bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expanded Analysis of thePantoea stewartiisubsp.stewartiiDC283 Complete Genome Reveals Plasmid-borne Virulence Factors
Authors: Duong Duy An , Stevens Ann M. , Jensen Roderick V.
Published: September 2018

Pantoea stewartiisubsp.stewartii, a Gram-negative proteobacterium, causes Stewart’s wilt disease in corn. Bacterial transmission to plants occurs primarily via the corn flea beetle insect vector, which is native to North America.P. stewartiiDC283 is the wild-type reference strain most used to study pathogenesis. Previously the complete genome ofP. stewartiiwas released. Here, the method whereby the genome was assembled is described in greater detail. Data from a matepair library preparation with 3.5 kilobase insert size and high-throughput sequencing from the MiSeq Illumina platform, together with the available incomplete genome sequence of AHIE00000000.1 (containing 65 contigs) was used. This work resulted in the complete assembly of one circular chromosome, ten circular plasmids and one linear phage fromP. stewartiiDC283. A high number of sequences encoding repetitive transposases (> 400) were found in the complete genome. The separation of plasmids from genomic DNA revealed that two Type III secretion systems inP. stewartiiDC283 are located on two separate mega-plasmids. Interestingly, the assembly identified a previously unknown 66-kb region in a location interior to a contig in the previous reference genome. Overall, a novel approach was successfully utilized to fully assemble a prokaryotic genome that contains large numbers of repetitive sequences and multiple plasmids, which resulted in some interesting biological findings.
Context-dependent multiplexing by individual VTA dopamine neurons
Authors: Yves Kremer , Jérôme Flakowski , Clément Rohner , Christian Lüscher
Published: September 2018

Dopamine (DA) neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) track external cues and rewards to generate a reward prediction error (RPE) signal during Pavlovian conditioning. Here we explored how RPE is implemented for a self-paced, operant task in freely moving mice. The animal could trigger a reward-predicting cue by remaining in a specific location of an operant box for a brief time before moving to a spout for reward collection. In vivo single-unit recordings revealed phasic responses to the cue and reward in correct trials, while with failures the activity paused, reflecting positive and negative error signals of a reward prediction. In addition, a majority of VTA DA neurons also encoded parameters of the goal-directed action (e.g. movement velocity, acceleration, distance to goal and licking) by changes in tonic firing rate. Such multiplexing of individual neurons was only apparent while the mouse was engaged in the task. We conclude that a multiplexed internal representation during the task modulates VTA DA neuron activity, indicating a multimodal prediction error that shapes behavioral adaptation of a self-paced goal-directed action.
Estimation of time to contact in lateral motion and approach motion
Authors: Daneshi Asieh
Published: September 2018

The ability to estimate precisely the time to contact (TTC) of the objects is necessary for planning actions in dynamic environments. However, this ability is not the same for all kinds of movement. Sometimes tracking an object and estimating its TTC is easy and accurate and sometimes it is not. In this study, we asked human subjects to estimate TTC of an object in lateral motion and approach motion. The object became invisible shortly after movement initiation. The results proved that TTC estimation for lateral motion is more accurate than for approach motion. We used mathematical analysis to show why humans are better in estimating TTC for lateral motion than for approach motion.
Nonsurgical Artificial Insemination in Mice
Authors: Duselis Amanda , Veres Monkia , Dewey Michael , Vrana Paul
Published: September 2018

Artificial insemination is used to impregnate female mice using a solution containing motile sperm. For nonsurgical artificial insemination, a blunt needle is inserted through the vaginal canal of naturally ovulating females that are in the proestrus/estrous phase. This method requires practice but can be mastered, although initially it may be easier to have two people perform the procedure. Naturally ovulating or superovulated females are used in the absence of natural mating. Artificial insemination is achieved by isolating sperm from the cauda epididymis and vas deferens into a milk solution and introducing it into the reproductive tract of ovulating females. Only females that are known to be in estrus are used.
Protein Immunodepletion and Complementation in Xenopus laevis Egg Extracts
Authors: Jenness Christopher , Wynne David J. , Funabiki Hironori
Published: September 2018

The Xenopus egg extract system has been widely used to study cell cycle events, including DNA replication, nuclear envelope formation, spindle assembly, chromosome condensation and kinetochore formation. The functional roles of the proteins involved in these processes can be determined by immunodepleting a protein of interest from the extract. As immunodepletion may result in co-depletion of other proteins, the protein of interest can be added back to the extract to verify its function. Additionally, proteins harboring point mutations or domain deletions may be added to assess their functions. Here we outline the immunodepletion procedure and two separate methods for restoring a protein of interest: addition of either a recombinant protein or an mRNA that supports translation in egg extracts. The tradeoffs between these two methods are discussed.
5C Analysis of 3C, ChIP-Loop, and Control Libraries
Authors: Kim Tae Hoon , Dekker Job
Published: September 2018

This protocol describes the 5C method of detecting ligation products in 3C, ChIP-loop, or control libraries. The method starts with a purified 3C library, a purified ChIP-loop library, or a purified control library. Before starting the protocol, assess the quality of the library that will be used by performing semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Ligation products should be readily detectable and nearby restriction fragments should be ligated more frequently than distant fragments. The design of the 5C primers and methods to determine interaction frequencies are also described in this protocol.
Analysis of Mitotic Checkpoint Function in Xenopus Egg Extracts
Authors: Mao Yinghui
Published: September 2018

Accurate sister chromatid segregation is pivotal in the faithful transmission of genetic information during each cell division. To ensure accurate segregation, eukaryotic organisms have evolved a “mitotic (or spindle assembly) checkpoint” to prevent premature advance to anaphase before successful attachment of every chromosome to the microtubules of the mitotic spindle. An unattached kinetochore generates a diffusible signal that inhibits ubiquitination of substrates such as cyclin B and securins. This protocol presents an in vitro assay for studying the mitotic checkpoint using Xenopus laevis egg extracts. Meiotic spindles assembled around nuclei added to egg extracts are synchronized at metaphase by an endogenous activity known as cytostatic factor (CSF). Normally, the mitotic checkpoint results in continued metaphase arrest following inactivation of CSF activity (by addition of calcium) and disassembly of spindle microtubules (with a microtubule inhibitor such as nocodazole). Simple DAPI staining for chromatin structure or biochemical analysis of Cdc2/cyclin B (cyclin-dependent kinase) histone H1 kinase activity can be used to evaluate the stages of the cell cycle and the status of the mitotic checkpoint. This cell-free system derived from Xenopus eggs has been successfully used to unravel the mechanisms of mitosis, and it provides a distinct advantage over cell-based studies in which perturbing kinetochore functions often results in lethality.
Routes of Antigen Injection in Rabbits
Authors: Greenfield Edward A.
Published: September 2018

The route of antigen injection is guided by three practical decisions: (1) the volume to be delivered, (2) the buffers and other components to be injected with the immunogen, and (3) how quickly the immunogen should be released into the lymphatics or circulation. For rabbits, large-volume injections normally are given at multiple subcutaneous sites. If adjuvants or particulate matter are included in the injection, the immunogen should not be delivered intravenously. If slow release of the inoculum is desired, the injections should be performed either intramuscularly or intradermally. For immediate release, use intravenous injections.
Dissecting Protein Complexes in Branching Microtubule Nucleation Using Meiotic Xenopus Egg Extracts
Authors: Song Jae-Geun , Petry Sabine
Published: September 2018

The mitotic spindle is the microtubule-based apparatus that reliably segregates chromosomes during cell division. Recently, it was discovered that microtubules originate within the mitotic spindle by nucleating off of existing spindle microtubules. This mechanism, termed branching microtubule nucleation, allows the efficient amplification of microtubules while preserving their original polarity as required in the spindle. Three molecular players are known to be involved in this process, namely, the protein TPX2, the protein complex augmin, and the gamma-tubulin ring complex; however, little is known about the assembly of the protein complexes. Here, we use the eight-subunit augmin complex as an example of how to dissect the function and assembly of a protein complex using meiotic Xenopus egg extracts. Specifically, immunodepletion combined with total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy is used to identify the role of the protein complex. In parallel, immunoprecipitation (IP) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) are used to infer how it is assembled. This approach can be applied to investigate the assembly of other multisubunit protein complexes that function in branching microtubule nucleation and mitotic spindle assembly.
Effect of economic vulnerability on entrepreneurial competencies among Malaysian micro-entrepreneurs
Authors: Al Mamun Abdullah , Muniady Rajennd A/L , Ibrahim Mohd Asrul Hery Bin , Nawi Noorshella Binti Che
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of economic vulnerability upon entrepreneurial competencies (i.e. commitment competency, conceptual competency, opportunity recognition competency, organizing competency, relationship competency and strategic competency) among respondents from varied development initiatives established by the eKasih program (National Poverty Data Bank) in Peninsular Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Upon adopting the cross-sectional design, data were randomly gathered from selected 300 micro-entrepreneurs from the list of development organizations available in the eKasih (National Poverty Data Bank), located at four states in Peninsular Malaysia. The quantitative data were gathered by performing structured interview sessions from September until November 2017.

Findings

The outcomes of the study displayed that economic vulnerability has a significantly negative effect upon commitment, opportunity recognition, organizing and strategic competency. On the other hand, the results showcased that economi c vulnerability has a significantly positive effect on competency, but insignificantly positive impact upon conceptual competency.

Originality/value

These study outcomes appear to extend the scope of the resource-based view, apart from enriching the existing entrepreneurial competency literature, particularly within the Malaysian context. Hence, it is recommended that the government of Malaysia and development organizations should focus on maximizing the level of competency among micro-entrepreneurs as a viable approach to decrease the effect of economic vulnerability.
Spinoffs versus non-spinoff entrepreneurs
Authors: Park Ye Jin , Park Young Won
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the role of spinoff entrepreneurs in the post-bubble Japan and ultimately to facilitate policy reforms that benefit entrepreneurs most in need of support.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a survey of Japanese entrepreneurs from 2003 to 2013. Exploiting the survey questions, the authors separate spinoff startups from the non-spinoff startups. Using this data set, this study first performs a logistic regression, followed by a chi-squared independence test between spinoff startups and firm performance.

Findings

This study finds that while both human and social capital predict the probability of a firm’s positive performance, industry experience was the strongest predictor for the probability of performance.

Originality/value

As Garvin (1983) stated, most research on spinoffs are limited to both industry type and location. The theoretical contribution of this study is to broaden the applicability of current entrepreneurship theories by considering industries beyond technological startups. The practical value of this study is to begin evaluating policies and their interaction effect with cultural context.
Structural reliability and stochastic finite element methods
Authors: Aldosary Muhannad , Wang Jinsheng , Li Chenfeng
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of uncertainty quantification methods supported by evidence-based comparison studies. Uncertainties are widely encountered in engineering practice, arising from such diverse sources as heterogeneity of materials, variability in measurement, lack of data and ambiguity in knowledge. Academia and industries have long been researching for uncertainty quantification (UQ) methods to quantitatively account for the effects of various input uncertainties on the system response. Despite the rich literature of relevant research, UQ is not an easy subject for novice researchers/practitioners, where many different methods and techniques coexist with inconsistent input/output requirements and analysis schemes.

Design/methodology/approach

This confusing status significantly hampers the research progress and practical application of UQ methods in engineering. In the context of engineering analysis, the research efforts of UQ are most focused in two largely separate research fields: structural reliability analysis (SRA) and stochastic finite element method (SFEM). This paper provides a state-of-the-art review of SRA and SFEM, covering both technology and application aspects. Moreover, unlike standard survey papers that focus primarily on description and explanation, a thorough and rigorous comparative study is performed to test all UQ methods reviewed in the paper on a common set of reprehensive examples.

Findings

Over 20 uncertainty quantification methods in the fields of structural reliability analysis and stochastic finite element methods are reviewed and rigorously tested on carefully designed numerical examples. They include FORM/SORM, importance sampling, subset simulation, response surface method, surrogate methods, polynomial chaos expansion, perturbation method, stochastic collocation method, etc. The review and comparison tests comment and conclude not only on accuracy and efficiency of each method but also their applicability in different types of uncertainty propagation problems.

Originality/value

The research fields of structural reliability analysis and stochastic finite element methods have largely been developed separately, although both tackle uncertainty quantification in engineering problems. For the first time, all major uncertainty quantification methods in both fields are reviewed and rigorously tested on a common set of examples. Critical opinions and concluding remarks are drawn from the rigorous comparative study, providing objective evidence-based information for further research and practical applications.
Optimization of process parameters of powder mixed EDM for high carbon high chromium alloy steel (D2 steel) through GRA approach
Authors: Singh Kanwal Jit
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the process parameters and optimise the machining input parameter of powder mixed electric discharge machining for high carbon high chromium alloy steel (D2 steel) for the industrial application. Grey relational analysis approach has been used to obtain the multiple performance output response.

Design/methodology/approach

In this experimental work, input parameters, namely, pulse on-time, discharge current, tool material and grit size, are selected. The design of the experiment has been constructed with the help of MINITAB 7 Software, in which L16 orthogonal array has been preferred for the experimentation. The effect of input parameters, namely, material removal rate, tool wear rate and surface roughness, is investigated. Grey relational analysis and analysis of variance are performed to optimise the input parameters and better output results.

Findings

In this experimentation, there is an increment of tool wear rate by 64.49 per cent, material removal rate by 47.14 per cent and surface roughness by 35.82 per cent.

Practical implications

A lot of practical applications have been found in many different material processing industries like metallurgy, machinery, electronics, transportation, military science, agricultural machinery, etc. These practical applications have brought forward definite and noticeable economic benefits.

Originality/value

The reader is given a general overview on the machining investigation and optimisation of processes parameters through the grey theory approach. It gives a new framework to investigate the problems where multiple input machining variable and various output responses are obtained in single optimised parameters.
Turbulent natural convection combined with surface thermal radiation in a square cavity with local heater
Authors: Miroshnichenko Igor , Sheremet Mikhail , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a numerical analysis of transient turbulent natural convection combined with surface thermal radiation in a square cavity with a local heater.

Design/methodology/approach

The domain of interest includes the air-filled cavity with cold vertical walls, adiabatic horizontal walls and isothermal heater located on the bottom cavity wall. It is assumed in the analysis that the thermophysical properties of the fluid are independent of temperature and the flow is turbulent. Surface thermal radiation is considered for more accurate analysis of the complex heat transfer inside the cavity. The governing equations have been discretized using the finite difference method with the non-uniform grid on the basis of the special algebraic transformation. Turbulence was modeled using the k–ε model. Simulations have been carried out for different values of the Rayleigh number, surface emissivity and location of the heater.

Findings

It has been found that the presence of surface radiation leads to both an increase in the average total Nusselt number and intensive cooling of such type of system. A significant intensification of convective flow was also observed owing to an increase in the Rayleigh number. It should be noted that a displacement of the heater from central part of the bottom wall leads to significant modification of the thermal plume and flow pattern inside the cavity.

Originality/value

An efficient numerical technique has been developed to solve this problem. The originality of this work is to analyze unsteady turbulent natural convection combined with surface thermal radiation in a square air-filled cavity in the presence of a local isothermal heater. The results would benefit scientists and engineers to become familiar with the analysis of turbulent convective–radiative heat transfer in enclosures with local heaters, and the way to predict the heat transfer rate in advanced technical systems, in industrial sectors including transportation, power generation, chemical sectors and electronics.
Herbarium specimens reveal increasing herbivory over the past century
Authors: Meineke Emily K. , Classen Aimée T. , Sanders Nathan J. , Jonathan Davies T.
Published: September 2018

Predicting how ecological interactions will respond to global change is a major challenge. Plants and their associated insect herbivores compose much of macroscopic diversity, yet how their interactions have been altered by recent environmental change remains underexplored.

To address this gap, we quantified herbivory on herbarium specimens of four plant species with records extending back 112 years. Our study focused on the northeastern US, where temperatures have increased rapidly over the last few decades. This region also represents a range of urban development, a form of global change that has shown variable effects on herbivores in the past studies.

Herbarium specimens collected in the early 2000s were 23% more likely to be damaged by herbivores than those collected in the early 1900s. Herbivory was greater following warmer winters and at low latitudes, suggesting that climate warming may drive increasing insect damage over time. In contrast, human population densities were negatively associated with herbivore damage.

To explore whether changes in insect occurrence or abundance might explain shifts in herbivory, we used insect observational records to build climate occupancy models for lepidopteran herbivores (butterflies and moths) of our focal plant species.

These models show that higher winter temperatures were associated with higher probability of insect herbivore presence, while urbanization was associated with reduced probability of herbivore presence, supporting a link between insect herbivore occurrence and herbivory mediated through environment.

Synthesis. Using a temporal record of plant herbivory that spans over a century, we show that both temperature and urbanization influence insect damage to plants, but in very different ways. Our results indicate that damage to plants by insect herbivores will likely continue to increase through time in the northeastern US as global temperatures rise, but that urbanization may disrupt local effects of winter warming on herbivory by excluding certain herbivores. These changes may scale to shape ecosystem processes that are driven by herbivory, including plant productivity.
Construct validity and responsiveness of the functional Tactile Object Recognition Test for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Taylor Susan , Girdler Sonya , Parsons Richard , McLean Belinda , Falkmer Torbjorn , Carey Leeanne , Blair Eve , Elliott Catherine
Published: September 2018

Background/aim

The functional Tactile Object Recognition Test (fTORT) is a measure of haptic object recognition capacity recently adapted for use with children with neurological impairment. The current study aimed to investigate preliminary evidence of construct validity and responsiveness of the fTORT and its association with a measure of upper limb activity.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 28 children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) (mean age 10 years 8 months; SD two years four months; 16 male) and 39 typically developing (TD) children (mean age 11 years; SD two years nine months; 19 male) was utilised to investigate construct validity and association between measures. Sixteen children with CP (mean age 10 years 10 months; SD two years 8 months; 9 male) who were randomly allocated to either a treatment (n = 6) or control group (n = 10) were assessed at four time points to assess test responsiveness.

Results

There was a very significant difference (P value <0.0001) indicating greater haptic object recognition ability for the TD group (n = 39; median: 40; range: 33–42) than the group with CP (n = 28; median: 32.5; range: 3–41). fTORT scores demonstrated a significant association with scores on the activity measure (Pearson's r: 0.68; P = 0.0001). There were no significant changes over time in fTORT scores (P = 0.22) and no significant difference between the treatment and control groups (P = 0.47).

Conclusion

The fTORT demonstrated preliminary construct validity, and was positively associated with an upper limb activity measure but scores did not change significantly following somatosensory training. This preliminary paper supports further research and future psychometric knowledge about the tool.
Advances and Future Prospects of Enzyme‐Based Biofilm Prevention Approaches in the Food Industry
Authors: Nahar Shamsun , Mizan Md. Furkanur Rahaman , Ha Angela Jie‐won , Ha Sang‐Do
Published: September 2018

Food poisoning and foodborne diseases are a growing public health concern worldwide. Approximately 30 known and many unknown pathogens are the main culprits for these conditions. Biofilms are a heterogeneous living‐form of pathogens and are considered a safe haven for their pathogenicity. In the field of food processing, the persistence of biofilms results in an increased likelihood of food contamination, which ultimately compromises overall food quality and safety. Because of the robust heterogeneity and resistant phenotypic nature of biofilms, the impairment of biofilms is very challenging when using conventional cleaning agents/antibiotics. Therefore, the development of alternative approaches is of great interest to the food industry. Recently, many researchers have found that use of enzymes can provide an exciting and effective therapeutic approach for solving biofilm‐associated problems in the food industry, because enzymes are involved in almost every stage of biofilm detachment and degradation. Here, we describe biofilm‐associated problems in the food industry and recent advances in enzyme‐based biofilm impairment strategies. We also highlight major limitations, challenges, and possible prospects of enzyme‐based biofilm‐targeting technologies.
Associations Between Alcohol Involvement and Drive for Thinness and Body Dissatisfaction in Adolescent Twins: A Bivariate Twin Study
Authors: Baker Jessica H. , Brosof Leigh C. , Munn‐Chernoff Melissa A. , Lichtenstein Paul , Larsson Henrik , Maes Hermine H. , Kendler Kenneth S.
Published: September 2018

Background

Alcohol involvement has familial associations with bulimic symptoms (i.e., binge eating, inappropriate compensatory behaviors), with several studies indicating a genetic overlap between the two. It is unclear whether overlapping familial risk with alcohol involvement extends to other eating disorder symptoms. Understanding the genetic overlap between alcohol involvement and other eating disorder symptoms may aid in more targeted interventions for comorbid alcohol use‐eating disorder symptoms. Thus, we investigated associations between alcohol involvement and 2 core eating disorder symptoms: drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction in adolescent female and male twins.

Methods

We assessed 3 levels of alcohol involvement: alcohol use in the last month, having ever been intoxicated, and alcohol intoxication frequency via self‐report. The Eating Disorder Inventory‐II assessed drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction. Sex‐specific biometrical twin modeling examined the genetic overlap between alcohol involvement and eating disorder symptoms.

Results

Phenotypic associations between alcohol involvement, drive for thinness, and body dissatisfaction were significantly greater in girls compared with boys. A majority of the associations between alcohol involvement, drive for thinness, and body dissatisfaction in girls, but not boys, met our threshold for twin modeling (phenotypic r > 0.20). Moderate genetic correlations were observed between the 3 aspects of alcohol involvement and drive for thinness. Moderate genetic correlations were observed between alcohol use and intoxication frequency and body dissatisfaction.

Conclusions

Together with the literature on alcohol involvement and bulimic symptoms, these findings suggest a generalized association between alcohol involvement and eating disorder symptoms in girls, whereas this association may be symptom specific in boys. Genetic correlations indicate that the amount and direction of this genetic overlap differs across specific symptoms. When intervening on comorbid alcohol involvement and eating disorder symptoms, it may be important to target‐specific eating disorder symptoms.
Is concomitant splenectomy necessary in radical gastric cancer surgery? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Qiuhong , Dang Tong , Meng Xianmei , Li Kai , Ren Wei , Ma Xiujuan , Huang Ying , Wu Xiaobo , Han Weijie , Zhang Dongsheng , Li Xiaolong , Wang Da , Zheng Liansheng
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This study is a systematic review and meta‐analysis compare the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of splenectomy (SP) versus splenic preservation (NSP) in radical gastric cancer surgery.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Knowledge was performed. Evaluation of short‐ and long‐term outcomes was collected and analyzed by a fixed or random effects model, according to the heterogeneity using RevMan 5.2 software.

Results

A total of 5431 gastric cancer patients who underwent radical surgery (1706 with SP and 3725 with NSP) were reviewed in 11 studies included in this study. Compared with NSP, SP was significantly associated with higher rate of overall postoperative complication and increased incidence of pulmonary complications, abdominal abscess and pancreas complications. No statistical difference was observed regarding mortality, wound infection, anastomotic leakage and postoperative 5‐year overall survival.

Conclusion

There was no difference in long‐term oncological outcome but remarkably poorer short‐term outcomes in SP group than NSP group. Therefore, SP seems unnecessary in radical gastric cancer surgery. However, well‐designed, multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trials are warranted for further validation.
Training the Porous Body: Evangelicals and the Ex‐Gay Movement
Authors: Bjork‐James Sophie
Published: September 2018

In this article, I examine how US evangelical opposition to LGBT rights stems from a unique understanding of sexuality and the person. As my respondents explained to me in over sixteen months of field research, evangelical rejection of LGBT individuals and practices is rooted not simply in prejudice but also in a culturally specific notion of personhood that requires Christian bodies to orient themselves to the divine. In evangelical Christianity, the body, along with its capacity to feel and communicate, is understood as a porous vessel receptive to communication with God. In contrast to a dominant idea that sexual orientations shape individual identities, sexuality within this religious world instead facilitates the movement of moral forces across individual bodies and geographic scales. Sexual desires and sexual acts are broadly understood in evangelical cosmology as communicative mediums for supernatural forces. This understanding of sexuality as a central component of moral agency shapes widespread practices of ostracism of people who identify as LGBT within evangelicalism and often leads to anti‐LGBT political positions. Claiming an LGBT identity is seen as making one a distinct kind of person incommensurate with evangelical porosity. [evangelical, sexuality, embodiment, United States]
Birth weight, Apgar scores and gentamicin were associated with acute kidney injuries in VLBW neonates requiring treatment for patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Aygün Aylin , Poryo Martin , Wagenpfeil Gudrun , Wissing Antonia , Ebrahimi‐Fakhari Daniel , Zemlin Michael , Gortner Ludwig , Meyer Sascha
Published: September 2018

Aim

We assessed the risk factors for transient acute kidney injury in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants treated for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using the serum creatinine‐based criteria in Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes.

Method

This retrospective study of infants requiring ibuprofen and, or, surgery for haemodynamic relevant PDAs was performed at the University Children's Hospital of Saarland, Homburg, Germany, from January 2009 to December 2015.

Results

We studied 422 infants with a mean birth weight of 1059 ± 308.2 g. Acute kidney injuries developed in 150/295 infants (50.9%) with spontaneous PDA closure, in 46/82 (56.1%) who received intravenous ibuprofen treatment, in 18/24 (75.0%) who had surgery and in 15/21 infants (71.4%) who received both medical and surgical treatment. Acute kidney injuries were associated with birth weight and gestational age, Apgar scores at 10 minutes, the PDA size corrected for birth weight, a PDA with three affected circulatory territories, PDA surgery and gentamicin. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed particular associations between acute kidney injury and birth weight (p = 0.001), the 10‐minute Apgar score (p = 0.02) and gentamicin (p = 0.043).

Conclusion

Birth weight, the 10‐minute Apgar score and gentamicin were particularly associated with acute kidney injuries in our cohort.
Protective effect of isochlorogenic acid B on liver fibrosis in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis of mice
Authors: Liu Xin , Huang Kai , Niu Ziran , Mei Dan , Zhang Bo
Published: September 2018

Liver fibrosis is a common symptom of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and a worldwide clinical issue. The miR‐122/HIF‐1α signalling pathway is believed to play an important role in the genesis of progressive fibrosis. Isochlorogenic acid B (ICAB), naturally isolated from Laggera alata, is verified to have antioxidative and hepatoprotective properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ICAB on liver fibrosis in NASH and its potential protective mechanisms. NASH was induced in a mouse model with a methionine‐ and choline‐deficient (MCD) diet for 4 weeks, and ICAB was orally administered every day at three doses (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg). Pathological results indicated that ICAB significantly improved the pathological lesions of liver fibrosis. The levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and hepatic hydroxyproline (Hyp), cholesterol (CHO) and triglyceride (TG) were also significantly decreased by ICAB. In addition, ICAB inhibited hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and the expressions of hepatic genes involved in liver fibrosis including LOX, TGF‐β1, MCP‐1, COL1α1 and TIMP‐1. ICAB also attenuated liver oxidative stress through Nrf2 signalling pathway. What is more, the decreased levels of miR‐122 and over‐expression of hepatic HIF‐1α could be reversed by ICAB treatment. These results simultaneously confirmed that ICAB had a significant protective effect on fibrosis in NASH by inhibiting oxidative stress via Nrf2 and suppressing multiple profibrogenic factors through miR‐122/HIF‐1α signalling pathway.
Cross‐Cultural Differences in the Influence of Peers on Exploration During Play
Authors: Wade Shirlene , Kidd Celeste
Published: September 2018

Certain social context features (e.g., maternal presence) are known to increase young children's exploration, a key process by which they learn. Yet limited research investigates the role of social context, especially peer presence, in exploration across development. We investigate whether the effect of peer presence on exploration is mediated by age or cultural‐specific experiences. We test its impact on exploration across development (2–11 years) and across cultures (United States and the Tsimane', indigenous farmer‐foragers in Bolivia). Specifically, peer presence does not boost exploration among young U.S. children and becomes more inhibitory among school‐age children. In contrast, peer presence facilitates exploration and provides an additional boost for older Tsimane' children, who differ from U.S. children in their cultural‐specific learning experiences (e.g., formal education), among other differences. We discuss potential cultural factors and mechanisms by which peer presence may boost exploratory behavior.
Informationssuche und Nutzung von Informationsquellen durch Melanompatienten deutscher Hautkrebszentren
Authors: Brütting Julia , Bergmann Maike , Garzarolli Marlene , Rauschenberg Ricarda , Weber Christiane , Berking Carola , Tilgen Wolfgang , Schadendorf Dirk , Meier Friedegund ,   im Namen der NVKH‐Unterstützergruppe
Published: September 2018

Hintergrund

Mit dieser Studie sollte das Informationsverhalten (IV) von Melanompatienten (MP) und deren Subgruppen untersucht werden, um Daten für eine bedarfsgerechte Anpassung der Informationsversorgung zu erhalten.

Methoden

In einer Querschnittserhebung an 27 deutschen Hautkrebszentren untersuchten wir mithilfe eines standardisierten Fragebogens das IV von MP. Unterschiede zwischen Subgruppen wurden mithilfe des Chi‐Quadrat‐Tests, Prädiktoren für die Präferenzen verschiedener Medien mithilfe logistischer Regression ermittelt.

Ergebnisse

67 % der 529 Teilnehmer waren von einem Melanom im klinischen Stadium III oder IV betroffen. Die meisten der Teilnehmer (81 %) gaben Gespräche mit dem Arzt als regelmäßig oder häufig genutzte Informationsquelle (IQ) an. 58 % wünschten sich von ihrem Arzt mehr Beratung zu IQ. Nur 8 % der MP nutzten die Angebote von Selbsthilfegruppen (SHG) und 12 % die Angebote von Krebsberatungsstellen (KBS). Das Internet (63 %) und Broschüren (58 %) wurden als bevorzugte Medien angegeben. Alter, Bildungsstatus das generelle Informationsbedürfnis und mangelnde Kenntnis des eigenen Erkrankungsstandes erwiesen sich als Prädiktoren für die Präferenzen verschiedener Medien.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die meisten MP erwarteten von ihrem Arzt, über IQ beraten zu werden, die sie zusätzlich und außerhalb der Klinik nutzen können. SHG und KBS wurden von MP vergleichsweise selten konsultiert. Die unterschiedlichen Präferenzen verschiedener Medien sollten bei der Entwicklung und Bereitstellung von IQ für MP berücksichtigt werden.
Autoimmunität gegen heterogenes nukleäres Ribonukleoprotein A1 bei Psoriasispatienten und Korrelation mit dem Schweregrad der Erkrankung
Authors: Guarneri Claudio , Aguennouz Mohammed , Guarneri Fabrizio , Polito Francesca , Benvenga Salvatore , Cannavò Serafinella Patrizia
Published: September 2018

Hintergrund und Ziele

Das heterogene nukleäre Ribonukleoprotein A1 (hnRNP‐A1) wurde als Autoantigen bei Psoriasis vorgeschlagen; eine mögliche Korrelation zwischen dem Serumspiegel von Anti‐hnRNP‐A1‐Antikörpern und dem Schweregrad der Erkrankung wurde bislang nicht untersucht. Unser Ziel war es, die Häufigkeit der Anti‐hnRNP‐A1‐Autoimmunität bei Patienten mit mäßig schwerer bis schwerer Psoriasis und gesunden Kontrollpersonen zu bestimmen und festzustellen, ob eine Korrelation zwischen dem Anti‐hnRNP‐A1‐Autoantikörper‐Serumspiegel und dem Schweregrad der Erkrankung besteht.

Patienten und Methoden

Wir führten eine Fallkontrollstudie an 40 erwachsenen Psoriasispatienten mit einem Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) von > 10 und 40 gesunden Kontrollpersonen mit ähnlicher Alters‐ und Geschlechtsverteilung durch. Die Bestimmung des Serumspiegels von hnRNP‐A1‐Autoantikörpern erfolgte mit Immunoblots.

Ergebnisse

Anti‐hnRNP‐A1‐Autoantikörper wurden bei 9 von 40 Psoriasispatienten (22,5 %) nachgewiesen, jedoch bei keiner der gesunden Kontrollpersonen gefunden. Der PASI‐Wert war bei Anti‐hnRNP‐A1‐positiven Patienten signifikant höher als bei Anti‐hnRNP‐A1‐negativen Patienten (40,33 ± 3,24 vs. 26,06 ± 9,28, p  =  0,0001). Bei Anti‐hnRNP‐A1‐positiven Patienten korrelierte der Serumspiegel der Autoantikörper mit dem PASI‐Wert (R = 0,89, p = 0,001).

Schlussfolgerungen

Übereinstimmend mit Berichten aus der Literatur legen unsere Ergebnisse nahe, dass Anti‐hnRNP‐A1‐Autoimmunität bei Psoriasis eine Rolle spielt, wenn auch möglicherweise nicht als primäre Ursache oder als initiales oder grundlegendes Ereignis. Anders als bei früheren Publikationen weisen unsere Daten auch darauf hin, dass Autoimmunität gegen Anti‐hnRNP‐A1 unter Patienten mit schwererer Erkrankung besonders häufig ist. Weitere Studien mit einer größeren Anzahl von Patienten sind erforderlich.
Phototherapie
Authors: Singer Sebastian , Berneburg Mark
Published: September 2018

Die Phototherapie nutzt die photobiologische Wirkung von ultravioletter (UV‐)Strahlung auf unseren Organismus. Die verschiedenen Wellenlängen der Strahlung rufen dabei ganz unterschiedliche Effekte hervor. Der gezielte Einsatz von UV‐A und UV‐B, gegebenenfalls auch in Kombination mit dem Photosensibilisator Psoralen im Rahmen einer PUVA‐Therapie, ermöglicht dem Dermatologen die effektive Behandlung der verschiedensten Hautkrankheiten. Das Indikationsspektrum der Phototherapie reicht von oberflächlichen Ekzemerkrankungen, Psoriasis, malignen Erkrankungen wie dem kutanen T‐Zell‐Lymphom, bis hin zu tief in der Dermis lokalisierten sklerosierenden Erkrankungen wie der Sklerodermie. Das Verständnis der zugrunde liegenden photobiologischen Wirkmechanismen der verschiedenen Bereiche der UV‐Strahlung und die sich daraus ableitenden Indikationen für eine Phototherapie soll der folgende Artikel ermöglichen.
Neuroimmune mechanisms of psychostimulant and opioid use disorders
Authors: Hofford Rebecca S. , Russo Scott J. , Kiraly Drew D.
Published: September 2018

Substance use disorders are global health problems with few effective treatment options. Unfortunately, most potential pharmacological treatments are hindered by abuse potential of their own, limited efficacy, or adverse side effects. As a consequence, there is a pressing need for the development of addiction treatments with limited abuse potential and fewer off target effects. Given the difficulties in developing new pharmacotherapies for substance use disorders, there has been growing interest in medications that act on non‐traditional targets. Recent evidence suggests a role for dysregulated immune signaling in the pathophysiology of multiple psychiatric diseases. While there is evidence that immune responses in the periphery and the central nervous system are altered by exposure to drugs of abuse, the contributions of neuroimmune interactions to addictive behaviors are just beginning to be appreciated. In this review, we discuss the data on immunological changes seen in clinical populations with substance use disorders, as well as in translational animal models of addiction. Importantly, we highlight those mechanistic findings showing causal roles for central or peripheral immune mediators in substance use disorder and appropriate animal models. Based on the literature reviewed here, it is clear that brain‐immune system interactions in substance use disorders are much more complex and important than previously understood. While much work remains to be done, there are tremendous potential therapeutic implications for immunomodulatory treatments in substance use disorders.
Oral manifestations of human papillomavirus infections
Authors: Syrjänen Stina
Published: September 2018

Papillomaviruses are one of the oldest viruses known, dating back 330 million years. During this long evolution, human papillomaviruses (HPV) have developed into hijackers of human cellular and immune systems in which they replicate and remain silent. Systematic studies on oral HPV infections and their outcomes are still scarce. Oral HPV infections have been linked to sexual behaviour, but recent evidence supports their horizontal, mouth‐to‐mouth, transmission. Most HPV infections in infants are acquired vertically from the mother during the intrauterine period, during delivery, or later via saliva. The best‐known benign clinical manifestations of HPV infection are oral papilloma/condyloma and focal epithelial hyperplasia. Evidence is emerging which suggests that some oral HPV infections might persist. Persistent HPV infection is mandatory for HPV‐associated malignant transformation. However, progression of HPV‐induced lesions to malignancy requires additional cofactors. In the early 1980s, we provided the first evidence that a subset of oral cancers and other head and neck cancers might be causally linked to HPV infection. This review summarizes current knowledge on the virus itself, its transmission modes, as well as the full spectrum of oral HPV infections – from asymptomatic infections to benign, potentially malignant oral lesions, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Dental implants – are they better than natural teeth?
Authors: Pjetursson Bjarni E. , Heimisdottir Kristin
Published: September 2018

Nowadays, patients find much information on dental treatment from the Internet. There is a vast amount of information on dental implants, in contrast to the limited information available on natural teeth. This review addresses research on survival of natural teeth and dental implants, and discusses factors affecting the survival rate of implants, as well as certain dogmas in implant dentistry. To simplify treatment planning, the article presents a classification system in which teeth are classified as secure, doubtful, or irrational to treat. Secure teeth should last for a long period of time without need for complex treatment. Doubtful teeth are teeth that might need complicated treatment and additional maintenance in order to be maintained. Teeth irrational to treat are teeth that cannot be saved and for which extraction is the only treatment option. Multiple risk factors might decrease the survival probability of teeth. The survival and success rates of dental implants will never succeed the survival rates of healthy, clean teeth. Dental implants and implant‐supported restorations are an excellent treatment modality, but it must always be kept in mind that it is associated with a risk of biological and technical complications. Implants are supposed to replace missing teeth – they are not supposed to replace teeth.
Third‐Order Thinking in Family Therapy: Addressing Social Justice Across Family Therapy Practice
Authors: McDowell Teresa , Knudson‐Martin Carmen , Bermudez J. Maria
Published: September 2018

We contend that the field of family therapy is undergoing a notable shift from second‐ to third‐order thinking. We offer theoretical support and examples to demonstrate how third‐order thinking provides a framework for integrating heightened sociocultural attunement into family therapy practice. We discuss the importance of third‐order thinking relative to being prepared to invite families into third‐order change. Finally, we offer a case example to show specific guidelines for third‐order practice.
Young Australian Adults Relaunching from Home: It's Time to Move On
Authors: Warner Elyse , Henderson‐Wilson Claire , Andrews Fiona
Published: September 2018

Leaving home is no longer one‐way, with many young adults returning home. This is often short‐term although little research exists around families’ experiences when offspring relaunch. This study addressed this gap through interviews with 10 young Australian adults who had returned to coresidence and their parents. Findings revealed the return had an expected duration. While the young adults were looking forward to moving out, their parents were more ambivalent, both about the relaunch and the need for offspring to return again. Overall, the relaunch appears to be as important as leaving home, for young adults and parents alike.
Electricity Consumption by Age of Single‐Person Households in Korea
Authors: Kim Min‐Jeong
Published: September 2018

This study analyzed the electricity consumption of single‐person households in Korea and examined whether the determinants of electricity consumption varied by age. The study analyzed the physical characteristics, demographic and economic characteristics, and electricity consumption characteristics. The sample included 1,035 single‐person households; it was drawn from the 2014 Korea Energy Consumption Survey. Descriptive statistics revealed differences in most characteristics by age. The results of multiple regression showed that there were no common factors affecting average monthly power consumption in all age groups. However, two factors, average monthly income and the number of heating devices, had the greatest effect on electricity consumption for elderly single‐person households.