bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foliar pathogens are unlikely to stabilize coexistence of competing species in a California grassland
Authors: Spear Erin R. , Mordecai Erin A.
Published: November 2017

Pathogen infection is common in wild plants and animals, and may regulate their populations. If pathogens have narrow host ranges and increase with the density of their favored hosts, they may promote host species diversity by suppressing common species to the benefit of rare species. Yet, because many pathogens infect multiple co-occurring hosts, they may not strongly respond to the relative abundance of a single host species. Are natural communities dominated by specialized pathogens that respond to the relative abundance of a specific host or by pathogens with broad host ranges and limited responses to the relative abundance of single host? The answer determines the potential for pathogens to promote host coexistence, as often hypothesized, or to have negligible or even negative effects on host coexistence. We lack a systematic understanding of the impacts, identities, and host ranges of pathogens in natural communities. Here we characterize a community of foliar fungal pathogens and evaluate their host specificity and fitness impacts in a California grassland community of native and exotic species. We found that most of the commonly isolated fungal pathogens were multi-host, with intermediate to low specialization. The amount of pathogen damage each host experienced was independent of host species local relative abundance. Despite pathogen sharing among the host species, fungal communities slightly differed in composition across host species. Plants with high pathogen damage tended to have lower seed production but the relationship was weak, suggesting limited fitness impacts. Moreover, seed production was not dependent on the local relative abundance of each plant species, suggesting that stabilizing coexistence mechanisms may operate at larger spatial scales in this community. Because foliar pathogens in this grassland community are multi-host and have small fitness impacts, they are unlikely to promote negative frequency-dependence or plant species coexistence in this system. Still, given that pathogen community composition differentiates across host species, some more subtle feedbacks between host relative abundance and pathogen community composition, damage, and fitness impacts are possible, which could in turn promote either coexistence or competitive exclusion.
Multi-temperature structure of thermoelectric Mg2Si and Mg2Sn
Authors: Kasai Hidetaka , Song Lirong , Andersen Henrik Lyder , Yin Hao , Iversen Bo Brummerstedt
Published: November 2017

A multi-temperature structural study of Mg2Si and Mg2Sn was carried out from 100 to 700 K using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. The temperature dependence of the lattice parameters can be expressed as a = 6.3272 (4) + 6.5 (2) × 10−5
T + 4.0 (3) × 10−8
T
2 Å and a = 6.7323 (7) + 8.5 (4) × 10−5
T + 3.8 (5) × 10−8
T
2 Å for Mg2Si and Mg2Sn, respectively. The atomic displacement parameters (ADPs) are reported and analysed using a Debye model for the averaged U
iso giving Debye temperatures of 425 (2) K for Mg2Si and 243 (2) K for Mg2Sn. The ADPs are considerably smaller for Mg2Si than for Mg2Sn reflecting the weaker chemical bonding in the Mg2Sn structure. Following the heating, an annealing effect is observed on the lattice parameters and peak widths in both structures, presumably due to changes in the crystal defects, but the lattice thermal expansion is almost unchanged by the annealing. This work provides accurate structural parameters which are of importance for studies of Mg2Si, Mg2Sn and their solid solutions.
Mean bond-length variations in crystals for ions bonded to oxygen
Authors: Gagné Olivier Charles , Hawthorne Frank Christopher
Published: November 2017

Variations in mean bond length are examined in oxide and oxysalt crystals for 55 cation configurations bonded to O2−. Stepwise multiple regression analysis shows that mean bond length is correlated to bond-length distortion in 42 ion configurations at the 95% confidence level, with a mean coefficient of determination (〈R
2〉) of 0.35. Previously published correlations between mean bond length and mean coordination number of the bonded anions are found not to be of general applicability to inorganic oxide and oxysalt structures. For two of 11 ions tested for the 95% confidence level, mean bond lengths predicted using a fixed radius for O2− are significantly more accurate as those predicted using an O2− radius dependent on coordination number, and are statistically identical otherwise. As a result, the currently accepted ionic radii for O2− in different coordinations are not justified by experimental data. Previously reported correlation between mean bond length and the mean electronegativity of the cations bonded to the oxygen atoms of the coordination polyhedron is shown to be statistically insignificant; similar results are obtained with regard to ionization energy. It is shown that a priori bond lengths calculated for many ion configurations in a single structure-type leads to a high correlation between a priori and observed mean bond lengths, but a priori bond lengths calculated for a single ion configuration in many different structure-types leads to negligible correlation between a priori and observed mean bond lengths. This indicates that structure type has a major effect on mean bond length, the magnitude of which goes beyond that of the other variables analyzed here.
Compression of glycolide-h4 to 6 GPa
Authors: Hutchison Ian B. , Bull Craig L. , Marshall William G. , Parsons Simon , Urquhart Andrew J. , Oswald Iain D. H.
Published: November 2017

This study details the structural characterization of glycolide-h4 as a function of pressure to 6 GPa using neutron powder diffraction on the PEARL instrument at ISIS Neutron and Muon source. Glycolide-h4, rather than its deuterated isotopologue, was used in this study due to the difficulty of deuteration. The low background afforded by zirconia-toughened alumina anvils nevertheless enabled the collection of data suitable for structural analysis to be obtained to a pressure of 5 GPa. Glycolide-h4 undergoes a reconstructive phase transition at 0.15 GPa to a previously identified form (II), which is stable to 6 GPa.
Out-of-plane ionicity versus in-plane covalency interplay in high-T
c cuprates
Authors: Guerfi T.
Published: November 2017

It may be argued that the remarkable properties of the high-temperature superconducting cuprates such as the insulator–metal transition (IMT) and the metal–superconductor transition (MST) originate from competition and interplay between the interlayer ionic interaction and the intralayer covalent bonds in these materials. It is proposed here that the microscopic order parameter is the local field estimated from the ionic polarization at the sub-unit cell level, and it is demonstrated that it shows a strong temperature as well as chemical doping dependence. The out-of-plane ionicity induces an interlayer electron transfer that reduces the ionicity of the layers and leads to IMT, while the in-plane covalency induces in-plane intersite hole transfer that increases the out-of-plane ionicity. It is suggested that this competition leads to a local field catastrophe at a critical temperature T
c that drives the compound to MST. The asymmetry of the free charge carrier density breaks locally the mirror reflection symmetry of the order parameter, leading to a pairing between the real current and the polarization current.
Crystal structure of 3-(4,4-difluoro-5,7-dimethyl-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacen-3-yl)propanoic acid
Authors: Kato Takuma , Doi Mitsunobu
Published: November 2017

The crystal structure of the title compound, C14H15BF2N2O2, which comprises a boron–dipyrromethene (BODIPY) backbone and a propionic acid group, has been determined at 100 K. The BODIPY fused-ring system is nearly planar, with a maximum deviation from the mean plane of 0.032 (2) Å. In the crystal, pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds connect the molecules, forming inversion dimers. The dimers are linkedviaC—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a tape along theaaxis. The tapes are stacked along thecaxis through C—H...F hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions.
Solving the scalability issue in quantum-based refinement: Q|R#1
Authors: Zheng Min , Moriarty Nigel W. , Xu Yanting , Reimers Jeffrey R. , Afonine Pavel V. , Waller Mark P.
Published: November 2017

Accurately refining biomacromolecules using a quantum-chemical method is challenging because the cost of a quantum-chemical calculation scales approximately asnm, wherenis the number of atoms andm(≥3) is based on the quantum method of choice. This fundamental problem means that quantum-chemical calculations become intractable when the size of the system requires more computational resources than are available. In the development of the software package calledQ|R, this issue is referred to as Q|R#1. A divide-and-conquer approach has been developed that fragments the atomic model into small manageable pieces in order to solve Q|R#1. Firstly, the atomic model of a crystal structure is analyzed to detect noncovalent interactions between residues, and the results of the analysis are represented as an interaction graph. Secondly, a graph-clustering algorithm is used to partition the interaction graph into a set of clusters in such a way as to minimize disruption to the noncovalent interaction network. Thirdly, the environment surrounding each individual cluster is analyzed and any residue that is interacting with a particular cluster is assigned to the buffer region of that particular cluster. A fragment is defined as a cluster plus its buffer region. The gradients for all atoms from each of the fragments are computed, and only the gradients from each cluster are combined to create the total gradients. A quantum-based refinement is carried out using the total gradients as chemical restraints. In order to validate this interaction graph-based fragmentation approach inQ|R, the entire atomic model of an amyloid cross-β spine crystal structure (PDB entry 2oNA) was refined.
Using more than 801 296 small-molecule crystal structures to aid in protein structure refinement and analysis. Addendum
Authors: Cole Jason C. , Giangreco Ilenia , Groom Colin R.
Published: November 2017

An addendum to theIntroductionof Coleet al.[(2017),Acta Cryst.D73, 234–239] is made to recognize the work of Bricogne, Smart and others in the development of methods to make use of Cambridge Structural Database data in protein structure solution.
Lean leadership attributes: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Aij Kjeld Harald , Teunissen Maurits
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Emphasis on quality and reducing costs has led many health-care organizations to reconfigure their management, process, and quality control infrastructures. Many are lean, a management philosophy with roots in manufacturing industries that emphasizes elimination of waste. Successful lean implementation requires systemic change and strong leadership. Despite the importance of leadership to successful lean implementation, few researchers have probed the question of ideal leadership attributes to achieve lean thinking in health care. The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into applicable attributes for lean leaders in health care.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors systematically reviewed the literature on principles of leadership and, using Dombrowski and Mielke’s (2013) conceptual model of lean leadership, developed a parallel theoretical model for lean leadership in health care.

Findings

This work contributes to the development of a new framework for describing leadership attributes within lean management of health care.

Originality/value

The summary of attributes can provide a model for health-care leaders to apply lean in their organizations.
Blockchain systems for trade clearing
Authors: Tsai Wei-Tek , Luo Yong , Deng Enyan , Zhao Jing , Ding Xiaoqiang , Li Jie , Yuan Bo
Published: November 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to apply blockchains (BCs) for trade clearing and settlement in a realistic clearinghouse. The purpose is to demonstrate the feasibility and scalability of this approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses account BCs and trading BCs as building blocks for trade clearing and settlement. Careful design is made to ensure that this approach is feasible and scalable.

Findings

A design has been proposed that can process hundreds of thousands of trades for a clearinghouse and it addresses performance, privacy and scalability of realistic trade clearing and settlement. The design has been implemented and experimented in a clearinghouse for over two months and processes over 3B real transactions from an exchange. The first month was to experiment with the system with historical data, the second month was to experiment with real-time data during market trading hours. The system performed as designed and intended.

Research limitations/implications

This is the first large research paper that applied BCs for clearing in the world. The authors applied the system to a clearinghouse and processed over 3 billion transactions, equivalent to 13 years of London Stock Exchange transaction volume, demonstrating that BCs can handle a large number of transactions.

Practical implications

The design can be duplicated to many clearinghouses in the world, and this also paves the way BCs can be used in large financial institutions.

Social implications

An implication is that other trading firms, clearinghouses and banks can apply the same technology for trade clearing, ushering the way BCs can be used in institutions. As clearing is a core function in business transactions, this has significant implications. The design can be discussed and improved in various communities.

Originality/value

As this is the first application of BCs to large clearinghouses that uses unique BC designs. This has significant value. Many studies have been performed but few have been reported in the scientific community. The system has been implemented, experimented and demonstrated in public for months.
Laser direct metal deposition process of thin-walled parts using variable spot by inside-beam powder feeding
Authors: Wang Lifang , Zhu Gangxian , Shi Tuo , Wu Jizhuo , Lu Bin , Fu Geyan , Ye Yunxia
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the forming efficiency and quality of unequal-width parts fabricated by laser direct metal deposition technology, some experiments were designed.

Design/methodology/approach

A new method by varying laser spot was adopted to fabricate unequal-width single track using one scanning rather than multi-track overlapping in the way of the inside-beam powder feeding, and the thin-walled parts were fabricated layer by layer. The theoretical model among layer thickness of z-axis, height of single track and the section curve order of single track was established.

Findings

The top surface unevenness of the thin-walled parts could be compensated automatically within the laser defocusing ranges from −2.5 to −5 mm and from 0.5 to 2.5 mm. The growth rate with the large width/height ratio was more than the small ratio, while the set height of the single track was uniform. The problem of non-uniform growth rate could be solved based on a stepped single-track method. The thin-walled parts with the smooth top surface was fabricated layer by layer which had a continuously variable width from 1 to 3 mm by splicing the laser defocusing range.

Practical implications

The shapes of the to-be-fabricated parts affect variable laser spot process in practical applications. For example, it will be difficult to apply variable laser spot process on the parts with the hole features.

Originality/value

This paper provided a guidance for forming unequal-width parts by laser direct metal deposition based on the inside-beam powder feeding.
Adhesion of 3D printed material on textile substrates
Authors: Grimmelsmann Nils , Kreuziger Mirja , Korger Michael , Meissner Hubert , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Composites combining two or more different materials with different physical and chemical properties allow for tailoring mechanical and other characteristics of the resulting multi-material system. In relation to fiber-reinforced plastic composites, combinations of textile materials with 3D printed polymers result in different mechanical properties. While the tensile strength of the multi-material system is increased compared to the pure 3D printed material, the elasticity of the polymer layer can be retained to a certain degree, as the textile material is not completely immersed in the polymer. Instead, an interface layer is built in which both materials interpenetrate to a certain degree. The purpose of this study is to investigate the adhesion between both materials at this interface.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper gives an overview of the parameters affecting the interface layer. It shows that both the printing material and the textile substrate influence the adhesion between both materials due to viscosity during printing, thickness and pore sizes, respectively. While some material combinations build strong form-locking connections, others can easily be delaminated.

Findings

Depending on both materials, significantly different adhesion values can be found in such 3D printed composites.

Practical implications

This makes some combinations very well suitable for building composites with novel mechanical properties, while other suffer of insufficient connections.

Originality/value

For the first time, the dependence of the polymer-textile adhesion force was evaluated according to the distance between both compound partners. It was shown that this value is of crucial interest and must thus be taken into account when producing printed polymer-textile composites.
Rapid prototyping eddy current sensors using 3D printing
Authors: Li Bo , Meng Lifan , Wang Hongyu , Li Jing , Liu Chunmei
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the process of rapid prototyping eddy current sensors using 3D printing technology. Making full use of the advantages of 3D printing, the authors study on a new method for fabrication of an eddy current sensor.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors establish a 3D model using SolidWorks. And the eddy current sensor is printed by the fused deposition modeling method.

Findings

Measurement results show that the 3D printing eddy current sensor has a wider linear measurement range and better linearity than the traditional manufacturing sensor. Compared to traditional eddy current sensor fabrication method, this 3D printed sensor can be fabricated at a lower cost, and the fabrication process is more convenient and faster.

Practical implications

This demonstrated 3D printing process can be applied to the 3D printing of sensors of more sophisticated structures that are difficult to fabricate using conventional techniques.

Originality/value

In this work, the process of rapid prototyping eddy current sensors using 3D printing is presented. Sensors fabricated with the 3D printing possess lots of merits than traditional manufactures. 3D printed sensors can be customized according to the configuration of the overall system, thus reducing the demand of sensor's rigid mounting interfaces. The 3D printing also reduce design costs as well as shortens the development cycle. This allows for quick translation of a design from concept to a useful device.
Conflict management for co‐ordination between shift teams in Shanghai subway stations
Authors: Zhang Xin‐an , Liu Huihua , Shi Yushen , Tjosvold Dean
Published: November 2017

Conflict among teams is inevitable in a multiteam system. Drawing on the theory of co‐operation and competition, we proposed and tested a model linking the approaches teams adopt to conflict, inter‐team co‐ordination, and multiteam system performance. Data collected from 123 operation teams in 44 subway stations in Shanghai revealed that co‐operative conflict management positively related to inter‐team co‐ordination, which in turn positively related to performance of the multiteam system. The relationship between competitive conflict management and inter‐team co‐ordination was insignificant and was moderated by co‐operative conflict management. When co‐operative conflict management was at a low level, competitive conflict management negatively related to inter‐team co‐ordination.
Oxidative stress diseases unique to the perinatal period: A window into the developing innate immune response
Authors: Dietz Robert M. , Wright Clyde J.
Published: November 2017

The innate immune system has evolved to play an integral role in the normally developing lung and brain. However, in response to oxidative stress, innate immunity, mediated by specific cellular and molecular programs and signaling, contributes to pathology in these same organ systems. Despite opposing drivers of oxidative stress, namely hyperoxia in neonatal lung injury and hypoxia/ischemia in neonatal brain injury, similar pathways—including toll‐like receptors, NFκB and MAPK cascades—have been implicated in tissue damage. In this review, we consider recent insights into the innate immune response to oxidative stress in both neonatal and adult models to better understand hyperoxic lung injury and hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury across development and aging. These insights support the development of targeted immunotherapeutic strategies to address the challenge of harnessing the innate immune system in oxidative stress diseases of the neonate.
A distinct mechanism of senescence activation in amnion epithelial cells by infection, inflammation, and oxidative stress
Authors: Dixon Christopher Luke , Richardson Lauren , Sheller‐Miller Samantha , Saade George , Menon Ramkumar
Published: November 2017

Problem

We investigated p38MAPK activation‐induced fetal membrane cell senescence in response to inflammation (tumour necrosis factor‐alpha [TNF‐α]) and infection (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]), factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth.

Method of study

Primary amnion epithelial cells (AECs) were exposed to TNF‐α, 50 ng/mL and LPS, 100 ng/mL. Cigarette smoke extract (CSE), a known OS inducer, was used as positive control. AECs were cotreated with the antioxidant N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) and p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 to determine the effect of OS and p38MAPK. Western blot analysis was performed for active (Phospho‐p38MAPK) and total p38MAPK. Senescence was determined by flow cytometry, and culture supernatants were tested for IL‐6 using ELISA.

Results

TNF‐α, but not LPS, increased p38MAPK activation compared to untreated cells (P = .01). The number of senescent cells and senescence‐associated IL‐6 was higher in both TNF‐α and LPS‐treated cells compared to control (P = .001, P = .01, respectively). Antioxidant NAC inhibited p38MAPK activation by TNF‐α. p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 reduced the development of senescence and IL‐6 by TNF‐α and LPS. CSE treatment validated our current data.

Conclusion

TNF‐α caused OS‐mediated p38MAPK induction, senescence, and IL‐6 increase from AECs. LPS also induced senescence and IL‐6 increase. Inflammatory and infectious factors may cause premature fetal cell senescence contributing to preterm birth pathophysiology.
Late‐onset severe long QT syndrome
Authors: Asatryan Babken , Schaller André , Bartholdi Deborah , Medeiros‐Domingo Argelia
Published: November 2017

We report a case of torsades de pointes arrhythmia as the first manifestation of congenital Long QT syndrome in a 77‐year‐old man with family history of sudden unexplained death. This case illustrates the importance of vigilant clinical assessment and genetic counseling in families with sudden death in order to identify properly asymptomatic relatives at risk for cardiac events. It also demonstrates that Long QT syndrome can still manifest with potentially fatal arrhythmias late in life in previously asymptomatic elderly patients.
Effectiveness and tolerability of therapy with exenatide once weekly vs basal insulin among injectable‐drug‐naïve elderly or renal impaired patients with type 2 diabetes in the United States
Authors: Loughlin Anita M. , Qiao Qing , Nunes Anthony P. , Öhman Peter , Ezzy Stephen , Yochum Laura , Clifford C. Robin , Gately Robert , Dore David D. , Seeger John D.
Published: November 2017

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of exenatide once weekly (EQW) compared with basal insulin (BI) among injectable‐drug‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who are elderly or have renal impairment (RI).

Materials and methods

Initiators of EQW and BI with T2DM were identified for the period 2012 to 2015 within a US electronic health record database and matched by propensity score. Matched EQW and BI initiators aged ≥65 years or who had RI were compared. Data on weight, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), blood pressure and lipids were obtained at baseline and quarterly (Q1–Q4) or semi‐annually for 1 year after drug initiation. Hypoglycaemia and gastrointestinal symptoms were identified using diagnosis codes and data abstracted from clinical notes.

Results

Among patients aged ≥65 years, HbA1c changed by −0.50 and −0.31 percentage points from baseline to Q4 for EQW and BI initiators, respectively. Weight changed by −1.6 kg among EQW initiators compared with 0.2 kg among BI initiators. Compared with BI initiators, EQW initiators had a 1.45‐fold increased risk of nausea and vomiting. Among patients with RI, HbA1c changed by −0.58 and −0.33 percentage points from baseline to Q4 for EQW and BI initiators, respectively. Weight changed by −1.9 kg for EQW initiators while BI initiators had no change in weight. EQW initiators had a 1.28‐fold increased risk of constipation and diarrhoea compared with BI initiators.

Conclusion

Regardless of age or renal function, the benefits of EQW relative to BI treatment are improved glycaemic control and increased weight loss, which should be weighed against the increased risk of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Management effectiveness of large pelagic fisheries in the high seas
Authors: Pons Maite , Melnychuk Michael C , Hilborn Ray
Published: November 2017

Large pelagic fishes are assessed and managed by tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (tRFMOs). These organizations have been criticized for not meeting conservation objectives, which may relate to aspects of governance and management. No previous studies have systematically evaluated why management performance differs among tRFMOs and among stocks within each tRFMO. In this study, we collected data on the nature of research, management, enforcement and socioeconomics of management systems in the five principal tRFMOs of the world's oceans. We quantified influences of economic and fishery‐related factors on these management characteristics and examined how these factors vary among tRFMOs. We found that tRFMOs with a greater number of member countries, a greater economic dependency on tuna resources, a lower mean per capita gross domestic product, a greater number of fishing vessels and smaller vessels were associated with less intensive research, management and enforcement in these tuna fisheries. We also quantified the influence of specific management attributes and of biological, economic and fishery‐related factors on the trends and current status of large pelagic fish stocks in these regions. The most important factors correlated with trends and current stock status were external to the management systems, and included stock size, age at maturity, ex‐vessel price and economic dependency of countries on tuna fisheries. To improve the overall status of large pelagic fish stocks in the global high seas, more intensive data collection, research and management are needed in certain areas, especially in the Indian Ocean, and for certain stocks, especially non‐target species.
Fabrication and morphological characterization of glass‐ceramic orbital implants
Authors: Baino Francesco , di Confiengo Giovanna Gautier , Faga Maria Giulia
Published: November 2017

Porous glass‐ceramics were produced by sponge replication for possible use as orbital implant materials, characterized from a morphological viewpoint, and compared to commonly used devices. Favorable characteristics of these new materials for ocular applications include total porosity above 50 vol.%, presence of open and large macropores (>200 μm) that could potentially allow fibrovascular tissue ingrowth, and submicronic surface roughness which is significantly lower than that of commercial “gold standard” alumina implants. The last feature is key to limit the risk of postoperative conjunctival abrasion and to achieve clinical success. Therefore, these glass‐ceramic porous materials are highly promising alternatives to existing ceramic orbital implants.
Effect of quantitative assessment‐based nursing intervention on the bowel function and life quality of patients with neurogenic bowel dysfunction after spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Xia Xiyan , Zhuang Xuewei
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectives

To study the effect of quantitative assessment‐based nursing intervention on the bowel function and life quality of patients with neurogenic bowel dysfunction after spinal cord injury.

Background

Neurogenic bowel dysfunction after spinal cord injury was clinically manifested by abdominal distension, intractable constipation, prolonged defecation and faecal incontinence, which seriously affected the normal life of patients. Traditional ways of nursing for these patients focused on basic care, but lacked sufficient recognition of disease severity and individual needs.

Design

One hundred and eighty‐four patients with neurogenic bowel dysfunction after spinal cord injury were randomly allocated into observation group (n = 92) and control group (n = 92).

Methods

The patients in the control group were given regular nursing, and the patients in the observation group were given quantitative assessment‐based nursing intervention. Recovery of bowel function, quality of life and satisfaction were compared between the two groups.

Results

Scores for bowel function including bloating, constipation, prolonged defecation, defecation drug dependence and faecal incontinence in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < .05). The scores for the quality of life including physical function, general health, social functioning, role‐motional, mental health in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < .001). Finally, the satisfaction rate in the observation group was 95.56%, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (83.7%) (p < .01).

Conclusion

We concluded that quantitative assessment‐based nursing intervention contributed to recovery of bowel function and improvement of life quality and satisfaction.

Relevance to clinical practice

Our finding can increase the rational allocation of nurse–patient ratio and provide personalised nursing for severe patients to reduce complications and promote the rehabilitation of the disease. Our findings can also serve as a reference for other countries to develop the nurse practitioner role.
Patient perceptions of deterioration and patient and family activated escalation systems—A qualitative study
Authors: Guinane Jessica , Hutchinson Alison M , Bucknall Tracey K
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectives

To investigate the experiences of patients who received a medical emergency team review following a period of clinical deterioration and their views about the potential use of a patient and family activated escalation system.

Background

Delay or failure by health professionals to respond to clinical deterioration remains a patient safety concern. Patients may sometimes identify subtle cues of early deterioration prior to changes in vital signs. In response to health professional and system failures, patient and family activated escalation systems have been mandated and implemented in Australia. However, little research has evaluated their effectiveness nor taken patients’ perspectives into account.

Design

Qualitative exploratory descriptive design was used.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used. Semistructured interviews were undertaken in 2014 with 33 patients who required medical emergency team intervention. Data were collected from one private and one public hospital in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The framework method was used to analyse the data.

Results

All patients stated that it was the clinician who detected and responded to deterioration. Private patient participants were unaware of the medical emergency team system, and felt escalating care was not their responsibility. These patients reported being too sick to communicate prior to and during medical emergency team review and did not favour a patient and family activated escalation system. Public patients were well informed about the medical emergency team system yet expressed concerns around overriding clinicians if activating a patient and family activated escalation system.

Conclusion

Patient participation during a period of deterioration is restricted by their clinical condition and limited medical knowledge. Patients felt comfortable to communicate concerns to clinicians but felt they would not activate the patient and family activated escalation system. This behoves clinicians to actively listen and respond to patient concerns.

Relevance to clinical practice

Clinicians must promote a collaborative relationship and encourage patients to communicate their concerns. Given the perceived barriers to patient and family activated escalation systems use, resources being employed for their implementation could be redistributed to other areas of patient safety.
Older Brazilian caregivers and their lived experiences of caring—A hermeneutic phenomenological study
Authors: Pedreira Larissa Chaves , Maria Cabral Ferreira Acylene , Tadeu Reis Silva Gilberto , Maria de Oliveira Silva Rosana , Marques Freitas Carolina
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectives

To understand the lived experiences of older Brazilian carers.

Background

For many caregivers, the practice of caregiving becomes their daily lives, embedding in their care and the experiences, beliefs, learning and techniques that contribute to the meanings these caregivers attach to their world. Studies have reported on the experiences of caregivers in general; however, few studies have addressed the unique characteristics of older caregivers.

Method

Phenomenological research was conducted in the homes of these persons who were registered in a public programme of home care. This study utilised recorded interviews with a guiding question and roadmap for characterisation. The transcribed interviews were analysed based on philosophical hermeneutics and on the understanding of the hermeneutic circle. The units of meaning were discussed from the perspective of Heidegger's phenomenology.

Results

Six older primary caregivers participated, aged between 62–84 years. The following units of meaning were developed: the daily life of being in the world as an older person caring for another older person, the historicity and their disclosedness to the world of care.

Conclusions

The worldliness of these people is influenced by a taxing routine and being overloaded and lonely, which renders these caregivers vulnerable because of this routine and because of the inherent weaknesses induced by the ageing process.

Relevance to clinical practice

This research can help health professionals better understand the worldliness of older caregivers. Such understanding will enhance the assistance available to caregivers, which must extend beyond the care of the sick person: interventions can reduce their overburden and risk of illness, improving their experiences as caregivers and their quality of life.
Advanced glycation end‐products increase IL‐6 and ICAM‐1 expression via RAGE, MAPK and NF‐κB pathways in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Nonaka K. , Kajiura Y. , Bando M. , Sakamoto E. , Inagaki Y. , Lew J. H. , Naruishi K. , Ikuta T. , Yoshida K. , Kobayashi T. , Yoshie H. , Nagata T. , Kido J.
Published: November 2017

Background and Objectives

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for periodontal diseases and may exacerbate the progression of the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) cause DM complications relative to levels of glycemic control and larger amounts accumulate in the periodontal tissues of patients with periodontitis and DM. In the present study, we investigated the effects of AGEs on the expression of inflammation‐related factors in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) to elucidate the impact of AGEs on DM‐associated periodontitis.

Material and Methods

HGFs were cultured with or without AGEs. Cell viability was examined, and RNA and protein fractions were isolated from AGE‐treated cells. The expression of interleukin (IL)‐6, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), and the receptor for AGE (RAGE) was investigated using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and reactive oxygen species activity was measured using a kit with 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescin diacetate. Human monocytic cells (THP‐1) labeled with a fluorescent reagent were co‐cultured with HGFs treated with AGEs and IL‐6 siRNA, and the adhesive activity of THP‐1 cells to HGFs was assessed. The expression of IL‐6 and ICAM‐1 was examined when HGFs were pretreated with recombinant human IL‐6, the siRNAs of RAGE and IL‐6, and inhibitors of MAPK and NF‐κB, and then cultured with and without AGEs. The phosphorylation of MAPK and NF‐κB was assessed using western blotting.

Results

AGEs increased the mRNA and protein expressions of RAGE, IL‐6, ICAM‐1 and reactive oxygen species activity in HGFs, and promoted the adhesion of THP‐1 cells to HGFs, but had no effect on cell viability until 72 hours. Recombinant human IL‐6 increased ICAM‐1 expression in HGFs, while the siRNAs of RAGE and IL‐6 inhibited AGE‐induced IL6 and ICAM1 mRNA expression, and IL‐6 siRNA depressed AGE‐induced THP‐1 cell adhesion. AGEs increased the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK MAPKs, p65 NF‐κB and IκBα, while inhibitors of p38, ERK MAPKs and NF‐κB significantly decreased AGE‐induced IL‐6 and ICAM‐1 expression.

Conclusion

AGEs increase IL‐6 and ICAM‐1 expression via the RAGE, MAPK and NF‐κB pathways in HGFs and may exacerbate the progression of the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases.
Trends in hepatocellular carcinoma incidence and survival among people with hepatitis C: An international study
Authors: Alavi M. , Janjua N. Z. , Chong M. , Grebely J. , Aspinall E. J. , Innes H. , Valerio H. , Hajarizadeh B. , Hayes P. C. , Krajden M. , Amin J. , Law M. G. , George J. , Goldberg D. J. , Hutchinson S. J. , Dore G. J.
Published: November 2017

This study evaluates trends in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence and survival in three settings, prior to introduction of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapies. HCV notifications from British Columbia (BC), Canada; New South Wales (NSW), Australia; and Scotland (1995‐2011/2012/2013, respectively) were linked to HCC diagnosis data via hospital admissions (2001‐2012/2013/2014, respectively) and mortality (1995‐2013/2014/2015, respectively). Age‐standardized HCC incidence rates were evaluated, associated factors were assessed using Cox regression, and median survival time after HCC diagnosis was calculated. Among 58 487, 84 529 and 31 924 people with HCV in BC, NSW and Scotland, 734 (1.3%), 1045 (1.2%) and 345 (1.1%) had an HCC diagnosis. Since mid‐2000s, HCC diagnosis numbers increased in all jurisdictions. Age‐standardized HCC incidence rates remained stable in BC and Scotland and increased in NSW. The strongest predictor of HCC diagnosis was older age [birth <1945, aHR in BC 5.74, 95% CI 4.84, 6.82; NSW 9.26, 95% CI 7.93, 10.82; Scotland 12.55, 95% CI 9.19, 17.15]. Median survival after HCC diagnosis remained stable in BC (0.8 years in 2001‐2006 and 2007‐2011) and NSW (0.9 years in 2001‐2006 and 2007‐2013) and improved in Scotland (0.7 years in 2001‐2006 to 1.5 years in 2007‐2014). Across the settings, HCC burden increased, individual‐level risk of HCC remained stable or increased, and HCC survival remained extremely low. These findings highlight the minimal impact of HCC prevention and management strategies during the interferon‐based HCV treatment era and form the basis for evaluating the impact of DAA therapy in the coming years.
The Influence of Chronic Kidney Disease on the Structural and Mechanical Properties of Canine Bone
Authors: Shipov A. , Shahar R. , Sugar N. , Segev G.
Published: November 2017

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in companion animals. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is an inevitable consequence of the disease and may have deleterious effect on the bone; however, the information regarding CKD‐associated bone abnormalities in companion animals is scarce.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Dogs with CKD have decreased bone quality compared to dogs without CKD.

Animals

Nine dogs diagnosed with naturally occurring CKD for at least 6 months and 9 age‐matched controls.

Methods

Dogs with CKD were enrolled and compared to 9 age‐, weight‐, and sex‐matched control dogs with no evidence of CKD. Samples were assessed using light microscopy, mechanical testing, and microcomputed tomography. Variables evaluated included microstructural features such as number, size, and density of Haversian canals, resorption cavities and osteocytic lacunae, bone mineral density, porosity and Young's modulus.

Results

Median lacunae size was significantly smaller in the CKD group compared to the control group (P = 0.001). Resorption cavity density was higher in the CKD compared to the control group (10 [8–14] vs. 7 [4–9]/mm2, respectively, P = 0.001). Overall porosity was significantly (2.3‐fold) higher in the CKD compared to the control group. There was no difference in Young's moduli between groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Naturally occurring CKD affects bone quality in dogs, but these changes are relatively mild and likely not to be manifested clinically. The duration of the disease in dogs evaluated here is short compared to cats and human patients, likely accounting for the more subtle changes in dogs compared to other species.
c‐Kit Mutation and Localization Status as Response Predictors in Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs Treated with Prednisone and Toceranib or Vinblastine
Authors: Weishaar K.M. , Ehrhart E.J. , Avery A.C. , Charles J.B. , Elmslie R.E. , Vail D.M. , London C.A. , Clifford C.A. , Eickhoff J.C. , Thamm D.H.
Published: November 2017

Background

KIT inhibitors, such as toceranib (TOC), and vinblastine (VBL) have not been prospectively compared in the treatment of macroscopic mast cell tumors (MCTs). Also, it is unknown whether VBL or TOC is superior for treating MCT without c‐kit mutations.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine the value of KIT genotyping and localization in treatment decisions for dogs with macroscopic MCT. We hypothesized that c‐kit mutated MCT would have a better response to TOC than VBL.

Animals

Eighty‐eight client‐owned dogs with macroscopic MCT.

Methods

Prospective, randomized trial. Dogs were randomized to TOC (2.75 mg/kg EOD) or VBL (2.5 mg/m2 weekly × 4 then EOW) by KIT localization and c‐kit mutation status using an adaptive randomization scheme.

Results

Sixty dogs were allocated to TOC and 28 to VBL. Of the dogs receiving TOC, 20% had c‐kit mutations, compared to 30% receiving VBL (P = 0.74). Overall response rates were 46% (TOC) and 30% (VBL) (odds ratio = 1.56 [0.62–3.92]; P = 0.28). Median progression‐free survival (PFS) for dogs receiving VBL was 78 days (7–1,521) and for TOC 95.5 (14–990); hazard ratio (HR) = 1.34 [0.72–2.50]; P = 0.36. Median overall survival (OS) was 241.5 days (10–1,521) for the VBL group and 159 (20–990) for the TOC group; HR = 0.80 ([0.45–1.41]; P = 0.44).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Neither PFS nor OS was significantly different between treatment groups. As the proportion of dogs with c‐kit mutations was not different between treatment groups in this population of dogs, c‐kit mutation status did not predict treatment response.
Social Status, Inflation and Endogenous Growth in A Cash‐in‐Advance Economy: A Reconsideration using the Credit Channel
Authors: Gupta Rangan , Stander Lardo
Published: November 2017

Conventional models of social status purport a positive inflation‐growth relationship, and attribute this empirical contradiction to the presence of a consumer's desire for social status. These models are dominated by a substitution effect of money holdings for capital holdings, as an increase in the inflation rate due to money growth raises the cost of holding money and depresses the real money holdings. Using a monetary endogenous growth model, the effects of wealth‐induced social status on long‐run growth is reconsidered. The analysis is enhanced through the addition of a competitive banking sector that intermediates the available capital in the economy, subject to a mandatory cash reserve requirement. The cash reserve requirement creates a wedge between the deposit rate and the loan rate. While the real loan rate is tied with the constant marginal product of capital, the real deposit rate is negatively related to the rate of inflation. This leads to another, opposing substitution effect of deposit holdings for real money holdings and hence, increases the cost of holding deposits as inflation increases. The consolidated theoretical model described herein supports a diverse range of theoretical findings, contingent on the presence of wealth effects or the spirit of capitalism, using a simpler and more tractable framework that accounts for the role of the banking system in monetary policy decision outcomes. Significantly, as long as the mandatory reserve requirement imposed on the banking system by the monetary authority exceeds a (small) critical value, an increase in the money growth rate will lead to a decrease in the long‐run growth rate of the economy.
Structural characteristics of the mature embryo sac of Camellia oleifera
Authors: Gao Chao , Yang Rui , Yuan Deyi
Published: November 2017

The ovule is the most important reproductive organ in the pistil of phanerogamae. Camellia oleifera (Theaceae) is an important woody plant producing edible oil in southern China, and its embryo sac structure has a positive effect on seed breeding. In this study, the microstructure, ultrastructure and three‐dimensional structure of the ovule and embryo sac of C. oleifera were observed and described based on a combination of advanced microscopy techniques (SEM, TEM, CLSM). The ovule comprises the inner and outer integument. Large quantities of secretions in the micropylar canal exit and may participate in the guidance of the entry of the pollen tube into the embryo sac. The synergids have a dense cytoplasm, abundant organelles, and strong polarity. Little cytoplasm is present in the egg cell, yet there are many vacuoles. The center of the cell is taken up by a large vacuole, and the cytoplasm is pushed towards the edges to form obvious cytoplasmic cords. The two polar nuclei are large and conspicuous. The antipodal cells degenerate to fulfill a nutritional function.