bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A critical assessment of estimating census population size from genetic population size (or vice versa) in three fishes
Authors: Yates Matthew Carl , Bernos Thais A. , Fraser Dylan J.
Published: June 2017

Technological and methodological advances have facilitated the use of genetic data to infer census population size (Nc) in natural populations, particularly where traditional mark‐and‐recapture is challenging. The effective number of breeders (Nb) describes how many adults effectively contribute to a cohort and is often correlated with Nc. Predicting Nc from Nb or vice versa in species with overlapping generations has important implications for conservation by permitting (i) estimation of the more difficult to quantify variable and (ii) inferences of Nb/Nc relationships in related species lacking data. We quantitatively synthesized Nb/Nc relationships in three salmonid fishes where sufficient data have recently accumulated. Mixed‐effects models were analysed in which each variable was included as a dependent variable or predictor term (Nb from Nc and vice versa). Species‐dependent Nb/Nc slope estimates were significantly positive in two of three species. Variation in species slopes was likely due to varying life histories and reinforce caution when inferring Nb/Nc from taxonomically related species. Models provided maximum probable estimates for Nb and Nc for two species. However, study, population and year effects explained substantial amounts of variation (39%–57%). Consequently, prediction intervals were wide and included or were close to zero for all population sizes and species; model predictive utility was limited. Cost‐benefit trade‐offs when estimating Nb and/or Nc were also discussed using a real‐world system example. Our findings based on salmonids suggest that no short cuts currently exist when estimating population size and researchers should focus on quantifying the variable of interest or be aware of caveats when inferring the desired variable because of cost or logistics. We caution that the salmonid species examined share life‐history traits that may obscure relationships between Nb and Nc. Sufficient data on other taxa were unavailable; additional research examining Nb/Nc relationships in species with potentially relevant life‐history trait differences (e.g., differing survival curves) is needed.
Controlling for genetic identity of varieties, pollen contamination and stigma receptivity is essential to characterize the self‐incompatibility system of Olea europaea L.
Authors: Saumitou‐Laprade Pierre , Vernet Philippe , Vekemans Xavier , Castric Vincent , Barcaccia Gianni , Khadari Bouchaïb , Baldoni Luciana
Published: June 2017

Bervillé et al. express concern about the existence of the diallelic self‐incompatibility (DSI) system in Olea europaea, mainly because our model does not account for results from previous studies from their group that claimed to have documented asymmetry of the incompatibility response in reciprocal crosses. In this answer to their comment, we present original results based on reciprocal stigma tests that contradict conclusions from these studies. We show that, in our hands, not a single case of asymmetry was confirmed, endorsing that symmetry of incompatibility reactions seems to be the rule in Olive. We discuss three important aspects that were not taken into account in the studies cited in their comments and that can explain the discrepancy: (i) the vast uncertainty around the actual genetic identity of vernacular varieties, (ii) the risk of massive contamination associated with the pollination protocols that they used and (iii) the importance of checking for stigma receptivity in controlled crosses. These studies were thus poorly genetically controlled, and we stand by our original conclusion that Olive tree exhibits DSI.
Using a well‐being approach to develop a framework for an integrated socio‐economic evaluation of professional fishing
Authors: Voyer Michelle , Barclay Kate , McIlgorm Alistair , Mazur Nicole
Published: June 2017

The principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development and Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management require that fisheries be managed for social as well as environmental and economic objectives. Comprehensive assessments of the success of fisheries in achieving all three objectives are, however, rare. There are three main barriers to achieving integrated assessments of fisheries. Firstly, disciplinary divides can be considered “too hard” to bridge with inherent conflicts between the predominately empirical and deductive traditions of economics and biophysical sciences and the inductive and interpretative approach of much of the social sciences. Secondly, understanding of the social pillar of sustainability is less well developed. And finally, in‐depth analysis of the social aspects of sustainability often involves qualitative analysis and there are practical difficulties in integrating this with largely quantitative economic and ecological assessments. This article explores the social well‐being approach as a framework for an integrated evaluation of the social and economic benefits that communities in New South Wales, Australia, receive from professional fish harvesting. Using a review of existing literature and qualitative interviews with more than 160 people associated with the fishing industry the project was able to identify seven key domains of community well‐being to which the industry contributes. Identification of these domains provided a framework through which industry contributions could be further explored, through quantitative surveys and economic analysis. This framework enabled successful integration of social and economic, and both qualitative and quantitative information in a manner that enabled a comprehensive assessment of the value of the fishery.
Toll‐like receptor 2 antagonists identified through virtual screening and experimental validation
Authors: Durai Prasannavenkatesh , Shin Hyeon‐Jun , Achek Asma , Kwon Hyuk‐Kwon , Govindaraj Rajiv Gandhi , Panneerselvam Suresh , Yesudhas Dhanusha , Choi Jiwon , No Kyoung Tai , Choi Sangdun
Published: June 2017

Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) antagonists are key therapeutic targets because they inhibit several inflammatory diseases caused by surplus TLR2 activation. In this study, we identified two novel nonpeptide TLR2 antagonists, C11 and C13, through pharmacophore‐based virtual screening. At 10 μm, the level of interleukin (IL)‐8 inhibition by C13 and C11 in human embryonic kidney TLR2 overexpressing cells was comparable to the commercially available TLR2 inhibitor CU‐CPT22. In addition, C11 and C13 acted in mouse macrophage‐like RAW 264.7 cells as TLR2‐specific inhibitors and did not suppress the tumor necrosis factor‐α induction by TLR3 and TLR4 activators. Moreover, the two identified compounds bound directly to the human recombinant TLR2 ectodomain, during surface plasmon resonance analysis, and did not affect cell viability in a 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5(3‐carboxymethonyphenol)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium assay. In total, two virtually screened molecules, C11 and C13, were experimentally proven to be effective as TLR2 antagonists, and thus will provide new insights into the structure of TLR2 antagonists, and pave the way for the development of TLR2‐targeted drug molecules.
Estimation of tissue and crevicular fluid oxidative stress marker in premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Chandra Rampalli Viswa , Sailaja Sistla , Reddy Aileni Amarender
Published: June 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to estimate tissue and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of the oxidative stress marker 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) in premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with chronic periodontitis.

Background

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the etiopathogenesis of periodontitis and menopause induces oxidative stress.

Materials and methods

According to Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW) criteria, women diagnosed with periodontitis were subdivided into three groups of 31 participants each 1. Premenopausal 2. Perimenopausal and 3. Postmenopausal. GCF and gingival tissue samples were collected from sites with maximum probing depth. Tissue DNA was extracted from the gingival sample and 8‐OHdG in the extracted DNA, and GCF samples were measured using ELISA.

Results

There was a highly significant difference in the overall GCF 8‐OHdG levels among the three groups with the pairwise difference being highly significant between the premenopausal‐postmenopausal groups and perimenopausal‐postmenopausal groups. However, no overall significant differences in tissue 8‐OHdG levels were found among the three groups. Pairwise, highly significant differences were found between the premenopausal‐postmenopausal groups and perimenopausal‐postmenopausal groups for tissue 8‐OHdG levels. No significant correlations were found between various measure of periodontal disease and GCF/tissue 8‐OHdG levels among all the groups.

Conclusion

Premenopausal‐postmenopausal and perimenopausal‐postmenopausal transition resulted in significant increase in tissue and GCF 8‐OHdG levels. However, no association was found between stages of reproductive ageing and tissue levels of 8‐OHdG.
Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the liver and pancreas: relationship between KRAS driver mutations and disease progression
Authors: Fujikura Kohei , Akita Masayuki , Abe‐Suzuki Shiho , Itoh Tomoo , Zen Yoh
Published: June 2017

Aims

To compare the oncogenic mutation status among mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) of different histological grades and between liver and pancreatic MCNs.

Methods and results

KRAS, GNAS, RNF43 and PIK3CA were sequenced in 25 surgical cases of hepatopancreatic MCN. Molecular features were correlated with clinicopathological and immunohistochemical findings. KRAS mutations were identified in five cases (20%), whereas GNAS, RNF43 and PIK3CA were wild‐type in all cases. KRAS mutations were uncommon in cases of low‐grade dysplasia (1/20, 5%), whereas KRAS was mutated in all cases of higher grades, except for one liver MCN with intermediate‐grade dysplasia (4/5, 80%; P = 0.002). This genetic alteration was slightly more frequent in the pancreas than in the liver [4/17 (24%) versus 1/8 (13%), P = not significant]. KRAS‐mutated MCNs more commonly had a multilocular cystic appearance (P = 0.040) and expression of mucin (MUC) 1 (P = 0.040), MUC2 (P = 0.016) and MUC5AC (P = 0.015) than KRAS‐wild‐type tumours. In cases of KRAS‐mutated MCNs with intermediate‐grade or high‐grade dysplasia, identical mutations were also detected in areas of adjacent low‐grade dysplasia.

Conclusions

KRAS mutations appear to be major driver genetic alterations in both liver and pancreatic MCNs. As identical KRAS mutations were present in low‐grade and higher‐grade areas in individual cases, KRAS mutations occurring in low‐grade MCNs may lead to tumour progression. Thus, preoperative KRAS testing may contribute to estimations of malignant potential. The lower incidence of KRAS mutations in liver MCNs may also explain why the risk of malignant transformation in liver MCNs is lower than that in pancreatic MCNs.
A comparison of p53 and WT1 immunohistochemical expression patterns in tubo‐ovarian high‐grade serous carcinoma before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Casey Laura , Köbel Martin , Ganesan Raji , Tam Simone , Prasad Rajeev , Böhm Steffen , Lockley Michelle , Jeyarajah Arjun J , Brockbank Eleanor , Faruqi Asma , Gilks C Blake , Singh Naveena
Published: June 2017

Aims

The treatment of patients with tubo‐ovarian high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is increasingly based on diagnosis on small biopsy samples, and the first surgical sample is often taken post‐chemotherapy. p53 and WT1 are important diagnostic markers for HGSC. The effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on p53 and WT1 expression has not been widely studied. We aimed to compare p53 and WT1 expression in paired pre‐chemotherapy and post‐chemotherapy samples of HGSC.

Methods and results

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was carried out for p53 and WT1 on paired omental HGSC samples pre‐chemotherapy and post‐chemotherapy. p53 IHC was recorded as normal (wild‐type) or abnormal (mutation‐type), and was further classified as overexpression, complete absence, or cytoplasmic. WT1 IHC was classified as positive or negative. A subset of cases were further assessed for the extent of nuclear immunoreactivity of WT1 by use of the H‐score. Fifty‐seven paired samples were stained with p53. Fifty‐six of 57 (98%) cases showed mutation‐type p53 staining. Pre‐chemotherapy and post‐chemotherapy IHC results were concordant in 55 of 57 (96%) cases. For WT1, pre‐chemotherapy and post‐chemotherapy IHC results were concordant in 56 of 58 (97%) cases. In 23 paired WT1 cases, the mean post‐treatment H‐score decreased from 227 [range 20–298, standard deviation (SD) 64] to 151 (range 0–288, SD 78) (P = 0.0008).

Conclusions

Immunohistochemical expression of p53 (abnormal/mutation‐type pattern) and WT1 in HGSC is almost universal and is largely concordant before and after chemotherapy. This finding underscores the reliability of these diagnostic markers in small samples and in surgical samples following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with very few exceptions. A novel finding was the significant diminution in intensity of WT1 staining following chemotherapy.
Strength enhancement of ultralight alumina‐dried foams from particle‐stabilized foams with assistance of agar and PVA
Authors: Huo Wenlong , Chen Yugu , Yang Jinlong , Huang Yong
Published: June 2017

The weak compressive strength of dried ceramic foams is a disadvantage of fabricating ultralight ceramic foams, especially for the ceramic foams with porosity exceeding 95%. In this study, dried alumina foams were enhanced by agar and PVA‐freezing‐thawing using sodium dodecyl sulfate as surfactant. It is found that the two additives have no negative influence on adsorption of sodium dodecyl sulfate on alumina particles as well as the hydrophobic character of alumina particles. Stable alumina particle‐stabilized foams were prepared with less than 0.5 wt% agar and 1.0 wt% PVA. High additive concentration above the critical values weakens stability of wet foams, which is probably due to the aggregate of alumina particles caused by long‐chain molecules connecting. The compressive strength of dried alumina foams has a significant improvement with the employment of agar and PVA‐freezing‐thawing. The dried foams prepared with 1wt% PVA assisted by freezing‐thawing has porosity of 97.1% and compressive strength of 0.16 MPa, which could maintain integrity of dried foams without destruction in the fabricating process.
The role of 5‐lipoxygenase in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans‐induced alveolar bone loss
Authors: Madeira Mila F. M. , Queiroz‐Junior Celso M. , Corrêa Jôice D. , Werneck Sílvia M. C. , Machado Fabiana S. , Cunha Thiago M. , Garlet Gustavo P. , Teixeira Mauro M. , Silva Tarcília A. , Souza Daniele G.
Published: June 2017

Aim

Leukotrienes (LTs) are pro‐inflammatory lipid mediators formed by the enzyme 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO). The involvement of 5‐LO metabolites in periodontal disease (PD) is not well defined. This study aimed to assess the role of 5‐LO in experimental PD induced by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa).

Material and Methods

In vivo experiments were carried out using SV129 wild‐type (WT) and 5‐LO‐deficient (5lo‐/‐) mice inoculated with Aa. Osteoclasts were stimulated in vitro with AaLPS in the presence or not of selective inhibitors of the 5‐LO pathway, or LTB4 or platelet‐activating factor (PAF), as PAF has already been shown to increase osteoclast activity.

Results

In 5lo‐/‐ mice, there were no loss of alveolar bone and less TRAP‐positive osteoclasts in periodontal tissues, after Aa inoculation, despite local production of TNF‐α and IL‐6. The differentiation and activity of osteoclasts stimulated with AaLPS were diminished in the presence of BLT1 antagonist or 5‐LO inhibitor, but not in the presence of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist. The osteoclast differentiation induced by PAF was impaired by the BLT1 antagonism.

Conclusion

In conclusion, LTB4 but not CysLTs is important for Aa‐induced alveolar bone loss. Overall, LTB4 affects osteoclast differentiation and activity and is a key intermediate of PAF‐induced osteoclastogenesis.
Dual‐Objective Item Selection Criteria in Cognitive Diagnostic Computerized Adaptive Testing
Authors: Kang Hyeon‐Ah , Zhang Susu , Chang Hua‐Hua
Published: June 2017

The development of cognitive diagnostic‐computerized adaptive testing (CD‐CAT) has provided a new perspective for gaining information about examinees' mastery on a set of cognitive attributes. This study proposes a new item selection method within the framework of dual‐objective CD‐CAT that simultaneously addresses examinees' attribute mastery status and overall test performance. The new procedure is based on the Jensen‐Shannon (JS) divergence, a symmetrized version of the Kullback‐Leibler divergence. We show that the JS divergence resolves the noncomparability problem of the dual information index and has close relationships with Shannon entropy, mutual information, and Fisher information. The performance of the JS divergence is evaluated in simulation studies in comparison with the methods available in the literature. Results suggest that the JS divergence achieves parallel or more precise recovery of latent trait variables compared to the existing methods and maintains practical advantages in computation and item pool usage.
Female sex pheromone of Athetis lepigone (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Identification and field evaluation
Authors: Yan Q. , Zheng M.‐Y. , Xu J.‐W. , Ma J.‐F. , Chen Y. , Dong Z.‐P. , Liu L. , Dong S.‐L. , Zhang Y.‐N.
Published: June 2017

Athetis lepigone has been recorded in many countries in Europe and Asia, but it had never been documented as an agricultural pest until 2005. For the purpose of using the sex pheromone to control this pest, we conducted a study to identify the sex pheromone of A. lepigone by gas chromatography with an electroantennographic detector (GC‐EAD) and GC coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses. Three pheromone candidates were detected by GC‐EAD analysis in the extracts of the female sex pheromone gland, and two candidates were identified as (Z)‐7‐dodecenyl acetate (Z7‐12:OAc) and (Z)‐9‐tetradecenyl acetate (Z9‐14:OAc) in a ratio of 1:5 by mass spectral analysis of natural pheromone components and dimethyl disulphide adducts. In the field male trapping test, the traps baited with the binary blend captured high number of males, while traps with single component hardly caught males, indicating that the two components are essential for the male attractiveness. In addition, the optimum ratios of Z7‐12:OAc and Z9‐14:OAc were determined as 3:7–7:3, and the best doses for the binary blend (at ratio of 3:7 between Z7‐12:OAc and Z9‐14:OAc) were 0.25–0.5 mg/trap, based on the number of male catches. The identification of a highly attractive sex pheromone will help in developing efficient strategies for monitoring and control of A. lepigone.
Ethnic‐Racial Socialization and the Mental Health of African Americans: A Critical Review
Authors: Reynolds Jamila E. , Gonzales‐Backen Melinda A.
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this critical review is to examine the relationship between ethnic‐racial socialization (ERS) and African American mental health outcomes to identify the potential value of ERS in psychotherapy. Using the systematic research synthesis (SRS) process, we identified 21 peer‐reviewed studies that investigated the relationship between ERS and mental health outcomes such as anger, depression, and self‐esteem. We also included articles that tested ERS as a moderator of the relationship between discrimination experiences and mental health. The results support ERS as a protective factor against negative mental health outcomes. Importantly, ERS messages that emphasize culture and racial pride may be more consistently associated with positive outcomes than ERS messages that focus on preparing for racial bias. We also provide implications and suggestions for researchers wanting to expand the ERS literature and clinicians interested in incorporating ERS in their therapeutic practice and parent‐training programs.
Family Presence in the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department: A Metasynthesis
Authors: Cypress Brigitte S. , Frederickson Keville
Published: June 2017

Few findings from qualitative studies about family presence in intensive care units (ICU) and emergency departments (ED) have been synthesized, despite a renewed appreciation and interest in incorporating qualitative studies in systematic reviews of evidence‐based practice. We synthesized findings from 17 qualitative studies on family presence and the experiences of patients, families, and nurses. The essential themes of emotional support, feelings of safety and comfort, knowing, understanding, being informed, and being engaged emerged from the review synthesis. An overarching theme of family coping during stressful times, such as hospitalization, is described as system support and noted in the literature as a component of family resilience. We recommend that further studies be conducted to relate supportive behaviors of critical care nurses to family functioning and provide empirical evidence for further development of the theory of family resilience.
Understanding Parent Reactions to Coming Out as Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual: A Theoretical Framework
Authors: Chrisler Alison J.
Published: June 2017

Existing theories and the development of new theoretical models have been used to better understand the experiences of parents who have lesbian, gay, and bisexual children. However, these models tend to only capture a single aspect of the parent experience. This article combines existing theory and data from published research studies to propose a theoretical framework that can be used to explain parent reactions to coming out. Next steps include refining and empirically testing the proposed framework.
Autoimmune comorbidity in achalasia patients
Authors: Romero‐Hernández Fernanda , Furuzawa‐Carballeda Janette , Hernández‐Molina Gabriela , Alejandro‐Medrano Edgar , Núñez‐Álvarez Carlos A , Hernández‐Ramírez Diego F , Azamar‐Llamas Daniel , Olivares‐Martínez Elizabeth , Breña Blanca , Palacios Axel , Valdovinos Miguel A , Coss‐Adame Enrique , Ramos‐Ávalos Bárbara , Torres‐Landa Samuel , Hernández‐Ávila Axel A , Flores‐Nájera Athenea , Torres‐Villalobos Gonzalo
Published: June 2017

Background and Aim

Idiopathic achalasia is a rare esophageal motor disorder. The disease state manifests local and systemic inflammation, and it appears that an autoimmune component and specific autoantibodies participate in the pathogenesis. The study aims to determine the prevalence of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases in patients with achalasia and compare the results with those from patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Methods

It was a cross‐sectional and included 114 patients with idiopathic achalasia and 114 age‐matched and sex‐matched control patients with GERD. Data on the presence of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, the time of presentation, and any family history of autoimmune disease were obtained from the hospital's medical records.

Results

Seventy three (64%) were female patients (mean age: 42.3 ± 15.5; median disease duration: 12 months). We identified the presence of autoimmune disease in 19 patients with achalasia (16.7%), hypothyroidism was the main diagnosis, and it was present in 52.6% of patients compared with 4.2% in controls. Thirteen of the 19 achalasia patients (68.4%) with autoimmune disease had history of familial autoimmunity. We identified 11 achalasia (9.6%) and 5 GERD patients (4.16%) with an inflammatory condition. Compared with the GERD, the achalasia group was 3.8 times more likely to have an autoimmune disease (95% CI: 1.47–9.83), 3.0 times more likely to have thyroidopathies (95% CI: 1.00–9.03), and 3.02 times more likely to suffer from any chronic inflammatory disease (95% CI: 1.65–6.20).

Conclusions

The non‐negligible number of patients with autoimmune diseases identified among the patients with idiopathic achalasia supports the hypothesis that achalasia has an autoimmune component.
Educational Achievement of Children From Single‐Mother and Single‐Father Families: The Case of Japan
Authors: Nonoyama‐Tarumi Yuko
Published: June 2017

This article examines the relationships between single parenthood and student achievement in Japan. The study uses sixth‐grade data from the 2013 National Assessment of Academic Ability and the Detailed Survey, which was the first nationally representative parental survey collected through schools in Japan. The results indicate that children of single‐mother and single‐father families perform academically lower than children of two‐parent families. For children living in single‐mother families, more than 50% of the educational disadvantage was explained by a lack of economic resources. For children living in single‐father families, the educational disadvantage was explained more by a lack of parenting resources, measured by discussions at home, supervision at home, and involvement in school, than economic resources. These findings suggest that the gendered labor force and division of labor among spouses in Japanese society may deprive parents of the ability to buffer the negative relationship between single parenthood and children's educational achievement.
Disclosure Stress, Social Support, and Depressive Symptoms Among Cisgender Bisexual Youth
Authors: Pollitt Amanda M. , Muraco Joel A. , Grossman Arnold H. , Russell Stephen T.
Published: June 2017

Bisexual youth are at elevated risk for depression when compared with lesbians and gay men. Research on bisexual stigma suggests that these youth are uniquely vulnerable to stress related to sexual identity disclosure. Depression associated with this stress may be buffered by social support from parents and friends. We examined the differential influence of social support from parents and friends (Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale) on the relation between disclosure stress (LGBTQ Coming Out Stress Scale) and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory) and differences by gender in a sample of cisgender bisexual youth (N = 383) using structural equation modeling. Parental support buffered the association between stressful disclosure to family and depressive symptoms, especially for bisexual men; bisexual women seemed not to benefit from such support when disclosure stress was high. This nuanced examination elucidates the ways family members and clinicians can best support bisexual youth sexual identity disclosure.
Total sleep time as a predictor of suicidal behaviour
Authors: Michaels Matthew S. , Balthrop Tia , Nadorff Michael R. , Joiner Thomas E.
Published: June 2017

Insomnia symptoms are a known predictor of suicide; however, less is known about the relationship between hypersomnia and suicide, and how total sleep time may better account for suicidal ideation compared with subjective reports of insomnia symptoms. In the present secondary data analysis, a squared term confirmed the importance of both short and long total sleep time on suicidal behaviour. Total sleep time had a significant positive direct effect on suicidal behaviour (b = 0.20, SE = 0.08, P < 0.05), significant negative direct effects on insomnia symptoms (b = −1.67, SE = 0.13, P < 0.0001) and on depressive symptoms (b = −1.76, SE = 0.29, P < 0.0001). Depression had a significant positive effect on suicidal behaviour (b = 0.17, SE = 0.01, P < 0.0001), and significantly mediated the relationship between total sleep time and suicidal behaviour, but insomnia symptoms did not. Total sleep time squared had a significant positive relationship with suicidal behaviour (b = 0.02, SE = 0.01, P < 0.05), significant negative direct effects on insomnia symptoms (b = −0.12, SE = 0.01, P < 0.0001) and on depressive symptoms (b = −0.12, SE = 0.02, P < 0.0001). Depression had a significant positive effect on suicidal behaviour (b = 0.17, SE = 0.01, P < 0.0001), and significantly mediated the relationship between total sleep time and suicidal behaviour. These results suggest the importance of assessing for total sleep time in clinical settings with regard to suicide risk.
Narcolepsy with cataplexy and pregnancy: a case–control study
Authors: Calvo‐Ferrandiz Elena , Peraita‐Adrados Rosa
Published: June 2017

This was a retrospective case–control study in 25 patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy and 75 women in the control group. Patients completed the questionnaire by Maurovich‐Horvat et al. (J. Sleep Res., 2013, 22: 496–512). We personally interviewed 25 patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy using the administered questionnaire regarding conception, pregnancy, delivery, perinatal and breastfeeding periods. Patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy reported 59 pregnancies versus 164 in the control group. In 16 cases (27.1%), a disease before pregnancy was present compared with eight cases (4.9%) in the control group (P < 0.001); among them, extrinsic asthma was reported 11 times in the narcolepsy with cataplexy group (P < 0.005). Patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy more often had a single pregnancy compared with controls (P < 0.05). Gestational diabetes was more frequent in patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy (P < 0.05). Induced deliveries were higher in controls (P < 0.009). No differences were found between the groups in terms of duration of pregnancies and complications during and after delivery, as during the puerperium. Neonates from patients had heavier birth weight (P < 0.015). The breastfeeding period was longer in patients (P < 0.01). Modafinil and methylphenidate were the drugs administered in six pregnancies. No significant differences in depression during pregnancy and during puerperium were found between patients and controls. This is the first case–control study in women with narcolepsy with cataplexy related to pregnancy, delivery, childbirth and puerperium. Data suggest that patients have pregnancy outcomes similar to controls. The prevalence of gestational diabetes was higher in women with narcolepsy with cataplexy. Caesarean sections, complications during delivery and normal perinatal period for infants were similar in both groups. Breastfeeding was longer in patients.
Anticipated next‐day demand affects the magnitude of the cortisol awakening response, but not subjective or objective sleep
Authors: Elder Greg J. , Barclay Nicola L. , Wetherell Mark A. , Ellis Jason G.
Published: June 2017

Whilst the association between sleep and stress is well established, few studies have examined the effects of an anticipated stressor upon sleep and relevant physiological markers. The aim of the present study was to examine whether an anticipated stressor in the form of next‐day demand affects subjective and objective sleep, and multiple indices of the cortisol awakening response. Subjective and objective sleep and the cortisol awakening response were measured over three consecutive nights in 40 healthy adults in a sleep laboratory. During their second night, participants were informed that they would either be required to complete a series of demanding cognitive tasks, in a competition format, during the next day (anticipation condition; n = 22), or were given no instruction (sedentary condition; n = 18). Sleep was measured subjectively using sleep diaries, objectively using polysomnography, and saliva was measured at awakening, +15, +30, +45 and +60 min each morning, from which cortisol awakening response measurement indices were derived: awakening cortisol levels, the mean increase in cortisol levels and total cortisol secretion. There were no between‐group differences in subjective or objective sleep in the night preceding the anticipated demand; however, compared with the sedentary condition, those in the anticipation group displayed a larger mean increase in cortisol levels, representing the cortisol awakening response magnitude, on the morning of the anticipated demand. Overall, the results suggest that whilst anticipated stress affected the subsequent cortisol awakening response, subjective and objective sleep remained undisturbed. It is possible that the timing of an anticipated stressor, rather than its expected duration, may influence subsequent sleep disruption.
The changing function of patents: a reversion to privileges?
Authors: Lai Jessica C.
Published: June 2017

Since its inception, patent law has had many faces, manifesting different aims and functions. The latest recalibrations of the aims and functions of patent law are striking because – at its core – patent law itself has not changed significantly in this time. This paper examines the chameleon-like nature of the function of patents, tracking historical transformations from the privilege as an instrument of trade policy, to patents as an incentive/reward to invent and disclose the invention, and the most recent shift towards viewing patents as necessary for innovation. In particular, the paper addresses whether the latest shift represents a reversion to privilege-like functions, due to the analogous focus on commercialisation, and argues that this is not the case because of the fundamental move to focusing on patentees rather than society as a whole and to seeing patents as property.
Evolution of sociality in spiders leads to depleted genomic diversity at both population and species levels
Authors: Settepani V. , Schou M. F. , Greve M. , Grinsted L. , Bechsgaard J. , Bilde T.
Published: June 2017

Across several animal taxa, the evolution of sociality involves a suite of characteristics, a “social syndrome,” that includes cooperative breeding, reproductive skew, primary female‐biased sex ratio, and the transition from outcrossing to inbreeding mating system, factors that are expected to reduce effective population size (Ne). This social syndrome may be favoured by short‐term benefits but come with long‐term costs, because the reduction in Ne amplifies loss of genetic diversity by genetic drift, ultimately restricting the potential of populations to respond to environmental change. To investigate the consequences of this social life form on genetic diversity, we used a comparative RAD‐sequencing approach to estimate genomewide diversity in spider species that differ in level of sociality, reproductive skew and mating system. We analysed multiple populations of three independent sister‐species pairs of social inbreeding and subsocial outcrossing Stegodyphus spiders, and a subsocial outgroup. Heterozygosity and within‐population diversity were sixfold to 10‐fold lower in social compared to subsocial species, and demographic modelling revealed a tenfold reduction in Ne of social populations. Species‐wide genetic diversity depends on population divergence and the viability of genetic lineages. Population genomic patterns were consistent with high lineage turnover, which homogenizes the genetic structure that builds up between inbreeding populations, ultimately depleting genetic diversity at the species level. Indeed, species‐wide genetic diversity of social species was 5–8 times lower than that of subsocial species. The repeated evolution of species with this social syndrome is associated with severe loss of genomewide diversity, likely to limit their evolutionary potential.
‘One Task Fits All’? The Roles of Task Complexity, Modality, and Working Memory Capacity in L2 Performance
Authors: Zalbidea Janire
Published: June 2017

The present study explores the independent and interactive effects of task complexity and task modality on linguistic dimensions of second language (L2) performance and investigates how these effects are modulated by individual differences in working memory capacity. Thirty‐two intermediate learners of L2 Spanish completed less and more complex versions of the same type of argumentative task in the speaking and writing modalities. Perceived complexity questionnaires were administered as measures of cognitive load to both L2 learners and native speakers to independently validate task complexity manipulations. Task performance was analyzed in terms of general (complexity and accuracy) as well as task‐relevant (conjunctions) linguistic measures. Quantitative analyses revealed that task modality played a larger role than task complexity in inducing improved linguistic performance during task‐based work: Speaking tasks brought about more syntactically complex output while writing tasks favored more lexically complex and more accurate language. In addition, relationships of working memory capacity with various linguistic measures were attested, but only when the cognitive complexity of tasks was enhanced.
Word Reading in L1 and L2 Learners of Chinese: Similarities and Differences in the Functioning of Component Processes
Authors: Zhang Dongbo
Published: June 2017

This study examined the similarities and differences in the functioning of component processes underlying first language (L1) and second language (L2) word reading in Chinese. Fourth‐grade Chinese children in Singapore were divided into L1 and L2 reader groups based on whether they used Mandarin or English as their home language. Both groups were administered a battery of tasks that assessed their orthographic processing skill (OP), phonological awareness (PA), morphological awareness (MA), oral vocabulary knowledge, as well as the ability to decode characters and multi‐character compound words. Separate Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analyses showed that in the L1 group, over and above all other variables, both OP and MA, as opposed to PA, were significant predictors of word reading, whereas in the L2 group, OP and PA, as opposed to MA, predicted word reading. Multiple‐group SEM analysis further revealed that the effects of OP and MA were significantly larger in the L1 than in the L2 group, whereas a converse pattern was found for PA. These findings are discussed in light of the linguistic and language‐to‐print mapping properties of Chinese as well as the influence of L1 and L2 learners’ differential experience on how they learn to read in Chinese.
Applying cultural safety beyond Indigenous contexts: Insights from health research with Amish and Low German Mennonites
Authors: Blanchet Garneau Amélie , Farrar Helen , Fan HaiYan , Kulig Judith
Published: June 2017

People who identify as members of religious communities, such as the Amish and Low German Mennonites, face challenges obtaining quality health care and engagement in research due in part to stereotypes that are conveyed through media and popular discourses. There is also a growing concern that even when these groups are engaged in research, the guiding frameworks of the research fail to consider the sociocultural or historical relations of power, further skewing power imbalances inherent in the research relationship. This paper aims at discussing the uses of cultural safety in the context of health research and knowledge translation with groups of people that are associated with a specific religion. Research with the Amish and Low German Mennonites is provided as examples to illustrate the use of cultural safety in this context. From these examples, we discuss how the use of cultural safety, grounded in critical theoretical perspectives, offers new insight into health research with populations that are traditionally labeled as minority, vulnerable, or marginalized, especially when a dominant characteristic is a unique religious perspective.
Bedside identification of patients at risk for PVC‐induced cardiomyopathy: Is ECG useful?
Authors: Garster Noelle C. , Henrikson Charles A.
Published: June 2017

Background

Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are an underrecognized cause of cardiomyopathy. Standard 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) has potential to direct attention toward at‐risk patients.

Methods

We performed a single‐center, retrospective chart review of 1,240 patients who completed ECG and Holter monitoring at Oregon Health and Science University Hospital between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2013 to investigate the relationship of PVC frequency on ECG with burden on Holter. Primary outcome measures included PVC quantity on ECG, mean PVC quantity on Holter, and percentage of total beats on Holter recorded as PVCs. High PVC burden was defined as ≥10% of total beats.

Results

Weighted mean percentages of total beats on Holter monitor recorded as PVCs were calculated for 0, 1, 2, and ≥3 PVCs on ECG and found to be 1.4% (n = 1,128), 3.5% (n = 32), 4.3% (n = 25), and 16.6% (n = 55), respectively, which represent statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). The positive predictive value of at least three PVCs on ECG for ≥10% PVC Holter burden was 58%. Negative predictive value for 0 PVCs on ECG was 98%. The sensitivity and specificity of ECG to identify high PVC burden on Holter was 72% and 93.6%, respectively, when utilizing a positive ECG result as one PVC or more, and 44% and 98.9%, respectively, with ≥3 PVCs on ECG. The positive likelihood ratio corresponding to ≥3 PVCs on ECG was 40.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that the number of PVCs on ECG can be utilized for quick bedside estimation of high PVC burden.
Two minuses can make a plus: waterlogging and elevated CO2 interactions in sweet cherry (Prunus avium) cultivars
Authors: Pérez‐Jiménez Margarita , Hernández‐Munuera María , Piñero Zapata Maria Carmen , López‐Ortega Gregorio , del Amor Francisco M.
Published: June 2017

The increase in the ambient concentration of CO2 and other greenhouse gases is producing climate events that can compromise crop survival. However, high CO2 concentrations are sometimes able to mitigate certain stresses such as salinity or drought. In this experiment, the effects of waterlogging and CO2 are studied in combination to elucidate the eventual response in sweet cherry trees. For this purpose, four sweet cherry cultivars (‘Burlat’, ‘Cashmere’, ‘Lapins and ‘New Star’) were grafted on a typically hypoxia‐tolerant rootstock (Mariana 2624) and submitted to waterlogging for 7 days at either ambient CO2 concentration (400 µmol mol−1) or at elevated CO2 (800 µmol mol−1). Waterlogging affected plants drastically, by decreasing photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, chlorophyll fluorescence and growth. It also brought about the accumulation of proline, chloride and sulfate. Nonetheless, raising the CO2 supply not only mitigated all these effects but also induced the accumulation of soluble sugars and starch in the leaf. Therefore, sweet cherry plants submitted to waterlogging were able to overcome this stress when grown in a CO2‐enriched environment.
Facial skin photo‐aging and development of hyperpigmented spots from children to middle‐aged Japanese woman
Authors: Takahashi Y. , Fukushima Y. , Kondo K. , Ichihashi M.
Published: June 2017

Background/Purpose

Facial skin hyperpigmention caused by chronic sun exposure is a major skin complaint, however, its characteristics and influential factors are still limitedly known.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey in healthy Japanese women aged from 6 to 62 years (n=169) was conducted using a facial image analyzer VISIA™ for knowing onset age of hyperpigmented spot formation, its chronological changes, and influence of environmental factors.

Results

UV Pigmented Spot (PS) Score was positively correlated with age (R=.487, P=.000). Hyperpigmented spots appeared first around 18 years old in most subjects, and PS score remarkably increased at 20s then gradually increased by ages. The subjects with Skin Type I, one of the three grades of Japanese Skin Type (JST), whose melanin formation is genetically lower, showed higher PS score. A woman aged 31 years was subjected a weekly VISIA measurement for 2 years, and found no changes in the number, place, size and intensity of the pigment spots in this duration.

Conclusion

Hyperpigmented spots developed in women over 20 years of age due to chronic sun exposure without sun protection during childhood and adolescent and it was stable afterwards, whose intensity was influenced by age and skin type.
Regulatory Impact of Bank Performance in Nigeria: Application of Stochastic Frontier Analysis
Authors: Akinkunmi Mustapha A.
Published: June 2017

This study employs a panel dataset on the cost efficiency of Nigerian commercial banks to test the hypothesis whether internal regulation from the monetary authority affects the performance of commercial banks. The empirical work is carried out through the use of stochastic frontier analysis on 14 commercial banks over 10 years. The study finds that regulation has a negative and significant influence on the total cost while bank output, input prices and bank size have a positive and significant effect. This implies that the large the bank size, the higher total cost incurred.
Concentration fluctuations in polymer solutions under mixed flow
Authors: Cromer Michael , Fredrickson Glenn H. , Gary Leal L.
Published: June 2017

In this work, we extend the classical analysis of concentration fluctuations in polymer solutions under shear flow to consider the same phenomenology under mixed (shear + extensional) flows. To investigate this phenomenon, we couple stress and concentration using a two-fluid model with fluctuations driven by thermal noise incorporated through a canonical Langevin approach. The polymer stress is governed by the Rolie-Poly model augmented with finite extensibility to account for large stretching of chains at high Weissenberg numbers. Perturbing the equations about homogeneous flow for weak amplitude inhomogeneities, but arbitrary flow strength, we solve for the steady state structure factor (Fourier transformed pair correlation function) under general linear flows using a unique method of characteristics solver. Under shear flow, the model predicts butterfly patterns in accord with previous experimental and theoretical work, including a full rotation of peaks past the flow axis. In addition, the magnitude of the structure factor initially grows with the Weissenberg number until reaching a maximum at intermediate shear rates and decaying thereafter. Under mixed flow, the butterfly patterns as well as the location and magnitude of the peak structure factor are strongly tied to both the flow type parameter and the Weissenberg number (the characteristic strain rate). As expected, for flows characterized as strong, the scattering patterns typically appear like a rotated version of pure extension. However, as the flow type approaches the pure shear limit, the influence of shear flow on the butterfly patterns becomes more pronounced. In particular, for large Weissenberg numbers, contrary to expectations, the flow type need not be very near shear flow in order for the scattering patterns to no longer be simply rotated versions of extensional flow.