bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telomere-loop dynamics in chromosome end protection
Authors: Van Ly David , Jie Low Ronnie Ren , Frölich Sonja , Bartolec Tara K. , Kafer Georgia R. , Pickett Hilda A. , Gaus Katharina , Cesare Anthony J.
Published: March 2018

We used super-resolution microscopy to investigate the role of macromolecular telomere structure in chromosome end protection. In murine and human cells with reduced TRF2, we find that ATM-activation at chromosome ends occurs with a structural change from t-loops to linearized chromosome ends through t-loop unfolding. Comparably, we find Aurora B kinase regulates telomere linearity concurrent with ATM activation at telomeres during mitotic arrest. Using a separation of function allele, we find that the TRFH domain of TRF2 regulates t-loop formation while suppressing ATM activity. Notably, we demonstrate that telomere linearity and ATM activation occur separately from telomere fusion via non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). Further, we show that linear DDR-positive telomeres can remain resistant to fusion, even during an extended G1-arrest when NHEJ is most active. Collectively, these results suggest t-loops act as conformational switches that regulate ATM activation at chromosome ends independent of mechanisms to suppress chromosome end fusion.
Broad-scale mercury bioaccumulation patterns in two freshwater sport fishes: testing the role of growth dilution in a warming climate
Authors: Thomas Shyam M. , Melles Stephanie J. , Bhavsar Satyendra P.
Published: March 2018

Sport fishes at the apex of aquatic food webs are indicators of mercury in the environment. However bioaccumulation of mercury in fish is a complex process that varies in space and time. Both large-scale climatic and environmental, as well as biological factors are drivers of these space-time variations. In this study, we avail a long-running monitoring program from Ontario, Canada to better understand spatiotemporal variations in fish mercury bioaccumulation. Focussing on two common large-bodied fishes (Walleye and Northern Pike), the data were first stratified by latitudinal zone (north, mid, and south) and eight temporal periods (between 1975 & 2015). A series of linear mixed-effects models (LMEMs) with latitudinal zone, time period, and their interactions as random effects were used to capture the spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal variations in mercury bioaccumulation. The random slopes from the best-fitting LMEM were used to define bioaccumulation index and capture trends in space and time. Given the generally warming climate trend over the past 45 years, the role of growth dilution in modulating the bioaccumulation trends was also evaluated. The full model comprising of space, time and space-time interactions was the best-fit with interaction effects explaining most of the variation. Spatiotemporal trends showed overall similar patterns for both species. Growth dilution in conjunction with estimated rates of warming for different latitudinal zones failed to explain the spatiotemporal trends. Temporal trends showed contrasting bioaccumulation patterns-increasing in Northern Pike and decreasing in Walleye, suggesting temperature-driven growth dilution is more likely in latter. However, a space-for-time substitution revealed only a weak presence of growth dilution in Walleye, and it was not attributable to temperature differences. Overall, our study summarizes broad-scale variations in fish mercury and explores the role of growth dilution in shaping the observed patterns.
Variation in approaches to lesson analysis – alternative tools for the reconstruction of teaching
Authors: Rovio-Johansson Airi
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the variation in methods used to analyse lessons in order to improve teaching and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

It addresses the question of how observations of lessons can be analysed, and what approaches and methods are applicable in the analysis of collected data in lesson and learning studies.

Findings

In lesson studies, the focus of research varies, the content and context of lessons vary and a variety of qualitative methods are applied in the analysis of lessons. Lesson study is proving to be a versatile research approach to the development of the quality of teaching and learning.

Originality/value

This review provides an overview of some qualitative methods of content analysis used as analytic tools in the studies presented in this issue of the journal.
Mobile-distributed seepage monitoring method based on fiber Bragg grating sensing technology
Authors: Chen Jiang , Zheng Junli , Xiong Feng
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The spatial resolution of seepage monitoring methods based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) temperature sensing technology is limited by the distance between measurement points. Improving the spatial resolution for a given number of measurement points is a prerequisite for popularizing this technology in the seepage monitoring of rockfill dams. The purpose of this paper is to address this problem.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a mobile-distributed seepage monitoring method based on the FBG-hydrothermal cycling seepage monitoring system. In this method, the positions of the measurement points are changed by freely dragging the FBG sensing cluster within the inner tube of a dual-tube structure, consisting of an inner polytetrafluoroethylene tube and outer polyethylene of raised temperature resistance heating tube.

Findings

A seepage velocity calibration test was carried out using the improved monitoring system. The results showed that under a constant seepage velocity, the use of the dual-tube structure enables faster cooling, and the cooling rate accelerates with an increase in the diameter of the inner tube. The use of the dual-tube structure can improve the sensitivity of the seepage evaluation indexζvto the seepage velocity. When the inner diameter increases,ζvbecomes more sensitive to the seepage velocity.

Originality/value

A mobile-distributed seepage monitoring method based on FBG sensing technology is proposed in which the FBG sensors are not fixed. Instead, the positions of the measurement points are changed to improve the spatial resolution. Meanwhile, the use of the dual-tube structure in the presented monitoring system can improve its sensitivity.
Origin and Processing Methods Slightly Affect Allergenic Characteristics of Cashew Nuts (Anacardium occidentale)
Authors: Reitsma Marit , Bastiaan‐Net Shanna , Sijbrandij Lutske , de Weert Evelien , Sforza Stefano , Gerth van Wijk Roy , Savelkoul Huub F. J. , de Jong Nicolette W. , Wichers Harry J.
Published: March 2018

The protein content and allergen composition was studied of cashews from 8 different origins (Benin, Brazil, Ghana, India, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Tanzania, Vietnam), subjected to different in‐shell heat treatments (steamed, fried, drum‐roasted). On 2D electrophoresis, 9 isoforms of Ana o 1, 29 isoforms of Ana o 2 (11 of the acidic subunit, 18 of the basic subunit), and 8 isoforms of the large subunit of Ana o 3 were tentatively identified. Based on 1D and 2D electrophoresis, no difference in allergen content (Ana o 1, 2, 3) was detected between the cashews of different origins (P > 0.5), some small but significant differences were detected in allergen solubility between differently heated cashews. No major differences in N‐ and C‐terminal microheterogeneity of Ana o 3 were detected between cashews of different origins. Between the different heat treatments, no difference was detected in glycation, pepsin digestibility, or IgE binding of the cashew proteins.
Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Combined with Lateral Flow Strip for Listeria monocytogenes Detection in Food
Authors: Du Xin‐jun , Zang Yu‐xuan , Liu Hai‐bin , Li Ping , Wang Shuo
Published: March 2018

Listeria monocytogenes is an important food‐borne pathogenic bacterium that causes human disease, resulting in economic losses worldwide. The current detection methods for L. monocytogenes are not well suited for direct field testing because they involve complicated, time‐consuming operations. A simple, efficient method is vital for L. monocytogenes detection. In this study, we combined isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) with a lateral flow (LF) strip to rapidly and reliably detect L. monocytogenes. In the presence of biotin‐ and digoxin‐modified primers, RPA produced numerous digoxin‐ and biotin‐attached duplex DNA products. These products were detected on an LF strip via dual immunoreactions (digoxin on the duplex DNA reacted with the anti‐digoxin antibody on the gold nanoparticle (Au‐NP) and the biotin on the duplex DNA captured by the streptavidin on the LF test zone). The accumulation of Au‐NPs produced characteristic bands, enabling the visual detection of L. monocytogenes without instrumentation. This assay could be used to detect L. monocytogenes within 15 min, including DNA amplification with RPA for 10 min at 39 °C and visualization of the amplicons by LF strips for 5 min. Experiments confirmed a detection limit as low as 300 fg of DNA and 1.5 × 101 CFU in pure cultures. Furthermore, RPA‐LF exhibited no cross‐reactions with pathogens. Evaluation of the method with food samples indicated that the detection limit was substantially improved to 1.5 × 10° CFU for the original bacterial content in 25 g/mL samples after enrichment for 6 hr. RPA‐LF can be used as a sensitive and rapid detection technique for L. monocytogenes.

Practical Application

Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) can amplify target DNA at 37 to 42 °C without a thermal cycler. Lateral flow (LF) strips are portable, cheap and easy to operate. RPA combined with LF strips to detect Listeria monocytogenes can be widely used in remote areas.
Composition and Physicochemical Characterization of Fiber‐Rich Food Processing Byproducts
Authors: Masli Maria Dian Pratiwi , Rasco Barbara A. , Ganjyal Girish M.
Published: March 2018

A wide range of fiber‐rich food processing byproducts from various sources have been proposed as value‐added ingredients for producing healthier food products. Characterizing their composition and physicochemical properties is crucial to understand their potential uses. Eight fiber‐rich byproducts from different sources were fractionated into 2 different particle‐size ranges. Different (P ≤ 0.05) proximate composition and physicochemical properties (pasting properties, water‐binding capacity, and oil‐binding capacity) were exhibited by them. These properties enabled hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis to group the byproducts into 3 different clusters by functionality and from this, assigned ingredients in each cluster to a potential end‐uses. Some end use examples include, as a source of fat, protein, sugar, and insoluble fiber; and for uses as a thickening agent, water‐binder, emulsion‐enhancer, and fat‐binder.

Practical Application

The data presented in this study can be used by food manufacturers and product developers as the basis for choosing fiber‐rich byproducts for specific applications and assist them in developing specific formulation and processing strategies. This characterization will reduce the time for development of fiber‐rich foods, increasing industrial uses of byproducts, and decreasing food waste.
Postharvest Ultrasound‐Assisted Freeze‐Thaw Pretreatment Improves the Drying Efficiency, Physicochemical Properties, and Macamide Biosynthesis of Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
Authors: Chen Jin‐Jin , Gong Peng‐Fei , Liu Yi‐Lan , Liu Bo‐Yan , Eggert Dawn , Guo Yuan‐Heng , Zhao Ming‐Xia , Zhao Qing‐Sheng , Zhao Bing
Published: March 2018

A novel technique of ultrasound‐assisted freeze‐thaw pretreatment (UFP) was developed to improve the drying efficiency of maca and bioactive amide synthesis in maca. The optimal UFP conditions are ultrasonic processing 90 min at 30 °C with 6 freeze‐thaw cycles. Samples with freeze‐thaw pretreatment (FP), ultrasound pretreatment (UP), and UFP were prepared for further comparative study. A no pretreatment (NP) sample was included as a control. The results showed that UFP improved the drying efficiency of maca slices, showing the highest effective moisture diffusivity (1.75 × 10−9 m2/s). This result was further supported by low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The rehydration capacity and protein content of maca slices were improved by UFP. More importantly, contents of bioactive macamides and their biosynthetic precursors were increased in 2.5‐ and 10‐fold, respectively. In conclusion, UFP is an efficient technique to improve drying efficiency, physicochemical properties, and bioactive macamides of maca, which can be applied in the industrial manufacture of maca products.
Whole Tibetan Hull‐Less Barley Exhibit Stronger Effect on Promoting Growth of Genus Bifidobacterium than Refined Barley In Vitro
Authors: Gong Lingxiao , Cao Wenyan , Gao Jie , Wang Jing , Zhang Huijuan , Sun Baoguo , Yin Meng
Published: March 2018

The gut microbiota has recently become a new route for research at the intersection of diet and human health. The aim of this study was to investigate whether whole Tibetan hull‐less barley (WHB) and refined Tibetan hull‐less barley (RHB) caused differentiation of the fecal microbiota in vitro. The microbiota‐accessible ingredients in the 2 barley samples were studied using an in vitro enzymatic digestion procedure. After in vitro digestion, insoluble dietary fiber, phenolic compounds, proteins, and β‐glucans were 93.2%, 103.4%. 18.8%, and 10.2% higher provided by WHB flour as compared with RHB flour based on the same mass amount. However, due to the significantly higher content of insoluble dietary fiber, WHB digesta had lower percentage contents of fast fermentable substrates including dietary fiber and starch as compared with RHB digesta. The results of Next‐generation sequencing of the bacterial 16SrRNA gene showed that both WHB and RHB fermentation had significantly promoted the growth of Bifidobacterium and inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Dorea, Escherichia, Oscillopira, and Ruminococcus. Moreover, in response to WHB fermentation, the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium increased by 78.5% and 92.8% as compared with RHB and fructo‐oligosaccharides (FOs). Both WHB and RHB are good sources of fermentable dietary fiber with the ability to yield high concentration of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as compared to FOs. However, the higher fraction of soluble fiber in RHB digesta increase higher amounts of SCFA compared with WHB digesta. Our findings shed light on the complex interactions of whole cereals with gut microbiota and the possible impact on host health.

Practical Application

Until now, only few reports have regarded the impact of in vitro digestion in components of whole grain with complex food matrix. Moreover, our findings shed light on the complex interactions of whole cereals with gut microbiota and the possible impact on host health.
One‐Step and Nondestructive Reduction of Cr(VI) in Pork by High‐Energy Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Ren Jingya , Zhang Guilong , Wang Dongfang , Han Jie , Wu Zhengyan , Cai Dongqing
Published: March 2018

Because of the wide use of chromium‐containing feed, much hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) tends to accumulate in pork. In order to decrease the toxicity of Cr(VI)‐containing pork for human beings, high‐energy electron beam (HEEB) irradiation was used to reduce highly toxic Cr(VI) to low toxic trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) in lean, fat, and marbled pork. HEEB irradiation could efficiently and nondestructively reduce both free and adsorbed Cr(VI) in pork, achieving the highest reductive efficiency (RE) of 98.03%. Therein, hydrated electrons (eaq−) and hydrogen radical (•H) generated during the irradiation process probably played key roles in the reduction. The effects of irradiation dose, initial concentration of Cr(VI), pH, temperature, salinity, and oil on the RE were investigated to obtain the optimal reduction conditions, proving the high universality of this approach. This work provides a clean and low‐cost method for removing Cr(VI) from pork, which is important to ensure food safety.

Practical Application

This work describes a facile, nondestructive, and clean method for removing Cr(VI) from meat product, which may have a potential application prospect in ensuring food quality and safety.
Effect of Dipping and Vacuum Impregnation Coating Techniques with Alginate Based Coating on Physical Quality Parameters of Cantaloupe Melon
Authors: Senturk Parreidt Tugce , Schmid Markus , Müller Kajetan
Published: March 2018

Edible coating based on sodium alginate solution was applied to fresh‐cut cantaloupe melon by dipping and vacuum impregnation coating methods. One aim of this work is to produce more technical information concerning these conventional and novel coating processes. For this purpose, the effect of various coating parameters (dipping time, draining time, time length of the vacuum period, vacuum pressure, atmospheric restoration time) with several levels on physical quality parameters (percentage of weight gain, color, and texture) of noncoated and coated samples were determined in order to define adequate coating process parameters to achieve a successful coating application. Additionally, the effects of dipping and vacuum impregnation processes were compared. Both processes improved the firmness of the melon pieces. However, vacuum impregnation application had higher firmness and weight gain results, and had significant effect (P < 0.05) on color (lower luminosity, higher redness, yellowness, and chroma values). Experimental results affirm that vacuum impregnation method can be used successively to improve mechanical and structural properties of food products.

Practical Application

Type of edible coating technique and the parameters used significantly affect the physical quality characteristics of coated food products. The work presented produced more technical information concerning dipping and vacuum impregnation coating techniques, along with evaluating the effects of various coating parameters with several levels. The results revealed that vacuum impregnation technique is a successful coating method; however the effects should be carefully assessed for each product.
Effects of Turbidity, Sediment, and Polyacrylamide on Native Freshwater Mussels
Authors: Buczek Sean B. , Cope W. Gregory , McLaughlin Richard A. , Kwak Thomas J.
Published: March 2018

Turbidity is a ubiquitous pollutant adversely affecting water quality and aquatic life in waterways globally. Anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) is widely used as an effective chemical flocculent to reduce suspended sediment (SS) and turbidity. However, no information exists on the toxicity of PAM‐flocculated sediments to imperiled, but ecologically important, freshwater mussels (Unionidae). Thus, we conducted acute (96 h) and chronic (24 day) laboratory tests with juvenile fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea) and three exposure conditions (nonflocculated settled sediment, SS, and PAM‐flocculated settled sediment) over a range of turbidity levels (50, 250, 1,250, and 3,500 nephelometric turbidity units). Survival and sublethal endpoints of protein oxidation, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and protein concentration were used as measures of toxicity. We found no effect of turbidity levels or exposure condition on mussel survival in acute or chronic tests. However, we found significant reductions in protein concentration, ATP production, and oxidized proteins in mussels acutely exposed to the SS condition, which required water movement to maintain sediment in suspension, indicating responses that are symptoms of physiological stress. Our results suggest anionic PAM applied to reduce SS may minimize adverse effects of short‐term turbidity exposure on juvenile freshwater mussels without eliciting additional lethal or sublethal toxicity.
Correlation of morphological parameters and visual acuity with neurological development in former preterm children aged 4–10 years
Authors: Fieß Achim , Kölb‐Keerl Ruth , Schuster Alexander K. , Knuf Markus , Kirchhof Bernd , Muether Philipp S. , Bauer Jacqueline
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between visual acuity, peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL), retinal thickness at the fovea and other factors with the neurologic status of former preterm children.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional hospital based study in a maximum care tertiary centre, detailed anthropometric and ophthalmological data of former preterm children ranging from 4 to 10 years of age with a gestational age (GA) ≤32 weeks were assessed. Analyses of the correlation between pRNFL and foveal thickness, as well as visual acuity (VA) parameters at 4–10 years of age, with neurological development were evaluated at 2 years of age by Bayley Scales II of Infant Development, including Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) and Mental Developmental Index (MDI).

Results

Data were available for 106 former preterm children. Univariate analysis revealed a correlation between PDI with pRNFL thickness (B = 0.43; p = 0.013), VA (B = −29.2; p < 0.001), GA (B = 2.7; p = 0.002), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP; B = −16.3; p < 0.001) and intraventricular haemorrhages (IVH; B = −22.9; p < 0.001) but not with strabismus or foveal thickness. In the multivariable analysis, the association remained for visual acuity and IVH, but not for pRNFL thickness or ROP. Mental Developmental Index (MDI) was associated with visual acuity (B = −34.3; p = 0.001), GA (B = 2.53; p = 0.02) and IVH (B = −15.4; p = 0.02), the latter also in the multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

This study revealed an association between PDI at 2 years of age and lower visual acuity later in childhood. However, there was no correlation between retinal morphology and neurologic outcome in former preterm children after adjusting for several potential confounders.
Children's concepts of childhood and adolescent depression
Authors: Georgakakou‐Koutsonikou Niki , Taylor Emily P. , Williams Joanne M.
Published: March 2018

Background

Research on adolescent Mental Health Literacy (MHL) is rapidly increasing; however, equivalent research in children is lacking. Exploring children's mental health conceptualisations reveals how their knowledge develops and provides the evidence base for the development of mental health education for younger age groups.

Methods

A total of 105 children aged 8–9 and 11–12 years were interviewed using a vignette methodology structured according to the model of illness representations, exploring: recognition, causes, consequences, timeline and curability of depression. Age, gender and experience differences were explored.

Results

Children were able to identify the existence of a psychological difficulty in a depressed peer; however, they struggled to categorise depression as a mental illness or to label depression. Children referred to a variety of causal factors, primarily environmental and interpersonal rather than internal biological causes. Children considered depression to be curable within a short period of 1–2 months and anticipated negative outcomes if left untreated. Older children's concepts were more sophisticated than younger children's. Gender and experience were not associated with depression concepts in this age range.

Conclusions

Age trends in children's mental health concepts are evident, in accordance with previous studies. Children from the age of 8–9 years demonstrate detailed concepts of depression. However, mental health educational interventions are needed to target specific gaps and misconceptions in children's understanding.
Estrogen receptor‐β of microglia underlies sexual differentiation of neuronal protection via ginsenosides in mice brain
Authors: Lee Seungyeop , Lee Si‐On , Kim Gyu‐Lee , Rhee Dong‐Kwon
Published: March 2018

Aims

Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in acute bacterial meningitis can lead to widespread brain damage and mortality. Inflammatory responses by immune cells in the brain are thought to determine the degree of brain injury. Yet, the mechanisms underlying host responses to pneumococcal meningitis are largely unknown. To explore host responses as a potential therapeutic target for preventing brain injury after pneumococcal meningitis.

Methods

We evaluated signaling mechanisms that minimize neuronal damage caused by pneumococcal infection; specifically, we assessed pathways related to neuronal survival after enhancing estrogen receptor‐β (ER‐β) expression using a natural therapeutic substance known as ginsenoside Rb1 and Rg3 enhanced ginseng.

Results

Tissue damage caused by bacterial infection was reduced in Rb1/Rg3‐treated mice as a result of microglial activation and the inhibition of apoptosis. Furthermore, Rb1 upregulated the expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as well as anti‐apoptotic factors including Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL. Using BV2 microglial cells in vitro, Rb1 treatment inhibited microglial apoptosis in a manner associated with JAK2/STAT5 phosphorylation.

Conclusion

After S. pneumoniae infection in mice, particularly in female mice, Rb1‐containing ginseng increased bacterial clearance and survival. These findings inform our understanding of the host immune response to pneumococcal meningitis.
The max‐intracerebral hemorrhage score predicts long‐term outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Suo Yue , Chen Wei‐Qi , Pan Yue‐Song , Peng Yu‐Jing , Yan Hong‐Yi , Zhao Xing‐Quan , Liu Li‐Ping , Wang Yi‐Long , Liu Gai‐Fen , Wang Yong‐Jun
Published: March 2018

Aims

Little is known about the performance of the maximally treated intracerebral hemorrhage (max‐ICH) score in predicting unfavorable long‐term functional outcome and death in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in China. We aimed to validate the performance of the max‐ICH score and compared it with other recognized scores.

Methods

We derived data from the China National Stroke Registry (CNSR). Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and Hosmer‐Lemeshow test were used to measure the score performance. We compared the performance of max‐ICH score with six recognized models, including the ICH score, ICH functional outcome score (ICH‐FOS), Essen‐ICH score, modified intracerebral hemorrhage (MICH) score, intracerebral hemorrhage grading scale (ICH‐GS), and functional outcome (FUNC) score.

Results

A total of 2581 patients with spontaneous ICH were enrolled in the study. The max‐ICH score was similar or superior to the six existing scores in predicting long‐term unfavorable functional outcome after ICH with good discrimination (AUC 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81‐0.84) and calibration (Hosmer‐Lemeshow P = 0.19). For predicting death, the AUC of max‐ICH was 0.81 (95% CI 0.79‐0.83).

Conclusions

The easy‐to‐use max‐ICH score is a reliable tool to predict unfavorable long‐term (12‐month) functional outcome and death after intracerebral hemorrhage in the Chinese population.
Two‐year‐olds use adults' but not peers' points
Authors: Kachel Gregor , Moore Richard , Tomasello Michael
Published: March 2018

In the current study, 24‐ to 27‐month‐old children (N = 37) used pointing gestures in a cooperative object choice task with either peer or adult partners. When indicating the location of a hidden toy, children pointed equally accurately for adult and peer partners but more often for adult partners. When choosing from one of three hiding places, children used adults’ pointing to find a hidden toy significantly more often than they used peers’. In interaction with peers, children's choice behavior was at chance level. These results suggest that toddlers ascribe informative value to adults’ but not peers’ pointing gestures, and highlight the role of children's social expectations in their communicative development.
World Bank technical assistance: Locating and cultivating sympathetic interlocutors
Authors: Bazbauers Adrian Robert
Published: March 2018

International development agencies have need of sympathetic interlocutors in developing countries who are receptive to and capable of sustainably implementing global policy norms. This article analyses World Bank technical assistance (TA) as a tool used to stack the policy deck in its favour by identifying and cultivating those government officials receptive to its ideas. Pairing its analysis with the policy mobilities literature, the article considers two questions: how does the World Bank locate receptive actors and how does it socialize new actors into accepting its ideas and practices? Observing the World Bank's four main TA pillars, the article reviews the different strengths and weaknesses of these pillars in garnering domestic support. In critiquing the World Bank's attempts to identify and cultivate sympathetic interlocutors, the article provides new insights into the mechanisms that facilitate the transnational movement of policy.
Challenges in clinical teaching investigated: Towards sustainable staff recruitment and retention in dentistry
Authors: Veerasamy A. , Loch C. , Adam L. , Howe B. J. , Brunton P. A.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The study was conducted to identify possible factors and potential barriers that affect the retention and recruitment of clinical teaching staff at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, New Zealand.

Methodology

A short questionnaire survey was distributed to 47 clinical teaching staff to understand the retention strategies and barriers. The collected quantitative and qualitative data were analysed and presented.

Findings

The response rate was 96%, with an equal distribution of female and male clinicians. The majority of participants were European New Zealanders. Themes influencing retention strategies were the necessity of formal teaching skills, clinical teaching as a career pathway, pay progression, lack of support and heavy workload.

Practical implications

Results suggested that generally the respondents to this survey were motivated to give back to their profession through engaging in dental clinical teaching. This study identified that lack of a career development and minimal pay progression are major factors impacting on the retention of clinical teaching staff.
First records of Scaphoideus titanus (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) in Ukraine
Authors: Mirutenko V. , Janský V. , Margitay V.
Published: March 2018

The invasive leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Cicadellidae) is an important pest of vineyards in Europe as a vector of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma vitis’, the causal agent of flavescence dorée, which is on the EPPO A2 List of pests recommended for regulation. Scaphoideus titanus has been recorded from the territory of Ukraine for the first time. Specimens were found in 2017 in the Transcarpathian Region (Zakarpattia Oblast).
Teaching & Learning Tips 6: The flipped classroom
Authors: Shi Connie R. , Rana Jasmine , Burgin Susan
Published: March 2018

Challenge: The “flipped classroom” is a pedagogical model in which instructional materials are delivered to learners outside of class, reserving class time for application of new principles with peers and instructors. Active learning has forever been an elusive ideal in medical education, but the flipped class model is relatively new to medical education. What is the evidence for the “flipped classroom,” and how can these techniques be applied to the teaching of dermatology to trainees at all stages of their medical careers?
Settlement Intentions and Immigrant Integration: The Case of Recently Arrived EU‐Immigrants in the Netherlands
Authors: Wachter Gusta G. , Fleischmann Fenella
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of settlement intentions on the integration of recently arrived EU‐immigrants in the Netherlands. Hypotheses on differences in integration, both shortly after arrival and over time, are derived from the intergenerational immigrant integration model. Based on two waves of the New Immigrants to the Netherlands Survey, a longitudinal multilevel model was estimated. Most differences were found with regard to the level of integration shortly after arrival. Immigrants who intended to stay had more contact with natives, were more proficient in Dutch, and consumed more host country media than immigrants who intend to leave. On the other hand, they worked fewer hours per week than immigrants who intend to leave. Differences over time were only found with regard to Dutch language proficiency: immigrants who intend to stay increased their proficiency more strongly than immigrants who intend to leave.
BASIS: The blood pressure awareness and insight scale
Authors: Gerretsen Philip , Kim Julia , Shah Parita , Quilty Lena , Balakumar Thushanthi , Caravaggio Fernando , Plitman Eric , Chung Jun Ku , Iwata Yusuke , Pollock Bruce G. , Dash Satya , Sockalingam Sanjeev , Graff‐Guerrero Ariel
Published: March 2018

Impaired illness awareness or not accepting that one has hypertension (HTN) may be an important predictor of treatment adherence and optimal blood pressure control. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of available instruments to evaluate HTN awareness, and subsequently present a novel scale that measures the core domains of subjective illness awareness in HTN. Based on the absence of any validated HTN specific measure identified through our review, the Blood Pressure Awareness and Insight Scale (BASIS) was developed (www.illnessawarenessscales.com). An online survey platform was used to collect data on 100 participants. BASIS showed good concurrent (r(98) = .65, P < 0.001) and discriminant validity, internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .75), and 1‐month test‐retest reliability (ICC = 0.77). BASIS is a comprehensive, easy‐to‐use instrument specifically designed to measure subjective HTN awareness. BASIS may be used in research studies and clinical practice to assess the impact of HTN awareness on treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.
Liraglutide, a human glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogue, stimulates AKT‐dependent survival signalling and inhibits pancreatic β‐cell apoptosis
Authors: Kapodistria Katerina , Tsilibary Effie‐Photini , Kotsopoulou Eleni , Moustardas Petros , Kitsiou Paraskevi
Published: March 2018

Liraglutide, a human long‐lasting GLP‐1 analogue, is currently regarded as a powerful treatment option for type 2 diabetes. Apart from glucoregulatory and insulinotropic actions, liraglutide increases β‐cell mass through stimulation of β‐cell proliferation and islet neogenesis, as well as inhibition of β‐cell apoptosis. However, the underline molecular mechanisms have not been fully characterized. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which liraglutide preserves islet β‐cells in an animal model of overt diabetes, the obese db/db mice, and protects a mouse pancreatic β‐cell line (βTC‐6 cells) against apoptosis. Treatment of 12‐week‐old diabetic mice with liraglutide for 2 weeks had no appreciable effects on blood non‐fasting glucose concentration, islet insulin content and body weight. However, morphological and biochemical examination of diabetic mouse pancreatic islets demonstrated that liraglutide restores islet size, reduces islet β‐cell apoptosis and improves nephrin expression, a protein involved in β‐cell survival signalling. Our results indicated that liraglutide protects βTC‐6 cells from serum withdrawal‐induced apoptosis through inhibition of caspase‐3 activation. The molecular mechanism of the anti‐apoptotic action of liraglutide in βTC‐6‐cells comprises stimulation of PI3‐kinase‐dependent AKT phosphorylation leading to the phosphorylation, hence inactivation of the pro‐apoptotic protein BAD and inhibition of FoxO1 transcription factor. In conclusion, we provided evidence that the GLP‐1 analogue liraglutide exerts important beneficial effects on pancreatic islet architecture and β‐cell survival by protecting cells against apoptosis. These findings extend our understanding of the actions of liraglutide and further support the use of GLP‐1R agonists in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Retracted: Tanshinone IIA prevents left ventricular remodelling via the TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB signalling pathway in rats with myocardial infarction
Authors: Wu Dong‐Mei , Wang Yong‐Jian , Han Xin‐Rui , Wen Xin , Li Lei , Xu Lan , Lu Jun , Zheng Yuan‐Lin
Published: March 2018

In this study, we aim to investigate the role of tanshinone IIA in myocardial infarction (MI), especially in left ventricular remodelling (VR) and the underlying mechanism involving the TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB signalling pathway. Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats (n = 96) were selected, and 12 of them underwent sham surgery. The remaining 84 rats were subjected to MI modelling. HE and MT staining were carried out to estimate infract size, histopathological changes and fibrosis degree. Macrophage infiltration and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and TUNEL staining. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and Western blotting were used to determine the expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and NF‐κB. Serum levels of IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐a, procollagen I Cpropeptide (PICP), and procollagen III N‐propeptide (PIIINP) were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The heart weight/body weight, mean arterial pressure (MAP), left ventricular end‐systolic pressure (LVESP), +dP/dt and −dP/dt increased while the ventricular function and the left ventricular end‐diastole pressure (LVEDP) decreased in MI rats. Compared with the rats undergoing sham surgery, MI rats showed larger infarct size, severer fibrosis, higher expression levels of TLR4, NF‐κB‐P65, MyD88, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐a, PICP and PIIINP as well as enhanced macrophage infiltration, cardiomyocyte apoptosis. After treatment with tanshinone IIA combined with LPS for 4 weeks, the rats showed better condition than those treated with only LPS. These results indicate that tanshinone IIA attenuates MI and prevents left VR. Importantly, inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB signalling pathway is a key step in this process.
Immunohistochemical identification of nail matrix melanocytes
Authors: Rodríguez G. , Vargas E.J. , Abaúnza M.C. , Díaz Quijano D.M. , Melo‐Uribe M.
Published: March 2018

Background

No previous studies have been conducted to determine the normal number of nail matrix melanocytes in Latin American individuals. The objective of this work was to determine the number of melanocytes per linear millimetre present in the nail matrix and the nail bed in samples obtained from Colombian individuals.

Methods

Twenty‐six unilateral biopsies were taken from 19 cadavers subjected to clinical and medico‐legal autopsies. These biopsy samples were processed with conventional histotechnology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) with anti‐HMB‐45 and anti‐MiTF. Three sets of photographs (HE, HMB‐45 and MiTF) were taken of each biopsy sample and independently assessed by three pathologists. Each observer counted the number of melanocytes present in 1 linear mm of the nail matrix or bed.

Results

We found an average of 4.6 melanocytes x linear mm with H & E staining, 9.8 with HMB‐45 and 12.4 with MiTF.

Conclusions

The use of IHC significantly increases and facilitates the identification of melanocytes in unilateral biopsies. Our IHC counts exceed the averages found in the literature. This finding warrants new studies to verify whether the Colombian population presents higher numbers of melanocytes in the nail matrix than other populations or whether the observed increase is a result of the use of MiTF.
Testing the dualistic model of passion using a novel quadripartite approach: A look at physical and psychological well‐being
Authors: Schellenberg Benjamin J. I. , Verner‐Filion Jérémie , Gaudreau Patrick , Bailis Daniel S. , Lafrenière Marc‐André K. , Vallerand Robert J.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Passion research has focused extensively on the unique effects of both harmonious passion and obsessive passion (Vallerand, 2015). We adopted a quadripartite approach (Gaudreau & Thompson, 2010) to test whether physical and psychological well‐being are distinctly related to subtypes of passion with varying within‐person passion combinations: pure harmonious passion, pure obsessive passion, mixed passion, and non‐passion.

Method

In four studies (total N = 3,122), we tested whether passion subtypes were differentially associated with self‐reported general health (Study 1; N = 1,218 undergraduates), health symptoms in video gamers (Study 2; N = 269 video game players), global psychological well‐being (Study 3; N = 1,192 undergraduates), and academic burnout (Study 4; N = 443 undergraduates) using latent moderated structural equation modeling.

Results

Pure harmonious passion was generally associated with more positive levels of physical health and psychological well‐being compared to pure obsessive passion, mixed passion, and non‐passion. In contrast, outcomes were more negative for pure obsessive passion compared to both mixed passion and non‐passion subtypes.

Conclusions

This research underscores the theoretical and empirical usefulness of a quadripartite approach for the study of passion. Overall, the results demonstrate the benefits of having harmonious passion, even when obsessive passion is also high (i.e., mixed passion), and highlight the costs associated with a pure obsessive passion.
Vascular fibrinoid necrosis in the urinary bladder of ketamine abusers: A new finding that may provide a clue to the pathogenesis of ketamine‐induced vesicopathy
Authors: Chen Yen‐Chang , Jhang Jia‐Fong , Hsu Yung‐Hsiang , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: March 2018

Two 31‐year‐old women who had abused ketamine, 1 for 8 years and 1 for 5 years, presented with ketamine‐induced vesicopathy with urinary frequency, decreased bladder capacity, and detrusor overactivity. An enterocystoplasty was performed in both cases. The pathology of the urinary bladders in both women showed ulcerative cystitis and fibrinoid necrosis of vessels; the latter was confirmed by Masson trichrome staining. Fibrinoid necrosis of vessels is a kind of immune complex‐mediated vasculitis that induces the release of inflammatory mediators, with subsequent thrombosis, ischemic injury, and eventual tissue necrosis in localized areas, the so‐called Arthus reaction. The new finding of fibrinoid necrosis in the urinary bladders of ketamine abusers may provide a new clue to the pathogenesis of ketamine‐induced vesicopathy.
Full Gibbs Sampling Procedure for Bayesian System Identification Incorporating Sparse Bayesian Learning with Automatic Relevance Determination
Authors: Huang Yong , Beck James L.
Published: March 2018

Bayesian system identification has attracted substantial interest in recent years for inferring structural models and quantifying their uncertainties based on measured dynamic response in a structure. The relative plausibility of each structural model in a specified model class is quantified by its posterior probability from Bayes’ Theorem. The relative plausibility of each model class within a set of candidate model classes for the structure can also be assessed via Bayes’ Theorem. Computation of this posterior probability over all candidate model classes automatically applies a quantitative Ockham's razor that trades off a data‐fit measure with an information‐theoretic measure of model complexity, which penalizes model classes that “over‐fit” the data. In this article, we first present a general Bayesian system identification framework and point out that combining it with sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) is an effective strategy to implement the Bayesian Ockham razor. Then we review our recent progress in exploring SBL with the automatic relevance determination likelihood concept to detect and quantify spatially sparse substructure stiffness reductions. To characterize the full posterior uncertainty for this problem, an improved Gibbs sampling procedure for SBL is then developed. Finally, illustrative results are provided to compare the performance and validate the capability of the presented SBL algorithms for structural system identification.
A smart place to work? Big data systems, labour, control and modern retail stores
Authors: Evans Leighton , Kitchin Rob
Published: March 2018

The modern retail store is a complex coded assemblage and data‐intensive environment, its operations and management mediated by a number of interlinked big data systems. This paper draws on an ethnography of a retail store in Ireland to examine how these systems modulate the functioning of the store and working practices of employees. It was found that retail work involves a continual movement between a governance regime of control reliant on big data systems which seek to regulate and harnesses formal labour and automation into enterprise planning, and a disciplinary regime that deals with the symbolic, interactive labour that workers perform and act as a reserve mode of governmentality if control fails. This continual movement is caused by new systems of control being open to vertical and horizontal fissures. While retail functions as a coded assemblage of control, systems are too brittle to sustain the governmentality desired.
Modulation of extreme temperatures in Europe under extreme values of the North Atlantic Oscillation Index
Authors: Beniston Martin
Published: March 2018

This paper reports on the influence that extreme values in the tails of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) Index probability density function (PDF) can exert on temperatures in Europe. When the NAO Index enters into its lowest (10% quantile or less) and highest (90% quantile or higher) modes, European temperatures often exhibit large negative or positive departures from their mean values, respectively. Analyses of the joint quantiles of the Index and temperatures (i.e., the simultaneous exceedance of particular quantile thresholds by the two variables) show that temperatures enter into the upper or lower tails of their PDF when the NAO Index also enters into its extreme tails, more often that could be expected from random statistics. Studies of this nature help further our understanding of the manner by which mechanisms of decadal‐scale climate variability can influence extremes of temperature—and thus perhaps improve the forecasting of extreme temperatures in weather and climate models.
Whole genome sequence and phenotypic characterization of a Cbm+ serotype e strain of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Avilés‐Reyes A. , Freires I. A. , Kajfasz J.K. , Barbieri D. , Miller J.H. , Lemos J.A. , Abranches J.
Published: March 2018

We report the whole genome sequence of the serotype e Cbm+ strain LAR01 of Streptococcus mutans, a dental pathogen frequently associated with extra‐oral infections. The LAR01 genome is a single circular chromosome of 2.1 Mb with a GC content of 36.96%. The genome contains 15 phosphotransferase system gene clusters, seven cell wall‐anchored (LPxTG) proteins, all genes required for the development of natural competence and genes coding for mutacins VI and K8. Interestingly, the cbm gene is genetically linked to a putative type VII secretion system that has been found in Mycobacteria and few other Gram‐positive bacteria. When compared with the UA159 type strain, phenotypic characterization of LAR01 revealed increased biofilm formation in the presence of either glucose or sucrose but similar abilities to withstand acid and oxidative stresses. LAR01 was unable to inhibit the growth of Strpetococcus gordonii, which is consistent with the genomic data that indicate absence of mutacins that can kill mitis streptococci. On the other hand, LAR01 effectively inhibited growth of other S. mutans strains, suggesting that it may be specialized to outcompete strains from its own species. In vitro and in vivo studies using mutational and heterologous expression approaches revealed that Cbm is a virulence factor of S. mutans by mediating binding to extracellular matrix proteins and intracellular invasion. Collectively, the whole genome sequence analysis and phenotypic characterization of LAR01 provides new insights on the virulence properties of S. mutans and grants further opportunities to understand the genomic fluidity of this important human pathogen.