bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blockade of the cholinergic system during sensitization enhances lung responsiveness to allergen in rats
Authors: Malaspinas Iliona , Petak Ferenc , Baudat Aurélie , Doras Camille , Eigenmann Philippe A. , Habre Walid
Published: July 2018

Although acute prophylactic administration of atropine modulates airway responsiveness, the role of the parasympathetic nervous system in the pathogenesis of sensitization and in antigen‐induced bronchoconstriction remains unclear. The aim of the present study is to determine whether blocking muscarinic receptors during chronic allergen exposure modulates lung responsiveness to the specific allergen. Forty rats were randomly assigned to one of the following five treatment groups: sensitization with saline vehicle, intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (1 mg) with or without atropine treatment (10 mg/kg per day) and repeated ovalbumin aerosol (1.25 mg/mL for 20 minutes) either alone or combined with atropine. Lung responsiveness to methacholine (4–16 μg/kg per minute) and intravenous ovalbumin (2 mg) was established before and 21 days after treatment with forced oscillations following bilateral vagotomy. Lung cellularity was determined by analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). A lung inflammatory response in all sensitized animals was defined as an increase in the number of inflammatory cells in the BALF. Baseline respiratory mechanics and methacholine responsiveness on Days 0 and 21 were comparable in all groups. However, increases in airway resistance following intravenous allergen challenge were significantly exacerbated in rats that received atropine. Inhibition of the cholinergic nervous system during allergic sensitization potentiates bronchoconstriction following exposure to the specific allergen. These findings highlight the role of the cholinergic neuronal pathway in airway sensitization to a specific allergen.
Integration or Black Power?
Authors: Waters Rob
Published: July 2018

Integration politics experienced a postcolonial crisis in the late 1960s. This was a crisis driven by the simultaneous and inter‐related eruption of Powellism and Black Power. This article uses the crisis of integration politics to show the Powellite conjuncture from its other side, as it played out in the reconstitution of black British politics. It shows how black activists responded to the rise of Powellism by demanding that the politics of integration be either abandoned or reframed, to more fully shake out the colonial inheritances that lurked within it. The integration proposed by the postwar project of race relations was problematic from its inception; Black Power used Powell's intervention to expose these problems and demand change.
The West Midlands and Powell's Birmingham Speech
Authors: Reekes Andrew
Published: July 2018

This article examines how the changing political debate in West Midlands’ constituencies influenced Powell's thinking, and how the area reacted to his ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech. It looks at local perceptions of Commonwealth immigration in the West Midlands. It contrasts largely tolerant Wolverhampton with attitudes in nearby Smethwick; here a small number of race propagandists shaped local feeling through the columns of the Smethwick Telephone. The article considers their campaign, and the notorious victory of the hardliner Peter Griffiths in the 1964 general election. Powell and allies learnt there was electoral mileage in the ‘race card’, then campaigning on the issue. The article details the strength of subsequent local support after his Midlands Hotel speech, a loyalty only fortified in response to the execration of a horrified metropolitan elite and lasting until his defection from the Conservative party in 1974.
Risk factors of acute kidney injury in children after cardiac surgery
Authors: Lee Ji‐Hyun , Jung Ji‐Yoon , Park Sun‐Woo , Song In‐Kyung , Kim Eun‐Hee , Kim Hee‐Soo , Kim Jin‐Tae
Published: July 2018

Background

The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI), including albumin, in children who underwent cardiac surgery. In addition, we evaluated the association between preoperative serum albumin level and postoperative AKI in these patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 505 pediatric patients who underwent congenital cardiac surgery. Preoperative and perioperative risk factors for AKI, including serum albumin level, were assessed. AKI incidence within 7 postoperative days was determined using the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between possible risk factors and postoperative AKI.

Results

Of 505 pediatric patients, 185 (36.6%) developed postoperative AKI. The preoperative serum albumin level was associated with postoperative AKI (odds ratio [OR] 0.506, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.325‐0.788; P = 0.003). Other independent factors associated with AKI were age <12 months (OR 1.911, 95% CI 1.166‐3.132; P = 0.007), preoperative pulmonary hypertension (OR 1.853, 95% CI 1.182‐2.907; P = 0.01), and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration (OR 1.006, 95% CI 1.003‐1.009; P = 0.002). Patients with AKI had higher incidence of postoperative complications, longer mechanical ventilation times, and more prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stays than patients without AKI.

Conclusions

Preoperative serum albumin level, age <12 months, preoperative pulmonary hypertension, and CPB duration were associated with risk for postoperative AKI in children who underwent congenital cardiac surgery.
Genetic diversity, population structure and phylogenetic relationships of three indigenous pig breeds from Jiangxi Province, China, in a worldwide panel of pigs
Authors: Wang X. , Wang C. , Huang M. , Tang J. , Fan Y. , Li Y. , Li X. , Ji H. , Ren J. , Ding N.
Published: July 2018

Dongxiang Spotted, Pingxiang Two‐End‐Black and Yushan Black pigs are three indigenous breeds in Jiangxi Province, China, that have been listed in the national conservation program for Chinese indigenous livestock germplasm. Here, we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of the nucleus populations of these three breeds in a worldwide context of European and Chinese pigs using Illumina Porcine 60K chips. Our data indicate that Dongxiang Spotted and Yushan Black pigs have recently experienced severe inbreeding. The two breeds show large runs‐of‐homozygosity values, long‐range extents of linkage disequilibrium and reduced observed heterozygosity. In contrast, Pingxiang Two‐End‐Black pigs are rich in genetic diversity and have few inbred individuals. Both phylogenetic and admixture analyses illustrate that Dongxiang Spotted and Yushan Black pigs are genetically close to their geographical neighbors in East China and that Pingxiang Two‐End‐Black pigs have a close relationship with three other Two‐End‐Black breeds in central China. Finally, we reconstructed the family structures of the three breeds and propose a reliable breeding strategy to better conserve these breeds.
CHRNA3 rs1051730 and CHRNA5 rs16969968 polymorphisms are associated with heavy smoking, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a mexican population
Authors: Pérez‐Morales Rebeca , González‐Zamora Alberto , González‐Delgado María Fernanda , Calleros Rincón Esperanza Y. , Olivas Calderón Edgar H. , Martínez‐Ramírez Ollin Celeste , Rubio Julieta
Published: July 2018

Background and purpose

Smoking is a major public health problem worldwide. Polymorphisms in CHRNA3, CHRNA5, and CHRNB4 receptors play a critical role in nicotine dependence, lung cancer (LC) risk, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study characterized the CHRNA3 rs1051730 and CHRNA5 rs16969968 polymorphisms in a Mexican population and its association with nicotine dependence, LC, and COPD.

Methods

The study included 312 healthy individuals, 74 LC cases and 117 COPD cases. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan probes, and the data were analyzed using logistic regression adjusted for covariates.

Results

The polymorphism CHRNA3 rs1051730 and CHRNA5 rs16969968 were in the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and the allelic frequency of the A allele was 0.15, for both polymorphisms. The smokers were stratified in heavy smokers and moderate/light smokers, and we found in A alleles an OR = 2.86 (P = 0.01) to CHRNA3 rs1051730 and OR = 3.12 (P = 0.03) to CHRNA5 rs16969968. In addition, the A alleles in CHRNA3 rs1051730 and CHRNA5 rs16969968 were associated with the risk for LC (OR = 1.66, P = 0.07 and OR = 1.57, P = 0.1, respectively) and for COPD (OR = 2.04, P = 0.01 and OR = 1.91, P = 0.02, respectively).

Conclusion

CHRNA3/5 polymorphisms are associated with nicotine dependence, LC, and COPD in Mexicans.
Ultrasound measurements of subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness show sexual dimorphism in children of three to five years of age
Authors: Kelso Anne , Vogel Katharina , Steinacker Jürgen M.
Published: July 2018

Aim

A standard approach to measure subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) using ultrasound has proved successful in adults, but has not been studied in children. This study addressed that gap in children aged three to five years.

Methods

In autumn 2016, 24 preschools in Southwest Germany, recruited via mail, agreed to take part in this study and 274 children (51.4% boys) with a mean age of 4.6 ± 0.7 years participated in measurements of SAT and anthropometry. Differences in measurements were explored between the sexes and anthropometric predictors of mean SAT thickness were identified. Intra‐observer reliability for ultrasound measurements of SAT was also assessed.

Results

The mean SAT thickness showed significant differences between the boys and girls (5.3 ± 2.0 and 6.3 ± 2.0 mm, respectively, p < 0.01). The children's body mass, height and sex explained 66% of the variance in the mean SAT thickness, as SAT was larger with a higher body mass, a smaller stature and in girls. Intra‐observer reliability resulted in an intra‐class correlation coefficient of 0.994 (p < 0.01) with a 95% confidence interval of 0.983–0.998.

Conclusion

Subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness differed between boys and girls with a mean age of 4.6 years. Intra‐observer reliability was excellent. This standardised approach enabled high‐precision measurements of SAT in a paediatric population.
Double‐negative feedback interaction between DNA methyltransferase 3A and microRNA‐145 in the Warburg effect of ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Songlin , Pei Meili , Li Zhen , Li Han , Liu Yanli , Li Jie
Published: July 2018

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy because of its poor prognosis. The Warburg effect is one of the key mechanisms mediating cancer progression. Molecules targeting the Warburg effect are therefore of significant therapeutic value for the treatment of cancers. Many microRNAs (miR) are dysregulated in cancers, and aberrant miR expression patterns have been suggested to correlate with the Warburg effect in cancer cells. In our study, we found that miR‐145 negatively correlated with DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)3A expression at cellular/histological levels. miR‐145 inhibited the Warburg effect by targeting HK2. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR‐145‐mediated downregulation of DNMT3A occurred through direct targeting of its mRNA 3′‐UTRs, whereas methylation‐specific PCR (MSP) assays found that knockdown of DNMT3A increased mRNA level of miR‐145 and decreased methylation levels of promoter regions in the miR‐145 precursor gene, thus suggesting a crucial crosstalk between miR‐145 and DNMT3A by a double‐negative feedback loop. DNMT3A promoted the Warburg effect through miR‐145. Coimmunoprecipitation assays confirmed no direct binding between DNMT3A and HK2. In conclusion, a feedback loop between miR‐145 and DNMT3A is a potent signature for the Warburg effect in ovarian cancer, promising a potential target for improved anticancer treatment.
An Entity Theory of Intelligence Predicts Higher Cortisol Levels When High School Grades Are Declining
Authors: Lee Hae Yeon , Jamieson Jeremy P. , Miu Adriana S. , Josephs Robert A. , Yeager David S.
Published: July 2018

Grades often decline during the high school transition, creating stress. The present research integrates the biopsychosocial model of challenge and threat with the implicit theories model to understand who shows maladaptive stress responses. A diary study measured declines in grades in the first few months of high school: salivary cortisol (N = 360 students, N = 3,045 observations) and daily stress appraisals (N = 499 students, N = 3,854 observations). Students who reported an entity theory of intelligence (i.e., the belief that intelligence is fixed) showed higher cortisol when grades were declining. Moreover, daily academic stressors showed a different lingering effect on the next day's cortisol for those with different implicit theories. Findings support a process model through which beliefs affect biological stress responses during difficult adolescent transitions.
Tropomyosins in mosquito and house dust mite cross‐react at the humoral and cellular level
Authors: Cantillo Jose F. , Puerta Leonardo , Fernandez‐Caldas Enrique , Subiza Jose L. , Soria Irene , Wöhrl Stefan , Ebner Christof , Keller Walter , Resch‐Marat Yvonne , Vrtala Susanne , Bohle Barbara
Published: July 2018

Background

Aedes aegypti and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus contain important allergens including cross‐reactive tropomyosins. However, the functional and clinical relevance of their cross‐reactivity is still debated.

Objective

To analyse the humoral and cellular cross‐reactivity of recombinant Aed a 10.01, Aed a 10.02 and Der p 10.

Methods

Sera from 15 Austrian house dust mite‐allergic, Der p 10‐sensitized individuals were tested for IgE reactivity to recombinant tropomyosins in ELISA, inhibition ELISA and basophil activation tests. BALB/c mice were immunized with Aed a 10.01 or Aed a 10.02, and their sera were assessed for reactivity to all tropomyosins. Splenocytes were stimulated with all tropomyosins and synthetic peptides representing the amino acid sequence of Aed a 10.01.

Results

IgE antibodies of Der p 10‐sensitized patients cross‐reacted with both tropomyosins from A. aegypti. Aed a 10.01 was a more potent inhibitor of IgE binding to Der p 10 and a stronger activator of basophils sensitized with Der p 10‐specific IgE than Aed a 10.02. Murine antibodies raised against Aed a 10.01 and Aed a 10.02 cross‐reacted with Der p 10. Aed a 10.01‐specific antibody showed stronger cross‐reactivity with Der p 10 than Aed a 10.02‐specific antibody. Splenocytes from both groups of mice proliferated similarly to all tropomyosins. Five cross‐reactive T cell‐activating regions were identified.

Conclusion and Clinical relevance

Tropomyosins from D. pteronyssinus and A. aegypti show humoral and cellular cross‐reactivity, involving 5 potential T cell‐activating regions. The more pronounced cross‐reactivity of Aed a 10.01 and Der p 10 matched the higher sequence similarity of both proteins.
Epilepsy genetics: Current knowledge, applications, and future directions
Authors: Myers K.A. , Johnstone D.L. , Dyment D.A.
Published: July 2018

The rapid pace of disease gene discovery has resulted in tremendous advances in the field of epilepsy genetics. Clinical testing with comprehensive gene panels, exomes, and genomes are now available and have led to higher diagnostic rates and insights into the underlying disease processes. As such, the contribution to the care of patients by medical geneticists, neurogeneticists and genetic counselors are significant; the dysmorphic examination, the necessary pre‐ and post‐test counseling, the selection of the appropriate next‐generation sequencing‐based test(s), and the interpretation of sequencing results require a care provider to have a comprehensive working knowledge of the strengths and limitations of the available testing technologies. As the underlying mechanisms of the encephalopathies and epilepsies are better understood, there may be opportunities for the development of novel therapies based on an individual's own specific genotype. Drug screening with in vitro and in vivo models of epilepsy can potentially facilitate new treatment strategies. The future of epilepsy genetics will also probably include other—omicapproaches such as transcriptomes, metabolomes, and the expanded use of whole genome sequencing to further improve our understanding of epilepsy and provide better care for those with the disease.
Linkages between measures of biodiversity and community resilience in Pacific Island agroforests
Authors: Ticktin Tamara , Quazi Shimona , Dacks Rachel , Tora Mesulame , McGuigan Ashley , Hastings Zoe , Naikatini Alivereti
Published: July 2018

Designing agroecosystems that are compatible with the conservation of biodiversity is a top conservation priority. However, the social variables that drive native biodiversity conservation in these systems are poorly understood. We devised a new approach to identify social–ecological linkages that affect conservation outcomes in agroecosystems and in social‐ecological systems more broadly. We focused on coastal agroforests in Fiji, which, like agroforests across other small Pacific Islands, are critical to food security, contain much of the country's remaining lowland forests, and have rapidly declining levels of native biodiversity. We tested the relationships among social variables and native tree species richness in agroforests with structural equation models. The models were built with data from ecological and social surveys in 100 agroforests and associated households. The agroforests hosted 95 native tree species of which almost one‐third were endemic. Fifty‐eight percent of farms had at least one species considered threatened at the national or international level. The best‐fit structural equation model (R2 = 47.8%) showed that social variables important for community resilience—local ecological knowledge, social network connectivity, and livelihood diversity—had direct and indirect positive effects on native tree species richness. Cash‐crop intensification, a driver of biodiversity loss elsewhere, did not negatively affect native tree richness within parcels. Joining efforts to build community resilience, specifically by increasing livelihood diversity, local ecological knowledge, and social network connectivity, may help conservation agencies conserve the rapidly declining biodiversity in the region.
Differences in patterns of cannabis use among youth: Prevalence, perceptions of harm and driving under the influence in the USA where non‐medical cannabis markets have been established, proposed and prohibited
Authors: Wadsworth Elle , Hammond David
Published: July 2018

Introduction and Aims

Cannabis use is the most widely used illicit substance in the USA. Currently, over half of US jurisdictions have legalised medical cannabis and nine US jurisdictions (and Washington DC) have legalised non‐medical cannabis. Comparisons across jurisdictions can help to evaluate the impact of these policies. The current study examined patterns of cannabis use among youth in three categories: (i) states that have legalised non‐medical cannabis with established markets; (ii) jurisdictions that recently legalised non‐medical cannabis without established markets; and (iii) all other jurisdictions where non‐medical cannabis is prohibited.

Design and Methods

Data come from an online survey conducted among 4097 US youth aged 16–19 recruited through a commercial panel in July/August 2017. Regression models were fitted to examine differences between regulatory categories for cannabis consumption, perceived access to cannabis, modes of use, perceptions of harm and cannabis‐impaired driving. All estimates represent weighted data.

Results

States that had legalised non‐medical cannabis had higher prevalence, easier access and lower driving rates than non‐legal states. There were few differences between states with established non‐medical cannabis markets and those that had recently legalised.

Discussion and Conclusions

Cannabis use among youth was higher in states that have legalised non‐medical cannabis, regardless of how long the policy had been implemented or whether markets had been established. This suggests that differences between states with and without legal non‐medical cannabis may partly be due to longer‐term patterns established prior and highlights the importance of longitudinal evidence to evaluate the impact of cannabis policies.
Thermoresponsive aerification and tissue vacuolization for facilitating endoscopic submucosal resection
Authors: Wang Min , Wang Kuangjing , Chen Yingtong , Liu Wenjie , Liu Li , Wang Xiang , Zhao Lili , Fan Zhining
Published: July 2018

Background and Aims

Mucosal lifting and its persistence are critical for maintaining the operational space and preventing perforation in endoscopic operation. Although numerous agents have been investigated, optimization is still required for improving their clinical performance. In the present study, we proposed a novel concept of thermoresponsive aerification and tissue vacuolization for submucosal injection.

Methods

Lifting performance and operational condition were first evaluated in porcine stomachs in vitro and rabbits in vivo. Dodecafluoropentane (DDFP) injection dosage, lifting persistency and operational assistance were quantitatively recorded. Gross and histological pathology were also analyzed to identify DDFP acute toxicity and long‐term safety. The endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) procedure with DDFP was carried out on pigs in vivo to confirm its operational feasibility, efficacy, and safety.

Results

Dodecafluoropentane aerification could achieve better mucosal lift with lower dosage (1% of normal saline dosage). Thermoresponsive DDFP aerification could provide continuous replenishment and longer persistence. Meanwhile, its tissue vacuolization effect significantly facilitated submucosal tissue dissection in in vitro study. Similar performance was verified in vivo. The particular vacuole‐like submucosal structure was seen after DDFP onset, which also promoted reepithelization and wound healing. No tissue damage, gas embolism, biotoxicity, and physicochemical risk were observed.

Conclusion

Bioinert DDFP was feasible, efficient, and safe as the novel submucosal lifting candidate.
The effect of sample size on the accuracy of species distribution models: considering both presences and pseudo‐absences or background sites
Authors: Liu Canran , Newell Graeme , White Matt
Published: July 2018

Most high‐performing species distribution modelling techniques require both presences, and either absences or pseudo‐absences or background points. In this paper, we explore the effect of sample size, towards developing improved strategies for modelling. We generated 1800 virtual species with three levels of prevalence using ten modelling techniques, while varying the number of training presences (NTP) and the number of random points (NRP representing pseudo‐absences or background sites). For five of the ten modelling techniques we built two versions of models: one with an equal total weight (ETW) setting where the total weight for pseudo‐absence is equivalent to the total weight for presence, and another with an unequal total weight (UTW) setting where the total weight for pseudo‐absence is not required to be equal to the total weight for presence. We compared two strategies for NRP: a small multiplier strategy (i.e. setting NRP at a few times as large as NTP), and a large number strategy (i.e. using numerous random points). We produced ensemble models (by averaging the predictions from 30 models built with the same set of training presences and different sets of random points in equivalent numbers) for three NTP magnitudes and two NRP strategies. We found that model accuracy altered as NRP increased with four distinct patterns of performance: increasing, decreasing, arch‐shaped and horizontal. In most cases ETW improved model performance. Ensemble models had higher accuracy than the corresponding single models, and this improvement was pronounced when NTP was low. We conclude that a large NRP is not always an appropriate strategy. The best choice for NRP will depend on the modelling techniques used, species prevalence and NTP. We recommend building ensemble models instead of single models, using the small multiplier strategy for NRP with ETW, especially when only a small number of species presence records are available.
Etiology of acute ischaemic cerebrovascular disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis: changes with progression of anti‐inflammatory therapy
Authors: Hashimoto H. , Kawamura M. , Yukami T. , Ishihara M. , Bamba Y. , Kaneshiro S. , Tsuboi H. , Yamamoto K.
Published: July 2018

Background and purpose

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) level is associated with ischaemic cerebrovascular disease (iCVD). Acute iCVD patients with RA were investigated, assessing changes of clinical characteristics and CRP with progress in RA treatment.

Methods

Patients hospitalized for acute iCVD from August 2002 to February 2018 were divided into two groups at February 2010. Patients with RA were retrospectively identified. The incidence of RA, the occurrence of acute exacerbation of inflammation due to causes other than synovitis preceding iCVD (non‐synovitis AEI) and serum CRP were compared.

Results

In the first and second periods, 23/1203 patients (1.9%) and 22/1094 patients (2.0%) respectively had acute iCVD with RA. Non‐synovitis AEI was significantly less frequent in the second period (5%, n = 1) than in the first period (35%, n = 8) (P < 0.05). CRP was significantly lower at iCVD onset in the second period [median and interquartile range 2.72 (0.89–4.5) mg/dl vs. 0.34 (0.12–1.19) mg/dl, P < 0.01]. Excluding nine patients with non‐synovitis AEI, CRP was still lower in the second period [1.21 (0.47–2.72) mg/dl vs. 0.33 (0.11–0.98) mg/dl, P < 0.01]. CRP levels before both iCVD and non‐synovitis AEI tended to be lower in the second period [1.53 (0.3–2.78) mg/dl vs. 0.69 (0.06–1.28) mg/dl, P = 0.059]. Two patients using tocilizumab developed iCVD despite persistently low CRP levels.

Conclusions

With progress in treatment, RA‐related inflammation was better suppressed and CRP decreased, but the prevalence of RA amongst acute iCVD patients was unchanged. Strategies for tighter control of inflammation are needed, and a new biomarker may be required in patients using tocilizumab.
Freshwater eels: A symbol of the effects of global change
Authors: Drouineau Hilaire , Durif Caroline , Castonguay Martin , Mateo Maria , Rochard Eric , Verreault Guy , Yokouchi Kazuki , Lambert Patrick
Published: July 2018

Temperate eelsAnguilla anguilla(European eel),A. rostrata(American eel) andA. japonica(Japanese eel) are three catadromous species which have been declining since the 1970s/1980s despite their remarkable adaptive capacity. Because of their specific life cycles, which share distant oceanic spawning grounds and continental growth stage, eels are affected by five components of the global change: (a) climate change affecting larval survival and drift, (b) an increase in pollution leading to high levels of contamination exacerbated by their high lipid levels, (c) increasing fragmentation and habitat loss that reduce dramatically the amount of available habitats and induce increased spawner mortality, (d) the appearance ofAnguillicola crassusa parasitic alien nematode that impairs spawning success, and (e) the impact of commercial and recreational fisheries for all life stages of eel. In this context, the rapid increases of pressures during the “Great Acceleration” have surpassed the adaptive capacity of eels. This illustrates that cumulative effects of global change can lead to the collapse of species, even in species that have amazingly high adaptive capacities.
Self‐inflicted fracture of expanding surface precipitates
Authors: Reheman Wureguli , Ståhle Per
Published: July 2018

This work concerns spontaneous fracture of growing brittle precipitates in an elastic plastic matrix. The mass of the precipitate is increasing as more transformed matrix material is added to it. Under stress‐free conditions, the new phase occupies a larger volume than the original matrix material. Just outside the expanding precipitate, the matrix undergoes stretching beyond the elastic limit. The influence of the elastic plastic material behaviour is studied. A phase field model that keeps track of the phase composition is used. Both cases with a crack and without a crack are included. The growth histories from microscopic to macroscopic precipitate sizes are followed. Growth of the precipitate is very slow and quasi‐static mechanical equilibrium is assumed at all time. The result is compared with observations of hydride blisters that are formed on surfaces of zirconium alloys. The numerical model is qualified against a derived exact solution for a cylindrical precipitate without a crack. The numerical result predicts a position of the growing crack that is confirmed by the observations. Also, the predicted length of the crack is in fair agreement with the experimental observations. The depth of the blister is slightly larger than what is found at the experiments. Also, it is found that the incorporated transformed phase rejects the compression, which creates an increasing tensile stress in the inner part of the precipitate.
A new frequency domain method for random fatigue life estimation in a wide‐band stationary Gaussian random process
Authors: Han Qinghua , Li Jia , Xu Jie , Ye Fei , Carpinteri Alberto , Lacidogna Giuseppe
Published: July 2018

A new frequency domain method for random fatigue life estimation in a wide‐band stationary Gaussian random process was proposed for application in fatigue analysis. Simulations of the power spectral densities of different types were firstly performed; the simulated results showed that the accuracy and applicability for the current frequency domain methods are not only related to the spectral type but also associated with the types of the analysed materials. Compared with the current methods, the proposed method, in which the rain‐flow amplitude obeys Nakagami distribution, has better universality and could significantly reduce the error for the random fatigue life estimation with simulated and actual spectra. Verified application in cast‐steel fatigue life analysis were performed between random fatigue life and constant amplitude fatigue life. It is shown that the fatigue life analysis under random load cannot be ignored and the proposed new method can serve as a recommended method.
“Too‐Small‐To‐Survive” versus “Too‐Big‐To‐Fail” banks: The two sides of the same coin
Authors: Grammatikos Theoharry , Papanikolaou Nikolaos I.
Published: July 2018

In the recent crisis, the U.S. authorities bailed out numerous banks through TARP, whilst let many others to fail as going concern entities. Even though both interventions fully protect depositors, a bail out represents an implied subsidy to shareholders, which is not yet the case with closures where creditors are not subsidised. We investigate this non‐uniform policy, demonstrating that size and not performance is the decision variable that endogenously determines one threshold below which banks are treated as TSTS by regulators and another one above which are considered to be TBTF. We, hence, provide a pair of economic rather than regulatory cut‐offs for TBTF and TSTS banks. The shareholders and the other uninsured creditors of a distressed bank are not bailed out if the bank is considered to be TSTS. We further document that the less complex a bank is, the less likely is to be bailed out and, hence, to have all of its creditors protected.
The impact of multilateral trading facilities on price discovery
Authors: Buckle Mike , Chen Jing , Guo Qian , Li Xiaoxi
Published: July 2018

Our study aims to examine whether market segmentation and competition manifested in the proliferation of multilateral trading facilities (MTFs) improve market quality after the implementation of MiFID. To do this, we employ the Common Factor Weight and Weighted Price Contribution methods to study relative price discovery for three major MTFs—LSE, BATS, and Turquoise, using intra‐day, five‐minute transaction prices. The results suggest that the two trading venues, BATS and Turquoise, contribute more to impounding fundamental information, implying a shift in price dominance from traditional LSE to MTFs. In addition, the intra‐day price contributions of MTFs are higher than those of LSE, especially during the first and last periods of the day. The estimated average daily price contributions are consistent with this result.
Postfire nitrogen balance of Mediterranean shrublands: Direct combustion losses versus gaseous and leaching losses from the postfire soil mineral nitrogen flush
Authors: Dannenmann Michael , Díaz‐Pinés Eugenio , Kitzler Barbara , Karhu Kristiina , Tejedor Javier , Ambus Per , Parra Antonio , Sánchez‐Martin Laura , Resco Victor , Ramírez David A. , Povoas‐Guimaraes Luciano , Willibald Georg , Gasche Rainer , Zechmeister‐Boltenstern Sophie , Kraus David , Castaldi Simona , Vallejo Antonio , Rubio Agustín , Moreno Jose M. , Butterbach‐Bahl Klaus
Published: July 2018

Fire is a major factor controlling global carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling. While direct C and N losses caused by combustion have been comparably well established, important knowledge gaps remain on postfire N losses. Here, we quantified both direct C and N combustion losses as well as postfire gaseous losses (N2O, NO and N2) and N leaching after a high‐intensity experimental fire in an old shrubland in central Spain. Combustion losses of C and N were 9.4 Mg C/ha and 129 kg N/ha, respectively, representing 66% and 58% of initial aboveground vegetation and litter stocks. Moreover, fire strongly increased soil mineral N concentrations by several magnitudes to a maximum of 44 kg N/ha 2 months after the fire, with N largely originating from dead soil microbes. Postfire soil emissions increased from 5.4 to 10.1 kg N ha−1 year−1 for N2, from 1.1 to 1.9 kg N ha−1 year−1 for NO and from 0.05 to 0.2 kg N ha−1 year−1 for N2O. Maximal leaching losses occurred 2 months after peak soil mineral N concentrations, but remained with 0.1 kg N ha−1 year−1 of minor importance for the postfire N mass balance. 15N stable isotope labelling revealed that 33% of the mineral N produced by fire was incorporated in stable soil N pools, while the remainder was lost. Overall, our work reveals significant postfire N losses dominated by emissions of N2 that need to be considered when assessing fire effects on ecosystem N cycling and mass balance. We propose indirect N gas emissions factors for the first postfire year, equalling to 7.7% (N2‐N), 2.7% (NO‐N) and 5.0% (N2O‐N) of the direct fire combustion losses of the respective N gas species.
Kīlauea, Hawai’i, puts on a ‘once‐in‐a‐century’ show
Authors: Skilling Ian , McGarvie Dave
Published: July 2018

Kīlauea is the youngest of five basaltic shield volcanoes on the island of Hawai’i. It is located to the south‐east of the much larger Mauna Loa volcano, and rose above sea level about 100 ka ago. Kīlauea is one of the most monitored, and arguably the best understood volcanoes on Earth, providing scientists with a good understanding of its current eruption, in which magma rises from depth and is stored beneath its 4 × 3.2 km summit caldera in an underground reservoir. The reservoir is connected to a lava lake within a crater called Halema’uma’u, which is situated on the floor of the caldera. When magma drains from the summit area it travels in underground conduits and emerges on the flanks of the volcano at a rift zone, where it erupts through fissures. The magma is sometimes stored in other reservoirs along the way. This link between summit magma storage and fissure eruptions on the flanks has occurred thousands of times at many Hawai’ian volcanoes. The current eruptive episode is, however, a ‘once‐in‐a‐century’ show, because it is the first time since 1924 that fissure‐fed lava flow eruptions have been accompanied by significant explosive eruptions within Halema’uma’u Crater. This gives scientists a unique opportunity to use modern methods to understand exactly how such hazardous explosions happen at Kīlauea, a volcano that receives about 2 million visitors a year.
The high expression of FOXA1 is correlated with a favourable prognosis in salivary duct carcinomas: a study of 142 cases
Authors: Urano Makoto , Hirai Hideaki , Tada Yuichiro , Kawakita Daisuke , Shimura Tomotaka , Tsukahara Kiyoaki , Kano Satoshi , Ozawa Hiroyuki , Okami Kenji , Sato Yuichiro , Fushimi Chihiro , Shimizu Akira , Takase Soichiro , Okada Takuro , Sato Hiroki , Imanishi Yorihisa , Otsuka Kuninori , Watanabe Yoshihiro , Sakai Akihiro , Ebisumoto Koji , Togashi Takafumi , Ueki Yushi , Ota Hisayuki , Sato Yukiko , Saigusa Natsuki , Nakaguro Masato , Hanazawa Toyoyuki , Nagao Toshitaka
Published: July 2018

Aims

Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is an uncommon, aggressive tumour that, histologically, resembles high‐grade mammary ductal carcinoma, and is characterised by the expression of androgen receptor (AR). The androgen signalling pathway, a potential therapeutic target, can be regulated by FOXA1. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological implications of FOXA1 in SDC.

Methods and results

We examined the relationship between the immunoexpression of FOXA1 and FOXA1 mutations and clinicopathological factors, including the biomarker status and clinical outcome, in 142 SDCs. FOXA1 was expressed in 128 SDCs (90.1%); the immunoexpression was heterogeneous. SDCs with a higher FOXA1 labelling index (LI) (≥20%) more frequently showed less advanced tumors on T classification (P = 0.002). FOXA1 LI was correlated positively with the AR expression value (r = 0.430, P < 0.001). PI3K and p‐mTOR positivity, and intact‐PTEN, were associated with a higher FOXA1 LI. Twenty‐two of 121 SDCs (18.2%) harboured FOXA1 gene mutations at the flanking regions in and around the forkhead DNA binding domain; however, the given gene mutation and the expression of FOXA1 were not significantly correlated. A multivariate analysis revealed that SDCs with a higher FOXA1 LI were associated with longer overall survival and progression‐free survival (P = 0.029 and 0.016, respectively).

Conclusions

In SDC, FOXA1, which may biologically interact with the AR and PI3K signalling pathways, is a putative biomarker that may be associated with a favourable prognosis. Further studies are needed to apply the findings to the development of targeted personalised therapy for patients with SDC.
To prescribe, or not to prescribe: decision making in HIV‐1 post‐exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Scholten M , Suárez I , Platten M , Kümmerle T , Jung N , Wyen C , Ernst A , Horn C , Burst V , Suárez V , Rybniker J , Fätkenheuer G , Lehmann C
Published: July 2018

Objectives

We investigated the trend in usage of post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after HIV‐1 risk exposure and evaluated PEP prescription decision making of physicians according to guidelines.

Methods

All PEP consultations from January 2014 to December 2016 in patients presenting at the University Hospital of Cologne (Germany) were retrospectively analysed. HIV risk contacts included sexual and occupational exposure. The European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) Guidelines for HIV PEP (version 9.0, 2017) were used for assessment.

Results

A total of 649 patients presented at the emergency department (ED) or the clinic for infectious diseases (IDC) for PEP consultations. A continuous increase in the number of PEP requests was recorded: 189 in 2014, 208 in 2015 and 252 in 2016. PEP consultations in men who have sex with men (MSM) showed a remarkable increase in 2016 (2014, n = 96; 2015, n = 101; 2016, n = 152). Decisions taken by physicians with a specialization in infectious diseases (n = 547) included 61 (11%) guideline‐discordant prescriptions [2014: 14% (n = 22); 2015: 9% (n = 16); 2016: 11% (n = 23)]. Among these, sexual exposure accounted for 45 (74%) cases, including 15 cases of nonconsensual sex, while occupational exposure accounted for 14 (23%) cases and other exposure two cases (3%). The main reason for guideline‐discordant PEP prescriptions was emotional stress of the patient (n = 37/61).

Conclusions

PEP prescriptions are increasing and decision making is influenced by patients’ emotional stress, but PEP prescriptions should be strictly administered according to risk assessment.
Regulatory T cells control epitope spreading in autoimmune arthritis independent of cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4
Authors: Yang Min , Klocke Katrin , Hernandez Clara Marquina , Xu Bingze , Gjertsson Inger , Wing Kajsa , Holmdahl Rikard
Published: July 2018

CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells can control both cellular and humoral immune responses; however, when and how Treg cells play a predominant role in regulating autoimmune disease remains elusive. To deplete Treg cells in vivo at given time‐points, we used a mouse strain, susceptible to glucose‐6‐phosphate isomerase peptide‐induced arthritis (GIA), in which the deletion of Treg cells can be controlled by diphtheria toxin treatment. By depleting Treg cells in the GIA mouse model, we found that a temporary lack of Treg cells at both priming and onset exaggerated disease development. Ablation of Treg cells led to the expansion of antigen‐specific CD4+ T cells including granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, interferon‐γ and interleukin‐17‐producing T cells, and promoted both T‐cell and B‐cell epitope spreading, which perpetuated arthritis. Interestingly, specific depletion of cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) on Treg cells only, was sufficient to protect mice from GIA, due to the expansion of CTLA‐4− Treg cells expressing alternative suppressive molecules. Collectively, our findings suggest that Treg cells, independently of CTLA‐4, act as the key driving force in controlling autoimmune arthritis development.
Perceptions of anger and aggression in rural adolescent Australian males
Authors: Edwards Paul , van de Mortel Thea , Stevens John
Published: July 2018

Problematic anger is often the outward manifestation and expression of deeper mental health issues in young men with strong links to depression, aggression, and suicide. Few studies have explored adolescent anger and aggression from the perspective of adolescent males and even fewer studies focus specifically on a rural context. This research aimed to understand the role of anger and aggression from the perspective of Australian rural adolescent males. Mental health nurses can build upon this knowledge to promote more adaptive ways of coping with anger therefore identifying specific interventions for the prevention of violence and promotion of mental health in this cohort. One hundred and eighty‐seven rural adolescent males participated in focus groups that were conducted during their participation in the Rock and Water Program (RWP). Participants identified a number of factors they felt contributed to the aggression they both witnessed and experienced with eight themes emerging in response to the research questions. Four themes related to personological factors, that is racism, homophobia, family influences, and media influence. A further four themes related to situational factors, that is alcohol, territorialism, school context, and peer pressure. The study identified that racist and homophobic attitudes and beliefs were evident and clearly contributed to aggressive scripts as did family and media messages that normalized aggressive behaviour by way of endorsing stereotypical images of an aggressive masculinity. Situational factors such as alcohol use, territorialism, school context, and peer pressure were directly linked by participants to aggressive incidents embedded within their notions of masculinity.
Reaching for the stars: Iranian nurses’ perceptions of career success
Authors: Zamanzadeh V. , Valizadeh L. , Praskova A. , Ghahramanian A. , Rassouli M. , Asghari E.
Published: July 2018

Aim

The aim was to explore nurses’ perceptions of career success.

Introduction

Career success is a concept which leads to improving professional behaviours. Research that focused on conceptualizing career success found it to be a complex, value‐driven construct likely to be perceived differently across work and cultural contexts. It is not yet clear what constitutes career success, and how it is perceived by nurses in Iran. More comprehensive exploration of this concept in nursing is needed, so research and policymaking can advance in informed, data‐driven manner.

Method

This is a qualitative descriptive study. The setting was teaching hospitals of Iran. Twenty‐seven nurses participated in face‐to‐face interviews, and six field notes were collected. Data were analysed using conventional content analysis.

Findings

Analyses identified five themes of career success: providing high‐quality care, being exemplary employee, embarking on career growth, having positive personal attributes and being internally satisfied.

Conclusion

Findings confirmed that career success in Iranian nurses was a multidimensional concept that represented five internally and externally driven dimensions set within its cultural and religious context. Policymakers and clinical educators can now plan interventions aimed at fostering career success in nursing staff.

Implications for education, nursing and health policies

Future nurses could use these finding to reflect on their developed attributes throughout their studies and clinical placements and adjust their career preparation and learning to bridge any identified gaps. Organizational values and intervention for nursing staff could also be redesigned to align with the aspects of career success.
Luminescence effects in reactive powder sintered silica glasses for radiation sensing
Authors: Shaw Ruth E. , Kalnins Christopher A. G. , Spooner Nigel Antony , Whittaker Carly , Grimm Stephan , Schuster Kay , Ottaway David , Moffatt Jillian Elizabeth , Tsiminis Georgios , Ebendorff‐Heidepriem Heike
Published: July 2018

Silica glasses doped with rare‐earth ions are potential materials for optical fiber radiation detection and dosimetry applications. High sensitivity to radiation requires fibers with large cores that can be reliably fabricated using glass made in a novel process from the reactive powder sintering of silica. The luminescence and dosimetric properties of a range of rare earth‐doped silica materials produced using this novel technique are reported here. Radioluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) are the fundamental mechanisms enabling radiation detection in optical fibers. It was found that thermoluminescence, radioluminescence, and OSL are observed if the glass contains luminescent transitions in the detection wavelength range. Cerium‐ and thulium‐doped silica glasses were found to be promising candidates for optical fiber dosimetry. Samples showed intense luminescence signals in response to both photo‐stimulation and irradiation from alpha and beta sources. OSL results for cerium are three times larger than results for irradiated fluoride phosphate glasses previously tested for dosimetry use. Spectroscopic measurements indicate emission in the 300‐500 nm region, suitable for detection with photomultiplier tubes.