bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
InfoDengue: a nowcasting system for the surveillance of dengue fever transmission
Authors: Codeço Cláudia T , Cruz Oswaldo G , Riback Thais I , Degener Carolin M , Gomes Marcelo F , Villela Daniel , Bastos Leonardo , Camargo Sabrina , Saraceni Valeria , Lemos Maria Cristina F , Coelho Flavio C
Published: March 2016

This study describes the development of an integrated dengue alert system (InfoDengue), operating initially in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is a project developed as a partnership between academia and the municipal health secretariat. At the beginning of each epidemiological week, the system captures climate time series, dengue case reporting and activity on a social network. After data pre-processing, including a probabilistic correction of case notification delay, and calculation of dengue's effective reproductive number, indicators of dengue transmission are coded into four dengue situation levels, for each of the city's ten health districts. A risk map is generated to inform the public about the week's level of attention and the evolution of the disease incidence and suggest actions. A report is also sent automatically to the municipality's situation room, containing a detailed presentation of the data and alert levels by health district. The preliminary analysis of InfoDengue in Rio de Janeiro, using historical series from 2011 to 2014 and prospective data from January to December 2015, indicates good degree of confidence and accuracy. The successful experience in the city of Rio de Janeiro is a motivating argument for the expansion of InfoDengue to other cities. After a year in production, InfoDengue has become a unique source of carefully curated data for epidemiological studies, combining epidemological and environmental variables in unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions.

Ethical committee approval:26910214.7.0000.5240
Development of genomic resources for four potential environmental bioindicator species:Isoperla grammatica,Amphinemura sulcicollis,Oniscus asellus and Baetis rhodani
Authors: Macdonald Hannah C , Cunha Luis , Bruford Michael W
Published: March 2016

A low-coverage genome was generated for each of four environmental key-species of macroinvertebrate taxa for the primary purpose of microsatellite marker development.De novoassemblies and microsatellite markers were designed for the freshwater speciesIsoperla grammatica, Amphinemura sulcicollis,andBaetis rhodanibut have not been completed for the common shiny woodliceOniscus asellus. Here, the data is made available, and the methods and pipeline are described which led to the creation of this resource. As widespread and functionally important organisms, which are often neglected in favour of studies on vertebrates, this data will be a useful resource for further research.
Boundary objects as connectors between communities of practices in the organizational context
Authors: Impedovo Maria Antonietta , Manuti Amelia
Published: March 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to argue the beneficial effects of communities of practices for organizations. More specifically, given their intrinsic features, communities of practices support individuals and organizations in developing and diffusing the organizational culture, in making sense and guiding individual and collective actions, in defining identities and finally in coping with change and transitions.

Design/methodology/approach

Moving from a constructionist view of organizations, the paper reported the lessons learnt through literature about communities of practices, reviewing the most recent empirical evidences on the topic.

Findings

Boundary objects and boundary interactions are the concrete tools that allow individuals to exchange knowledge and to develop practices, thus becoming a community. This exchange of skills and expertise concretely shapes the practices that give sense to individual and organizational actions. Nonetheless, organizations and communities are open spaces constantly in interaction, both inside and outside the organizational borders. Thus, through contamination, namely, through the encounter with different actors and contexts, practices could be expanded and reformulated as long as they might suit to specific demands.

Originality/value

The paper argued that communities of practices in times of change could become a space for learning and development as long as they allow people to redefine mental models and practices and thus to make sense and to cope with a new cultural scenario.
Communication drivers for drug adoption in an uncertain world
Authors: Goswami Dipanjan , Boon-Itt Sakun , Jain Neera , Agarwal D.R.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The quality and reliability of medical communication for branded drug adoption is extremely critical, not only for safeguarding patient interests but also for ensuring successful investments by multinational pharmaceutical firms. This paper predicts doctors’ prescribing intentions based on communication relationship among factors for late entrant branded drugs, compared with pioneering brand choice, for treating chronic diseases such as hypertension.

Design/methodology/approach

The constructs were validated with structural equation model for a sample set of 151 doctors from private hospitals in the National Capital Region of India.

Findings

This research reveals communication drivers and draws on theory to suggest that the doctor’s behavioural prescription intentions, subject to social influence from their colleagues, leads to lower adoption responses.

Research limitations/implications

Given that limitations on sample size are often unavoidable, this study reveals that, due to the availability of substituting brands, alternate therapeutic routes and lack of availability of a practical guide for prescription, a communication model needs to be developed and validated.

Practical implications

Furthermore, managers of pharmaceutical firms should differentiate between the effects of direct and indirect communication–integration efforts for minimizing uncertainty in drug adoption in the context of the fragmented and unpredictable Indian market.

Originality/value

A late entrant may lose its dominant market share to alternate brands from other suppliers due to communication gaps in an unstructured market, leading to low adoption intentions. The study provides business theorists, drug marketers and health-care professionals with unique insights into specific communication drivers of prescribing decisions, aimed at ensuring reliable and appropriate drug adoption in Indian markets.
User-friendly task level programming based on an online walk-through teaching approach
Authors: Brunete Alberto , Mateo Carlos , Gambao Ernesto , Hernando Miguel , Koskinen Jukka , Ahola Jari M , Seppälä Tuomas , Heikkila Tapio
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to propose a new technique for programming robotized machining tasks based on intuitive human–machine interaction. This will enable operators to create robot programs for small-batch production in a fast and easy way, reducing the required time to accomplish the programming tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

– This technique makes use of online walk-through path guidance using an external force/torque sensor, and simple and intuitive visual programming, by a demonstration method and symbolic task-level programming.

Findings

– Thanks to this technique, the operator can easily program robots without learning every robot-specific language and can design new tasks for industrial robots based on manual guidance.

Originality/value

– The main contribution of the paper is a new procedure to program machining tasks based on manual guidance (walk-through teaching method) and user-friendly visual programming. Up to now, the acquisition of paths and the task programming were done in separate steps and in separate machines. The authors propose a procedure for using a tablet as the only user interface to acquire paths and to make a program to use this path for machining tasks.
Automatic stepping for circumferential splice drilling in aircraft fuselage assembly
Authors: Zhu Weidong , Zhang Along , Mei Biao , Ke Yinglin
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– A large number of fastener holes have to be drilled with high quality in the circumferential splice region during the assembly of aircraft fuselage. The purpose of this paper is to design an automatic stepping mechanism for a circumferential splice drilling machine, to meet the requirements of large workspace and high accuracy in drilling at the same time.

Design/methodology/approach

– A docking position detection method based on magnetic proximity sensors is proposed for the positioning of the arc-shaped rail with respect to the circumferential rails, which significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of automatic stepping. The slipping phenomenon of the end-effector is analyzed, and the optimized counter weights are used to eliminate the slipping and improve the working stability of the stepping mechanism.

Findings

– An automatic stepping mechanism is developed for the circumferential splice drilling machine, which comprises the docking position detection method and the elimination/suppression method of the end-effector’s slipping.

Practical implications

– The proposed automatic stepping mechanism has been integrated into the circumferential splice drilling machine for the fuselage assembly in an aircraft company in China.

Originality/value

– An automatic stepping scheme for the circumferential splice drilling machine is proposed, which enhances the efficiency in circumferential splice drilling in aircraft fuselage assembly.
Kinematic constraint analysis in a twin-robot system for curved-surface nondestructive testing
Authors: Lu Zongxing , Xu Chunguang , Pan Qinxue , Xiao Dingguo , Meng Fanwu , Hao Juan
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Nondestructive testing based on cooperative twin-robot technology is a significant issue for curved-surface inspection. To achieve this purpose, this paper aims to present a kinematic constraint relation method relative to two cooperative robots.

Design/methodology/approach

– The transformation relation of the twin-robot base frame can be determined by driving the two robots for a series of handclasp operations on three points that are noncollinear in space. The transformation relation is used to solve the cooperative motion problem of the twin-robot system. Cooperative motions are divided into coupled and combined synchronous motions on the basis of the testing tasks. The position and orientation constraints for the two motion modes are also explored.

Findings

– Representative experiments between two industrial robots are conducted to validate the theoretical developments in kinematic constraint analysis. Artificial defects are clearly visible in the C-scan results, thereby verifying the validity and the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Originality/value

– The transformation relation of the twin-robot base frame is built under a series of handclasp operations. The position and orientation constraints for the coupled and combined synchronous motions are explored. Theoretical foundations of trajectory planning method for the transmitting and receiving transducers of the cooperative twin-robot system are presented.
Search and rescue and disaster relief robots: has their time finally come?
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to discuss search and rescue (SAR) and disaster relief robot developments, trials and applications and to answer the question posed in the title.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following a short introduction, this first describes Integrated Components for Assisted Rescue and Unmanned Search operations, a recent, collaborative, European research project, and euRathlon, a major robotics competition. It then highlights the role of the centre for robot-assisted search and rescue, and provides examples of the deployment of terrestrial, marine and airborne robots in real SAR and disaster relief situations. It concludes with a brief discussion.

Findings

– This shows that SAR and disaster relief robots are the topic of an extensive development effort, and many have performed well in simulated disaster scenarios. Terrestrial, marine and airborne robots have been used in many real disaster relief situations since 2001, and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles has proliferated due to recent technological developments. Robots now play an important role in supporting SAR teams, and this will certainly increase as the technologies are developed further.

Originality/value

– In an era characterized by extreme weather events and continuing military conflicts, robots play an increasingly important role in supporting human disaster response teams. This article provides details of developments, trials and real-world deployments of such robots.
Independent advocacy in adult support and protection work
Authors: Sherwood-Johnson Fiona
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider independent advocates’ perspectives on their roles in Scottish adult support and protection (ASP) work, and the facilitators and barriers impacting on these roles in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 managers and staff from six independent advocacy agencies operating across nine local authority areas.

Findings

– Participants described key roles in supporting individuals to understand their rights and to negotiate ASP processes. They conceptualised their independence to be the key distinguishing feature of their role. Participants noted lower than expected rates of referral of ASP concerns to advocacy and variable experiences of communication with the statutory services. Particular emphasis was placed on the late stage at which many referrals are received. Awareness, understanding and acceptance of advocacy amongst the statutory services was felt to vary at both practice and strategic levels.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample is not a representative one. However, some commonalities are worthy of note: particularly the participants’ commitment to ASP work and the perceived impact of statutory agencies on their involvement in it. The issue of late referrals merits some consideration at a national level. Issues of awareness and understanding amongst the statutory services, and their links with referral rates, are for further local-level exploration. The independent advocacy community might wish to discuss further the impacts on them of incorporation into statutory frameworks.

Originality/value

– Advocacy perspectives have been little drawn on in pre-existing ASP research.
Journal features and impact factor
Authors: Lee Jen-Sin , Wei Chu-Yun
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Journal quality and prestige are the main considerations for researchers, editors, and publishers when submitting manuscripts, citing papers, and developing publishing policies. Journal Citation Reports calculates the impact factor (IF) from journals covered in Social Science Citation Index (SSCI). IF is widely considered as an indicator of journal quality and prestige among business disciplines. Thus, researching what affects the IF is critical. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relation between journal features and the IF, particularly between “hot issues” and the IF, and categorizes journal rankings into top-ten and other journals.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research sample encompasses publications from 2003 to 2013, focussing specifically on SSCI journals in the categories of business and finance. The examined journal features are the effect of the newly selected as an SSCI journal, frequency of publication, self-citation ratio, citable items, and whether the journal features articles on relevant international economic topics.

Findings

– The findings are as follows: increasing the publishing frequencies of top-ten journals will elevate IF significantly, conversely, increasing that of other journals will degrade the expected IF; both top-ten and other journals with a high self-citation ratio have a low IF; and publishing papers on critical topics significantly positively affects the IF; however, the level of significance decreases over time. In summary, publishing research on critical topics significantly increases the IF in short term.

Originality/value

– The findings offer valuable information for researchers, editors, and publishers.
Coopetition at the sports marketing/entrepreneurship interface
Authors: Crick Dave , Crick James M.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to help develop the understanding of the nature of coopetition (collaboration as well as competition) and is set in the context of a Taekwondo organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Interviews were undertaken with 25 instructors in various clubs within New Zealand’s “International Taekwondo” (ITKD) together with 25 students and supplemented with triangulation against secondary data such as websites and media reports.

Findings

– The findings suggest that coopetition can be seen from various perspectives in order that the organisation as a whole benefits. Specifically, while the ITKD is a not-for-profit firm, individual clubs may compete for revenue from students joining them as opposed to rival clubs. However, clubs collaborate in various way such as once registered, students can train free at rival clubs and resources are to some extent pooled so the ITKD as a whole benefits, e.g. sending competitors overseas and bringing in senior people to undertake a promotion grading.

Originality/value

– The contribution is to offer insights into the nature of coopetition at the sports marketing/entrepreneurship interface by suggesting that the potential paradox of collaboration and competition can be explained by considering the benefits to an overall organisation as opposed to individual clubs within it.
Re-branding the Nigerian Professional Football League: open play or dead ball?
Authors: Madichie Nnamdi O
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to highlight the challenges of Nigerian Professional Football League teams at the club level, with a view to aligning this with developments at the country level, and especially so in the aftermath of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil – an international event – where Nigeria participated alongside four others – Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana and Ivory Coast.

Design/methodology/approach

– The meta-analysis adopts a qualitative research approach, drawing upon a review of secondary data sources and the observation technique.

Findings

– Although Nigeria’s first team players ply their trade in Europe, there remains a challenge epitomised by the “disconnect” between the domestic league and the national team composition. As a consequence, brand ambassadors are proposed as one of the key conduits for re-aligning the identified disconnect.

Research limitations/implications

– The dual focus on club level and a single country – albeit in the light of Nigeria, former African champions, poses a limitation as the domestic league in that country may not be representative of others across the continent. However, some insight is also derived from developments in another African football giant – i.e. Ghana, runners-up of the recently concluded 2015 African Nations Cup.

Practical implications

– In the long history of the FIFA Football World Cup, only three African teams have ever reached the quarter-finals – notably Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010. Although the Super Eagles relished the label of African Champions going in the World Cup finals, they remain incapacitated, having failed to “fly” into the round of 16 since their 1994 debut. Furthermore, the alignment at the micro or club level to the meso or country level remains to be investigated at both scholarly and policy levels.

Social implications

– There are success stories on the management and development of football in Africa and as the case of Nigeria demonstrates, Stephen Keshi, the national coach, symbolises missed opportunities – i.e. brand ambassadors – to increase visibility and engagement with the domestic league.

Originality/value

– This is one of the very few studies that have sought to highlight the misalignment between club and country within the research context of Africa. It is also one of the few papers that have called on the need for brand ambassadors as a means of bridging the gap in this area.
Complications of Permanent Hemodialysis Catheter Placement; Need for Better Pre‐Implantation Algorithm?
Authors: Premuzic Vedran , Smiljanic Ranko , Perkov Drazen , Gavranic Bruna Brunetta , Tomasevic Boris , Jelakovic Bojan
Published: March 2016

There is a correlation between central venous cannulation and the development of central venous stenosis. Minor retrosternal vein lesions can be easily missed. Computerized tomographic (CT) venography is the diagnostic procedure of choice. The aim of this study was to examine the complications after catheter implantation in patients with prior permanent catheter placement and to evaluate present diagnostic procedures performed prior to choosing permanent access site in order to reduce possible complications after catheter placement. Complications of permanent CVC insertion in our department were analyzed between October 2011 and February 2015. We have implanted the Tesio twin catheter system and the Hickman Bard dual lumen catheter. All patients with prior permanent dialysis catheter were evaluated with color doppler, while patients with suspected central venous stenosis (CVS) or thrombosis were evaluated with phlebography or CT venography prior to catheter placement. One hundred and ninety‐eight permanent dialysis catheters were placed (173 Tesio [87.4%] and 25 Hickman [12.6%]) in 163 patients. There were 125 patients (76.7%) with prior temporary catheter and 61 (48.8%) of them had more than one prior permanent catheter (1.92 catheter per person).There were 4/61 (6.5%) patients with catheter‐related complications without prior phlebography and CT venography. Phlebography and CT venography were performed in 30 (24.0%) patients with suspected CVS/thrombosis and with dialysis vintage of 76.23 months (52.78–98.28). Phlebography and CT venography were more sensitive than color doppler in the detection of CVS/thrombosis in patients with prior permanent catheter placements (P < 0.001). Since this diagnostic algorithm was introduced prior to catheter placement there were no catheter insertion‐related complications or dysfunctions (P < 0.001). All our procedures on patients with prior permanent catheters followed preliminary color doppler diagnostics. Nevertheless, in four cases, the vessel obstruction and abnormality led to catheter insertion‐related complications. When phlebography and CT venography was performed before the procedure in patients with prior permanent catheters and one or more CVS or thrombosis, early and late catheter‐related complications were avoided by careful selection of the least injured vein and planning of procedure. When planning a permanent dialysis catheter placement in patients with prior multiple CVC, phlebography and CT venography may be diagnostic procedures of choice for avoidance of early catheter dysfunction and CVC placement complications.
The role of spiders as predators of two lepidopteran Brassica pests
Authors: Senior Lara J , Healey Madaline A , Wright Carole L
Published: March 2016

Spiders are thought to play a significant role in limiting pest outbreaks in agroecosystems such as vineyards, orchards and cotton. The diversity and impact of spiders in vegetable crops are less well understood, although there is evidence that predators may be important for suppression of lepidopteran pests in Brassica crops, particularly early in the season before parasitoids become established. Sampling was conducted in early season plantings of Brassicas in the Lockyer Valley (South East Queensland, Australia) in order to determine the most commonly occurring spider families. The most numerous were Theridiidae, which were more strongly associated with cauliflower and poorly associated with cabbage. The Lycosidae and Clubionidae/Miturgidae (formerly in the ‘catch‐all’ family Clubionidae) also occurred commonly. Lycosidae (and to a lesser extent Salticidae) had above average abundance in Chinese cabbage and below average abundance in broccoli compared with average abundance for these spider families; Clubionidae/Miturgidae had above average abundance in cauliflower. Laboratory studies were then conducted to explore the predatory capacity of these three most commonly occurring spider families. All three were capable of feeding on larvae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus), and cabbage cluster caterpillar, Crocidolomia pavonana (Fabricius), under laboratory conditions. Theridiidae, which are thought to prey on small pests such as leafhoppers and aphids, were able to successfully attack larvae up to five times their body size. Predation rates varied from an average of 1.7 (SE = 0.47) (1.6 control corrected) larvae consumed over a 24 h period in the case of the Theridiidae, to 3.3 (SE = 0.60) larvae for the Clubionidae/Miturgidae.
Morbidity and mortality of monotremes admitted to the Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Australia, 2000–2014
Authors: Scheelings TF
Published: March 2016

Objective

The medical records of individual monotremes admitted to the Australian Wildlife Health Centre from 2000 to 2014 were reviewed to determine the causes of morbidity and mortality.

Results

During this period, a total of 38 platypus (Ornithorhyncus anatanus) and 273 short‐beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus) were examined. Trauma was the most significant reason for monotreme admissions, accounting for 73.7% of platypus cases and 90.1% of short‐beaked echidna cases. Within the category of trauma, entanglement (28.6%) and unknown trauma (28.6%) were most significant for platypus, while impact with motor vehicle (73.2%) and domestic dog attack (14.2%) were the most significant subcategories for short‐beaked echidnas.

Conclusion

Indirect anthropogenic factors are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality of monotremes in Victoria, Australia.
Cross‐sectional observational survey of serum biochemistry values in a population of 69 adult female alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in South Australia
Authors: Cockcroft PD , Mackie I , Perry J , Caraguel C , Townsend K , Reichel MP
Published: March 2016

Blood samples were collected from 69 ‘healthy’ female alpacas aged ≥12 months from 11 properties in South Australia. The 10–90 percentile ranges of the 16/19 analytes measured in this sample population were within the published ranges of four healthy alpaca populations from other geographic locations. Marginal exceptions were glutamate dehydrogenase and bicarbonate. Potassium was notably elevated, probably because of haemolysis of some samples. The sample size was insufficient to provide the appropriate statistical power to define diagnostic references ranges according to international standards. The health status of the sample population of alpacas was presumptive based on a physical examination.
Ecophysiology of cognition: How do environmentally induced changes in physiology affect cognitive performance?
Authors: Maille Audrey , Schradin Carsten
Published: March 2016

Cognitive performance is based on brain functions, which have energetic demands and are modulated by physiological parameters such as metabolic hormones. As both environmental demands and environmental energy availability change seasonally, we propose that cognitive performance in free‐living animals might also change seasonally due to phenotypic plasticity. This is part of an emerging research field, the ‘ecophysiology of cognition’: environmentally induced changes in physiological traits, such as blood glucose and hormone levels, are predicted to influence cognitive performance in free‐living animals. Energy availability for the brain might change, and as such cognition, with changing energetic demands (e.g. reproduction) and changes of energy availability in the environment (e.g. winter, drought). Individuals spending more energy than they can currently obtain from their environment (allostatic overload type I) are expected to trade off energy investment between cognition and other life‐sustaining processes or even reproduction. Environmental changes reducing energy availability might thus impair cognition. However, selection pressures such as predation risk, mate choice or social demands may act on the trade‐off between energy saving and cognition. We assume that different environmental conditions can lead to three different trade‐off outcomes: cognitive impairment, resilience or enhancement. Currently we cannot understand these trade‐offs, because we lack information about changes in cognitive performance due to seasonal changes in energy availability and both the resulting changes in homeostasis (for example, blood glucose levels) and the associated changes in the mechanisms of allostasis (for example, hormone levels). Additionally, so far we know little about the fitness consequences of individual variation in cognitive performance. General cognitive abilities, such as attention and associative learning, might be more important in determining fitness than complex and specialized cognitive abilities, and easier to use for comparative study in a large number of species. We propose to study seasonal changes in cognitive performance depending on energy availability in populations facing different predation risks, and the resulting fitness consequences.
High‐resolution spatial modelling of greenhouse gas emissions from land‐use change to energy crops in the United Kingdom
Authors: Richards Mark , Pogson Mark , Dondini Marta , Jones Edward O. , Hastings Astley , Henner Dagmar N. , Tallis Matthew J. , Casella Eric , Matthews Robert W. , Henshall Paul A. , Milner Suzanne , Taylor Gail , McNamara Niall P. , Smith Jo U. , Smith Pete
Published: March 2016

We implemented a spatial application of a previously evaluated model of soilGHGemissions,ECOSSE, in the United Kingdom to examine the impacts to 2050 of land‐use transitions from existing land use, rotational cropland, permanent grassland or woodland, to six bioenergy crops; three ‘first‐generation’ energy crops: oilseed rape, wheat and sugar beet, and three ‘second‐generation’ energy crops:Miscanthus, short rotation coppice willow (SRC) and short rotation forestry poplar (SRF). Conversion of rotational crops toMiscanthus,SRCandSRFand conversion of permanent grass toSRFshow beneficial changes in soilGHGbalance over a significant area. Conversion of permanent grass toMiscanthus, permanent grass toSRFand forest toSRFshows detrimental changes in soilGHGbalance over a significant area. Conversion of permanent grass to wheat, oilseed rape, sugar beet andSRCand all conversions from forest show large detrimental changes in soilGHGbalance over most of the United Kingdom, largely due to moving from uncultivated soil to regular cultivation. Differences in netGHGemissions between climate scenarios to 2050 were not significant. Overall,SRFoffers the greatest beneficial impact on soilGHGbalance. These results provide one criterion for selection of bioenergy crops and do not considerGHGemission increases/decreases resulting from displaced food production, bio‐physical factors (e.g. the energy density of the crop) and socio‐economic factors (e.g. expenditure on harvesting equipment). Given that the soilGHGbalance is dominated by change in soil organic carbon (SOC) with the difference amongMiscanthus,SRCandSRFlargely determined by yield, a target for management of perennial energy crops is to achieve the best possible yield using the most appropriate energy crop and cultivar for the local situation.
A qualitative investigation into patients' perspectives on edentulousness
Authors: Meaney Sarah , Connell Brian O' , Elfadil Sittana , Allen Finbarr
Published: March 2016

Objectives

This study explored the experiences of edentulous patients for their perceptions of tooth loss and patient attitudes to treatment options for rehabilitation of the edentate state.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used to recruit edentate patients with varying denture‐wearing experience from two dental hospitals in the Republic of Ireland. Sixteen edentate patients, aged 59 to 83 years, of whom 12 were women and four men were interviewed. Interviews were transcribed, and thematic analysis was undertaken.

Results

Findings from this study reflect previous studies, whereby some patients indicated dissatisfaction with the functionality of their dentures. The majority of participants had no regret regarding the loss of their teeth, and despite dissatisfaction with dentures, they would not consider other forms of treatment. Finance was not considered an issue in determining whether to seek out treatment by these participants. These participants expressed a reluctance to get new dentures in case they were more problematic.

Conclusion

This study illustrates that some elder edentate patients were dissatisfied with the functionality of their dentures and raised concerns that about the quality of dentures which may be provided to them by dentists. These participants identified clinical dental technicians as a preferred point of contact for their care. Consideration should be given to new oral healthcare delivery models which are accessible and acceptable to future elders.
Report on the Conference on Transposition and Genome Engineering 2015 (TGE 2015): advancing cutting‐edge genomics technology in the ancient city of Nara
Authors: Woltjen Knut , Yamamoto Takashi , Kokubu Chikara , Takeda Junji
Published: March 2016

From November 17 to 20 in 2015, the Conference on Transposition and Genome Engineering 2015 (TGE 2015) was held at Nara Kasugano International Forum—IRAKA—in Nara, Japan, located at the center of Nara Park. All of the presentations were carried out at Nohgaku hall in Nara Kasugano International Forum—IRAKA. Participation totaled 148 persons (30 international, 118 domestic), who were able to engage in lively scientific discussions over the 4‐day period. The guest speaker list consisted of many top‐notch international researchers, an achievement for which the conference received praise from the attendees. There were 36 oral presentations including the keynote lecture (22 presentations from guest speakers, complemented with 14 selected from abstract submissions). Additionally, there were 46 poster presentations. The conference uniquely combined research mainly from two different genomics approaches: (i) transposon technology allowing random genomic integration followed by gene discovery‐related phenotypes and (ii) genome editing technology with designer nuclease allowing precise modification of a gene‐of‐interest.
What is a Caucasian ‘fine’ hair? Comparing instrumental measurements, self‐perceptions and assessments from hair experts
Authors: Bouabbache S. , Galliano A. , Littaye P. , Leportier M. , Pouradier F. , Gillot E. , Panhard S. , Loussouarn G.
Published: March 2016

Objective

To determine the various factors contributing to what Caucasian women describe as ‘fine hair'.

Methods

Three complementary approaches were used, namely self‐evaluation by the volunteer, assessment by a sensorial expert and instrumental measurements, in order to determine some of the possible parameters taken into account by Caucasian women when they describe the notion of fine hair. One hundred fifty one women of Caucasian origin participated in the study. They varied in age, and varied in that some considered themselves as having fine hair, and others not. The instrumental measurements carried out included hair diameter measurements, hair density measurements, hair breakage force, hair flexibility and scalp sebum levels.

Results

From six parameters defined initially, four parameters were found to be in common with the three approaches: hair abundance (density), hair thickness, hair resistance and the volume of the hair on the head. The commonly used term ‘body’ was only common to self and expert evaluation, whereas the influence of curliness was only common to expert evaluation and instrumental measurements.

Conclusions

This study has shown close agreement between sensorial and instrumental findings, and also illustrates how the women participating can subtly and adequately describe their own hair. It is important to note that the words ‘fine hair’ describes a lot more than just physically thin hair fibres. Ageing is an additional factor that clearly impacts certain parameters associated with ‘fine hair’ among the volunteers.
A mild hand cleanser, alkyl ether sulphate supplemented with alkyl ether carboxylic acid and alkyl glucoside, improves eczema on the hand and prevents the growth of Staphylococcus aureus on the skin surface
Authors: Fukui S. , Morikawa T. , Hirahara M. , Terada Y. , Shimizu M. , Takeuchi K. , Takagi Y.
Published: March 2016

Objective

Washing the hands using cleansers with antiseptic materials is the most popular method for hand hygiene and helps maintain health by preventing food poisoning and bacterial infections. However, repeated hand washing tends to induce eczema of the hand, such as dryness, cracking and erythema. Moreover, eczema on the hand leads to increased levels in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) on the skin surface in contrast to expectations. Thus, mild hand cleansers which induce less eczema even with repeated washings are desired. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a hand cleanser formulated with alkyl ether sulphate (AES), alkyl ether carboxylic acid (AEC) and alkyl glucoside (AG) that contains isopropyl methylphenol (IPMP) on skin symptoms and S. aureus levels.

Methods

Eczema of the hand and the presence of S. aureus on the skin surface were analysed prior to and following 4 weeks of usage of the hand cleanser. A soap‐based hand cleanser with IPMP was used as a reference cleanser. Eczema and cutaneous conditions were evaluated by visual grading, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum moisture‐retention ability (MRA) and skin surface pH.

Results

The repeated use of the soap‐based hand cleanser significantly worsened the hand dryness, scaling and cracks on the tips of the fingers and significantly increased the TEWL and decreased the MRA. In contrast, usage of the test cleanser only induced a significant increase in skin dryness but did not induce skin scaling or cracking and did not increase TEWL or decrease the MRA. Corresponding to these changes in skin symptoms, the presence of S. aureus increased the following use of the reference cleanser but not the test cleanser. There was no significant difference in skin surface pH between the two cleansers. Moreover, the increase in S. aureus was significantly correlated to the worsening of skin dryness and scaling.

Conclusion

These results suggest that not only antimicrobial activity but also the mildness, which minimizes cutaneous effects, are important for hand cleansers to prevent the growth of S. aureus. The cleanser formulated with AES, AEC and AG containing IPMP is mild and is effective to promote hand hygiene.
Renal cell carcinoma in end‐stage renal disease: Multi‐institutional comparative analysis of survival
Authors: Song Cheryn , Hong Sung Hoo , Chung Jin Soo , Byun Seok Soo , Kwak Cheol , Jeong Chang Wook , Seo Seong Il , Jeon Hwang Gyun , Seo Ill Young
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To describe the clinical features of renal cell carcinoma arising in end‐stage renal disease and to compare survival outcomes after definitive treatment with non‐end‐stage renal disease renal cell carcinoma.

Methods

Data of 181 consecutive patients with end‐stage renal disease renal cell carcinoma who had received surgical treatment between 1995 and 2011 at seven institutions were reviewed. Data of 362 non‐end‐stage renal disease renal cell carcinoma patients matched for clinicopathological parameters who received surgery at Asan Medical Center during the same study period were also reviewed. The two study groups were compared with respect to recurrence‐free, cancer‐specific, and overall survival by Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards method. Mean follow up was 40 ± 34.2 months after surgery.

Results

Median tumor size was 2.5 cm (interquartile range 1.5–4.5), and pathological tumor stage was T1 in 78%, T2 in 7.1% and T3 and higher in 14.9%. Tumor histological type was clear cell in 63%, papillary in 17%, chromophobe in 5%, clear cell papillary in 2.8% and acquired cystic disease‐related in 6.1%. Compared with the controls, the stage‐specific 5‐year recurrence‐free survival was similar (87.6 vs 88.5%), but cancer‐specific and overall survival was significantly lower. On multivariate analysis, end‐stage renal disease renal cell carcinoma was not a predictor for recurrence‐free survival, but a significant predictor for cancer‐specific (hazard ratio 4.07, 95% confidence interval 2.08–7.94) and overall survival (hazard ratio 3.13, 95% confidence interval 1.66–5.96).

Conclusions

End‐stage renal disease renal cell carcinoma seems to have comparable stage‐specific recurrence‐free, but poorer cancer‐specific and overall survival compared with non‐end‐stage renal disease renal cell carcinoma. As patients with end‐stage renal disease are a high‐risk population for renal cell carcinoma, routine radiographic screening to improve survival outcomes should be further investigated.
Differential effects of adipose tissue stromal cells on the apoptosis, growth and invasion of bladder urothelial carcinoma between the superficial and invasive types
Authors: Kawasaki‐Nanri Maki , Aoki Shigehisa , Uchihashi Kazuyoshi , Yamamoto Mihoko , Udo Kazuma , Nishijima‐Matsunobu Aki , Kakihara Nahoko , Noguchi Mitsuru , Uozumi Jiro , Toda Shuji
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To clarify the interaction between adipose tissue stromal cells and bladder cancer cells.

Methods

Superficial (RT4) and invasive (EJ) urothelial carcinoma cells were cultured on adipose tissue stromal cell‐embedded or non‐embedded collagen gel. Cells were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, western blot and real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Adipose tissue stromal cells inhibited growth of RT4, while they promoted the apoptosis. In contrast, adipose tissue stromal cells promoted growth of EJ, but they did not affect the apoptosis. Adipose tissue stromal cells slightly promoted expression of mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascade in RT4 and EJ. Adipose tissue stromal cells promoted display of the molecular‐targeted agent human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2 in only RT4. In turn, RT4 and EJ enhanced α‐smooth muscle actin (myofibroblast marker) and S‐100 protein (adipocyte marker) expression of adipose tissue stromal cells, respectively.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that: (i) adipose tissue stromal cells might suppress the progression of superficial‐type cancer, whereas they might promote that of invasive type; (ii) adipose tissue stromal cell‐activated mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway might play differential roles in both types of bladder cancer; (iii) human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2 could represent a critical therapeutic agent for the superficial type under adipose tissue stromal cells–cancer interaction; and (iv) superficial bladder cancer might promote myofibroblast differentiation of adipose tissue stromal cells as a cancer‐associate phenotype, whereas invasive bladder cancer might promote their adipocyte differentiation.
Socratic Questioning in Alien Landscapes?
Authors: Cooper Rachel
Published: March 2016

This commentary considers the role of Socratic questioning in Alien Landscapes? I discuss the three roles that Glover sees Socratic questioning playing in psychiatry: 1. Questioning to clarify problems, 2. Questioning to treat symptoms, 3. Questioning to reconstruct lives. Although I am broadly sympathetic to the idea that philosophical conversations can help us conceptualise, and deal with, mental distress, I raise two concerns. First, is there any way of providing courses of transformative Socratic questioning cheaply (e.g. through manualisation)? Second, how close is the connection between helping individuals to develop systems of belief and value that fit epistemic norms and helping them to live flourishing lives?
Potentially functional polymorphisms in the LIN28B gene contribute to neuroblastoma susceptibility in Chinese children
Authors: He Jing , Yang Tianyou , Zhang Ruizhong , Zhu Jinhong , Wang Fenghua , Zou Yan , Xia Huimin
Published: March 2016

Neuroblastoma is the most commonly diagnosed solid tumour outside the central nervous system in children. However, genetic factors underlying neuroblastoma remain largely unclear. Previous genome‐wide association study indicated that lin‐28 homolog B (LIN28B) might play an important role in the development of neuroblastoma and also contributed to its poor overall survival. With the purpose to evaluate the association between LIN28B gene polymorphisms and neuroblastoma susceptibility in Southern Chinese population, we conducted this study with 256 neuroblastoma cases and 531 cancer‐free controls. Four potentially functional polymorphisms (rs221634 A>T, rs221635 T>C, rs314276 C>A and rs9404590 T>G) were genotyped using Taqman method. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the associations between the selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and neuroblastoma susceptibility. We also performed genotype‐phenotype association analysis to explore the effects of the selected SNPs on LIN28B gene transcripts. Our results indicated that the rs221634 TT genotype was associated with an increased neuroblastoma risk (TT versus AA/AT: adjusted OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.04–2.17). The association was more pronounced in males, patients with tumour of mediastinum origin, as well as patients in early clinical stages. Moreover, overall analysis and stratified analysis also showed an increased risk of neuroblastoma for carrier of the 2–4 risk genotypes. In summary, these results indicated that the LIN28B rs221634 A>T polymorphism was associated with an increased neuroblastoma risk in Southern Chinese children. These findings need further validation in large studies with different ethnicities involved.
Multifractal anisotropic swimming: the optimal foraging behaviour of grouper larvae
Authors: Mahjoub M. S. , Dur G. , Souissi S. , Schmitt F.G. , Hwang J.S.
Published: March 2016

It was hypothesized that the Malabar grouper Ephinephelus malabaricus larvae have developed search patterns adapted to the distribution of their prey to maximise their net energy intake per unit time. Analysis of the swimming behaviour of E. malabaricus larvae in both the presence and absence of Artemia sp. nauplii is presented to test this hypothesis. A method derived from turbulence studies (the moment function of the displacements) was used to characterize the behaviour. The results revealed that larval swimming pattern was multifractal (intermittent and long‐range‐correlated) and isotropic (i.e. uniform in all directions) in the presence of prey, but multifractal and anisotropic (i.e. more frequent long displacement on the vertical axis) in the absence of prey. It is suggested that the search behaviour observed in the absence of prey is an adaptive response to prey distribution pattern, which is often characterised by multifractality and anisotropy (i.e. larger patches on the horizontal axes). In the presence of prey, E. malabaricus shifted to intensive search behaviour. Other possible contributors to the observed patterns are discussed. It is concluded that multifractality and anisotropy of swimming patterns observed in the experiment are mainly explained in an optimal foraging theory framework.