bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification and spatial distribution of pore‐filling materials through constrained rock physics template and fluid response modelling in Paleogene clastic reservoir from Cauvery basin, India
Authors: Das Prabal Shankar , Chatterjee Rima , Dasgupta Sumangal , Das Ranajit , Bakshi Debjani , Gupta Mukesh
Published: October 2018

Sands belonging to Kamalapuram Formation of Paleocene‐Eocene age are deposited in Cauvery basin as incised valley fill during a regressive cycle. Here we attempt to quantify the influence of diagenesis on pore‐filling materials using rock physics template constrained by geohistory modelling. Primarily, porosity–velocity and acoustic impedance – the ratio of P‐wave and S‐wave velocity (VP/Vs) cross‐plots are used as rock physics templates. Rock physics template has efficiently quantified pore‐filling materials namely; contact cement and non‐contact cement. The estimated contact cement and non‐contact cement are correlated with conventional petrophysical logs within the selected depth interval. Further, this correlation is used to interpret the composition of pore‐filling materials. Shallower depth intervals (I and II) exhibit moderate non‐contact cement (4–5%) and insignificant contact cement (1–2% approx.) depositions. However, deeper interval (III) records a significant amount of pore‐filling materials amounting average of 12% non‐contact cement and 4% contact cement. Pore‐filling materials demonstrate a positive correlation with the depth of burial. The fluid response is substantially affected by the degree of diagenesis, composition and spatial distribution of pore‐filling materials. Shallower depth intervals (1770–1786 m and 1858–1878 m) are relatively more sensitive to fluid changes as it is affected by insignificant contact cement. The depth interval 1770–1786 m shows class II (oil) and class III (gas) amplitude variation with offset anomalies. The sand occurring in depth interval 1858–1878 m demonstrates class IIP (oil) and II (gas) anomaly. The deeper interval (2118–2170 m) is comparatively stiffer and demonstrates class I amplitude variation with offset (oil and gas sand) anomaly.
Non‐random processes determine the colonization of groundwater sediments by microbial communities in a pristine porous aquifer
Authors: Fillinger Lucas , Zhou Yuxiang , Kellermann Claudia , Griebler Christian
Published: October 2018

Sediments accommodate the dominating share of groundwater microbiomes, however the processes that govern the assembly and succession of sediment‐attached microbial communities in groundwater aquifers are not well understood. To elucidate these processes, we followed the microbial colonization of sterile sediments in in situ microcosms that were exposed to groundwater for almost 1 year at two distant but hydrologically connected sites of a pristine, shallow, porous aquifer. Our results revealed intriguing similarities between the community succession on the newly‐colonized sediments and succession patterns previously observed for biofilms in other more dynamic aquatic environments, indicating that the assembly of microbial communities on surfaces may be governed by similar underlying mechanisms across a wide range of different habitats. Null model simulations on spatiotemporally resolved 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing data further indicated selection of specific OTUs rather than random colonization as the main driver of community assembly. A small fraction of persistent OTUs that had established on the sediments during the first 115 days dominated the final communities (68%–85%), suggesting a key role of these early‐colonizing organisms, in particular specific genera within the Comamonadaceae and Oxalobacteraceae, for community assembly and succession during the colonization of the sediments. Overall, our study suggests that differences between planktonic and sediment‐attached communities often reported for groundwater environments are not the result of purely stochastic events, but that sediment surfaces select for specific groups of microorganisms that assemble over time in a reproducible, non‐random way.
KevanHarris. A Social Revolution: Politics and the Welfare State in Iran2017OaklandUniversity of California Press ISBN‐10: 0520280822 336 pp. $85.00, £66.00 (hardback) $29.95, £24.00 (paperback)CihanTuğal. Caring for the Poor: Islamic and Christian Benevolence in a Liberal World2017New York and LondonRoutledge ISBN‐10: 1138041041 246 pp. £96.00 (hardback) £17.59 (paperback)
Authors: Derluguian Georgi
Published: October 2018

Studying the varieties of welfare can offer surprising insights in the workings and tensions of Islamist social movements in such major countries as Iran, Egypt, and Turkey. Based on extensive fieldwork and (for Iran) the batteries of socio‐economic data, the recent monographs of sociologists Kevan Harris and Cihan Tuğal offer a high‐resolution yet panoramic overview. Harris re‐positions the Iranian historical ‘improvisation called Islamic Republic’ as the ‘warfare/welfare state’ forged in the sacrificial defense against Saddam Hussein's onslaught in the 1980s. The Iranian ‘welfare for martyrs’ model itself built on the institutional remnants inherited from the earlier developmentalism of the shahs. The surprising resilience of ayatollahs’ regime is then better explained by its accidental affinity to the communist guerrilla states in the world‐system's semiperiphery like Cuba and Vietnam. By contrast, Tuğal sees the power of Islamist mobilizing in Egypt and Turkey in the historical failure of secular state modernizers, respectively Nasser and Atatürk, to meet the social and spiritual expectations of rural masses moving into the sprawling cities like Cairo and Istanbul. Following Gramsci and Bourdieu, Tuğal identifies a pregnant tension between the two Islamist models of welfare: neoliberal and religious egalitarian. This tension, not unlike the Christian social movements of interwar Europe, now amidst the post‐2008 economic dislocations tends to strengthen the non‐capitalist and egalitarian vector in the current global transformation.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in milk and dairy products
Authors: Amirdivani Shabboo , Khorshidian Nasim , Ghobadi Dana Maryam , Mohammadi Reza , Mortazavian Amir M , Quiterio de Souza Simone Lorena , Barbosa Rocha Henrique , Raices Renata
Published: October 2018

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of organic compounds with a structure consisting of carbon and hydrogen atoms that have more than two fused aromatic rings. Most PAHs have carcinogenic effects on animal or humans and induce various cancers. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are a consequence of environmental pollutants, imperfect burning or pyrolysis of organic substances during industrial processing. Additionally, foods can be contaminated during their processing and preparation through different heat treatments. This review highlights the formation, occurrence and health impacts of PAHs in milk and milk products, and analytical technique used for their determination in dairy products.
The three‐year impact of the Affordable Care Act on disparities in insurance coverage
Authors: Courtemanche Charles , Marton James , Ukert Benjamin , Yelowitz Aaron , Zapata Daniela , Fazlul Ishtiaque
Published: October 2018

Objective

To estimate the impact of the major components of the ACA (Medicaid expansion, subsidized Marketplace plans, and insurance market reforms) on disparities in insurance coverage after three years.

Data Source

The 2011‐2016 waves of the American Community Survey (ACS), with the sample restricted to nonelderly adults.

Design

We estimate a difference‐in‐difference‐in‐differences model to separately identify the effects of the nationwide and Medicaid expansion portions of the ACA using the methodology developed in the recent ACA literature. The differences come from time, state Medicaid expansion status, and local area pre‐ACA uninsured rates. In order to focus on access disparities, we stratify our sample separately by income, race/ethnicity, marital status, age, gender, and geography.

Principal Findings

After three years, the fully implemented ACA eliminated 43% of the coverage gap across income groups, with the Medicaid expansion accounting for this entire reduction. The ACA also reduced coverage disparities across racial groups by 23%, across marital status by 46%, and across age‐groups by 36%, with these changes being partly attributable to both the Medicaid expansion and nationwide components of the law.

Conclusions

The fully implemented ACA has been successful in reducing coverage disparities across multiple groups.
Serum biomarkers of drug‐induced liver injury: Current status and future directions
Authors: Church Rachel J. , Watkins Paul B.
Published: October 2018

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI), which is caused by drugs and herbal or dietary supplements, remains a serious concern for drug developers, regulators, and clinicians; however, serum biomarkers utilized to detect and monitor DILI have not changed in decades and have limitations. Data‐driven mathematical modeling that incorporates the release and clearance kinetics of traditional biomarkers has improved their use in the prediction of liver safety liabilities for new drug candidates. Several newer biomarkers have shown promise in terms of liver specificity, predicting the outcome of DILI events, and providing insight into its underlying mechanisms. For these new biomarkers to be qualified for regulatory acceptance, it will require their assessment in large numbers of patients who are receiving a wide range of compounds and who develop a broad spectrum of liver injuries. The ongoing and evolving international biomarker consortia should play a major role in this effort, which is likely to transform the assessment of liver safety in clinical trials and in the clinic.
Combination therapy with cilostazol and pravastatin improves antiatherogenic effects in low‐density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice
Authors: Park Kyung‐Yeon , Heo Tae‐Hwe
Published: October 2018

Aims

Despite the therapeutic efficacy of statins and antiplatelet agents for atherosclerosis, monotherapy with each drug alone is often insufficient to achieve the patient's therapeutic goals. We previously showed that combined statin/antiplatelet agent/anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agent therapy (pravastatin/sarpogrelate/etanercept) reduces atherosclerotic lesions by inhibiting TNF, an atherogenic cytokine that contributes to the progression of arteriosclerosis. In addition, our previous study showed that combined treatment with pravastatin and cilostazol is effective for reducing TNF‐driven inflammation through anti‐TNF activity. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the additive effects of combined pravastatin and cilostazol therapy on atherosclerotic progression using low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) knockout (KO) mice.

Methods

Ten‐week‐old LDLR KO mice were fed a high‐fat, high‐cholesterol diet and orally administered pravastatin and cilostazol alone or in combination. Body weight, plasma lipid levels, and the levels of intracellular adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. In addition, aortas and aortic roots were stained with Oil Red O, and atherosclerotic plaques were quantified.

Results

The atherosclerotic plaques in the combined pravastatin and cilostazol treatment groups were significantly reduced compared to those in each drug monotherapy group. The combination therapy group also showed the downregulation of ICAM‐1, MOMA‐2, TNF, interleukin (IL)‐6, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein levels and the upregulation of high‐density lipoprotein levels compared to those of the pravastatin‐ or cilostazol‐treated groups.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that combination therapy with pravastatin and cilostazol exerts beneficial effects by decreasing atherosclerotic lesion progression and improving the pro‐inflammatory state in the vascular endothelium. These effects are mediated by the reduction in adhesion molecule expression, immune cell infiltration, and cytokine levels and the antiatherosclerotic modulation of serum cholesterol levels. Therefore, we conclude that combined treatment with pravastatin and cilostazol may be a more effective antiatherosclerotic strategy than treatment with either agent alone.
Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors mediate ∆9‐THC dependence: Mouse and human studies
Authors: Donvito Giulia , Muldoon Pretal P. , Jackson Kia J. , Ahmad Urslan , Zaveri Nur T. , McIntosh J. Michael , Chen Xiangning , Lichtman Aron H. , Damaj M. Imad
Published: October 2018

Cessation from prolonged use of ∆9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary active compound responsible for the cannabimimetic effects of cannabis, results in a mild to moderate withdrawal syndrome in humans and laboratory animals. Whereas manipulations of the endogenous cannabinoid system (eg, cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoid regulating enzymes) alter nicotine withdrawal, in this study we asked the reciprocal question. Do nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) modulate THC withdrawal? To assess the role of different nAChR subtypes in THC withdrawal, we used transgenic mouse, preclinical pharmacological, and human genetic correlation approaches. Our findings show that selective α3β4* nAChR antagonist, AuIB, and α3β4* nAChR partial agonist, AT‐1001, dose‐dependently attenuated somatic withdrawal signs in THC‐dependent mice that were challenged with the cannabinoid‐1 receptor antagonist rimonabant. Additionally, THC‐dependent α5 and α6 nAChR knockout (KO) mice displayed decreased rimonabant precipitated somatic withdrawal signs compared with their wild‐type counterparts. In contrast, β2 and α7 nAChR KO mice showed no alterations in THC withdrawal signs. Moreover, deletion of β2 nAChR did not alter the reduced expression of somatic signs by the preferred α6β4* antagonist, BulA [T5A;P60]. Finally, the human genetic association studies indicated that variations in the genes that code for the α5, α3, β4, and α6 nAChRs were associated with cannabis disorder phenotypes. Overall, these findings suggest that α3β4* and α6β4* nAChR subtypes represent viable targets for the development of medications to counteract THC dependence.
Evaluating dynamic impacts of abuse‐deterrent prescription opioid formulations
Authors: Humphreys Keith
Published: October 2018

Commentary to: Post‐marketing studies of pharmaceutical opioid abuse‐deterrent formulations: a framework for research design and reporting
The valves of the cardiac outflow tract of the starry ray, Raja asterias (Chondrichthyes; Rajiformes): Anatomical, histological and evolutionary aspects
Authors: Lorenzale Miguel , Fernández Borja , Durán Ana Carmen , López‐Unzu Miguel A. , Sans‐Coma Valentín
Published: October 2018

The cardiac outflow tract of chondrichthyans is composed of the myocardial conus arteriosus, equipped with valves at its luminal side, and the bulbus arteriosus devoid of myocardium. Knowledge of the histomorphology of the conal valves is scarce despite their importance in preventing blood backflow to the heart. Current information on the subject refers to a single shark species. The present report is the first to describe the structure of the conal valves of a batoid species, namely, Raja asterias. Hearts from seven starry rays were examined using scanning electron microscopy and histochemical techniques for light microscopy. In all hearts, the conus showed four transverse rows of three pocket‐like valves each. Each valve was composed of a leaflet and its supporting sinus. The leaflet had a stout central body, rich in glycosaminoglycans, which contained fibroblasts, collagen and elastin. The central body was surrounded by two thin fibrous layers, outer and inner, formed mainly by collagen. The valves of the anterior row, which were the largest of the valvular system, were attached proximally to the conus arteriosus and distally to the bulbus arteriosus, and not to the ventral aorta as previously reported for chondrichthyans. The arrangement of the anterior valves in the starry ray is an anatomical pattern that apparently has been preserved throughout the evolution of vertebrates.
Guidelines for the safe practice of total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA)
Authors: Nimmo A. F. , Absalom A. R. , Bagshaw O. , Biswas A. , Cook T. M. , Costello A. , Grimes S. , Mulvey D. , Shinde S. , Whitehouse T. , Wiles M. D.
Published: October 2018

Guidelines are presented for safe practice in the use of intravenous drug infusions for general anaesthesia. When maintenance of general anaesthesia is by intravenous infusion, this is referred to as total intravenous anaesthesia. Although total intravenous anaesthesia has advantages for some patients, the commonest technique used for maintenance of anaesthesia in the UK and Ireland remains the administration of an inhaled volatile anaesthetic. However, the use of an inhalational technique is sometimes not possible, and in some situations, inhalational anaesthesia is contraindicated. Therefore, all anaesthetists should be able to deliver total intravenous anaesthesia competently and safely. For the purposes of simplicity, these guidelines will use the term total intravenous anaesthesia but also encompass techniques involving a combination of intravenous infusion and inhalational anaesthesia. This document is intended as a guideline for safe practice when total intravenous anaesthesia is being used, and not as a review of the pros and cons of total intravenous anaesthesia vs. inhalational anaesthesia in situations where both techniques are possible.
Maladaptive personality traits, psychological morbidity and coping strategies in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: van Haalen Femke M. , van Dijk Elon H.C. , Andela Cornelie D. , Dijkman Greet , Biermasz Nienke R. , Pereira Alberto M. , Boon Camiel J.F.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

‘Type A’ behavioural characteristics and psychosocial stress have traditionally been associated with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC). However, a characteristical personality profile could not be identified in these patients and the presumed association with stress is subject to controversy, due to a lack of convincing studies using validated measuring instruments. In this study, we aimed to assess maladaptive personality traits, psychological morbidity and coping strategies in patients with cCSC, in order to identify potentially modifiable psychosocial aspects which could be used in support to current standard treatment.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study in a cohort of 86 patients with cCSC using validated questionnaires. Findings were compared to both Dutch population reference data and reference data from patients treated for Cushing's disease.

Results

Maladaptive personality traits were not more prevalent in patients with cCSC than in the general population, and psychological morbidity was not increased. Patients with cCSC were shown to make more use of passive coping, active coping and seeking social support. Interestingly, personality, psychological morbidity and coping characteristics of patients with cCSC were more comparable to features of patients treated for Cushing's disease than to population‐based data.

Conclusion

Maladaptive personality traits such as type A behavioural characteristics are not more prevalent in patients with cCSC. Patients with cCSC make more use of certain coping strategies, which could be addressed by psychosocial care to improve self‐management. Further research is needed establish whether the course of disease can be improved by altering coping and reducing ‘stress’.
Opting for home birth in rural Bangladesh: An assessment of the current status and reasons
Authors: Perkins Janet E. , Rahman Ahmed Ehsanur , Siddique Abu Bakkar , Haider Mohammad Rifat , Banik Goutom , Tahsina Tazeen , Arifeen Shams El
Published: October 2018

Background

In Bangladesh, over half of women give birth at home, generally without the support of a skilled birth attendant. In this article, we examined the decision‐making around birthplace and explored the reported reasons of preferring home birth over facility birth in a rural district of Bangladesh.

Methods

A cross‐sectional household survey with 1367 women was conducted in Brahmanbaria district. Choice of birthplace and actual place of birth were the main outcomes of interest. Associations between the outcomes of interest and background characteristics were analyzed through binary logistic regression. Effects of the covariates and confounders were adjusted through multiple logistic regression.

Results

Sixty‐four percent of women planned to give birth at home, and 62% gave birth at home. Planning to give birth at home was significantly associated with eventually giving birth at home (AOR [CI]: 4.93 [3.79‐6.43]). Multiparous women and women from larger households were significantly more likely to give birth at home, whereas more educated and wealthier women and those attending antenatal care were significantly less likely to give birth at home. The main reported reasons for home birth were perceived lack of importance of facility birth, financial reasons, fear of cesarean section, and not being permitted by a husband of other family member to seek facility birth.

Conclusions

Home is the preferred birthplace and main actual place of birth in rural Bangladesh. The maternal health program of Bangladesh should look critically at the preferences of women and reasons for those preferences for further promotion of skilled attendance at birth in rural settings.
Overexpression of Forkhead box Q1 correlates with poor prognosis in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Li Ying , Wang Hong‐Qun , Wang Ai‐Chun , Li Ying‐Xue , Ding Shan‐Shan , An Xiao‐Jing , Shi Huai‐Yin
Published: October 2018

Objective

Forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1), a member of the forkhead transcription factor family, plays important parts in cell cycle, apoptosis, metabolism, immunology and tumour genesis. Its expression has been associated with poor clinical prognosis in various tumours. However, the clinical significance of FOXQ1 in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has not been fully studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether FOXQ1 is correlated with poor prognosis in PTC.

Design/Methods

We performed a retrospective study of 136 PTCs. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine the expression of FOXQ1 in 136 PTCs and 47 nodular goitre specimens. Rank‐sum test, chi‐square test, Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were used to investigate the clinical and prognostic significance of FOXQ1 expression in PTC.

Results

The comparison of PTC specimens with nodular goitre with papillary hyperplasia specimens revealed an upregulation of FOXQ1 in PTC. Overexpression of FOXQ1 was observed in 63.24% of PTC and correlated with classic variant, tall variant, distant metastasis, AJCC stage and recurrence. FOXQ1‐positive expression was associated with shorter disease‐free survival: median disease‐free survival of FOXQ1‐positive patients was 23 months compared with 128 months for FOXQ1‐negative patients (Log‐rank χ2 = 12.31, P = 0.00045). Additional independent risk factors in this study were multifocality (recurrence‐free survival [RFS]: hazard ratio [HR] = 2.391, P < 0.05), extrathyroidal extension (RFS: HR = 3.906, P < 0.05) and positive expression of FOXQ1 (RFS: HR = 6.385, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our results indicated that FOXQ1 may be a useful additional biomarker to evaluate the progression of PTC and to predict likely relapse of disease.
Regulation of alcohol marketing in Australia: A critical review of the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code Scheme's new Placement Rules
Authors: Pierce Hannah , Stafford Julia , Pettigrew Simone , Kameron Caitlin , Keric Danica , Pratt Iain S.
Published: October 2018

Introduction and Aims

Rules concerning the placement of alcohol advertisements (Placement Rules) were added to the industry‐managed Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code Scheme in November 2017. This study aimed to critically review the Placement Rules and evaluate their ability to effectively regulate the placement of alcohol marketing and provide safeguards for young people in Australia.

Design and Methods

An established framework for evaluating the design of an effective self‐regulatory system was applied to the substantive content of the Placement Rules and associated regulatory processes. Publicly available documents, including recent Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code Scheme determinations, informed the review.

Results

The objectives and key terms of the Placement Rules are inadequately defined and narrow in scope, resulting in the dismissal of almost all relevant complaints. Weaknesses identified in the regulatory processes include limited representation from external stakeholders in the development of the Placement Rules, a lack of transparency and independence in the Scheme's administration, and limited monitoring and enforcement options.

Discussion and Conclusions

The Placement Rules are unlikely to reduce young people's exposure to alcohol marketing and hence fail to meet public health objectives. This review adds to the body of literature that demonstrates that industry‐managed systems fail to effectively regulate alcohol marketing. Government intervention is needed if young people's wellbeing is to be prioritised.
Best use of the tuberous sclerosis complex‐associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND) checklist
Authors: de Vries Petrus J , Jansen Anna
Published: October 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Toldo et al. on pages 168–173 of this issue.
Hypoglycaemia and gastric emptying
Authors: Marathe Chinmay S. , Marathe Jessica A. , Rayner Christopher K. , Kar Palash , Jones Karen L. , Horowitz Michael
Published: October 2018

Hypoglycaemia is arguably the most important complication of insulin therapy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Counter‐regulation of hypoglycaemia is dependent on autonomic function and frequent hypoglycaemia may lead to reductions in both autonomic warning signals and the catecholamine response, the so‐called “impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia”. It is now appreciated that gastric emptying is a major determinant of the glycaemic response to carbohydrate‐containing meals in both health and diabetes, that disordered (especially delayed) gastric emptying occurs frequently in diabetes, and that acute hypoglycaemia accelerates gastric emptying substantially. However, the potential relevance of gastric emptying to the predisposition to, and counter‐regulation of, hypoglycaemia has received little attention. In insulin‐treated patients, the rate of gastric emptying influences the timing of the postprandial insulin requirement, and gastroparesis is likely to predispose to postprandial hypoglycaemia. Conversely, the marked acceleration of gastric emptying induced by hypoglycaemia probably represents an important counter‐regulatory response to increase the rate of carbohydrate absorption. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the inter‐relationships between hypoglycaemia and gastric emptying, with a focus on clinical implications.
Chameleons: The Misuse of Theoretical Models in Finance and Economics
Authors: Pfleiderer Paul
Published: October 2018

In this paper I discuss how theoretical models in finance and economics are used in ways that make them ‘chameleons’, and how chameleons devalue the intellectual currency and muddy policy debates. A model becomes a chameleon when it is built on assumptions with dubious connections to the real world but nevertheless has conclusions that are uncritically (or not critically enough) applied to understanding our economy. I discuss how chameleons are created and nurtured by the mistaken notion that one should not judge a model by its assumptions, by the unfounded argument that models should have equal standing until definitive empirical tests are conducted, and by misplaced appeals to ‘as if’ arguments, mathematical elegance, subtlety, assumptions that are ‘standard in the literature’, and the need for tractability.
The critical importance of an undammed river segment to the reproductive cycle of a migratory Neotropical fish
Authors: Lopes João de Magalhães , Pompeu Paulo Santos , Alves Carlos Bernardo Mascarenhas , Peressin Alexandre , Prado Ivo Gavião , Suzuki Fábio Mineo , Facchin Susanne , Kalapothakis Evanguedes
Published: October 2018

Biotelemetry, ichthyoplankton and genetic data can provide detailed information about the migratory dynamics and reproductive cycle of freshwater fishes. However, few studies have combined these techniques in Neotropical systems. The objective of this study was to examine the migratory and reproductive dynamics of Prochilodus costatus in the São Francisco River watershed, south‐east Brazil, by comparing the ecological importance of two rivers to the species, an undammed segment of the São Francisco River and a dammed segment of one of its main tributaries, the Pará River. In total, 215 fish were radio‐tagged over three years (2014–16). Eggs and larvae were sampled at seven locations and analysed by PCR to identify Prochilodus spp. ichthyoplankton. Most radio‐tagged individuals (97%) used the undammed segment of the São Francisco River as spawning migration route, even those captured and released in the Pará River. Fish migrated to spawn from late September to late November with the arrival of the rains and returned to feeding sites from December to May after spawning. The highest densities of fish eggs and larvae were recorded in the upper reaches of the São Francisco River during months of peak river discharge. Returning fish showed high fidelity to sites occupied before spawning migration. Fish spent roughly 71% of the year at feeding sites, 25% at spawning sites and 4% moving between them. This study provides novel information about the migratory dynamics of Neotropical fishes and underscores the key role of undammed river segments for the conservation of Neotropical migratory fish species.
Molecular pathogenesis of acquired aplastic anemia
Authors: Boddu Prajwal C. , Kadia Tapan M.
Published: October 2018

The application of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has enhanced our understanding of the genetic landscape in acquired aplastic anemia (AA). Parallel progress has been in addressing aspects underlying immune dysregulation in disease pathogenesis. Novel insights into the molecular and biologic mechanisms have led to a shift in the paradigm of AA, from a solely autoimmune pathogenic concept toward its recognition as a multifaceted pathophysiology characterized by cytogenetic abnormalities, recurrent somatic mutations, telomere attrition, and immune dysregulation. The detection of recurrent driver mutations disrupting myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/acute myeloid leukemia (AML)‐associated genes has suggested a pathophysiologic link between clonal hematopoiesis in AA and the later development of these clonal disorders. Further, certain AA‐related somatic genetic alterations may have clinical implications on treatment response, disease progression, and survival following immunosuppressive therapy. Going forward, wider validation of these genetic abnormalities will allow for their incorporation into a more informative risk stratification system that does not rely solely on clinical factors.
A QTL on chromosome 3q23 influences processing speed in humans
Authors: Knowles Emma E. M. , Mathias Samuel R. , Mollon Josephine , Rodrigue Amanda , Koenis Marinka M. G. , Dyer Thomas D. , Goring Harald H. H. , Curran Joanne E. , Olvera Rene L. , Duggirala Ravi , Almasy Laura , Blangero John , Glahn David C.
Published: October 2018

Processing speed is a psychological construct that refers to the speed with which an individual can perform any cognitive operation. Processing speed correlates strongly with general cognitive ability, declines sharply with age and is impaired across a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Thus, identifying genes that influence processing speed will likely improve understanding of the genetics of intelligence, biological aging and the etiologies of numerous disorders. Previous genetics studies of processing speed have relied on simple phenotypes (eg, mean reaction time) derived from single tasks. This strategy assumes, erroneously, that processing speed is a unitary construct. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the genetic architecture of processing speed by using a multidimensional model applied to a battery of cognitive tasks. Linkage and QTL‐specific association analyses were performed on the factors from this model. The randomly ascertained sample comprised 1291 Mexican‐American individuals from extended pedigrees. We found that performance on all three distinct processing‐speed factors (Psychomotor Speed; Sequencing and Shifting and Verbal Fluency) were moderately and significantly heritable. We identified a genome‐wide significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 3q23 for Psychomotor Speed (LOD = 4.83). Within this locus, we identified a plausible and interesting candidate gene for Psychomotor Speed (Z = 2.90, P = 1.86 × 10−03).
Key Design Elements of Building Pressure Cycling for Evaluating Vapor Intrusion—A Literature Review
Authors: Lutes Christopher C. , Holton Chase W. , Truesdale Robert , Zimmerman John H. , Schumacher Brian
Published: October 2018

Building pressure cycling (BPC) is becoming an increasingly important tool for studying vapor intrusion. BPC has been used to distinguish subslab and indoor sources of vapor intrusion as well as to define reasonable worst case volatile organic compound mass discharge into a structure. Analyses have been performed both semi‐quantitatively with concentration trends and quantitatively with more rigorous flux calculation and source attribution methods. This paper reviews and compares the protocols and outcomes from multiple published applications of this technology to define the key variables that control performance. Common lessons learned are identified, including those that help define the range of building size and type to which BPC is applicable. Differences in test protocols are discussed, recognizing that the complexity of the test protocol required depends on the particular objectives of each project. Research gaps are identified and tabulated for future validation studies and applications.
When Mom Has Migraine: An Observational Study of the Impact of Parental Migraine on Adolescent Children
Authors: Seng Elizabeth K. , Mauser Emily D. , Marzouk Maya , Patel Zarine S. , Rosen Noah , Buse Dawn C.
Published: October 2018

Objective

The current study aimed to describe the impact of parental migraine on adolescent children (aged 11–17) living at home with a parent with migraine.

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that migraine impacts the family members of people with migraine. However, there has been little research to evaluate the perspective of the child of a parent with migraine.

Methods

This cross‐sectional observational study included parents who met International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria for migraine and their 11–17‐year‐old children currently living with the parent with migraine recruited from neurologist offices and online. Parents completed measures of demographics, a diagnostic migraine criteria screener, parental illness impact (Parental Illness Impact Survey – Revised; subscales = Burden of Daily Help, Emotional Impact, Social Impact, Communication and Understanding, Impact on Personal Future, Friends Reactions, Parent/Child Relationship, and Global Well‐Being), migraine‐related disability (MIDAS), headache attack frequency, and headache attack pain intensity. Children completed measures of demographics, parental illness impact, and a migraine diagnostic screener if applicable.

Results

Children (n = 40) reported the greatest impact of their parent’s migraine on the Global Well‐Being (M = 3.3, SD = 0.9) and Parent/Child Relationship (M = 3.5, SD = 0.6) subscales. There were no significant differences between the average child and parent rating of parental migraine impact on children. Correlations between parent and child ratings of parental migraine impact were strongest for the Social Impact subscale (ρ = 0.55, P < .001), and non‐significant for the Parent/Child Relationship (ρ = 0.13, P = .416) and Friends Reactions (ρ = 0.18, P = .257) subscales. Higher attack frequency and endorsing severe disability on the MIDAS were associated with higher child‐rated impact (eg, lower scores) on Global Well‐Being (frequency ρ = −0.35, P = .028; MIDAS t(38) = 2.74, P = .009) and Impact on Personal Future (frequency ρ = −0.41, P = .009; MIDAS t(35.7) = 2.49, P = .017) subscales. Higher attack pain intensity was associated with higher child‐rated impact (eg, lower scores) on Burden of Daily Help (r = −0.34, P = .031) and Emotional Impact (r = −0.40, P = .010). Over half of children (23/40, 57.5%) reported some kind of service or intervention to help them manage the impact of their parent’s migraine on their lives would be helpful.

Conclusions

Parental migraine impacts children aged 11–17 living in the home, particularly in the domains of global well‐being and the parent/child relationship. Parent and child reports are not strongly correlated across all domains of parental impact.
A review of the occurrence of inter‐colony segregation of seabird foraging areas and the implications for marine environmental impact assessment
Authors: Bolton Mark , Conolly Georgia , Carroll Matthew , Wakefield Ewan. D. , Caldow Richard
Published: October 2018

Understanding the determinants of species’ distributions is a fundamental aim in ecology and a prerequisite for conservation but is particularly challenging in the marine environment. Advances in bio‐logging technology have resulted in a rapid increase in studies of seabird movement and distribution in recent years. Multi‐colony studies examining the effects of intra‐ and inter‐colony competition on distribution have found that several species exhibit inter‐colony segregation of foraging areas, rather than overlapping distributions. These findings are timely given the increasing rate of human exploitation of marine resources and the need to make robust assessments of likely impacts of proposed marine developments on biodiversity. Here we review the occurrence of foraging area segregation reported by published tracking studies in relation to the density‐dependent hinterland (DDH) model, which predicts that segregation occurs in response to inter‐colony competition, itself a function of colony size, distance from the colony and prey distribution. We found that inter‐colony foraging area segregation occurred in 79% of 39 studies. The frequency of occurrence was similar across the four seabird orders for which data were available, and included species with both smaller (10–100 km) and larger (100–1000 km) foraging ranges. Many predictions of the DDH model were confirmed, with examples of segregation in response to high levels of inter‐colony competition related to colony size and proximity, and enclosed landform restricting the extent of available habitat. Moreover, as predicted by the DDH model, inter‐colony overlap tended to occur where birds aggregated in highly productive areas, often remote from all colonies. The apparent prevalence of inter‐colony foraging segregation has important implications for assessment of impacts of marine development on protected seabird colonies. If a development area is accessible from multiple colonies, it may impact those colonies much more asymmetrically than previously supposed. Current impact assessment approaches that do not consider spatial inter‐colony segregation will therefore be subject to error. We recommend the collection of tracking data from multiple colonies and modelling of inter‐colony interactions to predict colony‐specific distributions.
Functional and thermorheological properties of rice flour gels for gluten‐free pasta applications
Authors: Fradinho Patrícia , Sousa Isabel , Raymundo Anabela
Published: October 2018

Based on the European Commission directives on circular economy, this work explores the functional and thermorheological properties of rice flour from broken kernels, a by‐product from the rice industry, in order to evaluate its possible use in food applications, back into the value chain. Chemical and hydration properties of two rice varieties (Guiana – Indica spp, Ariete – Japonica spp) were accessed, as well as the impact of the rice variety on the texture and viscoelasticity of rice flour gels (6–26%). Both rice varieties presented statistically different physicochemical properties (protein, lipid and amylose contents), and hydration properties that support the distinct texture and rheology behaviour of gels obtained. Rheology results suggested the formation of a gel‐network structure with high frequency dependence, especially at lower rice concentrations. Texture results suggest that both rice varieties could be suited for development of gluten‐free products that require pre‐gelatinised starch, such as pasta. The effect of gelatinised rice flour (10–25%) and gelatinised flour/rice flour ratio (40:60, 50:50, 60:40) on the physical properties and cooking quality of pasta were assessed. Better overall cooking quality and texture properties were obtained for the formulation with 20% gelatinised rice flour and 50:50 rice gel:rice flour ratio.
Survival and predictors of outcome among patients with decompensated liver disease in a non‐liver transplant intensive care unit. Pessimism is historical and unjustified
Authors: Sadick Victoria , Bowcock Emma , Lane Stuart , Seppelt Ian
Published: October 2018

Background

Recent literature emanating from the United Kingdom and United States has reported decreasing mortality rates in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and organ failures presenting to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Aim

To determine if there were comparable outcomes in a single‐centre non‐transplant unit in Australia.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary, non‐liver transplant unit in Sydney, Australia. Admission data and mortality outcomes were collected from patients with cirrhosis non‐electively admitted to ICU between 2013 and 2017. Liver‐specific and general intensive care scoring tools were also assessed for their discriminative ability to predict short‐term prognostic outcomes.

Results

Sixty‐three patients were admitted with decompensated liver disease who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The overall hospital mortality was 37% (95% CI: 0.26–0.49). There was no difference in survival based on aetiology of liver disease (P = 0.96) but a significant difference was found based on the presenting diagnosis, with greater survival among patients diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy on ICU admission (P = 0.02). There was 4% mortality in patients with no organ failure and 52% mortality in those with ≥3 organs in failure (P < 0.001). The ICU prognostic Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was the better discriminative tool in predicting short‐term outcomes when compared to liver prognostic scores.

Conclusion

The outcomes of this single‐centre Australian study align with current overseas literature. These results reinforce and expand on limited local evidence, corroborating the former universal prognostic pessimism towards cirrhotic patients with organ failure as unwarranted.
Nursing students’ perception of the professional nurse's role in four European countries
Authors: Marcinowicz L. , Andersson E.K. , Bohman D.M. , Hjelm M. , Skarbalienė A. , Shpakou A. , Kalinowska P. , Jamiolkowski J.
Published: October 2018

Background

Understanding how nursing students in European countries perceive their future professional role is an important step in creating awareness of the diversity and similarities between countries. Investigating nursing students’ perceptions of their future profession could help in the design of education and the retention of nurses.

Aim

To compare nursing students’ perceptions of the professional nurse's role between Belarus, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden.

Method

A cross‐sectional design was implemented. The study used two scales of the Professional Nursing Image Survey, which has questions about 10 skills and abilities and 14 functions and duties of a nurse.

Results

A total of 392 final‐year nursing students in four countries participated in the study. Statistically significant differences were found between countries in terms of all 10 skills and abilities and in the distribution of responses concerning functions and duties of a nurse.

Conclusions

Nursing students in Belarus, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden perceive differently the role of a nurse in terms of some functions and responsibilities. This may influence the adaptation of nurses who enjoy freedom of movement among the countries.

Implications for nursing policy

The knowledge gained in this study could be beneficial in improving nursing education, as it could illuminate the discrepancy between educational goals and students’ perceptions of their future professional role.
A knowledge hierarchy in labour and welfare services? Evidence‐based and practice‐based knowledge in frontline service innovation
Authors: Breit Eric , Fossestøl Knut , Pedersen Eirin
Published: October 2018

Although policy‐makers and scholars have directed increasing attention towards collaborative innovation and knowledge development between frontline agencies and workers and other stakeholders such as citizens and researchers, empirical research has not focused on the (varying) assessment of collaborators regarding what knowledge is “appropriate” to develop. In this article, we examine such knowledge assessments by drawing on a comparative case study of two local innovation projects conducted by the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) in a four‐year service innovation programme. Although they responded to the same call, the projects involved development of two very distinct types of knowledge; one dealt with practice‐based knowledge and the other with evidence‐based knowledge. We show that whereas the former knowledge type was contested and difficult to transform into practice, the latter prompted few (if any) challenges and was implemented on a relatively large scale. These two projects point to the possible existence of a hierarchy of knowledge in labour and welfare services, where evidence‐based forms of knowledge and methods are regarded as more legitimate and appropriate than forms of knowledge placed “lower” in the hierarchy. We discuss the reasons for and implications of this apparent hierarchy of knowledge for frontline labour and welfare services.
Co‐production and social innovation in street‐level employability services: Lessons from services with lone parents in Scotland
Authors: Lindsay Colin , Pearson Sarah , Batty Elaine , Cullen Anne Marie , Eadson Will
Published: October 2018

The United Kingdom, as an exemplar liberal welfare state, has been characterized as in the vanguard of “work‐first” activation – deploying high levels of compulsion and standardized employability services that seek to move people from welfare to work as quickly as possible. However, despite the extension of welfare conditionality to excluded groups such as lone parents, government‐led, work‐first employability programmes have often proved ineffective at assisting the most vulnerable to escape poverty or even just to progress in the labour market. We argue that alternative approaches, defined by co‐production and social innovation, have the potential to be more successful. We draw on a study of local services targeting lone parents led by third sector–public sector partnerships in five localities in Scotland. Our research identifies a link between programme governance and management (defined by co‐governance and collaborative partnership‐working) and co‐produced street‐level services that deliver benefits in terms of social innovation and employability. We draw on 90 interviews with lone parents, and more than 100 interviews with delivery stakeholders and street‐level workers, to identify factors associated with positive social and employability outcomes. The article concludes by identifying potential lessons for the governance and delivery of future services targeting vulnerable groups.