bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smartphone apps for skin cancer diagnosis: Implications for patients and practitioners
Authors: Abbott Lisa M , Smith Saxon D
Published: January 2018

A research team at Stanford recently reported that their deep convolutional neural network had learned to classify skin cancer with a level of competence equivalent to that of board‐certified dermatologists. It is possible that in time, and using larger datasets, such software may surpass the average doctor in diagnostic ability, and that highly accurate technology may be available to both clinicians and patients via smartphones. This technology is poised to change the landscape of skin cancer diagnosis for both physicians and patients, but whether such changes are beneficial will depend on how they are regulated and implemented.
Comparison of skin cancers in liver and renal transplant recipients: Results of a prospective study in an Australian tertiary referral centre
Authors: Ge Ludi , Chee Shien‐Ning , Robledo Kristy P , Lowe Patricia
Published: January 2018

Background/Objectives

Organ transplant recipients (OTR) have an increased risk of skin cancers compared with the general population.

Methods

A prospective study of renal (RTR) and liver transplant recipients (LTR) was conducted in a single New South Wales tertiary referral centre over 60 months. Initial and subsequent visit data were recorded in our transplant database. Only patients with a minimum of 11 months follow up were included.

Results

Altogether 142 RTR and 88 LTR were included in the analysis. Compared with RTR, the median age of liver transplant recipients was higher (64 vs 57 years), more men were patients (73 vs 60%) and there were higher rates of high‐risk skin types (54 vs 33%) and heavy sun exposure (43 vs 30%). RTR developed 304 non‐melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) with a squamous cell carcinoma:basal cell carcinoma ratio of 1.7:1. LTR developed 205 NMSC with a squamous cell carcinoma:basal cell carcinoma ratio of 1.6:1. The odds ratio of developing NMSC in LTR:RTR was 1.8:1 (95% CI: 1.02–3.11, P = 0.044) on univariate analysis but there was no difference on multivariate analysis. A previous history of NMSC, age, time from transplant from first visit, skin phenotype and previous sun exposure were significant risk factors for developing NMSC.

Conclusions

Liver transplant recipients are not at a lower risk of NMSC than RTR. Our study supports routine and regular post‐transplant skin surveillance of all LTR, like other OTR.
Adherence to guidance on registration of randomised controlled trials published in Anaesthesia
Authors: El‐Boghdadly K. , Wiles M. D. , Atton S. , Bailey C. R.
Published: January 2018

The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors recommends the prospective registration of interventional clinical trials. We aimed to assess the compliance with these guidelines for manuscripts submitted to and published by a single anaesthetic journal. We examined the rates of prospective trial registration, the incidence of discrepancies in primary outcome measure(s) and sample sizes, and the citation metrics of all randomised controlled trials published in Anaesthesia over a 3‐year period (2014–2016). Of the 422 randomised controlled trials submitted during the study period, 115 (27.3%) were accepted for publication, of which 90 (78.3%) were patient studies, with the remaining 25 comprising manikin, simulation, volunteer, bench, cadaver and other non‐patient intervention studies. Of the accepted patient studies, 64 (71.1%) were prospectively registered with a clinical trials registry, 20 (22.2%) were not registered and 6 (6.7%) were retrospectively registered after manuscript submission. There was no difference in the frequency of registration between accepted and rejected manuscripts (77.8% vs. 84.5%, respectively, p = 0.143). The median (IQR [range]) time from registration of accepted manuscripts to journal submission was 701 (331–1341 [99–2436]) days. There was no correlation between number of patients recruited to a study and time to submission. Fifty‐two (81.3%) of the prospectively registered studies reported the same primary outcomes in both registration and submission, and 34 (53.1%) studies were published with the same powered sample size as that described in the registry. Eleven (12.2%) studies recruited more patients and 19 (21.1%) recruited fewer patients than described in the registration protocol. There was no difference in the median (IQR [range]) number of citations per month since publication between prospectively (0.27 (0.15–0.46 [0.00–1.59]), and retrospectively (0.39 (0.15–0.62 [0.10–0.67]); p = 0.502) or unregistered (0.33 (0.10–0.52 [0.00–0.67]); p = 0.867) studies. Our results suggest that prospective clinical trial registration has no influence on acceptance for publication by Anaesthesia or subsequent citation metrics. The international recommendation for prospective trial registration appears to have not been universally incorporated into anaesthetic‐related research practice.
Antenatal vaccination against Group B streptococcus: attitudes of pregnant women and healthcare professionals in the UK towards participation in clinical trials and routine implementation
Authors: McQuaid Fiona , Jones Christine , Stevens Zoe , Meddaugh Gretchen , O'Sullivan Catherine , Donaldson Beverly , Hughes Rhona , Ford Carolyn , Finn Adam , Faust Saul N. , Gbesemete Diane , Bedford Helen , Hughes Stephen , Varghese Anu S. , Heath Paul T. , Snape Matthew D.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Maternal vaccination is increasingly part of antenatal care in the UK and worldwide. Trials of Group B streptococcus vaccines are ongoing. This study investigated the attitudes of pregnant women and healthcare professionals towards antenatal vaccination, both in routine care and a clinical trial setting.

Material and methods

Survey of 269 pregnant women, 273 midwives/obstetricians and 97 neonatal doctors across seven sites in the UK assessing attitudes towards antenatal vaccinations, knowledge of Group B streptococcus, a hypothetical Group B streptococcus vaccine, and participation in clinical vaccine trials.

Results

68% of pregnant women intended to receive a vaccine during their current pregnancy (183/269) and 43% (of all respondents, 115/269) reported they would be very/fairly likely to accept a vaccine against Group B streptococcus despite only 29% (55/269) knowing what Group B streptococcus was. This increased to 69% after additional information about Group B streptococcus was provided. Twenty‐four percent of pregnant women reported they would be likely to take part in a clinical trial of an unlicensed Group B streptococcus vaccine. Fifty‐nine percent of maternity professionals and 74% of neonatologists would be likely to recommend participation in a Group B streptococcus vaccine trial to women, with the vast majority (>99%) willing to be involved in such a study. Incentives to take part cited by pregnant women included extra antenatal scans and the opportunity to be tested for Group B streptococcus.

Conclusion

Pregnant women and healthcare professionals were open to the idea of an antenatal Group B streptococcus vaccine and involvement in clinical trials of such a vaccine. Education and support from midwives would be key to successful implementation.
Effect of FH535 on in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes by inhibiting WNT signaling pathway
Authors: Shi Meihong , Cheng Jianyong , He Yamei , Jiang Zhongliang , Bodinga Bello M. , Liu Boyang , Chen Huali , Li Qingwang
Published: December 2017

Wingless‐int (WNT) signaling pathway is vital to modulate life processes, including cell fate determination, cell differentiation, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and embryogenesis. To demonstrate the uncertain effect of the canonical WNT signaling pathway on oocyte maturation, immature porcine oocytes were collected and cultured in vitro with the WNT/β‐catenin inhibitor FH535. The concentrations of FH535 were selected as 0.00, 0.01, 0.10, 1.00 and 10.00 μmol/L. The results showed that the optimum concentration of FH535 on oocyte maturation was 1.00 μmol/L. In this concentration, the proportion of MII oocytes increased (P < 0.05). The rate of cleavage was the same with the control (P > 0.05), while the rate of blastocysts in the 1.00 μmol/L FH535 treated group was higher than that of control (P < 0.01). Additionally, the average number of nuclei in blastocysts raised significantly (P < 0.05). The inhibition of WNT could regulate expression of maturation‐related genes, including Cdc‐2, Bmp‐15, Gdf‐9 and Mos. In the 1.00 μmol/L FH535 treated group, the messenger RNA level of β‐catenin showed no significant change compared to the control (P > 0.05), but the protein abundance was decreased (P < 0.05). This study revealed that the inhibition of FH535 on the WNT signaling pathway could promote the maturation of porcine oocytes and altered gene expressions in vitro.
Semiparametric Estimation of the Accelerated Mean Model with Panel Count Data Under Informative Examination Times
Authors: Chiou Sy Han , Xu Gongjun , Yan Jun , Huang Chiung-Yu
Published: December 2017

Panel count data arise when the number of recurrent events experienced by each subject is observed intermittently at discrete examination times. The examination time process can be informative about the underlying recurrent event process even after conditioning on covariates. We consider a semiparametric accelerated mean model for the recurrent event process and allow the two processes to be correlated through a shared frailty. The regression parameters have a simple marginal interpretation of modifying the time scale of the cumulative mean function of the event process. A novel estimation procedure for the regression parameters and the baseline rate function is proposed based on a conditioning technique. In contrast to existing methods, the proposed method is robust in the sense that it requires neither the strong Poisson-type assumption for the underlying recurrent event process nor a parametric assumption on the distribution of the unobserved frailty. Moreover, the distribution of the examination time process is left unspecified, allowing for arbitrary dependence between the two processes. Asymptotic consistency of the estimator is established, and the variance of the estimator is estimated by a model-based smoothed bootstrap procedure. Numerical studies demonstrated that the proposed point estimator and variance estimator perform well with practical sample sizes. The methods are applied to data from a skin cancer chemoprevention trial.
Meal‐related oscillations in the serum serotonin levels in healthy young men
Authors: Kwon Obin , Yu Ji Hee , Jeong Eunheui , Yoo Hyun Ju , Kim Min‐Seon
Published: January 2018

Context

Serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter in the central and enteric nervous systems, modulating psychological, metabolic and gastrointestinal functions. Serotonin is also found in the serum or plasma, indicating its potential role as a hormone.

Objective

We aimed to assess the 24‐hour diurnal profile of serum serotonin in relation to meal ingestion in healthy adult men.

Methods

Ten healthy (5 lean and 5 obese) male subjects were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were drawn every 30‐60 minutes throughout a 24‐hour period to determine the serotonin levels. Three meals were provided on a fixed schedule. To confirm the effect of meal intake on serum serotonin levels, 4 subjects underwent fasting until 1500 h and were then provided a meal without notice.

Results

Serum serotonin levels had distinct diurnal variations, with the highest levels early in the morning and the lowest levels in the midafternoon and during sleep. Notably, these diurnal oscillations were markedly reduced in obese subjects. Fluctuations in serum serotonin levels were associated with meal intake, and the levels peaked 30 minutes before meals and exhibited a trough during the postprandial period. Fasting blunted the meal‐related oscillations in serum serotonin levels. Moreover, unexpected meal intake did not lead to a premeal increase in serum serotonin levels.

Conclusions

Serum serotonin levels displayed meal‐related diurnal oscillations, which were disrupted by fasting and obesity. These findings suggest the possibility that circulating serotonin modulates metabolic function in humans.
Septolobular panniculitis in disseminated Lyme borreliosis
Authors: Dittmer Martin R. , Willis Melissa S. , Selby John C. , Liu Vincent
Published: January 2018

Lyme disease classically evolves through clinical manifestations according to the stage of illness. Because many of the systemic symptoms are non‐specific, and because serology may yield false negative results, cutaneous findings merit even greater importance to diagnosis. The prototypical skin lesion, erythema migrans (EM), occurs early and is the only independent diagnostic clinical feature according to the guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. EM itself has protean guises, being, at times, vesicular, indurated, necrotic, purpuric, solid, or targetoid, but it is not the sole Borrelia‐associated skin lesion. Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans and borrelial lymphocytoma cutis are other well‐known skin manifestations. A rare cutaneous manifestation that is increasingly reported in Lyme patients is panniculitis, which develops after dissemination of the spirochete. We present such a case in a patient who was initially treated for cellulitis as well as neck and radicular leg pain, thereby expanding the cutaneous spectrum of Lyme disease.
The International Alcohol Control Study: Methodology and implementation
Authors: Huckle Taisia , Casswell Sally , Mackintosh Anne‐Marie , Chaiyasong Surasak , Viet Cuong Pham , Morojele Neo , Parry Charles D. H. , Meier Petra , Holmes John , Callinan Sarah , Piazza Marina , Kazantseva Elena , Bayandorj Tsogzolmaa , Gray‐Phillip Gaile , Haliday Sharon , Chun Sungsoo , Welch Miriam , Graydon‐Guy Thomas , Parker Karl
Published: January 2018

Introduction and Aims

The International Alcohol Control (IAC) Study is a multi‐country collaborative project to assess patterns of alcohol consumption and the impact of alcohol control policy. The aim of this paper is to report the methods and implementation of the IAC.

Design and Methods

The IAC has been implemented among drinkers 16–65 years in high‐ and middle‐income countries: Australia, England, Scotland, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, Thailand, South Africa, Peru, Mongolia and Vietnam (the latter four samples were sub‐national). Two research instruments were used: the IAC survey of drinkers and the Alcohol Environmental Protocol (a protocol for policy analysis). The survey was administered via computer‐assisted interview and the Alcohol Environmental Protocol data were collected via document review, administrative or commercial data and key informant interviews.

Results

The IAC instruments were readily adapted for cross‐country use. The IAC methodology has provided cross‐country survey data on key measures of alcohol consumption (quantity, frequency and volume), aspects of policy relevant behaviour and policy implementation: availability, price, purchasing, marketing and drink driving. The median response rate for all countries was 60% (range 16% to 99%). Where data on alcohol available for consumption were available the validity of survey consumption measures were assessed by calculating survey coverage found to be 86% or above. Differential response bias was handled, to the extent it could be, using post‐stratification weights.

Discussion and Conclusions

The IAC study will allow for cross‐country analysis of drinking patterns, the relationship between alcohol use and policy relevant behaviour in different countries.
Which is the most recommended medium for the storage and transport of avulsed teeth? A systematic review
Authors: Adnan Samira , Lone Maham M. , Khan Farhan R. , Hussain Syeda M. , Nagi Sana E.
Published: January 2018

Background/Aims

A wide variety of materials has been researched for their use as potential storage media for avulsed teeth, but it is essential to recognize the medium most recommended for improvement of the prognosis of avulsed teeth. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the most recommended medium to store and transport avulsed teeth based on the survival of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells as determined by in vitro studies.

Methods

Only laboratory‐based experimental studies on PDL cells found on adult permanent teeth were included. Data were collected using PubMed, CINAHL plus (EBSCO host), and the Cochrane Library, along with Google Scholar and a hand search. The key terms employed were permutations of [avulsed permanent teeth* OR dental avulsion* OR knocked out teeth*] AND [storage media* OR transport media* OR biological transport* OR PDL cell viability* OR PDL cell survival*]. A customized data extraction pro forma was used to extract the data and to evaluate the quality and risk of bias.

Results

The initial search yielded 978 articles, but only 67 were selected. Milk was the most recommended individual medium followed by Hank's balanced salt solution. Among natural products other than milk, propolis and coconut water were most frequently recommended. Recommendations were based on maintenance of PDL cell viability followed by ease of availability, low cost, and long shelf life.

Conclusions

Natural products are more effective in maintaining the PDL cell viability compared to synthetic products. Some storage media recommendations were also based upon practical aspects. Although natural products other than milk have more recommendations as a group, milk is the most recommended storage medium individually, based not only on PDL cell viability, but also practical considerations.
Tree cover shows strong sensitivity to precipitation variability across the global tropics
Authors: Xu Xiangtao , Medvigy David , Trugman Anna T. , Guan Kaiyu , Good Stephen P. , Rodriguez‐Iturbe Ignacio
Published: January 2018

Aim

Vegetation is sensitive to mean annual precipitation (MAP), but the sensitivity of vegetation to precipitation variability (PV) is less clear. Tropical ecosystems are likely to experience increased PV in the future. Here we assessed the importance, magnitude and mechanism of PV effects on tree cover in the context of covarying environmental drivers such as fire, temperature and soil properties.

Location

Tropical land.

Time period

2000–2010.

Major taxa studied

Trees.

Methods

We compiled climate, soil and remotely‐sensed tree cover data over tropical land. We then comprehensively assessed the contribution of PV at different time‐scales to tropical tree cover variations and estimated the sensitivity of tree cover to PV changes by conducting rolling‐window regression and variance decomposition analyses. We further adopted a mechanistic modelling approach to test whether water competition between trees and grasses can explain the observed effect of PV.

Results

We find that PV contributes 33–56% to the total explained spatial variation (65–79%) in tree cover. The contribution of PV depends on MAP and is highest under intermediate MAP (500–1,500 mm). Tree cover generally increases with rainy day frequency and wet season length but shows mixed responses to inter‐annual PV. Based on the estimated sensitivity, tropical tree cover can decrease by 3–5% overall and by up to 20% in Amazonia under a 20% decrease in rainy days. Mechanistic modelling analysis reproduced the continental differences in tree cover along an MAP gradient.

Main conclusions

Under intermediate rainfall regimes (500–1,500 mm), PV can be a more important determinant of tropical tree cover than conventionally proposed drivers such as MAP and fire. The effect of PV likely results from the sensitivity of tree–grass competition to the temporal distribution of water resources. These results show that climate variability can strongly shape the biosphere.
Anthropometric patterns of adiposity, hypertension and diabetes mellitus in older adults of Viçosa, Brazil: A population‐based study
Authors: Rezende Fabiane AC , Ribeiro Andréia Q , Mingoti Sueli A , Pereira Patrícia F , Marins João CB , Priore Silvia E , Franceschini Sylvia CC
Published: January 2018

Aim

To identify anthropometric patterns of adiposity and estimate their association with hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) in older adults.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study with 537 older adults aged ≥60 years was carried out. Weight, height, and waist, hip and calf circumference were measured. The following indices were calculated: a body shape index, body roundness index, conicity index, body adiposity index, body mass index, waist‐to‐height ratio, waist‐to‐calf ratio, waist‐to‐hip ratio and waist‐to‐hip‐to‐height ratio. The anthropometric patterns of adiposity were obtained by factor analysis of principal components, and their association with hypertension and DM was identified by multiple Poisson regression with robust variance.

Results

Two anthropometric patterns of adiposity were identified. Pattern 1 and 2 explained approximately 53% and 33% of the total variance, respectively, in both sexes. Pattern 1 indicated of global adiposity, and weight, body mass index and hip circumference were the variables most strongly correlated with this pattern in both sexes. Pattern 2 represented the body fat distribution, being a body shape index the most important variable in this factor. After adjustment by confounding factors, only the pattern 2 remained significantly associated with DM in women.

Conclusions

Only the anthropometric pattern of adiposity central was associated with DM in older women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 584–591.
Lem2 is retained at the nuclear envelope through its interaction with Bqt4 in fission yeast
Authors: Hirano Yasuhiro , Kinugasa Yasuha , Asakawa Haruhiko , Chikashige Yuji , Obuse Chikashi , Haraguchi Tokuko , Hiraoka Yasushi
Published: January 2018

Inner nuclear membrane (INM) proteins are thought to play important roles in modulating nuclear organization and function through their interactions with chromatin. However, these INM proteins share redundant functions in metazoans that pose difficulties for functional studies. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe exhibits a relatively small number of INM proteins, and molecular genetic tools are available to separate their redundant functions. In S. pombe, it has been reported that among potentially redundant INM proteins, Lem2 displays a unique genetic interaction with another INM protein, Bqt4, which is involved in anchoring telomeres to the nuclear envelope. Double mutations in the lem2 and bqt4 genes confer synthetic lethality during vegetative growth. Here, we show that Lem2 is retained at the nuclear envelope through its interaction with Bqt4, as the loss of Bqt4 results in the exclusive accumulation of Lem2 to the spindle pole body (SPB). An N‐terminal nucleoplasmic region of Lem2 bears affinity to both Bqt4 and the SPB in a competitive manner. In contrast, the synthetic lethality of the lem2 bqt4 double mutant is suppressed by the C‐terminal region of Lem2. These results indicate that the N‐terminal and C‐terminal domains of Lem2 show independent functions with respect to Bqt4.
Azure‐winged Magpies Cyanopica cyanus trade off reproductive success and parental care by establishing a size hierarchy among nestlings
Authors: Da Xin‐Wei , Xian Li‐Li , Luo Juan‐Juan , Gao Li‐Fang , Du Bo
Published: January 2018

It is common in birds that the sizes of nestlings vary greatly when multiple young are produced in one nest. However, the methods used by parents to establish size hierarchy among nestlings and their effect on parental provisioning pattern may differ between species. In the Azure‐winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus, we explored how and why parents controlled the sizes of nestlings. Asynchronous hatching was the main cause of size hierarchy within the brood, although the laying of larger eggs later in the laying sequence reduced this effect. Parents with asynchronous broods produced more eggs and fledged more nestlings than those with synchronous broods but their brood provisioning rates, food delivery per feeding bout and feeding efficiency did not differ. We performed a cross‐fostering experiment to synchronize some asynchronous broods. Provisioning rates of asynchronous broods were lower than those of synchronized broods, but the daily growth rates and fledging body mass of their nestlings were not different. Our findings indicate that parents of asynchronous broods can achieve higher reproductive success than those of synchronous broods based on the same parental care, and the same reproductive success as those of synchronized broods based on less parental care. It appears that parent birds can better trade off reproductive success and parental care by establishing a size hierarchy among nestlings.
Influence of negative age stereotypes and anti‐aging needs on older consumers’ consumption‐coping behaviours: A qualitative study in South Korea
Authors: Bae Hyeyoon , Jo Sang Hyun , Han Semi , Lee Euehun
Published: January 2018

The number of older people in South Korea is growing dramatically, and the socio‐psychological needs of these people have begun to change from those of elderly people in the previous Confucian culture. The anti‐aging industry is popular among older South Korean consumers, and the Korean mass media have begun to broadcast new images of older people. The purpose of this research was to explore older Korean people's anti‐aging needs by examining their consumption‐related thoughts and behaviours in daily life. A theoretical framework is formulated to organize the coping processes and psychological mechanisms used by older Koreans to meet their anti‐aging needs. A total of 25 older Korean consumers were interviewed, and the qualitative data are analysed to determine the main causes and, attributes of, and reactions to their anti‐aging needs. The analysis of the in‐depth‐interviews shows that the older consumers’ negative age stereotypes act as a stressor and that their need for anti‐aging products is a defensive reaction. It is also found that older Korean consumers change their consumption behaviours to cope with negative age stereotypes and to satisfy their anti‐aging needs, and two types of coping behaviours (problem‐focused and emotion‐focused) are revealed. The results of this study contribute to the academic explanations of the anti‐aging phenomenon among older Koreans and enhance understanding of the perspectives of older Eastern consumers by revealing the existence of their anti‐aging needs.
Me, my family or the public good? Do inter‐role conflicts of consumer–citizens reduce their ethical consumption behaviour?
Authors: Frank Phillip
Published: January 2018

This article examines role stress, especially inter‐role conflicts (IRC), against the background of the consumer–citizen duality. It tests whether consumer–citizen conflicts impair the purchase of ethical food in terms of the ethical intention–behaviour gap. Furthermore, this study examines the potential of eustress arising from citizen–consumer conflicts to enhance actual ethical purchases. Additionally, determinants and moderating conditions of both IRC are tested. A combination of observations of actual purchase behaviour and survey data in a field setting is used to gain insights into role conflict formation and manifestation, arising from the desire to fulfil the demands of two opposing roles: consumer and citizen. The quantitative data are analysed with structural equation modelling to test the hypothesized coherencies simultaneously. Results indicate that stress arises similarly from both IRC. While a positive impact of eustress on purchase behaviour was absent, consumer–citizen role conflicts impede the actual purchase of ethical groceries. The data show that this role conflict derives, for example, from economic demands sent by the consumer role set when a person has ethical buying intentions. Additionally, the identification with the consumer role further amplifies this conflict. The data indicate that consumers instead of citizens should be empowered by marketing practitioners and policy makers, for example by reducing the perception of stress by communicating positive outcomes referring to relevant consumer role set members (e.g., added value for children from purchasing ethically) to stimulate problem–focused coping.
Amorphization‐induced volume change and residual stresses in boron carbide
Authors: Parsard Gregory , Subhash Ghatu , Jannotti Phillip
Published: January 2018

The residual pressure surrounding quasistatic and dynamic Vickers indentations in boron carbide was quantitatively mapped in 3 dimensions using Raman spectroscopy. These maps were compared against similar maps of amorphization intensity and optical micrographs of deformed regions to determine the roles of amorphization and damage upon indentation‐induced residual stress. Stress relaxation was observed near radial cracks, spalled regions, and graphitic inclusions. A positive correlation was found between high levels of residual stress and the number of amorphized sites detected. Finite element simulations were conducted to model the indentation‐induced residual stress fields in the absence of amorphization and cracking. The simulations underpredicted the average residual pressure observed through Raman spectroscopy, implying that amorphization contributes to increased pressure in the material. This pressure is interpreted as potential evidence of volumetric expansion of the amorphized material which is less ordered and hence exerts compressive forces on the surrounding crystalline matrix.
Phase transition of Eu2Ti2O7 under high pressure and a new ferroelectric phase with perovskite‐like layered structure
Authors: Gao Zhipeng , Liu Yi , Lu Chengjia , Xia Yuanhua , Fang Leiming , Ma Yongjun , He Qiang , He Duanwei , Yang Sinuo
Published: January 2018

Ferroelectrics with perovskite‐like layered (PL) structure are well‐known for their high Tc and the application prospect of high‐temperature‐piezoelectric sensing. In this study, the PL‐structure Eu2Ti2O7 was prepared by 1‐step high‐pressure sintering, which show the pyrochlore structure of Eu2Ti2O7 would change into PL structure at 11 GPa, 1300°C. The PL‐structure Eu2Ti2O7 is metastable, which will change back to pyrochlore structure at about 900°C in the air. The PL‐structure Eu2Ti2O7 was confirmed as a high‐temperature ferroelectric material for the first time. The ferroelectric domain switching was directly observed using piezoelectric force microscope. The piezoelectric constant of the PL Eu2Ti2O7 ceramic was measured as 0.7‐0.9 pC/N and its thermal depoling temperature (Td) was determined as 800°C, which is associated with the PL‐pyrochlore transition.
Descriptions of fundamental care needs in cancer care—An exploratory study
Authors: Muntlin Athlin Åsa , Brovall Maria , Wengström Yvonne , Conroy Tiffany , Kitson Alison L.
Published: January 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore the experiences of the fundamentals of care for people with a cancer diagnosis, from diagnosis to after adjuvant treatment.

Background

More focus is needed on the experience of people living with cancer, as current cancer care more emphasises on independence and resilience without fully acknowledging that there will be moments in the cancer journey where patients will need “basic nursing care” to manage their symptoms and care pathways.

Design

Secondary analysis of qualitative data.

Method

Secondary thematic analysis of interview data from 30 people with a diagnosis of breast (n = 10), colorectal (n = 10) or prostate (n = 10) cancer was undertaken.

Results

The findings revealed vivid descriptions of the fundamentals of care (i.e., basic needs) and participants described physical, psychosocial and relational aspects of the delivery of care. Both positive (e.g., supportive and kind) and negative (e.g., humiliating) experiences related to the relationship with the healthcare professionals were re‐counted and affected the participants’ experiences of the fundamentals of care. Participants’ accounts of their fundamental care needs were provided without them identifying who, within the healthcare system, was responsible for providing these needs. Specific nursing interventions were seldom described.

Conclusion

Some people with a cancer diagnosis have to strive for help and support from the nursing staff to manage to regain control over their recovery. Nurses in cancer care need to focus on the patients’ fundamental care needs to optimise their patients’ recovery.

Relevance to clinical practice

Cancer patients require support with their fundamental care needs and nurses need to be more aware of this and integrate it into the caring relationship. It is imperative that the complexity of the nurse–patient relationship is acknowledged and that models of care which honour this complexity are used.
Melatonin redirects carbohydrates metabolism during sugar starvation in plant cells
Authors: Kobylińska Agnieszka , Borek Sławomir , Posmyk Małgorzata M.
Published: January 2018

Recent studies have shown that melatonin is an important molecule in plant physiology. It seems that the most important is that melatonin efficacy eliminates oxidative stress (direct and indirect antioxidant) and moreover induce plant stress reaction and switch on different defence strategies (preventively and interventively actions). In this report, the impact of exogenous melatonin on carbohydrate metabolism in Nicotiana tabacum L. line Bright Yellow 2 (BY‐2) suspension cells during sugar starvation was examined. We analysed starch concentration, α‐amylase and PEPCK activity as well as proteolytic activity in culture media. It has been shown that BY‐2 cell treatment with 200 nM of melatonin improved viability of sugar‐starved cells. It was correlated with higher starch content and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) activity. The obtained results revealed that exogenous melatonin under specific conditions (stress) can play regulatory role in sugar metabolism, and it may modulate carbohydrate concentration in etiolated BY‐2 cells. Moreover, our results confirmed the hypothesis that if the starch is synthesised even in sugar‐starved cells, it is highly probable that melatonin shifts the BY‐2 cell metabolism on gluconeogenesis pathway and allows for synthesis of carbohydrates from nonsugar precursors, that is amino acids. These points to another defence strategy that was induced by exogenous melatonin applied in plants to overcome adverse environmental conditions.
Idea Selection in Web‐Enabled Ideation Systems
Authors: Beretta Michela
Published: January 2018

Organizations increasingly implement web‐enabled ideation systems to involve the diverse crowd of distributed employees in ideation. While recent studies have started to investigate which types of data generated in these systems can support managers in their selection decisions, less attention has been placed on the crowd of contributors and the idea itself. Building on team diversity and information processing literatures, this study extends current research by examining how contributors' knowledge diversity, the framing of their feedback (positive and negative), and the degree of idea elaboration influence selection decisions in web‐enabled ideation systems. Understanding the role of contributors is arguably important considering that the increasing integration of community functionalities enables employees to participate not only by generating ideas, but also by offering different types of knowledge and feedback to others' ideas, thus giving rise to new forms of online participation. At the same time, individuals' abilities and efforts invested in the formulation of ideas are claimed to influence how managers evaluate them, an aspect that has received limited attention in these online settings. This study is based on a rich and extensive data set of 726 ideas and 2925 comments submitted by employees to an online ideation platform of a large European firm over the course of 16 months. The findings reveal that different forms of contributors' diversity and the framing of their feedback have differential effects on idea selection. Ideas attracting contributors from different functional domains are more likely to be selected by managers, while geographic diversity does not have a significant effect on selection. Moreover, feedback that is negatively framed tends to decrease the selection chances of an idea. Finally, ideas with an optimal degree of elaboration are more likely to be selected by managers for funding. Implications for both innovation management research and practitioners are discussed.
Framed? Judicialization and the Risk of Negative Episodic Media Coverage
Authors: Barnes Jeb , Hevron Parker
Published: January 2018

Activists on the left and right have increasingly turned to the courts to make policy, raising questions about the potential risks of judicialization. One possibility is that litigation is more prone to negative episodic media coverage than alternative modes of policymaking. Using across- and within-policy area comparisons of stories about the Federal Black Lung Program, collective asbestos litigation strategies, and individual asbestos tort suits, we find that coverage becomes steadily more episodic and critical as it focuses on policy regimes that feature increasing amounts of adversarial legalism. Moreover, even the broadest coverage of asbestos litigation fails to explain why victims of asbestos turned to the courts, how powerful interests constrained their policy options, or how judges urged Congress to act. This limited and relatively critical anecdotal reporting implies that litigation may engender less favorable media coverage than its alternatives and that activists should weigh this risk when deciding to litigate.
Distinct roles for U‐type proteins in iron–sulfur cluster biosynthesis revealed by genetic analysis of the Bacillus subtilis sufCDSUB operon
Authors: Yokoyama Nao , Nonaka Chihiro , Ohashi Yukari , Shioda Masaharu , Terahata Takuya , Chen Wen , Sakamoto Kotomi , Maruyama Chihiro , Saito Takuya , Yuda Eiki , Tanaka Naoyuki , Fujishiro Takashi , Kuzuyama Tomohisa , Asai Kei , Takahashi Yasuhiro
Published: January 2018

The biosynthesis of iron–sulfur (Fe–S) clusters in Bacillus subtilis is mediated by the SUF‐like system composed of the sufCDSUB gene products. This system is unique in that it is a chimeric machinery comprising homologues of E. coli SUF components (SufS, SufB, SufC and SufD) and an ISC component (IscU). B. subtilis SufS cysteine desulfurase transfers persulfide sulfur to SufU (the IscU homologue); however, it has remained controversial whether SufU serves as a scaffold for Fe–S cluster assembly, like IscU, or acts as a sulfur shuttle protein, like E. coli SufE. Here we report that reengineering of the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway in B. subtilis can offset the indispensability of the sufCDSUB operon, allowing the resultant Δsuf mutants to grow without detectable Fe–S proteins. Heterologous bidirectional complementation studies using B. subtilis and E. coli mutants showed that B. subtilis SufSU is interchangeable with E. coli SufSE but not with IscSU. In addition, functional similarity in SufB, SufC and SufD was observed between B. subtilis and E. coli. Our findings thus indicate that B. subtilis SufU is the protein that transfers sulfur from SufS to SufB, and that the SufBCD complex is the site of Fe–S cluster assembly.
Genetic analysis and fine mapping of a dominant dwarfness gene from wild rice (Oryza barthii)
Authors: Zhao Zhigang , Zhang Chao , Liu Xi , Lin Yun , Liu Linglong , Tian Yunlu , Chen Liangming , Liu Shijia , Zhou Jiawu , Jiang Ling , Tao Dayun , Wan Jianmin
Published: January 2018

Plant architecture has been proposed as a means to enhance the potential yield of rice, especially by reducing height to provide lodging resistance. In this study, we developed a near‐isogenic line (NIL) using cultivar ‘Dianjingyou 1’ (DJY1) as a recipient parent and wild rice (Oryza barthii) as the donor parent. The NIL had semi‐dwarf stature and more tillers than DJY1. Cytological examination showed decreased numbers of cells in the stems of the NIL compared to DJY1. Genetic analysis indicated that this phenotype was controlled by a newly identified dominant dwarf gene, tentatively named as Dd7. A large population derived from the hybrid NIL‐Dd7/DJY1 was developed to fine‐map Dd7. Based on the physical location of molecular markers, the Dd7 locus was finally delimited to an 82‐kb region in chromosome 7. Gene prediction identified 14 open reading frames (ORFs) within this region. NIL‐Dd7 seems to confer no undesirable pleiotropic effects and therefore has potential value for rice breeding.
Analysis of contributors to grain yield in wheat at the individual quantitative trait locus level
Authors: Yu Ma , Mao Shuang‐Lin , Hou Da‐Bin , Chen Guo‐Yue , Pu Zhi‐En , Li Wei , Lan Xiu‐Jin , Jiang Qian‐Tao , Liu Ya‐Xi , Deng Mei , Wei Yu‐Ming
Published: January 2018

In wheat, strong genetic correlations have been found between grain yield (GY) and tiller number per plant (TN), fertile spikelet number per spike (FSN), kernel number per spike (KN) and thousand‐kernel weight (TKW). To investigate their genetic relationships at the individual quantitative trait locus (QTL) level, we performed both normal and multivariate conditional QTL analysis based on two recombinant inbred lines (RILs) populations. A total of 79 and 48 normal QTLs were identified in the International Triticeae Mapping Initiative (ITMI)/SHW‐L1 × Chuanmai 32 (SC) populations, respectively, as well as 55 and 35 conditional QTLs. Thirty‐two QTL clusters in the ITMI population and 18 QTL clusters in the SC population explained 0.9%–46.2% of phenotypic variance for two to eight traits. A comparison between the normal and conditional QTL mapping analyses indicated that FSN made the smallest contribution to GY among the four GY components that were considered at the QTL level. The effects of TN, KN and TKW on GY were stronger at the QTL level.
Glandular trichomes as a barrier against atmospheric oxidative stress: Relationships with ozone uptake, leaf damage, and emission of LOX products across a diverse set of species
Authors: Li Shuai , Tosens Tiina , Harley Peter C. , Jiang Yifan , Kanagendran Arooran , Grosberg Mirjam , Jaamets Kristen , Niinemets Ülo
Published: January 2018

There is a spectacular variability in trichome types and densities and trichome metabolites across species, but the functional implications of this variability in protecting from atmospheric oxidative stresses remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective role of glandular and non‐glandular trichomes against ozone stress. We investigated the interspecific variation in types and density of trichomes and how these traits were associated with elevated ozone impacts on visible leaf damage, net assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll fluorescence, and emissions of lipoxygenase pathway products in 24 species with widely varying trichome characteristics and taxonomy. Both peltate and capitate glandular trichomes played a critical role in reducing leaf ozone uptake, but no impact of non‐glandular trichomes was observed. Across species, the visible ozone damage varied 10.1‐fold, reduction in net assimilation rate 3.3‐fold, and release of lipoxygenase compounds 14.4‐fold, and species with lower glandular trichome density were more sensitive to ozone stress and more vulnerable to ozone damage compared to species with high glandular trichome density. These results demonstrate that leaf surface glandular trichomes constitute a major factor in reducing ozone toxicity and function as a chemical barrier that neutralizes the ozone before it enters the leaf.
Epigenetics applied to psychiatry: Clinical opportunities and future challenges
Authors: Kular Lara , Kular Sonia
Published: January 2018

Psychiatric disorders are clinically heterogeneous and debilitating chronic diseases resulting from a complex interplay between gene variants and environmental factors. Epigenetic processes, such as DNA methylation and histone posttranslational modifications, instruct the cell/tissue to correctly interpret external signals and adjust its functions accordingly. Given that epigenetic modifications are sensitive to environment, stable, and reversible, epigenetic studies in psychiatry could represent a promising approach to better understanding and treating disease. In the present review, we aim to discuss the clinical opportunities and challenges arising from the epigenetic research in psychiatry. Using selected examples, we first recapitulate key findings supporting the role of adverse life events, alone or in combination with genetic risk, in epigenetic programming of neuropsychiatric systems. Epigenetic studies further report encouraging findings about the use of methylation changes as diagnostic markers of disease phenotype and predictive tools of progression and response to treatment. Then we discuss the potential of using targeted epigenetic pharmacotherapy, combined with psychosocial interventions, for future personalized medicine for patients. Finally, we review the methodological limitations that could hinder interpretation of epigenetic data in psychiatry. They mainly arise from heterogeneity at the individual and tissue level and require future strategies in order to reinforce the biological relevance of epigenetic data and its translational use in psychiatry. Overall, we suggest that epigenetics could provide new insights into a more comprehensive interpretation of mental illness and might eventually improve the nosology, treatment, and prevention of psychiatric disorders.
Towards a population approach for evaluating grassland restoration—a systematic review
Authors: Harzé Mélanie , Monty Arnaud , Boisson Sylvain , Pitz Carline , Hermann Julia‐Maria , Kollmann Johannes , Mahy Grégory
Published: January 2018

Persistence of restored populations depends on growth, reproduction, dispersal, local adaptation, and a suitable landscape pattern to foster metapopulation dynamics. Although the negative effects of habitat fragmentation on plant population dynamics are well understood, particularly in grasslands, the population traits that control grassland restoration are less known. We reviewed the use of population traits for evaluating grassland restoration success based on 141 publications (1986–2015). The results demonstrated that population demography was relatively well‐assessed but detailed studies providing information on key stages of the life cycle were lacking despite their importance in determining population viability. Vegetative and generative performances have been thoroughly investigated, notably the components of plant fitness, such as reproductive output, while genetic and spatial population structures were largely ignored. More work on the population effects of ecological restoration would be welcomed, particularly with a focus on population genetics. Targeted species were principally common and dominant natives, or invasive plants while rare or threatened species were poorly considered. Evaluation of ecological restoration should be conducted at different scales of ecological complexity, but so far, communities and ecosystems are over represented, and more focus should be directed towards a population approach as population traits are essential indicators of restoration success.