bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shielding Voices: The Modulation of Binding Processes between Voice Features and Response Features by Task Representations
Authors: Bogon Johanna , Eisenbarth Hedwig , Landgraf Steffen , Dreisbach Gesine
Published: July 2016

Vocal events offer not only semantic-linguistic content but also information about the identity and the emotional-motivational state of the speaker. Furthermore, most vocal events have implications for our actions and therefore include action-related features. But the relevance and irrelevance of vocal features varies from task to task. The present study investigates binding processes for perceptual and action-related features of spoken words and their modulation by the task representation of the listener. Participants reacted with two response keys to eight different words spoken by a male or a female voice (Experiment 1) or spoken by an angry or neutral male voice (Experiment 2). There were two instruction conditions: half of participants learned eight stimulus-response mappings by rote (SR), and half of participants applied a binary task rule (TR). In both experiments, SR instructed participants showed clear evidence for binding processes between voice and response features indicated by an interaction between the irrelevant voice feature and the response. By contrast, as indicated by a three-way interaction with instruction, no such binding was found in the TR instructed group. These results are suggestive of binding and shielding as two adaptive mechanisms that ensure successful communication and action in a dynamic social environment.
The impact of emphysema on dosimetric parameters for stereotactic body radiotherapy of the lung
Authors: Ochiai Satoru , Nomoto Yoshihito , Yamashita Yasufumi , Inoue Tomoki , Murashima Shuuichi , Hasegawa Daisuke , Kurita Yoshie , Watanabe Yui , Toyomasu Yutaka , Kawamura Tomoko , Takada Akinori , Ii Noriko , Kobayashi Shigeki , Sakuma Hajime
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of emphysematous changes in lung on dosimetric parameters in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for lung tumor. A total of 72 treatment plans were reviewed, and dosimetric factors [including homogeneity index (HI) and conformity index (CI)] were evaluated. Emphysematous changes in lung were observed in 43 patients (60%). Patients were divided into three groups according to the severity of emphysema: no emphysema ( n = 29), mild emphysema ( n = 22) and moderate to severe emphysema groups ( n = 21). The HI ( P < 0.001) and the CI ( P = 0.029) were significantly different in accordance with the severity of emphysema in one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The HI value was significantly higher in the moderate to severe emphysema group compared with in the no emphysema (Tukey, P < 0.001) and mild emphysema groups ( P = 0.002). The CI value was significantly higher in the moderate to severe emphysema group compared with in the no emphysema group ( P = 0.044). In multiple linear regression analysis, the severity of emphysema ( P < 0.001) and the mean material density of the lung within the PTV ( P < 0.001) were significant factors for HI, and the mean density of the lung within the PTV ( P = 0.005) was the only significant factor for CI. The mean density of the lung within the PTV was significantly different in accordance with the severity of emphysema (one-way ANOVA, P = 0.008) and the severity of emphysema ( P < 0.001) was one of the significant factors for the density of the lung within the PTV in multiple linear regression analysis. Our results suggest that emphysematous changes in the lung significantly impact on several dosimetric parameters in SBRT, and they should be carefully evaluated before treatment planning.
Reconstruction in pediatric orthopedic trauma: the role of primary cross leg flap cover
Authors: Kapadia Abizer , Cheruvu Vedprakash R. , John Jerry R. , Tripathy Satyaswarup , Sharma Ramesh K.
Published: July 2016

Composite defects of the leg often involve microsurgical reconstruction. Microsurgery is technically demanding in post-trauma situations in very young children. There is renewed interest in cross leg flaps in this scenario. Children aged up to 5 years, who had open fractures or exposed bones in the leg, were followed up prospectively. Eight children, with a mean age of 4 years, underwent nine flaps for extensive tissue defects over the leg and foot. Six of these flaps were cross leg flaps. No flap failed and all wounds acquired early stable cover. The cross leg flap is a useful alternative in the pediatric population in lieu of microsurgical tissue transfer.
Association of nevus count with prevention attitudes and behaviors before melanoma diagnosis
Authors: Mayer Jonathan E. , Swetter Susan M. , Miller Donald R. , Sober Arthur J. , Johnson Timothy M. , Geller Alan C.
Published: July 2016

Although melanoma risk factors are commonly known to healthcare professionals, the extent to which the at-risk public is either aware of these factors or perceives their risk accordingly has rarely been studied. We sought to investigate whether the presence of known melanoma risk factors, such as high total nevus and atypical nevus counts, was associated with increased prevention attitudes and behaviors, such as skin self-examinations and physician skin examinations. This was a retrospective study of 566 individuals recently diagnosed with melanoma in two large academic centers. Most prevention attitudes and behaviors did not vary on the basis of total nevi or atypical nevi counts. However, younger patients (<60 years) with many total nevi (>50) were more likely than those with fewer nevi (<20) to believe that they were at-risk for melanoma (42 vs. 23%; P<0.05), and more likely to state that they had been instructed on the signs of melanoma (36 vs. 21%; P<0.05). Patient and health provider recognition of the impact of nevus count on melanoma risk presents a unique and mostly untapped opportunity for earlier detection.
Vascular Anatomy in Laparoscopic Colectomy for Right Colon Cancer
Authors: Lee Sang Jae , Park Sung Chan , Kim Min Jung , Sohn Dae Kyung , Oh Jae Hwan
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND:

The vascular anatomy in the right colon varies; however, related studies are rare, especially on the laparoscopic vascular anatomy of living patients.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to describe vascular variations around the gastrocolic trunk, middle colic vein, and ileocolic vessels in laparoscopic surgery for right-sided colon cancer.

DESIGN:

This is a retrospective descriptive study of patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy for right colon cancer.

SETTINGS:

The study was conducted at a single tertiary institution in Korea.

PATIENTS:

Consecutive patients with right colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic right colectomy using the cranial-to-caudal approach (N = 116) between January 2014 and April 2015 were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Three colorectal surgeons took photographs and videos of the vascular anatomy during each laparoscopic right colectomy, and these were analyzed for vascular variations.

RESULTS:

We classified venous variations around the gastrocolic trunk into 2 types (3 subtypes), type 1 (n = 92 (79.3%)), defined as 1 or 2 colic veins draining into the gastrocolic trunk, and type II (n = 24 (20.7%)), defined as having no gastrocolic trunk. We also investigated the tributaries of the superior mesenteric vein. One, 2, and 3 middle colic veins were found in 86 (74.1%), 26 (22.4%), and 4 patients (3.5%). The right colic vein drained directly into the superior mesenteric vein in 22 patients (19.0%). All of the patients had a single ileocolic vein draining into the superior mesenteric vein and a single ileocolic artery from the superior mesenteric artery. The right colic artery from the superior mesenteric artery was present in 38 patients (32.7%). The ileocolic artery passed the superior mesenteric vein anteriorly or posteriorly in 58 patients (50%) each.

LIMITATIONS:

Unlike cadaver or radiological studies, we could not clarify the complete vessel paths.

CONCLUSIONS:

We classified vascular anatomic variations in laparoscopic colectomy for right colon cancer, which could be helpful for colorectal surgeons.
Normal Values and Clinical Use of Bedside Sonographic Assessment of Postoperative Gastric Emptying
Authors: Mirbagheri Naseem , Dunn Graham , Naganathan Vasikaran , Suen Michael , Gladman Marc A.
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND:

GI dysfunction is common after abdominal surgery. However, assessment and diagnosis currently lack objective measurement.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and clinical use of bedside sonographic assessment of gastric emptying by measuring the time to complete emptying of a standard volume of ingested water in patients after colorectal surgery.

DESIGN:

This was a prospective cohort study.

SETTINGS:

The study was conducted at a single tertiary institution in Sydney.

PATIENTS:

Healthy volunteers (n = 30) were studied to establish a reference range. Gastric emptying was then measured in patients (n = 39) before and after colorectal surgery.

INTERVENTION:

Assessment of gastric emptying was performed on days 1 to 4 by measuring antral cross-sectional area every 10 minutes after ingestion of 250 mL of water.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

The time to complete emptying of water was used as a surrogate measure of gastric emptying. Information concerning postoperative outcomes, GI symptoms, and recovery was also recorded.

RESULTS:

The median time to complete emptying of water for healthy volunteers was 20 minutes (range, 10–40 minutes). The study protocol was completed in 30 of 39 patients. The time to complete emptying of water on day 2 had the best discriminatory power to identify patients with ileus (sensitivity, 85.71%; specificity, 82.61%). Gastric emptying was normal in 20 of 30 (67%) patients, with only 1 case of ileus (false negative). These patients had less nausea (p = 0.0003), earlier intake of solid diet (p = 0.001), and shorter hospital stay (p = 0.040) compared with patients with abnormal gastric emptying.

LIMITATIONS:

Ultrasound is operator dependent with a learning curve.

CONCLUSIONS:

Bedside sonographic assessment of gastric emptying is feasible and reliable. Assessment of antral contents with a single ultrasound 40 minutes after ingestion of water enables classification of patients into those with normal and abnormal gastric emptying. When performed on postoperative day 2, it has good sensitivity/specificity for discriminating patients with ileus.
Amelioration of scopolamine-induced amnesia by phosphatidylserine and curcumin in the day-old chick
Authors: Barber Teresa A. , Edris Edward M. , Levinsky Paul J. , Williams Justin M. , Brouwer Ari R. , Gessay Shawn A.
Published: July 2016

In the one-trial taste-avoidance task in day-old chicks, acetylcholine receptor activation has been shown to be important for memory formation. Injection of scopolamine produces amnesia, which appears to be very similar in type to that of Alzheimer’s disease, which is correlated with low levels of acetylcholine in the brain. Traditional pharmacological treatments of Alzheimer’s disease, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and glutamate receptor blockers, improve memory and delay the onset of impairments in memory compared with placebo controls. These agents also ameliorate scopolamine-induced amnesia in the day-old chick trained on the one-trial taste-avoidance task. The present experiments examined the ability of two less traditional treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, phosphatidylserine and curcumin, to ameliorate scopolamine-induced amnesia in day-old chicks. The results showed that 37.9 mmol/l phosphatidylserine and 2.7 mmol/l curcumin significantly improved retention in chicks administered scopolamine, whereas lower doses were not effective. Scopolamine did not produce state-dependent learning, indicating that this paradigm in day-old chicks might be a useful one to study the effects of possible Alzheimer’s treatments. In addition, chicks administered curcumin or phosphatidylserine showed little avoidance of a bead associated with water reward, indicating that these drugs did not produce response inhibition. The current results extend the findings that some nontraditional memory enhancers can ameliorate memory impairment and support the hypothesis that these treatments might be of benefit in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Improving testing for hepatitis B before treatment with rituximab
Authors: Dyson Jessica K. , Jopson Laura , Ng Sarah , Lowery Matthew , Harwood Jayne , Waugh Sheila , Valappil Manoj , McPherson Stuart
Published: July 2016

Aims/Objectives/Background

Individuals with current or previous infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) can experience viral reactivation when treated with immunosuppression. Rituximab, an anti-CD20 antibody used to treat many diseases, has potent immunosuppressant effects with a high risk of causing HBV reactivation. Reactivation can range from elevated liver enzymes to acute severe hepatitis with liver failure and a significant mortality risk. HBV screening and appropriate use of prophylactic antiviral therapy can prevent reactivation. This work describes the introduction of a local policy for HBV testing in patients before rituximab treatment and assesses its impact.

Methods and Results

A baseline review (before policy introduction) of 90 patients showed that only 21 (23%) had hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and 17 (19%) had hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBcAb) tested before receiving rituximab. Following introduction of the policy (on the basis of international guidelines), improved laboratory reporting protocols and targeted education sessions, two further reviews of HBV testing rates among patients being initiated onto rituximab were performed. There was a marked increase in pre-rituximab testing for HBsAg from 23 to 79% and for anti-HBcAb from 19 to 78%. Throughout the study period, a total of one (0.8%) HBsAg-positive and six (4.7%) anti-HBcAb-positive patients were identified.

Conclusions

This work clearly indicates that simple strategies can markedly improve appropriate HBV screening. In our cohort, 6% (of whom only 43% had recognized HBV risk factors) required antiviral prophylaxis, which emphasizes the importance of universal screening before rituximab. Reinforcement of the guidelines and ongoing education is needed to further increase testing rates.
Adherence to a Low-Support Cognitive Remediation Training Program for Psychosis
Authors: Dillon Rachael , Hargreaves April , Anderson-Schmidt Heike , Castorina Marco , Corvin Aiden , Fitzmaurice Brian , Robertson Ian , Donohoe Gary
Published: July 2016

Cognitive remediation (CR) has emerged as the treatment of choice for impaired cognition in psychosis. However, little is known about adherence rates and factors predicting adherence to CR, particularly in clinical settings where high-level therapist support is unavailable. This study aimed to establish adherence rates and examine variables predicting adherence to a computerized CR program for psychosis (with minimal support). Patients with psychosis (n = 61) participated in an 8-week CR program. Results showed 46% completed a meaningful amount of CR training. The fully adherent (>80% of the prescribed amount) and nonadherent groups differed where adherent participants had poorer working-memory and higher negative symptom scores. These findings suggest that approximately half of the sample were adherent to treatment despite minimal therapist support. Furthermore, higher cognitive deficits and negative symptoms did not impede adherence, and may have contributed to patients’ motivation to complete the program.
Risk and Protective Factors, Perceptions of Family Environment, Ethnicity, and Schizophrenia Symptoms
Authors: Gurak Kayla , Weisman de Mamani Amy
Published: July 2016

The family environment can play either a detrimental or a protective role in symptom severity for people with schizophrenia. The current study examined both patient and caregiver perspectives of the family environment in an ethnically diverse sample of 221 patients with schizophrenia. We hypothesized that environments characterized by high levels of perceived caregiver criticism, low perceived caregiver warmth, and low family cohesion (from both the patient and caregiver perspective) would predict greater symptom severity. As expected, results demonstrated that lower patient ratings of family cohesion and caregiver warmth were associated with greater symptom severity. However, once put into a hierarchical regression analysis, only patient ratings of family cohesion remained significant. Ethnic patterns were also examined and revealed that family cohesion may be particularly protective for ethnic minorities. Study implications are discussed.
Nuclear Survivin as a Prognostic Factor in Squamous-Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity
Authors: Santarelli Andrea , Mascitti Marco , Rubini Corrado , Bambini Fabrizio , Giannatempo Giovanni , Lo Russo Lucio , Sartini Davide , Emanuelli Monica , Procaccini Maurizio , Lo Muzio Lorenzo
Published: July 2016

Oral squamous-cell carcinoma (OSCC) and most human tumors are characterized by an imbalance of regulatory mechanisms controlling cell processes such as apoptosis. Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis family, is overexpressed in most solid and hematological malignancies and correlates with a reduced overall survival rate. Thus, the aim of this study was to find a correlation between nuclear Survivin expression and clinicopathologic data and the prognosis in OSCC patients. A total of 152 OSCC samples were investigated by immunohistochemistry for nuclear Survivin expression. Then, Survivin was scored semiquantitatively using an immunoreactivity score (IRS), calculated by multiplying the percentage of positive cells with the staining intensity. Using a digital image analysis software, OSCC patients were stratified into 4 groups. Results showed that patients with a lower IRS score displayed better survival rates than patients with a higher IRS score, reaching statistical significance. As the expression of Survivin at the nuclear level seems to suggest a poor prognosis in OSCC patients, the evaluation of nuclear Survivin IRS may be a useful tool to identify patients with more aggressive and disseminated disease, influencing follow-up and therapeutic protocols.
CDK8 Expression in Extrauterine Leiomyosarcoma Correlates With Tumor Stage and Progression
Authors: Yergiyev Oleksandr , Garib George , Schoedel Karen , Palekar Alka , Bartlett David , Rao Uma N.M.
Published: July 2016

Mediator is a multiprotein complex that acts as a versatile transcription coactivator in eukaryotes. CDK8 kinase complex is a 4-protein subunit of the mediator complex that can act as a transcriptional repressor or coactivator, depending on the specific pathways involved. Although the role of MED12 exon 2 mutations is documented in the pathogenesis of uterine leiomyomas, its role in extrauterine smooth muscle tumorigenesis is less clear. Similarly, there is a paucity of data on the role of CDK8 in extrauterine smooth muscle tumorigenesis and progression. Our study correlates immunohistochemical expression of CDK8 and MED12 with clinical and pathologic parameters in extrauterine leiomyosarcomas. Immunohistochemical expression of CDK8 and MED12 in leiomyosarcomas was correlated with the tumor grade, stage, and the presence of local recurrence or metastasis. MED12 was expressed in the majority of leiomyosarcomas regardless of their stage or grade. CDK8 expression was lost in 1 of 6 pT1 tumors, compared with 9 of 10 pT2 tumors (P=0.0076). When the second group was expanded to include those tumors that did not have a recorded pathologic stage but had local recurrence and distant metastases, the difference in CDK8 expression was also statistically significant. Loss of CDK8 expression by immunohistochemistry is more prevalent in somatic leiomyosarcomas presenting at a higher histopathologic stage, as well as with local and distant recurrence, and can be used to enhance the current predictive parameters.
Randomized Trial of Intranasal Fentanyl Versus Intravenous Morphine for Abscess Incision and Drainage
Authors: Fenster Daniel B. , Dayan Peter S. , Babineau John , Aponte-Patel Linda , Tsze Daniel S.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

Abscess incision and drainage (I&D) are painful and distressing procedures in children. Intranasal (IN) fentanyl is an effective analgesic for reducing symptomatic pain associated with fractures and burns but has not been studied for reducing procedural pain during abscess I&D. Our objective was to compare the analgesic efficacy of IN fentanyl with intravenous (IV) morphine for abscess I&D in children.

Methods

We performed a randomized noninferiority trial in children aged 4 to 18 years undergoing abscess I&D in a pediatric emergency department. Patients received IN fentanyl (2 μg/kg; maximum, 100 μg) or IV morphine (0.1 mg/kg; maximum, 8 mg). The primary outcome, determined independently by blinded assessors, was the Observational Scale of Behavioral Distress-Revised (OSBD-R). The prestated margin of noninferiority (Δ) was 1.80. Secondary outcomes included self-reported pain, treatment failure, and patient and parental satisfaction.

Results

We enrolled 20 children (median age, 15.4 years), 10 in each group. The difference between total OSBD-R scores was −13.45 (95% confidence interval, −24.24 to −2.67), favoring IN fentanyl.

There was less self-reported pain in patients who received IN fentanyl immediately after the procedure. Four patients (40%) receiving IV morphine had treatment failures and required moderate sedation or had the procedure terminated. More patients who received IN fentanyl were satisfied with the analgesic administered compared with those who received IV morphine.

Conclusions

In a small sample of children aged 4 to 18 years undergoing abscess I&D, IN fentanyl was noninferior, and potentially superior, to IV morphine for reducing procedural pain and distress.
Mastery Learning of Video Laryngoscopy Using the Glidescope in the Emergency Department
Authors: Ahn James , Yashar Michael D. , Novack Jared , Davidson Joey , Lapin Brittany , Ocampo Jose , Wang Ernest
Published: July 2016

Introduction

According to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education emergency medicine requirements established before the popularity of video laryngoscopy (VL) use, 35 intubations are necessary for graduation. Our study aimed to establish a mastery-learning model for a skill set very different (VL) from direct laryngoscopy (DL) and to determine the number of attempts needed to achieve mastery with VL.

Methods

With the use of a randomized, controlled crossover study design, two learner groups underwent baseline testing intubating a mannequin using VL. Afterward, the intervention group received a mastery training intervention. After training, learners were required to repeat the procedure until achievement of 100% on the checklist for two consecutive attempts was achieved. After 3 months, both groups returned for retesting, and the control group received the same mastery training as the intervention group. Both groups returned for final testing after another 3 months.

Results

The intervention arm had an improvement in performance versus the control arm at 3 months of total time (P < 0.05). Both groups had an improvement within their groups’ checklist scores at 3 months after training (P < 0.05), and within the intervention arm, this effect was sustained at 6 months (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the mean required attempts to demonstrate mastery (overall, 2.5; intervention, 2.75; control 2.25; P = 0.28).

Conclusions

Simulation-based mastery-learning produces skill enhancement with VL that is resistant to decay across 6 months. Furthermore, although a small number of attempts are needed to achieve mastery, clinical experience did not substitute as a proxy for skill acquisition. This mastery-learning model provides skill sets that are not otherwise obtained in the clinical curriculum in a 3-month period.
How Do Simulated Error Experiences Impact Attitudes Related to Error Prevention?
Authors: Breitkreuz Karen R. , Dougal Renae L. , Wright Melanie C.
Published: July 2016

Introduction

The objective of this project was to determine whether simulated exposure to error situations changes attitudes in a way that may have a positive impact on error prevention behaviors.

Methods

Using a stratified quasi-randomized experiment design, we compared risk perception attitudes of a control group of nursing students who received standard error education (reviewed medication error content and watched movies about error experiences) to an experimental group of students who reviewed medication error content and participated in simulated error experiences. Dependent measures included perceived memorability of the educational experience, perceived frequency of errors, and perceived caution with respect to preventing errors.

Results

Experienced nursing students perceived the simulated error experiences to be more memorable than movies. Less experienced students perceived both simulated error experiences and movies to be highly memorable. After the intervention, compared with movie participants, simulation participants believed errors occurred more frequently. Both types of education increased the participants’ intentions to be more cautious and reported caution remained higher than baseline for medication errors 6 months after the intervention.

Conclusions

This study provides limited evidence of an advantage of simulation over watching movies describing actual errors with respect to manipulating attitudes related to error prevention. Both interventions resulted in long-term impacts on perceived caution in medication administration. Simulated error experiences made participants more aware of how easily errors can occur, and the movie education made participants more aware of the devastating consequences of errors.
The Role of Ultrasound Simulation in Obstetrics and Gynecology Training: A UK Trainees’ Perspective
Authors: Patel Hersha , Chandrasekaran Dhivya , Myriokefalitaki Eva , Gebeh Alpha , Jones Kate , Jeve Yadava B
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Ultrasonography is a core skill required by all obstetrics and gynecology trainees; however, training opportunities in clinical ultrasound are declining. Simulation ultrasound training has been proposed as a strategy to overcome this.

The study aims were to determine the current availability of clinical and simulation ultrasound training in obstetrics and gynecology in the United Kingdom and to explore the trainees’ perspective on the role of ultrasound simulation.

Methods

All obstetrics and gynecology trainees within the East Midlands Local Education Training Board in the United Kingdom were asked to complete an anonymous web-based survey in July 2014.

Results

Of 140 trainees, 70 (50%) responded to the survey, and 69% reported rarely having dedicated clinical ultrasound sessions. Fifty percent had failed to achieve ultrasound competencies required for their stage of training, and 83% felt that the pressures of service provision limited their exposure to clinical ultrasound.

Seventy-three percent of the trainees considered ultrasound simulation to be an essential component of training, and 69% agreed that it would help improve their clinical skills. Only 50% had access to an ultrasound simulator. Seventy-seven percent of the trainees thought that it would be useful to have ultrasound simulation integrated into training.

Conclusions

Trainees are struggling to achieve minimal ultrasound competences with clinical ultrasound training alone. They believe that ultrasound simulation will shorten the learning curve and improve their clinical skills and knowledge. Despite the cost implications of simulation training, we propose that consideration is given to formal integration of ultrasound simulation into the curriculum as a possible way forward.
Can Corneal Biomechanical Properties Give Clues About Elasticity of Optic Nerve Scleral Component in Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy?
Authors: Uysal Betul S. , Yulek Fatma , Nalcacioglu Pinar , Sarac Ozge , Yorgun Mucella A. , Cagil Nurullah
Published: July 2016

Objective:

To investigate corneal biomechanical properties among individuals with unilateral nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) compared to healthy gender- and age-matched subjects.

Methods:

The study subjects were separated into 2 groups: 66 eyes of 33 patients with unilateral NAION (study group) and 33 eyes of 33 healthy individuals (control group). Reichert ocular response analyzer (Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments) was used to assess corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc), and Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure values. Also, central corneal thickness was measured using Scheimpflug camera combined with a Placido disc corneal topographer (Sirius; Costruzioni Strumenti Oftalmici).

Results:

Mean CH and median CRF values were significantly lower in the affected eyes (8.8 ± 1.8 mm Hg, 9.4 mm Hg, respectively) and contralateral unaffected eyes (9.1 ± 1.6 mm Hg, 9.8 mm Hg, respectively) of NAION patients than those in the control group (9.9 ± 1.3 mm Hg, 10.4 mm Hg, respectively; all P < 0.017). Mean IOPcc was significantly higher in the affected eyes of NAION patients (19.2 ± 3.5 mm Hg) than in the eyes of control group (17.1 ± 3.6 mm Hg; P = 0.002).

Conclusions:

CH and CRF are significantly reduced in patients with NAION, possibly indirectly reflecting structural weakness in the lamina cribrosa.
The rise of ocean giants: maximum body size in Cenozoic marine mammals as an indicator for productivity in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
Authors: Pyenson Nicholas D. , Vermeij Geerat J.
Published: July 2016

Large consumers have ecological influence disproportionate to their abundance, although this influence in food webs depends directly on productivity. Evolutionary patterns at geologic timescales inform expectations about the relationship between consumers and productivity, but it is very difficult to track productivity through time with direct, quantitative measures. Based on previous work that used the maximum body size of Cenozoic marine invertebrate assemblages as a proxy for benthic productivity, we investigated how the maximum body size of Cenozoic marine mammals, in two feeding guilds, evolved over comparable temporal and geographical scales. First, maximal size in marine herbivores remains mostly stable and occupied by two different groups (desmostylians and sirenians) over separate timeframes in the North Pacific Ocean, while sirenians exclusively dominated this ecological mode in the North Atlantic. Second, mysticete whales, which are the largest Cenozoic consumers in the filter-feeding guild, remained in the same size range until a Mio-Pliocene onset of cetacean gigantism. Both vertebrate guilds achieved very large size only recently, suggesting that different trophic mechanisms promoting gigantism in the oceans have operated in the Cenozoic than in previous eras.
Indirect reciprocity can overcome free-rider problems on costly moral assessment
Authors: Sasaki Tatsuya , Okada Isamu , Nakai Yutaka
Published: July 2016

Indirect reciprocity is one of the major mechanisms of the evolution of cooperation. Because constant monitoring and accurate evaluation in moral assessments tend to be costly, indirect reciprocity can be exploited by cost evaders. A recent study crucially showed that a cooperative state achieved by indirect reciprocators is easily destabilized by cost evaders in the case with no supportive mechanism. Here, we present a simple and widely applicable solution that considers pre-assessment of cost evaders. In the pre-assessment, those who fail to pay for costly assessment systems are assigned a nasty image that leads to them being rejected by discriminators. We demonstrate that considering the pre-assessment can crucially stabilize reciprocal cooperation for a broad range of indirect reciprocity models. In particular for the most leading social norms, we analyse the conditions under which a prosocial state becomes locally stable.
Sterol metabolism in the filasterean
Capsaspora owczarzaki
has features that resemble both fungi and animals
Authors: Najle Sebastián R. , Molina María Celeste , Ruiz-Trillo Iñaki , Uttaro Antonio D.
Published: July 2016

Sterols are essential for several physiological processes in most eukaryotes. Sterols regulate membrane homeostasis and participate in different signalling pathways not only as precursors of steroid hormones and vitamins, but also through its role in the formation of lipid rafts. Two major types of sterols, cholesterol and ergosterol, have been described so far in the opisthokonts, the clade that comprise animals, fungi and their unicellular relatives. Cholesterol predominates in derived bilaterians, whereas ergosterol is what generally defines fungi. We here characterize, by a combination of bioinformatic and biochemical analyses, the sterol metabolism in the filasterean
Capsaspora owczarzaki
, a close unicellular relative of animals that is becoming a model organism. We found that
C. owczarzaki
sterol metabolism combines enzymatic activities that are usually considered either characteristic of fungi or exclusive to metazoans. Moreover, we observe a differential transcriptional regulation of this metabolism across its life cycle. Thus,
C. owczarzaki
alternates between synthesizing 7-dehydrocholesterol de novo, which happens at the cystic stage, and the partial conversion—via a novel pathway—of incorporated cholesterol into ergosterol, the characteristic fungal sterol, in the filopodial and aggregative stages.
Virion encapsidated HIV-1 Vpr induces NFAT to prime non-activated T cells for productive infection
Authors: Höhne Kristin , Businger Ramona , van Nuffel Anouk , Bolduan Sebastian , Koppensteiner Herwig , Baeyens Ann , Vermeire Jolien , Malatinkova Eva , Verhasselt Bruno , Schindler Michael
Published: July 2016

The majority of T cells encountered by HIV-1 are non-activated and do not readily allow productive infection. HIV-1 Vpr is highly abundant in progeny virions, and induces signalling and HIV-1 LTR transcription. We hence hypothesized that Vpr might be a determinant of non-activated T-cell infection. Virion-delivered Vpr activated nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) through Ca
2+
influx and interference with the NFAT export kinase GSK3β. This leads to NFAT translocation and accumulation within the nucleus and was required for productive infection of unstimulated primary CD4
+
T cells. A mutagenesis approach revealed correlation of Vpr-mediated NFAT activation with its ability to enhance LTR transcription and mediate cell cycle arrest. Upon NFAT inhibition, Vpr did not augment resting T-cell infection, and showed reduced G2/M arrest and LTR transactivation. Altogether, Vpr renders unstimulated T cells more permissive for productive HIV-1 infection and stimulates activation of productively infected as well as virus-exposed T cells. Therefore, it could be involved in the establishment and reactivation of HIV-1 from viral reservoirs and might have an impact on the levels of immune activation, which are determinants of HIV-1 pathogenesis.
Contrast, contours and the confusion effect in dazzle camouflage
Authors: Hogan Benedict G. , Scott-Samuel Nicholas E. , Cuthill Innes C.
Published: July 2016

‘Motion dazzle camouflage’ is the name for the putative effects of highly conspicuous, often repetitive or complex, patterns on parameters important in prey capture, such as the perception of speed, direction and identity. Research into motion dazzle camouflage is increasing our understanding of the interactions between visual tracking, the confusion effect and defensive coloration. However, there is a paucity of research into the effects of contrast on motion dazzle camouflage: is maximal contrast a prerequisite for effectiveness? If not, this has important implications for our recognition of the phenotype and understanding of the function and mechanisms of potential motion dazzle camouflage patterns. Here we tested human participants' ability to track one moving target among many identical distractors with surface patterns designed to test the influence of these factors. In line with previous evidence, we found that targets with stripes parallel to the object direction of motion were hardest to track. However, reduction in contrast did not significantly influence this result. This finding may bring into question the utility of current definitions of motion dazzle camouflage, and means that some animal patterns, such as aposematic or mimetic stripes, may have previously unrecognized multiple functions.
Simultaneous determination of tensile and shear strains of crystalline bilayers using three Bragg reflections of X-rays
Authors: Zheng Yan-Zong , Wu Ting-Wei , Yu Lien-Kuang , Wei Yong-Cheng , Liu Wen-Chung , Soo Yun-Liang , Chang Shih-Lin
Published: July 2016

A method for the simultaneous determination of nine strain coefficients, both shear and tensile, of crystalline bilayers is proposed and realized. The X-ray diffraction peak intensities along 2θ (vertical) and β (horizontal) scans relative to the plane of incidence of three Bragg reflections whose atomic planes are not parallel to each other can be used to obtain shear and tensile strain coefficients. The theoretical considerations and experimental examples for single-crystal GeSi/Si overlayers are reported. It is also demonstrated that, for GeSi/Si, the shear and tensile strain coefficients of the Si substrate tend to vanish when the GeSi layer is thicker than 40 nm.
WavePropaGator: interactive framework for X-ray free-electron laser optics design and simulations
Authors: Samoylova Liubov , Buzmakov Alexey , Chubar Oleg , Sinn Harald
Published: July 2016

This article describes theWavePropaGator(WPG) package, a new interactive software framework for coherent and partially coherent X-ray wavefront propagation simulations. The package has been developed at European XFEL for users at the existing and emerging free-electron laser (FEL) facilities, as well as at the third-generation synchrotron sources and future diffraction-limited storage rings. TheWPGaddresses the needs of beamline scientists and user groups to facilitate the design, optimization and improvement of X-ray optics to meet their experimental requirements. The package uses theSynchrotron Radiation Workshop(SRW) C/C++ library and its Python binding for numerical wavefront propagation simulations. The framework runs reliably under Linux, Microsoft Windows 7 and Apple Mac OS X and is distributed under an open-source license. The available tools allow for varying source parameters and optics layouts and visualizing the results interactively. The wavefront history structure can be used for tracking changes in every particular wavefront during propagation. The batch propagation mode enables processing of multiple wavefronts in workflow mode. The paper presents a general description of the package and gives some recent application examples, including modeling of full X-ray FEL beamlines and start-to-end simulation of experiments.
Personal experiences of autism and secure units
Authors: Ghosh Sanjib Kumar , Chaplin Eddie
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– A consultant forensic psychiatrist and an individual with autism under his care discuss their experiences of working with autism in secure care. Dr Ghosh is a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist who analyses some of the practice issues and concerns for clinicians working with people with autism in secure care. He includes comments on the issues raised by one individual with autism (who has consented to sharing his thoughts) in secure care based on his experiences. This is particularly relevant given the recent publication of Building the Right Support, which offers national guidance to develop community services and close inpatient facilities for people with a learning disability and/or autism who display challenging behaviour, including those with a mental health condition. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– X is an autistic patient on a medium secure unit. His viewpoint, together with his then inpatient consultant psychiatrist
'
s view, is given.

Findings

– There are multiple issues for patients and staff to consider when on a secure unit. The approach to take is focusing on holistic management.

Originality/value

– This paper starts with the patient perspective of his experiences with autism in the community and in hospital. This provides a framework for the paper to demonstrate how theoretical knowledge and holistic, patient-centred management can be applied to address the issues raised for an autistic patient who has spent a number of years as an inpatient on a medium secure unit. It shows how such plans can directly involve the patient and be adapted to suit the patient
'
s self-identified needs and wishes. It also looks at the challenges longer-term inpatients with autism face in their rehabilitative journey from the patient and clinician perspectives.
Capturing postcoloniality in action
Authors: Krysa Isabella , Le Kien T. , Helms Mills Jean , Mills Albert J.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Drawing on a series of RAND interviews with Vietnamese prisoners during the Vietnam War, the paper aims to analyze the role of colonizer–colonized in the production of postcolonial representations (postcoloniality) and the role of the Western corporation in the processes of postcoloniality.

Design/methodology/approach

Selected RAND interviews are analyzed using a postcolonial lens and explored through the method of critical hermeneutics.

Findings

The analysis supports the contention that Western othering of Third World people is neither completely successful nor one-sided. It is argued that while the Western corporation is an important site for understanding hybridity and postcoloniality, analysis needs to go beyond focusing on the symbolic and the textual to take account of the material conditions in which interactions between colonizer–colonized occur. Finally, there is support for further study of the socio-political character of methods of research in the study of international business.

Research limitations/implications

The case suggests further study of colonizer–colonized interactions outside of the context of an on-going war, which may have heightened some forms of resistance and voice.

Social implications

The paper draws attention to the continuing problem of Western othering of formerly colonized people through military and commercial engagements that are framed by neo-colonial viewpoints embedded in theories of globalization and research methods.

Originality/value

The paper provides rare glimpses into interactions between colonizing and colonized people, and also the under-research study of the role of the Western corporation in the production of postcoloniality.
The structural violence of globalization
Authors: Srikantia Jessica
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to expose the violence intrinsic to globalization and to suggest a conceptual and practical domain focused on arresting and preventing the structural violence of globalization.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper integrates theory, scholarly literature and the author’s fieldwork analyzed through solidarity and liberationist methodologies.

Findings

The paper shows that severe, violent and irreparable destruction of formerly thriving and sustainable cultures and communities around the globe is an inherent component of globalization; current notions of “development” and “poverty” provide ideological cover for such destruction; a wide range of mainstream institutions and organizations (including governments, trade and financial institutions and national and multinational corporations) benefit from the destruction and collude in these dynamics, while a passive majority participates through its silence and consumptive lifestyle; and to arrest these dynamics requires awareness of the structural violence of development and globalization, and that those of us living in currently unsustainable societies commit both to re-localize our effects to our own communities and to change the operating rules of the global system.

Practical implications

This paper offers analysis, perspectives and practical considerations toward transformations essential to ending the structural violence of globalization, while inviting broad-based solidarity for further advancements.

Originality/value

Bridging global and local realities, the paper exposes systematic large-scale structural violence endemic to globalization, “development”, mainstream ideas about poverty and practices of “poverty reduction”. The paper identifies some fundamental requirements for arresting the structural violence of the global system.
From margin to center: listening to silenced subjectivities in international business
Authors: Prasad Ajnesh , Durepos Gabrielle
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The editorial introduces the special issue entitled, “Voices at/from the margins: Articulating the consequences of international business”.

Design/methodology/approach

The editorial begins by briefly describing how the idea for the special issue was initiated and then provides an overview of the articles included.

Findings

The editorial contains a discussion of the themes emerging from the special issue articles.

Originality/value

The editorial provides some consideration of how the collection of articles included in the special issue, both individually and collectively, contribute to listening to subjects that are situated at the margins of international business.
The governance mechanisms of family-controlled REITs
Authors: Chang Erick Paulo Cesar , Noguera Magdy
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze how founders of family-controlled Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) under bounded rationality implement internal governance mechanisms that may affect the long-term performance once the founder retires. These actions create a hurdle for successors to follow the founder’s success.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors collected data on secondary sources of 36 family and 22 professionally managed REITs from 1999 to 2012 that resulted in an unbalanced panel data of 726 REIT-year observations. The authors use a series of multi-variate analyses to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– The findings confirm that founders of family-controlled REITs focus more on developing internal governance mechanisms to satisfy their personal goals. Long-term performance is negatively affected once the successor takes over especially when the successor is a family member.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors have data limitations about family involvement. The authors suggest future avenues of investigation such as combining perceptual with archival data.

Practical implications

– The authors expect that REIT managers and families can use the findings to develop viable and sustainable governance practices. Especially, being a publicly traded REIT implies to conform to the market expectations so there is a need to balance socio emotional wealth preservation with financial goals.

Originality/value

– The authors frame the paper on transaction cost economics and contribute to the literature by stating that the dominance of founders of family-controlled REITs are more aligned to keep the business under family control once the founder retires.