bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Daily outfit satisfaction: the effects of self and others' evaluation on satisfaction with what I wear today
Authors: Lee Ha Kyung , Choo Ho Jung
Published: February 2015

This study investigated the satisfaction of the outfit which an individual chose to wear for the day by examining how self and others' evaluations influenced the outfit satisfaction and the intention to re‐wear. In addition, moderator variables (body satisfaction and body surveillance) that affected the effect of the evaluative factors upon satisfaction and behavioural intention were also examined. An online‐survey was conducted and the sample size used in the analysis was 349 in total. Using SPSS 18.0 and AMOS 18.0, structural equation modeling analysis and one‐way analysis of variance were implemented for hypothesis testing. The results showed that self‐evaluation as a perception of appropriateness of the outfit for that day and others' positive feedback increases outfit satisfaction. Appropriateness perception also had a significant impact on the intention to re‐wear. However, feedback from others on one's outfit did not have a significant direct effect on behavioural intention. Three‐way ANOVA was performed to verify the impact the feedback from others, body satisfaction, and body surveillance had on the respondent's intention to re‐wear, and a three‐way interaction effect was statistically significant. While individuals with high body satisfaction were likely to be confident about their appearance overall, the feedback from others did not impact their satisfaction. Individuals with low body satisfaction were influenced by others' feedback on their outfit. Individuals with high levels of body surveillance who sensitively monitored others' feedback especially displayed decreased intention to re‐wear when feedback from others on their outfit was negative. This research contributed to the deeper understanding of consumer's clothing behaviour at the post‐purchase stage. Enhanced understanding of lasting satisfaction and benefits pursued throughout the time while using the product would be essential in developing consumer‐centric marketing strategies.
Treatment and Control Groups in a Dynamic Setting
Authors: Rohwer Götz
Published: February 2015

The paper considers a version of the question of how to define treatment and control groups in a dynamic setting where treatments can occur at any time (but only once). The version considered pre‐supposes that treatments as well as outcomes can be conceptualised as events occurring in temporal locations of a discrete time axis. It is proposed to think of effects as being dependent on both the time when and the time since the treatment occurred. The paper develops corresponding definitions of treatment and control groups, and proposes a notion of ‘comprehensive treatment effect’ that takes into account how treatment and control groups are generated. Based on this notion, the paper discusses causal interpretations that do not pre‐suppose a potential outcomes framework.
Characterization of hospital and community‐acquired respiratory syncytial virus in children with severe lower respiratory tract infections in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 2010
Authors: Tuan Tran Anh , Thanh Tran Tan , Hai Nguyen thi Thanh , Tinh Le Binh Bao , Kim Le thi Ngoc , Do Lien Anh Ha , Chinh B'Krong Nguyen thi Thuy , Tham Nguyen thi , Hang Vu thi Ty , Merson Laura , Farrar Jeremy , Thuong Tang Chi , de Jong Menno D. , Schultsz Constance , van Doorn H Rogier
Published: February 2015

Background

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important community and nosocomial pathogen in developed countries but data regarding the importance of RSV in developing countries are relatively scarce.

Methods

During a 1‐year surveillance study in 2010, we took serial samples from children admitted to the Emergency Unit of the Respiratory Ward of Children's Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. RSV was detected within 72 hours of admission to the ward in 26% (376/1439; RSV A: n = 320; RSV B: n = 54; and RSV A and B: n = 2). Among those negative in the first 72 hours after admission, 6·6% (25/377) acquired nosocomial RSV infection during hospitalization (RSV A: n = 22; and RSV B: n = 3).

Results

Children with nosocomial RSV infection were younger (P = 0·001) and had a longer duration of hospitalization (P < 0·001). The rate of incomplete recovery among children with nosocomial RSV infection was significantly higher than among those without (P < 0·001). Phylogenetic analysis of partial G gene sequences obtained from 79% (316/401) of positive specimens revealed the co‐circulation of multiple genotypes with RSV A NA1 being predominant (A NA1: n = 275; A GA5: n = 5; B BA3: n = 3; B BA9: n = 26; and B BA10: n = 7). The RSV A GA5 and RSV B BA3 genotypes have not been reported from Vietnam, previously.

Conclusion

Besides emphasizing the importance of RSV as a cause of respiratory infection leading to hospitalization in young children and as a nosocomial pathogen, data from this study extend our knowledge on the genetic diversity of RSV circulating in Vietnam.
Non‐Fulfilment of Debt Limits in Spanish Municipalities
Authors: Benito Bernardino , Guillamón María‐Dolores , Bastida Francisco
Published: February 2015

In decentralised European Monetary Union members such as Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany and Spain, the Stability and Growth Pact can only be implemented if there is close fiscal coordination among government tiers. Thus, limits on subcentral governments' debt are essential in this coordination. This paper analyses which political and socio‐economic factors influence compliance with debt limits. We use a database with information on Spanish municipalities with at least 1,000 inhabitants for 2001–08. Our results indicate that the non‐financial surplus limit is the requirement that is most commonly breached, followed by the net operating balance requisite. Population has a positive and significant impact on failure to comply with debt limits. In addition, we show a positive relationship between income level and global limit compliance. Finally, it can be stated that municipalities appear to manipulate debt with electoral purposes.
Employment Quota System and Labour Market Outcomes of Individuals with Disabilities: Empirical Evidence from South Korea
Authors: Nazarov Zafar , Kang Dongug , von Schrader Sarah
Published: February 2015

To date, only a few studies have attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of disability employment quota systems using structural changes in policies. This study exploits the structural changes in South Korea's disability employment quota system that took place in 2004 and 2006 to expand the current disability policy evaluation literature. We separate the effect of these changes in the quota system into their effect on the probability of labour force participation and their effect on the probability of employment (after controlling for selection into the labour market). We also study the extent to which the changes – which included increasing the number of employers covered by the quota system, the number of jobs available to individuals with disabilities and the financial incentives for employing individuals with disabilities – have affected job satisfaction among individuals with disabilities. Our results suggest that the changes in the quota system may have increased labour force participation but have had a limited positive impact on the probability of employment among people with disabilities in South Korea. Further, compulsory hiring and expanded opportunities have not substantially affected the level of job satisfaction observed among employees with disabilities relative to their non‐disabled counterparts.
Practitioner Review: Pathways to care for ADHD – a systematic review of barriers and facilitators
Authors: Wright Nicola , Moldavsky Maria , Schneider Justine , Chakrabarti Ipsita , Coates Janine , Daley David , Kochhar Puja , Mills Jon , Sorour Walid , Sayal Kapil
Published: February 2015

Background

Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder starting in childhood that may persist into adulthood. It can be managed through carefully monitored medication and nonpharmacological interventions. Access to care for children at risk of ADHD varies both within and between countries. A systematic literature review was conducted to investigate the research evidence related to factors which influence children accessing services for ADHD.

Method

Studies investigating access to care for children at risk of ADHD were identified through electronic searches of the international peer‐reviewed and grey literature. Databases were searched from inception till 30th April 2012. This identified 23,156 articles which were subjected to three levels of screening (title, abstract and full text) by a minimum of two independent reviewers. Due to the heterogeneity in the study designs, a narrative approach was used to present the findings.

Results

Twenty‐seven papers met the inclusion criteria; these were grouped into four main themes, with some papers being included in more than one. These were wider determinants (10 papers); identification of need (9 papers); entry and continuity of care (13 papers) and interventions to improve access (4 papers). Barriers and facilitators to access were found to operate at the individual, organisational and societal level. Limited evidence of effective interventions to improve access was identified.

Conclusion

This review explored the multilayered obstacles in the pathway to care for children at risk of ADHD and the lack of evidence‐based interventions designed to address these issues, thereby indicating areas for service development and further evaluative research.
Spatially varying selection shapes life history clines among populations of Drosophila melanogaster from sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Fabian D. K. , Lack J. B. , Mathur V. , Schlötterer C. , Schmidt P. S. , Pool J. E. , Flatt T.
Published: February 2015

Clines in life history traits, presumably driven by spatially varying selection, are widespread. Major latitudinal clines have been observed, for example, in Drosophila melanogaster, an ancestrally tropical insect from Africa that has colonized temperate habitats on multiple continents. Yet, how geographic factors other than latitude, such as altitude or longitude, affect life history in this species remains poorly understood. Moreover, most previous work has been performed on derived European, American and Australian populations, but whether life history also varies predictably with geography in the ancestral Afro‐tropical range has not been investigated systematically. Here, we have examined life history variation among populations of D. melanogaster from sub‐Saharan Africa. Viability and reproductive diapause did not vary with geography, but body size increased with altitude, latitude and longitude. Early fecundity covaried positively with altitude and latitude, whereas lifespan showed the opposite trend. Examination of genetic variance–covariance matrices revealed geographic differentiation also in trade‐off structure, and QST‐FST analysis showed that life history differentiation among populations is likely shaped by selection. Together, our results suggest that geographic and/or climatic factors drive adaptive phenotypic differentiation among ancestral African populations and confirm the widely held notion that latitude and altitude represent parallel gradients.
Early growth response 1 (Egr‐1) directly regulates GABAA receptor α2, α4, and θ subunits in the hippocampus
Authors: Mo Jiwon , Kim Chong‐Hyun , Lee Dongmin , Sun Woong , Lee Hyun Woo , Kim Hyun
Published: February 2015

The homeostatic regulation of neuronal activity in glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses is critical for neural circuit development and synaptic plasticity. The induced expression of the transcription factor early growth response 1 (Egr‐1) in neurons is tightly associated with many forms of neuronal activity, but the underlying target genes in the brain remained to be elucidated. This study uses a quantitative real‐time PCR approach, in combination with in vivo chromatin immunoprecipitation, and reveals that GABAA receptor subunit, GABRA2 (α2), GABRA4 (α4), and GABRQ (θ) genes, are transcriptional targets of Egr‐1. Transfection of a construct that over‐expresses Egr‐1 in neuroblastoma (Neuro2A) cells up‐regulates the α2, α4, and θ subunits. Given that Egr‐1 knockout mice display less GABRA2, GABRA4, and GRBRQ mRNA in the hippocampus, and that Egr‐1 directly binds to their promoters and induces mRNA expression, the present findings support a role for Egr‐1 as a major regulator for altered GABAA receptor composition in homeostatic plasticity, in a glutamatergic activity‐dependent manner.

image

The early growth response 1 (Egr‐1) is an inducible transcription factor to mediate rapid gene expression by neuronal activity. However, its underlying molecular target genes and mechanisms are not fully understood. We suggest that GABAA receptor subunits, GABRA2 (α2), GABRA4 (α4), and GABRQ (θ) genes are transcriptional targets of Egr‐1. Neuronal activity‐dependent up‐regulation of Egr‐1 might lead to altered subtypes of GABAA receptors for the maintenance of homeostatic excitatory and inhibitory balance for the regulation of synaptic strength.
Functional characterization of mutants in the transmembrane domains of the rat P2X7 receptor that regulate pore conductivity and agonist sensitivity
Authors: Jindrichova Marie , Bhattacharya Anirban , Rupert Marian , Skopek Petr , Obsil Tomas , Zemkova Hana
Published: February 2015

In the sustained presence of agonist, the opening of P2X7R channel is followed by pore dilatation, which causes an increase in its permeability to larger organic cations, accompanied by receptor sensitization. To explore the molecular mechanisms by which the conductivity and sensitivity are increased, we analyzed the electrophysiological properties and YO‐PRO‐1 uptake of selected alanine mutants in the first and second transmembrane domains of the rat P2X7R. Substitution of residues Y40, F43, G338, and D352 with alanine reduced membrane trafficking, and the D352A was practically non‐functional. The Y40A and F43A mutants that were expressed in the membrane lacked pore dilation ability. Moreover, the Y40A and Y40F displayed desensitization, whereas the Y40W partially recovered receptor function. The G338A/S mutations favored the open state of the channel and displayed instantaneous permeability to larger organic cations. The G338P was non‐functional. The L341A and G345A displayed normal trafficking, current amplitude, and sensitization, but both mutations resulted in a decreased pore formation and dye uptake. These results showed that the increase in P2X7R conductivity and sensitivity is critically dependent on residues Y40 and F43 in the TM1 domain and that the region located at the intersection of TM2 helices controls the rate of large pore opening.

image

We investigated the mechanism of the proapoptotic receptor P2X7R's large pore opening and its sensitization. We found that aromatic residues in the upper part of the first transmembrane domain (TM1) are critical for both the P2X7R channel pore opening and receptor sensitization, and residues located at or below the intersection of the second transmembrane domains (TM2) control the rate of pore opening. These findings identify new residues involved in pore formation of P2X7R.
The Regulation of Oxytocin Receptor Gene Expression during Adipogenesis
Authors: Yi K. J. , So K. H. , Hata Y. , Suzuki Y. , Kato D. , Watanabe K. , Aso H. , Kasahara Y. , Nishimori K. , Chen C. , Katoh K. , Roh S. G.
Published: February 2015

Although it has been reported that oxytocin stimulates lipolysis in adipocytes, changes in the expression of oxytocin receptor (OTR) mRNA in adipogenesis are still unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of OTR mRNA during adipocyte differentiation and fat accumulation in adipocytes. OTR mRNA was highly expressed in adipocytes prepared from mouse adipose tissues compared to stromal‐vascular cells. OTR mRNA expression was increased during the adipocyte differentiation of 3T3‐L1 cells. OTR expression levels were higher in subcutaneous and epididymal adipose tissues of 14‐week‐old male mice compared to 7‐week‐old male mice. Levels of OTR mRNA expression were higher in adipose tissues at four different sites of mice fed a high‐fat diet than in those of mice fed a normal diet. The OTR expression level was also increased by refeeding for 4 h after fasting for 16 h. Oxytocin significantly induced lipolysis in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. In conclusion, a new regulatory mechanism is demonstrated for oxytocin to control the differentiation and fat accumulation in adipocytes via activation of OTR as a part of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adipose axis.
Immunotherapy for canine cancer – Is it time to go back to the future?
Authors: Killick D. R. , Stell A. J. , Catchpole B.
Published: February 2015

Over the last 50 years, the significance of the immune system in the development and control of cancer has been much debated. However, recent discoveries provide evidence for a role of immunological mechanisms in the detection and destruction of cancer cells. Forty years ago veterinary oncologists were already investigating the feasibility of treating neoplasia by enhancing anticancer immunity. Unfortunately, this research was hindered by lack of a detailed understanding of cancer immunology, this limited the specificity and success of these early approaches. The great forward strides made in our understanding of onco‐immunology in recent years have provided the impetus for a resurgence of interest in anticancer immunotherapy for canine patients. In this article both these initial trials and the exciting novel immunotherapeutics currently in development are reviewed.
Effect of Different Diets on Body Biochemical Composition of the Four‐sided Sea Cucumber, Isostichopus badionotus, Under Culture Conditions
Authors: Zacarias‐Soto Magali , Olvera‐Novoa Miguel Á.
Published: February 2015

The successful development of intensive farming of sea cucumbers requires diets tailored to their needs; hence, the objective of this study was to test different commercial diets and measure their effects on the growth and biochemical composition of four‐sided sea cucumber, Isostichopus badionotus. Three diets were used: diet A (37.66% protein and 7.27% lipids), diet B (20.09% protein and 3.34% lipids), and diet C (14.83% protein and 2.45% lipids). No differences in weight gain among treatments were observed; however, sea cucumbers fed diet C presented lower carcass protein levels. Lipid content decreased in all treatments compared to the initial values. I. badionotus maintained its initial body profile regardless of the fatty acids composition of the diets; however, the body level of saturated fatty acids increased significantly in animals fed diets B and C. The concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids was very low in all diets; nevertheless, the sea cucumbers maintained their corporal levels of C20:2, C20:3n‐3, C20:4n‐6, C20:5n‐3, and C22:6n‐3. They are also capable of elongate and desaturate 16C and 18C fatty acids supplied in the diet. These results suggest that I. badionotus is capable of maintaining its biochemical composition when fed diets containing at least 20% protein and low levels of lipids.
Inbreeding Effects on Body Weight at Harvest Size and Grow‐out Survival Rate in a Genetic Selected Population of Pacific White Shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei
Authors: de los Ríos‐Pérez Lidia , Campos‐Montes Gabriel R. , Martínez‐Ortega Alfonso , Castillo‐Juárez Héctor , Montaldo Hugo H.
Published: February 2015

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of inbreeding on body weight (BW) at harvest size (130 d of age) and grow‐out survival rate (SR) (65–130 d of age) in a nucleus breeding population of Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei. An experiment was designed to generate inbred families the product of sibling matings, as well as groups of families with different inbreeding coefficients in three successive generations. The families came from a broodstock line selected for growth and survival. Inbreeding coefficients varied between 0 and 60.4%. A total of 16,361 shrimp from 320 families were produced. Data were analyzed using mixed linear model methodology and restricted maximum likelihood methods. Estimated change on BW per 10% increase on the inbreeding coefficient was −2.19 ± 0.41% (P <0.001) relative to the mean of non‐inbred shrimp predicted from the model (19.63 g). Regression coefficient for grow‐out SR on inbreeding was not significant. Estimated change in SR per 10% increase on the inbreeding coefficient was −0.009 ± 0.006% (P = 0.108) relative to the mean of non‐inbred shrimp predicted from the model (81.72%). It is important to control inbreeding level in breeding programs.
Corn Starch as a Dietary Seaweed Powder Replacer in Juvenile Abalone, Haliotis discus hannai
Authors: Ferreira Fernando M. , Deysolong Larry B. , Park Gunhyun , Yun Hyeonho , Jang Inkwon , Kim Kangwoong , Bai Sungchul C.
Published: February 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the use of corn starch (CS) as a replacer of seaweed powder (SWP) in the diets of juvenile abalone, Haliotis discus hannai. Six experimental diets were formulated with CS to replace SWP at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% (Con, CS20, CS40, CS60, CS80, and CS100, respectively). Abalones averaging 0.44 ± 0.01 g (mean ± SD) were distributed into 18 tanks, and fed one of the six experimental diets in triplicate for 10 wk. After the feeding trial, abalone fed CS100 had a lower weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate than abalone fed the other diets; however, there was no significant difference among abalone fed Con, CS20, CS40, CS60, and CS80. Abalone fed Con, CS20, and CS40 had a higher feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio than abalone fed CS100 diet, although there were no significant differences among abalone fed Con, CS20, CS40, CS60, and CS80. Abalone fed CS100 had a lower whole‐body crude lipid content than did abalone fed Con. Broken‐line analysis for WG indicated that dietary SWP was successfully replaced by CS up to 74.8%. Based on growth performance, CS could replace more than 74.8% but less than 80% of SWP in juvenile abalone diets.
Inference of domestication history and differentiation between early‐ and late‐flowering varieties in pearl millet
Authors: Dussert Y. , Snirc A. , Robert T.
Published: February 2015

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is a staple crop in Sahelian Africa. Farmers usually grow varieties with different cycle lengths and complementary functions in Sahelian agrosystems. Both the level of genetic differentiation of these varieties and the domestication history of pearl millet have been poorly studied. We investigated the neutral genetic diversity and population genetic structure of early‐ and late‐flowering domesticated and wild pearl millet populations using 18 microsatellite loci and 8 nucleotide sequences. Strikingly, early‐ and late‐flowering domesticated varieties were not differentiated over their whole distribution area, despite a clear difference in their isolation‐by‐distance pattern. Conversely, our data brought evidence for two well‐differentiated genetic pools in wild pearl millet, allowing us to test scenarios with different numbers and origins of domestication using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC). The ABC analysis showed the likely existence of asymmetric migration between wild and domesticated populations. The model choice procedure indicated that a single domestication from the eastern wild populations was the more likely scenario to explain the polymorphism patterns observed in cultivated pearl millet.
Robust and Fragile Aspects of Cortical Blood Flow in Relation to the Underlying Angioarchitecture
Authors: Shih Andy Y. , Rühlmann Charlotta , Blinder Pablo , Devor Anna , Drew Patrick J. , Friedman Beth , Knutsen Per M. , Lyden Patrick D. , Matéo Céline , Mellander Lisa , Nishimura Nozomi , Schaffer Chris B. , Tsai Philbert S. , Kleinfeld David
Published: February 2015

We review the organizational principles of the cortical vasculature and the underlying patterns of blood flow under normal conditions and in response to occlusion of single vessels. The cortex is sourced by a two‐dimensional network of pial arterioles that feeds a three‐dimensional network of subsurface microvessels in close proximity to neurons and glia. Blood flow within the surface and subsurface networks is largely insensitive to occlusion of a single vessel within either network. However, the penetrating arterioles that connect the pial network to the subsurface network are bottlenecks to flow; occlusion of even a single penetrating arteriole results in the death of a 500 μm diameter cylinder of cortical tissue despite the potential for collateral flow through microvessels. This pattern of flow is consistent with that calculated from a full reconstruction of the angioarchitecture. Conceptually, collateral flow is insufficient to compensate for the occlusion of a penetrating arteriole because penetrating venules act as shunts of blood that flows through collaterals. Future directions that stem from the analysis of the angioarchitecture concern cellular‐level issues, in particular the regulation of blood flow within the subsurface microvascular network, and system‐level issues, in particular the role of penetrating arteriole occlusions in human cognitive impairment.
Reproducibility of Cutaneous Vascular Conductance Responses to Slow Local Heating Assessed Using seven‐Laser Array Probes
Authors: Dawson Ellen A. , Low David A. , Meeuwis Iris H.M. , Kerstens Floor G. , Atkinson Ceri L. , Cable Nigel Timothy , Green Daniel J. , Thijssen Dick H.J.
Published: February 2015

Objective

Gradual local heating of the skin induces a largely NO‐mediated vasodilatation. However, use of this assessment of microvascular health is limited because little is known about its reproducibility.

Methods

Healthy volunteers (n = 9) reported twice to the laboratory. CVC, derived from laser Doppler flux and mean arterial pressure, was examined in response to a standardized local heating protocol (0.5°C per 150 second from 33°C to 42°C, followed by 20 minutes at 44°C). Skin responses were examined at two locations on the forearm (between‐site). Heating was repeated after a break of 24–72 hours (between‐day). Reproducibility of skin responses at 33–42°C is presented for absolute CVC and relative CVC responses corrected for maximal CVC at 44°C (%CVCmax).

Results

Between‐day reproducibility of baseline CVC and %CVCmax for both sites was relatively poor (22–30%). At 42°C, CVC and %CVCmax responses showed less variation (9–19%), whilst absolute CVC responses at 44°C were 14–17%. Between‐day variation for %CVCmax increased when using data from site 1 on day 1, but site 2 on the subsequent day (25%).

Conclusion

Day‐to‐day reproducibility of baseline laser Doppler‐derived skin perfusion responses is poor, but acceptable when absolute and relative skin perfusion to a local gradual heating protocol is utilized and site‐to‐site variation is minimized.
VIII. ATTACHMENT AND SLEEP AMONG TODDLERS: DISENTANGLING ATTACHMENT SECURITY AND DEPENDENCY
Authors: Bélanger Marie‐Ève , Bernier Annie , Simard Valérie , Bordeleau Stéphanie , Carrier Julie
Published: February 2015

Many scholars have proposed that parent‐child attachment security should favor child sleep. Research has yet, however, to provide convincing support for this hypothesis. The current study used objective measures of sleep and attachment to assess the longitudinal links between mother‐child attachment security and subsequent sleep, controlling for child dependency. Sixty‐two middle‐class families (30 girls) were met twice, when children were 15 months (Wave 1; W1) and 2 years of age (Wave 2; W2). At W1, mother‐child attachment was assessed with the observer version of the Attachment Q‐Sort. At W2, children wore an actigraph monitor for 72 hr. Results indicated that children more securely attached to their mothers subsequently slept more at night and had higher sleep efficiency, and these predictions were not confounded by child dependency. These findings suggest a unique role for secure attachment relationships in the development of young children's sleep regulation, while addressing methodological issues that have long precluded consensus in this literature.
XI. SLEEP AND DEVELOPMENT: CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Authors: Sadeh Avi , El‐Sheikh Mona
Published: February 2015

Literature on sleep and child development is growing in novel directions across several disciplines necessitating guiding conceptual principles and methodological tools. First, this volume presents a summary of discussions from an SRCD‐sponsored multidisciplinary forum on sleep and development, which includes presentation of key issues and guiding recommendations for research priorities in this fast developing field. Second, enhancing accessibility to child development researchers, state of the science sleep assessment methodologies are presented with a discussion of their advantages and disadvantages. Third, seven empirical studies conducted with “typically” developing infants and children provide examples of relations between sleep and some of the many individual and familial factors that influence and are influenced by sleep. In the presentation of empirical findings, a developmental ecological systems perspective adapted to sleep was espoused to illustrate some of the multiple levels of influence in the study of child sleep and development. Collectively, studies in this volume build significantly on the literature through: (a) illustrating linkages between various sleep parameters (e.g., quality, sleeping arrangements) and other key developmental domains (e.g., attachment, parenting); (b) demonstration of longitudinal relations connecting sleep with development, which is scarce in this field; and (c) utilization of actigraphy‐based assessments of sleep duration and quality, which are underutilized in the literature yet important for a more nuanced understanding of sleep and development.
ON SLEEP AND DEVELOPMENT: RECENT ADVANCES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Authors: Lukowski Angela F. , Bell Martha Ann
Published: February 2015

The authors of the monograph discuss conceptual and methodological issues in the study of sleep‐behavior associations, report on the advantages and disadvantages of various techniques for assessing sleep in infants and children, and suggest the importance of examining sleep‐behavior relations across multiple disciplines of influence. The primary focus of this commentary is to highlight how these new perspectives contribute to our emerging understanding of sleep‐behavior relations in infancy and childhood, as well as to propose further challenges and avenues for future research.
Reversible cerebellar syndrome induced by hypomagnesemia
Authors: Santos Ana Filipa , Sousa Filipa , Rodrigues Margarida , Ferreira Carla , Soares‐Fernandes João , Maré Ricardo
Published: February 2015

Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation, and is involved in a multitude of cellular enzymatic reactions that are essential for life. Hypomagnesemia has been associated with various neurological symptoms. We report an intriguing case of a 68‐year‐old woman with hypomagnesemia and cerebellar syndrome associated with a transient lesion of the cerebellar vermis selectively involving the nodulus. Immediate replacement of magnesium determined the reversibility of the clinical picture.
Novel risk score of contrast‐induced nephropathy after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Ji Ling , Su XiaoFeng , Qin Wei , Mi XuHua , Liu Fei , Tang XiaoHong , Li Zi , Yang LiChuan
Published: February 2015

Aim

Contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) post‐percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a major cause of acute kidney injury. In this study, we established a comprehensive risk score model to assess risk of CIN after PCI procedure, which could be easily used in a clinical environment.

Methods

A total of 805 PCI patients, divided into analysis cohort (70%) and validation cohort (30%), were enrolled retrospectively in this study. Risk factors for CIN were identified using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression in the analysis cohort. Risk score model was developed based on multiple regression coefficients. Sensitivity and specificity of the new risk score system was validated in the validation cohort. Comparisons between the new risk score model and previous reported models were applied.

Results

The incidence of post‐PCI CIN in the analysis cohort (n = 565) was 12%. Considerably high CIN incidence (50%) was observed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Age >75, body mass index (BMI) >25, myoglobin level, cardiac function level, hypoalbuminaemia, history of chronic kidney disease (CKD), Intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) were identified as independent risk factors of post‐PCI CIN. A novel risk score model was established using multivariate regression coefficients, which showed highest sensitivity and specificity (0.917, 95%CI 0.877–0.957) compared with previous models.

Conclusion

A new post‐PCI CIN risk score model was developed based on a retrospective study of 805 patients. Application of this model might be helpful to predict CIN in patients undergoing PCI procedure.
ANALYSIS OF SENSITIVITY AND UNCERTAINTY IN AN INDIVIDUAL‐BASED MODEL OF A THREATENED WILDLIFE SPECIES
Authors: MARCOT BRUCE G. , SINGLETON PETER H. , SCHUMAKER NATHAN H.
Published: February 2015

Sensitivity analysis—determination of how prediction variables affect response variables—of individual‐based models (IBMs) are few but important to the interpretation of model output. We present sensitivity analysis of a spatially explicit IBM (HexSim) of a threatened species, the Northern Spotted Owl (NSO; Strix occidentalis caurina) in Washington, USA. We explored sensitivity to HexSim variables representing habitat quality, movement, dispersal, and model architecture; previous NSO studies have well established sensitivity of model output to vital rate variation. We developed “normative” (expected) model settings from field studies, and then varied the values of ≥ 1 input parameter at a time by ±10% and ±50% of their normative values to determine influence on response variables of population size and trend. We determined time to population equilibration and dynamics of populations above and below carrying capacity. Recovery time from small population size to carrying capacity greatly exceeded decay time from an overpopulated condition, suggesting lag time required to repopulate newly available habitat. Response variables were most sensitive to input parameters of habitat quality which are well‐studied for this species and controllable by management. HexSim thus seems useful for evaluating potential NSO population responses to landscape patterns for which good empirical information is available.
The differential expression of mgl mRNA by Porphyromonas gingivalis affects the production of methyl mercaptan
Authors: Ouhara K , Iwasaki Y , Kajiya M , Savitri IJ , Kitagawa M , Tokunaga N , Shintani T , Ogawa I , Hino T , Fujita T , Shiba H , Kurihara H
Published: February 2015

Objective

A large number of individuals have halitosis. The total amount of volatile sulfur compounds, which are the main cause of halitosis, has been correlated with periodontitis following bacterial infection. In this study, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), a major periodontopathogenic bacterium, was isolated from patients with halitosis by the amplification of 16S rRNA, and the ability of isolated Pg to produce methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) was determined to clarify the relationship between halitosis and Pg infection.

Materials and Methods

CH3SH concentrations were measured in patients using Oral Chroma. The production of CH3SH by Pg standard and clinical strains was also measured in vitro. Real‐time PCR was performed to compare the expression of mgl mRNA (which encoded l‐methionine‐a‐deamino‐g‐mercaptomethane‐lyase) among the Pg strains. The production of CH3SH and the expression of mgl mRNA were also determined to assess the effects of oriental medicine.

Results

The production of CH3SH and the expression of mgl mRNA strongly correlated with each other in the presence of l‐methionine. The expression of mgl mRNA by Pg W83 was strongly inhibited by magnoliaceae.

Conclusion

The production of CH3SH was correlated with the expression of mgl. Furthermore, the oriental medicine, magnoliaceae, may represent a potential treatment for halitosis.
Learning from clinical medicine to improve the use of surrogates in ecology
Authors: Barton Philip S. , Pierson Jennifer C. , Westgate Martin J. , Lane Peter W. , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: February 2015

Surrogates are used widely in ecology to detect or monitor changes in the environment that are too difficult or costly to assess directly. Yet most work on surrogates to date has been correlative, with little work on their predictive capacity or the circumstances under which they work. Our suggestion is to revisit and learn from research in the clinical medical sciences, including the causal statistical frameworks available to validate relationships between treatments, surrogate variables, and the outcome of interest. We adapt this medical thinking to ecology by providing a new framework that involves specification of the surrogate model, statistical validation, and subsequent evaluation in a range of spatial and temporal contexts. An inter‐disciplinary surrogate concept will allow for a more rigorous approach to validating and evaluating proxy variables, thus advancing the selection and application of surrogates in ecology.

Synthesis

We draw together ideas from the medical sciences to define an explicit surrogate concept that has not previously been used in ecology. We present a new framework for specifying surrogate models involving validation using a causal framework, and subsequent re‐evaluation in different spatial and temporal contexts – an approach closely aligned with that used by researchers in the clinical medical sciences. This rigorous method can advance the science underpinning the application of surrogates in ecology by shifting the focus away from correlative understanding to one that focuses instead on causation and prediction. An improved use of surrogates is imperative if we are to meet the challenge of properly measuring and understanding the multifarious and complex problems in contemporary ecology.
Differences in vulnerability to traumatic stress among patients with psychiatric disorders: One‐year follow‐up study after the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Inoue Kana , Inoue Koju , Suda Shiro , Shioda Katsutoshi , Kobayashi Toshiyuki , Kishi Koichiro , Kato Satoshi
Published: February 2015

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in vulnerability to traumatic stress and the 1‐year course of post‐traumatic stress symptoms among patients with pre‐existing psychiatric disorders after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Methods

The Impact of Event Scale‐Revised (IES‐R) was used to assess post‐traumatic stress symptoms in 612 patients with schizophrenic (ICD‐10 F2; n = 163), mood (F3; n = 299), or neurotic disorders (F4; n = 150) at 1–4 months and again at 13–16 months after the disaster (retention rate: 68%).

Results

The mean IES‐R total score for all diagnostic groups was 18.6 at index and 13.4 at follow up. The mean IES‐R total score for patients with neurotic disorders (22.5) was significantly higher than that of patients with mood disorders (18.1) and schizophrenic disorders (15.9). At follow up, these scores decreased for all groups and inter‐group differences were not observed.

Conclusions

Vulnerability to traumatic stress after a disaster was most severe in patients with neurotic disorders, followed by mood disorders, and, lastly, schizophrenic disorders. This difference among the three diagnostic groups was not found 1 year after the disaster.
Mixture Model Analysis of Partially Rank‐Ordered Set Samples: Age Groups of Fish from Length‐Frequency Data
Authors: Hatefi Armin , Jozani Mohammad Jafari , Ozturk Omer
Published: February 2015

We present a novel methodology for estimating the parameters of a finite mixture model (FMM) based on partially rank‐ordered set (PROS) sampling and use it in a fishery application. A PROS sampling design first selects a simple random sample of fish and creates partially rank‐ordered judgement subsets by dividing units into subsets of prespecified sizes. The final measurements are then obtained from these partially ordered judgement subsets. The traditional expectation–maximization algorithm is not directly applicable for these observations. We propose a suitable expectation–maximization algorithm to estimate the parameters of the FMMs based on PROS samples. We also study the problem of classification of the PROS sample into the components of the FMM. We show that the maximum likelihood estimators based on PROS samples perform substantially better than their simple random sample counterparts even with small samples. The results are used to classify a fish population using the length‐frequency data.
Cross‐Border Intellectual Property Rights: Contract Enforcement and Absorptive Capacity
Authors: Naghavi Alireza , Tsai Yingyi
Published: February 2015

This article studies the cross‐border protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) as an outcome of a contract obtained through a Nash bargaining process between an innovative North and an imitative South. The level of disclosure required in such contract is higher, the more capable is the South in copying if bargaining breaks down. This raises questions about the suitability of universal IPR standards through a single contract. The threat of a penalty in case of non‐compliance can, however, reduce the outside option of more advanced countries and make a stricter IPR regime enforceable by harmonizing their interests with relatively less developed nations.
The health system burden of chronic disease care: an estimation of provider costs of selected chronic diseases in Uganda
Authors: Settumba Stella Nalukwago , Sweeney Sedona , Seeley Janet , Biraro Samuel , Mutungi Gerald , Munderi Paula , Grosskurth Heiner , Vassall Anna
Published: February 2015

Objective

To explore the chronic disease services in Uganda: their level of utilisation, the total service costs and unit costs per visit.

Methods

Full financial and economic cost data were collected from 12 facilities in two districts, from the provider's perspective. A combination of ingredients‐based and step‐down allocation costing approaches was used. The diseases under study were diabetes, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), epilepsy and HIV infection. Data were collected through a review of facility records, direct observation and structured interviews with health workers.

Results

Provision of chronic care services was concentrated at higher‐level facilities. Excluding drugs, the total costs for NCD care fell below 2% of total facility costs. Unit costs per visit varied widely, both across different levels of the health system, and between facilities of the same level. This variability was driven by differences in clinical and drug prescribing practices.

Conclusion

Most patients reported directly to higher‐level facilities, bypassing nearby peripheral facilities. NCD services in Uganda are underfunded particularly at peripheral facilities. There is a need to estimate the budget impact of improving NCD care and to standardise treatment guidelines.
Good clinical outcomes from a 7‐year holistic programme of fistula repair in Guinea
Authors: Delamou Alexandre , Diallo Moustapha , Beavogui Abdoul Habib , Delvaux Thérèse , Millimono Sita , Kourouma Mamady , Beattie Karen , Barone Mark , Barry Thierno Hamidou , Khogali Mohamed , Edginton Mary , Hinderaker Sven Gudmund , Ruminjo Joseph , Zhang Wei‐Hong , De Brouwere Vincent
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Female genital fistula remains a public health concern in developing countries. From January 2007 to September 2013, the Fistula Care project, managed by EngenderHealth in partnership with the Ministry of Health and supported by USAID, integrated fistula repair services in the maternity wards of general hospitals in Guinea. The objective of this article was to present and discuss the clinical outcomes of 7 years of work involving 2116 women repaired in three hospitals across the country.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using data abstracted from medical records for fistula repairs conducted from 2007 to 2013. The study data were reviewed during the period April to August 2014.

Results

The majority of the 2116 women who underwent surgical repair had vesicovaginal fistula (n = 2045, 97%) and 3% had rectovaginal fistula or a combination of both. Overall 1748 (83%) had a closed fistula and were continent of urine immediately after surgery. At discharge, 1795 women (85%) had a closed fistula and 1680 (79%) were dry, meaning they no longer leaked urine and/or faeces. One hundred and fifteen (5%) remained with residual incontinence despite fistula closure. Follow‐up at 3 months was completed by 1663 (79%) women of whom 1405 (84.5%) had their fistula closed and 80% were continent. Twenty‐one per cent were lost to follow‐up.

Conclusion

Routine programmatic repair for obstetric fistula in low resources settings can yield good outcomes. However, more efforts are needed to address loss to follow‐up, sustain the results and prevent the occurrence and/or recurrence of fistula.
TCP transcription factors are critical for the coordinated regulation of ISOCHORISMATE SYNTHASE 1 expression in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Gao Jiong , Zhu Zheng , Dong Xianxin , Wang Xiaolei , Ren Guodong , Zhou Xin , Kuai Benke
Published: February 2015

Salicylic acid (SA) plays an important role in various aspects of plant development and responses to stresses. To elucidate the sophisticated regulatory mechanism of SA synthesis and signaling, we used a yeast one‐hybrid system to screen for regulators of ISOCHORISMATE SYNTHASE 1 (ICS1), a gene encoding the key enzyme in SA biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana. A TCP family transcription factor AtTCP8 was initially identified as a candidate regulator of ICS1. The regulation of ICS1 by TCP proteins is supported by the presence of a typical TCP binding site in the ICS1 promoter. The binding of TCP8 to this site was confirmed by in vitro and in vivo assays. Expression patterns of TCP8 and its corresponding gene TCP9 largely overlapped with ICS1 under pathogen attack. A significant reduction in the expression of ICS1 during immune responses was observed in the tcp8 tcp9 double mutant. We also detected strong interactions between TCP8 and SAR deficient 1 (SARD1), WRKY family transcription factor 28 (WRKY28), NAC (NAM/ATAF1,ATAF2/CUC2) family transcription factor 019 (NAC019), as well as among TCP8, TCP9 and TCP20, suggesting a complex coordinated regulatory mechanism underlying ICS1 expression. Our results collectively demonstrate that TCP proteins are involved in the orchestrated regulation of ICS1 expression, with TCP8 and TCP9 being verified as major representatives.