bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of Recurrent Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis by Increasing Daily Water in Premenopausal Women: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Hooton Thomas M , Vecchio Mariacristina , Iroz Alison , Tack Ivan , Dornic Quentin , Seksek Isabelle , Lotan Yair
Published: October 2017

Background

Increased hydration is commonly recommended as a preventive measure for women with recurrent acute uncomplicated cystitis (rAUC), but supportive data are sparse. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of increased daily water intake on the frequency of rAUC in premenopausal women.

Methods

140 healthy premenopausal asymptomatic women drinking less than 1.5 L of total fluid daily (24 hours) and suffering from rAUC (33 episodes in the past year) were randomized to receive, in addition to their usual daily fluid intake, either 1.5 L water daily (water group) or no additional fluids (control group), for 12 months. Assessments of daily water and total fluid intake, urine volume and osmolality, number of urine voids, and occurrence of AUC symptoms and a reminder to notify investigators of any such symptoms were performed at baseline, 6- and 12-month clinic visits in addition to monthly telephone calls. The primary outcome was frequency of rAUC episodes (31 AUC symptom and 3103 CFU/mL of a uropathogen in voided urine) over 12 months.

Results

Between baseline and 12 month’s follow-up, the water group, compared with the control group, had statistically significant increases in mean daily water intake (1.15 vs. −0.01 L), total fluid intake (1.65 vs. 0.03 L), urine volume (1.40 vs. 0.04 L), and number of urine voids (2.2 vs. −0.2), and a decrease in urine osmolality (−408 vs. −35 mOsm/Kg). The mean number of rAUC episodes in the water group was significantly less than in the control group (1.6 vs. 3.1; odds ratio 0.52, 95% CI 0.46–0.60,  P < 0.0001) (figure shows cumulative sum of AUC episodes over 12 months in both study groups). The mean number of antimicrobial regimens used to treat AUC events was 1.8 in the water group vs. 3.5 in the control group (P < 0.0001). In addition, the mean number of days to first rAUC and the mean number of days between rAUC episodes was longer in the water group compared with the control group (148 vs. 93,  P = 0.0005 and 143 vs. 85, P < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusions

Our results provide strong evidence that increased water intake is an effective antimicrobial-sparing preventive strategy for women with rAUC. Increasing daily water intake by approximately 1.5 L reduced rAUC episodes by 48% and antimicrobial regimens by 47% over 12 months.

Disclosures

M. Vecchio, Danone Research: Employee, Salary. A. Iroz, Dzanone Research: Employee, Salary. I. Tack, Danone Research: Consultant, Consulting fee and Speaker honorarium. Q. Dornic, Danone research: Employee, Salary. I. Seksek, Danone Research: Employee, Salary.
In-orbit performance of the soft X-ray imaging system aboard Hitomi (ASTRO-H)
Authors: Nakajima Hiroshi , Maeda Yoshitomo , Uchida Hiroyuki , Tanaka Takaaki , Tsunemi Hiroshi , Hayashida Kiyoshi , Tsuru Takeshi G , Dotani Tadayasu , Nagino Ryo , Inoue Shota , Ozaki Masanobu , Tomida Hiroshi , Natsukari Chikara , Ueda Shutaro , Mori Koji , Yamauchi Makoto , Hatsukade Isamu , Nishioka Yusuke , Sakata Miho , Beppu Tatsuhiko , Honda Daigo , Nobukawa Masayoshi , Hiraga Junko S , Kohmura Takayoshi , Murakami Hiroshi , Nobukawa Kumiko K , Bamba Aya , Doty John P , Iizuka Ryo , Sato Toshiki , Kurashima Sho , Nakaniwa Nozomi , Asai Ryota , Ishida Manadu , Mori Hideyuki , Soong Yang , Okajima Takashi , Serlemitsos Peter , Tawara Yuzuru , Mitsuishi Ikuyuki , Ishibashi Kazunori , Tamura Keisuke , Hayashi Takayuki , Furuzawa Akihiro , Sugita Satoshi , Miyazawa Takuya , Awaki Hisamitsu , Miller Eric D , Yamaguchi Hiroya
Published: October 2017

We describe the in-orbit performance of the soft X-ray imaging system consisting of the Soft X-ray Telescope and the Soft X-ray Imager aboard Hitomi. Verification and calibration of imaging and spectroscopic performance are carried out, making the best use of the limited data of less than three weeks. Basic performance, including a large field of view of ${38^{\prime }}$ × ${38^{\prime }}$, is verified with the first-light image of the Perseus cluster of galaxies. Amongst the small number of observed targets, the on-minus-off pulse image for the out-of-time events of the Crab pulsar enables us to measure the half-power diameter of the telescope as ∼${1 {^{\prime}_{.}} 3}$. The average energy resolution measured with the onboard calibration source events at 5.89 keV is 179 ± 3 eV in full width at half maximum. Light leak and crosstalk issues affected the effective exposure time and the effective area, respectively, because all the observations were performed before optimizing an observation schedule and the parameters for the dark-level calculation. Screening the data affected by these two issues, we measure the background level to be 5.6 × 10−6 counts s−1 arcmin−2 cm−2 in the energy band of 5–12 keV, which is seven times lower than that of the Suzaku XIS-BI.
J-GEM observations of an electromagnetic counterpart to the neutron star merger GW170817
Authors: Utsumi Yousuke , Tanaka Masaomi , Tominaga Nozomu , Yoshida Michitoshi , Barway Sudhanshu , Nagayama Takahiro , Zenko Tetsuya , Aoki Kentaro , Fujiyoshi Takuya , Furusawa Hisanori , Kawabata Koji S. , Koshida Shintaro , Lee Chien-Hsiu , Morokuma Tomoki , Motohara Kentaro , Nakata Fumiaki , Ohsawa Ryou , Ohta Kouji , Okita Hirofumi , Tajitsu Akito , Tanaka Ichi , Terai Tsuyoshi , Yasuda Naoki , Abe Fumio , Asakura Yuichiro , Bond Ian A. , Miyazaki Shota , Sumi Takahiro , Tristram Paul J. , Honda Satoshi , Itoh Ryosuke , Itoh Yoichi , Kawabata Miho , Morihana Kumiko , Nagashima Hiroki , Nakaoka Tatsuya , Ohshima Tomohito , Takahashi Jun , Takayama Masaki , Aoki Wako , Baar Stefan , Doi Mamoru , Finet Francois , Kanda Nobuyuki , Kawai Nobuyuki , Kim Ji Hoon , Kuroda Daisuke , Liu Wei , Matsubayashi Kazuya , Murata Katsuhiro L. , Nagai Hiroshi , Saito Tomoki , Saito Yoshihiko , Sako Shigeyuki , Sekiguchi Yuichiro , Tamura Yoichi , Tanaka Masayuki , Uemura Makoto , Yamaguchi Masaki S. ,   the J-GEM collaboration
Published: October 2017

GW170817 is the first detected gravitational wave source from a neutron star merger. We present the Japanese collaboration for gravitational-wave electro-magnetic (J-GEM) follow-up observations of SSS17a, an electromagnetic counterpart of GW170817. SSS17a shows a 2.5 mag decline in the z band during the period between 1.7 and 7.7 d after the merger. Such a rapid decline is not comparable with supernovae light curves at any epoch. The color of SSS17a also evolves rapidly and becomes redder during later epochs: the z − H color has changed by approximately 2.5 mag during the period between 0.7 and 7.7 d. The rapid evolutions of both the color and the optical brightness are consistent with the expected properties of a kilonova that is powered by the radioactive decay of newly synthesized r-process nuclei. Kilonova models with Lanthanide elements can reproduce the aforementioned observed properties well, which suggests that r-process nucleosynthesis beyond the second peak takes place in SSS17a. However, the absolute magnitude of SSS17a is brighter than the expected brightness of the kilonova models with an ejecta mass of 0.01 M⊙, which suggests a more intense mass ejection (∼0.03 M⊙) or possibly an additional energy source.
Police Militarization in Canada: Media Rhetoric and Operational Realities
Authors: Roziere Brendan , Walby Kevin
Published: October 2017

This paper examines police militarization in Canada between 2007 and 2017. We contrast media and police accounts of militarization with special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team deployment records disclosed under freedom of information (FOI) law. Discourse analysis reveals a series of armoured vehicle purchases has been justified by police claims about the danger faced by police officers, and the need to keep police officers and the public safe. Media and police accounts thus suggest militarization is limited. However, our FOI research shows planned and unplanned deployment of SWAT teams have risen in major Canadian cities and are higher in some cases than those reported by Kraska on public police militarization in the USA. After revealing this juxtaposition between media rhetoric and the organization and operational reality of police militarization, we reflect on the implications of police militarization in Canada and the challenges that police may face in communications about armoured vehicle purchases as public awareness of SWAT team use rises and police legitimacy is questioned.
Prevalence of Botrytis Cryptic Species in Strawberry Nursery Transplants and Strawberry and Blueberry Commercial Fields in the Eastern United States
Authors: Amiri Achour , Zuniga Adrian I. , Peres Natalia A.
Published: October 2017

Botrytis isolates from strawberry transplants originating from Canada and the northern United States as well as isolates collected from strawberry and blueberry commercial fields in the southeastern United States were investigated for the frequency of Botrytis cinerea, other cryptic Botrytis spp. reported recently, and the transposable elements (TE) using six genetic markers. B. cinerea sensu stricto was predominant (94%) in strawberry and blueberry in all surveyed regions. Botrytis group S, a newly reported clade on strawberry from Germany, was found at low frequencies (6%) in strawberry in the United States and Canada and on blueberry isolates from Florida. Neither B. caroliniana nor B. pseudocinerea were detected in the U.S. or Canadian populations. Transposa isolates containing the TE boty and flipper accounted for 74% of 410 isolates studied herein. Isolates containing boty only or flipper only elements were found at 21 and 2%, respectively. However, boty isolates were predominant in the blueberry population with more than 50%. The TE were found in B. cinerea and Botrytis group S at similar frequencies, except that flipper was more frequent (10.7%) in Botrytis group S, compared with 1.6% in B. cinerea. The sensitivity of 256 Botrytis isolates from the different genetic groups described above was evaluated to seven fungicides registered to control gray mold in commercial fields. Results indicate that B. cinerea and transposa isolates have higher resistance frequencies to almost all fungicides tested compared with the other Botrytis genotypes or species, whereas the TE flipper may be related to resistance to fludioxonil. Similarities observed between nursery and commercial field populations and their impact on gray mold development and management are discussed.
“It Feels More Real”
Authors: Forsyth Susan R. , Chesla Catherine A. , Rehm Roberta S. , Malone Ruth E.
Published: October 2017

The pervasiveness of video gaming among adolescents today suggests a need to understand how gaming affects identity formation. We interviewed 20 adolescents about their experiences of playing, asking them to describe how they used games and how game playing affected their real-world selves. Adolescents presented a complicated developmental picture: gaming placed players into virtual worlds that felt “real”; games were used to practice multiple identities; and gaming, often undertaken within a world of hyperviolence, provided stress relief, feelings of competence, and relaxation. Gaming occurred in complex “virtual” but “real” social arenas where adolescents gathered to interact, emulate, and develop identities.
A Concept Analysis of Palliative Care Nursing
Authors: Kirkpatrick Amanda J. , Cantrell Mary Ann , Smeltzer Suzanne C.
Published: October 2017

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing specifies that all nurses must be prepared to deliver high-quality palliative care upon entry into practice. To achieve this aim, a clear understanding of palliative care nursing is needed. The Walker and Avant model for concept analysis was used to review and analyze relevant literature from 2000 to 2016. The authors utilized findings of this extensive review to develop a concept model and other practical resources for guiding nurses, educators, and researchers in applying and evaluating competence in the delivery of high-quality palliative nursing care.
New anti-HER2 agents: from second-generation tyrosine kinases inhibitors to bifunctional antibodies
Authors: Gligorov Joseph , Richard Sandrine , Todorovic Vladimir
Published: October 2017

Purpose of review

HER2-positive breast cancers have benefited since the end of the twentieth century, not only from the improvement of biological knowledge, but also from major technological advances. The latter allowed the synthesis of the first generation of enzymatic inhibitors of the HER receptor family such as lapatinib, but above all, monoclonal antibodies such as trastuzumab or pertuzumab having profoundly modified the management of these cancers. However, despite outstanding progresses, there are still patients who are not cured with these first-generation treatments, and they will need new approaches to improve disease control and impact patients’ survival.

Recent findings

Understanding the mechanisms of escape to these treatments, more than real resistance, has profoundly changed our pharmacological approaches. They have enabled the development of molecules blocking the signaling pathway downstream of receptors such as mTOR, PI3K inhibitors or molecules interacting with the cellular traffic of the receptor in combination with the first-generation treatments. In addition, new second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors have demonstrated increased in-vitro efficacy, but still need to show clinical relevance because of new toxicity profiles. The antibody engineering had also permitted a paradigm evolution of the role of the antibody treatments, particularly with the synthesis of bispecific and trifunctional antibodies, promoting the link between the tumor and the immune system, with the goal to amplify the immune anticancer response.

Among the new anti-HER2 agents, second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors and bifunctional antibodies are promising approaches that will help to improve disease control and curability of HER2-positive breast cancers.
First trimester prediction and prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes related to poor placentation
Authors: D'Silva Arlene , Fyfe Rina , Hyett Jon
Published: October 2017

Purpose of review

To summarize recent research findings related to first trimester prediction and prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with poor placentation. Recent publications related to prediction and prevention of preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and stillbirth were reviewed.

Recent findings

Researchers continue to identify markers that will help predict pregnancies that go on to develop preeclampsia through screening at 11–13+6 weeks. A number of multivariate algorithms describing risks for preeclampsia have been published and some of these have been validated in independent populations. A large randomized controlled trial has proven the efficacy of a first trimester prediction – prevention programme for preeclampsia with an 80% reduction in prevalence of disease leading to delivery less than 34 weeks. Screening tools for IUGR and stillbirth are less advanced and require further validation in other populations. The value of these models in preventing disease still needs to be demonstrated.

Significant progress has been made in developing predictive and preventive strategies which can affect the prevalence of severe early-onset preeclampsia. This approach could be adopted for population-based screening aiming to prevent this disease.
Rural Patients' and Primary Care Clinic Staffs' Perceptions of EHR Implementation
Authors: Kooienga Sarah
Published: October 2017

This focused ethnographic research study explores patients' and clinic staffs' experience of electronic health record (EHR) implementation in a small, independent, rural primary care practice. On the basis of participant observation of clinic staff, staff focus group, and patient interviews, results demonstrate that both patients and clinic staff have distrust and disconnect from technology. Yet, patients and clinic staff embrace patient-centered approaches and value team-based care. Understanding patients' and staffs' experience can facilitate the EHR implementation in the rural primary care setting and facilitate online access, patient portals, and other technologically based patient-centered approaches.
Comparing Patient-Centered Medical Home Implementation in Urban and Rural VHA Clinics
Authors: Johnson Victoria , Wong Edwin , Lampman Michelle , Curtis Idamay , Fortney John , Kaboli Peter , Fihn Stephan , Nelson Karin
Published: October 2017

Rural Veterans Health Administration (VHA) primary care clinics are smaller, have fewer staff, and serve more rural patients compared with urban VHA primary care clinics. This may lead to different challenges to implementation of the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model, the Patient Aligned Care Team, in the VHAs' large integrated health system. In this cross-sectional observational study of 905 VHA primary clinics in the United States and Puerto Rico, we found overall PCMH implementation was greater in rural compared to urban primary care clinics. Urban-rural differences in PCMH implementation may largely be related to clinic organizational factors.
How 6 Organizations Developed Tools and Processes for Social Determinants of Health Screening in Primary Care
Authors: LaForge Kate , Gold Rachel , Cottrell Erika , Bunce Arwen E. , Proser Michelle , Hollombe Celine , Dambrun Katie , Cohen Deborah J. , Clark Khaya D.
Published: October 2017

Little is known about how health care organizations are developing tools for identifying/addressing patients' social determinants of health (SDH). We describe the processes recently used by 6 organizations to develop SDH screening tools for ambulatory care and the barriers they faced during those efforts. Common processes included reviewing literature and consulting primary care staff. The organizations prioritized avoiding redundant data collection, integrating SDH screening into existing workflows, and addressing diverse clinic needs. This article provides suggestions for others hoping to develop similar tools/strategies for identifying patients' SDH needs in ambulatory care settings, with recommendations for further research.
Current trends in the management of hemodynamically unstable pelvic ring injuries
Authors: Stahel Philip F. , Burlew Clay C. , Moore Ernest E.
Published: October 2017

Purpose of review

Complex traumatic pelvic ring disruptions are associated with a high mortality rate due to associated retroperitoneal hemorrhage, traumatic-hemorrhagic shock, and postinjury coagulopathy. The present review provides an update on current management strategies to improve survival rates form hemodynamically unstable pelvic ring injuries.

Recent findings

Recently published international consensus guidelines have attempted to standardize the classification of hemodynamically unstable pelvic ring injuries and provided classification-based management algorithms for acute resuscitation and pelvic ring stabilization.

Acute management strategies for pelvic ring disruptions with associated hemorrhagic shock include resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta for patients ‘in extremis’ in conjunction with point-of-care guided resuscitation for postinjury coagulopathy. Recent data indicate that a protocol of early pelvic external fixation in conjunction with direct preperitoneal pelvic packing and subsequent angioembolization in patients with ongoing hemorrhage results in significantly improved survival from retroperitoneal exsanguinating hemorrhage in at-risk patients with historic mortality rates as high as 50–60%.
Emerging techniques in assessment and treatment of muscle tension dysphonia
Authors: Andreassen Meri L. , Litts Juliana K. , Randall Derrick R.
Published: October 2017

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to summarize current evidence regarding treatment for muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) and to present recent advances in evaluation and management.

Recent findings

It is generally accepted that voice therapy for MTD is effective, but current systematic reviews report limited evaluation specific to MTD patients with moderate evidence, at best, available to support voice therapy techniques. Individual studies are difficult to compare because of heterogeneity. Considerable work is underway to identify most important metrics to include in assessment, and to advance and define direct voice therapy approaches.

Further standardization of assessment and treatment protocols for MTD will improve future research. Novel therapeutic techniques are under investigation. In small studies, these have found value in improving voice outcomes and measures compared with pretreatment values but have not met success greater than existing therapeutic methods.
Recurrent Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Undergoing Maintenance Chemotherapy
Authors: Cheng Geoffrey , Ozgonenel Bulent , Bhambhani Kanta , Kapur Gaurav , Smith Richard J. , Savaşan Süreyya
Published: October 2017

Chemotherapy-associated myelosuppression and renal dysfunction is not uncommon during childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy. Here we report 2 cases of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) presenting with pancytopenia and renal dysfunction that developed during maintenance chemotherapy characterized by hypocomplementemia. Both cases experienced recurrence after resolution of the initial aHUS episode upon resumption of chemotherapy, raising a possible contributory role for chemotherapy in the disease pathogenesis.
Safe Use of Low–Molecular-weight Heparin in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Lymphoma Around Lumbar Punctures
Authors: Estepp Jeremie H. , Smeltzer Matthew P. , Kang Guolian , Howard Scott C. , Reiss Ulrike M.
Published: October 2017

Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoma (ALL) undergo multiple lumbar punctures (LPs) and frequently require low–molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for thromboembolic complications. We evaluated if withholding LMWH 24 hours before and after LPs prevented bleeding complications. Children (n=133) with ALL from who were: (1) treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, (2) received LMWH (2×/day of ~1 mg/kg) between January 2004 until December 2012, and (3) underwent a LP were analyzed. Spinal hematoma was defined as a clinical suspicion leading to diagnostic imaging. Traumatic LP was defined as ≥10 red blood cells per microliter of cerebrospinal fluid. In 1708 LPs, no hematomas occurred. For each child treated with LMWH, the probability of experiencing a spinal hematoma during the entire ALL treatment course was 0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.0%-2.7%), and in each LP, assuming no intrapatient correlation, the probability of spinal hematoma was 0% (95% CI, 0.0%-0.2%). Traumatic LPs were more common when performed when children were not receiving LMWH therapy (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.2) which may be explained by clinician optimization of known risk factors for traumatic cerebrospinal fluid before the procedures. Withholding LMWH for 24 hours before and after LPs in children being treated for ALL is safe.
General Public's Attitudes Toward Disclosure of Patient Safety Incidents in Korea: Results of Disclosure of Patient Safety Incidents Survey I
Authors: Ock Minsu , Choi Eun Young , Jo Min-Woo , Lee Sang-il
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Many countries and organizations have promoted the disclosure of patient safety incidents (DPSI). However, reporting frequency and quality of DPSI fall short of patient and caregiver' expectations. In this study, we examined the attitudes toward DPSI of the general public representing the Korean population.

Methods

Survey questions were developed based on a previous systematic review and qualitative research. Face-to-face interviews using paper-based questionnaires were conducted. We explored attitudes toward DPSI in various scenarios and opinions on methods to facilitate DPSI.

Results

Almost all participants answered that it is necessary to disclose major errors (99.9%) and near misses (93.3%). A total of 96.6% (675/699) agreed that “DPSI will lead physicians to pay more attention to patient safety in the future,” and 94.1% (658/699) agreed that “DPSI will make patients and their caregivers trust the physician more.” Although 79.7% (558/700) agreed that “apology law will limit patients' ability to prove physicians' negligence,” 95.4% (668/700) agreed with “I support the introduction of apology law.” Moreover, 90.6% (634/700) agreed with “I support the introduction of mandatory DPSI.”

Conclusions

This study showed the overwhelmingly positive attitude of the public toward DPSI. The positive opinion of the public about apology law suggests the possibility of introducing the disclosure policy coupled with legislation of apology law in South Korea.
Measuring US Army medical evacuation: Metrics for performance improvement
Authors: Galvagno Samuel M. , Mabry Robert L. , Maddry Joseph , Kharod Chetan U. , Walrath Benjamin D. , Powell Elizabeth , Shackelford Stacy
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

The US Army medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) community has maintained a reputation for high levels of success in transporting casualties from the point of injury to definitive care. This work served as a demonstration project to advance a model of quality assurance surveillance and medical direction for prehospital MEDEVAC providers within the Joint Trauma System.

METHODS

A retrospective interrupted time series analysis using prospectively collected data was performed as a process improvement project. Records were reviewed during two distinct periods: 2009 and 2014 to 2015. MEDEVAC records were matched to outcomes data available in the Department of Defense Trauma Registry. Abstracted deidentified data were reviewed for specific outcomes, procedures, and processes of care. Descriptive statistics were applied as appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 1,008 patients were included in this study. Nine quality assurance metrics were assessed. These metrics were: airway management, management of hypoxemia, compliance with a blood transfusion protocol, interventions for hypotensive patients, quality of battlefield analgesia, temperature measurement and interventions, proportion of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients with hypoxemia and/or hypotension, proportion of traumatic brain injury patients with an appropriate assessment, and proportion of missing data. Overall survival in the subset of patients with outcomes data available in the Department of Defense Trauma Registry was 97.5%.

CONCLUSION

The data analyzed for this study suggest overall high compliance with established tactical combat casualty care guidelines. In the present study, nearly 7% of patients had at least one documented oxygen saturation of less than 90%, and 13% of these patients had no documentation of any intervention for hypoxemia, indicating a need for training focus on airway management for hypoxemia. Advances in battlefield analgesia continued to evolve over the period when data for this study was collected. Given the inherent high-risk, high-acuity nature of prehospital advanced life support and emphasis on the use of nonphysician practitioners in an out-of-hospital setting, the need for ongoing medical oversight and quality improvement assessment is crucial.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Care management, level IV.
Native freshwater species get out of the way: Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) impacts both fish and benthic invertebrate communities in North America
Authors: Ruppert Jonathan L. W. , Docherty Cassandra , Neufeld Kenton , Hamilton Kyle , MacPherson Laura , Poesch Mark S.
Published: October 2017

Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) are one of the most noxious non-native species in Eurasia. Recently, Prussian carp, a non-native freshwater fish species, were genetically confirmed in Alberta, Canada and have been rapidly expanding their range in North America since establishment. Given their rapid range expansion, there is an increasing need to determine how Prussian carp may impact native species. We assessed the severity of the Prussian carp invasion by (i) determining their impact on fish communities, (ii) assessing their impact on benthic invertebrate communities, (iii) evaluating if Prussian carp alter abiotic conditions, and (iv) identifying where we find higher abundances of Prussian carp. When Prussian carp were established, we found significant changes to the fish community. Correspondingly, the degree of impact to benthic invertebrate communities was related to the stage of invasion (none, early or recent), where changes in fish communities were significantly concordant with changes in benthic invertebrate communities. Finally, we found that higher abundances of Prussian carp were significantly associated with lower abundances of a majority of native fish species. Altogether, using three lines of evidence, we determine that Prussian carp can have wide-ranging impacts on freshwater ecosystems in North America, pressing the need for management intervention.
Why did the pheasant cross the road? Long-term road mortality patterns in relation to management changes
Authors: Madden Joah R. , Perkins Sarah E.
Published: October 2017

Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) are commonly killed on UK roads, presenting a threat to motorists and a loss to the game shooting industry. Pheasants may be inherently susceptible, or the recent increase in their artificial rearing and release may have exacerbated the situation, either through population increases or because artificial rearing has altered movement behaviour. We compared intra-annual patterns of roadkill reported in the UK from the 1960s (prior to the onset of mass release programmes) with that from the 2010s (when pheasant release was well established and widespread), considering roadkill sex and locations and accounting for changes in traffic levels. Pheasants in the UK are disproportionately likely to be reported killed on roads. However, this likelihood has not changed notably over the past 50 years. Instead, the timing of roadkill has changed. Pheasants in the 2010s are no longer susceptible during their breeding season, unlike in the 1960s, perhaps because relatively few breed successfully. Instead, roadkill first peaks in September–November as pheasants disperse from release pens, females first. Roadkill declines over winter, but when supplementary feeding ceases in February, we see a second peak in roadkill. Roadkill rates are higher in regions of the UK where there is little arable farming and hence natural food supplies are scarce.
Requirement ofPax6for the integration of guidance cues in cell migration
Authors: Arocena Miguel , Rajnicek Ann M. , Collinson Jon Martin
Published: October 2017

The intricate patterns of cell migration that are found throughout development are generated through a vast array of guidance cues. Responding integratively to distinct, often conflicting, migratory signals is probably crucial for cells to reach their correct destination.Pax6is a master transcription factor with key roles in neural development that include the control of cell migration. In this study, we have investigated the ability of cells derived from cortical neurospheres from wild-type (WT) andPax6−/−mouse embryos to integrate diverging guidance cues. We used two different cues, either separately or in combination: substratum nanogrooves to induce contact guidance, and electric fields (EFs) to induce electrotaxis. In the absence of an EF, both WT andPax6−/−cells aligned and migrated parallel to grooves, and on a flat substrate both showed marked electrotaxis towards the cathode. When an EF was applied in a perpendicular orientation to grooves, WT cells responded significantly to both cues, migrating in highly oblique trajectories in the general direction of the cathode. However,Pax6−/−cells had an impaired response to both cues simultaneously. Our results demonstrate that these neurosphere derived cells have the capacity to integrate diverging guidance cues, which requiresPax6function.
Investigation of the acid/base behaviour of the opium alkaloid thebaine in LC-ESI-MS mobile phase by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Carlin Michelle G. , Dean John R. , Bookham Jonathan L. , Perry Justin J. B.
Published: October 2017

As part of a research programme to establish an analytical method for the simultaneous detection of the five major opium alkaloids in poppy seeds by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) it was discovered that the inclusion of thebaine produced two peaks for the same compound. This was in contrast to the effective simultaneous detection, by LC-ESI-MS, of morphine, codeine, papaverine and noscapine. The presence of these two peaks for thebaine was investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy with deuterated solvents to emulate the mobile phase conditions experienced. It was found that the presence of 80%, or higher ratios of, water caused two epimeric forms of thebaine to be formed; this explained the presence of two peaks on the chromatogram. In contrast, when a lower water content was used with 1% acetic acid, one stable form of thebaine could be analysed and resulted in a single peak visible in the subsequent chromatography.
Preparation of Surlyn films reinforced with cellulose nanofibres and feasibility of applying the transparent composite films for organic photovoltaic encapsulation
Authors: Lertngim Anantaya , Phiriyawirut Manisara , Wootthikanokkhan Jatuphorn , Yuwawech Kitti , Sangkhun Weradesh , Kumnorkaew Pisist , Muangnapoh Tanyakorn
Published: October 2017

This research concerns the development of Surlyn film reinforced with micro-/nanofibrillated celluloses (MFC) for use as an encapsulant in organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of fibre types and the mixing methods on the structure–properties of the composite films. Three types of cellulose micro/nanofibrils were prepared: the as-received MFC, the dispersed MFC and the esterified MFC. The fibres were mixed with Surlyn via an extrusion process, using two different mixing methods. It was found that the extent of fibre disintegration and tensile modulus of the composite films prepared by the master-batching process was superior to that of the composite system prepared by the direct mixing method. Using the esterified MFC as a reinforcement, compatibility between polymer and the fibre increased, accompanied with the improvement of the percentage elongation of the Surlyn composite film. The percentage of light transmittance of the Surlyn/MFC films was above 88, regardless of the fibre types and fibre concentrations. The water vapour transmission rate of the Surlyn/esterified MFC film was 65% lower than that of the neat Surlyn film. This contributed to the longer lifetime of the OPV encapsulated with the Surlyn/esterified MFC film.
Global network centrality of university rankings
Authors: Guo Weisi , Del Vecchio Marco , Pogrebna Ganna
Published: October 2017

Universities and higher education institutions form an integral part of the national infrastructure and prestige. As academic research benefits increasingly from international exchange and cooperation, many universities have increased investment in improving and enabling their global connectivity. Yet, the relationship of university performance and its global physical connectedness has not been explored in detail. We conduct, to our knowledge, the first large-scale data-driven analysis into whether there is a correlation between university relative ranking performance and its global connectivity via the air transport network. The results show that local access to global hubs (as measured by air transport network
betweenness
) strongly and positively correlates with the ranking growth (statistical significance in different models ranges between 5% and 1% level). We also found that the local airport’s aggregate flight paths (
degree
) and capacity (
weighted degree
) has no effect on university ranking, further showing that global connectivity distance is more important than the capacity of flight connections. We also examined the effect of local city economic development as a confounding variable and no effect was observed suggesting that access to global transportation hubs outweighs economic performance as a determinant of university ranking. The impact of this research is that we have determined the importance of the centrality of global connectivity and, hence, established initial evidence for further exploring potential connections between university ranking and regional investment policies on improving global connectivity.
Comparison of RNA-seq and Microarray Platforms for Splice Event Detection using a Cross-Platform Algorithm
Authors: Romero Juan P. , Ortiz-Estévez María , Muniategui Ander , Carrancio Soraya , de Miguel Fernando J. , Carazo Fernando , Montuenga Luis M , Loos Remco , Pío Rubén , Trotter Matthew W. B. , Rubio Angel
Published: October 2017

RNA-seq is a reference technology for determining alternative splicing at genome-wide level. Exon arrays remain widely used for the analysis of gene expression, but show poor validation rate with regard to splicing events. Commercial arrays that include probes within exon junctions have been developed in order to overcome this problem.

We compare the performance of RNA-seq (Illumina HiSeq) and junction arrays (Affymetrix Human Transcriptome array) for the analysis of transcript splicing events. Three different breast cancer cell lines were treated with CX-4945, a drug that severely affects splicing. To enable a direct comparison of the two platforms, we adapted EventPointer, an algorithm that detects and labels alternative splicing events using junction arrays, to work also on RNA-seq data. Common results and discrepancies between the technologies were validated and/or resolved by over 200 PCR experiments.

As might be expected, RNA-seq appears superior in cases where the technologies disagree, and is able to discover novel splicing events beyond the limitations of physical probe-sets. We observe a high degree of coherence between the two technologies, however, with correlation of EventPointer results over 0.90. Through decimation, the detection power of the junction arrays is equivalent to RNA-seq with up to 60 million reads. Our results suggest, therefore, that exon-junction arrays are a viable alternative to RNA-seq for detection of alternative splicing events when focusing on well-described transcriptional regions.
Impaired phloem loading in genome-edited triple knock-out mutants of SWEET13 sucrose transporters
Authors: Bezrutczyk Margot , Hartwig Thomas , Horschman Marc , Char Si Nian , Yang Jinliang , Yang Bing , Sosso Davide , Frommer Wolf
Published: October 2017

Crop yield depends on efficient allocation of sucrose from leaves to seeds. In Arabidopsis, phloem loading is mediated by a combination of SWEET sucrose effluxers and subsequent uptake by SUT1/SUC2 sucrose/H+ symporters. ZmSUT1 is essential for carbon allocation in maize, but the relative contribution to apoplasmic phloem loading and retrieval of sucrose leaking from the translocation path is not known. We therefor tested whether SWEETs are important for phloem loading in maize. Here we identified three leaf-expressed SWEET sucrose transporters as key components of apoplasmic phloem loading in Zea mays L. Notably, ZmSWEET13 paralogs (a, b, c) are among the highest expressed genes in the leaf vasculature. Genome-edited triple knock-out mutants are severely stunted. Photosynthesis of mutants was impaired and leaves accumulated starch and soluble sugars. RNA-seq revealed profound transcriptional deregulation of genes associated with the photosynthetic apparatus and carbohydrate metabolism. GWAS analyses may indicate that variability in ZmSWEET13s is correlated with agronomical traits, specifically flowering time and leaf angle. This work provides support for cooperation of three ZmSWEET13s with ZmSUT1 in phloem loading in Zea mays L. Our study highlights these three ZmSWEET13 sucrose transporters as possible candidates for the engineering of crop yield.
Innovation development and adoption in small construction firms in Ghana
Authors: Dansoh Ayirebi , Oteng Daniel , Frimpong Samuel
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify the conditions under which the internal environment of small construction firms makes them either develop or adopt an innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research described in this paper adopted a qualitative case study approach. The data were obtained from multiple sources such as face-to-face semi-structured interviews with company representatives and from project reports.

Findings

The study identified that firms’ decision to either adopt or develop an innovation is determined by a complex interaction between their internal environment and 12 different conditions. Some of the findings contrast widespread perceptions in broader literature on innovation development and adoption in small construction firms.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused only on firms from two regions in Ghana. Additionally, adopting a purely qualitative approach meant that the quantitative impacts of the different factors were not presented.

Practical implications

The results can inform the decisions of agencies and persons wishing to invest their resources in innovation activities of small construction firms. It can also inform the policy debate and directions of government and industry associations looking to create innovation-friendly environments in the small business sector.

Originality/value

This research provides a better understanding of innovation development and adoption by small construction firms. Given that there is little previous research on innovation by small construction firms, especially in developing economies, the paper complements existing studies that generally focus on much larger firms and developed economies.
A social-psychological perspective of host country societal acceptance of foreign firms
Authors: Yu Yang , Lindsay Valerie J.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to explain why some foreign firms are accepted in a host country, while others are not.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is conceptual. It first articulates the meaning of firm acceptability in the eyes of host country societies, which remains ambiguous in the current literature. Second, using a social psychological theory, the paper explores the firm-level attributes that can shape the societal judgment of firms’ acceptability.

Findings

The paper suggests that foreign firms’ acceptability pertains to the perception to which they can contribute to the host country’s economic development and societal well-being. The judgment of this is carried out by emphasizing three types of organizational cues, which indicate firms’ capacity to contribute.

Research limitations/implications

This conceptual paper contributes to the understanding of firms’ social acceptance in a host country by explicating the meaning of social acceptability and exploring the evaluation mechanism local actors adopt to judge foreign firms. The paper would benefit from empirical investigation by future research.

Originality/value

The meaning of social acceptability of foreign firms remains largely implicit in the literature; likewise, the evaluative mechanism of the firms’ acceptability is little researched. The paper addresses these two issues by undertaking a critical theory stance. It builds on a social psychology theory, multinational corporation (MNC) literature and economic nationalism, thus demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach.
Information visualization and/as enunciation
Authors: Drucker Johanna
Published: October 2017

Purpose

A Recent work in information studies re-engages with theories of subject enunciation first developed in the work of twentieth century structuralist and post-structuralist critics. To date this work has not been extended to the analysis of data visualizations. The purpose of this paper is to assert that information visualizations embody specific dynamics of positionality for which linguist Emile Benveniste’s formulation of a speaking and spoken subject provides a critical analytic framework. In particular, enunciative theory can be used to explicitly address the mechanisms of power formation in information graphics “spreadsheets, charts and interfaces” that are frequently seen as mere presentations of quantitative or statistical information. This approach is based on attention to the performative aspects of graphic expression and the ways familiar features such as frontality framing and scale can be read critically.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical argument that applies literature in enunciation as developed in linguistics, film theory, and psychoanalysis to information visualizations. The paper makes specific analyses of the graphical features of spreadsheets, common charts and graphs, and interfaces to show how they create speaking and spoken subject positions.

Findings

The theory of enunciation is useful in understanding the ways information representations, particularly visualizations of data, work to produce power relations.

Research limitations/implications

The topic may seem to draw on theoretical positions that are associated with structural and post-structural theory popular three decades ago, but since the study of enunciation was never applied to information visualizations, the work feels timely. Recent work in information studies has re-engaged with these theoretical issues, but not applied them to charts, graphs, and other visual forms. Information visualizations are so prevalent that any critical insight into their operations feels timely, even urgent.

Originality/value

The concept of information as enunciation in recent work in information studies has not been applied to visualizations. Analysis of the production of subject positions as commonly understood in other fields (linguistics, textual studies, film studies, visual studies, and psychoanalysis across a broad range of cultural studies fields) can be usefully applied to information graphics.
Information Seeking Motivation Scale development: a self-determination perspective
Authors: Dubnjakovic Ana
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Using self-determination motivation theory as a theoretical framework, the purpose of this paper is to examine information seeking motivation at the domain level in higher education setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the Information Seeking Motivation Scale – College Version (ISMS – C).

Findings

ISMS – C was validated in the information seeking context. Consistent with self-determination theory (SDT), the results imply that students approach research tasks for both controlled and autonomous reasons.

Research limitations/implications

All constructs representing extrinsic and intrinsic motivation on a continuum were confirmed. However, amotivation proved difficult to define with the current sample. Additional studies need to be conducted in higher education setting in order to confirm its existence.

Practical implications

Given that the situational motivation is contingent on domain-level motivation, the ISMS – C scale can be helpful in promoting lasting intrinsic information seeking motivation at that level.

Originality/value

Consistent with the subjectivist orientation in information sciences which aims to account for cognitive and affective forces behind information need, ISMS constructed in the current study is one of the first measurement instruments to account for a spectrum of information seeking motivations at the domain level.