bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic assessment of RC column under seismic loads
Authors: Apostolopoulos Charis , Drakakaki Argyro , Basdeki Maria
Published: February 2019

Purpose

As it is widely known, corrosion is a major deterioration factor for structures which are located on coastal areas. Corrosion has a great impact on both the durability and seismic performance of reinforced concrete structures. In the present study, two identical reinforced concrete columns were constructed and mechanical tests were organized to simulate seismic conditions. Prior to the initiation of the mechanical tests, the base of one of the two columns was exposed to predetermined accelerated electrochemical corrosion (at a height of 60 cm from the base). After the completion of the experimental loading procedure, the hysteresis curves – for unilateral and bilateral loadings – of the two samples were presented and analyzed (in terms of strength, displacement and dissipated energy). The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, two identical reinforced concrete columns were constructed and mechanical tests were organized to simulate seismic conditions. The tests were executed under the combination of a constant vertical force with horizontal, gradually increasing, cyclic loads. The implemented displacements, of the free end of the column, ranged from 0.2 to 5 percent. Prior to the initiation of the mechanical tests, the base of one of the two columns was exposed to predetermined accelerated electrochemical corrosion (at a height of 60 cm from the base). After the completion of the experimental loading procedure, the hysteresis curves of the two samples were presented and analyzed (in terms of strength, displacement and dissipated energy).

Findings

Analyzing the results, for both unilateral and bilateral loadings, a significant reduction of the seismic performance of the corroded column was highlighted. The corrosion damage imposed on the reference column resulted in the dramatic decrease of its energy reserves, even though an increase in ductility was recorded. Furthermore, more attention was paid to the consequences of the uneven corrosion damage, recorded on the steel bars examined, on ductility, hysteretic behavior and damping ratio.

Originality/value

In the present paper, the influence of the corrosion effects on the cyclic response of structural elements was presented and analyzed. The simulation of the seismic conditions was achieved by imposing, at the same time, a constant vertical force and horizontal, gradually increasing, cyclic loads. Finally, an evaluation of the performance of a column, under both unilateral and bilateral loadings, took place before and after corrosion.
Accelerating the fatigue analysis based on strain signal using Hilbert–Huang transform
Authors: M. Nasir Nadia Nurnajihah , Singh Salvinder , Abdullah Shahrum , Mohamed Haris Sallehuddin
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the application of Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) for fatigue damage feature characterisation in the time–frequency domain based on strain signals obtained from the automotive coil springs.

Design/methodology/approach

HHT was employed to detect the temporary changes in frequency characteristics of the vibration response of the signals. The extraction successfully reduced the length of the original signal to 40 per cent, whereas the fatigue damage was retained. The analysis process for this work is divided into three stages: signal characterisation with the application of fatigue data editing (FDE) for fatigue life assessment, empirical mode decomposition with Hilbert transform, an energy–time–frequency distribution analysis of each intrinsic mode function (IMF).

Findings

The edited signal had a time length of 72.5 s, which was 40 per cent lower than the original signal. Both signals were retained statistically with close mean, root-mean-square and kurtosis value. FDE improved the fatigue life, and the extraction did not affect the content and behaviour of the original signal because the editing technique only removed the minimal fatigue damage potential. HHT helped to remove unnecessary noise in the recorded signals. EMD produced sets of IMFs that indicated the differences between the original signal and mean of the signal to produce new components. The low-frequency energy was expected to cause large damage, whereas the high-frequency energy will cause small damage.

Originality/value

HHT and EMD can be used in the strain data signal analysis of the automotive component of a suspension system. This is to improve the fatigue life, where the extraction did not affect the content and behaviour of the original signal because the editing technique only removed the minimal fatigue damage potential.
Threshold elemental ratios and the temperature dependence of herbivory in fishes
Authors: Moody Eric K. , Lujan Nathan K. , Roach Katherine A. , Winemiller Kirk O.
Published: February 2019

Herbivorous ectothermic vertebrates are more diverse and abundant at lower latitudes. While thermal constraints may drive this pattern, its underlying cause remains unclear. We hypothesized that this constraint stems from an inability to meet the elevated phosphorus demands of bony vertebrates feeding on P‐poor plant material at cooler temperatures because low gross growth efficiency at warmer temperatures facilitates higher P ingestion rates. We predicted that dietary carbon:phosphorus (C:P) should exceed the threshold elemental ratio between carbon and P‐limited growth (TERC:P) for herbivores feeding at cooler temperatures, thereby limiting the range of herbivorous ectothermic vertebrates facing P‐limited growth.

We tested this hypothesis using the Andean suckermouth catfishes Astroblepus and Chaetostoma. Astroblepus are invertivores that inhabit relatively cool, high‐elevation streams while Chaetostoma are grazers that inhabit relatively warm, low‐elevation streams. We calculated TERC:P for each genus across its elevational range and compared these values to measured values of food quality over an elevational gradient in the Andes. We also broadly summarized measurements of TERC:P across diverse groups of fishes.

Supporting our hypothesis, we found that dietary C:P was predicted to exceed the TERC:P for the grazer Chaetostoma near the highest elevation where this genus has been recorded. Conversely, the TERC:P for the invertivore Astroblepus was consistently higher than that of Chaetostoma and thus its dietary C:P never approached the TERC:P. We found that, among all fishes, omnivores had higher average TERC:P than invertivores, and TERC:P did not vary with temperature.

Our results suggest that, at least for Andean suckermouth catfishes, cool temperatures constrain herbivory at higher elevations. Increased gross growth efficiency at cooler temperatures evidently restricts the ability of P‐limited consumers to meet P demand. However, our survey of fish TERC:P estimates suggests that some fishes are able to circumvent this constraint through behavioural and life‐history adaptations that reduce P demand or increase P use efficiency.

The physiological trade‐offs underlying these functional shifts reveal that geographic dietary patterns can be predicted by stoichiometric theory, but variation in food quality and consumer traits that reduce P demand and/or increase P efficiency can create exceptions to these patterns.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Nitrification inhibitors effectively target N2O‐producing Nitrosospira spp. in tropical soil
Authors: Cassman Noriko A. , Soares Johnny R. , Pijl Agata , Lourenço Késia S. , van Veen Johannes A. , Cantarella Heitor , Kuramae Eiko E.
Published: February 2019

The nitrification inhibitors (NIs) 3,4‐dimethylpyrazole (DMPP) and dicyandiamide (DCD) can effectively reduce N2O emissions; however, which species are targeted and the effect of these NIs on the microbial nitrifier community is still unclear. Here, we identified the ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) species linked to N2O emissions and evaluated the effects of urea and urea with DCD and DMPP on the nitrifying community in a 258 day field experiment under sugarcane. Using an amoA AOB amplicon sequencing approach and mining a previous dataset of 16S rRNA sequences, we characterized the most likely N2O‐producing AOB as a Nitrosospira spp. and identified Nitrosospira (AOB), Nitrososphaera (archaeal ammonia oxidizer) and Nitrospira (nitrite‐oxidizer) as the most abundant, present nitrifiers. The fertilizer treatments had no effect on the alpha and beta diversities of the AOB communities. Interestingly, we found three clusters of co‐varying variables with nitrifier operational taxonomic units (OTUs): the N2O‐producing AOB Nitrosospira with N2O, NO3−, NH4+, water‐filled pore space (WFPS) and pH; AOA Nitrososphaera with NO3−, NH4+ and pH; and AOA Nitrososphaera and NOB Nitrospira with NH4+, which suggests different drivers. These results support the co‐occurrence of non‐N2O‐producing Nitrososphaera and Nitrospira in the unfertilized soils and the promotion of N2O‐producing Nitrosospira under urea fertilization. Further, we suggest that DMPP is a more effective NI than DCD in tropical soil under sugarcane.
Formal and informal governance networks: Diabetes care in Australia and India
Authors: Ugyel Lhawang
Published: February 2019

The concept of networks has gained interest in public administration and management. They address concerns such as the coordination of multiple actors within the policy process. Networks take both formal and informal forms. As the integration of formal and informal networks in public service delivery is gaining traction, this paper uses the example of diabetes care in Australia and India to provide an analytical framework to examine one of the ways such integration of networks take place. Diabetes, a chronic long‐term disease, poses to be a global problem with a high rate of diagnosis with implications for public health expenditure. A multi‐disciplinary team, which comprises both formal and informal categories, is required to manage diabetes. This paper highlights the integration of networks in diabetes care in different institutional and cultural settings. For such form of integration of networks to work, collaboration among the various actors is important. Lessons learnt from diabetes care will be relevant for other long‐term chronic conditions to help reduce the human resource and financial burden. The analytical framework developed based on the example of diabetes care will provide useful lessons for examining the mechanics and dynamics of the integration between formal and informal networks in the field of public administration and management.
Racial/ethnic disparities in specialty behavioral health care treatment patterns and expenditures among commercially insured patients in managed behavioral health care plans
Authors: Narain Kimberly , Xu Haiyong , Azocar Francisca , Ettner Susan L.
Published: February 2019

Objective

To document differences among racial/ethnic/gender groups in specialty behavioral health care (BH) utilization/expenditures; examine whether these differences are driven by probability vs intensity of treatment; and identify whether differences are explained by socioeconomic status (SES).

Data Source

The cohort consists of adults continuously enrolled in Optum plans with BH benefits during 2013.

Study Design

We modeled each outcome using linear regressions among the entire sample stratified by race/ethnicity, language and gender. Then, we estimated logistic regressions of the probability that an enrollee had any spending/use in a given service category (service penetration) and linear regressions of spending/use among the user subpopulation (treatment intensity). Lastly, all analyses were rerun with SES controls.

Data Collection

This study links administrative data from a managed BH organization to a commercial marketing database.

Principal Findings

We found that in many cases, racial/ethnic minorities had lower specialty BH expenditures/utilization, relative to whites, primarily driven by differences in service penetration. Among women, relative to whites, Asian non‐English speakers, Asian English speakers, Hispanic non‐English speakers, Hispanic English speakers, and blacks had $106, $95, $90, $48, and $61 less in total expenditures. SES explained racial/ethnic differences in treatment intensity but not service penetration.

Conclusions

In this population, SES was not a major driver of racial/ethnic differences in specialty BH utilization. Future studies should explore the role of other factors not studied here, such as stigma, cultural competence, and geography.
Explosion Scene Forensic Image Interpretation
Authors: Li Zhihui , Sun Yuyou , Xu Lei , Zhang Ning , Liu Jia , Wang Haiou , Zhao Qimin
Published: February 2019

Image interpretation is an important aspect in the field of forensic science; however, it is seldom reported how to use these techniques in explosion scene forensic investigations. On 12 August 2015, a series of explosions killed 165 people and injured hundreds more at a container storage station at the Port of Tianjin. In this study, we applied image interpretation methods to determine the seat of the explosion by analyzing low‐quality video clips of the event. The interpretation fits well with recently published standard operating procedures, including the hypothesis, evaluation, inference, and confirmation. Image processing was adopted to enhance the images while the explosion scene was reconstructed with the same images. Some important features were extracted and utilized to distinguish whether the flashes were caused by reflection or a real blast. We reveal the real explosion location, which guides the overall investigation. The results indicate that image interpretation is a powerful tool for forensic investigators to analyze low‐quality images in complicated explosions or fire accidents.
Use of a Gelatin‐based Consolidant to Preserve Thermally‐Altered Skeletal Remains,
Authors: Topoleski Jan J. , Christensen Angi M.
Published: February 2019

Thermally altered skeletal remains can be very fragile and fragmented and are typically further fragmented or even destroyed when handled; recovery of such remains from a scene can therefore be extremely challenging. There are few recommendations and no generally accepted practices for preserving burned bone for recovery and transport. Here, we test whether the application of a gelatin‐based consolidant at the scene can preserve thermally altered bone in the condition and relative anatomical position in which it was discovered. A solution of Knox® brand gelatin and water was applied to burned pig mandibles using a spray bottle. Qualitative and quantitative analysis indicates that the application of the consolidant significantly decreased fragmentation as compared to untreated controls (p < 0.05), with most of the treated mandibles remaining completely intact after recovery and transport to a secondary location. In addition to the effectiveness for preservation, the method is also easy to apply, inexpensive, and reversible.
Squalene epoxidase promotes the proliferation and metastasis of lung squamous cell carcinoma cells though extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling
Authors: Ge Hong , Zhao Yamei , Shi Xinyan , Tan Zhen , Chi Xiaorui , He Man , Jiang Guohui , Ji Lixia , Li Hongmei
Published: February 2019

Background

The biological function of squalene epoxidase (SQLE), an important rate‐limiting enzyme in downstream cholesterol synthesis, is to convert squalene to 2‐3 oxacin squalene. The expression of SQLE in lung cancer is abnormal. We conducted this study to investigate the effect of SQLE expression on lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) proliferation, migration, and invasion and its role in extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling.

Methods

Cell Counting Kit 8, wound healing, and Transwell assays; Western blotting; and quantitative real‐time PCR were used to investigate the effect of SQLE in a lung SCC H520 cell line. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to identify the prognostic significance of SQLE.

Results

Overexpression of SQLE promoted lung SCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas knockdown of SQLE expression showed the opposite effect. SQLE can interact with ERK to enhance its phosphorylation. SQLE may contribute to the pathogenesis of lung cancer by modulating ERK signaling. Further survival analysis indicated that high expression of SQLE indicated poor prognosis in lung SCC.

Conclusion

Our study presents novel evidence of potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for lung SCC therapy and prognosis.
Multivariable models using administrative data and biomarkers to adjust for case mix in the ICU
Authors: Lipcsey Miklos , Aronsson Anna , Larsson Anders , Renlund Henrik , Gedeborg Rolf
Published: February 2019

Background

Routinely collected laboratory biomarkers could improve control of confounding from disease severity in non‐interventional studies of general intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Their ability to predict both short‐ and long‐term mortality was evaluated.

Methods

The performance of age, sex, Charlson co‐morbidity index, and baseline values of ten predefined blood biomarkers as predictors of 30‐day and 1‐year mortality was evaluated in 5505 general ICU stays.

Results

Regression models based on age, sex, Charlson index, and biomarkers were somewhat less accurate in predicting 30‐day mortality (c‐index 0.83, Brier score 0.27) compared to the SAPS II score (c‐index = 0.88, Brier score = 0.09) and in predicting 1‐year mortality (c‐index = 0.82, Brier score = 0.31) compared to the SAPS II score (c‐index = 0.85, Brier score = 0.13). Cystatin C improved predictive ability slightly compared to creatinine, but age and Charlson comorbidity index were more important predictors. Using multiple imputation to replace missing biomarker values notably improved predictive ability of the models.

Conclusions

Automatically collected baseline variables are almost as predictive of both short‐ and long‐term mortality in general ICU patients, as the SAPS II score. This can facilitate internal control of confounding in non‐interventional studies of mortality using administrative data.
Agmatine Inhibits Behavioral Sensitization to Ethanol Through Imidazoline Receptors
Authors: Taksande Brijesh G. , Khade Supriya D. , Aglawe Manish M. , Gujar Shreyans , Chopde Chandrabhan T. , Kotagale Nandkishor R.
Published: February 2019

Background

Locomotor sensitization to repeated ethanol (EtOH) administration is proposed to play a role in early and recurring steps of addiction. The present study was designed to examine the effect of agmatine on EtOH‐induced locomotor sensitization in mice.

Methods

Mice received daily single intraperitoneal injection of EtOH (2.5 g/kg, 20 v/v) for 7 consecutive days. Following a 3‐day EtOH‐free phase, the mice were challenged with EtOH on day 11 with a single injection of EtOH. Agmatine (10 to 40 μg/mouse), endogenous agmatine enhancers (l‐arginine [80 μg/mouse], arcaine [50 μg/mouse], aminoguanidine [25 μg/mouse]), and imidazoline receptor agonist/antagonists were injected (intracerebroventricular [i.c.v.]) either daily before the injection of EtOH during the 7‐day development phase or on days 8, 9, and 10 (EtOH‐free phase). The horizontal locomotor activity was determined on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11.

Results

Agmatine (20 to 40 μg/mouse) administration for 7 days (development phase) significantly attenuated the locomotor sensitization response of EtOH challenge on day 11. Further, the agmatine administered only during EtOH‐free period (days 8, 9, and 10) also inhibited the enhanced locomotor activity on the 11th day to EtOH challenge as compared to control mice indicating blockade of expression of sensitization. Daily treatment (i.c.v.) with endogenous agmatine enhancers like l‐arginine (80 μg/mouse) or arcaine (50 μg/mouse) and aminoguanidine (25 μg/mouse) restrained the development as well as expression of sensitization to EtOH. Imidazoline I1 receptor agonist, moxonidine, and I2 agonist, 2‐BFI, not only decreased the development and expression of locomotor sensitization but also potentiated the effect of agmatine when employed in combination. Importantly, I1 receptor antagonist, efaroxan, and I2 antagonist, idazoxan, blocked the effect of agmatine, revealing the involvement of imidazoline receptors in agmatine‐mediated inhibition of EtOH sensitization.

Conclusions

Inhibition of EtOH sensitization by agmatine is mediated through imidazoline receptors and project agmatine and imidazoline agents in the pharmacotherapy of alcohol addiction.
UNPACKING THE INFLUENCE OF PUBLIC–PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS ON DISASTER RESILIENCE: A COMPARISON OF EXPERT PERSPECTIVES
Authors: BOYER Eric J.
Published: February 2019

Public managers are under increasing pressure to develop and operate physical infrastructure systems that prove resilient in the face of natural disasters. At the same time, fiscal pressures and mounting infrastructure needs are drawing more and more attention to public–private partnerships (PPP) as a mechanism for delivering infrastructure. The research question guiding this study is how can the institutional designs of PPPs influence the potential for improving infrastructure resilience? We examined the perceived relationship between infrastructure resilience and PPPs by conducting and analyzing research interviews with twenty‐four senior infrastructure experts in Washington, DC. The results reflect findings of related privatization research, indicating that market‐based incentives can advance public values such as resilience, but the responsibility for ensuring they do so rests primarily with government. We note key differences in how the infrastructure investment experts and disaster resilience experts view issues in infrastructure management, and provide suggestions for improving public‐private collaboration to improve resilience.
Can conscientious objection lead to eugenic practices against LGBT individuals?
Authors: Saad Toni C. , Rodger Daniel
Published: February 2019

In a recent article in this journal, Abram Brummett argues that new and future assisted reproductive technologies will provide challenging ethical questions relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons. Brummett notes that it is likely that some clinicians may wish to conscientiously object to offering assisted reproductive technologies to LGBT couples on moral or religious grounds, and argues that such appeals to conscience should be constrained. We argue that Brummett's case is unsuccessful because he: does not adequately interact with his opponents’ views; equivocates on the meaning of ‘natural’; fails to show that the practice he opposes is eugenic in any non‐trivial sense; and fails to justify and explicate the relevance of the naturalism he proposes. We do not argue that conscience protections should exist for those objecting to providing LGBT people with artificial reproductive technologies, but only show that Brummett's arguments are insufficient to prove that they should not.
The clinical approach used in supporting individuals with intellectual disability who have been sexually abused
Authors: O’Malley Grace , Irwin Lynn , Syed Akhtar Ali , Guerin Suzanne
Published: February 2019

Accessible Summary

Sexual abuse is when someone does something sexual to someone else when they do not want them to. We wanted to find out how people get help after sexual abuse.

We learned that talking with a psychologist or with staff helps. It is best if these are people you trust.

It is also important that you know that the help will work.

How everyone involved in a person's support thinks about the abuse also plays a role in the kind of help a person gets.

Background

Although sexual abuse (SA) constitutes a significant problem in intellectual disability settings, little is known regarding how services support individuals with intellectual disability who have been abused.

Method

Using a qualitative design, we explored how one voluntary community service, and in particular their psychology department, responded when people with intellectual disability presented with a clinical need regarding an abuse history. A collective case study was completed based on triangulated data from the clinical files of six individuals with intellectual disability, and based on nine interviews with individuals and/or informants (i.e., psychologists, staff) regarding the six cases.

Results

Thematic analysis indicated psychology's and staff's role in delivering behavioural support and psychotherapy. Themes of trust, confidence and suggestibility are relevant to the therapeutic process in cases of abuse, while factors such as the attitudes of support providers may impact therapeutic engagement.

Conclusions

In the absence of a sufficient evidence base in intellectual disability, there is little to guide clinicians working psychotherapeutically with the issue of SA and further research is crucial. While practitioners may perceive particular approaches to be helpful, caution is warranted and feedback from multiple stakeholders is an essential component of safe practice in instances of the delivery of an experimental approach.
Pathology of white matter integrity in three major white matter fasciculi: A post‐mortem study of schizophrenia and treatment status
Authors: Schoonover Kirsten E. , Farmer Charlene B. , Cash Andrew E. , Roberts Rosalinda C.
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose

Imaging studies have shown that people with schizophrenia exhibit abnormal connectivity termed “dysconnectivity” in several white matter tracts, including the cingulum bundle (CB), corpus callosum (CC), and arcuate fasciculus (AF). This study aimed to elucidate potential contributors to schizophrenia “dysconnectivity.”

Experimental Approach

Western blot analysis was used to compare protein levels of myelin basic protein, neurofilament heavy, autophagosome marker LC3, and microtubule marker α‐tubulin in post‐mortem human CB, CC, and AF in schizophrenia subjects (SZ) and matched normal controls (NC). Additionally, SZ cases were subdivided by treatment status: off‐medication (OFF) or on‐medication (ON).

Key Results

In the CC, the combined SZ group exhibited less neurofilament heavy protein than the NCs. In the CB, the combined SZ group had similar levels of α‐tubulin protein versus NC, but OFF subjects had increased α‐tubulin protein versus ON and NCs. There were significant correlations between α‐tubulin and all other proteins but only in the CB. The strong negative relationship between α‐tubulin versus myelin basic protein and α‐tubulin versus LC3 in NCs was absent in SZs; coefficients comparison showed significant differences. Preliminary race analyses revealed that African American SZ had less AF α‐tubulin than Caucasian SZ and African American normal controls.

Conclusions and Implications

The results show a relationship between tract‐ and protein‐specific abnormalities and diagnosis, treatment, and race. These data suggest there is a dysregulation of the relationship between α‐tubulin and the other markers of white matter integrity observed in the CB in schizophrenia.
Exploring oral healthcare management across Australian community pharmacies using case vignettes
Authors: Taing Meng‐Wong , Firth Norman , Ford Pauline J. , Freeman Christopher R.
Published: February 2019

Objectives

In Australia, more than 80% of pharmacists and pharmacy assistants are consulted for oral healthcare advice up to five times or more each week. This study assesses Australian community pharmacy staff's (pharmacists and pharmacy assistants) ability to recognize and manage common oral health presentations using case vignettes, and determine whether appropriate identification and management are associated with self‐reported confidence.

Methods

Five oral healthcare case vignettes were developed based on previous literature by a multidisciplinary team of dental and pharmacy practitioner academics. Topics included pulpitis, gingivitis, oral hygiene advice for a toddler, a mouth ulcer and a dry mouth scenario. Pharmacies were randomly selected from each Australian State and Territory and community pharmacy staff invited to complete the case vignettes.

Results

A total of 312 and 932 case vignettes were completed by pharmacy assistants and pharmacists, respectively. Approximately one‐third of staff appropriately identified a non‐healing mouth ulcer and up to 16% recognized a pulpitis (inflamed dental pulp) presentation. Provision of best practice or evidence‐based recommendations were reported in up to 28%, 19%, 57% and 31% of pharmacy staff offering appropriate advice and guidance for pulpitis, gingivitis, a non‐healing mouth ulcer and oral health promotion messages, respectively. No participants provided all best practice recommendations for drug‐induced xerostomia. In all five vignettes, confidence was not associated with best practice recommendations and was only modestly associated with improved rates for recognizing gingivitis symptoms.

Conclusions

To allow community pharmacists and assistants to fulfil their role as important members of the oral healthcare team, additional training and support are required to facilitate improved recognition of common oral health presentations and to offer recommendations which are in line with current best practice guidelines.
Therapeutic plasma exchange in paediatric neuroimmunology: some evidence but more is needed
Authors: Nosadini Margherita , Dale Russell C
Published: February 2019

This commentary is on the original article by Eyre et al. on pages 540–546 of this issue.
Trait–environment relationships in Amazon stream fish assemblages
Authors: Santos Luciana L. , Benone Naraiana L. , Soares Bruno E. , Barthem Ronaldo B. , Montag Luciano F. A.
Published: February 2019

Studies of trait–environment relationships provide important tools for the prediction of the response of biological communities to environmental alterations. The Amazon basin presents enormous potential for the development of research on this type of relationship, given the diversity of both its fish fauna and the aquatic ecosystems this fauna inhabits. The present study investigated the association between local environmental variables and the functional traits of fish in 54 streams of six major Amazonian basins. We identified the relationship between the characteristics of the streams (channel morphology, channel habitat units, riparian vegetation cover, large woody fragments and instream cover for aquatic organisms) and fish traits related to locomotion, habitat use and feeding behaviour. The fish fauna of the broader, deeper and more slowly flowing streams was dominated by nektobenthic species that exploit autochthonous resources such as fish and invertebrates. In narrow, fast‐flowing streams, by contrast, there was a predominance of benthic fishes with varying feeding habits, including periphytivorous and invertivorous species. Narrow, shady streams were inhabited by nektonic species adapted for the exploitation of resources from the marginal vegetation. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of the association between the functional structure of fish assemblages and local environmental variables in Amazonian streams. We hope that these findings will stimulate further research into the natural variation in stream fish assemblages that will ensure the development of more effective management strategies that better protect these important aquatic ecosystems.
“I am a lefty in a right‐handed world”: Qualitative analysis of clinical learning experience of left‐handed undergraduate dental students
Authors: Al Lawati Imad , Al Maskari Hind , Ma Sunyoung
Published: February 2019

Background

Left‐handedness is the preferential use of the left hand in single‐handed activities such as writing. There are many studies in the literature on left‐handedness in relation to professional sports, medicine and surgery. Although dentistry largely depends on manual dexterity and hand skills, there has been little research to investigate the effect of left‐handedness on clinical dentistry, particularly in Australasia.

Aim

To gain an insight into the clinical learning experience of left‐handed undergraduate dental students at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, New Zealand.

Methods

Purposive sampling of left‐handed students was done within the final‐year class of undergraduate dental students, and they were invited to participate in a semi‐structured group interview to discuss their clinical learning experience at the Faculty. Six participants agreed to participate, and the interview was recorded and transcribed verbatim. Collected data were analysed using a thematic inductive/interpretive analysis approach according to the constructivist grounded theory.

Results

All participants reported having clinical difficulties being left‐handed students learning using right‐handed equipment. There was a common theme of experiencing hand and wrist musculoskeletal problems as well as feeling of guilt causing patient discomfort during treatment. The majority of participants reported incidents where they were told by their supervisors to learn practising dentistry with their right hand and they felt that little guidance was given on how to operate as a left‐handed clinician. All participants perceived that being a left‐handed operator affected their efficiency and confidence level in their early clinical years.

Conclusion

Left‐handed students have a strong sense of adaptability. However, in order to improve the learning experience regardless of the difference in the operator's preference of dominant hand, students should be provided with appropriate equipment such as ambidextrous dental chairs and professional guidance, especially during their early career.
Hippocampal activation of 5‐HT1B receptors and BDNF production by vagus nerve stimulation in rats under chronic restraint stress
Authors: Shin Hwa Chul , Jo Byung Gon , Lee Chan‐Yong , Lee Kang‐Woo , Namgung Uk
Published: February 2019

A growing body of evidence shows that the electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve can improve mental illness including depression. Here, we investigated whether the vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is involved in regulating the responsiveness of hippocampal neurons in rats under chronic restraint stress (CRS). c‐Fos protein signals were detected 2 hr after VNS in 5‐HT1A receptor‐positive neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) as well as in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). Chronic VNS was performed on a daily basis for 2 weeks using an implanted microelectrode in rats that had undergone CRS for 2 weeks. We found that the levels of both 5‐HT1B receptors and phospho‐Erk1/2 were decreased in parallel in the hippocampal neurons of CRS animals and then increased to the baseline levels by chronic VNS. Hippocampal induction of 5‐HT1B receptors and phospho‐Erk1/2 by VNS was diminished after the injection of 5,7‐dihydroxytryptamine (5,7‐DHT), a neurotoxin of serotonergic neurons, into the DRN. Hippocampal production of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was also upregulated by VNS, but the treatment of 5,7‐DHT abrogated the effects of VNS on BDNF induction. VNS in CRS animals improved the behavioral scores in forced swimming test (FST) compared to sham‐stimulated control. Our results suggest that VNS‐mediated serotonergic input via 5‐HT1B receptors into the hippocampal neurons may activate BDNF pathway and improve depressive‐like behaviors in CRS animals.
Paid Leave, Welfare, and Material Hardship After a Birth
Authors: Ybarra Marci , Stanczyk Alexandra , Ha Yoonsook
Published: February 2019

Objective

To examine the relationships between state‐sponsored paid leave, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) generosity and participation, and material hardship among low‐income single women following a birth.

Background

Past research has examined the relationship between public assistance and paid leave after a birth, finding reductions in program enrollment. This research has not accounted for variation in program benefits across states and has largely overlooked implications for family well‐being.

Method

We use a sample (N = 1,174) of low‐income single women who gave birth between 1997 and 2001 from the Survey of Income and Public Program Participation and include measures of TANF generosity across states and over time that were constructed from the Welfare Rules database. A series of multivariate probit regression models are used to estimate the relationship between TANF generosity, paid leave availability, welfare participation, and material hardship while controlling for relevant individual and state‐level characteristics.

Results

Paid leave was associated with less TANF participation, but these reduction are related to the program's generosity. Paid leave, states' welfare work exemptions for mothers of infants, and TANF earnings eligibility limits were associated with a lower likelihood of experiencing some forms of material hardship.

Conclusion

Some forms of paid leave and TANF program generosity are related to reductions in TANF participation and material hardship after a birth for low‐income single women.

Implications

This study demonstrates that researchers should account for variation in TANF programs when considering changes in program enrollment associated with paid leave. Results suggest paid leave may help alleviate some forms of economic stress after a birth, which has implications for maternal, infant, and family well‐being.
Microbial assemblage and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the 1.38 Ga Velkerri Formation, McArthur Basin, northern Australia
Authors: Jarrett Amber J. M. , Cox Grant M. , Brocks Jochen J. , Grosjean Emmanuelle , Boreham Chris J. , Edwards Dianne S.
Published: February 2019

The ca. 1.38 billion years (Ga) old Roper Group of the McArthur Basin, northern Australia, is one of the most extensive Proterozoic hydrocarbon‐bearing units. Organic‐rich black siltstones from the Velkerri Formation were deposited in a deep‐water sequence and were analysed to determine their organic geochemical (biomarker) signatures, which were used to interpret the microbial diversity and palaeoenvironment of the Roper Seaway. The indigenous hydrocarbon biomarker assemblages describe a water column dominated by bacteria with large‐scale heterotrophic reworking of the organic matter in the water column or bottom sediment. Possible evidence for microbial reworking includes a large unresolved complex mixture (UCM), high ratios of mid‐chained and terminally branched monomethyl alkanes relative to n‐alkanes—features characteristic of indigenous Proterozoic bitumen. Steranes, biomarkers for single‐celled and multicellular eukaryotes, were below detection limits in all extracts analysed, despite eukaryotic microfossils having been previously identified in the Roper Group, albeit largely in organically lean shallower water facies. These data suggest that eukaryotes, while present in the Roper Seaway, were ecologically restricted and contributed little to export production. The 2,3,4‐ and 2,3,6‐trimethyl aryl isoprenoids (TMAI) were absent or in very low concentration in the Velkerri Formation. The low abundance is primary and not caused by thermal destruction. The combination of increased dibenzothiophene in the Amungee Member of the Velkerri Formation and trace metal redox geochemistry suggests that degradation of carotenoids occurred during intermittent oxygen exposure at the sediment–water interface and/or the water column was rarely euxinic in the photic zone and likely only transiently euxinic at depth. A comparison of this work with recently published biomarker and trace elemental studies from other mid‐Proterozoic basins demonstrates that microbial environments, water column geochemistry and basin redox were heterogeneous.
Does group engagement with members constitute a “beneficial inefficiency”?
Authors: Grömping Max , Halpin Darren R.
Published: February 2019

This article explores the role of variations in organizational form in explaining levels of group access. Specifically, we test whether group forms incorporating more extensive engagement with members receive policy advantages. We develop and test a account of beneficial inefficiencies. Our account reasons that the costs ofinefficientintraorganizational processes and practices associated with enhanced engagement with members arebeneficialas they generate crucial “access goods”—specifically encompassing positions—that in turn receive enhanced policy benefits. The costs of intraorganizational practices allowing members to engage more thoroughly in decision making are thus beneficial inefficiencies. We test this proposition using data on the Australian interest group system. Using the tools of cluster analysis, we identify three forms, each varying in respect of the inefficiencies they embody. Our multivariate analysis finds strong support for the account of beneficial inefficiencies: groups with the most inefficient organizational model receiving the greatest policy access.
The use of nurse‐administered vascular access audit in home hemodialysis patients: A quality initiative
Authors: Dhruve Miten , Faratro Rose , D'Gama Celine , Fung Stella , Arustei Daniela , Wong Elizabeth , Chan Christopher T.
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Vascular access complications are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in home hemodialysis (HHD). Nurse‐administered vascular access checklist is a feasible quality improvement strategy aimed to lower HHD access errors.

Methods: We conducted a prospective quality improvement initiative for consecutive HHD patients between April 2013 and December 2016 at the Toronto General Hospital. Vascular access audits were administered every 6 months during clinic visits and during retraining sessions after an infection. We aimed to (1) determine whether prospective serial administration of vascular audit will decrease in the number of errors performed by the patient and (2) to determine whether there is an association between the number of errors and vascular access related infection.

Findings: A total of 370 audits were performed on 122 patients with a mean HHD vintage of 6.7 (0.8–19.5) years. The mean number of errors per patient decreased from 1.24 ± 1.75 (baseline) to 0.33 ± 0.49 (last follow‐up), P < 0.001. Among patients who had serial vascular access audits performed, there was a significant decrease in median number of errors (baseline median 1, [0–2] end of study median 0, [0–1] P = 0.01). Patients performing buttonhole cannulation made most proportion of errors as compared to CVC, 54% vs. 40% (P = 0.01) respectively; and as compared to rope ladder cannulation 54% vs. 37% (P = 0.008). We were unable to demonstrate an association between the change in patient reported errors and vascular access related infection.

Discussion: Vascular access audit is a feasible quality initiative, which leads to a decrease in the number of patient reported errors in vascular access. The longitudinal clinical sequelae of this strategy warrants further examination.
Gene fusion involving the insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor in an ALK‐negative inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour
Authors: Piarulli Giuseppe , Puls Florian , Wängberg Bo , Fagman Henrik , Hansson Magnus , Nilsson Jenny , Arbajian Elsa , Mertens Fredrik
Published: February 2019

Aims

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT) is a soft tissue tumour primarily affecting children and young adults. Approximately 50% of IMTs have gene fusions involving the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)‐encoding ALK gene, providing a molecular rationale for treating IMT patients with unresectable tumours with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). However, a subset of IMT instead displays fusions affecting other RTKencoding genes, so far including NTRK3, PDGFRB and ROS1. Also, IMTs with variant RTK fusions may respond well to TKI treatment, but can be dif?cult to identify as they are negative for ALK staining at immunohistochemistry, the standard method for detection of ALK rearrangements.

Materials and methods

We used RNA‐sequencing to search for alternate fusion events in an ALK‐negative IMT.

Results and conclusions

We found a novel fusion gene ‐ FN1‐IGF1R. The FN1 gene, encoding ?bronectin, is thought to provide a strong promoter activity for the kinase domain of the RTK insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor, a mechanism similar to previously described RTK fusions in IMT.
DURABLE GOODS
Authors: KELLNER HANS
Published: February 2019

In his thoughtful discussion of what makes some historical texts durable, lasting through time, Jaume Aurell arrives at the conclusion that these works show a balance between antiquarianism and presentism, and that this balance gives them a certain longevity of repute. Because, however, durability is a characteristic of the work, it seems to me problematic. Survival, rather than durability, appears to be the rubric we are discussing. It is not a characteristic of the work, any more than of a historical individual who survives a critical event like the French Revolution or the Holocaust. We identify survivors only retrospectively. A myriad of contingencies—time and chance—will obtain for any text to survive. Historiographical competition is ferocious, and worthy of study. Like Tolstoy's unhappy families, each historical text that fails to survive will have its own history. Why Gibbon and not Volney? We can adduce reasons, of course, but they are looks backward; in the late eighteenth century, no predictions were certain. Both Hayden White and Frank Ankersmit have, each in his own way, suggested the characteristics of the best histories. I believe they are mistaken, if best is to be taken to mean: most likely to survive. This is a characteristic of the ongoing reception of the work. As in an ongoing conversation, the historical work may advance the discourse, or contradict it, or change the subject. Whether it will have influence after the speaker has departed is up to those who remain and are added to the group. This rhetorical survival in the conversation is what is in question here. As such, it is profoundly historical, and not “beyond time.”
The efficacy of baking soda dentifrice in controlling plaque and gingivitis: A systematic review
Authors: Valkenburg Cees , Kashmour Yasmin , Dao Angelique , (Fridus) Van der Weijden G. A. , Slot Dagmar Else
Published: February 2019

Objective

To test the efficacy of a dentifrice containing baking soda (BS), compared with dentifrice without BS for controlling plaque and gingivitis.

Materials and methods

MEDLINE‐PubMed and Cochrane‐CENTRAL were searched. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled clinical trials including healthy participants aged 18 years or older. Studies were selected that compared the effect of toothbrushing with a dentifrice with and without BS on the clinical parameters of plaque and gingivitis. Data were extracted from the selected studies, and a meta‐analysis was performed.

Results

The search retrieved 21 eligible publications. Among these papers, 43 comparisons were provided, with 23 involving a single‐use design and 20 being evaluations with a follow‐up. Negative controls were found, or positive controls for which various active ingredients had been used. The included studies showed a moderate overall potential risk of bias and considerable heterogeneity. The meta‐analysis of plaque scores from the single‐brushing experiments showed that BS dentifrice (BS‐DF) was associated with significantly better outcomes than the negative control dentifrices (DiffM −0.20; P < 0.0001; 95% CI: [−0.27; −0.12]) or the positive control dentifrices (DiffM −0.18; P < 0.0001; 95% CI: [−0.24; −0.12]). This finding was only confirmed in studies that used a follow‐up design as compared to a negative control (DiffM −0.19; P = 0.01; 95% CI: [−0.34; −0.04]). The indices of gingival bleeding also improved when the comparison was a negative control (DiffM −0.08; P = 0.02; 95% CI: [−0.16; −0.01] and (DiffM −0.13; P < 0.001; 95% CI: [−0.18; −0.08]. However, for the gingival index scores, the meta‐analysis did not reveal any significant differences.

Conclusion

BS‐DF showed promising results with respect to plaque removal in single‐use studies. However, the finding was partially substantiated in follow‐up studies. Studies that assessed bleeding scores indicated that a small reduction can be expected from BS, relative to a control product.