptable for 62% of participants, with the main concerns being becoming unwell (82%), becoming infectious (76%) and HIV spreading through the body (76%).

Conclusions

Cure research was highly acceptable to the PLHIV surveyed. Most individuals would accept risks, including TI, even in the absence of personal benefit. An optimal cure would improve health and minimize onward transmission risk.
Inhibition of TRPV1 prevented skin irritancy induced by phenoxyethanol. A preliminary in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Li D.‐G. , Du H.‐Y. , Gerhard S. , Imke M. , Liu W.
Published: May 2016

Background

Phenoxyethanol is a widely used preservative in personal care products. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) on cell membrane is activated by TRPV1 agonist capsaicin resulting in an opening of the channel for calcium influx, which is linked with neurosensory sensations characterized by itching, burning and stinging of skin. Whether uncomfortable skin sensations caused by phenoxyethanol claimed by people having sensitive skin are also due to activation of TRPV1 has not been reported in the literature.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the TRPV1 is involved in the induction of itching and burning sensation by phenoxyethanol.

Methods and materials

The effect of phenoxyethanol on TRPV1 was assessed in vitro on HaCaT cells. The activation of TRPV1 and its inhibition by a TRPV1 antagonist were evaluated by cellular calcium influx. TRPV1 protein expression was also investigated by Western blot. In vivo in a split‐face study, phenoxyethanol formulated at 1% was compared to a formulation additionally containing a TRPV1 antagonist. By applying the formulations to the nasolabial fold, the scores of phenoxyethanol‐induced sensations were compared to those of the TRPV1 antagonist.

Results

In vitro phenoxyethanol induced calcium influx in HaCaT cells in a dose‐dependent manner after 20 min. This effect was abolished by a solution containing the TRPV1 antagonist trans‐tert‐butyl cyclohexanol (ID1609). Phenoxyethanol had no effect on the expression of TRPV1, whereas capsaicin caused a significant downregulation of this receptor in the same experiment. In vivo 1% phenoxyethanol induced a skin burning and itching sensation in a cohort of 60 of 243 Chinese female subjects being sensitive to phenoxyethanol discomfort. The uncomfortable skin sensations were significantly inhibited by ID1609.

Conclusions

Different to capsaicin, phenoxyethanol did not downregulate the expression of TRPV1 in HaCaT cells, suggesting that different regulatory mechanisms may exist for capsaicin and phenoxyethanol. Our experiments demonstrated that phenoxyethanol induces skin misperception and uncomfortable skin sensations like itching and burning comparable to capsaicin via activating TRPV1. The stimulation was inhibited by blocking TRPV1 with ID1609. The present data strengthened hitherto studies that TRPV1 plays a critical role in sensitive skin.
Oral hygiene grade and quality of life in children with chemotherapy‐related oral mucositis: a randomized study on the impact of a fluoride toothpaste with salivary enzymes, essential oils, proteins and colostrum extract versus a fluoride toothpaste without menthol
Authors: Bardellini E , Amadori F , Majorana A
Published: May 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the use of a fluoride toothpaste (Bioxtra®, Biopharm, Milan, Italy) with salivary enzymes, essential oils, proteins and colostrum extract versus a fluoride toothpaste without menthol on the oral hygiene grade and on the quality of life (QoL) of children with oral mucositis (OM) grade 1 or 2 receiving chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL).

Methods

Patients between 6 and 14 years with OM were randomly assigned to two groups, group A (Bioxtra® toothpaste) and group B (fluoride toothpaste without menthol). The patients were instructed to brush their teeth at least twice a day using a soft toothbrush with a small head. Oral hygiene grade was assessed using the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI‐s); quality of life was assessed using the short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) questionnaires. The patients were evaluated on day 1(diagnosis of OM‐T0) and on day 8 (T1). Statistical analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 64 patients were enrolled. A significant difference (P < 0.001) between the mean of the OHI‐s in group A (0.9 ± 1.2) and in group B (1.5 ± 1.3) was found; the overall OHIP‐14 scores were not associated with the use of one or the other toothpaste (P = 0.33).

Conclusions

Although the use of Bioxtra® toothpaste does not affect the QoL of children undergoing chemotherapy, it may be recommended as clinically effective in improving the oral hygiene grade.
Oral health care‐related beliefs among Finnish geriatric home care nurses
Authors: Pihlajamäki T , Syrjälä A‐M , Laitala M‐L , Pesonen P , Virtanen JI
Published: May 2016

Objectives

The aim was to investigate beliefs about oral health care tasks among nursing staff caring for home‐dwelling older people using the Nursing Dental Coping Beliefs (nursing DCBS) index.

Methods

The study population comprised nursing staff working at the homes and sheltered accommodations of older people in Ylivieska, Finland (N = 141). The data were collected using the nursing DCBS index (five‐point Likert scale).

Results

On average, the nurses held moderate to high Oral health care beliefs, Internal locus of control beliefs and External locus of control beliefs, but low beliefs about Self‐efficacy. The nurses with an earlier adjunct education scored lower for Oral health care beliefs on the factor Knowledge about preventing gum diseases (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–0.9) than did the others. Regarding beliefs about External locus of control, the age group 31–49 years scored lower on the factor Retaining teeth as one ages (OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.7), but scored higher on the factor How to prevent dental diseases (OR = 5.6, 95% CI: 1.1–29.3) than did younger nurses (≤30 years). The nurses with only a nursing education showed significantly higher mean scores on the Self‐efficacy factor Confidence of the need for dental knowledge than did those with an earlier adjunct education (P = 0.034).

Conclusions

The nursing staff mostly believed that oral diseases are preventable and teeth can be retained in advanced age, but failed to recognize the value of dental knowledge and had little confidence in their ability to manage oral diseases. Improving the oral health‐related knowledge and self‐efficacy beliefs of nursing staff will require additional oral health education.
Does breastfeeding duration decrease child obesity? An instrumental variables analysis
Authors: Modrek S. , Basu S. , Harding M. , White J. S. , Bartick M.C. , Rodriguez E. , Rosenberg K. D.
Published: May 2016

Background

Many studies have documented that breastfeeding is associated with a significant reduction in child obesity risk. However, a persistent problem in this literature is that unobservable confounders may drive the correlations between breastfeeding behaviors and child weight outcomes.

Objective

This study examines the effect of breastfeeding practices on child weight outcomes at age 2.

Methods

This study relied on population‐based data for all births in Oregon in 2009 followed for two years. We used instrumental variables methods to exploit variations in breastfeeding by mothers immediately after delivery and the degree to which hospitals encouraged mothers to breastfeed in order to isolate the effect of breastfeeding practices on child weight outcomes.

Results

We found that for every extra week that the child was breastfed, the likelihood of the child being obese at age 2 declined by 0.82% [95% CI −1.8% to 0.1%]. Likewise, for every extra week that the child was exclusively breastfed, the likelihood of being obese declined by 0.66% [95% CI −1.4 to 0.06%]. While the magnitudes of effects were modest and marginally significant, the results were robust in a variety of specifications.

Conclusion

The results suggest that hospital practices that support breastfeeding may influence childhood weight outcomes.
The Effect of Visas on Migration Processes
Authors: Czaika Mathias , de Haas Hein
Published: May 2016

The effectiveness of migration policies has been widely contested. However, because of methodological and conceptual limitations, evidence has remained inconclusive. Moreover, prior studies focus on the effects of policies on inflows and fail to assess the simultaneous effect of policies on outflows. This is essential from a theoretical point of view as immigration restrictions may reduce both inflows and outflows and, hence, overall circulation. This renders the effect of immigration restrictions on net migration theoretically ambiguous. To fill this gap, and using unique migration and visa data from the Determinants of International Migration (DEMIG) project, this paper assesses the short- and long-term effects of travel visa policy regimes on bilateral immigration and emigration dynamics. The results suggest that travel visa policies significantly decrease inflows, but this effect is undermined by decreasing outflows of the same migrant groups. This confirms that migration restrictions decrease circulation and tend to encourage long-term settlement, and thereby sharply reduce the responsiveness of migration to economic fluctuations in destination and origin societies. We also identify asymmetric policy effects with migration flows declining only very gradually after a visa introduction but increasing almost immediately after visa removal.
‘Inheritance Families of Choice’? Lawyers' Reflections on Gay and Lesbian Wills
Authors: Monk Daniel
Published: May 2016

This article presents the findings of research about the will‐writing practices of gays and lesbians. It develops a conversation between sociological literature about ‘families of choice’, which is silent about inheritance, and socio‐legal research about ‘inheritance families’, which is relatively silent about sexuality. It demonstrates how research with lawyers can contribute to thinking about inheritance and complement historical archives about personal life and sexuality. Focusing on funeral rites, partners, ex‐lovers, friendships, children and godchildren, and birth families, the findings reveal how gay men and lesbians have used wills to communicate kinship practices in ways that both converge with and differ from conventional testamentary practices. Examining the findings through the concepts of generationality, family display, connectedness, and ordinariness, and locating them within the recent history of social and legal changes, it complicates and troubles both anti‐normative and individualistic readings of the choices gay and lesbians make in constructing their ‘inheritance families’.
Bidirectional relationship between renal function and periodontal disease in older Japanese women
Authors: Yoshihara Akihiro , Iwasaki Masanori , Miyazaki Hideo , Nakamura Kazutoshi
Published: May 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reciprocal effects of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and periodontal disease.

Material and Methods

A total of 332 postmenopausal never smoking women were enrolled, and their serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, serum osteocalcin and serum cystatin C levels were measured. Poor renal function was defined as serum cystatin C > 0.91 mg/l. Periodontal disease markers, including clinical attachment level and the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), were also evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationships between renal function and periodontal disease markers, serum osteocalcin level and hsCRP level. The prevalence‐rate ratios (PRRs) on multiple Poisson regression analyses were determined to evaluate the relationships between periodontal disease markers and serum osteocalcin, serum cystatin C and serum hsCRP levels.

Results

On logistic regression analysis, PISA was significantly associated with serum cystatin C level. The odds ratio for serum cystatin C level was 2.44 (p = 0.011). The PRR between serum cystatin C level and periodontal disease markers such as number of sites with clinical attachment level ≥6 mm was significantly positive (3.12, p < 0.001). Similar tendencies were shown for serum osteocalcin level.

Conclusion

This study suggests that CKD and periodontal disease can have reciprocal effects.
Sexual and natural selection in the evolution of extended phenotypes: the use of green nesting material in starlings
Authors: Rubalcaba J. G. , Polo V. , Maia R. , Rubenstein D. R. , Veiga J. P.
Published: May 2016

Although sexual selection is typically considered the predominant force driving the evolution of ritualized sexual behaviours, natural selection may also play an important and often underappreciated role. The use of green aromatic plants among nesting birds has been interpreted as a component of extended phenotype that evolved either via natural selection due to potential sanitary functions or via sexual selection as a signal of male attractiveness. Here, we compared both hypotheses using comparative methods in starlings, a group where this behaviour is widespread. We found that the use of green plants was positively related to male‐biased size dimorphism and that it was most likely to occur among cavity‐nesting species. These results suggest that this behaviour is likely favoured by sexual selection, but also related to its sanitary use in response to higher parasite loads in cavities. We speculate that the use of green plants in starlings may be facilitated by cavity nesting and was subsequently co‐opted as a sexual signal by males. Our results represent an example of how an extended phenotypic component of males becomes sexually selected by females. Thus, both natural selection and sexual selection are necessary to fully understand the evolution of ritualized behaviours involved in courtship.
What Predicts Law Student Success? A Longitudinal Study Correlating Law Student Applicant Data and Law School Outcomes
Authors: Brunet Marks Alexia , Moss Scott A.
Published: May 2016

Despite the rise of “big data” empiricism, law school admission remains heavily impressionistic; admission decisions rely on anecdotes about recent students, idiosyncratic preferences for certain majors or jobs, or mainly the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Yet no predictors are well‐validated and studies of the LSAT or other factors fail to control for other factors. The lack of evidence for what actually predicts law school success is especially surprising since, after the 2010s downturn, law schools now compete for fewer applicants. We fill this gap with a two‐school, 1,400‐student, 2005–2011 longitudinal study. We coded nondigitized applicant data and used multivariate regression analysis to predict law school grades (LGPA) from many variables: LSAT; college grades (UGPA), quality, and major; UGPA trajectory; employment duration and type (legal, scientific, military, teaching, etc.); college leadership; prior graduate degree; criminal or disciplinary record; and variable interactions (e.g., high‐LSAT/low‐UGPA or vice‐versa). Our results include new findings about how to balance LSAT and UGPA, plus the first findings that college quality, major, work experience, and other traits are significant predictors of law student grades, controlling for other factors: (1) LSAT predicts more weakly, and UGPA more powerfully, than commonly assumed—and a high‐LSAT/low‐UGPA profile may predict worse than the opposite; (2) a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) or EAF (economics, accounting, finance) major is a significant plus, akin to three and a half to four extra LSAT points; (3) several years’ work experience is a significant plus, with teaching especially positive and military the weakest; (4) a criminal or disciplinary record is a significant minus, akin to seven and a half fewer LSAT points; and (5) long‐noted gender disparities seem to have abated, but racial disparities persist. Some predictors were interestingly nonlinear: college quality has decreasing returns; UGPA has increasing returns; a rising UGPA is a plus only for law students right out of college; and four to nine years of work is a “sweet spot.” Certain groups—those with military or public‐sector work, or a criminal/disciplinary record—have high LGPA variance, indicating a mix of high and low performers requiring close scrutiny. Many traditionally valued traits had no predictive value: typical prelaw majors (political science, history, etc.); legal or public‐sector work; or college leadership. These findings can help identify who can outperform traditional predictors like the LSAT. Several caveats are explained in the article, however, because statistical models cannot capture certain difficult‐to‐code key traits: some who project to have weak grades retain appealing lawyering or leadership potential; and many will over‐ or underperform any projection. Thus, admissions will always be both art and science—but perhaps with a bit more science.
Carrot or Stick? The Shift from Voluntary to Mandatory Disclosure of Risk Factors
Authors: Nelson Karen K. , Pritchard A. C.
Published: May 2016

This study investigates risk factor disclosures, examining both the voluntary, incentive‐based disclosure regime provided by the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act as well as the SEC's subsequent mandate of these disclosures. Firms subject to greater litigation risk disclose more risk factors, update the language more from year to year, and use more readable language than firms with lower litigation risk. These differences in the quality of disclosure are pronounced in the voluntary disclosure regime, but converge following the SEC mandate as low‐risk firms improved the quality of their risk factor disclosures. Consistent with these findings, the risk factor disclosures of high‐litigation‐risk firms are significantly more informative about systematic and idiosyncratic firm risk when disclosure is voluntary but not when disclosure is mandatory. Overall, the results suggest that for some firms voluntary disclosure of risk factors is not a substitute for a regulatory mandate.
The Appeals Process in the European Commission's Cartel Cases: An Empirical Assessment
Authors: Hüschelrath Kai , Smuda Florian
Published: May 2016

The appeals process is an important mechanism to correct legal errors and to improve existing laws and regulations. We use the data of 467 firm groups that participated in 88 cartels convicted by the European Commission between 2000 and 2012 to study both the characteristics of firm groups filing an appeal and the factors that determine their successfulness in terms of fine reduction. Applying a discrete choice and a two‐stage hurdle model, we find that while some characteristics—particularly the reform of the fine guidelines—only affect the probability of filing an appeal, other factors, such as the size of the fine imposed, in connection with characteristics such as ringleader, repeat offender, or leniency applicant, influence both the probability and the success of an appeal. We build on these results to derive conclusions for both firms and public policymakers.
Microwave Heating of Sunflower Oil at Frying Temperatures: Effect of Power Levels on Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Aydinkaptan Ezgı , Mazi Bekır Gökçen , Barutçu Mazi Işil
Published: May 2016

Degradation of sunflower oil subjected to simulated frying conditions was evaluated during microwave heating at different power levels (360W, 600W and 900W) and during heating in deep‐fat fryer. Discontinuous heating was performed by heating at 180 °C for 3 minutes and cooling for 15 minutes. This cycle was repeated for 15 times a day, for five consecutive days. Similar free fatty acid (0.28–0.31% oleic acid), K232 (37.11–40.28) and peroxide values (10.35–11.09 meq O2/kg) were obtained at all microwave power levels while significantly higher total polar material (57.5%), viscosity (119.4 cp), refractive index (1.4774), redness (4.2) and yellowness (70.0) values were detected at the lowest power level at the end of heating period. Microwave heating resulted in higher values of investigated parameters relative to the conventional method throughout heating and lower values of linoleic acid content at the end of heating period. Lowest power level caused the highest reduction in the level of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Practical Applications

These results show that power level is an important factor in terms of oil degradation during repetitive microwave heating. Microwave frying method can be proposed as a new way of improving the quality of fried foods considering various studies in literature. This study is quite helpful while establishing microwave frying parameters for obtaining a reduction in the level of frying oil degradation and consequently a rise in the quality of fried products.
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening in Midwifery Education: A Survey
Authors: Palmer Shannon B. , Bednarz Sydney E. , Dilaj Kristin A. , McDonald Amanda M.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Universal newborn hearing screening has been adopted by all 50 states in the United States. However, there is currently a lack of knowledge about how health care providers learn about universal newborn hearing screening during their education programs. The purpose of this study was to identify whether midwifery education programs in the United States currently include information regarding universal newborn hearing screening in the standard curricula and, if so, what specific information is covered.

Methods

A survey that assessed whether specific topics related to universal newborn hearing screening are presented during midwifery education was sent to directors of midwifery education programs.

Results

Seventy‐one midwifery education program directors were contacted, and the response rate was 38% (27 surveys). Most respondents reported that universal newborn hearing screening is discussed in the program, with the amount of time spent covering these topics varying considerably. Programs provide information about the midwife's role in universal newborn hearing screening, legal obligation to provide hearing screening information, and tests used to complete universal newborn hearing screening. How to complete the hearing screening, counseling for parents about results, and follow‐up after a newborn does not pass the screening are topics that were not often discussed. There was no influence of program type or program length on the universal newborn hearing screening content discussed.

Discussion

The majority of midwifery education program directors that responded indicated that their programs include information about universal newborn hearing screening to midwifery students. There is a need for further information and resources specific to universal newborn hearing screening. Providing additional information to midwifery students about newborn hearing screening may result in increased awareness and education for families.
Aerobic glycolysis during brain activation: adrenergic regulation and influence of norepinephrine on astrocytic metabolism
Authors: Dienel Gerald A. , Cruz Nancy F.
Published: May 2016

Aerobic glycolysis occurs during brain activation and is characterized by preferential up‐regulation of glucose utilization compared with oxygen consumption even though oxygen level and delivery are adequate. Aerobic glycolysis is a widespread phenomenon that underlies energetics of diverse brain activities, such as alerting, sensory processing, cognition, memory, and pathophysiological conditions, but specific cellular functions fulfilled by aerobic glycolysis are poorly understood. Evaluation of evidence derived from different disciplines reveals that aerobic glycolysis is a complex, regulated phenomenon that is prevented by propranolol, a non‐specific β‐adrenoceptor antagonist. The metabolic pathways that contribute to excess utilization of glucose compared with oxygen include glycolysis, the pentose phosphate shunt pathway, the malate‐aspartate shuttle, and astrocytic glycogen turnover. Increased lactate production by unidentified cells, and lactate dispersal from activated cells and lactate release from the brain, both facilitated by astrocytes, are major factors underlying aerobic glycolysis in subjects with low blood lactate levels. Astrocyte‐neuron lactate shuttling with local oxidation is minor. Blockade of aerobic glycolysis by propranolol implicates adrenergic regulatory processes including adrenal release of epinephrine, signaling to brain via the vagus nerve, and increased norepinephrine release from the locus coeruleus. Norepinephrine has a powerful influence on astrocytic metabolism and glycogen turnover that can stimulate carbohydrate utilization more than oxygen consumption, whereas β‐receptor blockade ‘re‐balances’ the stoichiometry of oxygen‐glucose or ‐carbohydrate metabolism by suppressing glucose and glycogen utilization more than oxygen consumption. This conceptual framework may be helpful for design of future studies to elucidate functional roles of preferential non‐oxidative glucose utilization and glycogen turnover during brain activation.

image

Aerobic glycolysis, the preferential up‐regulation of glucose utilization (CMRglc) compared with oxygen consumption (CMRO2) during brain activation, is blocked by propranolol. Epinephrine release from the adrenal gland stimulates vagus nerve signaling to the locus coeruleus, enhancing norepinephrine release in the brain, and regulation of astrocytic and neuronal metabolism to stimulate CMRglc more than CMRO2. Propranolol suppresses CMRglc more than CMRO2.
Deferoxamine inhibits microglial activation, attenuates blood–brain barrier disruption, rescues dendritic damage, and improves spatial memory in a mouse model of microhemorrhages
Authors: He Xiao‐fei , Lan Yue , Zhang Qun , Liu Dong‐xu , Wang Qinmei , Liang Feng‐ying , Zeng Jin‐sheng , Xu Guang‐qing , Pei Zhong
Published: May 2016

Cerebral microbleeds are strongly linked to cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. Iron accumulation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of intracranial hemorrhage. Deferoxamine (DFX), a metal chelator, removes iron overload and protects against brain damage in intracranial hemorrhage. In this study, the protective effects of DFX against microhemorrhage were examined in mice. C57BL6 and Thy‐1 green fluorescent protein transgenic mice were subjected to perforating artery microhemorrhages on the right posterior parietal cortex using two‐photon laser irradiation. DFX (100 mg/kg) was administered 6 h after microhemorrhage induction, followed by every 12 h for three consecutive days. The water maze task was conducted 7 days after induction of microhemorrhages, followed by measurement of blood–brain barrier permeability, iron deposition, microglial activation, and dendritic damage. Laser‐induced multiple microbleeds in the right parietal cortex clearly led to spatial memory disruption, iron deposits, microglial activation, and dendritic damage, which were significantly attenuated by DFX, supporting the targeting of iron overload as a therapeutic option and the significant potential of DFX in microhemorrhage treatment.

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Irons accumulation after intracranial hemorrhage induced a serious secondary damage to the brain. We proposed that irons accumulation after parietal microhemorrhages impaired spatial cognition. After parietal multiple microhemorrhages, increased irons and ferritin contents induced blood–brain barrier disruption, microglial activation, and further induced dendrites loss, eventually impaired the water maze, deferoxamine treatment protected from these damages.
Uterine morphology during diapause and early pregnancy in the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii)
Authors: Laird Melanie K. , Hearn Cyrma M. , Shaw Geoff , Renfree Marilyn B.
Published: May 2016

In mammals, embryonic diapause, or suspension of embryonic development, occurs when embryos at the blastocyst stage are arrested in growth and metabolism. In the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii), there are two separate uteri, only one of which becomes gravid with the single conceptus at a post‐partum oestrus, so changes during pregnancy can be compared between the gravid and non‐gravid uterus within the same individual. Maintenance of the viable blastocyst and inhibition of further conceptus growth during diapause in the tammar is completely dependent on the uterine environment. Although the specific endocrine and seasonal signals are well established, much less is known about the cellular changes required to create this environment. Here we present the first detailed study of uterine morphology during diapause and early pregnancy of the tammar wallaby. We combined transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy to describe the histological and ultrastructural changes to luminal and glandular epithelial cells. At entry into diapause after the post‐partum oestrus and formation of the new conceptus, there was an increase in abundance of organelles associated with respiration in the endometrial cells of the newly gravid uterus, particularly in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, as well as an increase in secretory activity. Organelle changes and active secretion then ceased in these cells as they became quiescent and remained so for the duration of diapause. In contrast, cells of the non‐gravid, post‐partum, contralateral uterus underwent sloughing and remodelling during this time and some organelle changes in glandular epithelial cells continued throughout diapause, suggesting these cells are not completely quiescent during diapause, although no active secretion occurred. These findings demonstrate that diapause, like pregnancy, is under unilateral endocrine control in the tammar, and that preparation for and maintenance of diapause requires substantial changes to uterine endometrial cell ultrastructure and activity.
Phytoplasma Transmission by Heterologous Grafting Influences Viability of the Scion and Results in Early Symptom Development in Periwinkle Rootstock
Authors: Aryan Amal , Musetti Rita , Riedle‐Bauer Monika , Brader Günter
Published: May 2016

The stolbur phytoplasma ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ is responsible for the grapevine disease ‘bois noir’ affecting a number of wine‐growing areas in Europe. Transmission of stolbur phytoplasma to different laboratory hosts can be difficult due to the requirement of transmitting insect vectors or parasite plants. Here, heterologous grafting was used as an alternative technique for transmission of common and strongly symptomatic stolbur genotypes CPsM4_At1 and CPsM4_At6 of ‘Ca. P. solani’ to experimental host plants such as Catharanthus roseus and tomato making phytoplasma strains more accessible for molecular and experimental investigations in different plant species. Transmission was confirmed by quantitative PCR, microscopy and nested PCR followed by marker gene sequencing. In our study, the transmission of different genotypes of ‘Ca. P. solani’ resulted in distinguishable symptom development in the laboratory host C. roseus. Symptom development in grafted rootstock was observed three to 7 weeks after heterologous grafting. Survival of the graft unit was influenced by the presence of ‘Ca. P. solani’ in the scions and was clearly reduced in phytoplasma free scion – rootstock combinations.
Relationship between level of forage intake, blood flow and oxygen consumption by splanchnic tissues of sheep fed a tropical grass forage
Authors: Hentz F. , Kozloski G. V. , Zeni D. , Brun M. V. , Stefanello S.
Published: May 2016

Four Polwarth castrated male sheep (42 ± 4.4 kg live weight (LW) surgically implanted with chronic indwelling catheters into the mesenteric, portal and hepatic veins, housed in metabolism cages and offered Cynodon sp. hay at rates (g of dry matter (DM)/kg LW) of 7, 14, 21 or ad libitum, were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square experiment to evaluate the effect of the level of forage intake on blood flow and oxygen consumption by the portal‐drained viscera (PDV), liver and total splanchnic tissues (ST). The portal blood flow and the oxygen consumption by PDV linearly increased at increased organic matter (OM) intake. No effect of level of OM intake was obtained for the hepatic artery blood flow and oxygen consumption by liver. As a consequence, the level of OM intake only tended to directly affect hepatic blood flow and oxygen consumption by total ST. Oxygen consumption was linearly and positively related to blood flow across PDV, liver and total ST. The heat production by PDV and total ST, as proportion of metabolizable energy (ME) intake, decreased curvilinearly at increased ME intake. In conclusion, the oxygen consumption by PDV, but not by liver, was directly related to the level of forage intake by sheep. Moreover, when ingested at levels below maintenance, most of ME was spent as heat produced by ST.
Psychiatric Conditions Prevalent Among Adults With Down Syndrome
Authors: Tassé Marc J. , Navas Macho Patricia , Havercamp Susan M. , Benson Betsey A. , Allain Dawn C. , Manickam Kandamurugu , Davis Suzanne
Published: May 2016

The authors assessed available prevalence information regarding neuropsychiatric conditions among adults with Down syndrome (DS) and compared these findings among adults with other intellectual disability (non‐DS). The study entailed a survey of 291 adults with DS living in Ohio (USA). Twenty‐three percent of adults with DS reported having a co‐occurring psychiatric disorder, a smaller than the reported occurrence of such conditions in the general adult intellectual disability population. Depression, anxiety disorders, and dementia or Alzheimer's disease were the most frequently reported neuropsychiatric disorders by adults with DS. The likelihood of experiencing a psychiatric disorder increased with age but did not vary by sex among adults with DS. Lower rates of problem behavior were reported in adults with DS compared to adults with intellectual disability (non‐DS). The authors' findings indicate that adults with DS may present different rates and types of co‐occurring psychiatric disorders than the larger population of adults with other intellectual disability. These findings warrant additional research and could provide critical information for planning and intervention.
Hepatitis C‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis following liver transplantation is enhanced by immunosuppressive agents
Authors: Lim E. J. , Chin R. , Nachbur U. , Silke J. , Jia Z. , Angus P. W. , Torresi J.
Published: May 2016

In recurrent hepatitis C (HCV) post‐liver transplantation (OLT), the combination of immunosuppressants and HCV is postulated to increase hepatocyte apoptosis and liver fibrosis. We evaluated hepatocyte apoptosis within the liver tissue of patients with postOLT HCV recurrence compared to HCV‐negative individuals and correlated these findings with the effects of immunosuppressants on HCV‐induced cell death and its inhibition in primary mouse hepatocytes (PMoH). Liver biopsies from patients with and without HCV were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for markers of apoptosis M30 CytoDEATH (M30) and cleaved PARP (clPARP). PMoH from C57BL/6 mice were infected with recombinant adenoviruses (rAdHCV) that expressed HCV proteins in hepatocytes. Infected cells were treated with cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus and/or MMF with or without pan‐caspase inhibitor Q‐VD‐Oph. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated using crystal violet assays and Western immunoblots probed for cleaved caspase‐3 (clCas3) and clPARP. Both M30 and clPARP were increased in the liver biopsies of patients with postOLT HCV recurrence compared to HCV‐negative individuals. Treatment of rAdHCV‐infected PMoH with cyclosporine, tacrolimus or sirolimus reduced cell viability and increased clCas3 and clPARP compared to rAdHCV infection alone. Addition of MMF to cyclosporine, tacrolimus or sirolimus further reduced cell viability and increased clCas3 and clPARP. Q‐VD‐Oph improved cell viability in HCV‐infected PMoH treated with immunosuppressants alone and in combination and reduced clCas3 and clPARP by approximately 90%. Immunosuppressive agents, especially in combination, enhanced apoptosis in HCV‐infected hepatocytes. The finding that Q‐VD‐Oph reversed hepatocyte death suggests that treatments utilizing apoptosis inhibition might reduce liver injury in postOLT HCV recurrence.