bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking invasion and invasiveness in Queensland fruit flies: From classical genetics to ‘omics’
Authors: Sherwin William B. , Frommer Marianne , Sved John A. , Raphael Kathryn A. , Oakeshott John G. , Shearman Deborah C.A. , Gilchrist A. Stuart
Published: February 2016

Three Australian tephritid fruit flies (Bactrocera tryoni - Q-fly, Bactrocera neohumeralis - NEO, and Bactrocera jarvisi - JAR) are promising models for genetic studies of pest status and invasiveness. The long history of ecological and physiological studies of the three species has been augmented by the development of a range of genetic and genomic tools, including the capacity for forced multigeneration crosses between the three species followed by selection experiments, a draft genome for Q-fly, and tissue- and stage-specific transcriptomes. The Q-fly and NEO species pair is of particular interest. The distribution of NEO is contained entirely within the wider distribution of Q-fly and the two species are ecologically extremely similar, with no known differences in pheromones, temperature tolerance, or host-fruit utilisation. However there are three clear differences between them: humeral callus colour, complete pre-mating isolation based on mating time-of-day, and invasiveness. NEO is much less invasive, whereas in historical times Q-fly has invaded southeastern Australia and areas of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. In southeastern fruit-growing regions, microsatellites suggest that some of these outbreaks might derive from genetically differentiated populations overwintering in or near the invaded area. Q-fly and NEO show very limited genome differentiation, so comparative genomic analyses and QTL mapping should be able to identify the regions of the genome controlling mating time and invasiveness, to assess the genetic bases for the invasive strains of Q-fly, and to facilitate a variety of improvements to current sterile insect control strategies for that species.
On the deterring effect of a butterfly’s eyespot in juvenile and sub-adult chickens
Authors: Olofsson Martin , Wiklund Christer , Favati Anna
Published: February 2016

Circular patterns, or eyespots, are common anti-predator features in a variety of animals. Two defensive functions have been documented: large eyespots may intimidate predators, whereas smaller marginal eyespots may divert attacks. However, a given eyespot potentially serves both functions, possibly depending on the predator’s size and/or experience. Naïve predators are potentially more likely to misdirect their attacks towards eyespots; alternatively, their typically smaller size would make them more intimidated by the same eyespots. Here we test how juvenile and sub-adult naïve chickens respond to a single eyespot on a butterfly’s wing. We presented the birds with dead wall brown butterflies, Lasiommata megera, that had their apical eyespot visible or painted over. We assessed the birds’ responses’ by (i) scoring their intimidation reaction, (ii) whether they uttered alarm calls and, (iii) if they attacked the butterfly and where they targeted their attacks. Results show that both age categories received higher intimidation scores when offered a butterfly with a visible eyespot. Juveniles were more intimidated by the butterfly than the sub-adults: they received higher intimidation scores and were more prone to utter alarm calls. Moreover, only sub-adults attacked and did so by preferentially attacking the butterfly’s anterior. We demonstrate an intimidating effect of the type of eyespot that has previously been shown only to divert attacks. We suggest that one and the same eyespot may serve two functions relative to different predators; however, further experiments are needed to disentangle the role of predator identity and its link to size, ontogeny and experience.
Vivid birds do not initiate flight sooner despite their potential conspicuousness
Authors: Hensley Nicholai M. , Drury Jonathan P. , Garland Theodore , Blumstein Daniel T.
Published: February 2016

The distance from an approaching threat at which animals initiate flight -- flight-initiation distance (FID) -- is a sensitive metric of variation in risk, but the effects on FID associated with the risk of possessing highly detectable external coloration are unknown. We tested whether variation in the degree of plumage vividness in birds explained variation in flight-initiation distance. After controlling for body mass, the distance at which the experimental approach began, and phylogenetic relatedness, plumage vividness was not a predictor of FID. Contrary to the expectation that vividness affects risk, and therefore risk assessment, these results suggest that birds do not compensate for greater visual conspicuousness by fleeing sooner from approaching threats.
Mate-choice copying: Status quo and where to go
Authors: Witte Klaudia , Kniel Nina , Kureck Ilka Maria
Published: February 2016

Mate-choice copying is a fascinating and widespread mate-choice strategy. Individuals gather public information about potential mates by observing others during sexual interactions and choose or reject the same individual as a mate as the observed individual did before. The influence of copying behavior on an individual’s mate choice can be so strong that socially acquired information can override genetically based preferences for certain phenotypes. Thus, mate-choice copying enforces dynamic processes in sexual selection. Here, we review the current state of research on mate-choice copying and focus on sex-specific aspects. We present evidence that mate-choice copying can support the evolution of novel sexual ornaments, and we discuss potential costs of mate-choice copying when public information is not reliable. Moreover, we discuss the conflict faced by males that copy since mate-choice copying increases sperm competition. In conclusion we suggest interesting topics for future research in mate-choice copying.
Temperature increase impacts personality traits in aquatic non-native species: Implications for biological invasion under climate change
Authors: Zhao Dapeng , Feng Peishan
Published: February 2016

Climate change, such as elevated temperatures, may facilitate biological invasion. Aquatic animal systems are more vulnerable to biological invasion when the temperature rises. Animal personality also plays an important role in the possibility of successful establishment of invasive species. However, it is still unclear how personality traits of invasive species will respond to global warming. This study focuses on juveniles of red swamp crawfish Procambarus clarkii, an invasive poikilothermic species with wide distribution throughout the world, and explores how slight temperature increases influence three personality traits (activity, boldness and aggressiveness) of P. clarkii. For each personality, individual variation is to be presented in condition of the same temperature. Individual personality values can significantly increase with the subtle rising of water temperature. Significant correlations among activity, boldness and aggressiveness are found at any temperature stage, and such relationships are maintained at a similar level in the face of different temperatures. It is most likely that significant expressions of personality traits may be an ecological compensation strategy to offset increased metabolic costs when faced with small temperature increases. Aggression syndromes are formed due to stable linkages between personality traits, in order to acquire allopatric resources efficiently and establish a new population in this species.
Product Design in Selection Markets
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Authors: Veiga André , Weyl E. Glen
Published: February 2016

In selection markets, where the cost of serving consumers is heterogeneous and noncontractible, nonprice product features allow a firm to sort profitable from unprofitable consumers. An example of this “sorting by quality” is the use of down payments to dissuade borrowers who are unlikely to repay. We study a model in which consumers have multidimensional types and a firm offers a single product of endogenous quality, as in Spence (1975) . These two ingredients generate a novel sorting incentive in a firm’s first-order condition for quality, which is a simple ratio. The denominator is marginal consumer surplus, a measure of market power. The numerator is the covariance, among marginal consumers, between marginal willingness to pay for quality and cost to the firm. We provide conditions under which this term is signed and contrast the sorting incentives of a profit-maximizer and a social planner. We then use this characterization to quantify the importance of sorting empirically in subprime auto lending, analytically sign its impact in a model of add-on pricing, and calibrate optimal competition policy in health insurance markets.
Audit committee effectiveness, audit quality and earnings management: a meta-analysis
Authors: Inaam Zgarni , Khamoussi Halioui
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– Many researchers, in several contexts, have investigated the influence of audit committee effectiveness and audit quality variables on reducing the extent of earnings management, and empirical evidence is rather inconsistent.

Design/methodology/approach

– The aim of this paper is to meta-analyze the results of 58 prior studies that examined whether differences in results are related to moderating effects associated with corporate governance mechanisms or measures of earnings management.

Findings

– The findings show that the meta-analysis identifies many significant relationships. The independence of the audit committee, its size, expertise and the number of meetings have a negative relationship with earnings management. Similar negative relationships exist between auditor size, specialization and earnings management.

Research limitations/implications

– This study contributes to the corporate governance literature. Further, recognizing the function of an audit committee and audit quality shows the value of considering an institutional setting in governance research. This study is significant to academic and practitioner literatures, policy makers and professional accounting bodies as it shows that governance reforms promote companies to adopt good governance practices. The results also give useful information to investors in examining the effect of audit committee characteristics and audit quality on earnings quality.

Originality/value

– This study extends existing research on audit committee and audit quality to oversee both accrual and real earnings management using meta-analysis. Thus, this study has the potential to help stakeholders, board of directors, regulators and auditors, who are related with enhancing the supervision of firms and reducing the opportunities given to managers, to engage in earnings management.
Weather and supply chain performance in sport goods distribution
Authors: Appelqvist Patrik , Babongo Flora , Chavez-Demoulin Valérie , Hameri Ari-Pekka , Niemi Tapio
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study how variations in weather affect demand and supply chain performance in sport goods. The study includes several brands differing in supply chain structure, product variety and seasonality.

Design/methodology/approach

– Longitudinal data on supply chain transactions and customer weather conditions are analysed. The underlying hypothesis is that changes in weather affect demand, which in turn impacts supply chain performance.

Findings

– In general, an increase in temperature in winter and spring decreases order volumes in resorts, while for larger customers in urban locations order volumes increase. Further, an increase in volumes of non-seasonal products reduces delays in deliveries, but for seasonal products the effect is opposite. In all, weather affects demand, lower volumes do not generally improve supply chain performance, but larger volumes can make it worse. The analysis shows that the dependence structure between demand and delay is time varying and is affected by weather conditions.

Research limitations/implications

– The study concerns one country and leisure goods, which can limit its generalizability.

Practical/implications

– Well-managed supply chains should prepare for demand fluctuations caused by weather changes. Weekly weather forecasts could be used when planning operations for product families to improve supply chain performance.

Originality/value

– The study focuses on supply chain vulnerability in normal weather conditions while most of the existing research studies major events or catastrophes. The results open new opportunities for supply chain managers to reduce weather dependence and improve profitability.
Sharing license-exempt spectrum based on multi-dimensional metrics
Authors: Kruys Johannes , Anker Peter , Schiphorst Roel
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possibility to replace radio equipment compliance requirements based on equipment parameters with a set of simple metrics that accurately reflects spectrum utilization and spectrum-sharing efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach taken is to go back to the basic factors that determine radio system behavior in a shared spectrum environment: radio frequency power, duty cycle and frequency occupation. By normalizing these parameters, device specificity is avoided and a statistical perspective on spectrum utilization and sharing becomes possible.

Findings

– The analysis shows that two technology-neutral metrics would be adequate to govern spectrum utilization and sharing: a spectrum utilization metric and a spectrum-sharing efficiency metric. These metrics form the core of regulatory requirements for shared frequency bands. Each shared frequency band could be assigned criteria based on these metrics that take into account the types of applications for which that band will be used.

Research limitations/implications

– This work is a first step that identifies the main factors that affect shared spectrum usage from a statistical point of view. More work is needed on the relationship between real-world interference and its abstraction in the spectrum-sharing rules.

Practical implications

– The metrics proposed could be considered as the basis for a new approach to the regulation of the license-exempt spectrum, and, by extension, as the basis for generic compliance criteria. Their use would facilitate the compliance assessment of software-defined radio technology.

Social implications

– This work has no direct social implications.

Originality/value

– This paper combines new work on spectrum utilization criteria with extensions of previous work on spectrum-sharing efficiency into a comprehensive proposal for a new approach to the regulation of the license-exempt spectrum.
Use of Physical Therapy Following Total Knee Replacement Surgery: Implications of Orthopedic Surgeons’ Ownership of Physical Therapy Services
Authors: Mitchell Jean M. , Reschovsky James D. , Reicherter Elizabeth Anne
Published: February 2016

Objective

To examine whether the course of physical therapy treatments received by patients who undergo total knee replacement (TKR) surgery differs depending on whether the orthopedic surgeon has a financial stake in physical therapy services.

Data

Sample of Medicare beneficiaries who underwent TKR surgery during the years 2007–2009.

Study Design

We used regression analysis to evaluate the effect of physician self‐referral on the following outcomes: (1) time from discharge to first physical therapy visit; (2) episode length; (3) number of physical therapy visits per episode; (4) number of physical therapy service units per episode; and (5) number of physical therapy services per episode expressed in relative value units.

Principal Findings

TKR patients who underwent physical therapy treatment at a physician‐owned clinic received on average twice as many physical therapy visits (8.3 more) than patients whose TKR surgery was performed by a orthopedic surgeon who did not self‐refer physical therapy services (p < .001). Regression‐adjusted results show that TKR patients treated at physician‐owned clinics received almost nine fewer physical therapy service units during an episode compared with patients treated by nonself‐referring providers (p < .001). In relative value units, this difference was 4 (p < .001). In contrast, episodes where the orthopedic surgeon owner does not profit from physical therapy services rendered to the patient look virtually identical to episodes where the TKR surgery was performed by a surgeon nonowner.

Conclusions

Physical therapists not involved with physician‐owned clinics saw patients for fewer visits, but the composition of physical therapy services rendered during each visit included more individualized therapeutic exercises.
A simple and effective method to collect leaves and seeds from tall trees
Authors: Youngentob Kara N. , Zdenek Christina , van Gorsel Eva
Published: February 2016

Collecting leaves or seeds from tall trees is a difficult task that many plant physiologists, ecologists, geneticists and forest managers encounter repeatedly. Tree branches are often much higher than a cutting pole or saw can reach. When this happens, the most common solutions involve the use of sharp‐shooters, cherry pickers (a.k.a. bucket trucks) or tree climbers. All of these methods can be expense, logistically complicated, and often involve additional permits and licences.

We present a cost‐effective and simple alternative for collecting leaves and seeds from tall trees using an arborist throw‐line launcher. An arborist throw‐line launcher is traditionally used to throw a rope over high branches for tree climbing. However, the same instrument can be used to collect leaves and seeds from trees without the need for climbing.

In the course of sampling over 4000 trees from a variety of species across multiple continents, we have developed several techniques to optimize leaf and seed sampling with a throw‐line launcher at heights up to 40 m. We present these techniques along with several time‐saving tips and tricks to increase sampling efficiency and reduce the occurrence of lost weight bags, broken ropes, and hung branches that will not fall.

These techniques remove many of the limitations commonly associated with sampling leaves and seeds from tall trees with more traditional methods. Without these limitations, the costs, risks and time associated with this type of data collection are reduced.
Proliferation of the human urothelium is induced by atypical β1‐adrenoceptors
Authors: Winder M. , Wasén C. , Aronsson P. , Giglio D.
Published: February 2016

We wanted to assess whether β‐adrenoceptors mediate proliferation in the normal and malignant urothelial cell lines UROtsa and T24, respectively.

Urothelial cells were cultured for 24 h in the presence of the β‐adrenoceptor agonists isoprenaline (β1/2/3), dobutamine (β1), salbutamol (β2), BRL 37344 (β3), CGP 12177 (a partial β‐agonist) or β‐adrenoceptor antagonists (metoprolol; β1, propranolol; β1/2). Phosphorylation of kinases was screened with a Human Phospho‐Kinase Array Kit (R&D systems). Intracellular pathways activated by proliferation of urothelial cells were characterized by incubating cells with the MEK1/2 inhibitor PD 98,059, the p38 kinase inhibitor losmapimod or with the Akt 1/2 kinase inhibitor. Proliferation was assessed with the MTT proliferation assay (ATCC). Western blot and immunocytochemistry were used for detection of the β1‐adrenoceptor.

Isoprenaline and dobutamine induced proliferation, while salbutamol and BRL 37344 did not. Dobutamine‐induced proliferation was not affected by metoprolol or propranolol but was instead antagonized by CGP 12177 in T24 but not in UROtsa. In response to stimulation with dobutamine, Akt1/2/3 was phosphorylated in UROtsa, while ERK1/2 and p38 were phosphorylated in T24. MEK1/2 inhibition blocked basal and dobutamine‐induced proliferation in T24 but only basal proliferation in UROtsa. Losmapimod slightly inhibited basal proliferation in T24 but not dobutamine‐induced proliferation. Akt 1/2 inhibitor blocked basal and dobutamine‐induced proliferation in UROtsa. Immunocytochemistry and Western blot revealed expression of β1‐adrenoceptors in both urothelial cell lines.

The present data show that the urothelium expresses atypical β1‐adrenoceptors that activate intracellular kinases inducing urothelial proliferation.
Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in the prefrontal cortex is required for cocaine‐induced neuroadaptations
Authors: Cuesta Santiago , Severin Maria J. , Batuecas Jorgelina , Rosso Silvana B. , Pacchioni Alejandra M.
Published: February 2016

Behavioral sensitization is a progressive and enduring enhancement of the motor stimulant effects elicited by repeated administration of drugs of abuse. It can be divided into two distinct temporal and anatomical domains, termed initiation and expression, which are characterized by specific molecular and neurochemical changes. This study examines the role of the Wnt canonical pathway mediating the induction of cocaine sensitization. We found that β‐catenin levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), amygdala (Amyg) and dorsal striatum (CPu) are decreased in animals that show sensitization. Accordingly, GSK3β activity levels are increased in the same areas. Moreover, β‐catenin levels in nuclear fraction, mRNA expression of Axin2 and Wnt7b are decreased in the PFC of sensitized animals. Then, in order to demonstrate that changes in the PFC are crucial for initiation of sensitization, we either rescue β‐catenin levels with a systemic treatment of a GSK3β inhibitor (Lithium Chloride) or inhibit Wnt/β‐catenin pathway with an intracerebral infusion of Sulindac before each cocaine injection. As expected, rescuing β‐catenin levels in the PFC as well as CPu and Amyg blocks cocaine‐induced sensitization, while decreasing β‐catenin levels exclusively in the PFC exacerbates it. Therefore, our results demonstrate a new role for the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway as a required neuroadaptation in inducing behavioral sensitization.
Brugada Phenocopy Induced by Electrolyte Disorder: A Transient Electrocardiographic Sign
Authors: Hunuk Aysel , Hunuk Burak , Kusken Ozlem , Onur Ozge Ecmel
Published: February 2016

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an important cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) with well‐defined ST‐segment elevation patterns on V1–V3. Observation of BrS‐Type‐electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns in medical conditions without true BrS is called “Brugada Phenocopy” (BrP). We present a case of 61‐year‐old male patient with hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and BrS‐Type‐1 ECG pattern in the setting of acute postrenal failure. He was denying any syncope or family history of SCD. With normalization of electrolyte levels, BrS‐Type‐1‐ECG resolved. Electrolyte disturbances are one of the most common reasons of BrP. Being aware of BrPs and differentiating from an unmasked BrS‐ECG pattern could prevent patients from lethal consequences and unnecessary treatments.
The prognostic value of the miR‐200 family in ovarian cancer: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Shi Can , Zhang Zhenyu
Published: February 2016

Introduction

To assess the association between miR‐200 family expression and overall survival/progression‐free survival in women with ovarian cancer.

Material and methods

A systematic literature search, up to September 2015, in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library was performed to identify articles that assessed the association between miR‐200 family expression and the survival of women with ovarian cancer. Summary hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval were calculated to estimate the effect.

Results

A total of seven articles, consisting of 553 women, were included in this meta‐analysis. Overall, significantly improved overall survival/progression‐free survival were observed with higher expression of the miR‐200 family in women with ovarian cancer (overall survival, hazard ratio = 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.20–0.58; progression‐free survival, hazard ratio = 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.50–0.82). Subgroup analysis revealed that there was a significant association between enhanced expression of the miR‐200c and improved overall survival (hazard ratio = 0.20, 95% confidence interval 0.10–0.42) and progression‐free survival (hazard ratio = 0.30, 95% confidence interval 0.11–0.81). Moreover, in the Asian population, a significant association was found between higher expression of the miR‐200 family and improved overall survival (hazard ratio = 0.20, 95% confidence interval 0.09–0.45).

Conclusion

High expression of miR‐200c may predict improved survival in women with ovarian cancer and high expression of the miR‐200 family significantly improves overall survival for Asian women.
Paediatric apnoeas are not related to a specific respiratory virus, and parental reports predict hospitalisation
Authors: Wishaupt JO , van den Berg EAN , van Wijk T , van der Ploeg T , Versteegh FGA , Hartwig NG
Published: February 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of apnoeas in previously healthy young infants with acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) and correlate their occurrence with isolated micro‐organisms, clinical findings, disease severity and outcome.

Methods

We performed reverse transcriptase real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) on the nasal wash specimens of a prospective cohort study of 582 children with ARI. Clinical data on a subgroup of 241 infants under three months of age, with and without apnoeas, were compared.

Results

Our study found that 19 (7.9%) of the 241 infants under three months old had a history of apnoeas: eight had a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), five had a different virus than RSV and seven RT‐PCR results were negative. Infants with apnoeas were more likely to have cyanosis, had longer hospital stays and required extra oxygen for a longer period. Most patients with parental reported apnoeas also experienced apnoeas during hospitalisation.

Conclusion

This study observed apnoeas irrespective of the isolated micro‐organism, and we hypothesise that they were related to the pathophysiology of the respiratory infection and not to the micro‐organism itself. Parental reported apnoeas were a major warning sign and predicted that apnoeas would occur in hospital.
Influence of chronic kidney disease and haemodialysis treatment on pharmacokinetics of nebivolol enantiomers
Authors: Neves Daniel V. , Lanchote Vera L. , Moysés Neto Miguel , Cardeal da Costa José A. , Vieira Carolina P. , Coelho Eduardo B.
Published: February 2016

Aim

The present study evaluated the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of nebivolol enantiomers in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in patients undergoing haemodialysis.

Methods

Forty‐three adult patients were distributed into three groups: healthy volunteers and hypertensive patients with normal kidney function (n = 22); patients with stage 3 and 4 CKD (n = 11); and patients with stage 5 CKD undergoing haemodialysis (n = 10). The subjects received a single oral dose of 10 mg racemic nebivolol. Serial blood samples were collected up to 48 h after administration of the drug and heart rate variation was measured over the same interval during the isometric handgrip test. The nebivolol enantiomers in plasma were analysed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

The pharmacokinetics of nebivolol is enantioselective, with a greater plasma proportion of l‐nebivolol. CKD increased the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) of l‐nebivolol (6.83 ng.h ml–1 vs. 9.94 ng.h ml–1) and d‐nebivolol (4.15 ng.h ml–1 vs. 7.30 ng.h ml–1) when compared with the control group. However, the AUC values of l‐nebivolol (6.41 ng.h ml–1) and d‐nebivolol (4.95 ng.h ml–1) did not differ between the haemodialysis and control groups. The administration of a single dose of 10 mg nebivolol did not alter the heart rate variation induced by isometric exercise in the investigated patients.

Conclusions

Stage 3 and 4 CKD increases the plasma concentrations of both nebivolol enantiomers, while haemodialysis restores the pharmacokinetic parameters to values similar to those observed in the control group. No significant difference in heart rate variation induced by isometric exercise was observed between the investigated groups after the administration of a single oral dose of 10 mg nebivolol.
A ‘SMART’ way to determine treatment goals in pharmacotherapy education
Authors: Tichelaar Jelle , Uil den Sjoerd H. , Antonini Ninja F. , van Agtmael Michiel A. , de Vries Theo P. G. M. , Richir Milan C.
Published: February 2016

Aim

Determining treatment goals is an important part of the treatment decision‐making process, but medical students are not trained in a structural way on how to define these goals. ‘SMART’ criteria are widely used in non‐medical professions for determining goals and may improve treatment goal setting. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of implementation of SMART criteria on medical students' ability to set treatment goals and to analyze the effects on treatment choice and monitoring.

Methods

We performed a prospective, randomized controlled minimal intervention study with one control and two intervention groups (WHO group and SMART group). Second year medical students had to complete a WHO six step treatment plan for four written case reports of patients with asthma. The treatment plans were assessed using a standard scoring sheet developed by a Delphi procedure among respiratory physicians from all eight university medical centres in the Netherlands.

Results

A total of 251 second year medical students participated. The SMART group had significantly higher scores for setting treatment goals than the WHO and control groups (68.5 % vs. 29.6 % and 30.8 %, respectively, both P < 0.001). The SMART group also had significantly better scores for treatment monitoring than the WHO and control groups (34.2 % vs. 19.3 % and 24.6 %, respectively, both P < 0.001). There were no between group differences in treatment choice. Regardless of the study group, better setting of treatment goals was associated with better treatment monitoring, an association not reported earlier.

Conclusion

SMART criteria improve the setting of treatment goals and treatment monitoring.
Television exposure predicts body size ideals in rural Nicaragua
Authors: Boothroyd Lynda G. , Jucker Jean‐Luc , Thornborrow Tracey , Jamieson Mark A. , Burt D. Michael , Barton Robert A. , Evans Elizabeth H. , Tovee Martin J.
Published: February 2016

Internalization of a thin ideal has been posited as a key risk factor in the development of pathological eating attitudes. Cross‐culturally, studies have found a preference for heavier bodies in populations with reduced access to visual media compared to Western populations. As yet, however, there has been little attempt to control for confounding variables in order to isolate the effects of media exposure from other cultural and ecological factors. Here, we examined preferences for female body size in relation to television consumption in Nicaraguan men and women, while controlling for the potential confounding effects of other aspects of Westernization and hunger. We included an urban sample, a sample from a village with established television access, and a sample from a nearby village with very limited television access. The highest BMI preferences were found in the village with least media access, while the lowest BMI preferences were found in the urban sample. Data from the rural sample with established television access were intermediate between the two. Amongst rural women in particular, greater television consumption was a stronger predictor of body weight preferences than acculturation, education, hunger, or income. We also found some evidence for television consumption increasing the likelihood of women seeking to lose weight, possibly via body shape preferences. Overall, these results strongly implicate television access in establishing risk factors for body image disturbances in populations newly gaining access to Western media.
Aesthetic outcome of immediately restored single implants placed in extraction sockets and healed sites of the anterior maxilla: a retrospective study on 103 patients with 3 years of follow‐up
Authors: Mangano Francesco Guido , Mastrangelo Paolo , Luongo Fabrizia , Blay Alberto , Tunchel Samy , Mangano Carlo
Published: February 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the aesthetic outcome of single implants in extraction sockets and healed ridges of the anterior maxilla by means of the pink aesthetic score/white aesthetic score (PES/WES) index.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study was based on data from 103 patients (43 males, 60 females) aged 24–65 years (mean age 41.4 ± 13.8 years) who had been successfully treated with a single implant in the anterior maxilla, in four different clinical centres. Forty‐two patients (mean age 46.5 ± 15.1 years) were treated with a single implant in a fresh post‐extraction socket (immediate implant treatment, IIT), while 61 patients (mean age 38.0 ± 11.8 years) were treated with a single implant in a healed site (conventional implant treatment, CIT). Two independent calibrated examiners applied the PES/WES index to the 103 single‐tooth restorations, respectively 3 months and 3 years after implant placement.

Results

A few biological (4.8%) and prosthetic (8.7%) complications were reported. Both IIT and CIT yielded satisfactory aesthetic outcomes. At the delivery of the final restoration, a PES/WES score of 16.6 ± 2.6 and 15.7 ± 3.0 was reported for IIT and CIT, respectively: this difference was not statistically significant. A higher decrease in the PES/WES score was observed with CIT over time. At 3 years, a PES/WES score of 16.4 ± 2.8 and 15.2 ± 3.3 was reported for IIT and CIT, respectively: this difference was statistically significant. IIT seemed to yield better aesthetic outcomes in young patients (≤30 years), with implants placed in central incisor/cuspid areas, in the presence of bone contouring.

Conclusions

Both immediate and conventional single‐implant treatment in the anterior maxilla can yield satisfactory aesthetic outcomes, when performed by experienced clinicians in well‐selected cases. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect with Truncus Arteriosus and Interrupted Aortic Arch in the Fetus
Authors: Peterson Renuka E. , Haynes Susan E.
Published: February 2016

Complete atrioventricular septal defect is generally diagnosed on the four‐chamber view of the fetal heart. This defect can be accompanied by additional outflow tract lesions, including truncus arteriosus. Although truncus arteriosus in isolation can be associated with interrupted aortic arch, we describe a fetal case with the rare association of all three diagnoses: complete atrioventricular septal defect with truncus arteriosus and interrupted aortic arch. This case points to the importance of evaluating the complete fetal heart even after one congenital cardiac abnormality is noted. The complexity of heart disease has implications for prenatal counseling and postnatal management.
Cancer screening in Portugal: sex differences in prevalence, awareness of organized programmes and perception of benefits and adverse effects
Authors: Costa Ana Rute , Silva Susana , Moura‐Ferreira Pedro , Villaverde‐Cabral Manuel , Santos Osvaldo , Carmo Isabel do , Barros Henrique , Lunet Nuno
Published: February 2016

Background

Cancer screening has contributed to downward trends in cancer mortality, but is also associated with adverse effects, which highlights the importance of promoting the participation based on informed decisions.

Objectives

We aimed to describe the use of cancer screening (either in organized programmes or as opportunistic screening), awareness of organized programmes and perception of its potential benefits and adverse effects, depicting possible sex differences.

Design and methods

We evaluated 1624 Portuguese‐speaking dwellers, aged between 16 and 79 years, through face‐to‐face interviews. To quantify sex differences, adjusted prevalence ratios and respective 95% confidence intervals were computed using Poisson regression.

Results

Among eligible age groups, the lifetime prevalence of screening for breast and cervical cancers was 89.8 and 71.9%, respectively. The prevalence was 23.7% for colorectal cancer and no significant sex differences were observed. Prostate cancer screening was reported by 63.8% of men. Over half of the participants referred that cancers such as prostate, skin, lung and stomach should be screened for, in addition to those for which organized programmes are recommended. Reassurance by negative results was identified as the main potential benefit of screening by nearly one‐third of men and women. Anxiety while waiting for results was the most mentioned potential adverse effect (60.4%); men refer less often this and financial costs, although statistical significance of these results was borderline.

Conclusions

This study provides a benchmark to plan and monitor the effects of awareness‐raising interventions, as well as for international comparisons across countries with different cancer prevention and control structures.
Environmental traits affect chironomid communities in glacial areas of the Southern Alps: evidence from a long‐lasting case study
Authors: Rossaro Bruno , Montagna Matteo , Lencioni Valeria
Published: February 2016

A collection of approximately 100 000 chironomids (Diptera; Chironomidae) inhabiting glacial areas of the Southern Alps that were collected over a period of approximately four decades from 1977 to 2014 were analysed to evaluate the impact of environmental traits on the distribution of chironomid species. Although the list of species has not substantially changed over time, some rare species captured in the 1970s have not been collected in recent years, while other species have only been collected recently.

The recovered correlation between altitude of the sampling sites and the date of collection since the first sampling event emphasises the need, in recent years, to sample at higher altitudes to collect species living near the glacier snout. This result confirms the impact of glacial retreat on chironomid communities.

Temporal trends in diversity were not emphasised throughout the collecting period.

A canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that the influence of glaciers is the ecological trait that is the most robust predictor of the spatial distribution of species. This trait was highly correlated with the first CCA axis. Diamesa steinboecki, Diamesa latitarsis, Diamesa modesta, Diamesa goetghebueri and Diamesa laticauda are species that are known to be restricted to glacial habitats and were correlated with the first axis. The second CCA axis separated Western from Central‐Eastern glaciers, with Diamesa cinerella prevailing in the former.

The threshold indicator taxa analysis, which detects changes in the distribution of taxa along an environmental gradient, confirmed the results of CCA in selecting Diamesa species with the strongest preference for glacial habitats.
Audit Committee Charter Scope: Determinants and Effects on Audit Committee Effort
Authors: Böhm Falko , Bollen Laury H. , Hassink Harold F.
Published: February 2016

In general, it is either required or recommended that listed firms adopt, periodically update and publicly disclose a written charter for their audit committee. The ostensible purpose of audit committee charters is to inform the investing public about the role and responsibilities of the audit committee of a given firm and to provide authority, direction and discipline for audit committee members. However, evidence has indicated that the audit committee charters of different firms are boilerplate copies of each other and that firms deliberately decouple actual committee practices from the content of their charters, perversely in those institutional settings characterized by a stringent disclosure regime. This paper, on the other hand, provides evidence for a significant relation between the scope of responsibilities set forth in audit committee charters of large firms and measures of actual committee activity in institutional settings characterized by stringent disclosure regimes, and an absence thereof in voluntary disclosure settings.
Business Group Affiliation, Board Quality and Audit Pricing Behavior: Evidence from Indian Companies
Authors: Johl Shireenjit K. , Khan Arifur , Subramaniam Nava , Muttakin Mohammad
Published: February 2016

This study examines the relationships among business group affiliation, board quality and audit fees in an emerging market setting. Using data from Indian firms listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) over a nine‐year period (2004–2012), our results indicate that firms affiliated with a business group pay higher audit fees than those without such affiliations. We also find that group‐affiliated firms with higher‐quality boards pay relatively higher audit fees compared to other counterparts. Further, our findings suggest that group‐affiliated firms pay lower fee premiums when an audit is undertaken by a Big 4 firm or its affiliates, which implies that economies of scale may be a potential competitive advantage held by larger auditors. The results of the study have implications for the management of audit fees by group‐affiliated firms through board structure and processes.
High energy expenditure is not protective against increased adiposity in children
Authors: Zinkel S. R. J. , Berkowitz R. I. , Stunkard A. J. , Stallings V. A. , Faith M. , Thomas D , Schoeller D. A.
Published: February 2016

Background

Low levels of energy expenditure (TEE) may contribute to excess weight during childhood, but limited longitudinal data exist.

Objectives

This is to test whether low TEE during the first 6 years of life could predict excess weight status at 8 years.

Methods

Total energy expenditure from doubly labelled water, weight, stature, waist circumference and fat mass and fat‐free mass (FFM) in children at 0.25, 2, 4 and 6 years of age. This cohort includes individuals at high (n = 27) and low risk (n = 26) for childhood obesity, based upon whether pre‐pregnant maternal obesity. A linear mixed effects model was fit to TEE. Individual variation was accounted for as a random effect. Residual TEE was calculated for age and individually averaged across time.

Results

Fat‐free mass (kg) was highly correlated (R2 = 0.91) with TEE (kcal/day), and waist circumference and sex were also significant predictors of TEE. TEE residual tracked within individuals. TEE residuals did not correlate with either BMI or %fat at age 8 years.

Conclusion

Using the residual TEE approach to identify high and low TEE during the first 6 years of life did not explain excess weight at 8 years of life in this cohort of children at high and low risk of obesity based upon maternal obesity status.
Does Bank Diversification Improve Output Growth? Evidence from the Recent Global Crisis
Authors: Mirzaei Ali , Kutan Ali M
Published: February 2016

This study examines whether the diversity of activities conducted by the banking sector in the years approaching the recent global financial crisis alleviated the adverse impact of the crisis. Using data for 28 industries in 66 countries, we find that bank diversification has strengthened country resilience to the crisis, as measured by industry growth over the period 2008–2009. However, we find that while both bank‐based and market‐based economies have been affected negatively by the crisis, the contribution of bank diversification in mitigating the real impact of the crisis is pronounced only in bank‐based economies. Overall, our findings suggest that countries with significant bank diversification have also been the most resilient to the recent global crisis.
Health status and quality of life of survivors of extra corporeal membrane oxygenation: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hsieh Fong‐Tzu , Huang Guey‐Shiun , Ko Wen‐Je , Lou Meei‐Fang
Published: February 2016

Aims

To understand the influential factors related to quality of life for adult patients who have undergone extra corporeal membrane oxygenation.

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an invasive treatment for critically ill patients requiring temporary cardiac or respiratory support. Most studies have focused on survival outcomes for patients; few have evaluated health‐related quality of life.

Design

A cross‐sectional design.

Methods

Data were collected in 2013 from a convenience sample of adult patients who had survived treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between 2009–2011. Structured questionnaires collected data about health status. The Short Form 36‐item questionnaire measured quality of life.

Results

The 100 participants averaged 48·95 years of age. Pearson's correlation showed two measures of health status had significant correlations with quality of life: the Barthel Index and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living; two measures had significant negative correlations: Charlson's Comorbidity Index and the Nottingham Health Profile‐part II. Mean scores for the physical and mental component summaries of the Short Form‐36 questionnaire were 49·25 and 48·13 respectively. These component scores had significant negative correlations with the Nottingham health profile‐part II. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis indicated the number of life areas affected on the Nottingham health profile‐part II was a common factor influencing both the mental and physical component summaries scores for quality of life.

Conclusions

Social participation was a common factor influencing quality of life. Examining health status and quality of life of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation survivors can help nurses determine interventions for effectively improving health‐related quality of life.
Rape Myths and Domestic Abuse Myths as Hermeneutical Injustices
Authors: Jenkins Katharine
Published: February 2016

This article argues that rape myths and domestic abuse myths constitute hermeneutical injustices. Drawing on empirical research, I show that the prevalence of these myths makes victims of rape and of domestic abuse less likely to apply those terms to their experiences. Using Sally Haslanger's distinction between manifest and operative concepts, I argue that in these cases, myths mean that victims hold a problematic operative concept, or working understanding, which prevents them from identifying their experience as one of rape or of domestic abuse. Since victims in this situation lack the conceptual resources needed to render their experience sufficiently intelligible, they are suffering a form of hermeneutical injustice. Attending to this distinctive case sheds new light not only on the functioning of social myths of this kind but on the nature of hermeneutical injustice itself, since the case of the victim who accepts myths is importantly different from other cases of hermeneutical injustice discussed in the literature to date. In practical terms, this analysis supports calls for juries in rape trials to be warned about rape myths at the start of the trial, and may have implications for calls for statutory Sex and Relationships Education in schools.