bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of chaparral type conversion to herbaceous vegetation in coastal Southern California
Authors: Syphard Alexandra D. , Brennan Teresa J. , Keeley Jon E.
Published: August 2018

Aim

In Southern California, native woody shrublands known as chaparral support exceptional biodiversity. However, large‐scale conversion of chaparral into largely exotic herbaceous cover is a major ecological threat and serious conservation concern. Due to substantial uncertainty regarding the causes and extent of this vegetation change, we aimed to quantify the primary drivers of and map potentially vulnerable locations for vegetation type conversion from woody into herbaceous cover.

Location

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area, Southern California, USA.

Methods

We used air photograph image interpretation to quantify the extent to which chaparral shrublands transitioned to herbaceous cover from 1943 to 2014 across nearly 800 randomly located plots. Comparing plots that remained chaparral to those that converted to herbaceous cover, we performed hierarchical partitioning to quantify the independent contribution of a range of explanatory variables, and then used classification trees to explore variable interactions. We also developed a spatial model to create a seamless map delineating relative probability of type conversion.

Results

Of the original plots that were chaparral in 1943, 284 (36%) changed cover by 2014, with 79 completely converting, and 142 mostly converting to herbaceous cover. The primary mechanism behind shrubland decline and replacement was short intervals between fires (<=10 years), and type conversion was most likely to occur in arid parts of the landscape with low topographic heterogeneity and close proximity to trails and roads. Predictive maps delineated several hotspots with environmental conditions similar to those of type‐converted plots.

Main conclusions

Chaparral type conversion is a widespread conservation concern, and results here suggest that short‐interval fire and landscape disturbance are the most likely factors to exacerbate it, particularly in water‐limited portions of the landscape where chaparral is subject to greater physiological stress and slower recovery. Reducing fire ignitions and mapping vulnerable areas may be important strategies for prevention.
Telemetry reveals existing marine protected areas are worse than random for protecting the foraging habitat of threatened shy albatross (Thalassarche cauta)
Authors: Mason Claire , Alderman Rachael , McGowan Jennifer , Possingham Hugh P. , Hobday Alistair J. , Sumner Michael , Shaw Justine
Published: August 2018

Aim

To assess the efficacy of marine reserves in Australia for shy albatross, using long‐term tracking data.

Location

Albatross Island, Tasmania, and south Australian waters.

Methods

We integrated a tracking dataset consisting of 111 individuals collected over 23 years and generated Brownian bridge kernel density estimations to identify important habitat. We quantified the overlap between the foraging distribution of early incubating adults and post‐fledgling juveniles with management boundaries and marine reserves. We compared the extent of coverage of albatross foraging areas by Marine Protection Areas (MPAs) relative to a randomly designed network of the same size to determine whether the spatial protection measures are likely to be effective.

Results

Incubating adults consistently foraged in waters to the northwest of Tasmania while post‐fledglings occupied shelf waters around Tasmania and South Australia. We show that our sample of 99 incubating adults adequately represented the population but that our sample of 12 post‐fledgling birds was insufficient, thereby limiting the confidence in our results for this life stage. The Commonwealth Government has the majority of management responsibility for shy albatross at‐sea, containing 88% and 90% of the area occupied most intensively by adult and post‐fledgling shy albatross, respectively. Randomly designed reserve networks outperformed the current MPA network for both life stages, such that the mean protection by a random reserve system was 30% and 12% higher than the actual protection for adults and juveniles in Commonwealth waters.

Main conclusions

Important foraging habitat of shy albatross from Albatross Island is mostly within Commonwealth‐managed waters. The current MPA network, the only spatial protection measure for shy albatross, provides less coverage for this species than a randomly placed network. An increase in the representation of productive shelf waters in MPA networks would benefit the conservation of shy albatross through reducing fisheries interactions and protecting habitat in these regions.
Effect of visual stimuli of pain on empathy brain network in people with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Lassalle Amandine , Zürcher Nicole R. , Hippolyte Loyse , Billstedt Eva , Porro Carlo A. , Benuzzi Francesca , Solomon Patricia , Prkachin Kenneth M. , Lemonnier Eric , Gillberg Christopher , Åsberg Johnels Jakob , Hadjikhani Nouchine
Published: August 2018

The extent to which affective empathy is impaired in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains unclear, as some—but not all—previous neuroimaging studies investigating empathy for pain in ASD have shown similar activation levels to those of neurotypicals individuals. These inconsistent results could be due to the use of different empathy‐eliciting stimuli. While some studies used pictures of faces exhibiting a painful expression, others used pictures of limbs in painful situations. In this study, we used fMRI to compare activation in areas associated with empathy processing (empathy network) for these two types of stimuli in 31 participants (16 with ASD, 15 controls). We found a group difference in the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and the thalamus when participants viewed stimuli of limbs in painful situations, but not when they viewed face stimuli with a painful expression. Both groups of participants activated their empathy network more when viewing pictures of limbs in painful situations than when viewing pictures of faces with a painful expression; this increased activation for limbs versus faces was significantly enhanced in controls relative to ASD participants, especially in the secondary somatosensory cortex (SII). Our findings suggest that empathy defect of people with ASD is contingent upon the type of stimuli used, and may be related to the level of Mirror Neuron System involvement, as brain regions showing group differences (IFG, SII) underlie embodiment. We discuss the potential clinical implications of our findings in terms of developing interventions boosting the empathetic abilities of people with ASD.
How to ensure threatened species monitoring leads to threatened species conservation
Authors: Robinson Natasha M. , Scheele Ben C. , Legge Sarah , Southwell Darren M. , Carter Oberon , Lintermans Mark , Radford James Q. , Skroblin Anja , Dickman Chris R. , Koleck Jessica , Wayne Adrian F. , Kanowski John , Gillespie Graeme R. , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: August 2018

Monitoring is essential for effective conservation and management of threatened species and ecological communities. However, more often than not, threatened species monitoring is poorly implemented, meaning that conservation decisions are not informed by the best available knowledge. We outline challenges and provide best‐practice guidelines for threatened species monitoring, informed by the diverse perspectives of 26 conservation managers and scientists from a range of organisations with expertise across Australian species and ecosystems. Our collective expertise synthesised five key principles that aim to enhance the design, implementation and outcomes of threatened species monitoring. These principles are (i) integrate monitoring with management; (ii) design fit‐for‐purpose monitoring programs; (iii) engage people and organisations; (iv) ensure good data management; and (v) communicate the value of monitoring. We describe how to incorporate these principles into existing frameworks to improve current and future monitoring programs. Effective monitoring is essential to inform appropriate management and enable better conservation outcomes for our most vulnerable species and ecological communities.
Restless legs syndrome is associated with headache‐related disabilities in patients with migraine: a prospective 7‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Suzuki K. , Suzuki S. , Haruyama Y. , Kobashi G. , Shiina T. , Hirata K.
Published: August 2018

Background and purpose

No prospective study has evaluated the impact of restless legs syndrome (RLS) on clinical factors in patients with migraine. We planned a prospective study to assess the impact of RLS comorbid status on clinical factors in patients with migraine.

Methods

A total of 101 patients with migraine who were evaluated for RLS twice at 7‐year intervals in a university hospital setting were included in this study. The RLS group was defined as positive for RLS at either baseline or follow‐up and the non‐RLS group was defined as negative for RLS at both baseline and follow‐up. The Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were administered to all patients.

Results

The RLS prevalence was 16.8% at baseline and 20.8% at follow‐up. Compared with the non‐RLS group (n = 27), the RLS group (n = 74) showed a significantly higher rate of smoking and higher MIDAS and BDI‐II scores at 7‐year follow‐up. A significant reduction in MIDAS and BDI‐II scores at 7‐year follow‐up compared with those at baseline was observed in the non‐RLS group, but not in the RLS group. The non‐RLS group showed a significantly lower MIDAS score at 7‐year follow‐up than the RLS group after adjusting for confounding variables such as age, gender, smoking status, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and PSQI scores using analysis of covariance. The persistent RLS group (n = 11) (positive for RLS at both baseline and follow‐up) showed a significantly higher rate of smoking and increased MIDAS, BDI‐II and PSQI scores compared with the non‐RLS group (n = 74) at 7‐year follow‐up.

Conclusion

Our prospective study showed that RLS had a significant impact on headache‐related disability in patients with migraine.
Muscular cramp: causes and management
Authors: Swash M. , Czesnik D. , de Carvalho M.
Published: August 2018

Muscular cramp is a common symptom in healthy people, especially among the elderly and in young people after vigorous or peak exercise. It is prominent in a number of benign neurological syndromes. It is a particular feature of chronic neurogenic disorders, especially amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A literature review was undertaken to understand the diverse clinical associations of cramp and its neurophysiological basis, taking into account recent developments in membrane physiology and modulation of motor neuronal excitability. Many aspects of cramping remain incompletely understood and require further study. Current treatment options are correspondingly limited.
Quality of life improvements in patients with cervical dystonia following treatment with a liquid formulation of abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport®)
Authors: Simonetta‐Moreau M. , Picaut P. , Volteau M. , Poewe W.
Published: August 2018

Background and purpose

In patients with cervical dystonia, abobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection (ASI) has been shown to be similarly effective to freeze‐dried abobotulinumtoxinA in reducing Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) total scores. In this secondary analysis, quality of life data as evaluated with the Cervical Dystonia Impact Profile (CDIP‐58) are presented.

Methods

This was a double‐blind, randomized, active and placebo‐controlled study followed by an open‐label extension (NCT01261611). In the double‐blind phase, patients were randomized (3:3:1) to one cycle of ASI 500 U (n = 156), abobotulinumtoxinA 500 U (n = 159) or placebo (n = 54). Following the double‐blind phase, all patients received open‐label ASI for up to four cycles.

Results

The CDIP‐58 total scores were significantly improved at week 4 of the double‐blind phase in both the ASI 500 U and abobotulinumtoxinA 500 U groups versus placebo [least squares mean change from baseline of −9.5 (−11.51, −7.45) and −11.2 (−13.2, −9.26) vs. −0.9 (−4.04, 2.14), respectively; both P < 0.0001 vs. placebo]. All CDIP‐58 domains contributed to this improvement and benefits were maintained across open‐label treatment. Positive correlations were observed between CDIP‐58 total score and all three TWSTRS domains (R = 0.42–0.62) and for all CDIP‐58 subscales with the TWSTRS total score and domains (R = 0.23–0.60).

Conclusions

Repeat ASI injections are similarly effective to abobotulinumtoxinA in improving patient‐reported outcomes of health‐related quality of life. Positive correlations were found between TWSTRS total and domain scores and CDIP‐58 total and domain scores.
Natural selection on plasticity of thermal traits in a highly seasonal environment
Authors: Bacigalupe Leonardo D. , Gaitán‐Espitia Juan D. , Barria Aura M. , Gonzalez‐Mendez Avia , Ruiz‐Aravena Manuel , Trinder Mark , Sinervo Barry
Published: August 2018

For ectothermic species with broad geographical distributions, latitudinal/altitudinal variation in environmental temperatures (averages and extremes) is expected to shape the evolution of physiological tolerances and the acclimation capacity (i.e., degree of phenotypic plasticity) of natural populations. This can create geographical gradients of selection in which environments with greater thermal variability (e.g., seasonality) tend to favor individuals that maximize performance across a broader range of temperatures compared to more stable environments. Although thermal acclimation capacity plays a fundamental role in this context, it is unknown whether natural selection targets this trait in natural populations. Additionally, understanding whether and how selection acts on thermal physiological plasticity is also highly relevant to climate change and biological conservation. Here, we addressed such an important gap in our knowledge in the northernmost population of the four‐eyed frog, Pleurodema thaul. We measured plastic responses of critical thermal limits for activity, behavioral thermal preference, and thermal sensitivity of metabolism to acclimation at 10 and 20°C. We monitored survival during three separate recapture efforts and used mark‐recapture integrated into an information‐theoretic approach to evaluate the relationship between survivals as a function of the plasticity of thermal traits. Overall, we found no evidence that thermal acclimation in this population is being targeted by directional selection, although there might be signals of selection on individual traits. According to the most supported models, survival increased in individuals with higher tolerance to cold when cold‐acclimated, probably because daily low extremes are frequent during the cooler periods of the year. Furthermore, survival increased with body size. However, in both cases, the directional selection estimates were nonsignificant, and the constraints of our experimental design prevented us from evaluating more complex models (i.e., nonlinear selection).
Manipulating plant phylogenetic diversity for green roof ecosystem service delivery
Authors: MacIvor J. Scott , Sookhan Nicholas , Arnillas Carlos A. , Bhatt Anushree , Das Shameek , Yasui Simone‐Louise E. , Xie Garland , Cadotte Marc W.
Published: August 2018

Plant species and functional trait diversity have each been shown to improve green roof services. Species and trait differences that contribute to ecosystem services are the product of past evolutionary change and phylogenetic diversity (PD), which quantifies the relatedness among species within a community. In this study, we present an experimental framework to assess the contribution of plant community PD for green roof ecosystem service delivery, and data from one season that support our hypotheses that PD would be positively correlated with two services: building cooling and rainwater management. Using 28 plant species in 12 families, we created six community combinations with different levels of PD. Each of these communities was replicated at eight green roofs along an elevation gradient, as well as a ground level control. We found that the minimum and mean roof temperature decreased with increasing PD in the plant community. Increasing PD also led to an increase in the volume of rainwater captured, but not the proportion of water lost via evapotranspiration 48 hr following the rain event. Our findings suggest that considering these evolutionary relationships could improve functioning of green infrastructure and we recommend that understanding how to make PD (and other measures of diversity) serviceable for plant selection by practitioners will improve the effectiveness of design and ecosystem service delivery. Lastly, since no two green roof sites are the same and can vary tremendously in microclimate conditions, our study illustrates the importance of including multiple independent sites in studies of green roof performance.
Impact of slide diamond burnishing additional parameters on fatigue behaviour of 2024‐T3 Al alloy
Authors: Maximov Jordan T. , Anchev Angel P. , Duncheva Galya V. , Ganev Nikolaj , Selimov Kenan F. , Dunchev Vladimir P.
Published: August 2018

One of the methods for increasing fatigue life of symmetric rotary metal components is slide diamond burnishing (SDB). This method is implemented on conventional and computer numerical control machine tools by means of simple equipment, which is its main advantage. The SDB basic parameters are diamond insert radius, burnishing force, feed rate, and burnishing velocity. The additional ones are number of passes, working scheme, and lubrication conditions. The effect of SDB additional parameters on the fatigue behaviour of 2024‐T3 Al alloy was experimentally studied. Groups of smooth and notched hourglass‐shaped specimens were slide burnished using different combinations of additional SDB parameters and then were subjected to bending fatigue tests. The residual stresses, introduced by SDB, were measured by X‐ray diffraction technique. The near‐surface microstructure of the slide‐burnished specimens was investigated. Based on the results obtained, it was established that SDB produces two main effects, which depend on SDB additional parameters. The essence of the macroeffect is creation of residual compressive stresses in the superficial and subsurface layers. This stresses retard the formation and growth of fatigue macrocracks and thus increase the lifetime of slide‐burnished components. The microeffect is expressed in modifying the microstructure of the surface and subsurface layers, correspondingly, refining the grain and homogenizing and reducing the pores in the material. Such microstructure is characterized by increased plasticity and fatigue crack resistance. The fatigue life depends on the combination of these two effects. Thus, the desired fatigue behaviour of the slide‐burnished component can be ensured through an appropriate selection of the governing additional SDB parameters.
Association between diabetes and nonretention of root filled teeth: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cabanillas‐Balsera D. , Martín‐González J. , Montero‐Miralles P. , Sánchez‐Domínguez B. , Jiménez‐Sánchez M. C. , Segura‐Egea J. J.
Published: August 2018

Previous studies have found an association between the outcome of root canal treatment (RCT) and diabetic status. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to analyse the potential relationship between diabetes and the occurrence of extracted root filled teeth (RFT). The clinical PICO question was as follows: in adult patients with RFT, does the absence or presence of diabetes influence the prevalence of RFT extraction? The key words used in the systematic search were as follows: (Diabetes OR Diabetes Mellitus OR Hyperglycaemia OR Diabetic) AND (Endodontic OR Endodontics OR Endodontic Treatment OR Root Canal Treatment OR Root Canal Preparation OR Root Canal Therapy OR Root Filled Teeth OR Endodontically Treated Teeth) AND (Extraction OR Retention OR Survival OR Success OR Failure OR Outcome). The primary outcome variable was odds ratio (OR) for the frequency of extracted RFT in diabetics and healthy subjects. The method of DerSimonian–Laird with random effects was used to calculate the overall OR. Three hundred titles were identified, and three studies achieved the inclusion criteria. Data from 54 936 root canal treatments, 50 301 in nondiabetic control subjects and 4635 in diabetic patients, were analysed. The calculated overall odds ratio (OR = 2.44; 95% CI = 1.54–3.88; P = 0.0001) implies that diabetics had a significantly higher prevalence of extracted RFT than healthy nondiabetic subjects. The results of available studies indicate a significant relationship between DM and increased frequency of nonretained root filled teeth. Diabetes mellitus should be considered an important preoperative prognostic factor in root canal treatment.
Controversies in off‐label prescriptions in dermatology: the perspective of the patient, the physician, and the pharmaceutical companies
Authors: França Katlein , Litewka Sergio
Published: August 2018

The term “off‐label drug use” involves the prescription of medications for unapproved indications or in unapproved dosage, dosage form, or route of administration. Off‐label medications are common in the management of dermatologic diseases. In the recent years, new indications for botulinum toxin, biologics, spironolactone, topical calcineurin, and topical vitamin D analogues emerged, and these drugs are being used off‐label to treat a variety of conditions. The high cost and long time required for the approval discourage pharmaceutical companies from developing studies and pursuing the approval by regulatory agencies. Patients and physicians may have a different perspective regarding the off‐label use of medications. The ethical discussion is based on the different opinions concerning the need for informed consent by the patient and how this could be applicable in the clinical practice.
Fatty acids, volatile compounds and microbial quality preservation with an oregano nanoemulsion to extend the shelf life of hake (Merluccius hubbsi) burgers
Authors: Asensio Claudia M. , Quiroga Patricia R. , Huang Qingrong , Nepote Valeria , Grosso Nelson R.
Published: August 2018

Hake (Merluccius hubbsi) is the most important fish of Argentinean industry. The preservative effects of an oregano essential oil (EO) nanoemulsion (NE) on hake burgers (FB) during 15 days at 4 °C were studied. Fatty acids determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (CG‐MS), volatile compounds determined by solid phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with CG‐MS, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), and microbial count was measured. ANOVA and DCG tests were performed. After 14 days, significant differences were detected among samples (P ≤ 0.05). FB with EO (EO‐FB) and FB with NE containing EO (NEEO‐FB) had the highest content of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) (191.82 and 198.42 g kg−1) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) (107.97 and 110.87 g kg−1, respectively). Also, NEEO‐FB had the lowest microbial count (7 log CFU g−1). The incorporation of the oregano essential oil into a nanoemulsion improves the preserving activity in hake fish burgers.
Sampling Techniques for Big Data Analysis
Authors: Kim Jae Kwang , Wang Zhonglei
Published: August 2018

In analysing big data for finite population inference, it is critical to adjust for the selection bias in the big data. In this paper, we propose two methods of reducing the selection bias associated with the big data sample. The first method uses a version of inverse sampling by incorporating auxiliary information from external sources, and the second one borrows the idea of data integration by combining the big data sample with an independent probability sample. Two simulation studies show that the proposed methods are unbiased and have better coverage rates than their alternatives. In addition, the proposed methods are easy to implement in practice.
A bibliometric analysis of 81 articles that represent excellence in nursing publication
Authors: Nicoll Leslie H. , Carter‐Templeton Heather , Oermann Marilyn H. , Ashton Kathleen S. , Edie Alison H. , Conklin Jamie L.
Published: August 2018

Aim

To analyze publication patterns of 81 articles included in a “virtual journal.”

Background

From May–July 2017, editors submitted articles from their journals representing distinction in nursing research, education, or practice. Brief responses explained their rationale for article selection. This sample embodied a unique exemplar of excellence in nursing publication and warranted further bibliometric analysis, which was undertaken from February to May 2018.

Design/Method

Using Scopus, each article (N = 81) was searched to obtain bibliographic information and subsequent second and third generation citations. Three concepts guided the analysis: (a) persistence, rate of subsequent citations over time; (b) reach, geographic distribution of subsequent citations; and (c) dissemination, specialty of follow‐on citations represented as nursing or another discipline. Patterns amongst the second and third generation of citations were also examined.

Results

Of the 81 articles, 43 (53%) were cited at least once, resulting in 721 second generation citations. There was long‐term persistence (N = 2094) over the third and fourth generation citations. There was a wide geographic reach, representing 41 states in the United States and 44 countries. Dissemination was broad with citations in the medical literature eclipsing nursing in the third generation. The highest cited articles were all research reports. Patterns of silos and ripple effect were identified. No pattern could be identified for the 31 articles with zero subsequent citations.

Conclusion

This study revealed the impact of articles perceived as exemplar representations of 80 different nursing journals. Nursing research is being widely read and cited, both in and outside the profession.
Development and validation of the MISSCARE survey – Pediatric version
Authors: Bagnasco Annamaria , Zanini Milko , Aleo Giuseppe , Catania Gianluca , Kalisch Beatrice J. , Sasso Loredana
Published: August 2018

Aim

Develop and test the validity and reliability of MISSCARE Survey‐Ped adapted from previous versions of the MISSCARE Survey, which measures omitted nursing activities and the reasons why they were left undone. Our secondary aim was to pre‐test the construct validity using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA).

Background

Missed Nursing Care is described as “every care activity necessary for the patient that is not provided or is seriously delayed”. Missed Care is correlated with negative patient outcomes, such as mortality and adverse events.

Design

A mixed‐mode cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Participants included registered pediatric nurses and nurses working in pediatric wards. This study was conducted between June and September 2017 and consisted of four phases: (a) analysis of existing surveys and item construction; (b) content and face validity; (c) reliability analysis (acceptability for ease of use, Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency and test–retest to measure stability); and (d) construct validity (EFA).

Results

The MISSCARE Survey‐Ped consists of two sections: Section A “Missed Nursing Care Activities” (29 items) and Section B “Reasons for Missed Nursing Care Activities” (17 items). The new survey showed good validity properties and effectively identified Missed Nursing Care activities in pediatric settings.

Conclusion

The development and validation of the MISSCARE Survey‐Ped made it possible to conduct an objective and standardized study of missed nursing care activities in the field of pediatrics. This new survey offers the opportunity to collect data that enable to design and implement interventions that improve the quality and safety of pediatric nursing.
Characteristics and behaviours of formal versus informal nurse champions and their relationship to innovation success
Authors: Luz Shirly , Shadmi Efrat , Admi Hanna , Peterfreund Ilana , Drach‐Zahavy Anat
Published: August 2018

Aims

To identify the sociodemographic attributes, project characteristics and champion strategies that differentiate formal from informal nursing champions, and to test their success in terms of project spread and novelty.

Background

Champions spread innovation in healthcare organizations. Empirical research has not explored the differences between formal and informal champions in terms of their antecedents and success.

Design

A quantitative cross‐sectional design.

Method

Data were collected on 93 nursing champions in three hospitals from 2015 ‐ 2016. Champions were identified according to a validated approach; data on their sociodemographic attributes, project characteristics and strategies were assembled through interviews and validated questionnaires. Their success in terms of novelty and spread was assessed via expert ratings and validated questionnaire.

Findings

Informal champions had longer tenure and were involved mainly in bottom‐up projects aimed mostly at improving human resources and services; formal champions were mostly involved in top‐down projects aimed at quality control. Informal champions expressed more enthusiasm and confidence about the innovation; formal champions tended to use more online resources and peer‐monitoring strategies. Projects of informal champions were more novel than those of formal champions. Project spread did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusion

Formal and informal champions differ in their characteristics and implementation strategies. To encourage project's innovation, the organizational climate should encourage the emergence of informal champions; formal and informal champions should be chosen wisely, assuring that they possess enough organizational resources; and coaching programmes for junior champions should be planned to equip them with championing behaviours.
Hidden Security: EU Public Research Funds and the Development of European Drones
Authors: Martins Bruno Oliveira , Küsters Christian
Published: August 2018

In recent years, dozens of drone development projects have attracted hundreds of millions of euros from EU public research funds with little accountability and scarce political oversight. This article relates the ongoing exponential growth of the drone industry in Europe with the vast amounts of EU public research funding channelled to drone research. These projects typically configure partnerships that are neither strictly public, nor strictly private, and it is precisely a combination of their hybrid nature with the centrality of technologial expertise that makes them less visible. This partial invisibility is particularly relevant in the context of a dual‐use technology that enables new forms of surveillance, poses societal challenges, and can be used as a lethal weapon. Beyond providing short‐term responses to specific problems, we argue that these tactics are largely aimed at fostering a common EU security and defence research & development culture in a time of international security uncertainty.
Creation and pilot test results of the dermatology‐specific proxy instrument: the Infants and Toddlers Dermatology Quality of Life
Authors: Chernyshov P. V. , Boffa M. J. , Corso R. , Pustišek N. , Marinovic B. , Manolache L. , Salavastru C. M. , Tiplica G. S. , Kakourou T. , Alexopoulos A. , Nasi L. , Wojciechowska‐Zdrojowy M. , Seniuta J. , Szepietowski J. C. , Erkens A. , Fölster‐Holst R. , Sampogna F. , Chernyshov A. V. , Jemec G. B. , Esmann S. , Mazereeuw‐Hautier J. , Merlos M. , Tomas‐Aragones L. , Marron S. E.
Published: August 2018

Background

Until now, there was no validated dermatology‐specific health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) instrument to be used in youngest patients.

Objective

To create dermatology‐specific proxy instrument for HRQoL assessment in children from birth to 4 years.

Methods

International focus groups, item selection and pilot tests were utilized. In order to avoid the problem of cross‐cultural inequivalence, focus group work and pilot tests were planned simultaneously in all national centres of the project. Comprehensibility, clarity, acceptance and internal consistency of new instrument were checked.

Results

The title ‘Infants and Toddlers Dermatology Quality of Life’ was chosen for our new instrument with the proposed acronym ‘InToDermQoL’. Focus group work was completed in seven national centres (Croatia, Germany, Greece, Malta, Poland, Romania and Ukraine). A total of 170 families of children with different skin diseases were interviewed, and a pilot version of the instrument was created. Centres from France, Denmark and Spain have joined the project at this stage. Parents of 125 children with skin diseases filled in the pilot versions of the instrument. Good comprehensibility, clarity, acceptance and internal consistency of the InToDermQoL were confirmed. The pilot test results showed that the InToDermQoL questionnaire well differentiates severity‐dependent differences. It was also checked and confirmed during the pilot test that no significant information was missed in the questionnaire. Three age‐specific versions of the InToDermQoL questionnaire with 10, 12 and 15 items, respectively, were approved for field tests.

Conclusion

The pilot test results showed that the InToDermQoL questionnaire has good comprehensibility, clarity, acceptance and internal consistency and well differentiates severity‐dependent differences. Further validation of the InToDermQoL during international field test will be performed.
Systematic review and network meta‐analysis: Comparative effectiveness of therapies for second‐line Helicobacter pylori eradication
Authors: Yeo Yee Hui , Hsu Chia‐Chen , Lee Chiao‐Chin , Ho Hsiu J , Lin Jaw‐Town , Wu Ming‐Shiang , Liou Jyh‐Ming , Wu Chun‐Ying ,   Taiwan Gastrointestinal Disease and Helicobacter Consortium
Published: August 2018

Background and Aim

The eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been declining over the past decades. A rescue plan is needed for increasing populations with treatment failure. However, the optimum second‐line eradication regimen remains inconclusive. We conducted a network meta‐analysis to assess the comparative effectiveness of second‐line H. pylori eradication therapies and determine the optimum regimen.

Methods

We searched electronic databases from January 2005 to February 2018 for randomized controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of second‐line regimens in patients with persistent H. pylori infection after first‐line treatment. Bayesian network meta‐analysis was performed to combine the direct and indirect evidence and to investigate the rank order of second‐line therapies. We also appraised the quality of evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation guidance.

Results

Twenty‐six trials with 3628 participants who received second‐line eradication therapy were identified. All regimens showed pooled eradication rates < 90%. Compared with 7‐day triple therapy, quinolone‐based (odds ratio [OR] 4.29, 95% credible interval [CrI] 1.67–12.12, surface under the cumulative ranking [SUCRA] 0.95), non‐quinolone‐based bismuth‐containing quadruple therapies for 10 days or more (OR 2.25, 95% CrI 1.10–4.62, SUCRA 0.78), and sequential therapy (OR 2.91, 95% CrI 1.16–7.65, SUCRA 0.66) showed significantly higher effectiveness. Overall, regimens with longer duration demonstrated higher eradication rates but higher rates of adverse events. More adverse events were reported in those patients treated with concomitant therapy.

Conclusions

Quinolone‐based bismuth‐containing quadruple therapies for 10 days or more are the optimum second‐line regimens for H. pylori eradication.
Recent development of balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration
Authors: Kobayakawa Masao , Ohnishi Shin , Suzuki Hidekazu
Published: August 2018

Gastric varices (GVs) are a major complication of portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis. The mortality rate associated with the bleeding from GVs is not low. Balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) was first introduced by Kanagawa et al. as a treatment for isolated GVs in 1994. It has been performed most frequently in Asia, especially in Japan. Ethanolamine oleate was the original sclerosant used in the therapy. Since the late 2000s, BRTO using sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam or polidocanol foam as a sclerosant has been performed in many countries other than Japan. Then, early in the 2010s, modified BRTO techniques including vascular plug‐assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration and coil‐assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration were developed as an alternative treatment for GVs. This article provides a historical overview of BRTO using various sclerosants and modified BRTO techniques, such as plug‐assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration and coil‐assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration.
The glutamine‐glutamate cycle regulates synaptic glutamate release in the ventrolateral ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus of perinatal female rats
Authors: Liang Shu‐Ling
Published: August 2018

The astrocytic glutamine (Gln)‐glutamate (Glu) cycle (GGC) supplies Gln for the regulation of glutamatergic synaptic transmission (GST) in the adult hippocampus. Increased synaptic Glu release in the perinatal ventrolateral ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (vlVMH) modulates sexual differentiation, however, whether GGC regulates GST in the perinatal vlVMH has not been determined. Sex differences in oestradiol (E2) levels exist in the neonatal hypothalamus, and E2 increases levels of glutamine synthetase and glutaminase, two key enzymes involved in the GGC. Thus, it is hypothesised that sexually dimorphic phenotypes may exist in glutamatergic synapses associated with the GGC in the vlVMH in perinatal rats. Whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recordings in vlVMH neurones in brain slices from male and female pups revealed that pharmacological disruption of the GGC by α‐(methylamino) isobutyric acid (5 mmol L‐1), which blocks neuronal Gln uptake; or by l‐methionine sulphoximine (1.5 mmol L‐1), which inhibits astrocytic Gln synthesis, decreased miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) amplitudes in female but not male pups. By contrast, GGC interruptions decreased evoked (e)EPSC amplitudes in both sexes following increased synaptic activity produced by a period of stimulation. In male pups, the decreased eEPSCs were attributable to reduced Glu release, as assessed by paired‐pulse stimulations, whereas, in female pups, they were attributable to decreased Glu content in the synaptic vesicles, as measured by strontium‐evoked mEPSCs. The l‐methionine sulphoximine‐mediated decrease in eEPSCs was rapidly rescued by exogenous Gln in female but not male pups. The reductions in mEPSCs and eEPSCs in female pups were accompanied by enhanced blocking effects of the low‐affinity Glu AMPA receptor antagonist, γ‐d‐glutamylglycine, consistent with diminished Glu release. In conclusion, female, but not male pups, rely on constitutive astrocytic Gln for sustained synaptic Glu release in the vlVMH. This glutamatergic synaptic phenotype may be associated with brain and behaviour feminisation and/or defeminisation in rats.
Clinical and clinicopathological characteristics of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in six cats
Authors: Tomiyasu H. , Doi A. , Chambers J. K. , Goto‐Koshino Y. , Ohmi A. , Ohno K. , Tsujimoto H.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To investigate the clinical characteristics of feline acute lymphoblastic leukaemia patients diagnosed according to the recent diagnostic criteria for the equivalent canine condition.

Materials and Methods

The medical records of six cats diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia were retrospectively reviewed to extract data on clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes. The lymphoid origin of the tumour cells was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor gene rearrangement, flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry.

Results

Non‐specific clinical signs such as lethargy and anorexia were common, and anaemia and thrombocytopenia were also commonly identified. Leucocytosis was observed in four cats and leucopenia was observed in two; the number of lymphoblasts in the peripheral blood samples varied among the cases. Lymphoblasts originated from B‐cell lineage in four cats and T‐cell lineage in one, and those of another cat were positive for both B‐cell marker CD21 and T‐cell marker CD8. Five of the six cats were treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy, and a partial response was obtained in two. The median overall survival was 55 days (range: 1 to 115).

Clinical Significance

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia should be considered if lymphoblasts are observed in peripheral blood, even if their number is small. The prognosis for cats that have acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is as poor as that for dogs, and further studies are needed to develop effective treatment.
The introduction ofSargassum muticummodifies epifaunal patterns in a Moroccan seagrass meadow
Authors: Belattmania Zahira , Chaouti Abdellatif , Reani Abdeltif , Engelen Aschwin H. , Machado Margarida , Serrão Ester A. , Sabour Brahim
Published: August 2018

Marine macrophytes sustain valuable epiphytic biodiversity. Nonindigenous macroalgae may induce changes in composition and structure of epifaunal assemblages and therefore support different assemblages from those associated with native species. In this study, differences in faunal community structure between the introduced fucoidSargassum muticumand the native seagrassCymodocea nodosawere tested over a year on an intertidal shallow sandy bottom at the southern introduction front, the El Jadida coastline (NW Morocco). Epifaunal community structure consistently differed between macrophytes through seasons, with more species‐rich assemblages associated withS. muticumthanC. nodosadespite comparable abundances. The significantly greater epifauna diversity onS. muticummay be related to its structural complexity. However, the species contributing most to differences in assemblages between both macrophytes, such asSteromphala umbilicalisandS. pennanti, were found on both habitats with temporally varying abundances. Some species‐specific affinities were detected (Stenosomacf.acuminatum, Elasmopus vachoni, Chauvetia brunnea). Nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, suspended matter and temperature were identified as the best explanatory variables contributing to the observed macroepifaunal patterns. This study provides evidence thatS. muticumacts as a favourable and additional habitat for epifaunal species and supports a more diverse epifaunal assemblage in this Moroccan seagrass meadow.
Is attending a mental process?
Authors: Levy Yair
Published: August 2018

The nature of attention has been the topic of a lively research programme in psychology for over a century. But there is widespread agreement that none of the theories on offer manage to fully capture the nature of attention. Recently, philosophers have become interested in the debate again after a prolonged period of neglect. This paper contributes to the project of explaining the nature of attention. It starts off by critically examining Christopher Mole's prominent “adverbial” account of attention, which traces the failure of extant psychological theories to their assumption that attending is a kind of process. It then defends an alternative, process‐based view of the metaphysics of attention, on which attention is understood as an activity and not, as psychologists seem to implicitly assume, an accomplishment. The entrenched distinction between accomplishments and activities is shown to shed new light on the metaphysics of attention. It also provides a novel diagnosis of the empirical state of play.
Crystal structure of the ligand‐binding domain of a LysR‐type transcriptional regulator: transcriptional activation via a rotary switch
Authors: Kim Youngchang , Chhor Gekleng , Tsai Ching–Sung , Winans James B. , Jedrzejczak Robert , Joachimiak Andrzej , Winans Stephen C.
Published: August 2018

LysR‐type transcriptional regulators (LTTRs) generally bind to target promoters in two conformations, depending on the availability of inducing ligands. OccR is an LTTR that regulates the octopine catabolism operon of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. OccR binds to a site located between the divergent occQ and occR promoters. Octopine triggers a conformational change that activates the occQ promoter, and does not affect autorepression. This change shortens the length of bound DNA and relaxes a high‐angle DNA bend. Here, we describe the crystal structure of the ligand‐binding domain (LBD) of OccR apoprotein and holoprotein. Pairs of LBDs form dimers with extensive hydrogen bonding, while pairs of dimers interact via a single helix, creating a tetramer interface. Octopine causes a 70° rotation of each dimer with respect to the opposite dimer, precisely at the tetramer interface. We modeled the DNA binding domain (DBD), linker helix and bound DNA onto the apoprotein and holoprotein. The two DBDs of the modeled apoprotein lie far apart and the bound DNA between them has a high‐angle DNA bend. In contrast, the two DBDs of the holoprotein lie closer to each other, with a low DNA bend angle. This inter‐dimer pivot fully explains earlier studies of this LTTR.
Who's afraid of Banal Nationalism?
Authors: Duchesne Sophie
Published: August 2018

Michael Billig's book, Banal Nationalism, published in 1995, has a significant international reputation and is one of the books most commonly quoted in Anglophone studies on nationalism. This article follows on from the various books and articles that were published for the 20th anniversary of the book and underlines the way in which the posterity of this thesis is partly based on a misunderstanding, or a misappropriation. In a context in which the end of nations seemed imminent, Banal Nationalism aimed to demonstrate that, on the contrary, nationalism was indeed spread massively and invisibly throughout the world, and particularly in established Western democracies. Yet today this book is considered one of the founding texts of the bottom‐up approach to national identity, which puts individuals at the heart of the fabrication of nations. This article discusses how this interpretation has come about.
Only Connect: Romano Guardini, Gaudium et Spes and the Unity of Christian Existence
Authors: Gorevan Patrick
Published: August 2018

Romano Guardini's theory of oppositions (Gegensatzlehre), which helped him forge a unity within multifaceted realities such as Church and liturgy, also inspired him to achieve a unity between the secular and sacred aspects of the Christian life, as the Second Vatican Council was later to do, particularly in Gaudium et Spes. While Gaudium et Spes 36 concentrated on a Christian view of the autonomy of created realities, Guardini diagnosed the gulf between faith and life in a neglect of the interplay of creation and redemption: ‘to save redemption by the Son, [man] has been forced to abandon creation by the Father’. In a way which was prophetic of later criticisms of Gaudium et Spes and also of fruitful applications and developments of its doctrine, Guardini called for a reflection on the light which the work of redemption sheds on the created world and on man's life within it, that the believer may stand with his faith amid the concrete, actual world, and rediscover that world in his faith.