bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The fluctuating world of a tundra predator guild: bottom‐up constraints overrule top‐down species interactions in winter
Authors: Stoessel Marianne , Elmhagen Bodil , Vinka Mikael , Hellström Peter , Angerbjörn Anders
Published: September 2018

Global warming is predicted to change ecosystem functioning and structure in Arctic ecosystems by strengthening top‐down species interactions, i.e. predation pressure on small herbivores and interference between predators. Yet, previous research is biased towards the summer season. Due to greater abiotic constraints, Arctic ecosystem characteristics might be more pronounced in winter. Here we test the hypothesis that top‐down species interactions prevail over bottom‐up effects in Scandinavian mountain tundra (Northern Sweden) where effects of climate warming have been observed and top‐down interactions are expected to strengthen. But we test this ‘a priori’ hypothesis in winter and throughout the 3–4 yr rodent cycle, which imposes additional pulsed resource constraints. We used snowtracking data recorded in 12 winters (2004–2015) to analyse the spatial patterns of a tundra predator guild (arctic fox Vulpes lagopus, red fox Vulpes vulpes, wolverine Gulo gulo) and small prey (ptarmigan, Lagopus spp). The a priori top‐down hypothesis was then tested through structural equation modelling, for each phase of the rodent cycle. There was weak support for this hypothesis, with top‐down effects only discerned on arctic fox (weakly, by wolverine) and ptarmigan (by arctic fox) at intermediate and high rodent availability respectively. Overall, bottom‐up constraints appeared more influential on the winter community structure. Cold specialist predators (arctic fox and wolverine) showed variable landscape associations, while the boreal predator (red fox) appeared strongly dependent on productive habitats and ptarmigan abundance. Thus, we suggest that the unpredictability of food resources determines the winter ecology of the cold specialist predators, while the boreal predator relies on resource‐rich habitats. The constraints imposed by winters and temporary resource lows should therefore counteract productivity‐driven ecosystem change and have a stabilising effect on community structure. Hence, the interplay between summer and winter conditions should determine the rate of Arctic ecosystem change in the context of global warming.
Local species assemblages are influenced more by past than current dissimilarities in photosynthetic activity
Authors: Jung M. , Rowhani P. , Newbold T. , Bentley L. , Purvis A. , Scharlemann J. P. W.
Published: September 2018

Most land on Earth has been changed by humans and past changes of land can have lasting influences on current species assemblages. Yet few globally representative studies explicitly consider such influences even though auxiliary data, such as from remote sensing, are readily available. Time series of satellite‐derived data have been commonly used to quantify differences in land‐surface attributes such as vegetation cover, which will among other things be influenced by anthropogenic land conversions and modifications. Here we quantify differences in current and past (up to five years before sampling) vegetation cover, and assess whether such differences differentially influence taxonomic and functional groups of species assemblages between spatial pairs of sites. Specifically, we correlated between‐site dissimilarity in photosynthetic activity of vegetation (the enhanced vegetation index) with the corresponding dissimilarity in local species assemblage composition from a global database using a common metric for both, the Bray–Curtis index. We found that dissimilarity in species assemblage composition was on average more influenced by dissimilarity in past than current photosynthetic activity, and that the influence of past dissimilarity increased when longer time periods were considered. Responses to past dissimilarity in photosynthetic activity also differed among taxonomic groups (plants, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals), with reptiles being among the most influenced by more dissimilar past photosynthetic activity. Furthermore, we found that assemblages dominated by smaller and more vegetation‐dependent species tended to be more influenced by dissimilarity in past photosynthetic activity than prey‐dependent species. Overall, our results have implications for studies that investigate species responses to current environmental changes and highlight the importance of past changes continuing to influence local species assemblage composition. We demonstrate how local species assemblages and satellite‐derived data can be linked and provide suggestions for future studies on how to assess the influence of past environmental changes on biodiversity.
Tracing the diversification history of a Neogene rodent invasion into South America
Authors: Maestri Renan , Upham Nathan S. , Patterson Bruce D.
Published: September 2018

We investigated spatial patterns of evolutionary relatedness and diversification rates to test hypotheses about the historical biogeographic processes underlying the radiation of Neotropical rats and mice (Sigmodontinae, ~400 species). A negative correlation between mean phylogenetic distance and diversification rates of rodent assemblages reveals a pattern of species co‐occurrence in which assemblages of closely related species are also the fastest diversifying ones. Subregions of the Neotropics occupied by distantly related species that are on average more slowly diversifying include Central America, northern South America, and the Atlantic forest. In southern South America, recent species turnover appears to have been higher. Ancestral locations for the main tribes of sigmodontines were also estimated, suggesting eastern South America and the Amazonian lowlands were colonized before some central Andean regions, even though the latter are now centers of species richness for these rodents. Moreover, a past connection between the tropical Andes and the Atlantic Forest is suggested by our results, highlighting a role for a hypothetical arc connecting the two biomes, which would have impacted many other groups of organisms. Whether rapid, recent speciation in some regions is related to Quaternary climatic fluctuations and the young age of sigmodontines (~12.7 Ma crown age) or instead to intrinsic traits of these rodents remains an open question. If the former is true, we hypothesize that contrasting trends will characterize older Neotropical clades.
Biochar enhances soil hydraulic function but not soil aggregation in a sandy loam
Authors: Zhou H. , Fang H. , Zhang Q. , Wang Q. , Chen C. , Mooney S. J. , Peng X. , Du Z.
Published: September 2018

Biochar has the potential to modify soil structure and soil hydraulic properties because of its small particle density, highly porous structure, grain size distribution and surface chemistry. However, knowledge of the long‐term effects of biochar on soil physical properties under field conditions is limited. Using an 8‐year field trial, we investigated the effects of successive additions of high‐dose maize‐cob‐derived biochar (9.0 t ha−1 year−1, HB), low‐dose maize‐cob‐derived biochar (4.5 t ha−1 year−1, LB), straw return (SR) and control (no biochar or straw, CK) on soil aggregate distribution, three‐dimensional (3‐D) pore structure, hydraulic conductivity and water retention in the upper 10 cm of a sandy loam soil from the North China Plain. Results showed that LB and HB treatments increased soil organic C content by 61.0–116.3% relative to CK. Interestingly, biochar amendment did not enhance the proportion of macroaggregates (> 2 and 0.25–2 mm) or aggregate stability, indicating limited positive effects on soil aggregation. The HB treatment decreased soil bulk density, and increased total porosity and macroporosity (> 30 μm). The retention of soil water, including gravitational water (0–33 kPa), capillary water (33–3100 kPa) and hygroscopic water (> 3100 kPa), was improved under HB soil. The HB and LB treatments increased plant‐available water content by 17.8 and 10.1%, respectively, compared with CK. In contrast, SR showed no significant increase in soil porosity and water retention capacity but improved the water stability of macroaggregates. We concluded that biochar used in the coarse‐textured soil enhanced saturated hydraulic conductivity and water‐holding capacity, but did not improve soil aggregation.

Highlights

Pore structure and hydraulic properties were studied in an 8‐year biochar‐amended sandy loam.

HB (high‐dose biochar) increased total soil porosity and CT‐identified macroporosity (> 30 μm).

Water retention improved under HB soil.

Biochar addition had no effect on the formation of macroaggregates.
The Role of Parents in Emerging Adults’ Psychological Well‐Being: A Person‐Oriented Approach
Authors: García Mendoza María Del Carmen , Sánchez Queija Inmaculada , Parra Jiménez Águeda
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study was to gain an overview of Spanish emerging adults’ family relationships and their link with psychological well‐being and psychological distress. The sample comprised 1502 undergraduate students (903 women and 599 men) aged between 18 and 29 (M = 20.32 and SD = 2.13), recruited from two universities in Spain. A cluster analysis identified three groups of families based on the centrality of five family variables: parental involvement, parental support for autonomy, parental warmth, behavioral control, and psychological control. The three groups or clusters were labeled high‐quality family relationships (HQ), intermediate‐quality family relationships (IQ), and low‐quality family relationships (LQ). Women were overrepresented in the HQ cluster, whereas men were overrepresented in the IQ cluster. Moreover, emerging adults who perceived better family relationships (high levels of parental involvement, parental support for autonomy and parental warmth, and low levels of behavioral and psychological control) were found to have a higher level of psychological adjustment. Thus, our results indicate that family plays a key role in the psychological well‐being of emerging adults. The discussion focuses on the implications of this finding for the parent‐child relationship, and explores how it extends our knowledge about family relationships during emerging adulthood.
‘MILITANZ’ AND MORALISED VIOLENCE: HAMBURG'S ROTE FLORA AND THE 2017 G20 RIOT
Authors: Jones Ali
Published: September 2018

‘Militanz’ as moralised political violence has been applied by the radical Left since the 1960s, but has scarcely been defined in academic literature. In the particular West German context, ‘Militanz’ has been restricted to attacks against objects rather than persons, in contradistinction to the terrorist attacks of the 1970s. The Autonomist movement has further theorised this concept through the caveat of the ‘three Antis’ (racism, sexism, capitalism), against which they consider their violence to be morally justified. This article offers a genealogy and definition of this 1990s Autonomist ‘Militanz’ by relying on extensive archival research and oral histories collected within the Hamburg Rote Flora Autonomist milieu. It then interrogates both this concept and the group's claims to moral authority by working within the Autonomists’ own conceptual definition to apply ‘Militanz’ categorically to a riot during the 2017 G20 summit. The article disentangles the various ideological factions who took part in this riot, and challenges media discourses that the Rote Flora Autonomists were responsible. However, it also concludes that ‘Militanz’ as a purely ‘Anti’ stance cannot legitimate moralised violence without offering any affirmative definition of appropriate political action, lest all violence become acceptable ‘Militanz’.
Levels of miR‐31 and its target genes in dermal mesenchymal cells of patients with psoriasis
Authors: Wang Qiang , Chang Wenjuan , Yang Xiaohong , Cheng Yueai , Zhao Xincheng , Zhou Ling , Li Juan , Li Junqin , Zhang Kaiming
Published: September 2018

Background

Psoriasis is characterized by chronic inflammatory dermatosis, and the pathogenesis of psoriasis is associated with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and deregulation of the expression of miR‐31. This study aimed to clarify the function of miR‐31 in dermal MSCs (DMSCs) in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Methods

The expression of miR‐31 was assayed by a microarray and that of target genes of miR‐31 was tested by quantitative PCR.

Results

The expression of miR‐31 in the psoriasis group was 0.2677 folds that of the control group. The expression of EMP1 and EIG121L genes, whose products are located on the cell membrane, in the psoriasis group was 4.095579 and 5.367017 folds that in the control group, respectively. The expression of GRB10, PTPN14, QKI, RNF144B, and TACC2 genes, whose products are located in the cytoplasm, in the psoriasis group was 1.440428, 1.198335, 1.737285, 7.379546, and 1.531947 folds that of the control. The expression of PRELP, whose products are secreted in the extracellular space, in the psoriasis group was 1.351684 folds that of the control. The expression of RBMS1, KHDRBS3, and SATB2, whose products play a role in the nucleus, in the psoriasis group was 2.237199, 1.277159, and 1.005742 folds that of the control, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the low expression of miR‐31 in DMSCs in patients with psoriasis causes an increase in the expression of some of its target genes, which in turn facilitates T lymphocyte activation by inhibiting the proliferation of DMSCs and therefore participates in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
The safety and efficacy of daylight photodynamic therapy in the treatment of actinic keratoses: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Weijia , Guan Meng , Nong Xiang , Li Qian , Chen Zonghan
Published: September 2018

Daylight photodynamic therapy (DLPDT) is a novel therapeutic approach for actinic keratoses (AKs). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DLPDT in treating patients with AKs as compared to conventional photodynamic therapy (CPDT). PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before November 2017, based on the following search terms: “solar keratoses”, “actinic keratoses”, “photodynamic therapy”, “daylight photodynamic therapy”, “conventional photodynamic therapy”, and “randomized”. The complete response rate, patient satisfaction, and patient‐reported pain after intervention with DLPDT or CPDT were primarily measured. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the reliability of results. Begg's and Egger's tests were used to assess the likelihood of publication bias. Eight RCTs, comprising a total of 424 patients with AKs treated with DLPDT or CPDT, were included. No significant difference was found between the lesion response rate and the mean lesion response in a comparison of DLPDT and CPDT treatments. Generally, DLPDT was associated with higher patient satisfaction than CPDT. The patients who underwent DLPDT experienced less pain than those who underwent CPDT. Most of our results were of high stability and low sensitivity. Meanwhile, no statistical evidence of publication bias among studies was found under all comparisons. In conclusion, DLPDT is a safe and effective therapy, which could help in selecting the most appropriate therapeutic method for treating AKs and in guiding physicians to optimize treatment strategies.
Serum elafin as a potential inflammatory marker in psoriasis
Authors: Elgharib Ibrahim , Khashaba Shrook A. , Elsaid Hanaa H. , Sharaf Mona M.
Published: September 2018

Background

Psoriasis is a distressing chronic skin disease. Its exact pathogenesis is still unclear, as many factors interplay in its occurrence.

Aim

The aim of the study is to estimate elafin levels in the serum of both cases and controls and to correlate the levels with psoriasis severity and other markers of inflammation.

Subjects and methods

Twenty‐six psoriatic cases along with 26 healthy controls were assigned in this case‐control study. Psoriasis severity was determined by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score. Elafin levels were measured by ELISA in serum of both cases and controls. C‐reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured in the cases.

Results

Elafin levels show highly statistical significance difference (P < 0.001) between cases and controls. There is a statistical significant correlation between elafin levels and both psoriasis severity and inflammation markers as CRP and ESR.

Conclusion

Elafin represents a mirror for psoriasis severity and inflammatory state.
Effectively controlling the crystal growth of Cr2O3 using SiO2 as the second phase
Authors: Yao Suzhe , Wang Enhui , Chen Junhong , Chou Kuo‐Chih , Hou Xinmei
Published: September 2018

The inevitable crystal growth of Cr2O3 during sintering causes the generation of cracks, which degrades the high‐temperature properties. To solve this, SiO2 is adopted as the second phase and the specimens are sintered at 1200‐1500°C under buried carbon condition. The results show that the addition of approximate 20 wt% SiO2 can effectively control the crystal growth of Cr2O3. The Cr2O3 particle size can keep uniform ranging from 4 μm to 12 μm even when the temperature increases to 1500°C. The sintering of Cr2O3 mainly follows the defect model, which depends on the reaction temperatures and atmospheres. This work should also contribute to the sintering of other oxide refractories with controlled crystal size for practical application.
Diagnostic accuracy of a new ex vivo confocal laser scanning microscope compared to H&E‐stained paraffin slides for micrographic surgery of basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Peters N. , Schubert M. , Metzler G. , Geppert J.‐P. , Moehrle M.
Published: September 2018

Background

For safe excision of malignant skin tumours, complete negative surgical margins are mandatory. The gold standard for analysis is frozen sections or paraffin‐embedded haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained slides. The production of H&E‐stained slides is time‐consuming (>20 h) while wounds remain unclosed. An upcoming method is confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), a technique that scans unfixed fresh tissue rapidly.

Objective

Evaluation of the process to generate and analyse CLSM images and assessment of the accuracy to detect basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tissue.

Methods

Digital microscopic images were generated by the Histolog Scanner v1 from 544 fresh specimens of 148 BCCs that had been stained with a 0.01% proflavine solution. CLSM images were compared to the histological diagnoses of the corresponding H&E‐stained slides.

Results

A total of 525 images could be analysed. The sensitivity was 73% (95% CI = [65.27%; 80.47%]), and the specificity was 96% (95% CI = [93.40%; 97.60%]). Detection of BCCs in punch biopsies was certainly detected (sensitivity of 100%). The median total time to generate and evaluate a CLSM image was 5.17 min (maximum 20.17 min and minimum 2.05 min). The greatest challenge was flattening the specimen to assure complete representation of the surgical margins.

Conclusion

Confocal laser scanning microscopy is a time‐saving and very effective alternative to classical paraffin‐embedded or frozen sections. Patient treatment could be improved due to shorter hospital stays or faster outpatient therapy due to reduced intervals between surgical stages. Diagnostic accuracy of the microscope used still must be improved.
The Mexican Experience Adapting CenteringPregnancy: Lessons Learned in a Publicly Funded Health Care System Serving Vulnerable Women
Authors: Heredia‐Pi Ileana B. , Fuentes‐Rivera Evelyn , Andrade‐Romo Zafiro , Bravo Bolaños Cacho María de Lourdes , Alcalde‐Rabanal Jacqueline , Jurkiewicz Laurie , Darney Blair G.
Published: September 2018

Group antenatal care is an innovative model of health care in which all components of antenatal care—clinical, educational, and supportive—happen in a group context with health care professionals as facilitators. CenteringPregnancy is the most studied model of group antenatal care, now widely implemented in the United States. This model has been shown to be effective in improving health and behavioral outcomes in the United States, but there is less known about the experience adapting group antenatal care in settings outside the US health care system. This article describes the adaptation of the CenteringPregnancy model to a Mexican context. We describe the Mexican health care context and our adaptation process and highlight key factors to consider when adapting the content and modality of the CenteringPregnancy model for diverse populations and health systems. Our findings are relevant to others seeking to implement group antenatal care in settings outside the US health care system.
Prospective Study of the Clinical, Electrophysiologic, and Sonographic Characteristics of Oxaliplatin‐Induced Neuropathy
Authors: Pitarokoili Kalliopi , Höffken Nadine , Lönneker Niko , Fisse Anna Lena , Trampe Nadine , Gold Ralf , Reinacher‐Schick Anke , Yoon Min‐Suk
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathy is a major dose limiting side effect of the highly effective combination chemotherapy with oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and 5‐fluorouracil (FOLFIRINOX) in patients with metastastic pancreatic cancer. We present the first longitudinal sonographical‐electrophysiological study on oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathy.

METHODS

Thirteen patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer underwent clinical, sonographic, and electrophysiological evaluation before, 3 and 7 months after treatment with 12 two‐week cycles of FOLFIRINOX.

RESULTS

The majority of patients (61%) developed symptoms and electrophysiological signs of a length‐dependent sensorimotor axonal neuropathy 7 months after treatment initiation. Oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathy presented with a cross‐sectional area (CSA) increase of mostly the tibial and fibular nerve, which developed parallel or prior to clinical signs and electrophysiological changes. Furthermore, isolated CSA at entrapment sites of the upper and lower extremities was measured without relevant symptoms. No correlation between sonographic and electrophysiological findings or clinical severity was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathy is characterized by an axonal length‐dependent nerve affection presenting with a combination of sonographical and electrophysiological alterations.
Clinical Factors That Affect the Relationship between Head Circumference and Brain Volume in Very‐Low‐Birth‐Weight Infants
Authors: Kawasaki Yukako , Yoshida Taketoshi , Matsui Mie , Hiraiwa Akiko , Inomata Satomi , Tamura Kentaro , Makimoto Masami , Oishi Kenichi
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Measuring head circumference (HC) in infants is an easy screening procedure with which to detect abnormalities in brain growth. It has been demonstrated that HC can predict total brain volume (TBV) in very‐low‐birth‐weight (VLBW) infants. However, the correlation between HC and TBV was weaker than that observed in healthy term‐born toddlers, suggesting that there are factors that influence the relationship between HC and TBV. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical risk factors that caused a deviation from the regression line obtained between HC and TBV.

METHODS

The study population was based on 37 VLBW infants, who underwent a clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination at a term‐equivalent age, during 2013–2015, at Toyama University Hospital. The HC and the TBV were both adjusted for sex, multiple births, and postmenstrual age. The relationship between TBV/HC and clinical characteristics was evaluated.

RESULTS

There was a positive correlation between HC and TBV (r = .58, P = .000168). Two clinical factors, the lower birth body weight (BBW) (r = .38, P = .02) and dolichocephaly (r = 0.46, P = .006), were identified as factors that negatively affected the TBV/HC ratio. After excluding infants with low BBW or with dolichocephaly, the correlation between HC and TBV was higher (r = .63).

CONCLUSIONS

Although HC has predictive value for TBV in VLBW infants, care should be taken in infants with low BBW (BBW less than 600 g) or dolichocephaly (MRI‐based cranial index less than .68), which were related to overestimation of TBV.
Predictive risk factors for complicated pneumonia in Malaysian children
Authors: Ooi Jian Min , Eg Kah Peng , Chinna Karuthan , Nathan Anna M , de Bruyne Jessie A , Thavagnanam Surendran
Published: September 2018

Aim

To investigate baseline characteristics associated with complicated community‐acquired pneumonia (CAPc) in Malaysian children. CAPc, such as pleural effusion and/or empyema, is on the rise, especially in Southeast Asian children, and the reasons for this are unknown.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on all children aged 2–16 years who were admitted to the University Malaya Medical Centre with community‐acquired pneumonia between 2012 and 2014.

Results

In this study, of the 343 children, 58 (17%) developed CAPc. Chinese ethnicity (P < 0.001), reduced breastfeeding duration (P = 0.003), not receiving outpatient antibiotic (P < 0.001) and exposure to parental smoking (P < 0.001) were identified as risk factors for CAPc. Markedly increased respiratory rate (P = 0.021) and thrombocytosis (P < 0.001) were noted as the clinical parameters for CAPc.

Conclusion

This study identifies some modifiable risk to reduce the burden of pneumonia complications.
Tannins from Terminalia chebula fruits attenuates GABA antagonist-induced anxiety-like behaviour via modulation of neurotransmitters
Authors: Chandrasekhar Yadavalli , Phani Kumar Garlapati , Navya Katram , Ramya Edavalath Methal , Anilakumar Kandangath Raghavan
Published: September 2018

Objectives

This article investigates the anxiolytic activity of Terminalia chebula tannin-rich extract against picrotoxin (PTX; GABA antagonist)-induced anxiety in mice model.

Methods

Anxiolytic activity was studied by elevated plus maze (EPM), open field test (OFT), light/dark box test (LDT) and Vogel's conflict test (VCT). Electroencephalogram (EEG) was performed to know the changes in brain activity instigated by GABA antagonist. 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brain tissues were estimated by HPLC. The mRNA (CREB, BDNF, GABA, and 5-HT1A) and protein expression (CREB, p-CREB, BDNF, ERK ½, p-ERK ½, GABAARα1, 5-HT1A and GAPDH) levels in brain tissue were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively.

Key findings

Terminalia chebula tannin-rich extract (TCHE) supplementation increased locomotion in mice towards open arm (EPM), time spent in illuminated area (LDT), rearing frequency (OFT) and number of shocks (VCT) compared to PTX (P < 0.05). Furthermore, TCHE down-regulated serum cortisol levels and showed increased levels of 5-HT, DA and NE. Gene expressions such as BDNF, CREB, GABAA and 5-HT1A were up-regulated by TCHE treatment compared to PTX.

Conclusions

Terminalia chebula tannin-rich extract showed significant anxiolytic activity against picrotoxin and could be used as natural therapy in neurodegenerative disorders.
Investigation of potent anticarcinogenic activity of 1, 3-diarylpyrazole acrylamide derivatives in vitro
Authors: Demiroglu-Zergeroglu Asuman , Ayvali Nurettin , Turhal Gulseren , Ceylan Hurmuz , Nacak Baytas Sultan
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Pyrazole derivatives are pharmacologically powerful agents pointing at new horizons in the development of anticancer therapies. In this study, anticarcinogenic potential of a series of pyrazole-acrylamide derivatives has been investigated in mesothelial, malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer cell lines.

Methods

The effect of compounds on the viability of cells and the distribution of cell cycle were examined through MTS assay and PI staining, respectively. Apoptosis was evaluated via caspase-3 enzymatic assay and AO/EB staining. Proteins involved in proliferation, survival and apoptosis were analysed by immunoblotting.

Key findings

Twelve compounds of 21 (4a–4v) reduced the viability of cells but, only the subset of five (4f, 4i, 4j, 4k and 4v) induced the caspase-3 activity. Among five, only one compound (4k) significantly suppressed phosphorylation and expression of ERK1/2 and AKT proteins in 24 h. Exposing cancer cells to successive concentrations of 4k gave rise to dose- and time-dependent G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis.

Conclusions

4k has revealed its potent antiproliferative activity by decreasing viability and inhibiting proliferation and survival signals of cancer cells. Moreover, 4k has exposed cytostatic and apoptotic effect especially, on cancer cells. Therefore, it may be necessary to examine the biological actions of 4k in vivo as well.
Supporting New Product Launches With Social Media Communication and Online Advertising: Sales Volume and Profit Implications
Authors: Gruner Richard L. , Vomberg Arnd , Homburg Christian , Lukas Bryan A.
Published: September 2018

The question of how important firms’ investments in digital communication formats are for the commercial success of new products remains unexplored in the product innovation management literature. Drawing on reactance theory, the authors examine the extent to which investments in social media communication and online advertising are related to the sales volume and profits of new products within six months of being launched. Using dyadic survey data, an analysis of new products launched by 122 consumer durable goods firms reveals that sales volume and profits of new products are associated with (1) social media communication in a positive but diminishing shape, and (2) online advertising in an inverted U‐shape. Further analyses show that those curvilinear relationships are steeper for social media communication and flatter for online advertising at respective (1) higher levels of customer product involvement and (2) lower levels of product superiority. The results imply that there is an optimal level of investment in social media communication and online advertising, with the optimum dependent on a new product’s consumer involvement and superiority levels.
Burnout symptoms in forensic psychiatric nurses and their associations with personality, emotional intelligence and client aggression: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: de Looff Peter , Nijman Henk , Didden Robert , Embregts Petri
Published: September 2018

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Client aggression in forensic psychiatry is associated with burnout symptoms in nursing staff. It is unclear what mechanisms contribute to this relationship.

The type and severity of aggression might be of importance in the association between client aggression and burnout symptoms, but also the personality characteristics and emotional intelligence of nursing staff.

It is unknown whether wearable devices that measure arousal can be used to detect chronic stress and burnout symptoms.

What does this paper add to existing knowledge?

Especially, physical aggression as experienced by nursing staff is associated with staff's burnout symptoms (e.g., emotional exhaustion and depersonalization). Further research on the aggression questionnaire is necessary.

The stress management skill of nursing staff is an important factor to consider in the association between burnout symptoms and client aggression.

The wearable device was not useful for detecting burnout symptoms.

What are the implications for practice?

Nursing staff who experience (physical) aggression should be carefully monitored and should receive social support from their management to aid their well‐being. Contrary to intuition, nurses who reported a higher number of stress management skills might have to be monitored more closely if necessary.

Introduction

Aggressive behaviour of forensic clients is associated with burnout symptoms in nursing staff. The role of staff characteristics as moderators is unclear.

Aim

We explored the association between type and severity of aggressive behaviour as experienced by nursing staff and staff's burnout symptoms. In addition, the moderating roles of personality characteristics and emotional intelligence (EI) were studied. Moreover, the usefulness of ambulatory skin conductance assessments in detecting arousal related to burnout symptoms was studied.

Method

A total of 114 forensic nursing staff members filled out questionnaires and wore an ambulatory device.

Results

Experiencing physical aggression was positively associated with staff's burnout symptoms. Stress management skills, a subscale of EI, but not personality, moderated this relationship. Skin conductance was not associated with burnout symptoms. Remarkably, the association between aggression and burnout symptoms was highest for staff reporting a higher number of stress management skills.

Discussion

Longitudinal research is necessary to establish causality between client aggression and staff burnout symptoms. In addition, further research is necessary on the validity of the aggression measure used in the current study.

Implication for practice

Nursing staff who experience physical aggression frequently should receive social support for this, and staff who report high stress management skills should be monitored more carefully after having been confronted with aggression.
Change Detection and the Causal Impact of the Yield Curve
Authors: Shi Shuping , Phillips Peter C. B. , Hurn Stan
Published: September 2018

Causal relationships in econometrics are typically based on the concept of predictability and are established by testing Granger causality. Such relationships are susceptible to change, especially during times of financial turbulence, making the real‐time detection of instability an important practical issue. This article develops a test for detecting changes in causal relationships based on a recursive evolving window, which is analogous to a procedure used in recent work on financial bubble detection. The limiting distribution of the test takes a simple form under the null hypothesis and is easy to implement in conditions of homoskedasticity and conditional heteroskedasticity of an unknown form. Bootstrap methods are used to control family‐wise size in implementation. Simulation experiments compare the efficacy of the proposed test with two other commonly used tests, the forward recursive and the rolling window tests. The results indicate that the recursive evolving approach offers the best finite sample performance, followed by the rolling window algorithm. The testing strategies are illustrated in an empirical application that explores the causal relationship between the slope of the yield curve and real economic activity in the United States over the period 1980–2015.
US Criminal Justice Policy and Practice in the Twenty‐First Century: Toward the End of Mass Incarceration?
Authors: Beckett Katherine , Beach Lindsey , Knaphus Emily , Reosti Anna
Published: September 2018

Although the wisdom of mass incarceration is now widely questioned, incarceration rates have fallen far less than what would be predicted on the basis of crime trends. Informed by institutional studies of path dependence, sociolegal scholarship on legal discretion, and research suggesting that “late mass incarceration” is characterized by a moderated response to nonviolent crime but even stronger penalties for violent offenses, this article analyzes recent sentencing‐related reforms and case processing outcomes. Although the legislative findings reveal widespread willingness to moderate penalties for nonviolent crimes, the results also reveal a notably heightened system response to both violent and nonviolent crimes at the level of case processing. These findings help explain why the decline in incarceration rates has been notably smaller than the drop in crime rates and are consistent with the literature on path dependence, which emphasizes that massive institutional developments enhance the capacity and motivation of institutional actors to preserve jobs, resources, and authorities. The findings also underscore the importance of analyzing on‐the‐ground case processing outcomes as well as formal law when assessing the state and fate of complex institutional developments such as mass incarceration.
Changes in sensory proteins in the bladder urothelium of patients with chronic kidney disease and end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Chen Sheng‐Fu , Lee Cheng‐Ling , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: September 2018

Objective

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) frequently have lower urinary tract symptoms, such as frequency, urgency, or bladder pain. This study evaluated sensory protein expression in the bladder urothelium of patients with CKD or ESRD.

Methods

Twenty‐seven patients with ESRD or CKD and urodynamically proven detrusor underactivity (DU; n = 8) or bladder oversensitivity (n = 19) were enrolled in the study. These patients, and 10 controls, underwent cystoscopic biopsies of the urothelium. Western blotting analysis was used to examine the expression of sensory proteins, namely purinergic P2X3, muscarinic M2 and M3, and β3‐adrenergic (AR) receptors, as well as inducible (i) and epithelial (e) nitric oxide synthase (NOS), in tissue samples. Expression was compared between CKD or ESRD patients and controls.

Results

P2X3 receptor expression was lower, whereas β3‐AR was expression higher in the bladder urothelium of the patient group (ESRD and CKD combined) compared with controls. In addition, compared with controls, CKD patients had significantly lower P2X3 receptor expression, whereas ESRD patients had significantly higher M3 receptor expression. There were no significant differences in M2 receptor, eNOS, and iNOS expression between ESRD or CKD patients and controls. Patients with DU had significantly higher M2 and M3 receptor expression. There were no significant differences in the expression of any protein between ESRD and CKD patients, regardless of the presence of bladder pain or anuria.

Conclusion

Significantly decreased P2X3 receptor and increased β3‐AR expression are seen in the bladder urothelium of patients with ESRD or CKD. The expression of these sensory proteins is not associated with decreased bladder capacity or anuria status in patients with ESRD or CKD.
From antagonistic larvae to mutualistic adults: coevolution of diet niches within life cycles
Authors: Picot Aurore , Georgelin Ewen , Loeuille Nicolas
Published: September 2018

Population structures largely affect higher levels of organization (community structure, ecosystem functioning), especially when involving ontogenetic changes in habitat or diet. Along life cycles, partners and interaction type may change: for instance Lepidopterans are herbivores as larvae and pollinators as adults. To understand variations in diet niche from larvae to adults, we model a community of two plant species and one stage‐structured insect species consuming plants as juvenile and pollinating them as adult. We model the coevolution of juvenile and adult diet specialization using adaptive dynamics to investigate when one should expect niche partitioning or niche overlap among life stages. We consider ecological and evolutionary implications for the coexistence of species. As predicted based on indirect effects among stages, we find that juvenile diet evolution increases niche overlap and favours the coexistence of plants, while the evolution of the adult diet decreases niche overlap and reduces plant coexistence, because of positive feedbacks emerging from the mutualistic interaction.
The potential role of antioxidants in mitigating skin hyperpigmentation resulting from ultraviolet and visible light‐induced oxidative stress
Authors: Nahhas Amanda F. , Abdel‐Malek Zalfa A. , Kohli Indermeet , Braunberger Taylor L. , Lim Henry W. , Hamzavi Iltefat H.
Published: September 2018

Oxidative stress is an integral element that influences a variety of biochemical reactions throughout the body and is known to play a notable role in melanogenesis. Exogenous triggers of oxidative stress, such as ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and visible light (VL), lead to pigment formation through somewhat different pathways, but both share a common endpoint—the potential to generate cosmetically undesirable hyperpigmentation. Though organic and inorganic sunscreens are available to protect against the UVR portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, coverage is lacking to protect against the VL spectrum. In this manuscript, we review the phases of tanning, pathways of melanogenesis triggered by UVR and VL, and the associated impact of oxidative stress. We also discuss the known intrinsic mechanisms and paracrine regulation of melanocytes that influence their response to UVR. Understanding these mechanisms and their role in UVR‐induced hyperpigmentation should potentially lead to identification of useful targets that can be coupled with antioxidant therapy to alleviate this effect.
Role of periodontal therapy in management of common complex systemic diseases and conditions: An update
Authors: Sabharwal Amarpreet , Gomes‐Filho Isaac S. , Stellrecht Elizabeth , Scannapieco Frank A.
Published: September 2018

The goal of this review is to summarize the results of randomized trials reported since 2010 that assessed the effect of periodontal interventions on at least one systemic outcome in human subjects of any age, gender or ethnicity. Oral outcome measures included gingivitis, pocket depth, clinical attachment loss and/or radiographic bone loss and oral hygiene indices. Studies were excluded if the trial was not completed or if treatment was not randomized. The results suggest that nonsurgical periodontal intervention provided to pregnant women is safe and improves periodontal status without preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Nonsurgical periodontal intervention was also found to provide modest improvement in glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and periodontitis. Also, improving oral care through mechanical or chemical control of dental‐plaque biofilm formation can contribute to the prevention of respiratory infections in differing clinical settings, including hospitals and nursing homes, and in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. No clinical trials were reported that tested the effect of periodontal interventions on medical outcomes of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, chronic kidney disease or malignant neoplasia.
Stress, allostatic load, and periodontal diseases
Authors: Sabbah Wael , Gomaa Noha , Gireesh Aswathikutty
Published: September 2018

Psychosocial stress plays an important role in periodontal disease through biological and behavioral pathways. In this paper we review studies that examine the relationship between stress and periodontal diseases, and discuss the different measures used to assess stress. Self‐reported measures, such as the Perceived Stress Scale and the Stress Appraisal Measure, have traditionally been used to assess stress. Frequent and repeated exposure to stressor(s) leads to wear and tear of the body's systems, resulting in what is known as allostatic load. In recent years, few studies examining the relationship between stress and periodontal diseases have used an aggregate variable, including primary and secondary markers of allostatic load, as a biological marker of stress. While research on the relationship between allostatic load and periodontal disease is still developing, as most of the studies used cross‐sectional data, this line of research presents a good opportunity for establishing a composite biological indicator as a risk factor for periodontal disease. Such an indicator is also potentially beneficial for personalized periodontics as it will help to target intervention to specific levels of risk and will help in integrating oral and general health promotion policies.
The impact of infection among left ventricular assist device recipients on post‐transplantation outcomes: A retrospective review
Authors: Lerman Dana T. , Hamilton Keith W. , Byrne Dana , Lee Doreen F. , Zeitler Kristen , Claridge Tamara , Gray Jaime , Minamoto Grace Y.
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) infections are common, and the consequences of LVAD infections on orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) outcomes are not well described.

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe clinical characteristics and evaluate risk factors for developing LVAD infections, and examine outcomes of LVAD‐specific infections (VSI) after OHT.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the records of 74 consecutive patients at two institutions who had undergone LVAD placement and subsequent OHT between January 2007 and December 2012.

Results

Forty‐six of 74 (62%) LVAD recipients who underwent OHT had pre‐transplant infections, and 18 (24%) had LVAD‐specific infection (VSI), of which 71% were caused by gram‐negative organisms. Of pre‐transplant non‐LVAD infections, Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) was the most common (26%) followed by urinary tract infection (UTI, 16%) and pneumonia (PNA 15%). Univariate analysis comparing subjects with VSI to those without VSI showed a significant association with time spent outside the hospital prior to transplantation (median 231.8 days vs 142.2 days, P < 0.03) and total time between VAD placement and OHT (244.0 days and 150.5 days, P < 0.002). Logistic regression was performed and significant predictors for VAD‐related infection were age and the presence of diabetes, with type of device as an effect modifier. Six months post‐OHT survival was not significantly affected by the presence of VSI prior to transplant. There was a trend toward an association between the presence of any infection and post‐transplant rejection (P < 0.09). There were 10 post‐transplant deaths by 6 months. Of these deaths, 4/10 (40%) were cardiopulmonary and 6/10 (60%) were related to infections.

Conclusions

Advanced age and presence of diabetes were predictors of VSI, as well as type of VAD device, although device choice is likely affected by many clinical factors including age and comorbidities, as well as institution‐specific preferences. VSI was not associated with a decrease in 6‐month post‐OHT survival. However, infections remain the major causes of death by 6 months post‐transplant. Certain infections are associated with an increased risk of rejection, which merits further investigation.