bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Model Predicting Self‐Concept in Pediatric Chronic Illness
Authors: Emerson Natacha D. , Morrell Holly E. R. , Neece Cameron , Tapanes Daniel , Distelberg Brian
Published: April 2018

Although self‐concept has been identified as salient to the psychosocial adjustment of adolescents dealing with a chronic illness (CI), little research has focused on its predictors it. Given that depression and parent–child attachment have been linked to self‐concept in the population at large, the goal of this study was to evaluate these relationships longitudinally in a sample of adolescents with CI. Using participant data from the Mastering Each New Direction (MEND) program, a 3‐month psychosocial, family based intensive outpatient program for adolescents with CI, we employed multilevel modeling to test longitudinal changes in self‐concept, as predicted by depressive symptoms and parent–child attachment, in a sample of 50 youths (Mage = 14.56, SDage = 1.82) participating in MEND. Both “time spent in the program” and decreases in depressive symptoms were associated with increases in self‐concept over time. Higher baseline levels of avoidant attachment to both mother and father were also associated with greater initial levels of self‐concept. Targeting depressive symptoms and supporting adaptive changes in attachment may be key to promoting a healthy self‐concept in pediatric CI populations. The association between avoidant attachment and higher baseline self‐concept scores may reflect differences in participants’ autonomy, self‐confidence, or depression. Limitations of the study include variability in the amount of time spent in the program, attrition in final time point measures, and the inability to fully examine and model all potential covariates due to a small sample size (e.g. power).
Predicting Substance Use Patterns Among Rural Adults: The Roles of Mothers, Fathers, and Parenthood
Authors: Wong Jessie J. , Cucciare Michael A. , Booth Brenda M. , Timko Christine
Published: April 2018

This study examined the role of parenthood and parental influences on substance use patterns for 710 stimulant users age 18–61 living in the rural Midwest and Mid‐south U.S. Longitudinal growth analyses showed that a maternal history of drug use was associated with increased baseline drug use severity, lesser declines in severity, and greater plateau of drug use severity over time. Parental conflict was associated with lesser declines in drug use severity, and drug use severity declined more steeply for participants who were themselves parents. Participants with two parents having a history of alcohol use had a greater baseline severity of alcohol use, with paternal history of drug use associated with lower baseline alcohol use severity. These findings demonstrate the importance of identifying parental influences in evaluating adult substance use, and point to the inclusion of parents in efforts to prevent and treat substance use disorders.
Size‐specific effects of bighead carp predation across the zooplankton size spectra
Authors: Collins Scott F. , Wahl David H.
Published: April 2018

Bigheaded carp (Cyprinidae: Hypophthalmichthys spp.) were brought to North America for aquaculture and eventually escaped captivity. Since their liberation, they have dispersed northward through the Mississippi River Basin and its tributaries. Although bigheaded carp are omnivorous filter‐feeding planktivores, their predatory effects on zooplankton are of principal concern because many native fishes feed on planktonic invertebrates during some phase of their life history. The aim of our study was to quantify the magnitude of effect of bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) on zooplankton body size and daily secondary production across a range of body lengths.

We conducted an experiment where we compared responses of zooplankton in the presence of a native fish assemblage (control, n = 5 ponds) and a native fish assemblage plus bighead carp (invaded, n = 5 ponds). The experiment lasted 3 months (June–September, 2014) and was conducted in clay‐lined ponds (0.04 ha. wetted area; 1.5–1.75 m water depths). We quantified the predatory effects of bighead carp on overall changes to the size structure of zooplankton assemblages, body lengths of zooplankton taxa and taxa‐specific changes to standing crop biomass and daily secondary production.

The size structure of zooplankton assemblage shifted towards smaller invertebrates in the presence of bighead carp. Bighead carp reduced the individual body sizes of Diaphanosoma (Sididae) (−19%) and Daphnia (Daphniidae) (−9%) after 3 months. Moreover, the standing crop biomass (−92% to 98%) and daily production (−65% to 74%) of Diaphanosoma, Daphnia and Calanoida were reduced in the presence of bighead carp. Bighead carp reduced immature copepod nauplii by 75% when compared to controls and may have affected recruitment to the adult stage.

Our experiment indicated that the magnitude of predation by bighead carp increased with zooplankton body size, although rotifers and nauplii were exceptions to this pattern. The combined effects of reduced body sizes of some taxa and direct predation on immature and adult life stages of larger taxa suggest that bighead carp may be affecting zooplankton demographics through additional mechanisms such as reduced egg production, mate limitation, and recruitment.
Pasture intensification is insufficient to relieve pressure on conservation priority areas in open agricultural markets
Authors: Kreidenweis Ulrich , Humpenöder Florian , Kehoe Laura , Kuemmerle Tobias , Bodirsky Benjamin Leon , Lotze‐Campen Hermann , Popp Alexander
Published: April 2018

Agricultural expansion is a leading driver of biodiversity loss across the world, but little is known on how future land‐use change may encroach on remaining natural vegetation. This uncertainty is, in part, due to unknown levels of future agricultural intensification and international trade. Using an economic land‐use model, we assessed potential future losses of natural vegetation with a focus on how these may threaten biodiversity hotspots and intact forest landscapes. We analysed agricultural expansion under proactive and reactive biodiversity protection scenarios, and for different rates of pasture intensification. We found growing food demand to lead to a significant expansion of cropland at the expense of pastures and natural vegetation. In our reference scenario, global cropland area increased by more than 400 Mha between 2015 and 2050, mostly in Africa and Latin America. Grazing intensification was a main determinant of future land‐use change. In Africa, higher rates of pasture intensification resulted in smaller losses of natural vegetation, and reduced pressure on biodiversity hotspots and intact forest landscapes. Investments into raising pasture productivity in conjunction with proactive land‐use planning appear essential in Africa to reduce further losses of areas with high conservation value. In Latin America, in contrast, higher pasture productivity resulted in increased livestock exports, highlighting that unchecked trade can reduce the land savings of pasture intensification. Reactive protection of sensitive areas significantly reduced the conversion of natural ecosystems in Latin America. We conclude that protection strategies need to adapt to region‐specific trade positions. In regions with a high involvement in international trade, area‐based conservation measures should be preferred over strategies aimed at increasing pasture productivity, which by themselves might not be sufficient to protect biodiversity effectively.
Effect of silage inoculants on the quality of baled whole‐crop wheat silages and milking cow performance
Authors: Ben‐Meir Yehoshav A. , Jami Elie , Portnik Yuri , Ya'acoby Shamay , Chen Yaira , Ogunade Ibukun M. , Adesogan Adegbola T. , Weinberg Zwi G.
Published: April 2018

The objective of the current experiment was to study the effect of lactic acid bacteria silage inoculants on baled whole‐crop wheat silages and on performance parameters of high milking cows that were fed these bales. Treatments included control (no additive), Lacobacillus buchneri 40788 (LB), Lactobacillus plantarum MTD1 40027 (LP) and Pediococcus pentosaceus 30168 (PP), each applied at 106 CFU g−1 fresh matter. Nine kg (dry matter) silages and 20 kg of dry premix were included in the total mix ration (TMR) of 32 high milking Holstein cows in a controlled feeding experiment. In the initial 10 days all cows received the control silage only, followed by 25 days during which the cows received either the control or one of the treated silages in their rations (eight cows/group). All baled silages were of good quality. The daily milk yields in the last week of the experiment were 43.3, 46.5, 44.7 and 44.5 kg, for the control, LB, LP and PP, respectively. The percent milk fat for the respective treatments was 3.39, 3.23, 3.31 and 3.39, and the percent milk protein 3.27, 3.25, 3.31 and 3.28. Among the inoculants used, LB resulted in the largest enhancement of lactating cows performance.
Effects of plateau pika disturbance levels on the plant diversity and biomass of an alpine meadow
Authors: Pang Xiao Pan , Guo Zheng Gang
Published: April 2018

The plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) is known to influence the plant diversity and biomass of the alpine meadow, and it is regarded as a pest. The species has been subject to extensive controls without a clear target density in the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. We investigated the effects of different plateau pika disturbance levels on plant composition, species diversity and biomass. The density of active burrow entrances was used as an index of disturbance levels I, II, III and IV (corresponding to 8, 19, 27 and 39 active burrow entrances per 625 m2). We found that the plant community composition differed with different disturbance levels. The plant replacements were mainly related to associate plants rather than dominant plants. With the increase in the plateau pika disturbance levels, the plant cover decreased, and the plant height first increased and then decreased. The plant evenness index was higher in the levels II and III disturbance conditions, while the plant diversity index and plant richness index were highest in the level IV disturbance condition. The disturbance levels had no effect on the total plant biomass; however, the intermediate disturbance levels (II and III) increased the palatable plant biomass. The total plant biomass was mainly dependent on the unpalatable plant biomass. The total plant biomass showed a positive correlation with the richness index and a negative correlation with the evenness index. The palatable plant biomass showed a positive correlation with the evenness index and a negative correlation with the richness index. These results imply that the intermediate disturbance levels are beneficial to livestock production as they increase the alpine meadow quality, and the higher disturbance level is better for plant diversity conservation in the alpine meadows of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau.
Beyond it all: Surveying the intersections of modern American Indian, environmental, and western histories
Authors: Allison James R.
Published: April 2018

At the close of the twentieth century, the related fields of American Indian, environmental, and western history produced the discipline's most dynamic historiographies. For all their collective insights, however, these works rarely crossed into the twentieth century to examine modern Indians in the American West. This is no longer the case. This essay, thus, first explores the social and political conditions that produced the “New Indian History” and the “New Western History” by the 1990s, and then examines recent work that incorporates “post‐colonial” and “settler colonialism” approaches to reveal a more nuanced picture of the recent Indian past and the meanings indigenous people attach to it. Finally, the analysis turns to calls for a new historiography—labeled variously as the “indigenous paradigm” or the “writing back” approach—and details the benefits and challenges it poses to the study of history. Throughout, the essay demonstrates the fundamental connection between the ever‐changing present and our evolving understandings of the past.
New directions in health sciences libraries in China
Authors: Xie Zhiyun , Zhang Jianjing
Published: April 2018

This article briefly describes the services provided by Chinese health science libraries and the factors which influence service provision. Driven by new technologies and national initiatives, the key services delivered by Chinese health libraries in the last 10 years have been research support services (such as research impact assessment, support for data management), evidence‐based medicine, systematic reviews, the promotion of health information literacy, and the development of institutional repositories.

J.M.
MiR‐193a‐3p functions as a tumour suppressor in human aldosterone‐producing adrenocortical adenoma by down‐regulating CYP11B2
Authors: Zhang Guoxi , Zou Xiaofeng , Liu Quanliang , Xie Tianpeng , Huang Ruohui , Kang Huan , Lai Changfu , Zhu Jiaxing
Published: April 2018

The mechanism of aldosterone‐producing adrenocortical adenoma (APA) pathogenesis and the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in APA pathogenesis have not been completely clarified. We examined the expression and function of miR‐140‐3p, miR‐193a‐3p and miR‐22‐3p, which have binding sites in CYP11B2. Expression of miRNAs and CYP11B2 mRNA was measured by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR). Cell proliferation was monitored by colorimetric analysis, and cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression were analysed by flow cytometry. ELISA was carried out to detect aldosterone levels in cell culture supernatants. Luciferase reporter assays, qRT‐PCR and Western blotting were performed to identify CYP11B2 as a target of miR‐193a‐3p. Of the three miRNAs examined, miR‐193a‐3p exhibited a significant decrease and CYP11B2 mRNA exhibited a significant increase in expression in APA compared with adjacent normal adrenal gland tissue. Transfection of miR‐193a‐3p mimic into the human adrenocortical cell line H295R showed that elevated miR‐193a‐3p expression inhibits proliferation and aldosterone secretion, induces G1‐phase arrest and promotes apoptosis in H295R cells. Furthermore, in luciferase reporter assays, overexpression of miR‐193a‐3p in H295R cells significantly reduced the luciferase activity of the wild‐type CYP11B2 3ʹ‐UTR construct, which could be reversed by mutation of the miR‐193a‐3p‐binding site. Moreover, miR‐193a‐3p overexpression downregulated CYP11B2 mRNA and protein expression. Finally, overexpression of CYP11B2 diminished the effects of miR‐193a‐3p on H295R cells. Taken together, our results suggest that CYP11B2 levels may be modulated by miR‐193a‐3p in APA, which could explain, at least partially, why downregulation of miR‐193a‐3p during APA formation may promote cell growth and suppress apoptosis.
Dissolution of BaZrO3 refractory in titanium melt
Authors: Chen Guangyao , Kang Juyun , Gao Pengyue , Qin Ziwei , Lu Xionggang , Li Chonghe
Published: April 2018

Although numerous investigations have studied BaZrO3 as a crucible refractory for melting titanium alloys, the interaction mechanism between them has not been clarified. In this study, a set of three designed alloys with different Ti composition (TiNi, Ti1.5Ni, and Ti2Ni) were melted in the BaZrO3 crucibles. By using the X‐ray diffraction, optical, and scanning electron microscopy analysis, the interactions between the BaZrO3 crucibles and the titanium melts were investigated. It was found that dissolution of the BaZrO3 refractory into the titanium melts resulted in the crucible erosion and the melt contamination, the degree of which were both increased with the increasing of Ti content in the melts. The dissolution reaction could be determined as follows: . The oxygen content dissolved in TiNi, Ti1.5Ni, and Ti2Ni melts was thermodynamically calculated as 0.0055, 0.1922, and 0.2263 wt%, respectively, which were in agreement with the experimental results.
The management of livedoid vasculopathy focused on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs): four case reports successfully treated with rivaroxaban
Authors: Franco Marques Gabriela , Criado Paulo Ricardo , Alves Batista Morita Thâmara Cristiane , Cajas García María Salomé
Published: April 2018

Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a thrombotic skin disease characterized by episodic painful ulcerations of the distal aspects of the legs. Its healing process typically leaves small porcelain‐white scars called atrophie blanche as a result of the occlusion of cutaneous microcirculation. The main goals of the treatment are pain management and the prevention of ulceration and of progressive scarring in the malleolar area. The therapeutic management is still a challenge, however, and most treatments were based on anecdotal off‐label protocols. Over such context, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACS) arise as a potential treatment for this disease. This class of medications became an alternative from initial large studies applied on different pathologic scenarios regarding thromboembolic events. In that line, recent case series using DOACS, including rivaroxaban, started to emerge in the literature related to LV and reported successful prevention of cutaneous infarctions and ulcerations, providing physicians with a new promising alternative. The current report describes four cases of long‐term recalcitrant LV, in which rivaroxaban monotherapy effectively reduced pain and cutaneous ulcerations in a few weeks of treatment without relevant side effects. The authors also review therapy management of the disease, focused on DOACS, and suggest a step‐by‐step approach to treat these patients, taking into consideration different resource profiles of each level of local health centers, the gravity of the cases, and risks/benefits for patients.
Associations of chronic urticaria with atopic and autoimmune comorbidities: a nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Chiu Hsien‐Yi , Muo Chih‐Hsin , Sung Fung‐Chang
Published: April 2018

Background

Most cases of chronic urticaria (CU) are idiopathic. Circumstantial evidence suggests that some CU cases have an autoimmune pathogenesis. Previous research indicates that a substantial percentage of patients with CU have an atopic background.

Objectives

This study aims to examine the association between CU, and atopic and autoimmune diseases.

Methods

This population‐based retrospective cohort study identified 9,332 patients with CU and 37,328 controls matched for age, sex, and number of dermatological clinic visits from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database for 2004–2009. Using multiple logistic regression, we estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations of CU with atopic and autoimmune diseases.

Results

CU was most strongly associated with Kawasaki disease (modified OR, 2.76; 95% CI 1.15–6.63), followed by Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP), atopic dermatitis (AD), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), allergic rhinitis (AR), autoimmune thyroid diseases, Sjögren syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and asthma, which had the lowest adjusted OR (1.11; 95% CI 1.01–1.22) among comorbidities significantly associated with CU. The associations varied in relation to age, group, and sex. Among women, CU was significantly associated with AD, AR, autoimmune thyroid diseases, SLE, vitiligo, and HSP. Among men, CU was significantly associated with AD, AR, autoimmune thyroid diseases, Kawasaki disease, and IBD.

Conclusion

CU is associated with atopic/autoimmune diseases. Increased awareness of atopic and autoimmune comorbidities may be warranted for patients with CU.
Effects of low‐temperature conditioning and cold storage on development of chilling injuries and the transcriptome of ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate fruit
Authors: Kashash Yael , Doron‐Faigenboim Adi , Holland Doron , Porat Ron
Published: April 2018

We recently developed a postharvest low‐temperature‐conditioning (LTC) treatment for ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate fruits that involve prestorage exposure to 15 °C for 10 days, and it markedly enhanced chilling tolerance. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the fruit responses to LTC, we conducted RNA‐Seq analysis of ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate inner membrane tissue at four different time points: (i) immediately after harvest; (ii) after the LTC treatment; (iii) after 2 weeks of cold storage at 1 °C; and (iv) after LTC + 2 weeks at 1 °C. Pairwise comparisons revealed that 7798 transcripts were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) induced or repressed by a factor of at least four in the chilling treatment (2422 upregulated and 5376 downregulated) as compared with just 1997 transcripts in the LTC + chilling treatment (974 upregulated and 1023 downregulated). Thus, application of LTC mitigated the overall changes in transcript levels associated with cold storage. Furthermore, the LTC + chilling affected gene expression patterns related to regulatory and stress mechanisms, including modification of specific transcription factor, signalling and stress‐related genes.
Circannual variation in relative weight of children 5 to 16 years of age
Authors: Bhutani S. , Hanrahan L. P. , Vanwormer J. , Schoeller D. A.
Published: April 2018

Background

Summer weight gain in children has been reported; however, this is usually based on two time points. Our objective was to investigate monthly variation in weight status.

Methods

Cross‐sectional, de‐identified health records including height, weight and demographics, collected between 2007 and 2012 from South Central Wisconsin in 70 531 children age 5–16 years were analysed. The monthly averages in body mass index (BMI) z‐score were analysed cross‐sectionally followed by a paired analysis for a subset with one visit each during school and summer months.

Results

BMI z‐scores during the summer months (June–August) were lower than values during the school year (September–May). Of note, there was a rapid decrease in BMI z‐scores from May to June, with June BMI z‐score values being 0.065 units less (95% CI 0.046–0.085) than those in May, little change from June to August and a rapid increase between the August and September BMI z‐scores.

Conclusion

The monthly pattern does not fully agree with previous two‐point school‐based studies. Results raise concern that the use of two time point measures of BMIs (early fall and late spring) is suboptimal for evaluation of circannual variation. We suggest that future evaluation of the effect of school‐based or summer interventions utilizes additional measures in those periods so that a seasonal analysis can be performed.
Historical Memory and the Resurrection of Jesus: Encountering the Risen Christ
Authors: Levering Matthew
Published: April 2018

Why did the risen Christ only impart the truth of his resurrection to future generations indirectly? Why risk the distortion and eventual loss of contact with the truth and reality of his risen life that could result? Moreover, granted he uses mediation to preserve his presence among humankind, what means does he use? This article argues that Christ employs two principal means to preserve the knowledge and saving presence of his risen life in his church, namely: the historical memory preserved in the Gospels and the church's liturgical remembrance. The first part of this work examines the existence and reliability of eyewitness testimony in the Gospels in dialogue with the work of Richard Bauckham. The second part examines the path of liturgical remembrance through active participation in the life of the crucified and risen Christ.
Ressourcement or Aggiornamento? An Assessment of Modern Liturgical Reforms
Authors: Denysenko Nicholas
Published: April 2018

This article assesses the liturgical reforms attributed to Alexander Schmemann and New Skete monastery. A close examination of these reforms demonstrates that they were primarily pastoral attempts to continue the work inaugurated by the Moscow Council of 1917–18 (Schmemann), and to restore monastic stewardship of venerable liturgical traditions (New Skete). The author suggests that it would be more fruitful to approach the question of renewing tradition on the basis of the goals of liturgical renewal, which happen to be common to both the Catholic and Orthodox churches, namely liturgical theosis, or divinization of the people through liturgical events.
Silencing of Apis mellifera dorsal genes reveals their role in expression of the antimicrobial peptide defensin‐1
Authors: Lourenço A. P. , Florecki M. M. , Simões Z. L. P. , Evans J. D.
Published: April 2018

Like all other insects, two key signalling pathways [Toll and immune deficiency (Imd)] regulate the induction of honey bee immune effectors that target microbial pathogens. Amongst these effectors are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are presumed to be produced by the nuclear factors kappa B (NF‐κB) Dorsal and Relish from the Toll and Imd pathways, respectively. Using in silico analysis, we previously proposed that the honey bee AMP defensin‐1 was regulated by the Toll pathway, whereas hymenoptaecin was regulated by Imd and abaecin by both the Toll and Imd pathways. Here we use an RNA interference (RNAi) assay to determine the role of Dorsal in regulating abaecin and defensin‐1. Honey bees have two dorsal genes (dorsal‐1 and dorsal‐2) and two splicing isoforms of dorsal‐1 (dorsal‐1A and dorsal‐1B). Accordingly, we used both single and multiple (double or triple) isoform knockdown strategies to clarify the roles of dorsal proteins and their isoforms. Down‐regulation of defensin‐1 was observed for dorsal‐1A and dorsal‐2 knockdowns, but abaecin expression was not affected by dorsal RNAi. We conclude that defensin‐1 is regulated by Dorsal (Toll pathway).
Gain‐of‐function analysis of cis‐acting diversification elements in DT40 cells
Authors: Caldwell Randolph B , Braselmann Herbert , Heuer Steffen , Schötz Ulrike , Zitzelsberger Horst
Published: April 2018

Activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is required for the immunoglobulin diversification processes of somatic hypermutation, gene conversion and class‐switch recombination. The targeting of AID's deamination activity is thought to be a combination of cis‐ and trans‐acting elements, but has not been fully elucidated. Deletion analysis of putative proximal cis‐regulatory motifs, while helpful, fails to identify additive versus cumulative effects, redundancy, and may create new motifs where none previously existed. In contrast, gain‐of‐function analysis can be more insightful with fewer of the same drawbacks and the output is a positive result. Here, we show five defined DNA regions of the avian Igλ locus that are sufficient to confer events of hypermutation to a target gene. In our analysis, the essential cis‐targeting elements fully reconstituted diversification of a transgene under heterologous promotion in the avian B‐cell line DT40. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge two of the five regions we report on here have not previously been described as individually having an influence on somatic hypermutation.
The function and dysfunction of memory CD8+ T cells in tumor immunity
Authors: Reading James L. , Gálvez‐Cancino Felipe , Swanton Charles , Lladser Alvaro , Peggs Karl S. , Quezada Sergio A.
Published: April 2018

The generation and maintenance of CD8+ T cell memory is crucial to long‐term host survival, yet the basic tenets of CD8+ T cell immunity are still being established. Recent work has led to the discovery of tissue‐resident memory cells and refined our understanding of the transcriptional and epigenetic basis of CD8+ T cell differentiation and dysregulation. In parallel, the unprecedented clinical success of immunotherapy has galvanized an intense, global research effort to decipher and de‐repress the anti‐tumor response. However, the progress of immunotherapy is at a critical juncture, since the efficacy of immuno‐oncology agents remains confined to a fraction of patients and often fails to provide durable benefit. Unlocking the potential of immunotherapy requires the design of strategies that both induce a potent effector response and reliably forge stable, functional memory T cell pools capable of protecting from recurrence or relapse. It is therefore essential that basic and emerging concepts of memory T cell biology are rapidly and faithfully transposed to advance therapeutic development in cancer immunotherapy. This review highlights seminal and recent reports in CD8+ T cell memory and tumor immunology, and evaluates recent data from solid cancer specimens in the context of the key paradigms from preclinical models. We elucidate the potential significance of circulating effector cells poised downstream of neoantigen recognition and upstream of T cell dysfunction and propose that cells in this immunological ‘sweet spot’ may be key anti‐tumor effectors.
Parents’ acceptance and their children's choice of pet for animal‐assisted therapy (A.A.T.) in 3‐ to 12‐year‐old children in the dental operatory –A questionnaire‐based pilot study
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Yadav Tushar
Published: April 2018

Aim

To evaluate the parents’ acceptance to therapy pets, child's most favoured pet, child's choice of soft toy as compared to live pet, and child's preference of his own pet versus therapy pet.

Methods

Sixty‐two children of age groups 3‐6 year, 6‐9 year, and 9‐12 year were selected. The data from completed questionnaires were statistically analysed and subjected to z test, Chi‐squared test with P value<0.05 considered as significant.

Results

The consent to the presence of pet was given by 41.47% parents of 9‐ to 12‐year‐old children, 34.15% parents of 6‐ to 9‐year‐old children and 24.39% parents of 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children. Children who chose dog as their preferred pet were 56.7%; those who chose cat as their preferred pet were 44%. A majority of 3‐to 6‐year‐olds (63.15%) had dog & cat as their choice, while 6‐ to 9‐year–olds (65.21%) & 9‐ to 12‐year‐olds (40%) preferred dogs over all others. Dog was the favourite pet of 46.8% children. More percentage of children wanted pet provided by clinic.

Conclusions

Animal‐Assisted Therapy (AAT) can prove to be a good behaviour management technique if more parents are made aware and informed about AAT; dog is one of the highly recommended pets for AAT, and therapy pet should be preferred over home pet.
A highly strain and damage‐tolerant thermal barrier coating fabricated by electro‐sprayed zirconia hollow spheres
Authors: Zou Zhonghua , Xing Chen , He Limin , Shan Xiao , Luo Lirong , Zhao Xiaofeng , Guo Fangwei , Xiao Ping
Published: April 2018

An approach to make air plasma sprayed (APS) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) with the enhanced strain and damage tolerance was reported, using a novel hollow spheres produced by electro‐spraying (ESP) technique. Compared with agglomerated & sintered (A&S) and hollow spherical (HOSP) yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powders, the ESP powder showed a unique network microstructure and the TBCs exhibited a 2‐3 times longer thermal cycling lifetime. The splat morphology and the top coats microstructure were investigated. Some semi‐melted ESP particles were observed in the as‐sprayed top coat. The indentation coupled with the Raman mapping technique was employed to evaluate the strain and damage tolerance of the TBCs. The coatings deposited by the ESP powder show a lower in‐plane stiffness determined by three‐point bending tests. It is proposed that the superior performance is attributed to the lower amount of the short microcracks (0.5‐4 μm) with low angle (<45°) and the semi‐melted ESP particles remained in the YSZ top coat.
Structural, magnetic, electrical, and electrochemical properties of Sr–Co–Ru–O: A hybrid‐capacitor application
Authors: Altin Serdar , Bayri Ali , Demirel Serkan , Oz Erdinc , Altin Emine , Avci Sevda
Published: April 2018

In this study, we report the synthesis of SrCo1−xRuxO3−δ nominal compositions, where x = 0.0‐1.0, using solid‐state reaction technique. XRD analysis confirms the structure of x = 0 sample as hexagonal Sr6Co5O15. As the Co ions are substituted by Ru, a two‐phase structure (hexagonal R32 and orthorhombic Pbnm) emerges up to x ≤ 0.5. As the Ru content is increased further, the hexagonal R32 phase disappears completely and an orthorhombic Pbnm phase becomes the main phase. SEM images show that grain size of the samples decreases with increasing Ru content. Temperature‐dependent electrical conductivity studies indicate upon Ru substitution in the nominal SrCo1−xRuxO3−δ compounds, resistivity decreases due to appearance of metallic SrRuO3 phase. The cyclic voltammogram (CV) of the samples show capacitive properties upon Ru substitution. The cycle measurements of the capacitors yield promising results for potential supercapacitor applications.
Electron spin resonance of transparent alumina ceramics fabricated by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Kai Ayako , Matsuo Kouichi
Published: April 2018

Transparent α‐alumina ceramics are fabricated using spark plasma sintering. Paramagnetic defects related to the optical properties of the ceramics have been investigated using electron spin resonance (ESR) analyses. An isotropic ESR signal at g = 2.003 (S = 1/2) with a linewidth of 0.5 mT is formed during sintering. The g = 2.003 signal intensity has a weak correlation with the absorbance in the visible region but does not correlate with the real in‐line transmission (RIT) at 650 nm. An ESR signal with a fine structure attributed to Fe3+ was detected in both the α‐Al2O3 starting powder and the sintered ceramic samples. The degree of c‐axis orientation of the grains has been determined using the Fe3+ signal intensity, which depends on the angle between the directions of the c‐axis and the applied magnetic field. The ESR analysis indicated that the c‐axis tends to be oriented in the direction of the sintering pressure. The degree of c‐axis orientation was found to correlate with the RIT in highly densified ceramics.
Strain effects on domain structures in ferroelectric thin films from phase‐field simulations
Authors: Lin Fang‐Yin , Cheng Xiaoxing , Chen Long‐Qing , Sinnott Susan B.
Published: April 2018

Strain and applied external electric fields are known to influence domain evolution and associated ferroelectric responses in ferroelectric thin films. Here, phase‐field simulations are used to predict equilibrium domain structures and polarization‐field (P‐E) hysteresis loops of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films under a series of mismatch strains, ranging from strongly tensile to strongly compressive. In particular, the evolution of domains and the P‐E curves under different applied strains reveal the mesoscale mechanism, the appearance of in‐plane polarization during domain switching, that is responsible for a relatively small coercive field and remnant polarization. A Landau energy distribution is analyzed to better understand the domain evolution under various strain conditions. The results provide guidance for choice of mismatched strains to yield the desired P‐E hysteresis loops and the domain structures.
Objective and quantitative equilibriometric evaluation of individual locomotor behaviour in schizophrenia: Translational and clinical implications
Authors: Haralanov Svetlozar , Haralanova Evelina , Milushev Emil , Shkodrova Diana , Claussen Claus‐Frenz
Published: April 2018

Psychiatry is the only medical specialty that lacks clinically applicable biomarkers for objective evaluation of the existing pathology at a single‐patient level. On the basis of an original translational equilibriometric method for evaluation of movement patterns, we have introduced in the everyday clinical practice of psychiatry an easy‐to‐perform computerized objective quantification of the individual locomotor behaviour during execution of the Unterberger stepping test. For the last 20 years, we have gradually collected a large database of more than 1000 schizophrenic patients, their relatives, and matched psychiatric, neurological, and healthy controls via cross‐sectional and longitudinal investigations. Comparative analyses revealed transdiagnostic locomotor similarities among schizophrenic patients, high‐risk schizotaxic individuals, and neurological patients with multiple sclerosis and cerebellar ataxia, thus suggesting common underlying brain mechanisms. In parallel, intradiagnostic dissimilarities were revealed, which allow to separate out subclinical locomotor subgroups within the diagnostic categories. Prototypical qualitative (dysmetric and ataxic) locomotor abnormalities in schizophrenic patients were differentiated from 2 atypical quantitative ones, manifested as either hypolocomotion or hyperlocomotion. Theoretical analyses suggested that these 3 subtypes of locomotor abnormalities could be conceived as objectively measurable biomarkers of 3 schizophrenic subgroups with dissimilar brain mechanisms, which require different treatment strategies. Analogies with the prominent role of locomotor measures in some well‐known animal models of mental disorders advocate for a promising objective translational research in the so far over‐subjective field of psychiatry. Distinctions among prototypical, atypical, and diagnostic biomarkers, as well as between neuromotor and psychomotor locomotor abnormalities, are discussed. Conclusions are drawn about the translational and clinical implications of the new approach and its future perspectives.
Comparative study of Tempo BC automated MPN for the enumeration of Bacillus cereus group in food
Authors: Tallent Sandra M. , Hait Jennifer Michelle , Ferguson Martine
Published: April 2018

The aim of the study was to compare an automated most probable number (MPN) assay for the enumeration of Bacillus cereus group to the standard plate method using a variety of naturally contaminated and spiked food products. Foods evaluated in this study included dry products whey protein, infant formula, pancake mix, potato mix, rice, pasta in addition to liquid milk and probiotic drink. Spore preparations using Bacillus cereus and Bacillus licheniformis were used to inoculate food at three levels. The spiked food samples were diluted and inoculated either to standard plating media or to one of two specific cards to confirm the growth. Comparison of the results indicated that automated system approximated the inoculation level better than standard plating.

Practical applications

The Bacillus card estimates the inoculation level closer than the spread plates for enumeration from food products. The use of the automated system would decrease the amount of time necessary for laboratory methods and decrease the time for the availability of enumeration results from 5 days to 24 hr thus confirming the efficiency of the automated system. Laboratory response time will improve with automation reducing the time for detection of B. cereus to 24 hr, especially critical for evaluation of perishable foods and outbreak events.
Underreporting of Fall Injuries of Older Adults: Implications for Wellness Visit Fall Risk Screening
Authors: Hoffman Geoffrey J. , Ha Jinkyung , Alexander Neil B. , Langa Kenneth M. , Tinetti Mary , Min Lillian C.
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To compare the accuracy of and factors affecting the accuracy of self‐reported fall‐related injuries (SFRIs) with those of administratively obtained FRIs (AFRIs).

Design

Retrospective observational study

Setting

United States

Participants

Fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older (N=47,215).

Measurements

We used 24‐month self‐report recall data from 2000–2012 Health and Retirement Study data to identify SFRIs and linked inpatient, outpatient, and ambulatory Medicare data to identify AFRIs. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed, with AFRIs defined using the University of California at Los Angeles/RAND algorithm as the criterion standard. Logistic regression models were used to identify sociodemographic and health predictors of sensitivity.

Results

Overall sensitivity and specificity were 28% and 92%. Sensitivity was greater for the oldest adults (38%), women (34%), those with more functional limitations (47%), and those with a prior fall (38%). In adjusted results, several participant factors (being female, being white, poor functional status, depression, prior falls) were modestly associated with better sensitivity and specificity. Injury severity (requiring hospital care) most substantively improved SFRI sensitivity (73%).

Conclusion

An overwhelming 72% of individuals who received Medicare‐reimbursed health care for FRIs failed to report a fall injury when asked. Future efforts to address underreporting in primary care of nonwhite and healthier older adults are critical to improve preventive efforts. Redesigned questions—for example, that address stigma of attributing injury to falling—may improve sensitivity.
Maternal obesity reprograms offspring's executive brain centers in a sex‐specific manner?
Authors: Plucińska Kaja , Barger Steven W.
Published: April 2018

This editorial highlights an article by McKee and colleagues in the current issue of Journal of Neurochemistry, in which the authors report epigenetic changes linked to one‐carbon metabolism in prefrontal cortex (PFC) of murine offspring from dams fed high‐fat diet to mimic maternal obesity. The group found that high‐fat diet feeding in utero increases weight gain in offspring and dynamically alters DNA methylation in the PFC of male but not female brains. These epigenetic marks were associated with a shift in brain one‐carbon metabolism (folate and methionine) intermediates and were normalized by early‐life methyl‐donor supplementation in a sex‐specific manner.

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Immoral behaviour following brain damage: A review
Authors: Roberts Stefanie , Henry Julie D. , Molenberghs Pascal
Published: April 2018

Despite the apparent sociability of human kind, immoral behaviour is ever present in society. The term ‘immoral behaviour’ represents a complex array of conduct, ranging from insensitivity to topics of conversation through to violent assault and murder. To better understand the neuroscience of immoral behaviour, this review investigates two clinical populations that commonly present with changes in moral behaviour – behavioural‐variant frontotemporal dementia and acquired brain injuries. Based on evidence from these groups, it is argued that rather than a single underlying cause, immoral behaviour can result from three distinct types of cognitive failure: (1) problems understanding others; (2) difficulties controlling behaviour; or (3) deficits in the capacity to make appropriate emotional contributions. Each of these failures is associated with damage to different brain regions. A more nuanced approach to the neuroscience of immoral behaviour has important implications for our understanding of immoral behaviour in a wide range of clinical groups, as well as human society more broadly.
Distribution of extracellular matrix molecules in human uterine tubes during the menstrual cycle: a histological and immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Godoy‐Guzmán Carlos , Nuñez Claudio , Orihuela Pedro , Campos Antonio , Carriel Víctor
Published: April 2018

The uterine tube (UT) is an important and complex organ of the women's reproductive system. In general, the anatomy and basic histology of this organ are well‐known. However, the composition and function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the UT is still poorly understood. The ECM is a complex supramolecular material produced by cells which is commonly restricted to the basement membrane and interstitial spaces. ECM molecules play not only a structural role, they are also important for cell growth, survival and differentiation in all tissues. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the deposition and distribution of type I and III collagens and proteoglycans (decorin, biglycan, fibromodulin and versican) in human UT during the follicular and luteal phases by using histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. Our results showed a broad synthesis of collagens (I and III) in the stroma of the UT. The analysis by regions showed, in the mucosa, a specific distribution of versican and fibromodulin in the epithelial surface, whereas decorin and fibromodulin were observed in the lamina propria. Versican and decorin were found in the stroma of the muscular layer, whereas all studied proteoglycans were identified in the serosa. Curiously, biglycan was restricted to the wall of the blood vessels of the serosa and muscular layers. Furthermore, there was an immunoreaction for collagens, decorin, versican and fibromodulin in the UT peripheral nerves. The differential distribution of these ECM molecules in the different layers of the UT could be related to specific structural and/or biomechanical functions needed for the oviductal transport, successful fertilization and early embryogenesis. However, further molecular studies under physiological and pathological conditions are still needed to elucidate the specific role of each molecule in the human UT.
Resin‐embedded anatomical cross‐sections as a teaching adjunct for medical curricula: is this technique an alternative to potting and plastination?
Authors: Chisholm Fraser , Varsou Ourania
Published: April 2018

With an ever‐expanding use of cross‐sectional imaging for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, there has also been an increase in the need for exposure to such radiological and anatomical views at the undergraduate and postgraduate level to allow for early familiarisation with the relevant anatomy. Cadaveric cross‐sections offer an excellent link between the two‐dimensional radiological images and the three‐dimensional anatomical structures. For such cross‐sections to be useful and informative within educational settings, they need to be: (i) safe for students and trainees to handle and (ii) robust enough to withstand repeated handling; as well as (iii) displaying anatomy clearly and accurately. There are various ways in which cross‐sections can be prepared and presented; plastinated, potted, vacuum‐sealed or unmounted. Each of these approaches has advantages and disadvantages in terms of technical complexity, cost and quality. As an alternative to the above methods and their limitations, we propose the presentation of cadaveric cross‐sections in a transparent polyester resin. This technique has been used extensively in craft and artistic industries, yet it is not publicised in anatomy teaching settings. The sections were layered in polyester resin contained within a mould. The set resin required finishing by sanding and polishing. The final cross‐sections were safe to handle, durable and maintained excellent anatomical relationships of the contained structures. The transparency of the set resin was water‐clear and did not obstruct the visibility of the anatomy. The cost of the process was found to be significantly lower, requiring less infrastructure when compared with alternative methods. The following trivial technical difficulties were noted during the resin‐embedding process: trapped air causing organs to float; retained water in the anatomical specimens creating bubbles and discoloration; and microbubbles emerging from the solution affecting the finished surface. However, solutions to these minor limitations have been discussed within the paper with the aim of future proofing this technique. The sections have been used in undergraduate medical teaching for 4 years and they have shown no signs of degradation or discoloration. We believe that this method is a viable and cost‐effective alternative to other approaches of displaying cross‐sectional cadaveric material and will help students and trainees bridge the gap between the traditional three‐dimensional anatomy and two‐dimensional images.