bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Size matters! Habitat preferences of the wrinkled bark beetle,Rhysodes sulcatus, the relict species of European primeval forests
Authors: Kostanjsek Fran , Sebek Pavel , Baranova Beata , Seric Jelaska Lucija , Riedl Vladan , Cizek Lukas 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe wrinkled bark beetleRhysodes sulcatusis an endangered saproxylic beetle listed in the European Habitats Directive and in the Bern Convention (AnnexII). It is considered a relict of primeval forests and belongs among the most threatened saproxylic beetles in Europe.The purpose of this study was to identify the key habitat requirements of the species. The study was carried out at several locations within different forest types in mid elevation forests dominated by oak, beech and spruce and montane beech‐fir forests in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Croatia.Coarse woody debris was checked for the presence of the beetle, and parameters of each inspected dead wood unit and its surroundings were recorded, including diameter, length, humidity, insolation, decomposition level and rot type. Surrounding forest characteristics, such as canopy density, main tree species, undergrowth, the amount and quality of the dead wood were also recorded.The analysis shows that the presence of the beetle is affected mainly by the diameter of dead wood as well as its humidity, asR. sulcatuswas almost exclusively found in large, moist and well rotten fallen logs with a diameter greater than 60 cm. These findings may provide useful guidelines for sustainable forest management, specifically emphasising the need to retain large fallen logs at sites inhabited byR. sulcatuspopulations.
The impact of simulation education on self‐efficacy towards teaching for nurse educators
Authors: Garner S.L. , Killingsworth E. , Bradshaw M. , Raj L. , Johnson S.R. , Abijah S.P. , Parimala S. , Victor S. 
Published: March 2018

AimThe objective of this study was to assess the impact of a simulation workshop on self‐efficacy towards teaching for nurse educators in India. Additionally, we sought to revise and validate a tool to measure self‐efficacy in teaching for use with a global audience.BackgroundSimulation is an evidence‐based teaching and learning method and is increasingly used in nursing education globally.IntroductionAs new technology and teaching methods such as simulation continue to evolve, it is important for new as well as experienced nurse educators globally to have confidence in their teaching skills and abilities.MethodsThe study included (1) instrument revision, and measures of reliability and validation, (2) an 8‐h faculty development workshop intervention on simulation, (3) pre‐ and post‐survey of self‐efficacy among nurse educators, and (4) investigation of relationship between faculty socio‐demographics and degree of self‐efficacy.ResultsThe modified tool showed internal consistency (r = 0.98) and was validated by international faculty experts. There were significant improvements in total self‐efficacy (P < 0.001) and subscale scores among nurse educators after the simulation workshop intervention when compared to pre‐survey results. No significant relationships were found between socio‐demographic variables and degree of self‐efficacy.DiscussionStrong self‐efficacy in teaching among nurse educators is crucial for effective learning to occur.Conclusions and implications for nursingResults indicated the simulation workshop was effective in significantly improving self‐efficacy towards teaching for nurse educators using an internationally validated tool.Implications for nursing policyThe Minister of Health in India recently called for improvements in nursing education. Introducing nursing education on simulation as a teaching method in India and globally to improve self‐efficacy among teachers is an example of a strategy towards meeting this call.
Topical propranolol for infantile haemangiomas: a systematic review
Authors: Price A. , Rai S. , Mcleod R.W.J. , Birchall J.C. , Elhassan H.A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractInfantile haemangiomas are the most common tumour of infancy. Whilst the majority are left untreated to involute spontaneously, residual skin changes commonly occur, particularly in superficial haemangiomas. The current first‐line treatment for problematic lesions is oral propranolol; however due to the risk of systemic adverse effects, the use of off‐label topical preparations has recently been investigated. Our systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Four databases were searched to identify original articles evaluating the use of topical propranolol as the primary therapy for infantile haemangiomas. Twelve articles with a total of 597 patients and 632 haemangiomas were included. Three topical propranolol preparations were used, creams, ointments and gels and were all prepared by local pharmaceutical laboratories. The concentration of propranolol ranged from 0.5% to 5%. Treatment duration ranged from two weeks to 16.5 months. Overall, 90% of lesions improved following the initiation of topical propranolol. A good or excellent response, defined as a reduction in the size of at least 50%, was seen in 59% of lesions. Earlier initiation of treatment (less than 3 months of age) was associated with improved outcomes. No systemic adverse effects were reported. Minor local reactions were seen in 1.3% of patients. Topical propranolol is safer than oral propranolol, though may be less effective. Topical propranolol may be more suitable for patients with small, superficial haemangiomas at risk of cosmetic sequelae, where the cosmetic or symptomatic impact does not warrant oral propranolol treatment.
The genetic variance but not the genetic covariance of life‐history traits changes towards the north in a time‐constrained insect
Authors: Sniegula Szymon , Golab Maria J. , Drobniak Szymon M. , Johansson Frank 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSeasonal time constraints are usually stronger at higher than lower latitudes and can exert strong selection on life‐history traits and the correlations among these traits. To predict the response of life‐history traits to environmental change along a latitudinal gradient, information must be obtained about genetic variance in traits and also genetic correlation between traits, that is the genetic variance‐covariance matrix,G. Here, we estimatedGfor key life‐history traits in an obligate univoltine damselfly that faces seasonal time constraints. We exposed populations to simulated native temperatures and photoperiods and common garden environmental conditions in a laboratory set‐up. Despite differences in genetic variance in these traits between populations (lower variance at northern latitudes), there was no evidence for latitude‐specific covariance of the life‐history traits. At simulated native conditions, all populations showed strong genetic and phenotypic correlations between traits that shaped growth and development. The variance–covariance matrix changed considerably when populations were exposed to common garden conditions compared with the simulated natural conditions, showing the importance of environmentally induced changes in multivariate genetic structure. Our results highlight the importance of estimating variance–covariance matrixes in environments that mimic selection pressures and not only trait variances or mean trait values in common garden conditions for understanding the trait evolution across populations and environments.
High‐efficiency genome editing using a dmc1 promoter‐controlled CRISPR/Cas9 system in maize
Authors: Feng Chao , Su Handong , Bai Han , Wang Rui , Liu Yalin , Guo Xianrui , Liu Chang , Zhang Jing , Yuan Jing , Birchler James A. , Han Fangpu 
Published: March 2018

SummaryPrevious studies revealed that the promoters for driving both Cas9 and sgRNAs are quite important for efficient genome editing by CRISPR/Cas9 in plants. Here, we report our results of targeted genome editing using the maize dmc1 gene promoter combined with the U3 promoter for Cas9 and sgRNA, respectively. Three loci in the maize genome were selected for targeting. The T0 plants regenerated were highly efficiently edited at the target sites with homozygous or bi‐allelic mutants accounting for about 66%. The mutations in T0 plants could be stably transmitted to the T1 generation, and new mutations could be generated in gametes or zygotes. Whole‐genome resequencing indicated that no off‐target mutations could be detected in the predicted loci with sequence similarity to the targeted site. Our results show that the dmc1 promoter‐controlled (DPC) CRISPR/Cas9 system is highly efficient in maize and provide further evidence that the optimization of the promoters used for the CRISPR/Cas9 system is important for enhancing the efficiency of targeted genome editing in plants. The evolutionary conservation of the dmc1 gene suggests its potential for use in other plant species.
Genetic differentiation in populations of Exserohilum turcicum from maize and sorghum in South Africa
Authors: Nieuwoudt A. , Human M. P. , Craven M. , Crampton B. G. 
Published: March 2018

Exserohilum turcicum is the causal agent of northern leaf blight, a devastating foliar disease of maize and sorghum. Specificity of E. turcicum to either maize or sorghum has been observed previously, but molecular evidence supporting host specialization is lacking. The aim of this study was to compare the genetic structure of E. turcicum isolates collected from adjacent maize and sorghum fields in Delmas and Greytown in South Africa. In addition, the mode of reproduction of this pathogen was investigated. Isolates from maize (N = 62) and sorghum (N = 64) were screened with 12 microsatellite markers as well as a multiplex mating type PCR assay. No shared haplotypes were observed between isolates from different hosts, although shared haplotypes were detected between isolates from maize from Delmas and Greytown. Population structure and principal coordinate analyses revealed genetic differentiation between E. turcicum isolates from maize and sorghum. Analysis of molecular variance indicated higher among‐population variation when comparing populations from different hosts, than comparing populations from different locations. Lack of shared haplotypes, high proportion of private alleles, greater among‐population variance between hosts than locations and significant pairwise population differentiation indicates genetic separation between isolates from maize and sorghum. The high haplotypic diversity in combination with unequal mating type ratios and significant linkage equilibrium indicates that both sexual and asexual reproduction contributes to the population genetic structure of E. turcicum in South Africa.
Cytosolic invertases contribute to cellulose biosynthesis and influence carbon partitioning in seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Barnes William J. , Anderson Charles T. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryIn plants, UDP‐glucose is the direct precursor for cellulose biosynthesis, and can be converted into other NDP‐sugars required for the biosynthesis of wall matrix polysaccharides. UDP‐glucose is generated from sucrose by two distinct metabolic pathways. The first pathway is the direct conversion of sucrose to UDP‐glucose and fructose by sucrose synthase. The second pathway involves sucrose hydrolysis by cytosolic invertase (CINV), conversion of glucose to glucose‐6‐phosphate and glucose‐1‐phosphate, and UDP‐glucose generation by UDP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGP). Previously, Barratt et al. (Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 106, 2009 and 13124) have found that an Arabidopsis double mutant lacking CINV1 and CINV2 displayed drastically reduced growth. Whether this reduced growth is due to deficient cell wall production caused by limited UDP‐glucose supply, pleiotropic effects, or both, remained unresolved. Here, we present results indicating that the CINV/UGP pathway contributes to anisotropic growth and cellulose biosynthesis in Arabidopsis. Biochemical and imaging data demonstrate that cinv1 cinv2 seedlings are deficient in UDP‐glucose production, exhibit abnormal cellulose biosynthesis and microtubule properties, and have altered cellulose organization without substantial changes to matrix polysaccharide composition, suggesting that the CINV/UGP pathway is a key metabolic route to UDP‐glucose synthesis in Arabidopsis. Furthermore, differential responses of cinv1 cinv2 seedlings to exogenous sugar supplementation support a function of CINVs in influencing carbon partitioning in Arabidopsis. From these data and those of previous studies, we conclude that CINVs serve central roles in cellulose biosynthesis and carbon allocation in Arabidopsis.
Pilot study utilizing Fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography/computed tomography for glycolytic phenotyping of canine mast cell tumors
Authors: Griffin Lynn R. , Thamm Doug H. , Selmic Laura E. , Ehrhart E.J. , Randall Elissa 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe goal of this prospective pilot study was to use naturally occurring canine mast cell tumors of various grades and stages as a model for attempting to determine how glucose uptake and markers of biologic behavior are correlated. It was hypothesized that enhanced glucose uptake, as measured by 2‐[fluorine‐18]fluoro‐d‐glucose‐positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F18 FDG PET‐CT), would correlate with histologic grade. Dogs were recruited for this study from a population referred for treatment of cytologically or histologically confirmed mast cell tumors. Patients were staged utilizing standard of care methods (abdominal ultrasound and three view thoracic radiographs), followed by a whole body F18 FDG PET‐CT. Results of the F18 FDG PET‐CT were analyzed for possible metastasis and standard uptake value maximum (SUVmax) of identified lesions. Incisional or excisional biopsies of the accessible mast cell tumors were obtained and histology performed. Results were then analyzed to look for a possible correlation between the grade of mast cell tumors and SUVmax. A total of nine animals were included in the sample. Findings indicated that there was a correlation between grade of mast cell tumors and SUVmax as determined by F18 FDG PET‐CT (p‐value = 0.073, significance ≤ 0.1). Based on the limited power of this study, it is felt that further research to examine the relationship between glucose utilization and biologic aggressiveness in canine mast cell tumors is warranted. This study was unable to show that F18 FDG PET‐CT was a better staging tool than standard of care methods.
Modeling Missed Care: Implications for Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Blackman Ian , Lye Che Yee , Darmawan I Gusti Ngurah , Henderson Julie , Giles Tracey , Willis Eileen , Toffoli Luisa , Xiao Lily , Verrall Claire 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundThere is a growing nursing literature that views missed care as an inevitable consequence of work intensification associated with the rationing of nursing and material resources available to deliver care. Global studies recognize that missed care is now ubiquitous, although studies tend to be conducted in one region, rather than nationwide. This study seeks to understand the Australian context of missed care.AimsTo explore self‐reported reasons for missed care and to identify the main factors for predicting missed care within a sample of Australian nurses and midwives working in public and private hospitals in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia.MethodsA nonexperimental, descriptive method using Kalisch's (2006) MISSCARE survey was used. Responses from 1,195 nursing and midwifery staff with differing qualifications, English language skills, and Australian employment settings were analyzed using Rasch analysis and then modeled using the Structural Equation Modeling.ResultsThe frequency of missed care on the morning shift directly impacted on higher priority care missed during the afternoon shift. Staff skill mix imbalances and perceived inadequacy of staff numbers for the work demands further exacerbated all aspects of care during afternoon shifts. Other major factors associated with missed care were the different clinical work settings and staff to patient ratios.Linking Evidence to ActionThe incidences, types, and reasons behind missed care are a multidimensional construct which can be predicted when known significant factors behind missed care are simultaneously accounted for.
A Numerical Investigation on NO2 Formation in a Natural Gas–Diesel Dual Fuel Engine
Authors: Li Yu , Li Hailin , Guo Hongsheng , Li Yongzhi , Yao Mingfa 
Published: March 2018

This research numerically simulates the formation and destruction of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in a natural gas (NG)–diesel dual fuel engine using commercial CFD software converge coupled with a reduced primary reference fuel (PRF) mechanism consisting of 45 species and 142 reactions. The model was validated by comparing the simulated cylinder pressure, heat release rate (HRR), and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions with experimental data. The validated model was used to simulate the formation and destruction of NO2 in a NG–diesel dual fuel engine. The formation of NO2 and its correlation with the local concentration of nitric oxide (NO), methane, and temperature were examined and discussed. It was revealed that NO2 was mainly formed in the interface region between the hot NO-containing combustion products and the relatively cool unburnt methane–air mixture. The NO2 formed at the early combustion stage is usually destructed to NO after the complete oxidation of methane and n-heptane, while NO2 formed during the postcombustion process survives through the expansion process and exits the engine. The increased NO2 emissions from NG–diesel dual fuel engines was formed during the post combustion process due to higher concentration of HO2 produced during the oxidation process of the unburned methane at low temperature. A detailed analysis of the chemical reactions occurring in the NO2 containing zone consisting of NO2, NO, O2, methane, etc., was conducted using a quasi-homogeneous constant volume (QHCV) model to identify the key reactions and species dominating NO2 formation and destruction. The HO2 produced during the postcombustion process of methane was identified as the primary species dominating the formation of NO2 during the post combustion expansion process. The simulation revealed the key reaction path for the formation of HO2 noted as CH4 → CH3 → CH2O → HCO → HO2, with conversion ratios of 98%, 74%, 90%, 98%, accordingly. The backward reaction of OH + NO2 = NO + HO2 consumed 34% of HO2 for the production of NO2.
The big city by-pass: Origin is important in medical students’ preference for future practice in regional cities and large towns
Authors: Weston Kathryn Mary , Garne David Lyndon , Bushnell John Alexander , Hudson Judith (Nicky) 
Published: March 2018

Background: Rural clinical placement during medical training has been identified as important in addressing workforce mal-distribution in Australia. The University of Wollongong (UOW) medical school is unique in Australia in that all students undertake a 12-month continuous longitudinal-integrated-clerkship (LIC) placement in rural or regional NSW, or in the non-capital city urban centre where the university main campus is located. This paper investigates whether origin is important in medical students’intentions and preferences for future practice.Methods: Between 2010 and 2015, rural clinical school (RCS) students from Australian medical school programmes, including UOW, completed the same survey. The responsesfrom UOW students were compared to other students. The main outcome measuresinvestigated were preference for location of future practice and training, and careerpreferences. These were investigated with respect to location of origin of students.Results: UOW students preferred regional city/large town locations for future practicecompared to other RCS students. This finding strongly correlated with the non-capital city origin of UOW students. General practice/rural medicine was the career preference for one third of UOW students compared to one quarter of other students. Generalist specialist was the preference for almost half of other students. Skills developmentexperiences and outcomes were similar in both groups.Conclusions: Many students who have experienced a LIC placement in a regional or rural setting during training prefer smaller regional cities, towns or rural locations for future practice. Augmenting the rural clinical experience by affirmative action in preferential selection of students of non-capital city origin can result in more medical graduates wanting to “by-pass” the big cities.
Do Not Forget About Public Transportation: Analysis of the Association of Active Transportation to School Among Washington, DC Area Children With Parental Perceived Built Environment Measures
Authors: Roberts Jennifer D. , Rodkey Lindsey , Ray Rashawn , Saelens Brian E. 
Published: March 2018

Background: Although the active transportation (AT) indicator received an F grade on the 2016 US Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth, this AT assessment excluded public transportation. An objective of the Built Environment and Active Play Study was to assess youth AT, including public transportation, among Washington, DC area children in relation to parental perceptions of neighborhood built environment (BE) variables. Methods: Questionnaires were mailed to 2000 parents of children aged 7–12 years. AT to school (ATS) was assessed with the question: “In an average school week, how many days does your child use each of the following ways to get to and from school? (a) Walk; (b) Bike; (c) Car; (d) Bus or Metro.” Parental perceived BE data were obtained through questionnaire items, and logistic regression was conducted to determine if BE variables were associated with youth ATS. Results: The sample included 144 children (50% female; average age 9.7 years; 56.3% white; 23.7% African American; 10.4% Asian American). Over 30% used ATS-public transportation 5 days per week, and nearly 13% used ATS-walking daily. Parental perceived BE variables significantly predicted youth ATS-walking and ATS-public transportation. Conclusions: ATS-public transportation is common among Washington, DC area youth, and parental perceptions of BE can significantly predict ATS.