bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of amylin receptors attenuates alcohol‐mediated behaviours in rodents
Authors: Kalafateli Aimilia Lydia , Vallöf Daniel , Jerlhag Elisabet
Published: February 2018

Alcohol expresses its reinforcing properties by activating areas of the mesolimbic dopamine system, which consists of dopaminergic neurons projecting from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens. The findings that reward induced by food and addictive drugs involve common mechanisms raise the possibility that gut–brain hormones, which control appetite, such as amylin, could be involved in reward regulation. Amylin decreases food intake, and despite its implication in the regulation of natural rewards, tenuous evidence support amylinergic mediation of artificial rewards, such as alcohol. Therefore, the present experiments were designed to investigate the effect of salmon calcitonin (sCT), an amylin receptor agonist and analogue of endogenous amylin, on various alcohol‐related behaviours in rodents. We showed that acute sCT administration attenuated the established effects of alcohol on the mesolimbic dopamine system, particularly alcohol‐induced locomotor stimulation and accumbal dopamine release. Using the conditioned place preference model, we demonstrated that repeated sCT administration prevented the expression of alcohol's rewarding properties and that acute sCT administration blocked the reward‐dependent memory consolidation. In addition, sCT pre‐treatment attenuated alcohol intake in low alcohol‐consuming rats, with a more evident decrease in high alcohol consumers in the intermittent alcohol access model. Lastly, sCT did not alter peanut butter intake, blood alcohol concentration and plasma corticosterone levels in mice. Taken together, the present data support that amylin signalling is involved in the expression of alcohol reinforcement and that amylin receptor agonists could be considered for the treatment of alcohol use disorder in humans.
Role of IL‐13Rα2 in modulating IL‐13‐induced MUC5AC and ciliary changes in healthy and CRSwNP mucosa
Authors: Liu J. , Li Y. Y. , Andiappan A. K. , Yan Y. , Tan K. S. , Ong H. H. , Thong K. T. , Ong Y. K. , Yu F. G. , Low H. B. , Zhang Y. L. , Shi L. , Wang D. Y.
Published: February 2018

Background

The IL‐13 receptor α2 (IL‐13Rα2) is a receptor for IL‐13 which has conflicting roles in mediating IL‐13 responses in the lower airway, with little known about its impact on upper airway diseases. We sought to investigate the expression of IL‐13 receptors, IL‐13Rα1 and IL‐13Rα2, in chronically inflamed nasal epithelium, and explore IL‐13‐induced signaling pathways in an in vitro model of human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs).

Methods

The protein and mRNA expression levels of IL‐13 and its receptors in nasal biopsies of patients with nasal polyps (NP) and healthy controls were evaluated. We investigated goblet cell stimulation with mucus hypersecretion induced by IL‐13 (10 ng/mL, 72 hours) treatment in hNECs using a pseudostratified epithelium in air‐liquid interface (ALI) culture.

Results

There were significant increases in IL‐13, IL‐13Rα1, and IL‐13Rα2 mRNA and protein levels in NP epithelium with healthy controls as baseline. MUC5AC mRNA positively correlated with IL‐13Rα2 (r = .5886, P = .002) but not with IL‐13Rα1 in primary hNECs. IL‐13 treatment resulted in a significant increase in mRNA and protein levels of IL‐13Rα2 only in hNECs. IL‐13 treatment induced an activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK)1/2 and an upregulation of C‐JUN, where the IL‐13‐induced effects on hNECs could be attenuated by ERK1/2 inhibitor (50 μmol/L) or dexamethasone (10−4‐10−7 mol/L) treatment.

Conclusions

IL‐13Rα2 has a potential role in IL‐13‐induced MUC5AC and ciliary changes through ERK1/2 signal pathway in the nasal epithelium. IL‐13Rα2 may contribute to airway inflammation and aberrant remodeling which are the main pathological features of CRSwNP.
The role of breastfeeding in the association between maternal and infant cortisol attunement in the first postpartum year
Authors: Jonas Wibke , Bisceglia Rossana , Meaney Michael J. , Dudin Aya , Fleming Alison S. , Steiner Meir ,   the MAVAN Research Team
Published: February 2018

Aim

To explore the role of breastfeeding as a possible link between maternal and infant cortisol attunement across the first postpartum year.

Methods

Mothers (n = 93) provided salivary samples for cortisol levels over a two‐day period during mid‐pregnancy and at three, six and 12 months and infants at six and 12 months postpartum. Breastfeeding status was established at these same time points.

Results

Among breastfeeding mothers, positive correlations were found between maternal cortisol levels during pregnancy and at three months postpartum and infant cortisol at six or 12 months postpartum. Among nonbreastfeeding mothers, these same maternal and infant cortisol relations were inverse and less pronounced. Further, in breastfeeding mothers, the relationship between maternal prenatal cortisol and infant cortisol at 12 months was mediated through maternal cortisol at three months postpartum.

Conclusion

These results suggest that maternal cortisol levels are positively associated with cortisol levels of the infant, among mothers who breastfeed. This relationship persists over a one‐year period.
Exploring the perspectives of 10‐, 11‐, and 12‐year‐old primary school students on physical activity engagement—“'Cause you can't just be sitting at a desk all the time!”
Authors: Harvey J. , Pearson E. S. , Sanzo P. , Lennon A. E.
Published: February 2018

Background

Research indicates that 91% of Canadian children are not engaging in enough physical activity (PA) to achieve health benefits. Physical education (PE) classes have been identified as a way to improve child health by facilitating engagement in movement‐based activities. The daily physical activity (DPA) initiative was created with similar intentions and requires that students participate in at least 20 min of PA daily via PE classes and/or during instructional time for other subjects. Despite recommendations that 150 min of exercise/play be incurred weekly through either avenue, nearly half of Canadian schools fail to achieve this goal. The disconnect between PA‐related school policies and low reported participation rates suggests that additional research is warranted. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of primary students regarding the facilitators, barriers, and recommendations for PA engagement at their schools.

Methods

Researchers conducted nine group interviews with 53 children aged 10–12, representing six primary schools in Northwestern Ontario using a semi‐structured interview format. Sessions were analysed using inductive content analysis.

Results

Participants discussed several facilitators of PA including enjoying activities (alleviating boredom and participating with others), accomplishment (skill building and enhanced self‐image), and benefits in the classroom (thinking clearly and enhanced readiness to learn). Barriers to PA participation included school rules and culture (PA/PE restrictions, heavy workload, and “no work, no PA”), personal struggles (physical challenges and varied skill levels), and technology (being addictive and a replacement for being active). Recommendations for enhancing engagement that were outlined by the children centred around PE and daily physical activity (increase opportunities and involve students in planning/delivery) and recess‐based themes (decrease focus on safety and make equipment more available).

Conclusion

These student perspectives and related recommendations may be beneficial for administrators and teachers in similar contexts who are seeking to enhance PA engagement among students with the goal of improving child health.
Phenotypic characterization of KCTD3‐related developmental epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Faqeih E.A. , Almannai M. , Saleh M.M. , AlWadei A.H. , Samman M.M. , Alkuraya F.S.
Published: February 2018

The association between KCTD3 gene and neurogenetic disorders has only been published recently. In this report, we describe the clinical phenotype associated with 2 pathogenic variants in KCTD3 gene. Seven individuals (including one set of monozygotic twin) from 4 consanguineous families presented with developmental epileptic encephalopathy, global developmental delay, central hypotonia, progressive peripheral hypertonia, and variable dysmorphic facial features. Posterior fossa abnormalities (ranging from Dandy‐Walker malformation to isolated hypoplasia of the cerebellar vermis) were consistently observed in addition to other variable neuroradiological abnormalities such as hydrocephalus and abnormal brain myelination. One patient also had a multicystic kidney. Whole exome sequencing revealed 2 probably pathogenic homozygous variants in KCTD3 gene that fully segregated with the disease. KCTD3 gene belongs to a family of accessory subunits that regulate the biophysical properties of ion channels, and is highly expressed in the kidney and brain. In this largest series to date on KCTD3‐mutated patients, we show that biallelic loss of function mutations in KCTD3 lead to a consistent phenotype of developmental epileptic encephalopathy and abnormal cerebellum on brain imaging.
The Collateralization of Social Policy under Financialized Capitalism
Authors: Lavinas Lena
Published: February 2018

This article examines how financialized capitalism has radically subverted the role and logic of social policy, provoking a sea change in the realm of social welfare, particularly in the global South, and breaking with previous frameworks which were grounded in principles of redistribution. In the process, new blueprints have emerged which raise concerns: re‐commodification has replaced de‐commodification; and debt, through financial inclusion, now serves as an alternative to exclusion. Drawing on the Brazilian case, the author scrutinizes the social protection paradigm that tends to prevail in the developing world in the 21stcentury, based on microfinance, conditional cash transfers, basic pensions and social floors. The author's assumption is that we are witnessing the collateralization of social policy: credit and debt, along with new financial devices, are becoming the cornerstones of what used to be social protection systems, so as to respond to the needs of finance‐dominated capitalism. As a result, economic insecurity is likely to increase, accentuating inequality trends and exacerbating vulnerability.
The effectiveness of the Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP) intervention: improving participation of adolescents with physical disabilities
Authors: Anaby Dana R , Law Mary , Feldman Debbie , Majnemer Annette , Avery Lisa
Published: February 2018

Aim

This study examined the effectiveness of the Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP) intervention in improving the participation of adolescents in community‐based activities.

Method

Twenty‐eight adolescents (14 males, 14 females), aged 12 to 18 years (mean 14y 6mo, SD 21.6mo) with moderate physical disabilities participated in a 12‐week PREP intervention. An interrupted time series design with multiple baselines was employed, replicating the intervention effect across three chosen activities and all participants. An occupational therapist worked individually with adolescents and parents to identify and implement strategies to remove environmental barriers that impede participation in selected activities. Activity performance was repeatedly measured using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) at baseline, intervention, and follow‐up (20wks). For each activity, the trajectory representing change in performance was analyzed descriptively. Segmented regression combined with a mixed‐effects modeling approach was used to statistically estimate the overall effectiveness of the intervention within and across 79 activities.

Results

A statistically significant improvement (B=2.08, p<0.001) was observed across all activities, 59 per cent of which also indicated a clinically significant change of more than 2 points on the COPM scale. Levels of performance were maintained during follow‐up with an additional increase of 0.66 points on the COPM scale (t=3.04, p=0.004). Intervention was most effective for males and those with a higher number of functional issues.

Interpretation

Findings illustrate that participation can be improved by changing the environment only. Such evidence further supports emerging therapeutic approaches that are activity‐based, goal‐oriented, and ecological in nature.

What this paper adds

Environment‐based intervention strategies, guided by the Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation, are effective in improving and maintaining adolescent participation.

Intervention was most effective for males and those with a higher number of functional issues.

The study design serves as an example for future pragmatic studies accounting for individual‐based changes and contexts.
A new clinical tool for measuring limited selective voluntary motor control in cerebral palsy
Authors: Rudisch Julian
Published: February 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Sukal‐Moulton et al. on pages 374–381 of this issue.
Rationale and protocol of the Study Of diabetic Nephropathy with AtRasentan (SONAR) trial: A clinical trial design novel to diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Heerspink Hiddo J. L. , Andress Dennis L. , Bakris George , Brennan John J. , Correa‐Rotter Ricardo , Dey Jyotirmoy , Hou Fan Fan , Kitzman Dalane W. , Kohan Donald , Makino Hirofumi , McMurray John , Perkovic Vlado , Tobe Sheldon , Wigderson Melissa , Parving Hans‐Henrik , de Zeeuw Dick
Published: February 2018

Aims

Individuals with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk for renal events. Recent trials of novel treatments have been negative, possibly because of variability in response to treatment of the target risk factor. Atrasentan is a selective endothelin A receptor antagonist that reduces urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR), with a large variability between patients. We are assessing its effect on renal outcomes in the Study Of diabetic Nephropathy with AtRasentan (SONAR; NCT01858532) with an enrichment design (>30% lowering of albuminuria) to select patients most likely to benefit.

Materials and Methods

SONAR is a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial with approximately 3500 participants who have stage 2–4 CKD and macroalbuminuria and are receiving a maximum tolerated dose of a renin‐angiotensin system inhibitor.

Results

After 6 weeks of exposure to atrasentan 0.75 mg once daily (enrichment period), participants with ≥30% UACR decrease and no tolerability issues (responders) were randomly assigned to placebo or atrasentan 0.75 mg/day. The responder group will be used for primary efficacy and safety analyses. Approximately 1000 participants with <30% UACR reduction (non‐responders) were also randomized to placebo or atrasentan. The primary endpoint is a composite of a sustained doubling of serum creatinine or end‐stage renal disease. The original power calculation indicated that a total of 425 primary renal events in the responder group provides 90% power to detect a 27% reduction in relative risk (alpha level of .05).

Conclusion

SONAR aims to determine whether atrasentan added to guideline‐recommended therapies safely reduces the risk of CKD progression and delays the onset of end‐stage renal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy. SONAR also aims to establish whether the enrichment of patients based on their initial “surrogate” response to atrasentan will deliver a trial design in accord with personalized treatment of diabetic kidney disease.
DURATION MODELS FOR CREDIT RATING MIGRATION: EVIDENCE FROM THE FINANCIAL CRISIS
Authors: Ben Ayed Myriam , Karaa Adel , Prigent Jean‐Luc
Published: February 2018

We introduce a specific duration model to analyze the prediction of the credit rating migration. We consider hazard rate processes based on multi‐state autoregressive conditional duration models. To take account of the economic context, we model the conditional mean of the duration between two ratings by means of a latent process. To this purpose, a dynamic‐ordered probit model is developed to describe the directions taken by the ratings in the presence of multiple states. As an illustration, we study the migration of credit rating during periods before and after the financial crisis. (JEL C14, C41, G24)
Oral injuries related to Ice Hockey in the province of Alberta, Canada: Trends over the last 15 years
Authors: Rattai Jordan , Levin Liran
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims

Ice hockey players of all ages experience oral and dental injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rates of ice hockey‐related oral injuries, time lost due to oral injury, and mechanisms of oral injuries in the province of Alberta during a 15‐year period (2001‐2016).

Methods

Hockey Alberta, the governing body for minor ice hockey associations across the province, collects injury report forms from injured participants in sanctioned events. Fifteen years (2001‐2016) of this database was examined for total respondents suffering oral injuries. Data on total injuries, estimated time lost, and injury mechanism were analyzed.

Results

Overall, 12 433 ice hockey‐related injuries were recorded. The oral region was the third most common body part (16% of total injuries) to be injured after the arms and legs. Oral injuries have been occurring at a relatively constant rate each year from 2001 to 2016, with a maximum of 174 and minimum of 99 reported. Oral injuries usually result in a short absence from the sport of 1 week or less and tend to occur through being struck by a stick or the hockey puck. This differs from total injuries, which tend to occur through collisions with the boards or other players.

Conclusions

Rates of oral injuries in Alberta due to ice hockey comprise a significant portion of the injuries that players sustain. Oral injuries occur mostly when a player is struck with a puck or stick, and the rest of the body is injured primarily through collisions. Dental practitioners can help ice hockey athletes prevent oral and dental injuries through encouraging the use of mouthguards (custom over boil and bite) and continuing to wear full‐face protection.
Introspection, mindreading, and the transparency of belief
Authors: Peters Uwe
Published: February 2018

This paper explores the nature of self‐knowledge of beliefs by investigating the relationship between self‐knowledge of beliefs and one's knowledge of other people's beliefs. It introduces and defends a new account of self‐knowledge of beliefs according to which this type of knowledge is developmentally interconnected with and dependent on resources already used for acquiring knowledge of other people's beliefs, which is inferential in nature. But when these resources are applied to oneself, one attains and subsequently frequently uses a method for acquiring knowledge of beliefs that is non‐inferential in nature. The paper argues that this account is preferable to some of the most common empirically motivated theories of self‐knowledge of beliefs and explains the origin of the widely discussed phenomenon that our own beliefs are often transparent to us in that we can determine whether we believe that p simply by settling whether p is the case.
Effect of microstructure and crystallographic texture on the toughness anisotropy of API 5L X46 STEEL
Authors: Beltran‐Zuñiga M.A. , González‐Velázquez J.L. , Rivas‐López D.I. , Dorantes‐Rosales H.J. , Hernández‐Santiago F.
Published: February 2018

The combined effect of microstructure and crystallographic texture on the toughness anisotropy of API 5L X46 steel was studied. The steel exhibited microstructural banding along the 0° direction and near random texture in the material. The mechanical properties were characterized by the use of tensile and impact toughness samples oriented along the rolling direction (0°, 45°, and 90°). For impact toughness, anisotropic behavior was observed, where the 0° oriented samples showed lower impact toughness than the 90° and 45° directions, with differences of 25% and 31%, respectively, while the yield strength (YS) showed the lowest values in the 0° oriented samples. The relative variation coefficient (rrv) indicates significant correlation between microstructure, texture, and toughness anisotropy. It was observed that the banding degree and the amount of {110} and {111} oriented grains are directly related to the degree of anisotropy, which high values are the cause of lower mechanical properties.
Tooth loss, swallowing dysfunction and mortality in Japanese older adults receiving home care services
Authors: Furuta Michiko , Takeuchi Kenji , Adachi Munehisa , Kinoshita Toshinori , Eshima Nobuoki , Akifusa Sumio , Kikutani Takeshi , Yamashita Yoshihisa
Published: February 2018

Aim

Severe tooth loss and swallowing dysfunction occur more frequently in dependent older adult populations. Poor oral health and functional status are expected to have a negative impact on general health. We examined whether mortality is related to the number of teeth and swallowing function in dependent older Japanese individuals receiving home care services.

Methods

Older adults aged ≥65 years who were receiving home care were included. The planned follow‐up period was 3 years. Baseline data on the number of teeth, swallowing function, nutritional status, cognitive ability and activities of daily living were collected.

Results

A total of 259 participants (mean age 85.0 ± 7.7 years) were enrolled. The mean length of follow up was 26.2 months. Severe tooth loss (≤9 present teeth) and swallowing dysfunction were observed in 68.0% and 32.0% of the participants, respectively. Cox's proportional hazards regression model showed that participants with both ≤9 teeth and swallowing dysfunction were at a higher risk of mortality compared with those with both ≥10 teeth and normal swallowing function (hazard ratio 2.89, 95% confidence interval 1.22–6.83). A significant interaction among severe tooth loss, swallowing dysfunction and mortality risk was observed.

Conclusions

Severe tooth loss and swallowing dysfunction were associated with increased mortality. The present study suggests that the maintenance of oral health and swallowing function has a positive effect on general health. Therefore, attention should be given to both tooth loss and swallowing function in dependent older adult populations. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 873–880.
Ecodesign of cosmetic formulae: methodology and application
Authors: L'Haridon J. , Martz P. , Chenéble J.‐C. , Campion J.‐F. , Colombe L.
Published: February 2018

Objective

This article describes an easy‐to‐use ecodesign methodology developed and applied since 2014 by the L'Oréal Group to improve the sustainable performance of its new products without any compromise on their cosmetic efficacy.

Methods

Cosmetic products, after being used, are often discharged into the sewers and the aquatic compartment. This discharge is considered as dispersive and continuous. A consistent progress in reducing the environmental impact of cosmetic products can be achieved through focusing upon three strategic indicators: biodegradability, grey water footprint adapted for ecodesign (GWFE) and a global indicator, complementary to these two endpoints. Biodegradability represents the key process in the removal of organic ingredients from the environment. GWFE is defined herein as the theoretical volume of natural freshwater required to dilute a cosmetic formula after being used by the consumer, down to a concentration without any foreseeable toxic effects upon aquatic species. Finally, the complementary indicator highlights a possible alert on formula ingredients due to an unfavourable environmental profile based on hazard properties: for example Global Harmonization System/Classification, Labelling and Packaging (GHS/CLP) H410 classification or potential very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) classification.

Results

The ecodesign of a new cosmetic product can be a challenge as the cosmetic properties and quality of this new product should at least match the benchmark reference. As shown in the case studies described herein, new methodologies have been developed to maximize the biodegradability of cosmetic formulae, to minimize their GWFE and to limit the use of ingredients that present an unfavourable environmental profile, while reaching the highest standards in terms of cosmetic efficacy.

Conclusion

By applying these methodologies, highly biodegradable products (≥ 95% based on ingredient composition) have been developed and marketed, with a low GWFE. This new ecodesign approach shows that embedding sustainability in developing new cosmetic products can also open up new innovative opportunities.
RUMORS AND SOCIAL NETWORKS
Authors: Bloch Francis , Demange Gabrielle , Kranton Rachel
Published: February 2018

This article studies the transmission of rumors in social networks. We consider a model with biased and unbiased agents. Biased agents want to enforce a specific decision and unbiased agents to match the true state. One agent learns the true state and sends a message to her neighbors, who decide whether or not to transmit it further. We characterize the perfect Bayesian equilibria of the game, show that the social network can act as a filter, and that biased agents may have an incentive to limit their number.
Construct‐based approach to developing a short, personality‐based measure of integrity
Authors: Catano Victor M. , O'Keefe Damian F. , Francis Robbie E. , Owens Soo M.
Published: February 2018

Covert integrity measures are thought to draw from the Big Five dimensions of conscientiousness, agreeableness, and emotional stability. Using a construct‐based approach, we had subject matter experts identify items from a Big Five personality measure, the Trait Self‐Descriptive Personality Inventory that reflected an operational definition of integrity. The resulting 10 items exhibited a three‐factor structure that corresponded to the three Big five dimensions associated with integrity. Study 1 used primary (N = 388) and archival (N = 429) data sets collected from Canadian Armed Forces recruits to establish the construct validity of the new test. With respect to convergent and discriminant validity, the Integrity scale was related to the Honesty–Humility scale of the HEXACO‐PI and was unrelated to organizational commitment. Hierarchical regression analyses provided evidence that the integrity scale predicted counterproductive work behavior and job performance over and above the Big Five. Study 2 replicated the results of Study 1 using a civilian sample (N = 200). The Integrity scale was related to the Hogan Reliability Index but not to the General Health Questionnaire. It predicted work engagement over and above the Big Five. We also tested the proposition that integrity is a second‐order factor based on conscientiousness, agreeableness, and emotional stability. Structural equation models in both studies confirmed that proposition. We discuss the implications of our results for both theory and practice.
Mucosal‐associated invariant T cells in autoimmune and immune‐mediated diseases
Authors: Rouxel Ophélie , Lehuen Agnès
Published: February 2018

Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases have complex etiologies not fully understood. Both innate and adaptive immune cells are involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells express an invariant TCRα chain (Vα7.2‐Jα33 in humans and Vα19‐Jα33 in mice) and recognize the conserved MHC‐I‐related molecule MR1 presenting bacterial metabolites derived from the synthesis of vitamin B. MAIT cells harbor tissue homing properties and produce inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that MAIT cells may play a key role in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In this review, we described the current knowledge on MAIT cells in these pathologies, based on patients analyses as well as mouse models. While most of the studies support a deleterious role of MAIT cells in tissue inflammation and destruction, a few reports suggest a protective role of MAIT cells. MAIT cells could represent a new biomarker of disease progression, and a better knowledge of their function might open new avenues for therapeutic strategies based on their manipulation.
Exploring Infant Gesture and Joint Attention as Related Constructs and as Predictors of Later Language
Authors: Salo Virginia C. , Rowe Meredith L. , Reeb‐Sutherland Bethany C.
Published: February 2018

In infancy, use of gesture and the ability to engage in joint attention with others both predict later language development. Conceptually, gesture and joint attention abilities may reflect a similar underlying social‐communicative skill. However, these abilities are often studied separately. Despite the fact that gesture is often used in episodes of joint attention, little is known about the degree to which measures of gesture use and joint attention ability are associated with one another or how they similarly, or differentially, predict children's language abilities. Participants in this study were 53 infants. At 12 months, multiple measures of infants’ gesture use were gleaned from a free–play interaction with a parent. Infants’ responding to and initiating joint attention were measured via the Early Social‐Communicative Scales (Mundy et al., 2003). Infants’ expressive and receptive language was measured at 24 months with the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (Mullen, 1995). A factor analysis including gesture and joint attention measures indicated that at 12 months, joint attention, particularly responding to joint attention, reflects a similar underlying construct with infant gesture use, yet they uniquely predict later language ability.
No “Slowdown” in the Story of Global Warming
Authors: Cahill Niamh
Published: February 2018

Much has been written about the supposed “slowdown” in the rate of global warming between 2001 and 2014. But focusing on this narrow 14-year window ignores the broader story, says Niamh Cahill
A tutorial on the statistical analysis of factorial experiments with qualitative and quantitative treatment factor levels
Authors: Piepho H. P. , Edmondson R. N.
Published: February 2018

Agronomic experiments are often complex and difficult to interpret, and the proper use of appropriate statistical methodology is essential for an efficient and reliable analysis. In this paper, the basics of the statistical analysis of designed experiments are discussed using real examples from agricultural field trials. Factorial designs allow for the study of two or more treatment factors in the same experiment, and here we discuss the analysis of factorial designs for both qualitative and quantitative level treatment factors. Where treatment factors have quantitative levels, models of treatment effects are essential for efficient analysis and in this paper we discuss the use of polynomials for empirical quantitative modelling of treatment effects. The example analyses cover experiments with a single quantitative level factor, experiments with mixtures of quantitative and qualitative level factors, polynomial regression designs with two quantitative level factors, split‐plot designs with quantitative level factors and repeated‐measures designs with correlated data and a quantitative treatment response over time. Modern mixed model computer software for routine analysis of experimental data is now readily available, and we demonstrate the use of two alternative software packages, the SAS package and the R language. The main purpose of the paper is to exemplify standard statistical methodology for routine analysis of designed experiments in agricultural research, but in our discussion we also provide some references for the study of more advanced methodology.
Prediction of carotid intima–media thickness in obese patients with low prevalence of comorbidities by serum copper bioavailability
Authors: Tarantino Giovanni , Porcu Cristiana , Arciello Mario , Andreozzi Paola , Balsano Clara
Published: February 2018

Background and Aim

Western societies, with growing prevalence, suffer from various metabolic diseases like obesity and hepatic steatosis, better defined as non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, or cardiovascular (CV) diseases that are strictly linked to each other. The association of their occurrence with the altered homeostasis of metals is an intriguing issue. Copper in particular was identified as key player in various metabolic derangements. On these bases, we aimed at investigating the possible association of serum copper levels with an indicator of early CV risk as the intima–media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery and its predictive value in a selected population of obese patients.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study recruiting 100 obese patients characterized by a low prevalence of comorbidities. Ultrasound investigation for hepatic steatosis and IMT evaluation were performed. Serum samples were collected and then analyzed through atomic absorption spectrometry to evaluate their copper content. Possible correlations between copper bioavailability and biochemical, clinical, and anthropometric characteristics of patients were sought.

Results

Age negatively predicted copper serum levels of patients (P = 0.009). However, the most interesting finding is the negative prediction of IMT by the copper serum levels (t = −2.23, P = 0.028, least absolute deviations regression). Factor analysis confirmed the aforementioned inverse correlation and highlighted the strong inverse correlation between smoking and copper serum levels.

Conclusion

Our data show that an altered copper bioavailability predicts early atherosclerosis as main CV risk in obese patients with hepatic steatosis detected by ultrasound, shedding some light in this pathological scenario.
Practicing what we preach: A pilot study on oral health practices of dentists in Massachusetts
Authors: Nalliah Romesh P. , Allareddy Veerasathpurush
Published: February 2018

Aim

Dentists are perceived as leaders and role models of good oral health, but do dentists practice what they preach? The current study was a pilot evaluation dentists of the oral health and oral health practices of dentists in Massachusetts.

Methods

The Massachusetts Dental Society sent emails to 3957 member dentists for whom an email contact was available. One reminder was sent 3 months later, and there was no incentive offered. Institutional review board approval was acquired prior to administering the survey through the Harvard Medical School Committee on Human Studies.

Results

A total of 4.9% of dentists had a comprehensive oral examination more than 8 years ago, and 3.1% had diagnostic bitewings 3‐5 years ago. Our study revealed that 5.8% had untreated caries and only 70.8% reported having no oral health problems. A total of 37% reported that lack of time was a barrier in seeking care, and 7.8% reported financial barriers. Finally, 4.1% reported that a non‐dentist coworker examined and managed their oral health.

Conclusions

The current study revealed that many dentists are not following American Dental Association guidelines for prevention for themselves. Subsequently, many in our profession are recommending preventive care for their patients that they are not adhering to themselves.
How Do Financing Constraints Affect Firms’ Equity Volatility?
Authors: CARVALHO DANIEL
Published: February 2018

Theory suggests that financing frictions can have significant implications for equity volatility by shaping firms’ exposure to economic risks. This paper provides evidence that an important determinant of higher equity volatility among research and development (R&D)‐intensive firms is fewer financing constraints on firms’ ability to access growth options. I provide evidence for this effect by studying how persistent shocks to the value of firms’ tangible assets (real estate) affect their subsequent equity volatility. The analysis addresses concerns about the identification of these balance sheet effects and shows that these effects are consistent with broader patterns on the equity volatility of R&D‐intensive firms.
Evidence of effectiveness of preventive dental care in reducing dental treatment use and related expenditures
Authors: Pourat Nadereh , Choi Moonkyung Kate , Chen Xiao
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Preventive dental health services are intended to reduce the likelihood of development of tooth decay and the need for more intensive treatment overtime. The evidence on the effectiveness of preventive dental care in reducing treatment services and expenditures is lagging for adults, particularly those with lower incomes and chronic conditions. We assessed the impact of preventive dental services on dental treatment service use and expenditures overall and by category of service.

Methods

We calculated the annual numbers of preventive (periodic diagnostic and prophylactic procedures) and treatment (restorative, surgery, prosthodontic, endodontic, and periodontic) services per beneficiary using Medicaid enrollment and claims data for beneficiaries with three categories of conditions (diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory disease) from 10 largest California counties. We used Cragg hurdle exponential regression models controlling for past service use, demographics, length of enrollment, and county.

Results

We found that using preventive services in 2005‐2007 was associated with higher likelihood and number of treatment dental services used, but associated with lower treatment expenditures in 2008. The reduction in expenditures was noted only in restorative, prosthodontics, and periodontic services.

Conclusions

The findings provide much needed evidence of the contribution of preventive dental care in maintaining oral health of low‐income adults with chronic conditions and potential for savings to the Medicaid program. Providing lower cost preventive dental care to the individuals with chronic conditions would achieve better oral health and lower treatment expenditures.
Melatonin increases brown adipose tissue mass and function in Zücker diabetic fatty rats: implications for obesity control
Authors: Fernández Vázquez Gumersindo , Reiter Russel J. , Agil Ahmad
Published: February 2018

Melatonin limits obesity in rodents without affecting food intake and activity, suggesting a thermogenic effect. Previously we demonstrated that melatonin browns subcutaneous fat in Zücker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. Other works pointed to melatonin as a signal that increases brown adipose tissue (BAT) mass and function in rodents. However, direct proof of thermogenic properties (uncoupled mitochondria) of the newly recruited BAT in response to melatonin is still lacking. Therefore, in this work, we investigated if melatonin recruits thermogenic BAT in ZDF rats. Zücker lean (ZL) and ZDF animals were subdivided into two groups, control (C) and treated with oral melatonin (M) for 6 weeks. Mitochondrial mass, activity of citrate synthase (CS), and respiratory chain complexes I and IV were lower in C‐ZDF than in C‐ZL animals (P < .001). Melatonin treatment increased BAT weight in ZDF rats (P < .001). Also, it rose mitochondrial mass (P < .01) and activities of CS and complexes I and IV (P < .001) in both, ZDF and ZL rats. Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) mRNA and protein were 50% lower in BAT from obese rats. Also, guanosine diphosphate (GDP) binding was lower in ZDF than in lean rats (P < .01). Melatonin treatment of obese rats restored the expression of UCP1 and GDP binding to levels of lean rats and sensitized the thermogenic response to cold exposure. These data demonstrated that melatonin recruits thermogenic BAT in ZDF rats. This may contribute to melatonin's control of body weight and its metabolic benefits.
Levels: Descriptive, Explanatory, and Ontological
Authors: List Christian
Published: February 2018

Scientists and philosophers frequently speak about levels of description, levels of explanation, and ontological levels. In this paper, I propose a unified framework for modelling levels. I give a general definition of asystem of levelsand show that it can accommodate descriptive, explanatory, and ontological notions of levels. I further illustrate the usefulness of this framework by applying it to some salient philosophical questions: (1) Is there a linear hierarchy of levels, with a fundamental level at the bottom? And what does the answer to this question imply for physicalism, the thesis that everything supervenes on the physical? (2) Are there emergent properties? (3) Are higher‐level descriptions reducible to lower‐level ones? (4) Can the relationship between normative and non‐normative domains be viewed as one involving levels? Although I use the terminology of “levels”, the proposed framework can also represent “scales”, “domains”, or “subject matters”, where these are not linearly but only partially ordered by relations of supervenience or inclusion.
Calcium signaling: decoding mechanism of calcium signatures
Authors: Poovaiah B. W. , Du Liqun
Published: February 2018

This article is a Commentary on Lenzoni et al., 217: 1598–1609.
Approach‐related emotion, toddlers' persistence, and negative reactions to failure
Authors: Sullivan Margaret Wolan , Carmody Dennis P.
Published: February 2018

Approach behavior, defined as differences in behavior to an incentive event and anger at its removal, was assessed during contingency learning in 87 5‐month olds was related to maternal ratings of mastery behaviors at 2 years. Mothers reported on infants' concurrent temperament, as well as the occurrence of anger and tantrums, and their own anger at 12 months. Approach behavior was expected to predict persistence with objects and persistent motor behavior, but not negative reactions to failure. Negative reactions to failure were expected to be mediated by a distress‐prone temperament. The moderating effect of maternal anger on these relations was also explored using conditional process regression models. Controlling for soothability, early approach behavior predicted toddlers' persistence, especially gross motor persistence, moderated by maternal anger. With more maternal anger, approach behavior and toddler's persistence were more strongly related. Distress to limits, infant anger at 12 months, and maternal anger were significantly correlated, but only infant anger was related to negative reactions to failure. Prior to 6 months, goal‐directed behavior is related to later behavioral persistence, but maternal responses to child anger are an important contributor to this relation and by 12 months, infant anger directly predicts mastery frustration at 2 years.
Use of SkinFibrometer® to measure skin elasticity and its correlation with Cutometer® and DUB® Skinscanner
Authors: Kim M. A. , Kim E. J. , Lee H. K.
Published: February 2018

Background

Skin elasticity is an important indicator of skin aging. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the SkinFibrometer® is appropriate for measuring skin biomechanical properties, and to correlate it with elasticity parameters measured using the Cutometer® and with dermis structural properties measured using DUB® Skinscanner.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐one individuals participated in this study. The skin of the cheek, around the eye, and the volar forearm were evaluated. To analyze correlations of elasticity parameters, the induration value against the indenter pressure of SkinFibrometer® and R, Q parameters of Cutometer® were compared. Dermal echogenicity using DUB® Skinscanner was compared with the induration value of SkinFibrometer®.

Results

The younger age group showed more firm and elastic skin properties compared to the older age group, and the elasticity values of the volar forearm were significantly higher than those of the cheek and around the eye region. Even though the measuring principle is different, both SkinFibrometer® and Cutometer® demonstrated the same trends of skin elasticity differences according to age and anatomical regions. There were significant correlations between the induration value of SkinFibrometer®, representing skin firmness, and R0, Q0 and R2, R5, R7, Q1, Q2 of Cutometer®, which represent skin firmness and resilience, respectively (P < .01). In addition, dermal echogenicity positively correlated with skin firmness determined by SkinFibrometer® (P < .01).

Conclusion

We identified correlations between skin elasticity parameters evaluated by two different methods of suction and indentation, and demonstrated that the SkinFibrometer® is an objective, non‐invasive evaluation tool for skin stiffness and elasticity.
Synovial cell sarcoma in a dog: A misnomer—Cytologic and histologic findings and review of the literature
Authors: Monti Paola , Barnes Darren , Adrian Anna M. , Rasotto Roberta
Published: February 2018

A 4‐year‐old Irish Setter was presented with a history of progressive left pelvic limb lameness. Orthopedic examination revealed pain on manipulation of the left stifle. Radiographs showed an osteolytic lesion in the subchondral bone of the medial tibial condyle. Fine‐needle aspirates were taken, and cytology revealed numerous cohesive clusters of plump, oval to spindloid cells often with perivascular distribution and moderate cellular atypia. A diagnosis of sarcoma was made with synovial cell sarcoma (SCS) and histiocytic sarcoma being the 2 main differentials. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of sarcoma and provided the same differentials. All neoplastic cells were positive for vimentin, and approximately 5% of them also stained with pan‐cytokeratin using immunohistochemical staining methods. Neoplastic cells did not expressCD18. The combination of this immunohistochemical profile and cell morphology was consistent with anSCS. Synovial cell sarcoma is a rare and poorly understood canine tumor entity. This is the first extensive description of the cytologic features of this neoplasm. The literature was also reviewed, focusing on comparative aspects of dogs and people, with a special emphasis on the cell of origin and diagnostic tools. Controversies regarding the nomenclature of this tumor are also presented. The authors propose a new term (cytokeratin‐positive joint‐associated sarcoma) for addressing this neoplasm until the cell of origin of this tumor is elucidated.
Dynamics of a Shell-Type Amplified Piezoelectric Actuator
Authors: Kumar Aman , Dasgupta Anirvan
Published: February 2018

A dynamic model for a shell-type amplified piezoelectric actuator (APA) is proposed. The dimensions of the shell of a typical shell-type actuator allow one to model it as a set of connected beams. The contribution of the geometric nonlinearity in the axial direction of the beams due to bending is accounted for in the formulation. Subsequent nonlinear analysis using both analytical and numerical approaches reveals the presence of second harmonic in the response spectrum. This occurrence is also seen experimentally. A frequency regime is also identified within which the effect of quadratic nonlinearity is minimal and the actuator exhibits high fidelity. Dependence of the response spectrum on the actuator geometry has been studied. For a given forcing frequency, a certain geometric configuration is shown to exist, which maximizes the nonlinear effects. The effect of prestressing of the piezoelectric stack on the frequency spectrum is also studied. The obtained results are expected to lead to improved design of such actuators.