bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methamphetamine promotes habitual action and alters the density of striatal glutamate receptor and vesicular proteins in dorsal striatum
Authors: Furlong Teri M. , Corbit Laura H. , Brown Robert A. , Balleine Bernard W.
Published: July 2017

Goal‐directed actions are controlled by the value of the consequences they produce and so increase when what they produce is valuable and decrease when it is not. With continued invariant practice, however, goal‐directed actions can become habits, controlled not by their consequences but by antecedent, reward‐related states and stimuli. Here, we show that pre‐exposure to methamphetamine (METH) caused abnormally rapid development of habitual control. Furthermore, these drug‐induced habits differed strikingly from conventional habits; we found that they were insensitive both to changes in reward value and to the effects of negative feedback. In addition to these behavioral changes, METH exposure produced bidirectional changes to synaptic proteins in the dorsal striatum. In the dorsomedial striatum, a structure critical for goal‐directed action, METH exposure was associated with a reduction in glutamate receptor and glutamate vesicular proteins, whereas in the dorsolateral striatum, a region that has previously been implicated in habit learning, there was an increase in these proteins. Together, these results indicate that METH exposure promotes habitual control of action that appears to be the result of bidirectional changes in glutamatergic transmission in the circuits underlying goal‐directed and habit‐based learning.
Testing the nicotine dependence measure mFTQ for adolescent smokers: A multinational investigation
Authors: Prokhorov Alexander V. , Khalil Georges E. , Foster Dawn W. , Marani Salma K. , Guindani Michele , Espada Jose P. , Gonzálvez Maria T. , Idrisov Bulat , Galimov Artur , Arora Monika , Tewari Abha , Isralowitz Richard , Lapvongwatana Punyarat , Chansatitporn Natkamol , Chen Xinguang , Zheng Hong , Sussman Steve
Published: July 2017

Background and Objectives

As a measure of nicotine dependence among adolescent smokers, the modified Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire (mFTQ; seven items), has been successfully used in the United States (USA). Nonetheless, the validity and reliability of mFTQ at the international level is still needed. The current study is the first to test the validity and reliability of mFTQ in four countries: Thailand, Spain, the USA, and Russia.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional survey, mFTQ, risk factors of nicotine dependence, and sociodemographic characteristics were assessed. Risk factors included age of first cigarette, frequency of alcohol use, frequency of marijuana use, and number of cigarettes smoked yesterday. Salivary cotinine was also obtained in Thailand and Spain.

Results

For all four countries, mFTQ exhibited a single factor structure, as supported by previous work in the USA. For all studied countries except Thailand, mFTQ presented acceptable internal reliability. Overall, risk factors of nicotine dependence have predicted mFTQ scores across countries. Frequency of alcohol use in the USA and frequency of marijuana use in Thailand and Spain were not associated with mFTQ scores.

Discussion and Conclusions

mFTQ is a single‐factor measure of nicotine dependence that shows acceptable internal consistency and validity across countries. Further work can advance the scale and tailor it to different cultures.

Scientific Significance

mFTQ can be a clinically practical international measure of nicotine dependence. This study provides initial support for the utility of the mFTQ among Thai, Spanish, American, and Russian adolescents. Further research is needed to test and advance mFTQ across cultures. (Am J Addict 2017;26:689–696)
Role of sentinel lymph node biopsy as a staging procedure in patients with melanoma: A critical appraisal
Authors: Nieweg Omgo E , Cooper Alan , Thompson John F
Published: July 2017

Worldwide, sentinel node (SN) biopsy for accurate staging is now part of the standard work‐up of patients with melanomas ≥1.0 mm Breslow thickness, as it is for staging patients with breast cancer. Nuclear medicine imaging and surgical techniques have evolved to such a degree that a SN can be identified and removed in virtually every patient. Nevertheless, some opposition to a routine SN biopsy remains, perhaps due to a failure to appreciate the serious implications of incomplete or inaccurate staging. Guided by a critical appraisal of the available evidence, this review elucidates the definition of an SN, discusses the sensitivity and specificity of the information it provides, emphasises that it is a minor staging procedure that can lead to improved survival when followed by appropriate therapy, and explains the necessarily unconventional and complex design of the only randomised trial that addresses this subject. It also describes other benefits and risks of an SN biopsy and outlines its role in current melanoma management.
Natural Graffiti and Cultural Plants: Memory, Race, and Contemporary Archaeology in Yosemite and Detroit
Authors: Chenoweth John M.
Published: July 2017

This article argues that some elements of material culture can creatively cross the line between notions of “nature” and “culture” as these and related ideas are often tacitly understood by some modern people. This has implications for the biosphere, but the division of these categories is also tied up with the division of people, processes of identification, memorialization, and the way some people are defined out of the human realm altogether. Modern material culture—objects used, left, manipulated, and removed by people—seems particularly adept at telling us about these categories in the minds of some modern people. An archaeology of the contemporary examines how people interact with different kinds of “natural” things in places where nature and culture, in the modern imaginary, meet and conflict. In the starkly different contexts of the city of Detroit and Yosemite National Park, such objects have been managed and manipulated in a way that speaks to crucial issues of memory, identity, and race. [contemporary archaeology, nature and culture, memory, national parks, Detroit]
Inflammatory reaction found in prostate‐specific material – method standardization and proposed optimal cut‐off points
Authors: Korrovits P. , Poolamets O. , Mändar R. , Punab M.
Published: July 2017

Prostatitis classification as well as treatment decisions are primarily based on differentiation of the inflammatory status in prostate‐specific material. At the same time, methods used for detection of inflammation are semi‐quantitative and not finally standardized. The main aim of this study was to suggest more precise methods for detection of prostate inflammatory status. Additional aims were to define optimal cut‐off points of various tests in order to discriminate between inflammatory and non‐inflammatory condition and to analyze the prevalence of inflammatory prostatitis in the groups of symptomatic prostatitis, lower urinary tract symptoms and control subjects. This prospective study included 541 patients (with prostatitis symptoms, with lower urinary tract symptoms and controls) at Tartu University Hospital, Estonia. Leukocyte counts in first‐void urine, expressed prostatic secretion and post‐massage urine as well as interleukin‐6 in prostate secretion specimens were determined. Based on ROC curve analysis, we detected potential normal values for leukocytes in expressed prostatic secretion (<0.5 m/mL), leukocytes in post‐massage urine (<4 WBCs per HPF) and IL‐6 in prostatic secretion (<50 nmol/mL). Using these newly defined normal values, we detected inflammatory reaction in prostate‐specific materials in 24.3%, 53.4% and 69% in control, lower urinary tract symptoms and prostatitis group, respectively. Limitation: only subjects with prostatic fluid volume >0.04 mL were included. We propose standardized method for analysis of inflammatory reaction in prostate‐specific materials. Based on these newly defined normal values, we verified high prevalence of inflammatory forms of disease in both study groups, but also high prevalence of asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis among control group of Estonian men. Combining results of analysis of the different inflammatory markers from available prostate‐specific materials allows us to differentiate better between inflammatory and non‐inflammatory forms of prostate diseases and hence to choose more precise treatment strategies.
Predictive factors for publication of abstracts at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Congress
Authors: Udovicich Cristian , Soh Bryan , Law Sam , Hoe Venetia , Lanfranco Dion , Perera Kalpa , Duong Cuong , Chan Steven
Published: July 2017

Background

A key metric of the research quality of medical conferences is the publication rate of abstracts. The study objective was to determine the publication rate of abstracts presented at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Congress (RACS ASC) and to examine for any predictive factors associated with publication.

Methods

Abstracts presented at the RACS ASC from 2011 to 2013 were analysed. Abstract characteristics such as presentation format, study type, study design, study site, cohort size and author origin were recorded. Abstracts published were identified by a PubMed search using a strict algorithm. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyse for predictive factors of publication.

Results

Overall, 1438 abstracts were presented and 423 abstracts (29%) were published. The median time to publication was 15.2 months (interquartile range: 8–26) with 110 in Australasian journals (26%). The median number of citations for published abstracts was 6 (interquartile range: 2–16). After multivariable analysis, publication was significantly associated with prospective study design (odds ratio (OR) = 1.34, P = 0.02), multicentre study site (OR = 1.43, P = 0.02), cohort size ≥100 (OR = 2.00, P < 0.001) and New Zealand author origin (OR = 1.50, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that less than one‐third of abstracts presented at the RACS ASC are subsequently published in a peer‐reviewed journal. Factors significantly associated with journal publication include prospective studies, multicentre study, a larger cohort size and New Zealand author origin. Advances in surgery may progress from the preliminary findings of conference abstracts. However only after the rigorous peer review offered by journal publication should changes in decision‐making of patient care occur.
Role of abnormal repolarization in the mechanism of cardiac arrhythmia
Authors: Osadchii O. E.
Published: July 2017

In cardiac patients, life‐threatening tachyarrhythmia is often precipitated by abnormal changes in ventricular repolarization and refractoriness. Repolarization abnormalities typically evolve as a consequence of impaired function of outward K+currents in cardiac myocytes, which may be caused by genetic defects or result from various acquired pathophysiological conditions, including electrical remodelling in cardiac disease, ion channel modulation by clinically used pharmacological agents, and systemic electrolyte disorders seen in heart failure, such as hypokalaemia. Cardiac electrical instability attributed to abnormal repolarization relies on the complex interplay between a provocative arrhythmic trigger and vulnerable arrhythmic substrate, with a central role played by the excessive prolongation of ventricular action potential duration, impaired intracellular Ca2+handling, and slowed impulse conduction. This review outlines the electrical activity of ventricular myocytes in normal conditions and cardiac disease, describes classical electrophysiological mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmia, and provides an update on repolarization‐related surrogates currently used to assess arrhythmic propensity, including spatial dispersion of repolarization, activation–repolarization coupling, electrical restitution,TRIaD (triangulation, reverse use dependence, instability, and dispersion), and the electromechanical window. This is followed by a discussion of the mechanisms that account for the dependence of arrhythmic vulnerability on the location of the ventricular pacing site. Finally, the review clarifies the electrophysiological basis for cardiac arrhythmia produced by hypokalaemia, and gives insight into the clinical importance and pathophysiology of drug‐induced arrhythmia, with particular focus on class Ia (quinidine, procainamide) and Ic (flecainide) Na+channel blockers, and classIIIantiarrhythmic agents that block the delayed rectifier K+channel (dofetilide).
If, Why, and When Subjective Well‐Being Influences Health, and Future Needed Research
Authors: Diener Ed , Pressman Sarah D. , Hunter John , Delgadillo‐Chase Desiree
Published: July 2017

We review evidence on whether subjective well‐being (SWB) can influence health, why it might do so, and what we know about the conditions where this is more or less likely to occur. This review also explores how various methodological approaches inform the study of the connections between subjective well‐being and health and longevity outcomes. Our review of this growing literature indicates areas where data are substantial and where much more research is needed. We conclude that SWB can sometimes influence health, and review a number of reasons why it does so. A key open question is when it does and does not do so—in terms of populations likely to be affected, types of SWB that are most influential (including which might be harmful), and types of health and illnesses that are most likely to be affected. We also describe additional types of research that are now much needed in this burgeoning area of interest, for example, cross‐cultural studies, animal research, and experimental interventions designed to raise long‐term SWB and assess the effects on physical health. This research area is characterised both by potentially extremely important findings, and also by pivotal research issues and questions.
Editorial: changing nature of paediatric IBD—new insights from Irish data
Authors: Wiskin A. E. , Sandhu B. K.
Published: July 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Hussey and Coughlan et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14192 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14070.
Letter: clinical response to pioglitazone in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH] treatment—use of pharmacokinetic surrogate
Authors: Srinivas N. R.
Published: July 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Srinivas paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14169.
Editorial: mesalazine to prevent recurrent acute diverticulitis—the final nail in the coffin
Authors: Gracie D. J. , Ford A. C.
Published: July 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Gracie and Ford et al and Kruis and Greinwald papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14180 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14193.
Editorial: different tests for different drugs in Crohn’s disease, or different tests for different people?
Authors: Seow C. H. , Panaccione R.
Published: July 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Seow and Panacionne and Ward and Irving papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14185 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14209.
Letter: liver transplantation for acute HEV infection in cirrhotic patients in France
Authors: Borentain P. , Colson P. , Gregoire E. , Allard G. , Gerolami R.
Published: July 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Borentain and Colson et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14188.
Letter: there is something about the Neutrophil‐to‐Lymphocyte ratio (NLR)…—authors' reply
Authors: Cai Y.‐J. , Shi K.‐Q. , Zhou M.‐T.
Published: July 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Forest and Cai and Shi et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14183 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14208.
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate significantly decreases serum lipoprotein levels compared with entecavir nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy in chronic hepatitis B carriers
Authors: Shaheen A. A. , AlMattooq M. , Yazdanfar S. , Burak K. W. , Swain M. G. , Congly S. E. , Borman M. A. , Lee S. S. , Myers R. P. , Coffin C. S.
Published: July 2017

Background

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and entecavir (ETV) are first‐line treatments for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Studies suggest lipid lowering effect of TDF in human immunodeficiency virus positive (HIV+) individuals, but the effect on lipids and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in CHB is unknown.

Aim

To compare TDF vs ETV effects on lipid levels in CHB.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, data on serum lipids and CVD risk factors at baseline and ~1 year on TDF or ETV were collected from CHB carriers. We used propensity score matched models to assess the effect on total cholesterol (TC), LDL‐C, HDL and triglycerides (TGL).

Results

In 348 patients, median age was 57 (IQR: 47‐65 years), 63% were male, 77% were Asian, 19% were cirrhotic, 25% were HBeAg positive at baseline, and 72% received TDF vs 28% ETV. ETV‐treated patients were older (median age: 60 vs 55, P<.01), had similar smoking and hypertension rates, but diabetes and dyslipidemia were more prevalent (19% vs 9%, P=.01; 14% vs 6%, P=.05, respectively). In propensity score matched models for age, gender, usage of lipid lowering agents, dyslipidemia and diabetes, TDF‐treated patients were more likely to show a 20% decrease in TC (95% CI: 3%‐25%), LDL‐C (95% CI: 1%‐25%) and HDL‐C (CI: 10%‐30%) levels compared with those on ETV. No change in TGL was observed in either group.

Conclusions

A greater decline in TC, LDL‐C and HDL was observed in CHB carriers receiving TDF compared with ETV. These data may influence anti‐viral choice in CHB carriers at risk for CVD.
Quantitative efficacy of topical administration of tranexamic acid on postoperative bleeding in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Xu Ruijuan , Shi Dongquan , Ge Weihong , Jiang Qing
Published: July 2017

Aims

Topical tranexamic acid (TXA) is used in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty to reduce perioperative blood loss. However, the optimal dosing regimen remains undetermined. The aim of the present study was to quantitatively evaluate the effect of topical TXA on the reduction of postoperative drainage, and identify the dosing regimen factors affecting the efficacy of topical TXA.

Methods

Model‐based meta‐analysis was used to evaluate the efficacy of topical TXA and the dosing regimen factors influencing clinical efficacy. Data from a systemic literature search was identified and used to build a time‐effect model for placebo and TXA in treating perioperative blood loss.

Results

Fourteen studies containing 16 TXA–control groups of drainage volume data were included for MBMA modelling. The model described the postoperative drainage‐time profiles adequately. According to the model estimation, TXA can finally reduce the postoperative drainage by about 41.7%, and 10.9 h was needed to reach 50% of the maximal drainage volume. Covariate analysis indicated that both dose and contact time alone did not correlate well with clinical efficacy. However, when considered together, they can dramatically improve fitting of the data. Simulation showed that increasing dose or contact time extensively would produce a plateau‐like effect: 2–3 g TXA with contact time of 1–2 h would yield >60% reduction in the drainage volume.

Conclusions

Dose and contact time together determined the efficacy of TXA. Extensively large dose or long contact time seems unnecessary. These findings may further guide the clinical practice on the topical TXA regimen optimization.
Functional gastrointestinal disorders in children from low socio‐economic status andHelicobacter pyloriinfection
Authors: Jaime F. , Villagrán A. , Hernández C. , Ortiz M. , Serrano C. , Harris P. R.
Published: July 2017

Background

Most studies on functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in children are based on data from the northern hemisphere. Scientific reports are arising in South American population, but little is still known about children from low socio‐economic status (SES), whereHelicobacter pyloriinfection is endemic. Our objective was to evaluate the prevalence of FGIDs in school children from low SES and its relationship withH. pyloriinfection.

Methods

Children from 3 public schools of low SES from Santiago de Chile were included. Students completed the Rome III Questionnaire and a survey about other symptoms. Also, the13C urea breath test determined the presence ofH. pyloriinfection.

Results

Five hundred six children were included, where 48% were male, with a median age of 15.7 years (range 7.1–19.6). Forty‐two percent had some FGID, aerophagia and functional constipation being the most frequent. Females (adjusted OR 1.5, 95% CI [1.1, 2.2]), those children with parents within the lowest level of education (adjusted OR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.4), and family history of gastric cancer (adjusted OR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2–3.1) were related to FGIDs. The prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection was 55.9% (95% CI [50.7, 60.9]). In multivariable analysis, the presence of abdominal pain (OR 1.55, 95% CI [1.02, 2.36]), but not FGIDs, was related toH. pyloriinfection.

Conclusions

FGIDs are common in low SES students. A low educational level of the household head, family history of gastric cancer. and being female are related to the development of FGIDs. In this study, no relationship between the presence ofH. pyloriand FGIDs was found.
The application of serum iodine in assessing individual iodine status
Authors: Jin Xing , Jiang Peng , Liu Lixiang , Jia Qingzhen , Liu Peng , Meng Fangang , Zhang Xiaoye , Guan Yunfeng , Pang Yi , Lu Zheng , Shen Hongmei
Published: July 2017

Context

The prevalence of thyroid disease in China is on the rise, and this could be partly associated with excessive iodine intake in some individuals; therefore, increased attention is being paid to individual iodine status. However, current indices are not appropriate for evaluating individual iodine status.

Objective

To evaluate the association between serum iodine and urinary iodine (UI), as well as thyroid diseases, and provide an excellent base for future individual iodine status assessment.

Design, subjects and measurements

A total of 902 adults were enrolled in this study including 325, 286 and 291 subjects from regions in China where iodine is adequate, sufficient and in excess, respectively. Serum iodine, UI and thyroid function were assessed, and ultrasonography performed in all subjects.

Results

The median serum iodine values of adults with subclinical hypothyroidism, high serum autoantibody and thyroid nodules were significantly higher than those of euthyroid adults (P<0.05). A serum iodine level higher than 100 μg/L was considered as a risk factor for thyroid diseases. Serum iodine had strong nonlinear correlations with UI and thyroid function. When thyroid function was taken as a gold standard, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for serum iodine was 0.752 and UI was 0.507 for subjects with lower serum iodine and UI levels. The area for serum iodine was 0.773 and UI was 0.638 for subjects with higher serum iodine and UI levels. The areas under these curves were significantly different (P<0.001).

Conclusion

In adults, serum iodine had a strong nonlinear correlation with UI and a high level of serum iodine was a risk factor for thyroid diseases.
Audiovisual Resource Allocation for Bimodal Virtual Environments
Authors: Doukakis E. , Debattista K. , Harvey C. , Bashford‐Rogers T. , Chalmers A.
Published: July 2017

Fidelity is of key importance if virtual environments are to be used as authentic representations of real environments. However, simulating the multitude of senses that comprise the human sensory system is computationally challenging. With limited computational resources, it is essential to distribute these carefully in order to simulate the most ideal perceptual experience. This paper investigates this balance of resources across multiple scenarios where combined audiovisual stimulation is delivered to the user. A subjective experiment was undertaken where participants (N=35) allocated five fixed resource budgets across graphics and acoustic stimuli. In the experiment, increasing the quality of one of the stimuli decreased the quality of the other. Findings demonstrate that participants allocate more resources to graphics; however, as the computational budget is increased, an approximately balanced distribution of resources is preferred between graphics and acoustics. Based on the results, an audiovisual quality prediction model is proposed and successfully validated against previously untested budgets and an untested scenario.
Cutaneous syncytial myoepithelioma: A recently described neoplasm which may mimic nevoid melanoma and epithelioid sarcoma
Authors: Alomari Ahmed K. , Brown Noah , Andea Aleodor A. , Betz Bryan L. , Patel Rajiv M.
Published: July 2017

Cutaneous syncytial myoepithelioma is a recently described rare tumor of the dermis. It is derived and composed purely of myoepithelial cells and shows a characteristic syncytial growth pattern of neoplastic cells with little intervening stroma and no recognizable ductal structures. It represents a diagnostic challenge to dermatopathologists given its rarity and unusual immunophenotype. Molecular testing for rearrangement of the EWSR1 gene plays a significant role in confirming the diagnosis in most cases. Herein, we present 2 cases with mundane clinical presentations and challenging histopathological findings. In both cases, the lesion was composed of relatively well‐circumscribed proliferation of epithelioid and spindle cells in the superficial dermis growing in a syncytial fashion and showing focal adipocytic metaplasia. The 2 cases had slightly different immunohistochemical profiles, but shared focal positivity for S100, EMA and pan‐keratin or p63. Break‐apart FISH demonstrated the presence of an EWSR1 gene rearrangement confirming the diagnosis in both cases. We discuss the most important differential diagnoses, particularly melanocytic lesions and epithelioid sarcoma and the original diagnostic considerations that the cases were referred to us with. We also review the molecular features and spectrum of immunohistochemical findings in these lesions and their role in excluding entities in the differential diagnosis.
Mechanical role of the spatial patterns of contractile cells in invagination of growing epithelial tissue
Authors: Inoue Yasuhiro , Watanabe Tadashi , Okuda Satoru , Adachi Taiji
Published: July 2017

Epithelial invagination is one of the fundamental deformation modes during morphogenesis, and is essential for deriving the three‐dimensional shapes of organs from a flat epithelial sheet. Invagination occurs in an orderly manner according to the spatial pattern of the contractile cells; however, it remains elusive how tissue deformation can be caused by cellular activity in the patterned region. In this study, we investigated the mechanical role of the spatial patterns of the contractile cells in invagination of growing tissue using multicellular dynamics simulations. We found that cell proliferation and apical constriction were responsible for expanding the degree of tissue deformation and determining the location of the deformation, respectively. The direction of invagination depended on the spatial pattern of the contractile cells. Further, comparing the simulation results of surface and line contractions as possible modes of apical constriction, we found that the direction of invagination differed between these two modes even if the spatial pattern was the same. These results indicate that the buckling of the epithelial cell sheet caused by cell proliferation causes the invagination, with the direction and location determined by the configuration of the wedge‐shaped cells given by the spatial pattern of the contractile cells.
Ebp1 regulates myogenic differentiation of myoblast cells via SMAD2/3 signaling pathway
Authors: Yu Minli , Wang Huan , Liu Zhen , Lu Yinglin , Yu Debing , Li Dongfeng , Du Wenxing
Published: July 2017

Regulation of skeletal muscle development requires many of the regulatory networks that are fundamental to developmental myogenesis. ErbB3 binding protein‐1 (Ebp1) is involved in the control of myoblasts development in chicken. However, the expression and biological functions of Ebp1 in the progress of myogenesis are unclear. This study focused on determining the effect of Ebp1 on myogenic proliferation and differentiation using a primary myoblasts culture model. Ebp1 was found to upregulate in proliferating myoblasts and decrease at the early stage of myogenic differentiation. The level of endogenous Ebp1 increased from E9 to E20 chicken leg muscles. Knockdown of Ebp1 had no effect on myoblasts proliferation. However, myogenic differentiation into multinucleated myotubes was significantly reduced. The mRNA and protein expression of MRFs was decreased when Ebp1 was knocked down. Downregulation of Ebp1, accompanied by elevated levels of pSMAD2/3, suggests that Ebp1 is involved in regulating myogenic differentiation via SMAD2/3 inhibition. The phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 was activated and the expression of MYOD and MYOG was reduced in Ebp1 knockdown myoblasts, but addition of LY2109761 (an inhibitor specified to SMAD2/3) blocked these effects. Collectively, these results indicate that Ebp1 promotes myoblast differentiation by inhibition of SMAD2/3 signaling pathway during chicken myogenesis. These data provide new insights into the biological role of Ebp1 in embryonic chicken skeletal muscle development.
Current reinforcement model reproduces center‐in‐center vein trajectory of Physarum polycephalum
Authors: Akita Dai , Schenz Daniel , Kuroda Shigeru , Sato Katsuhiko , Ueda Kei‐ichi , Nakagaki Toshiyuki
Published: July 2017

Vein networks span the whole body of the amoeboid organism in the plasmodial slime mould Physarum polycephalum, and the network topology is rearranged within an hour in response to spatio‐temporal variations of the environment. It has been reported that this tube morphogenesis is capable of solving mazes, and a mathematical model, named the ‘current reinforcement rule’, was proposed based on the adaptability of the veins. Although it is known that this model works well for reproducing some key characters of the organism's maze‐solving behaviour, one important issue is still open: In the real organism, the thick veins tend to trace the shortest possible route by cutting the corners at the turn of corridors, following a center‐in‐center trajectory, but it has not yet been examined whether this feature also appears in the mathematical model, using corridors of finite width. In this report, we confirm that the mathematical model reproduces the center‐in‐center trajectory of veins around corners observed in the maze‐solving experiment.
Location choice of German multinationals in the Czech Republic
Authors: Hecht Veronika
Published: July 2017

This paper analyzes the location choice of German investors in the Czech Republic based on a unique dataset covering all Czech companies with a German equity holder. Using a nested logit approach the impact of agglomeration economies, labour market conditions and distance on location choice is investigated. The main result of the paper is that apart from a low distance to the location of the parent company the attractiveness of a Czech district for German investors is mainly driven by agglomeration economies. Besides localization economies the agglomeration of German companies in a region plays a decisive role. The importance of labour market characteristics differs between investment sectors, sizes and periods.
Soil organic matter reduces the sorption of arsenate and phosphate: a soil profile study and geochemical modelling
Authors: Verbeeck M. , Hiemstra T. , Thiry Y. , Smolders E.
Published: July 2017

The arsenate (AsO4) and phosphate (PO4) mobility in aerobic soil is affected by soil organic matter (OM). This study was set up to quantify the interaction between OM and AsO4 with an observational, experimental and computational approach. The adsorption of AsO4 was measured with the radiotracer 73AsO4 in samples taken from different horizons of two soil profiles. In four samples, the OM concentration was increased experimentally. The AsO4 adsorption data were analysed with the CD‐MUSIC model using ferrihydrite, with OM as competitor and isotopically exchangeable phosphorus of the soil as the total PO4 bound on the reactive surface. The solid–liquid distribution coefficient (KD) of 73AsO4 increased by more than two orders of magnitude with a decrease in total organic carbon (OC) concentration. The addition of Suwannee River OM (∼ 1 g OC kg‐1) to samples with small OC (∼ 2 g kg‐1) decreased the KD values 15‐fold, whereas the effect was less (two‐fold) in samples with a large OC (∼ 30 g kg‐1). Soluble AsO4 and PO4 could be described well and simultaneously by introducing surface reactive OM (RO−) as an adjustable parameter in the geochemical model. The fitted RO− increased with increasing OC concentration, with a slope of 1.3 ± 0.15 mmol RO− g‐1 OC. The amount of RO− expressed per mol iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) hydroxides was maximum at a molar ratio of ∼ 0.34 at > 10 g OC kg‐1 soil, which corresponds to earlier published capacities of an organo‐mineral association that might affect potential soil C sequestration. Our research showed that OM enhanced the mobility of AsO4 and PO4; however, the surface reactive OM fraction needs experimental quantification.

Highlights

Quantification of organic matter–arsenate competition in soil.

Include organic matter in geochemical models to predict arsenate and phosphate mobility in soil.

Surface reactive organic matter is determined by total organic carbon and Fe and Al hydroxides.

Arsenate adsorption is controlled naturally by organic matter concentration.
Detecting Measurement Disturbances in Rater‐Mediated Assessments
Authors: Wind Stefanie A. , Schumacker Randall E.
Published: July 2017

The term measurement disturbance has been used to describe systematic conditions that affect a measurement process, resulting in a compromised interpretation of person or item estimates. Measurement disturbances have been discussed in relation to systematic response patterns associated with items and persons, such as start‐up, plodding, boredom, or fatigue. An understanding of the different types of measurement disturbances can lead to a more complete understanding of persons or items in terms of the construct being measured. Although measurement disturbances have been explored in several contexts, they have not been explicitly considered in the context of performance assessments. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the use of graphical methods to explore measurement disturbances related to raters within the context of a writing assessment. Graphical displays that illustrate the alignment between expected and empirical rater response functions are considered as they relate to indicators of rating quality based on the Rasch model. Results suggest that graphical displays can be used to identify measurement disturbances for raters related to specific ranges of student achievement that suggest potential rater bias. Further, results highlight the added diagnostic value of graphical displays for detecting measurement disturbances that are not captured using Rasch model–data fit statistics.
18F‐sodium fluoride positron emission tomography of the equine distal limb: Exploratory study in three horses
Authors: Spriet M. , Espinosa P. , Kyme A. Z. , Phillips K. L. , Katzman S. A. , Galuppo L. D. , Stepanov P. , Beylin D.
Published: July 2017

Background

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a cross‐sectional, functional imaging modality that has recently become available to the horse. The use of 18F‐sodium fluoride (18F‐NaF), a PET bone tracer, has not previously been reported in this species.

Objectives

To assess the feasibility of 18F‐NaF PET in the equine distal limb and explore possible applications in the horse in comparison with other imaging modalities.

Study design

Exploratory descriptive study involving three research horses.

Methods

Horses were placed under general anaesthesia prior to intravenous (i.v.) administration of 1.5 MBq/kg of 18F‐NaF. Positron emission tomography imaging of both front feet and fetlocks was performed using a portable scanner. Computed tomography (CT) of the distal limb was performed under a separate anaesthetic episode. Bone scintigraphy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were subsequently performed under standing sedation. Images obtained from PET and other imaging modalities were independently assessed and the results correlated.

Results

Positron emission tomography images were obtained without complication. The radiation exposure rate was similar to equine bone scintigraphy. Positron emission tomography detected focal 18F‐NaF uptake in areas where other imaging modalities did not identify any abnormalities. This included sites of ligamentous attachment, subchondral compact bone plate and the flexor cortex of the navicular bone. 18F‐NaF uptake was identified in some, but not all, osseous fragments and areas of osseous formation, suggesting a distinction between active and inactive lesions.

Main limitations

A small number of horses were included and histopathology was not available.

Conclusions

18F‐NaF PET imaging of the equine distal limb provides useful additional information when compared with CT, MRI and scintigraphy and has the potential for both research and clinical applications in the horse.

The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting information.
Drugs, addiction, and the social bond
Authors: Proudfoot Jesse
Published: July 2017

This article contributes towards the project of critically theorizing drug addiction by drawing on insights from psychoanalysis, anthropology, and geography. I argue that social bonds—that is, people's relationships to other people and to society—are central to the phenomenon of drug addiction, and I present three accounts of drug addiction and the social bond. The first is the classical psychoanalytic account of addiction, which holds that drug use is essentially masturbatory: a solitary pleasure that involves a turning away from the pleasure of being with others towards the pleasure of the drug. The second, which is associated with ethnographies of drug users, insists on the enduring sociality of drug use, demonstrating how even the most marginalized of drug addicts inhabits a social world of mores, obligations, and kinship relations. Third, I present an alternative psychoanalytic account of addiction, one which views addiction as a symptom that is meaningful—as an act or message that is addressed to the other. Each of these readings provides a different way of understanding the relationship between drug use, the social bond, and their respective geographies. I conclude by reviewing recent post‐structuralist work on drug use by geographers and argue that the psychoanalytic concept of the symptom provides a productive way forward in thinking about addiction—one that maintains a relational account of drug use while also providing us with a language for examining the place of drug‐using subject and the meanings that addiction plays for them.
Furosemide use and acute risk of hip fracture in older people: A nationwide case–control study in Taiwan
Authors: Lai Shih‐Wei , Cheng Kao‐Chi , Lin Cheng‐Li , Liao Kuan‐Fu
Published: July 2017

Aim

Little is known about the acute effects of furosemide use on the risk of hip fracture. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between furosemide use and acute risk of hip fracture in older people in Taiwan.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective nationwide case–control study using the database of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program. A total of 4523 older adults aged ≥65 years with newly diagnosed hip fracture from 2000 to 2013 were identified as the cases. Additionally, 4523 older adults aged ≥65 years without hip fracture were randomly selected as the controls. The cases and the controls were matched by sex, age, comorbidities, and index year and month of hip fracture diagnosis. Furosemide use was defined as “current,” “recent” or “past” if the furosemide prescription was filled <3 months, 3–6 months or ≥6 months before the date of hip fracture diagnosis, respectively. The unconditional logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the relative risk of hip fracture associated with furosemide use.

Results

After adjustment for potential covariables, the adjusted odds ratios of hip fracture were 1.30 for participants with current use of furosemide (95% CI 1.14–1.48), 1.23 for participants with recent use of furosemide (95% CI 0.98–1.53) and 1.08 for participants with past use of furosemide (95% CI 0.90–1.30), compared with non‐users.

Conclusions

Current use of furosemide is associated with a 30% increased odds of hip fracture in older people in Taiwan. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2552–2558.
The Business Case of Gender Equality in Swedish Forestry and Mining ‐ Restricting or Enabling Organizational Change
Authors: Johansson Maria , Ringblom Lisa
Published: July 2017

Forestry and mining constitutes an important part of Swedish basic industry. These industries are heavily male‐dominated and are expressing an ambition to become more gender equal and less gender‐segregated, arguing that this could strengthen their competitiveness in a number of areas. In this article we explore how company representatives construct gender equality as a business case and discuss how these constructions restrict and/or enable gender equality in these organizations. Departing from a social constructivist understanding of how language (re)produces gendered power relations in the workplace, the empirical basis of this paper consists of eight interviews with respondents who possess special insights into, and being of strategic importance to, gender equality issues in forestry and mining companies. In our analysis we found three dominant dimensions of the business case of gender equality Marketing (as) gender equality, Uncovering the male norm and Gender equality as a depoliticized value. We conclude that the business case framing facilitates for the companies to engage in issues of gender equality. However, issues concerning conflicting interests and power relations seem to be difficult to address within the business case discourse. This we argue affects and shapes the terms for gender equality in these organizations.
Efficacy of photon‐initiated photoacoustic streaming on apically extruded debris with different preparation systems in curved canals
Authors: Arslan D. , Kustarci A.
Published: July 2017

Aim

To determine the effect of photon‐initiated photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) on the extrusion of debris using multiple‐file (ProTaper Next‐PTN) and single‐file (One Shape‐OS) continuous rotary systems in curved canals in human molar teeth.

Methodology

Sixty extracted maxillary first molar teeth with curved mesial roots, mature apices and of similar lengths were selected. Teeth having canals with apical diameters larger than size 15 were discarded. The teeth were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n = 15 teeth per group) according to the file used and irrigation systems: (i) OS with PIPS with a 2940 nm Er:YAG laser (0.3 W, 15 Hz, and 20 mJ), (ii) OS with conventional needle irrigation (CNI) with a 27‐G needle, (iii) PTN with PIPS and (iv) PTN with CNI. The PIPS and CNI was applied during each file change for 20 s. Total irrigation and activation time was 1 min, and a total volume of 7.5 mL of bidistilled water was used as the irrigant. The apically extruded debris was collected into pre‐weighed Eppendorf tubes. The tubes were then stored in an incubator at 70 °C for 5 days. The weight of dry extruded debris was assessed by subtracting the initial weight of the tube from the final weight. The results were analysed statistically using one‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc tests. Bonferroni correction was used to compare the groups.

Results

The PIPS irrigation technique was associated with significantly more debris extrusion than the CNI system (P < 0.05). The single‐file (One Shape‐OS) rotary system was associated with more debris than the multiple‐file (ProTaper Next‐PTN) rotary systems when the same irrigation system was used (P > 0.05). The total amount of debris extruded apically by PIPS activation was significantly greater than that by CNI (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

All file and irrigation systems extruded debris apically. PIPS activation was associated with significantly more extrusion debris in curved canals compared with no activation.
Comparative analysis of general dental practitioners' fees and scheduled fees for root canal treatment and coronal restorations in the adult population of Sweden: a 5‐year follow‐up of data from the Swedish Dental Register
Authors: Wigsten E. , Kvist T. , Dawson V. S. , Isberg P.‐E. ,   EndoReCo, Fransson H.
Published: July 2017

Aim

To investigate the fees charged by Swedish dentists for root fillings, coronal restorations and further dental interventions during a follow‐up period of 5–6 years.

Methodology

A total of 248 299 root fillings were linked with the tooth, the patient and the provider and entered into the Swedish Social Insurance Agency register in 2009. The data register also recorded the subsidy‐based (scheduled) fee and the fee actually charged for the root fillings. Fees charged for direct or indirect coronal restorations and additional interventions during the follow‐up period were also recorded. One‐wayanovaandt‐test were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The mean overall fee charged for a root filling was approximately 332 Euro and differed only marginally (13 Euro) from the scheduled fee. The total mean fee for preservation of a root filled tooth was 717 Euro, which included the root canal treatment, the coronal restoration and any additional interventions during the follow‐up period. The fees for indirectly restored root filled teeth were significantly higher (1105 Euro) than for directly restored teeth (610 Euro), despite further additional treatment (P < 0.001). The mean fee for teeth which were subsequently extracted was higher (769 Euro) than for the retained teeth (711 Euro) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Fees charged by Swedish dentists for root canal treatment were in accordance with the scheduled fees. The overall mean fee was significantly higher for root filled teeth with indirect restorations than for teeth with direct coronal restorations. However, prospective clinical cost‐effectiveness studies are needed to analyse the total costs.
Relation between working memory and self‐regulation capacities and the level of social skills acquisition in people with moderate intellectual disability
Authors: Dučić Bojan , Gligorović Milica , Kaljača Svetlana
Published: July 2017

Background

Social competence deficit is one of the main characteristics of intellectual disability. The aim of this paper is to determine the influence of working memory (WM) and self‐regulation (SR) on social skills in persons with moderate intellectual disability (MID).

Method

The sample included 41 participants with MID, aged 14‐21. Memorizing animals and maze tasks were used for WM assessment. SR skills were assessed by the Behavioral Multitask Batteries. Social skills were rated by the Socialization subscale from the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System II, which consists of two parts.

Results

Social skills part could mainly be predicted from SR scores (β = −.441), followed by WM (β = .390) and IQ score (β = .382). Only WM score (β = .494) had a predictive value for Leisure time part.

Conclusion

As WM had a greater influence on social skills, incorporating WM training into programmes for improving social skills in persons with MID should be considered.