bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome domains and pain outcome measures in randomized controlled trials of interventions for postoperative pain in children and adolescents
Authors: Boric Krste , Jelicic Kadic Antonia , Boric Matija , Zarandi‐Nowroozi Melissa , Jakus Dora , Cavar Marija , Dosenovic Svjetlana , Jeric Milka , Batinic Marijan , Vukovic Igor , Puljak Livia
Published: September 2018

Background

We analysed outcome domains and pain outcome measures in randomized controlled trials of interventions for postoperative pain management in children and adolescents and compared them to the core outcome set recommended by the Pediatric Initiative on Methods, Measurement and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (PedIMMPACT).

Methods

Systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, CDSR, DARE, CINAHL and PsycINFO up to 31 January 2017. One author extracted data and second verified the extraction. Outcome domains and pain outcome measures were analysed and compared with the PedIMMPACT core outcome set.

Results

We included 337 trials. Median number of reported outcomes was five (range 1–11) for the included trials and two (range 0–6) for PedIMMPACT. The most commonly analysed PedIMMPACT outcome domains were pain intensity (93%) and “symptoms and adverse events” (83%). The remaining four PedIMMPACT outcomes were present in under 30% of included randomized controlled trials. Proportion of PedIMMPACT outcome domains did not change after the PedIMMPACT was published in 2008. Of the 312 trials that reported pain intensity, 303 (97%) also specified pain assessment tools, in which the most common was the visual analogue scale (24%) followed by the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (18%).

Conclusion

Analysed trials about interventions for pediatric postoperative pain insufficiently used the recommended core outcome set for acute pain in children. Relevance of the PedIMMPACT core outcome set, as well as the reasons behind its limited uptake, need to be further evaluated.

Significance

Recommended core outcomes have been insufficiently used in randomized controlled trials about postoperative pain in children, which hinders comparability of studies and makes synthesis of evidence difficult.
Ecotoxicological risk of trace element mobility in coastal semiartificial depositional areas near the mouth of the river Rhine, the Netherlands
Authors: Pit Iris R. , van Egmond Emily M. , Dekker Stefan C. , Griffioen Jasper , Wassen Martin J. , van Wezel Annemarie P.
Published: September 2018

Artificial sand replenishments are globally used as innovative coastal protection measures. In these replenishments elevated porewater concentrations of trace elements are found. The present study investigated possible ecotoxicological risks at 2 intertidal depositional sites, the Sand Engine as a recent innovative Dutch coastal management project and a semiartificial tidal flat. Using the sediment quality triad approach, we considered 3 major lines of evidence: geochemical characterization, toxicity characterization using bioassays with the estuarine amphipod Corophium volutator, and ecological field survey. In both depositional areas C. volutator is at risk: moderate (Sand Engine) and low (tidal flat). For tidal flat, the bioavailability of trace elements differs between the field site and the laboratory. Contamination from arsenic and copper is present, but the low survival rate of C. volutator from the bioassay suggests the presence of additional contaminations. The highly morphological dynamic environment of Sand Engine creates a less favorable habitat for C. volutator, where local spots with stagnant water can temporarily create hypoxic conditions and sulfate becomes reduced. The dynamic system mobilizes especially arsenic, triggering adverse ecotoxic effects at low original sediment concentrations. To conclude, the sediment quality triad approach shows that a semiartificial tidal flat is preferred over a highly dynamic coastal management project like the Sand Engine. The Sand Engine concept does not provide suitable conditions for macrobenthos species like C. volutator; therefore, limiting the nature development goal set together with the coastal protection goal. Assessing each line of evidence from the approach together with additional measurements established more precise and realistic conclusions, showing that evaluating the contributions of this method is necessary to understand the causes of risk in a site-specific manner. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2933–2946. © 2018 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Optimal design of carbon tax to stimulate CCS investment in China's coal‐fired power plants: A real options analysis
Authors: Wang Xiping , Zhang Hongdou
Published: September 2018

Carbon tax is an important policy instrument to control greenhouse gases. How to design a suitable carbon tax rate is of significance for policy makers. This study aims to address this issue from a microeconomic perspective by exploring the decision behavior of a potential investor. A trinomial tree model based on real options theory is presented to evaluate carbon capture and storage (CCS) investment in coal‐fired power plants considering uncertain factors. The model is then applied to a case study and the main findings are as follows: (1) carbon tax policy will have a positive effect on the CCS investment. If the carbon price is not high enough to trigger CCS investment, a hybrid mechanism integrating carbon trading and carbon tax to stimulate CCS investment is required; (2) in applying the trinomial tree real options model, the optimal carbon tax rate should be 145.3 RMB/ton for supercritical pulverized coal (SCPC) (or 79.54 RMB/ton for integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC)) plants under current market condition and at current technological levels; (3) the optimal carbon tax rate is sensitive to uncertainties. Specifically, the optimal tax rate depends largely on not only the cost of the CCS investment but also the portfolio of carbon price volatility and the initial carbon price level. These conclusions provide the theoretical foundations for decision making regarding CCS investment and related policy making. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NLR Family Pyrin Domain‐Containing 3 Inflammasome Activation in Hepatic Stellate Cells Induces Liver Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: Inzaugarat Maria Eugenia , Johnson Casey D. , Holtmann Theresa Maria , McGeough Matthew D. , Trautwein Christian , Papouchado Bettina G. , Schwabe Robert , Hoffman Hal M. , Wree Alexander , Feldstein Ariel E.
Published: September 2018

The NLR family pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays an important role in liver fibrosis (LF) development. However, the mechanisms involved in NLRP3‐induced fibrosis are unclear. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that the NLRP3 inflammasome in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) can directly regulate their activation and contribute to LF. Primary HSCs isolated from wild‐type (WT), Nlrp3–/–
, or Nlrp3L351PneoR
knock‐in crossed to inducible (estrogen receptor Cre‐CreT) mice were incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), or 4OH‐tamoxifen, respectively. HSC‐specific Nlrp3L351P
knock‐in mice were generated by crossing transgenic mice expressing lecithin retinol acyltransferase (Lrat)‐driven Cre and maintained on standard rodent chow for 6 months. Mice were then sacrificed; liver tissue and serum were harvested. Nlrp3 inflammasome activation along with HSC phenotype and fibrosis were assessed by RT‐PCR, western blotting, fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence (IF), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Stimulated WT HSCs displayed increased levels of NLRP3 inflammasome‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cathepsin B activity, accompanied by an up‐regulation of mRNA and protein levels of fibrotic makers, an effect abrogated in Nlrp3–/–
HSCs. Nlrp3L351P
CreT HSCs also showed elevated mRNA and protein expression of fibrotic markers 24 hours after inflammasome activation induced with 4‐hydroxytamoxifen (4OHT). Protein and mRNA expression levels of fibrotic markers were also found to be increased in isolated HSCs and whole liver tissue from Nlrp3L351P

Lrat
Cre mice compared to WT. Liver sections from 24‐week‐old NlrpL351P

Lrat
Cre mice showed fibrotic changes with increased alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and desmin‐positive cells and collagen deposition, independent of inflammatory infiltrates; these changes were also observed after LPS challenge in 8‐week‐old NlrpL351P

Lrat
Cre mice. Conclusion: Our results highlight a direct role for the NLRP3 inflammasome in the activation of HSCs directly triggering LF.
Effect of fertilization and sediment flow hydraulic characteristics on emitter clogging in muddy water drip fertigation system†
Authors: Liu Lu , Niu Wenquan , Wu Zhiguang , Ayantobo Olusola Olaitan , Guan Yahui
Published: September 2018

In a drip fertigation system using the Yellow River, suspended solids in the water serve as a bridge between physical flocculation and chemical adsorption. They impact the emitter clogging process and flow turbulence properties. Therefore, a laboratory test was conducted with artificial muddy water drip fertigation (MWF) to investigate the anti‐clogging performance of emitters. Four types of fertilizer (i.e. [CO (NH2)2], Ca (H2PO4)2·H2O, K2SO4 and [CO (NH2)2] + KH2PO4 + KNO3) were applied at 0.5, 1, 2 and 3% concentrations respectively. The results showed that the relative discharge of emitters (Dra) remained in a fluctuation balance phase, and at 0.5% concentration with MWF, there was a decrease of 5, 11.1, 8.8 and 4.9%. For fertigation concentrations between 1 and 2%, the fluctuation balance phase significantly reduced, and the Dra began a linear decrease of 12.5, 42.2, 37.6 and 5.1%. At a fertilizer concentration increase of 3%, the Dra improved relatively with urea and P fertilizer drip irrigation but slightly declined with K and compound fertilizer. The particle size distribution of flocs ranked from broad to narrow as follows: P fertilizer > K fertilizer > urea > compound fertilizer. Urea showed a viscosity‐reducing effect on muddy water (MW). Conversely, K fertilizer exhibited the greatest viscosity‐increasing effect, followed by P fertilizer, while compound fertilizer exhibited the least viscosity‐increasing effect. The filter criteria of the drip irrigation system can be suitably reduced for drip fertigation with urea in the Yellow River irrigation area. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Overview of Nilotinib, a Selective Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor
Authors: Tian Xianbin , Zhang Hefei , Heimbach Tycho , He Handan , Buchbinder Aby , Aghoghovbia Mary , Hourcade‐Potelleret Florence
Published: September 2018

Nilotinib, an oral inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase activity of Abelson protein, is approved for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase and patients with CML in chronic phase or accelerated phase resistant or intolerant to prior therapies. This review describes the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data of nilotinib in patients with CML and in healthy volunteers. Nilotinib is rapidly absorbed, with a peak serum concentration approximately 3 hours after dosing. The area under the plasma drug concentration‐time curve over 24 hours and the peak serum concentration of nilotinib were dose proportional from 50‐400 mg once daily. The metabolism of nilotinib is primarily via hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 according to in vitro studies. In the clinical setting, exposure to nilotinib was significantly reduced by the induction of CYP3A4 with rifampicin and significantly increased by the inhibition of CYP3A with ketoconazole. Additionally, nilotinib is a competitive inhibitor of CYP3A4/5, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1. The bioavailability of nilotinib is increased by up to 82% when given with a high‐fat meal compared with fasted state. There is a positive correlation between the occurrences of all‐grade total bilirubin elevations and the steady‐state nilotinib trough concentrations. Fredericia method corrected QT interval change from baseline was observed to have a correlation with nilotinib exposure. No significant relationship between nilotinib exposure and major molecular response at 12 months was seen at therapeutic doses of nilotinib 300–400 mg, probably due to the narrow range of the doses investigated.
Estimation of permafrost on the Tibetan Plateau under current and future climate conditions using the CMIP5 data
Authors: Chang Yan , Lyu Shihua , Luo Siqiong , Li Zhaoguo , Fang Xuewei , Chen Boli , Li Ruiqing , Chen Shiqiang
Published: September 2018

Permafrost has significant impacts on climate change through its strong interaction with the climate system. In order to better understand the permafrost variation and the role it plays in climate change, model outputs from Phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) are used in the present study to diagnose the near‐surface permafrost on the Tibetan Plateau (TP), assess the abilities of the models to simulate present‐day (1986–2005) permafrost and project future permafrost change on the TP under four different representative concentration pathways (RCPs). The results indicate that estimations of present‐day permafrost using the surface frost index (SFI) and the Kudryavtsev method (KUD) show a spatial distribution similar to that of the frozen soil map on the TP. However, the permafrost area calculated via the KUD is larger than that calculated via the SFI. The SFI produces a present‐day permafrost area of 127.2 × 104 km2. The results also indicate that the permafrost on the TP will undergo regional degradation, mainly at the eastern, southern and northeastern edges, during the 21st century. Furthermore, most of the sustainable permafrost will probably exist only in the northwestern TP by 2099. The SFI also indicates that the permafrost area will shrink by 13.3 × 104 km2 (9.7%) and 14.6 × 104 km2 (10.5%) under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively, in the next 20 years and by 36.7 × 104 km2 (26.6%) and 45.7 × 104 km2 (32.7%), respectively, in the next 50 years. The results are helpful for us to better understand the permafrost response to climate change over the TP, further investigate the physical mechanism of the freeze–thaw process and improve the model parameterization scheme.
Linking Individual Value Orientations to Employee Attitudes: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Jiang Zhou
Published: September 2018

This study tested the relationships of individualism, power distance, and mastery orientation to 2 employee attitudes (organizational trust and organizational commitment) that are associated with employees’ psychological benefits within the organization. Results from university employees (N = 706) showed that individualism negatively, whereas mastery positively, related to trust and commitment. Power distance positively related to trust only. The moderating role of mastery was also identified. These findings can help employment or organizational counselors to appreciate value‐related factors that facilitate employees in psychologically integrating into the organization and to explore new ways for employers to foster employees’ positive attitudes.
Seiche modes in multi‐armed lakes
Authors: Brenner S. D. , Laval B. E.
Published: September 2018

Abstract

The effect of multiple arms on standing wave patterns, or seiches, present within a lake is not easy to predict. This study examines free seiche modes in fjord‐type multi‐armed lakes in order to generalize features of the response of those lakes. To do so, the study develops a simplified analytical model that predicts modal frequencies and associated mode‐shapes based on idealized lake geometries. The model demonstrates that multi‐armed lakes are subject to two different types of behavior: a full‐lake response, in which all arms are active for all modes; and a decoupled response, in which seiching is constrained to only two arms of the lake for each mode. Which of the two behaviors is expressed depends on relative values of the travel time of a progressive shallow‐water wave in each arm. In general, a decoupled response will exist if the mode‐shape along a two‐armed extent of the lake contains a node exactly at the confluence point between those two arms. We show that the period and associated mode‐shape structure of the fundamental mode in multi‐armed lakes conforms to that of a simple elongated lake as predicted by Merian's formula, but higher modes are highly impacted by lake geometry. Depth and width variation within the arms can lead to localization of mode‐shapes, but this effect is distinct from the possible decoupled behavior. In some instances, it may be possible to apply the model to baroclinic modes which would then act as having a constant bottom depth equal to the surface layer depth.
Thermally Assisted Electrohydrodynamic Jet High‐Resolution Printing of High‐Molecular Weight Biopolymer 3D Structures
Authors: Li Kai , Wang Dazhi , Wang Qiang , Song Kedong , Liang Junsheng , Sun Yulin , Madoua Marc
Published: September 2018

High‐molecular biodegradable and bioresorbable polymers are widely used in tissue engineering applications. In this work, a high‐resolution 3D printing technique, thermally assisted electrohydrodynamic jet (TAEJ) printing, is developed for patterning high‐molecular weight biopolymer 3D structures. Boiling point graded polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and PVP/polycaprolactone biopolymer inks are prepared. The resultant effects of electrohydrodynamic force and thermal field are applied on these polymer ink, to form a stable and controllable sub‐micrometer scale jet at the needle tip. Fine jet 2D period patterns and 3D high aspect ratio structures of the biopolymer inks are directly printed using fine jet at a typical feature size of sub‐micrometer. Furthermore, TAEJ printing of 3D heterogeneous high‐molecular weight biopolymer scaffold is demonstrated. Cell culture shows high biocompatibility and cartilage regeneration in vitro, which provides a great potential for tissue engineering applications.
Image quality and dose characteristics for an O‐arm intraoperative imaging system with model‐based image reconstruction
Authors: Uneri A. , Zhang X. , Yi T. , Stayman J. W. , Helm P. A. , Theodore N. , Siewerdsen J. H.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To assess the imaging performance and radiation dose characteristics of the O‐arm CBCT imaging system (Medtronic Inc., Littleton MA) and demonstrate the potential for improved image quality and reduced dose via model‐based image reconstruction (MBIR).

Methods

Two main studies were performed to investigate previously unreported characteristics of the O‐arm system. First is an investigation of dose and 3D image quality achieved with filtered back‐projection (FBP) — including enhancements in geometric calibration, handling of lateral truncation and detector saturation, and incorporation of an isotropic apodization filter. Second is implementation of an MBIR algorithm based on Huber‐penalized likelihood estimation (PLH) and investigation of image quality improvement at reduced dose. Each study involved measurements in quantitative phantoms as a basis for analysis of contrast‐to‐noise ratio and spatial resolution as well as imaging of a human cadaver to test the findings under realistic imaging conditions.

Results

View‐dependent calibration of system geometry improved the accuracy of reconstruction as quantified by the full‐width at half maximum of the point‐spread function — from 0.80 to 0.65 mm — and yielded subtle but perceptible improvement in high‐contrast detail of bone (e.g., temporal bone). Standard technique protocols for the head and body imparted absorbed dose of 16 and 18 mGy, respectively. For low‐to‐medium contrast (<100 HU) imaging at fixed spatial resolution (1.3 mm edge‐spread function) and fixed dose (6.7 mGy), PLH improved CNR over FBP by +48% in the head and +35% in the body. Evaluation at different dose levels demonstrated 30% increase in CNR at 62% of the dose in the head and 90% increase in CNR at 50% dose in the body.

Conclusions

A variety of improvements in FBP implementation (geometric calibration, truncation and saturation effects, and isotropic apodization) offer the potential for improved image quality and reduced radiation dose on the O‐arm system. Further gains are possible with MBIR, including improved soft‐tissue visualization, low‐dose imaging protocols, and extension to methods that naturally incorporate prior information of patient anatomy and/or surgical instrumentation.
Saccharide‐based nanocarriers for targeted therapeutic and diagnostic applications
Authors: Mukwaya Vincent , Wang Chenglong , Dou Hongjing
Published: September 2018

Many therapeutic and diagnostic agents suffer from short circulation times or poor selectivity resulting in the need for frequent drug administration and adverse side‐effects. On this basis, selective nanocarriers have been used to address most of the drawbacks via the encapsulation or conjugation of therapeutic and diagnostic agents to allow the targeted release of cargo to diseased sites or tumours, while maintaining low levels of cytotoxicity. Saccharides, which can be classified as monosaccharides, disaccharides and oligo/polysaccharides, have demonstrated great potential in the construction of nanocarriers, as well as the targeted guidance of the nanocarriers to diseased tissues. The fabrication of nanocarriers from natural materials such as polysaccharides affords biodegradability and biocompatibility, and in some instances confers targeting capabilities. The most recent progress in saccharide‐based targeted nanocarriers fabricated via facile one‐pot routes or complex two‐pot synthetic routes is reviewed here, with a particular focus on the high efficiency and flexibility of the one‐pot approach. In addition, inspired by the self‐assembly processes involving saccharides that occur in living organisms, particular emphasis is placed on disease‐targeting nanocarriers that are constructed from or modified by saccharides. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Response properties of embedded molecules through the polarizable embedding model
Authors: Steinmann Casper , Reinholdt Peter , Nørby Morten Steen , Kongsted Jacob , Olsen Jógvan Magnus Haugaard
Published: September 2018

The polarizable embedding (PE) model is a fragment‐based quantum‐classical approach aimed at accurate inclusion of environment effects in quantum‐mechanical response property calculations. The aim of this tutorial review is to give insight into the practical use of the PE model. Starting from a set of molecular structures and until you arrive at the final property, there are many crucial details to consider in order to obtain trustworthy results in an efficient manner. To lower the threshold for new users wanting to explore the use of the PE model, we describe and discuss important aspects related to its practical use. This includes directions on how to generate input files and how to run a calculation.
Modeling the absorption lineshape of embedded systems from molecular dynamics: A tutorial review
Authors: Loco Daniele , Cupellini Lorenzo
Published: September 2018

In this tutorial review, we focus on a multiscale method to compute the electronic absorption line shape of molecular dyes embedded in a biological environment. To treat the coupling of the electronic excitations with the nuclear degrees of freedom of the system, we use the spectral density (SD) of the exciton–phonon coupling computed from a Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics, which takes into account the effect of the biological environment on the dye's nuclear and electronic degrees of freedom. The theoretical basis of the approach is given, as well as a comprehensive description of the computational protocol for the extraction of the energy gap autocorrelation function evaluating the electronic excitation along the classical trajectory. Furthermore a benchmark application from a recently published study is presented as an example of how the derived SD can be used in computational spectroscopy to accurately simulate the absorption lineshape, including both vibronic and temperature effects.
A DFT study of molecular structure and 1H NMR, IR, and UV‐Vis spectrum of Zn(II)‐kaempferol complexes: A metal‐flavonoid complex showing enhanced anticancer activity
Authors: De Souza Leonardo A. , Soeiro Malucia M. , De Almeida Wagner B.
Published: September 2018

The polyphenol compound Kaempferol, a relevant member of the class of flavonoids, is a good example where coordination to Zn(II) ion was found to improve the anticancer effects compared to the free ligand. Determination of the metal‐complex molecular structure (and binding sites on Kaempferol) in the liquid phase is fundamental for an understanding of biological activities. Experimental UV‐Vis and EPR data only provide indirect evidence or limited structural information. Therefore, theoretical study of structural and spectroscopic properties of the metal‐polyphenol complex, using computational quantum chemistry methods, is certainly relevant as starting point for the investigation of mechanism of action at a molecular level. In this article, we used the density functional theory (DFT) methodology to predict the molecular structure of [Zn(Kaempferol)(H2O)n]+ and [Zn(Kaempferol)2(H2O)n] complexes (n = 0, 2, or 4) and B‐ring nonplanar conformation of flavonoid using as strategy the best match between theoretical and experimental 1H NMR, IR, and UV‐Vis spectroscopic data in solution. These are valuable information for further studies involving structure‐activity relationship.
Interface Engineering in n‐i‐p Metal Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Zhi , Dou Jinjuan , Wang Minqiang
Published: September 2018

Recent years have witnessed continuous progress in metal halide perovskite (MHP) solar cells with a certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) exceeding 22%. However, the commercialization of MHP solar cells continues to encounter various challenges including stabilization, scalability and repeatability. Of all problems related to MHP materials, interface recombination is the most prominent, resulting in severe PCE loss within a short time. Fortunately, interface engineering has been identified as an efficient means of achieving better energy‐level alignment, reduced charge recombination, trap passivation, elimination of photocurrent hysteresis, and enhanced long‐term device stability. This review examines the relationship between specific interface modification layers and their roles in interface engineering based on device physics, revealed by several characterization methods. The latest research advances in interface modification layers according to their roles and properties are also summarized.
Vulnerability of Juvenile Bighead and Silver Carps to Predation by Largemouth Bass
Authors: Sanft Eric , Parkos Joseph J. , Collins Scott F. , Porreca Anthony P. , Wahl David H.
Published: September 2018

The establishment of Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and Silver Carp H. molitrix throughout the Mississippi River basin potentially expands the prey base for native predators. A mechanistic understanding of interactions between nonnative prey and native predators is needed to assess the potential for predator regulation of Hypophthalmichthys carp populations and impacts on native predator assemblages. We conducted a series of experiments to quantify the selectivity and efficiency of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides predation on juveniles of both of these Hypophthalmichthys species and behaviors that potentially influence this selectivity and efficiency. Selectivity was measured over 24 h in 2‐m‐diameter pools containing one of two prey assemblages consisting of three individuals from each of three species: (1) Bighead Carp with native littoral (Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus) and pelagic prey (Golden Shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas) or (2) Bighead Carp, Silver Carp, and a morphologically similar native prey (Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum). Foraging efficiency and predator–prey behaviors were quantified in 45‐min trials in which Largemouth Bass foraged on 10 individuals of a single prey species inside a 750‐L observation tank. All prey species were readily attacked and consumed by Largemouth Bass; Silver Carp were selected less often than Gizzard Shad, and Bighead Carp were selected at a higher rate than any of the other prey species. Of the species tested, Bighead Carp formed the tightest schools and were captured most efficiently by Largemouth Bass. Overall, Hypophthalmichthys carps were similar to native prey in their vulnerability to Largemouth Bass; therefore, factors affecting Hypophthalmichthys carp availability relative to native prey may shape postinvasion predator–prey interactions.
Knowing more about things you care less about: Cross‐sectional analysis of the opposing trend and interplay between conceptual understanding and interest in secondary school chemistry
Authors: Höft Lars , Bernholt Sascha , Blankenburg Janet S. , Winberg Mikael
Published: September 2018

The development of students' interest in school science activities, their understanding of central chemical concepts, and the interplay between both constructs across Grades 5–11 were analyzed in a cross‐sectional paper‐and‐pencil study (N = 2,510, mean age 11–17 years). Previous empirical findings indicate that students' knowledge increases over the time of secondary school while students' interest, especially in natural science subjects, tends to decrease. Concomitantly, there is evidence for an increase in the positive coupling between interest and knowledge across time. However, previous studies mainly rely on rather global measures, for example, school grades or general subject‐related interest, and focus on science as an integrated subject instead of specific disciplines, for example, chemistry. For this article, more proximal and differentiated measures for students' understanding of three chemical concepts (Chemical Reaction, Energy, Matter) and interest in seven dimensions of school science activities according to the RIASEC + N model (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional, and Networking; cf. Dierks, Höffler, & Parchmann, 2014) were applied. The results are in line with previous research indicating a general increase in conceptual understanding and a decline in students' interest for all school science activities. However, the interplay between conceptual understanding and interest differs across the seven dimensions. Interest in activities which are likely to promote cognitive activation (investigative, networking) or involving the communication of knowledge (social, enterprising, and networking) are increasingly connected to conceptual understanding, especially in upper secondary grades. Interest in guided hands‐on activities (realistic) which are typical in secondary science teaching, however, shows only small positive correlations to students' conceptual understanding across all grades. Hence, in upper‐secondary school, investigative, social, enterprising, and networking activities seem to provide opportunities to benefit most from the interrelation between students' interests and their understanding.
Reading With a Writer's Eye: Why Book Choice Matters
Authors: Culham Ruth
Published: September 2018

Learning how to choose and use diverse literature for students to read and as an inspiration for their writing has never been more important, as more than 50% of today's students in U.S. classrooms do not identify as white. This teaching tip explores the importance of finding high‐quality diverse literature for all learners and how to use these books as mentor texts for writing based on the traits of writing: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions. The author models combining high‐quality diverse literature and the traits for readers in a fully developed lesson plan that leads to writing in different modes (narrative, informational, opinion/argument), based on the picture book A Different Pond by Bao Phi.
Schizophrenia in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Prevalence and clinical characteristics
Authors: Huang Chun-Jen , Hsieh Hui-Min , Tu Hung-Pin , Jiang He-Jiun , Wang Peng-Wei , Lin Ching-Hua
Published: September 2018

Background:

This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of schizophrenia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Taiwan.

Methods:

National Health Insurance claims data for patients with principal diagnoses of schizophrenia and T2DM were analysed.

Results:

Compared with patients with schizophrenia in the general population (GP), those with schizophrenia and T2DM were more likely to have higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) scores and multiple comorbidities, and were older. The prevalence of schizophrenia was significantly higher in patients with T2DM than in the GP from 2000 to 2010. In addition, during this period, the prevalence of schizophrenia in patients with T2DM increased from 0.64% to 0.85%; such an increase in the GP was also observed. A high prevalence of schizophrenia was observed in patients with T2DM aged less than 60 years old; those residing in eastern Taiwan; those with incomes of ≤NT$17,280, NT$17,281–NT$22,880, NT$22,881–NT$28,800, and NT$36,301–NT$45,800; and those with CCI > 2.

Conclusions:

Our study found the prevalence of schizophrenia is higher in patients with T2DM than in the GP, particularly those with earlier ages less than 60 years old. Public health initiatives are necessary to prevent and treat schizophrenia in patients with T2DM, specifically for those with the aforementioned and premature death risk.
Mobilization of Women to Terrorism: Tools and Methods of ISIS
Authors: Shorer Marina
Published: September 2018

As of the beginning of 2016, out of 100,000 “Islamic State in Iraq and Syria” (ISIS) fighters in Iraq, Syria, Sinai and North African Countries, one-third were foreign-born fighters from European and Asian countries (AFP Tunis 2013). Although most of the men came alone, seduced by advertised sexual adventures, the official guiding rule by the ISIS Caliphate was to establish true marriage with real Muslim brides (Milton and Dodwell 2018). The Western women were then addressed to come and help in administrative, teaching and nursing tasks while also instituting families with jihadi fighters. Estimations are that at least 450–500 Western women of different ages left their countries to join ISIS mujahedin. For these mobilization efforts, social networks were utilized to serve as means of communication, coordination and conversion of women’s minds. The skilled usage of different levels of social networking tools, combined with precise audience targeting, turned the efforts into powerful recruiting instruments for mobilization of women into terrorist activities. The ISIS strategy included careful selection of different scenarios and storyboards for different target audiences, thus maximizing the impact of the exposure to the message and mobilization.
The Digitalization of Banking: A New Perspective from the European Savings Banks Industry before the Internet
Authors: MAIXÉ-ALTÉS J. CARLES
Published: September 2018

This work is a contribution to the study of the adoption and use of computers in the savings bank industry in western Europe before the arrival of the Internet. It documents the presence of a pan-European network of IT users and analyzes the role of their industry associations in the processes of adopting and disseminating technology. It describes and analyzes their situation as late technology users, indicating certain specific and original patterns in the adoption of computers. Special attention is given to the implementation of shared computer centers throughout Europe and the results in the area of online accounting systems and teleprocessing systems as steps before the development of savings bank electronic funds transfer networks. It documents that in the savings banks industry, a reciprocal influence between technology and its uses was in play over long period of time and throughout the technological changes.
Translating the Blueprint for Financial Deregulation: The American Bank Lobby’s Unyielding Quest for Legislative Profits, 1968–1982
Authors: DOUGLAS JUSTIN
Published: September 2018

In 1968, facing a tumultuous banking environment, commercial bankers framed bank lobbying as the act of translating the complex U.S. financial and economic systems for legislators and regulators. Inspired by Science and Technology Studies research, this article demonstrates that the translations of the U.S. financial system offered by bank lobbyists were not merely descriptions of the complex banking system. Instead, their translations reflected a process that sought to create networks of congressional and public support and enroll other actors as spokespersons for these translations. The article details how the acceptance for these translations proved to be a long process of reformulations, reconfigurations, and failures. There were three primary lobbying strategies used by large U.S. commercial banks: maintaining close relationships with high-ranking decision makers, making public statements to gain public support for their translations of the economy, and advocating for long and expert studies with heavy bank consultation. The article also highlights the techniques used by bank lobbyists during this period to alter the banking environment: legislation drafting, editorial writing, letter writing, report writing, private consultations, meetings with reporters, and public statements. These lobbying techniques and strategies were instrumental in establishing the Hunt Commission and translating and actualizing the blueprint for financial “deregulation.”
COLORING CURVES ON SURFACES
Authors: GASTER JONAH , GREENE JOSHUA EVAN , VLAMIS NICHOLAS G.
Published: September 2018

We study the chromatic number of the curve graph of a surface. We show that the chromatic number grows like $k\log k$ for the graph of separating curves on a surface of Euler characteristic $-k$. We also show that the graph of curves that represent a fixed nonzero homology class is uniquely $t$-colorable, where $t$ denotes its clique number. Together, these results lead to the best known bounds on the chromatic number of the curve graph. We also study variations for arc graphs and obtain exact results for surfaces of low complexity. Our investigation leads to connections with Kneser graphs, the Johnson homomorphism, and hyperbolic geometry.
Killed Bifidobacterium longum enhanced stress tolerance and prolonged life span of Caenorhabditis elegans via DAF-16
Authors: Sugawara Takaya , Sakamoto Kazuichi
Published: September 2018

Probiotics are bacteria among the intestinal flora that are beneficial for human health. Bifidobacterium longum (BL) is a prototypical probiotic that is widely used in yogurt making, supplements and others. Although various physiological effects of BL have been reported, those associated with longevity and anti-ageing still remain elusive. Here we aimed to elucidate the physiological effects of killed BL (BR-108) on stress tolerance and longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans and their mechanisms. Worms fed killed BL in addition to Escherichia coli (OP50) displayed reduced body length in a BL dose-dependent manner. When compared with those fed E. coli alone, these worms had a higher survival rate following heat stress at 35°C and hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress. A general decrease in motility was observed over time in all worms; however, killed BL-fed ageing worms displayed increased movement and longer life span than those fed E. coli alone. However, the longevity effect was suppressed in sir-2.1, daf-16 and skn-1-deficient worms. Killed BL induced DAF-16 nuclear localisation and increased the expression of the DAF-16 target gene hsp-12.6. These results revealed that the physiological effects of killed BL in C. elegans were mediated by DAF-16 activation. These findings contradict previous observations with different Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains, which showed the role for SKN-1 independently of DAF-16.
Establishment of co-infection and hybridization of Haemonchus contortus and Haemonchus placei in sheep
Authors: Santos M.C. , Amarante M.R.V. , Amarante A.F.T.
Published: September 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the simultaneous infections of Haemonchus contortus and Haemonchus placei in sheep, as well as the production of hybrids. A parental group of lambs (n = 6) were mix-infected with 2000 infective larvae (L3) of H. placei and 2000 L3 of H. contortus. Faecal samples were taken from each of these six lambs to produce the first generation of L3 (F1-L3) in individual cultures. These F1-L3 were used to infect 12 lambs; six of them were euthanized at 42 days (Group F1-42) and six at 84 days (Group F1-84) post infection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, using species-specific primer pairs, was the gold standard method for identification of Haemonchus adult species and hybrids. The establishment rate of both species was similar in the parental group: 51.7% H. contortus and 48.3% H. placei. Of the 219 adult specimens from groups F1-42 and F1-84 analysed by PCR, eight (3.65%) were hybrids, 111 were H. contortus and 100 were H. placei. The morphological evaluation of the F1-L3 from the parental group showed a predominance of larvae with H. contortus size (51.5%) in comparison with H. placei (42.8%). In the second generation of L3 (F2-L3) produced by the F1-lambs, larvae with H. contortus morphology predominated, with 81.5% in the F1-42 group and 84.0% in the F1-84 group. In conclusion, an artificial mixed infection by H. contortus and H. placei was established in lambs and resulted in the production of a small number of hybrids among their offspring.
No argument–adjunct asymmetry in reconstruction for Binding Condition C
Authors: BRUENING BENJAMIN , AL KHALAF EMAN
Published: September 2018

The syntax literature has overwhelmingly adopted the view that Condition C reconstruction takes place in wh-chains for R-expressions contained within arguments, but not within adjuncts of fronted wh-phrases. At the same time, this empirical picture has been questioned by various authors. We undertake a series of grammaticality surveys using Amazon Mechanical Turk in an attempt to clarify the empirical picture regarding reconstruction for Binding Condition C. We find absolutely no evidence of an argument–adjunct distinction in reconstruction for Binding Condition C. Neither arguments nor adjuncts reconstruct for Condition C. We suggest that those speakers who report such a contrast (linguists, primarily) are following a pragmatic bias, and not Condition C. While we do not find reconstruction of dependents of fronted NPs for Binding Condition C, we do find reconstruction of fronted PPs. That is, the NP complement of a fronted P must reconstruct for Binding Condition C. The literature also finds reconstruction of NP complements of verbs and adjectives. This means that fronted Ns are special in not requiring reconstruction of their arguments and adjuncts. We suggest that, syntactically, arguments of Ns are treated as adjuncts: semantic arguments simply adjoin in the same manner as true adjuncts. Syntactic adjuncts can be left out of lower copies in chains, something that we suggest follows from a left-to-right syntactic derivation plus an economy condition on copying.
Which biological and self-report measures of cannabis use predict cannabis dependency and acute psychotic-like effects?
Authors: Curran H. Valerie , Hindocha Chandni , Morgan Celia J. A. , Shaban Natacha , Das Ravi K. , Freeman Tom P.
Published: September 2018

Background

Changes in cannabis regulation globally make it increasingly important to determine what predicts an individual's risk of experiencing adverse drug effects. Relevant studies have used diverse self-report measures of cannabis use, and few include multiple biological measures. Here we aimed to determine which biological and self-report measures of cannabis use predict cannabis dependency and acute psychotic-like symptoms.

Method

In a naturalistic study, 410 young cannabis users were assessed once when intoxicated with their own cannabis and once when drug-free in counterbalanced order. Biological measures of cannabinoids [(Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol(THC),cannabidiol(CBD),cannabinol(CBN) and their metabolites)] were derived from three samples: each participant's own cannabis (THC, CBD), a sample of their hair (THC, THC-OH, THC-COOH, CBN, CBD) and their urine (THC-COOH/creatinine). Comprehensive self-report measures were also obtained. Self-reported and clinician-rated assessments were taken for cannabis dependency [Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS), DSM-IV-TR] and acute psychotic-like symptoms [Psychotomimetic State Inventory (PSI) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS)].

Results

Cannabis dependency was positively associated with days per month of cannabis use on both measures, and with urinary THC-COOH/creatinine for the SDS. Acute psychotic-like symptoms were positively associated with age of first cannabis use and negatively with urinary THC-COOH/creatinine; no predictors emerged for BPRS.

Conclusions

Levels of THC exposure are positively associated with both cannabis dependency and tolerance to the acute psychotic-like effects of cannabis. Combining urinary and self-report assessments (use frequency; age first used) enhances the measurement of cannabis use and its association with adverse outcomes.
Children's gradient sensitivity to phonological mismatch: considering the dynamics of looking behavior and pupil dilation
Authors: TAMÁSI Katalin , MCKEAN Cristina , GAFOS Adamantios , HÖHLE Barbara
Published: September 2018

In a preferential looking paradigm, we studied how children's looking behavior and pupillary response were modulated by the degree of phonological mismatch between the correct label of a target referent and its manipulated form. We manipulated degree of mismatch by introducing one or more featural changes to the target label. Both looking behavior and pupillary response were sensitive to degree of mismatch, corroborating previous studies that found differential responses in one or the other measure. Using time-course analyses, we present for the first time results demonstrating full separability among conditions (detecting difference not only between one vs. more, but also between two and three featural changes). Furthermore, the correct labels and small featural changes were associated with stable target preference, while large featural changes were associated with oscillating looking behavior, suggesting significant shifts in looking preference over time. These findings further support and extend the notion that early words are represented in great detail, containing subphonemic information.