bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macroecological drivers of zooplankton communities across the mountains of western North America
Authors: Loewen Charlie J. G. , Strecker Angela L. , Larson Gary L. , Vogel Allan , Fischer Janet M. , Vinebrooke Rolf D.
Published: September 2018

Disentangling the environmental and spatial drivers of biological communities across large scales increasingly challenges modern ecology in a rapidly changing world. Here, we investigate the hierarchical and trait‐based organization of regional and local factors of zooplankton communities at a macroscale of 1240 mountain lakes and ponds spanning western North America (California, USA, to Yukon Territory, Canada). Variation partitioning was used to test the hypothesized importance of climate, connectivity, catchment features, and exotic sportfish to zooplankton beta‐diversity in the context of key functional traits (body size and reproductive dispersal potential) given the pronounced environmental heterogeneity (e.g. thermal gradients), topographic barriers, and legacy of stocked fish in mountainous regions. Dispersal limitation was inferred from multispecies patch connectivity estimates based on nearest and average distances to occupied patches. Environmental heterogeneity best explained community composition as catchment/lake features (morphometry, land cover, and lithology) collectively captured greater variation than did climate (temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation), local stocking, or connectivity; however, single climatic variables captured the most variation individually. Macrospatial variation by larger obligate sexual species was better explained than that by smaller cyclically parthenogenetic asexual species. Our results provide several novel insights into the macroecology of zooplankton of the North American Cordillera, demonstrating their stronger associations to climatically driven aquatic‐terrestrial habitat coupling than dynamics arising from introduced salmonids, human land‐use, or species dispersal. These findings highlight the clear and important role of these communities as bioindicators of the limnological impacts of accelerating rates of climate change, as their responses appear relatively not confounded by local human perturbations or dispersal limitation.
Climatically controlled reproduction drives interannual growth variability in a temperate tree species
Authors: Hacket‐Pain Andrew J. , Ascoli Davide , Vacchiano Giorgio , Biondi Franco , Cavin Liam , Conedera Marco , Drobyshev Igor , Liñán Isabel Dorado , Friend Andrew D. , Grabner Michael , Hartl Claudia , Kreyling Juergen , Lebourgeois François , Levanič Tom , Menzel Annette , van der Maaten Ernst , van der Maaten‐Theunissen Marieke , Muffler Lena , Motta Renzo , Roibu Catalin‐Constantin , Popa Ionel , Scharnweber Tobias , Weigel Robert , Wilmking Martin , Zang Christian S.
Published: September 2018

Climatically controlled allocation to reproduction is a key mechanism by which climate influences tree growth and may explain lagged correlations between climate and growth. We used continent‐wide datasets of tree‐ring chronologies and annual reproductive effort in Fagus sylvatica from 1901 to 2015 to characterise relationships between climate, reproduction and growth. Results highlight that variable allocation to reproduction is a key factor for growth in this species, and that high reproductive effort (‘mast years’) is associated with stem growth reduction. Additionally, high reproductive effort is associated with previous summer temperature, creating lagged climate effects on growth. Consequently, understanding growth variability in forest ecosystems requires the incorporation of reproduction, which can be highly variable. Our results suggest that future response of growth dynamics to climate change in this species will be strongly influenced by the response of reproduction.
Successful surgical debridement of a cerebral Streptococcus equi equi abscess by parietal bone flap craniotomy in a 2‐month‐old Warmblood foal
Authors: Broux B. , van Bergen T. , Schauvliege S. , Vali Y. , Lefère L. , Gielen I.
Published: September 2018

Brain abscesses and intracranial masses have been regularly described in horses. Treatment often is difficult and unrewarding and mortality rate high. This case report describes the successful treatment of a cerebral abscess in a 2‐month‐old female Warmblood foal with severe neurological signs of acute onset. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a 3 × 4 × 4 cm cerebral mass in the left brain hemisphere with severe cerebral oedema. Craniotomy, using a parietal bone flap technique, allowed the abscess to be sampled, drained and lavaged. Immediately, post‐surgery the foal showed significant clinical improvement. Sample culture confirmed Streptococcus equi equi infection. The foal was medically treated for 6 weeks, leading to complete clinical and radiographical recovery. Intracranial surgery in equine medicine is limited. Using a parietal bone flap instead of partial craniectomy to gain access to the cerebrum is a less invasive procedure leading to a better aesthetic result and should be considered for the treatment of cerebral masses in the horse.
Autocyclized and oxidized forms ofSCR7 induce cancer cell death by inhibiting nonhomologousDNAend joining in a LigaseIVdependent manner
Authors: Vartak Supriya V. , Swarup Hassan A. , Gopalakrishnan Vidya , Gopinatha Vindya K. , Ropars Virginie , Nambiar Mridula , John Franklin , Kothanahally Sharath Kumar S. , Kumari Rupa , Kumari Nitu , Ray Ujjayinee , Radha Gudapureddy , Dinesh Depina , Pandey Monica , Ananda Hanumappa , Karki Subhas S. , Srivastava Mrinal , Charbonnier Jean Baptiste , Choudhary Bibha , Mantelingu Kempegowda , Raghavan Sathees C.
Published: September 2018

NonhomologousDNAend joining (NHEJ) is the majorDNAdouble‐strand break (DSB) repair pathway in mammals. Previously, we have described a small molecule inhibitor,SCR7, which can inhibitNHEJin a LigaseIV‐dependent manner. Administration ofSCR7 within the cells resulted in the accumulation ofDNAbreaks, cell death, and inhibition of tumor growth in mice. In the present study, we report that parentalSCR7, which is unstable, can be autocyclized into a stable form. Both parentalSCR7 and cyclizedSCR7 possess the same molecular weight (334.09) and molecular formula (C18H14N4OS), whereas its oxidized form,SCR7‐pyrazine, possesses a different molecular formula (C18H12N4OS), molecular weight (332.07), and structure. While cyclized form ofSCR7 showed robust inhibition ofNHEJin vitro, both forms exhibited efficient cytotoxicity. Cyclized and oxidized forms ofSCR7 inhibitedDNAend joining catalyzed by LigaseIV, whereas their impact was minimal on LigaseIII, Ligase I, and T4DNALigase‐mediated joining. Importantly, both forms inhibited V(D)J recombination, although the effect was more pronounced forSCR7‐cyclized. Both forms blockedNHEJin a LigaseIV‐dependent manner leading to the accumulation ofDSBs within the cells. Although cytotoxicity due toSCR7‐cyclized was LigaseIVspecific, the pyrazine form exhibited nonspecific cytotoxicity at higher concentrations in LigaseIV‐null cells. Finally, we demonstrate that both forms can potentiate the effect of radiation. Thus, we report that cyclized and oxidized forms ofSCR7 can inhibitNHEJin a LigaseIV‐dependent manner, althoughSCR7‐pyrazine is less specific to LigaseIVinside the cell.
Declining glacier cover threatens the biodiversity of alpine river diatom assemblages
Authors: Fell Sarah C. , Carrivick Jonathan L. , Kelly Martyn G. , Füreder Leopold , Brown Lee E.
Published: September 2018

Climate change poses a considerable threat to the biodiversity of high altitude ecosystems worldwide, including cold‐water river systems that are responding rapidly to a shrinking cryosphere. Most recent research has demonstrated the severe vulnerability of river invertebrates to glacier retreat but effects upon other aquatic groups remain poorly quantified. Using new data sets from the European Alps, we show significant responses to declining glacier cover for diatoms, which play a critical functional role as freshwater primary producers. Specifically, diatom α‐diversity and density in rivers presently fed by glaciers will increase with future deglaciation, yet β‐diversity within and between sites will reduce because declining glacier influence will lower the spatiotemporal variability of glacier cover and its associated habitat heterogeneity. Changes in diatom assemblage composition as glacier cover declined were associated strongly with increasing riverbed stability and water temperature. At the species level, diatoms showed a gradation of responses; for example, Eunotia trinacria, found exclusively at river sites with high (≥52%) catchment glacier cover, may be affected negatively by ice loss. Conversely, seven taxa confined to sites with no glacier cover, including Gomphonema calcareum, stand to benefit. Nineteen (22%) taxa were noted as threatened, endangered, rare or decreasing on the Red List of Algae for Germany, with most at sites ≤26% glacier cover, meaning further ice loss may benefit these diatoms. However, six taxa found only in rivers ≥28% glacier cover may require reclassification of their Red List conservation status, as this habitat is threatened by deglaciation. Our identification of clear links between decreasing glacier cover and river diatom biodiversity suggests there could be significant reorganization of river ecosystems with deglaciation, for example, through alterations to primary production, biogeochemical cycles, and the shifting resource base of alpine freshwater food webs which lack significant allochthonous energy inputs.
Functional traits modulate the response of alien plants along abiotic and biotic gradients
Authors: Carboni Marta , Calderon‐Sanou Irene , Pollock Laura , Violle Cyrille ,   DivGrass Consortium, Thuiller Wilfried
Published: September 2018

Aim

It is widely recognized that the prediction of invasion success at large biogeographical scales requires jointly accounting for alien species traits and local community filters, such as abiotic conditions, biotic interactions and propagule pressure. Despite this recognition, interactions between traits and community filters are generally neglected. Here, we aim to address this limitation by developing a hierarchical framework that builds on trait‐based theory to model occurrences of alien species as a function of spatially explicit variables, filtering invasions and their interactions with species traits.

Location

Herbaceous communities throughout France.

Time period

c. 1960–2012 (mostly after 1990).

Major taxa studied

Herbaceous plants.

Methods

Based on a large dataset of >50,000 community plots, we built a multispecies hierarchical model of the distribution of the 10 most widespread alien plants in French grasslands. In this model, we explicitly account for how plant height, specific leaf area (SLA) and seed mass affect the occurrence of alien species along gradients of human pressure, environmental conditions and native community composition. Finally, we contrast the results to native species responses along the same gradients.

Results

We show that two out of three traits significantly modulate the responses of species along these broad gradients. Alien plants with exploitative traits (i.e., tall and with high SLA) were less dependent on human pressure, more efficient in resource‐rich environments and better at avoiding competition from native species. These trait–gradient interactions were often unique to alien plants (e.g., human pressure was important only for supporting alien species with low SLA), even though trait ranges of alien and native species were comparable. Ultimately, the modelling of trait–gradient interactions allows spatially explicit estimations of invasion risks by novel species with particular sets of traits.

Main conclusions

By taking the best from multispecies distribution modelling and trait‐based theory, our framework paves the way for a generalized mechanistic understanding of how traits influence the success of alien plants and their spatial distributions.
Effective antimicrobial activity of rifabutin against multidrug‐resistant Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Siavoshi Farideh , Saniee Parastoo , Malekzadeh Reza
Published: September 2018

Background

Helicobacter pylori resistance to more than one antibiotic is the main reason for failure in bacterial eradication in a considerable number of patients. Rifabutin (RFB) with a broad‐spectrum of antimicrobial therapy has been suggested for treatment of refractory multidrug‐resistant infections.

Methods

Helicobacter pylori isolates from 104 patients were examined for resistance to 5 currently used antibiotics and RFB, using agar dilution method. Twofold serial dilutions of antibiotics were used and MICs (μg/mL) determined as metronidazole (MTZ 8), clarithromycin (CLR 2), amoxicillin (AMX 1), tetracycline (TET 0.5), furazolidone (FRZ 0.5), and RFB (0.06).

Results

Of 104 H. pylori isolates, only 7 (6.7%) were sensitive to all the 6 antibiotics. However, 30 (28.8%) were resistant to one antibiotic, 28 (26.9%) to two, 19 (18.2%) to three, 14 (13.4%) to four, and 6 (5.7%) to five currently used antibiotics. Overall, 67(64.4%) of isolates were resistant to 2‐5 currently used antibiotics and considered as multidrug‐resistant (MDR), with 59 (88.1%) showing sensitivity to RFB and 8 (11.9%) resistance (P < 0.05). Of 33 isolates resistant to both MTZ and CLR, 25 (75.7%) were sensitive to RFB and 8 (24.3%) resistant (P < 0.05).

Discussion

In vitro antimicrobial effectiveness of RFB on MDR H. pylori including those with resistance to both MTZ and CLR was demonstrated. However, RFB efficacy decreased as the number of antibiotics responsible for MDR increased. Considering that RFB inhibits both extra‐ and intracellular H. pylori, it can be suggested as an effective antibiotic against of MDR H. pylori.
The physical and chemical disruption of human hair after bleaching – studies by transmission electron microscopy and redox proteomics
Authors: Grosvenor A. J. , Deb‐Choudhury S. , Middlewood P. G. , Thomas A. , Lee E. , Vernon J. A. , Woods J. L. , Taylor C. , Bell F. I. , Clerens S.
Published: September 2018

Objective

To understand the structural and chemical effects of cosmetic peroxide bleaching on human hair.

Methods

Human hair was progressively bleached using alkaline peroxide–persulphate treatment. Proteins lost through leaching were examined using amino acid analysis and mass spectrometric sequencing. Fibre damage was assessed using transmission electron microscopy, amino acid analysis and redox proteomics.

Results

Protein loss through leaching increased with bleaching severity. Leached proteins were not limited to the cuticle, but also included cortical intermediate filaments and matrix keratin‐associated proteins. The leached proteins were progressively oxidized as bleaching severity increased. Bleached fibres demonstrated substantial damage to the cuticle layers and to the cortex. Extensive melanin granule degradation was present after the mildest bleach treatment. Protein oxidation in bleached fibres was principally in cortical intermediate filaments – the most abundant hair proteins – and targeted the sulphur‐containing amino acids, particularly the conversion of cystine disulphide bonds to cysteic acid.

Conclusion

Peroxide chemical treatments quickly access the cortex, causing untargeted oxidative damage across the fibre in addition to the desired loss of melanin. Peroxide ingress is likely facilitated by the considerable structural degradation caused to the cuticle layers of hair fibres. The consequences of the peroxide action within the cuticle and cortex are oxidation of the proteins, and subsequent protein loss from the fibre that correlates to bleaching severity.
Ternary borosilicates as potential cladding glasses for semiconductor core optical fibers
Authors: Dmitrieva Iuliia , Lopez‐Iscoa Pablo , Milanese Daniel , Petit Laeticia
Published: September 2018

Our study advances the development of new ternary silicate glasses for use as a designed cladding for semiconductor core optical fibers using molten core draw process. In order to fabricate high‐quality hybrid fibers (homogeneous core shape, low amount of bubbles, low internal stress, no cracking), oxide glasses are the best choice as cladding materials. These glasses should be engineered with tailored thermal properties (coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and drawing temperature) so they match those of the semiconductor. Glasses in the system (50SiO2‐(20 − x)Na2O‐(25 + x)B2O3‐5MO) with x = 0 and 10 and MO = ZnO, TiO2, GeO2, Ga2O3, and Al2O3 and in the system 50SiO2‐10Na2O‐(40 − y)B2O3‐yTiO2 with y = 0, 1.25, 2.5, and 5 were investigated. Their thermal properties were measured and discussed with regard to the glass structure analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy. Due to their rigid network, which leads to beneficial thermal properties including low CTE (~5 ppm K−1), the Ge‐containing glass with x = 10 is a promising cladding candidate when preparing a Ge core fiber and the Ga or Zn‐ containing glasses when preparing an InAs core.
Predicting risk for seroma development after axillary or inguinal sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma patients
Authors: Persa Oana‐Diana , Knuever Jana , Rose Anna , Mauch Cornelia , Schlaak Max
Published: September 2018

Background

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is currently a routine procedure in the staging of patients with cutaneous melanoma; however, little information is available about the risk factors for postoperative complications, especially for the risk of seroma formation.

Methods

Medical records of patients undergoing SLNB at the University Hospital of Cologne, Germany, between 2011 and 2016, were reviewed. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the influence of a wide range of variables on seroma development.

Results

A total of 615 patients were included in the study. Overall, 20.4% of patients developed complications with seroma being the most common postoperative complication. Development of seroma was significantly more common among smokers than nonsmokers (OR = 1.956, P = 0.007). Inguinal localization (OR = 3.644, P < 0.0001) was also associated with seroma formation. Male patients developed a seroma significantly more often than female patients following SLNB (OR = 2.104, P = 0.001). The presence or absence of metastasis in the lymph node did not influence seroma development.

Conclusions

Male sex, inguinal localization, and smoking are risk factors for the development of seroma.
End‐stage kidney disease in Fiji
Authors: Krishnan Amrish , Chandra Yogeshni , Malani Joji , Jesudason Shilpanjali , Sen Shaundeep , Ritchie Angus G.
Published: September 2018

Background

Chronic kidney disease is now a leading cause of death in Fiji. The country lacks even basic statistics about the incidence of end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) and presents significant challenges to conducting clinical research.

Aim

To estimate the incidence and characteristics of ESKD in Fijian adults.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients admitted to Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, Fiji, in 2012. Suspected ESKD cases were identified from laboratory registers of renal function tests and confirmed through medical record review. Population data were from the Fijian Bureau of Statistics.

Results

Screening identified 1474 suspected ESKD cases. Following removal of 763 duplicates and cases with discrepant identifiers, 711 unique cases remained. An additional 552 cases met exclusion criteria, including acute kidney injury (247), failure to be admitted (131) and pre‐existing ESKD diagnosis (103), leaving 159 cases of confirmed ESKD. Median age was 57 years (interquartile range 47–65). Crude and age‐adjusted ESKD incidence rates were 753 per million population (pmp) (95% confidence interval (CI) 636–870) and 793 pmp (95% CI 669–916), respectively, rising to 938 pmp (95% CI 804–1072) if African‐American correction was removed. Diabetic nephropathy was the most common cause of ESKD (65.4%).

Conclusion

The incidence of ESKD in Fiji is high. This is a substantial public health problem that is likely impacting life expectancy and quality of life. Improving screening, detection and management of kidney disease should be given more prominence in programmes to address non‐communicable diseases in Fiji and the Western Pacific.
Student Training and Workforce Development at the USGS Water Resources Research Institutes
Authors: Donohue Mary J. , Lerner Darren T.
Published: September 2018

Measures of student training and workforce development are key academic, social, and economic metrics. A principal component of the United States Geological Survey Water Resources Research Act Program is the training of water scientists and engineers through participation in research and other mentoring. This training occurs through Water Resources Research Institutes known as the National Institutes for Water Resources. Though the institutes have a demonstrated record in student training, there has been limited synthesis of data on students trained at state and national levels to clarify these contributions to workforce development. We investigated student support at the 54 institutes from 2000 through 2015 using archived data, including a survey of institute practices. Institutes play a key role in water resources training within a greater science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) framework. Institutes pooled supported on average 678 (sd = 83) students per year (range 518 to 788), providing 10,853 student support years during this period. Individual institutes supported on average 201 (sd = 102) students per year (range 76 to 646). While 98% of institutes used data on students supported to fulfill required reporting, fewer used these data for institute promotion (45%), website or social media engagement (41%), and development/donor activities (16%). Consistency in data collection and management among institutes, coupled with refined use of student support data, such as documenting disciplines and dates of degrees earned, post‐support job placement, and diversity and equity metrics, would further demonstrate the value of this investment in student training and workforce development.
The adsorption behavior of a single and multi‐water molecules on tricalcium silicate (111) surface from DFT calculations
Authors: Zhang Yue , Lu Xinying , Song Dongsheng , Liu Songbai
Published: September 2018

The interaction between water and tricalcium silicate (C3S) is important for the portland cement hydration, but the description at the atomistic level is still unclear. In this work, we investigate a single and multi‐water molecules adsorption behavior on tricalcium silicate (111) surface using DFT approach. For a single water molecule, both molecular and dissociative adsorption of a single water molecule can occur on the calcium silicate (111) surface and the dissociative state is preferred. The dissociative adsorption of water can only occur on the ionic O atoms while molecular adsorption can be found on the Ca atoms. The higher reactivity of ionic O atoms can be explained by the significant contribution of the Oi‐2p orbital in the valence band maximum of the surface slab. The surface reconstruction leading by dissociative adsorption is more significant than that of molecular adsorption. For two or three water molecules adsorbing on one surface unit cell, full dissociative adsorption is the most energetic mode. For 4‐15 water molecules, a mixed adsorption mode is found to be favorable. As the water coverage increase, the stepwise adsorption of water decreases due to the interaction between adsorbed water molecules.
The learning history: A research method to advance the science and practice of organizational learning in healthcare
Authors: Lyman Bret , Moore Carly
Published: September 2018

Aims

This paper presents a discussion of the learning history research method, including a description of how to conduct a learning history. Suggested applications of the method in research and clinical practice are also provided.

Background

Organizational learning has been linked to improved clinical performance and other positive outcomes in healthcare. Yet, the theoretical guidance available to researchers and clinical leaders who study and strive to foster organizational learning is sparse. Studying how organizational learning occurs in the healthcare context is a critical step toward addressing this knowledge gap. The learning history, a participatory research method, is specifically designed for studying the organizational learning process. Thus, it is precisely suited for the work of developing a theoretical foundation for organizational learning in healthcare.

Design

Discussion paper.

Data sources

This discussion paper is based on relevant literature and the authors’ experiences conducting learning histories.

Implications for Nursing

Researchers can use learning histories to develop a better understanding of and a theoretical foundation for organizational learning in healthcare. Leaders in clinical practice can use learning histories to foster learning and improvement in their organizations.

Conclusion

Learning histories are a promising approach to advancing the science and practice of organizational learning.
Estimating selection on the act of inbreeding in a population with strong inbreeding depression
Authors: Troianou Eva , Huisman Jisca , Pemberton Josephine M. , Walling Craig A.
Published: September 2018

Inbreeding depression is widely regarded as a driving force in the evolution of dispersal, mate choice and sperm selection. However, due to likely costs of inbreeding avoidance, which are poorly understood, it is unclear to what extent selection to avoid inbreeding is expected in nature. Moreover, there are currently very few empirical estimates of the strength of selection against the act of inbreeding (mating with a relative), as opposed to the fitness costs of being inbred. Here, we use data from the individual‐based study of red deer on the Scottish island of Rum, a strongly polygynous system which harbours a large inbreeding load, to estimate selection against the act of inbreeding for each sex. We use pedigree and genomic estimates of relatedness between individuals and measure fitness using both lifetime breeding success (number of calves born) and lifetime reproductive success (number of calves surviving to independence), with the latter incorporating inbreeding depression in calf survival. We find for both sexes that the repeatability of the act of inbreeding was low (< 0.1), suggesting little among‐individual variation for this trait on which selection can act. Using the genomic measures, there was significant selection against the act of inbreeding in males, but not in females, and there was considerable uncertainty in the estimate in both sexes. We discuss possible explanations for these patterns and their implications for understanding the evolution of inbreeding avoidance in natural populations.
The effect of ultrasound pre‐treatment on quality, drying, and thermodynamic attributes of almond kernel under convective dryer using ANNs and ANFIS network
Authors: Kaveh Mohammad , Jahanbakhshi Ahmad , Abbaspour‐Gilandeh Yousef , Taghinezhad Ebrahim , Moghimi Mohammad Bagher Farshbaf
Published: September 2018

In this study, different drying conditions were investigated on quality and thermodynamic properties of almond kernel. Experiments were performed using a convection dryer with ultrasound pretreatment in 40, 50, 60, and 70 °C air temperature, 1 m/s air velocity, and duration of ultrasonic pre‐treatment of 0 min (for control sample), 10, 20, and 40 min. The drying kinetic of the almond kernel was estimated by 15 mathematical models. Furthermore, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and Adaptive Neuro‐Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS) were applied to fit the experimental data on the thin layer drying. The lowest and highest values of the effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) was 1.81 × 10−9 and 9.70 × 10−9 m2/s, respectively. Activation energy (Ea) of the samples was obtained between 26.35 and 36.44 kJ/mol. The highest and lowest values of specific energy consumption (SEC) were calculated 561.72 and 169.88 kW hr/kg, respectively. Maximum (13.14%) and the minimum (7.1%) values of shrinkage were achieved at air temperatures of 70 and 40 °C, respectively. The color changing of dried samples was obtained between 9.14 and 17.96. Furthermore, results revealed that the ANFIS model had the high ability to predict the moisture ratio (R2 = 0.9998 and MSE = 0.0003) during drying. As a result, ANFIS model has the highest ability to evaluate all output as compared with other models and ANNs method.

Practical applications

Algorithms are modern methods that have been successfully applied to solve the various problems and modeling in engineering and science. Drying is one of the oldest procedures to preserve the food quality. Reduction of moisture content to a certain value can be caused to decay and minimize the microbiological activity and deteriorating chemical reactions in agricultural products, respectively. Determination of almond drying process under convective with ultrasound pre‐treatment dryer in terms of desirable thermal properties (effective moisture diffusivity and energy consumption) provides the high‐quality products. Furthermore, this research can be able to provide a technical basis for almond drying and the related equipment designing.
Family impact of childhood neurodevelopmental disability: considering adaptive and maladaptive behaviour
Authors: Gardiner E. , Miller A. R. , Lach L. M.
Published: September 2018

Background

The aim of the current study was to identify functional predictors of perceived impact of childhood disability among families of children with neurodevelopmental disorders and disabilities. We first examined the relationship between sub‐domains of adaptive and problematic behaviour and perceived family impact. Second, we examined whether the same sub‐domains would emerge as significant after controlling for the impact of child diagnosis, including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and intellectual disability.

Method

Caregivers of 216 children and adolescents (M = 8.17 years) with neurodevelopmental disorder and disability completed measures of children's practical, conceptual and social skills (i.e. adaptive behaviour), behaviour problems and positive and negative family impact.

Results

Indices of child adaptive and problematic behaviour were only significantly associated with perceived negative family impact. Children's practical and social skills, as well as emotional symptoms, emerged as significant predictors of perceived negative family impact, with emotional symptoms accounting for greatest variance. Including diagnosis in our statistical models did not explain additional variance above and beyond these particular sub‐domains of child functioning.

Conclusions

The study findings suggest that it is not children's most impaired domains of functioning that are perceived as significantly impactful by the family. The findings highlight the importance of devoting consideration to the ways in which the functional limitations experienced by children with chronic developmental health conditions similarly impact family life and well‐being, regardless of disorder designation.
The geological evolution of the Gangpur Schist Belt, eastern India: Constraints on the formation of the Greater Indian Landmass in the Proterozoic
Authors: Chakraborty Tuhin , Upadhyay Dewashish , Ranjan Sameer , Pruseth Kamal L. , Nanda Jayanta K.
Published: September 2018

The Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ) is a Proterozoic suture along which the Northern and Southern Indian Blocks are inferred to have amalgamated forming the Greater Indian Landmass. In this study, we use the metamorphic and geochronological evolution of the Gangpur Schist Belt (GSB) and neighbouring crustal units to constrain crustal accretion processes associated with the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Indian Blocks. The GSB sandwiched between the Bonai Granite pluton of the Singhbhum craton and granite gneisses of the Chhotanagpur Gneiss Complex (CGC) links the CITZ and the North Singhbhum Mobile Belt. New zircon age data constrain the emplacement of the Bonai Granite at 3,370 ± 10 Ma, while the magmatic protoliths of the Chhotanagpur gneisses were emplaced at c. 1.65 Ga. The sediments in the southern part of the Gangpur basin were derived from the Singhbhum craton, whereas those in the northern part were derived dominantly from the CGC. Sedimentation is estimated to have taken place between c. 1.65 and c. 1.45 Ga. The Upper Bonai/Darjing Group rocks of the basin underwent major metamorphic episodes at c. 1.56 and c. 1.45 Ga, while the Gangpur Group of rocks were metamorphosed at c. 1.45 and c. 0.97 Ga. Based on thermobarometric studies and zircon–monazite geochronology, we infer that the geological history of the GSB is similar to that of the North Singhbhum Mobile Belt with the Upper Bonai/Darjing and the Gangpur Groups being the westward extensions of the southern and northern domains of the North Singhbhum Mobile Belt respectively. We propose a three‐stage model of crustal accretion across the Singhbhum craton—GSB/North Singhbhum Mobile Belt—CGC contact. The magmatic protoliths of the Chhotanagpur Gneisses were emplaced at c. 1.65 Ga in an arc setting. The earliest accretion event at c. 1.56 Ga involved northward subduction and amalgamation of the Upper Bonai Group with the Singhbhum craton followed by accretion of the Gangpur Group with the Singhbhum craton–Upper Bonai Group composite at c. 1.45 Ga. Finally, continent–continent collision at c. 0.96 Ga led to the accretion of the CGC with the Singhbhum craton–Upper Bonai Group–Gangpur Group crustal units, synchronous with emplacement of pegmatitic granites. The geological events recorded in the GSB and other units of the CITZ only partially overlap with those in the Trans North China Orogen and the Capricorn Orogen of Western Australia, indicating that these suture zones are not correlatable.
Advancing the case for nurse practitioner‐based models to accelerate scale‐up of HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Nelson LaRon E. , McMahon James M. , Leblanc Natalie M. , Braksmajer Amy , Crean Hugh F. , Smith Kristin , Xue Ying
Published: September 2018

Aims

To explore the factors that position nurse practitioners (NPs) to lead the implementation of HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis.

Background

The HIV epidemic represents a global health crisis. Reducing new HIV infections is a public health priority, especially for Black and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM). When taken as directed, co‐formulated emtricitabine and tenofovir have over 95% efficacy in preventing HIV; however, substantial gaps remain between those who would benefit from pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and current PrEP prescribing practices.

Design

This is a position paper that draws on concurrent assessments of research literature and advanced practice nursing frameworks.

Method

The arguments in this paper are grounded in the current literature on HIV PrEP implementation and evidence of the added value of nurse‐based models in promoting health outcomes. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing's advanced nursing practice competencies were also included as a source of data for identifying and cross‐referencing NP assets that align with HIV PrEP care continuum outcomes.

Conclusions

There are four main evidence‐based arguments that can be used to advance policy‐level and practice‐level changes that harness the assets of nurse practitioners in accelerating the scale‐up of HIV PrEP.

Relevance to clinical practice

Global public health goals for HIV prevention cannot be achieved without the broader adoption of PrEP as a prevention practice among healthcare providers. NPs are the best hope for closing this gap in access for the populations that are most vulnerable to HIV infection.
Effects of two translated phrases of distress thermometer on screening distress in Chinese cancer patients: A comparative study
Authors: Zheng Bo , Du PeiXin , Yi TingWu , Liu Jie , Zeng Zhi , Luo Di , Jiang Yu
Published: September 2018

Aims and objectives

To compare the screening effectiveness of two translated phrases of the Distress Thermometer (DT), namely the XinLiTongKu Thermometer (DT‐X) and KunRao Thermometer (DT‐K), in Chinese patients with cancer.

Background

The DT is one of the most commonly used tools to screen cancer patients’ psychological states. However, translations of the DT are not uniform in China; this may affect the screening effectiveness of this tool.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey with randomisation and self‐control.

Methods

A sample of 172 cases was screened using the two DT translations, to check and compare the screening effectiveness of the two translations. The correlation between them was also investigated. The causes of the differences in screening effectiveness of the two translations were analysed, using 90 of the above 172 cases and an additional 68 cases. STROBE guidelines were used in reporting this study.

Results

For the DT‐X (using a cut‐off score of 4), the sensitivity value was 0.82 and the specificity value was 0.95, where for the DT‐K (using a cut‐off score of 3), the values were 0.78 and 0.79, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.914 and 0.797, respectively. Scores of the DT‐X and the DT‐K were positively correlated. In concepts of the participants, for both phrases, the sequences of the first three meanings were the same—worried, anxious and tired—while the fourth to sixth meanings were differed between phrases.

Conclusion

The DT‐X and DT‐K were both effective screening tools. However, in this study, the DT‐X had a larger AUC than the DT‐K.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study may be useful for enabling better measurement of distress in Chinese patients and improving the indigenisation of the DT.
The mitigation effects of exogenous melatonin on replant disease in apple
Authors: Li Chao , Zhao Qi , Gao Tengteng , Wang Hongying , Zhang Zhijun , Liang Bowen , Wei Zhiwei , Liu Changhai , Ma Fengwang
Published: September 2018

Melatonin mediates many physiological processes in plants. The problem of apple replant disease is unsolved. Our study objectives were to evaluate the regulatory effect of melatonin on plant resistance to this challenge and investigate the preliminary mechanism by which melatonin helps alleviate the effects of this disease. Two‐year‐old trees of “Fuji” apple (Malus domestica), grafted onto rootstock M.26, were grown in “replant” soil for 6 months in the absence or presence of a 200 μmol/L melatonin supplement. The addition of melatonin to the soil significantly increased the rates of plant growth and net photosynthesis and chlorophyll concentrations under replant conditions. This molecule elevated the levels of K in leaves and roots and enhanced the activity of soil enzymes. Such supplementation also changed the composition of the bacterial and fungal communities in the soil. We concluded that the application of melatonin to a replant soil can protect their chloroplasts from oxidative damage and release the apple root from membrane damage, and also lead to increased soil enzyme activity and soil quality while altering the composition of bacterial and fungal communities. These changes can then promote seedling growth, stimulate photosynthesis, and elevate K levels, thereby alleviating the effects of apple replant disease.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in Australia 1982‐2014: Increasing incidence and improving survival
Authors: Wallace Michael C. , Preen David B. , Short Mark W. , Adams Leon A. , Jeffrey Gary P.
Published: September 2018

Background & Aims

There is a paucity of accurate and current data on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) trends in incidence and survival in developed countries. We performed an Australia‐wide assessment of HCC epidemiology across a 33‐year time span aiming to accurately describe changes in incidence and survival.

Methods

Cases of HCC from 1982 to 2014 were identified via the Australian Cancer Database (ACD). Trends in incidence rates were explored using piecewise linear regression. Survival was compared by Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival probabilities by year of diagnosis.

Results

Age‐adjusted HCC incidence rate increased from 1.38 per 100 000 (95% CI: 1.34‐1.43) in 1982 to 4.96 per 100 000 (95% CI: 4.89‐5.03, P < 0.001) in 2014 with an average annual percentage increase of 4.46% (95% CI: 4.24%‐4.69%). The highest incidence rate in 2014 was in those aged 75‐79 (24.31 per 100 000; 95% CI: 19.50‐29.12). Almost 80% of cases across the period were men who had significantly higher age‐adjusted incidence rates in 2014 than women (8.55 per 100 000 [95% CI: 8.42‐8.68] vs 1.65 per 100 000 [95% CI: 1.60‐1.70]; P < 0.001). A hepatitis C (HCV) birth cohort effect was identified and associated with rapid increases in HCC incidence when members of the cohort aged and entered into age groups 45‐49, 50‐54 and 55‐59. Median survival increased from 2.10 months (95% CI: 1.57‐2.62 months) in those diagnosed between 1982 and 1984 to 12.07 months (95% CI: 11.17‐12.97 months) when diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

An Australia‐wide analysis of HCC epidemiological trends across three decades shows significant and consistent increases in both incidence and survival.

Lay summary

There has been a significant increase in hepatocellular cancer (HCC) reported in Australia over the last three decades without evidence of slowing. Across the same time period, a significant improvement in survival has been identified with the average life expectancy after diagnosis now one year. This research lays the foundation for important public health service delivery.
Assessing changes in arthropod predator–prey interactions through DNA‐based gut content analysis—variable environment, stable diet
Authors: Eitzinger Bernhard , Abrego Nerea , Gravel Dominique , Huotari Tea , Vesterinen Eero J , Roslin Tomas
Published: September 2018

Analysing the structure and dynamics of biotic interaction networks and the processes shaping them is currently one of the key fields in ecology. In this paper, we develop a novel approach to gut content analysis, thereby deriving a new perspective on community interactions and their responses to environment. For this, we use an elevational gradient in the High Arctic, asking how the environment and species traits interact in shaping predator–prey interactions involving the wolf spider Pardosa glacialis. To characterize the community of potential prey available to this predator, we used pitfall trapping and vacuum sampling. To characterize the prey actually consumed, we applied molecular gut content analysis. Using joint species distribution models, we found elevation and vegetation mass to explain the most variance in the composition of the prey community locally available. However, such environmental variables had only a small effect on the prey community found in the spider's gut. These observations indicate that Pardosa exerts selective feeding on particular taxa irrespective of environmental constraints. By directly modelling the probability of predation based on gut content data, we found that neither trait matching in terms of predator and prey body size nor phylogenetic or environmental constraints modified interaction probability. Our results indicate that taxonomic identity may be more important for predator–prey interactions than environmental constraints or prey traits. The impact of environmental change on predator–prey interactions thus appears to be indirect and mediated by its imprint on the community of available prey.
Tolerability of isavuconazole after posaconazole toxicity in leukaemia patients
Authors: DiPippo Adam J. , Rausch Caitlin R. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P.
Published: September 2018

Background

Posaconazole (PCZ) is widely used for prophylaxis or treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in leukaemia patients. However, issues with PCZ tolerability can result in treatment interruption. Isavuconazole (ISA) has a similar broad spectrum of activity to PCZ; however, real‐world data regarding the tolerability of ISA after PCZ toxicity are lacking.

Objectives

To describe the tolerability of ISA after PCZ toxicity in leukaemia patients.

Patients/Methods

We retrospectively assessed tolerability of ISA after PCZ toxicity in adult leukaemia patients (March 2015 to November 2017). We included all patients who received ≥7 days of ISA within 48 hours of PCZ discontinuation. Laboratory markers for liver toxicity were collected at three time points: prior to PCZ, at switch to ISA and after ISA therapy.

Results

We identified 23 such patients. Increased liver function tests (LFTs) were noted in 20 patients on PCZ, while three patients had Grade 3/4 QTc prolongation. No patient discontinued subsequent ISA due to toxicity. Grade 3/4 elevations in LFTs were decreased after changing to ISA (30% after PCZ vs 5% after ISA). No patient had significant QTc prolongation after switching to ISA.

Conclusions

Isavuconazole was well‐tolerated in patients discontinuing PCZ due to toxicity, with no patient discontinuing ISA due to toxicity.
The epidemiology of non‐Candida yeast isolated from blood: The Asia Surveillance Study
Authors: Lin Shang‐Yi , Lu Po‐Liang , Tan Ban Hock , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Wu Un‐In , Yang Jui‐Hsuan , Patel Atul K. , Li Ruo Yu , Watcharananan Siriorn P. , Liu Zhengyin , Chindamporn Ariya , Tan Ai Ling , Sun Pei‐Lun , Hsu Li‐Yin , Chen Yee‐Chun ,   the Asia Fungal Working Group (AFWG)
Published: September 2018

Background

Current guidelines recommend echinocandins as first‐line therapy for candidemia. However, several non‐Candida yeast are non‐susceptible to echinocandins (echinocandin non‐susceptible yeast, ENSY), including Cryptococcus, Geotrichum, Malassezia, Pseudozyma, Rhodotorula, Saprochaete, Sporobolomyces and Trichosporon. In laboratories that are not equipped with rapid diagnostic tools, it often takes several days to identify yeast, and this may lead to inappropriate presumptive use of echinocandins in patients with ENSY fungemia. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of ENSY species during a 1‐year, laboratory surveillance programme in Asia.

Methods

Non‐duplicate yeast isolated from blood or bone marrow cultures at 25 hospitals in China, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand were analysed. Isolates were considered to be duplicative if they were obtained within 7 days from the same patient.

Results

Of 2155 yeast isolates evaluated, 175 (8.1%) were non‐Candida yeast. The majority of non‐Candida yeast were ENSY (146/175, 83.4%). These included Cryptococcus (109 isolates), Trichosporon (23), Rhodotorula (10) and Malassezia (4). The proportion of ENSY isolates (146/2155, 6.7%) differed between tropical (India, Thailand and Singapore; 51/593, 8.6%) and non‐tropical countries/regions (China, Hong Kong and Taiwan; 95/1562, 6.1%, P = 0.038). ENSY was common in outpatient clinics (25.0%) and emergency departments (17.8%) but rare in intensive care units (4.7%) and in haematology‐oncology units (2.9%). Cryptococcus accounted for the majority of the non‐Candida species in emergency departments (21/24, 87.5%) and outpatient clinics (4/5, 80.0%).

Conclusions

Isolation of non‐Candida yeast from blood cultures was not rare, and the frequency varied among medical units and countries.