bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining student's night‐time activity spaces: identities, performances, and transformations
Authors: Holton Mark
Published: August 2016

It has become increasingly clear that social activities play an important role for many UK undergraduate students in informing identity and place attachment through interactions with their term‐time location. While attention has been given to the ways in which students construct ‘exclusive geographies’ through self‐segregation from non‐students, thus far there has been very little discussion of how students' identities may be affected by their changing activity spaces and how this may blur the boundaries between student and non‐student spaces. Exploring these transformations over the duration of the degree is important as they highlight how identity performances may be influenced by students' transitions through university and their changing mobility patterns. This paper will address such matters by considering the following: (1) how first year activity spaces may constitute a student bubble for new undergraduates; (2) how, in subsequent years, these activity spaces adapt as students hone their social practices and explore environments less associated with student life; and (3) how ‘local’ student's activity spaces can become complex as they contemplate locating their multiple identities during term time.
Consuming energy drinks at the age of 14 predicted legal and illegal substance use at 16
Authors: Barrense‐Dias Yara , Berchtold André , Akre Christina , Surís Joan‐Carles
Published: August 2016

Aim

This study examined whether consuming energy drinks at the age of 14 predicted substance use at 16.

Methods

We followed 621 youths from an area of Switzerland who completed a longitudinal online survey in both 2012 and 2014 when they were 14 and 16 years of age. At 14, participants, who were divided into nonenergy drink users (n = 262), occasional users (n = 183) and regular users (n = 176), reported demographic, health‐related and substance use data. Substance use at 16 was assessed through logistic regression using nonusers as the reference group and controlling for significant variables at 14.

Results

At the bivariate level, energy drink consumption was associated with substance use at both 14 and 16. Energy drink consumers were also more likely to be male, older, less academic, sleep less on schooldays and live in an urban area. In the multivariate analysis, smokers, alcohol misusers and cannabis users at the age of 16 were significantly more likely to have been regular energy drink users at the age of 14.

Conclusion

Consuming energy drinks at 14 years of age predicted using legal and illegal substances at 16. Health providers should screen young adolescents for energy drink use and closely monitor weekly users.
The ecological legacy of 20th century acidification carried on by ecosystem engineers
Authors: Schweiger Andreas H. , Beierkuhnlein Carl
Published: August 2016

Aims

Acidification by airborne pollution strongly degraded terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems until the late 20th century. Although geochemical recovery has been observed since then, there has been little recovery of ecological communities, and the reasons are unclear. Positive feedbacks between anthropogenic acidification and ecosystem engineers are likely to contribute to this lag in recovery, but are under‐investigated so far. Here we hypothesize that positive feedbacks between past anthropogenic acidification and on‐going biogenic habitat modification by peat moss species (genus Sphagnum) will have long‐term effects on plant community composition of acidified spring fens.

Location

Spring fens in forest landscapes of central Germany's siliceous mountain ranges impacted by anthropogenic acidification until the late 1980s, and with strong increases in abundance of Sphagnum during the last 25 yrs.

Methods

Vegetation surveys (vascular plants, mosses and liverworts) and hydro‐chemical water measurements of 54 spring fens over a study period of 25 yrs (1989–2013). Measurements of water pH and discharge were used, in combination with Ellenberg indicator values of the occurring plant species, to investigate the joint effects of anthropogenic acidification and biogenic habitat modification.

Results

Changing plant communities (excluding Sphagnum spp.) indicated significant increases in acidification of spring fens with high Sphagnum cover, although pH of the outpouring groundwater showed no temporal trends. Path analysis revealed significant enhancing effects of Sphagnum abundance on the community‐indicated acidity, which was independent of the abiotic acidity regime (water pH). With increasing species richness through time, community assembly became increasingly similar and shifted towards acid‐tolerant species. Characteristic plant species of non‐acidified spring fens like Chrysosplenium oppositifolium were replaced by generalist grass, sedge and tree species (e.g., Picea abies, Fagus sylvatica, Calamagrostis villosa and Carex remota).

Conclusions

Based on long‐term monitoring data we show that biogenic habitat modification by ecosystem engineers can significantly change plant community composition on a decadal scale in a landscape where historic anthropogenic acidification heavily impacted ecosystem functioning. These complex functional legacies stress the importance of considering the history and memory of ecosystems in global change impact research.
Impact of statin therapy on plasma leptin concentrations: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized placebo‐controlled trials
Authors: Sahebkar Amirhossein , Giua Renato , Pedone Claudio
Published: August 2016

Objectives

The effects of statins on insulin sensitivity, metabolic homeostasis and adipokines in humans are controversial. Several studies have investigated the impact of statin therapy on plasma leptin concentrations but the results have been inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of available evidence to calculate the effect size of statin therapy in changing serum leptin concentrations.

Methods

A systematic search in PubMed‐Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases was performed to identify randomized placebo‐controlled trials investigating the effect of statins on plasma leptin concentrations. A random‐effects model and generic inverse variance method were used for meta‐analysis. Sensitivity analysis, risk‐of‐bias evaluation and publication bias assessment were carried out using standard methods. Random‐effects meta‐regression was used to evaluate the impact of treatment duration on the estimated effect size.

Results

Six trials, with a total of 425 subjects, met the eligibility criteria. Overall, statin therapy had no significant effect on leptin levels (weighted mean difference −0.32 ng ml–1, 95% confidence nterval: −2.94, 2.30, P = 0.813). This effect was robust in the sensitivity analysis and in subgroup analyses of trials with <12 or ≥12 weeks' duration. There was no association between the duration of statin therapy and changes in plasma leptin levels. Furthermore, there was no differential effect of hydrophilic and lipophilic statins on plasma leptin concentrations.

Conclusion

Unless more consistent evidence becomes available in the future, the hypothesis of a relationship between statin use and serum leptin concentrations seem to be unfounded.
Simultaneously elevated exhaled nitric oxide and serum‐eosinophil cationic protein relate to recent asthma events in asthmatics in a cross‐sectional population‐based study
Authors: Mogensen I. , Alving K. , Bjerg A. , Borres M. P. , Hedlin G. , Sommar J. , Dahlén S.‐E. , Janson C. , Malinovschi A.
Published: August 2016

Background

We have reported that increased fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), a measure of TH2‐driven airway inflammation, and blood eosinophil count, a marker of systemic eosinophil inflammation, correlated with asthma attacks in a population‐based study.

Objective

To investigate the relation between simultaneously elevated FeNO and serum eosinophil cationic protein (S‐ECP) levels and asthma events among asthmatics.

Methods

Measurements of FeNO (elevated ≥ 25 ppb) and S‐ECP (elevated ≥ 20 ng/mL) were performed in 339 adult asthmatics. Asthma events (attacks and symptoms) were self‐reported.

Results

Simultaneously normal S‐ECP and FeNO levels were found in 48% of the subjects. Subjects with simultaneously elevated S‐ECP and FeNO (13% of the population) had a higher prevalence of asthma attacks in the preceding 3 months than subjects with normal S‐ECP and FeNO (51% vs. 25%, P = 0.001). This was not found for subjects with singly elevated S‐ECP (P = 0.14) or FeNO (P = 0.34) levels. Elevated S‐ECP and FeNO levels were independently associated with asthma attacks in the preceding 3 months after adjusting for potential confounders (OR (95% CI) 4.2 (2.0–8.8).

Conclusions

Simultaneously elevated FeNO and S‐ECP levels were related to a higher likelihood of asthma attacks in the preceding 3 months. This indicates that there is a value in measuring both FeNO and systemic eosinophilic inflammation in patients with asthma to identify individuals at high risk of exacerbations.

Clinical relevance

FeNO and S‐ECP are markers for inflammation in asthma, but are dependent on different inflammatory pathways and weakly correlated. Simultaneous measurements of both offer better risk characterization of adult asthmatics.
Combined phylogeny of ray‐finned fishes (Actinopterygii) and the use of morphological characters in large‐scale analyses
Authors: Mirande Juan Marcos
Published: August 2016

This study evaluates the phylogeny of ray‐finned fishes (Actinopterygii) combining most available information (44 markers from nuclear and mitochondrial DNA and 274 morphological characters). The molecular partition of the dataset was produced through a pipeline (GB‐to‐TNT) that allows the fast building of large matrices from GenBank format. The analysed dataset has 8104 species, including representatives of all orders and 95% of the 475 families of Actinopterygii, making it the most diverse phylogenetic dataset analysed to date for this clade of fishes. Analysed morphological characters are features historically considered diagnostic for families or orders, which can be unequivocally coded from the literature. Analyses are by parsimony under several weighting schemes. General results agree with previous classifications, especially for groups with better gene sampling and those long thought (from morphological evidence) to be monophyletic. Many clades have low support and some orders are not recovered as monophyletic. Additional data and synthetic studies of homology are needed to obtain synapomorphies and diagnoses for most clades.
Stakeholders’ views of recurrent sore throat, tonsillitis and their management: a qualitative interview study for the NAtional Trial of Tonsillectomy IN Adults (NATTINA Part 1)
Authors: McSweeney L.A. , Rousseau N.S. , Wilson J.A. , Wilkes S. , Haighton C.A.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To determine the impact of recurrent sore throats and tonsillitis in adults and stakeholder views of treatment pathways.

Design

Qualitative semistructured interview design reporting novel data from a feasibility study for a UK national trial of tonsillectomy in adults.

Setting

Nine study sites linked to ear, nose and throat departments in National Health Service hospitals located across the United Kingdom.

Participants

Fifteen patients, 11 general practitioners and 22 ear, nose and throat staff consented to in‐depth interviews, which were analysed using a framework analysis approach.

Main outcome measures

Views of stakeholder groups.

Results

Recurrent sore throats were reported to severely impact patients’ family, work and social life. Ear, nose and throat staff stated that patients faced increasing barriers to secondary care service access. General practitioners were under pressure to reduce ‘limited clinical value’ surgical procedures.

Conclusions

The findings from this study suggest that there is a disconnect between the attitudes of the stakeholders and the reality of recurrent sore throat, tonsillectomy procedures and service provision. More evidence for the role of tonsillectomy is needed from randomised controlled trials to determine whether it should continue to be ranked as a procedure of limited clinical effectiveness.
Morphometric analysis of endometrial cells in liquid‐based cervical cytology samples
Authors: Gupta P. , Gupta N. , Dey P.
Published: August 2016

Background

Exfoliated endometrial cells can be seen in cervical smears in association with a wide variety of conditions ranging from normal proliferative endometrium to endometrial malignancies. It is often difficult to differentiate between benign, atypical and malignant endometrial cells using cytomorphology alone. This study was conducted to evaluate if morphometric analysis of endometrial nuclei on liquid‐based cervical samples could be of help in differentiating between these endometrial cells.

Materials and methods

Three groups of cervical samples with histopathological correlation were selected: Group A: showing benign endometrial cells; Group B: showing atypical endometrial cells and Group C: showing malignant endometrial cells. There were 30 cases each in Group A and B and 39 cases in Group C. Image J, NIH, USA was used for selecting the endometrial nuclei and performing the morphometric measurements. MANOVA was used for statistical analysis.

Results

The mean nuclear area and nuclear perimeter were significantly different between the three groups of endometrial cells with a P‐value <0.05. However, the mean standard deviation of the nuclear area (SDNA) was not significantly different between atypical and malignant endometrial cells (P = 0.765) and the mean nuclear diameter was not statistically different between benign and atypical cells (P = 0.112). Also, the difference in the mean integrated gray density amongst all three groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.397, 0.844, 0.732).

Conclusion

We conclude that the morphometric parameters of the nuclear area and nuclear perimeter are helpful in differentiating between benign, atypical and malignant endometrial nuclei even in liquid‐based cervical cytology samples.
Toward the Validation of Family Legacy Orientation
Authors: Rutherford Matthew W. , Kuratko Donald F.
Published: August 2016

Family legacy orientation (FLO) and Family firm legacy orientation (FFLO) are novel and compelling constructs for the field of family business. In the paper, the authors introduce these constructs and offer implications for strategic decision making in the firm. They also note that, while FLO and FFLO could have a substantial impact on the field of family business, the constructs must be measured. We concur, because while more theorizing is necessary, part of this theorizing should include the development of observable and measurable phenomena for the construct in question (Schwab, 1980). In addition, by engaging in the steps to gauge construct clarity and validity, important considerations, concerns, and value will certainly come to light.
Varying selection differential throughout the climatic range of Norway spruce in Central Europe
Authors: Kapeller Stefan , Dieckmann Ulf , Schueler Silvio
Published: August 2016

Predicting species distribution changes in global warming requires an understanding of how climatic constraints shape the genetic variation of adaptive traits and force local adaptations. To understand the genetic capacity of Norway spruce populations in Central Europe, we analyzed the variation in tree heights at the juvenile stage in common garden experiments established from the species' warm‐dry to cold‐moist distribution limits. We report the following findings: First, 47% of the total tree height variation at trial sites is attributable to the tree populations irrespective of site climate. Second, tree height variation within populations is higher at cold‐moist trial sites than at warm‐dry sites and higher within populations originating from cold‐moist habitats than from warm‐dry habitats. Third, for tree ages of 7–15 years, the variation within populations increases at cold‐moist trial sites, whereas it remains constant at warm‐dry sites. Fourth, tree height distributions are right‐skewed at cold‐moist trial sites, whereas they are nonskewed, but platykurtic at warm‐dry sites. Our results suggest that in cold environments, climatic conditions impose stronger selection and probably restrict the distribution of spruce, whereas at the warm distribution limit, the species' realized niche might rather be controlled by external drivers, for example, forest insects.
MicroRNA Let‐7b inhibits keratinocyte migration in cutaneous wound healing by targeting IGF2BP2
Authors: Wu Yan , Zhong Julia Li , Hou Ning , Sun Yaolan , Ma Benting , Nisar Muhammad Farrukh , Teng Yan , Tan Zhaoli , Chen Keping , Wang Youliang , Yang Xiao
Published: August 2016

Wound healing is a complex process which involves proliferation and migration of keratinocyte for closure of epidermal injuries. A member of microRNA family, let‐7b, has been expressed in mammalian skin, but its exact role in keratinocyte migration is still not in knowledge. Here, we showed that let‐7b regulates keratinocyte migration by targeting the insulin‐like growth factor IGF2BP2. Overexpression of let‐7b led to reduced HaCaT cell migration, while knockdown of let‐7b resulted in enhanced migration. Furthermore, let‐7b was decreased during wound healing in wild‐type mice, which led us to construct the transgenic mice with overexpression of let‐7b in skin. The re‐epithelialization of epidermis of let‐7b transgenic mice was reduced during wound healing. Using bioinformatics prediction software and a reporter gene assay, we found that IGF2BP2 was a target of let‐7b, which contributes to keratinocyte migration. Introduction of an expression vector of IGF2BP2 also rescued let‐7b‐induced migration deficiency, which confirms that IGF2BP2 is an important target for let‐7b regulation. Our findings suggest that let‐7b significantly delayed the re‐epithelialization possibly due to reduction of keratinocyte migration and restraints IGF2BP2 during skin wound healing.
The role of RNase 7 in innate cutaneous defense against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Rademacher Franziska , Simanski Maren , Schröder Lena , Mildner Michael , Harder Jürgen
Published: August 2016

The ribonuclease RNase 7 is a major skin‐derived human antimicrobial protein expressed in keratinocytes. Here we show that the gram‐negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa secretes factor(s) that induced RNase 7 gene and protein expression in human primary keratinocytes. The metalloprotease inhibitor marimastat, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor AG1478 and the EGFR blocking antibody cetuximab significantly attenuated this induction, indicating an important role of the EGFR for the P. aeruginosa‐mediated RNase 7 induction. In line with this, siRNA‐mediated downregulation of ADAM17, a metalloprotease known to proteolytically mediate the release of soluble EGFR ligands, decreased the P. aeruginosa‐mediated RNase 7 induction in keratinocytes. The impact of the EGFR was also demonstrated in a human 3D skin equivalent where blockade of the EGFR diminished induction of RNase 7 by P. aeruginosa. Blockade of Toll‐like receptor 5 (TLR5), a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) known to be activated by P. aeruginosa, only moderately reduced the P. aeruginosa‐mediated RNase 7 induction in keratinocytes. The functional relevance of RNase 7 to participate in cutaneous defense against P. aeruginosa was demonstrated by antibodies that neutralized the antimicrobial activity of RNase 7. These antibodies significantly inhibited the capacity of human stratum corneum skin extracts to control growth of P. aeruginosa. Taken together, our results indicate that P. aeruginosa induces the expression of RNase 7 in keratinocytes in an EGFR‐dependent manner. Enhanced release of RNase 7 contributes to control cutaneous growth of P. aeruginosa.
HLA‐A, HLA‐B and HLA‐DRB1 allele and haplotype frequencies of 10 918 Koreans from bone marrow donor registry in Korea
Authors: Park H. , Lee Y.‐j. , Song E. Y. , Park M. H.
Published: August 2016

The human leucocyte antigen (HLA) system is the most polymorphic genetic system in humans, and HLA matching is crucial in organ transplantation, especially in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We investigated HLA‐A, HLA‐B and HLA‐DRB1 allele and haplotype frequencies at allelic level in 10 918 Koreans from bone marrow donor registry in Korea. Intermediate resolution HLA typing was performed using Luminex technology (Wakunaga, Japan), and additional allelic level typing was performed using PCR–single‐strand conformation polymorphism method and/or sequence‐based typing (Abbott Molecular, USA). Allele and haplotype frequencies were calculated by direct counting and maximum likelihood methods, respectively. A total of 39 HLA‐A, 66 HLA‐B and 47 HLA‐DRB1 alleles were identified. High‐frequency alleles found at a frequency of ≥5% were 6 HLA‐A (A*02:01, *02:06, *11:01, *24:02, *31:01 and *33:03), 6 HLA‐B (B*15:01, *35:01, *44:03, *51:01, 54:01 and *58:01) and 8 HLA‐DRB1 (DRB1*01:01, *04:05, *04:06, *07:01, *08:03, *09:01, *13:02 and *15:01) alleles. At each locus, A*02, B*15 and DRB1*14 generic groups were most diverse at allelic level, consisting of 9, 12 and 11 different alleles, respectively. A total of 366, 197 and 21 different HLA‐A‐B‐DRB1 haplotypes were estimated with frequencies of ≥0.05%, ≥0.1% and ≥0.5%, respectively. The five most common haplotypes with frequencies of ≥2.0% were A*33:03‐B*44:03‐DRB1*13:02 (4.97%), A*33:03‐B*58:01‐DRB1*13:02, A*33:03‐B*44:03‐DRB1*07:01, A*24:02‐B*07:02‐DRB1*01:01 and A*24:02‐B*52:01‐DRB1*15:02. Among 34 serologic HLA‐A‐B‐DR haplotypes with frequencies of ≥0.5%, 17 haplotypes revealed allele‐level diversity and majority of the allelic variation was arising from A2, A26, B61, B62, DR4 and DR14 specificities. Haplotype diversity obtained in this study is the most comprehensive data thus far reported in Koreans, and the information will be useful for unrelated stem cell transplantation as well as for disease association studies.
Gingival crevicular fluid and saliva stress hormone levels in patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Cakmak Omer , Tasdemir Zekeriya , Aral Cuneyt Asim , Dundar Serkan , Koca Halit Bugra
Published: August 2016

Aim

This cross‐sectional study aims to analyse cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva in generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) and generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) patients, as well as in periodontally healthy individuals (C).

Material and Methods

A total of 92 patients (31 C, 34 GCP and 27 GAP) were included in the study. Clinical parameters including plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment level; psychosocial measurements including Beck depression inventory and state‐trait anxiety inventory; and hormone levels in GCF and saliva including cortisol and DHEA were evaluated.

Results

Gingival crevicular fluid cortisol and GCF/saliva DHEA values were significantly higher in the GAP group when compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05). The lowest values were in the C group and the difference between the GCP and GAP groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Salivary cortisol levels were comparable for the GAP and GCP groups (p > 0.05), and the C group had the lowest values in comparison with the other two groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Within the limits of this study, salivary/GCF cortisol and DHEA levels were suggested to be related with more severe and aggressive forms of periodontal disease.
Does dentifrice use help to remove plaque? A systematic review
Authors: Valkenburg Cees , Slot Dagmar E. , Bakker Eric W.P. , Van der Weijden Fridus A.
Published: August 2016

Aims

The aim of this systematic review was to establish the efficacy of brushing with and without a dentifrice for dental plaque removal.

Materials and Methods

MEDLINE‐PubMed, Cochrane‐CENTRAL, EMBASE and other electronic databases were searched. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials and subjects ≥18 years of age with good general health. Studies that evaluated the effect of toothbrushing with a dentifrice compared to brushing without a dentifrice were included. Data were extracted from the eligible studies, and a meta‐analysis was performed where feasible.

Result

The search was conducted until June 2016 and retrieved 10 eligible publications that included 20 comparisons. On average, 49.2% of plaque was removed when brushing was performed with a dentifrice, and 50.3% of plaque was removed when toothbrushing was performed without a dentifrice. The descriptive analysis indicated that the majority of the comparisons did not show an additional effect of dentifrice use. Regarding the meta‐analysis of post‐brushing scores, no significant difference was observed between toothbrushing with and without a dentifrice (DiffM 0.00, 95%CI [−0.05: 0.05], p = 0.91). The meta‐analysis of incremental data (as means or percentages) supported and strengthened these findings.

Conclusion

The cumulative evidence for this systematic review demonstrates that there is moderate certainty that toothbrushing with a dentifrice does not provide an added effect for the mechanical removal of dental plaque.
The Effect of Delivery System and Light Activation on Tooth Whitening Efficacy and Hydrogen Peroxide Penetration
Authors: Park Soyoung , Kwon So Ran , Qian Fang , Wertz Philip W.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the whitening efficacy of a new two‐layer technology in‐office system compared to a conventional gel‐type system and determine hydrogen peroxide penetration (HPP) into the pulp cavity.

Materials and Methods

Extracted molars (n = 60) were assigned to group NC: glycerol gel; group QPRO: 20% HP varnish (Zoom Quick Pro, Philips Oral Healthcare); group ZOOM_NL: 25% HP gel (Zoom Chairside Whitening); and group ZOOM_WL: 25% HP gel (Zoom Chairside Whitening) with light‐activation. HPP levels were estimated with leucocrystal‐violet and horseradish‐peroxidase. Instrumental color measurements were performed at baseline (T0), 1‐day post first whitening (T1), 1‐day post second whitening (T2), 1‐day post third whitening (T3), and 1‐month post whitening (T4). One‐way analysis of variance followed by post hoc Tukey's HSD test was performed to detect difference in ΔE* and HP penetration levels (α = 0.05).

Results

ΔE* of NC was lower than other groups, whereas ΔE* of ZOOM_WL was greater than the other three groups, at T3 and T4. Mean HPP level obtained from ZOOM_WL (1.568 ± 0.753 μg/mL) was significantly greater than those obtained from the other groups, whereas the mean HPP level observed in NC group (−0.131 ± 0.003 μg/mL) was significantly lower than the other groups.

Conclusions

Tooth whitening efficacy and HPP levels vary based on whitening systems used.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The two‐layer technology in‐office varnish system may be an alternative whitening option to reduce chair time in the office. (J Esthet Restor Dent 28:313–320, 2016)
A giant anguilliform leptocephalus Thalassenchelys foliaceus Castle & Raju is a junior synonym of Congriscus maldivensis (Norman 1939)
Authors: Chow S. , Yanagimoto T. , Kurogi H. , Appleyard S. A. , Pogonoski J. J.
Published: August 2016

A single specimen of giant leptocephalus Thalassenchelys foliaceus Castle & Raju 1975 was caught in subtropical waters of the western North Pacific Ocean. Mitochondrial coI gene sequence divergence between T. foliaceus and Congriscus maldivensis (Norman 1939) was 0·64 ± 0·27% (mean ± s.e.), and the myomere and vertebral counts of these species were similar, indicating T. foliaceus is a junior synonym of C. maldivensis.
Three‐dimensional imaging of shear bands in bulk metallic glass composites
Authors: HUNTER A.H. , ARAULLO‐PETERS V. , GIBBONS M. , RESTREPO O.D. , NIEZGODA S.R. , WINDL W. , FLORES K.M. , HOFMANN D.C. , MARQUIS E.A.
Published: August 2016

The mechanism of the increase in ductility in bulk metallic glass matrix composites over monolithic bulk metallic glasses is to date little understood, primarily because the interplay between dislocations in the crystalline phase and shear bands in the glass could neither be imaged nor modelled in a validated way. To overcome this roadblock, we show that shear bands can be imaged in three dimensions by atom probe tomography from density variations in the reconstructed atomic density, which density‐functional theory suggests being a local‐work function effect. Imaging of near‐interface shear bands in Ti48Zr20V12Cu5Be15 bulk metallic glass matrix composite permits measurement of their composition, thickness, branching and interactions with the dendrite interface. These results confirm that shear bands here nucleate from stress concentrations in the glass due to intense, localized plastic deformation in the dendrites rather than intrinsic structural inhomogeneities.
Lumps and Bumps of the Neck in Children—Neuroimaging of Congenital and Acquired Lesions
Authors: Dremmen Marjolein H.G. , Tekes Aylin , Mueller Samantha , Seyfert Donna , Tunkel David E. , Huisman Thierry A.G.M.
Published: August 2016

Neck masses present as palpable lumps and bumps in children with acquired lesions more common than congenital ones. Assessment of the anatomical site of origin, signal, and contrast enhancement characteristics may help define the etiology of the lesions, eg, developmental, inflammatory, vascular, or neoplastic. The age of the patient along with detailed clinical history and physical exam findings are important element to narrow down the differential diagnosis. The correct final diagnosis is essential to guide treatment as well as the urgency of intervention.

The objective of this review is to define the characteristic location, classic and differentiating imaging features of the most frequent congenital and acquired cervical lumps and bumps in the pediatric population.
Visualization of the Intimal Flap in Intracranial Arterial Dissection Using High‐Resolution 3T MRI
Authors: Uemura Masahiro , Terajima Kenshi , Suzuki Yuji , Watanabe Masaki , Akaiwa Yasuhisa , Katada Shinichi , Okamoto Kouichirou , Nishizawa Masatoyo , Igarashi Hironaka , Nakada Tsutomu
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Presence of an intimal flap is a critical imaging finding in diagnosing intracranial artery dissection (ICAD). Recent reports showed that high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was better at identifying intimal flaps as compared with routine MRI techniques used in clinical settings. However, no current standardized sequence for high‐resolution MRI without gadolinium enhancement produces images of satisfactory quality with clinically tolerable scanning times. This study evaluated a nonenhanced high‐resolution fast spin echo (HR‐FSE) MRI sequence for visualizing intimal flaps in patients with ICAD.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Three patients with ICAD underwent plain MRI examination using a 2‐dimensional T2‐weighted FSE imaging sequence optimized for our 3T system (in‐plane pixel size, .23 mm × .23 mm; slice thickness 3 mm with no interslice gap), as well as scanning with conventional modalities, including CT angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and digital subtraction angiography. We assessed whether these imaging methods could visualize an intimal flap and/or double lumen sign in the participants and compared the results between HR‐FSE and the other modalities.

RESULTS

HR‐FSE images clearly showed intimal flaps and double lumen signs in all 3 patients, whereas the conventional modalities identified a double lumen sign in only 2 of the 3 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The present method of optimized HR‐FSE imaging with a 3T system improved visualization of intimal flaps and should thus be considered for assessing patients with suspected ICAD that cannot be definitively diagnosed by conventional imaging modalities.
Marginal Subsidies in Tullock Contests
Authors: THOMAS JONATHAN P. , WANG ZHEWEI
Published: August 2016

In a general Tullock contest, we examine a situation where a limited resource can be used to provide marginal subsidies to either player (weak or strong), or to increase the prize directly. We show that to maximize total effort, subsidizing the weak/strong player is preferred when the contest is sufficiently accurate/inaccurate. This result generalizes to n‐player lottery contests. In a lottery contest (Tullock contest with ), we derive the optimal scheme for a full range of resource: when the resource is small, it is optimal to only subsidize the weak player; when it is large, both players should be subsidized simultaneously.
Difference‐Form Persuasion Contests
Authors: SKAPERDAS STERGIOS , TOUKAN AMJAD , VAIDYA SAMARTH
Published: August 2016

We explore the equilibrium properties of two types of “difference‐form” persuasion contest functions derived in Skaperdas and Vaidya in which contestants spend resources to persuade an audience. We find that both types of functions generate interior pure strategy Nash equilibria unlike Baik and Che and Gale with characteristics different to existing literature. For one type of function, we find that the reaction function of each player is “flat” and nonresponsive to the level of resources devoted by the rival so that the “preemption effect” as defined by Che and Gale is absent. Further, the equilibrium is invariant to the sequencing of moves. For the second type of function, which applies when there is asymmetry among contestants with regard to the quality of evidence, we find that the reaction functions of the stronger and weaker players have gradients with opposite signs relative to Dixit and therefore their incentive to precommit expenditures in a sequential move game is also different. For both types of functions, the extent of rent dissipation is partial. From the equilibrium analysis, we are also able to establish the potential effects of some specific factors affecting persuasion such as evidence potency, the degree of truth, and bias on aggregate resource expenditures and welfare.
SolCos model‐based individual reminiscence for older adults with mild to moderate dementia in nursing homes: a randomized controlled intervention study
Authors: Van Bogaert P. , Tolson D. , Eerlingen R. , Carvers D. , Wouters K. , Paque K. , Timmermans O. , Dilles T. , Engelborghs S.
Published: August 2016

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

To stimulate reminiscence of older adults with dementia performed individually or through group sessions is a well‐known practice in nursing homes resulting in effects on behaviour and well‐being as an alternative for medication.

Robust scientific proof of the effectiveness of individual reminiscence therapy performed in nursing homes is sparse.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

We have provided individual standardized reminiscence therapy to residents with dementia. The therapy was developed and tested in a previous study and performed in this study by trained nursing home volunteers.

In comparison with a control group who received usual care, residents who received the reminiscence therapy showed significant less depressive symptoms. Moreover, residents were, in general, attentive, open and collaborative during the sessions and volunteers experienced the sessions as useful and pleasant.

What are the implications for practice?

Individual reminiscence therapy can be learned and used by nursing home volunteers to improve care in nursing homes.

Aim

To investigate the effect of a standardized individualized intervention based on the SolCos transformational reminiscence model on depressive symptoms (primary outcome), cognition and behaviour (secondary outcomes) for older people with mild to moderate dementia, performed by trained nursing home volunteers as facilitators.

Background

Because of limited pharmacological treatment options for older adults with dementia relevant physical, sensory, psychological or social interventions offer alternative opportunities.

Method

Randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN74355073) was set up in two nursing homes with 29 and 31 residents in the intervention and the control groups respectively. Eighteen nursing home volunteers were trained to perform the reminiscence therapy. Various assessment scales were measured pre‐ and post‐sessions.

Results

Linear regression analysis showed an impact on depressive symptoms. However, no impact was identified on cognition and behaviour. Facilitators experienced the sessions as useful and pleasant, and study participants were, in general, attentive, open and collaborative.

Discussion

Study results showed that organizing standardized individual reminiscence therapy with nursing home volunteers was feasible and study participants' attention and participation were overall good. Further study initiatives to explore the potential of individual reminiscence therapy within a person‐centred framework are recommended in order to improve care in nursing homes.
The Long Arm of Religion: Childhood Adversity, Religion, and Self‐perception Among Black Americans
Authors: Henderson Andrea K.
Published: August 2016

Significant associations between childhood adversity and adult mental health have been documented in epidemiological and social science research. However, there is a dearth of research examining this relationship among black Americans, as well as into what cultural institutions and practices may help individuals in dealing with childhood adversity. This study suggests that religion may be an important resource for black Americans in the face of early‐life socioeconomic and health disadvantage. Using data from the National Survey of American Life, a nationally representative sample of both African Americans and black Caribbeans (n = 5,191), this study outlines a series of arguments linking childhood adversity, religiosity, and self‐perception among black Americans. The results suggest some support for religious involvement in moderating—or buffering—the harmful effects of childhood adversity on the self‐esteem and mastery among black Americans, specifically religious service attendance and religious coping. In addition, the results reveal that religion may also amplify the deleterious effects of childhood disadvantage on adult mental health. Study limitations are identified and several promising directions for future research are discussed.
Stability of genetic diversity in an intertidal goby population after exposure to tsunami disturbance
Authors: Hirase Shotaro , Ikeda Minoru , Hayasaka Shun , Iwasaki Wataru , Kijima Akihiro
Published: August 2016

Massive tsunami disturbances have potentially detrimental effects on genetic diversity and effective population size of coastal marine species, and evaluating these effects can be useful for devising conservation strategies for coastal marine environments. Local populations of the intertidal goby Chaenogobius annularis, which are distributed on scattered rocky beaches of the Japanese Archipelago, show demographic independence without overlapping generations, making this an ideal species with which to study the effects of tsunami disturbance on genetic diversity. Some of these populations were affected by the tsunami of the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake. Here, we investigated the change in genetic diversity of a local population of this species, which was located close to the epicenter of the earthquake, across the cohorts before and after the tsunami and evaluated the impact of the tsunami disturbance. Genetic diversity was maintained after the tsunami, and no change in the effective population size was observed. Our results suggest that the tsunami disturbance has had no marked impact on the genetic diversity of C. annularis.
Variations in attack behaviours betweenGlossina palpalis gambiensisandG.tachinoidesin a gallery forest suggest host specificity
Authors: SALOU E. , RAYAISSE J. B. , KABA D. , DJOHAN V. , YONI W. , BARRY I. , DOFINI F. , BOUYER J. , SOLANO P.
Published: August 2016

Tsetse fliesGlossina palpalis gambiensisandG. tachinoidesare among the major vectors of sleeping sickness (HumanAfricanTrypanosomiasis‐HAT) and nagana (AfricanAnimalTrypanosomiasis – AAT) inWestAfrica. Both riparian species occur sympatrically in gallery forests of south westBurkinaFaso, but little is known of their interspecies relationships although different authors think there may be some competition between them. The aim of this study was to check if sympatric species have different strategies when approaching a host. A man placed in a sticky cube (1 m × 1 m × 1 m) and a sticky black‐blue‐black target (1 m × 1 m) were used to capture tsetse along theComoe river banks in aLatinSquare design. The number and the height at which tsetse were caught by each capture method were recorded according to species and sex.Glossina p. gambiensiswas more attracted to human bait than to the target, but both species were captured at a significantly higher height on the target compared with the human bait (P < 0.05). No significant difference in heights was found betweenG.tachinoidesandG.p. gambiensiscaptured on targets (33 and 35 cm, respectively,P > 0.05). However, catches on human bait showed a significant difference in height betweenG.tachinoidesandG.p. gambiensis(22.5 and 30.6 cm, respectively,P < 0.001). This study showed that these sympatric species had different attack behaviours to humans, which is not the case with the target. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Pseudodystonia in sarcoid myopathy
Authors: Uwatoko Hisashi , Yabe Ichiro , Shirai Shinichi , Takahashi Ikuko , Matsushima Masaaki , Kano Takahiro , Sasaki Hidenao
Published: August 2016

We describe a 61‐year‐old woman with difficulty extending her left ring finger and little finger caused by sarcoid myopathy. As her symptom temporarily improved with carpal flexion or forearm pronation, we once misdiagnosed her as having dystonia of the upper limb. Her symptom gradually worsened, and muscle biopsy specimen revealed sarcoid myopathy. Muscle magnetic resonance imaging of the left forearm showed abnormal signals in the quadriceps femoris and biceps brachii muscles, and the area surrounding the flexor digitorum profundus and supinator muscles. Treatment with prednisolone was effective, and stopped progression of the symptom. Adhesion of the supinator muscle and flexor digitorum profundus as a result of inflammation might have caused limited extension of the flexor digitorum profundus.
Genetic education, knowledge and experiences between nurses and physicians in primary care in Brazil: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lopes‐Júnior Luís Carlos , Carvalho Júnior Paulo Marcondes , de Faria Ferraz Victor Evangelista , Nascimento Lucila Castanheira , Van Riper Marcia , Flória‐Santos Milena
Published: August 2016

Recent advances in genomics and related technologies have the potential to improve health care throughout the world. In this cross‐sectional study, we examine genetics education, knowledge, and genetics‐related experiences among the nurses and physicians who provide primary care in a Brazilian city. Fifty‐four healthcare professionals from family health units participated in the study (response rate: 90%). Data were collected using a structured 36‐item questionnaire divided into five axes: sociodemographic data and academic background; genetics education; genetics knowledge; genetics‐related experiences in family practice; and knowledge regarding the National Policy for Comprehensive Care in Clinical Genetics in the Unified Health System. Although most participants (85.2%) acknowledged receiving some genetic content during their undergraduate education, the majority (77.8%) advised that they did not feel prepared to deliver genomics‐based health care in primary care. The results suggest that nurses and physicians often lack the knowledge to provide genomics‐based health care in primary care. Therefore, continuing education in genetics/genomics should be provided to primary healthcare professionals in order to enhance family practice and compliance with national policies.
Epigenetic gene regulation by histone demethylases: emerging role in oncogenesis and inflammation
Authors: Kang MK , Mehrazarin S , Park N‐H , Wang C‐Y
Published: August 2016

Histone N‐terminal tails of nucleosomes are the sites of complex regulation of gene expression through post‐translational modifications. Among these modifications, histone methylation had long been associated with permanent gene inactivation until the discovery of Lys‐specific demethylase (LSD1), which is responsible for dynamic gene regulation. There are more than 30 members of the Lys demethylase (KDM) family, and with exception of LSD1 and LSD2, all other KDMs possess the Jumonji C (JmjC) domain exhibiting demethylase activity and require unique cofactors, for example, Fe(II) and α‐ketoglutarate. These cofactors have been targeted when devising KDM inhibitors, which may yield therapeutic benefit. KDMs and their counterpart Lys methyltransferases (KMTs) regulate multiple biological processes, including oncogenesis and inflammation. KDMs’ functional interactions with retinoblastoma (Rb) and E2 factor (E2F) target promoters illustrate their regulatory role in cell cycle progression and oncogenesis. Recent findings also demonstrate the control of inflammation and immune functions by KDMs, such as KDM6B that regulates the pro‐inflammatory gene expression and CD4+ T helper (Th) cell lineage determination. This review will highlight the mechanisms by which KDMs and KMTs regulate the target gene expression and how epigenetic mechanisms may be applied to our understanding of oral inflammation.
Comparative study of skin autofluorescence expression in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis: A prospective in vivo study
Authors: Yim J. H. , Jeong K. H. , Shin M. K.
Published: August 2016

Background/purpose

Treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis requires their differentiation from other eczematoid dermatitis and a determination of disease severity. However, both can be clinically difficult and the findings subjectively interpreted. We investigated the utility of in vivo autofluorescence (AF) measurements for diagnosis of both diseases, and determination of severity.

Materials and methods

Thirty patients with AD and 30 with psoriasis were recruited, together with sex‐ and age‐matched patients with healthy skin. AF intensity was measured using the EcoSkin® fluorescence video dermatoscope. In AD and psoriasis patients, AF in non‐sun‐exposed lesional and non‐lesional skin was measured. To identify the locations that reflect characteristics of AD, AF was also measured at the other sites in the patients with AD.

Results

AD was associated with lower AF and psoriasis with higher AF intensity peaking around 620 nm. In addition, skin AF intensity of each disease was associated with severity of lesion.

Conclusions

Non‐invasive measurement of skin AF in vivo can aid in diagnosis of AD and psoriasis as well as in treatment monitoring.
A novel HLA‐A*24 allele, HLA‐A*24:325, identified in a Chinese individual
Authors: Gao S.‐Q. , Zhong Y.‐P , Zhang H. , Yang A.‐L. , Nie D.‐M.
Published: August 2016

HLA‐A*24:325 differs from A*24:02:01:01 by two nucleotide substitutions at position 411 and 412.