bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cutaneous malignancies in Indigenous Peoples of urban Sydney
Authors: Slape Dana R‐ML , Saunderson Rebecca B , Tatian Artiene HJ , Forstner Dion F , Estall Vanessa J 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIntroductionDespite 3% of Australians identifying as Indigenous, cutaneous malignancies in these patients, including incidence, risk factors and outcomes have not been investigated. This is despite recognition that cancer outcomes in this population are significantly poorer.MethodsWe undertook a retrospective case series of Indigenous Peoples who presented to two urban cancer therapy centres for the management of cutaneous malignancies from 2003 to 2017. Risk factors, tumour‐specific characteristics, treatments and outcomes were reviewed.ResultsTwenty‐two patients identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. The median age at presentation was 61 years and the majority were male (63.6%) and had skin phototype III (86.4%). Patients presented with basal cell carcinoma (50%), squamous cell carcinoma (31.8%), melanoma (9.1%) and cutaneous sarcomas (9.1%). The majority (68.2%) presented with stage II or higher disease, and there were high rates of immunosuppression (45.5%). At the time of reporting, 68.2% patients were alive, 18.2% had died from their skin cancers and 13.6% had died from unrelated causes.ConclusionThis cohort has demonstrated late‐stage presentation of skin cancers, with substantial morbidity and mortality from potentially treatable cutaneous malignancies. This parallels other health conditions in Indigenous Australians and has highlighted the need for improved data collection of Indigenous status to better quantify the epidemiology of skin cancer in this population. There is an imperative to improve skin cancer awareness in this population to allow earlier detection and management to ensure better outcomes.
The role of habitat and daily activity patterns in explaining the diversity of mountain Neotropical dung beetle assemblages
Authors: da Silva Pedro G. , Lobo Jorge M. , Hernández Malva Isabel Medina 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe interaction between land use and climate change is expected to strongly affect species distributions along high elevation landscapes. We aimed to test the effect of climatic variables on community metrics among five types of land use in a high elevation landscape. We described dung beetle spatial and temporal taxonomic and functional diversity patterns, and partitioned β‐diversity into turnover and nestedness components. The interaction between land use and daily period of activity mostly drives abundance, functional richness and functional diversity, but not dung beetle species richness. Unlike Neotropical lowlands, species richness and abundance in open environments are similar to those existing in forests. Temperature is an important predictor of abundance and functional divergence. There is a higher spatial component of the taxonomic β‐diversity, which is highly driven by species turnover. The temporal component of the taxonomic β‐diversity was strongly driven by nestedness, where night assemblages are sub‐sets, although not entirely, of diurnal assemblages. For functional diversity, the temporal β‐diversity was much higher than the spatial β‐diversity, but both were similarly represented by functional group turnover and nestedness. The composition of nocturnal and diurnal assemblages is clearly different, even more than the differences observed between habitats. However, taxonomic turnover is the dominant force between sampling sites while nestedness dominates the daily pattern. This means that forest habitats are unlikely to act as shelters for grassland species under a scenario of rising temperature.
Habitat selection by the Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae), an iconic ecosystem engineer in forests of south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Maisey Alex C. , Nimmo Dale G. , Bennett Andrew F. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLandscape heterogeneity, from both natural and anthropogenic causes, fundamentally influence the distribution of species. Conservation management requires an understanding of how species respond to heterogeneity at different spatial scales and whether differences may occur between demographic components of a species population. We examined the spatial pattern of activity of the superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae), an iconic forest species of south‐eastern Australia, in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, Victoria. Specifically, we quantified at landscape and local scales, the factors that influence nest site location and foraging activity of lyrebirds. Compared with randomly located sites, nest sites were more likely to occur in wet forest or rainforest close to creek lines; where there were deep litter and complex vegetation in the mid (1.5–2 m) and high (>2 m) strata. Foraging by lyrebirds was more likely to occur in wet forest and rainforest, with increasing distance from creeks; at sites where low vegetative cover (<30 cm) was sparse and the ground layer open. Thus, lyrebirds respond to different cues for different activities (nest sites and foraging), using different resources in the landscape. These results highlight the importance of (i) knowing the range of resources, at both landscape and local scales, required by a species to ensure its persistence and (ii) adopting a landscape approach for conservation planning that incorporates the heterogeneity of the ecosystem, especially that provided by landscape components that may be limited in area but disproportionately valuable for providing habitat resources.
Testing a clinical staging model for bipolar disorder using longitudinal life chart data
Authors: van der Markt Afra , Klumpers Ursula MH , Draisma Stasja , Dols Annemiek , Nolen Willem A , Post Robert M , Altshuler Lori L , Frye Mark A , Grunze Heinz , Keck Paul E , McElroy Susan L , Suppes Trisha , Beekman Aartjan TF , Kupka Ralph W 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveBipolar disorder has a wide range of clinical manifestations which may progress over time. The aim of this study was to test the applicability of a clinical staging model for bipolar disorder and to gain insight into the nature of the variables influencing progression through consecutive stages.MethodsUsing retrospectively reported longitudinal life chart data of 99 subjects from the Stanley Foundation Bipolar Network Naturalistic Follow‐up Study, the occurrence, duration and timely sequence of stages 2‐4 were determined per month. A multi‐state model was used to calculate progression rates and identify determinants of illness progression. Stages 0, 1 and several other variables were added to the multi‐state model to determine their influence on the progression rates.ResultsFive years after onset of BD (stage 2), 72% reached stage 3 (recurrent episodes) and 21% had reached stage 4 (continuous episodes), of whom 8% recovered back to stage 3. The progression from stage 2 to 3 was increased by a biphasic onset for both the depression‐mania and the mania‐depression course and by male sex.ConclusionsStaging is a useful model to determine illness progression in longitudinal life chart data. Variables influencing transition rates were successfully identified.
Impact of ureteric stent removal by string on patient's quality of life and on complications at post‐ureteroscopy for urolithiasis: a controlled trial
Authors: Inoue Takaaki , Okada Shinsuke , Hamamoto Shuzo , Yoshida Takashi , Murota Takashi , Matsuda Tadashi ,   On behalf of the SMART Study Group
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of ureteric stent removal by string vs ureteric stent removal by cystoscope with regard to pain at ureteric stent removal, complications and quality of life, as well as patients’ self‐rated symptoms, after ureteroscopy (URS) for urolithiasis.Patients and MethodsOf 328 patients who underwent URS for upper urinary tract stones at our institution, 149 were randomly divided into a ureteric stent removal by string group (string group) and a ureteric stent removal by flexible cystoscope group (cystoscope group), using gender as a stratification factor. We focused on four sites, namely, the upper abdomen, bladder, flank and urethra, to evaluate the most painful site at stent removal. The primary endpoint was total pain scores for four sites at stent removal in the string group vs the cystoscope group. Secondary endpoints included comparison of the psychological well‐being scores of patients using the five‐item World Health Organization well‐being index (WHO‐5) preoperatively, pre‐stent removal and 2 weeks after stent removal between the string group and cystoscope group.ResultsOf 149 patients analysed, 74 were in the string group and 75 were in the cystoscope group. In most patients, the ureteric stent was removed ~10 days after URS. The string group experienced significantly less pain than the cystoscope group (mean visual analogue scale [VAS] scores 2.73 vs 5.67; P < 0.001). Although VAS scores for women were not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.300), those for men were significantly lower in the string group (P < 0.001). In particular, men in the string group experienced significantly less urethral pain than those in the cystoscope group. The WHO‐5 scores were not significantly different between the groups preoperatively, pre‐stent removal or 2 weeks after stent removal. Stent string‐related complications and self‐rated symptoms were also not significantly different.ConclusionUreteric stent removal by string after URS led to significantly less pain than removal by cystoscope in men. Patients in the string group experienced no more complications in terms of urinary tract infections or accidental dislodgement than those in the cytoscope group.
Characterization of kinetics of human cytochrome P450s involved in bioactivation of flucloxacillin: inhibition of CYP3A‐catalysed hydroxylation by sulfaphenazole
Authors: Dekker Stefan J , Dohmen Floor , Vermeulen Nico P E , Commandeur Jan N M 
Published: November 2018

Background and PurposeThe aim of this study was to characterize the human cytochrome P450s (CYPs) involved in oxidative bioactivation of flucloxacillin to 5‐hydroxymethyl flucloxacillin, a metabolite with high cytotoxicity towards biliary epithelial cells.Experimental ApproachThe CYPs involved in hydroxylation of flucloxacillin were characterized using recombinant human CYPs, pooled liver microsomes in the presence of CYP‐specific inhibitors and by correlation analysis using a panel of liver microsomes from 16 donors.Key ResultsRecombinant CYPs showing the highest specific activity were CYP3A4, CYP3A7 and to lower extent CYP2C9 and CTP2C8. Michaelis–Menten enzyme kinetics were determined for pooled human liver microsomes, recombinant CYP3A4, CYP3A7 and CYP2C9. Surprisingly, sulfaphenazole appeared to be a potent inhibitor of 5′‐hydroxylation of flucloxacillin by both recombinant CYP3A4 and CYP3A7.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe combined results show that the 5′‐hydroxylation of flucloxacillin is primarily catalysed by CYP3A4, CYP3A7 and CYP2C9. The large variability of the hepatic expression of these enzymes could affect the formation of 5′‐hydroxymethyl flucloxacillin, which may determine the differences in susceptibility to flucloxacillin‐induced liver injury. Additionally, the strong inhibition in CYP3A‐catalysed flucloxacillin metabolism by sulfaphenazole suggests that unanticipated drug–drug interactions could occur with coadministered drugs.
The prodromes of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Rees Richard Nathaniel , Noyce Alastair John , Schrag Anette 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWhilst the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) relies on the motor triad of bradykinesia, rigidity and tremor, the underlying pathological process starts many years before these signs are overt. In this prodromal phase of PD, a diverse range of non‐motor and motor features can occur. Individually they do not allow a diagnosis of PD, but when considered together, they reflect the gradual development of the clinical syndrome. Different subgroups within the prodromal phase may exist and reflect different underlying pathology. Here, we summarise the evidence on the prodromal phase of PD in patient groups at increased risk of PD with well described prodromal features: patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder, patients with idiopathic anosmia and families with monogenic mutations that are closely linked to PD pathology. In addition, we discuss the information on prodromal features from ongoing studies aimed at detecting prodromal PD in the general population. It is likely that better delineation of the clinical prodromes of PD and their progression in these high‐risk groups will improve understanding of the underlying pathophysiology.
Early sensitivity of evoked potentials to surface and volumetric structure during the visual perception of three‐dimensional object shape
Authors: Leek E. Charles , Roberts Mark V. , Dundon Neil M. , Pegna Alan J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis study used event‐related potentials (ERPs) to elucidate how the human visual system processes three‐dimensional (3‐D) object shape structure. In particular, we examined whether the perceptual mechanisms that support the analysis of 3‐D shape are differentially sensitive to higher order surface and volumetric part structure. Observers performed a whole‐part novel object matching task in which part stimuli comprised sub‐regions of closed edge contour, surfaces or volumetric parts. Behavioural response latency data showed an advantage in matching surfaces and volumetric parts to whole objects over contours, but no difference between surfaces and volumes. ERPs were analysed using a convergence of approaches based on stimulus dependent amplitude modulations of evoked potentials, topographic segmentation, and spatial frequency oscillations. The results showed early differential perceptual processing of contours, surfaces, and volumetric part stimuli. This was first reliably observed over occipitoparietal electrodes during the N1 (140–200 ms) with a mean peak latency of 170 ms, and continued on subsequent P2 (220–260 ms) and N2 (260–320 ms) components. The differential sensitivity in perceptual processing during the N1 was accompanied by distinct microstate patterns that distinguished among contours, surfaces and volumes, and predominant theta band activity around 4–7 Hz over right occipitoparietal and orbitofrontal sites. These results provide the first evidence of early differential perceptual processing of higher order surface and volumetric shape structure within the first 200 ms of stimulus processing. The findings challenge theoretical models of object recognition that do not attribute functional significance to surface and volumetric object structure during visual perception.
Rate of denitrification and stoichiometry of its products in fluvo‐aquic Cambisols for sterilized and unsterilized incubations
Authors: Wang Yajing , Cao Wenchao , Zhang Xinmu , Guo Jingheng 
Published: November 2018

There has been an increase in studies suggesting that both biotic and abiotic (i.e. chemical) denitrification in soil contribute to nitrate (NO3−) loss and nitrogenous gas (NO, N2O and N2) emissions, and that rates of reaction and stoichiometry of products depend on soil pH. However, their relative importance and product composition have not been addressed simultaneously, limiting our understanding on their in‐situ coupling pathways and mechanisms of response to changes in soil pH. Here, we present changes in NOx− (i.e. NO3− and NO2−) concentrations and nitrogenous gas amounts during 15 days of anaerobic incubations of sterilized and unsterilized fluvo‐aquic Cambisols after the addition of NO3− and adjustments to pH. Nitrate losses in sterilized soil were 47.7, 27.5 and 52.9 mg N kg−1 at pH 6.5, 7.1 and 8.3, respectively, accounting for 90.0, 79.5 and 179% of the corresponding values for unsterilized soil. The rates of nitrate reduction increased with pH in sterilized soil, whereas the largest rate in unsterilized soil was at the lowest pH (6.5). Moreover, the rates of reaction of the stepwise reductions from nitrite (NO2−) to N2 tended to increase with pH in both sterilized and unsterilized soils. These results verify the potential importance of abiotic denitrification to the nitrogen cycle in alkaline soils and demonstrate the difference between abiotic and biotic nitrate reductions in responses to changes in soil pH. These findings improve our ability to assess the coupling mechanisms and eco‐environmental influence of biotic and abiotic denitrification in circumneutral and alkaline soils.Highlights
Abiotic denitrification is an important pathway for nitrate loss in circumneutral and alkaline fluvo‐aquic soils.
Abiotic and biotic nitrate reduction respond differently to changes in soil pH.
Stepwise reduction rates from NO2− to N2 increased with pH in both sterilized and unsterilized soils.
Abiotic nitrate reduction should be incorporated in biotic and abiotic denitrification coupling in alkaline soils.
Life Course Trajectories of Negative and Positive Marital Experiences and Loneliness in Later Years: Exploring Differential Associations
Authors: Wickrama Kandauda A. S. , O'Neal Catherine W. , Klopack Eric T. , Neppl Tricia K. 
Published: November 2018

Loneliness is relatively common among older adults in the United States, and there can be significant physical, psychological, and cognitive impairments associated with feelings of loneliness. Consequently, this study seeks to uncover determinants of loneliness, particularly the impact of couples’ negative and positive marital experiences (i.e., marital strain and strength) over the life course on loneliness in later adulthood. To accomplish this goal, an integrated analytical framework is utilized, incorporating growth curves within an actor‐partner interdependence model, to capture the initial level and the rate of change in marital strain and strength over a period of 25 years (from 1991 to 2015) with a sample of 257 couples in enduring, long‐term marriages. Couples first participated in the Iowa Youth and Family Project in 1989 and most recently participated in the Later Adulthood Study in 2015. The confirmatory factor analyses showed that latent constructs of marital strain and marital strength are distinct constructs. The univariate growth curve analyses showed that there were significant interindividual variations in the initial level (1991) and rate of change (1991–2015) in marital strain and marital strength for both husbands and wives. While the initial level and rate of change in perceived marital strain from 1991 to 2015 was generally of consequence for both spouses’ loneliness in 2015 (actor and partner effects), only actor effects were noted for marital strength. Findings are discussed as they relate to health policies and interventions focusing on the well‐being of married couples in later life.
Engaging election contention: Understanding why presidents engage with contentious issues
Authors: McNaughtan Jon , McNaughtan Elisabeth Day 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn recent years, technology has made it possible, and in some ways critical, for college and university presidents to increase campus‐wide communication. Following the 2016 US presidential election, many college presidents across the country sent campus‐wide communications in response to the election, while others chose not to respond. The resulting reactions from campus and community stakeholders to these communications, or the lack of communication, from presidents was mixed due to the contentious nature of the election. In an effort to better understand a president’s decision to communicate, this study utilised coded interviews with 12 US flagship institution presidents or vice‐presidents for communication, providing insight into why presidents generally respond to contentious events and, more specifically, why presidents chose to respond to the 2016 election of Donald Trump. Four motivations that generally influenced presidential communications were identified (i.e., responsibility to campus stakeholders, pressure to respond, emphasise university values and the role of a public university), and subsequent sub‐themes were identified while analysing why presidents responded to the 2016 election specifically. This study concludes by offering implications for presidential communication and directions for future research on presidential engagement with contentious events.
Epoxide functionalized γ‐Al2O3/Fe3O4/SiO2 nanocomposite and comparative adsorption behavior of a model reactive azo dye
Authors: Bristy Sadia Salsabil , Rahman Mohammad Mostafizar , Rahman Mohammad Mahbubor , Alam Mohammad Ashraful , Karim Mohammad Rabiul , Ahmad Hasan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this investigation, magnetic γ‐Al2O3 nanocomposite polymer particles with epoxide functionality were prepared following a multistep process. The prepared nanocomposite polymer particle was named as γ‐Al2O3/Fe3O4/SiO2/poly(glycidyl methacrylate (PGMA). The surface property was evaluated by carrying out the adsorption study of Remazol Navy RGB (RN), a model reactive azo dye, on both γ‐Al2O3/Fe3O4/SiO2 and γ‐Al2O3/Fe3O4/SiO2/PGMA nanocomposite particles, that is, before and after epoxide functionalization. A contact time, temperature, adsorbent dose, and dye concentration dependent change in adsorption behavior was observed on both nanocomposite particles. The adsorption amount reached equilibrium (qe) value within 5 minutes at the respective point of zero charge (PZC). The adsorption density of RN per unit specific surface area on epoxide functional γ‐Al2O3/Fe3O4/SiO2/PGMA nanocomposite polymer particles (1.30 mg/m2) was higher relative to that on γ‐Al2O3/Fe3O4/SiO2 nanocomposite particles (0.87 mg/m2). The optimum adsorbent dose for obtaining the maximum adsorption density was 0.01 g. Comparatively, Langmuir isotherm model was better to describe the adsorption process and the adsorption process was favorable at low temperature (283 K). Batch kinetic adsorption experiment suggested that a pseudo‐second‐order rate kinetic model is more appropriate. Nanocomposite polymer particles were used as adsorbent up to third cycle with almost 99% adsorption efficiency.
Effect of CaO and Al2O3 addition on the properties of K2O–Na2O–P2O5 glass system
Authors: Faivre Annelise , Despetis Florence , Duffours Laurent , Colombel Pascale 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis work reports the effect of substituting Al2O3 for P2O5 and substituting CaO for (Na2O + K2O) in the ternary 0.46 (K2O + Na2O) 0.54 P2O5 glass system, with certain of these compositions being eventually of interest for biomedical applications. Different properties are analyzed here. When CaO replaces (Na2O + K2O; constant O/P ratio) or when Al2O3 replaces P2O5 (increasing O/P ratio), it is shown that the density of the glasses increased, the coefficient of thermal expansion decreased, and the glass transition temperature increased. A partial and limited study of dissolution behavior in water indicates that the dissolution rates decreased by orders of magnitude with the introduction of CaO or Al2O3, in agreement with the trends reported in the literature. The pH values of the dissolution solutions were also measured. The pH quickly decreased and saturated to around 2.5 for glasses with no alumina, that is, with the highest P2O5 content. On another hand, when Al2O3 was substituted for P2O5 (ie, when P2O5 content decreased and O/P increased), the pH initially increased to more basic values (around 7) and always remained above 5. Some interpretation of the structural role of CaO and Al2O3 are proposed to explain these changes in properties with composition.