bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research based theatre in dementia knowledge transfer: views from the front line
Authors: Argyle Elaine , Schneider Justine
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Formal ties between the theatre and research dissemination have only recently developed and its general efficacy is largely unknown. Here the purpose of this paper is to redress this neglect by examining the effectiveness of a research-based theatrical event in promoting dementia knowledge transfer with a group of front line care workers. The event ran over eight days and consisted of an original theatrical production followed by a chaired audience discussion and workshops.

Design/methodology/approach

– Questionnaires which had been developed specifically for this evaluation were completed by 863 front line workers on the day of the event, eliciting their profiles and immediate reactions. Three months after the event, 30 completed a follow-up questionnaire and eight were interviewed.

Findings

– Attendance was well received with high degrees of both cognitive and emotional engagement being expressed in the initial questionnaire. The follow-up evaluation suggested that these positive reactions were sustained over time. However, many taking part in this follow-up thought that their practice had not changed as a result of event attendance. This apparent discrepancy between knowledge transfer and utilisation appeared to be partly the result of the influence of contextual factors in impeding this utilisation within work settings.

Originality/value

– Evidence is provided on the positive impact of theatre on dementia carers’ working lives. This is sufficient to warrant further applications of this method, provided there is careful attention to embedding the messages in the workplace context and evaluating their efficacy.
myShoes – the future of experiential dementia training?
Authors: Adefila Arinola , Graham Sean , Clouder Lynn , Bluteau Patricia , Ball Steven
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the use of virtual reality (VR) for experiential learning in dementia training. People have different perceptions and understanding of what it is like to live with dementia, particularly those that are new to dementia care, whether in a professional capacity, or as a friend or family member. Arguably the most powerful way in which to enhance understanding is to give people a glimpse of what living with dementia might be like.

Design/methodology/approach

– The myShoes project aimed to create a resource that would augment a virtual environment and expose the user to an experience that gives them a sense of what living with dementia might be like. The resource was created using the latest VR and game development software. A sample group of students from a mixed range of health professions tested the resource providing in depth feedback on its immediate impact and ideas for further development.

Findings

– Notwithstanding the limited sample on which the simulation has been tested, carefully designing the activities and constructing a learning space that allows for reflection on being placed temporarily in another person’s shoes, appears to have enabled students to think beyond ‘treatment, to considering how the person might feel and altering their approach accordingly.

Research limitations/implications

– This is a pilot study. More research using VR as a training resource is planned.

Practical implications

– The study will support educational training, particularly that which uses virtual reality for clinicians and carers.

Social implications

– The adoption of a VR approach to training formal and informal carers has potential to enhance empathy and improve holistic care of people with dementia.

Originality/value

– The myShoes project adopts a novel approach to simulating the effects of dementia for training purposes.
Qatari students’ pre-college experience with information literacy
Authors: Pullman Ethan P
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– There’s little information available on Qatari students’ experience with information literacy. What little information does exists draws from outdated surveys and assumptions about the current population. The purpose of this paper is to describe how data collected from first-semester Qatari students who enrolled in a semester-long information literacy course at Carnegie Mellon University helped update perceptions of this population, drove changes made to content and instructional delivery, and enabled a reflective process for teaching and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

– Pre- and post-surveys completed by students explore Qatari students’ pre-college experience with information literacy concepts, using libraries, and writing. They also compare the students’ attitude toward information literacy before and after taking the course. Qatari students’ data were extracted from the overall student population to focus on this population and analyzed descriptively based on cumulative responses. The pre-survey data were used to inform changes made to instructional content and delivery throughout the term.

Findings

– Contrary to assumptions, first-year Qatari students expressed familiarity with information literacy concepts before attending college. The data indicated strong learning preferences and a positive attitude toward information literacy.

Research limitations/implications

– Since information collected in this study relied on student perceptions of their experience, results must be paired with performance measurement before drawing additional conclusions about information literacy competencies of first-year Qatari students. Further, the study did not explore gender and sociocultural differences; therefore no general conclusions should be drawn.

Practical implications

– Instructional design should be based on a current understanding of local information needs and searching habits. In addition, this approach encourages reflective learning and teaching and help instructors avoid prior assumptions about their students.

Originality/value

– This paper provides information on how Qatari students perceive their experience with information literacy before college, the importance of understanding information literacy concepts and its role in their personal, academic, and professional lives. It centers on a population for whom information literacy concepts remain both relatively challenging and critical for their future learning development and offers suggestions for future research.
Biodiversity and ecosystem services in forest ecosystems: a research agenda for applied forest ecology
Authors: Mori Akira S. , Lertzman Kenneth P. , Gustafsson Lena
Published: May 2016

Given the substantial contributions of forest biodiversity and ecosystem services to society, forest sciences have a large potential to contribute to the integrity and sustainability of our future. This is especially true when the roles of biodiversity for sustaining ecosystem services are considered.

The rapid expansion of sustainable forest management (SFM) has resulted in the adoption of various forest management frameworks intended to safeguard biodiversity. Concurrently, the importance of forest ecosystem services has been increasingly recognized. Although some initiatives aimed at conserving both biodiversity and ecosystem services are emerging, knowledge gaps still exist about their relationships and potential trade‐offs in forests. Given recent advancements, increasing opportunities and some lags in forest ecology, further research on biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services will play substantial roles in the development of SFM practices.

Here, we identified key issues including (i) relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem function as a foundation of ecological integrity, (ii) resilience thinking to better prepare for and adapt to environmental changes, (iii) social–ecological perspectives that facilitate real‐world conservation and management and (iv) theory‐driven restoration that bridges science and practice. Thus, we illustrate priorities and future possibilities in applied ecology studies in forests, which will help society and ecosystems to build capacity and resilience to face uncertainty in the changing environment.

Synthesis and applications. Under substantial human influences, forests are highly likely to be largely altered, potentially leading to the emergence of novel ecosystems or alternative stable states. Management thus needs more flexible, novel measures to address the significant uncertainty this generates. Resilience‐based approaches are important to respond adaptively to future changes and cope with surprises, potentially providing multiple options. Although challenges exist, theory should play an important role in managing, conserving and restoring forest ecosystems. The issues discussed here should receive further attention in the context of the multiple goals of sustainable forest management.
Survey of schools’ work with child and adolescent mental health across England: a system in need of support
Authors: Sharpe Helen , Ford Tamsin , Lereya Suzet Tanya , Owen Chris , Viner Russell M. , Wolpert Miranda
Published: May 2016

Background

With evidence of rising need around mental health in young people, cuts in specialist health provision and increasing recognition of the central role of schools in supporting young people with mental health problems, it is important to understand the provision of mental health support currently available in schools, the nature of the relationship with health and other providers of child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) services, and what are the key barriers to accessing support.

Method

The study was a convenience sample survey of 577 school staff from 341 schools in England. Participants completed an online survey about the provision of specialist mental health support in their school, including what support is available, who provides it, and perceived barriers to supporting the mental health of young people. Data were linked to publicly available data on school characteristics.

Results

Over two thirds of schools reported having some specialist support available, with specialist provision more common in secondary schools. Staff training and whole‐school approaches were the most frequently employed specific approaches. Support was most often provided by educational psychologists, followed by counsellors. School staff particularly valued support and feedback within the schools context. The most frequently cited barrier to mental health support was the limited capacity of specialist CAMH services.

Conclusions

The results suggest a need to enhance the availability of specialist support for mental health both within schools and in CAMH services.
The E3 Ubiquitin Ligase c‐Cbl Inhibits Microglia‐Mediated CNS Inflammation by Regulating PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB Pathway
Authors: Dong Lin , Li Yu‐Zhen , An Hai‐Ting , Wang Ya‐Long , Chen Shi‐Hao , Qian Yan‐Jing , Wang Ke , Zhen Jun‐Li , Fan Zheng , Gong Xiao‐Li , Zheng Yan , Wang Xiao‐Min
Published: May 2016

Background

Microglia‐mediated inflammation may play an important role in the pathophysiology progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), but the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood.

Aims

This study sought to determine whether E3 ubiquitin ligase c‐Cbl plays a role in the brain inflammation and to explore the relevant molecular mechanism.

Methods

After BV2 microglial cells and c‐Cbl‐deficient mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), neuroinflammation and microglial activation were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, ELISA and Western blot. We further investigated the possible mechanism of c‐Cbl in regulating microglial activation.

Results

Here, we showed that the E3 ubiquitin ligase c‐Cbl had high expression in brain tissues including substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), striatum and hippocampus, and it was abundantly expressed in microglia. Systemic LPS administration resulted in more severe microglial activation in CNS and increased expression of brain proinflammatory factors (TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1β and MCP‐1) in c‐Cbl knockout mice than wild type mice (WT). Downregulation of c‐Cbl expression with c‐Cbl siRNA in BV‐2 microglial cells demonstrated a more robust increase in the proinflammatory factors release and NF‐κB p65 nuclear translocation than that in control siRNA. Interestingly, Akt phosphorylation induced by LPS was also significantly augmented after c‐Cbl knockdown. Moreover, blockade of PI3K/Akt activation by LY294002 significantly reduced inflammation response and NF‐κB p65 nuclear translocation.

Conclusion

In sum, c‐Cbl inhibits expression of LPS‐stimulated proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in microglia. We demonstrate an unprecedented role for c‐Cbl in microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation involving PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB pathway.
ENDOGENOUS DESTRUCTION IN CONFLICT: THEORY AND EXTENSIONS
Authors: Chang Yang‐Ming , Luo Zijun
Published: May 2016

This article develops a general equilibrium model of conflict to characterize the implications of endogenous destruction for bargaining and fighting. Specifically, we consider the scenario where two contending parties engage in bargaining to avoid fighting when there are direct costs (e.g., arms buildups) and indirect costs (e.g., destruction to consumable resources) of conflict. Without imposing specific functional form restrictions on conflict, production, and destruction technologies, we show their interactions in determining an optimal decision between fighting and bargaining. We find that, under the shadow of conflict, bargaining is costly as the contending parties always allocate more resources to arming for guarding settlement through bargaining than in the event of fighting. In contrast to conventional thinking that bargaining is Pareto superior over fighting, we show conditions under which fighting dominates bargaining as the Nash equilibrium choice. The positive analysis may help explain the general causes of fighting, without resorting to the assumption of incomplete information or misperceptions. (JELD74, H56, C7)
Genomewide profiling of copy‐number alteration in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
Authors: Mikulasova Aneta , Smetana Jan , Wayhelova Marketa , Janyskova Helena , Sandecka Viera , Kufova Zuzana , Almasi Martina , Jarkovsky Jiri , Gregora Evzen , Kessler Petr , Wrobel Marek , Walker Brian A. , Wardell Christopher P. , Morgan Gareth J. , Hajek Roman , Kuglik Petr
Published: May 2016

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a benign condition with an approximate 1% annual risk of symptomatic plasma cell disorder development, mostly to multiple myeloma (MM). We performed genomewide screening of copy‐number alterations (CNAs) in 90 MGUS and 33 MM patients using high‐density DNA microarrays. We identified CNAs in a smaller proportion of MGUS (65.6%) than in MM (100.0%, P = 1.31 × 10−5) and showed median number of CNAs is lower in MGUS (3, range 0–22) than in MM (13, range 4–38, P = 1.82 × 10−10). In the MGUS cohort, the most frequent losses were located at 1p (5.6%), 6q (6.7%), 13q (30.0%), 14q (14.4%), 16q (8.9%), 21q (5.6%), and gains at 1q (23.3%), 2p (6.7%), 6p (13.3%), and Xq (7.8%). Hyperdiploidy was detected in 38.9% of MGUS cases, and the most frequent whole chromosome gains were 3 (25.6%), 5 (23.3%), 9 (37.8%), 15 (23.3%), and 19 (32.2%). We also identified CNAs such as 1p, 6q, 8p, 12p, 13q, 16q losses, 1q gain and hypodiploidy, which are potentially associated with an adverse prognosis in MGUS. In summary, we showed that MGUS is similar to MM in that it is a genetically heterogeneous disorder, but overall cytogenetic instability is lower than in MM, which confirms that genetic abnormalities play important role in monoclonal gammopathies.
Disruption, but not overexpression of urate oxidase alters susceptibility to pentylenetetrazole‐ and pilocarpine‐induced seizures in mice
Authors: Thyrion Lisa , Portelli Jeanelle , Raedt Robrecht , Glorieux Griet , Larsen Lars E. , Sprengers Mathieu , Van Lysebettens Wouter , Carrette Evelien , Delbeke Jean , Vonck Kristl , Boon Paul
Published: May 2016

There is a continuous drive to find new, improved therapies that have a different mechanism of action in order to help diminish the sizable percentage of persons with pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Uric acid is increasingly recognized as contributing to the pathophysiology of multiple disorders, and there are indications that uric acid might play a role in epileptic mechanisms. Nevertheless, studies that directly investigate its involvement are lacking. In this study we assessed the susceptibility to pentylenetetrazole‐ and pilocarpine‐induced seizures in mice with genetically altered uric acid levels by targeting urate oxidase, which is the enzyme responsible for uric acid breakdown. We found that although disruption of urate oxidase resulted in a decreased susceptibility to all behavioral end points in both seizure models, overexpression did not result in any alterations when compared to their wild‐type littermates. Our results suggest that a chronic increase in uric acid levels may result in decreased brain excitability.
Phenology and species determine growing‐season albedo increase at the altitudinal limit of shrub growth in the sub‐Arctic
Authors: Williamson Scott N. , Barrio Isabel C. , Hik David S. , Gamon John A.
Published: May 2016

Arctic warming is resulting in reduced snow cover and increased shrub growth, both of which have been associated with altered land surface–atmospheric feedback processes involving sensible heat flux, ground heat flux and biogeochemical cycling. Using field measurements, we show that two common Arctic shrub species (Betula glandulosa and Salix pulchra), which are largely responsible for shrub encroachment in tundra, differed markedly in albedo and that albedo of both species increased as growing season progressed when measured at their altitudinal limit. A moveable apparatus was used to repeatedly measure albedo at six precise spots during the summer of 2012, and resampled in 2013. Contrary to the generally accepted view of shrub‐covered areas having low albedo in tundra, full‐canopy prostrate B. glandulosa had almost the highest albedo of all surfaces measured during the peak of the growing season. The higher midsummer albedo is also evident in localized MODIS albedo aggregated from 2000 to 2013, which displays a similar increase in growing‐season albedo. Using our field measurements, we show the ensemble summer increase in tundra albedo counteracts the generalized effect of earlier spring snow melt on surface energy balance by approximately 40%. This summer increase in albedo, when viewed in absolute values, is as large as the difference between the forest and tundra transition. These results indicate that near future (<50 years) changes in growing‐season albedo related to Arctic vegetation change are unlikely to be particularly large and might constitute a negative feedback to climate warming in certain circumstances. Future efforts to calculate energy budgets and a sensible heating feedback in the Arctic will require more detailed information about the relative abundance of different ground cover types, particularly shrub species and their respective growth forms and phenology.
Retrograde root canal treatment: a prospective case series
Authors: Jonasson P. , Lennholm C. , Kvist T.
Published: May 2016

Aim

Root canal treatment of teeth with necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis may be complicated by limited access to the root canals due to restorations and dystrophic calcifications. The objective of this study was to evaluate retrograde root canal as a primary treatment using a surgical approach as an alternative to conventional orthograde treatment.

Methodology

Patients with apical periodontitis in the anterior region of the maxilla were consecutively recruited to the study over a period of 4 years. Fifty‐seven patients met the inclusion criteria and received retrograde root canal treatment. A clinical and radiographic evaluation was made after 1 and 2 years postoperatively.

Results

Clinical and radiographically evaluation after 2 years revealed a successful outcome (as defined in this study) in 90% of the cases.

Conclusion

Retrograde root canal as a primary treatment was a reliable alternative to treat apical periodontitis on single‐ and two‐rooted teeth with limited orthograde access to the root canals in the maxilla.
Elemental characterization of the cuticle in the marine intertidal pseudoscorpion, Halobisium occidentale
Authors: Gallant James , Hochberg Rick , Ada Earl
Published: May 2016

Arthropods are well known to biomineralize and metallize their exoskeletons with naturally occurring elements that function to stabilize the protein component and add hardness to surfaces that endure wear. In this study, we provide the first description of the trace elements in the cuticle of a marine intertidal pseudoscorpion, Halobisium occidentale, using energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy. We characterized the trace element composition of six regions on four specimens: the prosoma, opisthosoma, tarsal claws, arolia, chelicerae, and pedipalps. In addition to the elements C, O, and N that make up the α‐chitin component of the cuticle, we found 11 trace elements across the body, but only five of these elements were present at significant levels (≥1% wt): Ni, P, Al, Zn, and Fe. The only trace element on both tagmata is P, while the appendages and their structures contain varying amounts of other elements. The tarsal claws are supplemented with Zn and Ni, while the adhesive arolia contain either Ni or P. The pedipalps are enriched with Al along their proximodistal axis, with P, Zn, and Fe present only around the venom pore. The chelicerae have P, Zn, and Fe present only on the distal regions. This study confirms that pseudoscorpions, like many other arthropods, enrich their cuticle with specific elements at precise locations that are important in predation (cheliceral fingers, pedipalps, venom pore) and locomotion (tarsal claws, arolia). This is also the first study to reveal the presence of Al and Ni in any significant quantities in the arthropod exoskeleton.
Six Month Clinical Evaluation of Interdental Papilla Reconstruction with Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Gel Using an Image Analysis System
Authors: Lee Won‐Pyo , Kim Hee‐Jung , Yu Sang‐Joun , Kim Byung‐Ock
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Obtaining predictable and aesthetically pleasing interdental papilla is challenging in dental reconstruction. Hyaluronic acid gel has been successfully used to reduce facial creases and similar abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to clinically assess the efficiency of interdental papilla reconstruction with injectable hyaluronic acid gel.

Materials and Methods

Ten patients with 43 treated sites in the maxillary anterior region were studied. Photographic standardization devices were designed for image analysis before treatment. This treatment was repeated up to five times during 3‐week intervals. Patients were followed 6 months after initial gel application.

Results

Twenty‐nine sites had complete papilla reconstruction and 14 sites improved from 39 to 96% of interdental papilla reconstruction rate. Complete interdental papilla reconstruction was performed when black triangle at initial examination had area of ≤0.25 mm2, height of ≤1mm, or width of ≤0.5mm.

Conclusion

Injectable hyaluronic acid gel may be a promising treatment for enhancing papillary esthetics.

Clinical Significance

Interdental papilla reconstruction with injectable hyaluronic acid gel can be suggested as a minimally invasive treatment option for interdental papilla deficiencies in small areas. However, long‐term results of this treatment beyond 6 months are not yet known. (J Esthet Restor Dent 28:221–230, 2016)
Periodontal abscess as a possible oral clinical sign in the diagnosis of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus of elderly in a dental clinic set up – a 7‐year cross‐sectional study
Authors: Alagl Adel S.
Published: May 2016

Objective

To evaluate the periodontal abscess as a possible oral clinical diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in the elderly.

Methods

In this clinical outpatient department, cross‐sectional study of 84 months, 143 212 subjects between the ages of 40 and 84 years were screened for the presence of periodontal abscess. Relevant medical and dental histories were recorded using a questionnaire. The subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus, presence of periodontal abscess, and absence of other systemic disease were referred for laboratory diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (HbA1c). The subjects tested positive for the diabetes were noted, statistical evaluation was undertaken to correlate between undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and periodontal abscess.

Results

It was found out that 0.05% undiagnosed diabetes was noted among the 143 212 patients. Among the 143 212 subjects, 1352 met the inclusion criteria having periodontal abscess. Mean age of the participants was 57 ± 14.2 years. Among the 1352 subjects with periodontal abscess: 793 (58.65%) subjects had increased HbA1c (≥6.5% or 47.5 mmol/mol or 7.8 mmol/L); 559 (41.35%) individuals reported to have normal HbA1c (≤6.5% or 47.5 mmol/mol or 7.8 mmol/L). The difference was found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion

Periodontal abscess can be considered as possible oral clinical diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Elderly individuals visiting dental clinics need to be given due attention to find out the possibility of having this systemic condition. Medical fraternities are advised to consider oral health parameters in the evaluation of the medical status of elderly individuals.
Monocortical versus bicortical hard palate anchorage with the same total available cortical thickness: a finite element study
Authors: Poorsattar‐Bejeh Mir Arash
Published: May 2016

Objective

We aimed to compare the bicortical fixation of a palatal miniscrew in comparison to monocortical anchorage when total anchored cortical layer thicknesses are the same.

Materials and methods

Six models were designed: I, monocortical, 1.1 mm palatal cortical thickness, 8.5 mm bone height; II, bicortical, 0.4 mm palatal, 0.7 mm nasal cortical thickness, 8 mm bone height; III, bicortical, 0.7 mm palatal and 0.4 mm nasal cortical thickness, 8 mm bone height; IV, monocortical, 1.1 mm palatal cortical thickness, 7 mm bone height; V, bicortical, 0.4 mm palatal, 0.7 mm nasal cortical thickness, 7 mm bone height; VI, bicortical, 0.7 mm palatal and 0.4 mm nasal cortical thickness, 8.5 mm bone height. An 8 mm miniscrew was fully engaged in the bone and was subjected to vertical pull out until displaced 0.01 mm and 0.05 mm or horizontal traction load of 2 N.

Results

Monocortical fixation provides higher retention in comparison to bicortical fixations with the same total cortical thicknesses in terms of vertical pull‐out test. Models with bicortical fixation and thicker nasal cortex sustained lower strain energy when subjected to horizontal traction load.

Conclusion

Bicortical fixation of hard palate exhibit different reactions to vertical and horizontal tractions.
Comparison of EBSD patterns simulated by two multislice methods
Authors: LIU Q.B. , CAI C.Y. , ZHOU G.W. , WANG Y.G.
Published: May 2016

The extraction of crystallography information from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) patterns can be facilitated by diffraction simulations based on the dynamical electron diffraction theory. In this work, the EBSD patterns are successfully simulated by two multislice methods, that is, the real space (RS) method and the revised real space (RRS) method. The calculation results by the two multislice methods are compared and analyzed in detail with respect to different accelerating voltages, Debye–Waller factors and aperture radii. It is found that the RRS method provides a larger view field of the EBSD patterns than that by the RS method under the same calculation conditions. Moreover, the Kikuchi bands of the EBSD patterns obtained by the RRS method have a better match with the experimental patterns than those by the RS method. Especially, the lattice parameters obtained by the RRS method are more accurate than those by the RS method. These results demonstrate that the RRS method is more accurate for simulating the EBSD patterns than the RS method within the accepted computation time.
Porous structure of fibre networks formed by a foaming process: a comparative study of different characterization techniques
Authors: AL‐QARARAH AHMAD M. , EKMAN AXEL , HJELT TUOMO , KIISKINEN HARRI , TIMONEN JUSSI , KETOJA JUKKA A.
Published: May 2016

Recent developments in making fibre materials using the foam‐forming technology have raised a need to characterize the porous structure at low material density. In order to find an effective choice among all structure‐characterization methods, both two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional techniques were used to explore the porous structure of foam‐formed samples made with two different types of cellulose fibre. These techniques included X‐ray microtomography, scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, direct surface imaging using a CCD camera and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The mean pore radius for a varying type of fibre and for varying foam properties was described similarly by all imaging methods. X‐ray microtomography provided the most extensive information about the sheet structure, and showed more pronounced effects of varying foam properties than the two‐dimensional imaging techniques. The two‐dimensional methods slightly underestimated the mean pore size of samples containing stiff CTMP fibres with void radii exceeding 100 μm, and overestimated the pore size for the samples containing flexible kraft fibres with all void radii below 100 μm. The direct rapid surface imaging with a CCD camera showed surprisingly strong agreement with the other imaging techniques. Mercury intrusion porosimetry was able to characterize pore sizes also in the submicron region and led to an increased relative volume of the pores in the range of the mean bubble size of the foam. This may be related to the penetration channels created by the foam‐fibre interaction.
ECONOMIC EVOLUTION IN CHINA ECOLOGICALLY FRAGILE REGIONS
Authors: Deng Xiangzheng , Wang Zhan , Zhao Chunhong
Published: May 2016

Economic evolution is considered as being driven by innovation of research and development (R&D) even if regional characteristics usually have critical impacts on various culture‐oriented living styles that change in a social transformation dynamically. In documented Chinese history, climate changes and geographic conditions are constraints of the economic evolution in ecologically fragile regions. Lots of unpublished indigenous knowledge of environmental adaptation as a part of culture have been excluded from innovative records. In this research, we review research records of several key factors closely associated with economic evolution in the history of study regions, including climate change, cultural transition, economic base, resource endowment and transportation accessibility. By surveying previous research records and contents, we examine the paths of economic evolution mixed with adaptive cultures response to climate change in each region and draw conclusions that (1) the economic evolution with regional climate changes interactively experience three stages of culture‐hindered, culture‐mixed, and culture‐impelled adaptation diversely; (2) regions that have higher economic performance with less innovative records highly likely have a relatively large number of indigenous knowledge unpublished throughout cultural evolution; and (3) English world has research preference to the regions that have lower economic performance with a distinctive culture in China.
Melatonin prevents the dynamin‐related protein 1‐dependent mitochondrial fission and oxidative insult in the cortical neurons after 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium treatment
Authors: Chuang Jih‐Ing , Pan I‐Ling , Hsieh Chia‐Yun , Huang Chiu‐Ying , Chen Pei‐Chun , Shin Jyh Wei
Published: May 2016

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Mitochondrial morphology is dynamic and precisely regulated by the mitochondrial fission and fusion machinery. Aberrant mitochondrial fragmentation controlled by the mitochondrial fission protein, dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1), may result in cell death. Our previous results showed that melatonin protected neurons by inhibiting oxidative stress in a 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+)‐induced PD model. However, the effect of melatonin on mitochondrial dynamics remains uncharacterized. Herein, we investigated the effect of melatonin and the role of Drp1 on MPP+‐induced mitochondrial fission in rat primary cortical neurons. We found that MPP+ induced a rapid increase in the ratio of GSSG:total glutathione (a marker of oxidative stress) and mitochondrial fragmentation, Drp1 upregulation within 4 hours, and finally resulted in neuron loss 48 hours after the treatment. Neurons overexpressing wild‐type Drp1 promoted mitochondrial and nuclear fragmentation; however, neurons overexpressing dominant‐negative Drp1K38A or cotreated with melatonin exhibited significantly reduced MPP+‐induced mitochondrial fragmentation and neuron death. Moreover, melatonin cotreatment prevented an MPP+‐induced high ratio of GSSG and mitochondrial Drp1 upregulation. The prevention of mitochondrial fission by melatonin was not found in neurons transfected with wild‐type Drp1. These results provide a new insight that the neuroprotective effect of melatonin against MPP+ toxicity is mediated by inhibiting the oxidative stress and Drp1‐mediated mitochondrial fragmentation.
Whole‐Body Barometric Plethysmography Characterizes Upper Airway Obstruction in 3 Brachycephalic Breeds of Dogs
Authors: Liu N‐C. , Adams V.J. , Kalmar L. , Ladlow J.F. , Sargan D.R.
Published: May 2016

Background

A novel test using whole‐body barometric plethysmography (WBBP) was developed recently to diagnose brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in unsedated French bulldogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The hypotheses of this study were: (1) respiratory characteristics are different between healthy nonbrachycephalic dogs and brachycephalic dogs; and among pugs, French bulldogs, and bulldogs; and (2) obesity and stenotic nares are risk factors forBOAS. The main objective was to establish a diagnostic test forBOASin these 3 breeds.

Animals

A total of 266 brachycephalic dogs (100 pugs, 100 French bulldogs, and 66 bulldogs) and 28 nonbrachycephalic dogs.

Methods

Prospective study. Exercise tolerance tests with respiratory functional grading, andWBBPwere performed on all dogs. Data fromWBBPwere associated with functional grades to train quadratic discriminant analysis tools to assign dogs toBOAS+ andBOAS‐ groups. ABOASindex (0–100%) was calculated for each dog. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate classification ability.

Results

Minute volume was decreased significantly in asymptomatic pugs (P= .009), French bulldogs (P= .026), and bulldogs (P< .0001) when compared to nonbrachycephalic controls. Respiratory characteristics were different among breeds and affected dogs had a significant increase in trace variation. TheBOASindex predictedBOASstatus for each breed with 94–97% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88.9–100%) accuracy (area under the ROC curve). Both obesity (P= .04) and stenotic nares (P= .004) were significantly associated withBOAS.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

TheWBBPcan be used as a clinical tool to diagnoseBOASnoninvasively and objectively.
Antigen Concentrations as an Indicator of Clinical Remission and Disease Relapse in Cats with Histoplasmosis
Authors: Hanzlicek A.S. , Meinkoth J.H. , Renschler J.S. , Goad C. , Wheat L.J.
Published: May 2016

Background

Treatment monitoring is subjective and disease relapse is common in cats with histoplasmosis. TheHistoplasmaantigen enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is a noninvasive test used for determining disease remission and detecting disease relapse in humans with histoplasmosis. The utility of the antigenEIAfor these purposes in cats remains unknown.

Hypothesis/Objectives

ThoseHistoplasmaantigen concentrations in urine and serum would decline with antifungal treatment and that antigen elimination would be an indicator of clinical remission in cats with histoplasmosis treated with antifungal treatment.

Animals

Fifteen client‐owned cats with histoplasmosis.

Methods

Masked observational study. Cats were monitored monthly during antifungal treatment. Time of clinical remission and serum and urine antigen elimination were determined for each cat.

Results

Twelve of 15 cats achieved clinical remission. At the time of diagnosis, antigen was detectable in urine in 14/15 (93%) cats and in serum in 11/15 (73%) cats. Both serum (P< .0005) and urine (P< .0001) antigen concentrations significantly decreased over time with effective treatment. Antigen elimination was sensitive [urine, 90.0% (95%CI72.3–97.4%); serum, 90.4% (68.2–98.3%)] but less specific [urine, 64.6% (51.7–75.8%); serum, 52.1% (37.4–66.5%)] for disease remission. Urine antigen was positive in both cats and serum antigen was positive in 1 cat at the time of disease relapse.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Measurement ofHistoplasmaantigen in urine and serum might be useful tests for determining disease remission and relapse in cats with histoplasmosis. Further research is needed to investigate the importance of low‐level antigenemia and antigenuria.
Lion proximity, not moon phase, affects the nocturnal movement behaviour of zebra and wildebeest
Authors: Traill L. W. , Martin J. , Owen‐Smith N.
Published: May 2016

Moon phase affects nocturnal activity patterns in mammals. Among ungulates, a number of studies have found animals to be more active over full moon nights. This may be because increased luminosity provides increased opportunity to forage and/or increased ability to detect predators; known as the visual acuity hypothesis. Here, we use GPS‐derived movement data to test for the influence of moon phase on plains zebra Equus quagga and blue wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus activity in Kruger National Park, South Africa. We compare animal movement (rate and displacement) over full and new moon nights, and consider the effect of lion proximity. We found that lion proximity largely determined the nocturnal movements of zebra and wildebeest, not moon phase. When lions were >1 km away, there was no difference in the nocturnal movement activity of prey animals over full and new moon conditions, contradicting previous findings. When lions were within 1 km of these animals, however, the movement of zebra and wildebeest greatly increased over the new moon, the relatively dark period when lion were most likely hunting. Although we could not explicitly test for predator detection here, our findings suggest that the visual acuity hypothesis does not hold for zebra and wildebeest in Kruger National Park (KNP) given that there is no evidence for increased foraging activity over the full moon. The influence of moon phase on the nocturnal activity of African ungulates may be more complicated than anticipated, and we suggest that this cannot be estimated unless predator proximity is accounted for.
Routines, Hope, and Antiretroviral Treatment among Men and Women in Uganda
Authors: Winchester Margaret S. , McGrath Janet W. , Kaawa‐Mafigiri David , Namutiibwa Florence , Ssendegye George , Nalwoga Amina , Kyarikunda Emily , Birungi Judith , Kisakye Sheila , Ayebazibwe Nicholas , Walakira Eddy J. , Rwabukwali Charles
Published: May 2016

Antiretroviral treatment programs, despite biomedical emphases, require social understanding and transformations to be successful. In this article, we draw from a qualitative study of HIV treatment seeking to examine the drug‐taking routines and health‐related subjectivities of men and women on antiretroviral treatment (ART) at two sites in Uganda. We show that while not all participants in ART programs understand clinical protocols in biomedical terms, they adopt treatment‐taking strategies to integrate medication into daily practices and social spaces. In turn, these embedded practices and understandings shape long‐term hopes and fears for living with HIV, including the possibility of a cure. More significant than new forms of citizenship or sociality, we suggest that quotidian dimensions of treatment normalization shape the long‐term experience of medication and outlook for the future.
Ancient DNA from the extinct South American giant glyptodont Doedicurus sp. (Xenarthra: Glyptodontidae) reveals that glyptodonts evolved from Eocene armadillos
Authors: Mitchell Kieren J. , Scanferla Agustin , Soibelzon Esteban , Bonini Ricardo , Ochoa Javier , Cooper Alan
Published: May 2016

Glyptodonts were giant (some of them up to ~2400 kg), heavily armoured relatives of living armadillos, which became extinct during the Late Pleistocene/early Holocene alongside much of the South American megafauna. Although glyptodonts were an important component of Cenozoic South American faunas, their early evolution and phylogenetic affinities within the order Cingulata (armoured New World placental mammals) remain controversial. In this study, we used hybridization enrichment and high‐throughput sequencing to obtain a partial mitochondrial genome from Doedicurus sp., the largest (1.5 m tall, and 4 m long) and one of the last surviving glyptodonts. Our molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that glyptodonts fall within the diversity of living armadillos. Reanalysis of morphological data using a molecular ‘backbone constraint’ revealed several morphological characters that supported a close relationship between glyptodonts and the tiny extant fairy armadillos (Chlamyphorinae). This is surprising as these taxa are among the most derived cingulates: glyptodonts were generally large‐bodied and heavily armoured, while the fairy armadillos are tiny (~9–17 cm) and adapted for burrowing. Calibration of our phylogeny with the first appearance of glyptodonts in the Eocene resulted in a more precise timeline for xenarthran evolution. The osteological novelties of glyptodonts and their specialization for grazing appear to have evolved rapidly during the Late Eocene to Early Miocene, coincident with global temperature decreases and a shift from wet closed forest towards drier open woodland and grassland across much of South America. This environmental change may have driven the evolution of glyptodonts, culminating in the bizarre giant forms of the Pleistocene.
Strong dispersal in a parasitoid wasp overwhelms habitat fragmentation and host population dynamics
Authors: Couchoux C. , Seppä P. , van Nouhuys S.
Published: May 2016

The population dynamics of a parasite depend on species traits, host dynamics and the environment. Those dynamics are reflected in the genetic structure of the population. Habitat fragmentation has a greater impact on parasites than on their hosts because resource distribution is increasingly fragmented for species at higher trophic levels. This could lead to either more or less genetic structure than the host, depending on the relative dispersal rates of species. We examined the spatial genetic structure of the parasitoid waspHyposoter horticola, and how it was influenced by dispersal, host population dynamics and habitat fragmentation. The host, the Glanville fritillary butterfly, lives as a metapopulation in a fragmented landscape in the Åland Islands, Finland. We collected wasps throughout the 50 by 70 km archipelago and determined the genetic diversity, spatial population structure and genetic differentiation using 14 neutralDNAmicrosatellite loci. We compared the genetic structure of the wasp with that of the host butterfly using published genetic data collected over the shared landscape. Using maternity assignment, we also identified full‐siblings among the sampled parasitoids to estimate the dispersal range of individual females. We found that because the parasitoid is dispersive, it has low genetic structure, is not very sensitive to habitat fragmentation and has less spatial genetic structure than its butterfly host. The wasp is sensitive to regional rather than local host dynamics, and there is a geographic mosaic landscape for antagonistic co‐evolution of host resistance and parasite virulence.
The tropical Andean plant diversity powerhouse
Authors: Hughes Colin E.
Published: May 2016

This article is a commentary on Lagomarsino et al., 210: 1430–1442.
Vacuolar targeting of recombinant antibodies in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Ocampo Carolina Gabriela , Lareu Jorge Fabricio , Marin Viegas Vanesa Soledad , Mangano Silvina , Loos Andreas , Steinkellner Herta , Petruccelli Silvana
Published: May 2016

Plant‐based platforms are extensively used for the expression of recombinant proteins, including monoclonal antibodies. However, to harness the approach effectively and leverage it to its full potential, a better understanding of intracellular processes that affect protein properties is required. In this work, we examined vacuolar (vac) targeting and deposition of the monoclonal antibody (Ab) 14D9 in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Two distinct vacuolar targeting signals (KISIA and NIFRGF) were C‐terminal fused to the heavy chain of 14D9 (vac‐Abs) and compared with secreted and ER‐retained variants (sec‐Ab, ER‐Ab, respectively). Accumulation of ER‐ and vac‐Abs was 10‐ to 15‐fold higher than sec‐Ab. N‐glycan profiling revealed the predominant presence of plant typical complex fucosylated and xylosylated GnGnXF structures on sec‐Ab while vac‐Abs carried mainly oligomannosidic (Man 7‐9) next to GnGnXF forms. Paucimannosidic glycans (commonly assigned as typical vacuolar) were not detected. Confocal microscopy analysis using RFP fusions showed that sec‐Ab‐RFP localized in the apoplast while vac‐Abs‐RFP were exclusively detected in the central vacuole. The data suggest that vac‐Abs reached the vacuole by two different pathways: direct transport from the ER bypassing the Golgi (Ab molecules containing Man structures) and trafficking through the Golgi (for Ab molecules containing complex N‐glycans). Importantly, vac‐Abs were correctly assembled and functionally active. Collectively, we show that the central vacuole is an appropriate compartment for the efficient production of Abs with appropriate post‐translational modifications, but also point to a reconsideration of current concepts in plant glycan processing.
Multistakeholder partnerships with the Democratic Peoples' Republic of Korea to improve childhood immunisation: A perspective from global health equity and political determinants of health equity
Authors: Kim Hani , Marks Florian , Novakovic Uros , Hotez Peter J. , Black Robert E.
Published: May 2016

Objective

To examine the current partnerships to improve the childhood immunisation programme in the Democratic Peoples' Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the context of the political determinants of health equity.

Methods

A literature search was conducted to identify public health collaborations with the DPRK government. Based on the amount of publicly accessible data and a shared approach in health system strengthening among the partners in immunisation programmes, the search focused on these partnerships.

Results

The efforts by WHO, UNICEF, GAVI and IVI with the DPRK government improved the delivery of childhood vaccines (e.g. pentavalent vaccines, inactivated polio vaccine, two‐dose measles vaccine and Japanese encephalitis vaccine) and strengthened the DPRK health system by equipping health centres, and training all levels of public health personnel for VPD surveillance and immunisation service delivery.

Conclusion

The VPD‐focused programmatic activities in the DPRK have improved the delivery of childhood immunisation and have created dialogue and contact with the people of the DPRK. These efforts are likely to ameliorate the political isolation of the people of the DPRK and potentially improve global health equity.