bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water availability, fundamental niches and realized niches: A case study from the Cape flora
Authors: Born Julia , Linder Hans Peter
Published: May 2018

The ability of plants to survive drought or waterlogging constitutes an important niche parameter, which might be particularly significant in explaining species coexistence in the species‐rich and seasonally dry Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. However, the degree of physiological adaptation and specialization to these eco‐hydrological parameters (the fundamental niche) cannot be readily inferred from correlative studies based on species distributions and spatial variation in environmental parameters (the realized niche). We used an ex situ greenhouse experiment to compare the fundamental hydrological niches (different mean annual precipitation, rainfall seasonality and soil drainage) of six eco‐hydrologically divergent African Restionaceae species. Juvenile plants were subjected to six different watering treatments, ranging from no watering to waterlogging, to determine drought and waterlogging susceptibility and optimal growth conditions. We used the rate of biomass accumulation and survival rate as response measures. We found that species from dry and mesic (but well‐drained) habitats had optimal or near‐optimal growth at benign conditions (under which most restio species grow well). All species performed worse when droughted and died when not watered. Species from dry habitats tended to perform better (assessed in growth) than species from wet habitats under droughting. Species from wet habitats performed best when waterlogged, whereas species from dry habitats performed very poorly when waterlogged – thus showing that realized and fundamental niches covaried at the wet end of the hydrological gradient. We conclude that eco‐hydrological parameters are part of the fundamental niche, and fundamental and realized species niches are approximately correlated along them. The distribution of wet habitat species appears not to reflect their drought tolerance, suggesting that it may not be predicted by bioclimatic variables, but rather by soil drainage characteristics.
Comparison of the large muscle group widths of the pelvic limb in seven breeds of dogs
Authors: Sabanci Seyyid Said , Ocal Mehmet Kamil
Published: May 2018

Orthopaedic diseases are common in the pelvic limbs of dogs, and reference values for large muscle groups of the pelvic limb may aid in diagnosis such diseases. As such, the objective of this study was to compare the large muscle groups of the pelvic limb in seven breeds of dogs. A total of 126 dogs from different breeds were included, and the widths of the quadriceps, hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles were measured from images of the lateral radiographies. The width of the quadriceps was not different between the breeds, but the widths of the hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles were significantly different between the breeds. The widest hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles were seen in the Rottweilers and the Boxers, respectively. The narrowest hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles were seen in the Belgian Malinois and the Golden retrievers, respectively. All ratios between the measured muscles differed significantly between the breeds. Doberman pinschers and Belgian Malinois had the highest ratio of gastrocnemius width:hamstring width. Doberman pinschers had also the highest ratio of quadriceps width:hamstring width. German shepherds had the highest ratio of gastrocnemius width:quadriceps width. The lowest ratios of quadriceps width:hamstring width were determined in the German shepherds. The ratios of the muscle widths may be used as reference values to assess muscular atrophy or hypertrophy in cases of bilateral or unilateral orthopaedic diseases of the pelvic limbs. Further studies are required to determine the widths and ratios of the large muscle groups of the pelvic limbs in other dog breeds.
Surgical approach to hysterectomy and barriers to using minimally invasive methods
Authors: Janda Monika , Armfield Nigel R. , Kerr Gayle , Kurz Suzanne , Jackson Graeme , Currie Jason , Page Katie , Weaver Edward , Yazdani Anusch , Obermair Andreas
Published: May 2018

Minimally invasive approaches to hysterectomy have been shown to be safe, effective and have recovery advantages over open hysterectomy, yet in Australia 36% of hysterectomies are still conducted by open surgery. In 2006, a survey of Australian gynaecological specialists found the main impediment to increasing laparoscopic hysterectomy to be a lack of surgical skills training opportunities. We resurveyed specialists to explore contemporary factors influencing surgeons’ approaches to hysterectomy; 258 (estimated ~19%) provided analysable responses. Despite >50% of surveyed specialists wishing to practise laparoscopic hysterectomy in the future, lack of surgical skills, arising from the lack of training opportunities, remains the main impediment.
The organisation of critical care for burn patients in the UK: epidemiology and comparison of mortality prediction models
Authors: Toft‐Petersen A. P. , Ferrando‐Vivas P. , Harrison D. A. , Dunn K. , Rowan K. M.
Published: May 2018

In the UK, a network of specialist centres has been set up to provide critical care for burn patients. However, some burn patients are admitted to general intensive care units. Little is known about the casemix of these patients and how it compares with patients in specialist burn centres. It is not known whether burn‐specific or generic risk prediction models perform better when applied to patients managed in intensive care units. We examined admissions for burns in the Case Mix Programme Database from April 2010 to March 2016. The casemix, activity and outcome in general and specialist burn intensive care units were compared and the fit of two burn‐specific risk prediction models (revised Baux and Belgian Outcome in Burn Injury models) and one generic model (Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre model) were compared. Patients in burn intensive care units had more extensive injuries compared with patients in general intensive care units (median (IQR[range]) burn surface area 16 (7–32 [0–98])% vs. 8 (1–18 [0–100])%, respectively) but in‐hospital mortality was similar (22.8% vs. 19.0%, respectively). The discrimination and calibration of the generic Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre model was superior to the revised Baux and Belgian Outcome in Burn Injury burn‐specific models for patients managed on both specialist burn and general intensive care units.
Laparoscopic versus open approach to neurolytic celiac plexus block in inoperable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Tepelenis Kostas , Tsimogiannis Konstantinos E. , Zikos Nikolaos , Koulas Spyridon , Pappas–Gogos George , Benetatos Nikolaos , Tsimogiannis Ioannis , Tsimoyiannis Evangelos C.
Published: May 2018

Background

Neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB) is an effective method of palliative pain control. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the laparoscopic NCPB versus open approach.

Methods

Eight patients (Group A) underwent diagnostic laparoscopy which revealed an inoperable pancreatic cancer. Forty millilitres of solution (20 mL of 95% ethanol mixed with 20 mL of xylocaine) was injected into either side of para‐aortic soft tissue. The same solution was injected in 10 patients (Group B), with inoperable pancreatic body cancer diagnosed during laparotomy.

Results

There were no intraoperative or post‐operative, NCPB related, complications. Patients in both groups, reported significant pain relief in the early post‐operative period. Using the visual analogue scale preoperatively, in second post‐operative day, first and third post‐operative month, no significant different was observed between the two groups. The mean hospital stay in both groups was 2.1 versus 5.2 (P = 0.0005) and the mean survival 8.1 versus 7.9 months (ns).

Conclusions

The NCPB is feasible method for palliation in inoperable pancreatic cancer. Laparoscopic NCPB gives excellent results and could still be considered in selected cases, as an effective alternative during staging laparoscopy.
Pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime in infants and neonates undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Gertler Ralph , Gruber Michael , Wiesner Gunther , Grassin‐Delyle Stanislas , Urien Saïk , Tassani‐Prell Peter , Martin Klaus
Published: May 2018

Aims

Very little data exist regarding the effect of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on cefuroxime (CXM) pharmacokinetics in children less than one year of age.

Methods

50 mg kg−1 CXM i.v. after induction were followed by 75 mg kg−1 into the CPB circuit. In 42 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, 15–20 samples were obtained between 5 and 360 min after the first dose. Total CXM concentrations were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography and a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modelling was performed.

Results

Using a fixed protein binding of 15.6% for CXM, peak plasma concentrations of unbound CXM were 229 ± 52 μg ml−1 after the first bolus and 341 ± 86 μg ml−1 on CPB. Nadir concentrations before CPB were 69 ± 20 μg ml−1 and six hours later decreased to 41 ± 19 μg ml−1 with and 24 ± 14 μg ml−1 without CPB. A two‐compartment model was fitted with the main covariates body weight, CPB and postmenstrual age (PMA). PK parameters were as follows: systemic clearance, 5.15 [95% CI 4.5–5.8] l h−1; central volume of distribution, 11.25 [9.41–13.09] l; intercompartmental clearance, 18.19 [14.79–21.58] l h−1; and peripheral volume, 17.07 [15.7–18.5] L. ƒT > MIC of 32 μg ml−1 for an 8‐h time period was between 70 and 100% (2.5–10 kg BW). According to our simulation, 25 mg ml−1 CXM as a primary bolus and into the prime plus a 5 mg kg−1 h−1 infusion maintain CXM concentrations continuously above 32 μg ml−1.

Conclusions

The routine dosing regimen provided was sufficient for prophylaxis, but continuous dosing can provide a higher percentage of ƒT > MIC.
CREC: the role of serious games in improving flexibility in thinking in neuropsychological rehabilitation
Authors: Colautti Laura , Baldassini Davide , Colombo Vera , Mottura Stefano , Sacco Marco , Sozzi Matteo , Corbo Massimo , Rusconi Maria Luisa , Antonietti Alessandro
Published: May 2018

An exploratory study aimed at testing CREC, a training programme designed for people with cognitive impairments caused by a stroke, is reported. The goal of the programme is to improve flexibility in thinking through a creative approach based on everyday problems. The programme includes two Serious Games (SGs) developed ad hoc, dealing with the transfer of the learned strategies to the home environment. The training was applied to six patients to test if it could bring beneficial effects to them. Before and after the training, patients’ neuropsychological functioning, emotional state and level of creativity were assessed. Results showed improvements in memory, logical reasoning and praxic skills. Improvements in quality of life and in creativity emerged as well. At the end of the training, the patients perceived themselves as more efficient in problem solving and recognised that the SGs led them to reflect critically on some aspects of their daily life that they usually took for granted.
New country and regional records of the pine needle blight pathogens Lecanosticta acicola, Dothistroma septosporum and Dothistroma pini
Authors: Mullett M. S. , Adamson K. , Bragança H. , Bulgakov T. S. , Georgieva M. , Henriques J. , Jürisoo L. , Laas M. , Drenkhan R.
Published: May 2018

Dothistroma needle blight (DNB), caused by Dothistroma septosporum and Dothistroma pini, and brown spot needle blight (BSNB), caused by Lecanosticta acicola, are some of the most serious and damaging foliar diseases of pines (Pinus spp.). Lecanosticta acicola is reported for the first time from Ireland and Portugal and confirmed from the Black Sea coast of Russia (Krasnodar region, Sochi). It has also been recovered from the first, and only, reported site in Latvia 4 years after efforts to eradicate it were undertaken. Dothistroma septosporum is reported for the first time from Ireland on Pinus sylvestris and Pinus radiata. It was also found in Comunitat Valenciana, Spain, and confirmed as the causal agent of the disease in Bulgaria. Dothistroma pini was found in Aragon, Spain, and in Arkansas, USA, where it was found on Pinus elliottii, a new host for this pathogen. A new ITS haplotype of D. septosporum is reported from the Bulgarian isolates and a new ITS haplotype of D. pini from the Arkansas isolates. These new country and regional reports extend the geographical and host range of these pathogenic fungi and continue a trend seen since the 1990s. Of particular concern are the geographically widespread new reports of L. acicola from the most north‐ and south‐westerly (Ireland and Portugal) to the most south‐easterly (Russia) regions in Europe, suggesting that not only is this pathogen continuing to spread in Europe but also is well adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions.
Cross‐modal restoration of ocular dominance plasticity in adult mice
Authors: Teichert Manuel , Isstas Marcel , Zhang Yitong , Bolz Jürgen
Published: May 2018

The temporal closure of one eye in juvenile and young adult mice induces a shift of the ocular dominance (OD) of neurons in the binocular visual cortex. However, OD plasticity typically declines with age and is completely absent in matured mice beyond postnatal day (PD) 110. As it has been shown that the deprivation of one sensory input can induce neuronal alterations in non‐deprived sensory cortices, we here investigated whether cross‐modal interactions have the potential to reinstall OD plasticity in matured mice. Strikingly, using intrinsic signal imaging we could demonstrate that both whisker deprivation and auditory deprivation for only one week reinstated OD plasticity in fully adult mice. These OD shifts were always mediated by an increase of V1 responsiveness to visual stimulation of the open eye, a characteristic feature of OD plasticity normally only found in young adult mice. Moreover, systemic administration of the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist CPP completely abolished cross‐modally induced OD plasticity. Taken together, we demonstrate here for the first time that the deprivation of non‐visual senses has the potential to rejuvenate the adult visual cortex.
Filling ephemeral ponds affects development and phenotypic expression in Ambystoma talpoideum
Authors: Pintar Matthew R. , Resetarits William J.
Published: May 2018

Populations and communities are often greatly affected by disturbances and variation in abiotic habitat conditions. Many of these effects are contingent on relatively predictable, yet still variable, environmental conditions that drive the life history strategies and development pathways of organisms in those habitats. However, much focus has been placed on aspects of such changes that cause mortality or movement from patches, whereas a multitude of outcomes can occur in natural systems. In lentic freshwater habitats, hydroperiod is a defining environmental characteristic, with temporary ponds supporting distinct communities of organisms with complex life cycles and plastic developmental trajectories.

Little consideration has been given to the effects of refilling of ponds with variable hydroperiods, as lengthening the hydroperiod can extend the time organisms spend in their aquatic stages, allowing for the acquisition of more resources. We hypothesised that increasing the volume of small ponds and adding competitors (Ambystoma maculatum) at the time of filling would interactively affect the development and phenotypic expression of Ambystoma talpoideum.

We introduced larval A. talpoideum to experimental mesocosms and manipulated water level (small, low volume mesocosms; filled, full mesocosms) and the addition of competitors (A. maculatum) at the time of filling in a 2 × 2 factorial design.

We found that low volume mesocosms were dominated by metamorphs, while filling resulted in a more even mix of metamorphs, larvae and paedomorphs in full mesocosms. Filling resulted in larger metamorphs and paedomorphs, but did not affect larvae, whereas addition of A. maculatum shortened the larval period of metamorphs.

We provide evidence that changes in abiotic habitat conditions, such as variation in the volume of ponds, can shift the development and phenotype of organisms. This plasticity may allow species to ensure the success of populations under both improvement and deterioration of environmental conditions. Hence, phenotypes like paedomorphic A. talpoideum can breed sooner than metamorphs, theoretically maximising the fitness of both individuals and populations.
Parallel matheuristics for the discrete unit commitment problem with min‐stop ramping constraints
Authors: Dupin Nicolas , Talbi El‐ghazali
Published: May 2018

The discrete unit commitment problem with min‐stop ramping constraints optimizes the daily production of thermal power plants, subject to an operational reactivity of thermal units in a 30‐minute delay. Previously, mixed integer programming (MIP) formulations aimed at an exact optimization approach. This paper derives matheuristics to face the short time limit imposed by the operational constraints. Continuous relaxations guide the search for feasible solutions exploiting tailored variable fixing strategies. Parallel matheuristics are derived considering complementary strategies in parallel. Tests were performed on more than 600 real‐life instances. Our parallel matheuristic provides high‐quality solutions and outperforms the MIP approach in the time limits imposed by the industrial application. This paper illustrates a special interest for matheuristics in industrial highly constrained problems: many tailored neighborhood searches can be derived from an MIP formulation, and their combination in a parallel scheme improves the solution quality as well as the consistency of the heuristic.
Commercial Boycotting and Conscientious Breach of Contract
Authors: Mills Chris , Saprai Prince
Published: May 2018

In this article we argue that commercial boycotting is not an uncontested economic right. Rather, the practice of boycotting often requires further moral justification. We argue that this justification should not rely solely on the consequences of boycotting, nor should it rely solely on the complicity of the consumer. We suggest that both justifications are subject to pressing objections. In light of these objections, we outline an alternative non‐consequentialist justification of commercial boycotting that is grounded in the moral values of conscience and personal integrity. We then explore the scope of this justification in the legal realm. We focus on cases where consumers lack freedom of exchange due to their contractual obligations and conclude by defending a qualified legal right to breach contracts on conscientious grounds.
LncRNA HOXA11‐AS promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by repressing miR‐214‐3p
Authors: Zhan Meixiao , He Ke , Xiao Jing , Liu Fei , Wang Haihe , Xia Zhenglin , Duan Xiaopeng , Huang Rui , Li Yong , He Xu , Yin Hua , Xiang Guoan , Lu Ligong
Published: May 2018

Accumulating studies supported that lncRNAs played important roles in tumorigenesis. LncRNA HOXA11‐AS was a novel lncRNA that has been proved to involved in several tumours. However, the role of HOXA11‐AS in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be explained. In our study, we showed that HOXA11‐AS expression was up‐regulated in the HCC tissues, and the higher expression of HOXA11‐AS was associated with the advanced stage in the HCC samples. In addition, we indicated that the expression of HOXA11‐AS was up‐regulated in HCC cell lines (Hep3B, SMMC‐7721, MHCC97‐H and BEL‐7402) compared with normal liver cell lines (HL‐7702). Overexpression of HOXA11‐AS promoted HCC proliferation and invasion and induced the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and knockdown of HOXA11‐AS suppressed the HCC cell proliferation and invasion. However, we showed that miR‐214‐3p expression was down‐regulated in the HCC tissues and cell lines. Ectopic expression of miR‐214‐3p suppressed HCC cell proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, we indicated that overexpression of HOXA11‐AS decreased the miR‐214‐3p expression and the expression of miR‐214‐3p was negatively related with the HOXA11‐AS expression in HCC samples. Ectopic expression of HOXA11‐AS increased HCC proliferation and invasion and induced EMT through inhibiting miR‐214‐3p expression. These data suggested that HOXA11‐AS/miR‐214‐3p axis was responsible for development of HCC.
MUC1‐C drives myeloid leukaemogenesis and resistance to treatment by a survivin‐mediated mechanism
Authors: Stroopinsky Dina , Rajabi Hasan , Nahas Myrna , Rosenblatt Jacalyn , Rahimian Maryam , Pyzer Athalia , Tagde Ashujit , Kharbanda Akriti , Jain Salvia , Kufe Turner , Leaf Rebecca K. , Anastasiadou Eleni , Bar‐Natan Michal , Orr Shira , Coll Maxwell D. , Palmer Kristen , Ephraim Adam , Cole Leandra , Washington Abigail , Kufe Donald , Avigan David
Published: May 2018

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is an aggressive haematological malignancy with an unmet need for improved therapies. Responses to standard cytotoxic therapy in AML are often transient because of the emergence of chemotherapy‐resistant disease. The MUC1‐C oncoprotein governs critical pathways of tumorigenesis, including self‐renewal and survival, and is aberrantly expressed in AML blasts and leukaemia stem cells (LSCs). However, a role for MUC1‐C in linking leukaemogenesis and resistance to treatment has not been described. In this study, we demonstrate that MUC1‐C overexpression is associated with increased leukaemia initiating capacity in an NSG mouse model. In concert with those results, MUC1‐C silencing in multiple AML cell lines significantly reduced the establishment of AML in vivo. In addition, targeting MUC1‐C with silencing or pharmacologic inhibition with GO‐203 led to a decrease in active β‐catenin levels and, in‐turn, down‐regulation of survivin, a critical mediator of leukaemia cell survival. Targeting MUC1‐C was also associated with increased sensitivity of AML cells to Cytarabine (Ara‐C) treatment by a survivin‐dependent mechanism. Notably, low MUC1 and survivin gene expression were associated with better clinical outcomes in patients with AML. These findings emphasize the importance of MUC1‐C to myeloid leukaemogenesis and resistance to treatment by driving survivin expression. Our findings also highlight the potential translational relevance of combining GO‐203 with Ara‐C for the treatment of patients with AML.
IRX5 promotes NF‐κB signalling to increase proliferation, migration and invasion via OPN in tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Liyuan , Song Fangfang , Sun Hualing , Zhang Lu , Huang Cui
Published: May 2018

Iroquois homeobox gene 5 (Irx5) is a highly conserved member of the Iroquois homeobox gene family. Members of this family play distinct and overlapping roles in normal embryonic cell patterning and development of malignancies. In this study, we observed that IRX5 was abnormally abundant in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) tissues and cell lines. We used gain‐ and loss‐of‐function methods to overexpress and knockdown IRX5 expression in the TSCC cell line CAL27. Our results elucidated that elevated levels of IRX5 promoted proliferation, migration and invasion of TSCC cells, whereas stable or transient knockdown of IRX5 expression suppressed TSCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. As a transcription factor, IRX5 performed this function by targeting osteopontin (OPN) promoter and activating the NF‐κB pathway. Finally, studies in xenograft tumour model showed that IRX5 significantly enhanced OPN expression and promoted tumour growth. Taken together, our study elucidates a promotive effect of IRX5 in TSCC through the connection with OPN. These findings reveal the new molecular mechanism of TSCC, which may potentiate its use as a novel molecular therapy target for TSCC.
Chronic ethanol exposure of human pancreatic normal ductal epithelial cells induces cancer stem cell phenotype through SATB2
Authors: Yu Wei , Ma Yiming , Shankar Sharmila , Srivastava Rakesh K.
Published: May 2018

The incidence of pancreatic cancer is on the rise. Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include alcohol toxicity and metabolic conditions such as obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, the molecular mechanism by which chronic alcohol consumption contributes to pancreatic cancer is not well understood. The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the effects of long‐term chronic ethanol exposure on the transformation of human pancreatic normal ductal epithelial (HPNE) cells. Our data showed that ethanol‐transformed HPNE cells were more progressively transformed exhibiting spheroids and colonies, and anchorage‐independent growth. These transformed cells contained high levels of reactive oxygen species and induced SATB2 expression. Furthermore, during ethanol‐induced cellular transformation, cells gained the phenotypes of cancer stem cells (CSCs) by expressing pluripotency maintaining factors (Oct4, Sox2, cMyc and KLF4) and stem cell markers (CD24, CD44 and CD133). Ethanol‐induced SATB2 can bind to the promoters of KLF4, Oct4, cMyc, Sox2, Bcl‐2 and XIAP genes. Suppression of SATB2 expression in ethanol‐transformed HPNE cells inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation and markers of CSCs and pluripotency. These data suggest that chronic alcohol consumption may contribute toward the development of pancreatic cancer by converting HPNE cells to cancer stem‐like cells.
Tattoo‐associated uveitis with or without systemic sarcoidosis: a comparative review of the literature
Authors: Kluger N.
Published: May 2018

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease of unknown aetiology characterized by the presence of non‐caseating epithelioid cell granulomas in multiple organs, mainly the lungs and the lymphatic system. It is also one of the leading cause of inflammatory eye diseases. For the past 70 years, sarcoidal granulomas on tattoos and permanent make‐up have been documented. They can be the first and sometimes unique cutaneous manifestation of systemic sarcoidosis. A few cases of sarcoidosis with uveitis and granulomatous reactions within tattoos have been described. However, since the end 60s, a singular entity has been reported associating isolated uveitis with granulomatous cutaneous reaction restricted to tattoos in the notable absence of systemic sarcoidosis. It remains unclear whether this entity must be distinguished from sarcoidosis. This review summarizes the currently available data on this topic and compares cases of sarcoidosis with granulomatous tattoo reaction and uveitis to the cases without notable sarcoidosis. We propose the acronym TAGU (TAttoo Granulomas with Uveitis) as an exclusion diagnosis that emcompasses the patients for whom we fail to find any sarcoidosis or other causes after extensive investigation.
Contract contingency in vertically related markets
Authors: Bacchiega Emanuele , Bonroy Olivier , Petrakis Emmanuel
Published: May 2018

Over the last years, courts are increasingly inclined to consider precontractual arrangements as binding contracts, endowing them with commitment value that can be used strategically by the party that proposes them. We study the optimal precontractual arrangement offers of an upstream monopolist producing an essential input that may sell to two vertically differentiated downstream firms. These arrangements concern the exclusivity and the contingency of the contracts to be signed. Once the precontractual arrangements have been determined, the terms of the contracts are negotiated between the upstream supplier and the downstream firm(s). The distribution of bargaining power during the contract terms negotiations is the main driving force of the monopolist's choices. A powerful supplier always opts for an exclusive contract. By contrast, a weaker supplier offers nonexclusive contracts and makes each of them contingent or noncontingent such as to guarantee the most favorable outside option in its negotiations.
Experimental induction of mouthrot in Atlantic salmon smolts using Tenacibaculum maritimum from Western Canada
Authors: Frisch K , Småge S B , Vallestad C , Duesund H , Brevik Ø J , Klevan A , Olsen R H , Sjaatil S T , Gauthier D , Brudeseth B , Nylund A
Published: May 2018

Mouthrot, or bacterial stomatitis, is a disease which mainly affects farmed Atlantic salmon, (Salmo salar, L.), smolts recently transferred into salt water in both British Columbia (BC), Canada, and Washington State, USA. It is a significant fish welfare issue which results in economic losses due to mortality and antibiotic treatments. The associated pathogen is Tenacibaculum maritimum, a bacterium which causes significant losses in many species of farmed fish worldwide. This bacterium has not been proven to be the causative agent of mouthrot in BC despite being isolated from affected Atlantic salmon. In this study, challenge experiments were performed to determine whether mouthrot could be induced with T. maritimum isolates collected from outbreaks in Western Canada and to attempt to develop a bath challenge model. A secondary objective was to use this model to test inactivated whole‐cell vaccines for T. maritimum in Atlantic salmon smolts. This study shows that T. maritimum is the causative agent of mouthrot and that the bacteria can readily transfer horizontally within the population. Although the whole‐cell oil‐adjuvanted vaccines produced an antibody response that was partially cross‐reactive with several of the T. maritimum isolates, the vaccines did not protect the fish under the study's conditions.
A Call for Theoretically Informed and Empirically Validated Military Family Interventions
Authors: Gewirtz Abigail H.
Published: May 2018

Although multiple evidence‐based family interventions exist, less than a handful have been developed or rigorously tested specifically for military families. Indeed, few interventions available to military families are theory based or empirically validated; most have good face validity but little data on efficacy or effectiveness. This article argues for an emphasis on the rigorous evaluation, via pragmatic randomized controlled trials, of theory‐based family interventions to strengthen and support military families. Data are provided from a theory‐based, empirically validated parenting program for families (After Deployment, Adaptive Parenting Tools, or ADAPT) to demonstrate the potential for randomized controlled trials to yield rich data about family functioning beyond program outcomes. Opportunities to generate theoretically informed, evidence‐based family interventions for military families will contribute not only to testing theories about military families but also to advancing well‐being for the next generation of service members and their families.
Multiplex gene editing in rice with simplified CRISPR‐Cpf1 and CRISPR‐Cas9 systems
Authors: Wang Mugui , Mao Yanfei , Lu Yuming , Wang Zhidan , Tao Xiaoping , Zhu Jian‐Kang
Published: May 2018

We developed simplified single transcriptional unit (SSTU) CRISPR systems for multiplex gene editing in rice using FnCpf1, LbCpf1 or Cas9, in which the nuclease and its crRNA array are co‐expressed from a single Pol II promoter, without any additional processing machinery. Our SSTU systems are easy to construct and effective in mediating multiplex genome editing.
Direct manipulation of metallic nanosheets by shear force microscopy
Authors: BI Z. , CAI W. , WANG Y. , SHANG G.
Published: May 2018

Micro/nanomanipulation is a rapidly growing technology and holds promising applications in various fields, including photonic/electronic devices, chemical/biosensors etc. In this work, we present that shear force microscopy (ShFM) can be exploited to manipulate metallic nanosheets besides imaging. The manipulation is realized via controlling the shear force sensor probe position and shear force magnitude based on our homemade ShFM system under an optical microscopy for in situ observation. The main feature of the ShFM system is usage of a piezoelectric bimorph sensor, which has the ability of self‐excitation and detection. Moreover, the shear force magnitude as a function of the spring constant of the sensor and setpoint is obtained, which indicates that operation modes can be switched between imaging and manipulation through designing the spring constant before experiment and changing the setpoint during manipulation process, respectively. We believe that this alternative manipulation technique could be used to assemble other nanostructures with different shapes, sizes and compositions for new properties and wider applications.
Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Overview and Current Recommendations
Authors: Folk Diane M.
Published: May 2018

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy include chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia‐eclampsia, and chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia. These disorders are an important cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Although advances in effective treatments have been made, current research has yet to identify a biochemical or diagnostic imaging marker to reliably predict preeclampsia. Despite current guidelines that address diagnosis and management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, health care providers may overlook or be unaware of signs that require immediate evaluation and treatment. This article reviews the definitions of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, diagnosis, pathophysiology of preeclampsia, indications for treatment, neurologic sequelae, and counseling about the implications of hypertension in pregnancy for subsequent health.
Decision Making about Hospital Arrival among Low‐Risk Nulliparous Women after Spontaneous Labor Onset at Home
Authors: Edmonds Joyce K. , Miley Kathleen , Angelini Kimberly J. , Shah Neel T.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Postponing hospital admission until the active phase of labor is a recommended strategy to safely reduce the incidence of primary cesarean births. Success of this strategy depends on women's decisions about when to transfer from home to the hospital, a process that is largely absent from research about childbirth. This study aimed to determine the decision‐making criteria used by women about when to go to the hospital after the self‐identification of labor onset at home.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted at an academic medical center with a sample of 21 nulliparous women who went into spontaneous labor at home and had term, singleton, and vertex‐presentation births. The purposive sample consisted of women who decided to stay at home or go to the hospital in early labor. Birth narratives from in‐depth interviews conducted in the postpartum period using a semistructured interview guide were subjected to content analysis. The verbatim transcriptions of the interviews were coded and categorized into a set of decision criteria.

Results

Criteria used by women in deciding to go to the hospital or stay at home in early labor included the degree of certainty with the self‐identification of labor onset, ability to cope with labor pain, influence of social network members, health care provider advice, and concerns about travel to the hospital. Perception of childbirth risk and the need for reassurance about the normalcy of symptoms and fetal well‐being also influenced women's decisions.

Discussion

Women use a common set of criteria in deciding when to arrive at the hospital during labor. Antenatal education and telephone triage interventions that incorporate the considerations of women deciding to seek or delay hospital admission in childbirth may facilitate health seeking in more advanced labor. Symptom recognition education about early labor onset and progression could reduce decisional uncertainty.
Cranial morphology in Mollisquama sp. (Squaliformes; Dalatiidae) and patterns of cranial evolution in dalatiid sharks
Authors: Denton John S. S. , Maisey John G. , Grace Mark , Pradel Alan , Doosey Michael H. , Bart Henry L. , Naylor Gavin J. P.
Published: May 2018

Dalatiid sharks are members of a family of predominantly small, midwater meso‐ and bathypelagic chondrichthyans. The family is notable for both its number of monotypic genera and high morphological disparity. Three of the seven dalatiid genera are known only from holotype specimens (Mollisquama parini) or from only a handful of specimens (Euprotomicroides zantedeschia, Heteroscymnoides marleyi), with the only detailed anatomical work consistent across all taxa being studies of dentition. Here, we present detailed anatomical description of the second‐ever specimen of Mollisquama (Mollisquama sp.) covering chondrocranial, jaw, dental, and muscular anatomy, derived from a phase‐contrast synchrotron microtomographic scan. Mollisquama sp. is unique among dalatiids in possessing a deep carinal process, extending ventrally from the bar between the subethmoid region and basal angle in squaloid sharks, containing a large fenestra infiltrated by the suborbitalis muscle. Mollisquama sp. also exhibits additional possibly diagnostic features, including a planar configuration of the labial cartilages and the absence of labial folds; a pad‐like orbital process on the palatoquadrate; and the origination of the suborbitalis muscle solely on the carina, rather than the intraorbital wall. Character optimization of anatomical data onto a phylogeny of dalatiid sharks suggests Mollisquama sp. to be among the most specialized in the family, expanding the existing dalatiid morphospace. However, the functional significance of such transformations remains unclear. Synchrotron‐derived data, which do not require chemical pretreatment of specimens, may elucidate soft‐tissue functional correlates in future studies of undersampled taxa, such as dalatiids.
Mothers' and Fathers' Well‐Being in Parenting Across the Arch of Child Development
Authors: Meier Ann , Musick Kelly , Fischer Jocelyn , Flood Sarah
Published: May 2018

Limited research on parental well‐being by child age suggests that parents are better off with very young children despite intense time demands of caring for them. This study uses the American Time Use Survey Well‐Being Module (N = 18,124) to assess how parents feel in activities with children of different ages. Results show that parents are worse off with adolescent children relative to young children. Parents report the lowest levels of happiness with adolescents relative to younger children, and mothers report more stress and less meaning with adolescents. Controlling for contextual features of parenting including activity type, solo parenting, and restorative time does not fully account for the adolescent disadvantage in fathers' happiness or mothers' stress. This study highlights adolescence as a particularly difficult stage for parental well‐being and shows that mothers shoulder stress that fathers do not, even after accounting for differences in the context of their parenting activities.
Influence of backrest angle on swallowing musculature activity and physical strain during the head lift exercise in elderly women compared with young women
Authors: Koshi N. , Matsumoto H. , Hiramatsu T. , Shimizu Y. , Hagino H.
Published: May 2018

The head lift exercise (HLE) is the most common exercise for strengthening the swallowing musculature in clinical situations. This study investigated whether a change in the backrest angle of a bed influences swallowing musculature activity and physical strain during the HLE and whether it can generate an appropriate exercise load for swallowing musculature activity for older women compared with younger women. Participants were 10 elderly women and 10 young women, each of whom performed the HLE with a backrest randomly angled at 0°, 15°, 30° and 45°. The activity of the suprahyoid, infrahyoid and sternocleidomastoid muscles was assessed with electromyography. The perception of fatigue was measured with the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale. The activity of the infrahyoid and sternocleidomastoid muscles in elderly women was significantly lower when the angle of the backrest was raised to 45° vs 0°. In both groups, the Borg rating decreased significantly at the 30° and 45° backrest positions vs the 0° and 15° positions. The activity required for the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles in elderly women at a 30° backrest position was almost equal to the activity required by these muscles in young women at a 0° backrest position. In elderly women, it is possible that the HLE with the backrest at a 30° angle may be easier and provide a more appropriate exercise load for strengthening the swallowing muscles.
An Investigation of Parents' Decisions to Transfer Children From Regular to Special Schools
Authors: Mann Glenys , Cuskelly Monica , Moni Karen
Published: May 2018

Often within frameworks of inclusive education policy and legislation, many countries continue to provide both special and regular schools as options for students with disability. One persistent explanation for the maintenance of dual systems is the school choice that it offers parents. Enrolment decisions can be ongoing, and parents may have to, or decide to, reassess their schooling choice. One example of this scenario is the decision to transfer from a regular to a special school. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the decision‐making process of parents who transferred their child from regular to special school. Eighty parents from Queensland, Australia, completed a survey which collected information about their decision‐making in this regard. A factor analysis was undertaken with survey items relating to (1) reasons for leaving regular school, (2) hopes for special school, and (3) the decision‐making process. Clear factors emerged as underlying dimensions in parental decision‐making, including those relating to (1) learning, (2) emotional states, (3) school culture, and (4) the difficulties associated with decision‐making. Results indicate that parents' decision‐making is influenced by negative experiences in the mainstream and high expectations for segregated schooling. Emotional strain in regular schools was strongly linked to an exclusionary school culture, and there was an important association between learning and well‐being. Implications of these findings for parents, teachers, and other educators are discussed.
Idiopathic sterile pyogranuloma in three domestic cats
Authors: Giuliano A. , Watson P. , Owen L. , Skelly B. , Davison L. , Dobson J. , Costantino‐Casas F.
Published: May 2018

Pyogranulomatous inflammation has been extensively described in cats, in particular in cases of feline infectious peritonitis and also associated with Mycobacteria, Actinomyces, Nocardia, Rhodococcus and fungal infections. Idiopathic sterile pyogranulomatous dermatitis has also been described. In this case series we describe the clinical presentation, histopathology and outcome of three cases of feline idiopathic sterile steroid‐responsive pyogranuloma with different presentation and different locations of the lesion, but with the common feature of having a mass with no superficial skin involvement.
Uncovering the drivers of host‐associated microbiota with joint species distribution modelling
Authors: Björk Johannes R. , Hui Francis K. C. , O'Hara Robert B. , Montoya Jose M.
Published: May 2018

In addition to the processes structuring free‐living communities, host‐associated microbiota are directly or indirectly shaped by the host. Therefore, microbiota data have a hierarchical structure where samples are nested under one or several variables representing host‐specific factors, often spanning multiple levels of biological organization. Current statistical methods do not accommodate this hierarchical data structure and therefore cannot explicitly account for the effect of the host in structuring the microbiota. We introduce a novel extension of joint species distribution models (JSDMs) which can straightforwardly accommodate and discern between effects such as host phylogeny and traits, recorded covariates such as diet and collection site, among other ecological processes. Our proposed methodology includes powerful yet familiar outputs seen in community ecology overall, including (a) model‐based ordination to visualize and quantify the main patterns in the data; (b) variance partitioning to assess how influential the included host‐specific factors are in structuring the microbiota; and (c) co‐occurrence networks to visualize microbe‐to‐microbe associations.
Similar geometric rules govern the distribution of veins and stomata in petals, sepals and leaves
Authors: Zhang Feng‐Ping , Carins Murphy Madeline R. , Cardoso Amanda A. , Jordan Gregory J. , Brodribb Timothy J.
Published: May 2018

Investment in leaf veins (supplying xylem water) is balanced by stomatal abundance, such that sufficient water transport is provided for stomata to remain open when soil water is abundant. This coordination is mediated by a common dependence of vein and stomatal densities on cell size. Flowers may not conform to this same developmental pattern if they depend on water supplied by the phloem or have high rates of nonstomatal transpiration.

We examined the relationships between veins, stomata and epidermal cells in leaves, sepals and petals of 27 angiosperms to determine whether common spacing rules applied to all tissues.

Regression analysis found no evidence for different relationships within organ types. Both vein and stomatal densities were strongly associated with epidermal cell size within organs, but, for a given epidermal cell size, petals had fewer veins and stomata than sepals, which had fewer than leaves.

Although our data support the concept of common scaling between veins and stomata in leaves and flowers, the large diversity in petal vein density suggests that, in some species, petal veins may be engaged in additional functions, such as the supply of water for high cuticular transpiration or for phloem delivery of water or carbohydrates.
Why do farmers not convert to organic farming? Modeling conversion to organic farming as a major change
Authors: Xu Qing , Huet Sylvie , Poix Christophe , Boisdon Isabelle , Deffuant Guillaume
Published: May 2018

This study aims to better understand why farmers do not convert to organic farming by studying decision trajectories in a dynamic agent‐based model. In this model, an agent's decision on transitioning to organic is based on the comparison between satisfaction with its current situation and potential satisfaction with an alternative farming strategy. A farmer's satisfaction was modeled by borrowing from the Theory of Reasoned Action and computed by comparing the farmer's performance over time against the farming practices of other farmers to which he/she lends great credibility (“important others”). Analysis identified five different reasons why a farmer does not change strategy. Three are due to satisfaction or recovered satisfaction with the current situation. The conversion to organic farming is effectively a major change and cannot be envisaged if the farmer is currently satisfied. Satisfaction can be recovered when evaluation by the farmer or “important others” finds an improvement of the current situation. A farmer's decision to not convert can also be due to negative evaluations of organic farming by “important others,” or to dissatisfaction with the current situation being too transient to prompt the effort to convert.

Summary for Managers

A farmer's decision on whether or not to convert to organic farming is deeply influenced by his/her satisfaction with the current strategy and potential satisfaction under an alternative farming strategy.

A farmer's satisfaction is computed by comparing the farmer's performance over time against the farming practices of other farmers to which he/she lends great credibility.

The conversion to organic farming is effectively a major change, and a farmer will not envisage a change of strategy if he/she is satisfied with their current situation.

A farmer's satisfaction can be recovered when evaluation by the farmer or social peers finds an improvement of the current situation.

If a farmer's credible peers have a negative assessment of organic farming or if his/her own dissatisfaction with the current situation is too short‐lived, then farmer will not convert to organic farming.