bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High interannual variation in the diet of a tropical forest frugivore (Hylobates lar)
Authors: Suwanvecho Udomlux , Brockelman Warren Y. , Nathalang Anuttara , Santon Jantima , Matmoon Umaporn , Somnuk Rathasart , Mahannop Narong
Published: December 2017

Frugivores must deal with seasonal changes in fruit availability and changes from year to year, as most species of tropical forest fruiting trees have considerable interannual variation in phenology and many are mast fruiters. We quantified seasonal and interannual changes in the fruit diet in a frugivore and important seed disperser, the white‐handed gibbon, Hylobates lar, in Thailand. We used 40‐d following data during April and May replicated in six consecutive years to study interannual variability in the diet and compared it with seasonal changes measured in monthly samples of the same size collected in three successive years. The 40‐d periods of following also allowed us to measure the decline in dietary similarity with time over a finer scale. We measured fruit diet similarity between replicated 5‐d periods using the percentage overlap (Renkonen's) index and Jaccard's similarity index. Seasonally, average dietary overlap between adjacent months was low, and similarity approached zero after four months. Average rate of decline in similarity exceeded 20 percent per 5‐d period. Variation in fruit species in the diet between years was high and was correlated with interannual variation in fruiting phenology. The strongest correlation occurred in the case of Nephelium melliferum, a highly preferred species that dominated the diet in good fruiting years. It is difficult to separate changes in food species preference from changes in availability from year to year. We devised a relative measure of preference that depends on the degree to which the gibbons rely on prior knowledge to find sources.
Plasma soluble podoplanin is a novel marker for the diagnosis of tumor occurrence and metastasis
Authors: Zhao Xingpeng , Pan Yanfang , Ren Weihua , Shen Fei , Xu Mengqiao , Yu Min , Fu Jianxin , Xia Lijun , Ruan Changgeng , Zhao Yiming
Published: December 2017

Podoplanin (PDPN) is expressed on many tumors and is involved in tumor metastasis. The objective of the present study was to develop an ELISA for determining soluble PDPN (sPDPN) levels as a potential novel tumor marker in plasma of patients with cancers for detection of tumor occurrence and metastasis. Mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against human PDPN were developed and characterized. Two anti‐PDPN mAb, SZ‐163 and SZ‐168, were used in a sandwich ELISA to detect plasma sPDPN in patients with cancers and in normal individuals. The levels of sPDPN were detected in patients with adenocarcinoma (87 cases, 31.09 ± 5.48 ng/ml), squamous cell carcinoma (86 cases, 6.91 ± 0.59 ng/ml), lung cancer (45 cases, 26.10 ± 7.62 ng/ml), gastric cancer (38 cases, 23.71 ± 6.90 ng/ml) and rectal cancer (27 cases, 32.98 ± 9.88 ng/ml), which were significantly higher than those in normal individuals (99 cases, 1.31 ± 0.13 ng/ml) (P < .0001). Moreover, the sPDPN levels in patients with metastatic cancers were higher (192 cases, 30.35 ± 3.63 ng/ml) than those in non‐metastatic cancer patients (92 cases, 6.28 ± 0.77 ng/ml) (P < .0001). The post‐treatment sPDPN levels of cancer patients (n = 156) (4.47 ± 0.35 ng/ml) were significantly lower compared with those seen pre‐treatment (n = 128) (43.74 ± 4.97 ng/ml) (P < .0001). These results showed that an ELISA method was successfully established for quantitation of plasma sPDPN and plasma sPDPN levels correlate significantly with tumor occurrence and metastasis.
Potential risk for fatal drug overdose perceived by people using opioid drugs
Authors: Deering Daryle E. A. , Adamson Simon J. , Sellman John D. , Henderson Charles , Sheridan Janie , Pooley Sheridan , Robertson Rhonda Marie , Noller Geoff , Frampton Christopher M. A.
Published: December 2017

Introduction and Aims

Combinations of drugs can increase the risk of overdose. Our aim was to examine perceptions of people dependent on opioid drugs on the potential risk of overdose from taking a prescribed dose of methadone in combination with various other recreational substances.

Design and Methods

A peer‐interviewer survey was conducted in three New Zealand regions. Recruitment was via snowballing initiated at needle exchange and opioid substitution treatment (OST) services.

Results

Participants were 56% male, with a mean age of 37.5 years, 75% were New Zealand European, 24% Māori and 51% were receiving OST. Methadone and alcohol or benzodiazepine combinations were perceived as being of higher potential risk than methadone and stimulant or cannabis combinations. However, methadone taken in combination with alcohol or benzodiazepines was perceived as low risk by over half (55%) the participants. Factors associated with higher risk potential were area of residence, use of methadone in the previous month and a non‐opioid drug injecting preference.

Discussion and Conclusions

People who use opioid drugs continue to perceive taking opioids in combination with alcohol and benzodiazepines as low risk. Prevention efforts could be informed by greater exploration of barriers to understanding potential overdose risk and changing high‐risk behaviours, and accessible and relevant opioid‐related fatality data. OST must be able to attract and retain people who are dependent on opioid drugs.
Characteristics of Australian adolescent females in residential treatment who report using methamphetamines
Authors: Dixson Georgina , Woolfenden Susan , Jayasinha Ranmalie , Rawstorne Patrick , Palmer Kieran , Nathan Sally
Published: December 2017

Introduction and Aims

To investigate factors associated with methamphetamine use in adolescent females referred to an Australian residential treatment service.

Design and Methods

A mixed‐methods explanatory sequential design was undertaken. Cross‐sectional analysis of existing pre‐treatment data for adolescent females aged 13–18 years (median 16.48 years) attending a treatment program between 2009 and 2015 (n = 267) was undertaken, followed by a focus group and in‐depth interviews of key staff.

Results

Female methamphetamine‐users (n = 127, 47.6%) were significantly more likely than non‐methamphetamine‐users at pre‐treatment to be in unstable living arrangements, where they moved frequently (P = 0.025), lived in more unstable (not rented or privately owned) accommodation (P = 0.012) and had problematic family situations (P = 0.004). They were more likely than non‐methamphetamine‐users to be to be poly‐drug users (P < 0.001) and to have ever attempted suicide (P = 0.029). Cumulative trauma by someone known to the adolescent was the main predictor for female methamphetamine use (odds ratio 3.077). Qualitative data provided context and depth to quantitative findings, with an emphasis on trauma as a precursor to methamphetamine use. The qualitative interviews also highlighted changes made in service provision, given the increasing rates of methamphetamine use.

Discussion and Conclusions

High levels of trauma and mental health problems in this population support the notion that traumatic childhood experiences are strongly associated with problematic alcohol and other drug use, particularly, methamphetamine use, at a young age. Increased attention to decreasing family violence, abuse and neglect is required and in clinical practice, a trauma‐informed model of care is recommended.
Support for alcohol policies among drinkers in Mongolia, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, St Kitts and Nevis, Thailand and Vietnam: Data from the International Alcohol Control Study
Authors: Parry Charles D. H. , Londani Mukhethwa , Enkhtuya Palam , Huckle Taisia , Piazza Marina , Gray‐Phillip Gaile , Chaiyasong Surasak , Viet Cuong Pham , Casswell Sally
Published: December 2017

Introduction and Aims

A 2010 World Health Assembly resolution called on member states to intensify efforts to address alcohol‐related harm. Progress has been slow. This study aims to determine the magnitude of public support for 12 alcohol policies and whether it differs by country, demographic factors and drinking risk (volume consumed).

Design and Methods

Data are drawn from seven countries participating in the International Alcohol Control Study which used country‐specific sampling methods designed to obtain random, representative samples. The weighted total sample comprised 11 494 drinkers aged 16–65 years.

Results

Drinking risk was substantial (24% ‘increased’ risk and 16% ‘high’ risk) and was particularly high in South Africa. Support varied by alcohol policy, ranging from 12% to 96%, but was above 50% for 79% of the possible country/policy combinations. Across countries, policy support was generally higher for policies addressing drink driving and increasing the alcohol purchase age. There was less support for policies increasing the price of alcohol, especially when funds were not earmarked. Policy support differed by country, and was generally higher in the five middle‐income countries than in New Zealand. It also differed by age, gender, education, quantity/frequency of drinking, risk category and country income level.

Discussion and Conclusions

We found a trend in policy support, generally being highest in the low–middle‐income countries, followed by high–middle‐income countries and then high‐income countries. Support from drinkers for a range of alcohol policies is extensive across all countries and could be used as a catalyst for further policy action.
Counting the cold ones: A comparison of methods measuring total alcohol consumption of managed alcohol program participants
Authors: Chow Clifton , Wettlaufer Ashley , Zhao Jinhui , Stockwell Tim , Pauly Bernadette (Bernie) , Vallance Kate
Published: December 2017

Introduction and Aims

Managed alcohol programs (MAP) aim to reduce harms experienced by unstably housed individuals with alcohol use disorders by providing regulated access to beverage alcohol, usually alongside housing, meals and other supports. This study compares two methods of estimating participants’ outside alcohol consumption in order to inform program policies and practices around alcohol dosing and reducing risks of alcohol‐related illnesses.

Methods

The total alcohol consumption of 65 people participating in Canadian MAPs was assessed comparing daily MAP records (1903 client days) with researcher‐administered surveys over the same time period. A sub‐sample of more complete daily MAP records for 39 people (696 client days) was also compared with the equivalent survey data on drinking.

Results

Significantly more standard drinks per day (SDs, one SD = 17.05 mL ethanol) were reported in research interviews than recorded by program staff, whether for program administered drinks alone (means 16.04 vs. 8.32 SDs, t = 5.79, P < 0.001) or including outside‐program drinks as reported to staff (16.04 vs. 8.89 SDs, t = 5.37, P < 0.001). Consistent results were found in the sub‐sample. The number of outside drinks estimated by comparing program records with the research interviews, varied between 2.71 and 9.94 mean drinks per day per site.

Discussion and Conclusions

At two sites, MAP participants reported consuming more than twice the amount of alcohol administered on the program. At most sites, there was significant under‐reporting of outside drinking. Addressing the problem of outside drinking and total daily consumption is critical for achieving program goals of both short and long‐term harm reduction.
An old poor law on the Continent? Agrarian capitalism, poor taxes, and village conflict in eighteenth‐century coastal Flanders
Authors: Lambrecht Thijs , Winter Anne
Published: December 2017

Poor relief provisions in early modern Europe are often considered to have been characterized by a divide between a uniform, compulsory, tax‐based, and relatively secure and generous poor law ‘system’ in England, and the more haphazard, voluntary, relatively parsimonious, insecure, and predominantly urban relief practices on the Continent. In this article we challenge these assumptions by arguing that the spread of agrarian capitalism in coastal Flanders fostered a reorganization of poor relief that displayed many features considered unique to the English old poor law, including the levying of poor taxes. By exploring the introduction, diffusion, and effects of poor taxes in the rural district of Furnes in the second half of the eighteenth century, we demonstrate that poor taxes were not unique to England, and sharpen our comparative understanding of the causes, implications, and conflicts associated with this particular way of raising revenue for the poor. This supports our more general contention that the influence of the normative framework should not be overstated: more than differences in legislation, similarities in socio‐economic development can explain variations in relief practices in preindustrial Europe.
The London Stock Exchange, 1869–1929: new statistics for old?
Authors: Hannah Leslie
Published: December 2017

Newly assembled datasets on the size and composition of the London Stock Exchange present some results contradicting conventional wisdom. A forensic examination of one study of corporate equities in the Investor's Monthly Manual between 1869 and 1929 suggests both idiosyncratic mistakes and generic biases that limit the usefulness of this source.
Destination unknown? Study choices and graduate destinations of Hungarian youth in Slovakia
Authors: Pásztor Adél
Published: December 2017

Focusing on Hungarian minority youth in a rural Slovakian setting, this article analyses their higher education aspirations and choices amidst significant economic, political and educational reforms. Relying on mixed methods and a longitudinal design, the research follows a cohort of high school students from their last year of secondary school through university up to their graduate destinations several years onwards. The data reveal three main study‐work trajectories reflecting different trade‐offs in terms of higher education studies, graduate careers and ethnic identity maintenance that affect life‐chances and the future of the Hungarian community in Slovakia.
Improving the fatigue performance of airframe structures by combining geometrical modifications and laser heating
Authors: Lu J. , Huber N. , Kashaev N.
Published: December 2017

This study aimed to investigate an optimization method that can maximize fatigue crack retardation based on the concepts of crenellation and residual stress engineering. By applying both concepts, fatigue crack retardation was achieved by the systematic modulation of the panel thickness and by the superposition of a beneficial residual stress field induced by laser heating. To identify an optimized implementation of both concepts, an advanced finite element method‐genetic algorithm coupled approach was proposed, where each possible configuration in terms of the crenellation geometry and the positioning of the laser heating lines was encoded in a binary string. The inclusion of the residual stress field induced by the laser heating in the finite element method model was achieved by the inherent strain approach. It was found that the optimized configurations showed from 38% up to 77% fatigue life extensions, which were much larger than the linear superimposition of the fatigue life improvements by each individual technique.
Electric vehicle adoption: An analysis of best practice and pitfalls for policy making from experiences of Europe and the US
Authors: Broadbent Gail Helen , Drozdzewski Danielle , Metternicht Graciela
Published: December 2017

Accelerating the rate of electric vehicle (EV) adoption is an objective of many countries to mitigate and ameliorate negative externalities arising from the use of fossil fuels for personal motorised transportation including: greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, air pollution and noise, as well as increasing energy security and reducing budget deficits. Within the dynamic field of EVs, this paper highlights strategic directions for policy makers to increase EV uptake. The paper critically reviews measures adopted by some industrialised countries to motivate consumer purchase of EVs rather than conventional internal combustion vehicles (ICVs). A key focus is the role of financial and soft incentives to encourage EV adoption. The analysis reveals that not all incentives are equally effective; an adequate recharger network appears to be a common concerning factor for EV adoption due to customer anxiety and vehicle limitations. Best practice strategies that could foster a faster transition to EV adoption include appropriate legislation, installation and maintenance of an adequate public recharger network, government procurement programs, and investment in information programs to accelerate the transition towards fossil free driving. The paper evidences how implementation of these strategies can affect overall adoption rates.
Effect of compaction, delayed sealing and aerobic exposure on forage choice and short‐term intake of maize silage by goats
Authors: Brüning D. , Gerlach K. , Weiß K. , Südekum K.‐H.
Published: December 2017

Forage choice and intake by ruminants depend on various factors. This study aimed to determine the effects of compaction, delayed sealing and aerobic exposure on forage choice and short‐term dry‐matter intake (DMI) of maize silage by goats. Whole‐crop maize (277 g/kg dry matter [DM]) in 120‐L silos was compacted at either low (194 kg DM/m3) or high (234 kg DM/m3) density, and sealed immediately at day 0 or with a delay at day 2 or day 4 post‐filling, making a total of six treatments. After ensiling for at least 175 days, silages were exposed to air for 6 days. In 2‐day intervals, silages were sampled for chemical analyses and were vacuum‐stored for use in preference trials. During the experimental phase, each possible two‐way combination of the aerobically exposed silages (days 0, 2, 4 and 6 post‐opening) of the treatments and lucerne hay was offered as free choice to goats (n = 5) for 3 hr. Exposing silages to air for >4 days post‐opening caused strong avoidance and lowest intakes. Under the conditions of the study, aerobic exposure after ensiling had a more pronounced effect on silage preference and short‐time DMI than compaction and delayed sealing. Increasing fibre fractions, a deteriorating microbial status and poor silage sensory properties, probably caused by a combination of different fermentation products, can be considered for decrease in preference.
Host‐parasitoid relationships within figs of an invasive fig tree: a fig wasp community structured by gall size
Authors: Compton Stephen G. , Chen Xiao‐Yong , Chen Yan , Hatcher Melanie J. , Peng Yan‐Qiong , Quinnell Rupert J. , Rodriguez Lillian J. , Yu Hui , Ouyang Ao , Wei Fang‐Lu , Cai Zhe‐Ting , Wang Rong
Published: December 2017

Revealing the host specificity of the predators/parasitoids of invasive species is a prerequisite when assessing the suitability of biocontrol agents, while the host ranges of top predators are likely to vary among communities comprising different species.

Ficus microcarpais a native plant in Asia and Australasia and has invaded in sometropical and subtropical areas. Besides its species‐specific pollinator, its figs also support many ovule‐galling and parasitoid non‐pollinating fig wasps.

Here, based on a global collection of fig wasps associated withF. microcarpafigs, we used path analysis, supplemented by within‐fig spatial distributions and natal gall sizes to reveal food web structure of its associated fig wasps and the factors forming host ranges of parasitoids.

The fig wasp community was species‐rich, and parasitoids were far rarer in the plant's introduced range. Parasitoids exhibited some host specificity, and four specific natural enemies of the plant's pollinator were identified with various intensities of effects on pollinator abundance. Parasitoid host ranges were consistent in both ranges of the plant, and mainly restricted by the size and the locations of host galls. No parasitoids were found associated with a unique seed predator.

Our results showed how a large number of fig wasp species partition one host fig tree's figs and identified the species that have potential to control the sexual reproduction ofF. microcarpa.
Branch‐and‐bound approach for optima localization in scheduling multiprocessor jobs
Authors: Kononov Alexander , Kononova Polina , Gordeev Alexander
Published: December 2017

We consider multiprocessor task scheduling problems with dedicated processors. We determine the tight optima localization intervals for different subproblems of the basic problem. Based on the ideas of a computer‐aided technique developed by Sevastianov and Tchernykh for shop scheduling problems, we elaborate a similar method for the multiprocessor task scheduling problem. Our method allows us to find an upper bound for the length of the optimal schedule in terms of natural lower bound. As a byproduct of our results, a family of linear‐time approximation algorithms with a constant ratio performance guarantee is designed for the NP‐hard subproblems of the basic problem, and new polynomially solvable classes of problems are found.
CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein β overexpression alleviates myocardial remodelling by regulating angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2 expression in diabetes
Authors: Tie Yuanyuan , Zhai Chungang , Zhang Ya , Qin Xiaoteng , Yu Fangpu , Li Hongxuan , Shan MeiRong , Zhang Cheng
Published: December 2017

Diabetic cardiomyopathy, a major cardiac complication, contributes to heart remodelling and heart failure. Our previous study discovered that CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein β (C/EBPβ), a transcription factor that belongs to a family of basic leucine zipper transcription factors, interacts with the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) promoter sequence in other disease models. Here, we aimed to determine the role of C/EBPβ in diabetes and whether ACE2 expression is regulated by C/EBPβ. A type 1 diabetic mouse model was generated by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Diabetic mice were injected with a lentivirus expressing either C/EBPβ or sh‐C/EBPβ or treated with valsartan after 12 weeks to observe the effects of C/EBPβ. In vitro, cardiac fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes were treated with high glucose (HG) to investigate the anti‐fibrosis, anti‐apoptosis and regulatory mechanisms of C/EBPβ. C/EBPβ expression was down‐regulated in diabetic mice and HG‐induced cardiac neonatal cells. C/EBPβ overexpression significantly attenuated collagen deposition and cardiomyocyte apoptosis by up‐regulating ACE2 expression. The molecular mechanism involved the binding of C/EBPβ to the ACE2 promoter sequence. Although valsartan, a classic angiotensin receptor blocker, relieved diabetic complications, the up‐regulation of ACE2 expression by C/EBPβ overexpression may exert greater beneficial effects on patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Mechanical knowledge does matter to tool use even when assessed with a non‐production task: Evidence from left brain‐damaged patients
Authors: Lesourd Mathieu , Budriesi Carla , Osiurak François , Nichelli Paolo F. , Bartolo Angela
Published: December 2017

In the literature on apraxia of tool use, it is now accepted that using familiar tools requires semantic and mechanical knowledge. However, mechanical knowledge is nearly always assessed with production tasks, so one may assume that mechanical knowledge and familiar tool use are associated only because of their common motor mechanisms. This notion may be challenged by demonstrating that familiar tool use depends on an alternative tool selection task assessing mechanical knowledge, where alternative uses of tools are assumed according to their physical properties but where actual use of tools is not needed. We tested 21 left brain‐damaged patients and 21 matched controls with familiar tool use tasks (pantomime and single tool use), semantic tasks and an alternative tool selection task. The alternative tool selection task accounted for a large amount of variance in the single tool use task and was the best predictor among all the semantic tasks. Concerning the pantomime of tool use task, group and individual results suggested that the integrity of the semantic system and preserved mechanical knowledge are neither necessary nor sufficient to produce pantomimes. These results corroborate the idea that mechanical knowledge is essential when we use tools, even when tasks assessing mechanical knowledge do not require the production of any motor action. Our results also confirm the value of pantomime of tool use, which can be considered as a complex activity involving several cognitive abilities (e.g., communicative skills) rather than the activation of gesture engrams.
Implementing a pain management nursing protocol for orthopaedic surgical patients: Results from a PAIN OUT project
Authors: Cui Cui , Wang Ling‐Xiao , Li Qi , Zaslansky Ruth , Li Li
Published: December 2017

Aims and objectives

To investigate the effect of introducing a standardised pain management nursing protocol in orthopaedic patients undergoing surgery.

Background

Postoperative pain is a common phenomenon but is still undertreated in hospitalised patients. Nurses’ lack of sufficient knowledge and skills about pain management may be a contributing factor to poor outcomes.

Design

An interventional, separate sample pre‐ and post‐test.

Methods

A pain management nursing protocol was introduced and a handbook and training sessions regarding management of postsurgical pain were provided to the nurses on a Joint Orthopaedic ward at a university‐affiliated general hospital in Guangzhou, China. Before and after the intervention, nurses’ knowledge about pain management and attitudes were assessed, and perioperative management practices and pain‐related patient‐reported outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Sixteen and 15 registered nurses, and 77 and 71 patients participated in the study before and after the intervention, respectively. Nurses’ scores related to knowledge and skills increased significantly after the protocol was introduced but were still insufficient with regard to pharmacological‐related items. The proportion of patients receiving a combined opioid and nonopioid increased after the intervention. Clinically significant changes were observed in some patient‐reported outcomes, such as worst pain since surgery, percentage of time experiencing severe pain, and pain interference with activities out of bed. There were significant changes in nonpharmacological methods administered by nurses to patients or used by patients to relieve pain.

Conclusions

Implementation of a pain management nursing protocol combined with education in one surgical ward was associated with nurses’ increased knowledge and attitudes regarding pain, a change in some management practices, and improvement in a number of pain‐related patient‐reported outcomes.

Relevance to clinical practice

It was feasible to develop and implement a standardised pain management nursing protocol and use it in the clinical routine. The intervention had an effect on changing some features of care, with an improvement in patient‐reported outcomes. Support by leaders and medical team facilitated the process of the implementation.
The relationship between intention to leave the hospital and coping methods of emergency nurses after workplace violence
Authors: Jeong In‐Young , Kim Ji‐Soo
Published: December 2017

Aims and objectives

To identify the relationship between emergency nurses’ intention to leave the hospital and their coping methods following workplace violence.

Background

Emergency departments report a high prevalence of workplace violence, with nurses being at particular risk of violence from patients and patients’ relatives. Violence negatively influences nurses’ personal and professional lives and increases their turnover.

Design

This is a cross‐sectional, descriptive survey study.

Methods

Participants were nurses (n = 214) with over one year of experience of working in an emergency department. We measured workplace violence, coping after workplace violence experiences and job satisfaction using scales validated through a preliminary survey. Questionnaires were distributed to all nurses who signed informed consent forms. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the relationships between nurses’ intention to leave the hospital and their coping methods after workplace violence.

Results

Verbal abuse was the most frequent violence experience and more often originated from patients’ relatives than from patients. Of the nurses who experienced violence, 61.0% considered leaving the hospital. As for coping, nurses who employed problem‐focused coping most frequently sought to identify the problems that cause violence, while nurses who employed emotion‐focused coping primarily attempted to endure the situation. The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that female sex, emotion‐focused coping and job satisfaction were significantly related to emergency nurses’ intention to leave.

Conclusions

Emotion‐focused coping seems to have a stronger effect on intention to leave after experiencing violence than does job satisfaction.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurse managers should begin providing emergency nurses with useful information to guide their management of violence experiences. Nurse managers should also encourage nurses to report violent experiences to the administrative department rather than resorting to emotion‐focused coping. Nurses should be provided with the opportunity to communicate their feelings to their colleagues.
Infant and young child feeding practices and nutritional status in Bhutan
Authors: Campbell Rebecca K. , Aguayo Victor M. , Kang Yunhee , Dzed Laigden , Joshi Vandana , Waid Jillian , Gupta Suvadra Datta , Haselow Nancy , West Keith P.
Published: December 2017

In South Asia, childhood undernutrition persists while overweight is increasing. Internationally recommended infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices promote healthy nutritional status; however, little is known about IYCF in Bhutan, investigated here using 2015 National Nutrition Survey data. WHO/UNICEF IYCF indicators, anthropometry and household socio‐economic status were available for 441 children <24 months. Stunting, wasting, and underweight prevalence (<−2Z length‐for‐age [LAZ], weight‐for‐age, [WAZ] and weight‐for‐length [WLZ], respectively) were 15%, 9%, and 5%, respectively, whereas overweight (WLZ >2) prevalence was 6%. In survey‐design‐adjusted analyses, 52% of mothers of 0‐ to 5‐month olds reported exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), with EBF less common for girls than boys (OR: 0.2 [95% CI: 0.1–0.9]). Although 61% of children were breastfed at 2 years and 75% of children >6 months met a minimum daily meal frequency, only 18% of children 6–23 months met minimum dietary diversity. IYCF was unassociated with risk of stunting, wasting, or underweight, possibly due to relatively low prevalence of anthropometric failure and small sample size. However, currently‐breastfed children were less often overweight [OR: ~0.1 (95% upper limit ≤1.0)]. Neither breastfeeding nor most complementary feeding practices differed by socio‐economic status, but children in the highest two fifth of a wealth index had 7.8 (1.3–46.9) and 5.3 (1.1–25.2) times greater odds than children in the lowest fifth of meeting minimum dietary diversity criteria. Low rates of EBF, given possible protection of breastfeeding against overweight, and inadequate dietary diversity offer evidence to guide future program interventions to improve nutritional status of young children.
Esophagogastric junction and esophageal body contraction metrics on high‐resolution manometry predict esophageal acid burden
Authors: Rengarajan A. , Bolkhir A. , Gor P. , Wang D. , Munigala S. , Gyawali C. P.
Published: December 2017

Background

Distal contractile integral (DCI) and esophagogastric junction contractile integral (EGJ‐CI) are high‐resolution manometry (HRM) software metrics assessing esophageal motor function in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Methods

Patients undergoing HRM and ambulatory pH monitoring off antisecretory therapy prospectively completed symptom questionnaires assessing symptom burden and a global symptom score (GSS) at baseline and after GERD therapy. DCI<450 mm Hg/cm/s in ≥5 swallows diagnosed ineffective esophageal motility (IEM); proportions of failed (DCI<100 mm Hg/cm/s) and weak (DCI 100‐450 mm Hg/cm/s) sequences were separately assessed. EGJ‐CI assessed vigor of the EGJ barrier. Univariate and multivariate analyses addressed performance of esophageal body and EGJ metrics in predicting abnormal esophageal reflux burden, and symptom outcome from antireflux therapy.

Key Results

Of 188 patients (55.2 ± 0.9 year, 64% F), 42.6% had low EGJ‐CI, and 25.0% had IEM. While low EGJ‐CI was associated with abnormal reflux burden (P = 0.003), IEM alone was not (P = 0.2). Increasing proportions of failed swallows predicted abnormal AET better than the current IEM definition. Combined low EGJ‐CI and IEM segregated abnormal total and supine acid burden compared to patients with normal EGJ‐CI and no IEM (P ≤ 0.007 for each comparison). Medical therapy and surgical antireflux therapy were similarly effective in improving symptom burden; surgery resulted in better outcomes with low EGJ‐CI (P ≤ 0.04), especially with intact esophageal body motor function (P = 0.02).

Conclusions & Inferences

While abnormal EGJ and esophageal body metrics are collectively associated with elevated esophageal reflux burden, increasing proportions of failed swallows are better predictors of reflux burden and outcome compared to the current IEM definition.
Clinical utility of gastric emptying scintigraphy: Patient and physician perspectives
Authors: Tseng A. S. , Crowell M. D. , DiBaise J. K.
Published: December 2017

Background

The use of gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) in the evaluation of patients with dyspeptic symptoms is controversial. Our aim was to investigate objective and subjective parameters of clinical utility of GES from the perspectives of both the patient and the ordering physician.

Methods

Socio‐demographic features, healthcare resource utilization, gastroparetic symptoms and quality of life (QoL) were obtained from consecutive patients referred for GES immediately prior to GES and again 4 months later. The ordering physician received a brief survey 2 weeks after the GES regarding their perceptions on whether the test provided them with clinically useful information.

Key Results

One hundred and seventy‐two (mean age ± SD 52.0 ± 17.9; 78% female) of 266 patients enrolled completed both the baseline and follow‐up questionnaires and comprised our study population. At baseline, patients with abnormal GES had significantly higher gastroparesis symptom scores and reduced QoL. At the 4‐month follow‐up, an improvement in symptoms and QoL was seen, but the degree of improvement was not significantly different between those with a normal or abnormal GES. One hundred and ninety‐seven ordering physicians completed the survey and perceived that GES, particularly when abnormal, provided new information (91%) and resulted in a change in diagnosis (58%) and management (60%).

Conclusions & Inferences

Although patients with an abnormal GES generally had worse symptoms and lower QoL, the results of GES did not help to identify those with improved or worsened symptoms or QoL at follow‐up. Nevertheless, the ordering physicians generally felt that the results of GES were helpful in managing these patients.
Long‐term risk of diabetes in women at varying durations after gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis with more than 2 million women
Authors: Song C. , Lyu Y. , Li C. , Liu P. , Li J. , Ma R. C. , Yang X.
Published: December 2017

This study aims to investigate the impact of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on the long‐term risks of diabetes in women with prior GDM, including the effect at different time periods after GDM. We searched PubMed and other databases to retrieve articles which were published prior to February 28, 2017. Cohort studies which evaluated the risk and time of onset of diabetes postpartum in women with and without GDM were included. Meta‐analysis with random effects models was used to obtain pooled relative risks and 95% confidence intervals for the risk of diabetes. Subgroup analyses were performed to check for different effect sizes as well as consistency across groups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders. Thirty cohort studies with 2,626,905 pregnant women were included. Women with prior GDM had 7.76‐fold (95% confidence intervals: 5.10–11.81) unadjusted pooled risk of diabetes as compared with women without GDM, whilst the adjusted risk was 17.92‐fold (16.96–18.94). The adjusted ORs of GDM for diabetes among women at <3, ≥3 – <6 and ≥6 – <10 years after GDM were 5.37 (3.51–9.34), 16.55 (16.08–17.04) and 8.20 (4.53–14.86), respectively. Women with prior GDM had substantially increased risk of diabetes, with the risk highest during the 3–6 years after GDM.
The pharmacokinetics of intravenous ketorolac in children aged 2 months to 16 years: A population analysis
Authors: McLay James S. , Engelhardt Thomas , Mohammed Baba S. , Cameron Gary , Cohen Mindy N. , Galinkin Jeffrey L. , Christians Uwe , Avram Michael J. , Henthorn Thomas K. , Dsida Richard M. , Hawwa Ahmed F. , Anderson Brian J.
Published: December 2017

Background

Intravenous ketorolac is commonly administered to children for the control of postoperative pain. An effect site EC50 for analgesia of 0.37 mg.L−1 is described in adults.

Aims

The aim of this study was to review age‐ and weight‐related effects on ketorolac pharmacokinetic parameters in children and current dosing schedules.

Methods

Pooled intravenous ketorolac (0.5 mg.kg−1) concentration‐time data in children aged 2 months to 16 years were analyzed using nonlinear mixed‐effects models. Allometry was used to scale to a 70 kg person.

Results

There were 64 children aged 2 months to 16 years (641 plasma concentrations) available for analysis. A two‐compartment mammillary model was used to describe pharmacokinetics. Clearance was 2.53 (CV 45.9%) L.h−1.70 kg−1 and intercompartment clearance was 4.43 (CV 95.6%) L.h−1.70 kg−1. Both central (V1) and peripheral (V2) volumes of distribution decreased with age over the first few years of postnatal life to reach V1 6.89 (CV 30.3%) L.70 kg−1 and V2 5.53 (CV 47.6%) L.70 kg−1.

Conclusion

Clearance, expressed as L.h−1.kg−1, decreased with age from infancy. A dosing regimen of 0.5 mg.kg−1 every 6 hours maintains a trough concentration larger than 0.37 mg.L−1 in children 9 months to 16 years of age. This dosing regimen is consistent with current recommendations.
Emotional imagery and pupil diameter
Authors: Henderson Robert R. , Bradley Margaret M. , Lang Peter J.
Published: December 2017

Pupil diameter is enhanced in a variety of emotional contexts, including viewing pictures, listening to sounds, and during threat of shock. In this study, we investigated pupil diameter changes during emotional imagery. Participants imagined scenes describing pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral events while pupil diameter was continuously recorded. Second by second changes in pupil diameter were analyzed to determine whether, and when, modulation of the pupil as a function of hedonic content is found. Results indicated a significant effect of hedonic content beginning shortly after script onset, with enhanced pupil diameter when imagining emotional (pleasant or unpleasant), compared to neutral, scenes. Pupil diameter during imagery covaried with rated emotional arousal, consistent with an interpretation that changes in pupil diameter during emotional imagery reflect sympathetic nervous system activity. Because emotional imagery is a key element in clinical assessment and treatment, pupil diameter could prove a useful index of emotional engagement in a variety of clinically pertinent contexts.
Pathways for knowledge exchange in SMEs in software‐driven knowledge‐intensive business services
Authors: Teirlinck Peter
Published: December 2017

This paper presents pathways for knowledge exchange as regards innovation in R&D‐active SMEs in software‐driven knowledge‐intensive business services in a capital city environment. A semistructured qualitative analysis focusing at social capital enablers for knowledge exchange reveals that interpersonal social proximity is the primary driver for knowledge exchange. Structural enablers for knowledge exchange include accessibility for clients, geographical proximity to research partners, temporary places for formal and informal meetings, specialization and diversification in terms of human resources skills, and informal interpersonal networks. Market and government‐related goals, access to public funding and possibilities for lobbying, as well as openness to a multicultural environment, are all underlying cognitive factors. Relational social capital dimensions include organized trust in terms of neutral ground, goodwill trust‐based interpersonal weak ties, and mutually embedded businesses and processes with institutions.
A Review of Propulsion, Power, and Control Architectures for Insect-Scale Flapping-Wing Vehicles
Authors: Farrell Helbling E. , Wood Robert J.
Published: December 2017

Flying insects are able to navigate complex and highly dynamic environments, can rapidly change their flight speeds and directions, are robust to environmental disturbances, and are capable of long migratory flights. However, flying robots at similar scales have not yet demonstrated these characteristics autonomously. Recent advances in mesoscale manufacturing, novel actuation, control, and custom integrated circuit (IC) design have enabled the design of insect-scale flapping wing micro air vehicles (MAVs). However, there remain numerous constraints to component technologies—for example, scalable high-energy density power storage—that limit their functionality. This paper highlights the recent developments in the design of small-scale flapping wing MAVs, specifically discussing the various power and actuation technologies selected at various vehicle scales as well as the control architecture and avionics onboard the vehicle. We also outline the challenges associated with creating an integrated insect-scale flapping wing MAV.
Discussion of “A Review of Propulsion, Power, and Control Architectures for Insect-Scale Flapping Wing Vehicles” by E. F. Helbling and R. J. Wood (Helbling, E. F., and Wood, R. J., 2018, ASME Appl. Mech. Rev., 70(1), p. 010801)
Authors: Gupta Satyandra K.
Published: December 2017

Flying insects exhibit truly remarkable capabilities. There has been significant interest in developing small-scale flying robots by taking inspiration from flying insects. The paper by Helbling and Wood reports remarkable progress made by the research community in realizing insect-scale flapping wing vehicles and identifies research challenges and opportunities. This discussion builds upon their paper and examines the potential of insect-scale flapping wing flight from an application point of view. It summarizes requirements and mention implications of these requirements on propulsion, power, and control architecture.
How land plant life cycles first evolved
Authors: Kenrick Paul
Published: December 2017

Fossils and developmental genetics reveal early changes in the plant life cycle
Asylum applications respond to temperature fluctuations
Authors: Missirian Anouch , Schlenker Wolfram
Published: December 2017

Warming stresses developing countries

Weather-induced conflicts in developing countries spill over to developed countries through asylum applications. One approach to estimating the future impacts of climate change is to look at the effects of weather fluctuations. These transient shocks can be interpreted analytically as randomly distributed treatments applied to countries around the world. Missirian and Schlenker analyzed the relation between these localized shocks to agriculture and applications by that country's migrants for asylum in the European Union. When temperatures in the source country deviated from a moderate optimum around 20°C that is best for agriculture, asylum applications increased. Thus, the net forecast is for asylum applications to increase as global temperatures rise.

Science
, this issue p.
1610
Variation in theAvrSr35gene determinesSr35resistance against wheat stem rust race Ug99
Authors: Salcedo Andres , Rutter William , Wang Shichen , Akhunova Alina , Bolus Stephen , Chao Shiaoman , Anderson Nickolas , De Soto Monica Fernandez , Rouse Matthew , Szabo Les , Bowden Robert L. , Dubcovsky Jorge , Akhunov Eduard
Published: December 2017

Fungal effectors of wheat stem rust

The fungal pathogen Ug99 (named for its identification in Uganda in 1999) threatens wheat crops worldwide. Ug99 can kill entire fields of wheat and is undeterred by many of the disease-resistance genes that otherwise protect wheat crops. Two papers describe two peptides secreted by the fungus as it attacks the wheat (see the Perspective by Moscou and van Esse). Chenet al.show that fungal AvrSr50 binds to the plant's immune receptor Sr50, and Salcedoet al.show that fungal AvrSr35 binds to Sr35. Successful binding activates the plant's immune defenses. Removing or inactivating these Avr effectors leaves the plant defenseless and susceptible to disease.

Science, this issue p.1607, p.1604; see also p.1541
What can machine learning do? Workforce implications
Authors: Brynjolfsson Erik , Mitchell Tom
Published: December 2017

Profound change is coming, but roles for humans remain
Dicer uses distinct modules for recognizing dsRNA termini
Authors: Sinha Niladri K. , Iwasa Janet , Shen Peter S. , Bass Brenda L.
Published: December 2017

Substrate recognition by Dicer elucidated

The Dicer protein generates short RNAs from double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) substrates and is critical for RNA interference and antiviral defense. Sinha
et al.
report structures of a
Drosophila
Dicer protein that shed light on its two distinct mechanisms for recognizing and cleaving substrates: adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-independent, distributive cleavage of 3′-overhang dsRNAs and ATP-dependent, processive threading of blunt-end dsRNAs. This flexibility might provide invertebrates with the optimization capabilities needed for antiviral defense.

Science
, this issue p.
329
Structural mechanisms of centromeric nucleosome recognition by the kinetochore protein CENP-N
Authors: Chittori Sagar , Hong Jingjun , Saunders Hayden , Feng Hanqiao , Ghirlando Rodolfo , Kelly Alexander E. , Bai Yawen , Subramaniam Sriram
Published: December 2017

Recognizing centromere by kinetochore

The kinetochore proteins CENP-N and CENP-C recognize the histone H3 variant CENP-A in the centromeric nucleosome. This ensures proper kinetochore assembly and accurate segregation of chromosomes. Chittori
et al.
describe the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the human CENP-A nucleosome-CENP-N complex. The interaction of CENP-N with CENP-A and the nucleosomal DNA together ensure specific and stable centromeric nucleosome recognition. Mutational analyses using both human and
Xenopus
CENP-A and CENP-N proteins suggest that the proteins have coevolved to preserve the interacting surfaces.

Science
, this issue p.
339
The quest for durable resistance
Authors: Moscou Matthew J. , van Esse H. Peter
Published: December 2017

A milestone for preventing the worldwide spread of wheat rusts has been reached
Design principles of a human mimetic humanoid: Humanoid platform to study human intelligence and internal body system
Authors: Asano Yuki , Okada Kei , Inaba Masayuki
Published: December 2017

Human mimetic humanoids incorporate anatomical fidelity to the human musculoskeletal structure.