bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient inference of paternity and sibship inference given known maternity via hierarchical clustering
Authors: Ellis Thomas James , Field David Luke , Barton Nicholas H.
Published: April 2018

Pedigree and sibship reconstruction are important methods in quantifying relationships and fitness of individuals in natural populations. Current methods employ a Markov chain‐based algorithm to explore plausible possible pedigrees iteratively. This provides accurate results, but is time‐consuming. Here, we develop a method to infer sibship and paternity relationships from half‐sibling arrays of known maternity using hierarchical clustering. Given 50 or more unlinked SNP markers and empirically derived error rates, the method performs as well as the widely used package Colony, but is faster by two orders of magnitude. Using simulations, we show that the method performs well across contrasting mating scenarios, even when samples are large. We then apply the method to open‐pollinated arrays of the snapdragon Antirrhinum majus and find evidence for a high degree of multiple mating. Although we focus on diploid SNP data, the method does not depend on marker type and as such has broad applications in nonmodel systems.
Exploring e‐bikes as a mode of sustainable transport: A temporal qualitative study of the perspectives of a sample of novice riders in a Canadian city
Authors: Edge Sara , Dean Jennifer , Cuomo Michelle , Keshav Srinivasan
Published: April 2018

Key Messages

E‐bikes are an under‐studied emerging technology with potential to facilitate sustainability agendas in urban transportation (e.g. active, multi‐modal, low‐carbon mobility).

Little to no research has been conducted on e‐bikes in Canadian urban contexts where sprawl and car dependency are predominant.

E‐bikes may be a viable substitute for cars for shorter commutes, yet weight, winter weather, and battery life remain barriers.
An Introduction to the Approximate Number System
Authors: Odic Darko , Starr Ariel
Published: April 2018

What are young children's first intuitions about numbers and what role do these play in their later understanding of mathematics? Traditionally, number has been viewed as a culturally derived breakthrough occurring relatively recently in human history that requires years of education to master. Contrary to this view, research in cognitive development indicates that our minds come equipped with a rich and flexible sense of number—the approximate number system (ANS). Recently, several major challenges have been mounted to the existence of the ANS and its value as a domain‐specific system for representing number. In this article, we review five questions related to the ANS (what, who, why, where, and how) to argue that the ANS is defined by key behavioral and neural signatures, operates independently from nonnumeric dimensions such as time and space, and is used for a variety of functions (including formal mathematics) throughout life. We identify research questions that help elucidate the nature of the ANS and the role it plays in shaping children's earliest understanding of the world around them.
Conservation technology: The next generation
Authors: Berger‐Tal Oded , Lahoz‐Monfort José J.
Published: April 2018

Attitudes among conservation biologists toward technological innovations and solutions have changed over the years from mistrusting and dismissive to widely accepting. However, the time has come for the conservation community to move from being technology consumers to become innovation leaders and to actively seek to create novel technologies to provide conservation tools and solutions. This challenging but critical mind‐set change requires thinking outside the box to establish and support the necessary bridges between the conservation community, technologists in both the public and the private sectors, and policy makers. The ingredients already exist, but success hinges on an open mind to new types of interactions, and bold but coordinated movements to nurture the organisational ecosystem in which such collaborations can thrive and be funded.
Double‐Thinking and Contradictory Arrangements in Iranian Law and Society
Authors: Banakar Reza
Published: April 2018

Although thinking double thoughts and living dual lives are not specifically Iranian traits, Iranians have, nevertheless, become more susceptible to them for historical reasons, which may be traced back to when Persians became Muslims. The gradual normalization of double‐thinking over the centuries has given rise to social and political patterns of behavior and institutional arrangements which oscillate between opposing regimes of truths and different sets of ethical concerns, often without merging them into a new process. Once double‐thinking is normalized at the level of society, it helps people to cope with the cognitive dissonance they experience in circumstances where it is difficult to change attitude and behavior. It also affects the organization of society by making contradictory arrangements appear normal. It promotes reflexive thinking and subversive action as much as it facilitates misrecognition of sociopolitical suppression and legitimization of symbolic violence. This state of affairs generates a form of modernity which appears, at least on the surface, to be comfortable with contradictory social arrangements, while deep down it remains ill at ease with its inner contradictions.
Does charitable giving substitute or complement firm differentiation strategy? Evidence from Chinese private SMEs
Authors: Gao Yongqiang , Hafsi Taïeb
Published: April 2018

Using R&D and advertising intensity to measure a firm's differentiation strategy, this study examines whether charitable giving substitutes or complements such a differentiation strategy. Evidence from a nationwide survey of private small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) across China shows that corporate charitable giving generally complements rather than substitutes differentiation strategy. In particular, the combined spending in R&D and advertising increases corporate charitable giving. In addition, the positive relationship between differentiation strategy and charitable giving is more prominent for firms located in service sector and in less developed markets. This study contributes important insights to our understanding of the relationship between corporate charitable giving and differentiation strategy.
Parental Postconflict Explanations: Implications for Children's Adjustment Outcomes
Authors: Ha Anh P. , Bergman Kathleen N. , Davies Patrick T. , Cummings E. Mark
Published: April 2018

The Post Conflict Explanations (PCE) scale is a compilation of behaviors commonly seen in parent‐child postconflict communications. Following exploratory factor analysis, the PCE emerged as a four‐dimension scale with adequate subscale internal consistency and intercorrelations: Dismissive (α = 0.86), Emotion Dysregulation (α = 0.85), Constructive (α = 0.97), and Blaming (α = 0.77). The PCE and its subscales were further validated through moderate‐to‐strong associations with established scales of family conflict, emotional security, and adjustment outcomes. The identification of these postconflict explanations represents a step forward in distinguishing constructive and destructive conflict behaviors.
The Role of Emotional Security, Narrative, and Resilience for Youth and Families in Contexts of Armed Conflict
Authors: Merrilees Christine E. , Lee Yeasle
Published: April 2018

The far‐reaching devastation created by contemporary armed conflict puts children and families at risk. The goal of this article is to describe current research on the effects of armed conflict and political violence on families and youth with a focus on the roles of emotional insecurity and narratives of conflict that can persist long after the end of conflict. We describe how identity processes that are at the heart of many intergroup conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries are linked with emotional insecurity and the historical and personal narratives of youth in these contexts. We conclude with general considerations for legal, medical, and mental health practitioners working with families who have experienced armed conflict.
Depressive Symptomatology and Program Efficacy: Examining a Program to Improve Communication in Community Families
Authors: Bergman Kathleen N. , Downey Abigail L. , Cummings Jennifer S. , Gedek Haley M. , Mark Cummings E.
Published: April 2018

Destructive conflict is linked with adjustment problems over time, putting families at risk even when conflict behaviors have not reached levels of clinical concern. The Family Communication Project (FCP) is a psychoeducational program designed to improve communication in families with adolescent children. The present study examines the role of depression in program efficacy over time. Data were collected across four time points, assessing aspects of marital and family conflict, adolescent emotional security, and depressive symptoms in mothers, fathers, and adolescents. Results indicated improvements in conflict strategies for families who received the psychoeducational program (relative to controls), and point to a role of depressive symptomatology in adolescents in relation to treatment outcomes.
Children's Rights and the Politics of Food: Big Food Versus Little People
Authors: Woodhouse Barbara Bennett , Woodhouse Charles F.
Published: April 2018

This article traces the battle in the United States during the Obama administration, continuing into the Trump administration, to protect children's rights to food. It explores barriers to development of sound, science‐based food policies, including the refusal to recognize food as a human right, anti‐science denialism, hostility toward government regulation, and relative powerlessness of children. It points to the role of a “Big Food Pyramid” composed of powerful food industry and large scale distribution and marketing interests in blocking sound policies in prenatal and infant nutrition, school lunches, SNAP and WIC, the marketing to children of high fat and fructose‐laden products, and campaigns to increase youth fitness. While predicting a continuing assault at the federal level on children's rights to safe and healthy foods, the article highlights the positive role of consumer demand in shaping marketing, labeling and production of food and opportunities for leaders in the food industry and in government at local, municipal and state levels to continue the battle for sound food policies.
The Trump Effect, Children, and the Value of Human Rights Education
Authors: Todres Jonathan
Published: April 2018

Since launching his presidential campaign, Donald Trump's rhetoric has often been divisive as well as demeaning of selected groups. This article examines the impact of Trump's rhetoric on children and their communities and explores the role that human rights education can play in responding to Trump and forging broader support for human rights. The article reviews the research on human rights education and considers how human rights education can be embedded in broader efforts to educate children. Using children's literature as a case study, the article argues for the importance of mainstreaming human rights education and meeting children where they are, in order to foster greater recognition of and respect for the rights of all individuals.
Effects of proactive personality and conscientiousness on training motivation
Authors: Roberts Zachary , Rogers Altovise , Thomas Candice L. , Spitzmueller Christiane
Published: April 2018

Training transfer is a ubiquitous but frequently unmet goal of training initiatives amounting to billions of dollars lost annually and masses of under‐skilled workers due to the lack of application of training content to their job. Although research supports the impact trainee proactive personality, conscientiousness and motivation have on training transfer processes, their interrelationships remain understudied. To fill this gap, we utilized data from a multinational sample of trainees and examined a conditional, indirect process model, where proactive personality interacts with conscientiousness to influence transfer intentions through their effects on motivation to learn. Our results suggest that trainee proactive personality positively influences transfer intentions partially through its influence on motivation to learn and that higher levels of conscientiousness weakens this relationship. Our findings provide further evidence supporting the importance of proactive personality and conscientiousness as factors that need to be accounted for in the design of talent development solutions.
Evaluating the predictive accuracy and the clinical benefit of a nomogram aimed to predict survival in node‐positive prostate cancer patients: External validation on a multi‐institutional database
Authors: Bianchi Lorenzo , Schiavina Riccardo , Borghesi Marco , Bianchi Federico Mineo , Briganti Alberto , Carini Marco , Terrone Carlo , Mottrie Alex , Gacci Mauro , Gontero Paolo , Imbimbo Ciro , Marchioro Giansilvio , Milanese Giulio , Mirone Vincenzo , Montorsi Francesco , Morgia Giuseppe , Novara Giacomo , Porreca Angelo , Volpe Alessandro , Brunocilla Eugenio
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To assess the predictive accuracy and the clinical value of a recent nomogram predicting cancer‐specific mortality‐free survival after surgery in pN1 prostate cancer patients through an external validation.

Methods

We evaluated 518 prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection with evidence of nodal metastases at final pathology, at 10 tertiary centers. External validation was carried out using regression coefficients of the previously published nomogram. The performance characteristics of the model were assessed by quantifying predictive accuracy, according to the area under the curve in the receiver operating characteristic curve and model calibration. Furthermore, we systematically analyzed the specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for each nomogram‐derived probability cut‐off. Finally, we implemented decision curve analysis, in order to quantify the nomogram's clinical value in routine practice.

Results

External validation showed inferior predictive accuracy as referred to in the internal validation (65.8% vs 83.3%, respectively). The discrimination (area under the curve) of the multivariable model was 66.7% (95% CI 60.1–73.0%) by testing with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The calibration plot showed an overestimation throughout the range of predicted cancer‐specific mortality‐free survival rates probabilities. However, in decision curve analysis, the nomogram's use showed a net benefit when compared with the scenarios of treating all patients or none.

Conclusions

In an external setting, the nomogram showed inferior predictive accuracy and suboptimal calibration characteristics as compared to that reported in the original population. However, decision curve analysis showed a clinical net benefit, suggesting a clinical implication to correctly manage pN1 prostate cancer patients after surgery.
Investigating nurses’ quality of life and work‐life balance statuses in Singapore
Authors: Kowitlawkul Y. , Yap S.F. , Makabe S. , Chan S. , Takagai J. , Tam W.W.S. , Nurumal M.S.
Published: April 2018

Aims

To investigate the key determinants of nurses’ quality of life and work‐life balance statuses in a tertiary hospital in Singapore.

Background

Nurses’ quality of life can directly and indirectly impact patients’ safety and quality of care. Therefore, identifying key factors that influence nurses’ quality of life is essential in the healthcare delivery system.

Methods

A descriptive quantitative study design was adopted, and validated questionnaires were used. Data were collected in a period of 3 months (March to May 2014) at a 600‐bed tertiary hospital in Singapore. One thousand and forty nurses participated in the study.

Results

Social support and sense of coherence were found to be significant predictors for high quality of life in all domains. Most nurses in this study spent more time on work than their private lives. However, there was no significant difference in job satisfaction among the four groups of nurses’ proportions of percentages of actual time spent on work and private life.

Conclusions

Cultivating social support from family, friends/colleagues and supervisors can help an individual cope with stress and enhance a nurse's quality of life.

Implications for nursing policy and practice

Even though nurses who spent more time at work were still satisfied with their job, they might need to be aware of their physical health and work environment. Nursing policy related to nurses’ physical health and environment should be established. Health promotion programmes such as physical exercise and mindfulness interventions should be conducted to promote nurses’ well‐being and healthy workplace environments to enhance nurses’ quality of life.
A randomised controlled trial of the clinical effectiveness of multi‐layer silicone foam dressings for the prevention of pressure injuries in high‐risk aged care residents: The Border III Trial
Authors: Santamaria Nick , Gerdtz Marie , Kapp Suzanne , Wilson Lauren , Gefen Amit
Published: April 2018

Pressure injuries are prevalent in highly dependent aged care residents. This study investigated the clinical effectiveness of the application of the Mepilex Border Sacrum and Mepilex Heel dressings to prevent the development of facility‐acquired pressure injuries. A total of 288 recently admitted residents were enrolled from 40 Australian nursing homes into a randomised controlled trial. Residents randomised to standard care (n = 150) received pressure injury prevention as recommended by international guidelines. Residents randomised to the intervention (n = 138) received standard pressure injury prevention care and had dressings applied to their sacrum and heels. Participants were comparable on demographic and physiological parameters. More residents in the control group developed pressure injuries than in the intervention group (16 vs 3, P = 0.004), and they developed more pressure injuries in total than residents in the intervention group. The results represent a relative risk reduction of 80% for residents treated with the dressings and for every 12 patients that we treated we prevented one pressure injury. Based on our findings, we conclude that the use of the Mölnlycke Mepilex Border Sacrum and Mepilex Heel dressings confers a significant additional protective benefit to nursing home residents with a high risk of developing a facility‐acquired pressure injury.
Enhanced pyroelectric properties in (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3–BiAlO3–NaNbO3 ternary system lead‐free ceramics
Authors: Peng Ping , Nie Hengchang , Liu Zhen , Cao Fei , Wang Genshui , Dong Xianlin
Published: April 2018

High pyroelectric performance and good thermal stability of pyroelectric materials are desirable for the application of infrared thermal detectors. In this work, enhanced pyroelectric properties were achieved in a new ternary (1−x)(0.98(Bi0.5Na0.5)(Ti0.995Mn0.005)O3–0.02BiAlO3)–xNaNbO3 (BNT–BA–xNN) lead‐free ceramics. The effect of NN addition on the microstructure, phase transition, ferroelectric, and pyroelectric properties of BNT–BA–xNN ceramics were investigated. It was found that the average grain size decreased as x increased to 0.03, whereas increased with further NN addition. The pyroelectric coefficient p at room temperature (RT) was significantly increased from 3.87 × 10−8Ccm−2K−1 at x = 0 to 8.45 × 10−8Ccm−2K−1 at x = 0.03. The figures of merit (FOMs), Fi, Fv and Fd, were also enhanced with addition of NN. Because of high p (7.48 × 10−8Ccm−2K−1) as well as relatively low dielectric permittivity (~370) and low dielectric loss (~0.011), the optimal FOMs at RT were obtained at x = 0.02 with Fi = 2.66 × 10−10 m/V, Fv = 8.07 × 10−2 m2/C, and Fd = 4.22 × 10−5 Pa−1/2, which are superior to other reported lead‐free ceramics. Furthermore, the compositions with x ≤ 0.03 exhibited excellent temperature stability in a wide temperature range from 20 to 80°C because of high depolarization temperature (≥110°C). Those results unveil the potential of BNT–BA–xNN ceramics for infrared detector applications.
Fast preparation of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 and CuIn(S,Se)2 bulk materials by combustion synthesis
Authors: Liu Guanghua , Chen Kexin , Li Jiangtao , Li Laifeng
Published: April 2018

CuIn1‐xGaxSe2 and CuIn(SySe1‐y)2 bulk materials with relative densities of 93.4%‐96.2% have been prepared by combustion synthesis, from elementary reactants and in a reaction time of a few seconds. The samples have a chalcopyrite lattice structure, and the lattice parameters decrease with increasing x and y. The substitution of In with Ga and Se with S in CuInSe2 causes an increase in the bandgap. In combustion synthesis, the high temperature accelerates the reaction and results in fast densification, the high heating rate simplifies the reaction path and avoids the formation of intermediate compounds, and the gas pressure depresses the evaporation of reactants. As a fast, furnace‐free, and scalable technique, combustion synthesis may offer a low‐cost way to produce CuInSe2‐based materials and bring new possibilities to their commercial applications.
Nonstoichiometry and Li‐ion transport in lithium zirconate: The role of oxygen vacancies
Authors: Zhan Xiaowen , Cheng Yang‐Tse , Shirpour Mona
Published: April 2018

Understanding Li‐ion migration mechanisms and enhancing Li‐ion transport in Li2ZrO3 (LZO) is important to its role as solid absorbent for reversible CO2 capture at elevated temperatures, as ceramic breeder in nuclear reactors, and as electrode coating in high‐voltage lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Although defect engineering is an effective way to tune the properties of ceramics, the defect structure of LZO is largely unknown. This study reports the defect structure and electrical properties of undoped LZO and a series of cation‐doped LZOs: (i) depending on their charge states, cation dopants can control the oxygen vacancy concentration in doped LZOs; (ii) the doped LZOs with higher oxygen vacancy concentrations exhibit better Li+ conductivity, and consequently faster high‐temperature CO2 absorption. In fact, the Fe (II)‐doped LZO shows the highest Li‐ion conductivity reported for LZOs, reaching 3.3 mS/cm at ~300°C that is more than 1 order of magnitude higher than that of the undoped LZO.
Efficacy of the Otago Exercise Programme to reduce falls in community‐dwelling adults aged 65–80 years old when delivered as group or individual training
Authors: Albornos‐Muñoz Laura , Moreno‐Casbas María Teresa , Sánchez‐Pablo Clara , Bays‐Moneo Ana , Fernández‐Domínguez Juan Carlos , Rich‐Ruiz Manuel , Gea‐Sánchez Montserrat ,   the Otago Project Working Group
Published: April 2018

Aim

This study will compare how falls can be reduced in non‐institutionalized older Spanish adults aged 65–80 years by providing group or individual exercise sessions using the Otago Exercise Programme.

Background

The Otago Exercise Programme is a progressive home‐based exercise programme, where trained health professionals help people engage in strength, balance and endurance exercises. Its format is based on the evidence from four clinical trials. The benefits of the Otago Exercise Programme are the same for people who have and have not suffered falls and it can also be used for visually impaired people.

Design

A multicentre, simply blinded, randomized, non‐inferiority clinical trial, with two arms—group training and individual training—that started in January 2017 and will continue until December 2019.

Methods

Each study group has 364 subjects, who will take part in four individual or group sessions delivered mainly by nurses over an 8‐week period, with a reinforcement session 6 months later. Data will be collected at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. The fall percentage will be the most relevant clinical variable and we will also consider safety, viability, compliance, economic analysis and therapeutic value.

Approval and funding was granted in December 2016 for this 3‐year study by the Spanish Health Research Fund (PI16CIII/00031).

Discussion

Older people from 65–80 years old tend to be more isolated and tackling worries about falls can improve social activities and independence. It has been shown that group training provides better adherence to exercise than individual training and this study will test that hypothesis for the Otago Exercise Programme.
Renal impairment markers in type 2 diabetes patients with different types of hyperuricemia
Authors: Gao Zhongai , Zuo Minxia , Han Fei , Yuan Xinxin , Sun Mengdi , Li Xiaochen , Liu Ran , Jiang Wenhui , Zhang Liyi , Chang Baocheng , Yang Juhong
Published: April 2018

Aims/Introduction

Hyperuricemia (HUA) occurs because of decreased excretion of uric acid, increased synthesis of uric acid or a combination of both mechanisms. The proportions of these three types of HUA in type 2 diabetes patients are not known. In the mean time, we assume that different types of HUA might manifest with different renal damage, even in patients with normal renal filtration function.

Materials and Methods

We included 435 inpatients with type 2 diabetes at the Metabolic Disease Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from 2015 to 2016. Based on the clearance of uric acid, 90 patients with HUA were divided into three types: synthesis‐increased HUA, excretion‐decreased HUA and mixed type of HUA.

Results

Patients with the mixed type of HUA had the severest kidney injury manifested by a high level of 24 h urinary microalbumin, urinary immunoglobulin G, transferrin, α‐galactosidase and β2‐microglobulin compared with the normal uric acid group. Urinary immunoglobulin G, transferrin and α‐galactosidase were also increased in patients with synthesis‐increased HUA compared with the normal uric acid group. Patients with excretion‐decreased HUA did not have an increased level of renal impairment markers; however, these patients had an increased body mass index, which might cause dysfunction of kidney excretion.

Conclusions

Excretion‐decreased HUA is a more common type of HUA in type 2 diabetes patients that might be caused by dysfunction of tubular excretion instead of structural damage. The mixed type of HUA patients had the severest kidney glomerular and tubular damage compared with the normal uric acid group. Clinically, different types of hyperuricemia should be given individualized treatment according to their own characteristics.
Medically unexplained dermatologic symptoms still a problem
Authors: Elpern D.J.
Published: April 2018

Linked article: This article is commented on by B.R. Ferreira et al., pp. e447–e448 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.14978
Basal cell carcinoma: the utility of in vivo and ex vivo confocal microscopy
Authors: Longo C. , Borsari S. , Pampena R. , Benati E. , Bombonato C. , Raucci M. , Mirra M. , Di Stefani A. , Peris K. , Pellacani G.
Published: April 2018

The use of confocal microscopy is possible using two different modalities: first, at patient's bedside for a rapid in vivo diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma and second, in the operating room directly on freshly excised specimen for a fast ex vivo margin‐controlled surgery. In the current review, we report the main application of confocal microscopy for basal cell carcinoma diagnosis and management in both modalities.
Catch composition and aspects of the biology of sharks caught by Thai commercial fisheries in the Andaman Sea
Authors: Arunrugstichai S. , True J. D. , White W. T.
Published: April 2018

Catch composition, landing patterns and biological aspects of sharks caught by commercial fishing fleet operating in the Andaman Sea were recorded from landing sites in Ranong province of Thailand over a period of 1 year. Of the 64 species previously reported in the existing Thailand checklist, only 17 species were recorded in this study. Shark landings from the Andaman Sea appear now to be dominated largely by bamboo sharks Chiloscyllium spp. (Hemiscylliidae), which contribute c. 65% of the total number of sharks recorded. The carcharhinid sharks comprised c. 30·5% to the total catch, while the remaining c. 4·5% of landings comprised sharks from the families Squalidae, Stegostomatidae, Sphyrnidae and Triakidae. The catch composition is remarkably different from the previous landing survey in 2004, in that the current study found noticeable declines in landings of slow‐growing, late‐ maturing and low‐fecundity species (especially sphyrnid and carcharhinid species). The absences of many species and changes in life‐stage composition suggest that the populations of these groups may be close to collapse. The results from this study emphasize the urgency for additional research and monitoring efforts and also the need for management incentives in order to manage shark fisheries effectively in the Andaman Sea.
Impact of intraduodenal acetic acid infusion on pancreatic duct cannulation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A double‐blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fang Jun , Wang Shu‐Ling , Zhao Sheng‐Bing , Hu Liang‐Hao , Yao Jun , Shen Zhen , Gu Lun , Xia Tian , Cai Qiang , Li Zhao‐Shen , Bai Yu
Published: April 2018

Background and Aim

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is associated with risk of complications. Methods to facilitate ductal cannulation may reduce complications. Intraduodenal acid infusion is a physiological approach to stimulate secretin release in human body and may facilitate cannulation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of intraduodenal acid infusion on pancreatic duct cannulation during ERCP.

Methods

It was a single center, double‐blind, randomized controlled trial. Consecutive patients undergoing first ERCP for pancreatic diseases were randomized toreceive 50 mL acetic acid intraduodenal infusion at ERCP (acetic acid group) or 50 mL saline (control group). The primary outcome, difficult cannulation rate (cannulation time >5 min), in the two groups was compared.

Results

Two hundred ten patients were included in the final analysis (105 in each group). The difficult cannulation rate were 39.1% in the control group and 20.9% in the acetic acid group, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.004). The overall successful deep cannulation rate was 89.5% and 85.7%, respectively (P = 0.402). The cannulation time was remarkably shortened (182 vs 286 s, P = 0.018), and the cannulation attempts were significantly decreased (3.4 vs 4.4, P = 0.008). The fluoroscopy time was also significantly reduced (60 vs 86 s, P = 0.028). The incidence of post‐ERCP pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia was comparable (7.6% vs 10.5% and 10.5% vs 19.1%, P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Intraduodenal acetic acid infusion can significantly decrease difficult pancreatic cannulation rate, facilitate pancreatic duct cannulation, and reduce radiation exposure (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02800772).
Do Pictographs Affect Probability Comprehension and Risk Perception of Multiple‐Risk Communications?
Authors: Leonhardt James M. , Robin Keller L.
Published: April 2018

Pictographs can be used to visually present probabilistic information using a matrix of icons. Previous research on pictographs has focused on single rather than multiple‐risk options. The present research conducts a behavioral experiment to assess the effects of pictographs on probability comprehension and risk perception for single and multiple‐risk options. The creation of the experimental stimuli is informed by a review of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine information sheets. The results suggest that, in the context of childhood vaccines, the inclusion of pictographs alongside numeric (e.g. 1/5) probability information can result in higher probability comprehension and lower risk perception for multiple‐risk options; however, these effects are not observed for single‐risk options. These findings have implications for how health‐related risks are communicated to the public.
Nephrologists' perspectives on cancer screening in patients with chronic kidney disease: An interview study
Authors: James Laura , Wong Germaine , Craig Jonathan C. , Howard Kirsten , Howell Martin , Tong Allison
Published: April 2018

Aim

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an increased risk of cancer compared with the general population. Despite this, there is considerable variability in cancer screening practices among nephrologists that may reflect uncertainties about the benefits and harms of screening, the additional costs, and competing priorities among the complex issues that patients are confronted with. We aimed to describe nephrologists' perspectives and approaches to cancer screening in CKD.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 29 nephrologists from 15 units across Australia and New Zealand. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed.

Results

Five themes were identified: empowering patients to make informed decisions (respecting patient preferences, communicating evidence‐based recommendations, creating awareness of consequences, preparing for transplantation); justifiable risk taking (avoiding undue consequences in vulnerable populations, balancing the costs and benefits, warranted by long term immunosuppression, assurance of reasonable survival gains); ambiguity of evidence in supporting decisions (absence of standardized recommendations, limited transferability of population‐based data); depending on a shared multidisciplinary approach (collaboration with primary health care, access to coordinated skin cancer clinics); and prioritizing current or imminent complications.

Conclusion

Nephrologists approach decisions about cancer screening in patients with CKD based on patient preferences, assessment of risk, justifiable survival gains, and current health priorities. Evidence‐based guidelines, communication frameworks and specialist clinics may support informed and shared decision making about cancer screening in CKD.
Identification of novel mutations and risk assessment of Han Chinese patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Zhang Mingchao , Liu Shuaimei , Xia Xinyi , Cui Yingxia , Li Xiaojun
Published: April 2018

Aim

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common hereditary renal disease in humans and is caused by mutations in the PKD1 or PKD2 gene. ADPKD is heterogeneous with regard to locus and allele heterogeneity and phenotypic variability.

Methods

Using targeted capture associated with next generation sequencing (NGS), we performed a mutational analysis of Han Chinese patients with ADPKD from 62 unrelated families. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard modelling of their different clinical characteristics and mutation classes was performed.

Results

The detection rate for a PKD1 and PKD2 mutation in the Chinese ADPKD patients was 95.2% (59/62). We identified pathogenic mutations in 64.4% (38/59) of patients, including 32PKD1 mutations (15 nonsense mutations, 15 frameshift mutation, one splice mutation, and one large deletion) and six PKD2 mutations (three nonsense mutations and three frameshift mutations). Of the pathogenic variants we identified, 50% (19/38) were novel variants and 50% (19/38) were known variants. Patients with PKD2 mutations had milder and indistinguishable phenotypes. Significant phenotypic differences were observed among the various types of PKD1 mutations.

Conclusion

Our results show that targeted capture associated with next‐generation sequencing is an effective strategy for genetically testing ADPKD patients. This mutation analysis of ADPKD in Han Chinese extends our understanding of the genetic diversity of different ethnic groups, enriches the mutation database, and contributes to the genetic counselling of ADPKD patients.
The relationship between masking and short‐term consolidation during recall from visual working memory
Authors: Ricker Timothy J. , Sandry Joshua
Published: April 2018

The presentation of a similar but irrelevant stimulus immediately following presentation of a memory item is called masking. Masking is known to reduce performance on working memory tests. This is the type of memory used to hold information in mind for brief periods of time for use in ongoing cognition. Two approaches to understanding masking effects have been proposed in different literatures. Working memory researchers often assume that the reduction in working memory performance after masking is because masking interferes with a transient sensory representation that is needed to complete consolidation into a working memory state. Researchers focused on the attentional blink, a finding that attention cannot be directed to new stimuli during working memory consolidation, have an alternative theory. Attentional blink researchers assume that masking slows the short‐term consolidation process, thereby extending the length of the attentional blink. In two experiments, we contrast these two approaches to explaining masking effects and investigate the validity of both hypotheses. Some aspects of both approaches are validated, but neither theoretical perspective alone sufficiently explains the entire pattern of results.
Differences in physiological and biochemical characteristics in response to single and combined drought and salinity stresses between wheat genotypes differing in salt tolerance
Authors: Dugasa Mengesha T. , Cao Fangbin , Ibrahim Wasim , Wu Feibo
Published: April 2018

The combined drought and salinity stresses pose a serious challenge for crop production, but the physiological mechanisms behind the stresses responses in wheat remains poorly understood. Greenhouse pot experiment was performed to study differences in genotype response to the single and combined (D + S) stresses of drought (4% soil moisture, D) and salinity (100 mM NaCl, S) using two wheat genotypes: Jimai22 (salt tolerant) and Yangmai20 (salt‐sensitive). Results showed that salinity, drought and/or D + S severely reduces plant growth, biomass and net photosynthetic rate, with a greater effect observed in Yangmai20 than Jimai22. A notable improvement in water use efficiency (WUE) by 239, 77 and 103% under drought, salinity and D + S, respectively, was observed in Jimai22. Moreover, Jimai22 recorded higher root K+ concentration in drought and salinity stressed condition and shoot K+ under salinity alone than that of Yangmai20. Jimai22 showed lower increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, but higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) and guaicol peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7), under single and combined stresses, and catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11) under single stress. Our results suggest that high tolerance of Jimai22 in both drought and D + S stresses is closely associated with larger root length, higher Fv/Fm and less MDA contents and improved capacity of SOD and POD. Moreover, under drought Jimai22 tolerance is firmly related to higher root K+ concentration level and low level of Na+, high‐net photosynthetic rate and WUE as well as increased CAT and APX activities to scavenge reactive oxygen species.
Once daily oral extended‐release hydrocodone as analgesia following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in dogs
Authors: Heffernan Ann E. , Katz Erin M. , Sun Yiwen , Rendahl Aaron K. , Conzemius Michael G.
Published: April 2018

Objective

To determine the efficacy of oral extended‐release hydrocodone compared with oral firocoxib for analgesia following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy surgery in dogs in a hospital setting.

Study design

Prospective, randomized, blinded, clinical trial.

Animals

Thirty‐six client‐owned dogs weighing 25‐43 kg with unilateral hindlimb lameness and cranial cruciate ligament rupture.

Methods

Dogs were assigned to 1 of 2 groups (n = 18/group). Group 1 received hydrocodone 3 mg/kg orally every 24 hours, and group 2 received firocoxib 5 mg/kg orally every 24 hours. Both hydrocodone and firocoxib (according to group assignment) were provided as preemptive analgesia 10 hours before induction to anesthesia and then every 24 hours for the remainder of the study period The level of analgesia was compared between treatments on the basis of a modified Glasgow Composite Pain Score (mGCPS) in each dog, the number of dogs requiring rescue analgesia (hydromorphone 0.05 mg/kg subcutaneously), pressure platform stance data, and number of adverse events.

Results

Nine of 18 dogs that received hydrocodone and 2/18 dogs that received firocoxib had an mGCPS ≥6 (P = .02). Two dogs had an mGCPS ≥6 three times, and 1 had an mGCPS ≥6 two times; all 3 of these dogs were in the hydrocodone group. Average postoperative peak pressure placed on the affected limb was lower in dogs that received hydrocodone (P = .01). Regurgitation and decreased appetite were more common in the dogs that received hydrocodone.

Conclusion

Dogs that were treated with hydrocodone exhibited higher pain scores and lower limb function than dogs treated with firocoxib under the conditions of our study.

Clinical significance

Our results do not provide evidence to justify the administration of extended‐release hydrocodone at 3 mg/kg orally every 24 hours rather than firocoxib at 5 mg/kg orally every 24 hours in dogs undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) – based, tunable passively Q switched thulium-fluoride fiber (TFF) laser
Authors: Reduan Siti Aisyah , Ahmad Harith
Published: April 2018

We demonstrated the tunable passively Q-switched Thulium-Flouride Fiber (TFF) laser based on exfoliated MoS2 saturable absorber (SA).  The generation of Q-switched pulses of the proposed experiment favors the tunable operation from 1460.0 nm to 1506.0 nm, with range of 46.0 nm. The achievable maximum repetition rate and maximum pulse energy in the experiment are 35.1 kHz and 63.2 nJ, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, the first reported tunable passively Q-switched TFF laser using exfoliated MoS2 as saturable absorber has been demonstrated.
The characterization of regular ordered Gamma semigroups in terms of (E,EVq_k)-fuzzy Gamma ideals
Authors: Gambo Ibrahim , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Khan Hidayat Ullah , Khan Muhammad Faiz
Published: April 2018

The advancement in the fascinating area of fuzzy set theory has become area of much interest, generalization of the existing fuzzy subsystems of other algebraic structures is very important to tackle more current real life problems. In this paper, we give more generalized form of regular ordered gamma semigroups in terms of (E,EVq_k)-fuzzy gamma ideals. Particularly, we characterized left regular, right regular, simple and completely regular ordered gamma semigroups in terms of this new notion. Some necessary and sufficient conditions for ordered gamma semigroup to be completely regular are provided in this paper.
On the commutativity degree of metacyclic groups of 5-power order using conjugation action
Authors: Zamri Siti Norziahidayu Amzee , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Khasraw Sanhan Muhammad Salih , El-Sanfaz Mustafa Anis , Rahmat Hamisan
Published: April 2018

An extension of the concept of commutativity degree named the probability that an element of a group fixes a set was introduced in 2013. Suppose is a metacyclic 5-group  and  is the set of all ordered pairs  (x,y) in G*G  such that lcm(|x|,|y|)=5, xy=yx  and x is not equal to y. In this paper, the probability that an element of a metacyclic 5-group fixes the set  is computed by using conjugation action.
Strain analysis in ferritic filler weldment by using the modified Williamson-hall method
Authors: Dani Mohammad , Jahja Aziz Khan , Parikin Parikin , Insani Andon , Iskandar Riza
Published: April 2018

A strain analysis study of the Fe-Cr-Ni based low carbon steel for welding application prepared by a thermal-induction furnace were performed using a modified Williamson-Hall (MHW) method. Three different models, uniform deformation (UDM), the uniform deformation stress (UDSM), and the the uniform deformation energy density (UDEDM) models.  The optimal results showed by calculation result using UDM method indicate that uniform deformation was present on analyzed material. Based on UDM method, the welded material contains smaller grain size than the based materials. The calculated of average microstrain values of  7.6351×10-4 and -9.21×10-4 for based and welded materials respectively suggest different strain phenomena occurs during welding processes. Microstructure analysis by means of transmission electron microscopy reveal that based material consist of grains in 50-100 nm sizes and with planar defects are also detected.
Mixed convection boundary layer flow past a horizontal circular cylinder in viscoelastic nanofluid with constant wall temperature
Authors: Mahat Rahimah , Rawi Noraihan Afiqah , Mohd Kasim Abdul Rahman , Shafie Sharidan
Published: April 2018

The steady of two-dimensional convection boundary layer flow of viscoelastic nanofluid over a circular cylinder with constant wall temperature is investigated in this paper. Carboxymethyl cellulose solution-water (CMC-water) is chosen as the base fluid and copper as a nanoparticle with the Prandtl number Pr = 6.2. The governing boundary layer partial differential equations are transformed into dimensionless forms. Then the obtained equations are solved numerically by using the Keller-Box method. This paper focus on the effect of selected parameter on the flow and heat transfer characteristics and be presented in graphs. The results show that, the velocity profiles are increased while the temperature profiles are decreased by increasing the values of nanoparticles volume fraction and viscoelastic parameter, respectively. Also, the values of reduced skin friction are increased by increasing mixed convection parameter, but the values of heat transfer coefficient produce an opposite behavior with an increasing in mixed convection parameter.
Comparative performance of support vector regressions for accurate streamflow predictions
Authors: Ibrahim Noraini , Ahmad Norhaiza
Published: April 2018

Obtaining accurate streamflow predictions can be challenging due to the inherent variabilities and complex nonlinear nature in streamflow generation processes. Support vector regression model is an effective forecasting tool to forecast streamflow as it is able to capture the nonlinearity in the data and attain the global optimum parameters in the forecasted model. However, the efficiency of SVR might be hindered by noise that typically exists in any hydrological time series data through random influences and inaccuracies in recording. Thus, this condition could compromise the quality of input data into SVR. In this study, we investigate the effectiveness of forecasting monthly streamflow data using different settings of SVR in two ways. First, we use different variations of wavelet denoising technique using different selections of wavelet decomposition levels and mother wavelets in order to preserve information and reduce distortion of the original time series. For this purpose, we measured the impact of six different wavelets on SVR namely Daubechies of type db3, db4, db5, db6 and db7 with two different levels of decomposition which are level 3 and level 4. There is more information that may contribute to better performance of the model when the decomposition level is increase. Then, the data are applied using radial basis function (RBF) by performing K-fold cross-validation to obtain the optimal parameter for kernel function in forecasting streamflow. We illustrate the methods using the monthly streamflow data observed at Segamat River in the state of Johor. The results demonstrated that SVR based wavelet denoising for 1-month lead time streamflow forecasting of type db5 with level 3 give better results using Gaussian (RBF) kernel function based on K-fold cross-validation compared to regular SVR. This implies that reduced variance in the denoising procedure and obtain optimal parameter in kernel function may improve forecasting accuracy.