bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a public education campaign to support parents to reduce adolescent alcohol use
Authors: Johnston Robyn S. , Stafford Julia , Jongenelis Michelle I. , Shaw Therese , Samsa Hannah , Costello Eleanor , Kirby Gary
Published: April 2018

Introduction and Aims

Mass media education campaigns targeting parents may influence parent factors that reduce adolescent drinking; however few such campaigns have been evaluated.

Design and Methods

The Parents, Young People and Alcohol campaign included two phases of mass media advertising, Cogs and I See, to deliver consistent messages across multiple media channels. The campaign targeted Western Australian parents of 12–17 year olds with messages describing alcohol's effect on the developing brain and adolescent physical and mental health. The campaign reinforced the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guideline that for under 18s, not drinking is the safest option. Parent knowledge, attitudes and behaviours were assessed via cross‐sectional surveys administered before the campaign (Time 1) and at two post‐tests (Time 2; Time 3). Post‐test campaign awareness and perceptions were also assessed.

Results

Campaign awareness was high (48% Time 2; 80% Time 3) and over 86% of parents found the campaign believable and relevant at both post‐tests. Increased knowledge of the NHMRC guideline and lower belief in alcohol myths were found at both post‐tests compared to Time 1. Less positive attitudes to parental supply were found at Time 2, but were not sustained at Time 3. Parents were more likely to have discussed alcohol risks and limiting drinking with their child at Time 3, but parent‐to‐child alcohol supply did not change significantly.

Discussion and Conclusions

The campaign achieved high awareness and positively influenced parental outcomes. Longer term campaign implementation supported by policy and environmental measures may be required to change parental supply.
Dewey in His Skivvies: The Trouble with Reconstruction
Authors: McClintock Robbie
Published: April 2018

In this essay, Robbie McClintock argues that educational theorists have inflated John Dewey's deserved reputation beyond what the quality of his work can sustain. He briefly recounts how Dewey developed a program for reconstruction in philosophy, education, and social life with the aim of overcoming chronic dislocations in social life. McClintock sees two parts to Dewey's reconstruction: a negative program, in which Dewey rejects the metaphysical heritage that had induced these social dislocations; and a positive program, in which he advances scientifically grounded instrumentalities for a more humane conduct of life. McClintock hypothesizes that Dewey's negative reconstruction, based on facile historical reasoning, dismissed historical resources that could have strengthened his positive program to develop a naturalistic humanism, one more instrumental in the art of living. To explain his hypothesis, McClintock selectively shows how, in numerous works, Dewey rejected prior thinking unnecessarily as a means to advance his ideas, focusing in particular on Dewey's dismissive assessment of Immanuel Kant's and G. W. F. Hegel's work. McClintock criticizes Dewey's historical views to encourage present‐day educational thinkers to avoid emulating them and to make full, creative use of the philosophical tradition instead. He closes the essay by suggesting how historical reason can anticipate future possibilities and thus inform present action, and by calling on all to use it in humanizing the lifeworld we share.
Learned and spontaneous magnetosensitive behaviour in the Roborovski hamster (Phodopus roborovskii)
Authors: Malewski Sandra , Begall Sabine , Burda Hynek
Published: April 2018

Sensing the geomagnetic field, called magnetoreception, might be a helpful tool for an animal to orientate and navigate in its environment. Although several rodent species are known to be magnetosensitive, detailed insights into this sensory ability are rare and the underlying mechanism in mammals is still unknown. The magnetic sense of the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) expresses a learned behavioural pattern. Here, we report evidence for magnetoreception based on learned cues as well as spontaneous magnetosensitive behaviour in a closely related species, the Roborovski hamster (Phodopus roborovskii), for the first time. The hamsters learned to build their nests in specific magnetic directions (nest‐building assay) and spent spontaneously more time exploring a magnet compared to a sham (magnetic object assay). Furthermore, an influence of weak radio frequency magnetic fields was observed and is discussed with respect to magnetoreception mechanisms.
Citizen science and wildlife biology: Synergies and challenges
Authors: Frigerio Didone , Pipek Pavel , Kimmig Sophia , Winter Silvia , Melzheimer Jörg , Diblíková Lucie , Wachter Bettina , Richter Anett
Published: April 2018

Citizen science (CS) has evolved over the past decades as a working method involving interested citizens in scientific research, for example by reporting observations, taking measurements or analysing data. In the past, research on animal behaviour has been benefitting from contributions of citizen scientists mainly in the field of ornithology but the full potential ofCSin ecological and behavioural sciences is surely still untapped. Here, we present case studies that successfully appliedCSto research projects in wildlife biology and discuss potentials and challenges experienced. Our case studies cover a broad range of opportunities: large‐scaleCSprojects with interactive online tools on bird song dialects, engagement of stakeholders as citizen scientists to reduce human–wildlife conflicts, involvement of students of primary and secondary schools inCSprojects as well as collaboration with the media leading to successful recruitment of citizen scientists. Each case study provides a short overview of the scientific questions and how they were approached to showcase the potentials and challenges ofCSin wildlife biology. Based on the experience of the case studies, we highlight howCSmay support research in wildlife biology and emphasise the value of fostering communication inCSto improve recruitment of participants and to facilitate learning and mutual trust among different groups of interest (e.g., researchers, stakeholders, students). We further show how specific training for the participants may be needed to obtain reliable data. We considerCSas a suitable tool to enhance research in wildlife biology through the application of open science procedures (i.e., open access to articles and the data on publicly available repositories) to support transparency and sharing experiences.
Foliar nutrient resorption differs between arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal trees at local and global scales
Authors: Zhang Hai‐Yang , Lü Xiao‐Tao , Hartmann Henrik , Keller Adrienne , Han Xing‐Guo , Trumbore Susan , Phillips Richard P.
Published: April 2018

Aim

Trees associating with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi typically occur in infertile soils and use nutrients more conservatively than arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) trees. We hypothesized that ECM trees would have greater nutrient resorption (i.e., proportion of nutrients resorbed during leaf senescence) than AM trees.

Location

Global.

Methods

We synthesized nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) resorption data from 378 species from sub/tropical, temperate and boreal forests, including 43 studies where ECM and AM trees co‐occurred, and conducted a meta‐analysis. Additionally, we quantified N resorption in 45 plots varying in ECM‐AM tree abundances in the temperate deciduous forests of southern Indiana, USA.

Results

Overall, resorption patterns were driven primarily by mycorrhizal type, climate zone, and to a lesser degree, leaf habit. In the boreal forest, P resorption was 76% greater for ECM than AM trees (p < .05). In the sub/tropics, AM trees resorbed 30% more N than ECM trees. At the sites where AM and ECM trees co‐occurred, ECM trees resorbed more N in temperate forests (15% greater; p < .001) whereas AM trees tended to resorb more N in sub/tropical forests (by 29%; p = .08). Besides, deciduous ECM trees resorbed more N (10%) and P (15%) than deciduous AM trees, while evergreen ECM and AM trees did not differ. In the deciduous forests of Indiana, where ECM and AM trees co‐occurred, the relative abundance of ECM trees in a plot was positively correlated to plot‐scale N resorption (R2 = .25, p = .001), indicating greater nutrient conservatism with increasing ECM‐dominance.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate that mycorrhizal association – in addition to other factors – is correlated with the degree to which trees recycle nutrients, with the strongest effects occurring for N resorption by temperate deciduous trees.
New insights in reproducing transnational corporate elites: the labour market intermediation of executive search in the pursuit of global talent in Singapore
Authors: BEAVERSTOCK JONATHAN
Published: April 2018

In this article, I provide new theoretical and empirical insights into the reproduction of transnational corporate elites through the process of people moving between firms’ internal labour markets rather than from expatriation. Theoretically, the article advances understandings of the reproduction of transnational corporate elites by drawing on a pioneering engagement with global talent, transnational elites and labour market intermediary discourses. I generate these new theoretical insights through an original case study of how global executive search firms in Singapore create pipelines for the recruitment of transnational corporate elites between firms’ internal labour markets. The findings also highlight the vital role of Singapore's neoliberal labour market practices, as well as its foreign talent programme to ‘win the war for talent'. By situating this research on the agency of executive search in reproducing Singapore's transnational corporate elite, the article's key contribution is to decentre North American and Western perspectives on the reproduction of knowledge on transnational corporate elites.
Postural control during a transition task in haemophilic children, adolescents and young adults with haemophilic ankle arthropathy
Authors: Deschamps K. , Staes F. , Eerdekens M. , Peerlinck K. , Hermans C. , Vandesande J. , Lobet S.
Published: April 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to determine whether young haemophilic boys with and without MRI‐based signs of ankle arthropathy demonstrate reduced balance ability during a transition task with eyes open and eyes closed.

Methods

Thirty‐four haemophilic bodies and 28 typically developing boys aged 6‐20 years participated to this study. Structural integrity of the tarsal foot joints of all haemophilic boys was assessed with MRI. All participants performed a standard transition task from double‐leg stance to single‐leg stance with eyes open and eyes closed. Comparison of balance features derived from the centre of pressure displacement captured by a single force platform was performed between the different haemophilia subgroups and sex‐age‐height matched peers.

Findings

The haemophilic boys without signs of arthropathy presented only a higher intermediate phase velocity during the eyes closed condition (P = .05). The haemophilic boys with signs of arthropathy had significantly higher displacement after the time to new stability point, and 95% Ellipse Sway Area and Balance Area compared to their matched peers during eyes open test (P < .05). Similar findings were observed during the eyes closed test for the displacement after the time to new stability point and 95% Ellipse Sway Area (P < .05). No significant differences were observed between affected and non‐affected side of the unilateral affected patients.

Interpretation

We suggest that the pathophysiological cascade associated with chronic bleeding episodes should not be considered as a “simple” musculoskeletal injury, hence more as a complex neurophysiological dysfunction which may originate both from unilateral and bilateral deterioration of the musculoskeletal system.
Prospective study of robotic partial nephrectomy for renal cancer in Japan: Comparison with a historical control undergoing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Tanaka Kazushi , Teishima Jun , Takenaka Atsushi , Shiroki Ryoichi , Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Hattori Kazunori , Kanayama Hiro‐omi , Horie Shigeo , Yoshino Yasushi , Fujisawa Masato
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy compared with those of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for T1 renal tumors in Japanese centers.

Methods

Patients with a T1 renal tumor who underwent robotic partial nephrectomy were eligible for inclusion in the present study. The primary end‐point consisted of three components: a negative surgical margin, no conversion to open or laparoscopic surgery and a warm ischemia time ≤25 min. We compared data from these patients with the data from a retrospective study of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy carried out in Japan.

Results

A total of 108 patients were registered in the present study; 105 underwent robotic partial nephrectomy. The proportion of patients who met the primary end‐point was 91.3% (95% confidence interval 84.1–95.9%), which was significantly higher than 23.3% in the historical data. Major complications were seen in 19 patients (18.1%). The mean change in the estimated glomerular filtration rate in the operated kidney, 180 days postoperatively, was −10.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% confidence interval −12.3–9.4%).

Conclusions

Robotic partial nephrectomy for patients with a T1 renal tumor is a safe, feasible and more effective operative method compared with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. It can be anticipated that robotic partial nephrectomy will become more widely used in Japan in the future.
Challenges faced in rural hospitals: the experiences of nurse managers in Uganda
Authors: Kakyo T.A. , Xiao L.D.
Published: April 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to understand nurse ward managers perceived challenges in the rural healthcare setting in Uganda.

Background

The health workforce, essential medicines and equipment and political unrest are the main factors affecting the international community in addressing the hefty disease burden in World Health Organization African regions. Nurse ward managers have an important role to play to mitigate these factors in health facilities in these regions through leadership, supervision and support for staff.

Methods

This study utilized interpretive phenomenology based on Gadamer's hermeneutical principles. Eleven nurse managers from two rural public hospitals in Uganda were interviewed. Those with more than a 2‐year experience in their management role were invited to participate in the study.

Results

Nurse managers pointed out four major challenges with staffing, while they worked in the rural healthcare settings. These are summarized into themes: ‘Numbers do matter’; ‘I cannot access them when I need them at work’; ‘Challenges in dealing with negative attitudes’; and ‘Questioning own ability to manage health services’.

Discussion

Health facilities in rural areas face extremely low staff‐to‐patient ratio, a high level of workload, lack of essential medicines and equipment, low salaries and delayed payment for staff.

Conclusion

Nurse managers demonstrated situation‐based performance to minimize the impact of these challenges on the quality and safety of patient care, but they had less influence on policy and resource development.

Implications for nursing policy

It is imperative to mobilize education for nurse ward managers to enable them to improve leadership, management skills and to have a greater impact on policy and resource development.
The development and psychometric validation of the Ethical Awareness Scale
Authors: Milliken Aimee , Ludlow Larry , DeSanto‐Madeya Susan , Grace Pamela
Published: April 2018

Aim

To develop and psychometrically assess the Ethical Awareness Scale using Rasch measurement principles and a Rasch item response theory model.

Background

Critical care nurses must be equipped to provide good (ethical) patient care. This requires ethical awareness, which involves recognizing the ethical implications of all nursing actions. Ethical awareness is imperative in successfully addressing patient needs. Evidence suggests that the ethical import of everyday issues may often go unnoticed by nurses in practice. Assessing nurses’ ethical awareness is a necessary first step in preparing nurses to identify and manage ethical issues in the highly dynamic critical care environment.

Design

A cross‐sectional design was used in two phases of instrument development.

Method

Using Rasch principles, an item bank representing nursing actions was developed (33 items). Content validity testing was performed. Eighteen items were selected for face validity testing. Two rounds of operational testing were performed with critical care nurses in Boston between February–April 2017.

Results

A Rasch analysis suggests sufficient item invariance across samples and sufficient construct validity. The analysis further demonstrates a progression of items uniformly along a hierarchical continuum; items that match respondent ability levels; response categories that are sufficiently used; and adequate internal consistency. Mean ethical awareness scores were in the low/moderate range.

Conclusion

The results suggest the Ethical Awareness Scale is a psychometrically sound, reliable and valid measure of ethical awareness in critical care nurses.
Insights into the etiology‐associated gene regulatory networks in hepatocellular carcinoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas
Authors: Seshachalam Veerabrahma Pratap , Sekar Karthik , Hui Kam M
Published: April 2018

Background and Aim

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus, alcohol consumption, and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease are the major known risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There have been very few studies comparing the underlying biological mechanisms associated with the different etiologies of HCC. In this study, we hypothesized the existence of different regulatory networks associated with different liver disease etiologies involved in hepatocarcinogenesis.

Methods

Using upstream regulatory analysis tool in ingenuity pathway analysis software, upstream regulators (URs) were predicted using differential expressed genes for HCC to facilitate the interrogation of global gene regulation.

Results

Analysis of regulatory networks for HBV HCC revealed E2F1 as activated UR, regulating genes involved in cell cycle and DNA replication, and HNF4A and HNF1A as inhibited UR. In hepatitis C virus HCC, interferon‐γ, involved in cellular movement and signaling, was activated, while IL1RN, mitogen‐activated protein kinase 1 involved in interleukin 22 signaling and immune response, was inhibited. In alcohol consumption HCC, ERBB2 involved in inflammatory response and cellular movement was activated, whereas HNF4A and NUPR1 were inhibited. For HCC derived from non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, miR‐1249‐5p was activated, and NUPR1 involved in cell cycle and apoptosis was inhibited. The prognostic value of representative genes identified in the regulatory networks for HBV HCC can be further validated by an independent HBV HCC dataset established in our laboratory with survival data.

Conclusions

Our study identified functionally distinct candidate URs for HCC developed from different etiologic risk factors. Further functional validation studies of these regulatory networks could facilitate the management of HCC towards personalized medicine.
Impairment in judgement of the moral emotion guilt following orbitofrontal cortex damage
Authors: Funayama Michitaka , Koreki Akihiro , Muramatsu Taro , Mimura Masaru , Kato Motoichiro , Abe Takayuki
Published: April 2018

Although neuroimaging studies have provided evidence for an association between moral emotions and the orbitofrontal cortex, studies on patients with focal lesions using experimental probes of moral emotions are scarce. Here, we addressed this topic by presenting a moral emotion judgement task to patients with focal brain damage. Four judgement tasks in a simple pairwise choice paradigm were given to 72 patients with cerebrovascular disease. These tasks consisted of a perceptual line judgement task as a control task; the objects’ preference task as a basic preference judgement task; and two types of moral emotion judgement task, an anger task and a guilt task. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed on each set of task performance scores to take into account potential confounders. Performance on the guilt emotion judgement task negatively correlated with the orbitofrontal cortex damage, but not with the other variables. Results for the other judgement tasks did not reach statistical significance. The close association between orbitofrontal cortex damage and a decrease in guilt emotion judgement consistency might suggest that the orbitofrontal cortex plays a key role in the sense of guilt, a hallmark of morality.
Effect of insemination timing on pregnancy outcome in association with female age, sperm motility, sperm morphology and sperm concentration in intrauterine insemination
Authors: Lee Jisun , Hwang Suna , Lee Jaehun , Yoo Junghyun , Jang Dongmin , Hwang Kyungjoo , Kim Miran
Published: April 2018

Aim

We investigated the effect of insemination timing on pregnancy outcomes in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 411 IUI cycles performed with a diagnosis of unexplained infertility and male factor infertility. The cycles were divided according to the interval between insemination and ovulation: ≤36 h, 36–37 h, 37–38 h and >38 h. The overall pregnancy rate, chemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate were compared. We also analyzed the association between pregnancy outcomes and clinical characteristics, including age, duration of infertility, sperm concentration, body mass index (BMI), anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) and number of mature follicles at ovulation.

Results

There were no differences regarding age, duration of infertility, BMI, AMH, sperm concentration and number of mature follicles between different IUI timing groups. Sperm morphology was significantly lower in ≤36 h group (5.3 ± 1.4) compared to 36–37 h, 37–38 h and >38 h (6.3 ± 2.5 vs 6.5 ± 2.7 vs 6.5 ± 3.5, P = 0.004) groups. The ≤36 h group showed lowest total pregnancy rate (5.0%) compared to other IUI timings (21.8% vs 24.8% vs 20.0%, P = 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that sperm morphology was associated with pregnancy in 36–37 h (odd ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.95, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Insemination at least 36 h after ovulation is associated with increased pregnancy rate compared to IUIs performed ≤36 h following ovulation.
In vitro effects of sEng and TGF‐β on human umbilical vein endothelial cells and trophoblasts
Authors: Wang Ketao , Lu Caihua , Liu Yanpo , Tao Ye
Published: April 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effects of sEng and TGF‐β on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and trophoblasts.

Methods

HUVECs and trophoblasts were treated with 1, 5, 10, 15, 30, 50, 80 and 100 μg/L sEng, TGF‐β or (sEng + TGF‐β) for 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h, respectively. sEng, TGF‐β and NO levels in culture media of HUVECs were measured by ELISA. Survival rates of HUVECs and trophoblasts were detected by 3‐[4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2, 5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptotic rate and cell cycle distribution were detected by flow cytometry. eNOS, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 expressions were detected.

Results

The survival rate of 100 μg/L of sEng‐treated HUVECs was significantly lower than those of other groups at the same time point (P < 0.05). The survival rate of the TGF‐β group was significantly lower than that of the sEng group after treatment at each concentration for 36 and 48 h (P < 0.05). NO content significantly decreased with increasing sEng concentration (r = 0.89, P < 0.05) and with extended time at identical sEng concentration (r = 0.78, P < 0.05). The number of membrane‐penetrating trophoblasts in the control group significantly surpassed that of sEng group (P < 0.05). The number of expressions in the TGF‐β group significantly exceeded that of control group (P < 0.05), being significantly different from that of sEng group (P < 0.05). MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 expressions in sEng group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05), and such expressions of the TGF‐β group significantly surpassed those of other groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

sEng and TGF‐β were closely associated with endothelial cell injury and abnormalities of trophoblast proliferation and infiltration in vitro.
The particulate passage rate, nutrient composition and fermentation characteristics across gastrointestinal tracts in lactating dairy cows fed three different forage source diets
Authors: Wang B. , Gu F. F. , Huang X. B. , Liu J. X.
Published: April 2018

This study was conducted to investigate the particulate passage rate, nutrient characteristics and fermentation parameters across the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in lactating dairy cows fed cereal straws in comparison with alfalfa hay. Eighteen multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of three experimental diets consisting of 55% concentrate, 15% corn silage and 30% different forage sources as follows (% of dry matter [DM]): (i) 23% alfalfa hay and 7% Chinese wild rye hay (AH); (ii) 30% corn stover (CS); and (iii) 30% rice straw (RS). The Cr‐mordanted corn silage‐neutral detergent fibre was used to estimate the passage flow at week 14. After 14‐week feeding, the animals were slaughtered to collect the gastrointestinal digesta. Dietary forage sources had little effect on the fractional passage rates in the rumen (range from 5.05 to 6.25%/hr) or hindgut (range from 4.49 to 5.24%/hr). Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration in the caecum was highest, followed by the rumen, colon and rectum, and the lowest in the abomasum and duodenum, indicating that the large intestines, especially caecum, are the important positions for carbohydrate degradation. Greater proportion of propionate and butyrate and lower acetate were found in theAHcompared toCSorRSin colon, but higher acetate in abomasum was found in the cows fedCSorRScompared toAH. In conclusion, cereal straw diets did not change the particulate passage rate in the rumen and hindgut which might be mainly due to the similar DM intake among these three diets. Different forage source diets significantly changed VFA proportion in the abomasum and colon, indicating the existence of different digestion or absorption rates in these tracts among the experimental diets.
Structure‐based optics of centric diatom frustules: modulation of the in vivo light field for efficient diatom photosynthesis
Authors: Goessling Johannes W. , Su Yanyan , Cartaxana Paulo , Maibohm Christian , Rickelt Lars F. , Trampe Erik C. L. , Walby Sandra L. , Wangpraseurt Daniel , Wu Xia , Ellegaard Marianne , Kühl Michael
Published: April 2018

The optical properties of diatom silicate frustules inspire photonics and nanotechnology research. Whether light interaction with the nano‐structure of the frustule also affects diatom photosynthesis has remained unclear due to lack of information on frustule optical properties under more natural conditions.

Here we demonstrate that the optical properties of the frustule valves in water affect light harvesting and photosynthesis in live cells of centric diatoms (Coscinodiscus granii).

Microscale cellular mapping of photosynthesis around localized spot illumination demonstrated optical coupling of chloroplasts to the valve wall. Photonic structures of the three‐layered C. granii valve facilitated light redistribution and efficient photosynthesis in cell regions distant from the directly illuminated area. The different porous structure of the two sides of the valve exhibited photon trapping and forward scattering of blue light enhancing photosynthetic active radiation inside the cell.

Photonic structures of diatom frustules thus alter the cellular light field with implications on diatom photobiology.
Interventions aimed at preventing and reducing overweight/obesity among children and adolescents: a meta‐synthesis
Authors: Kobes A. , Kretschmer T. , Timmerman G. , Schreuder P.
Published: April 2018

The prevalence of child and adolescent obesity has been a major worldwide problem for decades. To stop the number of youth with overweight/obesity from increasing, numerous interventions focusing on improving children's weight status have been implemented. The growing body of research on weight‐related interventions for youth has been summarized by several meta‐analyses aiming to provide an overview of the effectiveness of interventions. Yet, the number of meta‐analyses is expanding so quickly and overall results differ, making a comprehensive synopsis of the literature difficult. To tackle this problem, a meta‐synthesis was conducted to draw informed conclusions about the state of the effectiveness of interventions targeting child and adolescent overweight. The results of the quantitative synthesis of 26 meta‐analyses resulted in a standardized mean difference (SMD) of −0.12 (95%CI: −0.16, −0.08). Several moderator analyses showed that participant and intervention characteristics had little impact on the overall effect size. However, a moderator analysis distinguishing between obesity treatment and obesity prevention studies showed that obesity treatment interventions (SMD: −0.048, 95%CI: −0.60, −0.36) were significantly more effective in reducing body mass index than obesity prevention interventions (SMD: −0.08, 95%CI: −0.11, −0.06). Overall, the results of this meta‐synthesis suggest that interventions result in statistically significant effects albeit of relatively little clinical relevance.
Strategies of leaf water uptake based on anatomical traits
Authors: Boanares D. , Isaias R. R. M. S. , de Sousa H. C. , Kozovits A. R.
Published: April 2018

The ability of leaves to absorb fog water can positively contribute to the water and carbon balance of plants in montane ecosystems, especially in periods of soil water deficit. However, the ecophysiological traits and mechanisms responsible for variations in the speed and total water absorption capacity of leaves are still poorly known.

This study investigated leaf anatomical attributes of seven species occurring in seasonal tropical high‐altitude ecosystems (rocky outcrop and forest), which could explain differences in leaf water uptake (LWU) capacities. We tested the hypothesis that different sets of anatomical leaf attributes will be more marked in plant individuals living under these contrasting environmental conditions. Anatomical variations will affect the initial rate of water absorption and the total storage capacity, resulting in different strategies for using the water supplied by fog events.

Water absorption by leaves was inferred indirectly, based on leaf anatomical structure and visual observation of the main access routes (using an apoplastic marker), the diffusion of water through the cuticle, and non‐glandular or glandular trichomes in all species.

The results suggest that three LWU strategies coexist in the species studied. The different anatomical patterns influenced the speed and maximum LWU capacity. The three LWU strategies can provide different adaptive advantages to adjust to temporal and spatial variations of water availability in these tropical high‐altitude environments.
Testing the cultivar vigor hypothesis: comparisons of the competitive ability of wild and cultivated populations of Pascopyrum smithii along a restoration chronosequence
Authors: Poelman Mary E. , Pilmanis Adrienne M. , Hufford Kristina M.
Published: April 2018

Restoration practitioners often rely on seeds of widely available cultivars representing native species but nonlocal germplasm. Cultivation improves the supply of plant materials and minimizes revegetation costs, but can also favor agronomic traits, and resulting vigor may affect the competitive ability and long‐term persistence of cultivated genotypes at restoration sites. We compared cultivated, restored, and wild populations of Pascopyrum smithii (western wheatgrass) in a greenhouse study to test the extent to which cultivars outcompete local plants in biomass production, and to determine if morphological differences (including height and number of leaves) among cultivated and wild populations persist at restoration sites over time. We found evidence of vigor and greater competitive ability of cultivars in seed mass, growth rate, plant height, and biomass and this advantage occurred when plants were grown alone or in competition with other seed sources. Cultivar vigor persisted at restoration sites over 30 years, but restored populations more closely resembled wild, local populations when cultivars were planted in closer proximity to nearby undisturbed sites. This study supports the cultivar vigor hypothesis and provides evidence for the long‐term persistence of cultivated traits in the environment.
Dumping and oil pollution: Regulatory approaches for vessel operations in an ice‐free Central Arctic Ocean
Authors: Kirchner Stefan , Kleemola‐Juntunen Pirjo
Published: April 2018

Pollution of the seas by ships has long been an international regulatory concern. International law is mainly reactive in nature, responding to specific needs for regulation. Because lawmaking at the international level can be a slow‐moving process, it is important to determine such regulatory needs early on. This article asks the question whether the regulatory possibilities that exist today are sufficient to protect the Central Arctic Ocean from vessel‐based pollution, with a focus on oil pollution and dumping. It analyses different legal tools with a view to their suitability for the protection of the Central Arctic Ocean against future threats of pollution from vessels operating in the area. It will be shown that, though imperfect and incomplete, rules are already in place which enable the international community to take action to protect the Central Arctic Ocean against dumping and deliberate oil pollution.
Forecast accuracy of small and large scale dynamic factor models in developing economies
Authors: Lopez‐Buenache German
Published: April 2018

Developing economies usually present limitations in the availability of economic data. This constraint may affect the capacity of dynamic factor models to summarize large amounts of information into latent factors that reflect macroeconomic performance. This paper addresses this issue by comparing the accuracy of two kinds of dynamic factor models at GDP forecasting for six Latin American countries. Each model is based on a dataset of different dimensions: a large dataset composed of series belonging to several macroeconomic categories (large scale dynamic factor model) and a small dataset with a few prescreened variables considered as the most representative ones (small scale dynamic factor model). Short‐term pseudo real time out‐of‐sample forecast of GDP growth is carried out with both models reproducing the real time situation of data accessibility derived from the publication lags of the series in each country. Results (i) confirm the important role of the inclusion of latest released data in the forecast accuracy of both models, (ii) show better precision of predictions based on factors with respect to autoregressive models and (iii) identify the most adequate model for each country according to availability of the observed data.
Forecasting aggregate claims using score‐driven time series models
Authors: de Melo Mariana Arozo B. , Fernandes Cristiano A. C. , de Melo Eduardo F. L.
Published: April 2018

In the insurance industry, premium estimation and ruin probability valuation depend fundamentally on the aggregate claims distribution. From the mathematical point of view, the aggregated claims variable is a random sum of random variables. Obtaining the analytical expression for its probability distribution is a hard task. In this paper, a new approach is proposed for the modeling of the aggregated claims predictive distribution. The newly proposed generalized autoregressive score models are combined to specify non‐Gaussian distributions for both the number of claims and the claims severity. In all models, appropriate parameters were made time varying according to a score‐driving mechanism. By the use of the fast Fourier transform, we are then able to numerically obtain the aggregated claims distribution. The proposed method is applied to real data, provided by a Brazilian motor insurer.
A conserved RxLR effector interacts with host RABA‐type GTPases to inhibit vesicle‐mediated secretion of antimicrobial proteins
Authors: Tomczynska Iga , Stumpe Michael , Mauch Felix
Published: April 2018

Plant pathogens of the oomycete genus Phytophthora produce virulence factors, known as RxLR effector proteins that are transferred into host cells to suppress disease resistance. Here, we analyse the function of the highly conserved RxLR24 effector of Phytophthora brassicae. RxLR24 was expressed early in the interaction with Arabidopsis plants and ectopic expression in the host enhanced leaf colonization and zoosporangia formation. Co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) experiments followed by mass spectrometry identified different members of the RABA GTPase family as putative RxLR24 targets. Physical interaction of RxLR24 or its homologue from the potato pathogen Phytophthora infestans with different RABA GTPases of Arabidopsis or potato, respectively, was confirmed by reciprocal Co‐IP. In line with the function of RABA GTPases in vesicular secretion, RxLR24 co‐localized with RABA1a to vesicles and the plasma membrane. The effect of RxLR24 on the secretory process was analysed with fusion constructs of secreted antimicrobial proteins with a pH‐sensitive GFP tag. PATHOGENESIS RELATED PROTEIN 1 (PR‐1) and DEFENSIN (PDF1.2) were efficiently exported in control tissue, whereas in the presence of RxLR24 they both accumulated in the endoplasmic reticulum. Together our results imply a virulence function of RxLR24 effectors as inhibitors of RABA GTPase‐mediated vesicular secretion of antimicrobial PR‐1, PDF1.2 and possibly other defence‐related compounds.
On the Sufficient Symmetry Conditions for Isotropy of Elastic Moduli
Authors: Ayas C. , Tekog̃lu C.
Published: April 2018

The structural symmetry of a material can be manifested at a multitude of length scales such as spatial arrangement of atoms in a crystal structure, preferred orientation of grains in a polycrystalline material, alignment of reinforcing particles/fibers in composites or the micro-architecture of members in cellular solids. This paper proofs, in a simple yet rigorous manner, that six axes of fivefold structural symmetry is necessary and sufficient for isotropy of the elastic moduli tensor in the three-dimensional (3D) context.
Quantitative critical thinking: Student activities using Bayesian updating
Authors: Warren Aaron R.
Published: April 2018

One of the central roles of physics education is the development of students' ability to evaluate proposed hypotheses and models. This ability is important not just for students' understanding of physics but also to prepare students for future learning beyond physics. In particular, it is often hoped that students will better understand the manner in which physicists leverage the availability of prior knowledge to guide and constrain the construction of new knowledge. Here, we discuss how the use of Bayes' Theorem to update the estimated likelihood of hypotheses and models can help achieve these educational goals through its integration with evaluative activities that use hypothetico-deductive reasoning. Several types of classroom and laboratory activities are presented that engage students in the practice of Bayesian likelihood updating on the basis of either consistency with experimental data or consistency with pre-established principles and models. This approach is sufficiently simple for introductory physics students while offering a robust mechanism to guide relatively sophisticated student reflection concerning models, hypotheses, and problem-solutions. A quasi-experimental study utilizing algebra-based introductory courses is presented to assess the impact of these activities on student epistemological development. The results indicate gains on the Epistemological Beliefs Assessment for Physical Science (EBAPS) at a minimal cost of class-time.
Model PET Scan Activity
Authors: Strunk Amber , Gazdovich Jennifer , Redouté Oriane , Reverte Juan Manuel , Shelley Samantha , Todorova Vesela
Published: April 2018

This paper provides a brief introduction to antimatter and how it, along with other modern physics topics, is utilized in positron emission tomography (PET) scans. It further describes a hands-on activity for students to help them gain an understanding of how PET scans assist in detecting cancer. Modern physics topics provide an exciting way to introduce students to current applications of physics.
Estimation of polydispersity in aggregating red blood cells by quantitative ultrasound backscatter analysis
Authors: de Monchy Romain , Rouyer Julien , Destrempes François , Chayer Boris , Cloutier Guy , Franceschini Emilie
Published: April 2018

Quantitative ultrasound techniques based on the backscatter coefficient (BSC) have been commonly used to characterize red blood cell (RBC) aggregation. Specifically, a scattering model is fitted to measured BSC and estimated parameters can provide a meaningful description of the RBC aggregates' structure (i.e., aggregate size and compactness). In most cases, scattering models assumed monodisperse RBC aggregates. This study proposes the Effective Medium Theory combined with the polydisperse Structure Factor Model (EMTSFM) to incorporate the polydispersity of aggregate size. From the measured BSC, this model allows estimating three structural parameters: the mean radius of the aggregate size distribution, the width of the distribution, and the compactness of the aggregates. Two successive experiments were conducted: a first experiment on blood sheared in a Couette flow device coupled with an ultrasonic probe, and a second experiment, on the same blood sample, sheared in a plane-plane rheometer coupled to a light microscope. Results demonstrated that the polydisperse EMTSFM provided the best fit to the BSC data when compared to the classical monodisperse models for the higher levels of aggregation at hematocrits between 10% and 40%. Fitting the polydisperse model yielded aggregate size distributions that were consistent with direct light microscope observations at low hematocrits.
Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium CpxRA Two-Component System Contributes to Gut Colonization in Salmonella-Induced Colitis
Authors: Fujimoto Mayuka , Goto Ryosuke , Haneda Takeshi , Okada Nobuhiko , Miki Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2018

Salmonella enterica
, a common cause of diarrhea, has to colonize the gut lumen to elicit disease. In the gut, the pathogen encounters a vast array of environmental stresses that cause perturbations in the bacterial envelope. The CpxRA two-component system monitors envelope perturbations and responds by altering the bacterial gene expression profile. This allows
Salmonella
to survive under such harmful conditions. Therefore, CpxRA activation is likely to contribute to
Salmonella
gut infection. However, the role of the CpxRA-mediated envelope stress response in
Salmonella
-induced diarrhea is unclear. Here, we show that CpxRA is dispensable for the induction of colitis by
S. enterica
serovar Typhimurium, whereas it is required for gut colonization. We prove that CpxRA is expressed during gut infection and that the presence of antimicrobial peptides in growth media activates the expression of CpxRA-regulated genes. In addition, we demonstrate that a
S
. Typhimurium strain lacking the
cpxRA
gene is able to cause colitis but is unable to continuously colonize the gut. Finally, we show that CpxRA-dependent gut colonization requires the host gut inflammatory response, while DegP, a CpxRA-regulated protease, is dispensable. Our findings reveal that the CpxRA-mediated envelope stress response plays a crucial role in
Salmonella
gut infection, suggesting that CpxRA might be a promising therapeutic target for infectious diarrhea.
True rotational stability of a single-piece hydrophobic intraocular lens
Authors: Schartmüller Daniel , Schriefl Sabine , Schwarzenbacher Luca , Leydolt Christina , Menapace Rupert
Published: April 2018

Background

To evaluate rotation and its influencing factors of an aspheric one-piece hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) Vivinex XY1 during 6 months after operation.

Methods

In this institutional trial, 122 eyes of 66 patients were implanted with a non-toric aspheric IOL Vivinex XY1 (Hoya Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). IOL alignment was assessed at the end of surgery, 1 hour, 1 week, 1 month and 6 months after implantation. Confounding factors such as axial length, presence of anterior fibrosis and randomised implantation in four different intended axes (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) were evaluated. Decentration and tilt were measured using a Purkinje metre.

Results

Assessment of rotational stability was possible for 103 of 122 implanted IOLs 6 months after eye surgery. The median absolute rotation was 1.1° (range: 0°–5°). Rotation was significantly increased within the first hour after operation compared with later time-points (p<0.001). No correlation was found with axial length and rotation (Spearman’s r=0.048, p=0.63). No significant difference was observed regarding different implantation axes (p=0.75). Rotation was not influenced by the presence of anterior fibrosis (p=0.98).

Conclusion

Assessing the true IOL position at the end of surgery is crucial for the evaluation of rotational stability of IOLs. No IOL rotation exceeding 5° could be detected 6 months after surgery.