bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
French supervisory board gender composition and quota threat: changes from 2008 to 2010
Authors: Singh Val , Point Sébastien , Moulin Yves
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how an environmental threat (possible quotas for female supervisory directors) might change supervisory board gender composition in SBF120 French company boards between 2008 and 2010.

Design/methodology/approach

– From a census of supervisory board membership of SBF120 companies in France in January 2008 and December 2010, data were obtained to test hypotheses relating to changes in gender composition of boards and demographic differences between new and earlier director appointees. The authors drew on institutional theory to inform the discussion of this paper’s findings.

Findings

– The authors reveal significant increases over 2008-2010 in SBF120 board female representation and significant cohort differences between recent and earlier appointees. Newer female appointees differed from male peers and from earlier appointed females and males, bringing youth and international experience. New females were more likely to gain CAC40 seats than their male peers. There was an increase in boards with multiple female directors.

Research limitations/implications

– Actual motivations for increase in female appointments are unknown, but institutional theory provides possible explanations, as suggestion of coercive forces loomed. Chairmen of larger firms may have made strategic choices to attract younger and English-speaking foreign women, before the rush. Limitations include the descriptive nature of the paper, but it sets a benchmark for later studies to monitor progress in depth.

Practical implications

– The talent pool for female directors has widened to include foreign English-speaking women, bringing a range of new insights and experience of international governance practice to traditional French boardrooms. However, this could be seen as further discriminatory practice that requires female appointees to bring more human and social capital than that required of their male peers.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper charting the changes in supervisory board composition during the three-year period of environmental unrest as quotas were proposed and legislated in France and comparing new and existing cohort French director demographics.
Focus of tricholemmal differentiation (tricholemmal carcinoma) within Bowen's disease/carcinoma
Authors: Misago Noriyuki , Toda Shuji , Nakao Tomokazu
Published: September 2015

Bowen's disease (BD)/carcinoma is a type of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, however, the possibility of adnexal differentiation (the development of sebaceous carcinoma or porocarcinoma) occurring in BD/carcinoma has been suggested. We herein describe a case of BD with superficial invasive carcinoma, which showed a clear cell focus, demonstrating tricholemmal differentiation. This clear cell focus showed the following findings: primarily composed of clear cells, somewhat columnar clear cells aligned in a palisade along a discernible basement membrane, tricholemmal keratinization and glycogen contained within the cells. In addition, the immunohistochemical profile in this clear cell focus, namely, negative staining for cytokeratin (CK)1 and positive staining for CK17 and calretinin in the inner cells of the neoplastic lobule, corresponded to that of the outer root sheath cells. This case suggested that adnexal differentiation can rarely occur within true BD/carcinoma, although adnexal carcinomas are commonly associated with a simple bowenoid change.
Policy Mobilities and Interdisciplinary Engagement
Authors: Cook Ian R.
Published: September 2015

This essay explores the nature and potential of interdisciplinarity in the expanding body of research on the circulation of policies between places. It focuses on the policy mobilities literature, highlighting its geographical underpinnings as well as its links to, and divergences from, literature beyond geography, in particular the political science‐led work on policy transfer. Acknowledging the potential downfalls of interdisciplinarity, it calls for increased conversations and co‐working between geographers, political scientists and other social scientists to explore the topic further.
Increasing inter‐generational social mobility: is educational expansion the answer?
Authors: Sturgis Patrick , Buscha Franz
Published: September 2015

Reforms which increase the stock of education in a society have long been held by policy‐makers as key to improving rates of intergenerational social mobility. Yet, despite the intuitive plausibility of this idea, the empirical evidence in support of an effect of educational expansion on social fluidity is both indirect and weak. In this paper we use the raising of the minimum school leaving age from 15 to 16 years in England and Wales in 1972 to estimate the effect of educational participation and qualification attainment on rates of intergenerational social class mobility. Because, in expectation, children born immediately before and after the policy was implemented are statistically exchangeable, the difference in the amount of education they received may be treated as exogenously determined. The exogenous nature of the additional education gain means that differences in rates of social mobility between cohorts affected by the reform can be treated as having been caused by the additional education. The data for the analysis come from the ONS Longitudinal Study, which links individual records from successive decennial censuses between 1971 and 2001. Our findings show that, although the reform resulted in an increase in educational attainment in the population as a whole and a weakening of the association between attainment and class origin, there was no reliably discernible increase in the rate of intergenerational social mobility.
BiMat: a MATLAB package to facilitate the analysis of bipartite networks
Authors: Flores Cesar O. , Poisot Timothée , Valverde Sergi , Weitz Joshua S.
Published: September 2015

Bipartite networks are ubiquitous in community ecology, including examples of facilitative interactions, such as plant‐pollinator networks, and antagonistic interactions, such as virus–host infection networks. Statistical network analysis is increasingly used to identify emergent, nonrandom patterns of interaction and the effect of interaction patterns on ecological and evolutionary dynamics. Two recurring patterns are that of modularity and nestedness. Modularity is a feature of networks in which there are densely interacting subgroups. Nestedness is a feature of networks in which the interactions form ordered subsets.

Here we describe BiMat, an open‐source MATLAB package for the study of the structure of bipartite ecological networks. Unlike alternative tools, BiMat enables both multiscale analysis of the structure of a bipartite ecological network – spanning global (i.e. entire network) to local (i.e. module‐level) scales – and meta‐analyses of many bipartite networks simultaneously. In common with other tools, BiMat calculates the degree to which a bipartite network is modular and/or nested, the statistical significance of these patterns, and enables visualization of latent structures in the network.

BiMat is available as an open‐source MATLAB package, with a quick‐start guide and worked examples at: http://bimat.github.io/.
Fear and overprotection in Australian residential aged‐care facilities: The inadvertent impact of regulation on quality continence care
Authors: Ostaszkiewicz Joan , O'Connell Beverly , Dunning Trisha
Published: September 2015

Aim

Most residents in residential aged‐care facilities are incontinent. This study explored how continence care was provided in residential aged‐care facilities, and describes a subset of data about staffs' beliefs and experiences of the quality framework and the funding model on residents' continence care.

Methods

Using grounded theory methodology, 18 residential aged‐care staff members were interviewed and 88 hours of field observations conducted in two facilities. Data were analysed using a combination of inductive and deductive analytic procedures.

Results

Staffs' beliefs and experiences about the requirements of the quality framework and the funding model fostered a climate of fear and risk adversity that had multiple unintended effects on residents' continence care, incentivising dependence on continence management, and equating effective continence care with effective pad use.

Conclusion

There is a need to rethink the quality of continence care and its measurement in Australian residential aged‐care facilities.
Neonatal oesophageal and axilla temperatures in the neonatal intensive care unit care
Authors: Hoffman Laurie , Santos Mary Ann , Tucker Richard , Laptook Abbot
Published: September 2015

Aim

To compare oesophageal and axilla temperatures in routine neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care.

Methods

Prospective observational study of NICU infants with indwelling oral/nasogastric tubes. Three simultaneous temperature measurements were taken: Physitemp axilla, digital Premie Faichney axilla in predictive mode and Physitemp oesophageal. Temperatures were measured on two separate days.

Results

Fifty infants were studied over a range of gestational ages (median 28.9 weeks, IQR 25.8–30.6 weeks) and birthweights (median 1140 g, IQR 742–1498 g). Mean Physitemp oesophageal temperatures were 0.3 ± 0.1°C (range 0.1–0.6°C) higher than Physitemp axilla temperatures. After adjustment for weight, the Physitemp oesophageal–Physitemp axilla difference remained constant over the average oesophageal–axilla temperature range studied (p = 0.07). Physitemp oesophageal temperatures were not affected by weight (p = 0.2) or postmenstrual age (p = 0.51). Physitemp axilla temperatures decreased with increasing weight (p = 0.03) and postmenstrual age (p = 0.048). The Physitemp oesophageal–Physitemp axilla difference was greater for infants in cribs (mean ± SD = 0.4 ± 0.1°C) than in incubators (mean ± SD = 0.3 ± 0.1°C, p < 0.001). The relationship between oesophageal and digital Premie Faichney axilla temperature was similar to oesophageal and axilla Physitemp temperatures.

Conclusion

Over a range of infant temperatures encountered in routine NICU care, oesophageal temperature is higher than axilla temperature, although the difference is small. Axillary temperatures measured by digital thermometers in predictive mode are comparable to core oesophageal temperatures.
Comparing Treatment Policies with Assistance from the Structural Nested Mean Model
Authors: Lu Xi , Lynch Kevin G. , Oslin David W. , Murphy Susan
Published: September 2015

Treatment policies, also known as dynamic treatment regimes, are sequences of decision rules that link the observed patient history with treatment recommendations. Multiple, plausible, treatment policies are frequently constructed by researchers using expert opinion, theories, and reviews of the literature. Often these different policies represent competing approaches to managing an illness. Here, we develop an “assisted estimator” that can be used to compare the mean outcome of competing treatment policies. The term “assisted” refers to the fact estimators from the Structural Nested Mean Model, a parametric model for the causal effect of treatment at each time point, are used in the process of estimating the mean outcome. This work is motivated by our work on comparing the mean outcome of two competing treatment policies using data from the ExTENd study in alcohol dependence.
From ‘Entering into a Firm’ to ‘Entering into a Profession’: An Anthropological Approach to Changing Personhood in Japan
Authors: Fu Huiyan
Published: September 2015

Drawing on extensive ethnographic fieldwork, the article uses discourse analysis to examine the social dynamics involved in the construction of personhood in Japan. While the gap between powerful discourse and lived reality is a well‐documented phenomenon, there is little systematic empirical research on how to integrate individual and social levels of analysis in this process. By contrasting discourse from above and from below, the article illuminates power asymmetry and the resulting tension between discursive freedom and social exclusion among disadvantaged groups.
Greenfield FDI and skill upgrading: A polarized issue
Authors: Davies Ronald B. , Desbordes Rodolphe
Published: September 2015

Outbound FDI is often accused of increasing income inequality in developed countries by shifting labour demand from low‐skilled towards high‐skilled workers (wage polarization). In response, we employ data on greenfield FDI that, in contrast to M&As, may be more clearly linked to skill upgrading. Our data also delineate greenfield FDI by sector, function and destination, allowing us to control for different motives and skill intensities for 17 developed countries for 2003–2005. We find that greenfield FDI in support services, e.g., back and front office services, induces polarized skill upgrading, benefitting high‐skilled workers at the expense of medium‐skilled workers, thereby polarizing wages.
Effect of glove occlusion on the skin barrier
Authors: Tiedemann Daniel , Clausen Maja Lisa , John Swen Malthe , Angelova‐Fischer Irena , Kezic Sanja , Agner Tove
Published: September 2015

Wet work tasks are the most common exposures leading to occupational irritant contact dermatitis. Use of liquid‐proof gloves is recommended when performing wet work, however, gloves may also contribute to impairment of the skin barrier and development of irritant contact dermatitis. The aim of this study is to review the literature on the effects of glove occlusion on skin barrier function. The PubMed database was searched up to 1 February 2015 for articles on the association between glove occlusion and skin barrier function, including human studies only and in English. Only experimental studies including assessment of the skin barrier function were included in the data analysis. Thirteen articles were identified, 8 with focus on occlusion alone, 7 with focus on occlusion in combination with irritant exposure (some overlapping), and 2 field studies. In conclusion, data from the literature showed that the negative effect of occlusion in itself is limited, and that only extensive and long‐term occlusion will cause barrier impairment. However, studies investigating combined effect of occlusion and exposure to soaps/detergents indicate that occlusion significantly enhances the skin barrier damage caused by detergents/soaps in a dose‐response fashion.
Accurate Response with Refurbished Consumer Returns
Authors: Reimann Marc
Published: September 2015

Centering around anticipative and reactive capabilities of firms, accurate response is an important supply‐side strategy to deal with demand uncertainty. Clearly, the structure of the possible reaction will crucially influence the optimal anticipative decision making. In this article, we extend the existing literature in this area by including a new reactive capability, namely the utilization of refurbished consumer returns from early sales to react to demand later in the selling season. Because consumer returns depend on previous sales, there is also a direct link to the anticipative supply decision. We capture this effect in a newsvendor‐type model and provide both analytical and numerical insights into the optimal anticipative and reactive decisions as well as the value of refurbishing in terms of the retailer's expected profitability.
The Dynamics of Pre‐ and Post‐purchase Service and Consumer Evaluation of Online Retailers: A Comparative Analysis of Dissonance and Disconfirmation Models*
Authors: Park Insu , Cho Jeewon , Rao H. Raghav
Published: September 2015

This article explores the theoretical underpinnings of the dissonance framework in online consumer satisfaction formation process. Specifically, we suggest that any discrepancy between pre‐ and post‐purchase service performance would help determine consumers’ evaluations of online vendors. Drawing upon cognitive dissonance theory, a conceptual model is developed and tested in two different studies (preliminary and main studies). Using data from 191 college students collected longitudinally, the preliminary study demonstrates the validity and reliability of the measurements. Using a comparative analysis, the main study then tests our conceptual model as well as various competing models, including the expectation–confirmation model, with a sample of 292 online consumers. The results in both studies support our main prediction that the service encountered in different stages establishes dissonance. Specifically, we find that dissonance explains online consumers’ satisfaction process to a substantial extent, as compared with disconfirmation under the same conditions in online retailers. This study contributes to providing an alternative yet substantial approach for expectation–confirmation theory, reflecting the overarching nature of online shopping.
Seasonal variation in the diet of Tetrix tenuicornis (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae)
Authors: Kuřavová Kateřina , Kočárek Petr
Published: September 2015

Many animals change their diet during the season according to food availability. The current field study determined whether the groundhopper Tetrix tenuicornis (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae), which specializes on moss and detritus, changes its diet during the season under conditions in which food components are constantly available. Dietary differences of T. tenuicornis were studied through the season, from May to October, by alimentary tract analyses. Detritus and moss (phylloids) dominated the alimentary tract contents, and other components were found in only minor amounts. The diversity of moss species in the alimentary tract varied during the season, and more moss species were consumed in spring and summer than in autumn. Diet was affected by developmental stage, sex (females consumed more food than males), population and abiotic factors. The rate at which detritus was consumed was significantly affected by the ambient temperature but the rate at which moss was consumed was mainly affected by relative humidity. Later instars consumed greater amounts of detritus than younger instars, and this difference corresponded to body size.
Glial Attenuation With Ibudilast in the Treatment of Medication Overuse Headache: A Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Pilot Trial of Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Johnson Jacinta L. , Kwok Yuen H. , Sumracki Nicole M. , Swift James E. , Hutchinson Mark R. , Johnson Kirk , Williams Desmond B. , Tuke Jonathon , Rolan Paul E.
Published: September 2015

Background

Medication overuse headache (MOH) is a condition bordering between a chronic pain condition and a substance dependence disorder. Activation of immunocompetent glial cells in the central nervous system has been linked to both pathological pain and drug addiction/reward. Preclinically, ibudilast attenuates glial activation and is able to reduce neuropathic pain and markers of substance dependence. We therefore hypothesized ibudilast would reduce headache burden and opioid analgesic requirements in patients with opioid overuse headache.

Objective

To determine if treatment with ibudilast provides a greater reduction in headache index than placebo in MOH patients consuming opioids.

Methods

Participants with MOH who were using opioids were randomized via computer‐generated code to ibudilast 40 mg or placebo twice daily for 8 weeks in a double‐blind, parallel groups study. Before randomization participants completed a 4‐week baseline headache diary. During treatment, headache diary data collection continued and participants attended 4 study visits during which quantitative sensory testing was performed. Blood samples for immune biomarker analyses were collected before and after treatment in a subgroup of participants.

Results

Thirty‐four participants were randomized, 13 of 15 randomized to ibudilast and 17 of 19 randomized to placebo completed treatment. Ibudilast was generally well‐tolerated with mild, transient nausea reported as the most common adverse event (66.7% vs 10.5% in placebo group). Results are shown as mean (SD). At the end of treatment no differences in the primary outcome average daily headache index (placebo 62 [44] vs ibudilast 77 [72] groups, difference −15, CI −65 to 35h× numerical rating scale), or secondary outcomes headache frequency (placebo 23 [8.1] vs ibudilast 24.5 [6.2], difference −1.5, CI −7.7 to 4.8 days/month) and opioid intake (placebo 20.6 [43] vs ibudilast 19 [24.3], difference 1.6, CI −31.5 to 34.8 mg morphine equivalent) were observed between placebo and ibudilast groups.

Conclusions

Using the current dosing regimen, ibudilast does not improve headache or reduce opioid use in patients with MOH without mandated opioid withdrawal. However, it would be of interest to determine in future trials if ibudilast is able to improve ease of withdrawal during a forced opioid down‐titration when incorporated into an MOH detoxification program.
Investigating the validity and usability of an interactive computer programme for assessing competence in telephone‐based mental health triage
Authors: Sands Natisha , Elsom Stephen , Keppich‐Arnold Sandra , Henderson Kathryn , King Peter , Bourke‐Finn Karen , Brunning Debra
Published: September 2015

Telephone‐based mental health triage services are frontline health‐care providers that operate 24/7 to facilitate access to psychiatric assessment and intervention for people requiring assistance with a mental health problem. The mental health triage clinical role is complex, and the populations triage serves are typically high risk; yet to date, no evidence‐based methods have been available to assess clinician competence to practice telephone‐based mental health triage. The present study reports the findings of a study that investigated the validity and usability of the Mental Health Triage Competency Assessment Tool, an evidence‐based, interactive computer programme designed to assist clinicians in developing and assessing competence to practice telephone‐based mental health triage.
Genetic relationships among American donkey populations: insights into the process of colonization
Authors: Jordana J. , Ferrando A. , Miró J. , Goyache F. , Loarca A. , Martínez López O.R. , Canelón J.L. , Stemmer A. , Aguirre L. , Lara M.A.C. , Álvarez L.A. , Llambí S. , Gómez N. , Gama L.T. , Nóvoa M.F. , Martínez R.D. , Pérez E. , Sierra A. , Contreras M.A. , Guastella A.M. , Marletta D. , Arsenos G. , Curik I. , Landi V. , Martínez A. , Delgado J.V.
Published: September 2015

This study presents the first insights into the genetic diversity and structure of the American donkey metapopulation. The primary objectives were to detect the main structural features underlying variability among American donkey populations, identify boundaries between differentiated gene pools, and draw the main colonization pathways since the introduction of donkeys into America in the 15th century. A panel of 14 microsatellite markers was applied for genotyping 350 American donkeys from 13 countries. The genetic structure of this metapopulation was analysed using descriptive statistics and Bayesian model‐based methods. These populations were then compared to a database containing information on 476 individuals from 11 European breeds to identify the most likely ancestral donor populations. Results showed the presence of two distinct genetic pools, with confluence of the two in Colombia. The southern pool showed a unique genetic signature subsequent to an older founder event, but lacked any significant influence of modern gene flow from Europe. The northern pool, conversely, may have retained more ancestral polymorphisms and/or have experienced modern gene flow from Spanish breeds. The Andalusian and, to a lesser extent, the Catalan breeds have left a more pronounced footprint in some of the American donkey populations analysed.
Distinguishing cubic and hexagonal phases within InGaN/GaN microstructures using electron energy loss spectroscopy
Authors: GRIFFITHS IJ , CHERNS D , ALBERT S. , BENGOECHEA‐ENCABO A. , ANGEL SANCHEZ M. , CALLEJA E. , SCHIMPKE T. , STRASSBURG M.
Published: September 2015

3D InGaN/GaN microstructures grown by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) have been extensively studied using a range of electron microscopy techniques. The growth of material by MBE has led to the growth of cubic GaN material. The changes in these crystal phases has been investigated by Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy, where the variations in the fine structure of the N K‐edge shows a clear difference allowing the mapping of the phases to take place. GaN layers grown for light emitting devices sometimes have cubic inclusions in the normally hexagonal wurtzite structures, which can influence the device electronic properties. Differences in the fine structure of the N K‐edge between cubic and hexagonal material in electron energy loss spectra are used to map cubic and hexagonal regions in a GaN/InGaN microcolumnar device. The method of mapping is explained, and the factors limiting spatial resolution are discussed.
Prior regular exercise improves clinical outcome and reduces demyelination and axonal injury in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Bernardes Danielle , Brambilla Roberta , Bracchi‐Ricard Valerie , Karmally Shaffiat , Dellarole Anna , Carvalho‐Tavares Juliana , Bethea John R
Published: September 2015

Although previous studies have shown that forced exercise modulates inflammation and is therapeutic acutely for experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the long‐term benefits have not been evaluated. In this study, we investigated the effects of preconditioning exercise on the clinical and pathological progression ofEAE. Female C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to either an exercised (Ex) or unexercised (UEx) group and all of them were induced forEAE. Mice in the Ex group had an attenuated clinical score relative toUEx mice throughout the study. At 42 dpi, flow cytometry analysis showed a significant reduction in B cells,CD4+T cells, andCD8+T cells infiltrating into the spinal cord in the Ex group compared toUEx. Ex mice also had a significant reduction in myelin damage with a corresponding increase in proteolipid protein expression. Finally, Ex mice had a significant reduction in axonal damage. Collectively, our study demonstrates for the first time that a prolonged and forced preconditioning protocol of exercise improves clinical outcome and attenuates pathological hallmarks ofEAEat chronic disease.

image

In this study, we show that a program of 6 weeks of preconditioning exercise promoted a significant reduction of cells infiltrating into the spinal cord, a significant reduction in myelin damage and a significant reduction in axonal damage in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice at 42 dpi. Collectively, our study demonstrates for the first time that a preconditioning protocol of exercise improves clinical outcome and attenuates pathological hallmarks of EAE at chronic disease.
The Effect of A Container's Weight on the Perception of Mineral Water
Authors: Maggioni Emanuela , Risso Paola , Olivero Nadia , Gallace Alberto
Published: September 2015

In the last few years, psychologists and neuroscientists have increasingly investigated the presence of multisensory interactions in people's perceptions of food and beverage. For example, the results of a recent questionnaire‐based study showed that wine is believed to be more expensive and of better quality when contained in a heavier bottle. However, it remains unclear whether various foods or liquids share similar multisensory associations in the mind of the consumer. In a laboratory study, we investigated the multisensory interactions between the taste of mineral water and the weight of the plastic cup in which it is served. The participants evaluated the freshness, pleasantness, level of carbonation, and lightness of two types of mineral water (i.e., still and carbonated) using visual analogue scales. The water was served in three identical plastic cups, varying only in terms of their weight (i.e., light, medium, and heavy). The results showed that when a heavier cup was used, the participants perceived the mineral water as less pleasant. By contrast, they rated the water served in heavier cups as more carbonated than water served in lighter cups. These data demonstrate that crossmodal associations in taste perception depend on the category of the product being evaluated and the specific quality that is rated. Such findings are extremely important for understanding the role of sensory interaction in food evaluation as well as encouraging healthier eating and drinking behaviors.

Practical Applications

Recently, an increasing number of studies has shown that consumer's taste perception can be affected by certain features of the container in which food or beverage is served and/or experienced. The present study has important implications not only for understanding the multisensory interactions affecting beverage perception, but also for marketing and packaging design purposes. In particular, marketing strategies would certainly benefit from understanding the perception of package or container attributes that can drive consumer's perception and choice of certain beverages. Furthermore, understanding one or more aspects of a container that facilitates the perception of water as more appealing may help improve the drinking experience for people who are at risk of dehydration, with possible positive consequences for their water intake.
Diagnostic Value of Selected Echocardiographic Variables to Identify Pulmonary Hypertension in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Tidholm A. , Höglund K. , Häggström J. , Ljungvall I.
Published: September 2015

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is commonly associated with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Because dogs with PH present without measureable tricuspid regurgitation (TR), it would be useful to investigate echocardiographic variables that can identify PH.

Aim

To investigate associations between estimated systolic TR pressure gradient (TRPG) and dog characteristics and selected echocardiographic variables.

Animals

156 privately owned dogs.

Materials and Methods

Prospective observational study comparing the estimations of TRPG with dog characteristics and selected echocardiographic variables in dogs with MMVD and measureable TR.

Results

Tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient was significantly (P < .05) associated with body weight corrected right (RVIDDn) and left (LVIDDn) ventricular end‐diastolic and systolic (LVIDSn) internal diameters, pulmonary arterial (PA) acceleration to deceleration time ratio (AT/DT), heart rate, left atrial to aortic root ratio (LA/Ao), and the presence of congestive heart failure. Four variables remained significant in the multiple regression analysis with TRPG as a dependent variable: modeled as linear variables LA/Ao (P < .0001) and RVIDDn (P = .041), modeled as second order polynomial variables: AT/DT (P = .0039) and LVIDDn (P < .0001) The adjusted R2‐value for the final model was 0.45 and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested the model's performance to predict PH, defined as 36, 45, and 55 mmHg as fair (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.80), good (AUC = 0.86), and excellent (AUC = 0.92), respectively.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

In dogs with MMVD, the presence of PH might be suspected with the combination of decreased PA AT/DT, increased RVIDDn and LA/Ao, and a small or great LVIDDn.
Determinants of suboptimal complementary feeding practices among children aged 6–23 months in four anglophone West African countries
Authors: Issaka Abukari I. , Agho Kingsley E. , Page Andrew N. , Burns Penelope L. , Stevens Garry J. , Dibley Michael J.
Published: September 2015

Suboptimal complementary feeding practices have a detrimental impact on a child's growth, health and development in the first two years of life. They lead to child malnutrition, which contributes to the high prevalence of stunting (38%) and underweight (28%) reported for children <5 years of age in Sub‐Saharan Africa. This study analysed complementary feeding practices in four anglophone West African countries (Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone) using the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys. The study covered 12 623 children aged 6–23 months from four anglophone West African countries (Ghana: 822 children: Liberia: 1458 children, Nigeria: 8786 children and Sierra Leone: 1557 children). Four complementary feeding indicators were examined against a set of individual‐, household‐ and community‐level factors, using multiple regression analysis. Multivariate analyses found that lack of post‐natal contacts with health workers, maternal illiteracy and geographical region were common determinants of delayed introduction of solid, semi‐solid or soft foods across all four countries. Predictors for minimum dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency and minimum acceptable diet included children aged 6–11 months, administrative/geographical region, poorer household income and limited access to media. The authors recommend that the four anglophone West African countries studied should prioritise efforts to improve complementary feeding practices in order to reduce child morbidity and mortality. Interventional studies on complementary feeding should target those from poor and illiterate households.
Extracellular DNA facilitates the formation of functional amyloids in Staphylococcus aureus biofilms
Authors: Schwartz Kelly , Ganesan Mahesh , Payne David E. , Solomon Michael J. , Boles Blaise R.
Published: September 2015

Persistent staphylococcal infections often involve surface‐associated communities called biofilms. Staphylococcus aureus biofilm development is mediated by the co‐ordinated production of the biofilm matrix, which can be composed of polysaccharides, extracellular DNA (eDNA) and proteins including amyloid fibers. The nature of the interactions between matrix components, and how these interactions contribute to the formation of matrix, remain unclear. Here we show that the presence of eDNA in S. aureus biofilms promotes the formation of amyloid fibers. Conditions or mutants that do not generate eDNA result in lack of amyloids during biofilm growth despite the amyloidogeneic subunits, phenol soluble modulin peptides, being produced. In vitro studies revealed that the presence of DNA promotes amyloid formation by PSM peptides. Thus, this work exposes a previously unacknowledged interaction between biofilm matrix components that furthers our understanding of functional amyloid formation and S. aureus biofilm biology.
Poor Folate Intake in a North Italian Pregnant Population: an Epidemiological Survey
Authors: Dante Giulia , Morani Letizia , Bronzetti Daisy , Garutti Paola , Neri Isabella , Calapai Gioacchino , Facchinetti Fabio
Published: September 2015

Background

The association between folic acid (FA) insufficiency and congenital malformations has been demonstrated in over the past two decades. The aim of the present study was to investigate the use and timing of folate intake among a large sample of pregnant women in a north Italian region.

Methods

A multicentre prospective cohort study was conducted over a 14‐month period in the maternity wards of five general hospitals (2301 women). Data were collected via a face‐to‐face interview.

Results

Seven hundred sixty women (33%) took at least one product containing FA. Seven hundred thirty‐three (31.8%) women consumed multivitamins containing 413 (17.9%) consumed products containing FA only and 17 (0.7%) 15 mg of levofolinic acid. Only 0.9% of all women took FA before pregnancy 72.5% of women who consumed FA started during the first trimester. The most common dosage was 0.4 mg (19.4%).

Conclusions

Very few women in the population are taking FA before pregnancy. Moreover, while most women consuming FA started in the first trimester, it is likely that they did so after closure of the neural tube. An important action is the recommendation that periconceptional supplementation programmes be promoted.
Stimulation‐induced Ca2+ influx at nodes of Ranvier in mouse peripheral motor axons
Authors: Zhang Zhongsheng , David Gavriel
Published: September 2015

Key points

In peripheral myelinated axons of mammalian spinal motor neurons, Ca2+ influx was thought to occur only in pathological conditions such as ischaemia.

Using Ca2+ imaging in mouse large motor axons, we find that physiological stimulation with trains of action potentials transiently elevates axoplasmic [Ca2+] around nodes of Ranvier.

These stimulation‐induced [Ca2+] elevations require Ca2+ influx, and are partially reduced by blocking T‐type Ca2+ channels (e.g. mibefradil) and by blocking the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), suggesting an important contribution of Ca2+ influx via reverse‐mode NCX activity.

Acute disruption of paranodal myelin dramatically increases stimulation‐induced [Ca2+] elevations around nodes by allowing activation of sub‐myelin L‐type (nimodipine‐sensitive) Ca2+ channels.

The Ca2+ that enters myelinated motor axons during normal activity is likely to contribute to several signalling pathways; the larger Ca2+ influx that occurs following demyelination may contribute to the axonal degeneration that occurs in peripheral demyelinating diseases.

Activity‐dependent Ca2+ signalling is well established for somata and terminals of mammalian spinal motor neurons, but not for their axons. Imaging of an intra‐axonally injected fluorescent [Ca2+] indicator revealed that during repetitive action potential stimulation, [Ca2+] elevations localized to nodal regions occurred in mouse motor axons from ventral roots, phrenic nerve and intramuscular branches. These [Ca2+] elevations (∼0.1 μm with stimulation at 50 Hz, 10 s) were blocked by removal of Ca2+ from the extracellular solution. Effects of pharmacological blockers indicated contributions from both T‐type Ca2+ channels and reverse mode Na+/Ca2+ exchange (NCX). Acute disruption of paranodal myelin (by stretch or lysophosphatidylcholine) increased the stimulation‐induced [Ca2+] elevations, which now included a prominent contribution from L‐type Ca2+ channels. These results suggest that the peri‐nodal axolemma of motor axons includes multiple pathways for stimulation‐induced Ca2+ influx, some active in normally‐myelinated axons (T‐type channels, NCX), others active only when exposed by myelin disruption (L‐type channels). The modest axoplasmic peri‐nodal [Ca2+] elevations measured in intact motor axons might mediate local responses to axonal activation. The larger [Ca2+] elevations measured after myelin disruption might, over time, contribute to the axonal degeneration observed in peripheral demyelinating neuropathies.
Effect of Al incorporation amount upon the resistive-switching characteristics for nonvolatile memory devices using Al-doped ZnO semiconductors
Authors: Lee Won-Ho , Kim Eom-Ji , Yoon Sung-Min
Published: September 2015

Nonvolatile resistive-switching memory (RSM) devices using Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films were proposed and fabricated for large-area electronic applications. The AZO was chosen because of its electronic property controllability via modulating the incorporated Al amounts and its ability to be integrated with oxide transistor driving circuits. The AZO films were prepared by atomic layer deposition with varied incorporated Al amounts of 5, 10, and 20 at. %, and the RSM devices with a stacked structure of Al/AZO (20 nm)/Mo were fabricated on a SiO2/Si substrate. The current ratio between the low-resistance and high-resistance states was modulated from approximately 102 to 105 when the Al amounts increased from 5 to 20 at. %, but the endurance for the cyclic program events and memory retention time were found to be degraded when excessive amounts of Al were incorporated. The RSM device using 10 at. %-Al-incorporated AZO exhibited optimum memory characteristics among the devices. The origin for the memory switching behaviors was found to be the formation and collapse of conduction filaments formed by oxygen vacancies.
Comparison of Two- and Three-Dimensional Methods for Analysis of Trunk Kinematic Variables in the Golf Swing
Authors: Smith Aimée C. , Roberts Jonathan R. , Wallace Eric S. , Kong Pui , Forrester Stephanie E.
Published: September 2015

Two-dimensional methods have been used to compute trunk kinematic variables (flexion/extension, lateral bend, axial rotation) and X-factor (difference in axial rotation between trunk and pelvis) during the golf swing. Recent X-factor studies advocated three-dimensional (3D) analysis due to the errors associated with two-dimensional (2D) methods, but this has not been investigated for all trunk kinematic variables. The purpose of this study was to compare trunk kinematic variables and X-factor calculated by 2D and 3D methods to examine how different approaches influenced their profiles during the swing. Trunk kinematic variables and X-factor were calculated for golfers from vectors projected onto the global laboratory planes and from 3D segment angles. Trunk kinematic variable profiles were similar in shape; however, there were statistically significant differences in trunk flexion (–6.5 ± 3.6°) at top of backswing and trunk right-side lateral bend (8.7 ± 2.9°) at impact. Differences between 2D and 3D X-factor (approximately 16°) could largely be explained by projection errors introduced to the 2D analysis through flexion and lateral bend of the trunk and pelvis segments. The results support the need to use a 3D method for kinematic data calculation to accurately analyze the golf swing.
Influence of R3+ ion sizes on the thermoelectric properties of RBaCo4O7+δ ceramics
Authors: Gao F. , He Q. L. , Wu F. , Yang D. L. , Hu X. , Song H. Z.
Published: September 2015

The influence of [Formula: see text] ion sizes on the electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficients, thermal conductivity and [Formula: see text] values of [Formula: see text] prepared by the solid-state reaction method was investigated from 373 K to 973 K. The electrical resistivity decreases with decreasing [Formula: see text] ion sizes. Both the electrical resistivity and the Seebeck coefficients have a transition at about 630 K. Especially, the transition phenomenon disappears gradually with decreasing [Formula: see text] ion sizes, and is attributed to the oxygen adsorption of [Formula: see text]. The [Formula: see text] values increase with rising temperature or decreasing [Formula: see text] ion sizes. The [Formula: see text] with the smallest [Formula: see text] size has the maximum [Formula: see text] value that reaches 0.1 at 973 K.
Regular black holes in de Sitter universe: Scalar field perturbations and quasinormal modes
Authors: Fernando Sharmanthie
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this paper is to study quasinormal modes (QNMs) of a regular black hole with a cosmological constant due to scalar perturbations. A detailed study of QNMs frequencies for the massless scalar field was done by varying the parameters of the theory such as mass, magnetic charge, cosmological constant and the spherical harmonic index. We have employed the sixth-order WKB approximation to compute the QNMs frequencies. We have also proved analytically that the [Formula: see text] mode for the massless field reaches a constant value at late times. We have approximated the near-extreme regular-de Sitter (dS) black hole potential with the Pöschl–Teller potential to obtain exact frequencies. The null geodesics of the regular-de Sitter black hole is employed to describe the QNMs frequencies at the eikonal limit ([Formula: see text]).
Holographic superconductors with Weyl corrections
Authors: Momeni Davood , Raza Muhammad , Myrzakulov Ratbay
Published: September 2015

A quick review on the analytical aspects of holographic superconductors (HSCs) with Weyl corrections has been presented. Mainly, we focus on matching method and variational approaches. Different types of such HSC have been investigated — s-wave, p-wave and Stúckelberg ones. We also review the fundamental construction of a p-wave type, in which the non-Abelian gauge field is coupled to the Weyl tensor. The results are compared from numerics to analytical results.
Slow Decay of Impact in Equity Markets
Authors: Brokmann X. , Sérié E. , Kockelkoren J. , Bouchaud J.-P.
Published: September 2015

Using a proprietary dataset of meta-orders and prediction signals, and assuming a quasi-linear impact model, we deconvolve market impact from past correlated trades and a predictable return component to elicit the temporal dependence of the market impact of a single daily meta-order, over a 10-day horizon in various equity markets. We find that the impact of single meta-orders is to a first approximation universal and slowly decays to zero (or to a small value), possibly as a power-law. We show that autocorrelated order-flows and trade information contents fully accounts for the apparent plateau observed in the raw data. We discuss the possible bias introduced by the quasi-linear assumption.
Effects of nitrite infusion on skeletal muscle vascular control during exercise in rats with chronic heart failure
Authors: Glean Angela A. , Ferguson Scott K. , Holdsworth Clark T. , Colburn Trenton D. , Wright Jennifer L. , Fees Alex J. , Hageman Karen S. , Poole David C. , Musch Timothy I.
Published: September 2015

Chronic heart failure (CHF) reduces nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and impairs skeletal muscle vascular control during exercise. Reduction of NO2− to NO may impact exercise-induced hyperemia, particularly in muscles with pathologically reduced O2 delivery. We tested the hypothesis that NO2− infusion would increase exercising skeletal muscle blood flow (BF) and vascular conductance (VC) in CHF rats with a preferential effect in muscles composed primarily of type IIb + IId/x fibers. CHF (coronary artery ligation) was induced in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. After a >21-day recovery, mean arterial pressure (MAP; carotid artery catheter) and skeletal muscle BF (radiolabeled microspheres) were measured during treadmill exercise (20 m/min, 5% incline) with and without NO2− infusion. The myocardial infarct size (35 ± 3%) indicated moderate CHF. NO2− infusion increased total hindlimb skeletal muscle VC (CHF: 0.85 ± 0.09 ml·min−1·100 g−1·mmHg−1 and CHF + NO2−: 0.93 ± 0.09 ml·min−1·100 g−1·mmHg−1, P < 0.05) without changing MAP (CHF: 123 ± 4 mmHg and CHF + NO2−: 120 ± 4 mmHg, P = 0.17). Total hindlimb skeletal muscle BF was not significantly different (CHF: 102 ± 7 and CHF + NO2−: 109 ± 7 ml·min−1·100 g−1 ml·min−1·100 g−1, P > 0.05). BF increased in 6 (∼21%) and VC in 8 (∼29%) of the 28 individual muscles and muscle parts. Muscles and muscle portions exhibiting greater BF and VC after NO2− infusion comprised ≥63% type IIb + IId/x muscle fibers. These data demonstrate that NO2− infusion can augment skeletal muscle vascular control during exercise in CHF rats. Given the targeted effects shown herein, a NO2−-based therapy may provide an attractive “needs-based” approach for treatment of the vascular dysfunction in CHF.