bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Checkpoint inhibition of origin firing prevents DNA topological stress
Authors: Morafraile Esther C. , Hänni Christine , Allen George , Zeisner Theresa , Clarke Caroline , Johnson Mark C. , Santos Miguel M. , Carroll Lauren , Minchell Nicola E. , Baxter Jonathan , Banks Peter , Lydall Dave , Zegerman Philip
Published: October 2019

A universal feature of DNA damage and replication stress in eukaryotes is the activation of a checkpoint-kinase response. In S-phase, the checkpoint inhibits replication initiation, yet the function of this global block to origin firing remains unknown. To establish the physiological roles of this arm of the checkpoint, we analyzed separation of function mutants in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that allow global origin firing upon replication stress, despite an otherwise normal checkpoint response. Using genetic screens, we show that lack of the checkpoint-block to origin firing results in a dependence on pathways required for the resolution of topological problems. Failure to inhibit replication initiation indeed causes increased DNA catenation, resulting in DNA damage and chromosome loss. We further show that such topological stress is not only a consequence of a failed checkpoint response but also occurs in an unperturbed S-phase when too many origins fire simultaneously. Together we reveal that the role of limiting the number of replication initiation events is to prevent DNA topological problems, which may be relevant for the treatment of cancer with both topoisomerase and checkpoint inhibitors.
Application of formal methods to modelling and analysis aspects of business process reengineering
Authors: Haseeb Junaid , Ahmad Naveed , Malik Saif U.R. , Anjum Adeel
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Business process (BP) reengineering is defined as reinventing BPs either structurally or technically to achieve dramatic improvements in performance. In any business process reengineering (BPR) project, process modeling is used to reason about problems found in existing (as-is) process and helps to design target (to-be) process. BP model notation is a widely accepted standard for process modeling. “Expressiveness” and “missing formal semantics” are two problems reported to its modeling practices. In existing studies, solutions to these problems are also proposed but still have certain limitations. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In proposed methodology, a meta-model is formally defined that is composed of commonly used modeling elements and their well-formedness rules to check for syntactic and structural correctness of process models. Proposed solution also check semantics of process models and allows to compare as-is and to-be process models for gap identification which is another important aspect of BPR. To achieve the first goal, Z specification is used to provide formal specifications of modeling constructs and their rules and Z3 (an SMT solver) is used for comparisons and verifying properties.

Findings

Proposed method addresses both “expressiveness” and “missing formal semantics” of BPR models. The results of its evaluation clearly indicate that using formally specified meta-model, BPR model is syntactically and structurally correct. Moreover, formal modeling of BPs in Z3 helped to compare processes and to check control flow properties.

Research limitations/implications

Although the proposed method is tested on an example that is widely used in BPR literature, the example is only covering modeling elements which are part of the proposed subset and are reported in literature as frequently used modeling elements. A separate detailed study is required to test it on more complex systems.

Practical implications

Specifying process models using Z specification and Z3 solver requires certain expertise.

Originality/value

The proposed method adds value to BPR body of knowledge as it proposes a method to ensure structural and syntactic correctness of models, highlighting the importance of verifying run time properties and providing a direction toward comparing process models for gap analysis.
Cross-cultural professional experiences of female expatriates
Authors: France Tami , Booysen Lize , Baron Carol
Published: October 2019

Purpose

In this world of global interconnectedness, women continue to develop cross-cultural careers and their experiences impact global scholarship and practice. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships, resources and characteristics that support female expatriate success, with specific focus on the role of mentor/coach relationships. The sample included 102 women from the USA, Canada, Australia and the UK working or formerly working in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

This three phase sequential mixed-methods exploratory research study included 10 one-on-one semi-structured interviews, 102 survey respondents and 3 facilitated focus groups attended by nine professional women.

Findings

This research offers evidence that resiliency-based characteristics must be cultivated and developed to support expatriate cross-cultural success. These characteristics can be cultivated through relying on multiple relationships, such as mentors, coaches, host country liaisons, expatriate colleagues, friends and family as well as by supporting and mentoring others. These characteristics can also be developed through specific cultural experiences, knowledge and skill building resources, as well as developing an informed view of self and identity clarity through reflective activities.

Originality/value

Based on the overall findings, a cross-cultural professional success model was designed and implications for scholarship, organizational effectiveness and cross-cultural leadership practice are presented.
Do management earnings forecasts fully reflect information in past earnings changes?
Authors: Gong Guojin , Li Yue , Zhou Ling
Published: October 2019

Purpose

It has been widely documented that investors and analysts underreact to information in past earnings changes, a fundamental performance indicator. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether managers’ voluntary disclosure efficiently incorporates information in past earnings changes, whether analysts recognize and fully anticipate the potential inefficiency in management forecasts and whether managers’ potential forecasting inefficiency entirely results from intentional disclosure strategies or at least partly reflects managers’ unintentional information processing biases.

Design/methodology/approach

Archival data were used to empirically test the relation between management earnings forecast errors and past earnings changes.

Findings

Results show that managers underreact to past earnings changes when projecting future earnings and analysts recognize, but fail to fully anticipate, the predictable bias associated with past earnings changes in management forecasts. Moreover, analysts appear to underreact more to past earnings changes when management forecasts exhibit greater underestimation of earnings change persistence. Further analyses suggest that the underestimation of earnings change persistence is at least partly attributable to managers’ unintentional information processing bias.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the voluntary disclosure literature by demonstrating the limitation in the informational value of management forecasts. The findings indicate that the effectiveness of voluntary disclosure in mitigating market mispricing is inherently limited by the inefficiency in management forecasts. This study can help market participants to better use management forecasts to form more accurate earnings expectations. Moreover, our evidence suggests a managerial information processing bias with respect to past earnings changes, which may affect managers' operational, investment or financing decisions.
Optimization of wear parameters of Mg-(5.6Ti+3Al)-2.5B4C composite
Authors: S. Sathish , V. Anandakrishnan , Manoj Gupta
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse and optimize the wear parameters of magnesium metal-metal composite. Materials with lesser weight attract both the researcher and industrialists, as it exhibits the performance improvement in the automotive and aerospace industries. The enrichment of mechanical and tribological properties of the existing magnesium focussed the development of new metal–metal composite.

Design/methodology/approach

Metal–metal composite with magnesium matrix was synthesized through the disintegrated melt deposition technique with the addition of titanium, aluminium and boron carbide particles. The wear performance of the composite was experimented with the dry sliding wear test by considering load, sliding velocity and sliding distance.

Findings

The wear rate of the composite is analysed statistically, and the significance of wear parameters on the wear performance of metal–metal composite is observed. The worn pin surface and the wear debris collected during the wear experiments were exposed to the microscopy analysis to seize the dominating wear mechanisms.

Originality/value

The wear performance of the developed magnesium composite was analysed and discussed in detail with the support of scientific evidence, i.e. worn surface and debris analysis express the wear mechanisms.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2019-0326/
Spatio-temporal variations in agricultural diversification in India
Authors: Anwer Md Ejaz , Sahoo Bimal Kishore , Mohapatra Simantini
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Agriculture diversification acts as income enhancing as well as distress mitigating strategy. India has witnessed rise in per-capita income which in turn has increased the demand for food particularly high-valued food items but agricultural production has failed to keep pace with the growing demand. The purpose of this paper is to examine spatio-temporal variations in agricultural diversification (AD) in India. Second, the authors try to identify the determinants of AD. Third, the authors examine the convergence hypothesis with reference to agriculture diversification across Indian states.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on the panel data constituting 20 major states of India during 1990–1991 to 2013–2014. It uses Simpson Diversification Index to measure AD. The heteroskedasticity-corrected panel regression model is applied to find out the determinants of AD. The fixed-effects model is used to examineβ-convergence in AD across the sample states. Alternative time series models are applied to examineσ-convergence in AD.

Findings

The rising per-capita income and urbanization are driving dietary diversity towards high-valued crops and providing ample opportunity for AD. But poor and inadequate cold storage facility and rising cost of cultivation are posing major hindrance to it. Small land holding and road length have negatively influenced AD which is contrary to the traditional wisdom. The study found divergence in diversification and rising inequality in diversification.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on secondary data. A primary study to complement this could have been better. It is only based on one country.

Social implications

Food inflation has serious adverse effect on the society at large. It is necessary to promote AD for controlling food price inflation. Minimum support price provided by the government should be extended to all crops; otherwise, it will fuel inflation. Given the fact fragmentation of land holding is adversely affecting AD, community based farming and consolidation of farm land should be the way forward to improve farmers’ income as well as reduce risk.

Originality/value

To best of the authors’ study, this is the first study that examines determinants of AD and convergence in AD during the high growth period of India.
International expansion for knowledge acquisition or knowledge acquisition for international expansion?
Authors: Kogut Clarice Secches , Cotta de Mello Renato Dourado , Rocha Angela da
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Starting from the knowledge-based view as a theoretical perspective, this study aims to examine how an emerging market multinational enterprise (EMMNE) engages in reverse knowledge transfer (RKT) processes and how such processes are managed by headquarters. Therefore, this paper captures the perspective of top management concerning RKT and the processes used to create, transfer and integrate knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a longitudinal design based on the case method of investigation. The case selected for the study was a Brazilian company theoretically sampled for being a domestically, regionally and globally important, information-rich company that operates in an industry in which technology plays a crucial role. The company was also selected for having had asset-seeking motives in at least some of its foreign market entries and for having successfully absorbed foreign-acquired capabilities.

Findings

The study provides counterfactual evidence to the springboard perspective, considering timing and speed of the internationalization and catch-up processes and the size of acquisitions. The study also highlights differences to other emerging market multinational enterprises, concerning the internationalization trajectory and catch-up moves, and to traditional MNEs, regarding RKT challenges and practices.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of the study relate to the case study method, which does not allow for statistical generalization, although it does support analytical generalization.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by shedding light on the process by which a Latin American multinational firm developed technological capabilities to compete globally, focusing on the symbiotic, self-nurturing relationship between internationalization processes and technology acquisition and integration processes. Moreover, the work provides novel theoretical insights regarding timing, location, size and execution of the RKT activities. Finally, the paper contributes to the understanding of the relational aspects of the RKT process by focusing on building human relationships as the major force behind knowledge integration and examining the resistance of the acquired companies from developed markets to adopt the parent company’s best practices, or to contribute to its integrated knowledge, when the parent company is an EMMNE.
What citation patterns reveal about reading research and practice in academic libraries
Authors: Dali Keren , McNiff Lindsay
Published: October 2019

Purpose

At the turn of the twenty-first century, academic libraries revived their tradition of working with readers, which resulted in a surge of publications in this area. However, the nature and thematic coverage of these publications has not changed dramatically in the past 18 years, signaling little advancement in the reach and scope of this professional activity. This paper aims to address the following research problem: What do citation patterns reveal about reading research and practice in academic libraries and do they point to interdisciplinary research and the presence of an evidence base or do they carry a mark of an inward disciplinary orientation?

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative exploratory study, also involving descriptive statistics, that uses bibliographic and citation analysis as a method.

Findings

The study discovers a disconnect between the diversity of interdisciplinary research cited in the published work on reading in academic libraries and the sameness of respective professional practices; it describes a relatively small community of reading researchers in academic libraries, emerging as leaders who can change the direction and scope of reading practices; and it highlights a preference of academic librarians for relying on interdisciplinary knowledge about reading over building on the readers’ advisory experience of public librarians.

Originality/value

Translating the incredible wealth of interdisciplinary reading knowledge possessed by academic librarians into practical applications promises to advance and diversify reading practices in academic libraries. One method that could aid in this effort is more intentional learning from the readers’ advisory practices of public librarians.
At the nexus of three kingdoms: the genome of the mycorrhizal fungus Gigaspora margarita provides insights into plant, endobacterial and fungal interactions
Authors: Venice Francesco , Ghignone Stefano , Salvioli di Fossalunga Alessandra , Amselem Joëlle , Novero Mara , Xianan Xie , Sędzielewska Toro Kinga , Morin Emmanuelle , Lipzen Anna , Grigoriev Igor V. , Henrissat Bernard , Martin Francis M. , Bonfante Paola
Published: October 2019

As members of the plant microbiota, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF, Glomeromycotina) symbiotically colonize plant roots. AMF also possess their own microbiota, hosting some uncultivable endobacteria. Ongoing research has revealed the genetics underlying plant responses to colonization by AMF, but the fungal side of the relationship remains in the dark. Here, we sequenced the genome of Gigaspora margarita, a member of the Gigasporaceae in an early diverging group of the Glomeromycotina. In contrast to other AMF, G. margarita may host distinct endobacterial populations and possesses the largest fungal genome so far annotated (773.104 Mbp), with more than 64% transposable elements. Other unique traits of the G. margarita genome include the expansion of genes for inorganic phosphate metabolism, the presence of genes for production of secondary metabolites and a considerable number of potential horizontal gene transfer events. The sequencing of G. margarita genome reveals the importance of its immune system, shedding light on the evolutionary pathways that allowed early diverging fungi to interact with both plants and bacteria.
Variation in menopausal vasomotor symptoms outcomes in clinical trials: a systematic review
Authors: Iliodromiti S , Wang W , Lumsden MA , Hunter MS , Bell R , Mishra G , Hickey M
Published: October 2019

Background

There is substantial variation in how menopausal vasomotor symptoms are reported and measured among intervention studies. This has prevented meaningful comparisons between treatments and limited data synthesis.

Objectives

To review systematically the outcome reporting and measures used to assess menopausal vasomotor symptoms from randomised controlled trials of treatments.

Search strategy

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to May 2018.

Selection criteria

Randomised controlled trials with a primary outcome of menopausal vasomotor symptoms in women and a sample size of at least 20 women per study arm.

Data collection and analysis

Data about study characteristics, primary vasomotor‐related outcomes and methods of measuring them.

Main results

The search identified 5591 studies, 214 of which were included. Forty‐nine different primary reported outcomes were identified for vasomotor symptoms and 16 different tools had been used to measure these outcomes. The most commonly reported outcomes were frequency (97/214), severity (116/214), and intensity (28/114) of vasomotor symptoms or a composite of these outcomes (68/214). There was little consistency in how the frequency and severity/intensity of vasomotor symptoms were defined.

Conclusions

There is substantial variation in how menopausal vasomotor symptoms have been reported and measured in treatment trials. Future studies should include standardised outcome measures which reflect the priorities of patients, clinicians, and researchers. This is most effectively achieved through the development of a Core Outcome Set. This systematic review is the first step towards development of a Core Outcome Set for menopausal vasomotor symptoms.

Tweetable summary

Menopausal hot flushes and night sweats have been reported in 49 different ways in clinical research. A core outcome set is urgently required.
Petitioning and Petitioners to the Westminster Parliament, 1660–1788
Authors: Loft Philip
Published: October 2019

Narratives of the mid‐18th‐century state as drifting towards oligarchy and closure have long been superseded by accounts stressing its responsiveness to outside interests and opinion. Participatory election rituals, crowd activity and the expansion of print media demonstrate that political activism was not limited to a narrow circle of elites, even after the passage of the 1716 Septennial Act. Additionally, as an institution after 1688 the Westminster parliament rendered itself useful to propertied society through its passage of greater amounts of legislation. However, while the strength of party and trajectory of electoral participation is well mapped, as are addresses to the crown, the petitioning of interest groups has had few systematic quantitative surveys. This article first sets out the chronology of petitioning to both houses of parliament from 1660 to 1788, demonstrating that petitioning was at its height before 1722, rather than rising to its greatest levels with the reform movements in the 1780s. Second, the article demonstrates the role of petitioning in expanding the political nation beyond the boundaries of parliamentary boroughs, and why, on occasion, petitioning involved women and illiterate men. Third, in order to emphasize the continuity in petitioning and its contribution to the formation of public opinion, the article compares the different roles that concurrent subscription practices envisaged for the public. Finally, the article argues that despite the rising tendency to cite numerical strength to arbitrate political divisions, petitioners continued to legitimise their voices on the basis of representing collections of reasons and interests rather than opinion.
Hawthorne effect on surgical studies
Authors: Demetriou Charis , Hu Lisi , Smith Toby O. , Hing Caroline B.
Published: October 2019

Background

The Hawthorne effect or ‘observer effect’ describes a change in normal behaviour when individuals are aware they are being observed. This may have an impact on effect estimates in clinical trials. The purpose of this study was to determine if the Hawthorne effect had been recorded as a risk of bias in surgical studies.

Methods

A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses compliant literature search was conducted till March 2019. Eligible studies included those reporting or not reporting the Hawthorne effect in surgical studies from the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AMED, BNI, HMIC, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and OpenGrey. Two reviewers independently reviewed the papers, extracted data and appraised study methods using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale or the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were analysed descriptively.

Results

A total of 842 papers were identified, of which 16 were eligible. Six (37%) observational studies were identified with the aim of measuring the Hawthorne effect on their outcome with five reporting that the Hawthorne effect was responsible for the improvements in outcomes and one reporting no change in outcome due to the Hawthorne effect. Ten (63%) studies were identified, of which eight used the Hawthorne effect as an explanation to improvements seen in the control group or their secondary outcomes and two to compare their results with other studies.

Conclusion

There is considerable between‐study heterogeneity on how the Hawthorne effect relates to surgical outcomes. Further consideration on reporting and considering the importance of the Hawthorne effect in the design of surgical trials is warranted.
Cell therapy for central nervous system disorders: Current obstacles to progress
Authors: Yasuhara Takao , Kawauchi Satoshi , Kin Kyohei , Morimoto Jun , Kameda Masahiro , Sasaki Tatsuya , Bonsack Brooke , Kingsbury Chase , Tajiri Naoki , Borlongan Cesario V. , Date Isao
Published: October 2019

Cell therapy for disorders of the central nervous system has progressed to a new level of clinical application. Various clinical studies are underway for Parkinson's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and various other neurological diseases. Recent biotechnological developments in cell therapy have taken advantage of the technology of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The advent of iPS cells has provided a robust stem cell donor source for neurorestoration via transplantation. Additionally, iPS cells have served as a platform for the discovery of therapeutics drugs, allowing breakthroughs in our understanding of the pathology and treatment of neurological diseases. Despite these recent advances in iPS, adult tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells remain the widely used donor for cell transplantation. Mesenchymal stem cells are easily isolated and amplified toward the cells' unique trophic factor‐secretion property. In this review article, the milestone achievements of cell therapy for central nervous system disorders, with equal consideration on the present translational obstacles for clinic application, are described.
Increase in IL‐17‐positive cells in sinonasal inverted papilloma
Authors: Cao Chen , Yu Si Fei , Zhou Yu Tao , Guo Xue Xue , Guo Jie Bo , Wu Chang You , Li Chun Wei , Chen He Xin
Published: October 2019

Objective

Neutrophil infiltration in patients with sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) is significantly high. Whether IL‐17, which is a potent factor mediating neutrophilic inflammation, is involved in the neutrophilic phenotype of SNIP is investigated in the current study.

Study design

Laboratorial study.

Participants

Nasal papilloma and inferior turbinate were collected from patients with SNIP (n = 50) and control subjects with septal deviation (n = 15).

Methods

IL‐17 + cells were evaluated in tissues obtained from patients with SNIP and control subjects with septal deviation, by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.

Main outcome measures

The IL‐17 + cells were mainly localised in mononuclear cells and neutrophils, and were up‐regulated in the SNIP samples compared with those in the controls. The IL‐17 + T‐cell subsets mainly included CD4+ (Th17, 60.0%) and CD8+ (Tc17, 30.0%), and both subsets were enhanced in the SNIP samples than controls. The total level of IL‐17 + cells was significantly correlated with neutrophil infiltration in the SNIP tissues. Furthermore, the SNIP homogenates could significantly promote IL‐17 production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Conclusions

An increase in IL‐17 + cells is evident in SNIP and may be involved in neutrophil infiltration in local tissues. IL‐17 could be a potential therapeutic target to relieve the neutrophilic pathological change in SNIP.
Curriculum Based Interactive Exhibition Design and Family's Learning Experiences: A Case Study of the Children's Art Museum in Taipei
Authors: Lee Tiffany Shuang‐Ching
Published: October 2019

“Hands‐on learning” and “learning through play” are key terms that museums use to describe the interactive learning environments designed for families with young children. Using A Vastly Different Perspective exhibition at the Children's Art Museum in Taipei (CAMIT) as a case study, this research examines how interactive exhibition is designed and the learning experiences that occur that distinguishes it from other museums. The research shows that the most challenging issue for the CAMIT design team was to translate artistic concepts from the art studio environment into experiences in interactive galleries. It reveals that children engage in different types of play and that the roles of “learners” and “facilitator” interchange flexibly within family interactions. Conclusions of the research suggest two areas for further attention. First, museums like CAMIT need to test new strategies for engaging children and families through exhibit design and second, CAMIT and other museums of its kind may need to experiment with new ways of helping parents facilitate their children's learning in interactive exhibits.
Potential host fruits for Drosophila suzukii: olfactory and oviposition preferences and suitability for development
Authors: Cai Pumo , Song Yunzhe , Yi Chuandong , Zhang Qiwen , Xia Huimin , Lin Jia , Zhang Hehe , Yang Jianquan , Ji Qinge , Chen Jiahua
Published: October 2019

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), the spotted wing drosophila, is a pest endemic to Southeast Asia that invaded the Americas and Europe in 2008. In contrast to most of its congeners, D. suzukii possesses a serrated ovipositor that allows it to lay eggs in unwounded commercial fruits, resulting in severe revenue losses for the industry. The purpose of this study was to determine the susceptibility of known host fruits, including cherry, strawberry, blueberry, and grape, and potential host fruits, such as banana and apple, to attack by D. suzukii. Based on the responses to volatile cues offered in a six‐choice olfactometer, the preference of female D. suzukii was ranked in the following order: strawberry = cherry > banana = apple = blueberry = grape, but in no‐choice and choice oviposition tests, the preferences were ranked as follows: cherry > strawberry = blueberry > grape = banana > apple. Furthermore, we reconfirmed that D. suzukii mainly targets rotten fruit for feeding and ripe fruit for oviposition, and females preferred fruits with intensive mechanical damage. Based on developmental parameters, apple was the least suitable host. This study has implications for the control of D. suzukii, especially in mixed fruit orchards, by providing a promising avenue for exploiting behaviour‐based control tools and emphasizing the importance of phenology in host fruit susceptibility.
Cell‐type‐specific visualisation and biochemical isolation of endogenous synaptic proteins in mice
Authors: Zhu Fei , Collins Mark O. , Harmse Johan , Choudhary Jyoti S. , Grant Seth G. N. , Komiyama Noboru H.
Published: October 2019

In recent years, the remarkable molecular complexity of synapses has been revealed, with over 1,000 proteins identified in the synapse proteome. Although it is known that different receptors and other synaptic proteins are present in different types of neurons, the extent of synapse diversity across the brain is largely unknown. This is mainly due to the limitations of current techniques. Here, we report an efficient method for the purification of synaptic protein complexes, fusing a high‐affinity tag to endogenous PSD95 in specific cell types. We also developed a strategy, which enables the visualisation of endogenous PSD95 with fluorescent‐protein tag in Cre‐recombinase‐expressing cells. We demonstrate the feasibility of proteomic analysis of synaptic protein complexes and visualisation of these in specific cell types. We find that the composition of PSD95 complexes purified from specific cell types differs from those extracted from tissues with diverse cellular composition. The results suggest that there might be differential interactions in the PSD95 complexes in different brain regions. We have detected differentially interacting proteins by comparing data sets from the whole hippocampus and the CA3 subfield of the hippocampus. Therefore, these novel conditional PSD95 tagging lines will not only serve as powerful tools for precisely dissecting synapse diversity in specific brain regions and subsets of neuronal cells, but also provide an opportunity to better understand brain region‐ and cell‐type‐specific alterations associated with various psychiatric/neurological diseases. These newly developed conditional gene tagging methods can be applied to many different synaptic proteins and will facilitate research on the molecular complexity of synapses.
A novel application of the Price equation reveals that landscape diversity promotes the response of bees to regionally rare plant species
Authors: Bloom Elias H. , Northfield Tobin D. , Crowder David W.
Published: October 2019

Bees are ecosystem service providers that are globally threatened by losses of plant diversity. However, effects of multi‐species floral displays on bees in agro‐ecosystems with variable landscape context remain poorly understood, hindering pollinator conservation tactics. We addressed this knowledge gap through a novel application of the modified Price equation to evaluate responses of bees to diverse floral communities on 36 farms in Washington, USA, over 3 years. We found that floral richness, not floral identity, was the best predictor of floral visits by bees. However, the benefits of regionally rare floral species (i.e. plants found at relatively few sites) were only fully realised when farms were embedded in diverse landscapes. Our analysis used the modified Price equation to demonstrate that plant diversity, rather than specific plant species, promotes pollinator visitation, and that diverse landscapes promote the response of pollinators to regionally rare plant species.
Evenness effects mask richness effects on ecosystem functioning at macro‐scales in lakes
Authors: Filstrup Christopher T. , King Katelyn B. S. , McCullough Ian M.
Published: October 2019

Biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) theory has largely focused on species richness, although studies have demonstrated that evenness may have stronger effects. While theory and numerous small‐scale studies support positive BEF relationships, regional studies have documented negative effects of evenness on ecosystem functioning. We analysed a lake dataset spanning the continental US to evaluate whether strong evenness effects are common at broad spatial scales and if BEF relationships are similar across diverse regions and trophic levels. At the continental scale, phytoplankton evenness explained more variance in phytoplankton and zooplankton resource use efficiency (RUE; ratio of biomass to resources) than richness. For individual regions, slopes of phytoplankton evenness–RUE relationships were consistently negative and positive for phytoplankton and zooplankton RUE, respectively, and most slopes did not significantly differ among regions. Findings suggest that negative evenness effects may be more common than previously documented and are not exceptions restricted to highly disturbed systems.
Systematic review to inform the development of a community pharmacy-based intervention for people affected by dementia
Authors: Dann-Reed Eleanor , Poland Fiona , Wright David
Published: October 2019

Objectives

People living with dementia (PWD) frequently receive medicine regularly from their community pharmacy, thus providing an opportunity to address either directly or through a carer any unmet medicine-related needs. The aim of this systematic review was to identify, describe, and evaluate the quality of the research for dementia-specific pharmacy-based interventions with potential for delivery through community pharmacy. This would inform the design of future services and associated trials.

Key Findings

The systematic review process identified 29 studies. Interventions were categorised as medication review, targeted medicine intervention, education, memory screening and miscellaneous. Five studies were set in community pharmacy. Interventions frequently targeted antipsychotics, benzodiazepines and anticholinergic medication. Twenty interventions were medicine-related. Eighteen studies were categorised as ‘very low’ quality, often due to small sample size.

The review identified a range of interventions, which could be delivered through community pharmacy, and potentially benefit PWD. Developing appropriate and efficient training and working in multi-disciplinary teams were identified as necessary for effectiveness. Further research is needed to identify which service elements are likely to be acceptable to both patients and practitioners as well as the barriers and enablers to their implementation.
Conceptual modelling of the factors affecting oral health‐related quality of life in children: A path analysis
Authors: Buldur Burak , Güvendi Ozge Nur
Published: October 2019

Background

It is important to understand the interaction of various predictors with oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) to better design effective interventions to improve OHRQoL.

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a conceptual model evaluating the factors affecting the OHRQoL in children.

Design

The study group consisted of 754 parent‐child dyads. The data collection tools were a socio‐demographic data form, the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS), Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (C‐DAS), Children's Fear Survey Schedule‐Dental Subscale (CFSS‐DS), and an oral and dental health examination form. A conceptual model was developed to examine the factors affecting OHRQoL in children consisting of four endogenous and four exogenous variables. Path analysis was used to test the compatibility of the conceptual model.

Results

OHRQoL was associated with parental socio‐economic status (β = −0.12; P < .001), dental anxiety (β = −0.15; P < .001), and oral health behaviours (β = −0.13; P < .001). Although parental dental anxiety had the strongest direct effect on OHRQoL, children's oral health behaviours had the strongest indirect effect.

Conclusions

This study revealed a valid demonstrable path of association between parental socio‐economic status, dental anxiety, childhood dental anxiety, oral health behaviours, and OHRQoL.
Fracture behavior of magnesia refractory materials under combined cyclic thermal shock and mechanical loading conditions
Authors: Dai Yajie , Li Yawei , Jin Shengli , Harmuth Harald , Xu Xiaofeng
Published: October 2019

To investigate the effect of cyclic thermal shock and mechanical loading on the fracture behavior of magnesia refractories showing different brittleness, the as‐received and cyclic thermally shocked specimens are subjected to monotonic and cyclic wedge splitting test. The whole duration of test is monitored by digital image correlation and acoustic emission. Both thermal and mechanical fatigue resistance increase with the reduction of brittleness. Repetitive thermal shock results in pronounced reduction of strength. However, the specific fracture energy and nonlinearity increase after exposure to thermal shock due to the expanded micro‐crack network inducing the development of a significant fracture process zone. Periodic loading mainly leads to the decrease of strain bearing capacity, as the fatigue loads favor the extension of crack tip instead of fracture process zone expansion. The combined application of periodic thermal shock and mechanical loads gives a new insight into the progressive damage behavior of refractory under critical conditions.
Experience of Japanese pregnant women with cancer in decision‐making regarding cancer treatment and obstetric care
Authors: Kozu Mika , Masujima Mariko , Majima Tomoko
Published: October 2019

Aim

Women who are diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy must make difficult, life‐changing decisions that affect their own life and that of their fetus. The psychological impact of distress and anxiety resulting from facing often conflicting choices can greatly influence survival in these women. We conducted this study to clarify the experience of pregnant women with cancer in decision‐making and to consider the role of nurses in providing care to pregnant women with cancer during their decision‐making.

Methods

This qualitative study included post‐partum Japanese women diagnosed with cancer who had made any treatment or pregnancy decisions. Data collection was conducted using semi‐structured interviews and medical record review. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and classified into subcategories, categories, themes, and phases.

Results

Participants comprised eight women with leukemia and cervical, breast, and digestive cancers. The decision‐making experiences of these eight pregnant women with cancer were categorized into three phases: the interaction between the woman and her fetus, family members, and medical staff; confrontation with dilemma and uncertainty; and redefinition of the women's own decisions.

Conclusions

The experience of Japanese pregnant women with cancer in decision‐making has two aspects: verbal and nonverbal communication with their surroundings and reflection. The role of a nurse is to guarantee these women continuous communication channels and frank dialogue, to empower them in expressing their thoughts and informational needs to medical staff and family members.
Intrapartum cardiotocography patterns observed in suspected clinical and subclinical chorioamnionitis in term fetuses
Authors: Galli Letizia , Dall'Asta Andrea , Whelehan Virginia , Archer Abigail , Chandraharan Edwin
Published: October 2019

Aim

To evaluate the cardiotocography (CTG) features observed in suspected intrapartum chorioamnionitis in term fetuses according to the recently suggested criteria for the pathophysiological interpretation of the fetal heart rate and their correlation with perinatal outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of nonconsecutive CTG traces. ‘CTG chorioamnionitis’ was diagnosed either based on a persistent rise in the baseline for the given gestation or on a persistent increase in the baseline fetal heart rate during labor >10% without preceding CTG signs of hypoxia and in the absence of maternal pyrexia. Perinatal outcomes were compared among cases with no sign of chorioamnionitis, in those with only CTG features suspicious for chorioamnionitis and in those who developed clinical chorioamnionitis.

Results

Two thousand one hundred and five CTG traces were analyzed. Of these, 356 fulfilled the criteria for “CTG chorioamnionitis”. Higher rates of Apgar <7 at 1 and 5 min (21.6% vs 9.0% and 9.8% vs 2.0%, respectively, P < 0.01 for both) and lower umbilical artery pH (7.14 ± 0.11 vs 7.19 ± 0.11, P < 0.01) and an over fivefold higher rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission (16.6% vs 2.9%, P < 0.01) were noted in the ‘CTG chorioamnionitis’ group. Differences in the incidence of abnormal CTG patterns were noted between cases who eventually had clinical evidence of chorioamnionitis (89/356) and those showing CTG features suspicious for chorioamnionitis in the absence of clinical evidence of chorioamnionitis (267/356).

Conclusion

Intrapartum CTG features of suspected chorioamnionitis are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes.
Nucleotide diversity and demographic history of Pinus bungeana, an endangered conifer species endemic in China
Authors: Yang Yi‐Xin , Zhi Li‐Qiang , Jia Yun , Zhong Qiu‐Yi , Liu Zhan‐Lin , Yue Ming , Li Zhong‐Hu
Published: October 2019

Orographic and climatic oscillations have played crucial roles in shaping the nucleotide diversity and evolutionary history of many species across the Northern Hemisphere. In this study, based on 10 nuclear loci and a chloroplast DNA marker, we analyzed the nucleotide polymorphisms and demographic history of the endangered conifer species Pinus bungeana in Northwest China and investigated the phylogenetic relationships between P. bungeana and two related species, that is, Pinus gerardiana and Pinus squamata. We found that P. bungeana exhibited an extremely low level of nucleotide diversity (πsil = 0.00159). Demographic simulations based on DIYABC analysis showed that P. bungeana underwent demographic expansion and contraction during the Miocene. According to ecological niche modeling, we found that this species survived in situ during the glacial period and was not restricted to southern refugia. We speculate that P. bungeana may have experienced widespread population shrinkage from the Last Interglacial to the Last Glacial Maximum due to geological or climatic events. Isolation‐with‐migration analysis revealed that the divergence (~2.4–4.2 Ma) among P. bungeana and its related species was significantly associated with the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau uplift events in the mid‐to‐late Tertiary period. Species tree analyses suggested that these three related Pinus species formed a monophyletic clade with high bootstrap support. These results suggest that the Miocene–Pliocene and Pleistocene geological and climatic fluctuations might have profoundly affected the nucleotide diversity and demography of this psychrotolerant conifer species in western China.
Ethiopian mothers' experiences with micronutrient powders: Perspectives from continuing and noncontinuing users
Authors: Pelto Gretel H. , Tumilowicz Alison , Schnefke Courtney H. , Gebreyesus Seifu Hagos , Hrabar Mélanie , Gonzalez Wendy , Wodajo Hana Yemane , Neufeld Lynnette M.
Published: October 2019

As part of a formative evaluation of a micronutrient powder (MNP) trial in Ethiopia that was organized according to a programme impact pathway model, we conducted in‐depth focused ethnographic interviews with caregivers of children between 6 and 23 months who had accepted to try “Desta,” a locally branded MNP. After stratification into two subgroups by child age, respondents were randomly selected from lists of caregivers who had received MNP from government health workers between 1 and 3 months prior to the interview date. Thirty women who were either currently giving Desta to their child (“continuing users,”n = 14) or had stopped feeding Desta (“noncontinuing users,”n = 16) were purposefully recruited from both urban and rural areas in the two different regions where the trial was conducted. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and translated, and coded for both emerging and prespecified themes. On the basis of identifiable components in the caregiver adherence process, this paper focuses exclusively on factors that facilitated and inhibited “appropriate use” and “continued use.” For “appropriate use,” defined as the caregiver preparing and child consuming MNP as directed, we identified four common themes in caregiver narratives. With respect to “continued use,” the caregiver providing and child consuming the minimum number of MNP sachets over a recommended time period, our interviews spontaneously elicited five themes. We also examined caregivers' perceptions related to problems in obtaining refills. Attention to caregivers' perspectives reflected in their narratives offers opportunities to improve MNP utilization in Ethiopia, with potential application in other social and cultural settings.
Mixed methods evaluation explains bypassing of vouchers in micronutrient powder trial in Mozambique
Authors: Tumilowicz Alison , Vossenaar Marieke , Kjaer Kirstine , Vettersand Julia , Possolo Edna , Pelto Gretel H. , Jefferds Maria Elena , Norte Augusto , dos Santos Dias Katia , Osman Nadia , Gonzalez Wendy , Poonawala Alia , Neufeld Lynnette M.
Published: October 2019

Micronutrient powders (MNP) are recommended by the World Health Organization as an effective intervention to address anaemia in children. A formative process evaluation was conducted to assess the viability of a model using free vouchers in two districts of Mozambique to deliver MNP and motivate adherence to recommendations regarding its use. The evaluation consisted of (a) an examination of programme outcomes using a cross‐sectional survey among caregivers of children 6–23 months (n = 1,028) and (b) an ethnographic study to investigate delivery experiences and MNP use from caregiver perspectives (n = 59), programme managers (n = 17), and programme implementers (n = 168). Using a mixed methods approach allowed exploration of unexpected programme outcomes and triangulation of findings. The survey revealed that receiving a voucher was the main implementation bottleneck. Although few caregivers received vouchers (11.5%, CI [9.7, 13.6]), one‐fourth received MNP by bypassing the voucher system (26.3%, CI [23.6, 29.0]). Caregivers' narratives indicated that caregivers were motivated to redeem vouchers but encountered obstacles, including not knowing where or how to redeem them or finding MNP were not available at the shop. Observing these challenges, many programme implementers redeemed vouchers and distributed MNP to caregivers. Virtually, all caregivers who received MNP reported ever feeding it to their child. This study's findings are consistent with other studies across a range of contexts suggesting that although programmes are generally effective in motivating initial use, more attention is required to improve access to MNP and support continued use.