bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nested hierarchical perspective to enhance interpretations and communication in fluvial geomorphology for use in water resources management: Lessons from the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Authors: Fryirs Kirstie A. , Ralph Timothy J. , Larkin Zacchary T. , Tooth Stephen , Humphries Marc , McCarthy Terence , Hesse Paul P. , Mosimanyana Edwin
Published: April 2018

A key skill that geomorphologists possess is the ability to use multi‐scale perspectives in their interpretations of landscapes. One way to gain these perspectives is with the use of nested hierarchical frameworks. In fluvial geomorphology, such frameworks help with assessment of large‐scale controls (e.g., tectonic activity, climate change) on the pattern and dynamics of smaller‐scale physical features (e.g., channels, floodplains, bars), and conversely illustrate how these smaller‐scale features provide the building blocks from which to make interpretations of fluvial processes and dynamics over larger spatial and temporal scales. Given the rapid pace of technological developments, the range of relatively inexpensive tools available for visualising and mapping landscapes at different spatial scales is expanding exponentially. In this paper, which focuses on the World Heritage‐listed Okavango Delta in Botswana, we demonstrate how various visualisations generated by different technologies at different spatial scales (catchment, landscape unit, reach, site and geomorphic unit) are providing critical baseline information to enhance interpretation and communication of fluvial geomorphology, with potential application in water resources management. In particular, our nested hierarchical approach could be used as an interactive communication tool for non‐specialists and embedded within existing and future management plans for the Delta. The construction of nested hierarchies that synthesise information and analyses can be a valuable addition to the environmental manager's toolkit.
Trajectories of arterial stiffness and all‐cause mortality among community‐dwelling older Japanese
Authors: Taniguchi Yu , Kitamura Akihiko , Shinozaki Tomohiro , Seino Satoshi , Yokoyama Yuri , Narita Miki , Amano Hidenori , Matsuyama Yutaka , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Shinkai Shoji
Published: April 2018

Aim

Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a strong predictor of all‐cause mortality in later life. The present prospective study used repeated measures analysis to examine sex‐specific age trends in brachial‐ankle PWV (baPWV), identify baPWV trajectories and determine whether potential baPWV trajectories were associated with all‐cause mortality among community‐dwelling older Japanese.

Methods

A total of 1744 adults (mean age 71.0 years [SD 5.8 years]; 57.0% women) aged 65–90 years participated in annual geriatric health assessments during the period from April 2003 through July 2015. The average number of follow‐up assessments was 4.3, and the total number of observations was 7419. We checked local registries to identify deaths from any cause; 289 (16.6%) participants died during the period through December 2015.

Results

baPWV similarly and significantly increased with advancing age in men and women. We identified four distinct trajectory patterns (very high, high, moderate, and low) in adults aged 65–90 years, and these trajectories showed parallel increases. After adjusting for important confounders, participants in the moderate, high and very high baPWV trajectory groups had hazard ratios of 1.12 (95% CI 0.84–1.44), 1.04 (95% CI 0.74–1.45) and 1.98 (95% CI 1.20–3.29), respectively, for all‐cause mortality, as compared with those in the low trajectory group.

Conclusions

baPWV increased with age in men and women, and there was no significance between sexes in later life. This prospective study identified four major baPWV trajectory patterns in community‐dwelling older adults. Individuals in the very high baPWV trajectory group, especially younger seniors, had a higher mortality risk. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1108–1113.
Processing, structural, and biological evaluations of zirconia scaffolds coated by fluorapatite
Authors: León Beltina , Albano María , Garrido Liliana , Ferraz Emanuela , Rosa Adalberto , Tambasco de Oliveira Paulo
Published: April 2018

Highly porous zirconia (ZrO2) scaffolds fabricated by the replication method were coated with fluorapatite (FA). The FA coating was obtained by dipping the ZrO2 scaffolds into stabilized aqueous FA slips having different viscosity values (≤5.0 mPa.s). The influence of the FA slip viscosity and the immersion time on the reduction in the scaffold porosity and microstructure of the coated scaffolds were investigated. Cell spreading and survival of bone marrow‐derived stromal cells (BMSC) and pre‐osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells on the uncoated and coated scaffolds were examined using fluorescence and SEM microscopy, and MTT assay.The FA slip with the lowest viscosity value did not lead to a continuous film along the strut network and the macropores remained uncoated. The slips with the highest viscosity value produced a partial blocking of macropores. The porous structure obtained after coating with slips of 2.2 mPa.s viscosity for 2 seconds exhibited a low reduction in porosity and pore size (400‐420 μm), due to the formation of the FA layer, and a continuous film distributed along the strut surfaces. Morphology, spreading, and survival of BMSC and MC3T3‐E1 cells over a 7‐day culture period evidenced good biocompatibility of FA‐coated ZrO2 scaffolds processed by dip coating.
Hydrophobic and oleophobic sol‐gel coatings on glass substrates for usage at high temperatures
Authors: Özmen Eren , Durán Alicia , Castro Yolanda
Published: April 2018

The paper reports an optimized process to obtain transparent and highly hydrophobic sol‐gel coatings with further oleophobic behavior at high temperatures. Polyorganosiloxane sols were prepared incorporating an organic based precursor, 1H,1H,2H,2H Perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (POTS), into a silica‐based hybrid sol and deposited on soda‐lime glass‐slides. The coating surfaces show high water contact angle (WCA) around 120 ± 1° and oil contact angle (OCA) of 70 ± 1° after curing at temperatures between 350 and 400°C. The coatings thickness changed between 300 and 2000 nm depending on sol composition and curing temperature. Easy‐to‐clean tests were performed, the results showing excellent anti‐stick and easy‐to‐clean properties compared to non‐coated samples. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed the presence of rippled surfaces with morphology similar to “lotus leaf surface,” this explaining the properties. These hybrid fluoroalkylsilane sol‐gel coatings are a good alternative to provide anti‐stick and easy‐to‐clean properties to glass substrates being quite easy to scale up.
Central sensitization in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Cuesta‐Vargas Antonio I. , Roldan‐Jimenez Cristina , Pajares Bella , Alba Emilio ,   Club_CAM
Published: April 2018

The goal of this study was to study central sensitization (CS)‐related symptoms in breast cancer (BC) survivors and to find if there are differences in clinical and functional variables. In this cross‐sectional study, 25 women aged between 32 and 69 years participated. CS pain was measured with the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). Forty points was considered the cutoff value. Cancer‐related fatigue (CRF), Quality of life, functional capacity, and handgrip strength (HGS) was assessed. A 60% of BC survivors showed a CSI score from 0 to 40, while the rest 40% of women had a score higher than 40, CSI scores being 38.35 ± 14.54 points in the whole sample. Significant differences were found in functional capacity, CRF and QoL (p < .011). However, there were no differences in HGS (p = .089). This is the first study to report BC survivors CS‐related symptoms. The high CS‐related symptoms group showed differences in some symptoms and functional capacity in this population. Future research including a wider sample and more variables related to pain should be carried out.
An electrocardiographic diagnostic model for differentiating left from right ventricular outflow tract tachycardia origin
Authors: He Zhuoqiao , Liu Ming , Yu Min , Lu Nan , Li Jia , Xu Tan , Zhu Jinxiu , O'Gara Mary Clare , O'Meara Michael , Ye Hong , Tan Xuerui
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Although several electrocardiographic (ECG) algorithms have been proposed for differentiating the origins of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias, the most optimal one has not been agreed on. The purpose of this study was to establish an ECG diagnostic model based on the previous ECG algorithms.

Methods and results

The following ECG diagnostic model, , was developed by standard 12‐lead ECG algorithms in 488 patients with idiopathic premature ventricular contractions or ventricular tachycardia with a left bundle branch block pattern and inferior axis QRS morphology. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to establish the ECG diagnostic model. The ECG diagnostic model consisted of two ECG algorithms—the transition zone (TZ) index and V2S/V3R index. The area under the curve by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for the ECG diagnostic model was 0.88, with a cut‐off value of ≥ –0.76 predicting a left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) origin with a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 86%, which was higher than other ECG algorithms in this study. The predictive accuracy of the ECG diagnostic model was also the best among all ECG algorithms in patients with a lead V3 precordial transition. This model was tested prospectively in 207 patients with a sensitivity of 90%, a specificity of 87%, and Youden index of 0.77.

Conclusions

A highly accurate ECG diagnostic model for correctly differentiating LVOT origin from right ventricular outflow tract origin was developed.
A randomized controlled study on the accuracy of free‐handed, pilot‐drill guided and fully guided implant surgery in partially edentulous patients
Authors: Younes Faris , Cosyn Jan , De Bruyckere Thomas , Cleymaet Roberto , Bouckaert Eline , Eghbali Aryan
Published: April 2018

Aim

To compare the accuracy of free‐handed (FH), pilot‐drill guided (PG) and fully guided (FG) implant surgery.

Materials and methods

Partially edentulous patients in need of ≥2 implants in the posterior maxilla were randomly allocated to one of the following treatment groups: FH, PG and FG. Ideal implant positions were determined in designated software following the fusion of bony information (CBCT data in DICOM format) to the prosthetic wax‐up (optical scan data in STL format). The position of every implant as surgically realized was compared to its “ideal position”. The apical global deviation (AGD) was the primary outcome of the study. Secondary outcome variables were angular deviation (AD), coronal global deviation (CGD), coronal lateral deviation (CLD), coronal vertical deviation (CVD), apical lateral deviation (ALD) and apical vertical deviation (AVD).

Results

Eleven patients (mean age 57; three males; eight females; altogether 26 implants) were treated by FH surgery, 11 (mean age 53; four males; seven females; altogether 24 implants) by PG surgery and 10 (mean age 60; four males; six females; altogether 21 implants) by FG surgery. FG surgery was most accurate (mean AGD: 0.97 mm; maximum AGD: 1.98 mm) followed by PG surgery (mean AGD: 1.43 mm; maximum AGD: 2.72 mm). FH surgery resulted in huge deviation from the ideal position (mean AGD: 2.11 mm; maximum AGD: 4.84 mm). The results on most secondary outcome variables followed the same order. Although screw‐retained restorations were planned for all implants, five of 26 in the FH group and one of 24 in the PG group had to be restored by means of a cement‐retained restoration.

Conclusion

When perfect implant positioning is required, FG surgery should be considered the gold standard approach.
A retrospective study of 30,959 implants: Risk factors associated with early and late implant loss
Authors: Lin Guofen , Ye Shuhua , Liu Fengjia , He Fuming
Published: April 2018

Aim

This retrospective study assessed the risk factors associated with early and late implant loss at the patient‐ and implant‐based analysis.

Materials and methods

A total of 18,199 patients received 30,959 dental implants during the years 2011–2015. Age, gender, jaw, location, implant brands, implant length and diameter, bone augmentation procedures, and the number of implants placed per patient were recorded. A multivariate generalized estimating equation (GEE) logistic regression was used to identify risk factors related to both early and late implant loss.

Results

The cumulative survival rates were 98.0% for patients and 98.7% for implants after 1–6 years observation time. A total of 183 patients with 194 implants were lost before or at the abutment connection, and 193 patients with 209 implants were lost after occlusal loading of the implant fixture. The multivariable GEE logistic regression showed that males, patients aged ≥41 years, and mandibular anterior location were risk factors for early implant loss. In the case of late implant loss, males, patients aged ≥41 years, bone augmentation and short implants were correlated with a significantly increased failure rate.

Conclusions

General factors such as male sex, elderly patients, mandibular anterior location, bone augmentation and short implants were associated with implant loss.
The novel use of pop‐off satellite tags (PSATs) to investigate the migratory behaviour of European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax
Authors: O'Neill R. , Ó Maoiléidigh N. , McGinnity P. , Bond N. , Culloty S.
Published: April 2018

A total of 12 adult European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax were tagged with pop‐off satellite archival tags (PSAT) in Irish coastal waters and in offshore waters in the north‐east Celtic Sea between 2015 and 2016. Archived data were successfully recovered from five of the 12 tags deployed, three from fish released in inshore Irish waters and two from fish released offshore in the eastern Celtic Sea. All three fish tagged in inshore waters were found to undertake migrations into the open ocean coinciding with the spawning period. These fish also exhibited fidelity to inshore sites post‐migration, returning to the same general location (within c. 73 km, which is roughly the predicted mean accuracy of the method) of their original release site. Although the number of tracks obtained here was limited, some degree of aggregation between inshore and offshore tagged fish in the eastern Celtic Sea was noted during the expected spawning period suggesting PSATs can provide new information on specific spawning locations of European sea bass.
Predicting Dementia from Decline in Gait Speed: Are We There Yet?
Authors: Rosano Caterina , Snitz Beth E.
Published: April 2018

This editorial comments on the article by Montero‐Odasso et al.
Case Studies of Interprofessional Education Initiatives From Five Countries
Authors: Levett‐Jones Tracy , Burdett Teresa , Chow Yeow Leng , Jönsson Lisbeth , Lasater Kathie , Mathews Launa Rae , McAllister Margaret , Pooler Alison , Tee Stephen , Wihlborg Jonas
Published: April 2018

Background

Although teamwork and interprofessional collaboration are critical to patient safety, nursing, medical, and allied health graduates often feel ill‐prepared to confidently communicate and collaborate with other team members. While interprofessional education (IPE) has been advocated as a way of addressing this issue, there are multiple barriers to its systematic and sustained integration in undergraduate healthcare programs. Despite these challenges, examples of effective IPE initiatives have emerged.

Innovation

This article profiles seven case studies of innovative interprofessional education activities that have been successfully implemented across five countries, for a variety of learners, using different delivery modalities, and with evaluation results attesting to their success.

Conclusions

The case studies demonstrate innovative ideas that have the potential to overcome some of the barriers to IPE through the use of creative and targeted approaches. This article provides a wealth of ideas for the successful design and implementation of IPE initiatives and will be of benefit to educators wishing to expand their repertoire of teaching approaches.

Clinical Relevance

A body of research attests to the relationship between interprofessional communication, teamwork, and patient outcomes. IPE is imperative for facilitating the development of nursing graduates’ communication and teamwork skills; however, innovative approaches are needed to overcome the perceived and actual impediments to its implementation.
Management of the female athlete triad
Authors: Nose‐Ogura Sayaka , Harada Miyuki , Hiraike Osamu , Osuga Yutaka , Fujii Tomoyuki
Published: April 2018

The female athlete triad (FAT) is defined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as low energy availability (low EA), functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea and osteoporosis. In low EA, lutein dysfunction first develops, followed by anovulation and, subsequently, oligomenorrhea, leading to amenorrhea. Moreover, low estradiol concentrations due to amenorrhea decrease bone mineral density (BMD). In athletes with one of the factors of FAT, the risk of a stress fracture is 2.4–4.9 times higher and may increase the risk of fracture throughout the lifespan. Low EA is the starting point of FAT, and the FAT concept emphasizes the importance of energy intake that is commensurate with exercise energy expenditure in athletes. In amenorrheic athletes who undergo gynecological examination, it is important to appropriately evaluate whether the cause is low EA and to review exercise energy expenditure and energy intake. It remains difficult even for experts to calculate available energy using the ACSM definition formula when evaluating energy deficiency. Moreover, performing early FAT screening during teenage years and cooperation between the department of obstetrics and gynecology and sports dietitians are also issues. The aim of this paper is to review the management of FAT from the viewpoint of gynecologists.
Female paraurethral leiomyoma successfully excised through a vaginal approach: A case report
Authors: Harada Ko , Ishikawa Yoko , Fujiwara Haruna , Ishihara Go
Published: April 2018

Paraurethral leiomyomas are extremely rare, and few cases have been reported in the literature. Because of the rarity of the disease and its anatomical complexity, diagnosis and management is challenging for clinicians. Here, we herein report the case of a 50‐year‐old woman who complained of a protruding mass at the urethral opening. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a sharply defined tumor measuring 43 × 36 × 26 mm in diameter, located in the anterior vaginal wall, compressing the urethra. Based on the perioperative diagnosis of leiomyoma, the paraurethral tumor was excised via the vaginal approach. The patient was discharged 4 days postoperatively without any complications. Pathological features confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyoma. This case implies that, although there is the possibility of complications due to the surgical procedure, tumor removal is a reasonable choice for management to exclude malignancy and relieve symptoms.
Information sharing in interteam responses to disaster
Authors: Waring Sara , Alison Laurence , Carter Grace , Barrett‐Pink Chloe , Humann Michael , Swan Lauren , Zilinsky Tomas
Published: April 2018

Research demonstrates that information sharing is facilitated by familiarity, and having a common understanding of problems, use of lexicon, and semantic meaning. These factors can be difficult to develop within extreme environments such as disasters as members of the multi‐agency system that responds often have limited experience of working together. Public inquiries repeatedly highlight the impact of information sharing difficulties on public safety, but limited academic research has focused on identifying concrete behaviours that facilitate interteam information sharing within such environments. This paper presents a case study of a national disaster response exercise involving 1,000 emergency responders. Data consist of structured observations, recordings of interteam meetings, and interviews with emergency responders. Results of mixed‐method analysis indicate that interteam information sharing is delayed by limited situation awareness and poor articulation. Conversely, adopting behaviours that promote common frames for understanding interteam capabilities and information requirements improves information sharing and potentially reduces cognitive effort required to process information. Findings contribute to interteam communication theory by highlighting that in complex, time‐constrained environments, having a shared understanding of responsibilities and information requirement is important for minimizing redundant deliberation and improving relevance and speed.

Practitioner points

Facilitating the exchange and interpretation of relevant information is important for improving situation assessment, decision‐making, and the implementation of appropriate actions for addressing risks.

Interteam information sharing can be particularly challenging when teams are comprised of members from across different organizations with different language and cultures that must form ad hoc to rapidly respond to problems in extreme environments.

Adopting communication strategies that develop common frames‐of‐reference can facilitate information sharing and interteam responses to disasters.
Quasi‐Bayesian Estimation of Time‐Varying Volatility in DSGE Models
Authors: Petrova Katerina
Published: April 2018

We propose a novel quasi‐Bayesian Metropolis‐within‐Gibbs algorithm that can be used to estimate drifts in the shock volatilities of a linearized dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model. The resulting volatility estimates differ from the existing approaches in two ways. First, the time variation enters non‐parametrically, so that our approach ensures consistent estimation in a wide class of processes, thereby eliminating the need to specify the volatility law of motion and alleviating the risk of invalid inference due to mis‐specification. Second, the conditional quasi‐posterior of the drifting volatilities is available in closed form, which makes inference straightforward and simplifies existing algorithms. We apply our estimation procedure to a standard DSGE model and find that the estimated volatility paths are smoother compared to alternative stochastic volatility estimates. Moreover, we demonstrate that our procedure can deliver statistically significant improvements to the density forecasts of the DSGE model compared to alternative methods.
Livestock ownership is associated with higher odds of anaemia among preschool‐aged children, but not women of reproductive age in Ghana
Authors: Jones Andrew D. , Colecraft Esi K. , Awuah Raphael B. , Boatemaa Sandra , Lambrecht Nathalie J. , Adjorlolo Leonard Kofi , Wilson Mark L.
Published: April 2018

Livestock ownership may influence anaemia through complex and possibly contradictory mechanisms. In this study, we aimed to determine the association of household livestock ownership with anaemia among women aged 15–49 years and children aged 6–59 months in Ghana and to examine the contribution of animal source foods (ASFs) to consumption patterns as a potential mechanism mediating this association. We analysed data on 4,441 women and 2,735 children from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey and 16,772 households from the Ghana Living Standards Survey Round 6. Haemoglobin measurements were used to define anaemia (non‐pregnant women: <120 g/L; children: <110 g/L). Child‐ and household‐level ASF consumption data were collected from 24‐hour food group intake and food consumption and expenditure surveys, respectively. In multiple logistic regression models, household livestock ownership was associated with anaemia among children (OR, 95% CI: 1.5 [1.1, 2.0]), but not women (1.0 [0.83, 1.2]). Household ownership of chickens was associated with higher odds of anaemia among children (1.6 [1.2, 2.2]), but ownership of other animal species was not associated with anaemia among women or children. In path analyses, we observed no evidence of mediation of the association of household livestock ownership with child anaemia by ASF consumption. Ownership of livestock likely has limited importance for consumption of ASFs among young children in Ghana and may in fact place children at an increased risk of anaemia. Further research is needed to elucidate if and how pathogen exposure associated with livestock rearing may underlie this increased risk of anaemia.
Increase in perfused boundary region of endothelial glycocalyx is associated with higher prevalence of ischemic heart disease and lesions of microcirculation and vascular wall
Authors: Gorshkov Alexander Y. , Klimushina Marina V. , Boytsov Sergei A. , Kots Alexander Y. , Gumanova Nadezhda G.
Published: April 2018

Objective

PBR characterizes penetration of red blood cells inside glycocalyx and its thickness can have profound impact on microcirculation and other vascular parameters. The goal of our study was to reliably quantify PBR and assess its potential use as a new marker of cardiovascular pathology.

Methods

The study included 208 patients (123 men and 85 women from 40 to 65 years of age) with various grades of cardiovascular SCORE risk index and IHD. PBR was quantified by sidestream dark field capillaroscopy with green light excitation. Cutaneous microcirculation was evaluated with laser Doppler fluorometry.

Results

Elevated PBR values over 2 mm were associated with morphological and functional lesions of arterial wall and microcirculation and lowered levels of ApoA1 lipoprotein. Moreover, elevated PBR values were associated with 2.07‐fold increase in prevalence of cerebral atherosclerosis (P = .015) and 2.42‐fold increase in prevalence of IHD (P = .024). Increase in PBR was associated with elevated systolic blood pressure.

Conclusions

Thus, PBR can be considered a new highly reproducible and promising marker candidate for non‐invasive diagnostics of IHD and cerebral atherosclerosis suggesting important role of microcirculation in development and progression of cardiovascular diseases.
Descriptions of two new species of flea of the genus Plocopsylla in northwestern Argentina
Authors: López‐Berrizbeitia M. F. , Sanchez J. , Barquez R. M. , Díaz M. M.
Published: April 2018

Two new species of flea of the genus Plocopsylla, subgenus Plocopsylla, (Siphonaptera: Stephanocircidae) collected from sigmodontine rodents in northwestern Argentina are described and a key to identification of species of the genus Plocopsylla, subgenus Plocopsylla, in Argentina is presented. Plocopsylla (P.) inti is cited for the first time in Argentina, extending its distribution ∼ 970 km further south than previously documented. New locality data and flea–host associations are recorded. The contributions of this study are relevant because they increase knowledge of the diversity of flea fauna in northwestern Argentina bordering a plague endemic area and will be useful in the implementation of plague control management plans in the future.
Occupancy rate and adverse patient outcomes in general hospitals in Thailand: A predictive study
Authors: Abhicharttibutra Kulwadee , Wichaikhum Orn‐Anong , Kunaviktikul Wipada , Nantsupawat Apiradee , Nantsupawat Raymoul
Published: April 2018

Patient outcomes are important indicators of the quality of care. Occupancy rate is one factor that significantly affects adverse patient outcomes. The aim of the present study was to determine factors associated with adverse patient outcomes in Thailand. A retrospective study was conducted with 146 inpatient units from 16 general hospitals. Hospital characteristics and adverse patient outcomes were recorded, and data were analyzed by using frequency, percentage, and binomial logistic regression. The results revealed that the average number of beds per hospital was 430.5 (standard deviation [SD] = 108.6), the average number of beds per unit was 27.9 (SD = 8.9), and the average occupancy rate was 81.1% (SD = 20.6, range = 28.8–133.1%). Data were adjusted for hospital size, unit type, and number of beds in each unit; a 1% increase in occupancy rate increased the likelihood of pressure ulcers by 4.3% (P = 0.001), of hospital‐acquired pneumonia by 2.4% (P = 0.032), and of hospital‐acquired urinary tract infections by 2.1% (P = 0.033). The findings suggest that a higher level of occupancy rates predicted a greater likelihood of adverse patient outcomes.
A nursing theory‐guided framework for genetic and epigenetic research
Authors: Maki Katherine A. , DeVon Holli A.
Published: April 2018

The notion that genetics, through natural selection, determines innate traits has led to much debate and divergence of thought on the impact of innate traits on the human phenotype. The purpose of this synthesis was to examine how innate theory informs genetic research and how understanding innate theory through the lens of Martha Rogers’ theory of unitary human beings can offer a contemporary view of how innate traits can inform epigenetic and genetic research. We also propose a new conceptual model for genetic and epigenetic research. The philosophical, theoretical, and research literatures were examined for this synthesis. We have merged philosophical and conceptual phenomena from innate theory with the theory of unitary beings into the University of Illinois at Chicago model for genetic and epigenetic research. Innate traits are the cornerstone of the framework but may be modified epigenetically by biological, physiological, psychological, and social determinants as they are transcribed. These modifiers serve as important links between the concept of innate traits and epigenetic modifications, and, like the theory of unitary human beings, the process is understood in the context of individual and environmental interaction that has the potential to evolve as the determinants change.
Biocrust‐forming mosses mitigate the impact of aridity on soil microbial communities in drylands: observational evidence from three continents
Authors: Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Maestre Fernando T. , Eldridge David J. , Bowker Matthew A. , Jeffries Thomas C. , Singh Brajesh K.
Published: April 2018

Recent research indicates that increased aridity linked to climate change will reduce the diversity of soil microbial communities and shift their community composition in drylands, Earth's largest biome. However, we lack both a theoretical framework and solid empirical evidence of how important biotic components from drylands, such as biocrust‐forming mosses, will regulate the responses of microbial communities to expected increases in aridity with climate change.

Here we report results from a cross‐continental (North America, Europe and Australia) survey of 39 locations from arid to humid ecosystems, where we evaluated how biocrust‐forming mosses regulate the relationship between aridity and the community composition and diversity of soil bacteria and fungi in dryland ecosystems.

Increasing aridity was negatively related to the richness of fungi, and either positively or negatively related to the relative abundance of selected microbial phyla, when biocrust‐forming mosses were absent. Conversely, we found an overall lack of relationship between aridity and the relative abundance and richness of microbial communities under biocrust‐forming mosses.

Our results suggest that biocrust‐forming mosses mitigate the impact of aridity on the community composition of globally distributed microbial taxa, and the diversity of fungi. They emphasize the importance of maintaining biocrusts as a sanctuary for soil microbes in drylands.
Roux‐en‐Y enterolith leading to obstruction and ischemic necrosis after pediatric orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Quillin Ralph C. , Bongu Advaith , Kasper Vania , Vittorio Jennifer M. , Martinez Mercedes , Lobritto Steven J. , Griesemer Adam D. , Guarrera James V.
Published: April 2018

Biliary complications are a common cause of morbidity after liver transplantation, with biliary stone formation being a known occurrence generally upstream of a stricture. A 12‐year‐old boy, who underwent an orthotopic liver transplantation at 11 months of age for biliary atresia, presented acutely with fever and abdominal pain. Cross‐sectional imaging revealed Roux‐en‐Y limb dilatation and thickening. He was explored and was found to have an ischemic Roux limb secondary to an obstructing enterolith. A segmental bowel resection and revision of his hepaticojejunostomy was performed. While rare, biliary enteroliths may present as either a bowel obstruction or cholangitis and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient following biliary reconstruction. Additionally, anatomic etiologies should be considered and potentially surgically corrected.
Arabidopsis thaliana expressing PbBSMT, a gene encoding a SABATH‐type methyltransferase from the plant pathogenic protist Plasmodiophora brassicae, show leaf chlorosis and altered host susceptibility
Authors: Bulman S. , Richter F. , Marschollek S. , Benade F. , Jülke S. , Ludwig‐Müller J.
Published: April 2018

The plant pathogenic protist Plasmodiophora brassicae causes clubroot disease of Brassicaceae. This biotrophic organism can down‐regulate plant defence responses. The previously characterised P. brassicae PbBSMT methyltransferase has substrate specificity for salicylic, benzoic and anthranilic acids. We therefore propose a role for the methylation of SA in attenuating plant defence response in infected roots as a novel strategy for intracellular parasitism.

We overexpressed PbBSMT under the control of an inducible promoter in Arabidopsis thaliana and performed physiological, molecular and phytopathological analyses with the transgenic plants under control and induced conditions in comparison to the wild type.

Upon induction, transcription of PbBSMT was associated with: (1) strong leaf phenotypes from anthocyanin accumulation and chlorosis followed by browning; (2) increased plant susceptibility after infection with P. brassicae that was manifested as more yellow leaves and reduced growth of upper plant parts; and (3) induced transgenic plants were not able to support large galls and had a brownish appearance of some clubs. Microarray data indicated that chlorophyll loss was accompanied by reduced transcription of genes involved in photosynthesis, while genes encoding glucose metabolism, mitochondrial functions and cell wall synthesis were up‐regulated.

Our results indicate a role for PbBSMT in attenuation of host defence responses in the roots by metabolising a plant defence signal.
Epidemiological, clinical and mechanistic perspectives of tuberculosis in older people
Authors: Yew Wing W. , Yoshiyama Takashi , Leung Chi C. , Chan Denise P.
Published: April 2018

With the ageing population globally, tuberculosis (TB) in older people becomes a major clinical and public health challenge. In many Asian countries, especially those located in the eastern and southeastern parts of the continent, geriatric TB is a significant problem. TB in the older patients is more difficult to diagnose in the early course of disease, and has poorer treatment outcomes, largely as increased failure and death. More drug‐induced adverse reactions are also experienced by this population during TB therapy. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are now well recognized to be associated with the ageing process, and it is likely that the cellular and molecular perturbations interact inextricably with the immunological dysfunction biophysiologically inherent to ageing. These underlying mechanistic bases putatively contribute to the development of TB in the geriatric population and worsen the disease outcomes, especially when the TB is compounded by co‐morbid conditions such as smoking and diabetes mellitus. Unravelling these mechanisms further would yield knowledge that might potentially help to prevent reactivated TB in older people, and also to better manage the established disease with drug regimens and other new therapeutic strategies. In addition, addressing the social elements associated with geriatric TB is also imperative in the relief of individual patient suffering and improvement of overall disease control.
Elephants as actors in the political ecology of human–elephant conflict
Authors: Evans Lauren A. , Adams William M.
Published: April 2018

This paper examines the agency of African elephants as important actors in the political ecology of human–elephant conflict, and in shaping the politics of land in post‐colonial Kenya. The paper is based on field research in Laikipia, northern Kenya. It considers the role of elephants, with their size, sagacity, hunger, mobility and complex interactions with people, as powerful actors in shared landscapes, and therefore in the politics surrounding their own conservation. The paper uses spatial data and interviews to explore elephant behaviour and movements through the landscape and their interactions with people, and explore the way in which those interactions affect the separation of “animal spaces” set aside for conservation and the “beastly places” of smallholder farming and crop‐raiding, and the conflict and transgressions involved when elephants cross from one to the other. The elephant is a lively actor in the inter‐species power play of Laikipia, and in the politics of conservation and of land. A mutually respectful multispecies politics in northern Kenya demands a clear understanding and acceptance of the needs of elephants.
PEMBANGUNAN KAEDAH PENCIRIAN SIFAT MEKANIKAL BAHAN POLIMER MENGGUNAKAN ANALISIS I-KAZ 4D/DEVELOPMENT OF POLYMER MECHANICAL PROPERTIES CHARACTERISTICS USING I-KAZ 4D ANALYSIS METHOD
Authors: Ramli Mohd Irman , Nuawi Mohd. Zaki , Mohammad Rasani Mohammad Rasidi , Abdullah Shahrum , Ahmad Muhamad Arif Fadli , Abdullah Muhammad Fazrin
Published: April 2018

This study was undertaken to develop an alternative method based on signal analysis known as I-kaz 4D or I-kaz 4 channels. The aim was to characterize several mechanical properties including Poisson Ratio (PR), Vickers Hardness (VH), Yield Strength (YS), Tensile Strength (TS), Compression Strength (CS) and Fatigue Strength (FS). Specimens used are Polyoxymethylene (POM), Polyvinylchloride (PVC) and Blue Nylon MC (MC Blue). Round bar shape specimens were impacted by steel ball from different heights, 20 cm to 40 cm.  This test was conducted at semi-anechoic room and follow ASTM E1876 standard accordingly. 4 accelerometer sensors were placed on the specimen surface to capture vibration signal produced by ball impact. Transient signals which generated from ball impact were analysed using Matlab software based on mathematical model I-kaz 4D. As a result, a correlation was found between I-kaz linear coefficient and material mechanical properties. However the errors are within acceptable range for all specimens used. It was found that average errors for Poisson Ratio = 0.69%, Vickers Hardness = 2.12%, Yield Strength = 3.20%, Tensile Strength = 2.43%, Compression Strength = 2.75% and Fatigue Strength = 2.02%. It has potentiality to be used for further analysis of the  respective materials.
COMBUSTION CHARACTERISTICS OF RICE BRAN OIL BIODIESEL IN AN OIL BURNER
Authors: Mohd Jaafar Mohammad Nazri , Safiullah Safiullah
Published: April 2018

The concept of biodiesel as an alternative fuel is not an overnight thought, but the escalating prices, pungent emission gases and non-ecological behavior of fossil fuels has constrained the researchers to take the necessary steps. Biodiesels which are renewable in nature and having environmental friendly attribute have shown the potential to be the perfect replacement for the diesel fuels. Similarly, this study demonstrates the characteristics of Rice Bran Oil (RBO) which can be used as a latent substitute for diesel products. RBO is a vegetable oil, which is extracted from the rice bran (by-product of rice grain). Since rice is the staple diet for more than half of the world population, the quantity of RBO that can be extracted is enormous.  In this study, the converted RBO into biodiesel (RBOBD) was blended with diesel to produce B5, B15 and B25 to determine physical properties and combustion performance. Owing to highly packed molecules of RBOBD, the properties such as density, kinematic viscosity and surface tension are higher in RBOBD and its blends than diesel.  In contrast, the calorific value is lower. In the combustion test, the highest wall temperature is achieved at stoichiometric fuel mixture, while among the fuels, the wall temperature decreases as the biodiesel proportion increases in the blends. Moreover, in B25, emissions such as CO and SO2 are 68% and 50% lower than that of diesel respectively. However, due to the additional oxygen present in the biodiesel structure, NOx emission of B25 is 15.67% higher than diesel.
EFFECT OF REACTION CONDITIONS ON THE SYNTHESIS OF CYCLODEXTRIN (CD) BY USING IMMOBILIZED ENZYME
Authors: Suhaimi Suhaily , Che Man Rohaida , Jamil Natassha , Mohd Arshad Zatul Iffah , Md Shaarani Shalyda , Sulaiman Siti Zubaidah , Abdul Mudalip Siti Kholijah , Ramli Aizi Nor Marzila
Published: April 2018

The production of cyclodextrin (CD) over the years has been increasing due to the numerous applications in industries such as in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. However, cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) which involved in the enzymatic reaction on the production of CD is unstable and easily denatured at extreme conditions resulted in low CD production. Hence, the enzyme immobilization technique is introduced to overcome these problems and subsequently increase the production of CD. In the present study, the CGTase was immobilized on hollow fiber membrane to increase the production of CD during the reaction. The effect of reaction conditions (types of starch, concentration of starch, temperature and pH) of the immobilized enzyme on the production of CD were investigated. Among the three types of starch tested, the soluble potato starch was the most suitable substrate for the production of CD with 4.13 mg/mL. In addition, by using 3% (w/v) of the soluble potato starch, the production of CD was 5.22 mg/mL . The optimal reaction temperature and pH were found to be at 40°C and pH 6 with 5.21 mg/mL and 4.62 mg/ml of CD, respectively. The immobilized enzyme exhibited a 1.3-3-fold increase in CD production compared to the free enzyme. Therefore, the hollow fiber membrane is suitable to be used as a support for enzyme immobilization with the high production of CD.
The Management of Innovation Networks: Possibilities of Collaboration in Light of Game Theory
Authors: Câmara Samuel Façanha , Lima Brenno Buarque de , Mota Teresa Lenice Nogueira da Gama , Silva Alanna Lima e , Padilha Pablo
Published: April 2018

The purpose of the present article is to demonstrate how understanding the rationality of the agents of innovation networks can be useful to strategically formulate their management, in light of the prisoner’s dilemma. This research was undertaken using a theoretical test that addresses the topics of network governance and management, collaboration and game theory. The results may contribute to the literature on network governance and management, more specifically to the field of innovation networks, by proposing scenarios upon which network managers can build in order to develop governance strategies. Moreover, management mechanisms are also proposed, adjusted to the innovation networks, in order to encourage collaboration among the participants of these innovative environments.
Femtosecond laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging and multivariate analysis of lipids in pancreatic tissue
Authors: Walker Amy V. , Gelb Lev D. , Barry Grant E. , Subanajouy Polatip , Poudel Ananta , Hara Manami , Veryovkin Igor V. , Bell Graeme I. , Hanley Luke
Published: April 2018

Femtosecond laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry was used to obtain mass spectrometric (MS) images of lipids in human pancreatic tissue. The resulting MS images were analyzed using multivariate analysis, specifically principal component analysis and maximum a posteriori (MAP) reconstruction. Both analysis methods showed that the MS images can be separated into lipid and non-lipid areas. MAP analysis further indicated that the lipid areas are composed of phosphatidylcholines and fatty acids. However, definitive identification of the lipids cannot be made because none of the intact parent ions of phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelins, and/or other lipids were observed. The MAP analysis also revealed that the non-lipid areas could be separated into components that are due to the sample chemical treatment and topography.
Use of External Quality Control Material for HIV-1 RNA Testing To Assess the Comparability of Data Generated in Separate Laboratories and the Stability of HIV-1 RNA in Samples after Prolonged Storage
Authors: Jennings Cheryl , Wager Carrie G. , Scianna Salvatore R. , Zaccaro Daniel J. , Couzens Amy , Mellors John W. , Coombs Robert W. , Bremer James W.
Published: April 2018

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) stores specimens from its clinical trials in a biorepository and permits the use of these specimens for nonprotocol exploratory studies, once the studies for the original protocol are concluded. We sought to assess the comparability of the data generated from real-time HIV-1 RNA testing during two clinical trials with the data generated from the retesting of different aliquots of the same samples after years of storage at −80°C. Overall, there was 92% agreement in the data generated for 1,570 paired samples (kappa statistic = 0.757; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.716 to 0.797), where samples were tested in one laboratory using the microwell plate (MWP) version of the Roche HIV-1 Monitor test within 1 to 37 days of collection and retested in another laboratory using the Cobas version of the assay after a median of 6.7 years of storage (range, 5.7 to 8.6 years). Historical external quality control data submitted to the NIAID Virology Quality Assurance program (VQA) by client laboratories using the same two versions of the Monitor assay were used to differentiate between systematic differences in the assays to evaluate the stability of HIV-1 RNA in the stored samples. No significant loss of RNA was noted in samples containing either a low concentration (<50 copies/ml) or a high concentration (≥50 copies/ml) of HIV-1 RNA (
P
= 0.10 and
P
= 0.90, respectively) regardless of the time in storage. These data confirm the quality of the plasma samples in the ACTG biorepository following long-term storage.