bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When contradicting public space regimes collide: The case of Palestinian Israeli towns
Authors: Totry‐Fakhoury Maisa , Alfasi Nurit
Published: August 2018

The logic, meaning, and functioning of public spaces differ substantially between cultures and places. While Western public spaces are affected by democratic urban regimes and enhanced commercialisation, public spaces in traditional Muslim, Middle Eastern cities that were originally supervised by the community according to cultural norms are not easily adapted to contemporary changes. This paper thus analyses the unique case of Palestinian Israeli towns, reflecting the coexistence of these two sets of ruling public spaces, also affected by global economic changes and national political complexities. These towns consist of two different built environments: old neighbourhoods based on hierarchic, socially affiliated public spaces and new neighbourhoods created by the Israeli modern planning system, strictly dividing public spaces from private ones. The analysis provides a comparative framework discussing how this emerging urban condition affects the performance of public spaces. In addition, it enables a new perspective on Palestinian society, torn between tradition and Westernisation.
Fiscal effects of municipal annexation: Evidence from a large national sample of urban municipalities
Authors: Wang Jing , Gorina Evgenia
Published: August 2018

This paper examines the relationship between annexation and municipal finance and addresses a gap in the literature by studying the role of revenue structure and fiscal constraints. Using a large national sample of urban municipalities, the analysis shows that territorial expansion by itself does not influence municipal fiscal outcomes with the exception of large single parcels annexations which increase spending. We also observe negative effects of population changes on revenues and spending per capita. Since population changes typically accompany annexation, we conclude that annexing cities tend to use their added tax base to spread the revenue burden more widely rather than to increase the size of government. An important implication of this study is that state‐imposed fiscal constraints do not hamper annexation success and that comprehensive urban development policies may be needed to accommodate growth and development after annexation.
The current state of Byzantine archeology
Authors: Decker Michael J.
Published: August 2018

Byzantine archeology embraces the study of material culture in the Byzantine Empire (the continuation of the Roman Empire in the Eastern Mediterranean from the 4th through 15th centuries C.E.). This review examines current trends in Byzantine archeology, among which one finds new local and regional studies, and a decided move away from archeological excavation to archeological survey and other forms of noninvasive investigation. There is still a strong orientation among scholars engaged with Byzantine archeology to explain the nature and mechanisms of change around the period of transition from antiquity to the medieval period. New theories and methodologies, often slow to be adopted by Byzantinists, are now routinely applied in many areas of Byzantine archeology. More recently, the archeological sciences, including studies involving climate change and the diet, have become more prominent in the field. Finally, in order to thrive, Byzantine archeology is a scholarly pursuit in need of institutional support and a defined and effective academic network.
Medieval sermons and audience appeal after theBlackDeath
Authors: Barr Beth Allison
Published: August 2018

Medieval sermons were the mass media of the 14th and 15th centuries. A sermon for St. Winifred from John Mirk'sFestial, the most popular collection of medieval sermons in late medieval England, showcases not only the popularity of medieval sermons but also the components basic to sermon literature throughout medieval Europe. The varying inclusion and mostly exclusion of the Winifred sermon from extantFestialmanuscripts, along with its reliance on colorful sermon stories (exempla), underscore a growing concern in medieval sermons for audience appeal. Moreover, a comparison of the Winifred sermon in twoFestialmanuscripts suggests that an emphasis on the pastoral program in sermons, especially during the century following the Black Death, coincided with increased concern in sermons to appeal to a female audience. St. Winifred's sermon was certainly a teaching text for medieval Christians, but—because it exposes the appeal of medieval sermons more broadly and suggests new directions for study—St. Winifred's sermon is also a teaching text for scholars today.
Acceptability of high‐resolution anoscopy for anal cancer screening in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Lam JO , Barnell GM , Merchant M , Ellis CG , Silverberg MJ
Published: August 2018

Objectives

HIV‐infected individuals are at increased risk of anal cancer. Screening for anal cancer precursors using high‐resolution anoscopy (HRA) may be clinically beneficial. In this study, we examined patient tolerability of this procedure.

Methods

The acceptability of HRA was evaluated among HIV‐infected patients who completed a first‐time HRA between July 2008 and December 2013 at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. We reviewed electronic medical records to identify lack of HRA acceptability, which was defined as receipt of HRA with sedation, dispensation of opioid analgaesia, and/or an urgent care visit following HRA, and to evaluate factors associated with patients not returning for a recommended repeat HRA (proxy for HRA acceptability). HRA acceptability was also assessed via a survey mailed to patients who completed HRA between January 2014 and August 2014. Logistic regression was used to model lack of acceptability of initial HRA and likelihood of not returning for a repeat HRA.

Results

Of 1857 HIV‐infected patients, 94 were prescribed opioids and one had an urgent care visit. Lack of HRA acceptability was more likely in patients with pre‐existing anal conditions [e.g. warts or fissure; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.4–6.7], those who had ever smoked (aOR 1.6; 95% CI 1.0–2.5) and women (aOR 5.3; 95% CI 1.6–17.5). Fifty per cent of patients returned for a repeat HRA, with younger patients less likely to return (per 10‐year age interval, aOR 0.8; 95% CI 0.7–0.9). Of 48 survey respondents, 91.7% reported acceptable pain levels and all reported willingness to return for a repeat HRA.

Conclusions

HRA was generally well tolerated and may be an acceptable screening approach for patients at high risk of anal cancer.
Measuring the frequency of consumer hair combing and magnitude of combing forces on individual hairs in a tress and the implications for product evaluation and claims substantiation
Authors: New S. , Daniels G. , Gummer C. L.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

It is commonly assumed that, due to the long growth cycle of hair, multi‐cycle combing, and strength and fatigue testing using thousands of cycles is relevant for product evaluation and claim substantiation. The objective was to assess the frequency and magnitude of combing forces on individual hairs against a hypothesis that fibres on a consumer's head rarely experience significant loads during routine combing.

Methods

Single fibres were removed from a tress, attached to a load cell and replaced in the tress. Combing of tresses, guided by in‐vivo measurements, measured the frequency of significant loads defined as ‘events’ ≥1 g over 30 combing sets (set = 10 comb strokes @~25 cm s−1) with intermediate tangling. Asian and Caucasian hair was assessed by dry, wet, bleached‐wet and bleached‐dry combing. A questionnaire of 231 Asian and Caucasian women established daily frequency and number of comb strokes for the whole head. In‐vivo combing videos of 10 women (five Asian, five Caucasian) were used to establish in‐vivo and tress combing speeds.

Results

The questionnaires returned an average combing frequency of 1.7×/day (range 0–5) and average number of strokes 16 ± 2.3 per head/day (95% CI). Video analysis measured combing speeds of 22–35 cm s−1 across hair types. Tress data confirmed individual fibres are unlikely to experience repeated loading or significant loads in all but wet combed persulphate bleached hair. ‘Events’ of ≥1 g ‐ dry combing gave an event probability of 0.2 and average load of 1.7 g over 30 comb sets. Dry combed bleached samples returned a probability of 0.23 and 0.3 respectively. Wet combed virgin Asian and Caucasian hair gave a probability of 0.1 and 0.47 respectively. Wet combed bleached hair gave a probability of one. The addition of a conditioner to bleached hair reduced the event probability to <0.1.

Conclusion

During combing, individual fibres may not experience any significant loads and are unlikely to experience repetitive loads >10 g. The low number of comb strokes and low event probability is in keeping with consumers growing their hair long and in good condition. The data indicates the need for a significant rethink of methods used for product evaluation and claim substantiation.
Melting behavior of waste glass cullet briquettes in soda‐lime‐silica container glass batch
Authors: Deng Wei , Wright Richard , Boden‐Hook Chris , Bingham Paul A.
Published: August 2018

The melting behavior of representative container glass batch with and without the addition of 15wt% briquettes produced from waste cullet fine particles was investigated in the context of reducing both waste and glass melting energies. Carbonate raw material decomposition and reactions during melting were studied by DTA‐TGA‐MS. The decomposition kinetics of two batches, representing typical container glass batches with 0% and 15% briquette additions, were calculated by transformation degree based on the Ginstling‐Brounstein and Arrhenius equations. High temperature phase transitions and fractions of silica reaction in each batch were obtained from X‐ray diffractometry (XRD). The briquette additions accelerated the decomposition reactions and the silicate reaction kinetics by decreasing the activation energy for carbonate decomposition. Silica sand in the batch was shown to melt at lower temperatures with the addition of briquettes. Batch melting processes at different temperatures and briquette melting on top of the molten glass at high temperatures were investigated by macroscopic investigations of sample cross sections postmelting. The positive effects of briquette additions to container glass batches, in terms of increased melting rate and reduced batch reaction and decomposition temperatures, are supported by the results of this study.
Wage distribution and firm size: The case of the United States
Authors: COSIC Damir
Published: August 2018

Substantial literature has been produced on the increasing wage gap in the United States, invoking various possible factors, but largely ignoring the relationship between firm size and wage distribution. In this study, the author decomposes wage differences over time between large, medium and small firms, identifying the effects of observed characteristics (and their returns) along with residual inequality, i.e. inequality among workers with the same observed characteristics. From 1992 to 2012, trends at small, medium and large firms became more uniform, while wage inequality rose across the board. Significantly, it increased more quickly in the upper half of the wage distribution and at large firms, where residual inequality was highest.
Mother–Infant and Partner–Infant Emotional Availability at 12 Months of Age: Findings From an Australian Longitudinal Study
Authors: Rossen Larissa , Mattick Richard P. , Wilson Judy , Burns Lucinda , Macdonald Jacqui A. , Olsson Craig , Allsop Steve , Elliott Elizabeth J. , Jacobs Sue , McCormack Clare , Hutchinson Delyse
Published: August 2018

Emotional availability (EA) is a focal indicator of parent–infant relationship quality and plays a key role in determining healthy child development, yet factors thought to influence EA have not been examined comprehensively in the postnatal period in both mothers and partners. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of mother–infant and partner–infant bonding, mental ill‐health and substance use at 8 weeks postbirth on mother–infant and partner–infant EA at 12 months postbirth, accounting for a range of demographic and postnatal variables. Participants were 191 matched mother–partner–infant triads from a nested sample of an Australian longitudinal pregnancy cohort (The Triple B Pregnancy Cohort). Assessments were conducted at 8 weeks postbirth and at infant age 12 months. Parental EA was coded from dyadic interactions during a 20‐min free play observational video recorded at 12 months. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis, accounting for within‐dyad clustering, showed older parent age was associated with higher parent–child EA scores (χ2 = 6.28, p < .01), while parental tobacco use (χ2 = 7.35, p < .01) and depression (χ2 = 4.51, p < .05) at 8 weeks postnatal predicted poorer parent–child EA scores at 12 months. These novel findings suggest that it may be particularly important to support young couples and those struggling with symptoms of depression or tobacco use during the postnatal period.
Impact of Gram‐negative bacteria on the treatment of venous leg ulcers
Authors: Engelberg Wibke L , Dörler Martin , Stücker Markus , Reich‐Schupke Stefanie
Published: August 2018

Gram‐negative germs with and without multi‐resistance are garnering more and more importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and rate of resistance against antibiotics and to clarify the impact of Gram‐negative bacteria, especially with high rates of resistance, for the treatment of venous leg ulcers. This is a retrospective, monocentric, non‐randomised open study. Included were all data within 1 year of bacterial swabs of venous leg ulcers. We performed summarization, pooling, and descriptive analysis for frequencies and crossover. We analysed 679 swabs of 285 patients with venous leg ulcers. The mean patient age was 69.78 years. There were 76.1% Gram‐positive and 58.2% Gram‐negative germs detected; 56.5% of the swabs showed multi‐resistance. Gram‐negative bacteria were associated with more pain. Exacerbation and relevant aggravation of wounds that led to stationary treatment occurred more frequently. With polihexanid treatment, we saw less Gram‐negative flora. This study showed an immediate impact of Gram‐negative germs on the patient's pain, the risk for aggravation, and the choice of treatment. Further studies for prophylaxis and treatment of Gram‐negative germs in venous leg ulcer therapy are needed.
Mixed alkaline‐earth effects on several mechanical and thermophysical properties of aluminate glasses and melts
Authors: Shan Zhitao , Liu Shujiang , Tao Haizheng , Yue Yuanzheng
Published: August 2018

Owing to heterogeneous nucleation at the melt‐crucible interface, it is difficult to access the dynamic and physical properties of supercooled liquids of poor glass formers when using a conventional melting technique. To avoid the interface nucleation, we apply a containerless aerodynamic levitation laser‐melting technique to measure the viscosity, density, and surface tension of a poor glass‐forming system, ie, the mixed alkaline‐earth aluminate melts. The temperature and composition (Ca/Sr) dependence of thermal‐physical properties are investigated on both thermodynamically stable and metastable supercooled melts. In addition, the levitation laser‐melting technique is used to quench the melts to glasses, and then the mixed alkaline‐earth effects are investigated on Vickers micro‐hardness and glass transition temperatures. By comparing the chosen silicate and aluminate series, we have identified weaker mixed alkaline‐earth effects in aluminate series than those in silicate series, and this difference could be attributed to the different structural roles of alkaline‐earth elements in two glass series.
Electric current effect during the early stages of field‐assisted sintering
Authors: Biesuz Mattia , Rizzi Davide , Sglavo Vincenzo M.
Published: August 2018

The linear shrinkage during isothermal treatment in the early stages of conventional and field‐assisted sintering of 8YSZ was analyzed. The results reveal that the application of a moderate electric current causes a remarkable acceleration of the self‐diffusion kinetics, resulting in an enhanced densification. In addition, when an electric current is applied, two different field‐assisted sintering regimes can be identified. The first one, observed at low currents (ie 5 mA/mm2), is associated to sintering shrinkage which follows the conventional trend () although the densification is accelerated. The second regime takes place when larger current are applied (J > 10 mA/mm2) and is described by a different sintering law, , this pointing out that the electric current causes the activation of alternative densification mechanisms when it exceeds a certain threshold value.
In situ measurements of reactions in a glass‐forming batch by X‐ray and neutron diffraction
Authors: Peterson Irene M. , Shi Ying , Ma Dong , Rygel Jennifer L. , Wheaton Bryan , Whitfield Pamela S. , Wright Joseph , Carlineo Michele
Published: August 2018

The batch materials used in glass production are often too coarse to allow phase evolution measurements by in situ high‐temperature x‐ray diffraction (HTXRD). Reducing the particle sizes to accommodate these measurements changes the reaction kinetics and can alter the reaction pathway. Unlike conventional laboratory XRD, which operates in reflection mode and analyzes the surface region of finely ground powder, neutron diffraction can be used to characterize as‐received batch materials by means of an intense beam which penetrates through a bulk sample. In this study, the phase evolution in a glass‐forming batch made with fine batch materials was probed in situ by both HTXRD and time‐of‐flight neutron diffraction to determine the similarities and differences between measurements by the two techniques. Then, the same composition, prepared using the coarser, as‐received size distributions of the same batch materials, was studied by both techniques, demonstrating the unique capability of neutron diffraction to analyze material which is too coarse for the HTXRD, and to reveal the effect of the particle size distribution on the reaction kinetics.
Encapsulation of nitride phosphors into sintered phosphate glass by pressureless firing and hot isostatic pressing
Authors: Kudo Soichiro , Kishioka Akira , Kuwahara Hideki , Kuroe Haruhiko , Hintzen Hubertus T. , Itatani Kiyoshi
Published: August 2018

The encapsulation conditions of Eu2+‐doped calcium silicon nitride ((Ca0.90Eu0.10)2Si5N8) and strontium silicon nitride ((Sr0.98Eu0.02)2Si5N8) phosphors into phosphate glass ((50‐x)Na2O–xZnO–5B2O3–45P2O5; x = 10‐40) were examined by pressureless sintering (normal or infrared firing) and subsequent oxygen‐assisted hot isostatic pressing. The evaluation of water resistivity, as well as glass transition temperature (Tg), indicated that the excellent water resistivity and low Tg (313°C) could be achieved at x = 30. The colorless and clear glass body could be fabricated by infrared firing at 370°C for 20 minutes in air, followed by the hot isostatic pressing at 370°C for 24 hours (80%Ar + 20%O2, pressure: 130 MPa). The encapsulations of 3.0 mass% (Ca0.90Eu0.10)2Si5N8 and (Sr0.98Eu0.02)2Si5N8 into the glass body produced reddish orange light emission (peak wavelength: 604 nm under excitation wavelength of 423 nm) and red‐light emission (617 nm under 383 nm), respectively, showing higher chemical and thermal stability of nitride phosphors in the glass matrix.
Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of a novel red phosphor SrLaGaO4:Mn4+
Authors: Jiang Chunyan , Zhang Xin , Wang Jia , Zhao Quanzhong , Wong Ka‐Leung , Peng Mingying
Published: August 2018

A novel Mn4+‐doped strontium lanthanum gallate red phosphor SrLaGaO4:Mn4+has been successfully prepared via the conventional solid‐state reaction method. Phase purity, photoluminescence excitation/emission spectra, concentration quenching, decay curves, and temperature‐dependent photoluminescence have been investigated systematically. SrLaGaO4:Mn4+phosphor exhibits broad excitation band from 250 to 600 nm and emits intense red light centered at 716 nm arising from spin‐forbidden transition,2E →4A2of Mn4+. The optimal dopant concentration of Mn4+is determined to be 0.2 mol%. Dipole‐dipole interaction is supposed to be the mechanism of concentration quenching. The crystal‐field strength Dq, the Racah parameters B and C, and the nephelauxetic ratioβ1of SrLaGaO4:Mn4+have been calculated according to its luminescent spectra. Our systematic investigation on this new phosphor can provide a reference for the development of red‐emitting phosphor.
Effect of valenced vicarious online contact on out‐group prejudice and perceived out‐group variability: A study of online poker
Authors: Andrews Nadia P. , Yogeeswaran Kumar , Walker Matt J. , Hewstone Miles
Published: August 2018

Online poker has become a multibillion dollar industry, with millions of people from around the world both playing and watching online poker each year. Unlike live poker, players and watchers, typically cannot rely on physical cues of other players; in fact, the only information often available to poker players is others’ nationality. Because these poker games often involve members of different national groups, it constitutes a context of indirect contact that has considerable potential to examine how attitudes and beliefs about people from other nationalities can be influenced by interactions in online poker. In the current research, we examined how observing an in‐group player have positive or negative contact with a player of another nationality impacted one’s own attitudes and beliefs about the out‐group nation. Participants (N = 157) watched an online poker video recording of a fellow in‐group member have negative, positive, or no intergroup contact with an out‐group member at an online poker table. Subsequent affective (out‐group attitudes) and cognitive (perceived out‐group variability) measures of intergroup bias were taken. Data revealed that while observing negative contact increased out‐group prejudice, observing positive contact reduced prejudice (all relative to no intergroup contact). However, no differences were found in perceived out‐group variability. Implications for online poker and future research intergroup contact are discussed.
Identity‐centrality, dimensions of uncertainty, and pursuit of subgroup autonomy: The case of Sardinia within Italy
Authors: Wagoner Joseph A. , Antonini Matteo , Hogg Michael A. , Barbieri Barbara , Talamo Alessandra
Published: August 2018

Although group‐related uncertainties have been shown to drive subgroups’ pursuit of autonomy, it is unclear whether all group‐related uncertainties motivate subgroup autonomy. We hypothesized that social identity‐uncertainty, not politico‐economic uncertainty, about one’s subgroup is a key driver of support for subgroup autonomy. We measured Sardinian participants’ (N = 174) relative subgroup (Sardinian) and superordinate group (Italian) identity‐centrality, identity‐uncertainty, and politico‐economic uncertainty to predict support for subgroup autonomy and superordinate group fragmentation. Results showed that subgroup identity‐uncertainty, not politico‐economic uncertainty, elicited stronger support for subgroup autonomy, especially among highly identified subgroup members. Superordinate group fragmentation was predicted by relatively weaker superordinate identity‐centrality. Results suggest that subgroups’ pursuit of autonomy is driven by the hopes of reducing identity‐uncertainty.
Is proximal coronary sinus involved in the circuit in some cases of ECG “typical” atrial flutter?
Authors: De Sisti Antonio , Andronache Marius , Damiano Pamela , Eschalier Roman , Font Manuel
Published: August 2018

Aim

It is commonly conceived that coronary sinus (CS) participates in atrial flutter (AFL) circuit but limited to the fibers surrounding its ostium. We evaluated the involvement of proximal CS in typical AFL.

Methods

Twenty AFL patients underwent entrainment mapping using postpacing interval minus AFL cycle length (PPI‐AFL CL) including CS where a decapolar catheter was positioned with proximal bipole 1 cm from the ostium.

Results

We compared patients with proximal CS within the circuit (group 1, PPI‐AFL CL ≤ 20 ms + concealed entrainment) and those without (group 2, PPI‐AFL CL > 20 ms). Group 1 patients were older, 77.5 ± 4 vs 71 ± 12 years (P < 0.05). No difference was found in AFL CL, PPI‐AFL CL at cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) entry, plateau, and septal site. Group 1 patients had shorter PPI‐AFL CL at proximal CS (9 ± 3 vs 40 ± 15 ms; P < 0.001) and fragmented mesodiastolic CS atrial potentials (APs) (106 ± 27 vs 58.5 ± 22 ms; P < 0.001). A mid‐septal unexcitable scar was found in five of eight group 1 patients vs one of 12 group 2 patients (P < 0.05). All were ablated at CTI. A patient had AFL recurrence and underwent a second attempt: PPI‐AFL CL was 60 ms at CTI entry and less than or equal to 20 ms at septal CTI and proximal CS; AFL was terminated 1 cm inside CS, applying RF at a fragmented AP.

Conclusion

Proximal CS appears to be involved in a substantial subset of typical AFL patients, in whom advanced age, fragmented CS APs, and the presence of right atrial scar are prevalent. Proximal CS might be considered as an un‐“innocent by‐stander,” but able, in rare cases, to generate a second AFL circuit.
TRIM32 promotes cell proliferation and invasion by activating β‐catenin signalling in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Changming , Xu Jiapeng , Fu Hongbing , Zhang Yu , Zhang Xin , Yang Dejun , Zhu Zhenxin , Wei Ziran , Hu Zunqi , Yan Ronglin , Cai Qingping
Published: August 2018

The tripartite motif (TRIM) family comprises more than 70 members involved in the regulation of many cellular pathways. TRIM32 acts as an E3 ubiquitin ligase and has been reported to participate in many human cancers. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of TRIM32 in gastric cancer (GC) and the clinical implications. High expression of TRIM32 was observed in GC tissues and cell lines, and was significantly associated with poor prognosis. Knockdown TRIM32 expression remarkably suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells in vitro and tumour growth in vivo, whereas overexpression of TRIM32 yielded the opposite results. Western blotting and quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR) analyses revealed that up‐regulation of TRIM32 significantly enhanced expression of β‐catenin protein and of its downstream targets TCF1, cyclin D1, Axin2 and MMP7 mRNAs. Moreover, we found that the mechanism behind the TRIM32‐promoted GC progression was related to the β‐catenin signalling pathway. Collectively, these data suggest that TRIM32 promotes GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by activating the β‐catenin signalling pathway.
The emerging role of miR‐19 in glioma
Authors: Wang Weihan , Zhang Anling , Hao Yubing , Wang Guangxiu , Jia Zhifan
Published: August 2018

Glioma has been regarded as the most common, highly proliferative and invasive brain tumour. Advances in research of miRNAs in glioma are toward further understanding of the pathogenesis of glioma. MiR‐19, a member of miR‐17~92 cluster, was reported to play an oncogenic role in tumourigenesis. Here we review the identified data about the effect of miR‐19 on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of glioma cells, the target genes regulated by miR‐19, and correlation of miR‐19 with the sensitivity of glioma cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It is concluded that miR‐19 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of glioma and can be a potential target for gene therapy of glioma.
The lysine acetyltransferase GCN5 contributes to human papillomavirus oncoprotein E7‐induced cell proliferation via up‐regulating E2F1
Authors: Qiao Lijun , Zhang Qishu , Zhang Weifang , Chen Jason J.
Published: August 2018

General control nondepressible 5 (GCN5), the first identified transcription‐related lysine acetyltransferase (KAT), is an important catalytic component of a transcriptional regulatory SAGA (Spt‐Ada‐GCN5‐Acetyltransferase) and ATAC (ADA2A‐containing) complex. While GCN5 has been implicated in cancer development, its role in cervical cancer is not known. The human papillomavirus (HPV) oncoprotein E7 abrogates the G1 cell cycle checkpoint and induces genomic instability, which plays a central role in cervical carcinogenesis. In this study, we observed that GCN5 was up‐regulated in HPV E7‐expressing cells, knockdown of GCN5 inhibited cell cycle progression and DNA synthesis in HPV E7‐expressing cells. Notably, GCN5 knockdown reduced the steady‐state levels of transcription factor E2F1. Depletion of E2F1 caused G1 arrest while overexpression of E2F1 rescued the inhibitory effects of GCN5 knockdown on G1/S progression in HPV E7‐expressing cells. Results from chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays demonstrated that GCN5 bound to the E2F1 promoter and increased the extent of histone acetylation within these regions. GCN5 also acetylated c‐Myc and increased its ability to bind to the E2F1 promoter. Knockdown of c‐Myc reduced the steady‐state levels of E2F1 and caused G1 arrest. These results revealed a novel mechanism of E7 function whereby elevated GCN5 acetylates histones and c‐Myc to regulate E2F1 expression and cell cycle progression.
Functional adenosine triphosphate‐sensitive potassium channel is required in high‐carbohydrate diet‐induced increase in β‐cell mass
Authors: Murase Masatoshi , Seino Yusuke , Maekawa Ryuya , Iida Atsushi , Hosokawa Kaori , Hayami Tomohide , Tsunekawa Shin , Hamada Yoji , Yokoi Norihide , Seino Susumu , Hayashi Yoshitaka , Arima Hiroshi
Published: August 2018

Aims/Introduction

A high‐carbohydrate diet is known to increase insulin secretion and induce obesity. However, whether or not a high‐carbohydrate diet affects β‐cell mass (BCM) has been little investigated.

Materials and Methods

Both wild‐type (WT) mice and adenosine triphosphate‐sensitive potassium channel‐deficient (Kir6.2KO) mice were fed normal chow or high‐starch (ST) diets for 22 weeks. BCM and the numbers of islets were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and gene expression levels in islets were investigated by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. MIN6‐K8 β‐cells were stimulated in solution containing various concentrations of glucose combined with nifedipine and glimepiride, and gene expression was analyzed.

Results

Both WT and Kir6.2KO mice fed ST showed hyperinsulinemia and body weight gain. BCM, the number of islets and the expression levels of cyclinD2 messenger ribonucleic acid were increased in WT mice fed ST compared with those in WT mice fed normal chow. In contrast, no significant difference in BCM, the number of islets or the expression levels of cyclinD2 messenger ribonucleic acid were observed between Kir6.2KO mice fed normal chow and those fed ST. Incubation of MIN6‐K8 β‐cells in high‐glucose media or with glimepiride increased cyclinD2 expression, whereas nifedipine attenuated a high‐glucose‐induced increase in cyclinD2 expression.

Conclusions

These results show that a high‐starch diet increases BCM in an adenosine triphosphate‐sensitive potassium channel‐dependent manner, which is mediated through upregulation of cyclinD2 expression.
A competitive environment influences sperm production, but not testes tissue composition, in house mice
Authors: Firman Renée C. , Garcia‐Gonzalez Francisco , Simmons Leigh W. , André Gonçalo I.
Published: August 2018

Due to the physiological cost of sperm production, males are expected to be prudent in their expenditure and adjust their investment according to current social conditions. Strategic adjustments in sperm expenditure during development can be made via changes in testes size, sperm production rates or testes tissue composition. Here, using house mice, we test the hypothesis that elevated sperm production is driven by a plastic response in the spatial organization of the testes. We reared males under different social conditions (competitive vs. noncompetitive) and quantified sperm number and the proportion of sperm‐producing tissue within the testes. Further, because sperm quality is a critical determinant of competitive fertilization success, we used computer‐assisted sperm analysis to quantify six sperm motility traits. Our investigation revealed that males reared in an environment with a perceived risk of reproductive competition produced more sperm in the absence of changes in testes morphology. We discuss this result in relation to fixed and flexible phenotypically plastic responses to future competitive conditions, and conclude that adaptive adjustments in sperm number in response to the social environment are likely attributable to variation in sperm production rate. Further, we found no difference in in vitro sperm motility parameters among males from the different social environment regimes. Overall, this investigation improves our understanding of the mechanisms of male plastic responses to reproductive competition experienced during sexual development.
Technological and organizational capital: Where complementarities exist
Authors: Stucki Tobias , Wochner Daniel
Published: August 2018

This study analyzes the complementarities between technological and organizational capital within enterprises. Different components of technological and organizational capital exert distinct—and often opposed—forces on each other. Our empirical results show that greater employee voice promotes firm productivity when combined with information technology, but harms firm productivity when combined with communication technology. On the other hand, flexible work design is positively associated with communication technology and negatively associated with information technology.
The Dynamics of Replication in Trypanosoma cruzi Parasites by Single‐Molecule Analysis
Authors: de Araujo Christiane B. , Calderano Simone G. , Elias Maria Carolina
Published: August 2018

Here, we investigated the features of replication in Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes based on fork speed progression, which is influenced by distinct features such as DNA polymerase rate, susceptibility to DNA damage and repair, secondary structures, transcription and chromatin state. Although T. cruzi exhibits a mean fork speed (2.05 ± 0.10 kb/min) very similar to other trypanosomatids, we found that the majority of DNA molecules replicated more slowly, with a frequency distribution approximately 1 kb/min. This frequency distribution analysis provides more information about the replication profile of this organism.
The Sub‐Chromosomic Macronuclear Pheromone Genes of the Ciliate Euplotes raikovi: Comparative Structural Analysis and Insights into the Mechanism of Expression
Authors: Ricci Francesca , Candelori Annalisa , Brandi Anna , Alimenti Claudio , Luporini Pierangelo , Vallesi Adriana
Published: August 2018

In Euplotes raikovi, we have determined the full‐length sequences of a family of macronuclear genes that are the transcriptionally active versions of codominant alleles inherited at the mating‐type (mat) locus of the micronuclear genome, and encode cell type‐distinctive signaling pheromones. These genes include a 225–231‐bp coding region flanked by a conserved 544‐bp 5′‐leader region and a more variable 3′‐trailer region. Two transcription initiation start sites and two polyadenylation sites associated with nonconventional signals cooperate with a splicing phenomenon of a 326‐bp intron residing in the 5′‐leader region in the generation of multiple transcripts from the same gene. In two of them, the synthesis of functional products depends on the reassignment to a sense codon, or readthrough of a strictly conserved leaky UAG stop codon. That this reassignment may take place is suggested by the position this codon occupies in the transcripts, close to the transcript extremity and far from the poly(A) tail. In such a case, one product is a 69‐amino acid protein in search of function and the second product is a 126‐amino acid protein that represents a membrane‐bound pheromone isoform candidate to function as a cell type‐specific binding site (receptor) of the soluble pheromones.
In Vitro Cellular Division of Trypanosoma abeli Reveals Two Pathways for Organelle Replication
Authors: Borges Alyssa R. , Toledo Daniel A. , Fermino Bruno R. , de Oliveira José Carlos , Silber Ariel Mariano , Elias Maria Carolina , D'Avila Heloisa , Scopel Kézia K. G.
Published: August 2018

Since the observation of the great pleomorphism of fish trypanosomes, in vitro culture has become an important tool to support taxonomic studies investigating the biology of cultured parasites, such as their structure, growth dynamics, and cellular cycle. Relative to their biology, ex vivo and in vitro studies have shown that these parasites, during the multiplication process, duplicate and segregate the kinetoplast before nucleus replication and division. However, the inverse sequence (the nucleus divides before the kinetoplast) has only been documented for a species of marine fish trypanosomes on a single occasion. Now, this previously rare event was observed in Trypanosoma abeli, a freshwater fish trypanosome. Specifically, from 376 cultured parasites in the multiplication process, we determined the sequence of organelle division for 111 forms; 39% exhibited nucleus duplication prior to kinetoplast replication. Thus, our results suggest that nucleus division before the kinetoplast may not represent an accidental or erroneous event occurring in the main pathway of parasite reproduction, but instead could be a species‐specific process of cell biology in trypanosomes, such as previously noticed for Leishmania. This “alternative” pathway for organelle replication is a new field to be explored concerning the biology of marine and freshwater fish trypanosomes.
Reply to Rational Suicide in Older Adults: Not by Default an Ageist Concept
Authors: Dzeng Elizabeth , Pantilat Steven Z.
Published: August 2018

This is a response to the article by Christine W. Hartmann
Misdiagnosis of Chikungunya Virus Infection: Comparison of Old and Younger Adults
Authors: Godaert Lidvine , Bartholet Seendy , Gazeuse Yannick , Brouste Yannick , Najioullah Fatiha , Kanagaratnam Lukshe , Césaire Raymond , Fanon Jean‐Luc , Dramé Moustapha
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To assess the frequency of diagnostic errors in older adults presenting to the emergency department (ED) with symptoms suggestive of Chikungunya virus infection (CVI) and to compare the rates of misdiagnosis of older and younger adults.

Design

Cross‐sectional study performed in the University Hospitals of Martinique from retrospective cases.

Setting

Emergency department.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older who attended the ED and underwent reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) testing for CVI between January and December 2014 (n=333, mean age 80±8) were considered eligible and were compared with a randomly selected sample of younger adults (< 65) (n=143, mean age 45±13).

Measurements

Misdiagnosis rates.

Results

The rate of misdiagnosis of CVI in the ED was 30.6% in individuals aged 65 and older and 6.3% in those younger than 65 (p<.001). The overdiagnosis rate was 9.0% in individuals aged 65 and older and 3.5% in those younger than 65 (p=.04). The underdiagnosis rate was significantly higher (p<.001) in individuals aged 65 and older (21.6%) than in those younger than 65 (2.8%).

Conclusion

Misdiagnosis of CVI during an epidemic is statistically more frequent in older than younger adults because clinical presentation is often atypical in older adults. Specific diagnostic tools for older adults and better awareness of ED physicians of different presentations in different age groups could help to reduce the rate of misdiagnosis of CVI in the ED.
Interactive Visualization and Industrial Ecology: Applications, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Font Vivanco David , Hoekman Paul , Fishman Tomer , Pauliuk Stefan , Niccolson Sidney , Davis Chris , Makov Tamar , Hertwich Edgar
Published: August 2018

The emergence of increasingly complex data in industrial ecology (IE) has caused scholarly interest in interactive visualization (IV). IV allows users to interact with data, aiding in processing and interpreting complex datasets, processes, and simulations. Consequently, IV can help IE practitioners communicate the complexities of their methods and results, shed light on the underlying research assumptions, and enable more transparent monitoring of data quality and error. This can significantly increase the reach and impact of research, promote transparency, reproducibility, and open science, as well as improve the clarity and presentation of IE research. A review of current IV applications reveals that, while data exploration has received some attention among IE practitioners, IV applications in scientific communication are clearly lacking. With the help of a working example, we explore the value of IV, discuss its operationalization, and highlight challenges that the IE community must face during IV uptake. Such challenges include technical and knowledge limitations, limits on user interaction, and implementation strategies. With these challenges in mind, we outline key aspects needed to lift the IE field to the forefront of scientific communication in the coming years. Among these, we draft the basic principles of a “Hub for Interactive Visualization in Industrial Ecology” (HIVE), a point of encounter where IE practitioners could find an array of data visualization tools that are geared toward IE datasets. IV is here to stay, and its inceptive stage presents many opportunities to IE practitioners to shape its operationalization and benefit from early adoption.
Effect of Web‐based diabetes training program on diabetes‐related knowledge, attitudes, and skills of health professionals: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Karahan Okuroğlu Gülten , Ecevit Alpar Şule
Published: August 2018

Aim

To determine the effect of a Web‐Based Diabetes Training Program (WB–DTP) on the diabetes‐related knowledge, attitudes, and skills of health professionals.

Methods

This was an experimental pretest–post‐test with a 1 month follow‐up study design that included a control group. The results of the power analysis suggested that 50 individuals with diabetes should be in both the intervention and the control groups. The WB–DTP was developed in accordance with the Effective Teaching Instruction Model.. Measures included the information form, Achievement Test (AT), Diabetes Attitudes Scale (DAS), and skill observation forms. The Wilcoxon's Signed Rank test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, and Friedman test were used to analyze group differences on these measures.

Results

There was a significant difference between the AT post‐test and the follow‐up test scores of the intervention and control groups. No significant difference was present for the DAS post‐test and follow‐up scores between the intervention and control groups. A significant difference emerged on the Insulin Injection Skill Observation Form score between the intervention and control groups. In addition, there was a significant difference in the measurement level of blood glucose by the Glucometer Skill Observation Form between the intervention and control groups.

Conclusions

As a result, it was determined that the WB–DTP is effective in increasing the diabetes‐related knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals. However, the program was not adequate at increasing the diabetes‐related attitudes of health professionals.
Efficacy of a moisturizer containing a pseudo‐ceramide and a eucalyptus extract for Japanese patients with mild atopic dermatitis in the summer
Authors: Mori Katsura , Seki Tsuyoshi , Kaizu Kazuhiro , Takagi Yutaka , Miyaki Masahiro , Ishizaki Chiaki , Katayama Ichiro
Published: August 2018

Background

Skin moisturizing is advocated to take care of the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). However, many patients stop using moisturizers in the summer because of excessive sweating and high humidity.

Objectives

To examine the efficacy of a moisturizing gel containing a pseudo‐ceramide and a eucalyptus extract, which enhances epidermal ceramide synthesis of patients with mild AD in the summer.

Methods

We performed a single‐blinded 4‐week clinical trial of body care on 44 Japanese subjects who had mild AD. They had not applied any moisturizer on their body in the summer. Twenty‐seven subjects used the moisturizing gel containing a pseudo‐ceramide and a eucalyptus extract twice a day and the 17 other subjects did not use any moisturizer. Prior to and at the end of weeks 2 and 4, the skin conditions of each subject were evaluated.

Results

During the test period, the atmospheric temperature increased and skin dryness and scaling significantly improved with or without application of the moisturizing gel. However, the improvement in dryness of the treated group was significantly higher than that of the nontreated group. Erythema and itchiness were significantly improved only in the treated group. The skin hydration on the forearm increased significantly only in the treated group. Accompanying those improvements, the quality of life of the subjects, evaluated by Skindex‐16®, was significantly improved.

Conclusion

The usage of a moisturizer containing a pseudo‐ceramide and a eucalyptus extract is effective for care of the skin of AD subjects even in the summer.
Sensitive scalp is associated with excessive sebum and perturbed microbiome
Authors: Ma Li , Guichard Alexandre , Cheng Ying , Li Jie , Qin Ou , Wang Xuemin , Liu Wei , Tan Yimei
Published: August 2018

Background

Sensitive scalp, one of the most frequent complaints among sensitive skin syndrome, has been described as abnormal and unpleasant sensory reactions of the scalp to environmental stimulus. However, the symptoms are usually objective and hard to diagnose.

Objective

This study aimed to reveal the biophysical properties and etiology of sensitive scalp.

Methods

Sixty‐two healthy female subjects were enrolled and divided into nonsensitive scalp (NS) and sensitive scalp (SS) groups according to questionnaires. Noninvasive instruments were used to measure biophysical properties. Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography mass spectrometry were introduced to quantify skin lipids profiles, and 16S rRNA sequencing was used to detect the composition of bacteria.

Results

Sensitive scalp showed elevated pH level, more irritated skin, and more fluorescence of porphyrins. Increased sebum production was found in SS group at occiput, among which free fatty acids, cholesteryl ester, and squalene were significantly in higher amount compared with NS. SS also had significantly higher percentage of Propionibacterium, and lower bacterial diversity.

Conclusions

Taken together, sensitive scalp showed disrupted barrier function, abnormal sebum amount and composition, as well as perturbed microbiome, which might be the direct cause. Products targeting these features could be helpful for the treatment of sensitive scalp.