bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal variability of a single population can determine the vulnerability of communities to perturbations
Authors: Mrowicki Robert J. , O'Connor Nessa E. , Donohue Ian
Published: December 2015

Many aspects of global change affect the variability of species population densities, in terms of both the magnitude and pattern of density fluctuations. However, we have limited empirical understanding of the consequences of altered temporal variability of populations, independent of changes in their mean densities, for the structure and stability of natural communities and the responses of ecosystems to additional stressors.

We used a field experiment to test the effects of altered temporal variability of a single consumer species on community structure and stability. Specifically, we manipulated the temporal variability of populations of a key grazer species on temperate rocky shores (Littorina littorea), independent of their mean densities, over 12 months and measured the responses of algal communities in terms of multiple measures of structure and stability. Further, we tested whether consumer variability determined the effects of an additional perturbation, elevated sedimentation, on algal communities.

The effects of sedimentation on the structure and stability of algal communities were regulated by the temporal variability of consumer populations. In particular, elevated sedimentation led to a decrease in algal evenness, but only when consumer densities were held constant, and resulted in a decrease in the rate of local algal extinctions, but only when consumer temporal variability was increased.

Independent of sedimentation, increased temporal variability of consumer populations led to a shift in algal assemblage structure and affected the stability of algal communities in terms of both compositional turnover and resistance to environmental perturbations. Further, these effects varied according to the temporal pattern of consumer density fluctuations.

Synthesis. Our results demonstrate that changes in the temporal variability of a single species can modify multiple aspects of both the structure and stability of natural communities and alter their responses to perturbations. However, the effects of consumer variability cannot be predicted without knowledge of the temporal pattern of density fluctuations. These findings have profound implications for our understanding of the effects of multiple disturbances on ecosystems.
Can a dog be used as a motivator to develop social interaction and engagement with teachers for students with autism?
Authors: Stevenson Kathryn , Jarred Scott , Hinchcliffe Vivian , Roberts Kathryn
Published: December 2015

Research into children with autism indicates that therapeutic sessions with dogs might provide a way of encouraging social interaction and reducing solitary or repetitive behaviours. With recent educational ASD interventions aimed at providing ways of encouraging intrinsic motivation to socially engage, it is possible that sessions with dogs could be used in a similar way. The present study involved three students with ASD who were given five sessions with a dog and their teacher. Sessions followed a semi‐standardised approach and were recorded and coded on social behaviours, with qualitative observations made. Pre and post measures entailed ADOS‐2 assessments and teacher questionnaires. Results suggest that students' responses in sessions were highly individual; all showed an increase in meaningful social interactions with dog and teacher, reduction in solitary or repetitive behaviours within the sessions and reported generalisation effects in some areas. The study lends support to the research base on the beneficial impact of dogs for children with autism and suggests that sessions with dogs in school could act as a way to strengthen interactions and engagement with teachers.
The Revised SEND Code of Practice 0–25: effective practice in engaging children and young people in decision‐making about interventions for social, emotional and mental health needs
Authors: Kennedy Emma‐Kate
Published: December 2015

A key principle upon which the Revised Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice 0–25 (2015) is based is children's involvement in decision‐making that affects them, and a significant change is the removal of the term ‘behaviour’ and an emphasis on social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. To ensure that child involvement is a practical reality for children with SEMH needs, staff in schools benefit from a range of evidence‐informed strategies for engagement and participation. This article describes an approach to the provision of learning mentor services for children with SEMH in a primary school based on partnerships between the children and staff in establishing and measuring change. Limitations are noted and suggestions for future developments are also made.
Pricing to market behaviour of India's high value agri‐food exporters: an empirical analysis of major destination markets
Authors: Varma Poornima , Issar Akash
Published: December 2015

The pricing behaviour of India's high value agricultural and food exporters in their major destination markets is examined using a pricing‐to‐market (PTM) model for noncompetitive and exchange rate related pricing behaviour. The analysis was undertaken in a context where India is showing high commodity concentration in agricultural trade. The econometric analysis employed is panel corrected standard errors (PCSE) estimation technique. The results indicated evidence of a greater degree of imperfect competition either through price discrimination across destinations or through imperfect exchange rate pass‐through. The analysis of exchange rate effects showed that the local currency price stabilization by the Indian exporters were more prominent than the amplification of exchange rates. The analysis of the asymmetric effects of exchange rates on export prices showed that in most cases the depreciation of Indian rupee had a greater impact than the appreciation. Moreover the results showed that the exchange rate pass‐through is sensitive to the kind of exchange rate index utilised. In our analysis we found that the commodity specific exchange rate better predicts the pricing to market behaviour in most cases.
Spectrum of EGFR gene mutations in Vietnamese patients with non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Vu Hoang Anh , Xinh Phan Thi , Ha Hua Thi Ngoc , Hanh Ngo Thi Tuyet , Bach Nguyen Duc , Thao Doan Thi Phuong , Dat Ngo Quoc , Trung Nguyen Sao
Published: December 2015

Aim

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutational status is a crucial biomarker for prediction of response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although these mutations have been well characterized in other countries, little is known about the frequency or spectrum of EGFR mutations in Vietnamese NSCLC patients.

Methods

Using Sanger DNA sequencing, we investigated mutations in EGFR exons 18–21 from 332 patients diagnosed with NSCLC at University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. DNA was extracted from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues, followed by PCR amplification and sequencing.

Results

EGFR mutations were detected in 135 samples (40.7%), of which eight samples carried double mutations. In total, 46 different types of EGFR mutations were found, including six novel mutations (p.K713E, p.K714R, p.P794S, p.R803W, p.P848S, and p.K867E). Among the four exons investigated, exon 19 was most frequently mutated (63 out of 332 patients, 19%), with the p.E746_A750del appearing in 43 samples. Exon 21 was mutated in 56 samples (16.9%), of which 47 were p.L858R. Each of exons 18 and 20 was mutated in 12 samples (3.6%). The frequency of EGFR mutations was higher in females than in males (48.9% vs 35%, P = 0.012), but not statistically different between adenocarcinomas and other histological types of NSCLC (41.3% vs 34.5%, P = 0.478).

Conclusion

DNA sequencing detected EGFR mutations with high frequency and revealed a broad spectrum of mutation type in Vietnamese patients with NSCLC.
Measuring action understanding: Relations between goal prediction and imitation
Authors: Gampe Anja , Prinz Wolfgang , Daum Moritz M.
Published: December 2015

We explored the developmental course of goal prediction and imitation as two commonly used measures of action understanding. In particular, we investigated the relationships between the measures in two complex multistep actions (hammering and pulling action) in children between 12 and 30 months (n = 64) in a between‐subjects design. The results showed that the prediction of an action goal was related to the imitation in the hammering action, but not in the pulling action. The results are discussed in the light of current theories on goal prediction and imitation.
The effect of colour on children's cognitive performance
Authors: Brooker Alice , Franklin Anna
Published: December 2015

Background

The presence of red appears to hamper adults’ cognitive performance relative to other colours (see Elliot & Maier, 2014, Ann. Rev. Psychol. 65, 95).

Aims and sample

Here, we investigate whether colour affects cognitive performance in 8‐ and 9‐year‐olds.

Method

Children completed a battery of tasks once in the presence of a coloured screen that was one of eight colours and once in the presence of a grey screen. Performance was assessed for each colour relative to the grey baseline, and differences across colours were compared.

Results

We find a significant difference in performance across colours, with significantly worse performance in the presence of red than grey. The effect of colour did not significantly interact with task.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that colour can affect children's cognitive performance and that there is a detrimental effect of red. Findings are related to the adult literature and implications for educational contexts are discussed.
Involvement of Rac1 signalling pathway in the development and maintenance of acute inflammatory pain induced by bee venom injection
Authors: Wang Yan , Lu Yun‐Fei , Li Chun‐Li , Sun Wei , Li Zhen , Wang Rui‐Rui , He Ting , Yang Fan , Yang Yan , Wang Xiao‐Liang , Guan Su‐Min , Chen Jun
Published: December 2015

Background and Purpose

The Rho GTPase, Rac1, is involved in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain induced by malformation of dendritic spines in the spinal dorsal horn (sDH) neurons. In the present study, the contribution of spinal Rac1 to peripheral inflammatory pain was studied.

Experimental Approach

Effects of s.c. bee venom (BV) injection on cellular localization of Rac1 in the rat sDH was determined with double labelling immunofluorescence. Activation of Rac1 and its downstream effector p21‐activated kinase (PAK), ERKs and p38 MAPK in inflammatory pain states was evaluated with a pull‐down assay and Western blotting. The preventive and therapeutic analgesic effects of intrathecal administration of NSC23766, a selective inhibitor of Rac1, on BV‐induced spontaneous nociception and pain hypersensitivity were investigated.

Key Results

Rac1 labelling was mainly localized within neurons in both the superficial and deep layers of the sDH in rats of naïve, vehicle‐treated and inflamed (BV injected) groups. GTP‐Rac1‐PAK and ERKs/p38 were activated following s.c. BV injection. Post‐treatment with intrathecal NSC23766 significantly inhibited GTP‐Rac1 activity and phosphorylation of Rac1‐PAK, ERKs and p38 MAPK in the sDH. Both pre‐treatment and post‐treatment with intrathecal NSC23766 dose‐dependently attenuated the paw flinches, primary thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia and the mirror‐image thermal hyperalgesia induced by BV injection, but without affecting the baseline pain sensitivity and motor coordination.

Conclusions and Implications

The spinal GTP‐Rac1‐PAK‐ERK/p38MAPK signalling pathway is involved in both the development and maintenance of peripheral inflammatory pain and can be used as a potential molecular target for developing a novel therapeutic strategy for clinical pain.
Pathways to Third‐Grade Calculation Versus Word‐Reading Competence: Are They More Alike or Different?
Authors: Fuchs Lynn S. , Geary David C. , Fuchs Douglas , Compton Donald L. , Hamlett Carol L.
Published: December 2015

Children (n = 747; 6.5 years) were assessed on domain‐general processes and mathematics and reading‐related competencies (start of first grade), addition retrieval (end of second grade), and calculations and word reading (end of third grade). Attentive behavior, reasoning, visuospatial memory, and rapid automatized naming (RAN) indirectly contributed to both outcomes, via retrieval. However, there was no overlap in domain‐general direct effects on calculations (attentive behavior, reasoning, working memory) versus word reading (language, phonological memory, RAN). Results suggest ease of forming associative relations and abilities engaged during the formation of these long‐term memories are common to both outcomes and can be indexed by addition‐fact retrieval, but further growth in calculations and word reading is driven by different constellations of domain‐general abilities.
Distinct expression of interleukin (IL)-36α, β and γ, their antagonist IL-36Ra and IL-38 in psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease
Authors: Boutet M-A , Bart G , Penhoat M , Amiaud J , Brulin B , Charrier C , Morel F , Lecron J-C , Rolli-Derkinderen M , Bourreille A , Vigne S , Gabay C , Palmer G , Le Goff B , Blanchard F
Published: December 2015

Interleukin (IL)-36α, IL-36β and IL-36γ are expressed highly in skin and are involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, while the antagonists IL-36Ra or IL-38, another potential IL-36 inhibitor, limit uncontrolled inflammation. The expression and role of IL-36 cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Crohn's disease (CD) is currently debated. Here, we observed that during imiquimod-induced mouse skin inflammation and in human psoriasis, expression of IL-36α, γ and IL-36Ra, but not IL-36β and IL-38 mRNA, was induced and correlated with IL-1β and T helper type 17 (Th17) cytokines (IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, CCL20). In mice with collagen-induced arthritis and in the synovium of patients with RA, IL-36α, β, γ, IL-36Ra and IL-38 were all elevated and correlated with IL-1β, CCL3, CCL4 and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), but not with Th17 cytokines. In the colon of mice with dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis and in patients with CD, only IL-36α, γ and IL-38 were induced at relatively low levels and correlated with IL-1β and IL-17A. We suggest that only a minor subgroup of patients with RA (17–29%) or CD (25%) had an elevated IL-36 agonists/antagonists ratio, versus 93% of patients with psoriasis. By immunohistochemistry, IL-36 cytokines were produced by various cell types in skin, synovium and colonic mucosa such as keratinocytes, CD68+ macrophages, dendritic/Langerhans cells and CD79α+ plasma cells. In primary cultures of monocytes or inflammatory macrophages (M1), IL-36β and IL-36Ra were produced constitutively, but IL-36α, γ and IL-38 were produced after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. These distinct expression profiles may help to explain why only subgroups of RA and CD patients have a potentially elevated IL-36 agonists/antagonists ratio.
Activation of the lectin pathway of complement by cardiopulmonary bypass contributes to the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome after paediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: Pągowska-Klimek I , Świerzko A S , Michalski M , Głowacka E , Szala-Poździej A , Sokołowska A , Moll M , Krajewski W R , Romak J , Cedzyński M
Published: December 2015

The systemic inflammatory response is a challenge in the management of paediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Although multi-factorial, a contribution by the lectin pathway of complement activation has been postulated. We therefore investigated the changes in serum levels of mannose binding lectin (MBL) and activities of MBL–MBL-associated serine protease (MASP)-1 and MBL–MASP-2 complexes immediately before and during surgery, throughout the first postoperative day and at discharge from the hospital. These changes were analysed in relation to postoperative complications. Blood samples were obtained from 185 children with congenital heart disease undergoing surgical correction with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass: preoperatively (MBL-1), 15 min after initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (MBL-E), 30 min (MBL-2), 4 h (MBL-3), 12 h (MBL-4) and 24 h (MBL-5) post-CPB and at discharge from hospital (MBL-K). Alterations in serum MBL levels were calculated as a ratio of its serum level at subsequent time-points (MBL-2, -3, -4, -5) to the preoperative (MBL-1) value. Decreases in MBL and MBL–MASP complexes were observed in all samples, correlating with a decrease in C4 and increase in C4a, confirming activation of the lectin pathway. Changes in MBL levels between children with an uncomplicated postoperative course and those suffering from infection or low cardiac output syndrome did not differ significantly, but significant differences were observed between the SIRS and non-SIRS groups. Paediatric cardiac surgery with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass activates the complement system via the lectin pathway and the latter contributes to the development of the post-bypass systemic inflammatory response.
Evaluation of autogenous PRGF+β‐TCP with or without a collagen membrane on bone formation and implant osseointegration in large size bone defects. A preclinical in vivo study
Authors: Batas Leonidas , Stavropoulos Andreas , Papadimitriou Serafim , Nyengaard Jens R. , Konstantinidis Antonios
Published: December 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the adjunctive use of a collagen membrane enhances bone formation and implant osseointegration in non‐contained defects grafted with chair‐side prepared autologous platelet‐rich growth factor (PRGF) adsorbed on a β‐TCP particulate carrier.

Materials and methods

Large box‐type defects (10 × 6 mm; W × D) were prepared in the edentulated and completely healed mandibles of six Beagles dogs. An implant with moderately rough surface was placed in the center of each defect leaving the coronal 6 mm of the implant not covered with bone. The remaining defect space was then filled out with chair‐side prepared autologous PRGF adsorbed on β‐TCP particles and either covered with a collagen membrane (PRGF/β‐TCP+CM) (6 defects) or left without a membrane (PRGF/β‐TCP) (5 defects).

Results

Histology 4 months post‐op showed new lamellar and woven bone formation encompassing almost entirely the defect and limited residual β‐TCP particles. Extent of osseointegration of the previously exposed portion of the implants varied, but in general was limited. Within the defect, new mineralized bone (%) averaged 43.2 ± 9.86 vs. 39.9 ± 13.7 in the PRGF/β‐TCP+CM and PRGF/β‐TCP group (P = 0.22) and relative mineralized bone‐to‐implant contact (%) averaged 26.2 ± 16.45 vs. 35.91 ± 24.45, respectively (P = 0.5). First, bone‐to‐implant contact from the implant top was 4.1 ± 1.5 and 3.2 ± 2.3 (P = 0.9), in the PRGF/β‐TCP+CM and PRGF/β‐TCP group, respectively.

Conclusions

Implantation of chair‐side prepared autologous PRGF adsorbed on a β‐TCP carrier in non‐contained peri‐implant defects resulted in large amounts of bone regeneration, but osseointegration was limited. Provisions for GBR with a collagen membrane did not significantly enhance bone regeneration or implant osseointegration.
Effects of vitamin D2 or D3 supplementation on glycaemic control and cardiometabolic risk among people at risk of type 2 diabetes: results of a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Forouhi N. G. , Menon R. K. , Sharp S. J. , Mannan N. , Timms P. M. , Martineau A. R. , Rickard A. P. , Boucher B. J. , Chowdhury T. A. , Griffiths C. J. , Greenwald S. E. , Griffin S. J. , Hitman G. A.
Published: December 2015

Aims

To investigate the effect of short‐term vitamin D supplementation on cardiometabolic outcomes among individuals with an elevated risk of diabetes.

Methods

In a double‐blind placebo‐controlled randomized trial, 340 adults who had an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes (non‐diabetic hyperglycaemia or positive diabetes risk score) were randomized to either placebo, 100 000 IU vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) or 100 000 IU vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), orally administered monthly for 4 months. The primary outcome was change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) between baseline and 4 months, adjusted for baseline. Secondary outcomes included: blood pressure; lipid levels; apolipoprotein levels; C‐reactive protein levels; pulse wave velocity (PWV); anthropometric measures; and safety of the supplementation.

Results

The mean [standard deviation (s.d.)] 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]2 concentration increased from 5.2 (4.1) to 53.9 (18.5) nmol/l in the D2 group, and the mean (s.d.) 25(OH)D3 concentration increased from 45.8 (22.6) to 83.8 (22.7) nmol/l in the D3 group. There was no effect of vitamin D supplementation on HbA1c: D2 versus placebo: −0.05% [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.11, 0.02] or −0.51 mmol/mol (95% CI −1.16, 0.14; p = 0.13); D3 versus placebo: 0.02% (95% CI −0.04, 0.08) or 0.19 mmol/mol (95% CI −0.46, 0.83; p = 0.57). There were no clinically meaningful effects on secondary outcomes, except PWV [D2 versus placebo: −0.68 m/s (95% CI −1.31, −0.05); D3 versus placebo −0.73 m/s (95% CI −1.42, −0.03)]. No important safety issues were identified.

Conclusions

Short‐term supplementation with vitamin D2 or D3 had no effect on HbA1c. The modest reduction in PWV with both D2 and D3 relative to placebo suggests that vitamin D supplementation has a beneficial effect on arterial stiffness.
ARE THE DISABLED LESS LOSS AVERSE? EVIDENCE FROM A NATURAL POLICY EXPERIMENT
Authors: Arbel Yuval , Ben‐Shahar Danny , Gabriel Stuart
Published: December 2015

Research findings show that disabled persons often develop physical and psychological mechanisms to compensate for disabilities. Coping mechanisms may not be limited to the psychophysiological domain and may extend to cognitive bias and loss aversion. In this study, we apply unique microdata from a natural policy experiment to assess the role of loss aversion in home purchase among nondisabled and disabled households. Results of survival analysis indicate that the physically disabled are substantially less loss averse in home purchase. Furthermore, loss aversion varies with other population characteristics and attenuates with degree of disability. Findings provide new evidence of diminished cognitive bias and more rational economic decision‐making among the physically disabled. (JEL D03, C9, R38)
Sand Face: Humanism after Antihumanism
Authors: Arcilla René V.
Published: December 2015

Have the critiques of humanism of the 1960s and 1970s buried this idea once and for all? Or is there a way that humanism can absorb some of this antihumanist thinking and thereby renew itself? Drawing on writings of Michel Foucault, Charles Taylor, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Martin Heidegger in order to illuminate artworks by Robert Smithson and Hans Holbein, René Arcilla argues for a revised idea of the human that is rooted not in some authentic, essential identity of ours, but in an unruly language in which we all participate. He suggests that educatively cultivating a society that appreciates the Human language could be the aim of humanism in our time.
Waist‐High and Knee‐Deep: Humane Learning Beyond Polemics and Precincts
Authors: Higgins Chris
Published: December 2015

In this essay, Chris Higgins sets out to disentangle the tradition of humane learning from contemporary distinctions and debates. The first section demonstrates how a bloated and incoherent “humanism” now functions primarily as a talisman or a target, that is, as a prompt to choose sides. It closes with the image of Doris Salcedo's Shibboleth, suggesting that humanism is more like the uncertain footing of Salcedo's fissure than the footholds on either side. The second section suggests that this “alien humanism” is hiding in plain sight, requiring us only to read an inch beyond the poster‐ready copy fueling the polemics. Even a cursory glance at the texts from which these epitomes are drawn — from Terence's “Nothing human is foreign to me,” through Shakespeare's “What a piece of work is a man,” to Arnold's “The best of what has been thought and said” — is enough to reconnect us with a tradition stranger and more dynamic than that portrayed by boosters and knockers alike. The third section explores the tensions between the research university and the tradition of humane letters it has come to house, arguing that it will not do to escape this rancor by hiding behind the functionalist, and ultimately circular, term “humanist,” defined as one who does research in the humanities. The final section shows that if this older tradition pulls away, to some extent, from the modern humanities, it simultaneously embraces scientific and professional fields, as demonstrated by the long tradition of the physician‐humanist.
The Implications of Arendt's Concept of Judgment for Humanistic Teaching in a Postmetaphysical Age
Authors: Kwak Duck‐Joo
Published: December 2015

In this essay, Duck‐Joo Kwak draws on Hannah Arendt's concept of judgment in exploring what it means to teach the humanities as a form of values education in a postmetaphysical age. Arendt's concept of judgment is closely related to Ciceronian humanism, which is concerned with the wisdom to choose one's company while appreciating this pursuit itself, among men, things, and thoughts from the past and present. According to Arendt, this wisdom as a form of judgment can be generated from a unique form of thinking via understanding. Thus, the main focus of this essay is on Arendt's explication of two distinct forms of humanistic thinking, which can be characterized as critical and interpretive, respectively. The educational virtue of humanistic thinking lies in its avoidance of both authoritarianism and nihilistic constructivism, both of which are problematic in the context of postmetaphysical contemporary culture, while also holding the potential to help young people find good company as a way of expanding the boundaries of intersubjectivity in their selfhood.
Laser interstitial thermal therapy for medically intractable mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Kang Joon Y. , Wu Chengyuan , Tracy Joseph , Lorenzo Matthew , Evans James , Nei Maromi , Skidmore Christopher , Mintzer Scott , Sharan Ashwini D. , Sperling Michael R.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To describe mesial temporal lobe ablated volumes, verbal memory, and surgical outcomes in patients with medically intractable mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) treated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–guided stereotactic laser interstitial thermal therapy (LiTT).

Methods

We prospectively tracked seizure outcome in 20 patients at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital with drug‐resistant mTLE who underwent MRI‐guided LiTT from December 2011 to December 2014. Surgical outcome was assessed at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and at the most recent visit. Volume‐based analysis of ablated mesial temporal structures was conducted in 17 patients with mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) and results were compared between the seizure‐free and not seizure‐free groups.

Results

Following LiTT, proportions of patients who were free of seizures impairing consciousness (including those with auras only) are as follows: 8 of 15 patients (53%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 30.1–75.2%) after 6 months, 4 of 11 patients (36.4%, 95% CI 14.9–64.8%) after 1 year, 3 of 5 patients (60%, 95% CI 22.9–88.4%) at 2‐year follow‐up. Median follow‐up was 13.4 months after LiTT (range 1.3 months to 3.2 years). Seizure outcome after LiTT suggests an all or none response. Four patients had anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) after LiTT; three are seizure‐free. There were no differences in total ablated volume of the amygdalohippocampus complex or individual volumes of hippocampus, amygdala, entorhinal cortex, parahippocampal gyrus, and fusiform gyrus between seizure‐free and non–seizure‐free patients. Contextual verbal memory performance was preserved after LiTT, although decline in noncontextual memory task scores were noted.

Significance

We conclude that MRI‐guided stereotactic LiTT is a safe alternative to ATL in patients with medically intractable mTLE. Individualized assessment is warranted to determine whether the reduced odds of seizure freedom are worth the reduction in risk, discomfort, and recovery time. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm our preliminary findings, and to define optimal ablation volume and ideal structures for ablation.
Balloon dilation to treat oesophageal strictures in five foals
Authors: Chidlow H. B. , Robbins E. G. , Slovis N. M.
Published: December 2015

Oesophageal stricture is a rare disorder in foals. The following manuscript describes the successful treatment of oesophageal strictures with balloon dilation in 5 foals aged 3 weeks to 4 months. Three of the foals presented due to recurrent oesophageal obstruction, one due to dysphagia, and one due to weight loss, pytalism and bruxism. The strictures were diagnosed via endoscopy. In 2 cases, the use of intraoesophageal corticosteroid injection was performed to reduce the incidence of oesophageal stricture reoccurrence. In all cases, a satisfactory outcome with resolution of clinical signs was achieved.
Designation and management of large‐scale MPAs drawing on the experiences of CCAMLR
Authors: Everson Inigo
Published: December 2015

With the adoption of the United Nations Law of the Sea came the need for effective worldwide control of marine fisheries. Initially centred on single species, the tasks have extended to ecosystem‐based management through the concept of marine‐protected areas into habitats and biodiversity. These diverse requirements have placed enhanced responsibilities on fisheries management organizations. Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) has successfully developed effective management measures for the Southern Ocean but has encountered difficulties in establishing marine‐protected areas. Key to the success of CCAMLR has been the establishment of conservation measures on clearly defined topics through decision making by consensus. It is argued that the problems that CCAMLR has encountered in establishing marine‐protected areas centre on the range of features, in terms of stakeholder interests, to be afforded protection allied to problems with the consensus process. In this paper, the approaches of CCAMLR in converting the conceptual framework of treaty language into practical management measures using consensus are discussed in relation to the manner in which marine‐protected areas might be established within other fisheries management organizations. It is concluded that the most effective approach is as a composite of strictly focussed conservation measures the sum of which cover all facets of a marine‐protected area. This approach has the further advantage that individual components can be changed without opening the whole legal instrument to re‐negotiation.
Informative Disagreements: Associations Between Relationship Distress, Depression, and Discrepancy in Interpersonal Perception Within Couples
Authors: Knobloch‐Fedders Lynne M. , Critchfield Kenneth L. , Staab Erin M.
Published: December 2015

This study evaluated the associations between relationship distress, depression symptoms, and discrepancy in interpersonal perception within couples. After completing a series of discussion tasks, couples (N = 88) rated their behavior using the circumplex‐based Structural Analysis of Social Behavior Model (SASB; Benjamin, 1979, 1987, 2000). Overall, couple members were strikingly similar in their interpersonal perceptions, and tended to see themselves as friendly, reciprocal in their focus, and balanced between connection and separateness. As hypothesized, however, perceptual discrepancy was related to relationship distress and depression. Relationship distress was associated with discrepancy regarding transitive behavior focused on the partner, while depression was associated with disagreement about intransitive, self‐focused behavior. Analysis of affiliation and autonomy revealed that relationship distress was associated with seeing oneself as reacting with more hostility than the partner sees, and perceiving one's partner as more hostile, more controlling, and less submissive than he or she does. Partners of depressed individuals viewed themselves as more controlling than their mate did. Men's depression was associated with disagreement between partners regarding men's self‐focused behavior. Results underscore the importance of considering interpersonal perception when conceptualizing relationship distress and depression within intimate relationships.
Atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysm – is inflammation a common denominator?
Authors: Peshkova Iuliia O. , Schaefer Giulia , Koltsova Ekaterina K.
Published: December 2015

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the major cause of death in developed countries. Various risk factors including host genetics and, more importantly, environmental factors such as lifestyle, diet and smoking influence CVD progression. Two common forms of CVD are atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Emerging evidence suggests that inflammation plays a pivotal role in CVD. However, it remains unclear whether the same inflammatory pathways prove essential for atherosclerosis and AAA because, in some cases, the same mechanisms uniformly promote both diseases, while in others they function in opposite ways. Cytokines, key mediators of inflammation, play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis but have only been scarcely studied in AAA. In this review, we discuss the importance of immune‐mediated mechanisms and cytokines in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and AAA.
Conflicting health information: a critical research need
Authors: Carpenter Delesha M. , Geryk Lorie L. , Chen Annie T. , Nagler Rebekah H. , Dieckmann Nathan F. , Han Paul K. J.
Published: December 2015

Conflicting health information is increasing in amount and visibility, as evidenced most recently by the controversy surrounding the risks and benefits of childhood vaccinations. The mechanisms through which conflicting information affects individuals are poorly understood; thus, we are unprepared to help people process conflicting information when making important health decisions. In this viewpoint article, we describe this problem, summarize insights from the existing literature on the prevalence and effects of conflicting health information, and identify important knowledge gaps. We propose a working definition of conflicting health information and describe a conceptual typology to guide future research in this area. The typology classifies conflicting information according to four fundamental dimensions: the substantive issue under conflict, the number of conflicting sources (multiplicity), the degree of evidence heterogeneity and the degree of temporal inconsistency.
Food appearances in children's television programmes in Sweden
Authors: Olafsdottir Steingerdur , Berg Christina
Published: December 2015

Studying other television content than advertisements is necessary to better understand the association between TV viewing and dietary habits. The aim of this study was to examine the nature and extent of verbal and visual appearance of food and beverage in children's programmes in Swedish public service television. The study object was the most popular children's TV programme in Sweden, broadcast by commercial‐free public service television channel and watched almost daily by 45% of children under the age of 10 years. The analysed material consisted of 25 h, broadcast at 21 occasions over almost a 5‐month period of the most popular TV viewing season. All appearances and type of food and beverages were coded as well as the context in which the foods were discussed or appeared. Chi‐square tests were performed to analyse if the occurrence of fruits and vegetables and high‐calorie and low‐nutrient (HCLN) foods respectively were associated with the context where food appeared. Mann‐Whitney test was used to compare the representation of the two food groups in terms of degree of propensity to be consumed. Of the 287 programme sections, food or beverage appeared in 78%. Of the food appearances (n = 773), HCLN foods constituted 19%, and fruits and vegetables 39%. More than half of the HCLN food appearances are with children, while only one third of the fruits and vegetables are shown with children. HCLN foods were more often shown being consumed or actively handled, than fruits and vegetables. Food and beverages appear frequently in children's programmes in Swedish public service television. HCLN foods seem to be represented as more attractive, by to a greater extent appearing consumed or actively handled in comparison with other foods. These foods were also frequently shown together with children while fruits and vegetables more frequently appeared with adults than children.
Spray‐drying of pomegranate juice with prebiotic dietary fibre
Authors: Miravet Gracia , Alacid Mercedes , Obón José María , Fernández‐López José Antonio
Published: December 2015

The prebiotic fibres, resistant dextrin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), were studied for use as drying‐aid agents for the spray‐drying of concentrated pomegranate juice, a low‐caloric juice containing interesting health‐related compounds. Resistant dextrin was the best drying‐aid agent as only 0.5 g gCPJ−1 of resistant dextrin was needed to avoid powder stickiness, compared with 1 g gCPJ−1 of maltodextrins and 1.5 g gCPJ−1 of fructooligosaccharides. The best conditions for spray‐drying a concentrated pomegranate juice (62.6% dry matter) using the resistant dextrin (NUTRIOSE) were 1.25 gNUTRIOSE gCPJ−1 and 0.10 gCPJ gsolution−1, a liquid feed rate of 1.08 L h−1 and an air temperature of 160 °C. Powders were easily solubilised in water, while storage at 25 °C maintained the pomegranate bioactive components, and there were no stickiness problems for at least 2 months. Resistant dextrin could be used with all kind of fruit juices in substitution of maltodextrins, and the resulting prebiotic powders could be employed for formulating novel functional foods.
Thermodynamic Assessment of the Pr–O System
Authors: McMurray Jacob Wesley
Published: December 2015

The Calphad method was used to perform a thermodynamic assessment of the Pr–O system. Compound energy formalism representations were developed for the fluorite α‐PrO2–x and bixbyite σ‐Pr3O5 ± x solid solutions while the two‐sublattice liquid model was used to describe the binary melt. The series of phases between Pr2O3 and PrO2 were taken to be stoichiometric. Equilibrium oxygen pressure, phase equilibria, and enthalpy data were used to optimize the adjustable parameters of the models for a self‐consistent representation of the thermodynamic behavior of the Pr–O system from 298 K to melting.
Developing family‐centred care in a neonatal intensive care unit: an action research study protocol
Authors: Skene Caryl , Gerrish Kate , Price Fiona , Pilling Elizabeth , Bayliss Pauline
Published: December 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop, implement and evaluate evidence‐based family‐centred interventions and to promote parental involvement in the care of infants in neonatal intensive care.

Background

Parental involvement in the care of their infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units leads to improved neonatal outcomes. Although research identifies the benefits of individual interventions to promote family‐centred care, little is known about how they might be implemented in everyday practice.

Design

Participatory action research.

Methods

Funding commenced in January 2015. The study comprises three phases: (i) Exploration: Baseline measures of staff and parental satisfaction with care and parental stress will be obtained using validated survey instruments. Baseline infant data includes breast feeding and skin‐to‐skin contact. Staff focus groups and interviews will provide insight into the context of parental involvement and perceived barriers to change. Parent focus groups and diaries will provide insight into factors influencing parental involvement in care. The data will inform the development of the evidence‐based intervention; (ii) Intervention: Three action research cycles and ongoing data collection from parents and staff will inform the further development of the intervention and change process; (iii) Evaluation: Baseline measures will be repeated to identify changes. Focus groups and interviews with staff and parents will provide insight into their perceptions of the success of the initiative in promoting family‐centred care.

Discussion

This study will contribute new knowledge about approaches to actively involve parents in the care of their infant on neonatal intensive care units. Greater understanding of the impact of family‐centre care on staff and parents will be gained with the potential to inform future policy and practice.
A compilation of consumers’ stories: the development of a video to enhance medication adherence in newly transplanted kidney recipients
Authors: Low Jac Kee , Crawford Kimberley , Manias Elizabeth , Williams Allison
Published: December 2015

Aim

To describe the design, development and evaluation of a consumer‐centred video, which was underpinned by the Theory of Planned Behaviour and it was created to educate newly transplanted kidney recipients about the importance of medication adherence.

Background

Kidney transplantation is a treatment whereby medication adherence is critical to ensure long‐term kidney graft success. To date, many interventions aimed to improve medication adherence in kidney transplantation have been conducted but consumers remain largely uninvolved in the interventional design.

Design

Qualitative sequential design.

Methods

Twenty‐two participants who had maintained their kidney transplant for at least 8 months and three participants who had experienced a kidney graft loss due to non‐adherence were interviewed from March–May 2014 in Victoria, Australia. These interviews were independently reviewed by two researchers and were used to guide the design of the story plot and to identify storytellers for the video. The first draft of the video was evaluated by a panel of seven experts in the field, one independent educational expert and two consumers using Lynn's content validity questionnaire. The content of the video was regarded as highly relevant and comprehensive, which achieved a score of >3·7 out of a possible 4.

Results/findings

The final 18‐minute video comprised 15 sections. Topics included medication management, the factors affecting medication adherence and the absolute necessity of adherence to immunosuppressive medications for graft survival.

Conclusion

This paper has demonstrated the feasibility of creating a consumer‐driven video that supports medication adherence in an engaging way.
Backscattered electron SEM imaging of resin sections from plant specimens: observation of histological to subcellular structure and CLEM
Authors: RIZZO N.W. , DUNCAN K.E. , BOURETT T.M. , HOWARD R.J.
Published: December 2015

We have refined methods for biological specimen preparation and low‐voltage backscattered electron imaging in the scanning electron microscope that allow for observation at continuous magnifications of ca. 130–70 000 X, and documentation of tissue and subcellular ultrastructure detail. The technique, based upon early work by Ogura & Hasegawa (1980), affords use of significantly larger sections from fixed and resin‐embedded specimens than is possible with transmission electron microscopy while providing similar data. After microtomy, the sections, typically ca. 750 nm thick, were dried onto the surface of glass or silicon wafer and stained with heavy metals—the use of grids avoided. The glass/wafer support was then mounted onto standard scanning electron microscopy sample stubs, carbon‐coated and imaged directly at an accelerating voltage of 5 kV, using either a yttrium aluminum garnet or ExB backscattered electron detector. Alternatively, the sections could be viewed first by light microscopy, for example to document signal from a fluorescent protein, and then by scanning electron microscopy to provide correlative light/electron microscope (CLEM) data. These methods provide unobstructed access to ultrastructure in the spatial context of a section ca. 7 × 10 mm in size, significantly larger than the typical 0.2 × 0.3 mm section used for conventional transmission electron microscopy imaging. Application of this approach was especially useful when the biology of interest was rare or difficult to find, e.g. a particular cell type, developmental stage, large organ, the interface between cells of interacting organisms, when contextual information within a large tissue was obligatory, or combinations of these factors. In addition, the methods were easily adapted for immunolocalizations.
Calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II activity is required for maintaining learning‐induced enhancement of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor‐mediated synaptic excitation
Authors: Ghosh Sourav , Reuveni Iris , Barkai Edi , Lamprecht Raphael
Published: December 2015

Learning leads to changes in α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR)‐mediated synaptic excitation. The mechanisms for maintaining such alterations needed for memory persistence remain to be clarified. Here, we report a novel molecular mechanism for maintaining learning‐induced AMPAR‐mediated enhancement of synaptic excitation. We show that training rats in a complex olfactory discrimination task, such that requires rule learning, leads to the enhancement of averaged amplitude of AMPAR‐mediated miniature excitatory post‐synaptic currents (mEPSCs) in piriform cortex pyramidal neurons for days after learning. Inhibiting calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII) using KN93 or tatCN21 days after learning, reduced the averaged mEPSC amplitude in neurons in piriform cortex of trained rats to the level where they are not significantly different from mEPSC of control animals. CaMKII inhibition leads to a decrease in single channel conductance and not to changes in the number of synaptic‐activated channels. We conclude that the maintenance of learning‐induced enhancement of AMPAR‐mediated synaptic excitation requires the activity of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II.

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We show that training rats in a complex olfactory discrimination task leads to the enhancement of averaged amplitude of AMPA receptor‐mediated miniature excitatory post‐synaptic currents (mEPSCs) in piriform cortex pyramidal neurons for days after learning. Inhibiting calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII) using KN93 or tatCN21 days after learning, reduced the averaged mEPSC amplitude in neurons in piriform cortex of trained rats to the level where they are not significantly different from mEPSC of control animals. CaMKII inhibition leads to a decrease in AMPAR single channel conductance. We conclude that the maintenance of learning‐induced enhancement of AMPAR‐mediated synaptic excitation requires the activity of CaMKII.