bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing changes in the microbiome of Symbiodiniaceae under thermal stress
Authors: Camp Emma F. , Kahlke Tim , Nitschke Matthew R. , Varkey Deepa , Fisher Nerissa L. , Fujise Lisa , Goyen Samantha , Hughes David J. , Lawson Caitlin A. , Ros Mickael , Woodcock Stephen , Xiao Kun , Leggat William , Suggett David J.
Published: January 2020

Symbiodiniaceae are a diverse family of marine dinoflagellates, well known as coral endosymbionts. Isolation and in vitro culture of Symbiodiniaceae strains for physiological studies is a widely adopted tool, especially in the context of understanding how environmental stress perturbs Symbiodiniaceae cell functioning. While the bacterial microbiomes of corals often correlate with coral health, the bacterial communities co‐cultured with Symbiodiniaceae isolates have been largely overlooked, despite the potential of bacteria to significantly influence the emergent physiological properties of Symbiodiniaceae cultures. We examined the physiological response to heat stress by Symbiodiniaceae isolates (spanning three genera) with well‐described thermal tolerances, and combined these observations with matched changes in bacterial composition and abundance through 16S rRNA metabarcoding. Under thermal stress, there were Symbiodiniaceae strain‐specific changes in maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (proxy for health) and growth rates that were accompanied by changes in the relative abundance of multiple Symbiodiniaceae‐specific bacteria. However, there were no Symbiodiniaceae‐independent signatures of bacterial community reorganisation under heat stress. Notably, the thermally tolerant Durusdinium trenchii (ITS2 major profile D1a) had the most stable bacterial community under heat stress. Ultimately, this study highlights the complexity of Symbiodiniaceae‐bacteria interactions and provides a first step towards uncoupling their relative contributions towards Symbiodiniaceae physiological functioning.
Incorporation of chia seed flour into gluten‐free rice layer cake: Effects on nutritional quality and physicochemical properties
Authors: Sung Wen Chieh , Chiu En Ting , Sun Amber , Hsiao Hsin I
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this research was to incorporate 0% to 30% chia seed flour into rice flour gluten‐free layer cake and evaluate its effect on nutritional qualities and physicochemical properties. The supplement of chia seed flour resulted in higher batter viscosity, hardness of gluten free layer cake, crude protein, fat, ash, α‐linolenic acid (increase up to 10.2% of total fatty acid), total phenolics content, and reducing power but the lower crust, crumb white index, cohesiveness, and resilience of gluten‐free layer cake was found. Substitution of rice flour with 10% prehydrated chia seed flour can achieve a higher center height and volume index of gluten‐free layer cakes. Higher carosine and angiotension I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity was observed in the supplement of 10% chia seed flour when compared to a rice flour layer cake. Gluten‐free layer cake with 10% prehydrated chia seeds flour had similar overall acceptability, texture, flavor, and odor scores except for lower appearance score to those of gluten‐free layer cake made with 100% rice flour and layer cake made with 100% wheat flour. Incorporation of 10% prehydrated chia seed flour results in more desirable volume index of gluten‐free layer cake and it is feasible for gluten‐free layer cake application. Gluten‐free layer cakes with improved quality characteristics and high nutritional value can be manufactured by the incorporation of chia seed flour.
Amphetamine promotes cortical Up state: Role of adrenergic receptors
Authors: Shen Guofang , Shi Wei‐Xing
Published: January 2020

Cortical neurons oscillate synchronously between the Up and Down state during slow‐wave sleep and general anesthesia. Using local‐field‐potential recording in the rat prefrontal cortex (PFC), we have shown that systemic administration of methylphenidate promotes PFC Up states and reduces PFC slow oscillation, suggesting a depolarizing effect of the drug on PFC neurons. Here, we report that systemic injection of d‐amphetamine produced similar effects. Our evidence further suggests that norepinephrine (NE) plays a major role in the effects of d‐amphetamine since they were mimicked by the NE reuptake inhibitors tomoxetine and nisoxetine and completely blocked by the α1 receptor antagonist prazosin. The effects of d‐amphetamine persisted, however, in the presence of α2 or β receptor blockade. Experiments with α1 subtype‐selective antagonists further suggest that d‐amphetamine's effects depend on activation of central, but not peripheral, α1A receptors. Unexpectedly, the putative α1 receptor agonist cirazoline failed to mimic the effects of d‐amphetamine. Previous studies suggest that cirazoline is also an antagonist at α2 receptors. Furthermore, it is a partial, not full, agonist at α1B and α1D receptors. Whether or not these properties of cirazoline contribute to its failure to mimic d‐amphetamine's effects remains to be determined. Methylphenidate and d‐amphetamine are two most common medications for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Both, however, are associated with adverse effects including abuse potential and psychotomimetic effects. Further understanding of their mechanisms of action will help develop safer treatments for ADHD and offer new insights into drug addiction and psychosis.
Influence of individual values on attitudes toward corruption: What undermine formal anticorruption effectiveness
Authors: Tu Wenyan , Yang Jianguo , Zheng Yang
Published: January 2020

The causes of corruption are often researched by scholars from the macroscopic perspectives of institutional and cultural factors. Neglected is scholarship on the relationship between individual values and corruption. People’s definitions and attitudes toward corruption are largely determined by personal values. However, scarce scholarly attention has been paid to what and how value factors exert influence on people’s attitudes toward corruption and how values moderate the relationship between the effectiveness of formal institutions against corruption and people’s anticorruption willingness. Drawing on the first‐hand survey data collected among Chinese civil servants, this research explores the impact of civil servants’ values on their tolerance towards corruption and willingness to engage in anticorruption. Adopting Hofstede’s (1984) four values model (power distance, collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity), this study reveals that respondents high on collectivism or masculinity hold higher corruption tolerance and lower willingness to participate in actions against corruption whereas uncertainty avoidance is negatively related to corruption tolerance and positively associated with the respondents’ willingness to engage in anticorruption. Furthermore, the values serve as moderating roles in the relationship between formal anticorruption effectiveness and civil servants’ willingness to engage in combating corruption. Specifically, both collectivism and masculinity dilute the positive impact of the government’s anticorruption effectiveness on anticorruption willingness.
From London to Grenada and Back Again: Youth Exchange Geographies and the Grenadian Revolution, 1979‐1983
Authors: Fairless Nicholson Jacob
Published: January 2020

Through a case study of three educational youth exchanges from London to the Caribbean island of Grenada in the early 1980s, this paper situates decolonisation as a site for youthful agency. Assessing official and ephemeral exchange material held in archives in London and the Caribbean alongside original oral history interviews with key actors, the paper argues that an analysis of youth exchanges as informal education spaces helps bring into focus young people’s agency in decolonisation both as a historical process and conceptual undoing. While the paper asserts that exchanging produced transformative moments of becoming in which young people’s global educational encounters transcended local perceptions of race, it also reveals youth exchanging to a revolutionary nation was no holiday, and that “youth exchange geographies” were governed, predetermined and impeded by the organisational labour of youth workers, fundraising initiatives, and unfolding international politics.
The role of infectious agents in cancer of the ocular region
Authors: Henriksen Josephine Raun , Ramberg Ingvild , Mikkelsen Lauge Hjorth , Heegaard Steffen
Published: January 2020

The purpose of the study was to investigate the association between infectious agents and the development of cancer in the ocular adnexa. A comprehensive literary study was carried out, reviewing and summarizing previous reports on the topic. A broad range of malignancies of the ocular adnexa are associated with infectious agents. A strong association and possible causal relationship between the infectious agent and the development of ocular adnexal cancer are seen in Merkel cell carcinoma (Merkel cell polyomavirus), Burkitt lymphoma (Epstein–Barr virus) and Kaposi sarcoma (human herpesvirus 8). Infection with Chlamydia psittaci has been associated with the development of extranodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma in Italy. Human papillomavirus infection has been associated with the development of squamous cell carcinomas of the ocular adnexa, although with a highly variable reported prevalence. By exploring the role of infectious agents in the ocular adnexa and the mechanism by which they contribute to oncogenesis, the diagnostics, management and prevention of these malignancies may also improve. Antibiotic treatment and vaccines against infectious agents may be valuable in future treatment. Additionally, the presence of infectious agents within the tumours may have a prognostic or predictive value.
The mathematical flexibility of college students: The role of cognitive and affective factors
Authors: Shaw Stacy T. , Pogossian Anahit A. , Ramirez Gerardo
Published: January 2020

Background

Traditional math instruction that emphasizes procedures and rote memorization is common in math classes, particularly within the United States. Students may be able to perform steps and recite information, but flexible thinking in math is also an important ability. Lay theories assume that extensive experience in math would lead to increased flexibility, but some research has posited a change‐resistant account, which argues that experience with traditional instruction may make it difficult to think flexibly about even simple concepts.

Aims

The current study explored the mathematical flexibility of college students who completed their K‐12 education in the United States, and investigated how affective and cognitive factors contributed to flexible thinking.

Sample

Participants were 128 undergraduate students at a competitive U.S. public university.

Method

Mathematical flexibility was measured through a novel task that asked participants to generate as many strategies as they could for a simple arithmetic problem. These strategies were coded to create scores of fluency (number of strategies) and flexibility (number of unique strategies).

Results and Conclusions

On average, participants were only able to provide little more than three unique strategies beyond the primary strategy taught in K‐12 classrooms. Measures of math anxiety, math identity, need for cognition, and working memory were all unrelated to flexibility. However, student perceptions of how many possible solutions exist were significantly related to flexibility. These results provide evidence for a change‐resistance account and provide further evidence that math flexibility is a unique construct.
Evaluation of the PIK3 pathway in peripheral T‐cell lymphoma and NK/T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Huang Dachuan , Song Tammy Linlin , Nairismägi Maarja‐Liisa , Laurensia Yurike , Pang Wan‐Lu , Zhe Daryl Cheah Ming , Wong Esther Kam Yin , Wijaya Giovani Giovani‐Clarest , Tan Jing , Tan Sze Huey , Lim Jing‐Quan , Chia Burton Kuan Hui , Chan Jason Yongsheng , Tang Tiffany Pooi Ling , Somasundaram Nagavalli , Cheng Chee Leong , Politz Oliver , Liu Ningshu , Lim Soon Thye , Ong Choon Kiat
Published: January 2020

Peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCL) and natural killer (NK)/T‐cell lymphomas (NKTCL) are a heterogeneous group of aggressive malignancies with dismal outcomes and limited treatment options. While the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PIK3) pathway has been shown to be highly activated in many B‐cell lymphomas, its therapeutic relevance in PTCL and NKTCL remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of PIK3 and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in these subtypes of lymphoma and to identify potential therapeutic targets for clinical testing. Therefore, the expression of PIK3α, PIK3β, PIK3γ, PIK3δ and PTEN was analyzed in 88 cases of PTCL and NKTCL samples by immunohistochemistry. All PTCL and NKTCL samples demonstrated high expression of PIK3 isoforms. In particular, high PIK3α expression was significantly associated with poor survival, even after adjustment for age, International Prognostic Index (IPI) score and anthracycline‐based chemotherapy in first line. Notably, copanlisib, a pan‐class I inhibitor with predominant activities towards PIK3α and PIK3δ isoforms, effectively inhibited phosphorylation of AKT, 4E‐BP‐1 and STAT3, causing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and resulting in suppression of tumour cell growth in vitro and in vivo. This study provides evidence that targeting the PIK3 pathway, particularly simultaneous inhibition of PIK3α and δ, could be a promising approach for the treatment of PTCL and NKTCL.
Real‐Time Deformation with Coupled Cages and Skeletons
Authors: Corda F. , Thiery J. M. , Livesu M. , Puppo E. , Boubekeur T. , Scateni R.
Published: January 2020

Skeleton‐based and cage‐based deformation techniques represent the two most popular approaches to control real‐time deformations of digital shapes and are, to a vast extent, complementary to one another. Despite their complementary roles, high‐end modelling packages do not allow for seamless integration of such control structures, thus inducing a considerable burden on the user to maintain them synchronized. In this paper, we propose a framework that seamlessly combines rigging skeletons and deformation cages, granting artists with a real‐time deformation system that operates using any smooth combination of the two approaches. By coupling the deformation spaces of cages and skeletons, we access a much larger space, containing poses that are impossible to obtain by acting solely on a skeleton or a cage. Our method is oblivious to the specific techniques used to perform skinning and cage‐based deformation, securing it compatible with pre‐existing tools. We demonstrate the usefulness of our hybrid approach on a variety of examples.
Impacts of center and clinical factors in antihypertensive medication use after kidney transplantation
Authors: Koraishy Farrukh M. , Yamout Hala , Naik Abhijit S. , Zhang Zidong , Schnitzler Mark A. , Ouseph Rosemary , Lam Ngan N. , Dharnidharka Vikas R. , Axelrod David , Hess Gregory P. , Segev Dorry L. , Kasiske Bertram L. , Lentine Krista L.
Published: January 2020

Hypertension guidelines recommend calcium channel blockers (CCBs), thiazide diuretics, and angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEi/ARBs) as first‐line agents to treat hypertension. Hypertension is common among kidney transplant (KTx) recipients, but data are limited regarding patterns of antihypertensive medication (AHM) use in this population. We examined a novel database that links national registry data for adult KTx recipients (age > 18 years) with AHM fill records from a pharmaceutical claims warehouse (2007‐2016) to describe use and correlates of AHM use during months 7‐12 post‐transplant. For patients filling AHMs, individual agents used included: dihydropyridine (DHP) CCBs, 55.6%; beta‐blockers (BBs), 52.8%; diuretics, 30.0%; ACEi/ARBs, 21.1%; non‐DHP CCBs, 3.0%; and others, 20.1%. Both BB and ACEi/ARB use were significantly lower in the time period following the 2014 Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC‐8) guidelines (2014‐2016), compared with an earlier period (2007‐2013). The median odds ratios generated from case‐factor adjusted models supported variation in use of ACEi/ARBs (1.51) and BBs (1.55) across transplant centers. Contrary to hypertension guidelines for the general population, KTx recipients are prescribed relatively more BBs and fewer ACEi/ARBs. The clinical impact of this AHM prescribing pattern warrants further study.
Monitoring cell‐mediated immunity during immunosuppression reduction in heart transplant recipients with severe systemic infections
Authors: Weston Mark W. , Rinde‐Hoffman Debbie , Lopez‐Cepero Mayra
Published: January 2020

Background

Treatment for severe systemic infections in heart transplantation is reduction in immunosuppression while treating the infection. An assay that measures adenosine triphosphate production in activated lymphocytes (ImmuKnow®) objectively monitors cellular immunity of transplant recipients. In this study, we used ImmuKnow®to adjust immunosuppression in heart transplant recipients with severe systemic infections.

Methods

Heart transplant recipients were followed with ImmuKnow®at the time of biopsy and diagnosis of systemic infection. Patients who developed an infection were monitored by ImmuKnow®assay with adjustments in immunosuppression based upon the results of the assay. Maintenance immunosuppression was reinstituted when the ImmuKnow®increased to >225 ng/mL of ATP.

Results

Two or more ImmuKnow®assays were performed in 80 patients. Thirteen patients developed severe systemic infections. ImmuKnow®mean value at the time of diagnosis of infection was 109 ± 49.2 ng/mL. Reduction in immunosuppression and treatment of infection resulted in normalization of ImmuKnow®level, resolution of infection, and no episodes of rebound rejection.

Conclusion

Heart transplant recipients with severe systemic infections presented with a decreased ImmuKnow®, suggesting over immunosuppression. ImmuKnow®can be used as an objective measurement in withdrawing immunosuppression in heart transplant recipients with severe systemic infections.
Advanced Medical Care Program for the Rapid Introduction of Healthcare Technologies to the National Health Insurance System in Japan
Authors: Ueda Keiko , Sanada Shoji , Uemura Naoto
Published: January 2020

Japan’s Advanced Medical Care Program (AMCP) seeks to facilitate patient access to promising healthcare technologies through National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage. This study aimed to examine AMCP’s contribution to the accelerated introduction of new technologies through NHI coverage. AMCP‐type B technologies registered May 2006–March 2019 were examined. To investigate the use of AMCP for NHI coverage, data from the AMCP website and from regulatory authority documents were used. Of 127 AMCP‐type B technologies, 38 underwent final review. Fifteen technologies were successfully introduced into NHI coverage. Eight technologies introduced directly through the Advanced Medical Care Conference were related to medical devices. Other technologies, including drugs, required additional accelerated frameworks for market approval. A strategic approach with the careful selection of target therapeutic technologies and accelerated frameworks is key for the rapid introduction of medical technologies through AMCP.
Self‐reported psychological problems amongst undergraduate dental students: A pilot study in seven European countries
Authors: Stangvaltaite‐Mouhat Lina , Pūrienė Alina , Chałas Renata , Hysi Dorjan , Katrova Lydia , Nacaite Marija , Nikolovska Julijana , Oancea Roxana , Berlin Vilija
Published: January 2020

Aim

To map psychological problems amongst undergraduate dental students with a focus on different time points in clinical work in seven Eastern European and Scandinavian countries.

Materials and Methods

A total of 1063 3rd‐ and 5th‐year dental students (response rate 70%) participated in this pilot study and completed a pre‐tested, structured questionnaire, which collected information on sociodemographic characteristics and self‐reported psychological problems. Data were analysed by bivariate and multivariate methods.

Results

The majority of participants were female and were younger than male participants. Most participants, though more females than males, agreed that the clinical work of dentistry was psychologically difficult. Almost half of participants felt nervous before working with patients (N = 506, 48%) and experienced a lot of stress whilst working with patients (N = 488, 46%); almost one‐third (N = 287, 27%) felt anxious/worried after working with patients. Being a 3rd‐ and 4th‐year student (vs 5th‐year) reduced the odds for anxiety after working with patients; being a 3rd‐year student (vs 5th‐year) increased the odds for stress whilst working with patients. Studying in countries other than Norway reduced the odds for stress whilst working with patients. Less than good self‐perceived health, presence of psychological health complaints before starting dental education, female gender and lack of physical activity increased the odds for psychological problems.

Conclusion

A high number of undergraduate dental students reported psychological problems in connection with clinical work. It is unlikely that “one size fits all”; therefore, further qualitative investigations on stressors in clinical learning environments should be done in order to design tailor‐made supportive strategies.
Plaque neovascularization detected with contrast‐enhanced ultrasound predicts ischaemic stroke recurrence in patients with carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: Camps‐Renom P. , Prats‐Sánchez L. , Casoni F. , González‐de‐Echávarri J. M. , Marrero‐González P. , Castrillón I. , Marín R. , Jiménez‐Xarrié E. , Delgado‐Mederos R. , Martínez‐Domeño A. , Guisado‐Alonso D. , Martí‐Fàbregas J.
Published: January 2020

Background and purpose

Plaque neovascularization is a hallmark of carotid plaque vulnerability. With contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) it is possible to visualize plaque neovessels in vivo. Our aim was to determine if CEUS‐detected neovessels were associated with stroke recurrences in patients with a recent stroke and carotid atherosclerosis.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of consecutive patients with a recent stroke and at least one atherosclerotic plaque in the internal carotid artery on the side consistent with symptoms. All of our patients underwent a carotid ultrasound examination including a CEUS study. Neovascularization was graded into three categories according to the extent of neovessels. During the follow‐up, we recorded stroke recurrences. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors of recurrence.

Results

We included 78 patients whose mean age was 74.3 ± 10.4 years. There were 29 (37.2%) patients with a low‐grade stenosis (<50%). The remainder presented moderate (50%–69%) or high‐grade (≥70%) stenosis. CEUS was not interpretable in 35.9% of the patients, mainly due to calcium shadows. We detected neovascularization in 80% of the plaques. After a median follow‐up of 14.1 (interquartile range, 9.5‐19.6) months, there were 15 (19.2%) stroke recurrences. In the Cox regression analysis, CEUS‐detected neovascularization was independently associated with the risk of stroke recurrence, even after adjusting for the degree of stenosis (hazard ratio, 6.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.66–26.01).

Conclusion

In patients with an anterior circulation ischaemic stroke and carotid atherosclerosis, plaque neovascularization detected with CEUS was an independent predictor of stroke recurrence.
Saving large fish through harvest slots outperforms the classical minimum‐length limit when the aim is to achieve multiple harvest and catch‐related fisheries objectives
Authors: Ahrens Robert N. M. , Allen Micheal S. , Walters Carl , Arlinghaus Robert
Published: January 2020

We address the problem of optimal size‐selective exploitation in an age‐structured fish population model by systematically examining how density and size dependency in growth, mortality and fecundity affect optimal harvesting patterns when judged against a set of fisheries objectives. The study offers five key insights. First, while minimum‐length limits often maximize the biomass yield, exploitation using harvest slots (i.e. regulations that protect both immature and very large individuals) can generate within 95% of maximum yield; harvest slots also generally maximize the number of fish that are harvested. Second, density dependence in growth and size‐dependent mortality predict more liberal optimal size limits than those derived under assumptions of no density and size dependence. Third, strong density dependence in growth maximizes the catch of trophy fish only when modest harvest is introduced; the same holds for numbers harvested, when the stock–recruitment function follows the Ricker type. Fourth, the inclusion of size‐dependent maternal effects on fecundity or egg viability has only limited effects on optimal size limits, unless the increase in fecundity with mass (“hyperallometry”) is very large. However, large hyperallometry in fecundity shifts the optimal size limit for biomass yield from the traditional minimum‐length limit to a harvest slot. Fifth, harvest slots generally provide the best compromises among multiple objectives. We conclude that harvest slots, or more generally dome‐shaped selectivity to harvest, can outperform the standard minimum‐length selectivity. The exact configuration of optimal size limits crucially depends on objectives, local fishing pressure, the stock–recruitment function, and the density and size dependency of growth, mortality and fecundity.
Fatigue residual life estimation of jib structure based on improved v‐SVR algorithm obtaining equivalent load spectrum
Authors: Dong Qing , Yu Yannan , Xu Gening
Published: January 2020

Fatigue tests of truck crane jib structure have great difficulty, long testing cycle, and high cost. Therefore, with the portfolio strategy for “collection, prediction, measurement and simulation” being introduced, an improved support vector regression (v‐SVR) algorithm is proposed to predict the equivalent load spectrum based on the small measured load spectrum and the fatigue residual life evaluation model is built. First, the v‐SVR algorithm corrected in kernel function, decision function, and parameter optimization is utilized to acquire the equivalent load spectrum. Second, the distribution of critical points is determined by the case‐based reasoning technique. The simulation model of first main stress‐time histories for critical points is established, and the two‐dimensional stress spectrum is obtained by the rain‐flow counting method. Finally, the fatigue residual life of jib structure is estimated by the Forman formula. Taking ZLJ5551JQZ110V truck crane jib structure as an example, the effectiveness of the above method is validated.
Application of a new system for classifying root canal morphology in undergraduate teaching and clinical practice: a national survey in Malaysia
Authors: Ahmed H. M. A. , Che Ab Aziz Z. A. , Azami N. H. , Farook M. S. , Khan A. A. , Mohd Noor N. S. , Ayoub A. A. , Imran Z. A. , Halim M. S. , Pai A. R. V. , Kacharaju K. R. , Mohammad N. , Nagendrababu V. , Nabhan M. S. , Dummer P. M. H.
Published: January 2020

Aim

To evaluate and compare the feedback of final year undergraduate dental students in eight Malaysian dental schools on the application of a new system for classifying root canal morphology in teaching and clinical practice.

Methods

One PowerPoint presentation describing two classification systems for root canal morphology (Oral Surgery Oral Medicine Oral Pathology, 1974 38, 456 and its supplemental configurations, International Endodontic Journal 2017, 50, 761) was delivered to final year undergraduate dental students in eight dental schools in Malaysia by two presenters (each presented to four schools). To examine students’ feedback on the utility of each system, printed questionnaires consisting of six questions (five multiple choice questions and one open‐ended question) were distributed and collected after the lecture. The questionnaire was designed to compare the classification systems in terms of accuracy, practicability, understanding of root canal morphology and recommendation for use in pre‐clinical and clinical courses. The exact test was used for statistical analysis, with the level of significance set at 0.05 (P = 0.05).

Results

A total of 382 (out of 447) students participated giving a response rate of 86%. More than 90% of students reported that the new system was more accurate and more practical compared with the Vertucci system (P < 0.001). Overall, 97% of students reported the new system helped their understanding of root and canal morphology compared with the Vertucci classification (P < 0.001). Over 97% of students recommended the use of the new system in teaching, pre‐clinical courses and clinical practice (P < 0.001). Except for two schools, no significant difference was detected between the responses of students for all questions at the different schools (P > 0.05). The students’ responses for all questions were almost similar for both presenters (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The new system of International Endodontic Journal 2017, 50, 761 for classifying root and canal morphology was favoured by final year undergraduate dental students in Malaysia. The new system has the potential to be included in the undergraduate endodontic curriculum for teaching courses related to root and canal morphology.
Improving a state‐of‐the‐art heuristic for the minimum latency problem with data mining
Authors: Santana Ítalo , Plastino Alexandre , Rosseti Isabel
Published: January 2020

Recently, hybrid metaheuristics have become a trend in operations research. A successful example combines the Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedures (GRASP) and data mining techniques, where frequent patterns found in high‐quality solutions can lead to an efficient exploration of the search space, along with a significant reduction of computational time. In this paper, a GRASP‐based state‐of‐the‐art heuristic for the minimum latency problem is improved by means of data mining techniques. Computational experiments showed that the hybrid heuristic with data mining was able to match or improve the solution quality for a large number of instances, together with a substantial reduction of running time. Besides, 32 new best‐known solutions are introduced to the literature. To support our results, statistical significance tests, analyses over the impact of mined patterns, comparisons based on running time as stopping criterion, and time‐to‐target plots are provided.
Cumulative consequences of stigma: Possessing multiple concealable stigmatized identities is associated with worse quality of life
Authors: Reinka Mora A. , Pan‐Weisz Bradley , Lawner Elizabeth K. , Quinn Diane M.
Published: January 2020

Large health disparities exist between stigmatized and nonstigmatized groups. In addition to experiencing and anticipating greater discrimination, members of stigmatized groups also tend to demonstrate greater ruminative tendencies in response, which may lead to these poor health outcomes. Even among stigmatized groups, differences in the visibility of stigma lead to different mechanisms through which stigma takes its toll. Previous work has primarily focused on the impact of belonging to a single marginalized group; however, people often belong to multiple marginalized groups, and this likely affects both their health outcomes and their anticipation of stigma. In the current study, we focused on individuals with concealable stigmatized identities (CSIs)—socially stigmatized identities that are not immediately apparent to others—and created a measure of concealable marginalization that captures multiple group memberships. We predicted that those possessing a greater number of CSIs would anticipate more stigma from others, and, in turn, ruminate more about the stigma, which would negatively impact the health. Surveying N = 288 adults with CSIs, we found that possessing a greater number of marginalized concealable identities predicted worse self‐reported physical quality of life. These relationships were partially mediated by greater anticipated stigma and brooding rumination in regard to their CSI. This work illuminates a more complete picture of how living with CSIs can take its toll on health.
Verbascoside inhibits progression of glioblastoma cells by promoting Let‐7g‐5p and down‐regulating HMGA2 via Wnt/beta‐catenin signalling blockade
Authors: Jia Wei‐Qiang , Zhu Jian‐Wei , Yang Cheng‐Yong , Ma Jun , Pu Tian‐You , Han Guo‐Qiang , Zou Ming‐Ming , Xu Ru‐Xiang
Published: January 2020

Glioblastoma (GBM) continues to show a poor prognosis despite advances in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The discovery of reliable prognostic indicators may significantly improve treatment outcome of GBM. In this study, we aimed to explore the function of verbascoside (VB) in GBM and its effects on GBM cell biological processes via let‐7g‐5p and HMGA2. Differentially expressed GBM‐related microRNAs (miRNAs) were initially screened. Different concentrations of VB were applied to U87 and U251 GBM cells, and 50 µmol/L of VB was selected for subsequent experiments. Cells were transfected with let‐7g‐5p inhibitor or mimic, and overexpression of HMGA2 or siRNA against HMGA2 was induced, followed by treatment with VB. The regulatory relationships between VB, let‐7g‐5p, HMGA2 and Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway were determined. The results showed that HMGA2 was a direct target gene of let‐7g‐5p. VB treatment or let‐7g‐5p overexpression inhibited HMGA2 expression and the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway, which further inhibited cell viability, invasion, migration, tumour growth and promoted GBM cell apoptosis and autophagy. On the contrary, HMGA2 overexpression promoted cell viability, invasion, migration, tumour growth while inhibiting GBM cell apoptosis and autophagy. We demonstrated that VB inhibits cell viability and promotes cell autophagy in GBM cells by up‐regulating let‐7g‐5p and down‐regulating HMGA2 via Wnt/β‐catenin signalling blockade.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells enhance autophagy and help protect cells under hypoxic and retinal detachment conditions
Authors: Liu Xin , Xie Jia'nan , Yang Longfei , Li Ying , He Yuxi , Liu Zaoxia , Zhang Yan , Su Guanfang
Published: January 2020

Our study aimed to evaluate the protective role and mechanisms of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in hypoxic photoreceptors and experimental retinal detachment. The cellular morphology, viability, apoptosis and autophagy of hypoxic 661w cells and cells cocultured with BMSCs were analysed. In retinal detachment model, BMSCs were intraocularly transplanted, and then, the retinal morphology, outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and rhodopsin expression were studied as well as apoptosis and autophagy of the retinal cells. The hypoxia‐induced apoptosis of 661w cells obviously increased together with autophagy levels increasing and peaking at 8 hours after hypoxia. Upon coculturing with BMSCs, hypoxic 661w cells had a better morphology and fewer apoptosis. After autophagy was inhibited, the apoptotic 661w cells under the hypoxia increased, and the cell viability was reduced, even in the presence of transplanted BMSCs. In retina‐detached eyes transplanted with BMSCs, the retinal ONL thickness was closer to that of the normal retina. After transplantation, apoptosis decreased significantly and retinal autophagy was activated in the BMSC‐treated retinas. Increased autophagy in the early stage could facilitate the survival of 661w cells under hypoxic stress. Coculturing with BMSCs protects 661w cells from hypoxic damage, possibly due to autophagy activation. In retinal detachment models, BMSC transplantation can significantly reduce photoreceptor cell death and preserve retinal structure. The capacity of BMSCs to reduce retinal cell apoptosis and to initiate autophagy shortly after transplantation may facilitate the survival of retinal cells in the low‐oxygen and nutrition‐restricted milieu after retinal detachment.
Is the Member States' Curse the EU's Blessing? Inequality and EU Regime Evaluation
Authors: Schraff Dominik
Published: January 2020

How does inequality shape regime evaluations in Europe's multi‐level governance system? I argue that rising inequality improves citizens' evaluation of the EU's political system. This effect is driven by two mechanisms. First, adverse social and political consequences of inequality within national democracies strongly erode national regime evaluations. This leads to an improvement of EU regime evaluations in relative terms. Second, citizens compensate negative national conditions by redirecting hopes to the supranational level. This compensation mechanisms further tilts regime evaluates in favour of the EU. An empirical analysis of change in national and European parliament trust across 27 member states and 14 years provides empirical support for this argument. It also shows that the two mechanisms coexist and that their relevance is conditioned by previous levels of regime support.
Europeanization as the Reterritorialization of the State: Towards Conceptual Clarification
Authors: Havlík Vratislav
Published: January 2020

In connection with the so‐called territorial dimension of the cohesion policy promoted by the European Commission, a gradual Europeanization of territorial organization can be observed in EU member states. Two main approaches can be identified in literature describing this phenomenon: scholars in European studies discuss the issue in terms of the notions of governance, while planners tend to focus on the priorities of regional development. What is missing is a unified conceptual understanding that includes the diverse aspects of these processes. This article offers an innovative view of the Europeanization of territoriality. Its key argument is that there are two ways of studying the Europeanization of territoriality: (1) as changes in the spatial organization of member states and the establishment of new regions (a static component of the polity); and (2) as changes in relations between actors of governance in consequence of the new territorial arrangement (a dynamic component of politics).
Annual Research Review: Ecological momentary assessment studies in child psychology and psychiatry
Authors: Russell Michael A. , Gajos Jamie M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Enhancements in mobile phone technology allow the study of children and adolescents' everyday lives like never before. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) uses these advancements to allow in‐depth measurements of links between context, behavior, and physiology in youths' everyday lives.

Findings

A large and diverse literature now exists on using EMA to study mental and behavioral health among youth. Modern EMA methods are built on a rich tradition of idiographic inquiry focused on the intensive study of individuals. Studies of child and adolescent mental and behavioral health have used EMA to characterize lived experience, document naturalistic within‐person processes and individual differences in these processes, measure familiar constructs in novel ways, and examine temporal order and dynamics in youths' everyday lives.

Conclusions

Ecological momentary assessment is feasible and reliable for studying the daily lives of youth. EMA can inform the development and augmentation of traditional and momentary intervention. Continued research and technological development in mobile intervention design and implementation, EMA‐sensor integration, and complex real‐time data analysis are needed to realize the potential of just‐in‐time adaptive intervention, which may allow researchers to reach high‐risk youth with intervention content when and where it is needed most.
Psychosocial burden of Hidradenitis Suppurativa patients’ partners
Authors: Włodarek K. , Głowaczewska A. , Matusiak Ł. , Szepietowski J. C.
Published: January 2020

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a debilitating disease related to a great psychosocial burden in affected patients and subsequently also people around them. Patients’ partners as caregivers may indirectly experience wide range of devastating effects of the disease on their emotional and social life.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the QoL impairment in HS patients’ partners and to identify its aspects that are affected the most. Correlation between QoL burden and disease severity, duration, sex, age and smoking was also assessed.

Methods

A total of 50 HS sufferers were assessed according to disease severity and their partners’ QoL was determined using the Family Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire.

Results

The mean FDLQI for patients’ partners was 8.7 ± 6.8 points, indicating generally a moderate effect of HS on their life. Quality of partners’ life correlated significantly with disease severity but no correlation was found according to other factors.

Conclusion

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a highly psychologically devastating disease not only for patients but also for their partners. It occurred to diminish partners’ QoL mostly by increasing daily expenditure but also other problems were often reported. Clinicians should be aware of these psychosocial implications, in order to provide optimal therapy of HS affected families by a multidisciplinary specialized management addressing both, patients and their cohabitants simultaneously.
Accuracy and clinical value of an adhesion scoring system: A preoperative diagnostic method using transvaginal ultrasonography for endometriotic adhesion
Authors: Ichikawa Masao , Akira Shigeo , Kaseki Hanako , Watanabe Kenichiro , Ono Shuichi , Takeshita Toshiyuki
Published: January 2020

Aim

To investigate the accuracy and clinical value of an adhesion scoring system using transvaginal ultrasonography for endometriotic adhesion.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, we included 131 patients with endometriosis who underwent surgery. Before surgery, transvaginal ultrasonography and adhesion mapping were performed to determine the presence or absence of adhesions at 10 sites of the pelvis. Mapping accuracy was determined by comparing the mapping findings with the surgical findings. To determine the severity of pelvic adhesions, we developed an adhesion score (0–10). With the adhesion score, we assessed the effect of surgical adhesiolysis and evaluated the relationship between postoperative adhesions and infertility.

Results

Of the 10 sites assessed for adhesions, the most frequent site of adhesions was the site between the left ovary and the uterus (70.5%). The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and accuracy of adhesion mapping were 80.4%, 86.1%, 78.8%, 87.2%, 5.79, 0.23 and 83.9%, respectively. The adhesion score in this system was significantly correlated with the adhesion‐related score in the revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine classification (R2 = 0.734). Surgical adhesiolysis yielded only about 30% improvement postoperatively. The adhesion score 1 month after surgery in the non‐in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy group was significantly lower than that in the IVF pregnancy group (3.45 vs 5.21; P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Our adhesion scoring system allowed an accurate prediction of the pelvic adhesion status and may potentially be an indicator of postoperative adhesions and infertility.
The use of photography to perform an online consumer test on the freshness of chicken breast and the extension of shelf life
Authors: Oliveira e Silva Rita , do Carmo Rouxinol Margarida I. F. , da Silva Coutinho Patarata Luís A.
Published: January 2020

Chicken is appreciated by consumers because it is a very versatile meat, affordable, and generally recognized as healthier and more environmentally friendly than red meats. Currently, chicken cuts are mostly sold packaged; thus, the adequate establishment of shelf life is fundamental. Our aim was to evaluate the potential of using an online consumer test to determine the freshness of chicken breast and the extension of shelf life based on viewing photographs. The results showed that the use of images of chicken breasts, vacuum packed, and modified atmosphere packaged (MAP), for an online consumer test is an interesting strategy. The results are consistent with those obtained from a group of consumers performing the test live with images and odor evaluation and with the counts of spoilage microorganisms. The relationship between microbial counts and acceptability was unclear, particularly in the MAP samples, which presented counts considered acceptable but were rejected by the consumers.

Practical applications

The use of consumer tests to define the shelf‐life of perishable products is a method currently used by the industry. Since consumer tests are expensive, and especially with perishable products, it is quite difficult to operationalize, and, consumer in the purchasing situation values essentially the product aspect, we organized a research work to evaluate the potential of using an online consumer test on the freshness of chicken breast and the extension of shelf life based on viewing photographs of the product as a replacement for the product itself. The results suggest that use of images to perform an online consumer test was revealed to be an adequate and useful strategy.
Estimating Long Memory in Panel Random‐Coefficient AR(1) Data
Authors: Leipus Remigijus , Philippe Anne , Pilipauskaitė Vytautė , Surgailis Donatas
Published: January 2020

We construct an asymptotically normal estimator for the tail index β of a distribution on (0,1) regularly varying at x=1, when its N independent realizations are not directly observable. The estimator is a version of the tail index estimator of Goldie and Smith (1987) [Goldie CM, Smith RL. 1987. The Quarterly Journal of Mathematics 38: 45–71] based on suitably truncated observations contaminated with arbitrarily dependent ‘noise’ which vanishes as N increases. We apply to panel data comprising N random‐coefficient AR(1) series, each of length T, for estimation of the tail index of the random coefficient at the unit root, in which case the unobservable random coefficients are replaced by sample lag 1 autocorrelations of individual time series. Using asymptotic normality of , we construct a statistical procedure to test if the panel random‐coefficient AR(1) data exhibit long memory. A simulation study illustrates finite‐sample performance of the introduced inference procedures.