bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Portable (handheld) clinical device for quantitative spectroscopy of skin, utilizing spatial frequency domain reflectance techniques
Authors: Saager Rolf B. , Dang An N. , Huang Samantha S. , Kelly Kristen M. , Durkin Anthony J.
Published: September 2017

Spatial Frequency Domain Spectroscopy (SFDS) is a technique for quantifying in-vivo tissue optical properties. SFDS employs structured light patterns that are projected onto tissues using a spatial light modulator, such as a digital micromirror device. In combination with appropriate models of light propagation, this technique can be used to quantify tissue optical properties (absorption, μa, and scattering, μs′, coefficients) and chromophore concentrations. Here we present a handheld implementation of an SFDS device that employs line (one dimensional) imaging. This instrument can measure 1088 spatial locations that span a 3 cm line as opposed to our original benchtop SFDS system that only collects a single 1 mm diameter spot. This imager, however, retains the spectral resolution (∼1 nm) and range (450–1000 nm) of our original benchtop SFDS device. In the context of homogeneous turbid media, we demonstrate that this new system matches the spectral response of our original system to within 1% across a typical range of spatial frequencies (0-0.35 mm−1). With the new form factor, the device has tremendously improved mobility and portability, allowing for greater ease of use in a clinical setting. A smaller size also enables access to different tissue locations, which increases the flexibility of the device. The design of this portable system not only enables SFDS to be used in clinical settings but also enables visualization of properties of layered tissues such as skin.
Spin-orbit torque induced magnetization switching in Co/Pt multilayers
Authors: Jinnai Butsurin , Zhang Chaoliang , Kurenkov Aleksandr , Bersweiler Mathias , Sato Hideo , Fukami Shunsuke , Ohno Hideo
Published: September 2017

Spin-orbit torque (SOT)-induced magnetization switching in Co/Pt multilayer structures with a Pt buffer layer is studied aiming to realize SOT-magnetic random access memory (MRAM) devices with high thermal stability. Current-induced magnetization switching and effective fields are measured using Hall-bar devices. The switching efficiency, defined as a ratio of the areal anisotropy energy density to switching current density, increases with increasing the number of Co/Pt stacks. This trend is in accordance with the stacking number dependence of effective fields per unit current density. The effective spin-Hall angle of the Pt buffer layer for the sample with multiple Co/Pt stacks is significantly larger than that of Pt previously reported, suggesting a generation of SOT in Co/Pt multilayers. These results indicate that Co/Pt multilayers are promising for SOT-MRAM devices possessing high thermal stability and small switching current.
Characterizing molecular solvation free energy with an efficient density functional theory formalism
Authors: Hendricks-Sturrup Rachele
Published: September 2017

Researchers obtain the solvent density profile of a molecule dissolved in water using generalized spherical harmonics expansions.
Note: Buffer gas temperature inhomogeneities and design of drift-tube ion mobility spectrometers: Warnings for real-world applications by non-specialists
Authors: Fernandez-Maestre R.
Published: September 2017

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) separates gas phase ions moving under an electric field according to their size-to-charge ratio. IMS is the method of choice to detect illegal drugs and explosives in customs and airports making accurate determination of reduced ion mobilities (K0) important for national security. An ion mobility spectrometer with electrospray ionization coupled to a quadrupole mass spectrometer was used to study uncertainties in buffer gas temperatures during mobility experiments. Differences up to 16°C were found in the buffer gas temperatures in different regions of the drift tube and up to 42°C between the buffer gas and the drift tube temperatures. The drift tube temperature is used as an approximation to the buffer gas temperature for the calculation of K0 because the buffer gas temperature is hard to measure. This is leading to uncertainties in the determination of K0 values. Inaccurate determination of K0 values yields false positives that delay the cargo and passengers in customs and airports. Therefore, recommendations are issued for building mobility tubes to assure a homogeneous temperature of the buffer gas. Because the temperature and other instrumental parameters are difficult to measure in IMS, chemical standards should always be used when calculating K0. The difference of 42°C between the drift tube and buffer gas temperatures found in these experiments produces a 10.5% error in the calculation of K0. This large inaccuracy in K0 shows the importance of a correct temperature measurement in IMS.
Maximal aggregation of polynomial dynamical systems
Authors: Cardelli Luca , Tribastone Mirco , Tschaikowski Max , Vandin Andrea
Published: September 2017

Significance

Large-scale dynamical models hinder our capability of effectively analyzing them and interpreting their behavior. We present an algorithm for the simplification of polynomial ordinary differential equations by aggregating their variables. The reduction can preserve observables of interest and yields a physically intelligible reduced model, since each aggregate corresponds to the exact sum of original variables.
CK1α ablation in keratinocytes induces p53-dependent, sunburn-protective skin hyperpigmentation
Authors: Chang Chung-Hsing , Kuo Che-Jung , Ito Takamichi , Su Yu-Ya , Jiang Si-Tse , Chiu Min-Hsi , Lin Yi-Hsiung , Nist Andrea , Mernberger Marco , Stiewe Thorsten , Ito Shosuke , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Hsueh Yi-An , Shieh Sheau-Yann , Snir-Alkalay Irit , Ben-Neriah Yinon
Published: September 2017

Significance

UV tanning is a common social behavior, which increases melanin production and pigmentation of the skin. UV irradiation is a standard treatment of depigmenting diseases such as vitiligo. However, recurrent UV irradiation is genotoxic and facilitates skin aging and cancer. Here, we identified a method of inducing hyperpigmentation by inhibition of casein kinase 1α (CK1α). UV tanning is induced through activation of p53, via the Pomc/α-MSH/Mc1r/Mitf pathway, but bothPomcandMc1rfunction can be compromised by aging or allelic polymorphism. In contrast, inhibition of CK1α activates a different pathway, p53/KitL/Kit, and raises protective eumelanin without the procarcinogenic pheomelanin. Inhibition of CK1α is therefore expected to be an effective strategy for skin protection from sunlight and for treating depigmenting diseases.
Corrected Cephalometric Analysis to Determine the Distance and Vector of Distraction Osteogenesis for Syndromic Craniosynostosis
Authors: Kobayashi Shinji , Fukawa Toshihiko , Hirakawa Takashi , Satake Toshihiko , Maegawa Jiro
Published: September 2017

Background:

The purpose of this study was to confirm the utility of a corrected cephalometric analysis to facilitate the planning of distraction osteogenesis with Le Fort III osteotomy for syndromic craniosynostosis.

Methods:

This prospective study involved 4 male and 2 female patients (mean patient age, 8 years 9 months; age range, 4 years 6 months to 13 years 2 months) with Crouzon syndrome who were treated with Le Fort III maxillary distraction using our previously described system of analysis of a corrected cephalogram and who underwent clinical follow-up. Lateral cephalograms were obtained immediately after device removal.

Results:

Distraction of orbitale moved the vector downward to the adult profile, but there was slightly less elongation than the adult profile for the distraction distance. The desired and real mean angles after distraction of point A were 29.2 ± 7.9° and 6.1 ± 8.5°, respectively, and the desired and the real mean distances after distraction of point A were 30.6 ± 12.7 mm and 29.4 ± 4.1 mm, respectively.

Conclusions:

Using the corrected cephalometric analysis, the distance and vector of distraction osteogenesis with Le Fort III osteotomy could be determined in patients with syndromic craniosynostosis. The distraction system brought the patients' facial bones to the planned position using controlling devices.
Comparison of Localized and Systemic Otitis Media With ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Okada Masahiro , Suemori Koichiro , Takagi Daiki , Teraoka Masato , Yamada Hiroyuki , Hato Naohito
Published: September 2017

Objective:

To investigate differences in immune activity based on the presence of multiple organ involvement in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) and whether hearing outcomes are different between patients with AAV localized to the ear and patients with systemic AAV.

Study Design:

Retrospective case review.

Setting:

University hospital.

Patients:

Twenty patients with otitis media with AAV (OMAAV) who met the criteria proposed by the OMAAV study group in Japan.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Serum levels of C-reactive protein, ANCA titer, soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels, and hearing outcome.

Results:

Thirteen patients had disease involvement of organs other than the ear (systemic OMAAV group); involvement was localized to the ear in seven patients (localized OMAAV group). Serum levels of C-reactive protein, ANCA titer, and soluble interleukin-2 receptor were not significantly different between the groups. Hearing levels at diagnosis and in remission were significantly worse in the localized OMAAV group compared with the systemic OMAAV group. Hearing gain was not significantly different between groups.

Conclusion:

It is suggested that immune activity in patients with AAV localized to the ear is equivalent to activity in patients with systemic AAV. Therefore, we may need treatment for OMAAV equal in intensity to that for systemic AAV. As the hearing level at diagnosis was worse in patients with AAV localized to the ear than in patients with systemic AAV, earlier diagnosis may be needed to improve hearing outcome.
Toward the human cellular microRNAome
Authors: McCall Matthew N. , Kim Min-Sik , Adil Mohammed , Patil Arun H. , Lu Yin , Mitchell Christopher J. , Leal-Rojas Pamela , Xu Jinchong , Kumar Manoj , Dawson Valina L. , Dawson Ted M. , Baras Alexander S. , Rosenberg Avi Z. , Arking Dan E. , Burns Kathleen H. , Pandey Akhilesh , Halushka Marc K.
Published: September 2017

MicroRNAs are short RNAs that serve as regulators of gene expression and are essential components of normal development as well as modulators of disease. MicroRNAs generally act cell-autonomously, and thus their localization to specific cell types is needed to guide our understanding of microRNA activity. Current tissue-level data have caused considerable confusion, and comprehensive cell-level data do not yet exist. Here, we establish the landscape of human cell-specific microRNA expression. This project evaluated 8 billion small RNA-seq reads from 46 primary cell types, 42 cancer or immortalized cell lines, and 26 tissues. It identified both specific and ubiquitous patterns of expression that strongly correlate with adjacent superenhancer activity. Analysis of unaligned RNA reads uncovered 207 unknown minor strand (passenger) microRNAs of known microRNA loci and 495 novel putative microRNA loci. Although cancer cell lines generally recapitulated the expression patterns of matched primary cells, their isomiR sequence families exhibited increased disorder, suggesting DROSHA- and DICER1-dependent microRNA processing variability. Cell-specific patterns of microRNA expression were used to de-convolute variable cellular composition of colon and adipose tissue samples, highlighting one use of these cell-specific microRNA expression data. Characterization of cellular microRNA expression across a wide variety of cell types provides a new understanding of this critical regulatory RNA species.
Economic crisis and “white informal economy” – a slippery slope
Authors: Dobovšek Bojan , Slak Boštjan
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of studying the quasi-legal forms of informal economic behaviour that we know as the white informal economy. The paper also sheds light on the role of the informal economy in the financial crisis that started in 2008. Finally, the aim of the paper is also to encourage empirical research about these concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is theoretical and based on a literature review.

Findings

The paper implies that when discussing about informal economy, different sub-categories should continue to be used in order to distinguish the various forms of informal economic practices. There is a particular need for research on practices of economic activities that are legal but not always moral, yet severely damaging. For such activities, the authors propose the term/categorisation the “white informal economy”. Additionally, the authors argue that in the causal links of events that brought about the financial crisis the role of the white informal economy was significant.

Practical implications

The paper wishes to encourage further research on the topic of (white) informal economy that in turn would also create the scenario for proper policy development for tackling tax avoidance, tax evasion and future financial crises.

Originality/value

The paper adds to scholarship that takes a critical standpoint towards the financial crisis and to scholarship on the informal economy. It presents an attempt to stimulate further discussion about the connectivity of the informal economy and the financial crisis.
Multidisciplinary approaches for species delimitation in Sisyrinchium (Iridaceae)
Authors: Fachinetto Juliana , Kaltchuk‐Santos Eliane , Dellanhese Inácio Camila , Eggers Lilian , de Souza‐Chies Tatiana T.
Published: September 2017

A remarkable morphological similarity in natural populations of different groups of Sisyrinchium spp. (Iridaceae) makes classification of some species difficult. The present paper focused on two morphological categories of S. sellowianum (MC‐I and MC‐II) with distinct morphological traits. Morphological, cytogenetic, reproductive biology and genetic studies were performed, aiming to elucidate and better characterize such variation. The basic chromosome number established for the species was x = 9 and diploid and tetraploid populations were observed for MC‐I, whereas MC‐II showed only diploid populations. Different pollen morphologies were recognized in each morphological category. Based on pollination experiments, MC‐I is out‐crossing, whereas MC‐II is selfing. The populations were highly differentiated (FST = 0.46, θB = 0.62). In MC‐I, observed variation was greater within populations (69%) than among populations (31%), whereas in MC‐II, 61% of the variation was among populations and 39% within populations. This study evidenced that the two morphological categories correspond to distinct and reproductively isolated species and that floral traits reflect their breeding system, with allogamous plants in MC‐I and autogamous in MC‐II. Furthermore, MC‐II is unveiled as S. platycaule, a neglected taxon of Sisyrinchium in Brazil. The tools applied in this study were substantially able to check the identity of the two morphological categories as two different species and present the variation encountered in the taxa.
Hand feeding can periodically fuel a major portion of bull shark energy requirements at a provisioning site in Fiji
Authors: Brunnschweiler J. M. , Payne N. L. , Barnett A.
Published: September 2017

Wildlife tourism is often extolled for its contribution to conservation. However, understanding the effects of tourism activities on the health of target animals is required to fully assess conservation benefits. Shark tourism operators often use food rewards to attract sharks in close proximity to tourists, but nothing is known about the contribution of these food rewards to the energetic requirements of target species. In this study, hand feeding of bull sharks Carcharhinus leucas was directly observed on 36 commercial shark watching dives in the Shark Reef Marine Reserve (SRMR), Fiji. Mean number of tuna heads consumed per dive by focal individuals ranged from 1.3 to 3.7. Monitored bull sharks consumed an average of ~0.74 heads per provisioning day, and bioenergetics modelling suggests that some sharks might periodically be meeting their full energy requirement from provisioning at the SRMR. Knowing how much individual sharks consume at provisioning sites and how this relates to their energy requirements is crucial in order to better understand the effects of wildlife tourism and its contribution to conservation.
Self‐efficacy modulates the neural correlates of craving in male smokers and ex‐smokers: an fMRI study
Authors: Ono Miki , Kochiyama Takanori , Fujino Junya , Sozu Takashi , Kawada Ryosaku , Yokoyama Naoto , Sugihara Genichi , Murai Toshiya , Takahashi Hidehiko
Published: September 2017

The regulation of cue‐induced craving for cigarettes is a key factor in smoking cessation. Outcomes of smoking cessation have been linked to self‐efficacy, faith in one's own ability, in smokers. However, no study has examined the neural basis of self‐efficacy during the control of craving. We examined whether self‐efficacy can affect the neural response to smoking cues in smokers and ex‐smokers using functional magnetic resonance imaging. During scanning, participants were instructed (1) to view smoking‐related images passively, (2) to view the smoking‐related images with a strategy focused on self‐efficacy to control cue‐induced craving or (3) to view neutral images. In smokers, the self‐efficacy strategy significantly reduced self‐reported craving. This strategy was related to increased activation in the rostral medial prefrontal cortex (rmPFC) and the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex in smokers compared with ex‐smokers. Furthermore, smokers showed increased effective connectivity between rmPFC and hippocampus and between pregenual anterior cingulate cortex and parahippocampus gyrus when employing the self‐efficacy strategy compared with ex‐smokers. The magnitude of the rmPFC–hippocampus connectivity was positively correlated with self‐reported self‐efficacy. Our findings suggest that in smokers, self‐efficacy is related to activation and connectivity in brain regions involved in regulating craving and self‐assessment. The current study provides evidence for understanding the vunderlying cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms involved in the control of craving to smoke cigarettes.
The intergenerational transmission of at‐risk/problem gambling: The moderating role of parenting practices
Authors: Dowling Nicki A. , Shandley Kerrie A. , Oldenhof Erin , Affleck Julia M. , Youssef George J. , Frydenberg Erica , Thomas Shane A. , Jackson Alun C.
Published: September 2017

Background and Objectives

Although parenting practices are articulated as underlying mechanisms or protective factors in several theoretical models, their role in the intergenerational transmission of gambling problems has received limited research attention. This study therefore examined the degree to which parenting practices (positive parenting, parental involvement, and inconsistent discipline) moderated the intergenerational transmission of paternal and maternal problem gambling.

Methods

Students aged 12–18 years (N = 612) recruited from 17 Australian secondary schools completed a survey measuring parental problem gambling, problem gambling severity, and parenting practices.

Results

Participants endorsing paternal problem gambling (23.3%) were 4.3 times more likely to be classified as at‐risk/problem gamblers than their peers (5.4%). Participants endorsing maternal problem gambling (6.9%) were no more likely than their peers (4.0%) to be classified as at‐risk/problem gamblers. Paternal problem gambling was a significant predictor of offspring at‐risk/problem gambling after controlling for maternal problem gambling and participant demographic characteristics. The relationship between maternal problem gambling and offspring at‐risk/problem gambling was buffered by parental involvement.

Discussion and Conclusions

Paternal problem gambling may be important in the development of adolescent at‐risk/problem gambling behaviours and higher levels of parental involvement buffers the influence of maternal problem gambling in the development of offspring gambling problems. Further research is therefore required to identify factors that attenuate the seemingly greater risk of transmission associated with paternal gambling problems.

Scientific Significance

Parental involvement is a potential candidate for prevention and intervention efforts designed to reduce the intergenerational transmission of gambling problems. (Am J Addict 2017;26:707–712)
Failing to meet relative humidity targets for incubated neonates causes higher heat loss and metabolic costs in the first week of life
Authors: Erbani Romain , Dégrugilliers Loïc , Lahana Armand , Glusko‐Charlet Anaïs , Haraux Elodie , Durand Estelle , Tourneux Pierre
Published: September 2017

Aim

Frequent nursing procedures can modify a newborn infant's thermal environment when their incubator is opened. This study evaluated the impact of relative humidity (RH) on preterm infants in closed incubators and calculated their heat loss and additional metabolic cost.

Methods

We studied 45 preterm infants born before 32 + 0 weeks, nursed at the neonatal intensive care unit at Amiens University Hospital, France from January 2009 to November 2011. Their body, skin and air temperatures and the incubator's RH were continuously recorded from day 1 to 8 of life, and the differences between the measured and target RH were calculated. Body heat loss (BHL) was also calculated.

Results

On day one, the measured RH (68.7 ± 1.0%) was significantly lower than the target RH (75%, p < 0.05), but this difference, together with BHL (p < 0.001) and evaporative heat loss (p < 0.001), fell significantly over time (p < 0.05). The additional metabolic cost correlated with the difference between measured and target RH (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

RH from day 1 to 8 was below the recommended target value for preterm infants and resulted in high evaporative and greater total BHL and additional metabolic cost. The findings pose numerous challenges, including nursing care and incubator design.
Are cataract surgery referrals to public hospitals in Australia poorly targeted?
Authors: Do Vu Quang , McCluskey Peter , Palagyi Anna , Stapleton Fiona J , White Andrew , Carnt Nicole , Keay Lisa
Published: September 2017

Importance

Referral letters constitute the first step on the pathway to cataract surgery; however, little is known on how effective referral letters are in providing adequate information to triage patients and inform surgical prioritization.

Background

Benchmarking exercises are important to document referral processes and to identify areas where improvements can be made.

Design

Cross‐sectional study with longitudinal follow‐up conducted at two metropolitan public hospitals in New South Wales, Australia.

Participants

A total of 400 sequential cataract referral letters.

Methods

An audit of cataract referral letters was performed and content benchmarked against international prioritization tools. Medical records were reviewed 1 year following referral.

Main Outcome Measures

Referral quality and waiting times.

Results

Two‐thirds of patients referred for cataract surgery were yet to have their initial hospital appointment in the year following referral (65%, 245/376). One half of referrals seen in clinic (49%, 64/113) were not listed for cataract surgery. Multivariate analysis revealed referral letter content was not indicative of surgical booking, with the major predictors being hospital‐recorded visual acuity and grading of cataract (P < 0.0001). Referral content lacked sufficient detail to apply prioritization tools developed in other settings.

Conclusion and Relevance

This audit highlights a disconnect between referral letter content and hospital assessment of patients. Current referrals to public hospitals are poorly targeted, with high numbers of referred patients not proceeding to surgery. Patients commonly waited over 1 year to have their ophthalmic assessment at these public hospital eye clinics, revealing lengthy ‘wait‐for‐waits’ as a barrier to care. Standardized referral templates may facilitate improvement of referral pathways and shorten waiting times.
Asunaprevir and daclatasvir for recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation: A Japanese multicenter experience
Authors: Ikegami Toru , Ueda Yoshihide , Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Ishiyama Kohei , Goto Ryoichi , Soyama Akihiko , Kuramitsu Kaori , Honda Masaki , Shinoda Masahiro , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Okajima Hideaki , Kitagawa Yuko , Inomata Yukihiro , Ku Yonson , Eguchi Susumu , Taketomi Akinobu , Ohdan Hideki , Kokudo Norihiro , Shimada Mitsuo , Yanaga Katsuhiko , Furukawa Hiroyuki , Uemoto Shinji , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: September 2017

The safety and efficacy of an IFN‐free regimen using asunaprevir (ASV) and daclatasvir (DCV) for recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after liver transplantation (LT) have not been evaluated in Japan. A multicenter study of LT recipients (n = 74) with recurrent HCV genotype 1b infection treated with ASV‐DCV for 24 weeks was performed. Medical history was positive for pegylated interferon and ribavirin (Peg‐IFN/RBV) in 40 (54.1%) patients, and for simeprevir (SMV) with Peg‐IFN/RBV in 12 (16.2%) patients. Resistance‐associated variants (RAVs) were positive at D168 (n = 1) in the NS3, and at L31 (n = 4), Y93 (n = 4), and L31/Y93 (n = 1) in the NS5A region of the HCV genome. Sixty‐one (82.4%) patients completed the 24‐week treatment protocol. Although sustained viral response (SVR) was achieved in 49 (80.3%) patients, it was achieved in only two (16.7%) patients among those with histories of receiving SMV (n = 12). Univariate analysis showed that a history of SMV (P < .01) and the presence of mutations in NS5A (P = .02) were the significant factors for no‐SVR. By excluding the patients with either a history of SMV‐based treatment or RAVs in NS3/NS5A, the SVR rate was 96.4%. By excluding the patients with a history of SMV and those with RAVs in NS3/NS5A, viral clearance of ASV‐DCV was favorable, with a high SVR rate.
Trawl exposure and protection of seabed fauna at large spatial scales
Authors: Mazor Tessa K. , Pitcher C. Roland , Ellis Nick , Rochester Wayne , Jennings Simon , Hiddink Jan Geert , McConnaughey Robert A. , Kaiser Michel J. , Parma Ana M. , Suuronen Petri , Kangas Mervi , Hilborn Ray
Published: September 2017

Aim

Trawling is the most widespread direct human disturbance on the seabed. Knowledge of the extent and consequences of this disturbance is limited because large‐scale distributions of seabed fauna are not well known. We map faunal distributions in the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and quantify the proportion of their abundance that occurs in areas 1) that are directly trawled and 2) where legislation permanently prohibits trawling—defined as percentage exposure or protection, respectively. Our approach includes developing a method that integrates data from disparate seabed surveys to spatially expand predicted benthos distributions.

Location

Australia.

Methods

We collate data from 18 seabed surveys to map the distribution of seabed invertebrates (benthos) in nine regions. Our approach combines data from multiple surveys, groups taxa within taxonomic classes and uses Random Forests to predict spatial abundance distributions of benthos groups from environmental variables. Exposure and protection of benthos groups were quantified by mapping their predicted abundance distributions against the footprint of trawling and legislated boundaries of marine reserves and fishery closures.

Results

Trawling is currently prohibited from more area of Australia's EEZ (58%) than is trawled (<5%). Across 134 benthos groups, 96% had greater protection of abundance than exposure. The mean trawl exposure of benthos‐group abundance was 7%, compared to mean protection of 38%, whereas the mean abundance neither trawled nor protected was 55%. Fishery closures covered 19% less study area than marine reserves, but overlapped with a higher proportion (5% more) of benthos‐group abundance.

Main Conclusions

This study provides the most extensive quantitative assessment of the current exposure of Australia's benthos to trawling. Further, it highlights the contribution of fishery closures to marine conservation. These results help identify regions and taxa that are at greatest potential risk from trawling and support managers to achieve balance between conservation and sustainable industries in marine ecosystems.
Effects of soil texture and rates of K input on potassium balance in tropical soil
Authors: Rosolem C. A. , Steiner F.
Published: September 2017

The efficiency of potassium (K) fertilizer use is important in sustainable agriculture and is affected by losses related to soil texture. However, there is no information on how much K is lost by leaching in tropical soil. The effects of rates of fertilizer‐K application on K dynamics and budget in a soil–plant system at depths up to 1 m were studied in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, from 2000 to 2012; soil types were a sandy clay loam (250 g clay kg−1) and a clay soil (670 g clay kg−1) under no‐till management. The soils were fertilized annually with 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 kg K ha−1. Annual applications of 50–75 kg K ha−1 to the sandy clay loam soil and 25–50 kg K ha−1 to the clay soil were sufficient to achieve a large grain yield and maintain soil exchangeable K in the soil profile. An annual application of up to 150 kg K ha−1 to clay soil does not result in a large amount of leaching below 1‐m depth. Non‐exchangeable K plays an important role in tropical cropping systems. The increase in rates of fertilizer‐K application intensifies losses by leaching below 1 m in sandy clay loam soil, which represents 16–52% of the K added as fertilizer. Therefore, because of the considerable leaching potential, splitting the applications of K is an important management strategy to minimize losses and improve the efficiency of K use in tropical soil with small clay contents.

Highlights

We investigated the effect of soil texture on K movement in the profile.

Losses of K were estimated in a cropping system with cover crops.

In tropical soil clay content plays an important role in the movement of K in the soil profile.

In clay soil K losses are small, but can be up to 52% of the nutrient applied to sandy soil.
Non‐invasive estimation of the depth profile of soil strength with acoustic‐to‐seismic coupling measurement in the presence of crops
Authors: Shin H.‐C. , Watts C. W. , Whalley W. R. , Attenborough K. , Taherzadeh S.
Published: September 2017

A traditional penetrometer measurement of soil strength in terms of penetration resistance, a useful indicator of a soil's mechanical property, is invasive and manually laborious. An alternative non‐invasive technique uses an acoustic source, two microphones and a laser Doppler vibrometer to obtain acoustic‐to‐seismic (A–S) transfer functions. Transfer functions between the acoustically‐induced soil vibration and the acoustic signals have been compared, through numerical optimizations, with predictions of a wave‐propagation model for layered poro‐elastic media. The numerically optimized shear modulus of soil was converted to the soil strength equivalent of penetration resistance by applying an empirical relation for the type of soil in question. The A–S and penetrometer measurements were made in experimental fields planted with winter wheat. The depth profiles of A–S‐deduced soil strength agree reasonably with those of penetrometer readings in shallow layers of five arable plots. We have demonstrated that the strength of soil in the presence of growing crops can be measured by this non‐invasive approach.

Highlights

Measurement of soil strength with a penetrometer is invasive and laborious.

Acoustic‐to‐seismic (A–S) coupling has been applied to soil planted with crops.

Numerically optimized shear modulus from A–S data can be converted to penetration resistance.

Non‐invasive A–S method can be used as an alternative to a penetrometer.
Alzheimer's disease: can the retina be a window to the brain?
Authors: Neves A.C. , Chiquita S. , Carecho R. , Campos E. , Moreira P. , Baptista F. , Ambrósio F.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is difficult. Since AD patients have visual problems, even before AD diagnosis, and retina is part of the CNS, we aim to understand whether retina could be used as a window to the brain, and for earlier and better diagnosis of AD.

Methods

To achieve this, we are performing a longitudinal study to evaluate potential changes in several molecular, cellular, structural and physiological parameters in the retina of a triple transgenic mouse model (3xTg‐AD), comparing to age‐matched wild‐type (C57BL6/129S) mice, at 4, 8 and 12 months (M) of age, by Western blot, immunohistochemistry, TUNEL assay, ERG, PERG and OCT.

Results

In 3xTg‐AD mice, at 8 and 12 M, the retinal thickness decreased significantly, and at 4, 8 and 12 M the scotopic b‐wave and photopic flicker amplitude increased. No differences were detected in PERG recordings. Amyloid beta protein was not detected in the retina of 3xTg‐AD at 4 and 8 M. The p‐Tau protein levels increased at 4 M, but not at 8 M. At 4 and 8 M, amyloid precursor protein, beta‐secretase 1, choline acetyltransferase, syntaxin and synaptophysin levels remained unchanged in the retina of 3xTg‐AD. Apoptotic cells (TUNEL+ cells) were not detected. Also, no alterations were detected in the immunostaining of vimentin in 3xTg‐AD, but GFAP immunostaining decreased at 8 M.

Conclusions

These results show that retinal thickness and function are early affected in a mouse model of AD. However, no molecular and cellular correlates were found in the majority of parameters evaluated in the retina, with the exception of p‐Tau and GFAP, at least in early timepoints.

Support: Santa Casa Mantero Belard Award 2015 (MB‐1049‐2015); FCT Portugal, PEst (UID/NEU/04539/2013), COMPETE‐FEDER (POCI‐01‐0145‐FEDER‐007440); Centro 2020 Regional Operational Programme (CENTRO‐01‐0145‐FEDER‐000008: BrainHealth 2020).
Characterizing microglia activation: a spatial statistics approach to maximize information extraction
Authors: Davis B. , Salinas‐Navarro M. , Cordeiro M.F. , Moons L. , De Groef L.
Published: September 2017

Microglia play an important role in the pathology of CNS disorders, however, there remains significant uncertainty about the neuroprotective/degenerative role of these cells due to a lack of techniques to adequately assess their complex behaviour in response to injury. This talk briefly describes a novel technique for microglia analysis, combining improved immunohistological image analysis with spatial statistical techniques (Ripley‐K function and Dixon's χ2‐test). Using this approach, a comprehensive set of morphological parameters describing microglia activation status was developed to characterise microgliosis in a murine optic nerve injury model. In addition to monitoring global changes in microglia density, nearest neighbour distance, and regularity index, cluster analyses based on changes in soma size and roundness were used to yield novel insights into the behaviour of different microglia phenotypes. These methods should be considered a generic tool to quantitatively assess microglia activation status, to profile these phenotypic changes into microglia subpopulations, and to map their spatial distributions in virtually every CNS region and disease state.
Older people's experiences of nurse–patient telephone communication in the primary healthcare setting
Authors: Waterworth Susan , Raphael Deborah , Parsons John , Arroll Bruce , Gott Merryn
Published: September 2017

Aim

To determine which aspects of primary nurse–patient telephone communication are viewed positively or negatively in terms of meeting the older persons’ needs.

Background

Health professionals are increasingly being called on to develop different ways of working and increase their capacity to meet the needs of an ageing population. In some countries, telephone communication between primary nurses and patients in General Practice is already seen as a routine practice, but determining the value of this type of communication as a specific health service needs more understanding.

Design

A qualitative exploratory study as the aim was to explore the older person's experiences.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 21 older people from General Practices in New Zealand during 2014–2015. Thematic analysis was informed by a constructivist grounded theory approach.

Findings

The overarching theme was the difficulties older people face in making decisions about whether to contact a health professional by telephone and whether this should be the Primary nurse. Accounting for some of their symptoms as age related added to the uncertainty of decision‐making. Importantly, some older people were not raising concerns e.g. emotional state.

Conclusion

Decision‐making by older people around treatment seeking is complex. Increasing the awareness of the nurse role in the General Practice is integral to creating a health system which will meet the needs of a growing older population. Primary care practices can review their systems to better inform older people how the nurse‐telephone role as a specific health service works and what they can expect when using this service.
Differentiation of movement behaviour in an adaptively diverging salamander population
Authors: Hendrix Ralf , Schmidt Benedikt R. , Schaub Michael , Krause E. Tobias , Steinfartz Sebastian
Published: September 2017

Dispersal is considered to be a species‐specific trait, but intraspecific variation can be high. However, when and how this complex trait starts to differentiate during the divergence of species/lineages is unknown. Here, we studied the differentiation of movement behaviour in a large salamander population (Salamandra salamandra), in which individual adaptations to different habitat conditions drive the genetic divergence of this population into two subpopulations. In this system, salamanders have adapted to the deposition and development of their larvae in ephemeral ponds vs. small first‐order streams. In general, the pond habitat is characterized as a spatially and temporally highly unpredictable habitat, while streams provide more stable and predictable conditions for the development of larvae. We analysed the fine‐scale genetic distribution of larvae, and explored whether the adaptation to different larval habitat conditions has in turn also affected dispersal strategies and home range size of adult salamanders. Based on the genetic assignment of adult individuals to their respective larval habitat type, we show that pond‐adapted salamanders occupied larger home ranges, displayed long‐distance dispersal and had a higher variability of movement types than the stream‐adapted individuals. We argue that the differentiation of phenotypically plastic traits such as dispersal and movement characteristics can be a crucial component in the course of adaptation to new habitat conditions, thereby promoting the genetic divergence of populations.
Local environment rather than past climate determines community composition of mountain stream macroinvertebrates across Europe
Authors: Múrria Cesc , Bonada Núria , Vellend Mark , Zamora‐Muñoz Carmen , Alba‐Tercedor Javier , Sainz‐Cantero Carmen Elisa , Garrido Josefina , Acosta Raul , El Alami Majida , Barquín Jose , Derka Tomáš , Álvarez‐Cabria Mario , Sáinz‐Bariain Marta , Filipe Ana F. , Vogler Alfried P.
Published: September 2017

Community assembly is determined by a combination of historical events and contemporary processes that are difficult to disentangle, but eco‐evolutionary mechanisms may be uncovered by the joint analysis of species and genetic diversity across multiple sites. Mountain streams across Europe harbour highly diverse macroinvertebrate communities whose composition and turnover (replacement of taxa) among sites and regions remain poorly known. We studied whole‐community biodiversity within and among six mountain regions along a latitudinal transect from Morocco to Scandinavia at three levels of taxonomic hierarchy: genus, species and haplotypes. Using DNA barcoding of four insect families (>3100 individuals, 118 species) across 62 streams, we found that measures of local and regional diversity and intraregional turnover generally declined slightly towards northern latitudes. However, at all hierarchical levels we found complete (haplotype) or high (species, genus) turnover among regions (and even among sites within regions), which counters the expectations of Pleistocene postglacial northward expansion from southern refugia. Species distributions were mostly correlated with environmental conditions, suggesting a strong role of lineage‐ or species‐specific traits in determining local and latitudinal community composition, lineage diversification and phylogenetic community structure (e.g., loss of Coleoptera, but not Ephemeroptera, at northern sites). High intraspecific genetic structure within regions, even in northernmost sites, reflects species‐specific dispersal and demographic histories and indicates postglacial migration from geographically scattered refugia, rather than from only southern areas. Overall, patterns were not strongly concordant across hierarchical levels, but consistent with the overriding influence of environmental factors determining community composition at the species and genus levels.
Diffuse midline gliomas with histone H3‐K27M mutation: A rare case with PNET‐like appearance and neuropil‐like islands
Authors: Gao Yue , Feng Yang‐Yang , Yu Juan‐Han , Li Qing‐Chang , Qiu Xue‐Shan , Wang En‐Hua
Published: September 2017

Diffuse midline glioma with histone H3‐K27M mutation is a new tumor entity defined by the 2016 WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System. A 51‐year‐old Chinese woman presented with neck pain for a month. Subsequent MRI revealed an intramedullary neoplasm extending from C5 to C7. Histologically, the cellular area of the tumor was composed of primitive, poorly differentiated, small cells with scant cytoplasm, nuclear molding, and brisk mitotic activity, exhibiting PNET‐like appearance, while in the hypocellular area, oligodendroglioma‐like cells were observed. More importantly, neuropil‐like islands were observed in the cellular area. Microvascular proliferation was noted, with no necrosis. Besides histone H3K27M mutation, immunohistochemical staining also showed that the tumor cells were positive for oligodendrocyte lineage transcription factor 2 and ATRX. The neuropil‐like areas were positive for synaptophysin, intermingled with scattered neuronal nuclear antigen positive cells. The Ki‐67 proliferation index was about 30%, and tumor cells were highly immunopositive for p53. Sequencing for IDH1 codon 132 and IDH2 codon 172 gene mutations showed negative results. Furthermore, fluorescent analysis revealed 1p deletion in the lesion but no 19q deletion. Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as diffuse midline gliomas with histone H3‐K27M mutation in the spinal cord, corresponding to WHO grade IV. After 4 months of remission, the tumor recurred; 2 months later, the patient died. Herein, we report an extremely rare case of diffuse midline glioma with histone H3K27M mutation, which was morphologically characterized simultaneously by primitive neuroectodermal tumor‐like appearance and neuropil‐like islands.
Pancreas‐preserving duodenectomy after living donor liver transplantation for invasive cytomegalovirus disease
Authors: Vincenzi Rodrigo , Fonseca Eduardo A. , Chapchap Paulo , Machado Marcel C. C. , Roda Karina M. O. , Candido Helry L. , Benavides Marcel R. , D'Assuncao Marco A. , Afonso Rogerio C. , Turine Plinio , Marson Fernando P. , Neto João Seda
Published: September 2017

CMV infection plays an important role in the postoperative course following solid organ transplantation. We present the case of an 11‐year‐old male patient who underwent LDLT due to severe hepatopulmonary syndrome and biliary cirrhosis. Four weeks after LDLT, he developed persistent GI bleeding and was subjected to repeated endoscopic treatment and radiological arterial embolization to stop the bleeding from duodenal ulcers. Diagnostic workup was negative for CMV disease. Because the bleeding persisted, surgical treatment was indicated, and a pancreas‐preserving duodenectomy was performed. Immunohistochemical staining of the surgical specimen demonstrated diffuse endothelial infiltration by CMV. Despite ganciclovir treatment, the patient developed new erosions in the jejunal mucosa and melena; ganciclovir was discontinued, and foscarnet was started, resulting in clinical improvement and the cessation of bleeding. This case highlights the technical aspects of performing a complex upper GI resection in a patient recently subjected to LDLT, taking care to avoid injury to the previous liver graft anastomosis and restore GI continuity. Moreover, CMV tissue‐invasive disease compartmentalized in the GI tract may be difficult to diagnose, as indicated by the negative results of antigenemia and PCR assays and endoscopic superficial mucosal biopsies.
Top Management Turnover: The Role of Governing Board Structures
Authors: Rutherford Amanda , Lozano Jon
Published: September 2017

The convergence of performance accountability policies, a graying bureaucracy, and shorter executive tenures highlights the timeliness of investigating executive turnover. Prior public administration research has examined pull and push factors linked to these departures, but it has yet to fully explore the influence of governing board structures and political pressures that stem from such structures. Using data on 123 public four‐year research universities in the United States from 1993 to 2012, this article finds that governing board structures play a pivotal role in predicting the departure decisions of university presidents. While the size of the board increases the risk of departure, boards overseeing multiple institutions and boards with a faculty or student representative lower the risk of departure. Additional evidence suggests that both the share of gubernatorial and legislative appointees on the board and the party division of the legislature have a direct influence on departure.