bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social-emotional learning practices: insights from outlier schools
Authors: Allbright Taylor N. , Marsh Julie A. , Kennedy Kate E. , Hough Heather J. , McKibben Susan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

There is a growing consensus in education that schools can and should attend to students’ social-emotional development. Emerging research and popular texts indicate that students’ mindsets, beliefs, dispositions, emotions and behaviors can advance outcomes, such as college readiness, career success, mental health and relationships. Despite this growing awareness, many districts and schools are still struggling to implement strategies that develop students’ social-emotional skills. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap by examining the social-emotional learning (SEL) practices in ten middle schools with strong student-reported data on SEL outcomes, particularly for African American and Latinx students.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study methods, including interviews, observations and document analysis, were employed.

Findings

The authors identify six categories of common SEL practices: strategies that promote positive school climate and relationships, supporting positive behavior, use of elective courses and extracurricular activities, SEL-specific classroom practices and curricula, personnel strategies and measurement and data use. Absence of a common definition of SEL and lack of alignment among SEL practices were two challenges cited by respondents.

Originality/value

This is the first study to analyze SEL practices in outlier schools, with a focus on successful practices with schools that have a majority of African American and/or Latinx students.
Food portions and consumer vulnerability: qualitative insights from older consumers
Authors: Ford Nicholas , Trott Paul , Simms Christopher
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore older people’s food consumption experiences. Specifically, the paper seeks to provide understanding on the influence of food intake on consumer vulnerability and how this manifests within people’s lives.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts an interpretive, exploratory approach, using in-depth interviews with 20 older consumers in the UK. Thematic analysis is conducted, establishing patterns and contradictions with the data.

Findings

The findings demonstrate how biological, psychological and social age-related changes can contribute to reduced food intake in later life. The loss of control over one’s consumption experiences as a result of inappropriate portion sizes acts as a source of both immediate and future vulnerability. Resultant food wastage can serve as an immediate reminder of negative associates with ageing, while the accumulative effect of sustained under-consumption contributes to increased frailty. As a result, consumer vulnerability can pervade other contexts of an individual’s life.

Practical implications

The research reveals opportunities for firms to use packaging development to reduce experiences of consumer vulnerability through reduced apportionment of packaged food products. However, this needs to be considered within a multi-demographic marketplace.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to literature by providing a unique lens with which to understand consumer vulnerability. The findings offer a developmental perspective on the experience of consumer vulnerability, revealing the stages of proximate, immediate, intermediate and ultimate vulnerability. This perspective has the potential to offer more detailed, nuanced insights into vulnerability in other contexts beyond food consumption.
The art produced by substitute surfaces in hand block printing
Authors: Seidu Raphael Kanyire
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the print effects produced on selected fabrics due to the adaptation of styrofoam, plastic net and wood as stamp blocks for printing.

Design/methodology/approach

The art-based experimental research approach was used to produce and identify the art (prints) produced by stamp blocks on different fabrics using water-soluble print paste.

Findings

They stamp block surfaces used in the block printing process produced interesting effects or prints that are uniquely associated with each other. Fabrics such as silver and satin produced shinny print effects coupled with a tough hand or feel as compared to a paperish hand produced on the surfaces of cotton-polyester blend and linen fabrics. The addition of white glue to the paste produced a smooth and embossed-like print effect on fabrics like mercerised cotton and linen. Further results were captured to indicate the hand of these fabrics after printing due to the change in viscosity of the print paste.

Originality/value

The use of calabash and wood surfaces as stamp blocks used in Ghana and the rest of the world is common for printing patterns on fabrics. This study essentially reveals the possibility of using different surfaces for stamp blocks which produce aesthetically pleasing print effects. This when adopted by craftsmen and students would widen the teaching and creative scope in block printing and further produce viable prints for the market using available materials in the environment. These activities would promote and maintain the philosophy of block printing even in the era of advance printing technologies.
Humans, monkeys, and diesel fumes; oh my!
Authors: Karl Katherine , Lamb Nai , Young Olivia
Published: June 2019

Research methodology

Information about Volkswagen’s human and animal testing was obtained from the secondary sources cited.

Case overview/synopsis

In 2014, Volkswagen (VW), BMW and Daimler funded an institute to conduct research to support their position that diesel engines are cleaner and safer than other fuel alternatives. One of the research studies conducted by the institute examined the effects of diesel fumes on humans and monkeys. Researchers put ten macaque monkeys in sealed rooms and pumped in exhaust fumes from a Volkswagen Beetle for four hours. For comparison, another group of monkeys was exposed to fumes from an older Ford pickup. The monkeys were later anesthetized and examined to see what the fumes did to their bodies. Other tests involved willing human subjects who were exposed to similar conditions.

Complexity academic level

This case is applicable to upper-level management or business ethics class.
Habitat enhancements rescue bee body size from the negative effects of landscape simplification
Authors: Grab Heather , Brokaw Julia , Anderson Elisabeth , Gedlinske Lauren , Gibbs Jason , Wilson Julianna , Loeb Greg , Isaacs Rufus , Poveda Katja
Published: June 2019

The negative effects of landscape simplification on bee communities are well documented. To reverse these effects, flowering habitat enhancements are designed to provide supplemental nutritional resources for wild bees and are particularly important when few resources are available in the surrounding landscape. Yet, it is not known whether or how habitat enhancements support bee populations under varying landscape contexts. Body size is a morphological trait that is strongly linked to foraging ability, immune function, and fitness in bees. Landscape simplification has been associated with size declines across bee taxa and smaller body size can be an early indicator of environmental stress.

To determine whether the negative effects of landscape simplification on body size can be improved by adding floral resources to farm landscapes, we measured the body size of 10 wild bee species collected at 70 sites with or without habitat enhancements in Michigan and New York. Bees were collected at sites with varying amounts of agriculture in the surrounding landscape, allowing us to test whether morphological responses to enhancements are affected by landscape simplification.

Half of the bee species measured exhibited declining body size across the landscape gradient. Among these species, declines were buffered by the presence of habitat enhancements suggesting this response is the result of improved nutrition, reduced need for long‐distance foraging, enhanced recruitment of larger individuals or a combination of these mechanisms. Declines in body size were strongest in both the smallest and the largest species. Large and medium sized species exhibited the greatest response to flowering habitat enhancements.

Synthesis and applications. At sites with high agricultural cover, we observed intraspecific body size declines among many species; however, we did not observe decreased body size in any species at sites with a flowering habitat enhancement. Therefore, our findings suggest that the presence of flowering habitat enhancements can support wild bees experiencing stress from intensively managed agricultural landscapes across multiple cropping systems and regions.
The relation between Australian wine show results and prices
Authors: Oczkowski Edward
Published: June 2019

This paper assesses wine show results and their relation with wine prices across seven Australian shows. Consistent with previous studies, only a moderate degree of agreement for medals exists among shows. The correlation of wine show points across shows is also only moderate. Hedonic wine price functions, which employ show medal/points as direct measures of quality, indicate that for some shows estimated premiums are statistically significant and may possibly be practically important. The relation of show opinion with prices, however, is reduced for models which recognise the separate impact of objective quality and show opinion on prices. The results imply that producers should seek to improve the objective quality of their wines to achieve price premiums. Producers could also selectively target some wine show opinions to gain additional higher prices.
Learning from crisis: The role of enquiry commissions
Authors: Renå Helge , Christensen Johan
Published: June 2019

The literature on crisis learning has thus far paid little attention to the institutional channels through which governments draw lessons from crisis events. This paper examines theoretically and empirically a key institutional site for crisis learning: enquiry commissions. The theoretical argument is illustrated by analysing the enquiry commission that examined the 2011 terrorist attacks in Norway. The paper argues that the work of enquiry commissions exhibits tensions that condition the subsequent opportunities of government to learn from crisis. The paper shows how the lessons drawn by the commission investigating the attacks were shaped by the commission's dual function, by the dominant professional perspectives within the group, and by the specific models of decision‐making and assessment standards that the commission adopted.
Necrotizing fasciitis of bilateral eyelids: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Tong Yu‐Tai , Mak Ming‐Shan , Ho Hiu‐Ching , Poon Tai‐Lun , Mak Yan‐Wah , Choi Wing‐Kee
Published: June 2019

Necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon yet potentially lethal condition that warrants prompt intervention. Its occurrence in the periorbital region is rare. Several unique anatomical features of the eyelids give rise to relatively lower mortality, yet its close proximity to the ocular apparatus poses special challenges in the management of the condition. In the current report, we present the first reported case of bilateral upper eyelids necrotizing fasciitis in Hong Kong, managed with early debridement and antibiotics coverage. The patient survived with preservation of vision.
EPG5 c.1007A > G mutation in a sibling pair with rapidly progressing Vici syndrome
Authors: Vojcek Eszter , Keszthelyi Tália Magdolna , Jávorszky Eszter , Balogh Lídia , Tory Kálmán
Published: June 2019

We report on a sibling pair with the EPG5 c.1007A > G mutation who developed a severe form of Vici syndrome and died in infancy. The c.1007A > G (p.Gln336Arg) mutation, affecting the penultimate nucleotide and the splicing of exon 2 is the most common mutation of EPG5 and is typically associated with a less devastating prognosis: cardiomyopathy and cataract are less frequent consequences and the median survival time is 78 months compared to an overall median survival of 42 months. The less severe course related to c.1007A > G was formerly explained by the preserved canonical splicing in 25% of the transcripts. In contrast, we found the messenger RNA encoded by the c.1007A > G allele to be absent, explaining the severe course of the disease. This family provides another example of phenotypic variability related to a differential splicing.
Angiotensin II inhibits P‐glycoprotein in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Kumar Anoop , Priyamvada Shubha , Soni Vikas , Anbazhagan Arivarasu N. , Gujral Tarunmeet , Gill Ravinder K. , Alrefai Waddah A. , Dudeja Pradeep K. , Saksena Seema
Published: June 2019

Aim

P‐glycoprotein (Pgp/MDR1) plays a major role in intestinal homeostasis. Decrease in Pgp function and expression has been implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD. However, inhibitory mechanisms involved in the decrease of Pgp in inflammation are not fully understood. Angiotensin II (Ang II), a peptide hormone predominantly expressed in the epithelial cells of the crypt‐villus junction of the intestine, has been shown to exert pro‐inflammatory effects in the gut. It is increased in IBD patients and animals with experimental colitis. Whether Ang II directly influences Pgp is not known.

Methods

Pgp activity was measured as verapamil‐sensitive 3H‐digoxin flux. Pgp surface expression and exocytosis were measured by cell surface biotinylation studies. Signalling pathways were elucidated by Western blot analysis and pharmacological approaches.

Results

Ang II (10 nM) significantly inhibited Pgp activity at 60 minutes. Ang II‐mediated effects on Pgp function were receptor‐mediated as the Ang II receptor 1 (ATR1) antagonist, losartan, blocked Pgp inhibition. Ang II effects on Pgp activity appeared to be mediated via PI3 kinase, p38 MAPK and Akt signalling. Ang II‐mediated inhibition of Pgp activity was associated with a decrease in the surface membrane expression of Pgp protein via decreased exocytosis and was found to be dependent on the Akt pathway. Short‐term treatment of Ang II (2 mg/kg b.wt., 2 hours) to mice also decreased the membrane expression of Pgp protein levels in ileum and colon.

Conclusion

Our findings provide novel insights into the role of Ang II and ATR1 in decreasing Pgp expression in intestinal inflammation.
Microstructural and elemental analyses of slags excavated from Xuxiebian iron‐smelting site, Sichuan, China
Authors: Li Y. , Ma C. , Juleff G. , Murakami Y. , Zhou Z. , Li Y.
Published: June 2019

Xuxiebian is an iron‐smelting site located in Pujiang county of Sichuan province, China. Two excavations were carried out in 2007 and 2011, and four bowl‐shaped furnaces were excavated. Ten slag samples from the site were prepared and analysed. The present paper reports the results of metallographic and elemental examination of the specimens. It is concluded that both pig‐iron‐smelting and refining process were applied at the Xuxiebian site, and the bowl‐shaped furnaces are possibly refining furnaces. The function of the site was probably to produce pig iron and refine the pig iron into wrought iron.
Species–area relationships in isolated coastal sandy patches: Implications for the conservation of beach–dune flora in a rocky coastal region of western Japan
Authors: Kuroda Asumo , Sawada Yoshihiro
Published: June 2019

Questions

In many places worldwide, dune vegetation has rapidly declined owing to the expansion of various land uses, which pose a serious threat to many native dune plant species. A better understanding of species–area relationships in coastal sandy patches (i.e., beaches and dunes) is valuable for designing effective management strategies for the conservation of beach–dune flora in coastal regions. We investigated how the area and other attributes of sandy patches affect the number of species (dune, inland, and alien species) and whether the occurrence of all dune species is area‐dependent.

Location

Sandy coast of San'in Kaigan National Park, western Japan.

Methods

All vascular plants at 43 sites (sandy patches) were recorded. Using generalized linear models, we analyzed the relationships of the area and other attributes of sandy patches with the number of species and the relationship between the area of sandy patches and the occurrence (presence/absence) of each dune species.

Results

Larger sandy patches maintained a greater number of dune species and harbored some nationally threatened ones. The number of inland and alien species also increased with an increasing area of sandy patches, although the effects of other size and site attributes varied; shoreline length, beach–dune height, and high openness of the beach were selected as important positive factors for the number of dune species. Furthermore, most dune species in herb and dwarf shrub zones were area‐dependent and tended to occur in larger sandy patches, whereas some species of the tidal drift zone, including locally threatened dune species, were area‐independent.

Conclusions

Effective conservation of beach–dune flora demands not only the protection of larger sandy patches but also the selective preservation of sandy patches with better developed dunes. Moreover, the maintenance of unstable habitats for area‐independent dune species is important.
Phase 1–2 study of vorinostat (SAHA), cladribine and rituximab (SCR) in relapsed B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Spurgeon Stephen E. , Sharma Kamal , Claxton David F. , Ehmann Christopher , Pu Jeffrey , Shimko Sara , Stewart August , Subbiah Nan , Palmbach Gundula , LeBlanc Francis , Latour Emile , Chen YiYi , Mori Motomi , Hasanali Zainul , Epner Elliot M.
Published: June 2019

Altered DNA methylation and histone acetylation in lymphoma provided the rationale for using vorinostat (SAHA), cladribine and rituximab (SCR) in non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) in this phase 1–2 study (NCT00764517). Treatment included cladribine 5 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) (days 1–5), rituximab 375 mg/m2 IV (weekly 4× for cycle 1 and 1×/month) and vorinostat orally once daily (days 1–14) every 28 days for up to six cycles. Phase 1 included relapsed patients (n = 10) in a standard 3 + 3 dose escalation design (vorinostat: 200, 300 and 400 mg). No dose‐limiting toxicities were seen. The phase 2 dose for vorinostat was 400 mg po (days 1–14). The majority of phase 2 patients had mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) (n = 57; 39 previously untreated, 10 relapsed). The primary objective was objective response rate [complete response (CR) + partial response] which was 39% (7/18) in relapsed patients and 97% (38/39) with 80% (31/39) attaining a CR in previously untreated MCL. At a median follow‐up of 42 months, median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for relapsed NHL were 19·5 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2·0–33·0] and 25·0 (95% CI: 12·0–45·0) months respectively. Median PFS for previously untreated MCL was 84·0 months; OS could not be estimated. Toxicities were primarily haematological.
Public Opinion Surveys and USA Foreign Policy Towards Latin America in the Second World War
Authors: GARZA JOSÉ LUIS ORTIZ , VIDAL‐CORREA FERNANDA
Published: June 2019

In this paper, the roles of public opinion polls and agency in foreign policymaking are examined. Based on documents uncovered from the National Archives and Rockefeller Archive Center, this paper presents a more comprehensive picture of the history of public opinion surveys and the shaping of US bureaucracy in their relation to foreign affairs. Further, the paper contends that policymakers are interested in public views pertaining to foreign policy issues, but that private interests (serving their own interpretations of national interest) shape public views, using new techniques as guiding tools.
Cilia in hereditary cerebral anomalies
Authors: Thomas Sophie , Boutaud Lucile , Reilly Madeline Louise , Benmerah Alexandre
Published: June 2019

Ciliopathies are complex genetic multi‐system disorders causally related to abnormal assembly or function of motile or non‐motile cilia. While most human cells possess a non‐motile sensory/primary cilium (PC) during development and/or in adult tissues, motile cilia are restricted to specialised cells. As a result, PC‐associated ciliopathies are characterised by high phenotypic variability with extensive clinical and genetic overlaps. In the present review, we have focused on cerebral developmental anomalies, which are commonly found in PC‐associated ciliopathies and which have mostly been linked to Hedgehog signalling defects. In addition, we have reviewed emerging evidence that PC dysfunctions could be directly or indirectly involved in the mechanisms underlying malformations of cerebral cortical development including primary microcephaly.
Are individuals with entrepreneurial characteristics more likely to engage in destruction? An experimental investigation among potential 21st century entrepreneurs in Tunisia
Authors: El Harbi Sana , Grolleau Gilles , Sutan Angela , Ben Ticha Zeyneb
Published: June 2019

We test experimentally whether individuals high in some entrepreneurial characteristics are more likely to engage in destructive behavior than other individuals. In the joy‐of‐destruction game, participants can either preserve or costly burn the endowment of each other. In some treatments they can hide from other participants whether they are responsible for destruction. We found that participants high in some entrepreneurial characteristics are significantly more likely to adopt destructive behaviours.
Endothelial TRPV4 channels modulate vascular tone by Ca2+‐induced Ca2+ release at inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors
Authors: Heathcote Helen R. , Lee Matthew D. , Zhang Xun , Saunter Christopher D. , Wilson Calum , McCarron John G.
Published: June 2019

Background and Purpose

The TRPV4 ion channels are Ca2+ permeable, non‐selective cation channels that mediate large, but highly localized, Ca2+ signals in the endothelium. The mechanisms that permit highly localized Ca2+ changes to evoke cell‐wide activity are incompletely understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that TRPV4‐mediated Ca2+ influx activates Ca2+ release from internal Ca2+ stores to generate widespread effects.

Experimental Approach

Ca2+ signals in large numbers (~100) of endothelial cells in intact arteries were imaged and analysed separately.

Key Results

Responses to the TRPV4 channel agonist GSK1016790A were heterogeneous across the endothelium. In activated cells, Ca2+ responses comprised localized Ca2+ changes leading to slow, persistent, global increases in Ca2+ followed by large propagating Ca2+ waves that moved within and between cells. To examine the mechanisms underlying each component, we developed methods to separate slow persistent Ca2+ rise from the propagating Ca2+ waves in each cell. TRPV4‐mediated Ca2+ entry was required for the slow persistent global rise and propagating Ca2+ signals. The propagating waves were inhibited by depleting internal Ca2+ stores, inhibiting PLC or blocking IP3 receptors. Ca2+ release from stores was tightly controlled by TRPV4‐mediated Ca2+ influx and ceased when influx was terminated. Furthermore, Ca2+ release from internal stores was essential for TRPV4‐mediated control of vascular tone.

Conclusions and Implications

Ca2+ influx via TRPV4 channels is amplified by Ca2+‐induced Ca2+ release acting at IP3 receptors to generate propagating Ca2+ waves and provide a large‐scale endothelial communication system. TRPV4‐mediated control of vascular tone requires Ca2+ release from the internal store.
Graduating Out of Poverty Across Generations: Unpacking Children’s Well‐being Trajectories in Burundi
Authors: Roelen Keetie , Leon‐Himmelstine Carmen
Published: June 2019

Graduation model interventions represent a new wave of anti‐poverty programming that seeks to offer a sustainable pathway out of poverty. An expanding evidence base points towards positive economic outcomes at household level but little is known about impacts on child well‐being. This paper investigates children’s well‐being in Burundi during and after participation in a graduation model programme using a longitudinal mixed‐methods approach. The programme is found to improve child well‐being, particularly in relation to housing, food security and education. Covariate shocks undermine sustainability of effects but greater knowledge, experience and prioritisation of children’s needs contribute to harnessing improved outcomes.
Supporting Primary School Children’s learning in Digital Spaces at Home: Migrant Parents’ Perspectives and Practices
Authors: Tour Ekaterina
Published: June 2019

Using a sociocultural perspective and a case study design, this research examined how three migrant parents in Australia viewed and supported children’s learning in digital spaces and the reasons behind these perspectives and practices. The study found that the participating parents mainly valued and actively supported technology‐based mechanical learning of print‐based literacy and numeracy basics and disregarded the development of digital literacies. The participants’ views and practices were shaped by their desire for children’s social mobility, driven by their migration status and high educational levels, and further reinforced by their interpretations of what was valued in the Australian education system.
Pre‐transplant alpha‐fetoprotein is associated with post‐transplant hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence mortality
Authors: Mahmud Nadim , John Binu , Taddei Tamar H. , Goldberg David S.
Published: June 2019

Background

Although liver transplantation may potentially cure hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the risk of HCC recurrence is 8%‐20% at five years post‐transplant. Pre‐transplant alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) is a predictor of HCC recurrence, but it is unknown if pre‐transplant AFP also predicts survival in patients with recurrence.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database between 2002 and 2016. We identified adult transplant recipients with HCC recurrence after liver transplantation for HCC and used Cox regression to compare patient survival among different maximum pre‐transplant AFP levels.

Results

The cohort (N = 1164) was primarily male, white, and with hepatitis C liver disease. The median time to HCC recurrence was 11.6 months (interquartile range 6.1‐26.3). In Cox regression analysis, increasing pre‐transplant AFP was associated with poorer survival when adjusting for age, pre‐transplant model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD), and time to HCC recurrence. For example, patients with pre‐transplant AFP ≥500ng/mL had a 1.6‐fold higher risk of death versus those with AFP ≤20ng/mL (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Pre‐transplant AFP is independently associated with survival in patients with HCC recurrence. These findings further contextualize the importance of pre‐transplant AFP in liver transplantation and may improve prognostication for patients with HCC recurrence.
The sub‐classification of type B2 vessels according to the magnifying endoscopic classification of the Japan Esophageal Society
Authors: Tanaka Ippei , Hirasawa Dai , Saito Hiroaki , Matsuda Tomoki , Nakahori Masato , Maeda Yuki , Okuzono Toru , Suzuki Kenjiro , Igarashi Kimihiro , Nawata Yoshitaka , Ito Satoshi , Unno Shuhei , Chonan Akimichi
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Guidelines for magnified endoscopic diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have been proposed by the Japan Esophageal Society. Type B1, B2, and B3 reflect increasing tumor invasion depths (within mucosal epithelium or into lamina propria mucosa [T1a‐EP/LPM], into muscularis mucosa or superficial invasion into submucosa [T1a‐MM/T1b‐SM1], and into submucosa [T1b‐SM2], respectively). The diagnostic accuracy of type B1 and B3 is high, but accuracy of type B2 is low. We aimed to improve the diagnostic accuracy of type B2.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 248 SCC lesions treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection between January 2012 and July 2018 and identified the B2 lesions. The maximum diameter of the area presenting B2 was measured and evaluated in relation to tumor invasion, for which receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated. The optimal area size for distinguishing T1a‐EP/LPM from T1a‐MM or deeper invasion was determined.

Results

There were 78 lesions with B2, of which 26 (33%) were T1a‐MM or T1b‐SM1 SCCs. ROC curve analysis indicated that the optimal cut‐off for the target area showing B2 was 4 mm. The invasion depth (EP/LPM: MM/SM1: SM2) of B2 observed in an area with a diameter <4 mm (B2‐Narrow) and those with diameter ≥4 mm (B2‐Broad) was 46:11:1 and 1:15:4, respectively. To predict T1a‐MM or deeper invasion, B2‐Broad had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 61%, 98%, 95%, and 79%, respectively.

Conclusion

The diagnostic accuracy of type B2 was improved by evaluating the area of type B2.
Transforming mental well‐being for people with diabetes: research recommendations from Diabetes UK's 2019 Diabetes and Mental Well‐Being Workshop
Authors: Wylie T. A. F. , Shah C. , Connor R. , Farmer A. J. , Ismail K. , Millar B. , Morris A. , Reynolds R. M. , Robertson E. , Swindell R. , Warren E. , Holt R. I. G.
Published: June 2019

Aims

To identify key gaps in the research evidence base that could help to improve the mental well‐being of people with diabetes, and to provide recommendations to researchers and research funders on how best to address them.

Methods

A 2‐day international research workshop was conducted, bringing together research experts in diabetes and in mental health, people living with diabetes and healthcare professionals.

Results

The following key areas needing increased financial investment in research were identified: understanding the mechanisms underlying depression; understanding the multifactorial impact of social stigma; improving the language used by healthcare professionals; supporting people who find it difficult to engage with their diabetes; supporting significant others; supporting people with diabetes and eating disorders; improving models of care by learning from best practice; the potential benefits of screening and managing diabetes distress in routine diabetes care pathways; primary prevention of mental health issues at the time of diagnosis of diabetes; establishing the effectiveness of diabetes therapies on mood and other mental health issues; and understanding the impact of current diabetes technologies on mental health. Research recommendations as to how to address each of these priority areas were also developed.

Conclusions

This inaugural position statement outlines recommendations to address the urgent unmet need related to the mental well‐being of people living with diabetes, and calls on the research community and funders to develop research programmes and strategies to reduce this need.
Testing methods in species distribution modelling using virtual species: what have we learnt and what are we missing?
Authors: Meynard Christine N. , Leroy Boris , Kaplan David M.
Published: June 2019

Species distribution models (SDMs) have become one of the major predictive tools in ecology. However, multiple methodological choices are required during the modelling process, some of which may have a large impact on forecasting results. In this context, virtual species, i.e. the use of simulations involving a fictitious species for which we have perfect knowledge of its occurrence–environment relationships and other relevant characteristics, have become increasingly popular to test SDMs. This approach provides for a simple virtual ecologist framework under which to test model properties, as well as the effects of the different methodological choices, and allows teasing out the effects of targeted factors with great certainty. This simplification is therefore very useful in setting up modelling standards and best practice principles. As a result, numerous virtual species studies have been published over the last decade. The topics covered include differences in performance between statistical models, effects of sample size, choice of threshold values, methods to generate pseudo‐absences for presence‐only data, among many others. These simulations have therefore already made a great contribution to setting best modelling practices in SDMs. Recent software developments have greatly facilitated the simulation of virtual species, with at least three different packages published to that effect. However, the simulation procedure has not been homogeneous, which introduces some subtleties in the interpretation of results, as well as differences across simulation packages. Here we 1) review the main contributions of the virtual species approach in the SDM literature; 2) compare the major virtual species simulation approaches and software packages; and 3) propose a set of recommendations for best simulation practices in future virtual species studies in the context of SDMs.
Theatre improvisation training to promote social cognition: A novel recovery‐oriented intervention for youths at clinical risk for psychosis
Authors: Tang Sunny X. , Seelaus Kevin H. , Moore Tyler M. , Taylor Jerome , Moog Carol , O'Connor David , Burkholder Marla , Kohler Christian G. , Grant Paul M. , Eliash Dvora , Calkins Monica E. , Gur Raquel E. , Gur Ruben C.
Published: June 2019

Aim

Few interventions address social cognition or functioning in individuals at clinical risk (CR) for psychosis. Theatre Improvisation Training to Promote Social Cognition (TIPS) is a manualized intervention based on drama therapy. We aim to describe TIPS, evaluate feasibility and acceptability, and present a preliminary investigation of outcomes in a quasi‐experimental design.

Methods

Thirty‐six CR participants (15‐25 years) were ascertained from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort. Twenty‐six completed the TIPS protocol: 18 weekly 2‐hour group sessions led by a theatre director and actor‐assistant. Participants engaged in collaborative acting and improvisation exercises. Baseline and follow‐up assessments included the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS), Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes, Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (CNB), which includes social cognitive tests. Acceptability was assessed using focus groups. Preliminary outcomes were compared to CR controls who were not enrolled in the study but completed follow‐up assessments using the same methods.

Results

There were no significant differences in baseline demographics, psychosis symptoms, or cognition between those who did and did not complete the protocol. Overall, TIPS was considered feasible and acceptable among CR. Preliminary outcomes suggest that TIPS may be effective in improving positive and negative psychosis‐spectrum symptoms and GAF, but not performance on facial emotion processing.

Conclusions

TIPS is a promising and acceptable intervention that may improve symptoms and functioning in CR while providing a framework for participants to develop more empowered and confident ways of relating to others. Larger randomized controlled trials investigating TIPS efficacy are warranted.
Comparison of transfusion requirements in adult patients undergoing Haploidentical or single‐unit umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Solves Pilar , Sanz Jaime , Gómez Inés , de la Puerta Rosalía , Arnao Mario , Montoro Juan , Piñana José Luis , Carretero Carlos , Balaguer Aitana , Guerreiro Manuel , Andreu Rafa , Rodríguez Rebeca , Montesinos Pau , Jarque Isidro , Lorenzo José Ignacio , Carpio Nelly , Sanz Miguel Ángel , Sanz Guillermo Francisco
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) and haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo‐HSCT) modalities have been developed to offset the lack of matched donors. In this study, we compare the transfusion requirements of patients undergoing UCBT and haplo‐HSCT in a single institution with the aim of providing additional information for clinicians to choose the most adequate alternative graft for HSCT.

Methods

The study reviewed 67 and 46 patients undergoing UCBT and haplo‐HSCT, respectively.

Results

There were no significant differences for RBC and PLT requirements according to the transplantation modality. Median time to RBC transfusion independence was 35 and 25.5 days in patients who received an UCBT and haplo‐HSCT, respectively (P = 0.38), while median time to platelet transfusion independence was 31 days for UCBT patients and 23 for haplo‐HSCT patients (P < 0.001). Days until neutrophils > 0.5 × 109/L were the only variable that significantly influenced RBC and PLT requirements for both transplantation modalities. Cumulative incidence of RBC and PLT transfusion independence at 90 days after transplantation was similar for both UCBT and haplo‐HSCT.

Conclusions

Both transplantation platforms require prolonged and intensive supportive RBC and PLT transfusion therapy. Both transplantation platforms require prolonged and intensive supportive RBC and PLT transfusion therapy.
Optimization of reference gene panels for gene expression analysis in preclinical models of inflammatory skin diseases
Authors: Braun Anne , Sezin Tanya , Bezdek Siegfried , Doxastaki Iosifina , Zillikens Detlef , Busch Hauke S. , Sadik Christian D.
Published: June 2019

Reverse transcriptase qPCR is the most common method to determine and compare mRNA expression levels and relies on normalization using reference genes. The expression levels of the latter, however, are themselves often variable between experimental conditions, thus compromising the results. Using the geNorm algorithm, we have examined seven genes with respect to their suitability as reference genes for gene analysis in mouse models of skin inflammation, using the antibody transfer model of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and in the Aldara™‐induced psoriasiform dermatitis. Our results indicate that the combination of at least 2‐3 reference genes is required for stable normalization. Notably, the expression of reference genes changed when comparing lesional skin of both models or when comparing lesional to non‐lesional skin within one model. This highlights the need for precise selection of reference genes dependent on the specific experimental setup.
Tetramer formation by the caspase‐activated fragment of the Par‐4 tumor suppressor
Authors: Clark Andrea M. , Ponniah Komala , Warden Meghan S. , Raitt Emily M. , Smith Benjamin G. , Pascal Steven M.
Published: June 2019

The prostate apoptosis response‐4 (Par‐4) tumor suppressor can selectively kill cancer cells via apoptosis while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Full length Par‐4 has been shown to be predominantly intrinsically disordered in vitro under neutral conditions. As part of the apoptotic process, cellular Par‐4 is cleaved at D131 by caspase‐3, which generates a 24 kDa C‐terminal activated fragment (cl‐Par‐4) that enters the nucleus and inhibits pro‐survival genes, thereby preventing cancer cell proliferation. Here, the structure of cl‐Par‐4 was investigated using CD spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, intrinsic tyrosine fluorescence, and size exclusion chromatography with mutli‐angle light scattering. Biophysical characterization shows that cl‐Par‐4 aggregates and is disordered at low ionic strength. However, with increasing ionic strength, cl‐Par‐4 becomes progressively more helical and less aggregated, ultimately forming largely ordered tetramers at high NaCl concentration. These results, together with previous results showing induced folding at acidic pH, suggest that the in vivo structure and self‐association state of cl‐Par‐4 may be strongly dependent upon cellular environment.
Fatigue behaviors of laser hybrid welded AA7020 due to defects via synchrotron X‐ray microtomography
Authors: Wu Sheng‐Chuan , Hu Ya‐Nan , Song Zhe , Ding San‐San , Fu Ya‐Nan
Published: June 2019

Defect or shrinkage is known to have a detrimental effect on the fatigue resistance of casting lightweight alloys and additively manufactured or 3D printed materials. However, very few works focus on the damage mechanism of fusion welded Al alloys due to gas pores or metallurgical defects. This paper performs an investigation on the effect of porosity on the damage evolution of laser hybrid welded 7020‐T651 alloys. The critical pore size comparable with average weld grain was assumed in terms of the population and dimension of micropores. To characterize the coupling effect between gas pores and cracks, an in situ fatigue testing rig was developed to well work at the synchrotron radiation tomography system. Combining synchrotron X‐ray microtomography and fatigue resistance testing, the pore size and location were correlated with the crack initiation and crack growth path but relatively less on the long crack propagation rate. Furthermore, the interaction between the porosity and stress concentration was elucidated by using finite element simulations, which shows that the gas pore appears to be a preferred cracking site especially near the surface.
Evaluation of attention in APP/PS1 mice shows impulsive and compulsive behaviours
Authors: Shepherd Amy , May Carlos , Churilov Leonid , Adlard Paul A. , Hannan Anthony J. , Burrows Emma L.
Published: June 2019

While Alzheimer's disease (AD) is traditionally associated with deficits in episodic memory, early changes in other cognitive domains, such as attention, have been gaining interest. In line with clinical observations, some animal models of AD have been shown to develop attentional deficits, but this is not consistent across all models. The APPswe/PS1ΔE9 (APP/PS1) mouse is one of the most commonly used AD models and attention has not yet been scrutinised in this model. We set out to assess attention using the 5‐choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT) early in the progression of cognitive symptoms in APP/PS1 mice, using clinically translatable touchscreen chambers. APP/PS1 mice showed no attentional changes across 5CSRTT training or any probes from 9 to 11 months of age. Interestingly, APP/PS1 mice showed increased impulsive and compulsive responding when task difficulty was high. This suggests that while the APP/PS1 mouse model may not be a good model of attentional changes in AD, it may be useful to study the early changes in impulsive and compulsive behaviour that have been identified in patient studies. As these changes have not previously been reported without attentional deficits in the clinic, the APP/PS1 mouse model may provide a unique opportunity to study these specific behavioural changes seen in AD, including their mechanistic underpinnings and therapeutic implications.
Gleason grade patterns in nodal metastasis and corresponding prostatectomy specimens: impact on patient outcome
Authors: Downes Michelle R , Xu Bin , van der Kwast Theo H
Published: June 2019

Aims

Lymph node metastases at the time of prostatectomy are an infrequent finding. The correlation of the pattern of nodal metastases with patient outcome has yet to be explored.

Methods and results

Lymph node‐positive prostatectomies were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of cribriform carcinoma (CC), intraductal carcinoma (IDC) and ISUP grade (G) were documented. The largest nodal metastasis was assessed for the morphological patterns present. G was assigned to the metastasis based on percentage morphological patterns present. Statistical analysis used spss to assess disease‐specific survival (DSS), disease‐free survival (DFS) and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS). One hundred and ten cases were identified: G5 (n = 52), G4 (n = 8), G3 (n = 34), G2 (n = 10) and no G (n = 6; treatment effect). IDC or CC was present in 103 (94%) specimens. More than one positive node correlated with worse DFS [P = 0.012, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.951, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.142–3.331] and DMFS (P = 0.009, HR = 2.647, 95% CI = 1.239–5.651). G in the prostate and nodal metastasis were poorly correlated (kappa = 0.073, P = 0.195). The presence of pattern 5 was seen in 33 nodes (30%) and correlated with DFS (P = 0.020, HR = 1.903, 95% CI = 1.091–3.320), DSS (P = 0.021, HR = 5.937, 95% CI = 1.084–32.533) and DMFS (P = 0.007, HR = 2.695, 95% CI = 1.269–5.726). Nodal cribriform pattern showed no prognostic correlation and pattern 3 metastasis showed a significant trend towards better outcome (DMFS P = 0.033, HR = 0.431, 95% CI = 0.194–0.958).

Conclusions

IDC or CC is identified in 94% of node‐positive prostate cancers. Although G in the largest nodal metastasis has prognostic significance, its G does not reflect that of the primary prostatic adenocarcinoma.
Ceramic membranes applied to membrane distillation: A comprehensive review
Authors: Ramlow Heloisa , Ferreira Roberta Karoline Morais , Marangoni Cintia , Machado Ricardo Antonio Francisco
Published: June 2019

Membrane distillation (MD) has been increasingly studied in the past decade for its potential as a separation process of nonvolatile components. The present study demonstrates a comprehensive overview of the current progress and challenges in the application of ceramic membranes to MD based on the available state of the art. There are already published review papers about MD, but the present study focuses on ceramic membranes, which are still the few used in MD when compared to polymeric membranes. Significant issues such as membrane material, module, characteristics, and hydrophobic modification are discussed. The main operating conditions and their effects on the separation process are given. Current applications of ceramic membranes in MD are also presented. Likewise, challenges and future perspectives associated with MD performance using ceramic membranes are highlighted. A review focused on ceramic membranes applied specifically to MD will contribute for future research in order that this process achieves successful implementation in industry.
‘Promoting and preserving safety and a life‐oriented perspective’: A qualitative study of nurses’ interactions with patients experiencing suicidal ideation
Authors: Vandewalle Joeri , Beeckman Dimitri , Van Hecke Ann , Debyser Bart , Deproost Eddy , Verhaeghe Sofie
Published: June 2019

Suicide prevention is an important imperative in psychiatric hospitals, where nurses have a crucial role in and make essential contributions to suicide prevention and promoting the recovery of patients experiencing suicidal ideation. The present qualitative grounded theory study aimed to uncover and understand the actions and aims of nurses in psychiatric hospitals during their interactions with patients experiencing suicidal ideation. Interviews were conducted with 26 nurses employed on 12 wards in four psychiatric hospitals. The data analysis was inspired by the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven. The findings show that nurses’ actions and aims in their interactions with patients experiencing suicidal ideation are captured in the core element ‘promoting and preserving safety and a life‐oriented perspective’. This core element represents the three interconnected elements ‘managing the risk of suicide’, ‘guiding patients away from suicidal ideation’, and ‘searching for balance in the minefield’. The enhanced understanding of nurses’ actions and aims can inform concrete strategies for nursing practice and education. These strategies should aim to challenge overly controlling and directing nursing approaches and support nurses’ capacity and ability to connect and collaborate with patients experiencing suicidal ideation.