bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental test of the mechanism underlying sexual segregation at communal roosts of harvestmen (Prionostemma spp.)
Authors: Harvey Brigit D. , Vanni Kaylee N. , Shier Debra M. , Grether Gregory F.
Published: June 2017

Closely related, ecologically similar species often roost in distinctly different habitats, and roosting patterns also vary within species in relation to sex, age and season. The causes of such variation are not well understood at either a proximate or ultimate level. We studied communal roosting in two congeneric species of Prionostemma harvestmen at a rainforest site in Nicaragua. Previous research showed that Prionostemma sp. 1 forms male‐biased communal roosts in tree‐root cavities, while Prionostemma sp. 2 forms communal roosts of variable but temporally stable sex ratios on spiny palms. Here, we investigate potential mechanisms underlying variation in roosting site choice between and within these syntopic species. First, we present the results of a field experiment designed to probe the mechanism underlying skewed roost sex ratios in Prionostemma sp. 2. Previous studies have suggested that these harvestmen use conspecific scent to locate communal roosts and that new roosts can be established via group translocation. Therefore, to test the hypothesis that skewed roost sex ratios in this species arise from sex differences in scent marks, we translocated single‐sex groups of ca. 30 individuals to each of 20 previously unoccupied spiny palms. Female release sites attracted new recruits of both sexes, while male release sites attracted almost exclusively males. We infer that Prionostemma sp. 2 females preferentially roost in sites scent‐marked by females and that this mechanism is sufficient to explain the skewed roost ratios. Further adding to knowledge of Prionostemma roosting behavior, we show that Prionostemma sp. 1 forms female‐biased communal roosts on spiny palms, that some roosts contain both species, and that the species composition is stable on a time scale of at least 2 weeks. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first experimental test of mechanisms underlying sexual segregation at communal roosts in any taxon.
CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated loss of FGF5 function increases wool staple length in sheep
Authors: Li Wen‐Rong , Liu Chen‐Xi , Zhang Xue‐Mei , Chen Lei , Peng Xin‐Rong , He San‐Gang , Lin Jia‐Peng , Han Bin , Wang Li‐Qin , Huang Jun‐Cheng , Liu Ming‐Jun
Published: June 2017

Fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) regulates hair length in humans and a variety of other animals. To investigate whether FGF5 has similar effects in sheep, we used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated 9 (Cas9) to generate loss‐of‐function mutations with the FGF5 gene in Chinese Merino sheep. A total of 16 lambs were identified with genetic mutations within the targeting locus: 13 lambs had biallelic modifications and three lambs had monoallelic modifications. Characterization of the modifications revealed that 13 were frameshift mutations that led to premature termination, whereas the other three were in‐frame deletions. Thus, CRISPR/Cas9 efficiently generated loss‐of‐function mutations in the sheep FGF5 gene. We then investigated the effect of loss of FGF5 function on wool traits in 12 lambs and found that wool staple length and stretched length of genetically modified (GM) yearling sheep were significantly longer compared with that of wild‐type (WT) control animals. The greasy fleece weight of GM yearling sheep was also significantly greater compared with that of WT sheep. Moreover, the mean fiber diameter in GM sheep showed no significant difference compared with WT sheep, suggesting that the increase in greasy fleece weight was likely attributed to the increase in wool length. The results of this study suggest that CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated loss of FGF5 activity could promote wool growth and, consequently, increase wool length and yield.
Hsp90α regulates ATM and NBN functions in sensing and repair of DNA double‐strand breaks
Authors: Pennisi Rosa , Antoccia Antonio , Leone Stefano , Ascenzi Paolo , di Masi Alessandra
Published: June 2017

The molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90α) regulates cell proteostasis and mitigates the harmful effects of endogenous and exogenous stressors on the proteome. Indeed, the inhibition of Hsp90α ATPase activity affects the cellular response to ionizing radiation (IR). Although the interplay between Hsp90α and several DNA damage response (DDR) proteins has been reported, its role in the DDR is still unclear. Here, we show that ataxia‐telangiectasia‐mutated kinase (ATM) and nibrin (NBN), but not 53BP1, RAD50, and MRE11, are Hsp90α clients as the Hsp90α inhibitor 17‐(allylamino)‐17‐demethoxygeldanamycin (17‐AAG) induces ATM and NBN polyubiquitination and proteosomal degradation in normal fibroblasts and lymphoblastoid cell lines. Hsp90α‐ATM and Hsp90α‐NBN complexes are present in unstressed and irradiated cells, allowing the maintenance of ATM and NBN stability that is required for the MRE11/RAD50/NBN complex‐dependent ATM activation and the ATM‐dependent phosphorylation of both NBN and Hsp90α in response to IR‐induced DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs). Hsp90α forms a complex also with ph‐Ser1981‐ATM following IR. Upon phosphorylation, NBN dissociates from Hsp90α and translocates at the DSBs, while phThr5/7‐Hsp90α is not recruited at the damaged sites. The inhibition of Hsp90α affects nuclear localization of MRE11 and RAD50, impairs DDR signaling (e.g., BRCA1 and CHK2 phosphorylation), and slows down DSBs repair. Hsp90α inhibition does not affect DNA‐dependent protein kinase (DNA‐PK) activity, which possibly phosphorylates Hsp90α and H2AX after IR. Notably, Hsp90α inhibition causes H2AX phosphorylation in proliferating cells, this possibly indicating replication stress events. Overall, present data shed light on the regulatory role of Hsp90α on the DDR, controlling ATM and NBN stability and influencing the DSBs signaling and repair.
Global trade networks determine the distribution of invasive non‐native species
Authors: Chapman Daniel , Purse Bethan V. , Roy Helen E. , Bullock James M.
Published: June 2017

Aim

Although global trade is implicated in biological invasions, the assumption that trade networks explain the large‐scale distributions of non‐native species remains largely untested. We addressed this by analysing relationships between global trade networks and plant pest invasion.

Location

Forty‐eight countries in Europe and the Mediterranean.

Time period

Current.

Major taxa studied

Four hundred and twenty‐two non‐native plant pests (173 invertebrates, 166 pathogens, 83 plants).

Methods

Ten types of connectivity index were developed, representing potential roles of trade networks, air transport links, geographical proximity, climatic similarity and source country wealth in facilitating invasion. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) identified the connectivity index that best explained both historical and recent invasion. Then, more complex GLMMs were developed including connectivity through trade networks for multiple commodities relevant for pests (live plants, forest products, fruit and vegetables and seeds) and species’ transport associations with those commodities.

Results

Total import volumes, species’ global prevalence and connectivity measures based on air transport, geographical distance or climate did not explain invasion as well as connectivity through global trade networks. Invasion was strongly promoted by agricultural imports from countries in which the focal species was present and that were climatically similar to the importing country. However, live plant imports from nearby countries provided a better explanation of the most recent invasions. Connectivity through multiple trade networks predicted invasion better than total agricultural trade, and there was support for our hypothesis that species known to be transported with a particular network had greater sensitivity to its connectivity.

Main conclusions

Our findings show that patterns of invasion are governed to a large extent by global trade networks connecting source areas for non‐native species and the dispersal of those species through multiple trade networks. This enhances potential for developing a predictive framework to improve risk assessment, biosecurity and surveillance for invasions.
Prediction of Groundwater Quality Trends Resulting from Anthropogenic Changes in Southeast Florida
Authors: Yi Quanghee , Stewart Mark
Published: June 2017

The effects of surface water flow system changes caused by constructing water‐conservation areas and canals in southeast Florida on groundwater quality under the Atlantic Coastal Ridge was investigated with numerical modeling. Water quality data were used to delineate a zone of groundwater with low total dissolved solids (TDS) within the Biscayne aquifer under the ridge. The delineated zone has the following characteristics. Its location generally coincides with an area where the Biscayne aquifer has high transmissivities, corresponds to a high recharge area of the ridge, and underlies a part of the groundwater mound formed under the ridge prior to completion of the canals. This low TDS groundwater appears to be the result of pre‐development conditions rather than seepage from the canals constructed after the 1950s. Numerical simulation results indicate that the time for low TDS groundwater under the ridge to reach equilibrium with high TDS surface water in the water‐conservation areas and Everglades National Park are approximately 70 and 60 years, respectively. The high TDS groundwater would be restricted to the water‐conservation areas and the park due to its slow eastward movement caused by small hydraulic gradients in Rocky Glades and its mixing with the low TDS groundwater under the high‐recharge area of the ridge. The flow or physical boundary conditions such as high recharge rates or low hydraulic conductivity layers may affect how the spatial distribution of groundwater quality in an aquifer will change when a groundwater flow system reaches equilibrium with an associated surface water flow system.
Atomic structure of chlorine containing calcium silicate glasses by neutron diffraction and 29Si solid‐state NMR
Authors: Forto Chungong Louis , Swansbury Laura A. , Mountjoy Gavin , Hannon Alex C. , Lee Adam F. , Martin Richard A.
Published: June 2017

Bioactive glasses are of great importance for medical and dental applications. In order to understand, model, and predict the behavior of these materials, and ultimately improve their design, it is important to understand the structure of these glasses. Ion dissolution is known to be the crucial first step in bioactivity and is strongly dependent upon the atomic‐scale structure and network connectivity. While significant progress has been made understanding the structure of oxide‐based glasses, relatively little is known about the structure of bioactive glasses containing halides. Recently, a series of novel chloride‐based bioactive glasses has been developed. Chlorapatite converts to hydroxyapatite in water and these glasses are therefore of interest for novel toothpastes. This study reports the first detailed structural investigation of these bioactive chloride glasses using neutron diffraction and solid‐state NMR. Chlorine was found to bond to calcium within the glass, and no evidence of Si‐Cl bonding was detected. Furthermore, the absence of a chemical shift in the 29Si NMR upon the addition of CaCl2 helped confirm the absence of detectable amounts of Si‐Cl bonding. Given that chlorine does not disrupt the Si‐O‐Si network, widely used network connectivity models are therefore still valid in oxychloride glasses.
Foot health of nurses—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Stolt Minna , Suhonen Riitta , Kielo Emilia , Katajisto Jouko , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: June 2017

Aim

To analyze the level of nurses' foot health and its associations with work well‐being.

Methods

A descriptive, cross‐sectional study design was applied to a random sample of Finnish nurses (n = 411). The data were collected between May 18 and June 21, 2015 using a self‐administered Foot Health Assessment Instrument and analyzed using descriptive statistics and parametric tests.

Results

Nurses had a variety of foot problems. Dry skin, foot pain, and corns or calluses were the most prevalent foot problems. Long‐term diseases, the need for a physician's appointment due to foot problems, and decreased working ability were all associated with foot health. This finding was also supported by multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Foot problems are common among nurses and are associated with individual and work‐related factors. Prevention of foot problems in nurses should be prioritized to promote their working ability and predisposing factors identified as potential intervention targets.
Helping Babies Breathe implementation in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Authors: Wilson Gina Marie , Ame Ame Masemo , Khatib Maimuna Mohamed , Rende Elizabeth K. , Hartman Ann Michelle , Blood‐Siegfried Jane
Published: June 2017

Aim

To assess the efficacy and feasibility of implementing Helping Babies Breathe, a neonatal resuscitation programme for resource‐limited environments.

Background

This quality improvement project focused on training midwives on Helping Babies Breathe to address high rates of neonatal mortality secondary to birth asphyxia.

Methods

The convenience sample was 33 midwives in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The train‐the‐trainer strategy with repeated measures design was used to assess knowledge and skills at 3 time points. Observations were completed during “real‐time” deliveries, and a focused interview generated feedback regarding satisfaction and sustainability.

Results

Knowledge scores and resuscitation skills significantly improved and were sustained, P < .05. Of the 62 birth observations, 19% needed intervention. All were appropriately resuscitated and survived.

Conclusion

Results indicate that participants retained knowledge and skills and used them in clinical practice. Observations demonstrated that participants took appropriate actions when presented with a baby who was not breathing.
An experimental demonstration that house finches add cigarette butts in response to ectoparasites
Authors: Suárez‐Rodríguez Monserrat , Garcia Constantino Macías
Published: June 2017

Urban species encounter resources that are uncommon in nature, such as materials found in city waste. Many studies have shown that these can be harmful to wildlife. In Mexico City, house finches bring cigarette butts to their nests, which reduces the amount of ectoparasites, but also induces genotoxic damage in chicks and parents. Yet, the reason for this behaviour is unknown. One possibility is that birds extract the cellulose fibres from discarded butts simply because they resemble feathers. Alternatively, disassembled cigarette butts may be brought to the nests because they repel ectoparasites. Here we tested the latter hypothesis by assessing whether house finches Carpodacus mexicanus increase the amount of cigarette butts in their nests in response to a raise in ectoparasite load. When present, fibres from butts are concentrated in the nest lining. By taking it away, we simultaneously removed most of the butt material and collected the bulk of the tick population infesting each nest, as these parasites cluster in the lining. We removed the bedding of nests when chicks had recently hatched, and randomly assigned each nests to one of the following treatments: 1) addition of live ticks, 2) addition of dead ticks and 3) simulation of tick addition. Females in the live ticks’ treatment added more butt fibres to their nests than parents in control treatments. Additionally, the amount of butt fibres in the original lining also predicted the amount of fibres added after the manipulation. It seems that the tendency to bring to the nest cigarette butts is at least partially a response to current, and perhaps also past, parasite load.
Reducing the maternal dietary intake of indigestible and slowly absorbed short‐chain carbohydrates is associated with improved infantile colic: a proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Iacovou M. , Mulcahy E. C. , Truby H. , Barrett J. S. , Gibson P. R. , Muir J. G.
Published: June 2017

Background

To investigate if a low fermentable oligo‐, di‐ and mono‐saccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet consumed by breastfeeding mothers may be associated with reduced symptoms of infantile colic.

Methods

Exclusively breastfeeding mothers and their typically‐developing healthy infants who met the Wessel Criteria for infantile colic were recruited from the community, to this single‐blind, open‐label, interventional study. After a 3‐day qualifying period, mothers were provided a low FODMAP 7‐day diet. On days 5, 6 and 7 mothers completed a Baby Day Diary. At baseline and at the end of the 7‐day dietary intervention, breast milk was analysed for FODMAP content and infant faecal samples for pH.

Results

Eighteen breastfeeding mothers (aged 27–40 years) adhered (100%) to the low FODMAP diet. Infants were of gestational age 37–40.3 weeks and aged 2–17 weeks. At entry, crying durations were a mean [95% CI] of 142 [106–61] min and fell by 52 [178–120] min (P = 0.005; ancova). Combined crying‐fussing durations fell by 73 [301–223] min (n = 13; P = 0.007), as did crying episodes (P = 0.01) and fussing durations (P = 0.011). Infant sleeping, feeding, or awake‐and‐content durations did not change. Infant faecal pH did not change. Breast milk lactose content was stable and other known FODMAPs were not detected. At end of study, mothers reported their baby ‘is much more content’ and ‘can be put down without crying’.

Conclusions

Maternal low FODMAP diet may be associated with a reduction in infant colic symptoms. A randomized controlled study is warranted to determine if a maternal low FODMAP diet is effective in reducing symptoms.
Reliability and validity of FluoreCam for white‐spot lesion detection: An in vitro study
Authors: Abufarwa Moufida , Noureldin Amal , Campbell Phillip M. , Buschang Peter H.
Published: June 2017

Aim

In the present study, we tested the reliability and validity of a new light fluorescence device, the FluoreCam.

Methods

Twenty‐five human teeth were sectioned mesiodistally into halves. Group 1 (n=30) included specimens with either sound enamel or natural white‐spot lesions (WSL). Group 2 (n=20) included specimens with sound enamel used to create artificial WSL. Using the FluoreCam, baseline scans of enamel surfaces were obtained under standardized conditions. Group1 was scanned again the next day. Group 2 specimens were covered with an acid‐resistant nail polish, leaving a 2 × 6‐mm enamel window exposed, immersed in Queiroz‐solution (64 hours, 37°C/pH5 with agitation), and then scanned again. Random error of the repeated measurements (reliability) was determined using method errors and intraclass correlations (ICC). Systematic error and the ability to detect demineralization (validity) were tested using Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

Method errors for Group 1 replicates were .39 mm2 (area), .72 pixels (intensity), and 5.69 pixels.mm2 (impact). Group 2 method errors were consistently slightly higher than those of group 1. FluoreCam showed highly reliable measurements for group 1 (ICC: 0.93‐0.98) and group 2 (ICC: 0.87‐0.97). There were no statistically‐significant systematic errors for either group (P>.05). In group 2, enamel demineralization was statistically significant in area (P<.001), intensity (P=.001), and impact (P<.001).

Conclusion

FluoreCam is highly reliable and valid for in vitro assessments of enamel demineralization.
Boric acid gel as local drug delivery in the treatment of class II furcation defects in chronic periodontitis: a randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Singhal Sandeep , Pradeep Avani Raju , Kanoriya Dharmendra , Garg Shruti , Garg Vibhuti
Published: June 2017

Aim

Boric acid (BA) exhibits antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, as well as osteoblastic, activity. The aim of the present study was to explore the efficacy of 0.75% BA gel as a local drug‐delivery system in adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of class II furcation defects in comparison with placebo gel.

Methods

A total of 48 mandibular class II furcation defects were randomized and treated with either 0.75% BA gel or placebo gel. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, while radiographic parameters were recorded at baseline and 6 months.

Results

Greater mean probing depth reduction and mean relative vertical and horizontal clinical attachment level gain were shown to be greater in group 1 than in group 2 at 3 and 6 months. Furthermore, a significantly greater mean percentage of bone fill was found in group 1 (16.98%±1.03%) than in the placebo (2.86%±0.92%) at 6 months.

Conclusion

The .75% BA group showed significant improvement in clinical parameters compared to placebo gel as an adjunct to SRP. This implies an alternative for treatment of class II furcation.
Information transmission during the trial: The role of punitive damages and legal costs
Authors: Espínola‐Arredondo Ana , Munoz‐Garcia Felix , Tantihkarnchana Pitchayaporn
Published: June 2017

This paper studies an incomplete information model in which a preventable accident occurred. The judge determining punitive damages observes the firm's (defendant) investment decisions, but is uninformed about the firm's experience adopting safety measures. Our model allows firms to file an appeal if the judge's verdict is incorrect, which the judge may accept or reject. We identify under which conditions a separating equilibrium exists where the firm's investment decisions signal its type to the judge, who responds with a correct verdict, thus avoiding future appeals. Our paper also finds conditions under which a pooling equilibrium exists whereby the firm's investment in precaution conceals its type from the judge, who can respond with an incorrect verdict thus giving rise to appeals. Furthermore, we show that the separating equilibrium is more likely to arise if the percentage of revenue that defendants are required to pay in punitive damages decreases, if the punitive‐to‐compensatory ratio increases, and if the legal cost of filing an appeal increases.
Global risk levels for corn rusts (Puccinia sorghi and Puccinia polysora) under climate change projections
Authors: Ramirez‐Cabral Nadiezhda Yakovleva Zitz , Kumar Lalit , Shabani Farzin
Published: June 2017

Common rust (Puccinia sorghi) and southern rust (Puccinia polysora) are two of the most important foliar corn diseases worldwide. These fungi have caused severe economic loss to corn yields worldwide. The current and future potential distribution of these diseases was modelled with CLIMEX using the known current geographic locations of the rusts, growth and stress indices. The models were run under the A2 scenario using CSIRO‐Mk3·0 and MIROC‐H for 2050 and 2100. The current projection shows areas with marginal to optimal suitability in all the continents. The models for future projections display a general reduction in the Southern hemisphere and increase in the Northern hemisphere, especially for the southern rust. The overlay of the General Circulation Models produce an estimation of the common areas under risk for future climate conditions for the simultaneous occurrence for both corn rusts, with a reduction of the medium‐ and high‐risk categories by 2100. This study highlights the possible effects of climate change at a global level for common and southern rust, as well as the risk of occurrence of both diseases in common areas for future climate that could be particularly harmful for crops.
Salivary, gingival crevicular fluid and serum levels of ghrelin and chemerin in patients with periodontitis and overweight
Authors: Jentsch H. F. R. , Arnold N. , Richter V. , Deschner J. , Kantyka T. , Eick S.
Published: June 2017

Background and Objective

Nutrition and body weight are modifying factors for periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to quantify two molecules (ghrelin and chemerin), released in association with food intake and obesity, in periodontally healthy and diseased individuals with respect to different body mass categories.

Material and Methods

The two main groups (patients with chronic periodontitis and periodontally healthy/gingivitis volunteers) were subdivided into groups of subjects with normal weight [body mass index (BMI) <25] and groups of overweight/obese subjects (BMI ≥25). Subgingival bacteria were analysed and the levels of acylated and total ghrelin, chemerin and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) were assessed in saliva, gingival crevicular fluid and serum.

Results

The amount of Treponema denticola present subgingivally was significantly higher in the groups of patients with chronic periodontitis as well as in periodontally healthy/gingivitis individuals with BMI ≥25 than in periodontally healthy/gingivitis individuals with BMI <25. The amount of total ghrelin in gingival crevicular fluid differed significantly between the groups, with the lowest levels found in the group of patients with chronic periodontitis and BMI ≥25. The levels of chemerin in gingival crevicular fluid were significantly higher in each chronic periodontitis group than in periodontally healthy/gingivitis individuals with BMI <25. However, the level of IL‐1β in the gingival crevicular fluid was most differentiating between the groups, with the highest levels found in the group of patients with chronic periodontitis and BMI <25 and the lowest levels in periodontally healthy/gingivitis individuals with BMI <25. No significant differences between any groups were seen for chemerin or for acylated ghrelin in the stimulated whole saliva, or for acylated and total ghrelin in peripheral blood serum. The BMI correlated with the serum level of chemerin.

Conclusion

Low ghrelin and high chemerin levels in the gingival crevicular fluid might be linked to periodontal disease and overweight/obesity. However, unlike IL‐1β, the levels of chemerin and ghrelin in gingival crevicular fluid are not reliable indicators of periodontal destruction.
Survival of patients with cancer starting chronic dialysis: Data from kidney and cancer registries in lower Normandy
Authors: Béchade Clémence , Dejardin Olivier , Bara Simona , Bouvier Véronique , Guizard Anne‐Valérie , De Mil Rémy , Troussard Xavier , Launoy Guy , Lobbedez Thierry
Published: June 2017

Aim

Cancer and chronic kidney disease are known to be associated. The way in which a history of cancer can influence outcome in dialysis is not well described. This work aimed to evaluate survival of cancer patients starting chronic dialysis after their diagnosis of cancer.

Methods

We merged data from cancer registries and a dialysis registry, and explored patients' charts.

Results

Between January 2001 and December 2008, 74 patients with incident cancer in the two‐counties‐study‐area (Calvados and Manche) started chronic dialysis after their diagnosis of cancer. Survival of these incident dialysis patients with a previous diagnosis of cancer was respectively 80.9% (confidence interval 69.9; 88.2) and 68.3% (confidence interval 56.3%; 77.7%) at 1 and 2 years. Only 29 of the 74 patients (39.2%) were still alive at the end of the observation period; median participation time was 2.8 years (1st and 3rd quartiles: 1.3–4.4). Survival of patients with cancer was not different to that of non‐cancer dialysis patients matched for age and sex, except in patients with haematological malignancies who had a poorer outcome. In a multivariate stratified Cox model, the history of cancer before dialysis start was not associated with death, after adjustment on diabetes.

Conclusion

In our study, survival in dialysis was not different among patients with a history of cancer compared to matched patients without malignancy. We can hypothesize that only some selected patients with cancer have access to dialysis. Studies in ESRD patients with cancer should be performed to evaluate access to dialysis in that population.
To stand back or step in? Exploring the responses of employees who observe workplace bullying
Authors: MacCurtain Sarah , Murphy Caroline , O'Sullivan Michelle , MacMahon Juliet , Turner Tom
Published: June 2017

Bullying remains a pervasive problem in healthcare, and evidence suggests systems in place are not utilised due to perceptions of ineffectiveness and inequity. This study examines bystander responses to bullying and factors that influence decisions to intervene. We explore relationships between bystanders’ perceptions of psychological safety across three levels (organisation, supervisor and colleague) and reactions to witnessing bullying. We suggest psychological safety would be positively associated with the decision to intervene. Findings indicate the most pervasive reaction to witnessing incidents of bullying is to discuss with colleagues, a low‐involvement reaction. We find perceptions of supervisory and organisational safety/support are positively related to high‐involvement decisions such as formal reporting of the incidents, highlighting the importance of support from those in power. However, perceptions of collegial support may lead to low‐involvement responses, which risk reinforcing and underpinning dysfunctional organisational dynamics by providing informal social and emotional responses that may substitute more formal organisational responses to this persistent problem. This study highlights the importance of support from individuals in power if bystanders are to feel comfortable making high‐involvement interventions.
Efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic gastro‐jejunostomy (PEG‐J) decompression therapy for patients with chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (CIPO)
Authors: Ohkubo H. , Fuyuki A. , Arimoto J. , Higurashi T. , Nonaka T. , Inoh Y. , Iida H. , Inamori M. , Kaneda T. , Nakajima A.
Published: June 2017

Backgrounds

Chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (CIPO) is an intractable rare digestive disease manifesting persistent small bowel distension without any mechanical cause. Intestinal decompression is a key treatment, but conventional method including a trans‐nasal small intestinal tube is invasive and painful. Therefore, a less invasive and tolerable new decompression method is urgently desired. We conducted a pilot study and assessed the efficacy and safety of percutaneous endoscopic gastro‐jejunostomy (PEG‐J) decompression therapy in CIPO patients.

Methods

Seven definitive CIPO patients (2 males and 5 females) were enrolled. All patients received PEG‐J decompression therapy. The number of days with any abdominal symptoms in a month (NODASIM), body mass index (BMI), serum albumin level (Alb), and small intestinal volume before and after PEG‐J were compared in all patients.

Results

Percutaneous endoscopic gastro‐jejunostomy was well tolerated and oral intake improved in all patients. NODASIM has significantly decreased (24.3 vs 9.3 days/months) and BMI/Alb have significantly increased (14.9 vs 17.2 kg/m2 and 2.6 vs 3.8 g/dL, respectively), whereas total volume of the small intestine has not significantly reduced (4.05 vs 2.59 L, P=.18). Reflux esophagitis and chemical dermatitis were observed in one case but was successfully treated conservatively.

Conclusions & Inferences

Percutaneous endoscopic gastro‐jejunostomy decompression therapy can contribute greatly to improvement of abdominal symptoms and nutritional status in CIPO patients. Although sufficient attention should be paid to acid reflux symptoms, PEG‐J has the potential to be a non‐invasive novel decompression therapy for CIPO available at home. However, accumulation of more CIPO patients and long‐term observation are needed (UMIN000017574).
Impact of solar ultraviolet radiation on atopic dermatitis symptoms in young children: A longitudinal study
Authors: Kim Young‐Min , Kim Jihyun , Lee Ji Young , Kim Minji , Kim Hyunmi , Jung Kwon , Eo Soomi , Ahn Mijin , Ahn Kangmo
Published: June 2017

Background

There are controversial data about the effects of sun exposure on atopic dermatitis (AD). We evaluated the association between solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure and AD symptoms in children.

Methods

Eighty‐two children under 6 years (48 boys and 34 girls) with AD living in Seoul, Korea, were enrolled and followed for 12 months between September 2013 and August 2014. Daily symptoms were recorded to describe the degree of itching, sleep disturbance, erythema, dryness, oozing, and edema. We assessed solar UVR by measuring radiation heat flux over the 290‐400 nm wavelength range using thermopiles. A generalized linear mixed model and a generalized additive mixed model were used to evaluate the effects of UVR exposure on AD symptoms after adjusting for age, sex, outdoor temperature, outdoor humidity, and ambient air pollution.

Results

Symptom records of 12 915 person‐days were analyzed. UVR showed a significantly positive relationship with AD symptoms. Over the study period, an increase in UVR by 10 W/cm2 was associated with a 1.46% increase in AD symptoms (95% CI: 0.85‐2.07) on the exposure day. An increase in the 6‐day average level of UVR of the previous 5 days and the current day by 10 W/cm2 was associated with a 3.58% (95% CI: 2.60‐4.56) increase in AD symptoms. UVR exposure significantly increased AD symptoms in autumn, but decreased them in winter.

Conclusions

Atopic dermatitis symptoms in children are likely to be affected by exposure to solar UVR with a cumulative effect, and this effect is different according to season.
Management of pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma: A multimodal approach
Authors: Kohorst Mira A. , Warad Deepti M. , Matsumoto Jane M. , Heimbach Julie K. , El‐Youssef Mounif , Arndt Carola A. S. , Rodriguez Vilmarie , Nageswara Rao Amulya A.
Published: June 2017

HCC is rare in the pediatric population, but is the second most common liver malignancy in children. Survival rates for primary unresectable HCC have been dismal. The objective of this study was to describe our experience with a multimodal approach for the management of unresectable HCC in two adolescent patients and to review the literature. Both patients are currently alive with no recurrence at 51 and 29 months post‐transplant. Multimodality treatment involving chemotherapy with doxorubicin, cisplatin, and sorafenib; TACE; timely liver transplantation; and post‐transplant therapy with sorafenib and mTOR inhibitors may help improve outcomes and prolong survival in pediatric patients with unresectable HCC.
Identification of Glyceraldehyde‐3‐Phosphate and Alcohol Dehydrogenases as Autoantigens in Doberman Hepatitis
Authors: Dyggve H. , Jarva H. , Spillmann T. , Speeti M. , Meri S.
Published: June 2017

An autoimmune background is suspected for Doberman hepatitis (DH). It is based on the finding of mononuclear cell infiltrates in the liver, strong female bias, association to the homozygous risk factor dog leucocyte antigen (DLA) allele DRB1*00601 and aberrant major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression on hepatocytes that correlates with the degree of inflammation in the liver. The aim of this study was to search for autoantibodies against liver‐related antigens associated with DH. Twenty‐five Dobermans with subclinical DH (SDH), 13 that clinically manifest DH (CDH) and 17 healthy controls were studied. Immunoblotting analysis detected specific antibodies in the DH sera. By mass spectrometry the targets were identified as liver‐related enzymes glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Using ELISA, anti‐GAPDH IgG was detected in 36% (9/25) of SDH dogs and 69.2% (9/13) of the CDH dogs compared to healthy controls (0/17) (P < 0.0005). Anti‐ADH IgG was detected in 72% (18/25) of SDH dogs and 76.9% (10/13) of CDH dogs and only in one (1/17) control (P < 0.0005). The finding of novel autoantigens, GAPDH and ADH strengthen the hypothesis that DH is an autoimmune disease of the liver. These findings suggest that DH could be diagnosed by screening for autoantibodies against the defined antigens.
Self‐control depletion impairs goal maintenance: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Dang Junhua , Björklund Fredrik , Bäckström Martin
Published: June 2017

Initial exertion of self‐control has been suggested to impair subsequent self‐regulatory performance. The specific cognitive processes that underlie this ego depletion effect have rarely been examined. Drawing on the dual‐process theory of executive control (Engle & Kane, ; Kane & Engle, ), the current meta‐analysis revealed that initial self‐control exertion impairs participants’ capacities of maintaining the task goal but its effect on capacities of resolving response competition is in need of further investigation. Our results are more consistent with recent theoretical views that consider ego depletion as a switch cost and a result arising from reduced motivation to engage in further self‐control.
Tests for Structural Changes in Time Series of Counts
Authors: Hudecová Šárka , Hušková Marie , Meintanis Simos G.
Published: June 2017

We propose methods for detecting structural changes in time series with discrete‐valued observations. The detector statistics come in familiar L2‐type formulations incorporating the empirical probability generating function. Special emphasis is given to the popular models of integer autoregression and Poisson autoregression. For both models, we study mainly structural changes due to a change in distribution, but we also comment for the classical problem of parameter change. The asymptotic properties of the proposed test statistics are studied under the null hypothesis as well as under alternatives. A Monte Carlo power study on bootstrap versions of the new methods is also included along with a real data example.
Reversing the Negative Experience of Unemployment: A Mediating Role for Social Policies?
Authors: Sage Daniel
Published: June 2017

This article examines why unemployment is often experienced in a profoundly negative way, and explores the potentially mediating role of social policies. Three dominant theories of unemployment are described, which are often treated as competing, mutually exclusive explanations of the deleterious effects of unemployment. Subsequently, and through drawing upon a qualitative study of unemployed people, it is argued that all three theories are of worth and can be synthesized into a broader explanation of the experience of unemployment as an overarching process of loss. Three forms of loss are identified: loss of agency; loss of the functions of paid work; and loss of social status. The article then explores how these forms of loss can be both ameliorated and intensified through social policy interventions. Concluding, it offers policy recommendations to increase the efficacy of social policies in reversing the negative experience of unemployment, with the conclusion that this will require significant reform of the UK welfare state.
Pet ownership increases human risk of encountering ticks
Authors: Jones E. H. , Hinckley A. F. , Hook S. A. , Meek J. I. , Backenson B. , Kugeler K. J. , Feldman K. A.
Published: June 2017

We examined whether pet ownership increased the risk for tick encounters and tickborne disease among residents of three Lyme disease‐endemic states as a nested cohort within a randomized controlled trial. Information about pet ownership, use of tick control for pets, property characteristics, tick encounters and human tickborne disease were captured through surveys, and associations were assessed using univariate and multivariable analyses. Pet‐owning households had 1.83 times the risk (95% CI = 1.53, 2.20) of finding ticks crawling on and 1.49 times the risk (95% CI = 1.20, 1.84) of finding ticks attached to household members compared to households without pets. This large evaluation of pet ownership, human tick encounters and tickborne diseases shows that pet owners, whether of cats or dogs, are at increased risk of encountering ticks and suggests that pet owners are at an increased risk of developing tickborne disease. Pet owners should be made aware of this risk and be reminded to conduct daily tick checks of all household members, including the pets, and to consult their veterinarian regarding effective tick control products.
Neural Network Optimization of Ligament Stiffnesses for the Enhanced Predictive Ability of a Patient-Specific, Computational Foot/Ankle Model
Authors: Chande Ruchi D. , Wayne Jennifer S.
Published: June 2017

Computational models of diarthrodial joints serve to inform the biomechanical function of these structures, and as such, must be supplied appropriate inputs for performance that is representative of actual joint function. Inputs for these models are sourced from both imaging modalities as well as literature. The latter is often the source of mechanical properties for soft tissues, like ligament stiffnesses; however, such data are not always available for all the soft tissues nor is it known for patient-specific work. In the current research, a method to improve the ligament stiffness definition for a computational foot/ankle model was sought with the greater goal of improving the predictive ability of the computational model. Specifically, the stiffness values were optimized using artificial neural networks (ANNs); both feedforward and radial basis function networks (RBFNs) were considered. Optimal networks of each type were determined and subsequently used to predict stiffnesses for the foot/ankle model. Ultimately, the predicted stiffnesses were considered reasonable and resulted in enhanced performance of the computational model, suggesting that artificial neural networks can be used to optimize stiffness inputs.
The Effect of Alkali Metal and Alkaline Earth Metal Impurities on the Iodine-Induced Corrosion of CANDU Fuel Sheathing
Authors: Ferrier Graham A. , Kerr David , Metzler Joseph , Veryard Evan , Farahani Mohsen , Chan Paul K. , Daymond Mark R. , Corcoran Emily C.
Published: June 2017

During normal operation in Canada deuterium uranium (CANDU®) reactors, the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of fuel sheathing is mitigated effectively, in part, using a thin graphite-based coating known as CANDU lubricant (CANLUB). Mechanisms typically proposed for the demonstrated SCC mitigation offered by CANLUB include lubrication and/or chemical interactions. An additional possibility, that was recently suggested, involves the sequestering of iodine through its interaction with alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal impurities in the CANLUB coating. This possibility is supported by the systematic analysis and testing in this paper, wherein three prevalent impurities (Na, Ca, and Mg) found in CANLUB were incorporated into SCC slotted ring experiments as metal oxides. When the amount of metal oxide (Na2O, CaO, or MgO) matched or exceeded the amount of iodine (6 mmol = 16 mg/cm3), Na2O and CaO protected the rings from corrosion whereas MgO enhanced their corrosion. When Zircaloy-4 sheathing is subjected to mechanical stress, high temperature, and high concentrations of iodine vapor, it is better protected by siloxane coatings than by graphite-CANLUB coatings. Consequently, since metal impurities (Na, Ca, and Mg) are found more abundantly in siloxane coatings than in graphite-CANLUB coatings, Zircaloy-4 slotted rings were coated with graphite-CANLUB containing Na, Ca, and/or Mg at those more abundant concentrations. Since these concentrations remain below 6 mmol, SCC test results suggest that the siloxane's superior adhesion is an essential first step in preventing corrosion induced by 6 mmol of iodine.
Research Challenges of Heat Transfer to Supercritical Fluids
Authors: Cheng X. , Liu X. J.
Published: June 2017

Supercritical fluids (SCFs) become more and more important in various engineering applications. In nuclear power systems, SCFs are considered as coolant of the reactor core such as the supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR), superconducting magnets and blankets in the fusion reactors, or as fluid in the energy conversion systems of the next generation nuclear reactors. Accurate determination of heat transfer and the temperature of the structural material (e.g., fuel rod cladding) is of crucial importance for the system design. Thus, extensive studies on heat transfer to SCFs have been carried out in the past five decades and are still ongoing worldwide. However, no breakthrough is recognized or expected in the near future. In this paper, the status, main challenges, and future R&D needs are briefly reviewed. Three aspects are taken into consideration, i.e., experimental studies, numerical analysis, and model development for the prediction of heat transfer coefficient (HTC). Several key challenges and also the important subjects of the future R&D needs are identified. They are (a) data base for turbulence quantities, (b) multisolution of wall temperature, (c) extensive Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (ERANS) method, and (d) new prediction method for HTC.
The frequency-difference and frequency-sum acoustic-field autoproducts
Authors: Worthmann Brian M. , Dowling David R.
Published: June 2017

The frequency-difference and frequency-sum autoproducts are quadratic products of solutions of the Helmholtz equation at two different frequencies (ω+ and ω−), and may be constructed from the Fourier transform of any time-domain acoustic field. Interestingly, the autoproducts may carry wave-field information at the difference (ω+ − ω−) and sum (ω+ + ω−) frequencies even though these frequencies may not be present in the original acoustic field. This paper provides analytical and simulation results that justify and illustrate this possibility, and indicate its limitations. The analysis is based on the inhomogeneous Helmholtz equation and its solutions while the simulations are for a point source in a homogeneous half-space bounded by a perfectly reflecting surface. The analysis suggests that the autoproducts have a spatial phase structure similar to that of a true acoustic field at the difference and sum frequencies if the in-band acoustic field is a plane or spherical wave. For multi-ray-path environments, this phase structure similarity persists in portions of the autoproduct fields that are not suppressed by bandwidth averaging. Discrepancies between the bandwidth-averaged autoproducts and true out-of-band acoustic fields (with potentially modified boundary conditions) scale inversely with the product of the bandwidth and ray-path arrival time differences.
Effects of the interface roughness in metal-adhesive-metal structure on the propagation of shear horizontal waves
Authors: Ech Cherif El Kettani Mounsif , Leduc Damien , Potel Catherine , Bruneau Michel , Foze Ludovic , Predoi Mihai
Published: June 2017

The influence of the interface roughness in a three-layer metal-adhesive-metal structure on the propagation of shear horizontal waves and more particularly on the transmission coefficient versus the frequency is studied in the particular case of a periodic grating of triangular grooves. For given phonon frequencies, the interaction of an incident shear horizontal mode with the periodical grating gives rise to a retro-converted mode. A numerical finite element simulation permits us to predict the existence of the phonon mode in the three-layer structure and to obtain the evolution of the transmission coefficient around the phonon frequency. An experimental study, based on a generation of waves by a piezocomposite contact transducer and a reception by a laser vibrometer, then confirms these predictions. Finally, a parametric numerical study is performed: the influence of the depth of the roughness and of the number of spatial periods of the grooves on the transmission coefficient is studied.