bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micro-hardness prediction of friction stir processed magnesium alloy via response surface methodology
Authors: Naser Ahmed , Darras Basil
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a model to predict the micro-hardness of friction stir processed (FSPed) AZ31B magnesium alloy using response surface methodology (RSM). Another objective is to identify process parameters and through-thickness position which will give higher micro-hardness values. Moreover, the study aims at defining the factor that exhibits the most effect on the micro-hardness. Friction stir processing (FSP) machine can then be fed with the optimized parameters to achieve desirable properties.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental setup was designed to conduct FSP. Several AZ31B magnesium samples were FSPed at different combinations of rotational and translational speeds. The micro-hardness of all the combinations of process parameters was measured at different through-thickness positions. This was followed by an investigation of the three factors on the resulting micro-hardness. RSM was then used to develop a model with three factors and three levels to predict the micro-hardness of FSPed AZ31 magnesium alloy within the covered range. The analyses of variance in addition to experimental verification were both used to validate the model. This was followed by an optimization of the response.

Findings

The model showed excellent capability of predicting the micro-hardness values as well as the optimum values of the three factors that would result in better micro-hardness. The model was able to capture the effects of rotational speed, translational speed, and through-thickness position. Results suggest that micro-hardness values were mostly sensitive to changes in tool rotational speed.

Originality/value

FSP is considered to be one of the advanced microstructural modification techniques which is capable of enhancing the mechanical properties of light-weight alloys. However, the lack of accurate models which are capable of predicting the resulted properties from process parameters hinders the widespread utilization of this technique. At the same time, RSM is considered as a vital branch of experimental design due to its ability to develop new processes and optimize their performance. Hence, the developed model is very beneficial and is meant to save time and experimental effort toward effective use of FSP to get the desired/optimum micro-hardness distribution.
Molecular cloning, characterization and expression of immunoglobulin D on pathogen challenge and pathogen associated molecular patterns stimulation in freshwater carp, Catla catla
Authors: Banerjee Rajanya , Patel Bhakti , Basu Madhubanti , Lenka Saswati S. , Paicha Mahismita , Samanta Mrinal , Das Surajit
Published: September 2017

The primordial immunoglobulin class, IgD, was the first non‐IgM isotype discovered in teleosts. The crucial roles of IgM and IgZ in imparting systemic and mucosal immunity, respectively, in various fish species have been widely established. However, the putative function of a unique IgD isotype during pathogenic invasions has not been well explored. The present study reports the existence of an IgD ortholog in freshwater carp, Catla catla, and further evaluates its differential expression profile in response to bacterial, parasitic and viral antigenic exposure and pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) stimulation. The IgD of C. catla (CcIgD) cDNA sequence was found to encode 226 amino acids and confirmed homology with heavy chain delta region of Cyprinidae family members. Phylogenetic analysis of CcIgD exhibited greatest similarity with Ctenopharyngodon idella. qRT‐PCR analysis revealed significant upregulation (P < 0.001) of IgD gene expression in kidney with respect to other tissues at 24 hr post‐Aeromonas hydrophila challenge. CcIgD gene expression in skin was enhanced following Streptococcus uberis infection and in blood following Argulus infection and inactivated rhabdoviral antigen stimulation. Further, the treatment of bacterial and viral products (PAMPs) also triggered significant (P < 0.05) increases in CcIgD mRNA expression in kidney. These findings indicate the functional importance of teleost IgD in orchestrating tissue specific neutralization of antigens on stimulation with different pathogens and PAMPs.
The bien r package: A tool to access the Botanical Information and Ecology Network (BIEN) database
Authors: Maitner Brian S. , Boyle Brad , Casler Nathan , Condit Rick , Donoghue John , Durán Sandra M. , Guaderrama Daniel , Hinchliff Cody E. , Jørgensen Peter M. , Kraft Nathan J.B. , McGill Brian , Merow Cory , Morueta‐Holme Naia , Peet Robert K. , Sandel Brody , Schildhauer Mark , Smith Stephen A. , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Thiers Barbara , Violle Cyrille , Wiser Susan , Enquist Brian J.
Published: September 2017

There is an urgent need for large‐scale botanical data to improve our understanding of community assembly, coexistence, biogeography, evolution, and many other fundamental biological processes. Understanding these processes is critical for predicting and handling human‐biodiversity interactions and global change dynamics such as food and energy security, ecosystem services, climate change, and species invasions.

The Botanical Information and Ecology Network (BIEN) database comprises an unprecedented wealth of cleaned and standardised botanical data, containing roughly 81 million occurrence records from c. 375,000 species, c. 915,000 trait observations across 28 traits from c. 93,000 species, and co‐occurrence records from 110,000 ecological plots globally, as well as 100,000 range maps and 100 replicated phylogenies (each containing 81,274 species) for New World species. Here, we describe an r package that provides easy access to these data.

The bien r package allows users to access the multiple types of data in the BIEN database. Functions in this package query the BIEN database by turning user inputs into optimised PostgreSQL functions. Function names follow a convention designed to make it easy to understand what each function does. We have also developed a protocol for providing customised citations and herbarium acknowledgements for data downloaded through the bien r package.

The development of the BIEN database represents a significant achievement in biological data integration, cleaning and standardization. Likewise, the bien r package represents an important tool for open science that makes the BIEN database freely and easily accessible to everyone.
INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE IN SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN THE NETHERLANDS – A CASE STUDY
Authors: COLENBRANDER Aalt , ARGYROU Aikaterini , LAMBOOY Tineke , BLOMME Robert J.
Published: September 2017

An element that policymakers and academics often believe to be constitutive in the governance of a social enterprise is the use of inclusive and responsible decision‐making processes. This entails the involvement of various categories of stakeholders. In this paper, a case study is used to explore how a work integration social enterprise based in the Netherlands, AutiTalent BV, has organized its governance. The Netherlands has not developed legislation specifically dealing with social enterprises, in contrast to many other EU Member States (16 out of 28), and it does not require, although it allows for, the establishment of inclusive governance. By examining how (national Dutch) law affects the governance of a work‐integration‐oriented social enterprise, the authors aim to contribute to emerging theory on participatory and inclusive governance of social enterprises – as a legal concept but also as an organizational concept – shaped by (tailor‐made and/or ordinary) law. The case study reveals that the investigated work integration social enterprise has not set up formal inclusive governance, suggesting that a social enterprise may not be stimulated by legislation which allows but not requires the participation of stakeholders in decision making. At the same time, informal direct communication channels exist between the people who influence the decision‐making processes and people from various stakeholder categories.
An Efficient Hybrid Incompressible SPH Solver with Interface Handling for Boundary Conditions
Authors: Takahashi Tetsuya , Dobashi Yoshinori , Nishita Tomoyuki , Lin Ming C.
Published: September 2017

We propose a hybrid smoothed particle hydrodynamics solver for efficientlysimulating incompressible fluids using an interface handling method for boundary conditions in the pressure Poisson equation. We blend particle density computed with one smooth and one spiky kernel to improve the robustness against both fluid–fluid and fluid–solid collisions. To further improve the robustness and efficiency, we present a new interface handling method consisting of two components: free surface handling for Dirichlet boundary conditions and solid boundary handling for Neumann boundary conditions. Our free surface handling appropriately determines particles for Dirichlet boundary conditions using Jacobi‐based pressure prediction while our solid boundary handling introduces a new term to ensure the solvability of the linear system. We demonstrate that our method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art particle‐based fluid solvers.
Parent‐reported indicators for detecting feeding and swallowing difficulties and undernutrition in preschool‐aged children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Benfer Katherine A , Weir Kelly A , Ware Robert S , Davies Peter S W , Arvedson Joan , Boyd Roslyn N , Bell Kristie L
Published: September 2017

Aim

To determine the most accurate parent‐reported indicators for detecting (1) feeding/swallowing difficulties and (2) undernutrition in preschool‐aged children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

This was a longitudinal, population‐based study, involving 179 children with CP, aged 18 to 60 months (mean 34.1mo [SD 11.9] at entry, 111 males, 68 females [Gross Motor Function Classification System level I, 84; II, 23; III, 28; IV, 18; V, 26], 423 data points). Feeding/swallowing difficulties were determined by the Dysphagia Disorders Survey and 16 signs suggestive of pharyngeal phase impairment. Undernutrition was indicated by height–weight and skinfold composite z‐scores less than −2. Primary parent‐reported indicators included mealtime duration, mealtime stress, concern about growth, and respiratory problems. Other indicators were derived from a parent feeding questionnaire, including ‘significant difficulty eating and drinking’. Data were analysed using multilevel mixed‐effects regression and diagnostic statistics.

Results

Primary parent‐reported indicators associated with feeding/swallowing were ‘moderate–severe parent stress’ (odds ratio [OR]=3.2 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.3–7.8]; p<0.01), ‘moderate–severe concern regarding growth’ (OR=4.5 [95% CI 1.7–11.9]; p<0.01), and ‘any respiratory condition’ (OR=1.8 [95% CI 1.4–5.8]; p<0.01). The indicator associated with undernutrition was ‘moderate–severe concern regarding growth’ (height–weight OR=13.5 [95% CI 3.0–61.3]; p<0.01; skinfold OR=19.1 [95% CI 3.7–98.9]; p<0.01). ‘Significant difficulty eating and drinking’ was most sensitive/specific for feeding outcome (sensitivity=58.6%, specificity=100.0%), and ‘parent concern regarding growth’ for undernutrition (sensitivity=77.8%, specificity=77.0%).

Interpretation

Parent‐reported indicators are feasible for detecting feeding and swallowing difficulties and undernutrition in children with CP, but need formal validation.

What this paper adds

Parent‐reported indicators can detect feeding/swallowing difficulties and undernutrition in children with cerebral palsy.

Most accurate screening questions were 0–10 scales for ‘difficulty eating’ and ‘difficulty drinking’.

Supplementation of these scales with additional indicators would improve detection.
Ecological and landscape effects on genetic distance in an assemblage of headwater fishes
Authors: Schmidt Bjorn V. , Schaefer Jacob
Published: September 2017

Environmental divergence along hierarchically structured longitudinal gradients may constitute barriers to gene flow in river networks for headwater specialised species. While known, this phenomenon has not been well studied, especially with regard to degree of headwater specialisation. We examined six headwater species that differ in habitat specialisation to assess whether patterns of differentiation vary according to geographic or environmental distance. We also identified regional environmental or anthropogenically induced fragmentation effects by comparing within‐drainage patterns of genetic distance across replicate watersheds. We used a comparative modelling framework to determine whether isolation by distance or isolation by resistance of large river habitats was a better predictor of genetic distance across species. The influence of reservoir presence and regional network characteristics that may influence the hydrology and size of large river habitats were also assessed. Resistance effects from large rivers were closely related to headwater specialisation, with increased specialisation leading to increased resistance and loss of drainagewide population connectivity. These results affirm that dendritic networks naturally fragment headwater specialised species. Further isolation from anthropogenic fragmentation was detected in two of the six drainages, indicating interactions with system‐specific conditions. Landscape variables related to the hydrology of large rivers also affected genetic distance in predicted ways, supporting the importance of large rivers in genetically structuring headwater species in drainage networks.
Towards nuclear geography: Zones, bodies, and communities
Authors: Alexis‐Martin Becky , Davies Thom
Published: September 2017

Since the discovery of radioactivity in 1895, ionising radiation has become an increasingly prominent part of modern life. Here, we explore the diverse modes of interaction that occur between bodies and nuclear technology and point towards the scope for further research on nuclear geographies. We bring together different strands of this nascent discipline and, by doing so, highlight how nuclear technology interacts across a spectrum of geographic scales, communities, and bodies. Although nuclear geographies can be sensational and exceptionalising, such as the experiences of nuclear accident survivors and the creation of “exclusion zones,” they can also be mundane, everyday and largely unrecognised, such as the production of nuclear energy and the life‐giving nature of radioactive medicine. To frame our discussion, we take three cuts at nuclear geography, highlighting the importance of zones, bodies, and communities. By discussing this gamut of spaces and societies created through ionising radiation, we open the way for more research into the cross section of benefits, challenges, and social phenomena that arise, as we coexist with nuclear technology.
Economic geographies of value revisited
Authors: Pani Erica
Published: September 2017

As the debate continues in economic geography regarding the theoretical, methodological, and empirical need to abstract out from the complexity of real‐world economic activity versus the need to examine the multiplicity and specificity of actually existing economies, this article revisits an object the ontology of which sits at the heart of such debates, that is, value. For a sub‐discipline that has long‐battled to be taken seriously as a social “science,” the subject of value in economic geographies has become a battle royal between those who are willing to essentialise and those who are not, with many scholars justify their opposing positions on the grounds of theoretical salience and/or methodological rigour. In this article, I position value as the exemplar of these arguments, contrasting Roger Lee's (, ) relational understanding of value to the essentialising tendencies of Marx and neoclassicism. The paper posits that far from the openness of a relational approach being theoretically “weak,” its strength in being able to deal with real‐world complexity allows economic geographers to better explore some of societies' most important questions.
Useful laboratory markers for the diagnosis of bone marrow involvement by malignant lymphoma
Authors: Nishimura K. , Ota R. , Mikajiri Y. , Takahashi K. , Sugishima S. , Eto T.
Published: September 2017

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the effect of bone marrow involvement by malignant lymphoma (BMI) on laboratory data and to determine the useful laboratory markers for diagnosing BMI.

Methods

We compared laboratory data between patients with and without BMI. We performed multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses to evaluate the diagnostic values of independent predictors.

Results

In the BMI group, platelets in peripheral blood (PLT) and megakaryocyte count in bone marrow (MgK) were significantly lower than those in the non‐BMI group (PLT, P < .0001; MgK, P = .0384). The rate of peripheral blood involvement by malignant lymphoma (PBI), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), D‐dimer (DD), soluble interleukin‐2 receptor (sIL2R), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was significantly higher in the BMI group than in the non‐BMI group (PBI, P < .0001; RDW, P = .0190; DD, P = .0006; sIL2R, P < .0001; AST, P = .0256; LDH, P = .0002). In multivariate analysis, PBI, PLT, sIL2R, and MgK levels were independent predictors of BMI.

Conclusion

PBI, PLT, sIL2R, and MgK may be the useful laboratory markers for BMI diagnosis.
Quality‐of‐life evaluation in chronic wounds: comparative analysis of three disease‐specific questionnaires
Authors: Augustin Matthias , Baade Katrin , Heyer Kristina , Price Patricia E , Herberger Katharina , Wild Thomas , Engelhardt Michael , Debus Eike S
Published: September 2017

The study directly compared the feasibility and performance of three instruments measuring health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in chronic ulcers: the Freiburg Life Quality Assessment for wounds (FLQA‐w), the Cardiff Wound Impact Schedule (CWIS) and the Würzburg Wound Score (WWS). The questionnaires were evaluated in a randomly assigned order in a longitudinal observational study of leg ulcer patients. Psychometric properties (internal consistency, responsiveness and construct validity) were analysed. Patient acceptance was recorded. Analysis ofn= 154 patients revealed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ≥ 0·85) for all instruments. There were minor floor effects in all questionnaires (<1%) and some ceiling effects in theCWIS. Construct validity was satisfactory, for example, correlation withEuroQoL‐5Dwasr= 0·70 in theFLQA‐w,r= 0·47/0·67/0·68 in theCWISdimensions andr= 0·60 in theWWS. The proportion of missing values was higher in theCWIS, and overall patient acceptance was highest in theFLQA‐w for wounds (54% best preferences) and lowest in theWWS(14%). In conclusion, theFLQA‐w, theCWISand theWWSare reliable, sensitive and valid instruments for the assessment ofHRQoLin leg ulcers. However, they show differences in clinical feasibility and patient acceptance.
The Age‐Friendly Health System Imperative
Authors: Fulmer Terry , Mate Kedar S. , Berman Amy
Published: September 2017

The unprecedented changes happening in the American healthcare system have many on high alert as they try to anticipate legislative actions. Significant efforts to move from volume to value, along with changing incentives and alternative payment models, will affect practice and the health system budget. In tandem, growth in the population aged 65 and older is celebratory and daunting. The John A. Hartford Foundation is partnering with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement to envision an age‐friendly health system of the future. Our current prototyping for new ways of addressing the complex and interrelated needs of older adults provides great promise for a more‐effective, patient‐directed, safer healthcare system. Proactive models that address potential health needs, prevent avoidable harms, and improve care of people with complex needs are essential. The robust engagement of family caregivers, along with an appreciation for the value of excellent communication across care settings, is at the heart of our work. Five early‐adopter health systems are testing the prototypes with continuous improvement efforts that will streamline and enhance our approach to geriatric care.
Genetic dissection of top three leaf traits in rice using progenies from a japonica × indica cross
Authors: Yin Changbin , Li Huihui , Zhao Zhigang , Wang Zhiquan , Liu Shijia , Chen Liangming , Liu Xi , Tian Yunlu , Ma Juan , Xu Lidong , Zhang Dashuang , Zhu Susong , Li Danting , Wan Jianmin , Wang Jiankang
Published: September 2017

The size of the top three leaves of rice plants is strongly associated with yield; thus, it is important to consider quantitative traits representing leaf size (e.g., length and width) when breeding novel rice varieties. It is challenging to measure such traits on a large scale in the field, and little is known about the genetic factors that determine the size of the top three leaves. In the present study, a population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) and reciprocal single chromosomal segment substitution lines (SSSLs) derived from the progeny of a japonica Asominori × indica IR24 cross were grown under four diverse environmental conditions. Six morphological traits associated with leaf size were measured, namely length and flag leaf, length and flag, second and third leaves. In the RIL population, 49 QTLs were identified that clustered in 30 genomic region. Twenty‐three of these QTLs were confirmed in the SSSL population. A comparison with previously reported genes/QTLs revealed eight novel genomic regions that contained uncharacterized ORFs associated with leaf size. The QTLs identified in this study can be used for marker‐assisted breeding and for fine mapping of novel genetic elements controlling leaf size in rice.
Reconstructing the microstructure of polyimide–silicalite mixed‐matrix membranes and their particle connectivity using FIB‐SEM tomography
Authors: DIBLÍKOVÁ P. , VESELÝ M. , SYSEL P. , ČAPEK P.
Published: September 2017

Properties of a composite material made of a continuous matrix and particles often depend on microscopic details, such as contacts between particles. Focusing on processing raw focused‐ion beam scanning electron microscope (FIB‐SEM) tomography data, we reconstructed three mixed‐matrix membrane samples made of 6FDA‐ODA polyimide and silicalite‐1 particles. In the first step of image processing, backscattered electron (BSE) and secondary electron (SE) signals were mixed in a ratio that was expected to obtain a segmented 3D image with a realistic volume fraction of silicalite‐1. Second, after spatial alignment of the stacked FIB‐SEM data, the 3D image was smoothed using adaptive median and anisotropic nonlinear diffusion filters. Third, the image was segmented using the power watershed method coupled with a seeding algorithm based on geodesic reconstruction from the markers. If the resulting volume fraction did not match the target value quantified by chemical analysis of the sample, the BSE and SE signals were mixed in another ratio and the procedure was repeated until the target volume fraction was achieved. Otherwise, the segmented 3D image (replica) was accepted and its microstructure was thoroughly characterized with special attention paid to connectivity of the silicalite phase. In terms of the phase connectivity, Monte Carlo simulations based on the pure‐phase permeability values enabled us to calculate the effective permeability tensor, the main diagonal elements of which were compared with the experimental permeability. In line with the hypothesis proposed in our recent paper (Čapek, P. et al. (2014) Comput. Mater. Sci. 89, 142–156), the results confirmed that the existence of particle clusters was a key microstructural feature determining effective permeability.
Health beliefs of salt intake among patients undergoing haemodialysis
Authors: Xie Jianfei , Ding Siqing , Liu Lifang , Liu Zina , Zhang Qiuxiang , Duan Yinglong , Wang Chunyan , Zhou Jianda
Published: September 2017

Background

High salt intake has been recognised as a risk factor that contributes to a poor outcome in patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD). This study examined health beliefs about salt intake among patients undergoing haemodialysis.

Materials and methods

This was a cross‐sectional study using a convenience sample. 307 outpatients completed the health beliefs of sodium intake scale (HBSIS).

Results

In this cohort, the score for the perceived self‐efficacy subscale (3.59 ± 0.76) was highest, while the score for perceived barriers (2.52 ± 0.67) subscale was lowest. These perceived benefits, susceptibility for the reduction, and no reduction of sodium intake subscale scores were significantly higher in female than in male patients (p < 0.05). The scores for the subscale of perceived barriers, and the seriousness for the reduction and no reduction of sodium intake were significantly higher in haemodialysis patients who had been educated above high school compared with patients with middle school education and below (p < 0.05). The scores for the subscale of perceived benefits, susceptibility, and self‐efficacy for reduction or no reduction of sodium intake were also significantly higher in haemodialysis patients with higher income compared to those with lower income (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The score for the subscale of perceived seriousness for no reduction of sodium intake was significantly higher in patients who had received transplants than in patients who had not received a transplant (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Patients undergoing haemodialysis have a low level of health belief about salt intake.
Chinese medical students’ knowledge, attitude and practice towards human papillomavirus vaccination and their intention to recommend the vaccine
Authors: Liu Anthony , Ho Frederick K , Chan Lily KL , Ng Joanne YW , Li Sophia L , Chan Godfrey CF , Leung Ting Fan , Ip Patrick
Published: September 2017

Aim

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is effective in preventing cervical cancer, but its global uptake rate in vulnerable populations is unsatisfactory. Physician's recommendation is an important determinant for vaccine uptake, but we have limited understanding on the contributing factors of physician's recommendation. This study investigated whether the knowledge, attitudes and vaccination status of medical students would affect their intention to recommend HPV vaccination.

Methods

This is a population‐representative survey of medical schools in Hong Kong.

Results

Participants included 1022 Chinese medical students (46.9% of all in Hong Kong; 46.3% female). Better HPV‐related knowledge and a more positive attitude towards HPV vaccination were important factors predicting vaccine uptake and intention to recommend. HPV vaccination status and intention to receive the vaccine were positively associated with intention to recommend among females.

Conclusion

Better HPV‐related medical education may be a feasible way to promote the HPV vaccine in regions without universal coverage. Medical students who have not received the HPV vaccine should also be encouraged to receive the vaccine.
Structural/mechanistic insights into the efficacy of nonclassical β‐lactamase inhibitors against extensively drug resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia clinical isolates
Authors: Calvopiña Karina , Hinchliffe Philip , Brem Jürgen , Heesom Kate J. , Johnson Samar , Cain Ricky , Lohans Christopher T. , Fishwick Colin W. G. , Schofield Christopher J. , Spencer James , Avison Matthew B.
Published: September 2017

Clavulanic acid and avibactam are clinically deployed serine β‐lactamase inhibitors, important as a defence against antibacterial resistance. Bicyclic boronates are recently discovered inhibitors of serine and some metallo β‐lactamases. Here, we show that avibactam and a bicyclic boronate inhibit L2 (serine β‐lactamase) but not L1 (metallo β‐lactamase) from the extensively drug resistant human pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. X‐ray crystallography revealed that both inhibitors bind L2 by covalent attachment to the nucleophilic serine. Both inhibitors reverse ceftazidime resistance in S. maltophilia because, unlike clavulanic acid, they do not induce L1 production. Ceftazidime/inhibitor resistant mutants hyperproduce L1, but retain aztreonam/inhibitor susceptibility because aztreonam is not an L1 substrate. Importantly, avibactam, but not the bicyclic boronate is deactivated by L1 at a low rate; the utility of avibactam might be compromised by mutations that increase this deactivation rate. These data rationalize the observed clinical efficacy of ceftazidime/avibactam plus aztreonam as combination therapy for S. maltophilia infections and confirm that aztreonam‐like β‐lactams plus nonclassical β‐lactamase inhibitors, particularly avibactam‐like and bicyclic boronate compounds, have potential for treating infections caused by this most intractable of drug resistant pathogens.
Can weight gain be prevented in women receiving treatment for breast cancer? A systematic review of intervention studies
Authors: Thomson Z. O. , Reeves M. M.
Published: September 2017

Background

Obesity and weight gain have been associated with poor disease‐specific and health‐related outcomes in women with breast cancer.

Objectives

This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of weight gain prevention interventions among women with breast cancer.

Methods

Completed and ongoing trials evaluating a behaviourally based dietary intervention with or without physical activity and with a focus on weight gain prevention during treatment for breast cancer were reviewed. Weight change and body composition data were extracted. Within‐group weight change of ±1 kg and between‐group (intervention versus control) weight difference of ≥2 kg were defined as successful weight gain prevention.

Results

Five completed trials (seven intervention arms) and five ongoing trials were identified. Completed trials exclusively recruited premenopausal or premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Within‐group weight gain was prevented in two intervention arms, two arms achieved weight loss and three arms reported weight gain. Of the five comparisons with control groups, two reported significant differences in weight change between groups. Ongoing trials will provide further evidence on longer‐term outcomes, cost‐effectiveness and blood markers.

Conclusion

This small but growing number of studies provides preliminary and promising evidence that weight gain can be prevented in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
Not changes in membrane fluidity but proteotoxic stress triggers heat shock protein expression in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Rütgers Mark , Muranaka Ligia Segatto , Schulz‐Raffelt Miriam , Thoms Sylvia , Schurig Juliane , Willmund Felix , Schroda Michael
Published: September 2017

A conserved reaction of all organisms exposed to heat stress is an increased expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs). Several studies have proposed that HSP expression in heat‐stressed plant cells is triggered by an increased fluidity of the plasma membrane. Among the main lines of evidence in support of this model are as follows: (a) the degree of membrane lipid saturation was higher in cells grown at elevated temperatures and correlated with a lower amplitude of HSP expression upon a temperature upshift, (b) membrane fluidizers induce HSP expression at physiological temperatures, and (c) membrane rigidifier dimethylsulfoxide dampens heat‐induced HSP expression. Here, we tested whether this holds also for Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We show that heat‐induced HSP expression in cells grown at elevated temperatures was reduced because they already contained elevated levels of cytosolic HSP70A/90A that apparently act as negative regulators of heat shock factor 1. We find that membrane rigidifier dimethylsulfoxide impaired translation under heat stress conditions and that membrane fluidizer benzyl alcohol not only induced HSP expression but also caused protein aggregation. These findings support the classical model for the cytosolic unfolded protein response, according to which HSP expression is induced by the accumulation of unfolded proteins. Hence, the membrane fluidity model should be reconsidered.
Are tanning salons in compliance with German law? An evaluation based on a nationwide representative survey
Authors: Görig Tatiana , Schneider Sven , Greinert Rüdiger , Breitbart Eckhard W. , Diehl Katharina
Published: September 2017

Background

Given the evidence for increased skin cancer risk due to the sunbed use, a regulation of hazardous artificial ultraviolet radiation (UVR regulation) was passed in Germany in 2012. The aim of this study was to explore the advisory services in tanning studios as reported by sunbed users and to evaluate the information provided by the personnel of tanning salons after the UVR regulation was enacted.

Methods

The first wave of the representative National Cancer Aid Monitoring on Sunbed Use included a subgroup of 357 German citizens between 14 and 45 years who had used sunbeds since the UVR regulation was implemented. The participants provided data on sunbed use and related issues in telephone interviews.

Results

Although sunbed operators are mandated to offer their customers certain services at least once since the implementation of the UVR regulation, 15.4% of sunbed users were never advised to use protective eyewear during tanning and 13.1% were not provided with eyewear during their last sunbed use. Overall, 66.0% were never offered to develop a tanning schedule, 56.9% were never advised on the risks of UVR, 43.4% were never offered a determination of their skin type and 40.0% of users were never advised on how to use a sunbed safely.

Conclusions

The data showed that 3 years after the UVR regulation was enacted, compliance with this legislation is still not optimal. Binding wording in the legal text and making them applicable to unsupervised sunbeds as well is necessary to extend the impact of this legislation.
On Solving Endogeneity with Invalid Instruments: An Application to Investment Equations
Authors: Galvao Antonio F. , Montes–Rojas Gabriel , Olmo Jose , Song Suyong
Published: September 2017

Regression models relating investment demand with firms’ Tobin's q and cash flow are fraught with measurement errors which, in turn, cause endogeneity bias. We propose an alternative solution to this problem based on modelling the interaction between the endogenous Tobin's q and the error term in the investment equation as a function of lagged values of Tobin's q. We then study the identification conditions and asymptotic properties of the resulting estimator. Our analysis of a panel of US firms reveals a larger effect of Tobin's q on firms’ investment demand than that obtained by using available estimators in the literature. Moreover, the estimates highlight the importance of cash flow. We find mixed evidence on the relationship between investment demand and firms’ cash flow with respect to different measures of financial constraints. Nevertheless, this evidence is more supportive of the view that firms’ cash flows have a weaker correlation to investment demand when financial conditions tighten.
Racialized physical space as cultural product
Authors: Bonam Courtney M. , Taylor Valerie J. , Yantis Caitlyn
Published: September 2017

We argue for incorporating physical space into the psychological study of race. Specifically, we review historical and sociological work explaining how physical space (e.g., houses, rivers, neighborhoods, and nations) has been used to construct race and racial hierarchy, leaving physical space structurally racialized. This structural racialization, we propose, has led people to think of physical space in racial terms, creating mental images of race that include physical space characteristics. We explain how these mental images may influence race‐related psychological processes (e.g., person perception and social identity threat). We also detail evidence that these mental images of racialized space shape how people perceive and interact with space, in ways that likely reinforce its structural racialization. We therefore frame physical space as a cultural product, situating it within the mutually constitutive nature of culture and psyche. This expanded approach to studying race can facilitate a fuller understanding of all the ways in which psychological processes contribute to racial inequality.
Low velocity impact behaviour of a hybrid carbon‐epoxy/cork laminate
Authors: Silva F.G.A. , de Moura M.F.S.F. , Magalhães A.G.
Published: September 2017

This work addresses low velocity impact behaviour of monolithic cross‐ply carbon‐epoxy and hybrid carbon‐epoxy/cork laminates. The [04, 904]s layup was selected due to its high mismatch bending between different oriented layers, which is a critical aspect concerning large delamination development at these critical interfaces. The effect of a cork layer inserted at the most critical interface on low velocity impact behaviour of the carbon‐epoxy laminate is discussed. Impact response and resulting damage profiles of monolithic and hybrid laminates are compared, and advantages of the hybrid solution are underlined. A numerical analysis including cohesive zone modelling was also performed to assess the damage profiles obtained for the two laminates analysed. The model revealed to be effective for a better comprehension of damage mechanism for both studied cases.
Bacterial contamination of platelet components not detected by BacT/ALERT®
Authors: Abela M. A. , Fenning S. , Maguire K. A. , Morris K. G.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To investigate the possible causes for false negative results in BacT/ALERT® 3D Signature System despite bacterial contamination of platelet units.

Background

The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) routinely extends platelet component shelf life to 7 days. Components are sampled and screened for bacterial contamination using an automated microbial detection system, the BacT/ALERT® 3D Signature System. We report on three platelet components with confirmed bacterial contamination, which represent false negative BacT/ALERT® results and near‐miss serious adverse events.

Methods

NIBTS protocols for risk reduction of bacterial contamination of platelet components are described. The methodology for bacterial detection using BacT/ALERT® is outlined. Laboratory tests, relevant patient details and relevant follow‐up information are analysed.

Results

In all three cases, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the platelet residue and confirmed on terminal sub‐culture using BacT/ALERT®. In two cases, S. aureus with similar genetic makeup was isolated from the donors.

Conclusion

Risk reduction measures for bacterial contamination of platelet components are not always effective. Automated bacterial culture detection does not eliminate the risk of bacterial contamination. Visual inspection of platelet components prior to release, issue and administration remains an important last line of defence.
Measures of irrationality for hypersurfaces of large degree
Authors: Bastianelli Francesco , De Poi Pietro , Ein Lawrence , Lazarsfeld Robert , Ullery Brooke
Published: September 2017

We study various measures of irrationality for hypersurfaces of large degree in projective space and other varieties. These include the least degree of a rational covering of projective space, and the minimal gonality of a covering family of curves. The theme is that positivity properties of canonical bundles lead to lower bounds on these invariants. In particular, we prove that if $X\subseteq \mathbf{P}^{n+1}$ is a very general smooth hypersurface of dimension $n$ and degree $d\geqslant 2n+1$, then any dominant rational mapping $f:X{\dashrightarrow}\mathbf{P}^{n}$ must have degree at least $d-1$. We also propose a number of open problems, and we show how our methods lead to simple new proofs of results of Ran and Beheshti–Eisenbud concerning varieties of multi-secant lines.
Two new species of Prolixus (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae) on Gahnia (Cyperaceae) from New Zealand
Authors: Xu Yun , Huang Jian , Zhang Zhi-Qiang
Published: September 2017

Two new species, Prolixus nicholasi sp. nov. and Prolixus setifolius sp. nov., are described and illustrated from leaves of Gahnia setifolia (Cyperaceae) in Auckland, New Zealand. In this paper, we present the ontogenetic additions in idiosomal and the leg chaetotaxy from larva to adult. The adult male and female of P. setifolius have different leg setae, allowing all active life stages to be sexed. A key to world species of Prolixus is also proposed.
Phytoseiid Mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) of the Azores Islands
Authors: Ferragut Francisco , Navia Denise
Published: September 2017

The fauna of phytoseiid mites (Phytoseiidae) is still scarcely known in the Azores archipelago. A survey was conducted in the islands of Pico, Faial and Flores where phytoseiid mites were collected from native, cultivated and invasive plants. Twenty-two species were collected, nine of which represent new records for the Azores. Five new species, Neoseiulus petraeus Ferragut sp. nov., Phytoseius azorensis Ferragut sp. nov., Typhlodromus (Typhlodromus) atlanticus Ferragut sp. nov., T. (T.) floresiensis Ferragut sp. nov. and Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) septemporosus Ferragut sp. nov., are described and illustrated. We provide complementary morphological information for four known species, additional features for the separation of Typhlodromina tropica (Chant) and T. subtropica (Muma & Denmark) and the redescription of Amblyseius elongatus (Garman). A key to separate the phytoseiid species of the Azores is also included.
A general radiation model for sound fields and nearfield acoustical holography in wedge propagation spaces
Authors: Hoffmann Falk-Martin , Fazi Filippo Maria , Williams Earl G. , Fontana Simone
Published: September 2017

In this work an expression for the solution of the Helmholtz equation for wedge spaces is derived. Such propagation spaces represent scenarios for many acoustical problems where a free field assumption is not eligible. The proposed sound field model is derived from the general solution of the wave equation in cylindrical coordinates, using sets of orthonormal basis functions. The latter are modified to satisfy several boundary conditions representing the reflective behaviour of wedge-shaped propagation spaces. This formulation is then used in the context of nearfield acoustical holography (NAH) and to obtain the expression of the Neumann Green function. The model and its suitability for NAH is demonstrated through both numerical simulations and measured data, where the latter was acquired for the specific case of a loudspeaker on a hemi-cylindrical rigid baffle.
Identification and Characterization of the Major Porin of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough
Authors: Zeng Lucy , Wooton Etsuko , Stahl David A. , Walian Peter J.
Published: September 2017

Due in large part to their ability to facilitate the diffusion of a diverse range of solutes across the outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria, the porins represent one of the most prominent and important bacterial membrane protein superfamilies. Notably, for the Gram-negative bacterium
Desulfovibrio vulgaris
Hildenborough, a model organism for studies of sulfate-reducing bacteria, no genes for porins have been identified or proposed in its annotated genome. Results from initial biochemical studies suggested that the product of the DVU0799 gene, which is one of the most abundant proteins of the
D. vulgaris
Hildenborough OM and purified as a homotrimeric complex, was a strong porin candidate. To investigate this possibility, this protein was further characterized biochemically and biophysically. Structural analyses via electron microscopy of negatively stained protein identified trimeric particles with stain-filled depressions and structural modeling suggested a β-barrel structure for the monomer, motifs common among the known porins. Functional studies were performed in which crude OM preparations or purified DVU0799 was reconstituted into proteoliposomes and the proteoliposomes were examined for permeability against a series of test solutes. The results obtained establish DVU0799 to be a pore-forming protein with permeability properties similar to those observed for classical bacterial porins, such as those of
Escherichia coli
. Taken together, these findings identify this highly abundant OM protein to be the major porin of
D. vulgaris
Hildenborough. Classification of DVU0799 in this model organism expands the database of functionally characterized porins and may also extend the range over which sequence analysis strategies can be used to identify porins in other bacterial genomes.

IMPORTANCE
Porins are membrane proteins that form transmembrane pores for the passive transport of small molecules across the outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria. The present study identified and characterized the major porin of the model sulfate-reducing bacterium
Desulfovibrio vulgaris
Hildenborough, observing its preference for anionic sugars over neutral ones. Its predicted architecture appears to be novel for a classical porin, as its core β-barrel structure is of a type typically found in solute-specific channels. Broader use of the methods employed here, such as assays for channel permeability and electron microscopy of purified samples, is expected to help expand the database of confirmed porin sequences and improve the range over which sequence analysis-based strategies can be used to identify porins in other Gram-negative bacteria. Functional characterization of these critical gatekeeping proteins from divergent
Desulfovibrio
species should offer an improved understanding of the physiological features that determine their habitat range and supporting activities.
An Alternative STAT Signaling Pathway Acts in Viral Immunity in
Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Tanguy Mélanie , Véron Louise , Stempor Przemyslaw , Ahringer Julie , Sarkies Peter , Miska Eric A.
Published: September 2017

Across metazoans, innate immunity is vital in defending organisms against viral infection. In mammals, antiviral innate immunity is orchestrated by interferon signaling, activating the STAT transcription factors downstream of the JAK kinases to induce expression of antiviral effector genes. In the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
, which lacks the interferon system, the major antiviral response so far described is RNA interference (RNAi), but whether additional gene expression responses are employed is not known. Here we show that, despite the absence of both interferon and JAK, the
C. elegans
STAT homolog STA-1 orchestrates antiviral immunity. Intriguingly, mutants lacking STA-1 are less permissive to antiviral infection. Using gene expression analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation, we show that, in contrast to the mammalian pathway, STA-1 acts mostly as a transcriptional repressor. Thus, STA-1 might act to suppress a constitutive antiviral response in the absence of infection. Additionally, using a reverse genetic screen, we identify the kinase SID-3 as a new component of the response to infection, which, along with STA-1, participates in the transcriptional regulatory network of the immune response. Our work uncovers novel physiological roles for two factors in viral infection: a SID protein acting independently of RNAi and a STAT protein acting in
C. elegans
antiviral immunity. Together, these results illustrate the complex evolutionary trajectory displayed by innate immune signaling pathways across metazoan organisms.

IMPORTANCE
Since innate immunity was discovered, a diversity of pathways has arisen as powerful first-line defense mechanisms to fight viral infection. RNA interference, reported mostly in invertebrates and plants, as well as the mammalian interferon response and JAK/STAT pathway are key in RNA virus innate immunity. We studied infection by the Orsay virus in
Caenorhabditis elegans
, where RNAi is known to be a potent antiviral defense. We show that, in addition to its RNAi pathway,
C. elegans
utilizes an alternative STAT pathway to control the levels of viral infection. We identify the transcription factor STA-1 and the kinase SID-3 as two components of this response. Our study defines
C. elegans
as a new example of the diversity of antiviral strategies.