bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stable social relationships between unrelated females increase individual fitness in a cooperative bird
Authors: Riehl Christina , Strong Meghan J.
Published: April 2018

Social animals often form long-lasting relationships with fellow group members, usually with close kin. In primates, strong social bonds have been associated with increased longevity, offspring survival and reproductive success. However, little is known about the fitness effects of social bonds between non-kin, especially outside of mammals. In this study, we use long-term field research on a cooperatively breeding bird, the greater ani (
Crotophaga major
), to ask whether adult females benefit by remaining in long-term associations with unrelated, co-breeding females. We find that females that have previously nested together synchronize their reproduction more rapidly than those nesting with unfamiliar partners, which leads to lower competition and higher fledging success. Importantly, although previous experience with a co-breeding female influenced reproductive synchrony, the degree of reproductive synchrony did not influence whether co-breeding females remained together in subsequent years, ruling out the alternate hypothesis that highly synchronized females are simply more likely to remain together. These results indicate that switching groups is costly to females, and that social familiarity improves reproductive coordination. Stable social relationships therefore have significant fitness consequences for cooperatively nesting female birds, suggesting that direct benefits alone may favour the evolution of associations between non-relatives and contribute to long-term group stability.
A single loss of photosynthesis in diatoms
Authors: Onyshchenko Anastasiia , Ruck Elizabeth C. , Nakov Teofil , Alverson Andrew J.
Published: April 2018

Loss of photosynthesis is a common and often repeated trajectory in nearly all major groups of photosynthetic eukaryotes. One small subset of ‘apochloritic’ diatoms in the genus Nitzschia have lost their ability to photosynthesize and require extracellular carbon for growth. Similar to other secondarily nonphotosynthetic taxa, apochloritic diatoms maintain colorless plastids with highly reduced plastid genomes. Although the narrow taxonomic breadth of apochloritic diatoms suggests a single loss of photosynthesis in the common ancestor of these species, previous phylogenetic analyses suggested that photosynthesis was lost multiple times. We sequenced additional phylogenetic markers from the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes for a larger set of taxa and found that the best trees for datasets representing all three genetic compartments provided low to moderate support for monophyly of apochloritic Nitzschia, consistent with a single loss of photosynthesis in diatoms. We sequenced the plastid genome of one apochloritic species and found that it was highly similar in all respects to the plastid genome of another apochloritic Nitzschia species, indicating that streamlining of the plastid genome had completed prior to the split of these two species. Finally, it is increasingly clear that some locales host relatively large numbers apochloritic Nitzschia species that span the phylogenetic diversity of the group, indicating that these species co-exist because of resource abundance or resource partitioning in ecologically favorable habitats. A better understanding of the phylogeny and ecology of this group, together with emerging genomic resources, will help identify the factors that have driven and maintained the loss of photosynthesis in this group, a rare event in diatoms.
Giant Viruses and their mobile genetic elements: the molecular symbiotic hypothesis
Authors: Filée Jonathan
Published: April 2018

Among the virus world, Giant viruses (GVs) compose one of the most successful eukaryovirus families. In contrast with other eukaryoviruses, GV genomes encode a wide array of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that encompass diverse, mostly prokaryotic-like, transposable element families, introns, inteins, restriction-modification systems and enigmatic classes of mobile elements having little similarities with known families. Interestingly, several of these MGEs may be beneficial to the GVs, fulfilling two kinds of functions: 1) degrading host or competing virus/ virophages DNA and 2) promoting viral genome integration, dissemination and excision into the host genomes.

By providing fitness advantages to the virus in which they reside, these MGES compose a kind of molecular symbiotic association in which both partners should be regarded as grantees. Thus, protective effects provided by some of these MGEs may have generated an arms race between competing GVs in order to encode the most diverse arsenal of anti-viral weapons, explaining the unusual abundance of MGEs in GV genomes by a kind of ratchet effect.

Highlight

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Giant Virus (GV) genomes are loaded with diverse classes of mobile genetic elements (MGEs)

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MGEs cooperate with GV genes in order to fulfill viral functions.

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Site-specific endonucleases encoded by MGEs are used as anti-host or anti-competing viral compounds

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Integrase/transposase genes derived from MGEs have been recruited to generate integrative proviral forms.

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MGEs and GVs may thus compose a mutualistic symbiosis
Partially coherent ptychography by gradient decomposition of the probe
Authors: Chang Huibin , Enfedaque Pablo , Lou Yifei , Marchesini Stefano
Published: April 2018

Coherent ptychographic imaging experiments often discard the majority of the flux from a light source to define the coherence of the illumination. Even when the coherent flux is sufficient, the stability required during an exposure is another important limiting factor. Partial coherence analysis can considerably reduce these limitations. A partially coherent illumination can often be written as the superposition of a single coherent illumination convolved with a separable translational kernel. This article proposes the gradient decomposition of the probe (GDP), a model that exploits translational kernel separability, coupling the variances of the kernel with the transverse coherence. An efficient first-order splitting algorithm (GDP-ADMM) for solving the proposed nonlinear optimization problem is described. Numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method with Gaussian and binary kernel functions in fly-scan measurements. Remarkably, GDP-ADMM using nanoprobes produces satisfactory results even when the ratio between the kernel width and the beam size is more than one, or when the distance between successive acquisitions is twice as large as the beam width.
How destructive leadership influences compulsory organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: Wu Mengying , Peng Zhenglong , Estay Christophe
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the underlying influence of destructive leadership on hindrance stress and compulsory organizational citizenship behavior (CCB) by developing a moderated mediation model, which examines the mediating role of hindrance stress and the moderating role of supervisor–subordinateguanxi.

Design/methodology/approach

By using 324 samples collected from multiple companies in southeast China, the model is tested through multiple linear hierarchical regressions, correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and PROCESS bootstrapping program in SPSS and AMOS software.

Findings

Results reveal that hindrance stress fully mediates the relationship between destructive leadership and CCB, and supervisor–subordinateguanximoderates the strength of the indirect effect between destructive leadership and CCB (via hindrance stress), so that the mediated relationship is stronger when supervisor–subordinateguanxiis low rather than high.

Originality/value

The study contributes to display the influence path and contingency mechanism of destructive leadership as a stressor on employees’ negative behavior in the workplace. The moderated mediation model results not only develop the research on the relationship between negative leadership and employee behavior in terms of leadership effectiveness but also provide a new viewpoint to explore the relationship between leadership and employee behavior.
Creating the collective mind through virtual mirroring based learning
Authors: Gloor Peter , Fischbach Kai , Gluesing Julia , Riopelle Ken , Schoder Detlef
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that virtual mirroring-based learning allows members of an organization to see how they communicate with others in a visual way, by applying principles of “social quantum physics” (empathy, entanglement, reflect, reboot), to become better communicators and build a shared “DNA” within their organization.

Design/methodology/approach

E-mail based social network analysis creates virtual maps of communication – social landscapes – of organizations, similar to Google Maps, which creates geographical maps of a person’s surroundings.

Findings

Applying virtual mirroring-based learning at various mulitnational firms has significantly increased their organizational efficiency and performance, for instance increasing customer satisfaction by 18 per cent in a large services organization, increasing retention, making sales forecasts, and improving call center employee satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

To address concerns of individual privacy, the guiding principle is to give individual information to the individual and provide aggregated anonymized information to management.

Originality/value

Virtual mirroring-based learning offers a unique way of creating collective awareness within an organization by empowering the individual to take corrective action aligned with collective action, and improves their own communication behavior through analyzing and visualizing their e-mail archive in novel ways, while giving strategic insight to management and improving organizational culture.
Literature review on collective intelligence: a crowd science perspective
Authors: Yu Chao , Chai Yueting , Liu Yi
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Collective intelligence has drawn many scientists’ attention in many centuries. This paper shows the collective intelligence study process in a perspective of crowd science.

Design/methodology/approach

After summarizing the time-order process of related researches, different points of views on collective intelligence’s measurement and their modeling methods were outlined.

Findings

The authors show the recent research focusing on collective intelligence optimization. The studies on application of collective intelligence and its future potential are also discussed.

Originality/value

This paper will help researchers in crowd science have a better picture of this highly related frontier interdiscipline.
Data-driven process to improve VA surgical flow
Authors: Bidassie Balmatee , Gunnar William , Starr Leigh , Van Buskirk George , Warner Lisa , Anckaitis Clifford , Howard Angela
Published: April 2018

Purpose

During years 2014-2016, Veterans Health Administration National Surgery Office conducted a surgical flow improvement initiative (SFII) to assist low-performing surgery programs to improve their operating room efficiency (ORE). The initiative was co-sponsored by VHA National Surgery Office and VHA Office of Systems Redesign and Improvement. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

An SFII algorithm, based on first-time-start (FTS), cancellation rate (CR), lag time (LT) and OR utilization, assigned an ORE performance Level (1-low to 4-high) to each VA Medical Center (VAMC). In total, 15 VAMCs with low-performance surgery programs participated in SFII to assess the current state of their surgical flow processes and used redesign methods to focus on improvement objectives.

Findings

At the end of the project, 14 VSAs, 40 RPIWs, 45 “90-day projects” and 73 Just-Do-It’s were completed with 65 percent (158/243) improvement actions and 86 percent sites improving/sustaining all four ORE metrics. There was a statistically significant difference in improvement across the three stages (baseline, improvement, sustain) for FTS (45.6-68.7 percent;F=44.74;p<0.000); CR (16.1-9.5 percent;F=34.46;p<0.000); LT (63.1-36.3 percent;F=92.00;p<0.000); OR utilization (43.4-57.7 percent;F=6.92;p<0.001) and VAMC level (1.7-3.65;F=80.11;p<0.000). The majority developed “fair to excellent” sustainment (91 percent) and spread (82 percent) plans. The projected annual estimated return-on-investment was $27,949,966.

Originality/value

The SFII successfully leveraged a small number of faculty, coaches, and industrial engineers to produce significant improvement in ORE across a large national integrated health care network. This strategy can serve healthcare leaders in managing complex healthcare issues in their facilities.
Ninety to Nothing: a PDSA quality improvement project
Authors: Prybutok Gayle Linda
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of a successful quality improvement project in an acute care hospital focused on reducing the time of the total patient visit in the emergency department.

Design/methodology/approach

A multidisciplinary quality improvement team, using the PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) Cycle, analyzed the emergency department care delivery process and sequentially made process improvements that contributed to project success.

Findings

The average turnaround time goal of 90 minutes or less per visit was achieved in four months, and the organization enjoyed significant collateral benefits both internal to the organization and for its customers.

Practical implications

This successful PDSA process can be duplicated by healthcare organizations of all sizes seeking to improve a process related to timely, high-quality patient care delivery.

Originality/value

Extended wait time in hospital emergency departments is a universal problem in the USA that reduces the quality of the customer experience and that delays necessary patient care. This case study demonstrates that a structured quality improvement process implemented by a multidisciplinary team with the authority to make necessary process changes can successfully redefine the norm.
Sustainability in university campus: options for achieving nearly zero energy goals
Authors: Fonseca Paula , Moura Pedro , Jorge Humberto , de Almeida Aníbal
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to design a renovation plan for a university campus building (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering) with the aim to achieve nearly zero energy performance, ensuring a low specific demand (lower than 44 kWh/m2) and a high level of on-site renewable generation (equivalent to more than 20 per cent of the energy demand).

Design/methodology/approach

The baseline demand was characterized based on energy audits, on smart metering data and on the existing building management system data, showing a recent reduction of the electricity demand owing to some implemented measures. The renovation plan was then designed with two main measures, the total replacement of the actual lighting by LEDs and the installation of a photovoltaic system (PV) with 78.8 kWp coupled with an energy storage system with 100 kWh of lithium-ion batteries.

Findings

The designed renovation achieved energy savings of 20 per cent, with 27.5 per cent of the consumed energy supplied by the PV system. This will ensure a reduction of the specific energy of the building to only 30 kWh/m2, with 42.4 per cent savings on the net-energy demand.

Practical implications

The designed renovation proves that it is possible to achieve nearly zero energy goals with cost-effective solutions, presenting the lighting renovation and the solar PV generation system a payback of 2.3 and 6.9 years, respectively.

Originality/value

This study innovated by defining ambitious goals to achieve nearly zero energy levels and presenting a design based on a comprehensive lighting retrofit and PV generation, whereas other studies are mostly based on envelope refurbishment and behaviour changes.
Academic culture: a promising mediator of school leaders’ influence on student learning
Authors: Leithwood Kenneth , Sun Jingping
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This study is a quantitative exploration of a new construct the authors label as “academic culture (AC).” Treating it as generalized latent variable composed of academic press (AP), disciplinary climate (DC), and teachers’ use of instructional time, the purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of this construct to be a key mediator of school leaders’ influence on student learning. The study is guided by three hypotheses.

Design/methodology/approach

Responses by 856 elementary teachers from 70 schools to an online survey measured the three components of AC along with school leadership (SL). Provincial tests of writing, reading, and math were used as measures of student achievement (SA). Social economic status (SES) was used as control variable for the study. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and correlations were calculated among all variables. Analyses included intra-class correlation analysis, regression equations, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling.

Findings

Evidence confirmed the study’s three hypotheses: first, AP, DC, and instructional time formed a general latent construct, AC; second, AC explained a significant proportion of the variance in SA, controlling for student SES; and third, AC was a significant mediator of SL’s influence on SA. Concepts and measures of academic optimism (AO) and AC are compared in the paper and implications for practice and future research are outlined.

Originality/value

This first study of AC explored the relationship between AC and SA. Although at least two AO studies have included measures of distributed leadership, minimal attention has been devoted to actually testing the claim that AO is amenable to the influence of explicit leadership practices (as distinct from enabling school structures) and is a powerful mediator of SL effects on student learning. Addressing this limitation of AO research to date, the present study included a well-developed measure of leadership practices and assessed the value of AC as a mediator of such practices.
Critical enablers of changeable and reconfigurable manufacturing and their industrial implementation
Authors: Andersen Ann-Louise , Larsen Jesper Kranker , Brunoe Thomas Ditlev , Nielsen Kjeld , Ketelsen Christopher
Published: April 2018

Purpose

During design of reconfigurable manufacturing systems, manufacturing companies need to select and implement the right enablers of reconfigurability in accordance with the specific requirements being present in the manufacturing setting. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate enablers of reconfigurability in terms of their importance in industry, current level of implementation in industry, and significant differences in their implementation and criticality across different manufacturing settings.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey is conducted, in order to provide generalizable empirical evidence across various industries and manufacturing types.

Findings

The findings indicate that the level of implementation of the reconfigurability enablers is rudimentary, while their criticality is perceived higher than the current level of implementation. Moreover, significant differences regarding implementation and criticality of mobility, scalability, and convertibility were found for companies with varying degrees of manual work, make-to-stock production, and varying production volume, industry type and organization size.

Research limitations/implications

Main limitations of the research cover the relatively small sample size and non-random sampling method applied, primarily limited to one country, which could be increased to further extent the findings reported in this paper.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that the importance and implementation of reconfigurability enablers is contingent on the manufacturing setting. Thus, the research presented in this paper provides valuable knowledge in regard to aiding a paradigm shift in industry and help companies design manufacturing systems with the right reconfigurability enablers.

Originality/value

This paper expands research on manufacturing system design for changeability and reconfigurability, by explicitly considering these as capabilities that can be enabled in various ways for various purposes in different manufacturing contexts.
Leadership set-up: wishful thinking or reality?
Authors: Thude Bettina Ravnborg , Stenager Egon , von Plessen Christian , Hollnagel Erik
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to determine whether one leader set-up is better than the others according to interdisciplinary cooperation and leader legitimacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews at three Danish hospitals.

Findings

The study found that the leadership set-up did not have any clear influence on interdisciplinary cooperation, as all wards had a high degree of interdisciplinary cooperation independent of which leadership set-up they had. Instead, the authors found a relation between leadership set-up and leader legitimacy. In cases where staff only referred to a leader from their own profession, that leader had legitimacy within the staff group. When there were two leaders from different professions, they only had legitimacy within the staff group from their own profession. Furthermore, clinical specialty also could influence legitimacy.

Originality/value

The study shows that leadership set-up is not the predominant factor that creates interdisciplinary cooperation; but rather, leader legitimacy also should be considered. Additionally, the study shows that leader legitimacy can be difficult to establish and that it cannot be taken for granted. This is something chief executive officers should bear in mind when they plan and implement new leadership structures. Therefore, it would also be useful to look more closely at how to achieve legitimacy in cases where the leader is from a different profession to the staff.
MHD mixed convection flow of radiating and chemically reactive Casson nanofluid over a nonlinear permeable stretching sheet with viscous dissipation and heat source
Authors: Konda Jayarami Reddy , N.P. Madhusudhana , Konijeti Ramakrishna
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the flow of Casson nanofluid past a nonlinear permeable stretching sheet in the presence of thermal radiation, chemical reaction, viscous dissipation, heat source, and magnetohydrodynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

Appropriate transformations are used to convert the boundary layer equations into nonlinear ODEs which are then solved numerically by using the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg fourth-fifth order method along with shooting technique.

Findings

Solution of this systems is obtained for velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles. Graphical illustrations are added to discuss the effect of evolving parameters against above-mentioned distributions. Tabular values of local skin friction factor, local Nusselt number, and local Sherwood number are also added and studied accordingly.

Originality/value

A good agreement of the present results has been observed by comparing with the existing literature results. It is noted that skin friction coefficient, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number decrease with Casson parameter and increase with suction parameter.
Genome‐wide detection ofCNVs associated with beak deformity in chickens using high‐density 600KSNParrays
Authors: Bai H. , Sun Y. , Liu N. , Liu Y. , Xue F. , Li Y. , Xu S. , Ni A. , Ye J. , Chen Y. , Chen J.
Published: April 2018

Beak deformity (crossed beaks) is found in several indigenous chicken breeds including Beijing‐You studied here. Birds with deformed beaks have reduced feed intake and poor production performance. Recently, copy number variation (CNV) has been examined in many species and is recognized as a source of genetic variation, especially for disease phenotypes. In this study, to unravel the genetic mechanisms underlying beak deformity, we performed genome‐wideCNVdetection using Affymetrix chicken high‐density 600K data on 48 deformed‐beak and 48 normal birds usingpenncnv. As a result, two and eightCNVregions (CNVRs) covering 0.32 and 2.45 Mb respectively on autosomes were identified in deformed‐beak and normal birds respectively. FurtherRT‐qPCRstudies validated nine of the 10CNVRs. The ratios of sixCNVRs were significantly different between deformed‐beak and normal birds (P < 0.01). Within these six regions, three and 21 known genes were identified in deformed‐beak and normal birds respectively. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these genes were enriched in sixGOterms and oneKEGGpathway. Five candidate genes in theCNVRs were further validated usingRT‐qPCR. The expression ofLRIG2(leucine rich repeats and immunoglobulin like domains 2) was lower in birds with deformed beaks (P < 0.01). Therefore, theLRIG2gene could be considered a key factor in view of its known functions and its potential roles in beak deformity. Overall, our results will be helpful for future investigations of the genomic structural variations underlying beak deformity in chickens.
How we manage patients with Waldenström macroglobulinaemia
Authors: Simon Laurence , Baron Marine , Leblond Véronique
Published: April 2018

Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM) is a rare, indolent B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by cellular involvement in bone marrow and monoclonal IgM production. Symptoms can be related to cytopenias, tumoural involvement, or IgM‐related disorders. Somatic mutations in the MYD88 gene have been described in the majority of WM cases. The mutation is responsible for a gain‐of‐function and induces activation of nuclear factor‐κB, for DNA transcription and cell survival. It seems that MYD88 mutation is associated with better prognosis and better response to some treatment. Treatments are started when WM is symptomatic, following systematic biological and morphological assessments. Therapeutic choice depends on age, frailty and urgent efficacy need. In first line, the majority of patients are treated with monoclonal anti‐CD20 antibody‐based regimens combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Rituximab, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone remain the most commonly used regimen with good safety. Nevertheless, increasing numbers of new drugs are becoming available or are in development. Proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib or carfilzmib, showed good and rapid responses. Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor demonstrated excellent results and is now available for relapse/refractory disease or as first line for some patients. This review highlights the diagnostic procedures and therapeutic approaches in WM.
Improving clinical outcomes for women with overactive bladder or urinary retention symptoms: a comparison of motor response voltages (1–9 V) during Stage 1 sacral neuromodulation
Authors: Marinkovic Serge P. , Ford Joseph C.
Published: April 2018

Objective

To assess whether the utilisation of a motor response of <3 V during Stage 1 sacral neuromodulation (SNM) results in better clinical outcomes compared to >4 V in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) or urinary retention symptoms.

Patients and Methods

An observational, retrospective, double cohort review was conducted of 339 female patients who had experienced medically recalcitrant OAB or urinary retention symptoms. Between September 2001 and September 2014, both cohorts underwent successful Stage 1 to Stage 2 SNM placement. Group A, included 174 women with a motor response at ≤3 V; and Group B, evaluated 110 women with a motor response at ≥4 V for medically recalcitrant OAB. Group C, compared 33 women with a motor response at ≤3 V; and Group D, documented 22 women with a motor response at ≥4 V for non‐obstructive urinary retention. Patients completed 3‐day voiding diaries, the Urogenital Distress Inventory‐6 (UDI‐6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire‐7 (IIQ‐7), and Patient Global Impression of Improvement Questionnaire.

Results

The mean (sd) follow‐up was 116.3 (30.3) months in Group A and 112 (34.6) months in Group B (P < 0.354); 150.5 (20.4) months in Group C and 145.8 (17.2) months in Group D (P < 0.38). Successful conversion of Stage 1 to Stage 2 showed statistically significant improvement for both <3‐V groups (Groups A and C). Group A had a 93.5% (174/186) conversion rate vs 72.3% (110/152) in Group B for OAB symptoms (P < 0.001). Group C had a 94% (34/36) conversion rate vs 70% (21/30) in Group D (P < 0.017). Defined as a ≥50% reduction in frequency, urgency, urgency incontinence and nocturia, and UDI‐6 and IIQ‐7 scores, the success rate for Group A was 82.1% (143/174) and for Group B was 63% (69/110) (P < 0.001). The mean battery life improved in both <3‐V cohorts (P < 0.001). Annual reprogramming sessions were reduced in Group A and Group C (P < 0.001). Subset analysis of variance showed no statistical improvement in most patient outcomes when 1‐V subjects were compared to 2‐ and 3‐V cohorts. However, 32% of 1‐V patients (P < 0.001) noted the onset of severe pelvic/perirectal pain and big toe plantar flexion movement with small increments in voltage (0.1–0.2 V) during reprogramming. Only 7% of 2‐V and 1% of 3‐V patients experienced this complication.

Conclusions

Significant improvement was noted (up to 40%) in most clinical voiding parameters in the <3‐V patients for both OAB and urinary retention. While <3 V will still statistically improve patient outcomes, a voltage <2 V may elicit self‐reprogramming pain with severe bellows and plantar flexion movement, which may discourage patients from therapy adjustments. We recommend randomised, controlled trials to confirm these results.
Transoral endoscopic examination of head and neck region
Authors: Hamada Kenta , Ishihara Ryu , Yamasaki Yasushi , Akasaka Tomofumi , Arao Masamichi , Iwatsubo Taro , Shichijo Satoki , Matsuura Noriko , Nakahira Hiroko , Kanesaka Takashi , Yamamoto Sachiko , Takeuchi Yoji , Higashino Koji , Uedo Noriya , Kawahara Yoshiro , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: April 2018

Transoral endoscopy with narrow band imaging (NBI) is useful for early detection of head and neck (HN) cancer. However, the lateral and anterior walls of the oropharynx, postcricoid area, and posterior wall of the hypopharynx are difficult to observe using transoral endoscopy. Advanced cancers in these regions may be missed even when NBI is used. This report highlights a method of transoral endoscopic examination of the HN region. For observation of the oral cavity and oropharynx, it is important to observe these regions without using a mouthpiece. Wide opening of the mouth facilitates observation of the oral cavity and oropharynx. Moreover, visibility of the oropharynx, including the anterior wall, is dramatically improved, when the patient positions the tongue forward and says ‘aaah.’ This technique also facilitates observation of the dorsum of the tongue, which is difficult to observe from a tangential view when using a mouthpiece. To observe the hypopharynx, the Valsalva maneuver is very useful. Patient cooperation is important when observing the HN region thoroughly to gain clear endoscopic views. Narcotic drugs, such as pethidine hydrochloride, are ideal for conscious sedation and reduce the gag reflex while still allowing patient cooperation. From the oral cavity to the hypopharynx, including the lateral and anterior walls of the oropharynx, postcricoid area, and posterior wall of the hypopharynx, most of the HN region can be observed during routine examination using transoral endoscopy without any special devices.
The primary prevention of epilepsy: A report of the Prevention Task Force of the International League Against Epilepsy
Authors: Thurman David J. , Begley Charles E. , Carpio Arturo , Helmers Sandra , Hesdorffer Dale C. , Mu Jie , Touré Kamadore , Parko Karen L. , Newton Charles R.
Published: April 2018

Among the causes of epilepsy are several that are currently preventable. In this review, we summarize the public health burden of epilepsy arising from such causes and suggest priorities for primary epilepsy prevention. We conducted a systematic review of published epidemiologic studies of epilepsy of 4 preventable etiologic categories—perinatal insults, traumatic brain injury (TBI), central nervous system (CNS) infection, and stroke. Applying consistent criteria, we assessed the quality of each study and extracted data on measures of risk from those with adequate quality ratings, summarizing findings across studies as medians and interquartile ranges. Among higher‐quality population‐based studies, the median prevalence of active epilepsy across all ages was 11.1 per 1000 population in lower‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC) and 7.0 per 1000 in high‐income countries (HIC). Perinatal brain insults were the largest attributable fraction of preventable etiologies in children, with median estimated fractions of 17% in LMIC and 15% in HIC. Stroke was the most common preventable etiology among older adults with epilepsy, both in LMIC and in HIC, accounting for half or more of all new onset cases. TBI was the attributed cause in nearly 5% of epilepsy cases in HIC and LMIC. CNS infections were a more common attributed cause in LMIC, accounting for about 5% of all epilepsy cases. Among some rural LMIC communities, the median proportion of epilepsy cases attributable to endemic neurocysticercosis was 34%. A large proportion of the overall public health burden of epilepsy is attributable to preventable causes. The attributable fraction for perinatal causes, infections, TBI, and stroke in sum reaches nearly 25% in both LMIC and HIC. Public health interventions addressing maternal and child health care, immunizations, public sanitation, brain injury prevention, and stroke prevention have the potential to significantly reduce the burden of epilepsy.
DNA:RNA hybrids at telomeres – when it is better to be out of the (R) loop
Authors: Toubiana Shir , Selig Sara
Published: April 2018

R‐loops (RLs) are three‐stranded nucleic acid structures that contain a DNA:RNA hybrid and a displaced DNA strand. Genomic regions with GC skew and a G‐rich transcript are particularly prone to form RLs. RLs play important physiological roles in cells; however, when present at abnormally high levels, they may threaten genome stability. The perfect GC skew of telomeric repeats and the discovery of telomeric repeat‐containing RNA (TERRA), a long noncoding transcript that consists of the G‐rich telomeric sequence, make telomeric sequences the perfect candidates for generating RLs. Indeed, in the past 5 years, telomere R‐loops (TRLs) have been demonstrated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Trypanosoma brucei, and human cells. The presence of TRLs in normal human cells that transcribe low levels of TERRA, suggests a physiological role for these nucleic structures in telomere maintenance. Abnormally enhanced TERRA transcription, as found in several human pathological conditions, leads to high TRL levels and various cellular outcomes, depending on the recombinogenic capabilities of the cells. Study of TRLs in various organisms highlights the necessity for tight regulation of these structures, which can switch from beneficial to detrimental under different conditions. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on TRLs, describe several means by which TRLs are regulated, and discuss how findings from yeast are relevant to human pathological scenarios in which TRLs are deregulated.
Light‐weight thermal insulating fly ash cenosphere ceramics
Authors: Urunkar Yogesh , Pandit Aniruddha , Bhargava Parag , Joshi Jyeshtharaj , Mathpati Channamallikarjun , Vasanthakumaran Sudarsan , Jain Dheeraj , Hussain Zakir , Patel Shirish , More Venumadhav
Published: April 2018

Light weight fly ash cenosphere (FAC) ceramic composites were developed by simple slip casting method. Thermal properties, Bulk density, Microstructure, flexural strength, and phase analysis of the FAC ceramic composites were measured. The results proved that the FAC have ability to lower bulk density and thermal conductivity effectively. The lowest thermal conductivity achieved for FAC ceramic composites (0.27 W/m.K) was further reduced 0.21 W/m.K by adding combustible additives ie activated charcoal and corn starch. The flexural strength, bulk density and thermal conductivity of FAC ceramic composites reduced consistently with an increase in FAC content. The maximum flexural strength of 13.45 MPa was achieved with 50% FAC and the minimum flexural strength of 4.07 MPa was obtained with 80% FAC. The open porosity increased from 35.51% to 43.76% and 38.19% with an addition of 15% activated charcoal and corn starch, respectively, when compared to no additives. The bulk density of 699, 619, and 675 kg/m3 was achieved with 80% FAC, 80% FAC with the addition of 15% activated charcoal and corn starch, respectively. The 80% FAC ceramic composite shows low thermal expansion coefficient 6.54 × 10−6/°C at the temperature of 50°C then it varies between 3.7 and 5 × 10−6/°C in the temperature range above 100°C. These results prove that the developed light weight FAC ceramic are excellent low‐cost thermal insulating materials.
Creep and relaxation of cement paste caused by stress‐induced dissolution of hydrated solid components
Authors: Li Xiaodan , Grasley Zachary C. , Bullard Jeffrey W. , Feng Pan
Published: April 2018

The creep and relaxation of cement paste caused by dissolving solid hydration products is evaluated in this work. According to the second law of thermodynamics, dissolution or precipitation of solid constituents may be altered by the change in stress/strain fields inside cement paste via alteration of the stress power or strain energy. Thus, it is hypothesized that stress‐induced dissolution can affect the overall creep/relaxation behavior of cement composites. A novel, fully coupled thermodynamic, mechanical, and microstructural model (TM2) that uses the finite element method was developed to predict the time‐evolving properties of cement paste under prescribed strains and to test the hypothesis. In the model, the strain energy was incorporated to accurately predict the effect of stress and strain fields on cement microstructure change. From the simulation results, depending on the stress/strain levels and the choice of the domain (over which the thermodynamic equilibrium is enforced), stress‐induced dissolution of solid constituents can lead to significant creep/relaxation.
A consensus statement on how to conduct inclusive health research
Authors: Frankena T. K. , Naaldenberg J. , Cardol M. , Garcia Iriarte E. , Buchner T. , Brooker K. , Embregts P. , Joosa E. , Crowther F. , Fudge Schormans A. , Schippers A. , Walmsley J. , O'Brien P. , Linehan C. , Northway R. , van Schrojenstein Lantman‐de Valk H. , Leusink G.
Published: April 2018

Background

The active involvement of people with intellectual disabilities in research, or inclusive research, is relatively common. However, inclusive health research is less common, even though it is expected to lead to appropriate healthcare and increased quality of life. Inclusive health research can build upon lessons learned from inclusive research.

Method

A total of 17 experts on inclusive (health) research without intellectual disabilities and 40 experts with intellectual disabilities collaborated in this consensus statement. The consensus statement was developed in three consecutive rounds: (1) an initial feedback round; (2) a roundtable discussion at the 2016 International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities World Congress; and (3) a final feedback round.

Results

This consensus statement provides researchers with guidelines, agreed upon by experts in the field, regarding attributes, potential outcomes, reporting and publishing, and future research directions, for designing and conducting inclusive health research.

Conclusions

Consensus was reached on how to design and conduct inclusive health research. However, this statement should be continuously adapted to incorporate recent knowledge. The focus of this consensus statement is largely on inclusive health research, but the principles can also be applied to other areas.
Oleic acid enhances keratinocytes differentiation via the upregulation of miR‐203 in human epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Kim Yun Jung , Lee Seong‐Beom , Lee Hyang Burm
Published: April 2018

Background

Oleic acid (OA) is an unsaturated free fatty acid (FFA) constituent of sebum. FFAs modulate keratinocyte differentiation. In this study, we determined whether OA affects keratinocyte differentiation in neonatal human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKn).

Methods

HEKn was grown in EpiLife medium. The cells were treated with various concentrations of OA. The expression levels of keratin 10 and involucrin were determined using Western blotting (for the proteins) and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) (for the mRNAs). Cytoskeletal changes were investigated by immunofluorescent staining. The levels of microRNA (miR)‐203 were determined by stem‐loop qRT‐PCR. The effect of miR‐203 on keratinocyte differentiation was evaluated using anti‐miR‐203.

Results

Treatment with OA promoted the expression of keratin 10 and involucrin, which are markers of spinous and granular layer keratinocytes, respectively. Treatment with OA also induced cell stratification and cytoskeletal changes such as the concentric ring organization of actin, a loss of planar polarity, and increased localization of epithelial cadherin (E‐cadherin) at cell‐cell contacts. OA increased the expression of miR‐203, which is associated with keratinocyte differentiation, and reduced the expression of p63, a target of miR‐203, in HEKn. Furthermore, transfection with anti‐miR‐203 suppressed the OA‐induced expression of involucrin.

Conclusions

Oleic acid accelerates keratinocyte differentiation via the upregulation of miR‐203 in HEKn under sub‐confluent conditions.
Effects of lactic acid bacteria and smectite after aflatoxin B1 challenge on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and blood parameters of broilers
Authors: Liu N. , Ding K. , Wang J. , Deng Q. , Gu K. , Wang J.
Published: April 2018

This study aimed to investigate the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and smectite on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and blood parameters of broilers that were fed diets contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). A total of 480 newly hatched male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated into four groups with six replicates of 20 chicks each. The broilers were fed diets with the AFB1 (40 μg/kg) challenge or without (control) it and supplemented with smectite (3.0 g/kg) or LAB (4.0 × 1010 CFU/kg) based on the AFB1 diet. The trial lasted for 42 days. The results showed that during days 1–42 of AFB1 challenge, the feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) were depressed (p < .05). The inclusion of LAB and smectite increased (p < .05) the BWG by 71.58 and 41.89 g/bird, respectively, which reached the level of the control diet (p ≥ .05), but there were no differences (p ≥ .05) in performance between LAB and smectite. LAB and smectite also increased (p < .05) the apparent total tract digestibility of the crude protein. Regarding the blood parameters, AFB1 decreased (p < .05) the levels of red blood cell count, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, haemoglobin, albumin and total protein. In the meantime, the AFB1 increased (p < .05) leucocyte counts, urea nitrogen, cholesterol, total bilirubin, creatinine, glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. By contrast, LAB and smectite affected (p < .05) these parameters in the opposite direction. It can be concluded that after the AFB1 challenge, LAB and smectite have similar effects on the growth and health of the broilers, suggesting that LAB could be an alternative against AFB1 in commercial animal feeds.
Meaning, lived experience, empathy and boredom: Max van Manen on phenomenology and Heidegger
Authors: Paley John
Published: April 2018

Phenomenology as Qualitative Research: A Critical Analysis of Meaning Attribution has attracted the attention of Max van Manen, who has published a highly critical review article. Anyone reading this article, but unfamiliar with the book, will get a distorted view of what it is about, whom it is addressed to, what it tries to achieve, and how it goes about presenting its arguments. Not mildly distorted, in need of the odd correction here and there, but systematically misrepresented. One problem is that van Manen appears to have an idée fixe which prevents him from recognizing that the book is not about a certain philosophical tradition (known as “phenomenology”), but about a particular type of qualitative research (also known, unfortunately and confusingly, as “phenomenology”). A second idée fixe disposes him to misread an earlier article of mine and (much more seriously) three works by Heidegger. My aim in this article is to describe these two idées fixes, and exhibit their consequences. In doing so, I will examine what van Manen has to say on four crucial topics: meaning, lived experience, empathy, and Heidegger's analysis of boredom in The Fundamental Concepts of Metaphysics.
Psychosocial predictors of medication non‐adherence in pediatric organ transplantation: A systematic review
Authors: Killian Michael O. , Schuman Donna L. , Mayersohn Gillian S. , Triplett Kelli N.
Published: April 2018

Adherence to immunosuppressant medication is critical to health and quality‐of‐life outcomes for children who have received a solid organ transplant. Research on the psychological and social predictors of medication adherence is essential to the advancement of pretransplant assessments and transplant psychosocial services. Despite the importance of identifying risk factors, the literature remains limited regarding psychosocial predictors of non‐adherence. A systematic search was conducted to identify studies of the psychosocial predictors of post‐transplant medication non‐adherence in pediatric solid organ transplantation. From 1363 studies identified in searches of empirical literature, a final sample consisted of 54 publications representing 49 unique studies. Findings regarding psychosocial predictors were inconsistent with non‐adherence associated largely with adolescence, racial/ethnic minority status, and presence of mental health issues. Familial predictors of non‐adherence problems included single‐parent households, lower socioeconomic status, lower family cohesion, presence of family conflict, and poor family communication. Several studies reported an association between non‐adherence and social pressures (eg, peer social interaction, wanting to feel normal) among adolescent transplant recipients. While significant methodological and substantive gaps remain in this body of knowledge, this review synthesizes current evidence for assessment for transplant clinicians and researchers.