bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Near‐infrared light penetration depth analysis inside melon with thick peel by a novel strategy of slicing combining with least square fitting method
Authors: Xu Lu , Li Jiangbo , Zhang Dongyan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe light penetration depth in melon was explored by near‐infrared (NIR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (500–1,100 nm) combining a novel strategy of slicing and least square fitting. The depths of peak wavelength and effective waveband (720–880 nm) based on three source‐detector distances (d = 10, 20, and 30 mm) were calculated and compared by least square fitting. The results indicated that the obtained depth were similar both slicing method and least square fitting. The depth values of melon fruits were 12.3, 14.9, and 19.0 mm for peak wavelength, and the depth value ranges were 11.7–12.4, 14.2–15.8, and 16.8–21.0 mm for the effective waveband of 720–880 nm when d was 10, 20, and 30 mm, respectively. The overall results demonstrated that least square fitting method could be accurately applied to calculate the light penetration depth inside melon and the depth value increased with increasement of d. And 20 mm source‐detector distance could be the optimal selection. This study can provide the valuable reference for development of spectral instrument used to effectively detect the internal quality of fruits, especially for fruits with thick peel.Practical applicationThe light penetration depth in fruit tissues was very important for obtaining the more effective spectral information used to accurately and robustly assess the internal quality of fruits. Currently, there was no effective and rapid technology to measure the light penetration depth of fruits, especially fruits with thick peel. Hence, in this research, we provided a novel method of slicing and least square fitting to calculate the light penetration depth in melon based on different source‐detector distance. The result indicated that the proposed method could be applied to calculate the penetration depth in melon and provided a valuable reference to develop the spectral equipment.
Midwifery Professional Stress and Its Sources: A Mixed‐Methods Study
Authors: Wright Erin M. , Matthai Maude Theo , Budhathoki Chakra 
Published: October 2018

IntroductionProfessionally‐related stress among midwives has been demonstrated in a global context to have deleterious effects on their professional, physical, and psychological health. Despite global interest in the subject, there has been no study about professional stress in a cohort of US midwives.MethodsA convergent parallel mixed‐methods design was used. The Job‐Related Tension Index (JRTI) survey was administered to a self‐selected sample of certified nurse‐midwives and certified midwives in clinical practice in the United States via email solicitation of the American College of Nurse‐Midwives’ membership. A single qualitative open‐ended question was also included in the survey.ResultsA total of 644 midwives participated in this study. The mean (SD) score on the JRTI across all midwife participants was 38.3 (9.65); the possible range of scores was 15 to 75. Midwives who were biologically older and/or had practiced longer and who had higher levels of education were shown to have higher levels of job‐related tension. Those who believed their stress levels had negatively affected patient care showed higher job‐related tension scores than those who did not. Call hours did not significantly affect tension scores in this study sample. Nearly all midwives in the cohort (97.1%) had experienced traumatic birth. Seven themes were identified after content analysis. These included the following: I'm SO tired, conflict with colleagues, selling your midwifery soul, leaving midwifery, non‐respectful maternity care, balancing work and personal life, and medicolegal fears.DiscussionSystems should recognize and validate midwives’ levels of work‐related tension and develop specific interventions to help alleviate it. Because of the size and racial homogeneity of the sample, further studies are recommended to identify stress levels and their contributing factors in a larger, more diverse population of midwives. Qualitative themes should be more fully explored to identify specific contributors to midwifery stress.
Combining functional traits, the environment and multiple surveys to understand semi‐arid tree distributions
Authors: Pollock Laura J. , Kelly Luke T. , Thomas Freya M. , Soe Paing , Morris William K. , White Matt , Vesk Peter A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractQuestionsRelationships between species, their functional traits and environmental gradients can now be more fully understood with trait‐based multi‐species distribution models (trait‐SDMs). However, general patterns are yet to emerge from founding studies using these models, which are mostly case studies at a single scale. Here, we address the generality of trait–environment relations by asking whether these relationships hold for different sampling schemes, environmental variables and species sets.MethodsWe focus on the drought and fire‐resistant “mallee” eucalypts of a semi‐arid region of southeast Australia, which are likely to face new climates and disturbance regimes under global change. We use hierarchical regression modelling to test how trait–environment relationships change for two data sets representing an extensively collected, multipurpose data set and an intensively collected data set stratified along environmental gradients.ResultsThree functional traits (specific leaf area, maximum height and seed mass) explained a substantial portion of the occurrence of species along soil, water and climatic gradients, with the relationship between seed mass and soil type robust across all tests. Other trait–environment relationships changed depending on study design and species set, with soil and substrate variables more important relative to climate (precipitation) for the intensively sampled survey. Remotely sensed variables were good surrogates for some field‐based measures (soil type), but not others (land form: dune or swale). In particular, airborne soil radiometric data show promise as a spatially continuous substitute for soil texture.ConclusionsTrait‐SDMs are a powerful tool for quantifying ecological interactions, but generalizations will only be possible when sample design, scale and environmental variables are carefully considered. We show that important ecological relationships can be diluted or missed entirely in broad scale trait–environment studies that rely on remotely sensed climate variables alone. Relationships that are robust to differences in study design, growth form and ecosystem (e.g., heavier seeds on sandy soil) are the most likely to reveal general ecological processes.
Genomic architecture of complex traits in loblolly pine
Authors: De La Torre Amanda R. , Puiu Daniela , Crepeau Marc W. , Stevens Kristian , Salzberg Steven L. , Langley Charles H. , Neale David B. 
Published: October 2018

Summary

Dissecting the genetic and genomic architecture of complex traits is essential to understand the forces maintaining the variation in phenotypic traits of ecological and economical importance.

Whole‐genome resequencing data were used to generate high‐resolution polymorphic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and genotype individuals from common gardens across the loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) natural range. Genome‐wide associations were tested with a large phenotypic dataset comprising 409 variables including morphological traits (height, diameter, carbon isotope discrimination, pitch canker resistance), and molecular traits such as metabolites and expression of xylem development genes.

Our study identified 2335 new SNP × trait associations for the species, with many SNPs located in physical clusters in the genome of the species; and the genomic location of hotspots for metabolic × genotype associations.

We found a highly polygenic basis of quantitative inheritance, with significant differences in number, effects size, genomic location and frequency of alleles contributing to variation in phenotypes in the different traits. While mutation‐selection balance might be shaping the genetic variation in metabolic traits, balancing selection is more likely to shape the variation in expression of xylem development genes. Our work contributes to the study of complex traits in nonmodel plant species by identifying associations at a whole‐genome level.
Accessibility to food retailers and socio‐economic deprivation in urban New Zealand
Authors: Wiki Jesse , Kingham Simon , Campbell Malcolm 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe spatial locations of food retailers are considered to be an influential aspect of population consumption patterns. Such contextual relationships are often related to socio‐economic deprivation, with disparities in accessibility having important implications. This study used Geographic Information Systems and an Enhanced Two‐Step Floating Catchment Area model of spatial accessibility to further understand such relationships within urban areas of New Zealand. Findings, while mixed, indicate that there is generally increased accessibility to all food retailers in highly deprived areas. Understanding these socio–spatial relationships in local environments has important implications for policy initiatives, health outcomes and sustainable development.
A model of occupational choice, offshoring and immigration
Authors: Unel Bulent 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper develops a two‐country model of offshoring and immigration with occupational choice and endogenous firm productivity. Individuals in Home choose to become entrepreneurs or workers, whereas those in Foreign can only be employed as workers. Entrepreneurs produce output using a fixed set of tasks that can be performed locally or abroad. The model predicts that pro‐immigration policies increase the number of entrepreneurs, raise productivity, and improve the aggregate welfare. It also predicts that lowering offshoring costs generates job polarization and welfare polarization, but improves the aggregate welfare.
The dynamics of conservative peakons in a family of U(1)‐invariant integrable equations of NLS‐Hirota type
Authors: Anco Stephen C. , Chang Xiangke , Szmigielski Jacek 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe tri‐Hamiltonian splitting method applied to the Hirota hierarchy has yielded two U(1)‐invariant nonlinear Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) that admit peakons (nonsmooth solitons). In the present paper, these two peakon PDEs are generalized to a family of U(1)‐invariant peakon PDEs parameterized by the real projective line . All equations in this family are shown to possess conservative peakon solutions (whose Sobolev norm is time invariant). The Hamiltonian structure for the sector of conservative peakons is identified and the peakon Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) are shown to be Hamiltonian with respect to several Poisson structures. As the main result, it is shown that inverse spectral methods allow one to solve explicitly the dynamics of conservative peakons using explicit solutions to a certain interpolation problem. The graphs of multipeakon solutions confirm the existence of multipeakon breathers as well as asymptotic formation of pairs of two peakon bound states in the nonperiodic time domain.
Patients’ experiences of sexuality as a taboo subject in the Danish healthcare system: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Traumer Line , Jacobsen Michael Hviid , Laursen Birgitte Schantz 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundSexual dysfunction is common in patients diagnosed with cancer or chronic disease, having psychological, emotional and social ramifications. The consequences are ultimately significant impaired quality of life and reduced mental well‐being, and it therefore requires professional attention. However, evidence suggests that sexuality is a taboo subject in the healthcare system, as healthcare professionals and patients rarely initiate conversations on this subject.AimTherefore, the purpose of this study was to understand how patients diagnosed with cancer or chronic disease experiencing sexual dysfunction experience sexuality as a taboo subject in the healthcare system.MethodsTen women diagnosed with cancer or chronic disease experiencing sexual dysfunction were recruited from the Sexological Centre in Aalborg, Denmark. Using an interview guide, semi‐structured interviews were conducted and a qualitative thematic analysis was performed.ResultsThe analysis revealed that sexuality is a sensitive and taboo subject in the Danish healthcare system. Some patients initiated conversations about their sexuality, but felt rejected by healthcare professionals, who dismissed these initiatives, whereas other patients were reluctant to discuss sexuality, but did not experience healthcare professionals bringing up sexuality either. Despite these differences between patients’ experiences, sexuality constituted a taboo subject, as patients or healthcare professionals deliberately avoided discussing the patients’ sexuality‐related issues.ConclusionsCommunication about sexuality is essential for improving patients’ well‐being, and healthcare professionals should routinely address sexuality and sexual intimacy with patients diagnosed with cancer or chronic disease in order to break the taboo and accommodate patients’ needs.
Interactive thermal tissue reactions of 7‐MHz intense focused ultrasound and 1‐MHz and 6‐MHz radiofrequency on cadaveric skin
Authors: Kim Heesu , Ahn Keun Jae , Lee Sugun , Park Henry , Cho Sung Bin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundIntense focused ultrasound (IFU) and radiofrequency (RF) systems generate thermal tissue reactions in multiple zones in the skin, with the microscopic features thereof varying according to energy sources and treatment parameters.ObjectiveTo evaluate interactive thermal tissue reactions of IFU and RF in cadaveric skin.MethodsThermal reaction patterns generated by IFU, invasive bipolar RF, and non‐invasive monopolar RF treatments were analyzed in cadaveric skin of the inner thigh. Additionally, combination treatment, including IFU and invasive bipolar RF, IFU and non‐invasive monopolar RF, invasive bipolar RF and IFU, and non‐invasive monopolar RF and IFU, was delivered to cadaveric skin and microscopically evaluated.ResultsCombination treatment with 1.5‐mm IFU followed by 1.5‐mm invasive RF elicited multiple thermal injury zones of coagulation and ablation in the mid to lower dermis. Therein, IFU‐induced thermal reactions were indistinguishable from RF‐induced thermal reactions. Non‐invasive RF treatment on IFU‐pretreated cadaveric tissue specimens exhibited greater degrees of thermal injury, with wider and deeper penetration, compared to non‐invasive RF treatment alone. Furthermore, RF‐pretreated tissues showed marked differences in the patterns of IFU‐induced thermal tissue reactions.ConclusionOur data suggest that combination treatments with IFU and RF elicit various patterns of interactive thermal tissue reactions.
Impact of enhanced efficiency fertilizers on potato productivity in a temperate cropping system
Authors: Eyles A. , Ives S. , Hardie M. , Corkrey R. , Boersma M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNitrification inhibitors are intended to improve the productivity of agricultural crops; however, there are limited data available on the efficacy of this approach in potato crop production. A field experiment was carried out in temperate Australia to compare the effect of standard commercial fertilizer nitrogen (N) management with fertilizer treated with two nitrification inhibitors, 3,4‐dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) and 1H‐1,2,4‐triazole and 3‐methylpyrazole (3MP+TZ) on potato productivity and soil N dynamics for three irrigation regimes. Despite evidence of increased soil ammonium () concentrations in the DMPP and 3MP+TZ treatments, crop yield and quality parameters (tuber number, average tuber size, potato‐specific gravity, three tuber size classes and grade yields) were similar across treatments. Further, DMPP and 3MP+TZ treatments did not reduce either the concentration or the flux of nitrate leached. These findings suggest that further research into the agronomic benefits of nitrification inhibitors for potatoes grown in cool temperate regions is needed.
Newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in an ethnic minority population: clinical presentation and comparison to other populations
Authors: Morkos Michael , Tahsin Bettina , Fogg Louis , Fogelfeld Leon 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveTo characterize the clinical presentation of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes of ethnic minority adults in Chicago and compare with other populations.Research design and methodsCross-sectional study examining the data of 2280 patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes treated between 2003 and 2013 in a large Chicago public healthcare system.ResultsMean age of the patients was 49±11.3 years, men 54.4%, African-Americans 48.1%, Hispanics 32.5%, unemployed 69.9%, uninsured 82.2%, English-speaking 75.1%, and body mass index was 32.8±7.4 kg/m2. Microvascular complications were present in 50.1% and macrovascular complications in 13.4%. There was a presence of either macrovascular or microvascular complications correlated with older age, hypertension, dyslipidemia, inactivity, speaking English, and being insured (p<0.01). Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) at presentation did not correlate with diabetes complications. In our cohort, when compared with a diverse population in the UK and insured population in the USA, HbA1cat presentation was 10.0% (86 mmol/mol), 6.6% (49 mmol/mol), and 8.2% (66 mmol/mol); nephropathy was 22.2%, 16.7%, and 5.7%; retinopathy was 10.7%, 7.9%, and 1.4%; and neuropathy was 27.7%, and 6.7% in the UK (p<0.001). There were no significant differences between groups in the prevalence of macrovascular complications.ConclusionThese results show the vulnerability of underserved and underinsured patients for developing diabetes complications possibly related to a delayed diagnosis.
Does extending the duration of legislated paid maternity leave improve breastfeeding practices? Evidence from 38 low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Chai Yan , Nandi Arijit , Heymann Jody 
Published: October 2018

IntroductionAmong all barriers to breastfeeding, the need to work has been cited as one of the top reasons for not breastfeeding overall and for early weaning among mothers who seek to breastfeed. We aimed to examine whether extending the duration of paid maternity leave available to new mothers affected early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding under 6  months and breastfeeding duration in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).MethodsWe merged longitudinal data measuring national maternity leave policies with information on breastfeeding related to 992 419 live births occurring between 1996 and 2014 in 38 LMICs that participated in the Demographic and Health Surveys. We used a difference-in-differences approach to compare changes in the prevalence of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, as well as the duration of breastfeeding, among treated countries that lengthened their paid maternity leave policy between 1995 and 2013 versus control countries that did not. Regression models included country and year fixed effects, as well as measured individual-level, household-level and country-level covariates. All models incorporated robust SEs and respondent-level sampling weights.ResultsA 1-month increase in the legislated duration of paid maternity leave was associated with a 7.4 percentage point increase (95%  CI 3.2 to 11.7) in the prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding, a 5.9 percentage point increase (95%  CI 2.0 to 9.8) in the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and a 2.2- month increase (95%  CI 1.1 to 3.4) in breastfeeding duration.ConclusionExtending the duration of legislated paid maternity leave appears to promote breastfeeding practices in LMICs. Our findings suggest a potential mechanism to reduce barriers to breastfeeding for working mothers.
Familial clustering of bicuspid aortic valve and its relationship with aortic dilation in first-degree relatives
Authors: Galian-Gay Laura , Carro Hevia Amelia , Teixido-Turà Gisela , Rodríguez Palomares José , Gutiérrez-Moreno Laura , Maldonado Giuliana , Gonzàlez-Alujas María Teresa , Sao-Aviles Augusto , Gallego Pastora , Calvo-Iglesias Francisco , Bermejo Javier , Robledo-Carmona Juan , Sánchez Violeta , Saura Daniel , Sevilla Teresa , Burillo-Sanz Sergio , Guala Andrea , Garcia-Dorado David , Evangelista Arturo 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveBicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart disease. This study aimed to determine the prevalence rate of BAV in first-degree relatives (FDR) and the inheritance pattern according to different morphotypes and aortic dilation.MethodsBAV probands were consecutively studied at eight tertiary referral centres. After sequential screening, FDR were included in the study. The BAV morphotype, aortic dilation and aortic phenotype were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography.ResultsSeven hundred and twenty-four FDR of 256 BAV probands agreed to undergo family screening. The prevalence of BAV was 6.4% in FDR (9.2% in men, 3.5% in women, p=0.002). Aortic dilation was diagnosed in 9.6% of FRD with tricuspid aortic valves (TAV), with a root phenotype in 2.7% and tubular in 6.9% and more frequently in the presence of arterial hypertension (OR 4.48; CI 95% 2.51 to 7.99; p=0.0001) and valvular regurgitation (OR 5.87, CI 95% 1.37 to 25.16; p=0.025). The heritability (h2) of BAV was highly significant (0.47; p=0.002); however, no concordance was observed among valve morphotypes. Aortic dilation heritability was not significant.ConclusionsThe BAV prevalence rate in FDR was low (6.4%) but aortic dilation was observed in 9.6% of FDR with TAV. The heritability of BAV was high without concordance in valve morphotypes, and aortic dilation heritability was not observed. Patients with BAV should be made aware of its familial pattern.
Circulating Glioma Cells Exhibit Stem Cell-like Properties
Authors: Liu Tianrun , Xu Haineng , Huang Menggui , Ma Wenjuan , Saxena Deeksha , Lustig Robert A. , Alonso-Basanta Michelle , Zhang Zhenfeng , O'Rourke Donald M. , Zhang Lin , Gong Yanqing , Kao Gary D. , Dorsey Jay F. , Fan Yi 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Circulating tumor cells (CTC) are known to be present in the blood of patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Here we report that GBM-derived CTC possess a cancer stem cell (CSC)-like phenotype and contribute to local tumorigenesis and recurrence by the process of self-seeding. Genetic probes showed that mouse GBM-derived CTC exhibited Sox2/ETn transcriptional activation and expressed glioma CSC markers, consistent with robust expression of stemness-associated genes including SOX2, OCT4, and NANOG in human GBM patient-derived samples containing CTC. A transgenic mouse model demonstrated that CTC returned to the primary tumor and generated new tumors with enhanced tumorigenic capacity. These CTCs were resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and to circulation stress-induced cell apoptosis. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis revealed that Wnt activation induced stemness and chemoresistance in CTC. Collectively, these findings identify GBM-derived CTC as CSC-like cells and suggest that targeting Wnt may offer therapeutic opportunities for eliminating these treatment-refractory cells in GBM.

Significance:
These findings identify CTCs as an alternative source for in situ tumor invasion and recurrence through local micrometastasis, warranting eradication of systemic "out-of-tumor" CTCs as a promising new therapeutic opportunity for GBM.