bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time for a Digital Detox: Burnout, Addiction, and Desperation in Silicon Valley
Authors: AMIREBRAHIMI SHAHEEN
Published: January 2018

There is a crisis brewing in the innovation capital of the world. From protests at Google bus stops, to rallies at San Francisco City Hall over Airbnb gentrification, to a stark increase in homelessness, there is a growing rift between the have and have not's in Silicon Valley. Meanwhile the average tech employee, told they are “making the world a better place,” is faced with escalating labor demands, hyper‐connectivity, and a shift from “work‐life balance” to “work is life.” The tech worker is in a contentious position – torn between corporate propaganda and the visible externalities of a for‐profit business. To understand how this tension plays out for the average techie, I illustrate a “disconnect camp” where the everyday rules of SF techie sociality are inverted – no technology, no names, no discussion of work, no networking. This carnavlesque pacifies postmodern contradictions about “valueless work” by placing at its center “technology as the problem” –rather than the corporate form. In this way, existential crises of the laborer are quelled, allowing them to recapitulate high‐tech corporate‐capital.
The Challenged Role of Ethnographic Consulting in Startup Centric Innovation
Authors: SCHWARZ HEINRICH
Published: January 2018

From a position of external consultant on user insights for a German innovation lab, I reflect on a shift in the way corporate innovation is done – from a user centric innovation process towards what could be called startup centric innovation. I have found the outcomes of this turn to be ambivalent – both for the innovation lab and myself. For the lab partnering with existing startups promised greater speed and access to fresh ideas, but has turned out to be rather difficult. For me, the shift has challenged my role and perspective as ethnographic consultant in more than one way. I have worried that a much needed user perspective may drift out of focus when getting prematurely outsourced to startups. But this new process has also been eye‐opening; it has forced me to rethink my still linear view of the innovation process towards a more messy and simultaneous one where thinking about users needs to be integrated from day one with thinking about solutions, business models and markets.
 Our Use of Labels at Work
Authors: CUARON DANIELA , JARVIE‐WALDROM NIK
Published: January 2018

A label can be accurate and inadequate at the same time. A fish is a fish, but it's also a sea‐dwelling, scale‐covered, egg‐laying, underwater‐breathing creature. Many of us believe in the power of words to change the way we think about something. But are we always aware of how the labels we use influence our perspective? We're on a mission to better understand how, when, and why people use labels at work. We come across labels in project briefs, some emerge during fieldwork, and then there are labels we use to define what we do. We use them to communicate and refocus, but they also restrict our thinking. Through participation, observation and conversation, we've reflected on how labels can help us and hold us back.
Indian Classical Dance: The Foundational Element in My Practice of Ethnography
Authors: VADREVU VYJAYANTHI
Published: January 2018

Do we really understand how we became practitioners of ethnography?

In this talk, I go through a re‐discovery of the links between my lifelong training in Indian classical dance and the elements this has instilled in my current practice of ethnography. In dance, we are trained to keenly observe every physical and emotional nuance of an item. Furthermore, we are taught symbolism and theory to deepen our interpretation of dance. This dance foundation has shaped my connection to every aspect of ethnography: from practice to analysis to presentation.
Andrew's Story
Authors: AGAFONOFF NICK
Published: January 2018

Andrew's Story is an ethnographic film portrait of one man's struggle with illness, disability and a decision not to claim insurance. His experience is typical of many people in Australia who qualify for Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Insurance but who choose not to activate their existing insurance because of the belief that TPD represents some kind of failure on the part of the claimant, or that it binds them into a way of living and working that is less in some way. Andrew's Story forms part of a film set of 6 film portraits that each explore different user perspectives of the insurance cycle of TPD, from initial adoption and consideration of the product, through to making a claim and the post‐claim experience. Andrew's Story has been widely used by the commissioning client (an Insurance company) to drive innovation and change within the business, particularly at a product design and implementation level. More broadly, the series presents clear implications for how Insurance companies engage customers before, during and after they apply for a TPD benefit in Australia.
Huáyì
Authors: LIU YUEBAI , PRIMITERRA MATTEO
Published: January 2018

Huáyì is a collection of ‘appunti’, or notes in English. It seeks to give voice to a new generation of Italians, young Chinese that grew up in different Italian contexts and forced to confront the question of selfhood and identity. In making Huáyì, we wanted to show and convey exactly what we experienced: fragments of stories, of humour and questions. Huáyì wants to walk you through our constantly evolving relationship with the characters and the topic itself: the fatigue of integration. By doing so, it questions the sometimes dangerous format and practice of ethnographic interviews in our industry. As researchers, we must experience and inhabit the environment we seek to understand.
International Diabetes Federation 2017
Authors: Carracher Ann M. , Marathe Payal H. , Close Kelly L.
Published: January 2018

Ann M. Carracher, Payal H. Marathe, and Kelly L. Close are of Close Concerns (http://www.closeconcerns.com), a healthcare information company focused exclusively on diabetes and obesity care. Close Concerns publishes Closer Look, a periodical that brings together news and insights in these areas. Each month, the Journal of Diabetes includes this News feature, in which Carracher, Marathe, and Close review the latest developments relevant to researchers and clinicians.
Immune protective effects of chitooligosaccharides on mice genital tract infected by Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Qian Li , Chen Linjun
Published: January 2018

Problem

The immune protective effects of chitooligosaccharides (COs) on mouse genital tract infected by Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) were unknown.

Methods

The minimum effective/infective dose was obtained by establishing the murine model of the genital tract infected by Ct. The model mice were treated with different doses (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 g/kg,) of COs and 0.9% saline, and the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody and interleukin (IL)‐11 levels were then assayed. The healthy mice were used as the control. After 1 week of immunity, a double‐effective/infective dose of Ct was used to attack the genital tract. After 10 days of experiment, the mice were killed, their spleen and thymus indexes were determined, and the pathological changes in their genital tract were evaluated.

Results

Treatment with COs increased the serum IgG antibody, IL‐11 levels, and spleen and thymus indexes but decreased the positive infection rate and inclusion body formation with Ct.

Conclusion

COs could induce immune protection on the Ct‐infected mouse genital tract and might be used as an alternative drug for the treatment of genital tract infected with Ct.
A new retrograde transillumination technique for videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation
Authors: Biro P. , Fried E. , Schlaepfer M. , Kristensen M. S.
Published: January 2018

This single‐centre, prospective trial was designed to assess the efficacy of a new retrograde transillumination device called the ‘Infrared Red Intubation System’ (IRRIS) to aid videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation. We included 40 adult patients, who were undergoing elective urological surgery under general anaesthesia. We assessed the ability to differentiate the transilluminated glottis from other structures and found a median (IQR [range]) larynx recognition time of 8 (5–14 [3–28]) s. The difference in laryngeal visibility on the screen between the deactivated vs. activated device expressed on a visual analogue scale was significant (6 (4–7 [2–10]) vs. 10 (8–10 [4–10]); p < 0.001). The number of laryngoscope insertions was 1 (1–2 [1–3]) and the device showed high values on a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 (lowest score) to 10 (highest score) for helpfulness (6 (5–7 [2–10])), credibility (10 (8–10 [5–10])) and ease of use (10 (9–10 [8–10])). Tracheal intubation with the system lasted 26 (16–32 [6–89]) s. No alternative technique of securing the airway was necessary. The lowest SpO2 during intubation was 98 (97–99 [91–100])%. We conclude that this method of retrograde transillumination can assist videolaryngoscopy.
Wheat oral immunotherapy was moderately successful but was associated with very frequent adverse events in children aged 6–18 years
Authors: Kulmala Petri , Pelkonen Anna S. , Kuitunen Mikael , Paassilta Marita , Remes Sami , Schultz Rüdiger , Dunder Teija , Turunen Sami , Mäkelä Mika J.
Published: January 2018

Aim

This study investigated oral immunotherapy (OIT) for children aged 6–18 years with wheat allergies.

Methods

Well‐cooked wheat spaghetti was given to 100 children with wheat allergies every day for 17 weeks, increasing from 0.3 to 2000 mg of wheat protein, followed by three‐ and nine‐month maintenance phases. Blood samples were taken before therapy and at follow‐up visits. The study was carried out in 2009–2015 in four Finnish paediatric allergology units.

Results

The children (67% male) had a mean age of 11.6 years (range 6.1–18.6), and 57 were using wheat daily 16 months after the initiation of therapy. Allergic symptoms occurred in 94/100 children: mild in 34, moderate in 36 and severe in 24. Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) for ω‐5‐gliadin was significantly higher in patients who did not reach the target dose and were related to the intensity of reactions.

Conclusion

The majority (57%) of children with wheat allergies could use wheat in their daily diet 16 months after the initiation of OIT, but 94/100 had adverse reactions and 60 were moderate or severe. Specific IgE to ω‐5‐gliadin may provide a biomarker for how much wheat can be tolerated and the intensity of the reactions to immunotherapy.
Pre‐clinical Characterization of Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion Properties of TAK‐063
Authors: Tohyama Kimio , Sudo Miyako , Morohashi Akio , Kato Suguru , Takahashi Junzo , Tagawa Yoshihiko
Published: January 2018

TAK‐063 is currently being developed to treat schizophrenia. In this study, we investigated the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) properties of TAK‐063 using several paradigms. Following oral administration of TAK‐063 at 0.3 mg/kg, bioavailability of TAK‐063 was 27.4% in rats and 49.5% in dogs with elimination half‐lives of 3.1 hr in rats and 3.7 hr in dogs. TAK‐063 is a highly permeable compound without P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) or breast cancer resistance protein substrate liability and can be readily absorbed into systemic circulation via the intestine. TAK‐063 can also cross the blood–brain barrier. TAK‐063 was metabolized mainly by CYP2C8 and CYP3A4/5, while incubation with human liver microsomes produced the major human metabolite, M‐I as well as several unknown minor metabolites. Metabolism of TAK‐063 to M‐I occurs through hydroxylation of the mono‐substituted pyrazole moiety. In vitro, TAK‐063 was observed to inhibit CYP2C8, CYP2C19 and P‐gp with IC50 values of 8.4, 12 and 7.13 μM, respectively. TAK‐063 was primarily excreted in the faeces in rats and dogs with M‐I as a predominant component. The pre‐clinical data from these ADME studies demonstrate a favourable pharmacokinetic profile for TAK‐063 with good brain distribution supporting the feasibility of targeting central nervous system regions involved in schizophrenia pathophysiology. TAK‐063 has recently been investigated in a phase 2 clinical trial (NCT02477020).
Assessing and addressing cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder: the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Targeting Cognition Task Force recommendations for clinicians
Authors: Miskowiak KW , Burdick KE , Martinez‐Aran A , Bonnin CM , Bowie CR , Carvalho AF , Gallagher P , Lafer B , López‐Jaramillo C , Sumiyoshi T , McIntyre RS , Schaffer A , Porter RJ , Purdon S , Torres IJ , Yatham LN , Young AH , Kessing LV , Vieta E
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Cognition is a new treatment target to aid functional recovery and enhance quality of life for patients with bipolar disorder. The International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) Targeting Cognition Task Force aimed to develop consensus‐based clinical recommendations on whether, when and how to assess and address cognitive impairment.

Methods

The task force, consisting of 19 international experts from nine countries, discussed the challenges and recommendations in a face‐to‐face meeting, telephone conference call and email exchanges. Consensus‐based recommendations were achieved through these exchanges with no need for formal consensus methods.

Results

The identified questions were: (I) Should cognitive screening assessments be routinely conducted in clinical settings? (II) What are the most feasible screening tools? (III) What are the implications if cognitive impairment is detected? (IV) What are the treatment perspectives? Key recommendations are that clinicians: (I) formally screen cognition in partially or fully remitted patients whenever possible, (II) use brief, easy‐to‐administer tools such as the Screen for Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatry and Cognitive Complaints in Bipolar Disorder Rating Assessment, and (III) evaluate the impact of medication and comorbidity, refer patients for comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation when clinically indicated, and encourage patients to build cognitive reserve. Regarding question (IV), there is limited evidence for current evidence‐based treatments but intense research efforts are underway to identify new pharmacological and/or psychological cognition treatments.

Conclusions

This task force paper provides the first consensus‐based recommendations for clinicians on whether, when, and how to assess and address cognition, which may aid patients’ functional recovery and improve their quality of life.
Whole genome sequencing analysis for cancer genomics and precision medicine
Authors: Nakagawa Hidewaki , Fujita Masashi
Published: January 2018

Explosive advances in next‐generation sequencer (NGS) and computational analyses have enabled exploration of somatic protein‐altered mutations in most cancer types, with coding mutation data intensively accumulated. However, there is limited information on somatic mutations in non‐coding regions, including introns, regulatory elements and non‐coding RNA. Structural variants and pathogen in cancer genomes remain widely unexplored. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) approaches can be used to comprehensively explore all types of genomic alterations in cancer and help us to better understand the whole landscape of driver mutations and mutational signatures in cancer genomes and elucidate the functional or clinical implications of these unexplored genomic regions and mutational signatures. This review describes recently developed technical approaches for cancer WGS and the future direction of cancer WGS, and discusses its utility and limitations as an analysis platform and for mutation interpretation for cancer genomics and cancer precision medicine. Taking into account the diversity of cancer genomes and phenotypes, interpretation of abundant mutation information from WGS, especially non‐coding and structure variants, requires the analysis of large‐scale WGS data integrated with RNA‐Seq, epigenomics, immuno‐genomic and clinic‐pathological information.
Present status and future perspective of peptide‐based vaccine therapy for urological cancer
Authors: Obara Wataru , Kanehira Mitsugu , Katagiri Toyomasa , Kato Renpei , Kato Yoichiro , Takata Ryo
Published: January 2018

Use of peptide‐based vaccines as therapeutics aims to elicit immune responses through antigenic epitopes derived from tumor antigens. Peptide‐based vaccines are easily synthesized and lack significant side‐effects when given in vivo. Peptide‐based vaccine therapy against several cancers including urological cancers has made progress for several decades, but there is no worldwide approved peptide vaccine. Peptide vaccines were also shown to induce a high frequency of immune response in patients accompanied by clinical efficacy. These data are discussed in light of the recent progression of immunotherapy caused by the addition of immune checkpoint inhibitors thus providing a general picture of the potential therapeutic efficacy of peptide‐based vaccines and their combination with other biological agents. In this review, we discuss the mechanism of the antitumor effect of peptide‐based vaccine therapy, development of our peptide vaccine, recent clinical trials using peptide vaccines for urological cancers, and perspectives of peptide‐based vaccine therapy.
Development of a risk prediction model for lung cancer: The Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective Study
Authors: Charvat Hadrien , Sasazuki Shizuka , Shimazu Taichi , Budhathoki Sanjeev , Inoue Manami , Iwasaki Motoki , Sawada Norie , Yamaji Taiki , Tsugane Shoichiro ,   JPHC Study Group
Published: January 2018

Although the impact of tobacco consumption on the occurrence of lung cancer is well‐established, risk estimation could be improved by risk prediction models that consider various smoking habits, such as quantity, duration, and time since quitting. We constructed a risk prediction model using a population of 59 161 individuals from the Japan Public Health Center (JPHC) Study Cohort II. A parametric survival model was used to assess the impact of age, gender, and smoking‐related factors (cumulative smoking intensity measured in pack‐years, age at initiation, and time since cessation). Ten‐year cumulative probability of lung cancer occurrence estimates were calculated with consideration of the competing risk of death from other causes. Finally, the model was externally validated using 47 501 individuals from JPHC Study Cohort I. A total of 1210 cases of lung cancer occurred during 986 408 person‐years of follow‐up. We found a dose‐dependent effect of tobacco consumption with hazard ratios for current smokers ranging from 3.78 (2.00‐7.16) for cumulative consumption ≤15 pack‐years to 15.80 (9.67‐25.79) for >75 pack‐years. Risk decreased with time since cessation. Ten‐year cumulative probability of lung cancer occurrence estimates ranged from 0.04% to 11.14% in men and 0.07% to 6.55% in women. The model showed good predictive performance regarding discrimination (cross‐validated c‐index = 0.793) and calibration (cross‐validated χ2 = 6.60; P‐value = .58). The model still showed good discrimination in the external validation population (c‐index = 0.772). In conclusion, we developed a prediction model to estimate the probability of developing lung cancer based on age, gender, and tobacco consumption. This model appears useful in encouraging high‐risk individuals to quit smoking and undergo increased surveillance.
Isoflurane anesthesia in aged mice and effects of A1 adenosine receptors on cognitive impairment
Authors: Zuo Chun‐Long , Wang Chun‐Man , Liu Jin , Shen Ting , Zhou Jiang‐Ping , Hao Xin‐Rui , Pan Yi‐Zhao , Liu Hua‐Cheng , Lian Qing‐Quan , Lin Han
Published: January 2018

Aims

Isoflurane may not only accelerate the process of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but increase the risk of incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study was designed to investigate whether isoflurane contributed to the POCD occurrence through A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR) in aged mice.

Methods

We assessed cognitive function of mice with Morris water maze (MWM) and then measured expression level of two AD biomarkers (P‐tau and Aβ) and a subtype of the NMDA receptor (NR2B) in aged wild‐type (WT) and homozygous A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR) knockout (KO) mice at baseline and after they were exposed to isoflurane (1.4% for 2 hours).

Results

For cognitive test, WT mice with isoflurane exposure performed worse than the WT mice without isoflurane exposure. However, A1AR KO mice with isoflurane exposure performed better than WT mice with isoflurane exposure. WT mice exposed to isoflurane had increased levels of Aβ and phosphorylated tau (P‐tau). Levels of Aβ and P‐tau were decreased in A1AR KO mice, whereas no differences were noted between KO mice with and without isoflurane exposure. NR2B expression was inversely related to that of P‐tau, with no differences found between KO mice with and without isoflurane exposure.

Conclusions

We found an association between isoflurane exposure, impairment of spatial memory, decreasing level of NR2B, and increasing levels of A‐beta and P‐tau, presumably via the activation of the A1A receptor.
Are optimal contracting and managerial power competing or complementary views? Evidence from the compensation of statutory auditors in Italy
Authors: Melis Andrea , Rombi Luigi
Published: January 2018

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This study examines whether and to what extent the compensation of independent monitors at the board level is the outcome of an optimal contract between independent parties or the result of involvement with corporate insiders.

Research Findings/Insights

By using a hierarchical linear regression model with a sample of 559 statutory auditors, whose main task is to monitor the acts and the decision‐making process of the board of directors, this study provides evidence that statutory auditors' compensation is mainly based upon the effort and responsibilities that are observable by shareholders. However, our findings highlight that the additional, poorly disclosed, compensation that a statutory auditor may receive, unrelated to his/her role, is associated with his/her involvement with corporate insiders.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

By analyzing a de facto three‐tier hierarchical agency model, this study gives insights into how and to what extent the optimal contracting and managerial power perspectives provide complementary, rather than competing, explanations to the basis and design of compensation at the board level. Not only do these perspectives of agency theory co‐exist at an aggregate level, but also seem to be complementary at both the firm level and individual level.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This study offers insights to policymakers by questioning the current regulation that allows threats to the de facto independence of a formally independent corporate governance mechanism. We recommend further disclosure about the criteria and the rationales of the additional compensation received by statutory auditors. In addition, we suggest investors and other stakeholders, who may rely on the work of the board of statutory auditors as independent monitor, to be careful about the way statutory auditors are paid.
Fortuitous benefits of living kidney donation: Diagnosis of serious medical conditions during the living donor evaluation
Authors: Hoffman Arika , Tendulkar Ketki , Merani Shaheed , Maskin Alexander , Langnas Alan
Published: January 2018

Background

All living kidney donors are counseled about the possible surgical and medical risks associated with donation. Only a minority of transplant centers discuss the potential benefit of discovering undiagnosed medical conditions in the donor during evaluation, as part of their consent process.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated all potential living kidney donors evaluated over a 10‐year period at a single center to characterize incidentally diagnosed serious medical conditions.

Results

Sixty‐five of the 762 potential donors (8.5%) were not approved for donation because of a newly diagnosed serious medical condition discovered during their evaluation. This included six patients diagnosed with malignancies, five of which required operative intervention, six patients diagnosed with transmittable diseases requiring follow‐up and treatment, four patients were found to have bilateral renal stones with significant stone burden, and two patients diagnosed with IgA nephropathy. Additionally, four patients were diagnosed with significant heart disease, and one of those patients subsequently required a coronary artery bypass surgery.

Conclusions

The evaluation process can diagnose serious medical conditions in a significant minority of donors that would have otherwise been unrecognized. The benefit associated with the donor evaluation should be considered an important part of the consent process.
EFFECT OF COOPERATIVE ENFORCEMENT STRATEGIES ON WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT
Authors: Raff Zach , Earnhart Dietrich
Published: January 2018

This paper examines the influence of the environmental enforcement approach on the effects of government interventions on corporate environmental management. The paper contrasts a potentially innovative cooperative approach with the standard coercive approach. Empirical results show that the effectiveness of enforcement at inducing better environmental management depends on the overall regulatory enforcement approach. For example, greater cooperation undermines the effectiveness of more severe enforcement forms. Specifically, as the environmental enforcement approach becomes more cooperative, the effectiveness of federal inspections and monetary penalties decreases. These results generally demonstrate that a cooperative enforcement approach proves less effective than a coercive approach. (JEL D22, K32, Q52, Q58)
Spatial mismatch in morphological, ecological and phylogenetic diversity, in historical and contemporary European freshwater fish faunas
Authors: Kuczynski Lucie , Côte Jessica , Toussaint Aurèle , Brosse Sébastien , Buisson Laëtitia , Grenouillet Gaël
Published: January 2018

Biodiversity encompasses multiple facets, among which taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic aspects are the most often considered. Understanding how those diversity facets are distributed and what are their determinants has become a central concern in the current context of biodiversity crisis, but such multi‐faceted measures over large geographical areas are still pending. Here, we measured the congruence between the biogeographical patterns of freshwater fish morphological, ecological and phylogenetic diversity across Europe and identified the natural and anthropogenic drivers shaping those patterns. Based on freshwater fish occurrence records in 290 European river catchments, we computed richness and evenness for morphological, ecological and phylogenetic diversity using standardized effect sizes for each diversity index. We then used linear models including climatic, geo‐morphological, biotic and human‐related factors to determine the key drivers shaping freshwater fish biodiversity patterns across Europe. We found a weak spatial congruence between facets of diversity. Patterns of diversity were mainly driven by elevation range, climatic seasonality and species richness while other factors played a minor role. Finally, we found that non‐native species introductions significantly affected diversity patterns and influenced the effects of some environmental drivers. Morphological, ecological and phylogenetic diversity constitute complementary facets of fish diversity rather than surrogates, testifying that they deserve to be considered altogether to properly assess biodiversity. Although the same environmental and anthropogenic factors overall explained those diversity facets, their relative influence varied. In the current context of global change, non‐native species introductions may also lead to important reshuffling of assemblages resulting in profound changes of diversity patterns.
Subsoil phosphorus is affected by fertilization regime in long‐term agricultural experimental trials
Authors: Bauke S. L. , von Sperber C. , Tamburini F. , Gocke M. I. , Honermeier B. , Schweitzer K. , Baumecker M. , Don A. , Sandhage‐Hofmann A. , Amelung W.
Published: January 2018

Arable subsoils store large amounts of phosphorus (P); however, it is unclear to what extent, and under which conditions, subsoil resources might supplement crop P acquisition. Here, we hypothesized that (i) insufficient supply of P in topsoil promotes P acquisition from subsoil and (ii) subsoil P cycling is regulated by nitrogen (N) supply. We sampled two German long‐term fertilizer trials in Thyrow (sandy soil) and Gießen (loamy‐clayey soil) to 100‐cm depth. Treatments received either NPK, NK or PK fertilizer for > 60 years. We assessed soil inorganic (Pi) and organic (Po) P pools following Hedley sequential extraction, and the oxygen isotopic composition of HCl‐extractable phosphate (δ18OHCl‐P), which differentiates P from primary and secondary (previously biologically cycled) minerals. We found that in the Hedley sequential extraction subsoil resin‐P stocks (30–100 cm) in NK plots were 60% (Thyrow) and 8% (Gießen) less than those in NPK plots. Subsoil HCl Pi stocks in NK exceeded those of NPK plots by 70% in Thyrow, but not in Gießen. The NK treatments showed significantly smaller subsoil δ18OHCl‐P values than NPK treatments, indicating a predominance of primary (not biologically cycled) minerals and refuting our hypothesis that P deficiency promotes P acquisition from primary minerals. Under N‐limiting conditions, subsoil resin‐P stocks exceeded those under NPK fertilizer by 117% (Thyrow) and 22% (Gießen), supporting our second hypothesis. We conclude that an efficient use of subsoil P resources is achieved only when nutrient supply in arable topsoils is sufficient.

Highlights

Long‐term N and P fertilization promotes use of P from subsoil (> 30-cm depth)

Subsoil stocks of resin P were less in NK than NPK fertilized plots

Elevated δ18OHCl‐P in the subsoil of NPK plots indicates effects by enzymatic activity

Small δ18OHCl‐P values in the subsoil of NK plots indicate a predominance of primary minerals
Pressure and pipes: from neuroimaging to virtual measurement
Authors: Zedde M. , Pascarella R.
Published: January 2018

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this volume.
Epidermal permeability barrier function and sphingolipid content in the skin of sphingomyelin synthase 2 deficient mice
Authors: Nomoto Koji , Itaya Yurina , Watanabe Ken , Yamashita Tadashi , Okazaki Toshiro , Tokudome Yoshihiro
Published: January 2018

Sphingomyelin synthase (SMS) is an enzyme that generates sphingomyelin (SM) from ceramide (CER) and phosphatidylcholine. SM in the epidermis is a precursor of CER, an important lipid for epidermal permeability barrier function. However, the physiological role of SMS in skin is unclear. To uncover the function of SMS in skin, we investigated sphingolipid metabolism enzyme activity in skin, SM content in the epidermis, CER content in the stratum corneum (SC) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) as an indicator of barrier function in SMS2‐knockout (KO) mice. The activities of sphingolipid metabolism enzymes in skin homogenates were measured using a fluorescently labelled substrate. Enzymatic reaction products were detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Lipids in the epidermis or SC were extracted and quantified by high‐performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). TEWL was measured using a Tewameter TM300. In SMS2‐KO mice, SMS activity in skin homogenates, epidermal SM content and SC CER content were significantly decreased relative to wild‐type (WT) mice. The TEWL of SMS2‐KO mice was significantly increased compared to WT mice. Our data indicate that SMS2 generates SM in the epidermis and contributes to epidermal permeability barrier function and will support understanding of SM‐related metabolic disorders.
The responses of microbial temperature relationships to seasonal change and winter warming in a temperate grassland
Authors: Birgander Johanna , Olsson Pål Axel , Rousk Johannes
Published: January 2018

Microorganisms dominate the decomposition of organic matter and their activities are strongly influenced by temperature. As the carbon (C) flux from soil to the atmosphere due to microbial activity is substantial, understanding temperature relationships of microbial processes is critical. It has been shown that microbial temperature relationships in soil correlate with the climate, and microorganisms in field experiments become more warm‐tolerant in response to chronic warming. It is also known that microbial temperature relationships reflect the seasons in aquatic ecosystems, but to date this has not been investigated in soil. Although climate change predictions suggest that temperatures will be mostly affected during winter in temperate ecosystems, no assessments exist of the responses of microbial temperature relationships to winter warming. We investigated the responses of the temperature relationships of bacterial growth, fungal growth, and respiration in a temperate grassland to seasonal change, and to 2 years’ winter warming. The warming treatments increased winter soil temperatures by 5–6°C, corresponding to 3°C warming of the mean annual temperature. Microbial temperature relationships and temperature sensitivities (Q10) could be accurately established, but did not respond to winter warming or to seasonal temperature change, despite significant shifts in the microbial community structure. The lack of response to winter warming that we demonstrate, and the strong response to chronic warming treatments previously shown, together suggest that it is the peak annual soil temperature that influences the microbial temperature relationships, and that temperatures during colder seasons will have little impact. Thus, mean annual temperatures are poor predictors for microbial temperature relationships. Instead, the intensity of summer heat‐spells in temperate systems is likely to shape the microbial temperature relationships that govern the soil‐atmosphere C exchange.
Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Korea: A multicenter, nationwide study conducted in 2015 and 2016
Authors: Lee Jeong Hoon , Choi Kee Don , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Baik Gwang Ho , Park Jong Kyu , Kim Sung Soo , Kim Byung‐Wook , Hong Su Jin , Lim Hyun , Shin Cheol Min , Lee Si Hyung , Jeon Seong Woo , Kim Ji Hyun , Choi Cheol Woong , Jung Hye‐Kyung , Kim Jie‐Hyun , Choi Suck Chei , Cho Jin Woong , Lee Wan Sik , Na Soo‐Young , Sung Jae Kyu , Song Kyung Ho , Chung Jun‐Won , Yun Sung‐Cheol ,   Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research
Published: January 2018

Background

The Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research has studied Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) prevalence since 1998 and found a dynamic change in its prevalence in Korea. The aim of this study was to determine the recent H. pylori prevalence rate and compare it with that of previous studies according to socioeconomic variables.

Methods

We planned to enroll 4920 asymptomatic Korean adults from 21 centers according to the population distribution of seven geographic areas (Seoul, Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungcheong, Kyungsang, Cholla, and Jeju). We centrally collected serum and tested H. pylori serum IgG using a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay.

Results

We analyzed 4917 samples (4917/4920 = 99.9%) from January 2015 to December 2016. After excluding equivocal serologic results, the H. pylori seropositivity rate was 51.0% (2414/4734). We verified a decrease in H. pylori seroprevalence compared with previous studies performed in 1998, 2005, and 2011 (P < .0001). The H. pylori seroprevalence rate differed by area: Cholla (59.5%), Chungcheong (59.2%), Kyungsang (55.1%), Jeju (54.4%), Gangwon (49.1%), Seoul (47.4%), and Gyeonggi (44.6%). The rate was higher in those older than 40 years (38.1% in those aged 30‐39 years and 57.7% in those aged 40‐49 years) and was lower in city residents than in noncity residents at all ages.

Conclusions

Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in Korea is decreasing and may vary according to population characteristics. This trend should be considered to inform H. pylori‐related policies.
Cell death under epithelial–mesenchymal transition control in prostate cancer therapeutic response
Authors: Begemann Diane , Anastos Harry , Kyprianou Natasha
Published: January 2018

Prostate cancer is a widespread problem among men, with >160 000 new cases in 2017 alone. Androgen deprivation therapy is commonly used in prostate cancer treatment to block androgens required for cancer growth, but disease relapse after androgen deprivation therapy is both common and severe. Changes in androgen receptor signaling from androgen deprivation therapy have been linked to therapeutic resistance and tumor progression. Resistant cells can become reprogrammed to undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition, a phenotypic switch from benign, epithelial cells to a mobile cell with mesenchymal traits. In these cells, attachment to their epithelial cell layer is no longer required for survival. Anoikis is a form of cell death that occurs when detachment from other cells and the basement membrane occurs. Epithelial cells have been shown to undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition, avoid anoikis induction and progress to a metastatic phenotype. In prostate cancer progression to advanced disease, epithelial–mesenchymal transition induction (characterized by loss of epithelial cellular attachment protein E‐cadherin) correlates with a higher Gleason score, tumor progression, increased metastasis and higher biochemical recurrence. The concept of interfacing epithelial–mesenchymal transition with anoikis in the tumor microenvironment landscape will be discussed here, with focus on the significance of the functional exchange between the two processes in therapeutic targeting of advanced disease. The current evidence on the impact of loss of cell–cell contact, acquisition of chemoresistance, immune escape and metastatic spread in advanced tumors in response to transforming growth factor‐β on prostate cancer metastasis will be also discussed. The signaling cross‐talk between transforming growth factor‐β and androgen receptor signaling will be interrogated as a new therapeutic platform for the development of combination strategies to impair prostate cancer metastasis.
Abdominal paracentesis: use of a standardised procedure checklist and equipment kit improves procedural quality and reduces complications
Authors: Fyson Jeremy , Chapman Laura , Tatton Michael , Raos Zoë
Published: January 2018

Background

Paracentesis is a common invasive procedure performed by junior doctors. Audit of procedure conduct at two New Zealand hospitals in 2012 revealed poor performance across a range of quality measures, including documentation of informed consent, excessive catheter dwell times and inappropriate albumin prescription. Complication rates were 12.7%, compared with published rates of around 9%. A local procedure protocol did not exist.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of a standardised procedure checklist (PC) and equipment kit (EK) on procedural quality and complication rates for abdominal paracentesis.

Methods

After presenting the 2012 audit results to resident doctors, we reviewed the paracentesis literature and developed a local procedure protocol (PC and EK). These tools were made readily available after an education campaign. Paracenteses performed after the intervention were studied to determine the impact on procedural quality and safety.

Results

Seventy‐four paracenteses (14 diagnostic; 60 therapeutic) were performed in 10 months after the introduction of PC and EK. Significant improvements were observed with the use of PC including documentation of informed consent (97% vs 74%, P = <0.01) and aseptic technique (100% vs 62%, P = <0.01). Catheter dwell times <6 h improved (72% vs 48%, P = 0.02). Inappropriate albumin prescriptions were less frequent (21% vs 66%, P = <0.01). Complication rates decreased from 12.7% to 2.8% (P = <0.01).

Conclusions

The PC and EK improved rates of informed consent, appropriate documentation and protocol adherence. Significantly fewer procedure‐related complications occurred after introduction of these tools.
A zoo‐led study of the great ape bushmeat commodity chain in Cameroon
Authors: Tagg N. , Maddison N. , Dupain J. , Mcgilchrist L. , Mouamfon M. , Mccabe G. , Ngo Badjeck M. M. , Tchouankep M. , Mbohli D. , Epanda M. A. , Ransom C. , Fa J. E.
Published: January 2018

Current levels of bushmeat hunting in west and central Africa are largely unsustainable, and will lead to the loss of an important natural resource and cause the extinction of threatened species. Worryingly, great apes are hunted for their meat despite being protected across their range. In this paper, we highlight the main actors involved in the trafficking of great ape meat around the Dja Biosphere Reserve (DBR) in Cameroon, and describe the commodity chain associated with the trade. In total, 78 hunters, porters, traders and consumers were interviewed. Hunters, all men, were primarily driven by profit, encouraged by middlemen, though some hunt for their own consumption. However, we identify that great ape hunting is undertaken by specialized hunters along a relatively short supply chain. Gorilla and chimpanzee meat is sold to restaurants and wealthy buyers via few intermediaries. The price of great ape meat varied at different stages of the chain. Middlemen obtained the greatest financial gain, whereas wholesale traders profited least. Movement of ape meat to markets was predominantly by public transport and facilitated by the use of vehicles that can pass through checkpoints without being examined. Based on our study we recommend potential interventions, including support of law enforcement, investments in conservation and development initiatives, and monitoring and research.
Measuring Impacts of Condition Variables in Rule‐Based Models of Space‐Time Choice Behavior: Method and Empirical Illustration
Authors: Arentze Theo , Timmermans Harry
Published: January 2018

The use of rule‐based systems for modeling space‐time choice has gained increasing research interests over the last years. The potential advantage of the rule‐based approach is that it can handle interactions between a large set of predictors. Decision tree induction methods are available and have been explored for deriving rules from data. However, the complexity of the structures that are generated by such knowledge discovery methods hampers an interpretation of the rule‐set in behavioral terms with as a consequence that the models typically remain a black box. To solve this problem, this paper develops a method for measuring the size and direction of the impact of condition variables on the choice variable as predicted by the model. The paper illustrates the method based on location and transport‐mode choice models that are part of Albatross model—an activity‐based model of space‐time choice.
Walking The Talk: from theory to practice in delivering community based design education
Authors: Charlesworth Esther
Published: January 2018

This paper discusses the model of ‘walking the talk’, when running design studios based on the ‘live projects’ model within a university setting for vulnerable communities. This model is examined through exploring emerging humanitarian and community‐based design approaches in architectural education. It is tested through two case studies of design studios in Mostar and Beirut, led by the author between 1998 and 2002. Lessons from these community‐engagement studios are applied through a third case study, a design project for a disability day‐care centre in Hoi An, Vietnam. The project was led by RMIT University students and staff between 2009‐2011 and built in April 2012.
Detecting selection signatures on the X chromosome of the Chinese Debao pony
Authors: Liu X.‐X. , Pan J.‐F. , Zhao Q.‐J. , He X.‐H. , Pu Y.‐B. , Han J.‐L. , Ma Y.‐H. , Jiang L.
Published: January 2018

The X chromosome shows a special interaction between demographic factors and genetic variation, and the analysis of X‐linked genomic variation can therefore provide insights into the unique effects of demography and selection on the horse genome that cannot be readily detected by autosomal markers. Debao (DB) ponies have experienced intense selective pressure for the development of their small stature (<106 cm at adult height). To identify selective sweeps on the X chromosome of the DB pony, we performed a genome‐wide scan of three Chinese horse breeds using an Equine SNP70 BeadChip. Using Yili and Mongolian horses (>134 cm at adult height) as reference groups, both FST and XP‐EHH revealed that five regions on the X chromosome were under strong selection, resulting in 95 overlapping genes. Seven of these genes, SMS, PHEX, ACSL4, CHRDL1, CACNA1F, DKC1 and CDKL5, are involved in bone development, growth hormone secretion and fat deposition. The region showing the strongest selection pressure was located at the position of 86.6–87.5 Mb. The subsequent genome‐wide association analysis of the adult height of three Chinese horse breeds detected the two most significant SNPs in the same region, and these two SNPs overlapped with the gene CHRDL1. As a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) superfamily, CHRDL1 antagonizes the function of BMP4 and plays an important role in embryonic bone formation and cartilage generation. Our results provide new insights into the X‐linked selection in Chinese Debao pony.
A global analysis of elevational distribution of non‐native versus native plants
Authors: Guo Qinfeng , Fei Songlin , Shen Zehao , Iannone Basil V. , Knott Jonathan , Chown Steven L.
Published: January 2018

Aim

Much is known about the elevational diversity patterns of native species and about the mechanisms that drive these patterns. A similar level of understanding is needed for non‐native species. Using published data, we examine elevational diversity patterns of non‐native plants and compare the resulting patterns with those observed for native plants.

Location

Global.

Methods

We compiled data from 65 case studies on elevational diversity patterns of non‐native plants around the world (including 32 cases in which both non‐native and native plants were sampled). We compared the elevational distributions (upper and lower limits, and extents) and diversity patterns of non‐native and native species.

Results

Compared to native plant species, the elevational diversity patterns of non‐native plant species were more negative (47% vs. 13%) and less unimodal (44% vs. 84%). That is, non‐native species richness tended to be highest at lower elevations, whereas native species richness peaked at mid‐elevations. In cases where species richness for both non‐native and native species on the same mountains showed unimodal patterns in relation to elevation, maximum values in species richness occurred at lower elevations for non‐native species.

Main conclusions

At present levels of invasion, non‐native and native species show different patterns in both distribution and diversity along elevational gradients worldwide. However, our observations constitute a snapshot of ongoing, long‐term invasion processes. As non‐native species typically show strong associations with human activities, future changes in human population (e.g. growth and migration), land use and climate change may promote upward spread of non‐native species and may thus increase risks of impact on native species and communities.