bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A protocol to measure the impact of intentional changes to nurse staffing and skill‐mix in medical and surgical wards
Authors: Drennan Jonathan , Duffield Christine , Scott Anne Philomena , Ball Jane , Brady Noeleen M. , Murphy Aileen , Dahly Darren , Savage Eileen , Corcoran Paul , Hegarty Josephine , Griffiths Peter
Published: July 2018

Aim

The aim of this research is to measure the impact that planned changes to nurse staffing and skill‐mix have on patient, nurse, and organizational outcomes.

Background

It has been highlighted that there are several design limitations in studies that explore the relationship between nurse staffing and patient, nurse and organizational outcomes; not least that the vast majority of research in this area emanates from studies that are predominantly observational in design. There are limited studies that measure nurse, patient, organizational, and economic outcomes using a longitudinal design following a planned change in nurse staffing.

Design

The research will employ a longitudinal, multimethod approach to evaluate the impact that planned changes in nurse staffing and skill‐mix have on wards in three pilot hospitals.

Methods

Administrative data collection will take place on a shift‐by‐shift basis prospectively over a three‐year period including the measurement of nursing sensitive outcomes: cross‐sectional patient experience data and nurse outcomes (nursing work, job satisfaction, burnout, missed care) will be collected at intervals prior to, during and after the implementation of planned changes in nurse staffing and skill‐mix. Data will be analysed using interrupted time‐series models, adjusted for key hospital, ward and patient‐level factors. An economic costing of the changes will further investigate the resources required for the intervention that can then be aggregated to a national level for future roll‐out plans.

Discussion

The study aims to provide evidence on the impact of planned changes to nurse staffing and skill‐mix based on a systematic approach using a longitudinal design and to determine the extent to which the approach can be implemented at a national level.
Obesity in women who have experienced intimate partner violence
Authors: Alhalal Eman
Published: July 2018

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the pathway through which intimate partner violence (IPV) severity and child abuse severity influence obesity among women who have experienced IPV.

Background

Intimate partner violence is a public health issue that is found to be related to obesity. Yet, little is known about the pathways that link both IPV and child abuse experiences to obesity. The roles of posttraumatic stress disorder and depressive symptoms in the relations between IPV and obesity are still not well known.

Design

A cross‐sectional study of 299 women who have experienced IPV.

Methods

A convenience sample of abused women was recruited from nine primary healthcare centres in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected in 2015, using self‐report questionnaires and physical measures for obesity. Non‐parametric analysis of variance was conducted to explore group differences. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the hypothesized model.

Results

Among the sample, 52.5% was classified as obese based on body mass index. Obese women had significantly higher levels of IPV, physical child abuse, depressive symptoms and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. The study showed that both IPV severity and child abuse severity indirectly influenced obesity through depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

The alarming rate of obesity among abused women suggests that these women are at great risk for obesity, which necessitates clinical consideration. The study findings highlight the need to treat depressive symptoms to manage and prevent obesity among IPV and child abuse survivors. Specifically, nurses should tailor interventions that address mental health outcomes of abuse in managing obesity.
Communicative and pedagogical strategies in nurses’ and surgeons’ discharge consultations with patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: Carlsson Eva , Pettersson Monica E.
Published: July 2018

Aim

To describe the structure, content, and the communicative and pedagogic strategies in discharge consultations between patients and professionals after colorectal cancer surgery.

Background

Both nurses and surgeons play an important role in preparing patients for discharge from hospital following surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC).

Design

An explorative quantitative and qualitative research based on analysis of transcriptions of 13 audio‐taped discharge consultations between patients and nurses and patients and surgeons conducted between January ‐ March 2012.

Methods

In the quantitative analysis, the structure of each consultation was described in phases, subtopics, and main topics. The proportion of the main topics in relation to the whole conversation was counted in percentages. The text from the consultations was then analysed qualitatively with the support from Ricoeur's theory of interpretation.

Results

The language constituted the essence in the consultations regardless of other communicative and pedagogical strategies. The pedagogic strategies used were explanation model, information transfer, task orientation, and dialogue. Topics occurring in the consultations were Operation, Symptoms, Medication, Thromboprophylaxis, Recovery after surgery, Bowel function, Spreading, and Follow‐up. The surgeons and nurses used similar topics, but the surgeons used more communicative and pedagogic strategies.

Conclusion

Language was fundamental for communication and independent of the communicative and pedagogical strategies. Using preparedness communication more consistent in discharge consultation can help patients to better understand the recovery process after CRC surgery and regain control over their life. It is important that the consultations build on the patient as an active and learning person.
Organizational readiness for implementing change in acute care hospitals: An analysis of a cross‐sectional, multicentre study
Authors: Sharma Narayan , Herrnschmidt Jenny , Claes Veerle , Bachnick Stefanie , De Geest Sabina , Simon Michael ,   the Match ‐ Study Group
Published: July 2018

Aim

To assess nurse‐reported organizational readiness for implementing change in acute care hospitals.

Background

An organization's success at implementing new policies and programmes depends largely on its stakeholders’ readiness for change. Organizational readiness is a multilevel, multifaceted construct associated with staffing, leadership and quality of care.

Design

This is a secondary analysis of the cross‐sectional multicentre “Matching Registered Nurse Services with Changing Care Demands” study.

Methods

In 23 acute care hospitals across Switzerland, 1,833 nurses working in 124 units completed a survey between September 2015 and January 2016. Organizational readiness was measured with two subscales: “change commitment” and “change efficacy”. Work environment factors were assessed using the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index.

Results

Nurses were positive about implementing change in their hospitals. Intraclass correlation was higher at the unit level than at the hospital level for both change commitment and change efficacy. Nursing foundation for quality of care and supportive leadership were positively associated with readiness, change commitment and change efficacy. However, staffing and resource adequacy was positively associated only with change efficacy. No association was found with standardized staffing.

Conclusion

While organizational readiness scores vary among hospitals and units, they are positively associated with supportive leadership and a foundation for quality of care. Further research should consider organizational readiness as an important factor of change and ultimately of the quality of care.
A Chinese family with periodontal Ehlers–Danlos syndrome associated with missense mutation in the C1R gene
Authors: Wu Juan , Yang Jie , Zhao Jie , Wu Jingrong , Zhang Xuan , Leung Wai Keung , Sun Weibin
Published: July 2018

Aim

We report a rare case of the periodontal Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (pEDS) associated with severe periodontitis and tooth loss in a Chinese family.

Material and Methods

The proband complained of gingival bleeding and mobility, which were also reported in his mother, and maternal uncle and his maternal grandmother and great‐grandfather in the past. All family members underwent oral, physical, dermatological, and genetic examinations.

Results

Oral manifestation of family members affected with pEDS presented severe periodontitis with multiple or total tooth loss. The proband displayed unique clinical manifestations including a characteristic facial appearance and thin, translucent skin with easily visible venous patterns on feet. Whole‐exome sequencing identified missense mutation c.265T>C in C1R in all affected family members tested and frameshift mutation c.1322delG in COL3A1 in the proband alone. None of the unaffected members showed any marked oral, physical, dermatological, or genetic findings.

Conclusion

We reported an extremely rare case of pEDS with a missense mutation in C1R in a Chinese family, with coexistence C1R and COL3A1 mutations in the proband who was suspected to suffer from vascular EDS as well. To our knowledge, this is the first case of coexistence of two forms of EDS in a single individual.
Biofilm production and antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus epidermidis strains from Hidradenitis Suppurativa lesions
Authors: Ardon C.B. , Prens E.P. , Fuursted K. , Ejaz R.N. , Shailes J. , Jenssen H. , Jemec G.B.E.
Published: July 2018

Background

An aberrant interaction between commensal skin bacteria and the host skin immune system is considered important in the pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

Objective

In this study, we investigated the antibiotic susceptibility and biofilm‐forming capabilities of S. epidermidis strains isolated from HS patients.

Methods

Skin biopsies were taken from active HS lesions such as inflammatory nodules and/or sinuses and non‐involved skin from 26 patients and cultured under optimal microbiological conditions for 24 h. Planktonic growth, biofilm production, antibiotic susceptibility and biofilm eradication by clindamycin, doxycycline, rifampicin and tetracycline were tested including a laboratory control strain of S. epidermidis for reference.

Results

Staphylococcus epidermidis was cultured in 16 of 26 HS patients (62%). In total 27 different S. epidermidis isolates were identified; 16 (59%) from non‐involved skin and 11 (41%) from HS lesions. All bacterial strains showed planktonic growth. Twenty‐four of 27 (89%) isolates were strong biofilm producers in vitro. The biofilm‐forming capability varied amongst the strains from non‐involved skin and lesional skin. Twenty‐four strains had an intermediate to resistant antibiotic susceptibility to clindamycin (89%). Rifampicin was the most effective antibiotic at inhibiting planktonic growth and at eradication of biofilm (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

We observed a slight increase in S. epidermidis virulence, characterized by resistance to commonly used antibiotics, increased biofilm production and resistance to biofilm eradication. In particular, the reduced sensitivity to tetracycline and clindamycin, two standard antibiotics in the treatment of HS, is alarming. Rifampicin, also important in HS treatment, showed the greatest efficacy at eradicating the biofilm at low MIC concentrations.
The effect of growth rate on the three‐dimensional orientation of vascular canals in the cortical bone of broiler chickens
Authors: Pratt Isaac V. , Cooper David M. L.
Published: July 2018

Vascular canals in cortical bone during growth and development typically show an anisotropic pattern with canals falling into three main categories: circumferential, radial, and longitudinal. Two major hypotheses attempt to explain the preferred orientations in bone: that vascular canal orientation is optimized to resist a predominant strain direction from functional loading, or that it reflects growth requirements and velocity. We use a controlled growth experiment in broiler chickens to investigate the effect of growth rate on vascular canal orientation. Using feed restriction we set up a fast growing control group and a slow growing restricted group. We compared the microstructure in the humerus and the femur at 42 days of age using synchrotron micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT), a three‐dimensional (3D) method that visualizes the full canal network. We measured the 3D orientation of each canal in the whole cross‐section of the bone cortex using a set of custom ImageJ scripts. Using these orientations we compute laminar, radial, and longitudinal indices that measure the proportion of circumferential, radial, and longitudinal canals, by unit of length, in the cortex. Following previous studies we hypothesized that vascular canal orientation is related to growth, with radial canals linked to a faster growth rate and related to functional loading through a high laminar index in flight bones which reflects torsional loading resulting from active flight. The control group had final body weights that were nearly twice the final weights of the restricted group and higher absolute growth rates. We found consistent patterns in the comparison between the humerus and the femur in both groups, with the humerus having higher laminar and longitudinal indices, and a lower radial index than the femur. The control group had higher radial indices and lower laminar and longitudinal indices in both the humerus and the femur than the restricted group. The higher radial indices in our control group point to a link between radial canals and faster growth, and between laminar canals and slower growth, while the higher laminar indices in the humerus point to a link between circumferential canals and torsional loading. Overall, our results indicate that the orientation of the cortical canal network in a bone is the consequence of a complex interaction between the growth rate of that bone and functional loading environment.
Quod omnes tangit: Transnational Constitutions Without Democracy?
Authors: Teubner Gunther
Published: July 2018

Critics of global constitutionalism rightly point to a democratic deficit of transnational regimes. They base their critique on a time‐honoured principle of democracy: the identity of authors and affected people is the universal core of democracy. However, in its long winding history, the democratic principle had always been recontextualized. Such a recontextualization of democracy which requires generalization as well as respecification is needed again today under the conditions of transnationalization. As for generalization, the article's main thesis is: political representation, the traditional concept of democracy for the nation state, is replaced by self‐contestation, which needs to be firmly institutionalized in transnational regimes. As for respecification, the main thesis is: self‐contestation cannot be established in a one‐size‐fits‐all approach, but in multiple variations that reflect the extreme epistemic diversity among issue‐specific transnational regimes. The constitutional principle of ‘epistemic subsidiarity’ may open new perspectives for developing different procedures of self‐contestation for different regimes.
A Review on the Use of Wearable Functional Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy in Naturalistic Environments
Authors: Pinti Paola , Aichelburg Clarisse , Gilbert Sam , Hamilton Antonia , Hirsch Joy , Burgess Paul , Tachtsidis Ilias
Published: July 2018

The development of novel miniaturized wireless and wearable functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) devices has paved the way for new functional brain imaging that could revolutionize the cognitive research fields. Over the past few decades, several studies have been conducted with conventional fNIRS systems that have demonstrated the suitability of this technology for a wide variety of populations and applications, to investigate both the healthy brain and the diseased brain. However, what makes wearable fNIRS even more appealing is its capability to allow measurements in everyday‐life scenarios that are not possible with other gold‐standard neuroimaging modalities, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging. This could have a huge impact on the way we explore the neural bases and mechanisms underpinning human brain functioning. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of studies conducted with wearable fNIRS in naturalistic settings in the field of cognitive neuroscience. In addition, we present the challenges associated with the use of wearable fNIRS in unrestrained contexts, discussing solutions that will allow accurate inference of functional brain activity. Finally, we provide an overview of the future perspectives in cognitive neuroscience that we believe would benefit the most from the study of wearable fNIRS devices.
Central nervous system lymphoma in 18 dogs (2001 to 2015)
Authors: LaRue M. K. , Taylor A. R. , Back A. R. , Lindley S. E. , Boudreaux B. L. , Almond G. T. , Shores A. , Brawner W. R. , Smith A. N.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To investigate the outcome of dogs with central nervous system lymphoma.

Materials and Methods

A multi‐center, retrospective, observational study was conducted by reviewing medical records of 18 cases of central nervous system lymphoma from seven institutions.

Results

Diagnosis of lymphoma was made through cerebrospinal fluid analysis, histopathology, flow cytometry of the cerebrospinal fluid, and cytology of cerebrospinal fluid, lymph node or spleen with correlated imaging. A total of 15 of 18 dogs received specific treatment other than prednisone. Three dogs underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy after surgical decompression, five dogs underwent chemotherapy, two dogs underwent radiation therapy after surgical decompression, three dogs underwent chemotherapy after surgical decompression and two dogs underwent radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Only one dog received prednisone, and two dogs did not receive any treatment. Overall, the median survival time was 171 days (range 1 to 1942 days).

Clinical Significance

Dogs receiving any type of treatment for central nervous system lymphoma lived longer than cases described in previous historical reports. Further studies are needed to elucidate the importance of specific treatment modalities.
Who should sell stocks?
Authors: Guasoni Paolo , Liu Ren , Muhle‐Karbe Johannes
Published: July 2018

Never selling stocks is optimal for investors with a long horizon and a realistic range of preference and market parameters, if relative risk aversion, investment opportunities, proportional transaction costs, and dividend yields are constant. Such investors should buy stocks when their portfolio weight is too low and otherwise hold them, letting dividends rebalance to cash over time rather than selling. With capital gains taxes, this policy outperforms both static buy‐and‐hold and dynamic rebalancing strategies that account for transaction costs. Selling stocks becomes optimal if either their target weight is low or intermediate consumption is substantial.
Mineralogy of volatile‐rich clasts in brecciated meteorites
Authors: Patzek M. , Bischoff A. , Visser R. , John T.
Published: July 2018

Meteoritic breccias are valuable samples as they can contain rare materials from the early solar system as clasts. Volatile‐rich, CI‐ and CM‐like clasts may represent parent body lithologies, which cannot be found as individual meteorites in today's meteorite collections. In order to reveal a better knowledge about the presence and chemical characteristics and variability of volatile (water‐bearing) materials in the early solar system these clasts play an important role. Such materials may have been available as the volatile component during the accretion of terrestrial planets. To understand the distribution of volatile‐rich materials in the solar system, we studied CI‐ and CM‐like clasts in brecciated meteorites including polymict ureilites, HEDs, CR, CB, CH, and ordinary chondrites. CI‐like clasts occur throughout all of the mentioned meteorite groups, whereas the CM‐like clasts have only been identified in HEDs and ordinary chondrites. The abundance of volatile‐rich clasts in general decreases in the order CH > CR > ureilites > HEDs > CB > OC > R. The mineralogy of CI‐like clasts is similar to CI chondrites, but their compositions of phyllosilicates differ. The mineralogy of CM‐like clasts clearly links them to CM chondrites. They must have been delivered to the HED parent body by low‐velocity impacts after differentiation and volcanism, as there is no evidence for high shock and heating processes. Additionally, we propose that CI‐like clasts in the CR, CB, and CH chondrites are a primary component of the appropriate parent bodies (accretionary breccias). Conversely, the CI‐like clasts in polymict ureilites and HEDs represent an infall as (micro)meteorites or as low‐velocity impactors, which happened after the accretion and differentiation of the appropriate parent bodies.
Petrographic investigation of shatter cone melt films recovered from MEMIN impact experiments in sandstone and iSALE modeling of their formation boundary conditions
Authors: Wilk Jakob , Hamann Christopher , Fazio Agnese , Luther Robert , Hecht Lutz , Langenhorst Falko , Kenkmann Thomas
Published: July 2018

Shatter cones are diagnostic for the recognition of meteorite impact craters. They are unambiguously identifiable in the field and the only macroscopic shock deformation feature. However, the physical boundary conditions and exact formation mechanism(s) are still a subject of debate. Melt films found on shatter cone surfaces may allow the constraint of pressure–temperature conditions during or immediately after their formation. Within the framework of the MEMIN research group, we recovered 24 shatter cone fragments from the ejecta of hypervelocity impact experiments. Here, we focus on silicate melt films (now quenched to glass) found on shatter cone surfaces formed in experiments with 20–80 cm sized sandstone targets, impacted by aluminum and iron meteorite projectiles of 5 and 12 mm diameter at velocities of 7.0 and 4.6 km s−1, respectively. The recovered shatter cone fragments vary in size from 1.2 to 9.3 mm. They show slightly curved, striated surfaces, and conical geometries with apical angles of 36°–52°. The fragments were recovered from experiments with peak pressures ranging from 46 to 86 GPa, and emanated from a zone within 0.38 crater radii. Based on iSale modeling and petrographic investigations, the shatter coned material experienced low bulk shock pressures of 0.5–5 GPa, whereas deformation shows a steep increase toward the shatter cone surface leading to localized melting of the rock, resulting in both vesicular as well as polished melt textures visible under the SEM. Subjacent to the melt films are zones of fragmentation and brittle shear, indicating movement away from the shatter cone apex of the rock that surrounds the cone. Smearing and extension of the melt film indicates subsequent movement in opposite direction to the comminuted and brecciated shear zone. We believe the documented shear textures and the adjacent smooth melt films can be related to frictional melting, whereas the overlying highly vesiculated melt layer could indicate rapid pressure release. From the observation of melting and mixing of quartz, phyllosilicates, and rutile in this overlying texture, we infer high, but very localized postshock temperatures exceeding 2000 °C. The melted upper part of the shatter cone surface cross‐cuts the fragmented lower section, and is accompanied by PDFs developed in quartz parallel to the {112} plane. Based on the overprinting textures and documented shock effects, we hypothesize shatter cones start to form during shock loading and remain an active fracture surface until pressure release during unloading and infer that shatter cone surfaces are mixed mode I/II fracture surfaces.
Rice PPS1 encodes a DYW motif‐containing pentatricopeptide repeat protein required for five consecutive RNA‐editing sites of nad3 in mitochondria
Authors: Xiao Haijun , Zhang Qiannan , Qin Xiaojian , Xu Yanghong , Ni Chenzi , Huang Jishuai , Zhu Linlin , Zhong Feiya , Liu Wei , Yao Guoxin , Zhu Yingguo , Hu Jun
Published: July 2018

The pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein family is a large family characterized by tandem arrays of a degenerate 35‐amino‐acid motif whose members function as important regulators of organelle gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level. Despite the roles of PPRs in RNA editing in organelles, their editing activities and the underlying mechanism remain obscure.

Here, we show that a novel DYW motif‐containing PPR protein, PPS1, is associated with five conserved RNA‐editing sites of nad3 located in close proximity to each other in mitochondria, all of which involve conversion from proline to leucine in rice. Both pps1 RNAi and heterozygous plants are characterized by delayed development and partial pollen sterility at vegetative stages and reproductive stage.

RNA electrophoresis mobility shift assays (REMSAs) and reciprocal competition assays using different versions of nad3 probes confirm that PPS1 can bind to cis‐elements near the five affected sites, which is distinct from the existing mode of PPR‐RNA binding because of the continuity of the editing sites. Loss of editing at nad3 in pps1 reduces the activity of several complexes in the mitochondrial electron transport chain and affects mitochondrial morphology.

Taken together, our results indicate that PPS1 is required for specific editing sites in nad3 in rice.
STAYGREEN, STAY HEALTHY: a loss‐of‐susceptibility mutation in the STAYGREEN gene provides durable, broad‐spectrum disease resistances for over 50 years of US cucumber production
Authors: Wang Yuhui , Tan Junyi , Wu Zhiming , VandenLangenberg Kyle , Wehner Todd C. , Wen Changlong , Zheng Xiangyang , Owens Ken , Thornton Alyson , Bang Hailey H. , Hoeft Eric , Kraan Peter A. G. , Suelmann Jos , Pan Junsong , Weng Yiqun
Published: July 2018

The Gy14 cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is resistant to oomyceteous downy mildew (DM), bacterial angular leaf spot (ALS) and fungal anthracnose (AR) pathogens, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown.

Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping for the disease resistances in Gy14 and further map‐based cloning identified a candidate gene for the resistant loci, which was validated and functionally characterized by spatial‐temporal gene expression profiling, allelic diversity and phylogenetic analysis, as well as local association studies.

We showed that the triple‐disease resistances in Gy14 were controlled by the cucumber STAYGREEN (CsSGR) gene. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the coding region resulted in a nonsynonymous amino acid substitution in the CsSGR protein, and thus disease resistance. Genes in the chlorophyll degradation pathway showed differential expression between resistant and susceptible lines in response to pathogen inoculation. The causal SNP was significantly associated with disease resistances in natural and breeding populations. The resistance allele has undergone selection in cucumber breeding.

The durable, broad‐spectrum disease resistance is caused by a loss‐of‐susceptibility mutation of CsSGR. Probably, this is achieved through the inhibition of reactive oxygen species over‐accumulation and phytotoxic catabolite over‐buildup in the chlorophyll degradation pathway. The CsSGR‐mediated host resistance represents a novel function of this highly conserved gene in plants.
Intraspecific variation in herbivore‐induced plant volatiles influences the spatial range of plant–parasitoid interactions
Authors: Aartsma Yavanna , Leroy Benjamin , van der Werf Wopke , Dicke Marcel , Poelman Erik H. , Bianchi Felix J. J. A.
Published: July 2018

Chemical information influences the behaviour of many animals, thus affecting species interactions. Many animals forage for resources that are heterogeneously distributed in space and time, and have evolved foraging behaviour that utilizes information related to these resources. Herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs), emitted by plants upon herbivore attack, provide information on herbivory to various animal species, including parasitoids. Little is known about the spatial scale at which plants attract parasitoids via HIPVs under field conditions and how intraspecific variation in HIPV emission affects this spatial scale. Here, we investigated the spatial scale of parasitoid attraction to two cabbage accessions that differ in relative preference of the parasitoid Cotesia glomerata when plants were damaged by Pieris brassicae caterpillars. Parasitoids were released in a field experiment with plants at distances of up to 60 m from the release site using intervals between plants of 10 or 20 m to assess parasitism rates over time and distance. Additionally, we observed host‐location behaviour of parasitoids in detail in a semi‐field tent experiment with plant spacing up to 8 m. Plant accession strongly affected successful host location in field set‐ups with 10 or 20 m intervals between plants. In the semi‐field set‐up, plant finding success by parasitoids decreased with increasing plant spacing, differed between plant accessions, and was higher for host‐infested plants than for uninfested plants. We demonstrate that parasitoids can be attracted to herbivore‐infested plants over large distances (10 m or 20 m) in the field, and that stronger plant attractiveness via HIPVs increases this distance (up to at least 20 m). Our study indicates that variation in plant traits can affect attraction distance, movement patterns of parasitoids, and ultimately spatial patterns of plant–insect interactions. It is therefore important to consider plant‐trait variation in HIPVs when studying animal foraging behaviour and multi‐trophic interactions in a spatial context.
CROSS‐CHANNEL CONNECTIVITY: WEALDEN WHETSTONE IMPORTS FROM ROMAN BRITAIN TO THE CONTINENT
Authors: Reniere Sibrecht , Thiébaux Aurélie , Dreesen Roland , Goemaere Éric , De Clercq Wim
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate cross‐Channel exchange of calcareous sandstone‐type whetstones derived from the Weald (Sussex, UK) in the Roman period. The presence of this particular type of whetstone at several Roman sites on the Continent – more specifically, in Belgium, France and the Netherlands – is reported for the first time. The morphology, geological provenance, petrographic characteristics and distribution patterns are discussed, based on a comparative analysis with archaeological and geological reference material. The geological analysis identifies a common geological source for the Continental finds: the very fine‐grained, thin‐bedded, flagstone‐like calcareous sandstone beds of the Lower Cretaceous Wealden Clay Formation. These sandstones were, most probably, extracted in the north‐western part of the Weald area. The distribution pattern of the archaeological material implies the importance of personal mobility, with potential military affinities.
Severity and threshold of peanut reactivity during hospital‐based open oral food challenges: An international multicenter survey
Authors: Arkwright Peter D. , MacMahon Jayne , Koplin Jennifer , Rajput Shelly , Cross Stephanie , Fitzsimons Roisin , Davidson Neil , Deshpande Veena , Rao Naveen , Lumsden Colin , Lacy David , Allen Katrina J. , Vance Gillian , Mwenechanya James , Fox Adam T. , Erlewyn‐Lajeunesse Michel , Mistry Hitesh , Hourihane Jonathan O'B
Published: July 2018

Background

Peanut allergy is classically managed by food avoidance. Immunotherapy programs are available at some academic centers for selected patients reacting to small amounts of peanut during food challenge. We aimed to determine and compare reaction thresholds and prevalence of anaphylaxis during peanut oral challenges at multiple specialist allergy centers.

Methods

A retrospective, international survey of anonymized case records from seven specialist pediatric allergy centers from the UK and Ireland, as well as the Australian HealthNuts study. Demographic information, allergy test results, reaction severity and threshold during open oral peanut challenges were collated and analyzed.

Results

Of the 1634 children aged 1‐18 years old included, 525 (32%) failed their peanut challenge. Twenty‐eight percent reacted to 25 mg, while 38% only reacted after consuming 1 g or more of whole peanut. Anaphylaxis (55 [11%]) was 3 times more common in teenagers than younger children and the likelihood increased at all ages as children consuming more peanut at the challenge. Children who developed anaphylaxis to 25‐200 mg of whole peanut were significantly older. Previous history of reaction did not predict reaction threshold or severity.

Conclusions

More than a third of the children in this large international cohort tolerated the equivalent of one peanut in an oral challenge. Anaphylaxis, particularly to small amounts of peanut, was more common in older children. Tailored immunotherapy programs might be considered not only for children with low, but also higher reaction thresholds. Whether these programs could prevent heightened sensitivity and anaphylaxis to peanut with age also deserves further study.
Association between obesity and pediatric psoriasis
Authors: Hunjan Manrup K. , Maradit Kremers Hilal , Lohse Christine , Tollefson Megha
Published: July 2018

Obese children are at higher risk of developing psoriasis, and obesity severity is correlated with psoriasis severity. The relationship between obesity and pediatric psoriasis was explored in a well‐defined population. Obesity and psoriasis coexist at diagnosis, but it is likely that obesity commonly precedes psoriasis in children.
Neurocognitive assessment of children with neurodevelopmental disorders: Preliminary findings
Authors: Kawabe Kentaro , Horiuchi Fumie , Kondo Shizuka , Matsumoto Miki , Seo Kanae , Oka Yasunori , Ueno Shu‐ichi
Published: July 2018

Background

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, and is often treated pharmacologically. It is necessary to use both subjective and objective assessments to diagnose and determine the efficacy of pharmacological treatment in children with ADHD, but cognitive assessment tools for ADHD are scarce. We examined a computer‐administered, brief, and repeatable cognitive assessment tool: CogHealth. The aims of this study were to use the CogHealth battery, an objective assessment tool, to compare cognitive function between children with ADHD or ADHD + autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and healthy children and to assess improvements in cognitive function following pharmacological treatment.

Methods

We measured the cognitive function of nine children with ADHD or ADHD + ASD using CogHealth and compared the results with those of 33 age‐matched children from the community. Cognitive function comparisons were made before and after psychostimulant treatment with methylphenidate.

Results

We detected significant cognitive abnormalities in the children with ADHD, compared with the control subjects. The children with pre‐treatment ADHD had significantly more errors on the detection task (DT), and more anticipatory errors in the one card learning task, compared with control children. The children with ADHD significantly improved their accuracy on the one back test (OBT), and had significantly fewer errors, anticipatory errors, and shorter reaction times after osmotic‐release oral system methylphenidate treatment.

Conclusion

The DT is a useful neurocognitive function assessment for children with ADHD, and the OBT can measure pharmacological treatment effectiveness in children with ADHD.
Increasing diversity within the Global Lung Function Initiative
Authors: Hall Graham L. , Cooper Brendan G.
Published: July 2018

See related Article
Increased M1 macrophages in young miR‐15a/16−/− mice with tumour grafts or dextran sulphate sodium‐induced colitis
Authors: Jia Xiaoqin , Hu Xiangyu , Han Sen , Miao Xin , Liu Hao , Li Xiaomin , Lin Zhijie , Wang Zhengbing , Gong Weijuan
Published: July 2018

M1 macrophages are involved in inflammation by producing proinflammatory cytokines, whereas M2 macrophages are associated with wound healing and tissue regeneration by producing anti‐inflammatory cytokines. MicroRNAs are involved in macrophage polarization. To evaluate whether miR‐15a/16 is involved in macrophage polarization under tumour or inflammation microenvironments, we observed the growth of transplanted hepatic cancer (H22) cells or severity of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis in 8‐week‐old miR‐15a/16 knockout (KO) mice. Compared with littermate controls, the miR‐15a/16−/− mice exhibited retarded tumour growth and increased sensibility to DSS‐induced colitis. Meanwhile, the M1 cell frequencies were higher in tumour tissues and inflamed colons of KO mice than of littermate controls. Macrophages with miR‐15a/16 deletion revealed an enhanced NF‐κB transcription under the physiological state and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) stimulation. STAT3 expression was also significantly increased in miR‐15a/16−/− macrophages under LPS or HMGB1 stimulation. The polarization of M1 macrophages can be associated with the coactivation of NF‐κB and STAT3. Results indicated that miR‐15a/16 deficiency in the macrophages directs M1 polarization for tumour suppression and proinflammation. Thus, miR‐15a/16 deletion in macrophages holds a distinct biological significance from that of the microRNA deficiency in tumour cells.
A Novel Surgical Approach Using Contracting Band to Improve Right Ventricle Ejection Fraction for Patients With Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot, a Patient-Specific CMR-Based Modeling Study
Authors: Yang Chun , Tang Dalin , Geva Tal , Rathod Rahul , Yamauchi Haruo , Gooty Vasu , Tang Alexander , Gaudette Glenn , Billiar Kristen L. , Kural Mehmet H. , del Nido Pedro J.
Published: July 2018

Patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) account for the majority of cases with late onset right ventricle (RV) failure. The current surgical approach, which includes pulmonary valve replacement/insertion (PVR), has yielded mixed results [1–2]. A new surgical option placing an elastic band in the right ventricle is proposed to improve RV cardiac function measured by ejection fraction (EF).
In Vivo MRI Versus Ex Vivo CT for Image-Based CFD of the Mouse Aorta
Authors: Van Doormaal M. A. , Zhang X. , Zhou Y. , Steinman D. A. , Henkelman R. M.
Published: July 2018

A novel mouse model of surgically induced aortic valve regurgitation (AR) has been developed which leads to altered hemodynamics in the descending thoracic and abdominal aorta, in turn leading to extensive atherosclerotic lesions in these otherwise lesion free areas [1]. Previous work has shown that maps of oscillatory shear index (OSI) and relative residence time (RRT) are consistent with the plaque distribution [2] and plaque severity in AR mice.
Alterations in Finite Element Results Given Constitutive Models From Tubular and Planar Biaxial Testing of the Same Porcine Coronary Arteries
Authors: Keyes Joseph T. , Lockwood Danielle R. , Vande Geest Jonathan P.
Published: July 2018

The biomechanical characterization of tissue offers insight into items such as progression of disease and design parameters for implants1,2. To biomechanically evaluate the properties of blood vessels, biaxial testing is frequently performed because biological samples often exhibit anisotropy, and are most frequently under tension from the applied pressures and stretches3,4. Deciding whether to splay a tubular sample open to test in planar form versus performing pressure-inflation testing is a decision often determined by what testing equipment is available. The purpose of this abstract is to compare pressure-inflation behavior, stress distributions, and fiber architecture in planar versus tubular biaxial testing of the same arteries.
Potential Pathways for Platelet Activation
Authors: Shadden Shawn C. , Hendabadi Sahar
Published: July 2018

As platelets are transported they are continuously stretched, compressed and sheared by local gradients in the flow. Exposure to elevated gradients can cause platelets to actively react with conformational, chemical and enzymatic responses, i.e. becoming activated. Once switched to the activated state, platelets perform multifaceted roles to orchestrate clotting. Mechanically-induced platelet activation under pathological conditions has been studied since the late 1970s. This work builds on [1], which introduced a trajectory-based level of activation parameter for platelets, and [2] describing coherent structures in cardiovascular flow. We introduce a new direction-independent Lagrangian measure. This measure is introduced as an activation potential in two senses. First, it provides a measure of mechanical strain, which has been shown to have the potential to activate platelets. Second, it is plotted at the initial location of the platelets. This latter condition is subtle, but it enables us to uncover an interesting observation that locations of highest activation potential tend to occur along structures that have important implications to the transport topology.
Influence of the Transducer Acoustic Power on Focal Location of the Beam During HIFU Ablation Procedure
Authors: Dibaji Seyed Ahmad Reza , Banerjee Rupak K.
Published: July 2018

The location of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) beam in a tissue medium is an important parameter in assessment of the thermal field as it influences the temperature rise in the tissue. Our hypothesis is that the location of the beam can be affected by the power of the transducer. HIFU procedure with 30s of sonication time was performed at different powers of transducer (5 to 60 W) as well as different initial locations of beam in a tissue mimicking material. Eight thermocouples were embedded at 4 different layers in a phantom to measure the temperature rise during HIFU procedure. An inverse method based on experimental data and optimization algorithm was used to find the actual location of beam based on the experimental data. Our experimental data showed that for a higher power (60 W) as compared to a lower power (5 W), the focal distance that the actual position of beam moves away from its initial location increased with the raise in power. Thus, beam location can change at different powers of transducer. Using inverse method we showed that there is a direct linear correlation (R2 = 0.95) between the transducer power and the distance that beam moves away from its initial location. Therefore, it is of great clinical importance to study the effects of transducer power on the location of HIFU beam in an attempt to minimize the damage to healthy cells.
Image-Based Computational Hemodynamics and Microarray Analysis of the Porcine Aortic Arch Reveals a Correlation Between Shear Stress and Endothelial Cell Apoptosis
Authors: De Luca Amalia , Warboys Christina M. , Amini Narges , Ferreira Pedro , Gatehouse Peter , Firmin David , Mason Justin , Sherwin Spencer , Evans Paul C.
Published: July 2018

Atherosclerosis is a focal disease that occurs predominantly at regions of the arterial tree that are exposed to disturbed blood flow, which generates low, oscillatory wall shear stress (WSS) at the lumen. WSS controls the spatial distribution of lesions by influencing numerous aspects of endothelial cell (EC) physiology, including inflammatory activation and viability. Of particular note, ECs in low shear, lesion-prone regions are characterized by increased apoptosis and turnover rates1 thus providing a potential explanation for the distinct spatial localization of lesion formation. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of WSS on EC physiology are poorly understood, they are known to involve transcriptional changes.
Non-radiative mid-range wireless power transfer: An experiment for senior physics undergraduates
Authors: Delichte S. D. , Lu Y. J. , Bobowski J. S.
Published: July 2018

A wireless power transfer experiment suitable for senior physics undergraduates is described and demonstrated in detail. The apparatus, which operates between 3 and 4 MHz, consists of a pair of identical resonant coils that can be moved relative to one another. A signal generator circuit is inductively coupled to the transmitting coil using a single loop of wire. Likewise, a single loop of wire couples the receiving coil to a load impedance. We use a matching circuit to tune the impedance of the system of coupled resonators to match the 50-Ω output impedance of the signal generator and a low-cost vector network analyzer to characterize the system performance as the distance between the pair of coils is changed. We find that when the distance between the transmitting and receiving coils is small, a double resonance emerges and that the frequency difference between the pair resonances is inversely proportional to the distance between the coils. After fully characterizing the system, it can be operated up to an incident power of 20 W. Our measurements reveal that, at weak coupling, the fraction of the incident power lost to radiation increases linearly with the distance between the coils. Finally, we demonstrate that the system is able to transmit enough power to dimly light a 60-W incandescent light bulb.
A simple method of coil design
Authors: Rawlik M. , Eggenberger A. , Krempel J. , Crawford C. , Kirch K. , Piegsa F. M. , Quéméner G.
Published: July 2018

In this article, we present a method to design a coil producing an arbitrarily shaped magnetic field by restricting the path of the coil's wires to a regular grid. The solution is then found by a simple least squares minimum. We discuss practical applications, in particular, in the active magnetic field stabilization system of the neutron electric dipole moment experiment at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Villigen, Switzerland. We also publish the software implementation of the method.
Hackers easily fool artificial intelligences
Authors: Hutson Matthew
Published: July 2018

Adversarial attacks highlight lack of security in machine learning algorithms.
A path to clean water
Authors: Kümmerer Klaus , Dionysiou Dionysios D. , Olsson Oliver , Fatta-Kassinos Despo
Published: July 2018

Reduced chemicals input must complement wastewater treatment to ensure the safety of water resources
The Psoriasis Risk Allele
HLA-C*06:02
Shows Evidence of Association with Chronic or Recurrent Streptococcal Tonsillitis
Authors: Haapasalo Karita , Koskinen Lotta L. E. , Suvilehto Jari , Jousilahti Pekka , Wolin Annika , Suomela Sari , Trembath Richard , Barker Jonathan , Vuopio Jaana , Kere Juha , Jokiranta T. Sakari , Saavalainen Päivi
Published: July 2018

Pharyngeal tonsillitis is one of the most common upper respiratory tract infections, and group A streptococcus is the most important bacterial pathogen causing it. While most patients experience tonsillitis only rarely, a subset of patients suffers from recurrent or chronic tonsillitis or pharyngitis.
Detection of (1,3)-β-
d
-Glucan in Cerebrospinal Fluid in Histoplasma Meningitis
Authors: Myint Thein , Chow Felicia C. , Bloch Karen C. , Raymond-Guillen Luke , Davis Thomas E. , Wright Patty W. , Woc-Colburn Laila , Khairy Raed N. , Street Alan C. , Yamamoto Tomotaka , Albers Amanda , Wheat L. Joseph , Hage Chadi A.
Published: July 2018

The diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) histoplasmosis is often difficult. Although cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (1,3)-β-
d
-glucan (BDG) is available as a biological marker for the diagnosis of fungal meningitis, there are limited data on its use for the diagnosis of
Histoplasma
meningitis.
Is BVA stifling free‐reigning ethical debate?
Authors: Roger Paul , Fishwick John
Published: July 2018

Paul Roger argues that the structure for debating and endorsing new policy decisions at BVA is not fit for purpose, and that this should be reviewed and adapted so that it can meet today's demands.