bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Change in Head Shape of Newborn Infants in the Week following Birth: Contributing Factors
Authors: Frémondière Pierre , Marchal François , Thollon Lionel , Saliba-serre Bérangère
Published: August 2018

The aim of this work is to assess the influence of design factors: continuous numerical variables (age at first measurement, time lapse, and birth weight) and nominal categorical variables (sex of neonate, delivery outcome) on the neonatal head shape change. Sixty newborns were included in this study and 13 cephalometric variables were measured. Multiple linear regressions with change from baseline were performed. Country of birth of the mothers, centile scale of birth weight, and degree of flexion were used in a descriptive analysis. The suboccipitobregmatic difference is significantly correlated with the age at the first measurement (B = 0.058; p = 0.008). Only two cephalometric variables are correlated with the time lapse between measurements: the bitragion difference (B = –0.042; p = 0.039) and the head circumference (B = 0.056; p = 0.047). The biparietal difference is significantly correlated with the birth weight (B = –0.001; p = 0.038), and the mentovertical difference is significantly correlated with the sex “female” (B = 2.764; p = 0.025). Concerning the delivery outcomes, the suboccipitofrontal difference is significantly correlated with the cesarean section (B = 2.455; p = 0.012), and the occipitofrontal difference is significantly correlated with the Thierry's spatula extraction (B = 2.097; p = 0.048). Results suggest that instrumental extractions may have an important impact on neonatal head shape change. When operative intervention in the second stage of labor is required, the options, risks, and benefits of vacuum and forceps must be considered given the possible neonatal complications (cephalohematomas, retinal hemorrhages, external ocular injuries, facial nerve palsies).
Magnetothermopower and giant magnetoresistance in the spin-glass CuCrTiS4 thiospinel
Authors: Berthebaud David , Lebedev Oleg I. , Maignan Antoine , Hebert Sylvie
Published: August 2018

The transport properties of the thiospinel CuCrTiS4 have been investigated in detail, focusing on the possible interplay between charges and spins, and its consequence on transport, and more specifically on the thermoelectric properties. The chemical homogeneity of a CuCrTiS4 polycrystalline sample synthesized by a direct reaction of the constitutive elements has been carefully probed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques. This thiospinel exhibits below 75 K, in its paramagnetic regime, a variable range hopping (VRH) conduction, associated with a giant magnetoresistance (MR), which persists below the spin-glass transition temperature at 8 K, reaching -95% in 9 T at 5 K. All the MR data can be rescaled as a function of H/T and described using a Brillouin function with S = 3/2. This demonstrates that the paramagnetic fluctuations strongly impact the transport properties, and this is confirmed by the Seebeck coefficient which depends on the magnetic field at low temperature, with a large negative magnetothermopower (MTEP) effect of -26% at 20 K, i.e., the thermopower is reduced as the spin alignment reduces the spin entropy. This first report of MTEP in CuCrTiS4 shows that this thiospinel behaves rather similarly to strongly correlated oxides, with MR and MTEP enhanced in the case of VRH transport with paramagnetic spins, such as in cobalt misfits or colossal MR manganites.
A Sensible Approach to Diagnosing Cardiac Aneurysms, Pseudoaneurysms and Common Mimickers
Authors: Amin Sagar , Hossain Rydhwana , Jeudy Jean , Frazier Aletta Ann , White Charles
Published: August 2018

The heart can manifest a spectrum of focal convexities that range from insignificant crypts and diverticula to clinically relevant aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms. The distinction of a clinically significant lesion from a minor focal convexity can be challenging. This article outlines the various types of focal convexities on the basis of location within the heart and discusses unique morphologic and functional features to further characterize these entities. We also highlight the most critical clinical consequences of cardiac aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms such as thromboembolic events, aneurysm ruptures, intracardiac shunting, hemopericardium, and arrhythmias.
Effect of Mannitol Infusion on Optic Nerve Injury After Acute Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Brain Injury
Authors: Guvenc Gonul , Kizmazoglu Ceren , Aydin Hasan Emre
Published: August 2018

The primary aim of this paper is to investigate the neuroprotective and antiinflammatory effects of mannitol on optic nerve injury after acute traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage and brain injury in rat models. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH) were produced by a custom-made weight-drop impact acceleration device. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups. Group I (n = 10) was the sham group, group II (n = 10) received TBI, and group III (n = 10) received TBI + mannitol (1 mg/kg intravenously). Optic nerve tissue glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) levels were measured 4 hours after the trauma. The authors used Kruskal–Wallis variance analysis and Mann–Whitney U tests for statistical analysis. Optic nerve tissue GPx levels were significantly higher in group III than in groups I and II (P < 0.05). Optic nerve tissue IL-1β levels were significantly lower in group III than in group II (P < 0.05) and higher than in group I (P < 0.05).

Mannitol increased the antioxidant GPx levels and decreased the IL-1β levels, which can protect the optic nerve from secondary injury after severe acute trauma. Mannitol plays an important role in the treatment of acute severe indirect optic nerve injury after TBI and tSAH.
Minimum Quality Threshold in Pre-Clinical Sepsis Studies (MQTiPSS): An International Expert Consensus Initiative for Improvement of Animal Modeling in Sepsis
Authors: Osuchowski Marcin F. , Ayala Alfred , Bahrami Soheyl , Bauer Michael , Boros Mihaly , Cavaillon Jean-Marc , Chaudry Irshad H. , Coopersmith Craig M. , Deutschman Clifford S. , Drechsler Susanne , Efron Philip , Frostell Claes , Fritsch Gerhard , Gozdzik Waldemar , Hellman Judith , Huber-Lang Markus , Inoue Shigeaki , Knapp Sylvia , Kozlov Andrey V. , Libert Claude , Marshall John C. , Moldawer Lyle L. , Radermacher Peter , Redl Heinz , Remick Daniel G. , Singer Mervyn , Thiemermann Christoph , Wang Ping , Wiersinga W. Joost , Xiao Xianzhong , Zingarelli Basilia
Published: August 2018

Preclinical animal studies precede the majority of clinical trials. While the clinical definitions of sepsis and recommended treatments are regularly updated, a systematic review of preclinical models of sepsis has not been done and clear modeling guidelines are lacking. To address this deficit, a Wiggers-Bernard Conference on preclinical sepsis modeling was held in Vienna in May, 2017. The goal of the conference was to identify limitations of preclinical sepsis models and to propose a set of guidelines, defined as the “Minimum Quality Threshold in Preclinical Sepsis Studies” (MQTiPSS), to enhance translational value of these models. A total of 31 experts from 13 countries participated and were divided into six thematic Working Groups: Study Design, Humane modeling, Infection types, Organ failure/dysfunction, Fluid resuscitation, and Antimicrobial therapy endpoints. As basis for the MQTiPSS discussions, the participants conducted a literature review of the 260 most highly cited scientific articles on sepsis models (2002–2013). Overall, the participants reached consensus on 29 points; 20 at “recommendation” and nine at “consideration” strength. This Executive Summary provides a synopsis of the MQTiPSS consensus. We believe that these recommendations and considerations will serve to bring a level of standardization to preclinical models of sepsis and ultimately improve translation of preclinical findings. These guideline points are proposed as “best practices” for animal models of sepsis that should be implemented. To encourage its wide dissemination, this article is freely accessible on the Intensive Care Medicine Experimental and Infection journal websites. In order to encourage its wide dissemination, this article is freely accessible in Shock, Infection, and Intensive Care Medicine Experimental.
Competitive intelligence failures
Authors: Maungwa Tumelo , Fourie Ina
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Competitive intelligence failures have devastating effects in marketplaces. They are attributed to various factors but seldom explicitly to information behaviour. This paper addresses causes of competitive intelligence failures from an information behaviour lens focussing on problems with key intelligence and information needs. The exploratory study was conducted in 2016/2017. Managers (end-users) identify key intelligence needs on which information is needed, and often other staff members seek the information (proxy information seeking). The purpose of this paper is to analyse problems related to key intelligence and information needs, and make recommendations to address the problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is placed in a post-positivism research paradigm, using qualitative and limited quantitative research approaches. In total, 15 participants (competitive intelligence professionals and educators/trainers originating from South Africa and the USA) contributed rich data through in-depth individual interviews.

Findings

Problems associated with articulation of information needs (key intelligence needs is the competitive intelligence term – with a broader scope) include inadequate communication between the person in need of information and the proxy information searcher; awareness and recognition of information needs; difficulty in articulation, incomplete and partial sharing of details of needs.

Research limitations/implications

Participant recruitment was difficult, representing mostly from South Africa. The findings from this exploratory study can, however, direct further studies with a very understudied group.

Practical implications

However, revealed valuable findings that can guide research.

Originality/value

Little has been published on competitive intelligence from an information behaviour perspective. Frameworks guiding the study (a combination of Leckieet al.’s 1996 and Wilson’s, 1981 models and a competitive intelligence life cycle), however, revealed valuable findings that can guide research.
Exploring cleanliness in the Dutch facilities management industry: a Delphi approach
Authors: Vos Martijn C. , Galetzka Mirjam , Mobach Mark P. , Van Hagen Mark , Pruyn Ad T.H.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to identify antecedents that influence perceived cleanliness by consulting experts and end-users in the field of facilities management (facility service providers, clients of facility service providers and consultants). Business models were evaluated to understand why some antecedents are adopted by practitioners and others are not.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study, with end-users (n= 7) and experts (n= 24) in the field of facilities management, was carried out to identify antecedents of perceived cleanliness. Following the Delphi approach, different research methods including interviews, group discussions and surveys were applied.

Findings

Actual cleanliness, cleaning staff behaviour and the appearance of the environment were identified as the three main antecedents of perceived cleanliness. Client organisations tend to have a stronger focus on antecedents that are not related to the cleaning process compared to facility service providers.

Practical implications

More (visible) cleaning, maintenance, toilets, scent, architecture and use of materials offer interesting starting points for practitioners to positively influence perceived cleanliness. These antecedents may also be used for the development of a standard for perceived cleanliness.

Originality/value

A basis was created for the development of an instrument that measures perceived cleanliness and includes antecedents that are typically not included in most of the current standards of actual cleanliness (e.g. NEN 2075, ISSA).
Likelihood and cost impact of engineering change requirements for DoD contracts
Authors: Ellis James C. , White Edward , Ritschel Jonathan D. , Valentine Shawn M. , Lucas Brandon , Cordell Ian S.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

There appears to be no empirical-based method in the literature for estimating if an engineering change proposal (ECP) will occur or the dollar amount incurred. This paper aims to present an empirically based approach to address this shortfall.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the cost assessment data enterprise database, 533 contracts were randomly selected via a stratified sampling plan to build two regression models: one to predict the likelihood of a contract experiencing an ECP and the other to determine the expected median per cent increase in baseline contract cost if an ECP was likely. Both models adopted a stepwise approach. A validation set was placed aside prior to any model building.

Findings

Not every contract incurs an ECP; approximately 80 per cent of the contracts in the database did not have an ECP. The likelihood of an ECP and the additional amount incurred appears to be statistically independent of acquisition phase, branch of service, commodity, contract type or any other factor except for the basic contract amount and the number of contract line item numbers; both of these later variables equally affected the contract percentage increase because of an ECP. The combined model overall bested current anecdotal approaches to ECP withhold.

Originality/value

This paper both serves as a published reference point for ECP withholds in the archival forum and presents an empirically based method for determining per cent ECP withhold to use.
Can Young’s constructive ecumenical expressivism resolve the gamer’s dilemma?
Authors: Luck Morgan
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate a potential resolution to the gamer’s dilemma that arises from Gary Young’s metaethical theory of constructive ecumenical expressivism (CEE).

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the gamer’s dilemma is reformulated as a paradox and the potential resolution is evaluated in light of this new formulation.

Findings

The author argues that this resolution does resolve the dilemma, but CEE itself has limited appeal.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the growing scholarship dedicated to resolving the gamer’s dilemma.
Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification for the rapid detection of Gardnerella vaginalis
Authors: Higashide Satoshi , Cho Otomi , Matsuda Yuko , Ogishima Daiki , Kurakado Sanae , Sugita Takashi
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study was to develop a method for the rapid detection of Gardnerella vaginalis, which is proposed to play a key role in the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis. Specific loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) primers were designed and used to detect target DNA within 45 min under isothermal conditions. Comparative screening indicated that the LAMP assay is superior to PCR in terms of rapidity, and is equivalent in sensitivity and specificity. This LAMP assay can be used for rapid screening and detection of G. vaginalis in vaginal samples; the limit of detection is 10 fg DNA.
A competition–defence trade‐off both promotes and weakens coexistence in an annual plant community
Authors: Petry William K. , Kandlikar Gaurav S. , Kraft Nathan J. B. , Godoy Oscar , Levine Jonathan M.
Published: August 2018

Competition–defence trade‐offs have long been thought to promote plant coexistence and increase species diversity. However, insights from modern coexistence theory clarify that such trade‐offs alone cannot sustain coexistence. Coexistence also requires stabilising niche differences and the ability of competitor populations to persist under consumer pressure. Despite the breadth of potential consequences of competition–defence trade‐offs, we have little mechanistic understanding of how they affect diversity in natural communities.

We investigated the effects of seed harvesting by ants on coexistence in an annual plant community. We parameterised a model of plant competitive population dynamics with data from two field experiments: (a) plant demographic rates and competition coefficients determined by growing plants alone and against intra‐ and interspecific competitor density gradients; (b) plant fitness losses to ant consumers determined by measuring seed removal from experimental depots. We tested for a trade‐off between a plant species’ demographic potential and its susceptibility to consumption and then determined the bounds of ant effects on pairwise and multispecies coexistence by comparing model projections with and without seed consumption.

Ants harvested seeds of all plant species, but they strongly preferred the competitively superior large seeded species, inducing a competition–defence trade‐off. Unequal seed loss to ants changed competition‐based fitness hierarchies, affecting both the number and identities of plant species pairs that were predicted to coexist compared to a scenario without ants. The trade‐off most often prevented coexistence by severely disadvantaging the superior competitor or excluding species directly through overconsumption, and a simulated reduction in the overall consumption rate opened few additional opportunities for coexistence. Ant exacerbation of average fitness differences was particularly disruptive to multispecies coexistence, where niche differences were insufficient to stabilise the coexistence of plant triplets and quadruplets.

Synthesis. Our results show that the presence of a competition–defence trade‐off in a community with stabilising niche differences does not always increase diversity. Instead, the full range of diversity outcomes—positive and negative changes in species number and changes in the identity of the dominant—are possible. Taken together, our results support the emerging paradigm that consumers have wide‐ranging impacts on plant diversity and suggest that variation in consumer pressure may be an important driver of large‐scale diversity patterns.
Updates on mechanisms of maintenance of species diversity
Authors: Chesson Peter
Published: August 2018

A quantitative approach to species coexistence based on the invasibility criterion has led to an appreciation of coexistence mechanisms in terms of stabilizing and equalizing components, but major challenges are the need to consider general multispecies settings, interactions beyond competition, and multiple scales of space and time. Moreover, two essential concepts, species‐level average fitness and scaling factors, have not had clear definitions.

A general approach to defining average fitnesses and scaling factors is given, along with the origin of stabilizing mechanisms as deviations from a reference model where no coexistence is possible. Illustrations are general Lotka–Volterra models, models accounting specifically for resource use and natural enemies, and models with temporal fluctuations.

Community averages of stabilizing mechanisms reveal overall opportunities for coexistence, and define mechanisms more precisely through their formulae. Average fitnesses adjusted for the presence of coexistence mechanisms provide a better definition of equalizing mechanisms. While these ideas apply to the components of invasion rates, permanence theory and stochastic persistence theory show how invasion rates can be used to demonstrate species coexistence in complex settings.

Although species coexistence has often focused on competition, detailed models of the roles of natural enemies provide a new perspective on the opportunities for coexistence in nature. The concept of apparent competition recognizes the essential symmetry between density‐dependence from resource depletion and from supporting natural enemies. Natural enemy partitioning is the natural analogue of resource partitioning and has an equivalent role in promoting coexistence. Rather than reinforcing each other, however, the strength of coexistence is often intermediate between that implied by resource partitioning alone and that implied by natural enemy partitioning alone, as elucidated by recent Lotka–Volterra theory.

Synthesis. Although there are alternative approaches for understanding coexistence in multispecies settings, ideas based on stabilizing and equalizing mechanisms continue to provide new insights. Multiple species and multiple trophic levels are naturally challenging, but the new theories of permanence and stochastic persistence support the critical role of invasion rates in species coexistence, and thus support the understanding to be derived by partitioning invasion rates into average fitness differences and stabilizing components.
Social practice, plural lifestyles and health inequalities in the United Kingdom
Authors: Kandt Jens
Published: August 2018

Persistent health inequalities pose a continued research and policy challenge in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Current approaches to health research and promotion are predicated on a distinction between wider, social structural causes and individual, health‐related behaviours often conceived of as lifestyle choices. Drawing on Bourdieu's theory of social practice, this paper develops an integrated perspective by observing associations between health and structured lifestyle practices. Using the UK Understanding Society household survey, a taxonomy of eight lifestyle clusters is identified, which exhibit significant health inequalities on a number of indicators. But the plurality of practices and subjective orientations inherent in the taxonomy reveals a finer, more complex differentiation of the social gradient in health. In addition, lifestyle appears to at least in parts mediate the relationship between social, material conditions and health. A feature of the taxonomy is that it admits a relational and contextual apprehension of health‐relevant, behavioural aspects within a more holistic notion of lifestyles. Based on this view, strategic approaches can be developed that respond to group‐specific situations and pathways and their varying roots in upstream or downstream domains of policy.
Prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Arican I. , Bass N. , Neelam K. , Wolfe K. , McQuillin A. , Giaroli G.
Published: August 2018

Objective

To investigate the frequency of childhood and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in a cohort of patients with schizophrenia (SCZ).

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to evaluate existing evidence. Two self‐report questionnaires were used to investigate adult ADHD and childhood ADHD symptoms in 126 patients with ICD‐10 diagnoses of SCZ.

Results

Five studies were included in the systematic review, with the prevalence of childhood and adult ADHD in SCZ subjects ranging between 17–57% and 10–47% respectively. Within our cohort, 47% of patients reported positive screening for ADHD symptoms either in childhood or adulthood. 23% reported symptomatology consistent with both childhood and adult ADHD.

Conclusions

We demonstrate a greater presence of ADHD symptomatology in SCZ compared to that reported for ADHD in the general population. Our findings highlight the importance of improved clinical assessment and treatment considerations in a subgroup of patients with SCZ.
Fetal sexual dimorphism in systemic soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 among normotensive and preeclamptic women
Authors: Taylor Brandie D. , Haggerty Catherine L. , Ness Roberta B. , Hougaard David M. , Skogstrand Kristin , Roberts James M. , Olsen Jørn
Published: August 2018

Problem

A handful of studies report sexual dimorphism in the maternal angiogenic profile possibly influencing placental development and preeclampsia risk. This secondary analysis explored associations between fetal sex and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFLT) and endoglin (9‐35 weeks gestation) using data from a nested case‐control study within the Danish National Birth Cohort.

Method of study

A total of 448 preeclamptic women and 328 normotensive women had data on sFLT and endoglin. Preeclampsia was defined by blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg and proteinuria (≥0.3g or 300 mg/24 h.). Generalized linear models adjusting for gestational age of blood draw, body mass index, maternal age, and smoking determined associations between fetal sex and log‐transformed biomarkers.

Results

Male fetal sex is associated with 11% lower sFLT levels (β = −0.11, P = 0.03) in preeclamptic women. There were no differences observed in normotensive women. We found no statistically significant differences in endoglin by fetal sex among groups.

Conclusion

Our results are similar with other studies suggesting that women with female fetuses have increased sFLT levels. However, significant difference was only among women with preeclampsia. This study was exploratory and longitudinal investigations across pregnancy are required to understand the relationship between fetal sex and systemic maternal angiogenic biomarkers.
Developmental patterns of change in the influence of safe and risky peer choices on risky decision‐making
Authors: Braams Barbara R. , Davidow Juliet Y. , Somerville Leah H.
Published: August 2018

Adolescents take more risks when peers monitor their behavior. However, it is largely unknown how different types of peer influence affect adolescent decision‐making. In this study, we investigate how information about previous choices of peers differentially influences decision‐making in adolescence and young adulthood. Participants (N = 99, age range 12–22) completed an economic choice task in which choice options were systematically varied on levels of risk and ambiguity. On each trial, participants selected between a safer choice (low variability in outcome) and a riskier choice (high variability in outcome). Participants made choices in three conditions: a solo condition in which they made choices with no additional information, a social condition in which they saw choices of supposed peers, and a computer condition in which they saw choices of a computer. Results showed that participants’ choices conform to the choices made by the peers, but not a computer. Furthermore, when peers chose the safe option, late adolescents were especially likely to make a safe choice. Conversely, when the peer made a risky choice, late adolescents were least likely to follow choices made by the peer. We did not find evidence for differential influence of social information on decisions depending on their level of risk and ambiguity. These results show that information about previous decisions of peers are a powerful modifier for behavior and that the effect of peers on adolescents’ decisions is less ubiquitous and more specific than previously assumed.
Energy metabolism of white adipose tissue and insulin resistance in humans
Authors: Bódis Kálmán , Roden Michael
Published: August 2018

Background

Insulin resistance not only occurs in obesity, but also in lipodystrophy. Although adipose tissue mass affects metabolic fluxes and participates in interorgan crosstalk, the role of energy metabolism within white adipose tissue for insulin resistance is less clear.

Materials and methods

A Medline search identified in vivo studies in humans on energy and lipid metabolism in subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Studies in adipocyte cultures and transgenic animal models were included for the better understanding of the link between abnormal energy metabolism in adipose tissue and insulin resistance.

Results

The current literature indicates that higher lipolysis and lower lipogenesis in VAT compared to SAT enhance portal delivery of lipid metabolites (glycerol and fatty acids) to the liver. Thus, the lower lipolysis and higher lipogenesis in SAT favour storage of excess lipids and allow for protection of insulin‐sensitive tissues from lipotoxic effects. In insulin‐resistant humans, enhanced lipolysis and impaired lipogenesis in adipose tissue lead to release of cytokines and lipid metabolites, ultimately promoting insulin resistance. Adipose tissue of insulin‐resistant humans also displays lower expression of proteins involved in mitochondrial function. In turn, this leads to lower availability of mitochondria‐derived energy sources for lipogenesis in adipose tissue.

Conclusions

Abnormal mitochondrial function in human white adipose tissue likely contributes to the secretion of lipid metabolites and lactate, which are linked to insulin resistance in peripheral tissues. However, the relevance of adipose tissue energy metabolism for the regulation of human insulin sensitivity remains to be further elucidated.
Ownership transformation, firm performance and manufacturing growth in China
Authors: Wei Wei , Tang Jianmin
Published: August 2018

Many commentators and researchers have attributed the manufacturing success in China to its ownership reforms. Using a micro database from the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics, this paper documents and quantifies this development. With systematic and robust analyses, it shows that the development of private ownership indeed played an essential role in improving firm performance and the allocation and utilization of production resources in the Chinese manufacturing sector. In addition, the paper estimates the contributions of firms under different ownership to manufacturing growth, showing that the development of private ownership was the driving force of manufacturing growth in China. The strong credible evidence has important policy implications for further maintaining sustainable development in China.
Development of a risk assessment scale predicting incident functional disability among older people: Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study
Authors: Tsuji Taishi , Kondo Katsunori , Kondo Naoki , Aida Jun , Takagi Daisuke
Published: August 2018

Aim

The aim of the present study was to develop a risk assessment scale for predicting incident functional disability among older adults.

Methods

We used prospective cohort data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study, a nationwide survey of 90 889 functionally independent older people collected from 23 municipalities. The incidence of functional disability was determined from long‐term care information obtained from municipal insurance databases. We constructed a Cox proportional hazards model with forward stepwise selection that used sex, age, and 12 of the essential items of the Public Survey of Long‐Term Care Prevention and Needs in Spheres of Daily Life (the Needs Survey). We assigned a score based on the obtained non‐standardized regression coefficients for each item and summed the scores to establish the risk assessment scale. The predictive validity was examined.

Results

The cumulative incidence of functional disability during the 3‐year follow‐up period was 9.7%. A risk assessment scale of 0–48 that used sex, age and the Needs Survey's 10 essential items was established. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.804, and the sensitivity and specificity were both 0.733 (cut‐off 16/17). There was no significant intermunicipality difference in the associations between the total scores calculated by using the scale and the risk of new incidence (P = 0.135).

Conclusions

We developed a risk assessment scale predicting incident functional disability composed of 10 essential items of the Needs Survey, sex and age. The scale had superior predictive validity, regardless of the level of urbanness. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1433–1438.
Comparison of PD‐L1 immunohistochemistry assays and response to PD‐1/L1 inhibitors in advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer in clinical practice
Authors: Villaruz Liza C , Ancevski Hunter Katerina , Kurland Brenda F , Abberbock Shira , Herbst Cameron , Dacic Sanja
Published: August 2018

Aims

Several studies have demonstrated analytical comparability between different PD‐L1 assays, but their clinical validity in non‐small‐cell lung cancer in terms of response to treatment outside clinical trials has not been established. The aim of our study is to assess the analytical performance of laboratory‐developed tests for Ventana SP263 and Agilent/Dako 22C3, and to investigate the association between PD‐L1 assays and response to PD‐1/L1 inhibitors.

Methods and results

PD‐L1 SP263 and 22C3 assays were performed on 302 consecutive non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma samples Both assays were optimised for use on the automated Ventana BenchMark Ultra platform. Scoring algorithms for staining of the tumour cells using the established cut‐offs were applied to all samples. Best overall response (BOR) for 44 patients treated with either nivolumab, pembrolizumab or atezolizumab were assessed using recist version 1.1 and correlated with PD‐L1 assay results. Assays showed good agreement, with a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.86 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.82–0.90)]. Comparing the assays using cut‐offs of 1%, 5%, 10%, 1–49% and ≥50% showed an association between the two assays (P < 0.0001). The SP263 10% cut‐off (P = 0.032) was associated with BOR, whereas the 1% (P = 0.087) and 5% (P = 0.051) cut‐offs were not. In contrast 22C3, cut‐offs of 1% (P = 0.019), 5% (P = 0.025) and 10% (P = 0.014) were all associated with BOR.

Conclusions

The SP263 and 22C3 LDTs demonstrated good analytical concordance, and correlation with response to PD‐1/L1 inhibitors.
Development and validation of the periodontal aesthetic perception scale in patients with periodontal problems
Authors: Gokturk Ozge , Yarkac FatmaUcan , Basol Gulsah
Published: August 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a periodontal aesthetic‐specific tool to assess aesthetic conditions perceived by patients with periodontal problems.

Materials and Methods

Hundred patients were interviewed that described the nonaesthetic gingival appearance. An item pool with 22 items was generated. Subsequently, expert opinion on the selected item pool was gathered. In accordance with expert opinions, the questionnaire was finalized by reducing the number of items to 7. The questionnaire tested on three patient groups (gingival recession group, gingival enlargement group and periodontal healthy group). Then, the validity and reliability of the questionnaire were examined.

Results

According to the results of the exploratory factor analysis (EFA), 1 item was removed from the scale. The final 6‐item questionnaire was shown to have a two‐domain structure. Cronbach's alpha for the whole scale was 0.766. The interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) values were between 0.98 and 1.00, demonstrating excellent agreement. Overall, these findings indicated that the Periodontal Aesthetic Perception Scale (PAPS) has good reliability.

Conclusion

This reliable, valid and short questionnaire specific to aesthetic conditions perceived by patients with periodontal problems may serve as a valued instrument in future clinical trials.
Quality of life before and after cosmetic procedures on the face: A cross‐sectional study in a public service
Authors: Ribeiro Felipe , Steiner Denise
Published: August 2018

Background

Quality of life can be impaired by health conditions that modify body appearance.

Aims

The objective of this cross‐sectional study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients before and after free‐of‐charge esthetic dermatological treatments offered in a philanthropic Dermatological Clinic for nonpathological conditions, such as anti‐aging procedures.

Methods

All consecutive patients admitted between March and November 2016 were recruited. All esthetic treatments in this study were simple procedures applied in one session only, on the face, neck, arms, and upper chest, with a consult visit scheduled four weeks later for clinical evaluation. The WHOQOL‐BREF instrument was used before and one month after the procedure.

Results

WHOQOL‐BREF scores increased significantly after treatment (P < 0.001) in all the domains.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing simple dermatological treatments applied by specialists report overall and specific domain improvements in quality of life, according to the World Health Organization instrument, regardless of the type of procedure.
Dietary specialization in mutualistic acacia‐ants affects relative abundance but not identity of host‐associated bacteria
Authors: Rubin Benjamin E. R. , Kautz Stefanie , Wray Brian D. , Moreau Corrie S.
Published: August 2018

Acacia‐ant mutualists in the genus Pseudomyrmex nest obligately in acacia plants and, as we show through stable isotope analysis, feed at a remarkably low trophic level. Insects with diets such as these sometimes depend on bacterial symbionts for nutritional enrichment. We, therefore, examine the bacterial communities associated with acacia‐ants in order to determine whether they host bacterial partners likely to contribute to their nutrition. Despite large differences in trophic position, acacia‐ants and related species with generalized diets do not host distinct bacterial taxa. However, we find that a small number of previously undescribed bacterial taxa do differ in relative abundance between acacia‐ants and generalists, including several Acetobacteraceae and Nocardiaceae lineages related to common insect associates. Comparisons with an herbivorous generalist, a parasite that feeds on acacias and a mutualistic species with a generalized diet show that trophic level is likely responsible for these small differences in bacterial community structure. While we did not experimentally test for a nutritional benefit to hosts of these bacterial lineages, metagenomic analysis reveals a Bartonella relative with an intact nitrogen‐recycling pathway widespread across Pseudomyrmex mutualists and generalists. This taxon may be contributing to nitrogen enrichment of its ant hosts through urease activity and, concordant with an obligately host‐associated lifestyle, appears to be experiencing genomewide relaxed selection. The lack of distinctiveness in bacterial communities across trophic level in this group of ants shows a remarkable ability to adjust to varied diets, possibly with assistance from these diverse ant‐specific bacterial lineages.
Taxon cycle predictions supported by model‐based inference in Indo‐Pacific trap‐jaw ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Odontomachus)
Authors: Matos‐Maraví Pável , Matzke Nicholas J. , Larabee Fredrick J. , Clouse Ronald M. , Wheeler Ward C. , Sorger Daniela Magdalena , Suarez Andrew V. , Janda Milan
Published: August 2018

Nonequilibrium dynamics and non‐neutral processes, such as trait‐dependent dispersal, are often missing from quantitative island biogeography models despite their potential explanatory value. One of the most influential nonequilibrium models is the taxon cycle, but it has been difficult to test its validity as a general biogeographical framework. Here, we test predictions of the taxon cycle model using six expected phylogenetic patterns and a time‐calibrated phylogeny of Indo‐Pacific Odontomachus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ponerinae), one of the ant genera that E.O. Wilson used when first proposing the hypothesis. We used model‐based inference and a newly developed trait‐dependent dispersal model to jointly estimate ancestral biogeography, ecology (habitat preferences for forest interiors, vs. “marginal” habitats, such as savannahs, shorelines, disturbed areas) and the linkage between ecology and dispersal rates. We found strong evidence that habitat shifts from forest interior to open and disturbed habitats increased macroevolutionary dispersal rate. In addition, lineages occupying open and disturbed habitats can give rise to both island endemics re‐occupying only forest interiors and taxa that re‐expand geographical ranges. The phylogenetic predictions outlined in this study can be used in future work to evaluate the relative weights of neutral (e.g., geographical distance and area) and non‐neutral (e.g., trait‐dependent dispersal) processes in historical biogeography and community ecology.
Identification of a novel post‐insertion step in the assembly of a bacterial outer membrane protein
Authors: Peterson Janine H. , Hussain Sunyia , Bernstein Harris D.
Published: August 2018

Although the barrel assembly machinery (Bam) complex has been shown to facilitate the insertion of β barrel proteins into the bacterial outer membrane (OM), the stage at which β barrels fold is unknown. Here, we describe insights into β barrel assembly that emerged from an analysis of a member of the autotransporter family of OM proteins (EspP) in Escherichia coli. EspP contains an extracellular ‘passenger’ domain that is translocated across the OM and then released from the covalently linked β barrel domain in an intra‐barrel cleavage reaction. We found that the mutation of an unusual lipid‐exposed lysine residue impairs a previously unidentified late folding step that follows both the membrane insertion of the β barrel domain and the secretion of the passenger domain but that precedes proteolytic maturation. Our results demonstrate that β barrel assembly can be completed at a post‐insertion stage and raise the possibility that interactions with membrane lipids can promote folding in vivo. Furthermore, by showing that the passenger domain is secreted before the β barrel domain is fully assembled, our results also provide evidence against the long‐standing hypothesis that autotransporters are autonomous protein secretion systems.
Oxygen isotopes in tree rings are less sensitive to changes in tree size and relative canopy position than carbon isotopes
Authors: Klesse Stefan , Weigt Rosemarie , Treydte Kerstin , Saurer Matthias , Schmid Lola , Siegwolf Rolf T.W. , Frank David C.
Published: August 2018

Stable isotope ratios in tree rings have become an important proxy for palaeoclimatology, particularly in temperate regions. Yet temperate forests are often characterized by heterogeneous stand structures, and the effects of stand dynamics on carbon (δ13C) and oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) in tree rings are not well explored.

In this study, we investigated long‐term trends and offsets in δ18O and δ13C of Picea abies and Fagus sylvatica in relation to tree age, size, and distance to the upper canopy at seven temperate sites across Europe. We observed strong positive trends in δ13C that are best explained by the reconstructed dynamics of individual trees below the upper canopy, highlighting the influence of light attenuation on δ13C in shade‐tolerant species. We also detected positive trends in δ18O with increasing tree size. However, the observed slopes are less steep and consistent between trees of different ages and thus can be more easily addressed.

We recommend restricting the use of δ13C to years when trees are in a dominant canopy position to infer long‐term climate signals in δ13C when relying on material from shade‐tolerant species, such as beech and spruce. For such species, δ18O should be in principle the superior proxy for climate reconstructions.
The Imaginal Disc Growth Factors 2 and 3 participate in the Drosophila response to nematode infection
Authors: Yadav Shruti , Eleftherianos Ioannis
Published: August 2018

The Drosophila imaginal disc growth factors (IDGFs) induce the proliferation of imaginal disc cells and terminate cell proliferation at the end of larval development. However, the participation of Idgf‐encoding genes in other physiological processes of Drosophila including the immune response to infection is not fully understood. Here, we show the contribution of Idgf2 and Idgf3 in the Drosophila response to infection with Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes carrying or lacking their mutualistic Xenorhabdus nematophila bacteria (symbiotic or axenic nematodes, respectively). We find that Idgf2 and Idgf3 are upregulated in Drosophila larvae infected with symbiotic or axenic Steinernema and inactivation of Idgf2 confers a survival advantage to Drosophila larvae against axenic nematodes. Inactivation of Idgf2 induces the Imd and Jak/Stat pathways, whereas inactivation of Idgf3 induces the Imd, Toll and Jak/Stat pathways. We also show that inactivation of the Imd pathway receptor PGRP‐LE upregulates Idgf2 against Steinernema nematode infection. Finally, we demonstrate that inactivation of Idgf3 induces the recruitment of larval haemocytes in response to Steinernema. Our results indicate that Idgf2 and Idgf3 might be involved in different yet crucial immune functions in the Drosophila antinematode immune response. Similar findings will promote the development of new targets for species‐specific pest control strategies.
Something to Prove
Authors: Brown Alan S.
Published: August 2018

Robots have emerged as a force in infrastructure inspection. That is especially true in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, which are not an obvious test bed for new technology. Because their assets range into the billions of dollars, their managers are very cautious about entrusting their facilities to any new technology. Yet even something as simple as inspecting storage tanks for corrosion and leaks shows why robots are increasingly popular. This article delves into the current status and future outlook for robotic inspection efficiency.
OH* Chemiluminescence Imaging of the Combustion Products From a Methane-Fueled Rotating Detonation Engine
Authors: Tobias Jonathan , Depperschmidt Daniel , Welch Cooper , Miller Robert , Uddi Mruthunjaya , Agrawal Ajay K. , Daniel Ron
Published: August 2018

Pressure gain combustion (PGC) has been conceived to convert fuel's chemical energy into thermal energy and mechanical energy, thereby reducing the entropy production in the process. Recent research has shown that the rotating detonation combustor (RDC) can provide excellent specific thrust, specific impulse, and pressure gain within a small volume through rapid energy release by continuous detonation in the circumferential direction. The RDC as a PGC system for power generating gas turbines in combined cycle power plants could provide significant efficiency gains. However, few past studies have employed fuels that are relevant to power generation turbines, since RDC research has focused mainly on propulsion applications. In this study, we present experimental results from RDC operated on methane and oxygen-enriched air to represent reactants used in land-based power generation. The RDC is operated at a high pressure by placing a back-pressure plate downstream of the annular combustor. Past studies have focused mainly on probe measurements inside the combustor, and thus, little information is known about the nature of the products exiting the RDC. In particular, it is unknown if chemical reactions persist outside the RDC annulus, especially if methane is used as the fuel. In this study, we apply two time-resolved optical techniques to simultaneously image the RDC products at framing rate of 30 kHz: (1) direct visual-imaging to identify the overall size and extent of the plume, and (2) OH* chemiluminescence imaging to detect the reaction zones if any. Results show dynamic features of the combustion products that are consistent with the probe measurements inside the rotating detonation engine (RDE). Moreover, presence of OH* in the products suggests that the oblique shock wave and reactions persist downstream of the detonation zone in the RDC.