bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TheDrosophila melanogasterpheromone Z4-11Al is encoded together with habitat olfactory cues and mediates species-specific communication
Authors: Lebreton Sebastien , Borrero-Echeverry Felipe , Gonzalez Francisco , Solum Marit , Wallin Erika , Hedenström Erik , Hansson Bill S. , Gustavsson Anna-Lena , Bengtsson Marie , Birgersson Göran , Walker William B. , Dweck Hany , Becher Paul G. , Witzgall Peter
Published: October 2016

Mate recognition in animals evolves during niche adaptation and involves habitat and social olfactory signals.Drosophila melanogasteris attracted to fermenting fruit for feeding and egg-laying. We show that, in addition, female flies release a pheromone (Z)-4-undecenal (Z4-11Al), that elicits flight attraction in both sexes. The biosynthetic precursor ofZ4-11Al is the cuticular hydrocarbon (Z,Z)-7,11-heptacosadiene (7,11-HD), which is known to afford reproductive isolation between the sibling speciesD. melanogasterandD. simulans. A pair of alternatively spliced receptors, Or69aB and Or69aA, is tuned toZ4-11Al and to food olfactory cues, respectively. These receptors are co-expressed in the same olfactory sensory neurons, and feed into a neural circuit mediating species-specific, long-range communication: the close relativeD. simulans, which shares food resources and co-occurs withD. melanogaster, does not respond. That Or69aA and Or69aB have adopted dual olfactory traits highlights the interplay of habitat and social signals in mate finding. These olfactory receptor genes afford a collaboration between natural and sexual selection, which has the potential to drive phylogenetic divergence.

Significance Statement

Volatile insect sex pheromones carry a message over a distance, they are perceived by dedicated olfactory receptors, and elicit a sequence of innate behaviours. Pheromones mediate specific mate recognition, but are embedded in and perceived together with environmental olfactory cues. We have identified the first long-range, species-specific pheromone inDrosophila melanogaster.A pair of spliced olfactory receptors, feeding into the same neural circuit, has developed a dual affinity to this pheromone and kairomones, encoding adult and larval food. Blends of this pheromone and kairomone specifically attractD. melanogaster, but not the close relativeD. simulans.This becomes an excellent paradigm to study the interaction of social signals and habitat olfactory cues in premating reproductive isolation and phylogenetic divergence.
Cytoplasmic-nuclear incompatibility between wild-isolates ofCaenorhabditis nouraguensis
Authors: Lamelza Piero , Ailion Michael
Published: October 2016

How species arise is a fundamental question in biology. Species can be defined as populations of interbreeding individuals that are reproductively isolated from other such populations. Therefore, understanding how reproductive barriers evolve between populations is essential for understanding the process of speciation. Hybrid incompatibility (e.g. hybrid sterility and lethality) is a common and strong reproductive barrier in nature, but few studies have molecularly identified its genetic basis. Here we report a lethal incompatibility between two wild-isolates of the nematodeCaenorhabditis nouraguensis.Hybrid inviability results from the incompatibility between a maternally inherited cytoplasmic factor from each strain and a recessive nuclear locus from the other. We have excluded the possibility that maternally inherited endosymbiotic bacteria cause the incompatibility by treating both strains with tetracycline and show that hybrid death is unaffected. Furthermore, cytoplasmic-nuclear incompatibility commonly occurs between other wild-isolates, indicating that this is a significant reproductive barrier withinC. nouraguensis. We hypothesize that the maternally inherited cytoplasmic factor is the mitochondrial genome and that mitochondrial dysfunction underlies hybrid death. This system has the potential to shed light on the dynamics of divergent mitochondrial-nuclear coevolution and its role in promoting speciation.
A multicrystal diffraction data-collection approach for studying structural dynamics with millisecond temporal resolution
Authors: Schubert Robin , Kapis Svetlana , Gicquel Yannig , Bourenkov Gleb , Schneider Thomas R. , Heymann Michael , Betzel Christian , Perbandt Markus
Published: October 2016

Many biochemical processes take place on timescales ranging from femtoseconds to seconds. Accordingly, any time-resolved experiment must be matched to the speed of the structural changes of interest. Therefore, the timescale of interest defines the requirements of the X-ray source, instrumentation and data-collection strategy. In this study, a minimalistic approach forin situcrystallization is presented that requires only a few microlitres of sample solution containing a few hundred crystals. It is demonstrated that complete diffraction data sets, merged from multiple crystals, can be recorded within only a few minutes of beamtime and allow high-resolution structural information of high quality to be obtained with a temporal resolution of 40 ms. Global and site-specific radiation damage can be avoided by limiting the maximal dose per crystal to 400 kGy. Moreover, analysis of the data collected at higher doses allows the time-resolved observation of site-specific radiation damage. Therefore, our approach is well suited to observe structural changes and possibly enzymatic reactions in the low-millisecond regime.
The interrelations between competences for sustainable development and research competences
Authors: Lambrechts Wim , Van Petegem Peter
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how competences for sustainable development and research interrelate within a context of competence-based higher education. Specific focus is oriented towards strengthening research competences for sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a hermeneutic–interpretive methodology, this paper builds upon a critical literature review to demarcate the theoretical framework and an in-depth analysis of a case study exploring the interrelations between both types of competences.

Findings

The paper discusses current issues in the integration of competences and explores the contribution of research-based methods to acquire competences for sustainable development. The analysis shows that research skills are often mentioned to contribute to this acquisition, though from a general perspective, or from the sidelines of the learning process. A holistic view on how both concepts are linked is missing.

Research limitations/implications

First, the complex nature of competences and their integration in higher education could lead to difficulties in interpreting and analysing them. Second, the analysis is based on a single-case study, limiting possibilities to generalise the results. Third, this study is not looking at curriculum practices in these fields.

Practical implications

There is a need to holistically (re-)frame research competences within the concepts of education for sustainable development and, to a wider extent, sustainable development.

Social implications

Framing research competences within the concept of sustainable development enables a thorough and “conscious”, rather than coincidental, acquisition of competences for sustainable development.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the fact that there is little literature about the interrelations between competences for sustainable development and research competences.
An experience-based learning framework
Authors: Caniglia Guido , John Beatrice , Kohler Martin , Bellina Leonie , Wiek Arnim , Rojas Christopher , Laubichler Manfred D. , Lang Daniel
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to present an experience-based learning framework that provides a bottom-up, student-centered entrance point for the development of systems thinking, normative and collaborative competencies in sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework combines mental mapping with exploratory walking. It interweaves mapping and walking activities with methodological and theoretical inputs as well as with reflections and discussions. The framework aligns experiential activities, i.e. mental mapping and walking, with learning objectives, i.e. novice-level sustainability competencies. The authors applied the framework for student activities in Phoenix/Tempe and Hamburg/Lüneburg as part of The Global Classroom, a project between Arizona State University in the USA and Leuphana University of Lüneburg in Germany.

Findings

The application of the experience-based learning framework demonstrates how students started developing systems thinking (e.g. understanding urban systems as functional entities and across different domains), normative (e.g. using different sustainability principles) and collaborative (e.g. learning across disciplinary, social and cultural differences) competencies in sustainability.

Originality/value

The experience-based learning framework contributes to the development of curricular activities for the initial development of sustainability competencies in introductory-level courses. It enables students from different disciplinary, social and cultural backgrounds, e.g. in international education, to collaboratively start developing such competencies. The framework can be adapted to different educational contexts.
Education for sustainable development in Vietnam: lessons learned from teacher education
Authors: Kieu Thi Kinh , Singer Jane , Gannon Tracey Jean
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify challenges in education for sustainable development (ESD) implementation in teacher education institutions (TEIs) in Vietnam and propose some appropriate solutions to advance ESD in training teachers toward sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors interviewed ten lecturers and 75 students in five TEIs across Vietnam and organized focus groups to obtain qualitative data which were coded to identify themes and provide quantitative results for analysis.

Findings

ESD-related topics were included in both formal and non-formal education. However, there remains a wide gap between ESD cognition and ESD teaching capacity among teacher trainees due to the prevalence of top-down pedagogy, large classes and poor facilities. Through strengthening collaboration among multiple stakeholders, TEIs should achieve more effective ESD approaches.

Research limitations/implications

Future research is required to examine the role of non-formal educational educators, NGOs, for instance, in training teachers about ESD.

Practical implications

Low-cost initiatives generating from the paper may be applied in higher education institutions, particularly in training teachers across developing countries.

Social implications

The paper analyses the key role of lecturers in ESD implementation and promotion which should be useful for ESD educators.

Originality/value

The paper points out current challenges in ESD implementation in TEIs in Vietnam and suggests some solutions which may be applied in ESD teaching education in other developing countries.
A grid approach to managing sustainability: evidence from a multiple Italian case study
Authors: Agostino Deborah , Dal Molin Martina
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the coherence between sustainability conceptualization (the “what”) and its implementation (the “how”) in terms of implemented actions and stakeholders’ interactions. The paper proposes a grid approach for the simultaneous evaluation of sustainability conceptualization and implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on a multiple case study conducted in ten Italian Universities. In-depth interviews with general directors and administrative staff responsible for sustainable activities have been conducted together with documents and websites analysis.

Findings

The coherence between sustainability conceptualization and its implementation showed heterogeneity of practice. Results propose a grid approach, which highlights six different approaches to explain the connection between the “what” and the “how” of sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

The research is focused on Italian universities and may have overlooked approaches to campus sustainability specific of other countries.

Practical implications

Understanding the coherence between the “what” and the “how” of sustainability can provide university managers with a practical tool of analysis when approaching and evaluating the sustainable campus.

Originality/value

While higher education scholars are widely exploring the conceptualization of a sustainable campus and its implementation, little is known about the coherence between these two realms, despite their importance to facilitate the transition of sustainability vision into real practice. This study contributes to this area by proposing a grid approach to evaluate the coherence between sustainability conceptualization and implementation.
Convergence as organization: Blockupy against the ECB
Authors: Harrison Yannick Nehemiah Antonio , Risager Bjarke Skærlund
Published: October 2016

Purpose

On 18 March 2015, the transnational anti-austerity Blockupy coalition protested the inauguration of the new European Central Bank premises in Frankfurt. The purpose of this paper is to analyse this mass protest event by highlighting the organizational differences, possibilities, and conflicts that was involved.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on participant observation of the Blockupy event and interviews with a group of Danish activists who also participated.

Findings

The paper constructs sociospatial narrative that unfolds through three different scales of organization: the Blockupy coalition, the participating formal and informal organizations, and the activist subject. This narrative explicates the mode of organization as a “convergence space” (cf. Routledge, 2003), with different “roots” and “routes” of organization (cf. Davies, 2012).

Originality/value

Thus, through an analysis of the modes of organization constituting this mass protest event, this paper restates the relevance of the concept of organization, which have recently been ignored or understated in favour of master-narratives of networks or the dichotomy of horizontalism and verticality. It concludes by posing a set of questions for further discussion among both activists and sociologists.
(Extra)ordinary activism: veganism and the shaping of hemeratopias
Authors: Ophélie Véron
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Literature on social movements increasingly identifies everyday life as significant to understand political practices and activism. However, scholars have retained a major bias towards movement mobilisation and collective action, often relegating the everyday at the margins of social movements. While there have been notable exceptions, with studies of prefigurative activism and everyday practices of social change, they have usually focussed on alternative community spaces such as autonomous social centres and protest camps, and paid less attention to “ordinary” practices and spaces of activism. The purpose of this paper is to address these problems by suggesting that everyday life may be central to the production of activist spaces and the action of social movements.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon ethnography methods, interviews with vegan activists, an on-line survey of supporters of vegan movements and an examination of on-line vegan forums, it seeks to analyse the practices of the vegan movement in France.

Findings

This paper attempts to demonstrate that prefigurative activism and seemingly banal practices may be central to strategies for social change. Drawing on an anarchist perspective on activism, it further suggests that activism and everyday life should not be studied in isolation from each other but as mutually constitutive in the creation of everyday alternative spaces – hemeratopias.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the literature on activism and social movements by offering a more complex picture of the spatial politics at work in social movements and a better understanding of individual action and mobilisation.
Kentucky worksite health promotion 2014 survey results
Authors: Watkins Cecilia M. , Macy Gretchen , Lartey Grace , Golla Vijay
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a statewide assessment of worksite health promotion (WHP) programs to identify the number of comprehensive programs and the health needs of worksites in Kentucky.

Design/methodology/approach

A random sample of 1,200 worksites in Kentucky was selected to receive the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Worksite Health ScoreCard to collect cross-sectional information on their health promotion practices.

Findings

Few worksites in Kentucky have WHP programs and even fewer have comprehensive programs. More businesses rely on health insurance to treat chronic diseases than WHP programs to reduce chronic diseases. Small companies were less likely than larger companies to have WHP programs and less likely to have intentions of starting a program.

Research limitations/implications

The response rate of 37 percent was a potential threat to external validity. Respondents had to recall activities conducted during the past 12 months, which could have led to recall bias. Response bias was a potential, as many of the respondents were human resources personnel who may not be as familiar with WHP programs in their worksites. Lastly, four sections of the survey had yet to be validated.

Practical implications

WHP programs, if accessible and comprehensive, have the potential to improve the working population’s health status.

Originality/value

Very little information on the availability and effectiveness of health promotion programs at worksites is available. A statewide assessment on WHP programs has never been conducted in Kentucky.
Nanomedicine and personalised medicine: understanding the personalisation of health care in the molecular era
Authors: Noury Mathieu , López José
Published: October 2016

Globally supported by public policy and investment, nanomedicine is presented as an ongoing medical revolution that will radically change the practice of health care from diagnostic to therapeutic, and everything in between. One of nanomedicine's major promises is that of personalised medicine, enabling diagnostics and therapeutics tailored to individual needs and developing a truly ‘patient‐friendly’ medical approach. Based on qualitative interviews with nanomedicine researchers in Canada, this article explores the emerging concept of personalised medicine as it becomes entangled with nanomedical research. More precisely, drawing on insights from science studies and the sociology of expectations, it analyses researchers’ perceptions of personalised medicine in the cutting edge of current nanomedicine research. Two perceptions of personalisation are identified; a molecular conception of individuality and a technical conception of personalisation. The article concludes by examining the relationship between the two conceptions and contrasts them with the normative reflex of a more expansive conception of personalised medicine.
Healed Depressed Parasagittal Skull Fractures—A Feature of Archaic Australian Aboriginal Remains
Authors: Walshe Keryn , Brophy Brian , Cornish Brian , Byard Roger W.
Published: October 2016

The skeletal remains of eight Australian Aboriginals with healed depressed skull fractures were examined. Male:female ratio 5:3; age range 20‐60 yrs. Burial dates by 14C dating in three cases were 500 years BP (n = 2) and 1300 BP. There were 13 healed depressed skull fractures manifested by shallow indentations of cortical bone and thinning of diploe, with no significant disturbance of the inner skull tables. Nine (69%) were located within 35 mm of the sagittal suture/midline. These lesions represent another acquired feature that might be helpful in suggesting that a skull is from a tribal Aboriginal individual and may be particularly useful if the remains are represented by only fragments of calvarium. While obviously not a finding specific to this population, these healed injuries would be consistent with the possible results of certain types of conflict behavior reported in traditional Aboriginal groups that involved formalized inflicted blunt head trauma.
The Contribution of the Rasch Model to the Clinical Validation of Nursing Diagnoses: Integrative Literature Review
Authors: de Souza Oliveira‐Kumakura Ana Railka , Caldeira Sílvia , Prado Simão Talita , Camargo‐Figuera Fabio Alberto , de Almeida Lopes Monteiro da Cruz Diná , Campos de Carvalho Emília
Published: October 2016

PURPOSE

To analyze the knowledge related to the use of the Rasch model in validation of nursing diagnoses.

METHODS

Integrative literature review with search in LILACS, PUBMED, CINAHL, and SCOPUS.

FINDINGS

Five studies comprised the sample, which analyzed unidimensionality, local independence, item calibration, item reliability, separation of items and people, and differential item functioning for analyzing nursing diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

The Rasch model seems to be a useful method to validate nursing diagnoses and probably also for the validation of nursing outcomes in the Nursing Outcomes Classification. The use of this model is promising, considering the advantages that it can be used in studies with several methodological designs.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Methods that are able to provide more robust evidence of nursing diagnosis validity are needed to support highly accurate diagnostic findings in clinical practice.
Maternal health in pregnancy and associations with adverse birth outcomes: Evidence from Growing Up in New Zealand
Authors: Bird Amy L. , Grant Cameron C. , Bandara Dinusha K. , Mohal Jatender , Atatoa‐Carr Polly E. , Wise Michelle R. , Inskip Hazel , Miyahara Motohide , Morton Susan M.B.
Published: October 2016

Objective

To examine prospectively multiple indicators of pregnancy health and associations with adverse birth outcomes within a large, diverse sample of contemporary women.

Design

A cohort of pregnant women who gave birth during 2009–10.

Population

We enrolled a sample of 6822 pregnant New Zealand (NZ) women: 11% of all births in NZ during the recruitment period.

Methods

We analysed a number of maternal health indicators and behaviours during pregnancy in relation to birth outcomes using multivariable logistic regression. Associations were described using adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Main outcome measures

Three birth outcomes, low birth weight (LBW), pre‐term birth (PTB) and delivery type, were measured via linkage with maternity hospital perinatal databases. Small for gestational age (SGA) was then defined as below the 10th percentile by week of gestation.

Results

Modelling of birth outcomes after adjusting for confounders indicated patterns of increased risk of LBW and PTB for women who smoke, have elevated pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI), or with insufficient pregnancy weight gain. SGA was associated with maternal smoking, alcohol use, insufficient weight gain and nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Risk of caesarean section was associated with having a diagnosed illness before pregnancy, elevated BMI, greater pregnancy weight gain and less pregnancy exercise. Number of risk factor variables were then used to model birth outcomes. Women with multiple risk factors were at increased risk compared with those who had no risk factors.

Conclusions

Women with multiple health risks are at particular risk of adverse birth outcomes.
A Novel Blood Viscosity Estimation Method Based on Pressure‐Flow Characteristics of an Oxygenator During Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Okahara Shigeyuki , Soh Zu , Miyamoto Satoshi , Takahashi Hidenobu , Itoh Hideshi , Takahashi Shinya , Sueda Taijiro , Tsuji Toshio
Published: October 2016

During cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), blood viscosity conspicuously increases and decreases due to changes in hematocrit and blood temperature. Nevertheless, blood viscosity is typically not evaluated, because there is no technology that can provide simple, continuous, noncontact monitoring. We modeled the pressure‐flow characteristics of an oxygenator in a previous study, and in that study we quantified the influence of viscosity on oxygenator function. The pressure‐flow monitoring information in the oxygenator is derived from our model and enables the estimation of viscosity. The viscosity estimation method was proposed and investigated in an in vitro experiment. Three samples of whole bovine blood with different hematocrit levels (21.8, 31.0, and 39.8%) were prepared and perfused into the oxygenator. As the temperature changed from 37°C to 27°C, the mean inlet pressure (Pin) and outlet pressure (Pout) of the oxygenator and the flow (Q) and viscosity of the blood were measured. The estimated viscosity was calculated from the pressure gradient (ΔP = Pin − Pout) and Q and was compared to the measured blood viscosity. A strong correlation was found between the two methods for all samples. Bland‐Altman analysis revealed a mean bias of −0.0263 mPa.s, a standard deviation of 0.071 mPa.s, limits of agreement of −0.114–0.166 mPa.s, and a percent error of 5%. Therefore, this method is considered compatible with the torsional oscillation viscometer that has plus or minus 5% measurement accuracy. Our study offers the possibility of continuously estimating blood viscosity during CPB.
Pulse Oximeter Derived Blood Pressure Measurement in Patients With a Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Hellman Yaron , Malik Adnan S. , Lane Kathleen A. , Shen Changyu , Wang I‐Wen , Wozniak Thomas C. , Hashmi Zubair A. , Munson Sarah D. , Pickrell Jeanette , Caccamo Marco A. , Gradus‐Pizlo Irmina , Hadi Azam
Published: October 2016

Currently, blood pressure (BP) measurement is obtained noninvasively in patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) by placing a Doppler probe over the brachial or radial artery with inflation and deflation of a manual BP cuff. We hypothesized that replacing the Doppler probe with a finger‐based pulse oximeter can yield BP measurements similar to the Doppler derived mean arterial pressure (MAP). We conducted a prospective study consisting of patients with contemporary continuous flow LVADs. In a small pilot phase I inpatient study, we compared direct arterial line measurements with an automated blood pressure (ABP) cuff, Doppler and pulse oximeter derived MAP. Our main phase II study included LVAD outpatients with a comparison between Doppler, ABP, and pulse oximeter derived MAP. A total of five phase I and 36 phase II patients were recruited during February–June 2014. In phase I, the average MAP measured by pulse oximeter was closer to arterial line MAP rather than Doppler (P = 0.06) or ABP (P < 0.01). In phase II, pulse oximeter MAP (96.6 mm Hg) was significantly closer to Doppler MAP (96.5 mm Hg) when compared to ABP (82.1 mm Hg) (P = 0.0001). Pulse oximeter derived blood pressure measurement may be as reliable as Doppler in patients with continuous flow LVADs.
Therapeutic management of inflammatory bowel disease in real‐life practice in the current era of anti‐TNF agents: analysis of the French administrative health databases 2009–2014
Authors: Kirchgesner J. , Lemaitre M. , Rudnichi A. , Racine A. , Zureik M. , Carbonnel F. , Dray‐Spira R.
Published: October 2016

Background

Management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has evolved in the last decade.

Aim

To assess IBD therapeutic management, including treatment withdrawal and early treatment use in the current era of anti‐TNF agents (anti‐TNFs).

Methods

All patients affiliated to the French national health insurance diagnosed with IBD were included from 2009 to 2013 and followed up until 31 December 2014. Medication uses, treatment sequences after introduction of thiopurine or anti‐TNF monotherapies or both (combination therapy), surgical procedures and hospitalisations were assessed.

Results

A total of 210 001 patients were diagnosed with IBD [Crohn's disease (CD), 100 112; ulcerative colitis (UC), 109 889]. Five years after diagnosis, cumulative probabilities of anti‐TNF monotherapy and combination therapy exposures were 33.8% and 18.3% in CD patients and 12.9% and 7.4% in UC patients, respectively. Among incident patients who received thiopurines or anti‐TNFs, the first treatment was thiopurine in 69.1% of CD and 78.2% of UC patients. Among patients treated with anti‐TNFs, 45.2% and 54.5% of CD patients and 38.2% and 39.9% of UC patients started monotherapy and combination therapy within 3 months after diagnosis, respectively; 31.3% of CD and 27.1% of UC incident patients withdrew from thiopurine or anti‐TNFs for more than 3 months after their first course of treatment. Five years after diagnosis, the cumulative risks of first intestinal resection in CD patients and colectomy in UC patients were 11.9% and 5.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

Step‐up approach remains the predominant strategy, while exposure to anti‐TNFs is high. Surgery rates are low. Treatment withdrawal in IBD is more common than expected.
The role of religious context in children's differentiation between God's mind and human minds
Authors: Richert Rebekah A. , Saide Anondah R. , Lesage Kirsten A. , Shaman Nicholas J.
Published: October 2016

The current study examined the cultural factors (i.e., religious background, religious participation, parents' views of prayer, and parents' concepts of God) that contribute to children's differentiation between the capabilities of human minds and God's mind. Protestant Christian, Roman Catholic, Muslim, and Religiously Non‐Affiliated parents and their preschool‐aged children were interviewed (N = 272). Children of Muslim parents differentiated the most between God's mind and human minds (i.e., human minds are fallible but God's is not), and children who had greater differentiation between God's and humans' minds had parents who had the least anthropomorphic conceptions of God. Additionally, there was a unique effect of being raised in a Religiously Non‐Affiliated home on the degree of children's differentiation between God's and human minds after religious context factors had been accounted for; in other words, children of Religious Non‐Affiliates differentiated between humans and God the least and their differentiation was unrelated to religious context factors. These findings delineate the ways in which religious context differences influence concepts of God from the earliest formation.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Children's concept of God develops during the preschool years.

The degree of anthropomorphism in children's concept of God varies.

What does this study add?

Muslim children have a strong differentiation between what God's mind and human minds can do.

Religiously Non‐Affiliated children have almost no differentiation between God's and human minds.

Parent anthropomorphism explains variance in children's God concepts, both within and across religious groups.
Why chronically ill children face challenges in regular classrooms: perspectives from nursing teachers in Japan
Authors: Seki Y. , Kakinuma A. , Kuchii T. , Ohira K.
Published: October 2016

Background

Chronically ill children are increasingly expected to join their peers in regular classrooms. However, sometimes schools do not provide adequate assistance. This study explores nursing teachers' thoughts and experiences on integrating such students into regular classrooms in Japan.

Methods

We analysed 79 essays written by nursing teachers collectively titled ‘The challenges of having chronically ill children in regular classrooms’. We conducted a qualitative study using Kinoshita's Modified Grounded Theory Approach.

Results

Nursing teachers identified three main obstacles: insufficient resources to support chronically ill students, parents not playing a supporting role in aiding them at school and a regular classroom not being suitable for them. However, collaborating with the children's medical staff proved successful at integrating them into regular classrooms.

Conclusions

Given these obstacles, it seems very difficult for nursing teachers to lead the way toward establishing cooperative support systems for the children. Instructions from medical staff could empower teachers to set up such systems.
Characterization of resident lymphocytes in human pancreatic islets
Authors: Radenkovic M , Uvebrant K , Skog O , Sarmiento L , Avartsson J , Storm P , Vickman P , Bertilsson P-A , Fex M , Korgsgren O , Cilio C M
Published: October 2016

The current view of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is that it is an immune-mediated disease where lymphocytes infiltrate the pancreatic islets, promote killing of beta cells and cause overt diabetes. Although tissue resident immune cells have been demonstrated in several organs, the composition of lymphocytes in human healthy pancreatic islets have been scarcely studied. Here we aimed to investigate the phenotype of immune cells associated with human islets of non-diabetic organ donors. A flow cytometry analysis of isolated islets from perfused pancreases (n = 38) was employed to identify alpha, beta, T, natural killer (NK) and B cells. Moreover, the expression of insulin and glucagon transcripts was evaluated by RNA sequencing. Up to 80% of the lymphocytes were CD3+ T cells with a remarkable bias towards CD8+ cells. Central memory and effector memory phenotypes dominated within the CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and most CD8+ T cells were positive for CD69 and up to 50–70% for CD103, both markers of resident memory cells. The frequency of B and NK cells was low in most islet preparations (12 and 3% of CD45+ cells, respectively), and the frequency of alpha and beta cells varied between donors and correlated clearly with insulin and glucagon mRNA expression. In conclusion, we demonstrated the predominance of canonical tissue resident memory CD8+ T cells associated with human islets. We believe that these results are important to understand more clearly the immunobiology of human islets and the disease-related phenotypes observed in diabetes.
Three immune‐mediated disease models induced by Theiler's virus: Multiple sclerosis, seizures and myocarditis
Authors: Tsunoda Ikuo , Sato Fumitaka , Omura Seiichi , Fujita Mitsugu , Sakiyama Namie , Park Ah‐Mee
Published: October 2016

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection has been used as a viral model for multiple sclerosis (MS), as TMEV can induce chronic inflammatory demyelinating lesions with viral persistence in the spinal cord of SJL/J mice. In contrast, when C57BL/6 mice are infected with TMEV, the mice can clear the virus from the central nervous system (CNS), without viral persistence or demyelination, but develop seizures and hippocampal sclerosis, which has been used as a viral model for seizures/epilepsy. In the two TMEV‐induced CNS disease models, not only viral infection, but also immune responses contribute to the pathogenesis. Interestingly, acquired immunity plays an effector role in the MS model, whereas innate immunity appears to contribute to the development of seizures. Recently, we have established the third TMEV‐induced disease model, a mouse model for viral myocarditis, using C3H mice. TMEV‐induced myocarditis is a triphasic disease, which mimics human myocarditis; phase I, mediated by viral replication in the heart and innate immunity; phase II, mediated by acquired immunity; and phase III, resulted from cardiac fibrosis. The genetic susceptibility to the aforementioned three models (MS, seizures and myocarditis) differs among mouse strains. We have compared and contrasted the three models induced by one single pathogen, TMEV, particularly in regard to the roles of T helper cells and natural killer T cells, which will give an insight into how interactions between the immune system and the host's genetic background determine the tissue tropism of virus and the development of virus‐induced organ‐specific immunopathology.
Left atrial changes in early stages of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Bytyçi Ibadete , Bajraktari Gani
Published: October 2016

Background and Aim

Increased left atrial (LA) mass was introduced as a compensatory mechanism in heart failure (HF) patients. Furthermore, atrial conduction time and LA emptying fraction is are deteriorated in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The aim of this study was to assess the early LA changes in HFpEF patients.

Methods

In 79 consecutive patients with HFpEF (age 61±8 years, NYHA class I–III, LV EF ≥45%), a complete 2‐dimensional, M‐mode, and Doppler echocardiographic study was performed. According to the diastolic dysfunction (DD), patients were divided into three groups: Group I—29 healthy subjects (control group); Group II—HFpEF patients with mild DD; and Group III—HFpEF patients with moderate DD.

Results

The LV mass was increased (P<.05), septal s′, lateral s′, septal and lateral MAPSE were decreased (P<.05, for all), E/e′ ratio was increased (P<.001), LA mass and minimal volume were increased (P<.001, P<.05), LA emptying fraction was decreased (P<.05), and LA dyssynchrony was deteriorated (P<.05) in patients with mild DD compared to controls. These changes were of the same nature in patients with moderate LV DD.

Conclusions

In early stage of DD, in patients with HFpEF, in addition to LV hypertrophy and compromised LV longitudinal systolic function, the LA emptying fraction is reduced, LA mass and LAV min are increased and LA dyssynchrony is significant, despite normal LA dimensions. These findings suggest early LA function deterioration irrespective of normal cavity measurements, hence a need for optimum therapy.
Global meta‐analysis of native and nonindigenous trophic traits in aquatic ecosystems
Authors: McKnight Ella , García‐Berthou Emili , Srean Pao , Rius Marc
Published: October 2016

Ecologists have recently devoted their attention to the study of species traits and their role in the establishment and spread of nonindigenous species (NIS). However, research efforts have mostly focused on studies of terrestrial taxa, with lesser attention being dedicated to aquatic species. Aquatic habitats comprise of interconnected waterways, as well as exclusive introduction vectors that allow unparalleled artificial transport of species and their propagules. Consequently, species traits that commonly facilitate biological invasions in terrestrial systems may not be as represented in aquatic environments. We provide a global meta‐analysis of studies conducted in both marine and freshwater habitats. We selected studies that conducted experiments with native andNISunder common environmental conditions to allow detailed comparisons among species traits. In addition, we explored whether different factors such as species relatedness, functional feeding groups, latitude, climate, and experimental conditions could be linked to predictive traits. Our results show that species with traits that enhance consumption and growth have a substantially increased probability of establishing and spreading when entering novel ecosystems. Moreover, traits associated with predatory avoidance were more prevalent inNISand therefore favour invasive species in aquatic habitats. When we analysedNISinteracting with taxonomically distinctive native taxa, we found that consumption and growth were particularly important traits. This suggests that particular attention should be paid to newly introduced species for which there are no close relatives in the local biota. Finally, we found a bias towards studies conducted in temperate regions, and thus, more studies in other climatic regions are needed. We conclude that studies aiming at predicting future range shifts should consider trophic traits of aquaticNISas these traits are indicative of multiple interacting mechanisms involved in promoting species invasions.
Room‐temperature‐densified Li2MoO4 ceramic patch antenna and the effect of humidity
Authors: Kähäri Hanna , Ramachandran Prasadh , Juuti Jari , Jantunen Heli
Published: October 2016

A patch antenna was realized utilizing a Li2MoO4 disk fabricated by a room‐temperature densification method, where the densification takes place during pressing. Therefore, the size of the ceramic can easily be managed by controlling the mold dimensions, making this method advantageous for patch antenna design. The antenna showed reasonably good performance. A relative humidity of 80% lowered the resonant frequency and reduced the efficiency of the antenna. Use of a conformal coating reduced the changes and speeded up their reversibility. The results show that the room‐temperature densified Li2MoO4 ceramics are feasible for use under high humidity with a silicone coating.
Green method for determination of phenolic compounds in mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) based on near‐infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics
Authors: Meenu Maninder , Kamboj Uma , Sharma Anupma , Guha Paramita , Mishra Sunita
Published: October 2016

Mung bean grains exhibit high level of antioxidant activity due the presence of phenolic compounds. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), in conjunction with chemometrics, was used to develop a rapid, nondestructive, chemical free and easy‐to‐use method to determine these compounds in sixty genotypes of mung bean. NIRS calibration curve with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as reference method was used to determine phenolic compounds (catechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p‐coumaric acid, t‐ferulic acid, vitexin, isovitexin, myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol). It was observed that partial least square regression (PLSR) model in the wavelength range of 1600–2500 nm with standard normal variate (SNV) and linear baseline correction (LBC) as preprocessing techniques can measure phenolic compound accurately (R2 > 0.987) with root‐mean‐square error less than 1.82%. This study shows that NIRS along with chemometrics is an accurate method to estimate the phenolic compounds rapidly and nondestructively.
The emerging roles of mannose‐binding lectin‐associated serine proteases (MASPs) in the lectin pathway of complement and beyond
Authors: Dobó József , Pál Gábor , Cervenak László , Gál Péter
Published: October 2016

Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL)‐associated serine proteases (MASPs) are the enzymatic constituents of the lectin pathway of the complement system. They are complexed with large pattern recognition molecules (PRMs) such as MBL, other collectins, and ficolins. The main function of two of the three MASPs has crystallized lately: MASP‐1 autoactivates first, then it activates MASP‐2, and finally both participate in the formation of the C4b2a convertase. In addition to this, both enzymes are involved in several other processes which are subject to intense research nowadays. Notably, MASP‐1, as a promiscuous enzyme, has been implicated in the coagulation cascade, in the kinin generating contact system, and in cellular activation through protease‐activated receptor (PAR) cleavage on endothelial cells. The third protease MASP‐3 has emerged recently as the protease responsible for pro‐factor D activation in resting blood, providing a fundamental link between two complement pathways. At present all three MASPs have at least one well‐defined role and several other possible functions were implicated. Defect or more likely over‐activation of MASPs may culminate into diseases such as ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI); hence, MASPs are all potential targets of drug development.
Complement in removal of the dead – balancing inflammation
Authors: Martin Myriam , Blom Anna M.
Published: October 2016

Recognition and removal of apoptotic and necrotic cells must be efficient and highly controlled to avoid excessive inflammation and autoimmune responses to self. The complement system, a crucial part of innate immunity, plays an important role in this process. Thus, apoptotic and necrotic cells are recognized by complement initiators such as C1q, mannose binding lectin, ficolins, and properdin. This triggers complement activation and opsonization of cells with fragments of C3b, which enhances phagocytosis and thus ensures silent removal. Importantly, the process is tightly controlled by the binding of complement inhibitors C4b‐binding protein and factor H, which attenuates late steps of complement activation and inflammation. Furthermore, factor H becomes actively internalized by apoptotic cells, where it catalyzes the cleavage of intracellular C3 to C3b. The intracellularly derived C3b additionally opsonizes the cell surface further supporting safe and fast clearance and thereby aids to prevent autoimmunity. Internalized factor H also binds nucleosomes and directs monocytes into production of anti‐inflammatory cytokines upon phagocytosis of such complexes. Disturbances in the complement‐mediated clearance of dying cells result in persistence of autoantigens and development of autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, and may also be involved in development of age‐related macula degeneration.
Old dogs—new tricks: immunoregulatory properties of C3 and C5 cleavage fragments
Authors: Verschoor Admar , Karsten Christian M. , Broadley Steven P. , Laumonnier Yves , Köhl Jörg
Published: October 2016

The activation of the complement system by canonical and non‐canonical mechanisms results in the generation of multiple C3 and C5 cleavage fragments including anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a as well as opsonizing C3b/iC3b. It is now well appreciated that anaphylatoxins not only act as pro‐inflammatory mediators but as immunoregulatory molecules that control the activation status of cells and tissue at several levels. Likewise, C3b/iC3b is more than the opsonizing fragment that facilitates engulfment and destruction of targets by phagocytes. In the circulation, it also facilitates the transport and delivery of bacteria and immune complexes to phagocytes, through a process known as immune adherence, with consequences for adaptive immunity. Here, we will discuss non‐classical immunoregulatory properties of C3 and C5 cleavage fragments. We highlight the influence of anaphylatoxins on Th2 and Th17 cell development during allergic asthma with a particular emphasis on their role in the modulation of CD11b+ conventional dendritic cells and monocyte‐derived dendritic cells. Furthermore, we discuss the control of anaphylatoxin‐mediated activation of dendritic cells and allergic effector cells by adaptive immune mechanisms that involve allergen‐specific IgG1 antibodies and plasma or regulatory T cell‐derived IL‐10 production. Finally, we take a fresh look at immune adherence with a particular focus on the development of antibacterial cytotoxic T‐cell responses.
Protection of host cells by complement regulators
Authors: Schmidt Christoph Q. , Lambris John D. , Ricklin Daniel
Published: October 2016

The complement cascade is an ancient immune‐surveillance system that not only provides protection from pathogen invasion but has also evolved to participate in physiological processes to maintain tissue homeostasis. The alternative pathway (AP) of complement activation is the evolutionarily oldest part of this innate immune cascade. It is unique in that it is continuously activated at a low level and arbitrarily probes foreign, modified‐self, and also unaltered self‐structures. This indiscriminate activation necessitates the presence of preformed regulators on autologous surfaces to spare self‐cells from the undirected nature of AP activation. Although the other two canonical complement activation routes, the classical and lectin pathways, initiate the cascade more specifically through pattern recognition, their activity still needs to be tightly controlled to avoid excessive reactivity. It is the perpetual duty of complement regulators to protect the self from damage inflicted by inadequate complement activation. Here, we review the role of complement regulators as preformed mediators of defense, explain their common and specialized functions, and discuss selected cases in which alterations in complement regulators lead to disease. Finally, rational engineering approaches using natural complement inhibitors as potential therapeutics are highlighted.