bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prodromal substantia nigra sonography undermines suggested association between substrate accumulation and the risk for GBA‐related Parkinson's disease
Authors: Arkadir D. , Dinur T. , Becker Cohen M. , Revel‐Vilk S. , Tiomkin M. , Brüggemann N. , Cozma C. , Rolfs A. , Zimran A.
Published: February 2019

Background and purpose

Individuals with
GBA
(glucocerebrosidase) mutations are at increased risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). It is still debated, however, whether this increased risk results from impaired glucocerebrosidase activity leading to substrate accumulation. Comparing the presence of prodromal PD marker in
GBA
mutation carriers and patients with Gaucher disease (GD) (in which substrate accumulation is extensive) can assist in clarifying this issue.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we compared the hyperechogenic area of the substantia nigra, a prodromal PD marker, in large cohorts of
GBA
mutation carriers (n = 71) and patients with GD (n = 145). Our control populations were healthy, non‐carriers (n = 49) and patients with
GBA
‐related PD (n = 11). Substrate accumulation was assessed from dry blood spot levels of glucosylsphingosine.

Results

Our findings indicate no contribution of substrate accumulation, as the area of hyperechogenicity is similarly enlarged relative to healthy controls in both
GBA
mutation carriers and patients with GD. Moreover, this similarity between
GBA
carriers and patients with GD persists when comparing only carriers of the N370S (c.1226A>G) mutation (n = 38) with untreated patients with GD who were homozygotes for the same mutation (n = 47). In addition, measurements of hyperechogenic area did not correlate with levels of glucosylsphingosine in the untreated patients with GD.

Conclusion

The presence of a marker of prodromal PD (substantia nigra hyperechogenicity) is independent of substrate accumulation in a population with mutated
GBA
. Although further longitudinal studies are needed to determine the precise predictive value of this marker for
GBA
‐related PD, our findings raise doubts regarding the contribution of substance reduction strategies to PD prevention.
Bats join the ranks of oxpeckers and cleaner fish as partners in a pest‐reducing mutualism
Authors: Palmer Meredith S. , Krueger Jim , Isbell Forest
Published: February 2019

While antagonistic species interactions such as predation or competition have a long history of study, positive inter‐species interactions have received comparatively little attention. Mutualisms and commensalisms appear to be widespread in the animal kingdom, with examples of mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles from around the world engaging with other species in evidentially beneficial ways. Cleaning mutualism is a specific type positive inter‐species interaction in which one species removes and feeds upon parasites infesting the other. Here, we document a new subset of positive inter‐species “cleaning” interactions, in which one partner benefits from and reduces the abundance of pest species attracted by but not attached to their host. We observed in person and in camera trap footage numerous instances of insectivorous bats associating with white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and feeding on the swarms of biting flies attracted to these large mammals. We call for the increased reporting of positive inter‐species associations to better our understanding of the mechanisms leading to the formation of these interactions and the effects that these relationships may for the structuring of ecological communities.
Long‐term dietary shift and population decline of a pelagic seabird—A health check on the tropical Atlantic?
Authors: Reynolds S. James , Hughes B. John , Wearn Colin P. , Dickey Roger C. , Brown Judith , Weber Nicola L. , Weber Sam B. , Paiva Vitor H. , Ramos Jaime A.
Published: February 2019

In the face of accelerating ecological change to the world's oceans, seabirds are some of the best bio‐indicators of marine ecosystem function. However, unravelling ecological changes that pre‐date modern monitoring programmes remains challenging. Using stable isotope analysis of feathers and regurgitants collected from sooty terns (Onychoprion fuscatus) nesting at a major Atlantic colony, we reconstructed a long‐term dietary time series from 1890 to the present day and show that a significant dietary shift occurred during the second half of the twentieth century coinciding with an apparent population collapse of approximately 84%. After correcting for the “Suess Effect,” δ13C in feathers declined by ~1.5‰ and δ15N by ~2‰ between the 1890s and the present day, indicating that birds changed their diets markedly over the period of population decline. Isotopic niches were equally wide before and after the population collapse but isotopic mixing models suggest that birds have grown ever more reliant on nutrient‐poor squid and invertebrates as teleost fish have declined in availability. Given that sooty terns rely heavily on associations with sub‐surface predators such as tuna to catch fish prey, the rapid expansion of industrialized fisheries for these species over the same period seems a plausible mechanism. Our results suggest that changes to marine ecosystems over the past 60 years have had a dramatic impact on the ecology of the most abundant seabird of tropical oceans, and highlight the potentially pervasive consequences of large predatory fish depletion on marine ecosystem function.
Black ceramic coatings on Ti alloy with enhanced high absorptivity and high emissivity by plasma electrolytic oxidation
Authors: Yao Zhongping , Li Xuejian , Wei Han , Xia Qixing , Wang Ying , Li Dongqi , Jiang Zhaohua
Published: February 2019

A black ceramic coating with high absorptivity and emissivity was successfully prepared on TA7 (Ti‐5Al‐2.5Sn) in a hybrid electrolyte solution by plasma electrolytic oxidation for improving the imaging precision of optical system. The influence of electrolyte components and technical parameters on the composition, structure, and optical properties was investigated. The results show the coatings with typically porous structure are mainly composed of O, P, Si, Ti, V, Fe, and Ni. The corresponding amorhous oxide in the outer layer endows the coating with strong absorption in the visible light and infrared areas, and the crystallized TiO2 indwelling the inner layer contributes to the strong UV absorption property. In addition, the micropores of the coatings have different size ranges corresponding to the wavelengths, facilitating the increase of absorptivity and emissivity in some degree. The absorptivity and emissivity can be adjusted by electrolyte components and technical parameters. The coating presents the best absorptivity of 0.962 and emissivity of 0.950 in the electrolyte solution of 3 g/L NH4VO3, 5 g/L FeSO4, and 5 g/L C4H6O4Ni under 400 V for 10 minutes.
Effect of partially defatted coconut flour on the rheological, physico‐sensory characteristics and fatty acid profile of no‐added fat rusk
Authors: Chandrashekar Soumya , Thangaraj Jeyarani , Dasappa Indrani
Published: February 2019

Partially defatted coconut flour (PDCF) as a source of medium chain fatty acids was selected to replace fat in rusk formulation. Effect of replacement of wheat flour with PDCF (10%, 20% and 30%) on quality characteristics of rusk was studied. Increasing PDCF from 0% to 30% decreased farinograph water absorption, amylograph peak viscosity and overall quality score (52.5 to 19.5) of rusk. Use of additive mix, AM (4% dry gluten powder + 0.002% fungal α‐amylase) to 20% PDCF, increased the farinograph dough stability, strength of the paste during heating and overall quality score (39.5 to 50.5). The rusk with 20% PDCF + AM was stable up to 30 days, had 1.6, 5.5 times higher protein and dietary fibre contents as compared to control rusk respectively. The fat in the rusk had zero trans fatty acids and contained 66.2% medium chain fatty acids with lauric acid as a major fatty acid.
Waste from brewing (trub) as a source of protein for the food industry
Authors: Saraiva Bianka Rocha , Anjo Fernando Antônio , Vital Ana Carolina Pelaes , Silva Lucas Henrique Maldonado da , Ogawa Camilla Yara Langer , Sato Francielle , Coimbra Ladislau Beims , Matumoto‐Pintro Paula Toshimi
Published: February 2019

The use of agro‐industrial waste for food enrichment can be limited, due to taste, odour, colour and other unpleasant characteristics. Trub (brewing waste) has important nutrients, such as proteins and carbohydrates, and phytochemical compounds; however, its applications are hindered by the astringent flavour. In order to reduce the bitterness of trub, aqueous extractions were realized at high temperature (100 °C per 1 h) in five steps. Two fractions were obtained; a liquid fraction (containing bitter compounds) and a solid fraction (the trub after the extraction process; TAP). Both fractions and the trub before the extraction process (TBP) were evaluated. The bitterness of TBP was significantly reduced in TAP while the protein content increased; TAP presented a branched network and changes in its structure. The reduction in bitterness and the high protein content allows the use of trub in the food industry.
The Education‐Migration Industry: International Students, Migration Policy and the Question of Skills
Authors: Baas Michiel
Published: February 2019

This special section specifically focuses on student‐migrants and the way they are being catered to by an emerging education‐migration industry. The articles included build upon the observation that especially within the Asia‐Pacific region there is an increasing conflation and entanglement between categories of international students and skilled migrants. This has led to an emerging “industry” that facilitates study‐abroad trajectories and acts as broker for two‐step migration pathways. This Introduction aims to situate the research presented here within the broader context of a burgeoning field of research which examines the growing popularity of international education across the Asia‐Pacific region; the way its emergence is increasingly entangled with specific ambitions that skilled migration programmes cater to; and the way highly regulated skilled migration programmes have given rise to a migration industry in general.
The Migration Industry and the H‐2 Visa in the United States: Employers, Labour Intermediaries, and the State
Authors: Anderson Joseph Trawicki
Published: February 2019

Research on the migration industry has demonstrated the wide variety of roles played by private actors in international migration. However, so far little of this work has attempted to quantitatively measure the size and composition of these industries within particular migration schemes. Using the case of the H‐2 temporary working visa in the US, this article looks to better understand the prevalence, impact, and dynamics of the private labour intermediaries that offer services toUSemployers looking to hire workers from abroad. Using data from applications to hire foreign workers made to theUSDepartment of Labor, this article finds that private intermediaries are extensively involved. Their broad inclusion raises questions of public and private authority in the visa programme, as the use of private intermediaries becomes necessary for employers to access and navigate the state institutions that oversee the programme.
Influences of Mn doping on the microstructural, semiconducting, and optoelectronic properties of HgO nanostructure films
Authors: El‐Hagary Magdy , Moustafa Said H. , Hashem Hany , Shaaban Essam R. , Emam‐Ismail Mohamed
Published: February 2019

Mn‐doped HgO nanostructured thin films (Hg1‐xMnxO) have been prepared using electron beam evaporation technique on Corning glass (1022) substrate at room temperature with different concentrations x = 0, 0.015, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2. The microstructural, morphological, semiconducting, and optoelectronic properties of the films have been investigated. The X‐ray diffraction spectra suggest a hexagonal wurtzite type structure with lattice parameters decreased with increasing Mn content. It was found that the average particle size of the films decreases with increasing Mn doping which is confirmed by FE‐SEM and AFM micrographs. The optical band gap of the investigated Mn‐doped HgO nanocrystalline films is determined from the absorption coefficient and found to increase with the increase of Mn concentration which is attributed to the sp‐d exchange interaction and/or the quantum confinement effect. The refractive index and extinction coefficient of the Mn‐doped HgO films are also reported. The refractive index dispersion n(λ) is analyzed by single‐effective‐oscillator dispersion model proposed by the Wemple–DiDomenico (WDD). The oscillator parameters were estimated. The obtained dispersion values are suitable for the design of optoelectronic devices.
Ionic interdiffusion as interaction mechanism between Al and Si3N4
Authors: Adabifiroozjaei Esmaeil , Koshy Pramod , Emadi Fahimeh , Mofarah Sajjad S. , Ma Hongyang , Rastkerdar Ebad , Lim Sean , Webster Richard F. , Mitchell David R.G. , Sorrell Charles C.
Published: February 2019

Al‐Si3N4 couples were heat‐treated at 850‐1150°C for 250 hours. The thickness of the interacted area was measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning/transmission electron microscopy (TEM/STEM). The interaction rate increases exponentially with inverse temperature, with an activation energy of 194.23 kJ/mol and diffusion pre‐coefficient of 5 × 10−9 m2/s, indicating that the interaction is diffusion‐dependent. As the results showed, the interfacial area is comprised of Al alloy channels, Si precipitates, and AlN grains. Al‐Si transfer through the solid solution (Si3‐xAlxN4‐y) at the interface of Al alloy and β‐Si3N4 grains controls the kinetic of the interaction. When concentration of Al in solid solution exceeds a certain amount, it undergoes a topotactic phase transformation to form Al1‐xSixN1+y (viz., AlN). Next, the Al1‐xSixN1+y grains detach from the β‐Si3N4 grains and subsequently new Al‐Si3N4 interfaces are established. These interfaces repeat the interaction process, continuing until all the reactant is depleted. Thus, the interaction kinetics consist of a sequence of associated parabolic stages, precluding the observation of parabolic kinetics.
Two common invertebrate predators show varying predation responses to different types of sentinel prey
Authors: Greenop Arran , Cecelja Andreas , Woodcock Ben A. , Wilby Andrew , Cook Samantha M. , Pywell Richard F.
Published: February 2019

Sentinel prey (an artificially manipulated patch of prey) are widely used to assess the level of predation provided by natural enemies in agricultural systems. Whilst a number of different methodologies are currently in use, little is known about how arthropod predators respond to artificially manipulated sentinel prey in comparison with predation on free‐living prey populations. We assessed how attack rates on immobilized (aphids stuck to cards) and artificial (plasticine lepidopteran larvae mimics) sentinel prey differed to predation on free‐moving live prey (aphids). Predation was assessed in response to density of the common invertebrate predators, a foliar‐active ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and a ground‐active beetle Pterostichus madidus (Coleoptera: Carabidae). Significant increases in attack rates were found for the immobilized and artificial prey between the low and high predator density treatments. However, an increased predator density did not significantly reduce numbers of free‐living live aphids included in the mesocosms in addition to the alternate prey. We also found no signs of predation on the artificial prey by the predator H. axyridis. These findings suggest that if our assessment of predation had been based solely on the foliar artificial prey, then no increase in predation would have been found in response to increased predator density. Our results demonstrate that predators differentially respond to sentinel prey items which could affect the level of predation recorded where target pest species are not being used.
Molecular characterization and pathogenicity of Francisella noatunensis subsp. orientalis isolated from cultured tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) in Taiwan
Authors: Pulpipat Theeraporn , Lin Kuo‐Hua , Chen Ying‐Hao , Wang Pei‐Chi , Chen Shih‐Chu
Published: February 2019

Francisella noatunensis subsp. orientalis is a causative agent of systemic granulomatous disease in tilapia. The present study was designed to understand the genetic and phenotypic diversities among Taiwanese Fno isolates obtained from tilapia (n = 17) and green Texas cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) (n = 1). The enzymatic profiles of the isolates were studied using the API ZYM system. Phylogenetic tree analysis of the 16S rRNA and housekeeping gene and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were carried out to determine the genotypic characters of all isolates. The phylogenetic tree showed similarity of 99%–100% nucleotide sequences of 16S rRNA and housekeeping genes compared to the Fno references genes from GenBank database. Comparatively, the results revealed an identical profile of enzymatic and PFGE pattern which was distincted from that of F. philomiragia. To understand the pathogenicity, the isolates were intraperitoneal injected to tilapia the gross lesions were observed concomitant with natural outbreak. Median lethal dose upon Nile tilapia and red tilapia were 9.06 × 103 CFU/fish and 2.08 × 102 CFU/fish, respectively. Thus, our data provide understanding the epidemiology of Taiwanese Fno isolates, and help in development of future control and prevention.
Adaptive Identification of Cortical and Subcortical Imaging Markers of Early Life Stress and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Salminen Lauren E. , Morey Rajendra A. , Riedel Brandalyn C. , Jahanshad Neda , Dennis Emily L. , Thompson Paul M.
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heterogeneous condition associated with a range of brain imaging abnormalities. Early life stress (ELS) contributes to this heterogeneity, but we do not know how a history of ELS influences traditionally defined brain signatures of PTSD. Here, we used a novel machine learning method – evolving partitions to improve classification (EPIC) – to identify shared and unique structural neuroimaging markers of ELS and PTSD in 97 combat‐exposed military veterans.

METHODS

We used EPIC with repeated cross‐validation (CV) to determine how combinations of cortical thickness, surface area, and subcortical brain volumes could contribute to classification of PTSD (n = 40) versus controls (n = 57), and classification of ELS within the PTSD (ELS+ n = 16; ELS− n = 24) and control groups (ELS+ n = 16; ELS− n = 41). Additional inputs included intracranial volume, age, sex, adult trauma, and depression.

RESULTS

On average, EPIC classified PTSD with 69% accuracy (SD = 5%), and ELS with 64% accuracy in the PTSD group (SD = 10%), and 62% accuracy in controls (SD = 6%). EPIC selected unique sets of individual features that classified each group with 75‐85% accuracy in post hoc analyses; combinations of regions marginally improved classification from the individual atlas‐defined brain regions. Across analyses, surface area in the right posterior cingulate was the only variable that was repeatedly selected as an important feature for classification of PTSD and ELS.

CONCLUSIONS

EPIC revealed unique patterns of features that distinguished PTSD and ELS in this sample of combat‐exposed military veterans, which may represent distinct biotypes of stress‐related neuropathology.
Do the effects of interpersonal emotion regulation depend on people's underlying motives?
Authors: Niven Karen , Troth Ashlea C. , Holman David
Published: February 2019

Attempts to improve others' feelings have positive consequences, while attempts to worsen others' feelings have negative consequences. But do such effects depend on the motives underlying these attempts? In an experimental study, we tested whether leaders' apparent motives influence the effects of their interpersonal emotion regulation on followers. We found that the positive effects of using affect‐improving (vs. affect‐worsening) strategies on relational outcomes and discretional performance outcomes were largely enhanced when the leader exhibited prosocial motives but diminished when the leader exhibited egoistic motives. Our findings add nuance to our understanding of the effects of interpersonal emotion regulation at work.

Practitioner points

When leaders try to influence their followers' emotions, the consequences not only depend on the type of strategy used (improving vs. worsening), but also the leaders' apparent motives.

If egoistic (vs. prosocial) motives underpin leaders' interpersonal emotional regulation, the positive effects of affect‐improving (vs. affect‐worsening) on leader–follower relationship quality and follower discretional performance are significantly reduced.

Leaders should be aware of the behaviours they use during interactions with their followers as well as how their motives might be perceived.
Evaluation of the carryover effect of antibiotic, bee pollen and propolis on growth performance, carcass traits and splenic and hepatic histology of growing rabbits
Authors: Attia Youssef A. , Bovera Fulvia , Abd‐Elhamid Abd El-Hamid E. , Calabrò Serena , Mandour Mohamed A. , Al‐Harthi Mohammed A. , Hassan Sabar S.
Published: February 2019

Sixty‐four nulliparous female rabbits were distributed among eight groups (eight animals/group). Group one was the unsupplemented control group; the other seven groups were supplemented with zinc bacitracin (ZnB) at 100 mg, or bee pollen (BP) and/or propolis (Pro) at 150 and 300 mg in a capsulated form, three times a week, day after day, continuously all over the experimental period. The experiment was run for eight parties; at each parity, 28 kids of each doe group (a total of 224 rabbits) were divided into two subgroups weaned, respectively, at 24 and 30 days of age. Thus, for each parity, there were 16 groups (eight does treatments × two weaning age, 14 rabbits per group). The growing rabbits fed the standard diets without supplements. The growth performance, the carcass traits, the liver and the spleen histology of rabbits were checked up to 90 days of age to find possible carryover effects of the supplements. The supplements had no significant effect on most of the growth performance at 90 days of age, but BP150 and BP+Pro300 increased the growth rate in comparison with ZnB group. The liver weight in the control, BP300 and Pro300 groups was higher than the ZnB one. The spleen weight was higher in the groups ZnB, BP150, Pro300 and BP+Pro300, followed by the control, BP300 and BP+Pro150 and thus Pro150. The heart % in the BP150 and Pro300 groups was higher than ZnB and BP+Pro150 groups. A lymphoid hyperplasia of splenic white pulp was observed in the BP+Pro groups, while propolis alone showed a mild activation of lymphobiosis. The Pro and BP groups showed the same picture of the control group exhibiting a hydropic degeneration of mostly hepatic cells, while the ZnB group exhibited adverse effect on the bile ducts featuring portal periductal inflammatory cells infiltration with epithelial hyperplasia reflecting chronic cholangitis.
Am I (hyper)aroused or anxious? Clinical significance of pre‐sleep somatic arousal in young adults
Authors: Puzino Kristina , Frye Sara S. , LaGrotte Caitlin A. , Vgontzas Alexandros N. , Fernandez‐Mendoza Julio
Published: February 2019

Self‐reported somatic arousal remains a challenging clinical construct, particularly because only a subset of patients report symptoms such as racing heart, palpitations or increased body temperature interfering with their sleep. It is unclear whether self‐reported somatic arousal is a marker of hyperarousal or co‐morbid clinical anxiety in individuals with insomnia. Participants included 196 young adults aged 20.2 ± 1.0 years old who were predominantly females (75%). About 39% of the sample reported subthreshold insomnia, and about 8% reported clinically significant insomnia, based on their Insomnia Severity Index. Participants completed the Pre‐Sleep Arousal Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Arousal Predisposition Scale, and Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test. Multivariable stepwise regression assessed which factors were independently associated with pre‐sleep cognitive (Pre‐Sleep Arousal Scale‐Cognitive) and somatic (Pre‐Sleep Arousal Scale‐Somatic) arousal. Receiver‐operating characteristic analysis assessed the predictive value to identify clinically significant anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory ≥ 20), insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index ≥ 15) and arousability (Arousal Predisposition Scale ≥ 32). Beck Anxiety Inventory (β = 0.42) was the best single correlate of Pre‐Sleep Arousal Scale‐Somatic, while Insomnia Severity Index (β = 0.33) was of Pre‐Sleep Arousal Scale‐Cognitive. A Pre‐Sleep Arousal Scale‐Somatic score of 12 or more identified those with clinically significant anxiety with 65% specificity and 65% sensitivity, while a cut‐off score of 14 increased its sensitivity (86%). Self‐reported pre‐sleep somatic arousal may be an index of co‐morbid clinical anxiety in individuals with insomnia. These findings aid clinicians with assessment and treatment, particularly in the absence of clinical guidelines indicating when somatically focused relaxation techniques should be included as part of multicomponent cognitive behavioural treatment of insomnia.
Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacinHCl‐2H2O (ENRO‐C),PK/PD, and Monte Carlo modeling vs. Leptospiraspp. in cows
Authors: Mendoza Jesús , Gutierrez Lilia , Gutiérrez José Á. , Bustos Felipe A. , Sumano Hector
Published: February 2019

The pharmacokinetics,PK/PDratios, and Monte Carlo modeling of enrofloxacinHCl‐2H2O (Enro‐C) and its reference preparation (Enro‐R) were determined in cows. Fifty‐four Jersey cows were randomly assigned to six groups receiving a singleIMdose of 10, 15, or 20 mg/kg of Enro‐C (Enro‐C10, Enro‐C15, Enro‐C20) or Enro‐R. Serial serum samples were collected and enrofloxacin concentrations quantified. A composite set of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ofLeptospiraspp. was utilized to calculatePK/PDratios: maximum serum concentration/MIC(Cmax/MIC90) and area under the serum vs. time concentration of enrofloxacin/MIC(AUC0‐24/MIC90). Monte Carlo simulations targetedCmax/MIC = 10 andAUC0‐24/MIC = 125. MeanCmaxobtained were 6.17 and 2.46 μg/ml; 8.75 and 3.54 μg/ml; and 13.89 and 4.25 μg/ml, respectively for Enro‐C and Enro‐R.Cmax/MIC90ratios were 6.17 and 2.46, 8.75 and 3.54, and 13.89 and 4.25 for Enro‐C and Enro‐R, respectively. Monte Carlo simulations based onCmax/MIC90 = 10 indicate that only Enro‐C15and Enro‐C20may be useful to treat leptospirosis in cows, predicting a success rate ≥95% whenMIC50 = 0.5 μg/ml, and ≥80% whenMIC90 = 1.0 μg/ml. Although Enro‐C15and Enro‐C20may be useful to treat leptospirosis in cattle, clinical trials are necessary to confirm this proposal.
Risk factors for postoperative urinary retention among women who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Choi Jae Hwi , Yoon Sol , Lee Sin Woo , Jeh Seong Uk , Hwa Jeong Seok , Hyun Jae Seog , Chung Ky Hyun , Seo Deok Ha , Lee Chunwoo , Kam Sung Chul , Choi See Min
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for postoperative urinary retention (POUR) among female patients by evaluating its occurrence in women who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Gyeongsang National University Hospital.

Methods

The medical records of female patients who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder stones between March 2014 and February 2018 were reviewed. Information was collected regarding patient age, body mass index (BMI), creatinine, absolute neutrophil count, duration of the operation and anesthesia, the amount of fluid infused, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and medical comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, and lung, liver, heart, renal, and neurologic disease. Comparisons were made between the POUR and non‐POUR groups, and both univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted.

Results

Seventeen of 591 patients (2.9%) developed POUR. There as a positive correlation between age and POUR (P = 0.040), and a negative correlation between BMI and POUR (P = 0.037). In addition, a history of neurologic disease was greater in the POUR group (P = 0.033), which also had a higher ASA class than the non‐POUR group (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that a high ASA class was a risk factor for POUR (hazard ratio 3.01; 95% confidence interval 1.13‐7.99; P = 0.027).

Conclusions

Medical care providers need to be aware of the risk factors for POUR, which is likely to prolong hospital stay for Foley catheter placement. A high ASA class is an important risk factor for POUR among female patients, so medical staff need to provide proper preoperative management strategies for patients with a high ASA class.
What Motivates Chinese University Students to Learn Japanese? Understanding Their Motivation in Terms of ‘Posture’
Authors: TEO TIMOTHY , HOI CATHY KA WENG , GAO XUESONG , LV LEINING
Published: February 2019

In light of popular nationalism on the rise in China and Japan, this inquiry develops and validates a survey instrument to document university students’ motivation to learn Japanese in mainland China and explore how the learning of a foreign language may lead to better cross‐cultural understanding. A total number of 398 Chinese learners of Japanese in Chinese universities participated in the survey and 12 of them participated further in post‐survey interviews. The results confirm that participants’ interest in Japan‐related products, employment opportunities, and activities contribute to the motivation to learn the language for cross‐cultural understanding and undertake cross‐cultural exchanges with Japanese people. The results suggest that increased exposure to Japan‐related affairs in the media coverage undermines their desire for intercultural communication and increases the approach for interacting with Japanese people. This means it is necessary for Japanese language educators to engage with Japanese language learners and to address macro contextual processes such as rising tensions between the two countries, negative coverage on China in Japan's media, and negative coverage on Japan in the Chinese media.
Robot‐assisted Minimally‐invasive Internal Fixation of Pelvic Ring Injuries: A Single‐center Experience
Authors: Liu Hua‐shui , Duan Sheng‐jun , Xin Fu‐zhen , Zhang Zhen , Wang Xue‐guang , Liu Shi‐dong
Published: February 2019

Objective

To investigate the indications, surgical strategy and techniques, safety, and efficacy of robot‐assisted minimally‐invasive internal fixation of pelvic ring injuries.

Methods

The clinical data of 86 patients with anterior and posterior pelvic ring injuries who underwent robot‐assisted minimally‐invasive internal fixation were retrospectively analyzed. The patients included 57 men and 29 women aged between 22 and 75 years, with an average age of (40.2 ± 13.6) years. According to the Tile classification, there were 5 (5.8%) type A2, 48 (55.8%) type B, and 33 (38.4%) type C fractures. The surgical plans were formulated based on the injury type of the pelvic ring, the effectiveness of the reduction, and the integrity of the osseous channel. Posterior pelvic ring injuries were treated with robot‐assisted percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of the sacroiliac joint. Anterior pelvic ring injuries were treated with robot‐assisted percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of the pubic ramus, INFIX fixation, or a “hybrid” fixation. The surgical complications and the efficacy of the surgical treatments were analyzed.

Results

A total of 274 screws were inserted with robotic assistance, of which 262 screws were successfully inserted to a satisfactory position on the first attempt. The number of screws placed per person was 3.2 on average, and the average operation time was 175 min (35–280 min). Fluoroscopies were performed an average of 29.1 times (range, 9–63 times), and it took 6.1 s to place each screw. There were 13 unsatisfactory guiding needle placements during the surgeries, among 7 of which cutting or penetration of the cortex was re‐planned until satisfactory insertions; 1 penetrated the pubic cortex, causing hemorrhage of the “crown of death,” and was changed to “hybrid surgery”. The robot‐assisted surgical wounds all healed by primary intention with satisfactory position and precision of screw insertions. All patients were followed up for 3–6 months, with an average of 4.2 months. There were two postoperative fixation failures, in which both patients had separated symphysis pubes after hybrid surgery. The average Majeed score at the last follow‐up was 92.4 points.

Conclusions

Robot‐assisted surgery is accurate and minimally invasive, with a high success rate for one‐time screw placement and satisfactory clinical results. The indications and surgical strategy should be rigorously selected, the level of surgical techniques mastered, and the operating procedures standardized, all of which may help to prevent surgical complications. Robot‐assisted surgery provides a novel modality for the minimally‐invasive treatment of pelvic ring injuries.
Effects of the influenza vaccine on pediatric kidney transplant outcomes
Authors: Camerino Megan , Jackson Scott , Chinnakotla Srinath , Verghese Priya
Published: February 2019

The influenza vaccine is critical for preventing influenza‐related complications in transplant patients. Previous studies demonstrated de novo donor‐specific antibody formation and rejection following the influenza vaccination. This risk has not been adequately assessed in the pediatric population. We performed a single‐center retrospective analysis of 187 unique pediatric kidney transplant recipients, transplanted from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2015, assessing for an association of the influenza vaccination with various transplant outcomes. The influenza vaccine was received by 125 of 187 patients within the first year post‐transplant. Using log‐rank tests and Kaplan‐Meier curves, vaccinated patients had a significantly lower risk of mortality (P = 0.048). There were no differences in death‐censored graft survival (P = 0.253), graft survival (P = 0.098), or rejection (P = 0.195) between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. To address the problem of multiple exposures for a yearly vaccine, Cox proportional hazards regression was utilized with post‐transplant vaccination status considered as a time‐dependent covariate; analyses were performed using both a 360‐ and 180‐day vaccination period following any post‐transplant influenza vaccination. In this model, being vaccinated did not result in a significant difference in mortality (HR 0.90 [0.16, 5.15], P = 0.91), death‐censored graft survival (HR 0.70 [0.31, 1.58], P = 0.39), graft survival (HR 0.69 [0.32, 1.49], P = 0.34), or rejection (HR 0.67 [0.37, 1.19], P = 0.17). Eight patients developed de novo donor‐specific antibodies following the first post‐transplant influenza vaccination; three then developed biopsy‐proven rejection. These results suggest influenza vaccination is safe in pediatric kidney transplant recipients, and larger prospective studies are required to conclusively confirm our findings.
Relative effects of postnatal rapid growth and maternal factors on early childhood growth trajectories
Authors: Zheng Miaobing , Bowe Steven J. , Hesketh Kylie D. , Bolton Kristy , Laws Rachel , Kremer Peter , Ong Ken K. , Lioret Sandrine , Denney‐Wilson Elizabeth , Campbell Karen J.
Published: February 2019

Background

A range of postnatal and maternal factors influences childhood obesity, but their relative importance remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the relative impact of postnatal rapid growth and maternal factors on early childhood growth trajectories.

Subjects

Secondary longitudinal analysis of pooled data from the Melbourne Infant Feeding Activity and Nutrition Trial (InFANT) Program and the InFANT Extend Program (n = 977) was performed. Children's height and weight were collected at birth, 3, 9, 18, and 36/42 months. Body mass index‐for‐age and height‐for‐age z‐scores (BAZ, HAZ) were computed using WHO growth standards. Mixed‐effect polynomial regression models were fitted to examine BAZ and HAZ trajectories and their determinants.

Results

Rapid growth from birth to 3 months, maternal country of birth, and pre‐pregnancy BMI were each independently associated with BAZ from 3 to 42 months. Children with rapid growth, those whose mothers were Australian‐born, and those whose mothers were overweight/obese pre‐pregnancy had higher BAZ from 3 to 42 months. Children with rapid growth had an increase in HAZ growth, but their average HAZ from 3 to 42 months was smaller than children without rapid growth. Children of tall mothers (above average height) had higher HAZ than those of short mothers (below average height). Average HAZ from 3 to 42 months did not differ by maternal country of birth.

Conclusion

Children who experienced rapid growth from birth to 3 months, whose mothers were Australian‐born or whose mothers were overweight/obese pre‐pregnancy demonstrated less favourable growth trajectories across early childhood, potentially predispose them for development of future obesity.
Expression of maize calcium‐dependent protein kinase (ZmCPK11) improves salt tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis plants by regulating sodium and potassium homeostasis and stabilizing photosystem II
Authors: Borkiewicz Lidia , Polkowska‐Kowalczyk Lidia , Cieśla Jarosław , Sowiński Paweł , Jończyk Maciej , Rymaszewski Wojciech , Szymańska Katarzyna P. , Jaźwiec Radosław , Muszyńska Grażyna , Szczegielniak Jadwiga
Published: February 2019

In plants, CALCIUM‐DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASES (CDPKs/CPKs) are involved in calcium signaling in response to endogenous and environmental stimuli. Here, we report that ZmCPK11, one of maize CDPKs, participates in salt stress response and tolerance. Salt stress induced expression and upregulated the activity of ZmCPK11 in maize roots and leaves. Activation of ZmCPK11 upon salt stress was also observed in roots and leaves of transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing ZmCPK11. The transgenic plants showed a long‐root phenotype under control conditions and a short‐root phenotype under NaCl, abscisic acid (ABA) or jasmonic acid (JA) treatment. Analysis of ABA and JA content in roots indicated that ZmCPK11 can mediate root growth by regulating the levels of these phytohormones. Moreover, 4‐week‐old transgenic plants were more tolerant to salinity than the wild‐type plants. Their leaves were less chlorotic and showed weaker symptoms of senescence accompanied by higher chlorophyll content and higher quantum efficiency of photosystem II. The expression of Na+/K+ transporters (HKT1, SOS1 and NHX1) and transcription factors (CBF1, CBF2, CBF3, ZAT6 and ZAT10) with known links to salinity tolerance was upregulated in roots of the transgenic plants upon salt stress. Furthermore, the transgenic plants accumulated less Na+ in roots and leaves under salinity, and showed a higher K+/Na+ ratio in leaves. These results show that the improved salt tolerance in ZmCPK11‐transgenic plants could be due to an upregulation of genes involved in the maintenance of intracellular Na+ and K+ homeostasis and a protection of photosystem II against damage.
Selection of shade trees in forest restoration plantings should not be based on crown tree architecture alone
Authors: de Almeida Crislaine , Viani Ricardo A. G.
Published: February 2019

The planting of tree seedlings is a common restoration technique in the tropics, and using large‐crowned, fast‐growing shade species is recommended to suppress invasive grasses and accelerate forest succession. We analyzed the effectiveness of shade species in shading the forest floor during the rainy and dry seasons at young forest restoration sites, whether shade changes according to site for a given species, and whether crown architecture can predict the shade level. We measured the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intercepted by the tree crowns of 14 species in two 3‐year‐old restoration plantings. The ability to predict shade based on crown architecture traits was evaluated using multiple linear regressions. The interception of PAR varied according to species, site, and season for seven species and was generally higher during the rainy season. Low values of tree and first branch height and high values of trunk diameter and mean area of a leaf predicted greater light interception. For the dry season, the ability to predict PAR interception was weaker than that for the rainy season and affected by a shorter tree height and a greater crown area. The crown architecture of shade species did not completely predict their shading ability, and the preselection of shade species for forest restoration purposes based only on crown architecture traits is not effective. Therefore, it is important to consider other factors, such as how long trees retain their leaves throughout the year and the soil and management conditions of the sites undergoing restoration, during the selection of species.
Trade in intermediate inputs, customs unions, and global free trade
Authors: Tsirekidze David
Published: February 2019

In a three‐country customs union (CU) formation game, I introduce international trade in intermediate inputs and rules of origin (RoO) restrictions. In the case of symmetric countries, I show that as countries become more involved in global supply chains, global free trade is less likely to be a stable equilibrium outcome. RoO can help solve this problem. In the case of asymmetry, depending on the degree of the globalization, free riding (for high degree) or exclusion motive (for low degree) prevents global free trade. Correspondingly, I show that RoO can have helpful or detrimental effects on attaining global free trade.
Familiarity and complexity of a movement influences motor imagery in dancers: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Paris‐Alemany Alba , La Touche Roy , Gadea‐Mateos Luis , Cuenca‐Martínez Ferran , Suso‐Martí Luis
Published: February 2019

The present study aimed to analyze the differences between ballet, contemporary, and flamenco dancers when generating mental motor kinesthetic and visual images of simple and complex movements. A cross‐sectional study, including 45 professional dancers (15 flamenco dancers, 15 ballet dancers, and 15 contemporary dancers), was planned. We analyzed the ability to generate mental motor visual and kinesthetic images with the revised movement imagery questionnaire (MIQ‐R) and mental chronometry (MC); the real movement execution (RME) chronometry was also measured, using arm and jump movement assessments. ANOVA revealed significant differences between groups regarding the jump movement assessments for the kinesthetic MIQ‐R item (F = 5.29, P = 0.009), for the RME chronometry (F = 13.19, P = <0.001), and for the kinesthetic MC (F = 9.28, P < 0.001). The post‐hoc analysis revealed significant differences between flamenco dancers compared with contemporary and ballet dancers for all the variables regarding the jump movement. Flamenco dancers used significantly greater visual than kinesthetic imagery modalities to generate mental motor imagery in the jump movement (P = 0.024, d = 0.63). No differences were found in the arm movement assessment between groups. Results reveal differences in the ability to generate motor images, specifically the kinesthetic ones, between flamenco dancers and ballet and contemporary dancers. When performing a non‐familiar complex movement, dancers predominantly use a visual motor imagery modality, which leads to a longer execution time as well as a longer time for kinesthetic mental motor imagery.
Are Informal Education Facilities Effective Means for Generating Political Support? A Spatial Analysis*
Authors: Hu Yue
Published: February 2019

Objective

Informal education based on public facilities, such as museums and memorials, is an important propaganda practice in authoritarian countries. However, the empirical research on this area is underdeveloped and relies on small and potentially biased samples.

Method

This study collects unique spatial opinion data of over 300 such informal education facilities in China merged with original survey data and conducts a systematic evaluation of this form of propaganda.

Result

The statistical results challenge the conventional expectation that more exposure to the informal education facilities would improve the citizens' support of and obedience to the government.

Conclusion

The findings reveal a backfire effect of informal education facilities in that more exposure to them reduces both citizens' political support and obedience.
The song of air and water: Acoustic experiments with an Ecuadorian Whistle Bottle (c.900 BC–100 BC)
Authors: Ayala Esparza Mónica Amparo , Gallardo Carrillo alo Fernando , Molina-Alarcón Miguel
Published: February 2019

In Ecuador, bottles as containers for liquids appeared in the Late Formative period at the end of the Machalilla culture (1600 BC to 800 BC). Whistle bottles were created and perfected during the Chorrera culture (900 BC to 100 BC), and finally evolved into polyphonic bottles during the Bahía culture (500 BC to 650 AD). During the Chorrera phase, moulded aesthetic elements were developed and incorporated:, such as zoomorphs and anthropomorphs, phytomorphs, architectural forms, whose animated references were related to the acoustics they produced, giving 'onomatopoeic' sounds of nature (e.g. birds, monkeys, frogs). The current research focused on the structural and systematic study of a double ellipsoid ornithomorph bottle with a whistle from the Chorrera-Bahía culture (900 BC to 100 BC), an object that is currently in the National Archaeological Reserve of the Ministry of Culture in the city of Quito, Republic of Ecuador (Ch-B-1-38-69) (Figure 1). Two replicas and the original were investigated in situ by the Universidad Central del Ecuador and it was possible to determine that both blowing into and moving the objects when filled with water produced the sound. We interpret this as a need to 'automate' the sound production, and the acoustics derived from the movement of water is what possibly motivated Crespo (1966) to call them 'magical objects'.
Habilidades sociales relevantes: percepciones de múltiples actores educativos
Authors: Tapia-Gutiérrez Carmen Paz , Cubo-Delgado Sixto
Published: February 2019

Las habilidades sociales son fundamentales para el desempeño docente, por tanto, su incorporación en la formación inicial también lo es. El objetivo de esta investigación ha sido explorar el significado del constructo “habilidades sociales”. Se utilizó un diseño descriptivo y se conformó una muestra por conveniencia de 237 sujetos (profesores, académicos y estudiantes universitarios) de la región chilena de La Araucanía. A cada grupo se le aplicó la técnica de redes semánticas naturales. Los resultados muestran que las habilidades empáticas-solidarias y habilidades de comunicación son las más relevantes para todos los participantes.