bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Motorized versus manual instrumented spasticity assessment in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Sloot Lizeth H , Bar‐On Lynn , van der Krogt Marjolein M , Aertbeliën Erwin , Buizer Annemieke I , Desloovere Kaat , Harlaar Jaap 
Published: July 2016

AimWe compared the outcomes of manual and motorized instrumented ankle spasticity assessments in children with cerebral palsy (CP).MethodTen children with spasticCP(three males, seven females; mean age 11y [standard deviation 3y], range 6–14y; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I–III) were included. During motorized assessments, fast (100°/s) rotations were imposed around the ankle joint by a motor‐driven footplate; during manual assessments, rotations of comparable speed were applied by a therapist using a foot orthotic. Angular range of motion, maximum velocity, acceleration, work, and muscle activity (electromyography [EMG]) of the triceps surae and tibialis anterior were compared during passive muscle stretch between motorized and manual assessments. Both movement profiles were also compared toCPgait ankle movement profile.ResultsThe imposed movement profile differed between methods, with the motorized assessment reaching higher maximum acceleration. Despite equal maximum velocity, the triceps surae were more often activated in motorized assessments, with low agreement of 44% to 72% (κ≤0) forEMGonset occurrence between methods. The manually applied ankle velocity profile matched more closely with the gait profile.InterpretationThe differences in acceleration possibly account for the different muscle responses, which may suggest acceleration, rather than velocity‐dependency of the stretch reflex. Future prototypes of instrumented spasticity assessments should standardize movement profiles, preferably by developing profiles that mimic functional tasks such as walking.
Dimorphism of right–left asymmetry in the female genitalia of the brachypterous grasshopper Parapodisma mikado (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
Authors: Shimizu Daisuke , Sugano Yoshikazu C. , Tsuchiya‐Suzuki Kaori , Ito Gen , Akimoto Shin‐ichi 
Published: July 2016

AbstractSeveral insects exhibit morphological asymmetry in the mouthparts or genitalia. In a part of species with asymmetric genitalia, two mirror‐image forms of the genitalia are reported to occur in a population. This dimorphism, called chiral dimorphism, is usually observed in male genitalia, but its examples in female genitalia are very limited. Here, we report that the females of the brachypterous grasshopper Parapodisma mikado are equipped with an asymmetric sclerite in the copulatory bursa, and that two mirror‐image forms of the sclerite occur in local populations. This dimorphism was detected in all of seven populations examined, and the ratio of the two forms was approximately 2:1 for the right : left forms. In one population, the ratio of the two forms did not vary among three consecutive years. Thus, chiral dimorphism in the female genitalia is kept almost constant spatiotemporally. Mating experiments indicated that the direction of female genitalia did not affect the direction to which the males twist their abdomen (right or left side) during mating or the duration of mating. We propose two hypotheses, a neutral developmental mechanism and sexual conflict, for the maintenance of chiral dimorphism in the genitalia of P. mikado females.
Free Amino Acids Mediate Association Preferences in Fish
Authors: Kleinhappel Tanja K. , Burman Oliver H. P. , John Elizabeth A. , Wilkinson Anna , Pike Thomas W. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractChemical information is used in a variety of contexts including habitat recognition, foraging and predator avoidance, and a plethora of studies have shown that an individual's distinct chemical profile can mediate interactions with conspecifics. Interestingly, recent work has revealed that diet alone is sufficient to change the chemical profile of individuals, and with it, the way other individuals perceive and interact with them. Free amino acids are known to be utilised across species in a range of contexts, including during predator–prey and host–parasite interactions, and have been widely postulated to underpin diet‐mediated social interactions, especially in fish. However, so far no empirical evidence has been presented to support this suggestion. Using an established behavioural assay in three‐spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus), we aimed to assess association preferences in groups of fish fed experimental diets which differed by a single free amino acid. Our results demonstrate that free amino acids alone are sufficient to mediate interindividual association preferences, raising the possibility that such a mechanism may be widespread among aquatic animals.
Does Interspecific Eavesdropping Promote Aerial Aggregations in European Pipistrelle Bats During Autumn?
Authors: Voigt‐Heucke Silke L. , Zimmer Stefanie , Kipper Silke 
Published: July 2016

AbstractEavesdropping is a widespread strategy to optimize decision‐making. Bats are interesting models for investigating acoustic information transfer, as they possess a broad vocalization repertoire of echolocation and social calls. Yet, the knowledge of the extent to which eavesdropping plays a role in bat communication is scarce. Here, we examined the vocal and spatial activity patterns of three congeneric bat species (Pipistrellus pipistrellus, P. pygmaeus, P. nathusii, hereafter called pipistrelles) during autumn – their migration and mating season. We hypothesized that pipistrelles utilize information of conspecifics and congenerics to localize stopover sites for mating or other information purposes during migration. We found that bats formed small multispecies aggregations on the wing, suggesting interspecific eavesdropping on feeding buzzes and/or courtship calls could occur among these species. Pipistrelles produced similar proportions of feeding buzzes and social calls at aggregation sites. To test whether pipistrelles respond to the courtship vocalizations of conspecifics and congenerics, we conducted a playback experiment with P. pipistrellus where we presented courtship vocalizations of the three pipistrelle species and as a control, a motif of the noctule bat's song (Nyctalus noctula). Pipistrellus pipistrellus decreased the rate of social calls in response to the broadcast of songs of P. nathusii, yet they tended to increase the rate in response to the playback of their own species. We conclude that interspecific eavesdropping occurs at least between P. pipistrellus and P. nathusii and might thus favour the formation of multispecies aggregations. Our findings provide novel insights into the social behaviour and interspecific communication of a bat community during the season of migration and mating.
Environmental Parasitism Risk and Host Infection Status Affect Patch Use in Foraging Wild Mice
Authors: Hou Ching‐Ho , Shaner Pei‐Jen L. , Hsiao Chun‐Jui , Lin Yu‐Teh K. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractForaging host individuals can defend against fecal–orally transmitted parasites by avoiding feces‐contaminated patches, which has been widely documented among ungulates. However, it remains unclear whether smaller‐sized hosts (e.g., mice), with their high metabolism and constant needs for energy acquisition, can afford the same behavioral strategy. In this study, we used laboratory and field experiments to test whether feces‐contaminated patches are avoided by the Taiwan field mice Apodemus semotus. In the laboratory experiment, wild‐caught mice whose parasitic infection was not manipulated were given two options to forage from feces‐contaminated and uncontaminated patches. These naturally infected mice spent less time in feces‐contaminated than uncontaminated patches. In the field experiment, we reduced gastrointestinal parasite load of randomly chosen mice via anthelmintic treatment. Whereas the untreated mice did not discriminate among food patches with different levels of parasitism risk (i.e., high‐ or low‐risk patches containing conspecific feces of high or low parasite egg counts, no‐feces patches containing no feces), the treated mice spent less time in feces‐contaminated patches than in no‐feces patches. Similar to the larger‐sized ungulates, we demonstrated here that small mammals can also exhibit fecal‐avoidance foraging. Furthermore, such behavior may be influenced by both environmental parasitism risk and host infection status, which has implications in host–parasite transmission dynamics, namely the selective use of uncontaminated patches by the less‐infected (treated) mice may drive parasites to aggregate within the infected portion of a host population.
Prospective cohort study evaluating risk factors for the development of pasture‐associated laminitis in the United Kingdom
Authors: Menzies‐Gow N. J. , Harris P. A. , Elliott J. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryBackgroundCertain individuals appear to be predisposed to recurrent pasture‐associated laminitis. Previous studies have predominantly investigated risk factors only after disease occurrence.ObjectivesTo investigate risk factors for pasture‐associated laminitis prior to disease occurrence.Study designProspective cohort study.MethodsNon‐laminitic ponies aged ≥7 years were recruited. Body condition score (BCS), height, weight, crest height and thickness were measured and an overnight dexamethasone suppression test performed. Plasma or serum adiponectin, leptin, triglyceride, basal insulin, insulin post‐dexamethasone, insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1),IGFbinding protein 1 (IGFBP‐1),IGFBP‐3, C‐reactive protein, von Willebrand's factor, soluble E‐selectin and P‐selectin concentrations were assayed. Follow‐up data were obtained from owners annually for 3 years to ascertain occurrences of veterinarian‐diagnosed pasture‐associated laminitis. Data were analysed by multivariate logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis was performed for significant risk factors and cut‐off values determined.ResultsA total of 446 animals with a median (interquartile range) age of 15 (10–20) years were recruited. Of these, 50.4% were mares and 49.6% were geldings. The most common breeds were Welsh (36.4%), Shetland (17.0%) and cob (9.4%). Overall, 72.2% of animals were overweight/obese (BCS7–9/9), 27.3% were of ideal weight (BCS4–6/9) and 0.5% were underweight (BCS1–3/9). After 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively, 18 (4.0%), 30 (6.7%) and 44 (9.9%) animals were reported to have had laminitis. Plasma adiponectin, and serum basal (insulin) and (insulin) post‐dexamethasone levels were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) associated with laminitis occurrence cumulatively after 1, 2 and 3 years. Use of the area under theROCcurves to distinguish animals that did and did not develop laminitis showed good (basal [insulin] after 1 year), fair (all others) or poor ([insulin] post‐dexamethasone) levels of accuracy.Main limitationsAnimals were evaluated at a single time point and biomarkers were assayed using single assays.ConclusionsRisk factors for future laminitis prior to disease occurrence include low plasma adiponectin and high serum basal insulin or insulin post‐dexamethasone concentrations.
Precarious Investments and Blame Gaming – Adverse Effects and the Inherent Danger of Simplification
Authors: Gårseth‐Nesbakk Levi , Kjærland Frode 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis blame game study reports on attempts by eight municipalities to recover money in the wake of financial losses resulting from the financial crisis. Actor‐network theory helps unravel which actors were involved in creating the blame game and those who were mobilized to facilitate it, which resulted in judicial losses and substantial advisory service fees. The evidence suggests that punctualization can be costly when dealing with precarious investments and engaging in blame gaming, as simplifications might evoke adverse effects. Contributions relate to group formation and the use of experts in blame gaming and addressing related strategies as heterogeneous network effects.
Solution structure of the microtubule‐targeting COS domain of MID1
Authors: Wright Katharine M. , Du Haijuan , Dagnachew Mesgana , Massiah Michael A. 
Published: July 2016

The human MID1 protein is required for the proper development during embryogenesis. Mutations of MID1 are associated with X‐linked Opitz G syndrome, characterized by midline anomalies. MID1 associates with the microtubules and functions as an ubiquitin E3 ligase, targeting protein phosphatase 2A for ubiquitin‐mediated regulation. The mechanism of microtubule association is not known. Recently, a 60‐amino acid region termed the C‐terminal subgroup One Signature (COS) box/domain was identified at the C‐terminal end of the coiled‐coil (CC) domain that facilitates microtubule localization. Insertion of the MID1 COS domain at the C‐terminal end of the CC domain of a nonmicrotubule‐associated TRIM protein confers microtubule localization. Here, we report the solution structure of the COS domain of MID1. The domain adopts a helix‐loop‐helix structure in which the N‐ and C‐terminal ends are in close proximity. Hydrophobic residues stabilizing the interaction of the two α‐helices form a central hydrophobic core. The loop separating the α‐helices is structured, with two of its hydrophobic residues making contact with the central core. On the outer surface, positively charged residues form a distinct basic patch near the termini that we postulate is important for microtubule binding. A model of the structure of the preceding coiled‐coil and COS domains (CC‐COS) show that the COS domain forms a helical bundle at the C‐terminal end of the CC domain similar to the spectrin‐like fold observed with some known microtubule‐binding proteins. Interestingly, the CC‐COS domains bind to microtubules, demonstrating for the first time that MID1 can directly associate with the microtubules.DatabaseStructural data are available in PDB database under the accession number 5IM8.
Effects of tagging on migration behaviour, survival and growth of hatchery‐reared Atlantic salmon smolts
Authors: Huusko R. , Huusko A. , Mäki‐Petäys A. , Orell P. , Erkinaro J. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe effects of four different tagging methods (PIT, anchor T‐tag, Carlin tag and dummy radio transmitter) on survival, behaviour and growth of Atlantic salmon smolts during their downstream migration were examined in semi‐natural circular channels during a natural migration period in spring. Survival of smolts was high and tagging wounds healed well in all tagging groups. Tag loss rates were generally low, being the highest (2.5%) in the dummy radio transmitter group. Total length and body mass of the tagged and untagged smolts did not differ at the end of the experiment. Migration activity of smolts generally showed similar patterns among the treatments. However, Carlin‐tagged smolts started their migration slightly later than the PIT‐tagged fish, and smolts tagged with Carlin tag or dummy radio transmitter showed less overall migration activity than fish with PIT tag.
Prevalence of hypothyroidism and thyroid nodule in chronic hemodialysis Iranian patients
Authors: Pakfetrat Maryam , Dabbaghmanesh Mohammad Hossein , Karimi Zahed , Rasekhi Alireza , Malekmakan Leila , Hossein Nikoo Mohammad 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIntroduction: End stage renal disease (ESRD) reasons several changes in the function of thyroid gland as; lower levels of thyroid hormones, altered hormone metabolism, and increased iodine storage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of nodular goiter and hypothyroidism in hemodialysis (HD) patients compared with normal population. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted among HD patients and healthy people as the control group for thyroid function evaluation. Thyroid gland was evaluated by physical examination and ultrasonography. Blood level of FT3, FT4, TSH, TPO Ab, and urinary iodine excretion were checked in both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS‐17 and P‐value less than 0.05 was considered as the significance level. Findings: Eighty six HD patients (57.2 ± 17.2 mean age, 48 men) and 86 healthy people (56.6 ± 16.8 mean age, 48 men) were enrolled in this study. Goiter was confirmed by physical examination in 29.0% of the HD patients and 12.8% of the control group (P = 0.04). Nodular goiter that was shown by ultrasonography was found in 27.9% and 3.5% of the HD and control groups, respectively (P = 0.01). HD patients had a higher frequency of reduced FT3 (40.9% vs. 4.6%, P < 0.01) and increased TSH (18.6% vs. 8.1%, P < 0.03(. TPO Ab was positive in 15.1% of the HD and 11.6% of the control groups (P = 0.14). Discussion: The high incidence of nodular goiter and hypothyroidism in ESRD patients shows that screening for thyroid dysfunction and goiter, using appropriate laboratory tests, should be considered in evaluations of ESRD patients.
The Utility of Scandal: Examples across Disciplines from Europe and India
Authors: Cohen Benjamin B. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractHistorians and sociologists of Europe have explored the role of events, incidents, and scandals in time. Yet, historians of India have less explored the study of scandal. The reason for this is the relative dominance of certain topics – colonial subjugation, the nationalist movement, independence, and partition of the subcontinent – among historians of India. However, scandals in particular – and events and incidents more generally – offer scholars insight and utility into particular times and places.
How intervention can empower children as consumers in dealing with advertising
Authors: del Mar Pàmies Maria , Ryan Gerard , Valverde Mireia 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn today's society, children are surrounded by advertising. Within this context, this paper presents a set of activities designed to make children aware of various marketing tactics, mainly related to advertising, so that they become empowered to make informed consumer choices. The design of the intervention and the evaluation of its effectiveness make a number of contributions to current research. Firstly, teachers carried out the activities, a role traditionally assigned to parents or researchers in previous literature. Secondly, we broaden the scope of indicators measuring the effectiveness of the activities by including the evaluation of changes not only in advertising literacy, but also in attitudes towards advertising and in children's behaviours. Results show the effectiveness of the intervention in preparing children to better deal with advertising. Suggestions for further research and the design of this type of interventions are presented.
How has the Relevance of Institutional Brokerage Changed?
Authors: Fong Kingsley Y. L. , Foster F. Douglas , Gallagher David R. , Lee Adrian D. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractInstitutional brokerage rates have been in decline. We investigate whether this reduction has coincided with a fall in benefits provided by brokers to institutional asset managers. We use trade packages from both active and passive equity funds from 1995 to 2001 and active equity funds from 2002 to 2010. We find that later period active funds recoup a combined 1.75 basis point benefit (from price impact cost recovery and short‐term alpha) per basis point of brokerage cost. Later period active investors saw improved trade price impact and shorter‐term alpha net benefits, relative to earlier period active investors. These results are robust after controlling for trade characteristics and cross‐sectional variation over time. Our findings suggest that brokers innovate to provide valuable services in the subsequent, lower brokerage environment.
Fiduciary Duties and Moral Blackmail
Authors: Keller Simon 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn meeting legal or professional fiduciary obligations, a fiduciary can sometimes come to share a special moral relationship with her beneficiary. Special moral relationships produce special moral obligations. Sometimes the obligations faced by a fiduciary as a result of her moral relationship with her beneficiary go beyond the obligations involved in the initial fiduciary relationship. How such moral obligations develop is sometimes under the control of the beneficiary, or of an outside party. As a result, the fiduciary can be the target of a distinctive kind of moral manipulation; it is sometimes possible to force a fiduciary to perform a particular act by placing her into circumstances under which she is morally obliged to perform it, because all her other options are morally unacceptable. This is moral blackmail. Moral blackmail is a powerful force within many sorts of human interactions. By understanding the ways in which fiduciaries become vulnerable to moral blackmail, we can better understand the pressures faced by fiduciaries in keeping their personal and professional lives separate, the dynamics of certain kinds of employment negotiations, and the injustice that results when women take on the bulk of the work within caring professions.
Prevention of Hospital‐Acquired Adverse Drug Reactions in Older People Using Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions and Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment Criteria: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: O'Connor Marie N. , O'Sullivan David , Gallagher Paul F. , Eustace Joseph , Byrne Stephen , O'Mahony Denis 
Published: July 2016

ObjectivesTo determine whether use of the Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions (STOPP) and Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment (START) criteria reduces incident hospital‐acquired adverse drug reactions (ADRs), 28‐day medication costs, and median length of hospital stay in older adults admitted with acute illness.DesignSingle‐blind cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) of unselected older adults hospitalized over a 13‐month period.SettingTertiary referral hospital in southern Ireland.ParticipantsConsecutively admitted individuals aged 65 and older (N = 732).InterventionSingle time point presentation to attending physicians of potentially inappropriate medications according to the STOPP/START criteria.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was the proportion of participants experiencing one or more ADRs during the index hospitalization. Secondary outcomes were median length of stay (LOS) and 28‐day total medication cost.ResultsOne or more ADRs occurred in 78 of the 372 control participants (21.0%; median age 78, interquartile range (IQR) 72–84) and in 42 of the 360 intervention participants (11.7%; median age 80, IQR 73–85) (absolute risk reduction = 9.3%, number needed to treat = 11). The median LOS in the hospital was 8 days (IQR 4–14 days) in both groups. At discharge, median medication cost was significantly lower in the intervention group (€73.16, IQR €38.68–121.72) than in the control group (€90.62, IQR €49.38–162.53) (Wilcoxon rank test Z statistic = −3.274, P < .001).ConclusionApplication of STOPP/START criteria resulted in significant reductions in ADR incidence and medication costs in acutely ill older adults but did not affect median LOS.