bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mortality of Critically Ill Children Requiring Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: Effect of Fluid Overload, Underlying Disease, and Timing of Initiation*
Authors: Cortina Gerard , McRae Rosemary , Hoq Monsurul , Donath Susan , Chiletti Roberto , Arvandi Marjan , Gothe Raffaella M. , Joannidis Michael , Butt Warwick
Published: November 2018

Objective:

To identify risk factors associated with mortality in critically ill children requiring continuous renal replacement therapy.

Design:

Retrospective observational study based on a prospective registry.

Setting:

Tertiary and quaternary referral 30-bed PICU.

Patients:

Critically ill children undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy were included in the study.

Interventions:

Continuous renal replacement therapy.

Measurements and Main Results:

Overall mortality was 36% (n = 58) among the 161 patients treated with continuous renal replacement therapy during the study period and was significantly higher in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (47.5%, 28 of 59) than in patients not requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (28.4%, 29 of 102; p = 0.022). According to the admission diagnosis, we found the highest mortality in patients with onco-hematologic disease (77.8%) and the lowest in patients with renal disease (5.6%). Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of higher severity of illness score at admission (adjusted odds ratio, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.18–1.89; p < 0.001), onco-hematologic disease (odds ratio, 17.10; 95% CI, 4.10–72.17; p < 0.001), fluid overload 10%–20% (odds ratio, 3.83; 95% CI, 1.33–11.07; p = 0.013), greater than 20% (odds ratio, 15.03; 95% CI, 4.03–56.05; p < 0.001), and timing of initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00–1.01; p = 0.040) were independently associated with mortality. In our population, the odds of dying increases by 1% for every hour of delay in continuous renal replacement therapy initiation from ICU admission.

Conclusions:

Mortality in children requiring continuous renal replacement therapy remains high and seems to be related to the underlying disease, the severity of illness, and the degree of fluid overload. In critically ill children at high risk for developing acute kidney injury and fluid overload, earlier initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy might result in decreased mortality.
Advanced Robotic Angiography Systems for Image Guidance During Conventional Transarterial Chemoembolization
Authors: Vogl Thomas J. , Alizadeh Leona S. , Maeder Richard , Naguib Nagy N. , Herrmann Eva , Bickford Matthew W. , Burck Iris , Albrecht Moritz H.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare 2 advanced robotic angiography systems for real-time image guidance in terms of radiation dose and image quality (IQ) during conventional transarterial chemoembolization (C-TACE) of hepatic malignant tumors.

Materials and Methods

One hundred six patients (57 women/49 men; mean age, 60 ± 11 years) who had undergone C-TACE using 2 generations of robotic angiography platforms for image guidance were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into 2 groups (n = 53, respectively): group 1 (first generation) and group 2 (second generation). Radiation dose for fluoroscopy and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was compared between first-generation and second-generation angiography equipment, respectively. Among several features of the second-generation compared with the first-generation system, improvements included a refined crystalline detector system for enhanced noise reduction and advanced CARE filter software for lowering radiation dose. Radiation dose was measured using an ionization chamber. Image quality was assessed by 3 radiologists using 5-point Likert scales.

Results

Both groups were comparable in terms of number and location of lesions, as well as body weight, body mass index, and anatomical variants of feeding hepatic arteries (all P > 0.05). Dose-area product (DAP) for fluoroscopy was significantly lower in group 2 (1.4 ± 1.1 Gy·cm2) compared with group 1 (2.8 ± 3.4 Gy·cm2; P = 0.001). For DSA, DAP was significantly lower (P = 0.003) in group 2 (2.2 ± 1.2 Gy·cm2) versus group 1 (4.7 ± 2.3 Gy·cm2). Scores for DSA IQ indicated significant improvements for group 2 by 30% compared with group 1 (P = 0.004). Regarding fluoroscopy, scores for IQ were 76% higher in group 2 compared with group 1 (P = 0.001). Good to excellent interrater agreement with Fleiss kappa coefficients of κ = 0.75 for group 1 and κ = 0.74 for group 2 were achieved.

Conclusions

Most recent generation robotic angiography equipment allows for considerable radiation dose reductions while improving IQ in fluoroscopy and DSA image guidance during C-TACE treatment.
Extracellular Cation Binding Pocket Is Essential For Ion Conduction Of OsHKT2;2
Authors: Riedelsberger Janin , Vergara-Jaque Ariela , Piñeros Miguel , Dreyer Ingo , González Wendy
Published: November 2018

HKT channels mediate sodium uniport or sodium and potassium symport in plants. Monocotyledons express a higher number of HKT proteins than dicotyledons, and it is only within this clade of HKT channels that cation symport mechanisms are found. The prevailing ion composition in the extracellular medium affects the transport abilities of various HKT channels by changing their selectivity or ion transport rates. How this mutual effect is achieved at the molecular level is still unknown. Here, we built a homology model of the monocotyledonous OsHKT2;2, which shows sodium and potassium symport activity, and performed molecular dynamics simulations in the presence of sodium and potassium ions. By analyzing ion-protein interactions, we identified a cation binding pocket on the extracellular protein surface, which is formed by residues P71, D75, D501 and K504. Proline and the two aspartate residues coordinate cations, while K504 forms salt bridges with D75 and D501 and may be involved in the forwarding of cations towards the pore entrance. Functional validation via electrophysiological experiments confirmed the biological relevance of the predicted ion binding pocket and identified K504 as a central key residue. Mutation of the cation coordinating residues affected the functionality of HKT only slightly. Additional in silico mutants and simulations of K504 supported experimental results.
Fundamental aspects of symmetry and order parameter coupling for martensitic transition sequences in Heusler alloys
Authors: Carpenter Michael A. , Howard Christopher J.
Published: November 2018

Martensitic phase transitions in which there is a group–subgroup relationship between the parent and product structures are driven by combinations of soft-mode and electronic instabilities. These have been analysed from the perspective of symmetry, by considering possible order parameters operating with respect to a parent structure which has space group Im{\bar 3} m. Heusler structures with different stoichiometries are derived by operation of order parameters belonging to irreducible representations {\rm H}^{+}_{1}and P1 to describe the atomic ordering configurations. Electronic instabilities are ascribed to an order parameter belonging to the Brillouin zone centre, \Gamma^{+}_{3}, which couples with shear strains to give tetragonal and orthorhombic distortions. An additional zone centre order parameter, with \Gamma^{+}_{5} symmetry, is typically a secondary order parameter but in some cases may drive a transition. Soft-mode instabilities produce commensurate and incommensurate structures for which the order parameters have symmetry properties relating to points along the Σ line of the Brillouin zone for the cubic I lattice. The electronic and soft-mode order parameters have multiple components and are coupled in a linear–quadratic manner as \lambda q_{\Gamma}q_{\Sigma}^{2}. As well as providing comprehensive tables setting out the most important group–subgroup relationships and the order parameters which are responsible for them, examples of NiTi, RuNb, Ti50Ni50−x
Fe
x
, Ni2+x
Mn1−x
Ga and Ti50Pd50−x
Cr
x
are used to illustrate practical relevance of the overall approach. Variations of the elastic constants of these materials can be used to determine which of the multiple order parameters is primarily responsible for the phase transitions that they undergo.
ZnO/ZnS (hetero)structures: ab initio investigations of polytypic behavior of mixed ZnO and ZnS compounds
Authors: Zagorac Dejan , Zagorac Jelena , Schön J. Christian , Stojanović Nemanja , Matović Branko
Published: November 2018

The range of feasible ZnO/ZnS polytypes has been explored, predicting alternative structural arrangements compared with previously suggested or observed structural forms of ZnO/ZnS compounds, including bulk crystal structures, various nanostructures, heterostructures and heterojunctions. All calculations were performed ab initio using density functional theory–local density approximation and hybrid Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof functionals. Specifically, pure ZnO and ZnS compounds and mixed ZnO1–x
S
x
compounds (x = 0.20, 0.25, 0.33, 0.50, 0.60, 0.66 and 0.75) are investigated and a multitude of possible stable polytypes for ZnO/ZnS compounds creating new possibilities for synthesis of new materials with improved physical and chemical properties are identified.
Structure of undecaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase from Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Ko Tzu-Ping , Huang Chi-Hung , Lai Shu-Jung , Chen Yeh
Published: November 2018

Undecaprenyl pyrophosphate (UPP) is an important carrier of the oligosaccharide component in peptidoglycan synthesis. Inhibition of UPP synthase (UPPS) may be an effective strategy in combating the pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii, which has evolved to be multidrug-resistant. Here, A. baumannii UPPS (AbUPPS) was cloned, expressed, purified and crystallized, and its structure was determined by X-ray diffraction. Each chain of the dimeric protein folds into a central β-sheet with several surrounding α-helices, including one at the C-terminus. In the active site, two molecules of citrate interact with the side chains of the catalytic aspartate and serine. These observations may provide a structural basis for inhibitor design against AbUPPS.
X-ray crystallographic analysis of the catalytic domain of α-1,3-glucanase FH1 fromPaenibacillus glycanilyticusoverexpressed inBrevibacillus choshinensis
Authors: Intuy Rattanaporn , Itoh Takafumi , Suyotha Wasana , Hayashi Junji , Yano Shigekazu , Makabe Koki , Wakayama Mamoru , Hibi Takao
Published: November 2018

α-1,3-Glucanase hydrolyzes α-1,3-glucan, an insoluble linear α-1,3-linked homopolymer of glucose that is found in the extracellular polysaccharides produced by oral streptococci in dental plaque and in fungal cell walls. This enzyme could be of application in dental care and the development of fungal cell-wall lytic enzymes, but its three-dimensional structure has not been available to date. In this study, the recombinant catalytic domain of α-1,3-glucanase FH1 fromPaenibacillus glycanilyticusFH11, which is classified into glycoside hydrolase family 87, was prepared using aBrevibacillus choshinensisexpression system and purified in a soluble form. Crystals of the purified protein were produced by the sitting-drop vapor-diffusion method. Diffraction data were collected to a resolution of 1.6 Å using synchrotron radiation. The crystals obtained belonged to the tetragonal space groupP41212 orP43212, with unit-cell parametersa = b = 132.6,c= 76.1 Å. The space group and unit-cell parameters suggest that there is one molecule in the asymmetric unit.
Hydrogen-bonding chain and dimer motifs in pyridinium and morpholinium hydrogen oxalate salts
Authors: Mulrooney David Z. T. , Madden Eimear C. , Lonergan Rhona F. , Slyusarchuk Valentyna D. , Müller-Bunz Helge , Keene Tony D.
Published: November 2018

We present here three compounds consisting of pyridinium or morpholinium hydrogen oxalates, each displaying different hydrogen-bonding motifs, resulting in chains for 4-(dimethylamino)pyridinium hydrogen oxalate 0.22-hydrate, C7H11N2
+·C2HO4
−·0.22H2O (1), dimers for 4-tert-butylpyridinium hydrogen oxalate, C9H14N+·C2HO4
− (2), and chains for morpholinium hydrogen oxalate, C4H10NO+·C2HO4
− (3).
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of two (E)-N′-(para-substituted benzylidene) 4-chlorobenzenesulfonohydrazides
Authors: Salian Akshatha R. , Foro Sabine , Gowda B. Thimme
Published: November 2018

Two (E)-N′-(p-substituted benzylidene)-4-chlorobenzenesulfonohydrazides, namely, (E)-4-chloro-N′-(4-chlorobenzylidene)benzenesulfonohydrazide, C13H10Cl2N2O2S, (I), and (E)-4-chloro-N′-(4-nitrobenzylidene)benzenesulfonohydrazide, C13H10ClN3O4S, (II), have been synthesized, characterized and their crystal structures studied to explore the effect of the nature of substituents on the structural parameters. Compound (II) crystallized with two independent molecules [(IIA) and IIB)] in the asymmetric unit. In both compounds, the configuration around the C=N bond is E. The molecules are twisted at the S atom with C—S—N—N torsion angles of −62.4 (2)° in (I), and −46.8 (2)° and 56.8 (2)° in the molecules A and B of (II). The 4-chlorophenylsulfonyl and 4-substituted benzylidene rings form dihedral angles of 81.0 (1)° in (I), 75.9 (1)° in (IIA) and 73.4 (1)° in (IIB). In the crystal of (I), molecules are linked via pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with an R
2
2(8) ring motif. The dimers are linked by C—Cl...π interactions, forming a three-dimensional structure. In the crystal of (II), molecules are linked by C—H...π interactions and N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming –A–B–A–B– chains along the c-axis direction. The chains are linked via C—H...O and C—H...π interactions, forming layers parallel to the bc plane. Two-dimensional fingerprint plots show that the most significant contacts contributing to the Hirshfeld surface for (I) are H...H contacts (26.6%), followed by Cl...H/H...Cl (21.3%), O...H/H...O (15.5%) and Cl...C/C...Cl (10.7%), while for (II) the O...H/H...O contacts are dominant, with a contribution of 34.8%, followed by H...H (15.2%), C...H/H...C (14.0%) and Cl...H/H...Cl (10.0%) contacts.
Dynamic trajectory-tracking control method of robotic transcranial magnetic stimulation with end-effector gravity compensation based on force sensors
Authors: Lin ZeCai , Xin Wang , Yang Jian , QingPei Zhang , ZongJie Lu
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a dynamic trajectory-tracking control method for robotic transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), based on force sensors, which follows the dynamic movement of the patient’s head during treatment.

Design/methodology/approach

First, end-effector gravity compensation methods based on kinematics and back-propagation (BP) neural networks are presented and compared. Second, a dynamic trajectory-tracking method is tested using force/position hybrid control. Finally, an adaptive proportional-derivative (PD) controller is adopted to make pose corrections. All the methods are designed for robotic TMS systems.

Findings

The gravity compensation method, based on BP neural networks for end-effectors, is proposed due to the different zero drifts in different sensors’ postures, modeling errors in the kinematics and the effects of other uncertain factors on the accuracy of gravity compensation. Results indicate that accuracy is improved using this method and the computing load is significantly reduced. The pose correction of the robotic manipulator can be achieved using an adaptive PD hybrid force/position controller.

Originality/value

A BP neural network-based gravity compensation method is developed and compared with traditional kinematic methods. The adaptive PD control strategy is designed to make the necessary pose corrections more effectively. The proposed methods are verified on a robotic TMS system. Experimental results indicate that the system is effective and flexible for the dynamic trajectory-tracking control of manipulator applications.
Selection guide of multi-objective optimization for ergonomic design
Authors: Muramatsu Masatoshi , Kato Takeo
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose the selection guide of the multi-objective optimization methods for the ergonomic design. The proposed guide enables designers to select an appropriate method for optimizing the human characteristics composed of the engineering characteristics (e.g. users’ height, weight and muscular strength) and the physiological characteristics (e.g. brain wave, pulse-beat and myoelectric signal) in the trade-off relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focuses on the types of the relationships between engineering or physiological characteristics and their psychological characteristics (e.g. comfort and usability). Using these relationships and the characteristics of the multi-objective optimization methods, this paper classified them and constructed a flow chart for selecting them.

Findings

This paper applied the proposed selection guide to a geometric design of a comfortable seat and confirmed its applicability. The selected multi-objective optimization method optimized the contact area of seat back (engineering characteristic associated with the comfortable fit of the seat backrest) and the blood flow volume (physiological characteristic associated with the numbness in the lower limb) on the basis of each design intent such as a deep-vein thrombosis after long flight.

Originality/value

Because of the lack of the selection guide of the multi-objective optimization methods, an inappropriate method is often applied in industry. This paper proposed the selection guide applied in the ergonomic design having a lot of the multi-objective optimization problem.
Big data analytics capabilities and knowledge management: impact on firm performance
Authors: Ferraris Alberto , Mazzoleni Alberto , Devalle Alain , Couturier Jerome
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Big data analytics (BDA) guarantees that data may be analysed and categorised into useful information for businesses and transformed into big data related-knowledge and efficient decision-making processes, thereby improving performance. However, the management of the knowledge generated from the BDA as well as its integration and combination with firm knowledge have scarcely been investigated, despite an emergent need of a structured and integrated approach. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an empirical analysis based on structural equation modelling with data collected from 88 Italian SMEs, the authors tested if BDA capabilities have a positive impact on firm performances, as well as the mediator effect of knowledge management (KM) on this relationship.

Findings

The findings of this paper show that firms that developed more BDA capabilities than others, both technological and managerial, increased their performances and that KM orientation plays a significant role in amplifying the effect of BDA capabilities.

Originality/value

BDA has the potential to change the way firms compete through better understanding, processing, and exploiting of huge amounts of data coming from different internal and external sources and processes. Some managerial and theoretical implications are proposed and discussed in light of the emergence of this new phenomenon.
A process to evaluate an iTV platform to enhance seniors’ access to information about public and social services
Authors: Silva Telmo , Caravau Hilma , Reis Liliana , Campelo David
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a process to evaluate the usability and usefulness of a high-fidelity prototype of the +TV4E platform (removed for blind review), an iTV service which aims to promote the info-inclusion and quality of life of Portuguese seniors by delivering informative contents about public and social services.

Design/methodology/approach

The research presented in this study is qualitative and uses an inclusive and participatory co-design process involving seniors to evaluate usability of an iTV service with support of the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ) tool and a questionnaire survey. The participants were 11 individuals, over 65 years enrolled in an adult day care center in Aveiro city, Portugal (removed for blind review).

Findings

Findings from this study allowed to assess some key aspects in the +TV4E platform implementation that should be addressed in its final version. Using the PSSUQ tool as well as a questionnaire survey confirmed the relevance of this platform to meet seniors’ informational needs.

Originality/value

This original research offers insights on how valuable is including potential users in the development and test phases of an innovative technology which intends to offer more adequate tools to improve seniors’ info-inclusion and quality of life. Also, it is possible to understand what should be considered when evaluating a prototype intended to be used by seniors.
Adapting the Chumbley Score to Match Striae on Land Engraved Areas (LEAs) of Bullets,
Authors: Krishnan Ganesh , Hofmann Heike
Published: November 2018

The same‐source problem remains a major challenge in forensic toolmark and firearm examination. Here, we investigate the applicability of the Chumbley method (J Forensic Sci, 2018, 63, 849; J Forensic Sci, 2010, 55, 953) (10,12), developed for screwdriver markings, for same‐source identification of striations on bulletLEAs. The Hamby datasets 44 and 252 measured byNISTandCSAFE(high‐resolution scans) are used here. We provide methods to identify parameters that minimize error rates for matching ofLEAs, and a remedial algorithm to alleviate the problem of failed tests, while increasing the power of the test and reducing error rates. For 85,491 land‐to‐land comparisons (84,235 known nonmatches and 1256 known matches), the adapted test does not provide a result in 176 situations (originally more than 500). The Type I and TypeIIerror rates are 7.2% (6105 out of 84,235) and 21.4% (271 out of 1256), respectively. This puts the proposed method on similar footing as other single‐feature matching approaches in the literature.
The role of dietary factors in inflammatory bowel diseases: New perspectives
Authors: Zhou Yi Quan , Xu Ren Ying , Wan Yan Ping
Published: November 2018

The current review aimed to elucidate the role of diet in every stage of inflammatory bowel diseases, from aspects of prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. Western diet, characterized by overconsumption of refined sugar and saturated fat and low consumption of dietary fiber, may partly be blamed for its pathogenesis. Some immune‐modulated nutrients (fibers, monounsaturated fatty acids, n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin D) exert their potential beneficial effects on gut microbiota and immune function, resulting in clinical remission and/or preventing relapse. However, data is limited to conclude optimal micronutrient levels and therapeutic implications. Further, diet itself is complex; therefore, it is reasonable to evaluate diet as a whole rather than a single type of food. Some specific dietary patterns are generated for the management of inflammatory bowel diseases with controversial results. Only exclusive enteral nutrition has been widely recommended for pediatric patients with non‐stricturing active Crohn's disease. Self‐monitoring, avoidance of certain types of foods, limited intake of alcohol and smoking, supplementation of minerals and vitamins if deficiency is confirmed, and adherence to the diet enriched in vegetables and fruits and low in animal food and un‐digested fiber during flares are the most common dietary recommendation. Further clinical trials with a high evidence rank are warranted.
Effects of genomic selection for intramuscular fat content in breast muscle in Chinese local chickens
Authors: Liu R. , Zheng M. , Wang J. , Cui H. , Li Q. , Liu J. , Zhao G. , Wen J.
Published: November 2018

Improvements in living standards have resulted in consumers having higher expectations for chicken meat quality. This is particularly true in Asia, where there is high consumer preference for local breeds. Nothing is presently known about the effectiveness of using genomic selection (GS) strategies in chickens to genetically improve meat quality traits that cannot be measured in living potential parents. In this study, 724 Beijing‐You chickens were used as a training population; all were genotyped using Illumina 60K SNP chips, and intramuscular fat content in breast muscle (IMFbr) was measured. Birds in the GS line were selected based on genomic estimated breeding values, IMFbr being the sole trait. Genetic progress in one generation was compared to that from conventional family‐based selection, and both were evaluated against random‐bred controls. Results showed that relative to the random‐bred controls, IMF percentage was improved 9.62% using GS, comparable to the 10.38% improvement using family‐based selection. We quantified the effectiveness of GS when applied to a meat quality trait with low heritability in chickens. We plan to introduce custom SNP chips, appropriate for native chicken breeds in China, to assist in applying GS in local breeding and accelerate genetic gain.
Subjective well‐being among left‐behind children in rural China: The role of ecological assets and individual strength
Authors: Chai Xiaoyun , Li Xiaoyan , Ye Zhi , Li Yuxuan , Lin Danhua
Published: November 2018

Background

The plight of left‐behind children affected by parental migration has aroused widespread public concern in China. However, limited research has been conducted on the positive aspects of the development (e.g., subjective well‐being) among left‐behind children. Recently, a new means to investigating the mechanisms of positive development in left‐behind children emerged from the positive youth development (PYD) approach. Grounded in the framework of PYD, this study was designed to examine how ecological assets (i.e., neighbourhood social cohesion and trusting relationships with caregivers) and individual strength (i.e., resilience) predict subjective well‐being among left‐behind children.

Methods

Altogether, 1,449 left‐behind children (50.70% boys; Mage = 12.11 years, SD = 1.84) were recruited to complete questionnaires designed to assess perceived neighbourhood social cohesion, trusting relationships with caregivers, resilience, and subjective well‐being.

Results

The results show that neighbourhood social cohesion and trusting relationships with caregivers positively predicted left‐behind children's subjective well‐being. Moreover, structural equation modelling results reveal that resilience partially mediated the effect of neighbourhood social cohesion and trusting relationships with caregivers on subjective well‐being.

Conclusions

In this research, we identified key contextual and personal enablers for subjective well‐being among left‐behind children. The results provide some important implications regarding the manner in which subjective well‐being can be promoted among left‐behind children by increasing neighbourhood and family ecological assets and enhancing resilience.
TGF‐β1 promotes gap junctions formation in chondrocytes via Smad3/Smad4 signalling
Authors: Wang Qingxuan , Zhou Chenchen , Li Xiaobing , Cai Linyi , Zou Jing , Zhang Demao , Xie Jing , Lai Wenli
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Connexin‐mediated functional gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) has a vital role in development, homeostasis and pathology. Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), as one of the most vital factors in chondrocytes, promotes cartilage precursor cell differentiation and chondrocyte proliferation, migration and metabolism. However, how TGF‐β1 mediates GJIC in chondrocytes remains unclear. This study aims to determine the influence of TGF‐β1 on GJIC in mouse chondrocytes and its underlying mechanism.

Methods

qPCR and mRNA microarray were used to verify the expression of genes in the TGF‐β and connexin families in cartilage and chondrocytes. A scrape loading/dye transfer assay was performed to explore GJIC. Western blot analysis was used to detect connexin43 (Cx43) and Smad signalling components. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to characterize protein distribution.

Results

The TGF‐β1 mRNA was the highest expressed member of the TGFβ super family in cartilage. TGF‐β1 promoted functional GJIC through increased expression of Cx43. TGF‐β1‐mediated GJIC required the participation of TGF‐β type I receptor. TGF‐β1 activated Smad3 and Smad4 signalling to facilitate their nuclear translocation. The Smad3 and Smad4 signalling proteins bound to the promoter of Gja1 and thus initiated Cx43 gene expression.

Conclusions

For the first time, these results revealed a vital role of TGF‐β1 in cell‐cell communication in chondrocytes via gap junction formation. We describe the regulatory mechanism, the involvement of TGF‐β type I receptor and the nuclear translocation of Smad3/4.
Dental anxiety in relation to torture experiences and symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Høyvik Ann C. , Lie Birgit , Willumsen Tiril
Published: November 2018

Torture victims often show symptoms of dental anxiety when receiving dental care, but little systematic research is available. The purpose of this study was to explore torture experiences, symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and dental anxiety in refugees in Norway and to test the hypothesis that refugees with torture experiences are more prone to dental anxiety than refugees with no such experiences. A total of 173 refugees were interviewed shortly after an oral examination. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire‐PTSS16 were administered verbally through attending interpreters. Among torture victims (47%, n = 81), the prevalence of torture experiences involving mouth or teeth was 35% and 23%, respectively. Harvard Trauma Questionnaire mean sum scores were statistically significantly higher in torture victims (34.3 vs. 24.8). Torture survivors report a larger number of symptoms of PTSD, and dental anxiety shows a higher prevalence in refugees reporting PTSD symptoms than in refugees who do not report such symptoms. When analysed using logistic regression models, the data showed the odds of high levels of dental anxiety being 6.1 times higher in refugees with torture experiences compared with other refugees and 9.3 times higher in torture victims with PTSD symptoms. Oral health professionals should be aware of these associations when providing dental care to refugees. The hypothesis that tortured refugees are more prone to dental anxiety is supported.
Bottom boundary layer cooling and wind‐driven upwelling enhance the catchability of spanner crab (Ranina ranina) in South‐East Queensland, Australia
Authors: Spencer David M. , Brown Ian W. , Doubell Mark J. , Brown Christopher J. , Redondo Rodriguez Ana , Lee Shing Yip , Zhang Hong , Lemckert Charles J.
Published: November 2018

Species catchability is an important parameter used to help optimise stock assessment modelling and the economic efficiency of commercial fishing operations. Previous studies have shown several physical oceanographic parameters, including ambient temperature, waves and currents, affect the catchability of spanner crabs (Ranina ranina) throughout the Indo‐Pacific. Most notably in the Australian fishery, where oceanographic processes vary over space and time, a positive relationship between bottom boundary layer temperature (BBLT) and catch rates was observed. Here, we aimed to better understand how localised oceanographic processes affected this relationship in the southernmost South‐East Queensland (SEQ) sector of the Australian fishery at seasonal and short temporal scales. Our results show cooler BBLT, upwelling‐favourable alongshore wind stress and increased catch rates occurred during mating season in austral spring. At the end of austral summer, BBLT began warming, downwelling‐favourable winds were dominant, and catch rates declined around the post‐moult period. Outputs from the generalised linear models (GLMs) that separated these effects in each season show that, at shorter temporal scales, daily catch rates also increased with episodic BBLT cooling and upwelling‐favourable alongshore wind stress, but only during austral autumn and winter. These new findings suggest that region‐specific, short‐term and seasonal variability of oceanographic processes responsible for changes in BBLT play an important role in influencing the catchability of spanner crabs. We suggest that the effects of region‐specific physical oceanographic processes must be considered in future work when investigating the catchability of commercially important fisheries species fished over large spatial domains.
SN‐Learning: An exploratory study beyond e‐learning and evaluation of its applications using EV‐SNL framework
Authors: Krouska Akrivi , Troussas Christos , Virvou Maria
Published: November 2018

Social networks have intruded in human life by providing new technological innovations in a range of fields, including the education. The use of social networks in education has the potential to extend e‐learning and to introduce new forms of tutoring, communication, and collaboration between students and instructors. Thus, e‐learning is the threshold of Social Networking‐based Learning (SN‐Learning). SN‐Learning consists of a new term, introduced in this paper, and involves e‐learning systems with social networking characteristics or learning through social networking platforms. To this direction, the main objective of this paper is to present this new technological advancement emerged nowadays and to evaluate relevant applications of the last decade using our adjusted evaluation framework, EV‐SNL, in order to highlight their strengths and weaknesses regarding digital learning. The major finding is that SN‐Learning systems focus mainly on the incorporation of social features and do not provide yet personalized and adaptive tutoring. This research provides guidelines to computer science researchers on the design and implementation of SN‐Learning platforms using artificial intelligence and modelling techniques. Moreover, it can support teachers of different fields so that they can enhance their instruction with new technologies. There is scope for a lot of improvement.
Effects of environmental enrichment on survivorship, growth, sex ratio and behaviour in laboratory maintained zebrafishDanio rerio
Authors: Lee Carole J. , Paull Gregory C. , Tyler Charles R.
Published: November 2018

Environmental enrichment involves increasing the complexity of a fish's environment in order to improve welfare. Researchers are legally obliged to consider the welfare of laboratory animals and poor welfare may result in less robust data in experimental science. Laboratory zebrafishDanio rerioare usually kept in bare aquaria for ease of husbandry and, despite being a well‐studied species, little is known about how laboratory housing affects their welfare. This study shows that environmental enrichment, in the form of the addition of gravel substratum and plants into the tank, affects survivorship, growth and behaviour in laboratory‐maintainedD. rerio. Larvae reared in enriched tanks had significantly higher survivorship compared with larvae reared in bare tanks. Effects of the tank conditions on growth were more variable. Females from enriched tanks had a higher body condition than females maintained in bare tanks, but intriguingly this was not the case for males, where the only difference was a more variable body condition in males maintained in bare tanks. Sex ratio in the rearing tanks did not differ between treatments. Resource monopolisation was higher for fish in enriched tanks than for those in bare tanks. Fish from enriched tanks displayed lower levels of behaviours associated with anxiety compared with fish from bare tanks when placed into a novel environment. Thus, this study demonstrates differences in welfare forD. reriomaintained under different environmental conditions with enhancements in welfare more commonly associated with tank enrichment.
High‐mass resolution molecular imaging of organic compounds on the surface of Murchison meteorite
Authors: Hashiguchi Minako , Naraoka Hiroshi
Published: November 2018

High‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) imaging by desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) coupled with Orbitrap MS using methanol (MeOH) spray was performed on a fragment of the Murchison (CM2) meteorite in this study. Homologues of CnH2n–1N2+ (n = 7–9) and CnH2nNO+ (n = 9–14) were detected on the sample surface by the imaging. A high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/HRMS analysis of MeOH extracts from the sample surface after DESI/HRMS imaging indicated that the CnH2n–1N2+ homologues corresponds to alkylimidazole, and that a few isomers of the CnH2nNO+ homologues present in the sample. The alkylimidazoles and CnH2nNO+ homologues displayed different spatial distributions on the surface of the Murchison fragment, indicating chromatographic separation effects during aqueous alteration. Moreover, the distribution pattern of compounds is also different among homologues. This is probably also resulting from the separation of isomers by similar chromatographic effects, or different synthetic pathways. Alkylimidazoles and the CnH2nNO+ homologues are mainly distributed in the matrix region of the Murchison by mineralogical observations, which is consistent with previous reports. Altered minerals (e.g., Fe‐oxide, Fe‐sulfide, and carbonates) occurred in this region. However, no clear relationship was found between these minerals and the organic compounds detected by DESI/HRMS imaging. Although this result might be due to scale differences between the spatial resolution of DESI/HRMS imaging and the grain size in the matrix of the Murchison, our results would indicate that alkylimidazoles and the CnH2nNO+ homologues in the Murchison fragment were mainly synthesized by different processes from hydrothermal alteration on the parent body.
New perspectives of childhood asthma treatment with biologics
Authors: Just Jocelyne , Deschildre Antoine , Lejeune Stéphanie , Amat Flore
Published: November 2018

Asthma is no longer considered as a single disease but rather as a syndrome corresponding to different entities and pathophysiologic pathways. A targeted strategy is part of personalized medicine which aims to better define each patient's phenotype and endotype so as to prescribe the most suitable treatment at an individual level. Omalizumab and, more recently, mepolizumab are the first biologics approved for children (6‐18 years). Omalizumab is now widely used to treat severe allergic asthma in children and is highly effective for asthma exacerbations and asthma control with a good safety profile. Moreover, several other drugs—lebrikizumab, dupilumab, tezepelumab, mepolizumab, reslizumab, benralizumab—are used or are being studied in both teenagers and adults and could benefit younger children in the near future. We hypothesize that defining the asthma phenotype/endotype regarding the type and intensity of inflammation, association with allergic or non‐allergic comorbidities, and airway remodeling should contribute to the choice of a specific biologic. Pediatric specificities have to be addressed and validated by studies in children. Long‐term effectiveness and particularly the impact on the natural history of asthma should also be investigated. Severe asthma in children is a complex disease, and patients have to be referred to a specialized pediatric asthma center to confirm diagnosis and initiate the best treatment strategy which could include biologics while taking into account their high cost.
Enhancement of immune response mediated by oropharyngeal colostrum administration in preterm neonates
Authors: Moreno‐Fernandez Jorge , Sánchez‐Martínez Belén , Serrano‐López Laura , Martín‐Álvarez Estefanía , Diaz‐Castro Javier , Peña‐Caballero Manuela , Martín‐Peregrina Francisca , Alonso‐Moya Mercedes , Maldonado‐Lozano José , Ochoa Julio J. , Hurtado‐Suazo Jose A.
Published: November 2018

Background

The immune system of preterm infants is immature, being a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in the preterm infant. Oropharyngeal colostrum administration could be an immunomodulatory aid. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of oropharyngeal colostrum on the serum levels of immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and resistin during the first month of life and to track the clinical outcome of the neonates.

Methods

One hundred preterm neonates born at <32 weeks of gestation and/or weighing < 1500 g and assisted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were enrolled and divided into two groups: colostrum (n = 48) and control (n = 52). The subjects assigned to the colostrum group received 0.2 mL of colostrum (oropharyngeal route) every 4 hours for the first 15 days of life, and if mothers have inability to breastfeed, they were included in the control group (no oropharyngeal colostrum). Serum concentrations of IgA, IgM, and IgG1, lactoferrin, and resistin were assessed in both groups at 1, 3, 15, and 30 days of life. Clinical data during hospitalization were collected.

Results

IgA and IgM increased in preterm neonates who were administered colostrum for 15 and 30 days. Lactoferrin increased after 30 days, and resistin increased after 15 days of supplying oropharyngeal colostrum. The colostrum group underwent full enteral nutrition before, and no differences were observed in the common neonatal morbidities.

Conclusion

Oropharyngeal colostrum administration is safe in preterm neonates and improves their immunologic profile, showing a potential role as an immunomodulatory agent.
Boron deficiency alters cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and affects the cell wall components of pollen tubes in Malus domestica
Authors: Fang K. F. , Du B. S. , Zhang Q. , Xing Y. , Cao Q. Q. , Qin L.
Published: November 2018

Boron (B) is essential for normal plant growth, including pollen tube growth. B deficiency influences various physiological and metabolic processes in plants. However, the underlying mechanism of B deficiency in pollen tube growth is not sufficiently understood. In the present research, the influence of B deficiency on apple (Malus domestica) pollen tube growth was studied and the possible regulatory mechanism evaluated.

Apple pollen grains were cultured under different concentrations of B. Scanning ion‐selective electrode technique, fluorescence labelling and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) analysis were used to detect calcium ion flux, cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt), actin filaments and cell wall components of pollen tubes.

B deficiency inhibited apple pollen germination and induced retardation of tube growth. B deficiency increased extracellular Ca2+ influx and thus led to increased [Ca2+]cyt in the pollen tube tip. In addition, B deficiency modified actin filament arrangement at the pollen tube apex. B deficiency also altered the deposition of pollen tube wall components. Clear differences were not observed in the distribution patterns of cellulose and callose between control and B deficiency treated pollen tubes. However, B deficiency affected distribution patterns of pectin and arabinogalactan proteins (AGP). Clear ring‐like signals of pectins and AGP on control pollen tubes varied according to B deficiency. B deficiency further decreased acid pectins, esterified pectins and AGP content at the tip of the pollen tube, which were supported by changes in chemical composition of the tube walls.

B appears to have an active role in pollen tube growth by affecting [Ca2+]cyt, actin filament assembly and pectin and AGP deposition in the pollen tube. These findings provide valuable information that enhances our current understanding of the mechanism regulating pollen tube growth.
New high‐resolution age data from the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary indicate rapid, ecologically driven onset of the Cambrian explosion
Authors: Linnemann Ulf , Ovtcharova Maria , Schaltegger Urs , Gärtner Andreas , Hautmann Michael , Geyer Gerd , Vickers‐Rich Patricia , Rich Tom , Plessen Birgit , Hofmann Mandy , Zieger Johannes , Krause Rita , Kriesfeld Les , Smith Jeff
Published: November 2018

The replacement of the late Precambrian Ediacaran biota by morphologically disparate animals at the beginning of the Phanerozoic was a key event in the history of life on Earth, the mechanisms and the time‐scales of which are not entirely understood. A composite section in Namibia providing biostratigraphic and chemostratigraphic data bracketed by radiometric dating constrains the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary to 538.6–538.8 Ma, more than 2 Ma younger than previously assumed. The U–Pb‐CA‐ID TIMS zircon ages demonstrate an ultrashort time frame for the LAD of the Ediacaran biota to the FAD of a complex, burrowing Phanerozoic biota represented by trace fossils to a 410 ka time window of 538.99 ± 0.21 Ma to 538.58 ± 0.19 Ma. The extremely short duration of the faunal transition from Ediacaran to Cambrian biota within less than 410 ka supports models of ecological cascades that followed the evolutionary breakthrough of increased mobility at the beginning of the Phanerozoic.
Introduction To The Forum: From Third To Fifth‐Wave Gentrification
Authors: Aalbers Manuel B.
Published: November 2018

‘The Changing State of Gentrification’ (2001) by Jason Hackworth and the late Neil Smith is one of the most influential papers ever published in TESG. By introducing three waves, or periods, of practices and patterns of gentrification, it changed the way we think about gentrification. This Introduction to the Forum discusses the three waves introduced by Hackworth and Smith as well as fourth wave introduced by Lees et al. Finally, I will argue that during the global financial crisis we have entered fifth‐wave gentrification. Fifth‐wave gentrification is the urban materialisation of financialised or finance‐led capitalism. The state continues to play a leading role during the fifth wave, but is now supplemented – rather than displaced – by finance. It is characterised by the emergence of corporate landlords, highly leveraged housing, platform capitalism (e.g. Airbnb), transnational wealth elites using cities as a ‘safe deposit box’, and a further ‘naturalisation’ of state‐sponsored gentrification.
The prevalence, alloimmunization risk factors, antigenic exposure, and evaluation of antigen‐matched red blood cells for thalassemia transfusions: a 10‐year experience at a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Romphruk Amornrat V. , Simtong Piyapong , Butryojantho Chalawan , Pimphumee Ratchadaporn , Junta Ninnate , Srichai Supawadee , Komvilaisak Patcharee , Puapairoj Chintana
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Hemoglobin E‐β0 thalassemia and homozygous β0‐thalassemia are the most common chronic transfusion‐dependent thalassemias in Thailand. Patients with these conditions can experience clinical complications such as RBC alloimmunization. In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence, alloimmunization risk factors, antigenic exposure, and evaluation of antigen‐ (C, c, E, e, Mia) matched RBC transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Thalassemia patients were recruited from a tertiary care hospital for 10 years from 2008 to 2017. The medical records of transfusion history were reviewed for red cell phenotype both of patients and donors, number of units transfused, and type of alloantibodies.

RESULTS

A total of 383 thalassemia patients were identified (178 males and 205 females). The frequency of RBC alloantibodies was 19.3%. Some patients tested positive for more than one antibody type. Autoantibodies were detected in nine individuals. Anti‐E (49 [39.5%]), anti‐Mia (24 [19.4%]), and anti‐c (19 [15.3%]) were the most common antibodies detected. A high rate of alloimmunization was found in splenectomized patients. Risk of alloimmunization increased when more total units of blood had been transfused. A trend toward low alloimmunization rates was noted in the antigen‐matched RBC group, where 3.5% (5/143) of patients were alloimmunized. Anti‐E and anti‐Mia, which may be naturally occurring, were identified in this group.

CONCLUSION

Thai patients are more prone to develop antibodies against the Rh and Mia than to the Kell blood group antigens. Provision of at least antigen‐matched (C, c, E, e, Mia) RBCs appears to improve the efficacy of transfusion in thalassemia patients.