bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An examination of Oliver’s product loyalty framework
Authors: Trail Galen T. , James Jeffrey D. , Kwon Hyungil , Anderson Dean , Robinson Matthew J.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to test Oliver’s two-dimension (fortitude and community/social support) product loyalty framework.

Design/methodology/approach

– Oliver categorized each of the two dimensions into high and low, creating a two-by-two framework: low fortitude and low-community/social support (Product Superiority group); low fortitude and high-community/social support (Village Envelopment group); high fortitude and low-community/social support (Determined Self-isolation group); high fortitude and high-community/social support (Immersed Self-identity group). The paper uses two samples. The sample from Study 1 was season ticket holders (n=199) of a West Coast (USA) Major League Baseball team. Results indicated preliminary support for Oliver’s four groups and good psychometric properties of the fan community scale and the individual fortitude scale (IFS). Study 2 focussed on attendees (n=458) at two East Coast (USA) Major League Baseball venues.

Findings

– The multivariate GLM indicated significant differences among Oliver’s groups, but the variance explained was small on past, current, and future attendance. However, in terms of actual games attended, the Immersed Self-identity group attended between 2.5 and 3 times as many games as the Village Envelopment group over the two years, and more than twice as many games as the Product Superiority group. The groups differed substantially on consumption of product extensions: 22.5 percent of the variance in merchandise purchasing was explained by the grouping, 31.9 percent of broadcast media consumption, and 24.9 percent of print media consumption. In all cases, those in the Immersed Self-identity group consumed significantly more than the Product Superiority and Determined Self-isolation groups.

Originality/value

– The paper reveals that sport marketers can focus on the Immersed Self-identity segment as the segment most likely to consume the product, repurchase, and purchase product extensions.
Using cultural factors to explore sport consumption behaviors of ethnic minority groups
Authors: Ha Jae-Pil , Hums Mary , Greenwell T. Christopher
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– Despite the remarkable economic power and rapid growth of the Asian population in the USA, relatively little attention has been paid to this group in the sport management literature compared to African-Americans and Hispanics. In addition, sport management scholars have paid limited attention to two important cultural factors: ethnic identity and acculturation. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study attempted to examine a comprehensive sport consumption model for Asians by testing theoretical relationships between these two cultural factors (ethnic identity and acculturation), fan identification, and sport consumption behavior.

Findings

– The structural equation modeling results indicated that ethnic identity indirectly affected consumption of sport products reflecting attributes of a native country, e.g. ethnic player popular sports in a native country through identification with the sport products. In contrast acculturation indirectly affected consumption of sport products reflecting attributes of a host country, e.g. popular sports in a host country.

Originality/value

– The results of this study provide implications on how sport marketers should effectively design sport products based on the Asians’ levels of acculturation and ethnic identity.
Spectator perception of service quality attributes associated with Shanghai Formula One
Authors: Kim Suk-kyu , Yim Brian H. , Byon Kevin K. , Yu Jae-Gu , Lee Sung-Min , Park Jae-Ahm
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine spectator perceptions of service quality at the Formula One (F-1) event in Shanghai by means of Martilla and James’ Importance and Performance Analysis (IPA).

Design/methodology/approach

– The items were plotted on the four IPA dimensions, including: Concentrate Here; Keep Up the Good Work; Lower Priority; and Possible Overkill.

Findings

– The results indicated that staff courtesy seems to be the strength of the event. However, concession quality, food prices, and arena accessibility, including restrooms at the Shanghai F-1 event, did not meet spectators’ expectations. In addition, the results suggested that in any spectator sporting event, food consumption helps to create a positive experience. Therefore, IPA revealed that service quality related to concessions, food pricing, and arena accessibility at the Shanghai F-1 are in need of immediate improvement, whereas staff courtesy and race visuals were satisfactory.

Originality/value

– The findings will help marketers prioritize certain services and offer strategic direction in effective service provision by highlighting management problems.
Effective audit committee, audit quality and earnings management
Authors: ZGARNI Inaam , HLIOUI Khmoussi , ZEHRI Fatma
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– A steady stream of literature has examined relationships between audit committee effectiveness, audit quality and financial reporting quality. The purpose of this paper is to connect these various streams of research to provide an empirical evidence from an Arabic emergent country namely Tunisia. This study examines the role of audit committee effectiveness and audit quality on financial reporting quality particularly to mitigate the earnings management in the Tunisian companies before and after financial security law adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study uses ordinary least squares regression model to investigate the effect of audit committee characteristics, audit quality attributes and the interaction between these two overseeing mechanisms on earnings management for a sample of 29 non-financial listed Tunisian firms during the period 2001-2009.

Findings

– The results document a substitute effect between the presence of Big Four auditor and effective audit committee in order to reduce the discretionary accruals before the enforcement of law no. 2005-96 dealing with the financial securities. The authors find a complementarity link between the score of audit committee’s effectiveness and auditor industry specialization’s to constrain earnings management. Finally, the findings show a complementary relation between audit committee’s effectiveness and audit tenure, after the passage of the law.

Research limitations/implications

– This study shows the value of considering the institutional setting in governance research. This paper is restricted to firms in the Tunisia from 2001 to 2009. Future research should investigate this issue in other settings and periods.

Practical implications

– This study is important to practitioner and academic literature, policy makers and professional accounting bodies as it shows that legislative reforms can enhance companies to adopt good governance practices in emerging countries. The results also give useful information to investors in examination the effect of audit committee characteristics and audit quality on earnings quality. Another interesting practical focus of this study is to assess how successful was the implementation of financial security law in improving audit transparency and support shareholder involvement in the audit process.

Originality/value

– The results suggested that governance regulation is a substitute for strong governance mechanisms in both the pre- and post-law periods.
Accounting Valuation and Cost of Equity Capital Dynamics
Authors: Callen Jeffrey L.
Published: April 2016

This paper provides a selective survey of Ohlson and Vuolteenaho‐type accounting valuation models. The focus is on the valuation, return, and cost of capital dynamics of these models. Emphasis is placed primarily on variations of these models that incorporate risk aversion, parameter uncertainty, and/or time‐varying costs of equity. Empirical papers that address the dynamics of these models are also surveyed.
Understanding child, family, environmental and agency risk factors: findings from an analysis of significant case reviews in Scotland
Authors: Vincent Sharon , Petch Alison
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the findings from an analysis of 56 significant case reviews (SCRs) in Scotland. In contrast to England and Wales where national analyses have been undertaken for many years, until this study was undertaken, the findings from SCRs had not previously been collated nationally. The paper discusses child, parent, environmental and agency factors that were identified in the SCRs and, whilst noting that the pathways to death or harm will be unique in individual cases, tries to further our understanding of the ways in which these different factors may interact to result in death or harm. A significant finding was the high number of SCRs that relate to the care and protection of children living in families whose lives are dominated by drug use and the associated issues this brings, including criminality and neighbourhood problems. Another challenging finding was the lack of suitable resources for the placement and support of troubled teenagers. Finally, a number of SCRs involved long‐term neglect and/or sexual abuse of school or nursery age children who had been known to statutory services for many years.
Reasons for refusing a donor heart for transplantation in Brazil
Authors: Feldman André , Marcelino César Augusto Guimarães , Beneli Prado Layse , Fusco Carine Cristiane , de Araújo Mara Nogueira , Ayoub Andrea Cotait , Almeida Antônio Flávio Sanchez
Published: April 2016

Background

Major advances have been made in heart transplantation, but there is a discrepancy between the number of patients potentially treatable by transplantation and the limited number of viable grafts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reasons for refusal of donor hearts.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of donor data from an organ procurement organization in the state of São Paulo (Brazil) between 2010 and 2012. Fisher's exact test, Student's t‐test, and the Mann–Whitney U‐test were used in the statistical analysis.

Results

Only 26 (7.9%) of 328 potential heart donors actually became donors. Most donors were men (18/26, 69.2%), Caucasians (14/26, 53.8%), and had a mean age of 23.5 yr. There were significant associations of use of donor hearts with the variables: brain death after trauma (p = 0.002), history of hypertension (p = 0.001), electrocardiographic changes (p = 0.007), and age (p = 0.001). Older age (n = 101, 33.4%) was the main reason for refusal of donor hearts, followed by poor medical history (n = 44, 14.6%), cardiac arrest of the donor during donor care (n = 25, 8.3%), use of vasopressor drugs (n = 23, 7.6%), and hemodynamic instability (n = 20, 6.6%).

Conclusions

Age, poor medical history, cardiac arrest, use of vasopressors, and hemodynamic instability were the most prevalent reasons for refusal of donor hearts. Echocardiogram evaluation is a potential intervention to improve heart transplantation conversion in Brazil.
The roughness of lip skin is related to the ceramide profile in the stratum corneum
Authors: Tamura E. , Ishikawa J. , Naoe A. , Yamamoto T.
Published: April 2016

Objective

The structure of skin on the lips is different from skin at other areas of the body; the water content of the stratum corneum (SC) and the barrier function there is low. Therefore, the lips can easily become dry and rough. The SC plays an important role in the barrier and water‐holding functions of the skin. Above all, ceramides (CERs) are important SC lipids which maintain SC functions. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the degree of lip roughness and the CER profile.

Methods

Forty‐one Japanese female subjects with normal skin (age range 22–52 years; mean 34.1) were enrolled in this study. The degree of lip roughness was scored, the values of capacitance and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured and CER profiles of the SC were analysed using tape‐stripping.

Results

The degree of lip roughness was related to the capacitance values but not the TEWL values. The roughness level correlated with the levels of CER[NH], CER[NP], CER[AH], CER[EOS] and CER[EOH] and the average carbon numbers of CER[NDS], CER[NH] and CER[NP] but not with the level of total CERs. The capacitance values of the lips were related not only with the levels of total CERs but also with the levels of CER[NH], CER[NP], CER[AH], CER[AP], CER[EOS], CER[EOH] and CER[EOP] and with the average carbon numbers of CER[NDS], CER[NS], CER[NH] and CER[NP]. The TEWL values of the lips were related not only with the levels of total CERs but also with the levels of CER[NH], CER[AH], CER[AP], CER[EOS] and CER[EOH].

Conclusion

The relationship between lip roughness and the CER profile was clarified for the first time. The results suggest that not only the level of total CERs but also the specific CER species and their carbon numbers affect the maintenance of SC function.
Editorial Perspective: How should child psychologists and psychiatrists interpret FDA device approval? Caveat emptor
Authors: Arns Martijn , Loo Sandra K. , Sterman M. Barry , Heinrich Hartmut , Kuntsi Jonna , Asherson Philip , Banaschewski Tobias , Brandeis Daniel
Published: April 2016

Recently several new tests have received US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) marketing approval as aids in the diagnostic process for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including the Neuropsychiatric electroencephalogram (EEG)‐Based ADHD Assessment Aid (NEBA) Health test. The NEBA test relies upon an EEG‐based measure, called the theta to beta ratio (TBR). Although this measure has yielded large differences between ADHD and non‐ADHD groups in studies prior to 2009, recent studies and a meta‐analysis could not replicate these findings. In this article, we have used the NEBA device as an exemplar for a discussion that distinguishes between FDA de novo marketing approval for a device and any claims that that device is empirically supported, scientifically validated with replicated findings. It is understood that the aims of each differ; however, for many, including the lay public as well as some mental health professionals, these terms may be confused and treated as though they are synonymous. With regard to the TBR measure, there is no reliable association or replication for its clinical usage in the ADHD diagnostic process. The recommendation for potential consumers of the NEBA Health test (as well as perhaps for other existing FDA‐approved diagnostic tests) is caveat emptor (let the buyer beware!).
Long‐acting glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists have direct access to and effects on pro‐opiomelanocortin/cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐stimulated transcript neurons in the mouse hypothalamus
Authors: Knudsen Lotte Bjerre , Secher Anna , Hecksher‐Sørensen Jacob , Pyke Charles
Published: April 2016

Liraglutide is a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonist marketed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Besides lowering blood glucose, liraglutide reduces bodyweight, and has recently also been approved for the obesity indication. Acutely, GLP‐1 markedly reduces gastric emptying, and this effect was previously believed to at least partly explain the effect on bodyweight loss. However, recent studies in both humans and animals have shown that GLP‐1R agonists, such as liraglutide, that lead to pharmacological concentrations for 24 h/day only have a minor effect on gastric emptying; such an effect is unlikely to have lasting effects on appetite reduction. Liraglutide has been shown to have direct effects in the arcuate nucleus of the rodent brain, activating pro‐opiomelanocortin neurons and increasing levels of the cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐stimulated transcript neuropeptide messenger ribonucleic acid, which correlate nicely to clinical studies where liraglutide was shown to increase feelings of satiety. However, despite the lack of a GLP‐1R on agouti‐related peptide/neuropeptide Y neurons, liraglutide also was able to prevent a hunger associated increase in agouti‐related peptide and neuropeptide Y neuropeptide messenger ribonucleic acid, again with a strong correlation to clinical studies that document reduced hunger feelings in patients while taking liraglutide. Studies using fluorescent labeled liraglutide, as well as other GLP‐1R agonists, and analysis using single‐plane illumination microscopy show that such medium‐sized peptide‐based compounds can directly access not only circumventricular organs of the brain, but also directly access discrete regions in the hypothalamus. The direct effects of long‐acting GLP‐1R agonists in the hypothalamus are likely to be an important new pathway in understanding GLP‐1R agonist mediated weight loss.
Preventing lawful and decent burial: resurrecting dead offences
Authors: Jones Imogen , Quigley Muireann
Published: April 2016

Recent high-profile convictions have called attention to the common law offence of preventing a lawful and decent burial. This offence, which can only be found in its modern incarnation since 1974, is being used with increasing frequency. We argue that there is, however, little justification (or need) for criminalising the prevention of burial per se. The historical context of the need to regulate the disposal of corpses is no longer relevant. Moreover, the ambit of the offence is such that it cannot be argued to be targeting acts of intentional disrespect to deceased bodies. We suggest that acts which intentionally impede the administration of justice are rightly criminal, but other offences already deal more appropriately with these. We conclude that the contemporary use of the offence of preventing a lawful and decent burial contributes to an unnecessary proliferation of overlapping offences, providing prosecutors and juries with a way to assign liability to a person whom they suspect, but cannot prove, is guilty of more serious charges.
Sequence variation in nuclear ribosomal small subunit, internal transcribed spacer and large subunit regions of Rhizophagus irregularis and Gigaspora margarita is high and isolate‐dependent
Authors: Thiéry Odile , Vasar Martti , Jairus Teele , Davison John , Roux Christophe , Kivistik Paula‐Ann , Metspalu Andres , Milani Lili , Saks Ülle , Moora Mari , Zobel Martin , Öpik Maarja
Published: April 2016

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are known to exhibit high intra‐organism genetic variation. However, information about intra‐ vs. interspecific variation among the genes commonly used in diversity surveys is limited. Here, the nuclear small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene portions were sequenced from 3 to 5 individual spores from each of two isolates of Rhizophagus irregularis and Gigaspora margarita. A total of 1482 Sanger sequences (0.5 Mb) from 239 clones were obtained, spanning ~4370 bp of the ribosomal operon when concatenated. Intrasporal and intra‐isolate sequence variation was high for all three regions even though variant numbers were not exhausted by sequencing 12–40 clones per isolate. Intra‐isolate nucleotide variation levels followed the expected order of ITS > LSU > SSU, but the values were strongly dependent on isolate identity. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) densities over 4 SNP/kb in the ribosomal operon were detected in all four isolates. Automated operational taxonomic unit picking within the sequence set of known identity overestimated species richness with almost all cut‐off levels, markers and isolates. Average intraspecific sequence similarity values were 99%, 96% and 94% for amplicons in SSU, LSU and ITS, respectively. The suitability of the central part of the SSU as a marker for AM fungal community surveys was further supported by its level of nucleotide variation, which is similar to that of the ITS region; its alignability across the entire phylum; its appropriate length for next‐generation sequencing; and its ease of amplification in single‐step PCR.
Sensory challenges for trawling bats: Finding transient prey on water surfaces
Authors: Übernickel Kirstin , Simon Ralph , Kalko Elisabeth K. V. , Tschapka Marco
Published: April 2016

Bats are able to identify obstacles and prey objects based exclusively on acoustic information acquired via echolocation. To assess the echo information potentially available to the trawling bat Noctilio leporinus, prey objects were ensonified with artificial bat calls and deduced echo target strengths (TS) of the reflected signals. The artificial calls consisted either of constant frequency (CF) or frequency modulated (FM) sounds. Detection distances were calculated for call intensities of N. leporinus emitted in the field and in confined space. Measurements of a transient target consisting of a brief water splash and subsequently expanding water ripples revealed that concentrically expanding water ripples can provide sufficiently loud echoes to be detected by trawling bats. Experiments with stationary targets revealed differences in TS depending on the type of signal used (CF or FM). A calculated maximum detection distance between 4.5 and 13.7 m for all measured targets indicates that prey detection in this very loud calling species occurs much earlier than suggested by estimations based on modifications in echolocation or flight behavior.
Papers of note in
Science Translational Medicine
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: April 2016

This week’s articles show why some antidiabetic drugs may promote tumor metastasis, identify a new target in a subpopulation of triple-negative breast cancer, and explain the link between menopause and metabolic disease.
Identification and Characterization of BMS-955176, a Second-Generation HIV-1 Maturation Inhibitor with Improved Potency, Antiviral Spectrum, and Gag Polymorphic Coverage
Authors: Nowicka-Sans Beata , Protack Tricia , Lin Zeyu , Li Zhufang , Zhang Sharon , Sun Yongnian , Samanta Himadri , Terry Brian , Liu Zheng , Chen Yan , Sin Ny , Sit Sing-Yuen , Swidorski Jacob J. , Chen Jie , Venables Brian L. , Healy Matthew , Meanwell Nicholas A. , Cockett Mark , Hanumegowda Umesh , Regueiro-Ren Alicia , Krystal Mark , Dicker Ira B.
Published: April 2016

BMS-955176 is a second-generation human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) maturation inhibitor (MI). A first-generation MI, bevirimat, showed clinical efficacy in early-phase studies, but ∼50% of subjects had viruses with reduced susceptibility associated with naturally occurring polymorphisms in Gag near the site of MI action. MI potency was optimized using a panel of engineered reporter viruses containing site-directed polymorphic changes in Gag that reduce susceptibility to bevirimat (including V362I, V370A/M/Δ, and T371A/Δ), leading incrementally to the identification of BMS-955176. BMS-955176 exhibits potent activity (50% effective concentration [EC
50
], 3.9 ± 3.4 nM [mean ± standard deviation]) toward a library (
n
= 87) of
gag/pr
recombinant viruses representing 96.5% of subtype B polymorphic Gag diversity near the CA/SP1 cleavage site. BMS-955176 exhibited a median EC
50
of 21 nM toward a library of subtype B clinical isolates assayed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Potent activity was maintained against a panel of reverse transcriptase, protease, and integrase inhibitor-resistant viruses, with EC
50
s similar to those for the wild-type virus. A 5.4-fold reduction in EC
50
occurred in the presence of 40% human serum plus 27 mg/ml of human serum albumin (HSA), which corresponded well to an
in vitro
measurement of 86% human serum binding. Time-of-addition and pseudotype reporter virus studies confirm a mechanism of action for the compound that occurs late in the virus replication cycle. BMS-955176 inhibits HIV-1 protease cleavage at the CA/SP1 junction within Gag in virus-like particles (VLPs) and in HIV-1-infected cells, and it binds reversibly and with high affinity to assembled Gag in purified HIV-1 VLPs. Finally,
in vitro
combination studies showed no antagonistic interactions with representative antiretrovirals (ARVs) of other mechanistic classes. In conclusion, BMS-955176 is a second-generation MI with potent
in vitro
anti-HIV-1 activity and a greatly improved preclinical profile compared to that of bevirimat.
Clinical Efficacy of Polymyxin Monotherapy versus Nonvalidated Polymyxin Combination Therapy versus Validated Polymyxin Combination Therapy in Extensively Drug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacillus Infections
Authors: Cai Bingxuan , Cai Yiying , Liew Yi Xin , Chua Nathalie Grace , Teo Jocelyn Qi-Min , Lim Tze-Peng , Kurup Asok , Ee Pui Lai Rachel , Tan Thuan Tong , Lee Winnie , Kwa Andrea Lay-Hoon
Published: April 2016

Polymyxins have emerged as a last-resort treatment of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Gram-negative
Bacillus
(GNB) infections, which present a growing threat. Individualized polymyxin-based antibiotic combinations selected on the basis of the results of
in vitro
combination testing may be required to optimize therapy. A retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients receiving polymyxins for XDR GNB infections from 2009 to 2014 was conducted to compare the treatment outcomes between patients receiving polymyxin monotherapy (MT), nonvalidated polymyxin combination therapy (NVCT), and
in vitro
combination testing-validated polymyxin combination therapy (VCT). The primary and secondary outcomes were infection-related mortality and microbiological eradication, respectively. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) between treatment groups were assessed. A total of 291 patients (patients receiving MT,
n
= 58; patients receiving NVCT,
n
= 203; patients receiving VCT,
n
= 30) were included. The overall infection-related mortality rate was 23.0% (67 patients). In the multivariable analysis, treatment of XDR GNB infections with MT (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 8.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56 to 46.05) and NVCT (aOR, 5.75; 95% CI, 1.25 to 25.73) was associated with an increased risk of infection-related mortality compared to that with treatment with VCT. A higher Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score (aOR, 1.14; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.21) and a higher Charlson comorbidity index (aOR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.47) were also independently associated with an increased risk of infection-related mortality. No increase in the incidence of ADRs was observed in the VCT group. The use of an individualized antibiotic combination which was selected on the basis of the results of
in vitro
combination testing was associated with significantly lower rates of infection-related mortality in patients with XDR GNB infections. Future prospective randomized studies will be required to validate these findings.
Adenoid basal cell carcinoma: a rare facet of basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Saxena Kartikay , Manohar Vidya , Bhakhar Vikas , Bahl Sumit
Published: April 2016

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common, locally invasive epithelial malignancy of skin and its appendages. Every year, close to 10 million people get diagnosed with BCC worldwide. While the histology of this lesion is mostly predictable, some of the rare histological variants such as cystic, adenoid, morpheaform, infundibulocystic, pigmented and miscellaneous variants (clear-cell, signet ring cell, granular, giant cell, adamantanoid, schwannoid) are even rarer, accounting for <10% of all BCC's. Adenoid BCC (ADBCC) is a very rare histopathological variant with reported incidence of only approximately 1.3%. The clinical appearance of this lesion can be a pigmented or non-pigmented nodule or ulcer without predilection for any particular site. We share a case report of ADBCC, a rare histological variant of BCC that showed interesting features not only histologically but also by clinically mimicking a benign lesion.
Sjögren-Larsson syndrome: a rare disease of the skin and central nervous system
Authors: Roy Ujjawal , Das Urmila , Pandit Alak , Debnath Anjan
Published: April 2016

Sjögren-Larsson syndrome is a recessively inherited disease caused by a deficiency of fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase with presenting features of congenital ichthyosis, spastic diplegia or tetraplegia, and mental retardation. The basic pathogenic mechanism is deficiency of fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase, which may lead to an accumulation of long-chain fatty alcohols hampering cell membrane integrity, which further disrupts the barrier function of skin and white matter of the brain. MRI of the brain shows diffuse symmetrical white matter hyperintensities on T2-weighted sequences. Although there is no definitive cure for Sjögren-Larsson syndrome, most patients survive until adulthood and management involves therapies directed towards controlling specific problems. We present a case of Sjögren-Larsson syndrome with classical clinical and MRI features, including a few distinctly atypical characteristics in various attributes.
Methodological issues in the design and evaluation of supported communication for aphasia training: a cluster-controlled feasibility study
Authors: Horton Simon , Clark Allan , Barton Garry , Lane Kathleen , Pomeroy Valerie M
Published: April 2016

Objective

To assess the feasibility and acceptability of training stroke service staff to provide supported communication for people with moderate–severe aphasia in the acute phase; assess the suitability of outcome measures; collect data to inform sample size and Health Economic evaluation in a definitive trial.

Design

Phase II cluster-controlled, observer-blinded feasibility study.

Settings

In-patient stroke rehabilitation units in the UK matched for bed numbers and staffing were assigned to control and intervention conditions.

Participants

70 stroke rehabilitation staff from all professional groups, excluding doctors, were recruited. 20 patients with moderate-severe aphasia were recruited.

Intervention

Supported communication for aphasia training, adapted to the stroke unit context versus usual care. Training was supplemented by a staff learning log, refresher sessions and provision of communication resources.

Main outcome measures

Feasibility of recruitment and acceptability of the intervention and of measures required to assess outcomes and Health Economic evaluation in a definitive trial. Staff outcomes: Measure of Support in Conversation; patient outcomes: Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale; Communicative Access Measure for Stroke; Therapy Outcome Measures for aphasia; EQ-5D-3L was used to assess health outcomes.

Results

Feasibility of staff recruitment was demonstrated. Training in the intervention was carried out with 28 staff and was found to be acceptable in qualitative reports. 20 patients consented to take part, 6 withdrew. 18 underwent all measures at baseline; 16 at discharge; and 14 at 6-month follow-up. Of 175 patients screened 71% were deemed to be ineligible, either lacking capacity or too unwell to participate. Poor completion rates impacted on assessment of patient outcomes. We were able to collect sufficient data at baseline, discharge and follow-up for economic evaluation.

Conclusions

The feasibility study informed components of the intervention and implementation in day-to-day practice. Modifications to the design are needed before a definitive cluster-randomised trial can be undertaken.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN37002304; Results.
The relationship between physical activity level and cardiovascular disease biomarkers in healthy, normal-weight 3- to 6-year-old children and their parents
Authors: Huang Carol , Cantell Marja , Crawford Susan , Dewey Deborah , Pacaud Danièle
Published: April 2016

To determine if physical activity is linked to cardiovascular biomarkers in preschool children at risk, we need information on these biomarkers in healthy normal-weight children. In this population, multi-level modelling analyses found no correlation between accelerometer recorded physical activity and fasting lipids, adiponectin, or insulin sensitivity. Exploratory analyses found positive correlations between adiponectin and time spent in light physical activity, and between triglyceride and time spent in sedentary behaviour; these findings need to be confirmed in longitudinal prospective studies.
Effect of milk fat to protein ratio on genetic variance for milk yield in Thai tropical Holstein cattle
Authors: Puangdee S. , Duangjinda M. , Boonkum W. , Buaban S. , Katawatin S.
Published: April 2016

The objective of this research was to investigate the optimum fat to protein ratio (FPR) in Thai tropical Holstein dairy cattle. First parity data consisting of 20 492 milk yields (MY) records for 24 891 cows for the period 2001 and 2011, were used in the analysis. The analysis used a random regression test-day animal model of third-order Legendre polynomials through the creation of a covariance function based on different FPRs. Variance components were estimated using the Bayesian method via the Gibbs sampling. The estimated heritability of MY in relation to FPR ranged from 0.19 to 0.27 with the pattern being similar to the genetic variances. Genetic correlations of MY at different FPRs were high at consecutive FPRs and then declined to negative in response to greater differences in FPR. Based on the results, it is concluded that the optimum FPR is in the range of 0.9 to 1.9, corresponding to the genetically controlled energy balance for MY in tropical Holsteins.
Is the END (emulation of natural disturbance) a new beginning? A critical analysis of the use of fire regimes as the basis of forest ecosystem management with examples from the Canadian western Cordillera
Authors: Stockdale Chris , Flannigan Mike , Macdonald Ellen
Published: April 2016

As our view of disturbances such as wildfire has shifted from prevention to recognizing their ecological necessity, so too forest management has evolved from timber-focused even-aged management to more holistic paradigms like ecosystem-based management. Emulation of natural disturbance (END) is a variant of ecosystem management that recognizes the importance of disturbance for maintaining ecological integrity. For END to be a successful model for forest management we need to describe disturbance regimes and implement management actions that emulate them, in turn achieving our objectives for forest structure and function. We review the different components of fire regimes (cause, frequency, extent, timing, and magnitude), we describe low-, mixed-, and high-severity fire regimes, and we discuss key issues related to describing these regimes. When characterizing fire regimes, different methods and spatial and temporal extents result in wide variation of estimates for different fire regime components. Comparing studies is difficult as few measure the same components; some methods are based on the assumption of a high-severity fire regime and are not suited to detecting mixed- or low-severity regimes, which are critical to END management, as this would affect retention in harvested areas. We outline some difficulties with using fire regimes as coarse filters for forest management, including (i) not fully understanding the interactions between fire and other disturbance agents, (ii) assuming that fire is strictly an exogenous disturbance agent that exerts top-down control of forest structure while ignoring numerous endogenous and bottom-up feedbacks on fire effects, and (iii) assuming by only replicating natural disturbance patterns we preserve ecological processes and vital ecosystem components. Even with a good understanding of a fire regime, we would still be challenged with choosing the temporal and spatial scope for the disturbance regime we are trying to emulate. We cannot yet define forest conditions that will arise from variations in disturbance regime; this then limits our ability to implement management actions that will achieve those conditions. We end by highlighting some important knowledge gaps about fire regimes and how the END model could be strengthened to achieve a more sustainable form of forest management.
Reaction Coordinates and Mechanistic Hypothesis Tests
Authors: Peters Baron
Published: April 2016

Reaction coordinates are integral to several classic rate theories that can (a) predict kinetic trends across conditions and homologous reactions, (b) extract activation parameters with a clear physical interpretation from experimental rates, and (c) enable efficient calculations of free energy barriers and rates. New trajectory-based rare events methods can provide rates directly from dynamical trajectories without a reaction coordinate. Trajectory-based frameworks can also generate ideal (but abstract) reaction coordinates such as committors and eigenfunctions of the master equation. However, rates and mechanistic insights obtained from trajectory-based methods and abstract coordinates are not readily generalized across simulation conditions or reaction families. We discuss methods for identifying physically meaningful reaction coordinates, including committor analysis, variational transition state theory, Kramers–Langer–Berezhkovskii–Szabo theory, and statistical inference methods that can use path sampling data to screen, mix, and optimize thousands of trial coordinates. Special focus is given to likelihood maximization and inertial likelihood maximization approaches.
On Weak Contractive Cyclic Maps in Generalized Metric Spaces and Some Related Results on Best Proximity Points and Fixed Points
Authors: De la Sen M.
Published: April 2016

This paper discusses the properties of convergence of sequences to limit cycles defined by best proximity points of adjacent subsets for two kinds of weak contractive cyclic maps defined by composite maps built with decreasing functions with either the so-calledr-weaker Meir-Keeler orr,r0-stronger Meir-Keeler functions in generalized metric spaces. Particular results about existence and uniqueness of fixed points are obtained for the case when the sets of the cyclic disposal have a nonempty intersection. Illustrative examples are discussed.
Neural Architectures for Correlated Noise Removal in Image Processing
Authors: Cocianu Cătălina , Stan Alexandru
Published: April 2016

The paper proposes a new method that combines the decorrelation and shrinkage techniques to neural network-based approaches for noise removal purposes. The images are represented as sequences of equal sized blocks, each block being distorted by a stationary statistical correlated noise. Some significant amount of the induced noise in the blocks is removed in a preprocessing step, using a decorrelation method combined with a standard shrinkage-based technique. The preprocessing step provides for each initial image a sequence of blocks that are further compressed at a certain rate, each component of the resulting sequence being supplied as inputs to a feed-forward neural architectureFX→FH→FY. The local memories of the neurons of the layersFHandFYare generated through a supervised learning process based on the compressed versions of blocks of the same index value supplied as inputs and the compressed versions of them resulting as the mean of their preprocessed versions. Finally, using the standard decompression technique, the sequence of the decompressed blocks is the cleaned representation of the initial image. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by a long series of tests, the results being very encouraging as compared to similar developments for noise removal purposes.
Successful Treatment ofBacillus cereusBacteremia in a Patient with Propionic Acidemia
Authors: Aygun Fatma Deniz , Aygun Fatih , Cam Halit
Published: April 2016

Bacillus cereuscan cause serious, life-threatening, systemic infections in immunocompromised patients. The ability of microorganism to form biofilm on biomedical devices can be responsible for catheter-related bloodstream infections. Other manifestations of severe disease are meningitis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and surgical and traumatic wound infections. The most common feature in true bacteremia caused by Bacillus is the presence of an intravascular catheter. Herein, we report a case of catheter-related bacteremia caused byB. cereusin a patient with propionic acidemia.
The Effect of Diabetes Medication on Cognitive Function: Evidence from the PATH Through Life Study
Authors: Herath Pushpani M. , Cherbuin Nicolas , Eramudugolla Ranmalee , Anstey Kaarin J.
Published: April 2016

Objective. To examine the effect of diabetes treatment on change of measures of specific cognitive domains over 4 years.Research Design and Methods. The sample was drawn from a population-based cohort study in Australia (the PATH Through Life Study) and comprised 1814 individuals aged 65–69 years at first measurement, of whom 211 were diagnosed with diabetes. Cognitive function was measured using 10 neuropsychological tests. The effect of type of diabetes treatment (diet, oral hypoglycemic agents, and insulin) on measures of specific cognitive domains was assessed using Generalized Linear Models adjusted for age, sex, education, smoking, physical activity level, BMI, and hypertension.Results. Comparison of cognitive function between diabetes treatment groups showed no significant effect of type of pharmacological treatment on cognitive function compared to diet only group or no diabetes group. Of those on oral hypoglycaemic treatment only, participants who used metformin alone had better cognitive function at baseline for the domains of verbal learning, working memory, and executive function compared to participants on other forms of diabetic treatment.Conclusion. This study did not observe significant effect from type of pharmacological treatment for diabetes on cognitive function except that participants who only used metformin showed significant protective effect from metformin on domain of verbal learning, working memory, and executive function.
Reticulated, Hyperchromic Rash in a Striated Pattern Mimicking Atopic Dermatitis and Fungal Infection in a 2-Month-Old Female: A Case of Incontinentia Pigmenti
Authors: Poliak Nina , Le Alexandre , Rainey Anthony
Published: April 2016

We present a 12-month-old Hispanic female with a reticulated, hyperchromic rash in a striated pattern appearing on upper and lower extremities and trunk and back since the age of 6 weeks. Over the next 10 months, the rash persisted. The rash did not respond to treatment with antifungals and steroids. During her 6-month wellness visit, the patient was diagnosed with incontinentia pigmenti (IP), a rare X-linked dominant disorder, fatal to male fetuses in utero. IP can lead to serious neurological and ophthalmologic consequences. Early diagnosis by primary care physicians and parental education about the condition are essential for prevention of retinal detachment, developmental delay, and dental abnormalities.
Transfer of Bursaphelenchus okinawaensis (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) associated with Monochamus maruokai (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) into M. alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and Psacothea hilaris (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Maehara Noritoshi , Kanzaki Natsumi
Published: April 2016

We examined the transfer ofBursaphelenchus okinawaensisassociated withMonochamus maruokaiintoM. alternatusandPsacothea hilarisusing a simple nematode loading method in order:i) to clarify the effects of cerambycid beetles on the formation of dauer juveniles ofB. okinawaensis; andii) to clarify whether dauer juveniles transfer to cerambycid beetles other thanM. maruokai. Dauer juveniles appeared at a high percentage withoutM. alternatusorP. hilarisand these beetles did not have any positive effects on their formation. Dauer juveniles transferred to the adults ofM. alternatusandP. hilaris. We concluded that dauer juveniles ofB. okinawaensisform readily without its vector beetles and may be able to transfer to many kinds of cerambycid beetles, although the numbers carried by a beetle are small.
The role of macrophage polarization on bipolar disorder: Identifying new therapeutic targets
Authors: Ascoli Bruna M , Géa Luiza P , Colombo Rafael , Barbé-Tuana Florência M , Kapczinski Flávio , Rosa Adriane Ribeiro
Published: April 2016

Objective:

Bipolar disorder is a chronic, severe and disabling disease; however, its pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Recent evidence has suggested that inflammation and immune dysregulation play a significant role in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. This review is aimed to highlight the importance of systemic inflammation in modulating the inflammatory response of microglia and hence its potential involvement with bipolar disorder. We also discuss novel therapeutic strategies that emerge from this new research.

Method:

This article presents a theoretical synthesis of the effects of systemic inflammation on the immune response of the central nervous system in bipolar disorder. The complex relationship between stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines and microglial dysfunction is summarized, emphasizing the role of the kynurenine pathway in this process and, consequently, their effects on neuronal plasticity.

Results:

Bipolar patients demonstrate increased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α) and lower hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis sensitivity. This imbalance in the immune system promotes a change in blood–brain barrier permeability, leading to an inflammatory signal spread in the central nervous system from the periphery, through macrophages activation (M1 polarization). Chronic microglial activation can result in neuronal apoptosis, neurogenesis inhibition, hippocampal volume reduction, lower neurotransmitters synthesis and cytotoxicity, by increasing glutamate production and kynurenine metabolism.

Conclusions:

This review provides an overview of the mechanisms involved in the immune system imbalance and its potential involvement in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. Consequently, new strategies that normalize the immune-inflammatory pathways may provide a valuable therapeutic target for the treatment of these disorders.
The combined impact of professional role identity and public service motivation on decision-making in dilemma situations
Authors: Schott Carina , van Kleef Daphne D. , Steen Trui P.S.
Published: April 2016

Working in the public sector implies the need to make decisions in the face of dilemmas. As consistent decision-making is highly desirable for organizational performance, the question arises: what do public service professionals base their decisions on? This study aims to increase our understanding of whether public service motivation and professional role identity are useful concepts by which to predict what decisions public service professionals will make in complex situations. Using survey data, this research investigates the impact of these two concepts on the decision-making of veterinary inspectors working at the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. The results support the hypothesis that decision-making is influenced by the way in which veterinary inspectors interpret their professional role. Public service motivation, in contrast, seems to have neither a direct nor a moderating effect on decision-making in the context of dilemma situations.

Points for practitioners

Two important conclusions of this study are of interest for managers working with professionals. Our findings should urge them to consider the different views that employees have about their job when teams are formed or when specific combinations of tasks are assigned. For example, attention should be paid to the question of which mixture of professional role identities is most suitable to accomplish organizational objectives. Second, the construct of public service motivation can be used by human resource managers to assess whether public professionals are motivated to provide public services. However, the results also indicate that the operationalization of public service motivation needs to be adapted to the professional context of public service providers.