bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collaborative information seeking and expertise seeking: different discourses about similar issues
Authors: Hertzum Morten
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast research on collaborative information seeking (CIS) and expertise seeking (EXS) to identify focal themes, blind spots, and possibilities for cross-fertilization.

Design/methodology/approach

Existing research was reviewed. The review consisted of a content analysis of 70 (CIS) and 72 (EXS) studies with respect to the context, scope, process, and setting of CIS and EXS, supplemented with a bibliometric analysis of the references in the reviewed studies.

Findings

In CIS, the context is a group of actors collaborating on a shared task. In EXS, the information need is held by an individual but resolved by consulting other people. While the typical scope of EXS studies is source selection, CIS studies mostly concern the consultation of the sources and the use of the obtained information. CIS and EXS studies also attend differentially to the information-seeking process. Only 4 percent of the references in the reviewed studies are cited in both CIS and EXS research. The author concludes that, at present, CIS and EXS are different discourses about similar issues.

Research limitations/implications

Increased interaction between CIS and EXS will advance research in both areas and prevent duplication of effort. Topics for future research are identified. It should be noted that the findings are limited to the 142 studies reviewed.

Originality/value

By analyzing CIS in the context of EXS, and vice versa, this study provides a fresh look at the information-seeking research that attends to collaboration.
The creation, preservation and transmission of Shuishu archives in China
Authors: Lian Zhiying
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a qualitative study exploring the conditions associated with the creation, preservation and transmission of Shuishu archives in China, and the crises today in their preservation and transmission and the reasons behind them. It also proposes activation mechanisms to shift Shuishu archives from jeopardized collective memory to preservable cultural memory.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews and ethnographic fieldwork were conducted over the course of a month in 2015.

Findings

The creation, preservation and transmission of Shuishu archives in the community of the Shui rely upon the community’s closed system. But this system has been broken as a result of modernization and wide use of new media in China. To preserve and transmit Shuishu archives to future generations, there needs to be mutual trust and equitable cooperation between government archives and the Shuishushi. The “cultural consciousness” of the Shui needs to be stimulated, and more members of the Shui and the whole of society need to participate in the preservation and transmission of this distinctive memory.

Practical implications

The study can provide a provocative example for education in preservation and LIS about community culture and archiving, and the preservation of social memory, identity and culture. The activation mechanisms seek to aid in the preservation and transmission of Shuishu archives and other similar community memory.

Originality/value

The study uses semi-structured interviews and ethnographic methodology to develop a rich understanding of the history and the status quo of the preservation and transmission of Shuishu archives. It redefines Shuishu archives and sheds light on the roles government archives should play in the preservation and transmission of Shuishu archives.
Preventing suicide in Montana: a community-based theatre intervention
Authors: Keller Sarah N. , Wilkinson Timothy
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether a community-based suicide prevention project could increase willingness to seek professional help for suicidal ideation among young people.

Design/methodology/approach

Online surveys were administered at baseline (n= 224) and six months post-test (n= 217), consisting of the Risk Behavior Diagnosis scale; self-report questions on suicidality; willingness to engage with suicide prevention resources; and willingness to communicate with peers, family members, teachers or counselors about suicide.

Findings

A comparison of means within groups from pre- to post-test showed increases in self-efficacy for communicating about suicidal concerns with a teacher, school counselor or social worker; increases in self-efficacy for helping others; and increases in response-efficacy of interpersonal communication about suicide with a teacher, school counselor or social worker.

Practical implications

Young adults need to be willing and able to intervene in life-threatening situations affecting their peers. In step with narrative empowerment education, personal experiences can be used to communicatively reduce peer resistance to behavior change.

Originality/value

Health communicators tend to rely on overly didactic education and awareness-raising when addressing suicide prevention. This research shows the importance of direct and personal forms of influence advocated by social marketing professionals.
New Hamiltonian equations of high accuracy for ocean waves with applications in determining wave forces on offshore structures
Authors: Wang Zhaoling
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new approach to further obtain reduced Hamiltonian equations for certain nonlinear cases of finite amplitude.

Design/methodology/approach

Chebyshev polynomials are introduced to best approximate the primitive exact wave equations.

Findings

New results are derived for certain nonlinear cases of finite amplitude. Furthermore, ranges of applicability are determined in conjunction with the error analyses for various cases. In particular, the new structure can give a new highly accurate formula for determining the wave forces of the offshore structures.

Originality/value

New reduced Hamiltonian equations for nonlinear surface gravity waves have been derived for certain cases of finite amplitude for the first time. And the new structure can give a new highly accurate formula for determining the wave forces of offshore structures. These results extend the usual results for weakly nonlinear surface waves to nonlinear surface waves over certain finite ranges.
A review of sugar palm (Arenga pinnata): application, fibre characterisation and composites
Authors: Huzaifah M.R.M. , Sapuan S.M. , Leman Z. , Ishak M.R. , Maleque M.A.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the review of natural fibre composites as well as a specific type of fibre, i.e., sugar palm fibre and its composites.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of this review paper is to present previous work on natural fibres and their composites. Then a review of several important aspects such as history, origin, botanic description, distribution, application and characterisation of sugar palm tree, and its fibre is presented. Finally a review of properties and characterisation of sugar palm composites is presented.

Findings

Findings of this review include the potential application of natural fibres and their composites for engineering application, the use of sugar palm and its fibres, as well as the suitability of sugar palm composites in engineering application after conducting review of their performance and characterisation.

Originality/value

The value of this review is to highlight the potential of natural fibres, natural fibre composites, sugar palm, sugar palm fibres and sugar palm composites as materials for engineering applications.
A digital arbitrary size kernel convolution smart image sensor based on in-pixel pulse width processors
Authors: Habibi Mehdi , Danesh Ahmad Reza
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a pulse width based, in-pixel, arbitrary size kernel convolution processor. When image sensors are used in machine vision tasks, large amount of data need to be transferred to the output and fed to a processor. Basic and low-level image processing functions such as kernel convolution is used extensively in the early stages of most machine vision tasks. These low-level functions are usually computationally extensive and if the computation is performed inside every pixel, the burden on the external processor will be greatly reduced.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed architecture, digital pulse width processing is used to perform kernel convolution on the image sensor data. With this approach, while the photocurrent fluctuations are expressed with changes in the pulse width of an output signal, the small processor incorporated in each pixel receives the output signal of the corresponding pixel and its neighbors and produces a binary coded output result for that specific pixel. The process is commenced in parallel among all pixels of the image sensor.

Findings

It is shown that using the proposed architecture, not only kernel convolution can be performed in the digital domain inside smart image sensors but also arbitrary kernel coefficients are obtainable simply by adjusting the sampling frequency at different phases of the processing.

Originality/value

Although in-pixel digital kernel convolution has been previously reported however with the presented approach no in-pixel analog to binary coded digital converter is required. Furthermore, arbitrary kernel coefficients and scaling can be deployed in the processing. The given architecture is a suitable choice for smart image sensors which are to be used in high-speed machine vision tasks.
The education of learners with CHARGE syndrome
Authors: Deuce Gail
Published: October 2017

CHARGE syndrome, although a low incidence condition, is now recognised as a leading cause of congenital deafblindness among genetic conditions. Anecdotal reporting has suggested that learners with CHARGE syndrome are distinct from the wider deafblind population. This study investigates the education of learners with CHARGE syndrome, while also examining what the similarities and differences might be between this group of learners and the wider deafblind population. The findings of this study support the identification of potential learning characteristics of individuals with CHARGE syndrome, and also indicate that educational deafblind practice is applicable for this group of learners, although alternative or additional strategies may be required. Both commonalities and distinctions were found, but it was concluded that educationally there may be something unique and distinct in learners with this condition.
Method for Rapidly Assessing the Overtopping Risk of Bridges Due to Flooding over a Large Geographic Region
Authors: Shen Yawen , Goodall Jonathan L. , Chase Steven B.
Published: October 2017

Hydraulic events are a leading cause of bridge failures. While these hydraulic events are accounted for in bridge design, changing environmental and land use conditions require continual updating of this risk. For example, after a bridge has been constructed, streamflow can change in unanticipated ways as a result of land use changes, geomorphic changes, and climate change. The objective of this research was to create a screening method able to quickly and inexpensively estimate overtopping risk across a collection of bridges based on the current streamflow conditions. The method uses a geographic information system, nationally available and standardized datasets, and recent regression equations to quantify bridge vulnerability to overtopping for flooding with varying return periods. This screening method could also be used to assist decision makers in updating the Waterway Adequacy field in the National Bridge Inventory, which indicates the overtopping risk of bridges. The method was applied to a portion of the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, United States that includes 475 bridges. The results of the analysis, when combined with transportation data for bridges, aid decision makers to assign further resources to complete more detailed analyses of bridges identified as being at risk for overtopping.
An Emergency Department Observation Unit Is a Feasible Setting for Multidisciplinary Geriatric Assessments in Compliance With the Geriatric Emergency Department Guidelines
Authors: Southerland Lauren T. , Vargas Anthony J. , Nagaraj Lalitha , Gure Tanya R. , Caterino Jeffery M.
Published: October 2017

Background

The Geriatric Emergency Department (ED) Guidelines recommend providing multidisciplinary geriatric assessment in the ED, but these assessments can be difficult to coordinate and may prolong length of stay. Patients who need longer than a typical ED stay can be placed in an ED observation unit (Obs Unit). We investigated the effects of offering multidisciplinary assessments for ED patients in an Obs Unit.

Methods

Evaluation by a geriatric hospital consultation team, physical therapist, case manager, and/or pharmacist was made available to all Obs Unit patients. Use of any or all of these ancillary consult services could be requested by the Obs Unit physician. A retrospective chart review of random older adult Obs Unit patients was done to assess rates of consult use and interventions by these consulting teams. All patients ≥ 65 years old in our institutional review board–approved, monthly Obs Unit quality database from October 2015 through March 2017 were included.

Results

Our quality database included 221 older patients over 18 months. The mean (±SD) age was 73.3 (±6.8) years (range = 65–96 years) and 55.2% were women. The mean (±SD) observation length of stay was 14.7 (±6.5) hours. The majority (74.3%) were discharged from the Obs Unit and 72‐hour ED recidivism was 3.6%. Overall, at least one of the multidisciplinary consultant services were requested in 40.3% of patients (n = 89). Additional interventions or services were recommended in 80.0% of patients evaluated by physical therapy (32 of 40 patients), 100% of those evaluated by a pharmacist (five of five patients), 38% of those evaluated by case management (27 of 71 patients), and 100% of those evaluated by a geriatrician (eight of eight patients). Only 5.4% (n = 12) of patients were placed in observation specifically for multidisciplinary assessment; these patients had a mean (±SD) length of stay of 12.2 (±5) hours and an admission rate of 41.7%.

Conclusions

Incorporating elements of multidisciplinary geriatric assessment for older patients is feasible within an observation time frame and resulted in targeted interventions. An Obs Unit is a reasonable setting to offer services in compliance with the Geriatric ED Guidelines.
Changes in thickness of central macula and retinal nerve fibre layer in severe hypertensive retinopathy: a 1‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Lee Han‐Min , Lee Woo‐Hyuk , Kim Kyong Nam , Jo Young Joon , Kim Jung Yeul
Published: October 2017

Objective

To analyse the longitudinal changes in the thickness of the central macula and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) in patients with hypertensive retinopathy (HTNR) using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT).

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study. We studied 18 eyes of patients with HTNR of grade IV who had been followed up for more than 1 year, and 36 normal eyes (without any relevant medical history; the control group). Antihypertensive treatment successfully normalized the blood pressure of HTNR patients. The RNFL thickness and that of the central macula of HTNR patients were measured using a Cirrus HD‐OCT instrument, and compared with those of the control group.

Results

At 12 months of follow‐up, the mean thickness of the RNFL and central macula was significantly lower in the HTNR group than in the control group (the RNFL was measured first, and then the central macular thickness (CMT): 77.4 ± 9.1 and 233.8 ± 30.8 μm versus 94.1 ± 7.8 and 256.3 ± 28.1 μm, respectively; p < 0.05). With time, the RNFL thickness and CMT became significantly less than that at the initial diagnosis (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Severe HTNR causes a decrease in the thickness of the RNFL and central macula over time. Therefore, the impact of retinal changes associated with systemic diseases such as hypertension should be considered in analysing the thicknesses of the RNFL and central macula in ocular disorders, including retina, glaucoma and neuro‐ophthalmologic diseases.
WNT10A gene is the second molecular candidate in a cohort of young Italian subjects with ectodermal derivative impairment (EDI)
Authors: Guazzarotti L. , Tadini G. , Mancini G.E. , Sani I. , Pisanelli S. , Galderisi F. , D'Auria E. , Secondi R. , Bottero A. , Zuccotti G.V.
Published: October 2017

Ectodermal dysplasias are a group of genetic disorders defined by ectodermal derivative impairment (EDI). To test the impact of the Wnt/beta‐catenin pathway in the genetic screening of EDI, we performed a molecular gene study of WNT10A in 60 subjects from a population of 133 young Italian patients referred for the impairment of at least one major ectodermal‐derived structure and who had a previous negative molecular screen for ectodysplasin signaling pathway genes ED1, EDAR, and EDARADD. Fourteen WNT10A mutations were identified in 33 subjects (24.8%), 11 of which were novel variants. The phenotype was evaluated through a detailed clinical examination of the major and minor ectodermal‐derived structures. This study is the first to show that, after ED1, WNT10A is the second molecular candidate for EDI in a large Italian Caucasian population. The study confirmed that Phe228Ile is the most frequent WNT10A variant in Caucasian populations, and that WNT10A mutations are associated with large variability in EDI.
Digenic inheritance and genetic modifiers
Authors: Deltas C.
Published: October 2017

Digenic inheritance (DI) concerns pathologies with the simplest form of multigenic etiology, implicating more than 1 gene (and perhaps the environment). True DI is when biallelic or even triallelic mutations in 2 distinct genes, in cis or in trans, are necessary and sufficient to cause pathology with a defined diagnosis. In true DI, a heterozygous mutation in each of 2 genes alone is not associated with a recognizable phenotype. Well‐documented diseases with true DI are so far rare and follow non‐Mendelian inheritance. DI is also encountered when by serendipity, pathogenic mutations responsible for 2 distinct disease entities are co‐inherited, leading to a mixed phenotype. Also, we can consider many true monogenic Mendelian conditions, which show impressively broad spectrum of phenotypes due to pseudo‐DI, as a result of co‐inheriting genetic modifiers (GMs). I am herewith reviewing examples of GM and embark on presenting some recent notable examples of true DI, with wider discussion of the literature. Undeniably, the advent of high throughput sequencing is bound to unravel more patients suffering with true DI conditions and elucidate many important GM, thus impacting precision medicine.
Structural basis for enzyme bifunctionality – the case of Gan1D from Geobacillus stearothermophilus
Authors: Lansky Shifra , Zehavi Arie , Belrhali Hassan , Shoham Yuval , Shoham Gil
Published: October 2017

6‐phospho‐β‐glucosidases and 6‐phospho‐β‐galactosidases are enzymes that hydrolyze the β‐glycosidic bond between a terminal non‐reducing glucose‐6‐phosphate (Glc6P) or galactose‐6‐phosphate (Gal6P), respectively, and other organic molecules. Gan1D, a glycoside hydrolase (GH) belonging to the GH1 family, has recently been identified in a newly characterized galactan‐utilization gene cluster in the bacterium Geobacillus stearothermophilus T‐1. Gan1D has been shown to exhibit bifunctional activity, possessing both 6‐phospho‐β‐galactosidase and 6‐phospho‐β‐glucosidase activities. We report herein the complete 3D crystal structure of Gan1D, together with its acid/base catalytic mutant Gan1D‐E170Q. The tertiary structure of Gan1D conforms well to the (β/α)8 TIM‐barrel fold commonly observed in GH enzymes, and its quaternary structure adopts a dimeric assembly, confirmed by gel‐filtration and small‐angle X‐ray scattering results. We present also the structures of Gan1D in complex with the putative substrate cellobiose‐6‐phosphate (Cell6P) and the degradation products Glc6P and Gal6P. These complexes reveal the specific enzyme‐substrate and enzyme‐product binding interactions of Gan1D, and the residues involved in its glycone, aglycone, and phosphate binding sites. We show that the different ligands trapped in the active sites adopt different binding modes to the protein, providing a structural basis for the dual galactosidase/glucosidase activity observed for this enzyme. Based on this information, specific mutations were performed on one of the active site residues (W433), shifting the enzyme specificity from dual activity to a significant preference toward 6‐phospho‐β‐glucosidase activity. These data and their comparison with structural data of related glucosidases and galactosidases are used for a more general discussion on the structure–function relationships in this sub‐group of GH1 enzymes.

Databases

Atomic coordinates of Gan1D‐wild‐type (WT)‐P1, Gan1D‐WT‐C2, Gan1D‐E170Q, Gan1D‐WT‐Gal6P, Gan1D‐WT‐Glc6P, and Gan1D‐E170Q‐Cell6P have been deposited in the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics (RCSB) Protein Data Bank, under accession codes 5OKB, 5OKJ/5OKH, 5OKA/5OK7, 5OKQ/5OKK, 5OKS/5OKR, and 5OKG/5OKE, respectively.
Target DNA stabilizes Mycobacterium tuberculosis DevR/DosR phosphorylation by the full‐length oxygen sensors DevS/DosS and DosT
Authors: Sousa Eduardo H. S. , Gonzalez Gonzalo , Gilles‐Gonzalez Marie‐Alda
Published: October 2017

Mycobacterium tuberculosis strongly relies on a latency, or nonreplicating persistence, to escape a human host's immune system. The DevR (DosR), DevS (DosS), and DosT proteins are key components of this process. Like the rhizobial FixL oxygen sensor, DevS and DosT are histidine protein kinases with a heme‐binding domain. Like the FixJ partner and substrate of FixL, DevR is a classical response regulator of the two‐component class. When activated by DevS or DosT during hypoxia in vivo, DevR induces a dormancy regulon of more than 40 genes. To investigate the contributions of DevS, DosT, and target DNA to the phosphorylation of DevR, we developed an in vitro assay in which the full‐length, sensing, DevS and DosT proteins were used to phosphorylate DevR with ATP, in the presence of target DNAs that were introduced as oligonucleotides linked to magnetic nanoparticles. We found that the DevR phosphorylations proceeded only for the deoxy states of the sensors. The reaction was strongly inhibited by O2, but not CO or NO. The production of phospho‐DevR was enhanced sixfold by target consensus DNA or acr‐DNA. The phospho‐DevR bound tightly to that DNA (Kd ~ 0.8 nm toward acr‐DNA), and it was only slightly displaced by a 200‐fold excess of unphosphorylated DevR or of a truncated DevR with only a DNA‐binding domain. To our knowledge, this represents the first in vitro study of the ligand regulation of DevR phosphorylation by full‐length DevS and DosT, and demonstration of a positive effect of DNA on this reaction.
The relative contribution of river network structure and anthropogenic stressors to spatial patterns of genetic diversity in two freshwater fishes: A multiple‐stressors approach
Authors: Prunier Jérôme G. , Dubut Vincent , Loot Géraldine , Tudesque Loïc , Blanchet Simon
Published: October 2017

Recent findings highlighted the central role of the structure of the river network in shaping spatial patterns of genetic diversity in riverscapes. However, the influence of multiple anthropogenic stressors on these patterns may be just as important and the relative impacts of these two types of predictors have rarely been quantified simultaneously in river networks. Here, we contributed to filling this gap by investigating the relative contribution of both network structure and multiple anthropogenic stressors in shaping spatial patterns of genetic diversity in two freshwater fishes (Gobio occitaniae and Phoxinus phoxinus).

We focused on two rivers in which the two fish species were sampled along the upstream–downstream gradient. Microsatellite markers were used to quantify genetic diversity from three indices: allelic richness, private allelic richness and genetic uniqueness. Each sampling site was physically characterised according to its position in the network, and was described for multiple anthropogenic stressors including habitat degradation, fragmentation and stocking. This multiple‐stressors approach was conducted using a fully explicit and generalisable analytical framework designed to cope with strong collinearity among environmental variables.

Overall, the contribution of network structure to the variance in genetic diversity was 1.8 times higher than the contribution of anthropogenic stressors. Both the position of sites along the upstream–downstream gradient and stocking were strong and consistent drivers of genetic variability. Conversely, the local influences of habitat degradation and fragmentation were species‐ and river‐specific, sometimes even varying along the river channel, thus preventing any generalisations.

We concluded that the natural structure of networks and stocking strongly influence spatial patterns of genetic diversity in a predictable way, whereas the influence of other human activities may be much more difficult to predict over species and contexts.
Heterogeneity and Spatial Dependence of Regional Growth in the EU: A Recursive Partitioning Approach
Authors: Wagner Martin , Zeileis Achim
Published: October 2017

We use model-based recursive partitioning to assess heterogeneity of growth and convergence processes based on economic growth regressions for 255 European Union NUTS2 regions from 1995 to 2005. Spatial dependencies are taken into account by augmenting the model-based regression tree with a spatial lag. The starting point of the analysis is a human-capital-augmented Solow-type growth equation similar in spirit to Mankiw et al. (1992, The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 107, 407-437). Initial GDP and the share of highly educated in the working age population are found to be important for explaining economic growth, whereas the investment share in physical capital is only significant for coastal regions in the PIIGS countries. For all considered spatial weight matrices recursive partitioning leads to a regression tree with four terminal nodes with partitioning according to (i) capital regions, (ii) non-capital regions in or outside the so-called PIIGS countries and (iii) inside the respective PIIGS regions furthermore between coastal and non-coastal regions. The choice of the spatial weight matrix clearly influences the spatial lag parameter while the estimated slope parameters are very robust to it. This indicates that accounting for heterogeneity is an important aspect of modeling regional economic growth and convergence.
Age and prostate volume are risk factors for transient urinary incontinence after transurethral enucleation with bipolar for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Hirasawa Yosuke , Kato Yuji , Fujita Kiichiro
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To investigate the predictive factors for transient urinary incontinence after transurethral enucleation with bipolar.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 584 patients who underwent transurethral enucleation with bipolar between December 2011 and September 2016 operated by a single surgeon. Urinary incontinence after transurethral enucleation with bipolar was defined as involuntary leakage of urine that required the use of pads. It was evaluated at 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after transurethral enucleation with bipolar. We defined transient urinary incontinence as urinary incontinence persisting up to 1 month after transurethral enucleation with bipolar. Based on independent risk factors identified by a multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis, a nomogram to predict transient urinary incontinence was developed.

Results

Of the 584 patients, 17.3%, 13.5%, 3.1%, 0.41%, and 0% patients had urinary incontinence at 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after transurethral enucleation with bipolar, respectively. The mean (±standard error) age was 69.6 ± 0.26 years, estimated prostate volume was 54.7 ± 0.91 cm3, operative time was 58.0 ± 1.1 min and the prostate specimen weight was 30.6 ± 0.69 g. On univariate analysis, age, prostate volume estimated by transrectal ultrasonography, prostate‐specific antigen, prostate specimen weight, operative time, prostate specimen weight/prostate volume and prostate specimen weight/operative time were significant predictive factors for transient urinary incontinence after transurethral enucleation with bipolar. On multivariate analysis, age (hazard ratio 1.07, P‐value = 0.0034) and prostate volume (hazard ratio 1.03, P‐value < 0.0001) were independent risk factors for transient urinary incontinence after transurethral enucleation with bipolar.

Conclusions

Age and prostate volume estimated by transrectal ultrasonography seem to represent significant independent risk factors for transient urinary incontinence after transurethral enucleation with bipolar. This should be well discussed with the patient before surgery.
Structural evolution of the R‐T phase boundary in KNN‐based ceramics
Authors: Lv Xiang , Wu Jiagang , Xiao Dingquan , Zhu Jianguo , Zhang Xixiang
Published: October 2017

Although a rhombohedral‐tetragonal (R‐T) phase boundary is known to substantially enhance the piezoelectric properties of potassium‐sodium niobate ceramics, the structural evolution of the R‐T phase boundary itself is still unclear. In this work, the structural evolution of R‐T phase boundary from −150°C to 200°C is investigated in (0.99−x)K0.5Na0.5Nb1−ySbyO3–0.01CaSnO3–xBi0.5K0.5HfO3 (where x = 0‐0.05 with y = 0.035, and y = 0‐0.07 with x = 0.03) ceramics. Through temperature‐dependent powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and Raman spectra, the structural evolution was determined to be Rhombohedral (R, <−125°C)→Rhombohedral + Orthorhombic (R + O, −125°C to 0°C)→Rhombohedral + Tetragonal (R + T, 0 °C to 150°C)→dominating Tetragonal (T, 200°C to Curie temperature (TC)) → Cubic (C, >TC). In addition, the enhanced electrical properties (e.g., a direct piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of ~450 ± 5 pC/N, a conversion piezoelectric coefficient () of ~580 ± 5 pm/V, an electromechanical coupling factor (kp) of ~0.50 ± 0.02, and TC~250°C), fatigue‐free behavior, and good thermal stability were exhibited by the ceramics possessing the R‐T phase boundary. This work improves understanding of the physical mechanism behind the R‐T phase boundary in KNN‐based ceramics and is an important step toward their adoption in practical applications.
Establishment and evaluation of a peanut association panel and analysis of key nutritional traits
Authors: Zhang Xiurong , Zhu Suqing , Zhang Kun , Wan Yongshan , Liu Fengzhen , Sun Qingfang , Li Yingjie
Published: October 2017

Breeding programs aim to improve the yield and quality of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.); using association mapping to identify genetic markers linked to these quantitative traits could facilitate selection efficiency. A peanut association panel was established consisting of 268 lines with extensive phenotypic and genetic variation, meeting the requirements for association analysis. These lines were grown over 3 years and the key agronomic traits, including protein and oil content were examined. Population structure (Q) analysis showed two subpopulations and clustering analysis was consistent with Q‐based membership assignment and closely related to botanical type. Relative Kinship (K) indicated that most of the panel members have no or weak familial relatedness, with 52.78% of lines showing K = 0. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis showed a high level of LD occurs in the panel. Model comparisons indicated false positives can be effectively controlled by taking Q and K into consideration and more false positives were generated by K than Q. A preliminary association analysis using a Q + K model found markers significantly associated with oil, protein, oleic acid, and linoleic acid, and identified a set of alleles with positive and negative effects. These results show that this panel is suitable for association analysis, providing a resource for marker‐assisted selection for peanut improvement.
Impaired AMPA receptor trafficking by a double knockout of zebrafish olfactomedin1a/b
Authors: Nakaya Naoki , Sultana Afia , Tomarev Stanislav I.
Published: October 2017

The olfm1a and olfm1b genes in zebrafish encode conserved secreted glycoproteins. These genes are preferentially expressed in the brain and retina starting from 16 h post‐fertilization until adulthood. Functions of the Olfm1 gene is still unclear. Here, we produced and analyzed a null zebrafish mutant of both olfm1a and olfm1b genes (olfm1 null). olfm1 null fish were born at a normal Mendelian ratio and showed normal body shape and fertility as well as no visible defects from larval stages to adult. Olfm1 proteins were preferentially localized in the synaptosomes of the adult brain. Olfm1 co‐immunoprecipitated with GluR2 and soluble NSF attachment protein receptor complexes indicating participation of Olfm1 in both pre‐ and post‐synaptic events. Phosphorylation of GluR2 was not changed while palmitoylation of GluR2 was decreased in the brain synaptosomal membrane fraction of olfm1 null compared with wt fish. The levels of GluR2, SNAP25, flotillin1, and VAMP2 were markedly reduced in the synaptic microdomain of olfm1 null brain compared with wt. The internalization of GluR2 in retinal cells and the localization of VAMP2 in brain synaptosome were modified by olfm1 null mutation. This indicates that Olfm1 may regulate receptor trafficking from the intracellular compartments to the synaptic membrane microdomain, partly through the alteration of post‐translational GluR2 modifications such as palmitoylation. Olfm1 may be considered a novel regulator of the composition and function of the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate receptor complex.

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Skin penetration andUV‐damage prevention by nanoberries
Authors: Bucci Paula , Prieto María Jimena , Milla Laura , Calienni María Natalia , Martinez Luis , Rivarola Viviana , Alonso Silvia , Montanari Jorge
Published: October 2017

Background

Ethanolic extract from blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is rich in anthocyanins and thus exhibits antioxidant activity. On the other hand, ultradeformable liposomes are capable of penetrating to the impermeable barrier of skin. Nanoberries are ultradeformable liposomes carrying blueberry extract.

Objectives

In this study, their capacity to penetrate thestratum corneumand photodamage prevention were tested, with the aim of developing a topical formulation for skin protection from environmental damage.

Methods

Nanoberries were prepared by lipid film resuspension with ethanolic extract from blueberry, followed by sonication and incorporation to a gel. Size, zeta potential, deformability, rheology, and viscoelasticity were determined. Toxicity was assessed in vivo in zebrafish model, while in vitro cytotoxicity assay was performed on HaCaT andHEK‐293T cell lines. Skin penetration was evaluated with the Saarbrücken penetration model followed by tape stripping, cryosection, or optical sectioning.UV‐damage protection and photoprotection were determined by ad hoc methods withUVA,UVB, andUVCradiation on HaCaT cells. Wound assay was performed on HaCaT cells.

Results

Nanoberries of about 100 nm, with differential elastic properties, did penetrate thestratum corneum, with low toxicity. When HaCaT cells were exposed toUVradiation in the presence of nanoberries, their viability was maintained.

Conclusions

Nanoberries could be effective to protect the skin from sun photodamage.
Urethral prolapse in prepubertal females: Report of seven cases
Authors: Liu Chang , Lin Ya , Chen Xiangjian , Li Shi , Zhu Hua
Published: October 2017

Urethral prolapse is a rare lesion in female children, with a suggested incidence of one in 5000 in China. Most of the cases reported in children have been in girls of African descent. In this report, we present seven cases of Chinese pediatric patients with urethral prolapse. Patient ages ranged from 2 to 8 years. They all presented with a protruding mass in the vaginal opening and bleeding. Diagnosis was confirmed with the combination of clinical manifestation and supplementary examinations. The patients were treated with either conservative therapy (two of the seven patients) or surgical intervention (five of the seven patients). During a 2‐week to 6‐year follow‐up, no case recurred. The literature on urethral prolapse is reviewed.
Platelet indices in preterm premature rupture of membranes and their relation with adverse neonatal outcomes
Authors: Dundar Betul , Dincgez Cakmak Burcu , Ozgen Gulten , Tasgoz Fatma Nurgul , Guclu Tugberk , Ocakoglu Gokhan
Published: October 2017

Aim

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is not only the most common distinguishable cause of preterm delivery, but is also associated with adverse neonatal outcomes. We determined the platelet indices in PPROM cases and evaluated their relationship to adverse neonatal outcomes.

Methods

Fifty patients with PPROM and 50 patients who experienced spontaneous preterm labor at < 37 gestational weeks were evaluated. Complete blood counts, birth weights, Apgar scores, presence of sepsis and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and neonatal intensive care unit admission were recorded.

Results

Patients with PPROM had increased mean platelet volumes (9.40 vs 10; P = 0.01), plateletcrit (0.19 vs 0.21; P = 0.03) and a higher frequency of neonatal sepsis (18% vs 38%; P = 0.02). Platelet indices in the patient group were compared according to the development of RDS. Plateletcrit values were higher in the RDS positive group (0.23 ± 0.05 vs. 0.21 ± 0.04; P = 0.04). The cut‐off value for plateletcrit was determined as > 0.22, and the probability of RDS increased 5.86 times when plateletcrit values exceeded 0.22 (odds ratio 5.86, 95% confidence interval 1.01–32.01; P = 0.04). A one‐unit increase in platelet distribution width resulted in a 1.33‐fold increase in the risk of RDS (odds ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.77; P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Mean platelet volumes and plateletcrit significantly increased and plateletcrit had a predictive value for RDS in PPROM cases. Monitoring plateletcrit may be promising for predicting the development of RDS, one of the most common and serious complications of PPROM rupture.
Denosumab‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A retrospective study
Authors: Egloff‐Juras Claire , Gallois Aurélie , Salleron Julia , Massard Vincent , Dolivet Gilles , Guillet Julie , Phulpin Bérengère
Published: October 2017

Background

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a very delicate side effect of Denosumab. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the occurrence rate of Denosumab‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (DRONJ) at the Cancer Institute of Lorraine (ICL) and to highlight necrosis risk factors.

Methods

To that purpose, we analyzed the medical records of 249 consecutive patients treated with Denosumab at the ICL during the past 5 years. Patients who received orofacial radiotherapy or a previous treatment with a bisphosphonate were excluded. The P‐value was set at .005.

Results

A total of 141 patients treated at the ICL between January 2010 and December 2015 were included. All patients were treated with XGEVA®. Of the 141 patients included in the study, 10 developed DRONJ. The incidence of DRONJ increases with the duration of follow‐up as follows: 3% at 1 year, 7% at 2 years, and 8% from 30 months on. No risk factor for necrosis could be identified except the realization of prior dental extraction (P = .025).

Conclusion

Our results raise important questions about the dental management of these patients, in particular, concerning the healing period between dental extractions and the initiation of Denosumab.
Short‐Term Efficacy and Safety of Torasemide and Furosemide in 366 Dogs with Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease: The TEST Study
Authors: Chetboul V. , Pouchelon J.‐L. , Menard J. , Blanc J. , Desquilbet L. , Petit A. , Rougier S. , Lucats L. , Woehrle F. ,   the TEST study investigators
Published: October 2017

Background

Furosemide is the only loop diuretic recommended by the ACVIM consensus guidelines for treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs related to degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD). Torasemide is another potent loop diuretic with a longer half‐life and a higher bioavailability.

Objectives

(1) To demonstrate that torasemide given once a day (q24h) is noninferior to furosemide given twice a day (q12h) for treating dogs with CHF; (2) and to compare the effect of the 2 drugs on the time to reach a composite cardiac endpoint “spontaneous cardiac death, euthanasia due to heart failure or CHF class worsening.”

Animals

A total of 366 dogs with CHF attributable to DMVD.

Methods

Analysis of 2 prospective randomized single‐blinded reference‐controlled trials was performed. Dogs orally received either torasemide q24h (n = 180) or furosemide q12h (n = 186) in addition to standard CHF therapy over 3 months. The primary efficacy criterion was the percentage of dogs with treatment success assessed in each study. The time to reach the composite cardiac endpoint was used as secondary criterion in the overall population.

Results

Torasemide was noninferior to furosemide (Ptorasemide − Pfurosemide = +7%; 95% CI [−8%; +22%] andPtorasemide − Pfurosemide = +1%; 95% CI [−12%; +14%], respectively, in Study 1 and Study 2). Torasemide (median dose = 0.24 mg/kg/d q24h; range = 0.10–0.69 mg/kg/d) was associated with a 2‐fold reduction in the risk of reaching the composite cardiac endpoint (adjusted HR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.27–0.82;P = 0.0077) as compared with furosemide (median dose = 1.39 mg/kg q12h; range = 0.70–6.30 mg/kg q12h).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Torasemide q24h is an effective oral diuretic in dogs with CHF.
The major leaf ferredoxin Fd2 regulates plant innate immunity in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Mo , Rui Lu , Yan Haojie , Shi Hua , Zhao Wanying , Lin Jinshan Ella , Zhang Kai , Blakeslee Joshua J. , Mackey David , Tang Dingzhong , Wei Zhongmin , Wang Guo‐Liang
Published: October 2017

Ferredoxins, the major distributors for electrons to various acceptor systems in plastids, contribute to redox regulation and antioxidant defence in plants. However, their function in plant immunity is not fully understood. In this study, we show that the expression of the major leaf ferredoxin gene Fd2 is suppressed by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000 infection, and that knockout of Fd2 (Fd2‐KO) in Arabidopsis increases the plant's susceptibility to both Pst DC3000 and Golovinomyces cichoracearum. On Pst DC3000 infection, the Fd2‐KO mutant accumulates increased levels of jasmonic acid and displays compromised salicylic acid‐related immune responses. Fd2‐KO also shows defects in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species induced by pathogen‐associated molecular pattern‐triggered immunity. However, Fd2‐KO shows enhanced R‐protein‐mediated resistance to Pst DC3000/AvrRpt2 infection, suggesting that Fd2 plays a negative role in effector‐triggered immunity. Furthermore, Fd2 interacts with FIBRILLIN4 (FIB4), a harpin‐binding protein localized in chloroplasts. Interestingly, Fd2, but not FIB4, localizes to stromules that extend from chloroplasts. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Fd2 plays an important role in plant immunity.
Bringing the study of warfare into theories of nationalism
Authors: Hutchinson John
Published: October 2017

This article argues that warfare has been marginalised in theories of nationalism but that in conjunction with nationalism is vital for understanding the rise of nation‐states, the formation of nations and the nature of the international system. It offers a critique of statist approaches, suggests mechanisms through which warfare may sacralise nations and explores different patterns of nation‐state formation as they affect the interstate system. In particular, it emphasises tensions between state and nation‐formation as activated by the fortunes of war and the destabilising effects of waves of imperial dissolution, which are accompanied by patterns of re‐imperialization. It suggests that it is simplistic both to claim that war has led to a transition from empires to nation‐states and that contemporary practices of war‐making have led to a postnational era.
Coagulopathy as a complication of kidney biopsies in paediatric systemic lupus erythematosus patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Nagata Hiroko , Sato Mai , Ogura Masao , Yoshikawa Takahisa , Yamamoto Kazuna , Matsumura Sohshi , Kano Yuji , Saida Ken , Sako Mayumi , Kamei Koichi , Yoshioka Takako , Ogata Kentaro , Ito Shuichi , Ishikura Kenji
Published: October 2017

Children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) generally undergo a pretreatment kidney biopsy. However, some of these patients, especially those with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), may experience serious coagulopathic complications. We report herein two cases of paediatric SLE with APS in which, despite normal blood test results, the disparate coagulopathic complications of haemorrhage and embolism developed following a kidney biopsy. Case 1 was, an 8‐year‐old male in whom, primary APS was initially diagnosed. Fourteen months later SLE was diagnosed. Based on a percutaneous kidney biopsy, International Society of Nephrology and the Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) class III‐A lupus nephritis was histologically diagnosed. On post‐biopsy Day 9, a giant haematoma in the fascia of the left kidney developed and was accompanied by changes in the vital signs. Case 2, a 13‐year‐old male, initially received the diagnosis of SLE with APS and underwent two courses of pulse methylprednisolone therapy. His coagulation abnormalities improved, and a percutaneous needle kidney biopsy was performed, leading to the histological diagnosis of ISN/RPS class III‐A lupus nephritis. Furthermore, thrombotic microangiopathy was also detected in the renal histopathology. On post biopsy Day 6, the patient experienced right leg pain. A contrast CT and lower extremity ultrasonography detected a massive deep vein thrombosis and partial left pulmonary artery thrombosis. A kidney biopsy in children with SLE and APS can cause lethal coagulopathic complications, and the risks to such patients should be weighed carefully before the procedure is performed.
Inflammatory cell distribution in colon mucosa as a new tool for diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome: A promising pilot study
Authors: Boyer J. , Saint‐Paul M.‐C. , Dadone B. , Patouraux S. , Vivinus M.‐H. , Ouvrier D. , Michiels J.‐F. , Piche T. , Tulic M. K.
Published: October 2017

Background

Currently, there are no histological criteria to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Our aims were (i) to examine the distribution of inflammatory cells in the colon of healthy and IBS subjects and (ii) to find histological diagnosis criteria for IBS.

Methods

Colonic biopsies were taken from four distinct regions of the colon from 20 controls (HC) and 11 patients with IBS (4 with constipation (IBS‐C) and 7 with diarrhea (IBS‐D) and embedded in paraffin. Macrophages, mast cells, eosinophils, and T lymphocytes were immunostained and positive cells counted.

Key Results

In both HC and IBS patients, global cellularity decreased from the cecum to the rectum (P < .01) which is attributed to reduced number of macrophages (P < .05) and eosinophils (P < .001) but not T cells. Mast cells were reduced in IBS (P < .05) but not in HC, particularly in IBS‐D (P < .05). Results showed higher number of macrophages in the left colon of IBS subjects than HC (P < .05).

Conclusion & Inferences

Here we report a decreasing gradient of immune cells from the cecum to the rectum of the human colon. Although global cellularity cannot be used to distinguish between IBS and HC, closer analysis of macrophages and mast cells may be useful markers to confirm IBS histologically and to differentiate between IBS‐C and IBS‐D when clinical presentation alternates between constipation and diarrhoea. This pilot study remains to be confirmed with greater number of patients.