bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collaborative Compensation
Authors: Hydén Lars-Christer
Published: December 2017

When one family member or spouse gradually loses the ability both to tell stories and to remember shared events and stories due to dementia, this is often experienced as very distressing by other family members—especially in families that honor storytelling. In those cases, not being able to tell stories and cherish the common history is a potential threat both to the experience of belonging together and to the participants’ individual and shared identities, as well as their stories about their past. Most spouses and family members try to remediate the communicative problems caused by the progressing dementia by taking over some of the functions lost by the person with dementia through collaborative compensatory adaptation. Other participants who take over interactional and narrative functions assume some of the responsibility for the storytelling. In this sense collaborative storytelling becomes an important way for couples to retain their relationship.
Embodied Memories
Authors: Hydén Lars-Christer
Published: December 2017

For persons with dementia, engaging in joint activities like storytelling is fraught with challenges related to the fact that fewer linguistic and cognitive resources are available, compared with before the disease. Of particular importance are challenges concerning finding words and names, constructing utterances and stories, as well as remembering events and stories—and the combined effect of these. Having fewer resources available makes it difficult to tell stories in conversations, to listen to others’ storytelling, or to identify and grab a turn in a conversation to put in a word. One alternative is for the person with dementia to use embodied resources. The person with dementia can use other resources in combination with abilities that are still fully functional. Instead of gestures accompanying words in a story, gestures can take the lead role, with words only stressing or supporting bodily gestures, or gestures may even replace words entirely.
Listening with a Third Ear
Authors: Hydén Lars-Christer
Published: December 2017

In this chapter, the consequences of changes in storytelling are discussed, especially in relation to identity and self, but also in relation to how to understand stories told by persons with dementia, and finally, what limits exist for stories.
Marine Chronometers at Greenwich
Authors: Betts Jonathan
Published: December 2017

This is a comprehensive, illustrated catalogue of the 200+ marine chronometers in the collections of Royal Museums Greenwich. Every chronometer has been completely dismantled, studied and recorded, and illustrations include especially commissioned line drawings as well as photographs. The collection is also used to illustrate a newly researched and up-to-date chapter describing the history of the marine chronometer, so the book is much more than simply a catalogue. The history chapter naturally includes the story of John Harrison’s pioneering work in creating the first practical marine timekeepers, all four of which are included in the catalogue, newly photographed and described in minute detail for the first time. In fact full technical and historical data are provided for all of the marine chronometers in the collection, to an extent never before attempted, including biographical details of every maker represented. A chapter describes how the 19th century English chronometer was manufactured, and another provides comprehensive and logically arranged information on how to assess and date a given marine chronometer, something collectors and dealers find particularly difficult. For further help in identification of chronometers, appendices include a pictorial record of the number punches used by specific makers to number their movements, and the maker’s punches used by the rough movement makers. There is also a close-up pictorial guide to the various compensation balances used in chronometers in the collection, a technical Glossary of terms used in the catalogue text and a concordance of the various inventory numbers used in the collection over the years.
Live Continuing Education Program for Adjunct Clinical Nursing Faculty
Authors: Silver Dunker Kimberly , Manning Karen
Published: December 2017

AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate a mentorship program for adjunct clinical faculty.

BACKGROUND

The nursing faculty shortage has been cited as the primary reason for decreased student enrollments. Clinical adjuncts hired to teach to fill this shortage need a competency-based orientation and formal mentorship.

METHOD

We piloted a live version of our previously online continuing education program for adjunct clinical faculty. The live program of eight modules based on three nursing competencies provided core knowledge and guidance in applying nursing education principles in clinical settings.

RESULTS

A convenience sample of 84 faculty members, including experienced faculty from three nursing programs, provided feedback on the program. Overall feedback was positive, but participants indicated a need for more continuing education, mentorship, and faculty development.

CONCLUSION

The program will continue to be offered to clinical faculty regionally with additional qualitative and quantitative evaluation.
Two-Year Institution Part-Time Nurse Faculty Experiences During Role Transition and Identity Development: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Owens Rhoda A.
Published: December 2017

AIM

This study explored two-year institution part-time nurse faculty's perceptions of their experiences during their role transitions from nurses in clinical practice to part-time clinical instructors.

BACKGROUND

Part-time nurse faculty enter academia as expert clinicians, but most have little or no training in the pedagogy of effective student learning.

METHOD

A phenomenological study was used to explore the faculty role transition experiences.

RESULTS

Findings support the proposition that six participants transitioned from their expert clinician to instructor identities; however, two continue in the process. Critical to this process are relationships with individuals in their environments, past and present experiences, the incentive to learn to be better instructors, and the importance of support and training.

CONCLUSION

A model emerged, Process of Role Transition and Professional Identity Formation for Part-Time Clinical Instructors at Two-Year Institutions, that is potentially useful for administrators in developing individualized orientation and professional development programs.
Quality of life patient-reported outcomes for locally advanced cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Weitman Evan S. , Perez Matthew , Thompson John F. , Andtbacka Robert H. I. , Dalton Jo , Martin Mona L. , Miller Talia , Gwaltney Chad , Sarson David , Wachter Eric , Zager Jonathan S.
Published: December 2017

Locally advanced cutaneous melanoma has marked quality-of-life implications; however, the patient experience of symptom management and subsequent impact on quality of life has not been well described. This study aims to address the impact on patients of advanced cutaneous melanoma through qualitative interviews. Adults with stage IIIB, IIIC, or IV (M1a) cutaneous melanoma were recruited from two cancer centers in the USA and one in Australia. Telephone interviews were conducted to assess how locoregionally advanced cutaneous melanoma impacted everyday life. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded for qualitative analysis. Twenty-two melanoma patients were interviewed, mean age 69.7 years (range: 52–83), 64% male. The study included stage IIIB (36%), stage IIIC (59%), and stage IV M1a (5%) patients. Emotional health/self-perception issues were the most commonly identified (41% of patient impact expressions), including worry, concern, embarrassment, self-consciousness, fear, and thoughts of death. Limitations of lifestyle and activities were also identified (28% of expressions) including leisure and social activities, physical functioning, general functioning, and personal care. Coping strategies such as modified clothing choices, increased use of pain and/or anti-inflammatory medications, and avoidance/protection from the sun represented 20% of all impact expressions. Ratings of the degree of difficulty patients experienced (using an 11-point numerical rating scale) ranged from 0.0 to 10.0 (mean 5.7, SD 2.9). Condition-related and treatment-related factors were well characterized in patients with locally advanced cutaneous melanoma. This provides a strong foundation for assessment of how cutaneous melanoma impacts quality of life.
Changes on Tendon Stiffness and Clinical Outcomes in Athletes Are Associated With Patellar Tendinopathy After Eccentric Exercise
Authors: Lee Wai-Chun , Ng Gabriel Yin-Fat , Zhang Zhi-Jie , Malliaras Peter , Masci Lorenzo , Fu Siu-Ngor
Published: December 2017

Objective:

Eccentric exercise is commonly used as a form of loading exercise for individuals with patellar tendinopathy. This study investigated the change of mechanical properties and clinical outcomes and their interrelationships after a 12-week single-legged decline-board exercise with and without extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT).

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Outpatient clinic of a university.

Participants:

Thirty-four male in-season athletes with patellar tendinopathy for more than 3 months were randomized into exercise and combined groups.

Interventions:

The exercise group received a 12-week single-legged decline-squat exercise, and the combined group performed an identical exercise program in addition to a weekly session of ESWT in the initial 6 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures:

Tendon stiffness and strain were examined using ultrasonography and dynamometry. Visual analog scale and Victoria Institute of Sports Assessment-patella (VISA-p) score were used to assess pain and dysfunction. These parameters were measured at preintervention and postintervention.

Results:

Significant time effect but no significant group effect on the outcome measures; significant reduction in tendon stiffness (P= 0.02) and increase in tendon strain (P= 0.00); and reduction of intensity of pain (P= 0.00) and dysfunction (P= 0.00) were observed. Significant correlations between changes in tendon stiffness and VISA-p score (ρ = −0.58,P= 0.05); alteration in tendon strain, pain intensity (ρ = −0.63,P= 0.03); and VISA-p score (ρ = 0.60,P= 0.04) were detected after the exercise program.

Conclusions:

Eccentric exercise-induced modulation on tendon mechanical properties and clinical symptoms are associated in athletes with patellar tendinopathy.
Risks and Benefits of Opportunistic Salpingectomy During Vaginal Hysterectomy: A Decision Analysis
Authors: Cadish Lauren A. , Shepherd Jonathan P. , Barber Emma L. , Ridgeway Beri
Published: December 2017

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017;217:603.e1–603.e6)

With strong evidence that the origin of epithelial ovarian cancer is in the fallopian tube, use of opportunistic salpingectomy to remove the tubes can decrease incidence of ovarian cancer and avoid the need for oophorectomy. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that concomitant salpingectomy should be considered with every hysterectomy.
Decreasing Postoperative Narcotics in Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Reagan Krista M. L. , O'Sullivan David M. , Gannon Richard , Steinberg Adam C.
Published: December 2017

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017;217:325.e1–325.e10)

In recent years, there has been increasing emphasis on creation of programs for enhanced recovery, fast-track, or multimodal pathways to improve perioperative care. Decreasing discharge narcotic use may be important to maximize patient safety and satisfaction, decrease postoperative complications at home, and expedite return to baseline functional status.
Karyomapping: A Single Centre's Experience From Application of Methodology to Ongoing Pregnancy and Live-birth Rates
Authors: Ben-Nagi Jara , Wells Dagan , Doye Karen , Loutradi Kalliopi , Exeter Holly , Drew Emily , Alfarawati Samer , Naja Roy , Serhal Paul
Published: December 2017

(Abstracted from Reprod Biomed Online 2017;35:264–271)

Karyomapping and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is a new technique for diagnosing single-gene disorders (SGDs) and chromosomal rearrangements, in which cells biopsied from embryos are lysed, undergo whole-genome amplification, and are analyzed using a microarray capable of interrogating a large number of SNPs. The data produced by karyomapping reveal whether the combination of alleles on the parental chromosome(s) carrying the mutation has been inherited, and karyomapping has the potential to diagnose more than 1 serious monogenic disorder or monogenic disorder combined with a chromosomal rearrangement at once.
Metastasized 18F-DCFPyL–Negative Prostatic Adenocarcinoma Without Neuroendocrine Differentiation
Authors: Broos Wouter A.M. , Kocken Marielle , van der Zant Friso M. , Knol Remco J.J. , Wondergem Maurits
Published: December 2017

A 76-year-old man with histopathologically proven prostate cancer (initial prostate-specific antigen 110 ng/mL, Gleason 3 + 4 = 7) received 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT for initial staging. Both the primary tumor and pathologically enlarged pelvic lymph nodes showed no increased 18F-DCFPyL uptake. Subsequent histopathologic lymph node biopsy revealed prostate cancer metastasis. Prostate-specific membrane antigen tracers, such as 18F-DCFPyL, are promising radiopharmaceuticals for prostate cancer imaging. False-negative prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT findings have been reported earlier for prostate tumors with neuroendocrine differentiation. However, this report presents false-negative 18F-DCFPyL PET findings of an adenocarcinoma of the prostate without neuroendocrine differentiation.
Dynamic Adaptation of Tumor Immune Response With Nivolumab Demonstrated by 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Eshghi Naghmehossadat , Lundeen Tamara F. , Kuo Phillip H.
Published: December 2017

A 61-year-old woman with lung adenocarcinoma failed first-line treatment and was placed on immunotherapy with nivolumab. FDG-PET/CT before immunotherapy showed metastases to thoracic nodes, liver, adrenal gland, and skeleton. Seven weeks after starting nivolumab, FDG-PET/CT showed mild residual activity in thoracic nodes and otherwise complete response. After 15 weeks, enlarged and FDG-avid axillary lymphadenopathy and worsening supraclavicular lymphadenopathy developed. After 20 weeks, FDG-PET/CT demonstrated marked improvement of axillary and supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. This case demonstrates that later progression of disease can still respond to continuing immunotherapy, hypothetically because of dynamic adaptations in the tug-of-war between the immunotherapy-augmented immune system and tumor.
Probabilistic fine-mapping of transcriptome-wide association studies
Authors: Mancuso Nicholas , Kichaev Gleb , Shi Huwenbo , Freund Malika , Gusev Alexander , Pasaniuc Bogdan
Published: December 2017

Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) using predicted expression have identified thousands of genes whose locally-regulated expression is associated to complex traits and diseases. In this work, we show that linkage disequilibrium (LD) among SNPs induce significant gene-trait associations at non-causal genes as a function of the overlap between eQTL weights used in expression prediction. We introduce a probabilistic framework that models the induced correlation among TWAS signals to assign a probability for every gene in the risk region to explain the observed association signal while controlling for pleiotropic SNP effects and unmeasured causal expression. Importantly, our approach remains accurate when expression data for causal genes are not available in the causal tissue by leveraging expression prediction from other tissues. Our approach yields credible-sets of genes containing the causal gene at a nominal confidence level (e.g., 90%) that can be used to prioritize and select genes for functional assays. We illustrate our approach using an integrative analysis of lipids traits where our approach prioritizes genes with strong evidence for causality.
NFTsim: Theory and Simulation of Multiscale Neural Field Dynamics
Authors: Sanz-Leon P. , Robinson P. A. , Knock S. A. , Drysdale P. M. , Abeysuriya R. G. , Fung P. K. , Rennie C. J. , Zhao X.
Published: December 2017

A user ready, portable, documented software package, NFTsim, is presented to facilitate numerical simulations of a wide range of brain systems using continuum neural field modeling. NFTsim enables users to simulate key aspects of brain activity at multiple scales. At the microscopic scale, it incorporates characteristics of local interactions between cells, neurotransmitter effects, synaptodendritic delays and feedbacks. At the mesoscopic scale, it incorporates information about medium to large scale axonal ranges of fibers, which are essential to model dissipative wave transmission and to produce synchronous oscillations and associated cross-correlation patterns as observed in local field potential recordings of active tissue. At the scale of the whole brain, NFTsim allows for the inclusion of long range pathways, such as thalamocortical projections, when generating macroscopic activity fields. The multiscale nature of the neural activity produced by NFTsim has the potential to enable the modeling of resulting quantities measurable via various neuroimaging techniques. In this work, we give a comprehensive description of the design and implementation of the software. Due to its modularity and flexibility, NFTsim enables the systematic study of an unlimited number of neural systems with multiple neural populations under a unified framework and allows for direct comparison with analytic and experimental predictions. The code is written in C++ and bundled with Matlab routines for a rapid quantitative analysis and visualization of the outputs. The output of NFTsim is stored in plain text file enabling users to select from a broad range of tools for offline analysis. This software enables a wide and convenient use of powerful physiologically-based neural field approaches to brain modeling. NFTsim is distributed under the Apache 2.0 license.
Is Yin-Yang superior for paradox research?
Authors: Li Xin , Worm Verner , Xie Peihong
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The paper debunks Peter P. Li’s assertion that Yin-Yang is superior to any other cognitive frames or logical systems for paradox research. The purpose of this paper is to alert the Chinese indigenous management researchers to the danger of Chinese exceptionalism and over-confidence.

Design/methodology/approach

To show that Peter P. Li’s assertion is doubtful, the authors identify the flaws in his analysis.

Findings

The authors find that there are three serious flaws in Peter P. Li’s analysis. First, there are four defects in the typology of cognitive frames he built in order to compare Yin-Yang with the others. Second, his understanding of dialectics in general and Hegelian dialectics in particular is flawed. And finally, without resorting to Yin-Yang, many scholars can develop theories that are equivalent to those derived from Yin-Yang.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the page limit, this paper only focuses on arguing that Yin-Yang is not superior to other cognitive frames or logical systems without going one step further to explain in which situations Yin-Yang are valuable and might be more suitable than others for helping us understand some research issues.

Practical implications

This paper implies that we should not blindly believe that the Chinese way of thinking and acting is superior to other people’s. Chinese people should be open-minded in the globalized era, not only promoting their own culture but also appreciating and learning from other cultures.

Social implications

The reduction of cultural exceptionalism and ethnocentrism can make cross-cultural communication and interaction smoother.

Originality/value

This paper is a rigorous critique on the “Yin-Yang being superior” assertion of Peter P. Li.
Transforming cross-cultural conflict into collaboration
Authors: Chen Nancy , Chao Mike Chen-ho , Xie Henry , Tjosvold Dean
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Scholarly research provides few insights into how integrating the western values of individualism and low power distance with the eastern values of collectivism and high power distance may influence cross-cultural conflict management. Following the framework of the theory of cooperation and competition, the purpose of this paper is to directly examine the impacts of organization-level collectivism and individualism, as well as high and low power distance, to determine the interactive effects of these four factors on cross-cultural conflict management.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a 2×2 experiment study. Data were collected from a US laboratory experiment with 80 participants.

Findings

American managers working in a company embracing western low power distance and eastern collectivism values were able to manage conflict cooperatively with their Chinese workers. Moreover, American managers working in a company valuing collectivism developed more trust with Chinese workers, and those in a company culture with high power distance were more interested in their workers’ viewpoints and more able to reach integrated solutions.

Originality/value

This study is an interdisciplinary research applying the social psychology field’s theory of cooperation and competition to the research on employee-manager, cross-cultural conflict management (which are industrial relations and organizational behavior topics, respectively), with an eye to the role of cultural adaptation. Furthermore, this study included an experiment to directly investigate the interactions between American managers and Chinese workers discussing work distribution conflict in four different organizational cultures.
Using chatbots to aid transition
Authors: Carayannopoulos Sofy
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how chatbots can be used to address two key struggles that students face in first year – a sense of being disconnected from the instructor, and information overload. The authors propose that chatbots can be a useful tool for helping students navigate the volumes of information that confront them as they begin attending university, while at the same time feeling somewhat personally connected with the instructor. This is achieved without increasing instructor time commitment, and perhaps reducing it in large classes. The paper reveals the results of applying this tool in a large first year class and proposes improvements for future iterations.

Design/methodology/approach

A tool was designed and implemented and tested against research insights.

Findings

Chatbots are an effective means to reduce student transition challenges.

Research limitations/implications

Technology which feels social and personal as well as functioning on a tool that students use will make the student feel more connected to the course and the instructor.

Practical implications

Tools aiding transition should be easy to use and allow customizable information access.

Originality/value

Chatbots are an unexplored tool. They have the benefit of addressing information overload as well as making the student feel socially connected without increasing instructor workload.
Deploying Six Sigma practices to General Electric subsidiaries in a developing economy
Authors: Schmidt Arine , Sousa-Zomer Thayla T. , Andrietta João M. , Cauchick-Miguel Paulo A.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate Six Sigma implementation in the subsidiaries of General Electric (GE) located in Brazil and to explore the role of the quality culture of headquarters in overcoming common obstacles to Six Sigma implementation reported by other studies.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory survey was the basis for gathering data for this study. A structured questionnaire was developed covering issues related to Six Sigma implementation, such as experienced benefits, main outcomes, and metrics adopted by companies. Data from eight GE subsidiaries were qualitatively analyzed. The findings were discussed in the light of other studies conducted in Brazil as well as in other developing countries in the context of the role of existing quality culture in overcoming barriers to Six Sigma implementation.

Findings

The findings revealed that Six Sigma at GE subsidiaries achieved better results in comparison with the results obtained by other Brazilian companies reported in the literature. GE quality culture aspects such as top management commitment, high investment in training, recognition schemes, and development of a well-planned infrastructure were identified as valuable to overcome common barriers to Six Sigma implementation. Moreover, the findings showed a strong alignment with the goals and practices of GE headquarters, which is an evidence of the quality culture that exists in GE and that allows all GE businesses achieve benefits with Six Sigma.

Originality/value

Since limited empirical research has been conducted concerning Six Sigma implementation in developing countries, this paper aspires to contribute to Six Sigma body of knowledge by illustrating the practices of a world benchmark corporation.
Finite element prediction of stress transfer in h-BN sheet nanocomposites
Authors: Spanos Konstantinos , Tsiamaki Androniki , Anifantis Nicolaos
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to implement a micromechanical hybrid finite element approach in order to investigate the stress transfer behavior of composites reinforced with hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets.

Design/methodology/approach

For the analysis of the problem, a three-dimensional representative volume element, consisting of three phases, has been used. The reinforcement is modeled discretely using spring elements of specific stiffness while the matrix material is modeled as a continuum medium using solid finite elements. The third phase, the intermediate one, known as the interface, has been simulated by appropriate stiffness variations which define a heterogeneous region affecting the stress transfer characteristics of the nanocomposite.

Findings

The results show a good agreement with corresponding ones from the literature and also the effect of a number of factors is indicated in stress transfer efficiency.

Originality/value

This is the first time that such a modeling is employed in the stress transfer examination of h-BN nanocomposites.
A survey of hysteresis energy distribution and lateral displacement in steel buildings with CCB brace at internal and external frames
Authors: Faghihmaleki Hadi , Abdollahzadeh Gholamreza , Esmaili Hedieh
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the method of hysteresis energy distribution and maximum relative lateral displacement in buildings’ stories, under the influence of scaled records for near-fault and far-fault earthquakes. The bracings in the considered buildings’ plan are distributed in two different ways: in the first case, the braces are added in external frames of the building, and in the second case, in the internal ones.

Design/methodology/approach

This research first selects some steel buildings with concentric braces and studies the seismic vulnerability of buildings under different earthquakes in accordance with the concepts of input and Hysteresis energy. In order to study the impact of braces’ distribution in the building’s plan, the buildings were modeled in this study in two ways. In the first way the braces were added to the building’s external frames and in the second way in its internal ones.

Findings

Results show that the need for far-fault scaled records’ displacement is more than the near ones and that the resultant relative lateral displacements in buildings with external braces are more than those with internal ones.

Originality/value

After these studies on the way of hysteresis energy distribution, it was shown that in case of buildings with internal braces, as the building’s height increases, the share of higher stories of the hysteresis energy rises. Also, it was illustrated that hysteresis energy distribution in buildings with internal braces is more uniform than those with external ones.
Deformation behavior relationship between tensile and nanoindentation tests of SAC305 lead-free solder wire
Authors: Abdullah Izhan , Zulkifli Muhammad Nubli , Jalar Azman , Ismail R.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The relationship between the bulk and localized mechanical properties is critically needed, especially to understand the mechanical performance of solder alloy because of smaller sizing trend of solder joint. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between tensile and nanoindentation tests toward the mechanical properties and deformation behavior of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305) lead-free solder wire at room temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

Tensile test with different strain rates of 1.5 × 10-4 s-1, 1.5 × 10-3 s-1, 1.5 × 10-2 s-1 and 1.5 × 10-1 s-1 at room temperature of 25°C were carried out on lead-free Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305) solder wire. Stress–strain curves and mechanical properties such as yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation were determined from the tensile test. Load-depth (P-h) profiles and micromechanical properties, namely, hardness and reduced modulus, were obtained from nanoindentation test. In addition, the deformation mechanisms of SAC305 lead-free solder wire were obtained by measuring the range of creep parameters, namely, stress exponent and strain rate sensitivity, using both of tensile and nanoindentation data.

Findings

It was observed that qualitative results obtained from tensile and nanoindentation tests can be used to identify the changes of the microstructure. The occurrence of dynamic recrystallization and the increase of ductility obtained from tensile test can be used to indicate the increment of grain refinement or dislocation density. Similarly, the occurrence of earliest pop-in event and the highest occurrence of pop-in event observed from nanoindentation also can be used to identify the increase of grain refinement and dislocation density. An increment of strain rates increases the YS and ultimate UTS of SAC305 solder wire. Similarly, the variation of hardness of SAC305 solder wire has the similar trend or linear relationship with the variation of YS and UTS, following the Tabor relation. In contrast, the variation of reduced modulus has a different trend compared to that of hardness. The deformation behavior analysis based on the Holomon’s relation for tensile test and constant load method for nanoindentation test showed the same trend but with different deformation mechanisms. The transition of responsible deformation mechanism was obtained from both tensile and nanoindentation tests which from grain boundary sliding (GBS) to grain boundary diffusion and dislocation climb to grain boundary slide, respectively.

Originality/value

For the current analysis, the relationship between tensile and nanoindentation test was analyzed specifically for the SAC305 lead-free solder wire, which is still lacking. The findings provide a valuable data, especially when comparing the trend and mechanism involved in bulk (tensile) and localized (nanoindentation) methods of testing.
Answering the question or questioning the answer?
Authors: Robson Debbie , McNeill Ann
Published: December 2017

Commentary to: How do we determine the impact of e‐cigarettes on cigarette smoking cessation or reduction? Review and recommendations for answering the research question with scientific rigor
A Decrease in Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction Correlates With Increased Inflammation During Extended Normothermic Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion
Authors: Himmat Sayed , Alzamil Almothana , Aboelnazar Nader , Hatami Sanaz , White Christopher , Dromparis Peter , Mengel Michael , Freed Darren , Nagendran Jayan
Published: December 2017

Normothermic ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is an evolving technology to evaluate function of donor lungs to determine suitability for transplantation. We hypothesize that hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) during EVLP will provide a more sensitive parameter of lung function to determine donor lung quality for lung transplantation. Eight porcine lungs were procured, and subsequently underwent EVLP with autologous blood and STEEN solution for 10 h. Standard physiologic parameters including dynamic compliance, peak airway pressure, and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) remained stable (P = 0.055), mean oxygenation (PO2/FiO2) was 400 ± 18 mm Hg on average throughout perfusion. Response to hypoxia resulted in a robust increase in PVR (ΔPVR) up to 4 h of perfusion, however the HPV response then blunted beyond T6 (P < 0.01). The decrease in HPV response inversely correlated to cytokine concentrations of Interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α (P < 0.01). Despite acceptable lung oxygenation and standard physiologic parameters during 10 h of EVLP, there is a subclinical deterioration of lung function. HPV challenges can be performed during EVLP as a simple and more sensitive index of pulmonary vascular reactivity.
Thymidine kinase 1 silencing retards proliferative activity of pancreatic cancer cell via E2F1‐TK1‐P21 axis
Authors: Zhu Xiaole , Shi Chenyuan , Peng Yunpeng , Yin Lingdi , Tu Min , Chen Qiuyang , Hou Chaoqun , Li Qiang , Miao Yi
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) is one of the salvage enzymes engaged in the synthesis of DNA. Although a pro‐carcinogenetic role of TK1 has been reported in various types of cancers, its role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still unknown. The study is aimed to elaborate the function of TK1 in PDAC and the potential mechanisms in the following study.

Materials and methods

TK1 expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry, real‐time PCR and Western blot, and its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics of PDAC patients was further investigated. To verify the function of TK1 and potential mechanism, TK1 siRNA was used to transfect PDAC cells and performed a series of assays in cell and animal models.

Results

The level of TK1 expression was higher in cancerous tissues compared with matched adjacent tissues. TK1 overexpression was associated with progression of PDAC and poor prognosis. Knockdown of TK1 could suppress cell proliferation via inducing S phase arrest mediated by upregulation of P21. Further mechanism investigation suggested that transcription factor E2F‐1 could directly regulate the TK1 and promote tumour proliferation.

Conclusions

The results suggested that TK1 might be involved in the development and progression of PDAC by regulating cell proliferation and show that TK1 may work as a promising therapeutic target in patients with PDAC.
Does one size fit all? A multispecies approach to regional landscape corridor planning
Authors: Wang Fang , McShea William J. , Li Sheng , Wang Dajun
Published: December 2017

Aim

The practical value of the single‐species approach to conserve biodiversity could be minimal or negligible when sympatric species are limited by factors that are not relevant to the proposed umbrella species. In this study, we quantitatively evaluated as follows: (1) habitat suitability and potential movement corridors of a single umbrella species, giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca); (2) habitat suitability of sympatric mammals; and (3) the potential effectiveness of the single‐species corridor planning to preserve suitable habitat and its connectivity of other focal species.

Location

Qinling Mountains, central part of China (15,000 km2).

Methods

We collected species distribution, environmental and anthropogenic data and conducted species occupancy modelling for giant panda and six other sympatric species (i.e., takin Budorcas taxicolor, tufted deer Elaphodus cephalophus, Chinese goral Naemorhedus griseus, Reeve's muntjac Muntiacus reevesi, leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis and yellow‐throated marten Martes flavigula). We then conducted circuit models to identify potential corridors for each species and evaluated the effectiveness of giant panda corridors to restore the habitat connectivity for these sympatric mammals.

Results

Occupancy modelling revealed that each species had a unique set of environmental variables associated with its distribution in the Qinling Mountains. We found that giant panda and all other focal species had some degree of fragmentation to their suitable habitat that required restoring habitat connectivity. Among the eight potential giant panda corridors, conservation efforts to reduce anthropogenic impacts would significantly improve the effectiveness of six corridors, while the other two corridors would require altering the vegetation. Five proposed giant panda corridors had remarkable overlap with corridors proposed for other species. We suggest two giant panda corridors as a priority due to their potential to maximize the benefits to both giant panda and a broader suite of mammals.

Main conclusions

Corridor planning in this region of China will likely continue using the single‐species policy, but our results highlight that not all potential giant panda corridors have equal effectiveness for other wildlife species. When offered multiple alternative actions, conservation planners can prioritize corridor development based on a multispecies perspective without loss of connectivity for the priority species. This approach has strong implications to the conservation of wildlife communities in China, and elsewhere, where conservation plans developed for a single‐species garner most available funding and institutional support.
ADGRV1 is implicated in myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Myers Kenneth A. , Nasioulas Steven , Boys Amber , McMahon Jacinta M. , Slater Howard , Lockhart Paul , Sart Desirée du , Scheffer Ingrid E.
Published: December 2017

Objective

To investigate the significance of variation in ADGRV1 (also known as GPR98, MASS1, and VLGR1), MEF2C, and other genes at the 5q14.3 chromosomal locus in myoclonic epilepsy.

Methods

We studied the epilepsy phenotypes of 4 individuals with 5q14.3 deletion and found that all had myoclonic seizures. We then screened 6 contiguous genes at 5q14.3, MEF2C, CETN3, MBLAC2, POLR3G, LYSMD3, and ADGRV1, in a 95‐patient cohort with epilepsy and myoclonic seizures. Of these genes, point mutations in MEF2C cause a phenotype involving seizures and intellectual disability. A role for ADGRV1 in epilepsy has been proposed previously, based on a recessive mutation in the Frings mouse model of audiogenic seizures, as well as a shared homologous region with another epilepsy gene, LGI1.

Results

Six patients from the myoclonic epilepsy cohort had likely pathogenic ultra‐rare ADGRV1 variants, and statistical analysis showed that ultra‐rare variants were significantly overrepresented when compared to healthy population data from the Genome Aggregation Database. Of the remaining genes, no definite pathogenic variants were identified.

Significance

Our data suggest that the ADGRV1 variation contributes to epilepsy with myoclonic seizures, although the inheritance pattern may be complex in many cases. In patients with 5q14.3 deletion and epilepsy, ADGRV1 haploinsufficiency likely contributes to seizure development. The latter is a shift from current thinking, as MEF2C haploinsufficiency has been considered the main cause of epilepsy in 5q14.3 deletion syndrome. In cases of 5q14.3 deletion and epilepsy, seizures likely occur due to haploinsufficiency of one or both of ADGRV1 and MEF2C.
Persistence of antipredator behavior in an island population of California quail
Authors: Rasheed Ayesha A. , Hambley Kristina , Chan Gabriel , de la Rosa Carlos A. , Larison Brenda , Blumstein Daniel T.
Published: December 2017

Island populations may provide unique insights into the evolution and persistence of antipredator behavior. If antipredator behavior is costly and islands have reduced predation risk, then we expect the reduction or loss of antipredator behavior on islands. However, if even a single predator remains, the multipredator hypothesis predicts that antipredator behaviors will be conserved. We compared the flight initiation distances (FID) of California quail (Callipepla californica) on Santa Catalina Island (a location with reduced predation pressure) with quail on the mainland. We found no differences in FID between mainland and island quail. However, despite employing consistent testing methods, the starting distance from which quail were approached was significantly reduced for quail studied on the island when compared with quail studied on the mainland. Our results are consistent with the multipredator hypothesis because, while the island population had substantially fewer predators, some predators remained and some antipredator behavior persisted.
How to provide scientific advice for ecosystem‐based management now
Authors: Trenkel Verena M
Published: December 2017

In this paper, I argue that we have at hand what is needed to provide scientific advice for ecosystem‐based management of small pelagics and other species groups now. The ingredients for this advice are (i) large marine ecosystems as spatial management units; (ii) maintaining ecosystem productivity and exploiting at multispecies maximum yield as overarching management objectives; (iii) assessment of ecosystems by evaluating changes in primary productivity; (iv) an operational management procedure in which single‐species catch proposals are adjusted to ecosystem productivity using a set of control rules. Inspection of historic landings for small pelagics and other small species in the Northeast Atlantic (ICES area) reveals that most likely fisheries exploitation does not, and never did, exceed system productivity in most LMEs and is therefore overall sustainable, although not necessarily for individual stocks.
What goes up must come down: Diel vertical migration in the deep‐water sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) revealed by pop‐up satellite archival tags
Authors: Goetz Frederick W. , Jasonowicz Andrew J. , Roberts Steven B.
Published: December 2017

The sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) is a long‐lived species with wide distribution throughout the North Pacific Ocean. While adult sablefish are considered a deep‐water fish, diet analyses suggest that they undergo vertical migrations that could be related to prey movement and feeding. Pop‐up satellite archival tags (PSATs) were used to observe the fine‐scale depth selection behavior of adult sablefish tagged off the Washington coast during the summer from June to August. Tags were physically retrieved after they surfaced using direction‐finding equipment so that complete datasets over the entire deployment were obtained from 14 tags. PSATs that recorded depth and temperature every 4 min during the deployment confirm that sablefish inhabit depths of 750 m or greater. However, a majority of the tagged fish underwent extensive vertical migrations that averaged 254.4 m overall and occurred at a 24 hr periodicity. Variations were observed among individuals in the amount of the deployment during which vertical migrations occurred, ranging from 12.37% to 63.48% of the time. During the vertical migration, fish ascended towards the surface at night and descended prior to daylight (i.e., diel vertical migration). Sablefish generally inhabited temperatures of 5°C but during the vertical migrations were found at temperatures from 6 to 10°C. Sablefish are opportunistic feeders with a large proportion of their diet being fish, euphausiids and cephalopods. Because these prey items also exhibit diel vertical migrations, it is possible that the vertical migratory behavior displayed by the sablefish was in response to the movements or the location of their prey.
Cerebrovascular and Alzheimer disease: fellow travelers or partners in crime?
Authors: Nucera Antonia , Hachinski Vladimir
Published: December 2017

In this review, we will discuss the progressive decline in cognitive and intellectual performance in late life that has led to great challenges for medical and community services. The term ‘vascular cognitive impairment’ is defined as any cognitive impairment that is caused by or associated with vascular factors. It can occur alone or in association with Alzheimer disease. The good news is that because vascular risk factors are treatable, it should be possible to prevent or delay some dementias. Since vascular cognitive impairment may often go unrecognized, many experts recommend screening with brief tests to assess memory, thinking, and reasoning for everyone considered to be at high risk for this disorder. Up to 64% of persons 65 years or older who have experienced a stroke have some degree of cognitive impairment with up to one third developing dementia. Postmortem studies indicate that up to 34% of dementia cases show significant vascular pathology. It suggests that ischemic stroke triggers additional pathophysiological process that may lead to a secondary degenerative process that may interact with Alzheimer disease pathology thus accelerating the ongoing primary neurodegeneration. Mechanisms could include hypoperfusion, hypoxia, and neuroinflammation, one of the links between the two pathologies. Stroke and dementia share the same risk and protective factors. Since stroke interact with dementia of all types it may already be possible to reduce or delay some dementias by a number of interventions known to prevent stroke.

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This article is part of the Special Issue “Vascular Dementia”.
Morphological, biochemical and mechanical properties of articular cartilage and subchondral bone in rat tibial plateau are age related
Authors: Ren Pengling , Niu Haijun , Gong He , Zhang Rui , Fan Yubo
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate age‐related changes in the morphological, biochemical and mechanical properties of articular cartilage (AC) and subchondral bone in the rat tibial plateau. Female Wistar rats were grouped according to age (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16 and 17 months, with 10 rats in each group). The ultrastructures, surface topographies, and biochemical and mechanical properties of the AC and subchondral bone in the knee joints of the rats were determined through X‐ray micro‐tomography, histology, immunohistochemistry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy and nanoindentation. We found that cartilage thickness decreased with age. This decrease was accompanied by functional condensation of the underlying subchondral bone. Increased thickness and bone mineral density and decreased porosity were observed in the subchondral plate (SP). Growth decreased collagen II expression in the tibial cartilage. The arrangement of trabeculae in the subchondral trabecular bone became disordered. The thickness and strength of the fibers decreased with age, as detected by SEM. The SP and trabeculae in the tibial plateau increased in roughness in the first phase (1–9 months of age), and then were constant in the second phase (11–17 months of age). Meanwhile, the roughness of the AC changed significantly in the first phase (1–9 months of age), but the changes were independent of age thereafter. This study gives a comprehensive insight into the growth‐related structural, biochemical and mechanical changes in the AC and subchondral bone. The results presented herein may contribute to a new understanding of the pathogenesis of age‐related bone diseases.