bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of glycemic control after pancreas transplantation for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic recipients at a high volume center
Authors: Andacoglu Oya M. , Himmler Amber , Geng Xue , Ahn Jaeil , Ghasemian Seyed , Cooper Matthew , Abrams Peter
Published: June 2019

Introduction

The number of pancreas transplants (PTX) in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has increased in response to excellent outcomes in appropriately selected patients. Not all pancreas transplant centers share an enthusiasm for performing PTX for T2DM out of concern for increased complication rates. This study aims to clarify the characteristics of T2DM recipients with successful outcomes to clarify which candidates are more suitable for PTX as means of maximizing access to this highly effective therapy for Type 2 patients.

Methods & Results

At MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, 50 patients underwent pancreas transplant between 2013 and 2016. Based on patient characteristics, 38 (78%) were categorized as T1DM, and 11 (22%) were considered T2DM. One case was excluded due to early graft loss. The estimated age of diabetes onset was significantly different between T1DM and T2DM cohorts (13 years vs. 29 years, P < .001). T2DM patients had significantly higher preoperative C‐peptide levels (4.11 vs. 0.05, P < .001). Preoperative HbA1c, preoperative Body Mass Index (BMI), number of diabetic complications, and hemodialysis status were similar between both groups. At 2‐year follow‐up, there was no statistical difference in glycemic control between the two groups (T1DM vs. T2DM). Infectious complications and readmission rates were similar. Other trends that did not meet statistical significance included T1DM group with a slightly higher mortality and re‐intervention rate. The T2DM group demonstrated higher BMI, higher rejection rates, and higher short‐term postoperative insulin requirements. Graft survival was 95% and 82% for T1 and T2DM at 2 years post‐transplant, respectively.

Conclusion

Successful PTX in T1DM and T2DM recipient groups resulted in comparable glycemic control at 2‐year post‐transplant follow‐up. T2DM group had a trend toward higher BMI as well as higher rates of rejection, temporary insulin requirement and graft failure, although none of these trends reached statistical significance. These results suggest that strict classification of T1 and T2DM by itself may not be relevant to achieving excellent outcomes in pancreas transplantation and, therefore, patient selection for PTX should not be based primarily on this classification.
‘MusiMath’ and ‘Academic Music’ – Two music‐based intervention programs for fractions learning in fourth grade students
Authors: Azaryahu Libby , Courey Susan Joan , Elkoshi Rivka , Adi‐Japha Esther
Published: June 2019

Music and mathematics require abstract thinking and using symbolic notations. Controversy exists regarding transfer from musical training to math achievements. The current study examined the effect of two integrated intervention programs representing holistic versus acoustic approaches, on fraction knowledge. Three classes of fourth graders attended 12 lessons on fractions: One class attended the ‘MusiMath’ holistic program (n = 30) focusing on rhythm within the melody. Another class attended the ‘Academic Music’ acoustic program (Courey et al., Educ Stud Math 81:251, 2012) (n = 25) which uses rhythm only. The third class received regular fraction lessons (comparison group, n = 22). Students in both music programs learned to write musical notes and perform rhythmic patterns through clapping and drumming as part of their fraction lessons. They worked toward adding musical notes to produce a number (fraction), and created addition/subtraction problems with musical notes. The music programs used a 4/4 time signature with whole, half, quarter and eighth notes. In the math lessons, the students learned the analogy between musical durations and fractions, but also practiced fractions other than . Music and math were assessed before, immediately following, and 3‐ and 6‐months post‐intervention. Pre‐ to post‐intervention analyses indicated that only the ‘MusiMath’ group showed greater transfer to intervention‐trained and untrained fractions than the comparison group. The ‘Academic Music’ group showed a trend on trained fractions. Although both music groups outperformed the comparison group 3‐ and 6‐months post‐intervention on trained fractions, only the ‘MusiMath’ group demonstrated greater gains in untrained fractions. Gains were more evident in trained than in untrained fractions. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://youtu.be/uJ_KWWDO624
Initiation and growth behaviour of small internal fatigue cracks in Ti‐6Al‐4V via synchrotron radiation microcomputed tomography
Authors: Yoshinaka Fumiyoshi , Nakamura Takashi , Takeuchi Akihisa , Uesugi Masayuki , Uesugi Kentaro
Published: June 2019

Small internal fatigue cracks initiated in Ti‐6Al‐4V in the very high cycle regime were detected by synchrotron radiation microcomputed tomography (SR‐μCT) at SPring‐8 in Japan. The initiation and growth behaviours of the cracks were nondestructively observed, and the da/dN‐ΔK relationship was measured and compared with that obtained in a high vacuum environment. SR‐μCT revealed that more than 20 cracks were initiated in one specimen. The crack initiation life varied widely from 20% to 70% of the average fatigue life and had little influence on the growth behaviour that followed. The initiation site size of each internal crack detected in one specimen was comparable with the size of the fracture origins obtained in ordinary fatigue tests. These results suggest that the surrounding microstructures around the initiation site are likely a dominant factor on the internal fracture rather than the potential initiation site itself. The internal crack growth rates were lower than 10−10 m/cycle, and extremely slow rates ranging from 10−13 to 10−11 m/cycle were measured in a lower ΔK regime below 5 MPa√m. The internal crack growth rate closely matched that of surface cracks in a high vacuum, and the reason for the very long life of internal fatigue fractures was believed to result from the vacuum‐like environment inside the internal cracks.
Bycatch, discards and survival rates in the small‐scale cuttlefish trap fishery on sandy bottoms off the Algarve coast (southern Portugal)
Authors: Vasconcelos Paulo , Pereira Fábio , Moreno Ana , Gaspar Miguel B.
Published: June 2019

This study reports a detailed description of the bycatch, discards and survival rates in the cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) trap fishery off the Algarve coast (southern Portugal). A total of 86 fishing surveys involving 6,311 cuttlefish traps were performed between May and September from 2009 to 2014. Bycatch species were caught in 1,037 traps (bycatch catchability rate of 16.4%), comprising 1576 individuals with an overall weight of 268.3 kg. During the study period, bycatch CPUEs were 12.5 ind./50 traps and 2.1 kg/50 traps, with bycatch rates of 21.1% by number and 15.9% by weight. Thirty‐four species (89.5% of bycatch taxa) were discarded at sea, corresponding to discard rates of 19.5% by number and 11.1% by weight. The short‐snouted seahorse, Hippocampus hippocampus (L.), was the third most abundant bycatch species (11.6% No.; 0.4% kg) and the second most discarded (12.6% No.; 0.6% kg), being invariably discarded live and undamaged owing its conservation status. This markedly seasonal small‐scale trap fishery constitutes a locally important socio‐economic activity during spring and summer, characterised by low bycatch and discard rates, complemented by high survival rates of discards.
Comparing correlative and bioenergetics‐based habitat suitability models for drift‐feeding fishes
Authors: Naman Sean M. , Rosenfeld Jordan S. , Neuswanger Jason R. , Enders Eva C. , Eaton Brett C.
Published: June 2019

Quantitative habitat suitability models (HSMs) are frequently used to inform the conservation and management of lotic organisms, often in the context of instream flow management. Correlative statistical models relating hydraulic variables to habitat preferences (habitat suitability curves based on use:availability ratios) are the most common form of HSM, but face significant criticism on the grounds that habitat preference may not reflect the fitness consequences of habitat use. Consequently, there has been a drive to develop mechanistic approaches that link habitat to direct correlates of fitness.

Bioenergetic foraging models relating hydraulic conditions to energy balance are particularly well‐developed for drift‐feeding fishes (e.g. salmonids) and show promise as a more mechanistic approach to modelling suitability. However, these models are rarely validated empirically or quantitatively compared with correlative HSMs. We addressed these gaps by comparing the ability of a bioenergetics‐based HSM and two correlative HSMs (a traditional suitability index and a resource selection function) to predict density and growth of stream salmonids (juvenile steelhead, Oncorhynchus mykiss, and coastal cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus clarki).

Suitability estimates differed between the approaches, with both correlative models predicting higher suitability relative to the bioenergetic model at shallow depths and low to intermediate velocities, but lower suitability as depth increased. The bioenergetic model explained over 90% of variation in trout growth, compared to c. 50% for the correlative model. The bioenergetic model was also better at predicting fish density; however, the improvement was less striking and a high proportion of variation remained unexplained by either method.

Differences in suitability estimates between approaches probably reflect biotic interactions (e.g. territorial displacement or predation risk) that decouple realised habitat use from energetics‐based estimates of habitat quality. Results highlight fundamental differences between correlative HSMs, based on observed habitat use, and mechanistic HSMs, based on the physiology and behaviour of the focal taxa. They also suggest that mechanistic bioenergetics‐based models provide more rigorous estimates of habitat suitability for drift‐feeding stream fishes. The bioenergetics approach is readily accessible to instream flow practitioners because model predictions are expressed in terms of traditional habitat suitability curves.
Chitinase 3‐like 1 deficiency ameliorates liver fibrosis by promoting hepatic macrophage apoptosis
Authors: Higashiyama Masaaki , Tomita Kengo , Sugihara Nao , Nakashima Hiroyuki , Furuhashi Hirotaka , Nishikawa Makoto , Inaba Kenichi , Wada Akinori , Horiuchi Kazuki , Hanawa Yoshinori , Shibuya Naoki , Kurihara Chie , Okada Yoshikiyo , Nishii Shin , Mizoguchi Akinori , Hozumi Hideaki , Watanabe Chikako , Komoto Shunsuke , Yamamoto Junji , Seki Shuhji , Miura Soichiro , Hokari Ryota
Published: June 2019

Aim

Chitinase 3‐like 1 (CHI3L1), an 18‐glycosyl hydrolase‐related molecule, is a member of the enzymatically inactive chitinase‐like protein family. Serum levels of CHI3L1 are strongly correlated with hepatic fibrosis progression during many liver diseases. Therefore, this protein could be involved in the development of hepatic fibrosis pathology; however, its role has not been elucidated. We aimed to elucidate its role in the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis.

Methods

Chitinase 3‐like 1‐deficient (Chi3l1−/−) mice were given carbon tetrachloride twice per week for 4 weeks or fed a methionine choline‐deficient diet for 12 weeks to generate mouse liver fibrosis models. Human fibrotic liver tissues were also examined immunohistochemically.

Results

In human and mouse fibrotic livers, CHI3L1 expression was mainly localized to hepatic macrophages, and the intrahepatic accumulation of CHI3L1+ macrophages was significantly enhanced compared to that in control livers. In the two mouse models, hepatic fibrosis was significantly ameliorated in Chi3l1−/− mice compared to that in wild‐type mice, which was dependent on hepatic macrophages. The accumulation and activation of hepatic macrophages was also significantly suppressed in Chi3l1−/− mice compared to that in wild‐type mice. Furthermore, apoptotic hepatic macrophages were significantly increased in Chi3l1−/− mice. Chitinase 3‐like 1 was found to inhibit hepatic macrophage apoptosis by suppressing Fas expression and activating Akt signaling in an autocrine manner, which resulted in hepatic macrophage accumulation and activation, exaggerating liver fibrosis.

Conclusions

Chitinase 3‐like 1 exacerbates liver fibrosis progression by suppressing apoptosis in hepatic macrophages. Therefore, this might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Incarnating the Impassible God: A Scotistic Transcendental Account of the Passions of the Soul
Authors: Gordon Liran Shia
Published: June 2019

The problem of divine impassibility, i.e., of whether the divine nature in Christ could suffer, stands at the center of a debate regarding the nature of God and his relation to us. Whereas philosophical reasoning regarding the divine nature maintains that the divine is immutable and perfect in every respect, theological needs generated an ever‐growing demand for a passionate God truly able to participate in the suffering of his creatures. Correlating with the different approaches of Thomas Aquinas and John Duns Scotus, this paper aims to develop, in a speculative manner, key Scotistic insights in order to reconcile the need to preserve God's perfection with the passionate God who loves and suffers with his creatures.
A new occurrence of retrogressed eclogite from the Sanbagawa belt of southwest Japan and its significance
Authors: Taguchi Tomoki , Endo Shunsuke , Igami Yohei , Miyake Akira
Published: June 2019

The present paper reports, for the first time, the occurrence of an omphacite‐bearing mafic schist from the Asemi‐gawa region of the Sanbagawa belt (southwest Japan). The mafic schist occurs as thin layers within pelitic schist of the albite–biotite zone. Omphacite in the mafic schist only occurs as inclusions in garnet, and albite is the major Na phase in the matrix, suggesting that the mafic schist represents highly retrogressed eclogite. Garnet grains in the sample show prograde‐type compositional zoning with no textural or compositional break, and contain mineral inclusions of omphacite, quartz, glaucophane, barroisite/hornblende, epidote and titanite. In addition to the petrographic observations, Raman spectroscopy and focused ion beam system–transmission electron microscope analyses were used for identification of omphacite in the sample. The omphacite in the sample shows a strong Raman peak at 678 cm−1, and concomitant Raman peaks are all consistent with those of the reference omphacite Raman spectrum. The selected area electron diffraction pattern of the omphacite is compatible with the common P2/n omphacite structure. Quartz inclusions in the mafic schist preserve high residual pressure values of Δω1 > 8.5 cm−1, corresponding to the eclogite facies conditions. The combination of Raman geothermobarometries and garnet–clinopyroxene geothermometry gives peak pressure–temperature (P–T) conditions of 1.7–2.0 GPa and 440–540 °C for the mafic schist. The peak P–T values are comparable to those of the schistose eclogitic rocks in other Sanbagawa eclogite units of Shikoku. These findings along with previous age constraints suggest that most of the Sanbagawa schistose eclogites and associated metasedimentary rocks share similar simple P–T histories along the Late Cretaceous subduction zone.
Molecular characterization of edible vegetable oils via free fatty acid and triacylglycerol fingerprints by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Yongyong , Jiang Bin , Lou Yongjiang , Shi Quan , Zhuang Rongyu , Zhan Zhao‐Wen
Published: June 2019

Free fatty acids (FFAs) and triacylglycerols (TAGs) are the main components of edible vegetable oils. In this work, electrospray ionisation (ESI) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR MS) was employed to characterise the molecular composition of FFAs and TAGs in various vegetable oils, including soybean, rapeseed, corn, sunflower, peanut, linseed and olive oils. Semiquantitative analysis of FFAs and structural analysis of TAGs by MS/MS were further conducted to reveal the differences in the molecular compositions of the various vegetable oils. It was found that each vegetable oil has characteristic fingerprints of FFAs and TAGs. MS/MS measurements showed that the high‐abundance TAGs in each vegetable oil were mainly composed of their abundant FFAs and glycerol. FFA and TAG fingerprints of genetically modified (GM) and nongenetically modified (non‐GM) vegetable oils were similar, exhibiting only subtle differences, as confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA).
Re‐storying the Business, Innovation and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Concepts: The Model‐Narrative Review Method
Authors: Hakala Henri , O'Shea Gregory , Farny Steffen , Luoto Seppo
Published: June 2019

We propose a novel literature review method in order to systematically trace and reveal the dominant narratives of a body of literature: themodel‐narrativereview method. We apply this method to an ever‐growing literature on ecosystems in business studies, as it resembles a rich knowledge base with somewhat competing, overarching stories, replete with emplotted characters, systematic puzzles and embellished scientific drama. To interpret these unfolding storylines, we both separately engage with and connect seminal work on business, entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems. Throughthematic readingwe map the key themes and scientific puzzles in each ecosystem type. Throughenstoried readingwe identify how authors construct the plot, narrative setting, emplotted characters, narrative voices and moral lessons around ecosystems. Throughrhetorical readingwe explicate the rhetorical devices and strategies that claim the relevance of their work. Our findings expose a number of hidden meanings and underlying assumptions, adding transparency to ecosystem rhetorics and enhancing conceptual clarity. Altogether, this method offers a systematic construction ofmodel‐narrativesto synthesize and critically reflect upon similarities and differences between related concepts and opens up space for alternative research questions.
The relationship between work environment and career success among nurses with a master's or doctoral degree: A national cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhang Lixin , Tian Shuangyue , Wu Jie , Lu Jie , Wang Feifei , Wang Zhiwen
Published: June 2019

Aims

To investigate the career success and work environment among nurses with a master's or doctoral degree and analyse the effect of work environment on their career success.

Methods

This was a national descriptive, cross‐sectional study. A total of 1223 nurses with a master's or doctoral degree from 115 tertiary hospitals across mainland China participated in the study. Subscales of the practice environment scale of the nursing work index and career success scale were utilized for data collection via email in the summer of 2017. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the collected data.

Results

The research showed that the career success and work environment ratings of nurses with a master's or doctoral degree were at a moderate level. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that work environment was positively correlated with career success for three of the four subscales.

Conclusion

The career success and work environment is moderate among nurses with a master's or doctoral degree, and improving the work environment for nurses may lead to higher career success.
Internal control quality and relationship‐specific investments by suppliers and customers
Authors: Lai Shu‐Miao
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates the association between the quality of internal control over financial reporting (ICOFR) and relationship‐specific investments by suppliers/customers. I find a significant negative association between the disclosure of a material weakness (MW) in ICOFR and changes in the relationship‐specific investments of suppliers/customers. Relationship‐specific investments of suppliers/customers have a stronger negative association with inventory‐related MW. The negative association between MW disclosures and the relationship‐specific investments of suppliers/customers is stronger when economic dependence between the firms and the suppliers/customers is more important and when the suppliers/customers have greater bargaining power. Also, suppliers/customers significantly increase their relationship‐specific investments following the remediation of ineffective ICOFR. Overall, my findings show that a firm's quality of ICOFR affects the relationship‐specific investment decisions of suppliers/customers.
Phylogeography of the highly dispersible landscape‐dominant woody species complex,Metrosideros, in Hawaii
Authors: Stacy Elizabeth Ann , Sakishima Tomoko
Published: June 2019

Aim

Little is known about how diversification occurs within long‐lived, highly dispersible and continuously distributed groups. We examined the distribution of genetic variation within the woody genusMetrosiderosacross the Hawaiian Islands for insights into how diversification occurs within this animal‐pollinated, wind‐dispersed group. Among Hawaiian plants,Metrosiderosis unique in its formation of continuous stands within islands that span a remarkable range of environments and comprise numerous predominantly single‐island taxa.

Location

Hawaiian Islands.

Taxon

Metrosideros.

Methods

We performed population genetic analyses of variation at nine nuclear microsatellite loci from 1,486 adults of 23Metrosiderosmorphotypes sampled from five main Hawaiian Islands plus additional Pacific Island populations.

Results

American Samoa and Tahiti populations clustered most closely with the older islands. Results also revealed isolation by distance across the archipelago, clustering of populations predominantly by island, and evidence of multiple colonizations or back‐colonizations of three islands. The number of genetic clusters peaked on islands of intermediate age, coincident with peak morphotype richness. All islands comprised a broad range of genetic distances among taxa with the greatest overall genetic distance observed on Oahu. The two taxa that are distributed broadly across the archipelago were weakly but significantly differentiated only on volcanically active Hawaii Island, where they partition early‐ and late‐successional environments. One of these taxa was positioned centrally both within individual‐island splitstree networks and across the archipelago‐wide network.

Main conclusions

Distance‐dependent gene flow contributes to isolation ofMetrosiderosacross islands, especially on terminal islands. Morphological diversity likely accumulates rapidly within this group, likely associated with differential adaptation across heterogeneous environments, but isolation of gene pools through speciation within continuousMetrosiderosstands likely requires persistent disruptive selection where environments are stable for long periods. The generalist, wet‐forestM.polymorphavar.glaberrimamay play a central role in the generation of the group's many, largely island‐endemic, taxa.
The urokinase‐type plasminogen activator system as drug target in retinitis pigmentosa: New pre‐clinical evidence in the rd10 mouse model
Authors: Cammalleri Maurizio , Dal Monte Massimo , Locri Filippo , Pecci Valeria , De Rosa Mario , Pavone Vincenzo , Bagnoli Paola
Published: June 2019

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is characterized by progressive loss of vision due to photoreceptor degeneration leading to secondary inflammation. The urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) system contributes to retinal inflammation, but its role in RP is unknown. In the rd10 mouse model of RP, we addressed this question with the use of the peptide UPARANT designed to interact with the uPA system. UPARANT was systemically administered from post‐natal day (PD) 10 to PD30 when its efficacy in RP rescue was investigated using electroretinographic recordings, Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Temporal profile of protein expression in the uPA system was also investigated. UPARANT reduced both Müller cell gliosis and up‐regulated levels of inflammatory markers and exerted major anti‐apoptotic effects without influencing the autophagy cascade. Rescue from retinal cell degeneration was accompanied by improved retinal function. No scotopic phototransduction was rescued in the UPARANT‐treated animals as determined by the kinetic analysis of rod‐mediated a‐waves and confirmed by rod photoreceptor markers. In contrast, the cone photopic b‐wave was recovered and its rescue was confirmed in the whole mounts using cone arrestin antibody. Investigation of the uPA system regulation over RP progression revealed extremely low levels of uPA and its receptor uPAR both of which were recovered by HIF‐1α stabilization indicating that HIF‐1 regulates the expression of the uPA/uPAR gene in the retina. Ameliorative effects of UPARANT were likely to occur through an inhibitory action on up‐regulated activity of the αvβ3 integrin/Rac1 pathway that was suggested as a novel target for the development of therapeutic approaches against RP.
Overexpression of LncRNA GHET1 predicts an unfavourable survival and clinical parameters of patients in various cancers
Authors: Jiang Yao‐Fei , Zhang Hong‐Yan , Ke Jin , Shen Hui , Ou Hai‐Bin , Liu Yu
Published: June 2019

Recently, increasing studies have reported that long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) gastric carcinoma highly expressed transcript 1 (GHET1) is highly expressed in variety of cancers and relevant to poor prognosis of cancer patients. Nevertheless, the results were inconsistent and the systematic analysis of lncRNA GHET1 in cancers has not been inspected. Thus, we aim to evaluate the relationship between lncRNA GHET1 expression and clinical outcomes in human cancers. We searched keywords in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrial.gov. Stata SE12.0 software was used in the quantitative meta‐analysis. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (95% Cl) were calculated to evaluate the clinical significance of lncRNA GHET1. Twelve studies totalling 761 patients with cancers were included for analysis. The pooled results of this study indicated that high lncRNA GHET1 expression level was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS, HR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.75‐3.02) in human cancers. The statistical significance was also detected in subgroup analysis stratified by analysis method, cancer type, sample size and follow‐up time respectively. In addition, the elevated lncRNA GHET1 expression was also significantly related to more advanced clinical stage, earlier lymph node metastasis, earlier distant metastasis and bigger tumour size. LncRNA GHET1 may serve as a promising biomarker for prognosis in Asians with cancers.
The role of functional constraints in nonrandom mating patterns for a dance fly with female ornaments
Authors: Murray Rosalind L. , Gwynne Darryl T. , Bussière Luc F.
Published: June 2019

Most hypotheses to explain nonrandom mating patterns invoke mate choice, particularly in species that display elaborate ornaments. However, conflicting selection pressures on traits can result in functional constraints that can also cause nonrandom mating patterns. We tested for functional load‐lifting constraints during aerial copulation in Rhamphomyia longicauda, a species of dance fly that displays multiple extravagant female‐specific ornaments that are unusual among sexual traits because they are under stabilizing selection. R. longicauda males provide females with a nuptial gift before engaging in aerial mating, and the male bears the entire weight of the female and nuptial gift for the duration of copulation. In theory, a male's ability to carry females and nuptial gifts could constrain pairing opportunities for the heaviest females, as reported for nonornamented dance flies. In concert with directional preferences for large females with mature eggs, such a load‐lifting constraint could produce the stabilizing selection on female size previously observed in this species. We therefore tested whether wild‐caught male R. longicauda collected during copulation were experiencing load‐lift limitations by comparing the mass carried by males during copulation with the male's wing loading traits. We also performed permutation tests to determine whether the loads carried by males during copulation were lighter than expected. We found that heavier males are more often found mating with heavier females suggesting that whereas R. longicauda males do not experience a load‐lift constraint, there is a strong relationship of assortative mating by mass. We suggest that active male mate choice for intermediately adorned females is more likely to be causing the nonrandom mating patterns observed in R. longicauda.
Sexual selection and the evolution of sperm morphology in sharks
Authors: Rowley Amy , Locatello Lisa , Kahrl Ariel , Rego Mariana , Boussard Annika , Garza‐Gisholt Eduardo , Kempster Ryan M. , Collin Shaun P. , Giacomello Eva , Follesa Maria C. , Porcu Cristina , Evans Jonathan P. , Hazin Fabio , Garcia‐Gonzalez Francisco , Daly‐Engel Toby , Mazzoldi Carlotta , Fitzpatrick John L.
Published: June 2019

Post‐copulatory sexual selection, and sperm competition in particular, is a powerful selective force shaping the evolution of sperm morphology. Although mounting evidence suggests that post‐copulatory sexual selection influences the evolution of sperm morphology among species, recent evidence also suggests that sperm competition influences variation in sperm morphology at the intraspecific level. However, contradictory empirical results and limited taxonomic scope have led to difficulty in assessing the generality of sperm morphological responses to variation in the strength of sperm competition. Here, we use phylogenetically controlled analyses to explore the effects of sperm competition on sperm morphology and variance in sharks, a basal vertebrate group characterized by wide variation in rates of multiple mating by females, and consequently sperm competition risk. Our analyses reveal that shark species experiencing greater levels of sperm competition produce sperm with longer flagella and that sperm flagellum length is less variable in species under higher sperm competition risk. In contrast, neither the length of the sperm head and midpiece nor variation in sperm head and midpiece length was associated with sperm competition risk. Our findings demonstrate that selection influences both the inter‐ and intraspecific variation in sperm morphology and suggest that the flagellum is an important target of sexual selection in sharks. These findings provide important insight into patterns of selection on the ejaculate in a basal vertebrate lineage.
Association of Symptoms of Obstructive Lung Disease and All‐Cause Mortality in Older Adult Smokers
Authors: Opina Maria Theresa D. , Nicklas Barbara J. , Lovato James F. , Files Daniel C. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Moore Wendy C.
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the impact of respiratory symptoms in current and former smokers with and without obstructive lung disease (OLD) on all‐cause mortality.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis in a prospective cohort (the Health, Aging and Body Composition study).

SETTING

Memphis, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

PARTICIPANTS

Black and white men and women with a history of current and former smoking (N = 596; 63% male and 37% female) aged 70‐79 years followed for 13 years. Participants were categorized into 4 mutually exclusive groups based on symptom profile and forced expiratory volume in the 1st second to forced vital capacity ratio. The groups were Less Dyspnea‐No OLD (N = 196), More Dyspnea‐No OLD (N = 104), Less Dyspnea‐With OLD (N = 162), and More Dyspnea‐With OLD (N = 134).

MEASUREMENTS

All‐cause mortality.

RESULTS

Overall, 53% in Less Dyspnea‐No OLD, 63% in More Dyspnea‐No OLD, 67% in Less Dyspnea‐With OLD, and 84% in More Dyspnea‐With OLD died within the 13‐ year follow up period (log‐rank χ2 = 44.4, P < .0001). The hazard ratio was highest for participants with OLD, both with (HR =1.91, 95% CI 1.44 ‐ 2.54; P < .0001) and without dyspnea (HR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.15 ‐ 2.02; p = .004). Participants without OLD but with dyspnea had a similar risk of death to subjects who had OLD but fewer symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

OLD is associated with high risk of death with different risk profiles based on symptom group. Patients with symptoms of shortness of breath without OLD should be considered an at‐risk group given their similar mortality to those with OLD with minimal symptoms. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2116–2122, 2019
Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on the salivary flow of patients with hyposalivation induced by radiotherapy in the head and neck region—A randomised clinical trial
Authors: Dalbem Paim Émille , Costa Batista Berbert Monalise , Gonzales Zanella Virgilio , Beatris Martins Vera , Edler Macagnan Fabricio
Published: June 2019

Hyposalivation is a frequent complication after treatment with radiotherapy. To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on the hyposalivation assessed through stimulated salivary flow (SSF). In this clinical trial, 68 patients (with hyposalivation) were randomly assigned to control (n = 31) or TENS (n = 37) group. Participants in control group received habitual care, while those in TENS group received 8 sessions (20 minutes each) delivered twice a week for four weeks. The electrodes were attached over the skin covering the salivary glands. The electric pulse was adjusted at a frequency of 50 Hz, pulse width of 250 μs and as intense as tolerated. SSF was evaluated through sialometry. Self‐perception of salivary flow (SPSF) and quality of life (QL) was evaluated prior to, during and at 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment. Although no changes were observed in the control group for SSF at any timepoints, TENS group showed a progressive increase in SSF from the third session until the end of the treatment. Significant improvements were also found in SPSF, especially when the SSF reached values ≥0.7 mL/minute. The most expressive results were evident at 6 months after treatment so that SSF, SPSF and QL remained significantly higher (F = 9.5, P = 0.0001; H = 143.77, P < 0.0001; χ2 = 9.162, P = 0.02, respectively). TENS was effective at improving hyposalivation. The benefits on SSF, SPSF and QL give base to a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with hyposalivation after radiotherapy treating head and neck cancer.
Accuracy of Scanned Stock Abutments Using Different Intraoral Scanners: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Kim Jong‐Eun , Hong Young‐Sun , Kang You‐Jung , Kim Jee‐Hwan , Shim June‐Sung
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To determine the accuracy of a digital manufacturing method for dental implant restorations on stock abutments using intraoral scanners and prefabricated stock‐abutment libraries.

Materials and Methods

Two dental implants with internal hexagonal connections were placed in the mandibular second premolar and second molar areas of a partially edentulous dentoform model; stock abutments with a diameter of 5 mm, abutment height of 5.5 mm, and gingival cuff height of 2 mm were connected. The study model was scanned 10 times using a reference tabletop scanner and 5 types of intraoral scanners (IOSs). The data collected by 5 types of IOSs were divided into 3 groups, based on the type and matching of stock abutment library data: no library, optical library, and contact library groups. A total of 160 data files were analyzed, including reference data. The resulting data were used to evaluate trueness and precision.

Results

Trueness and precision values in the group in which library data of the stock abutment were not used were 42.0 to 76.3 µm and 30.5 to 99.7 µm; corresponding values when the library data using an optical scanner were matched were 51.2 to 73.4 µm and 26.3 to 62.8 µm, and those when contact scanner library data were used were 30.1 to 62.4 µm and 15.5 to 55.9 µm. Thus, the accuracy of the contact library group was significantly higher than the accuracies of the no library (p < 0.001) and optical library groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The application of prefabricated library data of stock abutments using a contact scanner improved the accuracy of scan data. Scan accuracy of the stock abutments differed significantly based on the type of scanner.
Repeatable inter‐individual variation in the thermal sensitivity of metabolic rate
Authors: Réveillon Tom , Rota Thibaut , Chauvet Éric , Lecerf Antoine , Sentis Arnaud
Published: June 2019

Assessing whether trait variations among individuals are consistent over time and among environmental conditions is crucial to understand evolutionary responses to new selective pressures such as climate change. According to the universal thermal dependence hypothesis, thermal sensitivity of metabolic rate should not vary strongly and consistently among organisms, implying limited evolutionary response for metabolic traits under climate change. However, this hypothesis has been rarely tested at an individual level, leaving a gap in our understanding of climate change impacts on metabolic responses and their potential evolution. Using the amphipod Gammarus fossarum, we investigated the variability and repeatability of individual metabolic thermal reaction norms over time. We found large variations in both the thermal sensitivity (i.e. slope) and expression level (i.e. intercept) of individual metabolic reaction norms. Moreover, differences among individuals were consistent over time, and therefore repeatable. Inter‐individual variations in body mass resulted in a high repeatability of metabolic expression level but had no significant effect on the repeatability of thermal sensitivity. Overall, our results highlight that inter‐individual variability and repeatability of thermal reaction norms can be substantial. We conclude that these consistent differences among individuals should not be overlooked when apprehending the ecological and evolutionary effects of climate change.
A human pathogenic bacterium Shigella proliferates in plants through adoption of type III effectors for shigellosis
Authors: Jo Sung Hee , Lee Jiyoung , Park Eunsook , Kim Dong Wook , Lee Dae Hee , Ryu Choong Min , Choi Doil , Park Jeong Mee
Published: June 2019

Shigella, which infects primates, can be transmitted via fresh vegetables; however, its molecular interactions with plants have not been elucidated. Here, we show that four Shigella strains, Shigella boydii, Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri 2a, and S. flexneri 5a, proliferate at different levels in Arabidopsis thaliana. Microscopic studies revealed that these bacteria were present inside leaves and damaged plant cells. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged S. boydii and S. flexneri 5a colonized leaves only, whereas S. flexneri 2a colonized both leaves and roots. Using Shigella mutants lacking type III secretion systems (T3SSs), we found that T3SSs that regulate the pathogenesis of shigellosis in humans also play a central role in bacterial proliferation in Arabidopsis. Strikingly, the immunosuppressive activity of two T3S effectors, OspF and OspG, was required for proliferation of Shigella in Arabidopsis. Of note, delivery of OspF or OspG effectors inside plant cells upon Shigella inoculation was confirmed using a split GFP system. These findings demonstrate that the human pathogen Shigella can proliferate in plants by adapting immunosuppressive machinery used in the original host human.
How to Integrate Labor Disruption into an Economic Impact Evaluation Model for Postdisaster Recovery Periods
Authors: Zhang Zhengtao , Li Ning , Cui Peng , Xu Hong , Liu Yuan , Chen Xi , Feng Jieling
Published: June 2019

Evaluating the economic impacts caused by capital destruction is an effective method for disaster management and prevention, but the magnitude of the economic impact of labor disruption on an economic system remains unclear. This article emphasizes the importance of considering labor disruption when evaluating the economic impact of natural disasters. Based on the principle of disasters and resilience theory, our model integrates nonlinear recovery of labor losses and the demand of labor from outside the disaster area into the dynamic evaluation of the economic impact in the postdisaster recovery period. We exemplify this through a case study: the flood disaster that occurred in Wuhan city, China, on July 6, 2016 (the “7.6 Wuhan flood disaster”). The results indicate that (i) the indirect economic impacts of the “7.6 Wuhan flood disaster” will underestimate 15.12% if we do not consider labor disruption; (ii) the economic impact in secondary industry caused by insufficient labor forces accounts for 42.27% of its total impact, while that in the tertiary industry is 36.29%, which can cause enormous losses if both industries suffer shocks; and (iii) the agricultural sector of Wuhan city experiences an increase in output demand of 0.07% that is created by the introduction of 50,000 short‐term laborers from outside the disaster area to meet the postdisaster reconstruction need. These results provide evidence for the important role of labor disruption and prove that it is a nonnegligible component of postdisaster economic recovery and postdisaster reduction.
Corporate social responsibility, vertical product differentiation and international competition
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Xingtang , Dong Baomin , Yu Eden S. H.
Published: June 2019

Would a foreign firm’s consumer‐oriented corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities be rewarded by an importing country’s voluntary tariff reduction? The current paper addresses this question in an import‐competing duopoly model with vertical product differentiation. It is shown that the tariff will decrease if the foreign firm switches from a purely profit‐driven firm to a CSR firm. A consumer‐oriented CSR strategy will always hurt the domestic firm’s profit, whereas the relationship between the foreign firm’s profit and CSR sensitivity (the degree to which a firm cares about consumer welfare) is invertedly U‐shaped. When firms’ decisions to switch to CSR are endogeneized, only the foreign firm will become a CSR firm.
The development of implementation management instruments for a new complex stroke caregiver intervention based on systematic stakeholder and risk analyses
Authors: Krieger Theresia , Boumans Nicolle , Feron Frans , Dorant Elisabeth
Published: June 2019

Background

Stakeholders are important contributors in the implementation of a complex public health intervention. During the development phase of an implementation, alongside careful design of its components and investing in the exploration of the dynamic multi‐stakeholder stroke rehabilitation setting, it is essential to assess possible implementation risks. Systematic stakeholder and risk analyses can guide the exploration process and enable teams involved in complex interventions to develop context‐tailored implementation management instruments.

Purpose

To develop instruments that facilitate the implementation of the complex stroke caregiver intervention project in the real‐life support system.

Methods

Systematic stakeholder and risk analyses were conducted composing five activities. Project stakeholders were identified, classified and assessed using a top‐down approach, while implementation risks were identified and assessed by applying a bottom‐up approach. Data were collected through interviews and focus groups.

Results

Based on the knowledge provided by the stakeholders, two context‐tailored implementation management instruments were designed with a top‐down approach: (1) a comprehensive ‘stakeholder‐risk atlas’ providing individual stakeholder information, such as role, access, contribution, power and interest, expectations, perceived risks and specific engagement activities and (2) an overall ‘project implementation strategy’ concentrating on communication, transparency, network building and professionalism.

Conclusion

Complex interventions will benefit from early and comprehensive stakeholder and risk analyses. The early involvement of stakeholders, with their insightful knowledge, enables the research team to develop context‐tailored implementation management instruments. Instruments will support the team during implementation and may impact positively on the outcome of the intervention. Knowledge can be obtained by combining top‐down and bottom‐up working approaches.
How mentoring education affects nurse mentors’ competence in mentoring students during clinical practice – A quasi‐experimental study’
Authors: Tuomikoski Anna‐Maria , Ruotsalainen Heidi , Mikkonen Kristina , Miettunen Jouko , Juvonen Sari , Sivonen Pirkko , Kääriäinen Maria
Published: June 2019

Background

Mentors need diverse competencies, sources of motivation and characteristics to successfully mentor nursing students and support students’ learning processes. Effective mentoring education can benefit future nursing professionals, students’ satisfaction and learning, as well as the general perception of the nursing profession.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how an educational intervention affects nurse mentors’ competence in mentoring nursing students during clinical practice.

Design

A quasi‐experimental study design with pre‐ and post‐tests was used.

Settings

Educational interventions were conducted in one university hospital and two central hospitals in Finland between 2013 and 2017. The intervention was conducted twice per year with a duration of 3 months for each group. The inclusion criteria for the participants were as follows: volunteer participation to mentor education employment at the university hospital or central hospitals in Northern Finland.

Methods

The intervention aimed to increase Registered Nurses’ competence in mentoring nursing students. The education lasted 3 months and included online learning as well as three face‐to‐face teaching sessions. A total of 120 nurse mentors completed the Mentor Competence Instrument (MCI), which includes 10 subscales that describe various competence areas, before and after the education.

Results

Nurse mentors’ mentoring competence increased across all mentoring competence areas after the educational intervention. More specifically, the participating nurses showed a statistically significant increase in their competence regarding knowledge of mentoring practices in the workplace, student‐centred evaluation, identifying student needs, mentoring practices between mentor and student, supporting students’ learning processes, goal orientation in mentoring and constructive feedback.

Conclusions

On an international level, nurse mentors are not typically required to have completed mentoring education prior to the mentoring of nurse students. Since mentoring education increased nurses’ competence at mentoring nursing students, we recommend that all nurse degree programs include mentoring education to prepare future nurses for the important future role in mentoring.