bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MHD three dimensional double diffusive flow of Casson nanofluid with buoyancy forces and nonlinear thermal radiation over a stretching surface
Authors: Gireesha B.J. , Archana M. , B.C. Prasannakumara , Gorla R.S. Reddy , Makinde Oluwole Daniel
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to deal with the study of heat and mass transfer on double-diffusive three-dimensional hydromagnetic boundary layer flow of an electrically conducting Casson nanofluid over a stretching surface. The combined effects of nonlinear thermal radiation, magnetic field, buoyancy forces, thermophoresis and Brownian motion are taken into consideration with convective boundary conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Similarity transformations are used to reduce the governing partial differential equations into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The reduced equations were numerically solved using Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg fourth-fifth-order method along with shooting technique.

Findings

The impact of several existing physical parameters such as Casson parameter, mixed convection parameter, regular buoyancy ratio parameter, radiation parameter, Brownian motion parameter, thermophoresis parameter, temperature ratio parameter on velocity, temperature, solutal and nanofluid concentration profiles are analyzed through graphs and tables in detail. It is found that the solutal component increases for Dufour Lewis number, whereas it decreases for nanofluid Lewis number. Moreover, velocity profiles decrease for Casson parameter, while the Nusselt number increases for Biot number, radiation and temperature ratio parameter.

Originality/value

This paper is a new work related to three-dimensional double-diffusive flow of Casson nanofluid with buoyancy and nonlinear thermal radiation effect.
Medical and allied health staff self-reported long-term conditions
Authors: Smyth Wendy , Lindsay David , Brennan Daryl , Lindsay Daniel
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the self-reported long-term conditions of medical officers and allied health staff working in a regional public health service in northern Australia and how these conditions are managed.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey design was used. The sample was all medical officers and allied health staff employed in mid-2015.

Findings

Of the 365 respondents, 217 (59.5 per cent) reported having at least one long-term condition. There was a statistically significant association between professional group and the number of long-term conditions reported, χ2=10.24, p<0.05. A greater proportion of medical officers (n=29, 43.9 per cent) reported having only one long-term condition compared with allied health staff (n=36, 24.5 per cent). The top four categories of conditions were respiratory, musculoskeletal, mental health and episodic and paroxysmal, although the patterns varied amongst the professional groups, and across age groups. Respondents usually managed their main long-term conditions with personal strategies, rarely using workplace strategies.

Research limitations/implications

Although somewhat low, the response rate of 32 per cent was similar to previous surveys in this health service. Since this survey, the health service has implemented a broad Health and Wellness Programme to support their qualified workforce. Future evaluations of this programme will be undertaken, including whether the programme has assisted health professionals to manage their long-term conditions.

Practical implications

There is an urgent need for targeted, workplace-based health promotion strategies to support staff with long-term conditions. Such strategies would complement self-management approaches, and also provide an important recruitment and retention initiative.

Originality/value

This study adds empirical evidence regarding the long-term conditions among health professionals and their self-management strategies. Little is known about the long-term conditions among the various health professional groups and the findings thus make an important contribution to the existing literature.
“I might be shot at!” exploring the drivers to work in hostile environments using an intelligent careers perspective
Authors: Dickmann Michael , Watson Ashley Helen
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors which influence individuals to take up international assignments in hostile environments (HEs). Using an intelligent careers (IC) perspective, an expanded framework of expatriation drivers to work in hostile contexts is developed that comprises individual, organizational and location-specific factors. In addition, the understanding of career capital acquisition and transfer is refined.

Design/methodology/approach

A “deviant” case study method to challenge the underlying assumptions of career capital maximization and transfer in global careers is used. To investigate the case, 25 individuals in an international development organization who had to decide whether to work in HEs were interviewed.

Findings

Five insights into decision drivers and career capital effects associated with postings to HEs are presented. These span all three levels of individual, organizational and location-specific decision factors.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the case study approach, the usual limitations of qualitative case-based research with respect to generalizability apply. In the conclusions three theoretical implications for the IC framework with respect to career capital acquisition, utilization and temporal effects are outlined.

Practical implications

A range of practical implications in relation to the selection, talent management, performance and reward approaches as well as repatriation and family considerations in global mobility are explored.

Social implications

The insights help organizations to design global mobility policies for HEs. In addition, individuals and their families benefit from greater clarity of global mobility drivers in the context of high risks.

Originality/value

The drivers of individuals to accept assignments to HEs are under-researched. This paper operationalizes and applies a holistic decision to work abroad framework, expands the literature on of the motivations of individuals and develops valuable insights to nuance the IC framework.
Regional incidences of adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma with cutaneous involvement in Japan
Authors: Hamada Toshihisa , Nomura Hayato , Iwatsuki Keiji
Published: October 2017

Between 2008 and 2015, 462 newly‐diagnosed adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) patients with cutaneous involvement were found from the nationwide registry for Japanese patients with cutaneous lymphoma, of which 391 were selected for the study. They ranged in age from 28 to 93 years (median, 69 years), and included 215 men and 176 women (male : female ratio = 1.2). The 391 patients comprised 193 (50%) with smoldering type, 52 (13%) with chronic type, 44 (11%) with lymphoma type and 102 (26%) with acute type. The total number of patients in Kyushu/Okinawa was 8.8‐times higher than that in Kanto, which was set as the reference value, while the estimated prevalence of human T‐lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV‐1) carriers in Kyushu/Okinawa has been reported to be only 2.5‐times higher than that in Kanto. In this study, the annual incidence of ATLL per 100 000 residents in Kyushu/Okinawa was 32‐times higher than that in Kanto. Our results indicated the higher incidence rate of ATLL in the endemic area than those in the non‐endemic areas in Japan, compared with the regional differences of HTLV‐1 prevalence determined by serological HTLV‐1 screening for blood donors. In addition, this analysis revealed that regional differences of mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome incidence rates were very small compared with those of ATLL.
Detection of the mcr‐1 gene in colistin‐resistant Escherichia coli from retail meat in Japan
Authors: Nishino Yukari , Shimojima Yukako , Suzuki Yasunori , Ida Miki , Fukui Rie , Kuroda Sumiyo , Hirai Akihiko , Sadamasu Kenji
Published: October 2017

In this study, the presence of the mcr‐1 gene in Escherichia coli from retail meat in Japan was investigated. Nine E. coli isolates (eight from chickens and one from pork) carried the mcr‐1 gene on the plasmid. In six isolates from domestic chickens, mcr‐1 was located on the IncI2 plasmid, which is approximately 60 kb in size. In the remaining three isolates from imported chicken and pork, mcr‐1 was located on the IncX4 plasmid (30 kb).
Impact of Recent Medicaid Expansions on Office‐Based Primary Care and Specialty Care among the Newly Eligible
Authors: Biener Adam I. , Zuvekas Samuel H. , Hill Steven C.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To quantify the effect of Medicaid expansions on office‐based care among the newly eligible.

Data Source

2008–2014 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.

Study Design

The main sample is adults age 26–64 with incomes ≤138% of poverty who were not eligible for Medicaid prior to the Affordable Care Act. For this population, difference‐in‐differences linear probability models compare utilization between expansion and nonexpansion states and between 2008–2013 and 2014.

Extraction Methods

Medicaid eligibility is simulated using data on family relationships, state of residence, and income.

Principal Findings

Relative to comparable adults in nonexpansion states, newly eligible adults in expansion states were 9.1 percentage points more likely to have any office‐based primary care physician visit in 2014, a 21.4% increase from 2013 (p‐value = .004); 6.9 percentage points more likely to have a specialist visit, a 25.2% increase from 2013 (p‐value = .036); and 5.1 percentage points more likely to have a visit with a nurse practitioner, nurse, or physician assistant, a 34.5% increase from 2013 (p‐value = .016).

Conclusions

State Medicaid expansions in 2014 were associated with greater likelihoods of visits with a variety of office‐based providers. The estimated effects are larger among newly eligible compared with previous estimates on broader populations of low‐income adults.
Dual‐phase hybrid 18F‐Fluoride Positron emission tomography/MRI in ankylosing spondylitis: Investigating the link between MRI bone changes, regional hyperaemia and increased osteoblastic activity
Authors: Sawicki Lino M , Lütje Susanne , Baraliakos Xenofon , Braun Jürgen , Kirchner Julian , Boos Johannes , Heusch Philipp , Ruhlmann Verena , Herrmann Ken , Umutlu Lale , Quick Harald H , Antoch Gerald , Buchbender Christian
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Focal 18F‐Fluoride uptake on blood‐pool phase PET represents regional hyperaemia, while it indicates osteoblastic activity on mineralization phase PET. This study investigates the link between regional hyperaemia and osteoblastic activity in inflammatory and chronic lesions of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) of the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) using dual‐phase 18F‐Fluoride PET/MRI.

Methods

Thirteen patients (six men, seven women, age: 37 ± 10 years) with active AS prospectively underwent dual‐phase 18F‐Fluoride PET/MRI. Blood‐pool phase PET was acquired 6 min and mineralization phase PET 40 min after injection of 158 ± 8 MBq 18F‐Fluoride. SIJ quadrants (SQ) were assessed regarding inflammatory lesions represented by bone marrow oedema (BME), chronic AS lesions such as erosion, fat deposition (FD), sclerosis and ankylosis on MRI, and regarding focal 18F‐Fluoride uptake on both PET datasets. Image quality (IQ) of both PET datasets and MRI was evaluated using a 4‐point Likert scale.

Results

Of 104 SQ, there were 63.4% SQ with FD, 42.3% SQ with BME, 26.9% SQ with erosions, 26% SQ with sclerosis and 10.6% SQ with ankylosis. BME alone was associated with focal 18F‐Fluoride uptake in 63.6% SQ on blood‐pool phase and 90.9% SQ on mineralization phase 18F‐Fluoride PET/MRI. Instead, FD, erosion, sclerosis, ankylosis were not associated with focal 18F‐Fluoride uptake on either blood‐pool or mineralization phase 18F‐Fluoride PET/MRI. SQ showing BME alone or a combination of BME and chronic AS lesions had a significantly higher percentage of focal 18F‐Fluoride uptake on blood‐pool phase and mineralization phase PET/MRI than SQ showing AS lesions without BME (P < 0.001). Both 18F‐Fluoride PET datasets provided high IQ, albeit IQ of mineralization phase PET was superior to blood‐pool phase PET (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Dual‐phase 18F‐Fluoride PET/MRI of the SIJ showed that inflammatory rather than chronic AS lesions are associated with regional hyperaemia and osteoblastic activity.
Differences in skeletal muscle loss caused by cytotoxic chemotherapy and molecular targeted therapy in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kakinuma Kazutaka , Tsuruoka Hazime , Morikawa Kei , Furuya Naoki , Inoue Takeo , Miyazawa Teruomi , Mineshita Masamichi
Published: October 2017

Background

Recent studies have revealed a reduction in the skeletal muscle area in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after chemotherapy. EGFR and ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)‐based therapies are less cytotoxic than chemotherapy, but differences in skeletal muscle mass between patients receiving EGFR and ALK TKI therapies and patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy have not yet been reported.

Methods

Data of pathologically proven NSCLC patients were reviewed, and chest computed tomography and/or positron emission tomography‐computed tomography images obtained from January 2012 to December 2014 were selected. Patients were divided into two groups: cytotoxic chemotherapy (CG) and molecular targeted (MG). Muscle mass was measured with a single cross‐sectional area of the muscle at the third lumber vertebra (L3MA). To estimate skeletal muscle changes during chemotherapy, we defined the following L3 skeletal muscle index (L3SMI) ratio: post L3SMI/pre L3SMI. Differences in the SMI ratio between the groups were evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

Sixty‐five patients were included in this study: 44 patients received cytotoxic chemotherapy and 21 received molecular targeted therapy (EGFR and ALK TKI). The loss of L3MA in the CG was higher than in the MG (P = 0.03). In the CG, the L3SMI ratio defined to evaluate skeletal muscle mass changes was significantly lower than in the MG (P = 0.0188).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that skeletal muscle loss during first‐line therapy was significantly different between patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy and those receiving TKIs. Specifically, skeletal muscle loss was lower in patients receiving TKIs than in patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy.
An efficient method to exploit LiDAR data in animal ecology
Authors: Ciuti Simone , Tripke Henriette , Antkowiak Peter , Gonzalez Ramiro Silveyra , Dormann Carsten F. , Heurich Marco
Published: October 2017

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology provides ecologists with high‐resolution data on three‐dimensional vegetation structure. Large LiDAR datasets challenge predictive ecologists, who commonly simplify point clouds into structural attributes (namely LiDAR‐based metrics such as canopy height), which are used as predictors in ecological models, potentially with loss of relevant information.

We illustrate an efficient alternative approach to reduce the dimensionality of LiDAR data that aims at minimal data filtering with no a priori assumptions on the ecology of the target species. We first fit the ecological model exploiting the full variability in the LiDAR point cloud, then we explain the results using post‐modelling LiDAR‐data classification for ecological interpretation only. This is the classical logic of explorative, hypothesis generating and predictive statistics, rather than testing specific vegetation‐structural hypotheses.

First, we reduce the dimensionality of the LiDAR point cloud by principal component analysis (PCA) to fewer predictors. Second, we show that LiDAR‐PCs are capable to outperforming commonly used environmental predictors in ecological modelling, including LiDAR‐based metrics. We exemplify this by modelling red deer (Cervus elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) resource selection in the Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany. After fitting the ecological model, we provide an interpretation of the information included in LiDAR‐PCs, which allows users to draw conclusions whenever using them as predictors. We make use of the PCA rotation matrix and post‐modelling data classification, and document deer selection for understorey vegetation at unprecedented fine scale.

Our approach is the first attempt in animal ecology to avoid the use of LiDAR‐based metrics as model predictors, but rather generate principal components able to capture most of the LiDAR point cloud variability. Our study demonstrates that LiDAR‐PCs can boost ecological models. We envision a potential use of LiDAR‐PCs in several applications, particularly species distribution and habitat suitability models. We demonstrate an application of our approach by building suitability maps for both deer species, which can be used by practitioners to visualize model spatial predictions and understand the type of forest structures selected by deer.
Wolbachia infection in natural populations of Dictyophara europaea, an alternative vector of grapevine Flavescence dorée phytoplasma: effects and interactions
Authors: Krstić O. , Cvrković T. , Mitrović M. , Radonjić S. , Hrnčić S. , Toševski I. , Jović J.
Published: October 2017

The European lantern fly, Dictyophara europaea, is an alternative vector of the Flavescence dorée phytoplasma (FDp) disease of grapevine in European vineyards, enabling infection initiation from wild reservoir compartment (Clematis vitalba). Heretofore recorded rate of D. europaea FDp‐infection has been very low (3%), making it less epidemiologically significant than would be expected based on reservoir plant infection rate (30%). In this study we present findings on a heavily FDp‐infected D. europaea population (>60%), on the natural Wolbachia infection of populations with low FDp‐infection rates (DeWo+) and on Wolbachia absence in highly FDp‐infected population (DeWo−). We examine several possible causes underlying the differences in vector infection rates: (a) population genetic characteristics of D. europaea and correlation with Wolbachia strain wEur natural infections, (b) Wolbachia effects on fitness components of DeWo+ laboratory colony and (c) rate of reservoir plant FDp‐infection and differences in FDp genotypes harboured by low and highly infected vector populations. The vector genetic diversity level was found to be lower in DeWo+ than in uninfected individuals and to exhibit a different evolution of fixed haplotypes. All DeWo+ populations were infected with the same strain of wEur. The FDp was found to be genetically diversified (five genotypes) but had no relation to infection rates. We did not find evidence of fitness upgrades with regard to Wolbachia infection status. Although more experimentation is needed, it seems that Wolbachia confers protection against FDp or is in competition with FDp according to the observed correlations: low FDp‐infected vector populations are infected with Wolbachia and vice versa.
Increased frequency of retinopathy of prematurity over the last decade and significant regional differences
Authors: Holmström Gerd , Tornqvist Kristina , ‎Al‐Hawasi Abbas , Nilsson Åsa , Wallin Agneta , Hellström Ann
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) causes childhood blindness globally in prematurely born infants. Although increased levels of oxygen supply lead to increased survival and reduced frequency of cerebral palsy, increased incidence of ROP is reported.

Methods

With the help of a Swedish register for ROP, SWEDROP, national and regional incidences of ROP and frequencies of treatment were evaluated from 2008 to 2015 (n = 5734), as well as before and after targets of provided oxygen changed from 85–89% to 91–95% in 2014.

Results

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was found in 31.9% (1829/5734) of all infants with a gestational age (GA) of <31 weeks at birth and 5.7% of the infants (329/5734) had been treated for ROP. Analyses of the national data revealed an increased incidence of ROP during the 8‐year study period (p = 0.003), but there was no significant increase in the frequency of treatment. There were significant differences between the seven health regions of Sweden, regarding both incidence of ROP and frequency of treatment (p < 0.001). Comparison of regional data before and after the new oxygen targets revealed a significant increase in treated ROP in one region [OR: 2.24 (CI: 1.11–4.49), p = 0.024] and a borderline increase in one other [OR: 3.08 (CI: 0.99–9.60), p = 0.052].

Conclusion

The Swedish national ROP register revealed an increased incidence of ROP during an 8‐year period and significant regional differences regarding the incidence of ROP and frequency of treatment.
A founder mutation in CERKL is a major cause of retinal dystrophy in Finland
Authors: Avela Kristiina , Sankila Eeva‐Marja , Seitsonen Sanna , Kuuluvainen Liina , Barton Stephanie , Gillies Stuart , Aittomäki Kristiina
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To study the genetic aetiology of retinal dystrophies (RD) in Finnish patients.

Methods

A targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS) panel of 105 retinal dystrophy genes was used in a cohort of 55 RD patients.

Results

The overall diagnostic yield was 60% demonstrating the power of this approach. Interestingly, a missense mutation c.375C>G p.(Cys125Trp) in the CERKL gene was found in 18% of the patients in either a homozygous or compound heterozygous state. Data from Exome Aggregation Consortium (ExAC) Browser show that the CERKL c.375C>G p.(Cys125Trp) allele is enriched in the Finnish population and thus is a founder mutation. Furthermore, we report the clinical picture of 18 patients with mutations in the CERKL gene. CERKL mutations cause a macular‐onset disease, in which symptoms first become apparent at the second decade. We also detected other novel founder mutations in the CERKL, EYS, RP1, ABCA4 and GUCY2D genes.

Conclusion

Our report indicates that the first diagnostic test for Finnish patients with sporadic or autosomal recessive RD should be a targeted test for founder mutations in the CERKL, EYS, RP1, ABCA4 and GUCY2D genes. These results confirm the utility of NGS‐based gene panels as a powerful method for mutation identification in RD, thus enabling improved genetic counselling for these families.
Postoperative aqueous humour flare as a surrogate marker for proliferative vitreoretinopathy development
Authors: Mulder Verena C. , van Dijk Elon H.C. , van Meurs Ida A. , La Heij Ellen C. , van Meurs Jan C.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

As some surgical procedures have been shown to increase postoperative flare values and thus contribute to blood‐ocular barrier breakdown, retinal reattachment surgery might influence the risk of developing proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Therefore, we investigated whether postoperative aqueous flare values are a surrogate marker for the development of postoperative PVR.

Methods

We prospectively included 195 patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and measured aqueous laser flare preoperatively, and at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Postoperative PVR was defined as reoperation for redetachment due to PVR membranes, within 6 months of initial surgery. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined whether higher postoperative flare values were associated with an increased risk of developing PVR later on.

Results

Reoperation for postoperative PVR was needed in 12 (6.2%) patients; in 18 (9.2%), reoperation was not related to PVR. The median flare value for patients who would develop PVR was significantly higher than that of patients who would not develop PVR, both at 2 weeks (p = 0.001) and 6 weeks (p < 0.001) postoperatively. Logistic regression analyses showed that a higher flare value significantly increased the odds of developing PVR, either at 2 weeks [odds ratio (OR) 1.027; 95% CI: 1.010–1.044] or 6 weeks (OR 1.076; 95% CI: 1.038–1.115).

Conclusion

Flare values both at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively seem a good surrogate marker in terms of sensitivity and specificity for the development of postoperative PVR but have only a modest positive predictive value. The 2‐week value would be more useful in terms of early recognition of high‐risk patients and hence give the possibility to better study effects of treatment methods.
A Serratia marcescens outbreak in a neonatal intensive care unit was successfully managed by rapid hospital hygiene interventions and screening
Authors: Åttman Emilia , Korhonen Päivi , Tammela Outi , Vuento Risto , Aittoniemi Janne , Syrjänen Jaana , Mattila Erja , Österblad Monica , Huttunen Reetta
Published: October 2017

Aim

Serratia marcescens is a rare, but important, pathogen in hospital‐acquired infections, especially in neonatal units. Outbreaks may cause significant mortality among neonates. This study describes how an outbreak of S. marcescens was handled in a neonatal intensive care unit in Finland in June 2015.

Methods

Tampere University Hospital is the only hospital that offers intensive care for preterm neonates in the Pirkanmaa health district area in Finland. Between June 9, 2015 and June 29, 2015, seven neonates were screened positive for S. marcescens in the hospital. We examined the management and outcomes, including environmental sampling.

Results

Two of the seven neonates developed a bloodstream infection, and one with S. marcescens sepsis died after six days of antibiotic treatment. The outbreak was rapidly managed with active hospital hygiene interventions, including strict hand hygiene, cleaning, patient screening, contact precautions and education. Environmental sampling was limited to one water tap and a ventilator, and the results were negative. The outbreak was contained within three weeks, and no further cases appeared. The screening of healthcare workers was not necessary.

Conclusion

A S. marcescens outbreak caused significant morbidity in neonates and one death. Rapid hospital hygiene interventions and patient screening effectively contained the outbreak.
Editorial: risk stratification for endoscopic surveillance of metachronous gastric cancer after endoscopic resection—Authors’ reply
Authors: Kwon Y. , Jeon S.
Published: October 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Fock and Ang, and Kwon et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14322 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14263.
Functional response of plant assemblages to management practices in road–field boundaries
Authors: Chaudron Clémence , Perronne Rémi , Di Pietro Francesca
Published: October 2017

Questions

Management practices implemented on road verges are partly established to preserve biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. Their evaluation was primarily based on the analysis of the taxonomic structure and composition of communities. What is the relationship between management practices and the functional characteristics of road–field plants within elements?

Location

West‐central France.

Methods

We sampled the berm, the embankment and the field margin of 40 road–field boundaries located in west‐central France, an area where delayed mowing of some berms has been practised since 2009 for biodiversity reasons. We characterized management practices implemented on the different elements, i.e., the frequency and timing of mowing (early summer or late summer), the frequency of herbicide treatment in field margins and the N input rate. We retrieved from databases seven functional traits and types known to be influenced by management practices. To identify relationships between traits or types and environmental variables we first performed partial RLQ analyses to remove any potential confounding effect of the landscape context studied. We then computed fourth‐corner statistics to quantify relationships between traits or types, environmental variables and partial RLQ axes.

Results

Late mowing of the berm promoted nitrophilous species within berms and competitive rather than ruderal species within arable field margins. The frequency of herbicide treatment in field margins promoted broad‐leaf species within this element and, to a lesser extent, within embankments. Finally, the functional characteristics of communities of the three elements were not influenced by the level of N input in field margins.

Conclusions

In our environmental context, managing road verges affected the functional structure of plant assemblages both within them and within their adjacent arable field margins. We suggest a single early mowing of berms as a valuable practice for both conservation purposes and weed risk control in adjacent field margins.
Whole body physiologically based modelling of β‐blockers in the rat: events in tissues and plasma following an i.v. bolus dose
Authors: Cheung S Y A , Rodgers T , Aarons L , Gueorguieva I , Dickinson G L , Murby S , Brown C , Collins B , Rowland M
Published: October 2017

Background and Purpose

Whole body physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models have been increasingly applied in drug development to describe kinetic events of therapeutic agents in animals and humans. The advantage of such modelling is the ability to incorporate vast amounts of physiological information, such as organ blood flow and volume, to ensure that the model is as close to reality as possible.

Experimental Approach

Previous PBPK model development of enantiomers of a series of seven racemic β‐blockers, namely, acebutolol, betaxolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, oxprenolol, pindolol and propranolol, together with S‐timolol in rat was based on tissue and blood concentration data at steady state. Compounds were administered in several cassettes with the composition mix and blood and tissue sampling times determined using a D‐optimal design.

Key Results

Closed‐loop PBPK models were developed initially based on the application of open loop forcing function models to individual tissues and compounds. For the majority of compounds and tissues, distribution kinetics was adequately characterized by perfusion rate‐limited models. For some compounds in the testes and gut, a permeability rate‐limited distribution model was required to best fit the data. Parameter estimates of the tissue‐to‐blood partition coefficient through fitting of individual enantiomers and of racemic pair were generally in agreement and also concur with those from previous steady‐state experiments.

Conclusions and Implications

PBPK modelling is a very powerful tool to aid drug discovery and development of therapeutic agents in animals and humans. However, careful consideration of the assumptions made during the modelling exercise is essential.
Structural basis for the agonist action at free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFA1R or GPR40)
Authors: Rodrigues Daniel Alencar , Pinheiro Pedro de Sena Murteira , Ferreira Thayssa Tavares da Silva Cunha , Thota Sreekanth , Fraga Carlos Alberto Manssour
Published: October 2017

G‐protein‐coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) was recently identified as an interesting target for treatment of type 2 diabetes. The high level of expression in pancreatic beta cells and the dependence of glucose on stimulating the secretion of insulin led to great excitement in this field. The identification of this target was followed by the development of a series of agonists with great potential for the treatment of diabetes. All known agonists have the presence of a pharmacophoric carboxylic acid group in their structure, which makes several polar interactions at the binding site of this receptor. In this report, we provide a review of the structure–activity relationships of GPR40 agonists with a focus on the main strategies of medicinal chemistry used to develop each one of the main structural patterns exploited for this purpose. Additionally, we provide a general model for the design of GPR40 ligands that can help researchers to follow up some strategies and implement them in the development of novel agonists of this receptor.
Implementing a family‐inclusive practice model in youth mental health services in Australia
Authors: Poon Abner Weng Cheong , Harvey Carol , Fuzzard Suzanne , O'Hanlon Brendan
Published: October 2017

Aim

A brief family‐inclusive practice model, single session family consultation (SSFC), was introduced at 4 youth mental health service sites to determine the extent to which the model could be implemented in this context and its acceptability as a means of engaging families of young people.

Methods

Within an action research paradigm, both quantitative and qualitative measures were used for this implementation project with the former reported here. There were 2 components: (1) evaluation of the experiences of young people and their families and (2) evaluation of the extent of implementation of SSFC. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively (item scores, range and any changes over time).

Results

Twenty practitioners who were trained and supported in the use of SSFC participated in the 6‐month implementation evaluation. In 6 months, 131 SSFC sessions were conducted across the 4 sites and the young people and their families were very satisfied with sessions (overall mean = 5.2, range = 0‐6). Six months post‐training, there were statistically significant improvements in the practitioners’ confidence in providing family interventions (mean improvement = −0.47 (95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.91, −0.04), P = .035) and familiarity with approaches to working with families (mean improvement = −0.61 (95% CI = −1.13, −0.10, P = .023). Practitioners perceived significant improvement in organizational support for working with families.

Conclusions

SSFC was acceptable to clients and their families, was adopted by practitioners and was successfully implemented in the participating sites. This suggests that SSFC, when appropriately implemented, is useful to engage families in the treatment of young people facing mental health issues.
Reversible mono‐ADP‐ribosylation of DNA breaks
Authors: Munnur Deeksha , Ahel Ivan
Published: October 2017

Adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐ribosylation is a chemical modification of macromolecules that plays an important role in regulation of quintessential biological processes such as DNA repair, transcription, chromatin remodelling, stress response, apoptosis, bacterial metabolism and many others. ADP‐ribosylation is carried out by ADP‐ribosyltransferase proteins, such as poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerases (PARPs) that transfer either monomer or polymers of ADP‐ribose onto the molecular targets by using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) as a cofactor. Traditionally, proteins have been described as primary targets of ADP‐ribosylation; however, there has been growing evidence that DNA may be a common target as well. Here, we show using biochemical studies that PARP3, a DNA damage‐activated ADP‐ribosyltransferase, can mono‐ADP‐ribosylate double‐stranded DNA ends. ADP‐ribosylation of DNA mediated by PARP3 attaches a single mono‐ADP‐ribose moiety to the phosphate group at the terminal ends of DNA. We further show that mono ADP‐ribosylation at DNA ends can be efficiently reversed by several cellular hydrolases (PARG, MACROD2, TARG1 and ARH3). This suggests that mono ADP‐ribosylated DNA adducts can be efficiently removed in cells by several mechanisms.
Rural household poverty dynamics in the Far‐Western Hills of Nepal: empirical evidence from panel data
Authors: Joshi Niraj Prakash , Piya Luni , Maharjan Keshav Lall
Published: October 2017

An understanding of the dynamics of persistent poverty that is not static, contrary to its portrayal in the literature, is important for policy‐makers. We therefore performed multinomial logistic regression and binary logistic regression on panel data to capture rural poverty dynamics in Nepal's Far‐Western Hills. The former revealed that the risk of experiencing chronic poverty was significantly higher for households in the more remote village development committee of Melauli, those headed by women or older men with less education, and those with higher dependency ratios and lower participation levels in community‐based organisations. The latter, entailing disaggregation of transient poverty, revealed a higher risk of moving into poverty for members of occupational castes (OCs) and housevholds in Melauli because of their limited socioeconomic assets. The occurrence of natural disasters also increased households’ risks of moving into poverty. Conversely, more years of schooling among household heads facilitated movements out of poverty. Thus, poverty reduction programmes focusing on relatively remote villages and OCs that promote educational access and employment generation are necessary to address chronic and transient poverty. Further, the introduction of temporary relief programmes following natural disasters, and of insurance schemes for covering associated losses, will alleviate transient poverty.
A novel method for preparing dense diffusion barrier limiting current oxygen sensor
Authors: Liu Tao , Jin Hongbin , Li Lin , Yu Jingkun
Published: October 2017

A novel method for preparation of a dense diffusion barrier limiting current oxygen sensor is presented. The dense thin‐layer with the nominal composition Sr‐, Mg‐ and Fe‐doped lanthanum gallate (LSGMF) was prepared over La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3–δ (LSGM) electrolyte by a thermal diffusion method. The crystal structure, morphology, elemental distribution, conductivity, and sensing performance of the prepared sample were investigated. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows a highly crystalline perovskite. SEM‐EDS analysis shows that the dense thin‐layer with about 40 μm thickness is well attached to the solid electrolyte. Electrical conductivity measurement shows that the dense thin‐layer has high conductivity of 8.73 S·cm−1 at 800°C. The oxygen sensor exhibits good sensing performance. The variations of the limiting current (IL) vs oxygen content (x(O2)) can be obtained as follows:

urn:x-wiley:00027820:media:jace15302:jace15302-math-0001
Determinants and consequences of timely asset impairments during the financial crisis
Authors: Gunn Joshua L. , Khurana Inder K. , Stein Sarah E.
Published: October 2017

U.S. firms recorded an unprecedented number of asset impairments during the recent financial crisis. We investigate the timing of these losses in the context of two competing views on how firms use discretion over asset impairments. The first view posits that firms record impairments to convey private information as part of their commitment to a conditionally conservative reporting strategy. The second view argues that firms use their discretion to report opportunistically by delaying the recording of bad news. Consistent with the first view, we find that firms recorded timelier asset impairments during the financial crisis if they reported more conservatively in the five years preceding the crisis. Further tests show this relation is greater for firms with strong corporate governance, industry‐specialist auditors, and high leverage, indicating the importance of monitoring mechanisms in determining how firms handle the discretion involved in impairment decisions. We also test for the consequences of timely asset impairments during the financial crisis and find that firms reporting conservatively both before and during the crisis were able to acquire more debt financing, and their publicly traded bonds suffered smaller increases in illiquidity. Collectively, our study highlights the role of asset impairments in firms’ accounting choices over time.
Hypertensive target organ damage is better associated with central than brachial blood pressure: The Northern Shanghai Study
Authors: Chi Chen , Yu Xuejing , Auckle Ranshaka , Lu Yuyan , Fan Ximin , Yu Shikai , Xiong Jing , Bai Bin , Teliewubai Jiadela , Zhou Yiwu , Ji Hongwei , Li Jue , Zhang Yi , Xu Yawei
Published: October 2017

To compare central and brachial blood pressure (BP) in the association of target organ damage (TOD) in a community‐based elderly population, 1599 (aged 71.4 ± 6.1 years) participants in northern Shanghai were recruited. TOD included left ventricular hypertrophy (n = 1556), left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (n = 1524), carotid plaque (n = 1558), arteriosclerosis (n = 1485), and microalbuminuria (n = 1516). Both central and brachial BP significantly correlated with TOD. In full‐model regression, central BP was significantly associated with all TOD (P ≤ .04), whereas brachial BP was only significantly associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and arteriosclerosis (P ≤ .01). Similarly, in stepwise regression, central BP was significantly associated with left ventricular hypertrophy, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, arteriosclerosis, and microalbuminuria (P ≤ .04), while brachial BP was not associated with any TOD. Receiver operating characteristic analyses indicated that central BP identified arteriosclerosis and microalbuminuria better than brachial BP (P ≤ .01). In conclusion, central BP showed superiority over brachial BP in the association of hypertensive TOD in a community‐based elderly population.
High‐risk respiratory patients' experiences of bronchoscopy with conscious sedation and analgesia: A qualitative study
Authors: Saxon Catherine , Fulbrook Paul , Fong Kwun M. , Ski Chantal F
Published: October 2017

Aims and objectives

To understand the experiences of high‐risk respiratory patients undergoing bronchoscopy with conscious sedation.

Background

Due to possible complications, high‐risk respiratory patients are usually given smaller, cautious doses of sedation and analgesia for bronchoscopy. Described as “conscious sedation,” this facilitates depression of the patient's consciousness without causing respiratory compromise. Previously, studies have investigated patient experience using quantitative methods. This is the first study that has explored the patient experience during bronchoscopy from a qualitative perspective.

Design

Qualitative, phenomenological approach as described by Van Manen.

Methods

The setting was an endoscopy unit within an Australian tertiary hospital. Unstructured interviews were conducted with 13 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who underwent day‐case bronchoscopy. All participants received conscious sedation. They were interviewed twice, within a week, postprocedure. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Van Manen's interpretive approach.

Findings

Participants had varying experiences. Five themes emerged from the analysis: Frustration and fear; Comfort and safety; Choking and coughing; Being aware; and Consequences. Whilst not all participants experienced procedural awareness or remembered it, for those who did it was a significant event. Overall, experiences were found to be negative; however, participants accepted and tolerated them, perceiving them as necessary to obtain a diagnostic result.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate that often patients are aware during the procedure and their experience may be uncomfortable and distressing.

Relevance to clinical practice

These findings have implications for patient preparation pre‐ and post‐bronchoscopy in terms of what they might expect, and to discuss what has happened after the procedure. Some practices of the bronchoscopy team during the procedure may need modification. For example, in anticipation of the possibility that the patient may be aware, healthcare professionals should provide patient‐focused explanations of what is happening during the procedure, as well as providing ongoing reassurance that everything is going as planned.
Impact of Removable Partial Dental Prostheses on the Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life of a South African Cohort with Varied Distributions of Missing Posterior Teeth
Authors: Khan Sadika , Chikte Usuf , Omar Ridwaan
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To determine the impact of removable partial dental prostheses on satisfying the daily functioning and quality of life (QoL) of adult patients with different distributions of missing posterior teeth.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional interventional study was carried out on 80 patients having variously distributed posteriorly shortened and interrupted arches. Treatment comprised provision of partial dentures by senior dental students, supervised by senior clinical teachers who had knowledge of the potential benefits of the shortened dental arch (SDA) concept. The Oral Impacts on Daily Performance Index was completed before and 6 months after prosthetic treatment across groups comprising Kennedy Classes I, II, and III arches. Analysis included descriptive statistics and associations and comparisons between variables.

Results

Mean age of patients was 57.4 years (SD = 13.1), many were retired (72.2%), and a majority were females (60%). Most patients lived in urban areas (95%), and were largely unemployed (63.3%). At pretreatment, only 31.3% of patients reported having good dental health and satisfaction with their current oral state, while 82.5% said they had a great need for treatment. The negative oral impacts that were most frequently experienced were those of eating (67.5%), smiling (50%), and being emotionally disturbed (63.8%). Post‐treatment, 76.3% indicated good oral health and satisfaction with no significant differences between the 3 Kennedy groups. Any further negative impacts were reported mostly for Kennedy Classes I and II.

Conclusions

Overall, significant reductions of negative impacts were observed following treatment with dentures, across the 3 Kennedy groups, with respect to improved function, satisfaction, and oral health‐related QoL. The findings confirm the reliance by partially dentate patients in all 3 Kennedy groups on dentures for improved oral health, although the possible benefits of the SDA concept as an alternative treatment option was not specifically explored.
The Self‐Generative Mind in Education: Review and Future Directions
Authors: Ergas Oren , Berkovich‐Ohana Aviva
Published: October 2017

Since the turn of the millennium, there has been a surge of interest in diverse forms of spontaneous thinking, such as mind‐wandering, and their associated brain networks. Studies demonstrate the pervasiveness of these phenomena as well as their effects on education‐relevant domains such as academic skills, well‐being, creativity, executive functions, and socioemotional competencies. Based on a neurophenomenological approach and drawing on cognitive and neuroscience research, this article reviews this field and develops a framework for understanding deliberate and nondeliberate states of students' minds in the classroom and their associated brain circuitry. Different approaches to these states are examined from an educational perspective and ways in which this discourse can further be developed are suggested.